Silent Eyes: Parts 1 - 5

NOTE: This is my first attempt at a story of some length that is not fantasy, so bear with me. I hope it is atleast somewhat enjoyable. Comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcomed and are encouraged!

Part One

         Karen gracefully walked across the packed room of characters and, holding her glass of champagne tight in her hand, squeezed her way to the buffet table. A lavish assortment of fruits, meats, hors d’oeuvres, and splendid displays of flowers and candles awaited her there. She grabbed a napkin swiftly and placed a few pieces of fruit on it. She turned around, biting into a strawberry, tasting its sweet nectar, and watched the vast fields of people dancing and laughing to the music.
         “When you throw a party, you sure know how to throw a party,” Emily said as she too gathered a few fruits up into her napkin. She stood next to Karen and smiled at the crowd of people. “Too bad Matthew could not be here to enjoy this.”
         “Your brother does enjoy himself well after a few glasses of champagne and a quick spin on the dance floor,” Karen said as she finished off the strawberry and placed her napkin on the table. “It’s good to enjoy a taste of simplicity in a world so complex.”
         “So it is,” Emily said as she grabbed a glass of champagne from the waiter and took a sip. “You went all out for this,” she said as she turned to Karen.
         Karen smiled back. “Well, Matthew would want to. The only thing he enjoys more than having a good time is knowing others are.”
         “How long will he be gone on business?”
         “A week more, tops,” Karen said. She smiled a bit as she added, “Just in time to celebrate our 5th anniversary.”
         “It seems you two have been together forever,” Emily said with a chuckle. “I can’t even recall the days when he didn’t have you beside him.” The conversation softly died out as the two watched everyone dance around them. Emily took another sip from her glass before starting again. “I heard about that stock going down today.
Terrible thing, and you had a good deal invested in it. I’m sorry for your loss.”
         “It is nothing,” Karen said as she turned to Emily. “There are thousands of stocks still out there.”
         Just then, a man walked up to the two ladies. He wore a dark suit and had short, black hair. His eyes were sealed behind slim glasses, and he had thin lips that stretched across his face in a slight grin. “Ah, Karen Pascal,” the man said as he grabbed her hand and gently kissed it. “It is a pleasure to see you."
         “Charles Atterfield,” Karen said with a quick smile and slight blush, “always my pleasure.”
         “Quite the party you got going here,” he said as he turned away and looked at Emily. He gave her a quick smile and looked back at Karen. “You still sober?”
         “I always have great parties,” Karen said with a smile. She took a sip from her glass before she added, “yes, but not if I can help it.”
         “I am sorry for your loss,” he said as he glanced around the room.
         “My loss?” Karen asked as she placed her glass on the table. “Whatever do you mean?”
         “The stock,” he replied with a scratchy voice. “I couldn’t help but hear you and Emily talk about it.”
         “We did no such thing,” Karen said. “She mentioned it, that’s all. It is nothing of a loss, any ways.”
         “For now, maybe,” Charles said with a quick smile. There was a slight pause before he continued. “Money is a nice thing.”
         “But it’s not everything,” Karen said with a quick smile. “Excuse me, Charles, I must go and greet the new guests who have arrived.”
         “Of course,” Charles said as she gracefully walked away. “But next time don’t be so modest, just say you were leaving for better people.”
         Karen knew he was right. She couldn’t stand the sight of that man, ever since he tried to screw over her husband in a business deal. Yet, she couldn’t help have some sort of attraction to him. He was good looking, but
nothing great. He was around thirty-seven or so, not too old, but a good decade younger than Matthew, yet he didn’t possess the stature and sophistication that Matthew did. He lacked charm, but he had confidence, and Karen, at the age of thirty-two, couldn’t help but find that the slightest bit sexy.
         Karen didn’t leave to greet anybody; she merely just walked away, enjoying the party. Soon, she could tell that she had had one too many glasses, and she felt the room falling away from her. The bubbles lingered on her tongue, and she could hear the music fusing into one long note. She glanced quickly around the room, seeing the lights dancing off the faces of her guests, making them look faceless. She gathered her last strength and made her way to a small corner with big chairs and tall plants that would hopefully hide her drunken state from the world. As she faded down into the chair, she saw Emily and Charles smiling at her, enjoying themselves. Then, all around Karen, the lights, the sounds, the people, emerged into darkness, and she was asleep...

