Ride to Restoration (Ride Series Book 2) Read online

  I’ll never figure out how to pee in a bag so stop worrying about it. Just have fun, make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in. Girl, you learned that lesson a long time ago. “Hey, D, ready for me to wash your back? I’m through deep thinking and working my way back to glowing.”

  “Come on in. I’m done. Beard is clean and so’s the rest of me, no thanks to you. I smell like ... nothing. We’re supposed to use the unscented soap.” Like I have to remind her!

  Like he has to remind me. I’m glad he did, because I forgot already. “Now why am I doing this?”

  Stepping from the warm shower onto the cold floor, I ushered her in my stead, less one back washing. “So you won’t smell like you or more recently me, smelling like you.” That confused even me. “I’ll be upstairs when you’re done. I’m gonna call the kennel and check on the dog. If I know Debra, she’ll have breakfast waiting on us. So be quick, quick, quick, girlfriend.”

  “I won’t be that long.” And that’s the truth, no make-up, scent free sweats, just plain me. Wait a minute … Did he just blow me off — twice? Girl, you are imagining things?

  Chapter 28

  Walking outside into the crisp morning air, I rummaged through my daypack before finding the phone of the week. Dialing the kennel, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a real voice answer for a change.

  “Good morning, Gloria speaking. How may I assist you today?”

  Morning Glory, get it? It’s too early for humor. “Hi, Gloria. This is D, Major’s dad. I’m running behind schedule on my trip. Kinda got held up. How is he doing?”

  “Yes, sir. We got your message earlier. Major is fine. Especially since he received that box of treats yesterday.”

  “Treats? What treats? I didn’t send him any treats.”

  “Your friend, Marcy dropped them by. She brought two tennis balls, a box of milk bones, a bag of rawhide chews and some candy treats from PetSmart. Said you asked her to since you’d been held up. That’s funny. Sounds like you didn’t make it back because you were robbed. Mr. D, you did not send her by to see Major? His treats you left ran out a few days back so I figured you did.”

  I haven’t talked to Marcy. How did she find him? I never told anyone where he was boarding. Then again, it’s a kind gesture that Major I’m sure appreciates. But why? “My mind is fried sometimes, Gloria. I might have told her to run by and check on him. I guess I forgot.”

  “That’s OK. You’re on your bike. Right? I’d forget too, if I were going cross-country on a bike. My boyfriend has a crotch rocket. He makes me ride with him, but we never go far. Well, not on the bike anyway. His hurts my butt.”

  That’s nice. Join the crowd. I don’t care. I want to talk about Marcy. “Did she happen to say anything or leave a message for me?”

  “Let me see. Found it! Yes, sir, she did leave a message. What kind of bike do you ride? Is your girlfriend riding with you? If not, maybe when you get back you can ride me.”

  Really, you don’t even know me. Silly, precocious girls. Boys, look out for this one! “Gloria, the message, please. ... What was the message?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Call Gio ... somebody ASAP. She left a number, but it has way too many—”

  “Numbers, I got it. Giovanna is from Milan, Italy.”

  “Italy, I’ve always wanted to go there. Have you been? Duh! I’m sure you have, otherwise how would you know him?”

  “Gloria, I hate to interrupt you, but give me the number and I’ll see if it’s different from the one I have for him.” Reading off the numbers, including the country code, I saw it was the same number I had stored in my old phone – the one I turned off and tossed in the bag the day Candi left me standing on the tarmac. “Thank you, Gloria. And thanks for taking such good care of Major. I’ll be back by the end of the week. I’ve got to run. Bye now.” Click, push end, whatever. Enough!

  Question after question, rolled around in my head. Call Giovanni. What’s up with that? Is he trying to warn about goings on in the Family? Does it have something to do with his health? Did Candi put Marcy up to locating the dog to get that message to me? Why is it that all these recent memories I managed to bury under a boulder over the last few days are surfacing in real time? Three times already this morning I’ve caught myself daydreaming about Candi, while in Vic’s embrace. Now this. As Vic likes to say, big boy, you are so screwed!

