Sharon Read online

  To the right a large office had Lynn’s name on the door. In it was a desk with a telephone and file folders on it. At a second L shaped desk sat a lovely young woman in a wheelchair. In front of her was a computer, a telephone, a roll-a-dec and tablets on which she was writing notes. Behind her was an impressive row of filing cabinets.

  The woman appeared to be in her mid twenties. Sensing Sharon’s presence, she looked up with a bright smile and dimples dancing in both cheeks. Her light brown hair was French braided in one long braid. A heart-shaped face bubbled with joy of life and her amber eyes sparkled with her joy.

  “Hi! Is there something I can do for you?” She had a friendly voice, bubbling with a hint of laughter. Sharon immediately felt that she could like this young woman and wanted to know more about her.

  “Yes, I’m Sharon--”

  “Donnelly,” finished the woman with a happy shout. “I’m Sheilah Garrison. We’ve all been anxious to meet you. Lynn is ecstatic that you’ll be here and has sung your praises to anyone that will listen, even the horses.”

  Both young women laughed. “That’s embarrassing. I don’t know what Lynn has told you.”

  “All good stuff. In fact, I could hardly wait to meet the paragon of virtue. Oh, my goodness,” she slapped a hand over her mouth. “Me and my big mouth. That didn’t come out right. It sounded sarcastic and I meant it to be funny.” Sheilah looked so distressed that Sharon had to laugh.

  “Don’t think anything about it. Remember, I grew up with Lynn. We were raised together as sisters. Truthfully, we’ve been closer than most siblings. So, I’m aware of how exuberant she can get.”

  The two young women became instant friends, chatting away when Lynn walked in looking very tired. She spotted Sharon, gave a shout of joy, hugged her and jumped around with tears streaming down her cheeks.

  “Hey!” Sharon was finally able to say. “I had my shower before I left the house. Can we tone it down a little and turn off the water works?”

  “Oh, shut up,” Lynn laughed through tears. “I am so relieved to see you and know that you’re okay. I -- let me take a short break and then I’ll show you over the place. I would love for us to go for a ride, but I have another class of special children and two private lessons. I also need to exercise the two horses I’m training for the hunt field.”

  “Take it easy,” Sharon chuckled. “I’ll be around until you’ll want to run me off.”

  “Not a chance. It’s been way too long and I need you here with me.”

  At that moment the young people who had been walking beside the special riders came in. They were introduced to Sharon. Most of the special riders came in to wait for their families to pick them up. Sharon was so impressed with these youngsters that she almost forgot Lynn. She sat beside a boy in a wheelchair.

  “Hello. What’s your name?”

  “Leland Nesbitt, and I’m nine years old.”

  “Marvelous. Forgive me, Leland. I hope I won’t upset you, but I’d like to know why you’re in this riding program.”

  “Well - my folks say I was born active. When I was four, my mom said I climbed a tree and fell out and hurt my back. I was in the hospital a long time; then the doctor put me in this wheelchair, but I won’t always be here. Since I’ve been riding and exercising, I can walk a little with crutches.”

  “That’s wonderful. Maybe you’ll be walking entirely without your crutches soon.”

  “My doctor said he wouldn’t promise anything. He says I might even have to have surgery, but mom and dad say we’re hopeful.”

  “Great. Who suggested this program to you?”

  “We saw a special on television. My parents contacted the address given and they wrote and said this stable was the closest to me. And here I am,” he finished with a satisfied grin.

  “You sure are here, and they’re lucky to have you. What do you like about this program?”

  “I’ve always loved horses, and all kinds of sports. By riding I can be as high up as anyone and enjoy the same things others do. I don’t feel like people are having to look down at me or hold themselves back because of my chair. You know what I would love to do?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I have my heart set on going on a trail ride.”

  “I bet you will some day and I would love to go right along with you.” Sharon patted his arm and turned to a cute little girl sitting beside them in a wheelchair.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Kara Zeigler and I’m eight years old.”

