by JoAnn Durgin
“Oh, no you don’t. Don’t you dare tell me you let me win.”
“I won’t, but I love playing games with you, Lexa. You’re not a very good loser, but I love it when you win. You’re irresistible. Come here.”
“You also have a twitch in your eye today,” she said, laughing after he gave her a quick kiss. She traced the outline of his lips with one light finger. “I think the Frisky Spider bit you.”
“Could be. He’s a brother spider to Corny and Grumpy.” He caressed her soft shoulder and drew her close. “I’d suggest you stop doing that now if you don’t want to—”
A man’s shouts came from somewhere in the camp. Lexa blew out a breath and they stared at one another for a few seconds. There it was again.
“What now?” Lexa said. “Is it too much to ask for a little quiet for one day?”
Sam sat up slowly and swung his feet over the edge of the bed. “Better let me go. Sounded like it came from the dining hall area.”
“I’m going with you.” She quickly tugged on her jeans and a T-shirt, shoved her feet in tennis shoes, and followed him out the front door.
“Dean?” Sam called, stepping into the kitchen through the back door.
“In here!”
With Lexa beside him, Sam walked into the main portion of the dining hall. “We heard a shout. Everything okay?” A quick glance confirmed everything seemed in order.
In a crouched position, Dean had a dust pan in one hand and a broom in the other. Rising to his feet, he held up the dust pan, which held the remains of a spider. “May I present what I believe is the offending spider?”
“Eww!” Lexa clamped one hand over her mouth and turned away in disgust.
Sam shared an amused look with Dean. “Where’d you find it?”
“Out by the trash can. Mitch warned us it might be there. I managed to coerce it onto the dust pan but then either dropped it or the little bugger hopped onto the floor. If you’d been here a few minutes ago, I’m sure you would have gotten an eyeful. This little guy gave me a run for the money.”
“I’m indebted,” Sam said. “Let’s just hope there’s not an egg sac nearby.”
Lexa shivered but kept her distance. “What a wonderful thought, but thank you, Dean. You’re a brave man. We’ll be praying for your dinner with Sheila tonight.”
“I have a question to ask you. Hang on a second.” Still holding the dust pan, Dean hesitated. “I’m not sure what to do with the spider.”
“I vote we flush it down. I’ll take care of it.” Holding the dust pan at arm’s length, Lexa walked out of the dining hall.
Dean chuckled. “Sam, do you know how long Sheila has stuttered?”
“Haven’t a clue, but I’m guessing since birth. I know she’s not close to her family, but somewhere along the way I heard that her grandmother stuttered. I believe it can run in families.”
The other man nodded. “I did some research the other night, and that would go along with what I read. I don’t want to upset her by asking her about it. She might be really sensitive.”
“Take the cues from Sheila,” Sam said. “I hope you two enjoy yourselves. Lexa and I are going out to get some dinner in a bit. Hold down the fort for us, but I expect it to be quiet.”
Dean smiled. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
Lexa hung up the phone as Sam returned to their quarters. “Your mom and dad called. Everything’s fine with the kids and they’re having a great time. She asked how you were doing and made a suggestion if you wanted to get out and do something that’s not too strenuous.”
“She knows me well. What was her suggestion?”
“The Albuquerque Balloon Museum.”
Sam’s eyes lit. “That sounds good. Are they open today?”
“Until five.” A smile spread across her face. “It’d be something fun to do so you wouldn’t feel so cooped up, but it’d still be a quiet activity.”
Sam laughed. “I’m not decrepit. Yet.”
Chapter 35
~~♥~~
Angelina scooted closer to Felipe on the Sandia Peak Tramway. “How far up are we?”
“They said we’re going up 4,000 feet in 15 minutes.” He checked his watch. “We’ve been on here about half that time, so I’d say we’re around 2,000 feet.”
“I didn’t really expect you to know the answer.” She moved farther to the middle.
He followed her. “Angel, are you scared of heights?” His tone revealed his surprise.
“I might be, but I like roller coasters, so that makes no sense.”