         The car slowly came to stop in the dark road. It’s flat tires slowly melting into the dirt as the dark green frame glimmered in the moon light. The night was a bit misty, and the headlights could barely make it ten feet ahead before they were overcome by the fog.
         Matthew turned off the radio and grabbed a flash light. He swung the door open and then proceeded towards the tire. He didn’t know how he got a flat. The road was smooth dirt; not a rock to be seen for miles. Probably a broken bottle, he thought to himself as he examined the tire. It had a huge whole in it, like an explosion as if it was shot. Why would someone shoot his tire? And why didn’t he hear the bullet? Was his radio that loud?
         "No," he thought to himself, "that's ridiculous." He shook his head free of the thought and opened up the trunk of his car. He took out the spare tire and was about to close the trunk when he heard footsteps behind him. He slowly turned around and gasped at the sight. And then everything faded away...

         Karen sat on the edge of her bed. It was the day after her husband’s funeral and it still hadn’t set in. She placed her head in her hands and starting to cry, remembering the pain she had to go to of talking to people at the funeral. She cried more when she thought of all the publicity that would come from this, all the attention that would be put into it from the media but yet there would be no sadness for her loss.
         She gathered herself together as she stood up and walked over to the mirror. She wiped her eyes with a tissue and then stared into the reflection of the room. She looked deeply into it, her eyes glued to his side of the bed. She felt tears build up again and she quickly glanced away, allowing her eyes to follow the trail of clothes she had let accumulate on the floor.
         She walked into the bathroom and splashed some water on her face. She stood there for a minute or two, just staring into the mirror.
         Finally, she felt a rush of emotion and energy pass through her, and without hesitation she ran into her room and pulled on a pair of black pants and a dark red shirt. She pulled a suitcase out of the closet and started packing it with clothes. “No,” she said quietly to herself. “Tomorrow... tomorrow I will go and investigate the murder site.” She placed the suitcase on the ground and walked towards the phone. She picked it up and dialed some numbers. “If the police won’t look for answers, then I will,” she said as she waited for someone to pick up.
         “Ah, yes, David?” she asked to the man on the other side of the line. “Yes, it’s Karen... I am fine... I was wondering if you could pull up the papers on my husband’s report?... No, not right now... Would you mind dropping them off at my home?... Tomorrow is fine... I will see you then, and David... Thank you for your support.”          She placed the phone back down and laid herself on the bed. Tomorrow she’ll go on the journey and hopefully she will find out some answers. Karen let herself fall into sleep as tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.

         “Thank you David,” Karen said as she grabbed the papers from him and walked towards the couch. She sat down and started to read them.
         “There isn’t much to say about it, Karen,” he replied as he walked over and sat in a chair facing the couch. “He was shot twice in the chest. He has a few bruises on his arms and a slash mark on his left leg. Probably from a fall and hitting a rock or something.” He paused for a second as he let his words sit in. “I’m sorry, I know you know, I...”
         “It’s all right,” Karen said as she looked up at him. “I just can’t...” She paused for a second and then looked back down at the paper, letting her eyes settle onto the facts.
         “Let him go?” David said as he got up and sat next to her. He rubbed her back a little and said, “You don’t have to pretend like you are fine around me. It’s understandable.”
         “I’m going to the murder site and seeing if I can find any evidence,” she said as she looked up at him. “I wanted to see what was already found so I don’t go in the same path.”
         “There is nothing else to look for,” David said. “Why do you want to go down there?”
         “Justice,” Karen said with a hint of anger in her tone. “Don’t try to stop me either.”
         David knew there would be no way to convince her otherwise. “Let me pack some bags and I will come with you,” he began as he stood up. “My wife won’t mind.”
         “No,” Karen said as she got to her feet. “I am going alone, and don’t you or Emily try to follow me.”
         “She’s going to be upset that you didn’t bring her along to investigate her brother’s murder.”
         “He’s my husband,” Karen said. “I need to do this alone.”

Part Two

         A trembling sound echoed across the car’s body as it hit a slight bump in the road. Karen wasn’t paying much attention to the road. Her mind was processing all the information of her husband’s death; how he laid, what position the car was in, the weather, the conditions of the road, any signs of others around. She couldn’t let herself to forget such details. A broken twig in the road found near the car. Was it carried by the murderer’s jacket? There was some broken glass near the trunk. Did Matthew drop something?
