Chapter 12

Jane

Jane's mouth fell out when she saw the animal that came bounding towards her. Marnie tried to hold it back but with her arm still in a sling the chain slipped out of her hands and clinked along the hard ground. The moment the dog saw Jane step on to Marnie's ranch it excitedly lept forward in an attempt to reach her. The dog stood up on its hind legs and steadied itself whilst it frantically licked at Jane's face.

'No way! Is this really my dog? It looks so different! I'm absolutely amazed!' Jane beamed.

Marnie panted and laughed simultaneously. 'She's really happy to see her mama.' Marnie rubbed her shoulder and winced.

Jane's eyes widened. 'The dog is female?' Marnie nodded, still rubbing her shoulder. 'She looks so different without all that matted fur! Hey, stop that!' She playfully swatted at the dogs head as it continued to lick at her face.

'You've definitely got a new friend there Jane.' Marnie giggled.

'Marnie you have done an amazing job cleaning her up. Down girl, nooo... get down!' The dog ignored her, and instead yowled loudly. 'Uhh, looks like I'm gonna have to teach her some manners. Honestly though, I can't believe the transformation!' Jane laughed and then told Marnie to send her the bill.

Marnie blushed. 'I don't like to charge you, but with winter coming things are going to be tight for a while and if truth be told I could do with the coin.'

'So Marnie, were you able to identify what breed of dog she is?' Jane asked still trying to get the dog to stop licking her.

'I did do some research and as far as I could find, she appears to a crossbreed. I think she may be half Newfoundland, because of her size and her thick coat but I can't be sure. The other half... no idea. She could be half horse!' Marnie chuckled but winced again in pain as she reached up to stroke the dog. 'Anyway, have you chosen a name?'

'I've got a few in mind but don't have anything set in stone. Marnie I think you should see Harvey about your shoulder. You seem to be in a lot of pain.' Marnie waved her suggestion off with her good arm. 'I'm serious Marnie, if you are in that much pain you should see him.'

'Oh I don't like to be a bother.'

'If it's money Marnie... I can't help out?' Jane had had a pretty good year with her crops and had managed to stash away a considerable amount of money.

Marnie shook her head and smiled politely. 'It's not the money; I just don't want to take up his time. I will go and see him tomorrow in the morning if Maru can schedule me in.

Satisfied that Marnie had agreed to go to the clinic in the morning, Jane smiled and said goodbye. Marnie was so kind and caring towards other people that she could easily neglect her own wellbeing. Jane clicked her tongue and the dog followed her home, sniffing at her heels.

Back at the farm Jane finally allowed the dog to enter her home. The dog dashed inside at such speed that it barged in to armchair with a loud thump. 'Woah! Calm down! I don't want you to destroy my house!' Jane called to it as it darted back and forth sniffing out all of the strange smells. Jane saw the fridge about to topple over and quickly leap across the room and steadied it. The dog was standing tall on its hind legs whining. 'Ahh, you want food? I can get you some food. Just please don't tip my fridge over.'

Jane opened one of the cupboard doors and picked up the big bag of dog food she'd bought from Pierre's store. The dog barked in excitement and tried to stick its nose in the bag, but Jane held it tight against her chest. She opened the front door and the dog ran head of her in anticipation. Jane made a mental note to ask Robin, the local carpenter, about building a dog house. Her farmhouse wasn't big enough for such a large dog, so perhaps it was best the dog stayed outdoors. She filled the bowl with food and watched her new companion messily wolf it down. The dog had a huge muzzle and any crumbs were quickly sniffed out and vacuumed up. Jane sat down on the porch next to the dog and felt tiny next to it.

'I really ought to choose a name for you.' Jane ruffled the fur on the back of the dog's neck. 'Hmm... but what should I call you? Roxy?' The dog snorted. ' Not Roxy... how about Rug? I did mistake you for a rug when I first saw you.' Another seemingly disapproving snort came from the dogs nostrils.

Jane thought about she'd teased Harvey. She jokily told him she was going to name the dog Harvey. He wasn't amused. The memory made her she giggled. The dog stopped eating for a second and turned its face to look at Jane as if to say, 'Don't even think about it!' Jane pushed herself off the porch and stepped back from the house. She took a long look at the huge beast.

