Once the show got green-lit and the cast and crew moved equipment, sets, and trailers up to Billings, Phil proposed an intermediary step on their road to “happily ever after”.
“What do you say you just move in with me for now,” Phil offered. “That would be better than living out of a hotel or trailer, don’t you think?”
“Why don’t we just get married?” Annie countered. Leave it to Annie to cut right to the chase, he thought.
“Do you really need any more complications in your life right now?” Phil said. “I don’t even know when I’m going to see you from week to week, or even if I’m going to see you at all.”
“You don’t want to marry me?” Annie asked.
“It’s just the opposite,” Phil said. “I don’t want to lose you. I think right now you don’t need to worry about anything else except pointing this show in the right direction.”
“But-,” Annie countered. Phil cut her off.
“Look, I’m way out of my element here,” Phil said. “But I’ve learned a few things from all the seniors I’ve gotten to know. And one thing they keep telling me is that you gotta give your marriage your full attention. Once you make something else more important, you’re finished, maybe not right away, but for sure and certain.”
“Ok,” Annie agreed. “But if not now, then when?”
“Let’s see how this first season goes. We’ll know soon enough.”
“How do I introduce you in the meantime?”
“I’m your fiancé,” Phil said. “And don’t you forget it.”
v
“I’ll be out for the day,” Phil told Tina, the office manager. “Annie’s shooting the stampede scene up near Shepherd. I thought I’d go watch, you know, just in case.” Tina nodded and waved him off.
“Go,” she said. “You’ve got The Sanctuary on auto-pilot. We’ll be just fine.”
“You’re sure?” Phil said as he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. “You call me if anything comes up.”
“If an asteroid hits the building, I’ll give you a ring,” Tina said. Phil took the hint.
He drove to Shepherd, about 15 miles north of Billings, where the crew amassed a few hundred head of steer for a thrilling, and slightly dangerous, stampede scene. He parked his car and climbed aboard a golf cart with Annie’s assistant, who drove him to a large tent where a bank of video monitors from various cameras provided a live feed of the action being filmed. A half dozen other guests already mingled, waiting for the shooting to begin.
“You’ll have a good view from here,” she told Phil. He climbed out and scanned the monitors for Annie. He quickly found her, astride her horse in full costume, getting last minute instructions from the stunt coordinator.
Once everyone was ready, the director called “action!”
Camera One focused on Annie, on horseback looking for her on-camera husband amidst a herd of cattle, as the drovers moved them from the pasture to the corral. Camera Two centered on the foreboding skies, as distant thunder shook the meadow, frightening the herd. On cue, Annie found her husband on the far side of the valley. She stood upright in her stirrups and waved. He smiled broadly and waved back. Suddenly, a crack of lightning struck a nearby tree. Phil assumed that the necessary special effects would be inserted later, in post-production. Camera Four captured the explosion of the tree and the reaction of the cattle as they bolted in Annie’s direction. Her pony ran but stumbled and threw her to the ground. “Nicely done,” Phil thought. “Without even a stunt double.” Annie’s TV husband saw her peril, captured in close-up on Camera Five, and rode to her rescue as thundering cattle approached. He scooped her up into his arms in full gallop, and she swung her leg up and over his horse, landing right behind his saddle. She held him tightly around the waist and they rode to safety. As the drovers took control of the cattle, Annie and her husband found a protected place to stop. She slid off the horse and her husband jumped off to join her. They embraced in a moment of heightened awareness of life’s uncertainties. They kissed – the script called for a long passionate moment. The kiss lingered longer than Phil cared to watch, and he looked away – even this world of make-believe can seem a bit too real for the casual observer.
The director called “CUT” and the two actors released each other’s embrace. The stunt coordinator congratulated Annie for a perfect on-the-run mount. Annie thanked him, then turned in search of Phil at the video viewing tent, but he was gone.
