by L. J. Voss
“I imagine it’s a lot to process.”
“To say the least. Tell me more about your childhood here.”
“It was my grandpa’s cabin, my dad’s dad. We used to come all the time. I learned how to fish here. My grandpa was into the outdoors and loved teaching us. I was the only one who really cared. My grandma loved being with the family. My parents moved to Chicago when I was in junior high and then we only came once a year if we were lucky. I can’t believe my grandpa left it to me. I was always his favorite, my siblings didn’t care for the outdoors and fishing as much as me.”
“How many siblings do you have?”
“Three. My sister is the oldest, then my brother, then me, and then my little brother.”
“It must have been fun growing up with such a big family.” Each word he spoke about his family was filled with love. He still misses his grandparents. It’s evident in the happy sadness in his eyes when he talks about them.
“Usually. Sometimes I wish they were a little less loving and supportive.” He glances away and whatever caused him to open up to me is gone. He turns back to me and he’s back to his emotionless mask. “I have more work to do. I should get back in.”
“I think I’m going to sit out here and read some more. Thanks for eating lunch with me. I had a good time and I almost forgot that there is a price on my head,” I say, smiling at him.
“You found my grandma’s book collection. She would sit out here reading while we were fishing and playing in the river.” Just like that his mask slipped again. It must be the memories and emotions of being up here. “I don’t know how you do it. Joke about what has and is happening. You do realize that this is serious and that your life is actually in danger.”
“It’s who I am. It wouldn’t change anything to be cowering in my room scared to death; I’m not going to let the bad guys win. Besides I have my very own James Bond protecting me. Do I really have anything to be scared about?”
He smiles and shakes his head as he heads inside. So there is a softer side to Mister all-business-it’s-my-job-to-keep-you-safe.
I pick up the book and resume reading about Jane and the goings on at Thornfield Hall while Mr. Darcy sleeps by my feet. My eyes start to close after I get a few more chapters read. When I wake up it looks like it’s almost sunset and Mr. Darcy isn’t by my feet anymore. I bolt up and start frantically looking around. Turning towards the door, through the screen I can see Calder on the couch with Mr. Darcy curled up next to him sleeping.
The door creaks as I open it and both Calder and Mr. Darcy look towards me. “You almost gave me a heart attack! I woke up and I couldn’t find Darcy and I thought he had wandered off and was alligator food!”
“Alligator food? When you jump to conclusions you really go for it, don’t you? I came to get a drink and you were asleep. He was waiting to come inside so I let him in. We got to know each other and we like each other now. Or at least we’ve come to an understanding,” he says with a proud grin on his face as he looks at Mr. Darcy.
“Oh is that so? Well, I’m not sure how anyone could not like Mr. Darcy and as for you I guess it just takes a little bit to get to your gooey center.”
“Something like that. There wasn’t much at the store we stopped at so for dinner our options are cereal, sandwiches, or reheating breakfast burritos. I’m heading into town tomorrow for more supplies. If you want anything, make a list and I’ll grab it while I’m there. I’m going to go ahead and stop that look in your eye: no, you can’t come. It’s too dangerous. I’ll be gone for an hour or two tops. Normally there would be back-up here to keep an eye on you. But since we’re trying to keep a low profile we don’t want or need the added attention multiple cars driving here would cause.”
I let out a huff of air as I answer, “Fine. Cereal is fine with me for dinner. And you better believe I’m making you a list!”
His only answer is a chuckle as he starts taking out the bowls, milk, and cereal. After he’s done pouring his cereal and milk he moves so I can get mine and sits on the couch. I fill my bowl almost to the brim and make my way over to the opposite end of the couch. We eat our cereal in a surprising comfortable silence until his eyes land on the movie on top of the TV.
“I haven’t seen that movie in forever. It was one of my favorites growing up.”
“Seriously? It was one of my favorites too. My mom and I used to watch it at least once a week when I was younger. Most people haven’t heard of it when I bring it up. June told me I would wake up in the middle of the night and my mom would put it on so I would stop bugging her and she could get some more sleep. I saw it in the movies and thought it would be fun to watch it tonight.”
“I’m done with work if you want company?”
“Of course! I only wish we had some popcorn. A movie isn’t complete without popcorn.”
“Hold on,” he stands and grabs for my empty bowl. I hand it to him and he heads into the kitchen and sets the bowls in the sink. He’s opening and closing different cabinets. “There might be some Jiffy Pop popcorn around here. I’m not sure how old it is. But I don’t think it goes bad. Here it is.”
“I’m willing to try it. Besides you’ll eat it first and if you don’t die then I’ll have some, because it’s your job to keep me safe,” I say with a smile and a bat of my eyelashes.
He barks out a laugh as he turns to start popping the popcorn on the stove. I get the movie all ready to go and snatch Mr. Darcy up into my lap. Soon the sound of kernels popping is followed by the heavenly buttery aroma of popcorn. Calder plops down on the couch with a big bowl full of popcorn. “Well, here goes nothing. It has been a pleasure to serve you, m’lady.”
I can’t help but giggle at his impromptu attempt at humor. “Well? What’s the verdict?”
