“We’ll use our female charm.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see this.”
Denise.
Nola.
Layla is to be commended for her masterful piloting skills in your new vehicle.
“She says you’re a good pilot,” Denise said.
“Who?”
“Nola.”
“Thanks.”
I told her. She said thanks.
Senn and Mari have you in sight.
That is nice to know.
The van is moving. It left ten minutes ago.
In what direction, Denise said just as Layla pointed to a sign that said Paris Landing Bridge.
It appears they are coming to you.
Chapter 16
Other Side
Denise opened a cold bottle of water and handed it to Layla as they approached the Paris Landing Bridge. “Do you think they built this one when the other one collapsed?” she asked.
“I don’t think so.”
“We can’t be from Southern Illinois if anyone asks.”
“I know. We can say we are from my home town of Danville on our way to see your brother in Memphis and the granary was on a list of cool photo opportunities along the way.”
“I’ve never been to Memphis.”
“It’s a very cool place. Did you know Elvis lived there?”
“Yes, and they have a Pyramid.”
“Yes they do,” Layla laughed shaking her head.
After crossing the bridge they zigzagged down TVA road heading towards the granary. Denise thought it was more like they were being pulled to the partially submerged old structure. The entire area looked like one of painful recent pasts for too many. The collapsed bridge near McKinnon seemed to invite them out onto the water. She could not stop wondering where exactly Phil and Johnny were heading with that crate in the van. They’re coming here but where exactly?
“My take is that they’ve been separated, that Myla might already be gone or that crate is for one or both of them,” Denise said.
That is too many if’s,” Layla said.
“How long will it take our biker boys to get here? I can only assume they will want to stay at or under the legal speed limit so they do not attract any attention.”
“Less than two hours.”
“This area looks a lot like Southern Illinois,” Denise said.
“Don’t let looks fool you. Imagine we are trespassers until proven otherwise. Another hour’s drive and we’d be in Mississippi and believe me when I tell you, that crossing that imaginary line that divides states between Tennessee and it dumps you in the middle of another world all together.”
“Really?”
“I’ll show you when we make it to Memphis one day. A short drive just a few miles up the highway and you cross over into Mississippi, greeted immediately by the confederate flag on the state sign. As a matter of fact they are everywhere.”
“Really, after all this time?”
“Yes. It is obvious you are not from there. It’s really freaky. Like invasion of the body snatchers for all the wrong reasons,” Layla laughed.
“I can hardly wait. I bet the Pyramid is nice though.”
“Memphis is very nice,” Layla smiled.
When they passed Hurricane Creek, two men on large motorcycles came out of one of the small gravel roads that led from where they were driving back out to the river. They turned onto the highway in front of them heading in their direction.
“Coincidence?” Denise asked.
“Lots of bikes in the south. Let’s see where they are going. Layla turned the stealth mode back on and followed them.
The bikers turned down Airport Road when they got to it and Layla followed slowly. “This is not the road to the airport only, it’s also the road to the runway,” Layla said.
“Well I’m not going to watch them until the van gets down here. Mari.
Denise.
Can you see these two men on bikes at the airstrip?
Yes.
Please let me know what they do. I believe they are meeting someone here.
We will. Denise.
Yes.
There are two more male humans that could fit the description of all we follow that have appeared atop the granary in the last few minutes.
Thank you Mari.
Denise.
Yes?
Be careful.
We will.
“Let’s get out of here. Mari has these guys covered.”
“Ok, where to?” Layla asked.
“Here,” she said, pointing to her iPhone. “We’re going to rent a boat.”
Chapter 17
Female Charm
“So let me get this straight,” Layla said slowly making her approach to the Cane Creek Boat Dock. “We are going to just walk up and ask someone if they would rent us their boat for about an hour or two?”
“Yep,” Denise grinned.
“Female charm?”
“Yep.”
Layla pulled up near the Boat Dock and turned the car off.
“Think it will be ok here for a bit?” Denise asked.
“Yes. That I was shown how to do,” Layla smiled.
“Bring your camera bag.”
“Got it.”
“Hi,” Layla smiled, walking towards a middle-age male getting off his boat. “Are we okay parked over there?” she asked pointing at the Mustang.
“All depends,” the man said.
Denise could see the airstrip across the inlet. Although she could not see it with all the trees in the way, she knew the granary was out there off to the left. It seemed to be screaming for her presence.
“Is there any boat rental in this immediate area?” Layla asked.
We are so sweet, innocent and honest, Denise suggested.
“Naw, nothing right here. There are a few places over on the other side of the lake.”
“Oh, that would probably take too much time, thanks anyway,” Layla smiled.
Ask her why we wanted a boat.
“What did you need a boat for?”
“We’re from Danville, Danville Illinois,” Layla said, pouring on the charm with just enough of a touch of southern in her voice. “We’re on our way to Memphis to visit her brother, and this place was on the list of amazing photo opportunities. I’m a photographer as a hobby.”
