Taylor's End Page 2

  If a lawyer was trying to track her down, it had to be bad. The police were looking for her, and without knowing the extent of her crime, there was no way she’d return home. Withdrawing all the money from her bank card, she’d then destroyed all her identification and kept on moving. Fear of discovery pushed her onward, with no true destination in mind.

  Now, after months of crossing the country, the nomadic lifestyle was almost second nature. She was sometimes forced to live rough. Other times her purse was filled with enough cash to provide a comfortable journey. The sedate existence before her memory blanks felt like a dream world that she could never revisit. Despite this, she would kill for a good feed and a comfy bed to sleep in. It had been a while since she’d had a decent meal or accommodation.

  It took another twenty minutes to reach the main street. It was lunchtime, and the delicious aroma of deep-fried food had Ella salivating as she continued down the tree-lined sidewalk. She stopped to study her reflection in one of the spotless windows of a shopfront and was disheartened by what she saw. Her boots were dusty, and her long dark hair was a mess of tangles thanks to the chill wind that had stirred up in the last half hour. She slipped on her coat to escape the cold, concealing some of the bruises and scrapes covering her slender body.

  As she examined her shabby appearance in the glass window pane, she saw a bunch of teenagers sauntering toward her. Clutching the edges of her coat together across her narrow chest, she slowly turned to face the group of boys. They were almost comical in their matching uniform of baggy jeans and oversize hoodies, topped off with angled baseball caps. They had spent far too much time watching rap videos and taking fashion cues from their idols.

  Too bad no one had bothered to tell them how ridiculous a bunch of countryfied, corn-fed white boys looked trying to emulate the African-American musicians they worshipped. She thought of The Offspring’s song “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy).” These boys looked a lot like the try-hard from the music video. Stifling a giggle, she cocked an eyebrow at them questioningly.

  They crowded around her, eyeing her up and down appreciatively. An older boy with a neck tattoo and penetrating blue eyes said, “Damn girl, you sure are a fine piece of ass, even all covered up in that grubby-looking coat. Why don’t you open it up and give us a peek at the goods inside?”

  Feeling vulnerable, she took a step back and pulled the coat tighter around her body. “How about no, you pathetic, half-baked wannabe?” she retorted, not wanting to show even a hint of weakness.

  If they thought there was the slightest chance of getting under her skin, she wouldn’t stand a chance. They couldn’t do much more than make lewd comments while it was broad daylight in the middle of downtown, but that might change if she decided to stick around for more than a day or two. The last thing she needed was for a restless gang of youths to start trouble for her.

  One of the boys turned his head and chortled, quickly fumbling around in his pocket for a cigarette. His big-talking friend scowled at him before back-peddling. “Whoa. Take it easy, sweetheart. I was only messing with you.” He held his hands up in surrender. “No need to get your titties in a twist.”

  Ella gaped at him, wondering if the wannabe gangster believed the bullshit he dribbled. Part of her wanted to tear shreds off him for being such a misogynistic pig, but she held her tongue, if only to avoid trouble. She had a niggling feeling that it could end badly otherwise.

  “Look, I don’t want any drama, so please let me pass.” She stepped forward, desperately hoping one of the boys would move aside. For a second, they continued to block her path, but then the stocky one with a buzz cut shuffled closer to one of his buddies so she could squeeze past. She caught his eye and nodded her thanks before continuing along the sidewalk. Despite feeling their stares as she walked away, Ella refused to look back.

  “What an uppity fuckin’ bitch,” the boy with the tattooed neck grumbled. “Who’d wanna tap a bitch like that anyway? I bet she’s no fun.”

  The others agreed half-heartedly, their eyes still following the stranger as she wandered off down the sidewalk.

  “Hey, Connor, you got any weed left?”

  The boy with the shaved head looked around at his friends and slowly nodded. “Yeah, I’ve got a little something,” he admitted. They knew he usually had something to smoke. It was probably the main reason why they let him tag along when he had nothing better to do. They would kick his ass if they discovered he was carrying and hadn’t shared it with them. One of the boys grinned and slapped him on the back. “Let’s go smoke that shit.” He followed them as they headed away from the main street.

