by Robert Olsen
“Nope, you just stay put. You’re fine.”
Richard, hopped onto the dock, untied the bow line tossing it to Kathryn, then went aft, grabbed the stern line and jumped onboard.
“Ok, you can come sit down here with me, now. I’ll show you what to do.”
“What do you mean show me? I don’t know how to sail.”
“This is a tiller. It steers the boat. Just hold on and, do you see those buoys?”
“Yeah,”
“Just go in between them, while I raise the main sail.”
“This is really fun.”
“Wait till the sails are up. Are you ready for more?”
“Yes! Get those sails up matey or you’ll be keel-hauled,” she shouted.
Kathryn was indeed having fun and suddenly forgot all her fears, the police, office problems, and even the difficult times lately between Richard and herself.
Meanwhile, Richard grabbed a line and hoisted the main sail.
Immediately the wind filled the mainsail, and the boat heeled starboard.
“Whoa....” she screamed as the boat listed.
“We’re underway, and you’ve got the helm. Guess I can go down below and get my nap now.”
“Don’t you dare leave me,” she said pleading Richard to sit next to her.
When they hit open water, she could feel the wind pick up. Richard had unfurled the jib and they were now under full sail moving at a fast clip.
“Oh my God, this is so much more. How far over is this boat going to lean?”
“20 degrees is easy, but it can stand much more. Just don’t worry. Even if it capsized, the boat would right itself.”
“Did you say capsize? Like 360 degree roll over? We’d be under water Richard!”
“That’s why I told you to wear a bathing suit.”
Heading into blue water found the seas rough, too, causing the boat to pitch every time she hit a wave. The spray was cold and wet every now and then hitting Kathryn in the face. They headed toward Gardiner’s Island reaching the southern point in about one hour. They dropped anchor near a deserted looking stretch of beach.
“Captain Kidd landed on this Island and buried his Treasure.”
“Holy shit, we’re going on a real treasure hunt? Are you serious? Hell Richard we may go home awfully rich!”
“You never know. Now, take off that windbreaker and jump in,” he commanded, not having the heart to tell her the Gardiner’s found the treasure long ago. Sadly, England got most of it, but the family was allowed to retain one giant diamond which he gave to his daughter. It’s still in the family, today.
“We’re going in the water?”
Holding her hand, and standing together at the stern, they jumped in!
“Holy shit, it’s freezing!” Kathryn screamed.
“It’s just a little cold, come on swim to the shore with me.”
They played on the island, running on the beach, tossing pine cones at each other, and eventually sneaking onto an empty estate. They were up on the lawn, very close to the house, when Richard got an idea.
“Let’s pretend the Pirates captured us, and we escape.”
“Ok, what do we do?”
“Well, first you take off your bathing suit, and......”
“What? I’m not going to get naked on somebody’s front lawn. Why do I have to take my suit off?”
“First of all, silly, they didn’t have bikini’s in those days, and second, if you were captured the Pirates would have ripped your clothes off because you’re so damn beautiful. It’s all your fault!”
“Bullshit!”
Suddenly Richard screamed, frightening the crap out of Kathryn.
“I just saw someone, he has a gun, quick Kathryn, run!” He screamed grabbing her hand and running as fast as they could back to the beach. They dove into the icy cold water again, and swam like hell back to the boat.
Once onboard, Richard was laughing like hell, as both of them stood puffing like crazy from sheer exhaustion, “you should have seen your face!”
“Very funny, mister. You scared the piss out of me,” she said turning and walking below into the cabin.
A few minutes later, Richard was sitting aft, looking ashore when she emerged from the cabin. She was standing on the first step, holding her wet hair above her head with both hands, and standing bare-ass naked.
“Oh honey, I am so tired. Think I’ll take a little nap. You keep watch for pirates.” Richard’s eyes couldn’t believe how incredibly gorgeous, this lovely woman, who just appeared before him, looked at that very moment. He wanted her now, more than ever before.
And so this was how, their two days of isolation together, started. Richard didn’t forget the winery tour, nor a visit to the famous lighthouse. When the sun set, they were overlooking the bay, eating clams, her head in his shoulder staring at the red skies. At night they drank wine in a Jacuzzi, after a wonderful massage for two, holding hands while looking into each other’s eyes, but not saying a word. They walked arm in arm that night, aside the ocean waves pounding the shore, alone and in total darkness, dimmed only by the glimmer of house lights along the dunes. When he kissed her, shivers ran up and down both of her legs until it was time for bed.
Richard was lying on his back still in a deep sleep. He was smiling, and she was slowly walking back to bed, eyes gazing upon this peaceful, innocent, gorgeous man, who meant so much to her, and who looked so vulnerable in this appealing and desirable position.
She eagerly dropped her robe to the floor and ever so gently - careful not to wake him - slipped under the sheets slowly inching toward him. Kathryn cuddled against him laying her head slowly into his shoulder and pressing against his body. She indulged in the pleasure of his warmth for the longest time, until she raised her right leg, placing it carefully over his.
