* * *
Cathee checked the clock on the wall for the third time, watching the elevator anxiously. What if he’s decided I’m too much work for him? I have too many issues. He doesn’t want to be with me anymore. She was about ready to tell Christina to come with her to the breakfast room when Garrett emerged from the elevator, hair still wet from a shower.
“I’m so sorry. I forgot to set the alarm.” He was apologetic.
“Don’t worry. Nothing I have planned for the day has a specific time. Everything is self-guided the rest of the week.”
He let out a grateful sigh. “That’s good. I was afraid you weren’t going to wait for me.”
“You have the cell phone, remember?”
He grinned. “It’s nice to be needed.”
He reached for Cathee’s and Christina’s hands, then they headed for the restaurant.
After they were seated and the order was taken, Garrett asked Cathee. “What’s first on the agenda today?”
“Um...I thought we’d run over to the AT&T store. I need to get my phone number changed.”
“That’s right. Do you know where it is?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t want to turn on my phone to do a search.”
“Ouch. I should have remembered. Let me check.” He opened up his phone and did a search. “It’s about 20 minutes from here, but it shouldn’t be hard to find.”
She let out her breath in relief. “That’s good. I’m anxious to get that done.”
“I’ll bet.”
The waitress interrupted them with the food. They all ate quietly. Garrett noticed Christina was unusually subdued.
He addressed her, “Did you sleep well?”
Christina nodded.
“What did you want to see today?” Garrett asked.
She perked up. “Mommy promised we’d get to go see the trains.”
Cathee lightly stroked Christina’s hair. “We’ll go right after I get a new phone. Is that ok, Honey?”
Christina nodded, then asked, “Will that take long?”
“It should only take a few minutes. We’ll see the trains before lunch.”
Christina beamed. “I thought we’d have to wait until tonight.”
No wonder she was feeling sad. It’s important for Cathee to keep her promises. Garrett thought. After sticking some twenties with the bill, he scooted his chair back, then helped Cathee with hers.
As they stepped out of the building, Garrett noticed the clouds. “Looks like we’ll get some rain today.”
“I hope so. It was blazing hot yesterday.”
They pulled into the AT&T store a few minutes later. As they entered the store, Cathee looked up at Garrett. “Do you think it’s safe to listen to my messages? I might have received one from Mr. Mills or my office.”
His brow furrowed, then cleared. “The phone he called on has been found. There’s no guarantee another phone he stole will have the tracking feature. I think you can chance it.”
She breathed a sigh of relief, then turned on her phone. She dialed into her voicemail and listened to the only message she’d received. “This is Alec Mills. I just wanted to let you know Juan Ortiz escaped. Please take measures to protect yourself. He was telling his cell mate he was planning to get out and finish you off. He was bragging that he’d never left any other witnesses alive.” She shuddered, then deleted the message.
Garrett raised his eyebrows in question.
“It was Mr. Mills telling me Juan had told a cell mate he wants me dead.”
He scowled. “I think we’ve figured that one out.”
She shuddered again, then moved to the associate behind the desk. “I need a new number. Can you give me one?”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Can you transfer the numbers from my old number into the new one?”
“I can save the numbers from the SIM card to the phone. That should take care of it.”
“Thanks.”
She handed over the phone. It only took a few minutes to transfer the numbers from the SIM card to her cell phone, activate the new card, and then insert it. Cathee chewed nervously on her lip, unsure how much to share with the stranger. Finally, she blurted out, “I’ve had someone tracking me. Can you please get on the account and turn off the tracking for the new number?”
He looked up, startled, then nodded. “Of course. Let me pull up your account.” He clicked through a few screens, scrolled down and clicked the ‘not allow’ button, then logged out. He smiled and handed her the phone. “It’s all taken care of. You should be fine.”
She smiled her gratitude and relief. “Thanks so much.” It felt like a burden had been lifted.
Garrett opened the door for her and asked, “Next stop, Overland Station?”
Cathee nodded, and Christina jumped up and down excitedly. “I get to see the trains!”
Garrett smiled. Her enthusiasm was back. He was relieved.
