Shadows 01 Superstition Shadows

by K C West

  She heaved a sigh of relief and returned my grin. “Absolutely.”

  We packed our food items, dishes and utensils away and went back outside to find some flat rocks to sit on and relax in the fresh, morning air. The sun’s rays had gained a measure of warmth just in the hour or two that we’d been awake. The rest of the day held the promise of sunshine and glorious opportunity.

  “Ya know, I wonder about Doc sometimes.” Laine lowered her voice as if the object of her comment was lurking about the campsite. A tendril of curly, blond hair tickled her cheek and she tucked it back behind her ear.

  “Wonder what?” I asked, my muscles tensing, ready to come to Kim’s defense.

  She gestured, making a wide sweep of our tent and campsite. “Her life away from this project. She’s so private, PJ. It’s not natural. Since you two have become friends, she’s opened up a lot more, let herself relax and have fun. We can all see how good it’s been for her to have you to talk with, but … I wonder if she has a real life … a boyfriend, ya know … a secret lover, or something?”

  I coughed. “Whew! That’s kinda personal, don’t you think?”

  Josie shook her head. “We’re not trying to be nosy, PJ. We love Doc. We just want her to be happy.”

  “Oh, I’m sure—”

  “Ya know, several years ago, there was a rumor going around that she was romantically involved with a woman anthropologist.”

  Josie nodded. “I heard about that, too, Laine. I wonder if it was true?”

  I cleared my throat. “Well, I’m sure it’s none of our—”

  “Wait, PJ.” Laine’s hand touched my arm. “Don’t misunderstand. Josie and I don’t care one way or the other about her sexual preferences. We’re only worried that she’s so alone all the time with just that big wolf for company.”

  “Yeah,” Josie added. “Pup is a wonderful animal, but Kim is too terrific a person to miss out on love and friendship in her life. That’s all we’re saying.”

  “Okay. I understand.” I brushed an imaginary bit of dirt off the cuff of my cargo pants. “But, don’t expect any juicy tidbits from me. I don’t think she’s involved with anyone right now, but she doesn’t exactly tell me everything.”

  Josie smacked her thighs. “We appreciate your position, PJ. And, we won’t go any further with this discussion.”

  “Right,” Laine added. “Besides, we’ve got to get going.” She stood and pulled Josie up beside her.

  I got to my feet hastily. “Urn… I was wondering what you two were doing for Thanksgiving. Didn’t Sandy invite you to his mom’s for dinner? I think he’s taking several of the guys over there.”

  Josie sighed. “Yeah, he asked us, but … I uh … felt a bit nervous going there with so many people … and his parents and all.”

  Laine laughed. “She’d rather have Sandy all to herself.”

  “Oh, stop it!” Josie punched her friend’s shoulder. “Laine Watkins, you just wait until Jimmy gets home on leave and then we’ll see who’s making jokes.”

  From our overnight chat session I had learned that Laine’s high school sweetheart was an Army Communications Specialist, stationed in Germany. Laine flushed and held up her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. Truce. I’m sure PJ doesn’t want to hear any more about our romances.”

  I grinned. “Oh, I don’t know. It might be very entertaining.”

  “Or not,” both of them said in unison and we laughed.

  “So, if you aren’t going to Sandy’s, where are you going?”

  “Oh, we have a big day planned, don’t we, JoJo.” Laine grinned at her friend.

  “Ah, sure … we do.” Josie shrugged. “I guess it’s no big secret. Most of us are staying here in the area for the simple reason that we can’t afford to go home for Thanksgiving. Laine’s from Virginia and I’m from Delaware. It’s too expensive for us to fly home for such a short time.”

  I paused in mid-stride. “Oh…I see. I’m sorry. I never considered that possibility.”

  “Don’t feel sorry for us, we’ve got plans,” Laine assured me. “Just not real big ones.”

  We went inside the tent, picked up our gear, and sauntered along the path to the trailhead parking lot.

  “So, what are the plans?” I asked.

  “We bought a couple of frozen dinners … turkey and stuffing, of course, which we’ll ‘nuke’ in the apartment microwave for our feast.” Laine gave Josie’s shoulder a hug, which her friend returned.

