Secrets of the Spiral Tower

by Joe Woods

  Slightly embarrassed by that question, Willow looked at Connor. “Daddy, I found him at about the age of fifteen. I’ve never met anyone any better than Connor Peppler.”

  “Why, then, haven’t the two of you ever married?”

  Again, caught off guard, Willow said, “You know, Daddy, that’s a very good question and the only answer is we’re just too involved in work. Do you think it’s too late?”

  “Willow, I’ve loved Connor just like my own flesh and blood. He has worked faithfully with me all these years. He’s always been there to help me.”

  “I know, Daddy. Now we’re both here and I want to catch up on my share of helping you.”

  “So, does this mean that you and Connor are getting married?”

  With a look of amazement on her face, she turned to Connor and asked, “Are we?”

  Connor was just as shocked as Willow and stuttered, “I don’t know.”

  “But, Daddy, why didn’t you remarry after mother’s death?”

  “There is an old song that goes something like this, ‘One in a Million’ that is what your mother was to me and I never saw or met anyone in the last thirty years that came anywhere close to her. We McKenzies just don’t need to be married.

  “Your mother was the love of my life and the memories of our time together have given me many hours of pleasure. Even now, I remember some of our love making and I smile all over. But, it would have been very unfair to the woman I married, because I would have always compared her to your mother.”

  “Wow, Daddy. But, a young strong male like you needed female attention.”

  “Wait, Willow. Don’t misunderstand me. I didn’t go lacking for female attention. It’s just that I didn’t or couldn’t love anyone like I did your mother.”

  Willow rolled her eyes around at Connor saying, “Daddy, we’ve never had a conversation like this before.”

  “True. But that’s okay. I just want to let you know that my love for your mother is one that has endured all these years and I love you just as strongly. Regarding my association with members of the opposite sex, I’m certain Connor can answer any questions you may have. Several lovely socialites have tried to connect with me. But, those connections were short lived on my part. I had no real desire to become emotionally involved with anyone.”

  “Daddy, you said Connor knows about your connections,” Willow said, laughing. “Can you tell me if Connor had any similar connections?”

  “Heavens, no. Connor was too busy running our towing business. He dated a few eligible women around town, but never had a serious relationship with any of them. Right, Connor?”

  “Oh, yes Sir. Occasionally, I would take someone to dinner and a movie, but at the end of the night I always went to my house.”

  With a smile on her face, Willow said, "Yeah, Connor. I’m sure you never stayed over for dessert?”

  “Willow, now that I think about that question, I must tell you that Connor has spent a lot of time in San Antonio, other than at the tow boat conventions. Connor told me a few tales about some of the goings on. Connor, what was that girl’s name that worked on the Upper Mississippi River?”

  “Rupert, I don’t remember. Willow, why don’t we leave and let your Daddy rest?”

  “Wait a minute! This is new information to me. Daddy, how long have these annual meetings been going on?”

  “Oh, for at least 25 years, maybe longer.”

  Turning toward Connor with a slight smile on her face, Willow said, “Seems like Connor wants to change the subject. I believe he’s embarrassed.”

  “I certainly have nothing to be embarrassed about. How about your escapades in New York, Washington, Miami and other places I don’t know about? I’m certain many opportunities came your way.”

  “Why, Connor, are you jealous?”

  “Yes, I’ll admit I had many opportunities, as you put it, but never anything as serious as an annual meeting for twenty-five years. But, I must say, the more we talk and the more uncomfortable you seem to become, I’m really intrigued to learn more about this ‘mysterious girl’.”

  “There is nothing more to tell,” Connor said. “I need to get back to the office anyway. Rupert has a car parked in the garage, why don’t you use it while you’re in town?”

  “Connor, surely I can do that, but this nerve we’ve uncovered needs to be settled soon.”

  “Whatever, Willow, I’m going to the office. See you later. Why don’t you’ll talk about the property you want to buy up on Devil’s Ridge? Your Daddy knows a lot about that place.”

