Tim looked at the pipe bomb, while Lucas explained. “I only had enough powder to make the one. Spend it wise and I guarantee she will put them in a world of hurt.” Tracey started to siphon the station wagon tank, Lucas cautioned. “Leave me enough to get down to Wilson Mill. I'll keep a look out.”
“Thank you. We'll round up the troops and head back this way in a couple of hours.” Tim stated.
Lucas handed Tim a radio. “Give me a shout when you get close.”
“There. There. There. Turn in there.” Dawg stated in a clipped staccato tone.
“You're sure?” Jess stated his exasperation with this tracker, growing by the second.
Dawg remained ignorant of the tensions and stayed focus on his task. “Yup. Yup. Yup.”
Jess pulled the SUV, provided by Sammael, into the rest area. He was followed by the big ass RV, Lilith was riding in. and the jeep driven by Face. Dawg jumped out of the SUV, before it came to a stop and tore off at a loping gallop, through the parking lot and down the trail to the picnic area. The handful people following the trackers lead caught up with him.
“Sum bitch is sniffin them outhouses. Hell I can tell from here, they smell like shit.” Willie laughed.
Dawg ran up to Lilith and handed here a gum wrapper. “See. See they was here. Gone now.”
Lilith patted his head. “Good Dawg. How long ago were they here?”
“Not long. One mebbe two days. I'll find.” Dawg lit out of the rest area, his odd gait surprisingly fast, forcing the rest of them to run for their vehicles.
“I swear he was about ready to hump her leg.” Jess said to Willie, once they were back in the SUV.
“I wouldn't mind a little action with her.” Willie jested.
“You will, right after I'm through with her.” Jess answered.
“Seriously? Sammael won't like that.” Willie cautioned.
Jess scoffed. “What happens out here, stays out here. Shit happens.”
They caught up with Dawg waiting at the entrance to the Double R ranch. “Come on. Come on, they been here.”
After looking around, Jess challenged Dawg. “Well they ain't here now, this has been a big waste of time.”
Dawg hung his head. “Find which trail they left on. You can do that for me, can't you Dawg?” Lilith encouraged.
Dawg perked up. “I will. I will, miss Lilith.”
Lilith turned to the other men with her. “We know they aren't south of here. It's time to tighten the net. Face head back and radio the crews to the south to move up. Jess you do the same with the teams to the north. Join back up with me here, hopefully by then Dawg has picked up the trail again.”
When Lilith arrived, they sent the ten Diabolus men north in two man teams. The ten Sammael men fanned out in two man teams along the southern edge of the approximately thirty mile diameter search area. Knowing that the group had recently been in Baxter allowed them to significantly reduce that search area.
Communication with their two way radios was hampered by the mountainous terrain. By going to the high ground, Face was able to talk with a crew once he was within four miles, give or take. Even with using his crews to help spread the word, it was over an hour before Face returned to the ranch.
Jess decided to take a different approach. “Willie, this group has been moving northwest all the way. I think we need to have the boys take a little lookie loo at Wilscot.”
“Boss lady ain't gonna like you changin the plan.” Willie argued.
“I don't really care what she likes. Besides, if we catch a line on these folks, we're the heroes. If we don't, she doesn't need to know and we lay it all on her hound.” Jess countered.
Willie looked at his partner. “What's your real play here?”
Jess gave Willie a wink. “We should be the ones running things from that big house, with the dragon lady suckin our dicks. First off when the shootin starts her bodyguards need to catch a bullet. I don't much care who's gun it comes from.”
Jess came to a stop at the top of the rise and Willie handed him the radio. “Yo Murph, got your ears on boy?”
A short bit of time passed and then the radio crackled. “What's the word Jess?”
Jess was quick to reply. “Murph we're tightening up the net. I need you to grab a couple more crews and see if this group heads to Wilscot. I'll be checking back before dark. Don't let em slip through your fingers.”
The radio crackled again. “Won't happen.”
Chapter 7 - Found
In the fall of 1982, twenty year old, Pete Logan was starting his junior year at Central Georgia Technical College. Studious and analytical he was right at home in the computer engineering program. Pete had met Sheila Faber, the past spring at a soiree, hosted by Wesleyan College, Georgia’s historic women’s college.
The petite blonde, caught his eye as soon as he entered and he rushed to ask her to dance, before anyone else. Any shyness he may have felt, melted away the second she said yes, flashing him a dazzling smile, her blue eyes sparkling. To be honest he was a little clumsy on the dance floor, but he was tall, nicely muscled and easy on the eye.
Pete left the party with Sheila’s number and called her the next day, asking her out for dinner. By the end of the summer, they were unequivocally a couple. Parked at the lake, in Pete’s Dodge Rambler, Pete lifted Sheila onto his lap. Staring into her eyes, his heart beating hard, he slowly traced her lips, down past her cheek, slowly over her ear, before pulling her to him, softly kissing her lips. “I wanted to do that all day.” Sheila kissed back enthusiastically, the two falling into a familiar rhythm.
