Chapter 24
"That's for me!" cried Martin and picked out the newspaper from Sarah's hand. "Sorry, I've been waiting for this edition for a very long time."
"Really?" she asked a bit unsure.
"Yes, it's a... a special edition... about gardening."
"I see." she decided it's better to leave it on him, "So, I'm taking these magazines upstairs, then I've thought we should make lunch together with Pete as a little 'thank you' for this holiday."
"Oh, I really like this idea." remarked Martin happily, "And Pete is quite good in cooking, so he'll gladly help, right?"
"Yes, of course... great idea." smiled Pete finally relieved, and they watched her leaving with an absent minded smile on her face, because she was sure there was some kind of a plot in progress. "Thanks Dad, you're a lifesaver."
"I saw the fright on your face," he chuckled. "So what's in this newspaper what she shouldn't know about?" he asked and turned it to see the front page. "Uh-huh, so she disappeared, but she doesn't know about it, right?"
"Yes, something like that."
"Then I think it's time to tell me the details..." he said and Pete did as he asked. "...But don't you think the President will search his wife right here, where the sanatorium is?"
"Not really, because most likely it was just a diversion... you know, she goes to a sanatorium, so that way we can run away together. I'm not attached to this place in any form, the estate is not on your name, the car I use is not mine, plus no-one knows where I work and no-one saw her when she left that place."
"Yes, there could be something in it."
"It's like... hiding after a crime in front of the police station."
"Ah, that makes more sense, indeed. But according to the newspapers they only search for her, not the two of you."
"Yes of course, because the President will not proclaim from the housetop that his wife is on the run with another man."
"After all, that's understandable." agreed Martin. "So you have a plan, right?"
"Yes I have, but I need a bit more time to make things moving."
"Actually... you not really have much time. I mean sooner or later this month will over, at least for her and she still thinks she's on a holiday... legally."
"Yes, that's true."
"So you can count on me in anything that's not a question, but have you been thinking on what is she going to say when she will find out the truth?"
"That will be the hard part indeed," sighed Pete. "But I'm just hoping we'll be over it somehow... Anyway, thanks really for your help. I owe you one."
"Yes, you do." he smiled widely and Pete already knew it won't be cheap. "But there's only one thing I ask."
"Just say it... don't spare me."
"A grandchild."
"Ah, okay. I'm on it, don't worry."
"Really?" asked Sarah with a surprised tone as she arrived back. "Is there something I should know about?"
"I don't think so," said Pete with a smile. "We're just teasing each other with Dad, true?"
"Yes, absolutely. And I have to read this newspaper right now, so if you'll excuse me," he joked and hurried out.
"So you've already promised him a grandchild?" she asked with a serious expression, could not help to tease him.
"You know how it is..." he answered a bit puzzled.
"No, tell me."
"It was just a joke... Dad always comes up with this." he said, but her expression didn't change. "And I promised him of course, but it didn't mean anything concrete."
"..."
"I mean..."
"I think we should continue this upstairs." she tried to be firm and headed to the stair's direction.
"Oh... okay." answered Pete unsure, but followed her. The situation was already suspicious for him.
"Close the door please," she asked after they reached her room, then she could not hold herself back anymore, "Because... I think we should start practicing right now," and with that she burst out laughing, followed by him.
"That was... mean, you know that?" he asked with a mischievous smile, pulling her closer and holding her tightly.
"Sorry, but I could not help myself."
"Then now, you have to bear the... hard... consequences of your little joke," he said with a naughty smile as he laid her down to the bed, climbing over her.
"Really?" she chuckled, stroking his chest eagerly. "Because I can... hardly... wait for the consequences," and with that they were lost in their dreamland again... more passionately than ever.
OOOOOOO
Later in the kitchen...
"What are you cooking? A twelve pound turkey?" teased them Martin as he arrived back from the garden, because lunch was still nowhere.
"It was hard..." she said, but quickly shook her head with a smile, "I mean difficult... difficult to find out the menu."
"I see." he nodded, seeing that something was going on, so it's better to leave them, "Then I'll come back later."
"Okay," she said, and as they remained alone she buried her face into Pete's shoulder with a chuckling, "It seems I won't be able to use this word in public anymore."
"What a pity, because it's so sexy as you can say it." he smiled against her neck, kissing it lovingly... enjoying the intimacy, what was growing between them day by day.
"Gosh, I think lunch will never be ready," smiled Sarah, absolutely not intended to be complaining. "So we really have to concentrate on cooking... at least for a limited time."
"Right, we'll try it, I promise." he chuckled and gave her a last kiss. "Any idea about what do we want to cook?"
"Nothing at all, but I'll surely find out something." she remarked, then opened the fridge. "Let's see what's in here... oh, there's a huge chicken. So maybe I'll roast it with..." she looked around quickly. "Potatoes, onions and green beans... and what would you say for a big bowl of salad and some spicy sauce to it?"
"It brings the water to my mouth," he admired her.
"Then do you want to help me with the vegetables?"
"But of course... with anything," he answered fondly, enjoying every minute of being with her.
OOOOOOO
The lunch was a real success, everybody was amazed on her cooking skills... especially Martin who remarked,
"I suppose that's what they say: she is pretty, smart... and she can even cook."
"Thank you," smiled Sarah gratefully. "Although I can't even remember the last time I cooked a proper lunch."
"It's like cycling, you can't forget it." added the old man kindly.
"Yes, it was really delicious," smiled Pete, squeezing her hand gently. "As always..."
"Oh, you mean that sandwich what I made you last time?" she chuckled. "It was nothing."
"I love any kind of food you make, even if it's just a sandwich." her eyes were shining. "And I'll make you some dessert in the afternoon... that tiramisu I've promised."
"That sounds nice, but I thought we should take a walk after lunch."
"Sure," he answered happily. "I wanted to tell you that we should go to the lake anyway. So I could show you my favorite places."
"I can't wait for that," she smiled sweetly.
"Then why don't you go now?" asked Martin, "And I will make that tiramisu until you go back."
"Really?"
"Yes... it's not a problem for me."
"Thanks Dad, really."
"Yes, that would be perfect," she exchanged a smile with Pete. "And we should take a few things with us... maybe a few packs of Haribo."
"Of course," chuckled Pete, "Just the essentials... but what would you say to some drink and a blanket?"
"Very romantic." she sighed, locking her eyes with him.
"That was my intention." he added fondly.
"Okay, it's better if you two go, because as I can see you're already in another world," laughed Martin...
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Meanwhile in the President's office...
"Is there any useful information?" asked the President firmly, leaning back with a threatening look in his chair.
"No yet, Sir." mumbled the police chief. "We haven't found anything yet, but..."
"Then what the hell have you been doing so far?" he slapped the table angrily. "They can be nearly anywhere now..."
"I'm sure the media will help us Sir, the First Lady is quite recognizable."
"Of course she is, but I don't think she is still smiling and waving with the American flag in her hand... Do you understand that?"
"Yes Sir, we will do everything we can."
"That's not enough!" cried the President, "I want my wife back!... dead or alive."
To be continued...
