Life After Living

About The Book You have Purchased

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously to further the plot in this story. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.

Cover Art by: A. J. Corza

Website: www.maxvos.com

Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any persons depicted on the cover are models.

Editing by: Ally Editorial Services

Thank you for downloading this eBook. This purchase allows you ONE LEGAL copy for personal reading on your devise of choice. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution by any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law. Violators of same are subject to criminal prosecution, and, upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to: photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the express written permission of the publisher and/or author, and where permitted by law. Reviewers and/or Bloggers may quote brief passages in a review or for promotional purposes, only. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact the author directly.

Life After Living

Copyright © 201 Max Vos

Warning: This book contains material that may be offensive to some: graphic language, adult situations

Books by Max Vos

My Hero

My Hero: The Olympian

The V Unit

P.O.W

Inappropriate Roads

Going Home

Life After Living

Memories Series

A Christmas Memory

A Christmas Memory 2

A Valentine’s Memory

A Spring Break Memory

Available in French

Souvenirs-de-Noël

Mon Héros

Mon Héros: L’Olympien

Hawk ‘n’ Harley

Unite V

Rentrer a la Maison

Available in Italian

Il Mio Eroe

Il Mio Eroe Lolimpionico

Andare a Casa

Available in German

Mein Held

Chapter One

After a trip to the bathroom, Vance made his way to the coffee maker. He stood there a moment, mystified as to why there was no coffee. As the cobwebs finally cleared he remembered that Jeff was no longer here. He was the one who had always set up the coffee maker the night before. Sighing heavily, Vance went about making coffee.

Was it four or five scoops? Vance asked out loud, even though he was the only person there.

The black-and-white Border collie, Bonnie, cocked her head to one side as she watched the human struggling with making a simple pot of coffee.

Vance looked down at the dog. If you think it’s so easy, you do it.

Bonnie whined and then turned and went out through the doggie door.

Yeah, didn’t think so, Vance grumbled while he filled the pot with water.

When the smell of coffee started filling the kitchen Vance sat down on one of the stools at the breakfast bar and waited. He looked out the window over the sink. It was another beautiful sunrise. The sight was so familiar that he could close his eyes and still visually see the hues of deep purple fading to pink that would turn to pale yellow as the sun rose higher in the sky. Even so, it was as if his eyes were open, he had it so firmly imbedded in his mind. It was a sight that he never grew tired of. Only now he would be seeing it each morning alone. Jeff was gone.

Vance took a sip of the hot, black coffee when it finally finished brewing. He sat and enjoyed his coffee for a few minutes before walking towards the bedroom. Stick to the routine.

Socks, a clean jock, jean shorts, and a faded Grateful Dead T-shirt would be the attire for the day, just like any other day, though a different T-shirt. A quick trip to the bathroom to brush his teeth and he’d be ready to go. He looked in the mirror. Almost time for a haircut, he said to his image. His hand froze in mid-air, the comb seemingly mocking him. Who is going to cut my hair? Jeff always did it, but Jeff… is gone.

Vance? Where are you?

I’m in the bathroom, Janice. I’ll be right out. He quickly ran the comb through his hair, wiped his mouth once more with the hand towel before carefully folding it over the towel bar. Stick with the routine. Looking in the mirror one more time, sighing, he turned, leaving the room that he and Jeff had taken such care in planning and renovating.

You’re such a good girl, Bonnie, Janice soothed as she filled the empty stainless steel food bowl. Did Daddy not feed you this morning?

I would have gotten to it, Vance said, clomping into the room, his work boots still untied. Jeff… normally took care of that.

Janice looked closely at Vance, her eyes squinted. Vance? What are you doing?

He looked up from tying his boots. What’s it look like I’m doing? I’m tying my boots.

Honey, your husband just died. You’re entitled to take a day off you know? Besides, aren’t there other things that… you need to take care of? Janice kept watching Vance. Um… did they… like, say conclusively what… you know…?

Vance stood up, his face blank, knowing what she was asking. Yes. Major heart attack and yes, Janice, everything has already been taken care of. I did that last night at the hospital. Jeff always said that he wanted to be cremated then his ashes spread around the property. He never wanted a big fussy funeral. I released his body to the local funeral home while at the hospital and they’re going to call me when he’s ready to be picked up.

Just like that? Janice asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee, not looking up.

What else is there to do? The nursery still has to be taken care of and now I’ve got two horses, a donkey and chickens to feed, not that I have the first idea of what to do there.

