The Senator's Choice

by Combs, Sasha

  Michael didn’t have to wait for William to explain himself because he understood his nonverbal cues.

  Looking at the other people in the room, he began dishing out instructions.

  “LaShawn...Wallace and Mildred... We’ll need you to stay here at the house, just in case Morgan returns and the manhunt can be called off.”

  Looking at Greta and the other house staff, Michael said...

  “Greta, someone will need to monitor every door or entry point. If Morgan comes back, we’ll need to know if she’s attempting to sneak back in.”

  Miguel appeared willing and ready to help. Michael thought for a few seconds because he didn’t know much about the area surrounding the house or the terrain.

  He looked at Miguel when he spoke, and so did everyone else in the room.

  “Miguel...based on the location of the footprint in the garden, where do you think Morgan was headed?”

  Miguel thought for a few seconds, then his eyes went bright with his answer.

  “If I had to guess, I would say that she went in a northerly direction.”

  “Beckards Point or Easterly Alley.” His father said.

  “How far is that Miguel?” Michael asked.

  “Easterly Alley is about a seven mile walk and Beckards Point is a tad over ten miles. Morgan is young and in good shape. She could have gone in either direction and she knows the area well.”

  “All right...” Michael said. “You and one of the drivers go to Easterly Alley, while William and I...we’ll go to Beckards Point.”

  “You can count me in on that party.” said Wallace.

  “No dad...” William said. “Someone needs to be here when and if Morgan returns. Furthermore,...I would feel better if you and mom stayed here. We all don’t need to be out traipsing in the woods. I have an odd feeling that Morgan is putting us all through this for nothing. I wouldn’t be surprised if we find her out beyond the tree line looking at us while we’re stomping through branches and mud on a wild goose chase.”

  William said this but he really didn’t believe it. In fact, he feared the worse and he just didn’t want to worry his parents.

  “All right...” Michael said, seconds before he clapped his hands.

  “Now that everyone has their assignments, for those of us braving the outdoors, I think we need to change into clothing that is suited for our long hike.”

  “I’ll prepare sandwiches and water for your backpacks.” Greta said just before she disappeared in the direction leading back to the kitchen. It wasn’t until then that Michael realized, he’d be staying overnight in one of the hunters cabins. He had not planned to do this but after seeing William’s distraught expression, he was prepared to do anything for his friend. Morgan was special to them all and he worried for her safety just as much as her father did.

  As they walked towards the stairs leading to the upper level, Michael noticed that LaShawn remained with William’s mom and dad. She’d assumed the responsibility to keep them calm, while he went out into the woods to help locate Morgan.

  While climbing the stairs, Michael said...

  “Is Pamela still sleeping?”

  William was still in shock but his shaky behavior didn’t keep him from hearing his friend.

  When they reached the top landing, then stood at the juncture of all four wings, William had not worked out how he would explain this all to Pam.

  He looked down at the floor, studying the intricate pattern of the rug. He inhaled deeply, then said...

  “When it became clear that Morgan wasn’t upstairs, at the time I didn’t see the need to wake her but now, I’m not so sure I shouldn’t.”

  “Wake her William. Pamela will not want to hear this news from anyone else, except from you. You must remember...due to the pregnancy her emotions might be heightened. She’s in the early stages and we shouldn’t do anything that might cause her to become excessively upset.”

  William understood Michael’s concerns and on principle he agreed with every word. Nonetheless, the way he’d made love to Pamela last night...there weren’t any delicate words that could be used to describe what had occurred in their bedroom. When he’d last seen Pam, her body was curled into his pillow, and with each intake of air he could hear the sound of a small snore whistling from her pursed lips. In short, she was completely beat. Despite all of that, William knew he couldn’t predict what Pamela would do if she were to learn about the morning events from someone else.

  Michael’s eyes followed William’s stare. They were looking in the direction of the hallway that led to the master bedroom suite. Michael didn’t envy William’s task.

  “Michael...give me five minutes to get dressed and I’ll meet you downstairs in the foyer.”

  “You might need more than five minutes to answer all of Pam’s questions.”

  “I know...but we don’t have more than five minutes. Morgan could be out there alone and I don’t want to waste time when my daughter could be in trouble.”

  “Do you suspect that we’ll run into that mountain lion that Miguel was talking about? I only ask because we probably should carry loaded weapons.”

  “Don’t worry Michael. This won’t be the first time that a lion has come close to the property. Most times, they are more afraid of us, than we are of them. But we will be carrying rifles for added protection.”

  “Good. I’ll get changed and I’ll meet you downstairs in the foyer.”

  The two men went their separate ways. When William reached his suite, he heard the sound of running water coming from his bedroom. When he opened the door, he noticed that the bed was empty and Pamela could be heard singing. He didn’t bother to interrupt her shower. Instead, he stepped into of his dressing closet to change into his hunting clothes. After he was dressed, William stepped out into his bedroom, at the same moment Pamela was walking out of the bathroom. She had wrapped a large towel around herself. Her hair was damp and droplets of water danced on her brown shoulders.

