CJ hesitated a moment, wondering if she should attempt to drive a boat for the first time in the open sea.
“Come on. I’ll stay right here with you,” Lacey prodded.
Tara turned to look at her encouragingly. “There’s really nothing to it.”
“Okay.” CJ stood and moved to the driver’s seat. “You promise you’ll stay right here?”
Lacey nodded, standing next to the driver’s seat. He showed CJ how to control the boat’s direction and speed, then pointed toward home. As she accelerated and turned the boat in the right direction, a thrill coursed through CJ. The ocean breeze teased her hair, and she reveled in the feeling of the sun and wind on her face.
CJ expected Lacey to take over the controls when they approached the entrance to the waterway, but instead he just told her to reduce her speed and continued to stand at her side. She could feel herself tense as the current grew stronger, but once they made it through, the ride smoothed out and she started to relax again.
She took the turns slowly, confirming where they were going at each intersection. When she finally saw their dock, she looked up at Lacey. “I think I’ll let you take it from here.”
“You did well for your first time,” Lacey declared, grabbing the wheel as she slid out of the seat and he took her place. He eased the boat in next to the dock, and Tara jumped out to secure the boat.
“I’m still shaking,” CJ laughed as she held out her hand and watched it tremble. She stepped out onto the dock and looked back at Lacey. “Matt’s not going to believe you taught me how to drive a boat.”
The excitement in her eyes drained as reality hit. So much had happened in her life lately, and she hadn’t spoken to Matt in nearly two weeks. Despite her threats to see him in Los Angeles with or without the government’s help, she still couldn’t be sure when she might see him again. CJ swallowed hard and nodded at the house. “I think I’ll head back inside.”
“CJ,” Tara called after her.
CJ walked through the door and stepped into the living room. She closed her eyes and just stood there for a moment. She tried to visualize Matt lying on the couch watching television or maybe sitting at the kitchen counter drinking the last of the milk. He would pretend he didn’t drink it, of course, and then tell her about his day and ask about hers.
With a sigh, she opened her eyes and saw the beautiful house. As much as she would love to live permanently in such a place, she knew it could never be a home without Matt.
Tara and Lacey walked through the door, Tara laying a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” CJ nodded even as she felt tears threaten. “I’m fine.”
Without turning back, she went upstairs to her room and closed the door behind her. As the first tears spilled over, she moved to the bed and sat down. She tried to remind herself how fortunate she was to be living in such a great house and to finally have a coach that wanted to help her attain her Olympic dreams. Still, she missed Matt terribly.
Swiping at her tears, she slid down onto her knees and poured out her heart in prayer. As she thanked the Lord for the many blessings she had received and the many times He had spared her life, she realized how truly blessed she was. When her prayers turned to her hopes for the future, she found comfort in knowing that, one way or another, she and Matt would find a way to be together.
* * *
Pete stood on the pool deck, his windbreaker protecting him from the light morning drizzle. For several hours the day before, he had pored over CJ’s workout plans, and he felt that he had a strategy that could carry her through the trials and help her reach peak performance at the Olympics.
He glanced down at his watch, noting that it was already five minutes until four. As the steady drizzle continued, he wondered if she would even show up. He pulled out the morning’s workout, glad that his wife had noticed the weather report the night before and had given him some page protectors for days like these.
Three more minutes passed before CJ walked out of the locker room with Tara in tow. CJ pulled out her cap and goggles, stuffed her towel into her swim bag in an attempt to keep it dry, and shoved the bag under a table to shield it from the rain.
“I wasn’t sure if you would make it this morning,” Pete commented when CJ approached.
“I’m here,” CJ answered simply.
Pete raised his eyebrows, surprised by her mood. He had expected her to come in rested and eager after a day off; instead, her mood seemed to match the gray sky. He gave her the warm up, and she moved quickly to the pool.
As soon as CJ entered the water, Pete turned to Tara, who now held an umbrella to ward off the rain. “What’s eating her?”
