Caged Eagles (12 page)

“Cancel that thought.” Trevor watched the gorgeous singer making her way through the tables toward them. Nerves seized Forrest. The only visible sign was the swig of beer he gulped before she arrived.

“Did you two send me this?” She raised the glass, reflecting ruby liquid.

“Yes, but it's actually from someone much farther away in Denver.”

“I don't know anyone in Colorado.” Laney set the drink down on the table and turned on her heel.

“One word … eagles.” Trevor made one last attempt. She paused and a very sexy smile spread like wildfire across her face. She slid onto the chair next to Forrest. Her eyes were electric. Trevor assumed the gray color came from contact lenses.

“What's your name?”

“Trevor Wells.”

“And yours, handsome?” She rested one hand on Forrest's arm and gazed directly into Forrest's eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed in his throat.

“Forrest Evans.”

“What brought you two fine men to Alaska?”

“I'm here to find my girlfriend.”

“And you?” Laney's eyelashes fluttered in Forrest's direction.

“Came along for the ride.”

“Either of you two dance?” She watched the couples on the floor.

“I dance like a crippled, three-legged sheep, but Forrest here is a stud.” Trevor half-lied about dancing, he wasn't going to steal his friend's thunder.

Laney held out her hand, “You up for it?” Laney and Forrest enjoyed the next ten minutes out on the floor. Laney's body swiveled, twisted, and wiggled around Forrest. When his movements had slowed Laney would reach out and touch his arm or chest, sparking him to dance. The song ended and Laney led the way back to the table. She glanced over her shoulder twice to make sure Forrest was following.

“So,” Laney leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. “How long are you boys in town?”

“A few days. Is our interrogation over or are you just warming up?” Trevor raised an eyebrow and Laney grinned.

“Ask whatever you want. My ride home doesn't get here for another fifteen minutes.”

“How do you know Blaine?” He jumped right to the point.

“Who's Blaine?” her brows came together and lips pursed. Her confusion was obvious. Trevor's heartbeat quickened. Had they misinterpreted Blaine's signs?

“He was my roommate in Denver's rehabilitation center and snuck this note into my belongings.” He leaned forward and pulled the paper out of his back pocket.

“Are you both just out of rehab?” Her voice rose slightly.

Forrest answered honestly. “Yes.”

Trevor held the note out to her. She carefully unfolded the paper. Laney burst into joyful laughter and went to the bar immediately. She leaned over the top of the counter and reached for something hidden on the other side. She sat back down at the table and spread the letter open. After looking around she scooted her chair to block everyone else's view. In the palm of her hand she held a small black light in one hand and moved it over the letter. Laney's eyes rose to meet Trevor's.

“How is he doing?”

“He's okay.”

“Good, it's been awhile since I've heard anything.”

“Are you both
positive
you want to join?” Laney's natural charm disappeared and she became very serious.

“Yes,” they said at the same time. Laney folded the note and handed it back to Trevor.

“Then you will both have to prove your loyalty right away. This will be the biggest commitment either of you will ever make. I'll give you the evening to think it over. If you both feel the same tomorrow, meet me here at eight in the morning.”

Laney stood up. “Thanks for the dance, sexy.” She winked at Forrest. His eyes followed the bold, seductive woman–completely captivated.

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Without doubt, they met Laney hours later. She said nothing, but waved for them to follow her to the only car parked in the lot. She yanked the passenger door open and hopped inside.

“This is Donovan Gomez.” She set a hand on the driver's shoulder. Donovan glanced at them in the rearview mirror. Two folders sat on the back seat next to each man. Inside they found extensive background information on their lives. Laney turned halfway around in her seat.

“Donovan ran background checks on the both of you.”

Forrest methodically turned each page. “How?”

“We have our ways.” Donovan grumbled without looking up from the traffic and street lights.

“Where are we headed?” Forrest asked next. Donovan said something in Spanish to Laney. She didn't respond but buckled her seat belt and answered.

“My place. Donovan and I have a few questions before the next step.”

“What exactly would that be?” Trevor watched Donovan's reaction. He rubbed his free hand over his goatee before running his hand through his hair. Surprisingly, he answered before Laney could.

“You'll have to get the seal.”

He pulled into an apartment complex. Everyone followed Laney into the building. She had begun to dig through a small purse for the key. How she could lose a keycard in such a small bag was beyond the grasp of any of the three men.

“Ah ha.” She triumphantly pulled a rectangular keycard from her purse. She slid the key into the door twice before the latch unlocked.

“You were signaling for your illegal aliens to hide, weren't you?” Trevor joked.

“You bet.” Laney walked into the room, tossing her purse on a small table, took her small jacket off, and flung it carelessly onto a chair before disappearing into another room.

“Make yourselves comfortable, I'm just slipping into a pair of shorts. It's hotter outside than I thought it would be today!” Laney hollered. Trevor saw Forrest turn a light shade of red, and he had every intention of teasing him, but Laney walked back into the room.

