Chapter 9

How Did You Know?

Tony found himself drawn to it like a magnet, and for the moment he could see nothing else. The pull was strong as he slightly tripped off the front doorstep to get to it. He noticed the way the late morning sunlight danced on its curves reflecting back amazing beauty and he simply couldn't resist. As he slowly circled it, he placed his hand out and his fingers were greeted with the sudden coolness of chrome. "Jeannie, its beautiful!" His next words were spoken in a low hypnotic tone, "A 1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T, I haven't seen one like this in years."

Jeannie smiled a smile of satisfaction as she watched her Master's approving gaze never leave the object. It wasn't often that her surprises were so warmly accepted and she loved that this one pleased him so much. She moved closer and slipped her arms around his waist, "Oh Master, yes you have, that is the same one from that movie we were... trying... to watch the other night." She teasingly poked him in the side as a gentle reminder of the way they chose to wait for the commercials to end and the movie to continue. He sent a mischievous satisfied grin her way but his eyes stayed fixated on the classic motorcycle now parked in his driveway. "But Jeannie, you could have blinked up a car, a bicycle, anything. How did you know?"

"Oh Master that was easy, every time that motorcycle was in the movie I noticed the way you looked at it, I was even starting to get a little jealous." They laughed and moving to his side Jeannie folded her arms and teasingly said, "But if you do not like it..."

Tony quickly placed his hands on her arms, "No, no, not yet." He cautiously walked around it one more time almost afraid to get too close. He placed his hand on the grip and as he did Jeannie held out the key, "Master, I think you may need this?" Tony reached over the bike for the key and Jeannie playfully pulled it back. He reached again, "Jeannie, please." With hand and key hid behind her back she leaned forward, "Master, if you give me a kiss, I will give you the key." Tony leaned in for the kiss reached behind her and snatched the key from her hand. "Master, you tricked me!" Tony coyly replied, "Well Jeannie, you should never come between a man and his motorcycle."

Tucking the key away in his pocket, Tony slowly threw his leg over the bike. He sunk into the seat and with feet firmly on the ground he placed both hands on the grips. He waited before starting it, savoring the feel of the bike beneath him, "Jeannie, I remember when that movie "The Wild One" came out, my friends and I all wanted to be like Brando riding around on a bike like this. It took a long time to get it out of our systems."

"Well Master, it looks like you have never gotten it out of your system."

With both hands on the grips, Tony replied, "Jeannie, I think you may be right."

At that same moment, Roger walked a NASA hallway with his eyes and mind buried in the paperwork that Tony had given him. Tony had completed the formula assignment for General Orland and as Roger studied Tony's calculations he also marveled at Tony's precision and dedication to such assignments, he was grateful for it in fact, for these assignments were usually given to a team of two.

As Roger continued his study of the formulas, a voice from behind him broke his concentration, "Major Healey." Roger lifted his eyes from the page, he recognized the voice, he looked for a quick corner to turn or an open door to slip into but there were none. He turned around to see Dr. Alfred E. Bellows headed in his direction. Roger closed the folder in his hands and greeted the man quickly approaching, "Good morning Dr. Bellows." "Hello Major, are those the formulas that General Orland wanted?"

Here we go Roger thought, here come the questions, Where was Tony?, Why wasn't he at that meeting? Where is he now? but before Roger could reply Dr. Bellows continued, "Well Major, the General has left for the day. His wife picked him up for lunch a few minutes ago and he said he wouldn't be back until Monday. He said he would deal with you and Major Nelson then."

Roger's shock was palpable, "But I have the formulas right here. He said he needed them today!"

"Major, keep them until Monday, and I would tell Major Nelson to make sure he is here first thing."

Dr. Bellows started to walk away and Roger couldn't help but think how strange it was, no prodding, no questions, no inquisitions on Tony's whereabouts. Dr. Bellows had almost turned the corridor corner when Roger blurted out, "If he's feeling better he'll be here." Roger quickly put his hand to his mouth. Dr. Bellows quickly turned and with interest and concern said, "Is Major Nelson ill? Is it his ear? He complained the other day of ear pain after his night flight."

Roger reminded himself that he had promised Tony he could handle Dr. Bellows, he had to and fast. Roger nervously started tapping his folder and Dr. Bellows instantly recognized his heightened state, "Yes, I think it was his ear, and his throat, and he said he had a headache, when I left his house he was going back to bed." Once again Roger waited for the litany of questions, but they didn't come. Dr. Bellows simply replied, "When you see Major Nelson, tell him that I hope he feels better. Have a good weekend Major."

As Dr. Bellows walked away he reflected on Major Healey's words and demeanor. He knew that behind the folder tapping hid another page to add to Major Nelson's file, but this time it would have to wait, other more impending issues had to be tended.