Angelica turned off the road onto the drive leading to the Anderson ranch. An old red diesel truck and a black Cadillac Escalade pickup were parked close to the barn. Angelica parked beside them. She looked in the rearview mirror and fluffed her hair before checking her face.
She stepped out of the car. As she shut the car door, she heard voices coming from the barn, believing it had to be Michael; she walked toward the barn, trying to make out what they were saying.
When she stepped inside, she saw Michael standing with his back turned speaking with a short, older man. The man suddenly noticed Angelica and stopped talking. Michael turned around and met Angelica’s eyes. Her stomach sank as she returned his smile, and then Michael turned back around and told the man something Angelica couldn’t hear.
Angelica stood there awkwardly. She wasn’t sure if she should walk over to them or stay put. She anxiously straightened her blouse while looking around the barn. After a moment, they turned around and started toward her.
“Hi, I’m Sam.”
“This is Sammy!” Michael smiled.
“Nice to meet you, Sammy, I’m Angelica Bradley.”
“Very nice to meet you, ma’am.” Sammy turned back to Michael. “I’ll talk with you later.”
He placed his hand on Angelica’s shoulder patting her gently as he walked past her. Moved by the warm gesture, she turned and watched him walk toward his truck.
When she turned back, Michael was standing within a foot in front of her. “Well, hello, you are beautiful,” he said. He was taller than she remembered.
Suddenly Angelica’s confidence shifted and she felt a strange sensation - shyness - as she looked down before returning his gaze. “Hi! Thank you,” she said. Her nerves were causing her to tremble slightly as she glanced back toward the trucks.
Angelica took a step back to create more space between them. “Who is Sam?”
“Sammy worked for my father,” Michael told her. They were best friends. Once my father passed away and he realized I wasn’t going anywhere, things just continued on. He takes care of the horses, cattle and the land. He doesn’t say much… but he smiles a lot.”
Angelica watched as Michael’s lips opened.
“Sammy has a small cabin at the edge of the property that he and Dad built,” Michael continued. “Dad deeded him the parcel his cabin sits on. I couldn’t imagine selling the property… and poor Sammy would be lost without the ranch to care for. My father would have wanted it this way… this is his home.”
Angelica was watching Michael’s lips as he spoke. An odd thought popped into her mind. She wondered how they would feel against her lips.
“So how about I take you around and show you the property? I can show you where it happened.”
Angelica snapped out of her infatuated gaze and looked around. For a brief moment she had forgotten why she was there.
“Oh yes, I would like to see the location.”
“Let’s get you a saddle.” Michael walked over and grabbed a brown saddle and a halter from the shelf.
“I’ll put you on Zane. He’s gentle. Have you ridden a horse before?”
Angelica followed behind Michael and walked around Zane to size him up. “He’s beautiful, and very big. Yes, I have, but it’s been a while.” She rubbed the top of Zane’s nose. “Nice to meet you, Zane. I do hope you’ll be a gentle horsy,” she said softly.
Michael smiled and turned around to get the saddle for his black horse.
Angelica watched him walk off, admired his physique for a moment. Embarrassed, she quickly turned her attention to the barn.
Smiling, Michael looked over at Angelica inquisitively while walking over to saddle his horse.
“So, when are you going back to D.C.?”
“I’m flying to Denver tomorrow and then I’ll head back.”
“Oh… so soon?” Michael sounded surprised.
“Yes, I’ll miss the mountains,” she said softly, as she noted the smell of fresh hay mixed with manure.
“Let’s get you up on that horse.” Michael walked over and stood beside Zane. Angelica put one foot into the stirrup. Michael put his hands on Angelica’s waist and swiftly lifted her up. Angelica blushed, startled by his forcefulness, but she kind of liked it at the same time.
Angelica adjusted herself comfortably on her saddle and watched as Michael got up onto his shiny black Stallion. The beautiful beast pulled his head back and let out a snort as Michael pulled on the bridle to lead them out of the barn. Angelica patted the side of Zane’s neck as he followed closely behind.
