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by Genie Gabriel
***EXCERPT from LIVING THE LEGACY***
When the day of their symphony outing in Pendleton arrived, Beth's nerves were stretched as taut as the strings on her cello. She fussed over her hair and wished she had learned more tricks for applying make-up. Unfortunately, it was too late now to learn what most females learned as teenagers.
At least she still had the subtly flattering formal dress she had worn when performing with the college symphony. It fit as easily as the memories that swept over her when she stepped into the auditorium where the symphony was performing.
She breathed in the smell of wood and resin, barely noticeable to a casual concert-goer. However, the memory of the slightly sticky feel of the resin she sparingly swept down the strings of her cello bow when she played tingled in her fingertips.
However, few performers made enough money to support a home and put food on the table. So Beth's time with her cello dwindled as she built up her restaurant business. Some day she hoped to have time for both. For now she treasured the rare occasions she could gently brush the dust from its strings and sit down with her once-constant companion.
Tonight, Beth desperately wanted to impress her handsome escort with her sophistication. Yet the rhythm of the familiar music vibrating in her soul often brought tears to her eyes. Rather than seem embarrassed by her behavior, Collin simply smiled and covered her hand with his.
After the performance, Collin cupped her elbow and steered her backstage to meet the members of the orchestra. Delighted, Beth was soon caught up in the world she had reveled in during her high school and college years…
Collin watched the glow in Beth's eyes as she talked to members of the orchestra. The delicate lavender color of her formal gown and the diamond clips in the upswept curls of her hair enhanced her physical beauty. However, it was the love of music sparkling in her conversation that really captured Collin's attention.
Why had she neglected music? he wondered. Surely she could carve out time for something she so clearly loved in addition to running a restaurant.
Well, he would make sure their time together included the orchestra she enjoyed so much. And he did intend to spend time with Beth, Collin realized. Though this was their first actual date, it seemed he had known her forever.
Inwardly, Collin took a step back. Such fanciful thoughts for a man whose life was devoted to a job requiring deadly focus and split second decision-making.
The vibration of the cell phone in his pocket clearly reminded Collin of that job. Caller ID showed this interruption was a serious one…
He had to leave. He allowed one more moment of regret, then said goodnight, and strode inside to confront whatever emergency was once again claiming his life.
Irritation swirled through Collin as he entered the station. Beth was the first woman who had captured his attention for a very long time, and he had to cut short their date for a call-out. This had better be good.
A mass of organized chaos greeted Collin.
"About time you showed up, O'Shea." His team leader frowned. "We've got a town blowing up. We're sending all the manpower we can spare."
"What town?" Collin shrugged into his camouflage jacket.
"Halo."
Collin froze as a crystal clear image of Beth lodged in his mind. She was driving straight into a disaster.
***
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