Secrets of Thunder Valley- The Locket
Author: Shelly Von West
Date: 2018-10-09 04:00:00+00:00

Secrets of Thunder Valley

The Locket

By Shelly VonWest

Copyright © 2018 Shelly VonWest

Cover Art by Shelly VonWest

All rights reserved.

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http://www.authorshellyvonwest.com/

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of word marks mentioned in this work of fiction.

Chapter One

The sun sits low in the sky, kissing the tops of the treed canopy causing the leaves to turn radiant shades of golden orange and rust. As waves lap at the lonely sandy shore, the only other sounds of life are haunting cries from a gang of crows; fighting over a found morsel.

Fall is descending upon the lake and with it, turning all signs of summer into fading memories with ghostlike whispers promising that winter will soon blanket the small mountain resort.

As she approaches the last long bend, Ellen’s stomach ties itself into a million slip knots that feel like they tighten with every breath she takes. Her return to Thunder Valley is the last thing she wanted, but coming home is the only option left.

She glances at the empty seat next to her and reminds herself that everything happens for a reason. The last time she visited was under much happier circumstances. She regrets not having come back sooner, the flood of questions and a myriad of sympathetic smiles or even a few disapproving glances will be the hardest part. The promise of a little rest and relaxation was the final factor that convinced her to return to her hometown, to the arms of the people that raised her.

As she speeds along the last stretch of road and before she enters city limits, her breath hitches at the back of her throat. All the pent-up feelings flood her like a fountain overflowing from the torrential rains of life. The panic and trepidation overwhelm her. She turns the little sports car into a scenic pullout giving no warning to the truck behind her, sending him into a skid complete with tires and brakes smoking. The driver wails his horn. Startled, she glances at the passing trucker with regret as the passenger pumps his flannel clad arm in the air with his middle finger aggressively wagging in the air.

“I guess I deserved that.” She mumbles to herself as she places the car in park before she jumps out gasping for air. She tries to take a deep breath—she chokes.

“Damned altitude.”

As she looks around her surroundings, Ellen realizes why she is having a pseudo panic attack, the quaint town that lies nestled in the valley, is just around the next bend. Over at the rock wall, she glances down at the forest of trees while holding at bay tears threatening to make a comeback. Never has she shed so many unwelcomed tears since she was in college. Those days are long gone and how she wished more than anything she could return to the autonomy of being a theater student in New York City. Someone that nobody paid any attention. Someone that nobody had ever heard of.

Now, she’s lucky to buy groceries without ending up on the front cover of a rag magazine, flaunting her disheveled appearance while fabricating more lies about her break-up.

She sighs then after taking another deep breath, this time without choking, she slips back into the car grasping the wheel; her knuckles white, she places the car in drive.

“She’s here Tim… hurry… she’s here!” Ellen’s stepmother shouts while throwing open the leaded glass front doors, then stopping to wait at the top of the front steps of the wrap-around porch.

As Ellen pulls up, Kathy waits with heightened anticipation to reunite with her stepdaughter, which is long overdue.

“Ah, just in time,” Kathy says over her shoulder to Tim, “She’s just parked!” She can hardly contain her excitement.

“There’s my girl.” Tim says with pride. “You are a sight for sore eyes.” He says while taking Ellen’s cases from her. “Seems you’ll be staying a while judging by the amount of luggage you brought.” He jokes.

“Sounds fine by me.” Kathy gushes while wrapping her arms around Ellen pulling her into a warm squeeze.

As she looks up at the house towering over her, Ellen shades her eyes from the glare of the sun filtered by the cloud cover. “The house looks great, I love the color you chose.”

Kathy beams, “We love it too, it’s called cornflower blue. I think the color suits the style of the house.” She continues to rattle on, “We debated on the shutters though, do you think the white is too boring or stark?”

“No, I don’t think it’s boring at all. I also like the deep red on the planter boxes, it’s cute how it matches the barn and the other outbuildings.”

“We’re glad you like it. We went back and forth over the blue but wanted a true Americana feel.”

“You succeeded. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done with my old room and the rest of the house. From the looks of your posts on Facebook the two of have been busy remodeling this place.”

Tim and Kathy look at each other with knowing glances before Tim speaks. With perceptible hesitation, “About that honey, we’re having you stay in the back-guest room, we’ve done something else with your old room.”

Ellen’s eyebrows shoot up in an arch forming a question mark of sorts, “Oh? Now my curiosity is piqued for sure. I can’t imagine what upgrades you made.”

“Let’s get you settled into the guest room and then I’ll show you what we’ve done. It’s a good thing… for us at least.” Kathy says over her shoulder as she leads the way up the massive staircase to the landing, then takes the second staircase that leads to the right wing of the house. As the wooden stairs creak under Ellen’s feet she had forgotten just how much she missed this old house and all its quirks.

Kathy leads Ellen past the other rooms to the end of the hall to the room that overlooks the grounds and a side view of the lake.

“We wanted you to stay in the largest guest room.”

She looks away for a moment to survey the room, then with a hopeful look on her face, she looks back to Ellen, “Especially since we didn’t know how long you will be staying.”

Thud! Thump!

Kathy and Ellen jump at the loud noise coming from the hall. “I’m okay.” Tim yelps.

Both ladies scurry to the hall to see what caused the clatter.

Tim is in the hall struggling with the expensive monogrammed leather luggage. Beads of sweat dot across his upper lip as he wrangles the duffel bags strapped across his torso and the cases lined up like a train trailing behind him in a snake formation.

“Thank goodness these cases come with sufficient wheels, otherwise I’d be in trouble.” He chuckles.

“Dad! You should leave them for me to bring up.”

“Nonsense but now you mention it, I could use help bringing them in for the home stretch.”

As she snatches some bags from him, Kathy clicks her tongue, “Tim, no wonder you suffer from back problems, you’re not a packhorse, you could ask for help.”

“Well, if you had let me get the elevator fixed…”

“We have closed the Inn, why would we need that elevator working now?” She huffs.

“We still live here don’t we and I’m sure as heck not getting any younger, now am I?”

Between giggles Ellen wrestles the rest of the luggage from her dad, placing it in the walk-in closet. As she emerges, the look on her parents’ faces are matched to one another with the same question on their minds.

“Relax you guys, the room will work great!” She pauses, “But, I don’t know how long I will stay. Is that okay?”

Releasing a sigh of relief, “Oh… yes, eh……” Kathy stammers, “What I mean to say is you know you are welcome to stay here for as long as you need, there’s no time limit. In fact, the longer the better. You’ve been a virtual stranger, so you know, it thrills us you are here.”

Ellen also releases a sigh of relief, “Good, I won’t worry about overstaying my welcome then.”

“Oh, heavens, where are my manners? After the long drive, I bet you’d love a refreshment.”

“I would love a snack although I want to see what’s with all the secrecy over my old room.”

“Ok, but let us warn you, it’s not what you think. You’ll never guess what we did with that room!”

She follows her parents down the back stairs to the main level toward the lake side of the house where her old room was located.

On the approach, she notices they replaced the wood double doors with a pair of etched glass doors.

Her dad looks at her with measurable pride, “Here it is… our workout room!”

Kathy watches Ellen for her reaction with a wide grin on her face.

They transformed the room from a teenager’s room to a full-fledged workout space complete with a mirrored wall set behind a rack of free weights and bench. A treadmill, stationery bike, and elliptical machine are sitting in front of the windows that offer a sweeping view of the lake.

“Well?” Tim asks.

“I love it, you thought of everything. Good for you taking charge of your health. I never thought the day would come you would lift weights Dad.”

“After the heart attack, I didn’t get many options. Although, after trekking to town last year through the snow, in makes sense to spare ourselves the trouble and we brought the gym to us instead.”

“I love turning on a yoga video and standing here in front of this window right here and find my inner chi.” Kathy says with complete seriousness which causes Ellen to snicker.

“I’m so proud of you both, you did a great job in here.”

“Use it whenever you want. I imagine you must keep up that figure for that upcoming big role?”

Ellen turns away heading to the window to gaze out at the lake. She says more to herself than her parents, “If I must.”

Chapter Two

Ten days into her stay at her parent’s estate, she has not left the property. The main reason is for fear of being discovered by late season tourists. The shoulder season will bring a few stragglers but by mid-November, it’s locals who remain which Ellen feels she can handle, she even looks forward to seeing her old townspeople.

She ponders over who still lives here and who she might see when walking down Main street.

Her phone buzzes on the dining table interrupting her musings. Glancing at the caller ID she releases a puff of air.

“What is it dear?” Kathy asks while sipping at her black coffee in the huge mug stating ‘Dog Mom’ on the side.

It’s funny because they don’t even own a dog, only a cat.

“Nothing. It’s just Vincent—again.”

“What more could that man want? I don’t know why you don’t change your manager… how about a nice woman who isn’t so high-strung?”

Ellen chokes on the bagel she had just shoved in her mouth, “I don’t think there’s such a thing but if you know someone like that, please point me in that direction because I’ve about had it with Hollywood dictating my every move.”

“You should have stuck with Broadway.” Tim says in his firm fatherly voice.

“That sounds like a tone of voice that is best saved for saying I told you so.” Ellen chides.

“Maybe that’s how I intended that to sound. As a glowing star on stage, you sold out for the opulence and glitter forgetting somewhere along the line you have actual talent. You know you are not just a pretty face Ellie.”

“Thanks for reminding me of that Dad.” She snaps as she snatches the phone off the table then exits out the side doors. Her dad responds, but she doesn’t stick around to hear. Besides, she already knows what he will have said, and it would only have caused another argument. A few minutes later she hears his old truck rumbling down the drive. She lets out a soft snort, hoping he wasn’t tearing out of here for her benefit.

Wandering down the path toward the docks, she tilts her head toward the sky to allow the sun peaking through the clouds to tickle her nose.

He never approved of her decision to leave her life in New York as a star on Broadway, for the supposed glamourous life on the big screen. Moving to Hollywood seemed the natural thing but now she’s wondering how to hit the reset button. More than anything, Ellen wishes her life was less complicated.

In the early days, she was always broke having to work multiple jobs struggling to make ends meet… and even that was not enough. The constant need for more acting workshops, new headshots, and cab fare for going to auditions meant she was always scraping.

When tinsel town came knocking, there was little chance she would turn it down. Her first role in a major motion picture was that of a supporting role but the money offered was more than she would make in a year in small parts on Broadway. In the down time she worked as a personal assistant to the rich and bored.

In hindsight, despite the lack of pay, she was blissfully happy. She was dating, but nothing serious. Despite her financial hardships, she got to live in a beautiful flat that overlooked the park. This was courtesy of her best friend’s father who had set her up as an heiress. Tabby insisted that Ellen move in with her to keep her company. But Ellen knew it was also to keep her from getting into trouble with all the power-hungry grubbers she attracted on Wall Street. Being an attractive woman, whose daddy owns one of the largest International stock brokerages has significant pitfalls.

“Ellen?”

A male voice from behind her which she doesn’t recognize interrupts her thoughts.

Turning around she releases a soft gasp as the man standing before her bears the strong resemblance of a boy from her childhood. The one who she became betrothed at seven. Even though it has been long forgotten, the memory of promising to marry by the jungle gym makes her smile.

She runs her hand across the top of her head trying to slick back stray wisps of blonde hair that are waiving above her head from the gentle breeze. Her blue eyes sparkling in the morning autumn sun, she looks radiant despite her lack of makeup and her casual workout clothes.

“Ellen that is you!” He says with a wide grin. “Your parents told me you were coming for a visit.”

Ellen searches his handsome face to confirm that he is in fact the first boy to have a claim on her heart. She knows he’s waiting for her to respond. “Um yes, I am visiting.” She replies.

She notices that a few strands of his dark brown wavy hair have fallen across his forehead while his piercing blue eyes bore a hole straight through her. How could she doubt her first instinct? Its him! She’d never forget those eyes!

“I’m surprised to see you I thought you moved to Europe to pursue your art?”

“I did. But I, well we moved back.”

“We?” She asks feeling nervous.

He clears his throat, “Yes, my daughter, and I moved back just this summer.”

“I see. How old is your daughter?” Ellen asks aware that it sounds like awkward small talk.

“She’s six, her name is Francesca.”

“Pretty name.” She replies with a lift to her voice to hide her discomfort.

“What brings you back to town? I’ve seen your work, it seems you’ve become a big star.” He breathes through glistening white teeth.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” She blurts while feeling bashful.

“Nonsense, you are big stuff around here.” Kathy chimes in joining them on the dock. “Don’t let her downplay her accomplishments. I should be ashamed to admit it but once tourists learned of our connection to her, we had no trouble keeping the place booked, even during the off season our halls filled with curious travelers.”

He chuckles then looks at Ellen’s whose face is anything but amused, “I’m sure it was nice when you got to close for good?”

She grunts, “You do not understand. If it weren’t for Tim’s health forcing the closure we’d be busting at the rafters especially considering recent tabloid activity.”

Her hand flies to her mouth as the words tumbled without so much as a filter.

“Oh Mom, please let’s not bring that up just now. I came here to escape that, remember?”

“So sorry Ellie, I meant nothing by it. We know what you’ve been through has been horrible.” She rushes to her side grabbing her into a sideways hug. Ellen resists at first but the hug feels nice.

“I’m sorry, I must have missed something, what tabloid activity?” His eyebrows shoot into a question.

“Are you living under a rock?” Kathy chuckles, “Never mind. There’s been some unwanted drama in Ellie’s life, so we invited her to come here for rest and sanctuary and here I am drumming it all up. I am sorry Ellie.”

“It’s okay Mom, when I get to a better mental space, I’ll be in the mood to talk about it.” Ellen turns to Benjamin, “It’s nice to see you Benjamin. Where are you staying?”

He chuckles, “You know, you can call me Ben. No need to be so formal!”

Feeling her face blushing, “Sorry, I forgot you like to go by Ben.”

“No worries. We’re at my folk’s old place. I’m working on fixing it up. They neglected it for such a long time I fear there’s a lot of work to still complete. We’ve already installed a new roof, foundation repairs and the whole house got new electrical.” Looking at Kathy he smiles, “It also seems that I have plenty of time on my hands these days, so I welcome the challenge.”

“Seems to be the thing these days.”

“What does?” Ben asks while tilting his head to the side. His hair cascading across his forehead which he is quick to run his hand through to move the renegade strands back into place.

Distracted by him, Ellen fails to respond right away. Instead, she takes a moment to enjoy his unassuming nature. It’s so refreshing Ellen wants to soak up and store it for later. The plastic people she must endure back home is one of the many reasons she needed to find an escape… however short-lived that is likely to be.

“Ellie?” Kathy interrupts her musings.

“Sorry, I find the altitude gives me a fuzzy head. I have noticed many of the old homes along here are being updated or often remodeled top to bottom.”

“Right well I think it’s a sign of the times. Since we’ve had an increase in tourist activity in the last couple of years, a lot of the town old-timers have sold out to developers and investors. It depends which side of the argument you are on.” Kathy shakes her head, “True, we cashed in on the tourism but didn’t have to sell out.” She shrugs, “But who am I to judge? Besides, I rather like the changes, it feels like a scene right out of a movie and the best part is that we get to live here.” She says more to herself than anyone else.

Ben glances at the worn watch on his wrist which Ellen recognizes as having belonged to his father. It was distinctive with all the extra dials. He was in the Coast Guard until he suffered a knee injury on the job and forced to pursue a different life. That was when his family moved to Thunder Valley, Ben must have been just an infant.

“Ladies, I would love to continue this conversation, but I have to get over to the school to pick up Franny. They let out early today.” He offers. “Tell Tim I left the tools I borrowed by the shop door. I would have put them inside, but it’s locked.”

“Not to worry, I’ll tell him.”

“I appreciate the loan. My mother will be much more comfortable back in her own home.”

“I think it’s brave of you to take on her care. I don’t know if I would have it in me. From everything I’ve heard it’s not an easy illness. Not to mention your new career pursuit. You have your hands full.” Kathy laments.

“I know it will be tough, but she deserves to be in her own home living out her last days. Also, with her living in her home, I can better oversee her care.” He turns his attention to Ellen who is trying to determine what illness his mother must have.

As if he read her mind, “My mother is at the late stage of Parkinson’s disease. It’s gradually debilitating. Some live with Parkinson’s for years yet some seem to succumb to the illness quick. She’s the former. She’s had the illness for eight and has been living in a nursing home for the past two years. I returned to take care of her and give my mother what she deserves…. peace in her own home.” He pauses for a moment, choked up he takes a quick but a deep breath, then continues, “I’ve hired a private nurse and made modifications to the house to accommodate a hospital bed and wheel chair. She just has a short time left and though she can’t communicate much, she can still see the lake and that will give her plenty of joy.”

“I’m sure that seeing Franny gives her great joy too.” Kathy offers.

“Yes, she does.” He agrees.

He directs his attention back to Ellen, “It was nice to see you again, maybe we’ll bump into each other around town. Will you be here for the holidays?”

“I’m uncertain of my plans. I have to be on-set…”

Kathy interrupts, “Yes but that’s not until after New Year’s. You are staying for the holidays.”

“Well there you have it.” Ellen says with a giggle at how insistent Kathy has been about her staying through the season. She reaches her hand out to shake Benjamin’s then watches as he takes long but swift strides toward his old beater of a pickup truck.

Once the truck is out of sight Kathy turns her enthusiasm back to Ellen. “Since we won’t have guests this year, I thought we would change how we decorate. It’s hard because I had to do the same thing year after year because our regular holiday guests came to expect it.” She pauses, “Now we are no longer running a Country Inn, I want to do something more sophisticated. Do you think I can enlist your big city sensibilities and help me?”

“I would love to help.” Ellen chuckles at her stepmother’s sly way of getting her to commit to being involved in the approaching holidays. Studying her face, she can’t help but to feel immense warmth for the woman who raised Ellen as if she’d given birth to her. They couldn’t look less alike though so most knew straight away there was no biological connection between them. Kathy, with her raven black hair streaked with threads of grey especially around the temples falling around her shoulders in soft natural waves. The crinkles around her dancing green eyes are evidence of a life full of happiness and plenty of laughter. Living in the mountains running the Inn all these years has afforded both of her parents a good life but for Tim’s heart attack, they have enjoyed good health.

“Since you closed the Inn, what do you plan to do? Are you set for retirement? I can help if you need…”

Surprised at the question Kathy whips her head toward Ellen just in time to see Tim approaching, “Tim and I prepared for retirement and beyond. Don’t you worry about us.” She says smiling but her body language suggests the questions puts her off.

Looking past Ellen, she says in a sweet voice, “There’s my handsome man, you missed Ben, he dropped by to return the tools you loaned him. He said he’s left them by the workshop.”

Nodding Tim replies, “Yes, I know, I was coming up the drive just as he was leaving, he told me where to find the tools.”

Wrapping his arm around his wife his attention turns to the lake glistening under the late fall sun, sitting lower in the sky with each passing day. “I think we will have early snowfall this year. Something about the crispness and spicy smell in the air tells me I should check on my snow removal equipment. I want to make certain I can dig us out should we get a blizzard up here.”

Kathy giggles, “Well, it sure wouldn’t be the end of the world being snowed-in together would it?”

Ellen chimes in, “For you two lovebirds being snowed in might be a good thing but for me it would mean I’d get nasty calls from Vincent. He’d send someone on snowmobiles to fetch me to ensure I reported to the set on time. I mean his biggest worry is keeping the money flowing so he can keep the mortgages paid on his houses in Miami and Pacific Palisades.” She laughs.

“I feel he doesn’t rep other talent.” Tim replies with a furrow of his brow.

“No not true, he has several clients, but I am his primary meal ticket. His other talent pays for his fleet of cars and other unnecessary toys.” She scoffs.

“He sounds like a scumbag. I don’t know why you don’t…”

Ellen interrupts, “Change agents? I am under contract with him so for the time being I’m stuck.” She sighs, “He earns his keep though. I have multiple deals he has orchestrated that will keep me booked for the next two years. There is no room to complain.  It is a pleasant surprise the bad press has not hurt me. In fact, it has made me more sought after. I’ll admit that Vincent is a pain to deal with, but he and my P.R. Rep have not only kept my career intact but moving in a forward direction. Under recent circumstances, I am glad for the work.”

“In that case I suppose we should keep our opinions to ourselves. No need to fix something that doesn’t need it though the guy sounds sleazy.”

“I never said I liked him in particular and yes you are correct, he is the sleaze ball that always makes a person feel the need for a shower after spending much time in his presence.” Ellen laughs which causes her parents to join in.

“Fair enough. It’s a lovely day, we ought to get out of the house. What sounds like fun to you Ellie?” Tim asks.

“I don’t know.” She shrugs then moves forward toward the end of the dock to look at something floating in the water that caught her eye. Kneeling, she reaches for the shiny object but hesitates for a moment as it appears to be moving. Squinting her eyes against the sun’s reflection off the water she determines it will not bite her. She shoves her hand into the chilly water wrapping her fingers around the slithery object. Standing up her parents join her at the end of the dock.

“What is it?” Kathy asks as she reaches Ellen.

Picking the lake slime away then flicking it on the dock, the object takes form, “It appears to be an old necklace with a locket.” Ellen exclaims with excitement.

“Let me see this!” Tim says while yanking the necklace right out of Ellen’s hands.

“Wow, that’s rude how you snatched that out of my hands!” Ellen snaps.

Tim ignores her as he turns and starts down the dock toward the house leaving Kathy and Ellen staring after him in his wake.

“What was that all about?” Kathy shouts toward Tim’s retreating figure, but he ignores her and continues into the house.

Rushing after him, Kathy follows him into the house with Ellen still standing on the dock with her arms crossed over her chest. “Well the nerve…” She says to herself then follows her parents back to the house.

As she arrives to the wrap-around porch, she overhears her father talking in a loud voice, “I’m calling the Sherriff, he needs to know what Ellen found.”

“If you do just know you will be re-opening a lot of healed wounds.” Kathy whispers.

“I realize that, but I have no choice, they cannot ignore this discovery.”

“Then brace yourself Tim.” Kathy’s voice drops as she leaves Tim standing alone on the porch.

“Sherriff, it’s Tim, can you come up to the house?”

Chapter Three

As small towns go, word travels fast about the ominous discovery found at Thunder Lake by the Jackson’s dock.

Ellen is accustomed to being the subject of public scrutiny, so this latest installment of scandal should not faze her, but it does. The relentless onslaught of locals poking their noses around has been exhausting even for someone who’s seasoned. Tim and Kathy are putting on a brave front, but the discovery of the locket unlocks so many questions, dredging up a past that has been long forgotten.

The locket belonged to Ellen’s mother Melody, who went missing almost twenty-three years ago, she was the same age as Ellen is now, twenty-six.

When Ellen was just three years old, her mother put her to bed then told her father she was going for a walk around the shore and was never heard from again. She always wore the locket around her neck, she never took it off. The chain and locket had belonged to Melody’s great grandmother and when she gave birth to Ellen, her grandmother gave it to her then passed away soon after. It was a prized possession of Melody’s. She planned to give the necklace to her daughter someday when the time was right.

The night she went missing Tim had an airtight alibi, five other men were at the lake house that evening with him, one of which was the Sherriff himself. Despite it being Christmas, they were playing poker all night.

They had not noticed melody’s absence until Sheriff Warren was leaving when he asked to say goodbye to his sister—Melody. It was then they organized a massive search. Over half the town volunteered to look for her. There was no way she would survive too many nights out in the elements. It was Christmastime and in late December; the snowpack is always deep. It might have been odd for a person to take a walk that time of the year, with temperatures plummeting to the teens after nightfall, but Melody found an evening walk around the lakefront property to be invigorating. She claimed it helped her to sleep.

After days of searching, the efforts of the town folk dwindled down to a few men persistent in their pursuit of locating the lost young mother. The days turned into weeks which then turned into months, when eventually, Sherriff Warren and the rest of the town gave up hope.

While Tim never gave up hope, over time, he agreed to move on. The disappearance became a cold case, and they charged no one, nor did anyone stick out as a suspect. They classified the file as a missing persons case. There was no foul play detected and with no person of interest or evidence suggesting anything otherwise, Tim had to accept that his wife had gone missing, presumed dead.

Now this locket washing up will bring nothing but misery upon the Jackson family.

“Ellie Jackson?” A woman hollers from across the street out the door of a boutique.

Startled, Ellen jumps a little recovering quickly she shields her eyes from the sun to get a better look at the woman. “Yes?” She responds as she squints against the glare trying to place the familiar face. “Amber Ray is that you?” She shouts while jaywalking across the middle of the quaint Main street.

