Читать книгу Red Snow - Sean Ryan Stuart - Страница 10
ОглавлениеJeremy crossed his legs, and began telling Khalil that his return to San Francisco had not been a pleasant one and it held many strong memories. With a little prodding from Khalil, Jeremy began to recount his tale. Jeremy started his story from the day he found himself sitting in his hospital room.
Jeremy still had strong feelings about this city and wondered whether or not he could endure many months of solitude at the Presidio. Jeremy’s arrival this time around was less confrontational than his first stay, but somehow he missed the excitement. He pensively recalled the last four months since his capture and escape. His mind wandered between the horror of confinement and the thrill of escape and freedom. The whole thing had a surrealistic feeling to it. His body told him, you are sitting in a nice comfortable chair; gazing out at San Francisco Bay. His mind however, said, you are still sitting in that rotten little cell, watching the green millipede slowly crawling across the dirt floor.
Grant was suddenly awakened by his doctor, CPT Loretta Q. DeFaut, USA MC. Loretta DeFaut, a stunning brunette from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was concerned about this rather quiet and withdrawn soldier. She went out of her way to spend time visiting him every day.
“Good morning, CPT Grant, “How are you this fine morning?”
Loretta asked with concern in her voice.
Jeremy slowly turned his head toward the sound of the voice and said, “Uh, uh, good morning, doctor. I guess, okay, thanks.”
“How is that shoulder? Feeling better?” CPT De Faut asked, as she walked over and gingerly examined his still bruised and swollen shoulder.
“Yeah, I guess so. Hey, Doc, how long do I have to stay in this cage? I am feeling a little confined, and would love to get out of here and get plastered at the ‘O club.’, I have some old buddies to look up,” Jeremy blurted out.
“Oh my, you must be feeling better, but I can’t honestly release you for at least two more weeks.”
“You got to be kidding; I will go crazy in this place,” shouted Jeremy!
“I am honestly disappointed, captain. You survived over three months under the worst possible conditions and can’t last a few comfortable weeks in my care,” CPT De Faut chided him.
Jeremy was slightly embarrassed, and sheepishly looked away; trying to recover his composure.
“Uh, excuse me, doctor. I am sorry, this has nothing to do with you. I am restless and need to get out among people,” Jeremy answered
“Okay, okay, I’ll compromise; I’ll see if I can get you a three-day pass next week,” CPT De Faut promised with a smile.
Loretta was amazed at her strong feelings for Jeremy, but he never seemed to care or pick up on the strong animal magnetism she was transmitting. Loretta came from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and still had a rather cute Cajun accent. Her physical attributes were stunning, to say the least. God and “Mother Nature” had blessed her with a rather voluptuous figure. At five-feet-eight and one hundred and forty pounds, she wasn’t one of those skinny looking model types. She was extremely proud of the fact that she strongly resembled the sexy 40s-50s screen siren Jane Russell, Howard Hughes’s ex-femme fatale. To the dismay of her colleagues and superiors she knowingly wore rather provocative hospital gowns and revealing uniforms. Loretta firmly believed that “a little bit of femininity was the only thing those poor wounded returning veterans needed. “I am determined to do my patriotic duty,” she would teasingly whisper to her shocked fellow doctors. She had won the “Miss Baton Rouge” and “Miss Louisiana” contests, and was bound and determined to proudly display her ribbons, trophies and many attributes. It was easy to see why she was the most popular doctor in the hospital.
She realized that her interest in the young Special Forces captain was not just professional courtesy and patriotic duty. Jeremy reminded her of a long-lost boyfriend she once had. He had also been a quiet, sulking and solitude seeking individual. Major Beauregard “Beau” Armstrong Lee, had been a hot-shot Air Force pilot with 89 missions under his belt. At twenty-eight years old, he had been one of the youngest fighter aces in Vietnam. Unfortunately, his luck ran out, and he was shot down over North Vietnam and never heard from again. Like so many other M.I.A. (Missing in Action) families, Lorretta had hoped that someday, her “Beau” would be found safe in some POW camp, but as the months turned into years, she slowly accepted the fact that he would never be coming home.
Her professional training told her that this young soldier needed more than just medical care. She sensed an air of desperation and loneliness in this quiet and withdrawn human being. Although she tried every trick in the book, CPT Jeremy Grant totally ignored her advances. She realized that he was suffering from a variety of both mental and physical stresses, but he refused to cooperate with her demands to see one of the psychiatric counselors.
Well, she thought, If he’s too stupid to get the hint, maybe I’ll make him walk and exercise himself back to reality.
She informed him that he needed physical therapy, and recommended long walks and exercise. The abundant pathways that surrounded Letterman Hospital were ideally suited for someone seeking solitude and exercise. Jeremy spent many lonely hours hiking among the pines and oaks that abound in the Presidio. His daily exercise routine became an important part of his rehabilitation. Jeremy was convinced that he could only regain his health and mental stability, if he adhered to a stringent exercise program. He awoke every morning at 05:00 hours to the sorrowful sounds of the foghorns. The foghorns were very audible in the inner bay area, and each had a distinct, yet comforting sound to them, their mournful wails echoing like ancient creatures calling for help. Jeremy would often fantasize of a long ago past when prehistoric dinosaurs roamed this angelic location; bellowing love messages across the bay. The foghorns were simultaneously melodious, hypnotic, alluring and also annoying.
Grant walked and exercised along the many paths for two hours, before returning to his quarters. His route would take him down from the hospital, along the seashore by Crissy Field, and up to the Golden Gate exit and back. Grant had come to like the solitude and regularly visited the military cemetery. He was fascinated by the tombstones and almost came to wish he could also be buried among the trees overlooking this magnificent bay. If one had to die, this had to be the spot that funeral directors dreamed of. Jeremy was envious of the soldiers who were stationed here on a permanent basis. What a cushy duty, he thought to himself.
