The tower : A New start

Unexpected Perils

Alex moved his cot into the library. His paints and canvas followed. Sapphire gathered bedding and a few things of her own. While Alex set his booby traps, she set up the make shift beds. When she finished she went in search of Alex and found him finishing the booby traps. “Is this going to cause damage to the house? Or injure someone?” she asked as she studied the simple booby trap which from what she could tell had a small amount of explosive attached to it.

“The damage to the house will be minimal, but these can injure someone if they triggered them. Which is the point when protecting one's self and one's home. Especially when dealing with a potential killer.” Alex explained. “I don't want to take any chances. Not when we don't know who's behind everything for certain. Now we don't even know if we can trust one of the Marshals, maybe both.”

“I know what you mean. I just worry that some innocent person might trigger them. That's all.” Sapphire replied.

“Well they're not so innocent if they just try to walk in. A smart person would at least knock before entering.” Alex pointed out.

“True. I have noticed most people don't visit this place unannounced. Probably because they know how you feel about surprises. How did you learn to make these?” She asked.

“My dad taught me. He was a demolitions expert.” Alex explained, “He worked for the military.”

“Wow. You must have been close.” Sapphire said. Alex nodded and offered his hand.

“We were and still are. My parents live in Arizona now. They moved there for their health or at least that's what they say. But, I know they always wanted to live somewhere warm. They gave me this house when they moved. We get together every time I'm in Arizona. Would you like to see the tower?” He offered.

“Yes, I've been dying of curiosity.” Sapphire said excitedly and took his hand. Alex led the way in to the tower. Sapphire gasped as she looked around her on the main floor. Alex had a daybed that appeared hand carved judging by the intricate designs that covered it. The modest dresser was also carved and matched the daybed. There was also a matching TV stand and shelves all hand carved and a tiny replica of her kitchen table that stood against the wall next to a kitchenette. “It's beautiful.” She said as she examined the wood work, “Now I'm wondering if you kept the best pieces for yourself.”

Alex chuckled, “Each piece was hand made by my Grandfather who passed the year after I turned eighteen. He made me this TV stand and shelf set for my eighteenth birthday.” He rubbed the shelf closest to him affectionately. “He ran a hand made furniture business and now I run it as well as my day trading job.”

Sapphire nodded, “He was very talented. I wasn't complaining the furniture in the house is beautiful, too”

Alex took her hand to continue the tour. “It's alright. Almost anyone would probably think the same thing. Keeping these pieces reminds me of him. He has always inspired me.”

They walked across the wood floor back to the door they came through and Alex turned right when they reached the door. He lead the way up the stairs and into the second floor room. It was a combination library, office, and art studio. Like her library it had books on most of the walls, a hand made secretary desk, A window seat and another easel set up in front of the window with a table. “This is amazing and the view is gorgeous.” Sapphire exclaimed in delight.

Alex grinned, “You haven't seen the widows walk yet. The view from there is even better than the view from this window.” he offered his hand again and Sapphire took it. They walked up the last set of steps to the widows walk. Sapphire was speechless. The room had windows all round with window seats. They had a three hundred and eighty degree view of the whole town. Alex even had a telescope. Sapphire sat on one of the window seats and gazed at the town. It was the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen. Alex watched her stare at the town, watched the emotions play across her features.

“There's one more room I'd like to show you.” He said once more offering his hand. Sapphire took his proffered hand and they started down the stairs. They had just reached the main floor when the sound of squealing tires filled the air. Alex stepped around the corner only to see the headlights headed right for the house. Spinning he pushed Sapphire back in to the stairwell, pressed a ornate nob which started the wall moving. The panel slid to the side and Alex practically dove into the secret stairwell taking Sapphire with him. They tumbled down the last couple of steps landing in a heap with Alex covering her just as the car slammed into the house. The entire house shuddered at the impact.

“Are you OK?” Alex asked a short time later as he raised up slightly to peer at her.

Sapphire moved a bit and looked at him, “You're crushing me, but I'm OK. Bruised I think. But alright.” She answered still shaking a bit, “What happened?”

“I think a car hit the house.” Alex answered as he shifted off top of her, “I don't know what that crazy d*** driver was thinking or why he was even up here in the first place.” He helped her up and Sapphire glance around. They were in a room that looked to be in some sort of emergency shelter. It had two cots along one wall, several shelves that contained food, a medical kit, blankets, and other supplies that might be needed in an emergency. There was also a table that held a small camp stove and dishes and a small window above the table, big enough to let in air, but not big enough for any one to squeeze through. Not even a child.

