By Ava
AJ Chegwidden finished drying the few dishes he used for his breakfast. He’d already been down to the beach and run his daily 10 miles. He’d taken in a dip in the ocean, had his shower, made his breakfast, and cleaned up the kitchen.
‘Now what?’ he thought to himself. ‘God, this is a boring place. Why the hell do I keep it? I’ve owned it for years, and I’ve never once enjoyed a vacation I spent here. Probably because you’re always alone. Yea, that would do it, Chegwidden. If someone were here with me, I’d probably have a good time. And if that company was of the soft, feminine variety, I know I’d enjoy it. But, hell. Who would come all the way down here to stay with an old man for a week?’
‘Oh, why not? Just pick up the phone and call her, Chegwidden. She’ll say “no thanks”, then you’ll hang up and feel like a total idiot. But at least you’ll have tried.’
AJ picked up the cordless phone and walked out on the back deck. He watched the seagulls flying overhead, and started to dial. “Glasses, AJ. You can’t read a blasted thing without them. Yep . . .old, that’s what I am . . .” AJ went back inside, found his reading glasses on the kitchen counter, and proceeded to dial the number.
‘Damn SecNav. If he’d just mind his own vacation and forget about mine, I’d be sitting at my desk right now instead of getting ready to make a damn fool of myself. What is it with him and vacation? Probably wants to slide something through while I’m gone. That’s why he wanted Rabb to be acting JAG this week; he even insisted that Mac not cancel her vacation while I was gone. That’s a first. Damn, I’ll get back and he’ll have completely reorganized my whole staff. I’ll kill him.’
‘Oh, God. It’s ringing. Did I even bother to check the time? How early is it out there . . .oh God, it’s only 0700 there . . .and on a Saturday. She’s probably still in bed . . .mmm, nice to think about . . . This is a mistake. I should hang up now before she answers. Yeah, that’s what I’ll . . .’
“Hello?” answered a sleepy voice.
“Maria?”
“Yes. . . .Admiral? Admiral Chegwidden?”
‘She recognizes my voice? That’s a good sign . . .’
“Yes, Maria, it’s AJ Chegwidden. I was calling . . .”
“Victor! Something’s happened to Victor? Is he okay? What is it? What’s happened?” Maria’s voice became more agitated with each phrase.
‘Damn. I should have known she’d think I was calling about her brother, especially calling her this early.’
“No, Maria. Gunny’s fine. I’m not calling about him. I’m not even in . . .”
“Oh, thank God. I’m sorry, what can I do for you, Admiral Chegwidden?”
“Now, Maria. When I left New Mexico in March, you were calling me AJ.”
“Okay. What can I do for you, AJ?
‘She’s laughing at me. I know it. I can feel it. This was a mistake. Jeez, Chegwidden. What made you think a girl like Maria would be interested in the likes of you? Old fool, that’s what you are.’
“Well, Maria, I was wondering if you might be interested in a fishing trip this week? I have a cottage on Isle of Palms in South Carolina. It isn’t fly fishing here, of course, but there’s some great deep sea fishing out this way. I’m already here, and I thought, well . . .I thought maybe you might enjoy trying something a little different.”
“Deep sea fishing?”
“Yes.”
“Like in the ocean . . .”
“Yes.”
“This week?”
“Yes.”
‘She’s stalling. She’s trying to think of a way to turn me down without insulting me. Wouldn’t do for her to insult her brother’s CO, now would it? Of course, if her brother’s CO had any common sense, he wouldn’t have called her to begin with. Idiot. Damned old fool.’
“AJ, I’d like to come, but I have a client arriving on Wednesday. I really have to get everything pulled together for his excursion. I just don’t see how I could possibly go to South Carolina right now.”
“Well, it was just a thought, Maria. Of course, I understand. Late notice and all that. Maybe another time. Maybe next time you’re in DC visiting Gunny, the two of you could come down here for a little vacation on your own.”
“To your place? With Victor in tow? I don’t think so, AJ. He’s not much for fishing . . .well, for fish, anyway. He’d be out walking the beach picking up all the girls. Actually, I imagine that’s what you’ll be doing a little later on today, hmm?”
‘She *is* laughing at me!’
“Yea, right, Maria. I’m going to walk down the beach and all the girls will say, ‘Hey look at the old bald guy!’ Somehow I just . . .”
“You’re not old, AJ. Think of yourself as ‘ripe’ . . .like a ripe kiwi.”
‘Did she just say what I think she said? No, couldn’t be. That’s impossible. I must not have heard her correctly. A ripe kiwi? God, that’s sexy. No, I must have misunderstood her.’
“Well, Maria, I’m sorry you aren’t able to come this week. If your client cancels, give me a call. I’ll be here all week.”
“Thanks, AJ. Have a good vacation.”
“Yea, right. Bye.” AJ put the phone back on the charging
cradle. Wouldn’t do to let the phone die; he’d forgotten to bring
the cord for his cell phone, and it was already dead.
Saturday, 11 August 2001
0930 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
‘Well, who else could I call? Maybe I should try to patch things up with Sydney. She wasn’t the best lover I’ve been with, but she sure was willing. And now that Danny-boy is out of the house, maybe we could get back together. Once in a while. Not often. Just occasionally. Oh what the hell, I’ll call her.’
AJ picked up the phone, and dialed Sydney’s home number. “Surprised I haven’t forgotten that number by now . . .” AJ mused aloud as the lines connected.
“Hello?”
“Sydney. It’s AJ. How are you?”
“AJ. This is a surprise. I’m fine, considering. And you?” Sydney didn’t sound that pleased to hear from him.
“Doing pretty well. How’s Danny? Have you heard from him? Has he written you like I asked?”
