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Chapter Four

Blasts of angry horns brought Sharon back to reality. She was embarrassed to see the cars ahead of her had moved on and she was holding up traffic while daydreaming. In her little green Corsica she had driven over five hundred miles and now the dusk was covering the earth like a soft blanket over a sleeping baby.

Sharon hadn’t noticed that the pewter clouds had become black. Suddenly they erupted in a downpour accompanied by crashing thunder and blinding lightning. Heavy rain, coupled with forceful wind made it impossible to drive at the allowed speed. The wind increased causing the rain to hit the windshield like pebbles. She drove slowly and carefully, leaning forward to gain better vision.

She was concerned because other cars were driving by her too fast on the slick road.

She felt her scalp prickling and cold fingers crawled across the back of her neck. This feeling had come over her previously, and although she wasn’t psychic, she seemed to sense danger.

Telling herself it was just the weather and tension, she was unprepared when she was struck from the rear. Her car fishtailed, then swerved and headed for the steep bank beside the expressway where a deep river leaped and roared below.

Working automatically she quickly took her foot off the accelerator and turned the car in the direction of the skid. Finally able to straighten the car, she drove on the shoulder until she could get back on the highway. Thank God dad taught me to drive under these conditions and not lose my head in an emergency.

“Some idiot driving too fast rear-ended me,” she fumed aloud. “Why didn’t the driver stop to see if there was any damage or injury?” Scrutinizing the side mirrors and rear-view mirror, she was not able to see the car that might have hit her. All other traffic was moving on and none looked suspicious.

“Okay, Steamboat,” she patted the steering wheel, “it’s time to find a motel. I wish I could drive all the way through, but it’s safer to stop during this storm. After all, there’s lots of miles to cover yet. Boy! If Agnes could hear me talking to you, she’d really doubt my sanity and be happy to shout it to the world.” She chuckled. Talking her thoughts aloud had always helped her to think more clearly.

After about half an hour, several neon signs flickered ‘no vacancy’ before she saw one in the distance that looked promising. Leaving I-10 she exited into Midway, Florida.

Ahead, and to the right, was a Rest Best Motel and Restaurant. Sharon pulled under the canopy in front of the motel office.

She eased out of the car still too stiff to move quickly. Her ribs were still tender and she felt the strain of the drive. At least the rain has let up, she thought thankfully.

Sharon heard the blaring television before she opened the motel office door. Inside, the noise was almost unbearable. Clearing her throat didn’t get the man’s attention that she could see in the open room next to the office. He was sitting forward, on the edge of his chair, intently watching “True Stories Of The Highway Patrol.”

“Excuse me,” she spoke loudly. No response. “Sir, I need a room,” she stated a little louder, tempted to pound on the desk. She was exhausted.

A short, obese woman came shuffling out of a back room chewing on a thick ham sandwich. Her backless house slippers slapped the floor as she moved.

“That ole fool can’t hear you. He has hearing aids and won’t wear them. He just drives the rest of us crazy. Herman,” she screamed. “Consarn it. Turn that fool thing down.”

The man waved his hand over his head without turning around and leaned forward. Sharon was astonished to hear him cheering for the criminals.

“Whatcha want, honey? A room for the night?” The woman grinned at Sharon.

“Yes, please.”

“Wherjha come from?” The woman handed a registration card across the desk to Sharon.

“I --I’ve been in Texas.” Sharon felt uncomfortable giving information about herself to strangers, especially when traveling alone.

“Oh, you’re from Zephyrhills. 1818 North 18^th St.,” she read Sharon’s new address on the card. Sharon just smiled and reached for the key. “I’ll pay you now because I don’t know how early I’ll leave.”

Stupid, Sharon, you’re stupid. Why didn’t I give my parents’ address in Fort Lauderdale? Oh, well. It’s too late now. At least I took my maiden name back. She reached for the door to go out.

“It’s room five and you can git ice from the machine there in the hall outside this office,” the woman called belatedly.

