Chapter 1
Gray
The wind ripped through the trees as I pulled my blanket tighter around me. The temperature was just beginning to drop, but still, I kept the window open. Something in the darkening night called to me as candles littered my room - on shelves, ledges, and tables. It was almost like I knew something was coming, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
I’d been having dreams for weeks that seemed to slip from my grasp every morning with the rising sun. Yet each night, they pulled me deep, causing me to toss and turn, the sheets pulling from my bed as I fought with the thoughts that stalked me. It always happened, every year just before Samhain, I found myself becoming restless, haunted by elusive thoughts and intuitions.
Streaks of lightning flashed across the sky, and my little house shook as the thunder clapped. In an instant, the rain began to pound against the house, and I fought the curtain to pull the old wooden frames closed. Still holding my blanket around me, I pulled my feet up and burrowed down into the chair as my cat, Gypsy, jumped into my lap. She curled up on my chest, purring contentedly as I watched the spectacular show nature performed out my windows.
****
“Shit,” I groaned as I tried to untangle from the blanket. I’d fallen asleep in the chair and had a horrible crick in my neck. Glancing at the clock, I facepalmed myself. There’s no way I’d make it to town in time. Heck, the way that rain came down last night, it will be a miracle if the road isn’t covered. After a quick shower and a glass of juice, I threw on my coat and headed for my old pickup truck. I made it to the low-water bridge and stopped for a few moments. The water was low enough to get across, but coming home might be another story. Good thing I’d put out extra food and water for Gyps. She might be flying solo tonight.
Twenty minutes later, I pulled up in front of the store. Mr. Miller nodded to me as I came in. “Hey Gray, how’re the roads up your way? Bucks Bridge got washed out completely past old lady Wilers' place. Folks gotta take the highway for a bit,” he informed me.
“Oh wow, George, that’s not good. Is Widow Wilers alright?” I asked.
“Yeah, yeah, she’s just riled up about her chickens. Guess a few got out in the storm and foxes got ’em,” he mused.
“Ah. Well, the low water will flood if we get any more weather today. I figure I’ll get a room at Carla’s if that happens for a day or two,” I told him. “So, where do you want me to start today?”
He motioned to the back room. “Might want to check the shingles. I’m sure we lost a few in that wind. Just watch that you don’t slip, Gray.”
I nodded and headed for the ladder and my tool belt. I pulled out my stocking cap and, twirling my hair in a bun, I tucked it inside the cap as I pulled on my gloves and climbed onto the old roof. The sun had gotten fairly high by the time I’d finished the eastern side of the roofline. I glanced up and frowned as I saw the clouds rolling in again. Shimming down the other side, I did my best to find the worst spots and patch them before heading back inside. I’d just put the ladder away when I heard George holler from the register.
“Hey, Gray, do you know how to get to that hardware store in Benton?”
Pulling off my gloves, I walked out of the backroom, not even looking up as I answered him, “Why the hell do you need a hardware store? I’ve probably got just about any tool you’d need, George.”
“How about 6-point sockets?” a deep voice asked.
I looked up to see two large men standing at the counter as George smirked at me from behind them. “These gents are having problems with their Jeep. I don’t sell everything they need, so I was trying to get to that big hardware store. But with the bridge out, I don’t know the best route,” George said with a twinkle in his eyes.
I rolled my eyes at him and looked at the men. “Well, if you’re needing sockets, you probably won’t make it to Benton before the transmission slips on you. Another round of storms is moving in. I’d suggest staying in town or calling for a car to take you to Benton. I probably have the sockets, but if the rain hits, I won’t be able to cross the creek to my place before tomorrow afternoon at best.”
The two men exchanged looks, then looked back at me, “What makes you so sure we can’t make it? How far is this store?” The guy was dressed in jeans that left nothing to the imagination and a black t-shirt. His eyes looked almost black, and his hair was cut close to his head.
