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Where in the world is Miss Eugenia????

The Assignment

Eugenia Atkins was sitting in her kitchen, sipping a mug of hot chocolate and frowning at the December calendar taped to her refrigerator door. There were ten more days until Christmas and she had everything done. She had addressed and mailed all her Christmas cards. Her yard was tastefully decorated. She had baked and delivered holiday treats to her neighbors. She had tipped the mailman and sanitation workers. She had made her regular donations to local Christmas charities. She had purchased gifts for everyone on her list. She had even put up a tree for the first time in years and all her gifts were wrapped and attractively arranged underneath. She thought that all this advance preparation would make her feel relaxed and allow her to enjoy the holidays sooner and more completely. But oddly her readiness had the opposite affect. If everything was done – what would she do for the next ten days?

While she was considering her strange dilemma her neighbor, Mark Iverson, walked in. He looked as grim as she felt.

Eugenia was instantly concerned. “Is something wrong with the children?”

Mark sat down in the chair across from her and sighed. “No. The kids are fine. I’m here to ask a favor.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Then why do you look so unhappy. You’ve never minded asking me for help before.”

“It’s not a favor for me, exactly,” Mark admitted with uncharacteristic nervousness. “It’s a favor for the United States Government.”

Eugenia’s heart began to pound. “The government? You mean the FBI?” Since Mark was a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this seemed like a logical assumption.

“Indirectly,” he hedged. “The CIA needs to get some extremely important information to one of their undercover agents, but they don’t want to compromise his cover. So they’re looking for someone who could deliver the information to their man without raising any suspicions. Mr. Evans, my old boss from Chicago, was in a meeting where the situation was discussed and, well, he thought of you.”

“Me?” Eugenia whispered.

“It would only take a day – two at the most.”

“So this would be official?” Eugenia whispered. “A real assignment?”

He nodded. “It’s official.”

“Will I be paid?” she asked.

Mark’s frown deepened. “I thought you’d be willing to do it for free.”

“I would,” she said. “Except that if I don’t get paid I won’t really be official. I’ll do it for ten dollars an hour – plus expenses, of course.”

“Ten dollars and hour plus expenses,” Mark accepted her terms quickly.

“Can I have a badge?” she asked.

He shook his head. “The whole point is to deliver the information to the CIA’s guy without anyone getting the idea that he’s an agent. And the reason Mr. Evans wants you to do it is because you’re not affiliated with the FBI or any other government organization.”

Eugenia shrugged. “Okay, I guess I can live without a badge. Now, where will I have to go?”

“That’s classified,” he informed her. “You’ll find out tomorrow when you get to the airport. Your ticket will be waiting at the American Airlines counter.”

Eugenia’s hands started to tremble and she placed her cup on the table to keep from spilling her hot chocolate. “Airport,” she repeated with dismay. “You know how I feel about flying.”

Mark nodded. “I know, but we have to get you to the undercover agent’s location quickly. While you’re flying just keep thinking about that $10 an hour you’ll be making.”

Eugenia wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to work for the United States government, even if it meant she’d have to ride on a plane. “Okay. What time do I have to be at the airport?”

“Your flight leaves at 10:30, so you should get there at 9:30. And tonight you should call some people and tell them you’ll be out of town for a few days, maybe visiting a relative.”

“I have a third cousin in Little Rock named Vesta Morrell,” Eugenia said thoughtfully. “She’s in a nursing home and I haven’t seen her in years . . .”

“Vesta sounds perfect,” Mark interrupted. “Tell people you’re going to see her, but keep the details of your trip vague.”

“Everyone will think that I’m in Little Rock, but really I’ll be somewhere else?”

“Right,” Mark confirmed. “You can’t tell anyone your actual destination or the reason you’re going – not even Annabelle.”

This was a disappointment. What was the fun of being a secret agent – even temporarily – if she couldn’t brag about it to her sister? “Never?”

“After it’s over, but for now as far as anyone knows you’re in Little Rock visiting your cousin Vesta. You need to pack a small bag – something you can carry-on so you won’t have to claim baggage after your flight,” Mark advised. “And take a few wrapped gifts with you on the plane so you look like a regular holiday traveler.”

“What about Lady?” Eugenia was concerned.

“She can stay at our house,” Mark offered. Then he pulled out a camera and a credit card. “This card theoretically has no limit,” he said. “But remember that you’re spending taxpayer dollars.”

“I’ll be thrifty,” Eugenia promised. “But I do have to eat.”

Mark didn’t argue with this. “Reservations have been made for you at a hotel. All that information will be with your airline ticket.”

Eugenia pointed at the camera. “Am I supposed to take pictures for the FBI?”

“No,” Mark said. “You’re supposed to give the camera to the undercover agent. It contains the information we’re trying to get to him.”

Eugenia’s heart pounded again. “And how will I find him?”

“You won’t,” Mark said. “He’ll find you. Just follow the instructions that are with your ticket at the airport.”

Eugenia leaned forward and whispered, “How will I know it’s the real agent and not some imposter?”

Mark leaned closer and said softly, “Because he’ll come up to you and tell you he’s an agent and ask for the camera.”

“No secret phrases or passwords?”

Mark shook his head.

“That seems a little insecure to me,” Eugenia told him. “But you’re espionage expert.”

“I’m not an expert,” Mark disagreed. “I’m just following the instructions I was given.”

Eugenia shrugged. Then she mentally reviewed her wardrobe and found it lacking. “I don’t have a dark suit that fits, but I can wear a raincoat.”

“We don’t want you to look like an FBI agent. Wear exactly what you’d wear if you really were flying to Little Rock to visit your third cousin in the nursing home.”

“A comfortable pair of stretchy pants and a Christmas sweatshirt?” Eugenia clarified.

He looked relieved. “Exactly.”

She picked up the credit card and was a little disturbed to see her name embossed in the silver plastic. “You were pretty sure I’d accept the assignment.”

For the first time since he’d arrived, Mark grinned. “I was absolutely positive.”

***

After Mark left, Eugenia called Annabelle. Annabelle expressed surprise that Eugenia was making a sudden trip to Little Rock, especially on a plane since she hated flying, and especially to see their cousin Vesta. But Eugenia claimed she was convinced that Vesta wouldn’t live to see another Christmas and was determined to visit her one last time. Finally Annabelle accepted Eugenia’s decision and half-heartedly offered to accompany her to Little Rock. Eugenia had anticipated this and was prepared with a response.

“Vesta never did like you much,” she told her sister. “If you come it will probably ruin her last Christmas.”

“I guess I wouldn’t want that on my conscience,” Annabelle replied dryly. “Although for the life of me I can’t figure out why you’re taking the time and trouble to go see her. I didn’t think you liked her either.”

“I guess I’m just more committed to Christian charity than you are,” Eugenia laid it on thick.

“I guess,” Annabelle sounded doubtful but she didn’t argue.

Eugenia ended her call with Annabelle and called Polly Kirby, George Ann Simmons and the Baptist preacher’s wife, Corneila Blackburn. Once she told the three of them about her trip she knew it would be all over Haggerty by morning.

Then she packed her overnight bag and then tried to sleep but she was much too excited. So she spent most of the night staring at the ceiling in her bedroom and thinking about the adventure ahead. And she certainly didn’t have to wonder what to do with herself for a couple of days!

