Secrets of the Spiral Tower (15 page)

“It would be nice to know more about Woody other than the fact he rescued me from a jail in Mexico and that he is a hard working good man.”

“Olga, I’ve only heard bits and pieces about the rescue. I want to know all the details.”

“That would probably bore you to death. The short story is that I was living in Russia with my family, and shared a small house with six brothers and sisters. Life was very tough for my parents, so when I saw an advertisement in a Russian paper by an American who promised a better life in America, I answered the ad. He promised to send me to school and get me a good job. The American sent me a plane ticket. My family was very happy that I was getting an opportunity for a better life. Everything was great until the plane left Russian air space. At that point, I was told I would have to go work in Mexico for a while until final arrangements for me to enter school in America.”

“Olga, this is beginning to sound a bit bazaar and I’m sure you were quite upset.”

“Oh, yes, I was.”

“So, what happened when you landed in Mexico?”

“I asked my American friend what type of work I would be doing.”

“He said because I was so beautiful, I was going to work in porn films.”

“I told him I didn’t want to do that, but he said I had no other option.” 

“What really happened is that I was placed under house arrest in the villa of a retired Mexican Army General. He raped me repeatedly for six weeks before I was rescued by Woody.”

“That was awful. How did you survive?”

“It was very difficult, but I made up my mind that one day I would escape and come to America.”

“Olga, do you know the name or location of this American? I would like to bring him in front of an American judge and jury.”

Woody stepped in. “Olga and I have talked about hunting him down, but we haven’t formalized a plan just yet.”

“Count me in when you do. I have some high flying friends in New York that have connections to the U.S. State Department.”

Knowing how Willow likes to take things into her own hands, Woody said, “Don’t do anything or contact anybody until I tell you to.”

“Okay, Woody, just let me know when you want to move on it.” 

“Willow, since Anne is using the bathroom downstairs, please feel free to use my bath and dressing room upstairs. You know I have a rule, only blood kin are allowed to use my area. So, you’re welcome to use anything you need.”

Sipping a cup of coffee, Olga leaned over and whispered, “I thank you for your family. I really like Willow and want to know much more about her. But, I have a concern which I’ve held for quite some time.”

“What is it?”

“Darling, don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m a pretty good judge of men, considering the abuse I’ve taken and the mistakes I’ve made.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I don’t like Connor. He is not good for Willow. I think he may hurt her badly if they should stay together or worst yet, if they should marry. There is something about him that gives me bad vibes.”

“Olga, they have been friends and sweethearts all of their lives. I think you’re reading him wrong.”

“I hope so, but I want to caution you to keep an eye on him and keep an open mind.”

“I’ll do it.”

Chapter 10

Willow returned to Vicksburg later in the day. As she crossed the Mississippi River, she called Connor on her cell.

“I’m about five minutes from the office. Is it okay if I stop by?’

“Yeah, that would be fine. I would like to know what you’ve been doing anyway.”

After parking in the spot marked for Rupert McKenzie, Willow walked quickly to the front entrance of McKenzie Towing and opened the heavy steel and glass door.

“Hello, Caitlyn—good to see you.”

“Good afternoon to you, Willow. Connor is in his office on the phone.”

“That’s fine. I see him sitting there with his back to the door. I’ll just barge in on him.”

As she entered the office, Connor turned toward her.  “Welcome home.”

“Connor, I really missed you last night. Did you have a good time on the ‘Bricks’?”

“Yeah, it was okay. You should have been there. The bands played some of our good music. I danced with several of our old friends.”

“That’s good. But I think it was very rude for you to be a no-show at Woods’ Station.”

“Well, hell woman. You had your “CUZ”. There was no room for me. I’m sure you and Woody had plenty to say about me.”

“Connor, don’t flatter yourself. Your whole attitude and actions are quite rude.  I don’t appreciate it one bit. Woody only inquired about you when he was cooking. And, I scarcely mentioned your name. But, yes, Woody and I had lots of catching up to do. And, by the way, what exactly is your problem?”

“Hell, I just don’t like for you to be out of my sight, especially with Woody or any of your relatives.”

“Why, Connor, I believe you’re jealous. Are you afraid something will happen to me or do you think somebody would tell me some sorted gossip on you?”

“You’ve been gone too long and you don’t know how things have changed.”

 “Connor, these are my family and friends of Daddy. They haven’t changed that much. What could possibly go wrong?”

“You just never know and need to be very careful with these people. By the way, where is your daddy?”

“He’s still at Woods’ Station. He, Woody, Anne, and Olga are going fishing again. And why are you referring to my family as ‘these people’?”

