

Reason Simon

Neil Crenner

Published by Neil Crenner at Smashwords

Copyright 2011 Neil Crenner

Smashwords Edition

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Chapitre 1

"Photography is a personal thing!"

Trevor Chace was declaring. Reason Simon sat listening to him silently. He was used to all the nouveau artists that came in ever so often to try to pawn off their work as art. Reason Simon had a good eye with the camera lens, but his 'personal thing' came from a standpoint of function and profit. He did not really believe in photography as art, nor art as a form of self-expression like most people did. He did believe however that one could capture the beauty of something on film, frame it, and sell it, unlike most people who were schooled into believing that it was self-expression, art.

His work was taking pictures and selling them to publishers who in turn sold them to ad agencies: Stock Photography; it paid well. Taking still lifes was easy and fun. People called him to buy photos. It was also a means to travel once in awhile to capture these still lifes. Besides his knack for photography, he was also aware that he had an intuitive gift for recognizing a savant. Most of the time, their naivety just bored him.

He usually would let them spill their words while sitting behind his desk table all quiet and composed. He did not let on that he was not listening to them. He was just staring at their hair, their eyes, or their lips moving as they spoke. He was just sitting there and nodding his head in agreement all the while summing them up in his eyes, never listening to their dribble. And this latest dribbler was very naïve indeed, but nonetheless, he was a savant.

His name was Trevor Chace, a young man with brown hair cut short all over, one length. His eyes were that golden brown rarely seen and he had a few whiskers on his chin. He stood about five feet ten inches and about 160 pounds.

He was chatting away about something unaware that Reason was looking just past the moment, seeing a few minutes into the future... Seeing Trevor walk to his car, very disappointed from hearing Reason's words, 'You just don't have the kind of work I display in my gallery.' Seeing Trevor being struck by a truck moments after pulling away from the curb. Seeing Trevor hit the window fracturing his skull. Seeing...

The vision ended. He felt numb. He blinked for a moment as he kept staring at Trevor Chace, all the while appearing to still be listening. He wanted to say out loud, "Please, STOP!" Yet he didn't. He wanted to make this vision go away, bury it away from his mind, but he couldn't. The violence of it all bothered him.

Reason thought the vision was similar to dreaming in a sense, you are watching and aware of something happening, but you can't control it. The part of your brain that controls logic has fallen asleep, yet the visual gray matter is always awake, and continues to function as you sleep. Chronological timing is wrong in your dream and you can't figure out why. The vision was a brief moment.

"Dreadful!" Reason thought. Trevor Chace would fracture his skull, and then have some brain damage, possibly affecting his motor skills to the point of paralysis. This would surely affect his work, if it did not stop him altogether. He had wished that Trevor Chase had never come into his gallery this afternoon. If this vision were to happen in the next few minutes, he would have to stop it. He had to step in, right now.

"Did you have a childhood?" he interrupted Trevor.

"Oh yes a very happy one!" Trevor Chace said enthusiastically. Reason had omitted the word happy on purpose wanting to know if Trevor was listening, but apparently he wasn't as he began to talk about the time when he was ten years old and his family took a month long trip to Oklahoma leaving the California suburbia, the full horror.

Trevor Chace apparently had a pat answer for this question, naming off several different events that made his childhood happy. When in all truth it was probably not. Two divided by zero is still zero. It is odd how people remember only the good from the past sometimes?

Reason stopped listening. His question was just to keep Trevor chatting a few moments longer to give him time to think of what to do, to keep him from being in this horrible accident from the vision. Alas, he never tried to change the future before, it might make it worse.

Trevor Chace finished speaking abruptly. There was silence. 'Maybe he realized I am not listening?' Reason thought. Regardless, he was so glad that Trevor had stopped his chatter. Now it was his turn to talk.

He began, "Why don't you go take a walk up the street, take your time, window shop, come back in about a half hour or so? While you do that I will call a friend of mine who has a gallery on the other side of town? He is always having exhibits for new artists. Now do you have about 15 to 20 pieces to show?" This time he was stepping in and changing the future and not just a few seconds, but an entire half hour.

"Well no, not yet, but I am working on it. I could be ready in a couple of weeks. At the most three weeks."

"Well don't rush yourself. He may be booked up for a couple of months. He gets some interesting work in there, all kinds of art, as well. I think he would like your work."

Trevor smiled at this. "If only I could get a break and sell a few pieces. That would be fantastic!" he said with great enthusiasm.

"I will make some fresh coffee while you are out strolling. Do you like coffee?"

"Oh yes, I would love to have some coffee with you." At this, Trevor grinned widely, "Well that sounds lovely, how can I ever thank you Mr. Reason?"

"Now now, it hasn't happened yet. So let's just wait and see, and it's just Reason."

Trevor Chace smiled and said that he would be back in about half-hour. As he left, Reason acted as though he was calling his friend by picking up the phone and beginning to dial the number. As soon as the door closed, he hung up the phone and quickly walked to the back of the gallery to make some fresh coffee. He didn't want to be out in the front of the gallery if it happened.

The gallery was a large rectangular building, built in the 1930's, with marble facing below the street windows. The front area had granite floors and four faux walls erected in a circular design to display artwork. There were three large antique glass chandeliers that provided a contrast to the contemporary art he displayed, his la photographie modern as he called it.

In the rear was his studio, fairly large and open, with a nice size office and bathroom, tub included. Reason had purchased the building a few years back from a friend who was retiring and moving to Palm Springs, California. He loved his gallery, and he loved his coffee.

He was just pouring the distilled water into the coffee maker when he heard a loud crash from the front of the store. He suddenly got chills. His vision had come true.

Colbert looked up at him with her wrinkled forehead and sleepy eyes. His mother had given her to him for Christmas one year. She was really more company than Reason could ever wish for, and this beige Shari Pei was his companion most of the time. She had a beautiful disposition, wrinkles and all, and truly loved her master and people in general.

He brought her to work with him every day and she kept him company. At the moment, she had laid her head back down and was off sleeping again, her wrinkled tail slightly wagging back and forth. "Silly dog," Reason said aloud.

'Now back to the present situation,' he said to himself. He knew that he had changed the future for now, but had fate really just been pushed away for the moment? "Live only in the moment," he said to himself. Only time would tell.

He heard the front door abruptly opened and then Trevor calling out to him, "Reason, Reason!"

Hearing the hailing, Reason quickly walked to the front of the gallery. "What's the matter? Why are you shouting? What was that noise?" Reason asked with a tone of fear in his voice. He almost laughed out loud thinking about what he had just asked so dramatically.

Reason paused and looked at Trevor who was silent. Reason stood there standing his five foot nine inches tall with broad shoulders and a solid waist. His brown wavy hair, in need of a cut, fell down on his forehead as his green eyes opened wide with anticipation giving him a disheveled look of surprise.

"A truck ran the red light and crashed into a car which spun around and hit the curb where I was standing, waiting to cross. If I had stepped out, I would have been hit by that car. I can't believe it, two seconds earlier and I would be seeing my maker."

Reason looked surprise at this statement. "Was this guy a believer? Who would make a statement like that without having some measure of faith?" he pondered.

Trevor stood there, his arms crossed, rubbing his elbows as he stared at the door. He was shaking by what had just happened. "I could have lost my life, right out there in the street, right out in front of your gallery," he added.

"You didn't though, did you? You were missed. Now let's go in the back and sit down, I hear the sirens coming already. I made some fresh coffee."

Trevor followed Reason into the back of the gallery and sat down on a large low white moderne sofa. Colbert jumped up on the sofa and sat next to Trevor.

"Hey there pooch," he said rubbing her head, "Oh, you're so sweet."

This distracted him in a good way Reason thought. "That's Colbert, she's my buddy," he explained as he poured the coffee, added milk and sweetener, and then handed the cup to Trevor.

"Oh I want a Shar-Pei!" he said as he took the cup and sipped the brew slowly. It was hot and soothing. He was still shaking.

Reason sat down on the ottoman in front of the sofa, he put his hand on Trevor's hand. "Now relax. It's okay, you're all right. You weren't hit." He had touched him to see if he might see another vision, to see if anything else would happen to him, but he couldn't focus. Touching someone didn't always help him have a vision.

He needed to relax himself, he needed to sit and drink his cup of coffee. This was the only way that he could see the future; just let it flow out of him, without trying to force it. 'Trevor would have been the one hit if he hadn't stepped in,' he thought to himself.

Trevor finished his coffee in silence. "That was good coffee," he finally said. "I feel better now. I almost forgot about the accident watching Colbert here. She is so sweet. I can see she is a loving dog. How long have you had her?"

"I think she's about four years old now. She is such a little sweetheart. Spoiled rotten, but she's worth it." Reason said as he scratched under Colbert's small ears.

"Well I should go now. I am taking up too much of your time. Here is my business card, printed them myself," he said pulling the card from his top pocket. "If you reach your friend, give me a call. I have an answering machine as well."

Reason was surprised that Trevor had business cards, the young tart. "Okay, so you feel better now?" he asked as he took the card glancing down at it.

Trevor nodded his head up and down as he replied, "Oh yes, just a little shook up. I'll be fine."

"You can stay as long as you like. I am not going to close up for awhile."

"Really I am fine now.''

"Good, I am so glad that you weren't hurt. It's amazing how a few seconds can change your entire future."

Trevor looked at Reason and cocked his head.

"Now don't think a thing of it," Reason said.

"I shant now."

"Good, now get going. When I hear from Joe, I'll give you a call."

"Thanks again. Bye Colbert, bye sweetie, I'll see you soon," and he was gone.

Reason sighed as he spoke to Colbert, "Now what have I done? Maybe one more chance for such a nice guy, and by the way, he liked you Colbert. I'll call him next week to see if he is still alive," he said carelessly rubbing Colbert's head.

"Boy what time is it? I am bushed." He looked at the moderne clock sitting on his desk, four thirty-five.

"Colbert let's go home." At this, Colbert stood up and stretched her slim body. She jumped down off of the sofa, shook her entire body, and was ready to go. Reason closed up the shop and was out the back door in a matter of minutes.

It was early, but he was his own boss, he could close shop early. "We'll stop and get Thai food on the way home," he said to Colbert as she jumped into the Jaguar XJS. "I am craving duck with yellow curry." He sped off.

Chapitre 2

30 minutes later.

When Reason arrived at home, he was physically exhausted and needed to rest.

His entire being felt completely drained of all energy. He had closed the gallery a little early for this reason. The clairvoyance always made him feel this way. He wanted to forget what he had seen, but that was not easy.

Colbert was hungry so he feed her first: a cup of lamb and rice dry dog food mixed with half a can of lamb and rice and a splash of distilled water. She loved this concoction. He mixed it a few times and placed it on her table for Colbert, who began to eat it like it was her last meal. Then he opened the doggy door for her.

He went to the living room to eat his Duck with yellow curry and look at the evening news. Colbert would eat and then go out in the back yard, she would come back in awhile and come searching for him. She always had to be at his feet.

Reason finished eating a little over half of the food and went back into the kitchen to put away the food and clean up Colbert's dish. Reason went to the bedroom and laid down on his bed, he fell asleep.

2 a.m.

Reason awoke in the dark room. Colbert was laying there next to him near his feet. She wagged her tail and then snorted and returned to sleep. He was warm and needed water. His body felt sluggish and his mind was fuzzy.

He fumbled on the side of the bed to grab the cord switch to the nightlight on the square table that was beside his bed. This would help him adjust his eyes to the light with as little discomfort as possible.

When he was about to get up from the bed, he fell back as he saw something in the corner of the room. Darkness surrounded him, then his eyes saw a flash of light and he was watching a man walking to the edge of his bed and talking to him.

He was a very handsome man, with blue eyes and a full face. He was speaking about some boat that was being rocked back and forth. He was showing how he had wedged his arm against the side of the boat to hold himself on the bed as the boat rocked and the rain poured down. He had a soft voice and looked as though he was right in Reason's room, sitting on his bed.

Reason couldn't see himself in the vision, but he must be in it. Who else would be lying in his bed? Where was Colbert? There she was at his feet. This man kept speaking about the storm and how it was so fun, if you tied down your boat well. When he started to ask this man his name, the vision ended and Reason was alone his bed, Colbert asleep still near the foot of the bed.

He felt as though he was having a heart attack. He felt like all the blood had rushed to his head and he just couldn't get his breath. The feeling he was having was like shock. It felt great, but he was getting anxious beyond normal. He had never experienced this kind of feeling after a vision. Maybe it really was a heart attack. He had never had two visions so close to one another either.

Who was the man he was having a vision about? He had never had one without seeing the person first. Now how could he have had this vision about this stranger who he had never met? Everything was all fuzzy and he couldn't think. He was reviewing the vision backwards and could still see the man sitting on his bed. He had nice full lips, a square jaw and a soothing voice. His voice was so enticing, so gentle and loving.

His eyes were staring into Reason's line of view, and he really felt like this man was someone he was going to know. When would it happen? His thoughts were still unclear and anxiety was building up inside of him still.

He arose from the bed and stumbled to the hall. He found the light switch and flipped it on; Colbert awoke, wagging her tail, she kept her eyes closed. The bright light hurt his eyes and he closed them shut. He flipped the switch again. He went down the hall towards the kitchen, where there was a nightlight that came on automatically when it got dark, he could barely glimpse it.

He filled a glass with distilled water from glass jug in the fridge. He drank it down completely making himself take it to the very last gulp. His throat hurt after this and his stomach ached. His thirst was gone, but now he felt queasy.

He stumbled back down the hall fumbling for the air conditioning controls, he found it in the dim light and knowing where it was, flipped on the air. He then fumbled down the hall to the bedroom and flopped on the bed.

Colbert had moved closer to him, pushing up against his leg, she had to be next to him, touching him. He fell asleep and did not awake until the morning.

Friday morning.

Reason lay in bed, covered up to his neck. The air conditioning had cooled down the house dramatically and even Colbert was snuggled under the covers. He wondered if he had created this second vision from his "stepping in" yesterday. He remembered the vision of the man talking to him, but he was losing the memory of what the man looked like. It was vaguer since last night and he wondered why did he have it, because he stepped in? It bothered him, but he would put it on the back burner for now, and later he would ponder about it.

He got up and made coffee. He switched off the air conditioning and then fed Colbert while the coffee brewed. The vision was still stuck in his head but the image of the man was even vaguer than when he first awoke. He poured the coffee into the mug that already had the milk and sweetener in it and went and sat at the table.

He had grabbed the newspaper from porch earlier and saw how beautiful the morning was. Today was a beautiful day and he wanted to enjoy it. He sat at the table and drank the coffee, reading about the headlines of the day and then the weather, sunny and 74F. Perfect he thought. He poured another cup and drank it slowly trying to wake up, he felt groggy from all the sleep he had. A shower later would wake him up.

9 a.m.

He took a long shower, then primped for awhile and casually dressed. He poured one more cup of coffee and then went off to work, Colbert in tow. He felt so good inside about the day. The sky was a brilliant blue and there was a feeling in the air; it thrilled him and he wanted to grasp it, feel it.

When he got to the gallery, he would have a Sale. The thought just popped into his mind. He drove along listening to the classical music playing on the radio, all the windows rolled down allowing the breeze to encompass the interior of the vehicle, giving it a sensation of wind being swept up to the skies.

