Death at Lampier

by Alex Harris

  Chapter 20

  Summer and Chalcey were working on supper when Fred and Oriole arrived. Chalcey had marinated steaks, fired up the barbeque, and was guarding the dinner with a watchful eye. Summer had pulled tomatoes, squash, lettuce and sweet peas from the garden. Marlowe set the table with the everyday dishes and opened a bottle of Pro-mis-cuous, a combination wine of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Chenin Blanc. Fred and Oriole locked up their service pieces, washed up, and joined the family in the oversized country kitchen.

  “Uncle Fred, I did the steaks all by myself, well, Summer helped a little just to make sure I didn’t goof. I fixed the sauce and started the barbeque, and watched just like you told me. I might now be number one. Aren’t you glad you taught me how?” Chalcey’s enthusiasm bubbled over.

  “Well, aren’t you something? Number one is a big responsibility. How about we share number one? Then I still have a job. I don’t want to work my way out of the only job I really enjoy.” Fred gave Chalcey a hug.

  “Come and get it before I throw it out.” Summer called from the range.

  They all sat down at the table. Food was passed. Murmurs of appreciation were expressed as the steaks were sampled.

  “Larapin, Chalcey. You did good.” Fred expressed his appreciation for Chalcey’s hard work.

  “Thanks, Uncle Fred. Maybe this weekend you can teach me some more recipes.”

  “Well, I have this weekend off for the first time forever. I was thinking maybe Marlowe and I could do something. I haven’t even had a chance to talk about it.”

  Marlowe looked up from her dinner plate. “What did you have in mind, Slick?”

  Fred blushed, “ah, ah, I don’t rightly know. Got any ideas?”

  “Since I’m on call and Fred isn’t, I think the two of you should go away somewhere and enjoy each other’s company without all of us hanging around.” Oriole gave a crooked smile to her mother.

  “Does that mean I can’t go with them?” Chalcey almost whined.

  “We’ll do something special this weekend. Let’s let the old folks have their fun.” Chalcey’s mom put a kibosh on the idea of Chalcey intruding.

  “Why don’t we go up to the cabin? Grandpa’s cabin is a perfect weekend getaway. It has everything we would need, except meat and beer. The shelves are stocked with canned vegetables, coffee, tea, spices and anything else you can think of. We could trailer Lady and Smokey and take them up to the BLM land. That would give us a chance to ride the fence line and check on any breaks. It would also give us a chance to check the roof for leaks and the cabin for unwanted critters. I don’t have anything this Friday. We could leave early if you can get off.” Marlowe’s ability to organize and plan, showed through.

  “Wow, okay. Let’s do it. After dinner I’ll check the horse trailer, air up the tires, check the brakes, make sure the saddles are in place. Tomorrow night I’ll get provisions organized and we can leave early Friday morning.” Fred joined in the planning.

  “Don’t you worry about the provisions, Fred, Chalcey and I’ll pack the food and then you’ll have a double surprise: what to eat and how to fix it.” Summer offered.

  Oriole decided she needed to get in the act too, “Okay, I’ll help Fred pack the horse trailer and get the lariats and tack ready.”

  The family continued through dinner and discussed the upcoming weekend trip. Fred suggested taking fence mending tools and traps, as well as stuff for mending the roof. Chalcey made suggestions about what food should be taken: cake, pie, cookies, chips and salsa--to the amusement of the adults.

  The cabin sat on the original homestead of Summer’s Grandfather’s ranch north of Seligman. It was more a log house than a cabin, 1200 square feet, two bedrooms and a loft, kitchen dining combo, even indoor plumbing that had been added by Summer and her first husband. Old Ty had sold off the main part of the ranch over many years, but hung onto the homestead 40 acres and cabin and deeded it to his progeny on the proviso it would never leave the family. The four generations made the trek up to the homestead at least twice a year, spring and fall, and more often when they could get away. Even though the property was fairly remote all the creature comforts made it a relaxing getaway.

  In one corner of the great room rose a huge fireplace Ty built by hand for his lovely bride to cook in and use to heat the house. Twenty years after she passed on, Ty modernized the cabin and added a propane kitchen stove, electricity and a real live bathroom with a real live toilet that flushed. The loft had been converted to an office/library and sometime bedroom for Chalcey.

  Ty’s foresight in planning the house resulted in a wraparound porch extending 8’ from the cabin and covering all four sides. Shade from the porch cooled the house in summer and protected it from the elements in the winter. Summer evenings were spent on the west porch rocking the sun down.

