By Susan Lyttek
This, this so not my job. This what Sam do, and I maybe help a little. I drive the car.
Still, there’s no one else. I need my Samara. And if I don’t find her, no one will.
I back up. Explain. We were supposed to meet at airport for our honeymoon. Sam said she had some last-minute details to fix. I don’t like it but agree to meet her at gate. Was looking forward to showing her where I was born. Planned to treat her like princess she was.
But she didn’t show. I wanted to leave and find my Sam. Then I hear, “Aba Menatari. Will Mr. Aba Menatari report to the nearest information booth.”
Maybe Sam doesn’t know where I am? I report.
Clerk asked, “Mr. Menatari?”
Why else I show up? I nod. “Yes.”
“Please prove it.”
I sigh. Pull out ID. “See?”
The man looked at it for too long. Thought he would bite it like Papa used to when testing money. Finally, he gives it back along with paper. “Message for you.”
Sam’s writing. “Get on the plane. Trust me. S.”
My woman so—what word? Infuriating. That’s it. Infuriating.
“Do you understand your message?” The man pointed at it.
I’m not an idiot. “Of course.” I lifted my nose and turned away. What can I do? I line up for plane.
Seat next to me empty. It’s not supposed to be. I supposed to be holding Sam’s hand, kissing her.
Just before doors close, woman rushes in. She Sam’s height, wearing Sam’s clothes. But I know my Samara. Woman plops into empty seat, kisses my cheek before I can move away, and puts paper in my hand.
“Play along. Keep me safe. S.”
What is it with paper? And why keep her safe? What had my Sam done?
I sigh. Try to do like Sam said. Play along. “Why so late, Sam?” It felt wrong saying that—like lemon when expecting orange.
The woman rambled, making nonsense. I nodded here and there, like listening. This will be long flight.
After food, the Sam-alike fall asleep on my shoulder. Wanted to push her off but kept thinking, “Keep me safe.” I do anything to keep Sam safe.
We finally land. I keep hoping, praying Sam on that flight. I had not seen her when I walked the aisles to get away from impostor. But my Samara is talented. If anyone could hide from me on full plane, it would be her.
I have to believe she on that flight. Honeymoon for one not a good thing.
That woman clings to my arm on the way out. She talks, she leans into me, but I only hear noises like sound of traffic. My mind on Sam. Why she not here?
I have watched her solve things. So, I think. What case was she on before wedding? There was that lost guy, but he got sorted. And then that crazy kidnapper who not really kidnap. But he’s in hospital.
Ani’s boyfriend, Giovanni. He asked Sam to look for missing uncle, Benito Matteo. That start all this. I didn’t even know he had an uncle.
We should have gone on honeymoon right after wedding. Why Sam want two days to pack and start moving her things to our new house?
I go through the motions. Pick up rental car, and pretend Sam comes with me. I want her in back seat. But I’m a gentleman.
“When can I get rid of you?” I ask when doors shut.
She laughed. “Is that how you talk to your wife, Mr. Menatari?”
I start driving. This my home country. I know where to go. I’m comfortable behind the wheel. I’ll be able to think, maybe even find Sam, if I get rid of this woman.
“You are not my wife. Not even close.” I grip the wheel. “Now tell me where to leave you, or I take you to the train station.”
She doesn’t answer. I turn on narrow street.
Suddenly car slam to halt with a screech. I look down. Her hand’s on parking brake.
“Look, Mr. Menatari. You may not want me, but you need me. I’m your ticket to finding Samara.”
Someone honked.
“Explain.” I wave car around me. Sidewalk has room.
“Mr. Matteo made an unfortunate business decision. Sam helped resolve it and locate him. But one person wasn’t happy and threatened her.”
None of this makes sense. “Who threatens Sam?”
The car honked again. Then leaned on horn.
“Mrs. Matteo. My mother.”
Driver behind not talented driver like me. I slam down brake and move car sideways into space next to street vendor. “Your mother?” I stare at fake Sam.
She nods. “My father wouldn’t take her to the States with him. Ever. Since she wanted to see her dying sister in the Midwest, she disguised herself and escaped and went on her own. Then when she got there, her sister had just passed. Mom went a bit nuts. First to get revenge, she stole Father’s passport and locked him in a shed. Sam figured it out and found both Father and his passport. Well, Mother called in a family favor and had Sam kidnapped. Made her write those messages.”
“How you help me find Sam?”
“I have been. Father arranged for me to help.” She pulled out a map. “I’m here to show you where Mother hides her valuables.”
We drove outside city.
“Up there.” She pointed.
I saw castle ruins on the hillside. The road was barely a goat path, but I’m a great driver. No problem.
I park. “Here?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Holding my tire iron, I walked around to the dungeon keep. Had an aunt who stored wine in an old dungeon, so assumed evil female minds think same.
I pried open old door. Sam, my Samara, burst out.
“I knew you could save me, Aba!”
That kiss began real honeymoon.
But first we have to get rid of fake Sam.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“Honeymoon for one not a good thing.” –> yes, indeed!
:-) !
As usual, all comments regarding this story, whether here or on Facebook will be entered into a drawing for a copy of my latest mystery, A Wedding to Die For. Enjoy!
His internal commentary was quite entertaining. :D
Thanks!
This is a fun take on the ongoing story! Aba has such a wonderful voice that it’s really enjoyable hearing his narration :D
Thanks!
Lol! This was quite the intriguing read! The MC has a very unique voice. XD
Glad it kept you intrigued. Yes, Aba is a unique individual. But he had to be to capture Samara’s interest! Thanks for reading!