Cold Water: An Alaskan Suspense Novel

By Priscilla Delgado

He slammed against the side of her pickup time and again. She was going over. She saw a flash of swirling water below. She screamed as she crashed through the inadequate railing and bounced down the mountainside plunging into the frigid Nenana River.
Her battered and submerged pickup, empty and with both doors open, was spotted by a passing motorist. As hours turned into days and no trace was found of her body, Rose Lynn Kelly, young, attractive widow of Stryker Brigade Sgt. Bill Kelly, was mourned as dead by friends and family in Fairbanks. But did actually a more sinister fate await her as a prisoner at the hands of her attacker, the unscrupulous Luther Demetri?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499033151

Priscilla Delgado

Priscilla Delgado attended The University of Texas A & I University and holds Master of Science degree in Educational Supervision with a minor in English. She is an Air Force veteran, a master teacher, and a great-grandmother. She has traveled in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, China, and Egypt and is now happy to reside in Fairbanks, Alaska as do the entire four generations of her immediate family.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Parks Highway, Alaska, Friday, June 3, 2011

ROSE LYNN KELLY, young attractive widow of Stryker Brigade Sergeant Bill Kelly, passed a slow-moving blue Volvo, then lowered the driver’s side window to enjoy the balmy summer breeze. There was very little traffic, and she enjoyed the scenery, especially the occasional glimpses of the swirling icy waters far below and to her right. She had fond memories of white-water rafting that very river with her husband, Bill, the summer before he was deployed. The water was freezing, and even though they wore rain gear, they both were sopping wet after nearly overturning when they hit an especially vigorous whirlpool. They had been warned to hang on tight when they hit the rapids, but it had seemed to her that the whole river was a continuous series of terrifying rapids. Nevertheless, they had both ended up laughing and freezing at the end of the ride. Oh, to be able to do it all over just once more… if only… if only.

On the other side of the Nenana River, a bright yellow and blue Alaska Railroad passenger train, clinging to the side of the mountain, seemed to be racing her.

She was coming into the mountains where the road snaked back and forth, up and down, like a rollercoaster when she noticed the sign ahead: BENNY’S BARBEQUE—BEST FOOD THIS SIDE OF PHILIP, ALASKA. Of all the times she’d driven this highway, this was the first time she’d ever heard of a Philip, Alaska. Oh well, she’d never been a picky eater. She was hungry, and this was probably as good as she was going to find. She patted Baloo, the one-hundred-fifty-pound Newfie Mix, sitting regally beside her. What’d you say, pal? Ready for a burger?

She slowed down and at the same time tried to discourage the enthusiastic face-licking. Move over, Baloo. Get back on your side and sit. Good boy. Now stay.

There were a few cars and trucks in the parking area. Rose pulled in and found a place to one side, away from other vehicles. She lowered the back window of the pickup a few inches, assured Baloo that she would bring him something, and locked the doors behind her.

It was cool and dark inside, just an ordinary roadside eatery, with booths and a long counter with tall stools. Rose chose a booth with a blue-checkered plastic tablecloth and accepted the menu from a red-headed young man who recommended the barbeque special: barbeque on a hoagie bun, country-style fries, and bottomless ice tea or soda. Sounds good, she told him. I’ll have the tea, and when I’m ready to leave, I’ll take four burgers. Meat and bread only.

He hesitated, then ventured, Cheese on the burgers?

No, thanks. Just meat.

Ugh… Would you like a little mayo or mustard? They’ll be kinda dry with nothing.

Rose laughed, It’s for my dog in the pickup outside. I guarantee you he’ll like them that way.

Oh, sure… I just thought… I mean… I’ll bring your tea right away.

Across the room, leaning against the counter, a tall thirty-something blond male looked her way and smiled. Rose nodded politely and looked away.

Not giving up so easily, he picked up his Miller Lite and sauntered toward her booth. I hate to see a good-looking lady like yourself having to eat alone. Without an invitation, he slid into the other side of the booth. How ’bout I buy you a beer while you wait for your order? Without waiting for an answer, he held up his hand toward the cook behind the counter.

Thanks, but I’ve already ordered a drink, and for your information, I like eating alone.

Oh, come on. A lady like you traveling alone… You must be traveling because I’d sure remember if I ever saw you around here before.

Traveling but not alone. My companion is waiting for me in the pickup, and he’s the only company I want.

