The Valkyrie’s Ghost

Chapter 16

Tuesday, December 23rd

The Five House

8755 Ridgeline Hollow Road

Grants Pass, OR

Lysandra----------------

Amanda and Lysandra were in the front and Riley jumped into the back seat. Amanda was her usual fun self who had never met a stranger and started to share fun facts about Grants Pass and Riley. Lysandra would smile and follow up with a question or two of her own. Amanda's kind soul only selected stories that were positive and showed Riley's tendency to help out anyone at any time.

In a lull, Lysandra turned back to Riley and asked about his home.

Amanda chimed in. "It used to be a foster home, right Riley."

Riley smiled with love in his eyes. "Yes, it was Amanda. If fact, I was a resident a couple of different times."

Riley saw Amanda's façade crumble. "Oh, Mandy, I am sorry." He shifted over and laid his head behind her seat and wrapped his right arm around her waist. "All those ghosts are gone." Amanda sniffed and wiped her eye, before she reached down and returned the one arm hug.

Noticing Lysandra's confusion. "Sorry, my last stay did not end well. I was roughed up a bit and had to see a doctor."

Amanda gripped the steering wheel. "What the hell Riley. You were beaten to an inch of your life. You spent 2 weeks in the hospital."

Riley's ears flushed red as he looked down in embarrassment. "It wasn't the best, but I got to see you, your dad, and Dr. Rhee. I healed up just fine."

Riley made an exaggerated deep breath and soon Amanda was mirroring him.

With the last one, Amanda turned and smiled at Riley. "You're the best little brother."

Riley's infectious smile of Amanda claiming her to be her own brother caused Lysandra to smile.

"Sorry Lysandra." Amanda grimaced. "You can see that Riley is a much better person than I am. I would have burned down the joint." Then she smiled. "Although, what he did is beyond amazing. When I stay, I always choose the Swan Loft. The third floor is a climb, but it is beyond amazing."

"Mandy, I am not sure Lysandra understands."

Amanda laughs at herself and then goes into the history of the Five and how Riley spent every waking moment for 5 years to reengineer the house from 13 rooms to 5 large suites. Each suite has a spa-like bathroom, and the coolest thing is all the furniture in each room tells a story of a fairytale. The first floor, which might be the best, is Beauty and the Beast. On the second floor he has the Starlight Suite and the Crimson Hollow which is the Little Prince and Little Red Riding Hood respectively. Then on the third floor is the Swan Loft (the Swan Lake) and The Silver Lantern (Aladdin and the Magic Lamp).

Riley shared that he would claim a suite for a few weeks before moving to the next.

Amanda asked Riley, "Before heading to Seattle, you were in the Silver Lantern, right? I thought I saw your clothes in the closet and drawers." Then a mischievous smile danced on to her face, "Perhaps you should have man space and a woman space and then you will not get you panties mixed up with you boxers!"

Riley tapped her on the arm. "You are just jealous I am too small to borrow my ball gown from!"

Amanda smiled. "Caught me!"

"Yes, I was in the Silver Lantern, but due to security, I will be moving down to the first floor. Lysandra can do the ten-cent tour and claim whatever suite strikes her fancy."

They pulled off the highway and drove on a newly laid asphalt road that ran a quarter mile back to the property. The driveway had a fence that ran along each side with lights that splashed on the asphalt. They entered the large driveway that had the house to one side and two large wooden structures the other.

The screen door flew open, and a small girl emerged with a father holding a baby in his arms as he tried to get the girl to put a coat on.

Amanda placed the SUV in park and Riley slid out of the backseat in a blink and met the girl at the bottom of the steps. Amanda turned to Lysandra. "He is the best person I know."

The little girl screamed "Uncle Riley" and jumped into his arms. She hugged his neck and gave her uncle a huge wet kiss! Then Riley whispered into her ear, and they moved their cheeks together.

"Butterfly kisses," Amanda informed as they opened their door. "It is River's thing."

Lysandra turned at the name. "River's?"

"Yep, named for my little brother."

Riley stepped up and took the coat from Mark and with a fist bump, bundled up River.

"I have someone I want you to meet." Riley said.

He walked over and the turned to Amanda. "Little River, this is Mommy." He said it importantly. "She knows everything and gives the best hugs and her kisses heal the most painful booboos." River just giggled.

"Well hello there Mommy. This great big bundle is Little Puddle. Errr, Silent Stream. Uhhh, no that is not right. Oh, this is River. She is the cutest six-year-old in the world."

