Leonard

By Priscilla Delgado

Rose Lynn Kelly, young widow of Stryker
Brigade Sergeant Bill Kelly, also has a priceless
heirloom violin the unscrupulous Leonard is
determined to have. With action from her home
in Fairbanks to a remote cabin near the Arctic
Circle, he becomes increasingly desperate, as
well as ruthless, as time after time his plans are
thwarted, until by the time Rose fully realizes that her nagging mistrust
of Leonard is valid, she has a knife at her throat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479731091

Priscilla Delgado

Priscilla Delgado attended The University of Texas A & I University and holds Master of Science degree in Educational Supervision with a minor in English. She is an Air Force veteran, a master teacher, and a great-grandmother. She has traveled in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, China, and Egypt and is now happy to reside in Fairbanks, Alaska as do the entire four generations of her immediate family.

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CHAPTER ONE

April 16, 2010, Fairbanks, Alaska

D ESPITE THE TYPICAL Alaska spring day, bright sunshine, brisk breeze, sprouting buds and leaves, and a few last little patches of melting snow, Rose Lynn couldn’t shake a feeling of impending doom. The only time she’d had such a feeling before, it had been confirmed by news of Bill’s death in Iraq. The first thing she saw when she turned into her driveway was a red convertible parked in her favorite spot under the birch tree next to Kathy’s little Suzuki bike. Except for the fact that she had brown hair, Kathy might have been thought of as the typical ditsy blonde. Nevertheless she was a staunch friend. The two worked together on Fort Wainwright at the Ed. Center. Kathy lived close by over on Ballaine and often scooted over on her bike for supper and a movie.

Rose sat for a moment puzzling over the Mustang. Kathy had lots of friends so maybe she had asked someone to join them for supper, but who would be driving with the top down in 40 degree weather? She gathered up her mail and bag of groceries, and climbed out of her Ford Explorer Sport pickup. Some expensive-looking luggage in the back of the Mustang piqued her curiosity even further.

The dogs, Baloo, a hundred-fifty-pound Newfie Mix and Mowgli, a trim little hound, set up their usual welcoming racket as she came down the walk. They wanted her to open their gate and let them into the house, but about that time, Kathy came bursting out the door with a big grin on her face.

Guess what. Leonard’s here.

Leonard? I don’t know any Leonard.

Leonard. Your brother… Leonard!

My… Oh my God! My brother. Maybe it is.

Her dad had been married before he met her mom and she knew that he had a son—a son a few years older than she. He would be her half-brother and his name was Leonard. She really never knew him, and hadn’t thought of him in ages. She stood there with her mouth open, trying to take it in, and all that she could think of was that her ice cream was melting.

Well, aren’t you coming in? Why didn’t you tell me you had a brother who looked like that? What a hunk!

Kathy noticed the stricken look on her friend’s face. Rose Lynn’s dad had left when she was seven to go back to his other family, and she hadn’t ever forgiven him. Now here was the brother he preferred over her, and she was supposed to be glad to see him. Well, she wasn’t!

Rose Lynn, what’s the matter? Did I do something wrong to let him in? He said he’s your brother, and he thought you’d be glad to see him. He seemed awfully nice.

No, of course it’s okay. I just wasn’t expecting this. She went in and dropped the mail and groceries on the table. Kathy took the ice cream and put it in the freezer.

He’s in your study. He said he was tired after the trip and asked if he might lie down. I’m sorry. I thought it would be all right.

Forget it. I’m acting childish. Of course it’s all right for him to come. Where is he now?

Right here! And there he was coming down the hall, all six-foot-two, ice blue eyes and red hair, and just as Kathy had said, what a hunk.

Before Rose could get her breath, he had her in a big bear hug. Girl, you don’t have any idea how long it took me to find you.

It surely wasn’t taking him long to make up for lost time. Rose eradicated herself and pushed back to get her breath so that she could take a look at him. Brother or no brother, she thought, I don’t know this guy from Adam’s off ox, and I’m not used to welcoming hugs from just anybody… no matter how good looking.

