Mourning Dove

by Donna Simmons

  “Hello, Sara. Aren’t you on the wrong floor this morning?” Jonathon’s voice called out from the depths of his office.

  “Oh Jonathon, you startled me! I didn’t expect anyone here at this hour.”

  “It’s sometimes the best way to get any work done.”

  “That was my thought. I don’t have to be downstairs ‘til eight-thirty.”

  “Since you’re in early grab yourself a cup of coffee and join me. We need to talk.”

  A few minutes later, Sara sat opposite Jonathon with her warm coffee cup in her hands. “Okay, what’s up?”

  “Robert called me late last night with a slight problem.” He looked up, leaned across his desk and stared into her eyes.

  “What is it?”

  “Are you getting enough sleep? Your eyes are red. Either you’ve been out partying all weekend or you’ve been crying. What’s wrong?”

  Setting her mug on the edge of his desk, she leaned back in the chair. “It was a hard weekend; we buried one of my son’s friends. I’ll have to pick up some eye-drops if I look that dreadful.”

  “I’m sorry, was it an accident?”

  Rubbing her thumb over the handle of her coffee mug, she wondered whether to share her thoughts or not. “No. Yes. I’m not sure.”

  “Well, there’s a definitive answer,” he said. “You want to talk about it?” He set his pen on his desk and sat back.

  “I don’t have time.” She shook her head refusing to be baited into a long discussion of something she’d rather not rehash.

  “Maybe later, at the end of the day.”

  “It isn’t business and we have far too much to cover that is.”

  “I’d like to be your friend, Sara; it goes with the mentoring. I expect you to come to me with any problem that bothers you,” he paused, “any problem.”

  “Later then, what was the slight problem that came up over the weekend?” She reached for her coffee and took a hesitant sip.

  “Robert called me with a minor difficulty and asked if I could come to his rescue.” He paused again.

  “And?”

  “I’m thinking about how to say this diplomatically. Apparently, Elaina has been taking some gourmet cooking classes and accidentally set fire to the kitchen. She’s in a dither about a cocktail party they planned to give tomorrow night at their home. The cleaners will not have the evidence of her cooking debacle removed in time.”

  Sara couldn’t help but laugh at his description that could very much have been a recounting of her first attempt at impressing her new husband with a home-cooked meal.

  He smiled at her laughter. “I’m sorry, Jonathon. I don’t mean to laugh. I take it that Elaina is Robert’s wife?”

  “Yes ma’am, she’s very upset. As Robert said, and you are not to repeat to anyone, ‘Elaina has her panties in a real tangle over this.’”

  Sara could feel her smile broaden across her face, “So, what can we do about it?”

  “It’s too late to find a hotel to relocate her event. They’ve asked me to cover for them. They would like me to host the cocktail party at my home.” He paused again.

  “And?”

  “We would like you to help hostess the event, tomorrow evening at seven. The caterers will handle the food, but we should be on hand from about six to supervise.”

  “Why isn’t Elaina hosting it at your place?”

  “She will be there of course, but she’s apparently very rattled and would like additional support. Will you fill in with me?”

  “It’s not really work related, but I’ll help if I can. Who will be there? What type of group are we dealing with?”

  “You mentioned previously your interest in art. This is a group of artists and entertainers in the Portland area, some politicians and their wives, and of course, the media. Elaina is trying to drum up additional interest and support for local theatrical groups and artists. She’s done this every place they’ve roosted for as long as I can remember.”

  “You hardly know me, and I’ve never met Elaina or any of the artists from the Portland area. What makes me the right person for this occasion?”

  “When we checked into your references we also looked into your personal history as part of the security screen. You are the daughter and granddaughter to two well-placed members of the US diplomatic corps and the US Senate. We found several news reports of you on the arms of ambassadors and politicians at gala events from Washington to London to Munich. We believe you’re a natural for our needs tomorrow night and can diffuse any problems that might arise from such a large gathering.”