'How about Bear because you do sort of look like a small bear?' Jane wondered. The dog barked in response but continued to eat. 'Then it's settled! Welcome home Bear.' Jane smiled at her dog.

Jane headed in to the dark cavernous mines with Bear by her side. She had her backpack slung over her shoulder filled with her supplies. Whenever she ventured in to the mines she always took food with her to replenish her energy. She had packed sandwiches, apples, and few snack bars - just enough for a few hours work. In one hand she held her pickaxe, and in the other she held the chain that was attached to Bear's thick leather collar. 'Come on Bear, this way,' she commanded. Training the dog to follow commands was going to take some effort. Twice on the way to the mines Jane had had to chase after the animal when it spotted a rabbit or a squirrel. The chain had burned the skin on her palm as it whipped out of her hand. She called to Bear but she ignored her voice. She wondered whether bringing her to the mines had been a good idea, she didn't want to lose her in the darkness.

When Jane was happy she'd reached a deep enough level in the mine to guarantee a successful haul she dropped her backpack to the ground and began heaving the pickaxe in to the rocks. Whilst she worked, her fluffy companion busied itself by sniffing about the cavern finding mushrooms and cave carrots to munch on. Jane wiped her sweaty face with the back of her hand. She picked up her pickaxe again and swung it in to the rock. The rock cracked and crumbled revealing a green glassy gem. Jane picked it up and turned it in her hand, examining the quality. Satisfied with it she threw it in to her backpack with the other rocks and gems she had found. She picked up her bag and almost stumbled backwards from the weight of its contents. 'Time to head home Bear, come on lead the way.' It was getting late, and she fancied a drink before heading home to her empty house.

Bear dashed ahead of her and Jane picked up the pace trying to keep up with the dog. It was then that she heard a screeching sound from above. Jane ducked as something flew over her head. Another screech joined the first one and together they made an awful racket. Jane put her hand to her belt, unclasped the press-stud on the leather and pulled her dagger from its sheath.

When she'd first tried to enter the mines she had been stopped by Marlon the Leader of the Adventurer's Guild. Jane had rolled her eyes at his warnings of danger and tried to refuse the rusty sword he'd pushed in to her hand. She had felt so silly wearing it on her belt, but that same day something spooked her from the shadows and she didn't hesitate to swing the blade in front of her. Since then she'd upgraded her weapon to a steel dagger. It had a sharp blade and was light enough for her to manage, and she only carried it when she explored the mines.

She swung her dagger and slashed the bats wing clean off, feeling a pang of empathy as it screamed in pain. She heard the thud as it landed head first on to one of the rocks below. She was about to deal with the second bat when Bear jumped in to the air and caught it in her jaws. Blood spurted from Bear's mouth and the second bat was dead.

Jane put her dagger away and patted Bear's huge head. 'Good girl.' The dog licked her hand. 'Come on, let's go to saloon. I want a drink before they close.' Bear swished her tail as she followed Jane.

The music from the jukebox was playing very loudly when she opened the door. The Stardrop saloon was bursting with patrons, all deep in conversation and laughing at some joke or other. She wandered over to Gus at the bar with Bear at her heels. 'Hi Gus, could I have a cold beer please?' She hopped up on to a bar stool and Bear lay down on the floor. 'Good girl,' she said looking down at her exhausted dog. Gus placed a bottle of beer in front of Jane and told her that food orders were closing in ten minutes. 'It's ok,' she said loudly trying to be heard over the noise, 'I've only come in for the one beer.' Gus smiled and went to serve another customer.

Jane took a swig of her beer and gasped as the bubbles fizzed at the back of her throat. She swivelled on her seat and leaned an elbow on the counter. She surveyed the room. As per usual, she saw Shane propping up the counter at the other end of the bar. He saw her looking and raised his beer bottle to her, and she mimicked the gesture. Jane continued to look around the room, noticing Demetrius with his wife Robin sitting in a booth sharing a deep kiss. Nice to see they still kiss after being married for years. Jane laughed and sloshed her beer down the front of her hoody. 'Shit,' she said out loud and then repeated her words when she saw Maru walk through the door. The two women made eye contact. Jane was relieved when Maru made her way over to Shane, completely ignoring her parent's who were still kissing. She was still annoyed with Maru about the other night, about interrupting her evening. She had thought about speaking to her but didn't know if getting in to a row with Harvey's employee was a good idea.

