Cowboy Up
Chapter 5. The Simple Tenses
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| Detail from Brokeback Mountain special edition by SpyrousSeraphim. My thanks. |
Summary: The Simple Tenses: Past, Present and Future. They all seem to be coming together at the Lazy-R. Chris Redfield is more concerned with living in the present, whilst sister Claire plans for a brighter future. But is the past catching up with the beguiling Piers Nivans?
Previously: Andy and Piers both stopped joshing the moment they walked into the kitchen. Chris had his back to them. He was holding Claire tightly. Her head lay on his shoulder, and she was crying ... .
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Claire looked up as they entered, and smiled through her tears. She saw that Andy had his arm around Piers' shoulders, they seemed to have sorted things out between them. She beckoned them in with a hand.
"It's OK boys, these are happy tears. C'mon, group hug."
Andy looked somewhat embarrassed. Claire fixed him with the look. "Would you refuse a lady's request Andy Walker?"
"Um, I reckon not Miss Claire, if'n you puts it that way."
"I do!"
They all embraced.
"Are we good Andy?" Chris asked his old foreman.
"Yes, Boss. Didn't rightly know what to think a'fer, but your young fella set me to rights." Piers smiled. And so did Claire.
"Bless you Piers, you've bought my old brother back, thank you." she said
The hazel eyes whirled, "It's meant to be." Piers said simply.
Claire couldn't be sure, only she thought there was a hint of sadness in Piers' voice. But she was feeling emotional, and she quickly dismissed the thought as they all sat down to supper for the second time that evening. She was just pleased to see her brother so happy and content.
During the meal, as the men noisily helped themselves to the beef stew and vegetable hash she'd prepared, Claire tried to collect her thoughts. She didn't want to steal Chris and Piers' thunder; but she had important news of her own too. She'd practiced the pouty face, in case Chris proved stubborn. Given his joyful mood at present, she hoped it wouldn't come to the giving him the sisterly hell!
Continued after the jump . . .
"Hey Chris, I was talking to Ben Airhart this morning ..."
"Oh yeh? ..." said Chris with his mouth full, winking at Andy, and nudging Piers in the ribs. "... Mr Sex on Legs!"
"Oh, really! I don't know what you mean Chris! I only said that once ... or twice." Claire blushed, her cheeks trying to match the color of her hair. "Anyway, be that as it may, this was a purely professional conversation ..."
"Ha!"
"Christopher! I'm warning you!"
"OK sis. So, you and Sex, er, Ben, were talking." Chris made 'quote' signs with his fingers. "What about?"
Look, this is serious, if you don't want to listen fine."
"Alright, alright, I'm only teasin'. Now stop pouting and tell me what's so danged important."
"Well, it started with something Andy said at breakfast this morning, about securing the future of the Lazy-R, financially. I also spoke to Mr Alfonso about it, and he's a self-made man, he knows about these things.
"Carl Alfonso? Well, he's certainly wealthy by all accounts. So sis, just what are these ideas you've been cooking up along with the stew and the hash?" Her brother was intrigued, and Claire knew it.
"Basically, opening up the Lazy-R as a Guest Ranch. With me working from here rather than at Stanford, I think I could also run the guest side, whilst you and Piers looked after the ranching. Guests could help you two out on the range, and Mr Alfonso suggested getting college students in during summer to look after the guests. Ben does it too and he gave me some figures to work with. I've done some basic calculations and I think it could work out pretty well. Here, have a look."
Claire handed Chris a sheaf of papers with budgets, forecasts, spreadsheets. He barely glanced at them, Chris knew his sister would have done a good job on the figures. Apart from finances being her line of business, she loved the ranch as much as he did. It had been their home for last sixteen years. He smiled at her, this bright, beautiful woman he'd raised since their parents had died. God, she was so like her mother.
"Great, let's do it sis."
"What! No argument? No 'Hmm, I'll think about it?' No 'It's out of the quest ..."
"Nope." Chris grinned. "Sorry to disappoint you. If you think it's a good idea, then we'll do it, simple. When do we start?"
It was only the sound of Andy dropping his spoon into the stew that broke the ensuing silence. "Damnit Boss, now I's heard everything!"
"Me too." said Claire, still amazed. "What's come over you?"
