Graham

by Katharine E Hamilton

  “There’s a thing in there! A-a-creature! In the kitchen!” She pointed a shaky finger, her breaths heavy as she ducked under his arm and tucked herself behind him while fisting her hands in the back of his shirt.

  “What kind of creature?” Graham asked. “A person? An animal?”

  “Animal. Big.”

  He started to walk forward and her grip on his shirt had him stopping and lightly tapping her hands. She released him, but followed him step for step as he walked up the front porch steps. The sound of breaking glass towards the kitchen had Graham turning. Julia gasped. “What is that thing?” Horrified and disgusted, she gripped the back of his shirt again as he stepped forward.

  “Would you let go of me?” He swatted her hands again. “How’m I supposed to help you if you won’t let me move?”

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Just… be careful. I’ve never seen one of those things before, Graham. It’s probably dangerous.”

  Graham just shook his head as he eyed a laundry basket set to the side of the door with neatly folded clothes inside. He dumped it on the floor and heard another small gasp from Julia at his move before he stealthily walked forward. He quickly lunged forward, and Julia shrieked as he trapped the critter in the basket. He looked around again. “Any cardboard or something flat lyin’ around?”

  “What? No.” Julia looked perplexed as she searched the small house. “What do we do?” She twisted her hands together, her eye never leaving the basket.

  “Go out to the dumpsters behind Sloppy’s and see if you can find a box.”

  “What? I’m not going out there. It’s dark. And a dumpster.”

  He rolled his eyes, his hand resting on top of the basket, the animal hissing at him. “Fine. I’ll go.” He stepped away from the basket and Julia intercepted him.

  “Whoa. You can’t go. You have to keep th-th-that thing trapped.”

  He exhaled a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Julia, it’s a ‘possum. It’s not a raging bull… or cow. You’ll be fine.” He reached towards her carry-on suitcase and grabbed the handle, placing it securely over the top of the basket. “See, it’s not going anywhere.”

  He walked past her and out the door towards Sloppy’s as he heard her mutter, “But that’s my bag,” and heard her heels crunching on the ground behind him.

  “How do you think it got into the house?” she asked.

  “Probably through the back screen door. It has a hole the size of Kansas back there.”

  “But… we have the wooden door open to let air into the house. The screen door is supposed to keep the bugs out. If we close the wooden door, then it will be even hotter in the house.”

  “Guess you’ll have to sweat tonight. And what good is a screen door doing to keep bugs out if it has a giant hole in it?” Graham reached for a cardboard box and began kicking in the sides to break it down flat. Julia followed as he carried it back towards the house.

  “Well, I don’t know. I just went with what Alice said, since this seems to be a common predicament for her.” Julia hugged along behind him and as soon as they entered the house, she grew still and quiet again, for which he was grateful.

  He removed her suitcase from atop the basket and set it aside. She quickly intercepted it and rolled it as far from the possum as she could.

  Graham began sliding the cardboard beneath the basket, the ‘possum hissing but stepping lightly to avoid the intrusion until its feet rested on top of the cardboard. Graham flipped the basket, the critter now inside the basket and covered with the cardboard. He carried it out the screen door and towards the alleyway. Naturally, Julia followed.

  He removed the cardboard and let the animal free down the side of the alley. They watched as it sniffed and rummaged its way along. “You just let it go?” she asked. “Aren’t we supposed to call animal control or something?”

  “No. It’s a ‘possum. It’s not a stray dog. Besides, they’re helpful critters. They eat mosquitos and bugs. Maybe I should have left him in the house considering the hole in the door. He could help with the bug problem you’re so worried about. They’re pretty harmless critters. They just get scared easily.”

  “And probably carry about a thousand diseases.”

  “As do some humans too, so best not to judge.”

  Julia crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “That’s gross, Graham.”

  “But true.” He pointed a finger in the air as he walked back to the house and began rummaging in a drawer in the kitchen. Not finding what he was after, he stalked back to his truck and opened his tool chest on the back.