  “That’s a good age. Why are you in your wheelchair?”

  “When I was very little, I had a real high temperature and was in the hospital. After that I was home in bed sick for a long time. Muscles ’er too weak to hold me up and do things other kids do. I love horses. Do you know my horse knows me and loves me. She talks to me when I talk to her. We’re good friends.”

  “I bet you are. I’m glad to know you love horses because I love horses, too. Would it be okay if I ride with you sometimes?”

  “Sure! Peanut will love you, too.”

  “Peanut?”

  “Yeah. My horse. You’ll love her, but she’s too little for you to ride.”

  “I understand,” Sharon smiled and kissed Kara’s cheek. I’m going to become too emotionally involved if I’m not careful. I’ll volunteer as often as I can, but first, I need to enroll in USF and earn my degree. Her thoughts were interrupted by some of the teen volunteers coming in.

  “Hi. You must be Sharon. I’m Ashley Odom.”

  “Hello, Ashley. I’m impressed with the work you’re doing here.”

  “Don’t think too highly of me. I’m one of many volunteers, but I’m the one who is blessed. These youngsters rarely complain. They are so brave and exciting to work with. It makes me feel very insignificant. The injured adults are great, too.”

  “I can understand that feeling. What are your plans for the future. What’s going to happen to Ashley Odom?”

  “I’m in my freshman year of college, and I’m studying to become a physical therapist and I’m also taking psychology. Hopefully, I’ll be able to work in a situation like this. If I’m lucky, maybe I can work with Lynn. She’s the most loving and compassionate person I know.”

  “Hey, I can’t take any more of this,” Lynn broke in. “I wish I could afford to pay all of my wonderful volunteers. There’s no way I could operate without you, and you can certainly take credit for the love and understanding you’ve given these youngsters.”

  “Can I get in here?” A girl pushed to the front of the group. “Hi, Sharon. I’m Jardine Willis. Ashley and I have been in 4 H together since we were pups. We’re both horse crazy and love children. We talked it over and decided to volunteer here and kill two birds with one stone.

  “Please, no killing of birds. I love our birds,” Lynn laughed.

  “Hi, Jardine. I’m in such awe of you young people. You’ll have to get Lynn to tell you about us when we were young and horse crazy. Just be patient with me while I learn what to do.”

  “Okay volunteers. Start volunteering. The horses should already be ready for the next class. Sharon, I’ll have to cut back on the program once school starts. Most of these teens will be in college and can’t afford the time.” Lynn spoke with some concern.

  “That’s too bad, but won’t you still have classes for the special children on Saturdays? Maybe you’ll pick up more volunteers by then.”

  “Yes, I’ll have a few classes on Saturday, and one evening, but not as many as we’ve had this summer. Come here, please, Sharon. I want you to meet someone.”

  “Sharon, this is Dr. Jennifer Monroe. Jenni is not only one of the best veterinarians in the business, she finds time to work with a mounted scout troop and a 4 H horse group.” Lynn introduced the two young women.

  “Hello, Dr. Monroe. I’m delighted to meet you.”

  “Please call me Jenni. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Lynn tells me you’re not only a top notch horse t
rainer, but you’re an excellent equitation instructor. We sure need someone like you.

  “Lynn is speaking from the love in her heart and doesn’t realize how embarrassing it is for everyone I meet to tell me how she sings my praise. Forgive me for staring, Jenni, but I feel as if I’m looking in a mirror.”

  “I know,” Jenni laughed. “Lynn told me you and I look enough alike to be twins or I would have been as shocked as you seem to be. I’d love to stay and talk, but I have to go to work at other stables. We’ll have time later to have a long talk.”

  “I like her,” Sharon smiled at Lynn, “but isn’t she young to be a veterinarian?”

  “She’s twenty-seven and was a straight A student all through school. She has earned a place for herself in Pasco County. Everyone likes her as a person and respects her as a veterinarian.”

