Wilderness Woman

By Jo Lawyer

Wilderness Woman

When Alberta Starr found herself in trouble, she ended up asking her Internet friends to help. They came and succeeded. While there, the gals saw similarities in their lives and many other things. What they are you will find out by reading Wildness Woman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524552824

Jo Lawyer

Jo Lawyer began writing in her sixties to help with the grief over losing her husband. She has other books published—The Vision, Return to Yesterday, Love Conquers All, and Familiar Strangers. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and now she’s excited to share this new book, Wilderness Woman.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The stars danced about as they seemed to nod at the full moon while they watched a stately lady, slowly strolled home. Her pace was light and free while her mind centered on her family and her life in the small town of Golden Haven. No traffic was in sight as she leisurely walked on. She smiled seeing her neighbor walking his dog.

Good evening sir, she called in a sweet voice.

What are you doing out here at this time of night, was questioned.

I am on my way home; what brings you out here?

It is a nice evening so I came to get dinner; would you join us?

Before an answer arrived; a car came roaring down the deserted highway; Jojo, a Cocker, was startled and began to run toward the street. Without thinking, Alberta Starr diverted her path; scooped up the animal and leapt onto the runaway car.

Get off, I can’t see, a man roared as he reached for a gun.

As you wish, but first, nothing more was said as a leg went up and smashed the window. She than leapt off, rolling to protect the little fur bundle in her arms.

Two police cars arrived and an officer asked, What happened here?

Mr. Armstrong began, My dog bolted when a car came charging our way, my friend tried to save it. By the way, how is it you are here so soon?

We were following it, who was that gal? Detective Redman inquired.

She is one of my neighbors, Steward Armstrong replied.

Alberta walked up to the men carrying a shaking animal, Stew, Jojo will be fine, just give her a lot TLC tonight.

Don’t worry, she will get it. What about you?

I’m fine, but the driver may be another matter. As Alberta took another step she began to lose her balance, Darn this ankle, she whispered.

The officers stopped her from falling, This lady needs to be attended too, Detective Redman bellowed out. What is your name for our records?

Í am Alberta Starr, now excuse me, I need to get home.

Not until you’re checked out, you may need to go in to tell us what happened.

Alberta observed the officers, said nothing, but hobbled over to the ambulance and waited.

What seems to be the problem, Mr. Dalton asked.

I may have sprung my ankle, nothing to worry about.

The other paramedic voiced, Lady, you better go in; you may have broken it.

No, it is just sprained; all I need is a loose splint for now.

You must go in. Protocol, you understand.

I do, but I have a dinner date, Alberta laughed, cocking her head toward Stew Armstrong.

Miss, an officer began, What were you thinking, and why were you interfering with police work?

I was not interfering with your work, just trying to do my job.

Job, what job entitles you to do police work? Detective Redman probed.

Not police work, protecting animals. Sir, she asked the paramedic, How are thing here?

Mr. Edwards fixed a splint and then repeated, I still think you should go in.

And I said no, her voice had warning tone in it.

We need your name for our records, Officer Young ascertained.

It is Miss Alberta Starr; officers, did you not hear me earlier?

All the men chuckled and shook their heads as they watched this woman call the shot and get away with it.

Get in, we will take you home, you need to stay off that ankle, Decretive Sandstorm remarked.

Thanks officer, but it is not far; oh, do you have crutches?

Sorry none here, Joe Dalton replied.

No, problem, just hang onto me, Miss Starr I will get us home and feed.

Alberta Starr took hold of the muscular arm waiting for her.

Get in; both of you, Detective Bryan Redman demanded.

Thanks, Miss Starr they are right, you need to stay off that foot.

Alright, thanks, she whispered as she enter the car. Mr. Armstrong handed her Jojo before joining her.

Where to, Jesse Sandstorm inquired.

To the Dusty Arms on Ninth.

We are on our way; now how in the h... did you survive that car is beyond me.

I did, is all I can say.

Alberta closed her eyes as she slowly stoked Jojo. She knew what happened this evening will be uppermost on her mind for some time.

Here you are Miss Starr, hope all goes well for you, Jessie voiced.

It shall, thanks for the ride. Take care, she said as she took Stew’s arm and hobbled up the steps to the apartment building.

What a strange woman; Jesse, did you get her information?

No, I thought you did. What are we going to tell the chief?

Bryan Redman just howled, I don’t know how to write this one up; would anyone believe us, if we did?

I agree; she knows her mind. Did you see how the medics gave into her?

Yea, I am not use to women who apply their brains.

What would Detective Lane say if she heard you?

She is another matter. We do not work together much.

Jessie smiled at his partner; he knew there was more than Bryan was letting on. By the way, are you going to apply for the K9 or not?

Yes I just may, what about you?

I don’t know must talk it over with my gal first.

I don’t have anyone like that to answer too.

Yet, someone is out there for you; all you must do is to be opened to her. I did and now I am a happy married man.

