Part 5: Little Bit of Compassion and Understanding
Chapter 3: Freak Storm
It is an unusually warm fall day. A freak snowstorm is approaching the mountains. No one is expecting the sudden turn in the weather. People were out camping, hiking, horseback riding, boating, they were outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Even the weather forecasters were predicting another warm day tomorrow. There was no mention that the temperature could suddenly drop, and an unseasonal blizzard was suddenly developing.
The sun is setting early, as it does in the fall. Jennifer and Hailey were enjoying the nice weather down by the lake. They are canoeing on the water. When the frigid wind blows in, Jennifer looks up in the sky.
"Boy, it's getting cold all of a sudden. I think we need to get back to shore," said Jennifer. The two started paddling back into shore.
Alex and Cody were out riding their horses. A cold gust of wind blows in. Alex exclaimed, "What was that?"
Cody looks up to the sky, "Storms coming. Let's head for home," Cody and Alex start making the trek back home.
Back at the Ranger Station the rangers gather near the fireplace. The rangers received an updated weather alert from the National Weather Service. Josh Cutler said, "The National Weather Service has issued a severe winter storm warning and blizzard watch in the higher elevations. Temperatures will be dropping by 50 to 60 degrees in the next few hours. Winds approaching 40 to 50 miles an hour are expected."
Commander Wilson just stood in back and said, "This is going to catch a lot of people off guard since they were predicting another warm day tomorrow. Josh, can you give us our tactical approach."
Josh said, "Sure, David, call the Forestry Department and see how many registered campers and hikers they have. Jessica, we are going to keep you on standby for now. I think it will be too windy to take the chopper up, but if we get a break in the weather, I want you to be ready to go. For now, contact game and wildlife and see how many hunter permits were given out. Freddy and Kelly, I want you start searching in sector 7 and work your way to sector 19, it is a popular camping area. Jasper and I will start searching sector 19 and will make our way toward you in sector 7. We will take the dirt bikes to start, as it will be too cold for the horses. Commander Wilson, can you meet us at Crescent Ridge with the snowmobiles. We may need them in the morning. Pack warm, I am expecting we will need to spend the night. Call in to base and David and Jessica will track your progress and the number people remaining out there." The rangers are quickly gathering what they need and heading out the door.
Back at the Hawkes Cabin, the sun is setting, and the wind is blowing hard. Alex is looking out the window towards the barn and seeing the first flakes of snow falling.
The rangers were able to get many of the campers out of the area with only a few to go. They were able to meet Commander Wilson at Crescent Ridge and were able to get cozy for the night.
The storm was making Hailey very nervous, Jennifer let her snuggle in bed with her for the night. Early morning before the sun came up. The snow was still coming down. Jennifer could not sleep as she was watching the storm. The storm was making her nervous too. She was not sure the lodge was strong enough to withstand the wind and snow. Jennifer walked into the room to check on her daughter when there was a large sound, the sound of a tree breaking and crashing down onto the lodge. Jennifer looked at the ceiling only to see the ceiling come crashing down.
Hailey woke up just in time to see part of the ceiling falling onto her mother. Hailey screamed and Jennifer was knocked down to the ground and was unconscious for a minute, "Momma! Momma! Wake up," Hailey screamed. The branches of the tree were now in the room and snow was falling. The room was quickly getting cold.
Jennifer started to moan and was coming too. "Hailey! Hailey are you okay," as Jennifer tried to figure out where she was and trying to find her daughter.
"I am okay Momma," Hailey said as she shivered.
"Good, can you reach the dresser to find some warmer clothes? It is going to get cold in here fast. Watch for the glass on the floor" Jennifer tried to get some of the debris off her but was not able to get the big beam off.
"Momma, why don't you get up?" she knelt by her mother.
"I am a little stuck honey. I can't get this beam off my legs; it is too heavy," Jennifer explained. Trying to keep her daughter calm. Can you squeeze thru the door and go to the radio and call the High Mountain Rangers."
Hailey squeezed thru the door and ran to the radio. She turned it on but got nothing but static. She tried to call over to the ranger station, but nothing but static. Hailey came running back in the room. Jennifer was visibly shaking from the cold.
"Momma, the radio is not working," Jennifer just closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to stay calm for her daughter, but she knew they were in a bad situation. They had not met many people up in the wilderness and trying to avoid those she had, the Hawkes. Cody had been too suspicious and did not know if she could trust him or not.
Hailey tried to pull the beam off her mother, "Hailey, it is too heavy, you're not going to be able to get it off."
Hailey ran over to the bed and grabbed the quilt. She laid it over top her mom and laid next to her. The two snuggled under the covers together and tried to get warm.
