The Storm
In The Blink Of An Eye
Slowly Gerard fell to his knees beside Lucy. His eyes were on Rex as the dog labored to breathe. When he saw Lucy move to stroke the dog’s head his first thought had been to warn her, a dog in pain could snap. However as he watched Rex used the strength he had left to lick her hand.
“Oh Rex.” Lucy sobbed uncontrollably.
Gerard had never felt so powerless to do or say something that could help. Just by looking at the dogs broken body he knew Rex was dying.
Lucy’s words echoed his thought, “He’s dying.” Tears poured from her eyes. She gently stroked his head as blood trickled from the dog’s mouth. “Please, don’t leave me.” She whispered. “Please, God, no.”
Gerard placed his arm around Lucy. “Honey, I’m so sorry.”
They both watched as the blond Lab took his final breath.
Lucy’s head dropped her heart breaking. “He’s gone.” She whispered brokenly.
Gerard stood quickly then pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let me get you into the house.”
Lucy began to shake her head wildly. “We can’t just leave him here.”
“Lucy.” He said softly tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. “I’m going to take you into the house, then I’ll take care of Rex.”
“I want to help.” Lucy said unable to stop the flow of tears from her eyes.
Gerard had never seen her so distraught. “Honey, I’m going to bury Rex.” When she started to speak he added gently, “Let me do this for you and for Rex. I loved him too.”
Her eyes once more fell to her beloved pet. When Gerard started to gently pull her to the house her head lowered as they walked across the yard.
Inside Gerard led her to the sofa. Once she was seated he pulled off her shoes, “Lay down, Honey.”
She allowed him to lift her legs onto the sofa. “We should have taken him with us.”
He’s been afraid she’d think this. “You said yourself he wouldn’t go with us.”
“We should have made him go.” The pain in her heart was making it hard for her to think.
“Lucy, Rex didn’t want to go. He wanted to stay here.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks, “He must have believed he was protecting this stupid house. The car must have started up the driveway and he ran out to stop them.”
That too had been Gerard’s guess. “I’d like to get a hold of the son of a bitch driving that car.” He ground out.
“Why?” Lucy cried, “It wouldn’t change anything. Rex is dead.”
Gerard’s own heart was breaking more for Lucy than Rex. “Where do you want me to bury him?”
She closed her eyes, “By the barn” She whispered.
He knelt down by the sofa to stroke her cheek, “Honey, please don’t blame yourself.”
Her eyes opened, “Rex was all I had left of ….” Her mouth snapped shut and her eyes closed again.
Sadly Gerard understood, Rex was all she had left of her previous life with Rafe.
“I’m sorry.” Lucy whispered, “I know he was just a dog.”
Gerard leaned down to kiss her wet cheek before answering, “Lucy, Rex was more than just a dog. He was family, I told you, I loved him too so I understand.”
When she didn’t answer he stood slowly. “Try to sleep.” He turned towards the door but her voice stopped him.
“Please, I’d like his collar.”
“Sure.” Gerard said softly. With that he left to begin the task of digging a grave for Rex.
________________________________________________
Alicia moved through the sliding glass doors then closed them behind her. She wanted a private place to take Christa’s call. Once she was seated at the table she spoke. “Okay, Mikey can’t hear me. What do you want to know?”
Christa thought a moment. “There is something that’s bothering me about that photo of Gerard and the woman.”
Immediately Alicia spoke up. “Because they look so in love?”
“Exactly” Christa sighed, “I tried to mention that to Ray but he reminded me that Gerard is a married man.”
“A married man who’s marriage had been falling apart for a long time.” Alicia said softly.
“Yeah, I thought that for a long time but never wanted to say it.”
“Hey, I get what you mean about the photo.” Alicia looked out across the beautifully manicured lawn. “I just worry that if Gerard is really in love with that woman it’s gonna make the situation worse.”
“Know what you mean.” Christa sighed. “He might now want to come back and deal with things but still…” She paused, “I think he will because I know how much he loves Bandit. I’m sure he wouldn’t permanently walk away from her.”
“I don’t think it would either.” Alicia said slowly, “I just wish Mikey would calm down.”
“Ray said he’s really pissed.”
“On one hand he’s very happy to see Gerard is okay but the photo with the woman really upset him. He’s got it in his mind now that all this time Gerard has been, as he says, shacked up with some tramp while everyone has been worried.”
