Epilogue to Captive Hearts by Anita Louise

The two women were in deep thought both gazing at a map that was spread out on the desk in front of them, neither heard the man enter the room until he cleared his throat and said, "Looks like we may have the same idea."

Belle Gardner and Barbara Johnson jumped back from the desk startled to hear the voice but both quickly replied, "Denny!"

He ran a hand through his blond locks, nodded and smiled. "Just got back from Africa, before you ask, I didn't have any success. Ladies why don't we put our resources together maybe we will have better luck?"

Barbara chewed on her bottom lip as Belle took the stance of a water buffalo deciding to charge its victim. Denny gazed at one then the other finally adding, "I don't want to walk in your shoes, just want to do all I can to bring Sky home. Come on Belle, face it, the months have flown by and still no word from her. If someone does not get in touch with the woman she may be wandering the earth for a long time."

Barbara walked toward the water cooler, poured a cup of the liquid refreshment and drank it down before uttering, "He's right you know. (her eyes meeting Belle's crystal Blues) Perhaps putting our heads together is a good thing."

Belle scoffed, "Just want to make sure there is no ulterior reason for your offer, Mr. O'Brian, that's all."

He heaved a heavy sigh before saying, "I miss her, I will admit to that but I also know she left my business for her own. Still we are good friends and I can't stand to know she is out there somewhere perhaps sick and needs our help."

This time Barbara stepped forward, placing her right hand on his shoulder, her grey-blue eyes darker than usual as she said, "Denny we both know that it is not friendship you are interested in. Believe me Sky is not interested in you the way you want."

He reached up and removed her hand held it for a moment before placing a light kiss and replying, "I know, don't have to be hit over the head. Sky has let me know where she stands. But as I said, she is a good friend and I value her friendship as well as her expertise when it comes to business. I have no doubt she would do the same for me."

Belle had her hands on her hips as she walked toward the man, for a few seconds, Barbara wasn't sure if she was going to have to step between the two. She was relieved when Belle held out her right-hand and said, "It's all right with me if we put our heads together. The sooner we find Sky the better for everyone."

Barbara smiled, stepped forward adding, "That goes for me too. So no luck in Africa, no luck in Italy, no luck in Spain. We have checked so many places either she was there and gone or never was there."

He walked toward the desk and the open map, leaned over and examined it before turning to gaze at the two women. "From the looks of marks on this map, she has been lots of places. How do you know?"

The two women looked at each other then at him and replied, "Global tacking system."

He frowned crossed his arms over his chest and asked, "That's all well and good, but how in the world does this help you?"

Barbara walked to her desk, took out a cell phone and replied, "We have tracking on all of our phones, the work we do, the places we go, it is always good to know where someone is in case they drop out of sight."

He grinned, "Sharp, very sharp Johnson. How long before Sky realizes she is being tracked?"

Belle sighed, "Probably does now. Since we have not picked up anything for days. That is why we were looking at the map. Seeing where Sky has been and just where she might go next."

He walked to the door turned and said, "Then I suggest you two, pack and meet me at the airport in an hour. Bring the map, once in flight we can decide where to go next. It is high time, Skylar Richmond let Tara get on with her life and get back to hers." He was out the door before either could reply.

Belle looked at Barbara shrugged and said, "You heard the man, we need to get moving."

Barbara grabbed her purse, a set of keys and said, "Then let's go. Lock this place up and get serious about finding Sky."

Once the two women were on their way to the airport, Belle tapped on the side window of the Escalade, looking out she said, "I hope we can find her. The business is still afloat but she is needed. I have talked with Bobie a few times since all this happened and it was difficult. The two cared deeply for one another it is such a shame to see this happen."

Barbara was pulling the car up to a parking spot, turning off the engine she stared straight ahead at the plane sitting on the tarmac and said, "Plane is waiting, so is Denny. Time to get this show on the road. "

Once they were onboard the plane and seated, Barbara leaned back onto the comfort of the leather seat, hands gripping the arms of the seat she closed her eyes. Belle raised an eyebrow then looked at Denny with a puzzled expression. He smiled shrugged and whispered, "It is a long flight, so might as well get comfortable. First stop Cairo."

