The Secrets of Parkerville Series - Book 1 - Chased Hearts Read online

 Chased Hearts

  The Secrets of Parkerville Series

  Book One

  Written by

  Harriet Trevathan and Nancy C. Wilson

  Copyright © 2013 by Harriet Trevathan and Nancy C. Wilson

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews. 

  Any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

 

  Cassie

  Neil Sedaka’s, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, began to play over the intercom, while a group of teens started to gather close to the pool. Cassie Evans was carefully making her way to the end of the diving board, as her friends began clapping and singing along. She was wearing a powder-blue bikini and her long, blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

  “Oh, Hallelujah! I was beginning to think I’d never turn sixteen; finally, Mom and Dad will have to let me date now, at least without me sneaking around and lying to them. Gosh, I feel so free right now.” Cassie said.

  “Hey,” a voice yelled out, among the swaying audience, “It’s time to get wet!”

  Cassie shivered, as a breeze blew past her.

  “Okay, I’m going in,” she yelled, pinching her nose as she jumped. She was happy and carefree at that moment, unaware of what she would find at the bottom of the pool.

  As Cassie’s feet touched the bottom of the pool, the laughter and clapping suddenly disappeared into silence. Then the water turned dark and cloudy, as she whirled around trying to find her way.

  ‘Oh, God, what’s happening? I can’t see! Where is everyone?’

  Cassie kept turning around in fear, when an old woman’s face appeared before her. It grew larger and larger, beckoning her to swim closer, she heard an echoing sound of the old woman’s voice saying ‘I’ll see you soon my dear’ but when Cassie started to panic, the face melted and the water once again became clear; she saw the legs of the kids kicking and splashing each other in the water. Then, she swam towards the pool ladder. She quickly pulled herself out of the water and ran to one of the pool chairs.

  Donna ran after her, grabbing a towel and placing it around her friend’s shoulders, as Cassie leaned over shaking uncontrollably.

  Donna Dickerson was Cassie’s best friend, and although Donna wasn’t as popular, she was finally part of the ‘gang,’ and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do to keep her status.

  “Cassie, are you alright?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Just leave me alone for a minute.”

  “It happened again, didn’t it?”

  Cassie didn’t answer right away, as she tried to calm down. “Yeah, but this time I saw a face,” she whispered, and a voice, as she curled back into the chair. “The one this morning was just splotches of different colors, hovering over my parents’ heads. This time it was an old woman’s face.”

  Donna sat down and waited patiently for Cassie to continue.

  “What’s happening to me?” Cassie yelled into her towel.

  “Maybe you just ran into someone. There are lots of people in the pool right now.”

  “An old lady?” Cassie asked looking at Donna incredulously. “Give me a break!”

  “Okay, sounds pretty dumb, I just can’t figure out what you’re seeing or why?” Donna said.

  “I’m sorry Donna, you’re just trying to help. But the water turned so dark and murky, did you see anything happen to the water?” Cassie asked hopefully.

  “No, I didn’t see anything, but there has to be some explanation. Gosh, Cassie, your eyes are starting to look a little creepy right now.”

  “Oh, thanks, Donna, I don’t even want to ask what else is going to happen. It’s my birthday and I should be happy, but everything is going wrong,” Cassie said, slumping back in her chair. “I just can’t figure it out. Are there some crazy chemicals in the water? But why does everyone else seem normal? This is beginning to really scare me.” She said.

  “I’m so sorry, but I don’t have a clue, Cassie. I come here all the time and nothing odd happens.”

  “Okay, I need to go home. I don’t know why, but I really need to see my mom and dad . . . now!”

  As the two girls started for the locker room, Cassie’s name was announced over the intercom. Neither girl spoke, as they made their way to the office and Cassie picked up the phone.

  “Cassie, sweetheart, is that you?” Donna’s mother asked on the other end of the line.

  “Yes, Mrs. Dickerson, it’s me.”

  “I’m on my way over to pick you up, dear. Your mom and dad were in an accident and they’re in the emergency room. I should be there in a few minutes.”

  ***

  The sound of someone sneezing; jolted Cassie out of her daydream, and back onto the train. It had only been a couple of months since the death of her parents and facing reality was more difficult then she had expected.

  The lady, sleeping in the seat next to her, sniffled and snorted a couple of times as she re-adjusted herself in her seat. The man behind her was blowing his nose.

  Cassie sighed and leaned closer to the window. Her face felt flushed, so she cooled her cheek against the glass. She didn’t want to cry, but she couldn’t keep her mind from racing back to the pool party.

  Okay, enough of this! Her eyes started welling up with tears. Why did they have to die when I needed them so much?

  As Cassie wiped the tears away, hoping no one would see her crying, she stared at the same ghostly face appearing through the window.

  You must be strong, my dear, Cassie heard the voice in her mind.

  “Excuse me, young lady,” the porter said, leaning toward her. “I need to see your ticket.”

  Cassie bolted up in her seat. “Oh, sure,” she said, catching her breath, as she rummaged through her bag. “I know it’s in here somewhere.”

  She finally gave the ticket to the porter, and the woman next to her sat up and smiled.

