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Dawn’s first light peaked over the mountains, as Mackenzie slipped quietly from the bus, still pajama clad. They had arrived at the venue late the night before, or, rather, early that morning. The venue was situated at the base of several small mountains, which offered a serene landscape. Mackenzie’s tennis shoes made very little noise on the pavement, as she went in search of a pay phone. She realized that Denise or one of the guys would have let her use one of their cellular phones, but Mackenzie knew that cell phone signals could be tracked very easily. Besides, she didn’t want to drag them into her situation any more than they already were. Mackenzie spotted the bank of pay phones at the back entrance to the venue. She slipped the folded piece of paper out of her pocket, and glanced at the numbers before picking up the phone, depositing the change, and placing her call. The phone rang three times before it was picked up.
“Hello, Fred’s Pizza Palace. How may I help you?”
“May I please speak to Marty?”
“Who’s calling?”
“An enemy of his uncle’s.”
“Which uncle?”
“Sam.”
“Hold.” Then line went silent for a moment before a raspy voice picked up.
“Hello?”
“Marty?”
“Who’s askin’?”
“This is Mackenzie.”
“Oh, Micki! How are you, baby?”
“I’m fine.” she smiled.
“Stella was starting to get worried about you!”
“Give her hug for me.”
“Will do. Now, what can I do for you?”
“I think a better question is, what can you get for me?”
“Ok. I’m listening.”
Mackenzie sighed, and withdrew a list from her pocket. “I need a top of the line IBM compatible laptop with a modem and internet access. I also need a small spray container of sleeping gas. Last but not least, I need about a grand of cash.”
“Currency?”
“Twenties.”
“Alright. That’s do-able.” Marty said at last.
“Great! Thanks so much Marty!”
“You're welcome. Just remember me when you find what you’re looking for, ok?”
Mackenzie laughed.“I will, I promise.” she said.
Marty sighed. “A fella will make the delivery to you tomorrow. Where are you?”
“Have him deliver it........ in Oklahoma City. Have him make the drop at the concert venue. Tell him to wear a black suit, and carry a bouquet of flowers for his Lady Love.”
“Check. I’ll set it up right away. Listen Micki, you be careful out there. You don’t know these kind of people like I do. They’ll stop at nothing.”
“So will I. Besides, I’ll be watchful, I promise.”
“That’s two promises you’ve made in one day. You better keep at least one of ‘em.” He paused. “Your father would kill me, you know that, don’t you?”
“Yeah. But, unfortunately, he’s not around to do the protecting any more. I’m on my own.”
“If you need me.....”
“I was watching the sunrise,” she explained. “How about you?”
“I’ve always been a morning person.”
“Unlike Nick and AJ.” They laughed together.
“Let’s see if we can pilfer some bagels from the caterer and find a spot to talk.” Howie suggested. A warm feeling filled her, and Mackenzie agreed with out any hesitation. When Howie looked at her, her pulse beat a little faster, and her cheeks flushed. Mackenzie tried hard to discern this feeling, but it was no use. Howie felt short of breath himself. Suddenly, he reached out and grabbed her hand. She stopped abruptly and gazed up at him, her brow wrinkled slightly in thought. Finally, she smiled, gave his hand a little squeeze, and continued walking. Howie exhaled the breath he had been holding, and Mackenzie sighed contentedly.
*****
A man stood beside the hot dog vendor. He wore a black suit and carried a bouquet of wildflowers. In his left hand, was a briefcase. Mackenzie took a deep breath, and began to approach him. Just then a girl came flying out of no where, and launched herself at the man. He cried out her name, and swirled her off her feet. They kissed. Mackenzie turned away disappointedly.
“Excuse me, but I was wondering if you could give me your opinion on these flowers,” a deep voice said. Mackenzie slowly faced the owner of the voice.
“Who are they for?” she asked hesitantly.
“My Lady Love.” he replied. It was him. They stood and scrutinized one another.
“Look no further,” she said softly. His eyes flashed and he handed her the carnations.
“You’re other presents are over behind that bench,” he stated, gesturing to a low seat several yards away. She glanced in the direction he indicated. When she turned back, the man was gone.
*****
Howie emitted a deep growl of frustration. Where could he have misplaced his favorite shirt? Howie wasn’t sure why he wanted that shirt so desperately, but he did. It was no where to be found. The clutter blocking the isle way of the bus irritated him further. Some of the disarray belonged to Mackenzie. He scooped up a pair of jeans and several shirts he knew to be hers. Then he saw it. Lying beneath a shirt was a small, black pocket organizer. Howie’s eyes darted around the bus, and he debated simply placing the book on Mackenzie’s bed. However, his curiosity got the better of him. Gently, Howie sat on her bed, and carefully opened the organizer. On the first page, was a list of words written in Mackenzie’s sprawling script.
~Inheritance
~Shareholders
~Motives?
~Suppliers?
~Money
Intrigued, Howie turned to the next page where Mackenzie had scrawled,
~Marty Cusack may have information. A supplier.
~Obtain records and invoices, if possible.
~Hack into mainframe, search for “project: raison de entantre”.
On the next page, a number was penned.
~555-8243
~Fred’s Pizza
~enemy of uncle’s...... Sam.
Howie closed the book, unsure what to make of what he had read. Was this a clue to Mackenzie’s past? Or, rather, her future? What was she hiding, if anything? His heart grew troubled, and he debated whether or not to broach the subject with her. Finally, Howie decided to observe quietly. If he asked too many questions too soon, he might scare her away. Confident in his decision, Howie slipped the book into her bag, and replaced the muddle of clothes on the floor.
Gettin' good, huh? Keep goin'....
© 1997 crunkgrl62382@yahoo.com
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