Desert Town Angels Part Two “The Kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell”

By R.A. Lee

Desert Town Angels PART TWO “The Kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell”

“No!” Sheri shouted as the table shook with her pounding fist. “This is my place!”
“Are you so sure?” Van taunted. “Are you sure you are his daughter?”
“She is,” Nelson snapped and they both sat back. “She is. Sheri is legally Howard’s daughter.”
“Legally?” the lawyer said sensing the meaning of the descriptive word.

The will of Howard Thornbon has been read and the kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell, a woman named Van, has taken over the town of Golden Peaks.

Moving into the old hotel, the mysterious Van invites the residents to dinner to introduce herself. Then, Ryan learns that the fate of the town is still in limbo.

Time is ticking. Howard has stipulated Van must remain in the town thirty days before taking full ownership, otherwise the property reverts to his daughter, who will do everything in her power to take back her birthright.

Thirty days to decide the fate of Golden Peaks. Thirty days to learn why Howard left Golden Peaks to the kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell.

Thirty days before a secret is revealed changing all of their lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.A. Lee
• Release date: Nov 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301258338

R.A. Lee

I am a storyteller. What starts as a simple dream turns into a movie in my head and it is cathartic to put it in words. Writing is like therapy. Therapy doesn't come cheap, though, so please enjoy. I have to go, another movie is starting. YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@anovelproduction​

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Desert Town Angels

PART TWO

by R.A. Lee

Copyright 2012

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner, is prohibited.

Product of the U.S.A.

Second Cover Art

Smashwords Edition

Desert Town Angels

PART TWO

The Kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell

The following is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any living person past or present, or sleeping in my bed, is purely coincidental.

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Dedicated to my mother, the love of my life, kumquat, and my family.

Special dedication and thanks to Adriane from Goodreads.com, who helped name our misunderstood antagonist.

TalesByRALee.com

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Cover image by Autumn Angel Designs trademarked and copyrighted 2013

Photography courtesy MFS

Other eBook Titles by R. A. Lee

Love Again, Love for Them: A Novel

The Beauty at the Bus Stop: A Novel

The Fountain of Truth: A Novel

My Vegas Valentine: A Novella

Desert Town Angels Trilogy

PART ONE The Last Will and Testament of Howard Thornbon

PART TWO The Kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell

PART THREE The Final Showdown in Golden Peaks

Check Website for Other New Releases!

Desert Town Angels

PART TWO

The Kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell

(The will of Howard Thornbon has been read and the kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell, a woman named Van, has taken over the town of Golden Peaks. Time is ticking. Howard has stipulated Van must remain in the town thirty days before taking full ownership, otherwise the property reverts to his daughter, who will do everything in her power to take back her birthright. Thirty days to decide the fate of Golden Peaks. Thirty days to learn why Howard left Golden Peaks to the kin of Ms. Honey Hallowell.)

CHAPTER 1

There was a significant increase in traffic to and through Golden Peaks. At least one car a day made its way from the highway or Hamptonville. While Ryan pumped gas, the visitors would wander and look through windows.

With the cars came questions.

How old is the town? What’s its story?

After shrugging and admitting he didn’t know, Ryan decided he should sit with the oldest residents so that he didn’t look inept when dealing with customers.

How old is the town, Ryan asked Nelson.

I got here about three decades ago, Nelson shrugged. It was a place people stopped for food and gas back before they put in the Interstate. I don’t know the history.

What’s its story? Ryan asked Mrs. Hargate and Grace.

Story? Mrs. Hargate snorted. The new dwelling had not changed her gruff attitude.

How old, who founded it? Ryan prodded her and Grace. That’s what the visitors ask. I thought you would know since you’ve all been here for decades.

A waitress. A maid. A mechanic.

That was the story. Nelson, Grace and Mrs. Hargate had arrived a long time ago, worked hard, and retired. That was the story.

Exasperated, Ryan decided he had no other choice but to look inept.

Cooler weather prevailed as the sun released its tight grip on the desert. The rays of the sun were not so sharp, the air not so suffocating. Taking walks in the daytime was feasible.

One late afternoon, enjoying a warm breeze, Ryan was lost in his thoughts as he walked out of town and up the slope to Howard’s resting place.

As he got to the top, Ryan looked up and stopped. Sitting by the grave, Van was talking to the tombstone and Ryan decided to give her privacy. Turning, Ryan heard his name.

Ryan, Van called out as if beckoning him. Since the last time he saw her, Ryan still had not deciphered what he saw in Van when she kicked Sheri out of town.

Footsteps crunched in the clay and rocks as she approached.

Turning, Ryan wondered which Van would greet him. Judging his mood, the casual yet efficient Van stood before him.

I want to apologize for that night, Van said in a tone that was apologetic yet almost businesslike. A manager apologizing to an employee. Personal and impersonal at the same time. It was Ryan’s role to stand, listen and accept.

I waited outside that night at the old hotel, but Sheri was there, Van explained.

She had to know, Ryan thought. After what happened in the tent, Van had to know what would happen if she stayed in town.

Nodding, Ryan didn’t want to hear anymore. Something in her face that night seemed to revel in the confrontation. There was a civil way to approach her inheritance, and a really dramatic, hostile approach. Van had combined both.

