The Bovine Connection

by Kimberly Thomas

  Gail’s husband had been a successful real estate developer and left her everything. Gail clearly didn’t have to work for a living, but she loved being an editor, and proved successful at it over the years. Angelica knew Gail’s career was her way of surviving after her husband’s death.

  As Theo slept comfortably on his plush doggy bed in the corner of the kitchen, Gail poured the Syrah.

  “Do you think they followed you here? Whoever ‘they’ are.”

  “Probably! I don’t want to get you involved, Gail. I shouldn’t have come,” Angelica’s eyes were sincere.

  “No worries, it’s too late anyway,” Gail shrugged.

  “Well, what are you going to do next?” Gail asked solemnly.

  Angelica leaned in over the white marble countertop, lowering her voice. “I’m going to see the aerospace facility in Nevada with Dr. Bishop, an archeologist from the Smithsonian.”

  “Why him… How do you know him?” Gail sounded surprised, yet curious.

  “He’s the strange voicemail from Elberton – remember?”

  Gail stepped back as her mouth fell open. “Is he trustworthy? Is it safe?”

  “I hope…” Angelica laughed nervously. “Yes, he appears harmless. Paul Colbeck, the ufology investigator, put him in touch with me.”

  Gail stepped back and leaned against her Sub-Zero stainless steel refrigerator, clutching her wine glass. “Well, I’m worried… Damn that Carl for bringing this story to the magazine!” Gail sounded frustrated as she put her wine down and stepped over to the sink.

  “I’m questioning why we should even care if aliens exist. Why don’t they just show themselves so we can all just get on with our lives?” Gail sneered.

  Angelica laughed. “Am I hearing you correctly? You think it is that simple, huh? People like you and I would adjust… we’d find a way to adapt. However, Gail, you are not considering the weaker of the human race. A shift in their paradigm of this magnitude could be too much to bear, I’m afraid. The cognitive dissonance of the human species is bad enough as it is.”

  Gail nodded and took a small sip of her wine, then put the glass on the countertop. “So, Dr. Marc Bishop’s going with you to Vegas?”

  “Yes, as an archeologist, he is very intrigued with ancient artifacts and is convinced there’s some connection pertaining to ancient aliens and the aerospace facility, and get this – he alluded to Mars. He wouldn’t come right out and say it, but it was obvious. He believes whoever helped build the pyramids on earth also built them on Mars.”

  “Aliens… Mars? What do you think about all that?” Gail tilted her head curiously.

  “I don’t know, maybe it’s true… Regardless, I want to know what John Kaye and Frank Giano are up to – Something doesn’t feel right about that, and I don’t like secrets, especially the ones kept from the public of this magnitude.”

  Gail appeared confused. “What do you think they are up to? You must have some idea by now. And something tells me this has become quite personal.”

  “Ya’ think?” Angelica asked playfully -- more as a statement, distressed. “Someone beat in my car today, and a friend of mine was hung by a rope.” Angelica took a sip of her wine and thought for a moment. “I guess I’m also searching now for more proof that aliens do exist. I believe my involvement cost Matthew his life. So yes, this is no longer about little grey or green men. This has definitely become personal.” Angelica appeared angry.

  “And then what?” Gail asked, as she tightened her lips and tilted her head curiously.

  “And then, well, let’s see…” Angelica took a strand of her hair along her neck and twirled it as she considered Gail’s question. “I don’t know.” Angelica frowned and appeared to be contemplating.

  “I can’t believe we are having this conversation. This is all very crazy!” Gail chuckled in disbelief.

  “Hey, grab your wine! It’s a beautiful evening, let’s go outside and eat on the veranda. I made a delicious Italian salad with parmesan cheese, pepperoncini, chickpeas, olives, and red onion… your favorite! I’ll bring it out – go relax!”

  “That sounds perfect! I am so hungry!” Angelica grabbed the bottle of Syrah and their two glasses.

  “Well, you could use the food. Doesn’t look like you’ve been eating much.” Gail examined Angelica’s petite frame as she walked away.

  There was a soft breeze early that evening. The sound of the fountain was flowing harmoniously in the background. Angelica heard the chirp of a bird and she saw a red cardinal launching from a bird feeder. As she glanced away, she caught a hummingbird sipping from the bleeding heart bush along the pathway under the hundred-year-old, white-blossomed crape myrtle trees.

