I was stupefied for a second by him, his piercing eyes capturing my gaze and I fell into a trance while he spoke. ‘How does someone get the color of Caribbean waters inside of their eyes?’ I wondered. They beamed so bright and unbelievably turquoise blue that it was almost impossible to pull my eyes away from his. Forcing myself look down and break eye contact, so I could think straight, didn’t work very well. He wore perfect fitting blue jeans, and black combat boots; paired with a snug white t-shirt and blue plaid dress shirt. It was left unbuttoned, leaving the white tee exposed... and the outline of his chest and abdomen. He looked like a football player, big in the shoulders and slender muscular waist. His six-pack, or maybe eight-pack, was very noticeable in the snug t-shirt. He stood around six-feet, I think, when compared to my five-foot-three. His hair, wavy like mine, had a disheveled look with the cool breeze blowing through it. I stood there, my mouth hanging open and almost drooled on myself.
‘Talk Autumn! Before he thinks you’re an imbecile!’ I thought to myself. “Uh, yes, that was me. I’m Autumn and this golden beauty here is Daisy,” I eventually got out, trying not to sound too flustered.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you both. Are you from Washington, or just passing through?” he asked with a smile, baring perfectly straight and white teeth, of course.
“Um, yeah I’m from a small town north of here, called Cottage Grove. We’re just passing through here though, heading south, how about you?” I responded, finally coming back from Lala land and getting the hang of this conversation thing.
“I’m actually from Arizona, but I’m driving up here to meet some buddies of mine for a fishing trip. Saw the sign for this place on the way through and decided to stop and enjoy the scenery for a bit, and rest my eyes.”
Daisy walked over to him, sniffed, then wagged her tail and nudged his hand so he would pet her. He bent down on the balls of his feet and ruffled her ears. Leave it to Daisy to get all the cute guys. “I guess that means she approves of you,” I laughed at her, shaking my head.
“Yeah, I guess so. I’ve always loved dogs and I think they can sense that in people. Wish I had my own sidekick out here on the road to keep me company, it gets lonely all by yourself," he admitted, making serious eye contact with me.
“So, are you married, Autumn?” he asked, pointing to my engagement ring.
I looked down at it and had forgotten all about it until he said that. I slid it off my finger and put it in the front pocket of my jeans. “Not married, engaged, but not anymore. I forgot the ring was still on my finger.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Excuse me for being blunt, but if he’s the one that did that to your face then he doesn’t deserve you anyways. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt a face so beautiful.”
I blushed instantly. Wow. This amazingly handsome man just called me beautiful. Even with my eye black and blue? “I appreciate that, Leland. But I’m afraid you need your eyes checked,” I joked, laughing to try and change the conversation from serious to light.
“I don’t think I do, Autumn. You must know that you’re gorgeous, right? I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable but I think I needed to tell you that. I’m sorry,” he remarked as he ran his hand down Daisy’s back. She wagged her tail, loving the attention he gave her and I couldn’t blame her for it.
“It’s okay. But no, right at this moment I don’t feel beautiful or gorgeous. The reflection I saw in the mirror a moment ago was shocking and depressing. But thank you for saying so; it makes me feel better that I don’t look the same to everyone else.” Finding I had started to ramble, I shut up really fast. But oddly enough, this stranger had made me feel like I’d known him for years in just a few short minutes.
I smiled at him, petting my Daisy, like a blessing from the heavens sent to compliment and make me feel better. He grinned back, his eyes gleaming in the setting sun’s last rays. The orchard fell in long lines of shadows from the apple trees surrounding us. “Well, I guess we better be getting back, Miss Daisy. Tell Leland goodnight,” I told her as I started back towards the Inn, gently pulling on her leash. She probably would’ve stayed with him if I let her.
“I was thinking about having some dinner on the back patio under the stars. Would you and Miss Daisy like to join me, perhaps?”
I stopped to meet his eyes, almost getting lost in them again. I quickly looked down and grinned. “That sounds lovely, thank you, Leland. If you’ll just give us time to freshen up, we can meet you on the patio in about thirty minutes, if that’s okay?”
