No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology

by Elizabeth Knox

  “Yes.” He moved past her, opening the door, and leading her across a small square landing.

  She glanced into the open door of the room across the landing. “It’s empty.”

  “If you decide to stay and this works out, then you can make it anything you want. If you prefer that for a bedroom, I can move your bed.”

  Without any further explanation he turned and descended the stairs into a smaller living room consisting of a couch, two chairs, and a TV. Under the stairs that led to it were two doors. He pulled one open.

  Hanna stepped around him to find a simple but lovely bedroom.

  “What’s that? The bathroom?” she asked, pointing to the door behind him.

  “Bathroom is in your room,” he informed her.

  She leaned further inside to discover a door hidden from view next to the dresser.

  “That curtain covers a sliding door to a small porch.” He pointed past the small floral couch across the room. “This door,” he turned back and pulled open the door she had questioned, “leads to the garage. You can warm up your car without going outside. Now, follow me through here.”

  He led her through the garage into another hallway which connected two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a utility room. Plus, the steps leading back up to the living room where they began. The whole time Tasha followed on his heels exploring everything in sight.

  “So, you live here alone,” she stated more for confirmation than a question.

  He nodded.

  “Now tell me what you expect of me.” She wanted to know as she scanned the large room again.

  “To cook for me and keep the house in order. With a few rules of course.”

  “Such as . . .” she prompted him to explain.

  “That entire end of the house is yours. I will put a lock on that door for you and supply you with the keys to each door. You have free rein of the entire bottom floor. But my room is off limits, no exceptions. Don’t expect me to talk and don’t come in here gabbing and carrying on. I like my peace and quiet. Occasionally I may watch a bit of television. And at times I use the downstairs room for working on projects when I get a notion.”

  She sat in silence considering the living situation before asking, “What’s the pay?”

  “First of all, you get room and board. I supply the groceries, but you can shop for them. Have you a number in mind?”

  She told him what she considered fair. This was not a new position for her, so she had a fair idea of wages. They discussed the offer and agreed on terms.

  “I’m hungry,” he blurted as soon as the deal was decided.

  “Of course, you are.” She laughed. “Do you cook for yourself normally?”

  “Do I look like I go hungry?”

  “You look healthy to me,” she said, watching his gunmetal blue eyes narrow on her yet again. “I mean you seem to know how to take care of yourself. You look good.”

  “I’ll look better when I get some food in me. Then you and that dog can disappear for the night.”

  Hanna only shook her head. He did sound like a bear, harsh and emotionless. But he had come to her with the offer. She laughed inside at the term. He didn’t offer as much as he demanded. A blessing for her nonetheless.

  Chapter Seven

  Over the next few weeks, Hanna and Leo quickly fell into a routine. She respected his privacy and he kept to himself. Occasionally Tasha would follow Hanna into the kitchen or living room and he would talk to her and allow her in his lap. At night when he sat on the balcony, Hanna kept her locked in the house.

  For the most part everything went like clockwork, until one morning when Hanna headed upstairs early. She heard movement and hurried up to prepare his breakfast, even though she realized it was earlier than usual. When she opened the door, he stopped his pacing and snapped.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I heard you up,” she whispered. “I’m here to cook breakfast.” She paused at the sight of him. He looked as if he hadn’t slept in days. His hair wild. His rumpled clothes drenched. His eyes were dark.

  “Not hungry.” He began his pacing again as he ran his hands through his hair. “Get what you want and get out.”

  Cautiously she padded to the kitchen and grabbed something for her and the dog to eat, then hurried back to her designated part of the home. For most of the day, she kept to her room, listening to him ramble around the space above her. Also, she worried about Tasha whining. The dog would sit at the top of the stairs next to the door and whine. Hanna would carry her back down and again the little dog would find her way back to the door, wanting inside the room with Leo.

