New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Lyria on 19-09-2010, 19:28:46</h2>
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				Title: <strong>New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>19-09-2010, 19:28:46</strong>
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				Cassidy <br>(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:4owYzeAmxzzcWM:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k73vgFpgqzM/SbtQ0sr2GFI/AAAAAAAAAik/vpMPBTeimfA/s400/laetitia-casta5.jpg)<br><br><br>Cassie could not keep the smile from her full lips, the deep dimples in her cheeks making a rare appearance. The GPS promised her she was getting close to New Hope. The flat plains of Nebraska and eastern Colorado had given way to the rolling Front Range, which had grown into the Rockies. As she headed further west on I 70, then north off it onto a state highway, she was taken aback by the beauty of her surroundings and the seclusion of each of the small towns she happened upon. <br><br>It had been a long drive from Chicago, but with every mile it had been easier to put the last two years to rest. The physical distance gave her mind permission to finally let go of the memory of July 12, 2008, and the controversy that had surrounded it.&nbsp; As she crossed the state lines and put the city life further and further behind her, the tension that had settled in her muscles since that day finally melted away. Trip hop sang from the CD player, the sun was shining bright, and she would reach Edgewater today. <br><br>Cassie could only hope Edgewater, the large Victorian house she had purchased via phone and email, was half as grand and wondrous as the pictures made it out to be. The realtor has assured her the house was sound, and the inspection had come back acceptable. It was going to take some work, some restoration, but Edgewater would once again be the majestic landmark it once was, sitting at the top of the hill overlooking New Hope.&nbsp; The houses on either side of it had been torn down long ago, giving her a triple lot and what promised to beautiful gardens if she could tame the overgrowth. The price had been almost too good to be true, but she chalked it up to small town living and a bad economy. <br><br>Cassie tucked a stray tendril of her honey brown curls behind her ear, and watched for the sign for her turn off. The realtor had warned her it was easy to miss, and easy to get lost among the mountain roads. GPS helped, but he had stressed to her that the county roads and unmapped trails could be deceiving. His instructions and maps had seemed elaborate when she first received them, but now she was glad she had kept them handy, and looked them over carefully. It seemed a bit odd that the town of New Hope, which looked clean and bright and modern, even with its small size, could be so isolated. <br><br>“Stone shaped like a Coke bottle, stone shaped like a Coke bottle…” &nbsp;She repeated the phrase to herself as her bright blue eyes flitted from rock to rock on the side of the road. It was one of the landmarks she was to watch out for. Just beyond the stone the road would curve sharply to the right, and just around the bend would be the turnoff for New Hope, apparently easy to miss. <br><br>A soft smile settled on her face and she slowed her Lexus. The stone really did look like a Coke bottle. She crept around the bend of the road, and sure enough, there was a well hidden turn off, marked only by a small inconspicuous, red lacquer sign with delicate script. New Hope 5 miles. <br><br>It took longer than she expected to navigate the well maintained but narrow road that finally brought her to her new home, but as she crested the final hill she knew that every minute of her journey had been worth it. The scenery opened up to a high valley, mountainous peaks on either side of a flat plain that cradled the community. And from her vantage point she could even see Edgewater, sitting in its place of former glory. Like so many old houses seemed to do, it appeared to be looking at her, waiting for her. <br><br>Cassie didn’t realize her eyes had teared until she felt the cool streak on her cheek as the air settled on the moisture. It wasn’t the scene before her that brought tears to her eyes, but the acceptance that she was finally away from Chicago, finally away from the turmoil and grief and stress that had kept her there for too long. She could really close that chapter of her life and start fresh…something she was not sure would ever happen. <br><br>Her chest rose and fell in a final deep, shaky breath, and she descended into the valley, into New Hope, and into her new life. <br><br>Edgewater <br>(http://www.gregburns-fineart.com/images/photos/originals/victorian_house.jpg)<br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>21-09-2010, 04:03:20</strong>
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				(http://www.nbc.com/Passions/bios/images/actors/galen_gering.jpg)<br><br>Justin MacDonald leaned back on his old red Range Rover, waiting for the towns newest outsider, at the end of the long drive leading to Edgewater.&nbsp; There was a quietness about the man, despite his inner annoyance.&nbsp; Another outsider was going country, and buying up some old house.&nbsp; New Hope was doing quite well on its own, but there was more and more push to bring in the tourist trade.&nbsp; He had seen it ruin other little Colorado towns, all in the name of saving them.<br><br>On cowboy boot tapped against his truck tire, leaning to lean, strong legs clad in dark brown uniform trousers.&nbsp; His broad shouldered, lean torso was covered in a long sleeved buff coat with a wool collar and cuffs.&nbsp; Under it he worn a tan uniform shirt.&nbsp; His dark hair was slightly spiked, which was at odds with his country appearance.&nbsp; Teasing him about his hair was one of the town folks happiest distractions.&nbsp; It worked with his broad handsome face though, which was currently scowling.<br><br>There was a knocking at the window of the truck and then it lowered.&nbsp; A gray, grizzled mass of a man stuck his head out.&nbsp; He had a big red nose, tiny blood shot eyes and a beard were any number of small animals might be nesting.&nbsp; He looked like old Kris Kringle after a week long bender.<br><br>"When you taking me home Sheriff?&nbsp; Mandy's gonna be mighty pissed at me already.&nbsp; If I don't show up for breakfast, she's likely to leave me!"&nbsp; His whining was really started to grate on Justin's nerves.&nbsp; The old lush had been bitching since seven, ever since the Sheriff had woken him and taken him out to his truck for transport.&nbsp; He had worked the night shift, filling in for Roy Henry who was away on his honeymoon.<br><br>"Shut up Roy.&nbsp; If she hasn't throw you out yet, she probably won't, though I don't know what she sees in you."&nbsp; Mandy Hanson was an upstanding member of Saint John's Lutheran's Ladies League and the school board.&nbsp; She didn't deserve a man like Roy.&nbsp; Still, he had to admire her for surviving him.&nbsp; No one in the entire town would have blamed her if she had divorced him years ago.<br><br>Justin was annoyed because he had to babysit Slushy the Whale.&nbsp; Roy was in and out of the town's lock-up so many times that they had come up with the nickname for him.&nbsp; When one of them called a Code Slushy over the CB, they all knew the score.&nbsp; The man was not just an idiot and a drunk, but he stank to high Heaven.&nbsp; Justin was tempted to ask Mandy if it was time for his monthly scrub, but he did not want to hurt her feelings.&nbsp; Despite his worthless hide taking up space in her house, without giving much back, she did not tolerate anyone disrespecting her husband.<br><br>His other annoyance was having to do Trudy's job for her.&nbsp; He loved his sister dearly and he was used to covering for her.&nbsp; Still, her need to take sudden trips to Denver, because of some wardrobe emergency, or because she had meet a man on E-Harmony, always came at the worst times.&nbsp; Ever since they had been kids, he bad been the oldest brother, responsible for keeping her safe and reigned in.&nbsp; She had always been a free spirit though, with her flaming red hair and fluctuating moods.&nbsp; Family was family, and he would never trade her for another sister, but he was sure that she would never grown up.<br><br>She had called him at four in the morning, and told him that told him that she had meet a man named Jackie Morningstar and that they were in a bed and breakfast in Wacco.&nbsp; She was sure it was true love, this time.&nbsp; Every time she was sure and it never turned out well.&nbsp; All he could do was wait it out and pick up the pieces of her broken heart after wards.&nbsp; If the man used or abused her, he would hunt him down as well, as he had before, and make him think again before messing with a Colorado girl.<br><br>So here he was part of realtor.&nbsp; He had used his key go get into her house and pick up the documents and the double set of keys.&nbsp; He was worried for his sister, tired of the fat old lush in his Range Rover and waiting for another stuck up city dweller, looking for the simpler life.&nbsp; What the Hell else could happen?<br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><br><em>ooc:&nbsp; I plan on putting in more background on the town as we go.&nbsp; Don't be afraid to go "off grid" and leave my character's side.&nbsp; I can play other character and you can work back to him, at times.&nbsp; I know the pic is a bit different than "country boy" but I liked it.&nbsp; I can change it if it doesn't work for you.</em></span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>23-09-2010, 08:40:07</strong>
