White Dragon

by Regina A Hanel

  "She's a trouper, that one," Corrine said.

  Halie walked with April and Corrine to what was once a secondary storage area.

  Sam had already laid out the chalk lines and set in the first grouping of tiles at the cross section of the "T" and was working her way toward the back wall. She laid mortar for a four-tile section at a time.

  "Hey busy bee, what's cooking?" April asked.

  Sam spun around and smiled. "Hey you two! This is a pleasant surprise." She wiped the mortar off the trowel against the inside top of the bucket and placed the tool on the floor, on its side. She stood up slowly, stretched her legs and back. She hugged her friends, careful not to get any of the mortar left on her gloves on their clothes. "I'm glad you're both here. I was looking for a reason to take a break."

  "The floor looks great so far. I love the tile you guys picked out," April said.

  Sam grinned. "Halie gets the credit for that. I, on the other hand, get the pleasure of putting them in."

  "That's right," Halie said, "and loving every minute of it."

  "Halie's been pestering me to get this floor in. She's already got an interview lined up for a woman to run the frame shop part time. I think she set it up on purpose to rush me."

  "I would do no such thing," Halie said. "I had to nab the opportunity when I could though. This woman sounds like she'd be a perfect fit. She used to work in a frame shop before the owner retired, plus, she paints, which means she's got an appreciation for the arts."

  "She does sound perfect," Corrine agreed.

  "I honestly didn't want to hire anyone at this point. I know Susan could handle the framing--she's had some experience in that area too, and she could use the money, but her kids are giving her a hard enough time with the hours she's working now."

  "Good luck with that. Finding a balance that works for everyone can't be easy, that's for sure. We don't want to hold you up Sam. We're looking for a new picture to hang in our living room. You doing okay, otherwise?"

  "Yeah, we're doing okay," Sam said. "Keeping busy."

  "I can see that," April said. "You need any help?"

  "Judging from Corrine's demeanor after that question, I'd have to say, no, I'm fine. I'm kidding of course. I don't need the help, but thanks for asking. So what's the matter with the picture you've got in the living room? Is Corrine tired of staring into the black eyes of that big old bison?"

  Corrine answered for April. "You could say that. But mainly it's because it scares the cats."

  "Cats, plural?" Sam asked.

  "Yeah, plural," April began. "Well, a cat and a kitten. Corrine swerved out of the way of a stray kitten on our street last week. That move got her a flat tire and a busted rim. She ran the car off the road and onto a neighbor's junk pile. He threw metal drawers out there and all kinds of other stuff from his garage."

  "Oh my," Halie said, half in jest and half in a serious tone. "I guess you were okay though, right?"

  April chuckled and before Corrine could answer she said, "Oh yeah, she was fine. I wasn't too happy, but she was okay. Now we have another member added to the family, a playmate for Lula-bell. Actually, Lula-bell isn't much appreciating the active little youngster."

  "That's so cute," Halie said. She drew out the word cute. "What did you guys name her?"

  "Little Miss Trouble," April said. "No, I'm kidding. I named her Jinx."

  "Very cute," Halie said.

  "Yeah, and appropriate," April replied. "Corrine objected at first, but the name stuck. It fits her to a T. She's always getting into trouble and knocking stuff over. Have you had any more trouble at the house?"

  "No, thank God," Halie said, "although my tire got slashed behind the store about a week after the gallery opening."

  "Are you kidding?" April said.

  "I wish I were. I feel like we're on borrowed time waiting for something else to happen."

  "I can understand that," Corrine said. "I'd feel the same way. Let's hope that whoever has or had a problem with you guys has gotten over it. It's got to be difficult dealing with this. I don't know what we'd have done if it happened to us."

  "The problem is, there's not much you can do unless you know who you're dealing with," Sam said. "Well, anyway, let's hope this is over. On another note, I know we still have a way to go yet, but would you guys like to come over for Thanksgiving dinner this year?"