“I love this song!” Sheila exclaimed. Tom Petty’s newest song, You Got Lucky, could be heard over the car radio. Sheila leaned in and turned up the volume.
“I can’t wait for the time, when we won’t hafta say good night.” Sheila looked deep into her man’s eyes.
“It won’t be long…” Sheila kissed Pete again. “...it won’t be long.” You got lucky babe, you got lucky babe, when I found you…..
A year later they married. Their families thought they were too young, but Pete and Sheila, were not going to wait. Money was a struggle, with Pete in graduate school and the rent on their tiny apartment. Pete worked part time as a line cook on weekends and Sheila pulled double shifts, waitressing, as often as she could.
“You look exhausted.” Pete said as Sheila walked thru the door.
“I am.” Sheila plopped down on the sofa, putting her feet up on the coffee table. Pete came from the kitchen, carrying a cup of hot tea.
“I got dinner ready, you just relax.” Pete smiled. God how she loved that smile. Even when she was pissed off at her husband, that smile of his, could still melt her heart.
“Smells great.” Sheila sipped her tea. “I thought you were studying?”
“I am, but I wanted to do something nice for you.” He explained. Sheila had been tired lately, more than usual, which caused more frustration, with Pete and his studies. But then he’d go and cook dinner and she just couldn’t stay mad. “Don’t worry sweets, school’s almost over.”
“I’m not sure what this computer deal is about, but I hope its worth all this time you’re spending on it.” Sheila couldn’t help, but sound snarky.
“Trust me, the day is coming, when every house is going to have a computer.” Pete replied with genuine sincerity.
Sheila laughed. “And what pray tell, will I do with it?”
After graduating, Pete began working for a startup company in Macon, but a short while later, went into business for himself, as a consultant for companies all over Georgia. Sheila, taking her love of flowers to the next step, opened a florist shop, with a friend. Now that they had money, there was only one thing missing.
Pete and Sheila, sat holding hands on the sofa. They had been in this position many times before, always with the same result.
“It's gonna happen babe, it just takes time.” Pete said comfortingly. The couple purchased their first home recently and have been
trying for a baby. The timer went off and the couple looked at one another. “Come on, let's take a look.” Pete took his wife by the hand, leading her into the bathroom. Sheila couldn’t bring herself to look.
“I just can’t.” Pete picked up the stick and saw the negative sign. He knew Sheila would be crushed, once again. Pete felt the heartbreak just as much, but he had to be the strong one.
“Babe, we just keep trying.” Pete said, to a teary Sheila. “We are meant to have children in our lives, we’ll find a way.” Teary eyed, Sheila hugged her husband close After a few minutes, Pete carried his wife to bed and held her, till she fell asleep.
“Hey, supper was great hon.” Sheila put her arms around Pete , from behind.
“Oh just a little something I whipped up.” Pete chuckled, as he finished the dishes. He had really been trying, to take the pressure off Sheila and cooking, was one of the things, he loved doing anyway.
“I think...you’re very sexy, when you cook.” Sheila kissed Pete, with all the love in her heart. Their passion ignited, as Pete lowered Sheila to the floor. Sex between the couple had become mechanical. Pete was feeling like a sperm bank and Sheila an incubator. Tonight, their love making was strictly for pleasure, soft and slow.
“I’ve missed this.” Pete whispered. Sheila smiled, turning the tables on Pete, taking the top position. Smirking down at him, she slowly removed her shirt, then her bra. She unbuttoned Pete’s shirt, before practically ripping it off of him. “Hey I liked that shirt!” Both laughed out loud.
“Oh, I’ll sew the buttons back on, ya big baby.” Pete undid the button on Sheila's jeans, before doing his own. Both were breathing heavy now, naked and full of passion.
“Forget the damn shirt.” Sheila chuckled.
“Make me.” Pete entered Sheila, a long moan could be heard, as Sheila thru her head back. It lasted for over an hour. Both were exhausted, laying on the kitchen floor.
“How about we go to bed?” Pete asked. Sheila rested her head, on his chest.
“Later...I just wanna stay like this, for a while.”
Pete ran through the hospital doors in a panic. He got a call at work, that Sheila had been rushed to the hospital. Looking around, he saw Sheila's partner, sitting in the waiting room. The woman got up, meeting Pete, before he got to the front desk.
“What happened Anne?” Pete asked anxiously.
“She started having bad stomach cramps, so we called an ambulance.” That's all Pete had to hear. He knew it was the baby.
“Thanks for coming with her.”
“She’s up on the third floor.” Pete swallowed hard, praying his wife and baby were okay. He got in the elevator, his thoughts all over the place. Standing there, by the nurses station, was Sheila's doctor. He saw Pete and took him over to a private room.
“The baby?” Pete asked immediately.
“I’m sorry.” The doctor put his hand, on Pete’s shoulder.
