The Vanishing (The End of Time Chronicles Book 1) Read online

  “…of course. Think about it, as soon as she arrived in town bad things started to happen.” Jessie recognized the voice of the woman speaking. It was Daisy Crisp, the grocery store owner.

  Daisy was in her mid-sixties and her skin had become brown and dry like leather, the result of too much time spent in the sun. She had long brown hair with streaks of grey and cold, almost grey eyes to match. “She was probably born looking mean to warn people in advance,” thought Jessie, as she continued to listen.

  “As soon as she arrived,” continued Daisy, “Joe Miller’s mare broke a leg and my store was broken into. Now there have been all of these vanishings and of course the meteor shower. I tell you she’s cursed!”

  “I agree whole heartedly Daisy, that woman is the root of all evil.” Jessie didn’t recognize the second voice. “Have you seen how she dresses? If you ask me, she looks like she should be working in a brothel, not in the doctor’s office. You won’t see me getting any medical advice from the likes of her!”

  “My daddy,” continued a third, much younger voice, “say’s that he only tolerates her presence because her uncle is the only doctor in town. Daddy says we need Dr. July, especially now, and therefore we have to endure her as well.”

  “Well honey, I suppose your daddy is correct,” agreed Daisy. “But as soon as the opportunity presents itself, we’re getting rid of that woman!”

  Jessie’s heart sank and her eyes began to swell with tears. She couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer, as her face began to flush with both pain and anger. She heard footsteps coming down the aisle behind her and embarrassed of her temporary loss of control, she turned and headed toward the rear of the store.

  In the far back corner, near the produce, she found a door that led to the loading dock. Jessie hurried through the doors and into the darkness beyond, taking deep breathes to calm her down. She stood there alone in the corner, reliving the harsh words that she’d just overheard, and thinking of all the things she wanted to say, but knew she shouldn’t. How could complete strangers be so cruel and heartless toward someone that they’d never even met?

  “Finding everything alright?” The creepy question came from behind Jessie and shivers ran down her spine, as she realized it was the voice of Luke Slater.

  A Knight in Not-So-Shining Armor

  The Vanishing – Day 2

  Clearview, Nevada

  “Oh, hi,” smiled Jessie, uneasily. “I thought you were showing my uncle something. Something that a young woman like me can’t handle,” she added sarcastically.

  “Oh that, you aren’t missing out on anything special,” smiled Luke. “I agree with you,” he added, stepping closer, “I think you’re the kind of woman that can handle just about anything.”

  “Where’s my uncle?”

  “He’s still with Sam. It doesn’t take two Mayors to show the old man what we found.”

  “You’re just the Deputy Mayor,” pointed out Jessie, irritated by the way Luke referred to her uncle as the old man.

  Luke’s smile disappeared and was replaced with a scowl. His eyes were roving over Jessie’s body in a way that reminded her of a cat stalking its prey just before the kill.

  “Remember you’re new in town Jessie, and not many people would be concerned if something were to happen to you,” sneered Luke. “I heard what the ladies in there were saying about you. Perhaps you should think before you speak again? After all, you’re in need of a friend like me, someone with position.”

  “And that’s what you want, to be my friend?”

  “Trust me,” grinned Luke, “you’ll need someone like me to protect you.”

  “Thanks but I have my uncle for that and even if I didn’t, I’d prefer to take my chances on my own.” Jessie noticed a crowbar laying across some crates to her right, so she slowly began to move in that direction.

  “Your funeral,” replied Luke, with the same evil grin. “As for your uncle, he’s nothing but a feeble old man. He won’t be able to protect you forever.”

  Luke stepped forward and grabbed hold of Jessie’s arm, pulling her toward him. She’d missed her opportunity to reach the crowbar. While Luke drew her closer to him, Jessie closed her eyes and cringed in expectation of what was to come.

  Her eyes clenched in anticipation, Jessie heard the sound of a loud snap, followed by a horrible sounding shriek and then Luke released her. Opening her eyes, she found that Luke was no longer standing in front of her; he was now lying on the ground at her feet, sobbing and cradling his right arm in his left hand.

