Surviving With Love

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Surviving With Love Page 25

by Vickery, Rebecca J.


  Stacey didn’t understand why lost hikers didn’t stop and wait for help. They often managed to make their own rescue harder by wandering around aimlessly. On this occasion she wanted to smack these day hikers for being stupid, especially when she learned they hadn’t brought so much as a compass or a bottle of water along.

  One of the male hikers stepped in a hole and injured his ankle or the foursome might never have stopped traveling in the opposite direction. The men of the search team provided food, water, and immediate first aid.

  Stacey kept her distance rather than say something she shouldn’t. Her anger was totally out of character, but she felt like a time bomb waiting to explode.

  The group stayed put for the night and the next morning Stacey led them to a small clearing nearby. The team leader signaled for the chopper. Still unable to find a large enough clearing for the bird to land, the entire group needed to be lifted, one by one, in the rescue basket.

  Stacey paced, aggravated beyond belief, at how long everything took to accomplish. I should have turned down this job. I should be back at the lodge. Surely he’s called by now. Once all were safely aboard, the pilot flew the helicopter immediately to the hospital in Lowell for the hikers to receive medical care. Then he returned to base with the searchers. Stacey impatiently filled out her report once they reached the search and rescue headquarters.

  “Stay over, Stacey. We need a fifth for poker,” a team member invited when they finished the paperwork.

  “Sorry, I can’t. I’m expecting an important call back home. Make it another time,” Stacey answered with a slight smile and hurried to get on the chopper to head home.

  Lucy shook her head and hugged her daughter before Stacey could ask. “I’m sorry, honey, he hasn’t called. But there is some good news. The other two men, Thompson and Brooks, were captured yesterday. The FBI recovered the bonds.”

  “That’s definitely good news. I’m sure Cathy and Morris are so relieved it’s over.” Everything would be near perfect now if Cord would just call.

  * * * * *

  “Dad, I may be leaving for a while before long. If you and mom can handle things without me, that is.” Stacey wandered into her father’s office and plopped dejectedly onto the sofa. She watched her dad search through a stack of papers on top of the file cabinet.

  “Cord?” Sam asked as he returned to his desk chair.

  She nodded. “He asked me to go with him when he gets back. He wants me to see where and how he lives, see if we can reach—some sort of understanding. Maybe go out on a real date. We have a lot to work out if we have a future together.”

  “I see.” Sam rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He knew this day was coming, but selfishly hoped it wouldn’t be for a long while yet. “Well, like I said before, I believe Cord’s a good man. If you go with him, I hope he makes you happy. Honey—you know your home is always here—if things don’t turn out like you want them to, right?”

  Stacey moved to sit in her father’s lap and wrap her arms around his neck. “I know, daddy. You and mom are wonderful. I know that whatever happens, I can always come home.” She leaned over to whisper in his ear, “How do you feel about grandkids sometime in the future?”

  “I think you’d better be married first, young lady,” he said sternly, but there was a definite twinkle in his eyes.

  Stacey kissed him on the cheek before jumping up. “I better go get a shower and something to eat. I love you, dad.”

  Lucy followed her daughter home. She knew something was eating her daughter and she fully intended to find out what.

  Stacey filled her in on her decision to visit Cord. Her mother sat on the commode as her daughter showered. “Stacey, does this mean you’re getting married?” Lucy called over the sound of the running water.

  “Gosh, I don’t know, mom. We haven’t got near that far yet. We have to figure out a way to date, first.” Stacey laughed. “With his job and my job—and he lives in Dallas part of the time and in New York the rest. Then he’s out of the country a lot. I don’t know where he would want to live or if he wants kids. There are so many things I don’t know about him. We just haven’t had time to talk about us yet. And things may not work out. You know what I mean?”

  “Sure I do. But why do you have to go there to work it out? He’s welcome to stay here.”

  “Mom, I have to be willing to meet him halfway. He’s seen the lodge and my home and met you guys. I want to see where he lives and meet the people around him in his life. I’m curious. I want to know everything about him.”

