The Twelfth Of Never: A suspense mystery romantic thriller

by Lillian Francken

  "Your calls are being screened."

  "You have to be mistaken. My private number is never screened."

  Colby stared at Gideon and then turned around abruptly. He walked into the apartment, picked up the phone and dialed, then listened. His eyes told all when he heard the voice at the other end. Colby hung up and turned to Gideon.

  "But why would Phil screen my calls?"

  Gideon took the envelope from Jenny, and then handed it to Colby. "This might explain some of it."

  Colby took out the map and unfolded it, then turned to Gideon and stared. "You know what this is?"

  "It looks like the summit is scheduled at Camp David. Tell me if I got it wrong. Is Sadat one of the players?"

  "Gideon, you do know."

  "Only a little. My guess is it's scheduled for Monday."

  "Yes, but how did you find out? Begin and Sadat wanted their own security people to cover the event."

  Gideon pointed to the notes at the bottom of the map. Colby knew exactly what it meant.

  "Maybe you should call it off until the area is secure." Gideon took out the list of caterers. "It will take a while before we can check all this out."

  Colby quickly dialed another set of numbers. He hung onto the receiver with one hand, and the other held the list, all the while pacing until someone picked up at the other end.

  Jenny watched the whole exchange in awe. She was actually in the apartment of the Director of the CIA. She pinched herself on the arm to see if it was a dream. But the pain told her it was all happening. Jenny turned to Gideon, but he was too engrossed with Colby to notice her.

  "Mr. President," Colby said finally, and then paused. "There's been a breach. Monday's meeting has to be rescheduled." Colby glanced at Gideon and then continued, "I have it from a reliable source that an attempt will be made to neutralize the negotiations."

  Jenny's heart sank. She thought about what the word neutralized meant in spy terms. Her whole body went numb for a moment.

  Gideon was at her side holding her arm before her knees gave way. They both turned to Colby, but he was too busy talking to take notice.

  "Under the circumstances, I think early in ’78 would give us time to sort this out." Colby hung onto the phone and glanced over at Gideon and Jenny. "Do you have a place to stay for a few days?" he asked, covering the mouthpiece with his hand.

  "No. Not really," Gideon replied. He glanced at Jenny quickly. He was not used to being on the run. And was not quite sure what to do with Jenny to keep her safe.

  "You can stay here with Mrs. Hamilton," Colby said, smiling politely at Jenny.

  It surprised Jenny that Colby knew who she was. But then she figured Gideon must have filled him in on all the sordid details of her being in the closet at the time of Delaney's death. She felt a little embarrassed at not coming forward sooner. It would have saved getting her parents involved, not to mention the attack on Benjamin and Trish. But there was no time to dwell on the what-ifs in life.

  Gideon turned to Jenny. He let go of her arm then and walked over to Colby. "Would you mind if I made a call?" he asked.

  "No, there's a phone you can use in there," Colby pointed through the living room. "I've got to make a few calls myself. I'll use my private line." He turned to Gideon while raising his eyebrows. "There are a few pressing matters to take care of," he said, and then quickly added, "Gideon, I'm glad you're safe."

  "Thanks," Gideon replied.

  Gideon turned to Jenny, and together they disappeared into the room Colby pointed to. He walked over to the bed and sat down. Then he picked up the receiver and glanced at Jenny; he desperately wanted to tell her his true feelings, but could not. Instead he dialed the number. When he heard the voice at the other end, he turned.

  "Bronk, there's been trouble." Gideon paused for the lecture Bronk initiated, and could tell by the tone that all was well even though Bronk's blood pressure must have hit the roof that night.

  "Did he say if they were okay?" Jenny asked interrupting the lecture Gideon was getting.

  "Not in so many words, but by the tone of his anger, I'd say yes," Gideon said with his hand over the mouthpiece.

  Jenny collapsed on the chair in relief that it was finally over. She looked up at Gideon. He hadn't slept in over twenty-four hours, and the morning shadow was clearly visible. His curly windswept hair added to the rugged persona of a man in charge. She had never met such a take-control type of man and was intrigued at the lengths he went to keep her safe.

