“Shelby’s going to have a…babe?” Mixed emotions inundated him, the light of Tim’s spirit dimmed. He understood One-Who-Soars-With-Eagles. This wasn’t an immaculate conception. Shelby would have a lover, a partner…or a husband.
“Her life’s path is crucial.”
“Let me get this straight. You used me and now you want to take advantage of Shelby too, all for a damn doll and a baby who’s not born yet?”
“You’ll learn many things in our spirit world, but first, your wife must release you.”
Tim peered down on Mother Earth while Shelby window shopped. He would bet she wasn’t ready to let him go. For that matter, he wasn’t either. Now, when they were together, she’d talk to him for hours and he’d answer the only way he knew how. He had discovered how to bundle his energy to communicate through physical means, to grasp, to blow wisps of air, and he reveled in Shelby’s presence.
To acquire the skill of manifestation was a long process. But he had wanted, no, needed to seek out his soul mate. He was pleased Shelby never feared his spiritual existence.
The first several times were tough. She’d cried at the injustice. But her perseverance and resolve prevailed. She had made several promises to him, to find out who murdered him and never marry again. Pledges he wasn’t sure she should keep. He’d have a hell of a time getting her to break those oaths. Between the medicine man and him, they could influence Shelby to find his killer and whatever else, the shaman had up his proverbial sleeve, but until the baby was born, their powers were limited, only to navigate, not intervene.
Maybe she would find someone, a friend, one who wouldn’t be threatened by her strengths and her strong sense of commitment. He vowed if the right man entered her life, he’d give Shelby his blessing. For now, he’d have to take the only course available to him, to follow the shaman.
One-Who-Soars-With-Eagles’ whispered, “Good, I’m glad you have come to this conclusion. When Shelby releases you, you’ll be able to go on to your next step and receive more power for our war. Shelby’s spirit guide will take over and assist.”
The medicine man’s next words brooked no argument. “Come. We have many things to do, many levels to complete.”
Chapter Three
4th of July - Jackson, WY
When Shelby Littleton caught a glimpse of the ice cream parlor, her mouth watered. The icy treat promised a reprieve. She’d take a short cut through the town square where the tall trees and evergreens would provide shade.
A humming sound buzzed around her. The cool clasp of her husband’s hand on her elbow reassured her. “Tim, I have a feeling our Kachina doll has more history than my research has unfolded, but I intend to learn everything I can. My gut feeling tells me you were murdered for her. Babe, you’ve never left my side and I’ll always be grateful.” Air brushed over her ear giving his approval.
Even though she’d much rather have her husband’s physical presence, she would take any form of him. At first, she thought she was losing her mind, but now, she’d accepted his corporeal death, her earthly life without him, and his spirit. Her first call of business was to find her husband’s murderer.
A sudden noise came from her right. She stilled, tilting her head away from the buzz of the cars and people. There it was again, a whine. Cautiously, she pursued the sound. A poor dog ensnared in twine, cowered on his belly. She crept forward and dropped to her knees. The canine shied from her. Shelby’s eyes connected with its dark brown ones quieting his cries.
“You’re scared. Why don’t you have a collar?” She stretched to stroke him, her efforts rewarded when he offered his floppy ears. “Let’s try to find an end. How did the rope get so tangled, huh?” He nosed her and allowed her help.
“Give me a little more time, I can’t find the beginning. “Roll over on your side. Good baby. What do you know, you’re a girl.”
The high pitched frequency associated with her husband’s spirit screeched. “Tim, what are you trying to tell me?”
“Pardon me?”
In her peripheral vision, she glimpsed a pair of tanned cowboy boots stopping alongside her.
“Looks like you could use an extra hand.”
His baritone voice ignited tingles down her arms and resonated to her fingertips. Shelby’s gaze hooked onto his mahogany eyes. Her mouth opened to answer but nothing came. Sable brown hair brushed the starched collar and his square jaw sported a five o’clock shadow even though it was just past noon. The corner of his lips inched higher transforming into a smile sending warm sensations to her belly then lowered to her feminine folds.