         She tried to enjoy the drive, the way the wind was rustling the leaves near the road and the way the birds were singing in the trees. It was pleasant out here, nowhere, away from the lights and noises of the city. She enjoyed the city, but its beauty wasn’t the same as the wilderness. They were indeed two different worlds.
         There was another bump in the car, followed by a low hissing sound. “Damn it,” Karen said as she pulled over to the road. The sunlight glistened off of her door as she opened it, taking a step into the new world. “I knew the car needed fixing, but why now?”
         She was driving her car, not the one Matthew was driving. Her car was black and small. Fine leather inside and a beautiful smell of some exotic fragrance. It was cozy for her to drive, the smooth seats in close to the steering wheel. The sleek dashboard with fine detail, a new radio, and an empty ashtray decorated the graceful creature. She wasn’t much of a driver, though. It wasn’t her fancy. It seemed pointless to waste such money on a car hardly used, but that was how the city people lived. A car hardly used, but yet needed fixing.
         Karen knew nothing of cars, so she didn’t bother looking under the hood. She took her jacket in one arm, and her suitcase in the other, and started down the road. There was a garage in the distance, she could see, and it was an easy walk, or would’ve been if she had not worn high heels.
         The garage was gray and dirty. Stone walls with thick coats of paints created the lost fortress. There was the smell of gasoline and oil, of dust and dirt. Stacks of tires littered the field around the building, and their black coats gleamed like shadows lost in a field. Rusty cars with red paint jobs and green panels baked in the sun, burning with an orange tint from the fiery mass above.
         The only moving came from an old man in a rocking chair. A simple sight for a simple place. His gray beard glowed dark in the shadow of his face and he had a rigid look in his eyes. Dark and torn were his clothes, and their tattered forms looked like rags of some great warrior after a battle with a ferocious beast. As Karen approached he gave her a quick glance over, up and down her smooth dress and seductive figure.
         “What can I do you for, miss?” he said in a timid voice with a crack of youth in it.
         “My car broke down,” Karen said as she pointed to the dark beast resting in the shade of an old tree. “I was wondering if you might be of assistance?”
         “Well,” the old man said as he got to his feet, “I can’t see the problem from here, but I am sure it will take a few days to fix.”
         “That is fine,” she replied with a quick glance of the place. “Is there a way I might find service to get me to Solemn?”
         “Solemn, eh?” he replied with a cracked voice. “What is a thing like you want with a town like that? They don’t get much visitors there, and that’s a good thing for them both.”
         “Them both?” she asked in a puzzled voice.
         “The townsfolk and the visitors.” He gave her a quick look in the eye, a look of wonder. “You didn’t hear about the murder?”
         “Oh dear me,” she said in her tone of fakeness, “what murder?”
         “Some rich man got murdered on these roads.” The old man looked down the paths of tar and stones, dirty and trees, and stared into the distance towards the town. “Murderer never was found. You’re lucky your car broke down in the daylight!”
         “I am very lucky,” she replied. “But I am afraid I am short of a place to stay tonight. Solemn does have a hotel, right?”
         “Of course it does!” he yelled back to her with pride. “Finest little place you ever will stay at. Nice people run it, too. Mr. and Mrs. Creker. A little older than you, I dare say.”
         “So might you know a way I can get to Solemn?”
         “Why, my grandson Justin can take you. Just got his license. Now don’t worry, he’s a good driver! It will cost ya nothing, too!”
         “It wouldn’t be a problem, would it?”
         “No, not at all miss. Justin would love to drive you. Now where is that damn boy?” He looked around the garage before he called to his grandson. “Justin, you lazy boy! Where you be now?”
         “I’m here gran’pa,” a youth’s voice called back. Karen watched as a tall figure entered from a back door in the garage. The boy was medium built, appearing probably to be toned under his baggy jeans and red and brown plaid shirt. He had a wave of brown hair set on his head and thick eyebrows of a darker shade. His eyes were large and green, and had a hint of blue to them as he stepped into the sun. The innocence on his face made it clear to Karen he was sixteen, maybe seventeen, and was only emphasized by his smooth skin. He was indeed tall, probably 6’1” or 6’2”, which made him tower over Karen’s 5’5” figure. He was handsome, in a rugged, outdoorsy way, which surprised her for such a dull and soiled place.
         “I need you to give,” the old man said before he stopped and looked at Karen. “What did you say your name was?”
