A Valentine Adventure

Ch 4: Everybody Needs A Little Time Away…

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Here's the next chapter of our Valentine adventure. Some of you may have noticed my Chapter Titles tend to be lines from songs. Yep, what can I say – I love music. Often, while I write, or even visit chat rooms, it is with music playing in the background. So, a little game I propose…can you tell me the name of the song, the author or group? If so, e-mail me. Just an added bit of fun.

Well, off goes our couple…with a little foreshadowing that real life may just come calling…at least an implied threat from the past. As with the other chapters, I haven't had this beta'd, but I did make an effort to correct any errors in grammar or spelling I could before posting. I hope you will continue enjoying my little tale. Frankly, I THOUGHT this was going to be just a SHORT story. Seems my muse had ideas of her own on that one. I'm working on the next chapter of KRYSTALLNACHT side by side. Enjoy… Hemel Lass aka Lady Lochinvar

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Charlie had just finished checking out his snowboard, making sure it in good shape for hitting the slopes. When he heard a car pulling into the driveway, he glanced at his watch, surprised. The limo was picking up Amita about now. When he heard the door slam, he realized right away it was Don's SUV. He frowned. He loved his brother, but this better not put a hitch in his plans. He and Amita were getting away for the weekend, this time. He felt a flush of guilt immediately and concern. Had something gone wrong with the take-down.?

Okay, see now, he felt mostly worry. He zipped closed the snowboard case, and stood, trying to discern which door Don was heading for. His answer came an instant later as he heard Don's key in the front lock. He stood up, trying to keep anxiety and nerves off his face. He schooled his expression to just be quizzical.

Don entered the front door, immediately removing his sunglasses. "Char—oh, hey…heard me pull up, huh?"

"Are you okay?" Charlie winced in frustration. So much for being cool. "The operations they went okay, right? No one got hurt…"

Don smiled, reassuringly. "Calm down, buddy. I'm fine. Everything went as smooth as glass for the good guys. Now, the bad guys, some of them are going to be feeling it the next few days, but it went golden. No innocents hurt, things are still being processed, but we shut them down." He looked down at the luggage and snowboard case. "Looks like you are all ready to go. Do you have your plane tickets?"

That was a bit of tease. His younger brother tended to be paranoid about having his tickets ready well ahead of time, probably to overcompensate for the amount of time he had spent travelling to conferences and engagements with Larry.

Fleinhardt was actually the one who tended to forget where he was, let alone where they were headed. Charlie had to handle the details for the pair of them. Fleinhardt brought a whole new level of meaning to absent-minded professor at most times! That was probably part of why Charlie had been so worried about it when Larry first announced his trip into space. It really wouldn't do to be on a space walk and forget whether you were going in, or coming out, of the space station!

Charlie snorted, easily imagining what Don was thinking of.

In fact, both of them spoke at the same time as they said. "Larry!"

Don laughed. "Larry Fleinhardt in space, who'd a thunk it, huh?"

"I'm just glad he's staying safe up there. I imagine the others' in the ISS are having to work over time keeping him…." Charlie broke off, thinking a second, and went on. "Well, I was going to say 'grounded' but can you use that expression in this connotation?"

Don grinned. "Well, even when he's on earth, Larry is out there…" Bringing them back on topic, Don went on. "So, tickets?"

"Actually, my friend that started the charter air flights is flying us. Corporate jet - just a few others on the plane – some singer who is appearing up at Reno tomorrow and his buddies."

"Wow – corporate jet. You really are pulling out all the stops. Don't worry, buddy. I'm not here to interfere with your plans at all. I just wanted to come by in person. Now, I don't want this to spoil your fun over this weekend or anything, but an alert came across my desk and I wanted to talk to you before you took off."

Frowning, a bit confused, Charlie asked. "Why would you leave mop up to come here and tell me about an alert?"

"Do you remember the Charm Street Boys case?"

Charlie was even more confused. "Yeah, of course, you got shot on that one because I screwed up."

Don shook his head, in disbelief. "Damn it, I thought we were past all that, Charlie. We didn't know about the back up people they had. They had never been violent before that incident. It was NOT your fault what happened!"

