by Barrett
“Do you ever miss your friends here?”
Zeke shrugged. “Sometimes. They were a lifeline while I was undercover, and I still feel grateful, but I guess the bad memories are still just below the surface, and I’m not sure I could see them without reconnecting to the pain. In time, I suppose I could. Speaking of friends, I thought we could do little memory lane tour tomorrow. I rented a car, and I thought we could explore some of our old haunts together. And tomorrow night we’ve been invited join my old friend T.J. and Cheryl for dinner at their house. They have been nagging me for over year. But our schedules just never worked it.”
“I’d love to. I have about a million questions I’d like to ask T.J. I’d better start now making a list, it could take all night.”
Zeke gave her a gentle shove against a lamppost that resulted in a little snowfall over them from a garland above their heads.
“I’m sorry,” Zeke laughed and brushed the snow from Anne’s hair. Her hand froze mid sweep. The tiny decorative lights around them filtered through the snowflakes and twinkled in Anne’s blue eyes. For just a second, time stood still as she drank in the love she felt. “I have never felt more complete than I do at this moment, and it’s because of you.” She softly pressed her lips against Anne’s and felt every nerve and her body come alive.
Muffled sounds of mittened hands clapping brought her back to reality. They looked around as a handful of shoppers stood smiling at them.
ANNE STOPPED WHEN they got to the corner of Michigan and Superior. Neiman Marcus sat grandly across the street bedecked in Christmas finery. “Why didn’t I bring a camera? Would you just look at that beautiful sight.”
“Do you want to go in?”
“No, once you planted the seed for a deep dish pizza I was a goner. If we have time after dinner . . . maybe just a peek.”
The mixed scents of garlic, oregano, and cheese wafted out the front door as they approached. Once inside it was like being in little Italy—except for a few plasma TV screens. They walked to a tiny table with the requisite red-checkered tablecloth near the back and away from the bar. Zeke ordered beer and the special deep dish pizza.
Anne leaned forward. “If you see me drooling please kick me. If that pizza tastes one tenth as good as this place smells, it will be divine. I don’t think I’ve had Chicago pizza in over twenty-five years, but it’s a drug you just can’t kick.”
Zeke moved closer until their faces were less than a foot apart. “I’m not sure, but I might enjoy seeing you drool, and I could fantasize the reason.”
Anne grinned. “It amazes me, my beloved, that as our love has grown so has your libido.”
“Alas, it is true. It seems that whenever I’m alone with you now, without the distraction of evil bad guys, or piles of work, I want desperately to make wild monkey love to you.”
“The small deep dish with the side of bread sticks?” a young woman hovered next to their table.
Zeke covered her face with both hands.
“Yes, thank you.” Anne moved the pitcher to the side. “As romantic as that sounds, I’m afraid I will need a little nourishment to withstand your ravishment.”
“Is my face red?” Zeke helped herself to a piece of pizza.
Anne leaned closer. “It’s hard to tell, but it’s still adorable. And this pizza is even more adorable.”
“Hey! That’s kind of a crummy comparison.”
Anne picked up another piece and shrugged. “Shouldn’t be, I’m ravenous for both.”
Light fluffy snowflakes continued to float on mixed air currents. They made their way back toward Michigan Avenue, and this time Zeke paused. She pointed over her shoulder. “Neiman Marcus? Are you up for it?”
Anne grimaced at the constriction of her waistband. “I don’t think so, maybe tomorrow. I just want to get these clothes off.”
Zeke took her hand and tugged her down the street. “Then what are we waiting for?”
Anne laughed. “I should have seen that coming.”
The sidewalks emptied as the shoppers dwindled allowing the stunning decorations in the store windows to shine. Anne hummed “Silver Bells.” Zeke nudged her and smiled so she switched to singing.
During the early days of the relationship, Zeke had encouraged Anne to restart her voice lessons, and in return, Zeke would learn to ride a horse. Both had kept their promise, and not surprisingly, it added another dimension to their relationship. What had started so casually and serendipitously, then overcame major obstacles, had settled into a solid foundation which seem to grow stronger and taller every day.
Before turning up the street to the hotel, they paused to watch the snow settle gently on the peaks of the Old Water Tower. It was a lovely and inspiring sight. Today, amongst the skyscrapers, it was a noble reminder of survival. On an October night in 1871, the Great Chicago fire destroyed nearly everything in its path across a three square mile swath of this city. Flames raged for over twenty-four hours, destroying everything in their path, leaving one-hundred-thousand people homeless.
Anne shivered. “I can only imagine how awful that fire must’ve been in the futility they must have felt without proper equipment.”
“I know, even with the danger we face during fire season, at least we have warnings and the tools to fight it. Back then, they didn’t really have a chance.”
“Almost every day something happens to remind me of how lucky I am. And on those rare occasions where I’ve wake up frightened, you’re there, and I feel safe.”
