23 comments/ 51913 views/ 15 favorites A Cautious Man Ch. 21-24 By: coaster2 These are the final Chapters in the story of Bill Orton. As I said in the beginning, it was initially inspired by an old Bruce Springsteen song. Bill isn't a perfect man, but he is a decent man. He deserves a better fate than has befallen him to this point in his life. As always, I am grateful to ErikThread for his careful and prompt editing. Any errors or omissions are entirely my responsibility. * Chapter 21: "Do you still have the lovely black dress you wore on our first date?" Bill asked Zena when she answered the phone. "No Bill, I don't keep my clothes that long," she laughed. "Too bad. It was very sexy and it made you look even more beautiful. That's the dress that made me fall in love with you," he said seriously. "Well, it wouldn't fit anyway, but I do have another one that isn't too different. Maybe I'll wear that one." "Excellent idea. I have another restaurant in mind. I want to show you off. I want everyone to see the beautiful Zena Wildman." "Easy now, Bill. It's just a date and it is twenty years later, remember." "They have a dance floor, Zena. I've even learned to dance since we first met. I'm sure I won't step on your toes." "OK, Bill. That does sound like fun. When do you want to go?" "Well, I was going to suggest now, but it's a bit early. How about I pick you up at seven at your place? I'll borrow Junior's new red pickup and we can recreate our first date." He was still on the high that seeing Zena earlier in the day and wanted to be with her right away. "You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?" She smiled, knowing it was a statement of fact. "Nope. Don't tell me you don't really want to go out with me?" He was only partly kidding. They had just been together for a few minutes earlier in the day, and it dawned on him that he may be putting too much pressure on her. "Alright, Bill. Seven o'clock and I'll wear the black dress. See you then." Her voice sounded upbeat and he breathed a sigh of relief. Junior happily swapped his new truck for Dad's Lincoln for the evening when this father explained that he too had a date and it was with someone he had known for a very long time. He showed Junior a picture of his first truck and explained it had been his "wheels" when he was dating this lady. "Just don't hit anything, Dad. Are you sure you can drive a stick shift?" "Yes, Junior, I'm sure," he said in weary voice. "Just make sure you don't mess up my car, either." Bill arrived on the doorstep of Zena's townhouse just before seven. He had a bouquet of dark, red roses and a corsage featuring one of the fresh beauties. He loved the deep red because it was a perfect compliment to her natural coloring. He pushed the chime button and waited. Zena opened the door and Bill was struck once again by her stunning appearance. She had indeed chosen a dress almost identical to the one he remembered from that night long ago. Her lovely black curls fell gracefully down below her shoulders, and her smile was a welcoming one. It was a flashback, but if it was possible, she looked even more beautiful tonight than he remembered. "Hi ... come in. I'm almost ready. Would you like a drink before we go?" "No ... I'm fine. I'm getting all the intoxication I can handle right now," he grinned. "Thank you for the flowers ... and the compliment." She moved into the kitchen and began to fill a vase for the roses. A moment later, she returned to the living room. "Can you help me with the corsage?" Bill almost jumped to his feet, forcing himself to calm down. If it was possible, he felt even more nervous than the night he had first dated Zena. She showed him where she wanted it pinned and he carefully attached the simple corsage and then looked up at her. He couldn't resist. He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Zena's smile told him what he wanted to know, and he moved to her again, this time holding her and the kiss. As he slowly moved away, he uttered a soft moan. "I'd forgotten how lovely that was." He was looking at her with desire. His longing for her had been in suspension for so many years and now ... now ... it might be possible to have her back. Could he make that happen? Would she want it to happen? That was the question, he thought. What did Zena want? What had changed in the last twenty years? He had to know the answers to these questions. Bill surprised her by taking her to his club. It was very elegant and not as busy as one would have expected on a Saturday evening. The patrons were clearly of middle age to senior. Happily, the menu was similar to their recollection of Ambrosia. There was a three piece combo playing light jazz and the atmosphere was exactly what Bill wanted. His courting of Zena Wildman had resumed. It had been a quiet Bill Orton at dinner. He thought she might talk about her life, but held back, seemingly waiting for Bill to set the tone. He hadn't yet, and their meal was eaten almost in silence. Strangely, it wasn't uncomfortable. He