Page 6 of Unwritten Lives: Path To Destiny

26

  ALEXIS woke up the next morning, scraped the ashes out of the fireplace, and threw them in the garbage. She rummaged through her boxes in her trunk, and found her strong box. She brought it into the cabin and placed the gun inside it. Then she went back out to the trunk and placed the strongbox in the container with all the videotapes.

  She sat in the car and stared out the windshield before she drove to the nearest shopping mall to buy some new clothes and a few box of hair color.

  She sat on the edge of her bed and stared in the mirror. “No one wants murderer. Oh, Matthew, I can’t be your wife anymore, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t keep you with me,” she sobbed. “I can’t be Alexis Garris anymore. She’s dead. She has to be dead. She started to die the minute you left me,” she rubbed her forehead back and forth with her hand. “Where do I go? How can I go anywhere without anyone knowing who I am?”

  She leaned back in bed and closed her eyes as she remembered the small Arizona town.

  “Someday, Love, we’ll go there. I’d love to show you where I grew up,” Matthew smiled at her.

  She cuddled in his arms. “Tell me about it. Your eyes light up when you talk about home.”

  “Florence is a beautiful town. Just outside is the Tom Mix monument and the Natural Gardens,” his blue eyes smiled. “I grew up there and loved it. We used to hang out in Middleburg and Sars Springs. They’re a few hours away, but the towns are small. It’s funny, everyone knows you, but they welcome strangers and it’s just so beautiful. I love those towns.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” she kissed his cheek.

  “It’s a great area to have a family, or just sit back and enjoy yourself.”

  “You miss it, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, I do. I mean, my family’s long gone, but I had friends there. JC was there. He was such a great guy.”

  “Well, if he was your friend, he had to be.”

  “I love you. Someday, I’ll take you there.”

  She opened her eyes and remembered what Paul had told her about Solutions Computer Systems. “Sars Springs, I think it’s time, I went home. I think I need to have a home.”

  She went into the bathroom and dyed her hair. She took off her clothes and threw them in the garbage. She put on her new jeans and blouse. She went through her suitcases and discarded her lingerie and power suits. She placed her new clothes in the suitcases.

  She picked up her cell phone and dialed Emily’s number. “Em, it’s me. I’ve something that I need to tell you,” Alexis cried as she told her about Peter’s death.

  “Alexis, it’s not your fault.”

  “It is. Please understand. I need to become someone new. I can’t be Alexis Garris anymore.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “After I call John, I’m destroying the cell phone. I’ll contact you when I reach my final destination.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “Sars Springs, Arizona. It’s time that Matthew and I went home.”

  “I love you, Alexis,” Emily cried. “Please take care of yourself.”

  “I love you, too, Em,” she hung up and called Jason. “Jason, it’s me. I need to change my name legally. Where do I go?”

  “Why, Alexis?”

  “Jason, don’t ask. I’m at the point where I really need to be someone else. It’s either that or die.”

  Jason explained what she had to do to become a new person. “Alexis, are you sure this is what you want?”

  “It’s what I need. I’ll call you when I get home.”

  “Home?”

  “Yeah, when I have a place to call home, I’ll call you,” she hung up. She stared in the mirror and smiled at her long, blonde hair. “I need to go home.”

  She spent the next few days following Jason’s instructions. She even bought a new car so that it could be registered in her new name.

  27

  Arizona

  SHE packed all of her things and headed towards Sars Springs. After driving for about nine hours, she pulled off of RT 28 and down Main Street. As she was driving, she noticed a For Rent sign outside of a large apartment building. She slowly walked up the steps of the Hillcrest Apartments.

  That afternoon, she moved into her new apartment. The next day, she took a walk around the small town, when she noticed the Solutions Computer Systems building.

  She took a deep breath and walked in the building. She was greeted by a petite woman. “Hello, I’m Katrina. How can I help you?”

  “I’m Alex Garrison. I’d like to apply for a job,” she smiled.

  Jim’s Path

  1

  Ohio

  JIM O’Roark stood on the edge of the balcony of his hotel room and stared at the night sky. “What the hell am I doing?” he whispered. He looked down at the twenty stories below him. “What happened to my life?” His mind fluttered back to six years ago.

  “Janet, what are you doing here? Where have you been?” He looked up from the front porch.

  “I had to see you one last time,” she whispered softly.

  He stood up and walked down the steps. “One last time?”

  “Jimmy, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I left the way I did. But I can’t be married to you anymore. I can’t be your perfect wife. You want, you want, you want what Matthew has. You can’t have it. That woman, that perfect bride, is what you want. I could see it in your eyes, I can’t be her. I can only be me.”

  “Janet, that’s not true. I love you. Don’t you love me anymore?” His voice broke.

  “I’m sorry, Jimmy. I just came back to get my stuff and say good-bye. This is it,” she went into the house.

  Jim followed her as she packed her things. “Please, don’t leave. We can work this out.”

  “No, Jimmy, we can’t. It’s over. It has been over for a while now, but it took me seeing that look in your eyes to know the truth.”

  “What look? What truth? What are you talking about?” Jim pleaded with her to finish.

  “You wish that you had your best friend’s wife. I saw your eyes. I wish that you looked at me that way, but no. It’s all about the perfect wife. Hey, and I hear she’s rich, too. Why don’t you just break up their marriage, as you did ours?”

  “Janet, you don’t know what you’re saying. I love you. Don’t you love me anymore? We did love each other. Isn’t it still in our hearts?”

  She walked out the front door and towards her car. She turned around one last time. “No, Jimmy. I don’t love you anymore. This is it!”

  “Drop dead! I never want to see you again!” He yelled.

  Janet got in the car and sped out of the driveway. Jim dropped on the front steps of the porch and buried his face in his hands.

  He shook his head. “How’d I know that you would really die?” he whispered. He turned and walked back into the hotel room. He looked around the room and shook his head. “I don’t know what to do now,” he dropped on the bed.

  The phone ringing woke him up a few hours later. “Hello?” he muttered.

  “James, it’s mom.”

  “Mom? What are you doing calling me so late?”

  “Baby, have you been watching the news?”

  “No, mom. Why? Is something wrong?”

  “I think you better watch the news. It’s important. It’s about your friend, Matthew.”

  “Matty? What about him?”

  “I think you better turn on the news. Baby, he’s been, well, he’s been killed.”

  “What!”

  “I’m sorry, James. I was just watching the news. He and a few of his friends were murdered on some camping trip. From what I understand, his wife was injured, but she’s still alive.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’ll call you tomorrow,” he sat up on the bed and turned on the television.

  “And now back to our top story of the hour,” The anchorman said. “Captain Matthew Garris, a retired Marine captain, along with two of his friends was brutally murdered tonight. Six friends went camping together. Two came
back alive. Police have reason to believe that one of the victims was also the killer. Thirty-six year old Amanda Shapone, brutally stabbed Captain Garris, along with John Reardon, top bodyguard for the governor of Pennsylvania and his wife, Mary. As you’re all aware, Captain Garris was married to Alexis Rossi, heiress to the Rossi Carpet Saver Estate. Alexis Garris is in critical condition at Pittsburgh General Hospital. Charges are pending against Mrs. Garris for the murder of Amanda Shapone. Amanda Shapone’s husband, Gregory, was unharmed. We’ll keep you informed as the information is provided to us.”

  Jim turned off the television. “Matty? Oh, my god. What the hell happened to you?” He covered his face with his hands. “What’s this world coming to? How could you, of all people, be killed like that?”

  “JC, come on. You have to get your butt moving,” Matthew shook him.

  Jim wearily looked up at Matthew. “Matty, what the hell time is it?”

  “Three. Come on, Sarge wants us right away,” he said.

  “Matty, he can wait. The woman in my dreams cannot,” he put his pillow over his head.

  “O’Roark, move it now!” Matthew lifted up the mattress and flung Jim off of the cot.

  “Gees, Matt. You didn’t have to do that,” Jim stood up slowly.

  “I know, but it was fun,” Matthew laughed. “Oh, come on. You’re always an early riser.”

  “Not this early,” he muttered as he put on his uniform. “What does the Sarge want anyway?”

  “Don’t know. Let’s just go. You can get your beauty sleep later,” he laughed.

  “Very funny. If anyone needs it, you do,” Jim punched Matthew in the shoulder playfully.

  Jim sat on edge of his bed and stared at the off television. “Oh, Matty, what happened?” He picked up the phone and called his mother. “Mom, it’s Jim. What happened?” He sobbed.

  “Did you see the news?” she asked.

  “Yeah, but it didn’t give a lot of information.”

  “James, why don’t you come home? Your father and I are worried about you.”

  “Mom, I can’t. Not yet. It’s just not time. I don’t know when it’ll be, but something has been missing inside me for so long and I have to find it,” he took a deep breath. “I should’ve stayed in contact with Matty. I just let life get in the way. Now, I can never see him again.”

  “Are you going to Pennsylvania for the funeral?”

  “I don’t think so. I can’t see Matthew that way. We said good-bye years ago before he left for Wyoming. That’s the way I want to remember him, not butchered.”

  “I understand completely. James, just let me know where you are, please. Your father and I need you.”

  “Mom, I will. I promise,” he hung up the phone. He laid back down on the bed and fell asleep.

  She appeared in his head again, I’ll find you, someday. He didn’t know who she was or why she was in his head, but she was there and he had to find her.

  2

  A week later, Jim woke up when he heard the newspaper hit the door of the hotel room. He put on his robe and opened the door. He stared at the headlines. “Heiress Arrested For Murder.”

  “What in the world is going on?” he muttered as he read the article. “Alexis Garris was arrested on manslaughter charges for the death of Amanda Shapone. As earlier reported, Amanda Shapone killed Matthew Garris, and Mary and John Reardon. Alexis Garris will be held in the Pottstown County jail once she’s released from the Pittsburgh General Hospital. Bail has been set at One million dollars. However, due to legal issues, she’s unable to make that amount. Alexis Garris is charged with brutally attacking Amanda Shapone with a cast iron pan.”

  He shook his head. “Protecting her husband gets her jail time. Nice. Very nice,” he said in disbelief. “I wish I could help you, but I can’t even help myself,” he whispered.

  He stood up and stared in the mirror. “What happened to JC? I guess he’s just gone forever. I’m sorry, Matty. I can’t fix this for you. I know you would want me to help her, but I can’t. I can’t fix everything,” he went in the bathroom and took a shower.

  After he got dressed, he packed his bags. “I need to get out of here. He headed down to the lobby. “Yes, I’m going be checking out. I think I just need to leave Ohio for a little while. I need to be away from this state,” he picked up his bags and headed out to his car.

  At first he drove towards the Pennsylvania border, but when he stared at the “Welcome to Pennsylvania” sign, he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He turned off the next exit ramp, back into Ohio, and then headed north. Once he hit the Michigan border, he drove on the ramp towards Windsor.

  3

  Michigan

  HE pulled into a local gas station and filled his tank. “Is there any cheap motels around here?” he asked the attendant.

  The attendant was glued to the television.

  “Excuse me? What’s so interesting?”

  “Oh, sorry, sir. They’re bringing Alexis Garris to the county jail now. I guess she got released from the hospital,” The man looked at Jim. “I’m sorry. There’s a motel about two miles north of here.”

  Jim stared at the television. “Poor woman,” he said as he watched Alexis Garris cover her face in front of the cameras. “Hasn’t she suffered enough?” Jim walked back out to his car and headed for the motel.

  He checked himself in the motel and unpacked his bags. He turned on the television, but every news station was commenting on the Alexis Garris arrest. He quickly shut it off. “Just give her some damn peace,” he gazed out the window and stared at the daytime stars. He took a deep breath. “Where are you?” he whispered.

  He finally decided to take a long walk. He headed down towards the main street. He found himself standing in front of a local tavern. He sat down at the bar and ordered a drink. “Vodka, straight up, please,” he gulped it down and ordered another one.

  “Rough day?” the bartender asked.

  “Rough life,” Jim muttered.

  The bartender finished washing the glasses and turned on the television. Jim looked up when he heard the name Garris again. “Can you turn that off?”

  “Why? Aren’t you interested in that? It’s the biggest thing going on right now.”

  “I know. I was Matthew Garris’ friend. I just can’t take listening to that anymore.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” she said. “You really knew Captain Garris?” she asked in awe.

  “Yeah, why?” he asked.

  “My brother served under him in Wyoming. I think it’s cool that you know him,” she smiled.

  “That was a while ago. I lost touch with him about six years ago. I just wish his life didn’t end that way. I wish his life didn’t end. His wife doesn’t need to go through that. No one does.”

  “Oh, you lost someone, didn’t you?” Her face saddened.

  He looked around. “Kind of dead here today, isn’t it?”

  “It’s still early. They haven’t gotten off shift yet,” she smiled.

  “Who hasn’t?”

  “You’re in a cop bar, whether you know it or not,” she poured him another drink.

  “Oh, I didn’t realize it,” he sipped his drink.

  “If it’s a problem for you…” She started.

  “No. I’ve nothing against police officers. My brother’s one actually,” he smiled. “What’s your name?”

  “Katie,” she flirted.

  “I’m Jim,” he smiled brilliantly at her. “So, how long have you worked here?”

  “Six months,” she said. “I finally decided that I needed to settle down. I come from a family of cops, but I don’t want to be one. So I opened the bar, my father and brothers work at the precinct down the street.”

  “Are you seeing anyone?” he asked. Why did I ask that? He thought.

  “Not currently. Did you have something in mind?” She twirled her long, blonde hair on her finger.

  “I don’t know, um, dinner, sex, you know. Whatever comes to mind.??
?

  “At least you speak your mind,” she replied. “What are you really looking for?”

  “Don’t know yet. Haven’t found it. I just want some company. I don’t know how long I’ll be in Michigan, but I figured while I’m here, I might as well enjoy myself.”

  “Well, Jim. I get off at three and you can get off at four,” she replied bluntly.

  “Room ten at the Shadow Motel around the corner. If you’re still interested later, stop by,” he gulped down his drink and walked out of the bar.

  On his way back to the motel, he picked up the local paper. He sat down on the bed as he stared at Matthew’s picture on the front page. He scanned the other faces of the other pictures, his eyes fixated on Alexis Garris. Her light brown hair covered her face slightly. Oh, if I could only find someone like you. You must be very special for Matty to love you, he thought. Hope you find peace. Not everyone would protect the one they love that way.

  He threw the paper in the corner of the room and collapsed on the bed. Before he knew it, Katie was knocking on his door.

  He opened it slowly. She smiled at him. “Jim, does your invitation still stand?”

  “Answer me one question first,” he smiled.

  “Anything.”

  “What do you want? I mean, really want.”

  “Right now, just you. After that, I don’t know or care,” she pushed him lightly on the bed and closed the door with her foot.

  She took his shirt off and ran her finger gently over his tattoo. “Hmm, you were in the Marines, weren’t you?” she whispered.

  “A long time ago,” he said as he enjoyed her kissing him on the chest.

  He rolled her over and undressed her. He smelled her hair and he touched her face. Together, they had sex. When he rolled over, he stared at the ceiling, not it. He thought, no, she’s definitely not the one I was looking for.

  She sat up and looked at him. “Is something wrong?”

  He put his arm around her. “No, honey. Everything’s just fine. Do you need me to drive you home or anything?”

  “Very considerate of you, but, no, thanks. It was nice knowing you, Jim,” she walked out.

  “I guess that’s me, too damn considerate. Can’t even be mean on a one-night stand,” he shook his head and walked into the bathroom to shower.

  When he got out of the shower, he wrapped the towel around him and dropped on the bed. “God, I just hope she’s not like Margaret.”

  He closed his eyes and thought about the psycho who stalked him for six months.

  “Jimmy, it’s time for you to come to me,” Margaret said with her black hair strewed in every direction.

  “Margaret, get it through your head. It’s over. I don’t want you,” Jim spat.

  “Jimmy, you don’t mean that. You kept all my gifts, didn’t you?” Her wild eyes smiled eerily at him.

  “No, I didn’t keep them. I don’t want your damn underwear. I gave them to the police. Speaking of which, they’ll be here soon.”

  “No, no, Jimmy. We need to be together. I’m the one you need. I’m what you really want.”

  “Margaret, we had some fun, but that was it. I don’t know what I want, but I do know that it’s not you.”

  The police burst in the door of his hotel room, and grabbed Margaret.

  “Please, get her out of here. I don’t want her here,” Jim said.

  “Yes, sir. You’ll need to testify, though,” The officer said.

  “I understand. I’ll stay in Dayton until the trial. I’ve no other plans,” Jim sighed heavily. “You can contact me here.”

  He opened his eyes. “God, I really hope she’s not another Margaret,” he looked around the room and noticed the phone book. “What I need is something to do. I need a job or something,” he whispered as he thumbed through the phonebook. “Hmm, computers, computers, computers,” he shook his head. “What the hell do I know about computers?”

  He thumbed through the book and then threw it across the room. It landed on the newspaper. He picked up the paper and looked through the classified section. “Hmm, computer training. I think I need that. Everything is computers these days.”

  He picked up the phone and dialed the number from the paper. “Um, yes, I was wondering if you provided private computer training.”

  “We don’t usually,” the woman said.

  “My name’s Jim O’Roark. I’m in town for a little while, but would like private lessons. I need to perfect my skills. Well, I’d like to have some computer skills,” he laughed slightly. “I’ll pay extra for private lessons. I don’t like classrooms.”

  “If you can come in about nine AM tomorrow morning, we may be able to work something out. Just ask for Larry Waters,” she hung up the phone.