“All right – let’s set up for the next scene,” the director called out.
v
That evening in Billings, Annie and Phil settled in for a quiet dinner at Jakes Downtown. A few faithful fans recognized Annie and imposed politely for an autograph, which she gladly obliged. The waiter took their drink orders, and at last they breathed easy.
“I couldn’t find you after the stampede,” Annie said. “They said you’d already gone.”
“I saw the scene – it was great. You’re perfect for the part.”
“They’re going to edit in a stunt girl to actually take the fall off the horse.”
“Makes sense. I’m sure it will look very real. Just as real as that kiss at the end.”
“You know that’s just acting,” Annie said.
“I know. But I read the entertainment pages, and they all gush about the chemistry between you and your leading man.”
“That’s just showbiz blather,” Annie said. Phil nodded. “Anyway, we’ll finish shooting the season finale next week.”
“Then you get a break?” Phil said.
“Probably.”
“Probably? You don’t know?”
“Well, my agent says I could be in line for a supporting role in the new Anna Kendrick movie that’ll be shooting in a month or so,” Annie said. “He’s sending me the script to look at it.” She noticed a certain expression on Phil’s face.
“What the matter?” Annie said. Phil shrugged his shoulders.
“I guess it’s just not what I thought it was going to be.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know you’re shooting around Billings for all your exteriors, but all your indoor scenes are being filmed on sound stages down in Albuquerque. You might as well be in LA, ‘cause I never see you for weeks at a time.”
Annie’s cell phone rang. She checked the screen.
“That’s my agent – I should take it,” Annie said.
“Of course,” Phil agreed.
“Hi, Tony. What’s up?” Phil saw Annie’s eyes widen and her mouth drop open. Then she grinned from ear to ear. “You’re kidding. I can’t believe it…of course…sure. Just email it to my assistant. Thanks. Good night.”
“What was that?” Phil asked.
“You’re not going to believe this - I’ve been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a dramatic television series. The nominations were just announced.”
“Annie, that is just wonderful,” Phil said.
“I wonder who I’m up against? Oh, this is just too much. You have to come with me. It’s going to be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel next January.”
“We’ll see,” Phil said. “Let’s just see.”
Chapter 3
Honolulu 1971
During the Vietnam War most grunts on leave had their choice of exotic retreats, which included Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, and Tokyo. Hawaii generally attracted married soldiers, where they could meet with their families, but the higher ups on the Enterprise knew Charlie deserved to decompress on American soil, and readily approved his request. He landed on Oahu in May of 1971 and promptly reported to Major Hathaway, his local contact at Fort Derussey, for lodging arrangements. To his delight, he was booked into the Hilton Rainbow Towers on Waikiki.
“You’re pretty much on your own while you’re here on the island,” Major Hathaway said. “Just check in for messages in case we need to get hold of you.”
“Roger that,” Charlie said.
First, he headed for the Ala Moana Shopping C
enter in search of suitable civilian attire - flowered shirt, swim trunks, and sun glasses. Once outfitted, he felt certain no one could mistake him for military – all except for his GG-W-113 wrist watch, issued only to certain units such as special operations aviation regiment, fighter/bomber pilots and select special operation troops. It had its own unique signature, including both 12-hour and 24-hour markers on the same dial. The minute hand featured an elongated “syringe” style sweeping hand that allowed for precise time reading and setting since it reached all the way out to the outer minute track. The dead giveaway was the inscription on the center of the watch face, which clearly read “US GOVERNMENT”.
“But who’s going to get close enough to me to examine my wrist watch?” he thought. Satisfied that he blended in perfectly with the locals, he marched directly to Waikiki Beach for an afternoon of sun and sand. Lean and chiseled from years of military rigors, his bare chest turned more than a few eyes among the scantily clad bikini’d ladies. Surfers dominated the shoreline, and colorful umbrellas dotted the beach, like giant lollipops. He inhaled deeply United States oxygen. Never mind that 2,500 miles of ocean separated him from home sweet home, right here right now felt like Main Street, USA. The only thing that might improve his outlook would be the company of a lovely female companion. But that was not likely, with only one week to search. What kind of relationship could you even expect from a seven-day fling, anyway?