sensed both of them had many questions to be asked and answered and it was best to wait. Right now, she appeared to be happy just to be in his company after all these years. He felt a sense of peace that he hadn't experienced in a long time. He wasn't in any hurry to have that end. Bill was lost in his thoughts ... or more correctly, his memories. A number of times he had wanted to talk to Zena, to find out what had happened in her life in the past years. He wanted very much to tell her of his life and his marriage, children, how he had changed and how much he regretted losing her. He didn't really know how to begin and Zena seemed happy to leave it for now. Perhaps when they were dancing and he was holding her once again in his arms. Perhaps then. Their recreation of their first date included sharing a dessert, but that's where it ended. Bill still had vivid memories of that night and its amazing conclusion. Was it too much to hope for that to happen again? As the music began again, they joined three other couples on the small dance floor and as Zena moved into him and he held her close, he wondered if he would remain conscious. Her perfume, the softness of her skin, the deep dark eyes as she looked into his, all of these were conspiring to make him light-headed, almost dizzy. He had to stop for a moment to regain his composure. Zena was waiting for Bill. He was disoriented for a moment before they began to dance. As he held her, and as his smooth movements across the parquet floor began, he could feel her relax. The distraction had passed and despite his rapid heartbeat, he was able to calm himself. He caught her smiling. He was excited to be with her and his emotions were genuine. She had also relaxed. That old feeling was coming back. It was Zena, and she was as beautiful and captivating as ever. He began to think everything was going to be fine. It was an unusually warm spring evening and after they had danced for a while, Bill led Zena through a pair of French doors out onto the patio area. There was no one around and as they held hands, he turned to her. "I can't tell you how much this means ... how good I feel about finding you again. I think I can start to live again if you're here," he began. Zena remained silent, listening intently to him as he summoned his courage. "I want to tell you all about me. I want you to know me again. There is so much to explain and I don't know where to begin. You must have questions. There must be things about me you want to know, just as I have questions for you. Where do we start?" His voice had been low and soft and almost pleading. There was a hint of desperation in it as well. "What happened to your marriage, Bill? I don't mean to pry, but perhaps that will answer some of my questions." "Marion and I were fine for the first twelve years. Everything was great. She was very beautiful and a wonderful mother. I thank her for the way our children turned out. About five years ago, she had a brief affair with a young man. It was all about her getting older and feeling less beautiful and this guy took advantage of her. I found out about it and she stopped right away. To make a long story short, I forgave her and we did our best to carry on as before. But it wasn't the same. I had lost trust and I guess it was just as well, since she continued to lose confidence in herself and ultimately sought out another man, someone she hoped who could give her back the power of her beauty. "She had deluded herself into thinking he would marry her and make her young again, but it was just an illusion. Once again, I found out about the affair and this time, I knew there was no going back. She had changed and she was unrepentant, even threatening, when I confronted her. The divorce was inevitable and worse yet, she lost the love of her children because of her behavior and attitude. She had become completely self-centered and alienated from us. I spent some time in therapy to reconcile with what had happened, but in the end, it was her inability to come to terms with her aging and her loss of power and self-respect that caused the breakdown. She's been out of my life for several months now, but still not out of my thoughts." Zena's could see the pained look on Bill's face as she listened to his recounting of the marriage and its unfortunate ending. She could almost share the pain. It must have been as debilitating as her watching Maureen waste away, each day pushing hope further from them. She realized she had been squeezing his hand as he had been speaking. There really wasn't any need to say anything. She stepped to him and held him tightly in her arms. It was her way of telling him she understood the pain. The stood silently together for a minute or so until Zena stepped back and looked up at Bill. "There's something you should know about me, Bill -- something that will affect where we go from here." She paused for a moment, looking down at her hands and then, back into Bill's eyes. "After Maureen died, I was lonely and I met someone. He was