When Reason arrived at work, he immediately opened all the shutters to let the sun's rays shine in. He was so fond of doing this in the morning, especially on such a beautiful day. Colbert went to her bed in the back and fell into a deep dog sleep; she would wake up later and want to go for a walk. He had started to make coffee when the phone rang. He wondered who it could be as he picked up the phone. "Good Morning," Reason said gaily.

"Hey Reason, what's going on?" It was Joe Handel, the friend who owned the gallery, Don-Janies, the West End Girls, across town. Reason met him a few years back via the gallery circle and found him to be pleasant and outgoing. He was fun to be around.

"Oh hey there Joe, I was just about to call you."

"Well I looked at my Caller ID and saw that you telephoned yesterday afternoon, pretty late too."

"I did? Oh yes I did."

"Well who else would have called me from your gallery?"

"Well I had this young nouveau artist in here yesterday and I was going to send him over to your place, but as I was calling you, I got interrupted, so I hung up the phone before I could leave a message."

What is he talking about? Reason thought, he never dialed the number, and at least he didn't think that he had. He just played if off though and pretty good too he thought to himself.

"Well what's him name? Is he cute? Tell me about him."

"Yes he's cute in that sense, not my type. He did have his own unique style." Reason held back for a moment. "He gave me his card, how about we go out to dinner soon?"

"Okay, sometime next week. So he was cute?"

"Yes, your type completely."

"David is my type right now."

"Glad to hear you haven't suffocated him yet."

"Anyway, what kind of art did he have?" Joe segued.

"Some dark photography, kind of ghastly at first sight, but then when I looked at it I saw that he does have some talent."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes I am sure."

"Well good then. I'll have him bring in some of his work by and I will be the judge. You are too easy on some of these boys."

"I know that he has talent, raw, but it was there and I am only easy if he's showing it at your place."

"Okay then. I will let you know when we can get together later today."

"How's everything else?"

"Oh, fine, I met some really nice guys last week here at one of my shows."

"Oh yes, the shows always bring in the men." Joe Handel loved men, but apparently he could not keep his hands on one for very long.

"Whatever works," Joe said with some glee in his voice. "I will tell you all about it over dinner. I have another call, later." Joe hung up.

Reason hung up the phone without saying goodbye. I am sure that I didn't dial the number yesterday. That seems so odd to me, but now it was time for his mission to sale "life as art" at a cheap price. What a remarkable day! He cranked up the classical music a tad louder on the surround sound.

Many people did stroll in and out just to window shop. Reason was so pleased by this, as he believed that he had caused all of these people to casually move along with life and make it into his gallery. Someone even inquired about the photo of the Lighthouse on the bluffs. Reason said with a big grin, "Oh that one's not for sale. I'm sorry."

"Oh!" was the reply. The man apparently a bit taken back quickly left the gallery.

"Colbert, don't people just love a sale, especially at a gallery and especially when the art is current, fresh and real, or real cheap?" He sold several pieces that he had had for some time, but could not manage to sell before. Maybe he had done this with his stepping in.

What other effects would happen if he initiated some innocent gestures? Reason wondered. Maybe he could change things always for the better. He had never really given this much thought before now, because most of the time he pondered how he would make things turn out worse. He was amazed at this very simple revelation that just occurred to him.

He had to put on a Pet Shop Boys song, "One Thing Leads to Another." He had to play it loudly and he did. It was near the end of the day, he would relax all day tomorrow, no errands, and no chores. Just lounge around the pool, sleep in late and stay on the sofa watching old movies. He needed to rest this weekend. Maybe even go to Temple.

Chapitre 3

Monday morning.

The car parked out in front of his place was this old 1950's limo that was this behemoth, the hood was missing and it had all these cats sitting on top of it. He walked around and could see his car, the doors both wide open, toilet paper strewn all over the place, they had even left several rolls laying there unused. He went around the corner and he didn't recognize his place, it had been remodeled and built outwards. He must be on the wrong street. He started to walk back to his car.

The phone rang and Reason awoke from his dream, he reached over and picked it up. "Hello," he said in his morning voice. "Oh sorry wrong number," the voice said abruptly and was gone. He put the receiver back down on the cradle and turned over on his side, he wanted to go back to sleep. He lay in bed for a while, not moving. Not going back to sleep.

The dream he replayed in his mind, how odd it was. Last night he drank too much Chardonnay and had forgotten to take some melatonin before going to bed. Now his head hurt and he was burning up. He rarely drank 2 bottles by himself, but last night there was a good old Bette Davis movie on, Now Voyager, and he somehow finished off 2 bottles. He laid there for a while longer but couldn't go back to sleep.

"Well Colbert, I guess it's time to get up." Colbert was still sleeping down at the end of the bed, under the cover. She didn't budge. He dragged himself out of bed and headed for the bathroom. A cool shower would wake him, or at least cool him down. After the shower, he dressed all in cotton, and then took off for some breakfast. Colbert didn't wake up. "You can stay home today then," he told her as he left.

Reason headed for Main Street to the bagel place to get something salty. He hated anything hot when he had a hangover. It was like making his body temperature higher than it already was, which was pretty miserable. His brain refused to allow him to drink anything hot. That meant no coffee, unless it was iced-coffee. However, he was craving an ice-cold diet soda. The carbonation would go to his head and he'd feel better soon. He needed it bad.

"Finally," he said as he pulled up to bagel store, "It felt like it took forever to get here." Before he got out of the car, he grabbed some coins from the cubby hole left of the steering wheel, he always liked having the exact change with him. Then he closed his eyes and looked up to the sky for a moment. This always helped somehow. He sighed and then opened his eyes, readjusting to the light. Now to have breakfast, it matters the most.

Reason stepped into the bagel shop craving a jalapeno bagel with sun dried-tomato cream cheese and an extra large diet coke. This would satisfy his salt craving. He wanted to be completely refreshed from resting all weekend, but then he drank the wine. Next week he would be wiser.

He stood in line looking around at the people sitting eating bagels and drinking coffee here in suburbia. They all looked so awake. He envied them a bit. He wanted to be awake this morning.

Reason noticed the man standing in line just ahead of him and he looked so handsome from the back. Reason sized him up: let's see broad shoulders and a large defined back, he works out. Nice derrière, not too big or too wide, he must workout, nice thick legs and big calves. A nice package altogether. Maybe he's even more handsome from the front he thought. His blonde hair was very thick and cut short, a large neck as well. He couldn't see his feet.

Who could this man be? He pondered. He was curious now. The man's turn was up at the counter and Reason could hear what he ordered: "A bagel, toasted dark with butter and a large coffee, please."

"The man's voice was low and soft, another plus. Reason stood there waiting anxiously for him to finish so he could catch a glimpse of what he looked like from the front. The man turned and stepped aside, glancing around towards Reason and their eyes meet for a second. Reason was waiting for what seemed like an eon to see what this man looked like from the front.

When his eyes met the man's, he was awestruck. They were the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen. His face had perfect features and he was just the right height, his exact height. The second was gone and the man turned and walked over to the window and stood. Reason was taken aback by what just happened and he felt a trembling in his voice when he ordered his bagel and extra large diet soda. That glance just made him melt. Did the man have some power over me? he pondered.

He finished paying and stepped aside; the next customer in line walked up to the counter and started ordering a dozen bagels. 'Better not let this one go,' Reason thought. 'The time is now.' He casually walked over to where the man was standing next to the window, very nonchalantly.

The man turned towards Reason, "Hey there," nodding his head at the same time. Reason was in shock. This guy is great, he broke the ice first. His heart was pounding and he was having the rush of a lifetime.

"Hey there to you," he replied. The man extended his hand towards Reason, "Didier Gautier, a pleasure to meet you?"

"Reason Simon," he uttered stumbling over his tongue. He was so surprised by the sudden introduction he couldn't remember his own name. His mind new his hand was moving towards Didier, but it seemed like it was in slow motion. Finally he felt a grip. Squeeze your hand, he told himself. He tried as hard as he could, but his hand felt so weak. Didier's hand was so soothing and firm. Reason couldn't let go. He was gazing straight into Didier's blue eyes, lost in a handshake. He felt Didier let go, but his hand wouldn't let go, he squeezed it one more time and Didier again squeezed. He finally let go.

Didier smiled. Reason was a little embarrassed realizing they must have been holding hands for more than a few seconds. He looked around to see if anyone was watching them and to his relief all the patrons were busy eating and chatting away, all in their own worlds. He turned back to Didier, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Do you come here often?"

"Well, no, this is the first time I've been to this bagel shop. I was in the area looking at a project of mine, just down on South La Cumbra Road. I'm an architect," he said so smoothly without sounded like one was blowing his own horn.

"Well they have great bagel's here. So what project were you looking at?" Reason asked just to keep the conversation going.

"Like I said, I was looking at the office building over on South La Cumbra Road I designed. It's under construction," Didier started, "It's a new solar building." He grinned with this statement and his eyes narrowed.

Reason new there was a connection between them. He didn't realize that Didier said it twice. He smiled, "I have a gallery down the street." As he finished this statement, they called out Didier's order.

"That's my order," Didier uttered matter-of-factly and walked over to the pick-up counter. Reason just stood there still in shock.

'I can't let this man go, but how do I re-approach him?' He pondered.

Didier turned and headed back towards Reason. "Well it was nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Reason loved saying this, "I am having a sale today, at my gallery. Why don't you stop by later this afternoon?" He got it out: an open invitation.

"Well I just might take you up on that invite. I'll have to check my schedule. What's the name of your gallery and where is it?"

Reason pulled out a business card from his wallet and handed to him. "Here's my card."

"La Photographie Moderne," Didier read the card very quietly. "Okay, I'll stop by later. It was a pleasure to meet you Reason Simon." He grinned when he said this, showing a row of perfect white teeth.

"The pleasure was all mine," Reason uttered and they shook hands once again, nodding at one another. This time though he was aware of time and made it just a brief couple of seconds.

"See you later," Reason said with a big smile and Didier walked away and was gone in just a matter of seconds. Reason sighed. He was glowing, beaming in fact. On cloud nine. He heard his order called and picked it up and practically ran out the bagel shop to hurry to his gallery. In his car, he was in a state of pure bliss. It's like walking on a cloud of air. I am going to have this feeling all day and I won't let it go. Love comes quickly. Chance meetings are grand, hangover or not.

Chapitre 4

That afternoon a breeze had picked up just after one o'clock.

The sky was a canvas of deep blue. Reason wasn't planning to continue the Sale another day, but he had to now. Didier was coming by later, and he had to keep it truthful. He propped open the door to let the breeze into the gallery, "Opportunities, let's make lots of money Colbert," Reason said as he walked around the gallery.

Colbert was awake and milling around like she always did, staring here and there. He had gone home at lunch and picked her up. Before he opened, he spent several minutes that morning re-pricing various pieces around the gallery and figured that his labor would not be in vain writing short one liner quips under the amounts. He had sold some small and medium photos earlier in the day he was so excited about seeing Didier again that he needed some patrons milling around just to distract him throughout the day, and the Sale did bring them in once again.

Reason hoped that when Didier stopped in they would get to talk some more and not just say "Hi" and "Bye". He wondered about the vision again. Was Didier the man in it? He really couldn't say it was Didier, but they both had blonde hair. He knew that. He couldn't remember the man in the vision. What a coincidence if he was. It must be fate he thought. What else could it be? He did something good by stepping in and saving Trevor Chace and now he was being rewarded. It seemed too fantastic to believe? It made Reason feel good.

There was a time in his life when he was so afraid of his gift. Nowadays, well, he was still afraid of the things he saw, but he took it all with a grain of salt. Everyone is born, lives their life and dies. Was there anyway of cheating death? Time would tell, especially for Trevor Chase.

He was sitting at his desk in the back office and he heard the bell on the front door ring. It was a brass bell and small hammer that Reason had connected via a series of pulleys, which would bend a rubber stick at the top of the door as it was being opened. The door was heavy and therefore had to be opened at a much slower velocity than the new moderne aluminum doors on the strip malls down the street. This would pull up a small hammer to a certain height, which then would slip off and fall striking the small brass bell. Reason was very proud of his door bell.

Reason's heart began to race as he suspected that this might be Didier coming in. It was just after 4:45 and Reason knew it must be Didier. He didn't want to rush out there and seem like he was desperate. He stood there for a moment and took in a deep breath and allowed it to slowly leave his lungs. He had goose bumps, and he shivered in his body. This was it. He walked out into the room. There was Didier, his heart raced, pounding, pounding. He looked even more handsome than he remembered. Sometimes he actually would forget what a person looked like after just one meeting. He had a concept of their looks, but the details were fuzzy.

Now Didier was standing looking at a black and white photo of a beautiful beach and in the background a beautiful cliff with a lighthouse sitting atop it. This pleased him as he had taking the photo himself one summer a few years back. Reason just stood there gazing upon what was the most beautiful man to come into his life. 'I found him, now what?' He thought. Dating would be a good thing, soon. He was lost in thought as Didier turned to look at the far wall and saw Reason.

"Hello there," Didier said with a smile.

"Hello to you, Didier."

"What a beautiful day it was, just like this photo."

"Yes, it was a beautiful day," Reason replied.

"I hated being cooped up in that office all day looking over blueprints."

"I hated you being cooped up too. I am so glad you had a chance to come by."

"Well I told you I would come by. Is it too late?"

"Not at all, I was just doing some paperwork in the back. I do stock photography for various clients. I am glad you came by." Reason tried to say this without sounding overzealous, but he felt the nervousness in his voice and his hand was shaking and he put it behind his back.

"This is a nice gallery you have here. I love this old building. Have you had it long?"

"I have been here just about four years now. Come look around, you may find something you like." Reason said.

"I will if you give me a guided tour." Didier said with a smile. "I don't know very much about photography. I did take a couple of art classes in college, but that was awhile back."

"Well if you like something, then that's all that matters. It's not really art unless you think it is."

"It's not," Didier asked with surprise.

"It's a personal thing. Everyone sees it from their viewpoint, or their life point. Everyone has a unique perspective. It's like looks, the one who beholds." Reason just merrily spoke as if he truly believed what he was talking about, although he was just really having fun and he would tell Didier later how he felt about his work, when he knew him a little more intimately. He really was on cloud nine.

"I see, well did you take all these yourself? Some of them are very nice."

"No, not all, I showcase some artists, every now and then. Ads some flavor to the fusion. I usually like the moderne pieces. Some people love nature or architecture. I like more abstract. But I don't like crazy or loud."

"I see," Didier replied. "I like the moderne myself. The buildings that I design are usually moderne, especially when it is using solar and other ecological features. Have you heard of Frank Lloyd Wright?"

"Yes I love his designs. I would live in any of his houses. I got to see one first hand in Chicago, a couple of years ago. It was magnificent, a true master piece."

"Which one was it?"

"The Wellington House, it's not huge, but still extraordinary."

"Yes, that place is extraordinary. I would like to see it myself one day. So which ones have you taken?"

"Oh let's talk about you. Being an architect must be fun, designing buildings. Do you design homes too?"

"Not any lately, a big grand estate would be fun."

"I see." He picked up on Didier's statement earlier. "So how long have you lived in the area? Are you a local?"

"I have been living here in Santa Barbara over one year. Where are you from?"

"I was born and raised here in California. Southern, but I moved up here about 4 years ago when I bought this building. I love it. My parents live just about 4 hours down the coast in Palm Springs. They are retired. I like being close to them."

