by Lakes, Lynde
Chapter Forty-One
By the time Jones approached in the Jeep, they were ready to board. On the way back to the complex, Jones said Marcel was waiting in the parking area to take her to the airport. Not wanting to think about it before she had to, Darli snuggled closer to Cortz and rested her head against his shoulder. He slid his arm around her and drew her closer, his tension evident by his unyielding hold. His hot thigh branded hers. Her pulse raced. She took a deep breath to slow it. It was as it should be; the two of them together, if only for a few more minutes.
They arrived in the parking area where Marcel waited. Jones parked the Jeep nearby and yanked a magazine out of a backpack. “Take your time, Greg. I’ll take you back to the main complex when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Jones.” Then, Cortz took her into his arms and kissed her. She sensed the ache in his heart flowing from his body to hers. How could she leave him?
“It’s going to be all right.” His voice came out ragged. “We’ll be together…completely. Soon. I promise.”
She could only nod.
Cortz kissed her again, gently this time. Finally, he walked her to the car and helped her in. He stepped back, watching her with a determination that sent a chill through her. Don’t let him do anything risky, she thought. She touched her lips, still warm and tingling from his kisses, and threw him a kiss.
Marcel put the station wagon into motion. Darli turned and looked out the rear window, hungry for one last look at Cortz, watching until the road curved and he was no longer in sight. Her whispered “I love you” was lost to the sound of the motor as the car carried her farther and farther away.
The day had been bittersweet, with one hour blending into the next with blurring speed. As Marcel maneuvered the station wagon down the winding road toward Los Angeles, dusk darkly shadowed the purple mountains and miles of glittering night lights appeared and merged one city into another.
Her pain dulled to numbness at the thought of returning to her empty apartment. Then the numbness sharpened to a startling uneasiness. Fox had been lurking around when they’d left. Would he still be nosing around when she returned? Even if there were new developments, Cortz was really Greg and whatever splashed into the sea had nothing to do with him. She frowned, unable to completely convince herself of that.
Chapter Forty-Two
Darli opened her office blinds to the bright Hawaiian sun. She stared out into the grounds scattered with milling students, hoping their presence would block out her loneliness. Her apartment had been so empty without Cortz that she’d left quickly, without even a glass of juice. She poured a cup of coffee and took it to her desk. She hadn’t been away from Honolulu long, yet during that brief time in California her whole life had changed. Now she had a future with Cortz. She laughed aloud, barely able to contain her excitement.
But how long would she have to wait to be in his arms again? Forcing away thoughts of their separation, she logged onto the observatory computer. She only had fifteen minutes to review her notes, outline her lecture and photocopy the handouts. To her surprise, she somehow managed to accomplish this with two minutes to spare.
When she reached for her purse, she remembered the unopened letter from Fox. A shiver raised the fine hairs on her arms. Yesterday when she’d returned home, she’d sorted and read through the rest of her accumulated mail, but a twinge of apprehension had prevented her from opening Fox’s letter. She’d told herself it was because it was late and she was too tired. And now she had to get to class.
On her way to the lecture auditorium she passed Keiko in the hallway. “Darli,” Keiko squealed, as she rushed forward and hugged her. “I shouldn’t even speak to you after you slipped away without a word. The Dean said you went to California.”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you everything at lunch…my treat. I promise it’ll be worth the wait.”
“Yah?” Keiko dark eyes brightened. “Just tell me…is a man involved?”
Darli shook her head in mock exasperation. “The Windows of Hawaii, okay?”
“Need you ask?”
“I know it’s your favorite restaurant and this might be one of our last chances to go there.” She had heard the restaurant was scheduled to close soon and be converted to offices.
“I don’t even want to think about it,” Keiko said. “See you at lunch,” she called over her shoulder, as she hurried down the hallway.
Darli sighed. Strange how things change, the dining place to offices…and Cortz was now Greg.
