SAFE HAVEN Part 1 It was a typical November day in Pine Point, Maine. Looking out over the ocean, it was almost impossible to distinguish the steel gray sky from the churning water beneath. As she pulled to the side of the road, Liz gazed at the waves crashing against the rocky shore. To anyone else they would have appeared cold, and frightening. To her they symbolized something much more. They reminded her of childhood days spent with her grandmother in the small cottage just outside of town. It was where she was headed now...to begin the healing process and hopefully start a new life. A mile up the coast a small boat braved the swirling waters as it headed to shore. The lone figure inside seemed oblivious to the cold wind whipping at him. His sheer bulk more than likely afforded him some protection as well as the mask that he always wore when he made a rare trip into the village. As he tied his boat up, Liz was just pulling into the parking lot of the local market. She only planned on picking up a couple of things..enough to get her through until morning, when she could plan a real shopping trip. She stepped through the door and it was as though time stood still. The shop was almost exactly as she had remembered it. She smiled softly as she could almost hear her grandmother arguing with the shopkeeper over yet another price raise. She was so lost in her thoughts that she never heard the metallic tinkle of the bell above the door as he walked in. He seemed to fill the store all by himself. He was 6’10’’ easily. Nobody had ever been brave enough to ask him what he might weigh. but local lore had him over 300 pounds. Mr. Lambert, the shop keeper, a man of few words on a normal day, was more quiet than usual when he entered. Instead of a cordial ‘’Good Morning’’, he merely nodded and said one word, ‘’Kane.’’ She turned when she heard his voice and their eyes met. Her first thought was. “Why is he wearing that mask?’’ Her second was, “Those are the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.’’ She looked away quickly, not wanting him to think she was staring. But he kept his eyes on her back as she continued to move about the store. He thought he knew everybody in Pine Point. Hers was a new face....a very pretty one...but new none the less. “The usual?” Mr. Lambert asked him. He nodded silently, never taking his eyes from her. Her hair was dark, and about shoulder length. She was tall for a woman..5’7” was his guess. And underneath her bulky coat he imagined a very slim figure. The shrill ring of the cash register quickly brought him back to reality. He handed Mr. Lambert his money without a word. The transaction had been made so many times, that it could have been done in the dark. Kane reached down and picked up his package. Turning to Mr. Lambert, he nodded and headed for the door. As he swung it open, she turned and once more their eyes met..and for a brief second a chill went through her. Almost as though he had seen straight into her soul. He stepped outside and closed the door quietly, disappearing down the foggy path to the craggy beach below. “Can I help you?” She turned quickly to see the smiling face of Mr. Lambert. “You must be new around here.” “Well, yes and no,” she said with a smile. “I used to spend my summers here with my grandmother...Ada Huffman?” He smiled at the mention of her name. “She and my father had quite a few arguments right at this counter if I remember correctly.” “That was gram,” she said with a laugh. “Charlie Lambert,” he said, extending his hand. “Liz Colson...I mean Reilly,” she corrected herself. She had gone back to using her maiden name, but every now and then she still slipped up. It was almost as though Ray was reaching out from the grave to remind her that she would never quite be free of him. “Are you up here for a visit?” he asked. “No..I’m planning on making it permanent.” “Oh? Will your husband be joining you?” The mention of him still made her squirm uncomfortably. “No...he’s...we’re...I’m a widow,” she finally managed to get out. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he offered. “I’m not,” she thought. “It’ll sure be nice to see some life at your gram’s place again. I know Tom Wilson has been looking after the place for you, but a house needs people. She had to smile at what he was saying. She had almost forgotten how basic everything was up here. It was exactly what she needed. “That man who was just in here...?” “Hmmm?” he said, not looking up from making change. “Is he a local?” “Yep.” She stopped for a second, remembering that New Englanders were very protective of their privacy. “I was just wondering. I was hoping I’d remember some of the faces from my childhood visits.” “You aren’t too likely to remember his,” he said. “He’s lived in that lighthouse all of his life. “I don’t think he came over to the mainland more than 5 times as a boy.” She gazed out the window, remembering how she and her friends used to call over whenever they saw him outside. They waved each time, but he never waved back. When she was younger, she had often thought it must be a very romantic life. But looking back on it, she now realized how lonely he must have been. “So he still lives there?” “Yep, operates the lighthouse now..just like his daddy used to.” Liz sensed that she had just about gotten