Taking a gulp and feeling it stick in her throat, Belle reached for a bottle of water. After several swallows, she murmured, "As in Egypt?"

He nodded and asked, "Why? You don't have the spot marked and I know for a fact that Tara Coltrane has acquaintances in the area."

Belle looked deep in thought before she murmured, "Hopefully no walking mummies."

He chuckled, "Only in the movies dear Belle, only in the movies."

Barbara opened one eye and said, "Don't lie to the woman. Things like that happen and not just in the movies Denny O'Brien and you know it. We can just table this talk until we are there. I am tired, and if it is Egypt we are going, we will all need our rest."

Belle and Denny stood and headed for the back of the plane. He took out a deck of cards and said, "Strip poker."

Belle turned, reached out and placed a finger under his chin before saying, "In your dreams. How about five card stud."

Denny smiled and pointed to the table and chairs before sitting and saying, "We have a lot of time, so by the time we reach Cairo I plan on you owing me big time Belle Gardner."

She chuckled and slid down on the leather seat across from him. Placed her hands on the table and said, "Let's see what you are made of, cowboy. Talk is cheap."

Barbara could faintly hear the two laughing and chiding each other as she turned on her side, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Skylar Richmond was beside herself, for the first time in her life, someone was ahead of her and she did not like the feeling. There had never been anyone she could not track and find. Nevertheless, Tara Coltrane proved not to be just anyone, for the woman gave her the slip each time she thought she was within sight. So many parts of the world she had been yet each time, Tara seemed to slip through her fingers. It was getting dark, the sky looked like it might burst any minute with a downpour, and she had been walking the streets for hours, going in and out of boarding houses, talking to people in the square, each time with no luck. Her body ached she felt it might give out any minute so she sought refuge in the only tavern that seemed to be open.

The Bon Voyage Tavern was dimly lit inside; a few customers sit at the bar, others at tables spread around the small room. Sky walked to the bar, sat on a stool hoping to take her mind off everything for the moment. The man behind the bar gave her a side-glance then went back to talking to a homely looking man near the end of the bar.

She heaved a sigh, stood and walked toward the back, upon seeing the sign; it did not take long to find the bathroom. Once inside she removed the backpack, ran water in the small sink cupping it in the palms of her hands and splashed the cool liquid onto her face. When drying off with a paper towel and seeing herself for the first time in days, Sky mumbled, "Yikes, woman no wonder Tara is running, you are a nightmare." She took time to check her map, do a bit of primping before making it back to the bar and sitting.

The bartender was still in conversation with the same man so she walked toward them and asked, "What does a person have to do to get a drink in this place?"

They turned their attention toward her both seeming shocked a woman would dare approach them in this way. "What's the matter lady been out in the desert too long?"

Her eyes darted from one to the other and settled on the bartender who had asked the question. "Might say that, look I don't want any trouble, just a drink and I will be on my way."

The other man much smaller in build looked at the bartender and said, "Serve the lady Tom, before she goes all helter skelter on us."

Sky was getting irritated, the two acted like schoolchildren on a playground. "Listen fellas's I'm no lady, so take this as it sounds. Just a drink, beer is fine, and then you two can get back to your male bonding."

The bartender scowled and said, "Don't get all uppity, what are you some sort of feminist?"

Glancing at herself then the man Sky replied, "Last I looked. However, I am not on some sort of movement, just a drink. Do you think you could handle that?"

The smaller man grinned toward his friend and said, "Ah come on, give the lady a beer, no need to get all up in her face. We got better things to talk about."

Sky felt the tension within ease a bit as she concurred, "Like your friend said, how about it Tom, a beer and I will be on my way."

The man flexed the muscles on his arm, his jaw grew hard and for a second she thought he was going to fly over the counter but instead he drew a beer, placed the mug in front of her and said, "On the house. Don't let the door hit you when you leave."