  Ella paused outside the post office, an imposing red brick building that was over one hundred and fifty years old, according to the brass plaque proudly displayed near the entrance. She stopped an elderly woman making her way down the steps, a stack of parcels in her pencil-thin arms. By the look of things, someone had gone crazy on the home shopping channels.

  “Excuse me?” Ella asked. “Could you point me in the right direction of a good place to eat? I just got into town, and I’d kill for a decent meal.” She smiled, displaying teeth perfected by years of orthodontic work. Inexplicably, the attempt at friendliness didn’t quite hit the mark. The woman, who must have been pushing eighty, eyed her suspiciously and juggling the stack of parcels, reached up and fingered the small gold cross hanging on a chain around her neck.

  “I can see that you are not from around here,” the old woman said, in that imperious tone that only the elderly could ever truly pull off. “There is a diner on the corner of the next block that seems quite popular. I can’t say I have ever eaten there myself. But people rave about the Russian’s homestyle cooking. Now, I’m in a hurry, so you will have to excuse me.” She frowned, shaking her head in displeasure, and continued down the steps.

  Taken aback by the old woman’s curt response, Ella watched her scurry across the street. Whatever happened to country hospitality? If her interactions so far were anything to go on, Taylor’s End wasn’t exactly the most welcoming of communities. It was a disappointing prospect. Wandering across the country solo was a lonely enterprise, and if she was completely honest with herself, the lack of companionship and sense of isolation were beginning to get her down.

  Something dark and threatening lurked just beyond recognition. The holes in her memory only added to her feelings of being an interloper. The bitter longing for a familiar face gnawed at her like the hunger pangs cramping her stomach. She closed in on the diner and the mouthwatering aromas emanating from within.

  Shaking off the sudden melancholy that had settled over her, Ella paused outside the diner long enough to square her shoulders and read the bold yellow sign painted across its glass window. People seated on stools that ran the length of the large window peered out at her curiously from between the bright yellow letters. Realizing she was staring like a half-wit, she pushed open the glass door. A small bell jangled overhead.

  A few people stared at her entrance, but most were too invested in their meals to pay any attention. Ella made her way over to the counter. She half-listened to snippets of gossip swapped between mouthfuls of the day’s special while she waited for service. After a few minutes, a large plain-looking woman, her greying hair pulled back in a loose bun, came up to her and smiled warmly. Her teeth were big and square, not unlike the rest of her. When she smiled, Ella smiled back. Ella already liked the place, and she hadn’t even tried the food yet.

  “Sorry about the wait, hon, but it’s always hectic in here at lunchtime. It should start to quiet down as soon as the lunch crowd heads back to work. What can I get for you today?” Ella read the menu board, considering her options. “Today’s special is beef stroganoff served with a creamy mash. We also have pumpkin soup, if you want something lighter.”

  Ella shook her head vigorously. “No soup, thanks. I haven’t eaten for a day or two, so I’ll need something more substantial—although I’m sure the soup is yummy.”

  The big woman took a pen and pad from the pocket at the front of her apron and gawked at her. “Are you kidding me? In that case, you need to hurry up and decide what you want so I can get some food into you. It’s not right going hungry like that.”

  “I think I’ll get the cheeseburger and fries with a chocolate thickshake. I know it’s not very healthy, but . . .”

  The woman scribbled down her order and ripped the sheet from the pad. “Hon, by the look of it, you could use the calories. I reckon a strong breeze would easily blow you over.”

  “Not quite, but I understand what you’re saying. It’s hard to eat regularly when I’m always on the road.”

  The woman shook her head in dismay. “That’s no way to live. Take a seat. I’ll have your food out to you in a flash.”

  Ella plunked onto a stool vacated by a harried-looking man in a crumpled business suit. She was glad to be off her feet. While she waited for her food, she considered the woman who had taken her order. She was almost certain she could detect a Russian accent when the waitress spoke. Ella debated whether it would be rude to ask when she returned with her thickshake and a plate piled high with fries.

