* * *
A deep, resonant voice was intruding on Sean’s peaceful slumber. At first he ignored it, but the voice seemed to become more insistent the longer Sean resisted. Finally, the disembodied voice almost shouted Sean’s name and he reluctantly began to respond. It was a struggle to clear the fog from his mind and open his eyes. Most of the fog lingered, but his eyes slowly squinted open.
“Well, well, there is somebody to home after all,” the voice said.
There was a pleasant, lilting quality to the voice that made Sean think it was a foreign accent. The type of accent eluded him; he was too busy trying to fight the bright glare of sunlight that assaulted his eyes. He finally gave up and closed them again.
“A bit too much of the sunshine, is it? I think we can take care of that for you, young fella.”
Sean felt the glare decrease as he heard the shades being drawn. He cautiously opened his eyes again and the room slowly came into focus. He was expecting to see some type of hospital room but was surprised to see he was lying in a large, beautifully furnished bedroom. The furniture appeared to be antique and beautifully preserved or restored. Sean loved antique furniture and had many expensive and unique pieces in his Victorian home, sitting high in the hills above Portland.
Despite his confusion about where he was and how he got here, Sean’s attention was drawn to the oystered cherry armoire. The stunning piece of well-aged furniture sat grandly against the wall, near the window, where the older gentleman was drawing the shades. It was a Louis XV bonnet-topped armoire with the doors highlighted by chevron parquetry and was restored to mint condition. That was just one of several unique antiques in the room. The armoire’s value alone would be near $20,000.00.
“So you had a little accident, judging by the lump on your head,” his host said.
“At least one accident,” Sean replied. When I passed out again, here in town, I seem to recall an old building directly in front of me. I don’t know if I ran in to it or not.”
“Fortunately not,” the older fellow replied with a smile. You were headed right for my furniture shop, but you weren’t going very fast. Young Billy Crandall was able to pull the driver’s side door open and put on the brakes for you.”
“Remind me to thank him once I’m on my feet again,” Sean said.
“That I will.”
“So how did I end up here?” Sean asked.
“Ah yes, forgive my shameful manners, young man. Here you are in a strange bed and I’ve not even introduced myself. I’m Eamon Cahir and you’re resting in the guest bedroom of my own home, so you are.”
Eamon stepped forward and offered his hand to Sean. His handshake was firm, and Sean was surprised to realize that Eamon’s hand was even larger than his. Eamon was a tall, lean man, a couple of inches over Sean’s six-two. Sean had a bit more muscle on him at 190, but Eamon had the look of a man with wiry strength. He realized Eamon wasn’t as old as he’d first assumed, even though his light brown hair had a fair touch of gray at the temples. His well-trimmed beard was showing a bit more gray, but Sean decided he was probably no more than his fifties instead of the sixties he’d initially assumed.
“We sent a crew out to clear the tree off the road. We don’t want any other traveler to come upon that hunk of trouble in the middle of a dark and stormy night,” Eamon said.
“Good idea. I’m fortunate that I spotted your town after the accident. I don’t think I’d have made it to the next town in the condition I was in. It’s funny, but I’m already starting to feel better now.”
“I’ve always been a great believer in the restorative powers of a good night’s sleep,” Eamon said. “I’m sure you’ll be right as rain in no time, Sean.”
A strange chill went through Sean at the mention of his name. Had he told Eamon what his name was? He was pretty sure he hadn’t, although he couldn’t be sure what happened the night before. Maybe someone had gone through his wallet when they’d found him to find who they were dealing with.
“I see you know my name. Did I introduce myself last night, Eamon?”
“I’m afraid you were in no condition to be making introductions last night. No, it was my nosey daughter who checked your driver’s license. She wanted to be sure you weren’t some nefarious character who might murder us all in our beds. Not that you had the strength to do any such thing when we found you.”
“That’s fine, Eamon. I’d have probably done the same if I were in her shoes. I appreciate the hospitality you’ve shown me.”
“And what else could we do for a wounded traveler, stranded in our humble community? We hope you’ll stay for a few days until you’re well enough to continue your journey.”
“I was afraid I’d be laid up for a week or two but the way I’m feeling now, I think I’ll be out of your hair sooner rather than later.”
“In the meantime, I’m guessing you’re well overdue to put on the feedbag,” Eamon said.
“If I’ve ever been hungrier, I can’t recall when,” Sean said.
“That’s all well and good since my own sweet daughter will have breakfast on the table by the time you’re up and dressed. The guest bath is right through the door nearest to your bed and your luggage is in the closet just there,” Eamon said, pointing to another door across the room. “If you need any help, be sure to give me a holler.”
Sean managed to shower and get dressed in near record time. His head still ached when