"Don, you lost an agent and YOU were hurt. Pardon me, if my memory of the incident differs from yours. What does that incident have to do with your alert and why are you coming to see me about it? It's not like I had to testify or anything – those people don't even know who I am, right?"

"Well, brother, forgive me if I go a bit overboard looking out for you and Amita, but I just want you both to be aware. A couple of the guys were put in the same cell block up at Vacaville State Prison while they were being evaluated for assignment to a state pen. Somehow, they managed to escape. Sacramento FBI is all over it, with plenty of local back up. It's a big deal, but the thing is these guys were last seen headed up I-80 towards Auburn. One of them has family…" He gave Charlie his 'pay attention this is serious look', "in South Lake Tahoe."

"Don…first of all…that's a whole lot of highway. There are loads of different routes. I doubt they'll be anywhere near Granlibakken."

"Yeah, well, I just don't want you to take any unnecessary chances. Fill up your tank in Reno before heading up. Drive with your vehicle locked. Be real aware of what's going on around…" Seeing Charlie still looked dubious about the need for him to even be aware of the situation, Don got a might pissed. "Listen to me, will you?"

Charlie grinned, disarmingly. "You are getting as overprotective as Dad. Look, let me set your mind at ease a little, big brother. I am renting a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It's four wheel drive; it comes fully gassed up and I seriously doubt I am going to need to fill up during the whole trip. It has snow tires, so I wouldn't even have to stop to chain up. I will tell Amita about your concern, so she can keep her eyes out too. If we see anything suspicious, I'll call you and the CHP, okay? "

"Seriously?"

"Don, I am serious as a heart attack here. The last thing I would ever want to do is endanger Amita, in any way." Charlie said, sober as a judge.

Big brother relaxed, fractionally. "I mean, what are the odds of this happening the weekend you are actually going to be in Northern California, Buddy? Freaked me out a little."

"The odds are still in my favor. Not too many escapees stay on the lam for any amount of time. Not just the FBI, but all the police are going to be all over this. They'll probably catch them before we are even wheels up on our departure, Don. "

"My concern is greater because of the talents and abilities those particular criminals learned from their military and security work. They know how to go to ground and survive off the land, Charlie. They ripped off a bloody submarine from a secure Navy base for cry-aye. You have to respect the enemy when he is that good, Chuck."

"I get that, Don. I do. Still, they have plenty of alternatives. Maybe they will split off at Auburn and disappear into some of the rough country in Gold Country. With their looks and stuff, they can definitely blend in." Intrigued by his line of reasoning, Charlie went on. "You know I could run some numbers, come up with some probabilities for the guys up north."

"No….no….no, Charlie. You really do deserve some quality time off. Just indulge yourself in a nice romantic weekend, before Amita begins to loose hope!"

Charlie glanced down. "Yeah…between Dad and Millie walking in on us and everything else, a nice getaway seems in order.

"Exactly. I just wanted you to be forewarned and aware. Okay, buddy? Look, are you sure you don't need a ride to the airport?"

Charlie glanced at his watch. "Actually, the limo has picked up Amita and should be on its way here by now. We're good. Thanks again for the offer."

"A limo….wow, you are REALLY out to impress."

"Not really, it is just more convenient not have to worry about driving and parking and risking my car being ripped off from long term parking."

"Makes perfect sense to me. Besides, buddy, there is nothing wrong with treating that special someone to the full-on luxury treatment when you can afford it. I'm glad you have the means…and I really think Amita will appreciate all the thought you have put in to this getaway."

"I just hope she enjoys herself. I know I fully intend to. I am really looking forward to this."

"I can tell. You have that happy, goofy grin you get sometimes. It's nice to see it making a return appearance. Well, look, I better head to back to the office. If you need anything, call."

"Don, isn't that my line?" Charlie gave his brother some cheek. "See you next week."

"Right, see you …."

There was a honk from the street and Don remarked. "Well, well, your chariot awaits. Relax and enjoy some quality time with your lady, bro." He clasped the back of Charlie's neck and gave it a squeeze. "You both deserve."

"Thanks, Don. Don't work too hard."

"Nah, that's why I am the leader. It has perks." Don grinned. "Need a hand out to the curb with anything?"

Charlie picked up his two items of luggage – the bag and the snowboard case. "No, I've done this lot's of times." He also grabbed his laptop bag.

