Starseed (6 page)

“
Elle, what do you think it is?” Kole asked with an interested twinkle in his eyes.

“
I think it's something somebody doesn't want us to know about.”  She glanced away from him. His look was so intense it sent a tremor through her.
The man is something to look at. He'd be perfect if he'd just keep his mouth shut.

Kole cast an approving glance her way.
“Now, that makes sense. What is someone trying to hide? There's got to be a logical explanation for these sightings.”

Elle cast her eyes downward, trying to ignore him
. She could feel his sharp eyes boring into her.

Henry jumped back into the conversation
. “You know . . . this thing does scare people and it keeps them away from the high plains at night.”  For a moment, a look of wistfulness stole into his expression. “But the thing is there's nothing out there to hide. There's just the government High Mountain Array and they give daily tours.”  He sighed and set his coffee cup on the end table. “The more I kick it around, the less sense it makes.”

“
I wouldn't mind taking a look around the Array,” Kole said. “I've never seen it. Maybe, with fresh eyes, I can give you a new perspective on the situation.”

“
That would be great. Maybe, new eyes are what it's going to take.”  Henry sighed.

“
Elle, Sara and I are going out there tomorrow,” Kole said.

Elle took a second glance at Kole
. She had assumed after the conversation in the salon that the outing was canceled.
Apparently, I should never assume anything about this man or I’ll be wrong.

Henry frowned at his daughter
. “You didn't say anything about that.”

“
With so much happening, it slipped my mind.”  Damn, she no longer wanted to go anywhere with Kole, but she couldn't disappoint her dad. Elle tried not to look directly into Kole’s eyes. It was safer that way.

“
I’m taking pictures for the magazine so we'll probably be staying there for most of the afternoon.”  Kole made no attempt to hide the fact he was watching her.

Finally, she turned toward him
.
He knows I don't want to go with him.

“
Yes, I’m sure it'll take most of the day.”  Kole grinned at her as if he knew what she was thinking.

“
Thanks. I'm relieved to know you'll be there with them.”

“
Sure, not a problem.”  

“
We’ll be fine,” Elle said.
What is Kole up to?
 

“
You all be careful,” Rose said and patted Elle on the hand. “I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to any of you.”  She glanced toward Henry with a worried look. “Are you sure this is safe?” she asked.

Henry shrugged
. “So far, nothing has happened during the daytime. With Kole along, they should be all right.”

Elle had had enough
. “For Pete's sake, it's the Array and Red Rock Canyon. Sara and I have been both places at least a thousand times.”  She looked toward Kole. “We're all adults and we'll be fine . . . just fine.”

“
Slow down, there, baby girl. Things have changed and there's a lot going on that we don't know about,” Henry said, showing no sign of relenting. “It's best to be on the safe side of caution at times like this.”

“
Your father's right. We don't know what we're dealing with,” Kole said, and had the nerve to smile at her. Then he glanced toward Henry. “I'll keep them safe.”

“
Thanks. I'm counting on you.”  Henry was obviously pleased with himself.

Elle rolled her eyes and shook her head, glancing toward Rose
. “There’s too much testosterone in the room for me. How about a slice of that carrot cake you made?”

“
Oh my, I got so caught up in the conversation I forgot about dessert.”  Rose hurried out of the room. “I'll get it.”

“
Let me help you,” Elle said, realizing she had to get away from Kole before she said something she might regret.
How did I let myself get talked into going on this adventure with him? The man is getting under my skin like an itchy rash on a hot summer's day.

“
Honey, I know you're upset with your dad, but he means well,” Rose said.

“
I’m not mad at him. After twenty-three years, I've finally won my independence from his over protectiveness and I'm not giving it back.”

“
Oh, is it Kole? He's such a sweet soul. I didn't think you'd mind me inviting him to dinner. After all, he seemed lonely and he did rescue you and Sara when you were stranded.”  Rose cut slices of carrot cake, putting them on china plates.

Damn
. Rose sees right through me.
“Yeah, he confuses me.”  Elle wouldn't let Rose know how she really felt about Kole, which right now she didn't understand. “He needs to take pictures and I guess he does have to see the sights.”  She tried to shake off her foul mood. “Don't worry, it's all right. I'm just irritable, today. It's no big deal,” Elle lied.

Rose continued fixing a tray with the cake slices
. “Well, I think he’s a very nice young man.”  Her brown eyes twinkled with mischief. “Let's take this out and change the subject from UFOs.”

