the gate. “I just thought of something.” Ellie hesitated. “He won’t be able to hear me from the bench. It’s set back in a garden area.”
“I can come and get him,” Colleen said, as if everything about the situation was normal.
“Great. You can come through the front gate and walk around to the back.” She didn’t tell Colleen that opening the front gate sent a chime signal to the security panel.
“What about Buddy?” Colleen asked. “Will he be all right with me sneaking up on them?”
Ellie thought about it. Maybe it was better if Colleen came to the side gate. That’s where Hector and Jackson entered and exited. Ellie had no experience with anyone walking through the front gate and walking around the yard. Better not take any chances. “I have a better idea. Come around to the side gate and ring the bell. I’ll buzz you in.”
“Thanks. I’ll be over in a couple of minutes.” Colleen was excited to have so much interaction with the mysterious woman at the end of the block. Besides, she was curious about the landscaping. If it was as nice as the front, it might be pretty special.
Ellie heard the bell from the gate and buzzed Colleen in. She spoke into the intercom. “Just push the button when you’re ready to leave. Jackson knows the drill.”
Colleen gave the thumbs-up to anyone who might be watching.
Must run in the family. Ellie laughed to herself.
When Birchwood Lane and the surrounding area was first being developed, the local council decided to make sure it didn’t become a suburban cluster of cookie-cutter homes with little room in between. Each house had to be on an acre, allowing families to plant vegetable gardens and have room to raise children. It was a quiet neighborhood, with large trees lining the street. When Hector had sent Ellie the photos of the cottage, she knew it would be perfect for her needs at the time, and for as long as necessary. The rear of the property had some trees, but Hector assured her that he would make it as private and as serene as possible.
As Colleen entered through the gate, she was in awe of the backyard. It was a half-acre of beautifully manicured shrubs, dogwoods, silver maples, an eastern redbud, and a magnolia that was on the verge of blooming. Toward the back of the property was a garden of azalea bushes and peonies, with a small fountain. A swing bench with a canopy was on one side of the fountain, and two Adirondack chairs were on the other. No wonder Jackson loved to come by every day. It was an oasis compared to their scraggly yard with the rusty swing set. Colleen couldn’t help but wonder why Ellie wouldn’t want to spend time in such a lovely place. Hector had certainly done a marvelous job. Buddy had already raised his head when he heard the buzzer at the gate. He wagged his tail, but remained on guard. Colleen was slowly approaching the swing when Jackson sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Mom. What are you doing here?” Buddy got up and greeted Colleen with one of his soft woofs.
“I came to get you for lunch.” Colleen looked around.
“I can see why you like to come here. It’s beautiful. And peaceful.” She sat down on the bench next to Jackson. “How are you doing, kiddo?”
“I’m good.” He stretched his arms over his head. “I guess I conked out.” He rubbed his eyes.
“You certainly did.” She put her arm around him and rocked the swing. Jackson put his head on her shoulder. “You ready for some lunch? You hardly had any breakfast.”
“Yes! I’m starved!” Jackson was surely ready for something to eat. “Tuna fish?”
“Coming right up. Let’s go.” Colleen took him by the hand, and Buddy followed them to the gate.
“Thanks, Buddy.” Jackson patted him on the head and pushed the buzzer for Ellie to release the gate. “Thanks, Ms. Bowman,” Jackson said to the air around him.
“You’re welcome.” Ellie’s voice came from the speaker next to the gate.
“See you tomorrow.” Ellie realized the irony in what she had just said. Or was it a dichotomy? She could see them, but they couldn’t see her. She had almost forgotten the dynamics. Seeing Jackson sleeping so peacefully with Buddy had helped to ease her mind after the nightmare that had wakened her that morning. She finally made up her mind. She would invite Colleen over. But first, she had to invite Hector into her