Cheyenne (6 page)

“
No,” I whispered back.

He stared for a few long moments and a flicker of some deeper emotion flashed into his eyes only to be pushed back. He could have very easily leaned down and kissed me, right then. I wouldn’t have done anything to stop him. My breath had returned and was becoming more labored as I looked at his chest, not knowing what to expect or what I wanted. His warm lips touched my forehead in a tender kiss. He let out a big sigh and stepped back, releasing me from his touch.

“
Just call me when you get back.”

I inhaled and looked up to see that he was walking toward the front door. His good-bye had almost sounded unconcerned, which was strange, considering the protective way he had been acting since my parents’ death. I barely heard the door open and close, and then he was gone. I stood in the kitchen for quite awhile. My heart was still beating too fast. What just happened? I had no answer. I hadn’t seen that coming. I gradually made my way upstairs, but I didn’t sleep well that night. I was too distracted, replaying the evening's events in my mind. Nothing had actually happened, but I couldn't help but wonder. Would he have gone further and kissed me? Just recalling the look on his face made me blush. Just what was he planning for me? For us? Where did that leave us now…friends or more than friends?

As I was packing, I wondered if Colt would suddenly show up and offer to tag along. I had told him I wanted to go alone, but I wouldn’t have protested too much if he came. I realized that I had unconsciously been trying to distance myself from him. Used to being alone and losing all the people I knew, I guess I was trying to make the inevitable separation easier for me when the time came. I was sure Colt would eventually go off to college or something, although he never mentioned his future plans to me. I never asked—maybe I didn’t want to know the answer. I was on my own now, and I needed to be strong. It was what my parents would have wanted me to do—live.

Carefully placing the spare key on the ledge above the porch, I headed towards the Jeep, only turning to look back once. I was only going to be gone a week or two, but leaving the place that was featured in so many of my good memories of my parents still hurt. I turned on my GPS system and locked in my coordinates. I was on my way, sure this new destination would hold some answers for me about my parents. They had hidden something, and I needed to find out what. I wasn’t going to let them down.

I drove down the long driveway slowly, listening to the wheels crunch on the gravel and turned onto the road. I would need to head through town, and I was convinced that Sheriff Taylor would see me somehow and flag me down if I left without telling him. Since that grave night, he had made it a habit to visit me every couple of weeks. He wanted to ensure that I was taken care of, but he seemed satisfied when he knew Colt was with me.

I stopped at his office, knowing that I would need to be quick about this, just let him know I was leaving town for a few weeks so he didn’t worry. I was a little taken back as I entered the office at the nonchalant expression his face produced…it was as if he expected me.

“
Well, hello, Cheyenne,” he said. “I was about to make a trip out to your house today and talk to you about a few things…” he trailed off, seeming preoccupied with the piece of paper in his hand.

I was a little stunned. It wasn’t time for him to make another visit to the house. He had just come last week. “Talk to me about what?” I asked apprehensively.

“
Well.” His attention drifted to me again. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about staying out at your house alone. I’ve been troubled.”

“
Oh, well, I don’t think you need to worry about it right now. I was actually here to tell you that I am leaving town today, as a matter of fact.”

“
I see. May I ask where you’re heading?” His brows creased with fatherly worry.

“
Montana. I’ve been doing some research on a few accounts that my parents held. I need to make a trip to close them.” I didn’t feel the need to elaborate any further. He didn’t immediately reply. His jaw tightened, and he seemed to hesitate over his next words. “I wanted to let you know that I’ve been concerned about recent activities around your home. I’ve noticed some strange occurrences while you weren’t around. I’ll have the deputies run by about once a week to keep an eye on things.” He ran his fingers through his brown hair, pushing his perfect part off-center slightly. “Not many folks drive out towards your place unless they’re heading there for a reason. I don’t like you being so isolated.”

I didn’t know what to say. Actually, I did; it would explain the weird feelings that I would get and the chills when I would look into the forest—the shadows. I had been telling myself that it was my imagination, but perhaps it wasn’t just me. “What kind of strange occurrences?” I warily asked, not sure I really wanted to know.

He once again hesitated, debating whether or not to tell me. “Just strange things,” he hedged. I could tell he was hiding something. He obviously didn’t want to scare me any further; I was sure that fear was now clearly written all over my face.

“
Thank you,” I muttered. My head was spinning. I would have to be careful. It wasn’t just my overreaction because I was alone so often—it was real. What were they looking for? I hadn’t found anything of much value…nothing to unlock a great mystery at the house—except the picture and riddle. Did the safety deposit box have something to do with it?

“
I would really like you to keep in touch with us,” the sheriff interrupted my reverie. “Just in case I come across anything new.” I jerked my head up and brought my attention back to him.

“
Sure, let me give you a cell number where I can be reached.” I quickly jotted down my new number on the pad of paper on his desk. Colt had bought me a new phone, and I had changed carrier services. He wanted to ensure that I could make a phone call when needed, especially after what happened the night my parents died.

“
Are you okay?” the sheriff asked, touching my arm. I looked up, slightly distracted.

“
I’m good. Just a lot on my mind. I need to get going now. I have a long drive ahead of me. Please tell Joni thank you for me.”

“
I will. Take care now.” I could feel his gaze on my back as I walked to the front entrance.

