All for Maria

By Steve Matthew Benner

While working in a Latin American company, an older American businessman becomes emotionally involved with a young local woman. Though confused as to his true feelings towards her, his desire to be with her and protect her draws him into a world of anti-government activities. As his involvement deepen, memories of a past that he’d tried to forget along with feelings that had been buried by years of sedentary middle-class life are reawakened. A tragedy forces him to face the consequences of his actions and fires in him a overpowering need for revenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Matthew Benner
• Release date: Jan 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310874420

Steve Matthew Benner

Dr. Steve M. Benner received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Ohio State University in 1979 and has worked in industry, academia, and the federal government. He retired from NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland in 2016 after 28 years of service. He has written numerous scientific articles as well as several articles on ancient history. Dr. Benner's extensive knowledge of science and history has led to his having an ego the size of New Jersey and may account for his being one of the most self-centered people in America today.

Book preview

All for Maria

Steve M. Benner

SmashWords Edition

Copyright Steve M. Benner 2014

Maria. It’s always been about her. Every day I sit at my desk with one eye trained on the glass fronting my office, my ears tuned to the familiar sound of her shoes on the hard linoleum; waiting for that first sight of her walking past, waiting to see that sensuous sway of hers. Whatever comes before that sight is lost in the irrelevance that covers all preceding events; getting out of bed, dressing, eating, driving; all lost. I long to see her pass, to begin my day.

Maria is so young, so attractive. She exudes the exuberance of youth; that naïveté that life beats out of most of us by age 25. Her features are such that she seems to be smiling even when she is not. Her clothes are smart, meant to accent a figure that garners the passing glances of men who have seen it every day for years, and yet continues to attract their eyes like iron to magnet. A figure that other women hate. Her makeup is light enough to give the appearance of not being there at all, and her hair is like a black waterfall, spilling off her shoulders, to pool upon her petite breasts. Her steel-grey eyes and bright red lips are gems that highlight her perfectly proportioned features; her copper skin darkly glows as if lit from deep within. A faint hint of lavender trails in her wake, extending her presence even after she’s gone. She is a force of nature, a Grecian nymph, an exquisite instrument of seduction.

I say Hello or Ole to her when I pass her in the hallways. I’ve asked around to find out more about her, like her full name, Maria Isabel Mendez. Her job is as a floater for the steno pool, filling in wherever needed. My assigned secretary is rarely out, prompting me to wish her declining health. Maria also makes the coffee for those of us addicted to that particular beverage. I set my trap for her; waiting to set my plan in motion I make sure the coffeemaker is empty. This will eventually draw Maria to the small kitchen and lunch area near our offices. Later that day, when I hear her footsteps, I move nonchalantly to our rendezvous, entering the kitchen just after her. She is wearing a tight-fitting dark-red dress that shows just enough cleavage to not be provocative and that flows down to her knees, clearly outlining the figure beneath. I smell a faint hint of lavender mingling with that of the coffee.

¡Buenos días, Maria Isabel.

She turns around to look at me, Hola, Señor Hamilton, como esta?

I’m fine, thank you. Would you mind joining me for a cup of coffee; I’d like to ask you a few questions. She nods, and I direct her to one of only three tables in the lunch room, where we sit opposite each other. I guess you know me.

Of course, everyone talks about you, Mr. Hamilton.

That’s interesting what do they say? And please call me Nick.

"I will try, Nick, but it is hard to overcome one’s upbringing. To be honest, I don’t think they