Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 6- This Can't Be the End
Elizabeth hadn't notice Jack return to the barn. He pulled in and parked next to her VW. He sat in his truck contemplating the new information he had about her; did it make a difference? Would the fact that he worked hard for everything he had impact how he was beginning to feel about her? Would she understand the concept of working for what you have instead of simply having it handed to you? He felt bad feeling this way, but since they'd only spent a short time together, did he really want to put himself out there just to have her treat him as inferior? He took a deep breath, still not sure what he wanted to do, but the tug she had on him was still there. Jack exited the truck and approached the ring…
"Lizzie…leg…move him forward. Come on, you didn't put all that money into professional training to sit back and do nothing now…" George was yelling; he considered it to be encouragement. "Come on, soft hands, Lizzie. Hold him like you would that Prada bag I know you're wanting. Leg, Lizzie… Count the distance…1…2…3…4…5…now… Great, now that's what I like to see."
Elizabeth was concentrating on her job at hand; working Bugsy, getting the set strides, achieving her flying lead changes, and was not aware that Jack had returned to the barn. Her lesson was winding down when she noticed him standing ringside against the huge oak tree. Already spooked by the apparent difference in their social standings, the references made by George just pushed him over the edge.
"Okay Lizzie, I think you're ready…now you just have to remain positive; you have to know that you can do it, and think…always think!" George advised her.
"Thanks George for everything. I appreciate you coming all the way here to work with me," Elizabeth responded.
"I'd do anything for you Lizzie, you know that. You and Bugsy have come so far, and I think you have a real shot at winning this year," George remarked.
"Wasn't Landon supposed to ride this morning?" George asked.
"Yes, but I heard he wasn't feeling well. He'll be out this afternoon, I believe," Elizabeth advised.
"Well, I can't wait around today. I have to hit a few more barns before I head back to Maryland this afternoon," George remarked.
"I'll let Stacy know…she'll pass the message on to Landon," Elizabeth promised.
As they walked toward the barn, George put his arm around Elizabeth, giving her an encouraging hug. "I know you'll do well in Culpepper. It's in your hands now. Hey, I haven't seen your dad in quite a while; how's he doing? Are your parents coming out to the show?" He asked.
"He's doing well. He has a business meeting in Washington, D.C. the day before the show. I think he and mom are going to drive down afterward. He promised they would be there," she advised.
Jack watched as they made their way to the barn. The trainer was an older man, probably her father's age, but Jack didn't care for his familiarity. He couldn't take his eyes away, as the trainer appeared to be moving his hands about her body inappropriately. As Elizabeth walked Bugsy down the aisle way toward his stall, Jack met her…
"What's that all about?" He asked.
"Excuse me?" She asked. She was as confused about his question, as much as she was by why he left, and still why he returned.
"This guy…what's the deal with his hands all over you?" Jack clarified.
Elizabeth laughed, finding his observation to be absurd. "Jack, first of all, he is an old family friend…"
"So that gives him a free pass to paw you?"
"What's wrong with you? You've been acting funny since before my lesson started…"
"I just don't think that a teacher should have his hands all over you…" he stated with a confrontative tone.
"Jack he is a dear friend of my father's, and he put his arm around my waist and hugged me. Since when does that constitute pawing? Are you trying to start a fight?" She pushed back.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply…" he began.
"Yes you did, and I'd like to know why?" She jumped in.
"No I didn't…it has nothing to do with the trainer…"
"Then what has you so rattled…?" She asked, hoping to clear the air, but he provided no response.
Elizabeth untacked Bugsy, and slipped his halter on, "I have to turn him out in the field. If you'd like to continue this conversation, feel free to come along. Otherwise I may see you later…
She led her horse down the aisle way and around to the back of the barn. She glanced behind her, but didn't see Jack… "Hmm, I guess that's my answer," she thought. As she reached the gate, she caught a glimpse of Jack coming from the other side of the barn…
"We do need to talk…"
"Fine, I'd love to know what has your knickers all twisted up…" she whispered
Whether Elizabeth realized it or not, he knew he'd acted like a jerk earlier. He didn't know how he would bring it up, but he felt that their apparent difference in social standing was a concern for him. George's comments didn't help, but he hoped that in getting to know her better, he would be able to get passed it.
She released Bugsy in the field. Most times she would stand and watch him run and play with particular horses in the field that he considered to be his buds. On this occasion she turned, disregarded Bugsy, and said, "Okay, what's wrong…?"