“
Yes, anything but aliens.”  Elle hesitated, staring out the window above the sink. “You didn't say anything to Kole about my past . . . did you?”  She needed to know if that was why he had brought up the subject. Was he making fun of her or was she being paranoid?

Rose put the tray down and touched her arm
. “Honey, I'd never do that to you. That will always be your decision as when to tell someone.”  She kissed Elle on the cheek and walked out of the kitchen with the dessert.

Elle stood there gazing out at the night sky and opened the mental box where she’d shoved her memories, blotting out the pain they caused
. It was in the summer time and she remembered being taken from her family’s car where her parents had left her napping by a stunning, dark-haired woman with the prettiest blue eyes. She didn’t know who the woman was, but in her mind she was like her mom, so it was okay to go with her.

She had the distinct impression that the woman was attempting to save her, but she didn’t understand what she was saving her from
. She just knew she was safe with this beautiful woman and needed to go with her. Standing together in Red Rock Canyon the woman gave her a soft, purple blanket and a stuffed white kitty and laid her in the middle of a huge red sandstone rock.

The woman had held out the palms of her hands toward the sky with a glowing blue marble in each and chanted something
. Elle had seen the blue orbs come together above her and turn into one. The only thing Elle could remember was when the pretty woman turned toward her and said, “You’re special. Sleep now my child.”  Then the blue light came back down and went inside the kitty. Elle felt safe and had immediately fallen asleep.

She had kept the stuffed animal all these years
. It was sitting on her bookshelf at home. And when things got tough she would hold the kitty and somehow feel better. It was her only connection to her past. She sighed. No matter how hard she tried, that was all she could remember.

Even today, the townsfolk snickered behind her back, calling her an alien freak
. Sometimes she thought they might be right. She stared through the window, consumed with emptiness deep inside. Looking out the window, she could feel the tug of the stars.
Why did they call me Starseed? What do they want with me? Am I one of them, from somewhere out there?

Chapter Five

The next morning Elle walked into the gas station with Sara looking for Bruce
. She needed to check on her car. “You wouldn't have believed Dad and Rose last night. They practically forced Kole down my throat.”   

“
You know, I have a good feeling about Kole. Because of your abilities, we know we can trust him.”  Sara grinned. “I can see why your dad and Rose did that. Kole's cute, and you haven't dated anyone for a while. They want you to get out and have some fun.”

“
You always take Dad’s side.”  Elle swallowed her animosity, not wanting to argue with Sara.

“
I don't. He's being logical, like me.”  Sara held the door open for Elle.

“
Ha, you, logical. That'll be the day.”  They were both laughing when they entered the station.

“
Hey, Bruce, are you here?” Elle called out to the empty room.

“
Out here. In the garage. Come on back,” Bruce shouted.

Two legs stuck out from under an older automobile
. Elle leaned over and peered under the car. “I thought I'd better check and see when you'll have my car ready.”

“
Hang on a minute. I'll have to look at the books to see when that last part is getting in.”  He grunted. “Just have to tighten down a couple of bolts.”

“
Okay, it’s not a big deal, we'll be out front,” Elle said. “Take your time.”

“
Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right there,” Bruce shouted from under the car as they walked to the waiting area.

“
Excuse me, do you work here?”  A short guy wearing wire rimmed glasses stood at the counter when they went into the reception area. “I'm here to pick up my oil.”

“
No, I don't, but the owner will be right out.”  Elle smiled at the stranger.

Bruce came out of the back
, wiping his greasy hands on an old red towel. “Hi, there, Bill, sorry, I didn't hear you come in. I was tightening up a brake line.”  He tossed the towel into a bin as he came through the open doorway. “Your oil is boxed up out front on those flats and here in the reception area if you want to have your men load it up. I’ll be there to help soon as I take care of Elle.”

“
Sure, I'll get Benny and the guys started with the flats,” he said and went outside motioning to two men in a large white cargo van.

“
Goodness, all that oil is for one person?”  Elle stared out the window at the huge stacks, noting the two men loading the truck were the ones who had caused Herman so much grief at the diner the other day.

Sara casually picked up one of the cans reading the label
. “I thought you were going to have some kind of big sale,” she said to Bruce.

“
Nope, that's for the High Mountain Array,” he said and grinned. “They go through that much every month.”