She watched as Alex walked over to the empty wall between one of the cots and the table. He pressed yet another ornate nob and the wall slid aside. He walked through and Sapphire followed to find her self in the main basement. She glanced around at the bare room. It had the washer, dryer, water heater, and furnace. She started designing a small game room down there. It would have those little bi-fold decorative screens, a couple of hand made daybeds similar to the one Alex had, a table for playing cards, or board games or puzzles and may be a pool table. It'd also need a couple of shelves to hold the puzzles, games , and cards. He turned to her and inspected her for injuries. Finding none, he took her hand to lead her across the basement. “That was not how I envisioned introducing you to my emergency shelter.” Alex said a bit grimly as he lead the way up the stairs. Once in the kitchen of Sapphire's place he yanked his phone out of his pocket and called the Sheriff.

They made their way to the front of the house quickly. Sapphire turned off her security system for the front door while Alex dismantled his booby trap. Then they unlocked the door and opened it. They were able to open the inside door but not the screen. A midsized sedan sat parked awkwardly on the front porch a portion of the front end appeared to be wedged in the wall of the tower.

The driver sat looking around himself as if realizing for the first time where he was. Sirens sounded in the distance steadily moving closer. The driver suddenly bolted out of the car and across the drive way. The last they saw of him was his backside as he dove head long down the bluff. That's when Alex noticed the smell.

“Uh, we might want to head back to the kitchen.” He suggested nervously and nudged her back away from the screen.

“Is that gas I'm smelling?” Sapphire asked uneasily as she moved back at his suggestion.

“Yup, I'd say it'll be safer to head back there until something is done about that car.” Alex answered and they continued to back down the hall. Once in the kitchen they sat on the chairs from the breakfast nook. About the time Alex sat down his phone went off. He didn't answer however fearing it would ignite the gas fumes. Several minutes later they heard the emergency vehicles pull up.

“Anyone in there?” a fireman called through the screen door from the porch.

“Yes.” Alex answered, “The car is leaking gas I think. We've moved to back to the kitchen for now.”

“Stay there. In fact, as a precaution go out the back door and away from the house until we get this dealt with. We don't want you in the house if this car explodes.” A fireman called back. Alex and Sapphire stepped out the back door and walked back to the back wall away from the house.

“Too bad they shut off the power for now. We could have gone out the gate and around the front.” Sapphire said as she glanced around nervously. Alex nodded in agreement and glanced around himself. Things just didn't add up.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and urged her away from the back gate. He just wasn't comfortable standing out here for some reason. They could hear the emergency workers out front working on removing the car from the front porch. The flashing lights cast an eerie glow to the courtyard and house.

A low sound filled the courtyard, a creak. So soft a sound yet, so loud. They edged closer to the house and turned to look around. There wasn't anyone in the courtyard that the two of them could see . Before long they were standing at the porch steps huddled together eyeing the courtyard suspiciously. They both jumped at the wrenching sound of the car being towed off the front porch. A few minutes later they heard the sheriff heading down the hall.

“You all OK. The car didn't seem to do much damage, but you'd better have someone out to check for certain.” Sheriff Irish shared the news with Sapphire and Alex as they entered the kitchen.

“I'll get someone out here asap.” Alex said all business as he whipped out his phone yet again. While Alex spoke on the phone, Sapphire paced anxiously. The Sheriff tried to calm her down, but it didn't seem to help. The thought of someone damaging Alex's home and nearly killing them didn't set well with her.

“You sure you're OK?” Sheriff Irish asked her as he watched her pace the kitchen.

“Yeah, I'm just little nervous. We kept hearing a noise in the courtyard while we waited. One we couldn't place.” Sapphire explained, “and I'm upset because it seems all I've done since I've moved here is bring trouble and danger to Alex. He doesn't deserve this.”

“Neither of you deserve this and if you're thinking what I think you're thinking you'd better put that out of your mind. Alex won't like it one bit. I've known him long enough to know he's got a protective streak a mile wide and if you even think about taking off he'll track you down like a hound dog. Once you moved into his home even if you are just renting you became his family which if you don't know that means you're his to protect and Honey, he will protect you whether or not you like it.” Sheriff Irish said gently.

“I get that, but it doesn't mean I have to like the fact he's being put in danger because of me.” Sapphire replied earnestly.

“I don't like that you're in danger either.” Alex said joining the conversation after he'd finished the phone call, “If I minded all this mess since you arrived I'd have sent you on your way by now.” He pulled her into his arms for a hug, “We got this. All we need to do is stick together and stand strong. We'll get through this you'll see.”

“I've got a few questions if you two are up to it and the medics want to check you out.” Sheriff Irish said. Both sat quietly as the medics examined them. They checked their blood pressure and pulse, Treated minor cuts and scrapes, but over all neither Alex or Sapphire were seriously injured.

