The next morning Gerard woke much earlier than he had the previous day. He dressed quickly then headed downstairs to the kitchen only to find it, like the rest of the house, empty. Assuming Lucy was already outside working he grabbed a cup of coffee from the pot on the cook stove then wandered out the back door. For a moment he stood on the back porch looking out across the debris strewn yard when suddenly Rex came bounding towards him from the big barn.

“Morning Rex” He greeted the dog. “So she’s already working on the truck?”

The dog wagged his tail in answer.

When he reached the barn he saw Lucy had already pulled the large branch off the truck and was working inside to remove the glass from the bench seat.

“Morning.”

Lucy jumped, “Shit, you startled me.”

“Sorry. Rex told me where you were.”

She laughed, “Uh, does Rex talk to you a lot?”

Gerard was glad to see she seemed in a much better mood this morning. “Yeah, he and I talk all the time.” He held up his mug, “Thanks for having the coffee ready.”

“I was planning on making another pot that one has been on for a few hours.” She set the small whisk broom she’d been using on the seat then reached out for his cup.

He smiled liking that she took a drink from his cup.

“Not bad.” She said handing it back to him. “I was afraid it would be too strong.”

“It’s perfect. I’m one of those people that need coffee to get going in the morning.”

“Me too.” She admitted. Turing back to the truck she said, “Well, I’ve about got it cleaned out. And I’ve already started it so after breakfast we’re good to go.”

He looked over at the tree branch, “Wish you’d waited so I could have helped you move that. It looks pretty heavy.”

She shrugged, “I just pulled it off. Anyway I’ll go in and start breakfast now.”

“Hey, since we’re going into town why don’t we just grab breakfast there?” When he saw her frown he continued, “My treat, it’s the least I can do you made breakfast for me yesterday so it’s my turn and since I’ve never really attempted breakfast on a cook stove…”

Lucy laughed, “Oh since it’s your turn to make breakfast you want to go out to eat.”

“Just figured it would be kind of nice.”

“Suppose it would.” She said slowly. “Just let me clean up a bit and we’ll take off.”

Gerard watched her walk back across the yard towards the house. Yes, she definitely seemed in a better mood this morning, he just hoped that good mood would last.

______________________________________________________________

When Lucy reappeared in a fresh tee shirt Gerard had just finished his cup of coffee. As they walked back towards the barn he asked, “So who’s driving?”

Lucy gave him a shocked look. “You want to drive?”

He grinned, “Well I do know how to drive, you know? You could be my co-pilot.”

By this time they’d reached the barn. “It’s three on the tree.” Lucy said watching his face. As she expected he looked confused.

“What?”

“Manual transmission on the column.”

“Oh, well shit. Never drove one of those.”

“Guess that means I drive and you’re the co-pilot.”

He sighed, “Yeah, guess so.”

Once they were in the truck Lucy looked over at him. “Maybe if we have time before you leave I can teach you.”

He nodded, “Yeah, I’d like that.” In truth he didn’t care if he ever learned to drive a manual on the column but the idea of her sitting near teaching him was appealing.

As they started down the driveway carefully avoiding the fallen tree limbs Rex ran along side the truck.

“Rex take care of the house until we get back.” Lucy said leaning out the window as they neared the road.

Rex gave another bark then turned to head back up the drive.

“Wow, it’s like he really understands what you say.” Gerard smiled while watching the dog in the side mirror as he headed across the grass to settle on the front porch.

“He does understand.” Lucy said while pulling out onto the road, “Me and Rex understand each other, have for a long time.”

As they rolled down the gravel road Gerard was watching the passing scenery. He almost asked about the burnt out shell of the house they passed but when he looked over he saw Lucy was staring straight ahead. Instinctively he knew not to ask too many questions or risk her good mood turning.

However, when they started down the main road of the town he sat up to get a better look at the ruins of the ghost town. “It really is eerie.”

“I don’t look at it that way.” Lucy said softly, “To me it’s just remnants of the past. Things die, even towns.”

“But you’ve preserved memories with your photos.”

She sighed, “Suppose that’s true.”

Again he voiced how he really wanted to explore the buildings and again she told him that maybe if there was time they could.

