CHAPTER THREE
Waking from a troubled sleep, Cameron felt as though he hadn't slept in days. Not good if he was going to look for work that day. Stepping into the shower, he left the water cool so it would wake him. Toweling off he put on the only suit he owned, save the tuxedo he left back home in the closet, brushed his hair and teeth and went downstairs to see if Ms. Butler would give him coffee. Much to his surprise she had a full breakfast laid out for him, and she was sitting, waiting.
"Good morning Mr. Cameron, I trust you slept well. When you didn't come down for dinner, I expected you were short on sleep. I took the liberty of fixing you breakfast, you must be famished." Getting up to take the plates from the warming oven.
"I slept fine, I'm sorry about being a no-show for dinner, I guess I was more tired than I realized." Sitting down to the table, he placed a napkin on his lap and stirred his coffee. "This is really too much, I appreciate it though. I am starved. How did you know I was up?"
"Well when I heard the water running, I gave you 5 minutes and then made breakfast. Without my sight, the pump coming on sounds louder to me than to others. And being a man you wouldn't take long to shower and dress. I hope it tastes okay."
"It tastes great, thank you. I'll go to the store today and get some stuff. Where should I keep it?"
"I left you a shelf in the cupboard here," pointing to the row of doors that must have been a wall pantry. "And the second shelf in the refrigerator is yours. If you need more room please check with me because I know exactly where everything is and something out of place would throw me. I hope this isn't too difficult for you."
"I think it will be plenty of room. I'm job searching today and will eat out. I hope to be back before dark. Do I have a key?"
"Yes, it's on the hall table. Good luck looking for work, I must get to mine. I'll see you later. Leave the dishes; I'll do them after work. Bye." With that Clara left the house and Cameron was left alone with his thoughts.
This was going to work out, he felt. Ms. Butler seemed really nice and caring. If only she didn't remind him of Amanda, this would be perfect. Finishing up his meal and rinsing off the dishes, he picked up his key and left to look for work.
He went into several businesses and placed an application and they all said they would get back to him. It didn't sound good. He walked what seemed like miles when he passed a construction site. He wondered if he could find work there. It would be good money and the hard work and sweat would be good for his soul. He walked to the trailer marked 'FOREMAN' and knocked. When granted permission to enter, he quickly realized he was way overdressed. But no matter, he needed work. "I was wondering if you had work? I'm new in town and not afraid of doing a hard days work. My name is Frank Cameron."
"As a matter of fact I just had two guys quit. Sissy types. They wanted the money but were afraid to work. Ever done this kind of thing before?"
"Well actually, I have but it was in prison. I figured I would tell you that up front. I was released last year. I've worked with the FBI and later as a private detective back east. I'm on the up and up. I really need work. I just moved to Chicago, and have rented a place."
"I don't really care about your record, I just need someone to fill in for four weeks. Think you can do it?" "Sure thing, want me to start today?" Cameron asked.
"Not in that suit I don't. No it's too late today, come back tomorrow morning at six and I'll get you set up. Thanks a lot Frank. My name is Chuck Butler."
"You don't have sisters Clara and Callie do you?" Cameron asked.
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Seems that your family are my guardian angels. I went into your sister's diner and she hooked me up with Clara. I'm renting her room, and I happen to walk by here and whammy! Now I have a job with the brother. Now how about Clarence? How's he gonna figure into my life?" Cameron said, laughing.
"Sure is a small world. Welcome aboard. Must be my sisters like you cause they don't offer or give, without trust. And my brother Clarence is a lawyer.
" I'm not sure how he'll figure in, but I appreciate your giving me a job. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye Chuck."
"Bye Frank."
Walking to the corner market he picked up a few days worth of groceries and stuff for lunches, and his mind wandered. He avoided letting it go to Bay City. He had had a full day looking for work and was tired. He thought, I have a place to live and a job. Now if I can work hard enough, long enough, I can cleanse myself of my memories. With that he caught the bus and traveled back to his room.
After several weeks of working, Cameron would get home late and leave early. He hardly saw Clara. But all his hard work wouldn't stop the dreams at night. The view from the window was his saviour. It was the one place he could watch the stars and think of Amanda and know that maybe she would look at those same stars and think of him. Time was not helping to heal his wounds. He just couldn't forget. He was glad he had brought Amanda's picture with him, although she was emblazoned on his heart. Why did he have to be such a cad? Why couldn't he trust in their love? He guessed it was because everyone who had ever meant anything to him had hurt him. And then this angel appeared. She offered this perfect love and he stepped all over it. Only to lose everything anyway. Funny how life was, with all its twists and turns. This was not going to be a night where sleep was restful. He could just tell. He tossed and turned all night. At five a.m. he finally got up and sat by the window. How was he ever going to make it through the day? He showered and grabbed a bite to eat and left for the job site. Chuck was there and he and 'Frank' shared a cup of coffee and talked about the job, which was just about finished. Chuck had offered to take him on the next job about fifty miles away. He'd have to get a truck but figured that wouldn't cause too much of a problem. As the rest of the crew showed up, Cameron went to his post up on the frame of the building and proceeded to weld the joints on the 'I' beams. His mind was wandering to everywhere but the job at hand. So He did not see the crane coming his way with the steel beam. Finally realizing that he was being screamed at, Cameron looked up just in time to see the beam slam into him.