The storm broke and sun came out. Alex and Cody looked around their property to see if there was any damage. There were a few tree branches and not much else. Bosco their dog started to bark. Cody went in to check the radio.
"Genie to Ace, come in Ace," Commander Wilson spoke on the radio.
"Ace here, come back Genie," Cody responded.
"Hi Cody, we are doing wellness check of all the residence in the mountains. We are checking to make sure you guys are, okay?" Commander Wilson stated.
"Just a few branches down, maybe a tree or two in the woods, but nothing serious."
"Cody, that is good. We are still rounding up some campers. Do you mind checking on a few of your neighbors for us. There are a few residents in your area we were not able to get in contact with, the Trigger and the Montgomery families. Do mind going out to their cabins and checking on them."
"How is the weather report looking?" Cody asked as he did not want to get caught off guard. He was not thrilled about going to the Lodge and facing Jennifer as she was not too happy with him when they talked couple days ago.
"The skies should remain clear for the next 10 hours," Commander Wilson responded.
"I will radio you when we get a status update," Cody responded. "What frequency do you want me on?"
"Channel 2 would be good. Thanks Cody, Genie out."
Cody knew it was important being a good neighbor and helping your neighbors when you can. When Jennifer was young teenager, she had a bit of a crush on Cody. She was a very talkative girl and would follow him around like a little puppy dog. She was quite different now. She was quiet and standoffish. Maybe the life in the mountains have been a bit slow and peaceful for Cody and he was just trying to create something out of nothing. However, Cody was generally pretty good at reading people.
"Alex, get your snow gear together, we are going to check on some of the neighbors," Cody yelled to his son.
Cody and Alex got their packs on including their snowshoes and ski's and started heading out. They made their way to the Trigger family, and all was good. Then they made the hour journey to the Lodge. Despite the fight, Cody was hoping all was good there maybe, just maybe they could get a bite to eat or warm up some. Maybe clear up the air with Jennifer.
Back at the lodge Jennifer asked, "Hailey, is it still snowing outside?"
"No momma, it stopped. Do you want me to go to the Hawke's cabin and get help?" Hailey asked but was scared.
"No baby girl, it is too far for you to go by yourself, especially since you have not been there, I am not even sure I remember the way," Jennifer answered. "Can you go outside, in the clearing and with logs, write, S.O.S. nice and big, if the chopper flies by they would see it and they will come and help us," Jennifer said shivering and getting sleepy.
"Okay Momma," Hailey responded.
"Come in and take a break if you get cold," Jennifer said.
Hailey got bundled up and ran outside. She started gathering some wood and placing it in the clearing and writing "S."
Cody and Alex started to approach the Lodge. Cody said under his breath, "That does not look good."
"Dad, what do you mean?"
"There is no smoke coming from the chimney. It's cold enough out, they should have a fire going,"
Cody and Alex started to approach a little faster. They see Hailey collecting wood and then she spotted them.
"MR HAWKES, HELP! MY MOMMA NEEDS HELP!" Hailey shouted as she dropped the wood and ran over to them.
Cody and Alex started to run over to her. Cody asked, "Where is your mom?"
"She is in the bedroom, a tree crashed thru the ceiling, and she is pinned under some debris, and we cannot get it off her."
Cody and Alex ran up to the room. They found her in the room lying on the floor. Alex was ready to start pulling the beam off. "Wait, we need to make sure she does not have some internal bleeding that removing the beam will cause an issue. We need Kelly here to look her over."
"Ace to Genie, come in Genie" Cody said over the radio.
"Genie here, come in Ace," said Commander Wilson.
"We are at the Montgomery's and need Medivac here ASAP. Jennifer is pinned under some debris and her legs are getting crushed, she has possible Hyperthermia and concussion. Ace out"
"Cody, will be right back," a few minutes later. "Ace, Lady Hawke and Snowbird are heading in your general direction. They should be there in about 10 minutes. Don't move anything until Lady Hawke has a chance to assess her.
"Thanks Genie, Ace out". Cody said, then turned to Jennifer. "Jennifer, hang in there, help is on the way."
Jennifer opened her eyes a bit and said, "Thanks Cody". Cody reached out and grabbed her hand.
"Alex, go and meet the chopper," Cody turned to Jennifer. "Jennifer, you need to stay awake. Do you remember the last time we saw each other years ago?"
"hmm… Matt's wedding," Jennifer started to close her eyes.
"How old where you then? Jennifer, stay awake."
"hmmm…I was sixteen I believe, so you would have been twenty. Cody I am so tired."
"I know Jennifer, but you must stay awake. What do you remember about the wedding?"
