The Pickup

By Arlene Hill

As the train raced through the night across Colorado and on into Nebraska, Crystal thought she was going for a job interview, never dreaming she was racing into danger, adventure and romance. The pickup? – Well, that's another story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329204201

Book preview

The Pickup

The Pickup

By Arlene Hill

Copyright & Title Page

Copyright © 2015 by Arlene Hill

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First printing: 2015

ISBN 978-1-329-20420-1

Publisher: Arlene Hill

Chapter One

Want Ads – Buy. Sell. Trade

More truck for the Buck with extras.

Dodge Ram Power Wagon for sale: $19,137.48.

New enough. Bigger. Better. Stronger. Faster.

Well, you've seen the commercials.

1843 Elm St., Glenwood Springs CO,

Tuesday the 18th of this month between 9-10 am.

Never driven to church by a little old lady.

Color nonnegotiable.

She cautiously opened the door and peered out at the man standing on the porch; hand raised to knock a second time. He grinned when he saw her studying him intently through the crack.

Yes? she asked hesitantly.

Are you the one with the truck? He turned up the wattage on his smile; while at the same time using his most benign expression; the one that said, 'You can trust me, I am wonderfully harmless and simply wonderful.' He was somewhat disconcerted at her continued silent scrutiny. Well? he asked, his megawatt smile slipping.

Apparently he passed muster because she opened the door wider. I'm sorry; I thought you were someone else. He wondered who she'd been expecting; and dreading. She continued, Yes. I do have a pickup for sale. It's a sweet truck, but is a bit more than I need. Come with me – it's in the garage."

Even though the garage was attached to the house, she came out onto the porch, closing the door firmly behind her. Looking surreptitiously up and down the street, she stepped off the porch and walked over to the garage door. She quickly grabbed the handle, threw up the big door; then ducked inside before it was completely open. He was surprised that such a bitty thing could heft the door, but realized he was stereotyping. The sunlight poured in and lit up the front end of the truck, which was parked forward, leaving the back end in shadow – the truck of his dreams.

WOW! I love it! He looked sheepishly over at the girl standing beside him. I know it is not a good idea to express such enthusiasm when entertaining a business deal, but I just have to say, I love it!

The girl, or young woman, he realized, when he got a closer look at her, remained silent, as she too, looked at the truck. Her blank expression indicated she was miles away. Once again he wondered what she was thinking. He held out his hand, By the way, my name is Jansen. Jansen Parker.

Oh, I apologize. I'm Marcella Graham. Marcella shook his hand, acknowledging the introduction.

And do your friends call you, Marcie?

What?! Her gaze focused on their hands and she withdrew hers. No. My friends call me Ella. I'm sorry I'm so distracted; it's been a rather harrowing week.

He was about to ask her about it; ask her if everything was all right; ask her if there was anything he could do to help – she was that kind of girl; one who seemed to need protecting – but the look on her face convinced him that it would perhaps be best if they just got on with the possible business at hand. She intrigued him, with her air of distraction and sense of mystery. She was not exactly pretty, but her features reminded him of an exquisite bronze sculpture; one that inspired a sense of awe.

About the truck. Do you mind if I take a closer look at it?

Of course not; go right ahead.

Jansen was enthralled as he inspected the dream machine in front of him. I've always wanted a truck like this. He ran his hand lightly over the fire-engine red vehicle. Why would you ever want to sell it? He opened the hood and gazed in admiration at the engine and its inner workings.

He detected a hint of a smile when she replied, I decided it would be prudent to come to a parting of the ways. I found I needed something bigger.

Bigger!? You want something bigger than this?! He couldn't keep the astonishment out of his voice as he glanced at her slender form; he'd be surprised if she topped 5'4" even if she stood on tiptoe.

Ella actually laughed, Just kidding. Then she quickly sobered, No I just need to sell the thing and don't choose to give any reason. The price of the truck is the one listed. I don't dicker.

I think the price listed is more than fair. I was intrigued with the amount. Is it to cover taking over payments?

No. The truck is free and clear and is mine to sell; I'm not making any payments.

He could tell she wasn't about to say anything else about that; but $19,137.48? Get real. He tore his eyes away from the truck and looked back at the girl who was also gazing at the truck. I would however like to take it for a test drive. He noted the immediate firm jutting out of her chin. That is, if it is all right with you.

