Convictions: Kelly and Stephen Read online

  She felt sorry for the young people in Hanlon. Their options were few and far between. Many had alcoholic parents, high rates of domestic violence, and little opportunity. As stunningly beautiful as this state was, its people had the highest rates of mental health issues and alcoholism of all the states, not surprising given the lack of a family life that many of these children grow up with.

  Kelly greeted the girl warmly, “Hi could you please tell me if you have a man by the name of Locke registered?”

  The young girl explained that she did have a guest by that name but she was not at liberty to give out his room number. She would dial up his room and tell him he had a visitor in the office if he chose to come down. Kelly said thank you and a short time later a pleasant man in his mid-sixties entered the office.

  “Hi, Mr. Locke? My name is Kelly Sherman. Alice, from the post office, mentioned that you might be looking for a rental?”

  Mr. Locke gave her a smile and nodded yes, “Please call me Jonathan.”

  Aware that the Jensen’s daughter was eavesdropping, Kelly suggested that they take a stroll outside to discuss business.

  Kelly untied Max who greeted the new man enthusiastically. They began walking in the direction of Kelly’s house, while Mr. Locke explained his situation. Coincidentally, Mr. Locke was a writer, but not of fiction; non-fiction, mainly travel and adventure books, and sometimes books about wildlife. In addition, he was an aspiring photographer. He planned to be in Southeastern Alaska for three to five months and wanted to use Hanlon as his home base. The small quaint town provided him with space and the peace to concentrate, while still being a convenient plane ride to the other towns he planned to visit. And it was convenient to Anchorage should he need to get to a major airport for any reason. There would be times that he would be gone overnight, just one or two nights at a time, rarely longer.

  Kelly chuckled softly explaining that she too was a writer and those had been the exact reasons that had brought her here to Hanlon. Although in her case, a temporary situation had turned into five years, and now would probably wind up permanent.

  As they neared Kelly’s house she pointed in its direction and asked if he would like a tour. He remarked at how tidy it looked and how much space there was around as he enjoyed his privacy and didn’t want any neighbors right on top of him. They entered through the back door and he commented on the lovely back porch. “It will make a wonderful place to write over the summer.”

  Kelly gave him the tour as they quickly worked out the details. It would be a three month lease, with the option of three more months if needed. He would take it fully furnished and his lease would begin the next day at five pm. He said he was very eager to get into something with a kitchen and more space not being a fan of motel living. This would work out better than Kelly could have dreamed.

  Kelly pointed out a few things she would be taking with her and asked if it would be ok if she left a few boxes of personal items in the shed out back. That way if she needed anything in the future she could retrieve it without bothering him. He was very agreeable.

  With the final arrangements made they shook hands and he left through the front door. Kelly told him she would drop off the key and her contact information to him tomorrow afternoon on her way out of town.

  “I can’t thank you enough Ms. Sherman. Your home will suit me perfectly and I promise to care for it as if it were my own.” With that he was making his way back to town.

  It was fast approaching dinner time and Kelly’s stomach began to growl. She had completely forgotten about lunch with the flurry of activity. She went to the kitchen to make a sandwich, and then fed Max. She headed out to the shed to retrieve her boxes. No time like the present to get started with packing.

  By nine o’clock that night she had completed packing her meager amount of personal items. The boxes to be stored she had carried to the shed. She put a small padlock on the shed just in case Mr. Locke was to be gone for more than a day or two.

  She loaded the other boxes into her Jeep, with the exception of Max’s things and the items she would need in the morning. With that task complete she poured herself a glass of wine and sat on the couch with Max.

  Kelly would miss this little house. It had been such a bold move for her to pick up and leave Seattle, but finding this house had given her a sense of home. Moving in had been the first event in Alaska to make her feel like maybe she hadn’t made a huge mistake after all. The house had been such a gem that it had given her great pride to call it her own. Five years ago it had been the beginning of a new chapter in her life. And now here she was about to begin over again.

  The stress and activity of the day had left Kelly exhausted and she fell asleep immediately upon climbing into bed. The next morning she woke with the sun, anxious to finish her list and be back with Stephen by dinner that night. She would miss the house but with the dawn of a new day she was comfortable with the decision she had made.

  After breakfast she began to clean. She wanted the place to be spotless for its new resident. She might not be living in it anymore but it was still hers on paper and she wanted it presented at its best.

  By mid-afternoon she was done and on her way over to the neighbors for the goodbyes. Will’s mom, Delores Kramer, opened the door with her arms extended for a hug. “Will tells us you are moving out of town? That’s sounds like fun. I’ve always wanted to have more land but with the kids it’s just more convenient for them here. We wish you the best and you know where we are if you ever need anything.”

  Kelly filled Delores in on her new, temporary neighbor. “He seems very nice but you probably won’t even know he is there most of the time.” They talked about Will and Kelly explored the option of him having his own dog. Delores agreed that they had been talking about it since Will has proven himself more than capable to care for one.

  Will came into the kitchen in time to give Max a final hug and ruffle behind his ears. They all exchanged goodbyes and as she left the back porch Kelly reminded Will that Max would be over to visit, probably next week!

