"Kitty Katt will have to be at her very best for tonight's show," he had said as his dark eyes looked appreciatively over her in the dress.
She looked at her companion and wished again that Todd had come along. But he hadn't gotten any rest earlier, after delivering the crates to a warehouse as ordered by the owners of the shop where he usually delivered the shipments.
She wondered if he'd still be at the airport when they returned, or if he'd take the opportunity to get out of the whole mess.
Looking again at Eduardo, she thought of the time he had spent alone with Todd in his office, while she was in the next room dressing. He, too, must have had doubts about what Todd would do. But now he seemed confident.
Entering the huge lobby they were immediately met by a lovely blonde hostess. "Welcome to the Calypso Club," the woman said with a warm smile. "Are there only the two of you?"
"I'm sorry, but I wasn't told whether to come in another entrance or not. I'm scheduled to do a show here tonight," Liane told the young woman. "I'm Miss Katt."
"Oh yes, I believe Mr. Demotto said something about the change when he called. I believe you'll be replacing Spence Jackson."
"Yes, I will." Liane sighed, feeling she should be getting used to taking her brother's place. "And my friend here, will, of course, sit at my table."
"Of course." The girl looked into the room filled to capacity with customers. "I'll show you to your table, then if you like, I can take you to your dressing room. Unless you prefer waiting. There is another hour until you go on."
"Thank you," Liane replied, then turned to Eduardo. "Come along, Dear." She clenched her teeth as she said the endearment. Pretending to like this man was more difficult than she had anticipated it would be.
"Would you care for a drink?" a waitress asked after they were seated.
"No, thank you," Eduardo politely refused, taking for granted she would not want one either.
"Actually, I would," Liane said, noting the surprised look on his face. "I think tonight, I could use one. A Pina Colada, please," she said to the waitress. "Ah . . .very mild."
When the waitress returned with the drink, Eduardo watched closely as she took a careful sip. "I see you are extremely nervous." Eduardo looked at her smugly. "I would not have expected you to drink. But then, I would not have expected many things of you."
Surprised by his statement, Liane nearly choked on her drink. Quickly she grabbed for her napkin to cover her mouth.
"Please forgive me, Sister." He smiled at her, not looking the least bit sorry as he leaned back in his chair and eyed her with the same rat-like expression he had used on the plane. "I was only making an observation. I did not mean to shock you so."
"I'd like to make an observation about you," she spat, when again she could speak. "But you have me at the disadvantage."
He laughed. "I believe you would anyway. You are, what they call, a spit-fire. I knew that from the moment you came into the building and rescued your friend."
How well she could remember that night. She wondered if she would do the same thing now, knowing what she did.
"I think I'll go to my dressing room." She rose from her chair.
"Just remember your brother, Sister, and don't try anything when you are back there," Eduardo instructed as he watched her turn to leave.
In the dressing room she sat before the mirror, prepared to touch up her make-up with the cosmetics also purchased that afternoon. She wanted very much to cry, but knew she couldn't. Tears wouldn't help anything. Nor would they wash away the pain she was feeling inside.
Realizing she was still clutching the napkin in her hand, she laid it on the vanity before her. As her eyes cleared, she focused on an insignia on the corner of the white napkin. Inside the red shield was a dark green V, with a black horse head in the middle.
It took only a second to recognize the Coat-of-arms of the Valenquez family. What is it doing here on these napkins? In this Los Angeles' nightclub? Liane tried to remember what Todd had told her about this place. It was supposedly connected with the mafia.
Getting up from her seat, she went to look for the young hostess who had shown them to their table. She passed several tables before she spotted the blonde seating a young couple at a table near the stage.
"Excuse me," Liane said as she cautiously approached the hostess. "Do you have a moment?" She glanced around, hoping Eduardo wouldn't see and become suspicious.
"Yes, what is it?" the girl asked, startled to find Liane beside her. "Do you know you go on in just a moment?"
"This won't take long." Liane forced a smile. "I just wondered if you could answer a question. You mentioned a Mr. Demotto. Is he your boss?"
"Yes, he runs the nightclub."
"I assume he's from L.A.," Liane began, watching the girl's curious expression. "I was just wondering about his wife. I used to have an old school friend, and I heard she married a man named Demotto. He was said to be in the nightclub business."
"What's her name."
"Bonita," Liane replied.
"Bonnie." The girl laughed. "That's her. But I've never heard anyone call her Bonita. Except maybe, her brother, when he visits."
"Is she here tonight?" Liane asked.
"No, they don't come in very often at night. Mr. Demotto is usually here during the day. Bonnie is more of a family person. The only time we see her here is when she does the decorating. She handles it all. Don't you think she does a lovely job?"
"Definitely." Liane looked around the room, noting the Spanish influence. "She likes to retain part of her heritage."
"Yes, from her father's side."
"Does her brother visit often?" Liane asked, but didn't have time to hear the answer as someone on stage introduced her act.
I
As soon as she finished singing her medley of songs and was given her request, Liane sang one last tune. It would be her last one for the evening. She was only to do one show before heading straight back to the airport.