Jane watched them talking, and noticed how Shane kept glancing her way. He and Maru were deep in conversation, but Maru didn't seem to be enjoying it. Jane drank the last of her beer and thanked Gus. She headed out the door and was about to take the path home when she realised she'd forgotten the dog. Jane laughed then pushed the door open and clicked her tongue at her sleeping carpet. Bear's ears twitched and she lifted her head towards the direct of the sound. 'Bear... are you coming?' Bear yawned and stretched, then sluggishly made her way over to Jane. Jane smiled and then the pair made their way home.

Harvey

It was the night of the Spirit's Eve festival and all the villagers were out celebrating. The usual long tables were set up with delicious smelling foods and crates of beer and bottles of soft drinks. Most of the seats were taken as families gathered together to join in the celebrations. People were chatting and laughing, and some were even dancing. Harvey noticed Penny trying to sit her mother down for something to eat, but Pam waved her daughter's arm away. Harvey could tell Pam had had more than her share of alcohol. She was talking Marlon's ear off, leaning in very closely but the guild leader didn't seem to mind. Penny on the other hand looked embarrassed. Harvey chuckled.

Harvey picked up a glass and dipped it in to the bowl of pumpkin juice. He took a sip and pulled a face. 'Oh, wow that's a lot of vodka! I hope the children haven't drunk any of this!' He placed his glass back on the table and walked over to one of the buffet tables thinking he needed something to get rid of the taste of vodka. He liked most alcoholic beverages but vodka was one he never got the taste for. He grabbed a handful of mini pretzels out of one of the glass bowls and popped them in to his mouth. His tongue welcomed the saltiness. He took another handful and shoved them in to his mouth greedily.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder which made him jump. 'Hey Doc, have you been in the maze yet? The wizard set it up this morning, it's really something!' As Harvey had a mouthful of pretzels he could only raise his eyebrows and shake his head. It was Pierre who spoke. 'Just don't get lost in there.' Pierre laughed and walked over to join his wife at one of the long tables. Harvey swallowed his mouthful of pretzels and on Pierre's suggestion he went to check out the maze. He thought about the shopkeeper's attempt at scaring him - just don't get lost in there, and let out a laugh.

Harvey had only been in the maze for five minutes and already he was lost. He didn't think he'd ventured that far but he couldn't find his way back. The further in to the maze he had walked the darker it seemed to get. He stood on his tiptoes trying to see over the hedges that formed the maze walls but they were too high even for his six feet four inches. He could still hear the chatter and the music coming from the festival so knew he couldn't be that far away from the town centre. Where were the other contenders? He didn't really have a desire to win the golden pumpkin; he'd entered the maze more to prove to himself that he wasn't scared, but he was scared. He didn't like being alone. He knew it was just a game but he couldn't stop the tremble in his knees, the panic in his chest, and the high pitched whistle that came from his throat. He turned the corner, his hands feeling the small bushy leaves hoping to find a gap but he was met another dead end. He turned back and followed the path he'd come from but that turned in to another dead end. It was almost as if the walls of the maze were changing but he knew that wasn't possible. Or was it? It was a wizard who'd created the maze after all.

He turned another corner and slammed in to someone. His glasses were knocked from his face. He frantically grabbed the arm of the blurry figure in front of him. 'Oh I'm so glad I found you! I'm so lost!'

It's ok Harvey, don't worry. I'm here now.' She said sliding his glasses back on his face. The blurry image became clear and Harvey sighed.

'Maru?' He exclaimed as she stepped towards him, forcing him to squash up against the hedge.

'What are you doing here?' The high pitched whistle in his throat came with each breath.