“Might be best if he tries to hold on to his temper when he finally gets to Gerard” Christa said slowly, “I mean I understand how he feels but judging by that photo I don’t think Gerard would want to hear his brother call that woman a tramp.”
“Exactly.” Alicia nodded, “I hear you. I’m just hoping as soon as Alan locates Gerard this gets settled.”
“We all do.” Christa said as Ray walked into the room. “That’s for sure.”
___________________________________________________
Gerard lowered the tailgate of the truck then struggled to lift Rex into the bed. “Damn you’re heavy Rex.” He whispered once he got the dog’s body into the truck. Sadly he stroked Rex’s head. “And damn I’m sorry this happened to you.”
Slowly he drove the truck up the driveway towards the barn. He hoped Lucy stayed inside until this was done.Getting out of the truck he picked a spot near a tree on the side of the barn. The ground was soft because of the recent rain so it made digging the grave a bit easier. Still, digging a grave large enough for a Lab took quite a while. Almost an hour and a half later he was finally ready to place Rex in the ground.
Going around to the tailgate he unhooked Rex’s collar then set it aside. He was saddened to see several spots of blood stained the nylon. Before lifting Rex out of the truck Gerard took a minute to stroke the dog’s head, “Rex, you were family.” He whispered. “You took good care of Lucy because you loved her so much.” With the back of his hand he wiped what at first thought was sweat out of his eyes but was shocked to realize it was tears. “Shit, now I’m crying over a dog.” He whispered. Yet in his heart he knew it wasn’t just the dog’s death causing the tears. His sorrow was for the loss of Rex and how it had deeply affected Lucy. But it ran even deeper than that. Death made one think, it made one realize how quickly the end could come. The day had been perfect until they returned home then it turned into a nightmare. In the blink of an eye, it had all changed. Right now, more than ever he missed his family, he missed his daughter. He needed to see her and soon. He needed to know she was okay.
With a sigh he tried to push those thoughts from his brain as he lifted Rex out then carried him over to the freshly dug grave. Carefully he placed the beloved pets body down then stood back a moment. “Goodbye Rex” He said softly as he picked up the shovel.
_____________________________________________
Alan’s first stop in Iola had been the Wal-Mart store. While he hadn’t expected to actually run into Gerard it still seemed like the logical place to start his search. However he realized he needed to be careful. Now that the photo was on the Net chances were good some in this small town would realize it was indeed Gerard.
Next he drove to the town’s square. After circling it once he parked then got out. With him he carried a photo of Gerard’s car and a photo of Gerard. He would show the photo of the car first hoping someone would recognize it. Spotting an auto repair shop he decided to start there. Possibly Gerard’s vehicle had been damaged in the storm and he’d had repair work done on it.
“Can I help you?” An older man called out as Alan walked into the shop.
“Hope so.” Alan smiled moving towards the counter. “I’m looking for someone and I’m hoping you might have seen him.” He pulled out the photo of the car from his bag then laid it on the counter.
The other man studied the photo a minute then laughed, “I take it that’s your friend’s car?”
Alan nodded.
“Well I sure would remember if I saw that beauty. Don’t see many of those around here.” He looked up at Alan, “You’re friend is missing?”
Alan sighed, “His family is worried they haven’t heard from him in weeks. But they know he was in the area.” Deciding the older man wouldn’t recognize the singer of a rock band he took out Gerard’s photo. “This is him.”
“Names Bud, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Bud. I’m Alan.”
Bud lifted the photo to take a better look, “Sure looks like Lucy’s cousin, Joe."
Bingo! Alan smiled, “So you’ve seen him?”
“He came in with Lucy…” He paused thinking “Been over a month ago, right after the tornado went through. Lucy’s windshield got broken.”
Alan knew he had to tread carefully; people in small towns were leery of strangers. “That’s too bad.”
Bud nodded, “Yeah, lucky I had already ordered her a new windshield before it happened. Don’t get a lot of call for windshields for old 65 GMC’s. Had to special order it from KC.” He set the photo down. “You’d think his brother would know he was here with his cousin.”
Alan wasn’t sure how to respond. Finally he said, “I didn’t realize he had family in these parts. His brother back in LA will be relieved to know he’s okay. Is it possible for me to get Lucy’s number? I’d really like to tell Joe he’s brother is worried.”
Bud sighed, “Can’t do that. Lucy doesn’t have a phone.”
“But she lives around here?”