“Yes! Well, you need to call me Amber Conner now. Get yourself over here!” She shouts as Ellen steps onto the sidewalk.

Grabbing a hold of her arm Amber drags Ellen into the little storefront.

“As I live and breathe, the Ellie Jackson is standing in my humble shop!”

“Oh, would you stop!” Ellen chuckles, then grabs Amber into a hug. “It’s so good to see you. I had not heard you were back to living here in Thunder…”

Unable to contain herself, she interrupts, “Same to you! When I came back after college I heard you were splitting your time between New York and Los Angeles.”

“Yes, I am but due to recent events, I have dropped out of the limelight, so I can lick my wounds in peace.”

Amber looks down while shaking her head, “Not that you asked my opinion but for what it’s worth, you got the raw end of the deal. You should have taken that bastard down. I’m just so glad you didn’t end up marrying him, he’d have taken every penny you worked so hard to earn. You know it’s an archaic thing to say but my Mom always warned me against dating beneath my gene pool and that guy was a few puddles south… if you get my meaning.”

Ellen giggles, “My gosh Amber, how have we not talked for so long? You have always been the one person who could put a smile on my face even when things were grim.”

“Yeah, I heard about all the craziness up at the lake. I think the universe has grabbed you by the shoulders and is shaking you.”

“I know sometimes I feel like I should have been born with a warning sign that says caution drama approaching.”

She winces, “I heard you were the one to find the chain…”

“Yes, I was standing on the dock and saw something shiny. I didn’t get to look at it too closely because no sooner had I grabbed it out of the water my dad snatched it from my hands and then called uncle Bill. Next thing I know, three police cars pull up to the house. They set up their equipment down at the dock and stayed there until late in the day taking samples of everything imaginable.”

“I also heard they re-opened the case.” She pretends to organize a bowl of random silver rings on the counter, “It is odd it would wash up suddenly.”

“It is and what’s creepy is that it washed up at the Inn. I suppose that’s why they made it an active case again… we lived in that little cottage across the lake when mom went missing.”

Amber looks at her with her eyebrows furrowed.

Ellen continues, “Remember, we didn’t move to the Inn until I was in first grade. It was Kathy’s dream to turn that old lodge into a country inn, not Melody’s.”

Amber snaps her finger, “Wow! I forgot about that. When I think about my childhood, I only remember the inn, the cottage had skipped out of my memory banks. Wait, when did your dad marry Kathy?”

“It was before my fifth birthday. I was three when mom went missing.” She says with a raise of her right eyebrow.

“Hm. He didn’t wait much time to move on, did he?”

“I don’t know… how long is the acceptable time to wait? She had been officially missing for a while.”

She rushes behind the check stand to answer the ringing phone. Holding her finger up to motion Ellen to wait a minute, “Tres Chic Boutique”, she answers. “Why yes, she is standing right here as we speak, may I tell her who is calling?”

Her face twists into a look of confusion then gasping, she drops the phone.

“What is it?” Ellen rushes to join Amber behind the check stand. Leaning down to pick the phone up off the floor, she hits the off button. After placing it back on the charger, she looks at Amber expecting an answer.

“That was the creepiest call I have ever received!” She pants, “That man said for me to tell you to have your family call off the search, that your mother is deceased, and you need to leave the dead to rest.” Her eyes wide, she looks shaken.

Ellen follows Amber as she moves over to a small seating area. After taking a seat, she thinks about the call.

“Did the man sound young or old?”

Shaking her head, “I don’t have the slightest idea… if I were to guess I’d say older like our parents’ ages but not elderly.” She pauses, “Now I think about it, he kind of had a speech impediment, like a lisp maybe but it wasn’t pronounced, just slightly.”

“Can you think of anything else?”

She looks puzzled, “Like what?”

“I don’t know, like was there any background noise?”

She says “no,” but then stops herself, “Actually, there might have been a dog barking… a smaller dog but not the nippy kind, but it wasn’t a big one like a German Shepard.”

“Okay… see you know more about the caller than what you think.” Ellen encourages.

Amber straightens her body then her face falls, “But Ellie, how did he know you were here? That’s creepy point number one and creepy point number two is what he said. I mean come on, we all assume your mom isn’t alive… right?” She winces slightly.

“Correct. The whole town gave up on finding her alive over two decades ago. I mean if I were being honest I would confess that I’ve always hoped that someone clobbered her over the head and she had amnesia all these years.” She chuckles.

“I would have hoped the same thing if it were me.”

Ellen smiles at Amber. “I’m sorry it involves you now. The last thing I would want for you is to have a dark cloud follow you around on my behalf.”

Amber smiles back, “It’s great to see you and if we are confessing, I had figured that Hollywood ruined you but that’s not true, you aren’t the nasty home wrecking diva that the media has made you out to be. I feel ashamed for having believed it could be true.”

“I know, the media has not been very nice. Just for the record, Miles and his wife had already filed for divorce and were living separate lives before we ever hooked up. The news hounds just hadn’t sniffed their divorce out yet. Had Miles been half the man he purported himself to be, he would have corrected that and many other things.” She sighs, “At least I have learned my lesson and now you understand why I am hiding out here for a while. By the time I return to La La Land, they will have moved on to ruin someone else’s life and I will resume mine.”

“I sure don’t envy you.”

“Good, because you shouldn’t!” Ellen laughs. “I have to get going, I’m sure my dad will on the hunt for me. We rode into town together to run errands and I think he’s waiting for me at the mercantile.”

“Yes, you had better get going then. I know your dad can be rather impatient. When comes in here to buy your mom something, if I’m helping someone else, he taps his finger on the counter until I’m done.”

“Well, that’s rude! I can’t imagine what gets into him but that is awesome he still thinks to treat her.”

“Oh, he’s a thoughtful husband.” Amber grins, “Just like my Scott. Hey!” Her face brightens, “Why don’t you come to dinner Saturday night? I would love for you to meet him and that way we can catch up!”

“I would love to come to dinner! What time and what would you like me to bring?”

“No need to bring anything. I close up shop here at four on Saturdays so let’s say six and we bought the old Johnson farm on mile post forty-five.”

“Oh nice! I always thought the Johnsons’ property was beautiful. How about we indulge, and I bring a dessert from Auntie Claire’s Bakery?”

Amber bites her lip, “Okay fine… I am trying to get honeymoon weight off but how can I say no to a delicious dessert from the bakery?”

“I can assure you dessert is the last thing I need either, but it’s a special occasion. I’ll see you at six.”

“Yes, looking forward to it!”

As Ellen opens the door Amber rushes toward her, “Wait! Shouldn’t I call the Sherriff and tell him about the phone call?”

Ellen pauses, “Yes, I suppose you should. You don’t mind, do you?”

“I don’t mind, you never know, it could be important information.”

“Yes, that’s true, you never know. Thanks Amber!” She says as she gives her arm an affectionate squeeze.

“See you Saturday!”

Out on the street Ellen spots her dad talking to Gus Halverson, the owner of the hardware shop. Waving goodbye to her friend, she hurries to join the men on the sidewalk. Though the sun is bright it’s growing chillier as each day passes.

A shiver works its way down Ellen’s spine as she pulls the winter-white jacket close around her.

“Ellen, good to see you.” Gus says politely, but with an unusual amount of reserve. It’s expected, the tabloids have done a number on her character so it’s natural for people to wonder how much of it is true.

“It’s nice to see you too Gus, I’m so sorry to hear about your wife.” She says with sincerity.

Gus frowns as a darkness crosses his face. Forcing a weak smile, he says, “Thank you, it was unexpected. I’m all alone now... a widower.” He sniffs then wiping at an invisible tear he takes his smartphone out of his coat pocket then pulls up pictures of his dog, chattering on about the joys of being a dog owner.

After twenty minutes of the pleasant but strained exchange Ellen rubs her hands together wishing she had worn gloves as Kathy had suggested. Looking down the street she notices the other shops and businesses closing. Gauging the time to be around five she finds this to be a good segue to make their escape.

As soon as they are on their way home, Ellen tells Tim about the phone call at Amber’s shop.

His face falls white, “So you are telling me that some person spotted you walking down the street and watched you go into her shop?”

“Yes.”

He scratches his chin while staring ahead. His face still pale as he ponders the disturbing call.

“The more I think about it, the creepier it is, and I feel just awful that Amber is an unwitting participant. The last thing I want is to involve Amber in this mess.” He says with an edge to his voice.

“What can we do to keep her out of this? I am supposed to go their house for dinner Saturday, do you think I should cancel?”

“Heck, no!” He answers quickly, “I don’t want that sweet couple involved either, but you shouldn’t have to live under a rock. I’ll give your uncle a call and see what he has to say. I’m sure it will interest him to learn of this new development.”

“Amber said she would contact them do you think I should tell her not to bother?”

“No. They will want to hear the details from her since she was the one who talked to the jerk. What that call tells me is that someone is messing with us or something has caused this person to come forward. It also shows they are nervous about there being an investigation.”

Pulling into the long driveway he stops the car, “Listen, while I think we should tell Kathy, I’d prefer if it was not tonight. She’s been working on a nice dinner and I hate for this to ruin it. Lets at least wait until the morning. Deal?”

“Deal! I wish we didn’t have to say anything at all, I don’t want to worry her.”

“I know but she’s bound to find out, anyway. It's best she hears it from us. Now, what do you say we get back there and dig into that delicious pot roast she’s been cooking all afternoon?”

Nodding in agreement, “Sounds great dad.”

Chapter Four

Three days pass and the news of the found locket and cryptic phone call have made it around the gossip mill in town and beyond the local news. So much for having time to recuperate before heading back to civilization, it appears her cover has been blown. Every time she leaves the house she has the distinct feeling she’s being followed. A feeling she knows all too well.

“I’m wondering if perhaps I should head back to L.A.--my return here seems to have stirred up more havoc than any of us had ever dreamt.”

“Nonsense, you are not the reason that locket reappeared. Maybe someone’s guilty conscience has finally gotten the better of him.” Kathy laments.

“Possible, but I have to wonder about the timing and the fact it showed up at this property. She didn’t go missing from this house, it was at our old house.

Kathy takes a minute to gather her words before she responds to her, “Look Ellie, we’ve talked to the Sherriff and shared our concerns and we told him all of that. There’s little we can do, other than keeping our eyes and ears open.”

“I know that locket showing up here was intentional. Obviously, whoever took my mom is still around these parts. That much is obvious.” Ellen proclaims while she stands up and stretches much to the chagrin of the lazy cat who was peacefully napping on her lap.

“I know.” Her voice drops. She wants to reassure Ellen but how can she do that when she herself is scared out of her wits?

Glancing at the atomic clock sitting on the mantel, it startles Ellen at how time has flown. “Geeze, I guess I’d better get ready or I’ll be late to Amber’s!”

“What time are you supposed to be there? Did you say six?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Don’t let me forget to take that pie I picked up at the bakery this morning. With everything else on my mind these days, I will leave it behind.”

“Per your father’s comments, he’d have to eat it for you. That’s the last thing he needs, so yes I will remind you.”

“Thanks!” She says while giggling at the knowledge that her dad has been eyeing the pie in the fridge.

She takes the service stairs two at a time to her room in the guest wing. Upon arrival, she steps into her room and immediately knows something is amiss. Her pulse quickens as she glances around the room to assess if anything had been disturbed. While nothing seems out of the ordinary in her room, she feels ridiculous for her suspicion that something is still off. But she must go with her instinct. Her hand hovering above the door knob to the adjoining bathroom, she sucks in her breath as she pushes the door open. The air she had trapped expels quickly as her eyes fix on an object. Someone has moved the little chair that is usually sitting at the dressing table to a new place in the middle of the bathroom, perched atop the pale blue fuzzy rug. A small glass object has been placed in the center of the chair.

She squints her eyes to make out what it is before stepping forward. Then, realizing what it is, her hand flies to her mouth in shock.

“I knew I smelled something!” She blurts to herself while reaching out to grab the delicate glass bottle off the chair, but she stops mid-grab. “I can’t touch this, there might be prints.” She scolds herself.

Running out to the hall she calls for Kathy.

“Kathy!”

She waits.

“Kaaaathy!” She calls again.

She waits once more. Straining to hear anything, her nerves get the better of her.

In case the intruder is still in the house she remains in the hall and pulls out her phone calling Kathy, but she hears the stairs creaking from behind her. Hoping that the noise is from Kathy coming up the stairs and not the intruder she braces herself and calls out again but in a quieter voice, “Kathy?”

Much to her relief Kathy comes into view, huffing and puffing as she comes around the corner.

“My God, just what is going on around here?” She pauses, catching her breath, “Call the Sherriff, I literally just gave chase to someone outside the house doing who knows what!”

Her body trembling the wild look in her eyes causes Ellen alarm.

Her pulse quickens as she blurts, “Oh Kathy! Are you okay?” while rushing to her side.

Kathy shoos her away, “Never mind about me, make the call while I catch my breath.”

Sitting down on the bed her face crinkles into a grimace, “What is that smell? It smells like expensive rose perfume in here.” She says while still catching her breath.

“I think I know what the guy was doing here.” Ellen steps aside and points into the bathroom when Kathy looks to see what Ellen is pointing at, her grimace deepens.

“What is that?”

“The source of your expensive roses, it was my mom’s favorite perfume, Joy.”

Kathy’s hand covers her mouth with her eyes widen.

Fighting the shivers traveling down her spine, Ellen quickly places a call to the Sherriff’s department while Kathy peeks in the bathroom at the offending object.

After Ellen finishes her call, Kathy turns to her shaking her head, “I have to be honest, I’ve never much appreciated that scent.” She takes a deep breath then adds, “but I’m sure it smelled nice on your mom.”

She paces back and forth pausing in front of the windows as if to look at every shadow dancing across the yard in the hour before dusk.

“I will admit smelling it brings back a flood of memories but nothing specific to my mom.” Ellen answers feeling nervous about the two being alone.

“I wonder why someone left that here?” Kathy replies nervously while still pacing.

Shrugging “Obviously it’s the same person who left us the locket too.”

Giving her arm a maternal squeeze, “I think I should be on -guard just in case...” She heads for the door then pauses, “I will wait downstairs. Hopefully the guy will stay away. Tim should be back soon so why don’t you get ready. I can handle things down there.” She says trying to convince Ellen that she’s braver than she’s feeling.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind cancelling.” Ellen assures her.

“No way, I won’t hear of it. It will be fine!” Kathy insists in return though she’s scared out of mind.

“I’ll only go if dad is home by the time I need to leave. I’ll not have you here alone with some madman who’s obviously bent on frightening me or even all of us.”

She scoffs, “I have to admit that the timing is suspect. First the locket and now this?”

“Don’t forget the stalker phone call at Amber’s store. You heard about that…. right?”

“Yes, that too. Your dad told me about it yesterday.” She says giving her a stern look, “You know what? I would appreciate if the two of you didn’t treat me like I’m a delicate flower, I can handle bad news.” She pauses, “I wonder though… do you think any of this has to do with that stalker you had a while back? Maybe he followed you here from LA?”

Ellen shakes her head “I had given that a thought, but he was harmless and how would he ever have known about the locket or any of the other details about my mom? This is the handiwork of a local.” Goose bumps raise on her skin as she contemplates who might be behind the scare tactics.

“Well I suppose that’s true. Can you think of anyone that would want to scare you like this?”

Ellen rolls her eyes while letting out a soft snort, “That’s a loaded question. But I cannot think of anyone from here. The paparazzi have been relentlessly harassing me, you know that. Maybe it’s someone who believes all the lies about me.”

“Yes! Maybe someone who wants to teach you a lesson?” She adds.

“The thing is, how would someone who isn’t from this area know about things like my mom’s favorite perfume or the locket?” Ellen asks while brushing her long golden hair with a brush she pulled out from her oversized tote bag.

Ellen pulls a few strands of hair back from her face placing it into a loose clip at the back held by an ornate barrette.

Sighing she says, “You’re right, it has to be a local.” She looks up at Ellen’s head and smiles, “That’s a pretty hair clip, it looks antique.” Kathy compliments.

“Thank you. It is an antique, I picked it up in a little shop in Paris while filming last summer, the shop owner said it’s from the thirties.”

“It suits you.” She eyes the piece as Ellen finishes fixing it in her hair, “The pewter art déco style looks nice with your hair color. I’ll see you downstairs soon. I hope Tim will be here any moment, this whole thing has me spooked!” She laments with an exaggerated sigh as she descends the stairs worried about what might lie in wait.

Ellen jumps into action after noticing its nearly time to leave. She shimmies into a pair of tight-fitting jeans with a thick cable-knit sweater in a pale shade of pink. The weather getting colder has caused her wearing more clothes than she’s used to back in the southern part of the state. All the while being careful not to disturb any so-called evidence.

Taking another look around the room to see what was else has been moved, she is satisfied that the perfume on the chair is the only thing. The thought a stranger had the audacity to enter their house while they are home, and during daylight, is absolutely frightening.

Despite her warm attire, persistent chills run their course down her spine causing instant goose bumps to reappear on her skin. Rubbing her hands together rapidly she rushes down the back stairs to get her pie.

As she approaches the kitchen relief washes over her as she hears a male voice bellowing through the swinging doors. Dad must be home and it sounds like the sheriff has also arrived.

“Ah, you are just-in-time Ellen. I was about to help myself to some of that pie.” Tim teases. Trying to lighten the otherwise somber mood.

“Don’t you dare!” She teases back though she does not feel jovial.

She turns her attention to the handsome younger man standing in the middle of the kitchen who is not the sheriff, “So what do you make of the intruder today?”

His face betrays his awe, “Aren’t you Ellie Jackson… the actress?” He stammers.

She suppresses a snicker, “Yes, that would be me.” She replies in a matter-of-fact tone. She’s used to the constant stream of attention ever since her first leading role. The recent nonsense with the press though has made her a household name whether someone has seen her work or not.

He tips his wide-brimmed hat and grins, “It’s an honor. As for the intruder, I would like to look at his handy work, dust for prints and snap a few pictures if that’s okay with you?” He addresses Tim.

“Sure, sure, I’ll show you to her room.”

“I need to get going, do you need me to provide you with a statement?”

“I wouldn’t mind getting a statement but if you need to leave, I can collect that tomorrow if that suits you.”

“That’s perfect, thank you. Do you want me to come by the station at a specific time?”

“Sure, can you come by around three?”

“Yes, that’s perfect. I’ll see you then.”

After saying her goodbyes to her parents, Ellen rushes to her car with the pie and ice cream in a woven jute shopping bag. Slinging the tote onto the seat next to her she starts the engine which sputters and chugs from having sat idle for several days.

While waiting for the engine to warm, she scrolls through her text messages which she hasn’t done since earlier in the afternoon. As she works her way down the list one name jumps off the screen like a clown jumping out of a jack-in-the-box. It’s from Miles Sinclair. The bastard. She had meant to delete him out of her phone. Never once did she think he would contact her, not after all that has happened.

With her finger hovering over the message, she fights with the urge to open it knowing full well she should simply swipe it to delete.

Her curiosity wins as her errant finger swipes the offending conversation open. Her eyes quickly scan the words as her tongue sticks to the roof of her mouth. Wetting her lips, she takes a deep breath then dropping the phone onto the seat next to the bag, she places the car in drive.

Speeding down the road to Amber’s, his words replay in her mind, annoying her more at each pass.

Don’t call me petty. I want the engagement ring back. I paid for it.

The unbelievable nerve of that man.

Arriving at her destination in record time, she brushes away the tears that escaped her now pink-rimmed and swollen eyes. Turning the rear-view mirror to herself, she sighs at the tear-stained face staring back at her.

“That’ll never do!” She chastises herself while pulling out lipstick and a compact to make the necessary repairs.

When she’s finally ready to face her evening with the happy couple, she walks down the stone edged gravel walkway toward the lake. The quaint farmhouse that is yards from the lake is lit up with glowing lights and warmth, inviting her to come in. Pushing the afternoon activities out of her mind, she vows to put on a brave face. Though she feels anything but brave, more that of a coward.

As soon as her feet hit the front porch, the door swings open and a little Boston Terrier is bounding out the door with a high-pitched yowl alerting her owners of the intrusion.

“Dixie! Come back here girl!” Amber shouts after the exuberant pint-sized beast who is now running circles around Ellen’s feet forcing her to stay in one spot.

Giggling, Ellen bends over while cautiously offering her hand for the mini guard dog to approve. After a few sniffs and a lick, the little black and white critter grants her approval.

Amber throws open her arms grabbing a shaken Ellen into a warm hug. Her tension instantly subsides, and she succumbs.

“Come, you must be freezing to death!” She says ushering her toward the door.

As they pass through the welcoming door painted in a cheery pale blue and the smells of home cooking are overwhelming… almost intoxicating to Ellen.

“What on earth are you cooking? It smells divine in here!”

Amber’s face is aglow with pride as she rattles off the evening’s menu, “I have a chicken roasting in the oven with rosemary I dried myself this summer. I’ve also got fingerling potatoes and rainbow carrots from the last harvest grown by yours truly. Scott made a romaine lettuce salad with fresh herbs and homemade croutons. We sure hope you brought an appetite!”

“Even if she didn’t, I certainly have one now!”

“You are always hungry so that comes as little surprise.” Amber giggles, “Ellie, this is my husband Scott… and this is my childhood friend Ellie.”

He produces his hand for Ellen to shake, “It’s a great pleasure to meet you. Amber speaks highly of you.”

“Thank you and you too.” Ellen replies while withdrawing her hand after the shake.

“Can I interest you in a glass of wine?”

Ellen shakes her head. “No thank you, I’m not much of a drinker. But please feel free…”

“Don’t mind if I do! It’s been a hectic day.” Amber gushes while grabbing the bottle of wine off the counter, “I had a customer come in and insist that I spend all of my time catering to her whilst I almost ignored my other customers.” She rolls her eyes while she pours a generous helping, “Honestly, working with the public can have its challenges.”

“Now then, what can I get you to drink?”

“I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea.” Ellen suggests.

“I’ll put the kettle on the stove, you ladies just visit.” Scott says while he busies himself with filling the kettle with water.

Ellen follows Amber to the dining room that would have a sweeping view of the lake if it weren’t for it being dark outside.

“Please sit. We have a few minutes before dinner is ready. I hope you will eat. I cannot believe how skinny you are! In high school, you were all muscle but now…. you are skin and…”

“Bones? I don’t think so.” Ellen laughs then grows serious, “Amber, I felt terrible I missed your wedding. I know it was a huge disappointment to you and me for that matter. It could not have been helped. You said you understood but I wonder if you weren’t sore at me?”

After taking a quick sip of her wine she lets out a giggle, “I was furious at you if I’m to tell the truth. I was so looking forward to seeing you and having you a part of my day. Remember when we were little girls we’d get into that trunk and play dress up?”

Ellen smiles and nods while Amber continues, “I’d play the blushing bride and you my maid of honor. Wait!” She exclaims, “Do you remember when you and what’s his name?” She snaps her fingers, “Oh yes, Benjamin Lynch, you guys promised that you would get married someday. I remember we were all by the lake at that boat house by the windmill when you two pinky swore.”

She giggles, “Yes, that’s right. I thought it was at school by the jungle gym but now you mention it, yes, I remember that now. Did you know he is here?”

“Where?” Her eyebrows raise, “Here in Thunder Valley?” She takes a quick sip of wine.

“Yes, here in Thunder Valley. He’s taking care of his mother, she has Parkinson’s disease. He came here with his daughter from Italy.”

“Yes, I knew he was in Italy. I didn’t realize that he was back with his daughter. Wow! I knew he was living abroad but working on a project here. That’s about all my knowledge of him. I wonder where his wife is? Maybe she’s coming later?”

Shaking her head, “I don’t know about his wife, or if there is one. All I know is that he’s still as gorgeous as he was back in the day.” Ellen laments.

“Oh, he has a wife.” Amber confirms.

She adds, “Maybe if he hadn’t gone off to college in Europe you would have stayed together.” She says wistfully with her voice trailing off as she is drifting into daydream mode.

“Oh Amber, you are still the hopeless romantic.”

“Yes, she sure is.” Scott says as he places a steaming hot cup of tea in front of Ellen, “She even insisted that we release white doves at the wedding.” He laughs.

“It would have been fantastic had the trainer not got lost!” She grunts, “Can you believe he only returned half of my deposit? He claimed I was partially to blame because of the directions I gave him. I was quick to point out we are not so back woods that his GPS wouldn’t have worked. At least I got the white carriage and horses. That was my grand entrance. Remind me to show you the pictures.” She gushes.

