Ten

 

 

 

 

 

Dreams taunted Colt for most of the night. The nightmares slammed him back to when he was a child, standing in line for food, cafeteria-style, as a six-year-old. There never seemed to be enough to eat. He remembered too much about those days.

The visions picked him up and carried him out of the orphanage and into the Army and those first days when he saw tears in the eyes of the other recruits. Not him. He might’ve been the only one who was truly happy to be there, inching his way toward manhood with a rifle in his hand.

That was okay. He could settle in with a purpose, help his country, help himself. The military order became his way of life, allowing him to find his niche in the elite Ranger unit. A crack shot, he excelled across the board. To his credit he pushed aside all emotions and focused on one thing, to be the best the Army had ever seen. Maybe that’s why his kill ratio stood out from all the rest. The Army had been his life. But at what price?

He’d set aside everything else—until that one day when he woke up and no longer wanted to do it. Flying into drop zones had become tedious. Constantly put in the most dangerous situations in out-of-the-way, war-torn countries had drained him emotionally and physically. All those recurring faces he’d seen through a scope haunted him. Collectively, they had united in spirit, finally depleting his soul.

The sound of bombs and rockets went off around him. The remnants of an IED explosion barely missed his head. Pieces of shrapnel and other debris whizzed by his ear. Somewhere in the distance gunfire erupted. Soldiers lay bleeding on the dusty ground. Medics rushed to their aid. The smell of blood and burning flesh hung in the air. The ever-present firefight broke out.

Colt woke in a sweat. He told himself he could handle the nightmares because he knew peace would return with the morning sun. The daylight hours were somehow easier to handle.

The restless night had him rolling over and staring at the alarm clock. The red numbers, six-three-zero glowed back at him. His body felt like it had been used as a punching bag.

Deke slept soundly beside him. He let the dog doze and moved quietly into the bathroom to take a shower. By the time he came back out, Deke had managed to crawl off the bed and was waiting for him.

“Hurts a little, doesn’t it?” Colt said to Deke, rubbing the dog’s floppy ears.

The dog whined but followed Colt into the kitchen. Both weren’t making any sudden moves, protecting their injuries as best they could.              

In the middle of eating breakfast, Simon walked in without knocking, Merlin prancing behind him. “Anybody home?”

Colt shifted in his chair to stare at the taller man and Merlin, a Newfoundland mix that Cord had conned Simon into taking. “We don’t live in a tent anymore, Bremmer. Or a barn. Knocking is the preferred way to enter someone’s home. I know Gilly must’ve taught you a few manners, if not, your sainted mother surely did.”

“My sainted mother is moony-eyed over a man who’s talked her into moving here.”  

“What are you bitching about? Your kids will know their grandmother. Pluses all the way around.”

Simon plopped into one of the kitchen chairs and stuck his hand into the cereal box, pulled out a fistful of Cheerios. “I’m just stating a fact. When I suggested she should leave Newport, I wasn’t prepared for her to sell the family home. I thought somehow we could keep it.”

“You know that isn’t practical unless you plan to rent it out and maintain it from thousands of miles away. Long distance doesn’t work, not in relationships or owning property.”

“I know. I do. It’s just that it’s hard giving up that house.”

“Yeah. I’m sure it is,” Colt agreed, watching Merlin go over to sniff Deke. “This should be interesting. A week ago, I didn’t have one dog, now I have two.”

“I brought a huge bag of food with me. You’ll need it. Damn dog eats like a horse. That Cord is a slick one, pawning off a beast like Merlin. Delaney adores him. Wait till you have kids.”

“Not me. No way.”

“That’s what I said, too. Look at me now.”

“Yeah, but I’ve always been smarter than you, buddy. It’s just the way it is.”

“You wish. How’s the job going?”

“Really? We’re going to sit here and talk about my job. I know Cord must’ve called you about last night. Did he send you in as recon to see if I could still swing a hammer?”

“Can you? Your face looks like it went through a meat grinder.”