all of the information from Mr. Lambert that he intended to give. And if she was going to settle here, the last thing she needed to do was develop the reputation for being a snoop. “Well, it was very nice to see you again, Mr. Lambert.” “It’s Charlie,” he reminded her, holding out his hand once more. “Now don’t make yourself a stranger.” “I won’t,” she promised. She went back to her car, placing her purchases on the seat next to her. As she pulled out onto the road, her eyes went immediately across the bay to the lighthouse. It stood like a lonely sentinel, shrouded in the gray fog. It gave her a chill to think of someone living there all alone. As she rounded the final curve before he grandmother’s house, she looked down towards the water, and she saw him. A solitary silouhette, hunched against the biting wind. Even from this distance she could sense his loneliness. As his small boat fought against the waves, she wondered if she would ever get the chance to know him. As she pulled onto the gravel in front of her grandmother’s house she suddenly realized what a clear view she had of the lighthouse. She stepped out of her car just as he was docking his boat. Almost as if on cue they turned and stared in each other’s direction. A feeling went through her that she couldn’t explain. But she was positive it had to do with him. The next few days found her busy with making her grandmother’s house livable once more. Tom Wilson had done the basic upkeep, but it was still in desperate need of a top to bottom cleaning. Lucky for her, they were treated to a stretch of very unseasonable weather. For the next week each day dawned clear and dry...inspiring her to work harder than she ever had. She was hauling yet another load to the trash when she stopped to gaze across the water. She saw him walking along the base of the lighthouse, examining something. Almost as though he sensed her, he turned and looked at her. She couldn’t be positive, but she was sure he wasn’t wearing the mask. She chewed thoughtfully on her bottom lip, trying to imagine what he might look like. In a split second decision, she smiled and raised her hand in a small wave. To her surprise and delight, he lifted his hand tentatively and returned the gesture. Brushing her hands on her jeans she walked back into the house, amazed that she had been able to elicit the response from him that she had tried in vain for as a child. Standing in the shadow of the lighthouse, he wondered exactly what had made him return the wave. But he could still remember the way her eyes had watched him in Lambert’s store. Not with fear or revulsion, but with interest....and kindness. He shook his head and continued with his inspection. “Too many years alone,’ he thought. “She’s probably the same as anyone else. Friendly on the surface...cold and manipulating underneath.” Still, there was a part of him that wanted the former to be true. Not a day went by when she didn’t find herself gazing across the cold waves, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. On more than one occasion he actually waved to her first, sending a happy little thrill through her. The week before Thanksgiving she decided that she need to make some small repairs if she was going to make it through the holidays. She put on her winter jacket and headed into town and the local hardware store. As she stepped through the door, it was like time stood still. It was just as she remembered it. She was smiling at the memory when she heard a voice behind her. “Something I can help you with?” She turned and found herself staring into a pair of cool blue eyes. He was smiling at her, but there wasn’t a hint of warmth there. He studied her carefully. “You must be Liz,” he finally said. “That’s right,” she said in surprise, before she remembered how quickly news travels in a small town. “Steve Austin,” he said, holding out his hand. “Steve?” she repeated. “Yeah,” he replied. “That’s what I said.” “You don’t remember me do you? I’m Liz.....Lizzie Reilly. I used to spend summer’s here when I was a kid.” He looked for a few more seconds and then the light of recognition dawned. “Well... how are you?” he asked. “I’m fine. About to become a permanent resident.” “So I hear,” he said. His attitude seemed friendly enough, but she couldn’t help noticing how his eyes kept traveling up and down her body. ."So, you looking for anything in particular?" She smiled and reached into the pocket of her jeans, taking out a list. "I figured I had to start somewhere." Laughing, he took the paper from her hand, and proceeded to find what she needed. She was looking at the paint display, debating whether or not to change the color of her bedroom, when he walked in. She didn't see him at first. All she heard was the heavy thump of his footsteps as he crossed the floor. He stopped at the end of the aisle when he saw her. Their eyes met and she was once more taken in by their captivating light. "Hi," she said softly, giving him a tentative smile. He studied her for a second, as if trying to judge whether or not the friendliness of her greeting was sincere. "Hello." Her heart almost skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. It was a cross between a whisper and a growl. She could almost imagine that voice whispering in her ear, and the thought sent a chill up her spine. "I guess your boat ride was a lot easier today." He merely nodded his head, as he turned to seek out the owner. Steve returned from the store room and she could see him hesitate for just a second when he saw Kane standing there. 