Once, a Long Time Ago

by Kendra G. Johnson

  “Now that’s interesting. What do you say we find some flashlights and come back later to investigate? But we had better leave now before they come looking for us.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

  Jake and Mrs. Gage were sitting on the veranda sipping tea and watching the evening sun play on the water of the Mediterranean. Both seemed content with the silence between them. It had lingered for several minutes when Jake spoke.

  “Gabrielle, are you happy?”

  Mrs. Gage turned slowly and looked at him. Her expression was unreadable. She cleared her throat.

  “Well, I suppose I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about that.”

  “Why not?”

  She turned her head away and looked out over the water. She shook her head and spoke softly. “I don’t know. I guess I thought I could never be happy again, so I just went on living.”

  “Doing what?”

  “It is not my intention to be mysterious, Jacob. I have others to consider so I have to weigh any revelations I make very carefully.”

  “Don’t you trust me?”

  “Oh, Jacob, of course I do but this is not about me and you.”

  “But it is safe to say, you are not what you seem.”

  “I’m not sure I like how that sounds.”

  “It is hard for me to know what to think when you withhold so much of yourself from me.”

  “I’ve never been in a relationship that required complete honesty.”

  “Not even in your marriage?”

  “Especially in my marriage. Let’s just say he valued other things. He was much older than me and considered me a trophy wife. Imagine me as a trophy wife.” She laughed humorlessly. She went on as if to herself. “He met me in Istanbul. I was young and had adopted a complete disregard for life. He found that oddly appealing and pursued me until I decided to take advantage of what he was offering me.”

  “And what was that?”

  “Extensive wealth to finance my personal endeavors.”

  “And he wanted?”

  She looked away, “To fulfill his appetites.”

  “Why did you stay with him?”

  “I had taken a vow.” She answered simply. “I have done many things in my life that I would not want anyone to post on a billboard. But I do take my promises very seriously.”

  “How long has he been gone?”

  “It has been almost 40 years and, God forgive me, I never shed a tear or grieved one day of his passing.”

  “Has there been anyone else?”

  “I have had many lovers, Jacob.”

  “That’s not what I am talking about.”

  She sighed, “I had one love. We joined the resistance movement against the Communists in Hungary. We were both so young and determined to fight for our right to freedom. When they opened fire on us in Liberty Square, he shielded me with his body. He was so full of life and hope, I never felt right being fully alive ever again.”

  “But Gabrielle, you are the most vibrant person I have ever met.”

  “I have been so many people for so many reasons and put on my face for so many years, I’m not sure if I’m even in there anymore.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

  “I’m sorry, Gabrielle. I’m probing where I have no business.”

  She shook her head as if shaking off something unpleasant.

  “Oh, Jacob, you really are a dear and decent man. I don’t deserve your friendship.”

  “Of course, you do, and you shall have it no matter what. No strings attached.”

  She smiled a sad little smile. “Thank you.”

  She left Jake a few minutes later to turn in. As she passed the sitting room, she was delighted to hear Judy’s deep, throaty laughter drift out to her. Andy was feigning indignation over something. He had obviously taken Jake’s warning to heart and was treating Judy gently. She fervently hoped they had the opportunity after this was over to explore their feelings. She paused on the landing and gripped the railing. They were heading right into the lion’s den. This adversary was larger and more organized than any she had ever faced and when she thought of those who would be going into this battle with her, she realized she had so much to lose. Her knuckles were white.

  “Please God watch over and protect us.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

  They had just returned to the main thoroughfare when they saw Pierre and his entourage hurrying toward them.

  “There you are your Highness. We were getting alarmed.”

  “There is nothing to fear, Pierre. We were surveying our surroundings. Very impressive, I might add.”

  He beamed under her praise. “Your Highness may I have a few minutes of your time in private?” His hesitant attitude gave Kenann courage to go ahead with their plan.

  “That will be permissible. Daniel, I will need you to familiarize yourself with the temple area in preparation. Pierre, provide Daniel with the ceremonial tools at this time along with torches.”