  Standing over Luke was the good looking, tall stranger that had just arrived in town only a moment ago. Although he was still covered in dirt, Jessie had to admit that he was the most attractive man that she’d ever seen. His steel-blue eyes sparkled, as he smiled down at her and asked, “Are you okay?” His voice was deep and rich with sincerity, and the sound of it made Jessie’s heart skip a beat.

  “Um, I, yeah I, um, I think so,” she managed to stutter, “Thanks!” Jessie could feel her cheeks blush and begin to burn, as they turned a deep scarlet.

  “You broke my arm, you bastard!” spat Luke from the floor.

  “You deserved it!” scolded Jessie’s knight in not-so-shining armor. When he spoke to Luke, his tone became dry and matter-of-fact.

  “My name is Shiloh,” he said, turning his attention back to Jessie, “I don’t believe that we’ve met. You must be new in town.”

  “Uh yes, yes I am. My name is Jessica Hunt, but my friends call me Jessie.”

  “Nice to meet you Jessie,” he extended his hand to shake hers and as he moved, a small cloud of dust rose from his arm. “Any relation to Dr. Hunt?” he asked.

  “Why yes, he’s my uncle. How do you know him?”

  “When there’s only one doctor in town, everyone knows who he is ma’am.”

  “Oh right,” agreed Jessie, as her cheeks flushed again.

  “You’re gonna pay for this!” hissed Luke from the floor.

  “Scat,” said Shiloh, taking a step toward Luke, who immediately scurried back through the double doors and into the grocery store. When Luke was gone, Shiloh looked back at Jessie with a reassurance and safety that she’d never felt before. His light blue eyes seemed to peer deep into her very soul.

  “You’re safe now, if you’d like to finish your grocery shopping.”

  “Oh, right, of course. Thank you again, Shiloh! I hope I didn’t get you in any trouble with the Deputy Mayor.”

  “No worries, I never liked Luke Slater anyway. He kind of reminds me of a weasel or some other type of rodent,” smiled Shiloh. “Do you want me to stay with you until we find your uncle?”

  “Yes, I suppose that would be a good idea,” answered Jessie, not wanting him to leave her side. Shiloh guided Jessie back into the store, where the two of them finished her shopping. Shiloh occasionally added items to the basket, but he never left Jessie’s side, not for one minute.

  When they’d finished their shopping, they headed to the checkout lane near the front of the store, where Daisy was the cashier. The electricity was down and so was the cash register; Daisy was only accepting cash or gold and silver coins as payment. Jessie began to panic as she realized that she was only carrying credit cards and didn’t have any cash on her. Not wanting to cause any type of a confrontation with Daisy, Jessie frantically began to search her purse for any loose cash. All she found was two dollars and fifty three cents. She quickly began to calculate what she could afford, when Shiloh placed his hand gently on her shoulder.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said with a smile. “I’ll take care of it.” Once again he’d come to her rescue in a moment of dire need.

  “Thanks!” said Jessie, as she blushed again, “I didn’t think to bring any cash with me, but I’ll pay you back when they open the bank.”

  “Forget about it,” replied Shiloh, flashing another smile, “everyone needs to eat. Besides,” he added, “I wouldn’t count on the bank opening anytime soon.” />
  Daisy bagged their groceries in silence and accepted the cash that Shiloh handed her. At one point, Jessie was sure that Daisy was about to make a snide comment, but Shiloh saw this coming and knew just how to change her mind.

  “Any good gossip Daisy?” he asked.

  Daisy eyed Jessie and smiled, “Did you hear that people vanished right before the meteor shower? I was home sick that day but I heard that they all vanished in a bright white light. Can you believe that?”

  “I can believe that,” said Shiloh. “I’ve heard the same thing ma’am. You have a good day.”

  Daisy handed Shiloh his change, and after pocketing it, he picked up the bags of groceries and escorted Jessie out of the store. Once outside, Shiloh turned to Jessie and suggested, “Let’s get you home, after we tell your uncle that’s where we’re headed. Wouldn’t want him to worry about you would we?”

  “Are you sure, you’ve already done so much?”

