Sequel Information

      Follow the rest of the story  WHERE THERE'S TROUBLE  by: M.C.McNeel  at mcmcneeltwistedfiction.blogspot.com

The End!!!!!!!!!!!

     Charles took Lexa by the hand making her take a shower to clean herself up and wash the blood from her hair. While she did this Charles went into little Jason's room where the small boy sat frightened trembling in his tiny bed. Charles told him everything was going to be alright but he needed for him to get dressed as it was necessary for him to leave with his 'mother'. Lexa quickly finished as she dried her shivering naked body then she rushed to ready herself to leave, downstairs Lexa met Charles who held the boy in his arms, out by his car parked under the portico. He explained to Lexa that now Xation was dead she would stand to inherit a fortune, but now she had to leave the property as it was a crime scene.
     "But what about you Charles?" she asked a sad tone in her voice.
     "Don't worry about me.., Leah." he said with a very serious look in his eyes. "Take 'your' son and go to a hotel, order a bottle of wine and come back here in the morning. You must tell the police you and Xation had a fight and you left with your child." he explained as he noticed under the porch light the red marks on her thin neck. "Here take this," he said handing her about $1000.00 and an envelope that was addressed to the Red Cross; which contained the cashier's check. "Take this to the post office off Slyvan and 30, the directions are on the seat.

     "Charles please come with us!" she begged her dear, sweet, friend but he refused instead he gave her a long passionate kiss and said goodbye, knowing full well he would never see his dear, sweet Lexa whom he loved above all else, nor would he see Leah's little boy ever again. Lexa wiped away many tears as she pulled away from the great house; which soon would be hers. As the image of Charles grew smaller in the rear view mirror Lexa shook her head wiping away the many bitter tears which flowed from eyes like water down a mountain. She knew not what Charles was about to do. She was fearful he might now go off and put a bullet in his head. Jason shook uncontrollably as the two drove on.

As he watched her drive away in the little silver car he waved and smiled then he went back upstairs and sat on the side of the massive four poster bed where he took out his cell phone and called 911.
     "911. What is your emergency?"
     "Yes, hello. My name is Michael Cullen. I am at 3427 Prince Lane and I have just shot and killed Xavier Antonio De La Rosa Diaz." he said calmly.
     "You shot him?" asked the worried dispatcher.
     "Yes."
     "Are you sure he's dead?"
     "Oh, please hold." he paused went over to Xation's naked bloody body and pulled out his gun and shot him twice in the heart then he came back to the phone and said "I'm sure now."
     The dispatcher sat there shocked for a moment in silence then she instructed him to leave the weapon in the house and go outside and wait for the police and ambulance. He suggested she send the coroner instead.

Now as it happened Mr. Pruce had sobered up and finally made it to Xation's just right before the cops showed up. When they came upon him he had no idea what was happening. The officers pulled him out of his car, weapons drawn and hand cuffed him, tossing Mr.Pruce in the back of one the cruisers. He was confused and in a panic as he saw the lights and sirens of the waiting ambulance switch off; which always meant the patient was no longer living and when he saw Charles step out of the house his hands raised above his head he knew immediately that could only mean one thing. Bengiman Pruce's heart broke that day for the first time in his life. His best friend in the entire world was dead! "Charles I will fucking kill you!" he shouted out from the squad car as Charles walked past him as he turned, hands cuffed behind his back, as he laughed at Mr.Pruce before he himself was placed in the back of a police cruiser. Then it was the duty of the officer's to transport the two suspects to the Justice Center in down town Dallas. They were both questioned and two days later three officers from The Metro Police Department flew all the way from London to take Mr.Pruce back to a prison cell. And our dear Charles Le Mesa, born Michael Cullen, was later found guilty of murder in the first degree, to which he fully confessed his long list of crimes. Whereupon the punishment was decided and he was sentenced to die by lethal injection by the Great State of Texas.    

       THE END

More Chapter 15

     Xation stood there for a moment in silence before he went back into the living room; where his wife and Charles sat rigidly in the tense atmosphere. Xation sat down next to his wife, he glanced over at the broken shards of the dessert plate on the hardwood floor, he looked over at Charles who said nothing and had no expression of emotion on his face. "Leah.., " he paused putting his arm around her "I want you to go upstairs and get ready for bed."
     She gave Charles a frightened look, staring over at him she stood up, muttering something to Xation of which Charles did not hear. Then, as she passed by him, Charles took in a deep breath smelling the scent of her sweet perfume as she left the room. Then the two men were left alone for a moment. Charles watched the expression on Xation's face turn from shame to joy as he told Charles how happy he was to be able to go upstairs and be with his wife. Charles agreed and then excused himself to go out to his room to unpack his suitcase. "I just want to take a nice hot shower, and get clean, then get some rest." he said shaking Xation's hand, thanking him for welcoming him into his home once more.
     Xation smiled and laughed telling Charles he was more than happy to invite him into his home. With that Charles watched as Xation ascended the grand staircase then he went back out to the spacious pool house going to the bedroom where he had hidden the loaded pistol. It was about ten minutes later when he heard Lexa shouting as she stood naked in front of an open window where Xation could be heard cursing her name. "Lexa I will fucking kill you with my own two hands!"
     Lexa fell on her knees as Xation pushed her violently to the hardwood floor enraged as he discovered the truth when he stripped her naked in a passionate gesture. When he saw no scar from the birth of Leah's child he choked the truth out of her. And just as his world collapsed, along with his mental state, Xation crawled up from behind her, naked he fell hard against her and, just as he reached out for the final time, wrapping his large strong hands around her neck he squeezed tightly and Lexa saw white spots appear in her eyes and just as those little white spots began to turn black she heard a loud explosion and felt something wet, warm and sticky splatter all over her naked back and shoulders.
     Xation collapsed in a heavy heap on top of Lexa, who heard someone shrieking then she realized it was her, as Charles stood there holding a gun in his hand begging her to stop screaming. "You killed him?" she said in a whisper as tense as wire.
     "Yes." Charles smiled "Xation Day is dead."
     Lexa gazed down at the corpse in morbid fascination, at the gunshot wound in Xation's head, then she looked up at Charles, who had flipped Xation on his back, Lexa had a sudden look of fear flash from her eyes as she asked "What do we do now?" her voice sounding strange as she knelt there stark naked with Xation's blood and brains dripping down her back, staining her long blond hair.

Chapter 15 continues

     So it was they all sat and supped together, Leah showing off her new diamond ring, Serena talking of her plans to remodel the house Charles had been staying in, Xation and his father discussing business dealings and a trip to a ranch in South Texas where they were planning to go deer hunting later in the fall. Meanwhile Hays and Charles sat there drinking and eating and agreeing with their hosts. It was all quite nice. Until dessert and coffee were served in the living room.
     It all began innocently enough when Xation showed Serena a picture of the horse he had recently purchased in Spain. She had commented how the horse looked exactly like her Andalusian Stallion, Prado. It was when she said 'my horse Prado.' her family averted their eyes from her, saying nothing. Serena knew instantly something was terribly wrong. When her mother explained to her there had been an accident and Prado had to be put down Serena was furious. But, when her father explained it was her older sister, Felina, who had taken her horse out for a run and fallen with the animal, Serena became enraged. She went on a tirade yelling at her mother and father throwing her dessert plate against the wall, screaming at the top of her lungs. She was uncontrollable and inconsolable. Leah and Hays were shocked by her outburst, but Charles was not as he had witnessed many legendary fights between the mother and daughter. Not even Xation could bring his sister under control. So he slipped out to the kitchen informing his small house staff to leave, deciding it was best to give them the night off rather than be embarrassed by the tantrum his little sister was having.
     After fifteen minutes or so of her cursing and sobbing Serena left in tears with Hays who took her home. Now after they had departed Xation got into an argument with his mother and father saying they were always so mean to Serena who could never please them, no matter how hard she tried. This upset his mother, but when she tried to defend herself Xation said to her. "And any moment she has found something to make her happy, you always come along with something to say to snatch away that little piece of joy she had. Why do treat your daughter so horrendously, her entire life you have done this? Why do you think I treat her more kindly than I do Felina?" here Xation's mother slapped him across the face, and even Charles was embarrassed for him. Xation wiped away the sting from his cheek, walked out to his front door, opened it up, and instructed his father to take his mother out of his house and go and stay at a hotel for the night. Carlo tried to intercede on Aphina's behalf, but Xation would not hear of it and he slammed the door behind his parents as they left cursing in Spanish under their breath.

