Vegas Sunrise (45 page)

Maybe it would be better to wait till morning, when the sun was out. Strange things happened to people in the dark. Besides, he needed a safe place to secure the prototype. In addition, he needed to make copies of the specifications and secure at least one copy in his safety deposit box. People in this town would kill to have what he was looking at. People killed and robbed just for a stake at the blackjack table.

The long night stretched ahead of him. He passed the time memorizing the specifications and nibbling on the T-bones he picked out of the Styrofoam boxes in the barrel. Maybe he should revise his game plan. The French Riviera was on his list of places to visit someday. Why not now? He could survive there with his passable French. His arm snaked out for the phone. He hoped he would remember to have it turned off first thing in the morning.

Thirty minutes later, Jeff stared down at his scribbled notes. He now had a confirmed reservation for Paris. He'd take in the sights for a few days, rent a car, and set up a new life for himself.

Let the Thorntons self-destruct. He wouldn't be around to witness the havoc. He'd be leading the good life, the easy life of the megarich. And he would be rich. There was no doubt about it. With what he had in his hand he could name his price and live happily ever after. He'd probably become fluent in French, marry an equally rich woman who would bear him beautiful children whom he would treasure more than his wealth. And when his beautiful, wealthy wife got fat and sloppy he'd take a mistress the way his own father had done. Oh, yes, life was looking wonderful.

It didn't occur to Jeffrey Lassiter that with his impending name change, he could self-destruct as well.

“A penny for your thoughts, Fanny.”

“Marcus, I didn't hear you come up behind me. I'm feeling sad, and I should be feeling happy. In a few hours it will be a new year. I'm so glad Sunny went back to her original plan to be married at sunrise on New Year's Day. Christmas was so hectic with everyone here. Ruby and Metaxas are just as happy. Did you see that sparkler he gave her? I think it's bigger than the one Elizabeth Taylor has. I felt like I should put my sunglasses on. They're so happy. Do you feel like things are coming to closure for everyone, Marcus?”

“In a way. Bear in mind, Fanny, when things come to an end there are always new beginnings. We're the perfect example. On January 2 we start our new jobs. I cannot tell you how I'm looking forward to working again. We'll be side by side in our Wellingtons.”

Fanny laughed. “Everything is falling into place for everyone. That's what really makes me happy. I love this mountain. If there was one constant in my life beside the kids, it was this mountain. There was a time when I knew every inch of it. The kids did, too. I think Iris plays with the kids going up and down the way I did. Sage built a fort once, and the kids ate and slept there for weeks on end.”

“It looks very dry to me. I can't get over what a strange year it's been weather-wise. Floods and all those tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma, the extra dry weather in the plains states, rain in the East. Not to mention that horrendous snowstorm in Vermont.”

Fanny's eyes were thoughtful as she stared across the mountain. “I'm surprised Chue didn't find a way to water it. The mountain I mean. He's so nervous about leaving tomorrow. As nervous as he is, that's how excited his wife is. He's never flown before. When he came here with his family, they traveled by boat. I tried to reassure him by saying he'd be flying in a Coleman-Thornton plane. I don't know if it helped or not. Bess said John was going to slip him some tranquilizers so he'd sleep the whole trip. They're leaving for town right after the weddings and will stay at Babylon, then take an early-morning flight on the second.”

“Once he's on his way he'll be fine.”

“He really doesn't want to go, Marcus. I feel bad that we all talked him into it. He's going along with this trip because he knows we want him to do it. It was an all-expense-paid trip from Mr. Hasegawa, so he couldn't refuse and save face. It's so still. Nothing seems to be moving. Do you think it's an omen of some kind?”

“No, I do not. What I do think is we should go indoors and join the family.”

“You go in, Marcus. I want to stay out here a little longer. I have some visiting to do.”

“Okay, but don't be too long.”

Fanny walked out to the cemetery and sat down on the low brick wall. As always, a feeling of calm and peace settled over her.

“Now, aren't you glad I stopped you from swallowing those pills?”

“Ash! Guess you're here for the wedding, huh? Yes, I am very glad you stopped me from taking the pills. I heard something in town yesterday, Ash.”

“About Jeff?”

“Yes. They're saying he left for France. He built some kind of slot that's going to net him a fortune. I feel relieved that he's gone. I'm sorry if that bothers you. My question is, how do they know? Have they been following him? Sometimes it's all so mysterious. I'm grateful that they stepped in where Billie is concerned, though. Sometimes I think I have a whole posse of unknown faces watching over us. Is it true, Ash?”