He made it a point to try and find new and interesting trails. Jeremy was particularly fond of the solitude, stillness and awesome beauty. Grant was always amazed by the diverse and changing weather patterns in San Francisco. The city had air quality that no other city of the world could match. The fog would suddenly and silently roll in from the west side of the Golden Gate Bridge and smother everyone into its fold. Just as suddenly the fog would blow away, and the entire bay would be covered with a brilliant sunshine. This almost daily routine was part of the San Francisco charm that he had grown to love. He was not always fond of its citizens, but the city’s charm could overpower just about any negative feelings he encountered. It was this strange and ever-changing environment that attracted so many tourists to this city by the Bay. However, many of the unsuspecting tourists were often caught unprepared by the city’s fickle weather patterns.
Jeremy had been following this strict and regimented program for over ten days when he received a request from CPT De Faut to come in for a check up. CPT Grant showed up punctually and knocked on her office door.
“Come in,” she said.
“Good morning, CPT Grant. Well, captain, how do you feel?” questioned CPT De Faut.
“Well Doc, I feel pretty good, as a matter of fact, I am ready to leave this ‘puzzle palace’ and get back to real soldiering,” CPT Grant answered, his voice rising in excitement.
“Well, CPT Grant. I am thoroughly disappointed that you can’t wait to get out of here, and abandon me to these damn Yankees! CPT De Faut, shot back, her eyes wide in mock horror. But as you know, your system suffered an immense shock, and I am afraid your days of soldiering are probably over,” CPT De Faut stated.
“What do you mean, over? Like discharge, maybe?” CPT Grant inquired.
“I am afraid so, captain, your shoulder will probably never get better again, and you would greatly benefit from a long home R&R (Rest and Recuperation) leave. You currently have over a dozen rare and potentially dangerous intestinal parasites, malaria, scurvy, etc. Not to mention your shoulder, and foot damage. I am going to recommend you for an immediate Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) hearing, and if they concur, a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) hearing with a medical discharge,” stated CPT De Faut with emphasis.
Jeremy looked at her in silence, too stunned to reply.
“You may think that you are healthy, but you have a long way to go. Additionally, you need to be among people and restore human contact with our society, but most important of all, you need to get laid,” Loretta said with a sexy smile.
Grant’s initial reaction was one of shock and amazement. Never in his wildest dreams had he contemplated leaving the Army. He was shocked and disappointed. He was so stunned in fact that he didn’t even hear her “laid” remark. He developed a temporary, but intense dislike for Loretta, and blamed her for his current woes. He was somewhat amazed at her direct line of questioning.
Loretta purposely stared at him, trying to assess his reaction to this new development. Jeremy stared back, and carefully analyzed the situation and after a few minutes of clear thinking he came to the conclusion that he could not possibly blame CPT De Faut for his bad luck. Shit happens, he thought.
“You also need to be among people and get laid,” CPT De Faut repeated, her eyes boldly staring at him with anticipation, hoping that the young captain would finally get the hint.
Jeremy was initially shocked by her statement, but quickly grasped the meaning of her direct line of questioning.
“Laid, did you say?” Grant asked, his eyebrows raising in mocked horror.
“You heard me, captain. You are so uptight, and frustrated by L.O.P.s, that you are about to pop your cork,” Loretta said in a firm, but insistent voice.
“L.O.P.s? What in the hell is that?” Jeremy asked, not wanting to appear too stupid.
“Why, I declare, CPT Grant, a world traveler like yourself doesn’t even know what L.O.P. stands for,” smirked Loretta, her lips grinning from ear to ear.
“Lack of pussy, you dummy. Oh, dear me, you do know what that is, don’t you?” Her eyes rolling in feigned amazement.
“And here I thought you were a southern belle, a fine lady. Maybe you are right, doctor! Any takers?” answered Jeremy in his best Rhett Butler imitation.
Although the thought of leaving his beloved Army made him sick, the idea of being a mere civilian again made him gasp in repulsion. He had devoted eight long years to the service of his country, and had never even thought of someday taking a civilian job. What would he do? Where would he go? All of these thoughts whizzed through his head like a runaway freight train. The thought of going home suddenly became a pleasant memory.
“Hey, yo! Helllooo, I am here,” yelled Loretta from across the room.
Jeremy slowly looked up and carefully admired this beautiful woman. He began to realize that Loretta was flirting with him. For the first time, he couldn’t help but notice that the beautiful captain was openly coming on to him. He glanced up at her and admired her two greatest points of interests. It was the first time in months that he noticed a visible stirring in his loins. The harder he stared at her breasts, the more excited he got.
She finally said, “Well one thing’s for sure, your eyesight hasn’t suffered any.”
Jeremy actually felt himself blush and was forced to look away.
“I am sorry, ma’am, he said in his best Rhett Butler imitation again, I didn’t know you were a lady in distress. However, I must confess that I am one of those damn Yankees you are referring to” Jeremy answered, a wide grin smeared across his face.
“You mean to tell me that you are from the northern half of our glorious country? I could have sworn you were a southern gentleman,” she mockingly yelled at him.
“Yup, that’s me, guilty as sin,” Grant laughed “Doesn’t the name Grant have a familiar ring to it? You guessed it, my great-great-great grandfather was General Ulysses S. Grant.”
Jeremy wasn’t sure whether he should mention this fact to Loretta.
CPT De Faut suddenly stood up, and glared at Jeremy in mock shock and disbelief.
