~Chapter One

It was dark as Elaina Gianelli walked into the house she shared with her husband Vince. At least she had been sharing it with him for the last five years but they were in the process of divorcing. Vince had been acting different since they found out Elaina couldt have children. He wanted a son and he was very unhappy that he couldnt have one with his wife. He started getting emotionally and physically farther and farther away from her until he wasnt even the same person.

Then she overheard a secret meeting. Vince and two other men had been in his office when she came home unexpectedly and heard them talking about the family. She recognized one man from the television news as the boss of the leading crime family in Chicago. Vince didnt know she had been there and she had left as quickly as possible. Elaina never gave it a thought that Vince could be part of the mafia. That sort of thing didnt go on in California, did it? She was careful not to let on that she knew anything about it and filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

As she quietly stepped into the living room, she heard voices coming from the office and saw the faint light coming from the slightly open door. She crept closer, knowing she should just turn around and leave and forget that she had even been there. But she kept going and stopped at the door, peering into the dimly lit room. Vince stood in front of his desk, a pistol extended in his hand, pointed at the other man in the room.

Wait, Vince. I told you I didnt have anything to do with Roccos deal. The other man seemed to be pleading for his life.

Thats what they all say, Gino. Its been nice doing business with you but I have a job to do. With that, Vince pulled the trigger and Gino fell to the floor.

A gasp escaped from Elaina as she watched in terror. As her eyes moved up from where the man lay to the man she had lived with and shared her life with, her gaze caught his. For a split second she thought she could see fear and shame in them but just as quickly they turned cold.

Elaina turned and ran for the door, never looking back. Once in her car, she tried to decide what to do. She knew she couldnt go to her apartment, Vince would find her there for sure. She couldnt go to her family, they were in New Mexico and there was no way she would involve them in something like this.

Finally, Elaina thought of the perfect place to go. Steering the car off the freeway, she drove to her good friends house. He would be able to help her and Vince wouldnt think to look there. It had been a long time since she had seen him. She had been the baby sitter for his children when she was younger and they had become good friends. They had gotten along like siblings and Elaina loved both him and his wife dearly.

Elaina found herself shaking almost uncontrollably as she rang the doorbell. The seriousness of what she had just witnessed came crashing in on her brain and as soon as the door opened, she fell into the arms of the person who opened it.

~Chapter Two

Elaina? Micky Dolenz said as he caught his friend. Elaina, are you okay?

He helped her to the living room and sat her down on the couch. He then poured her a drink of water.

Thank you, she said weakly as she took the offered glass. Can I go freshen up before I tell you what is going on?

Sure, he answered, still very confused and concerned.

Elaina stood in front of the bathroom mirror looking at her reflection. She may have had an Italian name but she was far from it in looks. Of course, her name was only her married name. She was a Navajo Indian and her features showed it. Her cheekbones were high and prominent, her skin a beautiful amber. Her long, straight, silky black hair flowed down to the middle of her back. The eyes that stared back at her were dark as coal. And scared.

She splashed water on her face and went back out to where Micky was waiting. She sat down next to him and told him everything.

You saw him kill a man in cold blood? Micky asked unable to comprehend it all. He had been at their wedding and met Vince a couple of times after that. He had no idea Vince was connected to the mob.

Yes, and now I am in danger. I have to disappear or he will kill me, too. I am a witness. She started to cry softly. I dont know what to do.

Micky put his arms around her and let her cry. You need to go to the police.

Elaina sat up suddenly. No! If I do that, I will definitely be killed. I have to go somewhere that he wont find me. I cant even go home to pack a bag. Im sorry I came here but I knew he wouldnt find me right away. I need you to help me.

Micky looked in Elainas eyes. She needed help and he was the only one who could help her. Ive got an idea. Ill go make a call and Jen will pack you some things. Stay here.

He got up from the couch and left the room. When he came back fifteen minutes later, his wife Jen was with him.

Hi, Elaina. Micky told me what is going on. Jen sat down beside her and gave her a hug. I wish we could do more but Micky found some place for you to go and I packed some clothes and other things for you. Good thing we are about the same size. Jen smiled and Elaina felt a little better.

Lets go. The place Im taking you is about an hour away, Micky said as he grabbed his jacket and the bag Jen had packed. Elaina rose from the couch feeling very tired.

