Taking Care of Business at Home: Chapter 4
Bowie drove a mile back to Oceanside Airport and requested to have his plane fueled and brought to the terminal. He flew the plane cross country to San Antonio, Texas. He landed at Stinson Field on the south side of town and took an Uber to the Grand Hyatt downtown. The Grand Hyatt is one of the nicest and most expensive hotels in South Texas. Bowie figured he could afford it with his recent windfall. After checking in he walked to the downtown area a few blocks away. He ended up at the Alamo where he sat on a short wall in front and drank bourbon from a flask. Drinking in front of the Alamo has been a favorite past time since he was a kid. He had taken friends from college and the military to the spot. He also took girlfriends there for romantic conversations. He would receive texts constantly from friends wanting to meet in San Antonio, just to sit with him on that short wall. He enjoyed looking at the Alamo and thinking about things, anything, from the actual battle to personal problems. As he sat there, smells of the Mexican food on the riverwalk wafted up to his nose. The smell was intoxicating and made him hungry. After a time of contemplation about his wife Emily, he decided to head towards his favorite watering hole on the river.
The place is called the Mai Tai club. You enter it from street level on Commerce, two blocks from where Santa Anna over ran the Alamo. Walk down some stairs into a dark club which is paradise to locals. The walls are all painted black and it’s hard to see the stairs. It’s kind of uncomfortable. A lot of tourists start down the stairs but then turn back. That’s why this club is a favorite among locals, not many tourists. Apparently, that’s the subtle message they want to send. If you do descend those stairs, they treat everyone right, even if you’re a tourist.
Bowie walked down the stairs automatically knowing what lays below. He came through the door to the loud music from the 1980’s. It was Clash and Rock the Casbah. He walked towards the bar and saw his buddy behind the bar.
Bowie walked up and yelled over the music, “Hey pindejo, dame un tequila duro rapido. (Hey idiot, give me a hard tequila fast).”
The bartender is Mike Gutierrez. He’s an average sized guy about five foot nine and a hundred and eighty pounds. He’s twenty seven years old and has long black hair and a goatee.
Mike turned around with a stern look on his face, ready to come back with a disparaging retort and saw Bowie. He got a big smile on his face, “Jimmy! You look great! Where have you been?”
“Oh, here and there. Thought I’d come back and see how mi amigos are doing. You’re looking great. I think you’ve been working out, and I know why. Getting ready for tourist season.”
Mike nodded with his upper body and a sly smile, “Yeah, this year Nancy says she wants to appeal more to the tourists. It’s time to make some money. I figure I better be ready when they start coming in here.”
“I thought you did alright anyway with the tourists. I know not that many come in here, but some do. You get traffic coming up the stairs from the riverwalk. I remember you talking about your exploits from behind that bar.”
As Mike was about elaborate on his conquests both men noticed a Hispanic woman walking down the stairs into the club. She was an amazing looking woman. She had long black hair and brown eyes. She had a beautiful face with a small, upturned nose. Her body was curvy in all the right places. In the even righter places, it was extremely curvy. She had on a low cut tight, bright royal blue dress that came to about mid-thigh. She slowly walked towards the two men. She sat down on a stool and looked over the inventory behind the bar trying to pick her poison.
Gutierrez looked at Bowie with a smile, “I’ll be right back amigo.”
Mike walked over and asked the young lady, “Yes ma'am. What can I get you? For you it’s still happy hour.”
The woman looked at him then looked over to Bowie. She smiled and said, “Puedo tomar un trago de tequila por favor? (Can I get a shot of tequila please)”
Gutierrez immediately said, “Si Hermosa. inmediatamente (Yes beautiful, right away).”
She smiled, “Gracias.”
Mike walked back towards Bowie who happened to be sitting in front of the tequila section of the bar. He grabbed his best tequila and poured a shot right in front of Bowie, who said, “I think I’m going to buy that young lady a shot.”
