The Link

Chapter 6 – Sam

“They’ll start a panic,” I said, “everyone will want out of the city.”

“And they will gain public support for a house to house search,” Rose added, “Hitler tactics.” I Iooked down at Stinky sucking on her bottle. Someone wanted her badly. So much so, they didn’t care how. They just wanted her as quickly as possible.

“What would you do if Stinky left?” I asked. Maybe it was someone else who had bonded with her. The drug they must have back.

“If I thought her safe,” Rose replied, seeing where my thinking was going, “I would be fine with it. You told me Charlie practically shoved her into your arms and pushed you away.” I nodded.

“What if it was someone who had bonded more deeply?” I continued.

“Maybe, but would they want it so public?” Rose reasoned.

“The lie would make it difficult for more to bond.”

“Do you feel jealous that Stinky bonded with me?” Rose asked.

“No,” I thought for a moment, “in fact it was nice, except for the…”

“Cancer,” Rose finished my sentence for me. “Maybe other bonds are different. Maybe some people get possessive.”

“I’m afraid Stinky is in danger,” I said, watching Stinky drain the last of the formula from the bottle. I took the nipple from her lips and smiled at the audible pop it made. “Whoever is after her, wants everyone else far away, and it looks like they can do it.”

“Maybe it’s the government,” Rose said, thinking aloud, “the CDC and the large police presence. It would be easy for them to orchestrate this.”

“I would expect men in suits running around,” I surmised.

“Maybe they are,” Rose added. I lifted Stinky to my shoulder, and she promptly burped, discharging some of what she had drunk on my shirt. It smelled foul.

“Give me your shirt,” Rose said while laughing. I put the smiling stink factory back on the couch and pulled off my shirt. Rose started rinsing off the shirt while I took Stinky with me to retrieve another shirt.

We spent the rest of the day talking, interspersed with watching the news and changing diapers. Rose was trying to convince me to go to college. To me, that choice was made over ten years ago, and I didn’t want to rethink it. She insisted I was more than smart enough and easily countered all of my arguments. I wondered what life would have been like with her my corner long ago.

I quizzed Rose on her daughter to change the subject. Natalie was obviously brilliant. That, and she had Rose backing her all the way. I laughed when Rose remembered Natalie’s antics from childhood. I got a picture of an independent girl that disliked rules, at least, when she was young.

Rose harped on Natalie’s law degree. She graduated third in her class and was heavily recruited. She accepted work at a prestigious firm in Phoenix and was on track to becoming their youngest partner. I could see the pride in Rose’s eyes. I could also see that she missed her daughter greatly. I wanted to interfere and sneak a note to Natalie about her mother’s illness. The breach of trust was the only thing that stalled me. It wouldn’t have stopped me a few days ago. Actually, I wouldn’t have cared two days ago. I was thinking differently. My mind was nicer.

The news after lunch changed. Stinky and I were still on, but the grand exodus of Flagstaff was the main story. I had been correct. Suddenly, a lot of people were taking vacations. The Ebola scare had families in a panic. The roads out of the city were bumper to bumper with the authorities checking every vehicle.

“This is insane,” I said, “how will they undo this. Even if they catch us, the world will find out we don’t have Ebola. It will all come crashing down on them.”

“Sam,” Rose said slowly, shaking her head, “these people are powerful. I don’t think they’ll let you talk to anyone. Ever.” She was correct. The best scenario for them would be for Stinky and me to disappear. For me, the one with the adult mind, it would likely be permanent. A report of our demise to the disease would be easier than our capture.

“What if we went to the press now?” I brainstormed out loud.

“We would have to prove ourselves disease free,” Rose replied.

“That would involve the CDC and the government,” I continued, “easily falsified tests would have us quarantined from the public.” Rose nodded.

“I don’t want these people to have Stinky. We need to get her out of the city, away from search,” I continued, “somewhere she can live in peace.”

The phone rang and interrupted our thoughts. Rose’s smile grew when she saw the caller ID. I had known before she picked up; it would be Natalie.

“Hello sweetie,” Rose said, her voice rising an octave.

“No, I’m not too frightened,” Rose continued, responding to Natalie, “I’m staying inside, well away from everything that is going on.” Natalie spoke for a while.

“I think I will be fine right here, but thank you for offering,” Rose said, “Besides, I saw it was 110 in Phoenix today. This is one old lady who hates the heat.”

“No, I think coming up here would be a waste of time,” Rose continued after a pause, “I think they are blowing it all out of proportion. If it were really that contagious, there would be sick people filling the hospitals.”

