by Judy Kentrus
Lincoln studied his friend, sensing there was something wrong. “Is everything okay?”
Sam shoved his hands in the pockets of his leather biker’s jacket. “Ah shit, Linc,” Lisa Kay is pissed at me. She asked me about yesterday. I got word that my father had a mild heart attack, so I had to attend the damned board of director’s meeting. I decided to tell her the truth. When I mentioned I was a retired DEA helping Treig on a case, she went ballistic.” He took his hand out of his pocket and held up her ring. “She threw this in my face and accused me of not being honest with her. Said I was toying with her affections and using her to kill time while I’m in the area.” He ran his fingers through his salt and pepper hair. “So what if I have money? It’s never meant anything to me. I love her.”
“Is your old man okay?” Lincoln asked, feeling sorry for his friend in more ways than one.
“It was a bad case of indigestion and an excuse to get me there. That’s not important. What am I going to do about Lisa Kay?”
“Did you to tell her about your plans to build the condos and the train museum?”
Sam pursed his lips at his long-time friend. “No, she didn’t give me a chance.”
Jessie started to smile, then shook her head. “No.”
“What? I’m desperate.”
“Have Lisa Kay’s name tattooed on your chest. Throw in a couple of interlocking hearts. It will prove your feelings for her are permanent and everlasting.”
Sam brightened at the idea. “If that’s what it will take, I’ll do it. Thanks, Jessie. Now, I better show you what you’re not going to like.”
Sam led them to the former furniture warehouse. “This building still has an off-shoot of tracks and will be the train museum. Northrup’s excursions will start from the depot since it’s connected to the main line.” Sam pulled out a ring of keys and opened a rust covered metal door that gave access to a set of steps to the basement. He flipped a switch and a single light bulb shone onto the rusting iron stairs. “I’ll go first. Watch your head. I whacked mine the first time I came down the steps.”
They walked single file down a stone and brick formed tunnel. It was obvious someone was using the passageway. Conduit had been installed down the center of the arched ceiling to support the string of intermittent light bulbs. Jess had never been claustrophobic, but she shivered from the skin-chilling dampness in the cavern-like hole.
“I hope you know where you’re going?” Linc’s voice echoed off the walls.
They walked almost ten minutes before coming to a rusted iron door. Linc had a very good sense of direction and his neck started to itch. “Tell me this doesn’t lead to the basement of my grandfather’s house.”
The hinges groaned in protest when Sam pushed the door open and he flipped a switch to turn on three single light bulbs. “Can’t do that.”
“Oh, shit,” Jessie said, when they stepped into the secret area below Buford Adam’s house. Black plastic crates filled with bottles of scotch whiskey, vodka, gin, and Wild Turkey lined one wall of the low-ceilinged room. Cardboard boxes marked with one word: Bread, were stacked against the opposite stone wall. “I count forty-eight crates and cardboard boxes.”
“How did you know it led to here?” Linc asked.
“I found hollowed-out bread loaves and empty bottles of vodka in a section of the warehouse that housed the ancient coal furnaces. A second door gave access to the stairway we just came down and I discovered bread crumbs on the steps. Naturally, I was curious to find out where the tunnel led. Before purchasing the buildings, I researched the area and came across an article on Buford Adams’ family involvement in helping runaway slaves during the Civil War. I put two and two together. I did investigate the other buildings and they’re clean.”
“The basement and tunnel were once used as part of the Underground Railway, but someone has degraded it for more nefarious uses. My grandfather must be turning over in his grave. Who, other than yourself, has keys to the warehouse?”
“I purchased the buildings from Hampp Realty in Stevensville and was told I had the only set of keys. Apparently, someone has copies.”
“My next question is, how the hell are they getting the liquor in and out of Laurel Heights?” Jess looked at the neat stacks of contraband. “I’ll bet they’re using Clyde’s truck and trailer.”
“Who is Clyde?” Sam asked.
Jessie explained about the landscaper and him loaning his truck to an unknown person, then remembered the one hundred dollar bills. “Did you get any results on those bills you sent to Danni Snow?”