Sharon smiled and thanked her as she went out the door. She got in her car and drove about sixty feet to the left, then turned to back against the curb. Getting out of the car she was thinking how tired she felt and how thankful she would be to get to Zephyrhills the next day. She walked to the back intending to get an overnight bag out of the trunk. One foot raised to step on the curb, she grunted in pain as she felt the sidewalk slam against the right side of her head and her right knee plowed into the side of the curb.

“Oh, great! Are you hurt? I crashed into you. Can you move? I’m sure sorry.” A deep, contrite voice spoke somewhere above her head.

“Ooo. I’m going to have a doozy of a headache. Ouch! My knee. What happened? I was minding my own business and innocently going to my room, then this --. What else is going to happen to me?”

“Come on, idiot!”

Sharon was startled when another man’s voice barked angrily nearby. Through blurred vision she could only see dark shapes. The light from the open door behind the man kept her from seeing clearly.

“Let me help you up.” A hand reached down to her. What an odd ring. A coiled snake with ruby eyes and it looks to be solid gold.

“Thank you.” She put her hand in his and struggled to her feet. Hearing the second man cursing loudly, the man, who had helped her to her feet, dropped her hand and ran across the parking area. She saw him open the door of the car and jump in as it took off.

Turning north, the car sped into the darkness.

Sharon limped gingerly to the trunk and got an overnight bag, then hobbled to the door of room five. Unlocking the door, and stepping inside, she drew a relieved breath and turned on the lights.

What else is going to happen? All I need now is for a building to fall on me. Shut your mouth, Sharon. With your luck that’s the next thing that will occur. What’s that old saying? Oh, yes, ‘if I didn’t have bad luck I wouldn’t have any luck at all’. No. I won’t allow myself to sink into despair. I did ask God to help me and I believe that He’ll help me every way that I need. She took a deep, shuddering breath and gave herself a mental shake.

Limping and feeling slightly nauseated, Sharon went to get a bucket of ice and two Diet Cokes then hobbled painfully back to the room. She put ice in a glass and poured one can of coke over the ice, drinking it with two aspirin.

After a warm, relaxing shower, she dressed in lime green silk pajamas. She brushed her teeth and slipped into bed. The remote control was handy for her to turn on the television, select a movie, set the sleep timer and settle down. She ate some of the snacks her friends had given her and slowly began to feel more comfortable.

Sharon appreciated the soft bed that helped her to relax. Before slipping down against the pillows, she glanced in the horizontal mirror over the long dresser. Seeing her red, swollen cheek, she chuckled aloud. “Beautiful. No wonder the man ran from you, Sharon ole gal.”

Giggling to herself, in spite of her aches and pains, she snuggled down to enjoy the movie. In a short time she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep letting the sleep timer turn the television off.

Sharon groaned and slowly opened her eyes to an irritating noise. Her head hurt and she ached all over. There was that noise again. Wha -- is someone knocking at my door?

“What is it?” she snapped.

“Police. Open up. We need to talk to you.”

She groaned again and dragged her aching body out of bed. Slipping on a peignoir matching her pajamas, and fighting to wake up, she hobbled to the door. Jerking the door open only as far as the chain would allow, she asked irritably, “What do you want? I was sound asleep.”

“Good morning.” A man smiled and touched two fingers to the brim of a western hat. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need some information. It’s vitally important that we talk.” He showed a badge and a card identifying him as Lt. Larry Dauber, Police Detective as he introduced himself. “May I come in or would you rather come out here?”

Sharon hesitated. “I’ll dress as quickly as I can and I’ll be out.” Shutting the door firmly, she turned and limped to the luggage to get clean clothing. After a quick shower, she dressed in a peach-colored shorts and shirt set, then slipped her feet into cream-colored leather moccasins.

The bright sun made her squint as she stepped on the hot sidewalk. “Excuse me a moment. I’m going back for my sunglasses.” She went back into the room for her glasses and came out to stand quietly in front of Lieutenant Dauber. Uniformed police stood around with a short, thin man whom she recognized as the man in the office. His wife was beside him with a few curious bystanders.