“Well there ain’t much that is amazing around this dock that’s for sure,” the man laughed.
“It’s out on the lake,” Denise smiled. “The granary.”
“Oh that thing. Yeah well it usually attracts the wrong kind of folk. Think there is somebody out on it now planning on removing it or something.”
“I just wanted to get some nice images of it before it’s gone. Probably not another thing like it in the world,” Layla said.
She is so sweet. You don’t want her to have wasted the trip here.
“Well, I’d run you out there myself, but I need to go pick up the wife from her doctors appointment. Have you ever driven a boat?”
“Oh yes. Danville is a sportsman’s paradise. Learned how to drive a boat before a car,” Layla laughed. I really did by the way.
I wish I could have seen it.
“Well, I guess we better get going,” Denise sighed. “Don’t think we are going to be able to put some cash in anyone’s hands just to get out there and snap a few pictures.”
Cash. We are offering you plenty of cash for the use of your boat.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. It was a pleasure talking with you,” Layla smiled. “Would you mind if I take your picture?”
“Naw, not at all. Can’t imagine why you’d want a picture of me,” the man laughed.
“Thanks,” Layla said after snapping a few images of him by the boat.
“Girls, you look like a couple of honest folk. I could let you use this boat to get out there to take your pictures.”
“Really? You’d be well paid,” Denise smiled.
“Aw I’m not that con
cerned about money.”
“Would five hundred dollars be enough to use it for about an hour?” Layla asked.
“Fi, five hundred dollars? Naw, that there is way too much,” the man laughed.
“Tell you what. Consider it a small gift for your kindness,” Denise said.
“Aw, I couldn’t.”
It would make us both so happy if you accepted. Buy something nice for your wife.
“It’s nothing to us but money,” Layla said.
“Alright. I can see I ain’t gonna win this argument,” he laughed.
“That is so sweet. I’m Loni, and this is Diane,” Layla said.
“Henry, Henry Waters. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Denise handed him five hundred dollars in fresh new bills. Henry handed Layla the keys and pointed out a few things on the boat. “She’s got a full tank, not that you’ll need it. Just head that way about a mile and you can’t miss it,” Henry said.
He stayed around just long enough to see if Layla could handle the boat. When it was obvious she could, he walked over to his truck and drove off to pick up his wife, as the ‘Sweet Thing’ slowly glided across the water with Layla at the steering wheel heading straight for the granary.
Chapter 18
Granary Boys
The outboard motor on the boat purred as Layla steered it towards the granary. “None of the images online show this view,” Layla said.
“No they don’t. We should have brought our bats,” Denise said.
They could see no one on it. “Here, get the feel for it just in case,” Layla said, bringing it to a stop.
“I suppose you’re right.” Denise sat in the pilot’s seat and Layla slid the controls forward.
“Steers like a car mostly.”
“Yeah it’s smooth.”
“I’m going to start snapping a few images. I have a feeling we’re being watched.”
“How do I stop?”
“Just pull back on those.”
“Got it.”
Denise pulled back on the handles and the boat came to a stop. “Take a few images of me with that in the background. Don’t look now, but what looks like a cargo plane has just landed at the airstrip.”
“Here,” Layla said handing her the camera with the telephoto lens on it. “Make like your snapping an image of me and see if that’s what they’ve been waiting for.”
Denise braced the camera between her knees and zoomed in to see the two bikers waving to the plane.
“Affirmative,” Denise said, handing the camera back to Layla.
Nola.
Denise.
We are going to attempt to board the granary. How far away is the van?
Not far. Approximately fifteen minutes.
Be ready for anything.
Denise, be careful.
Yep.
Layla continued to snap images of the structure as Denise steered straight for it now at a slightly faster pace. She killed the engine with ample room to coast to a safe stop. “Showtime,” Denise said.
Layla grabbed the rope and tied the boat up to the side of the granary.
“Isn’t this just too incredible,” Layla shouted as if excited.
“Oh it is. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Come on, it looks strong enough. Let’s get on it.”
“Hold it right there girls,” one of the men on the granary said as he stepped out of the shadows of an open dark doorway.
“Hi. Wow. Never expected to find anyone out on this thing,” Layla said.
“This here’s private property, whatcha want?”
“Oh, well, we just wanted to take some pictures of this before it is gone. Probably not another one like it in the whole world,” Denise smiled. That was a sexy smile but you really like her.
“Look, I can’t let y’all on here.”
“We’ll be gone in ten minutes or less. Won’t you please just let us snap some pictures before we get back on our way to Memphis?” Layla asked.
I know you’re there watching us. Come out and say hello.
“Larry, come here a minute.” The gruff voice came from inside shadows.
“Wait right here a minute,” Larry said. He walked back through the darkened doorway. They were both visible now, darkly lit but visible.
“Well, I guess if we can’t get on to take some pictures, we just can’t get on,” Layla said loud enough for the two men to hear.
