Eric reached in his pocket and pulled out one of the pretty rocks. “Did you ever see one of these rocks in Uncle Fred’s mine?”
“Yeah, I did,” said George, as he rubbed the rock between his fingers. “It was in Fred’s house, and he said he had found it laying on the floor of the mine. Pretty, isn’t it? I’m not sure how those rocks got in Fred’s mine; he never noticed them before when he and his crew were mining. What are you boys going to do with Fred’s place?”
“We don’t have a clue,” answered Eric as he put the rock back in his pocket. “We will keep in touch with you, but now we have a plane to catch. Very nice to meet you, Mr. Rhodes.”
George took a card from the desk in the library with all the information about South View Assistant Living Facility on it. On the back he wrote his phone number, his daughter and son’s names and phone numbers and handed it to Eric.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The Fourth of July
Marcus texted Alexis as they waited for the plane to board; he wanted to let her know the plane would be taking off on time, and he would text her when the plane landed. Alexis was picking them up at Sky Harbor.
“Oh, damn,” swore Marcus. “Alexis just informed me that we are going over to Arthur and Judith’s tonight for dinner and to watch the fireworks. I just wanted to go home, have a beer, and relax with my wife before going back to work tomorrow. This hasn’t been the most relaxing vacation.”
Alexis picked them in front of Terminal Four and drove Eric home. As they headed toward their home, she asked, “Did you want to go home and take a shower before heading over to Judith’s? We don’t have to be there before seven.”
“Yeah, I guess. Is this one of Judith’s fancy parties or can I wear my shorts?”
“No this is just a family dinner, and, yes, you can wear shorts.”
When Marcus and Alexis arrived at Judith’s house (Alexis never thought of it as her dad’s place) Charlotte and Ashley were already there. Her dad opened the door and greeted them both with a hug. “Sorry, Marcus, I know you’ve had a tough weekend and probably wanted to spend your evening relaxing, but I’m so happy you are here. I’m anxious to hear what you found out at your uncle’s mine. I’ve always had an interest in mining and minerals.”
He gave Alexis a big kiss, “Hey, sweetheart, how’s my soon-to-be famous author?”
“I’m good, Dad. Gee, you’re dressed up. Is this supposed to be a formal party?”
Arthur looked over his shoulder, shrugged, and whispered in Alexis’s ear. “Judith wanted me to wear my linen jacket and slacks. And I was so comfortable in my shorts and Tommy Bahamas’ shirt. No, it isn’t a formal party, just the family. Please don’t make a fuss, it will just upset Judith.”
Almost as if on cue, Judith glided down the staircase like a debutant, “I thought I heard the doorbell. Oh, good it’s you Alexis and Marcus. Now the party can begin.”
Judith was wearing elegant white linen slacks and a beautiful colorful top that flowed with her body as she moved.
From the family room, Ashley came running out to greet her aunt. “Aunt Alexis, you’re here. Guess where I’m going? Guess?”
“Hi, sweetheart,” Alexis greeted her niece as she picked her up and twirled her around and set her down. “I have no idea. Tell me where are you going?”
“My daddy is taking me to Disneyland.” Ashley started to jump up and down and started spinning in circles. “We’re going to Disneyland. We’re going to Disneyland.” Ashley stopped revolving and ran up to her aunt, “I wish you could go too. Can you? Don’t go to Florida. Let’s all go to Disneyland.”
“Can you believe that?” Charlotte commented as she entered the room with a glass of wine to greet her sister and Marcus. “Christopher decided to take vacation time while I’m gone and take Ashley to California.”
“Isn’t that good?” Alexis asked with a puzzled look on her face. “I think it will be good for Ashley. She will be having fun spending time with her father and maybe won’t miss you as much while you are in Florida.”
“Yeah,” Charlotte remarked as she walked over to the bar and poured more wine into her glass. “That makes him ‘Father of the Year’ and makes me look like a selfish brat.”
“If the shoe fits—“ mumbled Marcus in Alexis’s ear. Alexis jabbed him with her elbow.