  He smiled as he hung up. “I do need something to do. I can’t just wander the earth forever,” he sighed.

  Jim spent the next few months training at the computer school. He wanted to learn all aspects of the computer, not just how to use one. He worked under Larry Waters. Larry was a large man, with a heart to match. He took Jim under his wing and showed him all aspects of computers and networking.

  After Jim completed all of his training, Larry sat him down in the office. “James, you’re doing so well. I can’t believe how much you’ve picked up in the past six months. I’ve a proposition for you,” Larry smiled.

  “What is it? I’m up for almost anything,” Jim beamed.

  “There’s a small company in Detroit. I’d like for you to go there and set up their computer systems. It’s only a six month gig, but they need someone right away,” Larry stood up. “So, what do you think?”

  “Sounds good to me. Just tell me where and when,” he said.

  “Well, if you leave the day after tomorrow, you can get set up in the Hilton in Detroit. The company actually interacts with the local police station there. The company provides network support and back up, just in case there’s failure. I need you to set up the systems. You would be doing work at both the precinct and the company, which is across the street,” he explained.

  “Thanks, Larry. I really appreciate this,” Jim shook his hand.

  “Here’s all the information, your advance for the job and the directions and reservations,” Larry handed him an envelope. “I really appreciate this, James.”

  “No, really, thank you, Larry. It’s good to be needed again,” Jim walked out the door and headed back to his hotel room.

  He reviewed the contents of the envelope that Larry gave him and then opened up his laptop. He used the Internet to map out his directions to the Hilton in Detroit and to find the Wallace Computer Systems, where he’d be working.

  When he finished, he turned on the television and watched the evening news.

  “As a recap of our breaking story,” the anchorwoman said. “Alexis Garris was found not guilty yesterday in a Pottstown, Pennsylvania court room. Mrs. Garris had one quote as she was leaving the courtroom, accompanied by her lawyers and her sister-in-law.”

  The story focused on Alexis Garris as she faced the cameras. “I’ve something to say, so you all should shut up and listen. I don’t want you to miss this quote. My husband was brutally murdered. My two best friends were butchered. I’ll be in my own prison for the rest of my life. My money has always only been used to provide people jobs, home, or a safe place to go. Yes, I killed a woman, but she killed my husband. So quote that and get it right the first time.”

  The anchorwoman smiled and continued. “There are many opinions as to Mrs. Garris’ guilt, but a court of law deemed that she acted in self-defense. And now, on to local news…”

  Jim turned off the television. “Good for you, Alexis. I hope that you can find your way through life without Matthew,” he whispered. He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes,

  Jim walked out to the mailbox and thumbed through the mail. He noticed Matthew’s handwriting on one of the envelopes. “Matty?” he whispered. He sat down on the sofa and opened the letter.

&nbsp
; Jim pulled out a wedding picture of Matthew and Alexis. “Wow, she’s beautiful,” he said. “Matty, you did pretty well for yourself, did you?”

  He read the letter that Matthew wrote. “JC, I know it’s been awhile since I’ve written. I met this great girl. Actually, she’s a beautiful woman. I felt so connected to her the minute I looked into her eyes. Her name’s Alexis Rossi. Yeah, she’s a little rich, but I love her anyway. (Ha, ha) JC, I wish that you could’ve been here. I tried to get a hold of you, but I guess you were out of town or something. We got married a few weeks ago. Yeah, can you believe it? I finally settled down.

  I’ll never forget the best days of our lives. Marines, man, it was the greatest. You’ll always be my best friend. I miss you, man. JC, please, stay in touch. I’d love for you to meet Alexis. I hope that you’re as happy as I am. It seems like it’s been forever since we’ve seen each other. I know. It’s really a lifetime.

  I’m done traveling for a while. Someday, I hope to bring Alexis home to Arizona. I just can’t wait to show her where we grew up. She has made all my dreams come true. I even own an engineering firm. Can you beat that? Funny, huh? JC, please stay in touch. Time’s precious and I don’t want to ever lose our friendship. I know life gets in the way of dreams, but, man, we can’t lose our friends. Matthew”

  Jim stared at the picture again, and reread the letter over and over. “Matty, soon, I hope. I’d love to meet the woman who stole your heart,” he whispered.

  Jim rubbed his eyes and sat up in the bed. “You were right, Matty. Life does get in the way. Friends forever. I guess, forever needs to go beyond death. Good-bye, my friend,” he sobbed himself to sleep.

  4

  JIM pulled into the Hilton of Detroit Hotel. He slowly carried his bags up the steps. He headed over to the desk clerk. He could feel the eyes of the woman behind him. He laughed slightly, when she whispered. “Hmmm, not bad for a civilian,”

  He walked away and the desk clerk stopped him. “Um, Mr. O’Roark, you forgot your extra key.”

  He turned around and grabbed the keys. “Thanks,” he turned around for a second and noticed the redhead standing at the counter. “Not bad,” Then he headed towards the elevator and went up to his room.

  He unpacked his bags, and picked up the phone. “Can you give me the number for Wallace Computer Systems?” He wrote down the number and then dialed the computer store. “Yes, this is James O’Roark. Larry Waters told me to call you and let you know when I was in town.”

  “Yes, Mr. O’Roark,” the woman said. “I’m Colleen Olsen. We’ll need you to be here at eight tomorrow morning.”

  “Not a problem. Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’ve never been to Detroit before. Can you recommend a place to get a good stiff drink?”

  “Well, if you don’t mind cop bars, O’Malley’s Bar and Pub is just next door to our office. All the cops from the local PD hang out there. The food’s good and the drinks are better,” she said.

  “Thanks. I’ll check it out. See you tomorrow,” he hung up the phone.

  Jim went into the bathroom and took a shower. He changed his clothes and headed down to the lobby. He looked around the large lobby and noticed a strange man sitting across from the elevators. He walked over to the desk clerk. “Um, not to be nosy or anything, but why’s that man just sitting there?”

  “Oh, don’t worry about him. That’s Mr. Shapone. He’s one of our customer’s bodyguards, a Jane Gardner. He’s harmless.”

  “Oh, someone needs a bodyguard? Hmmm, hope that everything’s OK,” Jim walked out to the street.

  Slowly he walked and looked around at the sights and the different businesses. He could see O’Malley’s Bar and Pub in the distance. He smiled slightly as he noticed the redhead leave the tavern. He shook his head. “No redheads for me. That’s for sure,” he laughed to himself. “But she’s pretty. Looks familiar, too. But I know I’ve never dated a redhead before,” he made his way to the bar and sat down.

  “What can I get you?” The bartender asked.

  “Vodka, straight up, please.”

  The bartender laughed. “That’s funny,” he said as he poured the drink.

  “What’s so funny?” Jim asked.

  “Sorry. That little redhead that just left here ordered the same thing.”

  “Oh, she was kind of cute,” Jim commented.

  “Yeah, I get to be with her,” he smiled. “So, are you new in town?”

  “Yeah, I’m in town for a little while. I’ll be working at the Wallace Computer Systems next door,” he gulped his drink. “Another.”

  “Oh, so you’re the new computer guy,” he said as he poured Jim another drink. “I’m Detective Jones. I work at the precinct.”

  Jim shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, detective.”

  “Please, it’s Evan,” he smiled.

  “I’m Jim, Jim O’Roark,” Jim sipped his drink slowly. “So, Evan, what’s there to do around here?”

  “Well, in here, it’s just cops. I see you don’t mind working with cops. Do you mind drinking with them?”

  “Nope, not at all,” Jim smiled. “What about the women? Get any blondes in here?”

  “Take some free advice. Never date a woman with a gun,” Evan said. “Just will get you into trouble.”

  “So, what are you saying?”

  “Don’t date Lady Cops. If you’re looking for just a good time, you might want to try the hotel bar at the Hilton. If you’re looking for a relationship, I don’t know what to tell you.”

  “What about you and the redhead? Is that a good time or a relationship?”

  “Don’t know yet. I don’t mind having a good time, but I like it when the good time lasts more than a night, if you know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I do,” Jim sighed heavily. “Well, thank you. I appreciate the advice and drinks,” he laid his money on the bar and then headed out to the street.

  The next morning, Jim got dressed and headed down to the lobby. He didn’t want to be late for his first day at work. He was looking through his briefcase when Jane Gardner bumped into him. She looked at him for a minute. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  He smiled softly and then kept walking. “No, problem, ma’am,” he turned around and shook his head. “Nope, just another redhead.”

  He continued out to the street and walked to the Wallace Computer Systems.

  He walked up to the receptionist. “Yes, I’m Jim O’Roark,” he smiled at the blonde behind the desk.

  She stood up. “Yes, we spoke on the phone. I’m Colleen,” she shook his hand.

  “Where do I get started?” he asked.

  “Follow me,” she flirted with him. She led him down the hallway and into the server room. “Tom will be in here shortly. Basically, these are the servers that will connect to the precinct computers across the street. Use the monitor over there on the virtual machines to access all servers. Here are your access codes. Your contact at the precinct is Lieutenant John Harper. Once you get set up here, you may need to go back and forth to the precinct to check things out.”

  “Not a problem,” Jim smiled at her as she walked out of the room.

  He spent several hours familiarizing himself with the systems and connecting the appropriate servers to the precinct. He wiped his brow and headed out to the reception area. “Um, Colleen, I’ll be heading across the street for a while. If you need me, just page me. Here’s the number,” he handed her a small piece of paper.

  He walked across the street and headed up the stairs to the police station. He walked up to the desk Sergeant. “Um, yes, I need to see Lieutenant John Harper, please?”

  “And you are?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, James O’Roark. I work at Wallace across the street.”

  “You’re James O’Roark?” His eyes lit up. “The Marine?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “You may know a Thomas Lions. He was in basic training with you in the Marines. He followed your ca
reer, and well, you know, Captain Garris’ career,” he frowned slightly.

  “Thomas Lions?” Jim thought for a moment. “Oh, yes, I do remember him. He was a great man. How’s he doing?”

  “Very well. He works for the Garris Engineering Foundation in Pennsylvania,” he said. “It has been a hard time there with Matthew gone, but it was just bought out by the Welch Corporation. I hope they can keep it going. Thomas just loves working there.”

  “He got to work with Matty? That’s great,” Jim smiled. “I hope that things work out for him.”

  “The Lieutenant’s right behind those doors and Mr. O’Roark, it’s an honor to meet a hero,” he stretched out his hand.

  “Well, Thomas lucked out, as did Matty and I. When that grenade went off, I thought we all would die. Please, say hello to Thomas for me, will you?”

  “I will, indeed, sir.”

  Jim took a deep breath and walked through the doors. The Lieutenant walked up to him. “Mr. O’Roark, I’m John Harper. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Please, call me Jim,” he shook his hand. “I just need to take a look at your systems.”

  “Which ones?”

  “Well, eventually all of them, but I need to look at the servers first. Once that’s done, I’ll need to review the detective’s computers and then the officer’s computers.”

  “Not a problem. There are only four that the officer’s use. Each detective has their own. We also have two undercover detectives. They use the two in the server room.”

  “Good. I’ll review those after the servers are completed.”

  “Um, Jim, how long will this whole thing take?” John asked him.

  “I’d say about five months or so to be completed. Your systems won’t be down very long. I’ll work on individual machines shortly, but the servers need to be completely connected. Once you have appropriate back up, you’ll be able to access other databases in the United States.”

  “That sounds great. Thanks,” John led him to the server room.

  Jim worked on the servers for several weeks. He now had to work on the individual computers. He sat down at the one of the undercover detective’s computers in the server room. He logged on and validated the connectivity.

  As he was testing out the software and network connection, he inadvertently opened up a confidential research file. He was just about to close it when he noticed the name. “Alexis Garris,” he stared at the name for a few minutes and then closed the file. As he was rebooting the computer, Evan walked into the room.

  “What are you doing?” Evan asked.

  “Oh, hi. Is this your computer?” Jim asked.

  “Yeah, what are you doing?”

  “Right now, just rebooting. Looks like everything’s in order,” Jim stood up. “Once it comes back up, it should be connected to the new servers. All your information will be backed up from now on.”

  “Oh,” Evan said. “So, does that mean all my personal files are backed up, too?”

  “Everything. If you don’t want a back up of a file, you need to store it on an external disk or drive,” Jim said.

  “Oh,” Evan stared at the computer.

  “Is something wrong, Evan?” Jim asked.

  “Um, no. I guess not,” Jim was about to walk out of the room and Evan stopped him. “Jim, wait.”

  “What’s wrong, Evan?”

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “I know we don’t know each other very well, but I wanted to ask you a hypothetical question.”

  “Go ahead,” Jim sat next to him.

  “Well, you know, I’ve been seeing that redhead.”

  “Jane, right?”

  “Yeah, I know that she’s not really Jane, but if she wants to be Jane that’s OK with me.”

  “Is it really OK with you?” Jim asked.

  “Yeah, it really is.”

  “So, what’s your question?”

  “Well, she has this weird feeling that she’s being followed.”

  “Oh, do you think she’s being followed?”

  “Well, at first, I thought she was being paranoid, but I’m getting worried.”

  “Evan, what is it with you and the redhead?” Jim asked.

  “She’s great. She really is. I like her and she’s, well, she’s got a cop fantasy.”

  “Sounds like Alexis Garris, if you ask me. I’ve read the articles about her,” Jim said.

  “I know. I thought it was her, but I don’t think it is. She doesn’t look like her at all.”

  “No, she doesn’t. I wish she was. I would’ve liked to meet Alexis Garris.”

  “Really, why?” Evan looked at Jim.

  “Matthew, her husband, was a good friend of mine,” Jim said sadly. “It can’t be Mrs. Garris. I don’t believe everything those papers write about her. So what, she slept with a couple of cops. Big deal. Evan, my advice to you is to leave well enough alone. If Jane’s hiding from something, there’s nothing you can do about it, except let her know that if she needs your help, you’ll do it.”

  “I just want her to protect herself. Especially if I can’t do it for her.”

  “Do what you feel’s right. Whatever way you think that she can protect herself, just do it,” Jim said. “I’ll see you later. I’m going back to the hotel to relax. It’s been a really long day.”

  Jim walked back to the hotel and noticed Colleen sitting in the lobby. She stood up and walked over to him. “Jim, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Um, I, well, um,” she took a deep breath. “I’m not good at this.”

  “Good at what?”

  “Jim, you’re very good looking.”

  He blushed lightly. “Thank you, but what else are you trying to say to me?”

  “Will you, um, I guess, go out to dinner with me?” She twirled her long blonde hair on her finger.

  “If you let me change first, I will,” he smiled. “Come on upstairs. Let me get dressed.”

  Colleen followed Jim up to his hotel room. He went in the bathroom to get changed and she undressed and laid on his bed. He came out of the bathroom and smiled at her. “Um, what are you doing?”

  “Oh, come on, Jim. I know what you want from me,” she flirted.

  “Colleen, what do you want from me?”

  “Can’t you tell?” She flung her blonde hair over her shoulder.

  “Colleen, I’m sorry, but, no. I can’t do this right now.”

  She sat up quickly. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “Um, no, definitely, no,” he shook his head. “I just can’t. There’s just some strange feeling in this town, like I’m missing something, and I just can’t.”

  She put her hands on his shoulders. “Maybe it’s me you could be missing. Let’s find out,” she pulled his head into a tender kiss.

  He slowly pulled away. “Sorry, not it,” he whispered. “I think you should probably go. I can’t do this.”

  Colleen got dressed and stared at him. “Are you married, or something?”

  “Not anymore. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I just can’t. For some reason, I can’t do it here,” he shook his head as he sat on the bed.

  “Jim, don’t worry about it. I’m sorry. I guess I just got a little aggressive. I don’t want this to affect anything at work.”

  “Don’t worry, it won’t. I don’t ever let my personal life interfere with my work,” he smiled at her. “I’m sorry, Colleen. In another town, maybe. Just not here in Detroit. I can’t explain it.”

  She kissed his cheek. “I guess there still are gentlemen in the world,” she left out.

  Jim leaned back on the bed in frustration. “How could I turn down that?” he whispered. Where’s my angel? Not here I guess.

  A few months later, Jim walked into the precinct and sat down at the last officer’s computer to finalize his work. Evan walked over to him. “Hey, last one to go, huh?”

  “Yeah, so how’s it go
ing with you and the redhead?” Jim asked as he typed on the keyboard.

  “Some is the same and some is different,” Evan replied.

  “What do you mean? Did you ever help her with that stalker thing?”

  “Not yet, but I think I know how I’m going to help her. I know that she won’t be around much longer, but I’ve had fun with her.”

  “Well, at least you’re having fun. I just can’t seem to find that perfect person for me,” Jim frowned.

  “Don’t worry, Jim. It’ll happen when you least expect it.”

  “I guess. I just always seem to know when it’s not her. I just hope that when it’s her, I’ll know that, too,” Jim said as he rebooted the computer. “Looks like this is done,” he stood up.

  Evan smiled at him. “Take care of yourself, O’Roark. Someday, you’ll find what you’re looking for,” he extended his hand.

  “Enjoy your redhead as long as you can. Take care of yourself, and be careful on the streets,” Jim picked up his briefcase and walked out the door of the station.

  He headed across the street to the Wallace Computer systems. “Colleen, I’ve finished across the street. I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

  She stood up. “Thanks, Jim. I hope that our paths cross again someday,” she shook his hand. “I’ll let Mr. Wallace know that the job’s complete. Where are you headed?”