"I remember the wedding was in the meadow near the ranger station. Matt and Robin looked so happy. You were in a black suit and tie, you looked very handsome."
Cody blushed a bit, "I remember you looked very pretty and so much more grown up than I remember, you had become a young lady."
Jennifer very sleepy, she was fading towards the end, "I thought I was so grown up then. I had a bit of a crush on you back then. I was on cloud nine when you asked me to dance."
"Jennifer, open your eyes."
"Cody, I just want to sleep."
"Jennifer stay with me. Do you remember what song we danced to."
"What song? Humm… Was it….. some Elvis song," Jennifer sounded almost drunk.
"Do you remember the name, Jennifer stay with me."
"Please let me sleep, I am so tired."
"Jennifer you might have hyperthermia, you need to stay awake. What was the name of the song, do you remember?"
Jennifer opened her eyes, "was it something like, Wise men say only fools fall in love, but I can't help falling in love with you…"
"That is, it."
Jennifer perked up a bit, "I so wanted to kiss you."
"I would have kissed you, but you were bit of jail bait for me at the time."
"Cody, I felt so grown up back then, I did not think of us having much of an age difference at all. But if my daughter was 16 and interested in a 20-year-old, I would lock her up and throw away the key."
Cody laughed "I would too if I had a daughter. What would you think your grandfather would have done if he caught us kissing?"
"He would have dragged me out of there. I don't think he would like you at all after that. You would have been on his list for sure."
"His list?"
"His list of people he did not like. The rangers would be on and off it especially Matt. I was surprised he wanted to go to the wedding."
"What would your dad have done?"
"Probably take a strap to me."
"Even at 20," Jennifer chuckled.
"That is the Jennifer I remember," Cody smiled.
Kelly and Alex ran in the room. Alex was carrying a sled for them to transport Jennifer in.
"Hi Jen, I am officer Kelly Hawkes. I am going to check you out."
"Hawkes?" Jennifer looked at Cody.
"This is Matt and Robin's daughter."
"Oh…. we were just talking about your parents wedding," Jennifer fighting to stay awake.
"Jen, can you wiggle your toes?" Jennifer wiggled her toes, "very good."
Kelly checked a few more things over before they were ready to pull the debris off her. Jennifer groaned when they pulled it off. They moved her onto the stretcher and carried her down to the chopper.
"Uncle Cody, are you going to be okay here?" Kelly asked.
"Yes, we will take Hailey back to our place and head down to the hospital," Cody explained.
At Barton Hospital several hours later Cody, Alex and Hailey were in the waiting room waiting for the doctor. Then the doctor entered the room.
"We were able to bring her body temperature back up. There are no physical or neurological issues. Her legs were just badly bruised, and it will be little sore for her to walk on them for a while. But she is going to be fine. She is resting now, but you can go see her, but make it short."
"Thank you, Doctor," said Cody.
Hailey went in the room and hugged her mom, "Momma, are you going to be, okay?"
"Yes, baby girl thanks to you and Mr. Hawkes" Jennifer smiled and looked from her daughter to Cody.
"Hailey, we should probably let your mom get some sleep," Cody said to Hailey and then turned to Jennifer. "I am going to take Hailey to Matt's house for the night and bring her back tomorrow. Are you okay with that?"
"Yes, thanks Cody," Jennifer was so tired, and grateful for Cody to watch her daughter.
Next morning at the hospital, the hospital administrator was in Jen's room trying to get her information, when Cody was approaching Jen's room. He stopped just before entering. The administrator was giving Jennifer a hard time about not having insurance and not being able to pay her hospital bill. As he walked out the room, under his breath the administrator said, "Another fucking indigent case". Cody gave the man a cold look.
Cody walked into the room. "Good morning, Jen," Cody said.
Jennifer was staring out the window when Cody walked in. She did not realize he was there at all. Cody went to the far end of the bed and could see she was crying. It took her a minute to realize Cody was standing there. She wiped her tears away.
"Good morning, but looks like you are not having much of one?" Cody said as he sat at the edge of the bed. Jennifer just took a deep breath and Cody continued. "I have some good news and some bad news" He looked at her with a look of concern. Cody laid his hand on hers, and he tried to rub the back of her hand to comfort her. Jennifer just braced herself on what else has gone wrong.
"I heard you are going to be released today, that is good news," Cody paused for a moment, "The bad news, the damage to the lodge is too bad that it can't be repaired until spring. Maybe some things could be done now, so the damage on the inside does not get worse. But it won't be livable until the spring."
That was enough to put Jennifer over the edge. Between the hospital administrator and news that her and her daughter will now be homeless. She is strapped for cash and did not have anywhere else to go.