On the way to the station, Cathee picked up the phone and made a call. “Hi. Debbie? This is Cathee. I just wanted to give you my new number. I’m having some problems with my daughter’s father. I needed to switch numbers. Can you update my information for me?” She repeated the number twice, then closed the message. “Thanks.”
As she hung up, Garrett asked, “Work?”
She nodded. “I’ll need to switch my work’s voicemail message when I get back, but I didn’t leave a contact number for my vacation week.”
“Given how this week has gone, that was a good idea.”
“No kidding.” She reached over and lightly touched his hand resting on the steering wheel. “Thanks, Garrett...for everything. You’ve been a strength to me this week.”
A smile warmed Garrett’s eyes as he caught Cathee’s gaze. “It’s been my pleasure.” He turned his attention back to the road. They drove past the police station. Cathee seemed relaxed as they drove by. “How did the interview go?” He was curious.
She glanced up at him, then back at the scenery. “It was something I should have done six years ago. I’m glad it’s over.”
“I’m sure.”
They were quiet until they turned into the Overland Station a few minutes later.
“What are those flags, Mommy?”
“That’s the Veterans’ Memorial, Sweetie.”
“What’s a Veteran?”
“It’s someone who has worked for the military, someone who has fought to keep this country free.”
“Who had to fight to keep us free?”
“A lot of people have, Honey. Freedom has never been free. Do you remember the story about Nephi and his brothers?”
Christina nodded.
“When they got to this country, Nephi had to make swords like the Sword of Laban. Do you remember why?”
Christina shook her head.
“Laman and Lemuel didn’t like how Nephi did things. They wanted him and his people dead. Nephi had to make sure his people were protected. It’s the same thing today, Sweetie. Some people don’t want anyone to be free. We have to have people who will keep the rest of us free.”
“Oh.”
Cathee didn’t know if Christina was really old enough to understand. I’ll explain again when she’s older.
Garrett walked around to open their doors, and they walked over to the Memorial.
“Look at the flowers, Mommy. Aren’t they pretty?”
“Yes, honey. I like the orange and blue colors, don’t you?”
Christina nodded, and Cathee continued. “Those were planted in honor of the soldiers who have died serving their country.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s to help us remember that they gave their lives to defend our freedoms, Sweetie.”
They stood quietly for a few moments, then turned to walk across the street.
“Can I climb on the train, Mommy?”
“I’m sure you can.”
Christina clambered up the small engine replica sitting
in front of the station.
“May I get a picture of you?” Garrett had already pulled out his camera.
Cathee nodded and moved over to stand next to Christina. After Garrett took the picture, Cathee asked shyly, “Would you like me to take a picture of you and Christina?”
Garrett’s eyes went wide, then he quickly hid a smile. Definitely warming. She wants me in a picture with her daughter. Sweet. “Thanks.”
He stepped over to the train and posed next to Christina.
Cathee was happy her picture turned out. He must have an expensive camera. The picture was clear. She normally had to take five pictures before one turned out. They walked into the station, paid the entrance fee, and entered through the iron bar doors.
“Oh, look at the train, Mommy! Isn’t it awesome?”
Cathee smiled. “Yes, it is.”
The model train filled a good portion of the room. They spent a few moments finding the Disney figurines scattered throughout the display, then walked over to the life-sized engine replicas set up next to the model. Christina explored the engines thoroughly, then ran to the hallway connecting the train displays with a restaurant.
Tables in the restaurant were set for a reception to be held that evening.
“Aren’t the flowers pretty, Mommy?” Christina looked up at Garrett. “Not as pretty as the flowers you gave Mommy, though. They make our room smell nice.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you like them.”
As Christina moved to look closer at the table settings, Cathee admonished her. “Don’t touch the tables, Sweetie. Those are for a reception tonight. They’re not for us. Let’s go upstairs and see the displays there.”
“Okay.”
They spent a few minutes walking through the displays. “What are the dishes for, Mommy?”
“Those are from sets used in different passenger trains. Aren’t they nice?” Cathee paused to touch one of the chairs sitting next to a wall. “These chairs were used in train restaurants. Aren’t the aqua and salmon stripes pretty?”