“That was one fast change,” Forrest pointed out.

“I have a lot of hidden talents.” Laney tapped Forrest on the cheek as she walked by.

Donovan grumbled, “Don't get any ideas.” He glared at Forrest and then Laney. She threw herself into one of the purple seats.

“Oh, Donovan, relax. Nothing is going to happen because then they'd have to deal with my big brother.”

“Who's that?” Forrest inquired.

“Blaine,” Laney's eyes danced and sparkled, exposing the hidden knowledge. She continued, “I'd give you the big tour, but this is about it. The kitchen is that door there,” she pointed. “And bed and bathroom.” She pointed with her left hand around the lavender-painted room.

“What made the two of you want to join Blaine's cause?” Donovan plunged into a serious topic.

“We just got out of rehab and it was eye opening. Blaine's given us an option, something that hasn't been offered in years.” Trevor sat up on the edge of the chair and looked the man in the eye.

Forrest added, “We want the balance of power restored and we're willing to help fight for it.”

“Laney said you have a letter from Blaine.”

“Yes.” Trevor pulled out the message and gave it to Donovan. He took it into the bathroom and read it under a black light. Laney sat up.

“We have to grow to trust the both of you. Donovan and I have discussed this and agreed you might be just what we've been waiting for to see the next big step of our plan through.”

“What would that be?”

Donovan entered the room, folding the note. “We need to feed Blaine information until we can get him out of prison.”

“I have an idea how to do that,” Trevor offered. Donovan's eyelids flickered once, showing the first sign of surprise. He reached across the couch, handing Trevor the paper. “I've run into Dr. Leslie Taylor a few times outside the prison. She's his counselor.”

“That means nothing. How can she be trusted?” The man ran his hand through his hair and it stood out at different angles all over his head.

“I didn't say she could, and she knows nothing. She's our connection, but moreover, she's falling in love with me.”

“You're using the woman you love?”

“I never said I loved her. Yes, I'm using the counselor and the plan will work great if my ex stays away from her. They have come in contact with each other.”

“Why?”

“More female problems.”

“This organization can't take that risk, having people around that could ruin us.” The man folded his arms, now very skeptical of Trevor.

“I don't expect you to trust me, but I'm telling you the complete truth. That is the only way you will come to trust me. Plus, you can't tell me that there aren't thousands of threats to this organization at every corner.”

Trevor sat back and waited for an answer. Donovan Gomez pressed his fingertips together.

“Fine, give me the phone.” Donovan held his hand out. Laney placed her purple cell in his palm. Gomez punched the speaker and call-recording button before handing it over to Trevor. He dialed the number.

“Hey,” he said as soon as he heard her pick up the phone.

“Who is this?”

“Trevor Wells. Don't tell me you've already forgotten me.”

“No, of course not! I'm just surprised to hear from you. I'd like to apologize for my behavior the last time we saw each other. I'm so embarrassed. I don't drink often and the things I said ….” “It's okay, Leslie. I was shocked, I admit. To be honest, I don't want to get tied down in a serious relationship right now.”

“I respect your honesty. I realize your feelings aren't as advanced as mine are.”

“True. So how is it going?”

“Okay, it's been a long day already.”

“Why?”

“We had a suicide in the rehab.”

“I'm sorry, do I know the guy?”

“Yes,” Trevor's heart gripped. Would the rehab fake a suicide in place of a murder just to get rid of a difficult patient?

“Who was it?”

“Gary. I never thought he would something like that.” Trevor felt relieved but uneasy at the same time. There was no way that sick little man would have killed himself.

“Are you sure it was suicide?”

“That is what we have been told by investigators and the leaders of the rehab center.”

What a stupid woman, Trevor thought. She would always believe what she was told by “officials.” The sad thing was, she would never use her own brain to think.

“You scared me at first,” he replied.

“Why?”

“I was worried something happened to my old roommate Blaine.”

“Mr. Martin–no–he is such a good, respectful man, I can't ever see him hurting himself, or anyone for that matter.”

“I tried sending him a letter to see if he could receive word from an old friend, but I guess not.”

“It was returned?”

“Yeah. My landlord is collecting my mail and told me. It's really to bad he can't get mail and hear from the outside world. I'm sure his family would love to hear from him. It's cruel keeping them apart.”

“I would have to agree with you.” Leslie paused for a moment but Trevor wouldn't allow for the silence.

“Do you think the center will ever let him have word from the outside, just to let him know his loved ones and friends are okay? It would give the poor man some hope for the future and for what he desires most–his freedom outside those walls. I've been there. I know how he feels.”

“I feel horrible. I never thought of it that way. Possibly I can talk to the director about it.”

“But if they already refuse any type of contact–why would the director change his mind?”

“There has got to be some way.”

“Um …” Trevor paused, giving the moment just enough time. “What about you?”

“What?”