  “Well, I have to go back to Windsor and talk with Mr. Waters, but after that I have no idea. Wherever the road takes me, I guess,” Jim turned around and left the building.

  5

  JIM drove back to Windsor and spent a month working with Mr. Waters on different computer systems and set-ups for other companies.

  “Larry, what’s next?”

  “Well, there’s a small Company outside of Des Moines. It’s called Meyer Finances. The owner’s an Elvin Meyer. He’s a shrewd businessman. He’s currently looking for ways to upgrade his systems,” Larry explained.

  “What do you need me to do?” Jim asked.

  “Well, I know that you did the Detroit thing and I was wondering if you would continue to work for me. Of course, I’d pay your expenses and give you an advance.”

  “Larry, I like doing this and I like the travel. I can’t guarantee that I can work for you forever, but I can at least do this last one,” Jim shook his hand.

  “Thanks, Jim. I really appreciate it.”

  “Not a problem,” Jim headed back to his motel room. As he laid on the bed, the phone rang. “Hello?”

  “James, it’s mom,” her voice broke.

  “Mom, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

  “Baby, it’s your dad.”

  “Dad? What happened to Dad?” Jim asked in a panic.

  “Baby, last night, he passed away in his sleep.”

  “Mom, what happened?”

  “It was his heart. He didn’t suffer, he died in his sleep.”

  Jim couldn’t hold in his pain. “Oh, mom, what are we going to do?”

  “James, you have to come home. At least for a little while, please.”

  “Mom, I’ll be on the first flight to Arizona. I swear. I’ll be there. Did you call Christopher yet?”

  “He’s on his way home, too.”

  “I’ll, um, I’ll be there as soon as possible,” he hung up the phone.

  He stared at the blank hotel wall and punched it. “Dad, no,” he sobbed as he dropped to the floor. He closed his eyes and flung his arm over his face.

  “James, come sit over here.”

  “Daddy, what is it?”

  “I see that look on your face again. You’re in trouble, aren’t you?”

  “How do you always know?” Jim’s blue eyes lit up as he sat on his father’s lap.

  “Son, tell me. What’s wrong?”

  “It’s just a dumb girl, daddy.”

  “Son, you may be twelve, but there’s no such thing as a dumb girl. What did she do to you?”

  “She called me a name,” his eyes saddened.

  “What did she call you?”

  “Jimmy dimmy.”

  His father smiled and hugged him. “What did you do when she said that?”

  “I pushed her in the mud. Then she cried and told the teacher.”

  “James, never push a girl. Girls may make you mad and make you crazy, but one day, a girl’s going to make you very happy.”

  “Like mommy does you?” Jim smiled.

  “Yes, Mom makes me very happy. James, as you grow up, you’ll meet many girls. Some you’ll hate and some you’ll love. But one day, when you least expect it, you’ll find the perfect girl for you. She’ll be your angel. But until then, treat all girls nicely even if they’re mean, cold or seem heartless. You never know one of them could be your angel. Always look for what’s inside of them, not what’s on the outside.”

  “Thanks, Daddy. You always make me feel better.”

  Jim wiped the tears from his face. “Dad, why did you have to leave us?”

  The next morning, Jim picked up the phone. “Um, Larry, it’s Jim. I’m sorry, but the trip to Des Moines will have to be postponed. My father passed away and I need to fly back to Arizona for a few days.”

  “Jim, take your time. Des Moines can wait. There’s nothing special there anyway. It’s just a job.”

  Jim booked the next flight to Arizona.

  6

  Arizona

  JIM walked out to the street and hailed a cab. “1340 Johnson Street, Florence,” he said as he sat in the backseat. He stared out the window as coming home meant for a sad occasion. He took a deep breath as he got out of the cab. He stared at the white house and slowly walked towards the door.

  “James, baby, you made it,” Carol came running out of the door. “Oh, baby, I’m so glad to see you,” she took her son in her arms and sobbed heavily.

  “Mom, it’s OK. Everything will be OK,” he wrapped his arm around her and led her into the house.

  Everything in the house seemed so still, yet it was like stepping back in time. Jim looked around at the parade of photos that haunted the walls. He lightly touched his father’s photo.

  “James, are you OK?”

  “No, mom. I wish I could’ve said good-bye,” he wiped the oncoming tear from his eye.

  “I know, I know, baby. Come on in the kitchen. I’ve made some French toast. That always made you feel better.”

  He followed her in to the kitchen and sat down at the table. “Mom, where’s Chris and Rose?”

  “Well, Christopher’s at the funeral home finalizing the arrangements and Rose’s closing up the diner for me. James, she’s come home. She’s going to stay in Florence and help me with the diner now.”

  “That’s good, mom. I’m glad.”

  Carol sat down. “Baby, when are you coming home?” She touched his hands.

  “Soon, Mom. I promise. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. After I finish up this job, I think I’m coming home. I’m just tired. Tired of life, mom.”

  “Oh, James, please don’t say that.”

  “It’s true, mom. I think I’ll buy a small house and move back to Florence. I want to come home, but I want to finish up my job first.”

  “Job? James, with all that money you got, you don’t need a job.”

  “Mom, it’s not about needing a job. It’s about wanting to do something with my life. If I sit around an empty house, I’ll miss out on life.”

  “Well, James, I’ve something that I need to tell you,” Carol touched his face. “Your father left you a couple of things.”

  “What?” Jim took a bite of his food.

  “Well, there’s his warehouse in Afton and the old farmhouse on Mulberry Road in Sars Springs.”

  “What the heck am I going to do with those things?” Jim shook his head.

  “I don’t know, but you said you were looking to buy a house,” she smiled.

  “Right now, I don’t want to live in Sars Springs. That’s two hours from here. I want to be close to you,” he took another bit
e. “I don’t know what to do with those things right now. I guess I’ll just let them sit until I figure something out,” he stood up quickly. “Mom, how are you handling this so well?”

  “James, I love your father so much. I’m breaking inside, but I have to live my life. That’s what your father wanted for me. That’s what he wanted for all of us.”

  Jim stormed into the living room. He stared around the room and lightly touched his father’s chair. Slowly, he sat down in the chair and curled up. “Daddy, why did you leave?” he whispered as he buried his face in his knees.

  A few hours later, Carol came into the room. “James, baby, please, wake up.”

  Jim wearily looked up. “Mom, what time is it?”

  “It’s almost nine. Are you all right?”

  “Mom, why does this have to happen? I never get to say good-bye.”

  “James, this isn’t just about your father, is it?”

  He shook his head. “Mom, I can’t get the hurt to go away. People die on you before you get to say good-bye.”

  “James, tell me about it, please,” she took his hands in hers and squeezed gently.

  “Matty died. I thought we had the rest of our lives to catch up with each other. But now he’s dead. I can’t even find his wife to learn about Matt’s life after we last saw each other,” he sighed heavily. “Now, dad’s gone. I miss dad. I need him now more than ever.”

  “Baby, look at me. I know that you have lost more than most people should. Janet, Matthew and now, your father, but it’s not your fault. Life’s just written out differently for different people.”

  He stood up quickly. “Mom, it’s my fault that Janet’s dead. I killed her!”

  “What are you talking about? That is not your fault.”

  “Mom, I told her to, I really did. I didn’t mean to, but I did. She just made me so mad.”

  “You told her to what?”

  “Drop dead and she did. She didn’t come back to make up with me, mom. She came back to get the rest of her things. I’m sorry that I lied to you. I think I was lying to myself. But it’s my fault. If I didn’t say it, she’d still be—”

  “Dead. James, she would’ve still died. Janet didn’t die because you told her to. She died because some drunk hit her. I’m sorry she’s dead. Dead or alive, she still would be gone. You can’t carry this with you.”

  “I don’t know what to do, Mom. She wasn’t even it,” he dropped back into his father’s chair.

  “It? What do you mean it?”

  “She wasn’t my angel,” he buried his face in his hands.

  “Angel? James, tell me.”

  “You wouldn’t understand,” he shook his head.

  “James, tell me, please.”

  “It’s going to sound dumb, but there’s someone out there for me.”

  “Of course there is”

  “No, you don’t understand. This person is my angel. She’s going to be my saving grace. I’ve been looking for her all of my life, but now, it’s like she’s so close, but I don’t know where.”

  “You’ll find her, baby.”

  “I hope so. I feel like I keep missing her. Like she’s right there, but then she’s not. I can’t explain it. It’s just this weird feeling. I’ve only had that feeling once before.”

  “When was that?”

  “When I saw Matty’s wedding picture. I don’t know, but something about the picture was like I had found her.”

  “All that was in his picture was him and his bride, Alexis, I think her name is.”

  “That’s the point. I felt like it was her, but then I all that stuff with Janet happened and I didn’t think about it. Now, I keep seeing her name all over the news and stuff. I can’t get her out of my head.”

  “James, do you think that she’s the one for you?”

  “No, I’m not saying that. Maybe I’m destined to meet someone like her. She has to be special for Matt to fall in love with. He was so particular about dating women. He’d only fall in love with someone so special and deserving. I think it’s just about being with someone who would risk anything to be with that person. Matt died so that he could save her. She has to be special. I need to find that one person who I’d risk my life for and then love them for the rest of my life.”

  “You’ll find your angel, someday. Just be prepared.”

  “Prepared for what?”

  “Sometimes, baby, when you stop looking is when you find it,” she kissed his cheek. “Your room’s ready for you when you want to go to sleep. We have a long day tomorrow. When do you have to go back to Michigan?”

  “I’m going back after the funeral. I want to finish up the business I have and then I’ll come home. I promise, Mom. I’ll come home,” Jim stood up and headed up the stairs.

  Christopher walked into Jim’s room the next morning. “JC, come on, get up.”

  “Chris, what time is it?” Jim wiped his eyes.

  “Little brother, I just wanted to talk to you,”

  Jim sat up. “How was your trip to Chicago?”

  “Uneventful. I hate those officer conventions. I don’t mind the ones that are in Vegas, ‘cause we all know Vegas is so cool.”

  “So, you like being a cop?”

  “Yeah, I really do,” Chris smiled. “Kind of hard being home, isn’t it?”

  “Oh, yeah. Definitely. I think I’m going to come back, though. It’s almost time to come home.”

  “So, what have you been doing?”

  Jim got out of bed and put on his pants. “I’ve been in Michigan for a while. I got a job working with computers. It’s kind of cool. I have to go to Iowa to finish up some work.”

  “Oh, how long will you be there?”

  “Not sure, why?”

  “Well, I heard on the radio that the Cheyenne Marine base is having a tribute to Matthew in a few weeks.”

  “Oh, really?” Jim’s eyes widened.

  “Yeah. I think there’s a letter around here for you. I thought that you’d like to go.”

  “I’d like to go. I know it’s been so long since I’ve seen him, but he was a good man.”

  “Yes, he was,” Chris stood up. “JC, we never got a chance to talk about it.”

  Jim pulled on his shirt. “I know. It’s so strange. Everywhere I go, I see his wife’s name all over the place. I know this stuff’s nationwide, but you would think they’d just let it go. She was found not guilty, you know.”

  “I think it’s that cop thing,” Chris smiled sheepishly.

  “Yeah. I heard that. Some cop fetish. I bet all the cops just love that one,” he sat down on the bed.

  “Everyone I know talks about it. Hey, maybe I even have a chance.”

  “Chris, do you really think a woman like Alexis Garris could ever have a thing for an O’Roark? She’s probably way out of your league.”

  “Well, yeah, I heard that she’s really nice, though.”

  “I’m sure that she is,” Jim said. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind meeting her. I’d like to hear how Matt’s life was, well, before he died.”

  “I know, but, JC, we can’t live in the past,” Chris put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You know that.”

  “Yeah. I just want to live life one day at a time. I want the past put to rest. I just wish I could rest, for once.”

  “JC, you will,” Chris got up. “I’ll see you downstairs. I’ll find that letter for you.”

  Jim stared at the floor. “I hate it when he calls me JC,” he muttered. “Matty, you did the same damn thing,” he smiled. He got up and headed to the kitchen.

  Chris came back in the room. “Here you go. I found the letter, Special Sergeant,” he laughed as he saluted his brother.

  “Just give me that,” he whipped the letter from Chris’ hands. He stared at the embossed lettering on the envelope. “Special Sergeant O’Roark,” he whispered.

  He took the letter into the living room and sat down in his dad’s chair. He read the letter that was in the envelope. “Spec
ial Sergeant James O’Roark, It would be our honor if you would be able to attend the special ceremony and tribute in honor of Captain Matthew Garris. The ceremony will take place at the Cheyenne Civic Center. If you could prepare a special speech for Captain Garris about your friendship and partnership while you two served together, I think that it would be a wonderful honor to a wonderful man.”

  Jim took a deep breath. “The ceremony will take place on the Captain’s 42nd birthday, July 5. Please RSVP at the number below. We’ll make all hotel reservations. Thank you, General Jackson Meacham.”

  “So, are you going?” Chris came in the room.

  “I think that I should. Hey, would you come to Cheyenne with me?”

  “I could take some time off. I have a month’s vacation due. I could take a week and spend it with you in Cheyenne.”

  “Cool. Tomorrow, I’m going to fly back to Michigan and take care of the last bit of details for my job. I should spend about a week in Des Moines and then I’ll meet you in Cheyenne. We could meet at the Hilton there.”

  “Sounds good, JC,” Chris said. “Let’s get ready to go. Mom’s already headed to the funeral home. She said something about fixing dad’s tie.”

  Jim stood up and smiled. “Yeah, it’s probably crooked or something.”

  7

  Iowa

  HE drove for a little while and the stopped at a gas station off the interstate. He pulled in and pumped the gas. When he went inside to pay, the clerk stared at him. “Hey, are you famous or something?” he asked.

  “No, not famous,” he said. “Where’s the closest hotel from here?”

  “If you continue on I-80, you can take the next exit ramp. There’s a hotel about two miles on your right. You can’t miss it. It’s right across from the State Patrol barracks,” he smiled.

  “Thank you, sir. Oh, by the way, I’m looking for the Meyer Financial Corporation. Do you know where that is?”

  “Just down the street from the hotel. It’s in one of those tall buildings, you can’t miss it.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

  “You know, we do get famous people in here,” The clerk smiled.

  “Really, who?”

  “Um, that Garris woman. She’s pretty hot.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure she is,” Jim shook his head. “Like she’d be caught dead here, in the middle of Iowa,” he whispered to himself. He went out to the car and headed to the hotel.

  He pulled into the hotel parking lot and then checked in. He plopped down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. “Just a few more days, I guess,” he whispered to himself.

  The next morning, Jim drove down the road to the large building and pulled in the parking lot. He walked through the doors and looked at the name of the company, Meyer Financial Corporation. He headed took the elevator to the thirteenth floor.

  He walked over to the receptionist and smiled brilliantly. “Yes, I’m James O’Roark and I’m here to see Mr. Meyers.”

  “Oh, yes, Mr. O’Roark, he’s expecting you,” she smiled.

  The small man walked out of his office towards Jim. “Mr. O’Roark, how nice to meet you,” he shook his hand.

  “Please, call me Jim.”

  “Ok, please call me Elvin,” he walked towards his office and Jim followed him. “So, Jim, you’re here to set up our computer systems?”

  “Yes, sir. Larry Waters sent me,” Jim smiled. “Do you need servers set up also?”

  Elvin sat behind his desk and leaned back. “Please take a seat,” Jim sat down and leaned forward. “Well, I’d think so. I met with a friend of mine and she’s going to help me get my company back on track. I really am not sure what to do about the computers. She gave me a check to get me started, but I’m just not sure what to do.”

  Jim smiled. “I’m not much of a business person, but the first thing that you should do is get all your financial and budget plans on your computer. There are special software programs that do this. It’ll help you see what areas need the money the most.”

  “Can you show me?” Elvin pointed to his computer.

  “Sure,” Jim walked around to Elvin’s side of the desk and started tapping on the keyboard. “Where are your financial files located?”

  “Not sure. Had a guy that used to do that stuff, but he quit not too long ago.”

  “Let me do a search,” Jim said as he continued to work on the computer. After a few minutes, he smiled. “Here you go. If we take all this information and load the new software, you’ll be able to run financial reports.”

  Elvin handed Jim a folder. “Can these be added, too? Alexis left the check and I got all the information from her lawyer but haven’t been able to add it to the computer without typing it all in.”

  “Alexis?” Jim asked as his eyes lit up.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, please forget I said that. It’s supposed to be anonymous.”

  “I don’t mean to pry, but you’re talking about Mrs. Garris, aren’t you?”

  Elvin nodded slowly. “Yeah, she’s an old friend of mine. She loaned me some money for capital to help add stock options, but even with Mr. Abrams help, I’m still at a loss.”

  “Well, we can scan all those files in the computer and then I install the new software. We’ll be able to import all the information and you should be set. I can also set up a network server and a back up server for you.”

  “That would be great.”

  Jim stood up. “I’ll come back this afternoon with everything that you need,” he shook his hand.

  “Jim, thank you so much,” Elvin smiled as Jim headed back to his car.

  Jim came back a few hours later and installed all the software. When he finished, he setup the new servers for Elvin. He walked into Elvin’s office. “I’m all set here.”

  Elvin looked up and smiled. “I don’t know how you did everything so quickly. I just want to thank you for all your help.”

  “Not a problem,” he sat down. “Can I ask you something?”

  “I’ll do my best to answer, go ahead.”

  “This is going to sound strange, but I was wondering how Mrs. Garris was doing.”