“Well, I guess,” Rose said, shrugging her shoulders, “if the gestation period is that long then maybe they are right.” Rose shook her head in frustration and rolled her eyes.

“No,” Rose continued, “even if you come up here, I’m not leaving. Just stay in Phoenix and we’ll see each other during Thanksgiving.” I cringed at her words. Cancer could claim Rose before Thanksgiving. She was putting Stinky ahead of seeing her daughter. I looked at Stinky, and she smiled at me. A most potent drug. I wondered if there were withdraws. Is Charlie rolled in a ball and screaming for her return?

“I truly love your concern, sweetie,” Rose continued, her voice lowering, “but I’m old, not senile. I can make my own decisions.”

“Maybe you should go,” I whispered. Rose shook her head vehemently.

“How is work going?” Rose asked, trying to change the subject. It worked. They spoke for twenty minutes about life’s minutiae. Rose became animated during the conversation, talking with her free hand as well as her words. There was so much love in her face as they discussed Natalie’s redecorating of her house. They laughed as they discussed colors using memories from their shared past. Natalie made one more weak attempt at coming to get Rose at the close of the call. It failed, but they both expressed their love at the end.

“You just chose Stinky over your daughter,” I pointed out.

“I chose someone who needed help,” Rose said, “Natalie isn’t being hunted.” Rose was a strong woman. She drew a line in the sand and defended it with sheer will. I still wondered if would have been the same reaction if Stinky was normal. “How do we get her out of the city? We can’t walk out, and all the vehicles are being searched.”

We spent the afternoon tossing about ideas. They were all discounted. I knew where to hide drugs in a car, but a baby needed air. I didn’t even have her car seat anymore. We were no closer to a solution at dinner. Stinky made a mess with sweet potato. She continued to be a challenge to feed with her excitement and demands to help. Rose loved it and laughed at Stinky’s antics. I think she was reliving Natalie youth.

I was bathing Stinky when I decided to ask her about our predicament. Instead of the swift touching I had learned to deploy, I held her upright in the water and let her fill my mind.

Rose was correct. College would be no more difficult for me, than any other student. A simple change in study habits and I could conquer it. I smiled as I saw myself on the podium receiving a well-earned degree. Stinky slapped the water, splashing it all over. Still I hung on. My mind wandered, snaking through the neighborhood, following roads as if on a map. A map I had never seen before. I saw the roadblocks and felt the minds of the police searching. They were practiced, bored, but thorough. They were acting for the greater good, and it had been ingrained in them at an assembly location.

My mind moved, following the trail of thoughts, toward where the police assembled and received their instructions. I began to feel less sure the farther away I went. I relaxed my shoulders as Stinky continued splashing. I forced myself toward the assembly area, a large building, Bridgeton Elementary. I traveled the halls and found the gym. Tables were set up with maps spread across them. Men in suits, some with badges hanging from their belts. The image was fading as I struggled to stay.

Something pulled me back hard. Seven houses down from Rose’s the police had gathered. There were others posted about the neighborhood, some in plain clothes. A house to house search had begun.

“Sam!” Rose yelled. I broke contact with Stinky and a sharp pain pierced my brain above my eyes. Rose moved quickly, steading Stinky so she wouldn’t slip. “Sam,” Rose repeated quietly, “your nose is bleeding.”

“They’re coming,” I said as I pointed to the south, “a house to house search.” I had a horrible headache, and the light in the bathroom was too bright.

“Can we get away?” Rose asked. I shielded my eyes and shook my head.

“They have set up a headquarters. I saw grid maps with search areas,” I said as I fully closed my eyes, “it’s massive. It has to be the government.” I slumped against the wall and slowed my breathing. “It hurts to go far.”

“I can stall for time,” Rose said, pulling Stinky from the tub. She quickly set Stinky on a towel so she could let go. “I don’t think her power is meant to be used in such a way. I had to yell your name to bring you back.” Rose wrapped Stinky in the towel and began drying her off.

“I thought I could find a way out,” I said, The light was becoming less oppressive. “It’s a well-coordinated search. The police don’t know the truth, but they are protecting the public. They think they are part of something important.” I looked at Rose feeling defeated, “I think it’s over.”

Rose let her hand find Stinky’s foot. She grasped it, then took mine. An image formed of a child, a little older than Stinky, with soft blonde hair half-combed sitting in a highchair. Her face, below her nose, was covered with chocolate cake, and she was laughing uncontrollably, waving chocolate fingers around. Stinky started laughing, as did Rose. My headache washed away, and I joined the laughter. Rose let go.

