Julia glanced at her watch to see how long she had been walking and wished she hadn't gone so far.   Now, she wasn't up to walking back without a rest and didn't feel like it would be a good idea to sit for very long in this wilderness area, not knowing who or what might be near by.   She loved these hills covered with wild flowers in the northern part of the state but hadn't up to now tried to actually scale one.   She had badly needed an outing and when the road that she'd wandered onto had become more of a pathway, she stopped the car and began walking.
      Climbing upward she began to see the roofs of farm buildings.   Rounding the top of the grassy incline, she found that she was looking at a small farm with a two story house and several out buildings.
      She sat down on the grass to rest and look more closely.   She was glad that she hadn't been completely thoughtless in her venture and loosened the backpack that she had put on when she got out of the car.   Taking out a bottle of water and her small binoculars, she drank thirstily and then put the binoculars to her eyes, adjusting them for the best view.
      What she saw was a very old farm with a fairly modern home in an open area and a really old tin roofed log cabin all but hidden in a wooded area.   There was outdated machinery, an old wagon and an old barn that still had some dark red paint on it.
      Her interest piqued, she walked down the hill to get a closer look.
      "Can I do something for you, Mam?"
      Startled, Julia turned quickly to see a man standing behind her.
      "Oh hi!   I didn't hear you come up."   Julia realized how stupid it had been for her to follow her impulse to come down here alone.   This man could be any sort of strange person.   She wondered if he had some sort of security system that he'd been watching her on.   She began to back up from him, explaining that she was out hiking and had stumbled on this place and wanted to get a closer look.   She hoped he didn't mind.
      "Not at all, we don't often get visitor's.   There's not a lot here but you're welcome to look around if you'd like."   The man saw that Julia was disturbed at his presence and wanted to put her at her ease.   Smiling, he said,   "Welcome to Pleasant Valley, I'm Jack."
      Julia smiled back.   "I'm Julia."
      As they walked around, Jack told Julia how he, himself, had been out hiking a few years earlier and happened upon this place.   "It appeared to have been abruptly abandoned quite a while back.   There were still old clothes hanging on the line and that old truck over there had keys in the ignition and an old newspaper still on the seat."   He went to the courthouse and found the names of the owners and went to see them.
      They told him that they had inherited it from their great uncle.   They hadn't known what to do with it, they had a home and this place is so isolated, they didn't want to be so far back from the road and city.   He was able to purchase it at a fair price.
      Julia wished that she, herself, could live on a place like this.   Far enough from local neighbors but still civilized.
      Jack interrupted her reverie,   "Julia, I was about to sit down for supper with the couple that lives here with me.   If you'll stay, I can take you back to your car later.   Winnie and Fred are good cooks and I believe I could convince them to put on another steak."
      Julia didn't want to have to walk back to the car with darkness approaching and accepted his offer.
      Winnie and Fred were hospitable hosts and Julia was surprised at the conversation at the supper table.   They didn't just talk about the things that were going on at the farm.   They were well versed in the happenings locally as well as in the world.   These people were not just country bumpkins, by a long shot, she thought.
      After supper, Fred and Winnie went out on the front porch while Julia helped Jack with the kitchen work.   Not much to do since Fred and Winnie had taken care of things while they prepared the meal.
      Julia wasn't closed mouthed about herself and Jack wanted her to stay longer.   She had an early morning though and felt that her need for an adventure had been fulfilled.   Personal information was exchanged and Winnie promised to write down her recipe for the banana pudding that Julia had found so good.   She even went back into the house and put some of the left overs in a refrigerator container for Julia to take home with her.
      Julia hadn't realized how nice it was to be with good people and what she'd been missing in her life.   She hoped that she could be real friends with these people.
      After the good bye's were said, Julia walked towards a truck that she saw in the driveway.   Jack took her elbow, however, and took her in a different direction.   "Isn't this your truck?"   Julia asked, wondering.
      "It is, we're taking a different transport, however,"   he smiled at her.
      Jack took Julia to a helicopter that she had somehow overlooked when he was showing her around.
      "You have your own helicopter?   Wow, how cool!"
      "It's a fast way of getting around when you're out this far,"   Jack explained.   "It's small but will carry up to six people or a small load of cargo."
      "I've never been on a helicopter before."   Julia seemed a little taken aback to Jack.
      "Well, it's high time you did,"   he said as he helped her on board.
      Jack turned his search lights on so they could see the car and Julia pointed it out to him.   She was surprised that she had actually walked that far from it.
      As she was getting out of the helicopter, Jack handed her a card.   It said 'The Book Club' and had a phone number on it.   "You do read, don't you,"   he said to her puzzled look.
      "Oh, of course, did you want me to attend the club meeting?"
      "I believe you'll get something out of it,"   he said.   "It's just a few friends that meet once a week on Thursdays at seven and discuss our latest book of interest.   Call the number there and Daisy, our secretary, can tell you how to get there."
      "What book are you reading now?   I'd like to be prepared,"   she said.
      Jack told her that he didn't remember the book's name offhand but that Daisy could tell her.   He smiled and said how very glad he was that he had met her.
      She smiled and nodded as she stepped down and walked to her car.   Jack waited until she had driven away before he lifted up.


