by Greg Miller
Gavin furrowed his brow. “Jay brought the car … I wasn’t expecting that.”
“I wasn’t either,” Emily said. They parked beside it and got out. Bonnie and Jay greeted them with smiles and handshakes.
“This looks like an absolutely amazing place,” Bonnie exclaimed.
“And what a view!” Jay said, looking out over the vineyard and down to the lake.
“Yes … wonderful,” Gavin said. He turned, staring at Jay’s white convertible. “So you managed to get it running, I see.”
“Yes, indeed.” Jay grinned. “Talking with you inspired me to spend some time on it.”
“What was wrong in the end?”
“It was electrical. Those Lucas gremlins were the problem, as usual.” Jay chuckled.
Gavin nodded. “Have you done any mods on this one? I’d love to see the engine.”
“Not many, but sure.” After getting in to pull the releases, he opened the hood.
Bonnie crossed her arms as Emily stood watching attentively. Gavin inspected the grimy brown motor and frame, then bent down to read the engine number. Jay appeared puzzled as he proceeded to scrutinize the engine mounts, and examine the consistency of the greasy dirt between his fingers.
Finally, Gavin stood up straight and turned to look Jay in the eyes. “You were considering putting a Chevy engine in it?”
“What? No.” Jay grimaced. “What’d you mean? I’ll admit, I’m not exactly a purist, but I’d never do something like that.”
Gavin squinted. “I thought for sure that Peter said you were … or was it that you were looking for another E-Type that’d had a Chevy engine?”
“Peter said that?” Jay scratched his head. “I don’t think so. Oh … wait – I know what he’s on about!” He grinned. “I used to tease him because I knew how fanatical about originality he was. I’d get him so worked up his face would turn beet red!” Jay laughed. “I guess he never realized I was only messing with him. Peter Harrington … what a character.” He shook his head, still chuckling. “You must have really impressed him – he isn’t much of a talker. Or maybe it was Gwen,” he said, eyeing Emily.
“Can we please go inside now, Jay?” Bonnie said, kicking at the gravel with her shoe.
“Yes, okay, Bonnie,” he said, turning to put the hood back down.
Gavin grabbed a leather binder from his car, then he and Emily led the way up the sidewalk, Bonnie and Jay following a few steps behind.
“Is it possible that Jay could have switched engines?” Emily whispered as they walked.
Gavin shook his head. “Judging from all the grease and grime, that engine hasn’t been touched in years,” he whispered back.
“So Peter was wrong again. I think we can pretty much rule them out, now. Don’t you think?”
“Peter wasn’t completely wrong,” he said. “But his information hasn’t been very accurate so far. I think you’re right though – Bonnie and Jay might be in the clear.”
“Hey,” Bonnie called from behind. “Would you two love birds stop whispering and slow down a little!”
They stopped and waited for her and Jay to catch up. Continuing on together, they were halfway up the sidewalk when they heard the sound of approaching tires on gravel, and saw Bill’s new Jaguar sedan pulling in.
“We should probably wait for them,” Jay said.
“Must we?” Bonnie whined. “Bill wouldn’t wait for us, and I was hoping to at least get a little buzzed before he got here.” She crossed her arms as they waited for Bill and Nicole to get out of their car and slowly make their way up to meet them.
“It’s so nice to see you again, Gwen.” Nicole smiled as they arrived.
“Nice to see you again, too,” Emily replied in a monotone voice.
“Dennis told me he wouldn’t be able to make it,” Bill said. “Armando isn’t here yet?”
Jay shook his head, and they continued toward the entrance.
Bill’s eyes roved around as he took in the building’s architecture. “It’s a very impressive building. I can see this was an excellent idea … it’s really going to impress all the club members.”
Once inside, Bill continued looking around, while Nicole admired Emily’s blouse and long summer skirt.
“And they have a nice little café too,” Bill said, lingering in the foyer.
