Unwitting Alliances - Hunter Blake Series by Peggy Lea Baker

Chapter Nine

  Buster nudged Hunter’s hand with his nose and whimpered. Groggily, Hunter got up to let him out, carefully stepping over Brian. Opening the front door, he was startled to see a thick layer of fog shrouding the home. He could only see a few feet out and shivered both from the cold and the eeriness of it.

  “Don’t go too far,” Hunter cautioned quietly as Buster uneasily stepped out into the yard, sniffing the damp air. Nothing moved. The stillness was heavy and lifeless.

  “Well, I see the fog rolled in again,” Uncle Joe said, giving Hunter a start. “Sorry, son. Didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” He gazed out at the thick gray mass. “Haven’t had much of it the last couple of days.”

  “I forgot about the fog,” Hunter said. “It’s damn creepy and cold. Colder than the snow I get in Idaho.”

  “It’s the kind of cold that penetrates to the bone,” Uncle Joe said. “Your snow is likely drier. Not as heavy with moisture.”

  “That’s probably true,” Hunter agreed.

  “Yes, well as close as we are to the coast, we see a lot of fog at certain times of the year. We don’t mind so much, though. Don’t have many places to go so we stay in, keep the fire going, eat good, hot meals, listen to old records or the radio. It suits us.”

  “So... you and Vera.”

  “Yup. Didn’t expect to fall in love again, but she won my heart.”

  “Husband-hunter?”

  “Oh, no. Not at all. She wasn’t expecting to get married again either. I practically had to beg her to say yes. I didn’t realize how lonely I’d gotten until I met her.”

  “How did you meet?” Hunter asked.

  “It was at a community spaghetti feed last year just before Christmas.”

  “Spaghetti feed? At Christmas?”

  “It’s more economical to fix a lot of spaghetti. Anyway, the local folks was raising money to help those in need for the holidays. Vera was there helping with the food and I was there to eat and fork over a few bucks. We seemed to hit it off right away. Funny how things happen like that, even as old as we are.”

  Hunter nodded then asked, “You still fly?”

  “Not too much. I’m thinking about selling my plane. I’m getting too old and Vera worries when I go up. She won’t fly with me much. Hates planes.”

  “Well, let me know when you decide what you want to do. Either I’ll buy it or find someone else who will.”

  “Thanks, Jimmy. That’s mighty nice of you. I’ll give it some more thought.” He chuckled. “I have to say I was surely surprised to see them runway lights go on last night. I was up getting a drink of water and saw them snap on and then you swoop in. Nice piece of equipment.”

  “Thanks. I kinda like it.”

  Buster was back and excited to see Uncle Joe. “Well, there you are young feller. You’re a good boy, aren’t ya?”

  “He likes you,” Hunter said. “I knew he would.”

  “I like him too. So how about we all go back inside and warm up, then you and I can sit and visit.”

  Brian was up and stacking his folded bedding on a chair in the corner of the room. “Good morning,” he said to Joe and Hunter when they walked in.

  “How’d you sleep?” Joe asked.

  “Not too bad. I’ve slept in far worse conditions, so this was pretty nice.”

  “That’s good.”

  Brian looked at Hunter. “Any plans for today?”

  “Not yet. The fog came in. It’s thick so we’re grounded until it lifts. Might as well stay warm while we wait.”

  Brian nodded. “The fog may turn out to be a good thing. No one will be able to spot us from the air.”

  “Good point,” Hunter said.

  Vera was in the kitchen busy fixing breakfast. “Food will be ready soon,” she called out.

  “Thanks, honey,” Joe replied. “Have a seat, boys, and I’ll stoke up the fire a bit.”

  “Let me do that,” Brian said.

  “Naw. Just sit. Won’t take but a minute.”

  Buster curled up nearby to enjoy the warmth while Joe added a couple of logs before settling into his favorite chair. “So, tell me what’s going on.”

  “It’s been crazy,” Hunter said. I don’t know why or how, really, but we’ve all somehow gotten mixed up in something bad and we’re not sure what to do or where to go. I wouldn’t have bothered you, but we needed somewhere to hang out for a while so we could think and try to figure things out. I suddenly thought of this place so I took a chance. Even though I haven’t been good about staying in touch, you’re the closet thing I have to a...a dad. I needed someone to talk to. Someone I can trust. But I don’t want us to be in the way. When the fog lifts, we can leave.”

  “Nonsense. You can stay as long as you need to.”

  “You might change your mind about that,” Hunter said.

  “You let me worry about that. Just tell me what you can. Maybe I can help a little. Maybe not. If nothing else, I’ll listen.”

  Brian stood up. “I think I’ll step outside and walk around for a while so you both can talk,” he said.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Hunter replied. “You’re as much a part of this mess as I am. Besides, you can’t see anything out there. It’s socked in and it’s cold.”