  “And, then, if we’re not too full and over stimulated from that,” Josie added, “we’ll probably go to a matinee in Mesa. The Sixth Sense is playing …”

  “Or we could see the new James Bond adventure,” Laine said. “We haven’t quite decided yet.”

  We continued our trek while I wrestled with an idea.

  Why hadn’t I considered the crew’s financial status before this?

  I remembered Mike teasing me about travel plans the day before. He had taken a bus to Denver for his holiday. Sandy very thoughtfully provided a dinner invitation for the rest of the guys.

  These students have to watch their expenses. Perhaps there’s a way to make things a little easier for them in the future. I need to do some research on the subject. For now, though …what do I do? How do I help these two?

  I pictured them shoving trays of cardboard into a microwave, chewing tasteless clumps of food, and shuddered.

  I can’t let them spend Thanksgiving like that. It’s a time for friends and family to share with each other. Kim would agree with me. I know I was hoping for some quality time alone with her, but hell, it’s a big suite and maybe…just maybe, I can figure out a way to make Laine and Josie happy and get Kim to myself as well.

  “Say, you two … I have another idea. How would you like to spend your day in a suite at the Casa Grande? There’s a big TV, VCR, CD player, two bedrooms, two baths, one with Jacuzzi …oh, and an Olympic size swimming pool…”

  Laine looked at me in astonishment. “Are you kidding?”

  “We’d kill for an invitation like that.” Josie grinned.

  “Oh, you don’t have to do anything that rash, just pack your swimsuits if you want to use the pool and come to the Sonora Suite at the hotel around three. Kim and I are having a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and you are welcome to join us.”

  “Wow!” Josie looked at Laine who was grinning. “I think you can count on us, PJ. If you’re sure?”

  “I am.”

  “But, what about Kim?” Laine asked. “Is it okay with her?”

  I laughed. “I’m certain she’ll be fine with it.”

  We finished the walk to our cars with firm plans to meet in the lobby at three o’clock. I called Kim while they were still in the parking lot and she assured them it would be a great treat to have them join us. In fact, she sounded quite relieved by the idea.

  The staff at the Casa Grande went all out to create a dining experience that was a treat for our eyes as well as our stomachs. They set a festive table with dried flowers, candles and ceramic figurines of a pilgrim couple. Real china plates, crystal wine goblets and linen tablecloth and napkins added an elegant touch to the overall ambiance.

  The best part was the aroma that filled the room when the wait staff uncovered the stainless steel trays. With great gusto, we tucked into the turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, beans, cranberry relish, rolls and pumpkin pie topped with thick whipped cream.

  Conversation was sparse while we devoted our attention to the meal, but once we had stuffed ourselves, we gathered in the living area to relax on the sectional sofa, with more wine or tea and coffee.

  I put some CD’s in the player, lighted the candles and we stretched out.

  “I brought a selection of music with me from Boston, so feel free to play whatever you like,” I told them. “There’s some Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Beach Boys, Eileen Ivers, Anne Murray and I think I even threw in some classical selections.”

  Kim grinned at me. “You didn’t actually throw t
hem did you?”

  “Figure of speech, I assure you.” I sorted through my stack. “Here’s Dvorak and Mozart-“

  “What do you have of Anne Murray?” Kim asked.

  “I’ve got some early stuff and a Greatest Hits I’m sure.” I shuffled the stack.

  “I’ve always liked her singing,” Kim said.

  “Who’s Eileen Ivers?” Laine asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of her.”

  I picked out my copy of Crossing the Bridge and handed it to her. “She plays a mean fiddle. You’d probably know her from Riverdance.”

  Both girls nodded. “Oh sure,” Josie said. “All that Celtic music and dancing. Now I remember. That might be a little too lively for after our dinner, though.”

  “What do you want to hear, Doc?” Laine asked. “It’s your birthday, after all.”

  Kim groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

  I looked at her. “It hasn’t been that bad, has it?”