Zeke unlocked the hotel door and flipped on the light.
“Let’s leave it off for a little while.” They hung up their coats and took off wet boots. Anne walked closer to the large windows. “Would you help me with something?” Zeke came over. “Let’s turn the sofa around so it’s facing the window.”
Zeke smiled. “Okay.”
Anne went to the hall closet and pulled out the large quilt on the top shelf. She folded it over the back of the sofa. “Perfect. Now let’s get into our jammys and watch the snow.”
Within minutes they were washed, brushed, and snug in flannel. Inside, Anne felt excitement bubbling up just as it had over forty years ago when she’d curl up with her father on Christmas Eve and listen to him read “The Night Before Christmas.” She’d stare unblinkingly at the tree until the lights got blurry. And outside, she could see the yard blanketed with snow.
She covered them both with the comforter and took Zeke’s hand. “Thank you, this is now officially my favorite Christmas moment.”
Zeke kissed her and pulled her closer. “Mine, too.” And she kissed her again. “Do you remember how excited I was to be sharing Christmas with you last year? I never dreamed that could get better, and every day it does. It would be cliché to say that I love you more today than I did then. But the fact of the matter is I never imagined that love could actually grow by loving.”
“That’s quite profound, my philosophical special agent.” Anne tucked her head in the crook of Zeke’s neck and slipped her hand around Zeke’s waist.
“Don’t you think that’s true? It’s almost as though the more you love someone, the more lovable they become, and the more you have to love them.”
“It’s never been true before, but maybe I never loved anyone until you. In your case, it’s true. The more I learn about you and your quirks and idiosyncrasies, the more complete you become. I never tire of listening to you and watching you. Whenever you’re near, I am compelled to touch you or hold you. The feel of your skin and the taste of your lips are different and familiar and thrilling every time.”
Zeke kissed the side of Anne’s head and stroked her hair.
Anne never tired of the soothing warmth it produced whenever Zeke trailed her fingers through Anne’s hair. “Merry Christmas, my heart.”
Chapter Three
THE CAR RENTAL people kept their word, and a shiny red four-door sedan pulled up to the entrance. The valet handed Zeke the keys, and she settled behind the wheel. Anne buckled up
as well, and they were off on an adventure.
Over breakfast, they made a list of places to visit. Each tried to think of five locations that were meaningful. And since they were due at T.J.’s by four, they started with Anne’s list.
Zeke turned right on Michigan. “I’m glad you decided to take Lake Shore Drive, it should be pretty today.”
“Not as pretty as it was last night. Thank you for indulging me.” Anne laid her hand on Zeke’s leg, as she always did.
“I think you had a brilliant idea. I’m just sorry I fell asleep on you.”
“Honey, we were both exhausted. Other than being a little stiff, I loved snuggling with you all night.”
Zeke merged onto the outer drive and marveled at the intricate iced patterns formed by the spray from the lake. Layers of ice that glistened in the morning sun covered the large boulders that formed the breakwater, as well as the trees and bushes. The blue-green water contrasted sharply.
“It looks magical, like the north pole or something. All the years I’ve been in New Mexico I forgot how majestic Lake Michigan could be. When I was in nursing school on the north side, my classmates and I would walk over to the lake when we wanted to get away from all the hospital sights and sounds. And smells.”
As they passed through the various neighborhoods, they took turns describing iconic landmarks or favorite haunts. Zeke described a relatively minor drug bust in Rogers Park. When they followed Sheridan road into Evanston, something jogged Anne’s memory.
“See that small beach up ahead? I think that was the scene of my second water trauma.” She laughed. “I can’t for the life of me remember the name of the people, but I must’ve been nine or ten. For some reason I had a friend who lived in Evanston, and her dad took us to the beach and left us until he got back. We were both excited and ran down to the water only to find the red flags up. That meant the water was too rough to swim. We played along the shore, and my friend started jumping over the incoming waves. She wanted me to join her, and I said no because I had strict orders. I stood back as she continued to play and goad me.”
She stopped talking for a while.
“It looked like fun and eventually I gave in. We’d wait until a wave crested, then run for it and jump. What I didn’t realize, was that we were getting out farther and farther, and very quickly the water got deep. My friend was easily a foot taller than I was so she could touch the bottom. When I realized that I couldn’t touch bottom I also felt the undertow pulling me out farther.”
“Are you okay?” Zeke took her hand.
Anne nodded. “Yes, I just remembered how helpless I felt. Her father was on shore, yelling for us to come in, and I couldn’t. There were adults standing nearby, but I couldn’t cry for help because I couldn’t keep my head above water. And no one noticed my splashing.”
“Jesus, you must have been terrified.”
“I was. I don’t know how I did it, but I managed to get above the undertow so I could swim to shallower water. My friend yelled at me because her dad was mad at us. She didn’t even listen when I tried to tell her I couldn’t get out.”
