Skull Mountain

By Roseanne Guy

What was to be the start of their lives together, turned Josh and Jennas
lives into something so unexpected? As the handful of passengers boarded a
vintage 1957 school bus they had no idea what they were getti ng themselves
into. They stopped at diner in a small town called Gila Bend to get a bite to
eat, it wasnt unti l they were about to leave when they realized that someone
had tampered with the bus or was it that the bus was just old? The strangers
now had to stay together as they didnt know who they could trust. A waitress
in the diner off ered to put them up at her rooming house unti l Monday when
the bus should be fi xed, not knowing, it would be the worst mistake they
could have made. It would change their lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 19, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456801595

Roseanne Guy

I started out writi ng poetry as a teen and over the last couple of years have ventured out doing something diff erent and that is writi ng my fi rst novel Skull Mountain. I was born and raised in Brantf ord Ontario Canada where I sti ll reside to this day with my husband, son and three daughters. I like spending ti me with my family and cats when I’m not writi ng.

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by Roseanne Guy.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2010915770

ISBN:         Hardcover                          978-1-4568-0158-8

                   Softcover                            978-1-4568-0157-1

                   Ebook                                 978-1-4568-0159-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

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Contents

Acknowledgment

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

In memory of my cousin Tracy, who left us too soon. I can’t begin to tell you how much you are missed. You will never be forgotten, and we will always have you in our hearts. I would also like to dedicate this book to someone who also meant a lot to me, my best friend Donna, who is no longer with us either. This book is for you, Donna. I just wish you could have seen it for yourself. I lost something else that meant the world to me, my cat Scarlett. I miss you more than words can express. Until we meet again over the rainbow bridge. Love all of you, sweet dreams.

Acknowledgment

To my wonderful husband Ted, for his love, friendship, and his determination not to let me give up on a dream. To my children Cody, Cassandra, Chelsea, and Ashley, just know that if you put your mind to something, anything’s possible. I would like to thank you for the inspiration to write.

CHAPTER 1

In a town called Westmorland, California, there is always something happening. Teens were out all hours of the night while their parents couldn’t care less, and fights take place for something as stupid as fighting over one’s girlfriend, or my personal favorite, Dirty Mike was what people used to call this very private guy who was charged with treating his wife like a dog, and the sad thing was he actually thought of her that way. He had a dog collar around her neck and pulled her by a chain. Her face was all marked up, and she was covered from head to toe in bruises.

The streets were always busy, and someone was either coming or going somewhere. On this one quiet street, this black limousine pulled into a curved driveway. As the driver sat and waited for us to come out, he decided to honk the horn to let us know he was there.

Inside, I was getting everything in order so we could be on our way. At the time, I was just closing the last of the suitcases when Joshua entered the room.

My hubby, being the worrywart that he was, yelled, Jenna, we’re going to be late!

I responded as I was making sure we’re not forgetting anything, I’m hurrying. Don’t rush me.

I’m not, but, honey, we are going to be late if we don’t pick up the pace! he yelled back to me. Josh grabbed the luggage and headed out to the waiting limo as I followed behind him.

The driver got out, headed over to us, and loaded our belongings in the trunk. I entered the back of the limousine as Joshua was right behind me as I began to get seated. The driver then looked through his rearview mirror and asked, You going to the terminal?

Josh answered as he took a deep breath, Yes, we are.

In a rural area on the outskirts of town, a dark-haired guy in a two-bedroom apartment, living with his mom, was packing. As you would enter the door to their apartment, the living room was straight ahead; the kitchen was to the right with a small dining room off of that. The bedrooms were down the hall on your left-hand side with a bathroom in between them.

I don’t know why you need to leave so soon, the middle-aged woman said to her son as she expected an answer from him. As he didn’t respond to her, she yelled at him, Owen, will you answer me! I don’t know what you want me to say, the handsome man replied. Tell me why you want to get away from me, or is it something you don’t want me to know? You could hear a sigh in his voice as he asked, What makes you think it’s you I’m running from? I think you’re upset with me still, his mother then adds. Without taking a breath, Owen says, I’m not upset with you. I have never been upset with you, and if I was wanting to get away from this town, I would have been long gone by now.

Owen reassures his heartbroken mother, Hey, I will be home in three weeks, okay? You know where I’m going, and you have my cell number in case you need to get in touch with me. Owen walks over to his mom, gives her a hug, and then kisses her on the cheek.