The First Day (And The First Clue)

The next morning, Eugenia took Lady over to the Iversons and listened to Mark give her last minute instructions (which sounded remarkably like the instructions he’d given her the night before). Then she climbed in her Buick and drove to the Albany airport. At the American Airlines ticket counter she waited patiently in the short line. When it was her turn to approach the desk, she supplied the uniformed employee with her name and told her there was supposed to be an envelope waiting for her.

“Let me check,” the woman said courteously. She walked into a small office behind the ticket counter and when she returned she was carrying a manila envelope with Eugenia Atkins typed neatly across the center. “Here you go.”

Eugenia opened the envelope and removed a boarding pass for a flight to Wichita, Kansas.

“You’re already confirmed for the flight,” the airline employee said. “Gate B4.”

Eugenia balanced her overnight bag and the nicely wrapped box of tacky Santa ornaments she’d bought as a gift for Annabelle that was now part of her secret agent disguise, and headed for Gate B4. Once there she reviewed the instructions that were in her envelope. When she arrived in Wichita she was to take the complimentary shuttle van to the Airport Hilton Hotel where a reservation had been made in her name. She was to wait in her room until five o’clock – at which time she was to go to the Legends restaurant at the hotel and order dinner. The CIA agent would approach her table and she would give him the camera. Then she would spend the night in the hotel and the next morning take the shuttle van back to the airport where the ticket for her return flight to Albany was waiting at the American Airlines counter.

As her flight was called, Eugenia took a couple of deep breaths. Then she recited the pledge of allegiance in her mind (for courage) and joined her fellow travelers in the line to board the plane for Wichita.

The Second Day (And The Second Clue)

Eugenia stepped off the plane at the Wichita airport at 2:00 in the afternoon. The flight hadn’t been nearly as bad as she expected, but the constant motion left her stomach feeling a little queasy. To settle her stomach she bought a giant pretzel with mustard sauce, a chocolate milkshake and a bag of dry roasted peanuts. Once she’d eaten her snack, she felt much better.

With the assistance of an airport valet she found the spot where hotel shuttles picked up guests. The van for the Wichita Airport Hilton was waiting and Eugenia climbed in. They arrived at the hotel in less than two minutes and the driver carried Eugenia’s overnight bag inside. He deposited it beside the check-in desk and wished her a good day. She had always been led to believe that only Southerners were taught good manners, so she was pleasantly surprised by his kindness.

After presenting her name to the desk clerk she was given a plastic room key and was directed toward the elevators. She rode up to the seventh floor and opened the door to room 720. The room was lovely – with a sitting area in addition to the bedroom. A large fruit basket dominated the coffee table and she helped herself to a pear as she dialed Annabelle’s number.

“I just checked into my hotel room and it’s gorgeous,” she said when her sister answered.

“It’s not like you to splurge on plane tickets and fancy hotel rooms,” Annabelle replied. “I’m afraid you’re going senile.”

“I’m not senile,” Eugenia insisted.

Rather than argue, Annabelle just asked, “Have you seen Cousin Vesta yet?”

“Not yet,” Eugenia replied with complete honesty, “Maybe tomorrow. I’ll have to check with the nursing home and find out what their visitation policies are.”

“It seems like you should have done that before you flew to Little Rock,” Annabelle pointed out logically. “What if you’ve gone all that way and they won’t let you see Vesta?”

“I’m sure they’ll let me see her,” Eugenia said, regretting her decision to call Annabelle in the first place. “Now I’d better let you go.” She hung up the phone quickly before she could make Annabelle more suspicious.

She sat down on the plush sectional couch and turned on the television. She watched Christmas episodes of 'Little House on the Prairie' while waiting for time to go down to dinner.

At 4:30 she changed into a sage green suit Annabelle had made her buy a year before. She brushed her teeth and smoothed her hair before looking in the mirror. For an old woman she didn’t look too bad. After slipping the camera full of CIA secrets into her purse, she picked up her room key and walked to the elevator. She rode down to the main floor and walked over to The Legends restaurant. She told the man at the door that she had reservations.

He led her to a small table in a quiet corner and promised that her waiter would be with her shortly. This proved to be true. Moments later a young man with a menu arrived and asked if she’d like a drink. She asked for a glass of ice water and then ordered chicken cordon bleu and a house salad.

Her food arrived but the CIA agent did not. While she ate she studied the people around her, wondering if one of them was the agent – waiting for a safe moment to approach her.

She was halfway through her cherry pie alamode when her cell phone rang. She checked it to see Mark’s number on the small screen. She opened the phone immediately.

“Hello?”

“There’s been a change of plans,” Mark said. “Your friend wasn’t able to make it to Wichita."

Eugenia hated to ask, but had to know. “Is he okay?”

“He’s fine,” Mark assured her. “But we’re going to have to set up a new place to meet. Stay at the hotel tonight and try to get some sleep. In the morning ride the shuttle back to the airport at ten o’clock a.m. There will be a new ticket waiting for you at the American Airlines counter.”

Eugenia was mildly annoyed that the CIA agent hadn’t bothered to keep their date and the thought of getting back on a plane made her light headed. But she had eaten a delicious meal and was staying in a lovely hotel room, so she couldn’t really complain. She paid her check with her government credit card and then took the elevator up to her room. There she changed into her nightgown, climbed up onto the large, comfortable hotel bed, and fell into an exhausted sleep.

She woke up early the next day and had room service deliver her breakfast. After eating she dressed and packed. Then clutching her overnight bag and the box of Santa ornaments, she took the elevator to the main floor and the hotel shuttle back to the airport.

At the American Airlines ticket counter she collected another manila envelope – identical to the one she’d gotten the day before. Inside was a ticket for Honolulu, Hawaii. She frowned, wondering if the CIA agent was too busy tanning on the beach to come to Wichita and meet her as planned. But she loved Hawaii, so she started toward the gate listed on the boarding pass.

As she walked she passed a little store called “All Kansas”. They had a Christmas tree in their display window and it was covered with ornaments made of clear glass cut into the shape of the state of Kansas. Thinking this would be a nice souvenir, Eugenia walked in and purchased one of the ornaments. Then she proceeded on to the gate, steeling herself for the long flight to Honolulu.

***

The Third Day (And Third Clue)

Eugenia had a two hour layover at LAX and at first spending time in Los Angeles seemed like a bad thing. Then she realized that this was an opportunity to call Mila and Quinn Drummond – who lived in Hawaii – and arrange for them to meet her at the Honolulu Airport at seven o’clock that evening. According to the information she’d received in her most recent envelope, she had reservations for the night at the Honolulu Sheraton (which Mila said was very nice). She hoped that she’d be able to conclude her business with the elusive CIA agent quickly and then spend the rest of the evening visiting with Mila and Quinn.

When she boarded the plane Eugenia was pleasantly surprised to find that the flight attendants were all wearing tropical print shirts and artificial leis. Ukulele music drifted through the cabin like a warm coastal breeze. Most of her fellow passengers were sipping fruity concoctions from glasses shaped like coconuts and for the first time in her seventy-eight years Eugenia regretted being a teetotaler. She sulked enviously until a flight attendant explained that all the delicious-looking drinks could be prepared without alcohol.

Eugenia beamed at the woman. “Then I’ll have a non-alcoholic daiquiri as fast as you can get one made.”

The crew provided drinks and Hawaiian appetizers during the in-flight movie – which was Elvis’s ‘Blue Hawaii’. At five o’clock a light dinner, consisting of a pulled pork sandwich and fresh fruit salad, was served. Eugenia thoroughly enjoyed her meal, the movie and the entire experience. In fact she was having so much fun that time passed quickly and she was surprised when the pilot announced they would soon be landing in Honolulu.