Are you; you must consult your wife on everything. That’s not for me; I like my freedom too much.

Are you truly happy, or are you just fooling yourself? Jesse asked.

No answer was heard as Detective Redman pondered the question.

When the two entered the precinct they were met with, What brought you back so soon? Where is the man you were tailing? Chief Louis Brady questioned.

Mr. Zinc will not be robbing anyone for a long time, Sandstorm replied.

What do you mean? What happened?

He ran into a pole and is in the hospital being checked out, Redman reported.

Well at least we got him off the streets for now. By the way is either of you applying for the K9?

I am, Bryan Redman informed all. Jessie is another matter.

Cathy is afraid I may get bitten, she had a frightening ordeal as a child.

That very is understandable; give her time. She knows your love of dogs. At least go to the shelters and try to find dogs for us. All the cadets are helping.

I can’t go until Sunday; family is coming tonight.

Bryan, that will work out with us and then you can join us for dinner.

Good, it is settled, most of our dogs were used in the last class. I must get back to my files.

As the men headed toward their desks Jessie asked, What family are you referring too? Not your dad?

Yea and Mom too, this was a surprise to me, wonder what is going on. That is what worries me so.

You care a great deal about your family, why is there so much friction between you?

Jessie, it was my brother Adam who Dad loved, I was nothing to him and may still be even though Adam is dead, Bryan’s voice trailed off.

I am sorry for you. Someday he will see you for what you are; a great officer of the law. I am thankful you are my partner.

Thanks Jess, now I want to know what is going on there.

The men walked over where officers were talking and Bryan asked, What is the trouble?

One challenged them, saying. There is info about a gal who helped you. What do you know of her?

Chuck, what do you mean?

Redman, we caught it on tape.

Caught it on tape, Bryan repeated, How, no one was near enough.

We were coming up an alley and witness all, Officer Charles Young ventured to tell those there. Nice bit of action, he howled as he pointed to Alberta making the daring leap.

Maybe it is Redman’s gal, fess up, was Tate’s jib.

Redman is it true, you have another gal?

For how long, the last one lasted only four months, Officer Quicker intervened.

I have no gal and I most certainly would not pick her to be one.

Enough of that talk. Redman I want to see you.

Yes Chief. Whew that was close.

Are you saying there was a girl out there tonight?

Yes and another man; neither of us knew how to write what happened.

After listening to Bryan, the chief laughed, I do see your point. We knew only because of the tapes, again a chuckle was heard. Maybe we should get her to work for us. No more about this, Sunday you gather up dogs.

Yes Sir; oh how many are we to get?

As many as you can; what is not used we will have for the next class."

Back at his desk Officer Redman mulled over what he had witnessed yet he could not believe it. Why, why could he not see how someone could make such a leap?

Meanwhile back at the apartment the scene went as follows; Alberta, are you okay? Is your foot giving you trouble?

No Stew; I was wondering if you could take me to the doctor this week.

Yes, set the appointment. May I call you Al?

Al works for me, she laughed.

"Are you working this week?’

No, I just got off the phone with my boss; I do not need to go in until next week that is if I feel up to it.

You do have a very understanding boss; I know many who will not hold spots opened for anyone. Now on a pleasant note, shall we chow down, a light chuckle was heard.

Alberta smiled innocently at the man looking out for her, it was a pleasant feeling.

What are your plans for the week, no work I know?

Alberta replied, 0h, I have enough to do; am working on family tree.

Family tree; I thought you did not know any.

Oh but I do. My mother kept the tree going, as have all the women on her side.

Just how far back is it? Maybe I can help if they are on the computer.

Again a chuckle was heard, and then Al responded with, I believe I can go back to the seventeen hundreds; maybe even farther.

Is there a common name used?

Yes, Strong; wonder where it will lead me.

Strong fits you my friend. I will help out any way I can. Now eat up.

Alberta fell silent as she ate her chicken and thought of what had happened and the man so concern about her.

When the meal was consumed, Al began to clean the table.

No Al, go get your legs up. Want to stay here for the night?

Thanks, but no. I’ll go home and relax; I will let you know when I am to go to doctor. Again thanks for the meal, she said giving Stew a peck on the check.

His hand traced where the lips touched and a smile graced his lips as he watched the lady hobble to her apartment.

In her apartment Alberta Starr stretched out on her bed and relived the events of the night. What the future held for her she could not fathom. Her mother and grandmother’s presence was felt in the air but mainly they were in her dreams.

CHAPTER TWO

For the next few days Alberta studied all her information gathered by her family over the years.

What a history to live up too, no pressure, she giggled.

Hearing a noise, Alberta opened her door to see Stew. Good evening, she said with a smile.

Hi, we just got in from our last run tonight. I must say you look chipper, any news?

Yes, I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow at three or Wednesday at two. Which works best for you?

Tomorrow, by the way who is your doctor?

Doctor Curry, he is at the hospital building one.

Why did you choose him?