The warmth of his skin pressing against her naked body caused her whole body to quiver. She wanted him so much she ultimately reached her hand under the covers sliding it over his body. She played with the hair on his chest until her pent up desire suddenly unleashed itself as her hand moved lower over his tummy. Unable to resist him any longer, she lifted herself onto him, legs straddling his torso. Placing her hands squarely on his shoulders, she was able to lift herself until her breasts lightly skimmed over his chest, and her lips met his, darting gentle kisses every several seconds until he woke to the sheer delight of the girl he loved, slowly and meticulously making love to him, inundating him with the sheer pleasure of her love.
“Oh my God, Kathryn. I never realized I could love anyone as much as I love you. I know now I cannot live without you. With each sunrise, you will know I’m there. From this day on, I’ll be by your side, and never let anything hurt you again. I will love you, protect you, and keep you safe forever and ever. I am so, so sorry for what I did to you.”
“I know. I feel the same way, too. Now will you please be quiet so we can make love again?”
Chapter 32
Although she was back in that dreadful office again, Kathryn felt so different. Those two days with Richard meant everything. She had such a renewed look on life and her confidence was somehow restored. She was smiling again, in fact beaming with joy, would be a better description. She was going to be just fine, and tonight when she goes home to her man, she will feel like the happiest woman in the universe.
“Good morning Kathryn,” Barbara said, bringing Kathryn her usual coffee and schedule. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is everything alright?”
“Everything is wonderful Barbara, and I certainly don’t mind you asking. I consider you a dear friend, and appreciate all the concern you have had for me. But, Richard and I had the best time together. He helped me so much, Barbara. I’m a changed woman.”
“You do look happy. And I’m so happy for you, Kathryn, but what about the police and this stupid o
ffice? The bullshit doesn’t seem to want to end?”
“I’m fine. Richard convinced me. We’re innocent, so the police have nothing and are just doing their jobs. So why worry? And Dr. Andreyushkin? He’s just different. Eric’s brush with death or strange behavior isn’t my problem and although Ted might be a problem, since he’s my boss, what’s the worst that could happen? He fires me? So what. And of course, Donald is just plain nuts. I’m letting him go in one ear and out the other. You must realize Barbara, we can’t control anyone, so all I want to focus on is how much I can love Richard.”
“Well, good for you girl. I’m so proud of you Kathryn,” Barbara said, returning to her desk, happy that her boss was back to her good old self.
Ted Duncan was alone in his office worrying about all that was coming down on him. He gazed out the window thinking how any day now, Joe Black or Human Resources would show up and fire him. The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became.
“Why should I feel bad? They deserve these problems. Hell, if this company goes down, it’s their fault not mine. They deserve exactly what happened. Maybe I should just forward some of the truth to those bastards. That’ll get them worried,” he thought.
Just then Ted’s private cell phone rang.
“Hi baby, what a nice surprise.”
“Teddy, I’m sorry, but this isn’t going to work. I’ve thought about it ever since last night when you came over. It’s not the same anymore. Something is different. You’re weird as shit, and maybe even paranoid. I can’t handle it any longer.”
“Baby cakes, wait a minute.”
“I’m not your baby cakes. It’s over. Go back to your cute little wife. She doesn’t know about us, you’ll be fine and it’ll be better for you in the long run. Good bye Teddy.”
Ted Duncan was pissed. “Screw her. She isn’t the only broad in town who can fuck. There’s plenty of women who would want me.”
Still fuming, Ted picks up the phone and calls Eric Halsey.
“Eric, Ted Duncan. Can you send me over the test scrips on the Diage AU003?”
Eric Halsey suddenly became worried.
“Why the hell is that dork poking around in my stuff? Oh well, two can play this game.”
Eric reached for his phone and dialed the familiar number.
“Anton, Eric. Just thought you’d be interested, Ted is asking all sorts of questions about the test scrips on your wonderful pump. Sorry to bother you but I knew you’d want to know.”
Dr. Anton Andreyushkin obviously became concerned over Eric’s comment. He too picked up the phone and made a call.
“Mikhail, it’s me. I need you to look at the test plan. Is there anything in the documents that would alert someone to a problem? This is urgent. Please send over anything you find, immediately.”
Over at the 17th Precinct, Detective Peters sat in his office alone, staring at a blank piece of paper.
“Shit,” he whispered to himself. “This fucking piece of paper is just like our case - blank. We don’t have a damn thing on The Cafe 63 murders. Who the fuck is the man in the trench coat? The chief is going to have my ass!”
Suddenly, a figure emerged in Detective Peters’ doorway. It was one of the forensic analysts from the lab.
“Hey Peters. I figured out that little X-box contraption you gave us. Pretty slick.”
“What? You know what it is?”
“Yep. Definitely, a homemade transmitter.”
“What for?”
“Lots of possibilities. It’s small and portable. It can almost function like a computer and transmit commands, using Bluetooth technology, to another computer or any device that contains a microprocessor as long as the device accepts uploads.”
“Oh shit, Charlie. The fucking kid did it. And the man in the trench coat put the kid out of his misery before he knew what he had just done. This guy is a psycho!”
