Whispering Winds: Marshdale, #3

By Tracy Krauss

Tanzi Lone Wolf is a strong independent woman, at least on the surface. Part of her armor includes never letting anyone get close. But fate has other ideas. A chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns her world upside down, while increasing family struggles, including her brother's wrongful imprisonment, have her living on a knife's edge. Can she undo the shackles of her childhood trauma and allow love in?

WHISPERING WINDS is the third book in the WIND OVER MARSHDALE Series, following Tanzi Lone Wolf's journey of healing and her quest for the acceptance that only God can give.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fictitious Ink Publishing
• Release date: Apr 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9781990871238

Tracy Krauss

Tracy Krauss is a best selling and award winning author and playwright. "Fiction on the edge without crossing the line"

Book preview

PROLOGUE

It was one of those unexplainable things. The uncanny sense that somewhere, sometime, they had met before…or were destined to. For just the briefest moment—a fleeting fragment of time—their eyes locked and held. In that split second, life’s present course stopped, pivoted, and began again in an altered direction. The sense was so strong, the feeling so intense, it was almost something to be grasped, but as quickly and unexpectedly as it had come, the spell was broken.

The construction flagger waved her arm as she simultaneously flipped her sign from Stop to Slow. David Crestwine accelerated past, purposely avoiding more eye contact. Instead, he shook his head, trying to clear his brain of the strange sensation he’d just experienced.

He’d been driving along the flat Saskatchewan highway going north out of Saskatoon when he’d had to slow down for road repairs. It was sweltering outside and the air conditioning in his truck had died the day before, so he had to drive with his windows open. Heat from the fresh asphalt rose to mingle with that beating down from above, filling the cab with the pungent smell of tar. The rumbling of heavy equipment drowned out the radio.

He’d inched forward behind another vehicle toward the flagger directing traffic. He noted the bright orange safety vest, yellow hard hat, cut-off jeans, and steel-toed work boots. Her exposed skin was tanned a dark brown. She held a sign in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other. Pretty standard.

Just when it was his turn to sneak through the detour, the woman turned her sign around, signaling him to stop. David rolled to a standstill right beside her.

And then it happened. His glance flickered to her face at the exact moment she turned to look at him. Instantly their eyes locked and an encrypted message passed between them. He sucked in a breath and then she was waving him on.

David’s maroon truck lurched forward and he eased off on the accelerator. He wasn’t superstitious, but he felt like a cat whose fur was standing on end.

Fate, destiny, the divine… something was afoot.

CHAPTER 1

Awarm breeze caught at Tanzi Lone Wolf’s hair and flung a few stray strands across her face. She tossed her head and took a deep breath, inhaling deeply of the dry prairie air, already laced with the subtle scents of autumn. September was her favourite month.

From this vantage point, above the South Saskatchewan River, the entire city of Saskatoon spread out before her. She leaned on the bridge’s railing and followed the meandering trail of water that bisected the prairie city. Several bridges spanned its width, disappearing from view as the river turned the bend. The river was the very heart of the picturesque city, its rolling banks rising steeply on either side. In the near distance, the buildings of the downtown core clung atop the river’s curving banks, crowned by the castle like grandeur of the Bessborough Hotel, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The view was a harmonious marriage of nature and urbanity. Too bad life’s paradoxes couldn’t come together so well.

Tanzi pushed off from the railing and resumed her trek along the wooden planks, heading for home. She walked to and from university each day over the 33rd Street Bridge. It was actually a train bridge, with a narrow, planked walkway attached on one side. She’d been caught halfway a couple of times when a train rumbled over, and had to cling to the railing for support, her whole body shaking with the movement. There was no chance of falling beneath the train since there was a barrier between it and the walkway, but the sensation of being sucked toward it was strong. Directly below the bridge, the water tumbled over a man-made falls, part of the river management system.

Somehow, striding across the river brought a sense of calm and inner reflection that cleared her head in the mornings and relaxed her each afternoon. Essentially, it was her time to escape the realities of life.

She was glad to return to classes after a gruelling summer of working on a Department of Highways road construction crew. It was why she enjoyed the month of September. Routine brought stability. A sense of security.

Tanzi descended the steps that zigzagged in a series of switchbacks on the western side of the river, and headed down the street toward her apartment in an older section of the city. The streets were lined with tall elm trees that shaded the aging multi-story houses and created archways overhead that blocked the sun. Her home, like many of the houses in the neighbourhood, had been converted into a multi-occupancy dwelling. The house itself was tall and narrow with a steeply pitched roof and a fire escape that crisscrossed up the side as an afterthought.

Tanzi climbed the steps to the front of the house, entered the enclosed veranda and then found the key that let her into the building proper. Inside, the vestibule was narrow and smelled of stale air and cigarette smoke. Canned laughter from a television show seeped out from under the darkly stained wooden door directly to her right.

