Just to clarify, I know NOTHING about coin value or auctions...I am using that wonderful tool called "writer's liberty".
Enjoy.
TIME BETWEEN US
CHAPTER 12
By the next morning, Erik was actually feeling as close to normal (for him) as he had felt in some time. As he turned into the kitchen, Erik realized just how hungry he was. He had never been a big eater, having chosen to bury himself in his interests; but his creative genius was on hiatus right now, so he indulged in the things he had so long considered trivial.
It smelled heavenly, and his mouth was watering in anticipation. He watched the young woman preparing the meal and a strange longing filled him. If he were a different man, one deserving and capable of such things, this might have been his life; a loving wife who was as much in love with him as he was her, and a couple of children.
To bad he wasn't that man.
Randi looked up just as he was seating himself. She looked none the worse for yesterdays tangle with the ogre called Bracy. Her stunning eyes were bright and vibrant, and a smile played about her lips. She seemed slightly nervous around him, something that didn't settle well with Erik, but he pushed it aside and tried not to dwell on it.
"Good morning, my brave knight."
Erik tried not to feel the swell of emotions that filled his traitorous heart, but he could not stop it. It felt too darn good to be referred to as something other than monstrous fiend or a hideous freak by a member of the opposite sex.
"I am no knight – brave or otherwise - Mademoiselle; I was merely doing what any man would do."
A wry chortle filled the air as Randi kept her eyes averted and her hands busy, "That isn't true Erik…other than my father you're the first man who has stood up to protect me. They have all tried to weasel their way into my bed or turn all macho and He-man on me, wanting to force themselves into my life when I was busy trying to throw them out of it. Your gallant and chivalrous ways are a refreshing and welcome change."
He considered her words, agreeing with them for the most part. Men didn't seem to treat women with the same care and tenderness that had been common in his time. He was really thankful that Randi seemed to like that about him because he could never change that part of his character; perhaps in time he would fit in a little better, but he hoped he never lost his gentlemanly qualities.
"You are to me…that's all that matters." Randi stated, cutting off his chance to retort, refusing to allow him to diminish the importance of his actions.
Before he could stop himself, Erik bore a little bit of his soul to her, "There are two things I cannot tolerate; violence against children and violence against women. I gave up on the notion of ever having a wife and children of my own, but I refuse to tolerate any one abusing them."
Randi heard the loneliness and agony in his voice; raw and deep. She longed to ask him why he held himself in such contempt, but she would wait until she knew him better. Maybe that was what she saw swimming in his eyes every time she gazed into them. There was no guile in his eyes or features, and his tone was deprecating; he firmly believed what he said.
She just stood there for a few minutes, Erik was certain she was regarding his scars and openly agreeing with him, but he saw nothing but a flair of confusion in her eyes and a slight wrinkle upon her brow – then she curved her tempting lips in a sweet smile.
"Okay…enough of that…" she put her attention back to the task at hand…preparing breakfast, "….I want to make it clear that you are to call me Randi from now on; none of that 'Mademoiselle' mumbo-jumbo – or you can call me Miranda, whichever."
Erik pulled his shoulders back and cocked his head to the side, "I am not sure if calling you by your first name is appropriate, we hardly know each other."
Randi chuckled, looked over at him, and shook her head; causing swirls of gingery hair to bounce around her angelic face. Her pert nose wrinkled in amusement and Erik found himself breaking through with a beguiling smile that he didn't even know was in him.
"Please…I have had deeper conversations with you than I did with most of the people I went to school with…" she assured him, "…believe me, you will not offend me in the slightest by calling me by my first name." She sat the prepared plates of food down on the table, and gave a quick call to Cody, telling him breakfast was ready.
Most of the time he was a complete mystery to her; one minute, his behavior and manners were impeccable – as though he had been raised in a completely different time; and the next minute he was gracing her with that crooked grin that somehow made him more roguish and even more handsome, if that was possible, and she was certain he was as interested in her as she wanted him to be.
"Sit down and eat, Erik…I can hear your stomach growling from over here." She teased, giving him a quick wink.
He just stood there, looking at the table as though he had never seen one before…or was unaware of how to actually sit down. He was thinking about something very important to him, for his strong brow was tainted by a long, stern crease down the very middle – a sure sign he was deep in thought.
