The Sanctuary II: Lost and Found

by Larry Richardson

  “Can we just order dinner now?” Charlie said.

  Charlie ordered a Hawaiian ribeye, and the girls split a teriyaki chicken with rice.

  “So, you girls are stationed here, but you weren’t born in Hawaii, were you?” Charlie asked.

  “No, I was born in California – Riverside,” Jackie said.

  “And what about you?” Charlie said to Diane.

  “I was born in Montana,” Diane said.

  “You’re kidding – where?” Charlie said.

  “Bozeman – my father owns a ranch,” Diane said.

  “You’re not going to believe this – I’m from Billings,” Charlie said.

  “No way,” Diane said. “That’s just up the road.”

  “I know. And my family owns a ranch, too. Why haven’t we met before now?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Did you ever go to the Yellowstone Exhibition in Billings?”

  “Every year,” Diane said.

  “We probably ran into each other and didn’t even know it.”

  “My dad always showed his livestock at the exhibits, and we always went to the rodeos,” Diane said.

  For the next hour Diane and Charlie swapped stories of growing up in Montana, visiting Yellowstone, the Little Big Horn Memorial, the Sweet Pea Festival, Bozeman Stampede, the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum, and the annual New Year’s Fireworks show. Jackie nibbled on her teriyaki and inserted comments whenever possible.

  “So, how did you get into nursing?” Charlie said.

  “Bozeman College of Nursing opened in 1965 and I signed up. I figured that was my ticket out. I graduated in ‘69, worked for a year in the ER at the Bozeman Medical Center, then got a call to work here at the Tripler Army Medical Center. I’ve been here for a little over a year.”

  By the time Charlie finished the story of his love affair with aviation, Jackie felt like the classic third wheel.

  “You know what, I’m gonna grab a cab back to the apartment. You guys just enjoy yourselves,” she said. Charlie checked his watch – it was 9:45 p.m.

  “Oh, are you sure?” Diane said.

  “Yeah, tomorrow is Friday and I’ve got an early shift.”

  “You guys drove here?” Charlie asked. Diane nodded.

  “Listen, let her take your car, and I’ll drive you home.”

  “Oh, are you sure?” Diane said.

  “Sure. How far away do you live?”

  “Fifteen minutes – twenty tops,” Diane said.

  “Then it’s settled,” Charlie said. Diane fished out the car keys from her purse and handed them over to Jackie. Jackie half smiled.

  “Well, OK. I guess I’ll see you later. Charlie, don’t let her stay out too late. She’s got work tomorrow.”

  “I’ll have her home by 11:00.”

  “Then, my work is done here. Good night, all.” She turned and excused herself. Charlie turned to Diane.

  “Is she OK?”

  “Yeah, she’s just being protective.”

  “Well, she’s got nothing to worry about. I never met a Montana girl who couldn’t take care of herself,” Charlie said. He sipped his red wine and took in the sound of the waves in the distance. Then over the crashing waves, the recorded music rotation brought the mellow and mournful sounds of Frank Sinatra over the loud speaker, singing “It Was A Very Good Year”.

  “I love this song,” Charlie said.

  “I love all his songs,” Diane said. “He’s just so…” She searched for the right descriptive word.

  “Soulful,” Charlie finished her sentence.

  “Yes – exactly,” she replied. They fell into reverie as the song triggered memories of their own.

  “I went to a Frank Sinatra concert at Caesar’s Palace two years ago,” Diane said. “Best night of my life.”

  “I’ve got his ‘Wee Small Hours’ album,” Charlie whispered.

  “So do I,” Diane sighed.

  “OK, here’s the final test – name your favorite Frank Sinatra song,” Charlie said.

  “Oh, that’s not fair. I’ve got three that can’t be rank ordered.”

  “I bet I know what they are,” Charlie said.

  “I dare you,” Diane urged.

  “Come Fly With Me,” Charlie said.

  “That one was obvious,” Diane said.

  “New York, New York,” Charlie continued.

  “Quintessential,” Diane nodded.

  “Now, this third one is tough,” Charlie said. “I want to say ‘My Way’.”