Good luck, Jen said hugging Elaina.

Thanks. Elaina went out the door and made her way to Mickys car.

Ill be back in a few hours. He kissed his wife and left.

Micky and Elaina abandoned her car at a parking lot along the way so Vince couldnt connect her with Micky right away. Elaine knew he would soon enough but hopefully before he did, they would have the situation under control.

The ride was quiet and uneventful and within an hour and a half, they arrived at a ranch. The night was very dark and Elaina could just make out the house. There was a single light shining on the porch, no doubt turned on because the owner was expecting them. They pulled into the driveway, the only sound the gravel crunching under the tires of Mickys BMW.

Micky took her bag out of the back and helped her out then led her to the door. A black dog met them at the steps, wagging his tail and licking Mickys hand.

Hi, Toby. Micky leaned down and scratched the dogs head before stepping onto the wooden porch.

The house looked as though it was at least a hundred years old and the people that built it were rich ranchers. Elaina looked around the porch while they waited for the owner to open the door. There was a wicker rocking chair on her left and a porch swing hung from the ceiling on her right. Ferns hung between the porch posts and flowers added color in pots around the chair.

The door opened and a man about Mickys age stood on the opposite side.

Come on in, the man said. Elaina looked him over. He was as tall as Micky with short gray hair and a gray beard. His eyes were dark and they watched everything.

Thanks. I really appreciate this, Micky said to his friend as they entered the house.

The man shut the door and turned to them, smiling at Elaina.

This is Elaina Gianelli. Elaina, this is Michael Nesmith.

Elaina shook his hand and said hello. As Mike and Micky talked some more, she looked around. The stairs were huge and a dark walnut. To her left just beside the stairs, was a closed door and to her right, an open door. She looked inside to find a formal living room decorated as if it had never been touched since the day the house was built. The ceiling was at least ten feet high with a beautiful ornate chandelier hanging in the center. The wallpaper was velvet flocked and the drapes were a navy blue brocade. All the furniture was antique and she felt like she would be transported back to 1890 if she stepped inside.

Mike led them through the entryway past the wall under the stairs which was a solid panel of walnut. When they stepped through the doorway into the family room, Elaina noticed it was dramatically different than the living room. The ceiling had been lowered, the floor was covered in wall to wall beige carpet and along one wall was a big screen television and a stereo system. A large sectional couch sat in the middle of the room opposite a fireplace. A piano sat against one wall with an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar and an amplifier beside it. There were bookshelves filled with books, cds and movies. The room was apparently where Mike spent his time.

They went into the kitchen and sat at the table. Mike offered them coffee and both Micky and Elaina took it.

So, can you tell me what is going on? Mike asked after taking a sip of coffee.

Micky looked at Elaina and she nodded slightly to him.

Elaina witnessed something that could put her life in danger and she needs to stay out of sight for a while. This was the best place I could think of for her to go. Micky kept his explanation short and vague, leaving room for Elaina to elaborate when and if she felt like it.

Mike seemed to be satisfied with that and they talked a bit more about Micky going to the police and getting them involved as quietly as possible. When they had their plans made, Micky got up from the table and they all moved to the front door.

Try to relax, Elaina, he said with a hug. Ill have the police taking care of it in no time and you can get back to some sort of normal life.

Thanks. I dont know what Id do without a friend like you. Elaina smiled and kissed his cheek.

Dont worry about her. Ill make sure she rests, Mike said.

Mike and Elaina watched as Micky got in his car and drove off. They stepped back inside and Mike shut the door and locked it.

Ill show you to your room. Mike picked up her bag that had been deposited by the stairs and Elaina followed him. At the top of the stairs where two doors on her left and two doors on her right. There were two doors in front of her, one open and obviously the bathroom. Mike led her to one of the doors on her right.

This is your room, he said turning on the light. It was just as beautiful as the living room downstairs. The ceiling was high with an elegant light hanging from the center. The oak four poster bed was covered with a light yellow lace comforter. Matching curtains hung at the window. The dresser and chest matched the bed and the hardwood floor was covered with a hand carved wool rug.

The bathroom is right around the corner and my room is right across the hall if you need anything. Try and get some rest, Mike said as he sat the bag down and turned to go.