  “Okay. I see the discussion has gotten a bit under your skin. You high-tail it out of here because I want to talk to Daddy about Devil’s Ridge.”

  Connor opened the door to leave. “Willow, call me later. Bye, Mr. Boss man, I’ll see you soon.”

  Turning to Rupert, Willow said, “Connor and I had lunch with Woody today.”

  “Sounds like you and Connor have talked about this and arrived at a plan. Since you’re my closest blood kin and you want to join in the operation of McKenzie Towing, which I wanted you to do thirty years ago …”

  “Now, Daddy, tell me about Devil’s Ridge.”

  “Devil’s Ridge? You bet. In my younger days, I spent a lot of time near Mason Creek’s waterfall. After playing around for a while, my pals and I would slide down the cliff at Devil’s Ridge to the highway below. We used to sit up there and watch the traffic on the river. I guess that is where I became so interested in the river towing business.”

  “What? You played on that cliff? I’m surprised you survived that without any broken bones.”

  “Didn’t break any bones, but had lots of cuts and bruises and torn clothes. Mama told me many times to stay away from that waterfall and cliff, but I didn’t mind very well.”

  “Willow, in all of our years apart, I missed telling you all of my boyhood stories. You remember J. C. Whitaker, don’t you?”

  “Yeah. He is the only person that lost his life on one of your barges.”

  “That’s him. He and I were big buddies, even though he was a black kid. You remember he had a deformed right leg?”

  “Yeah.”

  “That deformity was the result of a rattlesnake bite. We had been playing on the spiral tower near Fort Hill and decided to go to the waterfall. Over the years, we had beaten a path through the weeds and underbrush down the steep hill to the waterfall. It was a hot summer day and as we ran down the path, a snake was stretched out across it. I couldn’t stop so I jumped over it and startled it. The snake coiled and as J.C. tried to jump over, the snake struck, hitting J.C. in the right calf.

  “As kids do, we panicked but managed to get J.C. back to the paved road by the tower. We flagged a park visitor, who took us to the Vicksburg Hospital. It had been about forty-five minutes since the snake struck J.C. and his leg was swollen nearly double in size. As you know, J.C. survived, but his calf was severely scared and crippled. That is what caused him to limp so badly. On the day he died, we were making up a tow and he somehow lost his balance. He fell overboard and drowned.”

  “I never heard that story,” Willow gasped. “I hope we don’t run into any rattlesnakes on Devil’s Ridge.”

  “Oh, they’re still around. They love lying on those rock outcroppings and ledges. Just remember to keep your feet in the sun’s rays and you’ll never step on one. You will find them in the shade, under low hanging limbs.”

  “That gives me the shivers. And Daddy, did you ever explore the caves when you were a boy?”

  “Oh, yes. There are many of them around those towers.”

  “I want to hear more about the caves, but I must go now. I’ve got to catch up with Connor. I think he left embarrassed and a bit angry. I should not have kidded him about that ‘girl’ in San Antonio.”

  “Willow, remember that Connor is very close to me and I know he loves you a great deal,” Rupert said in his fatherly voice. “But you must realize that man doesn’t live by bread alone.”

&nbs
p; “Daddy, you know I’ve loved Connor all my life, so I’ve got to find him and make up,” Willow said with tears welling in her eyes. “I was just surprised to hear that story.”

  Willow leaned over and kissed Rupert on the cheek.

  “Daddy, I’ll see you soon. If it is okay with you, I’m going to use your car.”

  “That’s fine, Willow. Maybe the next time you come by, we can go for a ride.”

  “You bet. We’ll go wherever you want.”

  On her way out, Willow was thinking, this is foolish. Why should I be upset with Connor? As Daddy said, I’ve been absent for so many years and had a brief encounter with a male coworker myself. I should go to Connor’s office, apologize and talk him into going to San Antonio for a brief vacation.

  After getting her father’s car keys she had to ask someone to describe her father’s car in the garage. Pulling out of the parking lot and turning right on Wisconsin Avenue and right again into the Sack and Save parking lot, she noticed that the fuel light was on and the gas needle was past the empty mark. She stopped at the gas pumps near the South Frontage Road and filled the tank before realizing that her purse was in Connor’s truck. Approaching the cashier’s cage she asked the hair-lipped, bald-headed man inside, “May I use your phone?”