“Take all the time you need. I’ll be waiting. And just in case, I’ll be the one with a book in one hand and a beer in the other. My two favorite things in this world, besides fishing that is,” he declared, cracking a million dollar smile for my benefit only. I chuckled at him and tugged on the leash again.
“I think I should be able to find you, but you might want to keep a flare gun handy in case I get lost between my room and the back patio,” I replied sarcastically, sauntering towards the large white house. Calling it a house didn’t seem right though. It was huge and reminded me of an antebellum mansion you would find in the old south. Which I’m guessing makes Bea and Henry feel right at home. Seeing as they are from Georgia and all. The place exuded a down home, feel good, country charm I’ve never experienced before. ‘It’s so serene. Must be nice to spend your life here day after day.’ I thought to myself as we trotted up the back steps going through French doors. We entered into a small sitting area with a large TV and a good size library. The room was decorated in floor to ceiling windows, and two antique looking sofas and chaise lounge, which overlooked the orchard and pond.
I admired the library filled with everything from romance novels to autobiographies on long ago kings. Although tempted to stay and browse, Daisy and I had a hot date and I wasn’t about to let even a wondrous library keep me from it. We quickly went up the wooden staircase to our room to put on our Sunday’s best, or just make me look as presentable as possible.
Chapter 9
Unfortunately, I didn’t pack my bags with a nice dinner or date in mind, of course, so my best choice was a nicer pair of jeans and a royal blue satin top with lace embellishments on the shoulders. I slipped my feet into a pair of ankle high, brown leather boots and went to the bathroom to see if I could cover up this nasty bruise. Thank God for concealer is all I can say.
Deciding I looked as good as possible, under the circumstances, I led Daisy back downstairs to find Leland awaiting us on the quaint patio. We walked through a small indoor café, and stepped out under an archway shining with white twinkling lights. The skies were so clear, you could see every star. It started to feel so surreal, like we were stepping into a fairytale. Leland sat at one of the wrought iron bistro tables, holding “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London in his hands and staring up at the stars. He reminded me of a handsome prince waiting for his princess to arrive. I stood there admiring the view for a second before speaking.
“It’s so nice out here tonight. I’m not used to seeing all of these stars from my hometown,” I said softly, hoping not to startle him. He turned to face me, gazing my way for a long moment. I couldn’t read the look on his face. “Is something wrong? Do I look okay or like a heavyweight boxer that lost the fight?”
He burst out laughing and stood up to pull my chair out for me. “No, Autumn, of course not. Actually, I’m a little dazzled by how much more beautiful you got within thirty minutes. That color looks great on you by the way,” he noted as I sat down and scooted up to the table. He then sat in his own chair across from me. Daisy collapsed by our feet with an audible “humph”, like she was already bored. Or maybe she was finally worn out from her shenanigans in the orchard.
“Oh, this old thing? It’s just something I had lying around for when the first handsome guy comes along to ask me on a date,” I giggled while I fussed with my clothes nervously. It seemed so long since I enjoyed dinner with another man besides Luke. Especially one so gorgeous and c
omplimenting me often. Flustered and trying to find something to do with my hands, I prayed I would relax and get through this dinner without embarrassing myself. Luckily, Mrs. Bea saved the day, and the awkwardness of the situation, by gracing us with her presence.
“What can I get you fine young folks to drink this evening?” she grinned at me like she was more excited for my dinner date with Leland than I was. I couldn’t help but beam at her with my own smile, she was infectious.
“I’ll have a glass of white wine, please,” I told her while she handed us menus to look at.
“And I’ll have another beer. Thank you, Mrs. Bea,” he said, cracking his million dollar smile at her. But she had been around long enough to not be distracted by handsome men. She did give him a small one in return though, then turned on one foot and went to retrieve our drinks.
