“Oh, Tommy,” Jacob said in wondrous amazement. “The thangs ‘at girl done to me in that Peterbilt sleeper-box! I had no idea they could do such wondrous thangs like ‘at to their male counterparts! I thank I went to Heaven, three or four times! And am still alive to tell about it!” he went on in awe.
“Well, what you and Terri did is private. So keep it to yourself; out of respect for Terri.”
“But, Tommy, ‘at girl tied me up and spanked my bare bottom while she did thangs to me with her mouth that I never imagined was true! And I liked it just fine! I asked her to do it to me three times before I realized I wadn’t dreamin’,” he went on, a pleasant smile on his face from the memory of his experience.
“Sounds like you two are going to be just fine, then,” Tommy laughed, patting Jacob on the back.
“Oh, I don’t thank fine’s the word for it, but I don’t know what it is. But, it’s good anyway!”
“I’m glad you’re happy, Jacob.” Tommy smiled.
“I’m mostly always happy. But, never as happy as I’ve been since I met you and Lisa. I love you guys more than I love me, or Terri, or Tammi Two!” he declared as honestly as he knew how.
“We love you, too, Jacob. Don’t you ever forget that. We are brothers, forever!”
“I love you, Cap’n!” Jacob said simply and sincerely.
“I love you too, Jacob. Let’s go find the Colonel and jazz him up a little. Whataya say? You with me?”
“All The Way! Cap’n!” Jacob laughed, following Tommy. He stayed respectfully, one step behind and to the right of his superior officer.
Tommy decided he would have to remedy that. He wanted his friends beside him, not behind him. There was a difference.
They found Austin at the stallion’s paddock. They had given him two full acres to himself.
There were also several other two acre paddocks for future pure breed stallions.
“Colonel Lake, how’s it going around here?” Tommy asked, as he approached the retired Colonel from the side.
That was one rule a soldier never broke. One never walked up directly behind a combat veteran without announcing one’s presence well in advance, when possible, thus giving the man time to turn around and recognize the approaching person was not a threat.
The alternative was to approach from the side. Movement was more readily perceived in one’s peripheral zone of vision. This gave early warning without speaking; which was often necessary in combat conditions, and preferable to combat veterans.
“Something just isn’t right about that stallion,” Lake said, never taking his eyes off the stallion a short distance away.
“What’s wrong with him?” Tommy asked, bewildered. He had been told by the Colonel that the stallion was perfect in every way.
“Too damn smart and cunning,” Austin replied. “He butters you up with gentleness, like a puppy. I just don’t trust him, that’s all. He’s up to something. So, don’t turn your back on him, is all I’m saying.”
“He’s a stallion, Colonel. He lives for one purpose. To pass his genes along to the next generation,” Tommy said. “He will attack and attempt to destroy anything he perceives as a threat to that purpose,” he continued calmly, looking through the eight foot high fence.
The fence was built high to prevent any of the stallions from jumping it when one, or more, of the mares came into season. That way the mare was not unnecessarily bred every year, unless she was physically fit to carry the long heavy burden of the foal to delivery. If she wasn’t, she would not be put in with the stallion.
The life of a brood mare was not an easy life. Pregnancy was very hard on them. Therefore, breeders of purebred horses were very selective about which mare carried a foal to term at any given time.
“He’s a magnificent stallion! There’s no doubt about that!” Lake reaffirmed his opinion.
“Colonel we need to select a site to build a large truck barn that will hold as many as fifteen to twenty eighteen-wheelers, maybe even more in the future. Got any ideas?” Tommy asked, changing the subject.
“So now you’re going into the trucking business? That’s risky at today’s fuel prices. Have you checked lately?” Austin said, turning to look at Tommy and Jacob. “Howdy, Jacob, I didn’t realize you were around.”
“I’m mostly pretty quiet, Colonel, Sir!”
Lake nodded, and then turned back to Tommy. “Better do your research first.”
“We’ll manage, Colonel. It won’t be our livelihood, just a sideline.”
“It’s your money, son. I’m just the foreman of this spread. Maybe up on the hill there.”