  “Torches, Your Highness?”

  “Pierre, I will ignore your impertinence to question me. The ceremony will be conducted by firelight. Daniel will need to prepare himself accordingly. Provide what I have asked.”

  “Yes, Your Highness.” He turned and ordered his men to bring the items to the temple area. Danny Mac took the opportunity when others were distracted, to wink at Kenann. Oh, how he loved this woman. She smiled quickly back at him and squared her shoulders for another performance of Her Highness Princess Inanna, Goddess of Ancient Sumeria, cradle of civilization, blah blah blah blah blah. She would be glad when this was over.

  Pierre took a chance and extended his elbow, “Shall we?”

  She stiffened at the thought of the contact but forced herself to take his arm. She paused long enough to say to Danny Mac, “I will meet you back at our quarters shortly.”

  “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “Your Highness, there are so many things I want to discuss with you. I have dreamed of this since my initiation into the Society. Have you always known who you were?”

  “Actually, Daniel awakened my knowledge.” She felt Pierre stiffen beside her and was reminded of his earlier jealous reaction to Danny Mac. She wasn’t sure if she should encourage this. She knew she needed to keep him off balance in order to keep the upper hand, but this could potentially put Danny Mac at risk. She decided to follow Pierre’s lead. She could feel him wrestle for control.

  He finally asked, “Are you and Daniel intimate?”

  Ancient Goddess or not she was offended by his boldness. The ice in her tone was very real. “Pierre, I will not even grace that question with an answer. If you continue to treat me in an impertinent manner, I will be forced to take action.”

  Pierre stammered an apology and then begged her forgiveness. He was making a muck of this. If he did not win her affection by the Night of the Lion his dreams would be lost. He stiffened his spine. He would not be defeated. He had come too far. A thought struck him. Yes! If she did not respond to him, he knew a way to control her. This realization renewed his confidence. One way or another he would be victorious.

  Kenann did not like at all the wicked gleam she saw in Pierre’s eyes. She much preferred him fawning and nervous around her. She remained silent as he led her up a set of stairs. The room they entered was much the same as she and Danny Mac occupied except for an area off the main foyer that housed elaborate electronic equipment. It appeared to be Command Central for this complex. Pierre gestured for her to sit down in a chair near the fire pit. He went to a sideboard and prepared drinks. She took hers and tried to maintain an air of superiority. He sat next to her with a sigh of satisfaction.

  “Now, Your Highness, it is time for me to reveal the final chapter in the prophecy.”

  “And what is that Pierre?” Kenann was suddenly terrified but schooled her face into a mask of indifference.

  “A new world order is ready to be realized. You are one component of that process, but I am the other, Your Highness.” He s
poke with renewed authority. She took a sip of her drink to steady herself and did not respond. She was painfully aware that she was completely out of her element. She prayed she wasn’t blowing it. She concentrated on her breathing. She was surprised but pleased to begin feeling very mellow. She took another sip as she considered her options.

  “Go ahead Pierre, I’m listening.”

  He leaned in and made intense eye contact with Kenann. She found she couldn’t look away. When he spoke, his voice was soft and evenly modulated. He spoke quietly about inconsequential things until he sensed she was ready to receive his instructions.

  “When you take your place on the dais you will hear the pealing of a gong to mark the opening of the ceremony. At that time, you will turn and reach out your hand for me to take my place beside you. You will make the pronouncement that I am to be your Royal Consort. Do you understand?” She nodded. Pierre leaned closer and whispered into her ear. She continued to stare straight ahead. He caressed her cheek with his lips- his breath hot in her ear. He leaned back in his chair with a smug smile playing across his face. He took a moment to revel in the apparent success of this scheme and then clapped his hands together.

  “All right, shall we return to your quarters?” Kenann nodded again and allowed him to bring her to her feet. She walked with him back down the brick paved thoroughfare taking in the scenes from millennium past. She was oddly disoriented and had to keep reminding herself that she was a girl from West Virginia and not that goddess she was pretending to be.