  It was nothing to see bobcat, coyote, jackrabbits, elk, deer, javelina, and raccoon all in one day. Occasionally, a mountain lion or bear would traverse the acreage creating havoc with the cattle the Bar 9 ran. The hands who rode for Bar 9 carried rifles as preventative care. After Summer’s first husband passed away, she leased the acreage to John Sabo to allow him to run his longhorns. Her property was the only place with a year round creek running through it. For over 30 years, the Bar 9 had kept the creek clean and free of debris.

  Fred and Marlowe left the ranch by 10:00, early considering the cumbersome efforts needed to load the horses. On the one and half hour trip, they discussed the weekend.

  “Marlowe, since we’re still in the early stages of a relationship, I think we need to talk about some stuff.” Fred was uncomfortable with the discussion but desperately needed to set some boundaries. He wasn’t in to one night stands or casual sex and wanted to let Marlowe know he wasn’t quite ready for the next logical step in their friendship.

  “I am in total agreement.” Lawyer discussion ensued. “There are two bedrooms, I’ll take the master bedroom and you can have the guest bedroom. I’ll shower first, because you take forever to get done in the bathroom. Then I’ll start breakfast. By the time you’re done, it’ll be on the table. You can cook supper. We’ll take turns on lunch. Okay, that’s settled. What else do you want to talk about?”

  “I guess that about covers it. That went pretty well I’d say. This talking relationship stuff is easier than I thought. When and if we get ready for the next big step, will you just let me know, so I don’t have to stutter and stammer?” Fred laughed in recognition of the tense moment.

  The weather remained cooperative, 80 degrees with a slight breeze to move the bugs around. The corral had been cared for by the Bar 9 hands and awaited Lady and Smokey. After off loading them and the alfalfa, Fred and Marlowe stored the provisions Summer and Chalcey had packed. Fred turned on the propane and flipped the switch for electricity that had been supplemented by solar panels. Marlowe cleaned the floors and counters of months of dust, dead flies, and pesky spiders. In less than two hours, they were settled in with lunch and iced tea.

  They agreed that while Marlowe cleaned up the kitchen, Fred would saddle up so they could check the perimeter. Even with the Bar 9 patrolling the homestead, it had been hit by vandals more than once. The out building stored items used only when the women came for a visit. The last time the vandals struck, the pad locks had been hacked off and vandals had taken everything that had not been nailed down. To counteract the meth-heads need for stealing, Summer had reinforced the barn’s doors with steel and the best locks from Home Depot. The windows and doors of the house had been secured with bars and security doors.

  Marlowe and Fred rode the trail around the 40 acres and off into the BLM hills. The ease with which they kept company supported the shared belief that they were more companionable than could have been predicted.

  “Just look at that land. This is truly God’s country.”

  “Oh, my god, Fred, look. There must be 20 javelinas in that pack.”

  “Them damn pigs. I can’t think of why God created them
. They’re useless as tits on a boar hog. And they ain’t really pigs anyway. They’re an oversized rodent. Good for nothing.”

  “Let’s circle away from them. We don’t need to engage them.”

  “Engage them? I’d like to shoot ‘em.”

  “Well, you can’t. It’s not their season. As an officer of the court, I’d have to turn you in. Boy, wouldn’t that look great.”

  They left the draw and rode up the ridge to the back side of the homestead. Three mule deer rousted out of a clump of pinyon pine and took off at the sound of the horses.

  “This fall we should come up during buck season. Put up some venison for winter.” Fred offered as he watched the buck and does over the rise.

  “Now, I could go along with that. There’s nothing like a venison roast. Tell you what, come fall you get a license, I’ll get one and we’ll come back up here and I’ll pull one down before you do. Bet?”

  “You’re blowing smoke, Marlowe. I’ll have one the first day.”

  “So mister smarty pants, what are you cooking for supper?”

  “Chalcey packed some ground bison. I thought I’d take some onions and mushrooms, sauté lightly with garlic, stuff the bison and grill. Then I’m going to make a tossed salad with white balsamic dressing and follow it with apple pie.”

  “Apple pie? What, you’re going to bake it?”

  “No, Summer sent it ‘cause she knows we both love apple pie.”

  “Well, I think I’ll keep you around, at least for a day or two.” Marlowe laughed and spurred Smokey ahead.

  Lady spooked at a jackrabbit and Fred almost lost his hold on the saddle horn. They turned the horses in the corral and put away the tack. “Let’s grab a beer and put the rocking chairs out. It’s still too early to start supper. How about some cheese and crackers?” Marlowe was hungry, but didn’t want to ruin the feast Fred had planned. While Fred brushed down the horses, Marlowe grabbed the snacks and chairs and met him on the west porch.

