Inside Chad’s trailer, a tendril of cold air seeped in around the frame of the single-paned window just above the cramped bed. Creeping under the edge of the blankets, the chill sent shivers across Lina’s back as she rolled onto her side. She curled into a tight ball and slipped her cool hands into the slight warmth between her legs. Nothing seemed to help her cold feet. Despite waking hours earlier with the morning’s first light, she refused to leave the semblance of heat found within the bed. Instead, she lay watching the light brighten the faint clouds of her breath as each long exhale dissipated into the chilly interior air.
Least it ain’t freezing all the time no more.
Boredom settled over her as she turned to gaze out the window at sunbeams splashing across a mound of elderberry, whose sap had begun to rise in an early gesture that spring was near. Through a break in the trees, she saw the snow had withdrawn to the alpine meadows on Prairie Mountain.
What should I do today? Same thing I did yesterday? Or the same thing as tomorrow? Either way, it’s still the same damn thing—Nothing. Almost makes me miss them pills I left at the house.
During the week, undisturbed by the Renshaws’ construction, Lina seldom rose before noon. Leaning forward to look across the road, she could see the cabin’s progress through a narrow stand of cedar trees and bare vine maples. Despite the thrill of helping Luke regain his home, the sight of the rising cabin with all its promise, brought an uneasy dread. Even in the cheerful morning light, it was as if the cabin was clawing its way up from the bare earth of the Tollmans’ old homestead. She felt a familiar chaos as her memory hovered over the events of that tragic New Years Eve. Wish Mama was here.
Lina’s disquiet passed as the morning sun thawed the frozen cover outside and her mind began to wander onto lighter paths. Why did the Renshaws steal Luke’s place anyway? They crazy? Why does Mr. Renshaw always work alone? Can’t he afford no help? Or don’t he wanna share his money? Good thing his lady don’t come out no more. She was asking for trouble. And what kind’s that beautiful black dog? I’d like a dog like that. Maybe Luke’ll buy me one.
An approaching engine interrupted her thoughts, but its smooth running hum told her it wasn’t Luke’s Bronco. Waiting for the disturbance to pass so she could drift back to sleep, she huddled in bed and counted her breath, one puff ball, two puffs balls, three puffs balls….
When the vehicle turned and pulled around the circular drive to stop near her trailer, Lina tossed her thin blankets aside with a huff. The cold air discovered every exposed inch of her pale skin as she scooted to the edge of the bed and wrapped her shivering arms across her long pink t-shirt. While she searched in the dim light for her robe, she heard a door open outside.
“Hello?” A deep voice called.
The bare soles of Lina’s feet made a soft slapping noise and collected dirt as she nervously padded across the linoleum floor. After peeking out the small window in the door, she relaxed—it was an old high school friend. Without answering, she returned to the rear of the trailer and slid her feet into a pair of matted fuzzy pink slippers.
A soft tap came from the front door. “Anybody home?”
“Just a minute,” she called. Walking to the middle of the trailer, she peered out again. Waiting two steps from the door in official uniform stood Deputy Braun.
“Lina?” John called, removing his reflective sunglasses and revealing brown eyes lined with concern.
After tucking a stray wisp of hair behind her ear, she licked her palm and tamed the strands that stood at the back of her head. Brushing off the front of her robe, she tightened the tattered sash around her slender waist and cracked open the door.
“Hi, John,” she said in a sweet tone, remaining partially concealed behind the door. He checking on JD for them ladies at Human Services? Or did my counselor sick’m on me for missing my appointment?
“What are you doing out here, Lina? I thought you was staying with your folks?”
Lina shrugged.
“Got a minute? There’s been some trouble across the road and the owner asked I check things out. Seeing it’s you, now, I gotta a few questions myself.”
“I’s sleeping,” she replied, embarrassed to admit she had nothing better to do.
“This won’t take long.”
Opening the door, she stepped back and waited in the shadows while John climbed onto the first step of the entrance.
“Good to see you,” he said, entering the dim interior and rubbing his shoulders. “It’s cold in here. Got any heat?”
“Papa usually brings it on Mondays, but I ran out. Ain’t so bad in bed.” When a look of disapproval crossed John’s face, she blushed. “I don’t mean nothing like that!”
“Yeah, we both know that was a long time ago.” He removed his cap and got down to business. “Seen anyone recently at the Renshaws’ place?”
“You talking ‘bout Luke’s place? Seen that Mr. Renshaw Friday night.”
“Anything before that?”
She shook her head, maintaining a blank expression. Just Luke and Kolt busting into that little building. They was so loud it woke me. But if it helps get Luke’s place back, I know how to keep my mouth shut.
“Happen to see a gold Buick over there last week?”
She remained expressionless. Don’t remind me.
“Really? Pretty as you are, no one’s been here at all?”
Raising her hand, she covered the scar on her face and looked down at the floor.
“You know I’ve been trying to help you and your family ever since the fire and your mama…disappeared,” he said with a warmth to his voice. “It’s just I know some guys you hang out with are rough trade.”
Lina’s face tightened. What’s Luke gonna think about you paying me a visit? Will he be jealous and show me more attention? Her smile was brief. “I gotta go,” she said, unable to come up with a reasonable excuse for him to leave. Before Luke finds out you was here.
He stared at her for a moment. “You ain’t hiding something are you? I won’t push it, but you should know, if Mr. Renshaw presses things, he might get the sheriff to make you move.”
“How can he do that?”
“‘He does own that place now and this ain’t your land.” John shrugged apologetically.
“And you’d let him? But I ain’t got nowhere to go.”
The deputy sighed. “I’m doing what I can, but if Sheriff Hooper gets involved…. My best advice is to get to know your neighbors and be sure you get along with ‘em. I’m sure if Mr. Renshaw knew you, he wouldn’t mind having ya here.” The deputy’s face softened. “Where’s JD?”
“Papa’s watching him ‘til I get things together.”
The deputy’s professionalism slipped and he stepped closer to give Lina a light embrace. She stiffened while trying not to lean into his tenderness.
“I can’t imagine how hard things must be for you, what with your own family tossing you out.” Releasing her, he drew back. “Call if you need anything—or just wanna talk.” Taking out a business card and pen from his breast pocket, he wrote a phone number on the back. “Even at home,” he added, offering her the card.
She remained motionless and John laid the card on the small kitchen table. After a single nod, he put on his cap and sunglasses before striding outside and returning to his truck.
Closing the door, Lina waited for John to leave before crawling back into bed without removing her robe or slippers. She lay there with her brow creased in consternation.
Meet the neighbors—or I gotta move? They’s the ones should be leaving.