  Pierre saw her to the entrance of her quarters and bid her a restful night. When she entered the main area, Danny Mac looked up and smiled. “We hit the jackpot with our exploration. How about you?” He rose from his seat and came to her.

  “Are you all right, Kenann? Did something happen?” He took her by the shoulders and ducked his head to get a better look into her eyes. She looked back at him steadily.

  “No, nothing happened. He just wanted to talk about the ceremony and go over the details. I just feel overwhelmingly tired suddenly.”

  “That’s understandable. Blade fell asleep out here and I carried him to bed a few minutes ago. Are you positive nothing happened to upset you?” He pulled her into his arms and held her for a few moments before letting her go.

  “I love you, Kenann. And I will take care of you.”

  She shook her head imperceptibly to clear her mind and became aware of Danny Mac’s large hands massaging her shoulders.

  She suddenly felt desolate and so confused. She didn’t know what to believe. He was only saying these things because of their situation and not because he was in love with her. There would never be anything between them. And she would be alone. She might as well join this stupid society. Pierre may be right. She belonged here with him.”

  He gave her a brisk kiss on the lips before stepping away. “So, I think I will get my mind off those lovely lips of yours and do something constructive. Come sit down and I’ll tell you about what we discovered.”

  She complied and sat beside Danny Mac as he finished a sketch he had been working on when she came in.

  “Here,” he pointed with his pencil, “Is the secret entrance we discovered earlier. The stairs descend a very long way with passages leading off here and down here. I was about to give up and turn back when we hit bottom. I feared we had been gone too long at that point, so I couldn’t explore as much as I’d have liked but I am convinced the passage is a way out of this place. And unless we want to fight our way out against an unknown number of foes, I think we had better explore this option further.”

  “How do you know the way out wasn’t by those passages coming off the stairway on the way down?”

  “There was no fresh air flow. Even if there is an exit door that is sealed tight, outside air will get in. A place this big pulls a huge draft. The only place I felt the fresh air was along the single corridor at the bottom.”

  Kenann felt like she was looking at him through a filmy veil. She was trying to remember something. Oh, yes. She told Danny Mac where Pierre’s quarters were and then described the electronic equipment she saw there. Danny was thoughtful for a few moments.

  “That could be very useful information, Kenann. Pierre must trust you implicitly to have allowed you to see that. Did he give any new information about the ceremony?”

  Kenann seemed to wilt. Danny Mac brushed the hair back from her face, “What’s the matter, baby?”

  His endearment crumbled her defenses and she began to cry. He took her in his arms, stroking her hair. The fear that had been hovering near the surface for days rose up and swamped her. She clung to Danny Mac with all her strength. She was so confused. And scared beyond belief. Danny Mac drew her more firmly into his embrace. She was trembling all over as she muffled her sobs against his chest.

  “Danny Mac, I don’t want Pierre to touch me.” Her words came out between sobs. “He cannot be my first.”

  “If I have anything to say about it, I plan on being the only one. Are you telling me you have never been with a man?”

  She buried her face into his chest. “I never wanted anyone that close before.”

  “Kenann, I will protect you with my life. And I will be your one and only. I promise.” He pulled her back so he could see her face. “Kenann, look at me. I promise.”

  She met his gaze and prayed he really could protect her from this devil who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

  Danny Mac picked her up and carried her to her bed. He set her down and reached over to hand her a cotton gown lying at the foot of the bed.

  “Here, put this on. You will be more comfortable. You need to sleep.”

  “Don’t leave me, Danny Mac.”

  “I won’t. Here I’ll just turn my back.” And he did.

  She said, “Okay,” and he turned back to her. He sat down on the bed and pulled the covers up over her shoulder. He could still feel the tremors that racked her body. He didn’t know how to comfort her further.

  “Lay with me, Danny Mac. I need you here with me. Please.”