She smoothed her skirt and tried to think of something to say. The best she could come up with was, Come sit down and tell me why you’re here. That didn’t sound right either, so she tried again. I mean, I am glad to see you, but how did you know where to find me?

That’s a long story. He stretched out in the big green lounger and continued, Basically, it was the internet. You can find about anything there now if you’re persistent enough. I’ll tell you all the details later, but it was a fortunate coincidence that about the time I located you here in Alaska, I got the offer to come up as consultant on your Gas Pipeline deal with Exxon. He paused and rubbed the back of his neck. Just look at you. My little sister, Rosie Dunman, now Rosie Kelly, all grown up and even prettier than I remember you.

Kathy stood up. Look, you guys, I’ll just run on home and let you two catch up on… everything. It was nice to meet you and I hope to see you again.

Oh, no you don’t. She wasn’t about to be left alone with this stranger who said he was her brother—a brother she wasn’t fond of in the first place. You were coming to supper. Sit down here and talk to Leonard while I fix something. It won’t take long. Leonard, you haven’t eaten, have you?

"Now that you mention food, I am starving. Haven’t eaten since the lay-over in Seattle and that was a long time ago, but don’t fix anything. I’m taking you out to celebrate the family reunion. I doubt that Fairbanks, Alaska has a steak that would vie with New York’s Four Seasons, but we can give it a try."

Rose Lynn protested, but relented on the condition that Kathy come, too.

Of course, I meant Kathy, too. How often do you think I get the chance to escort not one, but two gorgeous ladies out on the town? And so it was settled. They would all go out to eat.

Kathy and Rose went upstairs to freshen up and put on a little make-up. Kathy brushed out her light brown curls and very carefully applied mascara, blush, lipstick and the whole nine yards. She was Rose Lynn’s best friend and they had worked together at the Ed. Center for almost two years. She really was taken with this comely visitor. Rose, not being so easily impressed, just gave her plain brown locks a couple of swipes with a brush and tied them back into a ponytail. A little lip gloss, a clean blouse, a knee length denim skirt, a warm jacket and some comfortable red loafers and she was ready.

Kathy took one more look in the mirror. You don’t seem very glad to see him. He said he’d been trying for years to find you, and he seemed really happy to be here.

It’s only that all afternoon I’ve had this feeling… Look, I guess I’m being unreasonable. It would have been more thoughtful to have called first, or written to see whether I wanted to see him. But he’s here, so I might as well make the best of it. He does seem nice enough. I promise to act like I’m glad to see him, and at least give him a chance.

I should surely hope so. I’ve been trying to find out whether he’s married, but haven’t had the nerve to ask. How does he happen to be your brother and you don’t know him?

It goes back to when I was little and his father… my dad, who I thought hung the moon… left my mom and me and went back to this half-brother of mine and his mom.

Good lord. That wouldn’t have been a kid’s fault.

Of course not, but try telling that to the kid who was left behind. Are you ready? Let’s go down and see where this Greek God is taking us for dinner.

Leonard was standing by the spinet piano at the bottom of the stairs. Where will it be ladies? Does this last frontier boast any tolerable restaurants?

You’d be surprised. We eat quite well up here. Now, if you prefer moose or caribou, or perhaps a filet of halibut or salmon, all we need do is open my freezer. But on the other hand, since you’re taking us out, I’m sure we can find a restaurant to satisfy your refined New York taste.

Touché. Just name your choice, ladies. Maybe a relatively quiet place where we can talk over old times and get acquainted, and, for Rosie here and me, re acquainted.

There’s Bobby’s Down Town if you like Greek, or the Turtle Club for prime rib, or Los Amigos for Mexican if you have a preference. The list goes on and on. If you just want a calm, relaxing place with a varied, but good menu, a hotel out toward the airport has a restaurant called The Finish Line. We go there sometimes. The background music is soft and you can carry on a conversation without yelling.

The Finish Line it is then. My chariot awaits.

How corny could he get? But, Kathy was eating it up. Leonard gallantly opened the car doors for the ladies, placing Kathy in the back seat and his sister beside him. It didn’t occur to him to ask whether they’d like the top up. He roared out of the driveway onto Farmers’ Loop Road and headed back toward town. I have reservations at the Marriott, so if you ladies will point me in that direction, I’ll check in, leave my bags, and get out of these travel-weary clothes.

