Once In Awhile

by Kendra G. Johnson

  “That is all well and good, but that does nothing to quell my concerns about their loyalty to our cause. They could easily hire their expertise out to the highest bidder. Don’t you find it curious that you should just happen to run into them.”

  “Well then, isn’t it to our advantage to keep them close and under our watchful eye?”

  “This is on you Gabrielle. If it goes south, it’s on you,” and he turned and left her. She allowed herself her first qualm as to the wisdom of her actions. She had worked with these ladies on several occasions and had never questioned their integrity or loyalty to just causes. She sent up a silent prayer that she had not put her friends in jeopardy.

  CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

  Dinner around the massive oak table in the formal dining room was beyond tense. No one wanted to bring up anything relating to Danny Mac and Kenann in the presence of Nita and Pinky. As this was the only thing about which they cared or could focus, it made for very stilted conversation.

  Nita took it as long as she could. “Gabby, I appreciate your hospitality, but I think it would be best if Pinky and I went back to our rooms in town.”

  The fact that no one jumped to dissuade her said volumes. The silence dragged on. Pinky’s large blue eyes went from face to face trying to understand what was happening here.

  Mrs. Gage sighed. “Ladies, you know what I do.”

  Carter spoke quietly but with authority. “Careful.”

  Mrs. Gage gave him a pointed look. “Trust me, please, Mr. Carter.” She turned to her two compatriots. “My friends have raised a concern and one I must consider for the welfare of all.”

  Nita responded, “What is it dear?” Pinky placed her glass of wine on the table and gave her undivided attention.

  “I have to know why you both are here in this village at this time.”

  Pinky laughed, “We told you, Gabby, we are on holiday.”

  “No, Pinky, Gabby needs to know the truth.” Pinky looked at Mrs. Gage and flushed.

  Nita continued, “I got a call from Vincenzo. You remember him?” Mrs. Gage nodded. “He was very worried about his son. He said he had distanced himself from the family and quit his job. He had his men run surveillance on his activities. It appeared he was providing muscle for an obviously wealthy man confined to a wheelchair.” Mrs. Gage took note that no one reacted to this news. They were becoming skillful operatives.

  Mrs. Gage responded, “So you agreed to check it out for Vincenzo and followed them here?”

  Pinky interrupted, “I’m sorry Gabby. I’ve never lied to you before. I just thought we were going to keep our cover.”

  “That is fine, Pinky. Just make sure you never lie to me again.” Pinky swallowed hard and nodded. She understood the threat.

  Mrs. Gage turned again to Nita. “Has Vincenzo’s son ever seen you or Pinky? Does he know about you?

  “No. As you know, Vincenzo was very protective of his family, especially his son. He kept his work secure from them. Why do you ask?”

  “I’d like to table that till I have time to confer with my colleagues if that is acceptable?’

  Nita nodded, “Of course.”

  Pinky chimed in. “Anything you say, Gabby.” Mrs. Gage gave her a reassuring smile and Pinky let out the breath she did not realize she was holding.

  Jake realized that even these people seemed to view Gabrielle with authority. Who was this woman?

  * * *

  The group sans Nita and Pinky convened in the library beside a roaring fire. Mrs. Gage’s staff always attended to their creature comfort. Granny was afraid she was getting too spoiled to go back to her little farm in West Virginia. She had not told Kenann, but she was very lonely there. The church people helped but she missed these friends deeply when she went back to her home. She had sold all her livestock and was leasing the ground to her neighbor to use. He had also agreed to keep an eye on the place anytime she was away. She was seriously considering a move to Memphis.

  Jake leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and hands clasped. “All right, Gabrielle, what are you cooking up in that head of yours?”

  She gave her signature enigmatic smile. “Well, I don’t see why we should not take advantage of this boon we have been given.” No one spoke so she continued. “What if we were able to insert one or both of the ladies into the castle? They are unknown to the men who surround Pierre and will not be connected to us in anyway. We can continue our surveillance and any other plans we had, but if they can pull it off it will be a tremendous advantage, don’t you think?” She appealed to the others.

  Carter broke the silence. “How do you intend to insert them into the castle?”

  His sarcasm was not lost on her. “As the saying goes, this is not their first rodeo, Mr. Carter. If agreed by all, I can put them on to working up a plan.” She sought the input of the others by her gaze.

  After a few seconds pause, the others gave their agreement to exploring this plan. Carter was the only silent partner. ‘So be it,’ Mrs. Gage thought.

  * * *

  Andy pulled Judy into his arms when they returned to their room. “Judy, have you contacted your parents?”

  She flushed, “Well, no. Why?”

  “When do you plan to tell them you are married?”

  “I don’t know.” She knew her voice sounded petulant.

  “What is holding you back?”

  She stepped from his arms and began to pace. “I don’t know. What we have is so special. I don’t want anyone else in my bubble right now. Is that so wrong?”

  “Well, when you put it that way, no. But I thought you were embarrassed or ashamed of me. . . or of them?”

  She came to him swiftly, “No. My parents are great. They really are. But I have kept them at arms’ length for so long they are almost an afterthought. We will call them together. Will that make you feel better?”