“You could take him a letter. No one would know unless you are searched.”

“I don't know–what if I got caught? Blaine was admitted because he tried to revolt against our country. I would be put in rehab for conspiring with him, even if the letter is innocent.”

“If I sent my letter to you–after he reads it, take it home and destroy it. No one will know and he will be bouncing off the walls to get news, even if it's only from me.”

“I don't know.”

“Okay, I'll send you my letter and if you want, you can take it to him, it's all your choice.”

She paused for a few moments but responded with, “alright.”

“So, in other headline news, we're in Anchorage, but we'll be home in a couple weeks.”

“Why so long?”

“Forrest wanted to get the full Alaska experience. Hopefully a bear doesn't decide to use him for a chew toy.”

He could tell Leslie found his comment humorous by the brightness that entered her voice. “Oh Trevor.”

“Well, I'd better get going. Talk to you in a few days.”

“Okay, have a pleasant night.”

“Bye.”

Trevor handed Laney her phone. She had a large smile on her face. Donovan clapped his hands together.

“Excelente! Time for the seal.”

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That afternoon, in the bright sunlight, Laney drove the men away from the towering downtown buildings. Trevor half expected when the seal was revealed, he'd be in a dark alley in the dead of night. He envisioned the rough part of Anchorage across the Glen highway; maybe the place would be hidden under an old run down bar or auto body shop?

Laney put her sunglasses on and kept driving farther away from downtown Anchorage. She pulled up to a house and shut the E.V. off. It looked like the stereotypical, perfect, well-kept residence. Rows of asters, daisies, mums, and pink petunias lined the flower beds. The hedges were trimmed, and the house looked freshly painted in a soft blue.

“Come on,” Laney popped a piece of bubble gum into her mouth and climbed out of the car.

The inside of the house echoed its Chinese heritage. Miniature hand-painted teacups rested on porcelain saucers. Paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, and tiny red origami birds rested on a table in the next room. A small oriental man, probably in his late sixties, came out of another room with Donovan at his side.

“These are the men I told you about yesterday. Trevor, Forrest, this is Yong Lee. He is the one who will give each of you the seal.”

“What is the seal—we haven't been told yet?” Forrest asked.

“It proves you are one hundred percent supportive of our cause.”

“What exactly is it?” Forrest was full of questions.

“This,” Laney turned sideways and pulled her shorts down an inch. Donovan shined a black light on her right hip to expose a tattoo. The eagle's wings, made of fire, stretched to their full length. The body arched in flight. Both talons were positioned to attack. “This is our secret symbol. The black light tattoo hides the emblem from government agents. We use it to catch impostors and prove loyalty. Don, show them yours,” Laney demanded. He pulled up his left pant leg to expose a larger version of Laney's eagle. The precise detail matched that of Laney's. Each curve and line was identical.

“Do they have to be in certain spots?” There was hesitation in Forrest's voice. His complexion had been drained of all color.

“No, wherever you wish.” Donovan pushed his pant leg back down.

“Where is Blaine's?” Trevor asked.

“His ribs.” Laney placed her hand on her right side.

“Do you have one, Mr. Yong Lee?” Forrest respectfully addressed the man.

“Yes, but you don't want to know where.” Donovan laughed heartily and directed both men to follow him into another room with the wave of his hand. Yong Lee didn't even flinch at the comment, but followed Donovan. Trevor shrugged and entered the room. It looked like a mini tattoo parlor.

“We don't have the money or ability to do this by laser, so you'll have to have it put on the old-fashioned way,” Donovan explained. Trevor took his shirt off and climbed on the padded table.

“Where do you want it?” Yong Lee placed ink in small containers. The gun sat on a silver tray.

“My right shoulder blade, and about three inches on each side.” Trevor reached back and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Trevor's skin felt the seal being permanently etched into him. He gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and became enveloped in the sculpting on his shoulder blade. Finally, the procedure was complete. Trevor turned to see it in the mirror. The symbol radiated on his skin. Yong Lee rubbed Vaseline on the irritated skin and covered it in saran wrap. The realization set in, he had made a definite commitment to Blaine.

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_•
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After receiving the seal, Trevor went to meet Sarah in the small courtyard she had chosen. He sat down on one of the benches and watched the leaves above him sway in the trees. It was a peaceful little courtyard; an old marble statue was the only decoration besides the benches. The caretaker must have deserted the place long ago. Dead yellow stems were all that remained sticking out of the crusty soil. A few dandelions grew along the edges, slowly creeping over the deserted ground. Trevor got up and began to pace the yard. She was late, which Trevor's watch reminded him of each minute that ticked by.

He waited to call her until all the stars were ablaze in the ebony sky. The maid answered but the news she told him wasn't good. The family had abruptly canceled their dinner invitation and decided to go to Vermont. Luckily, she slipped and divulged to him they had already left for the airport. He immediately hung up the phone and caught a cab. He couldn't give up; he had come too close.