Amanda skipped over and in a high little voice. "Oh, Riley, I am so thirsty, could I swallow the river and then I would never be thirsty again!?"

The little girl went wild with glee. Two kisses later, Riley then turned to Lysandra.

"River, I want you to meet a very close friend of mine. She is Ms. Vale."

River's eyes went wide as she looked up and up. River turned back and whispered into her uncle's ear.

"Yes, she is very tall." Riley smiled, "But do want to know a secret?"

The little girl stilled and looked very serious. "Yes, I do."

"Well, she is so nice that she had to grow tall or she might explode! She must be twice as nice as I am."

"Really?"

"Ms. Vale, this little angel is Ms. River Caldwell, the very best 6-year-old girl in the world." Riley said with great pomp.

"I think I read about that." Lysandra said. "I am Lysandra Vale Ms. Caldwell." Lysandra held her hand out and the little girl wowed as her small hand was dwarfed by the WNBA player's palm.

River wiggled down and walked over the Lysandra. She waved Lysandra down and whispered into her ear. The loud "You can carry me if you want," made everyone smile. Lysandra with a shake of the head from Amanda gently picked up the little girl, who gave a hug and kissed her on the cheek. "If you want, I can introduce you to my Daddy and my little brother."

Amanda and Lysandra stepped onto the porch. Mark shook Lysandra's hand in greeting. He then handed over Jack to Amanda and joined Riley in carrying the luggage and gifts into the Five House.

The tour of the house took 20 minutes and with River whispering into her ear, Lysandra chose to stay in the Crimson Hollow suite. The wolf was crafted to entice a young child and not to scare them to death. The door that opened in the living area was the pathway to grandma's house and the room was grandma's house. The details were mesmerizing.

The group set in the oversized great room that had a crackling fire set in a massive rock fireplace. Riley took drink orders and soon Mark and Amanda were enjoying a Merlot, Lysandra was enjoying a local IGA beer, and Riley sipped on a hot tea. River laid slack-limbed on Lysandra. She rebuffed any offers to take her, just enjoying the time she held her.

Riley asked Mark about his work as the Fire Marshall and he shared that a couple of campers let a fire jump their fire pit, but they were able to get it under control before it threatened any structures.

"How is Dad doing?" Riley asked. "Is he still working on the garage at the Ole' Stevenson place?"

Amanda caught Riley up on their dad's, Gary Trenholm, latest construction jobs. Then she looked shyly at him.

"Look Riley, PLEASE feel free to say no. But Mom is trying to rebuild a relationship with me, well her grandkids. I have made it tough, but she asked if you might allow her to join us for your Christmas feast." Amanda spat out with conflicting emotions.

Riley went still. Amanda immediately started to backtrack... "Pretend I didn't ask. I don't know what I was thinking" she sniffed.

Riley smiled. "I would love it if she could join us. She welcomed me into her home, and I will always welcome her in mine."

Amanda just stared, with her mouth open. "But she said awful things..."

"She was trying to protect her son who was facing the greatest challenge in his young life." Riley smiled again. "I promise you, she is welcome to join us, if Gary is ok with it. He accepted my invitation first."

"I will confirm." Amanda turned to her husband. "What do you think, should we get these bed bugs in bed?"

"Absolutely." Mark said. Lysandra stood up carefully repositioning the sleepy girl as Riley grabbed the coat. He helped slide her arms in and zipped up the coat. Riley pulled a small stocking cap and pulled it over River's ears.

Mark came over and Lysandra gently transferred the sleeping girl to her father's loving arms.

Riley saw them off and after the red taillights traced the driveway and disappeared into the dark of the night. He eagerly returned to the warmth of the house.

"Are you hungry?" Riley asked,

She just smiled and shook her head. "Do you mind if we just enjoy the fire?"

Riley smiled. "Great idea. I might pop some popcorn."

"Well, if you are going to go to the trouble, I might could snack a bit."

She followed him to a commercial kitchen laden full of the top-of-the-line equipment.

"It is too commercial right?" Riley asked as she scanned the space. "I bid on the equipment of a steak restaurant which had a massive fire." Riley went to the large pantry and pulled out a large popcorn pot with a manual crank. "Mark gave me the heads up. They didn't clean the grease traps in the ventilation, and the fire just gutted the ceiling and dining area." He drizzled in some oil and butter and then added the corn-kernels. "The equipment looked rough, but Mark felt most of it just needed a bit of spit and polish. The first month, you could still smell the hints of smoke." When the popping slowed, Riley pulled the cooker to a neighboring burner that was cold and grabbed two moderate sized galvanized buckets. He shook steaming popcorn in and handed one two Riley. "Another beer?"