Jeff never told you or taught you how to take care of the animals?

Nope. I haven’t got a clue as to what went on over in that barn. That was his domain. You know how he is… was.

The older woman pushed a strand of her grey hair back over her ear that had escaped the ponytail. Jeff’s office is in the barn also isn’t it?

Yep.

Don’t you think you need to… like, go through it? Janice asked tentatively.

Vance stopped short. Yeah, I guess so. But it will have to wait. Right now, we’ve got that shipment of over three hundred orchids to get ready, and since it is just the two of us, we’d better get a move on.

That’s another thing, Vance. Since Corey and Brittney have run off together, you’re going to have to hire some more help. There is no way we’re going to manage with just the two of us.

He sighed heavily as he filled his coffee cup. I know. I had high hopes for Corey, too. He really was getting a feel for the business. I should never have hired Brittney. I only did it as a favor to Eleanor.

Well, what’s done is done, Janice added, following her much younger boss out into the early morning sun. Why don’t you run a help wanted ad?

Vance shrugged his shoulders. Good idea. We can write one up after we get through watering. You have the grandkids today?

Yes, I’m sorry, Vance, I do. I’ll need to leave by one.

Don’t apologize, Janice. You have your own life. I’ll manage.

Why don’t we go see about those animals first, she suggested. Maybe together we can figure it all out.

Thanks, Janice. I can use all the help I can get in that regard.

The two walked to the barn in silence, sipping their coffees. Bonnie ran ahead of the pair, knowing the way all too well. They could hear the whinny of Mitters, the playful five-year-old speckled grey, tossing her head in anticipation.

Looks like she’s ready for her breakfast, Janice laughed. You just don’t like animals or something?

When she glanced in Vance’s direction, she saw him physically flinch.

It’s not that I don’t like ‘em. I just don’t have… time for ‘em, Vance explained as he opened the side door to the barn. He locked it into the open position, flicked on the overhead lights and the ceiling fans. Feed room is over there, he pointed to the last door on the left.

I remember. Well, let’s go see what we’ve got to deal with. Janice tried to keep her voice upbeat. It’s been years since I’ve had to take care of any type of livestock, but it can’t have changed all that much.

Yeah, I forgot you used to keep horses. Vance sounded relieved.

I did. I loved ‘em. But when you got four kids and a husband who works all the time, they not only got expensive, but time consuming. I had little money after feeding and clothing the kids and almost zero time to spend with them, and it wasn’t fair to them. Janice shrugged. Now that I’m retired, I still don’t have much money and I’m afraid my poor, beat up, old body just isn’t up to it.

Vance opened up the door to the feed room and propped it open. I have no idea what any of this is. Unlike you, I’ve never dealt with anything but a dog, and I was just a kid then.

Oh, look, Jeff has feeding instructions posted on the wall. Janice pointed to several printed out pages that had been laminated and affixed to the wall.

Thank god for that, Vance grumbled.

Oh, hush you, it isn’t that bad now. Janice poked him in the ribs with her elbow. This is all really straight forward, but honestly, Vance, you’re going to need some help here. You need someone who knows about horses.

Maybe I should just get rid of them, Vance said as he opened the first grain bin, also clearly marked.

Janice froze. Do you think that’s what Jeff would have wanted?

Vance stopped what he was doing. No, he said softly.

Janice walked behind the larger man and wrapped her arms around him. Babe, you’ve got some adjustments to make and they’re not all are going to be easy. Give it some time, Vance, before you make any big decisions, okay?

Vance took a deep breath, his head hanging down, his beard, flecked with grey, resting on his chest. He slowly exhaled before he answered. You’re right. Thanks, Janice.

Now, let’s see about getting these critters fed, then we can go get the watering done. When Vance turned around he caught the worried look on her face.

After getting the two horses and donkey fed and watered, Vance and Janice worked on getting the chickens taken care of, with Bonnie staying close to the pair. Once they were fed and watered, the coop swept and then hosed out, and eggs gathered, more than an hour had gone by.

That took longer than I thought it would, Janice said wiping her hands on her jean shorts. Let’s get another cup of coffee and write up an ad for some help before we go water the plants. There is no way either of us are ever going to be able to keep this up.

Yeah, I think you’re right and I could use another cup of coffee. Vance readily agreed as they walked back to the house.

The two sat at the breakfast bar, each with a fresh cup of coffee. Vance found a legal pad and a pen.

Where would we place an ad like this? he asked the older woman.