  “You need to pay for the gas first.”

  “Yes sir, I know. But, you see, I don’t have any money and I need to call someone to bring me my purse.”

  Looking over his horn-rimmed bifocals, he said, “I know you. You’re Rupert McKenzie’s daughter.”

  “That’s right,” Willow said, relieved that the old gentleman recognized her. “I apologize that I don’t have any money on me. But, if you will let me use the phone, I’ll have someone here in a few minutes to pay . . . .”

  Before Willow could finish the sentence, the old man interrupted, “You give me the car keys. Then, maybe I’ll let you use my phone.”

  “Yes Sir. Okay, I’ll do that. Just a moment.”

  As Willow returned with the keys she thought what a grouch? I thought everything would be all right when he recognized me.

  Sliding the keys through the opening at the bottom of the plate glass window, Willow said, “Here they are, sir. Now, may I use your phone?”

  “Hell, no. I want you to stand over there and cool your heels.”

  With a quizzical look, she asked, “Cool my heels?”

  “Yes, just move away from my cage so I can see all of you.”

  Facing the old man as she cautiously stepped back, she saw a devilish smile cross his face.

  Then he blurted out. “Stop. That’s far enough. Stand there and slowly turn completely around.”

  It was obvious that this old man was lusting in his mind, but what was Willow to do?

  With her heart pounding, Willow looked to her left and spotted the Mutual Credit Union Building. Not wanting to be subjected to any more of this old pervert’s stares, Willow bolted in full stride across the parking lot toward the front door of the Credit Union. It was exactly 5 P.M. and the lady inside had just inserted the key, locking the door for the night. Frantically, Willow pounded on the door saying, “Please let me in.”

  Looking through the thick glass door at this hysterical woman standing against the glass, all of the employees and a couple of customers froze for a second. Then the lady with the key unlocked the door and Willow pushed it open.

  "My goodness, what’s the problem?” asked the lady.

  “May I use your phone?” Willow asked, trying to catch her breath and compose herself.

  "Yes, by all means. I’m Rachel. Do you want me to call someone for you?”

  “Yes. Call Connor Peppler at McKenzie Towing and tell him to come get me.”

  Rachel, looking more closely, asked, “Are you Willow McKenzie?”

  “Yes. How do you know me?”

  “I’m Rachel Johnson. We were classmates at Warren Central. I haven’t seen you in several years, but your blonde hair, the envy of every girl in our school, still looks so pretty. But let me call Connor and get him over here.”

  Rachel didn’t need to look up Connor’s number because she remembered it from past years. She and Connor were friends and occasionally met on the Vicksburg social scene. Although they had dated, they were never considered an item in town.

  Rachel placed the call to Connor.

  He answered on the second ring with, “This is Connor.”

  “Connor, this is Rachel. Willow is with me at the Credit Union and you need to get here quickly.”

  “At the Credit Union?”

  “Yes. She has had a problem with her car and needs your help.”

  ”Okay. She’s not hurt is she?”

  “No, but come as quickly as you can.”

  Connor’s office was located directly across Interstate 20 about a mile as the crow flies. But, he would have to go to the Indiana Avenue overpass, then onto the South Frontage Road. As he parked in front of the Credit Union, he saw Rupert’s car sitting by the Sack and Save gas pumps and walked toward it. At that same moment, a Vicksburg police car drove up with sirens blaring. Rachel and Willow ran outside and screamed to Connor.

  Hearing the screams, Connor turned around and headed toward them. With a look of amazement, Connor asked, “What in the world is going on?”

  Willow Pointed toward the cashier’s cage. “That old pervert needs to be locked up.”

  “Who are you talking about?”

  “That jackass in the cage over there.”

  “You mean Rudy?”

  “I guess. I don’t know his name.”