Chapter 15 begins

     Charles was delighted to see Hays, and Serena with her mother embracing each other as Xation smiled shaking his father's hand. Xation's little boy, Jason, ran up to Lexa calling out in an excited voice "Mommy! Mommy!" He had not seen his mother in nearly four years, but he knew her instantly, or so he thought.
    Lexa scooped up her nephew kissing him on the cheek and saying how much she missed 'her' boy. Charles thought how clever she was, and good at this charade. He admired her crafty way of acting in this way to achieve the hopes and riches she rightfully deserved.
     Charles shook hands with Carlo, who was looking well for a man of sixty five. He kissed Serena on the cheek then took Aphina in his arms, giving her kisses on both cheeks as he warmly embraced her. She was so tiny, 4ft. 11 in, but in her stiletto heels about 5ft 2. She must of had another 'procedure' done, as her skin seemed tighter, and her eye brows much higher, but she looked good for a woman of her age. She smelled of Chanel No. 5, as usual, and Charles greeted her warmly saying how lovely she looked and how nice it was too see her once more. She gave him a kiss on the lips; which felt strange as something had been injected into her lips for they were now quite swollen and protruding slightly. He made no comment about her appearance, other than to say she looked younger than ever.
     Everyone smiled and laughed creating a warm family atmosphere as they chatted and talked before sitting down to dinner. Little Jason, however, was exhausted from the long flight and he cried to his mother. Lexa took the boy to the massive kitchen; where a sumptuous five course meal was being prepared the aroma of garlic and roasting vegetables and simmering meats and sauces filled the air. Amongst all this she instructed her new chef to bring up a bowl of tomato soup, a grilled cheese sandwich, and a glass of milk to her son's room. Jason then showed his mother where his room was in the great house, upstairs, two doors down from her bedroom. She put him in a warm pair of pajamas and sat with him until he had eaten and fallen asleep; which took about seventeen minutes. Then she went back down stairs to the dining room where a long table was immaculately set with fine china and crystal glasses and candles with beautiful vases of white hydrangeas. Xation and his father Carlo sat at the head of table and Serena sat across from Hays, Aphina sat across from the absent Mr.Pruce, and Charles sat across from Lexa, who had fooled everyone into believing she was Leah. She reminded him of a character in a story he had read. About a young beautiful woman who, at any tragedy that befell her would leave town and become some other woman, a bonnet maker in Lucerne, a prostitute in Rome, etc...
     Charles saw all this as a great scene, a last supper, of sorts, so he wished to bring all his talent of acting to the table tonight. He knew how this was all going to end, so he might as well make his performance memorable. So he did his best to be charming, good natured, and witty. He spoke in a rich clear voice that did everyone good to hear it. So each they sat playing their parts, not knowing tomorrow the sun would rise on the darkest day of their life. Charles sat there with Xation in his grand mansion, with his family enjoying the delicious food and fine wine served to him. Charles laughed to himself thinking upon the ways of animals, as John ColdCreek had told him when spoke of a snake; Who, in the deep dark night will curl up with you when you sleep. Taking the heat from your body to keep it's self warm. But when you wake the selfish snake will bite you and envenom your veins at your peril. So it was that Charles realized now, more significantly, how important his part in all this was. And this gave him great satisfaction

End Chapter 14

Charles watched the happy couple enter the palatial house where the servants had lined up by the grand staircase as Xation happily introduced his lovely wife to the staff. She was greeted with smiles and well wishes, she felt like a queen. Xation took her up stairs to the master bedroom where he showed her all her new clothes and presents. She took a few expensive designer gowns and held them up to her body as she swayed around the room. Lexa was absolutely thrilled at the sight of her new home. She was even more enthralled when Xation sat her down on the plush bed and knelt down in front of her. He held her hands in his gazing up at her with a look of relief in his eyes, Xation put his head down in her lap and told her that he had been lost without her, and how he had prayed every night for her safe return.
     "Xation..," she said sweetly as she gently stroked his short, soft, black hair. "I hope you can forgive a foolish woman for any pain I have, unduly, caused you and our family. Please say you forgive me."
     Xation looked up at her with his dark eyes as he gave a knowing smile. Then he took a little blue velvet box from his suit pocket and opened it up saying "With this ring, I forgive you." Lexa looked at the ring, a four carat Golconda white diamond in a platinum setting from Tiffany's. The ring was flawless and worth about $95,000.00. She smiled and kissed Xation who became too amorous groping at her body, trying to slide his hand up her dress.
     "Xation, please." she said pushing his hand away. "We should wait until after dinner, your parents should be here soon." Xation agreed with her so they got up from the bed and he gave her a tour of the house.
      Charles, in the meantime, had been shown where he would now be living. He brought in a small suitcase to the large pool house; which was about as big as small family home and newly decorated with giant palms in large terracotta pots and comfortable suede furniture. There were two bedrooms and Charles went into one setting his suitcase on the bed. Unzipping it he took out a black plastic box which he opened. He picked up the Beretta 92F  and loaded the pistol. Charles then slid the deadly weapon underneath the mattress. He put the plastic box back in the suitcase, then placed that in the empty closet. Charles went into the bathroom looking at his reflection he smiled. Charles splashed a little cold water on his face then he calmly went back into the main house where he greeted Xation's family who had just arrived on a long flight from Buenos Aires. "Hello everyone!" Charles cheerfully smiled kissing Xation's mother on the cheek.

More Chapter 14

     Charles arrived at the spa in Arlington just as the sun began to set. It was a beautiful sunset and he smiled as he opened up the doors and went in to fetch Lexa. As he entered Charles was met with the harmonious tranquil sounds of a harp being strummed by a little old lady in the corner of the lobby; which was as fragrant as the perfume counter at Nieman Marcus. There were two young, lovely ladies behind the marble and glass counter and they smiled at Charles welcoming him in. All was tranquil and Charles felt as though he had just stepped into the waiting room in Heaven. Then he saw her enter from a long mirrored hallway. Leah looked radiant. A serene, happy look upon her face. Her long golden hair and her perfect shining smile and clear, bright eyes. Charles went to embrace her and in doing so he touched her bare arms and her skin was as soft as a newborn. "You look absolutely amazing! My God look at you." he remarked as he stroked her cheek. "Your skin is like silk." he marveled then he suddenly remembered this was how Melissa's naked flesh felt like and he became slightly aroused.
     Charles took Leah's suitcase and escorted her to the convertible. The two drove off north towards Colleyville where Xation was waiting. Lexa reminded Charles of her plan to get drunk and go into rehab as they had agreed days before, but Charles informed her that Xation would be 'going away for sometime' and not to worry about it. Lexa asked where he was going and Charles merely replied that he was not sure. She then reminded Charles to only refer to her as Leah and she pleaded with him once more to never tell her secret.He vowed he never would and she believed him because he was telling the truth. He assured her not to worry as everything would work out, he bade her to relax and smile and to have fun tonight. He also informed her that Xation had planned on giving her many presents when she arrived. He told her the master bedroom had been filled with flowers and the closets were full of new dresses and shoes and handbags. Lexa was delighted and she felt eager to begin again with the charade, but this time she would do it right and enjoy the fruits of Xation's labours. She was not thrilled with the idea of having sex with her dead sister's husband, but this would be necessary, and there would fine bottles of wine to help her through the deed.
     Now as they approached the estate Lexa's heart raced and she exclaimed "Is that the house?" she said gazing up at the Mediterranean Style Mansion surround by lush trees and gardens and a very high stone wall.
     "Yes." he smiled delighted and excited by what tonight would bring.
     He pulled up through the gate and parked the little silver Mercedes under a massive portico supported by four huge pillars. The anticipation coursed through her blood as she stepped out of the car in her pale blue silk dress that hugged the curves of her voluptuous body as she stood by the car looking up at the ruthless, handsome, Xation Day; who was grinning from ear to ear as he beheld his beautiful wife. Charles stood close to Lexa but he went unnoticed as Xation slowly walked up to her.
     Xation had much bitterness in his heart towards his wayward wife, but all the anger and frustration melted away at the sight of her. She looked strong and happy and healthy once again and he opened up his arms to her, and she to him,  he held her tightly feeling her heart beating against his chest. Not a word was said between them and Charles saw one single tear flow from Xation's dark eyes. This was quite touching to him. For, even though Charles still despised him, he never really thought of Xation as having any human emotions, except for greed, rage and lust.
     "I have missed you so much my darling Leah. Please promise you will never leave me again." Xation said a slight trembling in his voice as he kissed her sweetly on the lips.
     "I promise Xation, I will never you leave you, and you must know how sorry I am." here she began to tear up, a sadness overcoming her, but Xation smiled and wiped her tears away.
     "No more tears. The past is in its grave, though its ghost still haunts us." he said gently with much kindness.
     Charles knew the poem from which he quoted, by Robert Browning, and he finished the line in his head.  'Still this much is ours, to cast away restraint. Lest a worse thing wait for us in the darkness.' This instilled even more confidence in his cause for he knew that tonight would be the night when he did, indeed, cast away restraint, but he would be the thing waiting in the darkness.