“Just a figure of speech.”

“I don’t like to hear it, so
STOP IT
.”

Willow thought,
this is the second time in the last twenty-four hours that I’ve been
warned.
I’m puzzled.
 

“So now, Connor, I want to change the subject and the venue. I want to take a trip to San Antonio. I want to go see the place where you and Daddy spent so much of your time. I want to stay where you stayed and see the attractions.”

Caitlyn, sitting in her office listened intently to Connor and Willow’s conversation, said, “Willow, I will be glad to make the reservations for you.”

“Great. Do that and I want to stay two weeks.”

“Two weeks. Are you crazy? I can’t be gone that long.”

Caitlyn interrupted saying, “Oh yes Connor. You need a vacation. Business is slow at this time of year and I can handle it.”

“Well, damn. Looks like I’ve been blindsided. Did the two of you make these plans earlier?”

“No, Connor, this is the first time Caitlyn and I discussed it. I’ve got the plane sitting on the tarmac at VTR. All I need to do is call Tobin, the pilot, and he will make all of the flying arrangements. Caitlyn, please reserve the biggest suite in the hotel with a big Jacuzzi.” Then, with a devilish smile on her face, she added, “One, big enough for two.”

*   *   *

In less than an hour, Willow and Connor were aboard the plane. Tobin’s voice came over the intercom.

“Ms. McKenzie, we’re ready to take off.”

 “Okay. We’re settled in back here.”

 Turning to Connor, Willow asked, “Why don’t we ask Tobin to lift off to the north, bank right and fly over Vicksburg?”

“Good idea. I would like to see Vicksburg and the bridges all lit up. You know, we could also fly over the National Park. But, since there are very few lights in the park, we won’t be able to see much other than our tower.”

“That’s enough for me. Why don’t you give Tobin some directions and let’s get going?”

Overhearing the conversation, Tobin said, “Ma’am, due to the wind direction, we’ll have to use runway 18. Then, we can bank west and loop back over Vicksburg.”

“Tobin, you’re the pilot. You decide which way we lift off, but I do want to fly over the Vicksburg Harbor, the National Military Park, and the two Mississippi River bridges.”

“Not a problem, Ms. McKenzie.”

“Here’s another thought. As we fly south down river, keep the river in view from the right side of the plane. Then when we get to Port Gibson, turn west and fly over Lake Bruin.”

Tobin pulled out his flight map and looked it over.

“Lake Bruin?”

“Yeah, it is directly across the river from Port Gibson on the Louisiana side.”

“Oh, yes. I see it. That won’t be a problem either. From there, are we going to San Antonio?” 

“That’s right.”

“Okay, ma’am. You all get comfortable. We’ll make this a short flight. We’ll be underway very soon.”

“Tobin, what is the flying time to San Antonio?”

“From Lake Bruin, approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.”

“Good. Once we’re airborne, my partner needs to make a call to our overnight lodging.”

“Ms. McKenzie, I’ll be happy to do that for you. Just give me the number to call.”

“Connor, do you have the number?”

Gesturing by slapping himself on the forehead, Connor said, “No. Doggone it. I left it on my desk. But no need to call. I’m certain Caitlyn took care of everything.”

Tobin said, “No problem,” said Tobin. “Give me the name and I’ll call information and confirm the reservations y’all just sit back and enjoy the flight. Ms. McKenzie, I do have one other question. Do you want us to stay on the ground in San Antonio?”

“No, Tobin. We plan to stay a couple of weeks. You’ll need to return to your home base.”

“Very good. If you need anything, please press the intercom button.”

“Thank you.”

As the jet pulled up from runway 18, Connor thought,
this has been one fast moving day.   We started out talking about building a house up on Devil’s Ridge and now eight hours later, we’re headed to San Antonio
.

The plane banked right toward the west as the sun sank below the horizon. A faint rainbow appeared for only a second as the plane continued its climb and right-hand turn. Directly underneath was the Port of Lake Providence, from which McKenzie Towing had transported a million tons of grain up and down the Mississippi River.

Peering out of the window and looking in a southerly direction, Connor turned to Willow.

“Look, there’s Eagle Lake and the Tara Wildlife Refuge and just beyond, the Vicksburg Harbor. Do you see McKenzie V, our newest tow boat?”

“My goodness. Why do you have so many lights shining on the vessel?”

“Yeah, that of course, is a security measure. We have around the clock security guards when we’re tied up in port.”

“I didn’t know we had a new boat. How old is it?”