“Tell me please what exactly happened.” The Sheriff requested calmly now all business.

“Alex had taken me up to the widows walk to see the amazing view of the town and we were heading back down stairs when we heard the squeal of tires and the next thing I knew Alex had opened the door to the basement in the tower and we were tumbling down the stairs. Then we heard the impact of the car. He lead me out the entrance of the basement through my kitchen and he called you.” Sapphire explained.

“I was giving her the grand tour of the infamous tower as you like to call it and we had just come back down from the widows walk. We didn't see any cars heading up the road while we were up there, so the car must have come up the road as we headed down. We heard the squealing of tires as we started to enter my living room and I saw the headlights which were coming straight at us. I did the first thing that came to mind. I opened the door to my little part of the basement where I keep emergency supplies and dragged Sapphire through the door. In my hurry to get out of the way we tumbled down the stairs. We felt the impact as we landed. When we got up we briefly checked ourselves for injuries and made our way upstairs. There was no sign of fire so we checked things out to see what exactly happened while I dialed 911 to report the accident. We found the car on the porch with the driver still inside apparently confused as to how he came to rest on our front porch. He heard the sirens and bolted before we had a chance to talk to him and see if he was hurt. The last thing we saw of him was his backside as he dove headlong down the bluff.” Alex added, “That's when we smelled the gas and moved to the back of the house.”

Sheriff Irish busily scribbled notes as they spoke. When he was finished he looked up, “Can you describe the driver?”

“He was about medium height and build. Thin with scraggly dirty brown short hair and unshaven. He had on dirty jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes.” Sapphire said.

“It looked as if he might have cut a gash in his forehead in the crash. He also wasn't keen on sticking around when he heard the sirens. He did have a blue baseball cap on however I don't think either of us got a good enough look to give you much more than that. Although, he did appear a bit on the gangly side.” Alex added.

Sheriff Irish nodded and scribbled more notes furiously before looking at them once more. “Is there anything else either of you can remember about the driver or the incident?” He asked.

They both shook their heads unable to give any further help. He sighed, “If he did hurt himself he'll likely visit a doctor or hospital round here. I'll get in contact with the hospitals and clinics to see if we can track him down there and I'll have the boys search the bluff side to see if he left us any thing. We did find information on the owner of the vehicle and will be contacting them regarding the accident. I'm certain we'll be able to catch up with him.” Sheriff Irish assured them as he gave orders to his men. “Did you reach someone to check out the damage, Alex? If not I can refer a good contractor.”

“I got hold of Mr. Dean, owner of Dean's building associates.” Alex assured him, “He'll be out with in the next fifteen minutes to see of it is safe for us to stay here.”

“Good. Wouldn't want the house to fall in on ya while you slept.” Sheriff Irish said and nodded, “Well, I gotta get going if I'm gonna catch up with our driver and get his story.” They watched the Sheriff skirt the large hole in the porch now and head down the steps. Sapphire sighed as they surveyed the damage. The porch was a mess. It was missing the hand rail that ran around it and had a hole big enough to swallow a man in the floor. The screen door was dented badly and would need to be replaced and the walls that connected the tower to the house looked as if it had either a hole or a large c***k in it. Then there was the odor of gas that still lingered even after the car had been removed. She had no idea how either of them came out unscathed, but they did.

Alex on the other had was quite meticulous as he surveyed the damage. Every so often he'd murmur something as he looked the front over. Then he looked at her and said on a sigh, “This'll be a bit of an expensive repair I think. I don't think we will have to move, but I will probably have to stay with you until it's repaired. Sorry, for the inconvenience.”

“Alex, don't worry about it. I don't mind, you're great company. Besides if anyone's inconvenienced someone it's me showing up here like I did and dropping my problems on you. I'm the one who should be apologizing not you.” She said meaning every word.

Alex chuckled then, “Well, then I guess we're even, huh?” Sapphire smiled slightly and nodded.

“Hey, I was looking at the basement as we walked through earlier and had an idea for it. What do you think of a game room. We can use decorative folding screens to hide the washer, dryer, water heater, and furnace. Then we add a couple of those hand made ornately carved day beds, a pool table, a regular table for puzzles, games, and card playing with chairs, and a couple of shelves to store the games and such when they aren't in use. Add a small refrigerator and microwave for drinks and snacks and... viola! And game room worthy of this house.” She said enthusiastically.

Alex was quiet for so long she thought he hated the idea. That was until he grinned, “I'm not much of a pool player, but I love ping pong or table tennis. So would it be too much to change the pool table to a ping pong table?” He asked with just as much enthusiasm as she had.