         Clutching her overnight bag and the wrapped box that contained Annabelle’s Santa ornaments, Eugenia left the plane. As she trudged up the ramp and into the airport her old bones protested and her mood darkened. But she cheered up instantly when she saw Mila and Quinn.

“You’re a sight for tired, old eyes!” she exclaimed.

Mila smiled. “You look pretty good yourself.”

Eugenia laughed. “Well, let’s go to my nice hotel room where we can visit in comfort.”

Quinn shook his head. “Mark Iverson called a little while ago and said we’re supposed to take you straight to the Polynesian Cultural Center. He made reservations for us all to attend a luau and he said you’d probably want to take some pictures with your camera.”

Eugenia nodded. Mark wanted to be sure she took the camera to the luau. Apparently the CIA agent was going to pick it up there.

“And he said a friend of yours will be joining us.” Mila raised her eyebrows.

“Nothing serious,” Miss Eugenia assured them. “My heart belongs to Charles.” She considered this for a few seconds, “and sometimes Whit Owens.”

Quinn led the way out to the parking lot where he and Mila had left their car. While they walked Mila asked about Annabelle, Cleo, Kate and other Haggerty residents. Eugenia updated her on everyone as good manners dictated.

They arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center and just as they took their seats at the luau, Eugenia got a phone call from Mark.”

“I hate to tell you this, but the CIA agent missed his flight to Hawaii.”

“Well I guess you do hate to tell me that,” Eugenia fumed. “And I hate to hear it!”

“There’s nothing that can be done about it now. Try to get a good night’s sleep and be back at the airport at nine o’clock in the morning. An envelope will be waiting for you at the American Airlines counter.”

After the luau Mila and Quinn took Eugenia to the Sheraton – which was as nice as Mila had predicted.

“I’m sorry things didn’t work out with your friend,” Mila said as they were saying goodnight.

“Me too,” Eugenia assured her.

“Would you like us to come back in the morning and take you to the airport?” Quinn offered.

“No, I’ll just ride the shuttle,” Eugenia declined. Then she gave them both hugs, admonished them to take care of each other, and sent them on their way.

***

The next morning Eugenia got up early and went shopping. She felt a little guilty spending the government’s money, but decided that even secret agents shouldn’t be expected to wear the same clothes every day. There were several shops in the hotel lobby and at one she found a pair of shoes that the clerk called ‘crocs’. They were hot pink and wonderfully comfortable although they didn’t resemble crocodiles in any way. Next she went to a little boutique where she purchased a pantsuit almost as pink as her new shoes made entirely out of T-shirt material.

Her final purchase was a yellow muumuu that she didn’t need. But Polly Kirby had a muumuu and Eugenia had always been secretly envious, so she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get one for herself. As she was leaving the shop she saw that they had Hawaiian Christmas ornaments for sale. Her favorite was a little hula girl that danced to “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Eugenia knew she would never forget this quick trip to Hawaii, but she decided to get a souvenir anyway. So she added one of the hula girl ornaments to her pile of purchases.  

Then she hurried upstairs and changed into her new outfit before taking the hotel shuttle back to the airport. When she checked in at the American Airlines ticket counter she was given a now familiar envelope. But when she saw the contents she sighed in dismay. Idaho Falls, Idaho. She’d never been to Idaho before but she knew that in December it snowed a lot there and she hadn’t packed a coat. Shaking her head and wondering why she ever agreed to this assignment in the first place, Eugenia walked toward the gate.

The Fourth Day (And Fourth Clue)

         The return flight from Honolulu was not much fun, but fortunately Eugenia was able to sleep during most of it. When she exited the plane in Los Angeles a young man wearing an American Airlines uniform was waiting for her.

         “Eugenia Atkins?”

         She eyed him warily. “Yes.”

         “My name is Keeton Wynn.” He pointed at the ID badge hanging from a strap around his neck. “Since American doesn’t fly to your next destination, you’ll be changing airlines and I’ve been assigned to escort you to your gate.”

         Eugenia was impressed by American’s dedication to customer service and grateful for young Mr. Wynn’s assistance. She checked her boarding pass and then said, “My flight doesn’t leave for another hour and where I’m going it gets cold - very cold.”

         Keeton nodded.

         “So I need to find a coat. Will you help me?”

         “No problem!” he declared with enthusiasm. But three airport clothing shops later he’d lost some of his confidence. Finding a coat big enough to fit Eugenia and thick enough to protect her from the Idaho winter proved challenging. But just minutes before her flight was called, they found success (in the form of a men’s suede jacket lined with fake lambs’ wool). Once the coat was paid for (with government funds), Keeton deposited Eugenia at her gate and wished her luck.

         She boarded the Alaska Airlines plane which made one short stop in Boise and finally landed in Idaho Falls at six o’clock that evening. The airport was tiny – even by Haggerty standards – and it only took a few minutes for Eugenia to reach the front entrance where she was supposed to take a shuttle to the Hampton Inn. It was cold and she was grateful for the warm coat. As she scanned the nearly empty road in front of the airport, a man approached her. He had short hair and the clean cut appearance she associated with government agents. She sighed with relief. Surely this was the CIA’s undercover man. She was pulling the camera out of her purse when he reached her.

         “Eugenia Atkins?”

         Her heart pounded as she nodded.

         He handed her an envelope identical to the ones she usually received at American Airlines ticket counters. “A taxi will arrive in a few minutes. Ask the driver to take you to the Rodeo Grounds.”

         Eugenia was less than thrilled to hear this. “You’re not the person I’m supposed to meet?”

         He shook his head. “No.”

         “And I’m going to a rodeo?”

         “It’s just an exhibition. The person you’re looking for will meet your there.” Then he walked away, leaving her alone on the empty street.

         Snow started falling and Eugenia shivered as she opened the envelope. She pulled out a ticket to the Rodeo Exhibition and stared at it with dismay. It wasn’t that she didn’t think a rodeo would be entertaining. In fact, she’d always wanted to see a real bucking bronco. But it was cold and she was tired. She’d been looking forward to checking into a comfortable room at the Hampton Inn and taking a nice warm bath. Frowning at the rodeo ticket she considered quitting. But she’d promised to deliver the camera and she was a woman of her word. So she was waiting impatiently for the taxi to arrive when her phone rang. It was Annabelle.

         “Have you seen Cousin Vesta yet?” her sister asked.

         “Not yet.”

         “Well if you’re not visiting with Vesta, why don’t you come on home? If I didn’t know better I’d think you had a secret boyfriend.”

         “What makes you think you know better?” Eugenia teased.

         “Years of experience,” Annabelle replied.

         Eugenia ignored this. “I’m not in a big rush to see Vesta and travelling is fun.” The first half of this statement was true at least.        

         Annabelle laughed. “Just don’t forget your way home.”

         As Eugenia closed her phone she saw lights approaching from the distance and assumed it was her taxi. Then her phone rang again. This time it was Mark.

         “I have bad news,” he told her. “The CIA agent’s flight was diverted to another airport because of bad weather. Go back to the Alaska Airlines’ counter. They have your new flight information.”

         “I’m leaving tonight?” Eugenia was appalled.

         “If you don’t leave now you might be snowed in for days,” Mark replied grimly. “I’ll be in touch.” Then he disconnected the call.

         Thinking a variety of unkind thoughts about Mark and the FBI in general, Eugenia went back into the airport and spoke to a woman at the Alaskan Airlines counter who looked as tired as she felt.

