Reflections at Pemaquid Point

By Dave Smeltzer

Ray and Peggy Patterson have weathered many storms throughout their decades-long marriage, but when Ray suffers a debilitating stroke, their faith is tested. Peggy finds herself feeling more alone than ever as she reflects on a dark secret that she has kept from him.

Lee Morgan is a highly successful sports psychologist with a wife and a daughter he adores, but when a mysterious new client makes a tempting offer, Lees competitiveness gets the best of him. He finds himself spiraling out of control into the world of gambling, eventually risking everything he holds dear.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524533939

Dave Smeltzer

Dave Smeltzer lives in Southwestern Pennsylvania with his wife Joan, his sons Andy and Doug and his Golden Retrievers ; Drake and Mia.

Book preview

REFLECTIONS AT

PEMAQUID POINT

Dave Smeltzer

Copyright © 2016 by Dave Smeltzer.

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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 08/15/2016

Xlibris

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Contents

Dedications

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Dan and Mandy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Dan and Mandy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Dan and Mandy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Dan and Mandy

Lee and Ellen

Dan and Mandy

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Dan and Mandy

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Dan and Mandy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Lee and Ellen

Ray and Peggy

Turn the page for an excerpt from: The Jagged Heart A Tammy Jordan Novel

Washington, D. C.: August 20, 1983

Also by Dave Smeltzer

The Dan McNaughton Trilogy:

Sunrise at Pemaquid Point

Noon at Northeast Harbor

Sunset at Bar Harbor

Dedications

To Joan. All my love forever and ever and ever and then some.

To Andy and Doug. I’m so very proud of both of you. Love ya guys!

To Bob and Jinny Peck. Thank you for your love and support through all the years.

To my parents Harry and Betty. I miss you more than words can say.

To our Golden Retrievers Drake and Mia. Thank you for your unconditional love.

Thanks to Jennifer Edwards for deciphering my scribbles and typing my manuscript.

Thanks to Kari Manges and Kaitlyn Giddick for your much valued expertise in editing my work.

Cover photo and bio photo by Doug Smeltzer Photography.

Ray and Peggy

The waves crashed upon the multicolored granite adjacent to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. The waves, like any good child of Mother Nature, obediently listened to the orders of the moon, and rose and fell at her command. The battered rocks had withstood the test of time of the frolicking wave child. Through the millennium it merely brushed away the ceaseless onslaught like a horse brushes away flies with its tail. The waves left behind gentle reminders of its presence in the form of small tidal pools in the dips and crevices of the mighty granite. Starfish and tiny crustaceans called the pools home, feeding upon the nutrients washed up from the ocean floor.

The tidal pools also served as mirrors. If you caught the proper angle, the lighthouse could be visible with its inverted reflection. Next to the conical guardian angel of sea weary sailors was nested onto the shoreline of the Driftwood Bed and Breakfast. In the reflection of one of the life nurturing pools was captured the image of a couple sitting on a bench. The couple sat there admiring the forces of nature as was their habit every evening when the work was done. Like the stubborn rocks, their love had withstood the test of time.

Ray and Peggy Patterson would sit there and discuss the day’s events and talk about the plans for tomorrow or they would just sit. There are times when hearing the rhythm of the heart that had been given to you for eternity is the sweetest form of communication. They had both been school teachers for thirty years, which made them eligible to retire early with good pensions. Peggy was 53 and Ray was 56 when they hung up their chalk four years ago. Ray’s career as a history teacher was postponed for three years while serving his country in World War II. A friend in the area told them that a bed and breakfast was for sale and they jumped on it. They bid a fond farewell to their home and friends in Camden and moved down the coast to Pemaquid Point.

Ray let out a heavy sigh as he stretched his left arm around Peggy’s shoulders. That Nor’easter really did a number on us sweetheart.

How bad is it?

There’s a bunch of shingles missing. Five shutters need replaced. The gutters need reattached and I still haven’t found the one downspout. It might be in Nova Scotia by now. That’s just what I could see.

You know we could hire a contractor.