Tara shrugged. “I think she just misses her husband. They haven’t been able to talk since she was relocated this time.”
“She’s married?” Pete asked, his eyes darting to the pool. He hadn’t considered that a twenty-one-year-old athlete would already be married.
“Almost a year,” Tara informed him.
“Why didn’t he come under with her?” Pete asked, knowing firsthand how the government worked.
“We couldn’t let him.” Tara shrugged. “Her husband is Matt Whitmore.”
“Why does that name sound familiar?”
“Matt plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s also the son of Senator Whitmore from Virginia.” Tara watched CJ’s determined strokes. “He’s really all she’s got. She was orphaned right before she went into protective custody.”
Pete shook his head, his sympathies stirred as he started to understand just how much CJ was trying to overcome. “Let’s see if we can shake her out of this mood.”
“As one of the people living with her, I encourage you to try.”
Pete studied CJ as she swam. Her strokes were still long and efficient, but her rhythm was different, most likely because of her mood. She was a solid freestyler, and with her sprinting ability, he wondered if she might put in a good enough time to make the 400 freestyle relay.
When CJ finally finished her warm-up, Pete stood over her. “You know, it’s too bad you don’t have any height. A couple more inches and you could probably take one of the spots on the free relay. Not to mention, you would definitely give Bridget Bannon a run for her money in the 200 breaststroke.”
CJ looked up at him, surprised that he would criticize something that she couldn’t control.
“What’s your best time in the 100 freestyle, anyway?”
CJ rested both arms on the edge of the pool, letting her body dangle in the water. “I’ve never broken 58 seconds.”
“When was the last time you swam it?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t competed in it since high school,” CJ told him.
“It’s too bad you aren’t taller,” Pete repeated. He knew CJ was getting irritated, and he wanted to wait for her to respond before starting her on her next set. He could tell she thought out her words before she spoke.
“Did I ever tell you that the basketball coach at my high school asked me to go out for the team?” CJ asked, pausing for effect. “Because I’m tall.”
“Can you shoot?”
CJ blinked twice, surprised by the question. “Not really.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing you stuck with swimming.” Pete pointed at the pool.
She tried to suppress the grin, but Pete saw the beginnings of it. “Now that you’ve had your break, I want nine 400 IMs.” He pointed at the pace clock. “On the top.”
CJ started her next set, and Pete was pleased to see that she was starting to get her rhythm back. Even though he had only been coaching her for a few days, he could tell she was a rare breed. CJ had natural talent, and she took every opportunity to develop it with her strong work ethic. She would never be the kind of athlete that would sit back and rely on raw talent alone.
Their conversation after their first practice together had revealed more than she knew. She believed that she could win, or at least be competitive, but she w
asn’t so arrogant that she wasn’t coachable. She would never push anyone out of her way to achieve her goals; rather, she would quietly push right past them.
As far as Pete was concerned, the fact that CJ was a relative unknown was a positive. Because the government limited her chances to compete, she wouldn’t be more than a surprise in a couple of races. They would be at the Olympic trials before anyone realized that she was the person to beat.
Pete watched her swim the individual medleys, occasionally noting something he wanted to work on. The rain finally stopped, and as the sun came up, the humidity hung heavily in the air. Pete noted CJ’s time on the pace clock when she completed her final IM.
CJ was now consistently making the interval she had struggled with during her first practice. Incredulous, he shook his head at the fact that she could rise to his standards so quickly. Giving her little rest, he sent her into her next set, this time breaststroke alternating with freestyle. He was still amazed that someone of her small stature could generate such speed.
When the three-hour practice ended, Pete stood by the side of the pool as CJ climbed out.
“Well, even though you’re puny, I think you just might surprise a few people at the trials.”
CJ ran her fingers through her hair, ringing out the excess water. “I’m not puny,” she quipped lightly.