  “Well, you should. He worked for us for many years until your daddy fired him.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah. He was a deck hand that couldn’t keep his mouth shut. One day he mouthed off to your daddy and Rupert told him if he didn’t shut up, he was going to become turtle bait. He didn’t last long after that.”

  “Daddy should have deep-sixed him. He is a first class jerk.”

  “What did he do to you?”

  “Connor, I filled up with gas, and then realized my purse was left in your truck. I didn’t have any money to pay him and he’s got my keys. Oh, well, just go pay him and let’s get out of here.”

  The Vicksburg policeman was talking to Rudy as Connor walked up.

  Connor asked, “Rudy, what’s the problem?”

  “That McKenzie woman was trying to steal gas,” Rudy said, bristling. “She ran over to the Credit Union and that’s when I called the police. I didn’t know what else to do.”

  Laughing and looking at the policeman, Connor said, “Officer, I’ll take care of this. I don’t think any laws were broken.”

  “Mr. Peppler, I agree.”

  The officer got back into his patrol car and left, shaking his head.

  Connor turned to Rudy asking, “How much does she owe you?”

  “That’s thirty-seven fifty.”

  “Here’s forty. Keep the change, but give me her car keys. Rudy, if you ever act like this again toward Ms. McKenzie, I’m going to cram one of those gas nozzles in a spot where the sun never shines. Do you understand?”

  “Yes Sir, Mr. Peppler. I will never speak to Ms. McKenzie again.”

  Connor opened the door to the white Ford LTD. “Good. Now that’s the right attitude. Just remember you’ll have me to deal with if you screw up. You’re living on borrowed time anyway and damn lucky Rupert or I didn’t throw you in the river years ago.”

  By now, several of the Credit Union employees had gathered outside with Willow and Rachel. When Connor pulled into the parking lot and stepped out, they applauded.

  "What’s that all about?”

  Rachel said, “Old Rudy has been harassing women for some time now. Maybe you have put the fear into him.”

  “If he has acted like a jerk, why in heavens name did you go over there?”

  “That’s the cheapest gas in town. I was never really scared, you know, I’m tough, as long as he stayed in his cage. But
, he was always looking us up and down, like trying to undress us with his eyes. He is so repulsive.”

  “I hope he has learned a valuable lesson and doesn’t cause any more problems.”

  “Thank you, Connor, and it is very nice to see you and Willow again.”

  “Thank you, Rachel, and it is very good to see you, too,” Willow said. “Maybe soon, we can get together and relive some of our high school days.”

  “That would be great. Maybe we should have a mini class reunion.”

  “Yes, that would be fun. I’m moving back to Vicksburg and want to rekindle some of my old friendships.”

  “Super. I look forward to seeing you around town.”

  “Thanks again,” Willow said, stepping into the car. “You’ve been a life saver. I know I shouldn’t have been so hysterical, but that old pervert really caught me off guard and scared the daylights out of me.”

  “I’ve had all of the excitement I can stand and I’m going back to the office.”

  “Not so fast. I’m coming along, too.”

  * * *

  Entering the McKenzie Towing office, Willow said, “You haven’t changed much in the past five years. I see Daddy’s old desk and leather chair right where they’ve always been.”

  “That’s right. Nothing much ever changes around here. We’re pretty comfortable and see no need to move furniture around.”

  “How long has it been since Daddy sat in this chair?”

  “It’s been quite a while—over three years,” Connor said, rubbing his forehead, as he always did when he was thinking. “I think you should bring him down here tomorrow. I’ll bet he would enjoy sitting in the chair and propping his feet up. He spent many hours sitting there, rubbing his face while in deep thought, making plans and deals.”

  “That’s a good idea, Connor. I’ll put that on the top of my to-do list for tomorrow.”

  “Willow, you know my mind holds a very vivid memory of him in this office. I can close my eyes and see him scratching notes on a yellow legal pad while puffing on one of his pipes. As a matter of fact, my senses can still smell that smoke.”

  “My memory isn’t quite that good.”

  “I know, but unlike you, I was with him practically on a daily basis for the last thirty years.”