The Ghost of St. Elmo Read online

CHAPTER THREE

  SLEEP QUICK

  We continued heading down the runway at a fast speed, but with the engines reversing, we began to slow. Looking out the window, I could see an assortment of different colored lights illuminating the runways. In the light I could also see huge snowflakes falling, and a light dusting beginning to cling to the blades of grass lining the runways. Snow in October! Wow! I couldn’t believe it. Back home we were lucky to have snow for Christmas or New Year’s. “Looks like the pilot got the wrong weather forecast,” Charles laughed.

  The plane slowed noticeably as we began to taxi to the terminal. As we did, the plane made a sharp right turn applying the brakes slowly as we moved along. Charles nudged me with his elbow as we came to a stop. “You made it, Ian,” he laughed, “and in one piece.” I smiled and took a final look out my window. I could see huge windows and numerous skylights with people scurrying about as they were just arriving or preparing to depart. “Ding, Ding”…the fasten seat belt sign went off. You could hear the clicking sound as people freed themselves; they stood, stretched their legs and began to move down the aisle to deplane. Charles stood up, gave a yawn and reached above to the luggage rack to get our carry-on luggage. “Here you go, Ian,” he said, handing me my bag. “We’ll go get our luggage and pick up our car.”

  “What kind of a car?” I asked.

  “I thought maybe a Jeep Wrangler would be perfect for a couple of cowboys,” Charles answered.

  “You bet!” If Charles only knew the excitement I felt inside; I always wanted to ride in a Jeep. Now I would be doing just that all over the Colorado mountains.

  “Stay close, Ian. It’s very easy to get separated.”

  Charles turned, and we headed down the ramp toward the baggage carousels to retrieve our luggage. I looked around and saw people in suits, women in beautiful parkas with fur collars, young people, old people, but most impressive to me were all the men wearing cowboy hats and sporting jeans and wearing heavy rawhide jackets. We arrived at the baggage pick up area and stood patiently waiting to retrieve our luggage along with dozens of other people. One by one the pieces disappeared as their owners grabbed them and headed for destinations unknown. Finally, I spotted ours rolling around the corner, and Charles and I headed in that direction. We grabbed hold of all three of our pieces, located a cart to load them on and shuffled off to ACE Car Rental to pick up our Jeep. I was still feeling tired. It must have been the cold weather. “Here we are Ian,” Charles said as we stopped at the rental counter, “It’ll take a few minutes for the paperwork so why don’t you go ahead and sit down and take it easy.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice,” I answered. “I’m still pooped.”

  The next thing I remember was Charles nudging me on the shoulder and urging me to follow him. “What do ya say, young fella. Let’s get some food and a good night’s sleep. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

  “I’m ready,” I answered. “Just lead the way.” We headed outside and as we exited the terminal, a blast of cold air hit me, and snowflakes began falling on my face. I stood there with Charles in the cold dark silence. We waited for what seemed like forever only hearing the sound of ice beating off my half frozen face. It felt like little needles penetrating as each flake hit my skin. Finally, a dark green Jeep came driving up and stopped in front of us. The driver got out and came over to verify it was ours by examining Charles’ paperwork. He gave Charles our copies of the papers we needed to keep, and we began loading our luggage into the back. It was just as I pictured: a canvas top, wide tires with raised, white lettering and the feel of soft leather surrounded me as I sat in the front seat and leaned back. I had already jumped in to get warm, and Charles was right behind. He slammed his door shut, wiped the melting snow from his face and looked over at me. “Let’s get some chow, cowboy,” he said. “Then we’ll head for the old bunkhouse. We’ve got a big day tomorrow. What sounds good to you?” he asked.

  “How about pizza, sir?” I answered. Pizzas were very rare back at the orphanage, and it was one of my favorites. Anytime I had the opportunity I took advantage and enjoyed every bite. Charles shifted into gear, and we headed off driving into Colorado Springs. The snow was falling heavier as we came across Angelina’s Pizzeria and pulled into the parking lot.

  “Let’s hit it, big guy,” Charles said. “I need a fill up. How about you?” I was out the door before I could give my answer and headed across the parking lot. Remembering my manners, I paused at the entrance, holding the door for Charles, giving him a big smile.

  “Sorry,” I said. “I am starved.”

  The inside was filled with the aromas of spices, sauces, cooking meats and fresh dough that was being rolled, shaped and then tossed. “How about the works?” Charles asked as he glanced over at me.

  “Yes, sir,” I answered. “That sounds good to me.” The girl behind the counter came toward us, smiled and asked for our order.

  “One large pizza with the works, but easy on the sauce. What do you want to drink, Ian?”

  “I’d like a large root beer,” I answered.

  “Two large root beers to go with that,” Charles said. “With a side order of garlic butter,” he added. He looked at me and smiled. “That’s good eatin.” In no time our pizza was served. We sat quietly eating our fill of the huge pie in front of us, drinking plenty of root beer and watching all the different people come and go. It was late, and we both were tired. “Are you ready to hit the road?” Charles asked. “We better head out and find a room. Tomorrow will be here sooner than you think.”

  “What time are we going to leave tomorrow morning?” I asked.

  “Well, I thought an early breakfast at about 6, and then we’ll head for the mountains and see if we can find the Lost Gorge ranch.” Just hearing Charles’ words made the excitement in me grow more and more in anticipation of seeing new friends and exploring new places. Charles smiled, thanked our waitress as he paid the bill, and we headed out the door.

  The snow was really coming down heavily now, and the wind was howling. We ran to the Jeep, careful not to slip on the ice, and jumped in wiping the snow from our face and clothes. “Whew! It’s getting nasty out there, Ian.” Charles exclaimed, “We better find a motel room fast.” We buckled up and headed down the highway along with all the other slow moving vehicles looking for vacancy signs at any motel available. Seeing a flashing vacancy sign high atop an approaching hill, we slowed to pull over and head toward it. “You wait here and watch our gear,” Charles said. “I’ll get us a room so we can get some shut eye.” Charles headed into the motel, and I sat quietly only hearing the sound of the Jeep running and the windshield wipers going back and forth clearing the still falling snowflakes. They hit the warm windshield and melted. Shortly, Charles returned with a key, and we drove off to room # 110.

  We jumped out of the Jeep, grabbed our overnight bag and ran through the snow into the warm, waiting room. It certainly wasn’t fancy, but the beds looked inviting to us both. Tomorrow would be here very soon, and we both were dog-tired. I washed up and was in bed in minutes, pulling the sheets and covers high around my neck to stay warm. “Goodnight Charles,” I said, closing my eyes and rolling over.

  “See you in the morning,” Charles answered. “We’ve got a big day ahead of us.”