“Oh, I’ve seen them… all over social media.” Ellen suppresses a giggle. “But I’d love for you to show me your album.” She quickly adds.

Scott interrupts, “Ladies, I believe dinner is ready. I’m starved so let’s not make a spectacle of being polite, I’m digging in!”

After dinner, the group adjourns to the living room in front of the crackling fireplace. Ellen watches the couple as they work together to stoke the fire. How Scott looks at his wife is enviable. It’s clear they are deep in love.

‘Relationship goals.’ Ellen thinks to herself. She studies Scott with his broad shoulders and dark complexion. Standing at about six foot three he towers over Amber’s petite five-foot-four frame. His black hair and dark eyes to her fair skin and light hair. They are a striking couple for certain.

“Tell me, what’s a big-time star like you doing back here in little Thunder Valley?” Scott asks with a bemused look developing on his face.

Ellen suppresses her urge to cringe and forces a smile, “I’m hiding out, or haven’t you heard?” She teases.

“I prefer not to listen to gossip.” Scott replies.

“Hmm, you are in the minority.” Ellen laughs.

Looping her arm through his, Amber beams with pride, “He is a keeper, don’t you think?”

Nodding and this time a genuine smile on her face, “Yes, I think the two of you are a good match, and I cannot be happier for you.”

As they proceed through the evening, the conversation is amusing and to her relief, avoids topics like Ellen’s mother and her recent foray into being at the epicenter of Hollywood scandal.

“Oh! We almost forgot the pie! Ellen, why don’t you help me serve and Scott, that fire could use some stoking don’t you think?” Amber instructs.

“I’ll just grab more wood, I can’t wait for that pie!”

Turning to Ellen she laughs, “My gosh, the way we are carrying on about that pie you’d think we are deprived over here. We haven’t been allowing ourselves indulgences like that since we’ve been back from the honeymoon. With the holidays upon us though, I’m sure we will indulge.” She stops and eyes Ellen, “Just how do you stay so thin? Please do not say it’s from a stupid macro diet or some such a thing.”

Ellen laughs aloud, “No silly, I have a personal trainer who beats me into submission three hours a day, six days a week! It’s brutal, but that’s the only way for me to stay fit.”

“Wow. That’s all?” Amber teases.

“Yes, you too can spend every morning with a drill sergeant forcing you to hold your squats longer and lunge deeper, I don’t recommend it unless you are a glutton for punishment.”

“No, I prefer long walks around the lake and maybe an occasional yoga class.” She giggles.

“That sounds nice. Sometimes I miss it here.”

“Maybe you should retire early while you are on top and move back?” She claps her hands together, “Find a man then settle down in a house on the lake and have a gaggle of kids like me and Scott.”

“Are you…?”

“Oh, heavens no! We have big plans though. We got the house, so we will fill it with kids someday.”

“Not too soon.” Scott interjects from the front room as she passes through the kitchen door. Ellen is following close behind carrying the tray laden with three dessert plates and steaming cups of tea.

Amber releases a nervous giggle as Ellen places the tray on the coffee table. “We want to wait a few years before having kids. Though if we are expecting sooner, it would thrill us.” She looks at Scott who gives her a crooked grin then she continues. “Anyway, there’s been talk about recreating our honeymoon on our next anniversary. Since Scott is a teacher, he has summers off. I thought maybe we could traipse around Europe next summer. But then who knows, we might want to go south and hit up Costa Rica or cruise the Caribbean.” She says dreamily, almost as if she were talking to herself.

“Whoa, hang on there, we have to take an Alaskan cruise somewhere in there. We must break up the surf and sand with some fly-fishing and glaciers.”

“I take it you’re an outdoor enthusiast?” Ellen questions after taking a sip of the hot tea.

Scott finishes chewing a mouthful of pie then responds with a wide grin on his face, “I think I might have been born with a fishing pole in my hand. At least that’s what my mom likes to say.” Taking another hearty bite of pie Ellen notices Amber is making a large dent in her serving too.

She takes a bite and notices it tastes bitter. Taking another bite, she feels her lips form an involuntary pucker. Opting not to finish her helping she sets the pie down on the tray and tries to concentrate on the fishing tales Scott is droning on about.

After over an hour of stifling yawns and feigning to be interested, Ellen stands and stretches. “This has been such a lovely evening, but I must take my leave, I’m tired from the long day.”

Jumping up from their seats, her hosts spring into action with Scott retrieving her coat and Amber heading straight to the kitchen. Calling over her shoulder, “Let me wrap this pie up for you to take home.”

Shaking her head, “Oh no, you keep it. I wouldn’t dream of taking that home when you enjoyed it so much.”

“Are you sure?” She asks with a twinge of hesitation to her voice.

“I’m sure.” Ellen says laughing at the obvious delight on Amber’s face.

As Scott helps her into her coat, she reaches in the pocket to find the car key.

“Thank you both for such a wonderful meal and the great company. I’m glad we got to catch up!”

“I’m glad I finally got to meet the legendary Ellen Jackson! When do you plan to head back to the city?” Scott asks.

Amber swats at his arm.

After giving a polite laugh she replies, “I’ll probably head back just after the first of the year, so I will most likely be here through the holidays.”

A strange look travels across Scott’s face. “Nice. You know it will be our first holiday as a married couple, we can’t wait to make our own traditions.”

“Right. This is an exciting time for you.” She replies, feeling the vibe has turned awkward.

“It sure is.” He says stiffly.

Noticing the odd behavior too, Amber gives Scott a questioning look. Then she opens the painted front door which allows a large gust of cold air to enter, chilling Ellen and the rest of them to the bone.

“Wow! Winter is coming hard and fast!” Amber exclaims.

Pulling her coat close around her after giving goodbye hugs she says, “Let’s have coffee soon.”

Then not waiting for a response she runs out to the car just as another swoosh of cold air encircles her causing chills up and down her body. The smell of spicy yet musty leaves still in her nose, she fights to slam the door shut against the strong drafts of air.

With a loud thud, she finally gets the door closed. Starting the car, she notices a strange rattle coming from the engine. She dismisses it figuring it too is reacting to the fiercely cold night.

Traveling quickly down the foliage covered road her car stirs the leaves into a billow behind her causing the leaves to form an eerie shaped cloud in her wake.

Coming around the bend with less than a few hundred yards from her final turn the car sputters. Letting off the gas she looks down at the gauges noticing she is on empty. Alarmed her heart beats fast. Quickly she switches the car into manual override and shifts the gears down to allow her to coast down the hill taking the turn sharply as she enters the long lane that leads to her house. The car chugs then the engine shuts off.

The confusing part is that she had a full tank when she arrived at the valley and has hardly driven since then.

Sitting for a moment in disbelief, she listens to the howling wind whipping around the little vehicle. The whistling and whirling wind seeming to serve as a warning to her of the cold fall night waiting for her outside the warmth and safety of her car.

Despite her irritation over running out of gas, she dismisses her misgivings chastising herself for her melodramatic tendencies. Opening the door, she realizes just how cold it is outside. She grabs her cell phone and purse then flips on the hazard lights on the dash then slamming the door shut, she braces herself against the frigid air.

It doesn’t take much time for her long legs to rush toward the dark house. It strikes Ellen as odd that the house has zero lights on. It’s only just half past ten last she checked, and her parents are night owls. As if the goose bumps from the cold night weren’t enough, she has even more chills from a developing fear that is running the distance of her body. Once again reminding her that things have been amiss since she arrived.

Something doesn’t feel right.

As she approaches the house she notices a dark figure in the upstairs window of the guest wing. It’s a part of the house not in use since it’s no longer running as an Inn, no one should be up there. She is the only one using that portion of the house.

She says to herself with a sigh of relief, “The power is probably out due to the wind. That was my mom or dad in the window.” She tries to reassures herself.

Running up the steps she pauses at the door then turning the handle she pushes her body weight against it causing it to swing open faster than she expected. Stumbling to the ground she sits on the entry rug for a moment before scrambling to her feet and shutting the door behind her. Flipping the lock, she allows her eyes to adjust to the house being even darker than outside. At least out there she had the moon to guide her.

“Hello?” She calls out. “Mom? Dad?”

No response. She waits a minute then hollers for them again, but still no answer. The only sounds are the old house protesting the wicked wind whipping against the wooden structure and the floors creaking under her weight.

She walks through the sitting room to the back of the house to the kitchen. This is a good vantage point to see the entire backside of the property that faces the lake. The abundance of windows allows for the moon to illuminate the rooms enough she can see her way around.

Placing her bag on the island she opens a few drawers until she finds the long neck lighter. Relieved when the flame appears at the end of the shaft, she lights three pillar candles that sit in a grouping in the middle of the counter. Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out her phone.

Noticing she has missed a call and has both voice and text messages, she ignores all of that and hits send to call her dad.

The line rings and rings but he does not answer.

She hangs up and tries her mom, and no response from her either. Releasing a heavy sigh, then she mumbles, “No use, they never have their ringers on, anyway.”

Feeling panicked she tries her dad again but this time she leaves a message, “Dad, it’s me, I got home a few minutes ago. The house is pitch black, so I think the power must be out and you guys aren’t here. My car ran out of gas in the lane so don’t freak when you get home, I’m fine. Call me back.”

After hanging up she leaves the same message on Kathy’s voice mail.

About to open the back door and head out to the garage she notices something; the digital numbers on the microwave and oven are solid lit which means the power should still be on.

She tries the switch on the wall and just as the light flips on, she hears a male voice whisper from the other end of the mudroom, “Turn it off.”

Chills assaulting her spine, it scares her out of her wits. She whirls around and sees a tall figure standing in the dark of the hallway. Unable to think, with her right hand on the doorknob she quickly unlocks the deadbolt with her other hand and is about to flee when he whispers again, “Do it now Ellie!”

With her pulse beating out of her neck, much to her immense relief she realizes that it’s her dad; she obeys and quickly flips off the light switch.

“Just what is going on?” She demands in a whisper.

“Shh!” He hushes her then rushes forward from the cover of the hallway and grabbing her by her arm, he drags her with him to the island then blowing out the candles he says in the same quiet tone, “Come with me.”

Leading her to the pantry he opens the door with a slight squeak, then shutting it quickly behind them, they stand in pitch black silence for what seems like an eternity versus mere seconds.

“Dad!” She whispers again, “What is going on? Why are we in the pantry and why are the lights off and where is mom?”

“Shhhh!” He hushes her again then he whispers, “A couple hours after the deputy left we went upstairs to our room to watch television.” He listens then continues, “After showering, I was just getting into bed when I heard a loud thump down here. It was so big that I knew it was not just the wind.” He takes a moment to stop again and listens, then blurts, “Mom is upstairs in the closet while I’m down here. I didn’t expect you coming home so early.” He pants.

“But Dad, where do you think the noise came from?”

“I know where it came from. Didn’t you see the text messages I sent you?”

“No.” She whispers.

“Ok. I sent a text to your uncle, and he too was about to hit the rack but he’s on his way.” He pauses then continues after an eerie moment of silence, “The noise came from down here, but I haven’t been able to find any signs of any intruders, I’m sure that your arrival scared them away.” He whispers.

She starts to respond but instead has a sharp intake of breath when suddenly bright beams of light show through the louvered pantry door. Trembling, she backs toward her dad who is now moving past her toward the door. Peering through the slats of wood he too sucks in his breath.

All is quiet but for the sounds of the heavy footsteps pausing just outside the pantry. The anticipation and fear are palpable as the shadows moving on the, confirm that someone is standing just on the other side of the door.

As the door opens with painstaking slowness, she’s feels panicked like a trapped animal. Bracing herself for what might come next, she finally exhales, ready to fight or find a way to take flight.

Time seems to stand still as Tim lurches forward just as the door opens. The figure standing before them is dressed in dark fatigues with a full ski mask, leaving only eyes laced with malice exposed.

As Tim swings at the intruder with a closed fist, the other man has the upper hand grabbing him around the neck into a choke hold which causes her to scream so loud and shrill enough it should break glass.

Without thinking she is pounding her fists on the back of the man who is choking her dad.

“Stop! Let go of him… let go!” She continues to scream as her mind races to keep up with her fists.

Gagging sounds coming from Tim, she kicks him with her boot clad feet.

The man does not let up but continues with his hold around her dad’s neck. In one crazy movement, he twists his body then before she realizes what’s happening, he kicks her in the chest causing her to fall back into the wall while he’s still holding her dad in a death grip.

Reeling, she lays helpless in a heap on the floor, gasping for the air that’s literally been kicked out of her, while he’s choking the life out her dad right before her eyes. The way the attacker moves is that of someone with combat training, this is no amateur.

Her eyes darting around the kitchen she moves quickly grabbing the first thing in her path, a wrought iron door stop in the shape of an old-fashioned clothes iron. Without hesitation, she lunges toward the intruder with the iron in hand and slams the heavy thing against his head. He instantly releases his grip around Tim’s neck and slumps to the ground. Rushing to her dad’s side, she wraps her arm around the back of him to support him as he makes gurgling noises trying to capture a breath!

“Dad! Can you breathe? Dad?” She yells as he is struggling.

No longer able to hold up his weight she eases him onto the floor while he continues to gasp. His face still purple she realizes he is not okay he is in distress. “Crap! I don’t know what to do!!” She gasps under her breath. Reaching in her pocket she pulls out her phone then calls emergency. Just as the operator answers out of the corner of her eyes she sees movement and once again, the intruder is lunging toward them with murder in his eyes.

Dropping the phone, she places herself between the man and her dad who is still gasping on the floor. “Just leave us alone!” She shrieks.

He answers her demands by lunging toward her seizing her by the left arm then yanking her toward him. “Let go!” She yells through clenched teeth as she flails her body around trying to break loose of the hold he has on her.

Tightening his hold of her arm, he lets out a sickening laugh that is nothing short of evil just as he yanks her arm behind her so hard that she feels a sharp pop and snap come from the socket. Searing pain follows, which she knows instinctually that her arm has been popped from the joint.

She sinks to the floor from the debilitating pain. The room spins, as the intruder drags her across the floor, she hears a loud voice yell, “Stop—put your hands up. We have you surrounded.”

Releasing a loud guttural growl, the intruder yanks Ellen onto her feet, holding her in front of him with one arm wrapped around her torso and the other holding a handgun. She lets out a loud squeal of protest, but the assailant only tightens his hold as her left arm dangles limp at her side.

Tears spring out of her eyes as she fights against succumbing to the horrific pain. He jerks her so close to him she can feel his hot breath on the back of her neck blowing against her hair. The ragged sounds of his breathing are all she can hear as everyone waits for his next move.

The terror she feels is churning and brewing in the pit of her stomach, she is literally this man’s human shield. Nobody can advance on him without fear of her safety.

Tim has not moved. Lying on the floor in an unconscious heap, Ellen is praying he is okay while not allowing herself to fear the worst. Assessing the situation, she feels even more panicked… how can she possibly escape the clutches of this monster?

In small and painfully slow movements, he has managed to move them to the back door through the mudroom. His continued hot and heavy breathing against the back of her head sickens her as he has her pressed against the door straining to see out the glass to the pitch-black grounds. Clouds having moved over the moon give perfect cover for the criminal to make his escape.

“Open the door!” He growls in her ear.

She winces as he tightens his hold around her body, causing an increase in the pain radiating from her arm.

Slowly, she reaches her hand toward the door then turning the knob he jerks her, “Do it… now!” He shouts!

“I am!” She snaps back.

As the door opens, she feels immense trepidation hoping that if the place is surrounded that one of the new hires doesn’t get over zealous and open fire. Her heart is pounding. This is not one of her movies, this is real. Too real.

Urging her through the door, he pushes her toward the stairs that lead to the yard and out to the lake. Stumbling down the steps the wind is whipping them around with so much force it seems to whistle an eerie tune making it feel as if this were straight out of a movie. She’s about to take another step when suddenly she hears men’s voices shouting followed by a flood of light illuminating the dark abyss. The light is so bright and blinding the man releases his hold of Ellen to shield his eyes. She takes this as a chance to escape his grasp. As she bolts down the rest of the stairs, he lunges toward her grabbing whatever he can get his hands on. Her head snaps back in a sharp whipping motion as he has her by a fistful of her hair.

She screams then reeling backward she loses her footing falling onto the stairs with such force she takes the man down with her. They tumble down the flight of stairs bouncing off the wood planks like rugs fallen out of the bed of a truck.

At the foot of the bannister, she hits her head on a planter with a final swift blow; passing out instantly.

Chapter Five

The leaves have fallen off the trees in piles around the foot of the trees lining the street. Ellen watches out the window as the landscaping crew of six ascends on the piles with rakes and blowers. The flurry of activity is entertaining and a welcome distraction from her boredom.

“Ah, you are awake!” A cheery voice chirps from her hospital room door.

Pulling her eyes away from the workers she transfers her lazy gaze to Amber as she bounds in the room with a bouquet bigger than her small frame.

“Amber, how sweet of you though you shouldn’t have!” Ellen musters enough energy to wiggle into a sitting position while grimacing from the discomfort and the dull pulsing pain emulating from her left shoulder.

“Of course, I should have. My gosh, what you have been through! I just keep thinking if only you had stayed a little longer, you may not have taken that tumble!”

Ellen scoffs, “Or it may have been worse, the attacker might have done even more damage to my parents. As it is, my dad is as bad off as I am.”

“I know, I just came from dropping off a crossword puzzle book and a box of chocolates to his room. I originally came here first, but you were fast asleep.”

“How is dad doing?”

“He’s in good spirits though he’s worried about you and about your mom alone in the house.”

“Why is he worried about her alone in the house? They got the guy in custody.”

Amber’s eyes dart around the room as if to avoid contact with Ellen.

“Amber! What are you not telling me?”

“Well, I doubt I should be the one to tell you but when they were transferring him to the lockup at the county, they slid on a patch of wet leaves. Losing complete control of the cruiser, the car turned over and somehow, he escaped. The deputy driving is in critical condition, but they expect him to make it,” She says while carefully assessing Ellen’s reaction.

Her good hand flies to cover her mouth as her eyes grow large with her fear emulating, “Oh my gosh, do they have any idea where he is?”

Shaking her blonde head rapidly, “No, they have a manhunt in progress and a bulletin for all the residents of Thunder Valley to be on alert. Honestly, we are all freaked out. Scott got out his shotgun and has been preparing it. I have been keeping the front door to the boutique locked. I put up a sign to knock.” She snorts, “Can you imagine being under lockdown? You are lucky to be in here with armed guards outside your rooms.”

Ellen scoffs, “I guess that depends on how you define lucky. Being here in the hospital with a torn rotator cuff, a broken arm, concussion, three cracked ribs and enough facial contusions I am certain some plastic surgery is in my near future is hardly lucky.” She says solemnly.

She tilts her head assessing Ellen’s face, “Yes, you got your share of injuries, between you and your dad it’s so unbelievable one man could inflict so much damage in such a short time.”

“Well, he did the arm damage, but the rest is all from tumbling down those damned stairs with a two-hundred-pound man pinning me at the bottom.” She pauses, “Dad has every right to have concern for mom, that man is dangerous. Just when did he escape? She visited me yesterday afternoon and my uncle was here yesterday too, nobody said a single word.” She snarls with disgust.

“Well that’s because it happened late yesterday around dinner time. They sent out an alert last night. We got the call just as we were sitting down to watch The Office reruns.”

“Are they still using the phone tree?” Ellen smirks.

Amber grins, “Yes, before you say it, the phone tree works. I hardly think anyone views it as old fashioned as you do.”

“I know, I haven’t figured out why this village is so reluctant to embrace a little modern technology. Why not an email blast?”

“Oh Ellie, you are too big city for us, that’s all.”

Ellen’s face turns somber again, “I should call mom. I think she needs to go stay with someone, she shouldn’t be home by herself with this crazed attacker on the loose.”

“Yes, that’s correct.” A deep voice responds from the door.

“Dad! You’re up!” Ellen exclaims.

“Yes, no thanks to that scumbag!” Tim says in a hoarse voice then clicks his tongue, “He sure didn’t spare your face.” He says as he walks gingerly to the free chair next to Amber.

“Way to be delicate Tim.” Amber scolds, “She’s been through enough of a trauma, you should know worrying about her face will not help her recovery. All she will do now is concern herself with finding a plastic surgeon!”

Looking sheepish, “Sorry, I am just taken at the amount of damage, I’m just relieved that Kathy didn’t get hurt too!”

“I know, me too! Sorry, I know how selfish this sounds but is my face really that bad? Can you find me a mirror?” Ellen asks Amber as she gropes at the bandages on her face.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Give it a few more days to heal, then panic.” Tim advises.

“You are the one who is making a fuss over my face, you can’t blame me for freaking out!” Ellen whimpers.

“Sorry, I should never have said a word.” His eyes dart from Ellen to Amber then shifts in his seat while grimacing, “I’m starving, I swear the food here is forcing me to lose weight. I’m told that I will leave here tomorrow. What have they told you?”

“Same. I should expect to be out of here in the morning providing everything checks out. I wish we could go home today. Speaking of which, don’t you think mom should stay with someone until we are home?”

“Absolutely. That’s why I insisted that she go stay with Aunt Connie. I wanted to talk to you about something though.”

With a raise of her brow, she nods, “I wonder if you should go back to LA? I’m thinking things will be unsafe for you here, or for any of us until this locket mystery is solved or forgotten. Either way, I might take Kathy away for a few weeks.”

She releases a heavy sigh, “I don’t want to go back to LA right now. I just got here.” She looks at Tim’s face scrunched into a scowl. “I doubt that creep is still in town, he’s probably hundreds of miles away by now.”

“That’s probably true, but we don’t know what he was after. And, we don’t know if he was acting alone or if he was sent here to do someone’s dirty work.”

“Do they have any idea who he is?”

“They know his identity but nothing else. He would not breathe a word without his attorney, so they know nothing except he’s ex-military, not that it matters since he got away last night while they were transporting him.”

She scoffs, “I heard, Amber told me. I knew he must be a trained assassin or something! The way he wrangled you and kicked me at the same time is not a skill an average thug possesses.” Her eyes wide while she ponders. “So, he had an attorney, that means they didn’t get a thing out of him.”

“Apparently.” He stretches and yawns, “Look, I’m getting tired, so I think I will shuffle back to my room for a nap. You should do the same, your uncle will be by later today or tomorrow to talk more about what happened. He’s hoping we’ll remember something that will help this investigation. Seriously, the blows to the head we both received is sure an impediment.”

He carefully leans over and kisses her cheek.

“Get rest Dad, maybe we can eat Jell-O together later.” She says quietly with a sardonic grin.

“Okay. I think that is my cue to leave.” Amber says cheerfully as she jumps to her feet. “Let me know what flavor you get, personally I prefer the green.” She giggles.

Ellen winces, “Eww, I much prefer none, but my jaw hurts so much I can hardly chew. Pudding and gelatin are some of the few things I can get down.”

“I can only imagine.” She says with a scrunch of her nose. “Call me when you get home and I will bring some of my famous chicken noodle soup. It won’t be hard to eat, and it heals anything that ails you.”

“Sounds wonderful! Hey, thanks for coming and for the flowers. You are so sweet to think of me.”

She waves her hand, “Don’t mention it, I’m just glad you and Tim are okay. This could have been a lot worse. I shudder to think of how much.”

“Believe me, I know.” Ellen sighs fighting the tears threatening at the corners of her eyes.

Just as she is about to exit the room she pauses, “With all the craziness from that night, I keep forgetting to ask you something.”

“Which is?”

“Did you have any stomach troubles when you left our place?”

Ellen shakes her head, “No, why?”

“I’m sure it’s nothing but Scott and I both had terrible stomach pains that night and into the morning. We threw out all of the leftovers including the pie, just in case, but with all of the chaos it slipped my mind. Scott started feeling puny right as you were leaving but he didn’t want to say anything in front of you in case it was a personal problem.” She giggles.

“Hmm. Now that you mention it, the pie tasted a little off, but I figured that was my guilty conscience.”

Amber shrugs, “Hmm. It couldn’t be from Auntie Claire’s baked goods, no way! I know I should feel guilty about eating too many treats, but I seldom do. I guess the mystery continues. Feel better and I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll be in touch when I am back on my feet and thanks again for visiting.” She calls after her perky friend.

Now that her visitors have cleared the room, she shuts her eyes against the fading light of the stark room and relives the whole nightmare—again.

Waking with a start, the room is dark but for a sliver of light coming from the hallway outside her room. She turns her head carefully toward the nightstand next to her bed to see the time. Fumbling with the cord to turn the light on over her head, she knocks an object onto the floor.

“Oh crud!” She blurts to herself as she flips on the light.