“Not bad. Not bad at all. Maybe a little stale but I think it’ll do,” he extends the bowl out to me to grab some. I take a handful and put a piece in my mouth. Definitely not fresh popcorn, but not half bad either. The movie starts and we sit and enjoy our popcorn in companionable silence. We both laugh at the same places. My eyes start to feel heavy about three quarters of the way into the movie. I know I should get up and go to bed but I’m enjoying this. I haven’t been on a date in months. While I know this is in no way a date, it’s still nice to have a fun night with someone of the male variety. Michael doesn’t count, since he’s basically one of the girls.
“You’re falling asleep. We can stop the movie and you can go to bed.”
“I’m not falling asleep. I know exactly where we are in the movie and everything that has happened. Be quiet so I can hear.”
“All right, if you say so.”
I nod my head proud of the fact that I won an argument while barely being able to keep my eyelids open. They keep getting heavier and my “blinks” get longer. My last thought is how my life is like the movie. Johnny Five is afraid he is going to be disassembled and there are people after me to do essentially the same thing. How ironic that I picked this movie when it relates to my current situation. Life’s funny like that I guess.
CHAPTER SIX
- Calder -
I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun with a woman outside the bedroom. She makes things easy and comfortable. It’s like we’ve known each other for a long time and there is no need for pretenses or games. I don’t even think she knows how beautiful she is. I look over at her asleep on the couch. She’s not one of those girls who are only hot after caking on layers of makeup. She actually looks better without any on.
This isn’t good. She’s the type of girl who gets in your head and messes things up. I have a plan and that plan doesn’t include her, or her pig. Somehow that little runt has gotten in my head too. I’m not an animal person. Probably because it would mean having something relying on me and that could throw a wrench in my plans.
I’ve got to stick to the assignment.
Keep her safe and then get the hell out of dodge. Maybe it’s good I’m getting away from her tomorrow. I can get my head back on straight. I throw a blanket I snag from the coat closet on her and head to my room. Getting her out of my head is going to be easier said than done. The last thing on my mind before drifting off to sleep is her teasing smile.
The sun’s hitting my eyes through the curtain and the smell of scrambled eggs and toast drifts into my room. I throw a t-shirt and sweats on and head to the kitchen. Imogen is standing in the kitchen dishing eggs onto two plates and there’s a plate of toast on the table.
“Good morning,” she says with a smile. “Why didn’t you wake me up last night?”
“Morning. I figured you were tired from the day before and trying to catch up on sleep. I thought it would be better to just let you keep sleeping.”
“Thanks for giving me a blanket. I woke up early and decided to make some eggs and toast and made some extra in case you wanted any.”
“It smells good. I’d kill for one of your cinnamon rolls right about now.”
“I made a list of stuff for you to get while you’re in town. Our dining selection will be better than toast and cereal after that.” She sits down and sets a plate across from her for me. I follow her lead and sit down. I take a forkful of eggs and stuff them in my mouth. I savor the flavors as I chew. Who knew scrambled eggs could taste so good?
“These are amazing. Not too runny and not to dry. Do you do something special?”
“Thanks, I’m glad you like them. Actually yes, I add butter to them. I saw Gordon Ramsey do it on a cooking show once and I’ve done it like that ever since.”
I take a few more bites of eggs and grab a piece of toast and spread some jam on it. I notice she’s eaten all but a few bites of her eggs. Almost like she read my mind, she reaches down and sets her plate on the ground. “Mr. Darcy loves eggs,” she says with a shrug. She says it like it isn’t weird to be sharing your breakfast with your pet pig. I’ll admit he’s grown on me. But it still is taking some getting used to.
She starts to clean up and I go to my room to get ready to head out. When I get back to the kitchen Imogen is nowhere to be found but she’s set her list on the table. Her list is more like a novel, I smile as I read through it. Popcorn is listed on there at least three times. I grab my keys and make sure I have my wallet as I head out the front door.
“Don’t forget my popcorn.” I turn towards her voice. She’s sitting in the rocking chair with one leg up and her hands resting on her knee. “I’m serious. Men never ask for directions and always forget to look at the list. I wrote it down four times so you couldn’t miss it.”
“I saw that,” I reply with a grin. “I promise I won’t forget. I’ll be back in a couple hours. Don’t wander off. Don’t get shot. I really don’t want to lose my job.”
“I promise I’ll be good and follow the rules. Oh and make sure it’s Pop Secret and not any of the others; they’re garbage.”
“Pop Secret it is,” I give her a slight nod and head down the steps and to the car. I’ll be lucky if she follows my rules. My plan is to get what I need to done and get back. In all honesty it’s not just her safety that is making me hurry. She’s not like the women I’m used to dating. She’s comfortable in her own skin and she’s funny. She gives as good as she gets.
I’m almost into town when I have enough bars to report back in. It rings four times before someone answers. “Agent Murphy reporting in to Agent Thomas.”
“Yes, Agent Murphy, please hold.” Finally, I hear someone pick up the phone again. I can hear voices in the background but I can’t make out what they are saying.