“She lives in Neosho Falls. It’s about twenty five miles down the road.”
Alan couldn’t believe his good luck. He replaced the photos in his bag then smiled, “Well I’ll just call his brother and tell him. Thanks for your help.”
“He’s not in some kind of trouble is he?”
The question surprised Alan, “No, no trouble. Like I said his brother out in LA is worried because he hasn’t heard from him.”
Bud’s eyes narrowed, “Hope that’s true. Lucy’s a fine woman, I’d hate for any trouble to come her way.”
Alan could see the man was being honest in his concern for this Lucy. “I promise you, no trouble.”
Bud nodded then turned away from the counter.
Alan walked back out to his car then opened his tablet. He quickly pulled up a map and found the directions to Neosho Falls. It was important to make sure Gerard was still in the town before he made his report to Mikey.
_______________________________________________
Gerard wiped the sweat from his forehead once the last spade of dirt was thrown on the grave. Later he planed on making some sort of marker for Rex.
Entering the kitchen he washed his hands then made his way into the living room. Lucy was still lying on the sofa, her eyes open as she stated at the ceiling.
“It’s done.” Gerard said softly taking a seat on the floor by her side. “Here.” He held out Rex’s collar.
Lucy sat up slowly to take it from him. When she spotted the blood her eyes filled with tears again. “Thank you for burying him.”
Gerard reached for her hand, “I put him under that large tree by the barn. Figured he could still keep an eye on the house from there.”
Lucy’s tears began to fall, “He tried so hard to protect…”
“Because he loved you.”
“He loved us.” Lucy whispered.
Gerard wasn’t sure if she meant Rex loved Lucy and him or Lucy and Rafe. He knew right now the past had a strangle hold on her.
“Honey, I need to take a shower. Just try to rest. When I get back I’ll make us some dinner, okay?”
Lucy nodded then lowered her body to the sofa again still clutching Rex’s collar in her hands
________________________________________________.
Alan was shocked when Neosho Falls finally came into view. He’d expected a small town but not what could only be considered a ghost town. The only business it seemed was a small bar. He parked out front of the establishment then sat a moment to give himself time to think. In Iowa he’d used the story that Gerard’s family was worried about him. The fact that it this Lucy had said Gerard was her cousin presented a problem. Taking out his phone he quickly made a call.
“Hey, Alan.” Mikey answered almost immediately, “What have you found out?”
“I’ve been lucky so far. I found a guy at an auto repair shop that remembered Gerard.”
“You showed him Gerard’s photo?”
“Only because I was sure he wouldn’t know who he really is. Thing is, the guy told me Gerard’s name was Joe and that he was with a woman named Lucy who introduced him as her cousin.”
“You think that’s the woman in the photo?”
“That would be my first guess. You don’t have any relatives in this area, do you?”
“Hell no.” Mikey answered, “And besides a relative wouldn’t call Gerard, Joe.”
“Well they might possibly if they were helping him to stay under the radar.”
Mikey gave that thought some consideration before saying, “No, I’m sure we don’t have any relatives in Kansas, certainly not a cousin. And if this Lucy is the woman with him in the photo, he’s not treating her like a relative.”
Alan agreed, “Right, but I wanted to make sure before I went any further. I only have the woman’s first name…”
“Why didn’t you get her last name?”
“Because people in small towns look out for their own. It was obvious the guy I talked to is friendly with the woman. He straight out asked me if your brother was in any trouble because he was worried it might hurt her.”
“Oh” Mikey said softly, “I see.”
“Right, and it was already weird because I said Gerard’s family was worried about him and then found out he’s been passing himself off as her cousin. The guy wanted to know why you’d be worried since your brother is with family.”
“Crap” Mikey muttered, “So what now?”
“I know she lives in Neosho Falls.” Alan said looking around as he spoke. “And wow, it should be too hard to find her. This place is nothing more that a ghost town. Lots of dilapidated buildings. The only business seems to be the bar I’m parked in front of.”
Mikey was already pulling up Google Earth on his computer. “So what’s your next move?”
“Not sure” Alan said slowly, “I know the woman has a truck, an old 1965 GMC. I could just drive around but I don’t want to attract any attention because believe me, there isn’t a lot of traffic here.”
“I’m looking at it now.” Mikey said, “No street views.”
Alan laughed, “I’m sure there aren’t. Anyway I think I”ll head into the bar. A place this small I’m guessing the bartender will know Lucy.”
