Case of the Mouse Trap Legend
Page 21
“Now you’re thinking.” Adelaide grinned.
“Should we leave now or do you want to walk a bit more?” I asked.
“I think you need to walk and get some oxygen to your brain prior to driving, you’re a bundle of nerves,” Adelaide replied.
“Good point,” I said as I took a sip of water from my water bottle and offered some to Adelaide.
“No thank you, dearie, if I drink any, I’ll have to visit the little girl’s room and there isn’t one nearby.”
I laughed and asked, “Are you ready to go?”
Adelaide gave me a sideways glance.
“The other go, as in ready to leave. I should have been clearer,” I said.
“I expect the next time you won’t be so preoccupied with first date nerves or catching spies,” Adelaide remarked as we reached the car.
I grinned and said, “Most likely not. I’m looking forward to seeing what you manage to find in my closet and how sexy Kai thinks I am.”
“I don’t believe you have any worries, dearie. Drive on!” Adelaide pointed her cane through the open window.
Chapter 38
We reached my home in short order and Adelaide nearly jumped out of the car, filled with enthusiasm at the prospect of rummaging through my closet to discover the knock-Kai-dead outfit she was convinced was there, even if it had to be put together piecemeal.
“You’re wasting daylight, dearie, we’ve work to do and you’re moving at a snail’s pace,” Adelaide said with a hint of irritation as she stood at my front door.
I ran up the walkway and unlocked the door. Adelaide trooped down the hallway, right into my bedroom and opened the closet. Not wasting any time, she began going through my clothes, mouthing to herself, either an up or down vote. If an item was approved, it landed on my bed for further perusal, indicating I was going to be modeling one thing after the other—one of my least favorite activities, but it was all for love I reminded myself.
“Get out of your jeans and T-Shirt and try the black skirt with the white blouse on, it’s a beginning,” Adelaide commanded. “And do not button it all the way up—you’re not going to church.”
I did as I was told and dressed in both the skirt and blouse and left the blouse unbuttoned down to the third button and waited for a nod of some sort.
Adelaide turned and appraised me up and down and stated, “I love the loose fabric of the skirt, and the length being right above the knee works. You’ve got the legs, dearie, but we need to find a better top. I say we go all black, the color suits you and then jazz it up with a light silk scarf, maybe a piece of jewelry, a pendant of some sort. Do you have something along those lines? Oh, here’s a black blouse I think will work, but what did I tell you about the buttons? You’re not going to church, let the man see something. It’s why you’re going to wear the pendant, dearie.” Adelaide shook her head as she tossed me the blouse, then she marched over to my dresser to peek in my jewelry box, but stopped and asked, “May I?”
I was removing the one blouse and in the midst of putting the black one on when I replied, “Yes, and thank you for asking. I think there’s a pear shaped diamond in the small box, and it will work.”
Adelaide turned and smiled brightly at me and said, “Now you’re thinking, and I found it!” She held the diamond up as if it were a prize and indeed it was, it had belonged to my mother. It was one of my most precious pieces of jewelry that I rarely wore.
Adelaide came over and helped me put it on while I stood in front of the full length mirror. She smiled broadly and said, “I don’t believe you need the scarf, but you have to wear shoes.”
We giggled and I pulled out a pair of black leather shoes with a small heel on them. Since there was a chill in the air, a jacket was necessary and lucky for me; I had my mom’s black leather jacket.
Adelaide said, “Stand back and do a little half twirl, I want to see the flow of the silky skirt.”
I complied and added a bit extra by bringing one foot, with my heel up behind me and swung my arms out to the side in a mock dance move in an attempt to get my skirt to swish.
Adelaide clapped with utter delight and proclaimed, “Even the diamond sparkles! I hear a call for make-up; don’t go crazy on me, I promise only a little.”
I groaned and dropped my head. “I thought we were finished.” I dutifully headed for the bathroom.