  After front and back door locks were double checked Max and Kelly climbed in the Jeep and headed down town to The Snow Shoe Inn. She found Mr. Locke soaking in a bit of late spring sun on the bench out front. She handed him the keys a piece of note paper with her PO Box and Cell phone number. She also gave him the name and number of Delores’s husband Joe.

  “Joe has always helped me out whenever something didn’t work right. He knows that house better than I do. If you need him for anything don’t hesitate and have Joe send me the bill. They shook hands, Jonathan thanked her again, and Kelly was back in the Jeep.

  The last stop was going to be the hardest, Hawley’s Hardware. The door chimes rang out as she pushed open the door. There was a young man behind the cash register whom she didn’t know. When she asked for Mr. Hawley the young man nodded towards the office.

  She knocked once on his open office door and as he looked up Kelly said “I see you’ve replaced me already, Bill?” He chuckled softly “well Kelly, girl, business is business!”

  “Actually I’m glad you found someone new. Bill, this is really hard for me because you know how much I adore you and have enjoyed my job here these last few weeks but I am moving in with a friend out of town to help out for a bit. There’s just no way that I will be able to make that drive to work, especially come winter; it’s too far out.”

  Bill’s smile was more of smirk and Kelly couldn’t help but suspect that he knew more of the truth than her lame explanation shared when he said “Kelly, life goes on and everyone has to do what they have to do. This ‘friend’ of yours is lucky to have you and we all here at Hawley’s wish you the best.”

  He stood up, came around the desk and wrapped her in a fatherly bear hug as he finished “just don’t be a stranger; I’ll miss our talks.” She stepped back out of his embrace, thanked him for everything he had done for her and turned to leave while wiping away the mist from her eyes.

  As
she walked through the main isle towards the front door she heard a man’s voice from somewhere behind her say “Take care Kelly. See you around”. She peered past a stack of boxes to see Jim McAllen. “Thanks Jim. See you soon.” As she left she mused that it was more than likely Jim’s presence in the store was the reason behind Bill’s smirk. It’s not at all a mystery how fast news can spread in a small town like Hanlon she chuckled , as the door chimes sounded behind her.

  Chapter 8

  Stephen was in his shop Monday when Kelly left for town. His shop consisted of a pole barn complete with electricity, water, and wood stove, located across the driveway from his cabin. It was convenient, and it was his. When they could he had his customers bring their projects to him so that he could work from the shop. Many times however, the project was too big so he had to travel to them.

  With Kelly set to move in Stephen felt quite sure he would be taking in whatever work could be done from his shop. That thought conjured up images of the future, lunch and coffee breaks to be thoroughly enjoyed. Now he needed to redirect his thoughts entirely.

  For the next two days he would pass the time working, mainly catching up on little things he had let slip. At least it would only be two days and not two weeks. This time he not only knew that she would be back, he knew when, which gave him a great deal of satisfaction. It wouldn’t lesson how much he would miss her, especially tonight, but at least he knew that this time when she came back she would be staying for the foreseeable future.

  He thought again about that morning, about her reaction to having Jim walk in to the kitchen announced, finding her there. He laughed softly out loud, remembering her comment about the town gossip. “Who cares” had been his reply because he really didn’t. It was no one’s business but theirs. Some people would talk no matter what the story, usually the people without a life of their own. He could already predict who would be the first and how long it would take to get around. The only concern Stephen had was with Marv hearing the gossip and finding out about Kelly, and that thought concerned him greatly.

  Now that she was actually moving in, and had been spotted by someone in town, Stephen calculated that he would have about three days to warn her about Marv. He didn’t know how or when but he’d bet his life on Marv finding a way to introduce himself to Kelly within the week. Marv would be salivating at the chance of another opportunity to ruin his life, filling her head with stories and suspicions about Stephen. Stories that Stephen needed to tell her himself, and soon. He just hoped it wasn’t too soon for her and that she’d be ready to listen and to understand his side of things. But on second thought, that wasn’t the way to start off their life together. No, Stephen needed to keep Marv away from Kelly until he felt sure she was ready to hear about Stephen’s past.

  Stephen’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the shop door. It opened and Jim entered, back to pick up his repaired gate. “Thanks Stephen can’t believe how much you need something ‘till it’s broke. I appreciate you taking care of this so quickly for me.”

  “No problem Jim. I had planned to spend the entire day out here anyway getting caught up.”

  Something in Jim’s eyes twinkled but he hid is quickly, “how much do I owe you?”

  “Don’t worry about it now. I’ve got to get some invoices out this week so I will just send you a bill.”

  He quit at five, went back to the cabin, showered and grabbed a beer out of the fridge, again admiring his handy work in the kitchen. Tomorrow maybe, before Kelly comes back he will find the time to finish the hardwood floor in the corner, and the tile backsplash above the counter along a back wall.

  Sitting in his chair he felt the silence of the place without her there. It wasn’t that either of them were talkers but he could feel her when she was in the cabin; not being able to feel her now just made the place feel empty, and too quiet. He couldn’t believe that his life had changed so much in just the few nights she had spent here.