         Karen thought for a second before she replied. She ran a few names across in her head before she settled on one. “Auries. Alexis Auries.”
         “To give Ms. Auries a ride to Solemn,” the old man finished. He handed the boy some keys. “Take the pickup, if it suits the lady.”
         “Thank you very much,” she said as she smiled at the old man.
         “Yes gran’pa,” the boy said. “This way, miss.” Karen followed Justin to the pickup truck. He helped her into the truck, and she thanked him, before he got into the driver’s seat and started the truck up. They drove out of the garage area and the old man waved to them as they started towards Solemn.

Part Three

         The pickup truck had a scent to it. It wasn't a bad scent, just a strong scent. It was like the smell of the woods, of the earth mixed with oak and hickory. It had the smell of dirt being lightly pressed under leather boots. It was like the smell of sweat mixed in with a touch of untamed beauty, a lavish field of grass and sun mixed with the leather of the car. It was a manly, rugged, outdoorsy smell, and Karen thought it would be the kind that people would bottle and sell as cologne.
          Karen watched as Justin handled the steering wheel. It was a large truck, but Justin was a fairly large teenager. He was very warm looking, very innocent and different. She hadn't seen youth like him before. Not in the height or graceful yet strong features, but rather the glow in his eyes that came neither from the sizzling sun nor from the gleaming paint of the truck. He had something in his eyes that could hold another's gaze while still letting them wander around. It was a tranquil, soothing kind of twinkle, nothing like the cold glares of city kids.
         "So what brings you to Solemn?" he asked in his young voice. He gave her a quick glance and a smile, and she felt safe with him handling such a dark beast.
         "I needed a vacation from the city," she replied. "I heard this would be a lovely place to relax."
         "This town is quite a lovely place. I am sure you will like it m'am," he said in his casual tone.
         "Please, call me Alexis," Karen said with a smile. He was very polite, which was a change from the place she came from.
         "Of couse miss Alexis," he replied with a little uneasiness.
         "Well," she began, "that's a start. So what do you do for fun around here?"
         "There's plenty to do," he answered with pride. "We have a bowling alley, and a nice pond, and a good bar, or so I have been told. It's a lovely place to go for a walk, and there is a movie theatre too. Solemn isn't much compared to the big city, I am sure, but you will like it here, I know for a fact."
         "I believe you," Karen replied as she watched the first buildings of the town grow near. Two huge brick buildings with wooden roofs and littered with dirt and weeds. Then there were more buildings, newer and nicer. Some small stores, a few apartments, and a restaurant passed by the window.
         The truck turned right on the road, and Karen could see the buildings becoming larger, but not too much. The car took a left and on her right she saw a beautiful mansion of a builing standing on the block. It was a dark gray, with deep brownish red frames and pillars around the large porch. It was atleast two floors high, maybe having a third for an attic. There were lovely rows of roses and lilies around its side, and a beautiful outdoor patio set swept across the side lawns.
         "That's Solemn Hotel," Justin said as the truck pulled up to the curb.
         "It is awfully lovely," Karen said as she gazed at its hazy and warming beauty. Before she could grab her things and open the door, Justin had exited the truck, walked to her side, and was holding the door open for her. He helped her out of the truck and then closed the door behind her.
         "Thank you Justin," she said as she reached into her wallet and pulled out a twenty. She handed it to him and said, "for the gas you wasted."
         "Thank you m'am," he replied as he slowly took the bill from her hand. "Have a nice stay."
         "I will," Karen replied as she walked towards the entrance to the hotel. "Maybe I will see you later and you can show me around town."
         "Yes," he replied with a smile. "Of course." He watched as she went up the wooden steps and entered the hotel. When she was out of view he then walked to his side of the truck and opened the door.
         Before he could enter it there was a woman's voice calling him. "Oh Justin," the lady said as she made her way down the street towards him. She was of average height, average weight, and of average look. She had curly dark brown hair which swung over her lightly rouge and cream colored face. Her eyes were sweet and soft, with a gold tint to their mahogany thick color. They had a warmth, light though, but a warmth nonetheless. She was of her forties, probably of the later ones, and had a curious look on her face.
         "Justin," she said as she made her way to the teen, "who was that lovely lady? Is she a relative?"
         "No Mrs. Rysten," the young man replied with his deeper tone. "She is just on vacation here. Her car broke down and I gave her a ride."
