Secrets of the Spiral Tower

by Joe Woods

  “Yes, Gloria. He’s always taken very good care of us each time we stayed here.”

  Gloria rang the phone at the bellman’s desk. “Hector, there are a couple of guests at the front desk. Please come out and greet them.”

  Moments later, Hector appeared in the lobby and with a wide grin on his face. He extended his hand when he saw Connor. “Mr. Connor. It is nice to see you again. Are you having another ‘Navigation’ meeting? Is Mr. Rupert here?”

  “No, not this time. Hector, this in Ms. Willow McKenzie, Rupert’s daughter.”

  Snapping to attention and extending his hand, Hector said, “Ma’am, it is a real pleasure to meet you. Your father has mentioned you many times. He is a true Southern gentleman. I hope he is well.”

  “Why, thank you, Hector. Daddy isn’t in the best of health, but I’ll tell him you asked about him. I know he will be pleased.”

  “Ma’am, as Mr. Connor knows, if there is anything I can do to make your stay with us better, just call. I’m at your disposal. Mr. Connor, are you and Ms. McKenzie staying in your usual suite?”

  “Not this time. As the song says, ‘We’re moving on up to the top. We’re going to stay in the Presidential Suite this time.”

  “Great idea. And a fitting tribute to the daughter of Mr. Rupert McKenzie.”

  At that exchange, Hector invited Connor and Willow to join him at the elevator. He rode to the 12th floor, walked them to the suite and opened the door. Entering the room Willow said, “This is really nice. And the view over the city is spectacular. Connor, this is perfect.”

  As Hector turned to leave, he said, “Remember, Ms. McKenzie, your father is a special person to me. I hope to get to know you while you’re here.”

  “Hector, I’ll make sure you and I can get acquainted.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Call if you need anything.”

  Willow turned to Connor, saying, “These are certainly nice people. How many years did you and Daddy stay here?”

  “At least twenty-five.”

  “And these people have been here all that time?”

  “I know Hector and Gloria have been, and probably some of the others.”

  “I love this place and understand why you and Daddy kept coming back. This bathroom is spectacular. I want to take a warm bubble bath. You’re welcome to join me. Afterwards, let’s order room service and enjoy a bottle of wine. Okay?”

  “Sounds good to me and I’ll take you up on the bubble bath, if you will wash my back.”

  “I was hoping you would agree. I’ll take great pleasure in massaging your back, head, toes and everything in between.”

  “Good. I’ll get a bottle of wine from the beverage cabinet.”

  “Are you intent on getting me drunk and taking advantage of me? You know that won’t be necessary. I’m of a mindset where there is no need for anymore persuasion, just action. I’m ready whenever you say the word.”

  “I think a nice bubbly bath massage will do the trick. It has been a long time since I’ve had a bubbly massage.”

  “Really? How long has it been?”

  Quickly, Connor answered, “I don’t remember.”

  “Don’t remember, huh? Well, I’m going to give you one for all ages. You’ll remember this one ‘till your dying day’.”

  “Let’s get in the Jacuzzi.”

  After about forty-five minutes of intimate touching, a couple glasses of wine, Willow and Connor were quite relaxed and ready for dinner. Willow called room service and placed the order.

  Opening the beverage cabinet, Willow was pleasantly surprised to see the wide selection of wines and liquor. She checked the labels on several of the bottles then turned to Connor. “How would you like a ten-year old bottle of Italian wine?”

  “That’s fine, just as long as it is a red wine.”

  “One of the fun and exciting things I’ve learned in my travels over the past thirty years was learning how to match wine with your favorite food.”

  “I’ve learned to like red wine with almost any food.”

  “Connor, a great wine and food pairing is a taste experience that’s absolutely sublime. You should try it. For instance tonight, we’re having boiled lobster with drawn butter. Because of the mutual richness, it should be paired with a big Chardonnay.”

  “I haven’t traveled far from Vicksburg in those thirty years, so I go for the cheaper wines. I think it is better to drink something I like rather than match the food with a drink I don’t like.”