Well, I guess its best just to throw it out there… "Why didn't you tell me that your family was wealthy?"
"Are you serious…? That is what has you so upset?" She asked; her eyes were wide, and her breath was gone.
"Well, I can't say that I was upset, but when the people here call me your barn boy, it makes me wonder," he replied.
"I don't have any idea what you're talking about… I never have, nor would I ever refer to you as my barn boy. You must have misunderstood," she stated, still confused by his emotional blasting.
"No, I heard correctly…" Jack remarked. His words started flowing without a filter, and he knew as they escaped it would be hard to correct. "I can't be bought…I'm no one's barn boy, Elizabeth," he clarified.
Now it was her turn… "Bought? Who are you? Are you the same man who came to my rescue last night; the man who seemed so caring and kind? Jack, for your information, the money my family has is not mine. I work hard for everything I have, and I admire people who do the same. I do have friends who are well off financially, and others who struggle, and I treat everyone equally. I try to be a good friend no matter what, and whether or not they have money makes no difference to me," she took a deep breath. She was familiar with this form of judgment, having had it happen while she was a college student, but she thought that he was above the pettiness.
"What bothers you more, Jack…the fact that my family has money; the fact that I didn't mention it to you, or the fact that you're view of my wealth, or what you have determined is my wealth, makes me feel somehow better than you…? I work hard for what I have, and take nothing from my parents, unless you count the services of my trainer. Although he's a friend of my father's, I pay for each and every lesson, along with his travel expenses. I don't look down upon people because they don't have the financial resources I've had, and I don't throw what I have around, attempting to make others feel inferior. However, you Jack, have chosen to judge me not because of what you've seen, but because of what you've heard. My heart is the true test here. So, Jack…who is the prejudiced one?" She turned and headed for the gate.
She stood with the gate open waiting for him to exit… After he walked through, she closed the gate; she was angry at his assumption and her hands were shaking as she secured the latch.
Jack didn't know her well, but he had to say that he didn't view her as a spoiled little rich girl, so he didn't know why he was verbally pouncing on her. Was he intentionally sabotaging something that could be beautiful for both of them? And if so, why?
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry…"
"Yes you are, and I was crazy to think… oh forget it, you're no different than Charles… You both want things on your terms, regardless of where I fit in," she snapped back. "At least we found out about it now before either of us got hurt," she stated as her eyebrows arched and her shoulders shrugged.
At this point, she was angry and had stopped listening, "Good bye, Jack. Maybe we'll see each other around. I really do wish you the best." She turned and headed for the barn.
"Why did she turn this into an argument? Why did she call me prejudiced? Me? That's the farthest thing from the truth…most definitely not me. She's making unfair assumptions, and I…!"He was angry too, initially at her until he realized, "Oh no, I've done what I'm accusing her of…" he stopped; he felt his breath catch; the realization striking him like a bolt of lightning. He watched her get into her car without making eye contact and drive off. "Maybe it's not worth it," he thought.
Elizabeth went directly home, pulled into the parking lot and parked outside her building. She gathered her belongings, but before she could get out the phone rang…
"Hey… No, I have no plans… I wish I had plans…oh yes, I'd be glad to…be right there…!" She finished her conversation and hung up the phone. She started her car up and drove away. As she drove, her thoughts continued, "How could he assume that I'm so shallow… I thought he was different. He thought I was different. I thought he was compassionate. He thinks I'm a snob. Better to have ended whatever this may have been before anyone got hurt…"
Jack turned into his apartment complex and parked in front of his unit. He pulled out his phone…
"Lee…hurry home…"
"We're on the road. You and Elizabeth want to meet us for dinner? Rosie is excited about U2…"
"Tell her to tame her excitement…"
"What did you do…?"
"I'll explain when you get home…"
"Are you and Elizabeth talking…?"
"No…"
"Great…you did it this time…"
"The words came out before I could stop them…"
"Not sure what that means…"
"I picked a fight over her money…"
"WHAT? I TOLD U NOT 2…!"
"Stop yelling… I need help here…"
"Yes u do…Sorry man, Rosie is her BFF, I have to stand with her, but I'll listen…"
"She won't talk to me…"
"Were you talking to her or at her…?"