He? And he leaves you to eat alone in a joint like this?

There are plenty of other seats. Please find one. I’m really not interested.

He started to protest when the burly cook walked up and tapped him on the shoulder. I think I heard the lady say she doesn’t want company, so move it.

Sure, just trying to be friendly. He picked up his beer and gave Rose a sneer. Maybe I’ll go out and talk to that friend waiting outside for you. He stomped off and slammed the door as he left.

The cook was apologetic. Sorry about that, ma’am. That good-for-nothing Luther is always hanging around. I’ll see that he doesn’t bother you anymore. Your food will be here right away.

The young carrot-top waiter brought her food and placed it on the table. That guy is a funny one, he said. Sometimes he’s hanging around here every day and then maybe we won’t see him for two or three weeks. Seems to think he’s something on a stick. Here’s your food. Hope you like it. My uncle is the cook, and he really tries hard to see that everything’s cooked just right.

Smells great. I’m sure I’ll like it.

It actually was excellent. She finished her food and took Baloo’s burgers out to the Ford Explorer Sport pickup. The cook followed her outside to make sure the rude oaf wasn’t waiting in the parking lot. After Baloo gulped down his burgers and had a drink of water, they pulled out onto the highway.

Around the first bend, there was an old red pickup stopped by the side of the road. As Rose passed, it pulled in behind her. At first, she thought nothing about it, but as she picked up speed, she realized it was maintaining the same distance behind her. Ugh oh, her first thought was, of course, about the guy in the café, but he wasn’t close enough for her to see his face.

Just in case, she hit the accelerator and left whoever it was, far behind. Hang on, Baloo, she said. If that’s who I think it may be, we’re going to lose him. And for a while, they did.

They were still in the mountains where the road followed the river far below. After a few minutes, Rose slowed down to fifty, and began to feel that they were safe. They came to a straight mile of highway, and in her rearview mirror, there appeared the red truck. Oh heck, she thought. That’s him and I certainly have no desire for some kind of flirtatious road dance.

He steadily closed the distance she had put between them. He pulled up beside her in the left lane and motioned for her to put down her window. At first she ignored him, but he kept pointing to the bed of her pickup and motioning for her to roll down her window. In the distance, she saw approaching a slow-moving tractor rig gradually being overtaken by several other vehicles.

Maybe there was something wrong, and anyway, he was going to cause a crash if he didn’t pull back. She lowered her window and yelled at the top of her voice, Move over, idiot! Look coming at us!

You’re getting a flat, he hollered. Pull over, and I’ll fix it.

The oncoming eighteen-wheeler was bearing down on them, horn blaring and brakes screaming. Rose jerked the wheel as far to the right as she dared without going over the embankment and prepared for the crash. The wind rocked her pickup as the truck barreled past.

She realized she had stopped, motor still running. The red pickup was behind her, and the other cars went on past. Her knees were shaking. She put her head down on the steering wheel and closed her eyes. She was shaking all over. Baloo was licking the tears off her face. She put her arms around his massive neck. It’s okay. It’s okay, boy.

"Yeah. You’re right. It’s okay. That sure was a close one, wasn’t it?" There he was right beside her. Your tire’s really all right. I just wanted to talk to you. You weren’t too friendly back there at Benny’s place. He put his hand on her door handle and yanked open the door. She jerked her foot off the brake and onto the accelerator, leaving him sprawled on the highway. Every nerve in her body was about to explode. She didn’t want to kill him and leave him there on the road, but she damn sure didn’t want to confront him. There was a loud bang, almost like a shot, but nothing happened so she just kept going.

Baloo was whining and moved closer to Rose. Get back, Baloo. Move over. We’ve got to get to someplace to get help or at least get out of these mountains where my cell phone will work. She kept an eye on the rearview mirror, and as expected, he was again in pursuit. She no longer had any illusion that merely flirtation was on his mind.

She stepped on the gas but got no response. She stomped on the accelerator again. The engine coughed, sputtered, and caught again. Their pursuer closed the gap between them and rammed the bed of her truck. She tried with all her might to pick up speed. Then she noticed the gas gauge. Almost empty. That sound. The sound like a shot she had heard. That devil, he’d shot a hole in her gas tank. That must be it.

Oh God. He’s going to hit us again. She could see his leering grin in her mirror, and then he was passing… No, he was ramming the side of her truck. She felt the terror race through her body as she clung to the steering wheel and fought to keep control.