“We’re almost there and then you’re free to take me home, but not before I take a picture for posterity.” Adelaide couldn’t stop grinning.
After what seemed and felt like an eternity I was put together, as Adelaide phrased it and I did drive her home. I returned home with barely enough time remaining to feed the boys and get some more pacing in before Kai knocked on the front door sending my heart into my stomach.
I took a sip of water, in a feeble attempt to rid myself of dry mouth, answered the door and squeaked out, “Hi, Kai.”
Kai handed me a half dozen yellow roses and in a whisper said, “Hi, Laura.”
“Thank you, they’re gorgeous! I’ll put them in some water. Would you like to come in?” I asked.
“No, I’ll wait here. We have to get going anyway, reservations and all,” Kai answered.
“Oh, I’ll be right back,” I said and ran into the kitchen. I filled up one of the dog’s water bowls and put the roses in, thinking they’d be fine until I returned home.
I ran back to the door and smoothed my skirt and my hair, smiled and walked through and closed it behind me. Kai was walking in small circles on the front lawn with his hands behind his back and his head down.
I cleared my throat and asked, “Kai, are you ready?”
He stopped circling, jumped slightly and said, “I’m sorry I was thinking.”
I put my hand out and said, “This is silly, we’re both nervous and there’s no reason we ought to be.”
He smiled and said, “You’re right, Laura, we’ve known each for so long and we’ve even talked about getting married someday, I don’t mean tomorrow. It was just talk.” He put his hands over his face, squatted down and looked up at me and said, “I’ve just ruined our date haven’t I? And I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look!”
I put my hand on his shoulder and sotto voce, “Kai, we’re both nervous and I forgot to tell you how handsome you look in your sweater, slacks and loafers. It’s the first time we’ve seen each other dressed up and it is our first date. How about we begin again?” I lowered my hand and Kai put his hand in mine. We walked to his car and ever the gentleman, he held the door open for me and waited for me to get in and get settled before closing it and running around to the driver’s side.
He got in and asked, “Any music requests, Laura?”
“You know how much we both love the Beatles,” I responded.
“You betcha!”
I threw my head back and laughed. This was going to be the grandest date of all.
Chapter 39
Kai knew most of the words as did I and we sang out of tune, but either we didn’t care or we didn’t notice; we were so happy to be together. The car windows were down, making a wreck of my hair Adelaide had put so much effort into but it didn’t faze me. I had a feeling it wouldn’t bother her in the least.
The Long Island Sound came into view as the sun bounced off the sparkling water, creating a glare, forcing Kai to put his visor down even though he wore sunglasses.
“Perfect timing, the sun will be setting shortly and we’re almost at our destination,” he said, taking a sharp left up a windy, narrow street I’d never been on.
I quickly spun around looking for a street sign, and not spotting one, asked, “I don’t recognize the street, where are we?”
Kai grinned and answered, “It’s a surprise, remember. And there is no sign. You have to be patient, Jensen.” He pushed the volume increase button on the steering wheel and we continued our singalong as we drove up a hill and my curiosity intensified.
Within a few minutes, we pulled into a small parking lo
t, and parked. Kai continuing with his gentlemanly ways walked around to my side of the car and opened the door.
Kai bowed as I exited the car, straightened and offered me his hand and led me toward a set of stairs which led down to the restaurant. As we approached, I saw a small sign above the doorway: Lookout Point. It was a gorgeous cedar building that as you entered, opened into a central dining room, with smaller more intimate dining areas off to either side. A large glass window appeared to run the length of the restaurant, in a semi-circular fashion, and from our current vantage point, there were a couple of sliding glass doors which took you out onto the deck and overlooked the Sound. I noticed tables and chairs were set up out on the deck along with propane heaters.
Kai said, “I booked a table for us indoors, but if you’d like we can eat outdoors, it’s up to you.”
“We have to at least go out and watch the sunset, and decide afterwards,” I said.
“Great!” He gripped my hand a bit tighter and nodded to the maître d’, who acknowledged him and smiled.
