by JJ Aughe
She shook her head at the memory of the terror she had felt at the approach of certain death, then asked, “Do you remember that while Bailey talked about the lake and the cavern I only sat and listened to him? I didn’t say much, did I?” At Monica’s silent affirmative nod, Jessie continued. “The archeological aspects of the site, if for no other reason, make Bailey’s cavern a wondrous find. Now, I’m going to tell you about something that I saw and felt while in that cavern that I haven’t even told Bailey.”
Monica listened as Jessie told about suddenly seeing the woman from her dream standing in front of the etchings and paintings on the cavern wall. What her friend said next blew Monica’s mind! “Monica,” Jessie almost whispered as she fingered a rawhide necklace that disappeared under the bodice of her nightgown. “I knew something was missing from the woman’s attire but, until we arrived back at my home Sunday I couldn’t figure out what it was that she wasn’t wearing. Then, as we were preparing to leave, Maureen told me that on Friday morning there had been a package delivered to the house for me by special delivery. When I opened that package I found out what the woman in my dream had not been wearing. She had not been wearing her leather thong necklace that had her ceremonial pouch attached.”
“We found out later that afternoon that the day before I left with Bailey to fly to the lake the pouch had been sent by USPS special delivery. The woman in my dream had made contact with a homeless man, gave him the necklace and pouch and bade him to get it to me. She promised him he would know he had done the right thing. As it turned out, after he used the last of his money to mail the pouch to my home and was leaving the Post Office building he found four fifty-dollar bills in the grass of the Post Office’s lawn.”
She watched her friend’s expression change from disbelief to incredulous. “Monica, I am wearing that pouch now.” So saying, she tugged the pouch from her bodice. She hefted the pouch in her hand and felt its slight warmth and what she imagined was the beat of that Native American woman’s heart emanating from within it. “This is the pouch, or, as I have come to think of it, talisman of a people. A people I have yet to learn anything about. I am positive though that the drawings, paintings and chiseled etchings in the cavern Bailey found will eventually reveal the story of a people who once, maybe thousands of years ago, lived right here in the Puget Sound area.” Jessie noticed Monica’s astounded, yet doubtful expression.
To give credence to her story, she continued, “I truly believe everything I just told you, Monica. And there is one more thing I need to say. That homeless man, Monica? The one who sent the package to me? He isn’t just some homeless old soul. Sean had a detective friend of his from Bellevue PD check the package before Bailey would let me open it. The detective found a fingerprint on one of the pieces of cellophane tape and when he checked the print in the police database he discovered it belonged to a man by the name of Charles Logan. Does that name mean anything to you, Monica? Does it ring any bells?”
That woman shook her head no, but before Jessie could say any more Monica blurted, “You’re referring to Professor Logan! But the homeless man could not have been the professor. I heard he died in prison.”
“No, Monica. Although he was in prison, he didn’t die there. Four years after he was convicted, while you were in Brazil helping set up that new branch for your company, the student that accused Logan of having an affair with her was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She recanted her testimony. I believe she did that so she could die with a clear conscience. But the damage had already been done. Yes, Professor Logan was exonerated and released from prison. But his reputation was ruined. To make matters worse, he had spent every dime of his savings on his legal defense and while in prison had lost his home in Redmond to foreclosure. In other words, he was penniless. No one would hire him because of the scandal and he finally left Washington. A year ago, in hopes that the scandal had been forgotten, he returned to Bellevue only to find that as soon as he applied for any job a background check would show what he had been in prison for and the company would not hire him.”
“When Sean told me his name it sounded familiar. Then when Sean told me that the man had been in prison I was sure I knew he had to be Professor Logan. When I asked, Sean told me that because he had been in prison Charles hadn’t been able to hold a job and even though he was destitute he had used the last of his money to send me that package. I had always admired Professor Logan and hadn’t believed the charges against him were true. With that young girl’s recanting of her testimony, I felt that he should have been able to return to his old position at the university. When I found out everything that had been happening to him since his release and what his present circumstances were, I became angry.”
“No. I didn’t just get angry, Monica. I got irate! I grabbed the phone and made a call to the university. Since it was Sunday my call was sent to voice mail and I really lost it. Bailey was the only one who could calm me down. He understood why I was so upset but reminded me that our current situation dictated our actions and we had to concentrate on getting away from or capturing Almed. He assured me that because of the influence I had in the business world and even with the new State Governor, that I would be able to pull the proper strings to get the professor re-instated. He even pledged his support once Almed was stopped. I knew Bailey was speaking truths so I directed Maureen to take charge as she had with Martha Murray until I could somehow get Professor Logan re-instated at the University.
Monica, her mouth agape, sat silently watching Jessie lovingly cup the beaded pouch in her hand. Knowing Jessie, she knew Professor Logan would eventually be re-instated. But the description of the native woman and the interior of the cavern with four separate tunnels just a few miles northwest of Mount Rainier not only shocked her, it sent chills up and down her spine.