“Feels like it, too. That SOB kicked my dog.”

“Cord already filed a report with Brent.”

“Yeah? That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“That’s because you’re used to handling things like this on your own. At least assure me that you got in a few good licks and the little twerp’s face looks worse than yours.”

“What do you think? I might’ve knocked one of his front teeth loose. I’m pretty sure I rearranged his nose.” Colt stood up to put his bowl in the sink. “The guy’s friends will be looking to get even.”

“That’s my take. Since Brent’s getting involved maybe they’ve moved on by now.”

“A bunch of frat boys with weapons? Don’t count on it.”

“We’re leaving tomorrow. We’ll be gone a week. Try to stay out of trouble while I’m gone, will you?”

“Me? Mugged here. I was minding my own business. So does your dog require anything special?”

“He likes to cuddle at night.”

“I’m not letting bigfoot sleep in my bed. He’s a walking piece of carpet.”

“I know. Maybe I should’ve called him Chewie.”

“Or Wookiee. I might call him that.”

“Please don’t confuse him. Look, I hate to cut this short, but I gotta go. My last scheduled tour leaves in less than an hour.”

“Who is it this time?”

“A bunch of rich techies from Silicon Valley who want the chance to see humpback whales up close.”

“What are their chances?”

“They could get lucky and catch a migrating pod. But let’s face it, they may have to settle for blue whales unless they want to see orcas go after baby grays. Who knows what the afternoon will bring? Look, distract Merlin while I sneak out, will you?”

“I’m sensing separation anxiety here.”

“You bet. That dog just might go right through your door if he gets the chance.”

“He’s not gonna howl all night, is he?”

“That’s why I suggested the cuddle.” It was Simon who leaned in and wrapped Colt in a man-hug. “Take care, man. Seriously. Watch your back while I’m gone.”

“Always. Enjoy your family. I’ll take the dogs out back while you duck out the front.”

Simon gave him a quick salute. “Until next time.”

Colt opened the back door and called for Deke, hoping Merlin would follow. The big dog seemed torn, but eventually moved his massive feet in the direction of the backyard.

“You’re too trusting, Merlin,” Colt muttered, reaching down to brush his hand over the dog’s ears. Deke was not to be ignored and rubbed up against Colt’s legs.

In the distance, Colt heard Simon’s engine roar to life. Merlin heard it too and darted around the corner of the house. Colt raced after him, grabbing his collar just as the pickup disappeared around the bend.

It took every muscle in his body to hold Merlin in place to keep the dog from running after Simon.

“He’s coming back, buddy. This is just temporary. You can handle a little vacation away from the family, right? Be a good boy and pretend you’re happy.”

Deke came up and rubbed his nose against Merlin’s.

“See, we’re not so bad here. Give us a chance to make you feel right at home. Right, Deke?”

Colt soon found himself bowled over by two playful dogs determined to roll around in the wet grass. 

 

 

Naomi’s house was alive with activity. While Zach painted the kitchen walls, Colt finished out the island and set about getting it anchored to the floor.

“That is one gorgeous piece of furniture,” Troy remarked, running his hand over the maple. “This was a good call. She’ll love the extra storage. It’s a shame to put laminate on this baby.”

This would’ve been a great opportunity for Colt to own up to changing out the order. But he didn’t see the point. “I’ll go pick up the countertop tomorrow afternoon and have it installed by Wednesday.”

“It should’ve been here today. I don’t know what the holdup is.”

“No worries. I don’t mind picking it up. Mind if I ask why we don’t get our lumber from Ferguson’s right here in town?”

“Long story,” Troy began. “Old Joe, the former owner, was an ornery cuss, turned a lot of people away when they needed help the most. Jordan was one of those. Nick’s never forgiven him for that. Even when Tucker took over, Nick’s feelings didn’t change. As a result, there’s this group loyal to Nick—Logan, Ryder, Zach, me, and a whole slew of others. They banded together and found another lumber source at a much lower price in the next town over. Tucker simply can’t compete lumber-wise. We do still try to support Ferguson’s by buying other general supplies here locally. But with so many people remodeling these old houses around town, we’re always looking at the bottom line.”

