Shadow Retreats

CHAPTER ONE

Early October and the searing heat of summer was behind us. At least the mornings and evenings had cooled, which had Shadow and me ramping up our jogging schedule again. My energetic pup adored our routine—every morning at six she was standing right next to my bed, staring at me and gently panting. The second my eyes opened, she would start that cute little hop-around she does when excited. She used to sleep in her crate with the door closed, but ever since our Utah vacation several weeks back, she convinced me to leave the door removed so she could come and go. I may rethink that the earlier she wakes me up; I may need to attach that door again.

I waved her off and rolled over; I wasn’t ready quite yet. Closing my eyes, I ventured back into my thoughts. It had been a busy September—my friends and I traveled through Utah in our RVs and accomplished several amazing hikes, mountain biking, and kayaking. We met the coolest elderly couple and that in itself was the largest adventure we’ve done. My heart still warmed thinking of our new friends, Eugene and Agatha Walker. Even though we had only known them a short time, they sure wormed their way into all of our hearts. Then I remembered, we needed to plan another Lake Powell trip soon. We had business to take care of. Maybe we could get that done sometime later this month?

My thoughts drifted further … our day spa business had taken off ever since the physical therapy unit started up. We received many massage referrals now from the onsite therapists who worked with rehabilitation patients. My days were full. I love my work so I was energized by the full schedule and helping rehab patients with their healing, too. However, I hadn’t seen my boyfriend, Greg Lawson, since we’d returned from Utah. I’ve learned—long distance relationships are not easy. Even being only two hours away, we have found it difficult to break away from our respective careers to make time for each other. We talk frequently on the phone—but that only goes so far.

Then, there was Bella, my roommate whom I’d invited to stay with me last spring. She’s the daughter of a former client of mine; she had gone missing and Shadow and I untangled the whole sordid mess. Poor girl, she’d been through a lot. Struggling in her early twenties—it was the least I could do to offer her a place to stay after living with her mother was no longer an option. She has been thriving ever since—studying for her Emergency Medical Technician certification, working full-time at the spa, and also finding solace exploring her spirituality. She and Alexis had joined up with a spiritual group called Love & Mercy. Their ‘guru’ holds meetings locally each week and occasionally they’ll also join retreats in other locations too. I don’t fully understand it; never really been my thing. Alexis is certified to teach meditation, and is always trying to convince me of its many benefits. Maybe. For now, though, I’m happy Bella seems to be enjoying herself and we couldn’t be prouder of the progress she’s made recovering from her serious childhood traumas.

Shadow’s paws thumped the side of the bed, her tongue licked my hand that draped over the side. Then, there was the small whine and the sound of her tail swooshing fast. It was time.

Okay girl … wanna go outside? Oh boy, did she. Shadow ran circles combined with a bounce, and she didn’t stop until we were outside in the backyard. There, she took off for the far end of the grass. Sniffing all over, she finally did her business and then we came back in to make coffee.

Good morning! Bella said, as we came in through the sliding glass door. She had beat us to the coffee machine; it was already brewing.

Hey, that’s smelling nice. Morning came too quick. I yawned and stretched, enjoying the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Better get my run in before I chicken out. I went to my room and rummaged through my exercise clothing. A lightweight t-shirt and my leggings would do this morning. Once I was changed, I grabbed Shadow’s harness—we call it a bra, and she definitely knows it by that name. She’ll even bring it to me if I ask her to go get ‘her bra.’ This morning she could hardly hold still for me to get it in place, but we managed and then set off for our run.

My neighborhood in northeast Mesa backs up to acres of state land with a myriad of desert trails to explore. We alternate between trail running in the wilderness and jogging through the neighborhood streets. Today was a trail run. The desert was full of wildlife running about. The cute little quail families were squawking that funny little chirping thing they do. I always imagine what they’re saying to one another; it’s clear that everyone in their little family knows what mom or dad is commanding because they hop right to it when told. The bunnies run from us when they see a huge black beast coming for them. Shadow wouldn’t hurt a flea, but she does love a good bunny chase. We followed the trails for roughly two miles and then headed back, only slowing down when we were back in the neighborhood.

I unhooked Shadow’s leash and she immediately ran toward her water dish in the kitchen. After setting the leash on the entryway table, I rounded the corner into the kitchen and heard Bella as she was saying goodbye to someone. She set her phone down angrily on the breakfast bar.

What’s wrong, sweetie? I asked, pouring coffee into a mug.

One of my friends from Mercy called, upset. She’s considering leaving the organization; I’m worried.

Why worried? You can still be friends, right?

She nodded. "It’s not only that. I’m concerned for her."

I looked at her quizzically. As in, for her safety?

She nodded again. Her eyes welled up.

What’s going on, Bella?