"I'll lock the doors, Charlie. Get on out to Amita."

"Thanks, Don. Bye." Charlie headed out to the curb with light steps.

The limousine ride to the airport almost took longer than the flight to the Reno/Tahoe Airport. Traffic had been a little heavy and Charlie was genuinely glad he had chosen to use the service. Amita seemed to be enjoying it. She was a little surprised when they didn't pull up to the terminals, but went around to the private jets area of the airport, where they were pre-cleared through security and driven right up to the sleek corporate jet. They were able to board immediately, where Charlie's friend made the introductions to singer Kenny Loggins and his back up group.

The band and Loggins had chosen to sit together in the seats near the back, so Amita and Charlie had the front to themselves. Comfortable chairs that could be swung around to face their travel companions once they were up in the air currently faced forward. The pilot and co-pilot went over some general information, introduced the two flight attendants who would see to all the passengers every need or whim on the short flight.

Amita and Charlie engaged in some comfortable conversation. Amita was impressed to be on a flight with a well known singer. Charlie explained he had actually met the party before. Two members of the band were fans of a computer program Charlie had fine-tuned years before and he had been to free concerts before. This sent Amita off on a line of discussion about the synergy of how math underscored so many art forms. The two professors were off on that topic for a while, before Charlie suddenly leaned over, still safely within the constraints of his seat belt, and drew Amita's head close for a kiss. The kiss grew a bit protracted. It broke up when the conversation amongst the band mates stopped and the young lovers were applauded. Charlie looked a bit embarrassed at the attention, but Kenny started talking about being at a point in life where the meaning and importance of truly expressed feelings were a serious passion of his and he could see an awful lot of chemistry between the two professors.

Amita shared the story about Larry Fleinhardt coming to hide out in Charlie's office to avoid a fellow professor he had enjoyed a long, platonic friendship which had suddenly and unexpectedly veered into the carnal. She let Charlie share the actual punch line of the story.

"I'll never forget when Larry said that the Math Department was certainly the least libidinous place on campus."

The group laughed and Kenny pointed out. "Well, I think that myth has certainly been busted with you two being a clear example that the opposite is, in fact, true."

Amita said. "Well, he did make up for it when he told Charlie at a later point that 'Geek love was surely the purest kind.' "

Kenny said. "Gee, there just may be a song in that story." He and the rest of his group started kicking around ideas for how such a song might go. At this point, the pilot came on to point out some aerial tour sights to the group. They were passing over Yosemite. It really was a beautiful look down at the park, even from their altitude.

The flight attendants served champagne and a selection of cheese, meats, crackers and snacks – all that was really required, or possible, in the relatively short travel time. As they neared Tahoe, they got an excellent view of the snow covered Sierras and the beautiful crystal blue lake. Charlie pointed over to where you could actually see the ski resorts and Granlibakken. They had to turn their seats back forward and lock them in place, as the plane came down for a smooth landing. There were impressive storm clouds off west, probably indicating pouring rain from Sacramento all the way out to the Bay area, but the weather over their landing area and the mountains was still nice and clear.

Before everyone disembarked, Loggins himself came over to the professors and gave them complimentary tickets to the concert. Amita was touched by the gesture and immediately asked Charlie. "Can we go?"

"On this trip, I deny you nothing. Of course, we'll go. Thank you, Kenny. It was great seeing you all again."

One of the band members offered up. "You know, this Larry fellow sounds like a very good friend to both of you, but he must have been a little blind if he didn't realize, that you, Professor Ramajuan, are one very hot Mathematician. I'm not stepping on your toes, here, Charlie. Just thanking God for the scenery we've all been blessed with for this trip!" He grinned.

"I am a very lucky fellow." Charlie readily acknowledged.

"Well, all I can say to that," Amita responded graciously, "is thank you for the compliment, kind sir. And to add the feminine point of view, Charlie is one hot totally mathematician, as well."

The male flight attendant took care of getting their luggage to their rental which was waiting for them on the tarmac at the airport. The rental agent was there, had Charlie sign the paperwork and handed them the keys and they were off for the drive up through Reno and up I-80 across the state line back into California. On the trip, Charlie explained why Don had been at the house and what his concerns were.

