by T. K. Lukas
Dammit—it’s not supposed to end like this.
Winston downed the remainder of his scotch. Pouring another double, he tossed it back, ignoring the burning sensation in his throat. For several long moments, he stared at the empty tumbler in his hand. Then, he slammed it onto the wet-bar’s marbled surface, sending a spider’s web of cracks throughout the glass.
*****
The Beech Baron touched down on runway one nine and taxied to Alpine’s Fixed Base Operations building. Markus and Sidney waited in his Jeep parked adjacent to the FBO. As soon as the plane parked, the pair strolled out to the tarmac. Markus waved at Vader who was already out of the plane and speaking with the avgas fuel truck driver. Gunner was next to disembark, yipping a greeting before coming nose-to-nose with Rex. Both dogs’ tails waved in friendly recognition of the other.
It wasn’t that long ago, thought Markus, when Rex would have acted aggressively toward another male dog, and even more so, toward strange people. Working with him and building his trust had taken months. At one point, he’d considered the very real possibility that Rex would always be unpredictable and aggressive, thus requiring euthanasia.
Thank God you proved me wrong. He scratched the big dog’s ears, and Rex leaned into him for a moment before moving to Sidney’s side. Traitor. Markus smiled to himself, yet he was pleased that Rex had assumed the role of her protector.
Trevor stuck his head out of the plane’s wide double doors and gave Markus a salute. “Hey captain, good to see you. Coming your way!” He threw his backpack, which Markus caught with one hand. “Nice catch. Gunner, come.”
The dog trotted over and stood quietly as Trevor used him to steady his balance while he stepped out from the cargo end of the plane. Engulfing Sidney in a tight bear hug, he said, “Am I ever glad to see you, lady.”
“I’m glad to see you, too.” She started to pull away.
“Not so fast. That hug was from me. This one’s from Mama.” He hugged her again, tighter.
“I wish I could return it to her in person. Tell Eli ‘thank you’ next time you talk to her.”
“Careful there, buddy, you’ll crack her ribs,” teased Markus. “How are you, man? Good to see you.” He slapped Trevor on the back.
“Good to see you. I’d shake, but my paws are still bandaged.” Trevor held up both hands and shrugged. “A few more days, or at least until the blisters heal.”
Vader joined the group, shaking hands with Markus and tipping his ball cap when introduced to Sidney. Turning down Markus’s invitation to join them at the lodge for dinner, he said, “Thanks anyway, but as soon as I’ve visited the head and my plane’s refueled, I’ll be getting back to Fort Worth. Denise will have the kids put to bed by the time I get home, and she and I can have a romantic dinner. It’s our anniversary.”
“Ah. Well, happy anniversary. Please give my best to Denise, and to Molly and Jake.”
“Thanks, Markus, will do. Trevor, I’ll see you later, I’m sure. Sidney, it was nice to meet you.” Vader waved goodbye and sprinted to the operations building as the avgas truck pulled away from the plane.
“Let’s head to the ranch—the sooner, the better. I hope you’re okay for now with what you brought in your backpack. I don’t want to risk going into town,” said Markus.
“If it’s not in my backpack, then I don’t need it.”
“You know where my closet is, if you decide otherwise. Come on.” Markus steered them in the direction of the parking lot. “I emailed Otto earlier, and he sent Heidi over with food and a few groceries. Anything else we need, Otto will take care of.”
“Sounds good.”
“I hope you don’t mind being wedged in the back seat between two dogs. My jeep is not the roomiest of vehicles.”
“I’ve been in worse tight spots,” Trevor said, smiling.
“I’ll sit in the back seat with the dogs,” offered Sidney. “It’d be more comfortable for you in the front, Trevor.”
“Thanks, Sid. Either way, let’s get the hell out of here.”
They made their way to the parking lot in the early evening’s sparse light. As the overhead streetlights flicked on, Markus turned and looked over his shoulder. A feeling of being watched, or that something was not quite right, ramped up his persistent wariness. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He scanned the area in front of the operations building. It was empty of planes except for the Beech Baron. The only people he saw were Vader striding across the tarmac to his plane, coffee mug in hand, and the driver of the fuel truck disappearing into the far distance.