Chapter 14 continues

     There were thirty seven missed calls on his cell phone. Charles knew he must call Xation about the bar fight last night, but first he took a nice clean, hot, invigorating shower. When he emerged he felt warm and ready to take on the challenge of this day. He groomed himself smiling at his reflection in the mirror for the first time in about a decade, then he went and sat on the edge of his bed and called Xation.
     "Where have you been?" Xation asked keeping his temper under control.
     "With a woman." he said in a very charming, friendly voice, in a way Xation had not heard him speak in quite sometime.
     "Well, congratulations. It is about time." Xation teased him then turned the conversation to his anger. "Now, please explain why you attacked my dear friend Bengiman."
     Charles relayed the story of what happened, and when he told Xation what Mr.Pruce had said Xation was disgusted by the foul comment and he agreed that Bengiman Pruce was wrong; but he chided Charles for causing a scene that could have, possibly, had them both been arrested. Charles apologized and said that it would never happen again. Then Xation instructed him to pick up his wife at the spa and have her to the house for dinner at six. Charles said goodbye to Xation and hung up the phone. Then Charles made two more phone calls, one to the Salvation Army, to whom he would be donating all his clothes and shoes, save for the Armani suit and Cole-Hahn shoes he was wearing. The next call was to a man he had been in contact with at the Dallas Appraisal Society, who had been eager to purchase his collection of art, and antique furniture for quite sometime. He was thrilled to get the call he had been long awaiting. Within the hour he was at the house with a truck, and two men to carry everything out of the garage, that and a cashier's check for $750,000.00.
     Charles watched as everything was carefully loaded up and he was happy to see the truck and it's contents drive off down the lane. He stood there for a moment on the porch in the cool shade as he looked around the property thinking how nice everything was all still and gentle and calm. Charles felt as though a veil had been lifted from his eyes and the once cold, gray world he lived in for so long had vanished into the shadows like a long dead spirit unable to live in the light. Now all was clear and bright, a new sensation, like when the hood is removed from a falcon and the darkness is banished by the sun. He felt like a newly born creature, for now he had a purpose that, by the end of the day, would be achieved. So, at the appointed hour, the happy, well dressed, handsome man went to the garage and drove off in a little silver Mercedes convertible, with the top down and the radio on.

Chapter 14 Begins

     Melissa had fallen into a deep and satisfying sleep after she and Charles had burned up her bloodstained wedding gown, in the B.B.Q. pit out in the backyard. He had crept from her bedroom downstairs, to the library, where he found his clothes in a pile by the cold fireplace, he hurried to dress himself. Then sitting at the massive desk; which had surely belonged to a sea captain, Charles took out a sheet of paper and wrote Melissa a brief note before he went back to her room. Leaving the note on the pillow beside this sleeping beauty, Charles stared down at her angelic face, her smooth clear skin, soft and radiant. She had pulled the sheet up over her head with just her face exposed, and now she looked much like a young shepherd girl who had fallen asleep while tending to her sheep. He wanted very much to give her one last kiss as a free man, but Charles dared not wake her. So he left her and the grand house to wait out on the street for the taxi he had summoned.
     As he waited, in the still of a bright new day, Charles felt as if a great weight had been lifted from off his shoulders and he felt, strangely, happy. There were no aches or pains or any burdensome thoughts. He was of a clear and focused mind. Charles knew what had to be done, and he was finally able, at long last, to commit to his cause. He somehow, on this brief interlude, at this house, with this woman, he had been able to build up the courage of his convictions; and he was now bound and determined. But before all this was to come to pass, he had a few details to work out, a few loose ends to bind together before he could rest. As he rode along in the taxi Charles thought carefully of everything he must do to get the result he required. As they headed south Charles began to laugh out loud a little when he saw, streaked across the sky a giant white X above in the clear blue sky. Charles gave a salute out the window to the 'flyboys' from the Naval Air Station, who, testing there fighter-aircraft, left the X with the condensation trail from the powerful jet engines. This was a wonderful sign unto Charles and he felt as if destiny herself had blown into the sails of his lost ship and soon he would reach ground, for his soul, for a purpose. Charles smiled to himself as the groggy driver looked back at him in the rear view mirror and said "Looks like someone had a good time last night." Charles only laughed as they pulled up to his house. Charles went into to the quiet house he lived in came out and paid the driver and gave him a five hundred dollar tip. Then he set about with his plans putting his future in motion.

End Chapter 13

     Melissa looked up at Charles who had a terrible look of shame in his eyes. "If you need my advice then you shall have it, but first let me gather my thoughts." she said as she got up from the bed and began pacing back and forth, her hands behind her back, as many thoughts raced through her mind as she stood there. Melissa tried to find the words but it was difficult. With all her education, training and experience it should have been easy for her but, like a ship without a ballast, she was lost. The sayings of a hundred philosophers, and king's, and learned men flashed from one part of her mind to the next. Charles stared up at the beautiful, naked, woman pacing back and forth in the room, she was deep in thought when she turned and crossing her arms over her chest she exhaled and said this. "You will only find peace of mind from within the walls of a prison cell." Melissa said calmly, as she looked down at him, a deep sadness in her voice then she went on "For the care and benefit of your soul you must seek justice here on Earth, so that you may find mercy in Heaven." she paused thinking what a shame it was that our poor little souls are trapped in our flesh bodies, and the evil, awful things we subject our own souls to, out of our greed, jealousy and lust. "So this is the thing that you must do, you must turn yourself in to the police and confess everything you have told me here tonight. Then you can rest easy, knowing you did the right thing to make amends for the crimes you have committed. This is my professional, personal, and spiritual opinion. You may take my advice, or you may take it as far as the door and leave it on the steps when you go. But I tell you this! This is the right thing to do."
     Charles said nothing as he stared up at her. He knew she was right, but he was still afraid. He wanted to speak but had no words to say. He felt numb all over and ready to vomit but he sat there up in her great big bed and wished he had not said anything to her at all. For now all was different between them. The once light hearted friendly mood had changed to a dark and somber stillness like the air in a funeral parlor. Melissa sat next to him taking his hand in hers as she gave a sad little smile as she said. "I know it will be difficult but you must be brave and face justice like a man. There is no hope for you in the outside world. No place you can go, no hour of the day, or the long night, where you can escape from the terrible deeds that plague you and haunt your dreams and torment your soul. No. You will only find quiet sleep in a prison bed." she paused rubbing his hand with her thumb lightly. "If you do this I will arrange for a lawyer to accompany you to the Justice Center and I can come with you, we can do this together, and I will come visit with you all the time." here she smiled her face regaining it's warm glow once again. "I will even go and burn my wedding dress tonight as a show of loyalty and friendship to you."
     Charles laughed a little as he reached over and embraced Melissa giving her a sweet kiss on the forehead. "Beautiful, idealistic Melissa..," he sighed whispering in her ear. "You promise you will come and visit me?"
     "Cross my heart and hope to die." she said, as if they were little children telling secrets in a tree house.
     "Then I will go tomorrow and turn myself in."

Chapter 13 continues

     Here he paused thinking if he should really tell her everything, but Charles decided he had nothing to lose. So he took in a calming breath and then related this story to Melissa. "I had been invited to stay at the family's horse ranch, north of the city. I enjoyed my time there as there is much to do on the ranch. I found the two sister's wonderful company and their brother was very rich and powerful and thankful I had saved his sister. The entire family had an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards me, and they took me in and made me one of their own. Their mother treated me as if I were her son and I came to love them, as a stray puppy loves it's new master. So I stayed with them their on the ranch in luxury and style, as the two lovely sisters would take me out shopping with, they loved to dress me in expensive clothing and bought me presents and showed me great affection."
      Charles paused recalling happier times, then he picked up the thread of his story once more as Melissa listened waiting to hear the twist in his tale, when things turned dark. "I did inform them as to my misfortune, back home, in the States and they promised to protect me, giving me a new identity and then I became Charles." he waited for her to ask him what his real name was, but she did not as Mellisa knew it is not what a man is called that matters, but rather, his actions alone should define him. "I went on in this way for well over a year and had at times attended to the family when someone was ill with  the flu, or fell from a horse etc... So in this way I felt I could still be of service, and this was really the only work that was required of me. Until.., one summer their arose a problem. I was informed that I, in a show of loyalty, would have to get rid of this individual. I was instructed to inject this person with suyxonal-choline, so, I did as I was told only because, if I did not, their brother would turn me over to Interpol. And so I was tricked into doing his bidding, all because I told him the truth about the crimes I was wanted for. So I acted out of fear." he sighed feeling suddenly very weary and light headed.
     "And now?" Melissa asked quietly and calmly.
     "And now.., I can't sleep at night, I'm haunted by the most realistic nightmares and, this time last month, I was trying to summon up the courage to swallow an entire bottle of pills, but I always fell asleep thinking of  death. And I am afraid." Charles confessed expecting her to get up from the bed and show him the door, but she did not. Instead she moved from her position and Charles sat back where she was resting, the pillows still warm from the warmth of her body. Melissa lie next to him as she looked up in his eyes taking his hands in hers. She had a strange look of disgust and pity on her face, so much so, he did not know in that moment if she wanted to kiss him or kill him.
     "Cha..," she stopped herself "Whomever you are. Why have you told me this? Is it merely to unburden your soul? Or are you seeking my help and advice?" she asked her eyes sharp and sparkling.
     "Your advice would be the greatest help to me." he said with the utmost sincerity.