He slammed against the driver’s side of her pickup time and again. She was going over. She saw a flash of swirling water below. She screamed as she crashed through the inadequate railing and bounced down the mountainside.

Just as suddenly as the descent started, it stopped halfway down. Rose opened her eyes and tried to make sense of what was happening. They must have caught on something. Then the pickup moved—just a bit. There was a scraping sound, then, the crack of a limb as the scraggly little tree valiantly surviving out of a crevice in the mountainside gave up the struggle to hold on, and they plunged into the frigid water.

She fought to retain consciousness, but the effort was too much. The last thing she remembered was thinking, Hold me, Bill. I’m so cold. Then everything was dark.

CHAPTER TWO

Homer, Alaska

ELVIA LOOKED AT her watch again but didn’t say anything. The thick golden braid that crowned her head was wind-blown and unkempt. She made a half-hearted attempt to control it as she tugged the faded-blue windbreaker closer around her ample figure.

Peter Nevski had been married to her long enough to know the meaning of the look she gave him. I know, he said. We both thought she’d be here long before now, but you know Rose Lynn. She may have found a stray cat that needed attention, or she just remembered a meeting she was supposed to attend… no telling what. She can take care of herself if anyone can. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.

Elvia shook her head. I hope you’re right, but I can’t help worrying about her. I still think we should call the troopers. They might be able to tell us whether there’s been an accident.

Adam and Valerie are planning to come early tomorrow. She probably decided to wait and come with them. He looked over toward where the Sea Breeze rocked gently with the incoming tide. Let’s go over to that little café, where we ate lunch and pick up something. We can go onboard to eat. No use cooking for just the two of us.

Well, I guess if you’re hungry…

I tell you what. If it’ll make you feel any better, we can call Adam and Val and see if they know whether Rose left as planned.

That’s a good idea. I’m sorry, but I just have a bad feeling about her being so late. If Adam says she left Fairbanks early enough to already be here, then we should call the troopers.

Peter kissed his wife on the cheek. "Don’t worry so much. Come on. We’ll call right now. They didn’t answer earlier, so they were probably at a movie or something with the phones turned off. We’ll get her all checked out one way or the other… then we’ll get something to eat. Okay?"

Elvia nodded. Thanks. I’ll order some take-out while you call Adam.

Elvia sat at the counter waiting for their order of cheeseburgers and curly fries. She could see Peter on the phone. Because of the noise from the kitchen, he had stepped outside to call. She noticed that he hung up and placed another call. Now what was that about? Maybe Adam said that Rose had decided not to come, and Peter was calling her. Well, if that was the case, she wouldn’t worry anymore.

The waitress set the bag on the counter. Here you are, ma’am. Would you like some drinks to go with this?

No, thanks. We have a cooler with drinks on the boat.

Then if there’s nothing else, that’ll be fifteen seventy-five.

Just a minute. My husband’s making a phone call. I’ll get the money from him.

As she stepped outside, Peter held up a hand stopping her from interrupting. He was listening intently and the stricken look on his face told her the news wasn’t good. Of course, he said. I understand… yes of course… Let me give you her brother’s number. He turned to Elvia. Do you remember Leonard’s phone number?

Leonard? What does he have to do… Is Rose ill?

He shook his head. Shhh. Do you have it? It wasn’t like Peter to be abrupt with her, but now, he spoke sharply. Leonard’s phone number or his address?

No. Why would I have Leonard’s phone number? If you need it, Adam should know. Is that Adam you’re talking to?

He shook his head and then went back to the phone. I don’t think we have the number, but if you’ll contact Adam Scott, in Fairbanks, he should have it. He gave the Fairbanks number then paused before he continued. We’d appreciate it if you’ll contact Scott as soon as you know anything more. We’re in Homer and can’t be easily reached by phone, but we’ll be in contact with Scott. Thank you so much.

Peter! What is it? Something’s wrong with Rose. I just knew it.

He took her elbow and guided her back toward the counter inside. Let’s get back to the boat to talk about it. He paid for the meal and turned to leave.

Peter, is she all right?

We don’t know. Let’s get back to the boat.

Who were you talking to?

The troopers. Please. Wait till we get back to the boat.

