Up The Ivory Staircase: Mikal's Web Trilogy, Book #2

By Mary Lou Danielson

The second book in Mikal's Web Trilogy. Mikal and Suzy developed a relationship until he disappeared in book #1, but he returns in #2. Everywhere Jesse turns, he faces the ghost of Suzy’s relationship with Mikal, even though she vows he is locked in her past. The three paths cross repeatedly, causing rifts in their marriage and Jesse’s rising musical career. Eventually, Jesse must face his demons to save the career and family he cherishes, while Suzy fights Mikal’s web, the web she thought she escaped.
Free pattern for the quilt on the book cover.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary Lou Danielson
• Release date: Dec 24, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465969316

Mary Lou Danielson

Sit back, relax by a roaring fire, by the pool, or just in a comfy chair. Have a cup of tea or cocoa...or a nice glass of wine. There will be no monsters, mild horror, mild blood and guts, no war, or nightmares. Lull yourself in soft romance and contemporary relationships in the real world, and maybe partake of a few mild sexual scenes. You will be dredged in the emotions of the characters as they pursue love and overcome adversities, broken relationships, or grief and loss. Snuggle with a box of tissues for tears or laugher, but reserve a period of time for my stories to transport you to the land of contentment.Attention quilters: I am in the process of converting my easy to make, quilt patterns to ebooks. You may download them to your computer, ereader, or smartphone."Like me" at the link listed below to my facebook page to receive updates of new ebooks or e-quilt patterns.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The food tray flew across the cell, the force rattling the door. The Naval Police spun toward Mikal with their M-16s drawn in ready status.

Fuck this cell, fuck the Navy, fuck the whole world, Mikal shouted.

He snatched the pillow from his cot and sailed it through the air. It barely rattled the wire wall, and then hit the floor with a soft poof. Disgusted by the ineffective result of his anger, Mikal kicked the cot, causing it to collapse onto the floor. He was slightly more pleased by the crashing noise as it settled in a heap.

Inside an old, WWII, airplane hangar, Mikal's ‘cell’ was a chain-link fenced cube with chain-link on the top. The door was a barred rectangle fashioned from old iron pipes, actually, it was nothing but a large dog kennel. The ‘brig’ shared the grey hangar, with grey offices, and a grey storage area on a grey cement floor. He scoffed at the stupidity of the Navy to think this wire fencing posed a threat to him, or anyone. Didn’t the Navy own anything but battleship-grey paint?

His longtime friend and supervisor entered the building as he began his tirade. In response to the outburst, Lt. Dorn yelled, Stand down Bowers. You can't take out your frustration on the Navy. It’s not responsible for your personal life.

Grabbing the thin bars on the door, Mikal said, Yea? Just who should I blame? The Navy brought me to this God forsaken island. I could be in my cushy house with my new wife, enjoying life, instead of being locked up in some phony cell. What makes you think this flimsy door will keep me in here? Although, if I broke out, I can’t go anywhere. Certainly not back to my fiancé…oh yea,…ex-fiancé, since I was forced to desert her.

Lt. Dorn rubbed his head and wandered to the cell door. Mikal's hand snaked between the bars to grab Dorn’s shirt. The guard’s fingers tensed on the triggers, ready to fire.

At ease men. Leave us alone, he won't hurt me, Dorn said. Bowers, let go of my shirt and calm down. We’ve been friends a long time, but I’m still your boss, and an officer. Addressing me that way borders on insubordination. Losing a girl isn't worth a court marshal and jail time. The commander is hot over your behavior yesterday, but if you cool it, I can keep you out of trouble.

Glaring at Dorn, Mikal said, I’m already locked up. I'm in a cell, aren't I? When you let me out, I'm still incarcerated on this damn island, and some friend you are. Was it all an act so you could keep track of me? What happened to using our names, Mikal and Vince?

Standing his ground against Mikal, Dorn said, You’re not a civilian anymore, so we use ranks and last names, and keep your voice down so you don’t attract any more attention. Locking you up was for your protection after your rant last night. I was afraid you might tear the base apart when you put your fist through my wall, such as it is.