Thank you. I appreciate you doing this for a stranger, Elaina said.

Mike turned back to her. No problem. Any friend of Micks is a friend of mine, he replied with a warm smile. Good night.

Good night, she said watching him go.

~Chapter Three

Elaina woke somewhat refreshed even though her night had been restless. The clock on the night stand told her it was almost eight oclock so she grabbed some clothes and went out to the bathroom. After a shower, she was feeling much better and made her way downstairs to see about getting something to eat. As she got closer to the kitchen, she could hear voices. She stopped to listen.

Shes a very nice lady, from what I could tell last night, Mike said.

And shes in some kind of trouble? another male voice asked, this one older.

Yeah, Im not sure exactly what but Ill help all I can, came Mikes reply.

You just be careful not to get your self into somethin you dont want to be in, the older man said.

Mike chuckled. Dont worry. When have you ever known me to get into something I dont want to?

Youve got a point.

They both laughed and Elaina decided to go into the room.

Good morning, she said as she entered.

Both men looked up and Mike motioned for her to sit at the table.

Elaina Gianelli, this is Deacon Rose. He does the cooking around here. And he thinks hes my father, Mike teased.

Father? I aint that old. Maybe your big brother, Deacon said wiping his hands on a towel. Glad to meet ya young lady.

Elaina liked him instantly. There was something very warm and comfortable about him.  He was older than Mike, a bit heavier and a few inches shorter.  His eyes were kind and his smile was very friendly.

Glad to meet you, too. She sat in a chair across from Mike and took the cup of coffee he offered.

What can I get ya for breakfast? Scrambled eggs? Bacon? Deacon asked her.

Scrambled eggs would be fine, thank you. He scooped up eggs from the skillet on the stove and sat the plate in front of her then sat next to Mike at the table.

Gianelli, huh? Pardon me, but you dont look very Italian, Deacon said carefully.

Elaina smiled. Im not. My husband, make that soon to be ex-husband, is Italian. Im Navajo. I grew up in New Mexico on the reservation just outside Farmington in the northwest corner of the state.

Deacon nodded. Ah, I see.

Mike quietly listened to them talk. He had wondered the same thing about her. She looked Native American to him but he didnt want to come right out and ask like Deacon. Deacon could get away with things like that for some odd reason.

So, what brought you to California?

Mike looked up from his breakfast when he heard Deacon ask Elaina that question. He had actually been wondering the same thing. Maybe Deacon could read his mind.

College. I came out here to go to UCLA, majored in graphic art. She took a sip of her coffee and pushed her empty plate away. I work at an advertising firm but in my spare time I paint and sculpt. I also do some Native American art like beadwork and blankets.

Very impressive, Mike thought to himself. She was a very interesting woman; one he wouldnt mind getting to know much better.

They all went their separate ways after breakfast and met again for lunch. Elaina was already in the kitchen with Deacon when Mike came in and sat at the table.

Hi, Elaina said with a smile as she sat a glass full of ice in front of him.

Hi, he answered. What did you do this morning?

He picked up the pitcher of tea and poured some into his glass then passed the pitcher to her as she sat down across from him.

I took a nap. I didnt realize just how tired I was. I guess I feel relaxed here, she answered looking at him and taking a sip of her tea.

Deacon watched and listened from his place at the counter where he was slicing tomatoes for sandwiches. There was something about Elaina that he liked and he was sure Mike saw it too. He hoped he did anyway. Mike had been alone too long as far as Deacon was concerned and she seemed like the perfect woman to remedy that. She was intelligent, pretty, independent. All things that would mix well with Mikes personality.

Thats good, Mike replied. Im glad you feel comfortable here. Make yourself at home as long as you want.

They made small talk while they ate sandwiches and chips along with salad and fruit. Elaina helped Deacon clean up the kitchen and Mike returned to his office to finish what he was doing before lunch. The phone rang and Deacon grabbed it.

Hello, he said into the receiver. Oh, hi. Howve you been? I havent spoken to you for, well, I dont know how long, but its been a while.

Elaina chuckled a bit at the way Deacon talked with who ever was on the other end. He was so comfortable; that was the only way she could think of to describe him.

Yeah, shes right here.

Elaina gave Deacon a puzzled look as she took the receiver and he mouthed Micky to her.

