Desperate Wish

by Sioux Dallas

  “I’m twenty-five. I’m older than you are. You might want, and need, a younger girl.”

  He lunged around the desk and grabbed her. Hugging her close he kissed her until she beat on his chest with her fists. Jerking back she panted, “I can’t breathe.”

  “Don’t you ever say that again,” he spoke slowly through gritted teeth. “Amanda, I love you... who you are inside, your personality, your great laugh, your-. Words fail me when I try to explain to you that I can’t survive without you. I don’t care if you’re thirty-five. If I lost you I would never marry anyone else. I would just be a grouchy, old man with no friends. I might even start kicking a dog.”

  She laughed with relief. “I thought you were really angry.” She hesitated. “You are joking, aren’t you?” She looked as if she wasn’t sure how to take him.

  “I was at first. The age doesn’t matter. Where have you been? Age doesn’t matter to anyone these days. We have a lot in common and enjoy the same activities. We’ll attend the same church, sing in the same choir, raise our children in that church and have lots of wonderful friends as we do now. Your folks will be better and our families will get along famously. We’ll have the most ideal marriage in the good ole U. S. of A. Don’t do anything like that to me again. My heart still isn’t beating steady.”

  “Do you honestly feel that age doesn’t matter?”

  “I stand behind every word I said and will mean it to my dying day. Why should it matter?”

  “I guess it’s just something that people have accepted down through the years, that the man should be older.”

  Daniel grimaced. “Does that mean the woman should be meek and helpless and depend on her husband for everything, even to think for her?”

  “Absolutely not! I, for one, can think for myself. I’ve taken care of myself, held a job of my own, and now I’ve taken care of Dad’s business for several months. As much as I’ve learned to love and respect you, I don’t NEED you, or anyone, to tell me what to do.” She raised her head high and stuck her chin out.

  “Don’t get your drawers in a knot. I was just making a comparison so you could see how silly it is to think the man has to be older. Do you really feel that you don’t need me? I need you.”

  “Oh, Daniel, you know what I mean. Of course I need, and want you, but if you were not around I would still exist. Note that I said exist, not live.”

  “Aw. That’s so sweet,” he teased.

  She smacked him on the shoulder. “Men!” she said with a sigh. “Remember, don’t rush me. In fact, I’m afraid we’re moving too fast with this friendship deal. Maybe we should date other people and think long and hard what we want for the future.”

  Daniel looked hurt. “I have thought long and hard and even prayed about it. I’m sure. I’m disappointed that you’re not feeling as I do, but I’m willing to give you time.” He walked to the door when he heard a vehicle pull up outside the hangar door.

  “Who’s this pulling in? Hey, that looks like -” Daniel ran out of the hangar with Amanda close at his heels.

  “Dad! What are you doing here?” Lance hugged Daniel and then turned to hug Amanda and kiss her cheek.

  “Well, if Mohammad won’t come to the mountain. I figured this is the only way I’m going to see much of you. Since you met this darling girl here and moved into your own apartment, we haven’t seen much of you. Trevor has his lower lip dragging the ground and Melissa whines that she misses her Daniel. Both of you should come for a visit.”

  “Dad, I’m sorry, but we’ve had some disturbing things happen here and Amanda needs me.” He turned to her. “Yes. You do need me.”

  “Yes, I do,” she laughed. “Come inside and we’ll bring you up-to-date on all the happenings.” She took Lance’s arm and led him inside.

  Lance admired the hangar and the plane that was at the end of the hangar.

  “Why is this one in pieces and on a flatbed? Whoa. Do I recognize that flatbed?”

  Amanda put her hand in the crook of Lance’s arm. “Come into the office and have a seat. You’ll appreciate a cup of coffee while we tell you the saga of the mystery of Wescott Hangar.”

  Daniel reminded his father of his and Amanda’s meeting. He then went on to tell him of the plane investigation. Amanda told him about the attack on Mike.