Chris looked at his sister and smiled again. "Life, and love I guess." Then he clapped a hand affectionately on Piers' shoulder. "Whad’ya think Piers? Do you fancy working on a Dude Ranch?"
"I'm all for anything that makes for a happy future Chris." It was exactly the sort of enigmatic response the others were beginning to expect from the mysterious Mr Nivans.
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Chris did look at Claire's figures later that evening; after Andy and Piers had retired to the bunkhouse for the night. Chris hadn't yet worked out what sort of cohabiting arrangements he and Piers should make. It was still all so new to him.
"Let's just keep it simple Chris, enjoy the now, the future will be what it will be." Piers had said as Chris kissed him goodnight.
"But you wanna happy one don't you? Like you said earlier?" Chris was suddenly concerned. "You're not getting cold feet are you? About the job, about us?" It was almost a plea.
"No, of course not. I want this with all my heart, with all my very soul. You'll see." Then Piers returned the kiss, his eyes ablaze with color. Chris closed his in ecstasy, and when he eventually opened them again, he was alone.
Back inside the house, Claire was still up. She smiled when she saw Chris enter the room and held him in her arms.
"I, er, I thought you and Piers might, you know ..."
He returned the embrace. "No, he said to keep it simple for now. Jeez, what a day! this thing with Piers, your plans for the ranch. My head's still spinning." He smiled as he sat down. "We don't do things by halves, do we sis?"
"That's the Redfield way, all or nothing." she laughed. "I know I shouldn't, but I think I'll have a nightcap. You?"
"Mmm yes, a scotch please. And let me have a proper look at those figures of yours. I owe you that much at least after all the hard work you must have put into them."
Chris read through them as they relaxed with their drinks. "I'm no expert, but they seem fine to me, possibly even too cautious. I know! How 'bout we run them past Ben and Mr Alfonso sometime soon?"
"Sure, I was going to suggest something similar. They are the experts! I'll e-mail them my figures tomorrow, and we can all discuss them later."
"Good, then I'll invite them both over, say next Saturday?" suggested Chris.
Great! I'll fix up one of the spare rooms for Mr Alfonso, it's a long drive back to his spread, unless he comes in that helicopter of his."
"And Ben? Is he gonna stay the night too?"
"Christopher Redfield! What sort of a girl do you think I am?"
Chris leant over and kissed her. "One who deserves as much happiness as I can give her."
Claire kissed him back. "Well, with the head-start you've made with Piers, I'd better put my spurs on then. Ben's a bi ... well, let's just say he's a bit shy."
Chris laughed. "Ha! Really? Ben? Perhaps he's got someone else?"
Claire gave her brother the killer look. "That's not funny Christopher! Fortunately, I happen to know it's not true either. I have made extensive enquiries, believe me. He just needs a nudge in the right direction. Like most cowboys, you know?"
"Hey, don't look at me sis, it's gonna be difficult enough for me explaining to everyone about Piers, let alone matchmaking for you and Ben. I'm not best placed to tell him about wooing the fairer sex now am I?"
"Hmm, agreed. Perhaps you should do as Piers says and keep things simple for now. People will figure it out for themselves soon enough I guess. But, if you do see the opportunity, just make sure you give Ben a shove in my direction. OK?"
"OK sis, and you can return the favor. Let me know if anyone sees Piers and me as a problem. Your better at this social awareness stuff than I am. I probably wouldn't recognize it, or just ..."
"Punch them?"
"Exactly!"
As they exchanged goodnight kisses, Claire held on to her brothers arm. "Chris, you do know what you're doing? With Piers I mean."
"Honestly? I haven't a clue. All I know is he saved my life, and he makes me happy. I cain't explain it, but it's like we've known each other for years. We just seem made for one another. And that's good enough for me."
"Then it's good enough for me too. Love you bro."
"Love you more sis. Oh, and you'd better make up that other spare room, just in case Ben decides to stay." Chris deftly dodged the cushion that suddenly came flying towards his head, but not the look or the scream.
"Argh, brothers!"
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The following Saturday morning Piers asked Chris if he could borrow the truck to go in to town.
"Um, sure. You do drive?"
"Yeh ... " Piers grinned as Chris handed him the keys, he was already sat inside the cab. "... like I ride, well!" He gunned the engine of the old Ford and it disappeared down the track in a cloud of swirling dust, the rear wheels slewing on the gravel.