“Asked?! You didn’t ‘ask’ Danny to do anything. You ordered him. And he’s now in the Navy . . .you’re an Admiral. Of course, he’s written. You’d bring him up on charges if he didn’t.”
“Now, Syd. I only told him to write you because I knew you’d miss him. And I know how young guys are; they get away from home, and they don’t think of their mothers sitting at home worrying . . .wondering what they’re up to. I was hoping you’d realize . . .”
“I know that, AJ. I’m sorry. And I did appreciate your telling him to write me. Quite frankly, I was surprised when I received his first letter.”
“Why? I thought you said he considered it an order.”
“No, I meant I was surprised at what he said. He is actually enjoying himself. Well, all except the food. You know how he is about food . . .”
“Yea, tell me about it. Food at boot camp is pretty raunchy, as I recall. Look, Sydney, I was wondering . . .”
AJ hung up the phone, feeling more alone than ever.
“Prostate conference? God, I’m glad I’m not there; she’d probably have dragged me to the opening dinner meeting.”
AJ went upstairs to the small master bedroom and donned his swim trunks.
He paused in front of the full-length mirror. “Stomach is still as
hard as nails. Tight ass. Not a spec of flab. Not too
shabby for an old man. Maybe I’ll get lucky on the beach today.”
And with that, AJ made his way down to the surf.
Saturday, 11 August 2001
1230 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ sat on the beach and watched the sand crabs skittering across the ground around him. He’d been on the beach for three hours now, and he could count on one hand the number of attractive females who had even glanced his way. Of course, he could also count on one hand the total number of females he’d seen, period.
‘This beach is just too private. I’m never going to get laid at this rate,’ he mused.
AJ stood, brushed off the sand, and headed back to the cottage. As he walked in the back door, he heard the phone ringing.
‘Probably Rabb,’ he thought as he barked into the phone. “Chegwidden.”
“Admiral, this is Colonel MacKenzie. I hope I’m not disturbing you, sir.”
“Not at all, Colonel. What can I do for you?” AJ was delighted to hear Mac’s voice. He hadn’t had the opportunity to say goodbye to her before he left the office yesterday. A whole week without talking to Mac was not his idea of a good time.
“Admiral, I was wondering, sir. I, umm . . .”
“Mac, what is it? Is something wrong?” AJ was immediately concerned. Mac didn’t usually have difficulty expressing herself; she was a very good communicator.
“No, sir. Nothing’s wrong . . .exactly. I, well, sir . . .I was wondering. I’m sorry, sir. I shouldn’t have called. Have a nice vacation, Admir . . .”
AJ interrupted her before she had a chance to hang up on him. “Mac! What is it? Why did you call?”
“Sir, Chloe is here for a week’s vacation. She was so hoping to
take you up on your offer to go sailing. When I told her you were
in South Carolina this week, she just burst into tears. She had her
heart set on going sailing. I tried to explain that you couldn’t
fix your vacation around . . .”
AJ ‘s thoughts tumbled over each other, they were coming so fast.
‘Can I invite Sarah here? Not alone, but Chloe is with her.
How would that look? God, to have a week with Sarah? Oh, to
die for!’
“Mac, I’m sorry. Chloe is a sweet kid. Tell her I said I would *really* rather be at home taking her sailing than here by myself at this beach house.”
“Of course, sir. I’ll tell her. I’m sure that will help. Alone, Sir? You’re alone there? Why?” Mac’s voice faltered on the last word. She had no business asking the Admiral such a personal question, and she knew he’d call her on it.
“Mac.” AJ hesitated. Could he do this? He knew Mac would never violate regs to be with him; neither would he to be with her. But just a friendly week with Chloe there? Maybe . . .
“Sir, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have . . .”
“Mac, what if you brought Chloe down here?”
“Sir? You mean to your beach house? That’s a long drive to go sailing for a day, Sir,” she managed to complete her sentence without choking.
“No, I meant for the week, Mac...or at least, part of it. I didn’t bring my boat down this trip, but I could rent one. We could go sailing. But there’s a lot of other stuff that would keep Chloe occupied . . .um, I mean, busy . . .um, happy . . .”
“I think I understand, Sir.”
‘No, Sarah. I’m sure you don’t know what I mean at all . . .’ AJ thought to himself.
“What do you say? You game?” AJ held his breath. Would she agree? Probably not. ‘Don’t get your hopes up, old man . . .’
“I’ll have to ask Chloe. And of course, I’ll have to double check with her father. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind my taking her off someplace, but he’d have to know where, you understand. And all the way to South Carolina. Oh, and Chloe loves horses, too, you know, and Webb offered to take us riding one day this week. I’ll have to . . .”
As Mac rambled on, AJ knew her answer would be another “no thanks”.
After Mac said she’d call back, AJ hit the OFF button on the phone and laid it on the kitchen counter.
“Three rejections in as many hours. God, how depressing!”
Saturday, 11 August 2001
1230 MDT
Maria Galindez’ Residence
Taos, New Mexico
“Not a problem at all, Mr. Davis. I understand perfectly. I’ll be happy to postpone your trip by a couple of days. I’ll see you on Friday, then.” Maria hung up the phone.
“Great. Now what do I do with two extra days?” Maria wondered aloud. “I was really looking forward to getting out of the city, even if it was with a city boy who doesn’t know the difference between a fly and a lure. I always enjoy myself when I’m at the lake.”
Maria went to the laundry room and began her usual Saturday afternoon routine. She sorted the clothes, throwing the white things in the washing machine, the light colors in a pile to her right, and the dark colors in a pile to her left. As she reached above the washer for the detergent, she remembered the phone call that woke her up this morning. She’d been very annoyed when the ringing interrupted her dream.