  With a smile on her face, Pamela walked across the floor in his direction.

  “Good morning lover.” She said in a sweet sultry tone. When she stood in front of him, she lifted on her tiptoes to kiss him. William wrapped his arms around her waist, steadying her body against his. He could smell the sweet aroma of the scented soap that she’d used. He could also feel warmth coming from her body.

  “How long have you been awake?” he asked.

  “Not long. Maybe fifteen minutes. Is it to late to ask Greta to fix me a little something to eat.”

  Pamela’s stomach felt a little queasy but she was willing to test its ability to hold down food.

  “Sure Pammy. I’ll call down right now and have Mara bring you up a plate.”

  “Thanks William.”

  Pamela kissed him on his lips before she walked to the drawer in her closet where her clothes had been unpacked by the maid. As she dressed, she talked from the closet, choosing a shirt and jeans to wear for the day.

  “Have you seen my parents this morning?”

  William walked over to her closet. He stood near the door but he didn’t go inside.

  “Pam, there has been a problem this morning.”

  “A problem?” she said.

  “Yes,...it’s Morgan. When I went to her room this morning to have breakfast and talk... She wasn’t there and no one has seen her.”

  Pamela stepped out of her dressing closet with her jeans already on. She was slipping her arm through the sleeve of her shirt.

  “What do you mean, no one has seen her? She is here...isn’t she? I mean...she has to be here, right? Where can she go, if not somewhere in the house?”

  “Pamela...we’ve searched this entire house for the last hour and she isn’t anywhere. Believe me baby, we’ve checked. Miguel and the two drivers walked around the grounds to check the outer buildings. The sheds and the barn. Miguel spotted a footprint that he believes is leading away from the house. We’re going to search outside to see if maybe she has headed out to on
e of the cabins.”

  “Why would she do that William? Isn’t that dangerous?”

  “Not really. Morgan has been coming here since she was a little girl. It is true that we’ve never allowed her to walk to any of the cabins alone but she does know her way around the property and she knows where all the hunters cabins are located.”

  “But I still don’t understand why she would do something so risky by placing her safety in jeopardy.”

  “Pamela...she isn’t thinking. It’s the only reasonable explanation.”

  Pamela had finished buttoning up her shirt. She walked over to the large picture window in their bedroom. She could see Miguel and another man standing in the rear of the house with long barreled weapons. Her eyes surveyed the area as far as her eyes could see. The view was spectacular but the landscape wasn’t the only thing that she noticed. Barn Wood Hudson was located in a remote area with the nearest town by car over an hour away. The terrain was rugged and unforgiving with countless dangers that a young girl could never possibly foresee. Most of all, Pamela knew that William was trying to protect her feelings. Last night while Morgan had been ranting, she knew that the young girls anger had been directed solely on her. Sure, she lashed out at William but the crux of her fury lay dead center on Pamela.

  She whirled around on her bare feet, to face William. She looked at his clothing and in that instant the full picture became clear.

  “I’m going with you.” She said succinctly.

  William had not anticipated that she would say something so absurd, which is the reason he stood by the door with his eyes staring at her in shock. Even when Pam continued to explain her reasoning, William’s feet refused to move.

  “Morgan is gone because of me. I’m going because if we’re ever going to get pass whatever this is that she’s blaming me for; then she needs to see that I’m just as concerned as you are for her safety. She needs to see me out in the woods looking for her right along with you.”

  William left the spot where he’d been standing, to cross the room where Pamela now stood. The restless discomfort that had been burning in his bones, had turned into something he couldn’t begin to describe.

  “Pamela...none of the ladies are going with us. LaShawn and my mom are staying here just in case we’re wrong, and Morgan returns to the house while we’re out looking for her. I think it makes more sense if you remain here.”

  “Why...so she can see me here, then take off again, but this time to go out searching for you? The last thing Morgan needs to see is me here without you in this house. She needs to see us together as a united front.” Pamela’s hands rested on the sides of her hips. After she’d pointed out the flaws in his idea, she knew he would try to think of another reason for her to stay at the house. She didn’t want to hear him using the pregnancy as an argument for her to remain behind because even though she was pregnant, her body was well toned and muscular. She could keep up with any man that challenged her and William damn well knew that. She watched his face as it turned a rosy red complexion, which meant he knew she’d just trumped him.

  “Pamela...we don’t have time to debate this. Your father is waiting for me downstairs. We’re going to hike out to Beckards Point while Miguel takes the other men to Easterly Alley. There are four cabins out that way. We’re going to check them all but since the hour will be late, we’re going to camp out there and return in the morning. If we don’t find Morgan, then my parents will notify the local authorities to widen the search.”

  Pamela wondered what other plans had been made while she’d been sleeping. Whatever scheming had been done, she had every intention to be by William’s side and she wasn’t willing to budge an inch.