  “This your first train trip, honey?”

  Cassie was a little rattled as she spoke, “Yeah, this is all new to me.”

  “Oh, not me, I ride the train all the time. It’s much better than driving.” The woman nudged her with her elbow. “My name’s, Vera. You look a little sad, child, is something wrong?”

  “Oh, no, I’m just getting a little motion sick and my allergies always bother me this time of year . . . that’s all.”

  “I know what you mean; I’ve been sneezing all week. And you’d think they’d make these tracks a little smoother, wouldn’t you?” Vera chuckled. “I make this trip a couple of times a month to see my sister in Marshall City. Where’re you headed?”

  “Oh, I’m getting off at Marshall City, too, but I’m really going to Parkerville.”

  “Parkerville? You’re going there?” Vera’s eyes widened. “I hear that’s a strange little town. So, who do you know in Parkerville?” Vera leaned in a little closer.

  Cassie felt the sickness beginning to rise in her throat. “No one . . . I mean, my dad grew up in Marshall City, but his best friend lived in Parkerville. He was appointed as my guardian, since I don’t have any other relatives. I
’ll be staying with them for a while.”

  A few people turned around to have a look at the girl who was headed for Parkerville. One in particular, another young girl had a smile on her face as she looked straight ahead.

  “Really? You’re pretty brave, do you even know these people?”

  “No.” Cassie said. “But I trust my dad’s decision.”

  “You should have met them first.” Vera said giving her opinion quite frankly.

  “Well, you’re right, I don’t know anyone there, so I guess I’ll be surprised,” Cassie said, a little sarcastic, and then she softened. “I’m sorry, I’m not feeling well. Would you mind if I just sit back and close my eyes for a while?”

  “Sure, hon. Go ahead.” But Vera couldn’t stop talking. “Did you know they only have enough room in that town for just so many people? Isn’t that odd? And, you can only visit their precious little town, if you have a pass. My sister put her name on a list years ago to try and move there, but hardly anyone ever leaves . . . let alone dies.” Vera let out a little laugh, “I guess they made room for you, though.”

  “Next stops: Bridgeport, Marshall City, and Avondale,” a voice announced over the intercom.

  “Well, we’re almost there,” Vera, said, as she started picking up her belongings from the floor. She picked up a beige canvas bag with the name, Cassie, written in big pink letters across the front. “I’m guessing this is yours?” Vera smiled. “Cute bag.”

  “Thanks, I don’t go very far without it.” Cassie settled back in her seat, staring out at the barren countryside.

  Oh, wonderful, I’m going to be living in nowhere-land, with a bunch of crazy people. She then glanced over at Vera. So, Vera thinks this town’s a little strange; well, I didn’t really have a choice, did I?

  The train was pulling into the Bridgeport station, bringing Cassie closer to her new home. It was becoming harder to control the fear bubbling up inside her, as she huddled against the window, wondering what was in store for her at the next stop.

  ***

  Everyone was busy at the Keaton house. Justin and his wife, Marion, were making all the last minute arrangements, hoping to make their guest as comfortable as possible. Their son, Christopher, had half-heartedly moved his belongings into the room above the garage. He wasn’t happy, but he knew he had no choice in the matter.

  “She’d better be good-looking. That’s all I’m saying,” was all Chris said day after day. It was beginning to fray the nerves of everyone in his family, but it seemed easier to ignore Chris than to argue with him. He would adjust. He was aware of Cassie’s loss, and he felt sorry for her, but he liked his life the way it was.

  Geri, on the other hand, was more excited than she could stand. She always wanted an older sister, someone she could talk to about boys. She was about to start junior high and was full of questions, but she needed someone besides her mother to talk to. This was going to be a wonderful opportunity for her, especially with Cassie being an outsider.

  Marion was a bundle of nerves as she completed her list of things to do for the weekend.

  “Well, Justin, I think I’ve done all I can for today, but we need to get going if we want to get to the train station on time.”

  “Just take a deep breath, honey; at least you’re not alone in this. Sara’s niece arrives today, too. This is what we’ve all been waiting for. Everything will change from now on.”

  “Yes, I know. Just about everyone in town has called to offer their support, except for our son, of course. I’m afraid he has something up his sleeve.”

  Chris, and his best friend, Todd Kane, practically ran the younger generation of Parkerville. Chris was the conman of the duo and came up with a plan to satisfy his curiosity, about the new girl coming to live with his family. He called Todd to work out the details.

  “Hey, Todd, let’s walk over to the garage and borrow Jake’s truck earlier than we planned, then drive over to Marshall City. We can get a good look at this girl before my folks pick her up. You know how Dad follows all the rules and won’t drive over 45. We can take that shortcut down route 70 and really book.” He paused for a second, “I’m sorry, but I’ve gotta do this. It’ll help me decide if I want to go camping tonight or not.”

  Chris knew if she turned out to be cute, he’d want to stick around. There hadn’t been any excitement in town for such a long time, and for some strange reason he was getting anxious.

  Chris met Todd a couple of blocks from his house and they walked together to Jake’s.