Elvia knew from the tremor in his voice that something was terribly wrong, but that it was not the time to argue about it. They walked in silence. It was only a few minutes but seemed an eternity. Peter took her hand and helped her aboard. The summer sun was low on the horizon, but lights weren’t needed yet. They sat on the deck, and Peter quietly told her all the trooper had said.

There had been an accident earlier in the day. A motorist on the Parks Highway had reported a pickup partly submerged in the Nenana River. Investigating, troopers found a tan Ford Explorer pickup, front-half under water, both front doors open, but no evidence of a body. The supposition was that the driver had been washed downstream. The river is fairly shallow in most places, but a body had yet to be found.

From the truck’s license, they had determined that the truck was registered to Rose Lynn Kelly of Fairbanks. They had been unable to find her next of kin to notify. Since Peter knew of no other kin than Rose Lynn’s half-brother, Leonard, he had directed the trooper to call Adam for the address or phone number.

Cold water divers were being sent to the scene as the trooper spoke with Peter. No other information was available at the time.

The curly fries and cheeseburgers sat untouched and grew cold as Elvia and Peter held one another and mourned their loss. Rose Lynn and her husband had been part of the close-knit group of soldiers and their wives before Bill was deployed. They had shared a remote cabin up close to the Arctic Circle and considered one another extended family. Peter and Adam, both out of the service now, had made Fairbanks their permanent home, and Rose Lynn was still very much a cherished part of the close intimate group.

After a long time, Peter stood up, patted Elvia on the shoulder, and said that there was no need to start back before morning. "There’s nothing we could do tonight, and there probably won’t be any more information before tomorrow anyway.

"I’ll get everything on board packed up now, so as soon as it’s light tomorrow, I can take care of the Breeze. We’ll call Adam to see if they’ve… to see whether… well… if there’s anything new. Then we’ll head home."

I guess you’re right. There’s nothing we could do tonight. Oh, Peter, she broke down and again started crying softly.

First, losing Bill, then having that awful slime calling himself her brother nearly killing her and Kathy too. It had been only about a year ago when he had showed up in Fairbanks, claiming to be Leonard, Rose Lynn’s half-brother, determined to have her priceless heirloom violin, even if it took murder to get it. And now to have it all end like this. Finally, she wiped her eyes and tried to regain her composure. She took her husband’s work-roughened hand and held it in both of hers. Oh, Peter. She hated cold water. You know how she loved coming here for fishing but still couldn’t stand getting wet, because the water was always so cold… She hated cold water.

Neither had slept much, but morning finally came. Elvia made coffee while Peter went about securing the boat. He would call Adam before they left for home. Not that there was any way the news, if any, could be good. One always imagined some miracle that a lost friend or loved one would be found alive, but even a few minutes in that treacherous river could have only one conclusion. They could only pray that she had been unconscious and unaware of the bitter cold of the icy water in those terrible last moments.

When Adam answered, he said that he had talked to Leonard himself, and Leonard had chartered a plane to leave immediately to help in the search. The troopers said that the search would begin again at first light, but so far, nothing to report except that, as expected, the pickup was extremely battered from the fall down the mountainside. In the faint possibility that she might have made it to shore, they had scanned the banks on both sides of the river for at least a mile, but nothing was found.

The trip back to Fairbanks was grim. Neither Peter nor Elvia wanted to talk about the tragedy, but neither could resist an occasional glimmer of hope, that so long as no body had been found, there was always a chance.

Elvia noticed the emergency vehicles first. Oh, Peter, look! That must be where it happened. Slow down. Slow down.

I see them. I’m not close to them yet. If here’s a safe place to pull over, I’ll go down and see whether there’s anything I can do.

A uniformed officer was moving traffic on. Nevertheless, Peter pulled over off the highway and stopped. He turned on his emergency flashers and told Elvia to wait in the car. I’ll be right back to let you know anything I find out. That looks like Adam’s old ’87 Bronco parked back there. He’ll know what’s going on.

Adam spied Peter and climbed the embankment to meet him. It’s her truck all right. I saw it before they towed it. His eyes were red, and he looked as if he hadn’t slept for at least a week. He looked down to the river. There is no way she could have come out of that alive, he said. That’s the lead trooper, Trooper Jenkins, there by the man in the wet suit. He said the current must have been stronger than they estimated because they’ve been at least a mile downstream and no sign of… anything.