  “I guess I can understand that. As long as you remember where home is and come back often,” Lucy warned. Holding up a large fluffy towel, she enfolded Stacey as she stepped from the shower. She gave her a smaller one for her hair.

  “You mean you and dad aren’t tired of me yet?” Stacey dried off then pulled on a thin robe.

  “You’re a little rough on our nerves, but we kind of like having you around.” Lucy led the way downstairs to the kitchen. She took out the bread and sliced ham to make sandwiches.

  “Wow, you’re cooking.”

  “Hush, brat. Make yourself useful and pour some iced tea.”

  “Mom, what day is it? I’ve sort of lost track.” Stacey took tumblers from the cabinet and added ice cubes before pouring the tea.

  “Today’s Saturday. He left on Monday. Where was he going?” Lucy added lettuce and tomato to the sandwiches.

  “Some small Middle-Eastern country. He couldn’t tell me exactly. I listened to the news before I left on this rescue, but I never heard anything about a kidnapped or hostage child.” Stacey carried the drinks to the center island and slid onto a stool.

  “That’s a long way. He probably spent a lot of time in the air. It’s only been five days.”

  “I know, but I miss him. I want to know he’s safe.”

  “It was always like that for me when Sam was on the trail skiing. I always imagined the worst. Or worse than the worst. I had these awful thoughts of him falling through thin ice on a lake, tumbling off the side of a cliff, or being eaten by wolves,” Lucy laughed at what had not been funny back then.

  Stacey smiled. “The worst that happened was another skier bumped him, he hit a tree, and messed up his knee?”

  “Well, that was certainly bad enough, but not deadly. I think, from the look of Cord, he can take care of himself and anybody else who gets in his way.” Lucy patted Stacey’s hand and slid off the stool. “I hate to eat and run, but I better get back to help cover for lunch. Did you know that Cathy’s taking a couple of weeks off? The therapist recommended it. I think Morris is off too.”

  “I knew about Morris, but not Cathy. What’s up?”

  “They mentioned going to see some of their relatives and visiting one of the amusement parks. Why don’t you catch a nap, honey? You seem tired and everything is covered at the lodge. I’ll see you later.” Lucy hurried out the door to get back to the lodge.

  After her mom left, Stacey wandered up to her room, but couldn’t settle down. Finally, she gave in to the urge to call Cord’s number to hear his voice. When the beep sounded for the message, Stacey hesitated then went ahead.

  “It’s Stacey. There’s no emergency, well, except that I miss you. Hope you’re safe.” She hung up chastising herself for doing such a childish, silly thing. It was done and there was no way to undo it. Falling across the bed, she let her head hang off the other side and briskly towel dried her hair. After finger combing through the curls, she rolled onto her back thinking about Cord. Closing her eyes, Stacey recalled the feel and smell, even the taste of him. Thinking of how strong he was, but how gently he could touch her, she drifted off to sleep.

  * * * * *

  Early Sunday morning Lucy woke Stacey. “Honey, two of the maids aren’t able to work today. Some kind of stomach virus, we think. Could you help out at the desk? With Cathy off...”

  “I’ll be right there, mom,” Stacey responded and didn’t have time to spare any thoughts for Co
rd the rest of the morning. If I didn’t know better I would swear my parents set this up to keep me from worrying.

  After lunch Stacey turned the desk over to Lucy and acted as guide to one of the weekly nature walks Derek usually handled. Thankfully, Derek resigned immediately once Sam confronted him putting that problem safely behind her. But his absence left a gap in the staff she felt obligated to help fill until her dad hired someone else.

  The nature walk was popular and Stacey shared tidbits about native plants and wildlife to keep the group entertained. She hated being away from the phone but appreciated the diversion and getting outside for a while.

  Sam, Lucy, and Stacey worked continuously through the late afternoon and into the evening filling in at the desk and for the sick maids. By the time the guests at the lodge settled in for the night, the three of them could hardly put one foot in front of the other.

  As soon as they entered the door of their home, Sam locked up and wearily followed his ladies up the stairs. “I hope we never have another day like today,” he grumbled. “Carry me, Luce.”