  Jake Walker was an older man; who was always anxious to help someone out. He especially enjoyed it when Chris and Todd begged to borrow his truck. He would argue and fuss every time one of them asked, but he would always give in. He loved a good fight, but better still, he got a chance to interact with these young men, whom he felt kept him from getting old.”

  Chris asked Jake if he and Todd could borrow the truck earlier than planned. Jake said it was fine with him, but he wanted to know why. Chris tried to cover with some lame story, but Jake saw right through it. He always did. He would chuckle to himself about how shrewd the kids were these days and lectured Chris on honesty. It made him feel fatherly, which he enjoyed, since he never had any children of his own.

  Jake threw the keys into Chris’ hands, told him to mind the speed limits, and the boys took off.

  ***

  As the train pulled into Marshall City, Cassie gathered her things and waited for her turn to exit the train. There were quite a few people getting off at this stop and she watched as they took their turns, standing up and walking down the narrow isle of the train. She put her hand on the back of the seat in front of her to get her balance, when the girl who had been seated there stood up and turned around. She stared at Cassie, giving her a sly smile as she raised an eyebrow. Her long blond hair fell down below her waist, in long soft curls. Her eyes were azure blue and her skin was flawless. She wore a soft pink dress dotted with tiny blue flowers, which hugged her slender body as it dropped down to her ankles. She stepped out into the aisle, turning back one more time to look at Cassie, before she made her way to the exit.

  Why did she look at me like that? She seemed to know me for some reason, but I would have remembered her. She was beautiful!

  Cassie inched her way to the aisle, getting behind the line of strangers. She entered the station cautiously, as it was dirtier and more crowded than she had expected, but the girl was nowhere to be seen. She then tried to find a quiet place to sit and settle her nervous stomach. She finally found an empty bench against the wall, near the entrance. She sat down to wait for the Keaton’s.

  She put her bag on the floor, leaning her head against the wall, as a rush of melancholy overtook her, as she thought about her dad.

  Well, Daddy, you’re gone and you don’t have to worry about me anymore. You always had to know exactly where I was and what I was doing. All the kids made fun of me and called me a ‘daddy’s girl.’

  Cassie knew she was going to cry again, so she tried to think of something else. I wonder why we never came here to visit or even talked about Parkerville. Why didn’t I get to meet my grandparents, when they were still alive? None of this makes any sense! You and Mom never drank, so why was there an empty bottle of scotch on the floorboard? Something’s really wrong with this picture.

  “Well, Daddy,” Cassie whispered softly, “I’m going to live here now. I hope you’re happy.”

  Just then the stillness of the station was disrupted, as a rather large girl, about Cassie’s age, entered looking for a place to sit. The girl was wearing a long faded dress, with most of the lace hanging off the hem. Cassie watched as she dragged a dirty duffel bag behind her, not caring who she bumped into as she pushed her way along. She saw Cassie on the bench and headed toward her.

  Oh no, not here! Please don’t sit here! Cassie thought i
n her mind, as she watched the girl coming closer. Cassie grimaced as she felt the bench bounce beneath her, as the girl sat down. She glanced over at her to see if she was finally seated.

  The girl was homely. Cassie hated to think like that, but she couldn’t help it. She was a chubby girl with stringy brown hair, which looked like it hadn’t been washed in days; and her lack of deodorant and overuse of perfume was nauseating. She was also chewing a wad of bubble gum and popping it every few seconds.

  The girl tried to start up a conversation, but Cassie wasn’t listening. She was sick and knew she had to get away fast. She excused herself, placed her hand over her mouth and ran to the restroom.

  Chris and Todd had just arrived and walked up to the train station door. They stood in the doorway, trying to find a girl sitting alone. It didn’t take long for them to see the homely, heavyset girl sitting on the bench, hunting through Cassie’s canvas bag. Chris grabbed Todd by the arm and dragged him back to the truck.

  “We’ve got to get out of here right now! And you have to drive, since I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.”

  It took Todd a few minutes to control his laughter, as he tried a few times to get into the driver’s seat.

  “Hey, Chris, why don’t you ask her to go camping with us? We won’t have to worry about any wild animals coming around. Putting her out front will scare them away better than any camp fire.”

  “Knock it off, Todd. Just get us out of here before my parents show up.”

  Todd started the engine and got back on the road.

  “I mean it, Chris; we won’t even have to use fishing rods. She could just get in the water and all the fish will jump right into the boat.”

  “I said, knock it off!” But Chris couldn’t help but laugh, “Good grief, what an ugly girl.” Just then the realization hit him, “Oh, no, she’s going to be living in my house! What am I going to do?”

  “I don’t know, but if she’s going to be hanging around you, I need to find me a new best friend.”

  “That’s not helping, Todd, just give me a break.” Chris was thinking fast. “Okay, pull over at the next payphone. I’ll call Pete and have him run over to my house, after my folks get home, and tell them we started our trip early.” Chris leaned back feeling a little more relaxed. “This’ll work, since Jake can verify we got the truck early. Then, when we get back, I’ll tell Mom I don’t like the room over the garage and I want to move in with you.”