“Agent Murphy, is everything under control with Miss Jones? Is the location secure?”
“Yes, sir. The location is secure and Miss Jones is safe.” I drive towards the center of town. “Sir, what’s our time line? How long will we be at this location?”
“I don’t have an exact answer for you on that. We’re still preparing another location. The trial starts tomorrow and we’re video-taping Graziano’s testimony. I’m going to need you to come in, we have some stuff you need to look over.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, sir. I think we need to lie low for another day. They’re bound to be searching the surrounding areas for any sightings of her. Bringing her in with me is out of the question in case someone spots her. And I wouldn’t feel safe leaving her alone here all day.” I pull in front of the first grocery store I see and park the car. As much as I’m trying to talk him into us staying here, I’m trying to convince myself that the reason I’m even asking is for her safety and not because I want to spend another day alone with her.
“Fine. Spend another day there. Then I need you in here, Murphy.”
“Yes, sir. I have spotty coverage at the cabin. So I’ll probably be dark for the next forty-eight hours.”
“Very good, Murphy.”
I hang up the phone and breathe a sigh of relief. Relief at what exactly? I’m not sure and there is no way in hell I’m going to look into it. Swiping the keys from the ignition, I climb out of the car. I’ve always hated these town cars. They are too low to the ground. Being six-foot-two, there are challenges getting into a low car. I lock the doors and head into the grocery store.
I make sure to grab some more milk and eggs. Glancing at her list, I see that it’s mostly basics - flour, sugar, butter, etc. I chuckle when I see popcorn on the list again. The snack aisle is just a few over so I head over there and grab another couple of boxes of cereal on my way.
I’m standing in front of rows and rows of popcorn. How many brands of popcorn are there? Then I remember she wanted a specific brand. I should have written it down. How can I forget the stupid brand she wanted? I’m an FBI agent. I remember pages of information but a brand name of popcorn is gone just like that. I’ll have to buy one of each brand. I don’t even want to know what would happen if I didn’t get the right one. As I start to grab different boxes I notice not only are there different brands but each brand has different flavors. How am I supposed to know if she wants Butter Lovers, Movie Theater Butter, Butter Xtreme, or one of the other twelve different kinds? Maybe she likes caramel corn. Maybe she’s more of a kettle corn person. I know women are all about fat free stuff so maybe she wants the 99% fat free one. Scratch that, she’ll probably assume I’m calling her fat and get mad. The only solution is to get one of everything. I chuck the boxes in the cart and head to grab the last few items on the list. A few more things catch my eye as I walk through the aisles so I toss them in and head to the check out.
Looking at all the groceries laid out you would think we were feeding a family of eight. The teenage cashier rings up the first two boxes of popcorn and seeing the rest of the boxes, glances up at me. I shrug my shoulders in answer to his unspoken question and he gives me a nod of understanding. He finishes ringing me up and I grab the bags and head to the car.
I toss them in the back seat and pull out of the parking lot. I flip through a couple of radio stations but the only thing on is some girly pop crap. I turn it off and decide to drive the rest of the way back to the cabin in silence. The silence gives me too much room in my head so I flip the radio back on and settle for the least annoying station. To my surprise, I come across a station playing Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker.” It’s an immediate flash back to when I was younger and driving around with my grandpa. I listen to this station almost the whole way back until the reception gets too bad. Then I drive the rest of the way in silence.
I pull up to the cabin and glance at the clock; it’s almost three in the afternoon. The front door of the cabin is open and I can see Mr. Darcy standing in the doorway. When I open the car door I hear music coming from the cabin. As soon as he hears the door open, he starts to come down the stairs to greet me. I realize what she’s listening to as I get closer. She continues to surprise me. Who would have thought
she would know who Paul Simon was? I give Mr. Darcy’s head a rub and then climb up the stairs.
She’s cleaned the cabin while I’ve been gone. Not only that, but it looks like she’s organized it. I don’t think it’s looked this good in years. “Wow, you’ve been busy. You got all this done while I was gone? The place looks great.”
“You aren’t mad then? I was afraid you would be upset that I moved things around. But I was bored and wanted to try to be helpful.”
Looking around I notice some fresh flowers in a jar on the table. “I’m not mad at all. I’m glad you found something to do.” I turn towards her, “Paul Simon, huh?” I notice she has the same flowers on her head. They’re the flowers that grow out in the back on your way down to the river.
“Yeah. I hope it was okay that I went through the cassette tapes. It was too quiet here without you and my imagination started to get the better of me. I didn’t even know anyone still had these.”
“I told you to make yourself at home and I meant it. I want you to feel comfortable while you’re here. You’re under FBI protection; it’s not a jail sentence. I’d forgotten about those tapes actually. My grandpa loved music. My grandma liked music too but her tastes ran more towards country,” I say as I head back out to grab the bags of groceries. She follows me to the car and grabs half of the bags and takes them into the kitchen. I follow behind her with the rest of the bags and set them down next to hers. She starts to unpack the groceries and stops short when she pulls out two different boxes of popcorn. She looks into a couple different bags and then turns to me and raises an eye brow.