by Jet MacLeod
“Yes, I’ll make it,” Angie said as she started to sit up, readying her body to exit the vehicle.
Chapter 11
She pulled the car over a few exits up and let Angie pee at some nice restaurant. She wasn’t going to let Angie suffer with fast food that much while they traveled. While she knew that her body could take the abuse of a McDonald’s hamburger several times a day, but she knew that Angie’s couldn’t. It was a small consideration that she was giving her, but it wasn’t just for Angie’s delicate stomach. She was actually trying to be nice.
They only stayed in the small area of Fort Mitchell for little over an hour before they were back on the road. Del didn’t want to waste any time, but then again, she hadn’t picked anywhere for them to end up at for the night yet. She pulled out her smart phone and a map while they were dining. She wanted to stop in Tennessee, but she still didn’t know where. She just got them back on the road and headed down I 71.
She found a small town in the middle of nowhere. Upon Googling it while Angie ate her lunch, Del was happy to know that it was indeed a very small town with a very low population. It was the perfect place to stop for the night. She hoped that it wouldn’t take too long to get there, too.
She looked at Angie as they barreled down the interstate. She slowed down to a reasonable speed. They had made it farther than she had planned for the day. They could afford to slow down some, and she hated to admit that Angie had been right about them speeding. They were in an area prone to speed traps and being ticketed. She didn’t want to bring any unnecessary attention to them. It was an easy decision.
It was sometime later that they were finally in Tennessee. The sun was still up. Del thought that it had to be around early evening. She hadn’t bothered to look at clock radio in the car’s dash. Angie had stayed awake during this leg of the drive, but she could tell that Del was getting restless. She watched the signs go by not really noting anything of importance. They were in rural Tennessee and there wasn’t much to see but landscape.
Angie laughed to herself knowing that none of her friends would know what to do with her if they saw her here. She was so far out of her element, and she didn’t just mean the jeans and t-shirts she had grown accustomed to wearing over the last few weeks. She had always been a “City” girl.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Del stated as they crossed into Henry County.
“What?” Angie asked, suddenly coming back to reality.
“They have an Eiffel Tower here.”
“A what?” Angie questioned full of disbelief.
“It looks like this place is called Paris, so they build their own Eiffel Tower.”
“Really?”
“Yup, see,” Del told her pointing at a billboard, as they drove passed it.
“Well, now, I believe I have seen it all,” Angie quipped.
“You wanna go?” Del asked her almost childlike.
“You want to go see a small town in Tennessee’s replica of the Eiffel Tower?”
“Why not? It beats being on the road. Plus, this place has enough places for us to stay the night and figure out where we are going to go next. It isn’t a budding metropolis, but it isn’t a crossroads, either. Besides, you know you want to,” Del teased her in the end.
“I have always liked Paris in the fall,” Angie replied, teasing her back.
“Good, we’ll stay here then,” Del stated as she got off the highway and headed into town.
After touring the town and seeing the replica Eiffel Tower, they found a small family run diner on the main strip of downtown. Del finally noted the time and knew that they had to find somewhere to stay soon. As they ate, Del looked over the travel brochures she’d picked up. She kept coming back to the Paris Landing State Park one. There was something about it that kept catching her eye. She didn’t know what it was, but maybe the fact that they had cabins near a lake. Then she thought about how easy it would be to defend them against anything in a cabin versus a hotel. This would be her primary want in coming stops.
“What about this?” Del asked handing her the brochure.
“It looks nice. Quaint actually and very peaceful, is this where you want to stay tonight? I don’t see a problem with it.”
“What about a cabin?”
“You’re asking me if I want to stay in a cabin?”
“Well, I do want you to be comfortable.”
“You want to stay in a cabin over the lodge, don’t you?”
“It would be easier for me to deal with, yes. Plus, I like the scenery. It would be very calming. The cabins are big enough that we wouldn’t have to share a room. There are kitchens and cable, so we could entertain ourselves. It isn’t perfect, but they seem nice enough.”
“It sounds fine. I am actually beginning to like the country. I understand why you like it, too. It is peaceful. I am sure that we will be fine there. Go ahead and call them. It looks like we can get a weekly rate, too. I am sure that will help you with our finances,” Angie told her.
“Finances aren’t going to be a problem. I thought I already told you that. I’ve got everything covered. But, you’re sure that you are okay staying there for a while. We could plan where to go from here. Plus, it is only about twenty miles from town. We can get whatever we need quickly enough, if we need to, you know?”
“It’s fine, Del. Go ahead and book us a cabin. I’m going to the bathroom,” Angie told her as she stood up and left the table.
Del just stared after her. She knew that she was in “God’s Country,” and needed to make sure that no one suspected that were “together together.” She didn’t want to be putting a different type of bull’s eye on their backs. She knew that people weren’t as tolerant here, but she wasn’t actually with Angie. They would be okay. She would make sure of it.
“Here ya go, Hun,” the waitress told her, refilling her coffee cup and handing her the ticket.
“Thanks,” she replied reflexively.
“Looking at staying at the Landing, huh?”
“Yeah, it looks nice.”
