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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Happy Thanksgiving!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Note: This chapter will seem out of sequence. I am restructuring my draft so that instead of having several chapters from Claudia’s point of view and then several chapters from Veronica’s point of view, I’m going to alternate chapter something like this – Claudia, Veronica, Hank, Claudia, Veronica, Pete, Claudia, Veronica, Michelle, Claudia, Veronica, Mr. K…)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, for now, I’ve changed Robbie Braun’s name to Hank Braun because readers were getting tripped up between Veronica “Ronnie” and Robbie. However, I may not stick with Hank. I researched German surnames that would go with Braun but Hank was the name of my ex so too close for comfort. Wonder if you have suggestions? Billy?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1273 words<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#181818'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#181818'>Veronica<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#181818'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Why was I killing time in a sleepy town stuck in the middle of nowhere? The simple answer, I was desperate to escape the paparazzi. No one in Doe Lake recognized me. As red-headed Veronica Barringer, I bore little resemblance to my blond bombshell mother whose stage name was Mia Castle. Fortunately, I took after my absentee father, a man of no importance, in looks and name. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>My soap opera star mother had hoped I would pursue a modeling or acting career like her, but that appealed to me about as much as diving into a hill of biting ants. In Hollywood, the gossip rags relentlessly hounded her. Droves of ravenous rats stalked my mom for money or a share of the spotlight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>By the time I was 12, the glamour and glitz of Hollywood had worn thin. I convinced Mom to send me away to a boarding school in the northeast so I could escape the fans who wanted to touch anyone in her orbit. And by touch, I mean literally. I was pinched and patted by the parade of actors, gossip mongers, and a revolving door of stepfathers who crowded us at every turn.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>At boarding school, I was welcomed by other girls whose wealthy parents also under-valued their children. Without loving families, we learned to value friendship and loyalty instead. At the same time, I discovered a love for reading which spawned my interest in a writing career. Later, I earned my communications degree at a remote college for girls in New England. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>That tells you a lot of nothing about me, other than I was neglected by both my parents, leaving me to find my own way as a liberated woman in the 70s with a college degree in hand. When my advisor pointed me to a job opening at the Millwood Furniture factory in rural Michigan, it seemed the perfect opportunity to continue my subterfuge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I didn’t intend to remain in Doe Lake for Long. My trust funds would be released the next summer when I turned 26, then I planned to hole up in a New England cabin and write my first novel. Meanwhile, my salary at Millwood was generous, allowing me to settle into a modern town home on the outskirts of town. My allowance from Mom was ample, so I indulged myself with a new Camaro. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I couldn’t complain about my situation, other than I was isolated and lonely without my school friends. I had little to nothing in common with the women in Doe Lake who were all about marriage and making babies. I was a big city girl out of water in a small town. I wanted to blend in, to fit in, to appear invisible, but I stuck out like a sore thumb. It was impossible to avoid the prying eyes of Doe Lake’s nosey locals. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Fortunately, my demanding job provided the perfect distraction. Millwood Furniture was tucked away in a dead-end town, but its products were aggressively marketed nationally. I pumped out copy for brochures, advertisements, and press releases. I traveled frequently for trade shows in Chicago, Dallas, Manhattan, and L.A. Millwood’s high-end hardwood office products furnished Fortune 500 companies and government entities on a large scale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I had no intention of complicating my situation by dating. At work, I declined any and all invitations to go out, using the excuse that business and pleasure didn’t mix. Whether from a big city or small town, men were all the same. They only wanted to poke and prod the merchandise. For 25 years, I had successfully evaded the charismatic charms of hot-blooded woman-hunters. I knew all too well a man’s sex appeal didn’t guarantee happiness. My own father was a good looker, but he had disappeared soon after learning my mother was pregnant. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Unfortunately, fending off the attention of Doe Lake’s most intrepid bachelor, Officer Hank Braun, proved more difficult. The guy was gorgeous, after all. Unlike a TV star, Hank didn’t require make-up or special lighting to bring out his rugged good looks and sex appeal. He was a walking billboard for what a woman desires in a man. Best to steer clear of the big buck, I tried to convince myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I first met Officer Braun when he answered a call for a motorist assist. I had locked myself out of my Camaro at work. It was after hours. I had worked late to prepare for an upcoming trade show. I waved down the patrol car, blinded by the advancing headlights. My car was easy to spot in the deserted Millwood parking lot.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Howdy, maam.” I flinched at the country courtesy as the officer approached. “My name is Officer Braun, Hank Braun. Nice ride you’ve got there. How can I help?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“I’ve locked my keys in the car,” I explained. “Can you unlock the door?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The cop peered through the driver’s door window and said, “Sorry, but my slim jim won’t work. Looks like your car’s got those new-fangled power locks.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Isn’t there a new-fangled tool you can use,” I asked, cinching the belt of my rain coat to keep out the night air.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“I can call a locksmith, but Charlie’s not likely to come out tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“What kind of locksmith doesn’t come out after hours?” I complained.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“The kind with six kids and one on the way,” the cop said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“You mean to tell me there’s only one locksmith in town?” I pulled up my collar in exasperation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“One is more than enough,” Hank laughed. “Most people don’t bother to lock their doors around here.” Officer Braun’s amusement put me on the defensive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Well, I can’t spend the night in my office. What am I supposed to do now?” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“I can warm you up in my squad car,” the cop suggested. “If I give you a lift home, maybe you’ll invite me in for coffee…then give me your phone number.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Braun might be the most attractive guy I’d ever met, but I was wary of his silky-smooth advances. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“I’ll give you my address,” I said, “but I’ll keep my phone number to myself, thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Aw, don’t worry none,” Braun grinned. “I just mean to give your number to Charlie so he can call you in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Why don’t you give me Charlie’s number,” I countered. “I can call him tomorrow myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Have it your way, Veronica. I can always get your number from Charlie,” Hank shrugged.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Hey, how do you know my name? I don’t think I gave it to the dispatcher when I called for assistance.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“It’s a small town,” Braun said. “Everyone knows everyone around here – especially pretty girls from out of town like you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“So, you know my name…you probably have my address already,” I chided.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Thought I’d be friendly and ask, but you’re right. You live in one of the new town homes east of town, right? Hop in. It’s my job to look out for helpless women, you know, to maintain public safety and all that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Warning bells were going off in my head. Officer Braun might be handsome, but he was too familiar for my comfort. I also sensed something about the man that spelled “danger,” although I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Never mind,” I said, turning back to my office. “I’ll ask Millwood’s security guard to drive me home. I’m sure you’ve got more important things to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“You mean pretty boy Pete? I wouldn’t encourage the guy if I was you.“<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:200%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“I don’t intend to encourage any of the guys around here, including you,” I said over my shoulder as I walked away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#181818'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#181818'># # #<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>