Coulson's Crucible Read online

  Vera glanced at her watch. She needed to get off the mountain; it would be getting dark soon, and she hated driving the road from Clement Falls to Coulson at night. She had smoked her last cigarette on the drive up the mountain, but that was hours ago. A quick stop at the market to pick up a pack and she could be on her way.

  Attending the Clement Falls Historical Society’s lecture had not been her idea. A dreary event, she didn’t understand why her husband, Harrison, had urged her to go. It should be enough that Coulson Enterprise had funded the recent restoration of the small mountain museum. Forced to chat and make tedious small talk with the ladies of the historical society, Vera wondered how her life had come to this. She was bored, lonely, and dissatisfied. Now in her early forties, she was beginning to feel old.

  Starting up the wood steps of the porch, she noticed a man sitting on one of the two Adirondack chairs adjacent to the market’s front entrance. Staring at her, he silently smoked his cigarette. He made no attempt to divert his eyes; instead, they looked her up and down as if inspecting the merchandise.

  Vera felt herself blush—and she never blushed. Normally, she would have taken offence at his blatant perusal, but he was so damn handsome, she was flattered. When was the last time a man looked at me like that—especially such a good-looking man?

  It was impossible to tell how tall he was, since he was sitting down, but he was obviously a large, muscular man. Italian, she guessed, with his brown eyes and jet-black hair styled in a rakish pompadour. Dressed in a silk shirt, tailored slacks, and imported leather shoes, he was definitely not from Clement Falls—or Coulson. On closer inspection, she realized he was probably a couple years older than she was, and she wondered briefly if he colored his hair. He utterly seethes with sex appeal, she thought.

  Instead of a dismissive glare, which was more her style, Vera flashed Anthony one of her rare smiles and went into the store to get cigarettes. When she came back outside, he was still in the chair.

  “Do you mind if I sit down?” she asked impulsively.

  “I was hoping you would.” He smiled up at her, while leaning back in his chair.

  She smiled again and sat down.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to have a cigarette before I head off the mountain.” After she said it, she realized it was a foolish thing to ask, considering he had been smoking just moments before.

  “Please, go ahead,” he said.

  Vera tore opened the pack she had just purchased and pulled out a cigarette. Anthony had his lighter ready. Flashing a flirtatious smile, she put the cigarette in her mouth and allowed him to light its end. She inhaled deeply and then exhaled.

  “Thank you. Are you vacationing up here?” Vera asked, eyeing him with interest.

  “What, don’t I look like a local?” He chuckled.

  “Hardly.” She flashed him a smile.

  “I’m Anthony Marino.” He put out his hand in greeting. Vera was about to shift her cigarette from her right hand to her left so she could accept the friendly gesture, when he abruptly took hold of her left hand. He held it for a moment and looked at her wedding ring.

  “I was hoping there wasn’t a ring,” he said with a boyish pout. “Perhaps you are a widow? A man might hope.”

  She laughed and withdrew her hand. “Shame on you for sounding so cheerful at the possibility.”

  “A man can dream.”

  “My name is Vera Coulson. The last time I checked my husband was quite alive. But you didn’t answer my question.”

  “I’m visiting my sister and her husband. They have a boarding house up here.”

  “Staying long?” she asked, her blue-grey eyes sparkling.

  “Only if you give me a reason,” he whispered.

  “Oh, Mr. Marino, you do know how to flatter an old married woman.”

  “Old? Hardly. I might accuse you of fishing for compliments, but considering how you look, I imagine you get them all the time.”

  Vera found herself blushing again. It had been years since she had exchanged such flirty banter with an attractive man.

  “Well, thank you, kind sir.” I may have dreaded the ride up to Clement Falls today, but at least I’ll go home with a smile on my face. “I hope you enjoy your visit.”

  “Actually,” Anthony began as he took out a cigarette and lit it. “I’ve been considering finding a place to stay in Coulson. Weather’s turning and I’d rather not be here when the snow starts falling next month.”