Chapter 13 begins

     Charles lie there next to her resting his head upon her chest as he drew in a deep breath and summoned up the courage to tell Melissa his story. And long were words, but the quiet breast he leaned upon altered not its quiet beating, and so he told her all. About losing his medical license after becoming a vicodon addict. No matter how many times he was caught, or however many patients lost their lives due to his negligence, he was only ever reprimanded then moved  from hospital to hospital. Finally when he was arrested, for selling prescriptions, he was fired and stripped of his license. So he, in disgrace, jumped bail and fled the country. Here he paused looking up at Melissa who said nothing, gazing off in the distance as she listened.
     "Then, on the very night, I arrived in Argentina.., all hell broke loose and my life was changed forever." he sighed placing his head back on her as he continued. "I had arrived in Buenos Aires very late and the restaurant in the hotel had closed. The man at the desk told me of a little cafe around the corner where I might, if I hurried, be able to get a sandwich or something. So off I went, but when I got there I did not see any people inside and it looked dark, but being jet-lagged and hungry I opened the door and went in. I waited for a few seconds waiting for someone to greet me but no one came. Disappointed I turned to leave but was drawn back by the sound of a man's angry voice as a woman cried out in tears and desperation. I went into the kitchen and there, on the dirty floor I saw a man, a filthy, disgusting man, forcing himself upon a young lady. She looked up seeing me there, and I will never forget the terror in those dark eyes, and before she could say one word I reached for a butcher knife on the counter beside me and  I pulled the wretch's head back and I slit his throat and he collapsed in front of me and he bled to death at my feet."
     Melissa sat up little straighter engrossed by his tale. "You saved her!"
     "Yes.., it was the right thing to do." he exhaled as he continued. "I summoned the police and medical assistance for her, as she had been choked quiet severely. I refused to give any information about myself to the authorities and did not want draw any attention to myself in the local media, so I begged her to forget about me, but she was so grateful and she insisted I meet her family so they could show me their appreciation; which I did and that is where I met the man that I work for now." Charles wanted to tell her Xation's name, but he did not dare.
     "Well, that's not such a terrible story." she said with a sigh.
     "I'm not finished. It gets much worse."

End Chapter 12

     It was well after midnight when Melissa awoke naked beside Charles. The wood in the fireplace had long since burned down and she was cold. She gave a soft quiver as Charles stirred from his peaceful rest holding her tight in his arms. She turned her face towards him beaming as if she were an Earth bound Angel who had just been told she could, at long last, return to Heaven. Melissa reached up touching his cheek slightly as she smiled saying. "Are you as hungry as I am?"
     "How hungry are you?" Charles asked kissing her soft pink lips.
     Melissa arose naked before him and as she lifted her arms above her head stretching out her long lean body as he admired the contours of her soft, young neck, and her smooth, round, perfect, pert, breasts and she laughed and turned and smiled, giving a well knowing look saying "As if I have never eaten before!"
     Charles stared up at the exquisite creature who stood naked before him. She had all the appearance of a warrior coming home from a victorious battle, or an Amazon woman who has returned from a successful  breeding campaign through Sparta. The two were cold now and so they adjourned to a large shower where they cleaned the sweat and sweet smell of sex off their bodies, carrying on as two old familiar friends would, though they barely knew much about the other. They did not care much, and they bathed and laughed and splashed about enjoying each other's company. Then, wrapping themselves up in robes they went and explored the kitchen for something to fill their hungry tummies.
     Melissa was happy to see her chef had left a large container of tomato basil soup and home-made chicken salad; of which the two spread on wheat bread and devoured. Then, still not sated, she made for Charles the most delicious omelet, stuffed with spinach, olives, mushrooms and feta cheese, he had ever tasted and after they finished off four glasses of milk they sat across from on another at the large glass table, where they sat smiling at each other. And it was at this moment when each of them felt the most happiness and joy they had experienced in quite sometime, here in this house, in this place, in Texas. They felt both honored and privileged to have gone through the night together. A secret they could keep forever.
     Then they began a light discourse with one another, he asking about the difficulties of being a Psychiatrist. And she went on explaining the strange cases of a few patients with auditory hallucinations. At one point Charles was reminded of his career as a physician and he, off hand, without thinking, made the comment. "Yes, I know. I was a doctor once."
     Melissa put her fork down, amazed and asked him. "Well what happened?"
     Here Charles froze up for a moment not realizing what he said, so he played it off stating. "Well, that is a very long story."
     "Well, that's not fair!" Melissa exclaimed as if insulted by his reply. "I told you my sad secret." she smiled giving him a discerning look. Charles stared at her and he felt a warm, very calm feeling come over him. He, for the first time, felt unafraid to bare his soul and tell her all. For he had the sense that the world would collapse all around him at any moment. So he stood up from the table, took her by the hand as she led him to her bedroom where she laid him down in her massive soft bed. She pulled him down on top of her, his head resting on her ample breasts as she sat back on the many silk pillows as she held him close to her body softly stroking his hair saying "Draw me into the closer circle of your heart, and I will be your friend, and I will listen." she softly spoke as she knew he had much to tell, and heretofore, no one with which to speak.

More of Chapter 12

     Charles and Melissa felt the warmth of each other as they pressed closer, tighter together as they sat upon the large couch the fire burning brightly, filling the room with a great heat that brought sweat to the brow and soft kisses to the mouth. Charles and Melissa were like two people who in their sadness were of a like mood and it was strange that they should be brought together on this long, good, night. They came to drink in one another, but not like a young person, who drinks only to get drunk and amuse himself, but more, rather like, two discerning, knowing, mature persons, who cared about the flavor and vintage of the grape from which they drank. Charles knew there are many paths that lead to truth, and Red Wine is one of them.
     Charles felt her long, lean form shudder underneath the weight of his hard muscular body pressing deep into her. Charles knew that to hold her was to grab hold of God's greatest masterpiece. He moved ever so slowly, watching every move on her face as her pupils dilated as she opened her mouth slightly, parting her soft sweet lips, as she let out a little gasp of excitement.  Her body was like sugar to him and her skin was like silk. Then she gazed up at her strong lover with a wild knowing look in her eyes, as when someone has just discovered a wonderful, ancient secret. And he himself felt like a boy opening a present on Christmas morning.
     So it was with much care and gentleness that he lay her upon the floor pulling down the pillows in front of the fire. In so doing not once did their naked bodies separate from on another and they carried on in the deep dark night together until at one point she wrapped her legs around him and squeezed hard saying, in a whisper as warm as an embrace, "Make me forget." she smiled like a white-hot angel, her breath smelling of sweet apples and honey. Charles smiled as if he had never known what happiness was before now, and he took her wish not only as her command, but as a challenge. So he, with much vigor, passion, desire and rapture brought himself to bare upon her as if he would never be allowed to take a woman under his possession ever again.

     This, indeed, would be a memory he would carry with him forever and re-live in his mind over and over, but now he was with her still and he emblazoned every feeling and thought,smell, and sound into his mind as they progressed in a coiled embrace like two angry serpents, and you could not tell if they were making love or trying to kill on another.

More Chapter 12

     Melissa said not a word as Charles entered the room gazing around at what he saw. "What is all this?" he asked staring down at four unopened crates of Moet Chandon; which had beautifully wrapped presents  placed upon them. But the strangest objects in the room were a tall mannequin dressed in Marine Corps Military Dress Blues and next to that was another mannequin; which was attired in a long, flowing, white wedding dress; which had a few bloodstains on the bodice. Melissa did not answer him, nor would she enter the room as Charles noticed a newspaper open to the obituaries, and there he read the obituary for a one Nathaniel Hurchow, Captain in the Marine Corps Military Air Group #41. Charles read the terrible news turned to Melissa and said with a terribly sad look in his eyes. "Dear God Melissa. What happened?"
     "I didn't mean for you to see this.., but if you come back and sit by the fire with me I will tell you everything." she replied looking down at the floor not able to meet his gaze. She turned off the light and taking Charles by the hand she shut the door and led him to the bathroom, then went and sat on the large couch in front of the roaring fire as she nervously waited for him to return; Which he did so presently, and sitting close to her he leaned over and whispered softly in her ear. "If you are uncomfortable you don't have to tell me anything. I only wish to help."
     She gave him a little laugh and smile though her eyes were full of sadness as she began her tale "We were supposed to get married at ten o'clock.., that fall.., at the Highland Park Methodist Church, you know right off Mockingbird Lane." here she paused looking off into the fire as if she were seeing the day clearly in her mind. "It was a Sunday.., I had about twenty minutes before I had to walk down the aisle. I was dressed waiting with my mother and my bridesmaids, when we heard an unforgettable crash of twisting metal and breaking glass.., I turned to my mom and said 'I think someone just died.' Then we looked out the window and there on the corner, flipped over, was my fiance's car. He was late getting to the church and a young boy of 17 drunk out of his mind crashed into his car. I ran, though my mother tried to keep me from doing so, and I ran to the car picking up the long train of my wedding dress so I could go quickly. I looked through the shattered windshield but he was not there. Then I heard my mother screaming and as I turned I saw his crumpled, lifeless body lying under an old oak tree. I ran to him clutching his bleeding head in my arms, but it was too late." she sobbed, tears streaming down her face as she looked away from the fire and deep into his eyes and she said. "But it was too late. Nathaniel was dead... He wasn't wearing his seat belt and he was thrown from the vehicle." Melissa let out a deep sigh as she sat a little closer to Charles leaning her head against his shoulder. He did not know how to respond so he put his arm around her holding her close as she pressed her ear against his chest. The slow, rhythmic beating of his heart helped her to regain her composure and it was about ten minutes of uninterrupted silence when she sat up and wiping her tears away she apologized to him and thanked him for listening. Charles felt it had been a long time since she had spoken of this tragedy so he asked a few questions.
     "How long ago did this happen?"
     "Almost two years." she said taking his hand in hers, she drew her feet up underneath her as she leaned against the strong handsome man.
     "And, you've been.., alone this whole time."
     "Yes." Melissa answered in a sad low tone.
     "Now, I know we only just met recently but, may I say,  it is not healthy to live like this, with that room full of memories, It is not healthy and you do a disservice to Nathaniel's memory by keeping that room like that." he said in a caring voice and a loving tone.
     "What would I do?"
     "Well, for a start you could auction off all those wedding presents and crates of Champagne and buy some presents for Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps charity that gives Christmas presents to poor children. Just think how many presents they could get if you sold all those, things." he said trying to encourage her.
    "And my dress?"
    "You need to set that on fire."
    "On fire?" she asked astounded by the suggestion.
    "Let the smoke and ashes rise to Heaven and be scattered by the wind so you can be free and happy again." Charles smiled at her as he softly took her face turning it towards him so he could look in her eyes when he said "Because you are far too bright and too beautiful to be sad. Despair should never live by thee... My only wish is for you to be happy, always, for that is what you deserve." he said in a whisper and her nearness stirred something deep inside his heart. Taking in short, shallow, breaths Melisssa looked into his caring eyes and then she realized she agreed with everything he had to say. She closed her eyes, tilting her head up slightly moving closer to him and then with a soft and gentle kiss Charles closed his eyes and embraced her tightly pulling her close to his body as he kissed her deeply with much passion and unbridled vigor.