“Yeah, certainly! It'll be great.” Sapphire said and hugged him.

Alex hugged her back, “You know you rock at house designing. I'd think that'd be the career for you.”

Sapphire pulled back slightly, “Well, I write an advice column about house design. People send me photos of rooms they want to redecorate and their ideas. I try to give them the best advice. I'm not able to include all the letters sent to me in the column so I try to write back to as many as I can with advice for them. It's really fun and why I get all sorts of home design catalogs in the mail.”

“That solves one mystery.” Alex grinned mischievously, “And I thought they were to give you ideas so you could completely redo this place.”

She laughed, “Well, they helped with that, too. This place it too beautiful to redo though. I love it and it'd be a shame if you had to change it because of a careless driver.” Alex was pleased with her comment. The arrival of the contractor brought an end to their conversation, however. Alex explained what happened once again and accompanied the contractor as he walked around outside. Then the contractor took a look inside at the areas most affected by the crash and they came back to the front

hall.

“Well, I have good news and bad news for ya.” He said, “The good news is the foundations weren't damaged, unfortunately, the walls that connected the tower were cracked pretty badly and will have to be redone otherwise they won't hold the weight. If you need to stay here you won't be able to use the tower until we've repaired the damage. The front porch is also pretty bad. The car took out a portion of the hand rail and the support beams to the porch which means the only thing keeping the porch roof up right now is the far support beams. There's also the matter of the large hole in the floor that needs fixing and the new screen door. The main door wasn't damaged. This means you'll have to use the back door to go in and out of the house until we are done.”

“How long will it take and how much will it cost?” Alex asked the contractor.

“We will know for certain tomorrow when we get the full crew out here, but I estimate it will take at least a month and cost about maybe eight to nine grand or more depending on what else we find when we get started.” Mr. Dean said emphatically, “I've got a crew coming tonight to put a platform in place to hold up the porch where it's missing the support beams. Hopefully, that will take the weight off the far beams and the walls right here where everything comes together. Also we are going to cover the area with something to soak up any remaining gas which should help with the smell. I strongly suggest you stay else where if you can. Since we don't know for certain if any of the electrical wires in the front of the house were damaged it might not be safe to turn the electricity back on.”

Sapphire shuddered at the idea of having to stay anywhere else but the home she'd come to love. She also had another worry to think about. Where were they going to stay for the time being? It was tourist season and all the hotels were full around here.

Alex shook his head in dismay at the news. Then he remembered something about this property he'd completely forgotten. There was a little cottage at the back of the property just down a dirt road. From what he'd been told it was the caretakers cottage long ago. They could stay there temporarily until the repairs to the house were made if Sapphire was agreeable.

“Hey, I know you aren't happy about any of this especially having to leave until the house is fixed, but I have a place we can stay. There's a care takers cottage at the back of the property about five minutes from here. No one lives there right now and if it's not falling down we can use it until this place is fixed up.” He said.

That brought a small smile to her face, “Sounds great at least we don't have to search for a hotel room at this time of night. Let's get some things together that we might need and head over there.” She replied.

Alex finished up with the contractor making certain he knew that Alex wanted the job done asap and would pay what ever it took to make that happen. Then he pulled his jeep around to the front and helped Sapphire load everything they needed into it. Before they left he entrusted the contractor with the security codes and house keys. Then he made sure to remove any booby traps so the workmen wouldn't accidentally set them off.

It took only a few minutes to reach the cottage. It was at the end of a little used road off the back drive way almost on the other side of the bluff. It was gray and in need of a coat of paint. The front porch was sturdy but needed swept and painted. Inside there was the main living room with a threadbare couch, dusty coffee table and end tables, and an old console TV. They ambled on through the little house. The next two rooms were bedrooms with what appeared to be worn out old beds with thread bare brown blankets and mini dressers. Then they found the tiny kitchen which held a stove, refrigerator, and sink with counter top. There was also a small round antique dining table with two matching chairs. The bathroom was off the kitchen. It barely held a toilet, claw legged tub, and sink. There was a small cabinet for towels above the toilet.

It was a drab place compared to the main house, but at least it wasn't going to fall on them while they slept. Sapphire unpacked while Alex found the fuse box and got the lights turned on. They had electricity, running water and a roof over head. They got the last of the boxes and things inside just in the nick of time as a peal of thunder boomed over head. This was followed by a flash of lightening and then pouring rain. After locking the doors and windows, Alex set up his brand of security system and they settled in on the cots. Sapphire hoped the work men got what they needed done before the rain. That was the last thought she had before she fell into an exhausted sleep.