“She sent an email at five-thirty this morning. Danni said she’d just finished feeding Mathew and wanted to get the information to me right away. The bills were clean, other than Clyde’s prints. They were able to access his info because he has a record.” Lincoln studied the boxes of contraband. “It would be a waste of time to dust every bottle for prints. They’re smart enough to use gloves.”
“What’s our next move?” Sam asked.
“We’ll document everything and take pictures. I’ll let the chief know what we’ve discovered when I get back to headquarters. I say we leave everything the way we found it and set up some type of surveillance. They’ll have to come back for this booze sometime.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for any activity during the day,” Sam volunteered when they headed back the way they came.
“I’ll stake out the warehouse during the night. I can watch from inside the warehouse across the street. With the garage doors on the other end of the building, I can drive my truck inside so they won’t be able to see me.”
“It’s a good idea, but you’ll keep a police radio with you at all times,” Jess stated, “and no argument.”
“Yes, Sergeant Taylor.”
Lincoln had forgotten how tedious a stake-out could be. He drank the coffee Jessie had poured into a thermos before leaving the house at eleven o’clock that night. He’d been keeping an eye on the warehouse the past four nights. Sam Morlock had covered the daylight and early evening hours. The smile was back on his friend’s face, so Jessie’s tattoo suggestion must have worked. Linc had seen very little of Jessie, other than having dinner together. He slept for a few hours during the day, worked on a special project in the garage and fit in Skyped meetings with Logan and other staff members at Adams Security.
When his cell phone rang, he grinned at the caller ID. “What are you doing awake at three o’clock in the morning?”
“Worrying about the man I love.”
“Did you read my invitation?”
“You mean the one I found on my pillow. Be ready at seven o’clock tomorrow evening to take the ride of your dreams. I can say it’s redundant, because I’ve already taken the ride of my dreams on a sexy stallion named Lincoln.”
“You flatter me, Shortcake, but I’ve something more powerful.”
“Lincoln Adams, nothing has a more powerful thrust than you. Tell me, does it include more of your sweet, succulent fruit salad? Hmmm, just thinking about your thrust has got me so hot and bothered I had to take off my sheer, frilly nightie. The only thing I’m wearing is my sexy toe ring.”
Lincoln shifted in his seat and adjusted the front of his jeans. “Jessie, you are a delicious tease and had better stop, unless you want to come over here and ease the painful hard-on you’ve just incited.”
“You’re no fun. I called because I can’t sleep. I miss you so damn much.” Jessie exhaled a complacent sigh. “What is the mode of dress for the ride of my dreams?”
“Something that is easy to remove. Underwear is optional. I’ll be going commando. Night, Jessie.” He hung up before she could say anything else.
He went to reach for his cup when a dark colored vehicle pulled into the parking lot across the road, without their lights on. Link grabbed his night vision binoculars. The driver pulled close to the basement door of the old furniture warehouse, got out, tugged on the handle to make sure the door was secure, then returned to his vehicle and slo
wly pulled around to the other side of the building. To his dismay, Lincoln recognized the night visitor as a cop on the Laurel Heights Police Department. He debated calling Jessie back, but decided to have Reggie do a background check before Linc brought his suspicions to Jessie’s attention. Sergeant Taylor was facing a new set of problems.
“Mommy, you look very pretty. Have a good time.” Edie kissed her mother on her cheek and then her Uncle Lincoln before they left for their special evening.
“Do you know where your uncle is taking me?” Jessie smiled at Linc when he helped her on with her light jacket. The little black dress left her shoulders and arms bare and the late spring evening was chilly.
“Yes, but I’m not going to give you a hint.” Edie took another bite of her cookie with the secret ingredient that Samantha had brought over that afternoon when she had a special meeting with Uncle Lincoln.
“Do you know?” Jessie asked her mother.
“I do, but I’m not spilling the beans. Don’t worry about us. We’re picking up Peter, and then we’re going to a movie in Stephenville.” Margaret put an arm around Edie’s shoulder and sniffed back a tear as she watched her daughter and Lincoln walk out the door. If only Norman were alive to share in their happiness.