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				The town was something from a movie, or a storybook, or a painting, and more than Cassie could have dreamed of. It was so perfect. As she happened across a towns person here and there, their head would turn to the unfamiliar Lexus that was rolling through their town. Cassie guessed it had to be curiosity, and she smiled warmly at each of them as she passed. <br><br>Even if she didn’t have specific directions to Edgewater, it would have been easy to find. It was very evident as it sat on its hill overlooking the town. The closer she got to it, the more she could see how the yard was overgrown, and when she was just a few blocks below it she could see a bit of the wear on the façade. But it was still just as beautiful as it was when she saw the first picture. <br><br>There was a red Range Rover sitting in front of the house, a man leaning against it. Cassie was sure this must be the Sherriff that was supposed to meet her.&nbsp; She smiled broadly and waved to him as she pulled in the car into the drive.&nbsp; A quick check in the rearview mirror of her makeup, and she was out of the car. <br><br>Cassidy took a moment to pause and take in the view in front of her. New Hope was amazing, and the air was so much fresher and cleaner than Chicago. She breathed deeply, letting her chest rise and fill with the mountain air, her arms rising above her head as she stretched, stiff from the long car ride. She brought her arms down and walked towards the truck, her yellow halter sun dress swishing around her legs as she walked, draping from her round by proportional hips. <br><br>Cassie considered this her lucky dress. It showed off her soft hourglass figure perfectly, and she felt good in it. She had been wearing it the day she heard it was over, that she was free to leave. It only seemed fitting that she should be wearing it when she stepped over the threshold to her new home. Idly she hoped it wasn’t too wrinkled from the long drive.<br><br>As she approached the truck she smiled widely and warmly, her face glowing. The happiness she felt at this instant ran through her, coming out with a twinkle in her blue eyes, a soft bounce in her step, and pink on her cheeks. The sorrow and stress of the past few years had dominated her life, and it was a relief to let those emotions take a rest while she could distract herself with the moment.&nbsp; They were still there…lying in wait, the wolf in the sheep’s clothing. An attuned person might see it beneath the twinkle in her eyes. &nbsp;“You must be Sherriff MacDonald! That you so, so much for taking time out of your day to meet me here. I hope you haven’t been waiting long. I got turned around a couple of times; although it had nothing to do with the wonderful directions I was given. Mostly I was just distracted by the extraordinary scenery. This place is amazing, everything it was promised to be.” <br><br>She laughed softly, and closed her eyes, a bit embarrassed. When she opened them again she shrugged and held out her hand. “I am so sorry, I tend to ramble a bit when I am nervous or excited, or both. Especially when I am both, like right now. I am Cassidy Collins. Cassie, for short. So pleased to meet you.” <br><br>Cassie had a moment of worry as she held her hand out, her smile twitching softly in response to it. What if he knew? Had pulled her background? Would it taint his opinion before her met her and judged her for himself? But why would he do that, he had no reason to. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>24-09-2010, 06:24:31</strong>
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				Justin watched the woman approaching him, with interest, though he tried to hide it behind his accustomed professional law enforcement officer facade.&nbsp; She had on a lovely yellow sundress that showed off her curvy figure and lovely bare shoulders and legs.&nbsp; There was quite a lot of color to her face as well and he didn't think that it came from pot of makeup.<br><br>His sunglasses were in his front pocket, but he knew it would be a bit obvious if he put them on now.&nbsp; The occupant of his truck was looking also, and had his Cowardly Lion head out the window.&nbsp; Roy's admiration wasn't so subtle though, so Justin moved a bit to stand in front of him, and used his elbow to push the drunk back in.&nbsp; It wouldn't due for their new resident to have one of her first experiences meeting the town lush.<br><br>She stepped up to him with energy and a smile that were hard to ignore, and then opened her pretty mouth and a flood of words poured out.&nbsp; "You must be Sherriff MacDonald! That you so, so much for taking time out of your day to meet me here. I hope you haven’t been waiting long. I got turned around a couple of times; although it had nothing to do with the wonderful directions I was given. Mostly I was just distracted by the extraordinary scenery. This place is amazing, everything it was promised to be." <br><br>He wanted to resent her.&nbsp; She was the outsider, the city girl, like all the others, looking for a bit of the country life, but she would never fit in her.&nbsp; People like her would want to turn it into another crappy little casino town with a Starbucks and an internet cafe.&nbsp; He wanted to be furious with her, but the way she closed her eyes and seemed to savor the emotions of what she had said really got to him.&nbsp; He loved this town and the little valley it sat in, and her look was on that echoed his feelings.&nbsp; Justin strove to shove this feeling down though, since he was sure that she would be like all the others.<br><br>"I am so sorry, I tend to ramble a bit when I am nervous or excited, or both. Especially when I am both, like right now. I am Cassidy Collins. Cassie, for short. So pleased to meet you.”<br><br>She looked nervous, he noticed.&nbsp; Moving to a new place could do that, and she certainly was moving from far away.&nbsp; He thought that his sister had said that she was from Chicago.&nbsp; There had not been any reason to poke into her history and he still wouldn't without a reason, but something seemed wrong.&nbsp; He promised himself to keep an eye on her for awhile, for her own sake too.&nbsp; It wasn't easy to move to a place like New Hope, when you were used to the Big City. Her nearest neighbor was Ruth Hudson, whose house and horse riding stable was three miles down the road.&nbsp; Edgewater ten miles from the edge of town proper.&nbsp; It might not be much distance by car, but it was nothing like walking to the corner store near your apartment building.<br><br>Realizing that he had been staring at her rudely and lost in his own thought, he held out his large hand to her.<br><br>"Sheriff Justin MacDonald.&nbsp; I'm pleased to meet you Miss Collins.&nbsp; The realtor is sorry that she could not be here to meet you, but other business came up.&nbsp; I'll show you around the place."&nbsp; For him this was quite a speech.&nbsp; He could bullshit with the best of them when he and his buddies got to drinking, but when in his roll of sheriff, he generally didn't talk more than he had to.<br><br>He let go of her hand and stuck his whole upper body into the truck.&nbsp; He pulled the handcuffs off of the back of his belt and put one half around Roy's wrist and the other around a hook he had installed, for this very reason.&nbsp; On patrol he drove one of the town's two patrol vehicles, but off duty, he wanted his range rover.&nbsp; The town had one patrol car and one SUV which was equipped for heavier work.<br><br>Turning back to the newcomer, he found himself trying to tip a sheriff's hat that wasn't there.&nbsp; "Ah, you comin'?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>24-09-2010, 08:05:28</strong>