         "A vacation?" Mrs. Rysten pondered outloud. "Seems very odd to take a vacation in such a place." She looked at Justin eyes, but they still had that youthful and hazy look to them. "Anyways," the lady began, "Tim and the others were looking for you."
         "Oh I forgot about them," Justin gasped as he entered his truck and set it in motion. "See ya later, Mrs. Rysten."
         "Have fun, and keep my Tim out of trouble," she replied as the truck drove down the hill and disappeared around a corner. She then turned her attention back to the hotel. "Very strange," she said with a slick voice. She then watched a man wearing thick jeans and an old shirt come out of the hotel. She started to walk towards him in her busy and confident pace. "Oh William," she said with her brilliant voice. "Oh William, darling, might I have a word!"

Part Four

         Karen adjusted her eyes to the dark shadows and thick air of the room. It was large and vast, filled with fields of dust. There was a beautiful chandelier of bronze with broken candles in the center of the ceiling. Below that on the floor was an old and thick rug of green and brown woven material. On each side of the room were two huge open doorways that lead to foreigh lands. On the left side were tables and chairs, scattered with napkins and salt shakers, empty glasses and crumbs. On the right side was the check-in counter decorated with fresh flowers and thick stacks of paper. There were stairs beside it, old and sleak, which lead to a darkened floor of illusions and dancing light.
         There were three people at the tables, and as Karen made her way to the hotel counter, their eyes carefully studied her movements: the way her heals tapped on the wooden floor, echoing through the halls; the way her suitcase shone with a smooth and leathery surface; the way her hair bounced with every footstep and fell back to her smooth shoulders; and the way her arms swayed beside her sleek and smooth body. She carried herself well, and her sophistication shattered the old and musty air around her.
         "Excuse me," she said to the man behind the counter. He was of short stature, with beady eyes and a thick mop of light hair on his hair. His gray suit was new, but his body was old, around fifty or so. "I was wondering if you had a room?"
         He studied her body befor he slid a key across the table. "We have plenty of rooms," he replied with his cracked voice. The voice mached the walls which seemed to be decorating the room like ancient tribal designs in some temple. "It's fifty dollars a night."
         Karen pulled out a few bills and handed them to the man. "I plan to stay for atleast a week," she said with a smile.
         The man, grabbing the money, smiled back with a look of pleasure. "Of course. Might I ask under what name?"
         "Miss Alexis Auries," Karen replied. "I'm here on vacation. This is a lovely place to stay, I guess."
         "Well welcome to Solemn, Miss Auries," the man said with a smile. "I'm Mr. Creker, owner of this hotel, and you will indeed find your stay pleasurable. If there is anything you need just ask me or my wife, Sally, and we will be glad to help. She is the blond one with the bountiful smile. You're room is up the stairs and the and the final one on your left. There is a shower and bathroom next to your room, and clean towels, soap, and shampoo are always freshly distributed. Enjoy your stay."
         "I will," Karen replied as she picked up the key and walked towards the stairs. She felt the steps squeek under her small weight, and she could feel the wood around her cracking. It was an old place, lovely though, but still very old and dark.
         The second floor was warmer than the bottom, but not by much. It had the smell of alcohol and soap, of wood and flowers, with a touch of fruit and dust to it. There were few windows scattered here and there, and even fewer spots of light on the walls. Seven doors painted the hallway one way while another three painted it the other way. She made her way to her room, the last one on her left, and used her key to enter.
         After the key worked she entered the room and closed the door behind her. It was a small room, nothing like her house. Dark and musty with a vivid shower of mahogany and crimson, it was a room of delight mixed with soft woe. The bed was small and had a beautiful spread of cream with red flowers and lucious verdant leaves. On either side of it were nightstands, one with a beautiful antique lamp and the other with an alarm clock and phone. There was a large and broad bureau along the wall with the entrance which had six drawers in five rows.
         Above the bureau was a beautiful mirror with tan edging. The reflection was strange and warped. It was of the room, but much lighter looking, catching the grace of the sunlight off of its smooth glass surface. She fixed her hair in the mirror before she placed her suitcase on the bureau. She didn't bother unpacking, but rather just took out a pair of more comfortable shoes and changed.
         The rest of the room was dull. A chair and table with a small chess board with fallen pieces climbed out of the shadows of one of the corners. There were two windows, and the view was the street outside of the hotel. A few trees, some bushes, and even less people brought the picture to life, but the same things seemed to let the scene die again.