“And Tucker doesn’t sell any type of countertop materials?”

“Nope. That would require Tucker to hire extra help to man the special tools for all the made-to-order stuff we do. Tucker won’t do it. As you probably know by now, we use the fabrication shop at the edge of town. That’s where you’ll find Naomi’s laminate. They also do granite and quartz.”

Colt said nothing as he continued to work. When his cell phone buzzed, he recognized the number that came up on his digital display.

He slipped out the back in what used to be the sunroom so that he could hear better. “Hey, Gilly, what’s up? Any news yet?”

“Naomi’s awake if you want to text or talk on the phone. But she still isn’t allowed to have visitors.”

“So the drugs worked on her fever?”

“And congestion. But she isn’t out of the woods yet, far from it. Her temperature is still a couple of degrees too high. She’s more comfortable though than she was when you brought her in.”

“If I call, will she answer her phone and be able to talk?”

“Talk a little, but mostly, she gets to hear your voice. And let’s face it, at this point, she could use a friendly voice. We all like to know there’s someone out there who cares.”

“Got it. Anything else she needs?”

“I’ll let you know if there is. I just wanted to call and tell you what’s going on with her because I’m going off shift in a few minutes.”

“Who’s taking your place?”

“I’ve already left plenty of notes for Sydney Blackwood, she’s in charge of running this hospital. The two other nurses are Aubree Wright and Sheena Howser. Between the three of them, they have you covered. As of right now, you’re officially Naomi’s emergency contact. I hope that’s okay.”

“It’s fine. Thanks. So they’ll call me if anything…happens?”

“One of them will. I promise.”

“Okay. Thanks, Gilly. That makes me feel better. I know you’re anxious to go home and pack. Have a great trip.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Imagine being this excited to see little ol’ Rhode Island.”

“Trust me, you’ll love it.” Immediately after hanging up, he called Naomi’s cell phone. It rang a long time before she finally picked up.

In a raspy, weak voice, he heard her say, “I’m glad you called.”

“You really know how to take a nap, lady.” He heard her laugh and it was like a soaring melody laced with raw excitement. “Unlike you, I’m not loafing around in bed, I’m working my ass off to get your kitchen done.”

The silky ribbon of her laughter tugged at his heart.

“Hey, if you’re hanging around my house, then be sure to give my flowers a fresh drink of water.”

“You’re running a high fever and you’re worried about those sunflowers?”

“Sure. I want to keep them fresh for as long as I can even if I’m not there to enjoy them. Maybe you should take them home with you and freeze them while I’m in here. Figure out a way to save them before they die.”

“Why? You can always get another batch. Hell, I’ll get you all the buds you like as soon as you get out of lockup.”

“But these are special. I don’t want my first flowers to die, they’re the only ones I’ve ever had.”

“You’re joking?”

“No, I’m not. I didn’t get to go to my prom, so I never got a wrist corsage or anything like that.”

“You’re telling me a guy never brought you flowers before? What’s wrong with the men in Nebraska?”

“They’re cheap,” she quipped.

Now it was his turn to laugh. “It’s good to hear your voice. You really had me scared.”

“I didn’t mean to. Who knew I’d get the flu?”

“I asked everyone I could think of, if you got a flu shot.”

“I didn’t. I already ’fessed up.”

“Did they ask you about waiting on Mr. Schiebel at the bank?”

“I did. He came in to pay on his loan. Heidi was at lunch. I took his money.”

“How is the old guy?”

“Going downhill.”

“Sorry to hear that. Gilly said you’re getting better.”

“At least I’m more clearheaded than I was. That’s something.”

“You know I’d be there to see you if you could have visitors.”

“I know that.”

Colt could tell her voice had changed. “You sound tired, like you need to go back to sleep.”

“I am. Call me again later, okay?”

“I will.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“I like hearing your voice.”