  “Oh no, you don’t,” roared Todd. “I’m going to have a lot of fun with this. I’m gonna hide little love notes all around your house for her to find, with your name on them.”

  Chris punched Todd in the arm. “You do anything like that; I swear . . . you won’t live to regret it.” Chris leaned his head against the passenger window. “Oh God, why me; I might as well be dead.”

  ***

  The Keaton’s arrived at the train station, shortly after the boys made their get-away. They were full of anticipation and desperately trying to hide their anxiety. They saw a small suitcase and a canvas bag with Cassie written on it, but no girl. They walked over to the abandoned bench and waited.

  “Where do you think she is?” Justin asked nervously.

  “Well, my guess is she’s in the restroom. It’s been a long trip for her and the poor dear is probably more nervous than we are.”

  Marion was feeling very uneasy herself. Why would she leave her bag? Oh, Dear God, I hope she’s still here. She remembered her conversation with the juvenile authorities a few days before. They said Cassie seemed stable enough, but they felt she hadn’t fully accepted the death of her parents. She never really cried during the funeral and showed little emotion.”

  Marion was never very good at comforting people. Her heart was full of love, but her words never seemed to come out in the right direction. They seemed lopsided and vague. She knew this was going to be quite a test for her and she was scared.

  Justin started to pace. “I knew we should have been here when the train pulled up. What was I thinking? Anyone could have grabbed her or . . .”

  Cassie finally appeared.

  As she walked toward the bench, it was easy for Cassie to pick out the Keaton’s from the rest of the milling crowd. There they stood, the three of them with their hands in their pockets, looking very uncomfortable. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for them.

  Gosh, I’ll try and make this quick and easy. I’ll just walk up to them, put out my hand and say, “Hi, I’m Cassie.”

  Well, that plan fell through right away. When she finally stood in front of them, she couldn’t say a word. The uneasiness returned to the pit of her stomach, as Justin began to speak.

  “Welcome, Cassie, we’re very happy you’re going to be a part of our family.” He let out a nervous sign of relief as he stepped forward to hug her.

  Cassie felt a little weak in the knees, as she tried to compose herself. She grabbed the canvas bag, saying something about the treats she brought for them. She dug through the contents, but to her disbelief, the two bags of saltwater taffy were gone. She started to ramble on about how much fun she had with her folks at the shore, when she bought the candy. She had wanted to give the candy to them as a gift.

  Perspiration started forming on her forehead and she felt weak in the knees. “They’re gone,” she cried, “they’re gone!”

  Marion held her in her arms. “It’s all right, sweetie, just let it all out.”

  Cassie began to cry uncontrollably and Justin turned his head, feeling a pang of guilt.

  Skye

  Skye Mackenna was keenly aware of the stares she was getting as she boarded the bus. She purposefully sat in the backbench seat to be left alone . . . to think. She had a lot of hard thinking to do and she didn’t really want any interruptions. This visit to her aunt’s would help clear her thoughts about her boyfriend, Mac Brennan, the ever present thorn in her side, and what she should really do with her life.

  Although the other passengers tried to be discreet about eyeing her, most of them were blatantly staring. She adjusted her skirt, adjusted her hair, and tried desperately to avoid eye contact with them. She picked up her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice, and started reading. As she turned the pages, a note fell out.

  So, that’s where I put it. Gosh, I thought I lost it. She looked out the window of the bus, thinking about her last day of school in Bright Springs, as she read the poem unfolding in her mind.

  Skye, don’t sacrifice yourself, not for love or future wealth.

  You may not find true love, much to your sorrow,

  But remember, it’s never today; it’s always tomorrow.

  Stay where you are tomorrow’s too far.

  She shivered slightly as she returned the note back into the book. I just don’t understand; it doesn’t make any sense. And who wrote it and left it in my book?”

  The arduous shifting of the gears on the bus jolted her. “Oh, well,” she said out loud, causing more heads to turn and stare. She finally decided to simply stare right back. Most turned around in their seats at this daring confrontation and returned to chatting among themselves. But two teenage boys just grinned at each other and continued eyeing her. One of the boys thought she was flirting and had the nerve to go back to sit beside her. This curly-haired teenage boy, with freckles and braces, took it upon himself to befriend her.

  “So, what’s your name?” he asked blithely.

  She turned to face him and couldn’t help smiling at him. “I’m Skye.”

  “Hi, Skye, my name’s Skippy. That’s Merle, my best friend, sittin’ up there in the other seat.”

  Merle halfheartedly waved but didn’t take his eyes off his friend or Skye.

  “Well, we’re headin’ back to Marshall City. We were visiting my aunt and uncle, helping them out a bit on their farm. But I gotta tell you, its hard work. We got some extra spend
ing money though and that’s what it’s all about, right?”

  There was no way Skye was going to inform this kid she probably knew his aunt and uncle, but didn’t want to get that involved.

  “So, where you headed, Skye?”

  “Marshall City.”

  “No kidding? That’s great! Are you going to go to Marshall High?” he asked.

  “No, I go to Bright Springs. This is just a visit to my aunt in Parkerville.”

  This latest remark stopped the chatting on the bus, as heads turned to get a better view of this stranger.