  “You know Alexis?”

  “No, I knew her husband, Matthew. A long time ago. I just know all the problems that she was having. I just wanted to see how she was doing.”

  “She’s holding it together. I think that she’ll be OK. She’s a very strong woman. Her world has fallen apart but the one thing she hasn’t lost is her business sense. I think that’s the only thing that she can control,” he smiled. “She’s a great woman. She can just be misdirected at times, but never in business. She’s a very shrewd but smart woman.”

  “I’m glad. I always wanted to meet her, but I guess that will never happen. Well, thank you, Mr. Meyer. I’m glad that I could help you,” Jim stood up.

  Elvin walked him to the elevators. “Good luck with future endeavors.”

  Jim headed back to the hotel. He got out of the car and stared at it. “Time for a new vehicle,” he whispered. He walked through the hotel gardens and noticed a police officer sitting on the bench. “Um, excuse me, are you all right?”

  The man looked up sadly. “Yes, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m not used to seeing officers sitting across from the police department.”

  “I’m sorry. A friend of mine left recently and I miss her, a lot,” he smiled and extended his hand. “I’m Jack Townley.”

  “Hi, Jim O’Roark. May I sit?”

  “Sure. So, are you just passing through town?”

  “Well, I had some business, but now that’s done with. I’m heading to Wyoming for a Marine ceremony. They’re honoring a good friend of mine,” he sighed. “But first, I have to get a new car.”

  “Really? What do you drive now?”

  “A ’99 Jaguar. I like it, but I’ve been doing so much driving lately, I need a new one.”

  Jack smiled. “Well, if you’re heading to Wyoming, you’ll probably be going thr
ough Nebraska. Once you hit the border, there will be a rest area, and the exit passed the rest stop has several dealerships, include those for Jags. Might find something you like.”

  “Thanks, Jack. Are you sure you’ll be all right?”

  “Yeah, I’m just a worn out cop, that’s all. I met a beautiful woman and we spent some really nice nights together. I’m just going to miss her, that’s all.”

  “Nice nights, huh?”

  “It wasn’t like that. I just held her. Nothing else happened. Maybe that’s why I miss her so much. It felt good to hold someone again.”

  “Someday, Jack, you’ll find someone like that again. I know I’m hoping to. Bye, Jack, and thanks,” Jim stood up and headed into the hotel.

  Jim sat down on the bed and stared out the window. He picked up the phone and called Christopher. “Hey, it’s Jim.”

  “JC, what’s going on?”

  “Well, I finished up here quicker than I thought. I’m going to head out to Wyoming in the morning, but first I’m getting a new car.”

  “Another Jag?”

  “Well, yeah, I really can’t wait to go home so that I can get my bike out of storage. I miss my baby, you know.”

  “I know you do,” Chris said.

  “Well, can you check our reservations?”

  “Yeah, I already did.”

  “Um, Chris, cancel mine, will you?”

  “Why?”

  “I realized that I can go to the ceremony, but I don’t want to stay the week. I can’t be with a group of people and talk about Matthew. I don’t think I could do it.”

  “Do you think she’ll be there?”

  “If she knows about it. I’ve heard that she’s traveling a lot. She may not even know about it. I met a friend of hers today. He told me how she was doing. I really hope that she’s OK. I’d love to meet her, but it’s possible she won’t be there. Besides, it’s Matt’s birthday, she probably has other things she needs to do.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I’m going home. It’s time for me to go home. I need a place to settle down. I still have a few small jobs to do. However, I’m going home first. Right after the ceremony.”

  “Well, that will make mom happy.”

  “I know. I don’t know if it’ll make me happy, but I’m sure that I can’t just keep moving. I need to be grounded somewhere.”

  “What about the farmhouse? Are you moving into that?”

  “No. I know I can’t move into that. It’s too big for one person. Until I find who I’m looking for, the house will stay empty. I’ll keep it until the time’s right to get rid of it,” Jim took a deep breath. “Chris, I’ll meet you at the hotel on the morning of the fifth. We’ll go to the ceremony and then I’m going home.”

  “JC, what about your speech?”

  “Oh, almost forgot about that. I guess I’ll work on it tonight. I just wish I knew what to write about,” Jim sighed.

  “Just write from you heart, little brother. That’s all you can do,” Chris said.

  “See you soon,” Jim hung up the phone. He sat down at the desk and stared at the blank piece of paper. He closed his eyes and remembered the last time he saw Matthew.

  “Matty, I’m going home now,” Jim said.

  “I know, JC. I know that’s what you need to do,” Matthew sat down on the cot.

  “Matty, we need to stay in touch. Man, we grew up together. God, we used to get in so much trouble,” he laughed.

  “I remember everything, JC,” Matthew’s eyes lit up. “I know that I’ll never forget your mom’s French toast. Gees, just thinking about it makes me hungry,”

  “Are you sure that the Marines is the life you want to live? Why don’t you just come home with me?”

  “I just don’t have anything left at home. I need something for myself. I think this promotion came just in time.”

  Jim sat next to him. “Hey, it’s not like you’re dying or anything. We’ll see each other. If you ever find a place to call home, let me know and I’ll be there in a second. And, you know, I know it’s not home anymore, but you can come back to Florence.”

  “You’re right. We’ve our whole lives ahead of us. I guess I’m just a little nervous on what’s beyond all of this.”

  “Well, for one thing, you’ll be giving the orders. I mean, you always ordered us around before, but now it’s official,” Jim laughed.

  “JC, never lose that.”

  “What?”

  “You’re smart ass mouth,” he punched him in the arm.

  “Never,” Jim smirked. “So, are you ever going to find a woman?”

  “Me? What about you?”

  “Oh, you know me, I like to explore my options,” he laughed.

  “Someday, we’ll both find our angels. Let’s just hope and pray they aren’t the same person. Otherwise you’d have a big fight on your hands.”

  “Oh, please, I could take you, but I’d never let a woman come between us, even if she’s our angel.”

  They stood up and looked at each other. “Not to be girlie or anything, but—” Matthew said as he hugged Jim tightly. “Buds forever, right?”

  “Yeah, definitely. No one will ever change that. Trey tried and failed. Buds forever. Here, Matt, take mine,” Jim handed him his cuff links with his initials on it.

  “JC, I couldn’t.”

  “Please, Matty, you have yours and now, mine. Keep them safe. As long as they’re together, we’ll always be together. Besides, I’m always losing things,” Jim squeezed Matthew tightly. “See you soon, Matty,” he picked up his bags and left the barracks.

  Jim opened his eyes and stared at the paper. “That’s right, Matty, buds forever,” he began writing his speech. The words just seemed to come to him so naturally. Before he knew it, it was five in the morning. He read his speech and then picked up the phone. “Yes, this is Mr. O’Roark. I was wondering if you had a few index cards that I could have. I’ve got a speech to make and I could use a couple.”

  “Yes, sir. I can send a few up to you,” the woman said.

  “Thanks.”

  After the cards were delivered, he rewrote the speech and numbered each card. He put the cards in his suitcase and finished packing. He headed to the lobby to check out. He threw the suitcases in the car and headed towards the interstate.

  8

  Nebraska

  JIM drove until he hit the Nebraska border. He pulled into the rest area to freshen up a little before he went to the dealership. He followed Jack’s directions and pulled into the Jaguar dealership. He looked around to admire all the cars.

  “Can I help you?” A man walked over to him.

  “That one. I want that one,” Jim said bluntly.

  “Good choice. You want the black or silver?” he asked.

  “Black would be perfect,” Jim smiled. “I’ll take it. I have a trade-in, too,” he pointed to his car.

  “Sir, let’s see if we can get you financed.”

  “No, I’ll pay cash. What kind of deal can you give me?”

  “Sir, that’s a $70,000 car. You don’t—”

  “Don’t tell me that I don’t look like I can afford it. Believe me, I can afford it. If you have a problem with a cash transaction, than I’ll find someone else who doesn’t,” Jim started walking away.

  “Sir, I can help you. Please follow me.”

  Jim grinned as he followed the man to his office. Jim sat down and wrote out a check. “You can call the bank right now and confirm that it’s good. I’ll wait,” he sat back in the chair until the salesman got off the phone.

  “Just sign here, sir. Are you registering it in Nebraska?”

  “No. Just give me temporary stickers and plates. I’ll register it when I get home to Arizona. Is that a problem?”

  “No, sir. Here are your keys. Enjoy your new car.”

  Jim grabbed the keys and headed to his old car. He transferred his luggage and personal items to his new car and headed towards Wyoming. He sped down the
highway. He couldn’t help but go over the speed limit. He needed to feel the power and make himself forget about things for a little while. As he was approaching the exit ramp to I-15 to Wyoming, he noticed the lights and sirens from behind him.

  He pulled over. “Oh, crap. Damn cops,” he muttered as the officer approached his window.

  “Yes, officer?” Jim looked up.

  “Sir, do you know how fast you were going?”

  “Um, no, sir.”

  “Eighty. Eighty miles an hour.”

  “Oh, really,” he watched as a silver BMW went speeding past him. “I guess that would be as fast as she’s going,” he laughed.

  The officer handed him the ticket and hurried back to his car. Jim waited until the officer was out of sight and then pulled back on to the highway.

  As he was driving down the road, he noticed that the officer had pulled over that woman. “He’s a little too close to her. What the hell is he doing?” He slowed down so that he could see what this officer was doing with this woman. He noticed the redhead place her hand on the officer’s gun and he backed off.

  He stopped the car in the lane and rolled down his window. “Is everything OK here?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you,” the redhead smiled.

  “Just checking,” he looked at her. “Have a good day, ma’am.”

  He pulled away and noticed the woman got in her car and the officer returned to his. He kept staring in his rearview mirror. “Where have I seen here before?” He sped up a little. “I know. Detroit. Evan’s girl,” he leaned back and smiled. “I guess she did just move on.”

  9

  Wyoming

  HE continued on to Cheyenne. He pulled in front of the Hilton Garden Hotel. He got out of the car and headed to the lobby. He sat down until he saw Christopher walk towards him.

  “Hey, JC,” Chris hugged him tightly.

  “Good to see you,” Jim smiled as he hugged his brother.

  “Are you sure that you won’t stay?”

  “Yeah, I’m going home,” Jim sighed heavily. “So, do you know where this place is?”

  “Yeah, it’s at the civic center,” Chris smiled. “Do you have your uniform?”

  “No, I didn’t think about it, but, no, I don’t.”

  “I knew it. That’s why I had mom send it to me. Come on back to my room and you can get changed,” Chris put his hand on Jim’s shoulder.

  Jim followed him to the room and changed into his dress uniform. Chris carefully pinned Jim’s medals to his chest. “There you go, little brother,” he smiled.

  “I hate these uniforms. They’re so stiff.”

  “It’s only for a few hours. You look really nice. That hero medal’s so cool.”

  “Yeah. Matty and I both got one together after the incident with Trey. Some heroes, huh?”

  “You two were great together. He’d be so proud of you.”

  “Right. My life’s so messed up right now.”

  “JC, just take it one day at a time. That’s all you can do.”

  “I know. Let’s go. I just want to get the speech over with.”

  They headed out the door. “Why don’t you just follow me in your car and then you can leave right after the ceremony?”

  Jim pulled in the parking spot next to Christopher. They walked inside the civic center where there was a large tarp covering some type of statue.

  They joined the crowd and waited for the General to arrive. A small, dark haired man came out of the auditorium and approached the crowd.

  “Before we go inside, I’d like you all to be witness of the unveiling of our statue that we erected in honor of Captain Matthew Garris. He’ll always be in our hearts. He was an extremely talented engineer and we’ll always be grateful that we had the honor of serving with him in the Marines. He was the finest captain I ever had serve under me,” Slowly, he removed the tarp and exposed the ten-foot tall statue of Captain Garris.

  Jim stared up at the spitting image of his fallen friend. “Wow,” he whispered. “Matty, you’d be amazed by all of this. You’d hate it, but you’d be amazed,” he listened intently at the General’s speech.

  “We honor Captain Garris. This statue will stand as long as Marines protect our country,” he gently touched the plaque that laid at Matthew’s feet. “This will memorialize any fallen Marine. We also memorialized the words that Captain Garris would say to his men every morning at role call, ‘To honor, to serve, to protect, to love, to save … even in death, life’s path continues…’ Indeed it’s true. Now, if you follow me and take your seats in the auditorium.”

  Jim and Christopher followed the crowd. “Are you all right?” Chris asked.

  “Yeah. I’ll be OK. I’ll see you in a bit. I think I have to be up on stage,” he put his hands in his pocket and pulled out the four index cards. He took his seat on the stage and waited for his turn to speak.

  The General approached the podium. “Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. I’m General Ross Lewis. It’s an honor for me to be standing here to celebrate the life of Captain Matthew Garris. Please stand for a moment of silence in honor of Captain Garris.”

  Silence spread through out the auditorium as guests wiped their oncoming tears.

  “Now, I’d like to have Special Sergeant O’Roark approach the podium. Sergeant O’Roark served with Captain Garris in basic training. Together, they received the hero medal for saving four Marines during a routine weapons launch.”

  Routine, my ass, Jim thought as he stood up. He saluted the General before approaching the podium. His eyes scanned the crowd for Christopher’s. “Um, I’m Special Sergeant O’Roark,” he glanced down at the first index card. “It’s an honor to be here to be a part of this special ceremony. Captain Garris was an honorable man. We grew up together and I’m so thankful that I got to know him, not only as a Marine, but also as my friend. Matty, as I called him, always saw the good in people. He never allowed you to look down on yourself,” he took a deep breath as he flipped to the second card. “He was the first one to lend a hand when you needed it. My only regret is that I didn’t get to see Matty after I had left the Marines. He had his dreams, though. He wanted to continue to serve his country. He wanted to help train future marines, future heroes of America. Matthew was indeed a hero. He was an exceptional, loving man.”

  He smiled at the crowd as he flipped the third card. “All and all, he was my best friend. It was an honor to serve with such a great man. The best part about it was that he never admitted how great he was. He saved my butt so many times, I could never count. I wish I had the opportunity to say good-bye to him, but being here, now, allows me to do it, even if it’s two years too late,” he took a sip of water and then flipped to the final card. “Anyone who has ever been in contact with Matt can attest to his gracious and loving manner. When it came down to it, Matthew made the ultimate sacrifice. He sacrificed his life to save his wife’s. Matthew’s indeed a hero. He’ll always be one in my eyes, Good-bye, bud, keep watch over those who love you. Thank you for your time,” he looked up to the sky and smiled. He slowly walked off the stage and out the doors of the auditorium.

  Chris ran and caught up with him. “JC, are you going to be OK?”

  Jim turned around and faced him. “Yeah. I got to say good-bye. I’m going to be fine now. It’s really time to go home.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, you stay here the week. I’ll call you in a couple of days. Now, I’m heading home,” he hugged his brother. “Talk to you soon, big brother.”

  Jim headed out to his car and Christopher went back inside.

  Jim stared through the windshield at the Civic Center and then started his car. “Good-bye, my friend,” he whispered.

  10

  Arizona

  AFTER driving over fourteen hours from Wyoming, Jim pulled in front of his mother’s house. He wearily dragged himself up on the porch and dropped on the steps.

  Carol came running out of the house. “James, are you all right?
”

  “Just tired, mom. Drove straight here from the ceremony,” he whispered.

  “Didn’t you take a break?” she asked.

  “Just to eat, change clothes, and well, you know,” he said as she helped him stand.

  “What you need is to rest, baby. I have your room all set up for you.”

  “Mom, that’s OK. I need to get a house and figure out what I’m going to do now that I’m home,” his blue eyes shined as he looked at her.

  “James, listen to your mother and don’t give me those eyes,” she smiled sternly. “You’re going to rest first. Then you can think about all those other things. Now go up to your room and don’t come down until you’ve slept for more that two hours.”

  “Yes, mom,” he slowly walked up the steps and headed towards his room. He dropped on the bed and fell asleep instantly.

  Jim slept as his mind kept trying to focus on his angel, but yet, she still had no face. He kept trying to reach her, but she seemed further away now more than ever. Angel, where are you? He kept trying to follow her, but she disappeared. He could barely hear her voice. “Help me, please. Save me. I’m lost without you,” she cried as it faded away.

  “I’ll find you, I swear. I’m still here looking for you. When you need me the most, I’ll be there,” he whispered as he reached out his hand.

  Jim woke up abruptly. “Angel, where are you? Who are you?” He shook his head and headed downstairs.

  Carol was dishing out French toast at the table. “I knew you’d be hungry.”

  “What time is it?” he asked groggily.

  “Four PM, Wednesday,” she smiled.

  “I’ve been asleep for over a day and a half. Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “You needed sleep. That’s all. James, you look so much better now. How’d the ceremony go?”

  “It was good. I finally got to say good-bye to Matty. It was good.”

  “Christopher called this morning. He wanted to tell you something. He met someone you’d be interested in hearing about.”

  “Oh, I’ll call him when I finish here,” Jim took a bite of his food. “Always great, mom.”

  “Well, Rose’s covering for me at the diner, but I have to get back there. Are you going to be OK by yourself?”

  “Yes, Mom. I’ll be fine. I’ll spend another night here, but tomorrow, I’m getting a new house.”

  “Well, there’s several in Sars Springs or Middleburg. I’m sure you’ll find one. Or you could always use the farmhouse.”

  “Not ready for the farmhouse yet. Mom, it’s too big without someone to share it with,” he smiled. “Not yet, mom. I’ll find a small one here in Florence.”