Well, Rose thought, that was a good sign. He at least wasn’t expecting to stay at her house. The wind effectively discouraged conversation, except for a few shouted directions. They breezed on down University and Airport Way without getting a ticket, but Rose did point to the speed limit sign when they turned onto Cushman, and it slowed him down slightly.

He pulled up to the hotel entrance and turned off the engine. Would you ladies like to come in, or would you rather wait here?

This will be fine. Maybe we’ll go across to the park while we wait.

He lifted the two leather bags from the back seat. What’s required at this place? What do I need? Coat? Tie?

Tux, jeans, Carharts or anything in between. You are in Alaska now. Just be comfortable.

Got it. Back in a minute.

After checking in, he found the room, and without waiting to unpack, or even open the bags, he made one quick phone call. It’s me. Look, you have my cell number, but don’t call me on it unless you absolutely have to. I’m staying here at The Marriott in Room 206. Use that number. Can’t talk now. Fill you in later. He took a quick shower, put on a short-sleeved blue shirt and casual chino slacks, and on second thought took a windbreaker from the overnighter and hurried out to the car.

Rose Lynn and Kathy had walked across the street and through the park, down to the Chena River left muddy after break-up. Kathy was delighted at the prospect of going out with such a dreamboat.

Rose Lynn’s head was spinning for a very different reason. Why was he showing up now and what might he want? Far from being happy at the reunion as he called it, she couldn’t get over the feeling that something wasn’t right about the whole thing, but she couldn’t put her finger on what exactly it was.

On the way back up from the river they saw him coming. Quite a statue, he said looking up at the larger than life bronze depiction of an Alaskan winter scene. That your ancestors?

You might say that. It’s called First Family. The man, woman, child, and dog standing together against the winter wind, represent our pioneer families. And over here, Rose continued, I am immortalized in bronze. She showed him, there on one of the plaques that bordered the entrance to the park, where their names had been included when the park was dedicated years ago, The Dunman Family: William, Margaret, and Rose Lynn. I was only five, she said, and Dad was still here. It was an unnecessarily snide remark, but he didn’t seem to notice. He looked at the plaque, nodded and said nothing.

Back at the car, he again turned on the charm. Opening the doors with a flourish, he ushered them in. Would you ladies like the top up? I should have thought to ask before.

How considerate, Rose thought, now that our hair is already a mess. Oh, well. At least I didn’t say it.

Oh, it’s fine however you have it. I just love convertibles, Kathy put in quickly, but, of course, if Rose Lynn wants it up… So the top went up.

The sun was low on the horizon when they reached the restaurant. The place wasn’t crowded and they were seated immediately. White tablecloths and black napkins, along with black chairs and soft background music made an elegantly formal atmosphere.

What can I bring you to drink while you decide on something to eat? The waitress handed menus around. Kathy and Rose Lynn settled on ice tea and Leonard asked for coffee, black.

And what about an appetizer, while we wait? Leonard suggested. Happy to oblige, the waitress rattled off the whole spiel about tantalizing offerings, and Leonard chose crab cakes and stuffed mushrooms. Anything else that suits your fancy? he asked. As neither girl had anything to add, he winked at the waitress, Just make that a double order and we’ll all share it.

Kathy started to protest that one order would be enough, but he patted her hand and shushed her. Bring it, he said to the smiling waitress.

When the appetizers came, the waitress took their menus and their orders for dinner.

There was a quasi festive air to the meal as they laughed over the fabulous amount of food in just the appetizers. Then their salads were served with mini loaves of French bread accompanied by small bowls of a savory mixture of herbs, oil, and vinegar for dipping. Rose Lynn began to relax and accept the situation as the logical reunion of two long-separated siblings. Kathy was basking in the attention from the best looking male she had met in ages.

As Leonard finished his salad he grew silent, then very serious. He placed a hand gently over Rose’s left hand. I have to tell you, he said, that my father—our father—died three years ago after a traffic accident. He spoke of you often and was always sorry that your mother returned all his letters and gifts for birthdays and Christmas.