"At her at 1st, then tried 2 her, but she wasn't interested…"
"Don't let 2 much time go by, Jack…Talk 2 her…grovel, beg whatever u have 2 do 2 get her 2 listen…"
"Call when you get home…"
"I will…"
Jack walked inside and sat on the sofa. The sports program on cable ordinarily would have gained his immediate attention, but not this time. He looked down at his phone; his fingers tapped out her number, but without the force to make them register.
His phone rang; he hoped, but it wasn't her… "Hey Marco…No, I don't have any plans…" Wish I did, but I don't… "Where…? Oh ok, over at the basketball court at Pembroke Elementary? Sure, I'll be there in about thirty minutes," Jack finished his conversation and hung up the phone.
Jack arrived at the school a few minutes early and sat in the circular bus loading zone by the basketball court waiting for Marco, and several other guys to play a game of two on two. He looked around…this was her school. This was her parking lot. This was the sidewalk she stood on as she saw her children safely on the bus each day, and that was her car… Her car? Sure he knew there were plenty of ice blue convertible VW Bugs in town, but hers was easily identifiable… "THACHR" was her personalized license plate.
He only saw one other vehicle in the parking lot, a beat up 2001 Pontiac Trans Am, which frighteningly reminded him of the highly functioning car "Kit" that he'd seen in the Knight Ryder TV show reruns. As Marco and the other guys drove up, Jack's eyes were drawn to the front of the school. There he observed Elizabeth, pushing a cart filled with bags and boxes, and another man and woman, their arms full of items.
Jack started over to the front of the school, knowing that if he didn't tell her he was sorry, and soon, there would be no going back.
"Hey Jack, where ya going?" Marco yelled out.
"You guys warm up…I'll be back in a few minutes," He yelled; the sound of his voice drew her attention in his direction.
Upon seeing him, she looked away, her stride increased, and although she acted earlier like she didn't want to see him, truth was…she did.
"Do you need some help?" he asked, knowing that she was not likely to blast him with other people around.
"No thank you, Officer Thornton. I believe we have it," she replied.
"Are you a police officer…?" Sarah Patterston asked.
"Yes, I am…can I help somehow…" Jack responded.
"We have it under control Sarah. I'm sure the officer is too busy…"
"Elizabeth, clearly I'm not busy," he noted as he glanced down to the tennis shoes, shorts and t shirt he was wearing. "How can I help?" He asked, looking to Elizabeth for information.
She stood stoic, choosing not to answer…
"Officer, do you remember the house on Halperin Street that burned down recently?" Jason Parker asked.
"I do… so sad, the family was displaced… four kids if I remember correctly…" Jack responded.
"This stuff was collected for the family. The news said that the police station was accepting donations, but would you happen to know who is collecting the goods?" Sarah asked.
"I don't, but I'd be happy to find out," Jack stated as he pulled out his phone and began to dial. "Hey Danny, yea this is Jack … Who's handling the donations for the Halperin Street house fire…?" He asked. "Uh huh, right… but it can be dropped off at the precinct… okay, thanks…"
Elizabeth continued to cram bags and boxes into her VW, praying that between her car and the Firebird, that they would be able to handle all of the donations.
"Elizabeth," Jack called out as she peeked over her trunk lid. "There is a door at the back of the precinct, and all you need to do is ring the bell and someone will come outside and get the stuff."
Elizabeth emptied the cart, but wasn't at all certain that her trunk or doors would close on her compact car. Leaving Jack outside with the others, she returned to the school to retrieve the remainder of the items…
"How did you guys accumulate all of this stuff?" It's impressive…" Jack commented.
"Elizabeth collected all of this…" Sarah advised.
"All of this…Elizabeth?" He asked; he was surprised, but deep down he really wasn't. "How did she get all of this," he asked.
"Oh, Elizabeth collects stuff all through the year…garage sales, thrift stores, donations that people drop off, and then when it's needed we have it to give away," Sarah explained.
"WOW, I had no idea," Jack stated as he helped Jason load bags in his Firebird. "How much more do you have?"
"Just a few more bags, but I really don't see how we're going to squeeze them in," Sarah remarked; she began pushing on Elizabeth's passenger door, as it fought back, refusing to close.
"I can help… I'll be right back," Jack said as he ran around the side of the building.
"Hey Marco…come here," Jack called out.
"Ready to play man?" He asked.
"Well, actually…I've got to back out," Jack replied.
"Is that the girl?" Marco asked.
"Yes, and I royally messed up today… I need to talk to her," Jack stated as he pulled his keys from his pocket and jumped into his truck.