  “Okay. Let me match a wine with your steak. I think a vintage Merlot or Cabernet will sooth your taste buds.”

  “So, we’re going to open two bottles of wine? If we drink all of that, I’m certain I’ll pass out and not be able to perform later in the evening.”

  “That’ll be okay. Remember, we’re going to stay two weeks here, so I think during that period of time, we’ll have time for other activities.”

  At that moment, a knock on the door and a voice said, “Room service.”

  Connor quickly wrapped the long white bath robe around him. “One moment, please.”

  When he opened the door, there stood a sharply dressed individual with a cart full of food in front of him.

  “C’mon in. That looks wonderful.”

  Connor gave the man a generous tip and thanked him as he exited the door. Then he double locked the door. Turning to Willow, he said, “Let’s eat.”

  Willow opened the Merlot and poured a glass for Connor. Connor opened the Chardonnay and poured Willow a glass.

  Willow said, “Before we start eating, a toast is in order.” Raising her glass and touching his, she said, “To you, Connor. I look forward to the rest of our lives together.”

  Connor responded, “I wish you health and happiness.”

  Chapter 12

  Over the next couple days, Connor served as a tour guide for Willow. They took the River Walk taxi, dined at fine restaurants, and enjoyed the piano lounges and oyster bars.

  “I’m truly impressed. But, I don’t understand the River Walk.”

  “The River Walk is a neighborhood. The river is actually the San Antonio River. The river’s headwaters are natural springs located very near downtown. That’s the reason it seems so small. Around the turn of the twentieth century, because of city flooding, many people wanted to pave over the river. But a group of conservation-minded people fought to keep the river open. Today as you see, many restaurants, shops, bistros, and hotels have sprung up on the banks of the river and are quite successful.”

  “I must say it has captured my imagination.”

  They visited fine art galleries where Willow found a piece of art she proclaimed as “perfect for my new house in Vicksburg.”

  After spending a half day in the famous Alamo, Willow said, “I’ve seen enough. I want to visit some more shops along the River Walk.”

  “That’ll be fine. I’m sure I can find a bench to sit on and watch the people go by.”

  After about four hours of watching Willow go from shop-to-shop, Connor was getting sidewalk bench sores. He stopped Willow as she exited one shop headed for another and said, “It is time for us to visit the Iron Cactus.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s a Mexican grill and margaritas bar. The margarita’s are fresh-squeezed and hand-shaken. They are the best.”

  “Okay. I’m game. Where is it?’

  “About fifty yards that way.”

  “Let’s go. I’m just about shopped-out for today and I need to kick back with a cool refreshing drink.”

  “Let’s sit outside at one of the tables on the edge of the river. The weather is nice and we can watch the River Walk taxies ferry the people up and down the river.”

  “Connor, this is so romantic. I just love it here. When is the next Towing Conference? I want to come back and continue the tradition you and Daddy started.”

  “I don’t know the dates, but it will be this fall. You know, this place is awfully expensive.”

  “T
he heck with expensive. I’m sure McKenzie Towing’s CPA can figure a way to take care of that.”

  “We’ve always been very careful to keep receipts and so far, the IRS hasn’t audited us. But, it can happen at any time.”

  “If you’re that worried, I’ll pay the expenses out of my pocket. It will be worth it to me. I see so many places of interest I won’t be able to get to on this trip, so a return trip with shopping in mind is a must.”

  “Don’t get your hackles up. We just don’t want to do anything that would trigger an IRS audit. Some of our dealings, if judged in the harsh light of day, might be considered inappropriate.”

  “Inappropriate? If the IRS wanted to, they could find ‘inappropriate’ expenses in every large business. That’s no reason to stop what you’re doing. I don’t mind a fight with the IRS.”

  “Maybe in the advertising business you’re right. But I can tell you we’ve expensed some things that could be highly questionable. And, you know when those blood suckers at the IRS start looking, they turn over every rock until they find something.”

  “Do you mean you and Daddy are guilty of some shady dealings?”