"So when do you want to go out?" Didier asked without any warning. Reason was flabbergasted.

"What about se soir?" Reason said without thinking. "Is that too soon?"

"I was very surprised to run into you this morning at the bagel shop."

"Likewise," Reason said.

"I have been thinking about you all day," Didier admitted.

"Well then I think tonight would be good then." Reason said. He was in shock again. Didier had been thinking about him all day. What a relief, it's mutual.

"I was just admiring this photo here."

"I noticed."

"Do you know the artist personally?"

"Oh yes. It is I."

"Oh really, so where was this taken?"

"I was in a small town on the coast, a bed and breakfast actually and decided to take a drive one morning. It was so beautiful, the fog and the light drizzle that was falling. I hopped in the car with my camera and just drove. After a few miles I came to an opening and pulled off the road. I made my way down to the beach and started walking. After awhile, I came upon that lighthouse. It was so tranquil and mysterious. The sun came out and it was a beautiful day, so I took several photos of it. In one, there was a figure at the door, I couldn't make it out. However, that's another story. Anyway, so you like it?"

"Oh yes, I love it. I would actually like to see it in person some day."

"Well maybe that could happen. Until then, would you like to have it?"

"Oh yes, I would love it. How much is it?"

"For you Didier, it's only $500.00."

Didier's eyes opened wide. "Wow, I didn't know that photography was so expensive. I guess you'll have to keep it for now." He kind of shrugged after saying this.

"I am just being a tart. In reality, it's not for sale. However, I would like you to have it. It's the best photo out of all of them that I took.

"Oh, I see. Wow, you really had me going there. I was just about to leave. That price scared me."

"I am sorry; I just like to have fun sometimes. If I gave the photo to you, would you take it?"

"Well I couldn't just take it. I would have to pay you something for it?"

"Well how much do you want to give me for it?"

"Let me think for a second. Okay, how about if I just take it."

"That's what I wanted to hear. I'll wrap it up for you."

"Oh, that's not necessary."

"Oh yes it is. Trust me."

As Reason walked over to take the photo off the wall, he brushed up against Didier. His eyes saw black. Soon a vision flowed through him of Didier hammering a nail on the wall and missing it, hitting his finger, breaking it. In a blink, it was over.

"Do you plan to hang this photo tonight?"

"Well yes. Why?" Didier asked with enthusiasm. "If I don't hang it up tonight, then I will never hang it up. It will be a project for tonight."

"Don't hang it with a nail and hammer." Reason paused, "How about if I hang it for you?"

"Well that sounds great. Would you like to come over around six o'clock tonight? Then we will go to dinner afterwards."

Reason was all too excited to hear this and just nodded and smiled, "Sure. I would love too. Shall I bring it when I come or would you like to take it with you now?"

"You can bring it."

"Superb."

"Well let me write my address down for you. I like to give directions without any landmarks, only the streets that you take. Would that be all right with you?"

"Oh yes. I prefer those kinds of directions." Reason said with joy in his voice.

"Then dinner afterwards?" Didier asked.

"That sounds good to me. Is there any particular cuisine or restaurant that you like?"

"There's a smart little bistro around the corner from me. I think you might like it."

"Always willing to try something new," Reason replied. As long as I am with you, I don't care what we're eating.

"Here's my address and phone number. I will see you around six. Is that a good time for you?"

"Yes it is."

"Great. I will see you then."

Didier grabbed Reasons hand this time and held it tight, "I liked your hand shake this morning," then let go, "See you at six." He smiled, turned and walked out the door. The bell rang again. Reason went to his office and sat the photograph against the desk and then sat down on his sofa. His body was weak from all the excitement. He felt so blissful. It couldn't be happening to him this quickly. He just laid there and took slow deep breaths. He stared at the photo and said 'thank you for making my day.' He would be stepping in again, soon too. Opportunities, reprise.

Chapitre 5

Almost 4:45 p.m. as Reason was getting out of the shower.

He was still in shock about what had transgressed during just one day in his life. He was meeting with a handsome man to hang a photo that he himself took. He would be having some savory food later on with a man he just met. What a day!

"Colbert, now you behave while I am out on a date. Yes a date. Can you believe it?" He would talk to Colbert as if she understood him like a human. Maybe she did.

He didn't ever spend more than ten minutes in the bathroom before a date, but this was an exception. He shaved twice in the shower, trimmed his nails and toe nails. He conditioned his hair and brushed his teeth an extra minute. He had given himself a clay mask before getting into the shower.

He popped some blackheads on his forehead and then applied some expensive toner all over after the shower. He put some cologne on his chest and rubbed it in and made sure his ears were dry and hair free. He trimmed his sideburns too. He combed his hair and then messed it up just a bit. Didn't want to look to collegiate.

He had just bought a new pair of walking shorts and a Hawaiian shirt last week. This would be a great chance to sport them, and he could show of his sexy legs, weather permitting or not. He was finished dressing in less than an hour and decided to put on some more cologne, the one that his mother had given to him for his birthday last year, just a splash on the neck and wrists. That way when you talked with your hands, you would leave a trail of a beautiful scent. This one was very fresh and subtle. He loved cologne. When people hugged you they always could smell your cologne and then they would tell you how great you smelled, and then you would smile.

He was out the door and driving towards Didier's house. It all seemed surreal to him. Could it be happening he wondered? Well it was and he had better enjoy it.

He turned on the radio; a classical music station was set on the dial. This would sooth his mind. He had looked at the directions and memorized the turns. This would make it easier to find Didier's place, especially at night. Five turns later he came to a small Bungalow style house on a tree-lined street. This was very nice he thought to himself, moderne for its time.

He had brought a bottle of Petite Syrah. He didn't know what Didier drank, even if he drank at all. Hopefully he did drink red wine. He also had his camera in the trunk and if the opportunity arose, he would pull it out. He almost forgot that he was a photographer while he drove along. How absurd that was? Or was it the feeling of meeting someone knew and it was mutual and so sweet?

He passed the house and did a u-turn at the next corner; he pulled up to the curb in front of the house and got out. Reason felt butterflies in his stomach. It must be right he thought. He grabbed the photo from the back seat and exited the car. When Didier answered the door, he was so up and friendly. "Hello again, I see you did wrap the photo, very nice brown paper too."

Reason smiled at this, "Yes I did," and handed it to Didier. He was so comfortable with the words he spoke.

"Come in, come in," inviting Reason in. He allowed Reason to enter and then leaned in and hugged him a brief moment. Reason liked this. "Have a seat and make yourself comfortable. What would you like to drink?" Reason sat down on the sofa, a dark one, in the living room. Reason had forgotten the wine in his car.

"Well I'll have what you're having," Reason always wanted to be agreeable on the first meeting and modest.

"I was having a San Pellegrino with a lemon twist on the rocks. Do you like sparkling water?"

"Oh yes. I drink San Pellegrino, with a lemon twist on the rocks." He was being agreeable again, no matter what.

"I'll be right back." Didier disappeared down the hall. Reason had wished that he hadn't forgotten the wine. Now he would have a bottle to drink when he got home.

There was some soft ambient music playing from somewhere in the background. It was very translucent, it had a drifting feeling. He felt like he was in a Tibetan palace halfway around the world. The lights were not too bright and he felt very cozy in this new place. He was just sitting on a dark sofa gazing around the room looking at Didier's décor, not bad at all, subtle industrial décor, and then Didier was back with the water.

"Here you go." He handed it to Reason, and as he did, he felt Didier's hand brush against his.

"Thank you." Reason took the water and sipped it. "Ah." It was refreshing. It was a loud sigh Reason thought to himself, but very refreshing indeed.

"So was it easy to find your way here with my directions?" Didier asked matter-of-factly. He sat down on the sofa next to Reason a safe distance between them. He was beaming, Reason thought. He wore some khaki shorts and a button up print shirt. He looked handsome and fresh.

"Oh yes, very easy actually and I memorized the streets and turns before I started." Reason felt it was his turn, "You have a very nice home. I love the décor."

"Well thank you. I try not to go over the top with it. I love being an architect, and this room, this entire house is quite an accomplishment for its time. So, I like the décor to contrast with it, metal against wood."

"You did a very nice job." Reason said.

"Yes I think I did."

Reason couldn't believe how he could make statements like that and not sound so full of himself, just agreeable.

"Well after I left your gallery, I stopped in at the hardware store and picked up some picture hangers. I then came home, took a short nap and that felt great. It was just a 20-minute shuteye. It makes me feel refreshed for the rest of the day." Didier was rattling on. Reason could tell he was projecting an air of interest, but still being slightly aloof. He just was that way.

"I must admit I brought a bottle of wine and forgot it in the car. I had to take the picture out of the back seat and all my attention was directed at doing that."

"Well go get it and we shall have a glass of wine before we go to dinner," Didier said with the kindest voice. "I will get two glasses from the dining room."

Reason got up and went out the door leaving it ajar. He was back in a flash and handing it to Didier. "Let's go in the dining room. Follow me." Didier said.

"I hope you like Petite Syrah; it's one of my favorite reds."

"Oh yes I do like it as well," Didier said as he began to open the bottle. "I also like a good Chardonnay."

"I see. Well did you decide where you would like to hang the photo?" Reason changed the subject.

"Oh yes, in my bedroom."

"Sounds like a good place to me."

"The best room in the house, you'll see."

"Now here you go," Didier poured the wine into the glass about a quarter of the way up and handed it to Reason. He poured another and sat the bottle on the table.

"Cheers, to new beginnings and beautiful art."

"Cheers!" Reason said as they touched glasses. They both took a drink and Reason new it was a great wine.

"Mmmm, very nice," Didier replied. "Shall we hang that picture?" Didier asked. He paused and leaned over and kissed Reason, just a nice short kiss. Very appropriate, Reason thought, he's showing me right away that he does like me in that way. You never know about a guy until he actually kisses you.

"Follow me handsome, bring the bottle." They walked through the house to the last doorway at the end of the hall. Reason stopped at the doorway and was amazed at how large the room was.

"Boy this room is huge!" he said showing his surprise.

"Well actually it used to be two rooms, small ones, and I had the wall knocked out and made it into one."

"You did a nice job; it looks as if it was built this way."

"I had it done actually, and remember, I am an architect," he winked at Reason after making this statement. Reason thought if I would have said that, it would have sounded way too corny.

"So where are we hanging the photo?"

Didier walked over to the far wall and pointed to a blank spot on it. "I thought right here would be a good place for it. So when I wake up every morning I can look at it." He paused and then said again, "It's such a great photo."

Reason smiled and without realizing said "Mochas gracias." Didier actually laughed at this and said, "De nada."

"Okay, where's the hammer and hooks?" Reason asked.

"Right over there," Didier said and went to the other side of the room to a small table next to the bed; he picked up a hammer and a brown paper bag.

"You hold the photo against the wall and I will direct you." Reason said matter-of-factly. Didier stopped for a moment, and then he turned and walked back over to where Reason was standing.

"Okay, sir." He said with a tone of laughter in it. He took the photo, which Reason had unwrapped already. Reason stood back against the bed as Didier held the photo up. "That's nice, how about a little lower. Lower. Lower. That looks great."

Most people just didn't know how to hang photos and usually tried to center it on the wall. Didier was agreeable and seemed like he trusted Reason's decision.

"You can move the photo now." Reason proceeded to hammer the nail and hook into the wall. He used two hooks. Didier said nothing. "There!" Reason hung the photo and it was actually just a little lower than where Didier was holding it before. However, after three 'Lowers,' how could he ask for another? He just took it on his own to hang it lower.

"Wow. That looks great. It really does look good lower."

Reason smiled. Didier had sat on the bed and was starring at it, "Come over here and look at it." Reason walked over to the bed and sat next to Didier, "Oh yes, it looks great." Didier grabbed Reason's hand and said gently, "Thank you for the photo and thank you again for being at the bagel shop this morning."

They both lay down on the bed, which was on a fifteen-inch frame, pretty high, their feet were dangling. This Reason saw as a nudge towards making out. Didier turned to Reason and pulled him close, their mouths met and he was in heaven. Didier's hard body felt good close to Reason's and he pulled closer to him. Reason felt so comfortable with this, and wanted to enjoy the closeness and the intimate kissing, but he didn't want to go all the way, just yet. He loved hugging and kissing this man absolutely completely. After about half an hour of this, he said, "Where's the bathroom? I would like to wash my hands."

"Oh down the hall, second door on your left."

In the bathroom.

"Whoa!" Reason sighed as he turned the water on, staring into the mirror. That was a narrow escape. Reason was just not going to let THAT spoil the evening, and the date, and the possibilities. This guy was a real catch, just so handsome and regular. No need to rush things. He finished up and went back into the bedroom. Didier was sitting up again gazing at the photo.

"Now when will I get to see this place in person? And what about the photo where you saw someone at the window? That's sounds interesting."

Reason wanted to take this opportunity to say, okay over dinner. However, he didn't want to seem like he was rushing him off. Was it rude to say that? He walked over to Didier and leaned close to his ear, "Let's not rush things."

"That's fine with me." They kissed and hugged again, knowing that had set up some parameter for now.

"How about I tell you all about the photo over a cup of hot coffee and some dessert?"

"That sounds great. However, I thought we were going to a café bistro restaurant?"

"Change of plans. I'm not real hungry now, but I feel like coffee and dessert. Really fantastic dessert too, the best you can imagine."

"Shall I drive or you?"

"You can drive; I'll navigate since I know where it's." Didier said with a low voice.

Boy that's a good idea, Reason thought. Now when they return he can just let him out and no chance for enticement. Unfortunately, this place was a bit of a drive and that would create some time to kill. It may even be awkward. Reason didn't want to hear any life stories on the way to coffee and dessert. Hmm. Reason sighed.

"Are you all right?" Didier asked politely.

"Oh yes I am. Just a sigh here and there is all. It relaxes me. Hmm," Reason sighed again and smiled. "The not rushing things, are you okay with that?"

"Oh yes, I am just so glad we met. I really like you and I want this to work out. So, yes, let's not rush things. We can take our time and then it will work out." Didier sounded sad.

"Hey, I like you Didier, and I am so glad that we met too. Don't worry, things will work out. I know they will," Reason said with confidence.

"I am glad to hear you say that because I want them too. More than you could imagine," Didier said softly.

"Kiss me you." Reason leaned over and kissed Didier and hugged him really tight.

"Hmmm, now I feel better," Didier said with a smile.

"Good, let's go."

They were in the car and traveling towards the downtown area. Reason was focusing his attention on his driving and obeying all traffic laws except the speed limit. He just wanted to get there a little faster. He did take off at a Didier-pace and slow down at one as well. If he were driving the speed limit, he thought, it would just be such a long awkward moment. He wondered if Didier must have been hurt before, and badly.

He had the classical music on just above speaking level and Didier seemed to be enjoying this. It was almost as if Didier wasn't in the car he was so silent. Reason looked over at him and Didier returned his glance with a smile. He reached over and held his hand out. Reason gave him his hand and Didier squeezed it firmly. Reason loved this gesture.

Didier was enjoying the music, sitting back, looking very comfortable. That was amazing how he was just so relaxed. Unlike himself, he then turned up the volume on the steering wheel a couple of decibels more with his left hand. He enjoyed the music as well. It was one of those long dramatic pieces that slowed down and picked up. This is something. Tonight is forever.

