The Journal: Raging Tide: (The Journal Book 4)

by Deborah D. Moore

  I shut down the web and pulled up the word processor. I still had a report to file on the convicts we’d encountered. It would be deeply sanitized before any other eyes read it.

  “Earth to Allex!” Jim said. I hadn’t even heard him come in. “Ready for a pre-dinner cocktail?”

  “More than ready,” I said, shutting down my station for the night.

  *

  I sipped my spiced rum, doubly enjoying the tinkle of ice cubes in my glass. “I need to think of an appropriate gift for Wilkes before we leave.”

  “Speaking of which, how does the day after tomorrow sound? With a working computer and being online, my reports are filed ten times faster. I’m about done. How about you?”

  “The supply inventories are complete and there’s just a little polishing on the convict-situation report and I’m done too. Could we leave tomorrow?” I asked hopefully.

  “An extra day is called for here, Allex. I think we should host a small cocktail party tomorrow night to say goodbye. We certainly have enough booze to donate and we can restock on the way home.”

  *

  “I’m glad Hogan agreed to the party so quickly,” Jim said as we stepped out of the elevator after dinner. “Tomorrow morning we can discuss a menu with the kitchen staff.” We were standing at my door when the elevator dinged again.

  “The major and Donna just got out on this floor, Jim,” I said in a whisper, catching the movement from my peripheral vision.

  He looked down at me and smiled, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me closer. I gazed into his dark, smoky gray eyes and I felt a heat that spread from the inside out. His cheek grazed mine and my heart started thudding in my chest when his other hand reached behind me, opened the door, and he seductively backed me into the room. Jim closed the door and turned the light on. I thought my heart was going pound right out of my cracked ribs.

  He turned to me with his lips set in a sly grin and with a touch of mock innocence said, “Cribbage?”