“Why there?” Tommy asked.
“Less noise for the mares. The trucks won’t have to climb the hill if they’re already on top of it.”
“Makes sense to me,” Tommy agreed, thanking his lucky stars he had the colonel. “Jacob, your barn will be on top of the hill, there.” Tommy said pointing.
Jacob turned to look at the hill where Tommy was pointing. “That kind of makes me king of the hill, don’t it?”
“Maybe not king, but at least Captain. So, from now on you’re a captain. Like me. What do you think, Colonel? Is he Captain material?” Tommy asked, smiling.
Austin stepped away from the fence and walked around Jacob, slowly. He looked him up and down critically, then stopped directly in front of him. “Jacob will make a damn fine captain, Captain!” he replied, nodding in affirmation, then stepped back and joined Tommy at the fence.
Jacob smiled and stepped up beside them at the fence. “Thank you sir!” Jacob said, looking through the rails of the fence at the stallion in the distance. Jacob had been standing back at a distance out of respect for the superior officers. But now, he was no longer the subordinate of the officers, since he was also now an officer.
“Colonel, I’ve got to go to Oklahoma City, Friday for a meeting with the Governor; Wendell Cartwright. Do you remember him?”
“Like we met yesterday. He was a fine pilot. Hard to believe he is now Governor of a state of the United States.”
“You’ll be in charge while I’m gone,” Tommy said.
“Any idea what it’s about?” Austin asked, looking down the rail at Tommy.
“Judge wouldn’t say. Just asked me to be there, at the Governor’s request. So, I’ll go and see.”
“Well, good luck, whatever it is.”
“I’m going up to the house to have a look around. You coming?”
“No thanks. I’ve still got things to do around here. You and Jacob go ahead. Maybe I’ll see you before you leave.”
“Good enough,” Tommy replied. “I’ll see you later, sir,” he added, then he and Jacob turned and started walking for the home site in the distance.
“Later, sir!” Jacob said, all but saluting.
“Later, Jacob,” Austin said, then turned back to watch the stallion some more.
* * * * *
Back at the house ,Tommy could see that it was going to be beautiful when it was finished. The girls were sitting in the middle of a stack of plywood, cross-legged and talking like a flock of hens in a hen house. Their happiness and excitement made Tommy smile. When he glanced at Jacob, he saw that he was also smiling; but his smile was for Terri.
Terri smiled back, then winked at him causing him to blush cherry red, drop his head in shyness and shuffle his feet around in the saw dust on the floor. Tommy smiled; his world nearly complete.
Chapter 13
Friday morning Tommy was up at 4:00 A.M. His morning workout was three hours, as usual. He often switched times and routines so his body wouldn’t become accustomed to the same exercise at the same time, day after day. He felt that over time, this would be counter-productive and his body may not react at its peak in any given situation at unexpected times.
At 7:00 A.M. he stopped. He was drenched in sweat. His muscles were shiny and bulging when he stepped into the shower. The water was luke warm but felt cold. He gradually increased the h
ot water until he could not stand it any hotter, and then slowly began to turn the hot water down while turning the cold water up. Soon it was as cold as the city water supply could get it.
When he stepped out of the shower at 7:30 A.M., his body was covered with goose-flesh; he shivered slightly. Despite the chill he felt great. He was ready for whatever the day may bring.
At 8:00 A.M. he was dressed and waiting for Judge Ryan. The Judge had offered to fly Tommy to Oklahoma City in his Beechcraft. It would be a flight of a little over an hour, whereas to drive it would take well over three, depending on the traffic in the downtown areas of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Perhaps even more if there was a major accident. So, he had taken the Judge’s offer of the free flight.
At 8:15 Tommy finished his breakfast and coffee and had rebrushed his teeth. He adjusted his tie and carried his sports coat and briefcase as Judge Ryan pulled up at the curb in his Lincoln and honked his arrival.
At 9:30 A.M. Tommy and Judge Ryan were met at the airport by the Governor’s chauffeur driven limousine and driven straight to the State Capitol building.