  “So this isn’t just a short visit?”

  “I have no immediate plans. You might say I’m in limbo, while working on a couple of business deals. Came up here to see my kid sister; I practically raised her myself. So I like to check on her from time to time. Make sure my brother-in-law is doing her right.”

  “While Coulson is a small town, it’s much larger than Clement Falls. I imagine you’ll find more to occupy your time there, than up here.”

  “Can I be candid with you, Mrs. Coulson?”

  “Only, if you call me Vera.” She flashed him another smile.

  “I probably won’t be around this area for more than six months. I know you’re married and maybe happily married. I have no idea. But if you ever want some company—something to break up the monotony, I want you to know I would be interested. Your husband would never have to find out.”

  “Mr. Marino, are you suggesting what I think you are? I just met you two minutes ago.”

  “Life is short, pretty lady. As we get older, we realize opportunities don’t come along that often, and if we don’t try grabbing what we want, we’ll never get anything. And frankly I want you.”

  Vera stared at Anthony in stunned silence. While she knew he was flirting with her, she had never expected such a blatant proposal.

  “Have I shocked you? I apologize if I offended you. But I had to say it. I’ve never met a woman who I felt such an immediate attraction to. Don’t you feel it at all? Am I imagining it?”

  There was something so sweet and heartfelt in his inquiry that she found it impossible to guard her feelings. “Well,” she said shyly. “I confess I find you very attractive. But, like I said, I’m a married woman.”

  “I respect your feelings. I’ve been married. Had my wives been more like you, I would probably still be married.”

  “Why do you say that?” Vera asked.

  “When I was really young, my wife died in childbirth.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It was rough. Took me a few years to get married again. But just a few months into the marriage, I found her cheating with one of my friends. I suppose I should have realized marriage was not for me, but I gave it another try.”

  “What happened?”

  “She decided marriage wasn’t for her, so she just took off. Technically speaking, I guess I’m still married. But I haven’t seen her for a few years.” Smashing his cigarette butt on the patio, he placed his hand over hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Do you ever ask yourself why it is so wrong to give into your deepest desires? Especially when there is no reason for anyone to ever find out. It doesn’t have to change your life, but for a few hours…what I would give to have just a few hours with you.”

  He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it before releasing it. “I’m sorry. I know this is totally inappropriate of me. Please forgive me.” He sounded sincerely contrite.

  “No… I mean… well I confess I’m flattered.”

  “I hope your husband takes good care of you,” he told her. “If you were my woman, well I sure as hell wouldn’t let you come up here by yourself. My woman wouldn’t be running around alone, especially if she looked like you.”

  “Are you one of those old fashioned men who expect their women to do as they are told?” She flashed him an impish smile, then noticed his expression was more serious than she expected. She found it unsettling and yet in some way titillating.

  Reaching out with one hand, he captured her chin and tilted her face so he could look
into her eyes. “If you were my woman and I found you alone, talking to a man like myself, I would drag you home and remind you who you belonged to. It would be a lesson you would never forget,” he said in a whisper.

  Wide eyed, Vera was speechless. His passion both frightened and excited her. If Harrison stumbled upon her flirting with the stranger, he would be nothing more than mildly amused. When she had told her husband he was no longer welcome in her bed, he had accepted her decree with as much outrage as if she had announced a change in linen colors. She imagined Anthony Marino would not timidly accept such a decree but would take what he wanted. Her heart raced at the thought.

  Anthony leaned closer and brushed a kiss across her lips before pulling away. He stood up.

  “Go home, pretty lady. Before I forget myself and take you to some nice little cabin where I can show you just what I expect from my woman.”

  Still speechless, Vera sat alone on the porch as she watched the dark stranger walk away carrying a sack of groceries.

