Eye of Reality Trilogy
Book One
Those Eyes
Published by UCS PRESS
UCS PRESS is an imprint of MarJim Books
P.O. Box 13025
Tucson, Arizona 85732-3025
Copyright 2012 by Crystal Anderson
Cover design by Crystal Anderson
ISBN 978-0-943247-47-2
Smashwords Edition
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to an actual person or persons is unintentional.
***
I paced the room and ran through everything in my head. “She doesn’t know anything. She doesn’t know anything!”
“Who doesn’t?”
“That is what your father was saying on the phone earlier.”
“My father is here?”
“At least he told me he was Tony Pacino. I had dinner with him.”
“And he told you about a phone call?”
“Well, not really. I kind of overheard him.”
“What did you hear?” She grabbed me.
“Well, something about covering his tracks for generations and it being more important to him than the person on the other line.”
“And?”
“And, something about a package that would be delivered as promised. Also, he said she doesn’t know anything and they won’t leave the house. That is all I heard.”
Isabella went pale and tightened her jaw. “We have to get out of here. They know.”
About the author
Crystal Anderson is an experienced traveler and writer.
She was a personal assistant for J’Lein Liese, Founder and President of the Foundation for Global Leadership in 2007-2008. Anderson traveled with FGL to 17 countries throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and Central America. Anderson also backpacked solo through Israel, West Bank (Palestine), and Jordan in spring 2008.
She is a native of the Southwestern American city of Tucson, Arizona, but is currently in the Midwest studying for her B.A. in Communications/Media and is working on a documentary called Voices in the Muslim Movement set in Egypt and Chicago.
(www.voicesinthemuslimmovement.com)
Her passions include politics, history, travel, interpersonal communication, and reporting facts to inform and give people the opportunity to shape educated opinions for action.
Dedication
To everyone oppressed by culture, religion, gender, tradition, evil spirits, mind-set, and self. May God use this book to open the eyes of the oppressed and the oppressors to the epic life He wants for them.
Table of Contents
Chapter Two: North, South, East, or West?
Chapter Three: Impactful Memories
Chapter Seven: Moving Mountains
Chapter Nine: Approaching Storm / 125
We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads form one to another that creates something.
Sandra Day O’Connor
***
Prologue: Tapestry of Life
I’ve heard it said that the more hardships and challenges you overcome during your time on this planet the more beautiful the tapestry of your life will become. If this is true then my life’s tapestry has gone from bland to a spectacular splash of bright colors.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, my personal tapestry began taking on incredible hues the day I was kidnapped twice.
Really.
I will tell you about that in Chapter One.
For now, I think you should know where my life focus was before staying alive became a priority. My world was once filled with very different dreams prior to surviving multiple assassination attempts across the globe. I wrote the following piece just after graduating from high school:
He looked at me as if he had never seen anything so beautiful. As he cupped my face in his hands, I prayed that nothing would break the magic. My heart started to pound as he leaned closer...
“Wake up already!” My eyes opened to an earthquake that only appeared to be affecting my bed. “You have to be at work in an hour!” yelled my sweet little sister and left the room.
Well, I must have not prayed hard enough for that magic. “Was it really that great?” she said re-entering the room.
“He was gorgeous and completely wrong for me,” I answered getting up.
“Why?” she asked.
“Have you not learned by now Rachel, my type...wait any type, would not stand me for long.”
Now let me explain something. I am not a bitter person or even a pessimist. Though some may believe I am. Actually, I am pretty normal, except for the fact that I have never been kissed. I really want to be kissed, but I guess I must admit I am picky. I am a hopeless romantic and, to be honest, I see nothing wrong with that. There should be a support group for people like me, though, because everywhere you go you’re confronted with couples and the like.
I know dating is never perfect. I have seen all of my friends take part in it. There are those first few weeks that are heaven-sent and then they start asking me for advice on why they are together, like I have wisdom on the matter or something.
Dating never ends well; especially in high school, drama central. But it does not get any better in college either. Heartbreak after heartbreak makes it harder on your next relationship. That’s one of the reasons why I do not want to make a mistake I will regret. A kiss is very personal to me and not something I just want to give away. I may desire it, but I know that by waiting for the right guy and moment it will be worth it.
I hope people can see that I am not judging them for their choices, only guarding my choices. Anyway, my sister, Rachel, understands me because she is the same way. Although she blames her virgin lips on zero opportunities. That is one argument I have learned to avoid because you can only say “you can have any guy you want” a thousand times and realize you are talking to a wall.
The two of us still live at home with our parents in Arizona. Rachel’s still in high school; I attend the local university. We also have two brothers and a cat. The cat is much more interesting than my brothers, but I will mention them anyway. Josh is in high school with Rachel, and Drew is six years old. My mother, Lynn, stays at home with Drew; while my father, Raymond, works for the city.