There’s no one. It was nothing. Yet, the hair on the back of his neck remained bristled.
*****
Sidney sat in the back seat between Rex and Gunner, and as she listened to Markus and Trevor’s easy banter, she decided theirs was a language she didn’t understand. It must be the common language spoken by those who’d served in the military, and most likely, specifically in the Marine Corps. She guessed each branch of the military probably had its own unique form of communication with specific words and acronyms, but she imagined that any soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine would be able to interpret another branch’s language easily enough. She, herself, would need a decipher code.
The short drive from the airport to the lodge gave Markus and Trevor a chance to catch up on other Marines and friends who had served with them or had participated in the Wounded Warrior Project. She was keenly aware that Markus’s voice sounded much more animated than she’d heard him speak before. This was a conversation he was enjoying. Yet, as she looked at his eyes in the rearview mirror, they seemed uneasy, much like her own, she felt certain, even without a peek at herself in the mirror.
As they passed the barn, Sidney asked if they could stop for a moment to check on the horses. She wanted to see and touch Mocha. And smell her—that woodsy smell unique to mares. Simply being in the barn and in the presence of horses acted as a balm for her soul.
“Sure. It’s feeding time, anyway. The three of us can knock it out quickly.” Markus pulled into the parking lot, and as soon as they stepped into the barn, all the horses began to nicker their greetings.
“Did I tell you I learned how to ride a horse out here at one of Markus’s Warrior camps last summer?” asked Trevor as he gingerly gripped a feed scoop with his fingertips and thumb, the only uninjured parts of his hands.
“That’s excellent. How’d you like it?” Sidney held the bucket of oats as Trevor scooped, while Markus busied himself with the hay cart, delivering fresh alfalfa to each stall.
“I loved it. I’ll never be a John Wayne, but I think I did pretty well.”
“Pretty well? The kid’s a natural,” shouted Markus from the other end of the barn.
“He’s being generous. But I have to admit, galloping cross country was a blast.” Trevor gave Mocha a scoop and a half at Sidney’s instruction. “How’s your girl here settling in?”
“She’s settling in just fine. We both are, despite the circumstances.” Sidney walked into Mocha’s stall and wrapped her arms around the mare’s neck, breathing in the smell that, for her, was far superior to any expensive aromatherapy.
Trevor followed her into the stall and buried his nose into Mocha’s mane. “Yep. Better than perfume. Sure wish someone would bottle that smell.”
Sidney breathed in again. “I couldn’t agree more.”
“If you two are through scratching and sniffing on that horse, then let’s close up the barn for the night. I’m hungry, and Otto promised Wienerschnitzel and Spaetzle for dinner, compliments of Heidi.”
Walking back to the Jeep, Sidney noticed that Markus had shed his denim jacket, so his normally concealed shoulder holster was now in full sight. She heard him tell Trevor not to worry about losing his weapon in the fire, that he’d make sure Trevor was armed at all times once they reached the lodge. Being protected by these two bodyguards who were armed and dangerous made her feel ill prepared. At the very least, she would remember to start
carrying her Taser.
*****
Markus steered onto the driveway, the lights glowing warmly in the lodge’s windows a welcoming sight, he thought. Once they were behind locked doors and under the electronic protection of his high-tech security system, he could relax—a bit.
As they walked through the side door leading into the kitchen, he heard the telephone ringing. Not many people called him on the landline, other than Otto, Ruth, and a handful of clients who preferred talking rather than texting or emailing.
Lifting the receiver, he said, “Hello. Yeager Stables and Lodge.”
“Markus, it’s Ruth here. I was wondering if you knew how I could get hold of Sidney. I’ve tried her cellphone with no luck.”
“You’re in luck now. She’s right here. Oh, how’s Victor?”
“He’s doing much better. The doctor says he’s releasing him tomorrow morning. That’s why I’m calling—I wanted to share the good news with Sidney.”