Angelica squeezed Zane between her legs feeling slightly uneasy. Michael led them to a trail between the tall evergreens behind the barn. The sky matched Angelica’s pale blue eyes. There were only a few clouds scattered about like cotton balls.
“What an amazing day!” Angelica mused, as she put her head back and admired the sky.
“Yes, a perfect day!” Michael looked back with a sneaky smile and then looked up to the sky to notice several hawks gliding above. They both watched as the hawks gracefully and effortlessly glided along the northerly wind.
The gentle swaying of Zane’s hind quarters and the sound of the clump, clump of his hooves was putting Angelica in a blissful trance. She had loosened her grip on Zane and felt more relaxed. Angelica peered off into the distance, becoming mesmerized by a small cabin, but then forced herself to snap back into relative coherence. She needed to focus, she thought.
“Was Sammy around on the evening of the mutilation?” she asked Michael. “You said he lives on the property. Did he hear or see anything?”
Michael, still looking ahead while leading, answered, “No, he said he never saw or heard a thing. By the appearance of the cow, he agreed with my father that it wasn’t a coyote or any other animal. He’s seen a lot of coyote and bear attacks in his day. He never said much else about it. He’s like that… stays to himself and doesn’t have much of an opinion on things… easy going.”
“I’ve heard some bizarre things in the last few days. Do you think it was ETs, Michael? I talked to Paul at the billiard hall last night and he seems to think so, and Matthew does too. Well, as a matter of fact, that seems to be the general consensus, except for your sheriff.”
“Believe it or not, I lean toward the ET theory too, but who knows.” Michael glanced back to observe Angelica’s expression. She was completely unaware she was chewing on her bottom lip.
“My father seemed to believe it, and what he said he experienced on the craft”… Michael paused for a moment then stuttered, “…like I told you the other day.” Michael shook his head.
Angelica turned towards him, trying to stay balanced on the saddle. “Did you mention this during our interview the other day? I don’t recall you saying anything about him being on a craft.” Angelica appeared confused.
“Maybe I didn’t mention that part.” Michael clearer his throat. “He said some strange things. He confided in me a lot before he passed away, almost like he needed to get it all out so he could move on.”
“What were some of the things he told you?”
“Look Angelica, once he started taking the meds, I’m not certain he knew what he was saying anymore,” Michael said.
“Like, the night he woke up on the ground in front of the barn. That was before the medication and chemo, right?” Angelica asked curiously.
Michael narrowed his eyes. “He did have high blood pressure. Maybe the wound was from landing on something and he didn’t notice it until he took his shirt off to shower. I don’t know, Angelica.” Michael shook his head. “I questioned him a lot. He said he understood it was all hard to believe. Initially, he wasn’t going to tell me. He said he wanted to put it away and forget about all of it. But over time the memories wouldn’t go away. They were coming back like a speeding train.”
“Okay… So he was recalling events from when he was supposedly unconscious? Events such as being on a craft?”
“Yes, but again, this was after
the meds that he mentioned being on a craft,” Michael said vaguely.
“What did he tell you?” Angelica was impatient and she knew he was holding something back. “Michael, what did he tell you?” She tilted her head to get a look at his face, but he wouldn’t turn around.
“He said he saw them with his own eyes. He said he remembered being on a surgical table in one of their crafts. He also said right after the cattle incident he saw two of them standing beside his bed and he was frozen, unable to move or speak. He said he panicked and then heard in his head ‘stay calm’ before he saw a flash of light. He then woke up on a craft of some sort. He said there were other humans there in distress as well. He saw a young woman laid out on a surgical table beside him. He looked over and held eye contact with her. He said she was crying. He said he tried to comfort her. The fear in her eyes… it continued to plague him until his death.” Michael dropped his head. “He spoke about her again the day he died. He had always wondered what had happened to her. Well, the next day of that particular incident he had strange cuts on his thigh and abdomen about an inch long.” Michael shook his head.