“Natalie,” I said, a chuckle still in my voice.

“Her first birthday,” Rose said, her smile spreading across the room, “a happy memory.”

“How did you know I would see that?”

“She shares feelings,” Rose said, “things we need to feel. We needed laughter.” Rose handed me the box of tissues that were sitting on the toilet. “Clean up your nose and let’s try and figure this out.” I had already seen enough.

“Stinky is a weapon,” I said as I wiped my nose, surprised at the amount of blood, “think of the interrogation possibilities and she could invade meetings without leaving a trace.”

“They wouldn’t want that to get out,” Rose said as she dried Stinky’s hair, “and they can’t let anyone else have her. Ebola was their best option.”

“Where do you come from, Stinky?” I asked rhetorically.

We waited for the police to reach the house. I put a fresh diaper on Stinky and dressed her in a jumper for travel. I saw no way out of giving her up. I suspected I would find a dark prison cell or maybe something worse. I did what I could and made Stinky laugh. I saw a miserable life of government slavery ahead and decided that I would give her as much happiness as I could for as long as I could. She loved my funny faces, and her side was especially ticklish.

I jumped when the doorbell rang. “I’m sorry Stinky,” I whispered, hiding with her in the kitchen. Rose went to the door.

“Yes,” Rose yelled through the door.

“Flagstaff Police ma’am,” A man called back, “we have a public health emergency and need to search all the houses.”

“You are not bringing the Ebola in here,” Rose said in an unstable voice that didn’t fit her personality. I smiled. I doubt it would work, but I liked the fight.

“No, ma’am. We are trying to prevent an outbreak.”

“I’m not letting anyone in, and I’m not leaving,” Rose continued, “Ebola isn’t going to get me. No sir! I heard the news reports.”

“Ma’am, we just need to check the house for your safety,”

“I am safe,” Rose stuttered, “go away.”

“I can’t do that ma’am.”

“And why not?” This was spoken by a woman on the other side of the door. It was loud and held an authoritative tone.

“Please return to your car, ma’am,”

“No,” the woman continued, “not while you are harassing my client. May I see your warrant officer?”

“Ah, this is a public health emergency,” the officer stumbled, “we expect the citizens to cooperate.”

“I’m sure you do,” the woman continued, “and I expect you to follow the law. If my client does not wish you to search her home, then a search warrant is required to compel her to do so. As an officer of the court, I would be more than happy to explain the law to your supervisor if necessary.”

My smile grew. I assumed that the woman I heard was Natalie. She projected the same strength as her mother. She had ignored Rose and came anyway.

Chapter 7 – Sam

“Ma’am, it’s just a quick inspection. We’re not going through drawers, just looking for two people,” the officer pleaded.

“I’m sure your intentions are altruistic, officer. That doesn’t make them legal,” Natalie continued, “you will need a search warrant as the law prescribes, and my client will comply. Until then, I believe you need to leave the property.”

“Yes,” shouted Rose, her Oscar performance still in high gear, “and take your Ebola with you. I don’t want it anywhere near my house.”

“We will be back ma’am,” The officer said, his voice retreating. A few moments later, the door opened, and I heard clothes rustling in what must have been a hug.

“You shouldn’t have come, sweetie,” Rose said, “but I’m glad you came when you did.”

“What the hell is going on?” Natalie asked, “the surrounding states are wondering why the CDC is letting people leave the city if it is so dangerous. They are thinking of closing off their borders to anyone that has been to Flagstaff.”

“There’s no Ebola,” Rose said, “they made it up. They are just trying to find a child.” I heard them approaching and left it to Rose to break the news.

“What? Why? How would you know?”

“Because the child is here, dear” Rose said. I heard Natalie suck in her breath.

“What have you done, mother?” Natalie said, her voice deepening, “why would you get in the middle of this?”

“‘This’, found me,” Rose continued as she directed Natalie into the kitchen. A slender woman with caramel colored short hair parted over her left eye, entered. She had her mother’s intelligent hazel eyes but was missing Rose’s smile. I could see some of her father in her cheeks. Thankfully, she had her mother’s nose. Natalie took a step back, the Ebola still on her mind.

“Hi Natalie,” I said, rising with Stinky in my arms. Natalie looked quickly at Rose and me.

“Mother?” Natalie asked with apprehension.