Chapitre 6

13 Minutes Later They Drove Up To The Place.

Didier turned and smiled; he opened the door and got out without a word. Reason was wondering what was going on. Maybe he should ask him, maybe not.

Reason got out and locked the door. Didier was standing just a few feet from the car.

"How are you doing?" Reason asked politely.

"I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"Well you were so quiet in the car, I was just curious."

"I was just lost in the music, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you."

"No you weren't ignoring me. I am glad that you were enjoying the music."

"I was enjoying holding your hand," Reason replied.

"You can hold my hand anytime."

They proceeded to enter the small bakery and were surprised to find it very quiet. The smell of the pastries was wonderful. They looked at each other and smiled. The sign said have a seat anywhere. They found a small table near the back next to a window. This would give them enough privacy to speak freely. When they sat down, Didier pulled the chair around to sit on Reason's right side. Reason felt cozy.

The waiter came over and welcomed them to Le Chez Desserts and handed them menus. They ordered coffee and began to look over the menu after the waiter departed. Reason had decided on the cocoa New York cheesecake immediately. Didier was taking his time and reading about each dessert. Reason poured some milk in his coffee and stirred it. He omitted the Sweet-N-Low, as the dessert would be sweet enough. Didier finally decided on the peach cobbler with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream. Reason heard this and thought maybe he would have it as well. He loved when he was a child and his mother would cook fresh peach cobbler. He made up his mind that he would change to what Didier was ordering. He would surprise him and order the same thing.

The waiter returned with the coffee and asked if they were ready to order and Didier requested the cobbler and ice cream. Reason replied to the waiter, I will have exactly the same thing. Didier turned to Reason when he heard this and smiled. The waiter was off again.

"So tell me about the person you saw in the photo," Didier asked quietly.

"Well I had driven along the coast, walked on the beach for awhile, blah, blah, I already told you all that. Well I was there on the Beach taking photos and the place seemed very empty, very still. I was just about finished, when I saw movement. A person seemed to be standing there at the front door of the lighthouse. I had started to look away and saw it thru the corner of my eye. I quickly looked thru the camera lens to get a closer look with the zoom lens. Nothing was there. I stared through the viewfinder for about a minute. I knew that I had seen someone. I looked away again and then looked back. There it was, a shadow of a person standing at the front door. I wanted to get this on film and took a whole role within a matter of just seconds. When I took the last shot, there was nothing once again. I figured when I developed the film I would be able to make it out."

Didier was listening intently, sipping his coffee. He seemed to be total engrossed in the story. Reason liked that. Reason sipped his coffee too.

"Later when I developed the film, I could see a figure of a person. This person was making some kind of gesture to me, but I couldn't make it out. Their hand was waving around in the air. I looked at the negatives and blew them all up, but I still couldn't make anything out. In one photo the hand was there, and in the next one it was gone. It was very fantastic."

"Maybe you would let me look at the photos and see if I could decipher it," Didier interjected.

Reason nodded his head, "Sure you could look at them sometime. I have them at the gallery. They are a little creepy though. You might get spooked."

"Oh I don't think so. I love the supernatural. It's one of my favorite things to discuss. I don't study up on anything, but when the topic comes up, I really enjoy hearing what other people have to say."

"Oh I see," Reason replied.

The waiter had returned with their desserts, huge portions. Reason was going to eat very slowly, enjoy all of it, savor it. And enjoy looking over at this handsome man sitting next to him. He didn't want to go into anything else that dealt with the supernatural tonight, that was enough of that he said to himself. His gift might be of great interest to Didier too and he'd have to try to explain it, which would wear him out.

Reason took up his fork and began to dig into the piping hot peach cobbler, the ice cream melting quickly. It was something to be enjoyed hot. Didier had begun eating his dessert as well. Reason was listening and watching silently, he hated a loud eater. Didier ate slowly. Reason thought that this might just be a put on.

"So how do you like the peach cobbler?" Didier asked.

"It is delicious. I haven't had this in years. My mother used to make it every Sunday when I was growing up. I actually got tired of eating it after awhile. This is almost as good as hers."

"I am glad you enjoy it. My mom used to make strawberry shortcake all the time. My Aunt would make peach cobbler every once in awhile and I loved it. She would always put a dollop of vanilla ice cream on it. Boy those were the days," Didier said.

The waiter came by once again and topped off their coffees. He was very polite and Reason was glad that he was professional and gave good service. Reason always had an issue with good service. He never gave the standard 15% to 20%, but based the tip on how good the service had been.

Didier sat back in his chair, slumping somewhat and grabbed his coffee to sip on it. "This place is so relaxing, I am so relaxed now," he told Reason.

"Likewise, I too am relaxed in a very odd way. I can't really describe it, but I will think about it and explain it another time. It is just a really good feeling."

"Well being with you feels right," Didier added.

"I agree with you on that as well."

Now, have you heard about that movie, Alien Resurrection?" Reason asked.

"Yes I have, is it playing around here?"

"I'll get a paper in the morning and see if it is. I would love to see it. You do like to go to the movies?"

"Well I love intense movies and I enjoy going on a weeknight, less of a crowd. Stadium seating is also an added bonus, but I don't snub my nose at the nostalgic theatres either."

"Oh yes, I would love to visit all the majestic theatres that are still around. I was watching a program on PBS, and it was about that. It was quite amazing with all the grandeur that became these show palaces. I see why they found television to be so threatening."

"I wondered about the movies that were shot before wide screen and how it would be to see them on the big screen. It was so fun to see Dr. Zhivago, re-mastered digitally on the big screen, there at the State Theatre a couple of years back. I was amazed at how beautiful the movie was on the big screen. Someone should just have a theatre that shows classic movies like that. I'd go often. I just enjoy that large screen, absolutely completely." He liked saying that.

Didier laughed, "Ditto."

Reason said, "I have never heard anyone say that before." Both were busting up out loud laughing. It was a good hardy laugh too.

"Such fun catchy phrases that have entered our vocabulary and our world have made life just a little more bearable and just plain fun," Reason said.

Didier smiled and lifted up his coffee cup and took another drink.

Reason was wondering about when he would have his next great laugh. He loved to laugh and wanted to do it more often. TV shows rarely made him laugh, but he still watched some of them never the less. Such a wonderful medicine, laughing.

Didier was looking out the window and he looked at peace with himself.

"A great night tonight?" Reason said and then added the question mark tone at the last second. Just to make sure it was a conversation starter. Not a stopper.

"I was just relaxing, gazing out into the darkness and into the night."

"I noticed. Shall we take a walk?"

"Yes. Yes I'd like that. Helps the digestion as well," Didier added.

"I have it tonight; next time is your turn." Didier smiled at this. His smile was beautiful too. "We can just leave it here on the table."

"Easier that way as well," Didier added.

"Okay I am ready, you?"

"Just one last sip of coffee."

They left the table and walked out into the night. No jacket was required at this time of year. It was very still. No movement. The angels were watching, Reason thought.

"I love to walk, especially on a night like this."

"I do too."

"I also enjoy a walk in the morning when it's dewy and the air is fresh. What a beautiful part of the day. Are we a pair or what?" Didier asked gaily.

"We just might be," Reason replied. "Let's go up the street and then cross over and back down again. We can pause and window shop along the way."

"Lovely."

As they walked, Reason wondered about if what he was feeling now would be something that lasted, or would it fade. He just knew that he loved this man already. Well not loved, but their mutual attraction to one another, could defiantly be love, the beginning of it. After all what makes people think they are in love, but another that is opening up and given them attention. We call this love most of the time. Love was more than just an attraction that gets you started on the path to it, work was involved. For all relationships are a form of work, Reason believed, even if you were in love. But at least this one was starting off with the least amount of work he had ever done. It was just flowing; he could sit for a while and not have to pick up the oars. He liked this and it was very new to him. He sensed that this man was very different than all the men he had dated in the past. Their attraction was mutual and strong. When one is stronger than the other, it just won't work. It's off balance. And people try to over compensate for this imbalance, but it turns out foul and a bad taste is left in your mouth and you are just a little more jaded after it ends.

After reaching the end of the street, they crossed and walked back, which was a little darker and they both in turn were less talky and more brisk in their step. This made Reason feel good too; they were both in tune with each other. Once they were back at the car, they paused to just gather their breath and enjoy the feeling. Reason wanted to end the night in good spirits and the walk really just brought him to a total relaxed state. He always believed that it reduced stress and a first date is stressful, usually.

The drive home was pleasant and another masterpiece was playing on the radio, quietly this time. Just loud enough to keep awkwardness at bay. Reason didn't want to hear what Didier was going to ask when they were back at his home. Reason would just politely say that it was a wonderful experience and they would do it again soon. And it's late, but he loved Didier holding his hand.

Didier was just about to get out of the car and he leaned over and kissed Reason. "Thanks, I really had a wonderful time tonight. Can we do it again soon?"

"Definitely, absolutely," Reason uttered with as sincere tone of voice that he could. He was just in shock. Maybe this man was as crazy about him as he imagined.

"I'll call you tomorrow evening, we can discuss it then. Good Night Reason Simon," As he exited the car.

"Bon soir Didier Gauthier," Reason said lavishly, without an accent, never with one.

He pulled out of the drive and headed home. The music needs to be just a little louder he thought and turned it up. What a night, what a man. I am going to really enjoy this chapter in my life he thought as he drove home.

15 minutes later.

Colbert was waiting at the door when he arrived home. "Oh poor baby, you've been home alone all night. Come let's go to bed. Reason went to bed thinking about Didier. Colbert next to him snuggled up in the covers. Reason was playing the date backwards in his mind, to the beginning, then the first meeting and then the picture hanging. He was falling asleep. What a wonderful way to fall asleep. Out.

Chapitre 7

Tuesday morning.

When Reason woke he felt groggy. He was craving a strong cup of dark roasted coffee this morning as he lay in bed. He felt that he could lay in bed just a few more minutes and then get up. He was thinking about Didier, trying to see his face in his mind. He was getting excited. How could he be so lucky to have met such a wonderful man? Or was it luck? In the back of his mind there was a knowing again. It was the vision he had. How would this play out? he asked himself out loud. He paused, looked up. No answer from above, time for coffee then.

He went to the kitchen to make the coffee. He wanted to sit down and relax while he drank his coffee this morning. Enjoy it, enjoy the morning. What's the weather like today he wondered? He went out to the porch and couldn't see the newspaper. He walked all the way out to the street. He glanced at his neighbor's lawns and porches and couldn't see any papers anywhere. Maybe the paperboy was sick he thought and went back inside.

He didn't watch the news the night before. How would he find out about the weather? He hated to turn the TV on in the morning. This would change the atmosphere prematurely. Getting on the computer this early was too much of an effort. He would wait and buy a paper on the way to work. After the weather would probably be the same as it was yesterday.

The coffee was black, strong and hot, and a nice aftertaste in the mouth. Some sourdough toast with butter went well with it. He looked at the paper from the day before, it had the forecast, however, he wasn't skeptical of it. He finished his relaxing moment after 30 minutes and went to shower; Colbert was still in bed, lazy dog.

'Relax,' he kept telling himself. Just take your time. You'll see him again soon. He wanted to call him as soon as he was finished showering. Doing this would be the first red flag. He kept his hands off the phone. Don't seem needy. You're not needy. After all you've been single for many years now. You've be waiting for Mr. Right patiently all this time. Take it easy, take it slow.

He wanted to wear some khaki shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, weather fitting or not. He wore what he felt, not what the weather dictated. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror, boy that facial cleanser really does make your skin glow.

Off to work in less than two hours as he walked out the door and glanced at the clock on the wall. Time is so slow sometimes, usually when love has started.

"Colbert, come on, let's go to work." Colbert came running out of the bedroom.

20 minutes later.

The fresh morning air he inhaled deeply as he got out of the Jaguar. There was nothing like it except the feeling of love, he said out loudly. Does that feeling ever go away he wondered? He stood there waiting for Colbert to climb out of the backseat. Was it only the second day after meeting Didier Gauthier, soon it would fade he knew.

This is what we all want, us humans; of man the word meant. We are of man? Reason's mind streamed thoughts like these most of the time. We all want love, a companion. We are not loners, by choice are we? Our separation from our creator or just what the general plan turned out so far?

He unlocked the back door to the gallery and went inside, Colbert following. He was early and didn't open for another 30 minutes or so. He would read the paper. He had taken Colbert with him; she liked to walk and behaved well on a leash. The paper said a beautiful clear day, as Reason already knew that, temperature around 74 F. The five-day forecast, the same. Reason sighed at this. No time like the present to start a relationship. Good weather meant a good start. Smooth sailing, for now.

After reading the paper for twenty minutes, Reason got out the negatives of the lighthouse where he saw the figure of the person. This was on his mind. He needed to look at them once again to verify that there was such a figure there. That his mind wasn't playing tricks on him, as it did sometimes.

He was looking at the negatives one at a time through a powerful magnifying lenses that sat on top of the negative over a glass table with a light underneath it. He could see that they captured the movement of the figure very distinctly, if it was even one. Maybe it was a shadow of a tree blowing in the wind. No, the trees were too far away. That was a person for sure. Someone he might meet very soon? With this thought he began to think about the other vision again. Would Didier be the cause of all this? Surely not he answered himself.

He began to build a grand scheme picture in his mind. He did this often after things happened, rarely before they happened. He would feel it actually. In this feeling he could see the timeline of things from the past to the present to the future. It took some focusing to accomplish this, and afterwards it would give him a strange feeling, like he shouldn't be so lucky to be able to do this. Did others do this? He had never asked.

He saw the meeting with Didier, the picture on the wall, the restaurant, it was gone. He shrugged. How odd that feeling was that he would be in. He was spooked for a second. Why him he wondered? Was he lucky to be gifted or was it a curse? Too many issues to deal with right now, he was in love.

He would keep up his guard for his own good. He often listened to his gut feelings, in dealing with certain situations. He felt confident that it would not fail him.

The bell on the front door was ringing. A customer he thought. Reason glanced up to see Trevor Chace. "So you have come to visit me," Reason remarked as he watched Trevor walk up to the light table. Reason felt strange, afraid to see Trevor again, afraid that he might have another vision. Unfounded fear, he told himself. He will face him with his nonchalant persona, one of his favorites.

"Hi Reason, how are you?"

"Hey there," Reason said in his fun voice. "What's up?"

"I am perfectly fine. I just came to thank you for referring me to your friend Joe Handel. I took my work over to him yesterday and he said he'd give me a show, son, all booked up for now. He also invited me to one of his galas, I'm so excited. Where's Colbert?"

Reason was surprised with his yapping. "She's in the back. Colbert!" He said out loud. "Well that's lovely. I knew Joe would like your work. So you're going to have your very first showing. Am I invited?"

Colbert came running out from the back of the studio. She ran up to Trevor and stood up on her hind legs.

"Oh hi sweetie, how are you? You're so beautiful. I love you so much." Reason was used to people fawning over Colbert. She was so beautiful and sweet, especially for a Shar Pei. Trevor sat down on the floor, crossing his legs, so he could get a better view of Colbert, to rub her and talk with her.

"Well of course you are invited," he exclaimed. "I want you to come, and see my work. By the way I have a gift for you."

This last statement didn't get Reason's attention, there was a moment that lapsed before he realized what Trevor had said? Trevor pointed to a package wrapped in brown paper that he had laid down on the floor. "The best presents come in the plainest wrapping."