"If you promise to take me for a run tomorrow, I can have a second." Lysandra bartered.

"Deal." Riley said and pulled a beer out of a small refrigerator that had wine, soft drinks, and beer."

"You don't drink?" Lysandra asked.

"Occasionally, but I am a lightweight" Riley then smiled. "Literally, more than one drink and I am snoring the William Tell Overture."

They took the popcorn and went to sit on overstuffed couches and chairs. Riley pulled his phone and light classical music whispered from hidden speakers.

They sat in a comfortable, almost familiar silence. The music and fire weaving a sense of home and safety. The style of the home was almost the opposite of the clean modern feel of Lysandra's estate, but the homey clutter of a country home was surprisingly comfortable.

They passed the time by asking each other an interesting fact or favorite. Places traveled, people met, favorite food, scariest movie, binge worthy series, and television show. Each topic would carry a conversation in which both shared a piece of them with the other. Around 11:00, as the fire began to die out, Lysandra smiled and stood.

"Riley, I really appreciate you allowing me to invite myself into your home." Lysandra said with a hint of embarrassment.

"Lysandra, I really appreciate you allowing me to work from home," Riley offered with a wink. "I hope you don't rue the day you suggested this. I have a number of characters in my collection of lost toys and misfits."

"Don't forget, a run tomorrow!" She reminded him as she climbed the stairs.

"Gotcha boss," Riley responded, "one run."

Chapter 17

Wednesday, December 24th

The Five House

8755 Ridgeline Hollow Road

Grants Pass, OR

Lysandra--------------

Lysandra stirred, buried deep into a thick comforter and criminally soft bed, her phone blinked and vibrated, she reached for the phone. Riley had embedded in his night stand a wireless charging pad, watch charger, and a retractable collection of cords. She smiled at his practical ingenuity which was immersed in the subtle characters represented with different woods and materials inlaid into the richly smoothed and glowing hard woods.

Mom:Happy Christmas Eve Baby Girl! Are you sure you can't make it for Christmas? Everett's place in Portland is beautiful and I am sure you would get along with his two children. His 3-year old grandchild is such a pretty little girl.

Lysandra:Thanks for the offer. I am actually in Oregon, but three hours south of you. Staying with Riley so he can visit his family, but still keep me safe.

Mom:I would love to see you.

Lysandra:I would love to see you as well. Let's get through Christmas and perhaps we could meet in Euguene for lunch, it is halfway.

Mom:Honey, I want to spend a bit more time than a lunch. Could we find a resort or something? Everett's family flies out on Friday. Just a couple of days?

Lysandra:It isn't just me mom. Let me check in with Riley.

Mom:I love you sweetheart!

Lysandra:I love you too mom.

Lysandra climbed out of bed and went to get ready.

She walked down in sweats and a comfortable pair of shoes and noticed Riley had set a fire that crackled its welcome. She walked to the kitchen which had a mug and a carafe which she opened and smelled her favorite coffee. All of her sweetener and milk options set in perfect order. She poured her coffee and with a dash and stir she sipped the perfect morning welcome. She picked up the note "I am out front" was in a calligraphy typeset.

She walked towards the door and noticed a heavy sweater lay on the back of the couch closest to the door. She slipped into the sweater and walked out the door. Riley was moving through his kata forms.

"Good morning" Riley offered, even though his eyes were closed. "Hopefully the grandma with sharp teeth didn't keep you up last night."

Lysandra huffed out a chuckle. "Nope, I just warned him that I have an expert woodsman below and he would be chopped up into a Christmas dinner."

Riley's eyes popped open and a huge smile preceded a bark of laughter. "Nice." The eyes closed and he said. "I have just a few more minutes. Do you have any requests for breakfast?"

"Surprise me." Lysandra said.

"You mentioned a work out." Riley eyes opened. "If you are up to it, I know a few paths that let you get your exercise in, but while seeing some of God's greatest work."

"That sounds fantastic." Lysandra answered truthfully. She sat down on a rocking chair and just rocked in time with Riley's smooth movements.