  “Oh, just a visit.” Skippy said a little downhearted. “Well, I don’t know much about that place, no one really does. Hey, you want to come sit with Merle and me?”

  Skye looked incredulous at this new offer from Skippy.

  “Um, those seats only sit two people. It would be very uncomfortable, don’t you think?”

  “Okay, we’ll sit back here with you,” Skippy brightened, then, he turned back and shouted to his friend. “Hey, Merle, come on back here with Skye and me.”

  Skye’s eyes grew as big as saucers, as Merle started getting his things together, but a woman beat him to the back seat.

  “Excuse me, young man; I would like to have a little chat with this young lady. You don’t mind, do you?”

  Skippy looked up at the lady, then over at Skye. His plans were temporarily spoiled by this intrusion.

  “Uh, no, I guess not,” Skippy, moaned, as he moved to the far side of the backbench seat and waited.

  “Young man, we’d like some privacy, if you don’t mind.”

  “Yeah, sure,” Skippy said grudgingly, as he retreated to the seat beside Merle, crossing his arms in disgust.

  The lady was wearing a black straw hat, a faille band with netting encircling it. She smiled at Skye and asked if she could intrude upon her for just a moment.

  At this, Skye seemed greatly relieved and motioned for her to sit down. The lady sat demurely and pushed up on a piece of the black netting on her hat.

  “My dear, might I be so bold as to ask where you’re headed?” 

  “Well, my aunt is picking me up at the Marshall City bus stop, but then I’m going on with her to Parkerville.”

  “Well, my dear, please pardon my curious nature, but are you going to live there or just visit for a spell?” It seemed the woman moved a bit closer to Skye.

  Skye moved just the slightest bit away from the lady, but politely answered her. “It’s just a visit. My aunt’s name is Sara Davis. Maybe you know her?”

  “Well now, yes, that name sounds very familiar, hidden somewhere in this old memory of mine, but her face hasn’t popped up to the front yet,” the lady said smiling.

  Then she did what Skye perceived as the strangest thing. She stared deeply into her eyes. For a second she thought the lady was trying to hypnotize her.

  “My, but you have the prettiest eyes. They look like a pair of turquoise marbles.”

  “Oh, thank you, it kind of runs in the family,” Skye replied softly, “but I’m not the one you’re looking for.”

  With this last comment the lady was taken aback.

  “What exactly do you mean by that?”

  “I’m not the girl you’re looking for,” Skye repeated staring into the lady’s eyes, disconcerting her.

  “Well, it was nice chatting with you, dear,” the woman said a little apprehensively, as she straightened up. “Have a nice visit with your aunt.” 

  With that, the lady stood up and went back to her seat. The elderly woman, whom she was sitting with, nudged her expectantly.

  “Well?” she tried to whisper, “Is it her?”

  “No, it’s not her.”

  “But, we thought . . .”

  “It’s not her, now let it go,” she said emphatically.

  The lady stared straight ahead, trying to decipher the strange conversation she’d just had with the young girl in the back seat. Then, a smile slowly crossed her face.

  “But, she’s one of them.”

  Once the elderly lady left, it was Skippy’s cue to nudge his friend and start back to sit by Skye.

  Noting what was about to happen, Skye quickly drew her attention to the back window, and to her utter dismay, saw a familiar truck following the bus. She was going to pretend she was feeling sick, but now she really was sick.

  “Damn him,” she said, though gritted teeth.

  She lay down across the back seat, covering herself with her coat. She closed her eyes and listened to the humming sound of the bus, as it rolled along the country road.

  “Why am I not surprised? I knew he’d do something to ruin things for me,” she said under her breath.

  The occasional bump here and there was about to lull Skye to sleep, but someone blowing a horn behind the bus, sharpened her senses, and she sat upright.

  A truck veered off to the right of the bus and was trying to pass, with the horn honking nonstop.

  “What’s that crazy guy doing?” one man yelled.

  “He’s nuts,” a woman cried; her nose plastered to the bus window.

  “Look, he’s crashing through those bushes. He’s going to wipe out his truck!” Skippy said, almost with glee.

  The driver managed somehow to pass the bus and slow it down. The bus driver was furious, as the bus came to a stop.

  A rather large young man jumped out of the truck, which was now totally blocking the roadway, and started pounding on the bus doors.

  The bus driver refused to open the doors; in fact, he grabbed the lever and held it as tight as he could.

  “Now look, you, I’m responsible for the safety of these people and I’m sure as hell going to report you to the Mags, when I get to Marshall City!”

  “I’m sorry, sir, but there’s a person on this bus who shouldn’t be, and I’m here to take her off.”

  “Mister, I have a schedule to keep. Meet the bus in Marshall City. Right now get out of the way or lose your truck!”

  The guy rolled his eyes and backed away from the bus. He walked to his truck and pulled off to the side of the road.

  The bus driver shifted a bit angrily and the bus continued on its journey, leaving a cloud of diesel smoke in its wake.

  Skye relaxed a little into her seat, leaning her head back and closing her eyes in relief.

  “I won’t let him do this to me. I’m not going back with him and I’ll make a scene no one will ever forget! These are my dreams and my life . . . not his.” She said under her breath.