Felipe smiled. “That reminds me of your speech about airplanes and roller coasters that first night.”
“That’s right. And you admitted you were scared on the plane. And you aren’t scared at all right now, are you?”
“Shh. Sometimes things don’t make sense. If it makes you feel any better, The Tram is an engineering marvel. Here. Take my hand, Angel. I’ll keep you safe. Promise. Nothing’s going to happen.”
Soothed by his words and comforted by his promise, Angelina gave him her hand. She didn’t even have to think about it. “Ohhhh,” she murmured, her heart beating faster the higher they climbed along the western face of the Sandia Mountains. It was rugged but beautiful with granite rock faces, cliffs and pinnacles, deep canyons, pines and aspens, oak, fir, and spruce trees.
“They say you can see 11,000 square miles of the Land of Enchantment from The Tram,” he said.
“Look, Felipe! There’s an eagle! Cassie and Amy, did you see the eagle?” From across The Tram, both ladies smiled.
“That’s cool. I’ve never seen one so close.” Felipe’s expression was full of wonder. “It’s almost like you can reach out and touch him.”
“Hey there,” Landon said, coming over to them. “There’s a construction engineer over by us, and he’s been telling us some interesting things about The Tram.”
“Like what?” Angelina said. Maybe listening to boring facts would help calm her down.
“The public was skeptical about it being built because of the steep, rocky terrain. A company from Switzerland was contracted to do the work, and even though they had a lot of experience, they admitted this was their most challenging project ever. The construction took two years and then they did 60 days of strenuous testing before the first riders boarded The Tram in 1966.”
“Whoa. That’s old,” Felipe said.
Landon chuckled. “Right. When you think about it, it’s amazing to think the cables are supported by only two towers between the terminals.”
“I didn’t need to know that.” Angelina squeezed Felipe’s hand a little bit tighter. It felt so natural that she’d forgotten they were still holding hands. At least Landon seemed cool about it. “I sure hope they have something to stop this thing if the cables snap.”
“You need a little more optimism, Lambkin.” She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or swat his arm, but she wished he hadn’t used an endearment with Landon right there.
“Never fear,” Landon told them. “The engineer said there are track cable brakes that would close automatically and hold the car in place in an emergency or cable failure.”
“That’s comforting,” Angelina said. “Thanks, Landon.”
Putting his hands on her shoulders, Felipe turned her back to the window. She felt a little shaky and closed her eyes.
“No fair. Open your eyes,” he said.
“Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m scared.”
“Landon told us that there are security measures in place. Nothing’s going to happen. You’re completely safe here.” He kept his hold on her but didn’t speak for a long moment. When she opened her eyes and turned back to look at him, Felipe was looking out the side window. A smile covered his face and he seemed so peaceful. He loved this. She couldn’t spoil it for him by acting like a scaredy cat kid.
“You know, it is pretty cool to think that God made all this.”
She snapped her gaze to his. “You’re saying you believe
it?”
“I’ve never denied the existence of God, Princess. I just haven’t thought much about Him before. There’s a difference.”
“But…but you said you don’t believe in Heaven or…the alternative.”
“That was Wednesday. Today is Sunday.”
A slow smile creased her lips. “I’d say it’s been an eventful week. I’m glad you’re open to thinking beyond the borders.”
“Borders are confining. I’ve been confined too long, Angel. I’m thinking about spreading my wings a little. Soaring like that eagle out there.”
She nodded. “I think that’s a very good thing.”
~~♥~~
Two hours later, Lexa walked beside Sam as they exited the museum together. “That was great,” she said. “We’ll have to visit Pastor Chevy and Lila again in another year or two and bring the kids to the museum. They’d love it. The history and the multi-media technology exhibits were interesting.” Lexa hooked her arm through his as they started toward the parking lot.
She could tell Sam was feeling better. Although she would have loved to have gone to the Balloon Fiesta, it would have been strenuous for him today. They’d hear all about it from the kids and Sam’s parents later on that evening. They’d all be exhausted when they returned to the camp or else they’d be so excited that it’d take a while to calm them down. Although the twins and Joe could have gone with the others to the Balloon Fiesta, Lexa considered it providential that Sam Sr. and Sarah had shown up on this particular mission.