She paused and glanced over her notes, then with confidence entered the auditorium. Cortz had suggested the lecture, Effects of the Earth’s Pollution on the Rest of the Galaxy. She’d supplemented it with current data from the observatory and newspaper clippings gathered earlier.
The moment everyone was seated, she plunged right in. The topic sparked a lively discussion among her students, making her glad she’d used it.
Later as she hurried across the university parking lot, her thoughts turned again to Cortz. It was amazing how much he knew about the planets, galaxies—even the whole universe. His knowledge had made it easier to believe he was a space alien.
Darli was still muttering to herself for being so gullible, when she met Keiko waiting by her Volkswagen.
“What’s the matter, kiddo? Didn’t the lecture go well?” Keiko asked, as they got into the shiny yellow bug.
“Everything went great. By the way,” she said, purposely changing the subject, “did the Dean chose his new assistant, yet?”
“Yes. And what a jerk…”
Keiko was still complaining about his choice as the hostess seated them at their usual window table at the twenty-third floor revolving restaurant. Darli stared out at the panoramic view, remembering the first time she’d been there. It was the week after she’d moved to Hawaii from San Diego. Like excited children, she and Keiko had stayed until they’d experienced the complete hour rotation. Unfortunately, their folly on that day so long ago had made them late getting back to work. It wouldn’t surprise her if they let it happen again today, especially since the restaurant was closing soon.
She was still awed by the view and looked forward to the complete revolution, which would reveal the ocean, as it did now, all of Honolulu, the mountains, and lastly Waikiki and Diamondhead.
Coming here today was a sentimental journey back to the beginning of their friendship. Keiko’s excitement-flushed cheeks almost matched the red in her sleek Oriental-style dress. She had swept her long, black shiny hair high on one side and allowed it to cascade in waves against her right cheek. “Okay…I can’t wait. What gives?”
“What if I told you I went to California to see a man…a special man?” Darli’s face felt warm, yet a shiver skipped through her.
“I knew this would be an exciting lunch! Who is he and where’d ya meet him?”
Darli fought to keep her voice steady. “His name is Gregory Harris. I met him here in Honolulu. When he returned to California, I went there to see him.” She purposely left out any reference to the hospital or mental problems. “He plans to open a business here.”
“You’ve been holding out on me. I should be angry.”
“I was afraid if I mentioned him, I’d jinx it.”
“You superstitious? I don’t believe it.”
Darli laughed. “Believe what you want.”
“Oh, my God. You’re in love with him.” An impish look flashed across Keiko’s face. “But, let’s get down to the nitty gritty…is he in love with you?”
“Of course…isn’t it marvelous?”
They finished eating and pushed away their plates.
“So, let’s hear all about this Mr. Wonderful.”
Darli shared what she could, but there was so much she couldn’t tell. Fortunately, she had an excuse to cut their conversation short. They had to get back to work.
Chapter Forty-Three
Fifteen minutes later as Darli placed her purse into her office drawer, she thought agai
n of the unopened envelope from Lieutenant Fox. Her battle between avoidance and curiosity had messed with her mind long enough. She took a deep breath and ripped it open.
Dear Miss Grenlane, Fox had written on his business card. I have been trying to contact you for days. Please call my office as soon as possible. Yours truly, Lieutenant Fox.
Damn. Why had she ever called him? His business card slipped through her fingers and drifted to the floor. She stared at it a moment before picking it up and tucking it back into her purse.
Later that evening when she started to park her Volkswagen in front of her apartment, she spotted an official looking car there. She swerved quickly back into the traffic. This is stupid, she thought, I can’t avoid him forever. Why do I want to? After driving several blocks, she circled back and pulled up behind Fox’s car. He was coming down the stairs from her apartment. He waved and came toward her. “Good evening, Miss Grenlane. You’re a difficult lady to contact.”
“I’ve been out of town and just got your note.”
He followed her up the stairs. “If you don’t mind, I have a few questions.”