Lincoln opened the passenger door for Jessie, and then got in the driver’s side. Before starting the engine, he leaned close and brushed his lips along the sleek column of her neck. “You look and smell sexy as hell. Before we leave, I have to blindfold you.” On the exterior, he appeared cool, calm and collected, but inside he was a jumbled mess. Tonight had to be perfect, for Jessie.
“Is this something kinky?”
“Nope, not yet anyway.” He placed a black silk cloth over her eyes and carefully tied it in the back of her head, not wanting to mess up her free-flowing hair.
Excitement bubbled in her body and she folded her hands tightly in her lap. “I think I’m the only one in Laurel Heights who doesn’t know what’s going on. Everywhere I went yesterday, people gave me funny smiles. I went into the doggie hotel to talk to Lisa Kay and she had a permanent grin on her face. She took me into one of the unoccupied examining rooms and opened her smock. Just above her left breast was a tattoo of interlocking red hearts with two small bats in the center. She said Sam got the same one, only he added Lisa Kay, my soul mate. She was also wearing her ring.”
“I’m glad they’re back together. Apparently, your suggestion worked. As for our special evening, I can assure you, only the people involved know about our plans.” Ten minutes later Lincoln pulled into the rear of the deserted lumberyard. “We’re here. I’ll take the blindfold off after I get you out of the truck.”
He was getting more anxious by the minute and lifted Jessie down to the surface of the parking area. He took her face in his hands and kissed her warmly. “I love you Jessie Taylor,” he said, and removed her blindfold.
Her eyes widened and she put her hands to her cheeks. “You didn’t! We’re going on the old Baldwin locomotive!” Steam was already billowing from the stack and lights glowed on the interior of the Pullman car. Jessie threw her arms around Lincoln’s neck and hugged him tightly. “I can’t believe it! You arranged a special train ride for me! When I saw Northrup the other day, I asked about the next excursion, and he said it would be the evening of the bed race. He’s been waiting for another delivery of anthracite.”
Linc slipped his arms about her slender waist. “For tonight, this is the Jessie Taylor Special. Northrup is manning the controls, and his two sons are feeding the beast.”
“Did you know that this Baldwin steam locomotive was built in 1916? Its fuel is anthracite because it burns cleaner and doesn’t give off as much black dust as coal? The Pullman car was in built in 1928 and the passenger car belonged to the Jersey Central Railroad. Treig is named after our great grandfather who worked for the Jersey Central Railroad. The box car base has been in the Whipper family since the Civil War. Buford provided the funds to reconstruct the one used to transport runaway slaves as part of the Underground Railway. It has a secret bottom.”
“Yes, Miss Smarty Pants. Do you want to give me a history lesson or start your special excursion?”
They stepped into the first section of the Pullman car. The tan leather couches and comfortable chairs could accommodate ten traveling businessmen. A short narrow hallway led to a dining room. Small windows on either side of the narrow room were draped in wine-red velvet curtains. An ecru lace cloth covered the table that could seat ten people. For tonight, the table had been set for two. An arrangement of white and yellow daffodils graced the center of the table and was flanked by tall white flickering candles.
“Good evening,” Samantha Kingsley greeted, stepping into the dining room and setting an ice bucket and two tall wine glasses near the end of the table. She’d dressed in an immaculate white chef’s coat and black stovepipe pants. Her long blond hair had been plaited into a neat braid. She popped the cork and poured two glasses of sparkling champagne. “I’ll be your server, and Sallie Mae is your chef. As soon as we depart, I’ll serve the canapés. Enjoy.” She smiled and turned about to make a polite exit.
Jessie was overwhelmed and accepted the glass of champagne from Lincoln. “Just how many people have you gotten involved in tonight’s little adventure?”
“Not as many as you think.” He tapped his glass with hers. “To us, Jessie. I hope, after tonight, you will never doubt how much I love you.”
Tears swelled in her eyes and she blinked them back. She would not cry. When the train whistle blew, she jumped and swayed against Lincoln when the train started to move. Her glass tipped and she spilled champagne on the front of his wolf gray sports jacket. “Sorry.”
