by M. L. Harris
My eyes narrow. “Go to hell.”
“After you,” he says, arrogant smirk still plastered on his face.
“Don’t come any closer.”
“Seriously? You really wanna take me on?”
Yes, I do.
He comes closer still.
“Stay back!”
He then advances on me.
Filled with rage, I tag him across the face, the crescent kick spinning him around. Suddenly his arm comes up, and a shard of metal flies from his hand.
I pitch to one side and it zips by my head, but in my evasive maneuver I slip, losing my balance.
Stumbling backward, I grab frantically at a row of stones at the canyon ridge, my body dangling a hundred feet in the air.
I look up and he’s looming over me, face twisted into a sadistic grin. He steps on my hand, increasing the pressure as my free hand grips tenuously to the ledge.
As it slips, my mind races with hysteria.
His eyes glaze over in a perverse indulgence.
My strength drains quickly.
Then I see it.
An eagle, against a moonlit sky, swooping in.
I look away, sharp talons sinking into his scalp.
Extending its long wing span, the eagle flies away, Brody staggering and collapsing to the ground.
He lies on his back, screaming in agony as I grasp at the ledge, pulling myself up.
Just as I get on firm ground I feel his hands, around my throat and clamping down like a vice.
As I struggle to breathe he rolls on top of me, blood flowing from his head and saturating my shirt and face.
I try desperately not to pass out. Both hands extended, I jamb my fingers into his wounds as his screams pierce the night air.
Finally I roll him off, breaking free.
I claw my way to the rear lawn, gasping for air.
Inside the house, the screams can be heard, coming from the backyard. Officer Brooks emerges from a pair of French doors, sprinting across the lawn, followed by Jack and Emily.
They’re horrified to see me, covered in blood, head to toe.
As I collapse in Jack’s arms he pulls up my shirt, looking for injuries.
“Sweetheart, are you hurt… can you hear me?”
“Jack! Oh my God, Jack.”
Burying my head in his chest, I keep repeating his name.
I don’t believe this. He’s alive!
“Maggie, talk to me.”
“The blood… it’s Weston’s,” I manage to say.
I can see Jack’s relief when he realizes I’m not hurt, except for swelling on my neck.
“Oh Maggie,” he says, cradling my head in his arms. “I was worried sick.”
Everyone looks at Brody Weston, in the throes of an agonizing death. I cup my ears, trying to escape the screams of torment.
Curiously, I remember what my Grandma Rose had told me “I’ll always protect you, even after my bones have given out” and the significance of that eagle, which had flown before the moon that night in Texas. I’ll be darned. I love you too, Grandma.
“Come on Jack,” Brooks says, gently taking me by the arm. “Let’s get her into the house.”
My legs wobble beneath me as we head back inside.
A few minutes later Emily comes in through a rear door.
We all look at her.
“He’s dead,” she informs us.
I can see that Emily’s angry with me, but now isn’t the time. She gets it.
I’m in desperate need of a shower and change of clothes so Jack takes me to the servants’ quarters.
I clean myself up and Jack embraces me.
“I’m so happy that you’re alright. I love you so much, Maggie.”
I hold him tight to me. “Oh Jack… I could only think the worst. I love you too.”
We hold each other, neither wishing to let go.
Eventually Jack finds something that fits me and I get dressed.
“This place really creeps me out,” Jack says.
“That makes two of us. Let’s head out front and wait for the others.”
“Great idea.”
Chapter
54
Detective Emily Gower and officer Brooks decided it was time to investigate the cellar. They crossed the rear lawn, entering the passageway and beginning down the narrow tunnel.
In the distance there’s a circular staircase but prior to reaching it they came upon a heavy steel door.
“Where do you suppose this goes?” Brooks asked.
“Who knows,” Emily replied, examining the door. “It’s some kind of biometric lock.”
“The hell with it.”
Brooks reached into his pocket, removing a chunk of C-4 and pressing the wad of plastic explosive against the lock. After moving back a safe distance the charge detonated, the door blasting inward.
Entering, Brooks turned on the lights.
What they discovered shocked them.
A climate controlled ultra-clean workspace. The space contained an elaborate workstation brimming with an array of sophisticated electronics equipment. A conduit extended into the ceiling and up through the interior walls, carrying communication and data signals back and forth from the rooftop. A massive tabletop sat in the center of the room, across its surface an astonishing cache of documents, notes, photographs and assorted papers.
“Take a look at this,” Emily said, plucking a photo from the table.
Taken from a distance with a telephoto lens, it was obviously connected to a surveillance operation: the person in the photo was Zachary Ross.
“Unbelievable,” Brooks replied as he looked at one item after another, each reflecting an individual piece of the puzzle.
At the workstation Emily tapped her fingers on a laptop.
“I’ll bet there’s a mother lode of incriminating evidence on this hard drive.”
She guessed right.
The data stored on the laptop’s hard disk and the collection of documents amounted to a treasure trove for law enforcement.
“Brody Weston,” Emily said, shaking her head. “The things some people are capable of.”
She tried not to think about the spike in her workload stemming from the case. Suddenly feeling a chill running up her spine, she headed for the door.
“I’ve seen all I need to.”
“Right. Let’s move on.”
They climbed the circular staircase and bypassing the library eventually came to the passage into Weston’s bedroom.
“This is some setup,” Brooks said. “I’ve seen a lot of escape routes in the movies, and this is definitely at the top of the list.”
The hour was getting close to five in the morning and the officers had finished tying up loose ends.
“I’m done here for now,” declared Emily. “Thanks, Brooks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Chapter
55
Outside, in the driveway of the Weston estate, Jack and I see Emily coming out of the house and approach us.
