Liisa. Sioux Dallas

returned to the Holiday Inn for lunch and found brochures on attractions in Danbury. The Danbury Museum and Historical Society at 43 Main Street was nearby and certainly was a visit she would enjoy. She found that she would have to return another day to absorb all that was offered.

      While in the Museum, she found a pamphlet on Tarrywile Park and Mansion at 70 Southern Blvd. She found that it was close and she would love to see the old mansion and its furnishings. She knew the flower gardens and park interests would probably be closed this time of the year. Yes, she thoroughly enjoyed the history and the antiques.

      She hurried back to her room determined to get a restful night and leave early the next morning. Much to her delight she found that going back by Sandy Hook, she could stop at the McLaughlin Vineyards on Alberts Hill Road. This, too, had an interesting history. The tasting room and the sales room were all that she hoped for.

      It was close to eleven when she left the vineyards and stopped in Sandy Hook for a sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate. She called Arnold and then Paul to tell them she was on her way back.

      Fortunately the weather stayed clear, but cold, as she turned toward Waterbury. She had only gone a couple of miles when the snow began to lazily drift down. The nearer she got to her home, the heavier the snow began to fall. Breathing a sigh of thankful relief, she drove into the underground parking garage of her apartment building and went up to her warm and comfortable apartment.

      Gee, it makes me feel kind of empty to come home to a silent, empty apartment. But it wouldn’t be fair to a little animal to keep one here since I’m in and out irregularly.

      She called the Johnsons to tell them she was home. Aunt Ellen insisted she come for dinner but she made tactful excuses and stayed home. She called Arnold to tell him she was home. His housekeeper answered the phone and Liisa was happy to talk to her first and find how Arnold was.

      The housekeeper hesitated and softly said, “He never complains, but he’s staying in more now and sleeps a lot. I don’t think he feels good but he won’t go to a doctor. Stubborn man.”

      Liisa agreed with her and asked to speak to Arnold. “Hey, my darling girl! I’m relieved that you’re back safely and ahead of this blizzard that’s supposed to hit tonight. I did receive a call from the movers that they’ll deliver around eleven Monday morning unless the weather is too bad for travel. I can hardly wait to see your acquisitions.”

      “Oh, Arnold, I’m holding my breath that everything will meet with your approval. I have some clothing on the order, but I paid for that myself. I’ll pick it up Monday. How have you been?”

      “Great! Couldn’t be better. I’m getting lazy in my old age though.”

      “Good for you. All these years you’ve worked and helped so many people, it’s time you sat back and enjoyed life.”

      “Too much to do to sit back long. I’ll see you bright and early on Monday. Good night and sweet dreams.”

      Liisa placed the phone on the base with a heavy heart. Arnold will not admit that he’s worked enough years. But what would I do without him? He’s been my lifeline for most of my adult life.

      She gave a deep sigh and heated water for a mug of hot tea. She heated some frozen French toast and nibbled on it as she drank her tea and then took a shower. Dressing for bed she settled down to watch some musical programs and fell asleep with the television on.

       Chapter Four

      Stretching lazily and enjoying the warmth of her room, Liisa came awake slowly and yawned a big loud yawn. How glad I am to be home safely in my own bed. I feel my trip was successful and I sure hope Arnold thinks so.

      She suddenly sat up. “Roger Burleson. I wish I could remember something about him and my trip. Apparently he was telling the truth because he knew too much about me. I wonder if there are other people out there that I met and don’t remember.” With nerves stretched as tight as fiddle strings she struggled to remember.

      Liisa picked up the phone to tell Paul about her encounter with Roger, and then decided to think about it more. What will Paul think of me? Will he still care and want to help me remember or will he think I’ve been involved in something I’m ashamed of? How can I know what is the best for me to do and how can I find the truth? Should I make another trip to Norway and see if I can find the truth? I wish I could talk this over with Arnold. He has always been so level-headed and protective of me, but his health is not good and I don’t want to disturb him.