Hank and Jess had something in their marriage most couples cannot claim, an unbelievable connection and fierce love for each other. While on a mission trip to Haiti, Jess is murdered. The shock of loss overwhelms Hank and his journey to reconcile he...
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Ted had not wanted a traditional funeral; it wasn't his style to be doted over. Martha honored his wishes, having him cremated. She took his ashes to the Grand Canyon, to "let him fly one time in the wind through that majestic place," as he requested.
I had offered to watch over the house. Martha had lost touch with her daughter and son over the years. Eric had a troubled past, details Martha had never offered. Whatever happened had split the family. Martha hoped Ted's death might reconcile them. The family had agreed to make the journey west with her to honor Ted's wishes. She had been so excited to see them. It had been almost twenty years. How was Martha so strong to have been through so much heartache?
I pulled up early into her driveway. Her grass had been freshly cut thanks to her neighbor's kindness. Martha's cat had to be fed early so she could take her medicine. This cat lived better than most people I knew. I was not a cat person. This cat was a diva. She made me fell it was a privilege to be able to get near her.
Yesterday, Pooky was stuck in a clotheshanger when I arrived. I thought she was going to claw me to death, as I tried to get that thing off her. It was stuck pretty good and left an indention on her midsection that hopefully would go away. Tomorrow, Martha should be back home and she would expect Pooky in tip-top shape.
I unlocked the door and went into the kitchen. I grabbed the water and food bowl and filled it up. I headed into the living room to find Pooky. I didn't bother calling her as she would not stoop to such a low level as to be called like a dog. As I went to turn on the light I heard someone behind me.
Before I could turn around, something hit me hard in the back of the head. I immediately crashed to the floor, my knees buckling. I tried to get my bearings to see who hit me but my head was spinning. I fell back down and blacked out.
I woke up and my head felt like someone had ran over it with a truck. I looked around fearfully, trying to see who had hit me and if I was still in danger. I was trying to get off the floor. As I got on my knees, a police officer bent down and grabbed my arm.
"Hank? Hank, you ok their, buddy. Nice and easy. Get him some ice! I got you, Hank." I got to my feet with assistance and sat down on the couch.
It was Officer Kennedy. "Who... who hit me?" My head was aching as I stood. Officer Kennedy nodded over to the right. Sitting on the other chair in the living room was a young woman. She looked upset and worried. This was who hit me?
"It wasn't on purpose, Hank. Well, it was definitely on purpose but not personal. Looks like you startled her. She expected to find Martha home and here you came, wondering around early in the morning. We called Martha to see if she was supposed to be here. She was expected. It was just a big misunderstanding Hank. I think you are going to be ok. You might need to get checked for a concussion."
"May I?" Officer Kennedy nodded at her and she got up from her chair and hurried over to me.
"I am so sorry! You scared me to death when I heard you in the house. I didn't expect anyone to be coming in. Martha had not told me you were checking on things. Are you ok? Here," she took the ice bag from the other officer. "Hold this to your head." She put it on the back of my head. The cold stung. I winced and she winced too.