Mikal loosened his hold on the lieutenant’s shirt, pushed him away, and said, This rat hole isn't worth the effort. You still haven't told us where we are. I surmise, from my basic navigation training, it's an abandoned WWII airbase, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.

No comment, Dorn said. You know I can't tell you unnecessary details of our mission. It has become common knowledge we’re monitoring changes in the Soviet Union. The world has seen turbulent years since 1985, and it’s dangerous for millions of people.

Mikal’s cold eyes glared through the bars, as he said, When you kidnapped me, you could have told me how important this mission is and given me a chance to ask Suzy to wait for me. We could have been married in 24 hours and I would have voluntarily gone with you.

Couldn't, Dorn said, you know the reason. Anyone remotely connected to the personnel here is in danger. The Soviets know what we are doing, but they can't stop our communication system. You men, with your computer skills, are years ahead of them. We used men without strong family ties, mostly loners, who wouldn't have friends asking questions about their disappearance. Unfortunately, you developed a relationship with Suzy after I did my last surveillance. None of us is married or have children, so you would be the exception to the criteria. Suzy would be in extreme danger if the right people made the connection.

Great, Mikal said, Suzy is safe from potential danger, but she thinks I ran out on her a week after she agreed to marry me. What would your fiancé think if you vanished without anything but a sketchy note saying sorry, I’m gone and I might be back someday? You cleaned out my house, so everything I own is in storage. I can’t imagine what she thought when she saw my existence completely vanish in twenty-four hours. He paced the cell, kicked the wire wall, and said, God damn it, Dorn, all you had to do was let me send one letter, asking her to wait for me.

Bowers, I appreciate your position, but the safety of our country comes ahead of our personal lives. We’ve all given up our freedom and people we love.

Spinning toward the lieutenant, Mikal sneered in anger, The rest of you came by choice. You kidnapped me at gunpoint the day Suzy and I were going to buy rings. You led me to believe I was meeting an old friend for a social dinner. You screwed me, Lt. Dorn, Sir Mikal snapped to attention and made a mock salute, with his middle finger extended.

Dorn sighed, and said, Bowers, after I met with you that Friday, and you were so excited about your engagement and future with Suzy, I knew you wouldn’t volunteer. I handpicked you to be our lead man. The others know computers, but I was uncertain of their leadership qualifications or ability to be a team player. This project needed you; I needed you. You’ve been a challenge, under the circumstances, but until last night, I thought we came to an understanding about obligations to our country. I need you back in the mission room. Can I count on you if I let you out of here?

Running his fingers through his hair, Mikal paced the cell, remembering how he met Suzy and fell in love the instant he saw her. She intended to marry Jesse, her high school sweetheart, who was away at college, but Mikal recognized a young man more interested in his newfound independence than in Suzy. He wooed her, and in four months, he won her from Jesse. Now, a year later, he was still on this island, an ocean away from Suzy, with no end of mission in sight. This base was under lock-down, so no one could leave. Last night, Dorn told him his request to contact Suzy was tentatively approved until they discovered she and Jesse bought a marriage license thirty days ago. Mikal went berserk, and in the end slammed his fist through the office wall. Dorn subdued him and locked him up overnight.

Still angry, Mikal eyed his boss, and said, I need some answers, Lieutenant.

If I can, Dorn replied.

Our dinner in San Diego was to bring me into the mission voluntarily, wasn't it?

Yes, Dorn said.

The steak and wine were superb, but the dessert was bitter when your armed guards met us outside the restaurant. Mikal contemplated his next question, Was my civilian job at the Marine Center real, or were you just keeping track of me?

Both, Dorn said. This mission was in the works long before your naval enlistment was up. You wanted out and we weren’t ready to tell you about the mission. We couldn't let you out into the civilian workforce, because if you suddenly disappeared, co-workers would ask questions. By giving you a civilian job on the base, we avoided a missing person’s investigation. Military personnel reassignments are normal on short notice. It also gave us time to give you leadership experience. As I said, I needed someone I could trust who understood the personalities of our young computer nerds. They seem to live in their own world and balk at taking orders. Continually, I watched you develop an immediate rapport with them. We needed you.