On our way outside, I noticed a woman, sitting by herself with a hat plopped askew on her head, holding up a copy of the Soundview Times in a seemingly obvious ploy to hide her identity. I managed another quick look as Kai and I were going through the door, but it was difficult to be positive since the lighting surrounding her was a tad dark, but she appeared to be wearing a reddish wig.
We made it to the railing where a waiter approached with two glasses of Perrier garnished with fresh slices of lemon.
“The view is breathtaking, Kai and your timing is impeccable,” I said, smiling while my mind was preoccupied with the woman spy.
Kai put his arm around my shoulder and agreed, “It is a spectacular view. I wanted our first date to be extraordinary.”
I turned around to see if I could spot the woman with the hat. Between the combinations of the setting sun, its reflection bouncing off the restaurant’s glass window, coupled with the restaurants inside low level of light, I was unable to ascertain her exact location.
“Laura, the sun is going down over the water and you’re distracted by whatever’s behind you.” Kai removed his arm from around my shoulders, stepped back and with a mild amount of irritation in his voice asked, “What is going on, you’ve been half present ever since we came out here and it’s not like you. This is supposed to be a special night for us.” Kai shoved his hands in his pockets. It was rare for him to be even slightly rattled. I had to explain what was going on and run the risk of sounding delusional.
I took a deep breath, slowly exhaled and said, “Kai, please don’t think I’m imagining things, but someone is following us and I believe it’s Annie.” I reached for his hand and continued, “C’mon and I’ll show you.”
Fortunately, the sun had already set and we had seen it go down, but it would have been far more romantic had we been able to remain outside for a few moments longer. Needless to say I wanted to get this confrontation over with so we could enjoy the remainder of our evening. I pulled Kai along to the farthest entrance, hoping the person I suspected was Annie would not be keeping an eye on the far door and instead would believe we’d already been seated and she’d be busily scanning the tables seeking us out. My scheme appeared to be working enabling us to sneak up behind her. I motioned to Kai, indicating if he wanted the honors. He gleefully rubbed his hands together, and snatched Annie’s hat right from her head. I immediately tugged the wig off. Her hands shot up in a feeble attempt to straighten her normally model perfect hair as her jaw dropped in complete confusion in having been found out.
“Guys, I can explain! Really, it’s all in the name of research for my novel, the one in progress. I’m playing the part of a spy and what I’m doing now, well it’s called method writing. Yeah, kind of like method acting, only not. I have to get an exact feel of what my main character’s going through so I can accurately portray it.” Annie looked back and forth, between us, wide-eyed, blinking rapidly. Then she smacked the table and declared, “It’s the truth, dammit!”
Kai reached over to the bread basket in the center of the table, picked up a bread stick and began munching, paused for a second and asked, “Laura, do you believe our suspect?”
I picked up a glass of what appeared to be water, sat in front of Annie, smelled it and answered, “She’s not drinking any alcohol, but it doesn’t mean she didn’t take something, Kai. Did you note the rapid eye blinking?”
“Very observant, and yes I did which leads me to believe we may have to take her in for further questioning.” Kai sighed and added, “It’s going to put a huge damper on our plans, we haven’t had our dinner, and speaking of spies, we were going to see Bridge of Spies. What a coincidence, did you know this, Annie?” Kai leaned across the table, from a standing position, placed his palms flat on the table and came within about two inches of Annie’s face.
Annie pretended to be contrite, pouted, put her head down and quietly responded, “Yes I did, and you’re going to love it, it’s a great movie. At least it’s what I’ve heard, it’s on my list.”
I groaned and said, “Really, Annie?”
Kai stared at me first and then Annie and put his head on the table as he sat down, “You both are killing me, a date is with one other person not two!” Then he picked his head up and pointed his finger at Annie and stated, “I don’t care what you want, you are not sitting with us at the movies, am I clear!”
I laughed and said, “What’s going to happen when we get married, Kai?”