  “Well, I’m overwhelmed with your thoroughness, Jonathon. My days of socializing with diplomats were a very long time ago. I appreciate your confidence in my abilities; and of course I’ll do my best tomorrow night. Be warned though, I’m a little rusty. How many are expected at the event? How crowded will that make the space? What type of dress is Elaina planning for her party? Cocktail style, semi-formal, formal? What are the caterers preparing? And, can you get me a guest list before I leave today?”

  “When you sink your teeth in, Sara, I feel like I’m just barely hangin’ onto a feisty calf at brandin’ time.”

  “I didn’t think they branded cattle anymore. Don’t they tag them in the ear instead?”

  He laughed out loud and shook his head again. “Is there anything you don’t know, little lady? Don’t respond to that last question. I don’t want to be disappointed. Yes, they tag them now. My reference to branding relates to memories of my youth. You’ll have the information you requested before we leave tonight. Robert says Elaina estimates eighty to eighty-five guests will be attending. Be prepared to leave the office at five tomorrow and take any extra time you need to prepare.”

  “Anything else you need to share before I leave?”

  “Just, take it easy today. You look exhausted.”

  “Right,” She turned to leave and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. Just how am I supposed to take it easy, now? I’ve got a cocktail party to dress for between my training and the backlog of reports on my desk I’ve yet to review.

  Sara reached back for her coffee cup and Jonathon’s hand covered hers. She looked up with a questioning lift of her brow.

  “It’s okay, Sara. You’re safe with me. Share your pain if you need to. I’m here for you.” He squeezed her hand gently.

  She eased her hand out from under his palm and nodded in acknowledgement. “I have work to do; thank you for the offer.” The door closed quietly at her exit.

  Down in the commissary she scanned the aisles for eye drops and wondered at the meaning of the gentle touch in Jonathon’s office. I’m probably just overtired and reading too much into it. Take it as a gesture of kindness, Sara, not one of sexual interest. I hope it’s not sexual.

  By twelve thirty Sara was just beginning to work through the stack of folders on her desk.

  “How’s it going, Madam Boss?”

  She looked up from the report she was reading. Steve was leaning on her door jam twirling a racquetball racquet.

  “Hi Steve, any problems today?”

  “You mean besides the fact that Ross won’t return my messages?”

  “I’ll see what I can do. Anything else I can help you with?”

  “Yeah, what’s the big deal about security?”

  “Security? What do you mean?”

  “They’ve had a locksmith out looking at the front door to finance most of the morning. Someone break in?”

  “I found it disconcerting when I arrived this morning that the door was unlocked. I don’t understand why we have card lock security everywhere else and old fashioned key locks on this floor.”

  “So, was there a break-in?”

  “No, I got here a little after seven and Jonathon was already in. The front room was dark and it startled me when he spoke from the bowels of his office.”

  “I didn’t know he’d been here.”

  “We both came in early to get some work done while it was
quiet. You said he left before you got here?”

  “The only one here when I arrived was Louise making the first pot of coffee.”

  “Second pot, Jonathon and I drank the first. Where’s Louise now?”

  “She said she had the flu all weekend. I think she came back too soon. She was still a little green around the gills and left early.”

  “I wouldn’t use that description in her hearing range. You might just end up wearing your racquet as a crown. Anyway, she’s better at home than here sharing the bug. I’ve got an errand to run. Are you playing racquetball at lunch?”

  “No, Tony’s down, too. It’s a nasty strain going around.”

  “Could you stay here and hold the fort? While they’re working on the locks I don’t want to leave this place unattended. I should be back by one-thirty.”

  “Sure. Hot lunch date?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

  “Get real!”

  ***

  By Tuesday afternoon Sara was racing through the daily reports.

  “Knock, Knock.”

  “Jonathon, I’m almost ready for the staff meeting, just a few things to check yet.”