  Chapter 3

  Locals called it Coulson House, an understated characterization of the property. Located on a hilltop, it seemed oddly out of place in its high-desert southwest location. Its classic architecture bespoke a building better suited for a city that had witnessed a significant passage of time instead of one that had barely been in existence for a decade.

  Well-manicured palm trees majestically lined the long winding concrete drive from the street below to the massive estate. Situated on a five-acre parcel, pinyon pine trees dotted the perimeter of the property. Within a year after the structure was built, Randall Coulson had lawn planted, transforming the barren dirt surrounding Coulson House into a lush green carpet.

  As a small child, Garret and his older brother, Harrison Junior, or Sonny as his family called him, played hide and seek on the rarely used third floor of the mansion. Garret learned to be quick witted when playing such games with his brother, or else he would find himself locked in some trunk or cupboard for an indefinite length of time.

  Parking his truck in the front drive, Garret noticed his brother’s green MGB sports car. Sonny is home, he thought. Getting quickly from his vehicle, he slammed the door shut before racing to the front entrance. He found his grandfather, father, and older brother all in the living room enjoying evening cocktails. Sonny shared the leather couch with their father, Harrison. Garret’s grandfather, Randall, sat on the large leather recliner facing the two men.

  “When did you get home?” Garret asked after he sprinted into the room and plopped down on an empty chair.

  “About thirty minutes ago,” Sonny told him, as he took a sip of his drink. Over six years separated Sonny and Garret. The brothers weren’t close, but it wasn’t the age difference; Garret simply disliked his older sibling. Yet, there was no doubt they were brothers. Both bore a striking resemblance to their father, Harrison.

  People said Harrison Senior inherited his blue eyes from his mother, Mary Ellen. Harrison’s father, Randall, had dark brown eyes and while he was a tall man, he wasn’t as tall as his son. Now in his early seventies, Randall continued to be active and as fit as any man twenty years his junior.

  “Don’t you have classes?” Garret asked.

  “Your brother has decided he’s finished with college,” Harrison explained. He sounded slightly annoyed.

  “Dad, I’ve got my bachelors. You and Grandfather didn’t even finish college.”

  “That was different,” Harrison insisted.

  “Oh leave the boy alone,” Randall said. “He’s right, you know. We did fine without finishing college. And he’s a Coulson. We make our own rules.”

  “Well I do have my degree.” Sonny sounded insulted. “I just realized there was no reason to get my masters. Waste of time.”

  Garret sat quietly and watched as the three men debated Sonny’s future with the family business. I do have my degree, his brother had insisted. Garret then recalled a conversation he had overheard between his brother and another college student. Sonny had been paying someone to take his tests—write his term papers. Garret wondered if his father or grandfather knew or cared.

  Remembering that afternoon’s conversation with his algebra teacher, Mrs. Chamberlain, Garret asked himself, Do I want to be like my older brother? He didn’t doubt Sonny would have a financially stable future. His brother had the support of their wealthy grandfather. But the thought of living his entire life dependent on the controlling man, never accomplishing anything on his own merit, troubled Garret. He wasn’t sure if it was Mrs. Chamberlain’s private lecture or listening to his grandfather and father plan his older brother’s life, but in that moment, Garret Coulson knew he had less than two years of high school to turn his academic future around.

  “Does this mean you’re staying here?” Garret asked, breaking into the conversation. He had been so lost in his own private thoughts he hadn’t really heard what they had been saying.

  “I guess you weren’t listening.” Garret’s father sounded annoyed.

  “Grandfather feels it would be good for me to see more of the world before I start work.” Wherever he was going, Sonny seemed pleased. “I’ll be traveling abroad.”

  “How does Mother feel about this? Where is she, anyway?” Garret asked.

  “She should be home soon,” Harrison said. “She was at that lecture up at Clement Falls this afternoon.” Harrison glanced at his watch. “Although, I’m a little surprised she isn’t home yet.”

  “So you actually convinced her to go?” Garret asked.