Hi, Micky. What is it?

Hi. Have you told Mike anything about why you are there? he asked.

No, not yet. Why?

She talked to him for a few minutes and then hung up, standing with her hand on the phone for a moment.

You okay, hon? Deacon asked.

Elaina turned to him and smiled. Yes, Im fine. I need to talk to Mike. Will he mind if I bother him right now?

Nah, he wont mind, specially if its important.

Okay, she said then moved on to the office door beside the staircase. She knocked lightly on the door and entered the room when Mike told her to come in.

Hi, Mike. Im sorry to bother you but I need to talk to you. Elaina sat down in the chair across the desk from Mike.

Thats all right. I was finished with my work any way. What is it you need to talk about?

She looked around at the room. Book shelves covered the wall behind the desk and the window on the wall to her left was covered in a lace curtain although it didnt look feminine at all. A walnut wood shutter covered the bottom half of the same window. The same treatment was at the window between the bookshelves. A TV sat to her right and when she came in the door, she noticed a door on the wall that was behind her now.

I need to tell you why Im here hiding.

Mike had been curious but he knew she would tell him when she was ready. He waited for her to continue.

Elaina told him how she had come to California for college, met and married Vince and was happy for a while.

When he found out I couldnt give him a son to carry on his name, he changed. He had been hiding the fact that he was part of the mafia but after that he got sloppy and I found out. I filed for divorce and he didnt protest. Last night I saw him do something that he will find me and get rid of me for. Elaina stopped for a moment to collect her thoughts.

You dont have to tell me if you dont want to. Its okay, Mike said hoping to make things easier for her.

No, I need to tell you. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. I saw him kill a man. He stood right in front of the man and pulled the trigger of the pistol he was holding. I was shocked, to say the least. Then I looked up into his eyes and I was truly scared for my life. I have never seen such an evil, uncaring look before. I couldnt believe he was the man I had spent the last five years of my life with.

Mike listened to Elainas story and the emotions that came to him stunned him. He felt sorry for her to have to witness such a cold act. He felt a need to protect her and keep her safe from everything else that could ever happen to her. That emotion gave way to great anger at Vince to think so little of human life to take one and to do it in front of someone as wonderful as Elaina. She didnt deserve to have that memory for the rest of her life. How could a man who loved a woman do something so cold and uncaring as that in front of her.

How could he have done such a thing? he asked.

He didnt know I was there until he had already done it. I was watching from his office door. Elaina put her hands to her face. I have put both you and Micky in danger now. He will find me and he will kill me to get rid of his witness. Hell try to kill you and Micky, too, because he will know that I told you both what I saw. Im so sorry. She started to cry and Mike came around his desk and knelt in front of her.

Its okay. Micky and I can take care of ourselves, he said as he took her in his arms to comfort her. She let him hold her and after a few moments she sat up and pulled away from him.

I just spoke with Micky on the phone, she started, wiping her face and gaining some composure. He said he talked to the police. They have no physical evidence of anyone being murdered and no missing persons reports of anyone that fits the description I gave. That means they can not do anything. Do you understand that?

Elaina looked him in the eye, a desperate look in her own. Mike wasnt sure how to respond to her. He stepped back and just watched her as she stood and walked to the window behind the desk.

Vince will find me and make sure no one finds out about what he did. He will come here to get rid of me and he will not hesitate to do the same to you and Micky, even Deacon. Elaina looked into Mikes eyes. Do you understand that now?

He nodded weakly. He suddenly did understand. He had unknowingly gotten involved with the mob, but as he looked at the beautiful woman across the room he couldnt help but think it was worth it to have met her. He was very attracted to her, not just physically but spiritually too. She had an aura about her that seemed to call to his soul and it scared him.

What am I doing, he thought. We are talking about our lives being in danger and Im thinking about something totally different; something I shouldnt be thinking at all. Mike went around the desk to stand beside Elaina.

I understand and I wont let anything happen. Ill do everything in my power to keep you safe, he said earnestly.

Elaina watched his face as he spoke and suddenly the vision shed been having the past two weeks flashed before her eyes. It was a gray wolf but this time something was different. All the other times it had appeared, she couldnt make out anything but she knew it was a wolf. This time, she could see it clearly and its eyes were different. They were Mikes eyes. The gray wolf was Mike.