"It seems I have been quite an inconvenience to you. You have nursed me back to health and even allowed me to entertain you and Cody to the point of boredom…I'm sure. I have no wish to be a further burden to you."
She didn't look at him, but Erik saw the smile that lifted her full lips and the heard the light giggle that seemed to tickle its way up his spine. She seemed to be at ease around him now; probably because she knew nothing about him or his horrid past.
"I am serious, Madem…uh…Randi, I need only find a place to sell the coin that I carry so that I may have some money, and I will be gone from your life…do you know such a place?"
Randi poured orange juice in each glass then placed a stack of pancakes on the table before gave a stern look at the empty chairs. Cody hadn't arrived yet, and she knew he had heard her; but rousing that child from the bed in the mornings was as bad as trying to get him to go to sleep at night.
"I'm going to go get Cody from his room and then we'll eat…we can discuss anything you may need after we say grace."
His brow remained furrowed as she left the room…when had he lost complete control of that conversation? She had diplomatically swept the advantage right out from underneath him and thwarted his concerns without as much as a second thought. There had been few…no wait; there had been no one he had meant that had been able to silence him…but this incredibly strong minded and extremely beautiful woman had managed to do so…he would have never thought to see it.
He reluctantly admired that trait in her…he was hard pressed to find any negative traits about her; that alone was enough to give him cause for concern.
They returned, Randi having casually draped her arm over the boyish shoulders of her brother – who was every bit as tall as she was – and then they sat down. Erik watched them both bow their heads and decided to follow suit, and Cody prayed; a sweet, child-like whisper of worshipful wonder and grateful thanks. The prayer only took a total of a minute of two, but Erik was touched by his innocence and the peace that seemed to settle around them.
Randi wasted no time in getting to the matter at hand, "Now, to answer your question, the only place I know of to ensure you get top dollar for your heirloom is the auction in Denver. We can make a trip there today, if you want."
Yes, he wanted, very much.
"My father was a member and they know me personally…it would probably be best if we pretend the coin is mine for arguments sake."
Erik agreed, it would make for far fewer questions that had not answers...at least not feasible ones.
The food was delicious and Erik piled two more pancakes on his plate.
"Where are your parents, I saw their picture in the sitting room?"
Erik hoped he was not stepping across some sort of line, or offending her in any way…but he was curious.
"They both passed away a couple of months ago…we miss them terribly. I have been struggling to save the ranch since then. So many past debts, everyday expenses, and everything…it's all building up." She seemed on the verge of tears and Erik wished he had not broached the subject. "I have a week left to come up with 536,243.16…" she turned tearing eyes to him and lifted a waning smile, "…I have just about run out of options; Cody and I will probably be moving into Denver so I can find a job after the bank takes the ranch."
The amount of money she quoted sounded astronomical and her situation was dire; Erik could hear the disappointment in her voice…but he could also see the defiance churning in her turbulent eyes. He didn't know the history involved, but Erik had a good idea that her entire existence rested within the walls of this house and on every brick that had been laid.
"You only have a week to come up with that much money?"
Randi shrugged her shoulders, drawing attention to her pert breasts…two things that Erik was trying very carefully to avoid focusing on. He was very much aware of her as a woman….and it disturbed him deeply.
"I had a month, but what difference does it make; a month – a week – I don't have the money. No amount of time is going to change that." She stated, rustling up the dishes to keep busy.
She washed them thoroughly while listening to Cody drill Erik with a barrage of questions about anything and everything; to the man's credit, he sat there and took each one in good stride.
"Where did you come from?"
"France."
"Why are you here?"
"To make a new start."
"Do you have any family?"
"No."
"Why are you so tall?"
"God was tired of making short people that day…so He made me tall."
"Why were you dressed so funny when Randi found you?"
"We just dress differently where I come from…I think the way you dress is rather odd."
"How long are you going to be here?"
"For as long as I can be."
Finally, Randi determined that Erik had had enough of Cody's curiosity and shooed him off to his bedroom to get ready for their drive to the Denver auction.
"I'm sorry; we don't get many visitors out here. We did when the ranch was up and running, but ever since…." Her voice faded off as though terrible memories were working their way through her mind. "…well anyway, we don't get many visitors."
She was avoiding telling him something; Erik could sense it. There was something dreadful lurking in the back recesses of her mind…things that had happened to make the circumstances of their lives as calamitous as they were.