Still wary, Mikal asked, Will I be able to return to San Diego and the Training Center when this is over, or was it an empty promise to appease me?

The Navy made a promise, if you keep your nose clean here...and don't demolish the base, Dorn said with a grin.

Yea, we'll see how good promises are, Mikal said. Too bad you couldn't promise to save Suzy for me. I don't know if I'll ever forgive you, or the Navy, for causing me to lose her.

Duty first in this line of work, Dorn said.

Mikal glared at his boss, turned away, and said, Lieutenant Dorn, you know I love my country, and I'm sorry I went off halfcocked. After working so hard for a year to get a clearance to communicate with Suzy, it was a shock to hear you say her marriage to Jesse was imminent, or possibly, the wedding already took place. Your lovely announcement destroyed my hopes and dreams, and there’s not much else to live for here. I was raised with the belief everything has a purpose, so I will believe He has a bigger plan for Suzy or me, but I don’t like it.

If she married Jessie so fast, are you so sure she loved you? Dorn said.

Mikal's eyes flashed with anger at his comment, as he remembered how often she insisted they were only friends because she loved Jesse. The closer they became, he saw her turning from Jesse to him. Mikal said, She was a sweet, young, innocent girl in love with a dream. It took two seconds to fall in love with her, so I stole her from Jesse by being everything he wasn’t. Smiling, he continued, I was pretty clever with my covert crusade; all I needed was a little time. Four months after we met, she decided she loved me and would marry me, but I vanished a few days later. Was she supposed to wait for a ghost? She must think it was a ploy to get into her pants. Jesse is a jerk. I hope he treats her a hell of a lot better than in the past. If not, he'll answer to me. The first thing I'll do when I get home is make sure she is happy and beg her to forgive me...and you.

Turning from Dorn to hide the mist in his eyes, he jammed his hands in his pockets. The anger was subsiding, replaced by an emptiness and sadness he didn’t know was possible. Suzy must hate him, writing him off to a bad experience with a smooth talking creep. He couldn’t blame her for turning to the person she loved for years, but God, he wanted that woman to be his. He couldn’t believe how happy he had been being with her, or how much he hurt today. He’d been here a year, and imagined it would be another year or more before he could go home. Suck it up Mikal, he thought, life’s not always a sweet rose.

Mikal returned to the present as Dorn asked, Are you ready to go back to work without destroying the base or trying to swim home?

Mikal laughed softly, and said, I can't see another piece of land anywhere on the horizon, and the supply ships anchor miles at sea, so I gave up on the swimming idea. If it weren't for the ships, I would wonder if we were still on planet earth. Let me out of here; I'll behave. It's too late to do anything else. Turning to the lieutenant, he said, Jesse’s got Suzy, but lucky me, I’ve got you and this damn island."

Chaper 2

The wedding invitations arrived. Silver bells decorated the cover page and the inside read:

You are invited to attend the nuptials of

Suzy Jean Robbins

And

Jessie James Jones

Saturday, June 28, 1988

4:00 p.m.

Central Baptist Church

Reception to follow

Gram, aren't they beautiful? I asked. I thought this day would never arrive. It seemed like Jesse went to school forever, but he finally graduated.

Yes, Suzy, we are all proud of him, and the invitations are exactly what you wanted, Gram said. I'm sorry we must limit attendance. I can't afford a huge wedding, Suzy.

Gram, I would be happy if you, Jesse, and I are present. And Sara, Ken, Jesse’s mother and sister, aunts and uncles, plus... I sighed, Oh well.

She laughed, and said, That's how the list grew.

I hugged Gram and said, To keep costs down, Binnie is helping by making a big sheet cake as a wedding gift. Sara, you, and I are making decorations. Best of all, you and I are making the most gorgeous wedding dress I imagined possible. Jesse has practice tonight, so I’ll show the invitations to him tomorrow. I’m tired, so I’ll go to bed early. Good night, Gram.

Think you'll dream of white satin and lace? Gram asked.

What else, I replied.