She peers over the bed railing while grunting against the pain wracking her body as she is writhing to see what dropped.

A gasp escapes her lips as her groggy eyes try to focus on the fallen object.

She frantically pushes the nurse call button but no answer. Not surprising as it’s a small-town hospital. It’s likely that there are probably only two nurses on duty at night.

Pushing the button again she finally has success.

“Can I help you?” The nurse asks in a snippy tone.

“Yes please, did anyone come to my room this evening after dinner?”

“Visiting time is over so I doubt anyone has been to see you.” She replies impatiently.

“Are you certain?”

“I’m reasonably sure.” She replies in the same tone.

“Okay.” She thinks, “Would you mind coming in my room for a moment? Something has dropped from my bedside table and I can’t reach it.”

She sighs, “Can’t this wait until morning? I have my rounds to make and this will cause me to fall behind.”

Ellen quickly replies, “I’m sorry to be a bother or cause you to get behind in your rounds but I need you to come to my room and assist me.” Her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Fine. Be there in a sec.” She replies in a huff.

A few moments later she enters the room as if a gust of wind blew through the doors. She flips on the overhead light then briskly walks to Ellen’s bedside.

“So, where is it? Where’s the ‘thing’ you dropped that could not wait for the morning?” She snaps at her.

“Whoa, what’s with the rude bedside manner?”

She snorts in response, “All of you Hollywood types are the same, you expect special treatment just because you are famous. Your entitlement is disgusting, and I want to keep my job so that’s the only reason I am in here serving you.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you but I am far from the entitled Hollywood type you assume that I…”

The nurse cuts her off, “Who are you kidding, you broke up a marriage and then fled back here to hide when the going got tough. No, maybe you aren’t the entitled type. I mean that takes a lot of courage to demand so much of others, you are just a coward.”

“How dare you!” Ellen spats.

“How dare I what?” The nurse challenges.

“They should not allow you to speak to any patient that way. I don’t care one bit about who you think I am, but I am lying here in a hospital after a vicious attack on me and my family. You have no right to address me that way.”

The nurse shrugs her shoulders while moving around to the other side of the bed. Leaning down she picks up the object then examines it before holding it up for Ellen to see.

As Ellen’s blood turns cold, the nurse turns the object over in her hand again then holds it out, “All of this over a stupid figurine?”

Snatching it out of her hand, Ellen ignores her last comment while muttering “Thanks. That’s all I needed.”

As she exits the room in yet another huff, Ellen is so fixed on the small yellow bird figurine she hardly notices the nurse leave.

Her mind races as she tries to remember the last time she saw the little bird. Turning the bird over again in her hand, she examines every inch of the little object made of resin. Chipped in several places she runs her finger over the dents as if something injured the bird.

Soft tears trickle down Ellen’s face as she remembers a time when her life was simple and carefree. The life she is living now is anything but the life she had imagined when she was a child.

But then rarely do the daydreams of a child come true.

She drifts back to sleep with all the lights on in her room and the little bird clutched in her hand.

Chapter Six

“Let me show you how to fire this baby up.” Ron, the alarm technician motions for Tim to follow him to the mudroom.

“As you can see, this keypad is a state-of-the art, top of the line technology. You can arm, disarm, and set off panic from any of the pads I installed. Oh, and the best part is you can do all of that from your cellular device too, just as long as it’s a smarty phone.” He says excitedly.

“That’s good. I want to feel safe in my own home and this seems capable of doing the trick. Now Ron, how much did you say this is setting me back?” Tim asks with a raise to his brow.

“Okay Tim, it’s all installed, it’s too late to back out now, and you said whatever it costs, and don’t forget this is the Safeguard Home 3000.”

Tim scoffs, “Oh no, I’m not trying to back out, I’m all in and I meant what I said about the cost, I just have to break the news to the head of finance, that’s all. Surely you know what that’s like.”

“Oh boy do I ever.” He leans in “I’m already giving you the friend discount, but I will knock ten percent off that if you get that girl of yours to give an autograph for my niece. She’s a huge fan.” He chuckles.

Tim lightly slaps Ron on the back, “You got it. Let me go fetch my checkbook.”

As Tim goes the den, Ron presses buttons on the alarm pad causing bleeps and dings to fill the otherwise silent house.

Ellen steps out from the shadows once she is certain Tim is out of earshot.

“Ron?” She says quietly.

He doesn’t answer. She says his name softly again but with the bells and bleeps he is creating he still does not hear her.

“Ron!” She says quickly with an exclamation point.

“Huh? What?” He shouts.

“Shhhh. I don’t want him to hear me.”

“Well hello Ellen, I didn’t see you standing there, you sure gave me a fright though. Good thing I don’t wear a pacemaker otherwise the medics would have been dispatched by now.” He says in a boisterous voice which causes Ellen to wince.

“I’m sorry, I just don’t want my dad to overhear me in here. I want to pay for the alarm system and whatever other security measures you can think of. When I told him that I wanted to pay, he wouldn’t hear of it, but I don’t care, it’s the least I can do for them.”

Patting her on the arm, he says in a kindly voice, “You’re a good daughter but I can’t think of much else than this system unless you are inclined to get a Doberman frothing at the mouth.”

Ellen giggles “Yeah, I don’t think even a ferocious dog could have stopped that guy the other night. It was like he was the Terminator on steroids.”

“In that case, you might want to consider a taser gun. That’s ‘bout the only thing left. Knowing how your mama feels about guns, I bet that won’t even slip past her, I would go the big dog route.”

Shaking her head with a slight scowl, “I am with her on the gun subject and I can’t imagine that going well. I just see myself dropping it on the floor or worse yet the intruder getting control of it and turning it on me. A dog, I daresay, is a better prospect as I can’t even imagine a taser working for me either.”

Ron laughs, “Judging by your maneuvers in the movies I’d say you are selling yourself short.”

“Oh Ron, surely you don’t believe I do all those stunts myself?” She laughs but stops once she sees that Ron has a straight face with the look of disappointment plastered on it. “But I have a few moves that I might have been able to use had the circumstances been different.”

He smiles then says, “Listen, I am all for you paying, just how do you want me to handle old Tim? He’s a stubborn one.”

“You don’t have to tell him. Let me give you my card information and you can run it back at the office. Take his check but just shred it.”

Nodding, “Sounds like a plan little lady.” Ron says in his best southern drawl.

“What’s a plan?” Tim’s voice bellows from the doorway.

“Oh, nothing he was just saying that he could come back to do more training on the system if we need to. I told him that we would let him know once mom is back.”

She winks at Ron and he nods with gusto.

“Well yes, that does sound like a plan. Now that the system is installed I will feel better about having both of my favorite ladies here.”

As Tim and Ron put their heads together to discuss the details of the system, Ellen slips out the French doors to the deck for some fresh air. The sun is sitting low over the hills casting a yellow and orange glow off the water. She wanders down to the dock with her eyes fixed on the place where she found the locket just weeks ago. Reaching into her jacket pocket, her fingers wrap around the worn bird figurine. She hasn’t shown it to Tim yet. When she does, a whole another inquiry will ensue.

They thought the figurine was lost a long time ago when they moved from their cottage to the manor. It was a gift from Ellen’s grandmother visiting from Switzerland. It was part of a larger set, but over time, Ellen lost or broke the little resin family of birds. The little yellow bird with the cracked beak is all that is left.

At the end of the dock, Ellen sits down with her feet in a crossed position under her. She pulls the bird out of her pocket to give it further examination which takes her back to a time that her life was innocent and carefree. A time that she now mourns.

Like most people, she has zero recollection of her early years. These memories though are quite vivid to her. Though having heard her dad tell this story, several times has likely influenced her recollections. Her grandparents were visiting from Geneva and brought the set of birds with them. Though she was young, being only three years old, Ellen still remembers her grandmother smelling of something sweet like sugar cookies and how warm the August day was when she gave her the gift. It was a warm summer day when they arrived. Ellen had been playing in the yard when Tim pulled up in the family station wagon. It was exciting to see the people get out of the car with suitcases, talking in a strange language. Her mother came bounding out of the house chattering away in the same tongue further confusing Ellen.

Scooped up by the old man, Ellen screamed for her mommy. Melody laughed and taking pity on the little girl, she wrapped her in her arms and carried her inside following their guests through the door into the little cottage.

Once settled, they gathered outside by the lake under the cascading willow tree. Sitting at the white iron table drinking fresh squeezed lemonade and eating little cookies from a tin that her grandmother produced. She called Ellen over to her and pulled her onto her lap. She whispered in her ear, “Would you like a present?”

Nodding with her blonde piggy tails bouncing, the old woman pulled out a small package with pink and white floral print wrapping. Excitedly she ripped open the package much like any small child would do. The small pieces of torn paper fell to the ground like confetti at a parade. Opening the box, she tossed the tissue to the side to reveal the little family of three resin birds in bright yellow, blue, and white.

“What do you say to grandma?” Her mother coaxed.

“Thank you,” She squeaked.

“You are welcome.” She replied with her thick accent.

Ellen studied the little birds lined up on the table then pointing with her little finger she said, “Daddy,” to the blue bird, then she pointed to the white bird, “Baby bird.” Then pointing to the yellow bird, she exclaimed in a high-pitched voice, “That’s mommy!”

“Ellen?” Tim shouts from the covered porch. “Ellen?”

Quickly wiping away a stray tear, she stands up to respond while placing the bird back in her pocket. “Over here!”

“Oh good. Hey, do you want to ride with me to town to pick up Kathy? I thought maybe we could stay and eat at Galucci’s?” He is still hollering over the expanse between them.

Running up the path she hollers back, “Sounds great! When do we need to leave?”

“Now. She will meet us there, she’s getting a table as we speak.”

“Sounds good. Let me just grab my purse and change my jacket.”

“Meet you at the truck.” He says over his shoulder.

Running up the stairs into the house on up to her room, she plays the scene with her grandparents over in her head while humming an unfamiliar tune. In her room she stows the bird under a stack of sweaters in the walk-in closet. Slipping into a warmer coat, she grabs her purse then meets Tim out in the driveway where he is waiting in the truck with the motor running.

“Now check out how slick this is, I will set the alarm from my phone. Can you believe this technology?”

“Yeah, that’s pretty advanced, especially for you.” She teases.

“Careful there, I might just surprise you. Just as much as you surprise me sometimes.”

He looks at her with a knowing nod of his head, “Ron told me that you settled up my bill. I told you that you didn’t need to do that.”

“What I need to do and what I want to do are entirely different things and it is my pleasure to do something for you and mom.”

“Why couldn’t you just treat me to an ice cream? You didn’t need to spend a fortune and I know it was a small fortune despite the friend discount.”

The truck hits a pothole sending the occupants lurching forward.

“Oof, now maybe I should help pay for repairs on this road!”

Laughing in unison, they forget the torment of the past several days for the moment, but tomorrow’s troubles are just around the next bend.

Chapter Seven

She says sleepily into the phone, “Hello?”

“Ellie! Wake up! I have news for you!”

“Who is this?” Ellen replies while struggling to sit up in bed.

He sighs heavy into the phone, “Come on, don’t play these games. Something big just came in for you. Now wake up and I will tell you all the juicy details!”

“Okay Vincent, just give me a sec.” She moans.

“Hey, hey, why so formal?”

“No reason, I’m just groggy. Give me a minute to go downstairs.”

He scoffs, “Go get caffeinated, I’ll wait.”

“Wouldn’t you rather if I called you back?”

“Nope, I will wait right here. This is too good to wait for you to call me back in two hours.”

“Fine. Suit yourself.” She says as she enters the kitchen to find a full pot of coffee sitting on the counter next to it, a plate of what appears to be cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. “Ugh, I’m going to put on weight at this rate.”

“No! No! You may not put a single ounce on little lady. And if you’ve had your coffee, I would love to tell you why.”

Taking a long satisfying sip of coffee, she sits back in a chair that offers her a panoramic view of the lake. After taking a large bite of the decadent bun she says, “Okay, let me hear it.”

“Uh-uh, tell me you didn’t just shove something fattening in your mouth?”

“Vinny!” She scolds.

“Okay, anyway. Remember that new director based in France, Jacques Laurent? I was telling you about him before you ran away.”

She rolls her eyes, “Yes. You mean the one rumored to still live with his mother?”

“And what is wrong with that?”

She starts to respond, but he interrupts, “Oh never mind, don’t answer. He landed that epic film starring Gerald Montague.” He exclaims.

She yawns.

“Hello? Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“Oh, sure. Congratulations to uh, whatever his name is.”

“Congratulations to what’s his name? Is that all?”

Growing impatient she takes another large bite of the bun, “What does any of this have to do with me?”

“He wants YOU to star opposite Gerald-Monta-Freaking-Gue... can you imagine? Gerald Montague! That’s what it has to do with you. Do you have any idea what this would mean for me? I mean you?”

She scoffs, “Yeah, I know what it would mean for you. What’s the script?”

“Well. I was getting to that.” He says with a tinge of hesitation.

“Out with-it V.”

“It’s about a woman who gets abducted then she falls in love with her abductor. Right in your wheelhouse wouldn’t you say?”

“Uh, well I guess if you like to romanticize Stockholm Syndrome.” She snaps.

“I thought you’d be excited. What’s with the lousy attitude? You don’t even have to read for the part. The director said, and I quote, ‘I want Ellen Jackson and there is to be no other auditions for this role. You get me her and I will let you stay in my chateau whenever you want. So, you see, I simply must get you to say yes. Oh, and the money they are offering you is ridiculous.”

She sighs.

“You know V, I’m just not in it for the money anymore. I need substance. Have you personally reviewed the script yet?”

He clears his throat, “Well not yet but let’s just say that I’m certain that if Jacques Laurent is willing to put his name to the production, it should be good enough for you! Now what’s it gonna be?”

“I guess I can look at it.”

He squeals.

“But no promises Vinny, I mean it. Send me the script and I will let you know. When do they go into production?”

“They want to go into production in March. Before you say it, I know that is cutting it close with ‘The Sisters of Monarch Valley’ but it is due to wrap no later than late February. I will make a few calls and make certain that they know you are on a tight schedule.”

“My contract is iron-clad. If they want to keep me into March that is their right. Don’t forget we might have delays already because of my injuries. I just wonder why they waited so long to cast for such a large role? It seems so last minute.”

“That’s Hollywood baby. And, details you need not concern yourself with, now why don’t you just leave those annoying little details with me? Okay! Now, be a love and tell me more about the rugged wilderness where you are communing with nature, it will serve as a reminder for me to appreciate the concrete and skyscrapers I am looking at. And just how bad is your face? Do you really think you won’t need surgery?  I’m relieved because the studio found a body double since you have that vile cast.” He gushes.

“Oh Vinny, just send me the script.”

“It’s already on its way, I overnighted it to you yesterday. It should be there by late day. Bye!”

He hangs up before she chastises him for his assumptions.

“Unbelievable.” She mutters under her breath.

Placing her coffee cup and the breakfast plate in the dishwasher she runs upstairs to put on warm clothes before she heads outside for a walk along the shore. Later in the morning she is to meet Amber at her shop to help her decorate the little boutique for the holidays.

She plays the conversation with Vinny over in her head as she walks along the lake. She realizes she isn’t in the least bit interested in the role that has landed in her lap.

The morning is still and quiet but for the occasional eerie cry from a lake loon calling out. With her hands tucked in her pockets for warmth she silently chastises herself for not bringing a pair of gloves on her walk.

Feeling agitated, she blurts aloud, “I don’t want to play a victim that falls in love with her captor.”

No sooner is the words uttered she hears a voice from behind her, “Hey Ellen!”

Ellen whirls around to look for who is speaking to her.

She releases a sigh of relief as she confirms that it’s Ben.

“Hi Ben!” She responds shyly.

He is dressed in a pair of snug-fitting jeans tucked into a pair of tan suede work type boots and a deep blue puffy jacket that enhances his eyes. She watches as his long legs make quick work of closing the gap between them with effortless strides. Wearing a knit hat pulled down over his ears, all she can do is focus on his handsome face smiling at her.

A distinct wave of nerves cascades down her spine. A feeling she has not felt since she was a young girl heading off to the big unknown to pursue her dreams.

Ben is now standing in front of her. The cold air turning their breath into little puffs of steam matching the low-lying mist that is hovering just above the lake.

“How are you?” She looks past him noticing that he’s alone.

“I’m doing good.” He replies without losing the sumptuous grin. “How are you? I heard about all the weird stuff going on at the manor.”

Scrunching her nose, “What have you heard?” She asks with a slight edge to her voice.

Looking down at the ground he picks up a stick and flings it toward the lake. As it lands with a splat in the water, she watches as it causes a jagged ripple in the otherwise glass-like surface.

As he turns back to her he shrugs, “I suppose the scratches and bruises on your face confirm what I heard. I also suppose that you don’t want to talk about it.” He snickers.

“I don’t mind talking about it but just be clear, aliens did not abduct me.” She laughs, “Though we had an intruder in the house. He was there for the sole purpose to cause us some serious bodily harm.” She says with a somber face.

His smile fades, “In that case I’m guessing you would like to run back to LA once the holiday is over?”

“Now remember, that’s always been the plan. I am on studio break right now but after the New Year, I have to be back on-set. We have a movie to finish.”

“Oh, that’s right.” He chuckles while kicking at something in the grass below his feet.

Noticing several deer eating from a bush in a clearing several hundred yards ahead of them, she holds her finger to her lips and quietly says “Shh.” She points to the elusive and timid wildlife. He nods with an amused look on his face.

As they quietly watch, breathing in the cool morning air with the feeling that time just might stand still. The moment is then rudely interrupted by a noisy flock of geese flying overhead in a ‘v’ formation with the head goose barking out orders to its squad.

The small group of deer seem to be oblivious to the human interlopers and the south bound birds overhead until the snapping of twigs, coming from behind a small cluster of evergreen bushes. As Ellen turns to look, she notices the unmistakable shape of a long-distance camera lens.

“Shit!” She blurts. “They have discovered me.”

“Wha… what?” Ben says unaware of the intrusion.

Nodding toward the bushes, “The paparazzi have found me.” She sighs, “I don’t know how I ever thought that I could sneak away.” She says while pulling the collar of her coat up closer to her chin and then pulls her hat down to cover more of her head and ears.

“Would you like me to stop him? I can go over there and tell him to leave.” She shakes her head, but he continues, “It’s trespassing. Last time I checked this property is owned by Tim. He has signs posted.”

She shrugs, “Couldn’t hurt I guess. Just don’t let it escalate to a yelling match and for heaven sakes don’t let it get physical. These guys thrive on the altercation.”

“Just let me handle this.” He says in an assured voice.

His long legs make quick tracks over the bushes where suddenly, the photographer jumps out of the trees madly snapping away. He’s no idiot, he knows that Ben intends to put a stop to his interruption, so he’s getting a few shots before the interchange ensues.

“You there! Do you realize you are trespassing?”

“Screw you!” The man barks.

“Get out of here! If we catch you around here again, you’ll have hell to pay!” Ben’s deep voice penetrates the calm surroundings as if a volcano were erupting.

The man says nothing but laughs his way back toward the forest service road from where he was likely to have parked.

Shaking his head in disgust, Ben rejoins Ellen by the lake.

“Well, I guess that went well considering he only told me to screw myself.” He says chuckling.

“Yes, that went quite well, and no punches were thrown. A vast improvement over my experiences in LA.” She softly grunts, “Ironically if I were with my agent Vinny he would have caused a scene just to get the paparazzi to take more pictures.”

Ben laughs, “Wait, your agent’s name is actually Vinny?”

“Yes, that seems cliché doesn’t it?” She laughs.

“I don’t know if I was thinking cliché as much as it sounds like he’s your bookie.”

She continues to giggle.

“That’s so funny because if you saw him, he looks like anything but a slimy bookie or loan shark. He looks more like a remnant from a boy band circa 1995.”

“Seriously? In what way? Nu Kids on the Block or more like Boyz to Men?”

“Neither, I would say Lance Bass from NSYNC. He styles his wardrobe and hair almost as if he is stuck a time capsule.”

“Wow! That was not at all the impression I would have gotten just from what little you have told me of him.” He says laughing.

She joins in the merriment forgetting about her troubles if even for the moment.

They reach the dock in front of her parent’s home.

Ben looks down at Ellen with his piercing eyes boring a hole right through her. Chills travel through her core as she says awkwardly “Well, it was nice running into you.”

“Would you like to meet for coffee this week?” He blurts.

“Uh, sure. When?”

“Tomorrow?” He says with a slight quiver of his voice.

“Oh! Uh…”

“If you can’t, don’t worry, it’s short notice.”

“No!” She says a little too emphatically as his eyebrows shoot up in surprise, “I mean, that’s great. I am just so used to having a packed schedule that it seldom leaves room for spontaneity. A habit I’m glad to break.”

“Good then let’s meet at Thunder Valley Roasters.”

“I’ve never heard of them. Are they new?”

He smiles, “Yes, they just opened a week ago on Main Street just down from the hardware store.”

“Oh right. That’s the one that is right next to Amber’s boutique.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

After agreeing on a time to meet then they part ways. Heading up to the house she sees movement in the windows of the exercise room. Working on reaching an itch under the cast, she passes the planter that nearly killed her just weeks ago. Despite the winter sun beating on her head, a nasty chill pokes at her spine.

When she barely enters the house, she hears Kathy’s voice call out to her, “Ellie? Are you there?”

“Yes, I’ll be right in.” She replies while kicking off her shoes and hanging her coat on the rack in the mud room. Still itching, she stops to grab a chopstick out of the silverware drawer then heads down the hall.

Entering the exercise room, she is pleased to see the vigorous activity that her middle-aged parents are engaging. Kathy is working up quite the sweat on the elliptical while her dad is benching.

“Look at you two. I’m sufficiently impressed. Especially you dad, I think you’ve recovered quicker than me!” Ellen praises her parents.

“I’m still sore but I’m not letting that get in the way. I need to stay in shape or someone younger and more fit will snatch that hottie over there on the elliptical machine away from me.”

Kathy giggles, “Oh Tim. You are always the flirt, but you have nothing to worry about.”

“Okay, you two. I gotta get ready to meet Amber at her shop this morning. What did you need?”

“Oh, nothing, I just couldn’t help noticing you walking with Benjamin by the lake.” She says with a smirk.

“Mom! We simply ran into each other along the shore. You know that he hardly lives far from here.”

“True. I just thought it was nice that you were getting out in the fresh air and with a nice male companion.”

“How can you say that with a straight face? Do you have any idea how old-fashioned you sound?” Ellen laughs, “Back me up here dad.”

“She’s right. And I don’t mean you Ellie, I mean your mom. You need color in those cheeks and spending time with someone of quality like Ben can’t hurt either. I don’t imagine those Hollywood types offer much substance. Don’t you ever feel you need real relationships?”

She shrugs, “Regularly, but that is part of the deal. It’s something you sign up for without ever actually knowing it,” she takes a breath, “at least until you felt so empty that you hardly recognize the hunger pains for substance, which you have grown accustom to not having.”

At the end of her ramble, the room falls silent as both Kathy and Tim have ceased their activity as if to digest Ellen’s sad confession.

Breaking the awkward silence, she chirps, “Well! On that note, I think I will get ready and head down to the boutique. I wish this arm would stop itching though!” She says through clenched teeth as she shoves the chopstick in the cast again.

Kathy clears her throat, “Uh yes, that’s likely to continue bugging you until it comes off. Be sure to tell Amber hello from us and take her some of that banana bread I made yesterday. Remember how she used to gobble that down when she was a girl?”

Ellen giggles, “Um, I used to come down in the middle of the night and sneak a generous slice of the bread.”

“I’ll let you in on a secret, I knew what you were doing. My first clue was the trail of crumbs on the counter, the misplaced plastic wrap around the plate and finally the dribbles of milk on the counter next to the empty glass. You weren’t great at covering your tracks.” Kathy smiles warmly.

“Wow! You never said a word about it.”

“No. Why would I? It flattered me that you liked my baking so much that you would sneak around in the middle of the night like a little bandit. It always made me feel good, like I was really filling in for your mother.”

Ellen’s head snaps up, “Oh Kathy, you are not just a fill-in! You have been a wonderful mother.”

Tim chimes in, “It’s true, I couldn’t have asked for a better mother to Ellen.”

She swipes away a small tear, “Thank you, but I couldn’t help but doubt myself.”

Ellen wraps her arms around Kathy in a hug. “You needn’t doubt yourself if I ever gave you reason I am so sorry!”

She looks surprised, “Oh heavens no! I just always felt like I needed to tread lightly as I didn’t want to mar the memory of Melody.”