Jennifer just broke down, she started saying things that did not make sense as she cried, "What have I done, thought it would be safe here, what are we going to do now, he keeps finding us, nowhere is safe."
Cody grabbed Jennifer by the arm gently, "Slow down, what are you saying, who is after you?"
Jennifer stopped for a second and just looked at Cody very scared and confused. Cody gave her a consoling hug and she started weeping in his arms. Cody just tried to comfort her.
"Jennifer, I have a proposition for you," Cody looked at her. "Why don't you and Hailey stay with Alex and I until the Lodge can be fixed, we have plenty of room. But I have one condition."
"Okay?" Jennifer said timidly, not sure what Cody would be asking for.
"I want you to tell me everything. Who you are afraid of and what you are running from. I want you to tell me the truth. Does that work?" Cody asked.
Jennifer thought about her answer for a moment and took a deep breath. Maybe she missed judge Cody, "can I trust you, Cody?"
Cody wiped the tears from Jen's cheeks, "You can trust me."
"Okay, I except your condition, I will tell you everything," Jennifer said.
Cody got a little spark in his eye, "One more thing, if memory serves me correctly, you are a good cook. Maybe some good, home cooked meals too," Cody winked at her.
"I thought you said one condition," Jennifer said with a little smile. Cody and Jennifer had a little chuckle.
Just than Alex and Hailey came in the room, "what is wrong momma?"
"Everything is fine Hailey. You and your mom are going to stay with Alex and I until the Lodge can be fixed with a new roof," Cody said smiling at the little girl. "Now I need to go take care of something, before we get your mom out of here. I'll be back real soon."
Hailey went and hugged Cody and then went to her mom. Cody started walking out the door, he looked back and Jennifer just mouthed, "thank you" to Cody. He nodded his head.
A brief time later the hospital administrator walked back into the room. "Ms. Montgomery, I want to apologize to the way I spoke to you earlier today. It was uncalled for, and we have an endowment that was set up many years ago that you qualify for. This grant was setup by a former Mountain man to cover the hospital bills of those that live up in the mountains. This endowment will cover your entire hospital bill," just has the administrator finished what he was saying. Cody and the nurse walked into the room.
"Goodbye Ms. Montgomery," then administrator quickly left the room. Jen's day had turned around.
"Ms. Montgomery, I have your discharge papers. The doctor would like you to follow up again in about two weeks," Nurse said. Cody and the kids left the room as the nurse help Jennifer get dressed and into the wheelchair.
Sometime later Cody helped Jennifer into the Cabin. She was exhausted. Cody showed her to his room. Jennifer and Hailey will take the master bedroom downstairs as it has a bigger bed and Cody will move up to his old bedroom.
Since Hailey and Jennifer did not have any of their stuff. Cody got Jennifer some of his clothes for her to wear. They might be a bit big on her but should work.
"Tomorrow we can go back to the Lodge and get your stuff. Take a nap and when you wake up, I will heat you up something to eat," Cody said.
Jennifer slept for about five hours. Cody had already fed the kids their dinner, and it was getting late. Cody heated Jennifer up some soup. While Jennifer ate the soup, Hailey told her all about the things she and Alex did that day. And how Cody gave her first lesson on how to ride a horse.
"That is wonderful honey, but I think it is now time for you to get some sleep. You're going to have another busy day tomorrow," Jennifer went with her daughter to the bedroom to get her settled in and kiss her goodnight. Alex was also turning in.
When Jennifer came back, she knew it was time to have the conversation. She was dreading it. It has been a long time since she trusted anyone enough. The last person she trusted was killed by her husband, so she was bit apprehensive. Both her and Cody sat on opposite side of the couch in front of the fire.
"I want you and Hailey to feel at home here," Cody said sincerely.
Cody, thank you, I really don't know what we would have done," Jennifer paused at bit. She was trying to figure out how to start. "About your condition."
"We don't have to do this tonight; you have been through a lot today," Cody said.
"If I don't start now, I don't know if I ever will have the courage to do so. I've had no one in my life I could trust in a long time," Jennifer said swallowing hard.
"Jennifer, you can trust me," Cody said.
"I think I can. My life has not been an easy one. You know I went off to college and my grandpa passed away during my sophomore year," Cody just nodded. "My parents trust paid for my college education and nothing else. My grandfather's will give me nothing. It paid the taxes on the lodge. I could not sell it or rent it out. Even from beyond the grave he tried to control me. Matt showed up once and he accused me of being a prostitute." Jennifer paused for a bit. "Where you there?" Cody did not answer. "The money… You gave me an envelope with money in it."
"I did," Cody said.
"Thank you," Jennifer said. "You don't know how much that meant to have someone…."
"Someone what?" Cody asked.