***

If only I dreamed of white satin and lace. I woke crying, because in my dream, Mikal came to the wedding. When the preacher asked if anyone objected to the union of Suzy and Jesse, Mikal stood and said, I object. Suzy is my fiancé and this is our wedding day.

The dream was so real, I could see Mikal's face as clearly as the day he made love to me and proposed. In the dream, I turned and screamed Mikal, and ran down the aisle to his outstretched arms, leaving Jesse at the altar with my wedding ring in his hand. Mikal swooped me into his arms, and we both yelled, I do, as we ran from the church to begin our honeymoon in his big bed where we first made love a year ago. His caresses, kisses, and the feel of his body against mine, were as real as the magical day he took my virginity. My insides constricted as I remembered him teaching me to be a woman the first time with a man.

Now awake, my skin tingling from imaginary touches, I buried my face in my pillow to mask my sobs while I trembled from the shock of the dream.

***

Jesse was attending the university when I met Mikal and I believed Mikal was only a friend. He was too charming for words as his web encased me and he wormed his way into my life and heart. Mikal treated me like the princess I wanted to be with Jesse, bringing treasures from his home in Kentucky. In return, I shared my love of San Diego with him. Jesse was more interested in his college life than me, so when we had a colossal fight, I turned to Mikal. I convinced myself I was in love with him and Jesse was gone from my life. I chose to marry Mikal, but a week later, he vanished. He didn’t have the decency to tell me to my face, instead, he left a note with my friend, Sara, saying he was leaving and didn’t know if he would return. I felt betrayed by both men.

Jesse realized he must change his college-boy lifestyle if he wanted me back. He worked hard to restructure his behavior so we could reconcile.

A deep fear gripes me. What will I do if Mikal returns? I must work hard, too. I allowed Mikal to enter my heart, now I must bury him deep within the core of my being, because I will never forget the magic between us. Jesse and I share a long, established love, but still, the briefest thought of Mikal starts my heart racing, and every cell of my body constricts with desire. Yes, I allowed Mikal into my life, but I must lock him out so only Jesse lives in my heart now.

When I managed to control my reaction to the dream, I left my bed to retrieve Rosie’s box. Rosie was an old lady who lived at Balboa Senior Home, where once a week, I went with Mikal to entertain the seniors. She thought she was a shaman, and she always knew what Mikal and I did together, or she foretold what would happen. She knew Mikal loved me, and predicted I would fall in love with him. She also warned us to go to Las Vegas immediately to get married or something bad would intervene. We ignored her, and Mikal disappeared two days later. If we married that day, I still wonder, if he would have gone away. Could I have been left as a deserted, blushing young bride?

Rosie’s box stood ajar on my dresser and the morning sun sent a rainbow of colors to highlight its patina. I fell back towards my bed, where I caught myself before tumbling to the floor. After I climbed to the edge of the mattress, I realized the sun could not be shining on the box because my bedroom window was on the west side of the house. I gulped before I gathered courage to touch the box. I reached for it, and it was warm, even though my room was cool. Slowly, I lifted the lid.

Since a carousel ride with Jesse last year, I’ve been wearing the brass ring on a chain. The heart necklace he gave me in high school was in the box, almost scalding my fingers as I lifted it from its resting place. Mikal's mementos, from his home on a Kentucky farm, had changed. The white dogwood flower, his forest fairy, and a rose petal, turned brown, the vile of pond water was cloudy, and the wood from the old barn, a pile of splinters. My eyes misted, remembering the love Mikal displayed as he shared his treasures with me. It was sad; his efforts were disintegrating.

Casually, my eyes moved to the calendar, and I froze in alarm. One year ago today Mikal and I were going to Los Angeles to buy our wedding rings. One year ago today, Mikal disappeared. With my wedding to Jesse so close, I forgot that tragic day. The horror of my dream resurfaced, recalling Mikal interrupting my wedding to claim me as his. I shrank from my dresser in panic, trying to make sense of the events of this morning.