Sky sit, grasped the mug, and took a long drink when finished, the mug was empty and setting it on the counter she said, "Thanks. I pay my way." She dropped a ten on the counter, stood and walked from the room.

Tom scratched his head as his friend said, "Looks like you have met a woman who is not afraid of you. I am very happy you just let her go. I have a feeling she would not have been taken as easily as the others."

Tom picked up the empty mug and the ten, turned to his friend and said, "We'll see."

"You didn't?"

The man pocketed the ten grinned and replied, "In about fifteen minutes, I'll give the boss a call. Shouldn't be too hard finding the redhead, not many like her around these parts. Looked pretty worn out, so odds are she will find some place to rest."

"You are one sneaky snake. I never even saw you do it."

Tom guffawed, "Too busy looking at the woman's attributes."

"Gotta admit, she is a looker that is one tall Amazon."

"Yeah, and a tourist, no one will miss her."

His friend took the drink Tom handed the man, raised his eyes and said, "Thanks for the brew. Tick tock, time seems to go so slow sometimes."

They laughed and Tom walked to the phone to make his call.

Sky was glad to be out of that place, it reminded her of some scenes she had viewed in many pirate movies and usually those places were filled with lowlifes, this place reeked of them. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, she whistled for a taxi. It was beginning to drizzle and soon would be coming down in buckets. She was lucky a cab stopped sooner than she expected and it didn't take long for the driver to pull up in front of a small church. As she was paying the man he asked, "Are you sure of all the places here, you want to go to church?"

Sky placed the money in the man's right hand and replied, "Can't think of a better place to get out of the storm. Have a good night driver." She watched the cab speed away before making her way up the cement steps and entering the building.

It was quiet inside, wooden pews lined up on both sides of the room, low light from the burning candles. It had been a long time since she had been in church. Good Christians had turned out to be only that on Sunday or religious days. At other times, many were out for their own while hurting others. She found it ludicrous and wrong. Therefore, Skylar Richmond had left the church in the sense of attending regularly but still kept her faith close to her heart.

Times change and so do people. Therefore, she like many chose to believe God was not so judgmental that all his people were his children. That he would not condemn a person for how they led their lives as long as it was not harming anyone. Goodness outlived bad in all ways. Genuflecting she made her way into a pew, kneeled and prayed.

Father Sebastian watched the woman, he had never seen her before and from the backpack, he assumed she was a traveler. He tipped his head to the right, wanting to comfort the woman but felt it was not his place to interrupt at that moment. She was crying, and in so much pain, it was all he could do not to walk to her. When she sat, trying to wipe away the tears, he made his way to the pew she was sitting in. "Can I be of any help my child?"

Sky swallowed, turned to see a very kindly man dressed in a dark robe, his sandy hair was trimmed short, his blue eyes were filled with compassion and for an instant, she felt like a trespasser. "Pardon me father, I should not be here."

He sat beside her, held out a hand and said, "Father Sebastian, and yes you should be here. The church is always open. I am saddened to see you so troubled, is there anything I can do?"

Sky shook his hand and replied, "Sky Richmond. I was passing through the town and took a chance the church would still be here."

"You've been here then?"

She nodded. "A long time ago. At that time it was the only place that ever gave me a feeling of peace."

He leaned back and asked, "Is that what you need, peace?"

She fumbled with her hands as if not knowing what to do with them before uttering, "Too much to go into and I don't want to bore you."

He smiled and said, "I could hear your confession."

She shook her head. "Won't help but thanks Father. I should go."

He thought for a second then said, "If you need to talk I am a good listener and whatever you say to me will never go any further."

He was kind, and she really needed to talk to someone, her body ached, her mind reeled, talking to him couldn't hurt.

The man listened as Sky poured her heart out. Everything she had kept buried within came pouring out and with each word, her body shook. Father Sebastian felt for the woman, it was obvious she was in deep pain. He never said a word just listened as Sky told him much of what had been happening. The loss she could not get over, the loss of losing Bobie Parker was eating her up inside. He could also tell she cared for the woman Tara Coltrane but not in the same way. Not finding her and helping the woman get back what she had lost was also cutting into her psyche. When Sky finished she sighed, "There now aren't you sorry you wanted to hear me?"