I don’t know what I really expected, but not this. She looked up with surprise when Lt. Dauber took a step closer. He stood at least six three. His dark brown hair came to the top of his collar and gray eyes seemed to look right through her. She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing aloud when she looked at his neatly trimmed mustache and thought of Zorro.

“Miss Donnelly, I’m sorry to awaken you in this manner, but we do have a major concern.” She crossed her arms over her chest and just looked straight at him. She could not think of any way she would be involved in a major concern of his. “Do you know, or have you heard of, a man by the name of Arnold Millhouse?”

“No. The name is not familiar. If I ever met him, I don’t remember him, but I don’t think I’ve ever met him.”

“Did you see anyone around room four, the room to the left of your room, when you came in last night?”

She frowned. “I didn’t exactly see anyone, but I know someone was near there.”

“Who was it?” snapped the man from the office aggressively.

“Mr. Morrison. Please allow me to ask the questions.” Lt. Dauber glared at him and spoke firmly.

“Can you describe who you saw?”

“Not really.” she answered truthfully.

“Maybe she’s in on it,” snarled Morrison.

“Mr. Morrison,” Lt. Dauber spoke with disgust in his voice, “remain silent or go back to the office with a policeman and wait for me there.”

“Herman,” his wife said softly and reached for his arm. He mumbled and jerked away from her but did stay quiet. His beady, black eyes stayed on Sharon.

“Can you tell me what, or whom, you did see?” Lt. Dauber questioned Sharon.

Sharon explained what happened when the man bumped into her and how he left. “I can’t prove the men had been in room four, only that the door was open and the light was on. Oh, now I remember. Several minutes later when I went for ice, the door was shut and it was dark, but I thought nothing about it.”

“I’m sorry you’ve been hurt, Miss Donnelly. To tell the truth, I was a little suspicious when I saw the bruises on your face and that you are limping.”

“Why in the world would my injuries make you suspicious of me?” Sharon asked disturbed. “It is only common courtesy that you tell me what these questions are about.”

“You’re right, of course. I needed to determine if you were involved or knew something about the murder.”

“Involved in what?! And why would I know anything about a local murder when I’m just passing through?”

“The man in room four, Arnold Millhouse, was found dead this morning when the maid went in to clean. It is unfortunate, but it looks as if you checked in about the time it happened. It’s just standard procedure to ask anyone around for information.”

“So you think the men that I saw could be involved?”

“I have no way of knowing. I need to talk to anyone who might give us even a tiny scrap of information. I can’t be sure those men knew anything until I can question them. Can you identify the car they were in?”

“I didn’t see the car enough to identify it. It was just a dark shade parked over there in the shadows. The light from here doesn’t reach over there.”

“Did you observe anything about either man? Did either one have a noticeable accent or speech pattern? Was there an odor of any kind such as shaving lotion or something they wore? Can you think of anything more to tell me?”

“Nothing. I’m sorry. The man that ran into me was polite, had a deep voice and was very tall. The other man was angry at him for stopping to help me.”

“Thank you, Miss Donnelly. Please give this officer your name, address and phone number where we can contact you. Here’s my card. Remember, no matter how insignificant something might appear to you, it may be just the break we need. Feel free to contact me at any time.”

Feeling prickles at the back of her neck, Sharon turned around to see Herman Morrison glaring at her, but his wife was smiling.

Sharon went back into the room and prepared to leave. She puzzled over Herman Morrison and his obvious dislike of her. Why? He doesn’t even know me. Why do I feel so uncomfortable to be around these people? So many troubling thoughts raced through Sharon’s mind.

She put her bag in the trunk of her car and then walked over to the restaurant. After breakfast she got into her car, clicked the seat belt in place, and pulled out to get back up on I-10. She turned toward the southeast thinking she would more than likely reach I-75 in a little less than an hour.

A little more than half an hour later the heavy rain started. First beatings from Jeremy, then the stupid fall, knock-down, whatever, last night. I sure don’t need an auto accident to finish me off. She drove carefully on her way, her heart becoming lighter as she came closer to her new home.