  “That’s okay. I need to move around. “I’ll be back in a while for breakfast.”

  “Hold up a second,” Joe said and disappeared down the hall. He came back with a jacket. “You’ll need this,” he said.

  Brian gratefully accepted the jacket and stepped outside. Joe settled back into his chair then spent the next half hour listening to Hunter recount everything that had happened over the past couple of days.

  “Wow, you have gotten yourself into a mess,” Joe said.

  “Yeah, so now what?”

  “I guess we’ll both have to think on it.”

  “Breakfast is ready,” Vera announced.

  “Okay. I’ll let Brian know,” Hunter said.

  “You want me to wake Janet?” she asked.

  “No. Let’s let her sleep for now. This has all been pretty traumatic for her too.”

  “She seems like a sweet young woman,” Vera said.

  “Yes, she is very nice. But I’ll bet she’s wishing she hadn’t gone with me to Arizona. She’d still be in L.A. sleeping in her own bed, and hanging out with her friends. Instead, she’s stuck with me.”

  “Oh, I don’t think she feels all that stuck,” Joe smiled. “I think she may be a little sweet on you.”

  Hunter grinned awkwardly but didn’t say anything. Instead, he stepped outside and called to Brian to come in.

  They sat down at the kitchen table and dug in. Brian ate voraciously. “It’s very nice of you to let the three of us stay here,” he said.

  “Jimmy’s family, young man, and his friends are welcome too.

  “Thanks,” Brian said then shoved down another bite.

  The four of them enjoyed the hot and satisfying meal and were just finishing up when Janet appeared at the kitchen door.

  “Good morning everyone,” she said with a yawn. “Sorry I slept in. Someone should have gotten me up.”

  “Nonsense,” Vera said. “You needed to sleep. Come sit down. I’ve kept your breakfast warm.”

  “I’m really not very hungry,” Janet said then quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. What I meant was... I usually don’t eat breakfast.” Vera set a plate down in front of her anyway. “You don’t have to eat but maybe something will taste good.”

  Janet took a small bite of scrambled eggs and pancakes then smiled. “This is good. Thank you. I guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”

  “There’s more, if you want it,” Vera said. “Hunter? Brian? Joe? Anyone want seconds?” All shook their heads.

  “I’m full up, honey,” Joe said.

  “It sure seems dark outside,” Janet remarked. “What time is it?”

  ?
??About eight o’clock. The fog came in,” Hunter explained. “It’s pretty thick and gloomy out there right now.”

  Janet stopped mid-bite and looked at Hunter. “Fog?” she asked, then shrugged and got back to work on her meal.

  Hunter and Joe excused themselves and headed back to the living room to resume their conversation. Brian decided to go outside again. Buster stood at the door.

  “You mind if Buster comes with me?” Brian asked.

  “No. That’s fine. It’ll be good for him to run around after being cooped up for so long. Thanks.”

  Hunter and Joe resumed their conversation. “Like I was saying, Uncle Joe, I needed someone to talk to. Someone I can trust. You’re really the only family I have left...well, and Drew, of course.”

  “We are family, Jimmy. You, me, Drew... all of us. When your father passed away, it was all your mama could do to keep herself pulled together and take care of you. Ella and me didn’t think twice about stepping in to help. But you already know that. We were so hopeful that her marriage to Victor was going to be a good thing.”

  Hunter stared across the room. “Yeah, well, that didn’t exactly work out.”

  “Don’t we know it, though,” Joe said with a slight nod. “There was more than one time I wanted to shoot that drunken fool... and the way he treated your mama, cheatin’ on her and all.”

  “Mom and I talked about it years later. I’m glad we did. We both needed to get some things out in the open... clear the air I guess, especially about Drew. I mean, as we grew up he and I seemed to get along fine, but mom doted on him a lot, I think. He never seemed to get it together. Hell, he even managed to avoid going to Vietnam. It always seemed like Drew was able to skate by. Like someone was always running interference for him... protecting him from everything.”

  “And you resented it.”

  Hunter looked at Joe. “I guess. And then as we got older, and especially after my career took off... he and I just drifted apart. I’d only hear from him if he needed money but not until after mom died.”

  “I know,” Joe said. “She did whatever she could to help him out up until then. Drew, though, had his own struggles. Remember how sick he’d get when he was little?”

  “Yeah. He had asthma pretty bad. It kept him out of school a lot, his first couple of years, as I recall. He finally outgrew it, but...”

  “Well, that’s all in the past,” Joe said. “Can’t change a lick of it.”

  “I know,” Hunter said and sighed. “I miss mom. I really do.”

  “So do I,” Joe said. “She never divorced that bum, did she?”

  Hunter shook his head. “No. After he took off, no one heard from him again. She figured it wasn’t worth the hassle trying to find him to serve divorce papers. But as far as she was concerned they were divorced.”