“Are you trying to get me out of my clothes already?” he teased, and brushed the few drops off the front with his fingertips.
They sat down and Samantha carried in a silver tray and placed it on the table in front of them. Her hands were covered in white cloth gloves. “We have crab-stuffed mushrooms, pumpkin wanton wraps, bacon and cheddar quiche, and pepperoni puffs. There is a bell on the table if you require anything else.”
Excitement hadn’t killed Jessie’s appetite, and she reached for a crab-stuffed mushroom. “These are delicious.” She sampled one of everything and drank more champagne, loving the intimate setting and everything about their evening. “Candlelight, flowers, champagne. You certainly know how to sweep a girl off her feet.”
“Not any girl, Jessie. Just you. For tonight, no talking about the case or cases. Agreed?”
“Agreed.” She sampled more champagne, letting the bubbles dance on her tongue. “What have you been working on in the garage all week?”
“It’s a surprise. I can’t tell you, not yet.” Linc made a mental note to tell Sallie Mae and Samantha they’d outdone themselves with the canapés.
“Am I going to like whatever it is you are keeping from me?”
“I think so.”
Jessie had her own idea, but was keeping it to herself.
Sam cleared away the few remaining canapés and served steaming bowls of cheddar corn chowder. She returned a moment later and set a basket covered by a pristine linen cloth close to Lincoln. Before leaving, she winked at her boss.
Lincoln lifted out a cutting board that supported a loaf of freshly baked raisin bread and an earthenware crock of honey butter. The scent was heavenly. Without bothering to ask, he cut a warm slice and placed it on the small round plate in front of Jessie. “Honey butter?”
“How did Sallie Mae know this is one of my favorite things?”
Lincoln shrugged his shoulder. “I left the menu up to her.” It hadn’t been a total lie. He slathered another slice with the sweet spread and cut it in half before taking a bite. “I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything so delicious. Correction, this comes in a close second.” He brought the other half of his bread to her lips. “Nothing can compare to the taste of you.”
Jess’s heart was pounding from his seductiv
e invitation and it took all of her willpower to remain in her own seat. She took a bite and chewed very slowly, staring at his very handsome face. “I appreciate the very beautiful evening you’ve planned, but are we going to have company the entire time? There are two staterooms we can explore after dinner.”
“Have no fear, my love. Northrup is taking the circular route through Stevensville and we’ll be back to Laurel Heights by eleven. The others will depart and we’ll be completely alone. Your mother already knows we won’t be home until breakfast.”
“Good enough,” she said, and lifted her glass to him. “Plan to make very good use of your thrusters.”
Samantha served the rest of their meal and they helped themselves to thin slices of rare roast beef in natural juices, roasted baby potatoes with a buttery garlic glaze, and golden butternut squash topped with caramelized onions and gruyere cheese.
“That was delicious,” Jessie complimented, when Samantha came in to clear away the dishes.
“I’ll tell the chef.” She came back a few minutes later with an ornate silver coffee pot and china cups and saucers. “Dessert is warm apple pie with French vanilla ice cream.”
“Samantha, I am so full, I’ll pass on the dessert,” Jessie said, putting a hand to her stomach. “Thank you for everything.”
“Same with me, Sam. Please extend our thanks to Sallie Mae.”
“It was my pleasure. Northrup said we’ll be arriving in Laurel Heights in about twenty minutes, a little earlier than expected.” Sam bowed slightly. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”
When the train started to slow down, Lincoln figured they were getting close to the end stop. He wanted to wait until they were completely alone before he gave Jessie his last surprise.
“Linc, please excuse me for a couple of minutes. I have to visit the necessary.” Jess walked down another short corridor and opened a single door to the small bathroom. After taking care of her needs, she washed her hands at the single metal sink and pressed a cool cloth against her flushed cheeks. Just like her special bubble bath, he’d gone above and beyond to plan the perfect evening, for her. She opened her purse with a shaking hand and stared at the envelope she’d wanted to give to him, eighteen years too late.