“I don’t think I’d ever swim again.”
“You’d think. Oddly enough I love the water, and I’d rather swim than do just about anything, except maybe ride my horses.”
“Amazing. I guess I better take you to the beach sometime.” They passed Northwestern University and its beautiful campus.
“Okay first on my list is the Baha’i Temple, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. We used to go over there for the fourth of July and sit on the steps to watch the fireworks.”
“I’ve never driven this far north. It’s really lovely. I can imagine you growing up here. Now I wish I could take you to Biloxi.”
“I’d love to meet your family and see where you used to play. Maybe you could show me your friend Elizabeth’s house.”
“Smart aleck. Maybe I will. Serve you right to have to put up with my crazy family.”
ZEKE TURNED AND pulled to the curb to take in the sight of the huge, ornately-carved dome. “It’s much more beautiful in person. It must have taken years to carve.”
“It did. I can’t remember exactly, but I think it was about thirty years. The pieces were brought here by train after being carved out east. It didn’t open until the early 1950s.”
Zeke turned the car around and back onto Sheridan road. “What’s next?”
“Turn right into the park, and I’ll show you the band shell and the beach.”
Zeke pulled over just past the harbor so they could park and look at the lake. The sun had warmed things up enough that they could open the windows. Dunes of snow crested the sand, creating an eerie landscape. But beneath it, the beach itself was wide and flat.
After meandering through the suburbs back streets, Anne directed them out to the expressway. At the junction of Lake Avenue and the Eden’s expressway, they found several coffee shops and fast food drive thrus.
“Want to grab a sandwich before we get on the road?” Anne pointed to a strip mall on a corner.
“Good idea.”
They ordered artisan sandwiches and soft drinks and waited at a small table. Zeke was glad to stop and stretch her legs. She was surprised at how relaxed she felt, especially considering she slept on a couch. The getaway was a great idea for both of them. As the hours passed, she listened to the way Anne’s voice slowed and softened. Even some of the small muscles around her eyes and mouth looked more relaxed.
Her wavy blonde hair was loose except for the sides, which she pinned back. She’d added a little eye makeup and lipstick, which highlighted her pale skin and dazzling blue eyes. If it was possible, Zeke thought Anne was more beautiful than the day she first saw her. She wore a soft blue turtleneck and black wool slacks. She looked regal. And she’s with me. Zeke grinned.
Anne turned and cocked her head. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. I’m happy and relaxed and enjoying the beautiful woman sitting with me.”
“Why thank you. So tell me, my relaxed paramour,what’s the first stop on your part of the tour?”
Even on an early Saturday afternoon, Edens expressway had a steady stream of traffic. For everyone on the North Shore of Chicago, this was the quickest route to downtown. A network of expressways and interstates funneled traffic into the city from the vast suburbs.
Soon the Kennedy expressway joined up and more than doubled the cars moving southeast to downtown Chicago. Zeke exited on Diversey Avenue and drove east. “I think I’ll start with the scenic tour of the enchanting little apartment I maintained for my rotation in Chicago. I say little because it wasn’t much more than some rented space on the second floor of a small house. Mr. and Mrs. Kleinschmidt’s were kind enough to give me an irresistible price and, considering the small amount of time I spent there, it was worth it. Essentially, I slept, showered, and stored my belongings. I didn’t have the time or energy to cook, and fortunately, there was a family-run diner on the corner. Food was surprisingly good and very reasonably priced. It didn’t take long for Mrs. Rubin, the owner, to take a liking to me. If she was in the kitchen I was in grave danger of being noodled for as long as I sat there.”
“Seriously, noodled? Isn’t that the same as being force fed?”
“Exactly. Not pleasant. On more than one occasion I went home so stuffed, I couldn’t sleep.”
Anne covered her mouth but she was still laughing. “Poor baby. If I’m not mistaken you had the same experience when you arrived in New Mexico.”
“You’re right, Aldonza did the same thing. The only difference was, when I arrived in New Mexico I had been living on scraps for three months. I lost twenty-five pounds, so her efforts were appreciated and besides it was usually only breakfast.”
Anne took her hand. “I was so worried about you, you were terribly thin. I’m so happy you’re better now.”
Zeke slowed down just before they got to Ashland and pointed to a small gingerbread house with brightly-co
lored shutters. “That was my secret hideout.”
“That’s adorable and really well maintained. Do you want to say hello to the Kleinschmidt’s?”
Zeke kept moving. “No, they were wonderful people but I have closed that chapter of my life.”
Anne shifted slightly. “Why did you say it was a secret hideout? Were you serious or were you joking?”
“A little of both I guess. I’ve always been a private and maybe a little paranoid. We deal with some pretty unsavory characters, and sometimes the boundaries get blurred.” Her attention momentarily diverted to a flashback of the desolate campground where she and Anne were assaulted. She nearly missed the red light on the corner.