Mallyview, Colorado was surrounded by thousands of acres of mountains and colorful rangelands and somehow, the nineteenth century houses and buildings blended perfectly with the modern designs. Often in the town square, laughter and conversation could smother the sound of a seldom-heard siren. The city was just too beautiful not to live in — exactly why Edwin and Elizabeth Alee decided to open their first Bookvilla in the middle of town over ten years ago.
Edwin loved that the town square was beneath his office window because it allowed him to enjoy the amateur musicians and mimes — at least until the wintry months shook them back inside the clubs.
The Alee’s lived six miles from Bookvilla. Their cheerful looking Tudor house stood at the center of a lightly wooded cul-de-sac at the end of St. Barron Road. Elizabeth loved the house because it reminded her of home in native England. Edwin was just happy to have enough room upstairs to build the private library he’d always dreamed of.
However, Treen and Shainy had spent more time in the library than anyone else had. After Shainy died, Treen practically moved in, pushing a cot between the tall bookshelves at night so she could fall asleep reading, then wake up and start again.
For now, Edwin relaxed in the living room with Regina Duffle, Treen’s language tutor and a family friend. Not a day turned night without her dropping in for a coffee or tea conversation, which often began with her admiring Elizabeth’s paintings and antique furniture.
Regina listened carefully while Edwin complained about an interview he’d given earlier in the day, where reporters from the Mallyview Daily had called him crazy for opening a bookstore in the gloomy city of Grevelton.
“Why am I’m opening a Bookvilla in a shabby town like Grevelton? I’m doing it because Grevelton’s shabby,” said Edwin, slapping the coffee table in sequence with his last three words. “Somebody has to help those people and we should be grateful that the crime hasn’t spread to Mallyview.”
“I think it’s a bold and wonderful idea,” said Regina, Maybe other businesses will follow and create more jobs.”
“That’s what we’re praying for.”
Over near the fireplace, Elizabeth slammed the phone down. “Unbelievable!” she shouted, walking towards the couch. “Treen’s just mentioned that a man went berserk and attacked his son at the Center this afternoon.”
“You’re kidding me,” said Regina.
“Is Treen alright?” asked Edwin, standing.
“Yes darling, she’s fine. Ariel was there. But the lad has run off and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.”
“That’s terrible,” said Regina.
“It certainly is. Even worse is that the man works for Garrison Blue. His name is Walter Wellbay.”
“Oh no,” said Edwin, reaching down for his coffee. “I’ve heard all about Mr. Wellbay’s problems from Mr. Blue. Supposedly, his son Russell has turned him into a chronic meeting misser, and you can’t miss meetings when your Blue Neptune’s top engineer.”
“Will this affect your business relationship with Mr. Blue?” asked Regina.
“Not at all. But Mr. Wellbay had better learn to control his temper.”
“Now Edwin, you mustn’t speak in that forceful tone,” said Elizabeth, returning to her normal, joyful state. “It makes me a bit too happy.”
“Maybe I’ll leave you two alone,” said Regina, standing after Elizabeth had slinked behind her husband and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“No, you mustn’t go,” said Elizabeth.
“Yes you must,” said Edwin, enjoying his wife’s attention.”
“Quiet down, you”, she whispered into his ear. “Regina, Edwin and I are off to meet Treen at the Sea Crystallore. Will you join us?”
“I’m going there now — I have a date,” she said smiling. “That’s wonderful,” said Elizabeth.
“Yes it is! He’s new in town, but I already think I’m in love.”
“Not again,” Edwin groaned.
“Don’t mind him Regina. He’s still a bit cranky from that interview.”
“Well I should be. Everyone’s convinced that the dreaded Awaker Gang will either run us out of Grevelton — or kill us,” he said.
“I’ve heard that the Awakers run that whole city. Some people claim the gang never goes to sleep,” said Regina.
Elizabeth giggled. “Nonsense! That’s the biggest load of rubbish I’ve heard since flying out of Heathrow.” She glanced at her watch. “Edwin, we’d better hurry if we’re to meet Treen on time.”