“You mean, I’ve been treating the great-grandson of that butcher and murderer? Well, I guess I am going have to take some radical action and correct this mistake,” Loretta stated.
“You think you’re up for a hot date this weekend, CPT Grant? I am approving a three-day pass for you, and just to make sure that you enjoy yourself I am to go along with you.”
“OK, sure,” stuttered Jeremy. I don’t know what to say, do you have any particular plans?” He asked sheepishly.
“Yep, don’t you worry about honey, this little Cajun girl is going to take good care of you. Putain alors, tu vas avoir un beau temp” (Shit, you are going to have a good time), she slowly said in French, and smiled at him.
Jeremy wasn’t sure of what she said, but he assumed it was very nasty and he was going to have a good ole time with this Southern Belle. Loretta told him to be ready at 18:30 hours. He returned to his room, and nervously paced the floor until CPT De Faut came by to pick him up. At exactly 18:35 hours, she knocked on his door. Jeremy excitedly rushed to the door and opened it. Miss Loretta Q. De Faut stood before Grant, wearing a spectacular low-cut gown showing a healthy amount of cleavage and long, lovely legs.
“Mama Mia,” he whispered.
“You sure are a sight for sore eyes, ma’am,” he blurted out like a young country boy on his first date.
For the first time, Loretta blushed slightly and looked into his eyes and said, “You don’t look so bad yourself, Jeremy. I am ready to show you the town, so just sit back and let me do the driving.”
“Okay, ma’am, let’s move out and have some fun,” Jeremy answered, not knowing what he was getting himself into.
Loretta led Jeremy to the parking lot. Standing in the red No Parking Zone, was an equally “Ferrari” red Mustang convertible. The car glistened; every piece of chrome sparkled like a diamond necklace.
“Wow, you really know how to make a guy feel good. Where did you pick up this beauty?” Grant stammered.
Loretta suddenly grew silent, and looked down, her eyes tearing up.
“Oh, it belonged to a man who no longer needs it, and I’d rather not talk about it anymore, so let’s get out of here and party,” Loretta answered, her voice breaking with sorrow.
Jeremy realized that he had accidentally blundered, and decided not to push the subject until a more appropriate time. He opened the door for her, and once again admired her incredible body from a more strategic position.
“A tit man, are you, CPT Grant?” she suddenly blurted out.
Jeremy was caught by surprise; he honestly thought that she hadn’t noticed his piercing and lecherous glance.
“Guilty, as charged, ma’am! I am one of those damn Yankees who preys upon helpless ‘Southern Belles.’ I am sorry, Loretta, I haven’t been near or thought about women in months. I guess my eyes are guilty as charged. Please forgive my bad manners,” Jeremy replied with a lecherous smile.
“Now, now, there is no need to apologize, I would be disappointed if you didn’t stare. Hey, you don’t think I spent two hours squeezing into this corset for nothing, do you? I strongly believe that it is the duty of all men to stare at and enjoy ladies bosoms,” Loretta shot back at Jeremy.
Loretta’s beautiful Mustang slowly wound its way through the busy San Francisco traffic. San Francisco’s traffic is nearly always heavy, but Friday night has a way of bringing out even the most aggressive and crazed driver. Jeremy admired her agile handling of the beautiful little red Mustang. Loretta showed traces of driving habits which were extraordinary for anyone; especially for a young and beautiful doctor.
“I am impressed, where did you learn how to drive like that?” shouted Jeremy over the din of traffic.
“What do you mean, monsieur? I always drive like this,” Loretta replied.
“I believe you, but how do still have your driver’s license?” Grant laughed.
“My, monsieur, are we always so critical on the first date? I am a very good driver, n’est-ce pas, cheri? (Isn’t that so, darling)”
“Okay, okay, spoil sport, if you must really know. I spent a year as an exchange student in Paris, France, studying at the Sorbonne, prior to medical school. My French lover, Henri LeClerc Toussaint, taught me how to drive, and make love French style,” Loretta answered with a smirk.
“Well ma’am, if your lovemaking capabilities are half as good as your driving style, I am in for a real treat,” Jeremy answered, laughingly.
“Please, answer one thing for me, where are we going in such a hurry?” Jeremy wanted to know.
“Hang on, Jeremy. We are going after treasure, on Treasure Island. Haven’t you ever been on Treasure Island, cheri?”
“Nope,” answered Jeremy.
“Well, there is this beautiful island, right in the middle of San Francisco Bay, and it is called Treasure Island. It has the most beautiful view of San Francisco, and it’s cheap, even if we have the admiral suite at the Bachelors Officer Quarters (BOQ).”
“Huh, what do you mean, admiral’s suite?” asked Grant suspiciously.
“Don’t you worry, mon cher (my dear), Loretta will take care of ‘The general’.”
“Hold on there, sweetie, what general, who, what are you talking about?” Jeremy asked.
“Haven’t you heard, mon cher? You have been promoted to Brigadier General. Therefore, you deserve an admiral’s suite, okay, oui?”
“Look, cheri, darling, sweetness, I don’t mind a little fun in the hay, but I don’t want to end up in Leavenworth for impersonating a General officer!” stated Jeremy.
“Alors, (And) this is the way you thank me for getting you the best suite in the city? You are worrying too much about going to the Bastille for a few years,” she said, her Cajun blood beginning to show signs of cooking.
“I promise you, mon cher, everything will be just fine” Loretta replied, her voice beginning to take on a slightly irritated pitch to it. Patience, patience she thought, after all, he is only an “homme” (man).
“Well, I hope so. I am not really the confinement type, if you know what I mean. How are we going to handle this?” quizzed Jeremy.