He patted her right hand replying, "No. It is good you got this out in the open and let yourself feel. It is obvious for so long you have been hiding the hurt and the loss. From what you say, the two of you had an incredible friendship, an incredible meeting of souls. The time you had was special, and for this, you should be thankful. God is good, there is a reason for this, at this time you may not think so but there always is. In regard to Tara Coltrane, she knows what a wonderful friend she has in you but Sky Richmond you must now stop and think about your life. Let Tara get on with hers. I am sure in time the two of you will see one another again. My advice to you is going home, go back to places that will bring this warm feeling you and Bobie Parker shared. It is here you will finally be able to come to terms with what has happened."

Sky listened to the man, he made a lot of sense, and she had to admit she was worn to the bone. "Thank you father, I will do that as soon as this storm passes. But, I am not sure I will ever feel peace again."

He stood, looked down at her and said, "You look tired, there is a cot in the vestibule, if you want, lay down take a nap, no one will disturb you."

Sky thanked the man and followed him from the room, glancing back toward the altar once she had to admit her head hurt and she was feeling drowsy. Tomorrow is another day, she would take the Father's words to heart, and head back to her life what was left of it.

Father Sebastian never told Sky about the two men that appeared at the church later that night looking for a tall woman with long red hair and emerald green eyes. One saying he was her brother and she might be a bit delirious. He informed the men the woman was there but had left earlier and had no idea where she went. He was glad she had stopped at the church for from the looks of the men had they found her, nothing good would have come of it.

Bobie Parker never left the area of Springfield; she did accept the job of sheriff, only temporary and on off days reacquainted herself with the reservation and Mary Whitehorse. True to his word, the major did appoint Mary to fill one of the deputy positions. There wasn't a day went by that Mary didn't bring spontaneity to the office. She always looked at life in a way that picked up most of the people. But still had a way to go to get Bobie Parker to smile without tears filling her eyes.

The trials came and went, Bobie never saw Sarah again. She could not get over what the young woman had done, regardless of her last minute change of heart. There were many things to keep her busy and for that she was glad. if it were not for the sparkling brown eyes that gazed at her with care she was not sure, she would have made it through the days. Mary made sure her mind was occupied by getting Bobie to agree to go with her scouting or as she put it, get back in touch with the ancestors. The two spent many days exploring the area, and reacquainting Bobie with her past.

The jeep set high above the grasslands below, Bobie was still looking at Mary as if she had lost her mind. "Woman, you have a screw loose. What in the world made you think this jeep was a mountain goat and could actually make it way up here?" She gazed at the granite mountain that seemed to touch the sky and out of the side window at part of the flat rock called table top, the jeep was resting on.

Mary, leaned back on the seat, turned and smiled toward Bobie, her dimples dancing, her eyes gleaming as she replied, "Have to admit it brought you back to the living."

Bobie swallowed, licked her lips before saying, "Lot of good that will do if we die up here."

"Awh come on, step out and gaze at the wonder below and above." She opened her door and stepped out of the jeep.

Bobie looked in awe at her friend and hoped the jeep would not decide at that moment to careen down the canyon. "God's woman you really must have a guardian angel." She opened her door looked down to make sure there was something to stand on then stepped out and closed the door. Hating to admit it to Mary, but the view was spectacular. She felt if she closed her eyes that she could actually drift away.

Mary walked toward her friend who was dressed in jeans, Levi shirt and boots. She knew no matter what Bobie Parker wore she would be stunning. "Tell me friend, is this not what I promised?"

Bobie turned to gaze into Mary's brown eyes; today the green was more prominent. She was an amazing woman, one she was happy to know again. They had been close as childhood friends, almost inseparable at times. Even Mary's family held a traditional ritual welcoming Bobie into the family. They were blood sisters but fate always had a way of intervening and it did. They lost touch as life went on; it was nice to see they still shared the special bond and knew it would always be, regardless where they were. It was a shame life got in the way and they lost so much time. She also knew that Mary was doing all she could to ease the pain she felt each day. There had been no word from Sky or of Sky. She had to finally accept the fact that Sky was going on with her life and gave little thought to her. But why should she, as far as Sky knew, Bobie was dead.

