Haunted by the Wolf- Shannon Read online

  Gary stopped and looked at Stan and Kenney.

  “How can we explain that to Shannon?”

  “I don’t know. If we don’t tell her something soon, we’re going to lose her.” Stan looked worried. “I really like Shannon, she’s a hard worker and a great teammate. We can’t lose her. You had better think of something soon.”

  “Me? How about giving me a hand, I’m open to suggestions.”

  The threesome entered the bar. Tonight, instead of playing pool, they sat down and ordered drinks, Gary had a soda.

  “What’s going on, Gary?” Stan asked. “What’s Shannon’s story? The real story.”

  Gary proceeded to tell Stan and Kenney what he knew about Shannon. They already knew about her tours in Iraq, but they didn’t know about the beating and the months of rehab.

  “Man, what a nightmare,” Kenney remarked, “and she doesn’t remember any of it?”

  “Not a shred,” Gary answered, “and they never found the guy.”

  “You mentioned she had a boyfriend.”

  “That’s the odd part, no one ever saw him. The neighbor never saw his face, and no one remembers ever meeting him.”

  “So, you’re thinking he might be this wolf?” Stan asked.

  “It’s possible. If she ever gets her memory back, she can identify him.”

  “Then we need to find this guy,” Kenney added. “If he’s that hell bent on getting to Shannon after all this time, he must have plenty to lose.”

  “I think you’re right,” Gary added, “but how are we going to find him? So far he’s been invisible.”

  “Until now.”

  Kenney looked at Gary.

  “He has screwed up twice. Something has happened to bring this guy looking for Shannon. What are we going to tell her?”

  “I don’t know,” Gary admitted. “You’re right, if we don’t tell her something soon, we’re going to lose her. I got a call this morning from Headquarters, she’s asked for a transfer. She doesn’t know they called; they wanted a letter of recommendation. I asked them to stall until we worked something out.”

  “What did they say?” Stan asked.

  “They gave us until the first of the year.”

  “That’s not much time when we don’t know who we’re looking for.”

  “No, it’s not, but we don’t have to look for him, he’s already come to us.”

  *****

  When they returned to the hangar, they found Shannon sitting on the stairs. She had her bags packed.

  “What’s going on, Stevens?” Gary asked.

  “I can’t stay here any longer. If HQ won’t give me a transfer, I’ll look for something else.”

  “We need to talk.”

  “No, we don’t. My mind is made up. If you can’t tell me what’s going on, I’ll never be part of the team. If you can’t trust me enough, what’s the point of being here?” Shannon was in tears. She didn’t really want to leave but she felt she had no choice.

  “Well, you’re not going anywhere tonight. Kenney, would you be good enough to take Shannon’s bags back to her room. Shannon, would you please go into the break room.” It was the first time he called her by her first name.

  Shannon let out a loud huff. “Fine, but you won’t change my decision.”

  Gary and Stan followed her into the break room.

  “That is the furthest thing from my mind. Stan, could you fix a fresh pot of coffee while we’re waiting for Kenney.”

  It was late, but they couldn’t wait any longer to have this conversation with Shannon.

  When Kenney arrived, he went into the supply room and came out with a cake box. He took the cake out of the box and set it on the table while Stan got some plates. The cake had “Happy One Year Anniversary, Shannon” written across it. Shannon felt ashamed for acting the way she did, but it didn’t change her mind.

  Once everyone was seated, Gary silently said a prayer and hoped this didn’t backfire.

  “Shannon, the reason we have been so secretive is because I’ve been trying to protect you. Stan and Kenney knew nothing of your past before tonight. I told them everything.”

  “You had no right!” Shannon yelled and jumped up.

  “Shannon, please sit down. I had to tell them because of what we are about to face. They had to know if they are going to help.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The man whose body we covered up at the farm, he was murdered. We think the man that beat you is the same one that killed the farmhand. We’re not positive, but we think he might be here to finish what he started.”

  “What?” Shannon whispered. “That man was murdered because of me. Why?”

  “We don’t know for sure, but we think so. We all agreed that the safest place for you is right here with us.”

  “Shouldn’t we contact the police?”

  “Captain Miller is aware of the situation.”

  “Is he going to do something?”

  “No. We can’t explain why right now; you’ll just have to trust us.”

  “I don’t understand, why wouldn’t the police investigate a murder.

  “It’s complicated. Please, give us a little more time and we’ll explain everything. We don’t want anything to happen to you,” Gary pleaded.

  “Does the man I saw, or at least I thought I saw after the tour, have anything to do with this?”

  “Yes, we think so.”

  “Then I really did see someone.” Gary nodded. Shannon didn’t know what to say. Stan poured everyone coffee and cut the cake.

  “Shannon, what happened?” Gary asked. “I know we discussed the medical report, but why don’t you tell us what you remember.”

  Shannon took a sip of coffee and composed herself. She took a deep breath and let it out.

  “There isn’t much to tell, I don’t remember what happened. I woke up in the hospital after being in a medically induced coma. I had broken ribs, a crushed cheekbone, I was almost scalped, and came close to losing my eye. I was also informed I may never be able to have children.” A tear ran down her cheek.