At 9:45 A.M. Tommy and Ryan were ushered into the Governor’s office and informed that Governor Cartwright would be right with them; would they like coffee while they waited?
They were on their second cup when Wendell entered the office alone. Tommy noticed right off that he hadn’t changed much since he had seen him last: that would have been during the election campaign three years earlier, Tommy thought. Even then, at six-feet-one, Cartwright had been slim and erect with a military bearing that would probably stay with him for the rest of his life. His hair was still black as coal and shiny as glass, even though there was no evidence of oil or grease to hold it in place. His face was smooth and unwrinkled, other than three lines radiating from the corners of his sparkling gray eyes. His teeth gleamed white when he smiled, which was often. They were straight and even. And they had been exactly the same in Iraq, Tommy remembered, so he doubted that they had been capped.
Cartwright exuded an air of confidence and competence. As a governor he was well liked and undoubtedly would be reelected for a second term. There would be few competitors to challenge his record since he had taken office. And there was not even a whisper of a scandal to be harped on by a challenger. Wendell Cartwright would be extremely hard to beat in the election next year.
Tommy noted all of this as the Governor entered his office and took the ten steps forward to stand in front of him, hand extended. “Tommy LeSade! It’s a pleasure to see you again. I think of you often. In fact, every time I look around me. If not for you, none of this would have happened. Matter of fact, nothing would have happened other than a military funeral and the presentation of a flag to my mother. I’m forever indebted to you. If ever you need me, I’m here for you. You have my word of honor, as an Officer and a gentleman on that,” Wendell said with sincerity in his eyes and absolute gratitude in his voice, as he shook Tommy’s hand firmly and placed his other hand on his shoulder and squeezed affectionately.
“Trust me, Governor; it was a pleasure considering how things worked out for you. I’d do it again with pleasure,” he added sincerely.
“Please, have a seat. I have a serious matter I need to discuss with you,” Cartwright said, after shaking Ryan’s hard and nodded affection for him. Ryan nodded back.
Tommy and Ryan retook their seats on the sofa they had been sitting on before the Governor’s arrival. Cartwright took a seat in a large overstuffed chair in front of them. He leaned back and crossed his legs at the knees.
He steepled his hands in front of his mouth and nose. His two index fingers formed the steeple. His fingers were long and slim, Tommy noted, as he touched them to his lips in thought.
“Adam Jenkins is the founder and CEO of Jenkins Petroleum in Tulsa. His only son, nineteen year old, Adam Jr. was doing volunteer work down in southern Mexico along the border of Guatemala. He was taken by rebels and is being held for ransom. Adam senior sent an emissary with a million dollars to pay the ransom. He has since been taken and is being held along with Adam Junior; again for ransom. This time, one hundred million dollars, U.S. If the ransom is not paid in three weeks the hostages will be killed,”
Cartwright said, looking directly at Tommy. “Jenkins senior has agreed to pay the ransom to his son’s rescuer. Now, before you answer, I know you don’t need the money and I know you are retired, but, the man’s only son’s life hangs in the balance. He needs the best. And you are him. So, think it over and let me know, soon. We don’t have a lot of time.”
“I’ll go and get him on one condition. Actually, a few conditions,” Tommy replied without hesitation.
“I’m listening,” Cartwright replied, relief in his voice, knowing any demand would be met no matter what they were. Tommy LeSade was trustworthy. “One, I will need the best equipment money can buy.”
“Anything in our National Guard Armory is yours for the asking. I’ll notify the Commander,” Cartwright agreed.
“The equipment is nonreturnable.”
“Agreed.”
“I will need high flying transportation for a HALO jump into the area.”
“Agreed,” Cartwright said, knowing Tommy meant High Altitude Low Opening.
“I will need a Blackhawk for extraction. Possibly under hostile fire. So, the pilot must have hot LZ experience.
“Agreed.”
“I will require an exclusive, nonexpiring contract with Jenkins Petroleum for twenty tractor trailer rigs at minimum prices for Brother’s Trucking Company. The one-hundred-million dollar ransom will be paid into that company account before I leave,” Tommy said, leaving unsaid the possibility that he may not return alive.