Gutierrez quickly looked up and in a strong tone, “No you’re not. I’m taking care of her bar tab.”
Bowie put both his hands up as if surrendering, “Okay, okay, buddy. You got this one. But if you need any help let me know.”
Mike was completely infatuated, “Man, she speaks formal Spanish. She’s not from the southside of San Antonio.”
“Go get her Mike. But remember, if she’s rich, don’t forget who your buddies are.”
Gutierrez laughed and walked back towards her in a victory walk. He gave her the shot and kissed her hand before she grabbed it. Bowie knew how this night would end for them. He stood up, “Hey Mike, I’m going out on the balcony. Bring me several of my regulars, okay?”
Mike looked over and acknowledged the order, as he continued to fawn over the beautiful newcomer.
Bowie walked out onto the quaint balcony. It was a small area with just a few tables up against the railing leaning over to the river walk. The river was relatively quiet, and the Mai Tai club was the perfect place to sit and watch people pass by. There were people on the riverwalk and in the river boats. The balcony was about nine or ten feet above the river, and was perfect to sit, relax, and watch the people. This was home for Bowie. He started coming here when he was a kid. People he had known for years came to the Mai Tai club with him to sit in this very place and relax. They all loved it. He had come to decompress here many times with his wife, Emily. They had good times here and made it a special place to escape the realities of life.
He went down to the last table. It was all alone because it was up against the wall and the only table that would fit. That made it the best spot in the house. He sat down and peered over the railing waiting for his drinks from Mike. About that time Nancy walked up behind him, “Hi stranger. Need a drinking partner tonight?”
Bowie whipped around and got a big smile on his face, “Sure, who did you have in mind?”
Nancy was the owner/operator of the Mai Tai club and lifelong friend of Bowie’s. She sat down at the table, “So, I haven’t seen you in a while. What brings you back here, checking up on old friends?”
Bowie looked down at the table smiling, “Yeah, I guess you could say that. What have you been up to? Won any Kate Upton look alike contests lately?”
She laughed, “Nope, not since I had Sophie. Kids really put a kink in your social life. And I guess I should add, financial life.”
“Yeah, but you always took care of business.”
She had a dreamy smile, “Those were the days huh. We had a lot of fun, until you met Emily.”
Bowie said, “Hey, I remember we went to four Kate Upton lookalike contests, and you won them all. When we walked in the bar, I heard girls saying, ‘I’m not entering now. Look at her. She looks just like Kate.’ You won them all. I’ll tell ya, you still look amazing. You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
Bowie continued, “You do know Emily was jealous of you. You can understand that, right? I mean you’re a beautiful woman and we are very close friends. I don’t know. She had issues. Anyway, it doesn’t make any difference now.”
About that time Mike brought out a small tray with six shots of high priced tequila. Mike sat them down one at a time. Bowie asked, “So how’s it going in there? With the little lady.”
Mike had a big smile on his face, “She’s amazing. I’m in love.” He then turned around and walked off almost in a trance.
Both Bowie and Nancy grabbed a shot as Nancy asked, “What’s that all about?”
“There’s a great looking girl in there and he’s trying to persuade her to marry him.”
She laughed, “Ha, the flavor of the week huh.”
Bowie and Nancy poured salt on their hand between the thumb and forefinger, Bowie raised his shot glass and Nancy raised hers and said, “To Emily, may she rest in peace.”
Bowie clinked her shot glass as they both licked the salt and quickly downed the tequila in one swallow. They both grabbed a lemon and sucked on it for a few seconds. Nancy was not quite as comfortable with the shots and needed a few seconds to recover. She then said, “That was a terrible night when Emily was killed. I remember you were away, and your mother called me about the car accident. She didn’t know what to do.”
Bowie stared off in the distance, “I was overseas and got the message. I was devastated. Even talking about it now hurts so bad. Damn drunk driver. I felt so helpless. I always thought I could protect her, but there was nothing I could do. I miss her so much, it really hurts, deep down in my heart.”