Ella seemed somewhat taken aback at his request. I never thought of that. I guess I should have anticipated that would be a reasonable expectation. That anyone coming to buy my truck wouldn't be satisfied with just a pretty face.

Jansen was surprised by her forwardness until he realized that she was referring to the truck, not herself.

She seemed to enjoy his reaction to her comment; knowing that he'd misunderstood, the brief quirky smile was so fleeting that he wasn't sure it was real; until he looked into her laughing eyes.

Gotcha! However, we still need to resolve the problem of the test drive.

Problem? He wondered what was with this woman, one minute she was somber, withdrawn and possibly frightened of something and the next displaying wit and a sense of humor. He thought it would be intriguing to delve deeper into the dichotomy of Ella Graham.

Well, Jansen Parker. I haven't done this before so I don't know quite what the procedure is; however, you will have to concede my position. I have a truck to sell, and a perfect stranger – not that I suspect you are perfect by any means, for all I know you could be perfectly strange – be that as it may, a strange man – a stranger to me – knocks on my door and wants to drive my truck. How do I know you won't hop in and high-tail it to Arizona? You put on your 'You can trust me' face … she gave a somewhat bitter laugh, "oh yes. I saw the transformation after you assessed who you were dealing with – some ignorant little girl who could be easily swayed by a bit of open-faced gallantry and a pleasant demeanor. Well I'm not – neither an ignorant little girl nor one who can be easily swayed because of a 'you can trust me' smile.

Hey! Wait a minute. I didn't … She held up her hand to silence him and he studied her as she contemplated the request. Her smallness in stature certainly didn't affect her determined resolve.

Let me think this through. I apologize for not anticipating your perfectly natural request. I should have had it all figured out … She paused, putting her finger to her cheek as if that would inspire an answer to her dilemma. He sensed the instant she came up with a solution. Okay. Here's what we will do. She opened the passenger door of the truck and extracted something from the glove compartment, which she shoved in the back pocket of her jeans. She held out her hand, I'd like you to give me your driver's license.

What?! No way.

Yes.

That doesn't make any sense. I can't drive without my license.

Of course you can. You just get in the truck and turn the key.

But it's not legal!

Do you mean to tell me that you've never driven without your license in your pocket?

He felt his face grow warm as she stared at him. Well … but …

Never?!

I suppose I have …

All right then. This won't be any different, except … she seemed to be able to read his thoughts, … except this time it will be with the owner's permission.

But that was years … he gulped. How did she do that? What if I get pulled over by a cop?

Ah. Well you see, that is part of the reason – I have no idea what kind of driver you are, if you are driving around in MY truck without YOUR license, I can be sure you will be extremely careful; to ensure that you don't come to the attention of any random police officer and said random police officer would not even consider pulling you over. Not that I care if you get stopped by a policeman, I just care that you treat my truck with the utmost respect. However, if you do happen to get stopped, just explain the situation and you can both come here to get it all straightened out. You don't have to worry, I'll keep your license in a safe place, she patted her back pocket. Right here next to the registration and proof of insurance.

You have to be joking.

Never less.

You mean to tell me there isn't any registration or proof of insurance in the truck.

Nope. Or I guess I mean 'yes' there is no registration or insurance card in the truck.

But ... Jansen found himself spluttering and clamped his mouth shut. Here he was a competent, talented, self-assured guy and within minutes this bitty thing could make him feel like he was in the principal's office in elementary school.

The other reason, of course, for me holding your license while you drive my truck, is to make sure you bring it back to me. I will admit that you look like a nice guy, but before you get feeling too smug – guys looking like nice guys are usually the worst guys around.

Jansen considered offering a stinging retort, but decided against it. Who would have thought that his 'nice guy' looks could be held against him.

Ella watched as Jansen weighed his options and smiled to herself, she actually hadn't given him any options. She said softly, You will have to admit, it's a beautiful truck.

Jansen, establishing quite a name for himself as a professional negotiator, leaned toward her, exuding charisma. How about I keep my license and you keep the registration and you come with me to test drive the truck?

I don't have to test drive my truck. I know it runs like a dream … or a nightmare if you are into big honkin' vehicles that guzzle gas like drinking a supersized slurpee.

Jansen laughed, You really don't trust me, do you?

Nope.

Not even a little bit?

Nope.

Jansen recognized that they were at somewhat of an impasse and grinned. Impasses were his forte – when there was absolutely no possible solution to a problem, they'd started calling