Treen had hopped on a nostalgic Mally Trolley, which was her favorite way to travel the spectacular city scenery that meant more to her than anything money could buy. The pine green trolleys had bulging beige leather seats, so comfy a passenger could fall asleep and miss their stop, and exactly why Treen stood near the soda bar at the rear. She sipped a Pavaloo and laughed with the locals, with an occasional glance at a sunset that definitely deserved more attention.
“Sea Crystallore!” the conductor shouted, as the trolley rolled to a stop.
“Goodbye everyone!” said Treen, stepping off. She waved until the trolley faded towards the dwindling sunset.
As she walked downhill towards the restaurant, Treen thought of Russell. Was he scared? Was he hungry? Where would he sleep? With darkness settling over Mallyview and the rest of Colorado, Russell was probably asking himself the same questions.
Treen noticed her mother’s white PT Cruiser down near the river. When her parents suddenly stepped out of the car, she hurried down the grassy hill towards the parking area.
“Mom! Dad!” she shouted, waving until she’d reached the bottom. Her parents were her best friends and whenever she could, she’d let them know it.
Edwin and Elizabeth were just as happy to see their daughter when she jogged up. Treen snuggled between them and they wrapped their arms around each other and walked towards the restaurant.
The Sea Crystallore, a retired passenger ship, had been converted into a fabulous seafood restaurant and jazz club. Anchored along the Mallyview River, the turquoise colored vessel had its name painted in large, fancy white letters on each side. At night, colorful neon lights outlined the entire vessel and offered a unique view from atop the hill.
A barrage of hellos and handshakes greeted the Alees after they’d walked up the ramp and entered the crowded foyer. Every Saturday evening the restaurant was packed; without a reservation, there’d be no chance to eat there — unless of course you sat on the deck with a fishing pole.
The Alees continued through, until they’d reached the fresh sea-food scent of the dining room. On the round stage at center, The Crystallore Jazzmen partied so hard on the drums, sax, bass and piano, that Treen was tempted to drop her purse and dance, even though she was dead tired.
“There’s Regina, near the fish tank,” said Elizabeth. “Who’s she sitting with?” asked Treen.
“She said she was in love again,” Edwin quipped. Treen raised her brow.
Like everyone else in the restaurant, Regina noticed the Alees. While she motioned the family to her table, the well-groomed man holding her hand rubbed his goatee.
Regina had recently mentioned to Treen that she’d blown out the candles on three cakes since the last time she’d dated. When she admitted that she’d accept the first offer from any man wearing a tie, Treen replied: “A tie looks great on a friendly man; an unfriendly man might use it to choke you.”
Regina sprang from her chair to hug everyone. Her date stood slowly, messing with his cropped black hair. Regina twinkled over him during the big introduction.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet Lance Ruof — a very special person to me.”
“I have visited your bookstore,” said Lance shaking Edwin’s hand, “its — overwhelming.”
“Overwhelming?” asked Edwin, confused.
“Oh yes. There are thousands of books that seem to stare at my tiny, tiny brain,” he said, making a small circle with his fingers.
Everyone laughed except Treen. Lance saw her staring at him and dropped his grin like it weighed a thousand pounds. When he extended his hand, Treen continued to glare until her mother elbowed her into quick handshake. Treen apologized, saying she was tired.
Stanley Finnerman — better known as Finns, had been searching the ship for the Alees. He saw them near Regina’s table and walked over.
Finns owned the Sea Crystallore. He’d been a friend of the Alees for years and gave Treen her ‘Jazz’ nickname because of her fascination with the music. With his arms crossed in front of his bright red sweater, Finns strolled up behind the Alees.
“Why are you people standing here? You know you always got a table in this joint,” said Finns, mouth barely visible under his thick gray beard, which matched his Afro perfectly.
Treen spun around, hugging him so hard that he had to adjust his glasses and bowtie.
“I hope everybody’s hungry,” said Finns, now shaking Edwin’s hand. “Your table’s all set.”
Edwin asked Regina and Lance to join them and they didn’t hesitate to accept. Finns then