Dead Shot

by Erik Schubach

  We went up the outdoor stairs to a huge wrap around veranda style porch and went into the main lobby. I bounded up them two at a time just to make Katie hustle a bit. I reached the top and turned around to wait for her to scramble up the last couple steps with a silly grin on her face, “I thought soldiers were supposed to be gallant and chivalrous. Two thing you need to work on sugar.”

  I gave her a quick peck on her cheek and murmured, “But then I wouldn't get to fluster you like this.”

  She shook her head with a pleased grin on her face which she couldn't hide. “No, I suppose you wouldn't.”

  I opened the door for her to enter. It was buzzing with people even in the middle of winter like this, a testament to how popular the place was.

  We walked over to where the little cafe was and ordered from a woman at the counter, Sandra her name-tag proudly proclaimed. She was here from time to time when we ate here and she was always chipper and smiling like she didn't have a care in the world, and I sorta liked that, it relaxed me.

  Her looks kind of fascinated me. Her hair was platinum blonde, almost white, but her roots weren't dark, indicating to me that this was her real hair color unless she bleached the roots every day. She had steel grey eyes that were always taking things in, she was always sure to make eye contact, and she seemed to be reading me while I read her. Her complexion was ghostly pale. She almost looked albino, though I have met a couple albino people in the past and Sandra has a lot more color than them so I knew she wasn't.

  She had our turkey sandwiches and coffee for us in no time and we sat to eat and catch up some more. We were almost done when I heard a creak clackity clank sound and looked back at another table where two women had just finished eating and started making their way to the office that was beside the cafe counter.

  The taller one was creaking along with a leg brace and the other had two leg braces and a cuff crutch, one of her legs seemed to spasm a little to the side as she walked. The way they were laughing and bumping shoulders made me grin. Those two were together and happy, there was no hiding that fact. I exchanged a little smile with Katie then we finished our meal.

  I slid my hand into the pocket of my father's coat and grinned. Katie had restocked me with sugar cubes for Starfire while I was away. I caught her grin and wink at my realization. I sighed, damn do I love that woman.

  I gathered our plates and started to stand. “Let's go see my 'other' girl shall we?” She blushed, just like every time I called her my girl... score! I dumped our scraps in the trash and stacked the plates then was dragged bodily to the glass elevator. I seriously don't know her fascination with it. We rode it down into the retail space while she looked around the lodge on the ride down with an almost childlike fascination.

  We walked through the place, I was a little distracted by some of the camping gear we passed. I have always enjoyed the outdoors. Then we popped back outside on the ground level and she looped her arm through mine and laid her head on me as we walked down the little hill past the small groundskeeper cabin to the stables.

  I had to suppress a grin, Fran was there arguing with a huge Clydesdale that she was hooking up to the sleigh, “Stop being so stubborn Rainbow, you know that it's your turn. And it isn't ladylike to try to crap on my foot. The sleigh isn't gonna pull itself.” The draft horse seemed to snort in reply then side stepped once toward the harness rig to allow Fran to strap her up. I took a moment to take in Fran's garb, it was worthy of the Wild West Extravaganza. She looked like an old time cowgirl, complete with an amazingly authentic looking cowboy hat.

  Fran was just shaking her head. “Why do you always gotta be so bullheaded? Here eat your carrot before I change my mind little miss ungrateful.” She was grinning the whole time and pulled a carrot out of her pocket and fed the horse as she stroked her muzzle between her eyes before placing the bit in the horse's mouth.

  She glanced over and did a double-take. “McKenzie! You here for the holidays?” As she rushed over, taking one glove off to shake my hand.

  I nodded as we shook while Katie said, “She came home for Christmas to surprise me.”

  Fran and Katie grinned at each other and the teasing commenced as I rolled my eyes. They had apparently spent time together while I have been away. Fran was all, “Ooooo the soldier is a softie.” While Katie was looking at me adoringly. “Yes she is, and she's all mine.” I blushed as she stood on her tiptoes and gave me a quick peck on the lips.

  I pried myself away from the two evil wenches and said indignantly, “If you two are through, there's a filly I need to see.” They shared a victorious chuckle and Katie followed me as Fran went to retrieve another Clydesdale.