Chuck rushed over to where 'Frank' was laying after falling twenty feet to the concrete. He feared he was dead. There was blood gushing from his head wound and his body was lifeless. 911 had been called and Chuck could hear the sirens. It seemed to take forever, but in real time only about ten minutes. The EMS crews worked on stabilizing 'Frank' and took him off to the emergency room with Chuck following when he arrived at the hospital, the nurse wouldn't give him too much information, only that they were still working on him. She wanted background, next of kin, etceteras. All Chuck knew was that he had a prison record a fact he kept to himself. 'Frank' seemed like good people and unless absolutely necessary, he would keep quiet.
"Sorry miss, I hired him as temp help and didn't do a background check. He just moved here and is renting a room from my sister. Maybe she knows something. I'll get in touch with her and let you know. Didn't he have a wallet?" "Yes, but there isn't anything in there but a hundred dollars and a picture of a woman. No license or any information. Anything you come up with would help. Thank you."
"Sure thing. I'll call Clara now,"pointing to the phone. She nodded her permission.
" Hello Clara, its Chuck. Frank has been seriously injured and he has no information in his wallet and I never did a background on him. Anything you can tell me? No? Darn, well I'll be here till I know something more; I'll keep you informed. Bye."
To the nurse he said "Sorry, she doesn't know anything about him. She's blind so she can't search his stuff. The bill will be covered by my insurance so just fix him. We'll worry about the rest later."
At that point a doctor in operating scrubs came up to the desk and asked for information on Mr. Cameron. At this point the nurse introduced Dr. Jones to Chuck. And Chuck told the doctor the same thing he had told the nurse, that he didn't' know anything about his background.
"We are going to have to take him to surgery. He has swelling that needs draining and a shunt put in. His condition is touch and go besides the head injury, he has broken his collarbone and ribs. He's mighty lucky he didn't snap his back. Let us know if you do find something out. His next of kin should be notified, just in case. I have to run."
Somewhere in his deep, dark memories Cameron is running, running up to the hill, watching over all of Bay City. Seeing Amanda, Gary going about their lives, he thought, how strange, they seem so real but I feel so light. He turned to go down the hill, there were his Mom and the 'Old Man' and Gary Jr. was between them. Oh God, I must be dead. What is happening? AMANDA DON'T LET ME GO he screamed, and that was the last memory he had. As things started to slip away he fought to stay coherent.
To be continued..
Waking from a troubled sleep, Cameron felt as though he hadn't slept in days. Not good if he was going to look for work that day. Stepping into the shower, he left the water cool so it would wake him. Toweling off he put on the only suit he owned, save the tuxedo he left back home in the closet, brushed his hair and teeth and went downstairs to see if Ms. Butler would give him coffee. Much to his surprise she had a full breakfast laid out for him, and she was sitting, waiting.
"Good morning Mr. Cameron, I trust you slept well. When you didn't come down for dinner, I expected you were short on sleep. I took the liberty of fixing you breakfast, you must be famished." Getting up to take the plates from the warming oven.
"I slept fine, I'm sorry about being a no-show for dinner, I guess I was more tired than I realized." Sitting down to the table, he placed a napkin on his lap and stirred his coffee. "This is really too much, I appreciate it though. I am starved. How did you know I was up?"
"Well when I heard the water running, I gave you 5 minutes and then made breakfast. Without my sight, the pump coming on sounds louder to me than to others. And being a man you wouldn't take long to shower and dress. I hope it tastes okay."
"It tastes great, thank you. I'll go to the store today and get some stuff. Where should I keep it?"
"I left you a shelf in the cupboard here," pointing to the row of doors that must have been a wall pantry. "And the second shelf in the refrigerator is yours. If you need more room please check with me because I know exactly where everything is and something out of place would throw me. I hope this isn't too difficult for you."
"I think it will be plenty of room. I'm job searching today and will eat out. I hope to be back before dark. Do I have a key?"
"Yes, it's on the hall table. Good luck looking for work, I must get to mine. I'll see you later. Leave the dishes; I'll do them after work. Bye." With that Clara left the house and Cameron was left alone with his thoughts.
This was going to work out, he felt. Ms. Butler seemed really nice and caring. If only she didn't remind him of Amanda, this would be perfect. Finishing up his meal and rinsing off the dishes, he picked up his key and left to look for work.
He went into several businesses and placed an application and they all said they would get back to him. It didn't sound good. He walked what seemed like miles when he passed a construction site. He wondered if he could find work there. It would be good money and the hard work and sweat would be good for his soul. He walked to the trailer marked 'FOREMAN' and knocked. When granted permission to enter, he quickly realized he was way overdressed. But no matter, he needed work. "I was wondering if you had work? I'm new in town and not afraid of doing a hard days work. My name is Frank Cameron."
"As a matter of fact I just had two guys quit. Sissy types. They wanted the money but were afraid to work. Ever done this kind of thing before?"