  “Yesterday it might have been, and tomorrow it might be, but tonight I’m thinking ‘Strangers in the Night’. Just because,” Diane said with a devilish grin. A cha-cha tune drifted over the patio through the sound system. Charlies noticed an open area beckoning couples to dance. He rose from his chair and offered his hand to Diane.

  “Would I be too bold to ask if you cha-cha?” Charlie said. Diane considered for just a moment – there were no other dancers on the floor. She checked her feelings and decided she didn’t care. She stood and gave Charlie her hand. He led her to the floor and took her in frame. On the upbeat he led her through a spunky little cha-cha routine. Diane felt like a princess in the deft hands of Charlie, who made her look like they were longtime dance partners. Nearby diners paused their conversation to watch this demonstration of confident footwork and impressive teamwork. At the end of the number, Charlie finished their routine with a gentle dip, which he held for dramatic effect. When he lifted her back to his side, the impromptu demonstration prompted spontaneous applause from the fellow patio diners. Charlie looked at his watch.

  “I guess it’s time for us to go.” He paid the bill, collected their things, and drove Diane to her apartment. The ride felt far too brief, and with almost no warning Diane pointed to her complex.

  “Right up on the left – that’s where I live.” Charlie parked his car and walked her to the door – Apt. 128. They stood in awkward silence, unsure what to say, yet full of emotions ready to explode. Charlie initiated a comment, but stepped over Diane’s simultaneous attempt to do the same.

  “I’m sorry,” Charlie said. “You go first.”

  “I just wanted to say I had a wonderful time tonight,” Diane said. “And I’m not just saying that. I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to expect, and I know this is going to sound weird, but I feel like I’ve known you all my life.”

  “I know. How many times tonight did we finish each other’s sentences?” Charlie said.

  “It’s like we met in a previous life or something,” Diane said.

  “I may be out of line, but I don’t want it to end. Can I see you tomorrow?” Charlie said. “And I don’t mean just after work. Can you take a sick day?”

  “I’ll just quit if they don’t give it to me,” Diane said.

  Chapter 4

  Billings, Montana 2021

  Principal photography for the season finale finished the first week of October. Some exterior close-up shots had to wait for the next day so that shadows matched up. Continuity required that if a scene was shot in the morning, shadows cast by trees or fences were long, but noontime shadows were short. If it took too long to reset cameras, dollies, and tracks, shadows would no longer match up, and shooting would have to be postponed until the next day. The obvious shadow screw-ups in the filming of the final shootout in the “Quigley Down Under” corral scene reminded film crews that audiences notice those errors and will not forgive the lack of attention to details. Annie got called back the next day to the outdoor set to finish shooting a critical scene from the previous day, to ensure that all the shadows matched up. Once completed, the director came over to Annie.

  “Good job, Annie,” he said. “We’ll need you in the studio next week to dub some lines. Other than that, you’re done. I gotta say, you really helped make this show. Our female viewership is really strong for a western, and you deserve the credit for that.”

  “Thanks. I really appreciate that,” Annie said.

  “I thoug
ht you’d like to know that we got the green light from the network,” the director said. “The show is a hit and they want to order another season.”

  “That is wonderful,” Annie said.

  “The production company will send over contracts for your agent to review. If all goes well, we’ll start shooting Season Two in a couple of months. We’ll be sending scripts to you over the winter.”

  Annie couldn’t wait to tell Phil while she drove back to Billings. As she walked to her car, her cell phone rang.

  “Hi, this is Annie.”

  “You probably already heard – the show’s being renewed for another season,” her agent, Tony, said.

  “Yeah, I just heard. Isn’t that great?”

  “Yeah. I’m going to get you a big fat salary increase, too, so get ready for your life to change.”

  “Just let me catch my breath here for a bit,” Annie said.

  “Don’t relax too much, ‘cause I got more good news. You got the part of the girlfriend in the upcoming Anna Kendrick movie,” Tony said.

  “I did?” Annie said.

  “Your star is rising, so buckle up. It’s just a supporting role, but it’ll give you huge exposure.”