In the afternoon sun, there was a glimmer of what he saw that night in her face. Turning, Ryan started to leave.

I didn’t do this right, Van almost pleaded and Ryan stopped. I should have introduced myself... and she trailed off.

Whatever compelled Van to confront Sheri so viciously was very powerful and Ryan already had enough drama in his life.

I want to invite you all to dinner tomorrow night, Van stated in a voice that combined a commanding tone with cheerful friendliness.

Nodding, Ryan did not turn as he replied.

We’ll be there, he said. The others want to meet you.

Walking away, Ryan realized he had felt this sense of dispassion before.

A new owner had taken over and his loyalties still remained with the former. It would take some time before he decided if he wanted to transfer his loyalties to the chosen heir, or place his loyalties elsewhere.

During this time, Ryan would be scrutinizing Van as much as she would be scrutinizing him.

Making his way to the apartments, Ryan told the others about the invitation and their responses were predictable. Grace was excited, Mrs. Hargate cynical and Nelson indifferent.

I have nothing to wear, Grace fretted as she picked at her floral housecoat.

This isn’t a special occasion, Mrs. Hargate scoffed.

No, but it’s pretty important, Nelson mumbled.

If it will make you feel better, Ryan offered, we can go to town tomorrow morning and look for a dress for you.

Clasping her hands together, Grace thanked Ryan.

Would you, Ryan? she said gratefully.

Be ready at eight, he said.

Standing on the sidewalk at eight the next morning, Mrs. Hargate had decided to join them when Ryan pulled up to load Grace and her wheelchair into the minivan.

Might as well not waste a trip, Mrs. Hargate mumbled.

In Hamptonville, Ryan rolled Grace through the second-hand store while Mrs. Hargate helped her pick out two dresses.

There was a sale. While Ryan was directed to other areas of the store, Mrs. Hargate continued to shop and told them she would meet them at the minivan after Grace made her purchase.

About ten minutes after loading Grace in the minivan, Mrs. Hargate actually looked triumphant as she approached with her brown paper bag of purchases.

Back in Golden Peaks, Mrs. Hargate and Grace decided to take naps and Ryan went about his chores. Late in the afternoon, Ryan closed up the shops and took a shower in his loft.

Limited in his choice of outfits, Ryan chose his darkest jeans and a long-sleeve white shirt. Only his dark suit jacket hung in his open closet.

There were hangers waiting for more, but on a daily basis Ryan didn’t need much more. In a month he would have to get new thermal underwear and a heavy coat to replace his old winter wear that were already worn when he bought them from the second-hand store the first winter in Golden Peaks.

As extreme as its heat, winters in the desert could get to freezing, with the chance of light snow.

Combing his hair, Ryan did not spend a lot of time looking at himself in the mirror. The man who looked back at him didn’t seem familiar anymore.

Crossing the road, Ryan entered the apartment building and knocked on each of the doors. Nelson was the first to emerge.

This was important to Nelson. Dark pants, belt and long-sleeve collared white shirt made him almost look formal.

I’ll wait by the van, Nelson grumbled as he hobbled by.

Nodding, Ryan knocked on Grace and Mrs. Hargate’s door again.

I’m coming, Grace said cheerfully. The door was unlocked and Grace invited him in. In her new dress, Grace looked casually elegant as well.

You look beautiful, Grace, Ryan praised the ebullient woman.

Thank you, Ryan, she gushed.

Let me get you seated in the minivan, Ryan said and Grace pointed him onward.

Jogging back to the hallway after loading Grace, Ryan returned for Mrs. Hargate.

Standing in the living room, Mrs. Hargate beckoned for Ryan to enter. Mrs. Hargate had bought a new dress as well.

Ryan, come here, she commanded as she scrutinized a man’s shirt and suit jacket on the back of the couch.

Looking at Ryan, she grunted.

I thought so, she snorted. Try that on, Mrs. Hargate commanded pointing at the black, collared, long-sleeve shirt.

I’m already dressed, Mrs. Hargate, Ryan asserted.

You look like you’re going to pump gas, Mrs. Hargate snapped. Try that on, she commanded as if Ryan were her son. Shaking his head, Ryan knew arguing would be useless.

The shirt fit like it belonged in his closet.

Now the jacket, Mrs. Hargate commanded and Ryan groaned as he obeyed. The jacket slipped on easily over the shirt. Mrs. Hargate had very good taste.

Much better, Mrs. Hargate announced. Let’s go.

Hobbling away, Mrs. Hargate left Ryan standing in the living room. Turning to follow, Ryan caught his reflection in the doors leading to the patio.

A familiar stranger stood in the reflection. Turning quickly, Ryan closed the door as he left and drove them to the old hotel in silence.

Parking as close as possible without crowding Van’s red car, Ryan got out and assisted the others. Wondering how he would get Grace up the stairs, Ryan noticed that a ramp started at the east end of the porch leading up to the front door.

Thornbon House, Mrs. Hargate read sarcastically. It was in large, black script on the front of the newly renovated old hotel facade.

Pushing Grace up the ramp, the others following,