  “No hurry. I’ve decided to postpone the meeting ‘til tomorrow. Louise is still out and I’d like her insight at the meeting. Are you set for tonight?”

  “I want to run back to the hotel and change; I’ll meet you here at five.”

  “I spoke with Elaina and got a call from the caterers. They’ll be on-site at six. Since tonight doesn’t include dinner, do you want to grab something light on the way?”

  “Something light would be good. I usually eat very little at cocktail parties. I’m always afraid I’ll have something green attached to a front tooth while talking to a dignitary.”

  “You are definitely a senator’s daughter. Is that past experience talking?”

  “I was a gangly fifteen-year-old trying to impress Grandpa with my social skills. I had just come from the soccer field. Although I had a chance to clean up and change, I hadn’t had time to eat. I did what most teenagers do. I ate my way through every hors d’oeuvre offered and finally made it to the ladies room only to notice a piece of spinach stuck between my two front teeth.”

  He laughed and shook his head at her awkward teenage memory. “I can see where that could traumatize a sensitive young girl. I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll feed you before hand and make sure you’re not wearing your salad, if you inspect my tie for dribble spots before our guests arrive.”

  “It’s a deal.” She reached out to seal their agreement.

  He did it again. “Jonathon, I was asking to shake hands not presenting you with an appetizer.”

  “Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I was still picturing the image of the willowy teenager sporting a garden in her braces at the embassy ball.”

  “Sorry to disillusion you, but the braces were off before I accepted my grandfather’s invitation. And, I warned you about flirting.”

  “Consider it a tease, then. No sexual connotations intended.”

  “Fair enough, but please, not here in the office. Someone else might not understand the gesture.”

  “Okay then. I’ll leave you to your work and see you at five.”

  ***

  “Jonathon, we are well pleased with Mrs. Stafford’s performance tonight. She’s working the crowd like a pro.” Pretending to sip a brandy, Robert Starr scanned the gathering from the edge of Jonathon’s conversation pit.

  “She told me today she’s been doing this since she was a young girl fresh out of braces,” Jonathon sipped a whiskey from a thick glass tumbler.

  “Elaina is thrilled with her hostess abilities. You would think she was welcoming old friends into her home.”

  “She knows some of the politicians from her time in DC, but you’re right, Robert, she’s a natural.” They watched from across the room when Sara laughed with the star of the latest Merrill production sharing a moment of backstage humor.

  “Elaina is talking about organizing a foundation for the arts here in Portland. She wants to include both of you, Jonathon. Do you think Mrs. Stafford would be interested?”

  “My plate’s pretty full at the moment, but it might be good for Sara. She’s up to her eyeballs in tragedy. She tells me they buried a friend of her son’s this past weekend.”

  “Was it an accident?”

  “I don’t know,” Jonathon said. He put his glass down on the tray of a passing waiter.

  “Does this have anything to do with the government’s investigation?”

  “I’m not sure and Sara wouldn’t go into detail; but piled on top of the other, she’s taking it hard.”

  “Can’t tell it tonight,” Robert stated the obvious.

  “She covers her grief well. When I try to get close she changes the subject. That’s why I asked you to include her in tonight’s affair. I wanted to get her in a setting not work related.”

  “What if she won’t confide in you? Where does that leave the federal investigation?”

  “I suppose they’ll change teams, or tactics, or both.”

  Robert turned to his second in command, “Meaning?”

  “It may be chemistry. A woman can warm to one person, but confide in another. Obviously, Sara uses the work at Starr Shine to bury her problems. If I can’t get her to open up through this informal association helping Elaina, maybe I can bring in someone else who can.”

  “Do you have a candidate for the second team, Jonathon?”

  “How close is Elaina to organizing the foundation here in Portland?”

  “Next week, if she can get the flambé smell out of the house, she’s planning a dinner, inviting the people she’s handpicked for the board of directors and an advisory board. Many of them are here tonight. She wants to wine, dine, and coerce them.”