Chapter Two
THE BOOK CLUB


      Although The Book Club was a real study of chosen books, it was also a cover for a secret organization that helped battered women and run away youngsters, the worst of the worst.
      There was a mixture of people that participated, the fact that there were several professional's, including a minister, a doctor and a police detective, helped their cause more.   The rest were mostly like Daisy was, just a regular person that wanted to help where she could.
      Jack's place was sometimes used as a refuge for these people.   The doctor, Luke Andrews, had many times administered help under the protection of the hospital until they could be taken to a safer place.   The police detective was usually the first one to realize when someone was in such danger that the local places that usually helped wouldn't be able to.
      As the secretary of the club, Daisy had special permission to share what all went on with her husband, Liam.   Ordinarily, this couldn't be done but as she had important things to do that involved his help at times, as her husband, he had to be in on the more secret aspects of the club.   Even though he refused to join, saying that he wasn't much of a reader he didn't mind keeping the kids or her having her weekly outing doing something that she enjoyed.   When it was necessary for her to do something that required his help, he was glad to do it.

      Jack didn't tell Julia that he didn't always go to the meetings but that he was going this week to make sure she knew someone there.
      She had a quality that he couldn't quite put his finger on.   Maybe it was because of her restless ways, coming to the farm alone like that was definitely different.   He felt that she was looking for something and hoped she would get benefit from the club meeting.   He also felt that she could be an asset to them.

      Thursday finally came, Julia thought, and here I am at the book club.   I hope I get to have a little time with Jack alone.
      Julia had already read this month's selection previously and had her copy with her.
      The meeting place was in the lounge at the church that they all attended.   Everyone helped with the refreshments and put them next to the coffee pot that had already been started.
      Julia hadn't known about the refreshments and hoped it would be alright if she partook of some anyhow.   She looked around the room and saw that several people were watching her.   She wondered if something was wrong with her clothes or hair.   One woman came over to her and introduced herself as Daisy, the lady that she had spoken to on the phone.
      About that time, Jack came into the room and they went over to him.
      When the president of the group came in, they all became hushed and sat down to begin the book study and had one of their best discussions.   Julia joined in like she was old hat at this and they all took an immediate liking to her.   She sat on an overstuffed yellow flowered sofa, flanked on either side by Daisy and Jack.   She felt right at home and could see why these people had a special affection for one another.
      At eight thirty, the discussion stopped except for those who continued while enjoying their refreshments.   After a little socializing, Jack walked Julia to her car so the group could discuss any developments since they had last met as a group.