  JOURNAL ENTRY: April 29

  I’m trying very hard to act like nothing happened last night, which is easy because nothing did. My reaction to what could have happened has me flustered and on edge.

  ~~~

  “Good morning, Kim, you’re here early,” I said looking at the clock reading fifteen minutes before nine.

  “Is it true?” she blurted out.

  “Is what true?”

  “That the colonel asked you to marry him! Everyone is talking about it but no one knows who saw what so they want me to find out since I work for you,” she said, barely pausing for a breath.

  “Why would anyone think that, Kim?” I said with feigned innocence.

  “Well, someone saw you two outside yesterday and said the colonel went on ‘bended knee’ in front of you and that can only mean one thing, ya know!”

  “It could also mean he was tying my shoe. I suffered some nasty injuries not that long ago, and my feet are still pretty damaged.” I wasn’t sure which line of thought I should encourage. Jim started and has perpetuated this charade, and it’s only for another day so maybe I should play along with the way he started it. She looked crestfallen. “What if he did propose?” I said with a secret smile.

  “I knew it!!” Kim jumped up and clapped. “He’s such a great person and so are you and you’re perfect for each other!” She threw her arms around me for a hug. “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am, I didn’t mean to get so familiar, I was just excited.”

  “That’s okay, Kim, just try to curb your enthusiasm in front of others. And let’s keep this between you and me, alright?” I hadn’t admitted to anything; Kim had jumped to her own conclusions. “So others asked you to find out? I gather your fellow soldiers are treating you better?”

  “Oh, yes, they are much nicer to Billy and me now that we’re working for you,” she said. “It’s made life here a lot easier.”

  Kim was still grinning ear to ear when Billy came in.

  “Now that both of you are here I have a special assignment for you before starting on the major’s office.” I sat on the edge of my desk facing them. “Can you sweep this office and my quarters for bugs?”

  “Sure,” Billy said dumbfounded. “You think someone has bugged you?” Funny how he immediately knew I meant an electronic-bug not a critter-bug.

  “I think it’s very likely anything is left over from the last tenants, if you find anything that is,” I put my finger to my lips, drawing them into a conspiracy. “And since this is now a government installation we want to be sure nothing is leaking out.” Both kids got a big, big smile at being trusted with this project.

  Jim stopped into the office shortly after 0900 hours. “We need to talk with the kitchen as early as possible for tonight. Are you ready?”

  “Just another minute, Colonel.” I turned to my two assistants. “When you’re done with this project, go over to the major’s office. Oh, and I want the two of you at our party tonight!” I left with Jim, leaving those two stunned over the invitation.

  *

  “I think that was a very wise move to invite those two kids to our party, although you do know it’s going to be mostly officers,” Jim said once we were at the elevator. I’ll sure be glad when I can run down the steps; it’s always so much quicker.

  “I suppose we’re going to have to submit a guest list, right?”

  “Pretty much, yes. I suggest you get with Donna about it. I think she’s going to be very different toward you now, after what they think they witnessed last night.” He let out a hearty laugh. I have a different view of what they think they saw, it felt very real to me.

  “The only ones I want to invite are my two staff and Sgt. Wilkes. Those three have made my life a lot easier here and I want to thank them. Do you have anyone specifically you want to attend?”

  “I’ve been too busy with reports, I haven’t gotten to know anyone,” he said, thinking. “This does bring up something else. I’d like to hold out some of the liquor we’re donating for tonight. A bottle of Gray Goose and Captain Morgan’s for our trip home, a bottle of bourbon for Hogan, and a bottle of scotch for Kopley for when we get back to Sawyer.”

  “Would it be appropriate for me to give Wilkes a bottle too? He seems like a Jack Daniels kind of guy.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll make sure those bottles are withheld before the case is delivered to the dining hall prior to the party, which I believe will begin at 1730 hours, followed by dinner at 1830 hours.” We had arrived at the kitchen and were met by the supervising officer.

  “What would you like for appetizers, Colonel Andrews?” the sergeant in charge asked.

  “I will leave that up to the lieutenant.”

  “I’m sure supplies are limited, Sergeant, so I will trust you to make the decisions. I hope that makes it easier for you,” I said. “Though we do have some gourmet treats we managed to scavenge on our way here to add if you don’t mind. We’ll be here prior to 1730 hours in case you have any questions and we’ll bring them then.”

  *

  Jim left to sort the liquor and I went back to the office to a surprise: a small pile of wired bugs on my desk!

  “I really didn’t think we would find anything to be honest,” Billy said. “After the second one though, we looked harder. There were four in here and three in your quarters. I suppose the good news is these are really old and outdated, so they’ve probably been here awhile.”

  “Thank you. This makes me feel better. You know what they say, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you!” and I laughed to relieve the tension. “Now you two get on over to the major’s office. If I don’t see you later, I better see you at 1730 hours in the officers’ mess.”

  *

  Donna was a different person toward me. Instead of bordering on hostile, she was friendly and helpful. She came up with an invitation list of fifteen officers to invite and quickly formatted an invitation on Kim’s computer, printing them out in short order. The small stack waited for
Wilkes to return from an errand to hand deliver.

  “Oh,” Donna half whispered to me, “and congratulations. The colonel is a wonderful man.”

  I smiled and simply said thank you. How long would we have to keep this up?

  *

  At 1700 hours I shooed my two workers out to get ready for the party. I took a quick shower and re-bandaged my foot. After a glance in the mirror I added a touch of makeup. When I opened my closet, I found that all my spare uniforms had been expertly pressed, and I wondered who to thank, probably Wilkes.

  Jim arrived at 1715, looking fresh and every bit the senior officer. “I know it’s only a casual uniform, but it sure looks damn good on you, Allex.” He stepped closer and kissed me on the cheek. “Are you ready?”

  We arrived ten minutes before the scheduled time to find my three assistants already there and arguing with the head of the kitchen staff.

  “Ma’am, these three don’t have invitations, and I was told by Major Hogan’s assistant that no one gets in without one!” he protested.

  “These three are the exception since I personally invited them,” I said, and he backed right off.

  Promptly at 1730 hours our guests began to arrive. Everyone was delighted to have real alcohol instead of what some were brewing in the basement. The kitchen provided canned apple, orange, and grapefruit juices as mixers, though most took their drinks on the rocks or neat. Appetizers of deviled eggs, cheese, and smoked oysters with crackers were offered by a circulating staff.

