Page 41 of Slay Bells

Williams stood and stretched. “Who called it in?”

“The woman’s husband.”

Jeremy pushed back from his desk. “I better call Gabriela and let her know I’ll be late getting home.”

“Welcome to the club.”

Gabriela hung up and went to the window to look outside. From the condo where they now lived overlooking the Clark Fork river, she could see far into the distance. The view of the mountain scape just past the blue water always made her want to pinch herself. Her new home was breathtakingly beautiful.

When the yellow lab, Hank nudged at her leg, she bent and patted his head. “We’re going for a run in a minute, let me get my shoes.”

Most days the three of them ran for a couple miles every evening. On the days Jeremy was too tired, or worked late, then it was just her and Hank, which she didn’t mind. It felt safe, especially since both of the people who’d killed poor Kevin Maloney were apprehended.

The weather was turning cooler, the changing of seasons was one of the things Gabriela would have to get used to. As she and the dog jogged out of the house, Gabriela began her usual consideration of what still had to be done for the wedding. Only a couple months and she’s be Mrs. Gabriela Hawkins.

Despite feeling silly, she giggled.

“Hello Gabriela,” a woman jogging in the opposite direction called out. It took a minute to realize it was her nail technician.

“Hi Brenda,” Gabriela replied slowing to a stop so they could speak. “Do you live near here?”

“About a mile that way,” Brenda pointed. “You?”

Gabriela motioned to the condominiums. “Over there.”

They chatted inconsequential things, ending with Brenda inviting her and Jeremy for dinner the following day and Gabriela alone for a girls’ night out at a new local martini bar.

As Gabriela continued her jog, she couldn’t help feeling optimistic about the future.

Chapter Fourteen

December

This time the arrival at the Missoula airport was so different than the first time Gabriela had come to do a story of a winter festival in a place she’d never even considered visiting. This time she was waiting for passengers disembarking instead of fighting her way out. She looked toward the stairway waiting for her family, excitement bubbling.

It had been several months since seeing her mother, Nana and brother. Her father had already made a couple trips. First trip, he helped her drive there, and the second trip was to spend time with Jeremy and her soon to be father-in-law on a fishing trip.

She’d lived there for over half a year and it was definitely the best decision of her life. Already she’d started a book club with a group of local women. She was involved in a wine tasting club and she had an office that looked out onto Main Street in downtown Missoula.

Although technically she didn’t need an office, it was easier for her to adjust to a slower life by going somewhere busier than the quiet street where she and Jeremy lived.

Now that she rented a small office space, she not only continued writing for the online magazine, but she’d also been hired as an editor for the local city magazine, which conveniently had its offices in the same building. They’d loved her experience in writing and explained they needed someone with fresh eyes to write about the town’s social scene.

A group of loud people came from the parking area and bustled to where Gabriela stood. A red-faced woman glared at who Gabriela assumed was her husband. “I told you we’d be late. I bet the plane has already landed.”

The group looked at the lighted arrivals board, all of them speaking at once about which flight whoever they were there to greet was on.

Gabriela moved away from them when one of the men proceeded to pick his nose and rub his fingers on his pants leg.

The same man pointed to where passengers were appearing. “Here they come now.”

The group moved forward, effectively blocking Gabriela’s view of the doorway. She shifted from one side to the other, but they were rather large people.

“Excuse me.” She tapped a woman’s shoulder. “I can’t see.”

“It’s not a parade honey, you’ll be okay,” the woman screamed more than said. The same woman shoved one of her own group out of her way. “I can’t see either. Move!”

Someone came up behind Gabriela and jabbed her arm. “Excuse me lady, I can’t see with all of you in the way.”