'Hey Kane," he said quickly. "I have your package in the back." "No rush." Kane rumbled, seemingly content to stand there and watch her. Steve looked back and forth between them, unsure of exactly what was passing between the two people. "Have you two met?" he asked. "In a way," she said with a smile. “Liz Reilly," she said with a smile as she held out her hand. Kane looked down at it, debating with himself. Finally he extended his hand and enclosed hers. The shock of his warm skin against hers sent a warm wave through her that seemed to travel to the tips of every extremity. Liz was almost embarrassed, certain that both men could see how she felt. She looked up at Kane but his eyes were riveted to their hands. She would have been in shock if she had known that the same feelings were flowing through him. He finally released her hand, sighing softly. "Liz is moving into her grandmother's house..the old Huffman place," Steve offered. "I know," Kane said. It was only two words. But there was more emotion there than anyone could have imagined. She glanced up at Steve and she could tell that he was visibly uncomfortable to be around Kane. "I'll go get your package," he stammered, rushing from behind the counter. Kane's eyes followed him and Liz was shocked to see how dark and angry his eyes were now. Steve came back out and handed Kane his package. Without a word, Kane paid him and turned to leave. He stopped at the door and glanced back at her. "It was a pleasure to meet you," he said. "Same here," she replied, smiling once more. He lingered briefly and then disappeared out the door. Liz turned back to Steve and heard him release a sigh of relief. "That man scares the hell out of me," he said. Liz tilted her head in confusion. "He does? Why?" "Are you telling me that the mask doesn't freak you out..even just a little?" "I'll admit, I'm curious. But he seems more sad than scary. Tell me..why does he wear it?" Steve tried to busy himself as he spoke, but Liz could see how unnerved he had been by Kane's presence. He was in a fire when we were teenagers. Guess it scarred him pretty badly. Half of his house burned down. Both of his parents were killed." "How awful," she whispered. "Is there anything else you need? he asked brightly, doing whatever he could to change the subject. "No..that's all she said, her gaze traveling to the door. "For what it's worth. He seems content enough," Steve said. "He runs the lighthouse and...." "You think he's content?" she asked. She shook her head as she picked up her bag. "He seems sad and lonely to me." She slung her purse over her other shoulder and smiled. "Thanks for your help." "It was my pleasure," he said. "Come back anytime." Part 2 Liz stepped into the clear, cool air and her gaze went immediately out onto the water. She spotted him almost instantly, his boat gliding effortlessly through the relatively calm water. “Liz?” She turned at the sound of her name and an immediate smile crossed her face. “Luci?” she cried. “Yep, it’s me,” she said with a sunny smile. Liz looked around and finally dropped her packages on a nearby car. The two women hugged each other, laughing happily. “I couldn’t believe it when Charlie Lambert told me. Is it true? Are you here for good?” “I sure am,” she said. She and Luci had been dubbed the “partners in crime” when they were kids. You never saw one without the other. “So how’s that husband of yours?” Liz asked. “Dave is fine,” she said. “We were sorry to hear about Ray.” Liz just nodded, not wanting the discussion to turn to him. Liz took a quick peek at the lighthouse and Luci followed her gaze. “I though t I saw him come out of Steve’s. Did you meet the mystery man?” she laughed. “Actually I did. We even spoke.” “Wow,” Luci said. “I’m impressed. Kane never talks to anybody.” “Well he spoke to me..and to Steve.....well barely anyway.” “Well that’s no surprise.” Luci said. “As far as Kane is concerned, Steve is the last person on earth he would ever be friendly with. “Oh really? Why?” “Honey, it’s a very long story. In fact you and I have years of long stories to catch up on.” “You’re telling me,” Liz said. “Hey. Why don’t you come back to my place for lunch?” It’s kind of a mess. But I do have food.” “I’d love to,” Luci said. “The kids are in school, so I’m free as a bird.” Steve stood and watched as the two cars pulled out of his lot and followed each other back down the road. “There goes Luci, ready to shoot off her big mouth again,” he thought. “Maybe, if I’m lucky, Liz won’t buy her “theory.” He thought about that morning’s visit from Kane. For some reason he seemed more menacing than usual. “Something tells me, you like our new neighbor. Well, don’t get your hopes up,” he said with a cruel laugh. “I don’t think she’s into freaks.” Luci sat at her kitchen table laughing about something that had happened when they were ten. "I can't believe that you remember all this stuff," Liz marveled. "Honey, looking back, those were the best summers of our lives.” Liz, nodded silently, completely agreeing. Luci smiled when she saw Liz take yet another