  “This is deadly serious. I hope you’ve notified the police about all that has happened.”

  “We sure have, Dad. They’re doing the best they can. I’m sticking close to Amanda to make sure whoever this grease ball is doesn’t take a shot at her.”

  “I don’t blame you, son. Why haven’t you told me all of this before? Maybe I could have helped in some way. I don’t mean to brag, Amanda, but it’s the truth that I have friends clear up to the Governor and the Senators and Representatives of, not only Texas, but Federal as well.”

  “The incident of the plane was a loss and it hurt financially, but we didn’t really get angry about it until Mike was attacked. Now we’re on the alert and intend to do some of our own investigating.” Daniel informed him.

  “No, Daniel. That’s where people make a mistake and get into more trouble, not to mention the headaches they give the police.”

  “Dad, I have more sense than to go charging out without direction. We’re just going over all that has happened and trying to think of people or activities that might give us a clue.”

  Amanda leapt up from her chair when two men appeared at the door of her office. “Dad! Mr. Atkins. What a wonderful surprise.”

  She hugged her father and then introduced him to Lance. “Mr. Atkins is a neighbor and a good friend. Thank you for bringing Dad down here. Is mother ok?”

  “She’s fine. I just got a nagging in my gut that you aren’t telling me everything.” He turned to Lance. “My daughter has decided that she is going to place a shell of protection around her parents and save us from disappointments. Honey, it’s all part of life,” he stated. “Your old man can take it, honey. I’m thankful for Daniel’s help and interest, but we’re a family and need to love and help each other.”

  “Mr. Atkins, I certainly appreciate you bringing Dad down, but I’d like for him to stay awhile. I’ll bring him home if you’d rather go on and do whatever you need to do.”

  “I’m glad I was available to bring him, and yes, I have pressing business that I need to see about. It was nice meeting you gentlemen. I’ll see you later, Corbin.”

  After their neighbor left, Amanda explained that she did have some things she was keeping to herself. “The police asked Daniel and me to not talk about anything for fear the wrong person would hear. They feel that if we lie low, whoever is responsible for our misfortune, will get careless and give themselves away.”

  “I understand that, but I’m much stronger now and I need to know what’s going on in my own business. Don’t you agree Mr. Cortland?”

  “My name is Lance, and yes, I agree. If this had happened soon after your heart attack I would have said you didn’t need the stress, however, it’s been several months, and you say your doctor has given you a go ahead signal. I think it’s time these well meaning children of ours tell you the whole truth.”

  “And nothing but the truth,” Daniel smiled.

  Corbin was not only angry about the sabotage, but about the fact that Amanda was placed in danger. Amanda told him all that they knew about missing tools and Mike’s attack, and what the police had done.

  “Wait until I get my hands on whoever is doing this,” Corbin trembled in his anger.

  Lance winked at Amanda and nodded at her father. “Corbin, I’d like to meet your wife. Why don’t I drive you home and we’ll discuss this on the way.”

  After the two men left Amanda collapsed in her chair with a deep sigh and a swoosh of breath. “Thank God your dad recognized that my dad was getting too worked up. I sure appreciate him taking Dad home. Maybe he can calm Dad and encourage him to leave the investigation to the police.”

  “And to us,” Daniel said thoughtf
ully. “Amanda, let’s put our thoughts on paper and maybe we’ll think more clearly and come up with something worthwhile.”

  “Good. Here, use this tablet and pen. Where should we start?”

  “From the first. The damage was done to your plane before you met me, so it can’t be our relationship. Let’s start there.” He wrote the facts of the damages.

  “It appears to me that the crime is directed toward your flying business. Has anyone tried to buy you out, or ask to buy in as a partner?”

  “No. Dad would have told me. He’s so proud of the fact that he saved his military pay and started the business by the sweat of his own brow, that he doesn’t want anyone else involved.”

  “Okay. Do you know of anyone who feels that you gave less than satisfactory service? Has anyone complained about lack of attention to them or to details?”