  “I wonder whatever happened to Victor?”

  “Don’t know. Don’t care.” Hunter said. “Although every once in a while I wonder if he’ll show up out of the blue demanding money or something.”

  “I reckon he’s dead by now,” Joe said. “If not, he’s still a drunk, just an older one.”

  Hunter frowned. “What I don’t get is why he adopted me.”

  “Yeah. We couldn’t figure that out either, other than at first he seemed real genuine and concerned for your mama and you. I always thought he had some other motive, though, but for the life of me, I can’t imagine what it would’a been.”

  “I never understood what mom saw in him. I hated the guy for the way I saw him treat her. He’d say terrible things to her and make her cry. I tried to defend her one time but he pulled a gun and threatened to use it.”

  “I didn’t know that!” Joe said in complete surprise.

  “Yeah. I know,” Hunter said. “I never said anything because Mom didn’t want anyone to know.” Hunter grew quiet. “I guess that’s something else I needed to get off my chest.”

  Joe stared at the fire. “I’m not surprised you took back to your birth name of Blake.”

  “I made it legal. I wanted to undo the adoption, but you can’t do that, I found out. So, what I did instead was have mom adopt me back on her own. I got a new birth certificate and got back my original last name. The birth certificate lists my real dad as my father. It didn’t cost much, although I would have paid just about anything to make it happen. I didn’t want to be identified with Victor in any way whatsoever anymore.”

  “I don’t blame you. It seemed like after Drew came along everything changed. Maybe that’s why you’ve resented him, ‘cos he was Victor’s son.” Joe kept staring at the fire.

  “Maybe.” Hunter shifted slightly. “I don’t want to talk about him anymore. It just makes me angry.” He looked at Joe. “But I’ll always be grateful that you and Aunt Ella were around.”

  “So were we.” Joe sat for a moment then said, “I’m still here for you, Jimmy. Don’t think otherwise. Years may have passed, and even though Ella and me were only friends to your folks, as far as I’m concerned, I’m still your Uncle Joe. We’re still family. Always will be.”

  “Thanks, but you have Vera now. She might have other ideas and I wouldn’t blame her. I don’t want to become a nuisance.”

  “You’re not a nuisance, Jimmy,” Vera said standing nearby.

  Hunter sat up, startled, then relaxed.

  “Didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” she said. “May I call you Jimmy or would you prefer Hunter?”

  “Jimmy’s fine. I’d like that. Hey, I want you to know that...”

  “Not another word. Joe’s told me a little about you and your family. Seems to me, you still need a family. So, we’re your family.”

  Hunter had to look away. He cleared his throat and hurried to wipe his eyes. “Thanks,” he managed to say.

  Vera heard some clunking in the kitchen. “Now what’s that girl up to?” She hurried out of the living room. Both men could hear her fussing after Janet. “You don’t need to do the dishes, dear. I can take care of them.”

  “If we’re going to stay here for a while, even if it’s a short while, I insist on helping,” they heard Janet reply.

  “That young lady has some spunk, don’t she?” Joe chuckled.

  “Yes, she does.” Hunter had to grin.

  “So, if she’s not your girlfriend, you got a woman, Jimmy?”

  Hunter smiled again. “No. I’m steering clear of any other relationships. I don’t think I’m cut out for anything serious. I don’t know. We’ll see.”

  “What you need is to stay away from them movie stars and find yourself a real woman. Someone dependable and level-headed, that’s what I say.”

  “You’re probably right. I’ll keep my eyes open.”

  “Good. Don’t give up until it’s over.”

  “It?”

  “Life!” he exclaimed with a big smile. “And I can tell you, being with someone good and down-to-earth is the best thing you could do for yourself.”

  “Like I said, I’ll keep that in mind, Uncle Joe, but I’m not so sure the down-to-earth type of woman would fit into my life.”

  “What are you talking about? Of course she would, you jest haven’t found the right one yet.”

  Hunter laughed aloud. “Okay, okay. I’ll keep looking.”

  They both sat quietly watching the fire and listening to Vera and Janet chatter in the kitchen. Hunter broke the stillness. “You know I did meet a nice woman just recently. She’s from Missouri, I think.”

  “Well, now you’re talkin’!” Joe said. “‘Bout time you got some smarts. You have no idea how much I worry about you and how you’re gettin’ along. I sure hope I get to meet her someday.”

  “Well, don’t get ahead of yourself, all I said was I met a nice woman. But that’s it. She’s shy and quiet and I’m helping to pay for some repairs and upgrades on her house.”

  “Why’s that?” Joe asked.

  “They
need to be done and she can’t afford it, that’s why. I do have an occasional moment of good will,” he said. “Just occasionally.”

