Secrets of the Spiral Tower (16 page)

“I don’t think I would like that arrangement. To me, we need to retain full control or sell one-hundred percent and travel the world.”

“Hey, look over there. That’s the Red River. We’ve pushed cargo up and down that river through five locks and dams and the Old River Lock and Dam above New Orleans. We’ve pushed barges up the beautiful Ouachita River, too. You remember it heads up in the Ouachita Mountains above Lake Ouachita near Hot Springs, Arkansas.”

“Hot Springs. I haven’t been up there in many years. That’s another place we must go very soon. I love those old bath houses. And, Connor quit trying to change the subject. Do you want to marry me or not?”

Hesitating, slightly Connor said, “Well, yes, but don’t you think we need to become reacquainted before we make this big leap?”

“I thought we became pretty well ‘reacquainted’ at your house a couple of days ago.”

“That we did, Willow. That we did.”

Willow picked up the intercom. “Tobin, how much longer?”

“We’ll be there in less than two hours unless we have a delay due to weather. There is a thunderstorm moving into the San Antonio area from the west. We may have to fly north for a ways and let it pass. Hold on a second. Ground control at San Antonio just informed us that due to severe wind shear, all traffic is being rerouted to Austin International Airport. We’ll land there in approximately one hour and thirty seven minutes. It is possible we may be on the ground for an hour or so.”

“Ain’t this a bitch? Looks like we’ll never get to San Antonio with you and Mother Nature in control.”

“Connor, not to worry. We can catch a taxi and go clothes shopping for you.”

“Hells bells. I would just as soon shop in San Antonio where I know my way around. I’m afraid if we deplane, we may not get to San Antonio for another day or so.”

“Calm down. Remember, we’re going to have fun. If we don’t get to San Antonio until tomorrow, so be it.”

“I’m just not used to so many interruptions. In the towing business, we set a plan of action, then execute.”

“Connor, that’s your problem. You are too rigid. You need to relax and develop an ability to adjust as conditions dictate.”

“Willow, changing directions on a whim is not a trait of Rupert McKenzie. Where did you learn to roll with the flow?”

“In the advertising business you come in contact with a wide range of ‘prima donnas’.  My job was always to engage in conversation that could lead to compromise. But I never lost sight of my objective. If I had to go off on a tangent, I would, but eventually I got back on the main road.”

He sighed and looking out the window, thinking
she may be too much for me on a full time basis
.

Likewise, Willow turned, looking out her window at the East Texas landscape passing below, totally lost in her thoughts.
Connor is so argumentative, no matter what the subject. I’m beginning to get a defensive feeling toward him. I hope I can overcome that as we move around San Antonio. I want to talk to him about our secrets in the cave below the Spiral Tower. I would like to rectify our earlier mistakes. I know some things can’t be reversed but there are some things we can do. When we get back to Vicksburg, I really want to go to the cave and decide what I or we should do. My conscience is about to get the best of me. What’s Connor feeling?  How should I approach the subject? Should I wait until we’ve had a couple of drinks? Is he going to talk at all? We haven’t talked about our secrets in nearly thirty years. I feel like he is as ashamed of what we did as I am. But maybe his pride has put it out of his mind. If that’s the case, it would be very unpleasant for us if I brought the subject up. On the other hand, maybe I should not mention it until we settle in back in Vicksburg. Woody, Olga and I could explore the cave. But Woody and certainly Olga don’t know what Connor and I did way back then. So I would have to confess my “sins” to them before coaxing them to go with me. Knowing Woody though, he would want to get the sheriff involved and who knows where that might lead. I know at some point, if I open this case of worms, I could be charged with a felony or worse and if convicted, Connor and I could face significant jail time. Maybe I should hire a high profile defense attorney and get his legal opinion before doing anything else. Then again if I hire a big time attorney and word leaked out, I would have another problem.

Willow is shaken out of her day dreaming trance by Tobin’s voice on the intercom.