“
Wow, that's a lot.”  Elle glanced at the oil then turned to Bruce. “So what's the word on my car?”

“
I have it out back, but the alternator won't be in until the delivery truck comes through town in a couple of days.”  He chewed on an unlit cigar in the corner of his mouth he’d been chomping on for weeks in an attempt to quit smoking. “And I have another job to do before I can get to yours.”  He bit down on the stale stogie. “I can have it to you by the end of the week. Will that work?”

“
Yes, that's fine,” Elle said. “Sara is being my chauffeur this week and I kind of like it.”

“
That settles it. You can pick it up Friday afternoon.”

“
Great. Thanks, Bruce.”  He followed them out of the station and over to the men loading Bill's supplies.

“
I can't imagine what they do with that much oil,” Sara said.

“
Me either, especially because I don’t think it's the kind that's used in heavy equipment.”  Elle counted the cases in her mind. “We'll have to ask Kole, the man who isn't interested in me.” 

“
You should be ashamed of yourself.”  Sara laughed. “Kole's okay. I like him. And how do you know about the different kinds of oil?”

“
I took a course in auto mechanics one year and that stuff was covered.”  She frowned. “I wonder what they use that much oil on.” 

“
Maybe, they use it on the huge hydraulics to move the disks around. We'll have to ask when we go out there later,” Sara said.

“
Or perhaps Kole can figure it out.”

“
Yeah, maybe.”  Elle walked down the street toward the cafe trying to ignore the feelings she had for Kole. No matter how much she fought it and thought things through, it came back around to the fact she was highly attracted to him. “The man drives me crazy and I barely know him.”

“
You're awfully hard on him.”  Sara snickered. “Now, I ask myself, why is that? Do you like him?”

“
No. Absolutely not. He'd be the last man on Earth I'd go out with.”  She knew she was lying to herself, but her pride wouldn’t let her admit it to Sara.

“
Me thinks you protest too much.”  Sara giggled.

“
Well, whether I'm attracted to him or not, it doesn't matter. He had the nerve to sit there in my styling chair and tell me he's not into me and just wants to be my friend.”  She snorted. “Maybe it's me, but that was kind of harsh. I didn’t make a pass at him or anything. Talk about having an ego.” 

“
Look at the positive side. He was being honest so you don't have to waste any time.” 

Elle glared at her
.

“
Not that you wanted to spend any time with him.”  Sara tried to back pedal. “You know what I mean?” 

“
I suppose.”  Elle relented. “Anyway, let's get back to the diner and grab something to drink before he shows up. I wouldn't want him upset with us for being late before we leave town.”

“
Good idea. I could use a Coke and fries.” 

As they entered the diner, a bell over the door started jingling, letting Dotty know someone had come into the empty cafe
.

“
Hey, Dotty, it's only us,” Sara said.

Dotty came out of the back room looking flustered and straightened her blouse
. “Girls, what would you like?”

Elle raised an eyebrow, but decided not to mention it
. “A couple of Diet Cokes and some fries. We're waiting for a friend.”  She sensed that they had interrupted something.

“
Okay, two Diet Cokes and fries coming right up,” Dotty said, filling the glasses with ice.

“
Where is everyone?” Sara asked.

“
Oh, the breakfast and lunch crowd have already been and gone. It's slow on Sunday afternoons. I like it this way.”  She set the Cokes in front of them. “I heard you were going out to the High Mountain Array. That should be fun on such a nice day.”

“
Where did you hear that?”  How the heck did the town grapevine work so darn fast? Elle hadn't said anything to anyone.

“
Oh, Kole has been in for meals every day since he got to town. Thanks for telling him about my place. He's a nice guy and has a hearty appetite, loves my apple pie. Comes in a couple of times a day for it.”  She chewed her gum and blew a bubble and popped it. “He was in late last night for a slice and mentioned it. I think he's sweet.”  She grinned. “Hey, maybe your picture will get in the magazine.”

“
Oh, I hadn't thought of that.”  Elle raised her eyes toward Sara. “There you go. Get your name in print. What do you say?”

“
I say no thank you. I'm game to go out there with you, but no pictures. I take horrible pictures and under no circumstances will I allow one in a magazine that goes all over the country. No way. No how.”  Sara's stubborn chin jutted out in defiance.