  “You think she could include Sara?”

  “She already has you and Sara on the guest list. She held off with your invitations until after tonight.”

  Jonathon nodded his understanding. “I would like Elaina to include our federal contact, if it’s not too inconvenient.”

  “Mr. Farrell?”

  “He just might make a perfect second team in our efforts to get Sara to open up. He doesn’t work for Starr Shine, but we can make him a government liaison to our new communications project. Think you can get him on the guest list?”

  “Consider it done. My wife loves one thing more than spending my money; she loves to play matchmaker. That’s how I sold her on the idea of using Sara tonight. Of course you know Elaina was fully capable of handling the hostess role this evening.”

  Jonathon watched the woman in question as she leaned in to hear a whispered comment from the senior senator from Maine, “I haven’t given up yet. But, I would still like to bring Farrell in next week. What day is Elaina planning this dinner?”

  “On Monday, cocktails at six. You mentioned a possible change in tactics. Did Mr. Farrell tell you what he meant by that?”

  “I’m afraid it might be something less pleasant. He tells me there’s been a lot of pressure on the case.”

  “That little lady over there, spending her free evening as a gracious hostess for a boss she hardly knows, doesn’t deserve this. I don’t like it, Jon. I don’t like it at all.”

  ***

  Elaina finally wound down in her replay of the night’s success. The regulator clock on the far wall in Jonathon’s living room bonged eleven. “Jonathon, I can’t thank you enough for hosting this party. My goodness, I don’t know what I would have done. Everything I’ve planned hinges on this evening. And, Sara dear, you were wonderful. I had no idea you knew Senator Hale.”

  “He was a friend of my father’s when Dad worked in Washington. He stays in touch from time to time.”

  “Well, you certainly were a hit tonight. I didn’t hear a snicker from the opposing side when Rufus brought up his latest pet project to tighten the federal budget. I was sure that was going to start a political war right here between Jonath
on’s longhorns mounted above our heads.”

  Elaina turned toward him. “Jonathon, you know I love the stories you tell about your family’s ranch, but do you have to have the sorry creatures staring down at us? Wouldn’t they feel more at home in your den?”

  “My dear, you shouldn’t criticize Jonathon’s taste in décor after he hosted this evening for your benefit. No one noticed his trophies, or if they did, they did not interfere with your festivities.”

  Jonathon laughed at their squabbling, “Elaina, Robert, stop. It’s okay. I can take a little teasing. Unfortunately I have nowhere else to put them. My African trophy collection fills the walls in the den. I’m sorry if the long horns offend you, Elaina. Next time, I’ll try to disguise them.”

  Jonathon ran his hand over Sara’s shoulders as they waved goodbye to Robert and Elaina from his front door.

  “That feels far better than it should, a sign I’m overly tired.” She turned back to him, “Will you drive me back to the office now? My feet are throbbing from standing in these heels all night and we both have an early day tomorrow.”

  “What about a nightcap before we leave? While you’re mellowing I’ll see what I can do about your feet. Then I promise to drive you home.”

  “I really shouldn’t. I don’t want to be placed in an uncomfortable position.”

  “Come on, Sara. No pressure.” He pulled her back to the sofa and pushed her gently into the brown buckskin cushions.

  “Stay put, I’ll be right back with a glass of wine. You’ve been drinking lemon water all evening and it’s time you unwound.”

  Jonathon walked back to the kitchen and over her shoulder she called out, “You noticed that?”

  “I try to notice everything. Just close your eyes and rest.”

  Sara’s thoughts drifted off; she closed her eyes for a moment...

  ***

  “Jonathon?”

  “Shush, it’s okay. I’m just rubbing the soles of your feet. Feel good?”

  “Yes, but that’s not the point. I must have dozed off.” Sara looked up and realized she’d slid into the overstuffed arm of the couch with her feet in his lap at the other end.