“Melody is a memory, but you are my mother.”

Swiping at another tear, Kathy turns back to the machine to resume her activity while saying over her shoulder, “Thank you for that.”

Tim winks at Ellen with a smirk on his face just as he too resumes his lifting.

“I’ll let you guys stay focused here. I’m going to bounce.”

“Have fun dear, let us know where you are.” Tim says then he pauses and clears his throat, “I’m only keeping tabs because of recent events. I realize that you don’t need us to hover.”

Ellen sighs, “I know. I’ll keep you posted. Love you guys and don’t overdo it!”

“Ellie?”

“Yes?” She answers as her eyes widen as she fears she’ll never get to leave at this rate.

“Where is the dog? Have you seen him this morning?”

She snickers, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have seen signs of Butch this morning. You may not want to go to the mudroom unless you are in the mood to take a tally on the number of ruined shoes. He seems to have made himself quite comfortable.” She says with a hint of teasing to her voice.

Laughing, Kathy quickly responds, “Oh dear! I suspected that he was up to no good. Well I guess that’s what we get for adopting a 2-year-old German Shepard. I just wish he would stop chasing the cat around the house. I think she has taken refuge under the sitting room ottoman permanently.”

Laughing inward, “No comment.” Ellen says as she turns on her heel to head upstairs.

As Ellen gets ready, she remembers that the script that Vinny insisted she look at should arrive soon. The fact is she is simply not interested in the story line. Shaking her head, she can’t believe that she is in the position where she can pick what projects she accepts or in this case, declines. What takes most hopefuls years to achieve she has done in just a handful. That she has been very fortunate, and luck has been on her side does not escape her attention.

Taking a final glance at herself in the mirror, she is surprised at the reflection staring back at her. The wounds from the attack healing, she still looks a frightful mess. It’s easy to forget the damage until it is staring back at you.

The photographer this morning with his super power lens probably got each scrape and bruise in high definition. Once Vinny hears about that or sees the images, he will freak. But then again, he likes it when we get front page coverage, no matter if it’s good or bad.

With the rain now coming in sideways, Ellen runs down the front porch stairs toward her car with her head lowered, almost knocking down the package delivery person. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” She blurts as the delivery man reaches down to pick up the wet package. Noting the return address, she instantly knows that it’s the script from Vinny.

“Not to worry.” He says nervously, “If I can just get your signature here.” Then he hustles to his big white box truck at a clipped pace. Then before she realizes what is happening, he quickly whips out his phone and takes a picture Ellen standing beside her car with a bewildered look on her face.

Chapter Eight

Amber giggles, “If you weren’t a successful starlet, I would suggest you pursue decorating as your vocation.”

“You are too kind Amber, but I think that you give me far too much credit. Maybe I should remind you that I am only doing as you have instructed.” She laughs.

“Nonsense, you have a keen eye. Just know that you have a job with me should you ever grow tired of the spotlight.”

Still laughing Ellen says, “Be careful there, you never know, I might just take you up on that offer.”

Amber stops fussing with the decorations dangling from the mini white tree, turning away from the check stand she studies Ellen’s face. With a raise of her brow, “You aren’t happy with your life, are you?”

A nervous laugh escapes her lips. “Whatever do you mean?” She says acting surprised.

Amber shrugs almost regretting having been so bold.

“I just don’t see a person contented with their life. I should think that you would be on the top of the world. You have everything you ever wanted.”

Turning away to adjust small twinkle lights in the window display Ellen can disguise her displeasure at having been called out.

“Well presently I am not contented, that much is true. Ever since I arrived, strange things have been happening the least of which my home and family has been under siege. Brutally attacked I might add. Then there is the locket….”

Amber joins her at the window and fiddles with the sleigh that is all set to hold a stack of wrapped presents in the window display.

“I know. It’s been utter lunacy for you, but still I cannot help but to feel it goes way beyond that. You were unhappy before you arrived.” She waves her hand in the air as if she were shooing away a fly, “Before you say it, I know you are embroiled in scandal so it’s natural that will change your outlook, but I am speaking to even beyond that. Are you certain that being a famous actress living the Hollywood life is for you?”

Ellen whirls around and looks Amber squarely in the eyes.

“No, I’m not certain at all. If I’m being honest, I thought it was everything I ever wanted and now that I have it, I’m disappointed.”

“It’s not what you thought it would be, is it?” She says as her blonde curls are bobbing around her shoulders.

Ellen doesn’t answer right away. Instead she watches as Amber continues to flit around her quaint little shop with a spring in her step that she hadn’t noticed until just now and that distinctive glow.

“Amber?”

“Uh, huh?” She murmurs as she reaches the second wrung on the step stool.

“I think there’s something that you are not telling me.” Ellen says with a smirk on her face and hope lacing her voice.

Amber continues with hanging little ornaments strung on a fishing line in the window ignoring Ellen’s question.

“Yoo-hoo!” Ellen sing-songs while handing her another ornament to hang. “Wait! If my suspicions are correct, you should let me hang those and for goodness sake get off that ladder.”

Looking shocked, “How could you possibly know?” Amber says with her eyes wide.

“You have that unmistakable mother-to-be glow.”

She scoffs, “And how would you know what that looks like?”

Shrugging, “I don’t know, maybe women’s intuition. Anyway, your skin is positively radiating, and your feet have not touched the ground, you are floating and teeming with happiness.”

“Yes, I really am. What’s not to be happy about?” She pauses then taking Ellen’s hands in hers, “I want this happiness for you. Growing up we used to dream about meeting our princes and raising our children together, on the lake. Remember?”

“How could I forget? You were going to marry… oh shoot, what was his name?”

“Apparently you have forgotten!” She chides, “Hank Howard until he decided that he would rather play for the other team in high school. Remember how devastated I was?”

She laughs, “Do I ever! You were so depressed that I thought you would sign up at a convent.”

“I’m glad I didn’t, or I would never have met the man of my dreams and now I’m having our first.” She rubs her non-existent bump to emphasize.

She claps her hands together, “I’m so excited for you. When are you due?”

“We only just found out and it’s so early in the pregnancy, I am not due until the end of July.” She stops then her eyes widen, “In fact, the baby is due on the 26th. Can you believe that?”

“Wow! That would make an awesome birthday present! My oldest and dearest friend having her baby on my birthday.”

“You wouldn’t mind?” She says asks shyly.

“Mind? Are you kidding? It will be a blessing whenever he’s born but, on my birthday, would be such an honor!”

“Hmm. I wonder what we are having. Scott claims he doesn’t want to know but I just don’t think I can stand the suspense.”

Ellen throws her hands in the air. “This is not my territory. But for whatever it’s worth, I don’t think that I could wait to find out either.”

Shaking her head, “I should just be patient but it’s so hard when you watch other couples have reveal parties and their nurseries are all set. But in the whole scheme of things, those are not the right reasons for hastening the grand surprise.”

As they see to the final changes, Ellen silently ponders whether she will ever find someone to be that happy with.

“Aack!” Amber blurts interrupting Ellen’s musings. “There’s that smell again!”

She stomps her feet on her way to the check stand then lights a fragrant candle smelling of red currant.

Ellen takes a whiff and instantly knows why Amber is in a huff, her nostrils are filled with the pungent aroma of coffee beans roasting. Ah, the new tenants next door must be in production.

“I’m glad for the new business to come to town but why did they have to set up right next to my shop? It’s ruining the vibe in here. This keeps up and I will go home smelling like an espresso drink every night.” She gasps, “Worse yet, my customers will be repulsed by the burnt smell and decide not to shop here!”

Ellen stifles a giggle as she watches her friend’s pretty face contort into an ugly scowl, “Amber, can’t you just get an air purifier or something that would push the air around?”

She stops pacing and looking at Ellen, “Or, maybe I should make Ben pay for my air remediation.”

“Ben?”

“Yes Ben! He should have thought about how it would affect his neighbors before putting in a roaster like that.”

Ellen tilts her head in confusion, “Are you saying the coffee roaster is Ben, as in my Ben?”

Her last comment got Ambers attention, “Your Ben is it?” She giggles, “Yes, it is your Ben that I am referring to. He has been working on opening that coffee shop for over a year now, all the way from Italy no less, but I think it’s finally open because all I can smell are the roasting beans and I’ve noticed an increase in activity up and down the street. I find it strange that he never had an official grand opening though. He probably didn’t want to call more attention to the stink than has already been created.” She says with agitation lacing her voice. “I mean one day he shows up saying he was here to take care of his mother and the next he’s polluting the town with his beans.”

“It all makes sense now, but I don’t understand why it has been a quiet opening. He asked me to coffee this week and asked me to meet him there but never mentioned that he is the owner. Are you certain?”

“Of course, I am!” she snaps her fingers, “In fact, he’s had many conversations with Scottie about the transformation of the space and how Ben would showcase his art there.”

“The plot thickens. It seems that he is not simply back just to take care of his mother as he led me believe.” Ellen says more to herself than to her friend who is now standing in front of the candle waving the scent toward her.

“Oh, there’s more, rumor is that after his wife left him, he’s been planning on moving back here permanently. With his mother’s illness he’s been here off and on for a couple of years now, anyway. As you know, she’s been sick for quite some time, but he’s increased his visits.”

“His wife left him? Gosh, I thought she would be joining him here in Thunder Valley.” Ellen asks while clumsily folding the step ladder with her bum arm hindering her progress.

Amber responds despite the clanking that Ellen is making while setting about putting bins back on shelves behind the curtain.

“I think originally that was the plan. I was talking to Darla Thorpe, you remember, debate team captain?” Ellen nods and Amber continues, “She said that he brought her back here in hopes she would fall in love with the Valley. His mom had already been ill for some time and he knew he would need to return here eventually to care for her when the time came. Problem was that his wife met and had an affair with a wine maker when Ben was away on one of his trips out here. In the end she ran off with the guy.”

“Wow, poor Ben. Just like that? What about their little girl?”

“You mean Franny?”

“Yes, that’s right. Did she just abandon her along with her husband?”

Amber softly snorts, “One would think she was a young teenage girl with the way she has been carrying on. Clearly, I don’t know the arrangements first-hand, but I’ve heard that the little girl is to live here during the school year then back to Italy for summers with her mother. Personally, I think it too confusing for a wee little girl like that.”

“I agree though children are resilient. Look at me for example. I had a rough go of it when my mother disappeared but…”

“But you had an entire valley raise you and Tim lucked out meeting Kathy. She was every bit the mother to you.”

Ellen nods, “You’ll have no disagreement there. She was and still is a wonderful mother.” She laments, “In fact I just got done reassuring her of that this morning.”

She wanders over to a rack of silk scarves and after selecting one with blue dragon flies set against a cream backdrop, she places it on the counter.

“Do you remember we used to catch dragonflies by the dozens and Kathy was so sad for the little creatures that she had my father make that cage out of chicken wire lined with mesh for us to keep them?”

“I sure do! She wouldn’t hear of us putting them in a glass Mason jar with holes poked in the lid. Didn’t you ever wonder though why they always would escape the cage by the next day?”

They laugh in unison, “If my suspicions are correct, it was Kathy playing animal rights activist or some such a thing.” Ellen laments as she pulls out her credit card.

“Ok, you have to admit we had an awesome childhood.” She eyes the scarf, “Present for someone?”

“Yes, I think Kathy will like this. It made me think of her.”

“In that case, I will throw in the Amber treatment and tie a ribbon around the bag handles.”

“That would be nice.”

“What’s the occasion?”

“Nothing, just because. I thought she might like a little pick-me-up. She seemed a little off this morning and this might cheer her.”

“Well that’s sweet of you. Now you must let me know how your coffee date goes with Ben. He’s on my list right now because of the stink but I hope it goes well.”

“It is not a date!” Ellen insists. “We are only meeting over coffee to catch up on life. In which case, I am glad you told me about his wife, now I won’t say or ask something stupid.”

Amber sighs while taking time to tie a light pink satin ribbon around the handles of the glossy white bag. “Yes, that would be good not to insult him on your first ‘meeting’.” She says making air quotes with her fingers.

As Ellen grabs the bag off the counter she stops and says, “I am so happy for you and Scott. Let me know if I can help you with anything and for goodness sake, stay off the ladder!”

Grabbing Ellen into a hug, Amber gushes her thanks then utter words of complaint about the roasting beans again.

Once outside, Ellen braces herself against the cold, pulling her collar up around her neck wishing that she had an umbrella to shield her against the rain that is still coming in sideways. The wind gusting and urging her, she looks both ways before she crosses the street to her car, her hair blowing in the wind and sticking to her face with a cluster of wet strands blocking her eyesight. As she has nearly reached her car, she suddenly feels a slamming force thrusting her several feet into the air, tossing her to the ground in a sickening and painful thud. The impact of the car and harsh landing on the pavement is causing her body to go into shock. Using the last bit of strength, she releases a piercing scream pleading for help. After the pleas escape her lips, she gasps and gulps for air while her body lies limp on the wet ground. As Ellen loses consciousness, the only thing that she hears are the crows crying as they are circling overhead and the screeching of tires on the slick road as the assailant makes his grand escape.

The hospital room with the blinding white walls and glaring lights is becoming an all-too-familiar scene. Wincing from the pain wracking her entire body, she slowly opens her eyes yielding to the sting of the stark, unrelenting lights.

“She’s awake! Nurse!” He bellows.

“Shhhh! Tim you can be such an oaf sometimes! You’ll startle her!” Kathy’s voice chastises while Ellen’s eyes are still adjusting.

Ellen tries to speak but her voice is craggy, so she clears her throat loudly.

“What are you trying to say dear? Here let me give you some water!” Kathy says while snatching a clear water bottle with the hospital logo imprinted on the side in blue. As Ellen’s eyes continue to adjust, she wraps her dry crusty lips around the straw feeling her lips cracking under protest. Sighing from the added pain she gratefully sips at the quenching liquid.

“Thank you!” She croaks.

As the room fills with hospital staff, Ellen focuses on Tim’s face, “Dad, what happened? Why am I in the hospital—again?”

Moving around the other side of the bed he makes way for the nurse who is fussing with the machines around Ellen’s right side.

Leaning in closer he says in a quiet voice, “You don’t remember what happened?”

“No, I don’t. What day is it?”

He speaks but is interrupted by the doctor who has just entered the room.

“Ah, the patient is awake. Good, let’s look at your vitals and then we can discuss your rehabilitation.” The older man with graying bushy brows takes the chart from the nurse before she exits the room. Nodding to himself, he places the chart on the wheeled table next to him, turning his attention to Ellen and her parents.

“Please tell me how I came to be in the hospital! Why am I here?” Ellen pleads.

“I was about to kiddo.” Tim pauses, “Someone struck you down by a car outside Amber’s shop. We know little else as there were no witnesses, not even Amber. She was in her shop and didn’t see a thing.”

“So, what’s the damage.” She chokes with tears streaming down her face.

The kindly doctor chuckles, “You really lucked out with only a few broken bones and severe contusions, head to toe. It could have been much worse though. We had to place a few pins in your left arm and did a lot of cleanup work; that arm received the most damage. You’ll notice you have a new cast. You keep that in a sling longer that the first round otherwise it won’t heal properly. Once the cast is removed, it will require a fair amount of rehabilitative work, but you should make a full recovery and have full use in a reasonable amount of time… say a few months up to a year.”

She blinks back the tears flooding her eyes while the kindly doctor continues.

“We have been watching the brain swelling but so far it presents as a typical concussion… nothing sustaining, you should be able to resume memorizing and delivering your lines soon.” He laughs again.

Ellen musters a smile, but work is probably the farthest thing from her mind.

“In fact, I hate to uh… well I hate to bother you, but I hoped that I could convince you to allow me a picture taken with you?” He pauses but quickly continues when she doesn’t respond immediately, “My grown son has a crush on you and he would love a picture of you with himself, but I wouldn’t dream of imposing.” He glances quickly at her parents then back at her with a raise of his bushy brows, eyes peering through the wire-rimmed glasses precariously perched near the end of his generous nose.

Forcing herself not to respond with a roll of her eyes, “When I am rid of the scrapes and bruises on my face I would be happy to meet your son and take a picture with him.”

Looking like he is about to jump out of his starched white lab coat. He excitedly throws his hands in the air, “Well! Thank you so much, you do not understand how happy that will make him.” He looks at Kathy as she silently nods her approval. “I have other patients to tend to. Take it easy for a while longer and providing all goes well, we will get you set up with your walking papers in less than a week. Just in time for your holiday festivities.”

“Right, we have a lot to be thankful for this year.” Tim says with a serious look on his face. He looks at Ellen in the hospital bed he reaches over and picking up her bruised hand, he appears to be fighting back a choke of emotion.

“Thank you, Doctor.” Kathy says just as he exits through the heavy door.

“Well, I am relieved you have just a few more days here and then back home to convalesce. I never imagined you escaping LA would land you in the hospital nearly your entire stay here. Aside from the obvious physical trauma I imagine this is doing a number on your head… you have really been beat up.” Kathy laments more to herself than the other occupants of the stark room.

Ellen releases a soft snort as she allows her eyes to flutter shut. Locking out the sterile atmosphere she imagines herself in a row boat, floating along the lake with one leg dangling in the water as the sun kisses the top of her head and the tip of her nose.

“Shh. I think she is resting. Let’s go so she can sleep. I have a lot of shopping to get done so when she comes home I won’t have to leave her.” Kathy pauses, “Tim, I’m worried, someone really tried to kill her… there were no skid marks.”

His deep voice is little more than a hushed whisper, “I know I am worried too.”

Chapter Nine

A week later, “Merry Christmas!” Tim and Kathy sing-song as Ellen shrinks back from their collective exuberance.

She quietly replies, “Merry Christmas to you too,” pushing herself to sound more excited than she is feeling.

Tim hands Ellen a green shiny foil-wrapped package in the shape of a perfect square. Intrigued, she accepts the gift with a crooked smile on her face. Looking up at Tim she gently rips at the wrapping.

“Go on! Put a little oomph into that, none of us are getting any younger here!” He says in an exacerbated tone.

“Cool it Tim, she’ll get there!” Kathy scolds.

“It’s just a bit tough to do when one of my arms is in a full cast.”

“Ellie, your fingers seem to work just fine.” He lobs back.

Gingerly, she works on removing the paper from the box when she finally reveals a cardboard box that has an auto parts company logo on the side. The top of the box has been taped so much that she can’t break through.

“Geeze are you sure that you actually want me to open the box or just amuse yourself watching me struggle with the whole roll of tape holding this together?” She says in a teasing tone.

Letting out a loud snort, “Okay, okay. That was me. It just kept puckering up as I was taping it and I wanted it to be a perfect square not with the ends sticking up. Just hand it to me and I’ll open it for you.”

Snatching the box out of her clutches, he takes both of his hands and tugs at the sides to break the seal of the massive mound of packing tape. With no success, he tries again this time he grunts and groans in a most undignified manner causing the ladies to laugh at his sad masculine display.

He says with a smile on his face, “Oh you think this is funny, do you?” He reaches into his pocket producing a pocket knife. In one quick swipe, the box pops open which then a smile spreads across his face while he hands the box back to the rightful recipient.

Ellen accepts the box from him then balancing it on her lap, she reaches in to pull out a smaller box swathed in bubble wrap.

She looks up at Tim then with her lopsided grin she says quietly, “Um… more tape.”

“My gosh Tim! No wonder I had to buy more packing tape! You used a whole roll just on this gift alone!”

He chuckles then breaks the seal of the tape with his knife again. Stepping back the look of anticipation written all over his face.

Looking back to the bubble wrapped parcel she allows the plastic to fall away exposing an ebony black miniature chest that she instantly recognizes as having been her mother Melody’s.

A light gasp escapes from her lips as she lifts the lid to release the song contained inside the box. As the song plays, she strains to recognize the melody. It’s a haunting tune, just like the mystery surrounding her mother’s disappearance.

“What song is that? I just can’t place it?” Ellen asks as she fights the tears that threaten to surface.

“It’s ‘Unchained Melody’ you know, by the Righteous Brothers.”

Ellen shakes her head not recognizing the group.

Tim sighs, “It was Melody’s song, she was a huge fan of the group and that was probably her favorite song. I gave her the box our first Christmas after we got married. I figured I have had it in storage so many years that it was time to let you enjoy it.” He points at the box on her lap, “Go through the box. It’s probably been too long for you to remember the contents, but I imagine it will be fun to go through it now. Kathy tucked a little something special in there for you too.” He clears his throat of a lump that was forming, “This is from both of us.”

“Thank you… both of you.” She says without looking up as she closes the top lid, silencing the box. She moves her scrutiny to the top drawer and tugs on the tiny silver knob. Inside is a variety of rings with different stones and metals sitting atop a velvet lining. Ellen runs her fingers over the contents with her attention settling on one ring. She picks up a tarnished silver ring with a large oval shaped turquoise stone set in the middle. The polished stone makes the ring heavy. Turning it over in her hand, flashbacks of her mom wearing it on the right hand on her pointer finger come to mind. Dropping it back in, she quickly shuts the drawer. Moving on to the next she knows that all eyes are on her. This must be the drawer that contains the present from Kathy.

As she slowly opens the drawer, she immediately sees a thin silver chain and picking it up, she knows instantly this is the special gift. Holding the chain out in front of her, the length of it unfurling to reveal the bauble dancing from the end. Holding it closer, she takes note that it’s a pearl encased in a silver setting.

“Wow! This is just beautiful!”

“The pearl was from my great-grandfather who was an explorer in his own right. I know I told you about him. He was the one who loved to relive his tall-tales about his days at sea in the navy during World War I.”

“Oh yes I remember all the stories. I only wish that I could have met him. He sounds like just the kind of grandfather any girl would want.”

Kathy laughs, “You should know that had he been alive to meet you, he would have adored you. I barely remember him. He passed away when I was twelve. I remember a lot of the stories from having heard them directly from him, but I will confess that many of the memories also come from my grandfather and then my father telling the rich stories, probably to keep them alive. I suppose if we were smart, we would put them into a memoir to pass down.”

“Well thank you so much for the beautiful necklace. Are you certain that you want to part with a piece of your beloved Poppy?”

“Ah there you go, you remember his nickname. I am certain about the necklace. From the moment I became your mom, I knew that I would have an entire treasure trove of trinkets that I would eventually want to share with you.”

Tim chuckles, “Some trinket. You are holding a rare Tahitian Pearl in your hands there. I’d say it’s worth a tidy sum.”

“Hush Tim! It’s not about the monetary value because the sentimental value to my family is far more precious.”

“Right you are! Now, finish digging through that box of yours and let’s get to the rest of Santa’s bounty!”

Giggling at her dad’s enthusiasm, she places the long necklace around her neck then works on the last drawer in the small chest. As she pulls open the little drawer, she sucks in her breath. Dangling turquoise earrings, a pair of cameo studs, tarnished silver hoops, and some other earrings, but that’s not what has her attention, the lock of hair at the back has caught her eye. She picks up the little lock of hair that has a small strand of pink yarn wrapped around the end and tied in a neat little bow.

Looking at her dad for a response to a question that she didn’t even ask yet.

“Yes, that’s a lock of your hair from your first haircut. Your mother...” He pauses with his eyes darting from Kathy back to the hair he continues, “Melody saved that when we took you to the beauty salon.” He shakes his head then clicks his tongue, “You were sure one heck of a hell-cat to get to sit in that chair. So much so that they cut your bangs in an angle across your forehead. I know you’ve seen the pictures.” He laughs.

“Is that the picture where I am sitting on a dark wood, child-sized rocking chair and I’m clutching a white bunny?”

“Yes, and your poor mother tried to disguise that your bangs were such a mess with a ribbon tied into a big bow, that she fixed to your head.”

Looking confused, “I don’t remember the bow.”

“Probably not because you tore the thing out of your hair and flung it across the room. The photographer was none too amused, but I thought it was hilarious.”

Setting the box on the coffee table Ellen rises and gives her parents each a kiss on the check, expressing her thanks, while wincing from the pulsing pain still present in her arm.

“Does it hurt much?”

Ellen turns a smile on Kathy, “Yes, but I try not to think of it too much.”

“I wish you would just take those pain killers Dr. Kingston prescribed.”

“I know you would, but I don’t want to become another pain killer dependent starlet. It is such a cliché you know.” Ellen teases.

“Isn’t that the truth? Especially in a small town like this it would get blown out of proportion giving the press more to chew on.” Tim releases an exaggerated scoff.

“I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps it’s a good thing you haven’t re-filled the prescription. Would some over-the-counter meds help?” Kathy asks.

“Not much but it might take the edge off. I took some stronger stuff earlier, but I don’t want to take any more of those until bed. I’m using it sparingly.”