“For god’s sake, Natalie,” Rose said, “do you think I would let you in here if Ebola were running rampant?” Natalie shook her head but didn’t approach. “The child is special. Very special. We think the government wants her, and we don’t believe it’s best for her to go.”

“What? Shouldn’t her parents decide?” Natalie stuttered, “and what would the government want with a baby?”

“We don’t know who her parents are,” I replied, “I’m Sam by the way.” Natalie ignored my outstretched hand and turned to her mother. I think I was the last person in the world she wanted to meet. She was one of those women who finds guys like me useless and in the way. My defenses kicked in. I began to dislike her in return. So much easier that way.

“They will be back, mother,” Natalie chastised, “this time with a search warrant. You will be prosecuted for hindering an investigation. And for what?” She waved her hand at us, “people you don’t even know.” The way she said people hurt. She could have changed it to scum, and it would have sounded better. Stinky didn’t deserve being lumped in with me. I squared my shoulders and lost my false smile. She was a judgemental bitch.

“Your manners need improvement, Natalie,” Rose said in her teacher’s voice. The look in her eyes gave Natalie pause. I could see Natalie considering a response, then shoving it aside. Her mother had that way about her.

“I’m sorry,” Natalie said calmly, then she turned to me and repeated it. There was no more anger in her eyes.

“Of course,” I stuttered out forgiveness. I wasn’t used to a woman of her caliber apologizing to me. It sucked the strength from me. “I’m sure we took you by surprise,” I added as an out for Natalie. She gave me half a smile which I returned in kind.

“That’s better,” Rose said lightly, “why don’t you sit down and I’ll make us all some tea.” Natalie sat as instructed and I retook my seat, Stinky in my lap. Natalie smiled at Stinky and Stinky returned one of her patented breathless laughs. I could see Natalie’s smile lose its falseness as more teeth began to show. Stinky knew how to please a crowd.

“Stinky, this is Natalie,” I said, introducing the two.

“Stinky?” Natalie chuckled, “what kind of name is that?” I explained about first meeting Stinky, the dead woman and the dirty diaper. I left out the bonding, not knowing how to explain it.

“This woman,” Natalie said, “she could have stolen her, and now you’re an accomplice. You should have brought her to the police immediately.”

“That was my intent, at first,” I said, then hedged, “then I found out how special she is. I don’t think the government wants good things for her.”

“She’s a baby, how special can she be?” Natalie asked, “is she royalty or something?” I looked at Rose. Natalie was her daughter, and I needed Rose’s permission.

“Feel how soft her skin is,” Rose said nonchalantly. Natalie reached out and carefully grabbed Stinky’s left arm.

“I doubt they are interested in soft…” Natalie’s expression changed to one of awe as Stinky bonded with her, “Oh my,” Natalie whispered. Her face shifted to something quite beautiful as her self-imposed weaknesses disappeared. I remembered too late when her eyes began to flood. I pulled Stinky away, thinking I could undo what I knew she saw.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Natalie blubbered, her words undulating through a pain I knew too well. I stood.

“We’ll be in our room,” I murmured, and took Stinky to the guest room. I heard the beginning of Natalie’s cries and Rose trying to console her. It may not have been the best way for Natalie to find out about Rose’s cancer, but Stinky thought she needed to see it. Stinky and I played with a rolled up pair of socks. She liked to try and fit in her mouth, and I tried to stop her. To her, it was a wonderful game. I greatly preferred her laughter to the pain in the kitchen.

“Sam,” Rose said softly. I looked up into red eyes. “the tea is ready.”

“It’s better that she knows,” I said. Rose nodded and returned silently to the kitchen. I took a deep breath and followed. I suspected it would be a quiet cup of tea.

When I entered the kitchen, Stinky and I were wrapped in Natalie’s arms. I stood stock still, not understanding the hug I was receiving. She held it long enough for me to relax then she whispered, “I know you love her too,” and broke the embrace. I thought about it and realized I did like Rose. The mother I wished I had. Stinky was smiling, and I could swear I saw pride buried behind her infant eyes. She told Natalie too much. I looked up, probably more red in the face than I desired. Natalie smiled and held out her hands. I put Stinky in them and sat down. She took the seat next to me and began playing with Stinky as Rose set out the tea.

“So,” Rose started, “we still need a plan.”

“It will take them a day or so to find a cooperative judge,” Natalie added, “Normally, no judge would touch such a broad warrant, but they can be persuaded and claim the greater good if challenged.”

