Chapter 81

Present – Ben, Jens and others – a couple months later at the cabin

How time flies when you’re having fun! Other than Yasmeen and Zarika we’re all back at the cabin. The two girls keep having problems with formication which baffles the clinic doctors. They were shocked at the recovery made by Mira, Alexi and Safia, but even I am still not totally convinced that Alexi is cured. Jens assures me he is and I do trust her.

The rebuild of the cabin is going great! Since I didn’t know about the gold from the jet, Jens explained it to me so I’m not as concerned about money as I was.

Jens playfully pokes me in the side and says, “Time to wake up for PT old man.”

She knows I’m not ticklish but she’s ticklish as hell so I grab her sides. She begins to fight but not before I get in a few good tickles. Jens complains, “One of these days you’re going to make me pee in my pants by tickling me before I get a chance to use the bathroom.” Jens dashes into the bathroom.

I laugh and answer, “Don’t complain to me, you’re the one who started it. Now hurry up or we will be late for PT.”

Jens teased, “Well if you didn’t want ‘that’ this morning we’d have more time.”

I countered, “Me want ‘that’? If I remember correctly it was you that wanted sex.”

Jens comes out of the bathroom, smiles and says, “That’s because you’re so damn sexy! Now hurry up or we will be late for PT.”

I rush my morning bathroom duties, come out already dressed in a pair of BDU’s and Jens complains, “Hey you’re already in uniform and you know I like to watch you dress.”

I swat her ass as I head out the door and say, “Last one to PT has to run the obstacle course.”

We run through the tunnels where I hit the door first, fly outside and easily beat Jens to the PT field. Jens complains, “Hey, no fair.”

I kiss her and say, “All is fair in love and war.”

She laughs, “That’s okay I will just have to kick your ass on the obstacle course.”

Ira and Mira run up as Ira states, “Today is my turn.”

Ira begins the PT while we and the rest of the security team try to keep up. Jens breathlessly says, “I do like having the twins lead the PT.”

I chuckle as much as possible while sucking wind and agree, “Yeah, they’re worse than any DIs I ever had.”

We finish the PT and now it’s time for a run. We all load up our gear as Ira leads the run while Mira drops beside us and remarks, “Very good job this morning.”

Jens replies, “Thanks Mira, how are you feeling?”

Mira says, “I feel fine. I have almost vanquished the belly from the pregnancy. I will be thankful when it is gone because it’s a constant reminder of the huge mistake I precipitated.”

I’m still not used to the new Mira - the Mira who isn’t interested in me. I have some concern that it will come back, but Jens assures me it won’t. I’m taking the opportunity to daydream because I’m living the life I’ve always wanted.

Suddenly I see Mira’s Katana flash out of the saya as she announces, “Someone approaches.”

Almost instantly Ira is back beside us with her Katana out when Destiny runs up and says, “Good morning girls, it’s wise to keep an eye on these two because they have attracted the interest of others.”

I greet her, “Good morning Destiny, I gather this isn’t a social call? I hope you can spend some time with us.”

Destiny shakes her head, her hair rustles like leaves quaking in an aspen tree and she says, “Ben I am much too busy right now for a social visit. Unfortunately, because of your past in Iraq and Afghanistan, and because of the news reports that Samantha Stevens has done, you’ve attracted the attention of some very undesirable men.”

Jens is standing beside me holding my hand and asks, “Do you mean Muslim men?”

Destiny confirms, “That is correct. There are still valid fatwahs for Ben. They have had you under observation and are trying to come up with a plan to execute you and Jens.”

Mira challenges, “Over our deceased physiques will they will harm the Blaines.”

Destiny says, “These men are terrible and do not care who they hurt or kill. If they had their way, they would destroy all of you, including your whole cabin and tunnel complex.”

Jens swears, “Son of a sea biscuit! Do you know where they are staying, perhaps we could do a preemptive strike?”

Destiny disappoints us by saying, “Unfortunately, I have been unable to determine their dwelling place.” Destiny turns and points, “However, one is observing you even as we speak.”

I see the telltale flash from a scope or binoculars and suggest, “Let’s go get the fucker.”

We take off after the fucker but he jumps up and runs away. We reach the top of the hill just in time to see a car – the same car I saw following us at the hospital – speeding away.

I ask Destiny, “Can you pick up their trail?”

Destiny says, “Unfortunately, I cannot without an item of their clothing. However I will be taking your runs with you in the mornings.”

Ira says, “We need to constantly vary our routes and our schedules.”

I agree, “That’s right, I’m going to talk with Sheriff Jim and see about getting deputized again so we can legally carry weapons.”

Mira requests, “Mr. Blaine, please see if he will provide the equivalent credentials for my sister and I.”

I reply, “I will check and see, but he’s still upset at the two of you so I’m not sure he will do that.”

Destiny suggests, “With the spotter gone, you can now continue your run.”

Ira sets a blistering pace that I can barely keep up with. Jens looks at me and says, “Don’t worry Ben, they aren’t going to get us.”

But I am concerned. Why the hell did this have to happen now? Life is going so well...

Present – Samantha, Inga and Thom – Stacy’s places

Liz was correct when she said that rich people don’t go to jail. Stacy’s lawyers got her off on a temporary insanity plea. This almost never happens to anyone so I’m not sure that some judges weren’t paid under the table. But I sure wasn’t going to open an investigation into it - just knowing that Stacy would be out in another week made me happy.

They did let Bill out because he didn’t do anything wrong so all the work continued. The biggest surprise I had was when I came back and a woman named Inga (she did some work with Jennifer and Thom) had talked with the chef and together they had opened a small restaurant in the brewery (which was almost functional again). She was the waitress and the chef did the rest. It did crazy good business with people lined up around the building to eat and marvel at the progress on the brewery. It was great because since I worked for Stacy I had priority and could take a seat when one became available without all the standing in line.

Vic and I sat at the table and Inga asked, “Would you like wine with your meal today?”

This was a change. I was shocked and Inga explains, “That’s right, you haven’t been here since our liquor license came through.”

Vic replies, “None for me since I’m on duty.” I ask, “What’s on the menu for today?”

Inga smiles and answers, “Beef Bourguignon, I would recommend the house red wine with it.”

I smile at Inga and reply, “Just a little bit. I have some work to do this afternoon and I don’t want it to affect me.”

Vic says, “I never dreamed I would eat so well in my life. I’ve had to start working out more so I don’t gain weight.”

I ask, “How’s your house and is your family getting settled?”

Vic says, “It’s a great house, the perfect size. My wife loves it up here but is still getting used to the altitude.”

I remind him, “Make sure she drinks enough water each day because that’s one of the keys to adjusting to this altitude.”

Vic looks a little worried and asks, “Samantha, would it be possible for you to eat dinner with us one night?”

I smile at Vic and reply, “Of course I would love to, but being a reporter I can sense there’s something else.”

Vic confesses, “Mallory is jealous that I work with you and is sure that we’re fooling around. If she could just meet you and see the two of us together it would really help.”