Sky Queen Page 6

  “Yeah. I remembered.”

  “Sure,” Patrick said. “And the other ladies, any problems with them?”

  “No, I did as you said. I didn’t rush in and save any women in danger. But I did my professional duty for one lovely lady. An Outfit guy attempted to devour her with outrageous advances. Being a proper gentleman, I asked her if she needed any help.”

  “Hey, now, I told you to keep your nose clean with those goons and their molls.”

  “I performed like a champ bouncer. I left her alone and just used my hawk eye on her for the club’s reputation. I noticed that the mafia fellow had her marked, but she looked around the room like a frightened animal. Then, zip, she fell to the floor. Then she disappeared, and, no joke, she came back an hour later the mystery woman as a Playboy Bunny! I don’t know how it happened, but she lost her party clothes and appeared as a dynamite Bunny. I scratched my head. I didn’t report her. I heard your voice telling me to stay clear. A regular Bunny couldn’t have served drinks any better. She was fab but squirrelly.”

  “Well, I doubt you’ll ever see her again,” Patrick said.

  “Yep. That’s the end of her story.” He glanced at his watch. “Hey, we better get over to the park. Let’s beat the crowd.”

  Danny walked over to Wrigley Field with his brother and his friends. He still got chills when he came near the “Friendly Confines” of the diamond-shaped park. A wide grin wiped across Danny’s face as he lifted his nose to the sky to sniff the blend of popcorn and hot dogs coming from the concession stands. His heart danced with all the summer odors floating around the ivy-covered wall. Something twitched in his mind and diverted him from his ballpark reverie to that sweet blonde lady turned Playboy Bunny. She’d vanished from his mind until tonight. A thump popped in his throat; he wished he hadn’t told his brother she’d acted goofy. She was different. His intuition said she was more than just a beautiful face. And she was beautiful Charlotte’s roommate. He realized that he’d misjudged Katherine when he’d thought she hung out with the mafia. If I run into her again, I’ll apologize, he thought as the game got underway.

  8

  ANCIENT LIMESTONE ROCKS crushed under their feet on the sacred path to Apollo’s Sanctuary. A charming Greek gentleman escorted Katherine down the road. Her skin tingled when she stood at the foot of the temple. Her heart’s tempo zoomed like The Who’s song, “I Can See for Miles and Miles.”

  Was it Angelos? He filled my mind with images and inspiration about ancient Greece. We only talked at the Playboy Mansion for twenty minutes. Thank goodness, he didn’t get fired. I don’t know how his boss thought I was a real Playboy Bunny. Hm, we should have talked more in the kitchen when I was just a frightened lady needing protection. His enthusiasm for his country had impressed Katherine. He knew all the Greek myths. She remembered his entertaining story where the nymph raised Zeus on milk and honey had come alive. As he told the story, Katherine could taste the milk and honey.

  After she’d read the Greek myths, something had stirred in her. She’d had to visit Greece to find something. She didn’t know what she’d discover, but the Oracle of Delphi had given answers for centuries. She wondered if the wise one could give her an answer even if she didn’t know the question. Maybe I just wanted to visit the Plaka.

  The Greek sun glistened over the tumbled pillars and monuments that had stood for many centuries.

  Her sexy escort turned and smiled. “Over there is the Oracle. I’ll wait for you with our friends.”

  “Thank you.”

  Katherine stopped to get a view of the Gulf of Corinth. She needed time alone on the sacred Parnassus Mountain, here at the Oracle of Delphi where ancient leaders came to receive the Oracle’s prophecies for their future. Her knees buckled, and her heart raced. Was it a dream or did she sense something? She overheard Emma Jean’s Greek escort telling her that she was gorgeous last night. Emma Jean giggled. My date said I was like a Grecian goddess. That tops beautiful. But I’d rather be a Chippewa princess.

  The winds swirled around Katherine. Black crow feathers floated above the Oracle’s column.

  I must be imagining it. But there’s Soaring Eagle. What’s the reason for his presence? A vision of herself as a child appeared. The younger Katherine followed Soaring Eagle, the shaman from her Native American ancestors’ tribe. Hanging Cloud, her great-grandmother, walked next to the great leader. They led her to a crystal waterfall. Its clear water glistened, flowing over beige and pink rocks. Sunlight magnified sparkling water drops, and a soft mist floated from the boulders and fell to the fresh grass, covering it like diamonds on velvet.