  Pamela walked back to her closet. Considering William’s outfit and the clothes that she’d seen on Miguel and the other man outdoors; the clothes that she’d chosen to wear wouldn’t be appropriate for the hike. So, she leafed through the garments in her closet, making a more appropriate selection.

  “I’ll be downstairs in two minutes. Don’t leave without me William. If you do...I’ll be forced to follow on my own.”

  “Dammit Pamela...” William swore. Because short of locking her in the suite, there would be little that he could do to stop her from following him.

  “I don’t have time for this.” He said, mildly annoyed.

  “Neither do I. Which is the reason you need to stop talking to me. Go downstairs to see if my father is dressed appropriately. If he isn’t, give him something to wear from your closet.”

  “Pamela, think about what you’re saying. Have you forgotten that you are carrying our child? You need to stay here instead of stumping up the mountain with me and the other men. This trail isn’t an easy one. I know that you think the hikes that you’ve been on have prepared you but honey...I can assure you. You’ve never experienced anything like this.”

  Pamela enjoyed the outdoors, unlike most of her female friends. She especially enjoyed extreme outdoor fun. She’d learned how to rock climb, with and without safety harnesses. When she visited one of the Hawaiian Islands while on vacation, she hand glided from a steep cliff, over rapid waters, landing on the sands of a beach. On a dare, she parachuted out the back of a friends airplane. Much of her daredevil stunts, she’d done without her parents ever learning these things but Pamela had shared all of her stories with William. He knew that she wasn’t afraid to tackle the mountain trails and he didn’t doubt that she was in good enough health to manage it.

  With a bland expression, she looked at him, and in that moment he knew there would be no point in attempting to change her mind.

  “Pamela, your father will not be happy about this. You’re making an already difficult situation between him and I even more difficult. He’s going to think that I’ve lost the last functioning brain cell in my head.”

  Pamela smiled. She was walking out of the closet, wearing clothes that made her look more like him. He peered down at her boots and wondered at what point in her packing had she added them.

  “I’m ready... Let’s go. And don’t worry about my dad. William...we are a family now and we have to stop basing our decisions on what we believe our parents might say or think. You know that I’m right on this. I’m the reason Morgan left and we can’t let her think that what she did is okay. She had last night to voice her opinion. We listened...and now it’s her turn to listen to us. I know this isn’t going to be easy and it isn’t going to be fun. But when we find her, we will need to sit down as a family and work our problems out.”

  William stood in awe, staring at her. He wondered if brilliant thinking had anything to do with the mothering instinct that was being fueled by her pregnancy hormones. Pamela was right.

  He held out his hand to take hers, then he led her out of the bedroom. When they walked down the stairs, before they reached the bottom, William saw Michael and LaShawn. They were in a corner talking. He also noticed his mother and father. They were waiting there for him. Pamela’s words echoed in his head. They all were a family now and they would need to work together to make all that had gone wrong, right again.

  When Pamela and William reached the large open foyer, at that moment, he spotted Frederick coming from the adjacent sitting room. He was wearing hunting gear, that William knew had come from the storage area and was typically used by his visiting guest.

  “Frederick...I didn’t think that you would be joining us.” William said.

  “We need to keep a handle on this. I’ve already talked to the house staff. They know not to breathe a word of this to anyone outside of the house. I don’t want news of Morgan’s disappearance ending up on the evening news. I’m going with you because when we find her, you will need me to help defuse the situation.”

  William didn’t wholly agree but he wouldn’t waste time pointing out the holes in Frederick’s argument. Besides, he believed, the more eyes on the trail...the better.

  LaShawn had been the first person to notice Pamela’s clothing.

  “Pam.
..sweetheart, do you plan to go with William?”

  “Yes, I do. Mom, William needs my support and I’m going to give it to him. You and dad don’t have to worry about me. I can do this.”

  Before either of her parents could voice their concerns, Mildred said...

  “Pamela, I can recall a time when I would have said that you shouldn’t embark on such a journey.”

  Looking at LaShawn, Mildred continued. “But times have changed, and you look like you can handled yourself. I’ll go into the kitchen and tell Greta that you will be joining the men on the hike. She will need to add more food. The cabins are stocked year round with dried food and can goods but she makes wonderful sandwiches that are better than any food that you’ll find in the cabins.”

  With that said, Mildred turned, and went in the direction of the kitchen.

  LaShawn looked doubtfully at Michael and William both. She wasn’t completely on board.

  “You won’t be carrying a backpack I hope.”

  Pamela smiled due to her mother’s suggestion.

  “If that’s your only request of me...then no mother. I won’t carry a backpack. Between William and daddy I’m sure they can carry my supplies.”

  LaShawn forced a smile, even though she thought what they were all doing was crazy. It had been her suggestion to call the forest rangers and the local sheriff. Searching for lost people was their job. But Frederick had began talking about polls, statistics, reports, journals, and his campaign responsibilities. In the end, Frederick had pulled the plug on anyone outside of the house knowing about the missing young girl.