“But Michael - isn’t it possible he just dreamed the two aliens were in his room and about being on the craft?”
“Honestly, I don’t know what to think,” Michael blurted, appearing frustrated. “He was a very pragmatic, down-to-earth man. These so-called experiences had an effect on his spiritual beliefs.”
Angelica nodded and softened her tone. “Did he describe them to you?”
“Yes, he said their skin was dull, translucent, and a light, pale grey. They had no hair… anywhere on their bodies and their eyes were large and dark. He said there was no soul behind those eyes.”
Angelica swallowed hard and thought for a moment. “Okay, but Michael…”
“Shh!” Michael slowly put his hand up with his palm facing Angelica. “Shh,” he urged again. “Look!” Michael pointed toward the tree line.
Angelica sat silently and looked in the direction Michael was pointing.
“What is it?” she whispered.
“It’s a snowy owl,” Michael whispered. “It’s perched on the branch watching us. Strange to see it in these parts. Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Oh, there it is… Yes, it is!” Angelica agreed excitedly. They both became silent as they slowly passed the owl.
“He’s still staring at us,” Angelica whispered.
“Yes, probably hoping we’ll just keep moving,” Michael responded.
“Have you ever seen a white owl before?” Angelica was fascinated by the creature.
“Never… never a white one. You would never know it by looking at him, but he is a ruthless, meat eating predator. You don’t want to be close to those talons when he is in a bad mood. Owls are nocturnal, so they do most of their hunting at night,” Michael explained.
“Wow, this all sounds very familiar. Do you think these owls are related to our extraterrestrial friends?” Angelica asked sarcastically.
“Very funny, Angelica. I get the feeling you are not taking me very seriously,” Michael said with a hint of disappointment.
Angelica pursed her lips. “I apologize.” Her eyes were sincere and almost whitish-blue in the sunlight.
Michael nodded and grinned. “You are gorgeous.” Surprised by Michael’s comment, Angelica smiled and lowered her chin.
Once they were a good distance from the owl, Angelica raised her voice. “Back to the ETs your father saw.”
Michael stopped his horse and looked back at Angelica. The way she said it, he realized how outlandish and unbelievable it sounded. He suddenly felt silly.
“I know how this sounds,” he said dryly.
“How do you think it sounds?” Angelica peered inquisitively at Michael.
“Now you sound like a shrink rather than a reporter.”
Angelica corrected him softly. “A journalist.”
“I didn’t mean to sound condescending, my apologies.”
Michael nodded. “Anyway, he said, after one visit from them, he said his neck hurt for two days, and he had one of the worst headaches he had ever experienced. He said, “Son, I think they did something to my neck.” Michael took a deep breath clearly wanting to change the subject.
“Wow, that is extraordinary, Michael.” Angelica then looked off in the distance, remembering her dream.
Michael spoke gently. “Angelica, I don’t want my father’s name in your story.”
Angelica looked Michael in the eyes. “You have my word. Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to write this story anyway,” Angelica shook her head. “It all just sounds a bit too far-fetched. And perhaps, a little crazy!” Angelica half-laughed.
Rounding the trail, Zane stepped on a boulder and lost his balance, jerking Angelica forward. She flinched as she felt a rush of panic, just before Zane got his bearing back. “That was a close one!” She wiped off the sweat that had formed above her top lip.
“So what’s your story, Angelica?”
“My story?” Angelica responded slightly taken aback by the question. “Why do you want to know my story?” She smiled and squinted suspiciously, as she met his eyes.
Michael didn’t respond. He just stared back coolly, inquisitively looking at her.
“Well, let’s see. I grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. I interned at The Washington Post while in college and eventually became a journalist there. Then started my own magazine. My story isn’t all that interesting,” Angelica said very matter-of-factly, hoping to shift the conversation back to an investigative interview.
“I mean… Do you have a boyfriend, husband… children?” Michael asked, as he looked forward while leading them along the trail.