His mother then says as she wipes away her tears, I don’t like it when you go on these trips last minute. Not hearing the last comment his mother made, Owen says, I think I have just about everything I need. One thing you can do for me, though. Owen was trying to get his mother’s mind off of him leaving. What’s that? she asked. Well, I need a lift to the bus station. After a brief pause and clearing her throat, she said, Okay, let’s go then. I’ll be fine. I’m just scared for you. His mother then gave half a smile as she looked at her son and headed for the door.

They were buckled in their seats when a lady around the same age as Owen’s mom approached the driver’s side of the car. With a startling voice she asked, Rose, are you going somewhere? Looking out her window to see who it was, she answered, Beth, you scared me half to death. I’m just taking my son to the terminal. The short-statured woman asked, Do you mind if I tag along for the ride? I was coming to ask you anyways if you wouldn’t mind taking me to the store. I need to pick up a few things. Rose nodded to the backseat as she told her to hop in.

Beth, I thought you were out of town visiting your daughter and wouldn’t be back for another week? Owen’s mom asked. The lady answered, I was supposed to, but the strangest thing happened. My daughter called at the last minute and told me that she had to reschedule for a later day. She had something come up. The thing is, she wouldn’t normally do that. She was always excited to have me go down there.

Did she say what she had to do? Rose asked. Not really. Just that now isn’t a good time, and the strange thing is when I tried calling her back the next day, I couldn’t get in touch with her, and no one has seen her around. Rose suggested that maybe she had to go somewhere, and when she returns, she will give her a call.

An elderly man decided to go on a mission and honor his wife’s last request. The older guy steps out from a cab and, with the help of a cane, walks into the bus station. The cab driver helps the guy inside. As they stop, the older gentleman hands the driver the fair plus a $5:00 tip. The cabby says, Thanks, sir. The older fellow told him to have a nice day as he tipped his hat and then proceeded to walk toward the counter.

As the gentleman went to the information desk, he asked, Excuse me, would you be able to tell me what gate I need to go and catch the bus headed to Paradise Valley? The lady sitting behind the desk looked on her computer as she lifted her head to see who was asking. She then told him as she pointed straight ahead, The bus headed for Paradise Valley, Arizona, is leaving from gate 21. Before walking away, he told her, Thanks miss.

As the four of us were waiting for the bus to arrive, I couldn’t help but wonder where everyone was headed and their reason.

As we all were quiet, a greyhound bus pulls up. The door opens, and a bearded man wearing dress pants, a white dress shirt, and a blue jacket with a name tag that read Hank Bellows steps out.

Good morning, everybody, I’m Hank. Making sure everyone knew who he was, he pointed to his name tag. I’ll be your driver for the duration of your trip. He then stood by the bus door and collected everyone’s tickets as they entered the bus one by one. As everyone was situated in their seats, he mentioned he was waiting on another passenger before they could leave.

As some of the passengers’ were getting acquainted I decided to ask Joshua, How long do all of us have to sit here and wait for this other person? Josh looked at his watch before asking, Hey, man, how long do we need to keep everybody waiting for some irresponsible person? Come on, it’s not fair to make us all wait for someone that can’t tell time.

Hank then answers, Let’s give the person two more minutes, and if she’s still not here, we’ll go. You could tell everyone was getting restless doing nothing. After one and a half minutes later, Hank looked at his watch and decided that the person wasn’t going to show. He started pulling away from the station when he noticed a girl running to catch the bus through his rearview mirror. After coming to a stop, he says to her as she approached the door, We were just about to leave.

As the bus started to get on its way, once again, everyone still continued their awkward silence. What does everybody do for a living? Josh asked. My Joshua is so outspoken and really knows how to lighten the mood when there is dead silence in it.

I guess I’ll start since no one is in a hurry to say anything. I am a manager at a hardware store, and my lovely bride here is a registered nurse. So if anybody is in need of medical attention, you can call on her and know you’ll be in good hands. I looked at my very generous hubby and thought he gives me way to much credit than I possibly deserve.

I’m Owen Bradley. I’m a part-time architect and the other part of my day I attend college. Oh yeah, I still live with my mother at the age of twenty-eight.

Hi, everyone, my name is Ernie Smith, and my story is a little boring, but I’m a retired electrician. He is a perky guy for his age that has a lot of spunk and wisdom that showed through his personality. I just want everyone to know I’m only twenty-nine years old. Ernie tried to lighten the mood on the bus. Everyone would laugh at him as he would crack jokes almost the whole bus ride.