The details Jessie had just described were almost identical to a tale she had been told almost eight years before by a very elderly Duwamish Tribal man. The man had been the victim of a hit-and-run and knew he was dying. Monica had been the one to find him lying beside the highway out near Yelm. She had made him as comfortable as possible while awaiting the arrival of police and an ambulance. He thanked her in a weak voice. Then, gaining a vow of silence from her until she felt the time was right, he told her of his experience in a cavern just northwest of Mt. Rainier when he was a young man. With almost his dying breath, he described the cavern just as Jessie had and proclaimed that one day she too would visit that cavern and see and experience the same things he had.
Monica had been quiet so long Jessie began to worry she didn’t believe her. “Monica. You do believe what I am saying?”
“Yes, Jessie. I do believe you. If for no other reason, that pouch is proof enough of what you told me. But I have been told a similar tale before.” Monica went on to relate her experience with the elderly Duwamish Tribal man.
When she finished with the story she took Jessie by the hand and looked solemnly into her eyes. “Jessie, I feel it is my duty to that poor dying man to go to that cavern. In some ways it’s almost like I have been waiting to go there. So will you please arrange that for me?”
Jessie nodded, started to say she would be glad to, but Monica stopped her with, “Jessie. You said you hadn’t told Bailey about what you saw in the cavern. I think you should. You love Bailey and I know he loves you too. You have to let him know what you saw when you were there with him and about everything concerning that Native American woman you have experienced since you were a child. And I wouldn’t worry he will be skeptical either. I have an idea that he will not only believe it, but will be as excited about it as you are.”
The women’s conversation was interrupted then as Eddie came in, poured himself a cup of coffee and took a chair at the table.
“Good morning, Jessie. Monica,” he nodded. “How are you ladies this fine morning?”
Before either could answer, the secure cell phone Dennis had given Jessie beeped. Only two people knew she had that phone, so Jes
sie held up her hand for quiet and answered.
Jessie looked at Monica and then Eddie as she hung up. “So much for chit-chat, my friends,” she announced. “That was Bailey. He has texted me the list of supplies Monica and I need to purchase. It’s a pretty long list so I think we had better get moving.
Chapter 19: A Summons
6:00 a.m., Friday morning.
Jessie awoke from a restful sleep but hesitated to open her eyes. The arms of the man she loved securely wrapped tight around her as if to protect her had her feeling safe and secure. She lay there next to Bailey for a few minutes reveling in the fantastic sensations coursing through her body. The corners of her lips curled up in a wondrous smile as she remembered Thursday morning and the magical words this fantastic man had uttered.
Everything that needed to be done for Friday’s ruse against Almed and his terrorist cell had been accomplished by Thursday morning. Everyone was anticipated a day of relaxation. Then Dennis called. He had thought of something very important they were going to need and wanted Bailey, Carol, Melissa and Eddie to meet him at the local hardware and sporting goods store to help. Twenty minutes later Bailey called saying Dennis should have had everyone meet him because a serious situation had come to his attention and he everyone’s input before he could allow them to go ahead with their plans. The situation was too delicate and complex to discuss on the phone. So, since he needed everyone’s input before he made his final decision, he wanted Monica and Jessie to bring Sean to meet them at the restaurant next to the hardware store to discuss the situation and come up with a plan of action.
The change in plans for the day really disappointed Jessie. She had been looking forward to spending the day alone with Bailey. They had planned to spend the better part of the day hiking up the mountain behind Monica’s and having a picnic at the top. Monica had mentioned there was an open area there where the view of the surrounding mountains and valley was spectacular. Resigned to the inevitable, Jessie hid her disappointment and helped Sean get ready and then into Monica’s SUV.
As they arrived at the restaurant to find only one open parking space left out front, Jessie casually noticed a man wearing dark sunglasses and a dark suit leaning indolently against the fender of a black Escalade SUV with tinted windows in the next space. As they helped Sean to the entrance though, the man quickly stepped over to open the door for them. Surprised at the courtesy from a complete stranger, Jessie smiled and thanked him. She thought it odd that he only gave her a curt nod, turned and went back to stand in front of the SUV.
As the door closed behind her Jessie turned in the narrow entry only to discover her friends had disappeared and Bailey blocking her way. She was pleasantly surprised, and just a little startled as he suddenly grabbed her by the waist, pulled her hard against his chest and lovingly kissed her. Improper as she thought it was to be kissing like that in the entry of the restaurant, Jessie automatically responded, giving into the kiss, closing her eyes, and tangling her fingers in the hair at Bailey’s nape, returning the kiss twofold.
Jessie was so engrossed in the kiss that she barely felt her feet leave the floor as Bailey lifted her and swung her half around so her back was to a six-foot high temporary partition dividing the entry from the dining area of the restaurant. She was still so into Bailey’s kiss that she didn’t notice the partition behind her roll away or the dimming of the lights of the restaurant.
Bailey broke the kiss to gaze lovingly into her eyes as he whispered, “I love you, Jessie.” Suddenly from behind her Jessie heard familiar voices scream, ‘Surprise!’ and begin singing happy birthday. She quickly whipped around, her eyes big, round and full of wonder. The restaurant’s dining area was crowded.