         “We’ve got you on the last flight of the evening,” she said. “You’re headed to Tucson, Arizona.”

         Eugenia accepted the boarding pass from the woman and picked up her overnight bag. Then she tucked the box of Santa ornaments (that was definitely worse for wear) under her arm and headed for her gate. On the way she passed a small booth that sold knick-knacks and noticed that they had all their Christmas merchandise marked down to half-price. There was an ornament with silver cowboy boots surrounded by tiny gold potatoes. ‘Merry Christmas’ was engraved in the middle. Even though she knew she’d always remember the thirty minutes she’d spent in the Idaho Falls airport, Eugenia purchased the ornament in honor of the Rodeo Exhibition she almost got to attend.

Day Five (And the Fifth Clue)

        It was just after midnight when the plane touched down in Tucson. Eugenia didn’t have any specific instructions for this location (since she was no longer flying American and therefore couldn’t expect to get her travel information at their ticket counters). So she called Mark.

        “I’ve been waiting for your call,” he told her.

        “I hope you’re just anxious to tell me which nice hotel in the Tucson area I’ll be staying in tonight,” Eugenia said as she wearily collected her belongings. "Because I'm tired and need a good, long bath." She also needed some clean clothing, which she planned to purchase with her government credit card and she didn't plan to waste time looking for bargains. But she left this part out.

        “I’m sorry,” Mark said – and he really did sound regretful.

        But Eugenia was all out of sympathy. “Sorry for what?”

        “The only plane out of Idaho Falls was headed to Tucson, but our friend was diverted to El Paso. He can only stay there for a few hours so I have to get you there, quickly. And the only way to do that at this time of night is by car.”

        Eugenia was appalled. “You want me to drive to El Paso, Texas in the middle of the night?”

        “I just want you to ride to El Paso,” Mark corrected. “I’ve hired a taxi driver to take you. He’s standing in front of the airport holding a sign with your name on it.”

        Eugenia was so relieved that she wasn’t going to have to read maps, traverse unfamiliar roads and drive through the night that she didn’t even object. “I’ll go find the taxi driver right away.”

        “Call me when you get to El Paso and I’ll give you your next instructions.”

        “You’d better not get used to bossing me around,” Eugenia warned him. “When I get back home – everything will return to normal.”

        She thought she heard Mark laugh as he disconnected the call.

        Eugenia found the taxi driver waiting just where Mark said he’d be and the ‘taxi’ was actually a mini-van. The driver provided her with pillows and a blanket so she was able to make herself quite comfortable in the back.

        “Wake me when we get close to El Paso,” she requested.

        And he did.

        Eugenia sat up and got her bearings. Then she called Mark.

        “Tell the driver to take you to the Waffle House about ten miles ahead on the right.”

        Eugenia frowned. “How do you know there’s a Waffle House ahead of us on the right?”

        “Because I’m tracking you using the GPS signal in the camera.”

        Somehow this made Eugenia feel much better and much less alone. She passed the instructions on to the driver. Then she asked Mark. “So, I’ll be meeting your friend at the Waffle House?”

        “It’s going to be tight,” Mark admitted. “But I think you can make it there before he has to leave.”

        Eugenia refolded the blanket and stacked the pillows. Once she was ready to go she started looking through the dim, early morning light for a big, yellow Waffle House sign. Then she felt the van begin to slow down and the driver said, “It looks like there is a wreck up ahead. We may be stuck here for awhile.”

        Eugenia stared at the rows of red brake lights in front of them. Sure enough, there were several emergency vehicles blocking the eastbound lanes. “Can you take another road?”

        The driver shook his head. “This is the only way. What I always tell myself in these situations is that I’m thankful it wasn’t me in the wreck,” he philosophized.

        Eugenia tried to take comfort in this, but was finding it difficult when her phone rang. It was Mark.

        “He had to leave.”

        Eugenia was terribly disappointed. “We’re stuck in traffic.”

        “I know,” Mark sounded as discouraged as she felt. “Tell the driver to forget the Waffle House and take you on to the airport. Your new travel arrangements are waiting at the Delta Airlines ticket counter.”

        Eugenia passed this new information on to the driver. Then she sat back against the seat and tried not to cry. When they reached the airport the driver offered to accompany her inside, but she told him to go on home. After all, he was the one who had driven through the night. He nodded and handed her a little cardboard Christmas ornament with his name and mobile number printed on the back.

        He grinned at her. “Just in case you’re ever in Tucson again and need a taxi.”

Day Six (And Clue Six)

         By the time Eugenia finally arrived in Harrisburg it was six o’clock at night. She was tired, dirty, and starving (and having developed a dislike for dry roasted peanuts that she expected would last for what was left of her life). Her instructions told her to take a shuttle from the airport to The Hotel Hershey – 15 miles away – where a room had been reserved in her name.

         When she reached the shuttle area an attractive young woman wearing a chocolate brown uniform stepped up to her. “Mrs. Atkins?”

         Eugenia nodded wearily.

         “My name is Monica and I’m here to take you to The Hotel Hershey where I guarantee you’ll have the best hotel stay of your life!”

         Eugenia climbed into the van with ‘Hershey’ scrawled on the side in big, brown letters. “I hope you’re right.”

         As she drove Monica kept up a steady stream of conversation and didn’t seem to expect any participation – which suited Eugenia just fine. When they arrived at The Hotel Hershey, Eugenia was pleasantly surprised. She had expected a sleek, modern building but the resort looked more like the mansion of an oil baron from the 1930’s.

         Monica didn’t just drop Eugenia off at the front entrance, but parked the van and escorted her inside. The hotel’s interior was even more elegant than the outside with historical photographs and antique style furnishings. Monica helped Eugenia check in and then led the way up to the third floor where her room was located.

         “I’ll be back to pick you up in the morning at nine o’clock,” Monica said. “You have a reservation for Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Santa at Hershey’s Chocolate World and I understand that a friend of yours will be joining you.”

         “I certainly hope so,” Eugenia muttered.

         Monica frowned in confusion. “I was told to make the reservation for two.”

         Eugenia nodded. “Yes, I’m sure my friend will come. And thank you for coming to get me – but do you think you could come a little early and take me by a WalMart so I can buy something else to wear. My trip has lasted longer than I expected and I’ve worn all my clean clothing.” She stared morosely down at the bright pink T-shirt outfit and tried to remember exactly how long she’d been wearing it.

         Monica beamed. “I can do better than that. I’ll have some of the shops downstairs send clothes up for you to try on. Keep what you want and have it charged to your room. Whatever you don’t want, we’ll send back.”

         This sounded like a very practical solution. “I guess you’ll need my sizes,” Eugenia began but Monica shook her head.

         “I’m very good at guessing things like that. Leave it to me.” Then with one last happy smile, Monica waved and left Eugenia alone.

         She inserted the plastic key in the slot and walked into one of the most beautiful rooms she’d ever seen. It reminded her of a hotel she’d stayed in with her parents as a young girl. A little lump formed in her throat as she remembered that long ago day. She’d been away from home and her friends and family for five days and she was missing them all – even Annabelle.

         With a sigh she walked into the bathroom and made preparations for bed.

***

         After what seemed like only a few minutes of sleep, but was actually over twelve hours, Eugenia woke up and looked around the beautiful hotel room. There was a knock on the door and she opened it to find a hotel valet holding several bags.

         “Monica said you’d be expecting these,” he said.