  He stretched out beside her. He brought his arms around her shoulders and drew her to him, tucking her head under his chin.

  “Go to sleep, baby. I will protect you.”

  Kenann slept.

  CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

  As usual Mrs. Gage had been able to outfit the entire entourage with proper attire for a foray into the desert. Light weight, light colored, loose fitting clothing was the order of the day. Andy entered the room where everyone waited.

  “Well, that was fun.” referring to his phone call with Carter to brief him on their strategy. “Mrs. G, Jake? Carter has requested the honor of your presence for the debriefing when this is all over. Prepare yourself for the grilling.” He shook his head trying to assimilate the entire situation he found himself in since making that trip to Memphis.

  He sat next to Judy who was looking more like herself. Her blond hair pulled back into a simple pony tail, she looked like a girl ready for an outing in the park. Her color was back, and she had lost that haunted look she gave him when she had first been discovered. He was glad. She was such a strong woman. It grieved him to see her looking so defeated. When this was over, he was determined to discover what had created that well of unhappiness and fear in her.

  “So, Carter was in agreement with our current course of action?” Mrs. Gage asked.

  “He thinks it is ingenious, actually. But of course, you understand if anything goes wrong, he will disavow any knowledge of it.”

  “Of course. Well, if everyone is ready, I think we can depart. The van is waiting to take us to the airport and our helicopter. Leo is expecting us shortly.”

  They rose as one, including the men assigned to Andy, and filed out to the paved courtyard where the van sat running. They were 7 in all. Andy had discussed it with Jake and they had agreed to have a few of the men remain in reserve in Alexandria. They had tried to convince Mrs. James to remain, as well, but she had simply
crossed her arms and shook her head.

  The flight to Leo’s camp was uneventful, if not a little bumpy at times with frequent updrafts of dry desert wind. They sat down several yards from the oasis camp and waited until the props had stilled before disembarking. In no time, they were surrounded by native people in traditional garb. Andy spotted Leo immediately. Not because he did not look the part of a native Bedouin with his long flowing robes, tanned face and hawk nose, but when he strode toward Mrs. G and spoke, he was British through and through. She made her own brand of introductions.

  “Leo, this is my dear friend, Jacob. He has been a rock of strength for all of us. And this lovely woman is Judy. She is a nurse and the very best friend of Kenann. Mrs. James,” she reached over and patted her hand, “Is Kenann’s grandmother and a remarkable woman in her own right. Andrew, here, is a friend of Danny Mac as well as an agent of my adopted government. The gentlemen standing back there are Johnson and Whitaker and they are with Andrew.”

  “Right Ho, Gabbie old girl. Welcome all. Come with me and we will have a bit of lunch and a spot of tea.” The facial reactions did not escape him.

  “Being a Bedouin does not require complete sacrifice.” He laughed heartily and was joined by the members of his tribe standing round him. They obviously loved him.

  He turned and strode away, leaving everyone to troupe along behind him. The camp was laid out in a circle around a small body of water in the middle of the small oasis. They all followed him into the interior of the largest tent. It was obviously the common area for the tribe. He motioned for Mrs. Gage.

  “Gabbie, the ladies can make themselves at home to my right and the gentlemen will find their accommodations across the way to the left. Now let’s relax over a cuppa, while your things are brought in.” It became clear that Mrs. Gage and Leo had known each other for many years. Neither gave anything away as to the details or circumstances of their relationship during the conversation. After a light lunch of bread, cheeses and dates and the promised English tea, Leo explained that it was the custom of their tribe to lie down during the hottest part of the day and dismissed everyone to their respective couches. They each were shown the segregated facilities before retiring. When the women entered their quarters, they were struck by how cool the dark colored material kept the interior of the tent. They each stretched out and were napping in no time. They were awakened by a gentle touch and giggles from the young girls sent to fetch them. They were provided water with which to freshen up and brought back out to the common area where they found the men standing in a circle deep in conversation. Leo looked up and beamed at Mrs. Gage.