"For moi?" Reason picked up the package and started to pull off the wrapping and found a photograph done in black and white of his gallery facade. It was several different negatives overlapping and being exposed on top of one another, creating a very dramatic effect.

Reason stared at it with great sincerity. He really thought it original. Reason would like to try this with Didier and himself. Such a plagiarist at heart, he sighed.

"I love it, absolutely completely," he said sincerely. He really did love it. Trevor smiled a great big smile and applauded a little applaud. Reason glanced at him with a look of 'what are you doing, applauding yourself?'

"Oh Please," you know you have talent. "I will hang this over my studio desk. So are these what you will be showing at Joe Handel's gallery?"

"Yes, but different objects and trying to keep it real and stark," Trevor exclaimed.

"Black and white would be the starkest and realist." Reason interjected. "I love this one especially."

"Thank you Reason. I was hoping you would love it," Trevor exclaimed.

"When did you take the photo?"

"Sunday morning when the sun was just coming up, it was a beautiful morning."

"I see you did a great job. So do you have all the pieces for your show at Donna-Janie's West End Girls?"

"Oh yes. Actually I have had them done for quite some time. I have been working on them for over two years."

"Fantastic! You have been perfecting your talent, I love that. An artist never stops doing what he loves."

"Oh no, I always work on my art."

"How about if you make a few pieces for me with some of my own negatives?" Reason asked slowly.

"I would love to Reason," Trevor said quickly.

"Stand up and take a look at what I have." Trevor stood up and examined the negatives of the lighthouse. Trevor didn't look through the magnifying glass as Reason had been doing; he picked them up and held them to the natural light first. Then he laid them back down on the table and used the magnifier.

"So what do you think of them?"

"They are beautiful. I would love to have taken these. So clear and the light is perfect."

"Do you see anything odd in them?"

"Odd?"

Reason paused a moment letting Trevor examine them.

"I see this strange figure on the porch. It kind of looks like the shadow of a person."

"So you do see it too," Reason exclaimed. "I am so glad that you do. I thought I was seeing things or there was something on the film."

"I definitely see something. It's spooky."

"Isn't it?" Reason asked.

"Do you think it was a ghost?" Trevor asked.

"I really don't believe in ghosts of people. Maybe ghosts of something else."

"Now that's really creepy. What would the ghost be of if not from people?"

"I don't know. I just don't believe they are from people."

"Well that is a first for me. Never heard of a ghost if it wasn't from a person."

"Now you have," Reason quipped.

After a few moments of silence Trevor said, "Well I need about 5 of them to make a piece."

Reason shook his head, "Take them all."

"Oh no, I don't need all of them. I only need about 5, maybe 6, if I am to do more than one piece. And I promise I will be extremely careful with them and return them as soon as I am finished. They are really beautiful pictures."

"Just take them all and see what you can make of them. If you do a few pieces I will hang them up here in my gallery."

"I would love that. Sure then, I will take them all."

Reason had wanted to discuss the ghost idea more but it was apparent that Trevor didn't want too. He left it at that.

"Are you hungry? I was going to walk down to the bagel shop and get a bite to eat, join me? I'm buying."

"Sure, I would love to. I'll leave these here for now."

"Let me lock up, can you flip that sign next to the door, it's says closed?"

"Yes, I can."

Reason went to the back to lock the rear door and then grabbed his keys.

"Colbert, do you want to come?" With that question she began to get excited, prancing up and down. Reason grabbed the leash and attached it to her collar.

"Are we taking Colbert?" Trevor asked.

"Oh yes, she wants to go. They have an outdoor sitting area. Here you take the leash and hold on tight." Reason handed the leash to Trevor as they walked outside. Reason locked the door and they were off. It was a few blocks down and the weather was beautiful.

"So you're perfectly fine after last week? Nothing else almost happen to you?"

"Yeah, I am fine, and I almost forgot about it, and nothing scary like that has happened. Why do you ask?"

"I was just wondering, that is all."

"Colbert is so easy to walk. She just trots in front of us."

"That's because I walked her earlier and she did her business."

"Oh I see."

"Are you a man who has any faith?" Reason asked out of the blue.

"Faith in what? Like God?"

"Yes, God."

"Oh yes I do, but I am still trying to figure out what I believe."

"Do read the bible?"

"Yes I have read it a lot. I think it's one of the greatest books ever written."

"Oh you do, that's interesting."

"I believe that we should treat everyone like we would want to be treated.'

"So you believe in the second commandment?"

"The second commandment."

"Yes love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as thyself."

"Wow is that in the Bible?"

"Yes it is, in the new testament."

"Well I believe that then."

"Good to hear it then."

"Here we are. Have a seat and I'll get the menus." Trevor sat down at the small table and Colbert sat down next to him. Reason went inside and grabbed two of their paper menus and brought it outside so Trevor could choose what he wanted.

"I want the salmon, capers and cream cheese on an onion bagel and large iced tea."

"Sound's good." Reason went back inside and ordered. He came out with 2 large iced teas. "Here's some Sweet-N-Low." He threw the packets on the table.

"I like real sugar."

"Give me the leash and you can get it." Reason said matter-of-factly. Trevor got up and went inside. Reason added 2 packets to his iced tea and took a long sip thru the straw.

"Here we go." Trevor came out with two plastic baskets. He sat one in front of Reason. "It smells good, they heated the bagel, and it feels soft."

"I asked them to nuke it first, it softens the bagel." Reason answered. "God bless this food we are about to eat and sanctify it. Amen."

"Wow I have never seen anyone pray for their food out in public."

"You should bless and sanctify every meal. No matter where you are. You can pray silently."

"I think I will do that. Let's eat now." They sat and ate together chatting away about the weather and Colbert laying there and not begging for food.

"That was delicious. I loved the bagel soft and warm." Trevor said as he finished his last bite.

"I am glad you enjoyed it. I love bagels as well."

"That was a treat."

"Next time you come over, call me first and I'll order Pizza. We can eat in the back."

"That sounds fun."

"Shall we go?"

"Do we just leave the baskets here?"

"Take them inside, I don't like leaving them here," Reason handed his to Trevor.

They walked back to the gallery and Trevor asked, "Is that why you don't believe in people ghosts, because you believe in the Bible?"

"Well yes that is why. I believe that when people die they either go to heaven or hell and their spirit does not linger on the earth. Now I also believe that the fallen angels, the ones that followed Lucifer and were thrown out of heaven, might be the ghosts that we think we see, but they are not of people."

"That is so spooky. So a ghost is a fallen angel?"

"Or more like a demon, that's what we call the fallen angels. However, I believe that we have good angels as well, we might be seeing them and think it's a ghost."

"Wow that is so true. So why do people think that their spirit is a ghost?"

"They haven't seen what I've seen and I will leave it at that," Reason said.

"You have seen ghosts then? I mean demons, angels?"

"Trevor I have been shown things that don't always make sense to me, and by whom I am not sure."

"How fun is that?"

Reason laughed at this. "It is more frightening than it is fun."

"Tell me more."

"Another time. Now take the negatives and go on and get." Reason said with a very pronounced tone.

Trevor grabbed the negatives and then departed after saying his good-byes to Colbert. Reason was once again alone in the gallery. He had forgotten about Didier and love. It was a healthy distraction he thought. He just didn't want to tell Trevor anymore about his gift.

He decided to log into America Online and look up the place where he saw the lighthouse. He didn't know if it was a town or just county. Maybe there would be some history about it. An hour later he had printed out a map of the surrounding area of the bed and breakfast where he stayed at, Pacific Coast Inn. It was just north of Big Sur Coast Highway, in a secluded area of California.

He was now satisfied to discuss the lighthouse further, and decided to check his e-mail. He began to hate reading his e-mail for the simple fact that so much of it was junk mail. Now he filtered his email to a point where he only receives messages in his inbox of those he wished. This meant he rarely had email. He wondered if anyone sent him something, most of his friends were not on email yet and he had it mostly for work.

He opened it up and it was from Mr. Mike Estenes, who he hadn't chatted with for over six months. They had met in college and had stayed friends through the years, keeping each other abreast of their lives. Mike always had the idea of marriage even though it was not yet legal for gay men. He was writing him to let him know that he would be getting an invitation to his wedding and wanted him to come up and stay a few days.

Reason read this with surprise, as he didn't even know the current boyfriend, the man he was to marry. He quickly typed out, 'Who is He???' with three questions marks. "I will be very glad to come up and stay a few days. May I bring a guest?" Reason new that this would peak his curiosity and he would soon be inquiring via email, who was Reason dating? He signed off, 'Love R.'

4:40 p.m.

The doorbell was chiming again. Hmm, someone so late, just a lookie loo, he peeked out the back office, a young lady wearing a long black leather coat. "If you have any questions, just let me know, he said.

"Okay," was the response he heard. He heard the bell again and she was gone after a few minutes of browsing. Boy that was quick he thought. "Colbert, what shall we have for dinner tonight? I feel like pasta! We can stop at Amici's Ristorante on the way home. I will call first and order it. I am thinking of Linguine Fruiti di Mare **.** I do hope that Didier calls me tonight Colbert. It will be ready in 20 minutes. Shall we close up?"

Chapitre 8

4:55 p.m.

The phone starts ringing and Reason's heart starts pounding, could it be Didier?

"Hello."

"Hi there, busy?" Didier asks.

"No not at all, I was just about to close up shop. What's going on?"

"I just was about to leave work and wanted to call you. I had a busy day. I'm tired." Reason could hear the tiredness in his voice.

"I am sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, I usually work past five, but not today. Want to get home."

Reason felt butterflies in his stomach. He loved that feeling, the love feeling. "So what's going on tonight?" he asks casually.

"Oh not much, don't have any plans, yet."

Well how about a light dinner avec moi, if you're not too tired." Reason said without flinching.

"Mais oui!" Didier quipped back. "No, not too tired to see you. I know this small café near my house."

"I love cafés, sounds wonderful."

"How about six thirty my house?"

"That will give me time for a quick shower and change into some comfortable clothes.

"See you soon."

Reason hung up the phone, hands shaking, heart pounding and dialed Amici's Ristorante to cancel the order and apologize. The guy on the other end says, "No worries, they had not even started making it."

"Another time, thank you." He hung up.

15 minutes later.

The weather seems chillier tonight, Reason thought when he went to the car. Reason thought about the jacket in the trunk, just in case we take a walk later.

He took Colbert home and fed her, showered and changed and said, "Au revoir. Tonight is even more exciting Colbert because we really have chemistry together and it's so comfortable, and I just want it to be perfect. I must accept that he is the right one. Didier has to be the one, he mumbled and closed the door.

15 minutes later.

He pulls up to Didier's house around six-thirty. Just as he is getting out of the car, Didier is coming out of the house.

Reason wanted to go inside. He wanted to hold Didier, kiss him. Didier jumps into the passenger seat and leans over and plants one right on Reason's mouth. It's a wet one with some tongue. He leans back and sighs. "I was thinking about doing that all day."

"You were?" Reason blurts out in a surprised tone.

"Yes I was. Now let's get going I am starving."

"Well I am too. Which way do we go?"

"Pull out and go north and take a left at the stop sign and then go to the signal light."

"Okay, slow down, one turn at a time."

"Yes Reason, yes," Didier says in a playful tone. Reason sees how excited Didier is and he can't stand it. This man is hot for me! He concentrates on driving. Didier reaches over and turns up the classical music playing, then he plants his hand on Reason's thigh. Reason lays his right hand on top of Didier's and drives on. Didier points the directions out from then on. They drive up to a quaint café that looks like a bistro, Reason puts the car in park, he doesn't move.

"Hey are you there?" Didier is asking waving his hand in the air.

"Oh yes, I was just dazed for a moment."

"By me?" Smiling wryly.

"Oh yes, by you my friend, by you," Reason says.

"A man could get arrested, actually," Didier replied. This type of candor surprised Reason. Surely Didier doesn't think that he's all that and is he wearing his heart on his shoulder. Maybe Didier has a sense of humor that he's just now showing. Wow, very cool too. Reason gets a hold of his mind again.

"Well let's eat."

"This is a small place that I thought you might like, real home style cooking too, the kind of food that warms your belly on a chilly night like this one. I love your belly," Didier adds.

Reason likes that remark. "Yes the breeze has picked up and there is a distinct chill in the air. Are you warm enough? I have a Jacket in the trunk?"

"Let's get inside quick," Didier commands in his calm voice.

"I really love your voice. It's so calming. I can just listen to you speak and drift away, not to sleep but into a quiet moment." Reason said this without thinking and felt foolish as soon as he started, but he couldn't stop. He wanted to reveal this to Didier.

"Why thank you. I actually have learned to speak in a quiet voice after years of speaking out loud and ferocious. All my life growing up I was surrounding by very loud people. I picked up speaking loudly just as a normal thing any child would do. When I was at work one day talking to a coworker, he asked me to lower my voice, he said he wasn't out in the woods. I was taking aback by this and became very self-conscience of my voice and how loud I was. I began to speak in a lower tone and without all the excitement. This has taken me years to accomplish. Now it's second nature. Adaptable we humans are."

"Oh yes, I agree." Reason said, quietly smiling.

Didier laughed. "I am rubbing off on you."

"Oh, I hope that you are," came the reply, once again in a quiet steady voice. Didier winked at Reason, who smiled and opened the door.

The Café.

During the meal, he had found out that Didier was born in Greenwich Village, New York, but only lived there a very short while before moving to New Orleans, Louisiana, and then on to California. His mother and aunt still lived in New Orleans and he would visit them periodically. He was out to his family as well and that made Reason feel good. He was always sympathetic to those whose own families denied them the right to be gay and the freedom to express their selves. That was something that had changed in the past few years about American Culture. The younger generations, X and Y, were more tolerant or less prejudice than any other time since the 1920's, even more so. Reason didn't want to reveal much during dinner; it was more at getting his fix of Didier, except he did tell him all about Colbert, for about a half hour or so.

The meal was Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and squash, biscuits on the side. He loved home cooked food like this and was glad that Didier had introduced him to this quaint little place. The atmosphere was cozy, as it was fairly dark. There was a fireplace in the center, with several over-stuffed chairs arranged around them. Patrons were welcome to wait there by the fireplace before and after dinner, drinking some delicious coffee or hot tea. Reason could not believe that he had never been to this restaurant as it had been there for over three decades. He thought that he may have been a house at one time or maybe a store. It was just grand to find it.

"So how was dinner?"

"I loved it, absolutely completely." Reason said quietly.

"You have been quiet tonight, are you tired?"

"I am just enjoying the evening and the company and this place."

"I knew you would like it. I have only been here a few times. It's the kind of place you come with someone you want to be cozy with."

"I agree with you there. It escapes me that I have never been here before."

"I am sure there are more wonderful things that you are yet to see."

"I like the sound of that. I am looking forward to them all. This is just a wonderful night. I was listening to you as well. I am a good listener."

"Yes you are and I appreciate that. If I bore you just let me know.

"Well I don't think that you'll ever bore me. You were telling me about your life and I find it very interesting. I am only bored by repetition of things sometimes. Just tell me once and I will remember it."

"Oh I see. Well that's a great trait to have. I forget many stories I have heard people share with me."

"Well not all stories are to be remembered." Reason laughed as did Didier. They were having a very splendid time.

"Just think I was afraid to ask you out tonight in fear that I might be coming on to strong."

