Chapter XXII

he night air was crisp and cool as he walked along the noisy street toward the bright lights of the Strip of Las Vegas Nevada.  Williams' mind thought back on the limited history he knew of the town, and wondered how such a mob filled place could become the center attraction of the United States.  And, it drew families as well as all types of gamblers, people from all walks of life, all kinds of cultures.

He was approached by many on the streets offering any kind of pleasure a person could ever want, no matter how deep into sin they'd gone.  William wanted none of it.  He only wanted his pleasurable life with Sharon back, and, thinking there was never a chance at a life with her again, perhaps with someone else.

His mind was on her as he trudged along, heading for the MGM, where he and Sharon had eaten their first meal together as husband wife.  His intentions were to enjoy dinner, then cab over to McCarran International airport where he'd already secured a ticket with which to fly to Santa Barbara, CA in a heavy.

He didn't trust the FBI, and figured he'd just leave his own plane there in their hangar.  Since they'd impounded it, they could store it until he could return for it later on.

He paid entrance to the giant buffet at the MGM, chose a table and set his bag down on the table to hold his spot.  He was so intent on eating that he never noticed who was in the booth just across the way from him.  He just saw the back of two girls and a man sitting there.

He made his way through the line, returned to his table and commenced to chow down.  He'd nearly finished when he heard her laugh.  He couldn't believe his ears.  He'd heard that laugh and loved the sound of it, the way it carried on the air, the way it settled onto his ear and into his heart.  Instantly a tear spilled down his face, and the last bite on his fork was lowered down to the plate.

He reached for his handkerchief, wiped the tears out of his eyes, dropped a couple of dollars on the table, got up, picked up his bag and walked out of the eating area of the buffet.  He didn't look in the direction of the laugh, but ignored the urge to see her just once more.  She had probably already found someone else, and he couldn't bear the thought of seeing her with someone besides himself.

He willed himself to keep his eyes trained straight in front of him.  He had left the eating area, and was nearly to the first aisle back to the left where he could catch a cab.  He turned just as someone took hold of his arm.  He looked around into the face of Len Mathers.  He spoke quietly, "Can I have a few minutes of your time?"

William looked down at his arm where Len still had a grip, and looked back up at Len.  "Would you mind taking your grubby hand off me you dirty cop?"

Len removed his hand and ignored the sarcastic tone of Williams voice as well as the insult. "We saw you as you left the eating area and waved at you but you didn't see us.  I'd like to talk to you a bit before you leave.  I figured you'd be flying home in your own plane."

"Who said I was going anywhere?  And who said I was flying in a heavy?" he asked.

"Well, it's pretty obvious you're going somewhere, since you're carrying your only form of luggage, and, the ticket sticking out of your shirt pocket belies you're heading somewhere to part still unknown at this time.  I just assumed you'd be going back to Stillwell Creek." Len explained with ease.

"Well, you're observant.  I'll give you that! Did you forget to mention that I was not to leave Las Vegas?  Am I under arrest again?  Am I to be accosted by your men and you once more?  Or accosted by you anytime you feel the need to talk or further persuade someone of your power, authority an will over anothers' life?"

Wills tone was still not friendly in the least, and he was boring quickly with this conversation that he had not started.

"You're free to go anywhere and anytime," Len responded.  I only asked for a moment of your time as a friend, then just answered your question.  I think I have something which you should know, and I believe that information will change a whole lot of things in your life.  And that, for the better.  Would you care to listen?"

William was having nothing to do with this scenario, much to his detriment.  "You've caused me nothing but trouble since I've known you, and now, you want me to believe that you're my friend, and that you're going to freely give me some information that will make my life a whole lot better . . .  How would you feel if you were in my shoes looking at this thing from my perspective?"

He wasn't through and contiued. "I'll tell you what Mr. Big Shot FBI agent man . . ." William continued then paused as he thought for a second then continued.  "How about this . . . you leave me alone, and I'll leave you alone!"

Len caught up with him again and was walking beside him.  "Man, you just don't get the message do you?" William said sarcastically. 

"I just wanted you to be my best man.  Melinda has asked Sharon to be her maid of honor.  Is that too much to ask?" Len asked.

"You need to have someone for your best man who is your friend, someone you love, or at least like.  Someone who is close to you, someone who trusts or at least likes you.  This simple trick to gain my trust and/or like is disgusting to me."

"You seemed to have forgotten how deeply instrumental you were in the losing of my wife, and then you have the gall, the audacity, the nerve to ask me to stand beside you for your own happy wedding . . .?"

Will realized he was yelling.  He caught himself, recomposed himself and stated flatly.  "Now, if you'll kindly just back away and leave me alone!" William snapped crossly.

With that, he turned and walked away from Len and possibly the only chance he would ever have of reconciling with his beloved wife.

© 2000 - 2025