there’s so much to talk about. Call me before I zonk out. I’m exhausted, but I’m so anxious to hear from you.”
Sharon smiled at Lynn’s message but phoned her parents first.
“Darling, I’m so relieved to know you’re in Florida safely. How are you? How was your trip?”
“I’m fine, Mom. It’s so good to hear your voice. The trip was tiring and I’m thankful it’s over.”
“Hi, beautiful!” Sean Donnelly’s voice boomed out on the extension. “How soon am I going to get to hug my daughter? Honey, we’re thrilled that you’re living closer to us. Grab Lynn and both of you come home here for awhile.”
“I love you guys. I’m the luckiest person in the world to have you two for parents. I know Lynn would love to come, but she has to work. After all, when you’re the owner it isn’t as easy to take time off. You know that, Dad. Lynn is responsible for people as well as animals. I can’t answer for Lynn, but I’ll try to come at the end of this week.”
“Sharon,” her mother interrupted. “Don’t you think it would be wise if you came here to stay for a few weeks. Better still, just come here to live.”
“No, Mom. I need to keep busy and take charge of my own life. I’ll be taking college courses in Tampa at the University of South Florida and helping Lynn as much as I can. Besides, I don’t want to be in the same town with Agnes Taylor until I do some healing. It’s bad enough that I’m in the same state.”
“Baby, I applaud your common sense and wish the best for you. Agnes did as she threatened. She’s told everyone that will listen how you let Jeremy down and that you’re responsible for his death. Of course none of the people who are worth anything pay any attention to her,” Sean laughed. “She even tried to get the newspapers to carry a story on Jeremy’s life and death and how you were the worst excuse for a wife. One editor called me and was furious with her. He assured me that no reputable paper would print any such thing. Since none of the others did either, I can only assume that they chalked her up as demented and refused to play along with her. You can count on Malcolm, but you’re right, honey. You’re an adult and need to make your own decisions. Just don’t let pride lead you into deciding something you’re not sure of when we’re here for you,” her dad finished.
“Thanks, Dad. I know I can count on you and Malcolm. I hope I never have to ask him to choose between Agnes and me.”
Sharon hung up and immediately called Lynn. Happy sounds came from both young women. “Yes, I plan to come see you tomorrow, but I can’t take time to ride. I’m sure my aching bones wouldn’t allow me to ride, but thanks anyway. I have lots to do. I love the house and furniture you’ve chosen for me. Thanks again until you’re better paid.”
Her last call was to Linda and Philip Pallister. “Sharon, what a relief to hear from you. Honey, it’s dead here without you. Oops. Forgive me. I meant it isn’t the same without you. In fact, it’s downright dull,” Linda choked.
“How’s my other best girl?” Philip broke in. “It’s true. We all miss you and it isn’t the same. People on the base grew fond of your sweet smile and sunny personality. We want you to be happy -- and safe.”
“I know. How blessed I am to have friends like you. Know something? I missed you folks as soon as I drove away. Let’s keep in touch. I hope we’ll still be prayer partners. Remember, I expect a visit from you as soon as you can get here.”
Goodbyes were said and Sharon recognized that she was too tired to do more. She found fruit, milk, soft drinks, sandwich materials, frozen dinners and goodies of all kinds as well as dry cereal and microwave popcorn. Bless you, Lynn.
An apple cut into thin slices, some cheese and vegetable crackers were placed on a saucer. Picking up the plate and a cold glass of milk, she went into the bedroom. She placed the food on a night stand and propped up against king-sized pillows on the bed.
After watching a late news program and checking on the weather for tomorrow, she took a quick shower, brushed her teeth and dressed for bed. Her prayer was one of thankfulness. Exhausted, she turned off the light and snuggled down to sleep.
Bright lights stung Sharon’s eyes. Dark forms of people moved around her in slow motion. Distorted voices came floating at her as if they were sounds on a very slow tape.
A short, thin man stalked her snarling and threatening. She tried to run and found Jeremy facing her with his twisted mouth grin and his fist raised to strike her. She screamed so loudly that she woke up.
Still panting for breath, she drug out of bed and went into the adjoining bathroom to wash her face in cold water.
Will I ever get over this feeling of fright and sadness? Oh, grow up. You’re silly Sharon. I have so many blessings and too much to be thankful for. Oh, I know I’m going to love Zephyrhills and working with Lynn.
Chapter Five
Sharon’s eyes felt gritty as she laboriously crawled out of bed. After a leisure breakfast, she unpacked and hung clothes in a large walk-in closet in the master bedroom. While dusting and doing small chores, she called Lynn and made plans for a visit, then went outside to walk around the house and see what flowers could be planted.
Following Lynn’s directions, Sharon drove down Eighteenth St. south to Fifth Ave. and turned west. She enjoyed driving through the peaceful city of Zephyrhills. Cruising slowly so she could enjoy the almost old-fashioned city, she observed that the main street had two wide traffic lanes on either side of a wide, grassy medium. On the medium were holly trees, loaded with red berries, planted every few feet and covering about two miles. Baskets of colorful flowers hung on the arms of each light post. Old-fashioned bricks were laid in an attractive pattern at a wide intersection.
What a lovely, restful city. I can almost see the Calusa Indians proudly living and walking around here as they did in the 1500s.
Leaving the business district, Sharon drove through miles of citrus groves. I remember reading that Zephyrhills once depended on tobacco and peanuts for money crops, but blights and bad weather destroyed them. Now the orange groves and other citrus fruits have made Florida famous. Good, here’s Morris Bridge Road. I’m supposed to turn left on to it. About half a mile on the right she saw a large vertical sign reading SOARING EAGLE THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER.
As she pulled into the visitors parking area, a man came out of the stables pushing a wheelbarrow filled with dirty straw and stable droppings.
“Morning, miss,” he greeted her politely. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m Lynn Yates’ sister. Do you know where I can find her?”
“You’re Sharon,” he said enthusiastically with a big grin. “We’ve all been waiting for you. Lynn will be overjoyed. Walk past this row of stables and you’ll see a riding arena on the far side. They’re working with special riders now, but Lynn won’t mind if you watch.”
“Thank you,” Sharon smiled. ”And you are--”
“I’m Jake Bentley. General handyman and in charge of the stables. I do whatever is necessary to keep the horses healthy and happy. I’m looking forward to working with you. Lynn says you’re an excellent trainer and very good with children.”
“I’m