“Here, let me.” He retrieved a penknife out of his pocket and knelt beside her. “Hold tight. I don’t want the dog to move and get cut with my blade.”
She nodded, forming the words to thank him, but her jaw quivered. She clamped her lips together. Goosebumps rose over her skin. She stared at his deft fingers, full of strength as they gently finessed the rope loose. Now free, the canine jumped onto Shelby’s lap taking every inch.
The handsome man sat on his haunches, leveled his luscious gaze with hers and chuckled. “I think you found a friend.”
Her id swung into action along with her body. The ripples of pleasure aroused her in places where only her husband had given her full satisfaction. Shocked by her response, she processed her reaction. Since Tim’s death, her desire for physical release or emotional attachment had been nonexistent. Who was this guy?
He shucked off his hat, gliding his hand through the thick locks of hair. “Can I help you with her?”
His eyes shined with life. She couldn’t break their contact, didn’t want to, but in the end, she shook off the moment, ending the connection.
This time her voice didn’t falter. “I guess I should find a shelter and see if anyone claims her.”
The cowboy settled the Stetson on his head. “I happen to know of one down the street. It’s within walking distance. I’ll show you. Can you coax her off your lap?”
Shelby relaxed her grip guiding the dog up on all fours. “Thanks.”
The gentleman helped her to stand. “My name is Kyle. What’s yours?”
As she stood, she wobbled. “Shelby. Nice to meet you.”
He steadied her. “Same here.” His words were sincere, then his gaze turned introspective.
“Is something wrong? Kyle?”
“No, ma’am…this way.” He gestured with his arm.
She quickened her stride to walk beside him. The cool shadows gave way to sunlight while she coaxed the dog to follow.
They approached a cross walk where a group of older women waited for the signal light to change.
A single voice rose above the din. “My dear, how are you today?”
Kyle panned to the right, searching, and then smiled. “Well, Mrs. Dent, I’m doing just fine. How are you?” He waited for Mrs. Dent as she shuffled through the ladies.
Her sun bonnet bounced with each word she spoke, “I’m doing well. We’ve missed you at our bridge tournaments, but most of all, I miss my partner. We always won and I don’t take too kindly to losing.”
Kyle nodded. “I’ve been out of town on business.”
Mrs. Dent’s alert eyes landed on her and the dog. “Looks like you’re busy. Spreading yourself too thin isn’t good for you.”
“Yes, ma’am, you’re right. This is Shelby. Shelby, Mira Dent.” The signal changed and Kyle extended his arm. “May I help you, Mira?”
“I’d like that. Shelby, nice to meet you.” Mira grasped Kyle’s elbow.
“Nice to meet you, also.” Shelby lagged a few paces behind, instantly liking the spritely woman.
Mira shuffled with a slow gait and resumed her conversation with Kyle. “Please come and see me sometime. I miss your mom and dad. Tell your brother he’s invited too. We can reminisce about old times.” Mrs. Dent grasped Kyle’s forearm for his support and stepped up onto the sidewalk, then released him. “Thank you. Kyle, you don’t have to be a stranger. I know we miss ou
r loved ones, but we shouldn’t be remiss and forget them.”
He kissed her cheek. “My pleasure…You’ve always been thoughtful of my family. I’ll take you up on your offer and bring something for that sweet tooth of yours.”
Her smile brightened. “I’ll have the tea ready.”
Kyle straightened and winked. “I’ll look forward to it. You take care now.”
Mira’s head bobbed. “You know I always do.”
Kyle had extended kindness to his lovely friend. Surprisingly, his strong body adapted to guide Mira with gentleness.
“She seems like a very sweet woman.”
His focus hinted he was a thousand miles away, then his awareness returned. “She is.”
****
Shelby grinned at how the young and vivacious veterinarian’s assistant greeted them with a pleasant smile. “Mr. Pressley, what can I do for you today?”
He held the door open while Shelby entered coaxing her four-legged friend inside.
