Moonlight Dancer

by Mona Ingram

  Moonlight Dancer

  by

  Mona Ingram

  ©2011 Mona Ingram

  All rights reserved

  This is a work of fiction.

  Names, characters, places, and

  incidents are either the product of

  the author’s imagination or are

  used fictitiously, and any resemblance

  to actual persons, living or dead,

  business establishments, events,

  or locales is entirely coincidental

  Chapter One

  Charlie took one last walk through the condo, checking to make sure she’d left nothing personal behind. At first she’d been taken aback when the renters requested the removal all of her personal possessions, but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made. She’d want the same consideration if she rented someone else’s condo.

  She paused at the sliding glass doors leading onto the small deck and took a moment to gaze over the city to the foothills beyond. She was surprised that she didn’t feel more emotion. Had it really been only a few months ago that she and Carson had stood here planning their future together? She gave her head a quick, decisive shake and forced her thoughts back to the present. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about that. Next thing you know, she’d be re-visiting the ongoing discussion–okay, argument–she’d been having with Allie ever since she told her of her plans to leave.

  “You’re running away!” her best friend had insisted.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Are too.” Allie’s chin jutted out and Charlie recognized the signs. Her friend simply didn’t know how to back off when she decided she was in the right. “He’s not worth it, Chuck. He’s a tight-ass lawyer and you’re much better off without him, but there’s no need to run away.”

  Charlie clenched her teeth. “Sometimes you can be a real pain, you know that? It’s a good thing we’ve been friends for so long.”

  “Okay, okay.” Allie’s tone softened. “It’s just that I’m going to miss you, ya know? I wish you’d taken a bit longer to make the decision to sub-let.”

  “Sure you do, because you would have done your best to talk me out of it.”

  “That’s true. It all happened so fast…” Allie’s voice trailed off.

  It had indeed happened quickly. Charlie’s thoughts drifted back in time.

  * * *

  Charlie had taken a deep, calming breath when she saw her mother’s name on call display. It was the second call in as many days. She picked up. “Hi, Mom.”

  “How did you know it was me?” The querulous voice grated on her nerves.

  “Call display, Mom. You should get it. Then maybe you could avoid all those crank calls you complain about.”

  “That’ll be the day when I can’t screen my own calls. Just because you’re too rich and famous to answer your own phone.”

  Charlie forced a laugh. “I’m not rich and famous, Mom. I’ve told you that before. It’s just that when I’m working I hate to be disturbed.” Why was she even trying to explain this to her stubborn mother? She’d tried many times before, and it hadn’t worked then…why would it work now? The woman simply didn’t want to understand what Charlie did for a living. It was her own fault, though. She’d left two checks in a file on her kitchen counter on a day that her mother, a well-known snoop, was scheduled to come over for coffee. They were sizeable amounts; one from Amazon and one from a small movie studio that wanted to option the movie rights for one of her books. Ever since, her mother had been convinced that Charlie was “rolling in it”.

  “So what can I do for you, Mom?” Might as well find out.

  “Do you remember your Aunt Janelle?”

  “Uh…not really.” Charlie vaguely recalled visiting her aunt in Saskatchewan, but that had been many years ago…she couldn’t have been more than eight or nine. “Why do you ask?”

  “She’s a widow, you know.”

  “No, I didn’t know.”

  “Her husband died about four years ago. Lung cancer. But then he was a smoker, what do you expect?” Her mother’s disapproval hissed through the air.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Charlie trolled through her mind for what she knew of her aunt. All she could come up with was that Janelle was younger than her mother, and that the sisters had never been close. Other than those slim facts, she knew nothing about her aunt.

  “How is she?”

  “Well, that’s what I’m calling about. I called her this morning to wish her Happy Birthday and she’s had an accident. Broke several bones in her foot.”

  “Ouch.”

  “It’s not funny, Charlotte.”