“Sure you are,” Pete insisted. “You’re just lucky I like to root for the underdog.”
Chapter 15
Matt sat down on the team bus outside of Arlington Stadium. The game against the Rangers had been difficult for him in more ways than one. His only playing time had been one at bat during a pitching change, and since talk had started of a trade, the niche he had carved out for himself as a utility infielder was eroding quickly.
Just being in Texas brought back bittersweet memories, and he couldn’t seem to relax knowing that CJ still wasn’t really safe. They had been living in a small town just a couple of hours from Arlington when CJ had agreed to marry him. Matt shuddered as he recalled the attempt that had been made on her life there.
At least tonight’s game is over, Matt thought to himself. He looked forward to getting back to the hotel and sleeping away his worries.
The bus filled up as the rest of the team joined him, and a short while later they arrived at their hotel. As Matt approached his room, he saw Doug Valdez waiting outside the door.
“Hi. What are you doing here?” Matt asked, swiping his keycard and pushing the door open.
“I’m here for a couple of days to help Jill with wedding plans, and I thought I would check up on you.”
“I hope you didn’t come to see me play.” Matt motioned for Doug to sit down in the small seating area of the hotel room. “I’m afraid that isn’t happening a whole lot lately.”
“Keith is still working on that problem.” Doug sat down, waiting for Matt to sit across from him before continuing. “Give us a couple more weeks. I think we can work things out the way you want them.”
“It’s already been almost three weeks.” Matt’s voice was as weary as his body. “Can you at least tell me how she is?”
“She misses you, but she’s doing well,” Doug explained. “She’s training with a new coach, one that has a security clearance.”
“You mean she actually has a coach that knows who she is?”
Doug nodded. “He’s a retired marine and a former Olympian. From what the marshals tell me, he’s pleased with CJ’s progress.”
“I didn’t know it was going to be this hard,” Matt admitted, dragging his fingers through his short blond hair. “I know this isn’t the first time we’ve been apart, but it’s never been like this before.”
“She doesn’t say much about it, but CJ feels the same way,” Doug replied. “Her coach has to tease her into a good mood about every third day.”
“I wish I could see her,” Matt sighed.
“Actually, that’s one of the reasons I’m here.” Doug leaned forward. “As soon as you know where you are staying in LA next week, I want you to let Keith know. If all goes well, we will have CJ in LA sometime during your series against the Dodgers.”
“Are you serious?” Matt’s eyes brightened.
“She threatened to come see you with or without my help.” Doug shrugged his shoulders and took a deep breath. “I can’t make any promises, especially when it comes to your wife, but we’re going to try.”
“Still, that’s the best news I’ve had in weeks.”
Doug stood up and handed Matt a business card. “I’m actually staying in this hotel tonight, and I’ll be at the game tomorrow. My room number is on there if you need anything.”
“Why are you sticking around?” Matt asked, tucking the card into his pocket.
“It’s just a precaution. I want to make sure you don’t have anyone following you on these road trips.”
“Doug, thanks again.” Matt shook his hand. “I really appreciate what you’re trying to do.”
“Let’s just pray that it works,” Doug answered solemnly.
“Always.”
* * *
CJ turned her head from one side to the other trying to relieve the stiffness in her neck. She was glad now that she had taken Pete’s advice to ice her shoulders after every practice. She wasn’t sure how much her body could take, but Pete seemed determined to push her past her limits.
She glanced down at her watch, surprised that it was already noon and Pete wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Slightly annoyed, she waited a couple of minutes before moving to the pool. Every day when she walked into practice, Pete glanced at his watch as though being only five minutes early was really five minutes late. Now, just days from their first meet together, he was inexplicably late.
With a sigh, CJ dove into the water. After nearly two weeks, she had figured out the basic routine and knew Pete’s standard warm-up well. She started with the long freestyle set, trying to stay focused on her stroke.