The breeze should have been refreshing, but it wasn’t. I sat in the Wrangler briefly, trying to calm myself before I left town. I was seriously considering calling Colt and asking him to come, but I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t know what I was going to find, and I surely didn’t need to drag anyone else into it if I was being watched or followed. I also needed to learn to handle things on my own. I wanted him to be around, but there were no guarantees in life—I was living proof.

I sighed. I was going to miss Colt. I knew I had made it like I would only be gone a couple of days, but I suspected that once I was in Montana, I would want to stay for longer. Maybe figure out why my parents had come here in the first place, and opened a safety deposit box for me, why not in Sagle?

I debated with myself about calling him. I didn’t want him angry or hurt that I’d deceived him, and that’s what finally won me over. Dialing his number, I hoped he wouldn’t answer. It would be easier to leave a message. Luck was on my side; my call went straight to his voice mail.

“
Hey, Colt, it’s Cheyenne. I just wanted to let you know that I wasn’t completely honest with you last night. I gave you the impression that I’d only be gone a few days, but actually I may be gone a few weeks. I’ll call you when I can or when I get back. Please don’t be angry. This is something I have to take care of on my own.” I hesitated a moment before continuing. “I do like the fact that you’re protective of me, and I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings last night when I said it. I’ll talk to you soon.”

I’d have to deal with him when I returned. My feelings seemed to be all mixed up. I had too many other things to concentrate on, and I needed to focus.

As I drove out of town, the windows were down, and the wind blew loose strands of hair around my face. Thoughts of my parents were on my mind, and as the miles disappeared beneath my tires, I let my mind wander. A strong sense of regret weighed down my heart. I should have expressed my gratitude more…I just always expected them to be around for me.

I had changed over the months. I was stronger and now felt like I could handle my new life alone. With all my parents had left me, I felt like I had a destiny, a purpose to fulfill. What that purpose was, I was sure to find out soon. Without risk there was no reward, I would take this on and drive forward to whatever fate lay ahead.

The wind whistling through the car wasn’t loud enough to block out my thunderous thoughts. I reached into my backpack and pulled out my iPod, set it in its cradle, and soon music was streaming through my speakers. After a few songs, I realized it actually made my heartache worse. It was becoming increasingly difficult to drive with tears running down my cheeks. I turned off the iPod.

Suffering in silence seemed better, at least for now.

Chapter 5

After spending a paranoid night at a sketchy hotel in a small town en route, I arrived in Helena in the afternoon. It was clear and bright, not a cloud in the sky, perfect weather for late June. The air was warm on my skin, and it felt comforting. The weather matched my optimistic mood. I decided to take a small detour before heading to the bank; an iced coffee was sounding pretty good at the moment.

I ordered my favorite drink; vanilla iced blended coffee with whipped cream and caramel sauce on top. The whipped cream and caramel sauce were the best. Usually when no one was watching, I’d lick the inside of the lid to get every last drop of the addictive syrup. Once, my dad caught me doing this and started laughing. I’d gotten caramel plastered over my nose. If Colt had ever seen me do this, I would never live it down. Glancing around, I indulged shamelessly and grinned.

Thoughts of my parents caused me to sigh, and I pulled out the photograph with the riddle. I’d been trying to decipher their message with little success.

My fingers traced the outline of them and I smiled at the memory. I was only twelve at the time and didn’t understand why we’d traveled here for that Christmas, there were a lot of things that had remained a mystery and only now I was questioning why.

I wanted to visit the cathedral while in town. I glanced at my watch, I had plenty of time before the bank would close.

Too much time had passed since I had visited the cathedral. The massive size and beauty were just as overwhelming as I remembered, and my fingers tightened around the handrail as I glanced up at the rising towers. I was so tiny in comparison, so insignificant in their presence. I made my way up the concrete steps to the entrance.

I walked toward the two columns flanking the solid carved oak door, and I couldn’t help but think it should have been the entrance to a castle housing royalty.

I stopped in my tracks. On the cathedral door was a sign announcing its closure. It was under renovations. Disappointment hit me hard; I should’ve done research first before showing up. All I wanted to do was walk inside again…I glanced around, no one was in sight. I pushed on the door and it opened.

My soft-soled shoes were quiet as I passed over the threshold. The angels and saints sparkled down at me from the stained-glass windows, and I basked beneath a torrent of colors.

Moments later I was met with a blockade of construction walls.

Determination took over and I wound my way through the corridor to the main sanctuary thankful it was empty as I peered around the corner. The hand-carved pews were a vivid mahogany, so smoothly polished they beckoned to be sat on. Chandeliers with gold leafing flickered in the dim light. For a long time I just stood and stared at so much beauty and peace surrounding me. It had been a rough number of months and taking a moment for myself was just what I needed.

Checking over my shoulder to make sure I was alone, I walked into the foyer again. I found a sign showing a picture of what the new remodel would look like. The organ would have a new home…

Pulling the picture from my pocket, I flipped it over and read the riddle once again. My mind narrowing in on two phrases…

…
Your future is hidden in the past. Music is your guide.

I pushed my fingers to my head, rubbing my temple gently. I was still so unsure what my parents were trying to tell me. Why couldn’t I figure this out? What was I even doing here?