Note: This is a work of
FICTION.
Although the areas this story takes place in are real; the landscapes depicted, the people described, and everything else this story uses to make it enjoyable reading for you, are
NOT REAL.
As you read this story try to remember:
THIS is a NOVEL.
15. A Meeting of the Minds
"Stop pacing around the house like a caged dog, Alan, or leave. You are getting me nervous."
"It is too early to leave, and I do some of my best thinking, while I am walking. I am trying to remember what the area is like, without having to use any aids. If I had a computer it would help "but I left mine behind."
"Why don't you use mine?"
"I did not know you had a computer."
"You probably don't know I have a living room either, because we've never made it that far into the house. It is the kitchen, the bedroom, or the bathroom. I do have six other rooms you know."
Alan smiled at her and said, "The next time I come back we will christen each one of them."
"That is big talk for a man who needed a three-hour nap today. A 42-year-old woman made a 27-year-old man whimp out."
"I have a joke which would fit perfectly for this situation. However, if I used it, you will chase me all around the house, and I will not be able to use your computer."
"You see Alan, you are learning. Let me show you where the computer is."
There was an old roll-top desk in the living room, and when she opened it there was a relatively new computer, surrounded by stock, bond, mutual fund trading forms and prospectus' from several well-known multinational companies.
Susan logged on to her computer and used her password to get Alan access.
He asked her to leave the room, while he did what was needed.
Susan said to him, "Do not play with my portfolio."
Alan asked, "What is a portfolio?" He ducked just as her hand went over his head.
Alan Googled up a map of Sedona in a large-scale satellite view and zoom down, until he could grid the position he needed, on Alternate 89A. He found the spot, and was not particularly happy with it. He would have preferred a meeting place a little further from Sedona, but he understood its purpose, from the other car's point of view. It would be logical for anyone seeing this car make a U-turn, from that point, that it had missed a turn onto Rolling Hills Road, and they were returning to it. He deleted the map, and called Susan so she could turn off her computer properly.
Susan sat down, and signed off her computer. She looked at him with a smile. "Well are you going to ask me or not?"
"It is not my business to mess in your affairs, Susan."
"Where is that fucking muzzle? We are married everything we have, we have together. You have never asked me a question about money, and you have told me everything concerning you. Don't you think it is about time you know about the woman who is going to have your child?"
"I know everything about her I need to know. I love her and she loves me. We would do anything for each other. Is there anything more important than that Susan?"
"Alan, we will talk about this when you get back. I don't want to add anything to your mind now, because I know how overloaded it is right now. Go, do your job, and do as you promised me; come back healthy, and come back to me soon."
"Remember, I was recalled to Washington, and that was the last you heard from me. If those people come back and say anything different; I went to Washington. I want Sergeant or one of his men or women to pay a visit to you, at alternating times of the day, every day, including weekends, while I am gone. Tell him it is very important. If he needs money to cover this expense, the government will cover it. No marked cars, just plain folks visiting you, because your husband had to leave town suddenly, and you have not heard from him since. Okay."
"I understand Alan. I will call Sergeant first thing in the morning. Now please go to work before you are late."
He walked out the front door, after kissing her goodbye. He licked the tear that fell from her left eye away, also. He said, "One day soon this will be over. I will quit the Bureau for you; and I will never leave you again. I promised you I would do anything to keep you happy. It is among the promises you can count your apples on."
When he turned his back to her, Susan had a grin on her face, so large, she thought it might crack.
He turned to her once more; and said that word again, so he could keep the grin on her face, until he came back; "ANYTHING!"
Susan put her arms around her chest and hugged herself joyfully. The smile did not her leave face, until she finally fell asleep.
Alan was too early, even for the 15 minutes plus time frame. He drove to the outskirts of Sedona, past the first circle towards the downtown area. He stopped to fill up his fuel tank, and get some water at the convenience store. As he finished paying, he saw a black Range Rover driving Southwest on 89A. He turned out of the gas station and fell in line behind it. He was a little less than 1500 feet behind the Rover, but unfortunately there were no cars in between them. There was no traffic on the road, at all, this night, in either direction. He varied his distance, getting closer, and moving further back; trying not to make the driver in front of him wary.
When the Rover passed Rolling Hills Road, Alan turned on to it, which he hoped made the people in the Range Rover relax. 5 minutes later, he moved back onto Alternate 89A, with his lights off, and stopped 500 feet behind the car. He flashed his lights and put on his emergency blinkers. Alan exited the Dodge Ram and put both hands on his chest, where they were visible. He walked up towards the other vehicle, and when he looked in the passenger side window, it was empty. A voice said "Do not move; identify yourself."
Alan replied, "Alpha."
William lowered his gun and replied, "Beta." He walked toward Alan, with the two women following close behind him.
William spoke for more than five minutes explaining what things were going to happen; and how they were going to go about it, when they got to his hideout.
Alan now knew, as long as William was with him; he was no longer in command of the overall operation. He was only in charge of the protection and resupply details. As far as he was concerned "Things were getting curiouser and curiouser."