  “What are you looking for?” Julia asked, her short, quick steps following him everywhere he went.

  He held up a roll of duct tape. “Going to patch your screen door. Then you can leave it open for air. How’s that?”

  “I can’t leave it open now.” Julia adamantly shook her head. “What if another creature decides to come into the house?”

  “The hole will be blocked. They can’t get in.”

  “They could just chew through the wire, couldn’t they?”

  “Possibly. But I doubt they will. They don’t want to be around people.”

  “But what about people. That door is hardly safe to leave open all night long when I’m by myself.”

  “No one’s going to bother you,” Graham assured her as he began taping the door. Long strip after long strip, he finally felt it was secure enough to hold a few weeks until Alice wrapped her mind around the fact her house was falling apart and needed some TLC.

  “How can you be sure?”

  “Because I know the people of this town.”

  “But what if there’s a drifter?”

  He groaned and stood to his feet and faced her. “Look, I know you’re not used to life outside of the city, but around here, people mind their own business. No one’s going to bother you.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. Now, goodnight.”

  “Graham—” She scurried after him to the front door.

  “What?” His patience was wearing thin, and he was about to slam his head into the wall if she delayed his taking a strong painkiller any longer.

  “Thank you,” she quietly said and ducked her head.

  “You’re welcome. Now, can I go home?” He waited for her to look up at him.

  She finally met his gaze and nodded.

  “Good. I’m exhausted. And my hand is killing me.”

  She grimaced. “I didn’t think of that. I’m sorry. I could take a look at it if you want.”

  “Are you a doctor?”

  “No.”

  “Then I’m good, thanks.”

  She huffed and crossed her arms. “I just meant I could check your bandage and help you wrap it in a fresh one. I do know how to do that.”

  “Good to know, but I’m good. Night.” He let himself out and prayed he’d make it all the way home before his cell phone rang. What was he thinking giving that woman his number? He rubbed a hand over his tired face and breathed a sigh of relief when he turned the corner to head out of town.

  Laughter had been all she’d heard all morning from Alice since she’d walked in at the crack of dawn with her vet bag. Julia knew she looked a fright; the night was miserable and had clearly stamped itself across her face and under her eyes. She’d sweated every drop of water in her body, or so it felt. And she barely shut her eyes due to sounds of dumpster diving creatures and a creak at the door all night long. Despite Graham’s patchwork in the screen door, she swatted away mosquitos most of the night. She’d attempted to hide under the covers only to sweat some more, and then would toss away the sheets only to be bitten by bugs again; an endless cycle that kept sleep at bay. It was a no-win situation that left her wide-eyed, annoyed, and scared out of her mind the entire night. Now she ached for a cup of decent coffee, not the sludge sinking to the bottom of the pot that Alice had made when she got home. She could smell the caramel flavored cream steaming from her mug as if she we
re sitting outside on the patio of her favorite Santa Fe coffee shop. Only a cackle of laughter brought her back to her senses.

  “You don’t look so fantastic either.” Julia narrowed her gaze at her friend and shuffled towards the refrigerator, praying Alice at least had some juice to quench her thirst until Sloppy’s opened and Julia could beg for a decent cup of joe.

  “I slept in a barn. You slept in a house.”

  “Oh, is that what you call this?” Julia pointed around. “I had a visitor last night. A possum, according to Graham. And then about a million mosquitos. And I’m pretty sure Satan himself decided those were not enough and sent me an exciting heat wave from hell to make my night more enjoyable.”

  Alice snickered as she grabbed a bag of powdered donuts from her pantry and plopped down at her dinette table and began to munch. “Welcome to Parks.”

  “Yes, well, so far my trip has not kicked off to a great start.”

  Alice’s face sobered. “Sorry about that. Life here is a bit different than Santa Fe. I didn’t realize Graham came by.” Her leading tone had Julia turning from the fridge with a carton of eggs in her hand.

  “He drove me home from Sloppy’s.”