Unfortunately, the tenants on the first floor smoked. Barry and Ann were nice enough people—an older retired couple who didn’t have any children of their own—but sometimes they were a little too neighbourly. Nosy was the correct term. Barry was going deaf so the TV was usually cranked up and Tanzi had come to expect the rustle of curtains when she came home each day.

In front of her, a wooden staircase rose steeply to the second floor and her own apartment. At the top of the landing there was one small window and then the stairs continued up to the third-floor apartment, which was little more than an attic. A single guy in his forties lived up there. Tanzi met him on the stairs occasionally. He was a sweaty looking man with glasses and a paunch, but they had never actually spoken. Ann had informed her that James was mentally challenged and worked at a local store bagging groceries.

Just as Tanzi inserted the key into her lock, her cell phone rang. She fumbled for a moment, and then held the phone to her ear with her shoulder until she managed to unlock the door. Hello, Uncle.

Tanzi! You sound out of breath. Did I catch you at a bad time? her Uncle Thomas asked.

Just getting home from classes. She shut and locked the door behind her and then deposited her bag on the floor before making her way to the futon in the middle of the apartment. She flopped down onto its soft surface. How are things with you?

Still settling in, Thomas said.

Tanzi nodded, even though no one could see her. Good to hear. Her uncle had remarried and moved to Regina where his wife was a practicing dentist. He’d also gotten a job with the provincial government as a First Nations’ Liaison. Is Whisper settling in, too?

She likes her new school and she and Maggie fight like real sisters sometimes, so I guess things are good. Thomas laughed. He’d also gained a step-daughter who was a bit younger than his own daughter, Whisper. And you? Your classes going well?

I’m glad to be back. I’ve got a pretty heavy load seeing as it’s my last year.

You’ll finish with honours, no doubt, Thomas said. My niece, the engineer. I’m sure you’ll have firms beating down your door with job offers.

That’s the plan. Tanzi shifted the phone to her other ear.

Have you seen Ryder lately? Thomas asked.

Tanzi smiled. So that was the reason for her uncle’s phone call. His son Ryder was enrolled in his first year at the university and her uncle obviously wanted to check up on him. I saw him once on campus, but only briefly. He seems to be adjusting. I wouldn’t worry. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.

Me worry? Thomas gave a stilted laugh.

"Isn’t that why you called?’ Tanzi asked.

Can’t I phone my niece just to see how you are after a long summer?

Of course. I’ll keep an eye out for him, too, Tanzi replied.

Thanks. Tanzi heard the slight sigh from her uncle. It is his first time out of the nest and there’s a lot to distract him. A father can’t help worrying.

He’ll be fine, Tanzi assured. Besides, what first year college student doesn’t get into a little bit of trouble?

You didn’t, Thomas said.

Tanzi paused. That’s different. She straightened her back.

Sometimes I think you take life a little too seriously, Thomas noted.

Tanzi could hear the concern in his voice, but chose to ignore it. Getting back to Ryder, you’ll be happy to know he’s joined some kind of Christian campus group.

He told me that the other day. I’m glad. Maybe you and he could go together sometime.

And there is was. Tanzi sighed. She loved her Uncle Thomas. He was perhaps the only stable person in her entire family and the only person she really trusted. But he just couldn’t resist an opportunity to push his religious beliefs on her.

I’ll probably have to pass on that, Tanzi replied lightly. This being my fourth year, I’ve got a ton of work, not to mention my job down at Pablo’s.

Of course.

If it makes you feel better, I’ll try to hook up with him more. Keep an eye out, Tanzi offered.

You’ve got enough on your plate. I guess I just miss him. His mother would have been proud. There was melancholy in Thomas’s voice.

I’m sure Auntie Rhea is watching from somewhere, Tanzi said.

I didn’t think you believed in heaven, Thomas stated.

Tanzi paused before speaking again. I’m trying to be sensitive. You know I don’t really subscribe to any sort of religion.

Yes, I know. Sorry for always pushing you. I just want the best for you. You’ve seen the difference Christ has made in my life and I want the same for you. For all my family.

That’s really sweet, Uncle, but I’m doing fine on my own. She stood up. Listen, I’ve got to get to work soon. I’ll call Ryder and we’ll get together, okay?

There was silence for a moment and Tanzi thought she heard him sigh again. Make sure you take care of yourself, Tanzi. You’re strong. I know that. You’ve always been strong. But you shouldn’t have to bear the weight of the family alone.

Tanzi felt unwanted emotionalism welling up within her breast. She took a sharp breath and tamped it down. Well, I better get going.

Of course. Tell Manny I love him when you see him and that I’m praying for him. The same goes for everyone. Your mom, Renee… you, too. I love you and will be praying for you.

Of course he would. It was the way he ended every call—with a platitude about prayer. They hung up and Tanzi tossed her phone on the futon.

That was all well and good for her Uncle Thomas, but Tanzi wasn’t interested in a crutch. She’d learned long ago that the best course of action was to face reality head on, not try to hide in a simpering pool of emotionalism. Life sucked sometimes and a person just had to square their shoulders and carry on.