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				She gladly slipped her small hand into his large one, cupping their grasped hands with her other one, holding his warmly and securely in more of a friendly squeeze than a shake. “Very pleased to meet you Sheriff MacDonald, but please, call me Cassie. Miss Collins is so formal. “<br><br>She continued to talk to him as he went about his business. “I don’t mind at all the realtor had business, I hardly expect I am her only client, what with all of these lovely homes scattered around Colorado. None of them are quite like Edgewater, though, from what I could tell.” Cassie watched with a raised eyebrow as he handcuffed the older man to the truck. It fit the town so perfectly, just like the old town drunk on the Andy Griffith show she used to catch in reruns as a child. And was the sheriff the eligible bachelor Andy Taylor had been? He was quite handsome in a country boy kind of way. Her eyes darted towards his left hand before she caught herself. It was a foreign thought. It had been a very long time since anything remotely close to interest in men crossed her mind. Perhaps it was the new beginning?<em> You aren’t ready yet, Cassie. And besides, he would be completely uninterested if he knew about… </em>She didn’t let herself finish the thought.&nbsp; She wanted the last two years behind her, and only wanted to think about the prospects of settling in and starting over. <br><br>As she continued to chat she noticed the older man’s stare. It was less than well-mannered, but Cassie nodded politely in his direction none the less, giving him a little wave. Respecting your elders meant all elders, even if they did have a penchant for the drink. If she let her imagination wander she figured she could guess what the old man may have been through in his life, what he might have experienced. Heavens knows she could understand how some things could drive you to drink. As he made some odd gesture with his hand near his head, and asked her if she was coming, she nodded, her smile widening again. “I really appreciate you taking your time to show me around I would feel terrible if I knew I was keeping you from something.” <br><br>Cassie fell in step next to him as they walked up the drive towards the looming home.&nbsp; “We don’t have any houses like this in Chicago. Everything is concrete and cement…oh I suppose the suburbs might have some neighborhood with older homes like this, but I can’t imagine they are half as grand. And they certainly aren’t in a setting like this! Would you be able to recommend a good landscaper? I tried calling a couple that were listed, but none of them seemed to be able to take the job. And it certainly could use some work!”<br><br>She laughed a light clear laugh as she looked over the overgrown grass and trees and wild plants and flowers that seem to be swallowing the house, the path to the front barely more than a trail. They walked into the shadow of the house, the long grasses reaching over the path tickling her lower legs. Her hands absently rose to hold her arms and she shivered, falling quiet. Her neck craned back, getting a good, close look at the house for the first time. The pain was peeling and faded, the porch weathered and scarily weak looking in some places. Shingles were missing here and there, and the window in the left tower was cracked.&nbsp; Her voice was different for a moment, as if she were speaking to herself and not to him. “Quite something, huh. She is going to be breathtaking.” <br><br>And then she turned to him again as she stepped confidently on the porch, the boards creaking and groaning. “Do you know much about the history of Edgewater Sherriff MacDonald? The realtor told me she would provide what she could, but I guess she wasn’t able to find out much.” <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>25-09-2010, 18:56:17</strong>
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				“I really appreciate you taking your time to show me around I would feel terrible if I knew I was keeping you from something.” She flashed him another one of her smiles and he found himself nodding, despite is misgiving.&nbsp; He has seen her glance at his empty ring finger, as women often did.&nbsp; It hadn't always been empty, but that had been a long time ago and he wasn't looking to collect any more jewelry, ever, after what had happened the first time.&nbsp; Still, had promised his sister that he would show the client her new home and finalized the paperwork.<br><br>"Don't worry.&nbsp; I just came off duty and don't have to return for twelve hours."<br><br>They walked together through the untended grass, while the woman chattered away in her pleasant fashion.&nbsp; He did not catch a thing that she said though, since he thinking about avoiding looking at her.&nbsp; He did hear her comment about needing a landscaper though, and remembered to nod.&nbsp; They approached the steps to the porch.<br><br>“Quite something, huh. She is going to be breathtaking.” &nbsp;The woman was leaning back, looking up at the house, showing a long line of pale neck heading down into a triangle of unblemished skin.&nbsp; Justin found himself staring for a moment.<br><br>"She sure is."<br><br>He jerked his gaze away as she stepped suddenly onto porch and turned to face him.<br><br>“Do you know much about the history of Edgewater Sherriff MacDonald? The realtor told me she would provide what she could, but I guess she wasn’t able to find out much.” <br><br>Justin suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable.&nbsp; The house had a history, to be sure, but it had not always been a happy history and he wasn't sure that he wanted to scare this pretty little lady with it, on her first night in the house.<br><br>"I can't say as I know that much.&nbsp; I know there used to be a railroad running by New Hope and that Isaac Renwich, some railroad baron, had the house built so that he could stay near the forefront of his business concerns.&nbsp; You should meet Ruth Hudson.&nbsp; She's your neighbor down the road a piece and knows most of the town's history.&nbsp; I expect she would welcome a visit, but I wouldn't go today."&nbsp; He looked up a the perfectly blue bowl of the sky.&nbsp; "Looks like rain to me."<br><br>He mounted the steps of the porch and unlocked the weather front door.&nbsp; The door's single window as covered in dust and Justin suddenly felt embarrassed at the state of the house.<br><br>"Its been shut up awhile, you understand, and I see you don't have a truck with you.&nbsp; You've got some place to stay in town tonight?" &nbsp;There was no hotel within fifty miles, but Justin knew of a couple of newer bed and breakfasts that had open and besides that, his sister's trailer was currently empty.
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				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-09-2010, 22:41:53</strong>
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				“Ruth Hudson, thank you, I will give her a visit soon, if you don’t think I would be imposing.” She glanced at the gorgeous blue sky above, not seeing any sign of rain. “Rain…looks so perfect and clear. Is it something about mountain weather? I will hold off then, and wait until another day. Perhaps you could suggest something I could take her as a friendly gift from neighbor to neighbor? If you know of anything particular she would like, please share. I suppose a plant might be nice, most women love a bit of greenery. And there is something warm about plants, something refreshing…like a bit of spring inside your house, even if the weather outside is dreadful.” Realizing she was rambling again, she forced her lips to close and listen as he spoke and slipped his key in the door. He didn’t seem to be much of a talker, <em>or maybe you haven’t given him opportunity to get a word in edgewise</em> but his voice had a nice tone to it. <br><br>"It’s been shut up awhile, you understand, and I see you don't have a truck with you.&nbsp; You've got some place to stay in town tonight?"<br><br>“The truck will be here tomorrow, sometime mid morning, provided they don’t burn out their brakes. The man at the moving company was worried about that, I guess the switchbacks and incline are very hard on them? He didn’t seem very pleased to find out where his men were heading, but for what he charges, he should be pleased as punch. I had planned on staying here tonight; I have an air mattress and a couple of boxes and a suitcase in the trunk. I figured I could get some cleaning supplies in town, but I suppose if it is too dusty and musty and all of that, I might have to make other plans.” She noticed the grimy window for the first time, her facing growing thoughtful. But her face brightened again, and she shrugged her graceful bare shoulders. “Why don’t we take a look inside and decide from there what is best.” <br><br>Cassie remembered he had said he was off duty, and had to be back on duty in twelve hours. The last thing she wanted to do was take up his free time, though he did have a nice relaxed air about him and was pleasant to be around, something that was very unlike the police and detectives in Chicago. “As long as you have time, of course. I hate to keep you when you are off duty. And there is the man in your truck.” <br><br>Cassie wasn’t sure exactly why, but she wanted him to share the first time she saw inside. The thought of experiencing alone left her feeling forlorn. This was a big step for her, and she had fought everything alone for two years. It was nice to have someone to share this with, even if he was pretty much a stranger. “We’ll make it quick, I promise.” <br><br>She let him open the door, and then stepped in front of him into the foyer, leaving him looking at her bare back and the honey curls that fell over it. She gasped softly at the majestic beauty inside. The stale undisturbed air was harsh on her lungs, and burned a bit, but wasn’t enough that she would let herself cough and disturb the moment.&nbsp; <br><br>Edgewater was even larger inside, the hardwood floors shining even below the layer of dust resting on them. Directly in front of them was a massive stair case leading to the second floor, its banister heavy and elaborate hand carved wood. To the right was a formal parlor, the wallpaper either original, or an authentic Victorian replica, a grand fireplace on the far wall. The room to their left she guessed was considered the sitting room, or living room, and must have been remodeled at one point. It was open and large, and lead to an open dining room beyond, where a heavy and detailed oriental rug still lay on the floor. Original dark wood crown molding framed each wall she could see like a painting. <br><br>Cassie fell silent, a stark contrast to the chatterbox she had been on their stroll up the driveway. She took two small steps inside, feeling overwhelmed by the expanse of beauty surrounding her. The walls were grimy and dirty, cause the sunlight pushing through them to make them glow softly, only gently penetrating the darkness within to cast soft subtle illumination inside. Cobwebs were thick as garland, and the stillness was tangible. <br><br>The realization that this was hers, and so different from the modern loft she had shared with her husband in Chicago, set in stone the fact that she was here, and beginning again. Ever emotional, she felt a heavy lump settle in the base of her throat. She swallowed against it, tears once again welling in her blue eyes. She turned to look at the Sherriff, smiling warmly. “It’s beautiful…”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>27-09-2010, 05:53:44</strong>