  “I wasn’t being funny…”

  Her mother cut her off. “Anyway, she’s having a hard time and I thought of you. Lord knows why she’s kept that farm, but there’s a lot of physical work involved and now that she’s laid up she just can’t manage on her own.”

  “You thought of me?” Where was this going?

  “Yes. I was thinking about what you said yesterday, when you were telling me that you’d broken off your engagement to that nice boy. You said that what you’d really like is to get away from Calgary for a while.”

  She should have known better than to confide in her mother, but the call had come when she was feeling low, and she’d spilled her guts. And then there was that small, discreet notice on the tenants’ bulletin board in the lobby, looking for a rental.

  “I know. I did say that but…”

  “I just thought I’d mention it, that’s all.” What was this? Reverse psychology? Her mother usually hammered home a point with all the finesse of a construction worker.

  The ploy, if that’s what it was, had worked. Within a few days, she’d rented her condo, packed up all her personal possessions, and was about to hand over the keys to her condo.

  The decision had been easy once she talked to her aunt, who had insisted that she call her Janelle.

  “None of this ‘aunt’ business,” she’d said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

  Charlie had been intrigued. The woman sounded so different from her mom.

  “I have to tell you something, though.” Janelle’s voice had lowered as though imparting a secret. “I can manage quite well on my own. I don’t know where your mother got the idea I need help, but I’m delighted you’ve decided to come.”

  Charlie’s stomach fell and she was surprised at the depth of her disappointment. “Would you rather I don’t come?”

  “Heavens, no. I’m thrilled, but I wanted to be up front with you. Your mother always was a drama queen about stuff like this. I suppose you could say we’re opposites in that respect.”

  Charlie bit her tongue. There’d be lots of time to discuss that later.

  “Okay,” said Janelle. “Let’s run over this one last time. You’re leaving your car behind as part of the rental, and you’re coming on the bus.”

  “Yes. I’ve sent some clothes ahead in a small trunk. I hope that’s okay.”

  “No problem. Okay, you know where to get off the bus, then.”

  “Yup.” Charlie checked her notes. “The corner of Old Clearwater Trail and Whiskey Jack Road. It sounds like something out of a book.” She paused. “A Western.”

  “It does, doesn’t it? I’d forgotten that you’re a writer. A heads up, though. There’s nothing there. It’s just an intersection in the middle of the prairie, but someone will be there to pick you up, okay?”

  “Okay. And Janelle?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m not a nine year old any more. I’m twenty six now. I think I can take care of myself if you’re late.”

  Her aunt laughed. “Gotcha! See you in a couple of days.”

  * * *

&
nbsp; Charlie dragged her thoughts back to the present. Allie was driving her to the bus depot and she was rarely late. Charlie picked up her computer bag and her carry-all and headed downstairs.

  “I can’t believe you’re actually taking the bus.” Allie looked around the bus depot as though she’d been transported to an alien land. “Nobody takes the bus any more.”

  Charlie laughed and gestured to all the people. “Somebody does. Besides, it’s actually faster than flying. Even if I flew to Regina, I’d have to do the last bit by bus.”

  “Never should have included your car as part of the rental,” muttered Allie. “Listen. You’ll call me when you get settled, right?”

  “Of course I will.” She glanced up at the departures board. “I’ve gotta run. See you soon.”

  * * *

  “How far are you going?”

  Charlie jumped slightly, startled by the woman in the seat next to her. “I’m going to Clearwater Springs. That’s in Saskatchewan.”

  “Can’t say I’ve ever been there.” The woman rummaged around in a voluminous purse and came out with a roll of lifesavers. She picked off a bit of fluff and popped one into her mouth. “Care for a lifesaver?” she asked, shoving the roll under Charlie’s nose.

  “Ah…no thanks.”

  “How about you? Have you ever been there? Clearwater Springs?”