  The time passed too quickly for Sharon and she hated to leave. Lynn had shown her all over the property and they were now in Lynn’s apartment over the office. They went downstairs where Sharon said goodbye to everyone and then walked to her car. As she drove out the long driveway, she shivered when a cold chill hit the back of her neck. What, or who, is it, and why have I been targeted? I don’t see anyone, but I get this feeling of danger too often now. But maybe it’s just past troubles.

  The next morning Sharon was up early and eagerly prepared to go to church. She met Lynn in the Narthex and was pleased to see that most of the teen volunteers were present. The people at First Baptist, on Fifth Ave., were friendly and greeted her warmly. The music was lively and inspirational.

  “Dennis is our music director and works with seniors,” Lynn explained. He and his wife, Peggy, are real assets to this church. They truly live their Christian faith.”

  After church Lynn and Sharon ate at The Village Inn. “Tell me more about Zephyrhills. I’m intrigued with the quaintness of the town, and yet, it’s very modern,” Sharon observed. “I had not heard of Zephyrhills until you settled here.”

  “Hmm. Where to start. The Calusa Indians were here between four and five hundred years ago. Many explorers came through, mostly Spanish and some French. In the early 1800s, settlers came in to build homes and clear land for farming and cattle raising. This was finally named Abbott Station after a much loved physician, Dr. J. M. Abbott. Following the War Between the States, the town became a refuge for wounded and homeless veterans, both north and south. The descendents of the settlers built better homes, started businesses, and many are still here.”

  “That is so interesting. It sounds as of a book should be written about Zephyrhills and all about the people who made it grow.”

  “Been done. I’ll get you a copy. One place you don’t want to miss is Neukom’s Drug Store. It’s more like the old variety stores, except, in addition, there is a pharmacy and a branch of the post office in it. The Neukoms are one of the families that have been here since the beginning of time. Also Peeples Clothing Store has been in the town for scads of time. The Peeples family are early residents.”

  “What else is special about Neukoms?”

  “Besides offering almost anything one needs, the men of the town gather in the restaurant part about six every morning for coffee and fellowship. If you want a pastor, priest, reporter, police, doctor, attorney, plumber or what have you, you’ll find them in there. They all gather throughout the day, also.

  Sharon laughed. “That more than answers my question. How did the name, Zephyrhills, get in the picture? I love the name.”

  “Capt. H. B. Jeffries suggested the name. It’s an Indian word meaning soft breezes over low hills. The Jeffries home is still here on Fifth Ave. It’s supposed to be haunted. I’ll take you soon to go through it.”

  “Thanks for the interesting history lesson. Can you go home with me?” Sharon asked.

  “Thank you, but no. I need to check on a couple of horses with minor injuries and catch up on my bookkeeping. Are you coming out later?”

  “I don’t think so, but I’ll be out tomorrow. I know you’re closed to the public on Mondays, and it’ll give us time to catch up on gossip. Family gossip that is.”

  “Oh, let me tell you a quicker way out to me. Turn right out of your driveway and come through the Florida Estates Mobile Home Park to Hwy. 54 east. Turn left, west, and come out to cross 301 on to Eiland Blvd. This is a new by-pass around town and is named after a beloved police chief we had. Stay on that and cross 54 west on to Morris Bridge Rd. It’ll be simple after that.”

  “Thanks. I’ll try it in the morning.”

  “Sharon, I wish you’d reconsider and live with me for awhile, but I guess we all do what we think is best for us.”

  “Yes, I need to be independent and gain some confidence. By the way, this isn’t a large business area and yet there’s hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles.”

  “Boy, are there cars!” Lynn laughed. “During the summer months, we have around twenty thousand people, but during the winter, when the people come down from Canada and northern states, we have an additional hundred thousand, or maybe more. There are over one hundred sixty mobile parks. One of them has over two thousands units in it.”

  “Holy Toledo! What do you do with everyone?”

  “We manage. I personally look forward to people coming down for the winter. I’ve met some great folks, and you will, too. Well, if you won’t come with me, I’ll go home to my solitary state and find loads of work to do.” Lynn hugged Sharon.