“You just let ‘Tante’ (Auntie) Loretta do all the talking for you.”
“Do you really think anyone is going to believe that a twenty-six-year-old, young-looking captain is going to be a Brigadier General?” Grant asked anxiously.
Jeremy finally calmed down and began to appreciate the idea. He realized that it could have some serious consequences, but it could also have some interesting possibilities. He looked at the beautiful Loretta and blurted out, “You are the most amazing woman, I have ever met. Let’s have some fun and scare the shit out of these Navy squids,” Jeremy stated, as they slowly drove over the Bay Bridge.
“Mon Dieu, (My God), thank God, you are finally getting with it. I called and made a reservation for a Brigadier General by the name of Stuart McBarron Fraser III. Can you think of a more obnoxious name than that?”
“Ha, ha!” She laughed. I told them that you were a highly decorated Medal of Honor winner, recovering from wounds suffered in Vietnam. However, as you were a Special Forces intelligence type, your visit had to remain secret to everyone,” Loretta explained with glee.
“Wow, I am impressed, madame, but how did you explain your presence? Jeremy asked, his boyish innocence demanding an answer.
“No problema, cheri, I am your personal physician and temporary Aide-de-Camp, oui? I have reserved a room next to you, and I will come and visit you often, n’est ce pas?” (Isn’t that so?) She laughed.
“Of course, mon docteur, you can come and check my pulse anytime you want,” he stammered, in his best Maurice Chevalier imitation.
The little red Mustang slowly wound its way down the curvy road to the main gate at Treasure Island. A young Seaman Third Class (PO3) stood in his guard shack and lazily waved them through. Loretta made a right turn, and immediately turned left in the front entrance of the BOQ. She purposely and knowingly parked her car in a slot marked, “Admirals only,” Loretta walked into the main lobby and walked over to the duty Yeoman.
“Good evening, ma’am,” he stammered, his eyes focused on her twin large caliber guns.
“Good evening,” she answered, more formally than she intended to.
“What can I do for you?” he queried, still trying not to stare too hard at her.
“Is the suite ready for the general? I sincerely hope so, as I made those reservations three days ago, and I was assured there would be no problem,” Loretta said, her voice projecting impatience.
“Oh, I am sure there won’t be any problem, ma’am. Let me get the Chief, he’ll, he’ll be able to help you.” The young Yeoman Third Class (YN3) had never seen an admiral, let alone an Army general. He turned around and grabbed the switchboard cord.
“Chief Mendoza, Chief Mendoza, get up here pronto; I got some general here and no reservation, help me; please,” he yelled into the receiver.
Chief Mendoza, a twenty-seven-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, calmly answered the anxious sailor, “Hold on, don’t get all panicky, I’ll be there in a second.”
Chief Mendoza got up and waddled over to the counter. The chief was an old salt; he had enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines. Like many of his fellow countrymen, Chief Mendoza was proud of his Filipino ancestry, but was even prouder of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The years had not been kind to him. His once slim and trim body had turned into a quivering mass of flab and sagging skin. He had a particular fondness for beer and ice cream, neither of which was particularly good for his physique. Hercules Mendoza was near the end of his career and there was very little that could ruffle him. He was a short-timer, two hundred fifty-two days and counting. Hercules had actually purchased a small island near the Mindanao group and intended to retire to a life of leisure and debauchery. His short-timer’s attitude was obvious to all who worked with him, and it made life particularly unpleasant for his staff. The Chief had the reputation for being fierce and grumpy. He approached the counter ready to rip off the head of the “asshole” who dared to disturb him during his “siesta” time. However, Loretta DeFaut’s striking beauty and voluptuous assets quickly changed his mind.
“Good morning, ma’am, can I help?” he casually asked.
“I am Chief Petty Officer Hercules Pacito Mendoza, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the BOQ billets. What seems to be the problem?” he stated heroically.
“Well, I am obviously talking to the right man,” smiled Loretta.
“I called three days ago and made a reservation for the general. It appears that someone didn’t inform you. I am sincerely disappointed, but I am sure that you will be able to take care of the problem.”
“There is no problem, ma’am. I took the phone call, and in the interest of security, I booked the general under the name of John Smith,” he slowly grinned.
“I have been around a long time, and I know how these things are handled,” he replied, winking at the same time.
“Yeoman, look under John Smith and Aide-de-Camp, now,” he whispered under his breath.
“Right away, Chief. Yeah, here it is, Brigadier John Smith. Sure, sure no problem,” said the anxious Yeoman, sensing a pair of dark piercing eyes burning through his skull into his brain.
“Well, I could tell that you were the right man for the job, Chief.
If there is anything I can ever do for you, just let me know, hear?”
Loretta answered, looking straight into his eyes.
“Okay, I promise, ma’am, if I ever need to have my liver taken out, I’ll be sure to have you take care of me,” Chief Mendoza slowly grinned at her. He knew when a woman was pulling his chain, but he couldn’t remember when he enjoyed it more.
“Yes ma’am, thank you very much,” he said once again.
“Your suite is on the third floor, facing the bay and it has been fully provisioned for comfort and entertainment, and your room, ma’am, is right next door,” Hercules proclaimed with a large grin.
“Thank you, Chief,” Loretta said.
Loretta slowly exited the office and walked through the lobby toward the main exit. She knowingly sashayed her way past two high-ranking naval officers. Their mouths were so wide open that an entire squadron of F-4 Phantoms could have landed inside their drooping jaws. Loretta knew the effect she was having on these poor hapless sailors. She purposely exaggerated her prancing, as she walked out the door.
