Another Man's Treasure Read online

  “Oh, Davey,” she wailed as she lowered her head to his shoulder and once again cried her heart out. “Where are Mom and Dad? Where are they, Davey?”

  “They’re gone honey, I’m here, just you and me sweetie…don’t worry Mandy, I will take care of you,” David whispered to his distraught sister. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, Sis…not again.” David’s voice was soft and soothing as he picked his sister up in his arms and carried her back to the house.

  So many nights, the same thing, the routine of it all…the night terrors that haunted his little 15 year old sister after the death of their pas arents. David began to pray to God that he could keep his promise and keep his little sister safe. Miranda leaned over and laid her head on David’s shoulder and had an overwhelming feeling of suffocation. I can’t breathe!

  ***********

  Miranda jumped and flailed her limbs wildly, water splashing all over the bathroom. Scrambling to get out of the tub, coughing and choking, Miranda regained her breathing, although deep and labored.

  “Holy shit!” she exclaimed as she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her body. Sitting on the dressing stool, she began to shake. Back in this house for such a short time and the ghosts are trying to reclaim their stake in her subconscious. Sitting there with tears streaming down her cheeks, she recalled that fateful night.

  At 3:00 am, a constant knock at the front door had woken Miranda. She climbed out of bed, wandered out into the hallway and listened while David spoke with two local policemen as they delivered the news. On their way home from a weekend getaway, her parents had been in a car accident and were killed by a drunk driver. Miranda bolted down the stairs, ran past the others and out into the night air.

  Miranda wiped the tears from her eyes as the terrifying memory replayed in her mind once again. When dealing with the terrors all these years, she had always had David to pull her through. Even when she was in LA, she could always call him and he would comfort her. Now there was no David…no one to hold her and comfort her. Losing him 6 months ago to leukemia, her last family member was gone. Now it was time for her to face the ghosts alone.

  As she sat at the bathroom vanity, she looked in the mirror. “Damn, how do I do this alone?” Miranda asked herself as she wiped away more tears. Getting up and walking into her bedroom, she put on her robe and fuzzy slippers and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

  A cup of hot tea and my favorite movie will settle me down. Grabbing her favorite chamomile tea and teacup, she filled the kettle, put it on the stove and waited for the water to boil. She poured the hot water and stirred in a touch of honey. Wandering into the living room, she grabbed the movie and popped it into the DVD player. She settled on the plush couch, put her feet up and sipped her tea. The movie intro started and the title appeared…The Wizard of Oz. Not the original format, but the colorized version. Ah the ruby slippers. I have a pair too, Dorothy. Except mine have 6” heels. As the movie began, Miranda chuckled, “Oh Ted Turner, you crafty son of a bitch.”

  She sipped her tea and got lost in the fantasy world of the tin man, cowardly lion, scarecrow and munchkins. Yeah, he wants a heart. With all that she had been through in the past 15 years, Miranda wondered if anyone will ever want her heart.

  “Oh Mr. Tin Man, you may be better off withod der off ut one. Stick with brains and courage. They will serve you better.” Miranda drew up her knees, sipped her tea and watched the yellow brick road unfold into a magical world of make believe. If life was only this easy; a hop, skip and jump and a wizard would fix it all. Miranda’s parents would be alive; David would be snoring in the next room. She wouldn’t have been plagued with night terrors all these years.

  Hank would never have been part of the picture…or Jude.

  I would never have lost the love of my life…Jude Delaney.

  Chapter 4

  Twelve year old Jude was packing to spend another summer with Grandpa Joe in that old house in Virginia. He was looking forward to getting out of Georgia…and away from his mother. He loved his mom, when she was around anyway, but spending the summer with Grandpa Joe was a ritual he looked forward to after a long school year. Jude spent more time alone in that apartment than any 12 year old should. That and he had more Uncle “Whoever’s” than any kid on the block. Thank God for the nice lady next door, Mrs. McAvoy. At least she made sure he was fed and had clean clothes.

  The last day of school meant freedom, so much more to Jude than his classmates. The summer months were spent with Grandpa on the farm in Virginia. He knew it wasn’t a traditional farm, but he loved working in the vegetables with Grandpa and flowers with Grandma…and her cooking. Grandma always cooked his favorites.

  Mom hadn’t been home in three nights, and he wondered if Mrs. McAvoy would drive him to the train station later. He went to school and it was just like any other day, or so it would seem. The end of the day drew near and two local policemen came to the classroom and brought his teacher out into the hall. They kept looking back at him and talking in hushed tones. The teacher came back into the classroom with a tear in her eye. What had the policemen said to make her cry?

  She walked over to him. “Jude, you need to go with these two policemen. You will be ok, they need to talk to you is all.” Jude went with the policemen and standing outside next to the squad car was Mrs. McAvoy.

  “Mrs. McAvoy? What’s going on?” he asked, his voice quaking a bit. “Jude, darlin…your Momma’s gone,” she said and handed him and envelope with a note inside. He recognized his Mom’s scribble…

  “Jude, go to your Grandpa’s and stay there. I am leaving with Uncle Vern. Love, Momma.”