The young girl had music playing on her MP3 player and didn’t hear a word anyone said. Excuse me, miss. Ernie tried to get the girl’s attention. She asked the man after removing one of her ear pieces from her ear, Yes, can I help you? We’re all telling each other what we do for a living. We were just wondering your name and where are you headed? With a quick response, she said, Larkin Myers and not yet sure on where I’m going. I thought to myself that was a bit strange, not knowing where you are going. There has to be more to why she didn’t want us to know.

Hank, when is our next stop? Owen asked. I need to make one more stop in Buckeye to pick up a few other passengers, which is about three hours away.

Everyone including myself with the exception of Joshua and the driver decided to get some rest. Joshua was one for always taking in sights wherever he went. The two men started to make the most of the trip and chat as it seemed to make the time go faster.

How long have you been driving bus for? Josh asked. With eyes glued to the road, Hank answered, About sixteen years now. Do you like what you do? Running his fingers through his beard, he said, Aw, well, I just might give it up after this run. Sometimes I am gone for weeks at a time. Why you seem like an all right guy? You must not like it? Josh didn’t mean to embarrass the driver. As Hank smiled, he said, I’m getting tired of this line of work, and I’m only doing this for extra cash to help my ailing wife.

Josh said before he asked, Aw, sorry to hear that, man. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s wrong with her? Hank choked back tears as he said, She’s dying of cancer. Josh had a genuine look as he felt for the guy.

I finally awoke after sleeping for over two hours. Looking around, I asked, Where are we now? Joshua said as he always wanted to be the first one to answer any question thrown at him, I saw a sign back there. It read now entering Maricopa County. Hank, how far will it take us to get there? Josh asked him. It shouldn’t be long now.

Just up the road there were flashing lights. I could barely see that there was a car turned over in a ditch and emergency vehicles everywhere.

As Hank slowed down, he was thinking on what he should do. He was the next in a lineup of cars to be told to take an alternate route. Officer, I need to get to Buckeye by five o’clock to pick up some more people, Hank mentioned to the guy in the uniform. Sorry, this section of highway is closed off. Everyone is being directed to go the other way. As Hank didn’t know what he should do, he asked, Sir, would you happen to know of a different way to Buckeye from here?

The officer turned and pointed the way that we first came from and said, If you turn around and go down 85, when you come to a sign AZ-85 S/S Oglesby Road, turn left. Go about three hundred meters and then hang a right at N Martin Ave. That should lead you right into Gila Bend, but you want to stay on Martin until you get to Pima Street, take a left. Turn right at Maricopa 85 and stay on that road, and it will lead you right into Buckeye. Hank thanked him as he started to turn the bus the other way.

I couldn’t believe this is happening to me. What a way to start our honeymoon. We headed west for a little over two miles until we approached the sign the officer had mentioned to the driver. After about a half an hour, Hank tells everyone on the bus that he needs to get gas, and if we would like to stretch our legs at that time, we can.

After fifteen minutes of driving, Hank pulls into a small eatery called Take a Break Diner. Looking out the window, I wondered how this guy kept his job as long as he has.

The six of us got off the bus and entered the dirty restaurant, even after we saw the condition it was in. You could see everyone looking around and wanting to ask the question Joshua asked next, You expect us to eat here? Hank answered him by saying, I would go somewhere else, but there isn’t another restaurant for another five miles, and like I said, I am running low on gas and therefore need to fill the tank. I often wondered how he knew so much about this place if he has never been here before.

The four-tabled diner was empty on a foggy May afternoon. Larkin was quiet most of the trip and hardly said two words unless spoken to. Joshua went to order food for us since we only had fifteen minutes. All I thought of is, I hope the food is not as bad as this diner looks. Ernie walked over to Larkin and asked in a sweet crackled voice, Can I get you something, dear? She looked at the heartfelt man and said, I’m okay, thanks anyways. I will not take no for an answer. What’ll it be? Larkin softly said, A diet soda then. Ernie also said to the youngest of the group, I’ll also get you a sandwich. What kind shall I get for you? Club turkey, I guess. You’re very kind. Ernie smiled as he told her, No problem, I have a granddaughter around your age. You must be about twenty-one? No, I’m nineteen, Larkin told the old guy as she put her earpiece back in her ear to listen to music. I took a napkin and decided to wipe the seat before sitting as I waited for Joshua to return with our food.

