Katie Jean Godbey

Ashes to Ashes

Rushing out her garage to seek cover from the cold like she has all other winter days she fumbled for her keys. Sloshing up the icy wet stairs she almost put her key in the lock when a car pulled into her driveway. The turn signals blinking off the front and the slow pull in made it obvious they weren’t just turning around somewhere or lost. They were cautiously waiting to enter here this big Navy blue SUV. She paused with her keys poised and ready to pierce the hole but froze in alertness as she curiously observed this vehicle. Did she know someone with this model of car? She couldn’t bring any concrete thoughts or memories to answer that question. Two men’s silhouettes formed she now could peered into the SUV. A slight moment of panic rode up her spine and hair already standing tall like soldiers In this cold;crept up even higher. Should she hurry inside and get a weapon? Should she tactfully wait to see what they say with her cell phone ready to call authorities? Before she could panic much longer the driver popped out with a welcoming smile. He wore a business suit and shiny watch, about the only thing not dull in this wet wintery day in Faith, NC. The coulds white grey and heavy with future snow dimmed out much of everything. He stated her name firmly and pronunciation was sharp. He gestured to her with a gentle hand as he then asked if that was indeed her. She found her phone and had it ready as she shoved her house key into the lock. She felt unsure of how the man knew her name and now the other man closest to her was exiting the SUV. “Don’t be alarmed we are just following up from an estate we need to close out. We have been trying to reach you by phone but I’m afraid we have the wrong number or perhaps an older one.” His voice was soft, and kind of sexy. She felt immediately soothe and slightly turned on.