She looked up in to his eyes. 'I can't stop thinking about you Harvey. I thought I could but I can't!' She raised herself up on her toes and tried to kiss him but he leaned his head back. She pouted playfully but then said, 'last night I touched myself thinking about you.'

Oh no! What in Yoba's name!?

Harvey stared at Maru in shock, his eyes were wide and his lips slightly parted. He shook his head and waved his hands in protest. 'No, no, no! Maru, we already talked about this!'

'Harvey...' She said leaning in closer to him. She smiled mischievously which made Harvey feel increasingly more anxious. He glanced sideways hoping not to be seen by anyone else and at the same time hoping someone would find them so he could get away from Maru.

He felt wheezy, and each intake of breath was a strained noisy whine. She hadn't noticed he was in distress. She continued to come at him, touching him, trying to entice him.

'Maru...' He wheezed and coughed.

She placed two fingers on his lips to quieten him, to stop him from protesting, and then walked her fingers down his chin to his chest and toyed with his shirt buttons suggestively. She moistened her lips with her tongue before saying, 'We should really finish where we left off.' Her finger poked through the opening between this shirt buttons and with her polished nail she tickled his bare skin.

Harvey ignored her hand and undid his neck tie, his fingers initially struggled with the knot but once he managed to hook his thumb through he pulled it loose. The restriction around his throat was relieved somewhat but he still felt like there was a weight on his chest preventing his lungs from expanding, from filling with oxygen. He moved his hand to his chinos pocket but Maru grasped his fingers and placed them to her lips.

Harvey had had enough; he wasn't in the mood for her games. He pulled his hand back and walked away. He coughed again and fumbled for his inhaler but Maru grabbed his arm to stop him leaving.

'Harvey!' she cried after him. Harvey wheezed heavily, each breath more drawn than the last. Maru stepped in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. He tried to move around her but she moved with him and blocked him. 'Harvey please... choose me!'

He pushed her. No, he shoved her to one side roughly, knowing he'd regret the action later, and hurried away as quickly as his wobbly legs would carry him. He didn't see her fall against the hard ground, or see her scrape her knees. He didn't even hear her cry out in frustration.

'Leave me alone Maru!' his voice raspy, barely above a whisper.

He turned a corner, not knowing if he'd been that way already. It all looked the same. He saw an opening in the hedge. He stumbled through the gap, grabbing on to the leafy branches for the little support they offered. His legs wouldn't hold him up anymore and he slipped down to the ground still clutching leaves from the bush in his hand. He coughed and wheezed, feeling himself getting lightheaded.

'Harvey?' said the voice he recognised so well. 'Harvey... what's happened? Lewis told me you'd gone in to the maze so I came looking for you... ohhh!' Jane hurried over to him and knelt down next to him. She lifted his chin with her hand so she could see his face better. She had an urgent look on her face.

Maru appeared and Harvey saw Jane's expression change from worry to detest. Harvey hoped she wasn't over scrutinizing the situation.

'There you are!' Maru bounced over and messed up Harvey's hair. She looked down at Jane who was still kneeling beside Harvey. 'Silly Harvey got himself lost and I found him. He's fine now... he's a real 'fraidy cat!' She giggled. Jane scowled. Harvey struggled to breathe.

Jane rummaged though Harvey's pockets until she found his medicine. 'He's clearly not fine. He's having an asthma attack!'

Maru looked dumbstruck. 'Uhh...What?!'

Jane pressed Harvey's inhaler to his lips. He was no longer calm, and he grabbed her hand tightly. His own hand was shaking. 'Come on sweetheart breathe this in.' He didn't need her direction... he'd been doing it for years. He placed his lips around the mouthpiece and inhaled deeply when she depressed the canister. He gasped for breath when his airways opened up. 'That's it Harvey, and again.' Feeling a little calmer he loosened his grip on her hand and breathed in another dose.

The relief was wonderful but he still felt very chesty. The wheezy whine produced from his chest accompanied his voice, 'More.'

Jane nodded and returned the mouthpiece to his lips. He took another puff and then another. Jane handed Harvey his inhaler. 'Are you going to be ok Harvey?' He nodded and let his hand drop to his side.