By early afternoon his thoughts strayed from women to a mouth-watering giant cheeseburger beside a mountain of fries. He swapped out of his trunks for a polo shirt and khakis, and made his way to the International Market Place, where eateries abounded. He requested a cheeseburger “with everything on it”, and a side of fries, with a classic Coke, from a local vendor, and found a seat along the crowded Market Place promenade. He casually scanned the milling humanity as he wrapped his mouth around his fantasy meal. That is when he saw her approaching, a young lean 20-something brunette, sun-tanned in a sleeveless blouse and a colorful flower pattern wrap around skirt. Chatting with her girlfriend as they walked, she gently nibbled on a large waffle cone briming with chocolate chip ice cream covered with sprinkles.
Charlie felt strangely smitten at the site of this young beauty, wholly oblivious to any judgmental eyes at the sweet confectionary delight to which she indulged. Her easy gait and carefree laugh tickled his imagination and quickened his curiosity. As the two passed by, he called out.
“What? No cherries on top?” She turned in the direction of that comment and their eyes met. The playful twinkle in his eyes captured her attention. She stopped short and smiled.
“That was the first thing I ate,” she said. Then she licked the ice cream slowly. Charlie stood and walked over.
“Maraschino, I hope?”
“Of course,” she grinned. Charlie examined the flavor of ice cream and nodded approvingly.
“Chocolate chip. I can see you know what you’re doing,” he said. She felt impressed to play along.
“What do you mean?”
“That’s the king of ice cream,” he said. “Most people go with straight vanilla. But that’s a mistake. Chocolate chip is the connoisseur’s choice.”
“Really?”
“Oh, yes. Now, mint chocolate chip is a daring alternative, but straight up chocolate chip tells the world you don’t follow – you lead.” She chuckled at this charming come-on.
“What’s your name?” Charlie asked. She grinned, gave her girlfriend a glance, then decided to see what might happen next.
“Diane Haley,” she said. Charlie extended his hand to shake.
“Diane – that’s a beautiful name.”
“Well, it should be. That’s what Diane means in Greek.”
“My name’s Charlie – that’s an English word. It means Charlie in English.” Diane laughed, then turned to her girlfriend.
“This is my friend Jackie.” Charlie turned gallantly with a head nod.
“My pleasure.” With the greeting rituals concluded, the two girls turned to resume their stroll.
“You girls live here, or are you just on vacation?”
“We live here,” Jackie offered. Charlie nodded at Jackie’s prompt reply, then turned back to Diane.
“Well, Diane, I’m here alone on vacation, and I was wondering if you could recommend a restaurant for dinner?”
“Now, what’s a handsome fella like you doing here in Hawaii all by your lonesome?”
“I don’t know – I’m thinking of moving here. Maybe start a farm.”
“Seriously?” Diane said.
“Yeah, why not - maybe a pineapple farm, or those nuts - macadamias.” Diane giggled.
“You’re kidding.”
“You never know,” Charlie said. “anyway, what’s your verdict on restaurants?” Diane gave his dining request some thought.
“You might try the Sandpiper on the Beach? They’ve got great steaks, seafood, and the best ocean view.”
“That sound perfect,” Charlie said. “But I hate to eat alone, so I’d be honored if the two of you would join me tonight, that is if you are available. My treat.”
“Both of us?” Diane asked.
“Sure - Why not?”
“Well, in the first place, you’re a complete stranger. We don’t even know the first thing about you.”
“That’s a good point. I realize I am taking a big chance with two ladies I’ve barely met, but if you two promise to behave, I’m willing to put my safety at risk.”
“Very funny,” Diane said. She paused to consider his invitation.