  “Fred, the ride was delightful. I miss so much the peace that comes from riding the hills. Let’s do this more often. We both need the relaxation and getting away from the phones and people. I can’t think of anything I enjoy more.”

  “Sugar, that’s one of the things I do so appreciate about you. You aren’t high maintenance. You like the simple things in life. It’s really eerie, you like the stuff I like.”

  “No, you like what I like. There’s a difference. Since I’m four months older than you are, I’m the one who has first preferences.” Marlowe was beginning to realize how much fun it was to spend time, real quality time with this man.

  Fred reached out and took her hand, “Okay, you’re the boss.”

  “Un huh, too easy. You got something up your sleeve. You’ve never given up that fast or that easy. Let go of my hand. You probably have horse shit on it and you’re wiping it off on me.” Marlowe pulled back her hand and bent over to kiss Fred on the check.

  They sat in silence for most of the next hour watching jackrabbits bounce underneath the pinyon and gophers poking up in the flats, most of that time they held hands.

  After supper, Fred patted his tight stomach, “I’m so full.”

  “That means you don’t have room for that apple pie. It’s all mine.”

  “No, not even. There is a special place in my stomach for dessert. It’s round and about this big.” Fred made a circle with his thumb and forefinger. “I always save room for a piece of pie.”

  “Tomorrow, how about we take the horses out to Fort Rock and look at the old ranch house and see what’s left. I’ll pack a lunch and you get the water. Let’s plan for most of the day.” Marlowe placed the leftovers in the frig and started the dish water.

  “Are you psychic? That’s what I was thinking.” Fred put his arms around her at the sink and kissed the top of her head.

  “I’ll wash, you dry. Then let’s go watch the sun set. Hey, how about a fire in the fire pit tonight?”

  Saturday morning brought a chill and wind that bent the pines. Marlowe went to the closet and got out coats and water proof dusters for the ride. Fred saddled up and grabbed four canteens. They angled off to the southwest onto the million acre Fort Rock Ranch. Houses dotted the landscape where cattle once grazed. Wildlife scurried away as the horses stirred up dust and scraped rocks. Off in the distance on a ridge, they spied a small herd of elk.

  Two hours and seven miles later, they arrived at the old ranch house. The historical society rescued the building in the late sixties and turned it into a museum housing ranch implements, kitchen devices, spinning wheels, butter churns, and branding irons. Volunteers kept the doors open with donations and grants.

  Marlowe put a $20 in the donation can. Fred pulled out his wallet and found it empty. “You got another $20. I’m busted. I’ll pay you back when we get home.”

  “You better, I know where you live.” Marlowe laughed and put in another bill.

  “We should look at some of the antiques at Bear Ranch and think about donating them. Most of them came from Great Grandfather’s homestead and I don’t see anything like them here. Will you remind me to talk to Summer about it when we get back? She’s into that historical society stuff.” Marlowe assessed the relics as she wandered around the museum.

  “I’ll write a note in my little black book and then when I’m looking for a date, I’ll find it and remind you.”

  “Listen mister, that little black book is obsolete.” Marlowe poked Fred in the ribs as Fred grinned from ear to ear.

  Underneath the cottonwood trees, volunteers had positioned picnic tables for patrons’ relaxation. Marlowe grabbed the lunch and joined Fred at the nearest one. They watched cowbirds and bluebirds steal scraps of food from visitors and enjoyed the turkey sandwiches Marlowe made from the roast Summer had sent.

  Early afternoon, they headed back to the cabin the long way. The journey took them through scrub oak, cactus, pines and cottonwoods. By the time they returned to the cabin, the sun was starting to set and both of the travelers were bone weary.

  Fred dragged the fire pit out from storage, gathered wood and kindling and placed the covered pit on the sunset side of the house. He returned to the barn and got lawn chairs and a little coffee table for their drinks. He went into the kitchen through the screen door to help with supper.

  “Supper’s on.” Marlowe greeted him. “I took your turn so you can make me breakfast in bed tomorrow. I deserve it.” She put her arms around him and kissed his cheek.

  “Something smells good. What ‘re we eating?” Fred started to lift the lid on the pot when Marlowe reached out with the wooden spoon and slapped his hand.

  “It doesn’t matter what we’re eating. Now stay out of the pot ‘til I get it on the table.” Marlowe reached out and kissed Fred full on the lips. “Go wash up.”