Now that she knew Daniel Valenquez was connected with the Los Angeles nightclub Liane was glad to return to Todd so quickly. She couldn't wait to tell him her newfound knowledge. Maybe it would help him sort out some things that had taken place.
It was difficult to contain herself as she sat beside Eduardo during their taxi ride to the airport, but she knew she couldn't let on that she had learned something vital. She forced herself to relax until the cab finally stopped in front of the airstrip office.
She nearly leaped out of the back seat, leaving Eduardo to pay for the ride, while she quickened her pace toward the door.
Rushing inside, she headed straight to where Todd was laying on a cot. "Wake up," she nearly shouted as she shook the man.
"What happened!" Todd jumped, immediately alert. "Are you okay?" He looked past her. "Where's . . .? Oh," he stopped as the barrel-chested man came through the door.
"What was your hurry, Sister?" Eduardo asked suspiciously as he came over to her side.
"I . . .I was just happy to be back. I mean . . ." She released a breath. "There's no use hiding it from you, Eduardo. You already guessed. You implied as much at the nightclub."
The man broke into laughter. "So the nun has fallen in love with the pilot. You make a very unusual couple. But I hope you work together well, because you still have very much to do tonight."
"What's up?" Todd asked, his eyes narrow slits as he got up from the cot and stood beside her.
"He's guessed how I feel about you." She turned to him with wide eyes nearly as green as her dress, throwing her arms around him. "Please find a way to talk to me alone, it's important," she whispered into his ear.
Todd held her close, his hands gently caressing her back. Then finally he kissed her. A long, passionate kiss.
"We have to get on with things," Eduardo interrupted, unmoved by their display. "You will have to save this for another time."
"Or you could step outside for a few moments," Todd asked with a smile.
"
I am afraid that, even if I would like to, I could not do that," the man replied, with just a touch of humor in his voice. "We must be on our way."
Todd looked deep into Liane's eyes. "Later, my love."
"Yes, if you want to save your brother from the fate that will befall him if we do not return on time, we must be on our way. Now," Eduardo added.
"Do you have the message?" Todd asked her.
"Here." She handed it to him, frustration clearly written on her face. She knew somehow she had to tell him. If her suspicions were correct, Daniel Valenquez was behind everything."
"Okay, we're to land in the Mojave dessert. When they see us land there, a semi will come with the weapons," Todd said as he read the note. "I have the exact coordinates here."
"I suppose I'll have to change again," Liane said. "You'll need me dressed as a nun in case any customs' officials show up."
"Yes, I'm afraid you will, Sister," Eduardo said sarcastically. "But I am sure, it will be the last time for you." His laughter filled the room.
I
Liane sat next to Todd during the short flight to the dessert. She wanted to find a way to talk to him, but Eduardo remained close the entire time.
It wasn't until after they had the crates of rifles and ammunition loaded onto the plane that she decided to take the chance. They were in the air again and Eduardo seemed absorbed in checking each crate to make certain they had every part of their load."
"Todd," she whispered. "I think we're going to Tingo Maria."
"What?" His eyes narrowed as he turned to look at her. "Valenquez's ranch?"
She nodded. "Did you know he owns the Calypso Club?"
"That explains a few things," Todd replied. "He probably owns the one in Lima too."
"Yes, but where would he have Jack?" She glanced over her shoulder to see if Eduardo was listening. "I was through his home, inside and outside. I was at the club. Jack wasn't there either."
"I wondered why they suddenly gave up trying to get the things we'd hidden."
"What shall we do?"
"Smoke them out," Todd said as he turned to her with a smile. "But I can't do it with you here."
"What are you whispering about?" Eduardo returned to the front of the plane. "You thought I didn't know, but I have good ears. I heard you talking."
"We're talking about when we were children," Todd said quickly. "I was saying how sometimes we reminisce about the games we played when we were growing up."
Liane listened carefully to what he was saying.
"Sometimes the things we pretended to be as children, we grew up to be as adults." He looked back at her as he spoke. "Do you agree, M.C.?"
"Yes, I think I know what you mean." She was just beginning to realize. "Like the games Jack and I used to play."
"Right." Todd looked over his shoulder at the man. "And we used to have many good television shows, too. Not like the ones today. One of my favorites took place in South America. Maybe that's why I fell for Mary Catherine."
Liane was puzzled again. She knew he was trying to tell her something, yet wasn't sure what.
"Don't you remember Sister Bertrille?" Todd asked. "Sally Field played her."
"Oh . . .the . . ." She stopped as he darted her a warning glance. "I loved that show too."
"You remind me of her. Except for one thing. But I wish you'd do that too." He laughed in a suggestive way. "Do you think you could?"
"Well . . ." She sat bolt upright as she realized what he meant. No, not that! She swallowed hard, remembering so much counted on her following Todd's lead.
"A good Sister shouldn't," she said coyly, attempting to play along, praying she could disguise her fear.
Eduardo was clearly interested now.
"I'll tell you what. Why don't you liven things up for us?" Todd said. "Give it a try, okay?"
"Okay," she croaked, then turned to Eduardo. "But on one condition. You promise not to look until I'm ready." If I'm ever ready.
