Uneven Exchange (23 page)

“The kids,” she pressed.

“They’re asleep.”

“What if they wake up?” she mumbled, trying to sit up.

“Let’s go, then,” he said, dragging himself off the couch.

Casey gasped in surprise when Kevin reached over and lifted her into his arms. With little effort, he carried her upstairs and into their bedroom. Tenderly, he placed her onto their bed and deliberately began removing each article of her clothing. Casey shuddered in delight as he worked to expose her nakedness.

After removing her clothes, Kevin stood to remove his own. He then joined her on the bed, where they consummated their intimacy. Their burning desire for each other was fueled by the powerful love they shared. As their bodies intertwined, the passion between them was ignited again and again. Finally, they lay side by side, stretched out naked on the bed. Their perspiration-soaked skin glistened as the light of the full moon shined through their bedroom window.

A gentle breeze through the open window caused Casey to pull at the bedcovers in search of the sheet below. She plumped her pillow, slid between the cotton sheets, then looked at her husband. “Wow,” she exhaled.

Kevin drew a deep breath and returned her comment with a look of satisfied enjoyment, then he, too, propped up a pillow and sat next to Casey.

She covered his lower body with the sheet before saying, “Honey, can I ask you a question?”

“Oh no,” he teased. “Here it comes.”

“Here what comes?” she asked innocently.

“I don’t know how you do it. Here I am, exhausted, and you’re ready to run the relay!”

“I always have extra energy after we make love.”

“I know, and that’s when I seem to get into trouble. I’m too tired to think clearly, and you’re full of questions.”

“Well, this one is easy,” she said confidently.

“Okay, I should know better by now, but what is it?”

“It’s about Daniela,” she whispered.

“You must be joking!”

“Well, I’m not. I need to know a few things.”

The unyielding sound of her voice caused him to look directly into her eyes. In them, Kevin saw a yearning for closure that only the truth could bring. But having never confronted the truth about his attraction to Daniela, he hesitated. “I already told you that nothing happened between us,” he stammered.

“I know, but something must have caused you to want her.”

“Baby, I told you. I never wanted her,” he insisted. “It was…” He paused, trying to think. “Oh, I don’t know. I simply can’t explain it.”

“Was it a crush?”

Kevin grimaced as he straightened up while sitting. Avoiding the question, he asked, “Do you really want to talk about this now?”

“What’s wrong with now?”

“Well, for one thing, we just finished making mad, passionate love, and now you want to talk about another woman?”

“You said it yourself. We just finished making love. Kevin, I know you love me. What we just experienced was pure love, not sex. Now is the best time ever to finally end this feeling I can’t seem to shake.”

“I don’t understand. What feeling can’t you shake?”

“It’s the feeling that I pushed you to another woman.”

“How can you say that? In my whole life, you are the only woman I have ever loved!”

“That’s what you say, but—”

“No, that’s what I mean,” he said.

“But when you didn’t call, I know I nagged you to death. Maybe it was my nagging that caused you to look twice at Daniela.”

“Casey, it wasn’t your nagging, and I should have never mentioned her name. You knew I went to that dinner as an undercover agent, but you never knew who I was meeting. You had every right to be angry when I couldn’t even bother to pick up the telephone and call you.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have mentioned her, but you did. I know nothing physically happened, but emotionally something did. She touched some kind of nerve within you. Kevin, please tell me. What did you really feel?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know, maybe you’re right. Maybe it was a crush of some kind. Casey, baby, I really can’t explain it.”

“How deep was your crush?”

Kevin moaned loudly. “I can’t believe you’re asking me all this, and better yet, I can’t believe I’m answering you. Here I am talking about another woman with my own wife!”

Casey shrugged. “Well? I’m also your best friend. So give it up, buddy.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Just tell me, how deep was your crush?”

“Oh, Casey, Casey, Casey, I’m not certain it was even a crush. Maybe I was jealous.”

“You were jealous?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I was jealous of Rico.”

“That’s dumb.”

“Tell me about it. Why do you think I’m so uncomfortable talking about this?”

“Did you want her to choose you instead of Rico?”

“Well, that wouldn’t have worked. I’m married! No, the original plan was for her to go out with Rico a few times so he could get some inside information on Santiago. When they fell for each other, it was like hitting a gold mine. But maybe a part of me felt rejected. Daniela never even gave me a second glance.”