That is nowhere near the extent of my local kin, though. I have both sets of grandparents in town and two sets of aunts and uncles; with plenty of cousins to keep us all busy on holidays and birthdays. We are really close and like being called a clan.
I think my life is pretty normal, except for a few hundred areas. But normal is not what anyone daydreams about, at least not in my daydreams. Remember I am a hopeless romantic and I am still waiting for my kiss.
That life is a distant memory. I live in the same body, but I’m a changed person. I know first-hand that God sometimes works in mysterious ways.
He did with my life.
When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it—always.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Chapter One: Kidnapped
I’ve aged little in calendar years since the first mysterious man kidnapped me. It was traumatic. So was the second kidnapping by an even more mysterious man, all happening on the same oven-baked Arizona day.
A lifetime of emotions suddenly crammed into so little time. The constant dread of another assassin finding and this time killing me. And finding love in the strangest of situations. All the while knowing that bullets or a bomb or a blade might have my name on it.
My life of adventure and intrigue began one day right after a routine stop at one of my favorite places.
“I would like a caramel Frap… please.” There is nothing like a slushy coffee to lighten a hot day in the middle of summer. If it was not for the cool caffeine slush, the heat would be almost unbearable. I knew that soon the temperature would cool, but in exchange for college exams heating up once more.
All too soon I re-entered the Arizona and headed toward my car. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed two men shove someone into a black Mercedes. I glanced in their direction and made eye contact with one of the men. He seemed about fortyish and ready to bite someone’s head off. I looked away and tried to control my steady pace toward my 2002 Ford Focus. In moments I had opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat. Taking a deep breath I drove the car onto Broadway Boulevard, and then let the breath out again.
The traffic was thick and I quickly became stopped behind ten cars waiting for the light to turn green. I leaned down and turned up my radio and broke into a duet with LeAnn Rhymes, I should try to be strong, but baby you’re the right kind of wrong… I sang along. ….yeah, baby you’re the right kind of wrong.
The light turned green and slowly the cars rolled through the intersection. I barely made it through as the light changed to yellow. I glanced in the rear-view mirror to see if anyone else had dared squeeze through the light with me.
The black Mercedes glided through and was just inches from my bumper. I could feel the blood drain from my face. I quickly tore my eyes from the mirror and stared at the break lights ahead. The line for this light seemed twenty cars long.
My fingers and palms gripped the steering wheel. I glanced at the cars around me. Faces filled with anxiety dotted the cars waiting to get through the light. Some were on their cell phones and others unconsciously sang along to the radio. Not one seemed to even notice me.
I inhaled a deep breath and let it out through my teeth this time, and ventured a look into the driver-side mirror. My eyes locked with the driver of the Mercedes and bile rose in my throat. The hairs on my neck stood at attention ready to fight. Or was it flight? I swallowed and glanced at the car to my left. The girl was jabbering away on her phone.
Phone!
I reached for my purse and dug into it tossing things onto the passenger seat. After almost emptying my purse I found it. I glanced up to see that the light had turned green, so I quickly opened it and dialed my mother’s phone number.
I put my left hand on the steering wheel and with my right I held the phone to my ear. The car in front of me began to inch forward, so I did the same. Ring…ring…ring…
“Hi. You have reached Lynn’s cell phone. I am…”
I pressed end and grumbled, “That woman needs a leash for her phone!” I watched as the light turned yellow and the car in front of me came to a stop, when there was plenty of time to make it through. Although barely enough for me to follow, but I was willing to take that chance.
My eyes focused on the street light and I prepared my right foot to step on the gas. Are they following me? No, of course not. They are just heading in the same direction as everyone in this town, I wanted to shout.
I lowered my gaze to the traffic heading to my right and noticed it was significantly lighter. It was not heading towards home, but I could make a small detour. I turned on my right blinker and waited for the light to change to green.
A moment later I had my wish and waited a second for the car ahead of me to move, and then I turned right. Breathing a little easier I sped up a bit and even started humming to the music in the air. I passed through the next intersection without a hold up and was approaching another, where I decided to turn left and resume my homeward direction. I peeked over my left shoulder, to my blind spot, and saw the black Mercedes. My heart skipped a beat and I turned back to the road ahead, and quickly aimed my car into a parking lot to my right.
I parked the car two rows away from a local restaurant and jumped out of the car and headed inside. Once through the door I headed straight for the bathroom. My right hand pushed open the door and locked it behind me. Glancing around the single bathroom I located the mirror and walked over to it. My reflection was apparently quite comical, because I started to laugh. “This is crazy; it is nothing but my imagination.”
Biting my tongue to stifle any further hysterics, I splashed water on my face. Then released my tongue with an explosion of laughter as I noticed there were no paper towels. “This has been some kind of day. As to what kind, I am not sure.” I turned on the dryer and dried my hands, then wiped the sides of my face on my shirt sleeves.