  "That sounds great," April said. "We never get together with Corrine's parents since they disapprove of our relationship, and my parents are flying out to visit my brother in Washington, DC this year, so I'm thinking we're all yours," she said.

  "And happy to be it," Corrine added.

  "Great. Jake will love the company," Sam said.

  "Well, we better let you get back to work Sam, and we need to take a look around and see if we can find a picture we like," Corrine said.

  While April and Corrine scanned the gallery, the mailman came in with a bundle of mail and handed it to Halie. Halie fingered through the stack quickly, pulling out an envelope from a Colin Mitchell, Bridgewater, New Jersey.

  SAM LAY ON her back in bed with Halie, Halie's head resting on her shoulder. She stroked Halie's hair and said, "I miss Mom and Matt and the kids."

  "I miss them too. I wish we lived closer. Maybe one day we will."

  "Maybe. Next up will be a visit to your parents."

  "If we can ever catch them at home," Halie said in a joking tone.

  "If they know your coming, I'm sure they'll be home. I can't believe that semi-pro jet skier we met by Mom's was serious and actually sent you the money for that photograph."

  "I know. I'd almost forgotten about him. He must have really liked it. Either that, or money is no object to him. Whoever heard of a thousand dollars for an unframed photo? That's crazy. There might be a niche here that needs filling. Maybe I can expand my business by offering action photographs similar to that one, but instead on taking pictures on the water, maybe I can take them for extreme snow skiing. You know, like the amusement parks do on their rides, when they set up those stationary cameras."

  "But you just started taking lessons with April last year. Do you think you'd be good enough?"

  "April said I have a feel for the sport, that I'm a born natural."

  "Yeah, I remember you saying that, but extreme backcountry skiing is much different than skiing the slopes," Sam said with concern, adding "and even that can be dangerous. And then mixing in taking photographs while skiing--"

  "It's only an idea. Maybe I can start out on the slopes and if I like it and it works out, I can move to backcountry. It's all talk at this point. I'm not sure I'd do it anyway, or even have the time to do it. Susan would probably kill me if I did."

  "That would be a guarantee, and if she didn't I might be in line right behind her. I hardly see you as is, so seeing you less wouldn't thrill me. Speaking of which, I forgot to mention something to you about work. The chief put me in for a law enforcement refresher training course. It's at the end of next month."

  "Where? Around here?"

  "No. They're holding it the agency's training center in Georgia."

  "Do you have to go?"

  "Yeah, it's mandatory. It's only for three days. I'll leave Sunday afternoon on the thirtieth and I'd be back home on Wednesday the second around five or six o'clock in the evening."

  "That's not too bad, but you'll miss Halloween."

  "I know. I don't have a choice though. The government doesn't view Halloween as a holiday, so I have to go. You'll have Jake though. You can dress him up to answer the door with you when you give out goodies."

  "I was planning on dressing him up this year," Halie said. "I just haven't decided on a costume for him yet."

  Jake let out what sounded like a disapproving grunt.

  "Make sure you take a picture of him for me, if you ever do manage to get him into an outfit. I've never subjected him to that, so I can't tell you how he's going to react."

  "He loves me. He'll do it. And don't worry, I'l
l take plenty of pictures. What I'm not sure about yet is if I'll be giving out candy though, not without you home."

  "It might be a good idea if you didn't, though based on last year's trick-or-treaters, or the lack thereof, it won't be many anyhow. Maybe you could ask Ronni to stay with you while I'm gone. Having someone else around might make you feel better."

  "It's a possibility, but you're the one I want around."

  THE JACKSON HOLE Fall Art's Festival was a huge success, much greater than Halie had expected. She worked the festival most days while Susan manned the gallery. Halie set up easels on the lawn with many of the wildlife and landscape photos she'd taken in the area, along with the work of others from her gallery. So many people milled about, that Halie's biggest concern wasn't whether she'd sell anything, it was whether she could keep kids and other equally less attentive people from bumping into her work. Ten days filled with paintings, poetry, drawings, music, food, and fun. She'd sold over a dozen photographs, half of which she'd gotten orders to have framed, and sent numerous people to the gallery as well to check out the additional available artwork. And in the evenings, she'd swing by the gallery and go over the day's events with Susan, review orders, and respond to missed phone calls.