“Oh, it is, Sugar. My daughter had her weddin’ out there, last year. It was beautiful. Might want to call up there though, they start bookin’ up early.”
“Thanks for the suggestion.”
“No problem, Sugar. Y’all down from Memphis way or from Louisville? We don’t get many like y’all in these parts,” she told them.
“Excuse me?” Del asked.
“You know, big business women, like yourselves. Where y’all from anyway? Cause I can’t tell.”
“Chicago,” Del lied.
“Ah, that’s why. Well, have fun at the Landing. And, tell your friend to relax. Whatever brings you here, don’t matter here. Just let all your troubles and worries melt away. This is place was touched by God. You’ll see. He’ll look after you. Just remember to pray about it. Just remind her to give her problems to God and He’ll take care of it. I am sure that will help her. And, if you need a church on Sunday, check out the Church of Christ over on Sparks Street. Hopefully, I’ll see there Sunday,” the waitress told her.
“Thanks,” Del stated reflexively.
Angie chose then to come back. She gave Del a questioning look as she sat back down. She watched as the waitress left with a big smile on her face.
“What was that about?” Angie asked her.
“It seems that we are powerful business women from Chicago. We are obviously out of our element and needed a break, hence why we are here. Evidently you are under too much stress. She does recommend staying out at the Landing and invited us to the local Church of Christ over on Sparks Street on Sunday so we can let all of our problems go to God,” Del stated.
Angie blinked several limes and just stared at her. She grabbed her glass of water and took a sip. She returned it to the table and just stared blankly at Del. When she finally had a coherent thought, she opened her mouth, waited a second to see if Del was going to tell her more and then spoke.
“Seriously?”
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“Yup.”
“That’s the best you could come up with?” Angie asked her.
“I didn’t come up with any of it. The waitress did all that on her own. I promise. Hell, if they want to believe that while we are here, then let them. It could be worse.”
“And, what do I, the illustrious Emily, do in Chicago?” Angie asked her.
“I don’t know. She didn’t tell me,” Del answered with a laugh, before asking. “Any thoughts?”
Angie let out at small giggle. It was amazingly refreshing to see and hear. Del smiled at her.
“Not at the moment. I’ll get back to you on that. Did you call the place and get us a cabin yet? I’m ready to go,” Angie told her.
“Here, take this,” Del told her handing her a wad of cash, “Go pay for lunch. I’ll meet you outside. I’m gonna call them now.”
Angie nodded and took the cash. She grabbed the ticket and headed to the cashier station. She watched as Del walked out the door to the diner on her phone, but that she immediately turned around to watch Angie through the front glass windows. She smiled at Angie as she talked on the phone. Their waitress came over to take their payment.
“Everything okay, y’all?”
“It was fine, thank you,” Angie replied, handing her the money.
“Don’t worry about nothing here. Good thing you got out of the city. It looks like this country air is helping you. Bless your heart. Things aren’t always that serious. I promise. Just give your worries to God, Sugar. He’ll deal with it for you. Hope to see you folks in church Sunday, dear, if y’all are still here. Have a good day.”
Angie smiled at the woman, blinking and blankly. She waved off the change. The waitress just nodded and pocketed the change as part of her tip. Angie quickly left the diner and grabbed Del by the arm, pulling her to the car. Del unlocked it and Angie got in and shut the door.
“What’s wrong with you?” Del asked getting in the driver’s side.
“Get me out of here,” Angie said.
“What’s wrong?”
“She wants us to be in church on Sunday. I gave up on God years ago. We need to go, now.”
Del pulled out of the space and headed towards the state park. She was right that it wouldn’t be long for them to come into town for supplies. She didn’t know how long she was willing to stay there. She knew that it wouldn’t be a permanent stop for them. This was just another stepping stone in keeping Angie alive.
She sighed as the pulled through the gates and up to the main lodge. She gave Angie a look as she turned the car off. Angie silently complied and exited the vehicle when Del did. She knew that it was an unspoken rule that she was to stay with Del no matter where they were or what time it was. She was to be Del’s shadow as Del was to be hers.
They walked into the lodge and up to the main desk. There was a middle-aged man with a bad comb-over standing behind it. He smiled up at them as the approached.
“I called earlier about the cabin by the lake,” Del told him.
“Oh, yes, Miss Yeltsin and Miss White. I am glad that you called when you did. It is our last cabin this week. I hope that you will find your stay here relaxing and refreshing. My name is Beau Pinckney. If you need anything just ask for me. Here are the keys to the cabin. It is fully stocked with towels and linens, but if you need more, just call up here to the lodge and someone will bring more to you.”
“Do you need my card now or in the morning?”
“It can wait until morning. The information that you gave me over the phone all checked out. The standard rates for a week are two hundred dollars. I’ve already charged that to the card you gave me. If I can be of any further assistance, just let me know ladies. Enjoy your stay.”
They smiled at the man, turned and left. Once they were back in the car, Angie looked at Del. She had already paid for a week. It gave Angie and idea of how long they would be there. This was just another stop, she knew that, but to stay for a few days didn’t seem like Del’s style.