Why not put it in the county Ag and Feed Weekly? she asked, her eyebrows arched. Seems to make sense to me. We need someone local.

Yeah, good idea, Vance agreed. Now… what do we need to say?

Need to make sure that dealing with the horses, the donkey and the chickens are mentioned first and foremost, she pointed out before taking a sip of her coffee. Oh, and then ask for nursery experience or good with plants. Something along those lines.

Vance nodded and began writing out the ad. When they were both satisfied with it, they looked it over again.

Here, let me give Becky Conner a call and get this in right away, Janice said, taking the pad from Vance. I’ll see if we can’t get it in this week’s edition, which comes out tomorrow, I think.

Yeah, the sooner the better, Vance consented, giving her the pad. While you’re doing that I’m going to go out and start the watering. I’ll be in the back greenhouse.

You got it, Janice acknowledged, already dialing the phone.

Vance was striding across the back yard towards the row of greenhouses situated toward the back end of the property. Bonnie’s whine stopped him. He turned around and looked at the dog. She was looking between him and the back door, her tail between her legs. Vance frowned before he knelt down, his hand extended toward her. Bonnie hesitated before walking toward him, her tail lifting a little.

Looks like it’s just us now, girl. Vance scratched behind her ear. We’ll be spending more time together I guess. I’ll try and… well, I’ll try, okay?

The soft, brown eyes looked up to him, filled with trust, causing him to look away.

Come on, Bonnie, you can come with me into the nursery, he said, patting the side of his leg.

The black, white, and grey dog followed behind him, still glancing back towards the house as they made their way to the furthest greenhouse. When Vance looked behind him, he saw that she was indeed following him, which was a first.

This is going to suck. Just suck, he mumbled as he opened the door to the greenhouse. He held the door open for Bonnie. She hesitated at first. Come on, girl, you’re welcome.

Slowly, she entered the large, industrial-sized greenhouse. The large fans slowly turned, keeping the air circulating. Bonnie followed Vance as he made sure that all the spray heads were where they should be. When he turned on the water, the hiss of the nozzles started, making Bonnie jump. Soon, the air was filled with a fine mist.

There we go, he spoke to the dog. Now, a little orchid food and we’ll be done in here until later, when we have to box ‘em up.

Vance got the plant food diluted and poured into the feeder reservoir so it would be dispersed evenly. Bonne followed him, never more than a few feet away, watching. Her head would cock sideways when he spoke.

Okay, the ad is plac— Janice stopped dead in her tracks just inside the nursery door. —placed and will come out tomorrow…. She looked between Vance and Bonnie and then back to Vance.

Good, the sooner the better, he said, ignoring the look that Janice was giving him.

Um… is… Bonnie going to be allowed in the nurseries now?

Vance shrugged. We’ll see how it goes. He stopped and looked at the dog. You wanna take care of number five and I’ll jump on four? he asked, leaving nursery number six, the designated orchid house, for those plants that were ready to ship.

Yeah, sure, Janice answered, still a little stunned that Vance had let Bonnie inside one of his precious nursery buildings, where she had previously been strictly forbidden.

They each worked independently the rest of the day. They didn’t really speak again until Janice had to leave. She didn’t say anything other than good-bye, but she noticed that Bonnie had stayed with Vance the entire day, rarely taking her eyes off him.

Vance worked steadily, occasionally speaking, mostly to himself. Sighing heavily, he used a hand-truck to pull a bundle of flat cardboard boxes from a storage room. Guess I’m doing all the grunt work today.

He glanced over at the dog, a few feet away, watching him closely. Too bad you can’t help. I hate folding shipping boxes.

Bonnie cocked her head to the side, one ear turned up.

He started folding the boxes, stacking them to the side. Before long, he’d worked up a sweat and stripped his T-shirt off, tossing it on the workbench.

Vance worked steadily throughout the afternoon, only stopping for water. He jumped when the door to the shipping nursery opened. He was more than a little surprised to see Janice standing there.

I figured you’d still be at it, she said, walking in. Have you got all the boxes put together already?

Um, Janice what are you doing here? Vance turned to his friend and part-time employee. I thought you had the grandkids?

I did, and now I don’t. She picked up one of the boxes from the cart near Vance. Where are we on this? she asked, indicating the rows of orchids.

I’ve got about half of them done, Vance answered, closing and stacking another box on yet another cart. You don’t have to do this, Janice.