Sharon turned the radio on hoping to get a weather report, but static forced her to turn it off. About an hour and a half after she had left the motel, Sharon turned south on I-75. The miles had taken longer than she expected because the pounding rain had forced her to drive slowly, and even stop once until she could see more clearly.

She pulled into a service station for gas and a rest stop. The Snack Mart had cold soft drinks and snacks. She thought a sweet cake and the caffeine in the coke would give her some much needed quick energy. At this rate I’ll probably reach my new home by about ten tonight. It’s too bad I was held up until eleven before I could leave the motel this morning. I sure thought I’d make better time than this. It’s okay though just as long as I arrive safely.

I sure am glad Lynn sent me directions along with a house key and garage door opener. I can hardly wait to get there. How wonderful it will be to live near Lynn and be stress free.

The rain became a light mist and then stopped, but the sky still looked threatening As Sharon drove through the Ocala area, she decided to stop and rest. Pulling in front of a restaurant she sat quietly with closed eyes and rolled her head gently on her shoulders. Getting out of the car the muggy heat seemed to hit her like a slap in the face. Walking slowly to keep from limping, she went into the restaurant.

The air conditioning was welcome after the slow walk across the hot pavement. She found a table near a window. A middle-aged woman came to take Sharon’s order.

“Your dinners look delicious, but I can’t decide whether I want a full meal or just a sandwich. Can you give me a minute?”

“Sure, love,” the waitress answered with a British accent. “Take all the time you need. Would you like something to drink while you’re deciding?”

“Yes, please. A big, tall, cold glass of ice tea with lemon would be heavenly.”

The waitress brought the tea with two big chucks of lemon hanging on the side of the glass. Taking her pad and pencil from her pocket, she asked, “Have you decided what you want?”

“Yes. I would like the chicken salad platter and blueberry pie. Could you please heat the pie when I’m ready for it?”

“Absolutely. We’re here to please.” She smiled and walked away.

The food was delicious. Leaving a generous tip, and then paying the bill, Sharon walked toward the ladies’ room. As she passed a booth, she deftly stepped aside to avoid a man who stood quickly. He reached out to steady her as she staggered.

“Gee, I’m sorry. That was careless of me to get up without looking. Are you okay?”

Sharon broke into nervous giggles. “That’s the second time in as many days that a man has asked me that?”

He looked strangely at her and dropped her arm as if she were a threat to his life. She quickly excused herself and, blushing with embarrassment, hurried to the ladies’ room.

Back in the car, Sharon cheered. “Hurrah, Steamboat! You sure are a good little buddy.” She grinned as she patted the dashboard. “We’re almost home and you can have the rest you deserve. Me ,too. Wonder why I’m accident prone lately? Must be getting old,” she chuckled.

The trip continued uneventfully. Sharon exited off I-75 on to S.R. 54 for the last twelve miles into Zephyrhills. A few minutes before ten pm, she drove by the city limit sign. West 54 became Fifth Avenue as she drove across the little bridge over Zephyr Lake. Driving across Gall Blvd., known as Highway 301, she soon reached Eighteenth Street. Turning left she quickly covered the few blocks to her new home.

What a relief and how exciting to push the remote control for her very own garage door to slide smoothly open.

“Hallelujah! My compliments to you Steamboat. We did it.”

Remembering the floor plan that Lynn sent, Sharon stepped from the garage into the house. Turning left she walked down a short hallway to the master bedroom. With a sigh of contentment she slipped out of her shoes and then toured her new house.

Lynn had left a beautiful vase of sweet-smelling roses on a credenza. As Sharon bent to smell the flowers, her eyes were drawn to the blinking light on the telephone answering machine. She turned it on for her message.

“Hey, Sharon. It’s about time you got here. Call me as soon as you get in. I’ve been worried about you. I’m expecting you to spend the day with me tomorrow. You’ll love the two new young horses I bought. Are you going to ride with my hunt club? Oh, there’s so much to talk about. Call me before I zonk out. I’m exhausted, but I’m so anxious to hear from you.”

Sharon smiled at Lynn’s message but phoned her parents first.

“Darling, I’m so relieved to know you’re in Florida safely. How are you? How was your trip?”