  I heard the front door open and turned to find Vic standing before me in sweats, her hair in a pony tail, her fair skinned makeup-free face two shades up from pale.

  “There you are. I’ve been looking for you. Debra has breakfast ready.”

  “I’ve been on the phone with the kennel. Major had an unexpected visitor who left me a message to call Giovanna.”

  “Gio visited Major in Tennessee?”

  “No, Candi’s friend, Marcy did and left a message for me to call Gio, ASAP.”

  “What’s up with that? You think there’s some kind of trouble brewing with the family or with Candi for that matter?”

  “I don’t know. That’s where my mind was going before you bounced out the door.”

  “If you want, I’ll call Giovanni from my phone and find out what news he wants to share.”

  “Thanks, but this one is on me. If someone went to the trouble to find the dog just to get a message to me, it must be important.”

  Damn right it must be important. D has stirred up one hell of a hornet’s nest with his theft and subsequent generosity on behalf of others. “Might I remind you, Miss Debra has breakfast on the table. Can we talk about this later? I’m hungry.”

  “Me, too. Let’s eat,” hoping that a pleasant meal among friends would put all these goings-on in my head in the proper perspective. Before us, spread across the table, were blueberry scones, corned beef hash, eggs over easy, sausage links and thick country bacon.

  I’m going to ask this time, before I eat any of this meat. Whispering to D, “Is any of this wild that you know of?”

  Laughing, I shouted to Debra who had disappeared in to the kitchen. “Debra, Vic wants to know how many wild animals are on the table this morning.”

  “Shush! I could have asked her myself.” Boys!

  Debra appeared, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Victoria, everything on the table is from the market in Tisdale. There’s nothing wild on the table, well, except maybe your boyfriend sitting over there.”

  D smiled. I blushed. “He’s not my boyfriend. We’re just friends.”

  “Of course you are,” countered Debra with a wink, “and the bear in our woods aren’t wild either.”

  I blushed again.

  It seemed like an appropriate time to change the subject. “Speaking of wild, where’s Greg this morning?”

  “Last I saw him, he was loading up the four wheelers for your trip. You should have a few hours before you leave. Is there anything you’d like to do until then?”

  “If possible, I’d like to visit the little girl, Missy. Wouldn’t you, D?”

  “I would. Debra would you attempt to arrange that?”

  “Gladly. Eat up and I’ll make the call.” Appearing in the doorway, Debra happily announced, “We can go when you’re done with breakfast. Missy is having a good day, today. She loves company.”

  Chapter 29

  Thinking long term during the two-block walk to Missy’s house, I wasn’t sure how we were going to play this and still remain anonymous. Before discussing it with Vic, I decided to involve both Greg and Candi, without them knowing it. Hey, what are friends for?

  Debra led us to a little two-bedroom cottage, nestled in the trees on a lane with a white picket fence out front. Perfect place to raise a family — healthy ones. Warmly welcomed by Mrs. Bryan, we were introduced to Missy, a beautiful, but frail, blond haired, green eyed little girl, lying in a hospital bed in a room, wonderfully adorned in pink frills and ruffles. Pictures of happier times adorned the walls, while stuffed animals and dolls filled the corners. “Hi, Missy, I’m D. This is Vic. We’r
e on a motorcycle ride across Canada. We stopped by to visit Greg and Debra and they told us about you. We want to help.”

  “I’m sick. The doctor said I can get better, but I have to go to Florida first.”

  “Missy, have you ever been to Florida?” I asked.

  “Nope. Soon ... I hope.”

  Jumping into the conversation with both feet, “Don’t say, I hope so, say I know so. And when you get better you’re going to Disney World, along with all your family. How would you like that?”

  Missy laid back on the bed, closed her eyes and breathed in the oxygen that was making her comfortable. “More than anything. Can I be a Princess? Can I see Mickey and Minnie and Pluto?”

  “Close your eyes, Missy. Make this wish with me: when I get better, I wish I could go to Disney World. Wishes come true, especially for precious little girls like you. You just have to believe. Do you believe, Missy?”