Fifteen minutes passed before CJ thought to check to see if Pete had arrived. Lacey sat in a chair near the pool entrance, but still no Pete. CJ pushed off again, moving into the next part of her warm-up.
This time when she finished, Pete stood on the deck watching her. “Are you all warmed up?”
CJ nodded, wondering why he was late but not voicing the question.
“In that case, hop out. We’re going to have you do some sprints against some competition today.”
“Against whom?” CJ asked, surprised that the marshals would let any swimmer near her.
“My son attends the Naval Academy, and he just got home for a visit.” Pete motioned to the other side of the pool where a man about her age was swimming. “He’s put in some decent times over the years and should be able to push you a bit.”
CJ climbed out of the pool and watched his strokes, noting that he did indeed look like an accomplished swimmer.
“What are we swimming first?” CJ wondered.
“One hundred freestyle.” Pete motioned her to the blocks. “I want to see you break that 58.”
“I’ll try.” CJ stretched her arms over her head as Pete’s son climbed out and headed toward them.
“Jay, meet Shorty,” Pete said to his son. “CJ, this is my son, Jay.”
CJ shook the hand Jay extended to her, noting how he towered over her. Pete was fairly tall, but Jay had to be at least six foot six.
Jay stepped up on the block that his father indicated, and CJ turned to Pete.
“How is this fair?” CJ waved a hand in Jay’s direction. “He’s like a foot taller than me.”
“What are you complaining about?” Pete asked. “I already told you you’re short.”
“I don’t think any of the girls I’ll be swimming against are that tall,” CJ pointed out.
“Quit your whining,” Pete replied, his voice laced with both humor and sarcasm. “Get up there and show me what you can do.”
“Oh, all right.” CJ shook her head.
Not surprisingly, Jay t
ook a huge lead at the start, leaving CJ with the daunting task of whittling away the distance between them. She hadn’t competed in freestyle since her freshman year of college, and then it had been middle distance, not sprints.
Mindlessly, she pushed herself as fast as she could, her arms reaching long and pulling deep, and her rapid kick making a constant wake behind her. Still, she was unable to catch Jay.
Breathing hard as she finished the race, CJ wasn’t sure she wanted to know her time.
Pete moved toward them, shaking his head. “Jay, you added almost a second since last week.”
Jay just gave his dad a shrug and a grin. “What about her?”
CJ waited, expecting the disappointing news.
“I thought it would be better.” Pete shrugged. “Still, 56.8 would qualify her for the trials had it been an official time.”
CJ’s jaw dropped. “I got a 56?”
“You got a high 56,” Pete clarified, pointing at the far end of the pool. “Both of you go swim an easy 200, and then we’ll try the 100 breaststroke.”
Jay grinned at CJ, lowering his voice as his father moved to a table on the pool deck where he had left his coaching bag. “In case you haven’t noticed, he’s never satisfied.”
Before CJ could respond, Pete shouted out, “I heard that!”
A giggle escaped CJ as she pushed off the wall. As she followed Jay through the water, she decided she might forgive Pete for being late after all.
* * *
CJ stood in the middle of her oversized closet and packed her meager belongings. Though she had planned to pick up a few more clothes over the past couple of weeks, she just hadn’t found the time. Except for a couple of items from the campus store, CJ still only had the clothes she had packed for the last swim meet.
She didn’t have to be told to leave behind all of her clothing with the University of Miami logo on it. She needed to blend in with the crowd at the swim meets and hopefully go unnoticed. At least she wanted to go unnoticed when she wasn’t in the pool.
In his sarcastic, pick-on-you sort of way, Pete expressed his satisfaction with CJ’s progress so far. She had to admit that he was more clever than she had first realized. He had needled her over her height, her eating habits, and even her wardrobe for several days before CJ finally caught on. Still, even knowing that he was teasing her out of her sometimes dark moods didn’t diminish the impact. “Shorty” had become his favorite nickname for her, and she was barely aware that she now responded when he called her that.
The Deep End Page 12