"Oh no, not all, I wanted to see you tonight. If you come on to strong then I will tell you, and that's a two-way street, you tell me if I come on to strong," Didier answered.

"Well I just don't want to rush into things; I want to enjoy the journey into the future. It has been with great pain that rushing into things only causes them to dissolve faster than need be."

"I agree with you on that. And may I add that previous relationships can be left out on the porch with all the rest of the baggage."

"Touché," Reason said. I am glad we think alike regarding that."

"Well some of the past can best be forgotten in the beginning."

The conversation was amicable Reason thought. Well the night is coming to an end and I don't want it to, Reason thought to himself. How to end it?

"How about we order a cup of coffee?"

"Oh sure, I'll have one for the road. Decaf though."

"There's always time for coffee. And I want it black tonight," Reason said this almost ferociously. He was embarrassed.

"Yes, I agree with you, Decaf for me too."

The waiter brought two large cups of coffee, and they both drank them black.

"Sometimes," Reason began, "it just tastes so good black. And it feels good going down warming the body."

"Well I have been drinking coffee since I was a teenager, and I will say it is one of the most enjoyable things life has to offer."

"Cheers," Reason said.

They cheered and took another gulp. After this they were both ready to go and nothing had to be said, it was just time to leave. This was a comfortable departure and it relieved Reason. He had worried for a few moments and now it was just happening.

"We can make this a tradition, by coming here once a month."

"Oh that is a great idea. We can try everything on the menu."

"That won't take long." Didier smiled.

After dinner, Reason felt like a walk again. He wondered if Didier would be willing to.

"Should we take a walk?" Reason asked.

"Sure let's walk down the street and cross and walk back."

The air was chillier and Reason wished he had his coat that was in the trunk. It wasn't much of a walk. Didier held out his hand and Reason took it. He drew him close and kissed him on the lips. "Are you cold?"

"At little," Reason said.

"Stay close to me and I will keep you warm," Didier replied. There were several shops with displays of all kinds of merchandise. They looked at each one talking about the different items they saw and liked, or disliked. Reason saw this as a good sign; he just enjoys doing things like I do and likes talking. Right as they approached the car, Didier walked behind Reason and put his arms around him until they did reach it.

The drive home was quiet again, but Reason was aware of it this time. Didier seemed satisfied and this was a good sign. They needed to sincerely get to know each other before taking the plunge into the physical realm. As in every instance, once done, it changes the entire dating dynamics. Reason had seen it and done it a hundred times. Not literally. He had made up his mind to be more than just a good roll in the hay. He was in deep thought.

"You just missed the turn, but you can go down to the next street and make a right there."

He heard this but it was not registering. "Oh I am sorry. It's so dark out tonight. The cold makes it seem darker."

"No problem, I enjoy being in this car sitting next to you." Didier said. He reached over and grabbed Reason's hand and held it.

Reason's heart just melted. Could he believe he was hearing this?

"I thought we needed a little drive after dinner."

"Oh you did, did you? A walk and a drive? Tonight is forever?" Didier asked wryly.

"Just a few more blocks around town." Reason said in a pleading tone.

"Go on, drive, in the night." Didier replied. "I like being all cozy in your boat. The streets are so quiet; it may start to rain soon."

"Oh if it starts to rain then we will have to continue to drive. I love driving in the rain."

"So do I, just for fun."

We love many things alike Reason thought to himself. Boy love is fun. Pinch me. How do you enjoy driving in the rain? Reason wondered. You just let it fall down and feel it thumping on the car, splashing, crashing down. The noise feels your ears and your heart is warm from the heater. Then it started to drizzle.

"Let's drive around the block one more time," Didier remarked.

"It's all right with me."

"Just one more time though."

As they drove along the drizzle became rain and it poured down, a deluge in the night. They pulled in front of Didier's house and Reason put the car in park. He looked over at Didier and then leaned in and kissed him on the lips. This lasted a few minutes.

"Good night buddy, I must be off," Didier clamored out.

"Good night Didier," Reason said softly. "I had a wonderful time."

"Me too," smiling.

"I don't want it to end. I feel so good."

"Well I feel great too. You are welcome to come in for awhile."

"Oh yes, maybe just for a nightcap." Reason said as he climbed out of the car. The rain was coming down harder now, but he had pulled under the carport, which was back further against the house, the garage was in the back. 'I want a lover tonight,' Reason thought to himself.

Didier was opening up a side door, and asking, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes I am sure. I am ready." Reason thought to himself, I'm not afraid.

They went inside and Reason spent the night. He hadn't planned on doing this, but it just happened. He felt guilty for letting himself slip like that, but he knew this was the man for him, might as well start now. They held each other on and off during the night, Reason remembered, because he woke up a few times. In the morning, Reason woke up lying next to Didier.

"Good morning!"

"Good morning," Didier was still sleepy. "How did you sleep?"

"I had the best night's sleep."

"I'll make some coffee. Want some?" Didier asked.

"Sure, and then I have to go."

"Okay, I'll let you go. It was wonderful sleeping with you. I love hugging you."

"I noticed," and winked at Didier.

Didier got up from the bed and slipped on a robe, then went off to the kitchen to make coffee. Reason laid there. They didn't have sex, so it wasn't all that bad. They still haven't crossed the line he thought. Didier came back with coffee for the both of them, "I put milk and sugar. Is that okay?"

"Sure. That's perfect." He took the cup from Didier, and Didier crawled up on the bed. He drank his coffee, sitting against the headboard. He held Reasons hand.

After a moment he said, "Now don't think that I wanted us to do this, but I am glad we did. We still haven't crossed the line have we?"

"That's my impression. Technically no, but if we continue to do this, we eventually will," Reason replied.

"Well let's do it again tonight," Didier laughed as he said this.

Reason laughed too. "Well I really like you Didier, and I guess we can work it out."

"Good. I am glad to hear that, and you are so sexy, I just want to ravage your body." At this he rubbed his hand on Reason's hairy stomach.

"Let me finish my coffee first," Reason said. They made love that morning.

Chapitre 9

An hour later.

Reason smiled, "I am off then."

"Drive safely."

"I will, thanks again for a wonderful night and morning," Didier said and closed the door. He wasn't getting wet as the carport gave him shelter from the rain all the way from the front door. Reason backed the car out of the driveway and drove home. Love comes quickly and he was truly in love. He knew this was the man who would be his soul mate and hoped that he would be Didier's. Why don't we live together? Too soon, Reason screamed in his mind.

Reason fed Colbert. She had to sleep alone all by herself. Reason couldn't stop feeling guilty for what he had done. He barely knew this man, he thought, now things might get dicey. He took a shower and dressed and went to work, bringing Colbert with him. "So much for the clear skies, where did this storm come from Colbert?"

Just before noon, Didier called Reason at the gallery, to tell him that he had to work late.

"Well that's okay, I am just going to go home and finish the book I am reading, _Dead On Your Feet_ and I am almost done with. It will be a nice quiet evening home alone with Colbert and I and the rain."

"Oh you make it sound so romantic."

"Well, we'll see each other real soon. Don't worry."

"Okay, I won't, Didier replied. You have a nice afternoon. Maybe I will see you later tonight."

"Oh really? Well don't work too hard." Reason said with guile in his voice.

"Okay, thanks. Talk to you later. Bye handsome buddy." Didier said.

Reason melting again as he heard it. Paninaro!

"Good bye for now." He was glad that Didier called him as this made it easier to relax for the rest of the day. He wouldn't be anxious about seeing him knowing that Didier would show up tonight. He probably would have been a little lonely, but that was good for him. He was lonely before he met Didier, a regular Jack the lad. Well Colbert was always there to comfort him most of the time. She would be glad that Reason would be home tonight. He winced. Was that what it was?

The bell rings and Didier leans over to see who has come in, it's Joe Handel.

"Hello, hello." Joe was loud and magnanimous.

"I am here in the back." Reason rose and went out to meet Joe.

"How are you doing buddy? Hug me." Joe demands. "You give big bear hugs."

"I do? Reason asked quizzically. So how's it going?

"I loved Trevor Chase's work, very original and unique. A real clean look and abstract."

"I thought you would like it, just not my cup of tea."

"What is your cup of tea. Look at this stuff, it's so real and boring."

"Mr. Critic. You have your gallery and I have mine."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. So do you want to get a quick bite to eat. I would love a liquid lunch."

"With appetizers," Reason chimed in.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Okay, where are we going?"

"Downtown, Salsa's. I hear they have great margaritas."

"What time is it?"

"Just after 2 p.m. Come let's go."

"I am only having a couple of drinks."

"Whatever."

"I am seeing this guy and he might come over tonight."

"Who is he and what's his name? What time is he coming over?"

"I am not sure."

"You ready?"

"Yes, I need to lock up. Be right there." Reason went to the back and locked the back door. "Colbert, you watch the place. I will be back shortly."

He locked the door and jumped into Joe's SUV. "I hate to leave Colbert there."

"She'll sleep, don't worry. So who's this guy you're seeing?"

"I'll tell you over a drink." Reason teased. "How about you and David?"

Joe turned up the radio real loud and didn't answer.

Reason thought that odd. Usually he gushes and gushes about his new beau. Something must be wrong he thought. He would find out soon enough.

10 minutes later.

"Have you been to this place, I hear it's real nice," Joe said as he pulled into the parking lot.

"I have not been here yet." They got out and went in.

The bar was all moderne and clean looking. There were two guys sitting at one end and another couple sitting at a table. They sat down at the bar and Joe immediately orders two Cadillac margarita's on the rocks with salt rim. "So tell me about this guy." Reason proceeded to tell him about Didier and how they met and their first couple of dates.

"Are you married already?"

"We are just dating."

The drinks were brought by the bar tender who asked if they wanted any appetizers. "Yes," Reason piped up. He took the drink and held it up to cheer.

Joe followed suit and said "Cheers, to new boyfriends."

"Yes, I really like this guy."

"You were beaming the entire time you were telling me about him. It's a sin."

The waiter came with a menu. Reason picked it up and glanced over at it. "I am ordering the wings and the zucchini sticks."

"I need another margarita."

"Hey slow down. What's the matter?"

"David broke up with me David totally broke up with me Can you believe that, the bastard!"

"Now how long had you been seeing him?"

"Three weeks. He said I was too needy."

"You know where you went wrong," Reason teased.

"Yeah I know I am needy and I hate that about me. I want them with me 24/7. I can't stand for them to be apart from me."

"You know I watched this movie this past weekend, Leave Her to Heaven, with Gene Tierney and Cornel Wild. She loves him so much she murders!"

"Are you drunk already?"

"Nope but this drink is strong."

"I don't want to murder them, I want to love them."

"You end up suffocating them, Joe. You have to let them have their own space and can't have them next to you 24/7."

"I know, I know, but how do I change myself."

"Have you thought of going to therapy?"

"Oh hell, no, I am not crazy."

"You are getting drunk at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday because a man you saw for three weeks dumped you because you are too suffocating."

"And your point is?"

"Never mind, just drink up. I will have another." The bartender poured another drink and left them. He came back with the appetizers. Reason picked up one of the zucchini sticks and dipped it in the ranch sauce. "Eat up and don't get drunk."

"One more bartender. I miss David."

"You only knew him 3 weeks. Now, eat up." Joe grabbed a wing and started eating them.

"Hey leave me a couple."

Joe sat there and stared over at his reflection in the mirror. Reason felt bad for him. "Hey there, it's going to be okay, you'll meet someone. Soon."

"I want David. What have I done to deserve this?"

Reason reached for a wing and brushed Joe's hand and his eyes went black. David and Joe were laughing, a crowd of people standing around them. The vision was over.

"Hey believe you me, he's coming back and you don't need a facelift."

"Don't tease me. A new life is what I need."

"I am not, now finish your drink and I will drive us back to the studio." Reason paid for the drinks and the appetizers. Joe staggered to the SUV and was sitting in the passenger sit when Reason came out. Reason drove them back to the gallery and helped Joe into the back where he laid down on the sofa. He fell asleep. Colbert, let's go for a short walk, I need some fresh air. They walked for half an hour and then returned. Reason felt like he should just leave Joe there sleeping. He wrote a note telling him to just close the back door when he left and to call him if he needed anything. He placed Joes keys on this and turned the lights out. Colbert and Reason left him there to sleep it off.

Later that evening.

The phone rings and Reason answers it. "Hello."

"Hey buddy thanks for letting me sleep it off here on your sofa. I don't know how I got so drunk."

"Well I only had two and I felt it. So you had four and you are always a lightweight."

"I drank yours as well." Jake admitted.

Reason was shocked but didn't say anything.

"So I just shut the door behind me and it will lock. Yeah it's got a self locking handle on it. Turn the alarm on, the code is 2567, then press the green button."

"Will do. Hey so what were you saying about David getting back with me?"

"Trust me, you'll be laughing with him soon."

"I don't know how you do it, but I do believe you.''

"It's an educated guess."

"So has your man shown up yet?''

"I think he's coming over a little later."

"You'll be burning the midnight oil."

"I am not even sure he's coming over."

"Well have fun and thanks again."

"I will. Good night." Reason hung up the phone. He went back to reading _Dead On Your Feet_. The phone rang again. Reason thought it was Joe calling again. "Hello."

"Hello, sexy," Didier answered.

"Hey there," Reason replied with his sexy phone voice.

"I am still working. Can I come over later? I want to spoon with you."

"Yes, come over when you are finished."

"Okay then, I will. See you soon. In about 45 minutes."

Reason made some tea and curled up in bed, Colbert by his side. Reason's eyes were drooping when he heard a knock at the door. There he was. He put on his robe and rushed to the front door. "Is it too late, in the night?" Didier asked sheepishly. "Not at all, I was falling asleep. I am up now."

"Glad to hear it. I had to finish this project and it ran late. I just had to see you tonight. Is that all right?" Once again sheepishly.

"It's fine with me. Are you hungry?" Reason asked as he took Didier's coat.

"No I am fine, I had takeout at the office around eight o'clock. You know you are a real sport about this. I just wanted to be with you tonight."

"It's nice to see you again. Let's go to bed." Reason headed towards the bedroom, Didier followed him. They held each other until they fell asleep and slept all night.

The next morning.

Reason awoke in Didier's arms. He felt happy inside and content. He knew he loved Didier now and hoped that Didier felt the same way about him. He slipped out of bed and opened the curtains and it was raining outside. What a beautiful day it would be. He went to the kitchen and made coffee. He started chopping some broccoli, onions and tomatoes to make them an omelet. When the coffee was finished, he poured two cups added milk and sweetener and went to the bedroom. Didier was awake lying in bed. "Good morning." Reason said softly, "Coffee?"

Didier raised his hand to take the coffee. "Thank you and good morning. I slept so good last night," he said smiling.

"It was because you were holding me all night," Reason said smiling.

"Yes I think that is why as well. Reason, you make me feel so relaxed. I love to hold you in my arms and feel you next to me," Didier said very softly holding his coffee near his chin, looking just past Reason.

Reason squeezed Didier's free hand and smiled. He was a bit shocked that Didier was so open with his feelings.

"I hope that doesn't offend you or make you uncomfortable Reason. I really do care about you and I want this to work." Didier said softly.

"You are perfectly sane to tell me how you feel Didier. I feel the same as you do. I find you to be the man I want to spend my life with."