Clearing my throat, I opened the door and walked out into the restaurant. With a smirk from the episode of laughter in the bathroom, I glanced over at the tables of people. The food smelled delicious. I wonder what mom is making for dessert. I hope she made one very large German Chocolate cake with fudge frosting!
I turned towards the entrance and saw the driver walk in with the passenger who had been riding shotgun. The hostess stole their attention immediately and proceeded to guide them to an empty table. She cheerfully gave them their menus and said a few more words before heading back to her stand near the door. All the while I remained frozen, unable to even breathe. Slasher movies my friends had recounted for me in detail flashed through my head.
A woman bumped into me on her way to the bathroom, jarring me back to the present. Suddenly the room became ear piercingly loud and crowded. The whole world kept on going without even noticing my presence. I am crazy, I thought. This is just a coincidence. I took a step towards the door, followed by another one. The second man eyed me suspiciously. A moment later I was outside the building and started walking towards my car. I passed the black Mercedes and saw that it was empty. My hand briefly touched the handle to my car door. A hand on my shoulder startled me.
I turned to face a tall man with tanned skin and a thin mustache along his upper lip. “Is something wrong Miss?” he said.
I was stunned for a second and then realized he was the one, the man they had shoved into the car. “No, nothing. How are you?” I hardly believed I said it. Why am I talking to this guy?
“Actually, I need your help.” he said. “I need you to drive me somewhere. Right now!” Then he grabbed my wrist and opened the door. He slid over to the passenger seat, which pulled me into the car with him. Once I was behind the wheel he yelled, “Drive!”
I started the car and pulled up to the street. “Turn right and keep going till I tell you differently.” he ordered. So, I pulled onto the road. He said nothing more for a long while. We drove on and on, and then I started to realize that we had passed the city limits. I thought, I am going to die. Is this man going to rape me in the middle of the desert, then kill me? To make matters worse, there was nothing I could do about it.
Then I realized there was something I could do. I could crash into another car or honk my horn….something. I remembered reading an e-mail that was passed around a few months before that said to do all you can to get away. Even if it means you might be injured in the process, at least you had a chance of living. Lord help. I need you. Why is this happening to me! What is it that you want me to do? I silently pleaded.
“Turn right here,” the man said. Instinctively I obeyed and started traveling down the new direction. I glanced at the man. He sat silently, lost in his thoughts.
I was beginning to feel sick from my thoughts. I was unable to pull myself out of the trance of driving by his commands. I imagined myself jerking the steering wheel to the right and hitting a car, but someone completely innocent would get hurt. But I was also innocent in this whole thing. Did I not have rights, too?
“Where are we going?” I felt the words fumble out, and then listened to the silence as the question hung in the air for an eternity.
Then he answered softly, “It doesn’t really matter does it?”
I sat stunned. I’d expected a harsh answer like “shut up!” This did not seem to make sense, so I decided to try again. “Why doesn’t it matter?”
He looked at me for a long while as if weighing and analyzing his response. “Because I am going to die.”
Not completely understanding his behavior opposed to his statements, I said, “Everyone is going to die someday.”
“I just don’t want it to be soon.”
“Only God knows the time and the place for our death.”
“The thing is he doesn’t care when and where.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Trust me, I have seen enough evidence. You would never understand. You have a normal life, with no worries.”
I stayed silent. He did not know me! I have problems and issues. Why just look at my horrible day. I had someone yell at me, I nearly was late for work, and… Feeling a bit stupid I looked over to him and realized he was scared. Why was he scared? He kidnapped me, but something inside me pushed me to ask. “What makes you think your time is soon?”
“It’s not what I think! My fate is in the hands of men who will do anything to have their way.”
“You’re wrong!” He turned and glared at me, but I did not back down. “You are in God’s hands and in his protection if you would only accept him.” The silence that followed was deadly. What am I doing? I must be going crazy. Lord, help!
“Accept what?” For a moment I just stared ahead, afraid to even breathe. Why did I open my big mouth? What if these are my last moments on earth?
“God loves you and he died for you.”
“Oh, that story...”
“It is not a story,” I felt anger and resentment to his comment inside me. Even if this was my last stand before I meet my maker, this guy was going to hear that story one more time. No one disrespects what my Lord did for me and walks away easily. “He laid down his life for you by His grace. Through Him, I fear nothing. Not even you.” That is not completely true, but I wish it were.
“Why did he want to die?”
“He didn’t want to die. He died so you could receive his free gift of salvation; the opportunity to have a close relationship with him and go to heaven when you die.” Suddenly it hit me how simple the whole thing sounded, but at the same time how silly it could sound to a non-believer. The man said nothing, but stared out the windshield at the setting sun.