“Is my wife okay?” Pete held his emotions at bay, even though he wanted to scream
“She’ll be fine.” The doctor assured, but Pete knew better. Sheila had finally gotten pregnant and the couple was ecstatic. Dr. Bain had told them, it would be a high risk pregnancy from the get go. Now, barely three months in, Sheila had miscarried.
“I need to see her.” Dr. Bain, walked Pete to the room. Sheila was lying in bed, with her back to the door. Pete could here the subtle crying and it broke his heart. Dr. Bain, left the couple alone. Pete stood in the doorway, praying he had the right words. As he walked closer to the bed, Sheila turned over to face him.
“Oh Pete...I’m so sorry.” Sheila said, tears streaming down her cheeks. Pete moved quickly to Sheila’s side, taking her hand in his.
“This is not your fault.” Pete kissed his wife’s hand. “We’re in this together...always.” The couple held onto one another for a long time, each taking comfort from the other.
“So where we goin for our anniversary?” Sheila plopped into Pete’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. Pete smirked, kissing her on the lips.
“Well, I figure Marchand’s, since it's our favorite place.” Sheila agreed. “Then maybe a movie?” Again, Sheila nodded her approval.
“It’s a plan!” Sheila kissed Pete one more time, before going about her business. Pete hoped Sheila didn’t catch on, he really wanted it to be a surprise. The past twenty years had been good. They had survived the miscarriage and not being able to have kids, by leaning on one another and making the best of their lives, together. They were able to travel and save for retirement. It was a good life.
Pete and Sheila were met at the door, by the Maitre de. He led them thru the restaurant, to the private room in back. Sheila realized, right before walking in, what Pete had done.
“Surprise!” Sheila put her hands over her mouth. She was truly shocked, seeing all her friends and family standing there. The crowd clapped and whistled, yelling out congratulations, to the celebratory couple. Sheila was beside herself, tears filling her eyes.
“Everything is beautiful.” Sheila turned to her husband, smiling through the tears.
“You deserve it darlin.” Pete kissed his bride. A long, very sentimental kiss, that received a standing ovation from the crowd. Pete was handed two glasses of champagne, handing one to Sheila. Glasses were raised, the room silent, as Pete spoke.
“Twenty years ago today, this beautiful woman, took a chance and actually showed up at the church, to marry this ugly mug…” Chuckles could be heard, from the party goers. “...and I can honestly say, these have been the best, twenty years of my life. I hope she feels the same.” Pete raised his glass high. Sheila raised hers to.
“I do...I love you so very much.” The couple clinked glasses and took a sip, kissing again, much to the crowds delight.
“Thank you all for coming! Eat, drink and have a great time.” Pete smiled, as the guests, headed over to the buffet.
“Babe, you are so sneaky...and I love you.” Sheila hugged her husband.
“Hey, lets get some eats, before this bunch wipes out the buffet.” Pete took Sheila’s hand, walking her over to greet the guests.
The next fifteen years went by quickly. Working, traveling, moving, births and deaths. Pete and Sheila faced it all together. They were just as much best friends, as they were lovers. Now in their mid fifties, the couple was looking forward to retirement. Pete sold his consulting business and Sheila sold her interest in the floral shop to her partner.
They spent a little of the money on a conversion van and planned to travel the country. “How about we take a short trip, for now?” Sheila proposed
“Wadda ya got in mind?” Pete moved to the sofa, next to his wife.
“I always wanted to go to the Okefenokee swamp. We live so close, yet it seems so foreign.” Pete nodded, in agreement. “Then we can decide, where the big trip will be later.”
“We could go for maybe, four or five nights ...take it easy, live off the land.” Pete looked at his wife and chuckled.
“Live off the land huh?”
Sheila winked at her husband. “As long as I have coffee and chocolate, I’m all set.” Sheila kidded.
Pete went back to the computer, searching a few stories, he’d read earlier in the week. “What’s so interesting?” Sheila asked.
“Just skimming through those stories, I was tellin you about .” Sheila frowned.
“Oh ya, you really think it's happening?” Pete didn’t know what to think. There had been several posts on social media, about a strange disease, that was spreading in the bigger cities. Not a lot of info, but what he could find, didn’t sound good. Just today, he found even more stories posted. Even stranger was how little air time the news gave these claims.
“I don’t know, if there’s any truth to it, better off to be away from people.” Pete shrugged.
A couple of days later, they were heading down 75, just starting the three hour trek to the campground. Pete had found a few more stories, but decided not to worry about
it.
Pete and Sheila had settled in a lush area, close to good fishing and sightseeing. After setting up camp, the couple took a walk, on one of the many trails.
“It’s so beautiful here.” Sheila said, sliding her hand into Pete’s.
“I hope the fishin is good.” Sheila chuckled. “What?” Pete couldn’t help but smile.
“I just know, you can’t wait to find out.” Sheila squeezed her hubby’s hand. Pete had taken up fishing as a hobby in his retirement. His skill as an angler was less than stellar, but after a lifetime of managing one IT crisis after another, he enjoyed the serenity.
Dead Reckoning_HZA, Vol. 3 Page 17