Mary pointed to an opening in the granite mountain not far from where they were and said, "How about it, want to do a little cave exploring?"

Bobie had her hands in the back pocket of her jeans as she turned to gaze toward the cave. "Looks a bit hard to get to. Why don't we just sit?"

Mary walked toward the small chasm turned to Bobie and said, "Be back, you can sit there like a chicken." Before Bobie could say anything, the woman took a running jump and cleared the chasm. Once on the other side she said, "If you get lonely I'll be over here." Turning she headed for the cave entrance.

Bobie dusted off her jeans, looked at the chasm and called out, "Wait! I want to make sure you come back and don't leave me sitting up here wondering how to get back down."

Mary turned, waved and watched the blond clear the chasm easily. She walked up to the woman and said, "Knew you could do it. Come on let's do some poking around."

Bobie couldn't help but grin and said, "Lead on, just remember we have to get down from here before it gets dark. Not looking forward to spending the night this high up."

"But you would not be alone."

"Yeah, like that sooths my nerves. Come on Mare but no sudden movements once we get inside."

"Promise. I will just look and I also promise to have you back before nightfall."

The two women did not venture as far as they would have liked into the cave, it was cold, dark and neither was sure just what they might encounter. However, it was fun to get out, away from the office and just have an enjoyable day. When finished exploring, they were surprised to walk from the cave and see the sun in a different place. They had not realized the time had gotten away from them.

Bobie poked Mary in the side and said, "What now? How you going to get the jeep down before dark?"

Mary smiled, and replied, "You have such little faith in me Parker. Come on let's get over the chasm and I will show you."

Bobie shook her head but followed her friend and soon both had approached the jeep. Mary turned to her and said, "Tell me the truth, did you have fun today?"

Bobie nodded, then said, "Yes. You do a great job of taking a person's mind of things."

"Hope you don't mean all things. Get in. We need to go now or we will be stuck on this mountain all night."

Bobie watched Mary climb into the jeep and followed suit. Once inside she said, "If this thing doesn't have wings, not sure how we are going to get out of here."

Mary started the engine, turned to look behind and gently stepped on the gas. Bobie put on her seat belt, turned to look at her friend and said, "Don't tell me you are going to back down this thing."

Mary kept her eyes on where she was going at the same time steering. "Not the first time I've been here. We should be nearing a turn around soon."

Bobie closed her eyes feeling every bump the jeep took along the way. Each time she prayed they would not turn over. Seemed like forever but it had only been five minutes before they came to the turn around and it took Mary little time to do this as they began their descent facing forward instead of backward. She never took her eyes from the trail and as the sun was beginning to set, they finally drove onto asphalt. Stopping the jeep, Mary said, "Going to stretch my legs be right back."

Bobie watched the woman leave the jeep and begin walking around the area. She soon joined her and said, "Good job. I would never have believed it had I not seen you do that with my own eyes. Remind me never to go up there with you again in a jeep."

Mary stopped pacing, looked at the sky then at Bobie and said, "If we had not been in the jeep, would never have made it up there or down. Perhaps next time we take mules."

Bobie chuckled headed to the jeep and mumbled, "A mule, this is not the Grand Canyon, how about horses so far and the rest of the way we walk."

"Ah, then you might be interested in going again, I take it."

"Well, not right away but would like to do more looking in that cave."

Smiling, Mary walked to the jeep climbed in and said, "Let's go home. I promised the family we would be back in time for supper."

Bobie shook her head in disbelief saying, "Supper, we'll never make it."

As Mary turned onto the highway, she turned on the police lights, pressed the gas petal leaving rubber behind.

True to her word, they pulled up to the family home a few minutes before supper. Her mother was happy to see the two women, except for sending them to wash up, no one had any idea where they just came from or how fast they traveled. Standing by the basins of water, Bobie looked at her friend and said, "Do you really think the lights were necessary?"