Chapter 12 continues

         Charles had awoken in the back seat of the taxi as the driver pulled up to an enormous white Georgian style house with huge white columns; which wrapped around all sides of the structure. In the cool night he stepped out of the taxi and on to the long porch lined with white rocking chairs, he looked back at the landscape, perfectly manicured oak trees  were strategically lit up casting dark shadows as a gentle wind blew softly through the canopy of leaves. All was quiet and peaceful here save only the sound of the door chime as Charles waited anxiously for Melissa to answer. When she opened up the great wooden red door to her luxuriant home Charles held his breath as she stood there wearing a long pink cotton dress with no shoes. Her bright green eyes lit up as she smiled at her handsome visitor and it did her heart good to welcome him to her home. Melissa laughed and said something Charles could not hear as he was too enraptured by her sweet smile and charm and grace. Melissa hurried out, paying the driver a small fee along with a generous tip and she turned back to Charles embracing him warmly. As he held her briefly in his nice strong arms he felt her long silken red hair under his hand so he gathered a few strands up in his fingers  rubbing her soft hair between his fingers. He apologized for disturbing her and she insisted she was not disturbed by his presence in the least.
     In truth she had not had many visitors since the incident and she was in all reality quite sad and alone, but she did not speak of this to him. Rather she gave him a brief tour of her home filled with fine furniture and art and large expensive handmade rugs. It was one of the most expertly decorated homes he had ever had the privilege of seeing as he looked around mentally computing the value of some of the items he saw, he realized this woman came from a very wealthy, prominent family.
     "Do you live here all by yourself?" Charles asked as she ended the tour in a massive library flanked with endless shelves of books, a massive desk and an exquisite painting of a young beautiful woman that resembled Melissa hanging over the fireplace
     "Oh no, I can't run this household alone." she said her eyes widening at the mere thought. "No, I have a man named Sydney who looks after everything, and a driver, on the weekends I have a chef here, but I gave her the night off. Oh and Oliver is here with me. He was not doing well out in Dallas on his own. So he's here with me, taking a break from the fast lane. I think he's out in the pool house playing video games." Here she paused as she poured out two glasses of sparkling water. "You know with all the work that needs to be done in this world and full grown men sitting around playing computer games. I'll never understand." she shook her head as she bade him to come and sit by the fire.
     "Nor will I." he agreed with her as he sat back in a large overstuffed comfortable wing-back chair.
     The two sat there a moment as he talked of the books and rare objects in the room, the two made small talk of art and the old battle maps hanging on the wall. This is when he noticed a degree hanging on the wall. It was from S.M.U. and was a medical degree in Psychiatry. This information gave him pause as he did not want to be analyzed so he became a little nervous.
     "Now then, dearest Charles." she said smiling in a gentile manner making him feel more relaxed as she reached out touching his hand. "What would you really like to talk about? You sounded so troubled when I spoke to you earlier.., and I notice, you have a small cut above your eye and your knuckles are all red and swollen." she said rubbing his hand with a look concern in her eyes. "Were you in a fight this evening?"
     Charles felt a wave of numbness sweep over him from his head to his toes and he did not know what to say to this beautiful, perceptive woman. So he only laughed. Then Charles told her all of what had transpired at the club. She was mortified when he told her what Mr.Pruce had said to him. Melissa shook her head and said he was right to act the way he did and she prayed she would never ever have to see that fat, bald, loathsome Englishman man again.
      Charles at this point had to empty his bladder so he excused himself to the restroom; which Melissa told him was the second door on the right, but he being drunk and unfamiliar with the house counted the hall closet door and went into the wrong room. When he flipped on the light switch he was shocked by what he saw filling the small room then Melissa, fearing he had made a mistake,  ran after him; but it was too late and she ran up beside him not knowing what to say as he stood there in the doorway a look of bewilderment on his face. "What is all this?" he asked his jaw hanging open his eyes wide in confusion.

Chapter 12 begins

     Charles hesitated before he spoke.., "Melissa, I am sorry to being calling so late on a Saturday night." he said trying not to slur his speech and he could not believe she was on the other end of the line.
     "Late? Why it's only 9:30." she replied in a gentle soothing tone. "Who is this?" Melissa asked.
     "Oh, I apologize, this is Charles, I met you at Oliver's, my friend fell and hurt his head."
     "Oh, of course, tell me, you neglected to inform me of his condition." she asked worried as he had not phoned her in weeks.
     "He's fine, nothing to worry about." he reassured her.
     "Wonderful! Now tell me, how have you been? Well? I hope." she asked with genuine care in her voice. 
     The past three weeks blazed across his mind and he tried to think of something positive to say, "I'm still alive." he gave a little laugh then said, without thinking "I just wanted so very much to meet with you again, as I find so charming and exquisite." Charles flattered her then he explained his situation.
     "Where are you?" she asked with great concern.
     "I'm in Sundance Square, across the street from The Worthington."
     "Go to the valet and grab a taxi, my house is in South Lake, about twenty minutes away, give the driver my address and you can come visit me for a little while. Sounds like you need someone to talk to." she said sensing the trepidation in his voice.
     "That I do, and I thank you. I'll see you in about twenty minutes then." Charles answered then she gave him her address and he was on his way.
     Meanwhile, Mr.Pruce was walking towards his Range-Rover when he spotted two pretty girls in their twenties; whom had locked the keys in their brand new black BMW. They called out to him in distress and he, trying to be kind, assisted them by picking up a loose brick from the sidewalk and smashing it through the driver's side window. The security alarm wailed as the two enraged girls began screaming at Mr.Pruce, beating him with their huge leather purses.
     "Get off!" he shouted at them as he picked up the brick off the seat amidst the shattered glass then  raised it above his head, as if he meant to strike the ladies with it. The women backed off of him with looks of sheer terror in their frightened eyes. Mr.Pruce only laughed at them as the cowered from him then he turned, dropped the brick on the sidewalk, then calmly walked away.
     He heard one of them shout after him "What is this world coming to?"
     "An end ladies! AN END!" he laughed.

End Chapter 11

    The club was crowded as a local band played loudly. Charles and Mr.Pruce made their way to the back bar where they ordered shots of Crown. Bengiman tried to talk to Charles about his anger towards Xation and he explained that when he showed up at dinner tomorrow he should apologize to Xation. Charles just rolled his eyes and ordered another shot irritated by his suggestion. As two young beautiful women joined them at the bar his mood and Mr.Pruce's mood improved. Charles introduced himself to the ladies who were over joyed to see such a tall handsome man with a fantastic muscular body, however Mr.Pruce was a different story. The two women basically stood between Charles and Mr.Pruce; whom they slowly pushed down to the end of the bar; which really hurt his feelings.
     Meanwhile, Charles is busy chatting and flirting with the young lasses and they begin taking shots together, Stoli Penetraters, licking sugar off the back of each other's hand before slamming back the ice cold Russian Vodka. Here Mr.Pruce began making comments to the girl's but they only ignored him. It was when one of them turned to him and said, "You know, if you had blue eyes and were in better shape.., you would make a great Nazi." she laughed along with her friend and Charles, who found this comment absolutely delightful. Charles ordered three more shots for himself and his young admirers when, just as they were tipping back their glasses, fat, bald, angry Bengiman Pruce said "Yeah cheers Charlie! Maybe if your lucky they'll go home with you and lick your hemorrhoids!" he shouted loudly as the three spit out their vodka all over the bar as not to choke. Charles was livid, he got up from his bar stool, picked it up, smashing it against the bar. The girls screamed and ran away as Charles lunged over at Mr.Pruce beating him with a broken piece of the shattered bar stool. Security surrounded the two who began throwing punches and it took four big men to pull them apart.
      Charles was thrown out the front door while Mr.Pruce was tossed out back in the alley. Mr.Pruce pulled himself up off the pavement next to a dumpster then staggered off trying to find his car. Charles got away from the club quickly walking off down the street when he suddenly realized he didn't have his cell phone and he wasn't sure if he had any cash on him. He opened up his wallet and found no cash then a white card fell out onto the sidewalk Charles bent over and saw written on the back, Melissa Christian along with her phone number. Charles felt a sudden rush of blood to his head at the thought of her and he remembered how beautiful she was and how she smelled of jasmine and gardenia's. He stumbled to a pay phone dug out two quarters from his jeans pocket and dialed her number. His heart raced with every ring and after what seemed like an eternity he heard her sweet southern voice come over the line "Hello." Melissa answered.

