by Don Brown
“Yes. I remember. You’re a conservative. You do what you say you will do. And now you’re a national hero of Chile.”
A Cheshire grin crossed his face. “So may I sit?”
“You invited me. Remember?”
“That doesn’t mean you want me to stay and sit,” he said.
“No. You think I might have a better idea? Like blowing this joint and coming to my place for a piece of peach pie?”
“Hmm. Sounds intriguing.” Pete sat down. “But I’ve got a better idea.” He poured a glass of the pinot.
“Oh? What could be better than my place and peach pie?”
“My place and barbecue ribs.”
“Your place?” She felt herself blush. “Down on the waterfront?”
“I’m not talking about the waterfront. I’ve seen enough water for a while. And I’ve seen enough death for a lifetime. I’ve learned that life is all too short to let stupid stuff like politics get in the way.”
“So if you’re not talking about my place, and you’re not talking about your place on the waterfront, then what are you proposing?”
He smiled. “What I’m proposing is Texas.”
“Texas?”
“Ever been to America?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to.”
“Then we need to make that happen. You should come meet the family. My dad makes the greatest beef brisket, and my mom has her own personal art gallery with fabulous Chilean landscapes that she’d love to show you. And you’ll love Kelsey and Grace. My daughters. You would have a blast. And who knows where it might lead.”
That brought a smile to her face. She scooted her chair over next to his and threw her arms around his neck. “I would love to go to Texas.”
Her lips met his and much later, their lips still glued together, applause broke out.
Fernando returned with a bottle of champagne. “Dom Perignon for the lucky couple?”
“Ship it to Dallas for me, Fernando,” Pete said. “I’ll get you the address. Right now, we’re going out to finish a slice of peach pie.”
Acknowledgments
For his superb editorial assistance, a special thanks to US Army veteran Jack Miller of La Mesa, California, who, along with his wife, Linda, are generous benefactors of the San Diego Zoo and the Lambs Theatre of Coronado, California. With grateful appreciation for the behind-the-scenes tours with the giraffes and the magical musical performances by the Pacific, and for hosting fabulous Super Bowl parties during my February trips to San Diego.
As always, a special and warm thanks to Sue Brower, acquisitions editor of Zondervan, and to Jane Haradine for her patience with me and tedious dedication in the editorial process.
Finally, I offer a special tribute to my astute literary agent, Steve Laube of Phoenix, who came up with the idea for this book, gave me his thoughts, and encouraged me to write it.
Also By Don Brown
The Black Sea Affair
The Malacca Conspiracy
The Pacific Rim Collection
Thunder in the Morning Calm
Fire of the Raging Dragon
Storming the Black Ice
The Navy Justice Collection
Treason
Hostage
Defiance
About the Author
Don Brown is the author of Thunder in the Morning Calm, The Malacca Conspiracy, The Navy Justice Collection, and The Black Sea Affair, a submarine thriller that predicted the 2008 shooting war between Russia and Georgia. Don served five years in the US Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's JAG) Corps, which gave him exceptional insight into both the Navy and the inner workings “inside-the-beltway” as an action officer assigned to the Pentagon. He left active duty in 1992 to pursue private practice, but remained on inactive status through 1999, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander. He and his family live in North Carolina, where he pursues his passion for penning novels about the Navy.
Visit his website at www.donbrownbooks.com
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