  “Someone from the family needed to be there, and your father and I had meetings all afternoon,” Randall said.

  “Does she know Sonny is home?” Garret asked.

  His question would be answered in the next minute when Vera Coulson sailed through the front door.

  “Is that Sonny’s car?” she asked, hurrying into the room. When she saw her eldest son, she rushed to him and gave him a hug.

  When Sonny started to explain the reason for his unexpected arrival, Vera interrupted him and said, “You can tell me all about it, dear, over dinner. Let me run upstairs and freshen up.” She dashed from the room as quickly as she had arrived.

  The four men chatted for a few minutes longer when Garret’s younger brother, Russell, ran into the living room to announce dinner was about to be served. Everyone stood up, agreeing the conversation could be resumed in the dining room.

  Harrison and Randall lingered in the living room for a few minutes discussing business, while the three brothers walked toward the dining room. Neither man noticed when Sonny shoved his foot in Russell’s path, causing the eight-year-old boy to trip and fall to the floor.

  “Why did you do that?” Garret asked angrily. He leaned down and pulled his younger brother to his feet. Russell glared at Sonny, refusing to cry.

  “Because it’s fun,” Sonny said with a laugh. He was still laughing when he walked into the dining room and was greeted by his mother, who gave him a second welcome hug.

  Shaking his head in disgust, Garret patted Russell’s shoulder and gave the boy a quick wink. There were times Garret found the kid annoying, but he figured that was simply the nature of little brothers. He didn’t see the reason to go out of his way to make the kid’s life miserable.

  Thrilled to have her favorite son home, Vera clutched Sonny’s left arm as he walked her to the right side of the table, where the two took a seat next to each other. Garret and Russell sat on the opposite side, while Harrison and Randall took their places at opposing ends of the table.

  “So tell me, Sonny, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?” Vera asked.

  “I’ve decided not to get my masters.”

  “You’ve dropped out of school?” She looked over at him.

  “It’s only been a month, no big deal.” Sonny shrugged.

  “Says the boy who is not paying for his own tuition,” Randall grumbled.

  “I thought you were okay with this, Grandfather?” Sonny asked.
r />   “You miss the point. If you recall I thought getting a masters in the first place was a waste of money. You have all the degree you need. Would have saved me some money had you just listened.”

  “So what are your plans? Are you staying here, working for your grandfather?” Vera sounded hopeful.

  “Grandfather says it will do me good to have a European tour before starting work.”

  “You’re traveling abroad?” Vera looked from her son to her husband. “It would be nice if you took me to Europe.”

  “This is my father’s idea,” Harrison told her. “But if you wish to do some traveling, no one’s stopping you.”

  “Alone? Or perhaps I could go with Sonny,” Vera suggested.

  Garret glanced at his older brother and chuckled. Sonny’s expression was priceless, and Garret almost felt sorry for him, yet not quite. It would serve the idiot right if Mother tagged along on his big European adventure.

  “I don’t think so,” Randall chimed in. The tension in Sonny’s face drained, replaced with a look of relief. “A young man does not take a trip such as this with his mother.”

  “I suppose not,” Vera reluctantly agreed.

  The table was silent for a few minutes while they ate.

  “I thought John was joining us for dinner this evening?” Vera asked.

  “No, John had to fly off at the last minute this afternoon, putting out fires,” Randall explained as he helped himself to a roll.

  “John Weber?” Sonny asked, “Is he still doing your dirty work, Grandfather?”

  “He does not do my dirty work, Sonny. John Weber is a very effective troubleshooter for Coulson Enterprises. And if you intend to take part in the family business, I expect you to speak more respectfully toward valuable members of the company,” Randall snapped.

  “I was just kidding, Grandfather.”

  “Sometimes your humor escapes me,” Randall said.

  “It’s because he isn’t funny,” Garret said under his breath between bites. From across the table Sonny gave him a swift kick. Garret silently glared at his older brother.