Christina looked confused. “How can a train have a restaurant?”
“The trains you normally see are freight trains, Honey. The passenger trains have places to sleep and eat. It’s for people who are travelling across the country. Instead of a car, they ride the train, but people don’t travel by train as much as they used to. People mostly ride in airplanes now.”
“Oh.” Christina reached out to touch the same chair her mother had just touched. “How come?”
Garrett laughed. “It takes a lot less time to ride in an airplane.”
They walked to the next room to be greeted by a Star Wars display. “Cool!” Christina was delighted. Toys, books, comic books, posters, and full-sized costumes filled the room. Someone in a Storm Trooper costume walked up to Christina and shook her hand. Her eyes grew big. “Are you a veteran?”
He shook his head, remaining silent in costume.
“Storm Troopers are pretend, Honey. Veterans are real.”
“Oh.” Her eyes stayed on the Storm Trooper as they left the room. “Mommy, he didn’t look pretend.”
Garrett laughed again. “Well, he was real underneath the costume. He was just dressed up like you do at Halloween.”
“I didn’t know grown ups could do that.”
“They like to have fun, too, Sweetie.”
Christina looked at her mother. “How come you don’t have fun?”
Cathee stifled a desire to roll her eyes. “I always have fun when I’m with you.”
Christina’s brows furrowed. “You haven’t been having fun this week.”
Cathee sighed. “It’s been a hard week, Sweetie. A lot of stuff is happening, but I’ll try hard to be happy the rest of the week. Does that sound good?”
Christina nodded, and they rode the elevator down in silence. As they approached the model train display, Christina ran ahead to the children’s room. Garrett leaned against the wall while Cathee and Christina sat down to make crayon rubbing pictures. After they had finished with the four train pictures, all three of them signed the guest book and walked back out through the iron bar doors.
Christina skipped to the car, back to her normal exuberant self.
“What’s after lunch?” Garrett asked.
“I wanted to see the museum of Kansas History.”
“Hmm. Okay.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“I was just wondering if Christina was getting her fill of old places. Maybe she’d like to do something...I don’t know...more active?”
“Like what?” Cathee’s eyes were fiery.
“Calm down. Calm down. I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just thinking we could try out the water park this week.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I thought you said you didn’t bring a suit.”
“I didn’t, but I can always buy one.”
She sighed. “I guess I’m too ready to take offense. I’m sorry. Let’s do the museum and then see how we feel.”
“Sounds fair.” He was quiet a moment, then asked, “Does a sandwich shop sound ok for lunch?”
“It’s your turn to pick.” Cathee answered.
“How does Schlotsky’s Deli sound?”
“I’ve never been there.”
“They have a variety of sandwiches, salads, and personal-sized pizzas. I think you’ll like it. There’s a kid’s menu, too.”
“Are there Apple Dippers?” Christina blurted out.
Garrett tried to keep his face straight. “I don’t think so, but you can pick your sandwich, drink and chips. We can get Apple Dippers another time, ok?”
“Okay.”
A few minutes later, they pulled up to a sandwich shop not far from the State Capitol. A large black board with white lettering listed the available sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizzas. Cathee’s brow furrowed. “There’re so many choices. What do you recommend?”
“I think you should try the pastrami on rye with Swiss cheese.”
“I’ve never liked rye...” Cathee protested.
“Be adventurous. The combination of flavors is really good. If you never come again, you need to have tried it once.”
“Okay.” She hesitantly agreed.
Christina ordered a turkey sandwich on sourdough bread. Garrett chose the Albuquerque turkey on whole wheat.
After they ordered, Garrett lifted Christina and set her on one of the bar stools.
“This is like your room, huh?”
He nodded. “You’re a good noticer, Christina.”
Cathee sat next to Christina while Garrett picked up their order. She wrinkled her nose at the black bread, but then bravely took a bite. She looked up at Garrett in surprise. “This is really good.”
He grinned. “Told you.”
When they finished eating, Cathee gathered the remains of their meal and tossed them in the trash. “Ready for a boring afternoon at the museum?” She teased Garrett.