“Miss Yeltsin and Miss White?” Angie asked her as Del drove through the park on the unmarked paved roads to their cabin.
“It was a quick and easy thing to give him.”
“Yeltsin and White, what’s next Borisnakov and Black?”
“Maybe,” Del answered sarcastically, “I’ll write those down.”
“I think we need to come up with a more permanent name for the both of us,” Angie stated.
“Not until we get somewhere to settle down. Don’t worry about the credit cards, though. I have many aliases aligned with the account. The bank doesn’t care as long as one of the names matches that it on the account. Trust me when I tell you. Delia Montgomery could die ten times over, and there would still be someone to take her place on the account. Don’t think about it too much. It is just a name. They are as easy to change as your hair color.”
“That isn’t what I meant and you know it,” Angie huffed.
“Well, then Princess, what did you mean?”
“Can we not fight? We are both tired. I just want to go to bed. We can hash out whatever in the morning,” Angie stated.
“Sounds good to me. Look, Princess, you’re castle away from the City. This is a lot nicer than the brochure. Let’s go check it out,” Del said pulling into the parking space behind the cabin.
Chapter 12
Del carried their groceries into the cabin. They had just gotten back from the Lakeview Grocery store just down the road. It had been an experience to shop with Angie, but Del reined her in more than once when it was necessary. She just laughed when Angie wanted something exotic. They were in the middle of nowhere, Tennessee and Angie was still thinking like a New Yorker. Eventually, Angie gave up on her quest and let Del finish shopping for the both of them.
She sat the bags on the counter and started unloading them. She started putting the meats in the freezer when Angie came back in from her room. She just eyed her as she continued to put the groceries away.
“What?” Angie finally asked.
“Nothing.”
“Why are you staring at me like that, then?”
“I’m just imagining you in the grocery store in New York.”
“Why?”
“Because it is amusing,” Del answered.
“Why is it so amusing?”
“Because you have been rich too long. You don’t know how to eat poor or simply. Not that is a bad thing, but you are going to have to get used to not being able to fine your exotic cheeses and things. Not everywhere has the same tastes. Here people live simply and work hard.”
“Are you saying that I don’t work hard?” Angie questioned.
“I never said that. People here just have a different set of values placed on money. If they make enough to keep a roof over their head, food on the table, and clothed, they are happy. Life is so different here compared to the City. Living outside New York is going to be a big adjustment for you, but I don’t think that you have completely thought that out, yet,” Del answered.
“I understand that. Remember that I have been in the system for a few years now. I understand living on at budget. I have sampled the great little treat of ramen. I get it,” Angie stated.
“By that answer, I know that you don’t. Don’t worry about it. You didn’t grow up in it. You didn’t have it hard. You appreciate the finer things in life. They appreciate life. There is a difference and maybe one day, you’ll find that out for yourself. Don’t stress about it,” Del explained.
“I don’t want to argue about this.”
“I am not arguing. I am just stating fact. Look, don’t worry about it. Did you decide what you wanted for dinner? I need to leave something out to cook, you know?”
“No, not yet. I guess you can just surprise me. It doesn’t really matter to me. As long as I get something to eat, I’ll be happy. Does that answer your question?”
Del knew with Angie’s answer that she was upset. She watched as Angie walked back to her room. She hadn’t inten
ded to upset or offend her, but she needed Angie to stop thinking like Angie. She knew that it was going to be hard. She’d had to learn it when she joined the military, but then again, she wasn’t raised as privileged New York heiress, either. She knew this would be hard on Angie but not this bad.
Del just shook her head and started putting up the dry goods. She still couldn’t believe how much food they bought for roughly a week stay, but she found that she couldn’t say “no” to Angie. It was a little odd, but she just filed the feeling away. She didn’t need any complications when it came to her guard duty to Angie. She knew the rules that she imposed on herself. She had the rules for reason and she knew it. Angie couldn’t become another Yulia. Del knew that she would survive it.
She would let Angie pout if she wanted. Del would just continue to try and be professional. She had read Angie’s file. She knew that she was different from the rest of the high society rich white girls of New York, but sometimes she fell right into that grouping so well. Del didn’t have it that easy, but she adapted well. It was another reason that Del was so good at her job.
She didn’t want to think about all that right now. She needed to plan escape routes and make sure that no one was truly too curious about them staying there. She didn’t think that they had been followed and she made sure to use your dump phones for any calls that she’d made. She knew that Angie hadn’t used her phone either. She would have known, because it was cloned to hers.
She sighed as she finished putting up the groceries. Del knew that she had only given the Alphabets just enough to keep them off her back. They weren’t happy with the rushed leaving of New York, but they had given Del free reign for this job. They couldn’t argue with her because she was the best and if she thought that she could protect Angie better by not being in New York, then they would let her go.
Del stared at the counter. She wasn’t sure what she was going to make for dinner, but she wanted to do something fancy, something she knew that Angie would enjoy. She just didn’t know what. She reached over and grabbed the closet bottle of Merlot and opened it. While she let it breathe for a second or two, she searched the cabinets for at wine glass. When she didn’t find one, she settled on a pint glass instead.