From the corner of her eye, Alexis saw Judith nudge her father and quietly say, “Arthur, thank God Christopher is taking care of his daughter while the girls will be in Florida and we won’t have to be bothered.” Arthur noticed that Alexis saw this exchange and looked distraught.
Arthur recovered and quickly walked into the kitchen to get a beer for Marcus and himself. He asked Marcus to join him out by the pool. “I’m really anxious to hear about your trip.”
After Marcus filled him in on his and Eric’s exploits, the people they had met, and the mystery they discovered in the mine, he then pulled out one of the pretty rock from his pocket. “Everyone tells us this rock isn’t found in Missouri, but we found a couple in Uncle Fred’s mine. What do you think?”
“I have no clue, but I do have an idea,” Arthur said, as he held the rock up to the light. “My cousin, Walter, spent his career working for the Bureau of Land Management in Sacramento. You know he’s the son of my favorite aunt and uncle, Ronald and Nancy. He never wanted to be part of their wonderful extravagant lifestyle, but after Aunt Nancy died a few years ago and he inherited everything, he retired from the BLM and now he’s rather enjoying being wealthy and living in their house in Scottsdale. Why don’t I give him a call and see if I can arrange for us to meet him for lunch while Alexis is in Florida. I’m sure he would have some ideas how to get around all the red tape and paperwork.”
“That’s a great idea, Arthur. Thank you. Would it be okay if my brother, Eric, joins us? Having another pair of ears would help.”
“Of course. You and Eric give me some dates and times you are both available, and I’ll set it up. I’ve been lax in keeping up with my unusual cousin, this would be a chance for me to catch up.”
After a delightful catered dinner, everyone walked upstairs to the balcony outside of Judith and Arthur’s bedroom. From there they could watch several exhibitions of fireworks illuminating across the valley. The balcony was huge, and the outdoor furniture was comfortable. Judith’s maid brought up trays of snacks and refilled everyone’s wine and beer glasses.
“This sure beats driving across town in the traffic and fighting the crowds for good seats to watch a Fourth of July show,” remarked Marcus after an hour of watching the fireworks. “Thank you Arthur and Judith for a wonderful dinner. But I’ve had a very long day, and I’m exhausted. I’m afraid we’re going to call it an evening. Arthur, I’ll call you in a few days and give you some dates and times to meet Walter. Thanks again for the suggestion.”
As Alexis gathered her things, she hugged her sister and said, “Marcus is going to take us to the airport on Saturday. We’ll pick you up at five-thirty.”
“Five-thirty in the morning? What time is our flight?”
“Seven sharp. We have to check our luggage and go through Security. Pack light. We have to change planes in Atlanta and won’t get into Key West until five-fifteen in the afternoon. Just to ease your mind, I made your return flight the following Saturday at noon.”
“Wish you’d made this flight at noon,” complained Charlotte.
“I really didn’t want to get into Key West late at night and then struggle to find our way to the cottage where we are staying. I know you love adventures, but I’m the boss on this trip.”
Charlotte stood at full attention and saluted her younger sister, “Yes, Ma’am.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The Unexpected Guest
July 9, 2016
Early Saturday morning it was already hot, and the sky was a strange ruby color. Alexis noticed the unusual color of the sky and hoped it wasn’t a bad omen of things to come. Trees were limp and dry—thirsty for moisture.
Vegetation and people were praying for the beginning of the monsoons—the summer rains were late this year. The day before it had been 109˚ and was still 90˚ when Alexis and Marcus picked up Charlotte. She came to the car dragging two huge suitcases and a large carry-on bag.
“Aren’t you only staying a week?” remarked Marcus as he struggled putting the two huge suitcases in the trunk of his wife’s car. “Alexis is going to be gone for two weeks plus and only brought one medium-sized suitcase.”
“Well,” Charlotte remarked as she crawled into the backseat, “I’m searching for a new man, so I need to be able to dress for every occasion. Hi, Sis.”
“Hello Charlotte,” said Alexis. As she thought, You had a great man. Christopher was kind, gentle, a hard worker, faithful, and he loved you with his whole heart and soul. Too bad you didn’t appreciate him and take care of him.
As they approached the airport, Marcus asked Alexis, “Do you want me to park the car and help you with the luggage?”