         Eugenia dug a five-dollar bill out of her wallet, making a mental note to add it to her expenses that the FBI would eventually reimburse her for, and handed it to the young man. Then she took the bags to the small couch in the sitting area and removed the contents. There were several pants outfits, some shoes, underwear, a nightgown and a raincoat with a zip-out lining. Under normal circumstances Eugenia would have felt that it was excessive. But considering what she’d been through for the past five days – and not knowing for sure what the future held – she was determined to keep everything that fit and charge it all to the FBI. And as luck would have it – everything fit.

       When it was time to get ready for her breakfast with Santa she put on a lovely black suit with a little poinsettia pin attached to the collar. Monica arrived promptly at nine o’clock and took her to Hershey’s Chocolate World – which would have been an amazing place under any circumstances but with Christmas decorations everywhere – it was incredible.

       “We’ll ride the trolley around so you can see everything after you have breakfast,” Monica promised as she led the way to the restaurant where Mr. and Mrs. Santa were dining. Eugenia ordered her meal and then divided her attention between the Christmas program and the front door – willing the CIA agent to walk in and take his camera so she could get back to her life. Just as the band finished performing a medley of Christmas songs, her phone rang. It was Mark.

       “Let me guess,” she said into the little receiver. “The man who was supposed to meet me is allergic to chocolate and refused to come here.”

       “He’s not allergic to chocolate,” Mark replied. “But he’s not coming there. He has a job that is part of his cover and his boss called an emergency meeting in Omaha. He couldn’t refuse to go without blowing his cover.”

       Eugenia sighed. “So I’m headed to Omaha.”

       “Your plane leaves in an hour,” Mark confirmed. “Monica will give you your envelope.”

       Eugenia narrowed her eyes at Monica, who was now standing at the restaurant doorway. “Is she an FBI agent?”

       “Let’s just say she’s someone you can trust,” Mark said. “Now hurry to the airport and be careful.”

       Monica walked over and stood beside her table. “How was breakfast?”

       “Great,” Eugenia replied, but it sounds like I won’t have time to do the trolley tour.”

       Monica gave her a sympathetic smile. “You can always come back another time – when you don’t have important business to take care of.”

       Eugenia nodded. She did have a job to do. “Let’s get to the airport.”

       The young woman pointed at the Christmas ornament shaped like a Hershey Kiss on the table. “That’s for you. Everyone who comes to breakfast with Santa gets one.”

       Eugenia picked it up and put it in her purse with the glass cut into the shape of Kansas, the hula girl, the boot surrounded by Idaho potatoes and the taxi driver from Tucson’s ornament advertisement. Then she followed Monica out to the shuttle van – headed for the airport and ultimately – Omaha, Nebraska.

Day Seven (and Clue Seven)

         Eugenia arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Omaha at six o’clock that evening. She called Mark Iverson as she was walking in to another very nice, very impersonal and very far from home hotel room.

         “If you tell me the CIA guy has had to leave before I could get here . . .
         Mark interrupted her threat. “He’s there! They are holding the business meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn. He will either come to your room or approach you at some other place in the hotel. I’ve sent a picture of him to your cell phone so you’ll recognize him. Look at it quick and then delete it.”

         Eugenia pulled the phone from her ear, looked at the picture of the unassuming young man who had ruined the past week of her life, and then deleted his image. “I didn’t know you could send pictures to my phone.”

         “It’s a common feature,” Mark replied.

         “Then send me one of Emily and Charles holding Lady. I miss them all.”

         “I know this has taken longer than we expected and I really appreciate your dedication to duty. So I’ll send you a picture.”

         Eugenia was mollified and wanted to show him that in spite of everything – they were still friends. “If you don’t hurry and get me home you’re going to have to send pictures of Annabelle and Polly. I’ve been gone so long I’m even starting to miss them. But if I ever request pictures of George Ann, ship me straight to the retirement home.”

         She heard Mark laugh softly. "It’s a deal.”

         “So, what should I do now?”

         “Whatever you would normally do,” Mark said. “The agent will come to you when he can.”

         After talking to Mark, Eugenia called Annabelle and made more excuses about why she hadn’t visited Cousin Vesta yet. Then she found the glossy hotel brochure and looked at each laminated page. The hotel offered several amenities to guests, including shuttles from the airport (which she’d already taken advantage of), an indoor swimming pool (which held no interest for her), a whirlpool (which sounded pleasant but she didn’t have a bathing suit), a fitness center (which sounded exhausting), and a laundry service (which she desperately needed since she was tired of carrying a week’s worth of dirty clothes in her overnight bag). So she called the desk and arranged for her laundry to be picked up. They sent a young woman right away and she promised to have the clothes back clean and in her closet before bedtime.

         Eugenia was starving, but didn’t want to leave the hotel to eat – just in case the CIA agent found a free moment during a meal break. So she referred once again to the hotel brochure to see what her hotel dining options were. There were two restaurants listed on site. One was a grill – which sounded like a place that would attract young, energetic people (which would make her feel even more old and tired). The other was a place called Spencer’s which claimed to have the best steaks and ‘chops’ on the planet. Since she was hungry (and since the FBI was paying), she decided that she’d put their boastful claims to the test.

         Eugenia looked through the new clothes Monica had picked out for her and chose a gorgeous gold velour pantsuit that was both comfortable and festive for the evening. Then she took the elevator down to Spencer’s. Once she was seated and had ordered a salad, she entertained herself by looking around the busy restaurant, watching for the agent.

         She was halfway through a very delicious steak (maybe not the best she’d ever eaten – but close) when a group of men and women dressed in business suits walked in. Eugenia scanned them as casually as possible and found the agent standing toward the back. He didn’t make eye contact, but he stiffened slightly and she felt certain he’d seen her too. With her heart pounding Eugenia slipped the camera from her purse and placed it beside her empty coffee cup. Then she continued eating while she waited for him to approach her.

         The business people, including the CIA agent, were seated across the room from Eugenia, but they were a large and boisterous group, so she felt justified in watching them (as most everyone else in the room was doing). After finishing off a delicious piece of chocolate cake Eugenia sipped her water and watched the group. From time to time one of them would make a trip to the restroom and she kept expecting the agent to use this as his excuse to come by her table. But finally they all stood and left. Disappointed, Eugenia put the camera back into her purse, paid for her meal with her FBI credit card and, went to her room.

         She didn’t sleep well all night since she was expecting a visit from the CIA agent and didn’t want to sleep through her big moment. But when the sun rose the next morning she had not seen the agent and still had the camera. A shower refreshed her somewhat and then she dressed in the sage green pantsuit she’d brought with her from Haggerty (it felt nice to be back in her own, now-clean clothes). She ate breakfast at the Great American Grill (and it wasn’t bad). As she was paying her bill she saw the same group of business people, which still included the CIA agent, heading for the hotel entrance. They were all carrying suitcases so Eugenia deduced that they had concluded their meeting and were leaving.

         The CIA agent worked his way to the edge of the group without looking at her. Now he was only a few feet away. If she walked toward the fitness center she could brush past him and pass off the camera. She pulled the small camera from her purse and held it in the palm of her left hand. Then she walked toward the fitness center with purpose. When she reached the area crowded by business people (and at least one CIA agent) she pushed away from him first and then moved back toward him. He seemed to lean toward her as well and it was as if she was in a strange, secret dance. Their arms touched and she was in the process of pressing the little camera into the agent’s hand when a large man wearing a T-shirt with a beer logo bumped into them and the camera clattered onto the floor.