“I’m fine, Mom. It’s so good to hear your voice. The trip was tiring and I’m thankful it’s over.”

“Hi, beautiful!” Sean Donnelly’s voice boomed out on the extension. “How soon am I going to get to hug my daughter? Honey, we’re thrilled that you’re living closer to us. Grab Lynn and both of you come home here for awhile.”

“I love you guys. I’m the luckiest person in the world to have you two for parents. I know Lynn would love to come, but she has to work. After all, when you’re the owner it isn’t as easy to take time off. You know that, Dad. Lynn is responsible for people as well as animals. I can’t answer for Lynn, but I’ll try to come at the end of this week.”

“Sharon,” her mother interrupted. “Don’t you think it would be wise if you came here to stay for a few weeks. Better still, just come here to live.”

“No, Mom. I need to keep busy and take charge of my own life. I’ll be taking college courses in Tampa at the University of South Florida and helping Lynn as much as I can. Besides, I don’t want to be in the same town with Agnes Taylor until I do some healing. It’s bad enough that I’m in the same state.”

“Baby, I applaud your common sense and wish the best for you. Agnes did as she threatened. She’s told everyone that will listen how you let Jeremy down and that you’re responsible for his death. Of course none of the people who are worth anything pay any attention to her,” Sean laughed. “She even tried to get the newspapers to carry a story on Jeremy’s life and death and how you were the worst excuse for a wife. One editor called me and was furious with her. He assured me that no reputable paper would print any such thing. Since none of the others did either, I can only assume that they chalked her up as demented and refused to play along with her. You can count on Malcolm, but you’re right, honey. You’re an adult and need to make your own decisions. Just don’t let pride lead you into deciding something you’re not sure of when we’re here for you,” her dad finished.

“Thanks, Dad. I know I can count on you and Malcolm. I hope I never have to ask him to choose between Agnes and me.”

Sharon hung up and immediately called Lynn. Happy sounds came from both young women. “Yes, I plan to come see you tomorrow, but I can’t take time to ride. I’m sure my aching bones wouldn’t allow me to ride, but thanks anyway. I have lots to do. I love the house and furniture you’ve chosen for me. Thanks again until you’re better paid.”

Her last call was to Linda and Philip Pallister. “Sharon, what a relief to hear from you. Honey, it’s dead here without you. Oops. Forgive me. I meant it isn’t the same without you. In fact, it’s downright dull,” Linda choked.

“How’s my other best girl?” Philip broke in. “It’s true. We all miss you and it isn’t the same. People on the base grew fond of your sweet smile and sunny personality. We want you to be happy -- and safe.”

“I know. How blessed I am to have friends like you. Know something? I missed you folks as soon as I drove away. Let’s keep in touch. I hope we’ll still be prayer partners. Remember, I expect a visit from you as soon as you can get here.”

Goodbyes were said and Sharon recognized that she was too tired to do more. She found fruit, milk, soft drinks, sandwich materials, frozen dinners and goodies of all kinds as well as dry cereal and microwave popcorn. Bless you, Lynn.

An apple cut into thin slices, some cheese and vegetable crackers were placed on a saucer. Picking up the plate and a cold glass of milk, she went into the bedroom. She placed the food on a night stand and propped up against king-sized pillows on the bed.

After watching a late news program and checking on the weather for tomorrow, she took a quick shower, brushed her teeth and dressed for bed. Her prayer was one of thankfulness. Exhausted, she turned off the light and snuggled down to sleep.

Bright lights stung Sharon’s eyes. Dark forms of people moved around her in slow motion. Distorted voices came floating at her as if they were sounds on a very slow tape.

A short, thin man stalked her snarling and threatening. She tried to run and found Jeremy facing her with his twisted mouth grin and his fist raised to strike her. She screamed so loudly that she woke up.

Still panting for breath, she drug out of bed and went into the adjoining bathroom to wash her face in cold water.

Will I ever get over this feeling of fright and sadness? Oh, grow up. You’re silly Sharon. I have so many blessings and too much to be thankful for. Oh, I know I’m going to love Zephyrhills and working with Lynn.