  Late that evening Hanna eased open the door and peeked inside. She noticed Leo sitting at the table with his head cradled in his hands. Quietly she pushed open the door stepping inside.

  “Would you like something to eat?”

  He only lifted his shoulders without raising his head.

  She quietly moved to the kitchen and prepared a quick meal, then slid a plate in front of where he still sat at the table. Hurriedly she prepared another plate for herself and carried it to her room. The dishes could be cleaned after he retired to his room she thought.

  Only when she hurried from the upstairs, she pushed the door closed without checking the latch. When the house was completely quiet hours later, she ventured back to clean the kitchen thinking her fur-baby was fast asleep in her bed. But when she found the door ajar and eased it open further, she stopped in her tracks. Leo sat reclined on the couch with Tasha sprawled over his chest with her head next to his chin. He talked softly to her, gently stroking her shaggy coat. A vast change of demeanor from Leo’s earlier attitude.

  Leo’s head jerked toward Hanna when the door creaked.

  “I’m so sorry. I thought you would be in bed by now. I just came up to clean the kitchen.” She turned toward the stairs with her hand still holding the doorknob.

  “No,” he blurted. “You can come in.”

  “I won’t be long,” she said as she quietly made her way behind the long couch and began filling the dishwasher. Soon the counters were sparkling, and the hum of the dishwasher filled the room. Without a word, she headed for the door leading to her own private living room when his voice brought her to a halt.

  “You can sit if you want.”

  Slowly she turned and walked to the couch’s matching chair next to the fireplace. She glanced at the cold logs as she sat then directed her attention to Tasha, who looked as she was a melted puddle of goo hanging over Leo’s lap enjoying a belly rub.

  A laugh escaped her before her hand flew to her mouth touching her lips as she bit back her amusement.

  Leo raised his head looking at Hanna with wide eyes. A smile gradually spread across his face. “Amused, are you?”

  “She looks so pitiful.”

  He chuckled bringing a smile to Hanna. At that, her gaze moved from the tiny goo puddle of a dog to the handsome smiling face. She had never seen him smile. Not really smile. During the time she had known him, he was always solemn, rarely spoke and when he did, it usually sounded abrupt and harsh, like the bears he had warned her about. She believed he didn’t mean it that way. That was just the way he was. She respected that.

  She studied him as he talked to the animal moving around on his lap before cocking his head toward her. His smile was amazing. He was like a different person for a moment.

  “Everything okay with you?” he asked.

  Startled by the question, she stared not sure what he meant.

  “Yeah.” The word slipped slowly past her lips.

  “Any problems with the living arrangement? Still satisfied with that end of the home? You know if something needs attention, all you need to do is tell me. Otherwise I won’t know to fix it since I won’t be entering your space.”

  “Oh, everything is great. Your home is amazing. I feel as if I have my own little apartment.”

  He nodded and placed Tasha onto the floor, watching her run to Hanna.

>   “I think you’ve spoiled her with the belly rubs.” Hanna laughed picking Tasha up. Gathering her courage to get Leo to talk, she took a deep breath and pushed forward.

  “Are you feeling better?”

  Leaning on his knees, Leo narrowed his eyes on her.

  “I heard you during the night, then this morning.”

  He threw his hand up to stop her speech. Opening his mouth to speak, nothing came. He closed it with a sigh and rolled his neck, holding control of his reaction. This is why he lived alone. This is why he allowed no one close. No one understood and he didn’t himself at times. Before she moved on, talking to her wouldn’t hurt. She was more than likely ready to go back to that rundown house she was squatting in after today.

  “About this morning,” he began only to be interrupted.

  “It’s really okay,” Hanna interrupted him. “I understand at times people want to be alone.”

  Her smile was so sweet, he became lost in her eyes. Only able to nod his head he stood, relieved to avoid that conversation.

  She shooed the animal to the floor and stood also. “I guess I’ll head to bed now.” After two steps she turned back to him. “Can I ask a favor of you?”