  “I suppose. Because I need to let my mom know too. She is going to hit the roof that I didn’t involve her. But she will have to deal. Ever since Dad died, I have been her main focus.”

  “You haven’t said much about your mom.”

  “Well, to be honest, I was afraid she would scare you off and I was trying everything I knew to talk you into an ‘us’.”

  “Good grief, how bad is she?”

  “Well, let’s just say I thank God you are a strong woman.”

  * * *

  Kenann had successfully overcome the barrier of being restricted to her room. All of Pierre’s security stayed out of her way. She had found a long white gown among the items in the clothes press in their room. She was especially unnerving as she roamed the halls throughout the night in this trailing white gown, keening and pulling at her hair. Danny Mac waited patiently in the room as she performed her recon. If she wandered too far afield, the guards escorted Danny Mac to her to bring her back. Pierre’s muscle was completely spooked by her.

  She tried to impart intel to Danny Mac she had gained during her rounds, but this proved difficult. On her latest foray she found paper and pen which she hid in the slit pocket of her gown. She had taken to sitting by the fire playing in the ashes making herself dirtier and more unapproachable by the day. She used this cover to jot down some pertinent information for Danny Mac to review and analyze. There were armed guards at all points of entrance or egress. But there did not seem to be a large contingency of men. She guessed about ten to twelve all told. She was also able to determine the schedule they used for relief. There was one room used as an armory. At any one time there were several weapons left in stock. In the command center/medical complex that supported Pierre’s extensive needs, she took sidelong notice of the bank of monitors along one entire wall. She described what she saw in her notes. She ended by saying she loved him. He smiled as he surreptitiously read this and risked a glance at her. His eyes told her what she needed to hear. He took great care not to show the notes but was able to burn them as he put another log on the wood fire.

  Danny Mac busied himself wi
th exercise and reading. He was summoned each day to report to Pierre on Kenann’s state. Pierre gave no indications of his plans. He appeared to be content simply to be in possession of them at this point. Danny Mac learned what happened in the days following the collapse of the Order in that subterranean cavern in Egypt. Pierre wanted Danny Mac to know that regardless of their efforts, they were ineffective in destroying the Order. The first people on the scene of Katerina’s death found Pierre barely clinging to life. There were state of the art emergency medical equipment and personnel on site. He was immediately intubated and mechanically ventilated to save his life. His snapped spinal cord, thanks to Danny Mac, was irreparable. As soon as he gained consciousness, Pierre apparently wasted no time in regaining control over the Order. The force of his will and character left no room for dispute. That and the network of assassins he had on his payroll tended to keep everyone in line. He was also in command of the Order’s extensive financial holdings. This allowed him to call the shots. Danny Mac could tell that what happened to Pierre had completed his descent into madness. His henchmen gave nothing away, but Danny Mac suspected they knew it too.

  Danny Mac sensed that Kenann was agitated after her last recon. Her fingers trembled as she slipped him a note. She saw him drop his head as he read it and knew he was uttering a prayer for divine help. Kenann made a decision and surreptitiously wrote another missive. When he read it, he considered it at length, terrified to weigh in on the wrong side. Kenann knew he was in serious thought and gave him the time and space he needed. She didn’t want to be wrong either.

  CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

  Jake found Mrs. Gage sitting alone in the back garden of the chateau. The weather was brisk, but she did not seem to notice. He stood outside the door and simply watched her. What weight did she carry on those diminutive shoulders that she allowed no one to help her carry? As if sensing his presence, she turned and reached out her hand to him. That simple gesture stole his breath. He moved toward her taking her hand in his and laying it against his heart.

  “Gabrielle.”

  “I am quite the old poop, aren’t I love?”

  He grinned. “Well, I won’t deny it, but I can say it has not scared me off.”

  “Good. Don’t give up on me, Jacob.”

  “Never.”

  She knew he meant it and that alone gave her the courage to move forward. He had not touched her again or even referenced what had occurred between them in Istanbul. He had branded her. That is how it felt. She smiled inwardly as she imagined that is how he saw it too. This woman is mine. And she was growing quite enamored with this old-fashioned idea. Who knew that she could be so traditional in her beliefs? The little woman. She laughed out loud.

  “It is so good to hear that sound Gabrielle.”

  “Yes, and it is good to feel it. Mr. Carter has a nasty way of making me doubt myself.”

  “That is his job. And unfortunately, he is very good at it. He keeps us all sharp whether we like it or not.”

  “I suppose so. I brought Nita and Pinky here on a whim. He was right. I could have jeopardized all of us.”

  “Every commander is capable of making a tactical error, dear. It’s only the ones who refuse to acknowledge or learn from it who are the fools.”

  “Now see, you lovely man, you soothe and warm my heart with your words.”

  He touched her cheek. “You are chilled to the bone. Come with me.”

  He pulled her to her feet, and he led her down a path into a wooded area where she saw a large outbuilding housing the all-terrain vehicles. He pulled the heavy door open as if it were paper and allowed her to enter first. It was warm inside the building thanks to overhead heaters. He led her to a sitting area for vacationing guests who were scheduling their use of the equipment. Since Mrs. Gage had reserved the entire chateau, the staff waited for her orders inside the main building. He pulled her down beside him in an oversized arm chair.