It’s what she’d been doing all her life.

David sipped on his cappuccino as he perused the digital version of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix on his phone. He clicked on the sports section to check the stats of his favourite football team. The Roughriders were now second in the CFL’s western division after their last win. He nodded, smiled, and glanced up to look out the window. On the other side of the glass, a man in a business suit strutted past, his cell phone to his ear. Shoppers of various sizes and shapes meandered by at a slower pace.

Pablo’s was a nice little coffee bar downtown that he’d just ‘discovered’. The atmosphere wasn’t too pretentious and the cappuccinos were the best he’d tasted in a long while. He liked the high table by the large front window. A diagonal diamond of sunlight intersected the tabletop, dapples of light and shadow from the logo on the window creating interesting patterns on its surface.

David exited the app with a click and stood up before shoving his phone in his jeans pocket. It was time to get back to work. Lost in thought, he strolled toward the entrance and pushed the glass door open.

Oh! Excuse me, he said with a smile. He’d almost collided with someone entering the cafe. Then he stopped dead in his tracks. Their gaze held for split second.

No problem, the woman said. Her voice was husky and low, a sultry caress to his ears.

Realizing he was blocking her entrance, David stepped to the side, still holding the door, and she brushed past him.

Once out onto the street, David hesitated. Those eyes. He’d felt their penetrating scrutiny once before. He shook his head. Somewhere, in the foggy recesses of his mind, he grasped for the memory. He couldn’t quite place it. But the eyes themselves were forever emblazoned on his brain. This had to be more than coincidence. He stood for a moment, then turned and went back into the cafe.

David stood inside the door, scanning the interior. The cream walls were lined with local artists’ work, most of it for sale. Besides the table at the front by the window, there was a high-banked counter with stools along the wall right by the entrance. Several lower tables with checkered tablecloths took up the rest of the space, while the counter for ordering and picking up food was near the back. A large blackboard hung overhead, decorated in fancy, albeit hand-done script, that listed the entire menu.

How had she just disappeared?

No point standing there like a moron. People were probably wondering what was wrong with him. He was about to head back out the door when she emerged from the back behind the counter, tying an apron around her middle. She worked here!

David took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and walked directly up to the counter where she stood, back facing. He cleared his throat. Excuse me.

She turned. May I help you?

The dark silk of her words slid over him from head to toe. He felt himself being drawn into the depths of her gaze. Just breathe. I’m not sure.

The menu is right up there. She gestured to the artistically decorated menu board behind her on the wall.

Right. David glanced up. The words swam unintelligibly before his eyes. His gaze swung back down to her waiting face. Actually, I was wondering… Have we met before?

She raised her brows and blinked a couple of times, but her mouth remained calm and unresponsive. That’s original.

He leaned on the counter with one hand. I’m serious. I have the strangest sensation that we know one another. That I’ve seen you before.

Anything’s possible. Now, if you’re not going to order, I have other customers. She lifted her chin to signify someone behind him.

David swivelled to see a well-dressed businessman waiting in line. Oh, of course. A wave of embarrassment washed over him—not something he was used to feeling, and he backed away from the counter. He bumped into the businessman, apologized under his breath, and turned on his heel to make his exit.

Once outside, he took a deep breath. He felt a little foolish—make that a lot foolish—but he smiled in spite of himself. The pull had been so strong. He looked heavenward. What are you doing, Lord?

He didn’t hear an answer, but he smiled again. There was one thing for certain. He’d just discovered his new favourite restaurant.

You know that guy? Candy, one of the other waitresses, leaned against the counter, her back to the restaurant as she watched Tanzi punch in her access code for the till.

No, came Tanzi’s one syllable reply. She kept her eyes on her task.

Really? Candy’s tone was skeptical and she crossed her arms. Well, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.

Don’t be silly. Tanzi finished at the cash register and turned her attention to the opposite counter. She grabbed a nearby rag and started wiping the already clean surface.

Right. You enjoy strange men making a pass at you, Candy said.

Tanzi let her gaze flick toward her friend and then back down again. Candy was still leaning against the counter, arms crossed and wearing that very smug look she had perfected. The other girl was her exact opposite in appearance, with her petite figure, strawberry blonde curls, and blue eyes. What Candy lacked in stature she made up for in vivaciousness. She literally bounced when she walked.

Tanzi shrugged. He wasn’t making a pass. He just thought we knew one another.

Candy let out a clipped laugh. You’re so gullible. Next time I’ll come to your defense.

Tanzi yanked the plug from the sink and made a fuss over squeezing out the rag and folding it over the towel bar to dry. "Actually, I think we have met before. Otherwise why…" She stopped short of finishing the sentence and clamped her mouth into a firm line.

What? Candy moved closer. She lowered her voice to a near whisper. Otherwise what?

Tanzi focused on the swirl of water as it was pulled downward through the drain. "Nothing. I just thought that maybe we had met before. It’s nothing."

No way, sister. I am not letting you off that easy. Spill it. Candy placed her hands on her hips and