  When Gideon finally hung up the phone, Jenny reached over and touched his hand. "Thanks for all you've done."

  "I almost got you killed tonight."

  "I'm just thankful you stayed at the farmhouse to protect my parents. You didn't have to do that."

  Gideon turned to Jenny. He could feel the heat rise as his heart pounded with the touch of her hand. "Why don't you lie down and rest," he said as he got up and walked to the door. "I've got to talk to Colby."

  Gideon stood at the door for a few moments. He missed the feel of Jenny being close. A part of him wanted to stay in that room with her, but the side of him that was tied to the agency would not let him.

  Gideon could feel his knees weaken, his heartbeat quicken, and his palms become sweaty. Gideon had no self-control when it came to Jenny Hamilton. His main concern was with keeping her and her parents safe rather than national security. It may have all turned out okay, but his judgment was definitely impaired.

  * * *

  Tuesday, September 20, 1977

  They spent two days in Colby's apartment. Jenny never saw Colby again after that first night. There was nothing on the news about the planned summit or a cancellation. It was as if none of it ever happened. But Jenny had the scars in her life to prove it did.

  Jenny busied herself fixing breakfast for Gideon. She enjoyed his company and was glad he had not left her alone. As they sat at the breakfast bar, Jenny could tell by the expression on Gideon's face that something was troubling him. Finally, after shuffling the eggs and bacon on his plate for ten minutes Jenny could take no more.

  "Would you stop that? You make me nervous."

  Gideon looked up at her. "What?" he replied, not realizing what she had said.

  "What's the matter with you?" Jenny asked.

  Gideon set the fork down. "Ian's been deported. It's all over."

  "Finally, I can go home." Jenny got up and walked to the sink.

  "Yeah, I guess so," Gideon replied sadly.

  Jenny turned to Gideon. "You don't look so happy. I'd think you would have had your fill of babysitting me."

  "I never considered it that."

  "Hey, that isn't what you said last Wednesday."

  "You were listening?"

  "How could I not listen?"

  "That was different."

  Jenny laughed. "I'm just thankful it's over. What I can't understand is why Ian wasn't arrested for what he did at the hospital, not to mention that poor nurse."

  "Those were only a few of his victims."

  Gideon glanced up, but did not say more. He did not want to tell Jenny how lucky she was to just walk away from Ian with only a trashed apartment.

  "And all he got was deportation?" Jenny shook her head.

  "That's what you get when you have diplomatic immunity."

  "That sucks," Jenny snapped.

  "Look at it this way, at least we know about him and his little group. We'll be able to keep closer tabs on them."

  "Some consolation for his victims."

  "Yeah, I know."

  Jenny glanced at Gideon and sensed there was more to his depression than just the assignment ending.

  "So now where do you go?" Jenny asked.

  Gideon shrugged his shoulders. "Not sure."

  Jenny walked toward the door. "Can you drop me off at my apartment? That's assuming it’s still there."

  "Oh, it's there all right. But I think you'll have to look for a new roommate."

  "Why, has something happened
to Trish?"

  "She's been at Benjamin's apartment since her release from the safe house."

  "You've been spying on them?"

  "Protective custody. Making sure there was no retaliation on Ian's part."

  "Gideon," Jenny stared at him until she had his attention. "It is all over with, isn't it?"

  "Yes," Gideon replied.

  It did not take Jenny long to collect her belongings. When she walked back into the living room, it was with the anticipation of getting on with her life. But when she entered the room and saw Gideon sitting on the couch, his sullen expression had not changed from earlier.

  "What's the matter?" Jenny walked over to the couch, sat down next to him.

  Gideon glanced up at Jenny, forced a smile. "I'm going to miss you."

  "You're serious, aren't you?"

  "You know, Jenny, now that I've found you. I'm even more infatuated by the person behind the photo."

  Jenny slowly reached over and brushed the side of his cheek with the back of her hand. She had been afraid Gideon had lost his fascination with her and now was touched to learn he still cared.