  “Once, but it was a long time ago.” Memories of a large farmhouse lingered in the corners of Charlie’s mind. She also thought she recalled chickens scratching in the back yard, but she wasn’t sure. Perhaps her imagination was working overtime.

  “That means you’ll be changing buses at Regina.” The woman looked at her watch. “Should be there in about an hour.”

  The change of buses was simple, and the next driver waved her into the front seat. “I’ll be glad to drop you off at Whiskey Jack Road,” he said, smiling at her from behind mirrored sunglasses. The bus pulled out a few minutes later and in no time at all was rolling along a narrow secondary road.

  Charlie relaxed and watched the scenery roll by. She’d never quite understood why some people considered the prairies flat and uninteresting. She saw it differently, undulating gently as far as the eye could see. In some fields, the first crop of hay had already been cut and harvested. Formed into huge rolls, it made ideal perches for hawks. Unblinking, the magnificent raptors watched the bus roll by, claws firmly anchored in the hay.

  “We’re coming up to your stop now,” said the driver over his shoulder. The air brakes squealed and he reached out, swung the door open. A blast of hot air hit her in the face as she jumped down, juggling her computer case and her tote bag.

  The driver scanned the intersection. “Are you going to be all right here?” His brow furrowed, but she could tell he was anxious to get going.

  She looked around, then gave him her most confident smile. “I’m fine. Someone is meeting me here. Thanks, though.”

  “All right then.” With a brisk nod he closed the door and after looking both ways he pulled through the intersection, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust.

  Blinking in the brilliance of the late afternoon sun Charlie turned slowly, looking anxiously in all directions. A small dust devil flirted with the edge of the road and then vanished. In the distance, the sound of the bus grew fainter and she clung to it as long as possible, until there was no denying that she was alone. She aimed a lethargic kick at a clump of weeds and set down her two bags.

  She took out her cell phone and looked at it. Nope. No missed calls, no texts, nothing.

  “What am I doing?” she said aloud, and snapped the phone closed. “Just because there’s nobody here waiting for me…” She stood up and stretched, taking in her surroundings. The stillness was unfamiliar, but surprisingly peaceful. Below her, on the far side of the road the fields sloped away, revealing the distinctive patchwork of the prairies. Behind her the land rose and she couldn’t see much beyond the crops that edged the road.

  A low rumble broke the silence and Charlie turned in the direction of the sound. It wasn’t a car, and she didn’t think it was a truck either. It seemed to be coming toward her at a fairly fast clip from the high side of the road. A cloud of dust rose into the air, keeping pace with the sound and she realized that there must be some sort of an access road running through the middle of the field.

  The sound grew louder and she watched in amazement as an ATV burst out of the field, careening around the end of the planted area. It came to a stop just above her.

  The dust cloud had a life of its own. It billowed down, engulfing her and she waved a hand in front of her face. The growl of the motor stopped abruptly. She took a step backward as a tall figure jumped down. Impossibly white teeth gleamed in a tanned face and the man pushed back his hat, revealing eyes the colour of the brilliant blue chicory flowers growing along the edge of the road.

  “You must be Charlotte.” He grinned down at her.

  “And you’re late.” She regretted the sharpness of her words the moment she’d uttered them, but he looked so cocky standing here with his hands braced against his hips. To make things worse, he was wearing a cowboy hat. Not the kind the tourists wore during the Calgary stampede, the kind that ranch hands wore. The kind that made her weak in the knees.

  As she spoke the light went out of his eyes. “If I didn’t like your aunt, I wouldn’t be here at all.” Gone was the smile, the friendly, welcoming tone of voice. Too late she realized that he probably had better things to do. He slid down the incline to road level and pointed at her bags.

  “I’ll help you with those.” Her bags weren’t large, but they were heavy. He hoisted them as though they weighed nothing.

  She took a moment to study him. He was wearing a faded denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up and she couldn’t help but notice the ripple of muscles flexing just below the skin, and the way the hair on his arms shone golden in the lowering sun.