“Oh, don’t tell me you were going through a midlife crisis?”

“Either that or my male ego was kicking in. Who knows? It’s nice to feel wanted.”

“Plus things at home weren’t the best,” she offered.

“Don’t you dare start blaming yourself all over again. I’ve told you, I take full blame.”

“What about Alexandra? How do you feel about her?”

“You mean besides feeling responsible for her predicament?”

“Yes,” she answered, placing a comforting hand on his sheet-covered knee.

“I guess the same way I do about all my agents. I care for them deeply and consider them my friends.”

“Does she bring back memories of Daniela or any leftover feelings?”

“Of course she doesn’t.”

“But they look so much alike,” Casey persisted.

“That they do. In fact, the first time I laid eyes on Alexandra, it was kind of weird. But in a way, she made me realize I never truly had feelings for Daniela.”

“How did she do that?”

“Just by getting to know her,” he explained.

“But I thought you liked Alexandra.”

“Sure I do—as a person. But I’m not attracted to her.”

“Kevin, she is breathtaking!”

“Not in my eyes.
You
are the one who is breathtaking.”

“Oh please. Not like the two of them. They are so mysterious-looking, so sensual.”

“Not to me. Besides, do you think I love you only for your beauty? How shallow of a man do you think I am? Casey O’Neil, I love you for all that you are. I love you for being the best wife you could ever be. I love you for being the mother of my children, and I love you for just being you. God made you as my perfect partner in life. God made you just for me.”

Casey looked downward, tears welling in her eyes. Kevin tenderly placed his hand under her chin and guided her face to his. He gave her a smile of pure love, causing her to cry tears of joy, then to join him in tranquil laughter. He leaned in to kiss her lips, first gently, then with increased passion.

Smiling, she asked, “Are you planning on a second go-around?”

“Not likely,” he teased. “My mind would love it, but I don’t think I could get any cooperation.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-NINE

WAITING GAME

Saturday morning

Alexandra

Rico and Alexandra emerged from their cabin as the ferry inched into the port of La Paz. Their journey from Mazatlan had gone without incident, with one exception—the same violent rocking that kept Alexandra wide awake seemed to lull Rico into a deep slumber. That, along with his incessant snoring had put her in an agitated mood, and Rico’s chipper early-morning attitude only fueled her cranky disposition.

“What’s up with you?” he asked sarcastically as they waited in line to disembark.

“I’m not a morning person,” Alexandra snapped, longing for a cup of coffee and a shower, in that specific order.

Not asking anything else, Rico took the lead down the ramp. Alexandra trailed slightly behind, dragging her feet along the dirt and shuffling more dust with her tennis shoes than necessary. She followed Rico a few blocks off the main road into a pint-size office where he paid their bus fare to Tijuana.

“What time does the next bus leave?” Rico asked, accepting the two tickets from the buxom female agent.

“In about an hour,
señor
,” she offered while leaning forward to further reveal her bulging cleavage. “But if you want a seat, you better get on now. There were lots of fishermen buying
boletos
this morning, and I don’t know which bus they will be taking.”

Rico offered his gratitude by kissing the flirtatious ticket agent on the hand. Alexandra rolled her eyes at the exchange and immediately left the office, allowing the screen door to clamor loudly shut. Outside, she shuffled along the dirt while waiting impatiently for Rico. After several minutes, he finally joined her.

“Well, that was a lovely display,” she muttered. “By the way she was popping out of her blouse, I’m surprised she didn’t allow you to slobber on more than just her hands.”

“Hey, don’t knock it,” he combated. “Now at least we’re certain to get a seat.”

“She told you about the seats before you drooled all over her.”

“I didn’t drool. I simply showed my appreciation. You should be grateful.”

“Gee, I can’t wait. Just what I wanted to do, jump onto another bumpy ride after the one we had last night.”

“I didn’t think it was so bad,” he offered innocently.

“Well, of course not. You slept right through it.”

“Didn’t you sleep well?”

“Ha! Who could possible sleep through all of your snoring?”

“Well, no wonder I seem to be the bad guy this morning.”

His comment finally made her realize how she was coming across. “Rico, I’m sorry. It’s just that—”

“Hey, no need to explain. I get it,” he said. “Tell you what. Let’s grab some seats, and then I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”

“That would be great,” she replied, striving to sound pleasant. “Thank you.”

They mounted the steps of the half-filled bus, and Alexandra immediately began to sit in one of the empty bench seats at the front.