There was a huge lump in her chest. For a time she could hardly breathe. She defied tears to come as she removed her hand from his touch. He said that?

Yes, it grieved him not to be able to see you grow up, but your mother was adamant about it. I’m sorry. Then after an awkward silence, There’s something else. In my bag at the hotel I have his picture of you on a sled and wearing a red snowsuit when you must have been about two.

She had seen copies of the same picture. It was in the baby book her mother made for her.

The waitress arrived with a tray laden with their orders. The mood was broken and she was saved from having to say anything.

Over a 16 ounce New York steak, rare, Leonard steered the conversation to less stressful topics. He talked about the new security measures, not only at JFK, but at every airport in between, and about how the economy was affecting his line of work, which was consulting on energy matters. He wasn’t crass enough to name any actual figures, but he gave the impression that he was well compensated for his time and effort.

Rose Lynn had the petit sirloin and Kathy had spinach lasagna which was quite good.

Leonard asked about the girls’ work. Rose Lynn explained that Kathy had been working in the Ed. office for a couple of years, and that she had been teaching FAST class when Bill was stationed there. She told him that they had been married a year and three months when he was deployed with the first Stryker Brigade. When he was lost in the early days of fighting, she had stayed on, and Kathy had seen her through the hardest times.

What in the world is a fast class?

Not what it might seem. She smiled, "Functional Academic Skills Training… f,a,s,t. Preparing troops to take military tests like the ASVAB and TABE that they need.

When we were married, she continued, we bought the house that I had been renting and had it fenced so Bill could have the dog he always wanted. Baloo was his special pride and joy when he brought him home looking for all the world like a fat little black teddy bear. It didn’t take him long to turn into a full sized bundle of energy. We used to tie him to the piano leg to keep him still while we ate, until one day, in a bound of joy he rushed to Bill’s side at the table dragging the piano leg. That’s when we decided to get him a companion to play with outdoors, to use up some of the rampant energy. We adopted Mowgli, the hound, who though half his size, keeps him in his place very well. Baloo was happy with the arrangement and so were we.

That must be the beast that tried to get through the fence to tear me to shreds when I showed up at your house today.

Rose had to laugh at that. Not Baloo. He’s the most affectionate and even tempered dog imaginable. He loves everybody, even Kathy’s cat.

Not the ferocious big black creature that wanted at me today. I just hope you keep him behind the fence while I’m around.

You know, Kathy said, he did raise quite a racket. I couldn’t imagine what got into him.

If Baloo’s the worst you have to worry about, you’ll do all right in Alaska. Incidentally, how’s your steak? Think you’ll be able to survive on Alaska food?

Excellent! I apologize for the disparaging remarks earlier about your eateries. New York has nothing to top this. Now, how about some dessert? And he signaled the waitress.

Both girls protested, but he insisted, so they gave in and chose from the tray the waitress presented for them. Rose Lynn had a delicious chocolate éclair and Kathy decided on German chocolate cake, just a small slice. Leonard had blueberry shortcake, and they all had coffee to finish up with.

The waitress brought the bill and Leonard stood and reached into his back pocket. Then he fished in the front pockets—both of them. Then a hang-dog look came over his face. Rosie, please believe me. I must have left my wallet in the other pants when I changed at the hotel. Could you just… When we get back to the Marriott… I’m so sorry. I feel like such a fool.

It’s okay. I’ve got it. She was silently fuming as she took out her VISA card and handed it to the waitress who was obviously embarrassed for her. She added a quite generous tip, and stood up to put on her jacket.

Here, Rosie, let me help you.

I can manage quite well, thank you, and it’s Rose Lynn. Not Rosie.

Sorry.

Well, she thought. What should I expect? He shows up here without so much as a phone call, makes a big deal about some hot shot job with Exxon, and plays the gracious host at dinner. I didn’t even want the stupid dessert, but I sure paid for it! Wonder how many have fallen for that forgot the wallet line before? She got to the car and opened her own door before he had a chance to play the attentive gentleman.

He ushered Kathy into the back seat, came around, got in and started