Elaina, are you okay?

She heard him speak and the vision faded away. Yes, Im fine, she answered, focusing her eyes on him once again.

Are you sure? You looked like you were a thousand miles away from here. He stepped close enough to touch her arm reassuringly.

When he laid his hand on her arm, a flash of emotion burst inside her and the vision crossed her eyes again. What did it all mean? She had questioned her father about the visions but he had told her when the time was right, she would know what it meant.

Maybe you should go lie down for a while. Mike was getting concerned. He had never seen someone act like that before and it was giving him an uneasy feeling.

Yes, I think Ill go lie down. She started for the door then turned back to him. Thank you for your kindness, Michael. And Im very sorry I got you involved in this mess.

He smiled at her. He usually told people to call him Mike but the way she said his name made his heart almost sing. Before he could stop himself, he was replying.

Youre welcome. Id do anything for you. Even though he hadnt planned to say it, it didnt surprise him and he didnt want to take it back. It seemed as normal as breathing.

Elaina smiled in return and left the room. Something about this whole ordeal just seemed strange, yet she wasnt frightened by it. The vision was starting to make sense to her now. Mike was the wolf sent to protect her and everything that had happened in the last two weeks was bringing her to this point; to Mike.

She closed her bedroom door behind her and collapsed onto the bed, falling asleep almost immediately.

~Chapter Four 

After dinner, Deacon left to go to his cabin. He felt that Mike and Elaina needed some time alone. He wasnt sure why, but something told him they did. Neither of them had told him anything about the phone call from Micky but he thought it was something very important and he would find out if he needed to.

Come sit down and lets watch a movie. Maybe it will get your mind off Vince for a while, Mike said to Elaina from the couch in the family room.

That sounds nice, she answered and sat next to him.

They silently watched an old Clark Gable movie making comments now and then. Elaina was feeling very comfortable next to him and found herself leaning against him when she got tired. He didnt seem to mind as he put his arm around her and pulled her close.

When the movie was over, they stayed on the couch for a few moments and finally Elaina sat up. The vision crossed her mind again when she looked at Mike. This time there were two wolves. One was the same gray wolf from before and when Elaina looked into the others eyes, she realized that wolf was her.

Mike wasnt sure what was going on. There was something that attracted him so strongly to her but he had just met her. He couldnt be falling in love with her. He didnt do things like that. He had to get to know someone before he would fall in love with them. Besides, love wasnt something you fell into it was something you did; a feeling you felt. All of that thinking didnt seem to stop him from leaning close to her and giving her a kiss on her lips. It soon became more intense and he put his arms around her, pulling her close.

Elaina was not surprised by his bold move and she welcomed it. She had been feeling some very intense feelings for him as well. She pulled away from him and looked into his eyes.

Suddenly, he felt embarrassed by what he had done. Im sorry. I shouldnt have done that.

No, dont be sorry, Elaina said as she put her hand to his cheek and softly touched him. I wanted to do it, too.

They sat and watched each other for what felt like forever.

I dont normally do things like that. I dont know what came over me, Mike said still apologizing.

Elaina decided to tell him about her vision. It was time.

Michael, I am going to tell you something that may be hard for you to believe. In the Native American culture, we believe in visions that lead us in the way we need to go. I have been having a vision the past two weeks. My father said when the time was right, I would understand it. I think I finally understand. My vision has been a gray wolf. The gray wolf is you, Michael. And just a moment ago, there were two wolves; one was you and the other was me. We are meant to be together. I have been lead to you.

Mike knew about Native American culture and he knew they took things like that very seriously. It would explain why he was having such strong feelings about her even though he didnt know her that well. Still, it seemed so strange to him.

Im sorry, Michael. Elaina stood up and turned to look at him. I know its a lot to understand and I dont expect you to. Ill see you in the morning. She bent down and kissed his cheek then left the room.

Mike sat on the couch for a while longer trying to sort through all the thoughts in his head and the feelings in his heart.

~

Shes not with Dolenz, one of Vinces buddys said as he sat in a chair across the desk from Vince. But he did go to the cops this morning. Id say he knows where she is.

Vince threw the pen he had been holding down on the desk. Why was it so hard to find her? He has friends well check out.