Bonnie pressed her fingers to her temples. “Bill, I’m really needing some alcohol right now, can we please go and do the tasting?”
“Yes, yes, alright.” He frowned.
They proceeded past the wine racks and bottle displays and into the large tasting room, which had a barrel ceiling and expansive windows that looked out over the lake.
Bonnie leaned forward over the counter to get the host’s attention. “We’d like to do the Premium tasting – the one with all of your wines.”
Bill cleared his throat. “Since we’re going to be driving the course, I think just the regular tasting will be fine.”
Bonnie narrowed an eye at him.
“Certainly,” the host replied, adjusting his colorful Madras tie. He set six glasses before them and gave each a splash from his bottle. “I’m going to start you off with our ‘Snowy Owl Riesling.’ This crisp, medium-sweet wine presents floral aromas with flavors of apple, lemon, and a hint of melon. I think you’ll find it has a soft yet lush finish.”
Gavin lifted his eyebrows and Emily knitted hers.
They all watched as Bill gave his glass a sniff, then swirled it around before taking a sip. “Hmm. Yes. I see what you mean about the finish. Not sure I’m getting the melon, though.”
Bonnie rolled her eyes and threw hers down like a shot of whiskey.
Bill shook his head. “What’s your opinion, Nicole? I’m not sure about it.”
“It might be a little too sweet for my taste,” she replied.
Jay turned to Gavin. “What do you think?”
Gavin shrugged. “I’m really more of a beer fan.”
“Me too. Maybe we can find a brewery next time,” he said under his breath.
Emily was still smelling her glass when Bonnie took hold of the stem and tipped it up into her mouth.
The host lifted another bottle. “Next is our award-winning Gewurztraminer.” He poured the wine into their glasses. “It has an inviting bouquet of wildflowers and honey, with flavors of ginger, citrus, and hints of –”
“Oh yes, I like this one,” Bill said, puckering his lips. “It reminds me of that drier Gewurztraminer we liked so much when we toured Vienna. Do you remember, Nicole?”
“Yes, Dear. I remember,” she replied.
Bonnie shook her head and motioned with her finger for the host to pour a little more into her glass.
The tasting continued until, by the end, Emily had developed a permanent silly smile.
“That was quite enjoyable,” Bill affirmed in his deep voice. “Now, let’s head to the café to discuss the rally.”
Emily wobbled leaving the counter, so Gavin took hold of her arm.
“Which one did you like the most?” Bonnie asked, steadying Emily from the other side.
“I think it was that Hoot Owl Moscato.” She giggled.
“Jay, you’re driving,” Bonnie said, before turning back to Emily. “Let’s both order a glass.”
“Okay,” Emily immediately agreed, while Gavin shook his head no.
Gavin’s binder was open, and Bill and Jay were hunched over the map and route instructions, which were spread out on a table in the winery’s café.
“What’s that mark there?” Jay asked, pointing to a small check mark.
Gavin leaned closer to see. “That’s the halfway checkpoint. It’s at a little chapel overlooking the lake.”
“Oh, nice.” Jay smiled.
“I really would have liked for Armando to see this,” Bil
l said, lifting his chin and pulling out his phone. “I’m going to try him again.”
Nicole sat gazing at Emily with a maternal smile. “I do so like your fashion sense, Gwen.”
Emily looked up, bleary-eyed. “Really? I don’t think I have a fashion sense. I have a new friend at the department store who helps me with everything.”
“Well, you always look beautiful … and you’re so modest, too. I really admire that about you,” Nicole cooed.
“It’s true,” Emily insisted, leaning closer to Nicole. “She dresses me now. I’d be completely lost without her.”
“It went to voicemail,” Bill said. “It’s just not like Armando.”
Nicole and Emily continued talking, while Bill and Jay studied the rally course.
“Come help me pick out a bottle,” Bonnie said, giving Gavin a gentle push to get him up.
They made their way back into the tasting room. “I had to get away from Bill, he’s such a pompous ass,” she sneered.