  “Whatever you want, baby. Oh, yeah, a Mr. Waters called for you. He just wanted to make sure you made it home. I told him you’d call him when you got settled in.”

  “Oh, good. Maybe he’s got another job for me,” Jim said.

  “You aren’t going to travel anymore, are you?”

  “Mom, no. I knew he may have one more job for me, but I’m going to settle here first. I swear I’m coming home for good.”

  She kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you later,” she left out.

  Jim finished his food and then picked up the phone and dialed Christopher’s hotel room. “Hey, Chris, it’s Jim.”

  “JC, you’ll never guess who I met.”

  “Who?”

  “Matthew’s wife,” Chris said with excitement.

  “Alexis? You really met her? Oh, come on, you’ve got to be kidding.”

  “No. She’s staying at the hotel here in Cheyenne. It’s too bad that you didn’t stay. You could’ve met her, too.”

  “So, what’s she like? What did she say?”

  “OK, just hold on. First of all, she’s beautiful.”

  “I knew that. What’s she like?”

  “She’s very nice. I interrupted her breakfast, but I just needed to say hello to her. She was nice enough to let me speak to her for a moment. I told her who I was and that you were also in town for the ceremony.”

  “What did she say about that?” Jim’s voice sped up with excitement.

  “She said to say hello to you and that she hopes to meet you someday,” Chris said.

  “She didn’t?”

  “Yeah, little brother, she did. She’d love to meet the best friend of her husband someday.”

  “I hope the same thing. But I know that will probably never happen.”

  “JC, you never know what’ll happen. Don’t count yourself out. Remember, your angel’s still out there,” Chris said. “Well, I’ll let you go. Talk to you soon.”

  “Yeah, I’ll talk to you soon. Tomorrow, I’m looking for a new place.”

  “I’ll call you when I get back home to Boise.”

  “Bye,” Jim hung up the phone. “Wow, she actually wants to meet me,” he sighed heavily. “Probably not a good idea, Matty needs his rest. We don’t need to dredge up the past anymore.”

  Jim went into the family room and sat in his father’s chair. “Oh, dad, I can’t deal with the past anymore. I just have to look forward. I have to live one day at a time. I can’t try to figure out what went wrong. I have to try and make things better. It’s time for me to start writing my life again,” he leaned back in the chair and turned on the television.

  11

  JIM woke up the next morning and sat on the edge of the bed. He looked around his boyhood bedroom and sighed heavily. He slowly went into the bathroom and took a shower.

  He made his way down the stairs to the kitchen where Carol and Rose were sitting. “Morning,” Jim said wearily.

  “Morning, big brother,” Rose smiled.

  “What are your plans for today?” Carol asked.

  “Real Estate. I need a new place to live.”

  “Well, you’re welcome to stay here, baby,” she replied.

  “That’s OK, Mom,” Jim said as he sat down. “I need a place of my own. I need to figure out what I want to do.”

  “Well, let us know when you figure it out, baby. We have to get to the diner soon,” Carol cleared her plate from the table.

  Jim picked up the phone after they left and called Larry Waters. “Larry, it’s Jim. So, what’s going on?”

  “Well, I’ve another job for you. It’s in Boise.”

  “Boise? Sounds OK, when?”

  “In about a week or so, can you do it?”

  “Yeah, I should be settled in my new house by then,” Jim said.

  “New house?”

  “Yeah, I’m home to stay. I’ll still do the job, though. What about the next job? Is there one?”

  “There’s another one in Las Vegas but that’s down the road a little ways. I don’t know if that will pan out or not. But I also heard that there’s a new company in Sars Springs, isn’t that close to you?”

  “Yeah. It’s about two hours away. Why?”

  “Well, I haven’t heard about their tech department. I know that probably within the next year or so, they’ll be hiring. You might want to keep your ears open for that. I know you want something permanent and close to home.”

  “I will, Larry, thanks. I’ll let you know when I get settled in and then you can send me the details.”

  “Sounds good. Take care of yourself, Jim,” he hung up.

  Jim leaned back, a place close to home? Sounds great. I guess I can wait a year or so. First, I have to find a home.

  Jim walked outside and looked up and down the street. He took a deep breath and headed towards his mother’s garage. He opened the door and beamed brightly. “My baby,” he said as he touched the silver and black motorcycle. “Let’s say we go for a spin,” he hopped on and pulled out onto the street.

  He rode around Florence for a little while until he spotted a For Sale sign in front of a small house off of Main Street. He pulled in front and walked up to the door.

  An elderly woman opened the door. “Can I help you?”

  “Just saw the sign. How much do you want for the ho
use?”

  “It’s kind of small. Are you sure you want to buy it?”

  “Yes, ma’am. At the moment, it’s just me,” he said.

  “Oh, you’re Carol’s boy, aren’t you?” She pushed her thick glasses up on her nose.

  “Yes, I am. I’m James.”

  “Oh, James, I used to baby sit you when you just a small boy, you and that friend of yours.”

  Jim smiled. “Mrs. O’Reilly?”

  “Yes, son. Come on in and take a look around.”

  “Why are you selling this place?” he asked as he followed her into the entryway.

  “I’m going to live with my son in Detroit.”

  “How much do you want for the house?”

  “I was asking 50, because it’s so small. I know that may seem like a lot to you, but I just want to hurry up and move to Detroit.”

  “Mrs. O’Reilly, I can write you a check for $55,000 and you can move whenever you’re ready to. I see that you’ve already started packing.”

  “Really? I can leave soon?” Her old eyes lit up.

  He pulled out his checkbook and wrote her out a check. “Here, just have your realtor give me the papers, and I can sign them.”

  “I actually have them in the kitchen, here follow me,” she handed him the papers and they both signed them. “I hate lawyers and realtors. I just assume do it myself. I can be moved out by Friday. Most of my stuff has already been shipped to Detroit,” she sat down at the table.

  Jim looked around. “Looks like a nice kitchen.”

  “Do you cook, James?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Not as good as mom’s, but I do like to cook when I can,” he sat down.

  “I’m sorry about your father. How’s your mother doing?”

  “About as well as can be expected, but he’ll always be in her heart.”

  She sighed. “I wish that my Earl was still around. I know how hard it’s to lose someone you love. That hospital he was in could really use some help. They’re so understaffed and the equipment needs updating.”

  “Which hospital is that?”

  “Oh, Middleburg General. I know it’s quite a ways away but the small clinic at the edge of Florence doesn’t do long-term care.”

  “Is that hospital owned by a corporation?”

  She nodded. “The Welch Corporation. I guess Mr. Welch owns a lot around here, even opened a new computer business in Sars Springs.”

  “You certainly know a lot about what goes on around here,” Jim remarked.

  “As an old woman, with almost nothing to do, I need something to keep me busy. I read a lot of those business journals, especially when it’s about local stuff.”

  “So, the hospital really needs money?”

  “That’s what I heard.”

  Jim stood up. “Well, Mrs. O’Reilly, just let me know when you’ll be leaving.”

  “Friday. I’ll be out of here on Friday. So, you can move in on Saturday if you want.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” he kissed her cheek lightly and walked out to his bike.

  He hopped on his bike and decided to go for a ride. He rode to Middleburg and pulled in front of the Middleburg diner. He sat down at a booth and ordered some coffee. He stared at the people that walked by on the street. He took a deep breath. He just wasn’t sure what to do now.

  He looked up as two officers walked passed him in the diner. They took the booth behind him, and he could hear their conversation.

  “Leon, I just don’t know what to do anymore,” the older officer said.

  “Randy, it’s all right. You’ll find something that will help.”

  “I just don’t know what to do. A cop’s salary isn’t the same anymore.”

  “Believe me, I know, but, of course, I don’t have a mortgage payment. Doesn’t Joanna’s paycheck help?”

  “Not really. It pays for her apartment in Phoenix.”

  “Why doesn’t she just come home?” Leon whispered.

  “You know how she is. I don’t know why we’re even still married, but right now, it works.”

  “Well, hopefully this trip to Vegas will turn into something.”

  “I hate these conventions,” Randy said.

  “Yeah, but it’s Vegas. You love Vegas. Remember? How many times did you apply for the Troopers job?”

  “I know, but I turned it down. I like my job here.”

  “What you need is a woman?”

  “I’ve enough problems with Joanna. I can’t deal with another woman.”

  “Oh, please. You haven’t had it in so long, you need a woman.”

  “Yeah, like I’d ever find a woman who’d be interested in an old man like me,” Randy shook his head.

  Jim laughed to himself as he stood up. He smiled at the officers as he walked passed them. He stared at the squad car as he got on his motorcycle. I wonder what it’s like to be a cop. Hmm, cool uniform, badges, guns, and nightsticks. It’s got to be so cool. He shook his head and drove out to Sars Springs. He pulled in front of the new building, Solutions Computer Systems. He stared at the large sign that sat on the lawn of the building.

  He stood there for a few moments and then got back on his bike and headed home. He dropped down on the front steps and stared at the daylight stars.

  On Saturday, Jim packed up his things and started to move into his new home. He used his old bedroom furniture from his mothers so that he could at least have a place to sleep. He figured when he got back from Boise, he’d just get new furniture.

  At the end of the day, he settled down in his kitchen and made himself something to eat. He picked up the phone and called Larry. “Hey, Larry, it’s Jim. I’m in my new place. I can leave tomorrow for Boise, if it’s still good.”

  “Yeah, still good. Your reservation is for the Hilton in Boise.”

  “Thanks. Just email me everything. I’ll set up my laptop later,” Jim hung up. “Just one more trip.”

  He spent the rest of the day in front of the television. As he was flipping through channels, one movie caught his eye. “Cool, I haven’t seen Stalag 17 in a while,” he watched it until he fell asleep.

  The next morning he set up his laptop and downloaded the hotel information that Larry sent. He packed up his bags and put them in his car. He headed towards Boise.

 

  12

  Idaho

  HE pulled into the Hilton Gardens hotel in Boise and walked up to the front desk. “Reservation for O’Roark, please.”

  The clerk tapped on the keyboard. “Sorry, no reservation.”

  “What!” Jim raised his voice. “Just give me my room key. I’ve been driving for hours.”

  “I don’t think you understand, sir,” The desk clerk said. “There are no reservations under your name.”

  “Don’t give me that. I made a reservation specifically at this hotel for this day!” He spat back.

  “No, there are no reservations under your name. It must be another hotel.”

  The man slammed his fist on the counter. “Just forget it. Can I get a room or not?”

  “No, sir, we’re booked up,” The man started to storm out of the hotel. “Mr. O’Roark, you left your keys.”

  He came back, grabbed his keys, and ran out. “Damn it,” he drove down the road until he noticed the Hilton Resort Hotel. “Don’t tell me I went to the wrong Hilton.”

  He grabbed his bags and headed inside the hotel. “Will you see if you have a reservation for O’Roark?”

  The woman smiled and tapped on the keyboard. “Yes, sir. You’re in room 405.”

  “Thank god. I thought I was going crazy. I swore I made a reservation at the Hilton.”

  “Oh, went to the Hilton Gardens down the road?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Oh, yes, the reservation department always gets that messed up,” she twirled her long blonde hair.

  “Can you recommend any good restaurants around here?” Jim asked as he took the card key.

  “There’s a small Italian restaurant on
the edge of town,” she smiled. “If you don’t mind company tonight, I could show it to you,” she flirted.

  “Your name is Tanya?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she touched his hand. “How long will you be in town?”

  “Only a few days, but I wouldn’t mind the company. Not at all. Come up to my room when you get off shift, we can go to dinner and decide what comes after that,” he picked up his bags and headed towards his room.

  He collapsed on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He held his hand close to his heart, yes, I know. She’s not it, but I’m going to have some fun. I think that cop in Middleburg had the right idea. I do need a woman. At least for a little while.

  A few hours later, Tanya knocked on his door. His eyes lit up with lust as he gazed at her in small blue dress. “Are you ready?” she whispered.

  “Yeah,” he grabbed his jacket and they headed towards the restaurant. Jim opened the door and led Tanya into the restaurant. They sat down at a table and ordered their food.

  “So, how long are you really in town?” She leaned forward for his answer.

  “Just have some work to do. I’ll be heading home soon,” Jim smiled at her as he touched her hand.

  “Where’s home?”

  “Florence, Arizona. I just bought a home there. I actually grew up there. It’s time I went home.”

  “Oh, where were you before?”

  “Just traveling.”

  “I’ve never been anywhere but here. How’s life around the country?”

  “Oh, it’s not as exciting as it sounds. I’m just looking for something that I don’t ever seem to find.”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “Someone special. Haven’t found her yet. Sorry, that sounded rude.”

  “No, don’t be. I actually was involved with someone, but it’s over now. I’m not looking for anything permanent. A night with you, if that’s what you want, would be good for right now.”

  “At least you’re honest,” he looked up as the waiter brought them their food. He heard some familiar laughing behind him and he turned around. He saw the back of a redhead. He smiled and faced Tanya again. “Enjoy your meal and we’ll see what tonight brings us.”

  She took a bite of her food and looked up at him. “So, what do you do for a living?”

  “Used to be a Marine, now, I just work on computers,” he said.

  “Are you some type of computer genius?”

  “No, just learning. It’s not everything that I want to do, but it’s a good start. Everything seems to be computers now, so I figured I need to do that.”

  “What did you do between learning computers and being a Marine?”

  “Well, I worked as an assistant to a few CEOs at large companies.”

  “You mean, like a secretary?”

  “No, an assistant. A secretary answers phones and types letters. I did a lot of things. I like that kind of work, but for now, I’ll settle for the technical jobs.”

  “Sounds like you’ve got your future planned,” she smiled as she sipped her wine.

  “Well, not really. I just know that I want to continue working. Whatever happens after that’s just destiny. I can’t plan anything anymore.”

  She finished her food and took his hand. “Let’s go back to your room.”

  He stood up and paid the check. He led her out to his car. They rode in silence back to the hotel.

  He sat on the bed and she walked slowly towards him. “Jim, do you want me?”

  He placed his hands on her hips. “For tonight, yes, I do want you. I just don’t want any misunderstandings. I can’t ever do any more than we’ll do right now.”

  “I’m not asking for anything, but you, right now,” she unbuttoned her blouse. “Please, kiss me now.”

  He stood up and ran his hands down her shoulders to remove her blouse. He kissed her softly on the mouth. No, she’s not it, but for now, she’ll do. He thought as he laid her on the bed.

  She removed his shirt and fingered his tattoo. “Where’d you get that?”

  “The marines,” he whispered as he ran his hands down her chest.

  She unzipped his pants and he kicked them off. He pulled her down and threw them on the floor. He held her in his arms as they had sex.

  He wrapped the blanket around them and touched her face. “I’m sorry, Tanya.”

  “Please don’t be. It’s been a while, and I needed it. I know your heart wasn’t in it, but thank you,” she kissed his cheek. “Do you want me to leave?”

  “No, you can stay the night if you want,” he whispered.

  She closed her eyes. “Good-night, Jim.”

  “Good-night, Tanya.”

  Jim woke up the next morning and Tanya had already left. He went into the bathroom and turned on the hot water for the shower. He noticed the writing on the mirror as the fog hit the cold glass. Thanks, Jim.

  He shook his head and smiled. “I’ve got to stop this. This is just too much anymore,” he jumped in the shower and washed himself as he let the water pour down his body.

  He got dressed and picked up his laptop and briefcase and headed out.

  He got in his car and drove down the road. He passed the movie theater and smiled when he saw the sign William Holden film festival. He pulled in front of a small computer shop and went inside.

  “Yes, I’m Jim O’Roark. I’m here to set up your network,” he smiled.

  “Oh, yes, I’m Roger Langley. I’ve been expecting you,” he stretched out his hand.

  Jim shook it. “So, where do I start?”

  “Follow me,” Roger led him into a small server room. “So, have you ever been to Boise before?”

  “No, this is my first time. This is my last job and then I’m going home.”

  “Well, I hope while you’re in town, you get to see some our sights. It’s a nice peaceful town. Tomorrow’s the film festival. It should be fun.”

  “I hope to be gone by tomorrow, but if not, I’ll certainly take in the movie Stalag 17. It’s one of my favorites,” Jim sat down at the computer and started to get to work. “This shouldn’t take that long.”

  “Good. I really need the back up system. People come in here and want their computer fixed or their videos restored, and without a back up, I could really be screwed.”

  “Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of it,” Jim searched through the files and then started rebuilding the systems. “Roger, you said you do video restorations.”

  “Yeah. We have the equipment, so, I just added it to our sales. Video restoration, transferring video to DVD, and things like that. You’d be surprised how many people use our services.”

  “Sounds pretty cool,” Jim said as he rebooted the machine. “Do you have an hour available where we can shut down the systems?”

  “Why?”

  “I want to test the backups. I set it up so that it should do back ups at midnight, but let’s set it up for noon right now.”

  Roger looked at his watch. “Yeah, we can close for lunch, we usually close one to two, but we can switch it to noon.”

  “Let’s do it. I think this should be it, but I want to make sure it works before I head home,” Jim logged into the computer when it came back up. “Looks good so far. Let’s see what happens in a half an hour.”

  “You want to go grab something to eat? There’s a diner across the street,” Roger asked.

  “Sure. Let’s go.”

  Roger locked the front door and turned the sign around. They headed to a small diner. “So, Jim, what do you do when you’re not working on computers?”