Bus leaves in five minutes, Hank spoke loudly in case someone happened to be in the washroom at the time. He wanted to make sure everybody heard him so no one was left behind. Everyone hurried by the door, while Hank headed outside to get the bus started. He then hopped in the driver’s seat, while everybody was exiting the diner. As everyone gathered by the bus, it was at that time you could hear the engine making a noise as it tried to start. Ten minutes had past when Hank ordered everyone back in the diner.

Everybody headed back in except for Josh and Owen. They had the intentions of helping Hank with fixing the bus. Owen said, I’ll help you look for the cause of the problem. Josh, you go and see if you can find some tools. It felt as though Owen wanted to be a hero in all of this. Joshua entered the diner once again as he listened to his request.

A stranger approached the bus, wearing ripped overalls, a dirty shirt, messy hair, and chewing gum like he’s about to bite someone’s head off. His voice carried through. Hey, mister. Hank poked his head from under the hood of the bus. Yes, can I help you? The man proceeded to say, I heard you were looking for a mechanic? Yeah, that’s right. Do you know one? Hank asked. You’re looking at him. As he told Hank, he would have been the last person you’d expect to work on a vehicles.

Owen pulled his head out from the other side of Hank, in disbelief, as he saw who would be helping them. The guy then introduced himself, Hi, I’m Buddy, but everybody calls me Budweiser. The guy snorted as he laughed. Hank and Owen looked at each other. You could tell they were worried but didn’t show Buddy their fear.

Buddy, a.k.a. Budweiser, walked over to the front of the bus and started to look at the problem. Owen asked the man, What’s wrong with this old jalopy? Buddy looked at Owen as he spit his gum on the ground. The first problem is the spark plugs are old and rusty. He then scratched his head as he said, I’m confused about one thing though. What’s that? Hank asked. Your coil wire has been severed, Buddy answered back.

Inside the diner, Ernie and we girls decided to sit together while we waited. The three of us anxiously wanted answers. A waitress came over to our table. Can I get anyone something while you wait? Ernie asked for a glass of water as I looked at the not-so-slimming lady and said, No, thank you. Nothing for me. Larkin just kept staring out the window as though she never heard the waitress.

I asked the young girl, What’s wrong? She looked at me and said, Nothing is wrong, why? You just seem like you have something on your mind. No, I just want to get going that’s all. Ernie asked, I don’t mean to pry, dear, but why would a girl your age be traveling this far? Larkin answered him, I can’t handle what’s going on at home right now. I’d rather not say. Ernie as kind as he was said, Okay, dear, if you ever need to talk, we’re right here for you. Larkin turned to look back out the window.

Outside, Hank asked Budweiser, How long will it take to fix the bus? Buddy smirked as he said, I can’t repair the bus right this minute, I have to order a part, and besides, nothing’s open till Monday. Owen raised his voice as he overheard the conversation, This is only Friday. You mean we are stuck here for three more days? Hey, what do you want me to do, steal a part from someone’s car? Buddy responded in a nasty tone when he spoke.

Josh emerged outside with only a wrench in his hand. Owen looked at Josh as he walked toward him and then proceeded to yell at Hank. I need to be in Denver by Monday afternoon. I have friends expecting me. Hank said, I’m sorry about this problem, but I did my routine check before leaving the lot, and everything was in working order then.

Budweiser slammed the hood of the bus shut. Look, I can’t do anything about this even if I wanted to. Tessa, one of the waitresses in the diner, has a rooming house. Maybe she can put you up for the weekend, at least until I can get the part I need. Let’s go, and I’ll find out if she has room to accommodate you all. The three men walked into the diner together. Hank proceeded to tell the rest of the group the situation. The bus is unfixable until Monday.

What! I screeched. Why do we have to wait until Monday? Ernie then asked, Why can’t they fix it now? Okay, calm down, Buddy told the nervous people. Buddy pointed to Hank as he said, Like I was telling this gentleman, nothing’s open on the weekend.

Grace, where’s Tessa? the dirty mechanic asked. The waitress answered, She’s coming in a bit later, why? Give her a call and find out if she has room at the house for a few extra victims, I mean, guests, he ordered.

The very low-spoken English woman made the call, and after a few minutes of being on the phone, she returned. I left a voice mail for her. She might not get service nor has her mobile turned on. You might as well relax until she tellies me back, she said.