  “Only if you promise to give me my bath when we get there,” Lucy yawned.

  “Forget it, then. All I’m going to do is change and hit the sack. Tonight, it’s everyone for himself,” Sam told her with a tired grin.

  “Goodnight, mom, dad. If the girls still don’t feel well in the morning, call me,” she offered then sought her own bed.

  Stacey felt as if she just dropped off to sleep when her dad shook her awake. She mumbled and tried to move away.

  He switched on the lamp. “Stacey, it’s the overseas operator. Wake up, honey. It’s probably Cord.”

  Stacey sat up and grabbed for the phone. “Hello, are you there?”

  “It’s good to hear your voice, Parker. I don’t have but a minute. I just got to a phone. I’ll be in New York on Monday night. Can you meet me at the apartment?”

  She could tell Cord was shouting, but she could hardly hear him.

  “Yes, I think so. If not, I’ll call.”

  “I’m safe and the child’s okay. I miss you, Stacey.” There was a lot of static then the operator told her the connection was broken. Stacey put the receiver down and told her father, “He’s safe, dad.” She swiped away a single tear and smiled. “He wants me to meet him in New York tomorrow night. The child’s okay too.” She hugged her knees and Sam sat down on the bed with her. “If you and mom need me here, I won’t go. He’ll understand.”

  “You do what’s best for you, honey. All we want is for you to be happy. We’ll love you and be here for you whatever you do, you know that,” Sam told her. He patted her hands and waited.

  “I need to make flight arrangements. Do you think mom will help me pick out some clothes to pack? I don’t even know what to pack for the big city.”

  “I’m sure she will, but we should let her sleep a couple more hours first. Call the airport at Helena. You’ll have a better chance at getting a flight out. We’ll miss you, honey.” Sam tousled her hair as he got up stiffly off the edge of the bed.

  “Thanks, daddy.” Stacey reached for the phone and a pad and pencil. She managed to arrange for a seat from Helena to Chicago, have a two-hour layover then fly from Chicago to New York.

  Mr. Harper wasn’t happy about her waking him in the middle of the night, but promised to have a chopper at the lodge at seven in the morning to be sure she made her nine o’clock flight out of Helena.

  At five a.m. Stacey and Lucy sorted through her clothes. With Lucy’s help Stacey was able to keep her luggage to a minimum and still take along suitable clothing.

  Lucy couldn’t believe her tomboy daughter was finally taking an interest in her appearance. Cord was definitely bringing about some changes in her baby girl. Lucy pulled one more item out of the closet.

  Stacey groaned. “No, mom. Surely I won’t need that dress.”

  “In the big city every girl needs her little black dress. It won’t take up much space. Besides it looks terrific on you. Cord will love it.” Lucy insisted and wrapped the dress in tissue before adding it to the suitcase.

  Stacey laughed and shook her head. “Okay, mom, you win.”

  Coffee around the island in the kitchen was filled with laughter and warnings about the dangers of New York. At a quarter of seven the chopper arrived.

  Sam carried her cases and Lucy kept an arm around her waist as they accompanied her to the landing pad. They took turns kissing and hugging then Lucy turned into Sam’s arms crying when Stacey climbed into the chopper.

  As soon as they lifted off, Stacey took out the small MP3 player with earphones and covered her ears. She refused to be sick when she finally arrived to see Cord. The address of his apartment nestled safely in her purse, but she wouldn’t need it. She knew it by heart.

  Her ticket waited at the airport counter and she paid with her seldom-used charge card. After a brief wait, her flight was called and she boarded the plane. The first part of her journey was uneventful and she managed to nap a little. Rain and blustery winds greeted the flight in Chicago. Stacey decided to spend her layover inside the airport.

  After checking to be sure her suitcase was also headed for New York, she found a very nice coffee shop near the lounge and ordered a cappuccino while she waited. Stacey became irritated when she was approached several times with offers of company.

  The flight to New York boarded only fifteen minutes behind schedule, but it seemed like forever to Stacey. Once on the plane it suddenly occurred to her she would probably arrive before Cord. Without a key, she wouldn’t be able to get in. Surely there would be a lobby or hallway where she could wait. If he didn’t get in tonight, she could always go to a hotel. She shook her head deciding to deal with that problem if it came up.