  Within moments, she felt someone sit down beside her, as she opened one eye.

  “Hey, I don’t want to bother you, but I gotta know,” Skippy whispered. “He’s after you, isn’t he?”

  “Yeah,” Skye moaned, “but he’s not going to win this time.”

  “He’s a big guy, but me and Merle could take him,” Skippy offered, “and if not us, the Mags will get him.

  “What are the Mags?”

  “Whoa, they’re the Marshall City Guards and they’re rough! Just stay out of trouble, at least in front of them, and you’ll be fine.”

  Skye looked at him and smiled. “Thanks, Skippy, you’re sweet, but I really don’t think that will be necessary.”

  Skippy got up and started back to his seat, but he turned once more to Skye and said, “I’ve never really liked him.”

  Skye frowned. “He knows Mac?”

  Skippy took his seat beside Merle, looked straight ahead, and smiled to himself.

  The bus finally pulled up in front of the statue of Marshall Penn, who stood in a perfect circle of grass and flowers. Yellow, red, and orange mums had just been planted for the fall, along with winter cabbage and purple fall salvia. Rich oak bark surrounded the plants to protect and enhance the colors of the season.

  Benches were placed in perfect symmetry around the statue for departures and arrivals, or simply to relax and watch life go by.

  The squeal of the brakes, coming to a stop, brought Skye b
ack from her revelry. She couldn’t stop thinking about what Mac might do to stop her from going to Parkerville. She’d only visited a couple of times with her mom, but she was young and had no memories of the town.

  Various passengers made their way off the bus and were greeted by relatives and friends. The two ladies, who seemed interested in Skye, disembarked from the bus and went on their way, while Skippy and Merle gathered their belongings.

  “Hey, see you around, okay?” Skippy smiled.

  “Sure, see ya.” She smiled back.

  “Hey, Mac,” Skippy said, barely looking at the big oaf lurking at the bus doors.

  “Hey, Skip,” Mac returned, surprised to see his cousin depart the bus.

  The driver trudged down the steps and proceeded to open the luggage compartment. Skye was about to disembark, thinking about her vacation away from farm life.

  "Okay, Skye, now you gotta get off the bus!”

  Skye grimaced at Mac. “I just knew you’d do this. You are so predictable. Why can’t you just go home and leave me alone. Go . . . away!”

  “Oh, I’m not goin’ anywhere, sugar. I was hopin’ you’d change your mind after seeing how much I was willing to go through, to get you back. I almost crashed my truck for you! That should tell you something. Now, come on home with me!”

  “Look, you keep your distance, mister!” Skye warned, pointing a finger at him. “Get this through that thick head of yours, I’m not going anywhere with you!” She then demurely stepped down off the bus and walked past him.

  Mac proceeded to pick Skye up and throw her over his shoulder. “I’ll be back to pick up her bags,” he announced to the bus driver.

  “Put me down! Put me down now or I will kill you, Mac Brennan. I swear it!”

  “Hey, boy, put her down or I’ll call the Mags,” the bus driver warned.

  Mac was about to put Skye in the passenger side of his truck when a searing, burning feeling came over his arm. He quickly put Skye down and she started to run back to the bus, but she stopped when she saw her aunt staring intensely at Mac.

  “What the hell was that?” Mac grimaced, rubbing his burned arm.

  “Hi, sweetie,” Sara Davis said, walking up to her niece. Then she turned toward Mac. “What on earth are you doing here?” she said, putting a protective arm around her niece.

  “Hey, babe, did you see what stung me just now? My whole arm is on fire and it hurts like the devil,” Mac said, still rubbing his arm.

  “I didn’t see anything,” Skye glared at him.

  “I certainly didn’t see anything, either.” Sara grinned.

  “Look, my arm is swellin’ up like a balloon!” Mac grimaced.

  “Oh, you big baby, you probably got stung by a bee and you deserved it. Now go home!”

  Skye glared at him.

  “Look, Mrs. Davis, my girl can’t go to that town of yours. She doesn’t belong there.”

  “Well, you’re wrong about that, Mac. She does belong there and you’re not leaving with her. I’m her legal guardian!” Sara said, narrowing her eyes. “Look, let’s go somewhere a little more . . . well, private. Shall we?”

  Sara started walking toward the statue, with Skye and Mac following. She asked the bus driver to leave Skye’s things at the bus sign and the driver nodded at Sara, giving Mac a disgruntled look, as he reached for Skye’s suitcase.

  As Sara walked down the cement pathway to the statue, she smiled and nodded at some old acquaintances sitting and standing around, watching every move they made. Sara was a woman whom always seemed to cause a reaction from just about everyone around her.

  She was a tall, lithe woman in her late thirties, with dark auburn hair reaching her shoulders in a pageboy. And those eyes, those brilliant turquoise eyes, could strike you down with one haughty stare. She often wore phony glasses and cardigan sweaters to deflect any unwanted attention. One man told her he didn’t need to see Lauren Bacall on the screen, because all he had to do was look at her. Sara didn’t take compliments well, but smiled at him and said, “I cannot act nor do I have any desire to.”