  The girls parted in the parking lot. Sharon casually looked around when her neck prickled. There’s no one that I can see. That tall man getting in the dark car looks familiar, but all I can see is his back. I probably have never seen him. He’s not even looking this way. I won’t tell Lynn about my scary feelings. She worries enough.

  At home Sharon changed into shorts and shirt, leaving her feet bare. Sitting down to read the Sunday paper she jumped when the doorbell rang.

  “Greetings. I’m your neighbor across the street. Hope you like Banana Cream pie. I made some and thought I’d bring you half of one to welcome you to the neighborhood.

  Call on us any time you need anything. My name is Krystal Torres, and that’s my husband, Jose, over there.” The woman didn’t stop to draw a breath.

  Sharon looked across the street to see a man waving at her. “I’m Sharon and I know this is going to be a good neighborhood. I’ll be busy with college classes and helping my sister in her stable, so, I won’t be home much. Thank you for the pie. I love them.”

  Two more neighbors came by with goodies and to welcome Sharon. I appreciate their friendliness, but I hope they don’t expect me to be a regular visitor in their homes.

  It’s true, I’ll be busy, but I also need time and space.

  By evening she wasn’t hungry enough for a full meal. She made a sandwich and decided to shower and get into bed to watch television, or, if nothing interesting was on, to read. It wasn’t long until she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

  “Hi Hank. It’s me, Duke. She’s in her new home in Zephyrhills, Florida and has been to the stables to see her sister, or cousin, or whatever she is.”

  “Does she seem to be nervous or looking for anything?”

  “No. She acts like she don’t care about nothing. I’m beginning to think she didn’t know nothing about what he was doing.”

  “Maybe not, but something might trigger a buried memory. Stay low but keep an eye on her.”

  Chapter Six

  Monday morning Sharon called the Zephyrhills News to start weekly delivery and then a local daily paper. She drove around town to do errands; open an account at the bank, introduce herself at the post office and make sure her mail would reach her, found an attorney that had been recommended and finally to the grocery store.

  Sharon could hardly wait to get to Lynn’s. The stable seemed like a lost person without the bustle of lessons and loads of people milling around. A few of the volunteers were there to clean and mend leathers. They were delighted to teach Sharon the ins and outs of what
they were doing. They took her out into the field to meet the boarders’ horses.

  Coming back to the stable, Sharon saw a van pull into the space for visitors. A side door slid open and a ramp lowered a wheelchair to the ground. She was immediately drawn to the wide, sincere smile of the man. His sandy hair was moving in the light breeze making him look like a young boy. As he wheeled closer to her, she could see dancing green eyes and a tanned complexion. He would be tall when standing.

  “Hello. We’re closed to the public on Monday. Is there something I can do for you?”

  Sharon asked smiling in spite of herself. He exuded happiness. Such a good looking man, and he doesn’t seem to be bothered about being in the chair.

  “I hope you can help. My name is Martin Swanson. I’m an attorney and I’ve just opened an office in Zephyrhills. My doctor suggested that I talk to you about therapy riding.”

  “I’m Sharon. You need to talk to my sister, Lynn Yates. She’s the owner and is in charge of the riding program. Please come into the lounge and I’ll get her.”

  They talked as if they had known each other before as they made their way into the lounge. Martin was impressed with the indoor ring and the lovely, clean, pleasant surroundings. He was especially interested in the therapy room.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Swanson. If you’ll wait here, I’ll go get Lynn from the stables.”

  “The name’s Martin, and I’ll be right here,” he grinned.

  A few minutes later Sharon and another woman he assumed to be Lynn walked into the lounge. The woman’s clothing was rumpled and sweat stained her underarms. He could even smell the odor of the muck from the barn clinging to her boots. Yet, he was awed by her natural beauty. Now there’s an unusual woman. I want to know more about her. She doesn’t need cosmetics and doesn’t seem to mind. Lynn made a feeble attempt to smooth her shirt and push her hair back from her face.