Kai’s eyes got so wide before he answered, but he finally responded after he stood up, “I’m laying down the law is what’s happening. We’re getting our own house and you,” he pointed directly at Annie, “are on your own!”
Annie pouted once again but nodded her assent, sipped her water and begged, “Can we please order, I’m famished.”
Kai unfolded the napkin in his place setting and replied, “You may order whatever your heart desires while Laura and I take our seats at the table I reserved for two.” He held up two fingers and added, “I already said you may go to the movie with us, but you can’t sit with us and it’s as far as I’m willing to go. I refuse to concede any more on my first date with Laura, I can’t even believe we’re discussing this.” Kai stood up, walked over to my side of the table and took my hand. “Laura, are you ready for dinner?”
I looked at an exasperated Annie and replied, “Yes, Kai, I am.” I patted Annie on the shoulder, who continued to pout, as I rose from my chair.
As we walked to our table, I turned my head to take a peek and noticed Annie was jotting down notes in her journal she always had with her regardless of where she went. She was also grinning ear to ear—she’d set us up as material for her novel. We were characters in her damned book!
I leaned over and whispered in Kai’s ear. He whispered back, “Bestseller, my ass. Let’s plot our revenge over the best poached salmon you’ve ever eaten in your life.” He kissed my cheek and ear for emphasis as our waiter led us to our table, out of Annie’s line of sight and took our order.
It turned into a delightful and relaxed meal even though it had not begun in that fashion. Neither of us wished to discuss anything regarding world events, politics or especially work. We wanted to tune everything out this night and make it our own and pretend we lived on a remote island, albeit for a few short hours. We were the only inhabitants of our island and only cheery, non-conniving individuals were permitted to visit occasionally.
I laughed and commented, “Kai, if we’re so strict with visitor regulations, no one will ever come see us.”
He took a sip of lemon water and said, “I hadn’t considered it.”
We both laughed, heartily as he signaled our waiter for the check.
We held hands across the table and I sighed, “I can’t recall the last time I was this relaxed.”
Kai smiled and said, “I believe it was the point of this evening and I don’t remember the last time I was this relaxed either. Makes me wond
er why I was so nervous.”
“I think they call it the first date jitters.” I smiled.
“Did you make it up, or is it true?” Kai asked.
“A little of both,” I answered.
The waiter handed Kai the check and Kai slipped his credit card into the bill holder and we waited another few minutes for our waiter to return. We thanked him for his excellent service and arm in arm Kai and I slowly walked toward the entrance, savoring the moment.
Our brief moment of bliss was interrupted by Annie coming up behind us and placing one hand on each of our shoulders and inquiring, “So, is it easier for me to follow you two lovebirds to the theatre or shall we leave my car and pick it up on the way back?”
Without turning around, Kai answered, “Follow and I shall lead.”
Chapter 40
The following morning my heart awakened to a dance it hadn’t felt in years, it was singing once again in tune with the chorus of songbirds outside my window. Sadly, my reverie was interrupted by the chime of my ever-loving cell phone. I had a good mind to either toss it out the window or give it to one of the pups as a chew toy.
I checked to see who had dared cross me so early in the day. Oh dear, there was a text and an e-mail waiting for me. I chose the e-mail and sat bolt upright. The e-mail was from Cho, promising disaster for the entire team and many show attendees if we interfered with their plans to steal the B2. He went on to say if we remained far away, Adelaide and the officer guarding her would live. After reading, I could barely catch my breath as I clicked on to the text. It was from Kai saying what an over the top evening he had even though Annie had popped up and looked forward to spending the day together sans Annie. I texted back advising him of the e-mail and said I was forwarding it to him, as well as to Greg and Mike.
My landline rung—it was Mike. “I just got your e-mail, and I got a text from Greg saying our day off has been canceled. We’re supposed to all meet in an hour at PD HQ, and a few more officers are on their way over to Adelaide’s because I know it’s your next question.”