"Someone believed in me," Jennifer said.
"I was with Matt when he spoke to you. My dad was so convinced that you were prostitute. We both could see it. You were very tired looking. Like you were just going through the emotions. So, what happened to you after you were done with school."
"I could not stay in San Francisco, too expensive. I did not want anything to do with the lodge. I moved across the country to try to get away from everything. I just kept to myself. I worked and went home. I did not have anyone special in my life," Jennifer said.
"You didn't date anyone?" Cody asked.
"No… not until Roy came into my life," Jennifer said.
"Your husband?" Cody asked. Jennifer shook her head yes.
"I was working at a shipping company in Miami at the time. There I had met this handsome slightly older man. He treated me so special. I don't know if I have ever been treated like that before. I found out later he was an undercover cop that was investigating the owner of the company for some illegal activity. I did not know anything about that side of the business. When the owner was arrested and charged, the shipping company was shut down and I lost my job. Not a job you really could put on your resume anymore. The cop, Roy McGovern showed up at my door one night with flowers. He asked me out and apologized that he had to lie to me about who he was and what he was doing there. Roy helped me get a job with the Miami police department," Jennifer looked up at Cody and took a deep breath. "I fell in love with Roy, and we got married. I could not have been happier. I was no longer alone; someone cared for me. I was so in love with him, and I did not see it coming. He knew my vulnerabilities and fears, he manipulated me and took advantage of me, he knew what he was doing. Just has the trial started for the owner of the shipping company, the evidence against the owner of the company disappeared, he got off. Roy set me up and made it look like I stole the evidence and that I was in on it. He told me he covered up the evidence to protect me. I did not do anything, Cody, he set me up. He stole the evidence using my access to the systems and evidence locker. Then covered it up. At first, he acted like he was doing it because he loved me, but he began to change. He was controlling me. I cut people out of my life. He controlled everything, finances, who I saw, who I could speak to, what I did. He took all the money from the trust fund I got from my parents. He made me quit my job. If I did not do what he wanted, he would hurt me in ways no one would see or suspect. He told me I was nothing without him. A little over a year before I had Hailey, I found out I was pregnant. I thought maybe it would change him. Maybe he would become the man I fell in love with again. Maybe he would ease up on me," Jennifer said. "I was wrong. He was even more upset. He could not believe I would get pregnant without his permission. We were at the top of the stairs at our house arguing about it, and he just pushed me down. I lost the baby and broke my arm. He told the people at the hospital that I did not want the baby and that I fell on purpose to hurt him," Jennifer just started to cry. "I would have never hurt my baby."
Jennifer just cried and Cody wrapped her in his arms. He rocked her and told her she would be okay, that he believed her.
"It's getting late, you need your rest. We can pick this up another time," Cody said with some concern.
"Cody, I like to continue. I want to tell you everything so I can move past it," Jennifer said.
Cody asked with some concern, "did things get any better after you lost the baby?"
"No, things went from bad to worse. I don't know if he was tiring of me or what. One day I ran into an old college friend. He was in Miami on business. He convinced me to have lunch with him, so we could catch up. That night when I got home Roy already knew about it. He was so upset. I was not sure if he was jealous or afraid that Joseph would help me leave him," Jennifer took a deep breath. "That night he went off the deep end, he told me if he ever caught me talking to another man, he would kill him. I tried to explain that we were just friends, and we were catching up. Roy started to choke me. I tried to get away from him, he grabbed me by my hair and threw me on the ground and kicked me a few times in the stomach. I ended up in the hospital with a few cracked ribs."
Jennifer starting to shake a bit and tears started. She could see that Cody was concerned for her. "When I was in the hospital, I was watching the news and a story came up of an out-of-town businessman that was found dead from a hit and run. It was my friend Joseph. He killed him. I could not prove it. But he did it. He was smug about it. He told me that is what happens to men I talk to. He got away with it. There was nothing I could do to stop him."
Cody said out of concern, "Could you report him?"