“What if I still refuse to let them in?” Rose asked.

“They can break down the door and arrest you.”

“We need transportation,” I said, ignoring what we couldn’t change, “and somehow get past the roadblocks. I would like to see Stinky grow up like a normal child.”

“She’s not normal,” Ruth pointed out the obvious.

“They are checking every vehicle on every road,” Natalie said, “trains, planes, nothing is being skipped.” Stinky waved her hands up and down, excited with Natalie’s play. “She sure is a happy baby.”

“She hasn’t complained once,” Rose added, “it’s almost scary. She just smiles and enjoys everyone around her, except when she’s eating.” Natalie raised her eyebrows, “she’s very intense when she eats. Full concentration.”

“She acts like she’s starving,” I added. Natalie nodded and continued playing, drawing more smiles from Stinky.

“A police car could get through,” I said, thinking out loud.

“What?”

“A police car,” I repeated, “hide in plain sight and all that. We could drive right past the checkpoints if we had a police car.”

“And where would we get one of those?” Rose asked, “there’s little chance of stealing one and I doubt they rent them out.”

“We could borrow one,” Natalie said, not looking up from Stinky’s smiles. She was enamored with the grins and worked feverishly to keep them coming. Stinky bonded quickly. Such a powerful drug.

“And who would lend it?” I asked.

“A police officer, of course,” Natalie added with a bit of whimsy. She looked up with a smartass grin that held no judgement. She was playing with me as well. I gave her her earned smile and waited for the explanation.

“We let in a single officer to search the house,” Natalie explained, “we let him find Stinky.” Let the bonding work for us. It was simple and probably our only option. I didn’t like adding another bond not knowing the long term effects, but what choice did we have. Natalie was smart though I didn’t want to admit it out loud.

“Wouldn’t a married officer do as well?” I asked. My smartass grin was better than hers. Rose laughed, and Natalie reached out and slapped my knee. There was a sparkle in her eyes. I had a new friend.

“They wear gloves,” Rose said, trying to stifle her chuckle, “how would we get an officer to touch Stinky.”

“One of us can touch the cop while touching Stinky,” I suggested.

“I could do that,” Natalie offered, “should be easy if he’s male,” she smiled, “and single.” I had to laugh at the puns being thrown around. Natalie smirked and we shared a look as Rose added to the grinning. Stinky thought we were playing with her and started laughing herself. It was a very pleasant cup of tea.

“We should do it before they return with a warrant,” I suggested. Everyone nodded. We had a plan.

Chapter 8 – Sam

Rose and Natalie talked well into the night. I left them to it, knowing that the earlier tears were only the beginning. They needed time together, and I was the third wheel. They insisted I leave Stinky and relax. I found a radio in the guest room and located an oldies station to listen too. It wasn’t long before my eyes closed and I nodded off fully clothed.

“Sam.” I heard Natalie softly calling my name. I realized it wasn’t the first time. I opened my eyes to see her at the foot of the bed holding Stinky. “She misses you,” Natalie said with a warmth I didn’t expect. Natalie’s eyes looked dreamy, and her smile was more than friendly. I almost looked behind me to see if it was meant for someone else.

“Sure,” I fumbled and held my arms out. She put Stinky carefully, almost lovingly, in my arms. I pulled Stinky close. Natalie laughed as she ran out of the room. The smell hit me hard. I looked down at what I thought was raw sewage to find Stinky smiling at me.

“Chicken!” I yelled. More laughter. “Damn, Stinky. What did they feed you?” I maneuvered her off the bed and grabbed her bag. I was just tricked by a lawyer in a most childish manner. It would take time, but childish revenge was my specialty. I was breathing through my nose and laughing to myself as I cleaned up sewer butt.

I returned to the kitchen with a clean baby in one arm and a filthy diaper in the other. Rose was holding back a grin and Natalie was outright laughing. I made a feint, pretending to toss the foul diaper at Natalie who panicked for a moment then returned to her laughing.

“Think you’re funny?” I asked.

“I know I am,” Natalie countered. Rose turned away, trying not to offend me by laughing.

“It will come when you’re not looking,” I said ominously, “when you least expect it.” My smile weakened the threat, but I knew I had her thinking.

“It was worth it,” Natalie continued, “at least she is true to her namesake.” I made to throw the diaper in the waste under the sink.

“Garage,” Rose said, her grin no longer covered. It was worth it to see those two smiling. I could be the butt of their joke at that price. Stinky and I traveled to the garage and disposed of the foul beast.