“I know. At least you had her in your life for a while. You said she was jealous of me; I was jealous of her.”
Bowie had a surprised look on his face, “Why were you jealous of her?”
“Because she had you.”
“Does that mean you want to go back to the hotel with me tonight?”
She got a disgusted look on her face, “Sorry, I have to go right home and relieve the babysitter.”
Bowie laughed, “I know, I’m kidding.”
“No, you’re not. You were taking a shot to see, maybe.”
“Okay, okay, you got me.”
They continued drinking tequila shots and laughing as Mike continued bringing them out. They were really feeling good and began yelling and waving at tourists on the river walk and in the boats. Everyone is very friendly and waves back. Finally, Nancy reached over and held his hand, “Why did we stop going out? I never understood what Emily had that I didn’t.”
Bowie looked puzzled, “I’m not sure. I mean you’ve got everything, looks, personality, sense of humor, intelligence. What more could anyone want?”
She relaxed back in her chair and took another shot, “I think it’s because you were a pompous, arrogant ass back in the good old days.”
The touch of Nancy’s hand was comfortable and reminded Bowie of good times. Everything was great right now. It was Bowie’s turn to throw back his shot, “Yeah, I think I’m starting to remember why we didn’t make it.”
They both laughed and Nancy said, “So you never said what brought you back here. I know you. Everything you do has a purpose.”
“I came back to check on a few things. I wanted to see my mom and dad. I’m leaving again.”
“What now. You’re retired and you should be enjoying life. You took a job didn’t you.”
“Yeah, I leave the day after tomorrow.”
“Where are you going?”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you.”
Nancy got an exasperated look, “If I guess will you tell me?”
Bowie got a big smile on his face knowing she could never guess, “Sure, start guessing and I’ll tell you if you’re right.”
“Is it a long way off?”
“This isn’t twenty questions, but yes, it’s a long way off.”
“Afghanistan?”
Bowie decided to end this now, “Yeah, that’s it. Man, you’re good.”
“Why do you have to go back to that hell hole. I thought you had enough?”
“Look, the money’s good, it’s not dangerous, and I’ll be back in two weeks.”
“I don’t believe you but if you’ll be back in two weeks, I’m good with that.”
“I’m glad you approve. Hey, I was wondering, when I get back maybe we could go out on a date or something.”
Nancy got a big smile on her face, “Or something? Sure, I would love to go out on a date with you. Of course, you know where to find me.”
“I do know where to find you. Sure you don’t want to come back to the hotel room with me?”
“You know it’s not that. I don’t want to get all worked up right now. I really do have to go home.”
Bowie just sat there smiling at her, “I know. It’s okay. I can wait.”
Nancy began to open up, “I’m having financial difficulties with the bar. We’ve got to do something to bring more people in during the tourist season. I’m thinking about hitting up the banks to remodel the bar soon. It’s a risk but I have to do something.”
Bowie in his drunken state said, “Nope, wait till I get back. I’ve got some money, and I might want to invest in this place.”
“You? Where are you going to get that kind of money?”
“From this job. I’m telling you; this will put me on easy street.”
“And there’s no danger. Right?”
“Nope. Just leave it up to me. I’ll be back in two weeks.”
She looked at Bowie skeptically and hoisted another shot of tequila. They continued drinking and talking to people on the river until late in the night. Bowie finally said his goodbyes and got up to leave. He kissed Nancy on the cheek and walked back into the bar. Mike was waiting on a few last customers when Bowie walked up to pay, “Hey, Mike, where’s your girl?”
Mike had a perturbed look on his face, “She drank a while and said she was going to the bathroom and never came back. I’ve had it with women. To hell with them.”
“Don’t you worry buddy, she’ll be back. You’re irresistible. Okay, I’m going to give you some money and whatever’s left is yours. Got it?”
“Naw, don’t worry about it. Nancy said you’re taken care of tonight.”