nice and very smooth and I guess I was vulnerable. We started dating and pretty soon we were ... intimate. His name is Roger Traubel and he was new to the city, and I let him move in with me. About two months after he arrived, he started to change. He became very demanding and then abusive. He wasn't drinking, but he would lose his temper over the slightest thing. I tried to get him to leave, but he refused. As far as he was concerned, it was his apartment and I was his property." "That sounds very dangerous, Zena. What did you do?" "I went to the police, but they weren't interested. As far as they were concerned, unless he put me in the hospital or threatened me in public, they couldn't do anything. I was desperate. I went home and resigned myself to living with it until I could find a way to get rid of him. In the meantime, he was getting nastier and meaner. Finally, he really lost it the night he got fired from his job and he hit me so hard, he broke my jaw and cracked two ribs. I was in the hospital for almost a week. "When I could, I signed the police report and they arrested him for assault. I guess he went crazy when they came for him, and he got charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer on top of it all. They finally believed me!" "Thank god for that," Bill sighed. "Are you OK now?" "It took a while and I had to have reconstructive surgery on my jaw, but I'm pretty much OK now." Bill looked carefully at her, and could see no evidence of the damage the live-in lover had caused. Was there more, he wondered? Zena had anticipated his thought. "About five months ago, I moved here when I got a job with City Ford. I thought I could leave this nightmare behind me. He had been sentenced to two years on the charges and was safely put away in another city. Last month, I had a call from the police in Darion, where I had been living. Apparently, Roger's sentence would be up in ninety days and there was a rumour he wanted to find me to get even for what happened to him. Because there weren't any witnesses, they couldn't arrest him again, so I was warned to beware." "Oh god, Zena, what can I do to help?" Bill was now deeply concerned. This was serious, and he was certain he would be getting involved. "Nothing, Bill. It's not your problem ... it's mine." She appeared to be resigned. "No, Zena! It is my problem. I'm making it my problem! Better than that, I have people who can help put an end to this guy's antics once and for all!" Zena was taken aback with the vehemence in Bill's voice. She could not recall him ever raising his voice, much less with the authority he displayed at this moment. This was not the same Bill that she remembered from her past. For an instant, she was given a glimmer of hope. "Bill ... I can't let you risk yourself on this guy. He's not worth it. You could end up in jail instead of him," she pleaded. "You are right about one thing, Zena. He's not worth it. Don't you worry, I'm not going to risk losing you again for anything, but ... I am going to make sure he never bothers you again. I promise you, it won't be violent or illegal, but he will get looked after." He said it with such strength and conviction that Zena didn't for a second doubt him. She pulled him to her again and held him tightly. He felt her shudder as his arms went around her and hoped it was a sign she could count on him. He had no idea how he would deal with Mr. Roger Traubel, but he had Tex and Tex had friends and contacts and somehow they would help him protect Zena. He wasn't going to lose her again. He would not let that happen, period! Chapter 22: Tex Langhorn came striding into Bill's office late Monday morning and stopped short as he saw a second guest in the room. He had never seen the woman before, but she was "a looker" for sure. "Tex, this is Zena Wildman, a very special friend of mine," Bill began. "She has a problem that we need to help her with." "Hello, Zena, nice to meet you," the big security man offered. Zena nodded and smiled at the friendly face. They sat, sipping coffee that Vera had provided earlier and making small talk for the first five minutes. Tex got the immediate impression from Bill that Zena was a very important person in his life, and with his unfortunate experience with Marion, something special was required. He would wait for Bill to fill him in. "Zena, why don't you fill Tex in on Roger Traubel. Just tell him what you told me on Saturday night," Bill finally said, getting down to business. Zena retold the story of her "boyfriend" and his abusive behavior as well as his troubles with the police. She also told him of the call from the Darion Police to warn her of the rumor of Roger's threat. It was at that point that Bill took over. "Tex, I need to know everything there is to know about Roger Traubel. We need to find a way to neutralize him and do it in such a way as there is no tie to Zena, or for that matter, to you and me." "Got it. I'll get started this morning. Zena, can I ask you some questions about this guy. You can