“So Autumn, tell me your story. I can see that you’ve been through a tough time recently and I know you probably want someone to talk to. Plus, I would really like to get to know you better. I don’t want to pry or anything, just curious as to what led you here,” he said as he browsed the menu in front of him. He started grinding his teeth. His chiseled jaw bone rolled back and forth. Nerves, maybe? With high cheekbones, and a strong brow bone, he looked part Native American, especially with that golden brown tan.
“Gosh, I don’t even know where to start,” I replied nervously. I wasn’t sure I wanted to share everything with this strange man I’d met less than an hour ago.
“Okay, how about what you do for a living?” he looked up from the menu and gave me his amazing blue-green eyes.
“Well, I’m a registered nurse for the hospital in Cottage Grove. I’ve worked there for about six months now. The job is alright, I guess; just don’t enjoy seeing sick people all the time. It can get a little depressing. But it is decent pay and I like to think that I’m making a small difference in helping others. How about you, Leland? What is it that you do in Arizona?” I opened up to him quickly, like it was nothing but two old friends chatting. ‘How is he making me feel so comfortable around him so fast?’ I thought, waiting for him to answer.
“I run a construction business with my dad back home in Green Lakes. We’re always building new housing developments so it stays pretty busy. But I haven’t had a vacation for a long time so I decided to come north to camp and fish with some buddies of mine. A few of them live in Oregon and rave about the fishing up here in Washington, so I figured that was the excuse I needed to get away. Sometimes you just need a break, right?” he told me as I blinked my way back to reality. Just listening to him talk is mesmerizing. His voice was so smooth, like melting butter on your tongue. And his lips looked so full and kissable.
“Yes, I understand that completely. But I need a break from more than just work,” I mumbled as Mrs. Bea finally came out with our drinks, and a bowl of water for Daisy, on a little serving tray.
“Here we are, kids. Now have you decided what you want to eat yet? The salmon and pork chops are delicious, if I do say so myself,” she suggested, looking back and forth between us. Her eyes gleamed with delight, as if she got enjoyment out of serving us. They probably didn’t get a whole lot of visitors out here, being tucked in off of a main highway away from the well-known hotels. Those people have no idea what they are missing.
“I’ll have the salmon with a salad, please. Thank you very much,” I told her as I handed the menu back to her.
“Then I guess I’ll take the pork chops and potatoes,” Leland said and took a large gulp of his beer.
“Good choices, and we will whip up something special for our friend Miss Daisy. Sit tight and we will have that right out in just a bit,” Mrs. Bea replied and disappeared through the doorway under that lighted archway.
“She is such a sweet lady. I guess it’s a southeast thing. It’s just bred into people down there,” I mentioned to Leland with a laugh, trying to make small talk. But he stared out into the night, focused in on something behind me. I turned to try and see what he was so interested in. Daisy stood and faced the same direction we were looking, a low growl starting to trickle from her muzzle.
“What is it? I don’t see anything out there,” I said looking back at Leland, hoping he could enlighten me.
“It looks like someone is walking towards us through the apple orchard. I can only see the outline of them in the darkness,” he answered still zoomed in on whatever, or whoever, was out there. I turned again and strained my eyes until I saw what he was seeing. The person was close enough now that I could tell they were limping and their left arm was hanging at an odd angle, like it was broken. A woman about my height, and she was covered in dirt and blood. Her torn clothing hung off of her in streamers. She had dark hair matted to her head and I could see a large wound on her face. I jumped up and ran down the stairs from the patio to the lawn below. My nursing senses kicked in; Leland and Daisy followed suit.
“Oh my God, are you okay Miss? What happened to you?” I asked her as she slowly approached us, still limping and dragging her left foot slightly. The closer she got, the better I could see her in the lights from the patio. A chunk the size of a golf ball was missing and I could see teeth marks around the wound. Her eyes looked cloudy and unfocused. I walked to her, still not fully understanding that something was seriously wrong with this lady, beyond her physical injuries. Daisy knew though, she growled and barked in the background, keeping her distance from the rest of us. The woman hadn’t muttered a word, just grunted a few times like she was in pain.