  “It’s no problem. Come on, we’re parked over here.” Shiloh turned and crossed the street where Jessie had first seen him. She followed close at his side, feeling safe and secure next to him.

  As they approached the station wagon, Jessie noticed a small group of men standing around. The hood of the vehicle was up and the men seemed to be examining the engine. Glancing at Shiloh, Jessie noticed that his jaw was set and his eyes had taken on a hard cold stare. She recognized the stern look on his face from before, when he’d faced down Luke in the stockroom. As they drew near the car, Jessie instinctively moved closer to Shiloh’s side for protection.

  Shiloh never slowed his pace, as he walked to the back of the wagon and opened the rear door. He bent down and put the grocery bags in the bed of the wagon and then closed the door, a little harder than necessary. Shiloh handed Jessie the car keys, his eyes still fastened on the men standing before them.

  “Get in and lock the door,” he whispered, so soft that only Jessie could hear him. Without hesitation, Shiloh walked directly toward the men who’d gathered around the engine of the station wagon. Jessie immediately did as instructed and opened the rear passenger door, climbing inside and locking it behind her. Inside the vehicle, she couldn’t see much with the hood blocking her view. Jessie cracked the window just enough so that she could hear the men outside talking.

  “How’s everyone doing today? Can I help you with something?” asked Shiloh, trying to remember that he knew all of these men and he didn’t want any more problems today.

  “Yes you can,” answered a rough voice from behind the hood. “Ya wanna tell us how your car is still working when no one else’s is?”

  “The station wagon isn’t mine, it belongs to the St. Clair’s,” answered Shiloh. “And you’ll have to ask Ian why it’s still working; he knows more about this car than I do. Now I have a question for you. Who gave you permission to look under the hood? That’s not polite guys.”

  “I don’t need permission,” scoffed the same rough voice. “Like you said, the wagon isn’t yours.”

  “Well we know one thing,” replied Shiloh, “the owner, and it’s not you. Now please have a good day.” Shiloh reached up and slammed down the hood, as the man stumbled back to avoid getting hit.

  Jessie could see the man clearly now for the first time. He was taller and heavier than Shiloh, but about the same age. His ruffled dark brown hair was shaggy and in need of a haircut. He was wearing a mechanic’s grease covered overalls with the name Rollin Hicks sewn into the left breast pocket.

  The man’s hands and face were covered in grease and the stench of whiskey was strong on his breath. Rollin’s face flushed red with anger and he rushed at Shiloh, with his fists held high. Shiloh quickly stepped to the side and grabbed Rollin’s right arm, forcing it behind his back. He then pushed the mechanic onto the hood of the station wagon, face first.

  “Haven’t you done enough damage?” asked Shiloh, releasing his grip on Rollin’s arm. Although Shiloh had spoken softly, Jessie could still hear him. She wondered what Shiloh had meant and knew there must be some type of history between the two men.

  “Back off,” commanded a voice from the crowd of men standing behind Shiloh. A man in uniform stepped forward from the crowd, with a star pinned to his chest and a gun held in his hand. “I won’t tell ya twice Shiloh.”

  Sheriff Garrett’s head was covered with strawberry red hair and he had a matching mustache. His uniform was wrinkled and in desperate need of a washing. He had a round, plump belly that protruded so far from his belt that he couldn’t see his shoes below. Shiloh slowly complied and backed away from Rollin.

  “I should’ve known,” replied Shiloh, “where there is one, the other is close by. You’re very brave Garrett; when you have a gun to hide behind.”

  “That’s right.” Garrett spat a long, dark stream of tobacco juice out of the corner of his mouth. “I’m surprised ya aren’t carrying one yourself.”

  “He doesn’t need one, because he’s got me,” yelled a voice from behind the Sheriff.

  The crowd of men began to part down the center, revealing Shiloh’s scar faced friend. He held a shotgun cradled in his arms, which he now cocked and pointed directly at Sheriff Garrett’s large gut.

  “Ian St. Clair,” grunted Sheriff Garrett, “I should’ve known.”