Nonsense. That would cost us at least twice as much. You were the math teacher. I can do everything that needs done. I’ll do it a little at a time and we’ll be ready for the tourist season.

I’m not worried about money dear, I’m worried about you. You’re sixty now.

That’s only fortyfive in Maine years. I’ll be fine. I promise.

Peggy patted Ray’s left thigh, As long as you promise. In thirty years of marriage you have never broken a promise to me.

And I’m not about to start now. If it gets too much, I’ll call in for reinforcements.

The incoming tide heaved its load of saltwater onto the rocky shoreline. The thundering cascade played like a symphony.

It was great spending time with Carol and Jessica at the Outer Banks, but I’ll take our coastline any day, said Peggy.

Yeah, those two weeks were a great escape from our winter but I was glad to get back. At least we got to see one set of grandkids.

Jimmy and Chelsea are so cute. It’s hard to believe that they’re two and four already. You know we can go visit Jeffrey in Albany and see Jarod and Julie.

Not as long as he is married to … uh, that woman.

Jane’s not that bad. You just have to get to know her, that’s all.

She has Jeffrey so hen pecked, it’s ridiculous. I thought our son had more backbone than that.

About ten miles out a fog bank was forming, obscuring the view of Monhegan Island. The warmth of the March sun was getting stolen by the large pine trees behind the Driftwood. Ray pulled Peggy closer and she nestled against his side. The faltering rays of the sun caught the fog bank and tinted them with rose dye.

You about ready to head in Peg?

Five more minutes. This feels too good. I love you, sweetheart.

I love you too, dear.

Lee and Ellen

Lee Morgan stretched out his 6'6 frame on the oversize sofa. Everything in their Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania home was oversized. The spacious living room had a cathedral ceiling and all of the other ceilings were at least nine feet high. The doorways were six inches higher than the standard 80 inches. Once his Sport Psychology and his wife Ellen’s Clinical Psychology offices were flourishing, they had the specially designed house built. Part of it was due to Lee’s long standing case of claustrophobia. Their normal" house would’ve been suitable, but Lee just felt more comfortable now. He watched his beloved Boston Celtics on the large screen television. Ellen had argued that a regular sized one would suit anyone no matter how tall they were, but Lee countered that it would’ve gotten lost in the large room.

As Ellen walked by Lee said, Woman, fetch me an Iron City.

Your legs are longer than mine, go get it yourself.

Remember five years ago? You promised to love, honor and obey.

Those vows were written for Biblical times. Not for 1976. I will always love you and most of the time honor you but you can forget about the obey shit.

That’s right. I forgot about the Women’s Liberation Movement; Gloria Steinham is the ruination of mankind. Although, I have to admit that the bra burning wasn’t a bad idea.

Not for me sugar. Ellen patted her breasts. These babies need all the support I can give them.

I can give you a hand…or two with that.

Maybe later. If you play your cards right. Ellen plopped down in the recliner, leaned back and extended the foot rest. Lee looked over.

I guess that means you’re not getting me a beer.

Wow! You really aren’t just another dumb jock! Lee started to shift his body to get up.

While you’re up can you hand me the remote?

Oh no you don’t! The Celtics are on!

I’ll switch it back. I just want to see what’s going on with Dallas. You know I love basketball as much as you do.

Lee was just about to get up when four year old Danielle Grace, her shoulder length curly strawberry blonde hair bouncing, bounded across the room and pounced on him knees first. She narrowly missed her chance to contribute to Planned Parenthood. Danielle Grace was so skinny she could be a poster child for CARE and her height was about two inches more than other girls her age. Lee and Ellen had passed on their metabolism and tallness. She held a Winnie the Pooh book in her hands.

Daddy! Read me a story!

Lee was still trying to recover the air that he had lost. Danielle Grace looked at him. Daddy, are you okay?

I’m fine, Lee responded in a high pitched wheeze.

You don’t look fine.

Lee slid over on the sofa and patted the empty space next to him. Come here princess.

Danielle Grace cuddled up next to him and handed him the book. Lee opened it and started reading.

No Daddy! That’s not how Tigger sounds. You have to do the voice right!

Lee let out a Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!

That’s better.