The trip to Iola passed pleasantly with casual conversation. When she pulled the truck into an auto repair shop Gerard asked, “So how do you know they’ll have the right windshield?”

“Truth is this windshield was already cracked. I had Bud order a new one a few weeks ago.”

“Well that was good timing.”

She laughed, “Yeah, weird thing is I’m not even sure why I had it order it. I mean I’ve driven this truck for years with the crack.”

“Maybe you knew a storm was coming and the windshield would be smashed?” He teased.

Lucy put the truck in park then turned off the engine. “No, I’d never imagined a tornado tearing up my driveway or the man who brought it with him.”

She got out of the truck before he could respond.

By the time Gerard entered the shop Lucy was already taking to the older man behind the counter. He walked over to stand by her.

Lucy knew Bud was curious so she nodded towards Gerard. “This is my cousin Joe from California.”

Bud gave Gerard a puzzled look then smiled, “Nice to meet ya.”

Gerard was still shocked by how Lucy had introduced him, “Nice to meet you.” He muttered.

As they left the shop and began walking down the sidewalk towards a café Gerard had to know. “Cousin? I thought you didn’t care what anyone thought?”

“I don’t.” Lucy answered. “But Bud is one of the few people I’ve known a long time. I know if he thought I was letting a stranger stay in my house he’d worry. So making you a relative seemed the easiest thing to do.”

“And Joe?”

She smiled, “Well, you’ve been traveling as Joe, right?”

He nodded.

“So you’re still on your trip. I was just keeping up your super secret identity.”

He wasn’t sure how he felt about this. “But I told you the truth.” Even as he said it a twinge of guilt filled his mind. Yes, he’d told her his name but that was about the only truth he’d told her.

“And I appreciate that.” Lucy said as they reached the café door.

Her words only made him feel worse.

________________________________________________________________


After breakfast they continued down the sidewalk towards the main town square.

“This is nice.” Gerard said taking it all in. “I love this small town feel.”

“Pretty different from LA.”

“Sure is.” He answered then greeted a woman who passed by them with a pleasant smile and nod.

“There is a store that sells office supplies.” Lucy said as they slowly walked along. “Right up here.”

For a minute he wondered why she was giving him that information but then he remembered he’d told her he planned on writing during his stay. “Cool. I’ll grab some legal pads and pens.”

Lucy laughed, “I remember once reading that someone asked Stephen King about his writing. They wanted to be a writer too. So when they asked how he wrote he replied on a yellow legal pad with a pen.”

Gerard grinned, “Pretty sure that’s not exactly what they were asking.”

“Sure it wasn’t but that’s how he answered. Oh course I’m sure that’s changed now still I love his stuff.”

“Me too. The Shinning is my all time favorite.”

“Mine too.” Lucy smiled just as they reached the door to the shop. Suddenly she turned to him, “Oh no.”

“What?”

Her eyes were full of laughter, “Well I just remembered the guy in The Shinning writing his novel. Tell me you’re not gonna go all psycho when you start to write your novel.”

Gerard loved Lucy’s playful side. “Yeah you’re gonna walk in and I’ll have written ‘all work and no play makes Gerard a dull boy’ about a thousand times.”

“You do that and you’ll definitely be finding another place to stay.” She giggled.

Gerard pushed the door open to let her pass. It was still early in the day but the temperature outside was rising so the blast of cold air that hit them was welcoming.

As they walked down the first aisle Lucy said, “So maybe you’re gonna be the next Stephen King.”

Again he hated that she’d believed his lie. “Don’t think I could ever be that good writing horror, the guy’s a legend.” However as they continued through the store a thought occurred to him. Why couldn’t be write a horror novel? He’d written comics and he truly loved the genre of horror so why not?

Lucy pointed to the legal pads.

Gerard grabbed several then continued on. After he’d selected several pens they started towards the front of the store.

Just as he was pulling out his wallet the shop door opened and he glanced over to see a young woman trying to maneuver a stroller through the door while at the same time keeping an eye on her young daughter. Gerard quickly moved to hold the door open for them.

“Thanks’ The woman said but frowned when her young daughter continued to stand out on the sidewalk. “Lisa, come on.”