Jeremy sat in the car, nervously waiting for her to come out, his mind racing with visions of swarms of SP’s (Shore Patrolmen) and MP’s (Military Policemen) hauling them off to the brig. Loretta slowly walked over to the car and said, “Get out, sweetcheeks, the suite is ready for his lordship,” she giggled.
“How did everything go? Any problems?” Jeremy asked.
“Don’t be such a little petain (fart/pain) in the derriere (ass); Tante Loretta will take care good care of “Le General.”
“Make yourself useful, and carry the luggage upstairs, cheri,” she said.
“Excuse me, “Ma Capitaine,” don’t forget I am a general, and generals don’t carry their own luggage, captain.” He chuckled.
“Now lookee here, CPT Grant, don’t let this general thing go to your head. Allez-vite (Hurry up), pick-up the bags and move,” she said in a semiconscious-scolding manner.
Jeremy exited the Mustang and grabbed the luggage, his mind racing with visions of passion, naked embraces and sexual misconduct.
However, the closer they came to the building the quieter they grew, Their silence seeming to be the only bond between them with each step imitating the honor guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Like mechanical puppets going through the motions, their actions were so forced that it was almost comical. Jeremy felt alone and very insecure. He was amazed at his actions, but only hoped that time would quell his fears.
The suite was located on the third floor, and the climb seemed to take forever. Suite 323 had a living room, a bath and a spacious bedroom furnished in the newest thrift-store fashion. The rooms were recently painted, and were remarkably clean. A large color television sat atop one of the chest of drawers. The large rectangular coffee table was garishly decorated with a flowered table cloth. A large fruit basket, adorned with various tropical fruits, sat in the middle of the table. Two bottles of chilled champagne sat in an ice bucket, waiting to be consumed. A small and lazy Navy gray fan slowly rotated back and forth, its’ motion reminiscent of a tired beast slowly shaking his head to and fro. A small white refrigerator purred in the far-right corner. Jeremy walked over and looked inside. An ample supply of Red Horse Filipino beer was lined up on the top shelf. Loretta sneaked up behind him and kissed him on the neck. Jeremy suddenly snapped back into reality, and turned around.
“Wuh, that was nice, let’s do it again,” Jeremy said, feeling more confident and rambunctious.
He slowly looked down into her beautiful eyes and realized that she was crying, her tears, like drops of crystal, gradually streaking her face. Loretta’s head was bowed and her body was rigid.
“What’s wrong, darling?” Jeremy whispered.
“Can I help you, sweetness? What has brought the sudden change?” Jeremy inquired, his self-confidence slowly leaving him.
“I am afraid that I am a fraud, cheri. I have deceived you into believing I am some sort of sex fiend. I am only putting on a show to give myself strength, and get through this night. Please forgive me, darling,” she slowly whispered.
“Now, lookee here, little Miss Cajun Queen, you don’t really think that I bought all of that heavy-handed romancing, did you?” Jeremy shot back.
“Of course not, I just went along with the program in the hope of perhaps finding the real you. Your sweet Southern-Belle charm did not fool me at all,” he said.
“Well, I guess I was only fooling myself into believing that perhaps I could find love again, or at least a little romance,” she said, her chest heaving sobbing uncontrollably.
“Come here, darling, if there is one thing that I can’t stand, is a woman in tears.” Jeremy walked over, took her in his arms, and slowly looked down her tear-streaked face. She carefully raised her still quivering lips to his face; they slowly and sensually kissed each other, their kisses merging passionately, becoming stronger and stronger, until his desires were so strong that he could no longer control himself. His right hand sneakily crawled along her shoulder like a snake awaiting its prey. His fingers finally found the small metal zipper of her low-cut dress and struggled to unzip it. Her dress almost exploded off her still trembling shoulders. Jeremy had never seen a more sensuous or desirable woman in his life. The dress had drifted to the floor, and lay crumpled at her feet. Standing before him was a goddess of beauty and desire. Her slinky, sexy, black low-cut brassiere was barely able to restrain her large and quaking bosom.
Jeremy was awestruck by such feminine perfection and beauty. He felt as if his entire body was being set afire and he could no longer wait to quench his flame. Yet, Loretta stood transfixed and apparently petrified with fear.
“Darling, I sense fear and indecision on your part. What can I do to help? Come over here and hug me, please?” he said to her.
Loretta, her eyes still downcast, walked over to Jeremy and said, “Cheri, darling, sweetheart, please give me time. I, I, I have to get over my feelings of betrayal and cheating that I still feel. I once loved a man very much, and the damn war took him away from me. I just don’t think I could go through that again,” she whimpered.
“Hey, I understand, honey, I want you to know that I am here for you, however you want me. I, too, need to rekindle my heart. I thought I would never find love again. That damn jungle took every ounce of strength, stamina and courage just to keep alive. I haven’t thought about love or sex until I met you.” I don’t want you to worry about anything, anymore. We can do this anyway you want it. I am willing to devote as much time and effort as you need, sweetheart.”
Loretta reached over and slowly began caressing his chest in sensuous semicircles.
“All I want now, cheri, is love, love, amour. Please love me now, and we will sort out the details later,” she said grinning at him. With her free hand she unbuttoned her bra.
Jeremy whispered, “Ooh la-la,” as a pair of perfectly matched, extremely large breasts quickly found relief from the unjust confines of her brassiere. The 42/DDs seemed to gently sag downward, as if looking for a new home; then suddenly finding renewed strength and springing upward with newfound resiliency, her nipples erect and proud like large canons on a battleship. Jeremy plunged his head into her chest and began caressing her cannons with his mouth, lips, face. He could not get enough of her. His massages and caresses began to elicit a response from her. Her body began to gyrate and rotate in an ever larger and larger circle, her moans and quivers increasing in intensity.