  “That’s right Sheriff, you should’ve, but then again, you were never very good at thinking. Lord knows how you got elected. Now holster your weapon or I’ll split your fat ass in half! You’ll not be taking advantage of the current situation with me still alive,” declared Ian.

  The Sheriff did not like this situation. He was used to having the upper hand and lots of backup to call in. For a brief moment, he considered his options. If he tried to bring his gun to bear on Ian, he had no doubt that the ex-marine would drop him dead without hesitation. Realizing defeat, the Sheriff slowly slid his six-shooter back into its holster. Even from within the car, Jessie could see beads of sweat dripping down the chubby man’s face.

  “What in the fiery hell is going on here?” asked Sam, as he walked up with July and Luke at his side. “What seems to be the trouble Sheriff?”

  “These two are causing problems,” began Sheriff Garrett. “I was just about to kick them out of town.”

  “What sort o’ problems?” demanded Sam, noticing the terrified Jessie in the backseat of the station wagon.

  “Oh ya know,” commented Ian sarcastically, “I don’t like people looking in my vehicle without my permission, so I should expect to get attacked when I try to stop them. Rollin didn’t like it when Shiloh asked him to stop looking under the hood of my car. Then of course, our chunky Sheriff here, decided to intervene on the side of his drunken cousin.”

  “Is that the truth of it?” asked Sam, with a frown on his face.

  “It’s true,” said Shiloh, speaking for the first time since Sam’s arrival. “We’ll be leaving town on our own, just as soon as we are damned good and ready.”

  “O’ course,” replied Sam, “but try to stay out o’ trouble while you’re here will ya? I know you’ve had a hard time of it Shiloh and I personally think you’re a fine man. I also know that ya go your own way, ya always have. After what this town has been through, I just don’t want any more problems right now. Surely ya understand, don’t ya lad?”

  “Oh I understand Sam. I just came into town to pick up some supplies. We’re trying to stay out of trouble,” Shiloh cast an unsavory glance toward Rollin Hicks and Sheriff Garrett, “and expect others to do the same.”

  “Aye lad and well ya should. By the way, how did you fella’s get the old wagon working?”

  “Ian replaced the starter solenoid,” answered Shiloh, happy to share the information.

  “Well grand, then everything’s just grand! Alright ya hooligans clear out o’ here now, there’s nothing more to see.”

  The group of men started to disburse in all different directions. Jessie noticed that the Sheriff and Rollin Hicks walked off together. Sam and Luke headed off toward the
doctor’s office to have Luke’s arm mended.

  “I’ll be right there gentlemen,” July called out after them, waiting for Jessie to get out of the car and come with him.

  As the men disbursed, Jessie slowly climbed out of the station wagon. Ian strolled over to where Shiloh was standing, with his shotgun once again cradled in his arms. “Well that was stimulating,” he said, with a big grin. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” he added, with a slight bow when he noticed Jessie climbing out of the car. Ian extended his hand toward Jessie’s and shook it gently. “I’m Ian St. Clair.”

  She smiled up at him and said, “How do you do? I’m Jessica Hunt.”

  “Nice to meet you ma’am,” grinned Ian.

  “Excuse me,” July cleared his throat, “I don’t mean to be impolite, but I really must attend to Mr. Slater’s arm and I could use your assistance Jessie.”

  Jessie took a moment to decide how to respond to that request. She was in no mood to help Luke in any way, but she also didn’t want to stoop to his level. She decided to be the better person and released a breath before she spoke, “Of course uncle, I’ll be right there.” Jessie flashed Ian a smile and said, “Nice to meet you too Mr. St Clair.”

  “Please, call me Ian.”

  “Very well, nice to meet you Ian and you’re welcome to call me Jessie,” Jessie turned her attention to Shiloh, who was leaning against the wagon watching, with a smirk on his face. “And thank you Shiloh for…well, everything I guess.”

  With a smile on her face, she turned and joined her uncle. The two of them set off together toward the doctor’s office. As they walked away they appeared to immediately start a spirited conversation. Noticing this, Ian began to wonder what had happened between Jessie and Shiloh.

  “Nice girl,” commented Shiloh, as they walked away.