probably help me cut my search short with some information." "You're not going to kill him, are you?" she asked in alarm. "No, nothing like that," Tex answered quickly. "We're pretty sure guys like him have history with other people and that's what we'll be looking for. He didn't just become a monster when he met you, I can assure you," he said with a big smile. Zena relaxed again. She was feeling confident that these men could help. She wanted Roger out of her life and never to bother her again. She just didn't want him killed or even have something violent happen to him. It would be committing the same crime as he committed against her. Tex and Zena talked for another ten minutes with Tex taking notes as he probed her for information on her tormentor. Bill watched and listened without interrupting them. Finally, Tex leaned back in his chair and looked at Bill. "I think I've got everything I need to get started, Boss. I'll keep you posted with everything I learn." "Do we need to move Zena?" Bill asked. "Maybe, but let me find out what's up with Traubel first. No need to cause Ms. Wildman any more stress than necessary. I'll make sure she's protected in the meantime," he promised. "Thanks, Tex. I'll look forward to hearing whatever you can find out," Bill said. Tex left the office and Bill came around his desk to Zena. He crouched before her, taking her hands in his. "It's going to be OK, Zena. Tex is an expert. He'll find out what Roger is up to and put a stop to it. You can count on him." "I can count on you too, Bill, can't I?" she asked hopefully. "Of course. You're too important to me to have anything happen to you." He pulled her to him and, on his knees, he embraced her, kissing her passionately. It was their first truly private moment together, and it brought back all the memories of the past that Bill had saved in that hidden place in his heart. Their dinner on Saturday evening had ended awkwardly when he took her home and they held each other, not knowing what the other expected at that moment. A soft kiss and a promise to see each other soon -- it ended there. The recreation of their first date was incomplete. Bill drove Zena to her office at City Ford and walked with her, holding her hand as they crossed the showroom floor. She stopped as she entered her office and turned to him. "Thank you, Bill. I feel better now. I was frightened and I really didn't know what I would do if Roger came back ... if he found me. I don't think I can put my mind to another relationship until this is resolved. I can't seem to think about anything else. I'm sorry, Bill. I wish I could just let go and we could start again, but until this ... cloud is gone, I can't relax and be myself. I hope you understand." "Of course I can, Zena. You have every right to be upset. I have one thought right now and that is to remove Roger Traubel from your worries and your life. I'm going back to my office now. Are you going to be OK?" "Yes ... I am now. I'm so grateful for your help. Thank you, Bill." He leaned forward and kissed her softly, smiling as he turned and began to walk to the front door. "Hi Bill. What are you doing back here? Nothing wrong with Junior's truck I hope." It was Ken Lee, walking across the floor toward him. "Hi Ken. No, Junior's truck is just fine. I was just bringing one of your employees to the office," he explained. "Zena Wildman is a very old friend of mine and I met her here on Saturday just after we bought Junior's truck." "You know Zena? Well, how about that. Good luck, Bill. She's a lovely woman. If I weren't married, I'd be after her myself," he laughed. "Yes. I lost track of her twenty years ago and then she pops up here. It was a big surprise." He paused for a moment. "Look, Ken, she's had some problems with an abusive boyfriend and I'm keeping an eye on her to make sure nothing happens to her. I don't expect anything to happen here, but just in case ... if you see anything that makes you suspicious, please don't think twice ... call me." "Of course. She's a valuable employee and I don't want anything to happen to her either," he said seriously. "She's done a great job of straightening out our lease department. I hope you aren't planning to steal her away from me ... are you?" "No, no, nothing like that. I just want her to be happy. She's had some rotten things happen to her in the past few years. I'd like to help her find some happiness." He had been thinking out loud more than explaining his relationship to her. Ken smiled knowingly. The signs were obvious. Bill was falling ... or had fallen, for Zena Wildman. "OK, Bill. I'll keep my eyes open and let you know if anything strange happens. Take care, friend," he said, turning to walk back to his office. A Cautious Man Ch. 21-24 Bill returned to his office, but his thoughts were completely with Zena. He had to solve this problem with Traubel before he could resume his pursuit of the beautiful, dark-haired woman from his past and, he hoped, his future. Zena sat in her office, staring into space, trying to