On that note, Colt heard a click in his ear that the call had ended. But his spirits lifted just knowing she was on the mend. He went back to work with an upbeat attitude, looking forward to their next phone call.

 

 

At noon, Colt took his lunch break, bringing the dogs along for a run on the cliffs. He took a picture of Deke and Merlin together and texted it to Naomi, who sent back a smiley face.

Under the guise of jogging, he raced along the beach looking for the guy who’d attacked him. Near a low-lying creek bed, he came upon a campsite. He found four sets of footprints that led back to the lagoon. But when he reached the end of the trail, there was no sign of the frat boys. They had either packed up and left for parts unknown or they were purposefully hiding.

Instinct told Colt to count on the latter.

He was about to head back up to the cliffs, when he heard a crunching sound over the rocks. Gathering the dogs around him, he fell back, and waited.

Colt waited fifteen minutes, but no one came into view. As quietly as he could, he hiked up the hill to head back to work, upset about his lack of success.

 

 

During the afternoon, Colt and Zach made great strides with their individual projects. Colt put the finishing touches on the island, getting it ready for the countertop while Zach spray-painted the last of the walls. Which is why they were surprised when Drea stuck her head in around quitting time to check on the progress.

“Wow. This place is really taking shape,” Drea stated, turning in a circle to take it all in. “I haven’t been here since you blew out that wall. What a difference it makes. Naomi’s gonna love this.”

“You think?” Colt asked. “Then maybe you could keep this to yourself. Zach and I want to surprise her when she gets out of the hospital.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet. Absolutely.”

“Do you really think Naomi will love it?”

“What’s not to love? This island rocks. And I had no idea she’d picked such a fantastic color for the kitchen. Is that baby blue?”

“Beachy blue,” Zach corrected. “I wouldn’t mind using it somewhere in my house.”

“I’d love to get my loft looking a third of this great,” Drea said.

Colt cleared his throat and angled toward the florist. “Why don’t you take Zach over to your loft right now and get him to give you an estimate. I bet if you decide within the week, we could start before Thanksgiving and have your personal space looking like a first-rate makeover by Christmas. It could be the gift you give yourself.”

He could see how tempted Drea was to snap up the offer. “Troy’s up on the roof doing the patch job. Ryder’s back at the office with his nose in the books. But hey, Zach here is free right now. Aren’t you, buddy?”

Zach gave him a deer-in-the-headlights look. “Sure. I guess.”

“What about it, Drea?” Colt pressed, pushing her for an answer. “No better time than the present to get an idea of what your new apartment could be like, start the New Year out right with a brand-new space.”

Drea turned to Zach and nibbled a manicured nail. “I would like to get started on the renovations as soon as possible. Naomi was such an inspiration to me. I hadn’t even considered doing anything until Naomi bought this place. Would you mind…taking a look, telling me what kind of money I’d be looking at? Maybe give me some ideas about how to turn my place into a real home.”

“I…I wouldn’t mind. Not at all. Let me clean up my tools first and I’ll meet you there. How’s that sound?”

“Great. I’ll just get out of your way then. Want me to pick up a pizza?”

“Uh. Sure.”

“Do you still like the Supreme with everything on it?”

Shocked that she’d remember, Zach grinned. “Yeah, I do.”

“Super. Then I’ll see you back at the loft in a few.”

After she’d gone, Zach glared at Colt. “What was that?”

“What was what? I don’t see Tradewinds Boatyard building many boats these days. We could use the work. Who better than you to line up our next project?”

“For real? That’s your story? No matter what you’re thinking, we won’t get back together.”

“Wow, Zach. You need to keep it in your pants and stop thinking like that. This is a professional estimate between two old friends, nothing more.”

Zach narrowed his eyes. “Simon was right about you. You’re slick.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just thinking about my next paycheck and how this place is almost done.”

“Sure you are,” Zach grumbled as he went outside to wash out the paint sprayer. He refused to admit to himself that deep inside, he was thrilled to be having dinner with Drea.