“With the bridge out, you’d have to take the highway. That will add at least ten miles to your trip, so about twenty-five miles altogether.” I unzipped my jacket and hummed, “Let me guess, it’s an automatic, and it started jolting when it went from second to overdrive?” They both nodded. “Yep, you won’t make it to the highway most likely.”
George chuckled, “I’d listen to her, gents. Gray knows her way around an engine. If she says it won’t make it, then it won’t make it.” I felt my cheeks flush.
The man blew out a breath, “Well, is there any place to stay - a hotel or something?”
I laughed, “Not used to small towns, are ya?” He gave me a sour look. Geez, who pissed in his Cheerios? I cleared my throat, “I can take you over to Carla’s. She has a bed and breakfast. I’m not sure how many rooms she has left. You two aren’t the only folks dealing with the storm. Just let me grab my tools. You’re welcome to ride in my truck. The less you drive, probably the better.”
The man in black scowled, but his friend gave a warm smile and held out his hand. “Thank you, ma’am. I’m Seth, and this grouch is Landon. We appreciate the help.”
I couldn’t stop the laugh that slipped past my lips as I took his hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Seth and Landon. I’m Gracie, but folks around here just call me Gray.” His hand engulfed mine as he shook it gently. “I’ll be right back,” I told him and grabbed my tools. The two followed me out to the old truck and frowned. “Sorry, I know it’s gonna be a tight fit with three, but that’s all I’ve got.”
“No worries, Gray. If it weren’t for you, we’d be stranded somewhere on the road right now,” Seth smiled. I swear the man channeled the sun with how bright his expression was. He had this calming aura around him that made me want to grin all the time.
We made a bit of small talk on the drive. I learned they were from Charleston and had been up this way for a job working on old rehab houses. Landon’s Jeep had started acting up a couple of towns back, and this was the detour route the storm forced them on. I pulled into the circular drive at Clara’s bed and breakfast, noticing the other cars. We had just stepped out when the thunder boomed, and the skies broke loose again. I sighed. Well, guess I’m not making it home tonight. I really hope she has at least a couple of rooms; otherwise, I’m sleeping in my truck.
We dashed to the porch, and I pushed the front door open. I tried my best not to shake off too much water in the entryway. “Hey, Clara, you here?”
“In the kitchen, Gray! Come on back,” she answered.
The smell of stew filled the house as we neared the kitchen. Clara looked up with a soft smile as we entered. “Hey, these gentlemen are stranded for the night at least. Wondered if you had a room or two?” I asked her.
Nodding as she stirred, “Sure do. I’ve got a room with two queen beds if that will do, and I’ve got your room too, Gray. Don’t think you’re trying that mountain pass in this weather, young lady.” I swear it was like my mama was scolding me.
I rolled my eyes, “I didn’t plan on it. If you didn’t have room, I was just gonna crash in the truck. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“Gracie Jean Wilmont, you will not be sleeping in that rustbucket!” Clara gasped.
My eyes widened, and I clutched my chest, “You take that back! Junie is an antique. She’s sensitive, and if you say mean things about her, she might just break down.” It was Clara’s turn to roll her eyes as Seth and Landon laughed softly at our antics.
“Antique my tail,” Clara snorted. “If it wasn’t for your unusual good luck, that beast would have disintegrated by now. I swear you’re blessed, Gray.” She put the lid on the pot, then wiped her hands on a towel. “Come on, I’ll show you to the rooms. I hope you boys don’t mind sharing.”
“Not at all, ma’am,” Landon said. “We’re just glad to have a bed. Troubles or not, we’d have ended up in our Jeep tonight if you didn’t have space.”
“See,” I snarked as Clara gave me a reprimanding look.
“Here you go,” she said, opening the heavy door for the men. “Dinner is at six in the dining room just past the kitchen, and breakfast is served between seven and eight. There is a private bathroom with a shower in your room as well. Extra pillows and blankets are in the closet. Let me know if you need anything.” She turned to me, “I’m assuming you know your way?”
“Sure do,” I grinned. “Enjoy your night. We can head out after breakfast in the morning if you like,” I told them as they agreed and stepped into the room.”