  “It’s not going to conflict with the series, is it?” Annie said.

  “No - your part will only take three weeks to film,” Tony said. “You can knock it out during the break. It shoots in South Carolina.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” Annie said.

  “That’s what you pay me for,” Tony said.

  As she drove to Billings, her mind raced from ecstasy to agony and back. After three years struggling as a starving actress, she had all but given up on her dreams of Hollywood. She left Los Angeles defeated, and quietly took a job as office manager at The Sanctuary. How could she know that everything would change when Phil Branson came into her life. More than anything, she cherished his love far above the fickle adulation of her fans, and felt the strain to their relationship from her all-consuming showbiz career. She wasn’t quite sure how to break the news to him. As she drove, she speed-dialed him and put him on speaker.

  “Jennifer Lopez, you have to stop calling me. I’ve already made it clear – I’m taken,” Phil said.

  “Very funny,” Annie said.

  “Oh, oops! Is this Annie?” Phil said. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”

  “Just wait till I get home. When I’m through with you, you’ll wish it was J-Lo,” Annie said.

  “Are you on your way home?” Phil said. “’Cause I gotta get all these girls out of here.”

  “Ok – enough with the jealousy bait,” Annie said. “What do you want to do for dinner?”

  “Depends. What are you in the mood for?” Phil said.

  “Well, I’ve got some good news, then I’ve got some really good news, so let’s celebrate,” Annie said.

  “Ok, let’s go to Buffalo Blocks,” Phil said.

  “Perfect. I’m 15 minutes out. Let me get home, change, then meet you there,” Annie said.

  “All right. Let’s say 6:30,” Phil said.

  “I love you,” Annie said.

  “I love you more,” Phil added.

  Buffalo Blocks sat inside the historic Rex Hotel. A century-old Billings landmark, the Rex on Montana Avenue was a favorite haunt of Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane, and Will James in their day. It specialized in woodfire melt-in-your-mouth steaks, fresh and savory seafood, and rich, decadent desserts, all served on elegant white table cloths in a relaxed pampered setting. You paid more, but the bragging rights alone were worth it.

  Phil arrived before Annie. He secured an intimate table near the open-hearth fireplace, and ordered a cabernet for each of them. He pulled out a small velvet box from his coat pocket and opened the lid to inspect the stunning diamond ring he chose for that special moment. This might be the right night to finally pop that four-word question every woman in love aches to hear - ‘Will you marry me?’ Suddenly, she walked through the door and breezed past the Maitre-d’, wearing a calf-length deep red chiffon dress with elbow length sleeves, and V-neck. Nothing less than breathtaking. Phil rose to seat her, as a patron from three tables over humbly intruded for an autograph.

  “Of course,” Annie smiled and signed the stray piece of paper the lady scrounged from her own purse. And then, the obligatory selfie. The fan gave her cell phone camera to Phil to snap the shot, which he happily accepted. They sat down again, alone at last.

  “I will say,” Phil began, “that you look every bit the movie star.”

  “I’m not quite comfortable with that label,” Annie said.

  “It comes with the territory,” Phil said.

  The waiter arrived with the evening’s offerings. Phil requested the shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, single bone-in short rib, and baked potato. Annie ordered wood-grilled brie, wedge salad, pan-seared salmon, and asparagus. While they waited for the appetizers to arrive, Phil began the conversation.

  “First, how did the filming go?” he said.

  “Fine, we wrapped exterior production. Next week I have to go to Albuquerque to record some pick-up lines. Then, that is that for season one.”

  “Ok, so what is the big news you have to share?” Phil said.

  “So, hold on to your hat - the show is being renewed for another season,” she said with a grin.

  “Bravo,” Phil said with true pride. “So, when do you start shooting the second season?”

  “February, March – I’m not sure,” Annie said.

  “Well, that’s terrific. That gives you – it gives us – a nice break.” He felt more confident that perhaps his misgivings about the demands of Hollywood were overblown. He gently slid his hand, unnoticed, down to his coat pocket.

  “But that’s not all,” Annie continued. “I’m going to be filming a movie during that break.”