Settling her unease, Erik smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "No problem, he was just curious, that is all."
She smiled back and felt a strange flutter at the pit of her stomach; she dismissed it, thinking she was just feeling sentimental about having a man in the house – it seemed strange with her father gone. Clint's presence seemed to linger though, and it afforded a measure of comfort to Randi. She knew that if he were here, Clint Willows would have made Erik feel at home…a stranger in need.
"Okay…let's go to the auction and see if we can get your coin sold so that you can have some money."
Erik followed Randi out the door and watched her climb into the monstrous machine that seemed to swallow her whole behind a door of some sort. Erik would have been rather nervous about following her into the belly of the large, metal beast, but Cody climbed into it with no problem.
If he can do it, so can you…just keep your eyes open and learn by example.
Erik pulled himself up into the giant thing and closed the door behind him. From then on, he entered an entirely new phase of his journey. The "pick-up", as he it was called, was tremendous! It covered miles and miles in a short period of time and there was music that came from everywhere…and Cody was even able to put his drink into a little hole that seemed perfectly designed for such things…it was fantastic! He hadn't paid much attention to the one that Bracy creature had arrived in...but this was wonderful.
Erik tried not to appear too ignorant and give his lack of knowledge away, but he could not help the silly grin that kept covering his face. He had to have one! Of course, it would take some sort of instructions to learn how to maneuver it, but he was certain he could handle it.
Over the next two hours that it took to drive the 120 miles to Denver; Erik saw many wonders in this new world he would have to call home. Many "cars" littered the roadways in many shapes and sizes. Large signs adorned the roadsides advertising various things. He would learn all there was to learn in the silence of his wonder, hoping that his intelligence would serve him well in this age…for it had been of little use in the past one.
As they moved closer to this place called Denver, Erik began seeing large, imposing buildings that towered above everything around them. They didn't look structurally sound to him, but that was probably because he did not know how they were constructed…he found that he really wanted to know. He had seen such things on the television and internet, but this was proof positive that they actually existed.
I do not know why I am so amazed by the wonders of this world, I defied time and space to travel forward in time 133 years; still… he smiled broadly as they continued down the road.
To his delight, as they drew closer to their destination, Erik began seeing very large, very metal looking birds flying in the air. The oddest thing he noticed about them was that their wings did not flap, like regular birds, but stayed stationary. He stared in marvel at one of them as it floated above them, seemingly without any support whatsoever.
Erik remembered seeing drawings of such gadgets in the science books he had perused in his time; particularly those of, Jean-Marie Le Bris. He had found the concept fascinating, but unrealistic – even though Le Bris had experienced a small measure of success. Erik had been a skeptic about many things until Casper had educated him; Erik was less likely to think something was impossible now…he would only question how something was done rather than deny the possibility altogether.
Erik still was not feeling up to par, so when they arrived, he allowed Randi to take control of the situation and get everything where it needed to be. He felt numerous sets of eyes on him, some that were even hostile…but he was used to such behavior from the human race. In fact, he was surprised he had not been openly ridiculed.
It took the entire day to get the coin authenticated by an expert in such things…although if he had been asked, Erik could have told them it was an authentic 20 Franc Napoleon III coin minted in 1852; it was one of twenty that he had come upon in the bowels of the opera house several years ago. The coin was in mint condition, and the amount at which it was valued was considerably higher than Erik could have ever imagined.
"Clint Willows was an honored member of this establishment for years and my best friend, he is sorely missed." Van Gables remarked, coming up to stand beside Erik.
Erik was finishing the business transaction with the auction, when the large, burly man opened up the conversation with him. There were few men that Erik had to look up to, but Van Gables was one of them. Standing at 6 feet, 7 inches, it was rumored that he had missed his calling as a professional football player; choosing instead, to go into the financial side of business and, eventually, into collectible auctions.
"Are you a friend of Randi's?" He asked in a rough tone and a lift of his sandy brow.
There was something off about the man, at least in Erik's opinion; and he wasn't sure if he should even be talking to him. He seemed friendly enough, and in the end, Erik eased up on his suspicious inclinations and smiled at the large man. Van had an unusual speech pattern that didn't escape Erik's finely honed ears; maybe that was what Erik was feeling uneasy about.