He pulled a file folder from his desk and opened it. Peter Tork, San Francisco. David Jones, Sacramento. Michael Nesmith, near Lake Isabella. Check them all out. See if hes taken her to one of their homes to hide. He tossed the file at the man. Make sure when you find her, you get rid of her.

Sure thing, boss. The man picked up the file and stood to leave.

Let me know your progress, Vince said.

The man nodded and left.

The next morning, the man returned. I checked them out like you wanted.

He sat down and waited till Vince sat down with his cup of coffee.

Shes not with Tork. Hes not home, wont be for about six weeks. Hes touring with a blues band. Jones doesnt have any guests at his house right now. I couldnt get close enough to Nesmiths place without being seen but the cook was in town buying food for more than just one. I think shes there.

Great. Get Nick and Robert and get up there and take care of her.

~Chapter Five

Mike was up, had breakfast and was in his office before Elaina got up the next morning. When she walked into the kitchen, Deacon looked up from cooking her eggs.

Mornin hon, he said with a warm smile.

Good morning, Deacon. How are you this morning.

Oh, Im fine. How about you? He scooped the eggs onto a plate and sat them in front of her.

Elaina poked at the eggs with her fork. I got a somewhat restful sleep. Had a lot of things on my mind. She looked up at him. Did Michael tell you anything about why Im here?

No, he aint said a word.

Elaina nodded and told Deacon everything from her marriage to Vince to the call from Micky. He listened quietly letting her get it all out before saying anything.

I see. That is quite a lot to take in. And you think these guys may be coming here to take care of their witnesses? Deacon asked when she was finished.

Im afraid so.

Well, I know that Mike will do everything he can to keep you safe. And so will I. You dont need to worry bout that, Deacon said lightly patting her on the back.

Elaina smiled and went to get another cup of coffee. I know that. Im not too concerned about that. Something happened last night and Im not sure how he feels about it. Although, I think the fact that hes not in here right now says a lot.

She told Deacon what had happened the night before, even about the visions. He seemed to understand that and he didnt seem too surprised that Mike had acted the way he had.

Ya see, hes been through a lot in the past and I think it keeps him from feelin a lot of things he should, or could.

Elaina thought about that for a moment. Thanks for breakfast, Deacon, she said putting her coffee mug in the sink and turning to leave the room.

I think if you talked with him, he just might open up. Its been long enough. Its time he talked about it, Deacon said hoping she would go to Mike.

Maybe I will, Elaina replied as she left the room.

As she passed the office door beside the stairs, she could hear Mike on the telephone. He was immersing himself in work so he wouldnt have to think about things. She shook her head as she climbed the steps. As she stepped into the hallway, she had a thought. She hadnt been inside the room next to hers. She hadnt even seen inside it because the door was always closed.

She stepped to the door and turned the knob. It was a bedroom but not just any bedroom. This one was pink with a white metal canopy bed and ruffled curtains that matched the bedspread. There were posters on one wall of Scott Baio and Rick Springfield. On another wall was a shelf with trophies and blue ribbons on it. Elaina went to see what they were for and as she got closer she could see snapshots of a young girl, maybe thirteen or fourteen, with a beautiful horse. The trophies were from horse shows, mostly first and second place.

As she scanned the rest of the room, she saw more pictures of the same girl with friends. There were cheerleading pom poms hanging beside the mirror on the dresser, a stack of records beside a stereo and a desk with books lying on top. The room looked as though it hadnt been touched since the mid eighties. The closet was even full of clothes. On the table beside the bed another picture caught Elainas eye. She reached out and picked it up, looking closely at it. There was Mike with the young girl and a woman. It was a portrait of a happy family but the way the room looked, it hadnt lasted.

Elaina had been so wrapped up in looking at the room and its contents that she didnt hear Mike step up to the door.

What are you doing in here?

She spun around at the sound of his cold voice, but when she looked at his face, she could see his eyes were sad.

Im sorry. I just was curious what was behind this door. She carefully sat the picture back where it had been. I didnt mean to be a snoop.

Well, stay out of here. Mike looked away from her and put his hand on the doorknob as if to tell her to leave.

Elaina took the hint and passed by him out into the hall. She watched him pull the door shut and without a word, go to his room.