“Here sit down on the steps and let me take a look at you, I’m a nurse and maybe I can help until we can get an ambulance here.” I motioned to the steps with my arm, turning sideways to her. She decided at that moment to lunge at my outstretched arm, her teeth snapping at me like a dog with a bone he doesn’t want to give up. The surprise of it made me scream, but luckily I’ve learned to have fast reflexes in my line of work and pulled away in the nick of time. Leland jumped in and shoved her to the ground as we turned and started back up the stairs quickly. Daisy stayed right on my heels.
“What the hell was that about? Why would she try to bite me?” I squealed, freaked out and shaking now. We heard movement coming from the doorway and turned to see Mrs. Bea with who I’m assuming is her husband, Henry, stepping onto the patio. Henry held a large shotgun in his hands, like he knew how to use it. He stood about Leland’s height which was around six-feet. Almost completely bald, he had a dusting of snow white hair around the sides of his head. His dark brown eyes, behind his silver rimmed glasses, revealed a look of weariness and wisdom.
“We heard the scream and came running, are you kids okay?” Henry questioned us, looking around to see if anything looked out of place. He spotted the lady down on the lawn, who climbed back to her feet and shambled towards us again. But she couldn’t figure out how to get up the steps. Leland explained what happened, since I was shook up.
“You’re trespassing on private property Miss; only our patrons are allowed on the premises. I’ll have to ask you to leave or I will be forced to call the police,” Henry demanded in a gravelly voice. The woman still tried to get up the stairs, now making a groaning sound out of frustration, I would assume. Was she on drugs or what?
Henry started down the stairs to make his point more clear. He got within reaching distance, holding the gun tucked up under one arm, and touched her shoulder to push her away from the stairs. She growled angrily and dove for him, knocking him backwards onto the steps. He hollered out as he fell on his back with her riding his body down, dropping the gun in the process. Leland ran to help pull the crazy woman off of Henry, but before he could get to them, she sank her teeth into Henry’s right hand. He screamed in pain.
“Henry!” Bea shouted out. But I held her back so she couldn’t get hurt trying to get to him.
He fought the crazy woman the best he could with one hand, pushing at her head to get her to release his hand. She wouldn’t let go; teeth set in his hand like a vice grip. Lelan
d grabbed the gun off the steps and hit her hard on the head with the butt of it. That did the job and she released Henry’s hand then crumbled down the stairs onto the lawn. She lay there in the grass motionless and her neck at an odd angle.
“Oh Henry, are you alright dear?” Bea was crying from the stress of everything. I let go of her so she could meet him as he and Leland came up the steps. She wrapped an arm around her husband and helped him cradle his wounded hand. I walked him over to our table to wrap the bite up in a white cotton napkin my silverware lay on, telling Bea to hold pressure on it.
I heard a grunt and glanced on the lawn to see the insane woman rustling around trying to get back up, again. She got to her feet, her head crooked in an unnatural way. It looked like a bone was protruding from her neck now. Leland must have really put all of his strength into that gun when he hit her on the head. There was no way someone could stand up and be moving around like that. She had sustained so many injuries. A broken arm, a broken neck, a broken ankle or leg, I wasn’t sure which. Plus, a huge piece of her face was missing like someone had tried to eat it, like she was trying to do to us.
I’ve read horror stories and watched plenty of movies about things like this, but never thought in a million years that it could actually exist. Was this thing a victim of the undead? Zombies? The Walking Dead? Whatever you want to call it, I couldn’t believe it. But there was no other explanation. It’s like time slowed down to a crawling pace as we all stood there staring at the “thing” in horror. None of us believing what we were seeing.
“Shoot her, Leland. She’s not human. Nothing human could keep moving around after the injuries she has. You have to shoot her,” I told him in a bare whisper, hoping he understood the urgency of the situation.
“I can’t just kill her, Autumn. Maybe she’s on drugs or something. We need to call the police and have them sort this out,” he said, looking me in the eyes.
Autumn's Calling (Book 1): The Outbreak Page 3