“Sure…come on in.” Darli unlocked the door. She dropped her purse and jacket on the couch. “Want coffee or something cold to drink?”
“No, I won’t keep you long. I’ll get right to the point. When we plotted all the calls concerning the object that went into the ocean, it placed you within a few hundred feet of where it went into the water.”
“That happened so long ago. I’d have thought you would have closed your file on it by now.”
“There have been new developments that I’m not at liberty to disclose. But due to those developments, even the most insignificant thing could be crucial. Can you remember anything? Something you might have thought unimportant?”
The ring of urgency in his words almost sucked her into telling him about Cortz—how he’d come up out of the water shortly after the thing went into the ocean and how for a while, he’d believed himself to be from another planet. But it wasn’t relevant—he was Gregory Harris, a man who had gone through so much personal pain that it had caused a mental problem. Greg’s presence there when the meteorite fell into the water was no more significant than her being there. If she said anything about him, Fox would want to question him, and he’d been through enough already. “Months ago,” she said, “reporters quoted your Navy big wigs as stating that the object was determined to be a meteorite.”
Fox shifted his weight. His eyes narrowed. “Just tell me this, Miss Grenlane, why do I feel like you’ve been avoiding me?”
“I can’t imagine.” Her face grew warm. He must have seen her pull out into the lane of traffic. It was such a childish thing to do. “Considering I voluntarily called and told you what I saw, I resent your accusation. Do you treat all citizens with such distrust?”
“There’s no distrust, Miss Grenlane. But I have this gut feeling that whether you’re aware of it or not, you know something that will help us.”
“If I knew what the devil you’re talking about, perhaps I could. So, Lieutenant, tell me, what exactly is going on?”
Fox’s mouth became a slash of control. He handed her another card. “If you think of anything you haven’t told us, please call.” He hesitated a moment before going out the door. “I’m not your enemy, Miss Grenlane…and I wouldn’t want to be. I think you’d be a tough adversary.”
****
Darli stood in front of the apartment mail box and skimmed Cortz’s most current letter. His writing was dark, confident, and loopy. It reminded her of old English script, not at all like most men’s stiff scrawl. He was different from most men she’d met on so many levels.
She smiled. Finally, after all these weeks, the doctor had released him from the hospital. Happiness put wings on her feet as she trekked up the stairs, and each step seemed more like floating than climbing. When she reached the second floor landing, she heard her phone ringing.
She thrust the key into the lock, raced into the room, and grabbed the phone. “Hello…hello?”
“I almost hung up…I thought you weren’t home, yet.” His voice was deep, eager. “I’m glad I let it ring a while.”
“Cortz…Er…Greg!” Darli waved his letter in the air. “I just got the letter saying they released you.” She laughed, barely able to stand still.
“Do you know what I am going to do now?”
“What?” Her pulse raced.
“Get on the first plane to Hawaii.” His voice cracked with emotion. “I can hardly wait to hold you in my arms.”
“You’re really coming?”
“Is it all right?” His voice was husky, teasing.
“Fabulous! Tell me which flight to meet. Never mind, I’ll meet them all.”
“Wait…slow down. My plane will arrive in Honolulu around two o’clock tomorrow afternoon. Can you meet me then?”
“Anytime.” Her fingers shook as she wrote down the airline and flight number.
Four hours later, with her car waxed, the apartment cleaned and her clothes laid out, she crawled between crisp sheets. Her thoughts wandered as she stared into the darkness and listened to the mating call of a couple of geckos. A sudden rain pelted the metal gutters and a gust of wind blew her curtains away from the sill. She hoped it was just a brief downpour. She counted on clear skies for the next day. But even if it continued to rain, her day would be sunny and bright as long as she and Cortz were together. An image of how he looked the last time she’d seen him made her smile—his face had been confident with the renewed knowledge of himself.
She hoped Fox stayed away. Being newly out of the hospital, Cortz didn’t need the lieutenant showing up and making him nervous.