“Yeah but what are you going to say?”
Alan finally came up with an idea, “I’m going to say I heard from the guy in Iola that there is a woman in town that has a vintage truck, one I’m interested in. See if that gets the bartender to talk about her.”
Mikey was suddenly filled with hope he’d soon know exactly where his brother was staying. “Let me know what you find out.”
“I’ll give you a call soon.”
Alan got out of the car after disconnecting while still going over in his head the story he was about to tell.
“Hey” The bartender greeted him. “Was wondering if you were gonna come in.”
Alan should have realized he was being watched. “Had to make some calls.” He laughed taking a seat at the bar.
"What can I get you?”
“Beer, whatever you have on tap will be fine.”
Clyde poured a beer then set it on the bar in front of Alan. “So, you lost?”
Alan grinned, “That a question you ask all of your customers?”
Waving his arms around the empty bar Clyde laughed, “Well if I had any customers I’d ask them that. To be honest I’ll get some people coming in later on tonight but it’s pretty rare to get someone in who’s not from around here.”
“You’re right, I’m not from around here.” Alan took a sip of his beer then spoke, “Actually I was in Iola earlier and I heard there’s a woman in town that has a vintage 1965 GMC.”
Immediately Clyde’s eyes narrowed, “Yeah, so?”
Alan smiled, “I collect vintage trucks. Right now I’m looking to add that make and model to my collection. In my free time I work on restoring vehicles.”
Clyde’s smile had faded, “Really? You don’t look like the type who restores cars.”
Alan knew immediately that his man must be a close friend of Lucy’s by the way he was suddenly becoming protective. “Well I do.” Alan said taking another sip of beer. “So when Bud told me he thought Lucy might consider selling her truck I decided to swing by and see if she would.”
The fact that Alan knew Lucy’s name caused Clyde to relax slightly, “Who told you?”
“Bud, the guy who owns Iola Repair.”
Clyde nodded. “Yeah, he’s been taking care of Lucy’s truck for years now. Don’t think she’s part with old Bessie though.”
“Bessie?”
“Yeah, that’s what she calls the truck.”
“Well that doesn’t bode well for me, sounds like she’s pretty attached to it.”
Clyde shrugged, “Yeah, but you never know, if you make her a pretty decent offer she might consider it.” He glanced out the plate glass windows. “Don’t know if they’re home.”
Alan tried to hide his excitement hearing Clyde confirm that Lucy didn’t live alone. When the man spoke again it was hard for Alan not to smile.
“She and Gerard left this morning, saw them drive by. Don’t know if they’re back because I had to close down for several hours. Suppose you could drive by and see.”
By the time Alan left the bar he was not only sure Gerard was in this town but he knew exactly where he was staying.
______________________________________________
Tiredly Gerard trudged up the steps then headed down the hallway. He hated to leave Lucy’s side right how but he definitely needed to shower. He first went into his bedroom, grabbed some clean clothing then walked back out into the hall. He came to an abrupt standstill when the blast of cold air struck him.
“Rafe” He whispered knowing instinctively the shape now forming in front of him.
“You need to follow her.”
“What?” Gerard’s heart began to race, “What do you mean?”
Again Rafe repeated the same words, “You need to follow her. You need to understand the depth of her pain.”
With that he completely faded away.
“Oh shit.” Gerard threw his clothes down then turned to race for the stairs. “Lucy” He called out but saw the living room was empty. Making his way quickly to the front door he saw her turn at the end of the driveway. She wasn’t heading into town, she was going in the opposite direction with Rex’s collar dangling from her fingertips.
He ran out but as he reached the end of the driveway he slowed down. She was walking along the road and as long as she was in his line of sight he didn’t want to stop her. He would follow her just as Rafe had said.
For several minutes he watched as she continued on until she slowed and made a turn. As Gerard himself grew closer he saw the wrought iron sign CEDARVALE CEMETARY.
When he slowly walked towards the place where she was now seated on the ground Lucy sighed. “Rex was my only remaining link to them.”
He saw Lucy had placed Rex’s collar beside the tombstone bearing Rafe’s name. A moment later Lucy’s words hit home. Moving forward slightly he looked at the grave to the right of Rex’s collar. The stone was a small marble lamb. However it was the words etched in the marble that tore at his heart. Now he understood the depth of her pain, now he understood she had not only lost her husband, she lost her daughter that same day.