Gavin chuckled as she perused the wine bottles.
“Oh. Here’s the Moscado Gwen liked.”
Emily’s eyes narrowed and she quickly sobered up when she spotted Bonnie stroking Gavin’s shoulder by one of the wine racks.
They eventually returned, with Bonnie carrying two bottles she’d purchased.
“Looks like a great course,” Jay said. “You guys ready to go drive it?”
“By all means,” Gavin replied. He turned and smiled at Emily. She got up from her seat, and took a step away from him.
Gavin and Emily led the way in his car, followed by Bill and Nicole, and then Jay and Bonnie. They drove through the vineyards, past signs for other wineries, catching glimpses of the lake below as they continued up the wine trail road.
“I make a right here, don’t I?”
“Yes,” Emily snapped, glancing at the instructions on her lap.
The lake appeared before them as Gavin made the turn, and proceeded down a steep, narrow road flanked by grape vines. After a sharp bend at the bottom, the road continued beside the water, passing countless small docks and boats belonging to the adjacent summer cottages.
“This is a nice stretch, don’t you think?”
Emily was silent.
“Do you feel okay?”
“I’m fine,” she tersely replied. “Why do you ask?”
Gavin lowered his brows. “You just seem a little agitated. Did the wine give you a headache?”
“No.”
“Well, what’s the matter?”
“If you must know, I was thinking about the way Bonnie was getting all touchy-feely with you.”
“Oh.” Gavin smiled. “You saw that, did you?”
“Yes, and I just hope you remember what you said about not being here to make friends.”
“I remember.” Gavin chuckled.
“Why are you laughing? I’m not jealous,” she said. “You can do whatever you want.”
“Oh, good.” He nodded.
Emily frowned. “I always knew she was the libidinous, cheating type. She’s lucky that Jay didn’t see.”
Gavin suppressed a smile. “I don’t think he would have minded.”
Emily stared at him. “What do you mean?”
“I think he was rather hoping to get his hands on you.”
“What? Eww!” She grimaced. “Why would you say that?”
“Because they’re swingers.” Gavin laughed.
“They’re what?” she gasped.
“They wanted to swap partners, and do who knows what with …”
“Yes, okay, I do know what it means, thank you. I was just a little taken aback. What did you tell her?”
“I told her I didn’t think you’d be into it.”
“I most certainly would not!” Emily huffed. “But wait, are you saying that you would have been?”
“No, of course not.”
“Then why didn’t you just say that?”
Gavin shrugged. “I guess I didn’t want Bonnie to feel like I was rejecting her.”
“But, it was okay for you to blame it on me?”
“I just thought it was the easiest way of dealing with a rather awkward situation.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Why? That doesn’t make any sense.”
“It probably doesn’t.” Gavin sighed.
Emily watched the passing scenery. “Do you think Bonnie is cute, though?”
“Cute?” He wrinkled his forehead. “No, I wouldn’t say she’s cute.”
Emily leaned in front of him, studying his face.
Gavin lifted his head in order to see the road. “You know it isn’t easy to drive with you doing that.”
She leant back in her seat. “I think you might just be saying that because you know I’ll make your life miserable if you say that she’s cute.”
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “I really appreciate your honesty. I don’t think most women would be so forthright. Or have started interrogations so soon in a relationship.”
“I’m glad that you appreciate it.” Emily smiled. “Aspie women are very honest and forthright people.” She knitted her brows. “So, if you don’t think Bonnie is cute, how would you describe her?”
“Beautiful,” he said, suppressing a smile.
Her eyes narrowed.
“Voluptuous.”
Her eyes narrowed more.
“She’s really more of a hot, femme fatale type.”
Emily blew out her cheeks, exhaling. “So if it wasn’t for me and Jay, you would have slept with her?”
“No.” Gavin laughed. “Seriously. She really isn’t my type.”