Ellen tried her best to stifle a laugh. She got up and went to the kitchen. She returned with an Iron City, a Strohs and a juice box. She leaned across Lee and handed Danielle Grace the box while she kissed her forehead. She handed Lee the opened can of beer and pecked him on the lips.

I love you, Lee.

I love you too, Ellen.

Ray and Peggy

Ray layed on his left side and slowly lifted his right arm. He then slowly lowered it down to his side. Ray repeated the process gradually lifting his arm a little higher each time. After ten minutes of this grueling stretching he was able to position his arm vertically. He let it there for a minute while he clenched his teeth. With his arm fully extended the scar became visible. He didn’t need the scar to remind him of the bullet delivered by a Japanese rifle. The pain alone was enough to flash him back to the jungles of the Philippines. And if the wound wasn’t enough to remind him of those torturous days, the relapses of malaria would never let him forget. The last episode was the week before Dan McNaughton and Mandy Reynolds came to stay at the Driftwood.

His own recurring ailments heightened his sympathy for Dan. At least Ray knew the demon he was fighting. The monster Dan was trying to slay stayed concealed much like the Japanese soldiers. You could never see them but you always knew they were there just waiting to seize the lifeline from your body. When Dan’s unknown, unseen assailant had grasped him by the throat and the pneumonia had wreaked its merciless havoc, Ray’s heart was with him. He could feel every one of Dan’s tremors as his foe tried to shake the life out of him. He held back his tears as he relived the last bout of malaria. Laying there shivering as Peggy piled every blanket she could find on top of him, he prayed to Almighty God with every ounce of his soul to just get him through the night. He had beseeched the same prayers for Dan.

Dan’s salvation had been granted through the God given talents of Mandy Reynolds. Her high intellect and relentless research had vanquished the enemy within hours; perhaps minutes before the determined disease would devour its intended prey. For Ray, he knew the menacing malarial malady would be constantly hiding in the jungles of his life, waiting for another moment to grasp him by the throat once again.

Ray stretched his pain-filled shoulder one more time. He could feel Peggy stirring on the other side of the queen size bed. Ray winced as he rolled to his back. After a minute, he gritted his teeth and continued the rotation to be on his right side so he could face Peggy. Lying on her back, she was breathing softly, caught in that semi-conscious state between dream and reality. Ray watched her chest slowly rise and fall with each peaceful breath. With his left hand he lovingly pulled back the hair from her face. Time had been very kind to her, a few laugh lines, a testament to her good natured outlook on life, were the only creases on her soft face. Her eyes blinked in response to his caress.

I’m sorry dear. I didn’t mean to wake you. I just love to watch you while you’re sleeping.

Peggy turned her face toward Ray. Even after all these years? she asked.

Especially after all of these years. You’re just as beautiful as the first day I was lucky enough to call you my wife.

And I think you’ve read too many Civil War books. Your eyes are finally wearing out.

My eyes are just fine dear.

Ray shifted to get the weight off of his shoulder and grimaced.

Your eyes might be fine but your shoulder’s not. You need to give it a break for a day or so.

It’s okay. I’ll take some painkillers after breakfast. I’ve been putting off tackling that roof. As old as this place is I’m afraid of what I might find when I start pulling shingles. I only have a couple more shutters to repair and paint. What’ve you got planned for today?

Remember sweetheart? I told you I was baking pies today for the church social on Sunday.

You’re right. I’m sorry. It just slipped my mind.

That’s okay. You’ve had other things to worry about besides what pies I’m baking.

Any chance you might bake an extra cherry pie for someone who loves you with all his heart?

Oh yeah? Now just who might that be?

Come here. I thought I was the one whose memory’s slipping.

Peggy cracked open three eggs and slid the yellow and white contents into a bowl. With a whisk she blended the eggs to a homogenous consistency. With bacon sizzling in one skillet she emptied the eggs into another. They instantly started to bubble when they hit the hot surface. Ray performed the duties of coffee maker. The aroma of the rich brew was so strong you almost expected Juan Valdez to enter the kitchen with his hands full of the finest Colombian coffee beans. Peggy waited until the eggs were a golden brown before adding mushrooms, peppers and sharp cheddar cheese. She then deftly folded the eggs over. Two Thomas’ English Muffins popped up from the eight slice toaster. After placing them in a plate she turned off the burner and retrieved the omelet and bacon.