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				The air inside the house was musty and made reminded Justin of a flop house he had raided in Denver, back when he was serving in the big city.&nbsp; It had been eight long years since he moved back home, to escape his memories of Denver what had happened there.&nbsp; For a moment the air took him back to that dusty drug den and the worries that had been in his mind, other than the need to come out of a dangerous situation alive.&nbsp; He forced his mind back to the present, using the woman in front of him as a focal point.<br><br>Miss Collins had promised to make it quick as she walked through the door, but Justin was sure that he did not mind if it took all day.&nbsp; Sure, he did not want to get caught in some woman's web of wedding plans and wish fulfillment.&nbsp; That didn't mean that he couldn't look though.&nbsp; As she turned her head to look at the different parts of the house, he stared at the flawless skin of her back and wondered what it would be like to touch it.<br><br>She turned toward him and he could see the emotion in her face and the tear trailing down her cheek.&nbsp; “It’s beautiful…”<br><br>He had been in law enforcement for nearly fifteen years now and he knew when someone was dealing with strong emotions, even if they were trying to hide them.&nbsp; This woman hid nothing.&nbsp; She was broadcasting like she was an FM station, trying to reach down to Mexico.<br><br>Without thinking about it first, he lifted his hand to her face and wiped the tear away with his thumb, before pulling his hand awkwardly back.&nbsp; Unsure of why he and done this, he covered it up gruffly. &nbsp;"Yup, well let's get a move on and look around.&nbsp; I don't think it’s safe for you to stay here tonight, until we have a contractor look the place over.&nbsp; Better not go up those stairs neither."<br><br>He stomped away from her, moving through the entry way to the parlor.&nbsp; "Well, let's get a move on then."&nbsp; He looked at the room, rather than look back at the woman, but he was aware of her none the less.&nbsp; <br><br>The furniture was draped in sheets which had once been white but were now covered in dust.&nbsp; Despite this, he could see that their forms were rounded in a style that made him think that they would be of a Victorian vintage.&nbsp; He did not know much about fancy furniture, much preferring the simple lines of missionary style or Shaker.&nbsp; Still, he was curious what the sheets would reveal and wondered if he would be around for the unveiling.&nbsp; No, he would not, he decided.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>27-09-2010, 07:58:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The touch of his thumb on her upturned face should have alarmed her. It should have caused her to tense and feel a rush of embarrassment and anxiousness, as practically all physical contact had since Daniel’s death. But instead it felt natural and warm. His touch sent a flight of butterflies to life in her stomach, and a left a tingly spot on her cheek. <br><br>As he turned and stomped away from her she brought her hand to her cheek, wiping away the pleasant tingle. She was glad they had broken eye contact; this was not what she came to New Hope for. Heartache would not be in her future again, and she made a silent vow to keep things friendly, cordial, and platonic. <em>You are just caught up in the moment, in the grandness of Edgewater. Don’t get carried away, Cassie. </em><br><br><br>She turned to follow him as he moved deeper into the house, and the many rooms that lay beyond. Despite her vow, she couldn’t help but observe how his uniform shirt stretched across the back of his shoulders. <br><br><br>“…until we have a contractor look the place over.”<br><br><br>Had he said we? He had. Surely it was simply a slip, and he meant to say until she had a contractor look it over. The thought that it was probably just a choice of phrasing, left her feeling oddly disappointed. Knowing it was futile to dwell on it and analyze it, she pushed her from her mind and answered his comment. <br><br><br>Cassie had to clear her throat before speaking; feeling like caterpillars had spun cocoons in it. Her voice was softer, shyer than it had been. “I was told it did pass inspection. Someone from a town called Trestlebride came to look at it. A…” She searched for the name of the inspector she had finally found to get to look at the house.Like the landscapers, it seemed no one wanted to visit Edgewater. &nbsp;“…a Mr. Sandoval. He said the structure is sound, but, um, the plumbing upstairs needs to be looked after. As does the furnace.” she frowned at the dust on the floor, seeming undisturbed for a very long time before their footsteps marred the smooth carpet of it. “Although it looks like no one has been in here for years.”<br><br><br>Feeling something tickle the side of her neck, she slapped at it softly, expecting to feel a small insect or maybe a cobweb. There was nothing beneath her fingers. She turned her body to see if she brushed by something and found herself looking at the grand stairway. It was steeper than modern stairs, but wider. She laid her hand on the banister, and looked upward into the almost darkness. "What if we were careful. Just a peek, maybe?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>29-09-2010, 03:54:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Justin was annoyed.&nbsp; He had not bothered to find out that an inspection had already been performed.&nbsp; Hell, this wasn't even his job.&nbsp; It figured that his sister would think of everything.&nbsp; She might flake out a bit and run of with strange me often, but she was good at her job.&nbsp; If he was honest with himself, the house was making him nervous.<br><br>It wasn't entirely truthful that he knew nothing about the house's history.&nbsp; As a child, he had heard the rumors at school about Michael Saunders going insane and killing his young pregnant wife.&nbsp; The stories had varied of course.&nbsp; Some said that he shot her in the stomach and others swore that their cousin or their best friend's friend and heard that he pushed her down the main staircase.&nbsp; A few even though that he had kept her locked up in a room at the top of one of the gables, like Cinderella in the Disney movie.&nbsp; That had stirred his imagination to be sure, and even as a young man he had fantasized about killing her husband and saving her from the tower.<br><br>He did not know what had really happened.&nbsp; The case had been over four years before he was born and he never had a desire to look it up later, when he became sheriff.&nbsp; It seemed a tragedy best forgotten.&nbsp; The house never sold anyway.&nbsp; No one wanted to live in a murder house and until the past few years, people were more likely to be leaving town, rather than moving in.<br><br>Still, he did not want to burden her with the story, or the wild speculations, when she had to live here.&nbsp; Maybe he could shield her from the worst of the rumors, until the house was cleaned out and livable.&nbsp; Air the old place out and cleaning it would certainly let in the sun and make it seem more homelike.&nbsp; As it was, he felt like he was just waiting for Anthony Perkins to descend the stairs, in drag, brandishing his famous knife.<br><br>The parlor could wait.&nbsp; If the lady wanted to see the upstairs, it was her right.&nbsp; After all, this was her house now, for better or for worse.&nbsp; He wasn't sure which it would be.&nbsp; Even a short time with her had sent of conflicting signals in his head.<br><br>"Uh, sure...."&nbsp; As he approached her, he felt tightness in his stomach which he normally associated with fear.&nbsp; He slapped himself mentally.&nbsp; Fear was nothing.&nbsp; Being brave was being afraid, but acting anyway, especially if your fear was of a dusty old house full or rumors and bad memories.<br><br>"I better go first and test the stairs, just in case.&nbsp; Stay behind me a bit."&nbsp; The sun was filtering through the old windows, but it wasn't providing that much light.&nbsp; The electricity wasn't turned on yet either, as far as he knew.&nbsp; He pulled a compact flashlight from his pocket and turned it on.&nbsp; There was a police issue one in his truck, but they wouldn't be here that long anyway.&nbsp; The steps creaked under his weight, as he slowly made his way up, his beam of light piercing the darkness.