We drove past small houses and gates for miles. Then there was nothing except for an occasional car. I realized something. Coffee is one drink that goes straight through you. I did not know how long I could hold it, so I softly said, “I need to use the restroom.”
Without even turning to me he said, “Then pull over.” I did so, and stepped out of the car with my purse. I started walking towards the desert, and then I heard him get out and say, “How does one receive this gift?” Relieved I turned around and smiled, “The righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Romans 3:22 I thought and thanked God for the wonderful Awana program my mom forced me to attend.
I walked into the darkness.
After a few feet I looked around for a tree or a bush quickly, knowing I could not wait much longer. There was not much to work with, only a few sparse bushes. My bladder began to scream at me, so not caring about who saw me I quickly went where I was.
I finished up and grabbed my purse for some kind of hand sanitizer. I poured a bit of antibacterial into my hand and feeling a bit foolish I rubbed it around. Oh, Lord…I do not want to die. I felt the tears streaming down my face and my hands began to tremble. In the distance I heard a car coming. I looked up to see the head lights getting bigger. This could be my chance. I will stand in front of the car if I have to.
Slowly, I began to stand and turned towards the approaching headlights. I dared a quick glance at my car and saw the man staring at the same headlights. An ear piercing shot rang out and I watched as the man’s body shook before falling to the ground. I felt a scream rising in my throat. Something inside me started my legs moving. As if in a dream I felt myself running into the darkness. Not a sound could be heard around me except the deep breathing that was echoing in my brain. Plants scratched at my pants and shoes, but I barely felt them.
Faintly I heard the staccato of gunshots behind me, but it seemed to be coming from another reality. It was not a part of my world, was it? No. My world consisted of running and yearning for light to appear in the distance. The light from my mother’s favorite lamp in the living room, the one that her grandmother gave her and I would sit for hours reading about the adventures of young lovers as they worked to reunite at the end. The man running up to take her in his arms, I could hear him running and drawing closer to me with every step.
Step!
The pounding of feet were louder than my own. He was coming. To save me from….Suddenly the events flowed back into my consciousness. The gunshots….the man’s body….the car…. A strong hand grabbed me from behind and I lost my balance. My right leg twisted and for a moment I felt weightless before the sudden jolt to my hip, shoulder…
Blackness enveloped me.
“Help!” I screamed as I sat up. When I opened my eyes, I froze. To my right a door swung open and a man stepped through. He walked over and knelt down in front of me. My heart stopped as I stared into his eyes. He seemed to be a little over six feet when he came through the narrow door, but his broad and masculine physique did not compare to his eyes. I could swim in those soft brown eyes staring back at me.
He was the one to break the silent spell, “Do you need anything?”
A million things ran through my mind, but all I could spit out was, “I am fine.” This was the furthest thing from the truth.
Then it all hit me again. The gunshots, the fall, and finally waking up here in a small room with little oval windows. The realization hit me, the soft hum I was hearing and the look of the small room made sense. I was in an airplane, which caused me to blurt out, “Who are you? What do you want and where am I?”
He just laughed softly and maneuvered himself into a chair. The movement proved he was athletic and very sure of every move he made. “First of all, you are in an airplane...”
“I know that!”
He laughed again, before continuing. “Of course you knew that, just like you knew that you shouldn’t talk to strangers.”
“How was I supposed to know that he would kidnap me? He asked if I was alright and I happen to be a nice person!” Becoming angry I noticed the amusement in his eyes. I threw the pillow I had been using moments ago in his direction.
“A temper like that can get one into a lot more trouble than they are already in.”
“What do you want from me?”
“I don’t want anything from you. I was only doing what was necessary to save your life.”
“Necessary?”
“Yes, I happen to be a nice person as well. I saw that you couldn’t handle the situation and stepped in to help.”
“I was handling the situation nicely, until... Is he dead?” I said as my eyes glazed over.
“It could have been you, too.”
“I don’t care about me,” I started to cry. “He was so scared and confused. All he wanted was to live and be set free. He was so close to the truth... Dear Lord, I pray he is in your presence.” I began sobbing uncontrollably. What is wrong with me? Why should I care for him? He kidnapped me. Please let this be just a bad dream.
I started sobbing even harder and felt my body heaving. A hand pulled my hair back and another rested on my back. Nothing came out, but my body kept heaving for a few more seconds. A moment later I felt myself being lowered to the couch and only one hand on my arm. Electricity flowed from his hand to my arm. He quickly jerked it away and I heard him leave the room. Feeling completely alone, I cried myself back into a deep sleep.
“Wake up, senorita.” I heard a near and sweet voice whisper. Everything still seemed vague and unclear, but slowly I came to reality. I felt soft sheets surrounding me and sensed the faint smell of bread in the air. It seemed like a sweet dream wrapping me in its serenity.
