by Joe Woods
“Yeah, but Daddy sounded quite content and happy with the way Connor has conducted business.”
“Willow, Rupert, has for all practical purposes, not made a significant decision regarding McKenzie Towing in fifteen years. Do you think you can reclaim the decision-making powers and not upset Connor?”
“I would think so. After all it is McKenzie Towing.”
“You’re right and Connor has kept that name, but you may want to do some research on what legal documents have been prepared and recorded at the Court House.”
“Woody, do you think Connor has been underhanded in some way?”
“Willow, it would behoove you to take a look.”
Willow listened quite intently to Woody’s comments.
“We’ve been gone for over an hour. They might send a search party out for us. Don’t you think we should go back?’
“Yes, you’re right. I do want to encourage you to befriend Olga. I know the more you talk to her, you will like her more and more. I certainly do. And remember, if you want to look at records in the Court House, Olga is an attorney and I know she would be overjoyed to help you.”
With that exchange, Woody put the boat in gear and headed for Woods’ Station.
Willow moved up front facing the wind, letting her hair blow freely. As she knelt on the front seat, memories of other times at the lake flooded her mind. If I stay up here and we ride the lake for an hour, the wind and sun will give me a good tan, something I haven’t had in several years. This is so much fun, maybe I should stay for a few more days. No I’ve got a plane on the ground. And we have reservations in San Antonio. I better get that thought out of my head, besides I want to find out what attracted Daddy and Connor to San Antonio.
By then the sun had risen higher in the sky and neighbors were making their way out onto their piers with coffee cups or Bloody Mary’s in hand. As they cruised by the piers people waved and occasionally shouted out, “Hey, Woody. Out on the lake mighty early, aren’t you?”
“We’re doing great, just enjoying some time with a long lost cousin of mine.”
By the time they reached Woody’s pier, Olga was standing there with a cup of coffee in hand.
“Where have the two of you been?”
“Oh, we’ve been looking at lake houses,” Willow said. “I think I want to buy one.”
“That would be great.”
Willow laughed. “No seriously, we looked at one, but I’m not quite ready to buy just yet. Maybe after I get straight in Vicksburg. But if a bargain came along, I may take it.”
“We looked at the spec house up by the water plant. She has too many other decisions to make first.”
“I think it is very nice that she is so excited. And you should be, too.”
“Oh, I am. It will be great having Willow living close to us. She can help with all of our get-togethers.”
“You know, Woody, I think you are right, I’m going to enjoy my newly found sister.”
“Well, you had better be flexible because her mind is like a rubber band. It springs back and forth, kind of like someone with ADD.”
Overhearing this conversation, Willow asked, “Attention Deficient Disorder? Are you kidding me, Woody?”
“No, Willow. I meant that as a compliment. You are the best multi-tasker I’ve ever known. You keep all sorts of ideas running through your brain at the same time.”
“Well, that’s better.”
“Woody, what about that big breakfast you promised last night?”
“Not to be concerned, Olga. I’ll tie up and put the electric skillet on. What about Anne and her friends?”
“They’re still asleep. I didn’t make enough noise to wake them.”
“Good. They stayed up way too late last night and need their rest.”
“Yes, they did, but they enjoyed every minute of it, especially when Willow was talking about you and some of your antics.”
As Woody tied the boat to its mooring stall, Anne ran down the pier.
“Daddy, what’s going on?” Anne asked.
“Nothing. Willow and I just took an early morning cruise.”
“What about breakfast?”
“Anne, I’ve got an idea. You can help me by bringing the bacon, eggs, bread etc. down here and we will have breakfast in the screen porch.”
“Great Dad. Let’s move. I’m hungry.”
“I know, darling. You’re always hungry when your feet first hit the floor.”
After a leisurely breakfast and small talk, Willow said, “Woody, this has been great fun, but I think I should be on my way.”
“No need to rush, but I understand. It was wonderful having you here last night. You must promise to do it again, soon.”
“Believe me, Cuz; you’ll probably be sick of me. Hope you won’t regret the open invitation.”
“Willow, that would be nice. You always were my favorite relative, despite my disagreements with Uncle Rupert.”
“We’re not going to let all of those hard feelings get in our way. We didn’t before, so there is no need to bring them up again.”
“I’m glad you feel that way, Willow. You know we had some really good times growing up. I’ll bet we can relive some of those happy moments; some I want to tell Anne and some we’ll leave to our memories. This one comes to mind. I know you remember that cold night we were riding on Clay Street in your convertible when someone said, ‘Let’s let the top down.’ And before I could stop you, one of your girlfriends pulled the releases and the wind ripped the top off. Do you remember who that girl was?”
“Yes, it was Delia Hammitt.”
“That’s right. She lived one block off of Cherry Street on Oak Street.”
“Good memory, Woody. Didn’t you try to make out with her?”
“Oh yes. I thought she was the most beautiful girl in town, aside from you of course.”
“Of course.”
“The older she got, the better she looked to me.”
“Where is she now? We should look her up soon.”
“I think she moved to Meridian several years ago.”
“Let’s make plans to locate her once I get settled.”
