Glazier

by Bri Clark

  I laughed because she definitely was.

  Chapter Twenty

  Marie

  Leaving the suite at the compound

  As I stumbled out the door, I could hear him chuckling through the wood. Sighing, I suddenly sensed I wasn’t alone. Looking up, I found Abbass’s servant. She was leaning against an armoire. With her face still parallel to the floor, her hands knotted in the material of her apron. She began to walk toward me then hesitated. Meeting her halfway, I asked her what her name was.

  She looked up briefly, and spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “Hagar.” Then her gaze returned to the floor.

  I told her my name. Her head shook with the force that only true fear could fuel. I told her we would just use it when it was the two of us. I asked her if she was waiting on me. She nodded, her feelings of distress returned.

  Finally, I understood…Abbass had her watching me. Reaching out for her, I tried to pat her shoulder but she cowered away. I withdrew my hand and offered a warm smile instead. I crouched so she could see my face, and I was blown away at the beauty in her features, but it was the wisdom only experience could bring that had aged her eyes.

  I assured her that I knew Abbass had her watching me and that I appreciated all the help she provided. She lifted her chin, tears in her eyes and whispered her thanks. Trying to ensure my privacy with Henry, who was technically my husband, I asked Hagar not to listen in when we were in our room. She assured me that she hadn’t and would not.

  I told her I was heading to the stables and stood up to leave; she went in the opposite direction, from which I heard a faint humming sound. I finally made it to the stables, only fifteen minutes late. Shae was there petting a horse. She was dressed in something similar to me, but her pants were tan and her boots were brown. Her hair was still in a high ponytail. When she heard me approach, she grinned from ear to ear.

  “Sorry I’m late, Henry showed up and…”

  Her snicker interrupted me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Say no more, Collin did the same thing to me, I just got here. I’m a married woman, too, you know.”

  “Oh.” I blushed scarlet. That would be a dream come true, but I knew that it was just a dream. Her face softened and she wrapped her arm in mine and walked with me. She did it so easily, as if we had been friends for years. We walked out of the stables and into a nearby grove of trees, where a bench sat beside a small pond.

  “Odd isn’t it?” She waved her hand out in front of her as if reading my thoughts.

  I nodded in agreement, but held my silence.

  “Abbass is wealthy and powerful; his landscaping alone proves that. However, you don’t run in the groups I run in, Doll. There is more to Abbass than what you see.” She looked down for a moment, her brows constricted, as if she was trying to figure something out. “Abbass seems to have taking an interest in you personally.”

  I opened my mouth, prepared to defend myself.

  She held up a hand. “Let me finish, I know you love your husband and would never do anything to hurt your marriage. I admit I just met you, but I am a good judge of character. But Abbass can put a person, especially a woman, in a situation where she has no choice.” Shae closed her eyes and her face contorted as if in pain.

  “I assure you Shae, I’m all right. I can handle Abbass.” I tried to comfort her but my efforts were in vain.

  She opened her eyes, grabbed my hands and her voice was harsh. “You obviously do not get it, Marie. I have seen him do it. What he is doing with you now! He wants to possess you! Like one of his mares!” Her hand flew toward the stables. “He doesn’t look at women as people; he accumulates them. The one I saw before—she was married; she had a family, a life. She wasn’t even Egyptian. She was American. She’s gone, Marie, and her husband is gone, too. No trace.” She let go of my hands and hid her eyes instead.

  Her words marinated in my mind. I wasn’t scared; I was angry, furious even. I thought of this young woman, I thought of Hagar, of my new friend. The fear in her voice, if he found out she told me. He would make her pay.

  “What happened to them? Do you know?” I pressed. The more info I knew, the better for the assignment.

  She stared off into the gardens. “No one knows, but I have a theory. I think he offered her a proposal and she turned him down. I knew she would never leave her husband. Abbass is the type of man who enjoys a challenge, but cannot handle defeat. The type of man who, if he can’t have what he desires, then no one can have it.” I could sense the earnest pain from her as she explained. Feeling the need to comfort her, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

  “Fine, Shae, I hear you. You don’t have to worry, I will be careful,” I promised her. She embraced me and I hugged her back.

  “Do you ride?” she asked, letting go. Her hazel eyes glistened from unshed tears.

  “Well, I don’t exactly know how to ride, but I would love to learn one day.” I emphasized one day, meaning not today. It was at this time I learned my new friend didn’t recognize hints or just chose to ignore them. She had me by the arm and tugged me over to the stables.

  “Guess what!” She didn’t wait for me to guess. “You just happen to be with one of the Georgia Belles.” She proclaimed it as if I was supposed to know who they were. I might have, but I didn’t even know anything about myself much less the Georgia Belles.

  “Georgia Belles is a team of women who travel to different horse shows,” she answered my questioning look. She seemed a little sad then let out a sigh. “I haven’t been with them in years.” She stroked a horse’s muzzle.