Chapter Forty-Four
Friday was a busy day—exam day. Darli graded the papers as the students turned them in so she could be free over the weekend and devote her full time to Cortz. She worked straight through until around one in the afternoon, then headed for the airport.
On tiptoes, she watched as each person disembarked.
People continued to stream from the exit, but Cortz wasn’t among them. What if he’d missed the flight? A hard knot formed in the pit of her stomach. She dug in her purse for the slip of paper with the flight information. She glanced over it. Yes, the time was right and she was at the correct gate.
Suddenly, Darli felt herself being lifted into the air by strong familiar arms. “Cortz!” She stared down into his velvety brown eyes, twinkling with ruby glints. She never failed to be fascinated by how brightly they glowed.
“I missed you,” she said, as her high heels met the floor again. Now she was looking up at him. He seemed taller and she’d forgotten how broad his shoulders were and how all-consuming his presence was. For her, no one else existed. He was distinguished in his gray business suit. She’d never seen him in a suit before. For a moment, she stood staring without moving…
He laughed. “Is that for me?”
Darli glanced down at the thick plumeria lei dangling from her arm. “Oh. Yes, of course.” She reached up and placed it around his neck, then gently pulled him down with the lei and kissed his cheek.
“Thanks,” he said, “but after all this time, don’t I get a real kiss?”
She thrust herself into his arms and his mouth closed over hers. His kiss was like coming home, soft, tender and so familiar. She drank him in, never wanting to leave his arms, but finally he held her away.
“You look…fantastic.” His voice tightened with emotion. “That sensational dress, those bare shoulders, that delicate neck.” He feathered kisses down the arch of it. His touch sent quivers through her.
She gave a nervous laugh. “You aren’t going to turn into a vampire or anything, are you?” Her attempt at humor brought a puzzled look.
Then he smiled. “We’d better get out of here.” He put his arm around her shoulder, guiding her forward.
“I had a whole speech prepared,” she murmured, looking up at him. “All kinds of clever…”
He paused and pulled her aside, interrupting her words with another kiss. “It’s your eyes,” he murmured. “When you look up at me like that, all I can think about is kissing you. Maybe you should put your sunglasses on until we get out of here. We don’t have to go to the luggage claim area.” He lifted his bag slightly. “This is all I brought.”
“Makes it easy.” She slipped her hand under his jacket and around his waist, then guided him toward the parking structure. Before they entered the car, Cortz took off his jacket and tie, folded them neatly, then carefully placed them into the backseat. Most guys would just toss them, but no one would ever accuse Cortz of being like most guys.
“Mona bought me these clothes,” he said. “I have to take good care of them.”
“Good idea. They’re probably expensive,” Darli said, feeling off balance and inept.
They got into the car, her behind the wheel and him in the passenger seat. “Don’t forget your seatbelt.” She sounded more like his mother than his girlfriend.
“Not yet,” he said and kissed her again. After a few seconds, she drew back. “At this rate, we’ll never get out of the airport. Can we wait until we get home?”
He laughed. “I don’t know, can we?”
She smiled. “Let’s try.”
In a matter of minutes, they were on the freeway heading toward Honolulu. At first, they remained silent. It was a good quiet. The kind people share when they know they belong together.
Finally Cortz said, “Everything went well. Blake Anderson, my attorney, met with me at the hospital. He’s going to meet my plane when I return.”
“Don’t even talk about leaving. Did you stop by your business before you left?”
He shook his head. “My first priority was to see you.”
“I like the way you arrange your priorities,” Darli said as she maneuvered the car through the freeway traffic. She glanced over at Cortz. He had the window down and his curly dark hair had fallen forward onto his brow. She was acutely aware that he seldom took his gaze off her. She trembled thinking of what would happen when they stepped inside her apartment and closed the door to the outside world. Was she ready to handle it? “Hungry?” she asked. “It’s almost four o’clock, and I skipped lunch in order to leave the university early. Let’s get something to eat.”