The little girl with the curly blond hair frowned still not moving.

“Lisa” Her mother’s voice held a definite warning.

Gerard laughed, “Guess she’s not in the shopping mood.”

“She’s in a cranky mood.” The woman sighed. “It’s so hot today.”

“Hey come on Lisa you’re letting all the cool air out.” Gerard teased, “Don’t want your mama to get all hot in here do you?”

The little girl stared at him a moment then walked inside.

“Thanks” Her mother said. “I’m too tired and hot to argue with her.”

“No problem.” He snapped his mouth shut about to say he knew what it was like dealing with a cranky little girl. He quickly pushed aside the image of Bandit that filled his mind then spoke, “I’m sure kids her age can be a handful.”

“Don’t you know it.” The woman laughed.

Gerard was shocked when Lucy brushed past him looking upset. He quickly returned to the counter paid for his purchase then caught up with her out on the sidewalk. She immediately started walking at a fast pace.

“Hey, slow down. What’s the hurry?”

“I’m sure Bud has the truck done by now.” She said looking straight ahead.

Gerard was going over what had just happened in his mind trying to figure out why her mood had suddenly changed. “Uh, did you know that woman?”

“No.” She said not breaking her stride. “I really don’t know anyone in this town other than Bud.”

He continued to rack his brain trying to figure out what had happened to darken her mood. Trying to keep the conversation going he said, “That kid was cute, wasn’t she?”

Lucy shrugged.

“You don’t like kids?” When he saw her head snap around he wished he hadn’t asked.

“It’s getting hot, we have a lot of work to do and we still have to stop and get groceries and propane.”

As they continued walking in silence Gerard again went over in his mind what had happened. Her mood had been so good before but now that had changed. He glanced over and saw her face was emotionless.

When they reached the shop the truck was sitting in the parking lot with a new windshield reflecting the bright sun. Lucy went inside and paid while Gerard walked over to place his bag from the office supply store inside. She was already coming out of the shop when he turned.

“So now where?” He asked as she pulled open the drivers side door.

She got in and started the truck before answering. “Grocery store then gas station.”

He’d noticed the gas cans in the bed of the truck. “And the gas is for?”

“The gas is for the chain saws.” She glanced over at him, “You’ve used a chain saw before, right?”

Gerard nodded, “Yeah, of course.”

“Good, don’t need you cutting off any of your limbs.”

He wanted to make a joke but given her current mood he remained silent until they reached the small grocery store. “How many bags of ice do you think we’re gonna need?”

“At least five.”

She was silent until they reached the interior of the store. Taking out a shopping list from her pocket she carefully tore it into two pieces. “This will go faster if we split up.”

He took the half of the list she’d handed him. “Yeah, okay.”

Lucy left the basket with him then hurried away.

As Gerard wandered through the store he realized this was the first time in years he’d actually been able to do something like this without worrying about being recognized, a problem that always presented its self in LA. Occasionally he’d pass another shopper and they’d smile or nod. He liked this feeling of freedom a lot. However in the back of his mind a voice was reminding him it wouldn’t last, it couldn’t. He had a life out in LA, one he’d have to return to eventually. And today since seeing that little girl he was really missing Bandit. He shook his head trying to dislodge those thoughts. For now he didn’t want to think about leaving here. He wasn’t ready.

By the time Lucy caught up to him, her hands full of items, he’d found everything that was on his part of the list.

As Lucy was placing her items in the basket she noticed extra items. “What’s all this stuff?”

He smiled, “Well the steaks are for dinner tonight. I noticed your grill on the back porch and checked, you have charcoal, so I just figured tonight I’d make dinner for us.” When he saw she was still frowning he added quickly, “Steak, baked potatoes and corn. Sound’s good doesn’t it? And of course I’m paying, my treat.”

That caused her frown to deepen.

Gerard reached out to touch her arm, “Lucy, it’s only fair. I’m staying at your place so I want to buy the groceries.”

For a minute he thought she’d balk at the idea but just as quickly as her mood had changed to bad, it changed again.

Lucy smiled slowly, “Well hell, if I knew you planned on paying I would have gotten more stuff.”