“Understood.” Tim says while stoking the fire.

As Kathy gets up to fetch the medication for Ellen, she motions for her to sit back down, “Relax, I won’t be just a moment. It will give me a chance to baste the turkey and check on the potatoes.”

Tim’s face grows serious, “Ellie, I’ve been thinking.”

The tone of his voice grabs her attention, “You should consider hiring a body guard.” She protests but Tim raises his hand, “Now listen, you’ve had more than your share of attacks. The shitty thing is we have zero to go on, we can only assume this will only continue and Sheriff is right, it is escalating. Heck! If your own daddy can’t keep you safe, then you either leave town or you protect yourself.”

She sighs then looking down at her bright pink cast on her arm she nods, “You might be right. I may go back. At the rate this is going, I won’t have an arm left. What with the other attack combined with the hit and run, I think I am lucky to only have metal pins as a souvenir and a reminder for my lifetime.” She says solemnly.

Tim snaps up his head and looking straight at her with pain in his eyes, “It might be for the best. But where will you go? Surely not LA.”

“My old college friend Tabby has invited me to come stay with her at her penthouse in New York. I don’t know if I want to interrupt her love nest with her new Greek boyfriend, so I may just stay at one of those residence Hotels or maybe I will go to a tropical hideaway and eat papaya all day.”

He laughs then giving her a stern look, “What will you do about the movie?”

“The studio executives are mad about the delay, so we will film what we can and then I we will wrap once my arm is out of this thing. They also hired a stand-in where needed.” She says with her lips jutting out like an errant child.

He grunts, “I’m willing to bet it only concerns them with their bottom line. I only wish you would find a different line of work. You’re rich enough right?”

“Tim!” Kathy’s voice scolds from behind them, “My gosh that is inappropriate!”

Ellen laughs nervously, “I don’t mind. He might be on to something. But in the meantime, I will take that pain killer while you open your gift from me.”

Kathy hands her the little pills and a glass of water while Ellen hands her dad a bright red envelope.

With a raise of his eyebrow he slides his finger under the sealed flap while Kathy watches seated beside him. Pulling out the card, a folded sheet of paper and a smaller envelope nearly slip out, but Tim’s quick reflexes allows him to catch them before they fall to the floor.

Holding the card up for Kathy to read silently alongside him, they finish within a second of each other and exchange a look, Tim slowly opens the piece of folded paper and as he does so, both his and Kathy’s eyes widen, then both sets of eyes fix on Ellen.

“Oh honey, you can’t do that. It’s just too much.”

“I can’t?” She says with a smirk and a raise of her brow matching her father’s. She giggles, “I already have.”

With a tear tumbling down her face Kathy says quietly, “Honey, you really did not need to give us such an extravagant gift. There is no way we can repay.”

“I have to agree; how can we accept such an expensive gift? You know a new power tool, or a turtleneck would have sufficed but paying off our mortgage? That’s over the top.” He chuckles while trying to disguise a wide grin.

“Listen. You said yourself, I am rich enough and you deserve every penny and more. I am only glad that I am in a position that I can do that for you.” She nods toward the smaller envelope, “You haven’t opened the other surprise. You will want to see what else I have in store for you.” She says with a knowing look on her face while she prays the meds kick in soon.

Eyeing her for a moment he hands it to Kathy who makes quick work of opening the smaller envelope. When she reads the contents once again, the look of amazement spreads across her face. “Ellen I just don’t know what has gotten into you? Where is all this generosity coming from? I mean you are always generous, but this is well over the top. Tim’s right, a few kitchen gadgets would have sufficed.” She says while handing the papers over to Tim while she briskly gets up and leans over to give Ellen a cautious hug avoiding her arm, “Thank you my dear. You know it has always been our dream to take a European cruise. I can hardly believe it will finally be a reality.”

“You are welcome. Now the cruise is in February, but you need to get Dr. Kingston’s clearance before you go.” She cautions.

“Oh, not to worry, I’m fit as a fiddle.” He says while making a caveman-like pounding gesture on his chest.

“She’s right, you will need to make certain you are in the clear. Thank you, Ellen, for everything. Even as I say it, I think it hardly suffices to express our gratitude.”

“All I did was pay off your mortgage and I am sending you on your dream vacation. It’s not as if I gave you a kidney, though I would if needed.” She adds.

All laughing they continue to discuss the details of the upcoming trip.

An hour later the doorbell rings. Ellen glances quickly into the mirror by the front door to check her appearance, then she swings open the door to their guests. As if a gust of wind had arrived, Amber and Scott sweep through the door with arms laden with packages and serving ware. Butch hardly releases a whimper, not much of a guard dog.

“Oh, it has gotten so cold and I am showing already! Look!” Amber exclaims as she removes her coat quickly to show a tiny bump forming under her sweater.

“My goodness, you sure are and how cute you look!” Kathy says beaming at Amber as Scott is still fumbling with the parcels. “Come here by the fire and warm up!”

Not long after Ellen shut the door, the dog is now barking with fervor. “Oh, I bet that Benjamin has arrived. Funny how the dog didn’t seem to care when you got here.”

Amber stops to give Ellen a pleased look then finishes her task of placing small cheerfully wrapped packages under the tree.

“I’ll just get the door.” Ellen says nervously. She doesn’t stop to look at anyone as she continues to open the door. Against the biting wind she sees the forms making their way through the blizzard.

“Ah yes, it’s Ben and Franny.” Ellen says over her shoulder while Tim and Kathy exchange more of their knowing glances.

Turning her attention to Kathy, Amber stands up rubbing her barely noticeable baby bump. “So, Mr. Coffee Bean is joining us for Christmas dinner? I guess they’ve been seeing a lot of each other. I think they would make a positively adorable couple, don’t you?”

Tim snickers, “Hey Scott, I think this gossip talk is our cue to go fetch something to drink. Join me?”

Scott jumps to his feet and rushes to catch up with Tim following him into the kitchen.

Kathy replies to Amber, “Ever since she was run down in the street, Ben has been coming by to check on her. He’s been bringing little Franny with him. I think Ellen has taken to the girl, much to her surprise I might add.” She smiles more to herself than Amber.

“Well that’s certainly good to hear. I have been debating on asking her to be godmother to this little one but her lack of interest in kids causes me to hesitate.”

“Oh, I think it has piqued her interest. You should ask her, I really believe she would jump at the chance!”

Just then, the door flies open with another gust of wind blowing in Ellen followed by Ben and Franny. Thrusting her backside against the door she fights with the wind to assert her dominance over mother nature.

“Oof!” She grunts as she bolts the door against the elements. Turning around she is greeted with a room full of amused faces. Sensing something is amiss she cautiously reaches her hand up to her head and finds what she seeks; a windblown messy nest of hair. She quickly fixes her hair while the amused onlookers busying themselves with removing jackets, placing presents under the tree, and settling in for an evening of holiday cheer.

“So, Benjamin, how’s the bean roasting business? Any progress on reducing the smell?” Amber jumps right into the subject.

Looking taken aback, he answers her immediately, “I wasn’t aware it is still a problem. Is my coffee business really bothering you that much?”

She scoffs, “Yes! It’s bothering me, that much! My once foo-foo smelling boutique now smells like a big fat latte. I’m not trying to be nasty, but the smell of those beans roasting makes my stomach churn every day.” Rubbing her small bump, Ben nods in acknowledgement.

“Ah, I see.”

With a furrow of her brow, “You see what?”

“If I am not mistaken, you are expecting and likely more sensitive to smells.”

“What would you know about…” She halts her sentence as she notices Franny standing shyly next to her dad. “Never mind, I will just have to burn more soy candles I guess.” She turns on her heel to head toward the kitchen before he responds.

Shrugging, he looks at Ellen with a plea in his eyes.

“Don’t mind her. You are right, she isn’t normally this sensitive but is there any chance you would have a way to work around her shop schedule or install a giant potpourri blower?” She says smiling as he releases a loud chuckle.

“Now that you mention it, I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before. Honestly, I don’t have to roast every day. Especially once the holiday is over, I will alter my schedule. I think that will help the situation. The last thing I want to do is upset my neighbors… especially old friends.” He says with sincerity to his voice.

Noticing Franny is still clinging to her dad Ellen comes up with an idea, “Franny, would you like to go look at the tree and find the goofy elf?”

“You mean the Elf on the Shelf?” She asks with her bright brown eyes widened and excited.

Ellen giggles, “Not exactly. I think it’s a knock off called Goofy Elf, and he is bendable and will wrap around objects. He might be in the tree, but I can’t promise that he is behaving himself.” She says to than Franny.

Laughing and braids wiggling, Franny skips to the tree and begins her arduous search.

Feeling fatigued, Ellen takes a seat on the oversized chair with a matching ottoman. “Oof.” She sighs.

“How’s the arm and head doing?”

“Not too bad, I’m feeling stronger every day but some meds that I am taking make me lethargic. I have been weaning off them but haven’t been able to eliminate yet.” She gives Benjamin a sideways glance and realizing he probably doesn’t care to hear about the dreadfully boring details, she changes the subject.

“How is your mother doing?”

“Oh. Um…, she isn’t doing well, not at all. I finally completed the last of the renovations to her room, so now she can sit right in front of the window and look out at the lake with no obstructions. It’s wheelchair capable now and equipped with amenities to care for her. I’m just glad I have a good nurse who will take care of her when I have to leave for a while, like today.” He looks down at his working man hands and adjusts a bandage on his thumb. Feeling sorry that she asked, she changes the subject when Franny interrupts them.

“Got it! I found the naughty elf.” Her voice squeaks.

“Goofy Elf.” She corrected while suppressing a giggle. “Show me.” Ellen says while following the small child over to the tall, shaggy tree.

“There he is, hugging that stuffed candy cane.” She pauses, “I think we should name him something else. He’s cute and I don’t like that other name.”

“Okay, what would you like to name him?”

“I like Giovanni.” She offers shyly.

Glancing up at Benjamin who has now joined them at the tree, she smiles at the name the little girl has chosen.

“I think that’s an excellent name.” She encourages the girl. “Is that a name of someone you know from home?”

She nods then quietly retreats to her dad’s side, sliding her hand into his.

“Kids! Time for dinner, let’s get washed up.” Kathy chirps.

Laughing Ellen leads the way.

After several hours of eating and merriment, Benjamin rises from the stuffed armchair he’s been sitting in and stretches. Pointing to Franny, who looks as if someone has put her through the wringer, he announces their departure.

“I think we have overstayed our welcome! I better get this little gal to bed.” Turning to his hosts, “Thank you for sharing your holiday with us. It meant a lot to both Franny and me.”

Kathy smiles warmly, “I’m glad you could come. I just feel bad your mother isn’t well enough to have come with you.” She says solemnly.

Nodding he then turns to take Tim’s offered hand; the men engage in a firm shake while Ellen helps Franny into her downy coat.

Amber and Scott having already left, Ellen feels freer to be bold. She places her wool coat around her shoulders and walks with Benjamin and Franny to their car despite his suggestion that she stay inside.

“Nonsense, I am fine.” She insists.

Once Franny is secure in her seat, Benjamin makes his way against the force of the wind gusts to the driver’s side where Ellen waits for him.

“I’m glad you invited us. It was a great day.”

She tilts her head to the right to avoid her hair from covering her face, “I’m so glad you finally accepted. You know, back in the day you wouldn’t have played so hard to get.” She laughs.

“Back in the day you wouldn’t have had me quaking in my boots.”

With that, he places his strong hand firmly behind her head as he pulls her into him, crashing his firm lips down on her mouth for a sensual, lingering kiss.

Pulling away after a few moments of embracing, Ellen feels chills running down her back but not the kind one feels after having been kissed passionately. The source of her unease is from the distinct feeling that they are being watched.

He leans down for another lip-lock when she says emphatically, “Stop!”

Surprised, he releases his hand and pulls away but not before she reaches out with her good arm and stops him from getting in the car. “Wait!”

“Which is it? Stop or wait or what?” He says with a wounded look on his handsome face, lit only by the faint light from the front porch, Ellen leans into him, “We are being watched.” She whispers.

He chuckles, “Yes, I am sure we are. Your parents are peering none-to-discreetly through the window.” He says while pointing at the curtain that has two sets of eyes peering past the white lace. He leans down to look in the back seat of the car and notes that the little girl is fast asleep in her booster seat.

“No! It’s not them. I swear it’s someone in that direction.” She says pointing toward the lake where there is no light other than the moonlight filtering through the cloud cover casting shadows dancing on the water’s surface.

Taking a few steps toward the direction she pointed he strains to see something… anything. Turning back to Ellen he confesses to not being able to see a thing.

“Look if you regret letting me kiss you, fair enough. I’ll go home now. Thank you again for a great holiday.”

Letting out a loud sigh, “Benjamin! I am not the person the magazines make me out to be. Nor am I some rash young girl who can’t be in control of herself or decisions I make. I am glad you kissed me and under the right circumstances, I should like you to do a lot more. But, now, I have the strong sense that someone is lurking in the shadows—watching.”

Her body trembling as another chill takes a trip down her spine and back up to the nape of her neck.

“Sorry. I’m just not sure what we are doing and where we are heading with this. I have no right to make any demands or place any expectations on you right now.” He looks over her shoulder then back toward the lake. “If you feel like someone is watching us, with all that has happened, I believe you. You should go in the house, make sure someone locks the windows and doors with the alarm system on.”

She nods quickly while fighting back the tears that threaten.

“Go in now and we will talk tomorrow. Okay?”

Standing on her toes, she places a soft but brief kiss on his lips then turns to head back up the steps. Turning for a moment to wave she notes that he has not moved, he is watching—waiting.

Once inside the house, her parents make no excuses for their blatant snooping.

As the red from the tail lights of Benjamin’s car disappear down the driveway, Ellen turns to her parents catching Tim in an exaggerated yawn. “Further to our conversation earlier, I think it’s time we discuss when I’m going to leave. I can’t take any more of this and you guys need to get on with your life.”

“Honey, we encourage you stay here as long as you want to be here. Our main concern is for your safety, our worry is not about ourselves. The problem is that if we can’t protect you here, you need to go somewhere that you will be safe.” Tim assures her.

“I agree you should probably seek security and that means returning home. But what about Ben?” Kathy boldly asks.

Ellen scoffs, “What about Ben? I’ll admit that I’m feeling conflicted about leaving because of developments with Ben and I’m scared of what might wait for me back home. But I also realize that if I were to go any further with Ben, I will have stepped right back into the same situation that I was in with Miles. Ben is still married and I just can’t get involved.”

Suppressing another yawn Tim responds, “You have a good point. I think maybe you should let him know how you feel, but don’t get any further involved until he has his marital situation resolved.”

“That’s what I think I will do. Anyway, we should probably get to bed, I am so wiped out and surely you are ready to drop too.” She says while matching Tim’s yawn.

“Agreed.” Tim stretches. “We should discuss your plans in the morning over breakfast. You can hardly drive with that cast and there’s the matter of hiring a bodyguard to consider.”

After they give each other hugs, they part ways as Tim and Kathy see to locking down the house. As she heads straight up the grand staircase to banish herself to bed, she hears the distinct beeping of the alarm being set.

As her head hits the pillow, she hears the haunting sounds of the wind blowing and the lonely cry of an owl somewhere off in the distance.

Chapter Ten

Nearly levitating out of bed, Ellen sits up quickly in response to the wailing howls of the dog. Feeling delirious and panicked, she glances around the dark room for something to grab for a weapon. She runs into the walk-in closet and slips on a pair of UGG boots and pulls on the first sweater her hands encounter. Desperate for a weapon, she lays her eyes on a can of aerosol air freshener and runs into the hallway to the top of the stairs and stops to listen.

Butch sounds as if he is straight out the hounds from hell. Her skin is a virtual collage of goose bumps, with each one pulsing with fear. Frozen at her perch, she considers the list of scenarios through her head, deliberating what her next move should be. Sneaking back into her room, she carefully shuts the door, locking the flimsy knob behind her, she takes her phone off the charger and without hesitation; she calls the Sherriff.

Almost ready to hang up after too many rings, he finally answers in a groggy voice, which is entirely to be expected, “Sherriff speaking”, he sputters as he clears his throat. “Hello?” He demands.

“Uncle Bill… it’s Ellen….” she whispers.

Before she continues, a dark figure emerges out of the shadows reaching out to her with freakishly bony fingers and a laugh so sinister and cruel that Ellen can feel her veins turning into ice.

Her own muffled cries are the last thing she hears before the dark figure forcefully places something over her mouth and nose causing consciousness to elude her.

The darkness is all enveloping. She struggles against the dank smelling confines of the space in which she was carefully discarded. Ellen knows this because when she was coming out of the drugged stupor, her assailant was taking time to arrange her on an old ripped blanket on the floor of a basement or root cellar of some sort. As she reached out to the dark figure, begging for mercy, a strong forceful hand once again covers her mouth and nose with a rough cloth. Causing the dark void to abscond her again.

Waking once again to the unwelcoming sooty bleakness, she knows little of how long she has been there lying there but the damp chill running through her skin straight to her shivering bones causes her an immense amount of pain in her already damaged arm. Her feet are bound by what she assumes to be zip ties while her good hand is free. Feeling the binding around her ankles she confirms that they are in fact being held together by a zip tie that is digging into her flesh.

Laying on the rough floor, the thread bare blanket serves as little relief from the cold. Careful not to cause herself more pain, she wiggles herself into a sitting position which proved to be no small fete despite her slight frame. Feeling more like a turtle stuck on its back, she finally manages a sitting position while trying to force her eyes to adjust to the complete blackout she curses as her eyes can make out nothing. Not having any way of estimating the time she gives up on seeing and works on hearing something… anything.

At first, she thinks that she hears someone talking but the longer she strains, she realizes it’s only the wind causing the old structure to creak in protest. Uncertain whether it is a house, barn, or simply an old root cellar, she is certain of one thing, whoever put her here does not intend her any fatal harm, at least not yet.

She runs the possibilities while a lump the size of Manhattan is forming in her throat… this could be about money. All this time, it had not occurred to her until this moment that this is likely to be a kidnapping for ransom.

She shivers as another more sobering thought occurs to her, “Nobody but me and my estate manager has access to my money… he is on a safari in Kenya until...” Her voice drops as her body shakes uncontrollably with tears flowing out of her eyes. Helpless and desperate, she finds no relief from the barrage of horrible scenarios flashing through her head much like a psychedelic montage.

After hours of drifting in and out of fitful sleep laden with disturbing nightmares, she wills herself to stay awake. To stave off the panic that is threatening to overcome her, she recites her lines for the film that is to resume after the break.

As her voice shakes, her mind keeps wandering back to her predicament… one which is now resembling the crappy script that Vincent kept thrusting on her.

She gasps while feeling paralyzed with a new thought, is this somehow linked to the new script? Is this someone’s sick way of forcing her into that role?

As she continues to lament over the possibilities, she fails to notice that the sun is now coming up as weak streams of light are filtering through the floor boards of the structure above, highlighting the thick particles of dust floating in the stagnant air.

Before daylight arrives, an all-out manhunt is already under way.

“Searching for missing actress Ellen Jackson will be no small fete in this densely wooded wilderness. As you can see behind me, local and federal law enforcement agencies have joined forces to locate the missing star. We are at the home of Tim and Kathy Jackson, Ellen Jackson’s father and stepmother.” The heavily made-up news anchor reports, “Missing since around midnight last night, there is no word yet if a ransom has been demanded or if they suspect foul play. So far law enforcement has little to go on and have released no information. We will report back once new developments occur. Now back to you at the studio Carrie and Peter.”

“Thank you, Donna.” Replies Peter. “The irony of this story is that twenty-three years ago, to the day, her own mother Melody Jackson went missing. It remains as a cold case because they never found the missing woman.”

“Yes, and amid the recent scandal involving the actress and director on-again, off-again love interest Miles Sinclair, it would seem her trying to escape from the spotlight has been thwarted. Sources show she spent the Christmas holiday lying low with family and friends.” Carrie says in a typical anchorwoman matter-of-fact voice.

Peter adds, “A local source interviewed early this morning confirms that there has been suspicious activity involving the two-decade old disappearance of the actress’s mother. This source says that the resurgence of interest in the case is likely to be related to the recent attempts on her life, including a hit and run just weeks ago. Officials believe it is all linked.”

“As the story breaks, we will keep you informed. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.” Carrie finishes.

“Tim!” Benjamin yells from the other side of the yellow police tape. “Tim!”

Whirling around, Tim motions for Benjamin to come through the tape. Nodding at the policeman guarding the entrance, he lifts the tape for Benjamin allowing him entry. Rushing to the front porch, he joins Tim and Kathy and a gaggle of people wearing official jackets and protective vests underneath.

The scene is straight out of a movie, except this is not a movie, this is real. All too real for Tim as he is reliving the same nightmare as he did twenty-three years ago. Except this time, the stakes seem even higher, this is his own flesh and blood missing. It was a horrible nightmare when his wife went missing without so much as a trace and to think the same thing could happen again all these years later, is more than he can bear.

Benjamin shakes Tim’s hand while shaking his head, “I came as soon as I could. The town folks are assembling as I speak but we aren’t sure where we are needed for the search.”

“Thanks for coming.” Tim chokes. Taking a moment to regain his composure he turns his back to him. Clearing his throat before turning back to face Benjamin, “They have little to go on so far. They can’t search until they find evidence that points them in a direction.”

“I figured as much. What do they know so far?”

“Nothing. A forensic team is in a ‘copter from Sacramento. I overheard that they are running into severe weather conditions that may cause difficulty for landing. I told them they could land in my field over there.” He points to an opening in the trees covered in a pristine fresh blanket of snow.

The sun is trying to peek through the snow filled clouds filtering light on the powdery flakes causing the sky to glisten, while the wind is whipping resulting in the air burning.

“Come inside, it’s cold enough out here for these responders. Touch nothing though. I’ve been thoroughly lectured that until the investigators print everything that we shouldn’t even be here, but Sheriff knows I won’t leave yet.”

Once inside the warmth of the house, Tim leads the way to the kitchen where Kathy is standing in the window with her hands wrapped around a lukewarm coffee mug.

Turning around slowly the dark circles under her eyes show her state of mind.

“It’s been seven hours Tim. Why haven’t we heard anything and what could take the forensic team so long to get here? You said they were coming by air, right?”

Wrapping his arms around her, he brings her close as her body visibly shudders against his strong embrace.

Benjamin realizes that he is an interloper, so he ducks through the doorway to the mudroom just as a gruff looking man with two other equally serious looking men are following him up the river bank. He is obviously heading to the porch. Ben opens the mudroom door intercepting the man before he goes to the kitchen door.

“Hi. Can I help you?”

The gruff man looks past Benjamin toward the house. “I don’t think so. I need to speak to the Jacksons. We now have a development.”

Ben’s heart skips a beat, “Oh.” He says quietly. “I’ll just get them. Did you get a lead on Ellen?”

Shaking his head, “I’m sorry but I cannot say.”

Benjamin opens the door and peeks his head inside and calls out for Tim and Kathy.

Rushing to the door, the pair are wearing matching looks of despair.

“What is it Agent Lowens?” Tim asks anxiously.

In a low, confidential tone he replies with a stoic look on his face. “They have found a body.”

Kathy’s legs go numb under her as she collapses, “No!” She shouts as Tim’s quick reflexes alert him to catch his wife.

Quickly putting his hand up, “Hold up! It’s not Ellen. But, we believe it’s the man who attacked you last month. Your Sherriff reported that they never apprehended the assailant after he escaped custody. Our early assessment is that the man we found in a grove of cattails is in fact that man. We will have to transport his body to Sacramento and have it autopsied by the medical examiner and fingerprinted to confirm.”

Nodding quickly, Tim feels only the slightest amount relieved. At least the body was not Ellie and they may have the man who beat them, but still no news about Ellie.

“I suppose that’s progress, but I wonder why they didn’t find him when they searched for him when he escaped and why would he return here? One would have thought he would want to get as far from here as possible.” Tim laments.

“He might have returned to finish the job. He probably would not get a payday otherwise. My best guess is that he was hiding in the cattails while they searched. We’ll know his manner of death soon enough, though my guess is he drowned.” The agent responds.

Feeling sick to her stomach she swallows at the bile threatening to rise, “Well it would serve him right. He nearly killed my family and to think he might have come back to finish the job as you say.” Kathy gushes with not a trace of remorse for gloating.

Wrapping his arm around her again, they head back to the kitchen island. “Sit here. You need to eat something to keep your strength up, I’ll make you some toast.”