LIZZY MARIA MARTENEZ
BORN OCT 31 1999
DIED OCT 25 2002
“Oh Rex.” Lucy sobbed uncontrollably.
Gerard had never felt so powerless to do or say something that could help. Just by looking at the dogs broken body he knew Rex was dying.
Lucy’s words echoed his thought, “He’s dying.” Tears poured from her eyes. She gently stroked his head as blood trickled from the dog’s mouth. “Please, don’t leave me.” She whispered. “Please, God, no.”
Gerard placed his arm around Lucy. “Honey, I’m so sorry.”
They both watched as the blond Lab took his final breath.
Lucy’s head dropped her heart breaking. “He’s gone.” She whispered brokenly.
Gerard stood quickly then pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let me get you into the house.”
Lucy began to shake her head wildly. “We can’t just leave him here.”
“Lucy.” He said softly tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. “I’m going to take you into the house, then I’ll take care of Rex.”
“I want to help.” Lucy said unable to stop the flow of tears from her eyes.
Gerard had never seen her so distraught. “Honey, I’m going to bury Rex.” When she started to speak he added gently, “Let me do this for you and for Rex. I loved him too.”
Her eyes once more fell to her beloved pet. When Gerard started to gently pull her to the house her head lowered as they walked across the yard.
Inside Gerard led her to the sofa. Once she was seated he pulled off her shoes, “Lay down, Honey.”
She allowed him to lift her legs onto the sofa. “We should have taken him with us.”
He’s been afraid she’d think this. “You said yourself he wouldn’t go with us.”
“We should have made him go.” The pain in her heart was making it hard for her to think.
“Lucy, Rex didn’t want to go. He wanted to stay here.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks, “He must have believed he was protecting this stupid house. The car must have started up the driveway and he ran out to stop them.”
That too had been Gerard’s guess. “I’d like to get a hold of the son of a bitch driving that car.” He ground out.
“Why?” Lucy cried, “It wouldn’t change anything. Rex is dead.”
Gerard’s own heart was breaking more for Lucy than Rex. “Where do you want me to bury him?”
She closed her eyes, “By the barn” She whispered.
He knelt down by the sofa to stroke her cheek, “Honey, please don’t blame yourself.”
Her eyes opened, “Rex was all I had left of ….” Her mouth snapped shut and her eyes closed again.
Sadly Gerard understood, Rex was all she had left of her previous life with Rafe.
“I’m sorry.” Lucy whispered, “I know he was just a dog.”
Gerard leaned down to kiss her wet cheek before answering, “Lucy, Rex was more than just a dog. He was family, I told you, I loved him too so I understand.”
When she didn’t answer he stood slowly. “Try to sleep.” He turned towards the door but her voice stopped him.
“Please, I’d like his collar.”
“Sure.” Gerard said softly. With that he left to begin the task of digging a grave for Rex.
________________________________________________
Alicia moved through the sliding glass doors then closed them behind her. She wanted a private place to take Christa’s call. Once she was seated at the table she spoke. “Okay, Mikey can’t hear me. What do you want to know?”
Christa thought a moment. “There is something that’s bothering me about that photo of Gerard and the woman.”
Immediately Alicia spoke up. “Because they look so in love?”
“Exactly” Christa sighed, “I tried to mention that to Ray but he reminded me that Gerard is a married man.”
“A married man who’s marriage had been falling apart for a long time.” Alicia said softly.
“Yeah, I thought that for a long time but never wanted to say it.”
“Hey, I get what you mean about the photo.” Alicia looked out across the beautifully manicured lawn. “I just worry that if Gerard is really in love with that woman it’s gonna make the situation worse.”
“Know what you mean.” Christa sighed. “He might now want to come back and deal with things but still…” She paused, “I think he will because I know how much he loves Bandit. I’m sure he wouldn’t permanently walk away from her.”
“I don’t think it would either.” Alicia said slowly, “I just wish Mikey would calm down.”
“Ray said he’s really pissed.”
“On one hand he’s very happy to see Gerard is okay but the photo with the woman really upset him. He’s got it in his mind now that all this time Gerard has been, as he says, shacked up with some tramp while everyone has been worried.”
“Might be best if he tries to hold on to his temper when he finally gets to Gerard” Christa said slowly, “I mean I understand how he feels but judging by that photo I don’t think Gerard would want to hear his brother call that woman a tramp.”