  “Lately, not much. I’ve been traveling and then I found this job. I like it, but I’m getting tired of traveling. In a week or so, I’m meeting my brother in Vegas for a cop convention. But for me, it’s a vacation. After that, I’m not sure what to do.”

  “Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for,” Roger said as he motioned to the waitress.

  She walked over and smiled. “Can I help you,
Roger?”

  “Yeah, coffee please,” Roger smiled.

  “Coffee sounds good,” Jim said. “She’s pretty.”

  “Yeah. Oh, yeah,” Roger smiled. “She’s my wife.”

  “Oh, sorry,” Jim said.

  “That’s OK. I trust her and I love her so much. She has made me so happy.”

  “That’s really great.”

  “So, are you married?”

  “At one time. She died nine years ago.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “That’s OK. I know that there’s someone out there for me. I just haven’t found her yet. But I’ve had some fun trying,” he laughed.

  “Good for you.”

  She came back with the coffee. “You two want some sandwiches?” She touched Roger’s hand.

  “Yes, darling. Surprise us.”

  She shook her head and came back five minutes later with their lunch. They ate in silence and then headed back to the shop.

  Jim sat behind the server computer and watched the back ups as they ran. He removed the old tapes and added new ones. “Roger, this looks really good. Here’s my card, if you need tech support, feel free to call or email me. Just change the tapes every night after you close up.”

  “Sounds great, Jim,” Roger shook his hand. “I really appreciate your help on this.”

  “No problem. If something ever fails, just let me know. I won’t hesitate to come up here and fix it for you,” Jim picked up his bags. “Talk to you soon, Roger.”

  Jim headed back to his hotel room and dropped on the bed. He watched television for while and then fell asleep.

  The next morning, he picked up the phone and called Christopher. “Hey, it’s Jim.”

  “Where are you?” Chris said wearily.

  “Did I wake you?”

  “JC, it’s five in the morning, my shift doesn’t start until eleven.”

  “Oh, sorry. I just thought I’d let you know that I’ll meet you in Vegas.”

  “You’re going now?”

  “Yeah. I figured I need a vacation. So, I’ll see you at the New Frontier Hotel & Casino in a week. I’ll be there on Sunday.”

  “Are you sure you want to be in Vegas alone for a few days?”

  “Chris, I’ll be fine. I know the convention starts Monday. What day are you going to be there?”

  “Wednesday. JC, I’ll see you then. No worries. Now, I’m getting some more sleep,” he hung up the phone.

  Jim laid back on the bed and closed his eyes, Never been to Vegas before, it could be cool.

  After a couple of hours, he packed up his bags and headed towards the lobby. Tanya was standing behind the counter. “Leaving so soon?” She smiled at him.

  “Yeah. I wanted to thank you,” he beamed at her.

  She touched his hand lightly. “It was, yes, it was my pleasure. Have a good life, Jim.”

  “I will,” he leaned across the counter and kissed her cheek. “Take care of yourself,” he picked up his bags and headed out to his car. He took a deep breath as he started the car.

  13

  Nevada

  JIM pulled in front of the New Frontier Hotel & Casino. He grabbed his bags out of the trunk and gave the Valet his keys. He tiredly walked up to the front desk and checked in. “Cops arriving already?” he asked.

  “Yes, sir. From all over the world,” the woman said. “Tyler will take your bags up for you.”

  “Thanks. When my brother, Officer Christopher O’Roark arrives, will you tell him my room number?”

  “Yes, sir, enjoy your stay.”

  He went up to his hotel room and unpacked his suitcase. He walked out on the balcony and smiled at the Las Vegas Neon lights. He took a deep breath and went into the bathroom to shower.

  He got dressed and headed down to the bar in the hotel. He sat down and ordered a drink. “Vodka, straight up, please,” he said to the bartender. He sipped his drink as he watched different men walk in and out of the bar. He glanced out to the lobby and saw a congregation of officers head into the banquet room. He shook his head and gulped his drink. “Another, please.”

  He slowly sipped it and stared at himself in the mirror over the bar. He briefly got a glimpse of a redhead heading into the banquet room. “Redheads. Always around,” he whispered.

  After another drink, he headed out into the lobby and sat down. He stared down at the floor, why am I even here? Well, I’m here, so there has to be something I can do. He stood up and walked over to the desk clerk. “Can you have someone bring my car out front, please?”

  “Yes, sir. It’ll take just a few minutes,” she said as she picked up the phone.

  “That’s OK. I don’t mind waiting,” Jim stood at the counter for a few minutes and then walked back towards the chairs in the lobby. A woman was hurrying out of the bar and dropped her purse on the ground. When she bent over to pick it up, he handed it to her. “Here, let me help you,” he smiled brilliantly at her. “Here you go, ma’am,” he saluted her and walked away.

  “Mr. O’Roark, your car’s waiting for you,” the doorman said to him.

  Jim hurried out to his car without looking back. He sat in the driver seat and noticed a redhead coming out of the doorway out of the corner of his eye, but he stepped on the gas and drove for a while.

  After driving around the main streets of Las Vegas, he headed back to his hotel. He went up to his room and collapsed on the bed. I just can’t wait to go home. He thought. I’ve got to stop this traveling. It’s too much for me anymore. I need a sit down job and just live life riding my bike. I’m forty-two years old. I’ve got to just let life come to me.

  The next morning, he headed down to the restaurant. As he sat down, he heard a familiar voice call his name. “Jim? Jim, is that you?”

  He turned around. “Evan? Hey, come on and take a seat,” Jim motioned to him. “So, what brings you to Vegas?”

  “Cop convention,” Evan said with a frown as he sat down.

  “I thought that you were a detective.”

  “I used to be, but I lost my detective shield. No big deal, just working as an officer to get my full pension.”

  “Sorry to hear that.”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. What are you doing here?”

  “Oh, my brother, Chris, is an officer, too. He’s coming in on Wednesday for the convention. I just thought I could use a vacation, but now that I’m here, I’d just rather go home.”

  “Is everything OK?”

  “Yeah, just tired of traveling. I’ve been doing it since I before I saw you in Detroit.”

  “That was over two years ago,” Evan remarked.

  “I know. I think I’m going home tomorrow. I just am too damn tired. I’m getting too old for this.”

  “Jim, don’t worry about it. I’m a hell of a lot older than you. What you need is a good woman.”

  “Have you found one yet?”

  “No, but I’m having fun trying,” he smiled. “Hey, if I don’t see you again, good luck,” Evan shook his hand.

  “See you, Evan. Good luck with you and stay away from the redheads,” he laughed.

  Jim ordered his breakfast and slowly ate. He looked around at the multitude of officers sitting and eating breakfast. He smiled briefly when he noticed the two officers from the Middleburg diner. Yeah. Time to go home.

  He went back to his room and stared at the television all day. He picked up the phone that evening and called Christopher. “Chris, I’m sorry, but I won’t be here when you get here.”

  “JC, what’s wrong?”

  “I guess I’m just homesick and tired. I’ve had enough of traveling. I’m going home to enjoy my new house. I’ll figure out what to do next when I get there. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll call you when I get back from Vegas. Remember, I’ll stand by you, no matter what,” Chris said.

  “Thanks, big brother. Talk to you soon,” Jim hung up the phone.

  Jim laid down on the bed and
stared out the window. Yup, it’s time to go home. Definitely, time to go home.

  The next morning, he packed up his bags and headed down to the lobby. “Yes, I’m checking out earlier than expected.”

  “Yes, Mr. O’Roark, we’ll have your car brought out front for you,” she said. “I hope that you enjoyed your stay.”

  “Oh, yes, I did. Thank you.”

  14

  Arizona

  JIM pulled in front of his house and sighed heavily. He walked up to the front door and dropped on his porch. He stared at his car and shook his head. He walked into the house with his bags and started to unpack.

  He laid down on his boyhood bed and gazed at the ceiling. Nope, nothing yet. He thought, what am I going to do for the rest of my life? He soon fell asleep.

  The next morning, he picked up the phone. “Hi, Mom. It’s me.”

  “James, where are you?”

  “I’m home now. It’s where I belong.”

  “James, what’s wrong? You sound so sad.”

  “Mom, I’m OK. I’ve just come to the conclusion that I have to stop looking back. Well, at least, stop looking back at my life. I picked up some books and I’m going to take some time off. I want to do something with my life besides sit around this small house.”

  “James, you were always so good at history. Don’t think that just because you’re moving forward, you can’t look back. Baby, that’s how we learn from our mistakes.”

  “Mom, I know that. I can’t live in the past, though. Janet’s gone. Dad’s gone. Even Matty’s dead. I can’t keep trying to relive something that’s just gone forever. I can’t get back any of those moments. I’ll talk to you later, mom,” he hung up.

  He sat at the kitchen table and sipped his coffee. “Hmm, history. I know this town has so much history,” he smiled softly. “Angel, I know that I’ll never find you. I’m sorry, but if you exist, you’ll have to come to me.”

  He walked out to his car and headed to the car dealership. The salesman walked over to him. “Mr. O’Roark, how are today?”

  “Fine, Frank. I’d like to sell my car. I’ll be using my bike, so I really don’t need it anymore. It’s only a few months old. Can you do something with it for me?”

  “You want to sell that?” Frank’s eyes lit up.

  “Yeah. I know I can’t get what I paid for it, but it’s not about the money. I just don’t need it.”

  “What’d you pay for it?”

  “A little over 70. I don’t care if you get 30 for it. Someone should be able to get some use out of it,” Jim said.

  “I’ll see what I can do. I just may buy it myself,” Frank smiled.

  “Whatever you want. I’ll leave it here, just let me know. Here’s my new home number. When you sell it, just give me a call,” Jim walked towards the end of the parking lot and back towards his house. That takes care of that, he thought as he walked out to his garage.

  He hopped on his bike and headed out for a long ride. He found himself pulling in front of the Middleburg General Hospital. He took a deep breath and walked inside. He stood in front of the receptionist and smiled. “Yes, hi. My name’s James O’Roark and I’d like to make a donation to the hospital.”

  She smiled. “Hi, I’m Treena. Usually the donations are made through Mr. Welch, but he’s concentrating on the Solutions Computer Systems building in Sars Springs right now.”

  “Oh, I’ve heard about that. Do you know if there are any job openings there yet?”

  “Customer service, call center, and admin jobs. I know they have been working on building a tech department, but no available jobs yet. I’m waiting for that kind of job.”

  “Yeah, me, too. I like that kind of work,” he smiled. “Maybe we’ll end up working there together,” he beamed.

  “Yeah, that would be nice,” she said. “Oh, I’m sorry. You wanted to make a donation?”

  “Yeah, to the heart and lung ward in memory of my father,” he said sadly.

  “If you go up to the third floor, and head for the corporate wing, Mrs. Raines, Mr. Welch’s secretary can take the donation for you.”

  “Thanks. Oh, Treena, since you seem to have a little inside information, can I give you my number?”

  “James, I’m married,” she smiled.

  “No, what I meant was, will you call me when the tech jobs start to have openings. I’d really appreciate it.”

  “Sure, I can do that,” Treena took his card from his hand and he headed to the elevator.

  He walked down the corridor until he saw Mr. Welch’s name on the door. He slowly opened the door. “Um, yes, I’m James O’Roark and I’d like to make a donation to the hospital.”

  Mrs. Raines looked up and smiled. “Mr. Welch isn’t in, but I can help you. How much would you like to donate?”

  “It’s not very large, just about $50,000 in memory of my father, Carl O’Roark,” he smiled sadly as he took out his checkbook.

  “Are you sure, sir?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m sure. I have money. I just don’t need it right now,” he smiled. “I know this hospital needs a lot of work. I’m hoping that one day Mr. Welch can put more effort in getting it upgraded.”

  “He’s planning on it. Right now, he wants to add more jobs to community.”

  “I understand. Here’s my check,” Jim handed it to her. “Thank you for letting me do this. I really appreciate it.”

  Jim headed back out to his bike. He smiled as he started it up. If I can’t help myself, at least I can help others. He drove towards home.

  Jim walked up the steps to the city hall of Florence. He took a deep breath as he opened the door to the hall of records. He smiled brightly at the woman behind the counter. “Yes, I’m James O’Roark.”

  Her young eyes lit up. “Oh, the marine? Wow, here in my office. This is so cool.”

  “Well, I used to be a Marine. I’ve been thinking about doing some historical research for the small towns in the area and I thought I’d start with Florence.”

  “Anything you need. Just let me know,” she said. “You can have access to any of our records.”

  “Thanks. I’ve already been in contact with the historical society and they’ve agreed to publish my research when it’s finished,” he beamed as he headed to a group of tables.

  He looked through piles of magazines and books and sat down. He worked for several hours of reading documents. When he finished, he headed home and sat down at his laptop to finish writing his papers.

  He leaned back in the chair and stared at the calendar. Only a few more months until I can apply for that job at Solutions, he thought. I need something, something important in my life. Hopefully, this job will work out.

  He picked up the phone. “Hey, Chris, it’s me.”

  “What’s going on?” Chris asked.

  “Oh, nothing. Still working on the research papers. I really can’t wait until I can get back to tech work. I never thought that I’d miss it, but I do,” he sighed.

  “You could always be a cop,” Chris teased.

  “Can you see me being a cop?” Jim laughed.

  “Actually, little brother, yes, I could,” Chris said. “You were a Marine. Not much different than being a cop. Of course, the scumbags are a little different, but all the same, you still carry a gun.”

  “I haven’t shot a weapon since basic,” Jim said. “I’ll think about it. But, really, I don’t feel like risking my life for people I don’t know. Not to be mean, but the first person I want to risk my life for, is the woman I love.”

  “So, did you find her yet?”

  “No. And right now, I’m not looking. I guess I expect her to just walk passed me and then I’ll know it’s her,” he laughed. “I’m just keeping busy right now.”

  “Do you have a life?” Chris asked.

  “Right now, no. I mean, I go out on the bike and ride, and I have my research, but, no.”

  “What about that girl you told me about?”

  “Oh, Treena? Well, she?
??s nice, but she’s married. Her husband’s a really nice guy. But ,Chris, if she wasn’t married, she still would not be it. She just a good friend. We hope that we get to work together when Solutions starts hiring for their tech department.”

  “So, how long has it been since you’ve been to Sars Springs?”

  “A little while. I really don’t go past Middleburg.”

  “Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Jim hung up and turned on the local news. He lit a cigarette and took a deep puff. “Should’ve never started these again,” he sighed. “Well, I guess I do need one vice in my life.”

  He closed his eyes and tried to picture a new life for himself, but his mind was so foggy, it seemed to drift away.

  Jim sat on his front porch and looked up as Treena walked up the front steps. “Hey, what’s going on?” Jim asked.

  “I’m a little nervous about these interviews,” she said as she sat next to him.

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. There’s what? Like three or four positions available?”

  “I know, but do you realize how many people have applied for these jobs?”

  “Treena, don’t worry about it. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll still have your job at the hospital. It’ll work out. They must’ve liked us. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have called us in for an interview. I think my phone interview went well.”

  “Yeah, mine, too. I guess I’m nervous. What if I get the job? Have you heard all the stuff about that place?”

  “What stuff?”

  “Well, for one, Karrie Olsen, the one who’ll interview us, isn’t even our really boss. There’s some other lady that will be our boss. We won’t even meet her until we get hired.”

  “I’m sure, she’ll be fine.”

  “What will she know about tech stuff? I heard that she’s from their HR department. Jim, what if we get the job?”

  “Treena, it’ll all work out. I know that I need this job. I’ve had my head in a book for almost a year now. I liked the research I was doing for the Florence Township, but it’s done with now. I need a job. I’ve kept up with my skills.”

  “You’re so smart. What if we don’t get along with the people that work here? What if?” Treena started to rattle on.

  “Please, stop. You can only take it one step at a time. We’ll do the interview tomorrow and see what happens. If we get it, great, we’ll both have new jobs. If we don’t get it, we’ll find something else.”

  “I guess,” she stood up.

  “Treena, tell John that I said hello. I’ll see you at Solutions tomorrow,” Jim smiled brightly. “See, it’s even called Solutions. It’ll solve all of our problems,” he laughed.

  “Funny, Jim,” she shook her head as she walked back to her car.

  “I thought so,” he teased as he continued to read his book.

  15

  JIM rode the two hours to Sars Springs. He pulled into the parking lot and took a deep breath. He watched as the employees piled in through the doors. As he lit up a cigarette, he noticed a beautiful blonde woman heading out of the building. He smiled. “Wow, she’s beautiful,” he watched as she got in a large, black truck and then pulled out of the parking lot. “Hmm, Stalker? Cute for a woman,” he laughed to himself as he admired the license plate of the black truck.

  He slowly walked through the front doors. “Yes, I’m James O’Roark. I’ve an interview with Karrie Olsen.”

  “Yes, please have a seat. She’ll be right with you,” the woman said.

  Jim sat down and nervously ran his hands over his crew cut. I hope this all works out. I really need to do something besides keep my head in a book all my life.

  A few minutes later, Treena walked in the building. She took her seat next to Jim. “So, still waiting?”

  “Yeah,” he took a deep breath.

  Soon, a petite woman with large rimmed glasses approached them. “Hi, I’m Karrie Olsen,” she smiled shyly. “Why don’t you two follow me upstairs?”

  Jim and Treena followed her upstairs to a small office.