‘It was such a nice dream, too. Mmm, AJ. What a hunk of man.’ “AJ!” Maria suddenly remembered who the phone call was from and what it was about. “Oh my God! It was AJ . . .and he asked me to spend the week with him at his beach house! Oh God!” Maria dropped the detergent bottle on the dryer and ran to the kitchen. She pressed her Caller ID button several times to find the phone number. It wasn’t there.
“It has to be here. I know he called me.” ‘Surely it wasn’t
part of my dream.’ Maria pressed the Caller ID button, again.
“Damn. It must be this private call. The number is blocked.
Great. So how do I reach him?” Maria returned to the laundry
room, picked up the detergent bottle, and unscrewed the top. As she
poured the liquid into the washing machine, she finally decided to make
the call. The only way to reach AJ was by calling her brother.
Saturday, 11 August 2001
1550 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
“JAG Ops. Gunnery Sergeant Galindez speaking.”
“Victor, it’s Maria. What are you doing at the office on a Saturday afternoon?”
“Working, as usual, Maria. What’s up?”
Maria wasn’t at all sure about this. ‘How can I ask my brother for AJ’s phone number in South Carolina? Victor doesn’t even know that I know AJ is *in* South Carolina. He’s sure to suspect something . . .’
“I was just wondering if you knew how I could reach Admiral Chegwidden?”
“You can’t, Maria. He’s on vacation for a week. Left last night. What do you want from the Admiral?”
“Oh. Well do you know if he has a phone where he is?” Maria wasn’t about to tell her brother what she really wanted with the Admiral. She blushed, just thinking about what she wanted.
“Maria, answer me. What do you want from the Admiral?”
“I, um, I . . . I just wanted to let him know about a great fishing opportunity. He mentioned wanting to . . .”
“Maria. Cut the crap. WHAT do you want from the Admiral? Victor was amused. He knew that women were attracted to his CO. Hell, he was a handsome guy . . .and powerful. But his sister? That, he hadn’t counted on. ‘I wonder if the Admiral made a pass at her at the lake?’ he mused.
Maria made a decision. If she wanted to reach AJ, she would have to tell Victor . . .well, tell him something, anyway.
“Actually, Victor, the Admiral called me this morning from South Carolina. He asked me a couple of questions, and I told him that I’d call him back when I had the answers. Only problem is, I didn’t ask for his phone number there, and he forgot to give it me.”
‘The Admiral called my sister from his vacation? Wow, he must have really liked her. I’m impressed, Maria . . .didn’t think you had it in you . . .’ “Maria. The Admiral wouldn’t forget to give you his phone number if he wanted a call back.”
“Victor, just give me the damned phone number, would you!?”
Victor laughed. “Sure, sis. Man, you do have it bad, don’t you?”
“While you’re at it, give me the address, too. I have to send him something, and I want him to receive it this week.”
“Maria. I can’t do that. I can’t give out addresses. I shouldn’t even be giving you his phone number.”
“Fine. Isle of Palms can’t be that big. I’ve never even heard of it. I’ll just send it to general delivery . . .”
“Maria, Isle of Palms is right next to Charleston. I don’t think general delivery will reach him . . .”
“Then give me the address, Victor.”
Victor hung up the phone. He shouldn’t have given Maria the Admiral’s
phone number, let alone the address of his beach house. If it was
anyone else, he wouldn’t have. But Maria. He’d never been able
to refuse Maria anything. She had always been his favorite sister.
She was the only one who never gave their mother any grief. She was
the only one who never gave *him* any grief.
Saturday, 11 August 2001
1230 MDT
Maria Galindez’ Residence
Taos, New Mexico
Maria finished dialing the South Carolina number and waited. Before it even it rang, she heard a click and then a voice mutter something over the line . . .and another click.
“Hello? Hello, AJ, are you there?”
Nothing. The line was dead.
Maria dialed again and heard a busy signal. She tried again, still
busy. She tried yet again, and the phone rang. And rang.
And rang.
Saturday, 11 August 2001
1630 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ picked up the phone and waited for the dial tone. Nothing. “Damn phone.” He pushed the OFF/ON button again, and listened. “About time,” he mumbled, as he dialed.
“Papa John’s Pizza; is this for delivery or pick up?” a voice answered.
“Delivery.”
“What can I get for you?”
“I want a large pie with everything on it.” AJ finished placing his order, gave directions to the house, and learned that the pizza would be delivered in about 45 minutes.
‘Enough time for a quick run on the beach. Clear my head.
Maybe think of someone else to call and invite . . .’ AJ went out
the back door and took off down the beach. He didn’t hear the phone
start ringing as he shut the door.
Saturday, 11 August 2001
1705 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ was just returning to the beach house as the pizza delivery car pulled into the drive. He heard the car door slam, so rather than going inside, he walked around to the front of the house and yelled, “Son, you have my pizza there?”
AJ stopped dead in his tracks as she turned to face him. “I haven’t been called “son” in a very long time. Probably not since elementary school. Most people call tell the difference,” she laughed.
A woman stood at the bottom of the front steps; her left foot was on the first step and she balanced the pizza box in the palm of her right hand. AJ didn’t order pizza at home very often. He had enough of it at the office when he worked late. But he’d never seen a pizza delivery woman before. Girls, yes. But this was a woman. A real woman. ‘God, is she built!’ he thought as he stared at her chest. He realized suddenly it was his turn to speak.
“I . . .um . . . Please excuse me. I’m sorry, I didn’t see you. I mean, I didn’t look at you. I . . . Is that my pizza?” AJ stumbled through his words, each one worse than the last. ‘Get a grip, Chegwidden. She’s a person, not an object. Look at her face, damn it.’
“If you’re AJ Chegwidden, it is. $14.82, please.” She smiled as his gaze moved up to her face.