Kyle wiped his boots on the entry rug. “Hi Liz, I see you have volunteered for holiday pay.”
Liz’s expressive face amplified her jovial attitude. “Oh yeah, several of us did.”
Kyle removed his hat. “I appreciate everyone’s dedication. The reason we’re here, has anyone been looking for a lost dog? We found this one downtown.”
Liz peered at a list hanging on the wall. “Give me a moment to check.”
When Shelby sat in the closest vinyl covered chair, the canine scampered over and nuzzled her thigh. She stroked the red coat. The dog’s brown eyes fasten with hers as though she was trying to tell her something. Although, Shelby didn’t understand her, she did discern one thing. She had a connection with the brown-eyed renegade.
Liz poked her head over the counter. “Nope.”
Kyle’s hand whisked through his hair. “Is there a vacant kennel available?”
Shelby vaulted from her seat. “No. I mean, until someone comes forward, I’ll keep her.”
Liz’s calm voice echoed in the room, “This facility is a no-kill-animal shelter, compliments of Mr. Pressley here, if that helps.”
“How nice.” That sounded tongue-in-cheek, she rephrased. “Truly, that’s terrific. Do you think you’d have time to bathe and groom her for me? Also, I’ll give you my cell number, in case someone comes for her.”
“Of course, I can have Delores start on her right now. Would you like to wait or come back?”
“I’ll stay, thank you.”
Kyle stepped beside her. “How about a cup of coffee? I’m buying.”
Liz rounded into the reception area with a leash in her hands. “I just made a fresh pot. Let me have your new friend. I’ll feed and water her for you too.”
Kyle led the way into the cozy lunchroom. He directed her to sit while he poured the java and set the mug in front of her.
She raised her arm in a cheers salute. “Thanks. I needed this.”
He joined her across the table. “Where are you from?”
She sipped the hot steaming liquid and set the drink on a coaster. “Texas.” Her to-do list seemed never ending, but the first item was to find her husband’s killer. Would she be able to recognize the right clues, understand them, and devise a plan to catch the bad guys? Sure, no problem, she could become Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot…fictional characters. Her stomach curdled.
Shelby remembered the next decision she had to make. Should she change Alessa’s position to president? Her youngest sister ran the business with efficiency and her new marketing ideas had outstanding results. The old adage timing is everything still held true. She shook her head. Her mind drifted a lot lately. There were times when life and stress were overwhelming.
She sighed. “You?”
“Wyoming. Are you on vacation...maybe with your husband?”
He noticed my wedding band. “No, I’m widowed.” Shelby glanced away. When would the pain stop and her heart feel whole again?
Kyle murmured, “I’m sorry.”
She raised her eyes to meet his. No other man compared to her soul mate and his presence never wavered. She stilled. Except today when she met Kyle, Tim’s spirit had been AWOL ever since. Her gaze pierced Kyle’s, taking his measure. He didn’t back down or blink. She gave in first and focused on his strong fingers wrapped around his cup. “Thank you. It’s hard.”
Kyle’s whispered. “I’m sure it is.” He cleared his throat. “Where in Texas do you live? It’s a big state.”
Shelby grinned. “Everything is bigger in Texas or so the saying goes. The heart of Texas. How about you?”
“Near here…Are you enjoying your stay?”
“I am.”
Kyle eased back in his chair. “So tell me, what have you seen?”
“Not a lot, been doing some research.”
His eyebrows rose. “For what?”
“A book.” She was here for research, just not her current work in progress—truth by omission. She didn’t see a need to discuss her real task.
He angled forward. “What kind?”
“It’s fiction.” She hoped. The Kachina doll, known as Ten-Blue-Sun, had many powers for good, but her husband’s death pointed to murder. She didn’t have any evidence to take to the police. If she voiced her opinion, one of two things would happen. Either, she’d be branded a lunatic or her husband was a thief. As far as she was concerned, the latter didn’t have merit. Tim had an exceptional moral standard.