Amita agreed with Charlie that it was highly unlikely that they would come in any contact with the escaping felons, but they both verified they were safely locked in. She promised to alert him if she saw anything out of the ordinary. They talked about the car they were renting, Charlie expressing the fact he wished the FBI would switch to more environmentally friendly SUV's like this one. Amita pointed out that the heavier SUV's the federal agency currently used were probably better armored than the standard off the salesroom floor, SUVs.

Charlie reflected in his mind how much more natural conversation was with them, but he chose not to bring up that awkward first attempt at a date. Artificial limits of topics hadn't worked for them, but now they were finding ways to incorporate their different interests into conversation that flowed naturally from their special interests and shared professional life and other interests in life. Things were much, much better now. It felt like their relationship had grown gradually as they found their own symmetry, synergy and flow.

Life was indeed good and he alone knew just how carefully their first evening had been planned to be conducive to romance and fun. A catered meal would be served long enough after their arrival for Charlie to show Amita around the facilities and point out some of the finer amenities Granlibakken offered its guests. He hoped he had paid sufficient attention to all details, that tonight would make up the many times their evenings at home had been interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Mildred Finch, his father, Don or one of the members of Don's team. He loved his house…that's why he had purchased it, but sometimes it did feel like Grand Central Station.

By the time, they took the Hwy 89 turn off which would take them past Sugar Bowl, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows ski areas, the sun was setting enough that headlights were required and the valley they were in was actually quite dark. Though dusk, not full night time, they had to slow while two deer, a buck and a doe, crossed the road in front of them – the pair freezing momentarily in their headlines.

Amita was enchanted at the sight. "Look at them. They are so beautiful."

Charlie intentionally drove slower and they watched raccoons scampering across the road. As they rounded one turn, Charlie quickly applied the brakes, after checking the rear view mirror to be sure no one was behind them. Right in front of them stood a large, blue eyed gray wolf. "Wow! Do you see him, Amita?"

"That isn't a dog, is it, Charlie."

"No, that is definitely a wolf. Or at least a hybrid that's part wolf. I thought the gray wolf was extinct in all of California." He pulled on the emergency brake and started to open his door.

Amita squeak out an alarmed. "Charlie, what in heaven's name are you doing?"

"Relax, Amita. I'm not going to try and get too close. I just want to get a better look." Charlie stepped out and walked forward a few steps. The wolf just stared solemnly back at him, seemingly unafraid. He sniffed the air a bit to catch the human's scent, but did not seem to take him as a threat. After a few seconds, Amita joined Charlie, a camera in hand. She carefully focused in; made sure the flash was disabled and took several shots. The wolf remained quite calm, almost regal. At last, the animal made a soft chuffing noise at them and went on across the road and up into the woods beside them.

"Wow. That was…." Amita began.

"Amazing?"

"Yea, incredible. I mean it was like spiritual."

"Did you actually get a picture? …Come on, sweetheart. It's cold out here. Let's get back in the car."

Amita blinked. "Sweetheart? I like that, Charlie."

"It's okay."

"It's definitely okay. In fact, it's more than okay. It's wonderful. "

The two were now settling back in the SUV, which had been idling quietly the entire time. Amita hit the button on the back of the digital camera and showed Charlie the shots. "We can Google wolf later on to verify that's what he was, but I am pretty sure you are right. That was amazing, Charlie. I can't believe you just stepped out there like that."

"I've encountered bears, cougar, coyotes, and other predators when I've been hiking. If you don't look like prey to them and follow certain safety precautions, it's perfectly safe. Most wild animals are more afraid of us than we are of them. You just have to respect them. Recognize they are wild and behave correctly and you'll be safe." Charlie assured her. "Those pictures are great, by the way. I'm glad you thought to grab the camera. I'm pretty sure it was a wolf. It really was amazing."

"Charlie, this has all been absolutely amazing so far. My cousin is going to freak when I tell her we flew up in a plane with Kenny Loggins and his band. The jet was fantastic and everyone was so nice. This is wonderful."

He smiled at her. "Milady, you have not seen anything yet. Let's get moving again. The weekend has barely begun."

"Let's go…." Amita agreed, a smile of total contentment on her lovely face.