“Some is better than none. Maybe we should be going?”
This time both of the men walked out. “Ok, you’ve got five minutes and that’s it,” Larry said.
“Well that’s all we’ll need,” Denise said.
“You have to stay outside or on this level. The roof is too dangerous,” the other man said.
“That’s Joe. He’s kinda in charge at the moment,” Larry said.
“Must be a popular place with all this graffiti and all,” Layla smiled.
“Yeah, kids like to come out here and get high and what not.”
“You girls said you’re heading down to Memphis?” Joe asked.
“Yes, to see my brother,” Denise said.
Aren. Myla. Can you hear me?
“Is it ok for me to take your picture?” Layla asked Larry.
“Sure,” Larry said, crossing his arms. When he did Layla saw the pistol tucked in his belt. He noticed her look at it. “Oh this. We’re security guards.”
They walked quickly through the darkened interior. “It really stinks in here, no offense,” Layla coughed.
The floor had dirty old mattresses strewn about along with broken glass from countless bottles slammed against the walls.
“Whew. I have got to get out into the fresh air,” Denise gagged.
“Yeah, it’s pretty nasty in here I guess,” Larry laughed.
“How deep does this thing go down into the lake?” Layla asked.
Myla. Aren. This is Denizen. We are at the granary in the lake.
“Not very deep. It’s all submerged though,” Joe said.
“Well, I guess we’ll be going,” Layla said.
Myla. Aren. This is, Denise said before she was cut off.
Denizen. I am Myla. I am no longer there. Aren is sedated on the upper level.
Myla. Where are you?
I do not know. We are in a flying machine.
“Yeah. I guess we should be going. It was so nice of you two big strong men to let us take our photos. I wish there was some way we could pay you back before we left,” Denise said.
Layla looked at her with a shocked expression. Aren is upstairs. Nola. Where are you? Aren is upstairs.
Denise. The van is turning onto the road to the airstrip.
Aren is here. Myla is on a plane somewhere. Give me five minutes before you act.
Denise be careful.
“Are you sure there is nothing we can do for you both to show our appreciation?” Layla smiled.
Larry looked at Joe. “Whatcha think homeboy?” he asked.
You both want us so bad. You’ve been cooped up here on this hot wreck so long. Denise said, directing her thoughts at the two men and Nola.
“Just what did you have in mind?” Joe asked.
“Whatever you like,” Layla said.
Strip down to your shorts, Denise said.
Larry and Joe removed their t-shirts and tossed them on the ground.
You are doing just great. Now take those pants off and throw them in the water. You’re both so strong and sexy.
Denise.
Nola.
They have all met up. The crate is being loaded into the plane.
“Can you boys swim?” Denise asked.
“Everybody growing up around these parts can swim,” Larry grinned.
“Which one of you is faster?” Layla asked.
“That would be me,” Joe chuckled.
Listen to her closely and do exactly as she says.
“Let me see you race to that bridge and back,” Layla
said.
“When?”
“On the count of three. Oh by the way, the winner gets me,” she winked at Larry.
Do it boys. Swim as hard as you can. The winner gets her.
“One. Two. Three,” Layla shouted.
Larry and Joe dove into the water and raced towards the collapsed bridge.
“Come on, we’ve got to hurry. The van is here,” Denise said.
“The ladder,” Layla shouted. She climbed the ladder up into the second floor where a body lay on a filthy mattress. “Stay down there. He’s unconscious. I’ll slide him down to you.”
“Can you handle it alone?” Denise shouted. She saw a pair of bare feet appear through the opening in the floor. Layla pushed a little harder until his torso was at the ladder. “Grab his legs and take it slow. Denise wrapped one arm around his legs and moved down another rung on the ladder. When she did his face appeared out of the darkness, bloody and dirty, but clearly Aren.
“Can you just hold him in place til I get down?” Layla asked.
“Yes but you can’t get down the ladder with him on it.”
“I wasn’t planning on it,” she said before she swung herself out away from the ladder, landing on the floor beneath Denise still standing on her feet. “Kickboxing,” she laughed.
“I am impressed.”
Together they lowered Aren down to the main level, then carried him slowly out to the boat.
Nola.
Denise. Her voice quivered.
We have him in the boat. He’s alive.
Chapter 19
Sweet Thing
Layla steered the Sweet Thing for shore. Denise grabbed an empty plastic container from the floor of the boat and reached over the end to fill it with some water. She poured the water over Aren’s face. He let out a moan.
Denise.
Nola.
There is another boat speeding your way. Mari saw where it originated from.
Denise turned to see a larger undoubtedly faster boat speeding towards them. “Layla, we got company. Let’s see what Sweet Thing can do.”
Layla turned to see the approaching boat. “Oh shit.” She pushed the throttle forward causing the boat to lurch forward.
The muffled crack of gunfire could be heard over the purr of the boat engine. “Where did that come from?” Layla shouted.
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