Chapter Forty-Five
T hatcher sat in his office, his head in his hands. Ever since he’d dropped Vickie off at her apartment three days ago, all he could think about was how pitiful she looked, standing there with her suitcase. Like she was waiting for a train that would never come. When he closed his eyes, that’s what he saw. Her standing there, watching him drive away. Why hadn’t he turned around and insisted on carrying her suitcase inside the building? Because he’d been so distracted by the fact that he was leaving her. Not a good excuse. But it was all he had.
In the time since he’d last seen her, he felt like his insides were being ripped to shreds. It was quite possible that over the past two weeks, stock in Rolaids had gone sky high, all because of him.
On the one hand, he missed her. But on the other, he was certain she’d never be able to understand all the things that had happened that led him to live his life as a loner. The truth was, he was terrified of letting her get close enough to find out.
Amanda’s signature knock brought him back to reality. “Come in,” he called.
“Just wanted to check in to see how your presentation was coming. Have you come up with a plan to knock their socks off at the January meeting?” She grinned.
He shook his head. “Not really. I thought I might have something in mind, but I’ve scrapped it.”
She plopped down in the chair across from his desk. “Run it by me. Maybe I can help.”
“I think a large part of my plan will center on our using the local resources available to help make history come alive. Implementing things like field trips and such, even if some of them take place outside of class time. There are a lot of really interesting things to do and see, right in our own backyard.” He flinched. “I guess I didn’t really think about it until recently.”
Amanda nodded. “We’re probably so used to those things, they don’t have the impact they would on someone who isn’t from here.” She met his gaze. “Which is a good majority of our students.” She chewed on her pencil for a moment. “I think you’re on to something here, Thatcher. I certainly think it would make Dean White happy.” She stood and stepped to the door.“Let’s hope so,” Thatcher turned his attention back to the essay he’d spent the last half hour trying to read. His gaze wandered to the business card Vickie had given him soon after they met. The park service logo seemed to beckon him.
Suddenly, the answer to both of his problems was solved. Excitement bubbled inside him as he set out for the National Mall.
∞∞∞
An hour later, he was en route to the Jefferson Memorial. A quick stop by Survey Lodge and he’d found out where she was stationed. The young ranger working the desk was apprehensive at first until Thatcher explained that he and Ranger Harris had been working on a research project together. That seemed to ease the young man’s mind that Thatcher wasn’t just a stalker on the prowl for pretty, young park rangers.
Thatcher finally found an empty parking space on Ohio Drive. He was still going to have to walk quite a distance. He hopped out of the truck and pulled his tweed jacket closed. It was just about time to start wearing his heavy winter coat.
He crossed the inlet bridge where the Potomac River runs into the Tidal Basin. In the spring, this spot would give a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms in bloom. But today, it was just windy and cold. He rounded the corner and the Jefferson Memorial came in plain view. At least it didn’t have as many steps as the Lincoln Memorial.
Thatcher took the steps two at a time until he was at the top. He passed between two of the large columns and into the domed memorial. He stared up at the huge bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson. It had to be nearly twenty feet tall.
“You know, the Library of Congress bought Thomas Jefferson’s entire book collection after the library’s books were destroyed during the War of 1812,” a familiar voice said from behind him. He’d know that soft southern drawl anywhere.
Vickie’s smile seemed a little strained as he turned to face her. But at least it was a smile. More than he deserved after he’d left her on the curb with her suitcase. “You really have turned into a fan of all things touristy.
He grinned. “I blame you.” He motioned toward a stone bench. “Can we sit for a second, or does that go against ranger mode?”
Vickie looked around. “There aren’t too many people here right now, and I’m due for a break.” She started toward the bench. “But only for a minute.”
“That’s fine.” A minute was better than nothing.
Once they were settled onto the bench, Thatcher was unsure again. What if she felt obligated? He sighed. It was a chance he’d have to take. “I have another business proposition for you.”
She wrinkled her brow. “I hope this one is going to be more legit than the last one.”
“I assure you, it is.” He explained the presentation he’d been assigned to put together and his idea for integrating the local area’s historical resources into curriculum. “What do you think?”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” she said. “Do I get any credit for it?”
“Tons. Actually, I was wondering if you would lend your expertise.” He met her gaze. “It would mean a few more weeks of working together.” He grinned. “I know you were probably relieved to be rid of me, but my offer to pay you still stands.”
Vickie was quiet for a moment. Finally she nodded. “I’ll help. Just let me know when and where.”
“Are you sure? You don’t look too sure.” He was beginning to regret his decision to ask for her help.
“I’m sure.” She smiled. “Really, I am.”
He wasn’t convinced but decided to go along. “Okay, how about this weekend? Maybe I’ll pick you up Saturday? How about two? We can scope out some of the sights that I’ll include in my presentation.”
“Are you going to do some kind of video? Maybe a reel on Instagram or a TikTok?”
He grimaced. “I hate that kind of stuff.”
“But you know, you could include pictures and video. . .I think it would really help highlight your ideas. And that’s basically how kids today get most of their info.”
Thatcher let out a sigh. “You’re right. I guess this means it’s time for me to join the digital world.”
“Seems so.” She grinned and stood up. “I’d better get back to my station. See you Saturday.”
“Looking forward to it,” he called as he headed toward the truck. And he was. Maybe not the picture taking, presentation putting together, social media part. But the rest of it would be nice.