         Karen grabbed her pocketbook and started out of the room. She was hungry and also thought now would be a good time to get herself settled into the town. After she locked her door she started down the hall, only to be greeted by the resident in the opposite room making his way there.
         A man of about forty five or so, with dark hair and a thick beard of black gave her a smile and a quick 'hello'. She replied back with the same and started down the stairs again.
         She made her way back to Mr. Creker who was still standing behind the counter staring into nothing. She looked at the clock and noticed it was about half past four, maybe a little more. "Excuse me, Mr. Creker," she said with a soft voice, "but I was wondering where there is a place to eat around here."
         "Well Miss Auries," he replied, "breakfast is served from 6 am to 12 pm in the dining area, through the hall near the stairs, and lunch is also served at 1 pm to 4 pm. For dinner, there is a fine array of restaurants that might suit you. The closest one is just down the street. All you have to do is exit the hotel, take a right, and follow the road until you come to the green and brown building with a few tables outside. That will be the place. Lovely service and delicious food."
         "Thank you very much," Karen said as she smiled at the old man and made her way across the room. The same eyes followed all of her movements, but she didn't let them slow her down like last time.
         When Karen made her way outside she saw to figures talking on the path. One was a woman, of a average age around that of Mr. Creker, and the other was a slightly younger man, with a stronger look and less overbearing manner. They were talking heavily, or so the woman was, while the man nodded in reply. As Karen grew closer to them on the path she couldn't help but over hear their conversation.
         "And John still hasn't caught the little brat that stole from his store last Thursday?" the woman asked in a quick and slick tone.
         "No he hasn't," the man replied. "The little rascal was a quick one I dear say. I don't think John will find him again."
         "Well I say it was Susan's kid, Billy," the woman suggested with a slight bit of anger. "He is a spoiled child with a temper and a side deeply rooted in bad manners. I am lucky my Tim is too old to hang out with such a pest and I am even better that Tim's friends are turning out to be fine young men."
         "And so is Tim," the man complimented.
         The woman steadily moved her eyes towards Karen, and upon seeing her she quickly darted them back at the man. "Well that is very nice of you to say, William, but I am afraid I have held you here too long. Tell the wife that we sadly missed her yesterday at the diner. She does bring fresh spirits where she goes."
         "Will do Heather," the man replied. "Take care," and with those words he started down the street.
         Karen didn't have time to stop her actions before she realized that she was walking right into the woman's trap. Her eyes carefully studied her as she grew closer, and when she was within a few feet the woman gave her a quick smile and long greeting.
         "Good day to you," she said with a tone of bitterness and curiosity. "You are new to this town, are you not? I have not seen your face before. You have arrived recenlty, am I correct?"
         Karen felt obliged to stop and accept her greeting. Though she did not want to waste her time with some gossiper, she felt it would cover her tracks more if she was polite. With a fresh smile and a hint of compassion in her voice she replied, "I have just gotten in today. I am staying for a small vacation. My name is Alexis, and you are?" Karen said as she stuck her hand out for a shake.
         "Heather," the woman replied as she accepted the gesture. "Heather Rysten. I own a small beauty salon in this town and my husband runs the bowling alley with his brother. How long will you be staying here?"
         "A week or so. Just enough to get my mind set from those years of living in the city."
         "Oh yes," Heather replied as she studied Karen's outfit. "You do give that life off quite well. I suggest you tone down your wear, will get less looks. I can show you around shopping, if you would like."
         "I'm sorry but I am off to go get something to eat," Karen replied with haste, but drew her last words out slowly when her mind processed the details. "I would, though, like to take you up on that offer of shopping. What time tomorrow might be good for you?"
         "I am up very early. Say 8 am? I can meet you here."
         "Sounds lovely. I will see you then," Karen replied.
         "Good night," Heather said as she started down the street. Karen gave the same farewell and started towards the restaurant.

Part Five

         It was a small building of lavish looks. Wires and vines of dark green and black around gray speckled pillars guarded the entrance with an ancient and exotic look. Windows of a smooth color with green curtains painted the red and brown walls with rich tints. Crystal lights of saffron and ivory colors hung from the tented walls and rained their watery beams of light down the hard, earthen facade. The building stood alone with its beauty, though surrounded by the rest of town. It was an untouchable structure.