  "Why Mr. LaMont, are you trying to tell me something?" she mocked.

  Gideon leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, and then he reached over and wrapped his arms around her.

  Jenny remembered the evening in the park when he held her, how she thought about John and longed for him. But it was not John she longed for now. Gideon kissed her gently. It was warm and sensuous, sending chills through her body as she longed for more.

  After a few intense moments, Gideon released her. "I have two daughters."

  "You also have an ex-wife."

  "I just wanted you to know I come with baggage."

  "We all have our first loves, but that will never stop the way I feel about you now," she whispered.

  They sat there for a few moments, neither saying a word. Not wanting to break the spell. Gideon did not want to even think about his job or his life. All he wanted was to savor Jenny at his side and pretend it would be like this forever.

  Gideon took Jenny in his arms and held her tight. He did not want to let her go, not after all the years he searched for her. In that moment he knew she would be his someday, and it made their parting that morning more tolerable.

  CHAPTER 28

  Gideon drove Jenny to her apartment. Soon the streets would be alive with people, but for now Jenny enjoyed the peace. Once Gideon parked the car, he quickly walked around to her side, took the bag from her, and then helped her out.

  Jenny thought about life with Gideon. She thought about his job, a job that caused the breakup of his first marriage. It scared her thinking about him off in distant countries. What scared her more was the thought that there were people like Ian in the world.

  They walked up the three flights. Jenny's mood changed worrying about their future together, but before she could say anything or express her concern, Gideon took her into his arms and kissed her long and hard. For a brief moment all those concerns melted with the warmth of him next to her.

  Benjamin's door opened, an unruly head of hair peeked out. "You finally made it back," he said glancing at Gideon and then turned to Jenny.

  "Why, is there a problem?" Gideon asked.

  "Bronk's been calling you the last half hour."

  Just then Jenny's phone started ringing. She quickly unlocked the door, ran in, and picked up the receiver. Jenny turned and handed it to Gideon.

  "It's for you."

  Gideon took it from Jenny, and then stood there for a few minutes listening to the other end. His face was suddenly void of color. He never had a chance to say a word. Gideon slammed the receiver down. He turned away from Jenny for a moment, and then glanced at Benjamin.

  "Is there trouble?" Benjamin asked.

  "Yeah, big time," is all Gideon said, and then turned and walked up to Jenny.

  Gideon took Jenny into his arms and held her for a moment before glancing down into her soft hazel eyes. "Don't leave the apartment, you understand?"

  "Sure, but why?"

  "I'll tell you later. I've got to meet someone now."

  Gideon quickly disappeared while Jenny stood staring at Benjamin. It puzzled her.

  "What was that all about?" Benjamin asked.

  Jenny turned, "Whatever it was, it didn't sound good."

  "Well, I've got work to do," Benjamin said. He turned and walked out of the apartment.

  Jenny shut the door, and then locked it. She walked into the bedroom, showered, and readied herself for work, already having been away more days than she cared to think about, and not even sure she had a job to go to.

  Once she was ready, she made a pot of coffee, turned on the morning news and listened to the announcer speculate about Middle-East peace talks. Jenny sat down on the chair and was mesmerized by what was being said and what part she played. It was the ringing of the phone that startled her back to reality. She set the cup of coffee down and reached for the receiver.

  "Gideon isn't here, Jake," Jenny said, and then listened for a moment.

  It surprised her that Gideon was not the one he wanted to talk to. Jenny had not seen Jake after they left the farm. She knew the siege on the farm ended as soon as they left, but the fact remained, she owed Jake a lot for staying behind with her parents. It troubled her what he was asking now. Gideon told her not to leave the apartment, now Jake was asking her to meet him in the park.

  "I can't, Jake," she finally insisted. But what came next troubled her more and caused her great concern. It was what Jake said about Gideon hiding what really happened to John in Vietnam. It caused her to sit up and take notice. Jake challenged her to come to the park and find out the truth.