         It seemed that everyone in the hotel’s busy lobby turned to stare. The agent picked up the camera and handed it to Eugenia. “I think you dropped your camera.”

         “Thanks,” she managed as he hurried out with the rest of his group.

         Dismayed, Eugenia returned the camera to her purse and the phrase ‘close and yet so far away’ took on a whole new meaning. She went up to her hotel room to call Mark and tell him what happened.

         “I’m sorry it didn’t work out,” he said and she knew he was almost as disappointed as she was. “But don’t worry about it. Just take the hotel shuttle back to the airport and you’ll find your travel information at the United Airlines ticket counter.”

         “United this time?” Eugenia asked.

         “We try to spread our business around,” Mark replied. “And while you’re riding to the airport – check the pictures on your phone.”

         Of course Eugenia didn’t wait for the ride to the airport. She enjoyed the pictures for a few minutes, wiped away a tear or two, and then packed up her belongings. Once she reached the airport she headed to the United Airlines ticket counter. On her way she saw a man sitting at a booth painting tiny china plates with Christmas scenes. He then attached them to wires so they could be hung on a Christmas tree. Since she needed an ornament for Omaha, Eugenia approached him and asked the price.

         He astonished her by saying, “One hundred dollars.”

         She gave him a stern look. “For that tiny little thing?”

         He shrugged. “It’s an original.”

         “I’ll give you $10.”

         He grinned. “Sold.”

         So with her new ornament nestled safely with the others, she continued on to the ticket counter and was most surprised when she saw that her next flight would take her to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. As much as she wanted to go home – she always had loved seeing men in uniforms. So she tucked Annabelle’s Santa ornaments under her arm and hefted the overnight bag (which was getting heavier by the day) and headed for her gate.

Day Eight (Clue #8)

         During the long flight from Pennsylvania Eugenia entertained herself by imagining what her visit to the United States Air Force Academy would be like. She envisioned saluting soldiers marching in straight lines and ceremonial cannons blasting while a military choir sang the national anthem. And even if her ideas proved to be a little lofty – she was sure the visit would be a patriotic experience.

         However, when she arrived in Colorado and was taken to the Academy she learned that her entire visit there was to be kept secret. Since they didn’t want anyone to know she’d been there, she wouldn’t be attending any parades or marching demonstrations or national anthem concerts. She didn’t argue with the young man who had picked her up from the airport. But the minute she got to her small guest room at the Academy, she called Mark.

         “Why am I hiding here?”

         “You aren’t hiding, exactly,” Mark replied. “You’re keeping a low profile. And for your next flight in the morning you’ll be riding an Air Force plane.”

         Eugenia hated to ask, but felt she had to. “And where am I going tomorrow?”

         “Look in the envelope on your bed.”

         Eugenia turned and sure enough, right in the middle of the twin bed that was made with military precision – was one of the familiar manila envelopes. She opened it and read. The next day she was leaving for Savannah, Georgia. She was to meet the agent in Paula Deen’s restaurant at five o’clock in the evening. At least that was close to home and she’d always wanted to try some of Paula’s cheese biscuits.

         “While you're at the Air Force Academy your meals will be served in your room and you’ll be taken to the air field while it’s still dark in the morning. Once you arrive at your destination – you’ll receive further instructions.”

         She sighed. “Please tell me I’m almost done.”

         “You’re almost done,” Mark assured her.

         “And can you arrange for someone to buy me a Christmas ornament to represent the Air Force Academy? I’ve been collecting souvenirs from each of the cities you’ve sent me to and I hate to stop now.”

         “I’ll arrange for someone to get you an ornament,” Mark promised. “But that’s not the only thing you’ve been collecting. At $10.00 an hour when this is over the FBI is going to owe you thousands!”

         This was a cheerful thought. “I’ll call you when I reach my destination,” she promised. Then she closed the phone.

         Her meal arrived, along with a very nice, possibly silver-plated, replica of the Air Force insignia made into a Christmas ornament. She put it with the rest of her collection and then ate her dinner. The food was warm and filling – if not anything special. Once dinner was over she took a shower and dressed for bed. And that night she dreamed about all the good food she was going to order at Paula Deen’s restaurant.

         The next morning she was waiting when a young woman came to escort her to the airfield just before dawn. And even though she was disappointed that she didn’t get to see any soldiers marching or hear any guns shooting, the sight of the Air Force Academy backlit by the sunrise was amazing. As the plane turned Eugenia closed her eyes and prepared herself mentally for the long flight to Savannah.

The Ninth Day (Ninth Clue TOO!!)

         Eugenia left the airport in Savannah feeling every one of her seventy-eight years. But when she arrived at her lovely hotel in the heart of the old city, her mood improved. She took a shower and changed into fresh clothes – which made her feel even better. In fact she felt so good she decided to walk the three blocks up to Paula Deen’s restaurant rather than call a taxi.

         She stepped out into the balmy afternoon and headed up the street. As she walked she looked in the store windows for a Christmas ornament to add to her collection. She finally chose a little starfish (which claimed to be authentic). It had a tiny gold bow glued to its midsection and a wire through one star-point. This taken care of, she proceeded down to the restaurant.

         Paula Deen herself was not there serving cheese biscuits to waiting guests as Eugenia had hoped, but because it was two o’clock most of the lunch crowd had departed so the hostess escorted Eugenia inside and seated her at a table where she could look through the window at the street while she ate. Since it was the day before Christmas Eve, she ordered turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, yeast rolls, congealed salad and a piece of Red Velvet cake for dessert (mostly so she could compare it with her mother’s recipe).

         She was happily nibbling cheese biscuits while waiting for her meal to arrive when her phone rang. It was Mark.

         “You’d better be calling to tell me the man I’m supposed to meet is about to walk into this restaurant.”

         Mark cleared his throat. “Actually, his business meeting ran long and he missed his flight to Savannah. So you need to go back to the hotel and check out. Then go to the airport and pick up your travel details.”

         And at that moment everything changed for Eugenia. Flying an old woman all over the country for the ten days before Christmas was bad enough. But interrupting her meal at Paula Deen’s famous restaurant – well that was just too much.

         “I’m not going anywhere right now,” she told Mark firmly. “I’m going to sit here and eat this delicious meal. Then I’ll go back to my lovely hotel room and check out – but this time I’m giving you the travel plans. I want you to arrange my transportation to Evergreen, Arkansas – which is right outside of Little Rock. I will then, finally, visit my poor cousin Vesta who really might not ever see another Christmas. Your man can meet me there if he wants to pick up his personal property. If not – I’ll leave it at the nurse’s station and he can pick it up at his convenience.”

         “You can’t do that!” Mark objected.

         “I can and I will,” Eugenia assured him. “And once I see Vesta I want to go home. If there’s a flight out tonight that will be perfect. But if tomorrow morning is the best you can do – that will be acceptable.”

         “Acceptable,” Mark repeated and she could tell he was mad. But she was beyond caring.

         “I should be finished eating in about thirty minutes. That should give you enough time to arrange my flights. Call me then and report.”

         She closed her phone just as her food arrived. While savoring her first bite of tender turkey, she heard her phone ringing again. She checked the tiny screen. It was Mark. She turned off the phone and kept eating.

         Thirty minutes later she paid for her meal (and made a point to tell every employee at the restaurant how wonderful it was). Then she stepped outside and called Mark.

         “I’ve been trying to call you,” he said.

         “I know,” she replied. “When does my flight leave?”

         “I’ve got a car waiting for you at the curb.”