Some scraped boulders and a few broken tree parts marked the path of destruction. Peter rubbed a spot of tan paint on one slab of granite. He shook his head, and let out a breath. Her brother here yet?

No. He wasn’t to be in till later this morning, so I decided not to wait for him. Val was meeting him at the airport and will bring him here or wherever he needs to go. He looked at his watch. I really thought they’d be here by now.

I’d better go up and let Elvia know what’s going on. She’s pretty distraught, and I don’t want to leave her sitting there by herself.

Something else, Adam said, That dog of hers, Baloo, was with her. They haven’t found any sign of him either.

Yeah, she told Elvia she wanted to bring him along this time. Well… I better get on up there. When Val comes, maybe they’ll be some comfort to one another. It’s a hard thing for all of us to face.

Back down the road at Benny’s Barbeque, all the talk was about the accident. Every time another customer entered, the whole tale was repeated. The young waiter, Thad, ran his fingers through a mane of red hair as he greeted the latest to enter. He took a menu from under his arm and proffered it.

I guess you heard about the woman who drowned yesterday.

Saw it in the morning paper. Too bad. Same one that was in some kind of scrape a while back in Fairbanks.

She was in here just a little while before the accident. Really nice lady. She was going down to Homer to go fishing with some friends… I’m sorry… Guess I’m talking too much. That’s what my uncle, who is the cook there behind the counter, says. Special today is the barbeque combo. That’s what she had and a bunch of hamburgers for her dog. She had this really big black dog in the pickup. Can I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?

Little early for lunch. I’ll just have coffee and one of those cinnamon rolls.

Shortly the waiter returned with the coffee and roll, and as he turned, a man at a nearby table motioned him over. Did I hear you say someone drowned near here yesterday?

Then the tale was repeated with some embellishment. And so it went throughout the morning. No mention was made of Luther or his attempts to hit up a conversation or flirtation with Rose Lynn.

Around ten fifteen, a well-dressed, dark-haired man and a somewhat younger woman in jeans and a plaid flannel shirt entered. The woman’s eyes were red, and upon hearing a rather loud remark about the drowning, she clasped a hand over her mouth. The man placed a hand protectively on her shoulder and guided her to a chair at a table in a corner away from the conversation about the accident.

Sit here a minute, Val, while I speak to someone who’ll be able to tell us where it happened, he said. Maybe a cup of coffee before we go on. Would you like anything else?

No, thanks, but the coffee sounds good.

Leonard met the waiter hurrying over with a menu. We won’t need a menu, he said. Just coffee and some information. We are looking for the location of yesterday’s accident. We were told to ask here for directions.

Yes, sir. The lady had stopped here. She and her big dog. Suddenly, recalling his uncle’s admonition about talking too much, he continued. It was about seven miles on down the road, near Philip. He turned and hurried away to get their coffee.

Leonard unfolded his road map. After studying it intently, he frowned and turned to Val, indicating a point on the map. I think we should be about there, but there’s no Philip anywhere here.

Never heard of it. Probably just a wide place in the road.

Their coffee arrived, and Leonard showed the waiter the map he was examining. You mentioned a place called Philip. I don’t find it here.

Oh no, sir. It wouldn’t be on the map. It’s really just a local joke. Years ago, a fella opened a gas station there, and he had this idea of getting tourist trade with those big RVs. Knowing they wouldn’t take a chance of running out of gas, he put up a sign that said, Last chance to fill up for 1.07 miles. On the other side for traffic going south, the sign said, Last chance to fill up for 6.7 miles." He put in the decimal all right. Problem was he put it in so small that you didn’t see it unless you were standing right by the sign. Then he raised prices so that he’d make a killing on his profits. Trouble was, people around here were smarter than he thought they were, and he finally went out of business. Folks

Reviews for Cold Water

[sadiebabie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the second of her books I've read, & like the first (Sick Notes) I enjoyed it. I preferred Sick Notes, but Cold Water wasn't vastly different. There is not a lot of action in her novels,the narrator seems to always be fairly introspective & thoughtful, describing people & conversations rather than there being a detailed, linear plot. That's very much the case in Cold Water. I did find the characters a little too similar to Sick Notes in their attitudes & places in life. Her narrators always remind me of a friend I used to have - intelligent but drifting, wasting their lives by going nowhere & working in menial jobs just to enable them to pay the rent & drink in old dives. Still, I really do like her writing style & she does capture the characters & the city setting very well.