“What do you say? No obligation.” Charlie said. Diane gave Jackie a glance, who shrugged her shoulders.
“OK,” Diane said.
“How’s 7:00 o’clock sound?” Charlie said.
“Deal,” Diane nodded.
Jackie and Diane continued their stroll down the avenue, knowing at least one pair of eyes followed them with lingering delight as they sashayed along the promenade. A slight breeze stirred a colorful row of chiffon scarves hanging from a street vendor’s rack. Diane let her fingers glide across the delicate fabric as she passed by. Her gaze dropped to her melting ice cream. She caught a rivulet with her thumb, then turned her head as she licked her thumb, stealing one last glance at Charlie. Their eyes met again and he waved goodbye. She turned back and locked arms with Jackie.
“He’s kinda cute,” Diane said. “I think he likes you.”
“Are you kidding?” Jackie said. “He hardly even looked at me. He was too busy checking out your two scoops of ice cream.”
“Don’t be silly. He was just being friendly,” Diane said.
“Friendly? He was way past friendly when he asked about your maraschinos. We’ll have dinner with him in a few hours, but I can assure you, he’s not hungry for chicken teriyaki. Besides, I’ve already got a boyfriend.”
“Well, I don’t,” Diane said.
The Sandpiper sat at the south end of Waikiki overlooking Queen’s Beach. It boasted a classic Polynesian plantation theme with a generous blending of bamboo, thatched roof, handsome wrap-around veranda, colorful foliage, ponds, and babbling brooks. A popular destination for both tourists and military families, the restaurant offered a scenic outdoor dining patio as well as the best stocked bar on the beach.
Charlie met his two dinner companions at the front door and held it open as they entered the lobby. He wore casual linen slacks, Samoan shirt, pucca shell necklace, and loafers with no socks. The girls wore breezy flower print Hawaiian muumuu dresses. Diane wore a silver chain necklace with a tear drop pendant featuring a miniature blue wave made of blown glass. Jackie simply wore a hibiscus flower behind her left ear. The host sat them on the patio with a great view of the ocean. Charlie turned to Jackie.
“Now, I don’t claim to be an expert on local culture, but I’ve been told that if you wear a flower behind your left ear, it means you are either taken or you just don’t want anyone bothering you. Am I right on that?” Jackie smiled.
“But I see you’re not wearing any warning labels – no flowers, no rings, just a lovely necklace that is really very attractive.”
“Thanks for noticing,” Diane said. “And I can see by your watch that you are a military pilot. Which branch?”
“What keen little eyes you have. Actually, I’m with the Navy. How did you know this was a military watch?”
“Jackie and I are both nurses. We work at the Tripler Army Medical Center. I see those watches all the time. So, I’m guessing you’re on leave?
“Right again.”
“For how long?”
“One week.”
“So, you’re a Navy pilot. You fly off the Big E?” Diane said.
“Yeah – The Enterprise.”
“What do you fly?”
“Skyhawk,” Charlie said.
“The A4-C?’ Diane said.
“I can see you know your fighter planes,” Charlie smiled.
“I’ve got a brother who’s a pilot. He’s stationed in Germany.”
“What’s your call sign?” Jackie asked.
“I’d rather not say,” Charlie winced.
“C’mon, how bad can it be?” Diane said.
“Bad,” Charlie said.
“We’re not leaving till you tell us,” Diane said. Charlie took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
“P.E.” Charlie said.
“P-E? What’s that mean?” Jackie asked. Charlie hesitated for a moment.
“Premature Ejection.”
“What?” Diane said. “I’m not sure I want to know how you got that handle.”
“It’s not what you think. On my first training flight in the Skyhawk I accidentally pressed the ejection switch while it was still on the runway. Premature ejection.”
“Now, that is funny,” Diane smirked. Mercifully, the waiter arrived.
The Sanctuary II: Lost and Found Page 2