  Starfire had heard my voice and she hung her head over the stall door before I got there. She snorted and bobbed her head. I patted her neck and ran my other hand through her mane. “Hi girl, how's it going?” I chuckled as she snuffled at my pocket. “Yes you greedy gut, I have a treat for ya.” I pulled out a sugar cube and she grabbed it with her lips. I held up a finger. “Ut ut... wait!”

  She took her performance stance standing tall with her head up, her lips on the sugar cube. Her eyes were looking down trying to see it. She wanted it bad. I held up my hand so she could see. Counting down my fingers, three, two, one. And she snapped the sugar cube into her mouth and crunched. I chuckled and rubbed her between the eyes. “Good girl!”

  Katie leaned her back against the wall and looked at both of us with a smile as she shook her head. “You spoil her.”

  I shrugged. “Not really, just have to make it up to her for not being around enough. I gotta do the same for you.” I winked.

  She regarded me for a long moment then tilted her head to rest against the wall. She reached out a hand and rested it on my arm for a second as we just maintained eye contact. I liked what I saw in her eyes though there was always some shadow hanging over her, they held nothing but compassion in them.

  Once we were done visiting with Starfire and I promised to ride her in the snow before I shipped back out, we started back to the car. A shrill whistle stopped us in our tracks. I looked back and Fran was hopping up in the driver's bench of the sleigh. “You two lovebirds want to help me test drive this new sleigh before we start hauling around the customers?”

  I grinned and Katie was just nodding her head as she pulled me toward the fairy-tale looking sled. I grabbed her from behind at the waist and easily hoisted her up into the back seat so she didn't have to climb the two wrung ladder that was welded to the runner. This got a surprised squeak and a giggle from her. I hopped in beside her.

  Fran motioned her head back. “There's a couple heavy blankets back there in case the wind gets chilly ladies.”

  I automatically retrieved one of the red and green plaid wool blankets and covered Katie and left a bit across my lap. My girl rolled her eyes. “I'm not fragile you know sugar.”

  I shrugged and grinned. “You are to me.” Then I changed the subject and looked up to Fran. “This looks like something from a Hans Christian Anderson book.”

  She nodded and said with a proud smile. “Yes it does. Our handyman, Vernon, built it, he can build just about anything.” I reappraised the sleigh, it was incredible craftsmanship.

  A moment later she was gently moving the reins and the mammoth horses started forward, the sled gliding behind them. I noted the subtle commands she was giving with barely a finger twitch, those Clydes were almost as well trained as Starfire.

  Katie leaned against me and laid her head on my shoulder as we rode in the sleigh on its maiden run. It was almost magical as we rode through a real winter wonderland. Fran glanced back once then smiled at us cuddled together and I swear she gave us an extra long tour of the mountains trails.

  At one point, we were on a ridge overlooking the valley below. The view was spectacular, like we were looking down upon creation itself, the world blanketed in a gleaming white and looking brand new. Then the first snowflakes of the forecasted winter storm started to fall, lending to the
ambiance of the moment. I kept getting lost in Katie's eyes.

  Then Fran turned back to us. “Sorry to cut this short ladies, but I have to start hauling customers around in a bit.”

  Katie grinned at her. “Thank you, this was amazing.”

  Fran tipped her cowboy hat at us and winked with a grin. “Ma'ams.” We all shared a chuckle and then she brought us back to Valentine's. I don't know if that mountain is living in the belly of a Tardis or not, but it seemed the trail she took to get back, took less than a third the time it took to get us to the ridge.

  We could hear Christmas carolers as we approached the lodge. I checked my watch, it was already past fifteen hundred hours, time was flying. She dropped us at the door of the lodge.

  In the hour and a half we were gone, it had transformed from a retail storefront into a holiday village. I saw a huge mountain of a man setting up the last gingerbread house by the main doors. There were people in line for free sleigh rides. The carolers wound up being a group of teenagers that the sign by a donation bucket proclaimed as “The Dandelions” and that all donations went to the Callahan Foundation.