Chapter Three
JULIA TO THE RESCUE


      Julia had no sooner got to sleep that night when her phone rang.   Turning on the lamp, she looked at the phone wondering who in the world would be calling this late.   Viewing the Caller ID, she saw that it was Jack.
      "Julia, I have a situation that requires a special woman's presence and would appreciate it if you could help me."
      "Of course, Jack, I could try,"   she answered, wondering if she was really dreaming.
      "I'll be at your house in twenty minutes, okay?"
      Now Julia knew that she was awake and said,   "Well, alright, Jack, if you say so."
      Hanging up the phone, she ran to the bathroom and splashed water on her face and combed her hair.   She grabbed a pair of jeans and shirt from her closet and put on socks and tennis shoes.   Going down to the kitchen she heated water and made a cup of instant coffee.   She didn't know what was going on but wanted to be awake for it.
      Not knowing what she may need, she got her purse and made sure all of her essentials were there and put on a light jacket.   She turned the porch light on and after straightening the living room, in case Jack wanted to come in the house, she sat down until she heard a car outside.   Looking out, she saw the car that Jack had been in at the meeting earlier.
      Locking the front door, she ran down the terrace to the waiting car.
      There was someone in the back seat.   Quickly turning, she noted that it was a woman, laying down, her face bandaged.
      "What's going on, Jack, it's after midnight."
      Suddenly frightened, she jumped from the car, afraid that Jack might hurt her, as well.   How could she have thought that she could trust him?   She hardly knew him.   When she saw Jack getting out of his side of the car, she said loudly,   "Touch me and I'll scream, so help me!"   She raised her purse to hit him if he approached her.
      Jack stood looking at her for a moment.   She considered running back to the house but for some reason, the look in Jack's eyes made her wait for him to explain.   He had, after all, asked her for her help.
      "All I can say right now is that you'll have to trust me, if you don't want to help me get this woman to safety, I'll just have to manage alone."
      Looking into his eyes, Julia knew that she could trust Jack and got back into the car.
      As they drove to the garage where the helicopter was waiting, Jack told Julia as much about the book club operation as he dared.

      Coming down into Pleasant Valley, Julia saw that Winnie and Fred were waiting with a stretcher.   They waited a few moments for the blades to slow down and Jack and Fred carried the injured woman to the stretcher.
      When Winnie saw the woman, she looked at Jack with questioning eyes.
      They took the woman to the house and put her into the bedroom next to Winnie and Fred's.   Jack asked Julia to follow him to the kitchen while Winnie and Fred took care of the woman's immediate needs.
      Jack looked intently at Julia and asked,   "Do you recognize the woman?"
      "Why no, should I?"   Julia answered.
      "She's the wife of an important state official.   Do you see why we have to keep this hushed?   If he finds out where she is, he may hurt her worse.   What we need you for,"  he said, answering her unasked question,   "is to help Winnie watch out for her and care for her."
      "Why me?   Why not one of the members of your club?"
      "For one thing, you already know about the farm and most of them don't.   If this place isn't kept as secret as possible, we won't be able to use it to hide and help people any longer.   Is this a work day for you?   Do you think you could stay for a couple of days?   Over the weekend, maybe?"
      "Yes, it is a work day but I can take a sick day, I'll still be paid.   I can stay the weekend but what about my clothes?   You didn't ask me to bring anything,"   Julia was wondering if she'd not got in over her head this time.
      Jack looked at her, wondering himself why he was doing this.   When he'd called Daisy to see who was available for tonight, she had suggested Julia.   He had jumped at the idea, even though Julia wasn't officially a member of the club.
      Turning from her trusting eyes, he was thoughtful.   "Why don't we go into the city tomorrow and pick up your things.   Winnie and Fred should be able to hold the fort till then."
      Julia borrowed a night shirt from Jack and slept in the same room with the woman, who didn't awaken until morning.

      She woke up with the woman standing at the bedroom door, holding onto it.
      Sitting up, she tried to take it all in.   "Can I help you?"   Julia asked her.
      "I don't know, where am I?"   the woman was frightened.
      "Why don't I get someone?"   Julia realized that the woman was coherent but was confused about where she actually was.   She possibly thought that it had something to do with the beating that her husband had given her since she had been unconscious since then.   Julia picked up the receiver from the house phone on the nightstand and looking at the card next to the phone, dialed four and waited for someone to pick up.
      Winnie's voice came on the line,   "I'll be right there"   she said when she heard Julia's voice.
      "Julia?",   Winnie's voice was moving towards them.
      She saw the new woman standing there with Julia still in the bed and helped her back to her bed.   "Ruby, I'm Winnie and this is Julia.   You've had an accident and we're going to try to help you get well.   There's no need to be afraid of us.   This is our home and no one can reach you here to hurt you."
      Fred had been with Winnie when the phone rang and he was right behind her.
      "Julia, are you alright?"   he asked.
      "I'm fine, I just didn't know what else to do but to call you."
      He moved on to the visitor's bed.   "Good morning, Mam, I hope you slept well,"   he said.
      Having heard the activity upstairs, Jack came in.   "I've made breakfast,"   he announced.   "How's Mrs. Macaroe doing?"
      Winnie turned to Jack,   "She's not well, we should have the Doc come and have a look at her."
      "I'll call him now, you go down to breakfast."   Looking over at Julia, he said,   "Will you be ready to go after breakfast, do you think?"
      Julia nodded, wishing everyone would leave so she could get up and dress.
      "I'll be taking Julia to her house to get a few things for the weekend.   Will you be able to manage alone?   She's not causing trouble and Doc will be here soon."
      Winnie looked at Julia and said,   "We'll be fine.   Ruby can take a bath or just rest or whatever she wants to do.   Julia, I really thank you for doing this for us."