  Alice pointed to the building across from her house. “That Sloppy’s? The one that is walking distance from my house?” She quirked an eyebrow.

  “It was dark. And you asked Calvin to drive me, don’t you remember?”

  “That’s because I knew Calvin would need tools from his truck. Graham seriously drove you a hundred feet?” She unleashed a fit of giggles. “I bet he thoroughly enjoyed that.”

  “I’m not sure that man enjoys anything,” Julia reported. “But he was nice enough to do it, and thank the Lord he did, because you had a ‘possum in your house!”

  “I bet he loved playing the part of hero.” Sarcasm dripped from Alice’s voice as she continued to smile at the thought of Graham having to tend to her friend. “I have to head over there here in a few if you want to join?”

  “Seriously?” Julia asked. “What for?”

  “It’s my day off.”

  “And?”

  “And I usually go out to the 7H to see if I can help, mostly with the gardening. Only Seth and Lawrence tend to take care of the landscaping and garden plot.”

  “And that’s how you spend your day off?”

  “I like being outside,” Alice defended. “Besides, it will be fun. You can see how the ranch operates on a day to day basis.”

  “Look, I didn’t realize I would be traipsing around a ranch during my stay. I didn’t exactly bring work clothes with me.” Julia nibbled her bottom lip as she began pulling different clothing options from her bag. She held up a button-up blouse covered in small flowers with billowing sleeves.

  “Perfect. Wear it with jeans,” Alice said. “And close-toed shoes.”

  Julia nodded and quickly changed. She still felt slightly sticky but her cold shower did nothing more than irritate her further. She made sure to spray an extra squirt of perfume to cover any sweat smells that might still linger.

  “You’ve always been so prissy.” Alice stood and walked to her closet and pulled out a fresh plaid shirt and put it on. She didn’t bother with changing her jeans, socks, or boots.

  “And I forgot how tomboy you were,” Julia smirked. “Just so you know, I think the Hastings brothers intend to lecture you when they see you.”

  “On what?”

  “The condition of your house. The lightbulbs, the door, the AC. At least, Calvin seemed a little aggravated you hadn’t taken care of those things.”

  Alice waved away the concern. “Calvin’s always a stickler when it comes to maintenance. That’s why he’s the heavy machine operator out at the ranch. He’s the only one who will tend to those hunks of metal like tender babies. It wounds his heart to see any type of building or machine in need of care.”

  “Well, can we at least grab a cup of coffee on the way there?” Julia asked.

  Alice pointed to the pot plugged into the wall next to the microwave.

  “That is not coffee.”

  Sighing, Alice walked towards the door. “Sloppy’s doesn’t open for another hour. I’m sure Graham will have some on. Let’s go.”

  ∾

  “About time you showed up.” Seth grinned as he walked towards Alice’s car and opened the door for Julia. He tipped his hat. “Morning.”

  “You seem awfully chipper for having to wake up early.” Alice jabbed him with her elbow as they walked towards the garden.

  “I am. I did not have to work the cattle this morning.”

  “Graham still punishing you for yesterday?” Alice asked.

  “Yes. Though I don’t consider it much of a punishment.” Seth grinned. “The last thing I wanted this morning was to drive the feed truck.”

  “Don’t blame you. Though I’m surprised he changed his mind.” She pointed to Julia. “I brought help this morning.”

  “I see that. Pretty help too.” He winked.

  “But I promised her a decent cup of coffee before work.”

  “Graham’s got some in the house. He probably left the pot on. Help yourself.”

  Alice led the way and the women diverted their steps towards the house.

  The front door opened moments after they’d poured themselves each a cup of coffee and Graham stormed inside, oblivious to both of them as he headed towards a washroom by the stairwell. They heard a loud hiss as the sink ran water.

  Alice walked towards the room. “Slip a stitch?”

  Graham jumped, knocking over the bottle of disinfectant he’d sat on the edge of the sink. “What the—”

  “Morning.” Alice grinned. “Thanks for the coffee.” She held up her mug. “What happened?”