Ray had already sat down with two mugs of steaming coffee. Peggy placed the omelet in front of Ray and kissed him on his bald spot. She joined him and liberally applied blueberry jelly to the muffins. They then joined hands.

Ray spoke, Dear God, Please bless the food we are about to share. We thank you for all of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. Watch over us today and keep us safe. In your glorious name we pray. Amen.

Thank you sweetheart.

You’re welcome dear.

They split the bacon and Ray started into the omelet.

This is wonderful Peg!

I’m glad you like it. I figured you were probably getting tired of Wheaties.

A little bit, but it is the ‘breakfast of champions’.

Well you’re already my champion, so enjoy the omelet.

A smile crossed Ray’s face. It increased into a chuckle.

Something funny that you would like to share with the class?

Once a teacher always a teacher. This omelet reminded me of two summers ago when Julia Child spent her vacation with us.

You mean when she offered to share her culinary expertise with us?

And you in no uncertain terms told her to get out of YOUR kitchen.

A woman has to protect her territory.

That look on her face was priceless. If only I had my polaroid!

I think I offended her. She hasn’t been back since.

Ray took another bite of omelet and finished a slice of the crisp bacon.

It’s a good thing she left. She would’ve been no match for you.

I guess I need to clean out the freezer soon and start stocking up for the season.

Yeah and I need to get on that darn roof. I’ll wash the dishes.

Okay. I’ll get started on the pies.

Don’t forget…

I know sweetheart. One cherry pie.

Dan and Mandy

The sun began coaxing its sleepy rays over the Pennsylvania ridge. The fluffy marshmallow clouds tried to impede their progress. The sun at last seemed to have lost patience with the mischievous clouds and set them ablaze with orange, amber and red flames. Their powder puff tails now fully engulfed, scampered off in embarrassment. On the porch overlooking a valley where two horses were grazing, sat a man whose life had reached a previously unknown level of contentment. The fiery haze of the sky caught his eye. Dan McNaughton placed a bookmark in the Bible that had been opened to Luke. As if a stage director controlled the scene. The screen door opened and a beautiful woman walked onto the stage. Mandy sidled over to Dan, with whose life her life had become eternally intertwined. Her eyes were entranced by the heavenly conflagration. She laid her hand on Dan’s shoulder and gave a love-filled squeeze.

Is this sunrise taken?

Dan looked at Mandy’s soulful eyes and reciprocated the squeeze. The best thing about sunrises is sharing them with someone you love.

Mandy sat on the swing next to Dan. She reached across him and took his Bible into her hands. She could tell by the placement of the bookmark where he was reading.

I love the gospels.

Likewise. I’ve read Luke so many times I should have it memorized by now. Just never get tired of reading the story.

It’s quite a story.

Mandy placed the Bible on the table and cuddled up to Dan, who cocooned her with his arms. The fire in the sky began to fade with embers now lacing the clouds.

It still upsets me sometimes when I think about how I had turned away from God when all the stuff was going down with my dad. A part of me was so empty. I don’t know how people can go their whole lives without letting God into their heart.

I don’t know either Mandy. It seems as though people get so caught up in themselves that they feel they are too good to need Him.

That is until something happens. Then they beg for God’s help.

Your mind may have closed but your heart was always open.

The embers finally died out in the sky but God’s flame would always burn brightly in the hearts of Dan and Mandy McNaughton.

Lee and Ellen

Ellen nudged Lee with her elbow. She had just shut off the alarm clock that sat on her nightstand. After waiting two minutes she elbowed him again, Let’s go sleepyhead. Time to rise and shine.

I don’t want to go to school mommy. I got a tummy ache.

Didn’t do your homework again, huh?

I did but the dog ate it.

We don’t have a dog.

Oh…uh, the cat pissed on it.

Ain’t got no cat either.

"Well then, the parakeet shit on