‘God, what a smile. Dimples, even. And that red hair. God, I love red hair on a woman.’
“Come on around back; the front door is locked. I was out running and haven’t been back inside yet.” AJ started walking toward the back of the house, hoping she was following him. As he turned the corner, he glanced back over his shoulder. She was.
“Come on in. I’ll get your money. Just put the pie there on the table.”
“Great place you have here. Is it yours or are you renting?” she called to him as he went into the bedroom to get his wallet.
“Yes, it’s mine. I’ve had it for years,” he called back. “Don’t come down here much though. I’m usually too busy with work to break away.” He handed her $20 and told her to keep the change. “My boss decided I needed a vacation, so here I am.”
“This is a really quiet part of the beach, isn’t it? I’ve never been down this far before. It’s almost like it’s your own private beach.”
“Yes, it is. Sometimes it’s too private . . .makes it rather lonesome at times,” he muttered this last to himself, but not quite softly enough that she didn’t hear.
“Lonesome? You? You’re joking right?” she laughed.
AJ just turned and looked at her, piercing her with a steady gaze.
‘God, is he gorgeous! And those eyes . . .it’s like he’s looking right through me.’ “Well, if you want some company, I can always come back tomorrow . . .without a pizza.” ‘God, did you just invite yourself over? Jeez, he probably thinks you’re a slut or something . . .’
AJ was astounded. ‘Is she making a pass at me? Damn straight, that’s exactly what she’s doing. AJ, old man, maybe you haven’t lost it!’ “1300 hours?” he asked in a very controlled voice.
"That's what, 1:00 in the afternoon, right?"
AJ nodded.
“It’s a date! I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh, what should I bring? Just my suit? Never mind, I’ll just pack a bag.”
‘A bag? A bag? As in, to stay the night? Oh, Chegwidden, you are one lucky SOB!’ AJ let her out the front door and she ran down the steps, got in her car, and sped back down the driveway.
“Hey! Wait! I don’t even know your name!” AJ called, but she didn’t hear him.
‘A bag? A bag? Did I actually say that? Oh, God! Now he *really* thinks I’m a slut! I just won’t come. That’s all. I just won’t show up.’ But, of course, she knew she would. There was no way she could resist those eyes, his commanding presence, . . .that body!
AJ went back inside and sat down to eat his pizza . . .and plan tomorrow’s
activities. “Guess I need to run by the pharmacy before 1300 tomorrow,”
AJ chuckled.
Saturday, 11 August 2001
2345 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ was just settling in for the night when he heard the phone ring, again. Someone was sure trying to reach him . . .this was the fourth call tonight . . .but by the time he could locate the receiver each time, the ringing stopped. ‘Good thing I decided to put the phone by my bed before I turned in,’ he thought as he answered.
“Hello, Papa!”
“Francesca! What a delightful surprise! How are you, Sweetheart?”
“I am fine, Papa. And you? You are on vacation at the beach house, no?”
“Yes, I . . .”
“I am surprised, Papa. You told me you did not like to go to the beach house alone. Oh! Papa, am I interrupting something? Is someone there with you?”
AJ couldn’t help but laugh at his daughter. She was so obvious.
“No, Francesca. You’re not interrupting anything; I’m alone. Isn’t it rather early for you to be calling? You usually sleep late on Sundays, don’t you?”
Francesca ignored his comment about the hour. “Oh, poor Papa. I am sorry. Would you like some company?”
“Absolutely! When can you come?”
“Actually, Papa, our flight leaves in an hour. I am calling you from the airport in Milano.”
“Our flight? Who’s coming with you, Sweetheart?”
“Oh! They are calling us to board the plane now. We have a stopover in New York tonight; I must make a quick visit to the magazine office. Papa, can you pick us up at the airport in Charleston on Monday at 2:00?”
“Of course, Francesca. Honey, who’s coming with you?”
“Bring a big car. We have lots of luggage! I have to run . . .!”
“Francesca, *who* is coming with you?” AJ tried once more.
“Mama! Isn’t it wonderful? We’ll see you soon!”
“Your mother!?! Francesca, wait . . .Francesca?” But she was gone.
‘Oh God. Marcella is coming. Here. To the beach house.’
AJ pressed the OFF button on the phone, and placed it on the table by
the bed. He rolled over, punched the pillow, and closed his eyes.
‘This is turning out to be a rather interesting vacation, old man.’
Sunday, 12 August 2001
0800 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie’s apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC
“Mac, are you gonna try calling the Admiral, again? I really, really want to go to his beach house. Please? Try again, Mac. Come on . . .” Chloe begged.
“Chloe, I’ve already tried calling several times this morning. He’s either not there or he’s not picking up because he doesn’t want to be disturbed. He is on vacation, you know.” ‘He probably has a woman in bed with him . . .God, I wish it were me! Yea, like that will ever happen . . .’
“But Mac, he invited us! Maybe he was just outside on the beach. Or maybe he went to get some breakfast. Isn’t there an answering machine? Did you try calling his cell phone?” Chloe was getting desperate. She really wanted to get her big sister together with Admiral “Bedroom Eyes”, as she always thought of him. And this would be perfect!
“Chloe, no there isn’t an answering machine; at least it never picked up if there is one. And yes, I tried his cell phone, and it’s turned off. He probably didn’t even take it with him. And the Admiral never goes out for breakfast; he, well . . . I’ll try calling him, again, but give it a rest for a while.”
“Why don’t I go ahead and pack? Then we can be ready to go as soon as you reach him!” What Chloe didn’t tell Mac was that she had already packed all her own belongings for the trip to South Carolina. All that was left to pack was Mac’s stuff. And Chloe already had it all planned out what Mac should take with her.