  The weather on the last day of the festival was picture perfect. The sun shone between a few puffy clouds and filtered its way through the tree branches and leaves to the festival's attendees below. A light jacket or sweater was all that was needed to stay comfortable. Halie spotted a petite young woman standing at around five-foot-two with long brown hair, whom she guessed was in her early twenties, wearing a stylish, light purple v-neck sweater over a white cotton blouse, and tan cargo pants. She stood before one of her photos of a herd of wild mustangs racing through an open field. After several minutes, Halie made her way over.

  "Hi, can I help you?" Halie asked in a warm, relaxed manner.

  The woman spun around and met Halie's eyes. "I'm drawn to this photograph, though I don't know why. Do you know who the photographer is?"

  Halie smiled. "That would be me, Halie Walker." She extended her hand. "I'm the owner of Nature's Vision Photo Gallery in town.

  The woman shook Halie's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name's Cali Brooks. I read about the opening and I've wanted to get over there, but haven't found the time. Your work is amazing. You capture not only the moment, but your photos also display energy and emotion."

  "Thank you. That's kind of you to say."

  "It's true. I know. I've studied art. It's what I try to teach my kids to capture in their paintings. Some of them are really good, too. It's a shame the school will probably cut the art program next year."

  "You're an art teacher?"

  "Yeah, part time at the Wilshire Elementary School, among other things. I know schools have funding issues, but I don't think doing away with band and arts programs is the way to go. If you don't open the kids up to the opportunities when they're young, chances are the interest will be lost. I've tried to get the school to hold fund raisers, but they don't think they'll raise enough money."

  Halie remained quiet for a moment as numerous thoughts congealed in her mind. "I've always wanted to get more people interested in art, especially kids. I've actually been thinking about holding monthly contests where the prize could be displaying the winning child's artwork in my gallery. I didn't know who to approach about it, or if my idea was even viable." Halie watched as Cali's eyes widened. "I thought that if the photograph, drawing, or painting sold, it would be a huge confidence builder in the child, and the family would keep half the money generated, and the other half would go to charity."

  "But what about your cost?"

  "I'd only use a small area in the store and I'd be happy to do it. You think it's a good idea?"

  "Are you kidding? I think it's a great idea. In fact, I'd be more than appreciative if you'd consider our school as your test school to try out your idea. I'd have to pass it by the principle first, of course, but we might be able to save the art program for even one more year while we give it a go."

  Halie's excitement was evident and she wasn't shy to express it. "Great! I love it! Take my card and when you find out whether or not they'll agree, give me a call. I feel good about this. Things happen for a reason, and I think we were supposed to meet today."

  "I agree. I'll call either way, I promise. As for the photograph, I'd love to take it home, but I'm kind of in transition with my living arrangements. I'd hate to see someone buy it though, because I love everything about it, including the frame."

  "I'll tell you what," Halie said. "Why don't you give me twenty dollars and I'll put a hold on it for you for as long as you need. I'd like someone to own the photo who I know will appreciate it as much as you do."

  "Sounds more than generous. I can't tell you how great it's been meeting you today."

  "The feeling's mutual."

  Two weeks later, Cali Brooks called Halie as promised with the good news that the school accepted the offer, and she let her know the kids were busy working on their first month's creations, excited beyond words. The women mutually agreed Cali would bring the first grouping of artwork by the gallery the first week in November, and from there, Halie would select the winning work of art to hang in the gallery's front window for sale.

  HALLOWEEN SNUCK UP on them faster than desired. Sam was gone for less than a day and Halie missed her already. The afternoon before, she'd hugged Sam goodbye and wished her a safe trip. She knew she'd only be gone three days for the law enforcement refresher course in Georgia, but the thought of being alone in the house over Halloween frightened her.

