That afternoon we arrived in Carmel, and checked in to a lovely, quaint hotel. We had a cozy suite with an oversized featherbed and large whirlpool tub. I leaned over the balcony to enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean, as David lit the logs in the fireplace. He joined me on the balcony, holding me in his arms, gently kissing my face and lips.
We relaxed by the fire for an hour or so, dining on grilled salmon and vegetables. Draped over his lap, I was content.
“Sweetheart, we need to go get you some clothes. Why don’t we take a walk through town, and see if we can find you some nice things.” He whispered into my ear, and I hung on each word. His voice was so soothing, gentle and inviting. I could have stayed there in his arms forever.
Roused from the comfortable fireside, we explored the shops in Carmel. We came upon a boutique that offered unique apparel and accessories, and I was impressed with the designer’s artistry. I discussed design and color with the woman at length. David even seemed interested. I didn’t realize where the time was going. The shop owner spent two hours with me. David said he was happy that I found clothes that expressed my personality and creativity. We left with a complete wardrobe.
Nita
Enraged, George paced the corridor outside General Pearson’s office. Frederick sat in the waiting area, his head in his hands. Maria gently rubbed his shoulders in an attempt to soothe him. Cat and I stood propped up by the wall taking it all in.
Wringing her hands, Marion tried to coax George into a chair.
“Damn it, Marion! It’s seven o’clock! They’ve been gone since the crack of dawn! Who knows where? And I’m supposed to relax? Pearson’s unavailable of course! And Eduardo is nowhere in hell to be found! How am I supposed to relax?” George screamed at the top of his voice.
“George!” Marion chastised him with a loud whisper.
Betty, General Pearson’s secretary, appeared in front of the couple, disconcerted. “Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge, the General just phoned, and he’s on his way back to the office. Please try to remain calm. I’m sure he’ll be able to help you somehow. Can I get you some coffee or tea or something?”
“I don’t need coffee! I need my daughter back! She’s been kidnapped! Don’t you understand?”
Betty scampered away silently, and Marion sunk into a chair by Maria, red with embarrassment. Continuing in his circles, George arrived in front of Frederick. “And why doesn’t anyone else but Eduardo or Pearson have one of those phones with his number?” George was still bellowing. Frederick looked up with complete frustration. He could only shake his head in reply.
General Pearson walked in, gawking at George with disdain. “Can I help you with something, Mr. Aldridge?”
“I certainly hope so General. We’ve been waiting here for three hours. Lambrecht has kidnapped my daughter! We have no idea where he’s taken her. Do you know where they are?”
“No, Mr. Aldridge, I don’t. Perhaps they’re at your house.”
“No, they’re not anywhere to be found. We’ve called everyone, and we would have received a call back if they showed up anywhere. They’ve disappeared, General. The man is a kidnapper!”
“Mr. Aldridge, I’m sure you don’t mean to say that about your future son-in-law. I’m sure your daughter is safe and sound.”
“Don’t tell me what I mean to say!” George shouted. Perhaps he then realized he needed the General’s cooperation. “I’m sorry General. It’s just that I am terribly worried about Debbie. We really need your help. Who knows what crazy murderer, drug dealer, is after him now. They could both be in terrible danger. I know you can always reach him by phone. Would you please call him now? I need to talk to him.”
Pearson exhaled his aggravation and led George into his office. George took a seat in front of his desk, as the General dialed the phone. We observed from the doorway.
David
Every one of his senses was heightened as David softly kissed her lips and face and admired her body through the thin cotton of her nightgown. The ringing in his pocket caused her to jump.
“It’s alright Sweetheart.” He leisurely answered his phone. “Yes?”
“David.”
“Yes Sir.”
“David, George Aldridge is here with your parents. He’s anxious to speak with you. I’m going to put him on.”
George howled into the phone. “Lambrecht, where are you? Where is my daughter? Is she alright?”
David paused before speaking as he stole another kiss. She let out an involuntary giggle that beguiled him. As George continued to growl into the phone, he began a new round of kisses to her earlobe.
David remembered he should answer his future father-in-law. “Debbie is just fine George. We’ll be here a few days. There’s no need to worry. She’s eating well, and she’s in excellent spirits.” He smiled and kissed her again.
“And where exactly is here?” George screamed.
He clicked the phone off.
***
When he opened his eyes he was still holding her, seemingly afloat in their soft featherbed. She was sound asleep. A tiny sliver of light shone through the curtains.
He ordered room service for breakfast, and Debbie ate most of her food while they chatted. Later, he suggested they spend some time at the beach. She chose one of her new outfits, a cotton dress which hung loosely almost to her ankles. The blue of the dress complemented her eyes.
He slathered her with sun block, helped her into her sweater, and led her to the beach. The ocean was only a few steps from their suite.
Like children, they ran to the water’s edge to greet the incoming tide. Debbie shrieked with shock and delight as they landed in the cool water. He lifted her and teased her about throwing her in.