  “I prefer not to call them ‘shady’. Maybe they aren’t lily white. I know they won’t survive a bright light shining on them.”

  “Connor, when we get back to Vicksburg, you need to read me into the operation. But for now let’s drop the business talk, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this place.”

  “Good idea.” Looking at his watch, Connor said, “It is eight-thirty. We should catch the next water taxi back to our hotel. By the time we get there, it will be completely dark.”

  The temperature and humidity of the night air made the trip enjoyable as the water taxi ferried Connor and Willow back to their hotel. The sidewalks and shops on both sides of the River Walk were bustling with excitement. It took less than fifteen minutes for the taxi to reach the dock at their hotel. Willow wondered, maybe we should turn around and enjoy part of the evening leisurely strolling along the River Walk.

  “I’m not ready to go in for the evening. Let’s go back and enjoy the ambiance of this place. I’m sure it is a bit different during the night time.”

  Connor shook his head in disbelief. “You just have to change courses in midstream don’t you? But, you’re right; the local Hispanic musicians come out and play their own style of music. It is interesting, colorful, and gives you a feeling of being in the midst of a carnival.”

  Connor motioned for the taxi driver to turn around and head back in the direction they just came from. The driver said, “No problem, Amigo.”

  After walking both sides of the River Walk and sampling several of the local beverages, it was near midnight before Connor and Willow returned to their hotel.

  “That was quite entertaining. But, my feet kept telling me we needed to call it a night. I’m looking forward to another bubble bath in the Jacuzzi.”

  “Sounds like a very good plan to me.”

  Upon entering the suite, Willow stripped off her clothes and headed straight to the Jacuzzi.

  “Do you want me to bring a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses?’

  “No thank you, dear. I’ve had enough liquor for a couple of days.”

  As the Jacuzzi filled with water, Willow poured in a quart of bubble bath and turned on the jets. In a couple of minutes, the bubbles were overflowing creating a slick mess on the floor.

  Connor walked in. “Oh, My God.”

  Willow was covered in the bubbles and only the top of her head was showing.

  Connor quickly found the control button and stopped the over flow. As he uncovered Willow’s head, he asked, “Did you pass out?”

  With bubbles covering her face, Willow looked up saying in a slow, slurred voice, “No, I was just enjoying the feeling of the bubbles and water flowing all over me.”

  “Take a look and see what you’ve done. The floor is a mess. I’m going to call housekeeping and have them come clean this mess up.”

  “Oh, Connor, don’t do that just yet. Jump in with me. The water is fine.”

  “I’m gonna spread a few towels on the floor and soak up some of the soapy water. I hope none of it has found a hole and flooded the suite below.”

  Opening her arms, Willow said, “C’mon Connor. We can have this mess cleaned up later.”

  “I do believe you’re drunk.”

  “I’m certainly not feeling any pain.”

  Connor slipped into the Jacuzzi beside Willow as she sat there motionless, her legs spread eagle.

  After ten minutes of ‘soaking,’ Connor stepped out and put on his terry cloth robe. Holding Willow’s robe open, he, “Grab my hand and help me get this robe on you.”

  Once Willow was up and walking toward the bedroom, Connor called housekeeping.

  “I’m going to bed,” said Willow. “Join me soon.”

  “You go to bed. I’ll join you just as soon as this mess is cleaned up.”

  It took the housekeeping crew about thirty minutes to vacuum the water up, mop, and dry the floor.

  As the crew left, Connor apologized and gave each a $100 tip.

  “I hope nothing is damaged in the suite below.”

  “If it is, Mr. Connor, we’ll take care of it. Not to worry.”

  Connor removed his robe, headed for the bedroom only to find Willow passed out on the bed. He rolled her over on her right side, pulled the covers down, and rolled her back in place covering her naked body.

  She is going to have one doozy of a headache tomorrow.

  * * *

  It was nine in the morning before Willow moved and made an audible sound.

