Page 10 of Echoes in the Night

Stepping away I inspect the first piece, a custom coffee table, the top engraved with a deer and her fawns. A buck stands in the distance watching over them.

Turning, I see him standing to the side, palms stuffed in his front pockets. He shrugs. “This was something Gramps used to do. Most of the stuff is his. I picked it up from him. I find the work peaceful, and it reminds me of him. I’m not as good, but it keeps me busy.”

“What do you mean you aren’t as good? Did you do this deer table?”

He nods.

“It’s freaking amazing!”

I look around the barn and there are pieces everywhere. Crossing to another bench I see a dozen-child sized carved animals. Deer, rabbits, and squirrels.

“Where do you sell these?”

“There’s a guy in town that lets me put a couple pieces in his place and once in a while I get a commission piece from it.”

“You should have your own showroom. We could take some to Portland, Salem and Eugene. Or better yet online.”

“It’s not about making money. It’s about liking the work, Maura.”

I turn and put my hand on his chest. “I understand that. And it’s the connection to Gramps. But these pieces are so beautiful that the joy they would bring others is also a tribute to him.

“If you really don’t want or need the money you could donate it to a Vets home or for others who have PTSD.”

“What was your grandfather’s name?”

“Jonah. Jonah Alexander. Gram was Tilly.”

“You could name the fund after them.”

He looks around the barn and all the items. “I’ll think about it. You make some good points and I’m running out of space even in this big ol’ barn.”

He leads me farther into the depths of the building and I see a totally tricked out gym, including a two-story climbing wall. “So, this is not a barn, but a high-end man cave with woodworking tools and a full workout setup. Where’s the pool?”

He laughs. “That’s the pond off the river. It’s outside and covered with ice right now. I’ll take you there in the spring.”

I look at him. “I’m going to hold you to that.”

There’s a door to the right that leads into the chicken coup. “Are these the only animals you keep?”

“Yeah. I like eggs and we got tired of running to town for them. If I’m on a search I can load them up with water and feed and they’ll be good for a couple days. Besides, they’re not bad watch dogs in a pinch. They’ll set up a squawk if something or someone shows up.”

“I always wanted a dog. My father wouldn’t hear of it.” I study Jax. “You look like a dog kinda guy to me. Why don’t you have one?”

“Gramps had one when I was a kid. She passed just before I went into the service. After his next one died, he said he was too old for another. Maybe someday I’ll get one. Hell, I’m still getting used to being out of the service.”

“How long has it been?”

“I’ve been back eight months.”

Learning to trust himself and finding a new path I’d guess. I wander around all the beautiful furniture and carvings while he checks the feed and water for the chickens.

He joins me, placing a hand on my back. “Wind’s picking up. We should get back inside.”

I lift the wooden spaniel I’m holding. “Did you make this?”

Nodding, he says, “You can have it if you’d like.”

“I would like that very much.”

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