"You do?" Didier looked up at Reason with longing eyes.

"Oh I am so glad to hear it." He leaned over and kissed Reason warmly. "It has happened. I have met the man I have always dreamed about." He then kissed Reason again and again. They made love all morning until they were hungry and Reason made them omelets.

Colbert went back to sleep on her bed in the living room. She wouldn't go outside anyway, she hated the rain. She had a litter box in the garage that she could use today. She knew where it was.

Chapitre 10

One week later.

In the dream Reason was flying up into the skies, way above the earth and looking down at it he began to be carried away very quickly, so fast, it was scary and he wanted to quickly land. He stopped and dropped out of the sky like a lead ball. He landed on the ground unscathed. He woke up, half asleep, groggy. The phone was ringing. The quiet morning disturbed. Reason was startled, and reached over to the nightstand to pick it up.

"Hello."

"Reason, its Didier."

"Hi, what's wrong?"

"I just got a call from my mom, my Aunt Mae died last night."

"I am sorry to hear it. Were you close to her?"

"No not really, but my mom has been all her life. I am going to take off a few days to go visit my mom in New Orleans. My mom and aunt lived together for the past twenty years and this is hard on her."

"Again, I am sorry for you and your mother. I am sure it is a shock." Reason said this with as sincere a voice as he could muster up, he felt awkward, but new it sounded good. He couldn't always muster up sympathy at a moment's notice.

"Oh yes it is. I am leaving tomorrow morning, so do you want to spend the night with me and take me to the airport?"

"Sure, I would love to. That way, you won't have to take a taxi. When do you want me to come over?"

"You can come over anytime after five, I'll be home by then. I am taking off early to run some errands."

"Okay, I'll be there at five."

"Bring Colbert with you, she'll be lonely if you leave her there," Didier said with concern in his voice.

"I'll bring her and her bed."

"Okay, then I'll see you tonight."

"Bye," Reason said and hung up the phone. How awful it is when a relative dies he thought. A whole week he'll be gone, that seems like forever, Reason moaned. He had better enjoy tonight. He would bring over some Thai food. He would need to be ready right at five o'clock. He's always on my mind, but Reason liked it that way.

Reason felt so sad that he got choked up. A dark feeling came over him. He shrugged it off. This must be the place I waited years to leave. He would be bummed out, but he would not fret. Mourning is a natural thing, best left alone. Do I have to?

"Well Colbert, you'll be seeing a lot more of me this week. She wagged her tail like she understood. More reading, walking and some shopping. Reason dreaded not seeing Didier for a whole week, just when he met the perfect man, this happens. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise he thought to himself. Then after a week, they would see each other and he would know if he really loved Didier. Tonight, one more chance to see him before he left and he felt he needed to be with Didier.

Time to get up and face the day. Reason arose in a somber state. He knew that Didier was hurting and he shouldn't be so self-centered and only think of his feelings. I need to prepare for tonight. I will take my clothes with me, and Colbert's bed, so I can go over there directly from the gallery. I'll call and have the restaurant deliver the food. He had to start right away if he wanted to accomplish everything he needed to do today.

He first turned on the radio, it was set to a station that played hit music from the 1980's. Tainted Love was playing. He made his bed and straightened up his bedroom signing along with the song. He took out a small suitcase and packed it with his loungers and a t-shirt, his slippers and toiletries, clothes for tomorrow as well. He took a shower and got dressed. Then he feed Colbert, let her out and put her bed by the garage door, next to the suitcase. He was ready. This all took about two hours and he was tired by now. He loaded it all in the trunk of the Jaguar. Then had Colbert get into the back seat, putting her dog seat belt on.

Now, check everything in the house. He made sure the coffee maker was unplugged, he checked the refrigerator door, and then the stove. He was doing all this like he would be gone for weeks. 'I am gone almost every other day, what am I doing?' He asked himself. He just wanted to stay busy. He was ready now to go to work. He grabbed his coffee and went to the garage. He pressed the button, and the garage door opened. He needed to just relax and take his time. He drove off to work.

At work, he had several messages on his answering machine. It seemed like every Rep left a message asking for something different. 'Oh, boy, I have work to do today.' It couldn't happen here now. He listened to the messages and wrote each one out. It took him the next three hours to finish all the orders. He was really tired now. The phone rang and it was Didier.

"Hey." He said solemnly.

"Hey you don't sound so good. Are you alright?" Reason asked sympathetically. It was easier now.

"I am just tired and am dreading the next seven days."

"Cheer up, you'll be seeing me in a few hours and I ordered Thai food from your favorite restaurant. They are going to deliver it around five-thirty. Sound good?"

"Yes it does, I haven't eaten anything all day."

"Well you are leaving work early?"

"Yes, but I have to finish up before I leave, unfortunately."

"Well don't work too hard."

"I won't. I'll see you later?"

"Bye." Reason hung up the phone. Boy, he's in bad shape Reason thought. At this he decided to sit down and type up a few love notes, to stick in his suitcase. This would cheer him up while they were apart. He sat there on the computer, using software that made greeting cards. It took him about an hour and he had created about seven cards. He printed them out, folded them and signed them. Then he put them in small envelopes that were really for Christmas gift tags. He used a bright yellow marker on each one and numbered them, this way if Didier would know which one to open first. He finished that and decided to check his e-mail. He signed into his America Online and there was one message. He clicked on the icon and the message opened, it was from Mike.

He read it: "Well I am so glad that you are coming up. Who is this guy you are dating? You have to tell me all about him. You can stay here at my house. Anyway, let me know when you're coming up, only one more month and I will be married. He's a great guy, you'll like him, very handsome too. Okay, got to run. Love Mike. P.S. Don't forget to bring your camera, I want some good pictures from you."

Reason laughed at this. Well he should have hired me to take his pictures. He thought about this for a second, no way, he wanted to have fun, not work. He started typing out a response to Mike's question about his new guy. He told him all about Didier, in as brief a letter as he could, he would be telling him all about him in person that would be more fun. He hit the send button and then signed off.

"Now what?" Reason looked around for a few seconds. "Let's organize this desk, so tomorrow when I come in it won't be such a mess, then we'll go for a walk," he said to Colbert. At this Colbert jumped up and shook her entire body and head vigorously, she knew what the word 'walk' meant and now she was wide-awake. "Okay then, let's go now."

He took Colbert for about a half hour walk, down the street, across the street, across the street again and back to the gallery. She needed the exercise and fresh air, Reason would say, as well as me.

Back at the studio, Reason continued to speak out loud, to Colbert, "Well now we are all set. I ordered the food already. You went for a walk. What else? Oh yes, the desk needs a bit of help." He started to straighten up the desk, then he walked over to the light table, a few of the negatives were still there of the lighthouse. "I am so bad. I shouldn't have these negatives lying around. They are too important."

He went and filed them away in his filing cabinet. He had them labeled alphabetically by category, then by class. Outdoor photos, beach. This was the easiest way to remember where some negatives were. Every negative had a number on it and it was on a master list with the full description. Just in case he needed to find one and he couldn't remember where it was.

He was just cleaning up the desk and he looked at his watch. "It's five minutes to five," he exclaimed. He locked the front door, closed the shutters, turned off the lights, then headed to the back to get Colbert & his cards and off he went. He was in the car and on his way in just a few minutes.

"Boy what a long day it has been, actually," he told Colbert. I'm so glad this day is over. Now I can enjoy the rest of the night with Didier. He drove as fast as he could, without exceeding the speed limit by too much. He just wanted to get to Didier's house. He pulled into the drive a few minutes later and was getting out of the car. Didier came out of the front door.

"I am so glad you are here. I just spoke with my mom and she is all upset still crying on the phone blaming herself for Aunt Mae's death." Reason went over to him and hugged Didier.

"It's alright, I'm here now." He led him into the house and stood there holding him.

"I just can't stand to hear my mom cry," Didier blurted out, almost in tears. "It's so hard to hear her like that. I was trying to be strong, but I was about to start crying." Reason hugged him tighter.

"Shh. It's okay, just relax. Let me hold you." They were just standing there for a few minutes. Reason let go, he knew Didier was alright.

"Okay?" Reason asked quietly. Didier nodded his head. I'm going to get Colbert out of the car. Didier shook his head in agreement. Reason went out to the car and let Colbert out, then he got his suitcase and her bed out of the trunk. Colbert was sniffing around the edge of the yard, near the sidewalk, "Colbert, come over here. You know you can't roam around without your leash on." Reason was serious when he said this.

"Come here now!" She trotted over to where Reason was, her head down. She knew when she was being scolded.

"Now come inside." He went inside, and Colbert followed him.

"Hey Colbert," Didier said, "Come here girl, I've got a cookie for you." She walked over to Didier wagging her tail back and forth. Didier gave her the cookie and she took it into the living room. "She's such a sweet dog, I want a dog."

"She's for rent." Reason replied. "Hey the food will be here in a few minutes. I'm going to go wash up."

"Hey, come here," Didier said, "I need a hug, another one."

Reason walked over to Didier and held him.

"I am so glad that you are here," Didier whispered into Reasons ear.

"I am so glad that you are so glad," Reason whispered back. He kissed Didier and then squeezed him really tight.

"Oh, you give the best hugs." Didier said.

"Just for you, just for you." Reason let go and went to the bathroom to wash up. Didier set the table and then opened a bottle of Chardonnay. He poured two glasses and then went into the living room and sat on the sofa. Reason came back and sat next to him. "I poured us some wine," and handed Reason a glass.

"That's just what I needed tonight." Reason said. He took the glass and sipped the wine. Let's just sit here and relax with our wine before the food gets here."

"That sounds good to me. Cheers," Didier held his glass up and then took a big sip.

10 minutes later.

The food was delivered and they sat down at the dining room table, the chandelier turned very low and they ate in silence, with drift music playing in the background. The food sometimes does that to you, it's so good you just want eat it.

They were both tired and drained from the day. After dinner, they cleaned up and went to bed. Reason thought it was early, but he knew Didier was very tired and wanted to go to bed. They would spoon in bed and watch some TV, just being together was what they both needed. They feel asleep just before nine.

Chapitre 11

The next morning.

"Hey, wake up sleepy head," he whispered. Reason stirred and opened his eyes and looked over at Didier, who looked wide awake. "Good morning, how long have you been up?"

"Just about twenty minutes, your coffee's on the night stand."

Reason lifted himself up and leaned against the headboard, he was not used to waking up so early. "Hmm, this coffee is so good."

"Good morning," he said with a smile, eyes crusty from the sleep. He sipped the coffee while he lay there.

"Are you planning on showering here?"

"Yes, if I have time?" Reason asked worried.

"Just make it a short one, but first finish that coffee so we can make love," Didier said. Reason quickly gulped the coffee down and sat the cup back down on the nightstand. "I'm ready."

Just before 9 a.m. they were driving along the highway towards the airport, Reason was melancholy; he didn't want Didier to go. He would be so lonely for the next week.

"I will miss you tremendously, you know?" he said to Didier.

"Yes I know and I will miss you as well,'' came the reply.

"But you'll be with your mother and that will be good company. I will only have Colbert to keep me company," he said in a sad tone.

"Well call up Trevor and hang out with him, didn't you say he was working on some pieces that you commissioned him to do?"

"Yes, that's an idea. I just might do that," Reason said with a tone of relief.

They arrived at the airport and Reason pulled up to the unloading lane near the front. He didn't want to go to the gate with him. He would be at the gate when he flew back. He helped him take his suitcase out of the trunk, "Okay, take care and have fun," Reason said to Didier and gave him a hug.

"I will, and you take care of yourself and Colbert," he waved by to Colbert who was standing in the back seat. "I love you," Didier whispered into Reason's ear and kissed him on the cheek. The only thing Reason good do is say it back and he did. Then Didier walked off to go get on a plane. Reason got back in the car, stumped. How could he tell me that right before he's living for a week? He was so happy though to hear those words. How long had they known each other, two months? More like two weeks. Only two weeks? He loved Didier too, he just didn't use those words yet. He was ecstatic. He had a lover. He drove off.

He drove directly to the gallery, listening to the classical music, enjoying it. Later he would call up Trevor and tell him that he was a free man for a week, and if they could get together and have dinner or something, and he would call Joe up and tell him the same thing. He needed some distraction for the next few days.

Later that morning.

"Hey boy, what's up?" he asked Trevor.

"Oh hey Reason, not much just working on my photography. How are you?"

"Well Didier had to go out of town for a week, his aunt passed and I was just wondering what you were up to?"

"Well just working during the day @ my Uncle's shop and then working on my pieces for you."

"You want to get together over a bite or something?"

"Yes I would."

"We can go have dinner, want to meet me here at my gallery or at the restaurant?"

"I can meet you there, about what time?"

"Oh say around five, or is that too early?"

"No that's great, I'll be there."

"Okay, see you then, bye," and Reason hung up the phone. This will be so fun. Trevor had good energy. There were some men that had personalities Reason was attracted to. Trevor was one of them.

Reason went about the day constantly thinking of Didier. He put on some Marc Almond, the Jaque Brel album and let his mind wander.

The next thing he knew, Didier was calling and it was already three p.m. That was five p.m. back in New Orleans, he told Reason he was at his mom's house and they already ate supper, as she called it. He was tired from traveling and tired of listening to his mother tell about the last days of his aunt.

"So she knew it was coming then?" Reason asked.

"She says she didn't know it was coming, but that my aunt was acting a bit odd. My mom knew something was wrong, but my aunt would not go to the doctor, she disliked doctors very much."

"Oh I see," Reason replied. Didier said he was tired and going to bed early tonight, he wanted to get plenty of sleep, the funeral was tomorrow morning and it would be a long day. They said goodbye and Reason felt lonely. No 'I love you' this time. What hell love is! How can anyone have a long distance relationship he wondered?

5 p.m.

Trevor arrived right on time and this made Reason happy, he was famished. Trevor was just Trevor. He was wearing black dress pants, a white shirt and tie and black leather boots. "Wow, you didn't have to get all dressed up for me," Reason exclaimed as he walked in.

"Oh I didn't. I always dress this way," he said with a smile. "I brought this bottle of champagne, it's chilled, shall we have a drink first?"

"Sounds great, I have some flutes in the freezer. I'll get them while you open it." Reason replied as he went to the office and grabbed the chilled glasses.

"Here comes Colbert, she is awake now." Reason said as he came back with the flutes in his hands.

"Hey Colbert, you little sweet pooch." Trevor leaned down and rubbed her forehead as Colbert sniffed his pants leg.

"I wasn't sure if you liked champagne, but I thought I would risk it."

"I love it," Reason said and set the glasses on the desk and Trevor poured it slowly. He finished and then they picked them up and Trevor said, "Cheers, too death."

"Reason looked at him and said Cheers, but thought it an odd remark.

"Colbert, we are going to dinner and you can't come. I wish you could." Trevor remarked as he caressed her back.

They drank it fast and then had one more glass each. The flutes were tall and they basically finished the entire bottle.

"There is this little French place just a couple blocks down the street. Can you walk?"

"Sure I can and I love French," Trevor said perkily.

"I get excited, you get excited too," Reason quipped.

They walked to the French restaurant just down the street, Chez Nui. Reason was craving escargot. They shared a nice dinner in a quiet place, chatting about each other's lives. Reason was very comfortable with Trevor, he thought him to be a normal person, normal past, and normal education. He wasn't boring though, he liked artsy things, which made him so much more interesting. He was telling him about this movie he saw, Mala Noche, a very cool dark romantic drama that was pure artsy. Reason listened as he drank his wine.