  “May I have your attention please?” Major Hogan said, tapping a spoon on his glass of bourbon. “I know this is not my party, however, I’m going to take the occasion to make an announcement.” He paused long enough to take some papers from Donna. “Private William Toth, please step forward.” Oh, poor Billy looked stunned and nervous. “For your exemplary service these past few days, I’m reinstating your rank to Corporal.” The applause was long, and he waited for it to die down. “And now I can promote you to the rank of Sergeant.” More applause and I could swear Billy was going to cry.

  “Corporal Kimberly Ki, please step forward. For your exemplary service these past few days, I’m promoting you to the rank of Sergeant. Congratulations, Sergeants!” Major Hogan saluted the two speechless kids. Kim elbowed Billy and they returned the salute.

  “I’m so proud of you,” I told them. “I had no idea this was going to happen!” I gave them each a hug and Jim shook their hands. Billy and Kim were besieged with well-wishers.

  It was now 6:15pm with dinner scheduled in fifteen minutes, 1830 hours. Major Hogan again tapped his glass and the room hushed.

  “I’d like to propose a toast to our hosts, Colonel James Andrews and Lieutenant Allexa Smeth… the happy couple. Congratulations! May you have a long and happy life together!” There was another round of applause.

  Jim put his arm around my shoulders and whispered in my ear, “Smile, damn it!”

  CHAPTER 16

  April 30

  There were a few last minute items to clean up before we departed. My duffel was packed and waiting by the door. The case of wine was already in the Hummer, except for one bottle.

  “Donna, I want to thank you for helping me with the cocktail party last night,” I said, handing her the bottle of wine.

  “Oh, thank you!” she said graciously. “I’m afraid I wasn’t very nice to you at first and I’m sorry about that. It’s just….”

  “No need to say anything. I really do understand,” I smiled at her, and I really did understand, I’d felt jealousy before. “Be well, Donna, and I hope that things with the major continue to make you happy.”

  “The major asked me to make sure you got these. He thought you would like to personally deliver them.” I opened one of the yellow envelopes and looked inside.

  “Oh, yes. I sure do,” I said, a warm tingle surging through me.

  *

  “Kim, Billy, I have something for you,” I announced when I was back in my office. “Sergeant Toth, Sergeant Ki, I’m so very proud of you.” I know I had a tear in my eye as I handed over their new chevron pins, plus their promotion orders. “It’s almost lunchtime. Why don’t you go back to your quarters and put those on? The colonel and I will be down to the mess hall in a half hour, and I want to see them on you.”

  *

  “Sergeant Wilkes, I’m pleased you could come by on such short notice.” I glanced at the clock, knowing Jim would be by soon. “You’ve made my stay here so much more pleasant and productive than I had expected, and I want to thank you for that, and for everything you’ve done that you didn’t have to do, like ironing my uniforms.” I smiled warmly at his embarrassment. I handed him the bottle of Jim Beam.

  “How did you know I was a Beam guy?” His look told me I made the right choice.

  “A lucky guess, Wilkes. May I ask one last favor? Will you take my duffel down to the Hummer? It’s parked right out front.”

  “Anything, ma’am, anything.” He hesitated and turned back to me. I held out my arms to give him a hug. That was the one thing he really wanted.

  *

  Lunch was over and it was time for us to leave. The Hummer was parked out front and our duffels sat beside it, waiting. What I wasn’t expecting was that literally everyone was outside and waiting too. I looked up at Jim in confusion.

  “You’ve made more friends than you realize, Allex, and they all want to say goodbye.”

  “I hate goodbyes,” I choked out. Jim put his arm around my shoulders and I slid my arm around his waist. He flinched, so I whispered, “Smile, damn it. Act like you enjoy it.”

  He laughed out loud, and leaned down to give me a quick kiss on the mouth. The crowd roared with approval. He tossed the duffels in the rear and we climbed in.

  “Which way, navigator?” Jim asked in a great mood.

  “The only way we can go is west on M-28,” I replied.

  We traveled in companionable silence for about a half hour.

  “So how did it feel being deep in military life?” Jim asked.

  “I must say I learned a lot. I don’t know if I could keep up the pretense for very long though.”

  “Which pretense?” he asked and I noticed his jaw tighten.

  “Stop the car!” I turned in my seat to face him once he had pulled over. “Look, Jim, I know what you’re thinking, it’s been obvious from the start. You think I’m offended at the thought of us – you and me— being a couple. Well, you’re wrong. I have feelings for you, some pretty strong feelings, in fact. The pretense, though, was like jumping from point A to point D missing out on all the joy and fun and excitement that B and C might bring. It left me… flustered and frustrated because I know to you it’s just a game, a sham.”

  He grinned. “You really do have feelings for me?”

  “Yes, now just drive, Andrews. We need to make miles before finding a campsite.”

  *

  “Do you see the flashing lights ahead?” Jim asked a while later.

  “Yes. I wonder if there’s been an accident. We should be getting close to Hwy 123.”Jim slowed the vehicle as we got closer and could see a barricade manned by the military. He pulled up and stopped.

  “What’s going on, Sergeant?” Jim asked the young man.

  “There seems to have been a problem in Yardley, Sir. May I see some ID, please?” the sergeant requested. We each reached for the visor in front of us and Jim handed both laminates over.

  “Colonel,” the young man saluted. “I could pass you on through if you like, sir, but you’re ranking officer here. Our highest rank is only a lieutenant.” He leaned down to look at me. “No offense, ma’am. We’re not quite sure what to do here.”

  We both stepped out of the Hummer and followed the flashing lights to the scene.

  “We were on our usual patrol when we saw this man stagger out to the road here and collapse,” the sergeant told us.

  “Usual patrol?” Jim asked.

  “Yes, sir. When the kidnappings started ha
ppening, Major Kopley sent a squad of us from Sawyer to bivouac in Munising and patrol this corridor. There are only a dozen of us, so we go out three at a time. We saw this man and stopped to investigate. He was covered in blood and had several deep gashes on his arms. That was about a half hour ago. He died shortly after saying ‘stop her’. We followed his blood trail into Yardley. There was a young woman standing in the middle of the street holding a machete. She and the blade were soaked in blood. She looked catatonic, until we approached her, then she lunged at us with that blade. Corporal Jones shot her.”

  “Self-defense, Sergeant. What else?” Jim prodded. I was too shocked to speak.

  “There are fifteen dead, Sir, and there are also a few survivors. Do you wish to speak to them? They said the girl went berserk and started slashing anyone who came near her.”

  “No, that won’t be necessary. Where is the girl’s body?” Jim asked and then turned to me. “Please, Lieutenant, stay here.” I didn’t argue; I didn’t want to see, and I didn’t want to know. He walked away with the sergeant. Maybe fifty yards down the road, near the first building of the town, they stopped and I could see Jim stoop down and lift a sheet. Beyond them I could see the rest of the quiet picturesque buildings of Yardley, looking the same as they did when we dropped off Patsy and Andrea a week ago. Jim and two others walked back in my direction. Jim was doing all the talking until they got close to me.