"Well actually, I have but it was in prison. I figured I would tell you that up front. I was released last year. I've worked with the FBI and later as a private detective back east. I'm on the up and up. I really need work. I just moved to Chicago, and have rented a place."
"I don't really care about your record, I just need someone to fill in for four weeks. Think you can do it?" "Sure thing, want me to start today?" Cameron asked.
"Not in that suit I don't. No it's too late today, come back tomorrow morning at six and I'll get you set up. Thanks a lot Frank. My name is Chuck Butler."
"You don't have sisters Clara and Callie do you?" Cameron asked.
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Seems that your family are my guardian angels. I went into your sister's diner and she hooked me up with Clara. I'm renting her room, and I happen to walk by here and whammy! Now I have a job with the brother. Now how about Clarence? How's he gonna figure into my life?" Cameron said, laughing.
"Sure is a small world. Welcome aboard. Must be my sisters like you cause they don't offer or give, without trust. And my brother Clarence is a lawyer.
" I'm not sure how he'll figure in, but I appreciate your giving me a job. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye Chuck."
"Bye Frank."
Walking to the corner market he picked up a few days worth of groceries and stuff for lunches, and his mind wandered. He avoided letting it go to Bay City. He had had a full day looking for work and was tired. He thought, I have a place to live and a job. Now if I can work hard enough, long enough, I can cleanse myself of my memories. With that he caught the bus and traveled back to his room.
After several weeks of working, Cameron would get home late and leave early. He hardly saw Clara. But all his hard work wouldn't stop the dreams at night. The view from the window was his saviour. It was the one place he could watch the stars and think of Amanda and know that maybe she would look at those same stars and think of him. Time was not helping to heal his wounds. He just couldn't forget. He was glad he had brought Amanda's picture with him, although she was emblazoned on his heart. Why did he have to be such a cad? Why couldn't he trust in their love? He guessed it was because everyone who had ever meant anything to him had hurt him. And then this angel appeared. She offered this perfect love and he stepped all over it. Only to lose everything anyway. Funny how life was, with all its twists and turns. This was not going to be a night where sleep was restful. He could just tell. He tossed and turned all night. At five a.m. he finally got up and sat by the window. How was he ever going to make it through the day? He showered and grabbed a bite to eat and left for the job site. Chuck was there and he and 'Frank' shared a cup of coffee and talked about the job, which was just about finished. Chuck had offered to take him on the next job about fifty miles away. He'd have to get a truck but figured that wouldn't cause too much of a problem. As the rest of the crew showed up, Cameron went to his post up on the frame of the building and proceeded to weld the joints on the 'I' beams. His mind was wandering to everywhere but the job at hand. So He did not see the crane coming his way with the steel beam. Finally realizing that he was being screamed at, Cameron looked up just in time to see the beam slam into him.
Chuck rushed over to where 'Frank' was laying after falling twenty feet to the concrete. He feared he was dead. There was blood gushing from his head wound and his body was lifeless. 911 had been called and Chuck could hear the sirens. It seemed to take forever, but in real time only about ten minutes. The EMS crews worked on stabilizing 'Frank' and took him off to the emergency room with Chuck following when he arrived at the hospital, the nurse wouldn't give him too much information, only that they were still working on him. She wanted background, next of kin, etceteras. All Chuck knew was that he had a prison record a fact he kept to himself. 'Frank' seemed like good people and unless absolutely necessary, he would keep quiet.
"Sorry miss, I hired him as temp help and didn't do a background check. He just moved here and is renting a room from my sister. Maybe she knows something. I'll get in touch with her and let you know. Didn't he have a wallet?" "Yes, but there isn't anything in there but a hundred dollars and a picture of a woman. No license or any information. Anything you come up with would help. Thank you."
"Sure thing. I'll call Clara now,"pointing to the phone. She nodded her permission.
" Hello Clara, its Chuck. Frank has been seriously injured and he has no information in his wallet and I never did a background on him. Anything you can tell me? No? Darn, well I'll be here till I know something more; I'll keep you informed. Bye."
To the nurse he said "Sorry, she doesn't know anything about him. She's blind so she can't search his stuff. The bill will be covered by my insurance so just fix him. We'll worry about the rest later."
At that point a doctor in operating scrubs came up to the desk and asked for information on Mr. Cameron. At this point the nurse introduced Dr. Jones to Chuck. And Chuck told the doctor the same thing he had told the nurse, that he didn't' know anything about his background.
"We are going to have to take him to surgery. He has swelling that needs draining and a shunt put in. His condition is touch and go besides the head injury, he has broken his collarbone and ribs. He's mighty lucky he didn't snap his back. Let us know if you do find something out. His next of kin should be notified, just in case. I have to run."
Somewhere in his deep, dark memories Cameron is running, running up to the hill, watching over all of Bay City. Seeing Amanda, Gary going about their lives, he thought, how strange, they seem so real but I feel so light. He turned to go down the hill, there were his Mom and the 'Old Man' and Gary Jr. was between them. Oh God, I must be dead. What is happening? AMANDA DON'T LET ME GO he screamed, and that was the last memory he had. As things started to slip away he fought to stay coherent.
To be continued..