“He's gone, Fanny. Accept things for what they are. It's easier that way. As much as I hate to say this, I must. Jeff was and is a bad seed. Say a prayer that he stays where he is for a long time. You don't want or need him in your life. I don't like the look of the mountain. It doesn't feel right.”

“You had to say that, didn't you, Ash? It's always like this. One problem is taken care of and laid to rest and another one crops up. You're spooking me.”

“You were spooked before I got here. I heard you talking to Marcus.”

“You need to stop eavesdropping. We were making conversation, nothing more. Listen, Ash, are you going to do something . . . you know, spectacular for the double wedding? Or, are you going to stand in the background? How are you going to handle that? Are you ever going to tell me what was engraved on the back of your aviator wings?”

“Nope.”

“Okay. I should go in. Is everything okay up there? Now that things are almost back to normal what are you going to do with yourself?”

“I thought I'd take in Atlantic City. Birch is hurting really bad. He might need me.”

“That's nice, Ash. Don't let him follow in your footsteps.”

“I'll do my best.”

“Wear him down, Ash. You're good at that. It always worked with me. I worry about him.”

“I know you do, Fanny. He's looking for something, searching.”

“He's looking for you, Ash. He just doesn't know it. If he does, he won't admit it. It's a burden. Are you up to it?”

“He's my son, Fanny. Of course I'm up to it. How's Jake?”

“Jake is . . . Jake. He's such a robust little boy. He's bright, mischievous, and so honest and caring he makes me want to cry sometimes. He talks about you all the time. He adores Harry and, of course, you know he loves Sunny with all his little heart. You redeemed yourself with Jake in my eyes, Ash. That's the main reason I put up with you. It's okay to cry. Sometimes crying makes things better. Big guys cry all the time. That's what all the slick magazines say. I should go in now. I'll see you in the morning. It would be nice if Sallie and the others could attend. Do you think you could work on that, Ash? Now, about that signal—”

“I'll see what I can do.
”

“Okay, Ash. Good night.”

“ ‘Night, Fanny.”

 

Just as the sun rose over the mountain, the minister's words rose to a crescendo. “Sunny and Harry, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!” The cleric repeated his words a second time, his words ringing over the mountain for Ruby and Metaxas.

“Look!” Jake said.

Fanny's hand flew to her mouth as the others gasped. Up above, the clouds swirled and parted, then came together to form a pattern of figures. All the figures seemed to be holding hands. “Sallie, Philip, Devin, and Ash and Simon,” Fanny whispered.

“Clouds, Fanny,” Marcus whispered.

“Try telling that to them,” Fanny said, jerking her head in the direction of her family.

Tears streamed down Sunny's face. Sage offered up a snappy salute, while Ruby wailed her pleasure. Billie grinned from ear to ear, her fist shooting high in the air. Out of the corner of her eye, Fanny watched as Jake's thumb rubbed the wings on his collar as Birch stared out across the mountain, his eyes glazed.

“How'd you like that, Fanny?”

“I was kind of expecting something a little more, you know,
boisterous.
This is a double wedding.”

“You should have said you wanted boisterous. I thought subtle would do it.”

“You did good, Ash.”

“Fanny. Keep your eye on the mountain. Are you listening to me? It doesn't look or feel right. Promise me. Birch senses something. Look at him.”

“I noticed, Ash. Right now his head is full of memories. I promise. We're going to drink a toast to you when we go indoors. Sunny and Ruby just wanted a champagne breakfast. Sunny said it was classy. Thanks, Ash.”

“Remember your promise.”

“Did I ever break a promise where you were concerned?”

“No, and that's why I'm counting on you.”

“Champagne, everyone,” Sunny called happily. “We need to make toasts this morning. Happy New Year!”

The sound carried over the mountain, ringing in everyone's ears as toast after toast was made.

“Ruby and I saved the best one till last,” Sunny said holding her glass high, her hand trembling. “To my dad, the man who's responsible for me being here today!”

“To my grandfather!” Jake bellowed, tears streaming down his chubby cheeks.

“To my brother, Ash,” Ruby said, tears puddling in her eyes.

“Boisterous would be good right now, Ash.”

“You got it!”

The chandelier over the dining room table swayed, the crystal teardrops tinkling as they touched each other. The sound was light, melodious, and happy.

“Someone must have opened the kitchen door,” Birch said. “The wind is really whipping up out there.”

The two new brides, the two new grooms, and the assembled guests smiled.

And smiled.

“That was hardly boisterous, Ash,” Fanny said, a giggle in her voice.