She shakes her head murmuring something about not being hungry, but he ignores her protest and sets about making a fresh pot of coffee and toast.

Tim motions with his head for Ben to sit next to Kathy. Taking her hand, he looks at her with sympathy, “I know this is hard. They will find her. I just know she will be okay.”

“How can you know, how can any of us? Someone took her in the middle of the night under the cloak of darkness. What if this is the same way that Melody disappeared? Could it be the same people?” She says with increasing intensity to her voice. “And this hair clip, it was hers… I found it near the front door this morning… just tossed aside.” She says while clasping the antique in her hand, holding back the tears.

“Slow down Kath, you will make yourself even more sick! I am every bit as worried as you are, but we can’t do this.” Tim tries to reassure in the best soothing voice he can conjure considering the situation.

Placing a fresh and aromatic mug of coffee in front of Ben he then tops off Kathy’s. “What I don’t understand is why we haven’t received a ransom yet. Isn’t that what this is all about?”

“That’s what many of the town folks were discussing this morning at the Lodge. The volunteers are gathering there and that was the consensus. Ellen is obviously successful, they think money is the motivation. But don’t most kidnappers make their demands early on? It’s nearly eight now and you’ve heard nothing.”

“That’s exactly what has me the most worried.” Kathy says as her eyes mist over again.

A new surge of activity outside alerts the group to head back to the front of the house to the porch. The walkway and parking area look as if they are under siege by law enforcement and naturally the media, which has grown, and is camped out on the far side of the tape where they have been relegated.

“This is agony.” Tim breathes while clutching a beam for support at the top of the porch stairs.

Squinting against the glare of the streams of light peeking through the clouds, Benjamin realizes what is causing the commotion. The helicopter transporting the crime scene team has arrived in the snow-covered field.

The scene before them is nothing less than a nightmare, with cases in hands, the team is walking with exaggerated strides through the deep snow. Side-by-side they head with purpose straight toward the house.

Turning to each other, the trio share a moment of worry and fear. The air is thick with anticipation, so much so that it could easily be sliced with a dull knife. As the team approaches the front walk, a small group of people intercept them.

As they watch them exchange greetings and handshakes, Tim feels increasingly like an onlooker, just like it was when Melody disappeared. His chest is tight, and the frigid morning air is constricting his lungs rendering him breathless. A faintness overcomes him as he continues to grip the post for support to keep him upright.

“Tim! Are you okay?”

“No!” he gasps.

Benjamin acts fast and renders his support by taking Tim’s arm and placing it around his shoulders. “Come on.” He urges Tim off the porch and back into the house where he escorts him to the nearest place to sit which is an upholstered overstuffed chair in the sitting room, a straight shot through the foyer from the front door.

Rushing to his side, Kathy immediately swings into action by taking his pulse and assessing his heart rate. After a minute her demeanor relaxes. “You don’t seem to have be having another heart attack. Let me go grab your meds, I bet you haven’t thought to take them this morning.” She says over her shoulder as she hurries to the kitchen.

Turning to Tim, Benjamin says with a grim look on his face though he is trying to be positive, “Would you like me to go out there and find out what is happening? I sense they aren’t telling you anything on purpose.” He peers through the curtains and just as he does, there is a loud rap on the front door followed by its opening, allowing a gust of cold air to enter the foyer and straight through to the sitting room.

“Excuse me, we are here to process the scene. Can one of you please lead us to her room?”

“Ellen.” Tim replies.

“Huh?” The man looks puzzled then his face changes, “Oh yes, right… Ellen. Please show us Ellen’s room and I must ask you to stay clear of the team and we will need to look at all rooms for evidence. Is there anywhere that you can go while we process?”

“How long do you think you will need?” Tim asks through clenched teeth.

The man shakes his head which clad in a blue knit hat, “That’s hard to know. We will be as quick as we can. Time is of the essence, but we must be thorough, so we don’t want to rush and miss something. I’m guessing it will be late afternoon.”

He motions to the rest of the people still standing on the porch including two more men and one woman. All of which are carrying multiple cases, presumably containing the supplies and tools to process a crime scene.

Has a crime been committed?

Where is Ellen?

Tim’s mind is now racing as he contemplates the gravity of the situation.

“Sir?”

“Huh?” Tim replies befuddled.

“Do you have somewhere you can go? It would be best if you were nearby, but you cannot stay here.”

Benjamin speaks up, “We can go to my house. It is just five minutes down the road.”

Tim’s eyes quickly dart to Benjamin, “Are you sure? Your mother is ill…”

“Nonsense. I am sure, and my mother will probably love the company. Franny will be there too, she might sucker you into a game of ‘go fish’ though.”

“All right. I’ll just go tell Kathy after I show them the room. Thanks Ben.”

He leads the team back through the foyer and up the grand staircase to the guest wing that Ellen has been staying.

“I will be down the road at our friend’s house while you process. I’ll leave my contact information with Agent Lowens in case anything develops while we are at Ben’s.”

Nodding, the CSI lead takes off his hat shoving it in his pocket then nods to his team as they set up their cases in the wide hallway.

Feeling the despair threatening to set in, Tim hurries down the back stairs to the kitchen where he finds Kathy leaning over the kitchen sink with her body shuddering.

“Kath! They will find her, please don’t do this, not now. Not while we still have hope.”

She whirls around, “What hope? We’ve heard nothing! Not one thing Tim! If this were a money issue, we would have heard hours ago!” She shrieks.

“You need to calm down, it’s true we don’t know, but now is not the time to panic. I’m barely holding it together myself, I can’t hold you together right now too. We need to lean on each other.”

She sniffs and as her breathing is still ragged, she seems to be calming down. Holding out her hand over his, “Here are your meds. I nearly forgot.”

“Thank you.” He says with a half-smile and then takes his medication with a quick swig of cold coffee to wash it down. Wincing from the taste, he grabs the grey puffer jacket that had been slung over the back of one of the stools at the kitchen island. “Get your coat Kathy, we are heading over to Ben’s house to wait out the investigation.”

She solemnly nods while bundling herself in a thick coat and gloves. While pulling her stocking cap over her ears, she follows Tim through the house to the front porch. Joining Benjamin who is waiting at the top of the stairs, they walk out toward the garage, stopping to make sure that Agent Lowens has all their contact information.

“You notify me the instant they have finished with processing the house or if you have any new developments. We are only leaving because it will help the investigation.” Tim says with an odd tone to his voice that had a twang of finality to it.

Lowens agrees with only a slight nod of his head before he turns his attention back to the call he was already on, then he covers the mouthpiece again and calls after their retreating figures, “Wait! Jackson! Did anyone get your prints? We need them for exclusion.”

Tim responds immediately that they had their prints taken already when the local team first arrived.

“Good, I’ll ask your Sheriff for them. We’ll be in touch later.”

The trio makes their way to their vehicles in silence.

“Well let’s just hope they can find evidence that will help find Ellie.” Kathy moans as their pickup truck follows Ben’s vehicle out of the drive past the barrage of media struggling to get images of the terrified parents, just as it starts to snow.

Chapter Eleven

Teeth chattering the temperature seems to be dropping at an alarming rate. Her body wracked with shudders from the intense cold, Ellen still lies on the freezing floor, trying to keep from slipping into complete hysteria and delirium from the onset of hypothermia.

During what she assumes to have been midday, she amused herself with fantasies about getting out of this alive and falling madly in love with Benjamin. Quitting the entertainment business, starting a family, and living a quiet life on the lake. On at least two occasions during this time of delusion, she heard someone outside the structure, then above her as the floor seemed to creak beneath the weight of someone standing right above her head, as evidenced by not only the distinct creaking but the additional stirring of dust.

Too scared at what might lurk above, she couldn’t bring herself to call out for help. Though that would have been a logical thing to do, she doubts that anyone was there to rescue her.

Now on the second occasion, it’s more than obvious that there are at least two people as there are two sets of footsteps overhead. She carefully scrambles to a sitting position while the zip ties rip into her skin. She stifles her urge to cry out in pain. Straining to hear what is being said, it’s too muffled but what she hears is the words “move her”.

Her pulse quickens as she realizes that she would be face-to-face with her captors again if they meant to move her. Fear of being in such a vulnerable predicament against her will and then being moved somewhere again by these brutes causes her body to stiffen while she silently says a prayer for her safety.

The footsteps seem to recede which causes her body to relax but to her horror, a square trap door overhead suddenly opens. A face appears with a ski mask covering everything but a large set of dark, sinister eyes that dart around the room while adjusting to the dim lighting. His eyes narrow once they fix on Ellen. He disappears then in his place; a wood ladder is lowered to the floor not more than 10 feet away from where she is huddled in a ball. The cast causing more stiffness and no flexibility, she can only draw her legs up close to her body shielding herself against what is coming.

“Get up!” A man’s voice barks at her. She does not know if the voice belongs to it the man in the ski mask or the other set of footsteps.

Her body weakened by the shock and the severe cold, she fears what the man intends to do with her. She struggles to get her feet underneath her body instead of gaining her footing, she rolls backward against the wall as the bindings cause more damage to her ankles and horrific pain in her already injured arm. The searing pain of the hard-plastic ripping into her flesh is more than she can bear, she screams in pain as the masked man makes his way down the rickety ladder.

“Shut up!” He yells. The dust swirls around as his heavy boots stir up the dirt beneath his feet.

The man moves quickly yanking her up, the force from his large hands grabbing her by the arm causes her to shriek from pain. “Stop hurting me!” She hollers though it does her little good. The outburst causes the man to become angrier. He half drags and half shoves her toward the ladder while he curses under his breath.

She sees the glimmer of a shiny object in his hand as he spins her around, she gasps stifling the scream that is threatening to escape her lips.

Snap!

Her ankles are now broken free and in one swift movement, the man shoves her up the ladder while grunting, “Don’t you be thinkin’ you makin’ a run for it. I aint afraid to stick ya.”

Sucking in her breath, she follows his instructions and does not make an attempt at escape while he ascends the rickety ladder right after her. She is smart enough to know the chances of her escape at that moment were slim and efforts would have been rewarded with futility.

Feeling weakened and faint, she has little energy to flee. Hoping to appeal to his senses she pleads, “I have money. Let me go and I will pay you whatever you want!”

“Hehe, if my ole’ boss Frankie wouldn’t hunt me down and have my hide I would clean out yer bank.”

“Screw Frankie, with my money you can go wherever you want and get away from here!”

Shaking his head rapidly, “Oh no. He come find me, cause Frankie’s boss is old and cantankerous and would serve my nuts to me on a platter. Nope. I am to deliver you directly to the big boss and if I’m late, you be taking the blame.” He pushes her for the door when he stops.

“Wait, a minute.” He furrows his brow then rushes to the nearest window, “Do not move!”

Looking up toward the sky Ellen hears what has his attention.

Running outside he all but forgets about Ellen. With her heart racing her eyes quickly dart around the abandoned structure to assess her options. Without wasting time, she runs the opposite direction of the front door where her masked captor went through. Running through to the back of the small house, she finds an outside door through what was obviously once the kitchen. The door is hanging by the upper hinges with the slant of it hitting the door jamb. Summoning her inner strength and will to live, she flings the door open with her good hand. Met with a loud clatter, the door falls as the weakened rotten screws are rendered useless under her force.

Running onto the lopsided porch, the decrepit wood under her feet gives way from the strain of her weight. Feeling it going, she immediately jumps off the porch landing in the overgrown foliage surrounding the house. She rolls onto her back in the cold powdery snow, her entire body is in wretched mind-blowing pain… especially her arm but she allows herself only a moment to recover. Scrambling to her feet, she takes cover in a thicket of untamed rhododendron bushes. Shielding her eyes from the late afternoon wintery glare, she looks up toward the sky as a helicopter passes overhead again. From her hiding place, she examines the structure and doesn’t recognize the dilapidated house. The lake is nowhere to be seen, so she is likely far from where she lives. By her estimation, they are probably in the high woodlands… in the middle of nowhere.

Is the helicopter overhead looking for her?

Her breath hitches in her throat when the masked man appears around the side of the house clinging to the structure as if he were hugging a cliff. She observes him, knowing that one slight move could alert him of her hiding place. Peering through the holes in the bushes, she gasps as she thinks that sees the whites of his threatening eyes. Jerking herself backward she waits for his next move. With each second that passes, she feels like it’s equal to a lifetime. The moments of anticipation are excruciating. She peers through the parting of leaves again. To add to her fright, he has continued around the house to the lean-to porch. He pauses then his eyes snap straight to her hiding place.

Her heart is pounding out of her chest, he has found her. The footprints in the snow will lead him right to her. She must make a quick decision; does she leave the open space where she might be discovered or the protection of the wooded forest? Both options present an immense amount of problems neither of which does she have the luxury of time to weigh the options.

Wearing nothing but her sweater and pajama bottoms, no shoes, the jerks had taken her boots to bind her ankles. She knows she is not likely to get far.

Her captor yells out “Hey Lady! You might as well give up. I know where you are.” He taunts. “I’m hoppin’ mad but I be willin’ to forget if you don’t make me come get yeh. It’s a little cold, don’t you think?” He says releasing a sickening howl-like laugh.

She doesn’t budge, instead, she waits.

“Yeh hear me?”

He has moved out of sight, but he still hasn’t left the cover of the structure and overgrowth. She can hear that the chopper is still within a relatively close distance of the house but simply not near enough. If only it would get closer, she could run into the opening and flag them down!

“You aint gonna get away. Not the way you dressed. I tell yah what, come out of the trees there and I won’t beat yah!” He yells.

He’s right, she’s shivering out of her skin. Her bare feet are numb and turning purple. In fact, her entire body is wracked with pain and the cold is only serving as an amplifier.

Despite her immense discomfort, she refuses to take leave of her cover. He knows where she is and the short distance to get to her, yet he too does not want to leave the safety of his hiding spot.

They are at a stalemate.

This she can use to her advantage. She is smarter than him but where he lacks in intelligence, he makes up for it in his brawn and his shear desire to keep his employer satisfied. Her mind races as she works on a plan of escape which she must execute before the helicopter retreats further in the distance and he has regained his bravado.

“Yer stallin’ aint gonna save yeh. Be a good girl and come on out so I aint gotta fetch yeh.”

If her assumptions are correct, the helicopter will circle back one more time before moving on to the next quadrant. She must time her escape correctly. Glancing behind her, she assesses the distance between her and the woods. If she reaches the woods, she will have a new cover, if she heads out into the opening hoping to flag a rescue, she is at higher risk for her capture.

“To hell with it!” He spats.

She peers through the bushes and to her horror she sees her captor charging through the snow following her footprints.

Jumping to her feet she runs toward the woods.

“Get back here!”

Her numb feet carrying her as fast as they can, she runs blindly into the dark canopied forest. Stumbling through thicket while trying to keep on the spotty patches of snow to protect her feet, it occurs to her that she is leaving a trail for which her pursuer will surely use to track her. Ducking behind a wide trunk evergreen, she takes a deep labored breath that causes her lungs to protest the cold air and convulse, causing involuntary coughing. Afraid it will alert him, she does not wait to find how close behind the masked man is, reluctantly she leaves her hiding place and runs further into the woodland.

“You won’t get away. I know them woods better than yeh.” She hears his raspy voice yelling after her.

Wiping the tears of terror from her face, she ignores the pain, she ignores the frigid temperature, and she ignores that her feet are cut and bleeding. Her instinct now is to run as far as her feet will carry her. Knowing full well that she is burying herself deeper into the woods, further away from rescue, her will to survive is what gives her the strength that she needs.

“Oomph! Aack!” She screams as she tumbles across the pine needle and twig covered forest floor. Scrambling to stand up she pulls debris out of her hair and wildly looking around her she steps around the fallen tree she has tripped over. She has the overwhelming sense that she has seen this grove of white birch trees before.

Despite her heart already beating out her chest, her pulse seems to quicken even more while she remembers there are hunting cabins in the vicinity. Ever since she can remember, every fall local game hunters retreat to the high mountains and use the cabins for elk season. Her hope is that she will find just such a cabin and be able to take refuge.

Little does she know that not far behind, her captor is in hot pursuit and has gained help.

Chapter Twelve

While cautiously trekking through the woods, “There, up ahead near the clearing.” The man with the green and black camouflage jacket says to the man with the mask.

Shifting the shotgun to his other arm by the strap he looks over his shoulder shining his flashlight on the man’s covered face.

Letting out a growl, the tracking dog froths at the mouth as his prey is in sight.

“Now?” The masked man asks with excited anticipation lacing his voice.

“Hang on, we have to do this right, I don’t want Hercules to tear her arm off. No harm can come of her, yet. Understand?”

He doesn’t answer.

“Arnie?” He insists.

“What?”

“You will wait until my signal.”

“What if you wait too long and she gets away?” He whines like a toddler.

“Do as I say Arnie if you knew what was good for you there would be no further questions. That damned Frankie sure didn’t know how to shut up and look at what that got him.” He says in a stern but ominous voice.

“I gotcha boss, I wanna keep my finger!” He grumbles and reluctantly waits for his boss’s instructions.

“Stay I have an idea. Follow me at a distance and keep that dog quiet!” He hisses.

Hurrying in the dark, his flashlight showing the way to the woman cowering in the opening by a moss-covered log that used to be a proud and erect tree.

“Hello?” He shouts ahead. “Are you lost?”

She doesn’t respond.

“You there, can I help you?”

Her head whips up as she realizes that the disembodied voice she hears belongs to an actual person and not her imagination.

She stands up but is too weak. “Yes. I need help.” She whimpers.

As the distance between them closes, she notices right away that much to her relief that the person is not her captor but an older man. Unable to make out his face or recognize his voice, she still senses a familiarity.

The crunching under his heavy footsteps stops on the other side of the log. The flashlight is causing her to see shadows which her weary eyes cannot rely on as it makes it appear that they are surrounded but in fact only one man serves as her Calvary.

Having made his way around the tree, he places the light in his breast pocket then once again adjusting the shotgun strap across his chest, he leans down and scoops her up in his arms.

With Arnie and Hercules following behind at a safe distance, he carries the nearly unconscious young woman to his cabin.

∞∞∞

13 days later…

As the last of the news crews make their way down the long drive that turns out to the highway, the headline being read on the blaring television in the background says:

With no ransom demands, few clues and no suspects, they have stalled recovery efforts for kidnapped starlet Ellen Jackson who went missing Christmas Eve.

“Looks like they are all gone.” Kathy says quietly while placing her hand on Tim’s shoulder.

“Good. Now we can have peace.” He grunts.

As she turns away from the window she says, “No peace Tim. There will be no peace until they return her.” She chokes. “I keep asking why? If not for money, then why?”

With tears streaming down her face, her body shudders.

Grabbing her into his arms, they embrace one another as the tears flow with an abandon he whispers in response, “I don’t know. I just don’t know.”

After some time of allowing their grief to overcome them, Tim pulls away. He holds Kathy’s tear-stained face in his gaze, “I don’t know that I would get through this without you. The last time I had a tremendous tragedy, with my family so far away, I had to do it all on my own. But I had her. My Ellie.” His voice fades as his hands drop by his sides and his body collapses into a chair sitting at the rustic wood table.

All has fallen silent but for the murmurings of the news report still coming from the television in the sitting room. Tim laments about how there will be no more news crews clamoring for a morsel of information to report. Which also means there will be no more men in black with dark sunglasses and matching grimaces on their faces because now, there is little hope left that she will return.

“We are back in the newsroom this Monday morning with updates on the Ellen Jackson abduction.” The female reports authoritatively, “Officials have issued a written statement, she reads: Due to adverse weather conditions and lack of evidence, rescue efforts have been suspended. Recovery efforts will begin early spring or as soon as search conditions have improved.”

As Tim’s long legs move briskly to the sitting room just before he reaches the remote to turn off the television, the offending reporter gets in the last word, “It should be noted that twenty-three years ago Melody Jackson, Ellen Jackson’s mother also went missing without a trace. While they performed recovery efforts, they never located her body, it remained as a cold case until new evidence recently surfaced. Has Ellen Jackson suffered the same fate? Be sure to check back for the special report that will give a more in depth look at the secrets that the inhabitants of Thunder Valley hold.”

Switching off the television Tim stands in the middle of the sitting room, contemplating the reporter’s words. In a fit of rage, he throws the remote against the wall, causing the batteries and cover to scatter across the floor from the impact. He leans over the coffee table and in one motion angrily swiping his arm across the top, all the objects in his path go flying in random patterns around the room. Collapsing to the floor, he releases a heart-wrenching sob that seems to rise from the inner depths of his soul.

Kathy comes running just as he crumples to the floor in a shattered heap. Sobs emulate from his body like a wounded animal. Throwing caution out the door, she wraps herself around her husband swathing him in reassurance and empathy.

Hours later after Kathy got Tim to lie down for a nap, he reappears looking far too pale and weak.

Alarmed she leaves her station at the stove and rushes to her husband’s side. “Tim! You look terrible… I think I need take you to the hospital!”

“Nonsense. I’ll be fine. I’m just exhausted is all.” He scoffs.

Shaking her head rapidly, “No. A man with your heart condition cannot withstand the kind of stress you have been under. Get your shoes and coat, we will have you checked out.” She turns off the stove and oven and says, “Dinner can wait.”

Tim raises his hand while she blurts, “I will not take no for an answer. Now get ready.”

He protests again but gives up because he knows that he won’t convince her otherwise. With great hesitation, he prepares himself for the drive into town.

Navigating the icy roads, the old pickup truck hugs the curves like a rhino on a balance beam. It’s so clunky that Kathy is driving with her teeth clenched and knuckles white on the steering wheel. As she is maneuvering around a snow embankment, the wheels spin out just as she tries to straighten the wheel after the turn. Struggling to gain control of the sliding vehicle, Tim grabs it and with a sharp jerk, he causes the rig to lurch over the line into the oncoming lane.

“Tim!!” She shouts as she shoves his hand away and takes back control of the wheel. While straightening the wheels, she slows the vehicle, bringing it to a stop, then she whips her head to stare him squarely in the eyes.

“What the heck was that? If someone had been coming our direction that would have caused a head-on collision! Are you mad?” She shrieks.

“I’m sorry. I was only trying to help you.” He responds lamely.

Taking a deep breath, she tries to channel what little patience she has left, “Never do something like that again. That might have killed us both! Thus, making this exercise of driving you to the hospital to have your heart checked a moot point, wouldn’t you agree?” She chastises.

He agrees. “I won’t do that again.”

She grunts then pulling back onto the road, she releases a deep sigh. “This nightmare just keeps getting worse. When will this be over Tim? I don’t know how much more we can take.”

Shrugging, he doesn’t answer, instead he stares out the window at the blurred winter landscape as the truck careens down the icy road. Everything is little more than a series of shadows with night approaching. Tim wonders if Ellie is somewhere safe and sound. Or if something horrific has befallen her.

Chapter Thirteen

Finally, having her energy back, she is in a fighting form. The only thing is that her opponent had the unfair advantage of being prepared for the fight, one which has rules she would never have dreamed. "Help! Help! Is someone there? Her voice hoarse from yelling for the better part of the day.

Walking over to shuttered windows, she wishes that she could see just a glimpse of the outdoors. By her estimation, it has been weeks since she has been outside. Not knowing how long they have held her captive, her hope of escaping has waned. The helicopters overhead have ceased, and her captors have been careful to keep her concealed and contained.

The shock that Gus Halverson is the mastermind behind everything has shaken her to the core.

Angry and desperate to break free, she pounds on the windows again. Knowing full well the only thing that will happen is her hand will hurt for the rest of the day. Not caring about the pain, she pounds on what she found out to be a plexiglass, rather unbreakable. On the other side of the window are shutters so even if she could break through the impenetrable glass, she would still have hurricane strength shutters to contend with.

Her captor was kind enough to leave a small peephole in the knotted wood shutters. At certain times of the day when the lighting is just right, she can see outside which is more like torture than any kind of consolation. But that is her only glimpse into the real world because the world she is living inside is like being in a time capsule.

Waking up in this room that time has forgotten, was nothing short of horrifying. Gus kept the attic bedroom just as Debbie Halverson left it ten years ago. Her image in frames screwed to the walls like they do in cheap hotel rooms. The glass is missing from each frame and there is not a single mirror. Not one sharp object or anything else that can reasonably be fashioned into a weapon.

Stuffed animals from Debbie’s childhood are in every crevice. Standing proudly in the middle of the room is a doll house that was lovingly constructed, complete with wall paper and hand-crafted furniture in the life like rooms. It is obvious that that the house was painstakingly assembled for someone who was adored.