“Give me a minute,” Cartwright said, picking up the phone and dialing a number.
After a brief conversation he hung up the phone and smiled at Tommy. “He’s having the agreement drawn up as we speak and the money will be wired before close of business today.”
“I will require the necessary state and federal licenses and permits to maintain an arsenal on my property at Lake Ten Killer.”
“Agreed.”
“I will require nothing more from you other than a handshake to seal our bargain,” Tommy smiled, then stood and extended his hand to the Governor.
Cartwright stood and took Tommy’s hand firmly, sealing the deal. “Good luck, Tommy.”
“Thanks Governor. It’s been a pleasure seeing you again. Give my love to the wife and kids.”
“Count on it Captain. You are a legend in our household.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Tommy said, looking the Governor in the eyes point blank.
“Ready Judge?” Tommy asked, releasing Cartwright’s hand and turning to Judge Ryan.
“When you are, Tommy.”
“Do you know where the armory is located?” Cartwright asked, escorting them to the door.
“Not right off hand,” Tommy replied.
“I’ll get you an escort with instructions, alright?”
“That would be great. Thank you,” Tommy said.
“My pleasure, Tommy. Take care and come back safe.”
“I’ll do my best, Sir.”
“I know you will, Tommy. I’m glad you’re on our side,” he laughed, as he opened his office door and showed them into the outer office. “Glenda, get Captain Stamper for me, please.”
“Yes, Sir,” his secretary replied, picking up the phone instantly. “Gentlemen have a seat. Captain Stamper will be here shortly,” Cartwright said, returning to his office.
“Go right in, Captain,” Glenda said, when an Army Captain entered to office. “The Governor’s waiting,” she continued, indicating the door.
Stamper entered without knocking. He was back in less than five minutes. He had a look of wonder and amazement on his face as he approached Tommy and extended his hand. “It is indeed a pleasure and an honor, Captain LeSade,” Stamper said.
Tommy stood and took the proffered hand and shook it fir
mly.
“If you will follow me, I will see that you get everything you require, sir,” he continued, releasing Tommy’s hand and turned to Judge Ryan. “Judge, a pleasure, always,” he said taking the Judge’s hand as an old friend.
“The pleasure is always mine, Captain,” Ryan replied, thinking back to Iraq and the Captain’s Blackhawk spinning to the ground in a cloud of smoke. How he had managed to crash without injuring himself or his copilot and crew was still a military mystery.
“Tommy, Captain Stamper is the best Blackhawk pilot I’ve ever seen. Bar none!” Ryan said unequivocally.
“Now, Judge,” Stamper smiled modestly. “That landing was pure luck!”
“Yeah, like the moon landing was pure luck!” Ryan laughed.
“Well,” Stamper smiled. “Shall we go?” he added, gesturing toward the door.
“Yeah, let’s get this show on the road!” Tommy replied as they left the office.
* * * * *
After making his selections at the Armory and receiving everything he thought he might need, Captain Stamper drove them to the airport and helped them load the equipment into the Beechcraft for the flight home. It was established that Captain Stamper would be the delivery and pickup pilot to and from Guatemala. He was familiar with the area from past experience during the drug wars of the nineties and was still an exceptional pilot in the Oklahoma National Guard.
It was a known fact that he could fly anything with wings, with or without an engine. Therefore, he was the natural selection for a clandestine mission. Plus, he was fluent in Spanish.
Tommy had readily agreed to the choice. He now sat in the co-pilot seat of the Beechcraft studying an enlarged map of the Southern Mexico and Northern Guatemala region where the rebel camp was located. It appeared to be mostly dense jungle.
“We may need a ‘daisy cutter’ for the LZ,” Tommy said to no one in particular, mostly to himself.
A ‘daisy cutter’ is a large bomb dropped from an aircraft that exploded at low proximity to the ground. It shredded a large area of jungle in all directions, thus, creating a small, but adequate landing zone in the center for a helicopter.
“Wendell said anything you wanted or needed,” Ryan said. “But, Captain Stamper will know what he needs. He knows the area,” he added, glancing over at Tommy.