“Exactly.” Alicia nodded, “I hear you. I’m just hoping as soon as Alan locates Gerard this gets settled.”
“We all do.” Christa said as Ray walked into the room. “That’s for sure.”
___________________________________________________
Gerard lowered the tailgate of the truck then struggled to lift Rex into the bed. “Damn you’re heavy Rex.” He whispered once he got the dog’s body into the truck. Sadly he stroked Rex’s head. “And damn I’m sorry this happened to you.”
Slowly he drove the truck up the driveway towards the barn. He hoped Lucy stayed inside until this was done.Getting out of the truck he picked a spot near a tree on the side of the barn. The ground was soft because of the recent rain so it made digging the grave a bit easier. Still, digging a grave large enough for a Lab took quite a while. Almost an hour and a half later he was finally ready to place Rex in the ground.
Going around to the tailgate he unhooked Rex’s collar then set it aside. He was saddened to see several spots of blood stained the nylon. Before lifting Rex out of the truck Gerard took a minute to stroke the dog’s head, “Rex, you were family.” He whispered. “You took good care of Lucy because you loved her so much.” With the back of his hand he wiped what at first thought was sweat out of his eyes but was shocked to realize it was tears. “Shit, now I’m crying over a dog.” He whispered. Yet in his heart he knew it wasn’t just the dog’s death causing the tears. His sorrow was for the loss of Rex and how it had deeply affected Lucy. But it ran even deeper than that. Death made one think, it made one realize how quickly the end could come. The day had been perfect until they returned home then it turned into a nightmare. In the blink of an eye, it had all changed. Right now, more than ever he missed his family, he missed his daughter. He needed to see her and soon. He needed to know she was okay.
With a sigh he tried to push those thoughts from his brain as he lifted Rex out then carried him over to the freshly dug grave. Carefully he placed the beloved pets body down then stood back a moment. “Goodbye Rex” He said softly as he picked up the shovel.
_____________________________________________
Alan’s first stop in Iola had been the Wal-Mart store. While he hadn’t expected to actually run into Gerard it still seemed like the logical place to start his search. However he realized he needed to be careful. Now that the photo was on the Net chances were good some in this small town would realize it was indeed Gerard.
Next he drove to the town’s square. After circling it once he parked then got out. With him he carried a photo of Gerard’s car and a photo of Gerard. He would show the photo of the car first hoping someone would recognize it. Spotting an auto repair shop he decided to start there. Possibly Gerard’s vehicle had been damaged in the storm and he’d had repair work done on it.
“Can I help you?” An older man called out as Alan walked into the shop.
“Hope so.” Alan smiled moving towards the counter. “I’m looking for someone and I’m hoping you might have seen him.” He pulled out the photo of the car from his bag then laid it on the counter.
The other man studied the photo a minute then laughed, “I take it that’s your friend’s car?”
Alan nodded.
“Well I sure would remember if I saw that beauty. Don’t see many of those around here.” He looked up at Alan, “You’re friend is missing?”
Alan sighed, “His family is worried they haven’t heard from him in weeks. But they know he was in the area.” Deciding the older man wouldn’t recognize the singer of a rock band he took out Gerard’s photo. “This is him.”
“Names Bud, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Bud. I’m Alan.”
Bud lifted the photo to take a better look, “Sure looks like Lucy’s cousin, Joe."
Bingo! Alan smiled, “So you’ve seen him?”
“He came in with Lucy…” He paused thinking “Been over a month ago, right after the tornado went through. Lucy’s windshield got broken.”
Alan knew he had to tread carefully; people in small towns were leery of strangers. “That’s too bad.”
Bud nodded, “Yeah, lucky I had already ordered her a new windshield before it happened. Don’t get a lot of call for windshields for old 65 GMC’s. Had to special order it from KC.” He set the photo down. “You’d think his brother would know he was here with his cousin.”
Alan wasn’t sure how to respond. Finally he said, “I didn’t realize he had family in these parts. His brother back in LA will be relieved to know he’s okay. Is it possible for me to get Lucy’s number? I’d really like to tell Joe he’s brother is worried.”
Bud sighed, “Can’t do that. Lucy doesn’t have a phone.”
“But she lives around here?”
“She lives in Neosho Falls. It’s about twenty five miles down the road.”
Alan couldn’t believe his good luck. He replaced the photos in his bag then smiled, “Well I’ll just call his brother and tell him. Thanks for your help.”