You always know, don’t you, Lord?
“My dad and brothers would like the war exhibit.” Sam gave her a grin. “I had no idea they used observation balloons back in the Civil War. Maybe Mom and Dad can stop at the museum on their way back to Houston.”
“I’d love to hear Astronaut Will’s take on hot air balloons,” Lexa said. “I can just hear his speech now about how unsophisticated and primitive they are.”
Sam frowned. “I don’t think he’d say that at all. Are you saying Will’s arrogant?”
“You said it, not me. Well,” she relented, “not arrogant, but well…yes, I guess that describes him. I hate to say that, but he doesn’t call to check on the kids the way your older sisters do. They live out on the West Coast, and yet I feel like we’re in better contact and know them better than your younger brother who lives in a cul-de-sac in Houston!”
“I think you need to cut him a break, Lexa.”
“If you start giving me the speech again about how he’s still coasting on the fumes of being named as a shuttle commander, that excuse is starting to get old, Sam. As long as I’ve known him, Will’s been very egocentric. My prayer for him as shuttle commander is that he’ll be a great testimony for the Lord, but at the rate he’s going, that’s not going to happen.”
She stopped. She’d said enough. True to his character, Sam didn’t appear to want to pick a fight although she could tell her words had affected him. He’d told her about his mother’s concerns for Will, so maybe he didn’t need two women in his life getting on Will’s case.
“He’s a single guy, and Will’s always been a geeky scientist. Conversational skills aren’t his thing. Flying jets and going into space is all he’s ever talked about since he was a kid.”
“That’s all good and well, but it’s a little hard to cuddle up at night with a hunk of metal. Okay,” she said, putting one hand on her brow, “I realize how that sounded. It did not come out the way I intended.”
“Where’s all this coming from?” Sam gave her a curious look as they reached the car.
Lexa stared at him for a long moment. “I honestly have no idea. Sorry. I think it’s because I genuinely like Will, and I’m concerned about him. I love all your brothers and sisters, but Will’s the one who makes it difficult to get to know him. He’s closed himself off from the rest of the world in his pursuit of making world history.”
“Will doesn’t care about making history. Like I said, he just wants to do what he loves. If he happens to make history in the process, so be it.” Sam tapped the top of the Volvo. “I happen to think it’s awesome.”
“It is. I’m not denying that point,” she said. “Let’s talk about where you’re taking me for dinner.”
“Up for spicy?”
“Not really. More importantly, let’s not tempt anything, especially considering what you’ve been through in the past 24 hours.”
“You’re all the spice I need,” Sam said as they reached the station wagon in the parking lot.
Laughing, Lexa unlocked the car doors. “Just get in the car, Sam.”
“Yes, boss.”
Chapter 36
~~♥~~
Hearing noises outside, Dean stopped setting the table. Had some of the group come back to the camp earlier than expected? He’d wanted some time alone with Sheila. Was a romantic dinner alone with her in the camp too much to ask?
Darting to the door, he stepped outside, closing the screen door quietly so it didn’t slam behind him. He heard angry voices. Men’s voices. Alarm shot through him and heightened his senses. Sheila! She’d gone to the women’s dorm to change. God help anyone if they’d entered the women’s dorm and given Sheila as much as a hangnail. Fury surged through him as Dean stormed around the corner, following the sounds of the voices.
Lord, be with Sheila. Keep her safe.
“L-leave this p-property now!” Standing in front of the door to the women’s dorm, Sheila’s feet were planted apart. With an expression of fierce determination, she quickly lifted a bow and positioned an arrow in the direct path of three men standing about 30 yards away. “I s-said leave!”
Dean stared at Sheila and his mouth gaped. This fierce woman was his shy Sheila? She’d already changed into her dress and her hair was down around her shoulders. She looked gorgeous, soft and feminine. And fearless with a quiver full of arrows slung over one shoulder. What a woman! Then it hit him. She’d only stuttered a few times during that exchange. Although he was thrilled, it didn’t make sense.