“If I am to help you find a place, you need to give me a price range.”
“Okay, but it doesn’t matter what it costs as long as I have a panoramic view of the river.”
“I know there are several magnificent houses located on the bluff just below the bridges. I think one of those would fit you perfectly.”
“Woody, all I need is a couple of bedrooms and about 5,000 square feet of living space. I looked at Devil’s Ridge earlier today.”
“Willow, we can do better than that. You need to be south of the Interstate 20 bridge. I’ll talk to my real estate friend and let her investigate for you.”
“If I do, I’ll withdraw the invitation.”
“That was a great breakfast. Thank you so much. As much as I hate to, I guess I had better take a shower and wash my hair. I need to be somewhat presentable when I see Connor. Anne, you, your Mama, and I can have some good times together. I can fill in some of those important girl details I’m sure your Daddy forgot or failed to mention. And I surely want to get to know you better, Olga. Woody was as close to a brother to me as one could get. I want you to be the sister I never had.”
“It would be nice to know more about Woody other than the fact he rescued me from a jail in Mexico and that he is a hard working good man.”
“Olga, I’ve only heard bits and pieces about the rescue. I want to know all the details.”
“That would probably bore you to death. The short story is that I was living in Russia with my family, and shared a small house with six brothers and sisters. Life was very tough for my parents, so when I saw an advertisement in a Russian paper by an American who promised a better life in America, I answered the ad. He promised to send me to school and get me a good job. The American sent me a plane ticket. My family was very happy that I was getting an opportunity for a bett
er life. Everything was great until the plane left Russian air space. At that point, I was told I would have to go work in Mexico for a while until final arrangements for me to enter school in America.”
“Olga, this is beginning to sound a bit bazaar and I’m sure you were quite upset.”
“Oh, yes, I was.”
“So, what happened when you landed in Mexico?”
“I asked my American friend what type of work I would be doing.”
“He said because I was so beautiful, I was going to work in porn films.”
“I told him I didn’t want to do that, but he said I had no other option.”
“What really happened is that I was placed under house arrest in the villa of a retired Mexican Army General. He raped me repeatedly for six weeks before I was rescued by Woody.”
“That was awful. How did you survive?”
“It was very difficult, but I made up my mind that one day I would escape and come to America.”
“Olga, do you know the name or location of this American? I would like to bring him in front of an American judge and jury.”
Woody stepped in. “Olga and I have talked about hunting him down, but we haven’t formalized a plan just yet.”
“Count me in when you do. I have some high flying friends in New York that have connections to the U.S. State Department.”
Knowing how Willow likes to take things into her own hands, Woody said, “Don’t do anything or contact anybody until I tell you to.”
“Okay, Woody, just let me know when you want to move on it.”
“Willow, since Anne is using the bathroom downstairs, please feel free to use my bath and dressing room upstairs. You know I have a rule, only blood kin are allowed to use my area. So, you’re welcome to use anything you need.”
Sipping a cup of coffee, Olga leaned over and whispered, “I thank you for your family. I really like Willow and want to know much more about her. But, I have a concern which I’ve held for quite some time.”
“What is it?”
“Darling, don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m a pretty good judge of men, considering the abuse I’ve taken and the mistakes I’ve made.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I don’t like Connor. He is not good for Willow. I think he may hurt her badly if they should stay together or worst yet, if they should marry. There is something about him that gives me bad vibes.”
“Olga, they have been friends and sweethearts all of their lives. I think you’re reading him wrong.”
“I hope so, but I want to caution you to keep an eye on him and keep an open mind.”
“I’ll do it.”
Chapter 10
Willow returned to Vicksburg later in the day. As she crossed the Mississippi River, she called Connor on her cell.
“I’m about five minutes from the office. Is it okay if I stop by?’
“Yeah, that would be fine. I would like to know what you’ve been doing anyway.”
After parking in the spot marked for Rupert McKenzie, Willow walked quickly to the front entrance of McKenzie Towing and opened the heavy steel and glass door.
“Hello, Caitlyn—good to see you.”
“Good afternoon to you, Willow. Connor is in his office on the phone.”
“That’s fine. I see him sitting there with his back to the door. I’ll just barge in on him.”
As she entered the office, Connor turned toward her. “Welcome home.”
“Connor, I really missed you last night. Did you have a good time on the ‘Bricks’?”
“Yeah, it was okay. You should have been there. The bands played some of our good music. I danced with several of our old friends.”
“That’s good. But I think it was very rude for you to be a no-show at Woods’ Station.”
“Well, hell woman. You had your “CUZ”. There was no room for me. I’m sure you and Woody had plenty to say about me.”
“Connor, don’t flatter yourself. Your whole attitude and actions are quite rude. I don’t appreciate it one bit. Woody only inquired about you when he was cooking. And, I scarcely mentioned your name. But, yes, Woody and I had lots of catching up to do. And, by the way, what exactly is your problem?”
“Hell, I just don’t like for you to be out of my sight, especially with Woody or any of your relatives.”
“Why, Connor, I believe you’re jealous. Are you afraid something will happen to me or do you think somebody would tell me some sorted gossip on you?”