“He’s not in some kind of trouble is he?”
The question surprised Alan, “No, no trouble. Like I said his brother out in LA is worried because he hasn’t heard from him.”
Bud’s eyes narrowed, “Hope that’s true. Lucy’s a fine woman, I’d hate for any trouble to come her way.”
Alan could see the man was being honest in his concern for this Lucy. “I promise you, no trouble.”
Bud nodded then turned away from the counter.
Alan walked back out to his car then opened his tablet. He quickly pulled up a map and found the directions to Neosho Falls. It was important to make sure Gerard was still in the town before he made his report to Mikey.
_______________________________________________
Gerard wiped the sweat from his forehead once the last spade of dirt was thrown on the grave. Later he planed on making some sort of marker for Rex.
Entering the kitchen he washed his hands then made his way into the living room. Lucy was still lying on the sofa, her eyes open as she stated at the ceiling.
“It’s done.” Gerard said softly taking a seat on the floor by her side. “Here.” He held out Rex’s collar.
Lucy sat up slowly to take it from him. When she spotted the blood her eyes filled with tears again. “Thank you for burying him.”
Gerard reached for her hand, “I put him under that large tree by the barn. Figured he could still keep an eye on the house from there.”
Lucy’s tears began to fall, “He tried so hard to protect…”
“Because he loved you.”
“He loved us.” Lucy whispered.
Gerard wasn’t sure if she meant Rex loved Lucy and him or Lucy and Rafe. He knew right now the past had a strangle hold on her.
“Honey, I need to take a shower. Just try to rest. When I get back I’ll make us some dinner, okay?”
Lucy nodded then lowered her body to the sofa again still clutching Rex’s collar in her hands
________________________________________________.
Alan was shocked when Neosho Falls finally came into view. He’d expected a small town but not what could only be considered a ghost town. The only business it seemed was a small bar. He parked out front of the establishment then sat a moment to give himself time to think. In Iowa he’d used the story that Gerard’s family was worried about him. The fact that it this Lucy had said Gerard was her cousin presented a problem. Taking out his phone he quickly made a call.
“Hey, Alan.” Mikey answered almost immediately, “What have you found out?”
“I’ve been lucky so far. I found a guy at an auto repair shop that remembered Gerard.”
“You showed him Gerard’s photo?”
“Only because I was sure he wouldn’t know who he really is. Thing is, the guy told me Gerard’s name was Joe and that he was with a woman named Lucy who introduced him as her cousin.”
“You think that’s the woman in the photo?”
“That would be my first guess. You don’t have any relatives in this area, do you?”
“Hell no.” Mikey answered, “And besides a relative wouldn’t call Gerard, Joe.”
“Well they might possibly if they were helping him to stay under the radar.”
Mikey gave that thought some consideration before saying, “No, I’m sure we don’t have any relatives in Kansas, certainly not a cousin. And if this Lucy is the woman with him in the photo, he’s not treating her like a relative.”
Alan agreed, “Right, but I wanted to make sure before I went any further. I only have the woman’s first name…”
“Why didn’t you get her last name?”
“Because people in small towns look out for their own. It was obvious the guy I talked to is friendly with the woman. He straight out asked me if your brother was in any trouble because he was worried it might hurt her.”
“Oh” Mikey said softly, “I see.”
“Right, and it was already weird because I said Gerard’s family was worried about him and then found out he’s been passing himself off as her cousin. The guy wanted to know why you’d be worried since your brother is with family.”
“Crap” Mikey muttered, “So what now?”
“I know she lives in Neosho Falls.” Alan said looking around as he spoke. “And wow, it should be too hard to find her. This place is nothing more that a ghost town. Lots of dilapidated buildings. The only business seems to be the bar I’m parked in front of.”
Mikey was already pulling up Google Earth on his computer. “So what’s your next move?”
“Not sure” Alan said slowly, “I know the woman has a truck, an old 1965 GMC. I could just drive around but I don’t want to attract any attention because believe me, there isn’t a lot of traffic here.”
“I’m looking at it now.” Mikey said, “No street views.”
Alan laughed, “I’m sure there aren’t. Anyway I think I”ll head into the bar. A place this small I’m guessing the bartender will know Lucy.”
“Yeah but what are you going to say?”
Alan finally came up with an idea, “I’m going to say I heard from the guy in Iola that there is a woman in town that has a vintage truck, one I’m interested in. See if that gets the bartender to talk about her.”