  “Do you see hummingbirds out here often?” Angelica asked as Gail was stepping outside from the glass atrium leading from the kitchen to the veranda.

  “No. Why, did you see one?” she asked surprised.

  “Yes, just now over there sipping from your pink, heart-shaped flower bush.”

  “The bleeding heart bush? I love hummingbirds -- peaceful little creatures,” Gail said, as she put the salad bowl and plates down on the table. “Lovely out here this time of day. Just look at that sunset,” Gail announced.

  “Yes, I love it here, Gail. You should let me move in,” Angelica said, as she leaned back and smiled innocently. They both laughed.

  “Sweetie, I‘ve lived alone for eleven years. I could not imagine what I’d be like to live with now. I’ve become a bit set in my ways.”

  Angelica lifted her glass. “A toast to my dearest friend who I couldn’t even begin to imagine living my life without!” Gail lifted her glass and smiled sincerely.

  After Gail set her glass down, she lifted the large bamboo salad hands and filled Angelica’s plate with Italian salad. “So, tell me about this cowboy.”

  Angelica looked inquisitively at Gail. “Cowboy? Oh, Michael Anderson?”

  “Yes, you know exactly who I’m referring to.” Gail giggled.

  “How did you know?” Angelica’s eyes were wide.

  “Angelica, you told Andrew – how else? You know he’s quite heartbroken.”

  Angelica shrugged her shoulders. “I like Andrew, Gail, but let’s be honest, he’s a playboy. He’ll be fine in no time, trust me, in no time.” Angelica smirked.

  Gail nodded. She knew Angelica was right. “Well, Andrew came into my office, hoping I’d plead his case to you. I sincerely listened, but I too have known his type, and he’s not good enough for you, Angelica. And you are his boss... Never a good idea.” Gail shook her head.

  Angelica looked down at her watch and bit down on her bottom lips. “Yes, it was a mistake.” Angelica clearer her throat sounding uneasy.

  Gail understood his persistent sexual innuendos that gradually turned into happy hour drinks and late night casual sex was just that – casual sex. She knew, although Angelica was young, she was wise, and a relationship with Andrew would lead to heartbreak, no doubt. “Well, enough about Andrew,” Gail stated and flung her hand into the air as if to clear the space for her next question. “Tell me about Michael!”

  “I don’t know what to say other than he is the most handsome, sexy, interesting man I’ve ever met!” Angelica smiled sheepishly.

  “That’s all? Anything else?” Gail laughed. “You are blushing! Okay, details – do share.” Gail smirked as she raised her palm to her chin.

  “Well, I certainly wasn’t in Montana looking for the love of my life, but I think he may have shown up. Michael’s father, Hugh Anderson, experienced the first cattle mutilation on his ranch in Elberton back in 2000.”

  Gail interrupted Angelica. “Really? Michael’s part of your story?”

  Angelica nodded and continued. “Michael wasn’t living there at the time. He didn’t officially move back until after his father had passed away of cancer. He came back to sell the ranch but decided to keep it, and rebuilt the house into an amazing log home, like the homes you see in Aspen and Vail. It’s truly stunni
ng, Gail,” Angelica said in a deep breath.

  “I gathered he’s only there a small percentage of the time – it’s more of a retreat, I think, to get away from the city.”

  “Really, what does he do for a living, if he’s not a rancher?”

  “He’s a private equity investor and has a loft in Midtown, Manhattan.”

  “Who takes care of the ranch?” Gail appeared confused.

  “There’s this sweet old man, Sam -- he calls him Sammy -- who lives on the property. He runs the ranch for Michael.”

  “Manhattan, fascinating! Have you guys… well, you know?”

  Angelica finished Gail’s sentence. “Had sex? Yes, and it was nice.” Angelica smiled shyly.

  Gail lowered her chin… “Nice?”

  “Yes, nice,” Angelica grinned. “Okay, intense may be a better word.” Angelica grabbed a stand of her hair and twirled it. “He was here last night, left for New York this morning.” Angelica looked down and then laughed. “We’re a lot alike.”

  “Oh Lord, now that’s trouble.” Amused, Gail chuckled spontaneously.

  “When will you see him again?”

