PART II Chapter Twenty-six
Kate had slept well after she and Megan had their heart to heart talk and drank the hot chocolate. The howling wind and blowing snow outside didn’t disturb her sleep at all. The next morning I found clear skies and a good chance for some melting. Sunshine was predicted for the next few days and by Monday, when Karen was in classes, they should be in good shape for trying to get her to some parties.
It was the weekend and Kate had no specific plans. She had some thoughts about calling Karen to see if she was set for Monday. She had already given her the class schedule and Karen didn’t have to do anything else except show up for class. Kate got a treadmill to use when the weather wasn’t good enough for running outside but she didn’t think it was the same. There was no substitute for the fresh air outside. The military had taught her that difference.
Kate had used the treadmill just that morning and ran five miles. She also believed in good nutritious food from all food groups. She often broke some of her nutrition rules because she liked to eat. Her military training taught her that the body needs foods from each group for specific reasons. She was cooking breakfast when Megan walked into the kitchen. The aroma of bacon was one that Kate knew would get Megan up.
After they exchanged good mornings Megan asked, “Do you guys think Karen can infiltrate the gated community?”
Kate replied, “If you can help her mingle with your friends and get invited to some parties she can do it. She has the looks and she has the skills.”
Megan said, “I guess I am responsible for making us aware there is a kidnapping ring in operation.”
Kate replied, “We knew they existed but we never got any tips about where they were located. You helped us get the whole thing started.”
Kate finished cooking their breakfast and Megan got the plates down and added their forks. It was a big breakfast but Kate had already burned off a lot of calories on the treadmill. It made Kate very happy that she could sit and have an adult conversation with her daughter.
Kate said, “Unlike you, Karen will have some tools to use when she goes in. She won’t be operating blind.”
Megan said, “I will do all I can to help her get accepted by my peer group, but I have no plans to go to any parties myself. I don’t think that is my crowd.”
Kate's ringing phone interrupted them, and Kate could see it was Karen on the line and answered immediately.
Karen said, “Hey, I was just checking on you two. I am nervous but excited about Monday. I want so badly to help you get these guys.”
Megan yelled from across the table, “Hey Karen, I am looking forward to introducing you around on Monday. You have the looks to get attention.”
Karen replied, “So you think I have the looks to be a porn star?”
Megan replied, “That wasn’t what I was saying.” I am trying to say, "I don't think you will have any trouble getting male attention.”
Karen responded, “I will talk to any males that approach me but I will get you guys to run a background check on all of them to see if any are working as a recruiter.”
Kate said, “You should remember the outfit we gave you has transmitters sewn inside and a tracking device. We will know everything you or they say. When they introduce themselves we will hear and run a background check when we hear them give a name.”
Karen said, “I am going to let you guys go and I will talk to you Monday.”
Kate and Megan both said goodbye before Kate ended the call and started clearing off the breakfast dishes. Megan helped her and even began washing the pans by hand before putting the rest of the plates and utensils in the dishwasher.
Kate said, “There are some things to remember on Monday. You will introduce Karen as a transfer student from a small school in Iowa. The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. We picked a small school to help create the illusion of her being an easy mark, a naive country girl. You will never mention her military background because that would be a red flag.”
Megan replied, “I understand, we want them to think she won’t be any trouble, that she won’t think twice about accepting a drink from someone she knows from school. I think they call that ‘money in the bank’.”
Kate added, “Her parents own a farm in Iowa, raising corn and she worked there growing up.”
Megan responded, “Oh God mom, why don’t we add that she was Miss Corn patch at the county fair?”
Kate smiled and replied, “That is a nice touch honey, try to work that in. I am only joking of course.”
Megan said, “She doesn’t talk like a hick, should she work on that a little?”
Kate replied, “If you try to fake an accent it usually sounds fake. Let’s just say she gained some sophistication when she attended college.”
Megan said, “We should go do something. This is the first weekend I can remember in a long time you weren’t buried in a case. I don’t mean like going to the gun range or something, I mean shopping, a late lunch and maybe a movie.”
Kate asked, “I suppose I am buying?”
Megan replied, “Well, between the two of us, you are the one with a job. I don’t get child support from dad anymore. Maybe I should get a job.”
Kate said, “Your job is to make it through college and get a degree. I will be happy to treat us both today.”
Kate and Megan got dressed and left to spend the day together. Kate drove to their local mall to give Megan some choices for stores. They spent the morning trying on clothes and being “girlfriends”. Kate even tried on some things. She had to dress in business attire for work but she wore jogging pants when she was just around the house.
Megan said, “Mom, you should get some nice clothes to wear out in public. You can’t catch a guy’s eye in jogging pants.”
Kate replied, “What makes you think I want to catch anyone’s eye?”
Megan responded, “Mom, it’s time. I am grown and you should have someone in your life. Just an FYI, a shoulder holster with a Glock tends to scare some guys away.”
Kate replied, “I will make sure to look for NRA members. When I am just out in public I put my Glock in my purse.”
Megan made it her purpose to find her mother some clothes for just hanging out in public, and possibly going on dates. Kate made it clear that being age appropriate would also be important
Kate said, “Just remember, I am not twenty and I can’t wear clothes meant for that.”
Kate and Megan both found some new outfits and had several bags to carry out. They decided to eat lunch at the Mall’s food court and go out for dinner after catching a movie.
Megan said, “We could just take our shopping bags home and make some soup and watch Pretty Woman, I never get tired of watching that movie.”
Kate said, “That sounds like a deal. That is my all time favorite chick flick.”
Kate was excited to spend time with her daughter, she was even more excited that her daughter wanted to do that. They ate lunch in the food court and continued to shop before making their final selections and decided to go home.
Megan said, “We could make a pot of Irish stew with maybe some cornbread and we can stream the movie.”
Kate and Megan finished their shopping and headed home, after stopping at the market to get ingredients for their dinner. They both changed into pajamas for the evening and Megan found the movie while Kate finished up their stew. It was a simple evening, but one that Kate and Megan hadn’t participated in for a while. It was one Kate had been looking forward to for a long time.