  “No, it’s been wonderful. The best one I’ve had in a long, long time. I love my gifts and that party yesterday… How did you all keep it a secret?”

  The girls chuckled.

  “Our secret,” said Josie.

  “Right,” added Laine. “And we’ll never tell.” She winked at me.

  “I must say, I can’t remember ever getting such nice presents,” Kim said. “The belt is very well-crafted and I’ll treasure the buckle for years.” She tilted her head in my direction. “That Krater is a beauty, PJ. You really shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Sure I should. It was the perfect gift for an Amazon hunter, don’t ya think?”

  “Perfect,” she said.

  “I remember one birthday, I got this cute little kitten.” Josie smiled at the memory. “It was white with a brown spot on its back, like a mound of mashed potatoes with gravy in the center.”

  Laine groaned. “Did you have to mention food?”

  We laughed.

  “I got a pair of inline skates one year for my birthday, but my brother tried them on a week later and got them all scuffed up.”

  Josie looked at her friend. “Which brother was that?”

  “Peter,” Laine replied. “He was three years younger than me. I used to call him Peter the Pest. Now he’s six foot, two hundred and ten pounds.”

  “And really cute,” Josie added. “I’ve seen his picture.”

  “I got a tattoo for my twenty-first birthday,” I said, and immediately regretted it.

  “Whoa!” Laine and Josie sat up and Kim gave me a curious look.

  “Oh, Geez.” My face felt warm. “Let’s just forget I said that, okay?”

  “Oh no.” Laine shook her head. “We’re not letting that go so easily. Right, JoJo?”

  Her friend leaned closer to me. “What is it and where is it?”

  I looked at Kim with a silent plea for help. She just smiled at my discomfort. “I’m afraid you got yourself into this, PJ. You’d better confess all.”

  Oh, Hell. What would it hurt? If I tell them where it is, they’ll probably believe all those tabloid stories, though. Gawd, sometimes my mouth gets me into so much trouble.

  “Well, it’s a small one…a shamrock.”

  “And the location?” Laine persisted.

  I bit my lower lip and tugged at some loose strands of hair at the back of my neck. “Um…it’s uh…covered up most of the time.” I could feel the heat on my cheeks.

  “Aw, c’mon, PJ, tell us.” Josie grinned and looked at Kim. “Make her tell, Doc.”

  Kim shrugged. “If she doesn’t want to reveal her secrets—”

  I leaned toward her and whispered in her ear. “It’s on my butt.”

  She swallowed. “Oh, really?”

  “Well?” Laine asked.

  “What did she say?” Josie added.

  Kim smirked. “Sorry, that’s classified information.”

  “Thanks, boss.” I smiled at her.

  “No problem,” Kim assured me. “Now, I suggest you play some more music and we’ll change the subject.”

  “Shoot.” Josie glanced at her friend. “Somebody pulled rank on us.”

  I stood up. “Well, if there’s no objection, I’ll put on some Anne Murray. My mother got me hooked on her music. She used to sing along with her records and tapes and attend her concerts whenever possible.”

  Kim smiled at me. “Your mother had good taste.”

  I returned her smile, losing myself in the moment, forgetting anyone else was in the room until Josie yawned.

  “Um, PJ, would you mind if I stretched out on one of those spare beds? I’m getting so sleepy after that meal.”

  “Me too,” Laine added. “I noticed there were twin beds in the guest room and I’m about to doze off here.”

  “Help yourselves, ladies. ‘Mi casa es su casa’ as they say in these parts.”

  They stumbled off to the guest bedroom. “And maybe later, you’d like to try the pool,” I called after them.

  “Later,” Josie mumbled.

  “Much later,” Laine added.

  Kim and I stretched out side-by-side on the sofa. We smiled at each other.

  “A tattoo on your butt, huh?” Her grin was almost seductive, but I’m sure I was mistaken.

  She’s just teasing me… and I’m enjoying it.

  “Yeah, it was kind of a dare. And I did it when I got to be twenty-one so Father couldn’t stop me.”

  “I see.”

  I made a face. “And I had a few beers for courage.”

  “Naturally.”

  I cleared my throat. “Not one of my more adult decisions, I assure you.”

