Page 87 of Proof

Luna placed her hand on the first spot that was within reach. “Electromagnetic energy. It’s so fascinating.”

“How true. Sedona is known for it, but sometimes I wonder if half the people who live here actually align with it.”

“What do you mean?” Luna asked.

“Maybe it’s because a lot of people moved here because it’s beautiful, and relatively accessible, but they’re not necessarily interested in the spiritual aspect,” Gail explained.

“I suppose a jerk is a jerk, no matter where they are.”

Gail howled. “Thank you for saying that. Sometimes I think I am being unkind if I think of someone as a jerk. I should be better than that.”

“You’re only human.” Luna smiled. They turned and walked back to the car. “Smothered enchiladas are calling my name.”

It was a quick drive to the restaurant, where Leela greeted them at the door. “Your order will be out in a minute.”

Luna grabbed for her wallet, pulled out a credit card, and handed it to the woman. “Do not take her money. It’s counterfeit,” Luna joked.

Gail shook her head. “I wish you’d stop doing that.”

“Listen, girlie, you have been a wonderful hostess and tour guide. It’s the least I can do.”

“If you insist, but I’m buying the beer.”

“Deal!”

Gail stopped at a convenience store to pick up a six-pack of Pacifico, and then they headed back to the B&B. Luna unpacked the food and beverages while Gail set the table. Max gave her a forlorn look. “Sorry, buddy. This is too spicy for you. I’ve got something better.” She opened a can of his favorite food and put it in his big bowl. If a dog could shrug, he would have before he begrudgingly sauntered over to his dinner.

The women chatted about books, movies, and music and watched a few more episodes of Bad Sisters before they called it a night. It had been a long but wonderful day, and they were ready to hit the sheets.

Once Luna was in her room, she pulled out her laptop and searched for Canyon Farms. The home page declared: Locally grown produce delivered to your door. She wrote down the address and checked her map app. It was about twenty minutes outside of Sedona. They opened at seven a.m. Luna set her alarm for five thirty. Her plan was to leave a note telling Gail she was going for a drive and would be back soon. As exhausted as she was physically, she could not turn off her brain. The idea that she might come face to face with her friend was both alarming and exciting. She rehearsed what she was going to say over and over. “Hey, Brendan. Remember me? Remember you? What happened? What are you doing here?” But what if it wasn’t Brendan? “Duh. My mistake.” She tossed and turned and punched the pillow, the same way she had a few weeks before.

Luna didn’t know how long she had been staring at the ceiling, replaying her rehearsed words in her head, when the light of day began to emerge. She shot up out of bed. She didn’t want to run into Gail and have to explain where she was going. Luna quickly put on her jeans and a shirt and carried her shoes so as not to make any noise on the tile floor. She peeked out the bedroom door to make sure Max wasn’t standing guard. He was nowhere in sight, so Luna figured he was in Gail’s room. She tiptoed across the living room and left a note on the dining table:

Hey, honey pie. Was up early. Went for a drive.

Be back soon.

XO

She quietly opened and closed the door, then stealthily crossed the gravel driveway in her stocking feet. As soon as she got in the driver’s seat, she put on her boots and started the car. She winced, hoping the sound wouldn’t wake up Max or Gail. She backed out of the driveway, keeping an eye open for any movement from inside the house.

She put the address in the GPS. The map said it would take twenty-five minutes. It was only five thirty, so she had an hour to kill. Maybe stopping at Cathedral Rock would be a good idea. It was on the way to the farm. Its aura could strengthen her resolve, especially since it was considered an uplifting energy. It was a very steep climb, and she had no intention of navigating it. Simply being near the magnificent rock formation would be enough to give her a boost of courage.

Luna parked the car and walked as close as she could before the trail began for the long climb. She sat on the stump of an old tree and meditated, asking for the courage to complete this pursuit so she could finally lay her concern to rest. A half hour passed, and she returned to her car. She still had time on her hands. It was excruciating. She decided to drive to the farm and wait there. The closer she got, the more her body trembled.

A wooden sign with the words WELCOME TO CANYON FARMS greeted her as she steered with quivering hands. She took a deep breath and began the quarter mile drive toward the building. Even though it was before seven, it looked as if there were people already working. She noticed there were three trucks similar to the one she’d spotted the day before, and everyone was wearing green shirts. What she didn’t notice was another car on the property with someone inside snapping photos.

A young man walked over to Luna’s vehicle after she had parked. “Morning, miss. We don’t open for another few minutes. Anything I can help you with?”

She hesitated and took a deep breath. “Actually, I’m looking for an old friend from college. His name is Brendan Nelson.”

The young man squinted. “Nobody by that name works here.”

Luna pulled out her phone and showed him the photo she’d taken the day before.

“Oh, you mean Boyd Wilson?” the young man asked.

Luna laughed nervously. “We called him Brendan in school.” She wasn’t sure if that was a good recovery, but the young man didn’t seem to question her. “Let me go see if Boyd is around. Be right back.”

---