“We really should get some sleep,” Rose said.

“I think I was asleep,” I commented. Natalie covered her mouth trying not to add to the joke, “I can take the couch,” I offered.

“No,” Natalie disagreed, “you were here first. The bedroom is for you and Stinky. I can always sleep with mom.” Rose agreed as she started the dishwasher.

“Goodnight,” Rose told me and leaned down to kiss Stinky’s forehead.

“Sorry about that,” Natalie said once her mom had left. Her smile belied how sorry she was. I wasn’t upset. I should have been, but I enjoyed being toyed with by her. It was done in such a sisterly manner.

“I forgive you…for now,” I said with a sly grin. Natalie nodded, knowing she was in for payback somewhere along the line.

“Actually, I have never changed a diaper,” Natalie said as she rose, “maybe you could show me tomorrow.”

“Sure,” I said, “you have to supply your own gas mask though.” That got me a small chuckle as she exited the kitchen calling out a good night. I returned it as pleasant as I could. For a judgemental bitch, she sure looked good in her jeans.

The smell of coffee woke me again. Stinky was gone, probably being entertained by Rose. As I was trained, I went to the bathroom and cleaned up before I entered the kitchen for coffee. Rose and Stinky smiled at me. A steaming cup was already waiting on the table. I could get used to that.

“Good morning,” I said, remembering my manners.

“Good morning, Sam,” Rose replied, “Natalie will be with us soon. She sleeps late when there’s no alarm clock.” I nodded as I drank some coffee, warming my hands and mouth.

“You two good?” I asked, curious about how things worked out.

“As good as to be expected,” Rose said, “I have Stinky to thank for that. I had no idea how I was going to tell her. Maybe, I wasn’t going too – I don’t know. It’s better this way. I know that now.”

“I thought you teachers have all the answers,” I joked.

“Whoever told you that, doesn’t teach,” Rose snickered, “we just have to be smarter than the students. Sometimes we even fail at that.”

“I wish I had met you years ago,” I admitted.

“You probably did meet someone like me,” Rose said, “you just weren’t ready.”

“Stink has a way of making a person ready,” I said, “she removes all the barriers and lets you see your potential.”

“We still don’t know how real it is,” Rose said, “there are drugs that convince people they can fly.”

“True,” I agreed, “and there are drugs that cure diseases.”

“I sure hope she is a good drug,” Rose said, and she caressed Stinky’s back. Stinky smiled, enjoying the attention as she always did.

“Good Morning,” Natalie said brightly. She was wearing a summer dress and looked striking. She turned around quickly, showing it off. “Think one of Flagstaff’s finest can resist?”

“Not in a million years,” I said with more awe than I intended. Rose choked back a laugh at my unexpected tone. I gather myself quickly. “I thought you lawyers were all suit and tie.”

“Only when we take you to court and clean out your life savings,” Natalie said, not missing a beat. I didn’t think she noticed my brief loss of control.

“You want to do this before breakfast?” I said, my stomach growling.

“Never, it’s Sunday,” Natalie said. She continued when she saw my blank look. “Sunday is pancake day at the William’s household.” I looked to Rose, who quickly handed me Stinky. I could see she had forgotten and thought herself remiss.

“Pancakes sound good,” I said. Natalie shook her head smiling.

“Then you can help,” Rose announced. There was something I was missing about past pancake days. Sitting on your ass and commenting must be frowned upon. I handed Stinky to the grinning Natalie and became the kitchen helper.

I enjoyed watching Natalie play with Stinky as we ate. Stinky tried desperately to get a taste of the syrup. Natalie seemed at ease at keeping her mind off the food with simple tickling and some bouncing. It looked like she enjoyed it as much as Stinky did. After our meal, I washed dishes, and the ladies fed the human disposal. We put our plan into action after Stinky was fed.

I watched out of the corner of the window as Natalie leaned into the Police car talking to the officer who was watching our house. I assumed they had us under surveillance because we refused a search. I was telling myself I was watching to see if she succeeded. My eyes locked on the subtle gyrations of her backside. The flowered dress flowed with her movements in a beautiful way. For a moment, I wished I was the officer. I had known before the car door opened, that she would convince him.

“It took me all night to convince her,” Natalie said to the cop as she entered the front door, “this Ebola thing has her scared. Is it okay if she keeps her distance?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem, Natalie,” the cop replied. I didn’t like how he said her name. I was having new reservations about the plane, “We usually require two officers, but I think we can make an exception in this case.” I could almost feel the smile that must have been on his face.