He didn't really know how to respond to the posed question; she had known him for eight days, and he had been unconscious for three of the eight. They had spoken and she smiled at him as though he was a normal man…so maybe it would be safe to say that they were friends. He glanced around to see Randi talking to a medium-height young man, strongly built – possibly a ranch or cattle man by the way he was dressed. He turned back to Mr. Gables.
"We have not known each other for a very long time, but I would say we are friends."
Van lifted his chin and looked down his slightly crooked nose at Erik. His sky blue eyes were narrowed, but Erik sensed he was just protective toward Randi.
"She's a good girl…Randi…I'd hate to see her get hurt."
Erik didn't want to see her hurt either, and wondered why the big man had even mentioned it. Did he assume that because Erik was scarred he was dangerous? The thought rankled Erik's nerves, but he held himself in check – not showing any uncertainty at all.
Erik bowed and then stood regarding Mr. Gables with a cocked head and a reserved smile.
"Believe me, Monsieur Gables, Mademoiselle Willows has nothing to fear from me."
Erik turned and practically plowed Randi and Cody over as they came up behind him. She went to Mr. Gables and gave him a big hug, the man's massive arms practically covering her. Erik feared he might very well crush her and leave nothing behind. Something bothered him about the way the big man held Randi against him…but again, Erik pushed the accusations to the side…knowing he was overly suspicious most of the time.
"Randi, you look wonderful…and Cody…." Cody tipped his head politely and then looked away, "…what a handsome young man you are turning out to be. You weren't there the other day when I came to visit…" Van paused for a moment and appraised Cody with a narrowed eye, "…you look a lot like your father."
Erik noticed that Cody appeared to be uncomfortable in Van's presence; the boy was practically crawling out of his skin to get away from the conversation. He waited for Randi to finish her conversation and then gently interceded, shook Mr. Gables hand one more time and then dismissed himself by addressing Randi.
"Randi…I have a big favor to ask of you and Cody, may we go someplace to talk?"
"Of course….there's a park not far up the road as we are headed home. I'm sure Cody would like to feed the ducks and toss the Frisbee a few times." Erik had no idea what a "Frisbee" was, but he assumed it was something a boy Cody's age would enjoy.
She was right, the park was only ten minutes up the road and the late afternoon sun was still lending its warmth to the day…enough that enjoying an hour or two in the park would be easy.
Erik hadn't given much thought to the clothes he was wearing, but Randi sure was. Every few minutes he would catch her eyes on him; he figured it must have something to do with the fact that they were her father's clothes and she had been very close to him. She might even resent the fact that Erik was wearing them…he certainly hoped not.
They sat down at a bench that was overlooking the small, peaceful lake where Cody stood feeding the ducks. They watched him for a few minutes before Randi broke the silence.
"What can I do for you Erik…what did you want to talk about?" She believed in getting right to the point and he seemed like a practical man.
"I am in need of a place to stay, and you are in need of money…the funds from the coin are in a temporary account for now – ready for transfer…" her eyes grew as big as saucers and Erik continued before she could interrupt him, "…I suggest that we deposit the funds into your account and use it to help with the ranch and expenses; I'll work on the ranch and help get it up and functioning once again. Perhaps we can turn things around for Willows Peak Ranch and the Willows family."
She stood stunned – the significance of what he was suggesting was not lost on her. He wanted to help her and was willing to put his money where his mouth was. This was her chance to make a difference…but…
"Erik…you don't even know me…why…?" He could see the glistening evidence of tears in her eyes. "…I can't accept…" she finally insisted, not trusting herself to speak, "…it's too much…you don't know me."
She was stumbling over her words, side railed by his generosity. She knew exactly how much money he had obtained from the coin, it was more money than she would have spent in a lifetime - if she didn't have Willow's Peak to worry about; as it was, it was enough to pay all of her debt's and then some.
"I knew all that I needed to know when you brought me into your home and took care of me…" he felt a swell of emotion in his chest and it almost brought tears to his eyes, "…you have no idea what that means to me. I will need a place to stay…one of the guest houses will be sufficient; and I would like to help you with the ranch."
There was such sincerity in his beautiful eyes that Randi knew he was extremely touched by what he felt was as generous act of kindness. She was not one to admit how lonely she really was; but she suspected he would find out eventually.
"The guest houses are all in need of repairs; no one has bothered with them for a long time…there just hasn't been any money to hire someone to fix them; but you're welcome to any one of them."