  Karrie looked at the two of them and smiled. “Please, have a seat. I don’t usually do two interviews at the same time, but we’re so pressed to get new employees in here. We’re working on a limited staff,” Jim and Treena sat down. “I’ve reviewed both of your resumes and am extremely impressed. Let me tell you a little about the job. The department that we’re hiring you for is Customer Support. You both will take the incoming calls and troubleshoot the problems. If the problem requires more troubleshooting than the first call will cover, you’ll open a ticket and assign it to one of our other techs. If it’s a hardware issue, it’ll be assigned to that department. You’ll meet them later,” she took a breath.

  “Excuse me, but you’re acting as if we have the job,” Jim said.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. You both have the job if you want it. This interview was for me to meet you. I’ll tell you about the job and if you still want it when I’m finished, you can start today.”

  “Really?” Treena’s eyes lit up.

  “Yes,” Karrie smiled as she pushed up her glasses. “The supervisor of the Customer Support Team is Alex Garrison and the supervisor of the Hardware Support team is Joe Whittaker,” she paused. “Andrea Marks and Charles Little work for Joe. And currently, we have three employees on the Customer Support Team, Greg Shapone, Helen Jameson, and Randy Harrison. Joe and Alex report to me. In a few weeks, we’ll have a new district manager. To be honest, I don’t know much about him, just that he’s really good at his job.”

  “What else does this job entail?” Treena asked.

  “We currently have ten contracts with local businesses. We have a call center downstairs for sales calls. We’re always trying to get more businesses to support. We supply them with equipment and support. Right now, we handled support for local hospitals and insurance companies, but we’re always looking to expand. We also provide training and do their nightly backups here,” she smiled. “Do you two have any questions?”

  “No, Ms. Olsen,” Jim said.

  “Please, call me Karrie. We’re all on a first name basis here,” she stood up and opened the door. “Oh, I see Alex heading towards her office. Come on and follow me. Don’t let her demeanor scare you. She may come off as a little hard-edged, but she’s a very nice person. She’s confident and extremely smart. Yes, she came to us from the HR department, but she has already completed a probationary trip that we send the high-level techs on. She’s one of a kind. Let me introduce you to your new boss.”

  Jim and Treena stood up. Jim took a deep breath as he watched the blonde walk down the hall.

  “Hey,” Karrie said. “How was Afton?”

  Alex turned around. Oh, my god. It’s her. It’s definitely her, Jim thought.

  Alex smiled at them. “Not too bad. Gave Randy the upgrade and then we went to lunch. He’s on his way to Markston for his final upgrade.”

  “I wanted to introduce you to our two newest employees. This is James O’Roark and this is Treena Niddlehouse.”

  Alex shook both their hands. “Hi. Good to have you here. Your cubicles are set up across the hall,” Alex pointed out. “I’ll bring you over and have you meet Helen and Greg. Randy will be coming back tomorrow.”

  Alex walked across the hall and they followed behind her. “Treena, James, you’ll be sharing this cubicle. James, you’ll sit over here and, Treena, right there. Feel free to make it like home. There are keys for each drawer and overhead shelf. I see that your paperwork is already on your desk. Your logins will automatically clock you in so you don’t need to worry about that. The rest of the paperwork needs to be filled out by you and then put on my desk by the end of the day.”

  “Not a problem,” Treena said.

  “Alex?” Jim asked.

  “Yes, James?”

  “You can call me Jim and thanks so much. I can’t wait to get started,” he smiled brilliantly.

  “You’re welcome. Tomorrow
, we’ll be having a team lunch. I want everyone to meet each other in a casual manner and I’ve some things to go over that I want you all to hear,” Alex said. “If you need me, I’ll be in my office. My door’s always opened, except when it’s closed,” she smiled.

  Jim sat down at his computer and looked around. “Treena, this job’s going to be great,” he stared towards Alex’s door. Boy, she’s beautiful. I think she did just walk passed me.

  A few minutes later, a tall, dark-haired man walked over to their cubicle. “Hey, I’m Greg. I just wanted to introduce myself,” he stretched out his hand.

  Jim stood up. “So, how long have you worked here?”

  “A few days. It’s a great place to work. And Alex is one hell of a boss.”

  “She seems really nice,” Jim said.

  “Yeah, she is. Don’t let her hard exterior fool you. She’s quite the lovely woman,” Greg smiled. “Well, I’m going out for a smoke, care to join me?”

  Jim stood up. “Sure, thanks,” Jim followed Greg outside. “So, how long have you known Alex?”

  “Quite a long time, though she doesn’t want anyone to know that right now. Why? You find her attractive, don’t you?”

  “Well, yeah, of course,” Jim blushed. “She’s so beautiful.”

  “Well, she’s mine. She doesn’t know it right now, but she belongs with me. You can try, but she’ll end up with me sooner or later,” Greg smiled.

  “Sorry, I didn’t know,” Jim said as he thought, yeah, right. In your dreams, maybe.

  “That’s OK. She doesn’t even know right now,” Greg said as he finished his cigarette. “I’ll see you inside.”

  Jim finished out his day, got on his bike, and headed home. As he opened the door, his phone was ringing. “Hello?”

  “Jim, its mom. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you all day.”

  “Sorry, Mom. I got the job at Solutions. In fact, I started today.”

  “Oh, baby, that’s really great.”

  “Yeah, it is and Mom, I found her.”

  “What? Found who?”

  “Mom, I found my angel.”

  “James, what are you talking about?”

  “Mom, I saw her today. She barely knows I’m alive, but I found her. She’s my angel. She’s the one in my dreams.”

  “She’s a blonde, isn’t she?” Carol laughed.

  “That has nothing to do with it. She’s my angel. Now, I just have to figure out a way to get her to notice me.”

  “Whatever happens, I wish you luck, son. Have a good night.”

  Jim hung up the phone. “I’ll find a way to make her notice me.”

  16

  THE next morning, Jim headed to the office. He found Greg standing outside having a cigarette. “Hey, Greg, what’s up?” Jim said.

  “Nothing, just having a smoke before my shift starts,” Greg looked up the street. “Oh, my god. Look at her,” he whispered.

  Jim turned his head to see Alex walking across the parking lot towards them. “Does she walk to work every day?”

  “Her car’s in the shop right now, but, yeah, she loves taking walks,” Greg replied. “She loves a lot of things.”

  Jim held his breath as not let on his attraction for his own boss.

  “Good morning,” Alex said, smiling.

  “Good morning. Are you OK?” Greg asked

  “I’m totally fine. Thanks for asking,” Alex said as she kept walking.

  “Something’s different about her today,” Greg said.

  “What do you mean? She looks really, really great,” Jim smiled.

  “Yes, she certainly does. Just the way she’s smiling. It looks good on her.”

  “Yes, it does,” Jim sighed. He finished his cigarette and headed to his cube. He opened his email only to find one from Alex. “Please meet in the conference room off the cafeteria for our team lunch at 12:30 PM today-Alex,” he leaned back in his chair. I have to get her to notice me, somehow. She’s perfect for me. I just have to show her.

  He did his work for the morning and then at 12:30, he followed Greg, Helen, and Treena downstairs to the conference room. Jim sat next to Alex and held on to her every word.

  Karrie and Alex also took their seats. A few minutes later, Randy came into the room. Jim watched as Alex looked in Randy’s direction. Alex then spoke. “I wanted to take this time to have everyone on our team get to know each other,” she started. “We don’t have to know each other’s life story, but we can see who we’ll be working with. Being part of a team means to work as a team and learn how to trust each other.”

  “I agree,” Karrie said. “I’m Karrie and Joe and Alex both report to me. You work directly for Alex and should report everything to Alex first.”

  “What do you do?” Greg asked.

  “Sometimes I wonder,” Karrie laughed. “I do the hiring and firing for both departments. Alex and Joe can make recommendations to me,” she stopped for a minute and looked around the room. “I must sound like I’m bragging or something…”

  “No, Karrie. We all know you’re not,” Alex looked at the faces around the table. “The other thing that you need to know is that soon, there will now be a District Manager. He’ll arrive in a few weeks. He’ll be in charge of all of the Managers that work in this building. They’re looking to expand the company into other states, such as Nevada, California, and some more offices here in Arizona, and the district manager will oversee that construction,” she said in a sterile tone.

  Karrie jumped in. “His name’s William Weaver. He’s from New Jersey or some place like that.”

  “Well, let’s eat. Please take this time to get to know each other,” Alex said.

  Jim listened to her so intently as he thought about her words. There’s something deep inside her. Something’s hurting her, so deep inside.

  Everyone got up from their chairs and went over to dish out their food. They sat back down and started eating.

  Jim watched Alex. She was looking intently at Randy, Must be something going on between them. Well, he’s married. I’m certainly not. I won’t give up on getting my Angel, that’s for sure. He smiled to himself.

  He looked at Greg’s face as he spoke. “Randy, aren’t you hungry?” asked Greg.

  “Umm,” Randy looked around the room. “Not really,” Then without another word, he got up and left the room.

  Jim shook his head and finished eating. He so wanted to say something, anything to Alex, but just as he was going to speak, Alex spoke. “Before you leave for each day, make sure your areas are neat. We aren’t quite sure when Mr. Weaver will arrive. He likes to surprise people,” she laughed. “I’ve a lot of filing to do. Enjoy the last 15 minutes of your lunch. I’ll see everyone upstairs,” Without another word, she left the room.

  Jim sat there for a few minutes and then went outside. He smoked a cigarette as he stared into the sky. I wish she’d let someone in. Something or someone’s causing her pain. I need to help her see that she can rely on me. I’m not just another techie. He finished his cigarette and headed towards her office.

  As he was walking towards her office, he noticed Randy storm out. Where have I seen him before? He looks so familiar. Jim shook it off as he knocked carefully. She answered the door slowly. He noticed the tears that streaked her face.

  “I’m sorry for the intrusion, but do you have a minute to talk with me?” he asked.

  “Of course, come on in and take a seat,” she said, wiping her eyes, as she sat in her chair. “What can I do for you?”

  “Well, downstairs, you said you wanted us to all get to know each other, but you didn’t mention anything about yourself.”

  “I’m sorry. Was there something you wanted to know?” She looked puzzled.

  “Why didn’t you let anyone who you really are?” Jim stated frankly.

  “I-I don’t know what you mean. What are you talking about?” she asked nervously.

  “You seem like you’re putting on a strong and hard exterior. But
you need to let people know that you have a heart and are not just about doing ‘the job’.”

  “Where’d you ever get that?”

  “The way you came in this morning. You had such a smile on your face, and now here you’re with tears in your eyes, I think people should know that you do care. Alex, excuse me for saying this, but you’re a beautiful person.”

  “Jim, people can believe what they need to about me. When I’m here, I shouldn’t do this,” she said. “What I need to do is make sure everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to.”

  “I’m sorry that I bothered you. If you want Greg and I to be the only ones to know that you aren’t cold, then let it be,” Jim said and left the room. What the hell did I just do? Well, hopefully she’ll take my advice.

  He walked back to his cubicle and sat down at his computer. She’s so beautiful. I wish that she’d realize it. The phone ringing interrupted his thoughts.

  17

  A few weeks later, Jim headed to work. He knew that there was something going on with Alex and Randy, but he had a deep feeling that it would never work out. He could tell that Greg was so jealous of Randy. It seemed to be affecting his work. He didn’t know what to do about Greg. He just listened to his rantings.

  Jim stood outside with Treena and Greg when Alex walked towards them. “Good morning,”

  “Wow. You look great!” Jim said. “Really, really great.”

  “Thanks,” she smiled and kept walking. He watched her walk up the steps. Wow, she looks so sexy in that silk outfit. She’s so amazing, he thought to himself. He went upstairs and started to work.

  He noticed that Treena was staring at him. “What?”

  She smiled. “You’ve got a thing for Alex, don’t you?”

  “No, of course not. She’s just a great boss.”

  “Jim, you can tell me.”

  “She barely notices me. She’s hooked on Randy. I just wish she’d come to her senses.”

  “What? And choose you?”

  “Anyone but him. He’s married. I don’t know what they have going on with each other, but he follows her around like a puppy dog.”

  “Jim, the only way to get her to notice you, I mean, really notice you is to tell her how you feel.”

  “I can’t do that,” he stared at his computer.

  “Think about it. She’s the kind of person that wants you to be honest with her. You know that. If you’re honest with her about your feelings, hey, you never know. She may drop Randy like a bad habit,” Treena turned to her computer and started to work.

  Karrie walked over a few hours later. “Hey, Jim. Want to get a smoke?”

  “Sure,” Jim stood up and followed Karrie. “Hey, Karrie, what’s going on?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You never asked me to go out for a cigarette before.”

  “Well, I’m not your boss anymore. I’m Bill’s new assistant,” she said with a frown as she lit her cigarette.

  “What’s with this Bill, anyway?” Jim asked as he puffed on his.

  “I don’t know. All new managers like to make changes. He just made Alex a manager,” she shook her head.

  Jim smiled to himself. He didn’t want to let on to Karrie but he thought Alex deserved that promotion.

  As he was smoking his cigarette, Alex and Greg came outside. He watched her intently as she and Greg talked quietly. He so wished that he could have something that deep with her. She was so beautiful. He wished that he could learn more about her.

  Through out the day, Jim noticed that Greg had been in and out of Alex’s office. The last time, Jim stopped him. “Hey, Greg, got a minute?”

  “Sure, buddy, what’s going on?” Greg asked.

  Jim followed him to Greg’s large cubicle. “Is there something going on? I’ve seen you in and out of her office all day.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing. She’s hiring herself a new assistant. I’m just helping her write up the position.”

  “A new assistant?”

  “Yeah, I think I’m going to apply for it. Just to see what happens. I really don’t want it. I like my job now.”

  “Hmm, maybe I’ll apply.”

  “You should, James. Apply. You never know what’ll happen,” Greg said as Jim left his cube.

  Jim sat down in his seat and smiled. “Now, that’s one way to get her attention,” he whispered to himself.

  18

  JIM and Greg walked into the tech room and noticed Bill and Alex standing in the front of the room, deep in discussion.

  “What’s going on?” Jim asked.

  “We’re building Alex a new office, right here in this room,” Bill said.

  “Sounds cool,” Jim said.

  Greg just kept walking to his cubicle. “Um, Greg?” Bill said.

  “Yes, sir?” He turned around.

  “You’ll have to move to the other side. You can have the double cubicle on the end.”

  “Oh,” Greg sounded disappointed.

  “Don’t worry. You won’t have to share,” Bill said.

  “Oh, thanks. When do you want me to move?”

  “Helen comes in at 11 today. After she comes in, you can start moving your personal items and papers over. You’ll need to open a problem ticket to get your computer and phone system moved,” Alex said.

  “Oh, great,” Greg said sarcastically.

  “Greg, I’m sure you can request the technician if you ask Joe nicely,” Alex spat back.

  “I will. I’ll ask for Charles or Andrea.”

  “Whatever,” Alex turned her back to him. “So, Bill, when do you think we can get this started?”

  “Well, I have to make some calls and get a contractor in here, so you’ll have to suffer in your little office until then,” he smiled.

  “I’ve been in smaller places, my office is fine,” Alex headed back to her office.

  Jim watched her walk to her office and then he went over to Greg’s cube. “Are you and Alex having some issues?” He smiled.

  “Whatever gave you that idea?” Greg asked.

  “Oh, just by the tone of both your voices. What is it with you two?”

  “James, buddy, we’re just old friends. Don’t worry about it. She’ll get over it. She always does. I’m sure it won’t be too long before cop-boy is out of her life,” Greg smiled.

  “Cop-boy?”

  “Yeah, Randy. He’s a cop. You didn’t know that?” Greg frowned. “She thinks she has a thing for cops. It’s just a fantasy. It’s not real. She needs something real.”

  Jim smiled. “I totally agree with you. I’ll see you later,” he sat down and watched as Randy ran into Alex’s office. “I knew that I’ve seen him before. That Middleburg cop,” he shook his head. “If anyone can make her forget him, it’s me,” he whispered.

  Treena came in the cube and sat down. Jim looked up and smiled. “What’s with the smile?” she asked.

  “Nothing. Nothing at all,” he focused his eyes on Alex’s office door. He watched as Randy left and took a deep breath. He stood up and then sat back down.

  “Jim? What are you doing?” Treena asked.

  “I need, I need, to see Alex,” he breathed heavily.

  “Then just go knock.”

  “I can’t. I just can’t do it,”

  “Jim, it’s about time you’ve told her. I told you what to do, now just do it,” Treena touched his shoulder. “It’ll never happen unless you make it happen.”

  He stood up again, walked as far as the hallway, and then turned around.

  Treena laughed slightly. “Just do it, or I’ll tell her.”

  “No, Treena. I can do this myself,” he stood up and walked over to her door. He stopped for a moment and then looked back at Treena.

  She nodded to him and he knocked lightly. “Alex, do you have a minute?”

  Alex was drawing on a piece of paper. She looked up when he came in. “Yes, what is it, Jim?”

  He looked at her drawing. “Nice. Very nice.”
/>
  “Thanks. What do you need, Jim?”

  “It’s kind of personal.”

  “Take your time. I’m not that busy right now.”

  “First, I wanted to apologize to you,” he said as he sat down.

  “For what?”

  “The conversation we had after the team lunch,” he put his head down.

  Alex got up from behind the desk and sat next to him in the chair. “Jim, don’t worry about it. That was weeks ago, and you were right. I should show more heart. I’m not as cold as everyone may think I am.”

  Jim looked up at her and smiled. “I was wondering if you would consider having lunch with me?”

  Alex looked shocked, but she smiled. “That’s the third invitation I’ve had for lunch today. I wish I could, I really do, but I have to have a lunch meeting with Bill.”