  “I ripped a stitch or two, I guess.”

  “Were you wearing gloves?”

  “I can’t, obviously, because of this bulky bandage you put on here.”

  “Cry me a river.” Alice stepped forward and eyed his hand.

  “Two days in a row this hand is keeping me from doing my work,” Graham growled.

  “Then you should be more careful.”

  “Okay, Momma.”

  She snorted as she pointed to the kitchen. “Go to the table. I’ll get my kit.”

  Graham walked towards the kitchen, his steps halting as he spotted Julia holding a cup of coffee in both hands and staring out the window above the sink. The light filtered through the blinds and danced its rays upon her dark hair. She turned and flushed, realizing she’d been caught standing in his house drinking his coffee.

  “Morning, Graham.”

  He pulled a chair away from the table and sat as Alice darted outside to her truck.

  Julia glanced at his hand. “Oh no.” She rushed towards him and sat next to him, reaching towards his wounded hand. He jerked it away from her touch and she held up her hands in peace. “Sorry. I’m not going to touch it. What happened?”

  “Reins just dug in wrong, I guess.”

  “Can I get you something? A painkiller? Some water? Coffee?”

  “Is there any left?” he asked, and she flushed again.

  “Yes. Thank you, by the way, for saving Alice’s life this morning.”

  “And how did I manage that?” he asked.

  “By having decent coffee.”

  His lips quirked. “No problem. How was your first night in Parks?”

  Surprise lit her face at his question before she diverted her gaze and cleared her throat. “It was fine.”

  “That good, huh?” A deep rumble had her looking at him again in wonder as he chuckled.

  “It was awful,” she admitted. “I didn’t sleep a wink.”

  His smirk melted into a full smile at her suffering and she nudged his shoulder. “It’s not funny. I was terrified. And hot. And itchy.”

  His face lifted as he belted a laugh that had Alice freezing in the doorway. “Well, well, well. He does have a bright side every now and then.”

  Gr
aham quickly sobered. “Julia was just regaling me with her adventures of the night.”

  “Yes, she is being quite dramatic,” Alice teased and accepted the slap to her arm from Julia as she sat on the other side of Graham and reached for his hand.

  “What brings you two here this morning?”

  “Day off,” Alice said and he nodded.

  “Well, Seth could use the help. Lawrence is heading into town to order feed from Philip, so he’s a bit short-handed.”

  “Why doesn’t Lawrence just call Philip?” Alice asked.

  “Seems our brother is avoiding the phone these days.”

  “Can’t blame him.”

  Graham harrumphed. “I’m a joy to talk to on the phone, thank you very much.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you are.” Alice smirked at Julia. “Thanks for helping Julia out last night. I hear you guys were almost attacked by a ‘possum.”

  “It was a close call,” he agreed and shot a quick glance at Julia as she looked heavenward.

  “Yes, both of you tease me about it. All I know is that I can’t do it two nights in a row. I’m sorry,” She looked to Alice. “but I can’t.” She looked away before they could see her frustration.

  Alice must have sensed it anyway because she looked to Graham and grimaced.

  “You can use the guest house if you want,” Graham offered.

  “What?” both women asked in unison.

  “The guest house.” He pointed to a small white building out the window. “It’s not much bigger than Alice’s place, but there are no holes in the door. And you will have AC. You’re welcome to stay there too, Al. If you want.”

  “And drive twice the distance to Sheffield? No thanks.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t want to stay without Alice. I’m here to visit her.” Julia’s tone was disappointed, but Graham liked that her focus was on Alice and not herself. “But thank you for the offer.”

  “Al’s here all the time.” Graham looked to the vet as she finished tending to his hand.

  “I guess you’re right. And I guess we could stay until I get a new AC. I’m over in Sheffield tomorrow and will see what they have,” Alice reluctantly agreed. “We just need to fetch your bags and I’ll grab a few changes of clothes.”