Hell, when he drove, she’d cut her eyes to the speedometer, begging him to set the cruise control one mile per hour over the limit. He’d say, “Laws must be obeyed even if we don’t agree with them.” Nope, not him, no way would he have stolen anything.
“Is it about this area? I could help since I know most of the places around here.”
“Thanks, but I shouldn’t.”
Kyle’s head cocked. “Why not?”
“For many reasons. I don’t know you for one.” And second, for the first time since his death, Tim’s presence left her. Third, she had to figure out the significance of the doll, and fourth, would she be killed next?
A chuckle rumbled deep from within his broad chest. “If you let me help, we can get to know one another.”
Her insides melted at the sound of his mirth. “Point taken. But what I need the most is a shower.” She stood and washed her cup. “Do you want any more coffee?” She turned and met his gaze.
“I’ve had enough. Will you let me walk you to your hotel room?”
“No, you don’t have to.” She wiped the counter with the paper towel.
He rose from his chair. Reaching for the grounds to dump in the garbage, their hands met. “But I want to. I can help baby sit.” Kyle nodded at the dog Delores had brought in a few minutes ago, now curled on the floor asleep. “Then, we could take in the fireworks, all three of us.”
Her lower lip quivered from the jarring reaction of his touch. She gauged his character. His eyes shined with sincerity, his posture and manner open. She’d enjoy company who would actually talk back to her, unlike her conversations with Tim. As a local, he could possibly give her insight into the history of the Indian tribes.
The Kachina doll came from the Hopi people, but Tim wrote several unexplained entries in his journal pointing to the Shoshone and the Comanche. Through research she’d learned, the Shoshone language was a mixture of all three. She understood the connection with the Shoshone and the Comanche, but had questions concerning the Hopi lineage. She’d have to dig further.
Since she had met Kyle, Tim’s spirit vanished. She didn’t want to think about her husband leaving for good simply because she had male company. Her life hadn’t been threatened since her arrival in Jackson, but her home had been burglarized several times. She weighed all the factors. “I’d like that.”
Kyle winked. “We’ll have a good time. Have you ever been to the Fourth celebration?”
“No, this will be my first time.”
“You’ll like it. I’ll be waitin
g for you outside. I need to make a few phone calls.”
After paying the bill and leaving her cell number with Liz, Shelby led them to her hotel. Out of the corner of her eye, she checked out Kyle. His stride gave him a self-confident air of command; she didn’t think anyone would try to test him. For the first time since her husband died, she felt safe.
At the hotel door, she withdrew the keycard from her purse.
“I should check your room before you go in.”
She added distance between them. “What? Why?”
If it were possible, he stood straighter, his chest heaved. The way he stated the words, “Anyone can get in your room” had more meaning than she could ascertain.
He strode inside and checked the premises. “All clear. I’ll wait for you out on the porch.”
****
As she closed the door, Kyle exhaled. Memories bombarded him. His dad sat him down with his brother, never shedding the tears that gathered in his eyes. ‘I have bad news...Your mom didn’t make it.’ She’d been oblivious to her surroundings and men had kidnapped her. They abducted her from her hotel, ending her life. He shook his head to end the foul flashback.
Kyle settled on the top of the wooden steps leading to her small veranda. The dog plopped down beside him. He wouldn’t frighten Shelby with the dangers of keeping his company. Obligated for her protection, he made the appropriate phone calls to his security detail. Knowing he wouldn’t see her again after the holiday, he opted not to tell her. Why invite questions?
If he were honest, there was something special about this gal. When he met her trying to free the dog, his gut rolled. Her bright eyes welcomed him. At that moment, he’d wanted to walk through her mind.
His gift had many benefits. The ability to journey into the recesses of someone’s subconscious, to understand the person’s intentions, gave him insights into their character and world. The pure of heart blessed him immeasurably. It always sounded corny even to him when he explained his experiences to his older brother, Jude. His sibling never believed in spirits or any other world except the one he was in.
Walking Into Her Heart (A First Realm Novel) Page 2