"I tried, but he was a cop. People would just believe him. He made them think I was hurting myself. Doctors would subscribe drugs that just made me numb to everything. I was trapped, afraid to go out or talk to anyone. One day he had a bad day at work. I was not feeling well and I…." Jennifer sniffled and wiped the tears away she just looked at the fire "I told him no, I told him I did not want to, that he was hurting me. He wrapped his hand around my throat. He said I was his wife and he owned me. He would have me when and where ever he wanted me. He was so rough I thought he was going to kill me," Cody just closed his eyes. He could not believe the horror that she went thru. "It continued for a while; I could not fight him anymore I just let him. I felt pretty much dead inside. I had nothing, he had everything. One day I realized I was late; I knew I was pregnant. I had to get out of there. I was afraid if he found out I was pregnant again that he would hurt this baby too. When he was gone to work, I would search the house for anything, I found a hidden safe. In there was about ten thousand dollars in cash and the missing evidence from the shipping company. Roy had taken the evidence. I made a plan for my escape. Took the ten thousand dollars and the evidence. I made my way to Nebraska. I found a lawyer who would serve him divorce papers, I don't know if he ever signed it or not. He showed up in Nebraska and I had to run again. I was about 4 months pregnant at the time. I made my way to Utah and changed my name. I gave birth to Hailey there. I had a midwife that took some compassion on me. I told her part of my story that I had an abusive husband I was running from; we delayed the birth date on the certificate three months after she was born. So, it looked like she was conceived after I left my husband.
"So, you did not name Roy as the father?" Cody asked.
"No, I did not want him to know that he was the father" Jennifer answered.
"Did you leave the father's name blank?" Cody asked.
"No, I was afraid he would think that the baby was his," Jennifer answered.
"So, whose name did you put?" Cody asked. Jennifer's eyes got big as Cody asked. Jennifer got a bit more frantic.
"Jennifer, calm down. Whose name did you put on the birth certificate?"
"Cody…. Cody I…. I put your name down on the birth certificate. Legally you are Hailey's father. I am so sorry Cody, yours was the first name I thought of. I never thought I would see you again or come back here."
Jennifer jumped up and started frantically trying to figure out what to do, crying. Cody got up and put his hand on her arms. "Cody…. Hailey and I need to leave. If Roy found out we were here with you, the man on Hailey's birth certificate he would kill you, if he got the chance. We need to get out of here before he has any idea we were ever here. I don't want him to hurt you or Alex."
"It's okay Jen, you are safe here. No one is going to hurt you," Cody lowered Jennifer down onto the coach. Cody held Jennifer in his arms until she fell asleep. Cody had never thought her story would have been as bad as it was. He was surprised that she had listed him as Hailey's father, but more he thought about it, less he minded. He had begun to love that little girl as his own. Imagining what life would have been like with his daughter. Hailey was filling the gap he had for that little girl he lost.
Sometime in the early morning hours Jennifer woke up. Realizing where she was. She lifted her head up and kissed Cody on the forehead and said thank you. She got up and put a blanket over him. She went into the room with her daughter and fell asleep.
Cody woke up sometime later with a stiff neck. He peaked into the room with Jennifer and Hailey and saw them both sleeping so peacefully. He headed up to bed.
Morning came early. Alex and Hailey were the first up. Their parents were both sound asleep. Alex went out and did his chores and Hailey kept him company. When they were done, they came back into the house and found to their surprise that both their parents were still sound asleep. Alex and Hailey were hungry and decided to make their parents breakfast and surprise them. Once breakfast was ready, they went and woke them up. The weather was bad so, they could not make it down to the lodge to get Jennifer and Hailey's things. It would have to wait a day.
Hailey's school things were at the lodge, so they decided to make it a snow day. They pulled out some board games and played them. Since the kids were around, Cody and Jennifer could not talk about their conversation they had last night.
"Tomorrow, I should be able to take Alex and Hailey to the Lodge. Then we can get you something better to wear besides my clothes," Cody said making some small talk.
"That would be nice. But these flannel shirts are a bit cozy. You may find that some will disappear," Jennifer teased. Cody just smiled a bit. He liked how she looked in his shirts.
The next morning came early. Jennifer was the first one to get up. The prior day she was exhausted from the emotions of telling Cody her story. She felt safe here, the first time in a long time. She had been keeping everything inside for so long. But she worried about Cody's reaction about being on Hailey's birth certificate and how he would judge her about her past.
Cody woke up. He was half expecting Hailey and Jennifer to be gone. He feared they would be gone. Cody could smell and hear bacon and eggs cooking. He got up and looked into Alex's room, and he was sound asleep. Cody came down the stairs and found Jennifer cooking breakfast.
"Good morning, Cody," Jennifer said with a smile. She decided that for Hailey's sake it might be better to stay this time. Hailey was already attached to Alex and Cody. She did not think her daughter would be okay moving on so fast. Winter was coming and they would be cut off from the world from time to time. She felt Roy may not find them so quickly.
"Good morning, Jennifer. Breakfast smells good," Cody smiled back.
"About the other night. I know I threw a lot at you and especially about," She paused and continued in a quiet whisper, "About Hailey."
"Jennifer, I am not sure how I feel about it, but I am not mad or anything. If having my name on her birth certificate keeps her away from him, I am happy to help" Cody paused for a minute. "Looks like breakfast is about ready, let me get the kids up. We can talk more tonight. Okay?"