Back in Kathryn’s office, she was just about to get up and go see Suki when her best buddy, Donald Gingrich, appeared at her door. Only moments earlier, he handed the receptionist a box addressed to Kathryn, and asked Sherry to call Barbara and tell her to come up front and pick up an urgent delivery. “I would do it myself,” he told Sherry, “but I’m late for a meeting.”
Kathryn, looks like you’ve been in the sun? You do know that sunburns are bad for our health. I’m surprised that your doctor boyfriend, doesn’t give a damn about your health.”
“What is that supposed to mean, Donald?”
“Well, I’ve warned you, how many times, about the dangers of Dr. Andreyushkin? And, instead of helping me, or the Company, you go off with the handsome doctor to some motel!”
“Donald. We’ve already had this conversation. I told you I couldn’t do anymore. I spoke to Ted, and I had Anton investigated by the police, which I probably should not have done. I did my part, and there is nothing more I can do. All your concerns, are not my problem, so you can leave.”
“I don’t know what has come over you, Kathryn. Dr. Andreyushkin is a KGB spy trying to harm our company, working with other Russians, but you don’t care. Gosh darn it. You’ve changed so much, and I am so very disappointed in you. You used to care. You cared about the company and you cared about me. I know how you felt about me. You, and I understood each other. You were very special then, but now, you’re just like everyone else. You’ve become like them and can’t be trusted. Ever since the handsome sexy doctor got you in the sack...”
“That’s it Donald! Please leave.”
“It’s not over Kathryn. You watch. It’s not over.”
Donald Gingrich walked out just as Barbara was sitting at her desk looking into an empty box.
“Hello, Barbara. What a beautiful day, isn’t it?”
Kathryn, sat still for a few minutes, actually feeling sorry for Donald.
Why is he so paranoid? Does he really believe the things he keeps saying? Did he really see or hear Anton talking to the Russians? Good grief. This all is unbelievable. I’ve got to see Suki, and tell her about Richard and me.
She started to walk over to Suki’s office and was passing through the lobby area when she heard a very intriguing and attractive woman say something to Sherry at the reception desk. Kathryn’s ears perked up at the woman’s Russian accent. Before Kathryn approached the reception desk, the Russian woman turned and entered the elevator.
“Please hold the elevator,” Kathryn screamed out as she jumped in.
“Thank you so much, I’ve been trying so hard to meet you Natasha. I heard so much about the presentation you gave.....”
“I’m so sorry, you must be confusing me with someone else. My name is Lidiya Sokoloff.
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry to bother you. Do you work here Lidiya?
“Oh no, I am Anton Andreyushkin’s sister-in-law. He works here. I just stopped by to deliver something from his brother, Mikhail. We have a family business together.
“Oh, I see. I’m so sorry.” Kathryn said, as the color drained from her face.”
“Are you alright?” Asked the woman just as the doors opened onto the lobby of the building.
“I’m fine. Just fine,” Kathryn whispered as she got off the elevator feeling like she was about to faint.
Chapter 33
The next day, Donald Gingrich was late for work. He had to stop off at the Apple Store on 59th, to pick up an accessory, a small USB converter, that somehow, he managed to misplace. He needed it for his MacBook Air.
He was quietly working in his office, when Eric Halsey came by his office.
“Hi Donald, have you heard anything about testing on the AU003 pump?”
“Like what? Don’t tell me dumb shit Andreyushkin forgot to test it?” Donald said laughing his ass off.
“Hey, wait a minute, I’m the one responsible for testing that unit, not the stupid doctor.”
&n
bsp; “Ok, ok, bad joke. Why you asking?”
“Ted Duncan, I think has some problem with it. He’s been asking questions.”
“So were the police. Maybe they spooked him”.
“What the hell were the police asking?”
“I don’t know. I just know they were interrogating Andreyushkin about those murders that happened. Maybe they think this pump is a killer? After all, two people show up dead from insulin overdoses, and they both were wearing the AU003 pump? It hasn’t been released to the public all that long. It’s pretty strange that two unrelated people have the same problem. I’d say that coincidence is a mathematical impossibility!
“This place is really beginning to suck. See you later, Donald.”
Donald resumed what he was reading, somewhat pissed off by the distraction.
He was working for about another hour on something. No one knows what. One employee was overheard telling a secretary to stay away from Donald today because he’s in a terrible mood. Whatever it was, it only got worse around 11am when Dr. Andreyushkin called Donald.
“Donald, this is Anton. What do you know about the testing of the AU003 pump?”
“Nothing, why?”
“People are telling me you are running around saying the device is a killer?”
“What the fuck? I’m saying what? I don’t know shit about your stupid pump. Why would I spread some silly rumor like that, even if it were true? I don’t give a shit about you or your dump pump! If I were you, I’d be more concerned with the police, and the murders that happened with two people wearing your pump! Let me ask you a question. What was that all about?”
Dr. Andreyushkin hung up the phone, extremely annoyed at Donald. Donald too was furious, over his questioning, and of course, over the interruption.
It wasn’t long after the conversation with Dr. Andreyushkin, that Donald walk out into the lobby carrying a large attaché bag.
“Oh Sherry? I have to visit a client in Garden City. I won’t be back in the office today,” Donald said to her, just before getting into the elevator.