 “Ms. McKenzie, good news, the San Antonio ground controller has lifted the no-landing order. They’re putting us into a pattern with other flights and we should be on the ground in about an hour.”

“That is good news, Tobin. Thank you.”

Looking across the aisle, Willow asked, “Are you happy now?”

“Yes, that is better. I wasn’t looking forward to shopping in Austin.”

“Big boy, you’re not off the hook. We’re still going shopping.”

“I’d like to go where I have shopped before so I won’t be completely lost.”

“Connor, I may want to go to an upscale store, not one of the bargain stores where you shop.”

“I feel comfortable in the clothes I buy. I don’t need anything fancier and more expensive.”

“Don’t worry. I’m picking up the tab. You need to remember when you’re with me, the clothes you wear are a reflection on me. I want your outerwear to match mine.”

“You’re a lot sharper looking than I. Since you’re home, don’t you want to dress down to our level?”

“You don’t agree with the concept that by associating with me, I can raise your standard of living? Or do you believe my association with you will lower my standard of living?”

“Yes, I guess that’s right,” Connor said, chuckling. “When you place an ‘F’ student in the classroom with an ‘A’ student with only one teacher, the average
grade
becomes a ‘C’. True enough, the ‘F’ student’s grades will rise, but the ‘A’ student’s grade will drop. So, the question becomes will you be happy with less glitz?”

“That’s an interesting analogy, Connor. But I believe in time, I can change your outward appearance to where your grade becomes a ‘B’.”

“Willow maybe I’m happy with my ‘outward appearance.’ Maybe I don’t want to change. I fit in quite well with the people of Vicksburg and on the river.”

“I know Connor and there is nothing at all wrong with that. It is a pace of life I want to embrace once again.”

“I had you going for a few moments didn’t I? You know I’m not going to try to change you. And your way of life.”

“Ms. McKenzie, we’re approaching some turbulent weather, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened.”

“Okay Tobin, we’re in good shape back here.”

“We’ll be on the ground in about fifteen minutes.”

  “Great,” Connor said. “I’m ready to get to our hotel.”

Chapter 11

Tobin landed the plane and taxied to the private hanger away from the public terminal.

“Welcome to San Antonio, Ms. Willow and Mr. Connor,” he said. “The weather is absolutely gorgeous; 78 degrees and clear with no rain in sight for the next five days. The weather front that caused our delay is fast moving and has cleared the airport and the city, headed eastward at thirty-five miles per hour.”

Connor looked out the window.

“There’s our limo. Caitlyn is right on time, again.”

“Was there any doubt?”

“Nope. None. She knows what and how to take care of us.”

“Now, all we’ve got to do is find your old luggage.”

“That won’t be hard to do since you don’t have any.”

“Then without delay, let’s board the limo and head to our hotel. We’re going to stay at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio River Walk where your Daddy and I are known regulars.”

“But, I thought you said we were going to stay at the Victorian Inn.”

“Naw. We stayed there a couple of times, and then moved to the Hyatt.”

“That’s good. I want to stay in the same suite where you all did.”

“As I told you before, we rarely stayed in the same suite. But they were close to each other.”

“Connor, that is interesting. Why didn’t you and Daddy stay together?”

“Willow, although we had many common friends and business associates, we also had our own age group of friends. As you know, there is twenty-six years age difference between us. Sometimes the younger crowd got rowdy and stayed up all night, going from one party to another.”

“What? You’ll partied all night? I thought these trips were business oriented.”

“Oh, they were business oriented, but sometimes business is conducted after normal meeting hours and at different venues.”

“So, what I’m getting from this conversation is Daddy made a short day out of the meetings, but you never slept. It was a weeklong party.”

“That’s not exactly true. But, I’ll admit, I looked forward each year to these meetings.”

“Thinking back on our conversation with Caitlyn, you were very hesitant to leave McKenzie Towing in her hands, but you’ve done it before. I don’t understand. What is different about this trip that causes you so much concern? Is it because I’m on board now?”