quick glance out he window. "So, our mystery man intrigues you, huh?" Liz turned back, her face a bright red. "I can't explain it," she said. “Something about him....touches my heart." She picked up her coffee cup and looked at her friend. "So, care to explain why I sensed all that tension between Kane and Steve?" Luci sighed and leaned her hand on her chin. "Do you remember Stephanie Hunter?" she asked. "Oh yeah," Liz said, her face crinkling in distaste. "She and Steve were joined at the hip all through high school," Luci said. "Kane never went to school with any of us. His mother taught him at home. So we really never got to know him. Well, he was over here one afternoon with his dad. They were waiting for a package at Lambert's store. Well, Stephanie walks in, takes one look at him, and immediately goes into major flirt overdrive. I have to admit, I didn't blame her. He was awfully good looking. Well, the poor guy never knew what hit him. Before you know it, she has him outside, sitting on the bench, holding her hand and sipping sodas. Needless to say, word spreads through this town like wildfire.” “The next thing you know, Steve is right up in Kane's face, accusing him of moving in on his girl. Now poor Kane is totally in the dark about those two, so he has no idea what to say. He ends up going back to the lighthouse with his dad and that was the last anyone saw of him for months. You see, Steve may have run him off, but Stephanie couldn't seem to stop talking about him. Apparently he had quite an effect on her. Well, the more she talked about him, the angrier Steve became. And we all know he isn't the most stable person to start with. All of Stephanie's talk just pushed him over the edge. So one night he and his stupid buddy, Rob, decided to sneak over to the lighthouse, to..teach Kane a lesson. Well I guess something went terribly wrong, because the next thing you know, the house attached to the lighthouse is in flames. Needless to say, by the time anyone was able to get over there and help, half of the house was gone and both of Kane's parents were dead. They found him, badly burned. Apparently, he was overcome by smoke, trying to save his parents." Liz sat mesmerized, not able to believe what she was hearing. "And you're telling me that Steve and Rob just got away with it?" Luci laughed softly. "That's just it. Nobody could prove it was them. I'm sure that Steve threatened Rob's very existence if he even breathed a word. But judging from the way Kane acts whenever he's around Steve, I'd say he's pretty sure that it was him. "So that's why he wears the mask?" Luci nodded. "It's a real shame too. The few times I actually spoke to him....well, he was really nice. Quiet, kind of shy..but very sweet." Liz lowered her eyes, afraid that if she didn't, the tears would spill down her cheeks. "So...whatever happened to Stephanie?" "Oh that's a good one," Luci said with a laugh. “She works in Portland, in the local Wal-Mart. She gained 70 pounds, has three kids and two ex-husbands. I guess there is a God." "That’s some story." Liz whispered. "And you'll never convince me that it isn't true," Luci said firmly. They sat a while longer and suddenly Luci jumped up. "Oh my gosh, look at the time! My kids will be home any minute. Listen," she began, grabbing her coat. "You are in no condition here to be cooking anything for Thanksgiving. Why don't you come and spend it with us?" "Oh I don't want to intrude," Liz said. "I never take no for an answer,” Luci said with a grin. "Well, then you have to let me bring something," Liz countered. "Do you bake?" "As a matter of fact, I do," she replied. "Great. You can make the pies then. I usually just let Mrs. Smith do it." "Mrs. Smith?" "You know," she laughed. "In your grocer's freezer?" "Liz laughed and took her friends hand. "It's a deal. Three fresh baked pies coming up." She walked her friend to the door and waved as she drove off. Looking up she studied the upper windows of the lighthouse. She was sure that Kane would be spending Thanksgiving alone. She wrapped her arms around herself as a chill went through her. "Nobody deserves what happened to you," she thought. "Nobody." Part 3 As she loaded her pies into the car she glanced quickly over at the lighthouse. She knew better, but today for some reason, it looked totally deserted. The thought of him in there alone, on a holiday devoted to family and friends, tore at her heart. She suddenly made a mental note, that no matter what, she was going to make sure that every time she saw him, she would go out of her way to talk to him. Across the small stretch of water he stood at the top window and watched her drive off. A stab of jealousy traveled through him as he thought of her sharing her day with someone else. Silently, he turned away and headed back downstairs. He paused to switch on the small stereo in his sitting room. The room filled with the soft sounds of a Beethoven symphony...his father's favorite. He proceeded to the kitchen where he checked on the dinner he was preparing. Every year he tried to duplicate the meal his mother used to make for them. And every year he always fell short. He knew what was missing..having someone to share it with. He shook his head violently, trying to rid his mind of anything related to his parents. Days like this brought