Then a dark cloud formed in my mind and drew nearer. I seemed to be running from it, but I felt drawn toward it. My body tensed and I shot upward. Two hands clasped my shoulders softly, and then I heard a voice say, “You are safe.” The voice caused me to open my eyes and a calming soft face filled my vision. The woman smiled at me and quietly patted my arms. “It was only a dream, senorita,” she said. “You must be hungry.” Then she turned and stood to her feet. She crossed to a table where she picked up a tray of fragrant food. As she drew near to me again, every sense in my being was directed toward the delicious food she carried. It seemed to call to me with every step she took.
I held my breath as she delicately placed the tray in front of me. “It is not very much. Just some bread and fruit; the milk is fresh though.” she said sweetly.
I stared at the food, still holding my breath. To me this meal seemed fit for a queen. My stomach grumbled with anticipation, but all I could do was sit there. Then the tears started trickling down my cheeks. I looked up at the woman, who was probably in her late fifties. She had a quaint demeanor and brown eyes that held the secrets of the ages. She wore a simple floral dress with an apron and her soft tanned skin drooped. The room lit up with her smile, instead of from the soft glow peaking through the curtains. She was radiant and in that moment I felt I had known her all my life.
“Thank you,” I softly said looking into her eyes.
“It is no trouble at all. Eat, you must be starving. Food will make things right again.”
To be honest, I believed her. I reached for a piece of bread and clasped the glass of milk, while the woman stood and walked to the window.
She slowly opened the wooden frame that allowed the room to fill with the bright sunshine outside, drawing my attention to my surroundings. I was on a simple bed that appeared to be an antique because of its aged wooden foot board and frame. There was a simple quilt and worn sheets surrounding me and the tray. The room also had a rocking chair situated in one corner that was worn from use. The floors were a plain tan tile and rubbed smooth in the middle.
The woman turned and examined me, as I was examining the room. She said nothing for a long moment and then sat in the rocking chair. “Is it to your liking?” she asked.
“It is delicious,” I said before finishing the last of the fruit. “I hope you don’t find me rude, but where am I?”
“Oh, forgive me. My name is Rosita Rodriguez Lopez, but you can call me Rosa.” She sweetly stated, and then humbly went on, “This is my home and you may see it as your home as well. Isaac left early this morning and will return shortly I imagine.”
“Who is Isaac?” I asked quietly, still trying to make sense of my new surroundings. Rosa looked at me with shock written on her face. I tried to recall the last thing I remembered.
“Why...he brought you here,” she stated suspiciously. Then the eyes entered my thoughts, those eyes that seemed to look and see inside me. Was this the man who had so infuriated me? Who had brought me and left me with this sweet woman? Nothing made sense.
“You seem to have a lot on your mind. How about a bath? They always help me sort my thoughts and lift my spirits.” She rose to her feet and moved the tray back to the table near the rocking chair. “Follow me and I will get you situated in the bath-room. I promise in a moment you will be quite relaxed.” She helped me out of the sheets and toward the door. I looked down and realized I had nothing but a man’s button down shirt on. I had no time to be embarrassed because Rosa was leading me through the door into a narrow hallway.
I heard heavy foot steps ahead and looked up to see a man coming up a stairwell only a short distance ahead. “Isaac, you should not be up here. Now turn around and go down to the kitchen. I will be there in a moment,” she scolded.
The man looked at her with a mischievous smile and then at me. He eyed me for a moment and the thought came to me, he was the same man from the airplane and he eyed me with the same amusement from before. I felt heat in my cheeks, as he winked and turned to head down the stairs.
A moment later I was in a small room with a tub that had an old faucet and was already filled with water. “It should be cool by now. I brought boiling water up from the kitchen. I hope it is pleasant enough for you, senorita.”
“Thank you,” was all I could say as she handed me a washed-out towel and left the room.
Once the door was closed, I turned and examined the room. It had the tub, a rusty toilet and a mirror with a small table under it. It was not anything fancy to look at, but it was clean and neat. On the small table was a comb and bar of soap, which I sat my towel next to. Deciding to take Rosa’s advice I slipped off the shirt and entered the bath. It was soothing and warm, but not the heat I was used to at home.
Home! I wonder what they must all be doing right now.
I realized that I had no idea how long I had been asleep. I imagined only one night, but who knows.
What must they be thinking? My poor mother, she is not good with situations out of her control, let alone any situation concerning her children. I lowered my head into the water and allowed it to sway back and forth over my face as I listen to the soft nothingness of the liquid. I lifted my head out and looked at my knees. They were scraped and bruised. That must have happened when I fell...
“Oh Lord,” I said softly as a tear rolled down my face. I felt anger rise up inside of me. “Why me?” I rested my head on the back of the tub, and a verse came to mind: Since you are my rock and fortress, O Lord, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. I lay there and repeated the words over and over in my mind.