In front of almost her complete staff from home, Martha Murray and her two children, Professor Logan, Eddie and his pilot, Peter, Monica, Sean, Melissa, Carol and Dennis stood her old friend from her college days, and now the Governor of the State of Washington. The group happily sang the traditional happy birthday song as the double doors behind them opened and everyone made an aisle as Maureen brought out an enormous birthday cake with red, white and blue ribbon icing. Under the cake the table was draped with an Old Glory tablecloth, a tablecloth she recognized from her youth but hadn’t seen in years.
Seeing Jessie’s confused, yet surprised and almost grieved, expression, Maureen quickly spoke quietly to her. Indicating the cake and tablecloth she began, “I hope you don’t mind, Jess. I know it has been a long time since we have celebrated your birthday like this, but Bailey and I talked it over. When I told him how you hadn’t celebrated your birthday since your parent’s passing, well, he made the decision that, in honor of your parents, and because of what is going on right now, it’s high time to remember that your parents always celebrated every birthday in this way.”
Feeling so blessed and loved, Jessie hugged Maureen and glanced into the crowd of friends and loved ones. As she bit her lower lip to keep her emotional tears of joy at bay she noticed Monica standing very close to Peter, Eddie’s pilot. Giving her friend a big thank you smile she turned to say thank you to Bailey, only to find that man down on one knee, in his extended right hand he held a small, open Black Velvet jewelry box containing an engagement ring with the largest diamond she had ever seen sparkling up at her.
The restaurant suddenly hushed as, looking up at her with love clearly shinning from his intense sky-blue eyes Bailey said the words only a few weeks ago Jessie had thought she would never hear.
“Jessica Melano. I love you and only you. I truly believe that I have loved you from that very first moment we met. Will you do me the great honor of becoming my life partner and the mother of my children? Will you marry me, Jessie, and make me the happiest man in the world?”
The crowd behind them broke out in applause as Jessie threw her arms around Bailey’s neck crying “Yes, yes, yes!”
Later that evening, Monica, winking at Jessie as she stepped between her and Bailey, shocked them both and everyone else by handing Bailey a bucket of ice with a bottle of chilled vintage Dom Perignon and two long stemmed wine glasses. Monica’s next words still rang in Jessie’s mind.
“Bailey. I have known Jessie most of her life. There have been too many terrible things happen in her life and so I am going to say this as an order to you, Bailey. And I’ll brook no refusals from either of you. Whatever tomorrow may bring, tonight you two need to be together in every way. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Believe me when I say I know what it is like to yearn for what can never be. So I want you to stay in my RV tonight. You two deserve at least this one night together.” With those words ringing in the room Monica turned, gave Jessie a quick embrace and fled the kitchen. She had tried to hide the hurt, the hope and the dread from Jessie but it had shown brightly through the mist of tears in her eyes.
Knowing what Monica must be going through Jessie started after her friend. Melissa caught her arm. “No, Jessie. You go on out with Bailey. She wants you to spend this time with the man you love. I know what is tearing her up right now. I remember the night her world came crashing down. She doesn’t want that to happen to you. But if something bad does happen tomorrow, she wants you and Bailey to have the memory of tonight. Don’t worry, Jessie. I will see if she wants to talk or needs comforting.”
Bailey took her other arm, leading her to the kitchen door. “Monica is right, Jessie,” he whispered. “Whether we make love or not, we do need this night alone together.”
The night had been so beautiful, too.
When she asked how he had been able to acquire the engagement ring, Bailey explained that, though they had many things to accomplish Wednesday evening, he had asked Dennis to use his position as Deputy Administrator at DHS to call a jeweler in Bellevue and request he stay late enough that night that Bailey could purchase an engagement and wedding set. The owner had readily agreed. Bailey had bought the most beautiful set the jeweler had in stock and arranged for it to be delivered to the restaurant Thursday morning.<
br />
Jessie’s reminiscing came to an abrupt, but pleasing halt as Bailey’s eyes opened and he whispered, “Oh, beautiful Jessie. This is how I want to wake up every morning for the rest of my life.” Then his mouth covered hers with a kiss that made her heart flutter. He drew his head back, breaking the kiss, gazed longingly into her eyes for a long minute. When he finally spoke, the reluctant, soft tone of his voice told her what his words did not. “My love, I know it’s only five o’clock, but Dennis wants us at the campground early this morning so we will appear to be stranded and helpless. So we should get into the house to prepare to leave.”
Friday, 8:45 a. m:
At a crowded campground north of the city of Enumclaw, Washington:
Almed was deep in conversation with his right hand man, Jamad, when his phone beeped twice, paused, then beeped twice more, the ring of Jamhel, his man who was supposed to be in Bellevue keeping track of their quarry. Irritated that Jamhel hadn’t called for days and would call when he was busy, Almed gruffly snapped, “Where have you been Jamhel and what do you have for me?” His eyes grew very large when a woman’s voice came over the phone. Quickly recovering, he placed a finger to his lips for silence as he put the phone on speaker and set it on the table in front of him.