“You’ve been gone too long and you don’t know how things have changed.”
“Connor, these are my family and friends of Daddy. They haven’t changed that much. What could possibly go wrong?”
“You just never know and need to be very careful with these people. By the way, where is your daddy?”
“He’s still at Woods’ Station. He, Woody, Anne, and Olga are going fishing again. And why are you referring to my family as ‘these people’?”
“Just a figure of speech.”
“I don’t like to hear it, so STOP IT.”
Willow thought, this is the second time in the last twenty-four hours that I’ve been warned. I’m puzzled.
“So now, Connor, I want to change the subject and the venue. I want to take a trip to San Antonio. I want to go see the place where you and Daddy spent so much of your time. I want to stay where you stayed and see the attractions.”
Caitlyn, sitting in her office listened intently to Connor and Willow’s conversation, said, “Willow, I will be glad to make the reservations for you.”
“Great. Do that and I want to stay two weeks.”
“Two weeks. Are you crazy? I can’t be gone that long.”
Caitlyn interrupted saying, “Oh yes Connor. You need a vacation. Business is slow at this time of year and I can handle it.”
“Well, damn. Looks like I’ve been blindsided. Did the two of you make these plans earlier?”
“No, Connor, this is the first time Caitlyn and I discussed it. I’ve got the plane sitting on the tarmac at VTR. All I need to do is call Tobin, the pilot, and he will make all of the flying arrangements. Caitlyn, please reserve the biggest suite in the hotel with a big Jacuzzi.” Then, with a devilish smile on her face, she added, “One, big enough for two.”
* * *
In less than an hour, Willow and Connor were aboard the plane. Tobin’s voice came over the intercom.
“Ms. McKenzie, we’re ready to take off.”
“Okay. We’re settled in back here.”
Turning to Connor, Willow asked, “Why don’t we ask Tobin to lift off to the north, bank right and fly over Vicksburg?”
“Good idea. I would like to see Vicksburg and the bridges all lit up. You know, we could also fly over the National Park. But, since there are very few lights in the park, we won’t be able to see much other than our tower.”
“That’s enough for me. Why don’t you give Tobin some directions and let’s get going?”
Overhearing the conversation, Tobin said, “Ma’am, due to the wind direction, we’ll have to use runway 18. Then, we can bank west and loop back over Vicksburg.”
“Tobin, you’re the pilot. You decide which way we lift off, but I do want to fly over the Vicksburg Harbor, the National Military Park, and the two Mississippi River bridges.”
“Not a problem, Ms. McKenzie.”
“Here’s another thought. As we fly south down river, keep the river in view from the right side of the plane. Then when we get to Port Gibson, turn west and fly over Lake Bruin.”
Tobin pulled out his flight map and looked it over.
“Lake Bruin?”
“Yeah, it is directly across the river from Port Gibson on the Louisiana side.”
“Oh, yes. I see it. That won’t be a problem either. From there, are we going to San Antonio?”
“That’s right.”
“Okay, ma’am. You all get comfortable. We’ll make this a short flight. We’ll be underway very soo
n.”
“Tobin, what is the flying time to San Antonio?”
“From Lake Bruin, approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.”
“Good. Once we’re airborne, my partner needs to make a call to our overnight lodging.”
“Ms. McKenzie, I’ll be happy to do that for you. Just give me the number to call.”
“Connor, do you have the number?”
Gesturing by slapping himself on the forehead, Connor said, “No. Doggone it. I left it on my desk. But no need to call. I’m certain Caitlyn took care of everything.”
Tobin said, “No problem,” said Tobin. “Give me the name and I’ll call information and confirm the reservations y’all just sit back and enjoy the flight. Ms. McKenzie, I do have one other question. Do you want us to stay on the ground in San Antonio?”
“No, Tobin. We plan to stay a couple of weeks. You’ll need to return to your home base.”
“Very good. If you need anything, please press the intercom button.”
“Thank you.”
As the jet pulled up from runway 18, Connor thought, this has been one fast moving day. We started out talking about building a house up on Devil’s Ridge and now eight hours later, we’re headed to San Antonio.
The plane banked right toward the west as the sun sank below the horizon. A faint rainbow appeared for only a second as the plane continued its climb and right-hand turn. Directly underneath was the Port of Lake Providence, from which McKenzie Towing had transported a million tons of grain up and down the Mississippi River.
Peering out of the window and looking in a southerly direction, Connor turned to Willow.
“Look, there’s Eagle Lake and the Tara Wildlife Refuge and just beyond, the Vicksburg Harbor. Do you see McKenzie V, our newest tow boat?”
“My goodness. Why do you have so many lights shining on the vessel?”
“Yeah, that of course, is a security measure. We have around the clock security guards when we’re tied up in port.”
“I didn’t know we had a new boat. How old is it?”
“It’s been in service for about five months. Cost us a pretty penny, but it will pay for itself in short order. With the astronomical increases in fuel prices, water transportation of commodities is becoming more advantageous every day. Highway and rail transportation can’t effectively compete as they have in the past.”