For a long moment I felt lost and alone. Then a loving presence filled the room and a small voice deep inside whispered, “The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” A very small smile played with my lips. “Oh Lord, this is so weird. Pass or fail, right? You will give me the strength to endure it,” I paused for a moment, “but I want my mom…” I lowered my head into the water and opened my eyes to watch the bubbles float to the surface.
I sat up again and rested my head on my knees. Water dripped down my face and off the tips of my hair. “Help…” I whispered and grabbed the soap.
I was an accomplice in my own frustration.
- Peter Shaffer
Chapter Two: North, South, East, or West?
After unearthing my clothes and changing, I found myself at the top of the stairs looking down. I can do this, I thought to myself as I took the first step down. With every footfall another hair on my arm stood at attention. I can do this, I repeated to myself.
Gingerly, I lowered my foot to the smooth, tile floor and discovered a modest kitchen that at first glanced appeared to be the most used room in the house. The furnishings were strategically placed with an old stained table at one end of the room furthest from me; while another smaller table was surrounded by a sink, cabinets, and a stove closer to the stairs.
Rosa stood near the sink humming to herself. She immediately acknowledged my presence by turning and greeting me with a warm smile. “How was your bath?”
“Fine, thank you. You were right. I do feel much better.”
“Of course you do. Have a seat and tell me where you got your beautiful hair.”
“Oh,” I said, smiled sheepishly and obliged her with an answer. “My mother’s side of the family is from Ireland.”
“Is her hair as beautiful as yours?”
“Well, it actually skipped her, except she has a few red highlights. Actually my grandfather is the one who once had the red hair.”
“Well, age always gets the best of us. I used to have a nice shade of brown hair, but you would not know it seeing me now.” she said cheerily. “Now I have a crown of wisdom, but do not tell anyone...I would rather have my hair color back.” We laughed awkwardly in unison, which relaxed my nerves a few degrees.
“Do you have any children?” I asked and then wished I had not mentioned it.
Rosa took little notice and replied, “No, I am afraid God did not bless me with children. My husband died a few years ago and left me too much work. He was the man everyone turned to for advice, so everyone stops by here and they never seem to go away.” She smiled. “But I do not mind, I love people and they keep me busy. It must have been God’s design for me to help people and try to keep others out of trouble. But the latter is harder than I would have thought.”
“I have always thought so,” I replied, but wondered why she suddenly seemed saddened by that statement. Rosa remained silent for a moment as she dried her final dishes and set them in their rightful places. “Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked.
“Oh no, you are the guest and I would never dream of it.” She turned to face me. “I am afraid Isaac went out again just a few minutes ago and I do not know for how long.” I wonder where he keeps going, I thought. “So if you have nothing to do, there is a field behind the house that leads up to some trees. You should go for a walk, huh?”
“That would be lovely,” I said and jumped up and followed her to the backdoor.
“Enjoy,” she said as I stepped outside and she closed the door behind me. The warm breeze brushed the few wisps of hair, which were free from my ponytail, across my face. I inhaled a deep breath and surveyed the beauty that lay before me, ignoring the chill down my spine. There was a low, peaceful hill that led up to a wooded area. The hill was sprinkled with dried grass that slightly swayed in the wind.
I walked a short distance from the house and turned to admire the simple two-story adobe house below. I analyzed the windows and mentally noted a sitting room off the kitchen and another room off the end of the house. A small garden was situated on the right side of the house, with a road leading off into the distance on my left. I wondered how far away from civilization I was.
What do these people want with me? Rosa seemed very sweet and even a God-fearing woman. At least, I heard her mention God in the kitchen. But, as for Isaac, or whoever he was, I had no idea.
I turned my gaze from the house and started walking toward the trees at the top of the hill. I had to admit, this place was very beautiful. There were only a few clouds in the sky and a warm tropical breeze filled my senses. I wonder where here is, I thought. Rosa keeps calling me senorita, so it must be either Mexico or South America. Or maybe even somewhere in Europe, but I truly doubt it. The name Rosita is definitely Hispanic, though she speaks excellent English. Then there is the landscape here, it seems common enough, but common for where? Rosa would make an amazing mystery novel.
Then there is Isaac, or should I say very sociable Isaac. I wonder what his story is. He seems very distant and yet there is something about him that proves otherwise. I cannot seem to get rid of those eyes, so deep and yet brilliantly clear.
I neared the trees, when a noise suddenly interrupted my thoughts and caused me to jump. I looked up to see a bird land on a tree limb only a few feet away. Shaken from my shock, I laughed nervously and stopped to gaze at the bird. It stayed only a moment and then flew down to the valley.
“Oh, Lord. What is it that you want from me? How is my being here part of your perfect plan?” I said aloud as I walked between the trees. I drank in the smells and sounds of the surrounding nature. My mind emptied and I ventured into another reality for what seemed like hours.