Jeremy realized that this wonderful Cajun woman needed as much tenderness and passion as he could muster. Every inch of his body was already prepared for the climactic attack and penetration; yet his mind and heart begged him to wait for her. Grant pensively reflected on the amount of concentration he needed to survive Vietnam; he then applied the same amount of determination to his lovemaking. To his great surprise, he was able to conquer and tame his desires. It was very important for him to satisfy her first.
Jeremy had never known such intense passion and pleasure. Their lovemaking had reached new plateaus of pleasure and gratification for him. Her intense physical demands had, in fact, utterly exhausted him. He could not remember being more tired, or satisfied in his life. Her long, and almost scandalous screams, had convinced him that she had finally broken the chain that bound her to Beau. Later in the night, their lovemaking had taken on a new art form. Both Jeremy and Loretta were willing sexual slaves and victims, their intensity levels reduced by sheer exhaustion to a more romantic and caring relationship. Finally, as the fog horns wailed their final mournful wails, complete exhaustion overcame both of them and they collapsed into a deep and peaceful sleep.
Sometime around eleven-thirty in the morning, a chambermaid gently rapped on the door.
“Excuse me, general, room service, can I come in?” Said the young Filipino maid.
Jeremy dreamily opened his eyes, and looked around the room. At first, he did not know where he was; it took him a few seconds to focus his gaze. A slow panoramic survey of his quarters revealed that he was completely naked and lying on top of the covers.
“No, miss, come back later, please,” he yelled out at her, still trying to gather his thoughts.
He slowly began to focus on the vision of loveliness walking toward him. He marveled at Loretta, her sexy, naked hips gently swaying back and forth. Her incredible breasts slowly rocked up and down; a small shy smile on her face, as she approached him.
“Bonjour, mon cheri. How are you, this fine and wonderful morning?” she asked.
“Did you sleep well last night? I hope so, because I slept like the living dead.”
“Well, I can’t honestly remember being more exhausted in my life. You wore me out, my sweet. Hey, you got to take it easy on me, doctor, I haven’t had any sex in over a year,” he teasingly chided her.
“Okay, okay, what are we going to do for the rest of the day?
What do you have planned for me? I was kind of hoping for a small amount of nutrition, food, K-rations, anything please. I’m starving,” he whined.
“Get ready and I’ll take you out to lunch,” she glowered back at him, in mock disappointment.
Jeremy quickly rose, his head spinning around like a top. He staggered over to the shower and turned the spigot on hot. He stood there, allowing the scalding water to revitalize his tired body. After fifteen minutes, he felt better and got dressed. Loretta was sitting on the couch waiting for him when he exited the bathroom.
“You are so slow, mon cher. I have been waiting for fifteen minutes; let’s go now,” she said.
“All right, already. Boy, no pleasing you, is there?” Jeremy replied with a smile.
The drive across the bridge took less than five minutes. Loretta took the Embarcadero exit and proceeded to a side street, off of Van Ness. Mama’s Place was a small family-owned restaurant, two blocks away from the usual tourist traps on the wharf. They had no problem getting a table. Mama recognized Loretta and said,
“Cara mia, buono giorno, (My darling, good morning), Loretta, how are you, darling? Come in, come in.”
“Who is this most hamsomee gentlemen? Your cavalieri (cavalier) grandioso (fabulous) gentleman, you are very big. I bet your mama feed you good. I take care of you, like your mama. Guiseppe, Guiseppe, la doctora is here, give her the best table, in the corner,” screamed Mama at an unknown individual standing near the bar.
Loretta and Jeremy walked over to the table, and sat down in a comfortable circular booth, the bright red vinyl gleaming despite age. The red-checked table cloth smelled of fresh laundry soap. A young man, barely out of his teens, walked over and said, “Hi, I am Guiseppe, but please, call me Joe.”
“I hate this silly name. My mama gave me this name and I despise it,” he said emphatically.
“Okay, Joe, I won’t add insult to injury,” Jeremy said.
“How about a bottle of your best Chianti, breadsticks and some Antipasto, Prosciutto ham and melon,” Jeremy asked?
“Okay, boss, but Mama has given me orders, she will prepare a feast for you, and you know Mama. She always gets what she wants,” Joe said.
“Hey, CPT Loretta, are you still going to Vietnam next month?” Joe said, with a frown on his young face.
“I am going to join next month, too,” Joe exclaimed, with a proud gesture.
“Airborne, Special Forces for me,” Joe exclaimed with a boast.
“Maybe we see each other. Oh, oh, better not, that would mean I would be wounded or dead, and I haven’t even told Mama yet,” Joe stated, with a look of fear and horror on his face.
Joe realized that no one was listening to him. Jeremy and Loretta were intensely staring at each other. Finally, Jeremy broke the ice and stammered, “Why, why didn’t you tell me? How could you not tell me,” Grant demanded.
“Don’t you think I understand? “How long have you known?” he demanded.
“I am so sorry, cheri, I wish I could have told you in a different way, but I just didn’t have the courage,” Loretta blurted out, her voice trembling with emotion.
“I probably would have told you this weekend, it’s so difficult,”
she cried out.
They both stared at each other, not knowing what to do or say. Joe finally broke the ice by once again apologizing for his faux-pas.
“Oh, man, I really stepped in it. I haven’t even joined the Army yet, and I already put my foot in my mouth,” Joe whined.
Jeremy slowly looked over at Loretta and asked for an explanation.