“He must be doing a lot better. That’s awfully quick, isn’t it, for him to be released?”
“You know how insurance is. As soon as it’s demonstrated that a patient can walk to the bathroom without assistance and pee in a cup, they want ‘em shoved out the door. Victor was up and around this morning, begging for some home cooking.”
Markus chuckled. “Well, I’m relieved to hear it. Hold on, here’s Sid.”
Sidney took the phone from Markus. “I overheard. I’m so happy for you. And for Victor. What wonderful news.”
“Thank you. The stitches and staples come out in a few weeks. The broken bones will heal in time. His kidney is no longer producing bloody urine. Sorry if that’s too graphic. And, the best part is Doctor Lavine says there are no neurological issues.”
“What a relief.”
“Indeed. Victor said his head’s too hard to crack and insists he gets that trait from me. Honestly, can’t dispute that.”
“You have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week.”
“Yes, I do. And we should celebrate with an early Thanksgiving feast. I don’t want to wait till Thursday. I’ve already picked up a smoked turkey from the grocery, and my pumpkin pies are in the oven.”
“That sounds delicious. I love pumpkin pie.”
“You and Markus are invited. Of course, Otto is coming, too. Tomorrow, around one o’clock in the afternoon. Can y’all come?”
“I’ll check with Markus. And, would it be all right to bring a guest? Markus’s friend, Trevor Nolan, is visiting.”
“Of course. I remember Trevor. He’s been to Alpine a few times.”
“Great. I’ll call you back soon.”
Markus handed Sidney a glass of wine, asking, “So, what will you have to check with me?”
“Ruth wants us over tomorrow for an early Thanksgiving to celebrate Victor’s coming home from the hospital.” She swirled the dark red wine around in the long-stemmed glass. “I didn’t want to commit to anything before checking with you.”
“As much as I’d like for us to go, I’m afraid it’s impossible.” He couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling he’d had earlier when they’d left the airport. “Your being seen any more in public is too dangerous, even with you in disguise. I’m confident you’re safe here, but outside these gates, that’s a different story. I need to get a better assessment of the situation.”
“I understand. What reason for our not coming shall I give Ruth?”
Markus saw the look of disappointment on Sidney’s face, and he wished there were a way to bring some joy into her life. If only for a day, it would be nice to pretend that everything was normal, and good, and there wasn’t a monster out there who wanted her dead.
“I have an idea,” Markus said, a small grin wrinkling the corners of his mouth. “If you’ll help Trevor get dinner heated up, I’ll call Ruth back.”
“Sure thing.” Sidney took her glass of wine and moved to the stove where Trevor was already at work.
As she walked away, Markus resisted the urge to take her in his arms and hold her. And then take her upstairs to his bedroom. He was hungrier for her than he was for dinner. They had spent the better part of Sunday as well as this morning either in bed, in the shower, or riding horses, and the more he had of her, the more he wanted her. And he knew it was mutual. Even today while out on horseback when they’d stopped near the upper creek to admire the view, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Spontaneous sex outside, he decided, should be on everyone’s bucket list.
He picked up the phone and redialed Ruth’s number. If she were agreeable, he’d move the Thanksgiving feast to the lodge. Perhaps he could talk Otto into closing the restaurant, just during lunch, so Heidi and Dieter could join them. He would explain to Ruth that there was much more room at the lodge for a large party than at her small cottage.
“That sounds fine, Markus. Thank you for offering your place. I’ll bring my food over in the morning before I drive to the hospital to pick up Victor.” Ruth sounded relieved to change plans. “I’ve always admired your big dining room, and it will certainly accommodate this party that’s growing in size. And, Victor loves being at your ranch. It sounds perfect.”
“Excellent. See you in the morning.” Markus breathed a sigh of relief. The compromise, he hoped, would put a smile on Sidney’s face.
“And, one favor?” Ruth asked. “Since we’re moving the meal to your place, may I invite my good friend Bonnie Kirkpatrick to join us? You know Bonnie—from the airport. She lives alone, and I think it would be nice for her to come.”
