Author: GMoM66
Summary: want to explore what would have happened if Caleb had never answered the call (from Ashley) in 509 while meeting up with Kelly James. He is clearly smitten by this wonderful beauty. Could there be a relationship in the making, will he train her to bull ride or saddle bronc. What, and give you the answer now? Find out and read on
Rated: K+
Authors Note:
I would like to say that the more I get into this story, the more I never realized just how much time would be needed to put it all together; yet I am glad that I have taken the time to do it. You will be glad to know that this continues on, to (who knows how long). Chapter 8 is on the way!
Ch. 7
Kelly went to bed with Caleb on her mind so there is no great surprise when falling asleep she dreamt about him.
"Their eyes met - just as their fingers touched, when Caleb grabbed for the plate. They melted in a moment of maddening uncertainty! But then, he reached out with wet, dirty, soapy, dish water hands and pulled her close. Grabbing her face unable to control his needy mouth he tenderly kissed her, while slowly running his hands through her hair playing with each curl. Kelly wrapped her arms tightly around his neck as their bodies morphed into one. Then slowly unwrapping her arms, her hands discovered the stubbly roughness of his face. Tracing his fingers down her neck he instinctively found the trail down her spine that caused her back to arch with a tickle,….."
BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ! Beep! Beep! Beep! BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ!
Jolting upright with a startle from the sound of her stupid alarm Kelly rubbed her dreamy eyes. She was quite certain a cold shower is what she needed to wash the daze away. This was not happening. She was - not - falling in love with another cowboy. It's been 4 years since Hunter, her last cowboy.
Hunter was a smooth-talking, arrogant, wind-bag of a cowboy who cheated on her, then lied about it. The night she decided to end this pathetic excuse of a relationship he had the nerve to ask if she wanted to hang around and, (how did he say it?) "Let's go make a ruckus. It'll be so romantic".
She'd cause a ruckus alright, but not the kind he imagined. Kelly stepped back and swung her arm around, and like the snap of a whip her fist reached out and touched - his smooth talking mouth, saying "Get it straight, cowboy – I don't stay with two-timing idiots!" In his shocked, bewildered and beaten state, he said, "Damn, you don't have to be so mean!" That was the last time she dated anyone, and now - Caleb.
Stepping into the shower her mind was playing all kinds of games with her; what was that last night? Really, one dinner, and now you think you're in love? Frustrated she thought, He is such a gentleman though,.. Dazedly she washed her hair while helplessly thinking how she, Caressed his hands under the water, brushing her lips… to his?
Stepping out of the shower her mind was still unsettled. She dried off and looked at her alarm clock which displayed 8am. Letting her hair naturally dry, she brushed her teeth, got dressed, and went off to work.
This was the one thing that would get her mind off of Caleb. Kelly reflected on how fulfilling her job had been, with the Alberta SPCA. As a Peace Officer their mission statement resonated with Kelly so much, because she very much cared about the welfare of all animals. She had seen the cruelty to animals done with human hands and there were times she found it very hard to not judge people. To Kelly the animals that people cared for were just as important as the humans caring for them. This was Kelly's way of giving back to the community she loved so much.
Upon entering the office Kelly's supervisor, Andy Sullivan approached her.
"Hey Kell, can I see you a minute in my office?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"We keep getting calls of suspicious activity regarding dogs. The calls are alluding to an unsubstantiated rumor, of a dogfighting ring. Since we have no proof of anything I need you to check it out."
Andy pulled out a map of Hudson, slapped it on his desk and pointed to an area north east of Hudson, Elk Head
"You will concentrate on this area where the calls are coming from." dabbing his finger on Elk Head.
"There's a popular truck stop just north of here the, Jackanapes. Have you heard of it? I need you to check it out. The owner Gene might have some information since he's the one who made the last call."
"Yep, I've heard of the truck stop, when should I go?"
Tossing the keys to a company truck in her direction he said,
"You can go now."
On her way out Kelly picked up a clipboard storage box, and a camera if needed. Hollering to Andy as she walked out, "See ya later."
Approaching the truck Kelly could feel her heart sink, she remembered a story in the newspaper, 3 weeks ago about a dogfight ring. The Hudson "Ledger Gazette", printed a warning to all residents,
"Rumors have been circulating around town that the alleged culprits are grabbing unleashed, large breed, dogs from backyards at night. They are even snatching up strays and forcing them into dogfighting rings. Please keep all pets indoors, and do not give dogs away for free. Since the Authorities in Hudson haven't received enough evidence to launch an investigation of these claims, we are urging the community to be safe and take the proper precautions. If you have any information at all please call the Alberta SPCA."