  He turned to face her.

  “Would it be possible for Tasha to stay with you tonight? She likes to hop up on the bed and last night she squirmed and walked all over me.”

  He only nodded and looked down to where the little dog sat looking up at him.

  “Thank you and goodnight,” she told him with her heart-melting smile and disappeared through the door.

  Leo flipped off all the lights and closed his door leaving Tasha behind. Completing his nightly rituals, he fell into bed hoping tonight would be a better night. A scratch at his door first grabbed his attention. Then the whining began and grew louder. Pushing out a harsh breath, he threw back the covers and walked to the door, pulling it open.

  The little creature ran through the crack and jumped on the bed. She turned and looked at Leo with her tail wagging so hard, her whole body wiggled.

  “This will not become a habit, girl,” he told her as he climbed back under the covers. When he was settled, Tasha laid down and snuggled close.

  When Leo awoke the next morning, he realized he had experienced the best rest he’d had in years.

  Chapter Eight

  “Well, good morning,” Hanna greeted from the kitchen as Leo and Tasha emerged from the bedroom. She placed the spatula on the spoon rest and stooped to greet her pet. “How are you, sweetie? Did you charm your way into Leo’s bed last night?” she teased with a grin while scratching behind the dog’s ear. “I bet you’re ready to go outside.” She stood and took a step toward the door.

  “I got it,” Leo said, pushing the sliding glass open and watching the tiny dog run past him and across the balcony and down the stairs.

  “Did you rest better last night?” he asked Hanna as he still stood staring through the open door.

  “Huh? Oh, Yeah. Yes, I did. Thank you,” she sputtered.

  Just as quick as she disappeared, Tasha reappeared at the door. When she ran inside, he pulled the door closed keeping the cold air out and flipping the lock back into place.

  “You know, this is the first time you’ve spoken to me before lunchtime,” she commented casually while scooping the eggs next to the biscuits on two plates.

  “You keeping track?”

  “No. Just an observation.” She carried the plates to the table and settled into a chair across from Leo.

  “How long you gonna run?” he asked around a bite of ham.

  “Run? What are you talking about?”

  “You have no bank account. No cell phone. Searching for jobs that pay only in cash. Content to live without electricity. Adds up to staying invisible.”

  Hanna swallowed her bite and jabbed the eggs with her fork, searching for the correct answer. She had grown attached to this job and didn’t want to lose it. To be honest, it had quickly become more than a job. She felt at home. At peace and safe. All feelings that were new to her.

  “Not talking about it yet?” he asked when she remained silent. “Fair enough. Talk when you want.”

  “It all began when I was a housekeeper for this couple. And we had a disagreement.”

  “Go on.”

  “I don’t want to lose this job,” she said softly. In the back of her mind, she felt he may think her unstable and unreliable to know her past.

  “I don’t have a problem with your performance. I want to know if I should expect a disgruntled husband to show up on my doorstep.”

  “Not mine. I mean no. I don’t have a husband.”

  “Someone else’s husband?” He glared waiting for her answer.

  She opened her mouth to deny it but couldn’t. That’s how it all started, so she nodded.

  “Hmm,” he twisted his lips unapproving.

  “Not for the reason you think. And I’m sure no one is looking for me. My parents were gone by the time I graduated high school and I began housekeeping for someone who was a family friend. Anyway, her husband was caught cheating. When confronted, he told her it was me to protect his girlfriend. Sadly, the wife believed him instead of me, even though we had been friends our entire lives.” She lifted her shoulders and took a deep breath before continuing. “I had always dreamed of traveling and seeing the world. I had no family and no reason to stay put any longer, so I left town. That was years ago and now, bouncing from town to town has just become a way of life. And honestly nowhere has captured my interest or felt like home, so I keep going.”

  She glanced up and saw no judgement in his expression.