Mary nodded, "Sure, no one got in our way and we made it here in good time."

"You took a chance. Good thing there was no traffic to speak of." She dipped the fingers of her right hand in the water, then flicked water at Mary who retaliated. Before long, the two were wearing more water than actually washing up for supper. When they realized what they had done, Mary said, "Come with me. I have clothes in my room, we can change quickly."

Bobie spent the night with the family; she helped feed the horses, and later watched Mary paint. The woman was good; she kept telling her she should sell her paintings. Mary was not interested in money she just liked to draw and paint what she felt in her heart. Most of her paintings were of the area, some of people and animals. It was nice to be around family, to be welcomed again. For a time it took away the ache, she carried day and night. Tomorrow she would be back to the cabin. Bobie knew it was time she made a decision on what was to come next in her life, only she was not sure she could.

After the plane landed, Denny met with a man that was taking him to the person that knew Tara. He said he had not idea how long he would be and for the two women, to take the time and explore, Cairo or the pyramids.

Barbara looked at Belle and asked, "What would you like to do?"

Belle, gazed around the area and said, "What about you?"

"How about the pyramids. We don't have to stay very long would be nice to see them."

"Wow!"

"That all you can say?"

Belle grinned, "You knew. You knew I wanted to go there didn't you?"

"Nope, just something most people do when they come here. And after all,
who knows when we may be this way again."

The woman smiled, and said, "For me never. I can't really believe I am here now. How do we get out there?"

Barbara pointed to a taxi and said, "Take the taxi, easiest way, unless you want to go on camels?"

"Oh no! Horse yes, camel no. Too high and never could figure how anyone could ride on that hump."

"You'd be surprised, doesn't take long to get used to the ride. But we don't have a lot of time so taxi will get us there the quickest."

Once they were in the taxi, directions were given but it was Barbara that bartered with the man until they came to a good price. Once paid she got in the back seat with Belle and said, "Just have to watch, sometimes people see you are a tourist and think all tourists are rich. We should be to the Great Pyramid of Giza before long. There we can rent a horse, camel or buggy to get around the area."

Belle had been looking out the side window at the passing landscape, turned to gaze toward Barbara and said, "You've been here before, and it will be monotonous for you."

"Shaking her head, Barbara replied, "Never. One can never see it all. Besides, I like things like this. And with you it will be all brand new."

"You have been so nice to me Barb, I am not sure I deserve it."

"You do. Dear Belle, when it comes to niceness, you come to mind. We are good friends and Jean would not mind. Speaking of Jean which I am, I was very happy to know she is not drifting and will be back soon. I am not all that happy for my loss, but I am happy for you."

"Thanks. however, just because Jean will be back and we will be going to Springfield for a bit does not mean I will forget you. I will keep in touch and the first chance I get, I will be back here to help with the business if you want."

"Not sure what I would have done without your help and it will always be welcome. Look, we are getting close." She pointed ahead at the people milling about as well as the camels and horses.

Immediately Belle's eyes grew wider, her face held the expression of a child on Christmas morning opening her presents. The woman was indeed taken by the enormity of the Pyramid as well as the Sphinx that sit in front of it. Realizing how dumbfounded she must have looked Belle stuttered, "That thing is big. It looks like it is guarding the pyramid."

The taxi stopped and they got out, making sure they left nothing in the taxi, the man soon sped away. Both women were dressed in light Khaki Gobi pants, Women's air strip light blue long sleeve shirts. Barbara removed her Insect Shield Adventure Hat with cape in back and put it on her head. Belle reached in her pack and removed a hat and donned it. They definitely looked ready for the climate as well as the insects that may be flying around.

Barbara was looking at the pyramid and the people that were mulling around it. Some snapping pictures with their cells others laughing and talking. "There you have it, the sights, smells and sounds of life in all its chaos and glory. What do you want to do first?"

Belle, pointed to the Sphinx and said, "How about a picture in front of that?"