  “A movie?” Phil said.

  “Yeah, I told you about that movie role I was being considered for with Anna Kendrick.”

  “Oh, yeah,” Phil said, as he lifted his hand back up and rested it on the table. “So, tell me about it.”

  “It’s a supporting role. I play Anna’s girlfriend, and I’m really only in a dozen scenes. They’ll be filming it in South Carolina. I’ll need to be there November and December.”

  “Well, that kills Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s,” Phil said.

  “I know. I hate that. It’s a curse to have too much work, but it’s a worse curse to have no work at all,” Annie said.

  “Isn’t a TV series enough for you? Why do you have to squeeze a movie into your hiatus?” Phil said. “I was hoping we could have some time for us. You know, like maybe get married or some such thing.”

  “Married? Did you just say married? Is that a proposal?”

  “No, but if it was, would you find time for it?”

  “Of course. But this is just one of those lucky moments when the right role comes along, and the director wants me, and I happen to be available. I just have to take it when it comes.”

  “Yeah, well, I had plans for us to be in Vegas on New Years, so I guess I’m NOT going to take THAT when it comes,” Phil said.

  “You made reservations?”

  “Yes. It was going to be a surprise.”

  “It sounds like that would have been fun. Can we do it some other time?”

  “Sure - wherever you can squeeze me in between Spielberg and the Coen Brothers.”

  The chocolate lava cake dessert Phil ordered failed to rescue the evening. Annie had to watch her weight, and Phil lost his appetite somewhere along the way. When he got home, he tucked his little velvet box in the back of the sock drawer.

  “Some other time,” he thought.

  Chapter 5

  Honolulu 1971

  At 6:30 in the morning, before she took off for work, Jackie stopped by her roommate’s bedroom door to make sure she got home safely. She found a note taped to the door. It read:

  Charlie and I went to Makapuu Beach Park to wa
tch the sunrise.

  We may be gone all day. I’ll touch base later.

  “Wow,” she thought. “They must have hit it off.”

  On the eastern shore of Oahu’s windward coast, Makapuu Beach found no rival for its stunning views of nearby offshore islets and the nesting sites for Hawaii’s seabirds. Charlie and Diane hunkered down under blankets at the far edge of the beach, watching the inky black sky slowly fade to lighter shades of purple and grey. Along the distant horizon the rotation of the earth brought a tiny crescent of yellow into view. As if rising from the watery deep, the sun emerged, turning the sky orange and the ocean shimmering gold. Waves rippling along the shore twinkled with white foam. Once the sun’s white orb came into full view the ocean turned silver and the firmament to a pale mauve. Stately palm trees gently swayed as a flock of wedge-tailed shearwaters drifted overhead.

  The couple sat in reverent silence at the birth of a new day. Serenity enveloped them, like a mother’s reassuring hug. The horrors of Vietnam faded from their minds, as their hearts softened in the tranquility of the moment. Words found no place. The sound of waves on sand felt cleansing, washing their souls of fear and doubt. Overcome by the emotion of this shared moment, they kissed – not a deep erotic embrace, but a melding of two spirits into one.

  Charlie rolled out their blankets for an intimate breakfast on the beach. He brought a basket of tropical fruits and delicate pastries, and the two fed each other. Little by little the beach came to life with vacationers, sun worshippers, and beach bums getting a jump on the weekend. By 10:00 a.m. solitude gave way to community. Charlie checked his watch.

  “Time to go,” Charlie said. They loaded their car and drove down the Kalaniana’ole Hwy about four miles south to Hanauma Bay, home to the best snorkeling in Oahu. They grabbed their fins, masks, and snorkels and changed into their swim suits at the beach’s public bathrooms. As they walked to the water’s edge, Diane made a confession.

  “I’ve lived in Oahu for over a year and I’ve never snorkeled here.”

  “Me neither,” Charlie said. “So, we’re even.” He pulled out his guide book to Hawaiian Fish. “The book here says we’ll find the Hawaiian state fish here – and if you can pronounce it, I’ll buy your lunch.” He pointed to the name in the guide book – Humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Diane looked at it and laughed.