“Okay, Chloe. Go ahead.” Mac agreed, mostly to get Chloe to drop the subject. Mac was very agitated about this whole situation. She knew she really shouldn’t accept the Admiral’s offer; she knew that he really shouldn’t have made the offer. But perhaps with Chloe along, everything would be okay. ‘God, if Chloe slips and calls him Admiral Bedroom Eyes, I’m dead!’
Chloe hurried into Mac’s bedroom and pulled her duffel bag out of the closet. She quickly rummaged through Mac’s dresser and pulled out her lace underwear (‘ooo, I haven’t seen these purple ones before!’), her two skimpiest bikini bathing suits, and a one-piece bathing suit that left almost nothing to the imagination (‘he’ll never be able to resist her in this one!”). Then she went to Mac’s armoire and found some jeans (‘these were the ones that were so snug..mmm, good choice, Chloe!’), short-shorts, and tank tops and stuffed those in the duffel. She grabbed some sandals and a pair of running shoes. Chloe decided to throw in one slinky dress (‘she looks really sexy in this one!’), and then she was done. Oh, the bathroom stuff!
Chloe walked into Mac’s bathroom and opened the top drawer. ‘Oh my God! Condoms! Mac keeps a box of condoms in her bathroom?! I wonder if Mic left them here. Probably. Mac said she hasn’t been seeing anyone since they broke up in June.’
Chloe grabbed the box and tossed it into the duffel along with Mac’s toiletries. Then she changed her mind and moved the box of condoms to her own duffel bag. ‘I’ll set them by the bed tonight; maybe they’ll take the hint!’
“All set!” Chloe yelled.
“What, Baby?” Mac said. She was in the kitchen with the exhaust fan blowing, and hadn’t heard Chloe’s words . . .just the yell. As Chloe walked into the living room, she carried both her duffel and Mac’s and dropped them next to the door.
“I said we’re all set. I finished packing our stuff. We can leave any time.”
“Chloe, we can’t leave until I’ve spoken to Admiral Bed . . .um, Chegwidden.”
“Ha! You were going to call him Bedroom Eyes!! I heard you! You were!!” Chloe fell on the sofa doubled over in laughter.
“Chloe, stop it. No, I wasn’t. . . .Well, okay, it slipped, but only because I know that’s what *you* call him.”
“Admiral Bedroom Eyes! You were gonna call him Admiral Bedroom Eyes!!” Chloe couldn’t stop laughing.
“Okay, look you. We’re going to have to have an agreement right now before we head down there. Admiral Chegwidden is my CO, and there can be nothing . . .I repeat, NOTHING between us. So don’t push, Chloe. Please. Don’t make things harder than they already are.”
As Mac said “harder”, Chloe laughed even more. “Don’t worry, Mac. I think he’ll be hard enough just seeing you in the blue bathing suit!”
“CHLOE MADISON!” Mac was appalled at her little sister. “Where did you learn to talk like that?! I don’t ever want to hear that kind of talk from you, again, do you hear me?”
“Ah, come on, Mac. You know you’re in love with him. Admit it!”
“Stuff it, Chloe.”
“I used to think it was Harm you loved. You know, you two really do look good together. But then when I saw you with the Admiral, there was just no contest! When you look at each other, I can almost see the sparks!”
“Chloe, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Come on, let’s go.” With that, Mac opened the door, picked up her duffel, purse, and keys, and walked out into the hall. Chloe grabbed her duffel and followed, closing the door behind her. Mac secured the deadbolt, and they left.
About 3 hours later, Mac suddenly remembered that she’d never gotten through to the Admiral’s beach house.
“Oh my God! We’re on our way there and I haven’t told him we’re coming! What if he changed his plans? What if he has a woman there? Oh God, what was I thinking??”
“You were thinking of him, silly,” Chloe offered. “And don’t worry, there won’t be a woman there . . .not until *you* get there. Guaranteed. He’s hooked; he won’t want anyone else there.”
“Chloe, he’s a man. Of course he wants someone there with him. He’s probably picked up a couple of beach bimbos just since he got there Friday night . . .”
“Has not,” Chloe interrupted. “He wants you. Otherwise, why’d he call?”
“He didn’t call, Chloe. I called him, remember?”
“Well, he asked you to come down.”
“He asked *you* to come down and I come with the package.”
“Uh huh, right. You go ahead and believe that if you want. I know what’s real, even if you don’t.”
“Give it a rest, Chloe. Why don’t you take a nap or something?
We have a long way to go yet.”
Sunday, 12 August 2001
0600 MDT
Maria Galindez’ Residence
Taos, New Mexico
Maria was already packed and heading for the car when she remembered she’d never actually reached AJ to let him know her plans had changed. She loaded her bags in the trunk and went back in the house to try calling him, again.
“Still no answer. Maybe I shouldn’t just assume it’s okay for me to come. But he did say he’d be there all week and to let him know if I could come.” ‘Yea, let him know, Maria, he didn’t tell you to just show up on his doorstep.’ “Well, if I don’t go now, I won’t be able to get another flight until tomorrow . . .and that’s too late. I have to be back here by Thursday.”
With that, she went back out to the car and headed for the airport.
Sunday, 12 August 2001
1200 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ sat on the beach looking out toward the horizon. ‘What I wouldn’t give to be in the middle of that right now. On a carrier, maybe. Even a frigate. Anything to be at sea, again. I should have sailed my boat down here. Better still, I should have stayed home this week. Then I could have spent the whole damn week with Sarah on the boat. Well, and Chloe, of course.’
“Better watch that, Chegwidden. You’re apt to call this woman today “Sarah”. That’s, of course, assuming she even shows up.”
AJ stood, brushed off the sand, and returned to the house to shower
and dress for his guest.