make sense of her feelings. She was confused and yet elated. She was frightened of Roger, but had confidence that Bill and his friend could protect her. More importantly, she was coming to terms with her renewed feelings for Bill. She had been shocked to see him on Saturday morning and was still in shock that evening when they had dinner and danced at his club. It was all too fast to digest. She wasn't ready to just pick up where they had left off twenty years earlier, even though Bill seemed to be prepared to do just that. She wanted time to think and that was the one thing that she hadn't been able to find. Too much was happening too quickly. As she sat in her chair, her focus was quickly brought to the figure of Ken Lee as he walked into her office. "Are you OK, Zena?" he asked quietly. "Yes, Ken, I'm fine. I just had a meeting to go to. I'm sorry I'm a bit late getting here." "No need to explain, Bill told me about the ex-boyfriend. We'll keep an eye out for him and make sure you're protected." It wasn't an empty promise, she realized. "You know Bill?" she asked, surprised. "Yes, I consider him a friend. He sponsored me at his club and we've done a bit of business together. I gather he's very fond of you." Zena blushed and looked away for a moment. She turned back to Ken. "We were very close a long time ago," she said simply. "Well, it's none of my business, but I think you two have something special. Just promise me you won't bail on me any time soon," he smiled. "OK, Ken. You don't have to worry about that. If we can get this problem with my ex-boyfriend solved, I'll be back to my old self." Ken nodded, smiled and left to return to his office. He was pleased that Zena had someone like Bill to look out for her. For selfish reasons, he wanted her to be happy and safe. He was confident that Bill could insure that. Chapter 23: Roger Traubel sat in his cell, quietly seething. He would pay that bitch back for sending him here. A fucking jail cell was no place for someone like him. He was two days away from his release and he was counting the hours. He was two days away from payback. Nobody fucked with Roger Traubel ... nobody! "Traubel ... up! Inspection! You've got a visitor." It was an unfamiliar order from the guard. He'd had only one visitor in the past two years and that was his lawyer, trying to get him to pay his bill. The cell door slid aside and the guard walked in to inspect the cell and the prisoner. "March!" Roger Traubel was curious. Just two days from release and someone wanted to see him. What was this about? It couldn't be that lawyer again. He'd already attached his property for payment. Who was it? "Sit down here," the guard ordered. Traubel sat and waited to see who would appear on the other side of the Plexiglas panel. A moment later, a very tall, very tough looking man sat down opposite him and picked up the handset on his side. Roger picked up his set and waited for the stranger to begin. "Roger Traubel?" It was a forceful voice and to Roger's mind, quite cold. "Yah ... who are you?" "That's not important, but what I'm going to tell you is. Are you paying attention?" Again, the cold voice. "Go ahead." "If I find out you have been within a hundred yards of any of your former girlfriends, you will be dealt with severely. Do I make myself clear?" "Fuck you, asshole. Who do you think you are?" There was just the hint of uncertainty in Roger's voice. "I am your worst enemy, Roger. I have a personal thing about guys who beat on women. It's so personal, that I deal with it myself and no one has escaped punishment. Do I make myself clear?" "Don't threaten me, asshole. I've seen guys like you before. All talk and no action. You don't frighten me." Still the brave front, but again, a hint of uncertainty. "Tell you what, Roger, you ask the guard who I am. You write it down so that you'll remember it. I promise you, once I deal with you, you'll never forget it. This is a friendly warning to a guy who finds it impossible to keep his temper from a guy who never, ever loses his. Am I making myself clear?" "You don't frighten me. I can look after myself," Roger spat. "You aren't acting very smart, Roger. You're asking for trouble and I promise you, you'll get it if you go anywhere near any, and I do mean any, of your ex-girlfriends. There's a reason they are ex-girlfriends. You didn't treat them very well and they don't want any part of you. You aren't welcome anywhere near any of them and I will be watching to make sure you don't do anything stupid. Get it?" "Those broads needed to be taught a lesson. They needed to do what they were told without arguing. I just made sure they understood it," he bragged. "I don't have any time for a big guy like you beating on a little woman because he's not afraid they will hit back. That just makes you gutless, Roger. You beat on women because you can't handle a real man ... can you?" Roger just smirked and snorted his contempt for the big man. There was nothing more to be said and he just sat there waiting for the stranger