“Not here. Let’s go to the back,” Rico instructed.

She started to object but stopped when he gave her a stern look. By his expression, she could tell he had specific reasons for choosing the rear. He moved past her to take the lead and sat in the last seat, which was opposite the bathroom. Alexandra instantly detected a slight odor.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” she whispered violently into his ear.

“Give me a break,” he whispered back. “I don’t like it either, but this is the safest place. I don’t feel like getting literally stabbed in the back while I’m sleeping.”

“Sleeping? You plan on sleeping in this bucket of tin?”

One of the fishermen stood and sauntered to the rear. He leered at Alexandra, the only female on board, and revealed a tobacco-stained collection of teeth, one of which was missing. After letting himself into the bathroom and closing the door, much to her continued anguish, she could easily hear his restroom adventures. Alexandra also sensed he amplified his performance for her benefit. She hoped the noise of the engine would muffle the sounds any future occupants made.

“Hold our seats,” Rico instructed as he stood and turned to leave for the coffee.

“Wait, look,” Alexandra whispered while pulling on the leg of his shorts.

A tall, skinny man had just boarded the bus. He stepped slowly and deliberately down the aisle, gingerly peering at each passenger. His wiry mustache gave him a villainous look. Rico returned to his sitting position next to Alexandra. She clenched his shorts with a moist palm as the man walked directly toward them. He stopped for a moment and eyed both of them, waited a beat, and then turned around. The mysterious stranger then returned to the front of the bus and climbed down.

“Do you recognize him?” Alexandra asked in a frightened whisper. She tightened her grip on Rico’s shorts.

“No, but I’m going to check this out,” Rico said, getting up to leave. “Stay put.”

“Don’t leave me!” she pleaded. “What if he returns?”

“Then, I’ll return too. Don’t worry, Alex. I won’t let him out of my sight.”

***

Rico

Rico followed the man into a restaurant located on the same street less than two blocks from the idle bus. While placing his own order, Rico watched as the stranger sat in a booth across the table from another, much shorter man. A server immediately placed two plates of
huevos rancheros
in front of them.

“
Señorita
,” he asked the young cashier, “do you know that man over there? The taller one,” he added.

“Oh
sí, señor
,” she replied, smiling. “He is the driver of the bus to Tijuana. So is the other man. They alternate driving so the bus does not have to make long stops.”

“Is he really?” Rico stifled a laugh. “Tell you what,” he said to the cashier, “charge me for a couple of chorizo burritos. Suddenly, I’m in the mood for breakfast.”

“
Sí, señor
,” she responded politely, clearly not understanding his sudden change of attitude.

After getting their food, Rico boarded the bus and immediately crinkled his nose at the pungent smell of fish. He balanced two giant-sized cups of coffee and two breakfast burritos as he made his way toward the rear, where Alexandra waited with expectant-looking eyes.

“Not to worry,” Rico quickly said. “Can you believe it? Our tall, dark stranger is the bus driver.”

“He’s the bus driver?” Alexandra blurted, laughing.

“Yes, the bus driver.” Rico shook his head and grinned. “I think all these wonderful aromas are already getting to our heads.”

“Well, I don’t think they’re going to improve any as time goes by,” she commented.

“Not a chance,” Rico agreed. “I say we eat and drink now, use the facilities, then hold it the rest of the way!”

“Hold it all twenty-eight hours, huh?”

“Sure! I’m game if you are,” he teased.

“Then maybe we should skip eating and drinking,” Alexandra suggested.

“Trust me.” He smiled and leaned over to hand her a cup. “You need your coffee. If not,
I’ll
suffer from your attitude.”

“Cute.” She took a sip. “Thank you very much,” she said, flashing him a smile before gratefully accepting the chorizo burrito.

The bus rapidly filled with men, both young and old, all obviously on a long-weekend fishing expedition. Rico observed several college-aged young men as well. Only two other women boarded the bus. Both were grandmother types, and both sat directly behind the driver’s seat. Before Alexandra and Rico finished their sack breakfast, the tall driver stepped aboard and gunned the engine. Alexandra looked at Rico in disbelief as the smell of exhaust filled the bus. The mixture of odors was rapidly becoming nauseating.

“It should be better once we get moving,” Rico suggested. “At least, I hope it will.”

“What is he waiting for?” Alexandra asked when the bus didn’t move.