I don’t have to do anything but die and pay taxes. I’m here to help, so just hush up about it. Janice folded a packing box, adding it to the pile. If I weren’t here to help, you’d be here till midnight.

Vance chuckled. You’re probably right. Let’s just hope we get a quick response to that ad.

Chapter Two

Hello, Pittman Nursery. Vance answered the business phone that he kept clipped to his belt. He quickly looked at his watch, noting that it was only eight in the morning.

Hi, replied a chipper female voice. I’m calling in reference to the ad in the paper for employment.

Yes, okay. Vance sat on one of the potting tables in the nearly empty shipping greenhouse. The job is fairly straight forward. I have two horses, one donkey and a several chickens that need to be attended to. I’d prefer six days a week on that, but can manage with five. I also—

Could this possibly be a live-in situation? She asked.

Vance looked at the phone before answering. Um, no, I don’t know if that would work.

Let me start over. My name is Michelle Knight and I work for Veterans Support Operations in Ft. Lauderdale. I have a vet here who sounds perfect for this job. The only thing is that… well, he would need to have a place to live, and… well, there’s no other way to say it, but he needs supervision, at least for the time being, she finished quickly.

Vance was silent. He didn’t know how to answer.

Hello? Ms. Knight’s voice echoed thinly from the small phone speaker.

Um, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m in a position to—

Mr.? she asked waiting for an answer.

Sparks, Vance Sparks, he answered without thinking. But, Ms. Knight, I—

If you will, I’d like to explain what we do here at the V.S.O. She didn’t skip a beat before continuing. We help vets who have fallen through the cracks of the Veterans Administration. We are a nonprofit; however, we can, and do, get resources from the VA. What we do is help vets who have come home and don’t have jobs, and often times not even a place to come home to.

That is all very nice, but— Vance tried to cut her off, but she was determined.

A lot of these poor men and women often suffer from PTSD and need to have someone around while they undergo treatment. We have a Mr. Wade Farmer here, who I feel would be an asset to your business and not only be a valuable employee, but cost you nothing, as we are willing to cover his salary for six months. Within reason, of course. Michelle Knight finally stopped.

Ms. Knight—

Please, call me Michelle.

Okay, Michelle, I’m not a doctor and I don’t—

That’s the beauty of this program, Vance. May I call you Vance? Before Vance could answer she continued. We don’t send our guys or gals out without a solid support system. Wade would be seen by a doctor twice a week until he sees fit to either cut that back or discontinue it all together, and we happen to have a very good doctor not far from you. The only reason we would like some moderate supervision is because of Mr. Farmer’s depression. If you see him getting down or anything like that, you’d only need to call us and or his doctor. We’d take it from there.

Vance could feel the woman smiling through the phone. He had to give it to her; she did a great sales job.

I’m still not sure if this would be a suitable arrangement for… someone in his position, Vance hesitated.

Vance, how many employees do you have, may I ask?

Currently I have one part-time employee.

By chance does this part-time employee have a criminal history or drug problem? she asked methodically.

Vance had to laugh at the thought of Janice being a criminal or a druggie. Uh, no. She’s a retired school teacher who is also a grandmother. Vance chuckled.

See? That would be perfect for Wade. Would you at least interview him?

Michelle, I would have no problem in interviewing him, but that wouldn’t solve the problem of him living on the premises or his… special needs. Vance wasn’t about to invite a perfect stranger to live in his house.

We may be able to work around that if we can find him adequate accommodations close by. Vance could hear papers being shuffled about. When would be a good time for you, Vance?

Well… I guess just about any time. I live on the property so—

Perfect! Vance swore she almost squealed. How about tomorrow, say around one?

Sure, that would be fine. Vance gave in, rubbing the center of his forehead.

It will be such a pleasure to meet you, Vance. Vance had no doubt of her sincerity. Have a blessed rest of the day. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodbye.

Goodbye, Vance responded automatically.

Vance looked at the phone, shaking his head. He clipped it back to his belt. Bonnie was lying close to the door, watching him intently.

Hey, Vance, do you have—? Janice started to ask, but stopped when she saw the look on his face. What’s wrong?

I just had the strangest phone call, he said shaking his head. It was in response to the ad.

Oh? Anything promising? She stepped over Bonnie, patting the dog’s head as she did.

No, not really. Vance was already setting up a potting station for the new orchid starts that would be delivered that afternoon. It was from some veteran’s organization out of Ft. Lauderdale. They want me to hire some poor vet who has PTSD.

Vance, that sounds perfect. What’s the problem?