Knowing we could be here for hours made me real nervous. I guess there was nothing we could do about it, but I only wished that our flight didn’t get cancelled.

I turned to Josh and whispered to him, If only we didn’t try and cut cost, just to save a few bucks, we wouldn’t be in the mess as we are right now. Looking at me, he says, Hon, I know this is hard, but we’ll get through it. Yeah, but I’m a nurse. We shouldn’t have to cut cost for our honeymoon. With that, he never said any more to me.

Hank finally asked, What time will the lady be here? I have to radio in and let the office know what’s going on. I just heard from her, and she told me she’ll get here when she gets here. There’s one thing you will learn is not to tell her to get a move on, because one day you might regret ever saying it, the waitress responded back.

We all sat around and waited for this person to arrive, and after thirty minutes had come and gone, Owen said, I’m not staying here. I’ll just use my cell and call my mom back home. Maybe she’ll come the two hundred eleven miles to pick me up.

He walks out the diner doors to make his call as the rest of us just waited since Josh and I didn’t have anyone at home that could come and get us. Not even enough time to blink an eye, Owen re-enters the diner. Damn phone can’t get any reception out here.

He goes up to the lady and asks, Do you have a phone I could use? I’ll pay you for it. Here’s ten dollars. That should be more than enough to cover the cost. He hands the money over. With her soft voice, she says, Sorry, the blower doesn’t work. Now an angry Owen raises his voice as he yells, You own a rundown shack of a restaurant, and there’s no phone. This place should be closed for business.

The English lady tried to defend their business by adding, Sorry, but we don’t get many mates in here, so no need for the blower.

We waited and we waited for the other waitress to arrive, which felt like hours. I could see Joshua wanting to say something when we saw an old bus pull in front of the diner. Okay, mates, my sister has scurried in. One by one, we headed outside to meet this lady.

Tessa, these are the travelers that I told you about, Grace mentioned to her sister. The other woman was a little bigger in size than that of her sister. She had short gray hair, and she never even cracked a smile as she talked to us.

I’m Tessa, mates, and this here is old Betsy, she said as she pointed to the bus. Owen was amazed at the condition the bus was in as it was in better shape than the restaurant. Isn’t that a 1957 vintage dodge school bus? he asked. You know your vehicles, she said as she told us to get in.

Ernie held his cane in the air as he nervously said, I need to get something from the other bus before I can go. That’s when we all remembered that we had to get our luggage from under the bus. Get your belongings then.

As we all were taken to an unknown place, I had to ask, Can you tell us a little something about this rooming house you run?

Tessa said, Sure, what do you want to know? Well, who boards there and how long did you run it for? I take in pregnant teens and sometimes unwed teen mothers if they have no place to go. I have owned the house for two years now, Tessa generously offered information on where we will be staying.

I’m getting the place fixed up, so don’t mind how it looks right now, she said as Owen went up to her. How long does it take to get there from the diner? About twenty-five minutes. The diner is in Gila Bend, and the rooming house has the Gila Bend Mountains behind it, but is on the outskirts. The mountain is renamed Skull Mountain now, Tessa shouted back to him.

Why are they called that? my Joshua asked her. Tessa was quiet for a few minutes before answering him. Years ago, there were gruesome murders that happened, but that was years ago. Did they ever catch the people that did them? I asked. Shaking her head, she made a sigh as she answered, No, they never did. I guess the thugs were too smart to be captured.

Tessa said to us mixed group of people, Let me ask you guys some questions now. Where all you folks from? Hank spoke up, I have this one. I live in Desert Shores, and I picked everybody else up in Westmorland. Wow, you are all far from home, Tessa exclaimed and then proceeded to ask. What makes you travel to this nick of the woods?

Owen responded, I’m meeting some friends in Denver.

Joshua then mentioned that we were on our honeymoon and headed to Milwaukee.

Ernie quietly said, I’m doing something for my best friend. What’s that? the older woman asked. My wife past away four weeks ago, and I made her a promise that I would take her somewhere warm but never could. So I am taking her ashes to Paradise Valley.

The young girl never said why she was so far from home, so Tessa asked her, What about you, young lady? Larkin looked at me and then at Ernie before pointing to herself and asked, Who me? I’m going wherever Hank takes me. The girl responded to the question.

"My husband used to help me manage