He took care of mom when we came to the US; he and dad served together and were great friends. I must find out more. Isn’t life fascinating?

Around you it sure is, still want my help?

You bet; I am just going over what I have for now. I’ll see you around two tomorrow.

Yes, and plan on spending the rest of the day with me. I want to know what is going on with you and that means your family history as well.

Ah, if you found out, than you may not want to be with me, she giggled, there was an impish look in her green eyes.

That is an intriguing point, now I most certainly want to find out all I can.

Do it at your own risk, Alberta dared him.

Until tomorrow, Stew said kissing her hand before entering his apartment.

Hum, I think I like having friends, Alberta whispered as she lay down for the night. Again the presence of her mother was felt; it even seemed stronger than usual.

At Doctor Curry’s office Alberta said, Stew, you should go, I know you have some last minutes touch ups to add to your portraits.

Don’t worry, I did it last night. Someday I want to do you.

Alberta smiled and replied, I am not a good subject, but who knows I may sit for you?

Miss Starr, this way please, Nurse Nancy Dawson voiced.

Al, I’ll be back to take you home. Also I want to know what the doc has to say.

As you wish; thanks again.

When Doctor Curry entered her room he asked, Lady, what were you trying to do? You were lucky your ankle was only sprained.

Yes, I just need a brace to keep it immobile for awhile.

Who is the doc here, he chucked. I do know where you are coming from. You want to be able to take care of the animals.

Yes, and not let on about my problem.

Do you limp? If so, this brace should do the job. You can put your shoe right over it. He showed her the interment in question.

Yes some, but not with that, she pointed to the said brace.

As long as I have known you, you seemed very in tone with your body. I think you would have made a great doctor.

My love has always been the animals, people are another thing.

Yes I know, but is that enough? You are no spring chicken, he voiced.

Don’t remind me, she chortled.

Shortly Alberta was testing her leg under her friend’s observation.

You don’t seem to be limping, good. How does it feel?

Fine, stability of my ankle was the only worry I had. I don’t want others to worry about me.

Alberta, it is pass time for you to let someone enter your life. I know your dad wanted more for you.

Yes, so I have heard from you and dad ever since Mom passed. Besides I have someone here with me.

Good, than maybe he can talk some sense into you. Take it easy; if you can or should I say will.

I’ll think about it, she chuckled."

Oh, I have something for you. Your parents wanted me to give it to you but I kept forgetting, he handed her a box. If you need my help call me.

Will do; thanks again. By the way how long do you think I will need the brace?

Use it this month and then only as needed. You know your body better than even I do. Stay out of trouble.

Now doc, being good isn’t any fun, Alberta laughed as she headed to the waiting room.

How is everything, Stew asked when he saw Alberta and the doctor.

She is to take it easy, no rough housing, was the reply.

I will be checking in on her daily.

Good, than I will not worry.

It is to dinner and than home my friend.

Thanks Stew for being here for me.

Don’t worry so. I want to do it.

For the rest of the week Miss Alberta Starr relaxed as her ankle strengthened. She opened up the box and began to go through what the good doctor had given her. Tears weld up as she relived many of the events written by her mother and grandmother. We did have a fun time, didn’t we? What is this, she questioned as she scanned the legal document?

Looks like I need to visit this lawyer or at least phone him. If I do I wonder what would happen. It is an interesting point.

Stew was good to his word, one evening he found Alberta resting holding on to a book.

What were you reading which has you so worn out?

My mom left much for me to study.

You never spoke of her. I mean your family, was it painful?

No, never, it is a long story, a story for another night. Read this and give me your input, she said handing him the papers Mr. Nelson had written up for her mother.

Hum, I see me taking you to him. It looks like all was set up for you to care for the pandas.

I do what I can for them but that piece of paper says more doesn’t it?

Yes, I will give him a call now.

Now, it is past office hours.

Okay, okay, we will wait until tomorrow. Did you eat today?

Yes sir, she replied saluting him.

When did you move in here?

Alberta laughed, You sound more like a cop than an artist. I came after I lost Dad some five years ago. Did that satisfy your curiosity?

Yes for now, but Lady I want to know more about you. After all I have the other tenants to think about.

Oh, I am not telling all, but I want to stay here. Do you like running an apartment complex?

Yes, my parents owned it so it was up to me to continue, here he laughed, As I was growing up they let me help out, I learned the ropes that way.

And you have a wonderful place to work. We have a lot to thank our parents for don’t we?

Yes, now sit down and let me massage your feet.

Stew, I could get very use to the way you have been spoiling me.

That, my friend is the idea. You should have someone on your beck and call.

Oh, I do not like to do that, all I want is to have friends. You are one are you not, she smiled at the man beside her.

Yes, most certainly, Al, I love your outlook on life, it is so, so…

So calming, yes I was taught to see good in even the worst of things. Easier to live and let live, or so I feel.

True, so true, I better let you sleep; I will call Mr. Nelson the first thing, you need to know what is going on.

"Please do, who knows where it will