'I will be.' His voice sounded rough and gravelly. His throat was dry and sore. Harvey could breathe a lot easier but the wheezy sound still remained. His head was pounding and he needed to sleep.

Jane stood up and questioned Maru. 'How did you not notice the signs?' She looked mad, her neatly plucked eyebrows almost joined at the middle. She prodded a finger in to Maru's chest aggressively. 'I thought you were a nurse!'

Maru flinched and shielded herself by folding her arms across her chest. 'No, I'm not a nurse... why would you think that?' she scoffed but looked worried.

Harvey watched the commotion play out in front of him too exhausted from his asthma attack to stop them.

Jane lifted her arms out to her sides and shrugged her shoulders. 'Err... why wouldn't I think that. You wear a fucking nurse's uniform!'

'Ohh, that's just for fun.' Maru giggled nervously, but then burst in to laughter. Jane looked furious.

'Are you for real?' Jane's face was red. She glared at Maru and spittle shot out of her mouth as she spoke. 'You are kidding me right? You are seriously not right in the head!' Jane was right up in Maru's face.

'Ladies! Please...' Harvey was exhausted and had to catch his breath. 'Please don't fight.'

Jane returned to him and held out her hand to him which he took. She pulled him to his feet. Again he was marvelled by her strength. She placed her arm around him and helped to steady him. 'Come on Harvey, let's get you out of here.' He didn't see either woman's expression but he heard the warning clear enough in Jane's voice when she said, 'Bitch, fuck off!'

He thought about saying something but he didn't have the energy. He and Jane walked back to the festival together leaving Maru behind in the shadows to sulk. Jane pushed Harvey through the opening in the hedge that returned them to the entrance. He looked back and decided he would give it a miss next year. Harvey grabbed Jane's hand as they walked in to the town, not really thinking about anyone seeing them together.

Jane led him to one of the long tables and told him to sit down and then she disappeared out of sight. There were other people seated at the table, and they were staring at him. He peered over his shoulder and noticed that the people at the other table were also glancing his way. He could hear them talking and wondered if they were gossiping about him. He was too tired to care. He realised he was still holding on to the twig from the maze and tossed it on to the table cloth like it was cursed.

Jane returned to the table with a glass of water. She pressed the glass in to his hand. It was ice-cold and looked refreshing. He brought it to his lips and took a deep gulp. His throat felt soothed but he coughed violently. He felt Jane's small hand on his back patting him. He retrieved his inhaler from his pocket and took another two doses of medicine. He tried not to notice the faces watching as he held his breath and counted out the seconds, then released it and breathed more easily again. The villagers looked concerned.

He felt exhausted and slightly disorientated. His head was giddy and he needed to go home. He also felt embarrassed. Yet again he'd shown himself up. After the incident in the mines - after he had been diagnosed he'd tried to hide his asthma but eventually they all knew about it. It was a small town and people gossiped. He'd had two acute asthma attacks in the last five years and on both occasions everyone had fussed over him. He'd had so much food cooked for him he hadn't been able to close his fridge door properly. He wasn't one for attention.

He lifted the glass to his lips and took another sip of water and managed to drink it without coughing. He felt a hand pat him on the shoulder which made him jump. He lifted his head and saw Marnie hovering over him rubbing her shoulder with her good hand. 'Umm... Doc Harvey. My shoulder has been giving me some considerable pain and umm... Jane suggested I make an appointment to see you.' Harvey opened his mouth to speak but Jane placed her hand on his to stop him.

'It's not really a good time Marnie. If Dr Harvey is up to seeing patients in the morning I'm sure he'll give you a call.' Jane smiled. It was then that Marnie realised Harvey wasn't well and excused herself.

'Oh, uh... yes of course!' Marnie said embarrassed and went over to stand near Mayor Lewis.

Jane whispered in to Harvey's ear. 'Have some people really got no commonsense?' Harvey laughed, and then stopped when he noticed Maru watching from across the table. She had a moody look on her face. She most likely wasn't happy about being left in the maze.

'I need to go home,' he said to Jane feeling uncomfortable and extremely exhausted from his ordeal.

Jane offered to walk him home but he declined her offer and told her he'd prefer to be alone.

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