As Riley finished they walked to the kitchen and started some classic Christmas music. Soon, Riley pulled out some vegetables and started to chop them. Each dice produced a uniform size and shape of vegetable.

Riley explained he struggled with OCD. Then he smiled. "It was my control mechanism. It was something that even the most indifferent foster parent even approved of. Keep things clean and in order. When Aunt Jude started to show me the ropes of the kitchen, she shared in her professional training, the master chef would yell at the student if the size differed more than an eighth of an inch. So practice and some, emm, ok hand to eye coordination and I can get my bell pepper sliced and diced to make the most stuck-up French chef happy."

Riley looked up. "I am sorry, I was just going to fix your omelet like Nadine makes for you. But you are on vacation. Any requests?"

Lysandra is taken back on the personal likes and dislikes Riley has cataloged. She smiles, "Did Aunt Jude have a special omelet?"

Riley went back to the refrigerator. "You don't mind bacon or ham do you?"

"It is my vacation." Lysandra replied. "Do your best to spoil me."

"The gauntlet has been thrown." Riley offered in a British accent "And I must accept this challenge in defense of my honor!"

Riley returns with two additional styles of cheese and a package of bacon and ham. He pulls two different chopping boards and soon both had small stacks of meat, cheese, and vegetables. He quickly prepared the omelets with almost a dramatic flair when he added seasonings, flipping the omelet with a flick of a wrist. Two colorful plates where pulled out and the omelets were positioned on the plate. Finally, Riley pulled out two shot glasses filled with a yogurt parfait.

"Breakfast table?" Riley asked.

He placed both plates down and returned to grab him a glass of grape juice and picked up the tray that had her coffee and fixings.

Lysandra groaned with pleasure as the omelet danced on her taste buds. "Oh, my. Thank you Aunt Jude." Riley eyes sparked and a smile joined in.

"She is an amazing lady." Riley agreed.

Riley pulled up his phone and was scrolling through a screen.

"Is that your property?" Lysandra asked.

"Yes, when you went to bed, I connected with New York and I set out a perimeter of security devices." Riley showed her his phone. "I set up 38 cameras that have laser links, infrared cameras, and motion detectors. The guys and gals will have an opportunity to see some wildlife in the beautiful Oregon forest."

"What time did you get to bed?" Lysandra asked.

"Oh, it was around 1:00 am." Riley answered. "I never mind hanging out in the woods."

"I am sorry, I should have headed to bed way earlier." She offered.

"No apologies." Riley. "I enjoyed the popcorn, fire, and company." He smiled. "Besides, you are my first not a former foster family member company, and I really want to impress." He then smiled like a kid at Christmas. "Just in case I become an extrovert and want to open a bed and breakfast. You know bite of a happy radioactive spider or the like."

Lysandra laughed. "Nice, you are five stars so far. I might add a sixth star for the omelet, but my comment would have to credit Aunt Jude."

"As it should." Riley chuckled.

As Riley gathered all the dishes, Lysandra walked up and picked up the towel. Her raised eyebrows sparked a smile and nod of the head. In companion silence, and spontaneous singing of a particular favorite Christmas tune. Soon the plates, pans, and boards were returned to their exact position. The counters, stove, and table wiped and dried.

Riley looked up to Lysandra. "Since we are going to go for a hike, do you mind if I give you your gift now?"

Riley led her to the great room and had her sit on the couch. He brought two boxes to the coffee table. He sat one in front of Lysandra and another he took and sat down on the chair that was closest to her position on the couch.

"I took the liberty to wrap your gift to me." He said with a wink.

Lysandra unwrapped and found a black box with a fitted top. She pulled the top off and pulled back the neatly folded lavender tissue paper. On top was a pair of plum-colored hiking boots, sturdy and well-built, with strong soles and tightly laced eyelets. Beneath them, she found a pair of deep purple wool socks, thick and warm, with a soft ribbed texture. Next were the hiking pants, made of lightweight fabric in a muted violet tone--stretchy and clearly designed for movement. Folded beside them was a light lavender merino t-shirt, soft and breathable, perfect for layering. At the bottom of the box was a rich purple jacket, light but durable, with a fitted hood and smooth zippers. She laid each item out in front of her, the different shades of purple forming a complete set--functional, comfortable, and made to last. Everything was her size.

She looked over and found that Riley had the same exact set. "I hope you don't mind that we match..." Riley asked with a cautious smile. "I had hoped to take you for a hike or two."