  Reluctantly after a long pause, Jenny finally said. "Okay, I'll meet you at the fountain in a few minutes."

  Jenny left the apartment, hurried out of the alley and crossed Washington Square North to the park. It was still early, and only a few park dwellers mulled about the outer edge. She hurried up the path, glancing around for a familiar face. Jenny walked up to the fountain, and looked around. Only a few people passed her by, and then she realized something was not right. Not even the birds were singing. Jenny turned quickly, searching for what she was not sure. She stepped back from the fountain. It was then she saw him.

  "Why, Mrs. Hamilton, what a pleasant surprise," Ian said in a soft, pleasant voice, almost to the point of being sweet.

  Her heart raced, staring at the man who caused so much pain. His white hair haloed a face void of all emotion. She had seen it that day in the hospital room. Ian's icy blue eyes never left her, and fear encompassed her inner soul.

  "You called?"

  "One of my many talents," he replied. A sinister smile crossed his face as he blocked her departure.

  Jenny stepped back and edged her way off the path. She glanced around quickly, but no one ventured near.

  "What do you want?"

  "To thank you," Ian smiled, but it was not a pleasant smile.

  "Oh yeah, like you have a lot to be thankful for."

  "On the contrary."

  Jenny thought about the coded list. Gideon said it was a list of names, Delaney's comrades in arms. Somehow Ian did not convince her that all he wanted to do was thank her.

  "Like this isn't a major inconvenience for you," Jenny said, edging her way backward.

  As Jenny did that, Ian grabbed her arm. She winced in pain when he pulled her to him. Jenny was inches from his smile. All she could do was stare up into those cold, unfeeling eyes. Her body shook with fear.

  "Oh, but you must not leave, I'm not finished."

  Jenny broke free from his grip, rubbing her arm to make the pain go away. "I really don't care to listen to this." She searched for someone to help as she stepped back.

  "Oh, but you must, I'm not done with you yet."

  Jenny put her hands up. "No need, I'm leaving."

  Jenny stared while Ian pulled the gun out of his pocket. It glistened in t
he morning sun. She found it difficult to breathe when he aimed it at her heart. Jenny remembered Gideon and the night in the park, but unlike Gideon, Jenny knew Ian intended to pull the trigger.

  "Why did you kill John?" was all she could say.

  Ian smiled, "The young lieutenant?" He laughed while reaching in his pocket with his free hand. He pulled out a cigarette, and then lit it with a shiny gold lighter. Ian blew out the billowy white cloud while he watched Jenny closely.

  "I have a right to know why you did it."

  "He held the group together. Without him they all broke eventually."

  "You bastard," Jenny snapped, realizing the senselessness of it all.

  "Swearing doesn't become you, Mrs. Hamilton."

  "Like it would be one of your virtues."

  Ian took a deep drag on the cigarette, then laughed again as he stood near the edge of the fountain.

  Jenny just stared at the man with the gun, not able to move for fear he would pull the trigger.

  "Do you know what irritated me most, Mrs. Hamilton?"

  The monotone voice sent a chill through her. Jenny’s only hope was to keep him talking. "Do I have a choice?" she said finally. The tightness in her stomach got worse with every moment that passed.

  Ian nodded his head, but the gun never swayed or left its target. "Do you realize how long it took me to recruit Mr. March?"

  "As far as I'm concerned, prison isn't bad enough for him and deportation is too good for you."

  Ian continued as if not hearing her. "It took me years," he raised his eyebrows as if to emphasize the time.

  "So now you can send him letters in prison."

  Ian's eyes narrowed as he raised the gun. Jenny heard the sound of someone running through the park. In the recesses of her mind, she heard the sound of her name being called, but could not move. Not even to turn and look. She was too mesmerized by the icy blue eyes that mocked her and the piece of steel aimed at her.

  Jenny cringed and then, as if in slow motion, a shot rang out and in that instant Gideon was standing in front of her.

  "Gideon," she whispered. The shot pierced her eardrums and echoed through the trees. Birds took flight, animals ran for shelter, and then there was silence again.