Chris looked on dubiously as he scratched the back of his head. "Oh! That's alright then ... ."
"Where's he off to in such a hurry?" asked Claire, coming out to see what all the noise was about.
"Said he wanted to go into town."
"Damn, I needed some things for the meal tonight, I don't have the time to go in. Does he have a cell?"
"Never seen him with one, I've never asked. He just seems to know when he's needed."
"You noticed that too? Oh, well, how about a plain ol barbecue? There's plenty of meat in the freezer, that's one thing we do have. And there should be some beer left if Andy didn't drink it all." sighed Claire.
"Heck, we're ranchers, we live on beer and barbecues, I read it in some magazine." said Chris, grinning broadly.
"Christopher Redfield, are you being ironic?"
"Could be, if I knew what it meant. Ha! I'll get the old Dutch oven out, clean it and rig it up for you. Gotta hang around for a feed delivery this morning anyways."
"I like this new helpful brother of mine, Piers sure has worked his magic on you."
"Let's hope he works it on Ben and Carl Alfonso tonight too. The Lazy-R needs a break."
He can work it all he likes on Mr Alfonso. But if anyone's going to be working magic on Ben tonight, it's me. Understand!"
"Yes ma'am. Er, was that irony?"
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That evening Claire waited inside the ranch house, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach. She'd dressed-up for the occasion, a dark red cocktail dress that complemented rather than outshone her red hair. She normally reserved it for social functions at the University, And she couldn't remember the last time she'd worn a dress at the Lazy-R; not as an adult anyway. She'd decided that Ben was going to get the full works, hence the dress, hence the butterflies. Oh, and the nerves. She knew a man like Carl Alfonso would scrutinize her plans for the ranch closely. He had a reputation for being financially astute, as well as for being something of a recluse. She hadn't met him, though Chris had, on a few occasions. It promised to be an interesting evening.
She heard the sound of a car horn and looked out of the window. It was Ben, in a shiny black pick-up. She was just about to call out when she saw Piers step silently out of the shadows. He was holding something behind his back. Ben gave him a hug like they were old pals, and Piers gave him ... flowers and chocolates! She rubbed her eyes in disbelief. Was Piers two timing Chris? With Ben? What the ... ! When she opened her eyes again Ben was standing by his truck, holding the gifts, alone. She shook her head, 'It must be my nerves.' she told herself. 'I'm imagining things now!' She ran down to meet him excitedly.
"Why, Miss Claire, you look ... you look beautiful. Say, these are for you, but they don't do you justice." He smiled, shyly, as he gave Claire the flowers and chocolates.
"Why thank you kind sir." she said, fluttering her eyelashes ever so slightly. "How thoughtful." She took the presents, and read the little gift cards. To the prettiest red head on the range, with deep affection, Ben. They were both written in Ben's strong hand, she knew it. She reached up and put her arms around his neck then kissed him full on the lips. "With my deep affection." was all she said.
Just as they were about to enter the house, another car horn sounded. Claire turned back to look as Carl Alfonso arrived. Piers had reappeared, this time with Chris. Whilst Chris greeted Carl, Piers opened the passenger door and a petite blonde stepped out. It was Jill Valentine. She was a captain at the army range which was a neighbor to all three ranches. Piers bowed slightly, then gave her his arm to escort her in. Carl slapped him on the shoulders in friendly greeting. How did Piers seem to know everyone? Just like he'd seemed to know her? Then she and Ben were caught up in the greetings and the questions were forgotten.
If Chris had any qualms earlier, he hid them well. He'd decided that he would try and be by Piers' side the whole night, and preferably with an arm draped around his shoulders. 'That should strike the right balance of keeping things simple.' he'd reckoned. 'Actions, not words.'
As it turned out, the only person who was a little uncomfortable with events was Jill. Chris had invited the young army captain to provide some female company for Claire. And to even-up the male to female ratio a little. The cowboy who'd come out was still old-fashioned enough to worry about such things. Jill was the Civilian Liaison Officer at the range, and also acted as the Fire Prevention Officer; so she was no stranger to Ben or Carl. She was also a skilled horsewoman. The army used horses to get around some of the more difficult terrain on the range, and the year before she had joined in at round-up time on the Lazy-R. Jill was looking forward to it again this fall. But it was Chris Redfield she'd really had hopes for, once. The captain was too polite to let it show, but she couldn't help but say something to Piers during a rare moment Chris left his side.