  “I don’t care what it is. I’m so hungry my stomach thinks my throat got slit.” Fred called over his shoulder as he made his way to the bathroom to wash.

  Marlowe had warmed Summer’s famous homemade stew, baked fresh biscuits, and added Chalcey’s homemade jelly for a simple, but filling dinner.

  “I really hate to go home tomorrow. It is so peaceful and serene here at the cabin. I don’t miss the phones, people, TV, or any of it. Let’s plan to do this more often. Maybe next time we can bring Chalcey. She really was disappointed she couldn’t come with us.” Marlowe sipped her wine and looked at Fred over the top of her glass.

  “Well, don’t just sit there, let’s get these dishes done and go sit by my fire.” Fred gathered up the dishes and took them to the sink. “I’m glad to hear you say you like this part of life. There’s nothing better than being with someone you like, enjoying the same things, sharing the load. Thanks, Marlowe for a great weekend. The memory of it will carry me to the next time.”

  “I swear, Fred, sometimes you wax poetic.”

  Sunday morning Marlowe awoke to the smell of coffee and the aroma of bacon. She started to get out of bed when the door
opened and in came Fred carrying a tray of coffee, toast, fried eggs and bacon and a wildflower he had gathered from the pasture.

  “Holy smokes. I wasn’t serious. I would have gotten up to make breakfast.” Marlowe sat up in bed with utter amazement.

  “Your wish is my command, my lady.” Fred set the tray down and gave a mock bow.

  “Where’s yours?”

  “I had to keep my strength up while I was slaving over a hot stove, woman. I already ate. And let me tell you it was delicious. Eat up and we’ll take one last ride before we load up. I’ll have Smokey ready for you.” Fred turned to leave and Marlowe reached out for his hand.

  “This is probably the sweetest thing anyone has done for me in 20 years. Thank you, Fred.” She drew him down to her and kissed him long and deep.

  Back at Bear Ranch, Summer had convinced Chalcey a trip to Tuzigoot and Out of Africa would replace her disappointment at not going with Fred and Marlowe.

  Saturday morning, Summer packed a healthy lunch of sandwiches, carrot sticks, homemade chocolate chip cookies and juices and they jumped into the SUV and headed for the Verde.

  B1Two prehistoric pueblos provide a wonderful glimpse into the lives of the southern Sinagua, an ancient culture that thrived in the Verde Valley for hundreds of years, before mysteriously departing in the 1400s. Built by members of the same tribe, around the same time period, Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot offer surprisingly different experiences.

  Montezuma Castle, a five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling, perched high above the valley floor, is considered one of the best preserved prehistoric structures in the Southwest. Built in the 1100s, this stunning work of masonry was abandoned in the 1400s for unknown reasons.ilt pueblo and is a easy stop on the way to the historic mining town

  Even though Chalcey had been to both Tuzigoot and Montezuma numerous times, the beauty and architecture continued to intrigue her. After wandering through both places, Chalcey and Summer left for Out of Africa.

 

  Out of Africa sits at the side entrance to the Justice Complex. 1Out of Africa Wildlife Park is an opportunity to see animals from all over the world, especially Africa. Visitors enjoy an authentic replica of a real African Bush Safari. Out of Africa is home to hundreds of wild-by-nature, animals: lions, tigers, giraffe, rhinoceros, black bear, camel, ostrich, cobras, zebra, exotic birds, tortoise, wildebeest, jaguar, leopards, wolves, and hyenas. Chalcey had always enjoyed the ride through the bush to visit the Giraffe, who would take carrot sticks right out of her mouth.

  Chalcey and Summer finished the day and stopped for dinner in Jerome at the Haunted Hamburger, a restaurant famous for its put together hamburgers and a view of all of Jerome. While they ate dinner, Chalcey recited what she could remember about the gold rush days of Jerome and the changes that had taken place to accommodate artists and renovations in the old Ghost town.

  “Summer, Oriole, the horse trailer is coming down the drive. They’re home. Let’s go help unload and find out about their weekend.” Chalcey’s excitement caused her to miss the top step on the back porch. “Yikes, I’m so clumsy, I could trip over a cordless phone.”

  “Now, child, you don’t say things like that. It’s not true. Anyway when you speak those thoughts, you are inviting them to be a part of you. Say and think positive and that’s what will come.” Summer put her arms around Chalcey and hugged her tight.

  “Gottcha. That step snuck up on me. But I’ll see it next time, because I have the grace of a ballerina.”

  Summer couldn’t help but laugh out loud.