  “Here you go. Dig in. Do you want ketchup?”

  Ella jammed a fry into her mouth and nodded. “Yes please.” She sipped at the thickshake, sucking the viscous drink up through the straw with considerable effort.

  The big woman returned with the bottle of ketchup, placing it on the counter beside Ella’s plate. She took a cloth and wiped up some crumbs, taking the time to clean up after the lunch crowd, now quieting down.

  “So are you just passing through, or do you plan on sticking around on a more permanent basis? I don’t mean to sound nosy, but it’s a small town, and we could sure use a new face or two around the
place. Folks get the idea that life’s going to be sweeter in a bigger town someplace else, so they pack up their things and move on out, leaving Taylor’s End that little bit smaller each time. It would be nice to have it work the other way for a change.”

  Ella took a bite of the burger, surprised by the woman’s frank admission. “You must genuinely care about this town,” Ella replied. “Truthfully, I don’t have any solid plans. I kind of flitter from place to place. If I like it here, I could always stick around for a while,” she said, shrugging.

  “I’m Anna, by the way. I probably should have introduced myself before giving you the hard sell on country living.”

  “You were flat out earlier. I’m Ella, and this might be the best burger I have ever eaten.” Anna smiled at the compliment. “I don’t suppose you know of anywhere cheap to stay?”

  Anna sighed and rested her ample backside against the bench behind her. She glanced around the diner as she considered the question. The lunch crowd had thinned out. There were only five customers left in the diner, including the girl seated at the counter in front of her. “Only the Motor Inn comes to mind, but it might get a bit pricey if you plan on staying more than a couple of nights. You could check the bulletin board on the wall over there.” She pointed across the diner to a large board covered with various business cards and notices. “People sometimes advertise rooms to let. Do you want anything else? A coffee? Some pie? Or would you like the check?”

  “Pie is tempting, but I’d better not. I need to watch my money, at least until I can pick up some work.”

  After paying for her meal, Ella crossed the diner, weaving between tables. She paused in front of the bulletin board. It was crammed with sheets of paper printed with upcoming community events. There were hastily scribbled For Sale signs written by people desperate to part with unwanted goods. Even the local church had posted flyers welcoming newcomers to the Sunday service. “Damn it,” she cursed under her breath. People were advertising for practically everything except rooms to let.

  Then she spotted a dog-eared business card partially obscured by a bright printout touting Lizzy’s Babysitting Services. She plucked the tack from the board and removed the card: Webster’s Boarding House—Affordable Rooms & Home Cooked Meals Guaranteed. Corner of Bourke & Faithful Streets, Taylor’s End. Considering her complete lack of alternatives, Ella thought it sounded reasonable enough.

  “I wouldn’t bother if I were you,” a male voice advised. Ella turned to see a young man not much older than her seated at a table, nursing a cup of coffee.

  “I’m sorry, were you talking to me?” she asked.

  He smiled and nodded. “Sure was. You don’t want to stay at Webster’s. The place is a real dump. And the guy that owns it is a total jerk.”

  Ella took a step toward his table and returned his grin. “I’m not in a position to be too picky. I only got into town today, and I need a place to crash.”

  The guy sipped at his coffee and motioned for her to join him at the table. “I’m Christian.” He reached out, and she met him halfway, his hand closing around hers in a warm and secure grip. She couldn’t recall the last time she had even had a normal conversation with a guy her age, much less had any physical contact with them. Her slightly grubby and disheveled appearance made her acutely self-conscious, and she drew her hand away. “Do you want to have a coffee?” he asked. “I’ve still got twenty minutes before I’m due back at work.”

  “I don’t drink coffee,” she blurted before she could think of a better answer. She blushed, and silently berated herself for being so socially inept. She hadn’t always been this awkward. Lack of practice had seriously impaired her ability to flirt.

  “Although I’m inclined to distrust anyone who doesn’t drink coffee, I’m willing to give you a second chance. Would a piece of pie entice you to join me?”