  Kenney let out a long whistle. Gary had told them she had sustained a beating but didn’t elaborate.

  “And you don’t remember a thing?”

  Shannon shook her head.

  “What do you remember before the beating?”

  “Everything. I remember my family, my childhood, my medical training, my tours in Iraq. I remember all of it. I had a nice apartment, but I spent most of my time at the hospital. The last thing I remember was getting ready for a medical convention. Six months later I woke up in the hospital. Everything in between is gone.”

  “And your boyfriend, what do you remember about him?”

  “Absolutely nothing. I don’t remember having a boyfriend. No one ever saw him or met him, it’s like he was invisible.”

  Stan gave Gary a knowing look, it was typical wolf behavior.

  “Okay, let’s back track a bit. You said that the last thing you remembered was getting ready for a convention. What was the convention? Do you remember where it was held?” Gary questioned.

  “Raleigh, North Carolina.” Shannon had a shocked look. “I didn’t remember that before. I’ve only remembered it was a medical convention and nothing more.”

  “Shannon, we don’t want you to leave. You’re one of the best teammates we’ve ever had.”

  “I thought I was the best teammate you ever had?” Stan spoke with an exaggerated whine.

  Shannon started to laugh. That was the exact reaction Stan was looking for; the tension was broken.

  “I’m sorry, guys, I’ve had to deal with this for a long time. I’ve wanted to talk to someone about it but there was nothing to tell. At least, nothing I could remember. It’s a relief it’s out in the open, at least between us. Thank you.”

  “Shannon, I know you think we’ve been keeping things from you,” Gary told her, “and to be honest, we have. I must ask you to be patient with us. When the time is
right, we will tell you everything. Can you do that?”

  “Is it something illegal?”

  “No, it’s just private and very personal, and you may have a hard time believing us once we explain. Please, give us time.”

  “Alright.”

  “Now, we have to work on your memory.” She gave him a worried look. “I know you don’t want to remember. ….”

  “No, you’re wrong,” Shannon interrupted. “I want to remember. I want to know what happened.”

  “Okay. Will you let us know if you recall anything?”

  “Yes, thank you. All of you.”

  “Now that that is out of the way, let’s eat cake,” Stan proclaimed.

  Everyone agreed. They finished eating and cleaned up.

  “It’s late, we better get some shut-eye,” Gary announced.”

  Chapter 7

  The next morning, everyone was up bright and early as usual. Shannon joined Gary in the break room for coffee.

  “Gary, what is everyone doing for Thanksgiving this year?”

  She had only just arrived the previous year. She returned to New York to say goodbye to friends and close her apartment over the holiday.

  “Are any of you going home to be with family?”

  “This is my family, Stevens.”

  “What about Stan and Kenney?”

  “Nope, we are the only family we have. What about you?”

  “No, both my parents have been gone for a long time. I’m the only one.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

  “That’s okay. I’d be happy to fix Thanksgiving dinner,” Shannon offered.

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “I’ll let you decide. Just tell me if you want a traditional dinner, or more modern. I’ll take it from there.”

  “We can ask Kenney and Stan when they come in. Are you okay this morning?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry about how I behaved. You’ve always been fair with me; I shouldn’t have questioned your judgement.”

  “There are a lot of things going on that you won’t understand until we explain. Right now, isn’t the time.”

  “You’re right, I don’t understand, but I’ll wait.

  Kenney and Stan entered the kitchen cautiously.

  “Can we come in?”

  “Come in, Stan. I won’t bite.” Shannon announced.

  “That’s a relief,” Kenney stated as he walked in.

  “Shannon has offered to cook Thanksgiving dinner. She wants to know what you would like?” Gary told them.

  “Can we have something other than turkey?” Stan asked.

  “Sure, what would you like? I can fix ham or maybe prime rib? You decide and let me know.”

  “Whoa, I thought you had to eat turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving,” Kenney remarked.

  “No!” Shannon laughed. “It’s traditional, yes, but myself, I don’t like pumpkin pie.”

  “Prime rib sounds good,” Stan suggested. They took a vote and decided on Prime rib.

  “It’s all settled then. I’ll let you guys bring dessert.”

  Neither Stan nor Kenney mentioned the events of the previous night.

  “It’s okay, you guys; you don’t have to tiptoe around me. If you want to know something; ask.”

  “Phew! That’s good to know.”

  “Thanks Stan.”

  Shannon knew Stan was trying to help her relax by taking a lighthearted approach.

  Gary finished his coffee and had to leave to take a call, it was from Headquarters. When he returned, he made an announcement.

  “Headquarters is sending us a trainee.”

  “What!” Kenney exclaimed. “Why?”

  “To train, it’s what we do,” Gary replied.

  “I guess I’ll be leaving after all,” Shannon told them, “I called them and asked for a transfer.”

  “Tell them you changed your mind,” Kenney protested.

  “Relax everybody, no one is going anywhere,” Gary told them. “The newbie is going to start his training on the ground and in the office. Apparently, Headquarters wants to start another Airborne station, and they want this guy to learn everything from the ground up. He’s not going to be a permanent fixture.”

