Old Ghosts

Chapter Two

Kate woke up to dazzling sunshine streaming through her windows. Stretching in her yellow sheets, she smiled to the dopy dogs sleeping at the foot of her bed. As she got up, Charli opened a lazy eye before giving a half-hearted woof and settling down to sleep again. Getting changed out of her bed clothes, Kate dressed in a pair of warm jeans and a woollen sweater before going to the mirror and untangling her mess of hair back down to its usual wavy style. Walking out of the room, she chuckled to herself as Bandit and Charli woke up alert and raced out to the kitchen, waiting on the rabbits they had caught for breakfast.

“Alright, just this once I’ll give you the rabbits instead of your dry food,” Kate told the two, “but when Lee and Sam get here, a strict diet is being introduced.” Bandit buried her head under her paws as Kate spoke to them sternly. “After breakfast, I’m taking you guys into town; I want to get a few things for the garden and for when Lee visits. I don’t want to be down there again anytime soon.” Kate decided to continue the one-sided conversation as she gave the dogs their food and began to prepare her own. “It isn’t very often that he comes to visit and I want to be able to monopolise his time. I will have to get an extra gun and a lot more shells; after all, he gave me warning that he will be giving me more lessons. I don’t think he likes the fact that I live all the way up here alone.”

The dogs just continued to gnaw as Kate sat down to eat. “I’ll also have to pick up some hardware that I forgot to get yesterday. The last thing we need is Crazy Hank’s cattle to break down the fence and trample over my veggies again. I want to get some preserves and other things too,” Kate looked down slyly at the two dogs as they finished their breakfast. “Then I need to take you two to the Vet.” As fast as the two dogs could move, they were out the door, Kate’s laughter echoing in the early morning.

*******

Grabbing her boots, she wriggled them on, whistling for the dogs. Slinking for the shadows, the dogs came out, hoping their mistress was not serious about the vet comment. Kate smiled at their expression before clipping on their leads and putting them into the car. “Sorry, pups, but I was serious.” The dogs peered out of the window mournfully.

The trip to town was uneventful as the scenery slipped past. The early morning sun shone brightly on the evergreen pines and reflected radiantly off the last of the snow. Putting the car into low gear, Kate absent-mindedly scratched Charli’s ear. As she came closer to town, tightness settled on her shoulders, causing her to frown in annoyance. Navigating the streets, Kate guided her car into a parking spot near the hardware store.

“I’ll take you guys to the vet first, get that out of the way and then do what I need to do after,” Kate said, grabbing hold of their trailing leads. “We shouldn’t be there too long and if Mitch forgets to give you a treat, I’ll buy you a sweet bun for being good.” They wandered down the streets before arriving at the veterinarian’s clinic.

“Good morning,” Kate said brightly to the receptionist, ignoring the sour look she received in return, “I’ve brought Bandit and Charli to get their shots for the winter.” The buxom blonde-haired woman stared hatefully at Kate before grumpily alerting the Vet Doctor of their arrival.

“You should stop with this doctor business,” The woman said after a minute.

“How so?” Kate said lightly, already on edge.

“We already have a doctor, we don’t need another one,” the woman said imperiously, tossing her hair awkwardly.

“And what happens if he is too busy or indisposed at the time when you need him the most? Where will you go then?”

“Not to you, that’s for sure. You’re strange, living alone on the mountain like that. You should be in town and married, not looking to do a man’s job.” Kate glared at the woman, not noticing the animal doctor walk into the room.

“That’s enough, Evie,” Mitch scolded, brushing his hand through his greying hair. “It isn’t your place to judge. And next time I hear you disrespecting one of our loyal clients, you’ll be looking for new employment.” She blustered in the background as Mitch turned and smiled at Kate. “So how are the terrible two and their owner today?”

Kate grinned at the older man. “We’re fine; the pups need to have their winter shots though.” Mitch grinned happily and led them into the examination room before lifting Bandit onto the table. The poor black dog looked at Kate mournfully before laying down on the cold metal.

“Heard from your friend, Lee, lately?” He asked curiously, inspecting a paw.

“Last night I received an email from him, letting me know that he is stopping by in a week. He’s been travelling a lot since leaving the army, so I’m glad for the chance that he’s visiting me.” Kate leaned against a bench.

“Let me guess, no-one should visit you while he’s here? Far too many stray bullets for my liking,” Mitch smiled at her.

“Well, he did say that he was going to continue my lessons. He thinks that given enough practice, he can make me a decent sniper,” Kate informed the older man.

“He’s right to do that, give you enough skills to protect yourself. Dangerous up there alone and the last thing we need is for our most capable doctor falling down a slippery cliff,” Mitch said paternally.

“I think you’re the only one that believes that, Mitch,” Kate said sadly, watching as he gave Bandit the necessary shots while Charli hid behind her legs.

“I go by how a person treats their animals, not by gender. Bandit and Charli here are the healthiest dogs I have ever had the pleasure to treat. That tells me that you are keeping a sharp eye on their wellbeing and that will overlap into your type of work,” Mitch declared, giving Bandit a treat before putting her on the floor and grabbing Charli who tried to make a run for it. “Keep fighting, Kate; don’t let these small time hicks scare you away. They will give in at the end and trust you far more than that Dr Kyle. I’d rather go to you anyway, much gentler touch on these older bones.”

Kate laughed, “Well, I’ve gotten my license to treat now, so make your way up my mountain at any time, free of charge.”

“Well, that’s mighty kind of you,” Mitch said, sticking the needle into Charli. “When Lee stops by, make your way from your cave and have dinner with Lolly and me, we’d love the chance to meet the man that you hold above all.” He laughed as Kate blushed.

“I’ll be sure to extend the invitation. Sounds like a great idea, thank you.” Kate smiled and slipped the dogs’ leads on. Mitch gave Charli a treat and gave the dogs one last pat. “I’ll be back later to settle the bill.”

“Free of charge this time, Katie, the only cost is to get that man of yours down for dinner.” He gave a chuckle and escorted them out. “Give me a ring when he gets here and we’ll organise a time.” Kate nodded and gave the receptionist a sarcastic wave as she left the building.


Thank you to softwelshrain and Faerys Delight for being wonderful Betas! Don’t forget to review!