“Cut me a little slack, Fanny. I didn't have a lot to work with. Those fried-egg sandwiches look good. I bet this wedding breakfast is a first. Julia Child probably wouldn't approve. Remember when she did that cook off thing? I saw those ninety-nine bottles of beer on the kitchen counter.”

“Sunny needed to do that. I think she did it for you. They aren't for consumption.”

“Pay attention to the wind, Fanny.”

Fanny looked out the dining-room window. “Do you think it will snow, Marcus? There's usually some snow by Christmas and New Year's. I wonder why it's so different this year.”

“It's too warm for snow. It is getting windy.”

Fanny's voice dropped to a whisper. “Ash said to watch the mountain and just now he said to pay attention to the wind.”

“Then that's what we'll do.”

“You aren't humoring me, are you, Marcus?”

“I would never do that, Fanny.”

“Miss Fanny, may I speak with you in the kitchen?”

“Of course, Chue. Are you getting excited about your trip?” Fanny asked as she excused herself from the table.

“Miss Fanny, I do not wish to make the trip. I do not want to go. I spoke with my wife about this, and she understands. Please do not be angry with me.”

“Oh, Chue, it's all right. We all thought . . . of course you don't have to go. Is there a particular reason?”

“It doesn't feel right. I feel a coward, but I cannot do it. I don't wish to leave the mountain.”

“You know what, Chue, that's good enough for me. I understand completely. To all of us you are the mountain's protector. I know what you mean about it not feeling right. I sensed it earlier myself.”

“You are not angry with me?”

“Never in a million years. I'm angry with myself that we cajoled you into thinking you wanted to take this trip. At our age, Chue, we are too old to do things we don't want to do. Life is too short to be miserable. I'll tell the others. We were going to give you a royal send-off.”

“I know this. I am very sorry.”

“Guess what, Chue. I'm glad you aren't going for purely selfish reasons. It bothered me that my mountain would be unprotected while you were gone. It would be the first time in more years than I want to count. What about Akia?”

“She is going to Chak-ago.”

“Chicago? Why?”

“To buy stuff, she said. There is a cousin there also. I will leave now and unpack my satchels. I wish to watch the wind. The wind bothers me.”

Fanny hugged the old Chinese. “I know. Ash told me to pay attention to it. He said he doesn't like the way our mountain looks or feels.”

“Yes, he has said this to me also.”

“Truly, Chue?”

“I will go now. It was a fine wedding. Thank you for inviting my family.”

“Our family, Chue.”

The old Chinese smiled. “Yes, our family.”

 

“Happy New Year,” Fanny said as she went to each of her children to kiss and hug them. “It's a whole new year for you, Billie. I know you will persevere and prevail as well. Call me anytime things start to overwhelm you.”

“I couldn't do it without you. Thanks for being my mother.”

“Sunny, I hope this New Year will bring you all the happiness you and Harry can handle. If you need me, call.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“And I love you.”

“Happy New Year, Mom,” Sage said wrapping her in his arms. “I love you, too, but you already know that. If you and Marcus need help with the chickens, we're available on the weekends. I think Jake might like going out there with you guys. He knows Dad worked there for years. You'd be surprised at what that kid knows about chickens and all because Dad used to tell him about trooping through the chicken poop with those damn boots.”

“Thanks for telling me that, Sage. Of course I'll have him come out. He'll love the baby chicks.”

“I've got to get going, Mom. Happy New Year. The first weekend you have free, think about coming to Atlantic City. I know Uncle Daniel and Uncle Brad are dying to show off their work. Thanks for being my mother, too. I'm going to try to keep an open mind about . . . Dad. Who knows, I might get comfortable with it one of these days. I'll call on the weekend. I promise.”

“Guess it's our turn,” Ruby said, her eyes moist.

“Promise to write and call,” Fanny said, her own eyes moist. “Are you going on a honeymoon or isn't that something I should be asking?”

“In a week or so. Metaxas has some business he wants to clear up. And he has to make a thousand or so phone calls to get him and Sage off the hook with that unauthorized airport landing in Vermont. Every agency and organization that has anything to do with flying or airplanes is after his hide. Sage's, too. It's a given that they'll lose their licenses. Metaxas said he's a horse trader from way back. Translated that means he'll make it come out right. He said not to worry, so we aren't going to worry. It's behind us. I wish you and Marcus the very best for this New Year and all the years to come. I love you, Fanny Reed, and I couldn't wish for a more wonderful sister-in-law. The next time you talk to Ash, tell him I love him so much I can't see straight. I don't care if people think we're crazy or not. I know we're not, and that's all that matters.”