         Eugenia glanced over and saw a non-descript sedan parked a few feet away. The driver nodded to her, so she walked toward it. “I’m getting in the car,” she reported.

         “He’ll take you back to the hotel so you can get your things. Then you’ll go to the airport and your plane will leave as soon as you get there. I couldn’t get you a flight to Albany tonight, so you’ll be spending the night in a hotel near the nursing home. You’ll fly home in the morning.”

         “Thank you,” she said.

         “You’re welcome. And don’t you dare give our friend’s personal property to the nursing home staff. He’ll be waiting in the lobby when you get there,” Mark promised.

         “I’ll believe that when I see it,” Eugenia replied.

         She collected her things from the hotel and rode to the airport. But instead of a commercial airlines, the driver took her to a tiny little  private plane. She called Mark. “You’re kidding about this plane, right?”

         “It was the only way I could get you to Evergreen today,” he told her. “And you were very specific about where you had to be and when.”

         She knew this was at least partly revenge for her mutiny. “If I die on this plane you’ll feel guilty until you die.”

         “Probably longer than that,” he agreed.

         “And if I die you inherit Lady.”

         “Understood.”

Day Ten (Almost done!)

         Eugenia fully expected the flight on the small plane to be the most harrowing ride of her life – and she was right. But fortunately it was also quite short. The plane landed at the airport in Little Rock at 4:30 and Mark Iverson himself was waiting for her when she stepped off the plane. Even though she was still a little annoyed with him, she couldn’t help giving him a hug.

         Mark hugged her back and then said with a smile, “You’ve missed me? I figured I was in the same category as Miss George Ann.”

         “Close,” Eugenia replied. Then she hugged him again. “It’s probably just that you remind me of home.”

         Mark’s smile widened. “Probably.”

         “Speaking of home, I presume everything is okay there?”

         “Fine.” He pointed at a car parked a few feet away. “This is my rental.”

         As they got into the car, Eugenia said, “And I presume you’ve come to make sure I don’t give the camera to some random orderly at the nursing home?”

         “Maybe I missed you too?” Mark suggested.

         Eugenia tightened her seat belt. “Humph!”

         “I thought I’d take you by your hotel and let you get settled in first and then I’ll take you to the nursing home . . .” Mark began.

         Eugenia shook her head. “You’re just trying to give that undependable CIA agent time to get there. We’ll go to the nursing home first and to the hotel afterwards. Old people go to bed early and if I don’t make it soon Vesta might be asleep.”

         She saw Mark’s jaw tighten, but he nodded. “Then we’ll do it your way.”

         “If you’d had that attitude at the beginning of this whole thing we’d both be in Haggerty right now, enjoying Christmas with your precious family.”

         Mark had no response for this and just kept driving.

***

         The Evergreen Home for the Elderly was a grim place – institutional and in desperate need of renovation. As she walked inside, Eugenia thought about the retirement home near Albany. For years she’d assumed it would be her next-to-final destination and for all of those same years she’d dreaded the day when she had to be incarcerated there. Now, having seen the Evergreen home, she was thankful that her last days would be spent in a clean, cheerful place where her family and friends would want to come and visit.

         A security guard met Eugenia and Mark as they approached the information counter. “If you have any cameras you need to leave them here with me. You can get them back when you leave.”

         Eugenia felt a moment of panic and glanced nervously at Mark. But he just nodded. She took the camera from her purse and handed it to the middle-aged, pudgy guard. But when her eyes met his he winked and she realized it was the young man from the hotel in Omaha. He was just disguised to look older and heavier. She nodded slightly as she put the camera into his hand. Then she and Mark moved up to the information desk.

         Eugenia explained why she was there and the woman behind the desk called upstairs to make sure a visit was possible. Eugenia held her breath. Although Vesta had only been her excuse for leaving Haggerty, she’d been talking about visiting her for so long she knew she’d be disappointed if – in the end – she was not allowed to see her old cousin.

         Finally the woman hung up the phone and pointed to the elevators. “She’s on the fourth floor -- Room 411.”

         They thanked the woman and then rode the creaky, shuddering elevator up to the fourth floor.

         “Don’t you dare leave me alone for a minute while we’re here,” Eugenia whispered as the elevator door opened.

         Mark frowned. “Why?”

         “Because someone might mistake me for an inmate and refuse to let me leave!”

         She heard him laugh under his breath as they walked down the hall. Then leaned close and asked, “What is that smell?”

         “Death,” Eugenia said grimly.

         While they were both silently considering this, a young nurse stepped into the hall and said, “Are you Miss Vesta’s visitors?”

         Eugenia nodded. “Why? Is there a problem?”

         “No, it’s just that, well . . .” The nurse looked around uncomfortably. Finally she said, “It’s just that Miss Vesta never has visitors – not one in the five years I’ve worked here. But for the past few days she’s been telling everyone that she was expecting a guest. We all thought she was just confused, but when I heard you were here . . .”

         Emotion constricted Eugenia’s throat. “I’m her cousin and I live in southern Georgia. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never visited her here before. But I’m here now.”

         The nurse smiled. “Let me show you to her room. She’s going to be so excited.”

         When they reached the room, Mark lingered near the door while the nurse pulled Eugenia up close to the bed. “Look who’s here!” the nurse said.

         Eugenia stared at the shriveled form on the bed, searching for any resemblance to her cousin. And when the woman opened her eyes, Eugenia found it.

         “Eugenia?” Vesta whispered.

         She reached out and squeezed the frail little hand resting on the questionably clean sheet. “Merry Christmas, Vesta.”

         The nurse pulled up a chair for Eugenia and the cousins reminisced about the old days for awhile. Then Eugenia said, “If you lived closer I could visit you more often. How would you feel about coming to Haggerty? We have a nice retirement home nearby that I think you would enjoy.”

         Vesta smiled. “Thank you for offering, but I won’t need a retirement home much longer.”

         Eugenia glanced up at the nurse, who nodded in confirmation. Eugenia blinked back tears. It was odd. She never even really liked Vesta all that well when they were young. But she was family and she was going to die in miserable circumstances. It was painfully sad.

         Looking around the unattractive room, Eugenia wondered what it would be like to wake up every day and see these four walls. Then she spotted a small little Christmas tree on a scarred, metal dresser. She was relieved that at least Vesta had a tree.

         Vesta saw the direction of her gaze and said, “A local church brought each resident a little tree. Wasn’t that kind?”

         “Very,” Eugenia agreed. Then she walked over to examine it more closely. The only ornaments were three little red balls and a gold star that was listing dangerously to the left. Reaching into her purse, Eugenia said, “I’ve brought you something.”

         She saw Vesta’s eyes light up. “Really?”

         “I’ve been traveling for the past few days,” Eugenia explained as she pulled out the glass ornament shaped like Kansas. “And I collected Christmas ornaments from the cities where I stayed. They are for you.” She put the hula girl right in front and turned it on so Vesta could watch it dance. Then she added boot surrounded by Idaho potatoes and the cardboard ornament advertisement she’d received from the taxi driver in Tucson.

         “Those are really for me?” Vesta asked.

         “Every one,” Eugenia assured her. Then she added a chili pepper ornament she’d purchased in the El Paso airport and the Hershey Kiss ornament she’d received from her interrupted breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Santa at the chocolate factory. She put the little hand-painted plate ornament she’d bought from the shyster in the Omaha airport below the hula girl. She placed the silver ornament from the United States Air Force Academy where it would catch light from the fluorescent fixture overhead. Finally she put the Savannah starfish ornament right beside one of the red balls donated to the nursing home by an Evergreen church. Then she stepped back to study her handiwork.