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>29-09-2010, 20:45:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She bit her full lower lip, and almost told him it was okay, not to bother. Something about his manner seemed hesitant. Perhaps it was the time she was taking up of his, or maybe he wasn’t enjoying her company. But she kept silent. He was a man, and if he needed to leave, or wanted to leave, she was sure he would say so. Normally she would have chirped right up and told him to not bother, but looking up the stairs into the darkness beyond made her feel strange. It wasn’t fright. She had an immensely curious nature, but it wasn’t curiosity, either. It almost made her feel…a yearning. It was slightly uncomfortable, but she was compelled to follow it, and felt more secure having him accompany her. <br><br>You are just missing Mom and Dad. <br><br>Cassie stepped aside and let Sheriff MacDonald lead the way, taking a moment to look at him without being obvious. It wasn’t just that she found him attractive; she imagined most women did, but she liked watching how people carried themselves, and discovering their mannerisms and habits. And he seemed to have a nice easy casual way about him that put her at ease. “This reminds me of my parent’s house a bit. I grew up on a farm in Iowa, and moved to Chicago after….” Her voice trailed off, and she took a slow breath before continuing. “We had a grand old farmhouse. It wasn’t like this, it was just a farmhouse, but it was big and old and used to have the most horrible drafts in winter. I remember lying in bed at night with four blankets over me to stave off the cold.”<br><br>Briefly she contemplated going to the car to get the flashlight from the glove box, but she didn’t even know if the batteries were good. And as long as she stuck close to Sheriff MacDonald, she would have the benefit of his flashlight. She continued chatting, albeit in a quieter tone that she had been previously. The house upstairs seemed to call for it.&nbsp; “Power should be on tomorrow sometime. I was hoping to have it before the movers arrive, but we’ll see. At the very least I suppose I can open the curtains and do a quick swipe of windex on the windows. That should help, I would think. I hope there isn’t too much furniture up here; I hate to have them carry it all down these stairs. All of this stuff is being carted away.” <br><br>Cassie paused. “Did…did you hear that?” <br><br>She was certain she’d heard a thump from somewhere beyond the top of the stairs deeper into the house…like a door closing. And then she delicately laughed. “Squirrels, I’ll bet. Did you grow up here, Sherriff MacDonald? New Hope, I mean, not Edgewater, of course.”<br><br><br>They had reached the landing at the top of the stairs, and Cassie unconsciously stepped closer to him. As she had done outside while standing in the shadow of the house, she brought her hand up and crossed her arms, cupping each upper arms with the opposite hand, rubbing lightly. The temperature had dropped, and it was quite chilly. The top of the stairs opened to a wide area with a door directly opposite at the end off the area that was too wide to really be considered a hall. To the right were three doors, two open to what appeared to be bedrooms. Across from them, to their left, were also two doors. A narrower flight of stairs continued up to what she guessed was the attic, through a smaller door. <br><br>She took a step forward in front of the Sheriff, not sure where to begin. She reached smiled gently and whispered. “I love all of these details…the moldings, and wood floors, and brass light switches and glass doorknobs, the heavy doors…but the wallpaper and light fixtures will have to go with the furniture and knick knacks. I like simpler things, and my furniture won’t match.” <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>30-09-2010, 10:17:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a loud thump from somewhere above them. “Did…did you hear that?” asked Miss Collins. She gave a short, nervous laugh.&nbsp; “Squirrels, I’ll bet. Did you grow up here, Sherriff MacDonald? New Hope, I mean, not Edgewater, of course.”<br><br>Justin was feeling distinctly uneasy in Edgewater.&nbsp; He had also heard the noise that she had heard and it did not sound like squirrels.&nbsp; He would have sworn that no one had been in the entry way in a long time, but apparently an inspector had.&nbsp; It could have been a door blowing closed, if someone left a window open.&nbsp; It could also be teenagers, using the house for secret rendezvous.&nbsp; He felt reassured by the service revolver on his belt.<br><br>"I heard it alright.&nbsp; You better let me go up the stairs first Miss Collins." &nbsp;He put a restraining hand on her arm, knowing that she would probably rush up staircases where angels feared to tread, and stepped past her.&nbsp; He did not answer her question, because he was too busy staying alert.<br><br>At the top of the landing, he was listening for any more noises, and Miss Collins was still chattering away.&nbsp; Apparently she wasn't a city girl, originally.&nbsp; He wasn't sure how he felt about that.&nbsp; If she had country roots, she might stick around after all.&nbsp; She wasn't doing his composure any favors.&nbsp; He found her need to talk about whatever went through her head amusing and a bit attractive, but he wasn't sure if he could put up with it forever.&nbsp; If they were dating, he would probably kiss her to shut her up, but that did not seem like a good idea at the moment.<br><br>Miss Collins stepped in front of him suddenly and started talking again, as she fingered various features, as if to tick off her points.&nbsp; “I love all of these details…the moldings, and wood floors, and brass light switches and glass doorknobs, the heavy doors…but the wallpaper and light fixtures will have to go with the furniture and knick knacks. I like simpler things, and my furniture won’t match.” <br><br>Normally he would have taken the time to be annoyed that she would remove all of this beautiful, original light fixtures but at the moment her comments barely registered.&nbsp; Justin put a hand on her shoulder and spun her around, before putting one finger in front of his lips and the other hand over her mouth.&nbsp; He started to whisper.&nbsp; "Miss Collins.&nbsp; Something doesn't feel right to me and I've learned to trust my instincts.&nbsp; I want you to stay here for a few minutes and stay quiet.&nbsp; Do you understand?" &nbsp;He had seen that she was chilled, so he took the coat which was over one arm, and put it around her shoulder. &nbsp;"There.&nbsp; Better yet, you could go wait downstairs."<br><br>He did not hold much hope that she would actually go down the staircase.&nbsp; He had only known her for about ten minutes, but he could already tell that she was stubborn as a grandma with a photo album which she wanted to show you.&nbsp; Mentally shrugging, he slowly opened the first door to their left, keeping one hand on his holstered revolver.&nbsp; For a moment, he could swear he heard a rhythmic creaking sound, like an old wooden ship on the ocean, but then it stopped.<br><br>As the door opened, it revealed a tiny nursery with faded pink wallpaper with a white floral pattern.&nbsp; An ancient bassinet sat empty in one corner and a rocking chair, an end table and Tiffany lamp sat in the other corner.&nbsp; His eyes fixed on the rocking chair, because he realized that what he had heard sounded like someone rocking in such a chair.&nbsp; It was still now though, which almost seemed worse to his comfort level than if he had actually seen it rocking.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>01-10-2010, 06:53:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				All of a sudden his touch spun her to face him, the bright yellow skirt of her sundress twirling around her, a vivid flash of color in the sepia tones of the dimly lit interior. Just as quick, his hand was over her mouth, warm and strong. She looked up at him from above his hand and below her long lashes with wide, astonished eyes, her brows raised in surprise.&nbsp; He had his finger over his lips, and she easily interpreted that she was to be quiet before he even started whispering. <br><br>"Miss Collins.&nbsp; Something doesn't feel right to me and I've learned to trust my instincts.&nbsp; I want you to stay here for a few minutes and stay quiet.&nbsp; Do you understand?" &nbsp;She nodded delicately, her lips remaining closed even though he had removed his hand from her mouth. <br><br>The warmth of his jacket settled over her back and shoulders, the scent of his cologne or soap, whatever the scent was, wafted subtly through the stale air. It was a nice scent, masculine and not fussy, but fresh and clean. She almost thanked him for his courtesy, but decided it was better to keep the silence he demanded. "There.&nbsp; Better yet, you could go wait downstairs." She responded with a slightly stubborn smile, her dimples making a subtle appearance. <br><br>Cassie was extremely curious, and wanted to follow close behind him to see what the fuss was about. She actually took two quiet steps after him and then noticed his hand had fallen to the gun at his hip. That was the first moment she felt alarmed. She pulled her bottom lip back between her teeth to keep from speaking, and took a step back. The sheriff seemed to really think something wasn’t quiet right, and perhaps it was more serious than he had let on? She could swear there was a creaking that could not be blamed on his steps across the old floor. He opened the door, and she stood on her tiptoes to try and see beyond him. The creaking stopped. <br><br>Cassie felt the downy hairs on the back of her neck stand up one by one. Was it from the realization that there really might be some kind of danger at hand, or was it something else? She felt very uneasy, and turned her chin over her shoulder, ignoring the room she had been so curious about that Justin was peering into and instead looking behind her. Slowly she turned around in a circle, not quite sure what she was looking for. The air felt heavier, and everything was intensely quiet.