"Sure, come on. Can't take any regular pictures but the cell will do a great job. Go stand in front, I'll snap several shots. Did you know that the Sphinx or Abu al-Hol in Arabic, 'Father of Terror' is carved out of a single block of stone, this enormous cat-like sculpture has mesmerized millions of visitors you are not the only one."

"Thanks I think." Belle stood with one hand on the stone, she truly was fascinated by this gigantic sculpture and could now see why so many movies depicted it coming alive protecting the pyramid and what it contains.

Barbara rented a couple of horses so they could make their way around the area easier. She chuckled to herself with happiness, it was an adventure to see Belle Gardner marveling at everything. She was so glad they made the trip and that they were actually able to come out to the pyramids.

They had been exploring the area for several hours when Barbara reined in her horse and said, "Let's rest a bit. If you would like, I could get a couple of tickets and we can go inside one of the pyramids. But if you suffer from claustrophobia. Not a good thing. The climbs are very steep and narrow so a person has to be in good shape and from here I say you are definitely in good shape."

Dismounting, Belle grinned and said, "Might give you a run to that area of camels over there but climbing up steep and narrow musty areas does not sound like a fun thing. Nope, I know what was in them, I know what archeologists have done, just don't want to be another disturbing what was meant to be eternal rest."

"Why Belle Gardner, I applaud you and agree with you wholeheartedly. Brought a couple of sandwiches, bottled water, how about we eat, then probably should head back."

Belle sat beside Barbara and took the wrapped sandwich she offered. "I am hungry enough to eat this and more. Outdoors always gives me a good appetitive. Tell me how do we get back?"

"I paid the driver to come back and get us. If he does not, I'll call Bern. Don't worry if we have to rent a camel to get back we will."

Smiling, Belle expressed, "When I am with you, I don't worry. I can see why you have been Sky's right hand as well as Berns. Still not sure why you are not off the market."

Barbara winked at the woman and replied, "Just not my thing. That is until I met you. But, woe is me you are taken. Really Belle I am fine. I date, I have a full busy life. Certainly don't want to see myself on some stage being sold off to the highest bidder."

"Me either." She gazed around the area adding, "Must make a mint here from the tourists."

"They do. But where else can a person really see something like?"

"Well, this is something I will never forget and I have you to thank."

Barbara smiled toward Belle and mouthed, "Welcome."

They were just getting ready to mount their horses when Barbara's cell began to vibrate. She reached into the cargo pocket of her pants and said, "Might be Bern, I'll take this and then we can get the horses back."

Belle watched as the woman opened her cell, but she didn't talk instead she just stared. Finally not being able to stand it any longer, she walked over to Barbara and said, "What is it? Something happen to Bern?"

Barbara turned looked at Belle her face between happiness and shock saying, "It is a text from Sky, she's coming back."

Belle reached out and grasped the woman hugging her at the same time jumping up and down saying, "Yeah! Sky's coming back!"

Some of the people stopped and stared at the two women in an embrace jumping up and down. They shook their heads and went back to what they were doing. Barbara grabbed Belle's right arm and said, "We have to get back to the plane, let Bern know."

"I'm with you. When did she say she would be back?"

Barbara raised an eyebrow and answered, "She didn't. Just knowing she is coming back is good enough for now."

Sky had left southeastern Europe far behind and soon would be back in Springfield. She was feeling so many sensations it almost felt like the first time she rode on a roller coaster. Her throat would feel tight and then the feeling she was going to throw up would be so close she felt lightheaded.

It was the hardest thing she had ever done, coming back to what had been the best time of her life with the person that made her life worth living. How was she going to cope, how was she going to walk into the cabin, see the places they had been the things they had done, it was enveloping her like a fog on a morning off the lake. She drew in a deep breath, reached up, brushed the tears from her face, and murmured, "I have to do this, I have to say good-by I'm just not sure I can."

Once the light plane flew over the area, Sky made her way into the cockpit and the pilot. She had put on a parachute and said, "We are almost there, Give me a minute to get in position then I will parachute out. Don't worry bout me, I'll be fine."