Angelica put her head down, looking at her bare ring finger. “I’ve never been married and no children. I’ve had a few boyfriends.” She laughed. “But they never last long. It’s usually them or my career. I stay pretty busy. Anyway, ultimatums never work for me,” she mumbled. “I’m happy, though--grateful, actually. I mean… a women in my profession and in D.C., one of the journalism meccas of the world. I guess a husband and kids will happen eventually.” Angelica thought for a moment before looking up to Michael… “I hope it will… I’m still young.” Angelica looked toward the mountains. “Who knows, maybe it won’t, but I’d be okay with that, too, I think… if it didn’t.” She realized she was beginning to ramble.
Michael looked back at Angelica intently. Angelica took notice. “Why do you keep looking at me that way?” She laughed.
“You are an interesting woman, Angelica.”
Angelica turned her gaze away from Michael. “Why does he make me so nervous?” she wondered. “I hope that’s a compliment.” She smiled but her face appeared worried.
“Oh… it’s a compliment.” Michael was captivated by her. He observed her nervous response. He wasn’t going to let her off the hook easily.
“So what was life like for Angelica Bradley growing up in Asheville, North Carolina? You know, I traveled there once and took some photos of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. You’re familiar with them, I’m sure,” he smiled sheepishly. “They called it the ‘Paris of the South’… I stayed at the Grove, a beautiful resort and spa built in the early 1900s, if I remember correctly. I fell in love with Asheville. Always planned to go back and take some more photos. Do you ever go home to visit?”
“No, not often enough, I suppose. My mother comes to visit me in D.C. We’re very close,” Angelica let out a puff of air as a wave of nostalgia moved over her.
Michael looked back suspiciously. “That’s great, so you’re one of the lucky ones - to have had a good childhood. My mother’s passing made my childhood difficult. I’ve sure missed having her around. I remember looking up at her face as she tucked me into bed at night. I remember how kind her heart was…” Michael’s voice cracked suddenly. He cleared his throat. “My father said she was an amazing woman. Sadly, I have very few memories of her… I was young.” Michael’s eyes
appeared deeply pitted with pain as he glanced away.
“I’m so sorry,” Angelica’s lips went straight and her eyes narrowed.
“Now I’m the one rambling. How did this all of a suddenly turn back to me, and my childhood? Forgive me. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken of her.”
Angelica was silent, hit with a feeling that she honestly couldn’t remember having before. It was more than just empathy. A man had never exposed himself so openly to her. His pain was tangible, raw, she could feel it.
“I am so sorry you had to grow up without your mother. I can see how that affects you. I grew up without a father. My father walked out on us when I was a small child. My mother said they married too young, and he still had a lot of growing up to do… anyway… As our friend Matthew says… ‘Everything happens for a reason and we’re only human’… It’s life. So I guess you could say that we had similar childhoods.”
“We both grew up without a parent,” Michael said softly, his words hovering in the air. Michael was struck by her childlike smile, forming the image of her as a young girl.
“Yes, and we grew up with pain.” Angelica flushed at the unintentional comment. Michael analyzed Angelica’s face.
“What sort of pain, Angelica?” Michael sounded concerned.
Angelica shook her head. “Oh, you know, typical childhood scars… Let’s change the subject.”
Michael continued to probe. “I’m a good listener.” His eyes were kind and his lips were straight.
Angelica took a deep breath. “I haven’t spoken about my childhood to anyone in years. It’s just what it is, you know…”
“Know what?” Michael asked.
“He was an alcoholic… my step-father. Wow! I can’t believe I just told you that! Let’s get back on track with the incident on your ranch.”
Michael could see Angelica was uncomfortable. “I’m glad you did. You know, Angelica, I believe our past molds us into who we are meant to be. Well, anyway, I’m glad you trusted me enough to share that part of your past.”
Angelica thought for a moment. “You mean we are predestined to be who we are? We come in life with a plan?” She squinted at the thought.
The Bovine Connection Page 14