“It’s been in service for about five months. Cost us a pretty penny, but it will pay for itself in short order. With the astronomical increases in fuel prices, water transportation of commodities is becoming more advantageous every day. Highway and rail transportation can’t effectively compete as they have in the past.”

“Connor, how many boats do we own?”

“We’ve got five working and one in dry dock.”

“You know, Connor, I had no idea. Daddy has given me large sums of money over the years, which concerned me, but now I’m beginning to understand his financial situation. How many employees work at McKenzie?”

“Depends, but the range is 125-150, depending on the time of year and the river conditions.” 

“And you were concerned about leaving for two weeks?”

“Right. Somebody has got to keep them in line.”

“I’m sure you’ve got tow boat captains that can do that.”

“Well, yeah, but they depend on me, too.”

Willow saw Fort Hill come into view. She pushed the intercom button. “Tobin, please make a slight left hand turn. I want to get a better view of the National Military Park and that big spiral observation tower standing there.”

“Yes ma’am. For a better view I’ll make a circle and give you a three-sixty look.”

“That’s great. Thank you.”

As the plane circled Willow said, “Connor, when we get back from San Antonio, I want to go to the cave. Are all of our teenage treasures sill there?”

“I think so. I haven’t been to the cave since you and I were last there.”

Looking out into the night sky Connor thought,
I don’t want her in that cave. I’ve got to come up
with a plan.
  

Peering out of the right side of the plane, Willow exclaimed, “Oh Connor, look at the American Flag flying over the old bridge. It is so beautiful. I didn’t notice it this morning when we crossed the bridge.”

“Even though it measures eight feet wide and ten feet long, it is hard to see during the day unless a breeze has it stretched out.”

Willow leaned over and kissed Connor on the lips.  “Darling, I just love being home and doing things with you.”

“I agree, but it is going to take some adjusting.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll help you adjust. And, I want you to plan on spending less time at the office and more time with me. We have places to go and people to meet.”

Tobin’s voice came over the intercom. “Ms. McKenzie, Port Gibson can be seen out of the right side in a couple of minutes. We’ll fly over then turn across the Mississippi River.”

“Thank you, Tobin.”

Willow saw the church steeple with the big, gold painted finger pointing toward the heavens.

“This is too beautiful, just like the flag. I’m so excited I can hardly breathe. And, look Connor, somewhere in the trees below is the Grand Gulf State Park and that Confederate redoubt on the high ridge overlooking the river.” 

At that moment, they broke out in laughter. Simultaneously, they remembered the first time they cut senior class, shared a picnic and an intimate afternoon under the shade of a grand old oak tree.

“Connor, do you remember the line you shot me that afternoon?”

“That’s been more than thirty years ago. I’ll have to think about it for a while.”

“I thought it was beautiful, maybe something you had read in one of our literature books. So you don’t remember?”

Blushing slightly, Connor said, “Just give me a while. I’ll remember.”

“No. I’m going to repeat it. As a matter of fact, I wrote it in my notebook and have rewritten it several times. You said, ‘I was born to love you now. Can’t you see? Baby you look good to me today’.”

“Now I remember, but I must confess. I didn’t pen that line. I stole it from one of our songs. I don’t remember which one just yet, but it did sum up my feelings for you, then and now.”

“Conner, that is so sweet. We must remember the title and get a copy for us to play often.”

“We don’t need any more distractions. We’ve got a business to run.”

“Don’t worry. I am ready to become involved in the business again. That way I could take some of the load off you.”

“Willow, you don’t know anything about the towing business.”

“That’s not true. Don’t you remember I used to ride the tows with you and Daddy?”

“Willow, that was a long time ago. You never really got involved in the nuts and bolts. And what you learned back then is no longer applicable.”

“Okay, Connor, but I’m a quick study. You can teach me the new way of doing business. I’m sure I can complement you and Caitlyn.”

“Maybe I should retire and let you and Caitlyn run the business.”

“Now, Connor that would be nothing short of stupid. If you want to retire, we could sell it and spend the rest of our lives touring this great country. There are lots of places I’ve visited in the past thirty years that I want to visit again. And, I’m sure there are some undiscovered places that would be nice to visit. I want to experience all of them with you.”

“I don’t think your Daddy would ever agree to sell. He loves the towing business and the river too much to completely divorce himself of either. Besides, how would we split the money after the sale? What would be my share?”

“I proposed marriage to you yesterday. I’m not sure I ever got a really affirmative answer. But just supposing you say yes, we become husband and wife, and then we would share the profits equally. I just want to be sure to set aside enough money to make sure Daddy is comfortable.”

“I don’t know, maybe we should sell forty-nine percent and retain majority interest with fifty-one percent.”