  Katherine walked toward the vision of Hanging Cloud. Her delicate child’s hand touched her great-grandmother’s smooth, intricately braided raven hair. Soft scents of cedar surrounded Hanging Cloud.

  Hanging Cloud removed a turquoise, orange, and ivory blanket from her shoulders and placed it around Katherine’s shoulders. Her great-grandmother raised her old hand and directed Katherine’s attention to Soaring Eagle. A soothing breeze drifted with the rhythm of a stream as it moved toward its reunion with the Chippewa River. Soaring Eagle’s chant—a request to the Great Spirit for protection for Katherine—harmonized with nature’s symphony.

  “Eagle. Fly high, touch Great Spirit. Share your medicine, feel me, and know me, so that I may know you too.”

  Raising his hands to the sky, he paused and bowed his head. He removed feathers from his headdress and waved them over his heart. With gentle strokes, he moved the plumes around the crown of her head.

  “This is my sign. I am here to cleanse and protect you. When you feel these touches, you should know that I am near to warn you. And know that I will always stay with you to guide you on your journey.”

  Shrill squawking and cawing penetrated Katherine’s mind and shook her whole body. A mystical vision circled her. Her mind’s eye saw a spectacular view. Soaring Eagle’s magic prepared a sacred fire as he twirled and chanted. He raised the smoke as a message to the ancient spirits. Each spirit handed Soaring Eagle the revered turquoise, green, and yellow feathers. Wind puffs rustled each feather, helping their magical splendor glisten brighter in the sunlight. Soaring Eagle’s message hit her inner being. He warned her to leave the Oracle’s entrance. She had to obey.

  Katherine pondered her vision. What had caused Soaring Eagle to appear? She had to find Emma Jean. After she had taken a couple of steps, a soft nudge on her shoulder made her jump. She looked around—nothing in sight. Then a beam of light directed her eyes toward an eagle flying down to touch a saying carved on a nearby rock, “Know thyself.” Seven ancient philosophers and lawgivers had inscribed that saying on the entrance to the sacred Oracle, so it had to be important. Katherine scanned the sky like a telescope to discover eagles on the horizon.

  Katherine’s Greek champion tapped her on the shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  “Sure,” Katherine replied.

  “You look pale, like you might faint. Why don’t I find some real nourishment for you? We Greeks eat baklava for energy and zest. Crunchy walnuts and pistachios over the fluffy pastry and buttery sweet sauce are gifts from the gods.”

  New ideas buzzed around Katherine’s mind. Her heartbeat thumped in her ears, but her stomach remained silent.

  Katherine tried to hide her feelings and fight the rush of tears. “I’m fine, just tired from sight-seeing yesterday and the fun time with you guys.” She paused and looked at the sky. “I wonder if any eagles have flown over Mt. Parnassus since the legend of Zeus.”

  Emma Jean rushed over and touched Katherine’s forehead. “Yes, Darlin’, I wondered if you were okay too. You look lily white. What’s this silly talk about Zeus and eagles?”

  Katherine rolled her eyes and cast off Emma Jean’s hand from her forehead. “Thanks for your concern, but I’m full of energy.” She took in a deep breath and smiled. She couldn’t share the experience she’d had with Hanging Cloud and Soaring Eagle. What had happened to her was sacred. I wait fo
r my guidance. Katherine felt a calm knowing that everything would fall into place. “Zeus is the major player in Greek mythology. When we have time, I’ll share the most interesting Zeus stories with you.”

  Katherine gave her Greek gentleman an elbow nudge. “Last night was a blast.”

  Emma Jean put on her southern charm as she gazed her sexy escort with her fluttery thick eyelashes and alluring smile. “Oh, my Lord, yes. Thanks for showing us the best of Athens at night. I loved the way you Greek gentleman dance. I had a ball.”