  “He wants me to come to New York soon. This story has my life on hold… I don’t know when that will be.” Angelica sighed. “And what if I don’t survive this story, Gail? What if they kill me?” Angelica’s eyes grew grave.

  Gail appeared worried. She knew she couldn’t convince Angelica to give up the story.

  Gail laid her palm over the top of Angelica’s hand. “No one is going to kill you! Don’t you worry; everything has its perfect timing. You’ll be with your cowboy,” she said softly.

  “So I hear,” Angelica murmured as she rolled her eyes, snatched her wine and took a sip, appearing to pout.

  Gail leaned in lowering her voice. “You are certainly not the average woman… I think you’re gonna come out of this just fine.”

  Gail frowned. “That poor journalist, Matthew… Well we have no idea who or what he was involved with. His death may have had nothing to do with this story.”

  Angelica’s tone was intense. “You may be right. But my intuition tells me his death had everything to do with this story. Who do you think is really behind all of this? Is it the billionaire, the government, aliens?” Angelica eyed her salad as she pushed around a caper with her fork. She looked up at Gail. “Nothing is connecting with me yet. This story has layers and the deeper I peel them back the more confused I get… and the more dangerous it becomes.”

  “I don’t know, Angelica… Carl believes it’s the industrial military complex.”

  “You know, I think he may be on to something – Carl’s a strategic guy, highly intelligent. But I still think we are circling around the real truth here.”

  “Did Carl show you the secret file before he gave it to me?” Angelica asked curiously.

  “No, honey, he didn’t… However, Carl has said enough… I’ve connected the dots. Why don’t you tell me what else is in that file so I don’t keep guessing?”

  “I hesitate to say. Well, it’s…” Angelica’s eyes grew grave and she paused. “It’s probably better that you don’t know too many details, Gail. You know, now that I think about it… why would Carl take such a risk anyway? A story like this could get him into serious trouble and the file would probably be traced back to him… He obviously wanted to get to the truth no matter what. He knew when I grabbed the story that I’d see it to the end – the perfect little patriot journalist that I am. He had to be thrilled, or was that his plan all along? He threw the bone, and I took it, and ran with it.” Angelica thought for a moment and then continued, “Do you trust him?”

  “I trust Carl, I guess, but obviously not as much as I trust you. I know he has ties to the CIA… Hell that’s not all that uncommon in this industry, since you could practically throw a stone over at them in Arlington, Virginia. How else would he have gotten that file full of CIA documents? There was a rumor at one time that he was a ‘CIA Journalist Asset’ while at the Post… however I don’t think he’d want to publish a story of this nature if he were working for them now.”

  Gail took a deep breath. “So tell me about the dinner with Dr. Goolrick.”

  “Well, to sum it up… it is his opinion that the cattle are used for food for the ET’s, kind of like a delicacy.” Angelica raised her eyebrows.

  “Really, like truffles or caviar… to humans, huh?” Gail pursed her lips and appeared worried.

  “I guess… nothing shocks me anymore, Gail.” Angelica looked down at her salad and pushed the plate forward. “I’ve lost my appetite, I’m afraid. It was very good though, thank you.”

  Gail leaned back. “Just be careful, Angelica, you never know who the real players are in games of this nature.” Gail’s eyes were wide as she took a sip of her wine and then sat the glass down.

  “While I believe in telling the truth – is it worth risking your life? If it were me, I’d tell Carl to find another patsy, no offense.” Gail laughed sarcastically.

  Angelica was ready to change the subject. Gail worried enough about her and if she kept talking, she might accidently mention the device.

  “So I’ve asked you this before, but I’ll ask again… why won’t you date? I hate to see you here alone. You’re a gorgeous lady, smart, a great cook, an incredible gardener…” Angelica gestured at the potted white flowers beside her in the stone pot showcasing years of moss growth, and laughed playfully.

  “I guess I’d rather be alone than with someone that doesn’t understand me the way my husband did. I’m a conversationalist and need to talk, communicate, you know what I mean?”

  “Yeah, I do, actually.” Angelica smiled and glanced over at the sunset almost hidden behind the fence.