  “When is he due to arrive?”

  “Sometime next month.”

  “Do you know who it is?” Kenney asked.

  “Some guy from Oregon. He comes highly recommended. He’s in EMT training now and will join us when he’s done.”

  “That’s great,” Shannon joked, “I was getting tired of looking at the ugly mugs around here. We need a new face.”

  “You have to work on your self-esteem, Stevens,” Stan remarked, “I don’t think your ugly at all.”

  He quickly ducked out the door when Shannon threw a wet towel at him.

  *****

  The next few days was business as usual. Gary checked with Frank Miller, the Police chief, later that week. He wanted to know if there was any news regarding their mysterious murderer.

  “No, nothing new.”

  The chief wasn’t happy about having an unsolved murder on his doorstep.

  “What is your interest in this guy?”

  “I’m afraid there might be a connection to Stevens. We think he’s been stalking her.”

  “What! Why would you think that?”

  Gary proceeded to tell Capt. Miller part of Shannon’s history and the recent uninvited visitor.

  “Wow! And you’re telling me she doesn’t remember any of it?”

  “Not a shred, or at least she didn’t until recently.”

  “What do you mean?” Miller asked.

  “She’s been having flashbacks, little things, not enough to give us any answers; not yet, anyway.”

  “And she doesn’t know about your secret.”

  Captain Miller wasn’t a shifter, but he knew about them. He had been rescued by a bear shifter when he was a little boy.

  “No, but we’re going to have to tell her something before she remembers what happened.”

  “No kidding. If you run into a problem, I might be able to help. She’ll feel betrayed if you don’t tell her. Good luck.”

  “Thanks, and I think you’re right. I’ll tell her today. Oh, by the way, you’re invited to join us for Thanksgiving dinner.”

  “Thanks, I look forward to it.”

  Gary said goodbye and headed back to base. He wrestled with himself regarding Shannon, he didn’t know what he was going to do.

  As soon as he got back, the alarm sounded, and they were off again. By the time they returned, it was late, and conversations of the day had been forgotten.

  *****

  Thanksgiving finally arrived.

  Shannon fixed a huge Prime Rib roast, twice baked potatoes, and a huge salad. The rest of the team brought pie, cake, and ice cream. Captain Miller brought nonalcoholic drinks; everyone was on call.

  Dinner was a great success. After dinner, Gary and Frank took a walk.

  “Have you had a chance to talk to Shannon?”

  “No, not yet. Every time I’m about to, the damn alarm goes off.”

  “The old “saved by the bell” scenario,” Frank chuckled. “You better tell her soon.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “When is the new guy supposed to get here?”

  “Not sure. After he finishes basic EMT training.”

  “Know anything about him?” Frank asked.

  “Nothing, other than he comes highly recommended.”

  “Really! Is he special?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll know as soon as he gets here. If he isn’t, he won’t be here long enough for it to be a problem. He’s only going to be here for training, he’s not joining this team.”

  Chapter 8

  The team didn’t get another call until the morning two days after Thanksgiving.

  “What do we have, boss?” Stan asked as he climbed aboard the helicopter.

  “Three children have been lost in He
lena National Forest for several days and have just been found. Apparently, they were camping with their parents.”

  “Their parents must be pissed.”

  “Both parents are dead.” Gary didn’t elaborate; just then, Shannon and Kenney climbed aboard.

  “Oversleep, Stevens?” Stan teased. Everyone chuckled. Shannon was usually the first one on board after Gary.

  “No, I was making lunch.” She tossed a large carry bag into the back of the chopper.

  “Really?”

  “Buckle up, time to get in the air,” Gary announced as the rotors wound up for takeoff. Conversation stopped. It took a while to get to the rescue sight.

  “Watch for a clearing, they said they would mark a landing area.”

  Everyone looked down for the landing spot.

  “All I can see is the tops of trees,” Shannon replied to the boss.

  “Yeah, they’re beautiful.”

  Shannon gave Stan a funny look. He realized what he uttered.

  “I love the forest, don’t you?”

  “Actually, I’ve never been to a forest.” She spotted the clearing. “Over there,” she said as she pointed, “off to your left.”

  “Got it!” Gary replied and swung around to land. In a matter of minutes, they were safely on the ground.

  *****

  When Stevens got off the helicopter, she was surprised to see Robert McCormick from Search and Rescue.

  “Shannon, how are you?” he called to her.

  “Robert, what a surprise to see you.” She gave him a smile. “I understand we have some patients.”

  “Right this way.”

  He took Shannon to meet the three children that had been lost for several days in the forest. Two young boys and a girl were standing with a very beautiful Asian woman.

  “Dr. Stevens, this is Heidi Chow, and these children are Simon, Colin and Elyse. Heidi found them late yesterday afternoon and they spent the night in a cave. The children had been on their own for four days before Heidi found them.”

  “Well, you sound like you’ve had quite an adventure,” she looked at the kids. “Let’s check you out before we put you on the helicopter. We’re going to take you for a ride; doesn’t that sound like fun?” She looked at Heidi. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Chow. I didn’t know SAR had females on their teams now?”