“No. That’s not the reason. I just felt like we hadn’t given enough planning time for this trip. You, of all people, know I’m a planner and prefer not to make spontaneous decisions that sometimes prove to be fatal mistakes. I like to make sure all of the ‘Ts’ are crossed and all of the ‘Is’ are dotted.”

“Connor, I have juggled several, totally different million dollar businesses in my life and certainly understand the need to plan. But I don’t see the towing business being nearly as complicated as some of the challenges I’ve faced.”

Connor saw this statement as a put down. “Well, maybe you don’t. I guess that tells me you know very little about the inner workings and relationships necessary to keep the barges and commodities moving up and down the river.”

“Don’t get your back all up. My point is that you’re connected to Caitlyn with your cell phone and the internet. So, given today’s technology, you’re always available to solve any problem big or small that may come up.”

“That’s right. But you must anticipate small problems that arise with high powered tow boats pushing millions of dollars’ worth of commodities and solve them before they become big problems that could cost large sums of money or loss of cargo. A successful towing business is predicated on delivering the goods on schedule and in good condition.”

At that moment, the limo turned into the unloading area of the hotel and stopped at the large glass-enclosed entrance.

“Connor, this is beautiful. I hope our suite is as impressive.”

“I think, even for a world traveler such as yourself, you will be favorably impressed. Once we get settled in and refreshed, I want to stroll down the River Walk. That area has a lot of history behind it and affords many shopping opportunities.”

“That’s good, but let’s not rush out of the hotel. I want us to have some personal time together, if you know what I mean.”

“I think I get the drift, but what about shopping for me some clothes?”

“Connor, you won’t need any clothes for a while. Let’s just relax, order room service, and share a bottle of wine.”

“I’m all for that.”

As they entered the lobby, Connor saw a familiar face behind the registration desk. As he walked nearer, the lady behind the desk, Gloria Santana, called out in a joyful voice. “Mr. Connor. How nice it is to see you again. Is Mr. Rupert with you?”

“No, not this time. But, I do have his daughter, Ms. Willow McKenzie, with me.”

Extending her hand to greet Willow, Gloria said, “Ms. McKenzie, it is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve known Mr. Connor and your Daddy for many years. I’m so glad to meet you.”

“It is nice to meet you also.” 

Gloria turned her attention back to Connor. “Caitlyn called and I have your usual suite ready. But since you’re in the company of such a beautiful lady, would you like to change to the Presidential Suite? Haven’t you stayed in it before?”

Hesitating, Connor said, “No. We have always stayed on the tenth floor. But this is a good idea, considering my roommate at this time. I think the Presidential suite is quite appropriate. Thanks, Gloria.”

“Are your bags in the limo? I’ll have my head bellman, Hector, get them to your suite.”

“Yes, Gloria. He’s always taken very good care of us each time we stayed here.”

Gloria rang the phone at the bellman’s desk. “Hector, there are a couple of guests at the front desk. Please come out and greet them.”

Moments later, Hector appeared in the lobby and with a wide grin on his face. He extended his hand when he saw Connor. “Mr. Connor. It is nice to see you again. Are you having another ‘Navigation’ meeting? Is Mr. Rupert here?”

“No, not this time. Hector, this in Ms. Willow McKenzie, Rupert’s daughter.”

Snapping to attention and extending his hand, Hector said, “Ma’am, it is a real pleasure to meet you. Your father has mentioned you many times. He is a true Southern gentleman. I hope he is well.”

“Why, thank you, Hector. Daddy isn’t in the best of health, but I’ll tell him you asked about him. I know he will be pleased.”

“Ma’am, as Mr. Connor knows, if there is anything I can do to make your stay with us better, just call. I’m at your disposal. Mr. Connor, are you and Ms. McKenzie staying in your usual suite?”