The rest of the day, he stayed as far away from Elaina as he could. It bothered him that her being in that room didnt seem to make him as upset as he thought it should. He didnt let anyone, not even Deacon anywhere near the room. It was his little girls room and no one needed to be in it. So why did the fact that Elaina had been in it almost make him relieved, like a bit of the weight was lifted off his shoulders? Ever since she had come to his home, strange feelings had been surrounding him. It was almost too much to comprehend; too much to feel comfortable with.

Then he thought of the visions she had told him about. Could there be something to that? Surely not, he didnt believe that stuff. But it did make some sort of sense really. He was confused, but he decided to tell Elaina why he didnt want people in that room. He didnt want her angry with him for reacting the way he did.

After dinner that evening, he invited her to the front porch and they sat on the steps, watching the setting sun make long shadows in the front yard.

I want to tell you why I acted the way I did about the room, he started after a deep breath.

Elaina waited for him to go on, watching him as he spoke.

The girl in the picture you were holding was my daughter, my only child, and the woman was my wife. It was taken in the summer of 1983. Her name was Lisa. She was fourteen years old and the light of my life, Mike said, a smile gracing his face as he remembered the girl. We had a happy life here on this ranch. It was quiet, I was out of the spotlight finally and things seemed to be going great. Then just before school started that year, Lisa rode home from a softball game with a friend but on the way their car was hit by a drunk driver. It killed Lisa, her friend and her friends mother. In the blink of an eye, my world was turned upside down. I lost everything that meant anything to me.

Elainas heart broke for him. She had no idea how it must feel to lose a child. She only knew how it felt to want a child but not be able to have one.

What about your wife? Ive noticed you arent still married, she said with a smile.

Surprisingly, he smiled back at her. She didnt want to stay here after the accident and I didnt want to leave. Our relationship was strained to the point that we couldnt even be in the same room with each other without fighting. We both had problems dealing with Lisas death. It seemed neither of us could comfort the other and we finally split up. She left for the city and I withdrew into this ranch.

Elaina decided to take a chance and suggest something to him. You know, you need to let your daughter go, Michael. Lisas soul can not be free if you dont let her go from this place.

But, I dont want to forget her, Mike whispered. It was so hard to talk about. He had pushed it all so far down inside himself for so long.

You wont forget. She will always be with you, Michael. Shes a part of you and you can never change that. Elaina slid closer to him on the step and put her arm around his shoulders. They sat like that for a long time as the sun went down and Mike finally came to terms with the loss of his daughter .

~

Micky, weve got proof of the murder your friend saw, Detective Cline said over the phone. A citizen called this morning and said he found a body in the industrial park near the river. We checked it out and everything matches the description your friend gave.

Great! What do we need to do?

Detective Cline told Micky he was on his way to bring Vince in and as soon as he was in custody, Micky could call Elaina and tell her she could come back into town.

Ill call you as soon as I get back to the precinct.

Detective Cline and his partner arrived at Vinces house and staked it out from the street. Soon Vince exited with another man, got into his car and left with the detectives in tow. In a short time, Vince had realized he was being followed and the chase was on. They sped through the streets for what felt like forever.

Stop! Detective Cline yelled as they came to a set of railroad tracks. He had seen the train coming but apparently Vince and his partner had not.

As the police car came to a screeching halt, they watched in horror as the car carrying their suspect slammed into the train, erruptting into a ball of fire.

Detective Cline hung his head. He was not only upset that he had lost his suspect but he was sad that another person had lost his life. No matter how many times he saw something like this, he never got used to it. He radioed the station and let them know. Within minutes, the fire department was there putting out the fire and the FBI agents were talking with Detective Cline.

It was definitely Gianelli. Ill call my friend and let him know Mrs. Gianelli will be safe now. Detective Cline told the captain as they watched the firemen. Well go to Gianellis place and look it over, see what we can find.

Okay. Ill get the paperwork started, the captain said then got into his car and left.

Detective Cline and his partner climbed in their car and headed back to Vinces house. He took out his cell phone and called Micky to tell him about Vince.

Hes gone? Micky asked, not quite able to believe it.

Yeah, in a ball of fire. You can let your friend know. Were on our way to check out his place. Ill let you know if I find anything important.

Thanks, Warren, Micky said then hung up waiting a while before calling Mikes.