“No, just drop us off at the curb. Charlotte can get a cart if she needs one.”
Marcus jumped out of the car to unload the luggage. He hugged and kissed Alexis. “I’m really going to miss you. I hope this experience is everything you are hoping for and more. By the way, your dad set up a lunch meeting with Walter for next Saturday.”
He turned to Charlotte and gave her a hug and told her, “Your dad said that we will pick you up on the south side of Terminal 3 on Saturday. Text us when you land.”
Alexis and Charlotte got the luggage to the check-in counter and were shocked that Charlotte was charged $75 each for two overweight suitcases. They made their way through Security. Alexis was a little surprised that Charlotte used a passport for identification instead of her driver’s license. Charlotte told her she had read somewhere that Arizona driver’s licenses weren’t going to be allowed as identification any more. Alexis reassured her that the Department of Homeland Security extended current Arizona driver licenses and IDs valid through October 1, 2020. After 2020, all Arizonians would have to obtain and pay extra for a Voluntary Travel ID that could double as their driver’s license or use a passport.
The flight was uneventful; Alexis reread her manuscript while Charlotte played games on her iPad. The changing of planes in Atlanta was easy and after finding their boarding gate, they discovered there was still enough time to get a Starbucks’ coffee and share a sandwich before boarding.
Looking out of the window at all the planes landing and taking off, Alexis turned to her sister. “Charlotte, a few weeks ago I was thinking about Mom’s funeral and those cataclysmic days afterward. Do you remember how close we were back then?”
Charlotte nodded, “Like shipwrecked survivors clinging to one piece of wood.”
“What happened?”
“Alexis, I know you don’t approve of my lifestyle and some of my decisions, but I hate the feeling that I’ve lost your respect and love.”
“Charlotte, no matter what, you’re not ever going to lose my love.” Alexis patted her sister’s shoulder. “Do you ever think about Grandma Baxter and how happy she must be now that she and Mom are together again?”
Coming in for the landing at the Key West Airport, Charlotte leaned over Alexis to look out of the porthole-shaped window to see the cluster of tiny green islands perfectly placed on the edge of the cobalt blue Atlantic Ocean.
Collecting their suitcases, renting a rolling luggage cart for Charlotte, the girls found their way to the Hertz Rental Car counter. They were first in line and the clerk efficiently got them through the paperwork, Alexis added Charlotte as an extra driver. The clerk pointed the girls the way to where the Hertz cars were garaged and handed Alexis the keys to a red Toyota RAV4. Happily, Charlotte’s luggage fit in the cargo area after folding down the back seats. Alexis got behind the wheel, and Charlotte plugged the address into the working Navigation system and they were off.
The Studios of Key West serves as a center for the arts and are located at the very end of the Florida Keys. It was established as a nonprofit organization in 2006 to provide opportunities for artists all over the world. The building was constructed in 1951 in the art deco style and includes a huge exhibition space for modern art, a café and wine bar, information center, and a large auditorium. There are multiple classrooms and nine studios for artists.
Alexis and Charlotte found the building without any problems; it was located just off the hectic Duvall Street where most of the crazy nightlife takes place. Alexis ran up the stairs to the information center to check-in and get the keys and directions to their cottage. Charlotte waited in the car and surveyed this unusual structure. She noticed the Sculpture and Nature Garden off to the side of the building and the outdoor art. Soon Alexis was back dangling the keys; she gave Charlotte the map to their cottage located at 609 Ashe Street, and they were off again.
The cottage was white with green shutters and a low railing that enclosing a porch and two white Adirondack chairs. The French doors opened up into a small living area and a small, but functional kitchen. The floors were hardwood and sturdy. A bicycle was leaning against one wall. The only bedroom was small and included an orange easy chair and matching ottoman, a small dresser, and a double bed. There was no way the tiny closet would even begin to hold Alexis’s clothes let alone Charlotte’s. The sisters looked at each other in surprise.
“Not exactly the luxurious accommodations I was imagining,” said Charlotte.
“I agree,” nodded Alexis. “I really wasn’t expecting a Spartan monk’s cell. But I’m here to write. We can manage. How about finding a place for dinner?”