“No, you don’t understand. I’m giving you money. Just take it.” Bowie handed over two hundred dollars to Mike.
Mike’s eyes got big, “Whoa, amigo, you gave me two hundred dollars. That’s way more than your normal barato (cheap) ten percent tip. What the hell is going on?”
Bowie smiled, “That’s for you. You’ve been a great bartender and friend over the years. Just take it and relax.”
“I love the money, but I got a bad feeling about this. Like, you’re not coming back.”
Bowie started to walk off, “I’ll be back in two weeks amigo. Vi a con dios.”
Mike started yelling, “You know I hate that saying. Just say adios amigo. Hey…..!”
Bowie walked out of the club as Mike was yelling and he was feeling great. He loved walking downtown San Antonio at night. He walked north one block from the club and sat on the low brick wall in front of the Alamo again. Sitting there made him feel comfortable.
After sitting a while he walked back to the hotel. When he got back to his room he relaxed for a moment and wondered why he was by himself. He needed some companionship, but there was none since Emily was gone. He decided to do the next best thing, order some food from room service. He picked up the phone and had a hamburger sent up with wine. While he was ordering he noticed a clicking on the phone that occurred every ten seconds or so. When he hung up the phone, he turned it over and examined it. He saw a small device on the bottom of the phone. He was no expert, but he wondered if it was an electronic bug of some kind. He decided to text Davis: I’m not sure but I think there’s a bug in my hotel room.
Several minutes later Davis texted back: Other people have said the same thing. We’re leaving early. Can you be back tomorrow?
I can be back by late afternoon.
That’s fine. See you soon.
At that, Bowie was now very suspicious of everything. Being in the military and being part of secret operations, he knew what governments were capable of to get information, the U.S. government, and foreign governments.
Bowie got up early the next morning and went to see his parents. There was a lot of light talk and Bowie told them he’d be gone for a few weeks, nothing dangerous and left. He drove to an attorney’s office, who was a friend of his from high school. He told him, if he didn’t check back in with his office in six months to distribute his estate to the people named.
Bowie called out to Stinson airport in advance and had them ready his plane. He pulled up to the FBO (fixed base operations) at gate one. He observed his plane on the Tarmac and the regular guys working on it. The crew was gassing it, checking the oil and tire pressure. As he walked out towards the plane, he noticed a guy he didn’t recognize in slacks, a dress shirt and tie walking away from the plane. As Bowie was now on high alert, he approached the three man crew working on the plane, “Hey, who was that guy that just left?”
Jeremy was the boss and turned to Bowie, “I don’t know. He said he was from the FAA. He said he had to check a few things and then he left.”
Bowie stood there a second slowly nodding while he thought about it, “Okay. Y’all about ready? I got to go.”
“Yeah. Give us another five minutes.”
Bowie contemplated the situation. Stinson Field is a very small airport that is completely open. Even after 9/11 anyone can still park out front and walk through the small terminal directly onto the tarmac. There are no security or restrictions.
The crew finally gave Bowie the thumbs up and walked back to the hanger. Bowie was ready to go. He decided to give the plane a good going over. Just like the military in the old days when they made him check everything before taking off. It was tedious but necessary. He was concerned about the stranger and started going over the plane with a fine tooth comb. After about ten minutes Jeremy walked back out of the hanger, “What are you doing Jimmy? We checked everything out. It’s good.”
“Yeah, I know, but that FAA guy bothers me.”
“He bothered us too. That’s why we double checked everything. There was something strange about him. I promise you though, we rechecked everything and it’s alright.”
“Yeah, you’re right Jeremy. Y’all are the best. I’m heading out in a few minutes. I’ll see you in two weeks. Take it easy.”
Jeremy smiled, “Be careful Jim. See ya.”
Bowie crawled in his blue and white Cessna 310 twin engine and got clearance from the tower. He took off and headed for Oceanside, and other galaxies.