Uh. Well … She hesitated while pouring herself another mug. You know … never mind. I probably shouldn’t say. She confided in me.

Okay. But, know I’m here if you need to talk.

She gave me a small half-smile and turned toward her bedroom as I opened the fridge and pulled out some ingredients to fix breakfast. Eggs, spinach, garlic, and some sausage—I’d whip up an omelet before heading to work.

As I cooked the sausage, my thoughts went back to Bella. She had seemed upset; yes, I should respect her friend’s privacy … but now, of course, I was super curious what it was about. And, Bella doesn’t need anyone else’s drama in her life right now. Because of her difficult childhood, it wasn’t a far stretch to think that she could easily be led into the wrong crowd. But, at the end of the day, she was in her twenties and I’m not her mother. Stop being nosy.

I heated the garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then added a huge handful of spinach watching it wilt down into a manageable portion. Pouring the beaten eggs on top of the spinach and garlic mixture, I realized that Shadow had left the room. She normally helps me cook—by laying on my feet and hoping I’ll drop something.

After eating my omelet, I poured another cup of coffee and headed down the hallway to my room. Shadow was laying outside of Bella’s door, giving me the most pitiful look before she got up and followed me to the bathroom. I know, girl. I’m worried too. We’ll check in with her later—gotta give her space.

CHAPTER TWO

As I pulled into my parking space at Dharma Inspired Day Spa, I saw that Brian had arrived too. Brian Gant was one of the physical therapists from Healing Solutions, the physical therapy (PT) business that now rents the other half of our building. Over the summer, the company had finished the full-size swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, and therapy spas for their patients. The whole operation was spectacular—with a team of twelve therapists helping clients recover from their injuries—it was a great addition for us.

Brian, the curly ginger-headed man of average height, had become a good friend of mine. We have similar schedules so we often have lunch together in the business’ shared kitchen space. He’s slightly older than me, I suspected anyway—I’ve never asked specifically, but based on similar tastes in pop culture, I’d say somewhere in his mid-to-late thirties also. He was one of the therapists who had personally referred more of his patients to Dharma Inspired than any other. Of course, he knows what a great effect we have because he also regularly receives Ashiatsu.

Good morning! I said, as I stepped out of my car.

Libby—Good morning! Aww, how’s my favorite pup doing? he asked, when he saw me opening the back door of my 4Runner to unload Shadow. She ran right over to him.

Energetic as always!

We walked up to the building and wished each other a great day before he turned to walk inside the Healing Solutions front door. I opened our spa door to find Bella at the front desk and Sage already waiting for me in the lobby.

Good morning, ladies, I smiled to each. See you in few minutes, Sage. Please, enjoy some relaxation time in the Serenity Room.

She nodded and headed into the locker rooms where she could get changed and leave her belongings in one of the bamboo lockers. Most of our clients arrive early to enjoy the calm in our relaxation room. With its soft lighting, relaxed music, and a remarkable assortment of herbal teas, it was nearly impossible to do anything but unwind.

I stepped into the office and found my business partner, Alexis Johnson, sitting at her desk already crunching numbers. She got up, walked around her desk, and enveloped me in a giant hug.

How are you today, my friend? she asked.

Great run this morning. Shadow and I hit the trails and were able to get about four miles in. Felt great after such a long summer.

Wow! That’s fantastic. It’s all I can do to get JJ, Joshua, and myself fed and out the door each morning. Now, with Joshua in kindergarten, it’s quite the rush.

I don’t have kids so I can’t imagine what that’s like, but hearing tales from my sister, Jordan, and from Lexi—well, it makes me wonder if I actually ever want kids. I don’t know how these super moms do it.

Hey, I was wondering if you had heard what was going on with Bella’s friend from Mercy? I’m guessing it’s Jill, but she wouldn’t tell me much. Jill’s the only one I’ve heard her talk about.

Alexis contemplated and then said, I have no idea. That’s strange, I saw Jill last night at a meditation session I led. She seemed fine to me.

Hmm. Well, Bella started to tear up and cry earlier when I got back from my run. She’d hung up with someone on the phone, seemed upset. I asked her what it was about, but she didn’t want to talk about it. Said she was concerned for one of her friends. I assume it was serious—enough to make her cry anyway.

I’ll try to learn more. Thanks for letting me know.

I set my laptop bag down on my desk and then took my lunch to the kitchen. There were several employees who had arrived for their shifts and everyone seemed backed up at the coffee station. I skirted around Kathleen to get to the refrigerator and put my lunch bag in.

Kathleen McConnell and Diane Frost were new massage therapists at our facility. We knew them from massage school years back and they graciously filled in for us during our recent trip to Utah. By the time we returned, they had become charmed by our clients and the business we had established. It was a no-brainer; we required full-time help—we had to hire them. They’ve been a great addition.