"I don't know what you did, but it's always best to just apologize…make her think she won," Marco imparted his words of wisdom.
"I was wrong, and I just hope I can get her to talk to me," Jack remarked as he pulled away from the basketball court and headed for the front of the school. He pulled up along the side of her VW…
"What are you doing," Elizabeth asked as he got out and began placing bags in the bed of his truck.
"I'm helping…" he replied.
"That's not necessary," she advised.
"I know, but I want to, please let me help…" he pleaded.
Deep down inside, Elizabeth was glad he was there. She'd done nothing but think about their argument. She truly felt that what happened, the words that were said, and the feelings that were expressed had little to do with societal standing and everything to do with their fear of relationships. She understood her fear, but was lost when it came to his reasons.
"You'll never fit in the car with all of these bags. Let me put everything in my truck, and I'll take it to the precinct," Jack offered.
With all the bags and boxes loaded and securely tethered, Jack walked around to the passenger side… "Elizabeth, will you ride with me?"
"I can drive too, and just meet you there," she responded.
"Please, I want to talk to you," Jack asked, his voice sounding quite sincere.
She closed her door, locked her car and walked around to the passenger side of the truck where he was standing with the door open.
"Thank you," Jack said as she slipped inside the cab.
Elizabeth rolled the window down and advised Sarah and Jason, and they would get the donations to the police station. "Thanks guys for your help," she called out as Jack's truck pulled away.
Initially they were both quiet… Then made small talk, discussing the beautiful weather, and how they were disappointed that the price of gas had gone up in the past few days. Jack pulled into the precinct, drove around back and parked the truck. If they were going to talk, it would have to be now…
"Jack…"
"Elizabeth…"
They both spoke in unison; laughing at their timing.
"You go ahead," she offered, feeling like the fight was his fault, and she wanted to hear his explanation.
"Please listen until I finish… I'm sorry…." He started.
"Jack…"
"Wait Elizabeth, let me finish… you aren't great at following directions are you?" He laughed nervously.
"I didn't mean to start a fight with you, and I certainly don't want to give up on this before we even try… I'm just going to lay everything out on the table…"
"I wish you would… Oh, I'm sorry, I'll be quiet…"
He turned to face her. Although he was looking at her, it was as if he was looking through her as he spoke, "Elizabeth, I was involved in a relationship a few years ago… I can't say that I was in love, but I did care for her. Her name was Hannah…"
Unable to hold her tongue any longer Elizabeth spoke up, "Was? What happened…why did you break up…?"
Jack looked down; his voice was soft, wavering slightly. He was staring at the floor, but not really seeing it. His eyes were sad…misty, and it was apparent that he was reliving a nightmare… "Hannah was killed in a car accident…a horrible accident…"
Elizabeth sat quietly…
Jack looked straight ahead; both hands were on the steering wheel…
"I was a traffic cop at the time, and I was called to the scene. I recognized the car…a drunk driver came around that blind corner on Princess Anne Road, crossed over into her lane and hit her head on. She died instantly…" He took a deep breath; his right hand released the wheel as he reached up to wipe his eyes.
She remained quiet, but reached over and put her hand on his, giving him a gentle squeeze.
"The only people that know about her and what happened have moved on to other precincts… except Lee, he knows... He told me to talk to you, maybe you'd understand," he stated.
"I'm so sorry, Jack…I had no idea," she offered.
"Elizabeth, I like you, and I don't know what this is or where it will go, but I'm so sorry. I just don't want to give up before we even try. I don't care about your money, and I think I just let my fears get the better of me… I didn't mean what I said; I didn't think before I spoke, and it became too late to get the words back after I said them. Please forgive me…" He hadn't relived the accident in a long time, in addition to the fear of watching Elizabeth walk out of his life just as she'd walked in had him emotionally spent.
"Jack, you know some of my baggage, and I am certainly not one to cast stones. We all have issues we have to resolve, but if you're willing to stay around and see where this goes, I'd like to go there with you," she responded.
Jack inhaled deeply and took a cleansing breath. He looked in the passenger seat and she was still there, smiling that smile that had a tendency to draw him in no matter what the circumstance. "You can sit here if you like. I'll see that everything gets unloaded," Jack offered.
"No, I don't mind helping," Elizabeth replied as she released her seatbelt and opened her door.