&nbsp; <br><br><em>Stop it. Your mind is playing tricks on you. It is just the gun, the old house, and your silly imagination. </em><br><br>Idly she reached up to tuck the curl of that was tickling her cheek behind her ear, but as her fingers brushed her face she realized there was no curl. She released her lip from her teeth, it now slightly swollen, and she took a breath to tell Sheriff MacDonald that perhaps she would go downstairs after all. But it seem almost scarier to break the silence, than to let it breathe around her. And she didn’t want to startle him. She kept as still as a mouse, and waited.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>03-10-2010, 06:53:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Justin did not believe in ghosts, or the bogie man, or things that went bump in the night.&nbsp; Still, every fiber in his being wanted out of this house.&nbsp; He knew that if he was alone, he would be half way down the staircase already and would just drive off.&nbsp; He did not mind facing dangers he understood, such as a man with a gun.&nbsp; This house filled him with a fear which he could not categorize or identify.&nbsp; He knew that if someone's life were in danger, he would gladly face it, but there was not reason to stay.&nbsp; Tomorrow the electricity would be back on and he could... he could not have a reason to return.&nbsp; For some reason, that saddened him, though he refused to think about why.<br><br>He forced himself to pull his hand away from his gun and relax.&nbsp; He stepped back out into the hallway. &nbsp;"It was... nothing.&nbsp; I think you were right about the squirrels."&nbsp; He could see that she had not gone back down the stairs.<br><br>"You know, it would be a lot easier to look around up here if we had more light.&nbsp; Maybe you should wait until tomorrow when the electricity is on.&nbsp; I know that the house was inspected, but it would make me feel better.&nbsp; Besides, Old Roy down there is liable to figure out a way to remove parts of my truck to get loose, if I leave him to long.&nbsp; His wife would be upset if I let him wander off."<br><br>Justin felt slightly ashamed of himself, but he put on a bit of bluster.&nbsp; Half the battle in being a law enforcement officer was in never letting other people see your weaknesses.&nbsp; It was hard enough to deal with a crisis situation, without letting the bad guys know when you are flustered.<br><br>"What do you say?&nbsp; We could head into town and find you someplace to stay tonight. Like I said, my sister's place is free, if you don't mind sharing with a cat or two." &nbsp;He knew that it was here right to sleep in this house tonight, if she wished.&nbsp; After all, she had seemed so emotional about it.&nbsp; He had no idea what it meant to her, but he suspected from her reactions that she was running from an unstable past and looking for some sort of stable future.&nbsp; Still, it would feel awkward leaving her here.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>03-10-2010, 21:18:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cassie didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until Justin spoke, took his hand from his gun, and stepped back into the hallway. His actions broke the tension, real or imagined, and she exhaled slowly and quietly, her head rushing lightly and her muscles unfreezing one by one.&nbsp; <br><br>"You know, it would be a lot easier to look around up here if we had more light.&nbsp; Maybe you should wait until tomorrow when the electricity is on.&nbsp; I know that the house was inspected, but it would make me feel better.&nbsp; Besides, Old Roy down there is liable to figure out a way to remove parts of my truck to get loose, if I leave him to long.&nbsp; His wife would be upset if I let him wander off… What do you say?&nbsp; We could head into town and find you someplace to stay tonight. Like I said, my sister's place is free, if you don't mind sharing with a cat or two." <br><br>She smiled softly and nodded. The strange feeling that had been hovering around her lingered. It was dissipating, thanks to the sheriff speaking and relaxing, but traces still remained.&nbsp; She managed a small laugh as she pictured the man in the truck taking the vehicle apart and dragging part of it with him to wander to the nearest town pub. &nbsp;“I suppose we’d better go save your truck then.” Cassie stepped to the stairs, letting him bring up the rear. The last thing she wanted to feel was that strange sensation she felt in the hall pressing after her as she descended the flight. It was much more comforting to have Justin behind her.&nbsp; <br><br>Once they were down the stairs and back in the dust cloaked beauty of the bottom floor she spoke again, albeit it was still quiet, and not the bright chatter she’d started their meeting with. &nbsp;“As long as you are sure your sister won’t mind, I’ll take you up on the offer of the trailer.&nbsp; I’ll make sure to leave it as clean as I found it.”&nbsp; Cassie evaluated her surrounding with a slightly more critical eye. She could still see the beauty of the home, but it was easier to see the grime now.&nbsp; &nbsp;”I think you are right; it’s not the best idea to stay here tonight.&nbsp; I think once the windows are cleaned and open, and the heavy drapes taken down, it will be much more suitable. The air is kind of stale right now, hard to breathe. I’ll get here bright an early with the sun and tackle those things. Hopefully I’ll make decent headway before the movers get here.”<br><br>As they stepped onto the porch and into the fresher mountain air she breathed deeply, her eye scanning the mountains surround the high valley that cradled the picturesque town. “Sure is pretty.” She turned to look back at the front door. It looked the same as it did the first time they stepped onto the porch, and in the lovely outdoors she felt foolish for how she had reacted upstairs. Her laugh was much more natural as she turned to face him. “I feel so silly, but I was a bit spooked up there on the second floor. My imagination gets carried away some times. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>06-10-2010, 04:42:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ruth Hudson pulled into the driveway to Edgewater and stepped out of her beat-up old Ford pickup, just in time to see Roy coming out of the sheriff’s Range Rove, carrying the handle which he had somehow unscrewed, dangling form the handcuffs.&nbsp; He started running when he saw her, until she leveled Old Betsy at him.<br><br>"Hold it right there, you side winding snake!&nbsp; Get your butt back in that truck, before I fill it full of buckshot!"<br><br>Roy looked at her over his shoulder with sorrow on his ruddy face.&nbsp; "I weren"t going no where Ruth.&nbsp; I just had to pee and didn't wanna get the sheriff’s truck dirty."&nbsp; His voice was an annoying whine, which grated on Ruth's nerves, but she wouldn't shoot him.&nbsp; The old chicken would probably fall over, thinking he was dead, if she shot straight up in the air.<br><br>She was a lean old piece of beef jerky, dressed in a pair of faded, dirty overalls.&nbsp; Her long gray hair was pulled back in a braid which tickled her scrawny butt.&nbsp; Her crow's feet wrinkled as she stared Roy down, until he meekly climbed back into the vehicle.<br><br>As Roy was being captured, a pretty young woman in a sundress stepped out onto the pour.&nbsp; Ruth could see her through the windows of the sheriff’s truck, even though they needed cleaning.&nbsp; She sure was a pretty flower for this old worn out house.&nbsp; It didn't surprise her when the sheriff followed her out, his eyes on her back.&nbsp; Ruth snorted and spite to one side.&nbsp; "Just like his old man, he's rootin' 'round the hen house."&nbsp; Her eyes narrowed even more into slits, but she smiled as she smashed the Range Rover door shut and walked around the edge of the vehicle.<br><br>The girl was saying something when Ruth tromped up to the porch, her shotgun held toward the ground.&nbsp; "Young Blood!&nbsp; You almost lost that old fool!&nbsp; What in tarnation possessed you to leave him alone like that?"<br><br>The sheriff cocked an eyebrow at her. &nbsp;"Ruth, why would I worry about Roy, when your always there to pick up after me?"&nbsp; He stepped off the porch and gave the old woman a quick hug.&nbsp; His tall framed dwarfed her, until she elbowed him in the stomach.&nbsp; "Back up boy, or your lady friend will get the wrong idea!"<br><br>She watched, with amusement, as the sheriff hemmed and hawed for a moment.&nbsp; She actually thought that he might blush, but it wasn't in his nature.&nbsp; The men in that family had always been durn fools, right back to Daniel MacDonald, the original family fool, who had founded the town.