He nodded and watched the woman walk away. She looked like Skylar Richmond but was thinner and from the marks on her face, she had been through the mill. He hoped the chute went well and as she had said, he would be flying back to the city, happy to have been paid so much for this special drop.

Bobie heard the plane flying around, and wished whoever was flying it would make up their mind and go away. She was back at the cabin and glad to be able to be alone. All she wanted to do was relax and think. She had given back the sheriff's job a month ago, at the time Mary Whitehorse had been appointed sheriff. A better pick could not have been made as far as Bobie was concerned. She had given herself this day to walk the trails, enjoy the area before setting out on what was a fool's errand. Bobie Parker was going to do all she could to find Sky. They needed to have a heart to heart, if it was the end for them, then it had to be face to face, otherwise she would never accept what was happening.

Sky had an easy landing and was out of the harness quickly. She rolled up and packed the chute before starting on foot for the cabin that was about two miles from where she was. After traipsing all over the world looking for Tara Coltrane who definitely did not want to be found, she felt and knew she looked like death warmed over. Having sent the message to Barbara Johnson she was coming back, she knew they would stop looking for her and get on with their lives. For now, she was going to take it a day at a time before deciding just what her next move was going to be.

When the cabin came into sight, Sky was happy. It had been along trip, she was bone tired and looked forward to crashing, letting her mind drift to more peaceful times. The door was not locked which surprised her as she carefully entered the room and at the same time not sure if she was going to have to fight burglars. There was no one in the cabin. When she went into the kitchen, it looked the same as she recalled. Opening the refrigerator door, she was again shocked to see all the food and drink. Taking out a cold beer, she popped the top and took a long satisfying drink. Whoever had stocked the place did a good job. She walked to the bedroom and couldn't help but wish there would be a beautiful blond, blue green-eyed woman sitting on the edge of the bed, beckoning with the look, the very special loving look Bobie always was sure to give her. However, the room was empty, and like the kitchen looked like someone had been there.

"Hmm, kinda like Goldilocks and the three bears, wonder just who has been here, I'll give Barbara a call after I rest a bit."

After dropping off her backpack, and finishing another beer she headed toward the lake. It was a beautiful night, the moon was low and full, its light guiding the way. She didn't even need the flashlight she brought. It would be good, sitting gazing at the water, listening to fish jumping it would be peaceful.

As she rounded the path, Sky immediately stopped. There was someone sitting near the lakeshore, the person's back was to her, but the way the moonlight fell across the woman, her long blond hair shone. Sky froze, shook her head whispering, "It's an illusion, fool." However, the illusion did not go away, the woman was still there. She pinched herself, closed her eyes opening them to see the same person. Shrugging, she finally murmured, "Looks like I found my Goldilocks. Wonder who she is and why she is up here." Her mind was going a mile a minute filled with so many scenarios. She knew the one she wished for was impossible still her heart was in her throat, as she got closer.

The woman heard footsteps, and turned to see who was approaching. Before she could say anything, her mouth fell open her eyes grew wide and she seemed frozen in time. Sky drew in a deep breath and cried, "Bobie! God, it is you!" She began running toward the woman who was now on her feet.
The second it hit Bobie Parker this indeed was Sky running toward her she cried out, "Sky! Sky!"

Sky reached out and gathered the woman in her arms, she felt Bobie's arms wrapped around her as the woman murmured, "It is you. God I have missed you."

Sky held her close and whispered, "I may not look the same but it is me. Bobie, they told me you were dead."

Bobie asked, "Did you find Tara?"

Sky ran her fingers through Bobie's golden tresses; her heart beat so loudly she felt that it could be heard in Springfield. "There are many things we need to discuss and we will later. For now, all I want to do is hold you in my arms and never let you go."

Bobie stood on her tiptoes and said, "I agree, table the talk and as you can see, I'm alive and have many wonderful ways to show you just how alive."

Within seconds, Sky's lips met hers, at first intense, as if she would disappear any second and she might never touch her lips again, then it was affectionate, deep, sensual, loving. As they embraced, in the moonlight, it was obvious the two were happier than they had ever been.
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Next adventure.