  Recovering her brassy self, she began my riding lessons. “First, you have to get to know a horse. Let them know they can trust you and just as important is finding one you can trust. Just walk around and see if you get a feel for one. Don’t make any fast movements, let them smell your hand and then pat their noses. Like me.” She talked to the mare in hushed tones. It seemed to soothe her.

  There were so many horses I didn’t even know where to begin. They were all equally beautiful. Their coats were shiny and smooth. I assumed all purebred, the best of the best, in keeping with Abbass’s lifestyle.

  I noticed a stall in the back corner on the far end of the stable. The other horses’ heads were sticking out. Earlier that stall appeared empty. Nevertheless, a tip of a nose showed now. I was going to ask Shae about this particular horse, but when I looked at her, she was cooing to a huge white stallion. She seemed completely engrossed. I didn’t want to interrupt. Besides, I could do what she said. After all, I could take Henry out, and he was just as big as a horse.

  I approached the stall the way Shae suggested, taking light steps, not wanting to spook any of the horses. A beautiful midnight-black stallion tossed his head. Each stall had an engraved plaque about the door; the one about the dark stallion’s read Iceberg. I laughed to myself, Iceberg and Glazier, what were the odds? He moved towards me, sticking his head out over the half door. Holding my hand out, I waited. His eye never left me as he sniffed my hand then carefully positioned his head underneath it. With care, I stroked his muzzle. He moved closer to me, allowing me to rub his neck. From this position, I could get a better view of him. He was tall; his coat was soft and shined like satin. I whispered cooing words into his ears. They flicked as if in recognition. For some reason, I spoke in Egyptian. He seemed to like it, and I giggled.

  Shae heard me and looked up, her smile quickly faded to a look of horror. I turned looking at her puzzled still patting Icebergs nose. All the color faded from her face I slid my hands off slowly signaling my intent to move. He backed away, and I walked over towards Shae. She looked like she was going to fall over. She grabbed my arm in a death grip I controlled my reflex to break her wrist.

  “Breathe, Shae, what’s wrong?” She took a deep breath, some color returned to her cheeks. I took her back out to the little bench. She was taking slow steady breaths.

  “You are either a good liar or are completely obliviou
s.” She said in between breaths. “Your face confirms it. You are oblivious.” Her southern laugh rang in my ears. She was better. I laughed along with her, relieved she wasn't getting sick. I saw a man practically sprinting our way from the other side of the pond. Shae rolled her eyes, and cursed under her breath.

  “Collin,” she clarified. He was by her side in an instant. He wrapped his arm around her waist looking her over squatting down in front of her.

  “Shae, what is it? Are you hurt?” he questioned. He planted kisses on her face, causing her to shoo him away. I looked away blushing at their intimate kiss. Obviously, Collin was a lot like Henry and wouldn't take no for an answer when he really wanted something.

  “I’m fine Collin. It’s Marie.” She said in between giggles. It was funny the way she said his name, it came out more like Colleen with her twang. He didn’t seem to mind, but in fact smiled lovingly at her words.

  “What’s wrong with Marie? Do I need to get Henry?” He said looking in a perplexed fashion, from her and then back to me. He mentioned Henry’s name as easy as Shae would refer to me.

  “No!” I yelled. Their shocked appearance showed me I needed to explain. “I’m fine that’s all; there is no need to bother him.” I tried to cover up my irrational response. But I couldn’t have them out looking for Henry if he was out scouting. Shae seemed to buy it. She smiled up at Collin; he just stared at her adoringly. I felt awkward as a spectator.

  “Guess who Marie seems to be a good friend with?” Shae asked Collin, her voice amazed. She didn’t give him time to answer either. “Abbass’ prized, wild stallion.” Collin stood up and studied me, “Oh it gets better honey, because she doesn’t ride either. Apparently has no experience with horses at all.” I fidgeted under Collin’s scrutiny. I had never used those words exactly, but it seemed Shae was a good judge of character after all.

  “So I petted his horse.” I said shrugging my shoulders. What was the big deal anyway?

  “Wait, you actually touched the horse?” Collin inquired. Shae sat on the bench grinning.

  “What’s the big deal?” I asked. Shae was laughing too hard to answer causing the ends of Collin’s mouth to turn up. He sat down with us.

  “That, Marie, is Iceberg, the great desert Stallion. Abbass heard of him and hunted him down until he captured him. Took him three years. He has had every trainer, doctor, and horse expert here to train and tame him. He desperately wants to ride him. It’s hard for the stall hands just to care for his needs. He is always nipping and kicking. So for you to walk up and simply pet him is a big deal.” Collin graciously explained. Shae’s giggles finally stopped.

  “Well, I did it slowly.” I offered. Both of them erupted into a fresh round of belly laughs then. I became even more uncomfortable until I saw someone approaching. A wave of warmth flooded me and I didn’t understand why. All I knew was he was here, my own personal warrior to the rescue.

  Shae and Collin stopped laughing and traced my line of vision. He was taking too long. I got up and ran over to him, almost forgetting to go at a normal pace. He caught me up in his arms picking me up off the ground.

  “Hello, Love,” he whispered in my ear, and a shiver to tickled my spine as he placed a kiss against my temple.