  “Oh, I do, I do. I believe with all my heart. Mommy did you hear, we’re going to Disney World?”

  Ah, through the innocent eyes of a child, therein is our hope. Looking around the room, there was her mother, Debra, Victoria and me. “You see all these people here? And all your dolls and animals, we’re wishing with you. Big wishes aren’t so hard when you’re loved by many.” Knowing by her actions the excitement had taken its toll, Vic and I took turns giving her a hug and kissing her forehead, before saying good-bye.

  Pulling Missy’s mother aside, “there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I have a friend, Candice Parker, who will see to it that Missy makes it to All Children’s Hospital in St. Pete, shortly. And Victoria, whom you just met, will see to it that your family has a wonderful holiday at Disney World before you return home. Sadly, I don’t have a crystal ball. Neither you, nor I know for certain if the procedure will be successful. Only God above grants that wish. That being said, Disney World is a magic place for kids and a healing place for parents. Honor Missy’s wish for me please, no matter what happens.”

  Holding her hands in mine, she cried, I choked. “Wishes come true for big people, too. We just have to believe with all our heart like Missy.” With that, I was gone, walking quickly out the door, wiping the water from my eyes before Vic and Debra saw my tear stained cheeks.

  What’s this? D's been crying. “What did you tell her Mom?”

  “I told her that Candice Parker will help make the trip to All Children’s possible—”

  “Really D, Candice? Won’t she be surprised?”

  “And that you would send them to Disney World with or without Missy.”

  “Of course, I’d be honored to do that. But, why did you tell her with or without her daughter?”

  “All we can do is provide the opportunity. Only God decides if the procedure will work. Let Disney World be the dream they all aspire to. Let it be a trip to rejoice in the healing or to heal through the suffering. It just needs to happen, regardless of the outcome. I made her mom promise me that she would go. If I’m not around will you see to it, Vic?”

  “I’ll see to it. Why would you say if you’re not around?” What am I thinking? D is being pragmatic and for once, I’m the dreamer. “Never mind, I just answered my own question without you opening your mouth.”

  “Good girl.”

  Debra, overhearing the important aspects of our conversation, spoke up. “Jon David, you made Missy’s eyes glow when you promised her Disney World. I’ve never seen her that happy in a long time. Excuse me for eavesdropping, but did I overhear you correctly, you or someone you know will make her trip to All Children’s possible? Can you really do that?”

  I’d better interject for D before he gets put on the spot and says something he can’t take back. “Debra, D or Jon David, as you call him, has many valuable connections. If he says he can make it happen it will happen. Don’t ask me how, just know that it will, sooner, rather than later.”

  “I don’t know what to say to either of you. It’s a miracle that you happened to ride through here and stay with us. What’s even more miraculous is that diamond story that’s flooding all the news channels right now making instant millionaires to so many people. Had that not been on my mind, I don’t think I would have ever troubled you with Missy’s story. It’s a miracle, that’s what it is...”

  Looking at D, his bloodshot brown eyes reluctantly meeting mine, “It really is a miracle, Debra. Much more than you could possibly ever fathom or imagine at this very moment. A miracle that is both up close and personal to all of us.”

  Enough Victoria, I breathed silently. “Come on guys, I’m sure Greg is waiting for us. Debra, thank you for sharing Missy’s crisis. We’re fortunate to have friends in high places who have the wherewithal to make any mountain, surmountable.”

  Clasping D’s hand, I lifted it high into the sky as we walked, and I felt myself glowing again. “We certainly are, D. We certainly are.”

  Chapter 30

  Now to drag Greg into my drama. “Ladies, wouldn’t you like some tea? Would you beautiful women be so kind to heat up the kettle? I need to talk to Greg for a few.”

  “You’ll find him in the shop,” directed Debra. “That’s where he always is this time of the morning.”

  “Thanks, Debra, that’s where I’m heading. I’ll be along soon. While you’re bonding, do me a favor, teach Vic how to pee in a bag.”

  “Get out! You’re a mess.”