         Karen made her way into the large doorway and took a good look at the place. Fairly packed and dark, it reminded her of some cult gathering. Emtpy faces attached to distracted bodies rustled in the dark booths and seats, mixed with the thick cloud of dust and smoke and tainted by the slim lights on the paneled ceiling. Her shoes glided across the room as she found a small booth in the back of the restaurant. There, in the shadow of a corner, she carefully studied the bodies around her, the specters whispering about her entrance. Her smooth hands picked up one of the menus against the wall and she carefully skimmed by the assortment of servings. The scent of food and smoke, mixed with the laughter and voices of the shadows kept her senses on high alert, and she cautiously watched as the waitress made her way to her.
         "My name's Kathlyn and I will be your waitress for the night," the blond youth said in a cheery voice. She had a slight smile on her face as the words trailed off into the air, only slightly falling on Karen's ears. "Are you prepared to order?" Her pen and paper were already touching as she held them tight in her hand.
         "I'll have," Karen said as she scanned the menu quickly one more time, "the chicken salad." She handed the waitress the menu and waited for a response.
         "And to drink?" the waitress instinctively asked.
         "An iced tea," Karen replied.
         "You're food will be ready shortly," the waitress said before she started off towards the kitchen area.
         Karen found this as the perfect time to catch the different faces in the room. There were atleast twenty or so, of all ages and expressions. The closest to her was a young couple, maybe in their late twenties. The man was skinny and short, with blondish hair and pale eyes. He had a timid look on his face, a kind that told her he didn't like sitting in the shadows of the restaurant. The woman had her back to Karen, but her hair was reddish and wild. There was a man on the table just out of Karen's reach, and he had a rather mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He was rugged and large, overweight and bitter looking, with dark hair and darker eyes. He sat alone eating his steak, carefully looking around the room in search of something. There was a woman with a young boy in the booth on the opposite wall, and next to them were three males, maybe around their early twenties, late teens. A woman and what appeared to be her mother sat at the table in the center of the room, absoring most of the light, while a white haired woman with a wrinkled fast sat in the other corner, her face hidden by the thick strands of hair. The rest of the people in the restaurant were lit too poorly for Karen to make their faces out or they were not clearly visible, but that hardly mattered because Karen knew she would get to know who most of them were through her connection.
         "Here you go," the waitress interrupted as she placed the chicken salad and iced tea down on the table. She gave a quick smile, said "enjoy your food m'am," and then walked off to serve another table. Karen peacefully enjoyed her meal, shaded by the corner and blurred by the thick smoke. Eyes watched her eat, and in return she watched them do so. When she was done, she left a tip on the table, paid for her meal at the counter, and exited the shadowed realm of mislead beauty. She never thought such a restaurant could exist; one that leads in nature, and then turns it dark and clouded with its airy and silent touch.
         The air outside was colder, but still had a sweet warmth to it. The sun was setting, or had set (it was hard to tell because the buildings blocked the view, but the sun burned with a bright red and pink color). The smell of smoke and dust was replaced with one of dirt and burnt rubber, of scattered trash and flowers. A few clouds dangled in the sky, but they were slowly burnt by the majestic sunset.
         Karen wasn't sure what to do now. It was still fairly early, but too late to leave the confinements of the center of town. Almost all of the stores were still open, and she could check in with them to start her investigation. She had to take it slowly, especially the first two days, so she decided this time would be best for getting to know the town.
         The store next to the restaurant was filled with antiques. She thought this might be a nice place to start while shopping for a souvenir. She opened the white trimmed door and entered the warm building. The carpet sank softly under her shoes and the smell of hickory and daffodils filled the air. It was a cozy little places, filled with wooden statures and hand painted ceramics. There were wind chimes and candle holders, and even a few postcards.
         Karen examined the closest shelf of creatures near her. They were a display of bears and cats, cartoon like, holding sports gear and summer items. There were bears playing baseball, and having a picnic, and cats swimming and fishing. Their brown and tan faces had a look of silence to them and their black, beady eyes stared solely at Karen.
         "Might I be of help?" a woman's voice asked from over Karen's shoulder. Karen turned around and was met by a fairly tall female. She had long black hair which was a little curly and knotted. Her light brown eyes had a twinkle of amnesty to them with a hint of disquiet in the pupils. She had a long cream colored dress with a flowery pattern of peach and off white petals. She smiled as she looked down at Karen, her figure standing half a foot or less over the petite traveler.
         "I was just looking," Karen replied as she returned to examining the figurines.