More Chapter 11

     Charles looked over at Xation but his attention was drawn to a table of four that were laughing loudly. Charles noticed the two empty bottles of champagne on the table where there sat a woman in her mid fifties, two teenage boys, and a very attractive young woman with long deep red hair; whom began singing 'Rocky Racoon', by the Beatles. The group were having a wonderful time and Charles wished he were sitting at their table. He wanted to be happy like they were.
     "You see?" Xation said turning to look at the woman who was singing; which made him smile. "This is one of the reasons I enjoy being in Texas! The people here really know how to enjoy life." he remarked to the men at his table as he cast his gaze upon Charles saying  "Unlike someone I know."
     This comment angered Charles but he tried to think of something clever and said "I apologize everyone, but you must forgive me as my mind tends to wonder to graver matters."
     "Such as?" Xation asked.
     Here Charles paused taking a long deep breath before he said "Eternal damnation."
     Now here is where the conversation turned ugly. Charles wasn't quite sure how it came to be, or what was exactly said as he had been drinking whiskey, way too much whiskey, all day. But he was clear on the facts when Xation yelled at him and told Bengiman to get him the hell out of there. So it was about five minutes later, back in the car, when Charles demanded Bengiman take him to a bar in Sundance Square, and when he saw the young beautiful women standing outside a hip local bar he was happy to oblige him.
  

Chapter 11 cont's

     Now, as it happened, Charles was a little drunk by the time Mr.Pruce picked him up, and Charles was not in a good mood. Bengiman tried to engage him in conversation asking question's about Leah and how they enjoyed the trip. He asked how Ol' John was doing and expressed his fondness for the man.
     "You, know if it weren't for him I would still be smoking to this day." he went on as the two headed down highway 30, west to Fort Worth. "Did you notice a huge stack of wood by the lodge?" he asked and Charles did recall a massive stack of firewood, enough for several winters. Charles shook his head yes as Bengiman Pruce continued. "Every time I had a craving for a ciggy, he would send me out, for hours, chopping wood 'til the cravings passed." he reminisced "Took a long time, but after three trips to the lodge I was finally cured. "You know, if I weren't such a pig-headed, oaf I might have understood more of his wisdom." Mr.Pruce sighed as Charles gave him a strange look for he had never heard Mr.Pruce say anything negative about himself.
     "He is an extraordinary man, I am glad to have known him." Charles added.
     "Good ol' John, one of a few good men left in this world." Mr.Pruce sighed as they pulled up to the valet at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House. Charles grit his teeth as he unbuckled his seat belt and exited the vehicle. He had a bad feeling about having dinner with Xation so he tried to smile and be polite as he walked upstairs to large round table where Xation and Hays were waiting. The two men stood and shook hands with Charles and Mr.Pruce. All seemed well, no tension. Xation appeared relaxed, but that could be due to the nearly empty bottle of Shiraz on the table.
     "Charles!" Xation greeted them as if they were friends; which they were not. "Come sit, have a look at the menu."
     "Thank you Xation." Charles replied as he hurried to order a shot of Johhny Walker Blue from the attentive waitress.
     "Now, they still have some of the Grand Champion steer from Live Stock Show. So we should order some fillets." Xation informed them.
      "No!" Mr.Pruce said staring at the menu. "I want a Porter-House."
      "Of course my friend order whatever you like." Xation smiled. "Do you know how much the steer sold at auction?" Xation asked going on about the animal they would soon be feasting on. "$116,000.00" he said answering his own question.
      "Damn!" Hays commented. "Well that explains why these steaks are so expensive!" Everyone had a good laugh except for Charles who sat there gazing down at the bottom of his shot glass. He had a twisting, aching feeling in the pit of his stomach and the strange ringing returned to his ears.
     "Charles?" Xation asked staring over at him from across the beautifully set table. "Are you feeling alright?"
    

Chapter 11 continues

     "Yes." Charles answered with a long heavy sigh.
     "I am sorry, but this is required of you now, and besides," Serena spoke sweetly "Xation will be away most of the time on his many business trips, so you will not be forced to endure his presence for too long." she laughed a little knowing full well the two men did not get along well with one another.
     This provided little comfort to Charles who sat in his kitchen chair for a few quiet moments after the phone call. He did not know what to think or what to do so he sat there in shock and silence. Then he received a phone call from Xation Day. "Yes?" Charles answered.
     "Charles, I am glad I reached you. My sister informs me she has made you aware of the situation.., and I would like to invite you out to dinner this evening so we can discuss the issue at length." he said in a commanding voice giving out his invitation to dinner more as an order. "You can also inform me of my wife's progress."
     "Your wife is doing very well, after our trip."
     "Excellent, then you and I shall celebrate a little tonight. I will send Bengiman to pick you up at six."
     "I am perfectly capable of driving myself to the restaurant." Charles answered a bit of rudeness in his tone.
     "No, I will not hear of it. I want you to just relax and not worry about anything." Xation said knowing Charles had been through so much over the past few years in his service. Xation was actually trying to be nice.
     "Fine. Where are we meeting you?"
     "Del Frisco's, in Sundance Square. Be ready to leave by 6:00."
     Charles hung the phone up and after a few more minutes of silence he got up poured himself a small glass of Jack Daniels over ice and went outside to sit by the pool. He lingered outside soaking up the sun rays and three or four more glasses of whiskey before he went to get ready for his dinner appointment with Xation.

Chapter 11 begins

     Now it was very early when Charles awoke the next morning. He had been so weary from the road trip to Oklahoma that he had fallen into a deep sleep and, thankfully, the terrible dreams did not terrorize his mind in the long dark night. He awoke refreshed and in a very good mood. Charles opened up his windows and took in the fresh fragrant morning air as the birds twittered in the trees. He turned on his stereo as a sonata by Grieg came over the radio. Charles slipped into a nice hot shower and shaved preparing himself for a lovely day. He went to his kitchen and prepared a sumptuous breakfast of French toast with blueberries and fresh ground coffee from the Kona Coast; which he enjoyed outside by his crystal clear pool as the sun arose over the North Texas countryside. The sky was streaks of amethyst and deep shades of blue, not a cloud in the sky. A perfect day he thought.
     However, when he went upstairs later he went into the guest room where he found every item that had been brought for Leah..,Lexa were missing. Charles quickly called Serena, who was upset as he had interrupted her tennis lesson.
      "What is the problem so early in the morning?" she asked setting her racquet down.
      "What has happened to all her clothes and things?" he asked a worried tone in his voice.
      "Relax! Would you please? I took all her things to Xation's house, where she will be living." Serena informed him. "So when you bring her to the house from the spa all her things will be there for her. I placed everything away for her myself. Oh, and there's one more thing." she paused realizing her brother Xation must not have explained to Charles what was going on.
     "What is it?" he asked as a deep sinking feeling filled the pit of his stomach.
     "Xation is afraid she might try to runaway again, so he has arranged for a room to be prepared for you to come and live in, on the estate so you can keep an eye on Leah. Make sure she is happy and healthy. He needs her to have a close friend with her at all times. So we need you to be out of the house by Monday and all of your collection of antiques.., you need to find somewhere else to store it. I want to remodel the house, re-do the stone fireplace make it more modern." she  said very nonchalantly. Charles went numb and there was a strange ringing in his ear, he thought he was having a mini-stroke, though he was not. "Charles? Are you still there?"

End Chapter 10

     Charles felt a rush of emotions welling up inside him and he did not know how to respond to her, but he spoke anyway. "If that's what you want, then I'll help you.., but you need at least forty days for the sutures to be removed, you know healing takes time. You don't have enough time." he smirked.
     "I can keep him off me for awhile." Lexa said realizing there was a hitch in her plan.
     "Yeah right!" he balked. "Xation will be banging you Sunday night after dinner! You are supposed to be his wife and he hasn't been with you in years, and my God look at you!" he said making a gesture with both hands. "You are so beautiful and charming! You look like that Movie Star Daryl Hannah for God's sake! And now we got you all cleaned up and fit and healthy!" Charles went on getting excited as he spoke "My God! I even have an erection now just looking at you! Are you kidding me?" he said in all honesty.
     Lexa blushed then began to worry that Xation would discover her secret and that would be the end of her. She did not reply to his statement, instead she sat there a moment letting her crafty mind do it's work. It was not until about twenty minutes, after the storm had passed, and they had crossed the Texas border Lexa let out an exclamation. "I know what to do!" she smiled as they sped south down highway 35E. "I will get really drunk on wine at Sunday dinner, Serena told me their parents will be there and they are bringing my neph.., son" she corrected herself, "and you will be there so, once I embarrass him, you suggest another  rehab for the alcohol detox. Then you can take care of the scar before you take to me to rehab and I can heal while I'm in there." she said a sly, cunning smile on her face.
     Charles sighed shaking his head at her cleverness and he said "If that's what you want to do, then I will help you. But this is Xaton Day we are talking about here, this is risky and it might not go as planned but if you're not afraid then I will help you." Leah smiled her eyes clear and bright, a blush to her cheeks, radiating happiness. This gave Charles a warm feeling, and not just the one in his trousers.
     So it was the two stopped at a legendary BBQ joint and ate and laughed and talked and went over their plan. It was about noon when Charles pulled up in front of The Green House in Arlington, this was the finest Spa in all of Texas. Leah had three days of treatments, massages, etc.. ahead of her and she was happy to say goodbye to Charles, who would be picking her up at four on Sunday to bring her back to Xation. She kissed him on the cheek and thanked him once more as she slid down out of the Jeep and was escorted into the Mansion-like Spa by a young beautiful woman with fiery red hair.
     It was about one p.m. when Charles finally made it home to his house and he was surprised to find a note from Serena stating she had brought in a team of maids who cleaned the house from top to bottom, she had restocked his refrigerator, had the pool cleaned and sent over a landscaping crew to mow the lawn and trim the trees and shrubs. She had also purchased a placed new silk sheets and blankets and pillows on his bed. Charles was well pleased and he stripped down and took a hot steamy shower and after he dried himself off he climbed up into his luxuriant bed and wrapped himself in warmth and softness and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillows.