Kathleen specializes in relaxation therapies. She works with patients who suffer PTSD from their injuries. Many service men and women have found her techniques exactly what they need. Diane specializes in neuromuscular facilitation, which is an assisted stretching and massage technique. Then, of course, Alexis and I both specialize in Ashiatsu as well as Swedish forms of massage. Together the four of us have become a well-rounded team.

I saw Sage come in when I got here, Kathleen started. Ashiatsu for her today?

Yep, I think she’s addicted now, I smiled. But, don’t worry, she’ll schedule the relaxation massage soon … always does.

Then, Kathleen’s eyes started teasing. "Saw Brian …"

Wondering about her emphasis on the tech’s name, I said, Yeah, I already said good morning to him walking in.

I see you guys having lunch nearly every day. He’s cute! her flirting eyes blinked a couple times.

Ah, this is where she was going.

"Oh, no, Kathleen. Brian has become a good friend. But, nothing …"

She winked as she interrupted. Ookay … then she turned, Hey, have a great day … I gotta get set up for my client. She left the room.

Is that what people are starting to talk about around here? My heart sunk. I have a boyfriend; I don’t need the rumor mill starting over an innocent friendship. Just then, Brian walked into the kitchen.

Hey, we meet again! he laughed.

I said a few pleasantries and then rushed out—must get to my client, I explained.

* * *

After a morning full of appointments, I found Alexis back at her desk.

How about we head to the park for some lunch? It’s gorgeous outside. I tempted my friend to get away from the computer for a while. Her degree was in business management and, along with being a therapist, she was the brains behind our operation. Now that it’d grown so much this year, we both could work on work-life balance.

You know, that sounds amazing. We haven’t gone out for lunch in months! She hopped up and grabbed her purse. Plus, I had a little chat with Bella … she teased.

Shadow agreed, too. She seemed to understand when the word ‘park’ was mentioned. We retrieved our lunch bags from the refrigerator before heading out to her Lexus parked right out front. I noticed on our way out of the kitchen the wounded look on Brian’s face when he realized I wouldn’t be joining him in the break room. I shrugged pointing ahead to Lexi as she led the way out.

We pulled up to Red Mountain Park and then walked the short distance to one of the ramadas where there were several picnic tables. The park was quiet on this Tuesday morning—I expected as much, with school in session again. Shadow wanted to go run, but I let her know we’d do that after lunch.

So, what did Bella say…? I prompted.

Jill Walsh is the friend she’s made at Mercy. This young girl—probably early twenties, similar to Bella—started with the group as a quiet, shy, meek demeanor. I don’t know what her trauma was, but she was definitely running from something—or someone. She’s really taken to meditation and I thought she was becoming more self-confident and less shy. She stopped to take a sip of her water. Bella shared that she’s concerned because of several conversations where Jill seemed … well, not herself. At least, out of character with the person Bella had come to know.

How?

She mentioned she was thinking of getting a tattoo. I guess she’s also been interested in one of the new guys there at the center—Joseph. He’s quite a bit older.

I don’t know. Sounds like a twenty-something to me. What’s odd about being interested in boys and tattoos? Shrugging my shoulders, I popped a grape into my mouth.

"Yeah, that seems normal enough, but it is different for her."

Bella mentioned something about her friend wanting to leave Mercy though, and she was afraid. Or, something along those lines…?

Hmmm. She didn’t mention that to me, but I did get the distinct feeling that she was concerned about this older tech-mogul guy that Jill was fawning over. Maybe something happened there?

How much older is this dude? Tech-mogul…? I inquired.

"Oh, Joseph … he’s probably early forties, if I had to guess. I’m not entirely sure what company he’s with, but he’s CEO of a successful tech-media firm. Apparently, he was sent to Mercy by the board of his company to get his, uh, stuff together."

My eyes lifted. Oooh! Sounds like a scandal there…

Seems Type-A to me. Can’t put his phone down. Guru Kali Patel always struggles to get him to concentrate on being present when we gather for meditation. He’s definitely a distraction during most sessions.

Guru… I laughed. Really?

She laughed too. "I know, I know. You aren’t into all this, and that’s fine. But, I’ve got to tell you … Kali is the most peaceful, loving, spiritual person I’ve ever known. You’ve got to meet her. You’d love her presence, if nothing else … so peaceful. Looking at her, you see her aura. Strikingly lithe, stunning dark complexion, and has this beautiful long hair that is soooo silver it almost glows. When she has her flowing white dresses on, well, I suppose one would say she’s as mesmerizing as an angel."

I looked at my friend skeptically. All this guru stuff is strange.

Alexis gathered her food wrappings and shoved them back into her bag. "Kali’s great … but she brought on this ‘second in command’ recently who I haven’t figured out yet. She seems helpful and nice enough, but,