  Her husband, Tommy, would just laugh and put his arm around her. The only other one, who could match her looks and style, was her sister, Dottie, Skye’s mother.

  ***

  Chris and Todd were driving into Marshall City, after their narrow escape at the train station, when they noticed a crowd gathering around the bus stop. Chris was in a hurry to call Pete and asked Todd to pull over, so he could use the phone booth.

  Todd started playing with the dials on the radio, out of boredom, but he couldn’t keep from looking over at the crowd across the street. Suddenly, he noticed someone familiar standing at the statue arguing with some guy, who towered over her.

  “Whoa, that’s Mrs. Davis, but who’s the big jerk giving her trouble?”

  Just at that moment, Chris got back into the truck, laughing about his conversation with Pete, when Todd pointed out Mrs. Davis.

  “Who’s the guy messing with Mrs. Davis?”

  “How would I know? But I think we’d better get a little closer and find out what’s going on,” Todd said, as he started up the truck.

  They drove around to the other side of the statue and parked. Both got out of the truck, walking toward the statue, when they saw a girl sitting on the bench. Her face was turned toward Sara and the stranger.

  Skye got up from the park bench and stood in front of Mac. “What’s it going to take to get rid of you, so I can have a little fun for a change?”

  The full view of Skye startled Todd and Chris. They now understood why the big gorilla didn’t want to let her go.

  “Wow, what a total babe!” Chris remarked.

  “Whoa, she is choice!” Todd said.

  “Whoa baby, but she must be Sara’s niece. I had no idea that scraggly little girl would grow up to look like that!” Todd said a little surprised.

  “Yeah, but she really looks like . . .” Chris started.

  “Laura? Yeah, her cousin looks a little too much like her.”

  Sara returned to the melee before her. Mac was still just as stubborn as ever, but Sara had a mission that would not be delayed a moment longer.

  Skye heaved a sigh, “I’m sorry Aunt Sara, this is not the way I dreamed it would be. He’s just ruining everything . . . like he always does.”

  “Hey, girl, are you talkin’ about me? Cause if you are, just what did I ruin? And what did you mean by me keepin’ my distance?”

  “I’ll tell you what I meant. I was excited to come here and get a little rest from farm life. I was happy for a moment. I said goodbye to you last night at the farm and here you are again, trying to take me back. When I don’t want to go! Is that finally clear to you?”

  “It’s clear somebody’s gotten to you and talked you into something. Girl, you just don’t know what’s good for you!”

  “Oh, and you do?”

  “Well, with that attitude, missy, I’m gonna have to take you home by force until you come to your senses.”

  “You . . . just . . . try it!” Skye said slowly and deliberately.

  Mac started toward Skye, ready to pick her up, when Sara stood between them.

  “Come on, you two, stop this bickering. Mac, I think that’s enough. You should turn around and go home now!” Sara said, talking to him like a child.

  But Mac was very angry at Skye’s contempt for him.

  “Stay out of this, Mrs. Davis, this is between Skye and me. It don’t concern you!” Mac’s voice was low and angry.

  “Oh, you have no idea how much this concerns me. Don’t you ever tell me to stay out of anything that concerns my niece . . . do you understand?” Sara’s eyes burned into Mac’s, as he backed away, clutching his injured arm again.

  Sara had seen the boys and motioned for them to come over. Chris was the first to reach the statue.

  “Mrs. Davis, are you alright?”

  �
�Why of course, I’m just fine,” Sara said as her demeanor changed. “Oh, Todd, do you remember my niece, Skye? My goodness, how long has it been since you’ve seen her? And, Skye, this is Chris Keaton. You probably don’t remember them, but Todd’s family is one of my neighbors. You met him years ago when you and your mom came to visit me.”

  The boys both nodded toward Skye.

  “Hey, how’s it going?” Todd said with a smile.

  “Nice to see you again, but I’m afraid I don’t remember either one of you,” Skye said a little perplexed.

  “Yeah, well, you’ve changed a lot. I guess we have, too. So, how long are you going to be staying with your aunt?”

  Better now than later,” Sara whispered to herself. “Boys, my niece is moving in with me. She’ll be going to Parkerville High and I know you will do your best to make her feel welcome.

  This last statement startled Skye. For all she knew this was just a visit before her own school term began again. She wasn’t sure what to say, so she just kept quiet.

  “Moving in? Moving in with your aunt? Nobody told me about this, but it’s gonna be over my dead body!” Mac hollered.

  “Yeah, well that can be arranged, you big jerk,” Skye hollered back.

  “Hey, what’s got you so upset, girl? You don’t talk to me that way.”

  Todd and Chris were enjoying this spectacle immensely, but they weren’t the only ones. Skippy and Merle were hiding around the corner of the statue, watching the drama unfold. Skippy wanted to be there, if the other two guys needed help bringing Mac down.

  “We can take him . . . don’t ya think, Merle?” Skippy said excitedly. But poor Merle just nodded and hunched down a little more.

  “She sure is cute when she’s mad,” Chris chuckled.