"Okay" Jennifer was relieved and decided not running was the right idea or at least for now.
Cody got the kids up before coming back down again. He loved saying 'kids', it was filling a hole he had in his heart.
The four of them sat down at the table and had breakfast together like a family. Like the family that Cody always imagined he and Lizzie were going to share with their two children. Something he would dream about, but the cold hard reality it was not the case, his wife and daughter were gone.
"So, Cody what are we going to do today? Another riding lesson?" Hailey asked.
"Hailey, Cody might have other things he needs to take care of today," Jennifer said to her daughter.
Cody smiled, "Hailey, we can certainly have another lesson. I was thinking that we would ride down to the lodge today. We can see if we can get a temporary fix on that roof, so maybe we can keep some of that snow out. We can also pick up some of your things. I think your mom needs some clothes. My clothes are a bit big on her" Cody said with a wink and smile. "We can get out of your mom's hair today, so she can rest. Maybe if we are lucky, she will cook us a nice dinner for tonight."
"Momma, can I go?" Hailey asked.
"Yes, sweetie you can go. Listen to Cody" Jennifer answered.
While they got ready to go. Jennifer made them up some lunch to take a long. She handed it to Alex to put in his saddle bag.
"Cody, when you are at the lodge. I have a blue back pack I would like you to get." Jennifer said.
Cody nodded, "Where is it?
"In the pantry there are some lose boards and a gap in the floor for hiding things. The bag is in there." Jennifer answered.
Cody said, "No problem," And he got on his horse. He then helped Hailey get up on his horse. "Hang on tight".
Alex, Cody, and Hailey rode off on the horses.
On the trail from the Hawkes cabin to Aaron's Lodge Cody pointed out all sorts of things to Hailey. They spotted some Elk in the pasture. Cody asked her some questions about where they lived and what she did for school.
"Well, we lived all over the country. Maybe moving every year or so. Sometimes we live in a camp ground, in our car, in a shelter, if we were lucky, we would get an apartment or bedroom in someone's home. Sometimes we slept in a church. I was constantly changing schools and having to make new friends," Hailey said.
"So, what was your mom planning to do with school here?" Cody asked.
"I am going to be home schooled. My schoolbooks are at the lodge."
"We should be sure to grab them. We don't want you falling behind," Cody said.
When they arrived at the Lodge, Cody got off his horse and then helped Hailey down.
"Hailey, why don't you pack up your clothes and your mom's clothes. Make sure you get your schoolbooks too. And anything else you might want this winter," Cody said, "Alex can you help me with the horses and then we will start looking at the damage."
They got the horses settled and looked at the damage. Cody was not sure how stable the building was, so he wanted to do enough to keep the water out. With Jen's financial situation, and seeing the back tax statement, he was not sure how much she could do to afford it. He had to come up with a plan that would help her. They took a break to have their lunch. Then they finish cleaning up the place from the water and snow that had gotten in. Right before they left, Cody went into the pantry and got the backpack under the loose floorboards. They made sure everything was locked down.
On the way back Cody was teaching Hailey how to pull the reins on the horse. As they were approaching the cabin the smoke was rising from the chimney. Cody helped Hailey down. Jennifer came out to greet them, she helped them bring the bags in.
Cody stepping into the cabin, "Something smells good."
"Dinner will be ready soon," Jennifer said as Cody handed her the blue bag and she set it down out of the way. "Thank you."
"Alex give me a hand with the horses. We will be right back" said Cody with a smile.
"Hailey, why don't you get cleaned up before they come back. Then you can tell me about your day," Jennifer said.
"Yes, momma," said Hailey.
Jennifer went back to the kitchen to finish getting dinner ready.
Later they all sat around the table and had dinner. Cody thought it felt normal. Hailey was extremely excited about all the things they had done. Once dinner was over, it was late, and the kids went to bed. Cody and Jennifer stayed up to continue their conversation. Jennifer had grabbed the backpack and brought it over to the couch.
"So, what is in the bag?" Cody asked as Jennifer opened it and started going through it.
"It is my escape bag. It holds all my important documents. My legal documentation, fake Ids, and Hailey's birth certificate," Jennifer handed Cody the birth certificate.
Cody took the birth certificate and read it. Hailey Elizabeth McCoy was born on February 3rd, 2012. Mother: Jennifer Suzanne McCoy and Father: Cody Jesse Hawkes.
"Cody, I am so sorry for putting you in the middle of all my problems," Jennifer said.
"Jen, there is nothing more important than Hailey and your safety" Cody said. "Is there something else?"
Jennifer shook her head yes, "if something were to happen to me, would you take Hailey? Would you raise her as your daughter?"