Running to the bathroom, I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to hold down the bile rising high in my throat. Bending over the toilet barely slowed the urge to vomit. Finally, I stood, took a washcloth, wet it, and wiped my face with cool water. Red eyes and pale skin stared at me from the mirror. Rubber knees barely kept me standing, so I grabbed the sink to support myself. My wedding is in two weeks because Jesse insisted it be at the end of June. Was he more aware of the anniversary of Mikal's departure than I? If so, thank you, Jesse.

A shower revived me, so I dressed and went to the kitchen to find Gram. She raised an eyebrow and asked, Are you okay? You seem a little pale.

I didn't sleep well, I said.

Getting nervous? she asked.

A year ago today, Mikal left. I dreamt he returned and came to the wedding, I said, without revealing the details.

Gram hugged me and said, Don't let bad memories ruin the best day of your life. It’s obvious Mikal is gone. You haven't heard from him?

No, not a word, I said. I think I’ll go to the harbor. It's a good place to think. When Jesse calls, will you tell him to meet me at Tony's for lunch, please.

Sure., but don't let yourself become morose over your dream. I'm glad to say Jesse has proven me wrong about his maturity. I believe he loves you, but you must mean every word of your commitment when you say 'I do' in two weeks.

I will, Gram. Jesse is my whole world. I’ll never betray his love, I promise you and him.

***

When I went to my room for my jacket, which was often needed by the harbor, I looked at Rosie's box. She was alone, and I was sorry I hadn't visited her recently. I put the box in a bag, so Gram wouldn't question me, and I drove to Balboa.

I wasn’t surprised to see Rosie waiting for me by the front window during breakfast time. With the box under my arm, I stared at her through the window before entering. She turned her wheelchair and we exchanged understanding gazes.

Forget dream, she said.

I grinned and shook my head, because once again she knew everything about me. Thank you, Rosie, and I'm sorry I haven’t visited lately.

Busy, wedding soon, she said.

Yes, I said. Would you like to come? Someone could pick you up and bring you back after the reception. Oh God, I thought, Jesse would kill me if I brought Rosie. She tormented him with threats and curses, the one time he was at the Home.

Rosie almost smiled, Not make war.

Closing my eyes, I said, I'm sorry, Rosie. My thoughts were wrong. Jesse doesn't hate you, he doesn't understand our relationship. Sitting next to her, I opened the box and asked, Why did all Mikal's gifts disintegrate?

You Jesse woman, she said.

Will Mikal come back? I asked.

You Jesse woman. Be true.

So, Mikal will come back. We were not to be, Rosie. I’ll always be true to Jesse, I said.

Maybe, she said, and nodded off to sleep.

Again, I left with more questions than when I arrived, but I knew I would not let Mikal interfere in our lives if, or when, he returns. I promise, Jesse, with all my heart.

***

By the time I arrived at the harbor, the June fog lifted to allow a perfect day to begin. I watched boats sail in and out of the harbor, and then walked to Tony's, ordered a soda, and waited for Jesse.

A big grey and white seagull squawked at me, begging for food. The dumb bird couldn't tell I didn't have anything. Jesse announced himself with a kiss on top of my head, saying, They're the biggest beggars in the world. Good morning, Sweets. Looks like you began your day early. Can't we sleep in on Saturdays after we’re married?

Or something, I said coyly.

Something? he queried with interest. Maybe I like the sound of that. What would 'something' be?

Ha-ha, I said. "I can't tell all my secrets before we're married.

Ah, so I'll only need to wait two more weeks to discover all your secrets, he said, becoming silent as he contemplated my mood. Is it a secret why you began this Saturday so early?

Frowning, while looking at the floor, I said, I had a bad dream and an upsetting morning. I proceeded to tell the story to Jesse.

With eyebrows raised he said, You invited Rosie to the wedding?

She declined, so she wouldn't start a war. Eyeing him, I asked, After all I said about my dream, you're only concerned about Rosie being at the wedding? Not Mikal?

Looking me directly in the eye, he said, Suzy, it was a dream and Mikal's been gone a year without a word, right? I nodded. We've proved our love and commitment to each other. In two weeks, we will be Mr. And Mrs. Jesse Jones. Now smile, kiss me, and feed me.

First, I asked, When we set the wedding date, were you aware of the date Mikal left?