“Lynae!” I heard someone shout. I turned to see a man run-ning towards me. “What are you doing?” he questioned as he neared me.
“Walking,” I said, a little annoyed at his interruption that brought me back to a daunting and uncertain reality.
“What are you thinking? You shouldn’t leave the house alone,” he exclaimed. He grabbed my arm and led me back towards the house.
“Well, I was thinking that I am my own person and I don’t need to ask you what I can and can’t do. I know you don’t want me talking to strangers, but I talked to Rosa and that turned out alright. Why would a stroll in God’s creation be such a horrible act?” I said mockingly.
“You sure have a smart...”
“Mind?”
“I was going to say something different. I can see now that you aren’t even grateful for what I did for you.”
“And what might that be? Taking me away from my family or dropping me off in an unknown place?”
“I saved your life!” He stopped and grabbed both of my arms and looked right at me. “If you only knew the danger you were in last night. You...”
“Why don’t you enlighten me then,” I said, not backing down and truly longing to know.
For a moment he stared at me, searching my eyes or maybe trying to intimidate me. “Let’s just say they are very powerful men.” He turned and started leading me down the hill once more.
I said nothing for a short distance then said, “Very well then, thank you.” He slowed down for a moment, but returned to his long stride again.
It did not take us long to reach the house at his pace. He led me in through the kitchen door where I found Rosa sitting at the table near the door. She looked up at us when we entered and smiled, “I told you she wouldn’t be very far.”
“Sit,” he said, pulling out a chair for me. Feeling it best not to argue, I sat down. He then moved to the other side of the table and sat, and stared down at his hands before finally speaking. “You both need to understand something. The men I rescued you from, Lynae, are very dangerous. They care about nothing but protecting their own. They would not hesitate to kill their own mother if they needed to.”
“What does that have to do with me?” I asked.
“Well, for one thing, they know who you are from your car.” The man who kidnapped you was someone I have been following for the past three months. I was hoping he would lead me to someone higher up, and he might have if you hadn’t gotten into the middle of things.”
“And you had to be a nice person and save me, correct? Well, I am so sorry for spoiling your plans. Who are you—James Bond?” I said sarcastically and felt my temper deepen.
“You have no idea how hard it has been to pick up on the cold trail, while you kept passing out on me.”
“Well, next time I get thrown to the ground I will remember not to freak out,” I shouted back, and then glared. “What are you going to do with me now?”
“Alright, that is enough. Yelling won’t change anything. But, Lynae is right. What are you going to do with her?” Rosa said calmly.
“I haven’t decided yet. I have been too occupied with other matters,” he said gruffly.
“Well, it is getting time for me to make la comida. So, Lynae...You said you wanted to help, so you may help me fix dinner.” She walked towards the sink, while directing her next statement towards Isaac, “Then, you can go do whatever it is you do, in another room. We will call you later for dinner.” Isaac immediately rose from the table without a word and headed upstairs. I sat staring at my hands, collected my thoughts, and then headed over to stand by Rosa
“Time to eat,” Rosa yelled up the stairs. “What is keeping him? Would you go check, Lynae?” I winced and started up the stairs, afraid I might lose a head if he was still angry.
Once at the top, I walked down the narrow hall and looked in the first door on my right. Well, he is not in the bathroom. I moved further down and saw he was not in my room on the left. My room, I thought and laughed to myself.
Only two more doors, will he be in door number one on the right or door number two on the left? I decided to knock on the door to my right, thinking he would be in the furthest room from mine. I lifted my hand to knock on the door, as the door behind me simultaneously opened and he walked into me and pushed me up against the door hitting my head on the door frame.
“I am so sorry. I didn’t see you there,” he said sympa-thetically. This seemed natural to him, contradicting the display earlier. “Are you alright?” he asked as I turned to face him. He was so close and I felt my cheeks turning red and automatically pressed my right knuckles against one. “You have quite a red mark. Does it hurt?”
To be honest it did, but I was still in shock and conscious of how close he was, so I shook my head. “Well, I hope not. I don’t want you fainting on me again. So, let me take a look at it,” he said, brushing my hair away from my forehead. I felt his breath on my nose as he examined the growing lump. All I could do was stand there and look at his chin. “Seems like you will be fine, but we better not let you go to bed anytime soon. I hope you are a night owl,” he said amused.
“Actually, I prefer the night,” I said, catching my breath.
“I am sure you do,” he said, smiling as he led me towards the stairs. “Well, I have to say all of this excitement has made me hungry. Shall we?”
My cheeks were returning to normal as we reached the bottom of the stairs. “You two alright? I almost sent a search party,” Rosa smiled.
“Just a small collision,” Isaac said, helping me into a chair. “But I think she’ll pull through.”