  She liked his slightly lopsided smile, and despite having only just finished lunch, Ella couldn’t refuse a free slice of pie. “OK. You’ve won me over with the promise of pie.”

  She pulled out a chair and sat opposite him. He motioned for a waitress, and a gangly young woman with brittle bleached hair made her way over to the table. “What else can I get you, Christian?” she asked in a syrupy voice, ignoring Ella.

  “Two slices of pie with some of that fluffy canned cream would be great, Cindy.”

  “Sure thing. Do you need a refill on the coffee?”

  Christian checked the contents of the cup, glanced across at Ella, and shook his head almost regretfully. “Nah, I’m good.” Cindy gave Ella a sideways glance.

  “I don’t think she likes me,” Ella said.

  Christian shrugged. “Probably not. Don’t take it personally. She hates any girl I talk to. Poor Cindy has had a crush on me since she started working here a few years ago.”

  “Have you considered eating somewhere else? Assuming you’re not interested in her, that is.”

  Christian grimaced. “Wait until you try the pie, then tell me to eat someplace else. Plus, Anna is like an aunt to me.”

  There was an uncomfortable silence between them while they waited for their order. Ella picked at her nails self-consciously, wishing she had some clean clothes and a hairbrush to detangle her matted hair. She was starting to question Christian’s reason for inviting her to join him. He might not be interested in the bottle blonde working the tables, but that didn’t explain why he wanted to talk to some grubby homeless girl without any direction or purpose. Ella had nearly succeeded in talking herself into standing up and walking away when the waitress approached the table with two generous helpings of pie.

  “Here you go.” She placed the plates in front of them and reluctantly retreated. Ella picked up her spoon and scooped up some pie. Christian watched expectantly as she popped it into her mouth.

  “Well?” he asked. “Was I right? Isn’t it the best damn pie you’ve ever tasted?”

  Ella nodded appreciatively while she chewed. “It’s very good,” she admitted with a smile once she swallowed. They both ate the dessert with relish, their joint enjoyment dissolving the earlier awkwardness.

  “Are you sure you wanna stay at that shithole boarding house?” Christian asked.

  Ella lowered her spoon and looked across at him. “Yeah, I’m going to stay at that shithole boarding house. Unless you know someplace else where I can go?”

  “I wish I did,” he replied regretfully.

  Ella licked cream from the back of her spoon, and Christian swallowed. Damn. She didn’t even realize what she was doing. He shifted in his seat. Over at the cash register, Cindy glared at them, the stranger's provocative display not lost on her either.

  “I’ll be fine,” Ella said. “I can take care of myself. All I need are clean sheets and a hot shower. Anything on top of that is a bonus.”

  Christian shook his head. While he didn’t doubt her ability to handle herself, she’d probably never met a redneck loser like Jim Webster before. “OK, just watch yourself.”

  Ella pushed her chair back and stood up. “Thanks for the pie. It was delicious. But I’m utterly wrecked, and I need to find a place to sleep.”

  “Will I see you again?” he asked.

  Ella placed her purse over her shoulder and considered the question. He stirred something inside her. For the first time in months, she was willing to risk getting to know someone. “Sure. You know where I’ll be staying.” And with that, she turned and left.

  Christian watched as she slipped out the door and disappeared down the street. He realized too late that he didn’t even know her name. Shit. Checking his cell phone, he jumped up and threw some money on the table. He waved to Cindy. “Keep the change. I’m gonna be late.” He dashed out the door with his helmet in hand. If there weren’t any cops around, he might reach the hospital before he was due back from his lunch break.

  Chapter Three

  It took Ella nearly half an hour to locate Webster’s Boarding House. After leaving the diner, she had to stop and ask for directions a couple times. More than once she wondered if she’d taken a wrong turn. Two blocks back from Main Street, the neighborhood went from quaint country to dilapidated hick. The county must have given up on the northeast side of town long ago. Worn dirt tracks replaced the neat concrete sidewalks elsewhere.