  Kim laughed. “Could be worse, I guess. Could be some guy’s name or something.”

  I shook my head. “No, that’s never gonna happen. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to drop this subject. Put it behind me…so to speak.”

  We chuckled at my inadvertent pun. Anne Murray finished her last song and the next selection was Dvorak’s New World Symphony.

  “Oh, I love this,” Kim murmured.

  “Me too.”

  We listened for several minutes and then I remembered something I wanted to ask her.

  “Kim, how come you never told me you were so involved with the Dendrochronology Center at Arizona? I had to learn about it from Laine and Josie.”

  She shrugged. “Oh, I helped out a bit a few years ago. I haven’t kept in touch with them lately, though.”

  “Well, it sounded to me like you were one of the founders of the facility.”

  “No, not really. I worked with a group and did some contacting, wrote some grant proposals, you know … that sort of thing.”

  I sighed. “Kim, you’re way too modest.”

  “Are you interested in the tree ring dating methods, PJ?”

  I shook my head. “Not that per se, but I’m fascinated by the bristlecone pines used for much of the testing. You worked with them a great deal, didn’t you?”

  Her eyes sparkled with fond memories. “In California, yes. You wouldn’t believe the majesty of those trees. I spent some of the best times of my life doing fieldwork with those grand specimens.”

  “I’ll bet it was a humbling experience to be in the presence of something so old.”

  “Exactly. They look so gnarled and lifeless and yet, there’s growth on them. They’re like living monuments to our history, silent sentinels of our past.”

  I felt sudden goose bumps on my arms. “That’s so poetic, Kim. I can tell you were, and still are, affected by your work with them.”

  She thought a moment and then looked at me intently. “Would you like me to show you a few of them? We could take a short trip, probably a weekend would do…to California where I worked, or even Colorado. There are several great old trees on Windy Ridge. The trees even have names.”

  “I’d love to go. Thank you so much for asking me.”

  She smiled. “The oldest one is called Methuselah. It’s over four thousand years old, but the ones in the Windy Ridge
area are only eight hundred to a thousand years old.”

  “Only,” I murmured with a grin, catching her enthusiasm.

  She rubbed her chin in thought. “Seems to me, the oldest one in Colorado is near Griffey and it’s about twenty-five hundred years old.”

  “Kim, it really doesn’t matter which ones we see. I’ll leave it to your judgment.”

  Really, any place at all sounds like a great adventure if you’re going to be there.

  “Okay, then, we’ll set something up. You’ll need me to guide you. Most of the trees are not marked in any way.”

  I leaned closer. “Why aren’t they identified?”

  “Security. The park service and government want to protect them from vandals and relic hunters.”

  “Oh, I see. You’re right. Somebody someplace would want to chop them down and sell pieces for profit. They’d never let a little thing like being a national treasure stand in their way.”

  Kim beamed at me. “You understand perfectly. Some of those trees were seedlings when the Pyramids were created and some stupid jerk with a chainsaw would think nothing of removing them for all time. That doesn’t even count what we’d lose in the ability to date wood out here in the west. Speaking as an archaeologist and as a conservationist, it infuriates me to think anybody could be so ruthless.” Kim’s eyes darkened in anger.

  I got up and changed the CD’s in the player. “I’m with you, Kim. Pot hunters, bone diggers, relic thieves and now those who would threaten the Bristlecone Pine … they’re all scum and should be locked up.”

  Kim settled back on the sofa, her posture lost its angry tension. “Sorry, I got a little carried away with my devotion to the cause.”

  I relaxed, too. “No problem, I understand.” And I love it when you get passionate about a cause.

  “I think a change in the conversation is in order.” Kim chuckled. “This has been the best Thanksgiving meal that I can remember. Thank you for making all this possible, PJ.”

  “My pleasure.” I gazed into her deep brown eyes and glowed with happiness. “Don’t forget, it’s a birthday celebration, too.”

  “Ah, yes. That part I’d like to forget.”

  I shook my head. “Well, I won’t let you. Happy Birthday, Kim. Are you having a good day, so far?”