Mikey was suddenly filled with hope he’d soon know exactly where his brother was staying. “Let me know what you find out.”
“I’ll give you a call soon.”
Alan got out of the car after disconnecting while still going over in his head the story he was about to tell.
“Hey” The bartender greeted him. “Was wondering if you were gonna come in.”
Alan should have realized he was being watched. “Had to make some calls.” He laughed taking a seat at the bar.
"What can I get you?”
“Beer, whatever you have on tap will be fine.”
Clyde poured a beer then set it on the bar in front of Alan. “So, you lost?”
Alan grinned, “That a question you ask all of your customers?”
Waving his arms around the empty bar Clyde laughed, “Well if I had any customers I’d ask them that. To be honest I’ll get some people coming in later on tonight but it’s pretty rare to get someone in who’s not from around here.”
“You’re right, I’m not from around here.” Alan took a sip of his beer then spoke, “Actually I was in Iola earlier and I heard there’s a woman in town that has a vintage 1965 GMC.”
Immediately Clyde’s eyes narrowed, “Yeah, so?”
Alan smiled, “I collect vintage trucks. Right now I’m looking to add that make and model to my collection. In my free time I work on restoring vehicles.”
Clyde’s smile had faded, “Really? You don’t look like the type who restores cars.”
Alan knew immediately that his man must be a close friend of Lucy’s by the way he was suddenly becoming protective. “Well I do.” Alan said taking another sip of beer. “So when Bud told me he thought Lucy might consider selling her truck I decided to swing by and see if she would.”
The fact that Alan knew Lucy’s name caused Clyde to relax slightly, “Who told you?”
“Bud, the guy who owns Iola Repair.”
Clyde nodded. “Yeah, he’s been taking care of Lucy’s truck for years now. Don’t think she’s part with old Bessie though.”
“Bessie?”
“Yeah, that’s what she calls the truck.”
“Well that doesn’t bode well for me, sounds like she’s pretty attached to it.”
Clyde shrugged, “Yeah, but you never know, if you make her a pretty decent offer she might consider it.” He glanced out the plate glass windows. “Don’t know if they’re home.”
Alan tried to hide his excitement hearing Clyde confirm that Lucy didn’t live alone. When the man spoke again it was hard for Alan not to smile.
“She and Gerard left this morning, saw them drive by. Don’t know if they’re back because I had to close down for several hours. Suppose you could drive by and see.”
By the time Alan left the bar he was not only sure Gerard was in this town but he knew exactly where he was staying.
______________________________________________
Tiredly Gerard trudged up the steps then headed down the hallway. He hated to leave Lucy’s side right how but he definitely needed to shower. He first went into his bedroom, grabbed some clean clothing then walked back out into the hall. He came to an abrupt standstill when the blast of cold air struck him.
“Rafe” He whispered knowing instinctively the shape now forming in front of him.
“You need to follow her.”
“What?” Gerard’s heart began to race, “What do you mean?”
Again Rafe repeated the same words, “You need to follow her. You need to understand the depth of her pain.”
With that he completely faded away.
“Oh shit.” Gerard threw his clothes down then turned to race for the stairs. “Lucy” He called out but saw the living room was empty. Making his way quickly to the front door he saw her turn at the end of the driveway. She wasn’t heading into town, she was going in the opposite direction with Rex’s collar dangling from her fingertips.
He ran out but as he reached the end of the driveway he slowed down. She was walking along the road and as long as she was in his line of sight he didn’t want to stop her. He would follow her just as Rafe had said.
For several minutes he watched as she continued on until she slowed and made a turn. As Gerard himself grew closer he saw the wrought iron sign CEDARVALE CEMETARY.
When he slowly walked towards the place where she was now seated on the ground Lucy sighed. “Rex was my only remaining link to them.”
He saw Lucy had placed Rex’s collar beside the tombstone bearing Rafe’s name. A moment later Lucy’s words hit home. Moving forward slightly he looked at the grave to the right of Rex’s collar. The stone was a small marble lamb. However it was the words etched in the marble that tore at his heart. Now he understood the depth of her pain, now he understood she had not only lost her husband, she lost her daughter that same day.
LIZZY MARIA MARTENEZ
BORN OCT 31 1999
DIED OCT 25 2002
I absolutely loved this story! You are a very gifted writer & I
hope to find & read your other stories. I also look forward to reading Gerard’s book. Thank you!
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