<br><br>She stepped forward, wiping her free hand on her overalls, and held it out to the newcomer. &nbsp;"Howdy there.&nbsp; The name's Ruth Hudson.&nbsp; I'm gonna be yer neighbor I suppose."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>11-10-2010, 20:20:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cassie hadn’t noticed the new vehicle and the old woman who had driven it into the driveway. She’d been too distracted by the view, and shaking the feeling the upstairs of the house had given her. And she had been distracted by Justin. When she’d turned to face him she couldn’t help but let her eyes run the line of his jaw as she spoke, before meeting his eyes. <br><br>The voice that boomed from the small woman caused Cassie to jump and instinctively reach out to grip the Sherriff’s forearm. When she saw the weathered woman she sheepishly pulled her hand back, folding her arms across her belly as she listened to the spirited exchange. It was sweet, underneath its tough exterior.&nbsp; She smiled softly as the older woman teased Justin, and at his reaction. It was quite entertaining, and sweet, and left her feeling a little lonely. But also hopeful. Maybe one day she would be a part of the town and the teasing. <br><br>When Ruth held out her hand, Cassie quickly descended the porch and grasped it with her own, smiling warmly. “So nice to meet you, Ms. Hudson. I’m Cassie, Cassidy Collins. Sherriff McDonald here mentioned you were my neighbor down the road. I am so pleased you came by.”<br><br>Her eyes darted to the gun, then back to the old woman. What was it with guns and small towns? She could understand the Sherriff carrying one, but why would Ruth Hudson find a need to? Guns made her nervous. She’d stared down the barrel of one back in Chicago, and that moment lived in her memory, pushing to the front of her thoughts far more than she wished. Every now and then when she closed her eyes she would see the ominous dark hole of the barrel. And when she tried to sleep at night, it&nbsp; was sometimes difficult to keep it buried. Blackberry Brandy tended to help. <br><br>Cassie let go of the woman’s hand&nbsp; folded hers together at her waist. “You’ll have to let me take you to lunch sometime, I would love to get to know my closest neighbor and chat with you about the town, and Edgewater. It's such a beautiful place, New Hope, I mean. I would love to know as much about it as I can. There is so much history in a place like this, it's just fascinating.”<br><br><em>Shut up, Cassie. Let the woman respond. </em><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>12-10-2010, 06:13:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Justin noticed how the newcomer reached out for his arm, when she was nervous.&nbsp; Despite his better judgment, he was pleased.&nbsp; She was a bright, chirp, pretty things.&nbsp; Still, in his experience what was on the surface was not always what lay underneath.&nbsp; He wondered what was really going on in her head.<br><br>Ruth had been a friend of his for his entire life.&nbsp; He remembered Aunt Ruth carrying him around when he was just a small tyke.&nbsp; She had been thin and pretty then, with cornflower hair and a ready smile.&nbsp; The years had not been kind to her, but to him she was still beautiful.<br><br>"Not sure you want to get Ruth started on that Miss Collins.&nbsp; I'm gonna take her over to Sis's trailer until they get the electricity..."<br><br>He was interrupted by Ruth's slashing hand. "The Hell you are!&nbsp; She's a neighbor, even if she just arrived.&nbsp; We don't go shoving neighbors in trailers filled with those ugly critters your sister calls cats.&nbsp; I know your Mama taught you better boy." &nbsp;The reproach in her voice seemed only half feigned.<br><br>She looked Cassie up and down.&nbsp; "Well you are gonna have your share of gentlemen callers.&nbsp; Just remember that the men in this town are mostly gentlemen, or can be handled by a kick to the groin.&nbsp; I'm always just a phone call away."<br><br>Ruth started pulling Miss Collin's bags out of her car and loading them in the bed of her truck, with one hand. Her other hand was still holding her shotgun, but she did not have any trouble lunging the bags.&nbsp; Justin rushed to help anyway.<br><br>A black sedan started to pull up along the road, and then speed on.&nbsp; Justin grimaced to himself.&nbsp; The vultures were already circling.&nbsp; Buddy Henry was sure to want a look at the new woman in town, but he and Justin had been rivals for years, with Justin usually coming off on top.&nbsp; Most times Bud avoided him now, rather than risk another defeat.<br><br>"Maybe your right Ruth." &nbsp;He shouldered one of her bags easily.<br><br>Ruth snorted at him, as if she wasn't fooled.&nbsp; "Don't think old Bud would want to say howdy as well?"&nbsp; She turned toward Miss Collins.&nbsp; "Well get in the truck then.&nbsp; If we leave your vehicle here, the vultures won't know where you are and the Sheriff won't worry so much about your virtue and such."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>13-10-2010, 05:44:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cassie couldn’t help but laugh when Ruth told her how to handle the non-gentlemen of the town, despite the blush that crept over her at Ruth’s observation that she would have gentlemen callers in the first place. <br><br>When the older woman started lifting the luggage like it was packed with Styrofoam, she followed Justin, rushing to help. The bags were packed full, and were heavy. She’d struggled a little with them herself. But the woman seemed stronger and heartier than most people she’d met, not just women, either. She was small and compact, but Cassie bet she packed a mean punch. She could do worse than to call someone like Ruth if she needed help. She wouldn’t call her, she wouldn’t want to be a burden, but she was sure Ruth could handle about anything. A secret smile crossed her face as she imagined how Ruth would have handled Detective Wallace. He was an overbearing, closed minded, ass of a man that didn’t know how to keep his hands to himself, but she bet Ruth could teach him.&nbsp; <br><br>Cassie’s thoughts were interrupted by the black sedan. She wondered if another neighbor was coming by to say hello already? She could understand Ruth noticing, she was the closest neighbor, but had word travelled that fast? She supposed it could be someone just driving by, but the way they sped up wasn’t typical, and the road didn’t seem like a busy thoroughfare. <br><br>Old Bud? Was that who was in the sedan? She looked back and forth between Ruth and Justin, clearly missing something. She didn’t have time to figure out what it might be when Ruth made the comment about the Sherriff worrying about her virtue. She blushed a second time and ducked her head bashfully, part to hide the blush, and part to hide the snicker that almost escaped. She did as Ruth said and moved towards the truck. Her hand fell on the handle when she remembered she had Justin’s coat over her shoulder. She hesitated. It would be nice to have an excuse to see him again…<br><br>Stop right there. If you see him, you see him. Don’t resort to silly little games. Besides, you aren’t ready. And even if you were, if he knew about Chicago, he wouldn’t be interested anyway. <br><br>Cassie took her hand from the door of the truck and let the coat slide from her shoulders, the warmth it had given her giving way to the crisp air of the oncoming evening. She folded it gently and held it towards him, smiling. “Thank you, Sherriff MacDonald. It was very kind of you to keep me warm. I mean, you know, offer me your jacket.” She held it out to him, a subtle hint of her perfume clinging to it. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>16-10-2010, 04:45:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Justin ignored Ruth's muttered "Is that what they're callin' it these days?" and simply nodded and accepted his jacket.<br><br>"Any time Miss Collins.&nbsp; I'm here to be of service."&nbsp; Part of him wanted to tell her to call him Justin.&nbsp; Almost everyone older than him called him Justin, even if he was the sheriff.&nbsp; Those who did use his official title did so with a wink a friendly wink.&nbsp; Sometimes he was sure that it would have been better to take a job as sheriff of a town where he was not born and raised, but this was his home.&nbsp; As the good book said, he thought to himself, 'there is no honor for a prophet in his own home town'.<br><br>He waved and watched them start to drive off, before putting his jacket back on.&nbsp; He could smell her perfume on it, and resisted the urge to hold it to his nose.&nbsp; Despite himself, he watched Ruth's truck pull out of sight, before getting back in his Range Rover.<br><br>"Betcha I know what you wanna to give her for Christmas, eh..."&nbsp; Justin turned violently toward his charge.<br><br>"Shut up right now Roy, or you going back in that cell for another eight hours!" &nbsp;He wasn't sure why he was so worked up.&nbsp; Old Roy was a stupid son of a gun, and said shit that he didn't really mean all the time.&nbsp; It was just in his nature.&nbsp; Still, Justin did not feel up to tolerating him this morning.&nbsp; He slammed his foot on the accelerator and barreled down the road, toward Roy's house.<br><br>------------------<br><br>Ruth pointed out various sights as the past them.