  Connor was already up enjoying his second cup of coffee and reading the morning newspaper. Hearing Willow’s groans, he poured her a cup of coffee and took it to her bedside. “How about a cup of ‘joe’? The caffeine will help open your eyes.”

  Willow sat up in bed, slowly. “Thank you. My head is splitting.”

  “I’m not the least bit surprised, considering the different concoctions you sampled last night. Just take your time. I’m sitting in the solarium. Join me when you feel like it.”

  In just a few minutes, Willow slowly walked out of the bedroom holding a cool rag to her forehead.

  “My gosh. It is awfully bright out here.”

  “Want me to close some of the shades?”

  “That would be nice.”

  “Do you want more coffee, juice, or breakfast?”

  “A glass of orange juice would be good, and some scrambled eggs and dry toast.”

  As they sat eating their breakfast, Connor said, “I want to spend the day at the Alamo. Do you want to go?”

  “Oh, I don’t think so. I wouldn’t be a very good traveling partner today. Why don’t you go and maybe tomorrow, I’ll be in better shape for sightseeing.”

  “Okay. Tomorrow we will visit the Tower of the Americas.”

  “What is that?’

  “The Tower of the Americas is a 730-foot observation tower/restaurant. At one time, it was the tallest observation tower in the United States. It has a revolving lounge and restaurant that provides panoramic views of the city. I’m going to make reservations for dinner tonight. Hope you’ll feel well enough to join me.”

  “Don’t worry, Connor, that sounds like a challenge and I never back down from a good challenge. You spend your day at the Alamo and when you return I’ll be a ‘fixed up woman’ sitting on ready. I’m going downstairs and pick out some suitable clothes for us to wear. I need to know your measurements.”

  “Willow, nothing fancy. Just a clean pair of dress pants, shirt, and shoes is all I need.”

  “Well, whatever, just write down you measurements and let me do the shopping.”

  After he left, Willow started thinking. Is there is a big story here? Later today I’m going to catch up with Hector and Gloria and get the historical skinny on Connor and Daddy. I have a feeling something is being hidden from me.

  Chapter 13

>   Connor had been gone for less than an hour when Willow stepped into the shower. It had a variable head speed and jets placed in the wall on three sides. She adjusted the temperature to the coolest setting she could endure. As her body adjusted to the water, she gradually lowered the temperature until it reached the lowest possible temperature. She stood on the side wall for about ten minutes groaning why did I ever drink so much?

  When her head cleared, she shampooed and rinsed her hair a couple of times. In about an hour, she was dressed and headed to meet Hector and Gloria. Entering the lobby, Willow saw Gloria standing behind the registration table.

  "Good morning, Gloria. How are you on this fine, Texas day?”

  “Good morning, Ms. McKenzie. I’m doing just great. Hope you’re enjoying your stay.”

  “Oh, yes. It has been a whirlwind, especially on the River Walk.”

  “Yes ma’am. It is the most interesting area in San Antonio. Is there something I can do for you?”

  “I need to buy some authentic Texan clothing for my Connor. We’re going to the Tower of Americas for dinner tonight. Where can I find the right outfit?”

  Gloria turned to one of her assistants. “Take over for me. I’m going with Ms. McKenzie to the men’s boutique.”

  “Yes Ma’am.”

  Gloria took Willow by the arm. “We have a broad selection of clothes, ranging from expensive tuxedos to cheap blue jeans. I think we can find suitable attire for Mr. Connor.”

  “Gloria, I really appreciate your assistance. I will be happy to pay you. I don’t have a clue as to what’s appropriate evening wear for the Tower. And, please, call me Willow.”

  “Willow, I will not accept any pay from you. Making customers happy is my job.”

  Entering the boutique, Gloria said, “I think a nice pair of western pants and matching shirt, accessorized with a genuine leather belt, with a big Texas buckle and a nice pair of rattlesnake skin cowboy boots, would turn heads when you enter the Towers restaurant.”

  After an hour and half of shopping, Connor’s new look was chosen. “I want to buy your lunch,” said Willow. “Will you join me in the dining room?”