He laughed, “Hey you can throw anything in the basket you want.”

“I’m just teasing” She smiled, “Besides we have to fit all of this in one of the coolers because the other two have to hold the ice.”

Gerard paid for the groceries and five bags of ice while Lucy wandered over, grabbed another basket and headed for the ice machine. She already had the bags in her basket when he arrived with the bagged groceries.

In the parking lot they both placed the groceries and ice in the coolers.

“Oh one more stop.” Lucy said as she pulled out of the parking lot. It was only a few miles down the road when she turned. “I’m just gonna run in and see how long they think it will be before the power is back on.”

Gerard waited in the truck while she went inside the office. By now the day had turned so hot he wanted to climb into one of the coolers in the back of the truck. When Lucy returned she saw he was sweating.

“Sorry it took so long. They said they are going to work on the power out my way tomorrow.”

He nodded while whipping his brow. “That’s good.”

“But even when it’s back on there’s no air conditioning” She sighed “Sure you don’t want to rethink you’re decision? There’s a really nice motel on the edge of town.”

He wasn’t about to let her start this again, “What? And miss out on my steak dinner tonight? Not a chance.”

She was still frowning as she started the truck to head towards the gas station. When she pulled up to the pumps she asked if he’d fill the truck while she went inside to get the small propane canisters for the cook stove. By the time the truck was filled she paid for the gas and propane.

Getting back in the truck he laughed self consciously, “Shit, I’m sweating like a pig and I know I reek.”

Lucy started the engine. “They said inside we’re suppose to get into the triple digits this afternoon.”

“Holy fuck, it’s gonna get over 100 degrees?”

“It’s already 95.”

As the truck started rolling out of town Lucy pointed to the library was they passed. “Once you’ve learned how to drive this you can go there, they have community computers you can use.”

“Why would I need that?”

She exhaled deeply, “Just thought you might want to send out some e-mails. Thought you might want to let people back home know how you’re doing.”

She was right, that’s what he should do. Guilt washed over him when he realized that by now Mikey had to know he’d left town. “Maybe in a few days.” He muttered. _________________________________________________________

Mikey was beside himself with worry. He’d called everyone he could think of that knew his brother and no one had heard a word about his whereabouts.

Alicia walked into the kitchen heading directly for the coffee pot.

“Where the fuck is he?”

She sighed having heard this same question multiple times since Gerard had disappeared. “I’m sure he’s fine wherever he is.” She answered taking a seat at the kitchen table.

“I just talked to Lindsey.”

“She hasn’t heard anything?”

He shook his head, “No but she sounds worried too. She said she can’t believe he hasn’t used a credit card by now.”

“Well he did take a lot of cash.”

“Yeah but how long is that going to last paying for gas and hotel rooms?”

“Maybe he’s not staying at five star hotels.” Alicia said trying to lessen her husband’s worries. “Maybe he’s holed up somewhere just giving himself time to think.”

“Think about what?”

She sighed knowing she had to choose her words careful where his brother was concerned. Alicia knew Mikey always, no matter what, came to his defense. “Honey, a lot of shit went down before he left. I can understand why he’d want to get away and try to put things into perspective.”

“But he’s never cut me out of his life like this before. He has to know how worried I am.”

“Gerard is a big boy.” Alicia said softly. “And let’s be honest he really needs to figure out what he’s going to do about his marriage.”

“Well he sure as fuck isn’t acting like an adult running away like this.”

“Everyone at one time in there life needs to get away. I really think that’s what Gee is doing. You need to stop worrying.”

“I can’t.” Mikey whispered. “I know I should but I can’t.”

___________________________________________________________


The brutal sun beat down on Gerard’s back as he started cutting up another fallen tree branch. He and Lucy had been working since they’d arrived back from town and the temperature was now over one hundred degrees. When a bead of sweat ran into his eyes he shut off the chainsaw, sat it down on the ground then stood trying to ease the pain in his back. Shit, he’d never worked this hard in his life and his body was screaming at him to stop. He pulled off his sunglasses, wiped his eyes then glanced across the yard to where Lucy was cutting a larger branch into pieces. The woman didn’t even look tired.