“Well, lookee here. It’s Sacajawea come to protect her church camp. Be a good girl and step aside. Little wisp of a thing, ain’t you? Pretty, too. Don’t give us no trouble, and we won’t hurt you.” A paunchy, middle-aged man in dirty jeans and a stained, short-sleeved shirt sauntered in her direction.
“Leave her alone!” Dean growled. One fist was clenched and, in the other, he held a heavy flashlight, ready to take on all three men. He might go down trying, and it was the only weapon at his disposal, but he had to do what he could to protect Sheila. Her eyes met his, and she gave him a slight nod.
“Move out of the way, Pocahontas.” Another man, this one younger and leaner, moved toward her. He seemed more of a legitimate threat, a menace.
“I w-warned you!” Sheila stepped to the right and took careful aim before launching the arrow. Whizzing past the man’s head, the arrow lifted a dark toupee off his head, revealing a shiny scalp.
Slapping one hand on his head, the man yelped and let out a loud curse. Stunned, he whirled around and motioned to the other two men. “We’re out of here. This ain’t over yet!” They hightailed it out of sight, stumbling as they ran. What a bunch of idiots.
Dean rushed over to Sheila. She’d lowered the bag to the ground along with the bow. Wrapping her in his arms, he kissed her forehead and then planted both hands on her shoulders. “Sweetheart, that was the most awesome thing I’ve ever seen in my life! I can’t believe you knew how to do that. You were incredibly brave.”
“Th-th-thanks, Dean.” Lowering her gaze, a pretty flush invaded her cheeks. “It-it’s b-b-been a-w-while s-s-since I-I’ve sh-shot a b-b-bow and a-ar-row. I w-w-was o-on a t-t-team.”
In the near distance, they heard motorcycle engines revving and then roaring to life. Soon enough, the sounds faded as the men made their getaway.
“They might have looted the place and taken what they could if you hadn’t stopped them. The guys have laptops and all kinds of expensive equipment a
nd gadgets, especially Marc and Landon. And Mitch.” He shook his head. “We all do. I hereby crown you the heroine of the TeamWork camp. Thank you on behalf of all of us.”
“S-stop i-it, Dean. Y-you w-would h-have st-stop-ed th-them. I-I h-h-heard th-them c-c-coming, a-a-nd I-It w-w-was th-the f-f-first w-w-weapon I-I c-c-could f-f-find. I-I s-saw it i-in th-the s-s-storage r-r-room th-the oth-other d-d-day.”
“Well, it sure did the job. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the toupee go flying off that guy’s head. That was crazy!” If she’d heard them, why hadn’t he? His only excuse was that he’d been listening to music while getting everything ready for their dinner. Great security guard he’d turned out to be tonight.
“H-he c-c-called m-me S-Sac-ca-j-jaw-wea. S-S-She tr-trav-veled w-with L-Lewis a-and Cl-Clar-k, y-you k-know.”
Dean hugged her to him again. “I’d say that’s appropriate. Sheila, do you realize you hardly stuttered at all when you ordered those scumbags to leave?”
She nodded. “I-I d-d-don’t st-stut-ter wh-when I-I’m r-r-riled up.”
Good to know; he’d thought it would be the opposite. He was already learning that nothing about Sheila could be assumed or expected. “Dinner’s almost ready if you’re not too riled up—or shook up—to eat.”
“I-I’m a l-l-little sh-shak-ken up, b-b-but I-I’ll b-b-be f-f-fine.” In spite of her reassurances, Sheila noticeably shivered as they walked into the dining hall.
Dean wished he had a jacket to put around her shoulders. Maybe a good meal and some conversation would ease her trepidation. “Let me run and get a jacket for you.”
“N-n-no,” she protested. “I-I c-c-could g-g-go g-get one i-if I-I r-r-really w-w-wanted.”
He’d found a small round table, perfect for intimate dining for two, in one of the storage closets. When he helped Sheila scoot her chair closer to the table, she held up one corner of the tablecloth. “N-Noah’s A-Ark?”