More Chapter 10

     Charles said nothing looking at her in disbelief. Lexa stared back her eyes as big as saucers "You don't believe me? I am not lying to you." she said offended by his reaction. "My God! Xation is the one who put the lie in believe, Charles, not me." she pleaded her case.
     "Prove it!" he snapped back at her "Prove to me that you are not Leah."
     "Fine!" she said in a harsh tone reclining the passengers seat all the way back as she lifted up her shirt, unzipping her blue jeans pulling them down past her pelvic bones exposing her well tanned, flat stomach "Leah had a C-Section when she had her baby. So where's the scar Charles? There isn't one because I have never had a baby, because I'm Lexa, Leah is dead and you have to accept it." she said zipping up her pants and adjusting her clothes.
     Charles felt all the blood rush from his face down to his stomach he wanted to vomit. He tried to speak but it felt like he had a stone in his throat, his mind raced with the realization that Leah was dead and gone, he had not been helping her at all, but it was her twin sister who had fooled them all. "She's gone?" he stammered "You?" he sighed looking deep in her green eyes not knowing what to say, confused by the mixed feelings of despair and joy. His mind did not know how to react so he wrapped his arms around her, calling her name out over and over again. Charles stroked her long blond hair squeezing her hard against his body making it difficult for her to breathe then half crying, half laughing he began kissing her on the cheek telling her how much he always loved her. Then as the storm raged the wind howling outside the Jeep, the two became still looking deep into each others eyes, they began kissing each other with great force and longing. Charles felt electrified by the sweet, wet, warmth of her mouth and it took several moments for the two to come up for air.
     "No Charles stop." she said panting wiping his saliva off her wet lips. "We must not do this." she said the flash of an old memory of the last time they were lovers. '"No one can ever know what I have told you! We  need to keep this a secret!" she pleaded.
     "Why?"
     "Because if Xation ever finds out he will have me slaughtered."
     "Then let's not go back! I can get money, we will hide." he implored.
     "No. You know that would never work, besides Xation may be a cold hearted bastard, but he's rich and handsome and takes care of his family. I have lived the past five years living off of Doritos, and Diet Coke, I want to live like a queen again. Xation will take care of me."
     "Oh? Well what about your scar? Won't he see you naked when he fucks you?" Charles asked aggravated by her attitude.
     Lexa slapped his face sending a short, sharp, shock to his system. She turned back towards the dashboard fuming as she watched the hail stones bounce off the payment. "When that time comes, and I will continue to  avoid that as long as possible, by then I will have made a scar of my own, it shouldn't take much a nice deep cut, have you sew me up and the masquerade will be complete. You will still help me, won't you, Charles?"
   

Chapter 10 continues

     She felt the weight of her deception weighing heavy, pushing her down in her seat, oh if she could only take flight and fly away from the truth of what she had done, but she could not, now she must be honest. "When we left, do remember John whispered something in my ear?" she asked as Charles shook his head yes, a terrible look of dread washing all the color from his face. "He said, 'Truth is like rain. It saturates everything it touches.'" she paused the sound of the hail stones smashing on the ground outside as the Spring storm raged all 'round. "So before we get back to Texas, I need to tell you the truth." she looked at him lovingly squeezing his hand as she began her tale.
     "Long before we grew up, my sister and I would always play tricks on our friends, teachers, boyfriends, etc... switching places with one another causing confusion and much heartache, all through high school and college. We had a lot of fun!" she smiled with a quick mischievous memory from senior year. "You know we looked so much alike even our own parents had trouble distinguishing us apart.., that's one of the reasons I miss her so much!" she said wiping a small tear from her cheek.
     "I miss Lexa too." Charles reminded her.
     "I know you do, you really did care for her." she smiled stroking his cheek brushing the hair from his eyes.
     "More than you'll ever know." he sighed.
     "No, I do know how much you care." she said with a nervous look in her eyes as she said "Because I have missed you too."
     Now Charles was confused because now Leah was speaking as if she was Lexa, but that was impossible as Lexa was long dead. Then he thought of what she said before. Had she gone mad? Did she think she was her dead sister? Could she be her dead sister? Many thoughts raced through his mind as he sat there staring over at her. "Leah? What do mean?"
     "Leah was bored with Xation she began having an affair. I would come to the ranch on the weekends and she changed into my clothes and would leave. I took her place, Xation never knew. But that Sunday when she was shot to death with her lover, in his bed, in his house, I was stuck. Leah died and I did not! That's why I fled soon after the funeral, I watched them bury Me! I went to my own funeral Charles!" she went on excitedly telling her story. "I am Lexa! I needed to tell you the truth. Old John was right, everything he did and said was right!" she exclaimed as the heavy weight of her pain lifted up and off her soul and she felt happy, unafraid, light as air, clear of mind. Charles felt shell shocked like a bomb had just been dropped. His mind raced back trying to piece together memories to search for a hidden clue, but would could he do? He knew she was telling the truth.

Chapter 10 begins

     It was around six in the morning on Thursday when they finished their stay and Leah and Charles said goodbye to John, who was happy he could be of service to them both. Leah did not want to leave as she had learned so much and shared with him the secret of her pain and deception, it was difficult for her to let go of her embrace. John whispered a few words of encouragement in her ear as he kissed her on the cheek and watched as the two got into their Jeep and turned down the long winding road, back to civilization.
     Charles and Leah rode along in silence the windows down as the cool mountain, fresh and fragrant air blew across their face and through their hair. The two were the most relaxed and happy they had been in a very long time. And secretly they both wished they could live their on that mountain with old John for the rest of their lives, but that would be impossible, Xation Day would not allow that, for every person in his family and organization served a purpose and had a duty to fulfill. Leah knew she would soon be back with him and it made her skin crawl. She began to worry, but used a method John had taught her on of their hours long conversations. So she trained her thoughts to focus on a happy memory she had when she was young, filling her mind with the sound of her sisters laughter when they had their first golf lesson and she hit the ball at an odd angle and sent the hard dimpled ball smack into her ankle and she was hopping around cursing and laughing at the same time. And with that Leah forgot all about Xation and the trying times ahead.
     Now as they drove south towards Texas  massive black clouds rolled across the sky, low to the ground like a dark, thick blanket. Lightning flashed across the sky from end to end, miles and miles apart, Charles felt uneasy driving into the Spring storm but they had a schedule to keep to so on he drove. The closer they came to the storm and the pounding rain, closer to the Texas border, Leah became more frightened and nervous all the peace and serenity she had attained in the past few days melted away from her leaving her mind in circles and her muscles in knots. At one point the driving rain turned to hailstones, the size of golf balls, forcing Charles to pull under an overpass to wait out the storm. After a few tense moments Leah opened up her mouth and spoke, she had decided it was time for her to tell Charles the truth about what happened, she hoped he would still be willing to help her. "Charles," she paused almost smirking knowing full and well Charles was not his name, just an identity, of a dead man, Xation gave to him "I need to share something with you, something from the past, before my sister was killed." Leah said as she took his hand in hers a small tear rolling down her cheek.