"You're a lucky man Mr Nivans, you seem to have beaten me to him." she forced a faint smile.
"Don't give up hope Jill, there's always the future. And please call me Piers." He gave her his best, and most devastating smile, and she found herself momentarily lost in those sparkling eyes.
"Er, yes, Piers it is then." Jill said as she tried to regain her thoughts. "What do you mean, the future?
"The next time perhaps, we'll see."
And before she had time to ask what Piers what on earth he meant, Chris was back by his side.
"Oh good, you two making friends?" he said, totally oblivious to Jill's aspirations. "Piers, come and meet Carl Alfonso, he's talking to Claire about her plans. Excuse us please Jill."
Chris formally introduced Piers to Carl, "Mr Alfonso, meet my new hand, Piers Nivans."
"Ah yes, we met outside. Claire's been telling me all about you. The mysterious Mr Nivans, she calls you, ha ha! Are you a mystery young man?"
Claire looked somewhat embarrassed, but Piers smiled affably. "People say the same thing about you Carl. There's a lot of mystery about." The hazel eyes sparked and flamed.
Carl chuckled, "Yes, perhaps there is, perhaps there is." He was lost in thought for a moment, smiling to himself. Then he looked at Chris.
"Christopher, your sister's figures are fine, as far as they go. But there's a significant flaw in the plan. You're one ranch hand short. You simply can't do it with two. It's a question of care for your guests. For your horses too; with the additional workload they'll be having."
Chris looked downcast. "I guess you’re right, we hadn't thought of that. But we're, um ... Well, to be honest, we're running a little tight here at the moment."
"Don't look so worried Christopher, I think I have a solution. One that would benefit us both if you helped me."
"I, I don't understand. How can the Lazy-R help you?" Chris scratched his head.
"We need a horseman Chris. And Carl here needs somewhere for his ward to live and work. Isn't that right Carl?" interjected Piers.
"Yes precisely! I must say you're remarkably well informed young man." Carl replied, surprised and amused.
"Ha, ha, I know what I know, ask Chris."
"You seem to know more than I do right now." replied a thoroughly confused Chris. "I'm sorry Mr Alfonso, Piers is a little ..." he couldn't think of a suitable word, "... a little bit ..."
"Yes, I think I understand Christopher. Well, he happens to be right. My ward is the son of my ex-foreman. He was abusing his son, so I fired him; and took on the role of guardian myself. You see, he's a developmentally disabled adult." Chris looked at Carl quizzically.
"He's an autistic savant. He has trouble running his life, but I've never met a man who rides so well and knows so much about horses. It's intuitive."
Chris wasn't sure. "I don't know, seems an awful lot to take on. Wouldn't there be legal responsibilities and such?"
Piers interrupted again. "Chris, this kid simply needs a chance, doesn't he Carl?"
"Why, er yes, that's it, on the button."
"You would be a special conservator, or more likely a limited guardian." Piers explained to Chris. "Responsible for his employment and job training, but not his general welfare or finances; that would still be Carl's role."
"Exactly! You know your stuff young man. Yes Christopher, there would be some legalities, young Piers here seems familiar with them. But they would be straightforward, and shouldn't take long. A few weeks, by the end of the month certainly. I would consider it a great personal favor if you would agree to my proposal. What do you say my boy?"
"But then why let him go Mr Alfonso, if he's so talented? I have to ask." Claire had been listening closely all this time, and like Chris, she had her doubts.
"And quite right too, I'd ask the same question if I were in your place. Honestly? Because he spooks all the other hands. And because whatever else he was, his father, Sean, was a good foreman. The other hands respected him, even though he was an awnry S.O.B. if you'll pardon me Miss Claire. But he couldn't accept his son because he wasn't 'normal', and neither will they. They're a good team, I can't just get rid of them for the boy's sake. I'm a business man. So, he needs a fresh start. Somewhere close by, so I can continue to keep an eye on him. And somewhere with fewer, but more caring people around him. From what I've seen tonight, I believe the Lazy-R fits the bill perfectly. And naturally, I will meet all his expenses. He could be that extra hand you need to make your sister's plan succeed Chris. What do you say?"
"I'm not sure. It would be a big responsibility. What do you think Claire? We could certainly do with the extra help. Perhaps we could eventually develop a stud line if he's good with horses. You know I've always wanted to do that."