  She tore her eyes away. “You don’t expect me to ride on that, do you?” She glanced warily at the ATV.

  He bounded back up the incline and swung the bags onto the rack at the rear of the machine.

  “Not unless you want to go to Janelle’s.” He proceeded to strap down her bags then stood there, looking as though he was trying to make up his mind about something. Finally he stuck out his hand. “Come on, I’ll pull you up. By the way, I’m Jason.”

  She ignored the outstretched hand. “I can manage thanks.” She headed up the small incline, but her sandals slipped on the dried soil and she lost her footing. She tried again, and this time she almost made it to level ground before sliding back.

  He watched her, trying unsuccessfully to hide a grin. “Are you always this stubborn?” he asked, offering his hand again, wiggling his fingers impatiently.

  She placed her hand in his, and in one effortless motion he pulled her up. “So I’m told” she replied, staring into his eyes. The pale irises were rimmed with a darker blue, and suddenly she couldn’t breathe.

  “Yeah, I can see that” he said softly. His gaze drifted slowly over her face and she flushed uncomfortably, realizing that she hadn’t retrieved her hand. Removing it from his grip, she gulped down some air. “Sorry if I was a bit abrupt back there. I’m not usually such a witch.”

  He turned toward the ATV, mumbling inaudibly.

  “What did you say?” she challenged.

  “I said that remains to be seen.” His eyes flashed. “I mean, I break away from work to come and get you as a favour to Janelle and you give me nothing but grief.” He threw a leg over the ATV and patted the seat behind him. “Hop on, and hold onto me.” He started the motor and she scrambled onto the back seat. Broad shoulders blocked her view and sandy blonde hair curled against his collar. She placed her hands tentatively on his shoulders and he turned his head, speaking over his shoulder.

  “Grab my waist,” he said. His eyelashes cast long shadows on his cheeks. Half the women in Calgary would kill for those eyelashes.

  She moved her
hands to his waist. His body was hard and muscular, and for one crazy moment she wondered what he’d look like with no shirt on. Whoa! Where had that come from?

  He grabbed her hands, pulled them firmly toward the front, and patted them gently. “Okay?” he asked.

  She nodded, aware that he couldn’t see her, but her throat had gone dry.

  “All right, then we’re off.” The machine surged forward and Charlie’s heart raced in synch with the rumbling motor. If she’d had time to think about it, she’d realize that her racing heart had nothing to do with the excitement of the ATV ride and everything to do with the man in front of her.

  They sped along the edge of the field and in spite of the discomfort of bone-jarring bounces and the terror of the breakneck speed, the ride was exhilarating. The machine plunged down into a low spot and Charlie slid forward, her face coming to rest against Jason’s back. For one irrational moment she wondered if she could bottle his smell and then they were racing up the other side, and she was forced to tighten her grip against the taut muscles of his abdomen.

  The ATV climbed for about a hundred yards then crested the top of a ridge. Jason slowed the vehicle and Charlie gasped at the beauty of the land flowing into the distance. Below them, tucked into a cluster of trees, a farmhouse appeared like something out of a fairy tale.

  “That’s Janelle’s place,” Jason shouted over the muted roar of the motor. “She’s a cool lady.”

  Charlie focused on the house and something stirred deep within her. It was painted white, with a steeply angled dark green roof and matching green shutters. A wrap-around verandah completed the structure, and a picture of comfortable furniture flashed through her mind. Was it a memory from her visit as a child or were her extraordinary abilities kicking in? She didn’t know, but the house seemed to open its arms to her, urging her to come closer and discover its secrets.

  Jason gave her a few moments to take in the scene and then continued down toward the farm at a reduced speed.

  Charlie studied the layout of the property as they approached. Beyond the house stood an empty corral, some small outbuildings and a sturdy red barn with white trim. Beside the barn, a weeping willow hung over a small pond and as they drew closer she spotted some large birds floating on the water.