Thunder, Part 4
Molly looked desperate.
"I think it was my fault!" she whispered and began to cry in earnest.
"Why do you think that?" Birkoff looked uncomfortable at her tears.
"I used his computer to look up some job postings and noticed some files I'd never seen before. I asked him about them. He said he didn't know what I was talking about, so I opened one of the files to see what was inside. All sorts of folders flipped by, spreadsheets, lists, maps, statements …I'd never seen anything like it. Da looked over my shoulder for a second and just shook his head. 'Turn off that devil machine.' He grumbled and went out to the stables." Birkoff perked up at the mention of the mystery files. This is what he lived for. He quickly glanced out the back window of the cab. There was no one following."Pull over here" he said to the cabby.
"What are we doing now?" Molly asked, confusion in her still damp eyes.
Birkoff looked down at her and smiled. "We're going to take a look at those files."
Molly gave an address to the cabby and the car set off again. Birkoff felt the adrenaline start to flow. Now, he had something to do.
"Stop here cabby" Birkoff instructed. He paid the driver and the two alighted from the car. They weren't far from the farm. The cab pulled away "Is the office far from here?" he asked as he looked about.
"Just down that road." She indicated.
"Does anyone in the town know you?"
"Yes. Most do. I grew up here. Da worked for the breeders for twenty years" Molly looked at him expectantly. Birkoff thought intently for a few moments. Then, grinning madly, he said "How do you feel about being married?"
Molly stopped short. She looked at him like he was mad. "Married? Are ya daft?" she screeched softly.
"How else are we going to get a cottage together… in the town where you grew up… without arousing suspicion? I suspect you were a local favorite." Birkoff grinned. His first valentine op!
Molly studied him for what seemed like forever. "Are you a spy or something?" she asked baldly. Birkoff had to think quickly
'James… James Birkoff" he improvised.
"Ahh" was all she said, her voice heavy with skepticism.
"Come on, think about it. What on earth would you be doing here, with a lover of all things, in the middle of the week? We're on our wedding trip! You wanted to show me where you grew up! Play along!"
She was still a little reluctant. He enfolded her in an embrace and whispered into her ear
"We have to be able to disappear after supper. What better cover than being crazy in love newlyweds! We're probably being watched right now! Think about it!" and he planted a soft kiss on her hair. Anyone looking at them saw a young couple in love.
Molly buried her nose in the curve of his neck. He smelled so good and his embrace felt so secure. She gave in and giggled. She lifted her head and noticed someone approaching . "Let me do the talking" She said softly.
"Mrs. O'Brien.." Molly called to an approaching woman. She took Birkoff's hand and introduced him.
"Married are you?" Mrs. O'Brien said. She smiled girlishly at Birkoff. He looked so sophisticated and so foreign. "Little Molly Conneely , all grown up and married to a rich Yank. Your Da would be happy for you."
Molly looked a little wistful at the thought. Mrs. O'Brien patted her hand in sympathy.
"Why are you here? " the old lady finally asked.
"I wanted to see where Molly grew up" Birkoff interjected smoothly.
"Oh, that's nice" the lady smiled at the couple. "Are you staying at the hotel?"
"I was hoping to find a cottage for rent" he continued before Molly could say anything.
He lifted their clasped hands and kissed hers. Mrs. O'Brien beamed. "Mrs. Rafferty told me just yesterday that her cousin's cottage was empty and did I know anyone who might want to rent it."
"Perfect!" Birkoff smiled . Mrs. O'Brien blushed like a schoolgirl.
She gave him the directions and off they went to rent the cottage.
They got the keys and walked to the little house. Its location was perfect, on the edge of the village, near some woods that ran onto the breeder's property.
"Now what?" Molly asked
"We need to go out to dinner, then come back and turn off the lights." Birkoff said. He was manipulating his cell phone.
"You'll get a poor signal here, there aren't too many towers nearby.
"I'll manage." He replied cryptically
"You really are a spy!" Molly whispered
"No, not a spy, just a computer geek" he said, smiling at her.
They went to the local pub for supper, then, returned to the cottage. Their meal was interrupted time and again by people coming up to say hello to Molly, and get a look at her Yank. Birkoff noticed one man, sitting in the back of the pub, who didn't come forward. He didn't say anything, but kept the man on his radar. Once they left, he asked Molly about him.
"I don't know the man. I noticed him because he is a stranger. Maybe he works at the farm." They walked hand in hand, and it felt nice thought Molly. The twilight was deepening and there was a sprinkling of stars already overhead.
"It sure is pretty here." He said softly. There was yearning in his voice.
"Do you miss her?" Molly guessed, wisely it seemed.
"Yes." Was all he said.
"Why did she leave you?" she ventured
"She died." Birkoff said sadly. Molly squeezed his hand, offering silent comfort to her new friend.
"I've never been in love like that" Molly said , then chuckled ."Da would scare all the young men away. He swore they were after something.." and she raised her eyebrows at the word "Something" Birkoff laughed softly and felt his mood lighten. He slid his arm around her shoulder.
"Come on, let's get to work fooling the town."
They entered the cottage and she lit the fire. Birkoff took a position in one of the darkened rooms with a good view of the street. . He told Molly to move about, and get ready for bed. Soon, the stranger left the pub and began to walk back to the farm. The man didn't make it to the cottage .He slipped into the trees on the edge of the road. He was watching the house.