“This ought to be good,” Jack says.
I jab my elbow in his ribcage. “Shut up.”
Emily grins and says, “Well, Maggie, I don’t know whether to thank you or put you over my knee and paddle your behind.”
“I’m real sorry, Emily. I know I can be overly aggressive sometimes.”
“That’s putting things mildly.”
Jack looks down at his shoes, hoping she’ll understand.
“By the way, how did you… aw, forget it. I don’t want to know.”
What?” I ask.
“Listen Maggie, you two have been through enough already. If you feel like telling me anything, fine. Otherwise, let’s just leave things alone for now.”
Whew! What a relief.
“That’s totally cool with me, Em.”
“I just can’t figure though…”
I look in her eyes, anticipating the rest of the question.
“Why you confronted Brody
yourself?”
Turning to Jack, I smile and say, “He messed with the man I love,” as though the answer is obvious.
“Passion,” she tells me. “It can be both a good thing and a bad thing, depending on the circumstances. Anyway, I’m relieved. The important thing is that the two of you are safe.”
Jack gives her a smile. “Hey, thanks Emily, really.”
I extend my hand to shake, sheepish grin and all. “Friends?”
“Yeah… friends, definitely.”
His good manners on display, Jack offers, “Maybe we could hook up, socially, I mean.”
I see a softening in Emily’s expression as she replies, “I’d like that.”
I add, “You said you’ve got a daughter about my age.”
“Yes. That’s right. Katie.”
Smiling, I say, “If she’s anything like you, I’d like to meet her sometime.”
A mixture of emotions sweeps across Emily’s face. Thanks for the compliment. Would Katie’s personality mesh with Maggie?
She smiles widely. “You’re on.”
Epilogue
I turn from the mirror where Carol, Jack’s mom, is helping me into my wedding dress.
“I think they’re ready,” announces her husband, Tom, as he walks into the living room of the Fisher’s house in Seattle. “Oh Maggie, you look so lovely.”
Carol’s eyes fill with tears and I shake my head adamantly.
“No tears today. My makeup is done and I’ll look all red and stupid if I cry.”
I pull my future brother-in-law, Bill, into a tight hug and fight the tears.
“You know this means we’re family now,” he says, pulling away and smiling happily.
“I’m so happy for both of you.”
“Thanks.”
“Come on, Maggie!” calls Jack’s younger brother, Mark, as he walks into the room. “They’re not going to wait forever.”
“Oh please,” Jack’s mom says and waves him off. “She’s the bride. They’ll wait as long as it takes her to get ready.”
“I’m done,” I assure them as I turn to take one more look in the mirror. The dress I chose is a simple white gown, strapless and form-fitting. My hair is pulled back into a bun and I’ve decided to forego the veil. I want to see Jack clearly when I walk out there before his family and pledge myself to him.
“Okay, I’ll see you out there.”
Jack’s mom kisses my cheek, smiling wide before leaving the room.
“Here we go.”
Jack’s dad leads us to the back door and I take a moment to look out at the backyard where I’m about to get married. The Fisher’s yard is beautiful, especially in the spring.
The fresh scent of roses fills the air, and the Seattle weather is cooperating. It’s warm and sunny today with a light breeze.
Carol has outdone herself. She managed to get Jack’s favorite restaurant to cater, and they’re set up and ready on the terrace.
The sound system has been piped outside and has just started to play. The family is seated in chairs in the center of the yard and everyone is here.
As Tom and I walk out into the yard, Jack sees me and his face breaks out in a wide smile.
“Are you ready?” asks Tom.
“Absolutely. Let’s go.”
Everyone stands and smiles at us, but I only have eyes for my future husband.
“Nervous?” Jack’s dad whispers to me.
“Not a bit,” I whisper back.
“You may be seated,” the minister announces.
“Who is giving Maggie away?”
“My wife and I are,” Jack’s dad answers.
I pass my bouquet to Emily and stand facing Jack. He winks at me, making me chuckle.
“Jack, please put the ring on Maggie’s finger and repeat after me,” the minister says.
Jack looks at me, repeating our vows.
“I give you my promise to be by your side forever. I promise to love, to honor and listen as you tell me your hopes and dreams.”
“Maggie, please place this ring on Jack’s finger and repeat after me,” the minister says.
Holding Jack’s hand in my own I repeat my vows to him.
The minister says to us, “It’s my honor and great pleasure by the power vested in me to pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Jack steps forward, cradling my cheek in his hand and wrapping his other arm around my waist. He kisses me softly, and he’s oblivious that everyone is looking on.
Jack’s family jumps to their feet, applauding and wiping tears.
Before I know it, I’m surrounded by the Fisher siblings who are kissing and hugging me.
“Congratulations, sweetheart,” Bill says, kissing my cheek.
This is more attention than I’ve ever had in my life.
He raises a bottle of wine and smiles. “Congratulations. Oh… this is for you.”
“Thanks so much!”
Suddenly a song begins to play through the sound system.
“Maggie, I think it’s time we dance,” Jack says.
As we’re dancing, Emily and her daughter, Katie, approach us with loaded plates of food.
“Where’s the food?” Jack asks.
“Inside,” Katie says and turns to me. “Thanks so much for inviting us to your wedding. Everything is so perfect.”
I smile. “I’m so happy both of you could be here.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Emily replies.
Jack’s parents emerge from the house and approach us.
“There you are,” Carol says as she wraps her arm around my waist.
Tom and Carol begin to chat with Emily and her daughter as Jack and I slip away, nestling together in the gazebo and looking out across the backyard at all of the family and friends.
“I love you, Mrs. Fisher,” Jack whispers in my ear.
I smile and kiss him. “I love you too.”