  “Maybe I have a bit of gypsy in my blood.” She smiled. “The longest I’ve stayed in one place is six months. And that’s when I found Tasha. She belonged to the elderly lady I was sitting with. When she passed, the family was deciding what to do with her. I thought she would be the perfect company for me, so I offered to take her. And she has been a blessing, I’m never alone and she’s a great listener.”

  Leo only nodded.

  Chapter Nine

  “I’m going into town today. Need anything?” Leo asked, grabbing his jacket from where it hung on the back of a chair.

  Shaking her head from where she stood at the sink, she told him, “Not that I can think of at the moment.”

  Leo squatted and scratched Tasha’s ears before heading toward the stairs and down to the garage.

  Just after noon, Leo strolled into the general store. He knew he was a bit earlier than usual but believed someone would be there before him. He paused at the chairs arranged in the corner of the building before passing the few short aisles to the register.

  “Hello, Mabel,” he greeted the gray-haired woman behind the counter.

  “Hey, Leo. I have a letter here for you,” she said as she reached underneath the counter.

  “From whom?” His forehead wrinkled watching her reach across the wooden surface with a long white envelope.

  “I believe it’s from Sam. It’s just addressed to you. But Charlie told me that the young man who has been driving Sam here lately dropped by and left it while I was away.”

  Nodding, he accepted the letter and walked back to the heater where he dropped into a chair. Carefully opening the flap, he pulled out a sheet of paper and silently read. His stomach turned and he felt his breathing change. Sweat threatened to overtake him as he stared at his friend’s handwritten words.

  “Hey, Leo,” Tom greeted as he spun a chair around and straddled the seat. Propping his crossed arms on the back of the chair, he studied Leo a moment. “Are you alright?”

  Leo only shook his head slightly without uttering a sound.

  They sat in silence until the rest of the group were present.

  “Anybody know where Sam is? I haven’t heard from him since last week,” someone asked. He didn’t even register who spoke. His mind was trying to maintain control. He didn’t need to have an attack here. Not now. He had a promise to kee
p.

  “He’s in the hospital,” Leo announced. “He requested we take the meeting to him. He’s waiting for us.”

  “Hospital? What’s wrong?” Tom asked. “He’s healthy for an old coot his age.”

  “You know we’re all good at hiding what’s on the inside. It’s what we’re good at,” Leo said.

  “What are you saying?” Ryan narrowed his eyes on Leo.

  “He wants to see us all one last time,” Leo explained.

  The group went silent as the meaning sank in. Without a word, each of them rose to their feet and walked to their vehicles. Thirty minutes later, four trucks parked next to each other and the drivers, still silent, entered the Veteran’s Hospital. Regaining their composure, they gathered in the room and carried on as if nothing were out of place. Laughing and talking, discussing personal ideas and hopes, the two-hour meeting was broken up when the nurses agreed that Sam was becoming too tired and needed to rest.

  “Leo,” Sam’s voice was strained and weak as he called to Leo before he stepped into the hallway.

  Turning back, Leo saw his old friend motion him back into the room. He returned to the chair nearest to the bed and listened.

  “I have always thought of you like a son. Maybe because you’re just as ornery as I was at your age. Maybe the fire in your hair. I knew you had the stubbornness to match that fire.”

  Leo grinned at that as he strained to hear his friend’s faint voice.

  “I remember the first day you happened into Mabel’s store and I detected something eating at you. They say kindred souls can recognize each other. I recognized the demon in you. I had the matching demon. It’s time you find a little lady to help keep that demon at bay. My gal was an angel and she handled me well. So patient and understanding, even when she didn’t really understand.”

  “Sam, I don’t need a woman.”

  “Sometimes it’s not a woman to fight the demons.”

  “Alright, now—” Leo began to contradict him again when he continued to talk.

  “Leo, I’ve relied on you more than you know at times. You’ve been a gift to me coming after my angel of a wife left me.” He smiled. “But I’ll be seeing her soon.”