  Refusing refreshments when the flight attendant came by, Stacey put on her earphones, leaned back, and closed her eyes. Turbulence repeatedly disturbed the flight as they hit air pockets. Stacey kept a death grip on the armrest and turned her music up as loud as she could stand it to drown out the gasps and chatter of the other frightened passengers. Please God, don’t let the plane crash, her mind pleaded several times. The plane rose and dipped constantly as it battled through a storm. Stacey let out a deep, relieved breath when the seatbelt sign finally flashed on and she eased her grip on the armrests.

  Her heart jumped into her throat when the wheels of the landing gear hit the pavement and the plane shifted slightly as a cross-wind caught it. At last, she disembarked with the other passengers. Weak-kneed but alive, she made it to the luggage carousel. I’m here, I’m actually here. She wanted to skip through the huge terminal.

  Stacey remembered to tip the porter who carried her suitcase and offered him a happy smile as he lifted it into the trunk of the cab.

  The driver of the bright yellow taxi opened the rear door for her to scoot in out of the rain before he ran around to the driver’s side. The fairly clean interior of the cab smelled odd to her. She wrinkled her nose and gave the dark-skinned driver the address. She wasn’t prepared for how quickly he sped away from the airport.

  As they zigzagged through the crowded streets, Stacey stared about in amazement. I’ve never seen so many cars or people in my life. They’re everywhere. The noise of horns, shouts, engines, and sirens made her want to run for cover. After they passed through the inner part of the city with its massive buildings and skyscrapers, both the pace and the noise lessened noticeably.

  The driver parked the cab in front of a large building. She paid him and added the customary tip. He took her case from the back and walked her to an unassuming, canopy-covered door watched over by a man in some sort of uniform.

  A doorman with graying hair dressed in a red uniform jacket with epaulets and black trousers with a red stripe on the outside of each leg took her suitcase and asked her destination.

  She gave him Cord’s name and apartment number. She ended with an unsure, “I don’t know if he’s arrived yet.”

  “No, Miss Parker. Mr. M
cConnell has not arrived, but he gave instructions you were to be escorted up and let into his apartment.” The doorman used a special key to unlock the entrance.

  “You know my name?” Stacey asked curiously.

  “Mr. McConnell described you. Your hair is very distinctive. May I say that you are very attractive, just as he said?”

  Stacey smiled at the large, well-spoken black man. “Thank you.” She entered, waited as he locked the door, then followed him a short distance to a large security desk. Two men in gray security uniforms sat watching a bank of monitors.

  “Miss Parker is arriving as Mr. McConnell’s guest.” The doorman set her case down at the end of the desk and turned to Stacey. “My name is Wilkes, Miss Parker. If I can help in any way, please call on me. These gentlemen will see you to Mr. McConnell’s apartment. Enjoy your stay.” Stacey reached into her bag for a tip, but Wilkes held up his hand. “Not necessary. Mr. McConnell takes care of all that.” He tipped his cap and hurried back to his post.

  “Miss Parker, this is your security key. It opens the elevator and Mr. McConnell’s door. We need you to sign that you received it, please. Most of our tenants and their guests find it’s convenient to check the key each time they leave and sign for it upon arrival. The desk is manned twenty-four hours a day. This is Fred and I’m Ben. We are here for your protection. If you have any type of disturbance, please let us know at once. I will escort you to Mr. McConnell’s apartment if you’re ready.”

  He picked up the large case and showed her to the elevators in an elegantly appointed lobby. Ben explained how to use the security key that looked like a credit card. In the elevator he pushed fifteen and the car rose smoothly and silently. “Is this your first visit to our city?” the guard asked.

  “Yes. Everything’s a lot different than I’m used to,” Stacey admitted.

  “Watch out for pickpockets and purse snatchers. They’ve become a real problem. You should take a cab until you learn which parts of town are too dangerous to frequent. Of course, Mr. McConnell will be able to tell you all about it once he arrives.”

 

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