Sitting on the bed staring at the doll house, Ellen is so angered, she screams again but out of respect for Debbie’s memory, Ellen has refrains from destroying the shrine. This time when she screams it’s not at the top of her lungs but from the depths of her core.

“Get me out of here!! Get me out of here! Get me out of here!” She shrieks.

Though her voice is growing hoarse, she continues to yell. When her voice gives out, she jumps up from her place on the white brass bed to the door and pounds with her fists. Ignoring the pain in her arm that is still wearing the pink cast, now dingy from her trek through the wilderness.

“Help! Help!” She shouts again.

“Knock it off!” Yells the familiar voice of the masked guy from the other side of the door. “Yeh know that aint gonna help. Now go calm yourself down.” He says in a patronizing voice.

“No. Get me Gus. I need to speak with him.”

His laugh is sickening.

“Now why would I go and do that? He doesn’t wanna see yeh. He got better things to do.”

“What the hell is the plan? You can’t just keep me here indefinitely.” She says fighting back suppressed tears.

“Oh, can’t we?”

“No, you can’t. They will come looking for me again.”

“Yeah and whatcha think they gonna find?” He says in a menacing voice.

Her entire body feels weak as his words sink in, they don’t plan to let her return.

“Now you be a good girl and shut up, so I can get my nap.”

Her anger reignited, she resumes pounding her fists against the door this time with more vigor. Stomping her feet in unison she chants, “Let me out… let me out… let me out….”

“Stop it! Stop it!” He shouts.

She continues.

“You better STOP!” He shouts even louder than the last time.

Stepping back, she braces herself by anchoring her left foot against the door jamb and hanging on to the door knob for balance she takes her right foot and kicks the door with her heel. Despite the pain, she continues the loud assault of the solid core door.

“Now you did it!” He yells while slamming his fist against the door. “Owww!” He shouts then the pounding stops.

Changing feet, she increases the battering by adding the fist of her free hand.

He yells, “Fine, I’ll get Halverson over here and he can deal with you, maybe once and for all.”

“You do that!” She yells while continuing to stomp on the floor.

As she sees the shadows cast from his feet and legs under the door retreat, she lessens her assault. Once she can tell that he has gone back downstairs, she retreats to the bed to nurse her swollen and bruised hands and feet. The dim light filtering into the room through the shutters is receding and night is about to fall, she hopes her efforts reap a reward.

Lying in her bed for hours the night has come. The few shadows allowed to enter through the mere slats on the windows travel across the ceiling. She pretends she is at the ocean lying on her back in the sand counting stars. He body stiffens as she hears footsteps approach the door… she holds her breath.

The door flies open and a large figure blocks the light flowing in from the hall.

Sitting up straight in her bed, she knows instantly that it’s her captor, Gus Halverson.

“I hear you been causing trouble. What’s all the ruckus about?” He asks in a gruff voice.

“Mr. Halverson… Gus… you owe me an explanation.” She pleas.

Without saying a word, he turns to the hallway—her hopes instantly dashed but then just moments later she hears dragging and scuffing sounds. Much to her surprise, his figure fills the doorway again with a large object that her eyes are having a hard time deciphering. Plunking the object down just inside the door she soon realizes it is only a bentwood chair. She notes how it creaks under the strain of his weight.

“I suppose you think me a monster for bringing you here?”

She clears her throat pretending to have a tickle, stalling so she may plan her answer. “Well the thought had occurred to me.” She answers quietly.

“I had hoped that you might have come to your own conclusion.” He crosses his arms over his chest.”

She blurts, “You need money for something? Tell me what you want, and I will gladly pay you for my freedom.”

He chuckles in such a gruesome way that her hair on her arms is standing on end under the warm fleece lined sweatshirt she is wearing. One that is not her own.

“You think this is about money?”

Quietly she nods.

His lips curl up on one corner as he snarls at her. “Well of course you would think this was about a ransom, people like you never take responsibility for their actions.”

Feeling exasperated she leaps to her feet, “What do you mean?” She pauses then slowly sits back down as she notices his arms are no longer crossed over his chest. He is now holding something in his hands that is making a swooshing sound.

Just as she is sitting back on the bed he says, “Best keep yourself sitting down little lady.” He warns while the swooshing sound continues.

“You want to know why you are here?”

Feeling like he is dragging this out she is feeling frustrated and weary from this dead-end conversation. “Yes! Please tell me!” She insists.

“I want you to take responsibility for Debbie’s death. It’s time you pay for your sins.”

“What? Are you kidding me?” She breathes, “She took her own life! Why would I have had anything to do with that?”

Suddenly he is standing over her with his hands placed on hips. Slowly shaking his head, he replies in a sinister vice, “I wish I were kidding, but I’m not. If she weren’t always living in your shadow, she would have been happy, and still be with me—alive! My dear wife Elaine might still be with me too.”

“That’s the most absurd thing I’ve heard. How can you stand there and accuse me?” Her body quivers, “I am sincerely sorry for your loss but that was ten years ago, and I had nothing to do with her unfortunate decision to end things.” She pleads while carefully choosing her words.

“You little bitch! Even now, you can’t see the part you played.” He hisses.

“You are delusional. Exactly what part do you think I played?”

He groans then turns back to his chair which is once again creaking as he sits.

“It saddens me that you don’t have a clue. For starters, you stole her boyfriend.” He says in an affected drawl.

Taken aback, she ignores his dramatics and responds, “I never stole hers or anyone else’s boyfriend!”

“Oh no? Then what about going to junior prom with Benjamin Lynch?”

She gasps, “You kidnapped me because of Benjamin? Come on! Ben and I had been friends since we were in diapers before you ever moved to the valley. You are right though, we went to the junior prom together, but that wasn‘t until after your daughter dumped him just days before.”

Shaking his head rapidly, “No-no. You swiped him right out from under her which was on the heels of sleeping with the drama teacher to get the lead in the school play. My wife couldn’t handle all the grief. Even though I just buried Elaine, she died the night that my Debbie took her life and it’s all because of you!”

“I did nothing to hurt Debbie or your wife, this whole thing is ridiculous. If you let me leave now, I will agree not to press charges. In fact, I will go home straight away, pack my bags, and leave. We’ll just put this unfortunate incident behind us.” She says in a calm voice hoping to convince him.

He laughs that horrible chuckle again.

“Now who’s delusional? You aren’t going anywhere.”

“Why not? You have your facts distorted. I did none of things you accuse me of and though your daughter’s death was sad and senseless, it had nothing to do with me or anyone else at school. You know as well as I do that Debbie had problems at home. YOU caused her death because YOU couldn’t accept that she was gay, and you made her life a living nightmare because of it!”

“You are a liar!” He yells while jumping up and lunging at her. The chair knocks over as he pushes her down into the bed shaking her by her shoulders, “Your success is only built on lies and the gravestone of my daughter.”

Shaking her rapidly and ferociously, her head is flopping around on her neck as if she were a rubber chicken. “Stop! Stop! No!!” She croaks as his rough hands wrap around her neck squeezing so hard that she can already feel her body weakening and the air seeping from her lungs.

Kicking and flailing while gasping for air, she is fighting for her life when she finally gets her knee in the right position and pulling it up as hard as she can, she knees him in the groin. Instantly he releases his grip on her neck while yelling out in pain. Rolling onto her side she is still struggling against passing out. Sucking in the air as fast as she can, she is scrambling in her mind to think of her next move. With only a brief second to decide, she is on her feet running for the door. Just as she reaches the overturned chair, she is about to step over it into the hallway when Gus is hollering after her, grabbing her cast arm. “Not so fast!”

She is half in the hall and half in the room struggling to yank her arm back. Her eyes are blurry and burn from the lights in the hall as she hasn’t seen a bright light in weeks. Not caring what is waiting for her ahead, she throws all her energy into thrusting her body into the hallway, yanking her arm away, with a rush of the stinging pain in her shoulder. Ignoring the almost debilitating pain, she blindly runs, stepping right into the stairwell that is a straight shot down. Her body thumps and bounces down each step with a sickening thud. When finally, she reaches the hard wood floor, she lies there for only just a moment before she tries to scramble to her feet. She is shaking and doesn’t realize that her assailant has flown down the stairs after her and is now tackling her from behind.

“Arnie! Worthless idiot, where are you?” He shouts.

No answer.

“Arnie! Dammit! Help me!” He hollers again while she continues to flail her body fighting against his attack.

Shrieking “Help!” at the top of her lungs, she fears her fight is futile.

As she struggles she hears the swooshing sound again that she heard upstairs and much to her horror, he is forcing a plastic bag over her head. She whips her head side-to-side to make it hard for him to get it over her ears. Tightening his grip across her chest he is working with one hand to pull the plastic over her face. Picking up her feet so his one arm is supporting all her weight he loses a hold on the bag while trying to keep his grip around her torso. She takes her hand and snatches the bag off her head, causing it to float to the floor while he whips his free hand around trying to catch the bag. Throwing himself off balance, he stumbles, to avoid falling he releases his grip, and she breaks free.

Running the few feet to the front door, her hand is on the knob as she is about to open the door, the bag is around her head again, this time she cannot break free. Ripping and clawing at the bag, it’s no use because it’s much stronger than a flimsy grocery bag.

She fights the urge to gasp for air fearing that will make it worse. Taking shallow quick breaths, she continues flailing her arms around hoping to break free again. The air in her lungs is almost gone and the feeling in her legs is going numb. Instinctually, she knows she is about to lose consciousness and the fight is ineffective. Allowing her body to go limp, she drops to the floor while Gus relentlessly holds the bag over her head.

Right as everything goes dark, she sees a row of lights shining on the wall traveling up to the ceiling suddenly appearing above her head. Her last thought and prayer are that maybe the Calvary is here to save her.

“Gus Halverson! This is Sherriff Warren. I’m here with backup.” He yells over the loudspeaker through his police cruiser.

Rushing into the tiny kitchen, he notices Arnie sitting in a chair in the corner near the backdoor passed out with an empty bottle of whiskey in hand. Oblivious to the events unfurling around him, his drunken snores fill the otherwise quiet cabin.

Punching him in the chest, Gus yells, “Get up moron!”

“Owww!” He hollers from the pain inflicted, “What was that for?”

“Get up and find out for yourself…we have company.” He says nodding toward the windows that are illuminated from the cars parked outside with their headlights pointed at the house.

Shielding his eyes, “What the heck?” Arnie slurs.

“Sheriff and the gang are here. It looks like they surrounded us.” He shakes his head then spats on the floor near Arnie’s feet, “I should have known that Greg Hart and Barry Sweitzer were going to screw me over!”

“What’s Greg and Barry got to do with this?” He slurs again while casually leaning over to tie the laces on his steel toed work boots.

“They came by the store today and asked if anyone was using the cabin, like an idiot I told them no.”

“Why would it matter?” He scrunches his nose then sways as he stands.

“Because you idiot, they were up here snow shoeing or some fool thing like that and saw smoke coming from the chimney and the lights were on—during the day. It doesn’t take someone brilliant to figure out something was up.”

“Shoot!” Arnie exclaims.

“It’s all your fault too!”

He punches in a code on the key pad of the cabinet. The door pops open and he reaches in and grabs two rifles handing one off to Arnie he grunts, “Hope you still know how to use one.”

“I wanna try a handgun, like on them police shows.”

“Well I don’t have a handgun. I wasn’t planning on having a shoot-out tonight.”

“Fine. I’ll pretend I’m huntin’ fer squirrel. We openin’ fire or do you have a different plan?”

While Arnie and Gus discuss strategy. Sherriff announces over the loudspeaker again, this time with a marked agitation to his voice.

Laying in a heap on the floor, the plastic bag draped loosely across her face, her body jerks as she regains consciousness. Her eyes flutter open and she instantly coughs, gasping for air to refill her lungs. Snatching the bag off her head she sits up straight looking around the room for signs of her captors. Shaking away the fog, she sees that the door to freedom is just a few feet from her. Quickly taking multiple cleansing breaths, the adrenalin kicks in and she scrambles to her feet then rapidly unlocks the deadbolt, jumping through the threshold onto the front porch, the frigid cold instantly chilling her to the core. Ignoring the weather conditions, she takes another step toward the porch steps but stops as if suddenly paralyzed when someone yells from behind her, “Not so fast!” at the same time she hears the distinct click of the rifle being cocked.

Stiffening she does not move as she feels the barrel of the gun grazing the middle of her back between her shoulder blades.

“Put the gun down Gus!” Sherriff coaxes.

“Now you know, that I can’t do that Bill.” He says in a drawn-out manner with a curl of his lip and a furrow of his brow.

“Come on Gus, you don’t want to hurt her. Now put the gun down and let her go.”

Gus kicks at the porch with his booted foot but does not respond. Shaking his head left to right rapidly, he’s clearly fighting the torment he feels.

“Please let me go.” She pleads.

He rushes forward in an angered huff, “Shut up! You shut that worthless mouth of yours. We are all here in this mess because of YOU! If you had just died after the first accident, we wouldn’t be here.”

She gasps, “You did that?” Her heart beating out of her chest while her mind races to recall all the so-called accidents and intentional attacks on her and Tim.

“You ninny, I did none of it, I have people for that.”

She turns to look at him, but he presses the barrel tip further into her flesh.

“You mean your goon Arnie?”

“Among others.”

“Gus!” Bill shouts, “Can’t we work something out? You know the FEDS will be here any minute and they will be a lot less patience than me.” He encourages as he tries to coerce him into dropping the gun.

“Move forward.” He grumbles.

Knowing the gun is still on her, she carefully moves forward swiftly and just as she does, they hear an angry shout come from right inside the screen door. Immediately following the sound of two shots being fired. Suddenly, Arnie is punching through the screen door with the netting swathing him as he is hopping on one foot screaming in agony. With all the kafuffle distracting him, Gus lowers the gun from her back. Without hesitation, she takes the opportunity and risking being shot, she runs down the front steps.

“Get back here!” He shouts.

Not caring, she continues running to safety as she hears the gun fired at her back. In the arms of the nearest first responder she is gasping to catch her breath. Shaking uncontrollably, she turns back to see what is happening on the deck. She is just in time to witness Arnie struggling with the rifle as he flails it around while regaining his composure, he fires off another round.

Without missing a beat, one of Sherriff’s men fires off a shot that hits Arnie in his shoulder. Dropping to his knees he lands on the deck behind Gus as one shooter points his gun at Gus’s chest, the red dot visible to all who are looking.

Screaming with pain, Arnie yells, “I give up, don’t shoot me again! I shot my foot and my shoulder.” He whimpers “Help me! I’m gonna die!”

“Shut up wuss!” Gus hisses at the wounded man who is now laying in a heap behind him with the screen door netting still wrapped around part of his torso.

Sherriff turns to his shooter, “Don’t fire until I give the signal. I want to work this out if I can,” He adds, “With no one else getting hurt.”

Out of the line of fire, Ellen watches with high anticipation while putting the horror they have put her through on the back burner for the time being. All that matters now is that they have freed her.

She silently gives thanks to whoever had a part in finding her and without so much as a moment to spare.

As the sound of more approaching vehicles alerts everyone, she prays that it’s her parents coming to take her home.

She looks at Gus who is still waving around the rifle wildly as the headlights pointed at him are enough to blind a person.

“Gus. Are you ready to negotiate yet? You no doubt hear the cars coming that will be the FEDS and I assume you know what that means.”

“So, what!’ He spats. “I got nothin’ to live for. My kid, my wife, I’m alone.” He chokes back the grief but instead, his body shudders. Fighting with his emotions, he staggers forward and with a gasp from the various onlookers, the sharp-shooter digs his feet in, ready for action.

“Put the gun down Gus. You know this is over.”

He waits another minute then reluctantly lowers his weapon, allowing it to drop to the deck, landing at his feet then instantly raising his hands in the air he yells, “I’m all yours Bill!”

“Stand down.” Bill says quietly to the sharp-shooter who disengages his weapon with hesitation.

As the swirl of activity ensues, and now that it’s safe, they usher her to the waiting ambulance. Her body sore, and her spirit wounded, she notices the last car to roll up is her parents and someone else. She narrows her eyes to see through the mist and low lighting to make out the final figure in the car to be Ben’s. Relief washes over her that they finally arrived, all of them.

Chapter Fourteen

Ellen sits on the edge of the ambulance much like you see on a tv drama, with a woolen blanket wrapped around her, and fixed gaze on her face. The medics are taking her vitals and fussing over her injuries, which are plenty, while she watches everything take place as if she were simply an onlooker not a participant.

As the rest of the scene unfolds, she laments to herself how much like a movie set this is, minus the large camera cranes, boom mics and a bored crew waiting for her to say her lines. This time though, she doesn’t know what to say. She has not been scripted for this.

The whole situation is surreal. It seems like people just keep showing up— people she has naturally never seen before and all of them appear to be there in an official capacity. Someone has already alerted the press and somehow the vultures have already circled, found their prey, and set up camp on the edge of the make-shift ‘set’ where they have been relegated. With helicopters flying overhead and vans loaded with crews setting up camp, it is nothing short of an absolute media circus.

Her hot breath mixing with the cold air causes steam to emulate from her mouth as her breathing is labored due to the strangling combined with the sheer terror that has been hers to experience for the last several weeks. To keep her nerves in check, she focuses on the little puffs of steam and tries not to think about anything else. Though it is proving difficult as her rescuers have questions.

Tim and Kathy haven’t taken their eyes off their daughter. They are being kept at a safe distance while the officials ask their questions. Kathy notices that she is answering almost as if she were void of emotion. Maybe all emotion has been sucked from her. A person can simply withstand only so much before the break point is tested, and the mind shuts down for self-preservation.

“She’s had enough, I can tell.” Kathy whispers to Tim.

“I know. I should have made her go back to LA after the first attack. This whole thing is my fault.” He chokes.

Placing her arm around her husband to offer comfort while she whispers, “Maybe we are both to blame. I wanted her home with us for the holidays. But listen, we can’t beat ourselves up now. Let’s save that for later once we are past this mess.”

Sniffing he straightens his back, “Yeah, I suppose there’ll be plenty of time to chastise myself later.”

“Listen, I think we have what we need for tonight. We would like to come by your house tomorrow morning to ask you more questions. There are holes in the timeline that we need to fill in.” Agent Lowens instructs.

Nodding vacantly, she stares off into space… wishing this was all over with.

Finally, Tim and Kathy can join their daughter. Agent Lowens nods to Tim, who stops to shake his hand.

“Thank you for returning our daughter to us!”

The agent clicks his tongue, “You can’t thank me, it was your sheriff who followed up on a tip that led us here.”

Tim tries to contain his emotions for a few more moments enough to say, “Well thank you and your team for your efforts.”

Rushing over to Ellen, they grab each other into a three-way embrace. The tears of joy overflowing in the emotional reunion.

When they pull away, Tim notices immediately the magnitude of the damage that has been done. The sparkle in his daughter’s eyes has disappeared. It’s expected in a situation like this, but who knows if the fire has been irreparably squelched.

“We are so glad you are safe, we hope they will let us take you home soon and…” Kathy’s voice drops as she notices Ellen is not listening but something else has her attention. Following her gaze, they watch as the FEDS bring Gus Halverson down the front porch stairs. His hands cuffed in front of him they lead him to a cruiser. Ellen pushes past her parents and anyone else in her pathway.

“Gus! Gus!” She shouts as she rushes to the cruiser with the blanket still wrapped around her shoulders and tails of the blanket wagging in the breeze. “Wait! I have something to ask you.”

With a furrow of his brow, Agent Lowens seems to contemplate her request then with a shrug of his shoulders, he steps aside as she advances to the car. With one of the other agents holding out his arm as if to give her boundary, her eyes narrow on the face of her captor.

“I have a few remaining questions; why did you hang onto my mother’s locket for so many years? And how did you get a hold of my bird? How do you know so much about my mom? You weren’t even here when she disappeared!!”

With a look of utter confusion, he responds, “I had no locket and what bird? I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“But my mother…”

The look of recognition washes over his face, “Oh. I see. You think I had something to do with your mama’s disappearance.”

She nods.

“Well like you said, I wasn’t even here when all that happened. I hate to disappoint you but I aint got nothin’ to do with that nonsense. I’ll take the whipping for what was done to you but not your mama. But I’ll let you in on something,” He pauses, “I hear that most of the male population of Thunder Valley had a crush on her back in the day… makes you wonder what kind of woman causes that kind of stir, now doesn’t it?”

She suppresses her anger by taking a deep breath, “To be clear, did you hire that guy to break into my house? Drain my gas tank or run me down? Please! I must know!”

Shaking his head with a sick smirk on his face, “I don’t have to say another word but if I was you, I would watch my back, it seems you’ve made a few enemies.”

“No! You can’t leave me hanging, who’s the coward now? I should think you would want to claim your accomplishments!” She spats.

He smirks again, “I hadn’t thought of it as an accomplishment, think of it more as righting a wrong. And hell, you’re still standing there, aren’t you? Mission not complete. But from the sounds of things, someone else out there is bent on finishing what I started, and I am okay with that. It takes a village huh?”

Releasing a sickening guffaw, he turns his head away, and the conversation is over. Agent Lowens nods his head, and the officer shuts the door then raps on the door twice before the sedan pulls away.

More chills prickle her skin as she shivers from fear. Out of everything that has happened to her in the past few months, Gus’s response has her the most stunned and disgusted… and afraid.

3 Weeks Later….

“I know you are eager to get back to your life in LA and back to your movie, but I just wish you could stay here and recuperate more.” Kathy laughs, “On second thought maybe you would like to get away from here and all the drama!”

She giggles in response, “Under normal circumstance I would say that I wanted to stay here but ever since I got here, it’s been worse than if I had stayed in LA.”

“Well, just know that you are welcome to stay anytime you want. Maybe next time won’t be so bad.” She says with her face cringing. “With that lunatic behind bars, maybe it will be easier.”

“Well I don’t know about that. I heard he is pleading temporary insanity, so he probably won’t have to serve much time.” She takes a deep breath, “Don’t forget the locket. There’s still that to be resolved too. I believe Gus was telling the truth, so we still don’t know who was behind that.”

“I know. There are also the other strange things like the perfume and they still don’t know which of your accidents or the attack were orchestrated by Gus or someone else. “She shakes her head, “Listen, we just want you to focus on your rehab and leave that mystery to us.”

“You know that will be hard for me to do.” Looking around the room she places her hands on her hips, “It looks like I have it all. If not, I probably won’t miss it, anyway. I have such a packed schedule in the coming months that I will hardly know if I am coming or going.” She zips the last case shut then sliding it off the bed it hits the floor with a loud thud.

Startling them both, they jump. “Whoops!” Ellen giggles.

Kathy laughs, “Yeah it’s probably a good idea that there are no sudden movements or loud noises… it might give any of us too much of a fright.”

“Ladies…” Tim says from the doorway with a grim look spread across his pale face.

Kathy immediately jumps up from her chair and rushing over to Tim she says, “What is it? Is it your heart?”

Shaking his head rapidly he holds up his hand.

“Well what is it then, you look as if you have seen a ghost.”

His face still wearing a grimace, “I just got a call from Sherriff. Unpack your bags.” He swallows hard then blurts, “They have uncovered the remains of Melody… your mother.”

“What?” She shouts, “Where?” As all blood drains from her face.

“So far all that I know is that a few townies were ice fishing on North Fork and found her remains in the frozen marsh.”

“It could be anyone. Why would they think it’s her? Especially after 20 years.” She says with a deep scowl.

In a state of shock, he looks down at his feet he doesn’t answer right away. He shakes his head instead.

“Dad! Just tell me!” she demands with a stricken look on her face and a sick feeling forming in her stomach.

Giving no further restraint, the words tumble from his mouth, “Among the remains they found your Mother’s wedding ring on the left hand…” He breathes deeply, unable to continue. Looking at the two women, the anguish he is feeling is written all over his entire body.

After taking a few moments, his composure gathered enough to speak, he makes another attempt to complete his thoughts, “To think, all this time, she’s been under a mile away in a watery grave…” He nearly collapses to the floor landing on his knees. Kathy and Ellen to rush to his side to offer support.

As his voice drops to only a whisper, the myriad of questions rises.

Just what happened to her mother and even more importantly, who did it and why?

The end.

Thank you for reading Secrets of Thunder Valley, The Locket. I sincerely appreciate the support!

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What happened to Melody Jackson all those years ago and why has her remains surfaced after all this time? Who has been tormenting Ellen and her family?

Find out in the next installment of Secrets of Thunder Valley, Melody’s Song…Coming Early 2019. To receive notification of release date, visit my website at www.authorshellyvonwest.com

Other freestanding books currently available on Amazon:

The Socialite and the Gardener

Granting Forever