  Gail placed her hand on her cheek, appearing relaxed and introspective. She looked out at the sunset’s golden rays shining between the cracks in the fence and spoke softly. “Well, when I was young like you, lust was important, but you grow out of that. Priorities change. I would imagine it to be much lonelier with someone who is not compatible with one’s idiosyncrasies. Some of my friends are in some very toxic relationships. But they would rather not be alone, I gather… very sad.”

  Angelica sipped her wine and considered the truth of Gail’s life experience.

  “Anyway, too much trouble… men.” Gail laughed. “Besides, I have Theo.” They both looked over at Theo as he raised his eyes in response to hearing his name, while lazily lying on the lawn close by.

  “Sweet Theo!” Angelica agreed.

  Gail poured more wine into their glasses. “What’s on your agenda tomorrow?”

  “Busy day to say the least. I meet with Dr. Walter Goolrick and a colleague of his at the Georgetown campus at eleven o’clock in the morning. Then I’m off on an evening flight to Vegas.”

  “Science and gambling… That should be interesting,” Gail said, as she chuckled and lifted her glass in the air toward Angelica.

  “You’d like Dr. Goolrick; he’s an intriguing man… Not sure if he is married, though.”

  Gail laughed spontaneously… “Oh, no you don’t!”

  “Well, he’s certainly not of your typical western medicine mindset; although, he still retains a rather large ego.” Angelica rolled her eyes with straight lips.

  Gail leaned over deliberately towards Angelica, “Honey, I believe that comes with the territory.”

  “True,” Angelica agreed, as she finished the last sip of wine. “I have a busy morning. We should probably get to bed.”

  “Yes, we need our beauty rest.” Gail said, as she stood up from the table. I’ll grab the salad and plates if you’ll get the wine bottle and glasses.”

  Angelica blew out the candles and called to Theo to follow her inside.

  In the kitchen, Gail was placing the dishes in the sink.

  “I have everything, even Theo, here,” Angelica said. “And I locked the back door,” she added, as the dog sauntered past to lie down on his bed.

  “Tha
nk you, sweetie! You can get on to bed; I’m almost finished in here.”

  Angelica started down the hall but then turned around and looked back at Gail. Gail sensed that Angelica had stopped and she turned around. “What is it, honey?”

  “If I don’t see you in the morning before I leave… thank you for that amazing salad and another wonderful evening!”

  Gail smiled. “Go get your beauty rest! Oh, and Angelica, you’ll be with your cowboy soon enough! However, you are not moving to New York or Montana and leaving your dearest friend!”

  “You needn’t worry… Goodnight, Gail. And thank you again, my sweet friend.”

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Angelica awoke the next morning to the sound of her iPhone ringing. She had set the alarm for seven thirty, but the alarm was the same as her ring tone and it always confused her. She reached over and pressed the red snooze icon in the middle of the screen, and fell back in the soft bed and buried her head in the pillow. Nine minutes later it sounded again so she got up from the bed, walked over and opened the guest bedroom door.

  Gail’s door was already open and her bed was made. There was a lingering scent of lilac perfume in the hall. Angelica clambered out of the room in her white silk panties and Michael’s white undershirt, cautiously peering down the hallway as she started down the staircase. She ran her hand along the banister as she went downstairs. Angelica walked over and looked out the glass door in the foyer, before proceeding down the hall to the kitchen.

  The smell of fresh roses fumigated the air. Gail had left the coffee maker on with a half a pot of coffee for her. Angelica found a clean white coffee mug with the words “I love Rome” printed in black beside the coffee maker. She poured her coffee, leaving off the cream and sugar. The house was quiet. Theo was lying in the corner peering up at her with his chin propped up on the edge of his bed.

  Angelica stepped into the glass atrium. She watched as the birds flew around the feeders, listening to their morning song.

  After a moment, she looked down at the wound on her forearm. Everything was surreal. At that moment everything that happened last week felt like a dream – Elberton, Montana… the cattle mutilations… Matthew’s death… the man in the black Tahoe… the secret file detailing what appeared to be a CIA cover-up… She was beginning to feel major sensory overload again. Angelica caught herself in the trail of deep thought and blurted aloud, “Fuck! What am I doing?” She put her hand to her chest and looked up at the sky blankly. “Who are you? What are you?” Angelica thought aloud, looking at the sky, before she lowered her head, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the glass. “Who am I? I don’t know anymore,” she whispered.