“
Sweetie, think of the good-looking men who would see your picture.”  Dotty batted her fake eyelashes. “Why, they would be flocking to Sweetwater in droves. We'd have to beat them off with a broom.”

“
She's right,” Elle said with authority. “We'd have to set up roadblocks to keep them out of town. I can see it now. Dad would have to hire extra deputies to hold them off.”

“
That's enough. You both know how I feel about pictures,” Sara stammered. “Stop it right now, or I'll have him take pictures of you both in your birthday suits and post them on the internet.”

They were laughing when someone came out of the restroom
. “Oh, Dotty, I didn't know you had any other customers,” Elle said. “I'm so sorry.”

“
Don't worry about it. It's only Bill. When he comes to town for supplies he always has lunch with me. I'll introduce you.”  Dotty glanced toward him. “Bill, come meet my friends.”  She motioned for him to come to the table. “Bill, this is Elle and Sara,” Dotty said, hanging on to his arm. “They want to come out and see the Array.”

“
Hi ladies, I saw you at the service station.”  He grinned sheepishly. “I hope everything is all right with your car,” he said, genuine concern showing in his eyes.

Elle recognized him
. “Everything is fine,” she said.

“
Bruce is installing an alternator and new radiator.”

“
I see. So you want to see the Array?”

“
Yes, a friend of ours is here taking pictures for a Denver magazine and we promised to go out there with him,” Sara said. “He wants to see the huge antennas.”

“
Then by all means you must bring him out. I'd be happy to give you a personal tour.”  He handed Elle his card. “I'm going straight back. Come on by, whenever you want. Ask for me at the main gate and they’ll bring you right in.”

“
That would be super. Thanks, Bill,” Elle said, trying to figure the guy out. He seemed nice on the surface, but she sensed something troubling him. “We'll take you up on your offer later this afternoon. I think we're going to Red Rock Canyon before we come to see the Array.” “I'll be there whenever you're ready. Well, ladies, I have to get along. Nice meeting you.”  He turned to Dotty. “My dear, it was my pleasure as usual. I'll see you next week.”  He kissed her on the cheek, tipped his Rockies baseball cap and headed out the door.

All dreamy eyed, Dotty watched him l
eave and sighed.

“
Doesn't he just have the cutest butt you've ever seen?”  She searched Elle's face for an instant. “I hate to ask, but I need to know. Can you tell me how he feels about me?”

For Dotty’s sake, she’d take a peek
. Elle took a deep breath and relaxed, watching the color of Dotty's aura before she spoke. “You make him laugh and he makes you happy.”  She frowned and hesitated for a heartbeat. “There are obstacles, but they will be overcome.”  She swallowed and smiled. “Yes, I'd say this could be a lasting kind of relationship.”  

“
Oh Elle. Thank you so much.”  Dotty grinned like a schoolgirl expecting her date for the prom. “And I know the obstacle, it’s his twenty-year-old son. Bill is a widower and the boy is away at college and hasn’t decided if he likes me or not.”   

“
Things will work out between you and the boy. He just needs time to realize that just because his mom passed away that his dad didn’t stop living.”  Elle took a sip of her Diet Coke.

“
I didn't know you had a boyfriend,” Sara teased Dotty, giving Elle time to regroup.

“
Young lady, please keep that bit of information to yourself. I don't need any competition with this one. I'm kind of stuck on him.”

“
For you, Dotty, it's a deal. Mum’s the word. Nobody will hear it from me. My lips are sealed.” 

“
I'll get your order,” Dotty said, “and it's on me, today.”  She went off singing to herself as excited as a teenager on the night of the big dance.

“
They must have been making out in the back when we came in.”  Sara blushed. “I feel bad about disturbing them.”

“
It wasn't our fault.”  Elle laughed, feeling happy for her friend having someone in her life. “The cafe is open. We came in. That's all there is to it.”

“
Hi, girls.”  Kole slid into a chair next to Elle.

“
Hey there, you made it.”  Elle noticed he was dressed more appropriately in hiking boots, jeans and a T-shirt. With his haircut he didn’t look so much like he’d stepped out of the sixties. Much better, but to her dismay, there was that zing that crept up past her breastbone when she was around him.

Dotty delivered the Cokes and fries, still smiling
. “Kole, do you want anything?”

“
A Coke and fries. They look mighty tasty.”  He was practically salivating over Elle's food.

“
Here, you can share mine till yours get here.”  She pushed her plate toward him and he snagged a fry.