  His stomach growled. After making a sandwich Stephen returned to his chair but the loneliness of being alone and boredom was killing him. He went outside to retrieve some lawn furniture from the shed. It felt as if summer was here to stay so he busied himself putting up his outdoor patio set, table, umbrella, chairs, and a lounger. He arranged it so that most every seat had a view of the mountains beyond. Next he pulled out his charcoal grill, put the cover on it, and wheeled it around to the small patio outside the kitchen door. Maybe they would have their first grilled meal of the year this weekend.

  For the next two hours he split and stacked wood. The hard physical exertion was therapeutic and while he was swinging an axe he had to pay attention to his efforts, giving him a break from his longings.

  When he could find no more to do, and his third beer was empty, he went to bed. Sleep would be preferable over this. But he was wrong there too. Between his longing for Kelly, and the excitement over her anticipated return tomorrow, his brain refused to shut down and let him rest. Mostly he tossed and turned trying to get comfortable. Somewhere in the early morning hours he finally fell asleep dreaming of auburn curls and cat green eyes.

  Waking up the next morning he felt like a zombie. It would be a day for the extra strong coffee. After it was brewed he slugged down two cups and went out to his shop to retrieve what he needed for the backsplash. It took him two hours to complete it, followed by another couple spent on the hardwood floor. He cleaned up and stood back to admire the finished product.

  After lunch Stephen spent the remaining hours in the shop, finishing up some smaller projects, straightening things up, but mostly watching the clock. At four fifty-three he began to contemplate what he would really do if she weren’t back by five. He hated to be that man who had to go to town to retrieve his wayward woman, but being home without her was unbearable.

  As the clock ticked four fifty-four he heard the sound of tires on gravel. Smiling, he turned off the lights and locked the shop door behind him.

  Chapter 9

  It was four fifty-four pm when she pulled the Jeep into Stephen’s driveway. There was a slight impish streak in her that had actually considered driving around for another seven minutes, just to see what he would really have done. After all, she didn’t want him getting cocky or thinking that he had all the power in this new relationship. But after second thoughts Stephen didn’t seem capable of gloating and besides, the truth was she just didn’t want to wait another minute to see him.

  He came from the shop when he heard her car, his stride direct and purposeful. First things first, he would take his kiss, a long deep one. It had not quite been two full days but he kissed her as if he hadn’t seen her in a month.

  And secondly, he would meet Max. As she opened the back door Max came bounding out restless from a longer than accustomed car ride. He stretched his lanky frame, took in the space around him and was ready to run. However, the smell of a stranger stopped Max dead in his tracks.

  Stephen held his hand out to Max but Max wasn’t having any part of that until he got in a few circles. Max leaned in as close as he dared to get a few whiffs of this new person. After a few moments Max decided it was time for the hand sniff. Whatever scents Max picked up were enough to make Stephen tolerable, but not a friend, yet. For now Max would agree to accept Stephen but the dog’s top priority would soon switch to a full exploration of this new territory.

  Stephen helped Kelly remove and carry boxes from her car to the house as she filled him in on her successes of the past two days. Kelly pointed out the boxes to go to the bedroom and the rest, mainly books and supplies were stacked along a wall next to his desk and bookcases for now. She would unpack during the week if she could find room. Stephen told her to do whatever she needed to make room for her things.

  The only thing that Kelly took to the kitchen was a case of wine she had accumulated over the years, and her cork screw. Good wine was hard to come by in Alaska, but Phyllis, the Spirit Air co-owner and pilot often brought a bottle or two for Kelly as gifts for the b
ooks that Kelly so generously shared with her. These bottles had been saved and treasured over the years almost as dearly as her books were to Phyllis.

  While Stephen took a shower Kelly de-corked a bottle and poured herself a glass, a celebratory treat of sorts. She noticed the finished work, admiring his craftsmanship. It would be nice to have a man around who can seemingly do anything he puts his mind to.

  When Stephen was showered and dressed he found Kelly in the living room enjoying both the wine and the view. Leaning over behind her, he nibbled her ear just a bit, and whispered “welcome home”. The impact of his whispered words and sensations of his soft breath on her ear had her purring like a contented cat as she lifted her lips to his.

  After dinner and a night cap in front of the fire they retired to the bedroom. Stephen left a trail of fiery kisses up and down Kelly’s body. There wasn’t much of her that he didn’t explore or memorize that night. He rediscovered every spot of her desire while taking his own satisfaction from the many pleasurable sounds that escaped her. Later, after multiple waves of desire and pulsations of ecstasy had left her breathless, only then did Stephen satisfy his own needs. He wrapped her in his arms where they stayed most of the night.

  ***

  Kelly awoke first. She watched the slow and steady rise and fall of Stephen’s breath, noting his complete state of rest. Smiling slyly to herself she lightly traced the outline of his profile with her fingertips. His eyelids began to flicker slightly as her fingertips moved down over his chest, stomach, and then hips. She followed her fingers with her lips and then tongue. His breath caught in his throat. Before Stephen was fully awake, he was fully erect. Kelly took her time in familiarizing herself with his needs and desires just as he had done with her the night before.