  Sara was beginning to panic, as people continued to gather around them, so she pulled Skye away from Mac and started talking quietly to her. Mac glared at all of them, with his arms crossed over his bulging chest.

  “This has got to stop, now. I’ll send Mac home and you just get in my car,” Sara said firmly.

  Skye nodded. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to cause a scene.” She started walking toward her aunt’s car, but didn’t get far. She needed to hear what Sara was going to say, to send Mac away.

  Feeling secure with Chris and Todd there, Sara once again turned to Mac, who almost flinched at Sara’s approach.

  “Mac, you’re what’s upsetting Skye. Don’t you understand that? She came here to live with me. She needed to get away from the farm and you.”

  Todd and Chris both looked away, but whispered, “Cool.”

  “You’re mistaken, Miss Sara, I asked Skye a very important question last night and maybe I scared her away. Maybe it was too soon, but she’s not comin’ here to live. I don’t mind if she stays for a visit, just until she makes up her mind.

  Skye closed her eyes for a second, and when she opened them again, she was thinking clearly. She walked back over to her aunt. With her aunt by her side and these two young strangers, she somehow found the courage she needed.

  “I don’t want to marry you, Mac. I’m only sixteen. I don’t want to be anyone’s wife right now . . . or anyone’s girlfriend. I just want to be myself and have friends my own age to talk to, laugh with, and just have fun. Can’t you understand that?”

  “Look, you don’t belong here, and you most certainly don’t belong in Parkerville. That town . . . it’s weird,” Mac said secretively, like a whisper.

  “Look, Mac, just go home. I’ll write to you, but just leave me alone for a while . . . please.”

  “Just give me one last kiss and I’ll leave. I promise,” Mac pleaded.

  Skye walked over to Mac and he put both hands around her waist, picking her up. He brought her lips down to his, kissing her softly as he always did. Skye automatically wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him.

  His kiss went deeper and deeper, and it was one of the reasons Skye had a tough time leaving him.

  “Whoa, that’s the biggest turn-on kiss I think I’ve ever seen.” Chris said, feeling uncomfortable.

  Feeling awkward, both Todd and Chris started walking back to pick up the suitcases, left at the bus stop.

  “Come, dear,” Sara said, tapping Skye on the back, while she clung to Mac. She was totally unnerved by this display, but refused to pay any attention to it.

  Skye was not oblivious to the power and strength of Mac. She closed her eyes and gave him a gentle hug around his thick neck. When he kissed her, it always caused a small stir in her, which she couldn’t explain. She loved Mac, but somewhere in her heart, she knew she wasn’t in love with him.

  “Okay now, Mac, that’s your goodbye kiss. You said you’d go.”

  He reached out and touched her hair, dropped his arm in surrender and headed for his truck. As he passed Todd and Chris, picking up the suitcases, Todd thought he should say something to this big heartbroken haystack.

  “Hey, man, don’t sweat it, Chris and I will make sure she stays safe.”

  Mac turned and walked back toward Todd, quietly saying, “She’s mine. Don’t even think about going near her. I’ll be watching both of you . . . when you least expect it.”

  Todd gulped and looked up at Mac. “Hey, I was just trying to help. Don’t get all riled up again.”

  Mac just stood and leered at Todd, until he turned and walked toward Sara’s car, where he paused. Finally, Mac turned around and headed back to his truck.

  As they were putting Skye’s suitcases in the car, Chris couldn’t help but make a smart remark.

  “Oh, yeah, let’s just make King Kong even madder than he already is. If he needs to punch someone in the face, it’s gonna be you, not me! Man, where do you keep your brains?”

  “Hey, I felt sorry for the big ape. And by the way, he’s not that big,” Todd shot back.

  “Not big? Did you see the muscles on that guy?”

  “Well, you’d have muscles like that, too, if you went around picking up cows all day,” Todd laughed.

  Sara saw that Skye was sitting comfortably in the car and then went back to thank the boys.

  “I’m glad you showed up when you did, boys. I think just being there was enough to throw Mac off the track just a little. See you back in Parkerville.” Sara gave them each a hug and started back to the car.

  Skippy looked a Merle, who looked like he was about to faint.

  “Well, Merle, old buddy, I think we’ve done all we can today. I’m just glad to see Skye is going to be all right, especially away from my big, oaf of a cousin. Come on, let’s go home.”

  “Mrs. Davis, who was that guy?” Todd asked, when he returned with the suitcases.

  Sara had a twinkle in her eyes when she turned back. “I can’t believe you’ve forgotten so soon. That was little Mac Brennan. Remember him?” Sara chuckled then said, “See you back in town, boys.”

  She got into the car with Skye and reached into her purse for the car keys, within the dark satin lining gleamed a gold bangle bracelet, with a white mother of pearl encircling the center. She shivered for a moment, then smiled at her sweet niece and drove off.

  “Oh, not him,” Chris said, in a sickly voice, “He was such a jerk. Don’t tell me he’s back?”

  “You know, Chris, there was a reason Big Mac Brennan had to take his family and leave Parkerville. We need to do some digging and find out why. I can still remember all the celebrating, but we were just kids back then.

  The two young men got back into Jake’s truck and took off.