to finish. "You've been warned, Roger. You get only one warning." With that, the big man rose and turned away, walking from the interview room. Roger watched him go and waited for the guard to come and escort him back to his cell. As an afterthought, he turned to the attendant at the door. "Who was that guy?" "Uhhhh ... Martin Bloodstone, it says here. Funny though, he had CIA I.D. You some kind of spy or terrorist or something?" the guard asked with a smirk. "No ... no ... nothing like that," he answered hesitantly. What the hell was a CIA guy doing here warning him off? It didn't make sense. He would have to think about his plan for revenge on that bitch, Zena. Somehow, she would still have to pay, but he would have to be careful. He pushed his concerns to the back of his mind and allowed his anger for the woman to move back to the forefront of his thoughts. Just two more days to freedom, and two more days before he could get his revenge. Tex Langhorn knocked on Bill Orton's door frame before entering. Bill was on the phone and waved Tex to his customary seat opposite him. He finished his conversation and leaned forward, eager to hear the big man's report. "Well, what do you know about Roger Traubel, Tex?" "More than I care to. He's nothing if not consistent. He has a record from previous complaints for assault on women that make him the creep of the county. I found five women that he beat on, including Zena. None of them pressed charges because they couldn't get any support or protection from the police. Most of them just moved away, leaving him in their apartments in a couple of cases. He's a real piece of shit." "What do you think he'll do?" "I'm pretty sure he'll take a stab at Zena ... oops ... sorry ... poor choice of words," he apologized. "Did you talk to him?" "Yah ... he put on a brave front, but I think I got his attention. The trouble is boss, he loses his cool and then he forgets all the messages his brain might send him. We're just going to have to watch him like a hawk and intercept him if he figures out where Zena is. She doesn't have a listed number and she's moved since he was sent up, but just the same, he can find her if he has some contacts. No sense in not being on our toes." "OK, Tex. Let's not take anything for granted. He's not stupid, just crazy," Bill said with a frown. "I've got someone following him 24/7. We'll know if he tries anything at all." "Thanks, Tex. I'm worried, but I feel better with you handling this. The cops are hopeless at protecting people. Keep me posted, please." "You got it, Boss. I'll call you the minute he walks out of Carlton Correctional. He won't get a chance at Zena if I can help it." Tex rose, nodded and left the office. Bill leaned back in his chair and felt the emptiness in his stomach. He wanted this to be over with quickly. He would die if anything happened to Zena. He had to trust Tex and his methods. There was no other way. Roger Traubel put down the phone as he finished writing the address of Zena Wildman on his note pad. He snorted his contempt for her attempt to escape him. It had simply been a matter of checking with her former employer to get her forwarding address. He simply had to pretend he was from a catalogue mail order company and had a package for her. It was simple, but worked like a charm. She had moved to Cambelltown. It would be a simple matter to get to her. He just had to be careful that he didn't run into any unexpected resistance. With his limited financial resources, he got his car out of storage and got it running again. It was nothing special, but that was an advantage in these circumstances. It wouldn't stick out and be memorable. All that remained now was to be patient and wait for his chance. Oh yes ... and be careful. That big guy couldn't guard all five of his ex's at one time. Sooner or later he'd get his chance. Tex watched the man back out of his parking space and head to the highway. It was almost a certainty that he would turn right toward Cambelltown, but the big security agent took nothing for granted. However, Roger did the predictable, made a right and began the one hour drive to Zena's new home. He would have no idea he was being followed. Tex was a pro and pros didn't make it obvious they were following someone. This project was a special one for him. He took this personally. Bill was a good man and a good friend. He would make sure nothing happened to Zena. He would look after it himself. Roger pulled into the restaurant parking lot and found a space near the back perimeter. The lot was enclosed with a chain link fence and by parking nose-in, he could see the back of the apartment building where Zena now lived. He had no idea which apartments faced the back, but it didn't really matter. He planned to deal with her away from her home. He would wait until she left and would follow her. It was just a matter of opportunity and timing. He would get her, one way or another. Tex parked on the other side of the road from the restaurant, keeping Traubel's car in plain