  We thanked Fran one last time then listened to the kids for a couple songs. I dropped all the cash I had on me into the bucket. I had heard of the Callahan Foundation and thought it was a worthy cause. I looked closer at the children all of them seemed to have either burn scars or their heads were shaved, some I couldn't tell because of the warm hats they wore. I realized that the group must be composed of the kids from one of the children hospitals that the Callahan Foundation benefits.

  I had to laugh at the sign just below it. “Thank you for your donation and, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays, Righteous Spaghetti Monster in the Sky Week, Joyous Platypus Day, or whatever other holiday you celebrate this season. Oh, and may the Force be with you.”

  My laugh got me a grin from one of the girls dressed in a Victorian Christmas dress. It must have been her idea. I smiled at her then looked at my red haired obsession. “Shall we? I have some stuff to wrap before we go to Nana's. We doing your parents place tomorrow too?”

  She nodded as we walked to her car. “Mom made me promise so that I wouldn't be 'all alone' on Christmas. She invited Emily too.” I got nervous suddenly, crap, that means I'd be asking in front of her parents. The same anxiety hit me which I got just before a scouting mission into areas with known hostiles. The thought almost made me burst out in nervous laughter.

  Before I knew it, we were back at her place. I had to lock myself in her bedroom to keep the minx from peeking. I was rewarded with rich giggling from the other side of the door and I smiled in spite of myself.

  I spent the time wrapping my meager offerings. A handwoven, bright red shawl for Nana. A hand carved wooden picture frame with a picture of Katie in it for the DeLongs. Then finally a hand dyed handkerchief with the box containing my mother's wedding ring in it for the woman I seriously believe I can't live without. I put them in the boxes I had procured and wrapped them in the hand decorated papers.

  I was a little embarrassed, I had always been a terrible wrapper, I use more tape than wrapping paper. I rolled my eyes as the packages that looked like a four-year-old wrapped them then unlocked the door. Katie humorously fell through the doorway like she had been leaning against the door.

  I caught her and she grinned like an imp, so I proceeded to kiss the silly smile off her face. Which was almost a mistake as it turned into a heated, toe curling, arousal spiking, make-out session. I broke our kiss before I lost control and grinned at her. “If we keep this up, we'll never get to Nana's.”

  She cocked an eyebrow seductively and ran a finger along my collarbone as she walked off with a wicked, wicked grin saying, “Your loss soldier girl,” I watched her saunter away and exhaled sharply. Damn... Oh! I followed after her as she grabbed her purse and car keys as she chuckled.

  Chapter 13 – I Could Do Worse

  After a pleasant dinner and chat with Nana, we all kicked back to watch a Christmas music special and to my eternal embarrassment, Santa Clause is Coming to Town. Hey, there is still a little girl hiding deep down inside me, so zip it!

  We said our good nights and told her we would pick her up in the morning to head out to Christmas with the DeLongs. Katie said she needed to dress nicely, she was closed lipped about it beyond that, which I am sure didn't bode well for me.

  Then we retired to her place. We wound up in bed right away, but we just held each other, sharing our closeness until she snuggled in and nodded off. I looked down at her as I stroked her hair. How had I gotten so lucky to have someone like her love me?

  I don't even remember going to sleep, then next thing I knew Katie was gently shaking me awake, I sat up so quickly I almost knocked her off the bed. I was in a cold sweat and I could feel the panic quickly receding. I looked over at her quickly to make sure I hadn't hurt her... my greatest fear. She just reached over and laid a hand on my cheek. I leaned into the warmth and closed my eyes. Her syrupy voice soothed me, “Just a bad dream sugar. I'm here for you.”

  I opened my eyes and smiled and nodded reassuringly to her as I laid my hand on hers on my cheek. I took a deep breath then grinned cheesily. “Merry Christmas love.”

  She returned the grin and hopped out of bed. “Merry Christmas Kenz.” She sauntered toward the bathroom, pulling off her night shirt and looking demurely over her shoulder. I may be dense at times, but I knew and invitation when I saw one. I quickly followed.