“Thank you, Tom,” Natalie said. I disliked how she said his name. I took a slow breath and let the emotion pass. I didn’t like what I was feeling. I had no idea where it was coming from. Natalie was a lawyer and way out of my league. A brief necessary friendship was all that would ever come of it. “Where would you like to start?”

“Is there a basement?”

“No, just a crawl space you can only access from outside,” Natalie answered.

“Then I just need to look in each room starting with this one,” Tom instructed, “then the bedrooms.” Natalie giggled when he said bedrooms. My anger flared. More slow deep breaths and self-admonishment for being an idiot cooled me back down. I sat quietly on the bed knowing if he got to this room the gig was up. I listened as footsteps walked around the living room, presumably behind the couch and other possible hiding places.

“Oh!” I heard Rose exclaim from the kitchen. I knew she was peeking from behind the kitchen door, Stinky still behind the wall.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry about this,” Tom said, his tone changing from confident man to sympathetic, “I will only be inside for a moment. Once your house is cleared, you won’t be bothered again.”

“He’s not wearing a mask,” Rose said with desperation, “he can cough it all over us.”

“I assure you I’m not infected,” the cop said calmly.

“I’m sorry, mom. I forgot to ask.” Natalie said. There was a short pause as Natalie pulled out the scarf I knew she had. “Would you mind if I put this on you?” she asked the cop. I could hear the smile in her voice. Unless the cop was gay, he would allow it.

“Of course, Natalie,” Tom answered. I closed my eyes and prayed for divine intervention. I knew Rose was moving up, behind the cop as Natalie reached around his neck to tie the scarf around his mouth. I tried not to imagine her hands gracing the back of his neck as Stinky was secretly brought within Natalie’s reach. There was a long paused filled with way too many pounding heartbeats.

“Who is she?” I heard Tom ask calmly.

“We don’t know,” Rose said, no longer acting the senile woman, “we only know the government wants her enough to dream up the Ebola scare.” I walked out of the bedroom and joined everyone in the living room. I was gratified to find Tom a little out of shape, maybe carrying an extra fifty pounds. He was untying the scarf.

“You must be Samuel Donaldson,” Tom said, shaking his head.

“Sam,” I said, holding out my hand. I wasn’t surprised when he didn’t take it.

“Is this some kind of trick?” Tom asked Natalie.

“Only to get you in the house,” Natalie said, “I’m sorry about that, but we need help.” She looked over to Stinky, “she is for real.”

“I knew something was wrong,” Tom said, “they were letting people leave, in fact encouraging it.”

“I think they figured it would be easier to catch us in a car,” I surmised, “we need to get past the roadblocks.”

“Why shouldn’t the government have her?” Tom asked. I looked between Rose and Natalie. It wasn’t a question I was prepared to answer. Everyone else who bonded just naturally wanted to protect her from everyone.

“I think they plan to use her as a weapon,” I replied, “spying and interrogation. Things like that. We believe she needs a childhood.” Sam reached out and grabbed Stinky’s barefoot. Stinky gave him one of her laughs, and he smiled as the bond took hold again.

“Damn, she’s powerful,” Tom said, “somehow I know you’re not lying,” he turned to Natalie with a friendly smile, “and I know you’re not interested…in me.”

“Sorry,” Natalie said. I thought I saw her cheeks redden. I guess leading a man on embarrassed her.

“Sam,” Tom said, holding out his hand, “how can I help?” I smiled and shook his hand. We all sat down and spent the next ten minutes filling him in on what has happened and our observations and reservations about Stinky.

“So, we need you to drive us through a road block,” I said when the explanations were through.

“I better make a call,” Tom said, ignoring the radio clipped to his breast and using his mobile phone.

“Hey, Gabby,” Tom greeted when his call was answered, “I’m at 23 Madison. The owner is pretty freaked out, but the daughter got me in, and I searched the place.”

“I know, but the Feds will have to be satisfied,” Tom continued after a short pause, “the lady is senile and near a nervous breakdown.” He smiled at Ruth, “you bring in anyone else, you’ll need an ambulance as well.”

“Yea,” Tom continued, “I just need to use your name on the write up so the Feds won’t go postal on me for doing it alone.”

“Yes,” Tom laughed as he spoke, “she is a nine. Would be a ten, but I couldn’t get a phone number.” There were a few more jibes that made Natalie blush. The call ended to Tom’s satisfaction.