He sighed. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” Obviously, he wasn’t too enthused about the prospect.
As they wound around the road to the museum, Garrett’s eyes widened. “Wow. I didn’t realize it would be such a modern building.”
Cathee giggled. “Not all museums are musty old places.”
“I’m impressed.” He parked near a wooden gazebo not too far from a picnic table.
“After we look through the museum, I wanted to walk around the nature trails.” She looked up at the sky. “The clouds are keeping it cooler today. I wouldn’t have wanted to walk the trails in yesterday’s heat.”
Garrett laughed. “I guess this isn’t quite as ...inactive...as I anticipated it would be.”
“Didn’t I tell you about the nature trails on Saturday?”
He nodded. “You did, but you listed so many activities, they kind of blurred together.”
She giggled. “I did have quite the itinerary for the week, didn’t I?” She dropped her gaze and sighed. “We just had some interruptions I hadn’t ant
icipated.”
He lightly touched her cheek, then dropped his hand. “No one could have seen this coming.” As they approached the entrance, they stopped at an old stone building.
“What’s that, Mommy?”
Cathee quickly read the informational plate in front of the building. “It was an Indian school a long time ago. It housed children so they could go to school. They worked on the farm to pay their way.”
Christina looked confused. “Why would a kid need to pay for school?”
“It was a boarding school like...um...” she tried to think of something familiar to her daughter, “Hogwarts in Harry Potter. I guess the taxes didn’t support these schools.”
“What are taxes?”
Cathee sighed, and Garrett took over. “It’s money everyone pays when they buy stuff or just when they work. The money pays for roads and schools and buildings like the ones we visited yesterday.”
“Oh. Like...tithing?”
Cathee nodded. “Sort of, but you can choose to pay tithing or not. Taxes are something you can’t choose.”
“Oh.”
They walked into the air conditioned building and spent the next hour going through the exhibits.
As they came out of the building, Garrett commented, “Thanks for suggesting this. I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy a museum, but this was fun.”
Cathee teased him, “Are you sure it wasn’t the company?”
He grinned. “That could have something to do with it.” He looked at the map they’d picked up inside. “Which trail did you want to take?”
“I don’t care. They both go around the pond.”
He directed them to the nearest path. The path lead through tall grass.
“How come the grass is so tall?” Christina asked.
“This grass grows naturally here, Honey.” Cathee answered. “It’s the kind of grass the buffalo used to eat.”
“The buffalo that Indians ate?”
“Yes, those are the ones.”
Christina’s voice grew animated. “I remember. We learned about Buffaloes during ‘B’ week.” She paused and glanced up at Garrett. “I guess they needed to eat tall grass to get so big.”
Garrett struggled to hide his amusement. “Apparently.” He paused and smiled down at Christina. “Sounds like you have a fun school.”
Christina nodded enthusiastically, then turned her attention back to the trail.
As they approached the pond, Christina pointed with excitement. “Look at the birds, Mommy. The little ones all go in a line.”
“They’re following their mother. Those are ducks.”
“Can we feed them?”
Cathee shook her head. “They probably eat special food, Honey. I don’t think we have anything they should eat.”
“Okay.”
A few droplets were starting to fall. They hurried back to the car. “So much for having a picnic.” Garrett grumbled. They hastily climbed into the car. “What next?”
“I wasn’t planning on rain. Shall we go back to the hotel?”
Garrett watched the rivulets of water run down the windshield. “I don’t want to try the swim park in this weather, but we can always play Marco Polo at the hotel.”
Christina clapped her hands with delight. “Can we, Mommy?”
Cathee stared at Garrett a moment. I guess I can handle being with him in a pool. He’s not Juan. It will be okay. “What about your suit?”
“I’ll just pick one up on the way back. The mall is close.”
“That’s true.”
They were at the mall in a few minutes, the rain still beating on the car. Garrett turned off the ignition. “Do you two mind waiting? I shouldn’t be long, and this doesn’t look fun to walk through.”
“We’ll be fine. Hurry back.” Cathee stared worriedly at the gray sky. It wasn’t dark enough for a tornado, but June was tornado season, so it was always a possibility.