Carefree, they frolicked on the near-deserted beach, walking arm in arm, searching for shells, colorful stones, bits of sea glass and driftwood. David had never before felt a need to bother with such things. It occurred to him that Debbie was showing him a part of life he had completely ignored, until now. He had to smile as he watched her joyfully celebrate each little treasure she found.
She ran ahead of him, certain she had spotted a prize piece of sea glass in the sand. He admired the form of her body underneath her cotton dress – pleased that her hips and breasts were becoming more curvaceous. His contemplation was interrupted with his ringing phone. It was apparently Eduardo. “Yes?”
“Don’t you dare hang up on me this time! Or I swear, I swear I will get my daughter back somehow! And there will be no wedding! Do you understand me?” George sounded like Satan himself. He’d probably tracked Eduardo down at the recording studio.
David grimaced as he replied, “Yes George, I understand.”
“Good! Now I demand to know where you’ve taken my daughter. I demand you bring her home today. And I want to speak with her now! I must know that she’s alright.”
“I will put her on the phone with you, George. But I am telling you now, if you upset her in any way, I will make you pay for that. She’s happy, she’s eating well, and there’s no reason for you to ruin her day. I don’t mind you speaking with her as long as you are civil. Do you understand me?”
“Do you dare to threaten me?” George roared into the phone.
“Yes.” He could hear George seething on the other end of the line, and he felt a certain satisfaction.
Moments passed before George composed himself. “Just put Debbie on the phone! Of course I would not say anything to upset her!”
“Very well, George.” David summoned her to the phone. “It’s your father, Sweetheart.”
The sunny smile faded from her face. She stammered into the phone, “Hi Daddy.”
David could hear him yelling. “Debbie, dear, are you alright? Where are you? Your mother and I have been very worried about you, dear.”
“Oh! Yes Daddy, we’re fine! David and I are having a wonderful time. You mustn’t worry about us. Here’s David again. Bye Daddy, I love you.” Debbie passed the phone like a hot potato
. They could hear George yelling into space.
“You see, George, she is fine.” David spoke after George finally fell silent.
“Where are you?” He sounded defeated.
Ignoring his question, David continued, “We’ll call you in a few days when we get back into town. Take care. Give our love to everyone.” He placed the phone back in his pocket, and ran to rescue Debbie as she fled from another wave lapping onto the sand.
***
At last they settled on a wooden bench, resting, enjoying the view. Sudden emotion overtook him and his eyes began to water. She noticed and reached up to wipe a stray tear. He kissed her hand and held it to his face.
“We’ve become so much closer in just one day. And today, today I’m so grateful to have you here with me, to be with you. You give me so much happiness. All the things that have happened in my life, all the good things put together, don’t add up to the joy the, the contentment I’ve had in just one day with you.”
“I love you, David,” she said.
He was drawn so deeply into those blue eyes gazing up at him; he thought he could get lost in them forever.
***
After a leisurely lunch in Carmel, they discovered a fascinating shop amidst the art galleries. Encouraged by David’s enthusiastic support of her artwork, Debbie had spoken to him about trying new projects. On entering the shop her jaw dropped open in amazement. Here was an abundance of supplies, every medium for every art project she had considered. “Oh David! It’s just like Cat said.”
“What did Cat say, Sweetheart?”
“I am divinely led.”
He thought about her paintings and the mysterious rainbow. The blood over the boat Forgiven. “Yes. I think so.”
They returned to their suite, laden with art supplies. Debbie sat on the balcony, painting her view of the glorious panorama before them. Her talent, and the speed with which she produced such remarkable work, floored him. They spent the remainder of the afternoon at her easel.
“What would you like to do for dinner, Sweetheart? If you wish we can go out. Or we can stay here, order room service.” He held her comfortably by the fireside. Tired from the adventures of the day, Debbie elected to stay in, and he was pleased for the opportunity to rest. They relaxed in their soft, well-cushioned chair until dinner arrived at their door.
After the meal David put one of Paulo’s CD’s in the player and invited his fiancée to dance. She giggled with delight as he held her close and guided her around the room. He kissed her as he pleased and allowed his hands to wander over her body. When they landed on the bed, she looked a bit confused. And he felt a bit guilty. This was not the time and the place. Not if they were going to be “divinely led.”
He kissed her and they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Debbie
As I woke up, I saw David coming toward me with a breakfast tray. My sleepy eyes focused on his strong chest and arms, the tight muscles of his abdomen. His scars were still very visible. Blue sweatpants hung low on his hips. He put the tray on the nightstand and woke me the rest of the way with kisses.
“How about painting on the beach today?”
I thought that was a great idea. “Let’s walk that path by the beach. There are some trees we could rest under and paint.”
“Sounds like a plan,” he said.
He grabbed me as I tried to get up and tackled me with more kisses. I decided to fight kisses with kisses.
***
I selected a pink dress similar to the style I wore yesterday, and he told me how much he liked seeing me in that color. He plunked a hat on my head, and we walked the path along the beach. A sea breeze threatened to blow that hat away, and I told him I wouldn’t mind. We settled in a treed area overlooking the ocean where I planned to paint.