"Nothing is going to happen to you," Cody tried to reassure her.
"But if it did. I don't have anyone else I would trust to take care of her," Jennifer pleaded.
"Of course, I will…" Cody paused. "Did you know my wife and I were expecting a baby girl, when my wife was killed."
"Cody, I did not know. I am so sorry," Jennifer said concerning.
"It was a long time ago, but sometimes it feels like yesterday. I was working as a High Mountain Ranger at the time, Lizzie my wife, was working at the local National Forestry Office. Alex was about five. We were expecting a baby girl in September. Lizzie was about seven months pregnant. She walked into a bank robbery. She just walked in the door and the guy turned and shot her. Just like that, within seconds they were both gone. Thankfully, Robin had been watching Alex. Thank God, he was not with Lizzie. I was on a search and rescue in the back country and out of radio contact. I did not find out they were killed until three days later," Cody stopped for a minute and took a deep breath. He had not even noticed until then that Jennifer had moved closer to him and was holding his hand. "After the funeral I decided that my dad maybe had the right idea. Living up in the mountains away from society. I quit the rangers, took Alex, and moved up to dad's cabin. That was ten years ago. We've been living up here ever since. We see Matt and his family from time to time. In the summer Matt's kids would spend a month with us at the cabin. It was nice for Alex; his older cousins treated him like a younger brother and would do everything with him."
Cody reached into the drawer of the end table and pulled out a picture of a pregnant Lizzie with five-year-old Alex. "We were so excited. We had some problems getting pregnant, so this baby girl was a bit of a miracle, and she was gone in an instant."
"She is beautiful. How did you meet?" Jennifer asked.
"After college there were no openings here, so I went to a school to become a National Park Ranger, I eventually got a job at Yellowstone National Park with my best friend Mark. Lizzie was also a Ranger there. She was a bee keeper. One day I flew her out to a bee hive that was out in the back country. We did a lot of talking and got to know each other. It was love at first sight for me. I made a total fool of myself at first, but that day we went to the bee hives changed everything. We got married in 2000 and moved back three years later. I miss her so much."
The tears started to stream down Cody's face. Jen's eyes were filled with tears. She leaned up against him. Cody wrapped his arm around her. Jennifer placed her head on his shoulder. Both watched the fire. Not another word had to be spoken between them. They both had losses in their life. Both lost a child, and both lost a part of themselves. They fell asleep in each other's arms.
This time Cody woke first. He just looked down at Jennifer who was sleeping peacefully. This woman who was asleep leaning on him had been thru hell and yet she looked so peaceful next to him. Just over a week ago, he dreaded having to deal with her after the fight they had. She was justifiably mad at him. Now he understands why she was that way. She has not been able to trust anyone for a long time. She had to keep things to herself to survive and protect her daughter.
Jennifer began to stir and opened her eyes. She looked up into Cody's eyes and he looked down at her. The two slowly moved towards each other and began to kiss lightly and then with a bit more passion. Cody placed his hands on either side of her cheeks and brought her to him. She melted into him. Something stirred in Cody he had not felt in a long time. Jennifer enjoyed kissing him. She likes the feeling of his lips on hers and hers on him. His hands moved down her back. He brought her closer and she was now straddling him on the couch. Cody started kissing her down the neck and moving back to her mouth, Cody's hand now reached under her shirt and his hands were on her bare back moving their way up. He unhooked her bra and his hands moved up to her shoulders exposing most of her bare back to the fire. They were both kissing passionately, and Cody's lips moved down her neck and Jennifer moaned a bit. Then suddenly Jennifer was in a panic, and she pushed him away.
"I am sorry, Cody. I can't do this," Jennifer said getting up and running to the bedroom. She shut the door and leaned against it. She put her hand to her mouth, she did not know what she just did. She never wanted to have feelings for a man in that way again. She had been used and abused by men most of her adult life. She thought she had something special once and it became a nightmare.
The kiss was not one way, Cody kissed her with as much passion as she kissed him. He too was as confused as Jennifer. Both have shared their deepest secrets and pain. He lost the love of his life when she was murdered and Jennifer was betrayed by the person, she thought loved her the most. Both Cody and Jennifer never wanted to get involved with anyone else. They had both been hurt in different ways, but they found themselves together asleep in each other's arms.
It was early morning, so Cody thought he would give Jennifer some space and he went out to the barn. He needed to cool off a bit. He had not had a desire to be with a woman for over ten years, not since Lizzie. He felt like he was betraying his wife even though she was gone. He was still in love with Lizzie and talking with Jennifer about Lizzie stirred up all those feelings again. He was not sure who he wanted, Jennifer or Lizzie.