         “Oh!” Vesta cried with delight. “I’ll have the prettiest tree on this entire floor!”

         “I’m glad you like them.”

         “I do!” Vesta assured her. “And I’ve enjoyed our visit so much. But now it’s time for me to go to sleep.”

         Eugenia knew Vesta was just providing her with a way to make a graceful escape from the horrible place. “I hate to leave you,” she said as tears clouded her eyes.

         “Don’t worry about me, Eugenia,” Vesta said. “Soon I’ll be with Jesus. You just have a Merry Christmas and tell Annabelle I said hello.”

         Eugenia nodded and pressed a quick kiss to the papery skin on Vesta’s cheek. Then she and Mark left the building.

         They walked to the car in silence, but once they were seated, she turned to Mark and said, “So, we’re done with the CIA agent?”

         He nodded. “And you were the answer to a dying woman’s prayer.”

         “The Lord works in mysterious ways,” she whispered.

         Mark started the car. “That He does.”

***

         Eugenia was afraid that her sleep that night would be disturbed by nursing home nightmares, but actually she slept soundly. When she woke up on Christmas Eve she felt refreshed. As she rode the elevator down to join Mark in the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast she was mentally composing the reprimand she intended to give him for being away from his family on Christmas Eve.

         But when she arrived at the restaurant she found not Mark, but Miracle Moore, sitting at a table waiting for her.

         After hugging Miracle thoroughly, they sat down. “Where’s Mark?”

         “Home with his family – just where he should be,” Miracle replied with a grin.

         “I won’t argue with that.”

         The waitress came to get their order so Eugenia scanned the menu quickly and made her selections.

         Then she asked Miracle, “But why are you here? Mark has sent me all across the country several times by myself over the past ten days. Surely he trusted me to make it to the airport.”

         Miracle laughed. “Well, you see that’s the problem. You can’t head back to Haggerty just yet.”

         Eugenia started shaking her head. “I’m done with this whole assignment.”

         “Just one more stop,” Miracle said. “As a reward for your service above and beyond the call of duty, you’ve received a special invitation.” Miracle pushed an envelope across the table.

         Eugenia opened it with trembling hands. When she saw the insignia and the signatures she nearly fainted. “Is this real?”

         “Completely ligit,” Miracle confirmed. “And I get to be your escort. As can see it’s an invitation to breakfast tomorrow, so we’ve got you a reservation for a flight to Albany that leaves at 11:30. We’ll have you back in Haggerty in time to make your mother’s red velvet cake. Kate and Miss Polly are handling the rest.”

         “I don’t know what to say,” Eugenia said, still staring at the invitation in her hands.

         “Don’t say anything,” Miracle advised as their food arrived. “Just eat so we can get to the airport.”

Christmas Day

         The flight to Washington, DC was pleasant with Miracle for company and during the drive from the airport to their hotel Eugenia was able to see many of the popular Washington sights. Miracle offered to give Eugenia a proper tour, but while there was much she wanted to see (and this would almost certainly be her only chance to tour the nation’s capital) Eugenia was too tired for sight-seeing. So they checked into a hotel near Pennsylvania Avenue.

         “Do you think we’ll see any famous people here?” Eugenia asked Miracle as they walked up to their suite.

         “It’s possible,” Miracle replied. “Although it’s mostly congressmen and other political people who stay here.”

         Eugenia made a face. “I don’t really care to see any of them.”

         Their suite had two bedrooms, a sitting area and even a small kitchen.

         “Isn’t this nice?” Miracle said.

         Eugenia looked around with a frown. “I’ve seen so many hotel rooms over the past few days I’m sick of them.”

         Miracle laughed. “That does happen.”

***

         Eugenia got up bright and early next day and was dressed and ready when Miracle walked out of her room. Eugenia was wearing a lovely gold pantsuit thanks to Monica in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Miracle was wearing her FBI uniform - a dark business suit. Eugenia eyed her badge with envy.

         “Ready?” Miracle asked.

         “I am,” Eugenia confirmed.

         “Then let’s go.”

         After the short drive to the White House they went through a long process of being checked by security. Once cleared, they were ushered inside and led to the enormous State Dining Room. Long tables, arranged in a huge rectangle that basically filled the large space, were set up and beautifully decorated. Many people were already seated so they quickly found their names and sat down.

         A few minutes later an army of waiters rushed in and began serving. The food was good, but not exceptional. And Eugenia could barely enjoy it anyway since her eyes were glued to the door where they had been told the president would emerge shortly.

         During dessert (a very nice apple tart), the door finally opened and the president himself walked in. Eugenia stared in amazement. He made his way around the room, shaking hands and extending holiday greetings. When he came to a stop behind Eugenia’s chair she stared up at him.

         “Mr. President, this is Miss Eugenia Atkins from Haggerty, Georgia,” Miracle introduced. “She is the civilian who spent ten days trying to deliver the Afghanistan information to the CIA’s agent.”

         The president nodded. “Mrs. Atkins, your efforts will save the lives of many of our brave soldiers.”

         Eugenia’s stomach quivered with emotion. Then she tried to speak but couldn’t form a single word.

         So Miracle spoke for her. “She was happy to do what she could and she’s honored to be your guest here today.”

         He smiled. “Merry Christmas.” Then he moved on down the line.

         “I don’t know what happened to me,” Eugenia hissed to Miracle after he was gone.

         “You were star-struck,” Miracle replied. “It’s not every day that you meet the president. Now finish your apple tart. As soon as he leaves this meal will be over and we’ll head to the airport.”

         Eugenia nodded, disappointed in herself.

         While waiting for Eugenia to finish eating, Miracle started doodling on a the back of her name card. “Tell me all the places you went.”

         Eugenia was pretty sure Miracle already knew the locations and was positive she was trying to distract her from her embarrassing reaction to the president. But she loved Miracle so she listed the cities one after the other.

         “I started with Wichita. Then I went to Honolulu, Idaho Falls, Tucson and El Paso.”

         Miracle made a column listing each city one right on top of the other. “Where next?”

         “Then I went to Hershey Pennsylvania , Omaha, Nebraska, the United States Air For Academy, Savannah and finally Evergreen, Arkansas where my cousin Vesta is incarcerated in the worst nursing home I’ve ever seen.”

         Miracle completed her list and then turned it so Eugenia could see. “Notice the first letter in the name of every city and what they spell when you put them all together.”

         Eugenia gasped. “Well, I declare.”

         Miracle laughed. “It looks like you were always meant to be here in the end.”

         Eugenia’s consideration of this odd phenomenon was interrupted by applause as the present called out a finally greeting and left the room, followed closely by his secret service bodyguards. A member of the White House staff announced that the Holiday Brunch was over. Miracle and Eugenia stood and made their way to the exits.

         When they reached the airport Eugenia asked what Miracle was doing for the rest of the day.

         “I don’t have big plans,” she said. “I’ll go to the hotel suite and rest until it’s time to fly home and go back to work.”

         “Why don’t you come to Haggerty with me instead,” Eugenia suggested. “You’ll get to visit with Kate and Mark and the kids.”

         Miracle considered this for a minute. “That does sound tempting.”

         “Then it’s settled. Get yourself a plane ticket and let’s go.” Eugenia leaned close and whispered, “Just promise you won’t tell Annabelle how stupid I acted when I met the president.”

         Miracle smiled. “My lips are sealed.”