Jesse took my hand, kissed my fingertips, and said, Yes, I thought it might be a difficult time. It was traumatic for you, so now, nothing will disturb our day. I love you, Suzy.

I love you, Jesse. Thank you, I said with a smile and a kiss.

After cutting the kiss short, Jesse rose, took my hand, and said, "Now feed me and the seagulls before they eat us alive.

***

Two weeks later, I was quaking. Tomorrow is my wedding day. My dress is perfect, Sara’s dress is perfect, the decorations are perfect, and Binnie is working on the cake. Since Jesse and I aren't supposed to see each other, Sara is in charge of decorating. By 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, I’ll be Mrs. Jesse Jones, and my new life will begin.

Jesse promised he wouldn’t get drunk at his bachelor party tonight, and Ken, Sara's husband, promised to keep him in line. They made no promises about girls at the party, but half the guys are married, so the wives set some rules.

Sara and my friends are taking me to a girl's nightclub, but Gram declined the invitation. I'm not sure what to expect, more than good-looking guys stripping to music. Jesse and I became chaste for the last two weeks, so our night would be more special, and it’s been a challenge to abide by our decision. Jesse's touches and kisses turn our resolve to mush very quickly, especially since he is living in our new apartment where we spend many hours alone. One more night and there will be no more rules, but the guilt of pre-marital sex passed long ago. If I gave in to Jesse earlier, maybe I would have been able to ward off Mikal. I certainly wouldn't have had the fight with Jesse, which sent me into Mikal's arms…and bed.

Saturday morning I was so thankful I hadn't experienced another nightmare about Mikal, but deep inside, I still feared he might be at the wedding. I shook like a leaf in an Oklahoma tornado. Gram finally forced me to sit on the couch so I wouldn't wear out her carpet. I resorted to wringing my hands, so she took me to the dining table, brought out the silverware and polish, and said to make it shine. After lunch, I went to my hair appointment. Judy almost gave me a sedative to keep me still in the chair, but I left the shop beautiful. Gram and I met Sara at the church at 3:00 p.m.

***

My dress was beautiful. Gram and I traveled to the Los Angeles garment area to find the perfect, French lace and white satin. My chubby body slimmed since high school, but the bodice still required ample fabric and its princess neckline revealed deep cleavage. The waist hugged my body and dropped slightly to the fully gathered skirt. The front hem barely touched the floor, with the back dragging in a short train. The bodice and skirt were lace over satin and the sleeves were transparent lace to the wrist. Fifty tiny buttons closed the sleeves and the back of the dress. The under satin plunged to my waist in the back, covered by sheer lace to my shoulders. I personally stitched each button, imagining Jesse’s reaction to unbuttoning my dress on our wedding night. Together, Gram and I attached hundreds of pearl beads. I wore Gram’s pearl necklace and we sewed tiny blue bows on the inside of the hem. A pearl tiara supported a fully gathered veil.

Sara’s dress was aqua chiffon over satin. It was long with a slit side. It cling to her slim body, with a slightly gathered high waist, to hide her barely showing second pregnancy.

Jesse and Ken wore white tuxedos with aqua cummerbunds, bow ties, and carnations.

Jesse and I decided to wait at least a year to become pregnant, until he settled in his new job. I looked at Sara and imagined our baby growing inside my body. Jealously rose to bare containment.

***

At 3:45 p.m. I was ready and Ken assured me Jesse was waiting at the altar.

Binnie would escort me down the aisle and give me away. He was ready and the music began playing. He supported me as we stood near the door to the chapel. Sara hugged me and walked down the aisle. The Wedding March boomed and I stepped to the doorway on Binnie's arm. My eyes misted as I saw Jesse standing at the end of the satin runner, beaming at his future wife. Binnie held me back, so I wouldn't sprint to Jesse’s side.

Chapter 3

My eyes were glued to Jesse’s smiling face. He glowed with pride as he watched me slowly glide down the aisle toward him. I couldn’t imagine what he was thinking. I only hoped he was as ready for our journey together. The first twenty-one years of my life were peaking today, with Jesse by my side, in front of the preacher.

We stood facing each other as the preacher began the service. "We