“I don’t know where to start, I am sorry, so sorry,” Loretta replied, her eyes welling up with tears.
“I still have about thirty days left, and I hope that you will be able to spend some time with me,” Loretta answered.
She looked down and was unable to speak. Her sobs slowly increasing in intensity until everyone in the restaurant stared at her. Jeremy knew he could not resist any woman who cried so passionately.
“Okay honey, enough said; let’s forget it ever happened. Let’s have some dinner and spend the next thirty days loving each other.”
“I am sure I can make them the happiest days of your life; besides if you give me a clean bill of health, I might just go back to Vietnam as a civilian and visit you, or something,” he snickered in a less than convincing fashion.
The next twenty-nine days were spent in a wildly passionate and loving fashion, the nights filled with ardent desires needing to be fulfilled. The days were spent taking long and romantic walks along the most beautiful seashore in the world. His love for Loretta increased in intensity and desire. Jeremy had never felt so happy in his entire life. He dreaded the thought of being away from her for an entire year. Yet he knew that she was as dedicated and committed to her job, as he had been, prior to his going over there. October 13 began like so many other days in the bay area, cold, dreary and overcast. Loretta had begged him not to drive her to Travis AFB. Her emotions were confused and chaotic. She strongly wished to see him one last time, and at the same time feared the obvious tearful adieu. Jeremy solved her indecision by forcing her into the car and driving her to the base.
The drive to Travis normally took sixty minutes. However, today’s traffic was unusually heavy, and they seemed to inch along the freeway at ten miles an hour. Neither Jeremy nor Loretta was able to speak. Finally, after nearly one hour of total silence, Jeremy blurted out, “Damn, wouldn’t it be horrible if you missed your plane.”
“Don’t be silly, we have plenty of time, my flight is not scheduled to leave until 21:30 hours and it’s only one o’clock in the afternoon.”
“Are you really sure you want to do this?” she asked.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way my dear,” Jeremy answered.
The traffic eventually thinned out, and they made good time the rest of the trip. Grant took the Travis AFB exit off I-80 and drove down the Travis Parkway until they reached the main gate. A young Air Force security policeman checked their I.D.’s and saluted smartly, as they drove past. Travis AFB was and is one of the largest Air Force installations in the world. It played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War. Daily flights of C-130s, C-141s and giant C-5s could be seen landing and taking off twenty-four hours a day. Jeremy slowly drove past the main gate looking for the Operations Terminal building. They were eventually directed to the location by a passing airman. Jeremy stopped the car in front of the building and reflected on the fact that nothing had changed since his first flight to Vietnam.
Loretta got out of the car and pretended to be in a cheerful mood.
“Hey, Jeremy, they even have coffee, candy and soda machines. It’s a great way to spend the next eight hours,” Loretta whimpered.
Although Loretta attempted to appear cheerful, her facial expressions betrayed her true emotions.
“Damn, I wish we could spend some time alone, and away from this environment,” Loretta blurted out.
“Okay, honey, let’s go inside and sign in. Maybe we can find some privacy somewhere around in this area,” Jeremy said.
“Yes, ma’am, can I help you?” said the young sergeant.
“I am scheduled for flight 2203, Than Son Nhut Airport, Republic of Vietnam, leaving at 21:30 hours,” Loretta stated.
“Yes ma’am, I need a copy of your orders, I.D. Card, Dog Tags,
and Vaccination Certificate, and I’ll take care of you,” the sergeant said.
“Window seat?” asked the young sergeant.
“Yes please, and what movie are you showing?” Loretta asked with a grin on her face.
“No ma’am, you got the wrong airline; you should take a good book and a pack of cards. Some of those poker games are a real kick, and you won’t have too many other comforts on this flight. One more thing, ma’am, we have box lunches available. Which one would you like? A, B, C or D?” stated the young buck sergeant.
“Wow, what a choice, salami, ham, baloney or chicken. I think I’ll take the chicken under glass, with caviar, roasted potatoes and a Caesar salad. Do you have any Beaujolais wine, 1966?” Loretta shot back with a smirk.
“One greasy fried chicken, apple, milk and Snickers candy bar coming up,” SGT Fuller countered with a smile.
“What time do I have to be here?” Loretta asked.
“Exactly ninety minutes prior to departure, and don’t be late. We wouldn’t want you to miss your excursion on our first-class airline. You can check in your luggage now, or bring them back later,” SGT Fuller quipped.
“I think I’ll check them in now,” Loretta said, with a sigh of relief, keeping only her small carry on bag, with the necessary female accouterments.
Jeremy stood there watching the whole scene with a strange and quiet demeanor. He had a sense of déjà vu and felt hopeless and lonely. He watched in silence as Loretta handed her luggage to the young sergeant.
“Here you go, ma’am, your receipt and I’ll see you promptly at 20:00 hours, okay?” The sergeant asked with a grin on his boyish face.
“You got it, I’ll be here with bells on my toes,” Loretta answered.
“What do you want to do now, boss?” Jeremy asked.
“Let’s go somewhere nearby and spend some time together, please!” Loretta blurted out, her voice quaking with emotion.
They silently left the flight operations building and got into the car.
Jeremy drove out the main gate and headed for the freeway.
“Where are you going?” Loretta asked.
“I am going to take you to the Super 8 Motel across the freeway and we are going to spend some wonderful moments together,” Jeremy answered.
Jeremy pulled up to the motel guest parking area and told Loretta to wait in the car until he checked in.
“Hi, can I help you?” the elderly man asked.
“Yes, you can, I would like a room,” Jeremy answered.
“How many days will you be staying, and are you alone?”
“One night only, and I am with my, uh, uh, wife,” Jeremy answered, unconvincingly.