“I am glad,” she said, eyeing us as Isaac took a place across from me. “We have quite a meal and I would not want one of you two to miss it.”
“Looks and smells delicious,” Isaac said as he analyzed the food and then smiled at Rosa.
A small knot in my stomach started to form and I worried I would not be able to enjoy the meal we had prepared, but in the end I ate a large plateful. No one talked during the meal, but something had changed.
Even though Rosa allowed me to help prepare dinner, she refused to let me help clean the dishes. Isaac had left the table shortly after finishing his meal to make another phone call, so Rosa said, “I do not think he will mind if you go and watch the sunset just outside the door. Go on, I will finish up here.”
Reluctantly I went outside. Once I entered the evening air and beheld the setting sun before me, I forgot everything. The sky was full of purples, pinks, and reds. It reminded me of the sunsets at home. Arizona has always been known for its sunsets, but this was a close second; so I stood there and soaked up the last rays of the sun’s glow that was trailing behind it. I strolled closer and became entranced by the beauty God created and I felt his presence with me.
“Beautiful,” I heard someone behind me say. I turned to see Isaac standing two feet away.
“I promise; I had no intention of going any further.”
He smiled wryly and said, “Well, if you did you wouldn’t be able to see the sunset and it is really quite beautiful tonight. A perfect distraction to keep you from going to sleep.” He turned to look at the sky and continued, “But what will you do when it is gone?”
“Look at the stars, I suppose,” I said, not taking my eyes off of him.
“Good choice,” Isaac replied. He looked down at me, and then moved his gaze to the ground as he walked past me into the dark.
I lifted up a short prayer for my family, that God would keep them from worry and turn their hearts to Him for guidance and comfort. Somehow they might know I am safe and love them even more than before. “Forgive me Father, for I lost my temper several times today. Give me patience and fill me with your guidance,” I prayed softly then turned my thoughts to those moments. Why does he bother me so?
I know I have a temper that matches my hair, but there seemed to be something deeper. It was as if he was hiding something from me and I hated him for it. But I was barely acquainted with him and he definitely did not owe me a thing. Actually, I am the one who owes him everything. He saved my life, which he does not mind reminding me often enough.
I am so confused, I thought as I drifted off to sleep.
I wonder what surprise guest I will meet today? I mused as I went down the now familiar stairs. Everything happened so quick-ly and unexpectedly around there, completely different from home.
In the kitchen I found Isaac sitting at the table with some papers and a map. “Where is Rosa?” I asked.
“No good morning?” He stated, looking up. “You must have not suffered from a concussion, since you are up and about asking questions.” He turned back to what he was studying.
“Well, since I already walked into that one, there seems to be no turning back, so I’ll ask again. Where is Rosa?” I showed more enthusiasm, hoping to break the tension.
“She went to the market,” he said, looking up at me. With relief I saw humor in his eyes. “But there is some coffee that is still pretty hot, over on the stove. Help yourself.”
I moved toward the coffee and helped myself as directed, glancing at the papers he had covering the table. “That is quite a catastrophe you have there.”
“Well, that is what happens when you try and save the world.” He said cleared his throat. “Oh, and we leave this afternoon.”
“Leaving? Where? I thought we would be staying here for a while and...”
“You’ve become that attached to Rosa, huh? Well, I have business in the next city and I need to keep an eye on you. Rosa has enough on her mind and doesn’t need to entertain you.”
“I know I wouldn’t be a bother to Rosa. She is so sweet and she has no family.”
“You sure don’t seem to want to be around me. Well, that sure is a first for me,” he said with a smile, which seemed to irritate me even more. “Anyway, Rosa is very busy. She has responsibilities that keep her as occupied as a family would.”
“It isn’t the same thing,” I said as a lump started forming in my throat. I am not going to cry I told myself.
“Well, I have gotten by without it.”
“And just look at you,” I said, turning my back to him and instantly wishing I had not said it.
“Well, we leave at noon, so be ready,” he said, grabbing his map and leaving the kitchen. As I watched him leave through the back door, a tear rolled down my cheek. I had no idea why I felt like crying. Was it because I had to leave Rosa, a woman who was becoming like a grandmother to me, or because somehow I had hurt Isaac?
I do not care, I thought as I ran up the stairs leaving my coffee. At the top of the stairs I entered the bathroom on the right. Once inside, I closed the door behind me and leaned up against it. Breathing heavily, I slid down to the floor and cupped my face in my hands. The tears flowed freely now. I had no intention of holding them back.
“What do you want from me Lord,” I cried between sobs. I let the tears stream down my face onto the floor. Nothing made sense anymore. I was doing so well and now look at me.
“I will not let Isaac get the better of me,” I said strongly and threw my hands to the floor. “I can be just as heartless as he can and just as strong.” I leaned my head back against the door for a moment and then stood to my feet.