sight. The man had been released from prison only two days ago and already he was stalking Zena. It was a sign his anger was overruling his caution. It would make him dangerous, but it would also make him vulnerable. Tex just had to be vigilant and wait for Roger to make his move. Roger had seen Zena twice now and each time, he was brought almost to the boiling point. His anger seethed within him as he watched her walk into the building. Tomorrow, he would follow her and find out where she was working. Perhaps that would give him a better chance to isolate her and take her. One way or another, she was going to be his. Tex had taken a room at the motel down the street from Zena's apartment, after he was sure Roger Traubel was staying elsewhere. Roger had become predictable. He would show up in the morning and watch Zena leave for work, then wait for her to get home before going back to his motel room. He was establishing her pattern, but Tex didn't think he was patient enough to really wait much longer. He was almost certain Roger would follow her to work soon. It would give him the best opportunity to snatch her. Tex had to be ready for anything. The next morning, Tex's suspicions proved correct. Roger pulled out behind Zena's bus and kept a respectable distance without losing sight of the bus as it made its stops and starts. Tex drifted along behind Roger, mirroring his movements and yet not appearing obvious. When Zena finally got off and waited to cross the street to City Ford, Roger had established her destination. She had to wait for the light to change before crossing, but there was no one else with her and she would be vulnerable at that point. Tex wasn't really ready for what happened next. As much as he had prepared himself for any eventuality, he was caught off-guard as Roger rapidly moved to the end of the block and his car mounted the curb, forcing Zena to jump back in defense. The passenger door swung open and Roger, sliding across the bench seat, reached out and grabbed the arm of Zena, pulling her into the opening of the door. Zena began to scream as she saw who it was and frantically looked around for help. There didn't seem to be anyone nearby as she struggled to keep Roger from pulling her into the car. Her arm was on fire as he was using all his strength to force her into the car. Roger was enraged that she would put up this resistance and he was preparing to punch her to get her into the car. He could get a good shot at her torso, but her head was above the door opening and he was struggling to keep his grip and still try and get a shot in at her stomach. Suddenly, Roger felt a terrible pain in his left ear and then a steel bar-like grip around his throat. He lost his grip on Zena's arm and felt himself losing consciousness. His last thought was that he had been hit by something, but he couldn't figure out what or how. Zena was leaning in fear against the lamppost, her arm aching from the strain and her body trembling in fear. Something had happened to put a stop to Roger's attack, but she wasn't sure what it was. Then, as she saw Tex Langhorn stand up and the prone figure of Roger Traubel lying across the seat of his car, she realized she was safe. Tex quickly pulled his cell phone out and dialed 911. He reported an attempted kidnapping and walked toward Zena to be with her and help calm her down. When he had finished with the emergency call, he dialed Bill's number and in a few words, told him what had happened and where they were. A crowd had begun to form around the car and the three people involved in the altercation. Apparently, at least one person had witnessed the entire scene from the office window on the corner nearest the bus stop. Zena was still shaking when the police cars began to arrive. Tex identified himself and passed the officers his I.D. and his card. He pointed to the prone and still unconscious figure of Roger Traubel and then to Zena. After a few minutes discussion, one of the officers leaned into the car and handcuffed Roger while he lay face down on the seat. Roger was showing signs of coming around and the police officers watched him until he began to attempt to get out of the car. In no time, two officers escorted him to one of the cruisers and pushed him into the back seat. Bill Orton arrived about fifteen minutes after the police and quickly ran to Zena to hold her and try and calm her. He was trembling as much as she, and couldn't speak for a few moments as he held her to him. "Are you alright, Zena? Did he hurt you?" "My arm is sore ... Bill ... he tried to pull me into his car. I was terrified. I thought he would kill me. His face was all red and he was screaming at me. I thought he was crazy," she sobbed. She turned into Bill and he held her close until one of the police officers approached her. "Miss ... I'm going to need a statement from you. I realize you're upset right now. Do you think you can tell me what happened?" he asked politely. "Yes ... I think so. Can we go somewhere I can sit, please?" "Why