  She laughed, “Jacob, this is the second time you have pulled me into a chair with you.”

  “And as I told you before, it won’t be the last.” He looked down at her, his eyes speaking volumes. “I will be for you, do for you whatever you need for as long as you need. No strings. I love you, Gabrielle. “

  She reached up framing his rugged, handsome face with her delicate hands. Then she shocked herself as she laid her head on his large, solid chest grabbing his shirt on either side of her face and began to sob.

  * * *

  Jake wrapped her in his strong reliable arms and let her cry out whatever was rending her spirit into these shreds. It took awhile for her to regain her composure.

  “I’m afraid I have ruined your shirt.”

  Jake’s only response was a dismissive grunt. He stroked her hair and remained silent waiting for her to offer him her inner thoughts. But only if she chose.

  She moved to stand up. She did make eye contact and mumbled something about fixing her face as she made her way to the public restroom next to the sitting area. She returned a few minutes later with a freshly scrubbed face but did not resume her seat with Jake. She looked all the world like a small shy child as she sat across from him, afraid to tell the adult some deep secret.

  He waited. This had to be completely on her terms.

  She appeared to steel herself with a deep breath and began to look more like the strong, determined woman he knew. She appeared to consider as he waited. Finally deciding, she squared her shoulders and spoke.

  “Jacob, your words - your feelings have undone me. They made their way to my heart like a skilled archer. My heart.” She paused as if going back into deep thought. Jake did not move.

  She gazed off into a distant time and place. Jake saw emotions cross her face as she remembered. He had decided she wasn’t ready when she began speaking again.

  As if to herself, “My village in Hungary was small. I played in the woods with my friends. When we were little we never knew about the problems with the communists. It was an ideal part of my memories. My father had been a professor. He was part of the Intelligentsia and lost his position in Budapest during a purge by the government. From that day till Papa died he was watched. It took its toll on him and Mama. He told me later that she missed the city and what his position offered. One dreary afternoon the year I turned 15, she walked into the river. She just walked in over her head and never looked back. How does a person do that? Who does that?” She was once again lost in her thoughts.

  “I ran away a year later with my boyfriend. We headed straight for Budapest and started fighting the communists. It doesn’t take Freud to figure out why. We lived hard and fast and loved each other with abandon. He died in the middle of Hosok Tere.”

  Jake said nothing but she realized she had used the Hungarian name. She shook her head as if to clear the other language from her mind and said, “Heroes Square. We were a part of a small rebellion in the city. The Politzi opened fire. He was hit in the chest and died in my arms.” She whispered, “My first love. His name was Jacob.” She looked far away.

  She took a deep breath in and out and finally looked at Jake. “I was angry and hurt and lost. I could have gone home to Papa. I didn’t. I was young and lithe. I used my body to get what I wanted or needed. I began to run in some big circles. I met my husband in those circles. I don’t want to talk about that now. Another time. I will Jacob, I promise. I want you to know all of it.”

  “You are fine Gabrielle. We can stop and go back to the main house. You are already drained.”

  “No, I want to get through this - as much as I can tonight.”

  “All right, how about I sit next to you?” he wanted to be near her.

  “Please.” He did but did not touch her. She continued.

  “My marriage was brutal in many ways. Another blow to my psyche. Probably the worst, to be honest. But he died and I inherited his considerable wealth. It took me a long time to find myself and my purpose. That more than anything else is why I am so fiercely independent. I fought hard for
who and what I am now. It scares me to think about going back to a place where I give my heart again.” She turned and looked at him directly. “Can you understand that, Jacob?”

  “I can’t say I understand completely. I haven’t been where you are. But I loved my Mary more than life. So, I can understand when you are afraid to take your heart to those places again.”

  He got it close enough, she mused. “I have a lot of people who depend on me. I take my responsibilities very seriously. I guess what I am saying is my life is not simply my own. I don’t know anyone who could put up with all that.”

  “Do you trust me, Gabrielle?”

  “Completely.”

  He knew she did not say this lightly and he was more pleased than he dare show her at that moment. “All I ask is you let me help you. I don’t want to run your life or control you, Gabrielle. It is obvious you have a very large operation under your command. I don’t want to get in your way. I want to help you. Or at the very least stand beside you.”

  “I am a fool to keep you out of my work . . . and my life. I will cherish you and your help.”

  He grinned, “Wait, it’s all legal, right?”

  She gave him her signature enigmatic smile. “Mostly.”

  * * *

  Danny Mac pulled the sheet from the cabinet as instructed and continued around the room gathering the designated accoutrements. He heard the shower shut off and took the items to the bathroom door and entered. Kenann saw his expression change as she stepped onto the bathmat from the shower. She gave him a shy smile as she used the oversized towel to dry her body. He stood with his back against the closed door and watched her. As she wound her hair into a smaller towel and tucked it tightly on her head, he laid his bundle on the counter and came to her.