“I guess the other driver.”

“There are two?”

“Yes, one drives while the other sleeps.”

“Don’t we ever stop?”

“I think just briefly for petrol and some food.”

“Well, I guess all we can do is to try and make the best of it,” she added, clearly trying to sound cheerful.

“See, I knew all you needed was a strong cup of caffeine,” he teased.

“Don’t think you’re so smart yet,” she replied. “Let’s see how you’re feeling in about another twenty hours.”

***

Kevin

Tanner pounded on his parents’ door, requesting permission to help himself to cereal.

Instantly, Casey jumped out of bed, muttering about forgetting to start the turkey. “Wait for Mommy. I’ll be right there,” she called to Tanner. “See what you did to me,” she said while reaching over the bed to push her unsuspecting husband onto the floor. He dropped with a thud.

“What did I do?” Kevin asked as he stood and stretched.

“I wanted to get up early and put in the turkey,” Casey explained, putting on a robe.

“Then why didn’t you?” he toyed.

She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck. “Because when you’re here,” she said, “I forget about time and almost everything else.”

After feeding the children a quick breakfast of fruit, cold cereal, and wheat toast, Casey rushed around, beginning the preparations for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Anxiously, Kevin bounced from one room to the next, first playing with Tanner, and then pacing the kitchen.

“Would you mind getting out of my way?” Casey grumbled, though clearly enjoying his company.

“I should go to work,” he said.

“Oh no you don’t! You are staying put, Kevin O’Neil.”

“But I’m going stir-crazy,” he whined.

“Go play with Tanner.”

“He’s perfectly content without me.”

“Where’s Randee?”

“She’s next door at the neighbors’.”

“Then mow the lawn or something.”

“I’m not in the mood.”

“Well, you’re not going to work. You promised the kids.”

“I’ll only be gone for a few hours. They’ll never even miss me.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“You won’t even let me in the kitchen,” he teased.

“You’re right, I won’t. But I like looking at you.” She winked. “Just sit over there so I can stare.”

Kevin’s brow furrowed. “Casey, I’m worried,” he confessed.

“Honey, I know you are, but at this point, there’s nothing you can do. By now, Alexandra is safely on the bus, and Santiago is secured behind bars.”

“I know. I guess I feel guilty about being here with you when Jake is home all alone.”

“Then why don’t you invite him over?”

Kevin’s face brightened. “Are you serious? Are you certain you don’t mind?”

“Of course I’m serious, and no, I don’t mind. Naturally, I would rather have you all to myself, but I understand how you feel. Now go.” Casey shooed him with her hands. “Go call Jake and invite him for dinner.”

Kevin grinned. “What time?”

Casey turned to look at the microwave clock. “Five-ish,” she answered.

***

Jake

After channel-surfing for more than an hour, and never stopping to watch anything for more than a minute, Jake turned off the television and walked into his bedroom. There he looked toward heaven and fell to his knees at the side of the bed. Jake pressed his elbows into the softness of the duvet cover and clasped his hands in prayer. A slight smile turned the corners of his mouth at the thought that he owned a duvet cover, and even more that he knew about duvets. Alexandra had insisted on decorating Jake’s condominium from one end to the other. It was stylish, masculine, extremely functional, yet comfortable. Once again, he looked upward to his Creator as feelings of an overwhelming gratitude took over his soul.

“Dear Father in Heaven,” he prayed. “I am so sorry. I am so very sorry.” Jake paused and pressed his eyelids together as the stinging tears brimmed to the surface. “You have blessed me beyond compare, yet our relationship is one-sided. You take care of my every need, and I thank You by giving you a couple of hours on Sunday mornings. Dear Lord, I am so ashamed. I am coming to you now because I am in great need, but I feel guilty for ignoring you virtually all the time.” Jake placed a palm against his heart. “I truly do love You, Lord, and I yearn to spend more time with You. I don’t know why I don’t do that, but I want to change. My first instinct is to make You a deal, to tell You I will change if you bring Alexandra home safely. I know how wrong that is, and I feel even more ashamed that I would think to bargain with God. I want to be a better Christian, and I want to be a better man. I’m going to try, but I can’t promise I’ll succeed. Whether I change or not, I realize this is not about me. It’s about Alexandra and her safety. Dear Father, I pray You will protect her and bring her home. I would like to ask that You bring her home to me, but I don’t feel worthy of that.