Sunday, 12 August 2001
1315 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ paced the floor. ‘It’s after 1300, and she’s not here.’ “Might as well go back out for a swim. Should’ve known she wouldn’t show.”
AJ headed for the bedroom to don his swim trunks, again. As he reached the door to the bedroom, he heard a car on the gravel driveway. ‘She’s here!’
Not wanting to appear too eager, AJ waited for her to ring the doorbell. He waited . . .and waited . . . ‘What the hell is she doing out there? How long does it take to get out of a car and come to the door?’ AJ decided to go out the back door and around the side of the house to the front, greeting her the same way he did yesterday. ‘Won’t look like I’ve been waiting for her to arrive. Good thinking, Chegwidden.’
As AJ rounded the corner to the front of the house, he saw her fumbling around in the trunk of her car.
“Hello there,” AJ called to her.
“Hello, yourself! Come help me with this, would you?”
“Sure.” AJ walked over to the car. She had a large cooler and two beach chairs in the trunk, and there was a large tote bag sitting on the ground by the rear tire.
“I already took the other bags up to the front door, so this is all that’s left,” she commented.
“What the hell is all this stuff? A cooler? And chairs? What’d you do, bring dinner?”
“Yes, I thought you might enjoy some homemade fried chicken, potato salad, and chocolate chip cookies.”
AJ’s eyes lit up. “I love fried chicken and potato salad. And chocolate chips are my favorite cookies. How’d you know?”
She laughed. “I don’t know many men who don’t love homemade fried chicken and potato salad, AJ.”
He hefted the cooler out of the trunk and headed for the front door. “Damn. The door’s locked. I’ll go around through the house and unlock it for you.”
As AJ swung the front door open wide, he held the screen door for her to enter. “You know my name from yesterday’s pizza order. But you never told me your name.”
“Didn’t I? How clumsy of me,” she laughed as she breezed past him with her tote bag and purse slung over her shoulders.
AJ pushed for an answer. “Well, are you going to share that bit of information or keep it to yourself?”
“You can call me Beth.”
AJ crossed the room and extended his hand in greeting. “Nice to meet you, Beth.”
Ignoring AJ’s outstretched arm, Beth reached up, took his face in her hands, and pulling his face to hers, she planted a big, wet kiss on his mouth. “The pleasure is all mine, AJ,” she said in a most seductive voice.
As she began to back away, AJ reached out and grabbed her arms, pulling
her back to his chest. He held her tightly to him as he lowered his
mouth to hers.
Sunday, 12 August 2001
1300 CDT
TWA Concourse
St. Louis International Airport
“Ladies and gentlemen. TWA flight 62 has now been cancelled. All passengers with tickets on that flight, please report to the ticket counter for reassignment. Repeating . . .”
Maria rushed to get in line. At this rate, she’d never get to South Carolina.
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Ma’am. I can get you on a Northwest flight that leaves St. Louis at 3:00. You’ll connect in Memphis, and again in Raleigh-Durham, arriving in Charleston at 9:37 this evening. How’s that?”
“That’s fine. It’s only a few minutes later than I was supposed to arrive to begin with.”
The airline attendant keyed in Maria’s information and printed her new ticket. Maria thanked him and headed for the rest room. ‘May as well freshen up a bit, now that I have a little time to kill. Maybe I should try to call AJ, again.’
She headed for the pay phones. Still no answer. ‘You watch. I’m going to get there, and he won’t even be there anymore! I’ll be so pissed. Maybe I should call Victor; surely he’d know if AJ had returned home.’
She dialed, again.
“Hello?”
“Victor, it’s Maria.”
“Well, twice in as many days. What’s up now? You want Commander Rabb’s address and phone number this time?” Gunny laughed at his own joke.
“Never met your Commander Rabb. Is he as good as the Admiral?” she purred.
“Maria!”
“Oh, Victor. Sometimes you’re such a prude.”
“Maria, I am *not* a prude, and you know it. But you should not talk about my CO that way.”
“I was just kidding, Victor. But speaking of your CO, have you heard from him? How’s his vacation going? Or did he cut it short already and go home?”
“What’s the matter, Maria? You haven’t been able to reach him?”
“No, as a matter of fact, I haven’t. And I’m a little concerned. He told me that he’d be there all week.”
“Maria, he’s at the beach. He’s probably been busy all day . . .running or surfing or sailing . . . The Admiral isn’t one to just sit around and do nothing. Hell, he probably picked up a girl on the beach, for that matter. He may be home and just not picking up the phone.”
“You’re right. That’s probably it. Okay, thanks. Listen, I’ll be out of pocket for a few days, then home, and then gone again. So I’ll call you when I’m back.”
“Does Mama know where you’ll be?”
“I’ll talk to you later, Victor. Bye.”
“Maria? Maria!” ‘Damn! You don’t think she’s going
to South Carolina? Surely not! My sister wouldn’t do that to
me! He’s my CO. Oh God, Maria . . .’
Sunday, 12 August 2001
1430 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ tried to turn over hearing the phone ring, but something was holding him in place. He awoke to find an arm across his chest, a knee positioned precariously at his groin, and a head of red hair buried in his shoulder. And his hand was on something . . . ‘mmm, now that is a nice soft cheek.’
Hearing the phone still ringing, he decided to let it ring. ‘They’ll call back; I’m not moving.’
Beth woke up about the same time and started moving. “Watch your knee, Darlin’,” AJ requested.
Beth moved her knee gently up and down, then side to side. AJ groaned in pleasure. “Oh, Darlin’, you ready for another round?”
“You know it, big guy,” she purred in his ear.
‘Damn glad I got the 2-for-1 special at the pharmacy this morning,’
AJ thought to himself, hoping that Beth would be staying the night . .