Erik bowed his head in thanks, "That is more than a generous offer. I will do any repairs that need to be done and I hope you will find my strong back and able hands of use."
Randi's heart gave a tiny, hopeful leap in her chest; hearing a man say that he was willing to help her with the ranch, stay in a guest house and not her bed, and he would do any repairs himself; was there anything better in the whole world?
"Do you really want to do this…I mean, you could do anything with that money…go anywhere?" Randi admonished, thinking he had completely lost his mind. "I'm not sure the ranch is even worth saving at this point."
Erik felt the unusual and foreign need to wrap her in his arms and experience the sensation of having a woman lean on him for support. He made the mistake of dwelling on that image; her tall, curvy body pressed into his…he dropped his head and closed his eyes, warding the image away.
Erik leaned into her, inhaling the soft, feminine scent that always seemed to cling to her skin. He was not trying to flirt with her or make her uncomfortable, but Erik was very much aware of the way her heart sped up with his closeness. It caused him much sorrow to know that even though he had tried to be nothing but kind, she still feared him.
He pulled away slightly and swallowed the lump of pain in his throat, "We will have to see what we can do about that."
As Randi smiled and cocked her head to the side, wondering what he meant by that, Erik lifted his eyes to see a tall, blond, well-built man approaching them with a huge grin on his handsome face.
Randi turned and immediately leapt to her feet to greet him with a full body hug that had Erik shifting uncomfortably on the park bench. He had not even bothered to ask if she was seeing anyone or involved with anyone…he had just assumed she was an unattached female living with her brother in need of his protection and help; and he was more than willing to provide…what a fool I am; of course a woman as attractive and vibrant as Randi is involved. And what was I thinking anyway, that she would actually be interested in me at some point in the future? His insides churned and he hated himself more than he ever had.
۞۞۞۞
He watched them, feeling every bit the outsider. Randi touched him with familiarity and ease, letting Erik know, without a doubt, that she was on friendly terms with the blond fop. After a few minutes of close talking, Randi turned to Erik and smiled brightly.
"Erik, I would like to introduce you to Chad Garrison, a very dear friend of mine from high school."
The man was tall, but not quite as tall as Erik, and his blue eyes seemed to devour Erik with their soft intensity. He was obviously in good shape and his handshake was firm as Erik took the proffered hand he extended toward him.
"Hello." Chad stated, sweeping his avid gaze over Erik's frame – although Erik missed it; his eyes were busy watching Randi and the big, blond fop share a lifted brow and a smirk, leaving him to wonder if they were communicating with their minds.
"So Erik….Randi tells me you literally dropped out of the sky and landed on her property the other night. I can't imagine what I would do if a gorgeous man just fell into my lap and needed to be taken care of."
His eyes once again gave Erik a thorough going over, and Erik turned his head slightly and quirked a dark brow, what a strange thing to say…maybe he is more interested in men than women….it is probably just my wishful thinking…it would mean he was not interested in Randi.
Erik knew it was ridiculous to even think about Randi in a romantic capacity, but that did not stop the pounding of his heart every time her light green eyes touched his or she smiled at him; he was such a lovesick fool and there was nothing he could do about it.
"Yes, I suppose I did. She and Cody did a wonderful job of taking care of me."
Randi was playing Frisbee with Cody; running and giggling as she chased the silly disc far more than she caught it. Erik watched her every move with heated interest, trying to keep his interest in her to himself.
After a few minutes, Chad dismissed himself to approach Randi as she once again bent to pick up the Frisbee. Erik stood to the side, brooding quietly and trying to appear disinterested in what was transpiring between Randi and Chad.
It lasted about ten minutes and ended with Randi giving the burly blond another big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Before he knew it, Erik was facing Chad once again; this time, Erik warily shook his hand – not certain where the man stood with Randi.
"It was really nice to meet you, Erik; Randi has invited my partner and I to the ranch for dinner and a movie on Friday…" Erik wondered if the envy he felt showed on his face, "…we'll sort everything out then."
Before Erik could process what the man was talking about, he was winking his bright blue eyes at him and walking away.
Sort through what? The thought echoed loudly in Erik's head.
Somehow, there had been some information exchanged to which Erik was not privy …and something told him that it would behoove him to learn what it was.
I suppose I shall have to wait until Friday.
He frowned amusingly.
I hate waiting.
TBC