End Chapter 9

     After they had finished and were feeling energized and relaxed Leah and Charles changed into some fishing  gear and joined John out on the lake to spend the afternoon fishing. It took Leah a little practice to paddle with her oar correctly while Charles struggled in the back of the canoe as they went in little circles, but soon Leah got the hang of it with much laughter as they set out across the wide lake to a shady spot where striped bass swam in the dark shadows. The three enjoyed their time together as old John told them a little about his life and his time as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He told them how he met his wife and the difficulties he had bringing her back to the States. John told them how he came to own the land and how he came to build Coldcreek Lodge and what inspired him to open up his home and land to the sick, addicted and dying. Leah was touched by his stories and she felt like a better person having known him.
     It was about two hours later when the trio rowed back to shore with their catch, a little sunburned and tired. Charles was happy as he had caught the most fish. Nihar was waiting to help Leah up out of the canoe and he instructed her to go into the cabin and shower as he would give her a massage with hot stones and an Indian head massage.
     "Why can't I have a massage?" Charles asked disappointed.
     "You come back to the lodge with me, I will teach you how to clean the fish." John informed him.
     "I know how to clean a fish." he said offended.
     "Wonderful! Then you can clean them all, but come Charles your friend Leah is the sick one and she needs this much more than you." he smiled grabbing his walking stick as Charles took the catch walking back up the trail into the woods with the old man as Leah came out of the cabin nice and clean, wrapped up in a plush, white robe. She met Nihar down by the lakeside under a small gazebo; which was covered with a thick, lush  honeysuckle vine that was in full bloom. Nihar turned his back as she removed her robe and slipped under the soft white sheet on the massage table. Leah lay on her back inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers she was dead tired and she felt like she could fall asleep at any moment.
     "Now just relax and you will feel much better." Nihar said as he set a small bowl of warm oil in a tray just above her forehead. The bowl had a small hole in the bottom of it and when he removed his finger from it a slow warm stream of botanical oil flowed on her forehead and seeped down her hair and neck it was a strange sensation but very calming. As this went on Nihar stood at the end of the table rubbing her feet with more warm oil using a technique called Reflexology. Leah let out a few moans of sheer pleasure and comfort and soon she drifted off and dreamed a dream.
     And in this dream she found herself sitting in the sun on a hill covered with wild flowers. She was wearing a long flowing white dress and all was bright around her. Far off she heard the sound of little children's laughter and when she turned back from where the noise came from she saw a mirror image of herself sitting on the hill next to her. She became filled with joy as she saw her twin sister smiling back at her. The sisters embraced and both were filled with the Spirit of Love. Each expressed how much they missed one another and, only when she asked to stay, her dead sister told her she was not allowed to come over just yet. Then her dead sister rose up off the mountain turning back as if she were being called by an unheard voice. She smiled down floating above the flowers the leaves of grass touching her toes she explained she had to go and take care of the little children. She gave her sister a wink and said "Truth is Love." Then Leah found herself awake on the table as Nihar nudged her awake. She turned on her stomach for him and then he placed six hot black stones along the muscles of her spine. The deep, relaxing heat seeped into her tired body and she closed her eyes hoping to dream of her sister once more.

More of Chapter 9

     The three were greeted at the end of the path by a good looking, young, dark skinned gentleman who was wearing only a pair of white gauze-like linen pants and was not wearing shoes. He smiled brightly with a pure perfect white aura about him, he seemed to be radiating light as he spoke extending his hand saying "Good morning John." as he shook the old man's hand the two men embraced warmly as they greeted one another. "And you are my students!" he said extending his hand to Leah "I am called Nihar and I will be your Yoga instructor, now follow me into the cabin where you may select some looser fitting clothing," Nihar explained as they all introduced themselves. John went down to the boat house to prepare a canoe for the fishing trip he would take Leah and Charles on after their Yoga session.
     Charles and Leah followed Nihar into the little lake cabin where he took them to a small room filled with racks of clothing, jackets, fishing vests, fishing poles, hiking boots, etc... of every size, for men and women. All were new with the tags still attached, it was like a little store. Nihar instructed them to take whatever they needed during their visit, as it had already been included in the rate. Leah thought this was a most excellent idea and she delighted in picking out her yoga outfit, a warm soft pink cotton set. Charles chose a pair of pants like their instructor was wearing and did not wear a shirt. He was looking forward to stretching out his body and resting his mind by the cool mountain lake so early in the morning. And it was spectacular Leah and Charles and Nihar stood on their mats close to the waters edge and as they went through the poses, mountain pose, tree pose, forward bends, downward facing dog, warrior pose, triangle pose, cobra, upward  facing dog, bridge pose, etc... the gentle lapping of the waters along the shore, and the reflection of the mountain range and the bright blue sky was so calm and peaceful that the blood rushing through their sore bodies, moving the energy, changed their state of mind. As Leah came up from one of the forward bends a rush of blood and energy flowed to her brain and she suddenly felt dizzy and euphoric, like when she did a hit of heroin. Nihar noticed this and he laughed.
     "Leah, are you alright? Dizzy?" he smiled.
     "It's like a drug." she said trying to get back into the next pose, not used to this effect as she had not done Yoga in many, many years.
     "Yes, and it is free and completely natural." he laughed a little more. "It amazes me that there is even such a thing as drug dealers, or drug addicts! If the stressed out, angry, depressed people of this world would just perform yoga once a day then many evils would vanish and walk about as ghosts, long dead spirits that no one has any use for, and can no longer remember their purpose. But I am just a young man from Bombay. What can I do?" he asked looking at them sweat glistening off his firm chest and shoulders as a wisp of a short black curl caught by a gentle breeze brushed against his cheek as he continued "I can teach this to you and perhaps, you can carry this with you where ever you go."

Chapter 9 cont's

     So it was they sat in the deep forest in the dark shade of the ancient trees as the sounds of Nature filtered through the woods. Charles stared over at the old man, his red skin weathered by too much sun, wind and pain, though he seemed to rest easy in his own being, secure in his own personality, full of wisdom and secrets, ready to translate deeper meanings with the force of lightning, but at the same time he seemed child-like, and humble knowing the Great Mystery, whose message he knew and understood. Charles and Leah watched him sitting quietly smiling surrounded by Nature and then he spoke, softly, slowly imparting ancient wisdom.
     "In order to do what is best, to make ourselves worthy we should study the animals, learning its innocent ways; understand their sounds and motions. Think of the deer; which can endure thirst a long, long time, the hawk the surest bird of prey. the gallant elk, the watchful frog, the owl learned in night wisdom and gentle ways, the ferocious bear, the little foxes active and wily, the crow direct and swift in flight, and the hardy wolf who hunts its prey in the dead of winter in the deep, cold, snows. So all of Nature seeks to survive and the Great Spirit provides for all he has created; and we too struggle to survive in the worlds that we have created in which we are forced to live." John Coldcreek paused a moment allowing his knowledge to pour out over the buds of their minds then continued. "If the animals have existed for thousands of generations then why is our struggle so difficult? Our Nations have provided the best in education, medicine, agriculture, and technology, but still we have all become so tired in our lives we can no longer hear the animals, so much so that we bring ourselves to a stop."
      After a long pause he continued "For everything as it moves, now and then, here and there, makes stops. The birds as they fly stop in one place to make their nests, and in another space to rest in flight. A man goes forth and stops when he wills. So it was that the Great Spirit has stopped. The sun, which is so bright and beautiful, is one place he has stopped. The moon, the stars, the winds he has been there with them all. The trees, the animals, are all where he has stopped, and so we must think of these places and send our prayers there to reach the place where God has stopped to win his help and blessing."
     The three sat there for a moment as the sun rose higher in the morning sky sending dappled streams of light down on their faces. All was calm, the woods, their pulse, the beating of their troubled hearts, their minds were clear and focused as they breathed in the sweet, clean, mountain air. Then old John rose to his feet the well used walking stick helping to support his age worn body as he beckoned for Leah and Charles to follow him down the trail. They did so at a slow rate of pace and then in a low tone the old Kiowa man sang an ancient tribal song "O our Mother the Earth, O our Father the Sky. Your children are we with our tired backs we bring you gifts of love and prayers. Then weave for us a garment of brightness. May the warp be the white light of morning, may the weft be the red of evening. May the fringes be the falling rain, may the border be the standing rainbow. Thus weave for us a garment of brightness, that we may walk fittingly where birds sing. That we may walk fittingly where grass is green. O our Mother the Earth, O our Father the Sky." as he finished his song; which nearly brought Leah to tears, they walked down the path together until they came out of the cold deep woods to a small cabin by a huge lake that was perfectly still reflecting the mountains and sky.

More Chapter 9

     So it was they ate their fill and when a long pause settled over the group the old man smiled placing his napkin over his empty plate and with a warm twinkle in his eyes he looked over at Leah and Charles and said "Now, have you had enough, are you ready for a long nap?" he laughed a little.
     "Oh, yes!" Leah said as the warmth of the early morning sun kissed her face.
     "Good, your body and mind are prepared for our first steps on our journey together, now come, follow me." John said getting up from his chair and walking over to a small wooden spiral staircase; which led the trio down to a veranda underneath the balcony. "So, we will not be taking naps, instead we shall take a long walk through the woods to work off our heavy meal, as this is what is best for us at this time." he smiled again grabbing a long walking stick with the head of a bear carved into the top of it. Charles and Leah followed him down a long cold trail in the deep forest of trees. "Here now, observe." John said pointing up "We have tied white ribbons up on the limbs of the trees every few feet, so if you get lost on the trail follow the white ribbons and if you want to go to the top of the mountain ridge follow the red ribbons. We do not want anyone to get lost." he smiled again walking briskly ahead of them. They walked about a mile and came to a little clearing by a small creek in the woods. There was a long thick log that had fallen many years ago providing a perfect place to stop and rest. They sat themselves down saying nothing as John bade them to remain silent and listen to the sounds of the forest creatures stirring awake.
     Birds chirping, the water flowing in the creek, squirrels scurrying up in the trees, rabbits rustling through the ferns, the screech of an owl off in the distance. "Listen..," John spoke in a hushed voice "The animals want to speak to you."