Chapter Four
KIDNAPPED!

      Jack had a few errands to run while he was in town but the first stop was at Julia's home.
      Going in with her, he waited in the living room while she packed up a few things that she would be needing for the next couple of days.
      When she walked back into the living room with her bags, he smiled and said,   "We have similar taste, I have several of these same things."
      Julia smiled back,   "I know, I noticed that when I was at your house last week."
      Julia flipped her porch light off that had been on all night, picked up her paper and checked her car, making sure that it was locked good and they left in Jack's car.
      Jack made a stop at the post office to get the farm's mail.   Julia, waiting in the car, opened her paper and when Jack came back to the car, held it out to him.
      He saw a picture of Ruby with the caption 'Kidnapped!'
      "Why, that creep!   Claiming someone kidnapped her after what he did to her."   He was visibly shaken.
      He looked at Julia,   "We'll really have to be careful now.   Are you sure you want to be onboard?   It may be a bumpy ride."
      Julia didn't want to tempt fate but was in too deep to let people down now.   "I'm in all the way, you should know that.   We can't let that monster get away with this.   Look, this says that a 911 call came from their home and emergency vehicles took her to the hospital and shortly thereafter, she disappeared from the hospital.   Her husband was booked but got out on bail.   Because of his status, no doubt.  When he found out that she was missing from the hospital, he made a kidnapping charge."
      Jack couldn't think of anything else of real importance that he might need to do right now so they headed back to the garage to park his car and get on the helicopter that was on the rooftop.
      Landing at the farm, they saw a large pickup parked in front of the house.
      Jack recognized it as his friend, Larry's, the police detective that also belonged to the club.
      Going into the house, Julia recognized two of the members from the meeting last night.
      Nodding towards them, she took her bags upstairs to the room where she had slept.
      "Ruby, it's Julia, I was here earlier, how are you?"   she asked a resting Ruby.
      "Hi Julia, I'm not well but the Doc gave me some pain medication that should be helping me in a little while.   I must be an awful burden to you,"   she apologized.
      Julia closed the bedroom door so the voices from downstairs wouldn't disturb Ruby and sat in the chair next to the bed.
      She talked quietly until Ruby had fallen asleep and she left the room, closing the door behind her.
      Going downstairs, into the front room, she smiled at everyone and suggested that they go outside so they wouldn't disturb the patient.   She had just fallen asleep.
      They all looked at one another at this new turn of events and meekly and quietly got to their feet and went away from the house to talk.

Chapter Five
SEE YOU ON THURSDAY?


      The weekend at Pleasant Valley was pretty quiet and uneventful.   Ruby was able to rest on a chaise lounge on the porch with Winnie and Fred staying close by.   Jack and Julia went horseback riding and in the evening after a cookout, they enjoyed just talking.
      When Jack and Julia were leaving the house on Sunday afternoon, everyone, including Ruby, went with them to the helicopter.
      The ladies hugged her and Fred shook her hand, saying that she had to come back again soon, not just for emergencies.
      Julia felt that she'd come home to the family that she'd been missing for so long.

      On the way home, Julia asked Jack what would happen to Ruby.
      "She's welcome to stay at the farm for as long as she likes.   There'll be an inquest and we have all the evidence that we need to put Macaroe behind bars for a long time.   We don't take lightly to women being physically abused."
      "You're not afraid of being found out by going public like this?"   Julia asked him.
      "We've done this many times before, there are ways of doing things that keep us out of sight."
      Julia looked at him wondering, to think that he'd done this many times before, she thought.
      Jack caught her look and took her hand, saying,   "See you on Thursday?"
      "I'll be there,"   she replied, tightly holding his hand.

THE END



All rights reserved, owned by Ora Lea Harrison, Author, May 2, 2011
I'd love your feedback on my stories.   You can email me at ora.lea @ gmail.com   Thank You

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