         "For anything in particular?" the woman asked as she stood next to Karen and examined her own goods.
         "A souvenir, maybe."
         "You are passing through?" the woman asked as she examined Karen's face. "You do look new. Have you been here long? I haven't seen your face around."
         "I just came in today," Karen replied. "I'm on a little vacation."
         "Well let me welcome you to Solemn," the woman said as she extended her hand. Karen shook it with ease as the woman introduced herself. "I'm Sally Peters, owner of this shop."
         "Alexis Auries," Karen replied with a smile. "This is a lovely shop," she added as she released her grip.
         "Why thank you," Sally beamed. "Are you in to anything particular?"
         "Well," Karen began, "I have always had an interest in birds. Do you have any bird figurines or anything else?"
         "Follow me," the woman replied as she lead Karen to the opposite corner of the store. "I have a lovely dispaly for your liking, and maybe a few more expensive objects that you might dare fancy."
         "I am sure I will like all of them," Karen replied with a fake laugh. "You do have such lovely things here. Do you make them yourself?"
         "Some of the things. Most of it is from companies and stuff getting shipped in, but there are a few items that myself and a few of my friends have created. It is a hobby in this town. Arts and crafts keep many people amused here. What are your hobbies?"
         "I like to read," Karen replied.
         "Oh yes, you seem very intelligent and sophisticated, especially with those clothes," the lady replied as she examined Karen's dress. "Now, here is the bird display."
         Upon a lovely arrangement of shelves was a beautiful display of birds. Birds of all colors decorated the wooden shelves. There were blue birds in trees, and red birds in bird houses, and lovely white birds on rocks. But what attracted Karen's attention the most was a sweet little owl carved from wood, with a strong body and large chest. It had silver tinted feathers and a cute little beak, but its most mesmerizing feature were its eyes. They were large, unproportioned with its fat and stubby body. They were gorgeous eyes, ravishing and dark with a slim border of anguish and illusions. They had a soft gleam to them from the light, and their smooth carving and fine wood gave them a look so fair it seemed almost haunting. Karen had never seen such a lovely carved bird, and from then on she knew it would be her prized piece in her collection.
         "The owl," Karen said as she carefully grabbed the avis and turned to Sally. "It is stunning. Who did this? I must have it."
         The woman had a look of odd sorts on her face, and Karen knew she was trying to recall something. "I am afraid I don't remember who carved that bird. He has been sitting here a long time, though. No one has wanted to buy him."
         Karen spun the bird around, looking for a price, but did not see one. "How much does he cost?"
         The woman shrugged a bit before she replied, "Is ten dollars a good price?"
         "Oh that's robbery," Karen replied. The woman was about to suggest another price when Karen said, "I'll buy him for fifty."
         "You want to raise the cost?"
         "Of course," Karen said in a positive tone. "It would be disrespectful to the creator if he was sold for such a low price. Do you agree on fifty?"
         "Only if you do," the woman replied with a smile and twinkly of happiness in her eyes. Karen nodded and the woman led Karen to the counter. She carefully wrapped it up and set it in a box and handed it to Karen. "So tell me, Alexis," the woman began as the sale was over, "how long will you be staying here?"
         "A week or so," Karen replied. "Until I find what I am looking for."
         "And that is?"
         Karen smiled slightly and leaned in closer. "Serenity," she said in a soft and lingering voice. She stood straight again as she added, "I come from the city. It can be overbearing at times."
         "I agree," Sally replied with a hint of understanding. "I too came from the city and found a new home in this town. That was years ago though. I have grown so attached to this town, it is amazing."
         "It does seem like a lovely town," Karen said. "I'm afraid I'm still unaccustomed to the place, though."
         "What you need is a nice tour guide," Sally replied. "I would love to do so, but I won't be able to tomorrow. Maybe another day I can show you around?"
         "It sounds like a plan," Karen replied. She now had another aid in the investigation, though this one knew no more than the first.
         The door opened and a man walked in. It was the same man Karen saw sitting alone at his table in the restaurant. He gave her a cold stare as he made his way to the counter.
         "It was lovely to meet you," Karen said as she finished the conversation. "And if you ever find out who created this lovely owl, please tell them thank you."
         "Will do," Sally replied. "I will see you around later. Enjoy your stay." They smiled a farewell greeting as Karen exited the building. She could feel the cold eyes of the man watch her movements carefully, and she let out a sigh when she had escaped their grasp.