Lucy made the final cut then shut off her chainsaw. She turned to where Gerard had been working knowing by the silence he’d stopped. What she saw worried her. His face was red, and he looked exhausted.

“Time for a break.” She said not really needing one herself but knowing he did.

Gerard tried to act as if her words didn’t fill him with relief. “Sure, if you say so.”

They both walked towards the back porch where the large thermos of water sat in the shade. Lucy poured the first glass and handed it to him.

“Thanks.” He said reaching for it.

Lucy poured herself a glass then turned to see he was still drinking. “Don’t drink too fast,” She warned.

The warning came too late, he’s already downed the entire glass.

“You’re gonna give yourself a wicked headache.”

Gerard moved towards the thermos to refill his glass. “Rather have a wicked headache then dehydrate.”

She sipped her water while watching him closely. He downed another glass then leaned against the house enjoying the shade. “We’ve done a lot.”

She nodded, “Yeah, we’ve got a good start today.” When he lifted his hand to rub his forehead she added, “I was right, wasn’t I?”

Pride made him lie, “I’m fine.” The truth was his head was now pounding. Suddenly he felt dizzy. His legs were shaky as he slid down the wall into a sitting position.

Lucy went through the back door and a minute later returned with a cool wet washcloth which she placed around the back of his neck. “Take deep breaths” She said softly squatting down next to him.

In his mind he was thinking about all the times he’d endured the heat at concerts but this was different. “Shit, what’s wrong with me?” He whispered.

“You’re not used to working in this heat.”

“I’ve worked in heat before.” He frowned closing his eyes.

“Gerard don’t go all macho on me.” She teased. “You’ve worked your ass off for over two hours, the temperature is over 100. Not a lot of guys could do that.”

His eyes fluttered open, “Well you seem fine.”

She smiled, “I’m used to working in this heat. That’s the difference.”

“You’re gonna think I’m a wuss.”

Lucy laughed, “No I’m not.” She pulled the washcloth from around his neck then took it over to the thermos to run cold water on it. Then she returned to his side and replaced it around his neck. “I think you are very manly.”

He opened one eye. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“Is it working?”

Gerard loved the smile on her face and in her voice. “Yeah, it’s helping.”

“Good. Now close that eye and rest. I’m gonna stack up some of the wood we cut. Don’t you move a muscle.”

Truth was he wasn’t sure he could if he wanted to. “I’ll just rest for a few minutes.” He stretched out on the porch not even bothered by the hard wood floor.

When his eyes opened again he could immediately tell he’d been asleep for sometime by the fading daylight. Slowly he sat up feeling the pain in his muscles. He glanced out and saw that all of the wood he and Lucy had cut was now neatly piled. “Shit” He muttered upset with himself that he’d slept for so long. He slowly got to his feet thankful he wasn’t dizzy. Now to find Lucy.

As he walked out into the yard a movement caught his eye. There by the pump was Lucy. She had stripped off her shirt and was wearing only a thin tank top. He stopped, his eyes growing wide as he watched her pour a bucket of water over her head. As the water flowed down her body wetting her tank top he felt his body respond to the sight of the thin material molding to her curves. Again she filled another bucket then poured it over her head.

The cooling water felt so good on her tired body that Lucy kept her eyes closed enjoying the sensation. Then another sensation took over, her eyes popped open and she turned to find Gerard staring at her. For a moment their eyes locked then she forced herself to laugh. “I usually go down to the creek to cool off but I didn’t feel right leaving and not telling you were I was going.”

He forced himself not to stare at her breasts. “The creek?”

“Yeah, just beyond those trees.” She pointed. “After a long day of work I like to take a quick dip.”

Heaven help him the words came out before he could stop them. “You skinny dip?”

It had been a long time but she recognized the look in his eye. She knew she should deny the truth but couldn’t. “Yeah, I do.”

Gerard took several steps towards her then stopped. “Sounds nice.” His voice was rough.

“It is.” Lucy said unable to look away. Before she could change her mind she blurted out. “Maybe after dinner we could go down there.”

Pure desire coursed through is body, his mind didn’t want it but his mind wasn’t in charge at the moment. “Sound like a plan. A very good plan.”