The old man glanced up and said, “Going to Vietnam, are we now? Don’t worry, I understand, you young fellows come in here and pretend you’re married. Don’t think you are the only one who ever went to war, son.” The old man glanced at Jeremy and winked. “Room 202, upstairs and to the back, nice and quiet, if you know what I mean.”
Jeremy stood there, not knowing what to say or do. He sheepishly reached across the counter and took the key.
“Thank you very much.” Jeremy took the key and shoved it down into his pocket and rushed out of the office. Loretta sat in the car patiently waiting for him to return.
“It’s about time, mon cheri, this little girl is tired of sitting all alone in this-here car, my love,” Loretta quipped, her eyes gleaming with childlike glee.
“Hey, you should have been the one to get the room, the old man knew we weren’t married and he thinks I am going to Nam,” Jeremy answered with mock indignation.
“Let’s cut all of the bull and get down to some serious loving,” Jeremy said.
The room was no better or worse than many other rooms he had seen. The decor was still showing signs of late-fifties styling mixed in with late-sixties ghastly color combinations. The king-size bed stood facing the bathroom and was covered with a hot-pink bedspread. Although the decor was not to his liking, the room was immaculately clean.
Loretta walked in and slowly glanced around the room. Her thoughts were swirling around in her head so fast that she almost passed out. She had to catch herself on the door in order to avoid hitting the carpet, face first.
“Come here, mon cheri, I need you. Please, hold me and love me. Your love will have to last me a whole year,” Loretta whimpered to Jeremy.
Large tears slowly ran down her cheeks, staining her shirt. Jeremy walked over and put his arm around her. He gently squeezed her shoulders and softly kissed her lips. His lips felt her moist and somewhat salty lips part and accept his demanding tongue. Their passion grew in intensity and demand. Both of their bodies seemed to require intense passion. All of the tenderness was gone; passion and desire overcame their needs. At times their lovemaking was so fierce that the whole room shook like a 6.7 California earthquake.
Their passion finally abated after two hours of intensive lovemaking, leaving both of them exhausted and drowsy. Loretta put her head on his shoulder and dozed off. Jeremy called the front counter and left word for a wake-up call at 18:30 hours. Jeremy laid in bed thinking about his future and what life would be like without Loretta. Her soft purring sounds made him realize how much he had come to love and need her. She had been his inspiration and moral support throughout his long ordeal, and now she was leaving and he was unable to help her. Without realizing that he had done so, Jeremy had fallen asleep and was awakened by the ringing phone.
“Hello, okay, yeah, thanks, I appreciate it very much,” Jeremy said, not fully knowing where he was, or what was going on.
Loretta didn’t even budge, the sleep of ‘the living dead’, thought Jeremy. She lay there in a fetal position, her whole body gently shaking, her feet and hands nervously twitching, as if some demon was chasing her and she was desperately trying to get away. It reminded him of a little puppy he once had, Sarge was his name, a wonderful and cuddly chocolate Labrador who had a habit of twitching nervously while sleeping in front of the fireplace. Jeremy decided it was time for her to get up and get ready. He softly began caressing her forehead and gently called out her name.
“Loretta, wake up, darling, it’s time.”
Loretta suddenly jumped up, and screamed a piercing and mournful sound. It had an almost animal-like quality to it. Her eyes were focused on some distant and painful object. She began to sob, the sobs slowly increasing in intensity until her entire body was shaking violently. It took all of Jeremy’s strength to hold her down. Jeremy sensed her distress and continued caressing her forehead, shoulders and whispered to her.
“It’s okay, darling, everything will be all right, I love you.”
His soothing manner and gentle words seem to calm her. Just as suddenly as they had started, her sobs subsided and she began to regain her composure.
“I’m okay, sweetie, I just had a bad dream, a horrible dream. I, I,” she stuttered, her eyes welling up with tears again. Loretta was unable to finish the sentence.
“Don’t worry, babe, I’m here and I love you very much,” Jeremy answered.
His tenderness and compassion really moved her and she wanted to thank him for his sensitivity, but was unable to do so. She was surprised by his gentleness and affection. Loretta was discovering a new and gentle side of Jeremy.
“Are you ready, Jeremy? I’ll be ready to go in fifteen minutes,” Loretta announced.
“Hey, what’s the rush? It’s only 18:30, and you don’t have to be there until eight o’clock! Slow down, you’ll get plenty of time to see Vietnam, believe me,” Jeremy said with a half-assed laugh.
Loretta got ready in silence. Her actions were stiff and automated. Her eyes had a glazed and far away look to them. Jeremy sensed her unhappiness and decided that silence was the appropriate at this time. Exactly twelve minutes later, Loretta proclaimed her readiness.
Jeremy opened the door to the room and Loretta rushed past him to the waiting car. They drove in silence back to the base, arriving exactly at 19:00 hours back at Base Operations Terminal building, one hour earlier than expected. They both sat in silence, until Loretta blurted, “Please, mon cheri, leave, leave now! I can’t stand this waiting. I feel like I am waiting for an execution,” her eyes still glazed and somewhat hysterical.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Jeremy demanded, somewhat aghast and taken back by this radical turn of events.
“I really would like to stay with you, and see you off,” Jeremy begged, his eyes filling up tears.
Unable to control his emotions, he simply turned around and walked out of the building, his feelings in total disarray. He knew then that he had a lot to learn about women. His feelings were torn between storming back in there and confronting her, or meekly agreeing to her demands and leaving the area. His ego stood to take a beating, but he decided to go back to the motel room and get plastered.
He got back into his car and drove out the main gate toward the motel.