  “I’ll bet you do all kinds of good deeds all the time, but they don’t cost money so you don’t give ‘em much thought.”

  “I suppose.” Hunter said.

  “So what’s her name?”

  “Whose name?”

  “This woman you met.”

  “Samantha. Why?”

  “Just wondered.”

  Hunter was amused. “I never would have figured you to be a romantic, Uncle Joe, but I think you are.”

  Joe shifted in his chair. “I worry about you and Drew. Neither one of you settling down and raising a family. You should think about it before it’s too late.”

  “A family? I’m too old to be raising a family. I’m almost sixty for crying out loud!”

  Vera hurried out of the kitchen. “Everything okay out here?” she asked wiping her hands with a towel.

  “We’re fine, dear,” Joe reassured her. “It’s just Jimmy getting worked up about a woman he’s met, that’s all.”

  “I’m getting worked up!” Hunter said. “I think you’re the one getting all fired up. I didn’t say I was dating the woman, only that I met her.”

  “Well, that’s the first step. You won’t get anywhere with any woman if you don’t meet her first!”

  “It was just dinner.”

  “Oh, ho! So you have dated her!”

  “It wasn’t a date, just dinner with friends,” Hunter insisted. “That’s all, and I didn’t even know she was going to be there.”

  Joe nodded with a grin. “Sounds like I’m not the only one worried about your future,” he said.

  “That’s not why I was invited. Plus, she’s not my type,” Hunter said. “She's very nice, but that’s it. Not my type.”

  “What is your type then?”

  “I don’t know,” Hunter said with a shrug.

  “Then how can you be so sure she isn’t?”

  Hunter stared in exasperation. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, either... please?”

  “Okay, suit yourself.” Joe said and continued to stare at the fire. “Just want you to be happy, son, that’s all.”

  “I am happy.”

  “You don’t sound all that happy.”

  Hunter stood up. “I’m going outside for some air and check on Buster.”

  Joe twitched slightly when the door closed firmly.

  Vera quietly came over and sat down. “Joe, dear? Don’t press him. He’s got enough on his mind right now.”

  “I know. I’ll apologize when he comes back in. I just worry about him being alone.”

  “He has Buster right now and that’s probably enough for the time being. He came here looking for some refuge. Don’t force him to leave.”

  Joe studied his wife’s face. “Every day I learn one more reason why I needed to marry you. Thank you, sweetheart.” He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze then stood up and headed outside.

  Janet was standing in the doorway of the kitchen quietly watching and listening until Joe left. “I’m so glad Hunter brought me here,” she said. “I really like you both very much. This has been good for me too.”

  “Come sit here with me, Janet,” Vera said patting the sofa seat. “Let’s take a break and visit. I’d like to know more about you.”

  Outside, Joe caught up with Hunter standing on the edge of the runway watching Buster run around in the lifting fog. “Son? I want to apologize for being such a stubborn old man. Forget everything I just said to you. Just be yourself and live the way you think is best for you. It’s none of my business.”

  Hunter didn’t turn around. “You don’t need to apologize, Joe. I know you mean well. I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now.”

  “I know that and if you need to talk, I’ll listen and that’s all I’ll do,” Joe said. “There’s a bench right over here if you care to sit with me.”

  “Sure.” Hunter sat down and took in a deep breath, letting it out slow. “The news reports have everything all wrong, but that’s typical.” He paused. “I’ve been followed, robbed, shot at, chased, threatened, hunted down, and now I’m wanted for questioning... and I have no idea why. Not a clue.” He looked at Joe. “I don’t feel safe anywhere. And as for Samantha, I’m sure she’s a wonderful woman, and maybe if circumstances were different I might have wanted to get to know her better, but she’s just relocated to Idaho from Missouri after a nasty divorce, so... I’m not sure either one of us would really be all that good for the other. We’re both struggling with marital fallout and personal pain and anger... at least I still am.”

  “I suppose that’s probably true,” Joe admitted, “and I’m sorry I rattled your cage. Like I said, it’s really none of my business.”

  “I appreciate your concerns and I would love to find someone who could help me feel... normal.”

  “Normal,” Joe chuckled. “Now there’s a word that means a whole lot of nothing and a whole lot of something all at the same time.”

  Hunter laughed aloud. “You certainly have a way of seeing things, Uncle Joe. And you’re right. What is normal anyway?”

  “You’ll know when you find it. And when you do, it’ll be your kind of normal and that’s all that matters.”

  Joe and Hunter continued to sit and watch Buster explore while the fog continued to dissipate. Finally Hunter stood up. “As soon as the fog lifts sufficiently, how about we go up for a while. Like old times. We’ll take the jet. I’ll even let you take the yoke for a while.”

  “Boy, howdy, I’d like that!” Joe said, his eyes twinkling. “Yes indeedy!”