  Tears stung his eyes, but no way was he gonna cry! Mrs. McAvoy hugged him and kissed the top of his head. “Jude, your Grandpa knows all about this. He wants you to live with him permanently in Virginia. I will help you pack your things and take you to the station tomorrow. You can stay with me ny tonight.”

  Jude stepped back from her embrace and quietly walked back to his classroom. He walked up to his teacher and extended his hand. “Thank you, Mrs. Green. I’ll never forget you.” Mrs. Green gave Jude a quick hug and smile. “Be good, Jude. I won’t soon forget my favorite, green-eyed student.” He turned and looked around at all his friends staring at him. He waved to them and walked out the door.

  He didn’t sleep well that night, but tomorrow he would be on his way to Grandpa’s farm…to the house he always loved, to the only father figure he ever had…and he smiled. This was a good thing, a very good thing.

  ************

  “Mr. Delaney? Mr. Delaney, are you all right?” It was Janice’s voice that brought him back to the present day. Jude shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Are you ok, Sir?” Jude smiled and Janice let out a sigh of relief.

  “I’m fine Janice, just lost in thought. What is it?”

  “Your 11:00 appointment is here. Mr. Johansson, from Corporate.”

  “Thanks Janice, show him in.”

  Jude stood as Mr. Johansson entered the office. Craig was a small man, but with big power. He could make or break anyone in a heartbeat.

  “Craig, good to see you, come in.” Jude extended his hand. Craig shook Jude’s hand firmly and gave him a firm slap on the shoulder.

  “Good to see you, Jude. How is the youngest VP at The National?”

  “Fine, Craig, just fine. What can I do for you today?”

  “Ah, son, not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you.” Craig smiled and sat across from Jude’s desk. Jude sat down and looked at Craig with curiosity.

  “Oh? You have my attention.”

  “Son, you have done wonders for our investment portfolio, so I am going to say this straight up, no bullshit. We want to expand our offices and create several satellites from here to California over the next several years. We want you to head up the project. Before you say yes or no, read over the proposal. We are prepared to offer you an expense account and promotion.”

  He slid a folder across the desk. J
ude sat in shock. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Jesus! I can’t believe this!

  “Craig. I’ll take it home tonight and look it over. Thank you for the opportunity.”

  “You’ve earned it, son. Keep me posted.”

  Craig stood, crossed the office and left with a smile. Jude sunk into his chair and twirled around to look out the window. “YES! Oh, fuck yes!” he exclaimed, raising his voice. < Cront>

  Oh this is a red letter day. Promotion, expense account and that sweet ass little redhead back in town. Jude, old boy, this is your lucky day!

  Jude turned back to the computer, finished his wires, and checked on investment portfolios. Shutting down the computer, he grabbed his briefcase.

  “Good day to run errands and go home early. I have some plans to make.” Jude walked out and informed Janice and Sarah that he was leaving early.

  “Ladies, have a great afternoon and I will see you bright and early tomorrow morning.” He grabbed his coat and headed for the elevator.

  “Have a good day, Mr. Delaney,” Janice called out as he stepped through the doors. Sarah mumbled a soft goodbye.

  Oh, if she only knew how good the day was going to get. Jude smiled. Miranda Jones back in town. Damn, he never could get that gorgeous redhead out of his mind. If she thought he pursued her in the past, she ain’t seen anything yet! Jude started to laugh as the elevator doors closed.

  Oh Miranda, baby, get ready. After all these years, I have a second chance to make you mine. This time, no one stops me.

  Chapter 5

  Last night was the first time Miranda slept through the night.

  Routinely, sleep for Miranda was interrupted and fitful. She woke up with her stomach growling and that was unusual too but a great feeling nonetheless.

  “Maybe it’s the fresh air. Feels like an omelet sort of morning Mandy,” she jabbered to herself while she washed up. She took a hair tie out of the drawer and grabbed a large brush. Miranda brushed her hair and threw in a ponytail. font>

  “Now, time to make some killer eggs.”

  On her way to cook breakfast, she stopped in the living room and popped on the television to a music station…a little light rock to cook by. In the kitchen, Miranda grabbed all the fixings for a veggie omelet. After chopping the mushrooms, onions and sweet red peppers, she set them aside and moved on to the eggs. Beating them with just a touch of milk until frothy, she added the veggies. Miranda always enjoyed fixing breakfast and the music was putting her in a good mood. While the omelet cooked she popped some whole wheat bread into the toaster.

  “Yeah, yeah…no bread is better…but, an omelet without toast is a sin. Besides, you know I will run my ass off later.”

  She laughed to herself as she recalled the common conversation with her fitness trainer, Jeffrey, in LA. Jeffrey always asked her if it was worth it…him working her ass off because she refused to follow his diet plan. Miranda always said “fuck yes” and ran the extra laps or whatever additional torture Jeffrey conjured up for her indiscretion. Jeffrey shook his head and rolled his eyes at her when she stuck her tongue out at him. That was their routine three times a week and the memory was a fond one.