  Several nights before, Halie's slumber proved restless and she dreamed strange dreams. In one of her dreams she was surrounded by people, heard the roaring noise of a train, then saw a flash of white, and the next vision was that of her standing alone. The people around her had disappeared. No incidents had occurred since the tire slashing in the parking lot, but that fact didn't make her feel any more secure, especially since the sheriff's office remained in the dark about who committed these crimes against them.

  Halie occupied a good portion of the afternoon on the phone talking to her family and friends. Jake lay by her side. After her second call to Ronni, Ronni offered--rather, insisted--to stay with her overnight. Relieved, Halie redirected her nervous attention to cooking a meal for them both.

  Jake greeted Ronni when she walked through the door. "I'm ready for you this time," Ronni said. She scratched his back and handed him a bully stick that he immediately took into the living room.

  "I'm so glad to see you," Halie said. "Let's sit in the living room and catch up. I made us a few snacks before dinner."

  "Sounds good. Where should I leave my bag?" Ronni said.

  "You can take it upstairs to the first bedroom on the right. I put fresh sheets on the bed after I got off the phone with you. I laid out some towels too. Your bathroom's right across the hall."

  "You didn't need to go through all that trouble. I could have slept on the sofa."

  "There's no need for that. We've got plenty of room," Halie said. "You want a beer, or something else to drink?"

  "Beer sounds good."

  When Ronni returned, Jake had already eaten half his treat and was vigorously devouring the remainder. Ronni sat near him and petted his side. She let out a sigh.

  "So what's been going on with you?" Halie asked. "You've been so busy, I've hardly seen you."

  "I know. I'm trying to take in a little overtime while it's available. That, and settling in to my place, plus fixing up this Wrangler I bought, hopefully before the winter weather kicks in, eats up most of my free time." Ronni took a long drag on her beer. She scooped up a handful of chips and settled into the soft, brown leather sofa. "I asked Dad to UPS over some of my clothes and a few miscellaneous items, which he did, so at least I have a lot of what I need now. Oh, and he said to say "˜hello' to you too."

  "That was sweet of him. Tell him I said "˜hi' back when
you talk to him. How's his health?"

  "He's great. He eats well and exercises. He's always got a classic car he's restoring, so that keeps him happy."

  "How's your mom doing?" After Halie asked the question, she could see Ronni's expression change ever so slightly, and her body tense. Had she not known her as well as she did, she wouldn't have noticed, but she sensed asking about her mom opened up a sore spot. She noticed it during their last dinner, too.

  "She's surviving. She's got her better days and her worse ones."

  Halie waited for Ronni to elaborate, but when she didn't, she let it go and decided to change the topic, rather than make her friend uncomfortable. Halie grabbed a few grapes and a chunk of cheese from the snack tray she'd placed on the table in front of them. "How's your job working out?"

  "So far, I love it. Sam was right. My boss is such a nice guy. I think he knows I'm gay, but he doesn't bother me about it at all. I'm rooming with a really good-looking female park ranger. She's about my height but thirty pounds lighter, got long black hair, almost black eyes, and long, killer lashes. She doesn't wear make-up though. Heck, she doesn't need it. She's a part-timer in the summer, but they put her on full time. She's got some crazy hours, that one."

  "Does she play for our team?" Halie asked, egging Ronni on.

  Ronni's expression shone of complete innocence, as if she hadn't even given it a thought. "I'm not sure. I don't think so though. She's asked me if I have a boyfriend and naturally I said no, but we don't talk that much. Our schedules have been pretty opposite so far."

  "Haven't noticed, huh? I find that hard to believe."

  "To tell you the truth, my mind's been on someone else," Ronni said.

  "Oh yeah? Do tell. Who is she?"

  "Someone I ran into that night I ate dinner with you guys last month, on my way to the motel. Her car stalled and I fixed it for her. She has these deep brown eyes, like yours, that drew me in and wouldn't let me go."

  Halie blushed. "Thanks for that. Was there a mutual connection?"