  Jim looked disappointed. “Oh, sorry I bothered you,” Damn, I waited too long to ask.

  “Jim, I’m truly sorry, I really do wish I could.”

  “That’s OK. I understand. It just took me forever to get up the courage to ask you.”

  “Why? Why did you want to have lunch with me?”

  “I-I-I should go now,” he got up and quickly left the room. He went outside and lit up a cigarette. He didn’t realize it at first, but she followed behind him.

  “Jim, is there something you’re not telling me?”

  He looked around and took a puff of his cigarette. “No, why would you say that?”

  “You ran out of my office so quickly,” she put her hand on his shoulder. “You can tell me anything.”

  “It’s that, I, I’m attracted to you. I shouldn’t be. You’re my boss. I shouldn’t even be telling you this. Oh, god. I can’t believe I said that. Please forget that I said anything. I’m so sorry,” he turned away from her and took a long puff off his cigarette. There I said it. Now, what’ll she say?

  “Jim, come over here and sit down,” Alex motioned for Jim to follow her over to the benches. He sat down next to her. “I don’t see any problem with what you just told me. If you’re worried about me saying anything to anyone, I promise, I won’t.”

  “It’s not just that. I just can’t believe I stood in front of you and told you that I liked you. I’ve never done that to anyone before. I can’t help it. I’ve been attracted to you since the day I first saw you. But it’s not right, you’re my boss.”

  “Jim, don’t worry about me being your boss. You’re quite, well, attractive yourself. I think that we should talk about this, but probably not right now. If you want to have lunch with me on Friday, we can do that.”

  Jim smiled. “Thanks, Alex. I don’t feel as stupid now.”

  “Jim, you aren’t stupid. You told me what was on your mind. Actually, I like that. Not many people do that. They either lie to themselves or other people. We can talk about it on Friday at lunch, OK?”

  “Yeah, thanks,” Jim finished his cigarette and Alex went back to her office. He watched her as she entered the building. Then he stared out into the parking lot. I can’t believe what I just did, but I did it. I just hope I didn’t act like a total idiot.

  Jim headed back upstairs to do some work. At lunch, he decided to take a walk to the park. He sat down at one of the benches and smiled. Yeah, I found my angel. Now all she has to do is realize that we were meant to be together. I hope that I get the chance. With Greg and Randy in her life, is there room for me? I have to take her confusion away, but how do I get her away from cop-boy?

  When he got back to Solutions, Greg and Karrie were standing outside. He walked over to them. “What’s going on?”

  Greg pointed over at a black truck that just pulled into the lot. “See, she went to lunch with Bill,” he said.

  “Big deal. He’s her boss,” Jim said. “She told me she had to go to lunch with him.”

  “She told you that?” Greg was surprised.

  “Yeah, it’s probably just about work,” Jim said.

  “Oh, well, look at that. He just kissed her. Now, what kind of boss does that?” Greg said.

  Alex started to walk passed them quickly, but Karrie asked. “What was that all about?”

  “To be honest, I really don’t know,” Alex said.

  “I knew he was after you,” Karrie said.

  “I doubt it. We had a nice lunch, a business lunch. He’s just a nice guy,” Alex said.

  “So, are you going to sleep with him, too?” asked Greg.

  Alex just stared at him. “Nice to see you, too, Greg,” she walked away.

  “Greg, what did you mean by that?” asked Jim.

  “Oh, it’s nothing Jim. Don’t worry about it,” Greg replied.

  Jim just shook his head. He knew Greg was just jealous of anyone that had contact with Alex. He walked up to his cubical and stared at the computer monitor.

  He took a deep breath and stood up. He walked over to Randy’s cube. “Hey, Randy, do you have a minute?” he asked.

  “Jim, what do you need?”

  “I need to talk to you. Can we go outside for some privacy?” Jim asked.

  “Oh, sure. I guess,” Randy followed Jim.

  Jim stared at the ground for a few minutes and then looked at Randy. “What’s with you and Alex?”

  “Nothing. We’re just friends. That’s all,” Randy stuttered slightly.

  “Randy, everyone knows about you two. What’s going on?”

  “Why do you care?” Randy asked.

  “Because, I like her. She’s a good person and I don’t want to see her hurt,” Jim tried to explain.

  “You want her, too. Don’t you?”

  “I don’t want to see her hurt. You and Greg act like you own her. She’s a beautiful person, not just on the outside.”

  Randy shook his head. “She’s hurting right now, more than you’ll ever know. Besides, this is none of your business. Jim, just back off. Greg won’t be around much longer. He’s hurting her more than anyone right now.”

  “I know we don’t know each other very well, but I’m just going to say this. You’re being so unfair to her. You’re trying to be with her when you’re married to someone else. You should just keep it in your damn pants. Life isn’t about sex, you know. Why don’t you just make up your mind!” Jim stormed upstairs.

  He sat down in his cubicle and relived the few words he said to Randy. How can someone just hurt her? He may not realize it, but a few moments aren’t worth as much as a lifetime. I know I shouldn’t have butted in, but it needed to be said.

  About an hour later, Alex walked into the tech room. “I need to speak with all of you. Can you come into my office?”

  Jim’s eyes lit up as he watched her. She was so professional, and yet, she was just a woman who needed help.

  “What about incoming calls?” Treena asked.

  “Send them to the hold queue. This is important,” Alex walked to her office and they all filed in behind her. “Jim, please close the door.”

  After Jim shut the door, Alex looked at everyone. “Sorry this office is a little cramped. But I wanted to talk to you while you were all still here. I have two things I wanted to discuss with you. First, yes, Bill kissed me on the cheek, no big deal, if he does it again, he’ll have to deal with Donald. Any questions?” No one spoke.

  Wow, she actually said something about it. Now, that’s a remarkable woman. No holds barred when it comes to her. Not everyone would mention something like that. God, I want her, Jim thought.

  “Second and most important. They’re going to build me a new office in the front of the room, where those four empty cubicles are. I want to be closer to you people. I want us all to work well together. I don’t want me to be just your boss. I want us to all be partners.”

  “Sounds good,” Greg said as he turned to leave.

  “I’m not finished yet.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Right now there are four of you on our team. That means we’ll have one extra cubicle. I want you all to think about th
is before you decide. We can give the remaining cube to James and then everyone will have their own, or we can turn the cubicle into a test lab.”

  “A test lab? We could use one of those,” Jim said.

  “Well, I don’t want a decision right now. I know that we have the computer lab, but the hardware department mostly uses that. The only time we seem to use it is to burn our CDs. If you decide to have the computer lab, I’ll need input from everyone as to what needs to be put into it. But this is up to you. Let me know by tomorrow afternoon,”

  “Ok, sounds good,” Treena said. They all started walking out.

  “Umm, Jim, can you stay for a minute?”

  She wants to see me, cool, so cool. He smiled. “Sure,” After everyone left, he asked. “What do you need?”

  “I need you to work on something for me. I want you to gather all the information about each person’s workstation, including the hardware department. I want to know everything. I even want the specs from Karrie, Joe, and William’s workstations. I know that Bill has a laptop, but I want the all of the specs.”

  “I can do that.”

  “If anyone gives you any problem, you let me know right away and I’ll deal with them. I want to make sure that we all have comparable equipment and if Customer support doesn’t, we’ll get it.”

  “Thanks,” Jim beamed as he left the room. “She’s looking out for us,” he said. She knows who I am, he thought as he headed to pack up his things.

  When he got home, he dropped on the sofa and put his feet up. Alex, someday soon, I hope you’ll realize that I am falling for you. I want so much to be with you. I want the chance to show you that I can be someone you’ll love.

  Jim turned on the television after dinner and sat down on the sofa. He flipped through the channels until he found the local news.

  “Our top story tonight, there was an officer involved car accident in Middleburg tonight,” The anchorwoman began. “Two police officers were driving down Main Street when a driver pulled out in front of them causing a crash. The police car overturned several times. One of the officers died at the scene, while the other one is at Middleburg general hospital, where he remains critical.”

  Jim sat up quickly. “The officers’ names have just been released since the families have just been notified. The officer who was killed was 38-year-old, Leon Towers of Afton. Forty-nine-year-old, Randy Harrison of Middleburg is in critical condition at Middleburg hospital. There has been no other update. Now, for other local news…”

  Jim turned off the television, I never wanted for something like this to happen. Oh, Alex, drop this married cop. You deserve so much better. I can love you. Please just give me the chance.

  He put his feet up on the coffee table and leaned his head back. It’s been so long since I’ve felt whole. Please, Alex, give me a chance. I’ll never hurt you.

  He closed his eyes and began to think about what it would be like to finally hold his Angel. What it would be like to kiss her and make love to her. What would it be like? Perfect. He smiled.

  19

  JIM stood outside of Solutions with Greg, Treena, and Karrie where they were having a cigarette. Alex walked up to them solemnly. “Did you guys hear about what happened to Randy?”

  “No, what happened?” They asked together.

  “He was in a bad car accident last night. His partner was killed and he’s in critical condition at the hospital.”

  “How’d you hear?” Karrie asked.

  “It was on the news last night. He’ll be fine, his wife, Joanna, is with him.”

  “That’s really too bad,” Greg said.

  “Like you care, Greg!” Alex stormed up to her office.

  “Greg, you didn’t have to be such a jerk to her,” Jim said.

  “I didn’t mean to. I just couldn’t help it. That old man’s just ruining her life.”

  “Maybe, maybe not, but it’s her life,” Jim said. Greg’s right. Randy’s ruining her life.

  Jim headed upstairs and stared at Alex’s door. He noticed that it had remained shut all day. When Bill came out of her office, Greg had headed in. She’s always so busy, but what’s with Bill’s interest in her? He’s always right there with her. Something’s not right about that man, either. Is it me? Or is every man in this building just crazy about her? What’s with this woman that has me so drawn to her? She’s so familiar. Yet, she’s a complete stranger that I just have to become a part of.

  Jim sighed heavily as Greg came out. “Hey, Greg, is she OK?”

  “Yeah, she’s still working on that research project,” Greg said.

  “Is she still mad at you?” Jim smiled.

  “I don’t think so. She’s just buried in that damn paper. She’s worried about Officer Harrison and I think that Bill’s driving her a little crazy,” Greg smiled. “She’ll be just fine. You’ll see. She’s been in much worse situations than this. James, you don’t need to worry about her.”

  “I know, but I do. I can’t help the way that I feel about her.”

  “James, it’s OK. She‘d be good for you.”

  “I thought that you wanted her,” Jim smiled slightly.

  “I do. Someday, she’ll be mine, but please, by all means, go after her. She’d be good for you. I think that you need a woman, anyway.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No, go ahead, ask her on a date. See what’s she says. If she says yes, cool. If not, just keep trying,” Greg said.

  “You’re really serious, aren’t you? I thought that you loved her,” Jim said.

  “I do, but she just needs some time to realize that she loves me,” Greg smiled. “And she’ll realize it soon enough,” he abruptly walked away.

  Jim shook his head. “If she hasn’t fallen in love with you yet, she never will,” he whispered. “I just have to figure away to get in her life,” he leaned back in the chair and focused his eyes on her door. Tomorrow’s a new day, he thought.

  20

  JIM sat on his sofa and drank his coffee. He had stayed up all night trying to figure out the best way to help Alex. She really needed to have some fun. Actually, he needed to have some fun, too. It has been so long since he’s done anything that didn’t require a book to read.

  He put his feet up on the table. He knew that Alex was hurting because of Randy’s car accident the other night. He also knew that he could not take advantage of her. He was just going to let things run like normal. He really wanted to just make a move to show her how he felt. But he knew, with her sadness about Randy, he couldn’t hurt her. He had to show her that he could love her.

  He rode to work on his bike and noticed that her door was closed most of the morning. He kept watching her door, and sighed heavily as he thought of the words that he’d say to her. He could feel Treena’s eyes on him. “What?” he asked.

  “You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?” She smiled.

  “How could you tell?” Jim asked.

  “The look in those blue eyes of yours. I know that you want her. Jim, just give her time. Randy’s still in the hospital. But, I did hear that there could be hope for you,” she laughed slightly.

  “Hope for me? What are you talking about?

  “Randy’s wife is back. She’s been by his side all day and all night. We all know what traumatic events do to people. Obviously, they bring each other closer together. Especially when they’re married.”

  “How do you know all this?”

  “I keep my ears open and my mouth shut. I know everything that’s going on,” she looked back at her computer screen. “Your time will come, Jim.”

  He couldn’t rely on what Treena said, but he really wanted to. How could he say something to her? What could he say that would profoundly impact the way Alex looked at him? Nothing came to him. He tried to concentrate, but all he thought of was making her pain go away. He could tell by the way she acted and reacted that there was so much pain deep inside her. He wanted to let her know that he understoo
d the pain and could help her, but didn’t know how. There was something that she was trying to hide from. He could just tell that she needed him. Even if she didn’t realize it.

  “Treena, what the hell do I say to her?” Jim said.

  “Jim, what happened between you two the other day? You did tell her how you felt. Didn’t you?” Treena smiled.

  “Yes, I did. At least she didn’t make me feel stupid. Actually, she did say that I was attractive. That’s a start, isn’t it?” He beamed.

  “Just always be honest with her. You know Alex, she hates subtly.”

  “I know. I know. I just don’t know what to say. She did say that we would’ve lunch together, but really didn’t set a time. What do I do? Ask her to lunch again? I can’t bear for her to say no,” Jim stared down at the floor.

  “Just give her a couple of days. She needs time to realize that you’re the perfect techie for her,” Treena laughed.

  “Very funny,” Jim smiled slightly. He took a deep breath and as he tried to compose his thoughts, he saw that Alex was headed his way. “She’s coming this way,” he whispered to Treena.

  “Jim? I see that you applied for the assistant job,” Alex said.

  “Yes, I’ve done it before,” he answered nervously.

  “Well, how about I do your interview over lunch?” She smiled.

  Jim’s eyes lit up. “I’d really like that.”

  “We can also finish our conversation from the other day. I’ll come over and get you when I’m ready for lunch,” she then headed to Greg’s cube.

  The other day? Oh, she wants to talk to me about that. I can’t believe it. God, I hope it’s good.

  Treena looked at the smile on Jim’s face. “Hey, Lover boy,” she laughed.

  “What?” He glared at her for interrupting his thoughts.

  “We need to give Alex an answer about sharing this cube.”

  “Oh. Well, do you want me to leave?” he asked.

  “No, but we all know that you’ll get her assistant job. So, why don’t we just tell her that we’ll share for now?”

  “You just want to get rid of me, don’t you?” He teased.

  “No, but I know, you’d rather work closer to Alex. I’ll go talk to her before I head to lunch,” Treena headed towards Alex’s office.

  A few minutes later, Treena came out, waved to Jim, and headed down the hall. Alex came out of her office a few seconds later and walked over to Jim. “Are you ready?”

  “You bet,” he smiled as he noticed her eyes light up when she looked at him. He breathlessly followed her outside. “Where we going?”

  “Well, I thought we’d have lunch in the park. It’s such a nice day. We can stop and pick up our lunch and bring it to the park, if you don’t mind. Besides, I just needed to get away from the office,” she said. “You don’t mind the walk, do you? I left my car at home today.”

  “Sounds great to me. There’s a nice little sandwich shop across from the park. My brother and I used to eat there all time.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Alex and Jim walked for a few blocks to the sandwich place to pick up their lunch. They walked across the street to the park and sat down at a picnic table.

  As they ate their lunch, Alex asked Jim all of the interview questions and then she stopped.

  “What’s wrong?” Jim asked.

  “Nothing. I’ve one last question. Why do you want to become my assistant? There’s a lot more work involved than just answering the phones as you do now.”

  Jim thought for a minute, now, how do I word this properly? Then he answered carefully. “Well, the truth is, I like that kind of work. I like keeping busy. Another truth is, is that I want to work closer with you. I really like you,” he paused. Did I really say that?

  “Why do you like me? I mean, how do you know? You hardly know me,” Alex said.

  “Can I be totally honest with you?” Here goes nothing.

  “I really wish you would. Please go ahead.”

  Jim tried to muster up the courage to explain. He looked at her. “Alex, I’m attracted to you. I’d like to be able to spend more time with you. You seem like an exciting person. I’m dying to get to know you on a more personal level. Aside from that, though, I think there’s so much that you could teach me and show me, I mean, at work. I know there’s more that I could be doing at the company and I really want the chance to show that I can do it. I’m not just another pretty face,” he smiled. I hope she understands what I’m trying to say to her.

  Alex looked back at him. “I-I still have to interview Greg this afternoon,” she became quiet for a moment, and looked into his eyes. “I know I shouldn’t be asking you this, but would you like to come over tonight? I mean, for dinner, nothing fancy ‘cause I really can’t cook, but we could just talk over some take out or something.”

  “I’d love it. But what about—” he started. I do have to ask about him.

  “What about what?”

  “Randy. I know that you two, well, that something’s going on between you two.”

  “Jim, are you married?”

  “What?”

  “Are you married?”

  “No.”

  “Good. I live in Hillcrest apartments, on the third floor, apartment 3-C. Stop by around six. Will you keep this between just us?”

  “I’ll do that,” A date? A real date? I can’t believe it. She asked me on a date. How cool is that? They sat in the park a little while in silence and then headed to the office.

  Jim sat outside on the bench. Yes, you’ll see, Alex. We were meant to be together. We’ve reached destiny’s final path. The road ahead, we’ll follow together. You’ll see. You are indeed my angel.

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