Kelly dismissed the warning at the time, as many of her neighbors had. There have been false claims made so many times that folks didn't know if it was real, or not. However, it was always a good idea to take proper precautions and be safe. But now this, it made her uneasy that she hadn't taken the warning more serious. Berating herself during her drive she knew exactly what to ask Gene once she saw him.
The Jackanapes truck stop was not a very clean stop. It was known for its trashy clientele. The truckers stopping here were looking for one thing, lot lizards. Lot lizards were scantily clad women offering themselves for a cheap price. Some of these ladies reasoned to themselves that it was safer here than on the streets, besides they would be feed too. For them it was a win – win situation. They just didn't figure on being kidnapped then tossed to the side of the road,… dead.
Pulling into the truck stop Kelly found a parking space just as a lot lizard walked on by. Before exiting her truck Kelly reached for her hand sanitizer with a scowl on her face,
"I can't believe I'm here."
Picking up her note pad she exited, carefully making her way to the entrance of the Jackanapes. The smell of stale smoke lingered thick, with the scent of burnt greasy food, not to mention alcohol spills here and there that were left untouched. Kelly had to raise her hand to her nose as she walked and glanced through the inebriated crowd.
Kelly made her way to the counter and asked for Gene. Noticing her uniform, the bar tender motioned for her to take a seat, "Hang on I'll go get him."
Dale the bartender returned shortly after with a tall 6'3 beer belly, dark haired man. Extending his hand to Kelly for a shake,
"Hello miss, I'm Gene. Why don't you come with me to my office?"
"Hi. I'm Kelly."
She followed him to a dank, cluttered, hole in the wall, office. He sat behind his messy desk while offering her a chair across from him. Dale followed too and asked if they needed anything, Gene told the young bartender to bring a pitcher of water with 2 cups. Leaning back in his seat Gene with arms folded over his chest asked what he could do for her. Kelly began,
"We received a complaint from you today alleging animal abuse. You mentioned suspicions of a dogfighting ring. I am here to take your report, what do you know?"
"Well you all don't miss a beat, do you?
Dale returned with the pitcher of water and cups placing them on top of scattered papers of some sort.
"Listen miss,… Kelly is it? I have a property not far from here. Along my drive here, I have noticed dogs bodies just tossed like rags in ditches. The other day I stopped and got out. This dog was beat up pretty bad, but it was mauled too. This makes me mad, because I can't stand this shit. I have dogs myself, and I have been keeping them inside after I seen all this. I want this stopped"
Kelly was taking some notes and asked if he could tell her exactly where the dog was found. He grabbed a map and pointed to Elk Head. Then he continued,
"You know we get truckers through here all the time. Word is there is a new family living in the out skirts of Elk Head. One trucker came in and described a lot that had a dogfighting ring set up in the barn." Kelly asked if the trucker had mentioned any names. Gene grabbed the pitcher of water and poured himself a cup and asked if she'd like some water too. Kelly thanked him as she accepted the cup from him. Taking a drink and swishing the water in his mouth he swallowed hard and continued,
"It's a family, a widowed mother of 3 adult boys. Margaret,…I think. Margaret Tanner is her name. Their property is right about here." Gene pointed to a rural area of Elk Head. "So what are you gonna do?" He asked while leaning forward.
Kelly responded to his concern,
"I am here because you made a complaint today. I am following up with you and taking your report. With the information you've given me I am also going to investigate the Elk Head area. Once we have established that there is abuse, or dogfighting happening we will get the RCMP involved. The reason they haven't been involved yet is because no one has any real proof. The RCMP needs hard evidence that these nefarious activities are going on. So, is there anything else you can tell me about Margaret Tanner?"
Rubbing his face now and swiping his hair back he looked at Kelly nervously. After taking another gulp of water he said,
"Look lady, I don't want any trouble coming from anyone. I run a business here and if word gets out that I'm leaking info,…These truckers can be a mean lot. I'm just say'in. I've told you too much already. You have their names, and the area where they live. What more from me do you want?"
Kelly took a drink of water and said,
"I know these folks can be awful, but you called us and if you want this to stop,…if dogfighting is happening, then if you know anything more, I need to know."
Gene remembered the family was from America, but that was it. He didn't say anything more except,
"Thank you Kelly,… for coming out here." He stood up, and escorted her to the exit.
"You're welcome Gene, and if you see anything again, please call us." She handed him a business card with all of the Alberta SPCA's contact information on it, and said goodbye.
The whiff of fresh air as she breathed in the crisp Alberta outdoors was,…heaven. She never thought that she'd appreciate the crisp freshness of the air before, until she walked out of that bacteria infested smell of, all things gross. She couldn't wait till she got inside the truck where she could pour the whole bottle of sanitizer over her, because the smell of that place was now embedded in her hair and clothing. Slipping into the driver seat she grabbed the bottle and put a liberal amount of sanitizer onto her hands.
To Be Continued