She knitted her brows again. “What is your type?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “I suppose I’ve always had a thing for cute, leggy brunettes.”
Emily looked out of the side window, hiding her smile.
After some twists and turns, the road climbed steeply away from the lake. Gavin glanced in the mirror to make sure the others were keeping up.
“You seemed to really hit it off with Nicole.”
“I was a little tipsy at the time but, yes, she seems to really like me. Although I can’t imagine why.”
Gavin nodded. “I think it’s good. We’ll probably have to focus our attention on Bill next.”
They drove down a road that ran along the crest of a hill, with sweeping views of the lake and rolling hills on both sides.
“We’re almost to the checkpoint,” he said.
A Gothic chapel came into view. They parked beside a low stone wall, and the others pulled in behind.
“It’s a great course – so scenic!” Jay said, getting out.
Bonnie looked at Gavin with a mischievous pout. Emily wrinkled her nose, glaring at her.
“I think I’ve seen enough to know it’ll be great,” Bill said.
“You don’t want to drive the rest of it?” Gavin asked.
“No,” Bill said, looking at his watch. “It’s a long way home, and we’re close to the Thruway now. It wouldn’t make sense for us to go all the way back to the winery.”
“I guess we might as well head home, too.” Bonnie sighed.
“It’s been a great afternoon. You’ve done a really nice job.” Jay smiled.
Nicole gave Emily a parting hug, and they all got in their cars and drove away.
There was a stillness in the air, and the sinking sun cast long shadows beneath the trees.
“Let’s stay a few minutes,” he said. “I really like it here.”
She nodded. “I was thinking the same thing.”
They walked toward the chapel. Gavin opened the iron gate and Emily strained her neck to look up at the bell tower as they made their way to the entrance. She pulled on the heavy handle of the old oak door b
ut it was locked. Instead, they followed the slate walkway around to the back, passing beneath flying buttresses which formed archways to the low stone wall on the other side. They stood beneath one of the stained glass window, looking over the wall, out toward the dark blue water and the distant green hills.
Gavin glanced at Emily, before sliding an arm round her waist. Emily turned toward him, her lips parted. He leaned forward to kiss her, but stopped, turning an ear toward the tree line.
Her eyes widened. “You heard something?”
Gavin listened for a moment, then shrugged. “It was probably just a squirrel or something.” He turned his attention back to Emily, his lips close to hers again when some birds suddenly took to flight.
Emily pulled her head back and turned toward the darkened oaks and pines. “It’s getting creepy here now. We should go.”
Gavin nodded, taking a final look around. They reached for each other’s hands and hastily left.
By early evening they were almost back to Watkins Glen. Emily’s ear was pressed against the headrest, her eyes half open as Gavin drove down a lonely road which ran through a heavily wooded stretch of State land. He caught a glimpse of someone – perhaps a hunter – crouching on the embankment in the distance. Nothing out of the ordinary for the area: except it wasn’t hunting season. Gavin watched as the gun was raised and pointed directly at them.
All that Emily saw was the flash from the end of the barrel, accompanied by deafening cracks as the windshield was hit by a barrage of shotgun pellets.
It was a surreal, slow motion moment as Emily shrieked, and Gavin’s body recoiled in shock. There was a rush of terror in his stomach as he tried to look through the myriad of tiny cracks in the glass, and saw the shooter taking aim to fire again.
Buckshot would make minced meat of them at closer range, and braking wasn’t an option. He downshifted and floored it, intending to speed past the gunman. But a shot from the side would be even more deadly, and there would be no way to avoid it. As the engine screamed, he clicked on his high beams, and put the car on a collision course with the shooter on the embankment.
Accelerating flat out, the car barreled toward him and, although the shooter was too far up the embankment for Gavin to hit him, the bright lights and speeding car were enough to unnerve him. The gun barrel lifted, and the shooter – with his face hidden beneath a balaclava – fell backward as he clamored for higher ground, just as Gavin swerved away.