They walked to the back door, and rang the bell…
"Hey Danny, I'm dropping off the donations for the family from the Halperin Street house fire," Jack announced.
"WOW, Jack that's a lot of stuff; the family will feel truly blessed to get all of this," Danny replied as he made space in the back room for all of the items. "Thanks Jack…thanks ma'am…"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Danny… This is Elizabeth Thatcher. Elizabeth, this is Danny Moreno," Jack completed the introductions…
"It's nice to meet you Officer…" Elizabeth proffered.
"Any friend of Jack's is a friend of mine…please call me Danny…"
"Only if you call me Elizabeth…"
"Oh, so you're Elizabeth…it's nice to meet you. Jack has talked nonstop about you…" Danny began to say as he observed Jack motioning with a hand across his throat to end the conversation.
"Elizabeth laughed softly, "Jack is very kind."
"From what I understand, the Red Cross has found the family a new place, so all of this will come in handy for them. Do you want me to contact you if there are any items that they don't need?" Danny asked as he directed his question to Elizabeth.
"No, that's not necessary, unless you have no way to store it for the next family in need. If that's the case, just let Jack know, and he can get in touch with me. I'll be glad to take back anything that the family doesn't need," she advised.
"Thanks for your help, Danny…" Jack remarked as they headed for the door.
"No…thank you…this was way above generous…" Danny added.
"Yes it was," Jack smiled at Elizabeth.
"What was that for?" She asked as they stepped outside.
"I know what you did for that family…it was beyond amazing," his smile broadened.
"How did you…"
"Sarah and Jason told me…"
"They were supposed to keep that quiet…"
"Why, that's just another reason why I think you're amazing…"
"Jack, my parents raised us to be thankful for what we have; to count our blessings every day and to always lend a helping hand when needed…"
"Those are wonderful virtues…"
"There's a Tim McGraw country song out now. It's called Humble and Kind; have you heard it?" She asked.
"Yes, I love it," he replied, although he had not.
"Do you recall at the end it says something like…
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind
"Wonderful sentiment. Your parents sound very wise," he stated, making a mental note to pull the song up on iTunes and download it.
"And to think you were willing to throw that aside earlier before you learned about the wonderfulness of me," she laughed and then realized how conceited that sounded. "I'm sorry, I was joking…"
"I'm not, you are, and you scare me…"
She put her hand on his arm, turning him slightly, stopping his forward motion, "Jack, you scare me too."
I want to kiss her…
I want to kiss him…
Both smiled nervously as they returned to his truck. He opened her door and she slid inside…
"Thank you," she offered as he waited for her to snap her seat belt before closing the door.
He dropped her back off at the school, parking his truck next to her car…
"Elizabeth, I know that Lee and Rosemary will be back soon, but will you have dinner with me tonight? I mean just the two of us?" He asked.
"I'd love to, Jack… Do you want me to meet you somewhere…?"
"No, I'll come by and pick you up… say 7:00…?"
"Can we make it 8? I have to go back to the barn to take care of Bugsy…"
"8:00 it is," he stated as he got out of his truck and opened the passenger side door, and then her car door for her. "I'll see you in a few hours," I can't wait…
"See you at 8 then…" I can't wait…
They each left; Jack drove home, and Elizabeth headed for the barn…
"Stacy, did Landon ever show up?" Elizabeth asked, surprised that his car wasn't in the barn driveway.
"No, when he found out that George had to leave, he felt it wasn't worth coming in…" Stacy remarked.
"So, who is supposed to take care of his horse tonight?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm sure someone will," Stacy offered.
Elizabeth walked up to Bugsy's stall, and gave him an apple as he hung his head over the dutch door. Landon's horse, Special Effects, lovingly referred to as Barney, was housed next to Bugs, and Elizabeth offered him an apple as well…
"Stacy, I'll take care of Barney while I'm here…" Elizabeth yelled out, catching her before she entered the tack room.
"Thanks, Elizabeth…that's kind of you to do…"
"Hey Barney, you can't help it if your daddy is an ass…" Elizabeth went inside the stall where she cleaned and dressed his hooves, attached his fly mask to his halter, and dressed him in his sheet for the evening…"
"Hey Elizabeth, we need to get to the feed store, and my car won't start. Can we use yours?" Miranda asked.
Elizabeth finished with Barney, and stepped back outside into the aisle way. "I'll be glad to take you, but I have a date tonight, so I need to hurry," Elizabeth offered. She had ridden with Miranda before; she found her to be a bit wild and she certainly wasn't interested in turning her car over to her.