  The omelet and toast were done. Miranda grabbed a cup of coffee which was finally ready and sat at the bar and ate her breakfast. She made a list of the errands she needed to run as she finished her breakfast then put the dishes in the dishwasher and went upstairs to get dressed.

  Miranda looked at herself in the mirror and was happy with the view. She was proportioned well with a curvy figure. The one thing she was happiest with was her legs. Lean and muscular from the jogging, her legs were strong and they looked great from her toes to her tight little ass…and the rest wasn’t so bad either. Miranda put on her jeans, grabbed a lavender blouse, slipped her arms in and buttoned it up. It was a bit sheer and with a beige bra, it was hard to tell if she wore anything underneath. She brushed out her red tresses, slipped on her favorite flat black sandals, grabbed her purse and ran out the door, ready to face the day. She drove to town and mentally ran through her errand check list and decided to stop at the post office first to file her change of address forms. In the lobby she spotted the Postmaster at his desk.

  “Good morning, Mr. Hedley,” she smiled.

  “Miranda Jones, as I live and breathe!” exclaimed the Postmaster as he came from behind his desk to give Miranda a big hug. “How are ya darlin? It’s been a long time. How long ya stayin in town girl?”

  She returned his fervent hug. Mr. Hedley had been like a surrogate father after she lost hers.

  “Thank you, Mr. Hedley. I’m back for a while…I’m not sure how long.” That was the truth, the best she could tell it anyway. She wasn’t sure how long she would be in Willow.

  “How is Mama H?”

  “She’s well, dear. Please stop by some evening and chat. She’d love to see you!”

  “I would love to as soon as I get settled.”

  Saying goodbyes, Miranda left to do her remaining errands. This could take all day, with all the ‘reunions’.

  The local bank was next to open new accounts. Miranda noticed it had a very “homey” feel, as opposed to the big conglomerates in LA. The customer service person was very pleasant and opened checking and savings for her efficiently and quickly. It would take a few days for funds to clear from California, but she had a debit card and wasn’t concerned. It had been a long time since she had to worry about money. Miranda wanted a couple of new plants for the house and she needed cut flowers for her next errand.

  She left the florist and grabbed the local newspaper from the coffee shop newsstand. Miranda turned quickly and ran right into the person behind her.

  “Oh my God, I am so sor…”

  Before she could finish her apology, Miranda looked up and none other than Jude Delaney was smiling at her and holding her by the shoulders.

  “Well hello, Miranda. I was wondering how long it would be before we ran into each other.”

  Oh holy mother of God.

  “Hello Jude, I’ve only been in town a few days. How have you been?”

  Of all people to actually run into, Jude.

  “I’m well, Mandy, and you are as devastatingly beautiful as ever. How long has it been…10 years?”

  “About that long, yes…you’re looking well.”

  Jude threw back his head and laughed. “Jesus, Miranda…you were always stingy with the compliments. How about I buy you a coffee and we chat about your flirtation skills?”

  She smiled at Jude and batted her eyes. “Why yes, kind and handsome sir, that would be delightful. Is that better?”

  Both laughed and walked into the coffee shop. Miranda took a seat as Jude ordered their drinks. Sitting across from her, Jude handed Miranda a cup of tea.

  “You remembered.”

  “Of course, coffee in the morning, herbal tea the rest of the time; there are a lot of things I remember from the past, Mandy.”

  “A lot of time has passed, Jude. Things have changed…for both of us.”

  Jude’s stare was intense. Miranda could hardly look at him without bursting into flames of desire. He reached over and ran his index finger over her hand.

  “Some things have changed for the better and some things haven’t changed at all. You are still a sarcastic pain in the ass, but inside a kitten, a quivering mass of purring sexuality. You just have gotten better at concealing it.”

  “Pfft, you don’t know me as well as you think you do Jude. I’m not the same girl I was at 17.” ess at 17

  “Thanks to your brother. He ruined…”

  “No. Stop. Don’t go there, Jude.”

  Jude took a sip of his coffee and leaned back.

  “Ok, Mandy, not now…not here. But, trust me, we will be discussing this very soon.”

  Miranda took a deep breath and stood up. She was ready to put some distance between them.

  “Yeah, I know, Jude. Just not today, ok? I really have to go. I have more errands to run a
nd a ton of unpacking.”

  “Sure sweetheart, no problem. I have things to do and some work to finish from home.”

  Jude reached over and took Miranda’s hand, turned it over and kissed the inside of her wrist. His lips lingered there for just a second or two. God, she tasted delicious. He stroked his finger over the spot he just kissed.

  “I remember a lot of things, baby. See you soon.”

  Jude crossed the street to where he was parked and turned around to watch Miranda drive off in the opposite direction of home. Curious, he backed out and pulled down a side street, wanting to follow her unnoticed. After about 15 minutes, he spotted the red convertible parked on the side of the road next to the cemetery. He stopped a distance away and quietly walked the rest of the way and saw Miranda. He watched her for a few minutes and then walked back to his truck. Sitting behind the wheel, he closed his eyes.