&nbsp; "On your right there is a burnt out farm house.&nbsp; Got struck by lightening six years ago.&nbsp; Stupid owner still hasn't torn it down.&nbsp; City type who never did visit his country home to often.&nbsp; Can't say as I like good land going to waste.&nbsp; That tree over on your left is where Justin used to climb as a kid, when he was visiting me."<br><br>Ruth pointed to an enormous oak tree, sent well back behind a non-nonsense wooden fence.&nbsp; "Have to keep with wooden fences.&nbsp; The tourist types expect it ya know.&nbsp; This here land is mine." &nbsp;She was pointing to the left still, where the fence extended on for as far as could be seen.<br><br>After a few minutes of shooting down the dirt road, the truck pulled onto a long gravel driveway, which went under a wooden signboard.&nbsp; It said The Bar None Ranch.&nbsp; "It’s not really a ranch, mind you.&nbsp; I have about twenty horses, which is enough for my business and about thirty head of sheep.&nbsp; Still, it's expected and all."&nbsp; She kept driving down the drive.&nbsp; In the distance could be see the outline of a ranch house and a possibly a barn or a stable, against the morning sky, but their details were still a mystery.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>18-10-2010, 07:22:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cassie listened with rapt attention as Ruth pointed out the sights, her blues eyes drinking in each one as it was pointed out to her. She wanted to know everything, and Ruth seemed willing to share. It wasn’t gossip with Ruth, it was history. When Ruth commented on the good land going to waste, Cassie wondered if she could buy the land and do something with it, and made a mental note to talk to her realtor about it. The money Daniel had left her was more than she would ever need, and she had no plans for it. There had been some good causes she was planning to donate generously to, but hadn’t had a chance yet. It had all been tied up until after she had been cleared. <br><br>Her smile turned to a grin when Ruth told her about the tree Justin used to climb. “I bet he was an adorable child, with those big brown eyes of his.” She realized what she said and hoped Ruth had missed it. She quickly turned her head away from Ruth before the older woman caught the sheepish grin she couldn’t keep from her lips. It wasn’t right for her to be thinking about the Sherriff’s eyes, no matter how big and brown and handsome they were. Framed by his masculine features. Supported by his broad shoulders. <br><br><em>Cassie, stop…. </em><br><br>The topic of conversation moved on, giving her a distraction from her thoughts of Justin. Her face brightened as Ruth talked about the ranch. “You have horses? It has been ages, years since I have ridden. Since I was a girl. We had horses on the farm. Just a couple, not a ranch worth, but I had one of my own. Swatch, I called him.” Her expression lost some of its brightness as she thought of home, and the good times she had growing up on the farm.&nbsp; It had been lonely on occasion being an only child, but she had her animals. “Besides Swatch I had a barn cat named Bullet, and a farm dog called Dolly, because I hadn’t been able to say “doggie” properly.” &nbsp;She laughed softly. “Father grumbled the whole fifteen years Dolly was alive how it wasn’t right for a dog with a set of….” She almost didn’t continue, the language her father used not the type she typically used. But she had a feeling Ruth would not take offense. “…of balls like Dolly to have a female name.” <br><br>The silhouette of the ranch came into view, and the sunset over it gave everything a bit of an orange glow. If the scene was rustically pretty naturally, it was even more so, now. “Oh, Ms Hudson, this is beautiful.” She couldn’t see the details, but it didn’t matter to Cassie. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MrDiamondBackJack</strong> on <strong>24-10-2010, 08:51:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ruth hadn’t been fooled by Cassie.&nbsp; She had seen the interest way that Justin and Cassie had been sniffing around each other.&nbsp; It might not come to anything, but then it might.&nbsp; Cassie was a pretty thing, but she hoped that she was up to the life here.&nbsp; Ruth figured that she would put her on a horse tomorrow and see if she was worth anything.&nbsp; She might have spent her young on a farm, but she was citified now and Ruth wanted to see just how much damage had been done.<br><br>Ruth snorted at the mention of Dolly's balls and at being called Ms. &nbsp;"Ms isn't something a word we use around here much.&nbsp; You can call me Ruth, I reckon.&nbsp; My younger students call me Miss Ruth, and it kind of stuck.&nbsp; Lots of folks call me that, seeing as I've never been married.&nbsp; I like to keep if friendly like for the little ones, but I can't let they be disrespectful neither."&nbsp; She was silent for a moment and then added "It is beautiful, especially to me.&nbsp; Can't imagine I would be happy anywhere else."<br><br>They pulled up in front of a ranch house as sun was fading lower behind the mountains.&nbsp; It was set in a square of fences about a quarter of the size of a football field.&nbsp; On two sides were corrals and opposite the ranch house was the stable.<br><br>The house was made from rough cut logs.&nbsp; There was a covered porch across the entire front of the house with a plain wooden railing and tall, plain columns.&nbsp; Two long wooden benches and a rocker sat along one side and a porch wing was on the other.&nbsp; Big widows faced out on the porch, though the lights in the house were turned off.&nbsp; As the truck came to a stop, motion sensing lights flooded the porch and part of the square with light.<br><br>The stable was an old fashioned rectangular barn with a templed roof, but the roof extended past the barn itself on both sides, turning into two covered walkways.&nbsp; It was hard to tell in the growing dark, but it was sided with natural cedar wood and had a natural color.&nbsp; A small gable sprung on one side with three widows and a small chimney.<br><br>As the truck stopped, two massive furry shapes came around the side of the house and danced around the truck in excitement.&nbsp; "That's my boys, Roy and Randy.&nbsp; Named 'em after two of my favorite singers, 'cause they howl so much."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: New Hope (Lyria and MrDiamondBackJack)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-10-2010, 02:58:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The cabin type ranch house was very different from Edgewater, but no less pretty in it's own endearing way. Cassidy smiled as she looked it over, taking in it's rustic beauty. It had character, and was folksy much like it's ower. It looked just as strong and sturdy as Ruth did as well, and fit the older woman perfectly. Cassidy could just picture her sitting on the porch swing, her shotgun across her lap. <br><br>Cassidy lowered herself from the truck, and crouched down to make friends with the two canines racing around and shaking in excitement, unconcerned by the fact that the hem of her sundress drug in the dirt. "Hiya boys! You sure are nice puppies! And you sure are <strong>big</strong> puppies...." She took turns rubbing their necks and scratching behind thier ears, letting them be as friendly as they needed to be. It had been a long time since she had been around dogs. Well, around real dogs, not the little fake rat looking ones that some of Daniel's friends' wives carried around in thier purses. <br><br>The dogs reminded her of home, of before Chicago, of the big farmhouse before it had burnt to the ground. An ache settled in her chest, a sad congestion around her heart. It grew into a lump in her throat, that burned tears into her eyes. Her voice was softer as she continued to talk to them. "Now which one of you is Roy, and which one is Randy?" <br><br>Animals were such givers of unconditional love. She couldn't help but think about Dolly, and Swatch, and Bullet. She could have used a pet the last couple of years. There had been no one to turn to, animal or human, and the lonliness had weighed heavier on her. The weight of it had permanently imprinted her soul. Maybe some day she would find a way to smooth it over a bit, or fill the empty place the impression had made. And maybe the first place to start would be getting a dog. <br><br>After relishing the welcome, Cassie stood and idly brushed the dog hair that clung to her skirt. She turned in a small semi circle, taking in the full grounds, and taking a moment to swallow the grief that was threatening to erupt. She tried to keep her voice bright, though the foundation of it was still shaky. "I really do appreciate this Ms--....I mean, Ruth. You will have to tell me how I can repay you, maybe take you to lunch?" <br><br>She grabbed her overnight bag and one of her suitcases from the truck, her muscles straining from the weight. "Never did learn to pack lightly. I suppose I can blame some of it on the move in general, it's not as if I could have left them behind. But I guess I could have let the movers bring some on the truck. But clothing is so personal, I didn't really want them responsible for it. Felt better taking it on myself." <br><br><em>Stop rambling. </em><br><br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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