The problem is that one, they would want him to live on property and two, they want him to have supervision and… I repeat—a place to live. Vance grunted slightly as he picked up a large bag of orchid potting bark. There isn’t really a place for him to stay on property besides in the house, and that isn’t going to happen and I’m not a baby sitter.

Vance?

What? Opening the bark and dumping it into a mixing bin.

Look at me, Vance, Janice commanded softly.

What, Janice? Vance said shortly, but turned to look at the woman who was almost a mother figure to him.

Vance Sparks, I’m surprised at you. You, of all people, should have a little more compassion.

Janice, two people with PTSD is not a good idea. Vance scowled at her, hoping that would be the end of it.

Vance… you could be an excellent role model for this poor man.

Oh, come on now, Janice. This isn’t a puppy you’ve found on the side of the road. This is a grown man who is going through pure hell while trying to put his life back together.

Vance angrily opened another bag, this one peat moss particles, and then added it to the bin. Vance avoided looking at Janice as he mixed the bark and peat together. There are days when I feel I can barely take care of myself, much less another person. Besides, that still doesn’t take care of the housing issue.

I don’t think you’ve given this enough thought. Janice unpacked a stack of plastic pots. If I remember correctly, Jeff’s office is actually an apartment, isn’t it?

Vance froze. He turned slowly to look at Janice. What did you say?

Now, Vance, calm down, she said, taking a step towards Vance. You have an opportunity here that Jeff would stand behind, and you know it. Will you at least think about it? Her voice was soft, soothing the hard look on his face.

Vance sighed and nodded.

I’d be happy to help you clean out that room. You need to do it anyway, she urged gently.

Vance’s shoulders sagged. Yeah and soon. Jerry has already called wanting to come get all the financial stuff that Jeff took care of. Another thing I’m clueless about.

Jerry is a good friend and a good man. Janice continued to stroke Vance’s arm. He and Jeff were friends and business partners for many years, until they retired. It’s what Jeff would have wanted.

I know, I know. It’s just that… every time I turn around there seems to be something else that Jeff took care of that I don’t know how to do. Vance looked up, his eyes shiny. I had no idea how much he did around here. I feel so guilty. I feel as if I used him all these years.

Oh, Vance, you have nothing to feel guilty about. Janice wrapped him in her arms. That man loved you with every fiber of his being. Jeff wanted to take care of you. I don’t think you realize how many times I caught him just watching you while you worked, standing there with that silly childlike smile of his.

Vance had to smile. He knew that smile so well. It was one of the things that had endeared him enough to finally agree to go out with Jeff in the first place.

Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Janice smiled broadly, standing back, her hands on Vance’s upper arms. So, never, ever think that you were a burden to Jeff. Got it?

Yes, Ma’am. Vance smiled shyly.

Good. Janice hugged him close once again before getting them both focused on the work at hand. Okay, where were we?

* * * * *

Janice was getting ready to leave for the day when Bonnie sat up, her ears perked. With a whine, she pushed the door of the greenhouse open and started barking, running towards the house. Vance looked at his watch and sighed heavily.

Is that him? Janice asked, tucking her gloves into her back pocket.

I suspect so, Vance answered, trying to avoid her eyes.

Well? Janice maneuvered so that her boss and friend would have to look at her. Did you think about it?

Of course, I thought about it. Vance stepped around her to leave the greenhouse.

And?

I just don’t see how it can work, Janice.

Janice followed him. And why not?

Oh, come on, Janice. Think about it. Right now, I’m just barely holding myself together. Would it really be fair to this poor guy, who is dealing with his own demons, to dump my shit on him as well? And that goes both ways ya know, Vance said as he strode towards the driveway, Janice hurrying to keep up with his long strides.

Or— Janice huffed, her breathing labored trying to keep up with him. Would you slow the hell down a minute? Janice barked.

Vance stopped and waited for the older woman to catch up.

Or, you two could be really good for each other. Ever think about that? With the two of you having that much in common, you might be able to help him, since you’ve dealt with most of this already, and he might be able to understand what you’re going through, so it might be something that bonds the two of you. Did you consider that?

The pair rounded the corner of the barn. Vance stopped abruptly. He watched the man, who he guessed to be in his mid- to late-twenties, stroking Jackson’s nose, all the while Bonnie danced at his side, wanting attention.

That’s amazing, Janice whispered next to Vance. I’ve never seen that donkey take to anyone, except Jeff.

Vance didn’t respond, only watched while the white donkey leaned against