their memory back to him so clearly that he could almost hear their voices in the next room. His mind suddenly turned back to Liz. She was so open and friendly to him. "I guess nobody warned her away from me yet," he thought. Still he almost smiled when he thought about how warm and caring she had been..and not the least bothered by that damn mask. He normally hated going into town, but lately the chance that he might run into her had made him almost anxious for reasons to make the journey through the icy waves. He set the food on the table and sat down. Bowing his head he said the quick prayer his mother had always insisted they say before each meal. He quickly added a prayer for his parents, and after some thought, he added a quick prayer for himself. "Dear lord, maybe...just maybe, you could find it in your heart to let me have one person to call my friend." He looked out the window and his gaze rested on her small cottage. "Just one friend," he whispered. Several days later he was checking the windows in the lighthouse when he found one that had quite a nasty crack in it. He smiled as he poked at it with his finger. He wasn't seeing the work involved in fixing it. He was seeing a chance to go to the mainland and possibly see her. He quickly wrapped himself in his heavy wool pea coat and jumped into his boat. He had no idea what he was going to do when he got over there, aside from buying some new glass. But he'd make that decision when he had to. Right now, the thought of being closer to her was all that he needed. Liz was standing on a step stool, hanging the curtains she had finally finished when she saw him. Without realizing it, a smile spread across her face. Jumping down, she raced for her coat, leaving half the window uncovered. She had no idea what excuse she was going to use for being in town..but she didn't care. It was a chance to talk to him again. As luck would have it they were both headed down Main Street at the same time. They stopped in front of Steve's Store and looked at one another. “Hello." he said quietly. She couldn't be sure, but she could have sworn he was smiling. "Hi. Doing some shopping?" she asked. "Broken window," he said pointing back towards the lighthouse. "And you?" he asked. "The never ending repairs," she laughed. He pushed the door to the store open and when Steve looked up and saw them come in together, his jaw nearly hit the floor. Kane immediately walked up to the counter to explain what kind of glass he needed cut. Liz wandered over to the paint display to figure out exactly what color she wanted the kitchen to be. She picked up to color chips ad walked over to him. "What do you think? Yellow or blue?" He looked down at her and his head tilted to one side. "You want my opinion?" "Sure," she said brightly. "I want to paint my kitchen. Should I make it yellow or blue?" "Umm, yellow I think. It's brighter." "That's what I was thinking," she said with a smile. Steve came back out with the glass and smiled at her. "Painting again?" Kane suddenly felt a cold anger rolling through him. He hated the fact that this...man...thought he had the right to talk to her. "Yep," she replied. "And thanks to Kane I finally decided on a color." She handed him the chip. "One gallon please," she said with a grin. She turned to Kane, the smile still on her lips. "Thanks for your help." "No problem," he said. "I just wish I could decide that quickly where my own house is concerned." "Oh?" she said. Steve was busy mixing her paint, but he made sure he took in every word they were saying. "It's been years since I painted anything over there," he said. "Most of my time is spent on the lighthouse. I think watching you work so hard has inspired me. Now all I need to do is figure out where to start." Steve was amazed. He hadn't heard Kane say that many words in all the years he had known him. But as surprising as that was, the next words he heard almost sent him through the floor. "I'd be more than happy to help you," she offered. Kane felt a quick leap in his heartbeat. "You would?" "Sure. To tell you the truth, I've always wanted to see the lighthouse anyway." "That would be great," he said. "Just let me know when might be a good time." "No time like the present," she said, her eyes sparkling. For a moment, he was struck speechless. "Unless, you're busy," she said, misreading his hesitation. "Oh, no. I just have to repair this glass...but then I'm all yours." His eyes widened when he realized exactly what he had said. But Liz just pretended not to notice. The last thing she wanted to do was make him feel uncomfortable. "Great, I can drop this paint off at my house and then we can be on our way." She looked over to see if Steve was finished and was shocked to see him staring at her angrily. "Anything else," he nearly barked. "Nope...not a thing," she said. They each paid for their purchases and walked out the door together, leaving a very confused and very irritated Steve, behind them. "I'll go drop this off and meet you down at the dock," she said. "Ok..I'll be waiting," he said. As he made his way down the stony path he marveled at what had just transpired. It had taken him years to get up the courage to talk to anyone but Charlie Lambert. Now suddenly he was inviting someone to come into his home. But not just someone...her. |