“I know Bonnie. She’s a good lady. She’s more than welcome.”
“And Aubrey, Victor’s girlfriend.”
“I expected she’d come, too.”
“This will be fun,” said Ruth. “See you in the morning.”
Fun? Yes—we’ll eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow…. Markus left the quote unfinished, the thought dangling midair as he dialed Otto. After making arrangements with him for the event, he strode into the dining room where plates of steaming Schnitzel and Spaetzle were set on the table. Joining Trevor and Sidney, he lifted his glass of wine and made a toast to tomorrow.
“You’re looking rather pleased,” said Sidney. “What did you and Ruth come up with?”
“A fine compromise. We’re hosting the meal here tomorrow at noon. There’ll be a full house. Ruth’s bringing turkey and dressing, and her famous pumpkin pies. She’ll drop them off tomorrow morning on her way to the hospital to get Victor.” Markus grinned at the smile warming Sidney’s face. It was exactly what he wished to see.
“Who else is coming?” asked Trevor, sharing a look of mutual concern. Each knew what the other was thinking.
“Only people I know well and trust completely. Besides Ruth and Victor, there’ll be Aubrey, Victor’s girlfriend. Otto’s agreed to close Edelweiss for lunch so he, Dieter, and Heidi can come. And Ruth’s longtime friend, a lady named Bonnie Kirkpatrick. Bonnie works at the FBO out at the airport. She’s a no-nonsense, anti-gossiper, tell-it-like-it-is kind of lady—just like Ruth.”
“Ten of us, all together. This will be great.” Sidney beamed at Markus. “I’ve always loved Thanksgiving and the holidays. May I raid your pantry and see what there is for me to cook or bake to add to the menu?”
“Make yourself at home. Otto’s bringing potatoes. Heidi’s bringing red cabbage. It will be a feast.”
“I’ll make deviled eggs, then. And, cookies. Something to eat before and after the meal.”
“If you want my help, I’m the champion cookie dough taste tester and bowl licker,” offered Trevor.
“What kind of cookies?” Markus asked.
“Oatmeal-walnut-maple.” Sidney gave him a sly wink. “If there’s enough maple syrup in the pantry.”
“I think you’ll find everything you need.” Markus locked eyes with hers for a long, intense moment before turning to Trevor. “So, champion cookie dough taster, while the two of you are doing the baking thing, I need to spend som
e time at the computer. It won’t take long. When I come back down, I might have to challenge you for bragging rights.”
Despite finishing the meal in companionable silence, Markus couldn’t ignore the prevailing reason that had brought them here together, and apparently, neither could the others. Sidney’s mood seemed to shift between enthusiasm and lethargy. He watched her pick at her food and push it around her plate. The excitement she’d shown about tomorrow’s Thanksgiving celebration notwithstanding, her tense smile and genial conversation required obvious effort. Even Trevor, whose normally affable personality was now subdued, showed signs of extreme tension in the expression he wore. Markus understood their wide-ranging clash of emotions. They matched his own.
CHAPTER 20
Alpine
As midnight neared, the Citation X jet taxied off the runway and made its way to the fixed base operations building. The thin, middle-aged woman seated behind the desk looked up from her book as three men walked through the door. Two headed to the restroom while one approached the counter.
“May I help you, sir?” Bonnie Kirkpatrick laid her book aside and walked to the counter, hoping this would be quick. The new romance she had just started reading was already getting steamy, unusual for this particular publisher. Normally, she had to get at least half way through before the first kiss occurred, let alone anything hands-on or skin-to-skin.
“Yes ma’am, you sure can.” Anton slid a photograph of Sidney across the desk. “Have you seen this lady? She’s a friend of mine. Her mother is sick and needs to get in touch with her.”
She studied the picture, adjusting her jeweled, cat-eye reading glasses for a better look. “Pretty lady. Mine used to be red, too, thanks to Sandra’s Hair Faire.” She shoved the photograph back across the counter. “If she flew in today before four o’clock, I wouldn’t have seen her. I work the swing shift—four to midnight.”