  “Hey, Henry how’s it going?’ Collin yelled, interrupting our private scene. Henry smiled his perfect smile and waved. He untwined my hands from around his neck and kissed my forehead again. Keeping our fingers laced together, we walked back over to the bench.

  “So what have you birds been up to?” Henry asked.

  “It’s more like what has your wife been up to?” Shae rebutted, stifling another laugh. Henry’s grip tightened on my hand and his eyes met mine.

  Oh, great.

  Collin saved me. He told Henry all that happened with Iceberg. I expected Henry to be laughing along with them, but to my dismay, he looked irritated, and I could feel it. Henry’s grave expression halted any further laughter and totally stopped the subject.

  “So where have you guys been?” I asked offering a new line of discussion. Henry and Collin both mumbled something about papers and hunting. I let it drop. I made a mental note to bring it up later with Henry. The look on Shae’s face gave me the impression we were on the same train of thought. Collin half smiled at her then kissed her cheek.

  “Would you guys enjoy a stroll?” I suggested.

  We all got up and headed over to a trail at the edge of the grounds. Shae dominated most of the conversation until we somehow got on the subject of guns and then Henry and Collin were like comrades in arms.

  I knew exactly what they were talking about and had opinions to offer but every time I opened my mouth Henry would give me, the “don't-you-dare” look and squeeze my hand. I guess his wife shouldn’t know all about guns or weapons of any kinds. Nevertheless, we supposedly met while hunting. However, I imagined long-range sniper rifles were not common on a hunting trip. I glanced at Shae; she had a frustrated look on her face as well. She appeared almost comical with her slight pout.

  The sun began to set, and we headed back toward the estate. When we made it inside, we said good night until dinner. We were all having the evening meal with Abbass and his wife. It wasn’t formal, but it was required. I was actually looking forward to it. We would be with our new friends, and even better, I would be with Henry.

  Chapter Twenty One

  Marie

  Preparing to go to dinner at the compound

  Arriving back to the room at four didn’t leave us much time to get ready since dinner began at five. I went to the closet to find yet another dress. This one was comfortable and light in a pale beige color, with short sleeves and a long flowing skirt. I found a pair of sandals in the same shade. I put them on and was attempting to put my hair up in a ponytail when two strong hands showed up to assist me.

  “May I suggest something?” he asked laying his head on the top of mine. His musky cool aroma overtook me. He pulled my hands out of my hair, tried to smooth it out, and sat it on my shoulders.

  “I love it when you wear your hair down.” He winked and used the full force of his smile on me with the inability to think straight or breathe deeply I was a goner. Leaving my hair down, I ran back into the closet strapping a blade to one thigh and a star to the other.

  Henry emerged from the bathroom wearing a pair of cream dress slacks with a blue shirt and a matching cream blazer. He was the picture of executive. We appraised each other a moment, our senses communicating everything.

  “Shall we?” he offered his arm. I tucked mine under his. He kissed my wrist then held my eyes in a way that it felt like an invisible caress. “Perfect fit.”

  We headed to the dining room, running into Shae and Collin on the way. They looked wonderful. Shae wore her hair down, perfect ringlets framing her face. I was going to have to ask her how she did her hair like that. Her dress was a beautiful gold with a long skirt and halter-top. She wore a white shawl over her shoulders. Collin wore a pair of dark dress pants with a white button up shirt and blazer.

  We chatted like old friends all the way there. When we reached the doors, we waited to go in. There was a small group ahead of us. Butterflies churned in my gut. Henry sensed my anxiety and put his arm around my waist. I had behaved badly to Sabah, Abbass’s wife and then unknowingly befriended his prized horse. I didn’t know what Abbass had heard or how he would react.

  Just before we entered, Collin leaned down and whispered, “I hope I get as good a show as Shae got at breakfast.” Everyone smiled, easing my tension.

  We filed into the dining room as couples, this time it didn’t get quiet when I entered. I was thankful for that. However, Abbass and his wife’s eyes never left me, each of them glaring at me for different reasons. Henry noticed this and positioned himself between them and me, always my protector. We were on the left side of the table in the middle, Collin and Shae sat beside us. I didn’t realize how relieved I was to have them near until I saw them sit down. Collin winked and smiled. I
instantly relaxed. He was just as infectious as his wife was.

  This routine was the same as breakfast. Hagar served Henry and me. The servants left and Abbass proposed a toast, complimenting all the beautiful women gracing his home but staring at me as he spoke. Everyone noticed, including Henry and Abbass’s wife. The expression if looks could kill, would most definitely describe her scowl. Henry tried his best to block me from their view. I ate the strange meal seated between Collin and Henry’s protective frames. It was as if Collin knew what Henry was doing and attempted to assist him by leaning forward as much as possible.

  I heard someone call our dinner Mulukhiyya. It was green but had a distinct garlic and coriander flavor served with thick, dark bread. It was strange but tasty and filling. I had finally relaxed and even had begun to enjoy myself when Abbass ruined it. The man was insufferable.