.and coming back each night during the week. She was good.
Very good.
Sunday, 12 August 2001
1600 EDT
Highway 52
St. Stephen, South Carolina
“I knew I should have stayed on the Interstate until we reached I-26. Why did I have to leave the main highway and take a state road?” Mac complained as she stood in front of her Corvette while it poured steam out of the hood.
She had promised Chloe they could put the top down on the car for part of the trip. But she’d also promised Chloe’s father that she wouldn’t have the top down while they were on the Interstate. So to satisfy both promises, Mac had veered off I-95 onto Highway 52 to head toward Charleston and Isle of Palms. It looked like a straight shot on the map; what could go wrong?
“It’s a Sunday, and we’re in Po-Dunk, South Carolina, where nothing is open on a Sunday . . .except the Churches, of course. A lot of good those’ll do us.”
“Mac, why don’t you try calling the Admiral? He’d probably come and get us. It’s only a few hours.”
“Chloe, he doesn’t even know we’re on our way!” Mac insisted. “We’ll just have to wait for the AAA truck and take it from there.”
“How much longer until they get here? We’ve already been waiting forever.”
“It just seems like it, Chlo. Actually, it’s only been 10 minutes since I called. It’s just so hot.”
“August in South Carolina. Yep. It’s hot.” Chloe agreed,
as they sat on the grass by the side of the road to wait for the tow truck.
Sunday, 12 August 2001
1800 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ and Beth stepped out of the shower and dried each other off. They donned their bathing suits and went to the kitchen. AJ grabbed the cooler, Beth the chairs, and they headed for beach.
“Beth, this chicken is wonderful. And the salad is the best I’ve ever eaten since my mother’s. It’s Texas style. The best!”
“AJ, I don’t make Texas-style potato salad. I’ve never even been to Texas! That’s low-country potato salad. My Granny’s recipe. But I’ll agree with you; it is the best I’ve ever had, too. My Granny could make anything taste wonderful. And as long as I follow her recipes, so can I.”
“What’s the seasoning in the chicken? I can’t quite place it. It’s fabulous.”
“Family secret. If I told you, I’d have to kill you,” she laughed.
AJ froze. ‘What do I know about this woman? Absolutely nothing! She could be . . .’
“AJ? Is something wrong? Was it something I said . . .or did you swallow a chicken bone?”
“You said, ‘If I told you, I’d have to kill you.’ You say that often?”
“What? AJ! That’s an expression that’s as old as the hill. I can’t believe you’ve never heard it before!”
“Oh, I’ve heard it before. I’ve even used it before. But then, I’m in the line of work where that’s always a possibility.”
“What’s a possibility? Killing someone?” Beth stood up and backed away. “Oh my God! What are you, a hit man or something? No, you’re too old for that. You’re mafia, aren’t you? Organized crime. That’s what you do! Oh my God! Why didn’t I realize that? You even spoke Italian when you came earlier. What have I done? Oh, God!” Beth started to run for the house, but AJ was too quick for her and he grabbed her arm to stop her.
“Let go of me! Help! Someone help me!!” she screamed.
‘Thank God there’s no one around to hear her scream.’ “Stop it. Beth! No, I’m not that. Beth, hush, and listen to me!”
She finally stopped fighting him and quieted enough for him to explain.
“Beth, I’m in the Navy. And I’m a lawyer. Believe me, I’m not in organized crime.” ‘Of course, my ex-wife’s late husband was a don of the Italian mafia. Oh God, she’ll be here tomorrow!’ AJ’s thoughts were tumbling over each other. ‘Focus, AJ!’
“How do I know if I can believe you . . .trust you?” she cried.
“Beth, isn’t it a little late to question whether you can trust me?”
AJ pulled Beth into his arms and kissed her soundly. He wanted
her, again. Already. ‘You’d think I hadn’t gotten any for a
year.’ He led her out into the ocean. ‘Thank God for a key
pocket in these trunks. Key pocket. Yea, right. Never
have put a key in there . . .’
Sunday, 12 August 2001
2000 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
AJ and Beth walked into the kitchen and dropped the cooler by the back door. They headed for the bathroom and dried each other off, again. “This is getting to be a habit,” she purred.
“And is it a habit you enjoy, Darlin’?”
“Mmmm, yes. Oh crap. That’s my cell phone.” Beth walked into the bedroom and dug in her tote bag until she found her phone. The Caller ID told her immediately who it was.
“Hello, Sweetheart. Shouldn’t you be asleep by now?” No answer. “Lizzy, you should be in bed.” Beth could hear faint sniffs now. “Lizzy, are you crying? Honey, what’s wrong?” The sniffs were getting louder and turning into a full-blown wail. “Okay, Lizzy. Mommy’s on her way home. I’ll be there in 15 minutes, Honey. You go back to bed and I’ll come in and tuck you in when I get there. Bye, Sweetie. Mommy loves you.”
She pressed the OFF button and turned to see AJ staring at her with his hands on his hips and his head slightly tilted to one side in question.
“My daughter. She’s five, and she doesn’t much like it when I’m gone all day and then at night, too.”
“Who’s with her?”
“My landlady. She babysits. I’m sorry, AJ, but I’m going to have to leave. It’s been a great day; thanks for sharing it with me. I’ll swing by one day this week and pick up the cooler and the other stuff. If you’d just leave it on the back porch or somewhere so it’s not in your way, I won’t even bother you when I come by.”
“You’re not a bother, Beth. I enjoyed our day, too. I’d like to see you, again, while I’m here this week.”
“I would, too, AJ, but I’ll just have to play it by ear. I usually focus all of my free time on Lizzy.”
“What about today?”