  Damn straight! “D, I think she means you’re a hot mess!”

  “Hot mess it is then. Vic, you explain the hot part, while she explains the Ziploc protocol,” I added, watching a foreign object sail over my head, signaling it was way past my time to leave.

  I found Greg busily packing a bag for us, complete with binoculars, head nets, water bottles and snacks. “Is there anything you’re not sending into the woods with us?”

  “Good morning to you. Hey, you’re the one taking this girl on her first hunt, not me. If it was just you, I’d let you pack your own bag. I’m doing my best to cover your ass.. as usual.”

  What a great lead in to my next question. I couldn’t have timed it better myself. “Speaking of covering my ass, I need a big favor. We just returned from visiting Missy. I promised her mom that the funds would be forthcoming to make the trip to St. Pete.”

  Looking somewhat surprised, Greg asked, “Can you do that?”

  “Nope, but you can on behalf of someone else. It’s a long story, the less you know the better. Hold that thought; I’ll be right back. I’ve got to grab my daypack.” Returning with it to the shop, I dug deep into the bottom of the bag, where only a few whole boxes remained. Ripping one open, I told Greg to hold out his hands and close his eyes. Pouring the diamonds into his hands, I clenched his fingers and pushed them into a doubled fist. “Greg, before you open your hands, know this, there is a certain amount of risk that goes with what you now hold. I’m sure there is another way, but the urgency of Missy’s situation demands immediate action.”

  “Got it. If it helps her live a long and happy life that’s good enough for me.”

  “Agreed. Open your hands.”

  Greg’s mouth dropped. “Are these real? Where did you get them? Wait. The news, these diamonds are all over the news. Did you get a package? Can’t see it, you giving all of it away if you did. What I can see, clear as mud, is you’re the one behind the story. You’re the reason these instant millionaires have been springing up everywhere over the last few weeks. Go ahead, tell me I’m wrong.”

  “You’re not wrong. Truthfully, you’re ‘bout dead on. Our secret, OK? Remember, you can’t deny what you don’t know or something like that. Anyway, you’re holding somewhere between three hundred and four hundred carats. Half should more than cover Missy’s expenses and then some. Take Debra on a ’round the world cruise,’ while you’re at it, on me. My way of saying thanks.”

  “I don’t …we don’t ... you don’t have to pay me. Being able to help her is enough, D.”

  “I got it. But, don’t forget there is a risk. First
, I need you to go to Toronto to the diamond exchange and quietly sell enough of these on the open market to satisfy the hospital. Second, everyone and I mean everyone up here and in Florida needs to know that Ms. Candice Parker, from Chattanooga, Tennessee is the generous benefactor behind Missy Bryan’s ability to secure the treatments.”

  “Who is Candice Parker? I’ve never heard you mention her name before.”

  “She was or is, I don’t know exactly which at this moment, someone very special in my life. Let’s just say that her connection to a well known Family, as well as to children’s healthcare makes her a viable benefactor and leave it at that.”

  “OK, Jon David, whatever you say. What do you want me to do with all the left over diamonds and money? It belongs to you, not me.”

  “Medicine Hat has a Teepee. Tisdale has the bee. Why shouldn’t Mistatim have the world’s largest duck?”

  Greg rolled off his work stool laughing. “You’re joking, right? Mistatim having the world’s largest duck. That’s amusing, then again it would bring in lots of tourists … and traffic, and people who don’t know how to mind their own business. Nope, I don’t like that idea one bit.”

  “I was joking, Greg. Just put it away for me. Invest it where you can get your hands on it if I find myself in a bind. Don’t you dare be afraid to use it! I’m sure there will be more Missys that cross your path down the road. You'd better surprise Debra with a trip of a lifetime. I’ve known you long enough to say this out of friendship; I’d better not hear that you’ve taken her on some African safari that you think she might like. Deal?”

  Extending his right hand, we shook on it. “You do know Debra likes to hunt as much as I do,” confessed Greg, a broad smile beaming across his face.

  “Remember what I said. Just this once make her the Princess and you be the frog.”