  About an hour later we were picking Nana up with satisfied looks on our faces. Though I think, Katie had used the shower trap to make me more agreeable to wearing my dress uniform. She still wouldn't tell us why we needed to dress nicely, but I didn't complain if it got her into a knee length dress like she was wearing. Katie had fussed over making sure I wore the stupid God damn medals. Unfortunately, I had to wear them if I were going out in this stupid-ass skirt.

  We arrived at her family home that looked like Christmas had vomited all over it. I don't think I had ever seen a more decked out yard. She just idled the car and honked her horn. What was going on? A minute later her parents were walking out the door dressed in their Sunday finest. My eyes snapped wide at that thought. Katie was looking at me apologetically. Good lord no!

  I stepped out and opened the door for the DeLongs to slide into the back seat with Nana. Mrs. DeLong squealed and hugged me. “McKenzie! What a nice surprise.”

  I smiled back at her as she slid in to greet Nana and replied, “Ma'am,”

  Then Mr. DeLong shook my hand firmly. “I'm glad you could make it.” I nodded at him once as he joined his wife and I closed the door then hopped back in the front seat shooting the reason my heart beats, an accusing look. She dutifully ignored me and started driving us to the church with a slight smirk on her face.

  I've never been a deeply religious sort. I mean, I believe in something, I'm not sure what, but this can't be all there is right? I've always thought I'd burst into flame if I stepped into a church with all the sin I have committed. I mean isn't like 'thou shalt not kill' one of the biggies? Katie knew this. Her family was a religious lot, coming from the South, though she herself wasn't so much.

  I was knocked out of my musings as Mrs. DeLong said, “I'm happy you are joining us for Christmas Service sugar.”

  I shot an accusatory look at Katie again before turning with a smile. “My pleasure ma'am. I believe your daughter is a tricky woman.” This got a snort from Nana.

  I was nervous when we entered the church, but no flames, so that was a plus right? It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The preacher dude or whatever he was called didn't try to force scripture down our throats or anything. He had a nice speech about love, family, and the significance of the day. Then there was some singing and it was basically all over.

  Mrs. DeLong asked if I wanted to go to the confessional with her. I replied, “The good lord doesn't want to be hearing anything I have to say. You go ahead, I'll keep the others com
pany here.” She gave me a sad, compassionate look before heading off to the side.

  Katie hugged onto my arm, laying her head on my shoulder as we waited. I felt a little nervous, not wanting people to think badly of her. I hear overseas all the time about how some churches in the US are still gay bashing and the like, but nobody here seemed to mind that we were showing affection toward each other. I relaxed and enjoyed our contact.

  Mr. DeLong... Samuel, noted all of this on my face and reassured me. “People aren't like that here.” I nodded understanding and thanks to him. Was he finally warming up to me?

  Then we headed to their house when Katie's mom rejoined us. The witty banter between Nana and the DeLongs kept us all grinning a long the way.

  I walked Nana to the door and then Katie and I went back for all of the packages we had in the back of the car. My girl grinned at me as she hoisted a couple bags. “Now see sugar? You didn't burst into flames afterall.” In her deeper southern accent which she usually reserved for seduction.

  I chuckled at her and shook my head. “That was a dirty trick, love.”

  She scrunched up her nose cutely and then shrugged. “We already had it planned, you showing up in Seattle was just a pleasant surprise.” Again I found myself hustling to catch up with her.

  Nana and Mrs. DeLong, Clara, banned us all from the kitchen as they made us a savory brunch. Then after the meal, we all settled into the living room couches around the huge Christmas tree. Katie passed out the presents from under the tree. I ended up with three to my surprise. One from Katie, Nana, and even one from the DeLongs. They must have been planning on giving it to Katie to send to me.

  I watched gleefully as everyone opened their gifts. The DeLongs loved the picture, Clara kept running her fingers over the hand carvings on the frame. I relaxed a bit after that. Katie growled at me until I opened my gifts.

  I chuckled and thanked her parents. They had given me a pack of thick socks. I remember a conversation I had with them last year where I had complained that the only two thing I had to complain about in Africa was sweat matted hair and holey socks. I snorted when I realized they were monogrammed MM. I gave them each a hug.