Missing Star

Chapter 13

Marissa 

As the weeks passed and I started to get a rhythm in place, there was a knock on the door. It was Mis Mary and a Game Warden. 

Seeing a law officer at my door made me sick to my stomach. To the point that Mis Mary asked if I was feeling alright. With a nob, I opened the door for them to walk in. As I turned I got a look in the mirror and I was white as a sheet. Sitting on the love seat the officer stated that there had been a few wolf sightings in the area and since my trailer was against the forest edge I might want to know. 

Also, they would like permission to set traps in the back so they can relocate them to keep them and humans safe. I like that he was wanting to save them but the traps that they were going to use could be harmful. 

“While we can use the urine of another predator around areas that they have been seen and that should keep them away.” I added “ this was a safer way to handle this. But if there was an issue of injury that would be the only reason that they would stick around” 

“That is a good idea that we can start with, but in my profession that does work as often as we like.” the warden stated. 

“While if it doesn't work then that often means that there are other issues like lack of food or they can possibly mean injury to one or more members.”  

“And how would you know anything about that Miss?” He asked with a scold on his face 

“While I’m…..” I stumbled with my words 

“She is about to be the youngest licensed vet in the state” Mis Mary added with a proud smile. 

At this notion, the game warden looked back at me with his mouth wide open and in disbelief. “Everyone in the park is proud of her,” she added. 

“While you are studying domestic animals only or have you gone into wildlife study?” He wondered 

“I have a background in wildlife and domestic along with exotic aminal clinicals. So I guess that you can say multiple things at this point.”   

At this point, his face was still shocked but there was an arrogance about him that just unsettled me. “While it looks like we have a beauty with brains around here.” 

“Thank you I guess. But if there is nothing else I can help with, I have classes later and need to study.” 

With the tip of his Cowboy hat, he got up and started walking to the door. “Thank you for your time. Should you have any issues that come up please feel free to call… Anytime” He added with a smirk. 

As soon as the door closed behind him I looked at Mis Mary “Did he just hit on me?”

With a sad smile, she looked at me and walked up to me a little too fast that I flinched in response. “Ohh honey!” she said with tears in her eyes and a crackling voice. “I’m so sorry, you have been through hell haven't you?”

Then she reached out and gave me a hug. And as if the gates that had been holding me together opened and all I could do was cry. That day was the first time I had ever told another human all my pain and hurt that was hidden in me. To be honest it felt good but the memories were painful to relive. 

While I opened the floodgates to my childhood of hell, she listened and there was no judgment, only kindness. At that point, I had no clue what made me open to her but over time with her, she had gained my trust. At the end of that afternoon, I had opened up to her like no one before and felt like a thousand and one pounds had been lifted off my shoulders.  

Then when I could cry no more or talk for that matter, we made dinner and sat down on my little table she reached for my hand. “Honey, I want you to know that you are no longer alone. I couldn’t be there then for you, but I am here now and as long as you let me I would like to be part of your life.” she squeezed a little till I looked into her eyes. “You are safe here. You have my word” 

After that fateful evening, she became the grandmother I had dreamed of. She checked in on me to make sure that I was sleeping and eating. And when I was scared she was the one that I went to for comfort. So when the Game Warden came back a few weeks later she was the one that stated we had no issues to date when it came to wolves. And when he questioned her about me she did as she promised and kept him at bay. 

Till one day he tracked me down at school after one of my labs. “Hey there, you're a tough woman to track down?” 

Then when I didn't answer back he came over to stand in front of me. “So do you have time to get a drink?” 

“Sssorry, I’ve been so busy.” I said shifting my book bag to my other shoulder. “between school and work I don’t really have time for much.” 

“It looks like you have time now right?” He asked, looking me up and down like I was some piece of meat that caught his attention. I mean in some ways, I was because he had not stopped his advances towards me. 

“I don't, I'm sorry. I promised to help Mis Mary. She has been a bit under the weather the last few days so…” I said moving back and forth on my feet nervously. “I better be heading out.” 

As I turned to leave he took hold of my upper arm. “ One Day you’ll have no choice.” He said squeezing and then turning to walk away. 

He scared me to no end and the thought of his last comment shook me to my core. He was acting like I was his even though we had never been in each other's company for more than an hour.  When I told Mis Mary what happened and that he made me feel so uneasy. She had gotten me some pepper spray and talk out a few different ideas that might work should he show up again.  I was more at ease after our talk.