David sat beside me and removed an apple from his backpack. I watched him take a knife from his pocket, open it, and carefully slice the apple. He handed the piece to me. I took a small bite and watched him intently as I chewed. Apple slivers went directly from the blade of the knife to his mouth. I’d never seen anyone eat like this before. He had a faraway look in his eye, off somewhere deep in thought. I finished my apple and turned to my painting, but he insisted on serving me another slice.
Still full from breakfast, I had no interest in it, but accepted it anyway. I took tiny bites, slowly, deliberately chewing, and then swallowing, but it was difficult. I wondered to myself how many gadgets David carried on his person. The phone was always with him, and apparently this knife. And the gun. I shuddered as I recalled him putting it on under his jacket before we left the hospital. I realized he must have had it under his suit jacket the day I first met him at the hospital in Beverly Hills.
I watched him toss the apple core down the embankment. Simultaneously I dropped my apple slice into the sand. “Oh!” I tried to sound disappointed. But I saw his lips curl into a knowing smile.
“Oh, David.” I looked down to see a line of horses and riders parading on the beach below. “Oh, David. Look! Wow!” I ran to the edge of the embankment to watch.
He came up behind me and held me by the waist. “Do you like horses?”
“Oh! Oh yes! They’re so beautiful. I wish I – I wish I could have one.” I was a little embarrassed. I’d never told anyone before about wanting horses.
“Well then, why don’t we go riding later on today?”
I looked up at him in shock. “Oh! Well I – I don’t know how to ride.”
“I know how. I’ll help you. It’ll be fun.”
“Oh.” I was excited and fearful at the same time.
Settling back with the paints and canvas, my mind was distracted by the thought of the upcoming riding lesson. David sensed my upset, and suggested we go visit the stable.
We drove up to a well-maintained barn. David helped me from the car, and we walked hand in hand toward the owner, who stood watching us. David engaged the man in conversation, and a minute later we were touring the stable.
He chose a docile bay mare, and brought me over to the stall. He showed me how to greet and touch the animal. I gingerly patted the horse at first, later growing more confident. Within ten minutes we were best friends, and I threw my arms around the mare’s neck.
The owner stood outside the stall watching all this. I supposed we weren’t the usual customers.
David requested a single horse capable of carrying us both with an English saddle. When the owner heard he intended to pay the price for two horses, just for the one, he became cooperative. David examined a large gray gelding, and arranged with the owner to have the horse ready for us. I watched this procedure anxiously from the comfort of my mare’s stall. I wondered why we couldn’t have my horse to ride.
Since I had no slacks or appropriate shoes in my new wardrobe, we visited my favorite boutique after lunch. The woman outfitted me in a flattering pair of jeans, a cotton shirt, and some sturdy shoes. I left the dressing room a new person.
David liked my outfit so much he ordered several pairs of jeans for me. The savvy saleswoman informed him the cotton top was available in several different colors. And of course there were matching sweaters and sweatshirts. David added them to the bill.
***
It was late in the afternoon when we arrived back at the barn. I shook with fear as David pulled the saddle tighter on the huge gray horse. “Oh… he… he’s beautiful David. But… but… could I just have my horse… you know… my horse, Missy?” I could hardly get the words out as I stood there wringing my hands.
“Sweetheart, I don’t think you’re strong enough yet, to ride by yourself. Perhaps another time. For now we’re going to ride this horse together. I’m going to put you right on my lap, okay? You won’t need to worry about anything, okay?”
“Okay.” I was relieved – and excited – again.
He picked me up and stood me on the mounting block, then went to get the horse. Taking him in a small circle around the yard, David was satisfied with the animal an
d rode to the mounting block. He lifted me onto the horse, and we made the same circle together.
“Would you like to head down to the beach?” He spoke softly into my ear.
“Yes!” I was breathless with excitement. He carefully explained everything he’d do beforehand so as not to startle me. In a short time, we were cantering along the beach.
***
Exhausted from the day, we collapsed by the fire and waited for dinner from room service. I fell asleep in David’s arms and slept ten hours straight.
The next day, we visited the stable and went riding. I was so zealous about the horses, David made arrangements for us to ride each day until our departure date on the following Wednesday.
Eduardo
Anthony Cooke poked his balding head around the door to find Eduardo alone in the office, getting organized for the new training job. With the usual twinkle in his eye and broad, toothy smile, he burst in to greet his old friend. Eduardo gave him a bear hug. It seemed like only yesterday since they’d seen each other, but it was actually almost two years. A helicopter pilot and an unlikely looking daredevil, Tony’s madcap stunts had rescued his friends from more than a few scrapes.
Eduardo motioned him to sit. Tony wasted no time in making himself comfortable with his feet up on David’s desk. “So! Cupid’s getting married!” he pronounced in his proper British accent. “I can’t wait to see this chick. I didn’t think he would ever succumb.”
“Me either.” Eduardo grunted.
“Is she positively ravishing? Saucy and shapely?” He motioned descriptively, a lewd look in his eye.
Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series: Book 1) Page 20