  The highlight of the evening had been Plaka’s nightclubs. The cobblestone streets had echoed with sounds, scents, and tastes from centuries of life-loving people. The Greek food was magical. They drank ouzo, ate lamb, devoured flaming cheese, and nibbled stuffed grape leaves. The vibrant Greek atmosphere buzzed with the music, the belly dancers, and Greek men lining up to dance the Kalamatianos with Emma Jean. She’d wanted to join in, but her date had kept her on a tight rein. She was glad that Emma Jean had received overwhelming attention from the Greek “gods” waiting for time with her. She thought Emma Jean even relished the daylong tour of the Parthenon since they’d met charming Greek gentlemen on the tour. Katherine would never forget Emma Jean’s comment, “Darlin’, you never told me how excellent museums are for meeting men. Let’s go to them more often.”

  Katherine glimpsed one of the Grecian studs reclining on a tumbled pillar. She nodded to Emma Jean to join him. “You wore him out last night. Go join him.”

  Emma Jean sauntered over to the bronze-skinned, wavy-haired young man. Patting his shoulder, she sat next to him. “Bless your heart. You were such a gentleman. You make those southern boys look like rude Yankees.”

  He raised his arm and wrapped it around Emma Jean’s waist. “Let’s rest here for a while.”

  Katherine turned to her escort and smiled. “Okay, it’s time for a short pause. Please excuse me.”

  Katherine relaxed under the cloudless sky, the gentle breeze bringing peace with it.

  Like three chirping birds on a power line, Emma Jean and the two Greek gentlemen bantered over their fun night of dancing and partying at Plaka.

  Katherine opened her eyes and smiled. The gentle breeze touched her chin to lift her eyes upward. An eagle glided overhead and flew lower to rub Katherine’s head. In a rush, the majestic bird slipped away with a gust of wind and vanished through an illuminated cloud.

  No one will believe what happened to me. Everything builds on something. I knew something had inspired me to study Delphi my last semester at Beloit. It’s been almost two years since that course, but I’m here now. A personal muse directed my journey to Greece.

  9

  CHARLOTTE’S JUNGLE GARDENIA–soaked note paper made Katherine’s eyes water. Her vision blurred as she read her roommate’s letter.

  Kate Dear,

  You must tell me every detail of your trip. Boy, it’ll be strange not to have you nagging me that my side of the room is so messy. I’ll be here for a few more days since I can’t move until the other Bunny moves out. My closet at the PB Mansion is so small that I need to get rid of some clothes. If you want them, I’ll give you three or four of my designer dresses. You need style, girl. (Joking!) Anita, my replacement roommate, plans to move in next month. You’ll enjoy her. She’s neat and quiet.

  By the way, an exotic-sounding guy with a sexy foreign voice keeps calling for you. He sounds interesting. Is he Greek? Greek men are such a blast. I think he’s the waiter at the Playboy Mansion. If he is, you’re a lucky lady. The Bunnies fall at his feet.

  Love Ya … See You Soon,

  Char

  Katherine laughed to herself. I did fall at his feet.

  Katherine released a deep breath and wiped a trickle of tears from her cheek. Her friendship with Charlotte spanned over twenty years, almost as long as they’d both been on earth.

  She wiped her tears and whispered, “What’s my problem? My best friend is moving two blocks from this apartment. I’m the free spirit. I’ve got wings and light feet. Nothing or anyone can keep me fettered, but Charlotte gave me roots and a place to land.”

  Katherine folded the paper and called her parents to tell them that she was home.

  “Hi, Mom,” she said, “I’m home.”

  “Thanks for thinking of us with your daily postcards. We got to enjoy your trip. We loved the letters with the Parthenon, the Plaka, and the Oracle of Delphi. It looked like you had a fantastic time.”

  Katherine wrapped the telephone cord around her finger. Her stomached quivered. “Oh, Mom, it was thrilling, and I can’t wait to tell you and Dad my exciting tourist stories. Can I talk to Dad?”

  “No, honey, he’s at work. He can’t wait to speak with you. Oh, and your midterm exam, aren’t you glad you to have that behind you? We bet you aced it. We miss you. When are coming for a visit?”

  Katherine’s face tingled. It had been two weeks since her midterms. Grabbing her hair, she wanted to scream. She’d forgotten to contact her professor to take the makeup exam. I better make a decision. Katherine chuckled. I’ll keep taking classes or find a better plan. Do I need to solve this now? No. Right then, home beckoned her. She could smell Mom’s baking. Katherine licked her lips. Oh, for a cream-filled, chocolate, best-of-heaven pie.

  “Mom, when you have time, could you send me a box of your delectable éclairs?”

  “Can your nose smell them baking in the oven right now?”