"With that wild black stallion of yours? I thought you were chasing a dream."
"Well, at least let's give Mr Alfonso's proposal a try sis."
"We should all have a chance for our dreams to come true Claire." Piers nodded pointedly in the direction of Ben Airhart, who was talking to Jill on the other side of the room. "Carl's ward might have dreams too. Nothing mysterious in that."
It was Claire's turn to make a big decision, and Piers had deftly maneuvered her into a corner.
"Of course, of course." Chris and Piers both looked so enthusiastic now, how could she refuse? "Alright Chris, let's do it."
"Capital, capital! Here's my hand on it." Carl Alfonso beamed. "And Piers, I can't tell you how glad I am to have met you tonight. You're a lucky man Chris. I'll bring my ward over sometime next week if I may, to introduce him?"
"Fine, let us know the day before and we'll make sure everything's ready here." said Chris. "Oh, by the way, what's his name?"
"Finnbar, Finnbar Macauley, but he prefers to be called Finn. In fact he won't answer to anything else. It's the name he chose, not his father's choice you see. That's how he deals with unpleasant things. In his mind he puts them in a box and screws the lid down tight. But put a horse in front of him, well! You can talk all you like about horse whisperers and such, but Finn knocks them all into a cocked hat. You'll see, you won't have any horse problems with him around. And if you do want to develop that side of the ranch business, he's your man. He's a natural."
As Chris and Carl moved out to the BBQ, deep in conversation, Claire put her hand on Piers' arm. "You were right Piers, we all have our dreams. You must tell me yours one day, mystery man." She smiled and looked over at Ben. "But right now, I'm going to chase mine. Thanks for the reminder!"
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In the Transcendancy, the white light shimmered. Back and forth, soft and hard. Subtle differences in intensity and wavelength. In a place where dimensionality and time were already so warped as to be virtually meaningless, two forms coalesced:
He's touched them all now, how interesting, he's never been so close!
He's learning every time, remembering more.
Well, he should remember he only has one wild card left. Do you think he'll use it?
Let's see, shall we?
Ah, you enjoy the uncertainty, don't you?
It makes me feel.....more.....more like them.
How odd you are sometimes! But tell me, is this the endgame? Is everything in place?
No, not quite, but soon it will be.
When they are all together?
Yes, what do they call it? The round-up, ha ha!
There it is again, that curious noise you make. How?
I really don't know. It seems automatic, given a juxtaposition of certain events, some sort of ancient transcended reflex we've all but forgotten. I think it helps them cope, with their brief existence.
They certainly are strange creatures, I find it hard to believe we're related. Such a pity they have so short a span. It will be interesting now the clever one is joining them. To observe their different reactions, ha ha! Oh, goodness, I just did it too, how extraordinary! What did you call it?
They call it laughter. I call it ... living.
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"... This is Mr Redfield, son; he's going to be your new boss."
The sad green eyes set in a round face framed by short, wavy black hair looked around, bemused.
Chris put his hand out. "Hello Finn, you can call me Chris if you want."
Finn looked at, but ignored, the large hand offered him. "I had eggs for breakfast."
"Oh, um, that's good." Chris was so taken aback he said the first thing that came into his head. "Er, scrambled or fried?"
"No, chicken's silly!"
Piers just laughed as Chris stood open mouthed. "Ha, ha, good joke Finn."
Finn looked curiously at Piers. At, and around him. "I know you. You're my guardian ..."
Chris interrupted. "No Finn, that's Mr Alfonso here."
"You didn't let me finish Mr Chris." said Finn reproachfully, never taking his eyes off Piers. "I was talking to your man ... he's my guardian angel. They're pretty, can I touch them?"
The hazel eyes whirled and glowed in warning. Piers shook his head and put a finger to his lips.
"Oh, secrets, OK, I won't tell." Finn smiled conspiratorially.
Chris, by now totally bemused, dropped his hand. "Yes, er, pleased to meet you." But he hadn't given up trying to communicate with the young man. "Um, it's a nice day Finn, don't you think?"
Finn looked up at the sky, shading his green eyes against the sun. "I think heaven is blue Mr Chris ... ."