Eduardo licked his lips, looking at her through narrowed eyes. "What are you going to do?"
Something stupid. Crazy. Absolutely insane. "Something nice, I promise." She forced herself to reply as she got up from her seat. "It's a long flight. We have to do something to kill time."
"I don't know." Eduardo still looked uncertain.
"What do you think I'm going to do, jump out of this stupid plane?" she asked finally. "In this get-up? What do you think I am, nuts . . .? Or a flying nun?"
"Okay, you go back and do what you were going to do," Eduardo finally said. "But no tricks, because I have the only loaded gun in here. The weapons and ammunition are packed securely in a separate crates. Remember I have good ears. I will hear you if you try to open them."
She didn't really want to leave Todd, but knew he had a plan. I guess it's time for a little trust. "See you in a little while," she said as she left them. I hope.
Her legs felt like rubber as she located the parachute and put it on, hoping she was doing it right.
She hesitated a brief moment gathering up all her nerve. Then she thought of the bearded pilot who had grown to mean so much to her. She knew his life also depended on her doing exactly as he said.
CH-13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Her skirt seemed to billow up around her, blinding her. But then she remembered it was night and there was nothing to see. She forced back another wave of panic, trying not to think of her predicament. But what else was there to think about?
I've gotta be crazy. Jumping out of an airplane in the darkness! Not even knowing where I am. Who knows where I'll land? If I'll land. If I'll live! Her breathing grew even more rapid. She felt faint.
"Oh Todd, I hope you knew what you were doing when you asked me to do this!" She squeezed her eyes closed, even though it didn't matter in the darkness. She tried to envision Todd's face, remembering his lips on hers, his touch. For a brief moment she forgot her fear.
She could hear the sound of the plane disappearing in the distance. "At least you have the benefit of a plane." She realized that for the first time in her life she wished she was sitting safely on a plane. Suddenly she laughed. I must be over my fear of flying.
Somewhere she remembered seeing a movie where a young blind man had made his first jump. "This can't be any worse than that." Then she was filled with renewed horror as she remembered what had nearly happened to that man.
She listened carefully for any sounds of danger. There could be high tension wires. Traffic. Anything! All she heard was the fluttering of her skirts. Even that began to worry her. What if my skirts foul up my lines?
She reached out, grasping the material, carefully trying to bundle her skirt and slips closer around her. As she did, she was able to make out a light. The moon?
No. She realized it was a beam of light, and it was pointed right at her. Wherever they had been flying when she jumped, someone had obviously been watching.
As she drifted closer to the ground, she noticed several more lights below. It looked almost like light coming from the windows of a building. She was nearly down. Please leave my bones in tact!
For a moment after rolling onto the ground, she laid there in disbelief, wondering if she was really all right. Short of a few bumps, she felt okay.
There had been enough light for her to finally recognize where she was. But she hadn't had time to figure out how Todd had managed it. She was sitting right in the middle of his runway!
Two men approached her, and both looked familiar. Suddenly she recognized them as the two agents who had questioned her in New York. They stood shaking their heads.
"Is that all you can do?" She spat angrily as she looked up at them.
Agent Knight suddenly laughed and reached for her hand to help her stand, while Agent Steel gathered up her chute. "I see she's okay," he said, joining in his partner's laughter.
"Looks that way," Steel said. "Marsh will be happy to hear. She was his main worry."
"Marsh?" she asked. "You mean Todd
."
"Marshal Todd, that is," the first man said.
"But you're government agents!" She remembered them questioning her. "And Todd . . .Marsh . . .whoever he really is, is he one too?"
"Yes, and your brother."
"Then you know where he is? Please tell me you do," she pleaded.
"I'm sorry," Knight said. "I wish we did. But Marsh is determined to find him."
"But what about him? How did he know? I mean, I landed right here."
Both men laughed at her confusion. "He planned that ahead of time."
"You mean before I told him what I found out?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "That would mean he had no intentions of delivering the guns." She placed her hands on her hips in agitation. "I think you owe me an explanation."
"Marsh will give you one himself when he lands. If everything goes the way he planned, he should be down soon," Knight said, then looked to his companion. "Maybe we should hear the rest of what she was going to tell Marsh in the office."
"Yes, what were you about to tell Marsh before you were interrupted by that Eduardo fellow?" Steel asked as they walked toward the office.
"No, wait a minute." She stopped. "You mean you were there all the time?"
"In the other room. Dressed like this in case we were discovered." For the first time she realized the men were both wearing dark blue mechanics uniforms. "Luckily we weren't found. This Eduardo isn't as thorough as we thought he'd be."
"This is all so confusing." Liane walked on shaky legs to the chair behind Todd's desk. "You're saying he planned my jumping out of the plane. But that still leaves him up there with Eduardo. And however thorough he is, or isn't, doesn't change the fact that Eduardo has a gun, and I think it could be very thorough."
"We thought you should hear it from Marsh himself."
"Himself! What if he doesn't come down?"
"He will." Agent Steel laughed. "There was only one chute, and three passengers on your plane."
"And one gun," she added, still not convinced that Todd would be safe.
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