  Katherine raised her eyebrows, “Hum, maybe. It’s sniffing fresh lavender too!”

  Her mother laughed. “I sewed some new lavender sachet for you. I found fabulous Aqua French Toile de Jouy at Alison’s Fabric Shop, and I had to buy it for you. I have your special French goodies box ready to go.”

  “Oh, Mom, I can’t wait to get it.” Katherine cherished her parents. She needed Wisconsin’s fresh air and time with her parents to recharge. But a trip home had to wait. “I’d love to come back to see you and Dad. I’ll bid a schedule with a block of days off soon. Do you guys have any particular plans in the next month?”

  “No.” Katherine’s mother cleared her throat. “I saw Charlotte’s mom at the library event last week. She mentioned that Charlotte gave you an invitation to a Playboy party, so we’re happy that your life is full. Parties, work, and school? How do you manage?” She paused. “Oh, one thing, you father worried while you were in Greece. The turmoil that erupted in the Middle East concerned him. Your dad gets overprotective if there is danger within ten feet of you. He fights the urge to call out the militia.”

  Katherine’s father kept up with world events and expected her to discuss current events with him. Now that she was on her own, the television remained dark, collecting dust. Real life was more intense and exciting. Once in a while, she might glance at a newspaper when a passenger left one on their seat.

  Katherine shrugged. “Yeah, Mom, I’m still his little girl.” Katherine thumped her fingers on her desk. “Hey, Mom, I have to get ready for flight to New York I just wanted to check in with you and Dad.”

  “Bye, sweetie. Have a safe trip, and we’ll call this weekend. Love you.”

  “Bye.” Katherine dropped the receiver in the phone cradle and screamed.

  Now, what do I do? How can I tell Dad I didn’t take my midterm? That I went to a Playboy party instead and hid from a mafia boss’s son and met a Greek man? Boy, if Mom and Dad knew what a bimbo they’d raised. Why am I always stumbling into one daffy mishap after another? I am an intelligent woman and destined for bigger and better things.

  Katherine sighed and padded into the bathroom. After a long trip, a luxurious bath was a welcome reward. The gardenia-scented bubble bath always cleared her mind. It reminded her of Lake Wissota, where she and friends spent long summer afternoons drifting on its soft waves beckoned her. Throwing off her pink jumpsuit, bra, and panty girdle, Katherine smiled at herself in the mirror. Patting her bare bottom, she sighed and shouted, “Freedom,” pondering who hated corsets more—the women who wore them
or the men who had to fight the modern-day chastity belt.

  Holding the nylons with the garter belt dangling over water brought the memory of her first check ride. Her rear still felt the sting from when her supervisor swatted her for the girdle check. Someday I’ll be free of this body trap. She flung the corset into the bedroom and made a wish for it to disappear.

  The bubbles tickled her feet as she tiptoed into the inviting foam. Slipping under a blanket of warmth and fluff, she closed her eyes to focus on her calming, measured breaths. Calming waves lulled her into a peaceful reverie. She sailed to the Chippewa Falls waterfalls with its pine scents and soft breezes wafting through the trees. Her memories of the bright Wisconsin sun illuminated her vision.

  Like a dolphin leaping from the ocean deep, Katherine lifted herself from the refreshing water. With a fluffy white towel wrapped around her midsection, she did her usual shimmy to dry herself.

  WLS-FM played the top hits that urged her to dance.

  I’ve got it, she said to herself. Get a plan for my life. Not like now. It’s fun to hop on planes, explore new places, and meet interesting people, but there must be a bigger plan waiting for me.

  Gliding from the bathroom to the bedroom, Katherine sang one of her favorite songs from The 5th Dimension, “Up Up and Away.”

  She tossed her multi-colored serving smock and stewardess manual into the airline regulation suitcase. The value of her stewardess training taught her important life lessons. For example, always check for the location of the nearest exits. You never know when you might have to get out in a hurry, whether it be from a burning plane, a lousy relationship, or a flaky lifestyle. Or the fact that it’s always best to toss excess baggage. If you can’t carry or stow it, then leave it. And the most important lesson: keep emotions at bay. Don’t respond in anger. Count to ten and make every effort to refrain from rude, unkind remarks. Smile and reply. Keep calm. Just because it says first class doesn’t mean the people are.