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And so the hot summer rolled on at the Lazy-R. Claire was now working from the ranch; and things with Ben were proceeding well. Very well indeed now they could spend more time together. She had run a trial guest week, with some folks who Carl had recommended, and it had been a great success. Chris just felt happier and happier every day he spent in Piers' company; whilst Finn blossomed and grew in confidence under Chris and Piers' kindly instruction.
Piers himself muscled-up, just as he'd thought he would. When he wore one of Pete Carney's shirts, which wasn't often during the day, they were a now a tight fit. But it gave him little pleasure; he sensed he wouldn't need them for much longer. He could feel events were drawing to a conclusion, as the round-up neared. But although Piers tried to keep his darker thoughts to himself, Finn had somehow picked up on them.
"Don't worry Piers, I'll look after them for you, when ..." he said shyly to Piers one evening in the bunkhouse.
Piers' eyes whirled and sparked, his features suddenly hardened, aged. "When what? You know, don't you Finn?"
Finn looked mournful. "People think I'm dumb, but I'm not."
"I know Finn, you're probably the most perceptive person I've ever met. But this must stay our secret, or things won't work out. OK?"
"Oh yes, like your ...?" Finn reached out with a trembling hand.
Piers smiled, his face regaining its normal composure once more. "Yes Finn, just like them!"
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A couple of weeks before the round-up was due to start, Claire got a call from the faculty head of the Graduate School of Business at the university. "Claire, my dear,
the new semester's about to commence and we find ourselves rather short of office space. Would you mind if I move you?"
"Er, no Dean, I guess not, anything to help out. Where am I headed?"
"It's an attic room, in the Registrar's building. Best I can do at the moment I'm afraid. I do hope you don't mind. Could you come in do you think ... ?"
"Sure, give me a couple of days. How 'bout I see you Thursday?"
"Perfect my dear. See you then, goodbye."
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Claire climbed the stairs to the top of the Registration Building, the stairs becoming progressively less grand the higher up she got, till at last simple stone steps and iron railings led to the attic. She unlocked the door with the key the Registrar had given her, and felt for a light switch in the gloom. Rows of fluorescent lights crackled and hummed as they came on. Some flashing angrily, as if annoyed at the unexpected disturbance. Beneath them, row upon row of shelving units, stacked with box binders, disappeared into the flickering distance. These were the old hard-copy archives.
Her nose twitched as she entered the room. It smelt musty, and she could feel the damp. There was a desk close by the door. Covered with a fine layer of dust, as was the folded newspaper that lay on top of it. Claire picked it up idly, reading the date. The Stanford Daily, September 17th, 2000. Why was that date familiar? She turned it over and a headline caught her eye. Promising Stanford Graduate Disappears. She read on, with mounting incredulity. Piers Nivans, a 24 year old Stanford graduate, conducting post-graduate research into viral immunology has not been seen for the last 2 days ... . She stopped reading and squinted at the fuzzy black and white photo that accompanied the article. It looked like it was an enlargement from an old 'class' photo. It could have been anyone. Besides, that would make him what, 40 years old now? It couldn't be, just a weird coincidence! But nonetheless she felt the hairs on the back of her neck standing up. Claire shivered. It must be this room, she thought, it was a bit spooky. Then she remembered that the ranks of binders contained the old student records.
She looked along the rows. "E-F, K-L, M, ah, here it is, N!" Her eyes scanned the shelves full of dusty binders. "Na, Ne ... Ni." She took the binder back to the table and flicked through the contents. "Nivans, Piers," A photo, showing the same fuzzy image, course and examination results. But no leaving date. The record had never been closed, the file was still open. How? Why? Then the significance of the newspaper date hit her. September 2000, the month her parents had died in a car crash. She was barely ten at the time. For some inexplicable reason, it didn't seem like a coincidence anymore.
Suddenly Claire felt faint, sick. Clutching the newspaper she ran from the room, only stopping once she was outside the building, gulping in lungfuls of fresh air. She tried to regain her composure as she slowly made her way back to her office in the Graduate School of Business. She sat down at her desk and switched on the computer, her fingers flying over the keyboard. She typed in Stanford Daily, September 2000, Piers Nivans, and hit search.
Three results came up. The first was the article in the old paper now lying next to her PC. The second was a report of missing Stanford graduate Piers Nivans' body being found in the Lower Crystal Springs reservoir a week later. A colored image scrolled down slowly. Claire put a hand up to her open mouth.
"Oh my God!"
To be continued . . .
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