“Since this is a Hemingway vacation,” smiled Charlotte. “How about dinner at Sloppy Joe’s? Wasn’t that Hemingway’s favorite joint?”
“That’s the spirit.” Alexis propped her one suitcase against the bedroom wall while Charlotte’s luggage took up most of the floor space in the bedroom.
Climbing over the luggage, Alexis found her way into the adjoining bathroom, “I’m just going to freshen up and then we can leave.” Charlotte pulled out her iPhone and started texting. “Oh,” Alexis said. “I already texted Dad and Marcus while we were waiting for our luggage. But, you probably want Christopher and Ashley to know we’ve arrived safely.”
“Yeah,” replied Charlotte. “I’ll do that next.”
On the way to Sloppy Joe’s Alexis took a detour, stopping at 907 Whitehead Street. “Sorry, I just wanted to see the Hemingway house so I can dream about it tonight.” Her sister groaned with impatience.
“Don’t you think it is impressive?” Alexis asked as they parked close by. “Yeah, can we go now? I’m hungry,” interjected her sister.
When they pulled up to the restaurant on the corner of Duvall and Greene Streets, people were already waiting out of the door and half way up a second block. Alexis found a parking spot about three blocks away, and they started walking to get to the end of the line.
“Charley, Charley, over here!” said a voice as they walked by the people already in queue. Alexis looked in the direction of the sound and saw a stranger, who was tall, very good looking and dressed in expensive clothes, holding a leather-bound notebook. There was something familiar about his presence. “Aaron, you’re here,” squealed Charlotte as she ran over to the man waving at her. “Come on, Alexis, Aaron saved us a spot.” Suddenly Alexis recognized the stranger. It was Aaron Baker, the adventurist son of their dad’s friend from New York City.
Aaron and Charlotte hugged and kissed. As they broke apart, Aaron noticed Alexis. “Is this the same frightened little girl I met in New York? Dr. Strong, you have grown into a lovely young woman. I understand you now are a college professor, and earned your doctorate degree. I’m very impressed.”
“Hi, Aaron. Thanks, but remember I was only fourteen years old when we were traipsing through Central Park in the middle of the night. Is this a meeting of coincidence or did you know we were coming to Key West?”
“Aaron’s parents sent a beautifu
l arrangement of flowers when Mom died,” explained Charlotte. “I wrote to Aaron and we have been calling, emailing, texting, etc. throughout the years. Florida is just a skip, hop, and jump from New York, and he agreed to meet us here.”
“By the way, Alexis,” Aaron said as he put his arm around her shoulder. “I should probably thank you for saving our butts that night in the Park. Your sweet innocent face and crocodile tears touched that cab driver’s heart and triggered a sense of duty and compassion that gave us a free ride. I, too, was terrified about walking through Central Park to your hotel. And after that night, the daily news was full of horrible incidents and several murders that happened after dark in the Park. Your fear and that sympathetic cab driver may have saved all our lives.”
Soon they were seated inside a rowdy, loud dining room near the blaring music and the uproarious bar. As they shouted to each other across the small table, Alexis discovered that Aaron was a freelance writer. Newsweek, The Atlanta, and Time magazines frequently ran his stories and the New York Times had called about running his current story about political corruption influencing the upcoming election. She also discovered that his father’s parents had left him a healthy trust fund which ensured his extravagant lifestyle whether he sold magazine articles or not. He had a beautiful condo near his parents building, was recently divorced, and the father of a five-year-old son named Jack.
“Here’s to the banker, the professor, and the writer,” toasted Aaron. “Friends forever. Now how about ditching this noisy joint and check out the Key’s nightlife?”
“Actually,” said Alexis. “I’m exhausted, and I wanted to go sightseeing early tomorrow morning. I just want to unpack and put on my PJs.”
“Oh, Alexis,” mimicked her sister. “You have always been such a party-pooper. Aaron, I’m game. I’d like to see where the Key West crowd goes to have fun. If you really don’t want to go, Alexis, you can drive the rental car back to the tiny bungalow and I’ll go with Aaron.”
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