Undertow by K.R. Conway (1st book in trilogy)

Chapter 4

*** UNDERTOW IS FREE THIS WEEK (DECEMBER 25 to 29, 2016 on Amazon Kindle!!! ***

Ana's car seemed to lack shocks  as every dip in the road rebounded through my spine.  I tried to creep my butt over to a more cushioned part of the Trans Am's seat.

"So, where are we going again?" I asked, another bump rattling my teeth.

"We're stopping by Dalca Anescu's place," replied Ana. "She knew my Dad and has an old house like yours, but made the first floor into an herb and essence store called The Crimson Moon. Pretty cool stuff, though some people think she has a screw loose.  I think she's harmless though.  Just earthy."

"Knew your Dad?" I asked, not missing the past tense in her vernacular.

"Yeah. My Dad was a scallop fisherman. Last year he had a heart attack while out at sea and ended up in a coma. He died a few days later. The doctors said he didn't have a chance, even if he had been on land and closer to the hospital, but I'm still not sure about that," she said, her eyes not leaving the road.

Whereas I had come to accept the loss of my parents, the buffer of many years helping greatly, Ana's pain was still raw. I felt for her and understood her anger.

"After his death, I proved to the courts that I could act as an adult and was allowed to move into the apartment above RC Garage.  The owner lets me work off some of the rent. I really like my freedom," said Ana.

"What about your mom?" I asked, unable to stop myself from prying.

Ana shrugged, "She left when I was just a baby. Drug problems I'm told. I have no idea where she is."

"I'm really sorry Ana," I said, looking at her profile as she drove.

She was silent for a few moments then finally turned to me, "You too. MJ filled me in at school."  Ana and I were more alike than I could have imagined. Damaged, but defiant.

She swung the wheel to the right, turning her boat of a vehicle down my street.

"She lives on Main?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah, told you she was close to your place." Ana turned left into the driveway of a home similar to mine, but the angles of the roof were different. It was also missing the porch that I had come to love on 408. She parked near the side door and cut the engine. The sign hanging from a weathered shingle read, "The Crimson Moon – Herbs and Essence."

"Come on, I will introduce you to the only Gypsy around," she said, hopping out of the car.

I quickly followed. "Gypsy?" I asked. Ana nodded as she opened the back door to the home for me and I stepped through, but stopped cold when I saw the massive black dog lying in the middle of the floor. "Uh, there seems to be a bear on the floor," I said, my voice staccato.

Ana pushed past me.  "Huh.  I'm surprised he's here," she said, looking at the enormous canine with an eyebrow raised. "Anyway, this is just Marsh. He looks intimidating, but he's harmless."  She leaned down and patted the massive dog on the head. "Looking a little chub there, eh Marsh?" 

I could have sworn I heard the dog breathe out a low growl, but reminded myself that a dog can't understand a putdown when he hears one.

"He is huge. What is he?" I asked, amazed at the animal's mammoth size. Without a doubt, he would tower over my head if he reared up.

"Dalca says he's a cross between ancient Romanian breeds.  I think he's just a cross between mutts."

"I think he's a cross between a horse and lion," I muttered, but Ana was already wandering through to the next room. I stepped gingerly around Marsh and followed Ana into the front where the store was located.