don't we sit in my car? It will be quieter there," he offered. Zena slipped into the back seat of the cruiser while Bill stood beside the car, waiting for her to complete the interview. It took several minutes, but finally the door opened and a much steadier Zena climbed out of the police car and returned to Bill's embrace. "They're going to charge him with attempted kidnapping and assault, Bill. With the statement from the other witness, he will be in jail for a long time," she said in a calm voice. "I never want to hear about him again. Thank goodness Tex was nearby," Bill said in obvious relief. "Yes ... he saved me just in time. I was losing my grip and my arm was very sore. I wouldn't have been able to resist much longer. I was so scared, Bill. I was sure he wanted to kill me." Bill just held her to him and tried to soothe her as she relived the frightening experience. It had been a near thing, but Tex had saved her and Bill was grateful to the big Austrian for his quick action. He looked around for him and finally saw him in casual conversation with a couple of the police officers. They appeared to be very chummy and it didn't appear to Bill that Tex would be in any difficulty for his actions against Traubel. Just the same, he was curious. He took Zena's hand and they walked toward the three men. "Tex, I just wanted to thank you for saving Zena. You were there just in the nick of time," Bill said. "Don't be too quick to thank me, Boss. I was a few seconds slow. I didn't think the crazy bastard would make a move like that. I got caught with my pants down. I'm not very happy with myself right now." It was one of the police officers that spoke up. "That isn't the whole story. The witness saw it differently. Tex was there when it counted." Bill's head turned quickly to the policeman. "You know this man?" he asked quickly. "Sure, he trained me. We were in Special Forces together. He was one tough teacher, but he was just as tough on himself. That's why we would go to the wall for him. He was one of us," the officer said with obvious pride. Bill nodded in surprise and not a small amount of admiration for his security chief. He had known there was a military background, but Tex had never talked much about it. It seemed modesty was another of his virtues. Chapter 24: It took Zena some time to calm down from the event. They sat in Ken Lee's office until she began to feel better. She steadfastly refused to go to the hospital and have her arm looked at. She was sure it was just a strain and would be better in a day or so. Besides, she had a job to do. Bill and Ken sat on either side of her, making sure she was alright. "OK, Zena, you head on home now. Take the rest of the day off and tomorrow if necessary. You've had a big shock to your system and the best thing you can do now is rest. We'll still have a lease department when you get back," Ken smiled. "Ken's right, Zena. Get some rest and you'll feel better. I'll take you home," Bill offered. "OK -- two against one, I can't win," she smiled wanly. She stood and held Bill's arm as they left the office and headed for Bill's car. He helped her into the seat and after closing the door, moved to the driver's side. He pulled carefully out into traffic and headed west down the boulevard. Zena looked at him in surprise. "I though you were taking me home," she said. "I am. I just didn't say whose home," he smiled. "I think you'll be more comfortable at my place and anyway, I wanted to introduce you to Junior. Then, I thought I would invite my folks over for a barbeque and a 'get reacquainted' session." "Is this what they call a 'full court press' in basketball?" she asked with a vague smile. "Yah ... I guess it is. You don't mind, do you?" "No, I guess not. But remember, I said no funny business, remember?" "Yah ... I remember," he said solemnly. "Cheer up, Bill. I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm just trying to slow things down a bit. You've been in my thoughts every minute since we met on Saturday morning. Just give me some space, please," she pleaded. "Of course. I guess I have been coming on pretty strong. I'm sorry, especially with this Traubel problem on your mind. It wasn't very thoughtful of me." Bill was genuinely contrite and Zena recognized it. A Cautious Man Ch. 21-24 "We'll have some time to ourselves, Bill. I promise. I want this to work for us too. I just want to go a bit easy for a while until we get to know each other again. I remember that very first night when we made love, Bill. You were the one who told me that we needed to take the time to know each other. You wanted a love like your parents have. I remember that as if it were yesterday," she said quietly. Bill reached out to her and took her hand as he drove carefully through the subdivision streets. It was the gentle squeeze that acknowledged Zena's truth. He smiled to himself. The notoriously cautious man had thrown his caution to the wind and had no regrets whatsoever. Everything was going to be just fine. This time he was certain.