“Well, um . . .I made an exception today. Look, I really have to go.” Beth grabbed her tote bag, flung it over her shoulder and headed for the door. AJ barely beat her to it, opened it, and held the screen door for her.
“You’re such a gentleman, AJ. They’re few and far between anymore, you know? Thank you. I’ll call you if I can get away, again, this week.” She leaned forward, kissed him on the lips, and ran down the steps. “Bye!” she waved as she drove away.
AJ closed the door, and headed for the kitchen. After he cleaned
up all the traces of their picnic, he did the same in the bedroom and bathroom.
By 2130, there was no sign that Beth had ever been there.
Sunday, 12 August 2001
2200 EDT
Baggage Claim
Charleston International Airport
Maria pulled out the handle on her suitcase and rolled it behind her. She stepped outside to the curb and hailed a taxi.
“Where ya headed?” the driver asked as he put her suitcase in the trunk of his cab.
“Isle of Palms. How long will it take to get there?” Maria asked.
“At this hour, I’d say probably 20 minutes. Depends on which end of the island,” he replied.
“Here’s the address.” Maria handed him the slip of paper with AJ’s address and phone number.
“Oh, yeah. I know this stretch. Quiet. Secluded.
Not many people. Good spot.”
Sunday, 12 August 2001
2200 EDT
Econo Lodge
St. Stephen, South Carolina
“Chloe, just be glad there’s a motel in this town,” Mac reasoned.
“I still don’t see why you can’t just call the Admiral. He would come get us; I know he would.”
“Chloe, the people in this town have been rather nice to us, considering how rude I was when the tow truck arrived.”
“Well, it took him two years to get there!”
“Two hours, Chloe. It was two hours. And he explained and apologized about that. He even took us over to his Church and they let us eat as their guests. Now how many times has that ever happened to you? Never to me.”
Chloe just grumped and flopped on the bed.
“Just chill out, Chlo. We’ll get the car fixed in the morning, and we’ll be at the Admiral’s house in the afternoon . . .with plenty of time to go swimming.”
“You hope.”
“Get dressed for bed, Chloe,” Mac ordered.
Mac opened her own duffel for the first time since Chloe packed it that morning. She fished around and kept moving things aside. “Chloe! Did you not pack anything for me to sleep in?”
“Oh gosh! I knew I forgot something,” Chloe lied. Actually, she knew she hadn’t packed any of Mac’s night clothes. She expected them to be at the Admiral’s, and she was hoping that Mac wouldn’t *need* any night clothes!
“Great. I guess I’ll just sleep in my skivvies tonight.
Hey! Wait a minute. Chloe! All you packed were my lacy
underwear? And my tightest jeans? No, Chloe . . .my skimpiest
shorts? And crop tops? Chloe, we’re going to spend time with
the Admiral. How could you do this to me?”
Sunday, 12 August 2001
2235 EDT
Chegwidden Beach House
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
“Now what?” AJ was just about to head back upstairs for the night, when he heard another car on the driveway. He opened the front door, and looked out to see a taxi. ‘Oh, damn. If that rental agent screwed up and rented my house this week, I’m going to kill her. She is so incompe . . .’ His eyes focused on the woman exiting the cab. “Maria? Is that you?”
“Hello, AJ.”
“My God! You’re here!” He was at her side in an instant and enveloped her in a bear hug. “What a surprise!” ‘God, am I glad Beth isn’t still here!’
AJ took Maria’s bag from the cab driver and walked her inside as the cabbie left. “Maria, I’m so glad you changed your mind.”
“Well, my client called yesterday afternoon and postponed the start of his excursion by a couple of days. So I decided to take you up on your offer and come to the beach!”
“I’m glad you did, Maria. It’s just such a surprise.”
“I did try to call you, AJ. Several times. Either the phone rang busy or no one picked up. I guess you’ve been out of the house a lot. The last time I tried was during a connection in St. Louis. That was about 1:30 . . .no, it would have been 2:30 here.”
AJ flushed slightly. He remembered exactly where he was at 1430 this afternoon and exactly who was wrapped around him.
“Well, the surprise makes it even better. So, would you like anything to eat? Drink?”
“I’d love some water, actually. I just can’t see paying for water; it just drives me nuts. And I love to drink water from the tap. You almost can’t get it served that way anymore.”
“No problem here. One tap water, coming up.” AJ went into the kitchen and took a glass down from the cabinet. ‘Now what? Damn, Chegwidden, you never made an advance to her in New Mexico. She’s probably here just for the deep sea fishing you promised her. Okay, that’s how I’ll play it. I’ll let her make the first move. I’ll even put her suitcase in the guest room.’
Maria accepted the glass of water and drank it all in one breath.
“Wow. You were thirsty. More?”
“I’ll get it, AJ. Thanks.” She downed two more glasses of water before turning back to AJ. “Now I could really use a bathroom,” Maria laughed.
AJ joined in the laughter, and he led her down the hall to the master bedroom and showed her the bathroom. As she closed the door behind her, he swore to himself. “Damn, Chegwidden! You could have shown her to the guest bathroom! Now she’s going to think you’re planning to take her to bed.”
“Well, aren’t you?” Maria asked as she opened the door.
“Aren’t I . . .what?”
“Planning to take me to bed.”
“Oh, God. Did I say that out loud?”
Maria nodded. She smiled as she walked over to AJ and put her arms around his neck, pulling his head closer to hers. Their lips met, parted, and they plundered each other’s mouths. When they came up for air, AJ walked out, picked up Maria’s suitcase, returned to the bedroom, and set the case on the floor.
“I think that belongs in here, don’t you?” he asked.
“Oh definitely, AJ.”
As he picked her up and laid her down on the bed, he had a vague recollection
of something happening tomorrow. ‘Oh, God! Marcella!’