“Sorry,” Tom apologized to Natalie, “he knew why I went in alone in the first place. We don’t usually break protocol.” Natalie just nodded with her speechless blush. “Luckily, a lot of homes refused the initial search so it doesn’t look that suspicious.” Tom grabbed his radio and reported that Rose’s house had been cleared using Gabby as his second. He was rather efficient for a police officer who was essentially breaking the law. Stinky was an incredibly powerful drug.

“So,” Tom said when he was through, “you guys got a plan.”

“Not really,” I said, shrugging my shoulders, “I just figured you would drive us past the checkpoint, and we would handle it from there.”

“What? Drop you in the desert and you hitchhike or something,” Tom said, shaking his head, “I can’t go too far past the checkpoint without raising suspicion. All our cars are tracked by GPS. Dispatch will be checking up as soon as I leave my jurisdiction.”

“What if I drive out first,” Natalie offered, “after they search my car, I can drive ahead and wait for you to catch up.” I liked how she thought, always a devious second before me. Simple solutions for simple problems.

“I can find another car,” I added, “and be out of your hair in no time.” Natalie gave me a look I wasn’t expecting, almost angry. I looked away, toward Tom, trying to give myself some time to figure it out. Rose shifted Stinky in her lap. I saw curiosity in her eyes. She was perplexed by Natalie’s reaction as well.

“You know, you and her,” Tom continued, pointing at Stinky,” will have to ride in the trunk. They won’t search my car, but they will look inside as I go through.” I just became the drugs I used to carry. I was contraband.

“Will need some pillows or something,” I said, looking at Rose, “I think Stinky will be alright as long as I’m holding her.” Rose nodded her agreement.

“We can do it tonight,” Tom said, “I’ll pull into the garage and load where no one can see us. Where are you headed?”

“I guess west on 40,” I replied, figuring it was the quickest way to Portland.

“There’s a Pilot Travel Center about 15 minutes outside of the city,” Tom said, “we could meet there, near the Day’s Inn. At night, we should be able to get you out of the trunk without anyone noticing.” I nodded. No one would look twice at an open trunk near a motel.

“You’re taking a big risk,” Rose said to Tom, “I hope you don’t lose your job over this, or worse.”

“My real love is the sax,” Tom said, his smile growing, “police work was my low-risk alternative. I’m beginning to think I might change professions.”

“Stinky does make you rethink things,” I said.

“She does at that.” Tom laughed. “I know I’d be damn good at it too.”

Chapter 9 – Sam

Natalie and Rose spent a long time talking before Natalie headed out to the Travel Center. I heard some tears though I stayed away not wanting to intrude. It was a good time to give Stinky a bath since I had no idea when she would get another. I intentionally avoided bonding with Stinky. Rose and Natalie wouldn’t want me interfering though I could only imagine what they were discussing. I assumed it was Rose’s unwillingness to fight the cancer aggressively. Stinky had shown me her determination not to spend her last days sick in a hospital. She had done that with her husband and wished not to go through it again. I guessed it was the real reason she hadn’t told Natalie.

I was relieved she now had her daughter at her side. It would be trying, but loneliness shouldn’t be part of anyone’s last days. I had suspected it would encompass my end in the past, but Stinky had shown me another way. In time, I too might have a family that would see me through. A dream of a legacy, though it would most likely require a name change. I doubted the Feds would stop looking for Samuel Donaldson.

There were more tears and hugs when Natalie left for the Travel Center. It affected me more than it should or, at least, more than it would have pre-Stinky. I wanted to say something to make it go away. What that something would be eluded me. I stood back and let it run its course.

“Natalie acts like she won’t see you again,” I said as Rose relieved me of Stinky. Rose ignored my statement and began tickling Stinky, making her smile and then laugh. It’s hard to pry into a personal conversation when there is a laughing baby. I let it go and moved to the kitchen. Rose wanted to feed me one more time, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

“I’m sorry I’m leaving you,” I said as dinner wound down, “I don’t see any way of staying without risking Stinky.” The realization of my leaving was coming home to roost. It was most likely the last time I would ever see Rose. She would become a memory. A memory that would drive my future decisions.

“Stinky needs a new name,” Rose laughed.

“She likes it,” I said, knowing that Rose was changing the subject.

“Even Smelly would be better,” Rose continued.

“She’ll always be Stinky to me,” I countered her control, “I don’t want to leave.” Rose sighed. She shifted Stinky on her lap and pushed her plate away.