Page 10 of The Twelve Knots of Christmas
Miss Eloise questioned me again about Balthazar after we got home, but I deflected enough to assure her I was focused on my move to California. I didn’t lie to her, but she didn’t need to know how much the Alphas affected me. No one ever needed to know.
I wish I could make myself forget and enjoy the last few weeks I had in Wisconsin.
On Thursday night, Lyla, Emberlee, and I stayed up late watching cheesy Christmas Hallmark movies and stuffing ourselves silly on snacks. They loved the films, and while I thought every plot was like the other, I wanted to enjoy one more night of the three of us together.
I woke early for work on Friday morning and crept into Emberlee’s suite to get one last hug. She groaned about me waking her, but she rolled over to embrace me just as tightly.
“I’m going to miss you so much.” Emberlee sniffled, wiping at the corners of her eyes. “I wish I could stay here longer and—”
“Hush. You love the Eriksson family chaos, especially at the holidays. Enjoy it and take lots of pictures.” I kissed her cheek and tried not to let my voice tremble. I had a younger sister a year younger than Emberlee, but we’d never connected since I was an Omega and she wasn’t. While I’d only known Emberlee for a year and a half, I loved her like family. “I left your Christmas gift from me on your bag by the door. No peeking until Christmas morning.”
“I promise!” She squeezed me tight. “I love you. California is so lucky to have you.”
The door squeaked open a little wider as Artemis poked her head inside. Emberlee patted her bed and released me to open her arms to my dog. “Come here, sweetie. Let me give you hugs and kisses too.”
Artemis glanced at me, and I nodded. “Come.”
She raced into the room and jumped on the bed, wagging her tail as she loved up Emberlee. “I’ll miss you too. Such a good girl.”
I wrangled Artemis off the bed when she’d gotten her love and gave my friend one more hug. “Text us when you and yourDad get home later today so we know you’re safe. Take care, and I’ll see you in the new year.”
Closing her door behind me, I had to get out before I started crying. Leaving Primrose House was much harder than I anticipated. My stomach bubbled with anxiety, but it was the right thing for me. I had my dream job waiting for me in California. Few people ever got as lucky as I did.
I bundled up and grabbed my packed lunch. Artemis trotted along behind me and hopped into my Jeep as I loaded up. This would be my last Friday at this particular job and my last day on site outside with the turbines. I had to go in a few days next week to tie off any loose ends and close out my studies.
The Blue Sky Green Fields Wind Energy Center’s building wasn’t that big, but the turbines were spread around the county. I stopped by the office to clock in and grab my equipment. Artemis walked beside me, her nails clicking on the tiled floor. As we headed to the exit, the receptionist waved me over.
“Good morning, Mariska, and you too, Artemis.” Jenny bent over to give Artemis a good neck scratch. “Just got word that Antonia won’t be able to meet you today at Kraus field site. Her kids gave her whatever virus has been going around this month.”
Antonia was the arborist the center contracted to help with any jobs. She was absolutely hilarious, and I always enjoyed working with her. “That sucks. I’ll have to send her an email with a get well soon along with a Merry Christmas. I guess it’s just me and you today, Artemis.”
Artemis smiled her doggy smile. She didn’t care as long as she was outside and working. And getting loved on by my co-workers.
“Well.” Jenny turned in her chair and flipped through a few notes on her desk. “Another arborist has been contracted to help out. One of the board members had suggested him at theirlast meeting and we put him on our contact list. He’ll be meeting you at the site.”
I didn’t bother to contain my annoyed sigh. I didn’t know any of the board personally, but since they had consistently shot down my suggestions for improvements, I had no fondness for them. Plus, I found there was too much nepotism in this area. Family of family always seemed to get the jobs when they opened up, and I had no doubt this arborist was some relation to whatever board member recommended him.
“All right. I’ll be on the lookout for him.” It was totally what I didn’t need for today, but it would only be for one site. I’d be rid of him by noon. “Any plans for the weekend, Jenny?”
“I need to finish up my shopping, and I should air out my daughter’s room. She’s finishing up her exams next week and will be home for the holidays on Thursday.” Jenny was a proud mom and an even prouder new grandma. Her desk had so many pictures of her first grandbaby, there wasn’t much space for anything else.
“I’ve got a few things left to shop for too.” I had put off shopping for my family, and I dreaded having to face the busy stores. “Have a good weekend, and maybe I’ll see you out in the battle zone buying even more gifts for Ray.”
Jenny laughed and booped the nose of her grandson in the biggest picture. “Damn right I’m spoiling that baby. It’s my right as his grandma.” She waved as I headed to the exit. “Take care, Mari. Drive safe out in those windy fields.”
Artemis and I set out for the first site. Wicked winds from Canada could swoop down our way and make some of the days absolutely frigid. My morning stops weren’t bad, and I ran Artemis through her paces when we did our survey of the three turbines in this section. Her job was to sniff out the carcasses of dead birds and bats killed by the turbine blades. There wouldn’t be many during this time of year, but sometimes the windwhipped the small winter songbirds up too high. Cardinals and chickadees were the most common fatalities.
Many of the deaths could be prevented if they raised the blades higher and set them to spin only with stronger winds. Yet the board refused to even consider those options. Every quarter, I’d present my findings to the stuffy panel of disinterested rich old men, and every time they ignored me. It would be different in California. I’d have a voice that would be heard.
I was at the Kraus site by ten. The sun had peeked out from behind the clouds and promised a brighter afternoon. This section was spread out over several farm fields, and the farmers here had several copses of trees to act as windbreakers for their crops. I found these not only good for the crops, but good for the wildlife in the area. They’d stick to the trees and rarely go near the turbines.
A few minutes after I arrived, a black pickup pulled up behind my Jeep. I hoped whoever the board contracted had at least some knowledge of the sector and wasn’t just a glorified landscaper.
Leashing Artemis for the moment, I approached the truck as the driver exited. He stood and shielded his eyes as a cold gust smacked into him. I sucked in a breath and stumbled to a stop. Artemis, still moving forward, jerked me forward, and I nearly fell.
No. It couldn’t be.
My heart raced and I couldn’t seem to catch a breath.