  “No, Daniel. Oh, this is useless,” she said as she paced the floor and wrapped her arms across her chest in a defensive motion.

  “Calm down. We can’t solve the mystery overnight I’m not Sherlock Holmes and you’re not Nancy Drew, however, we may get a glimmer of an idea by writing down our thoughts.”

  “I’m sorry. I know you’re trying to help, but it’s so frustrating.”

  “I understand how you feel, but we can’t give in to our anger and fears. That would make us weak and vulnerable to the enemy. That’s what this person, or persons, is trying to do; to make you break down and allow anger and fear to weaken you.”

  “Of course, you’re right, but I’m impatient to know who is doing this.” She sighed. “What’s next?”

  “Opportunity. Who had the opportunity of getting close enough to your plane to do all that damage?”

  “Well, after me there’s only Mike and Dad.”

  “What about Jimmy?”

  “That’s laughable. He isn’t here that much and he adores his Uncle Mike. He has no reason to want to harm us in any way.”

  “You have to consider everyone. Was there anyone else around here even for a day that might have decided to come back at night and do damage?”

  “No. Just my students and the people bringing supplies in. A man delivers gas on a regular basis. He gets paid every time he delivers, so there’s no trouble with him. Besides, someone we’re not even suspecting is doing this. Look how someone had broken in when Mike came.”

  “Motive. Can you think of any reason anyone might have for creating difficulties for you?”

  “No. No. My brain has gone numb.”

  “We’ll set this aside, but keep the tablet in the safe and we’ll add to it as we get ideas. Come here and let me make you feel better.” He hugged her tightly and kissed her. He didn’t let his emotions show, but he felt dejected that Amanda didn’t exhibit the same affection that he did.

  “Daniel, you make me feel better just by being around. What would I do without you?”

  “But you don’t need me,” he grinned and teased her.

  She slapped his chest. “Knock it off. I think we’ve done all that can be done here today. Let’s close up and go home. I’ll see you tomorrow, won’t I?”

  Daniel helped her check on doors and windows and close up. He reluctantly let her drive off by herself.

  Chapter Eleven

  After supper Amanda hesitated to sit and talk to her parents for fear they would want to discuss the bad business at the hangar. She didn’t want her dad getting any more upset than he was and she sure didn’t want her mother worrying about something she could do nothing about. She knew they didn’t understand, but then who did?

  Drying the last dish, Amanda turned with a bright smile. “I think I’ll go for a walk. It’s a little nippy, but I need the exercise. I’ll dress warmly.”

  She pulled on heavy socks and then laced her sport shoes up tight. She was wearing a light blue sweat suit with a hood. Gloves completed her outfit and she hurried out the front door before she could be stopped to talk.

  The night air was crisp and so cool that it stung her nose and throat. She walked faster and faster as her mind reviewed all that had happened and she admitted to herself that she was angry because she could do nothing about it.

  With her head down and her eyes on the road, Amanda almost walked into an elderly couple walking their dog. She quickly apologized as they assured her she had done no wrong and wanted to know about her parents. She breathed a sigh of relief when the couple continued on their walk without asking about the news stories.

  It suddenly occurred to her that she could hear footsteps behind her. Turning quickly to see, she was puzzled to see no one. She shook her head, calling herself silly and went on.

  Deciding she had gone far enough, she turned quickly and started jogging back. She slowed almost to a stop when she saw a form dash behind a hedge across the street near her house. Telling herself that someone in that house had been jogging, and was going home, she again picked up speed and continued. Hearing labored breath behind her, she looked over her shoulder to discovered a form gaining on her. She broke into a fall run and gave a prayer of thanks when she saw her house just ahead. Her belabored lungs were making her chest hurt as she ran on the walkway and up to the front door.

  She couldn’t hear distinctly, but she did hear enough to know that the man running behind her had cursed and sped on. Leaning against the door to get her breath, and to calm down before her parents could see her, she kept a sharp eye open for any other disturbances. Finally her breathing slowed until she hoped that her parents would just assume she’d been running, which she had, but she didn’t want them to know why.