“Not this time. As the song says, ‘We’re moving on up to the top. We’re going to stay in the Presidential Suite this time.”

“Great idea. And a fitting tribute to the daughter of Mr. Rupert McKenzie.”

At that exchange, Hector invited Connor and Willow to join him at the elevator. He rode to the 12th floor, walked them to the suite
and opened the door. Entering the room Willow said, “This is really nice. And the view over the city is spectacular. Connor, this is perfect.”

As Hector turned to leave, he said, “Remember, Ms. McKenzie, your father is a special person to me. I hope to get to know you while you’re here.”

“Hector, I’ll make sure you and I can get acquainted.”

“Thank you, ma’am. Call if you need anything.”

Willow turned to Connor, saying, “These are certainly nice people. How many years did you and Daddy stay here?”

“At least twenty-five.”

“And these people have been here all that time?”

“I know Hector and Gloria have been, and probably some of the others.”

“I love this place and understand why you and Daddy kept coming back. This bathroom is spectacular. I want to take a warm bubble bath. You’re welcome to join me. Afterwards, let’s order room service and enjoy a bottle of wine. Okay?”

“Sounds good to me and I’ll take you up on the bubble bath, if you will wash my back.”

“I was hoping you would agree.  I’ll take great pleasure in massaging your back, head, toes and everything in between.” 

“Good. I’ll get a bottle of wine from the beverage cabinet.”

“Are you intent on getting me drunk and taking advantage of me? You know that won’t be necessary. I’m of a mindset where there is no need for anymore persuasion, just action. I’m ready whenever you say the word.”

“I think a nice bubbly bath massage will do the trick. It has been a long time since I’ve had a bubbly massage.”

“Really? How long has it been?”

Quickly, Connor answered, “I don’t remember.”

“Don’t remember, huh? Well, I’m going to give you one for all ages. You’ll remember this one ‘till your dying day’.”

“Let’s get in the Jacuzzi.”

After about forty-five minutes of intimate touching, a couple glasses of wine, Willow and Connor were quite relaxed and ready for dinner.  Willow called room service and placed the order.

Opening the beverage cabinet, Willow was pleasantly surprised to see the wide selection of wines and liquor. She checked the labels on several of the bottles then turned to Connor. “How would you like a ten-year old bottle of Italian wine?”

“That’s fine, just as long as it is a red wine.”

“One of the fun and exciting things I’ve learned in my travels over the past thirty years was learning how to match wine with your favorite food.”

“I’ve learned to like red wine with almost any food.”

“Connor, a great wine and food pairing is a taste experience that’s absolutely sublime. You should try it. For instance tonight, we’re having boiled lobster with drawn butter. Because of the mutual richness, it should be paired with a big Chardonnay.”

“I haven’t traveled far from Vicksburg in those thirty years, so I go for the cheaper wines. I think it is better to drink something I like rather than match the food with a drink I don’t like.”

“Okay. Let me match a wine with your steak. I think a vintage Merlot or Cabernet will sooth your taste buds.”

“So, we’re going to open two bottles of wine? If we drink all of that, I’m certain I’ll pass out and not be able to perform later in the evening.”

“That’ll be okay. Remember, we’re going to stay two weeks here, so I think during that period of time, we’ll have time for other activities.”

At that moment, a knock on the door and a voice said, “Room service.”

Connor quickly wrapped the long white bath robe around him.  “One moment, please.”

When he opened the door, there stood a sharply dressed individual with a cart full of food in front of him.

“C’mon in. That looks wonderful.”

Connor gave the man a generous tip and thanked him as he exited the door. Then he double locked the door. Turning to Willow, he said, “Let’s eat.”

Willow opened the Merlot and poured a glass for Connor. Connor opened the Chardonnay and poured Willow a glass.

Willow said, “Before we start eating, a toast is in order.” Raising her glass and touching his, she said, “To you, Connor. I look forward to the rest of our lives together.”

Connor responded, “I wish you health and happiness.”