Old Ghosts

Chapter 3

After getting the necessary items from the hardware and grocery stores, Kate reluctantly made her way to the gun store. The owner, Karl Schlorbeck, was a grouchy old man who believed that no woman should even touch a gun, despite letting his daughter run the store occasionally. Kate preferred to do most of her business through Monica, the daughter, who was much more open to the acquisition of new guns. She was also very thankful that Karl reserved his opinion to all the women in the town, not just her. The store itself was dark and dusty, old equipment gathering a thick layer as they rested in the display windows. Tying the dogs’ leads to the post outside of the store, Kate drew in a deep breath before opening the door.

“You look like you’re heading towards the slaughter house,” Monica stated, her German accent loud and clear.

“Well last time I was in here, your father drew a rifle on me and told me not to come back until I had a man,” Kate grinned, silently releasing her breath.

“Yeah, well, he isn’t feeling too well at the moment, the cool air is driving his lungs rampant,” Monica replied, her smile faltering a little.

“Well, the best that I can suggest for that is to eat a lot of spinach and broth, buy some olive oil and eucalyptus oil, mix that together and rub on his chest and then get a warm thermal top or flannelette singlet for him to put on. You can also give him hot cups of lemon tea to help sweat it out,” Kate suggested, feeling happy that she could help.

“Thanks, Katie, that would be great, I’ll let him know,” Monica grinned, watching Kate’s face fall.

“It would be best if you don’t mention it was from me, get Anne to suggest it, he’ll be much more amenable to her than me.”

“I’ll be sure to mention that to her. So how are you coping on that old lonely mountain?” Monica asked curiously.

“I’m going well. Lee is coming up in a few days’ time and has requested that I get some supplies,” Monica and Kate laughed.

“Well, at least he has your best interests at heart,” Kate gave her a look, “Anyway; I’ve got your gun order. Pa almost had a heart attack when he found out that you had ordered the new Remington .308,” Monica flicked through the order book. “That Lee of yours is a handsome devil, I must say. Bring the boy around sometime.”

“I’m sure your beau will be right pleased about that one,” Kate replied, a wry smile flickering onto her face. “Anyway, along with those rifles, what I need is a pistol and a decent amount of ammo for all the guns. Did the targets arrive as well?”

Monica nodded and disappeared out the back for a moment. “I’ll get them for you, honey. You know this is going to cost a pretty penny,” She yelled from the back, sounds of shuffling through boxes could be heard.

“Lee is footing the bill this time, not me. He said something about making sure that I could defend myself with decent weapons,” Kate sighed as Monica came back into the room. “Ever since I told him about those boys terrorising the dogs and me, he’s been determined to make me feel safe.”

“He is in the army right?”

“Was in the army,” Kate corrected, “Gunnery Sergeant Lee Calloway.”

“Think of what he has seen and done. That’s got to make a man protective of his woman, especially when it comes to her safety.”

“I’m not his woman, Monica.”

“Well, going by how he treats you, that is what it looks like,” Monica said innocently. “Want me to put this on the tab?”

“Yeah, I’ll pay part of it now and settle the rest when Lee is gone. Don’t forget to tell your mother about those remedies, okay?” Kate reminded, handing her a few bills.

“Don’t worry, Katie, that’s the first thing I’m going to do when I get home.”

“If you don’t mind me saying so, if you don’t want to move into town to be closer to Dr Kyle, you could invest in a heater. That should make him feel a little better,” Kate mentioned, trying not to be rude.

“Ma has been pushing for one of them for a while, but I’ve never heard her use the health excuse. It may be all that we need to get one,” Monica smiled, showing no offence.

“Well, I’m glad to be of help. Is there any chance to leave those here for a while? I just need to get some homeware stuff, like sheets and things for the spare bedroom. Last time Lee was here was when I was in the townhouse and that already had linens and things.”

“Go right ahead, honey, I’ll leave these behind the counter,” Monica said generously.

“Thanks, I’ll only be about half an hour.”

“You know, Mrs Downs will spread a lot of gossip around if you’re buying all new linens and things. She may think that you are buying things for your wedding,” Monica laughed at Kate’s glare. “Just kidding, I swear it.”

Kate shook her head and exited the store. Giving the dogs a pat and a drink out of her water bottle from her bag, she wandered down two stores to the material store. Grimacing harshly and tightening her resolve, Kate entered, wincing at the happy tinkling of the bell.

“Hello?” a matronly woman moved out from the depths of the store. “Oh, Miss Birchill, this is a surprise. How may I help you?”

“Um, I’m looking for bed sheets, some towels and a new kitchen set. My friend, Lee, is visiting, and I’ve found myself unprepared for him,” Kate said nervously.

“I have the perfect thing, Miss Birchill,” the woman said smugly, leading Kate further into the store. “I don’t believe we have had the opportunity of meeting one another. My name is Clare Downs, but you can call me Mrs Downs,” the woman smiled, reminding Kate of a shark. “Now for a male guest, you’ll want to have green sheets and towels, am I correct?” Mrs Downs looked at Kate, daring her to contradict her.

“Well, um, most of my décor is canary yellow, so either an evergreen set or a pale green would suit,” Kate wrung her hands anxiously, yearning to leave the store as soon as possible.

“Well, I suggest the dark green,” Mrs Downs picked out a set. “We’ll also go the same colour with the towels. Now a dinner set, what did you have in mind?”

“Um, I was thinking a square set in bone and black?”

“Square?” Mrs Downs looked at her incredulously. “Oh, no that won’t do, what you need is a bone china set with matching silver ware. Leave it to me, deary, I will have you sorted right away, don’t you worry.”

Kate watched helplessly as the woman pottered around in her store, gathering items. At last, she finally finished, placing it all at the register. “Now that should have you sorted out quite nicely. And this will be a very nice asset for when you get married.”

Kate smiled awkwardly and allowed the woman to ring it all up. Once paying for the items, she placed them in her car and walked back to the gun store.

“Let me guess, she sold you the bone china?” Monica asked laughing at a shell shocked Kate who nodded. “You poor thing, let me guess again, she mentioned marriage too?”

“That was a terrible experience. Next time I need that kind of stuff, I’m buying through the internet,” Kate said, resolved.

“Anyway, here are your guns. Pa is coming to the store soon so you might want to head off home. He’s been on the warpath with you about those guns.” Monica warned.

“Don’t worry, I’m going. You’ll see me soon if Lee and I run out of shells.” Kate grabbed the guns and ammo. “Can I get you to untie the dogs and put the leads in my hands?”

“Sure.” They both moved outside. “I’ll see you soon.”

Kate nodded and waved good-bye, happy to leave the town for another week.

Thanks to softwelshrain and Faerys Delight, you are a fantastic help