  Amanda debated whether to call Daniel and tell him and decided to not upset him tonight. After all, nothing had harmed her, but she knew what his reaction would be when he heard. In her room she undressed, took a hot shower and got into her night clothes. She told her parents good night and called Sulyn from the phone in her room.

  “A man chased me tonight when I was out for a run. Fortunately I heard him breathing hard and ran fast enough to get in the house before he could catch me.”

  Sulyn was appalled when she heard. “You should call the police.” Sulyn was adamant that they should know. “And Daniel needs to know, too.”

  “What can I tell the police? That I was coming home and a man was running behind me? They would think I’m just a nervous female. And I don’t want to upset Daniel. He can’t do anything and he would just lose sleep and stew all night over it. I’ll tell Daniel tomorrow.”

  The two young women talked a long time. Amanda promised Sulyn that she would not go out again alone at night. “I feel as if I’m a prisoner in my own home - and place of business,” Amanda complained.

  “Well, tonight at least you’re alive and not injured. You don’t know that you can always be as lucky as you were tonight. I’ll check with you tomorrow and make sure you’ve told Daniel. If you haven’t, I will.”

  They talked a few minutes more and hung up feeling dissatisfied that all they could do was talk. Amanda read her Bible and said her prayer. She lay for a long time before getting sleepy. Nightmares of people in black masks threatening her caused her to cry out and wake up around four. She decided to stay up and dress. She would get a special breakfast for her parents before she left for work.

  Because she was up so early, Amanda was at the hangar before Daniel got there. He scolded her for coming in alone. He was naturally alarmed when he heard her story and was exasperated with her for going out at night alone. Raging and pacing around the hangar, he had picked up the phone and called the police before she could stop him. She dreaded talking to them knowing that her dad would hear and be angry with her for not telling him when she came home last night.

  “I can’t do anything right,” she wailed. “I am so pathetic; how can you stand to be around me? I make decisions with all good intentions and they blow up right in my face. How can I protect my parents from all of this horror when they either hear it from the police or in a news broadcast?”

  Daniel quic
kly began to minimize all that she needed to be concerned about, “Sweetheart, it’s true. Everyone will know what’s going on, however, if you let this person get by with this, he may decide to try again. We don’t know whether he’s watching your house or just happened to be out the same time you were. It won’t hurt for the police to know. I’m sure they’ll have a patrol car cruise by your house at regular times. Your neighbors won’t know that they’re watching and guarding you. They’ll just be grateful that the officers are in the neighborhood.”

  Two officers came and took her statement. About an hour after they had left, the Chief called and spoke to Amanda letting her know that the patrol car would be in her neighborhood. She didn’t feel so embarrassed and silly knowing that the Chief believed her and was trying to do his best.

  Amanda finished a phone call and turned toward Daniel. “Have you forgotten? We’re supposed to go this afternoon and get Mike. This is Wednesday, so I’m going to demand that he not even consider returning to work until Monday. Please don’t tell Mike about anything that’s happened. He needs to concentrate on getting better. He’s as bad as Dad. If he knows I might be in danger, he’ll be so agitated that he won’t rest, in fact, he’ll insist on coming back to work too soon.”

  Walking down the hallway on the third floor of the hospital, they could hear Mike’s bellow before they got to his room.

  “What is the meaning of this? It sounds like a wounded bull,” Amanda declared as she stepped into his room.

  A nurse rolled her eyes and looked gratefully at Amanda. “I’m so glad you’re here. Mr. Stallard is refusing to go out in a wheelchair even after I explained hospital policy. He insists on walking out of here and going back to work.”

  “Oh, have I got news for you,” Amanda laughed and kissed his cheek. “You sound like a wounded bull moose. You know that you must use a wheelchair at least to the car. That’s a rule in all hospitals in case a patient claims neglect while leaving.”