"Can we go now?" Miranda asked.
Elizabeth sat down her belongings and headed with Miranda to the parking lot. They slipped inside the Bug…
"Hey Elizabeth, before you go, I need a few things from the feed store too. Will you pick them up for me?"
"Sure, no problem…" Elizabeth stated as she got out of the car and followed Stacy into the feed room.
A short while Jack received a text from Lee… "Back home…do you want to do dinner with us? Maybe we can smooth things over between you and Elizabeth…
"Thanks but I already have plans with Elizabeth…"
"They don't include her killing you?"
"No, we talked… I told her about Hannah…"
"WOW, that's a positive sheep…"
"What…?"
"Step… sorry, hate autocorrect…"
"What is a positive sheep anyway…?"
"Don't know, but better 2 be positive than negative I guess, LOL…"
"Do u want company at dinner…?"
"Thanks but no thanks…Looking 4ward to spending an evening alone with her…"
"OK see u later…"
"I'll be over a little before 8 to pick her up…"
"OK see you then…"
Jack hopped into the shower; the thought of starting something new, was helping to ease the hurt of the past.
Jack was on his way to pick up Elizabeth when a call came over his police scanner… Shoot, I meant to cut that thing off… Ever the helpful police officer, he had to listen… "Calling all units in the area of London Bridge Road and Potters Road… We have a 10-50… Fire and rescue have also been dispatched…"
Jack wasn't far from there, and he was actually a bit early, so he called in to offer his assistance…
"Unit 239 is off duty, but coming to assist… reported electrical pole down…Virginia Power has been alerted and has dispatched a truck."
The accident occurred in front of London Bridge Baptist Church. Jack pulled into the parking lot, secured his truck and left to provide any assistance he could. The fire truck had just extinguished the fire, and the ambulance had arrived, standing by in case they were lucky enough to have a patient to transport.
He approached the traffic officer on duty, and identified himself… "Any idea what happened?" He asked.
"Not sure just yet…"
Jack looked over and observed the ever familiar white sheet covering the vehicle… "How many…?"
"How many what…?" The officer asked.
"How many fatalities…?" Jack asked, as his eyes were drawn to the scene.
"Two…"
Jack headed over to the point of impact; his mouth was dry; his heart was pounding; and his mind was reliving his nightmare…
Jack crumpled to the ground, his fingers touching the license plate left behind when the vehicles collided… "THACHR"
Several officers ran to Jack, assuming that he'd suffered a physical attack of some kind.
"I need to see her…" Jack yelled. "It can't be her…it just can't…"
"See who…?" One of the officers replied.
"The driver… There has to be a mistake. It can't be her," He pulled himself up from the ground, and started pushing through the officers toward the crash.
Two officers grabbed him, doing their best to hold him back…
"Jack," one of the officers approached, "I don't know what's going on, but some items from the occupant's purse were strewn on the road. I found this… He handed him Elizabeth's driver's license, miraculously unscathed in the collision and subsequent fire…
"Let go… I have a right to be here… I don't want her to be alone; she needs me…LET ME GO!" Jack screamed in frustration.
"You don't want to see her…there was a fire…she's gone, man…!"
Jack heard the words, but had trouble believing their finality. His knees buckled and he collapsed on the side of the road, sitting on the curb. He cried, he didn't care who was there; he didn't care what they saw or thought. He felt his stomach being ripped from his insides, and he had to will his body for each breath.
Looking out the apartment window, Lee observed Jack's truck pull up to Rosemary's building…
*Knock, knock, knock…
Lee responded through the intercom system, "Come on in Jack, the door is open."
Jack walked in; he didn't know what he was going to say; he didn't know if he could even speak…
Rosemary yelled out from the kitchen, "So sorry Jack, but Elizabeth must have had a problem at the barn…she isn't home yet. I tried to call her, but her phone went directly to voice mail."
Lee and Rosemary walked out of the kitchen, surprised to see Jack, disheveled, dirty, his face was flushed and he was frighteningly emotional.
He looked up, "She's gone…"
"Who's gone," Rosemary asked.
"Elizabeth…"
"Jack stop… you're scaring me…" Rosemary called out. "This isn't funny…" She grabbed Lee's arm for stability.
"She was killed in a car accident a little while ago…"
To be continued…