He had been working on the pieces that Reason had commissioned him to do very diligently. He worked full time at the camera store that his uncle owned, so he was always around his work. He aspired to have a gallery of his own, after extensive traveling to see the world, thru the lens. Reason was just fond of him. He didn't share too much, but told him how he had met Didier, and what fun it had been dating such a wonderful guy. He was a good listener and a pal. They ended the evening after three hours together and three bottles of wine. Boy he didn't even think of Didier the entire time. That was odd or was he just distracted. They walked back to the studio and Colbert came running up to the door. "Let's go for a walk."

Reason put Colbert's leash on her and handed it to Trevor. "You can walk her."

"I was just about to ask." Trevor admitted.

They left out the rear door and walked down the street to a large park. There were trails for runners, walkers and dog walkers. Several people were on the trail. Let's take this one on the right, it's a good long walk.

"I never knew this place was here,'' Trevor admitted.

"It's sure lovely isn't it? I love to take her here after work sometimes but it has been too cold and wet these past couple of weeks."

"It's very dry tonight and the weather is not inclement."

"Touché to that." Reason said as they walked along the path. It was lit up by large lights that were on very tall poles. They walked around in a large circular pattern and ended up back where they started.

"That was fun and it felt quick."

"Colbert was pulling you most of the way, but that was fine."

"I kind of thought so, but I didn't feel a heavy tug."

"She pulls you just enough to get a good momentum going."

"She didn't stop much either."

"She hasn't eaten yet this evening."

"Shall we have some coffee?"

"Sure I'd love some."

"I bought this decaf for the evening."

"That is fine with me."

"It won't take too long to brew. I got this new coffee maker since the last time you were here."

"Did the old one die?"

"Nope just was tired of it. I like this better, it's a grinds the whole coffee beans for you." They entered the studio from the rear door and Trevor sat on the sofa in the back with Colbert, while Reason made the coffee.

"That is such a nice place to walk out there in the park. I am still surprised that it's there."

"When I found out it was there it made buying the building even sweeter."

"That coffee smells wonderful. Is it ready?"

"Just about." Reason sat on the sofa and then realized he should prepare the cups with the milk and Sweet-N-Low. He got up and did this while the coffee finished brewing. "It's ready." He poured the coffee in into the mugs and handed one to Trevor.

"Oh thank you. I sure love this little pooch. She is adorable. I want a dog."

"She is a very loving dog for being a Shar Pei."

"Why is that?" Trevor asked as he sipped his coffee.

"They usually are very not so mild mannered and take a liking to their owner and no one else. With Colbert, I took her on walks as soon as she had her shots. She learned to like people."

"I am glad she does."

"But she can be a great watch dog, very aggressive when a stranger comes around and she senses danger."

"Good girl," Trevor caressed Colbert's coat.

"Yes I have seen her bark and growl a couple times when she thought I was in danger."

"That is hard to believe, but I am sure it is instinctual."

"Indeed. So how is that coffee?"

"Oh delicious, dark and Mike but not bitter."

"Good because I am tired. Let's finish up and go home." Reason drank the last of his coffee and then got up and went to the bathroom.

Trevor was still caressing Colbert's coat when he returned. "I am finished."

"I'll take that." Reason grasped the mug. "I will take them home and wash them there."

"That's smart and sanitary." Trevor got up.

"Easy too."

They hugged and kissed on the cheeks, and said good night.

"Call me tomorrow, I am all alone for a week."

"Sure, I had fun. We can try another restaurant."

"You can pick." Reason said with a twinkle in his eye.

Trevor went out the back door and walked around to the front where he was parked. Reason grabbed the mugs and opened the door, setting the alarm. Colbert ran out and he locked the door. He clicked the FOB and the doors unlocked on the Jaguar. He opened the door and Colbert jumped in. He buckled her seat belt and got into the driver's seat. He sped off. When he got home he listened to the message machine and there was one from Didier, "Call me tonight. Here's the number." Reason grabbed the pen and started jotting it down.

Reason picked up the phone and dialed the number.

"Hello," in a whisper.

"Hello, is it too late to call," in a whisper.

"No, I was just reading, lying in bed. I miss you."

"Well I miss you to and I love you." Reason felt a bit tipsy still.

"I love you big guy."

"You are so sweet."

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"I am coming home earlier than I thought. In 2 days. I don't need to be here any longer than that."

"Really, I am so happy, I can't wait to see you. I went out with Trevor, we had French and vino."

"See, I told you, you would have fun."

"The vino was fun. Trevor is a cool kid as well."

"Well I just wanted to tell you I was coming home earlier. I think I hear my mom. I will say good night and I love you and sleep well."

"I love you too babe, hugs and kisses to your heart."

"Goodnight."

"Nite." Reason hung up the phone, he was so excited too that Didier was coming home early. He fell asleep, Colbert by his side.

The next morning.

The phone rang and Reason reached over and picked it up. "Hello."

"Hey sleepy head, how you doing this morning."

"A bit hung over, but to hear your voice so early in the morning makes it all better."

"It's not early here. We are headed over to the funeral parlor soon and I wanted to say good morning."

"Wow, I am so glad that you did. You made my day."

"I like making your day sexy."

"So you are coming home tomorrow then?"

"Yes, I land around 3 p.m."

"I will be there to pick you up."

"You better be."

"I can't wait to see you."

"Yes I know," Didier laughed.

"Okay call you later. Bye."

"Bye sexy."

Reason laid there and felt love again. He felt so wonderful, he felt so lucky. How did this happen? The stepping in and changing things must have been why.

Later in the day.

Surprisingly the day went quickly. A very cute couple came in and looked around for a bit and chatted some. They ended buying a piece that Reason had had for a long time and didn't sell when he had the previous sale. He had removed the sale price and actually upped the price. They introduced themselves after chatting a bit, Tyler and Hayden. They were from Santa Fe, New Mexico and were loving the art scene there. They had driven up in a new Bentley, but they didn't have any attitude. Both were handsome for their age, maybe late 40's, early 50's and they both worked out. Reason thought they were real sweet. He thought of Didier and hoped that they would one day travel to Santa Fe and see the art scene. Colbert came out to greet them and they fell in love with her.

"We have two English bulldogs, Samson and Delilah, brother and sister." Tyler took out a picture from his wallet. Reason was glad they were so charming. They told him anytime there were in Santa Fe to look them up. They would love to show him and his boyfriend around. Reason was pleased with their generosity. He told them about the French restaurant down the street and little bit about the area. They were going to have lunch and drive up the coast to San Francisco. Reason bid them good luck and they departed.

That was time well spent he thought when they left. He went back to his desk and the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hey Reason, Trevor here, I am not going to be able to do anything tonight. I have to help my uncle out later. He said he would pay me extra."

"That is no problem. Actually, Didier is coming home tomorrow, he cut his trip short. I am just going to go home do a little reading."

"Oh good, well I need to run, just wanted to let you know."

"Thanks for calling. Talk at you later."

"Bye."

Reason didn't feel like doing anything this evening, just relaxing with a good book tonight alone with Colbert. Around 5 p.m. he closed up the gallery and drove home. He would anxiously wait for Didier's call. He made some herbal tea, took some melatonin and hopped into bed and started reading _Touch Not The Cat_. His mother had given it to him months before and he thought it sounded intriguing. It had sat on his night stand with the rest of the books he was planning to read. Now was the time to read it, all alone and Didier's out of town and nothing on TV to watch. Colbert was at his feet and the tea was warm and he felt cozy.

_Part One. 'My lover came to me on the last night of April, with a message and a warning that sent me home to him.'_ Reason paused, 'I haven't had any visions lately during Didier's absence. Have I even had one vision? Actually ever since I met Didier the visions have diminished.' He continued to read and ponder this at the same time. It had been bothering him in the back of his mind, and he had left it there, avoiding it as long as possible. However, tonight it wanted to be examined and pushed its way to the front of Reason's mind, even as he read. Reason paused again. 'It's not as if I can figure it out and then tell myself the answer. I can do some guessing as to why this has happened, but no other explanation can I find. Maybe I am so happy that I don't need to see visions anymore. Now that's crazy.' He looked down at the book and realized he was not reading anymore, but lost in thought. Now where did I leave off? He rescanned from the beginning of the page and started again. Part One. He started reading again and when it was time to turn the page he realized that his mind did not retain one word he had read. He put the book down and lay there and thought of the good times he had spent with Didier. The first time he met him was his favorite.

The phone rang and his heart jumped, beating fast all at once. He picked up the receiver, "Hello."

"Hey Reason, how are you tonight?"

"I was just thinking about you."

"You were? I just got to bed and I wanted to call you up and say goodnight. I miss you."

"I am glad to hear that. How was the funeral?"

"Well I must say it was very small and very short and not as bad as I thought. There were lots of friends, but not many relatives. I don't think I have much family here in the states. I think they live in Europe. My mom hasn't told me much about them."

"Ask her to tell you more about them before you leave tomorrow," Reason urged him.

"Afterwards we took the cable car down to the French Quarter and had a very nice dinner. Mother even had some vino. She actually was in better spirits."

"Well I am glad to hear that."

"She didn't wear black, which I thought odd, but she said she didn't want to look like she was in mourning."

"Well maybe she is over it already."

"At the restaurant she told me stories of Aunt Mae when they were young.

"How sweet."

"But let's talk about us. I miss you."

"You do?"

"You know it. I miss holding you in my arms and squeezing you tight."

"You know I love it when you squeeze me with those huge arms of yours."

"They are not huge, but they are some big guns."

"You sexy hunk."

"I can't wait to kiss you all night. I want to wake up with you."

"Me too. You give the best kisses."

"Okay well anything else new, how is Colbert?"

"She's fine, she is here in bed with me."

"She will keep you company until I see you tomorrow."

"Yes, well then, good night and sleep well and dream of me."

"I always do sexy."

"So goodnight, call me tomorrow."

"I will and good night, love you."

"Love you too." Reason hung up the phone. He laid there and was so happy. He started to read but he was tired all of a sudden. He laid the book on the side table and turned off the light. He drifted off into sleep and he couldn't believe that it was already morning when he woke up. Didier will be home today. The book sat on the nightstand.

Chapitre 12

That afternoon.

Reason arrived at the gate, a half hour early. He brought one of the books he's reading, a Sherlock Holms mystery, another favorite of his to read, where he had left _Touch Not the Cat_ , he couldn't remember, at the studio he was remembering but not really thinking about it too much. He thought he would sit and read until the plane landed. He found a seat far from the door and started reading.

There were not very many people around. He tried to focus on reading, but he couldn't. He looked around, people watching. He just needed to remember not to stare too much. He would forget the book and people watch. He sat there, and saw a couple walk by, going to another gate. Then a man came walking by, dressed in a suit. That's no way to travel. Then no one else came along to look at.

'What time is it now?' he looked at his watch, 15 minutes more. He had told Didier he would be at the curb, near the baggage pick up. He was very nonchalant about it when he said it, like he didn't really miss him. 'Reason, you're a brat,' he thought to himself. Then people started to arrive, many people. More than he could imagine.

Within about 10 minutes about 50 people arrived. Well I guess I am not that special he thought, all these people are coming to see their loved ones arrive. He stared at all the people, mostly all pleasant looking people. At this thought he saw the plane taxing up to the gate. His heart began to pound.

He stood up and walked over to the door to wait. When the passengers began to walk through the door, he would stand off just a bit and watch Didier come thru it. Just to get a glimpse of his face when he didn't see him there. He was anxious himself. The passengers finally began to walk through the door. He stood watching for an eternity he thought. Maybe Didier missed the flight. He finally caught a glimpse of him coming up the jet-way.

He stepped back a little. He watched Didier all the way up the jet-way, and then as Didier walked off he slowed down and peered around. His face looked gloomy. He looked all over and didn't see Reason, and so he just started on his way to the baggage claim. At this Reason stepped out into Didier's line of sight, all smiles.

"Hi."

"Hi, did you just arrive?"

"No I was watching you as you came off the jet way. I wanted you to think I didn't come to the gate to meet you."

"I was sad for a moment, almost angry when I realized you weren't standing right in front, and then I looked around and didn't see you."

"I saw your face and I saw this gloom on your face. I am sorry. I am here and am so glad to see you. I've missed you." They hugged and kissed on the cheeks. They walked down the concourse to the baggage area, Didier was talking about the flight. Reason was just glad to see his man. They went and sat down to wait for the luggage.

"You look a little heavier."

"It's all that New Orleans cuisine. We went out for every meal. My mom was in no mood to cook except for late night snacks every night, desserts mostly. I had fun with her for the most part, she wants to come out here and visit soon. I felt like she wanted to tell me something, but she never did. It was odd, I just could tell she was about to say something, and she'd smile and not say anything."

"Well I am glad you had a nice time with your mother, considering the circumstances. I am glad you are back too."

They waited until most of the passengers had picked the conveyor belt clean before moving over to pick up his luggage.

Half hour later.

Reason pulled up to Didier's house. "Should I let you get unpacked and settled by yourself, then when you've rested, come back?"

"Are you kidding, you stay, unless you have to go?"

"Oh no, Colbert is fine. I just didn't want to be in your way."

"Please stay."

"Left to my own devices, then I probably would."

"You will never be in my way, come in, and help me with my luggage."

They got out of the car and Reason took one of the bags, Didier grabbed the smaller one. You can pour us some wine and relax and I am going to take a shower and then we can hold each other for awhile."

Reason loved this response, there was no domino dancing here and he was in heaven.

Chapitre 13

A few days later.

Reason is piddling around the house, doing things when the phone rings.

"Hello."

"Hey buddy, how you doing? Miss me?" he cheerily asks.

"Hey there, and yes I do. You still working?"

"Yeah, I have another hour or so. I needed to catch up on this project. I left so quickly last week, everything was put on hold. Now I am paying for it."

"I am just doing some household chores."

"Keeping busy, that's good. How's Colbert?"

"She is fine, out in the back yard bird watching."

"She watches birds?"

"Yes and she wants to get them and eat them, but she can't."

"That is so funny. So by tomorrow I will be caught up and we can have a long quiet evening together."

"Sounds good to me. I left you a message on your home machine, so don't call me back when you listen to it, unless you want to. I may still be awake."

"Sure I can give you a buzz when I get home or I can come over there and spend the night with you.''

"Well sure do that instead if you aren't too tired."

"Never too tired to see you babe."

"Well I will leave the door unlocked."

"See you soon."

"Bye." Reason hung up the phone. He fell asleep on the sofa watching _I_ _Love Lucy_ , one of his favorite episodes, when they get locked out on the roof. He awoke and heard a knock.

"Come in."

"Hey there."

"I must have dosed off. What time is it?"

"Just a little after nine."

"Did you get finished?"

"Yes, so glad that is all done. You and Colbert fell asleep."

"She always has to be at my feet," Reason chuckled. "Let's go to bed," Reason took Didier's hand and led him to the bedroom. Colbert followed them.

"I am going to brush my teeth," Didier said. Reason undressed and climbed into bed. A few minutes later he awoke and Didier was sitting on the bed next to him.

"You dosed off again."

"I did?" Something in his mind clicked. It was the vision he had before, but the words were different.

He laid there and tried to remember the vision. It had faded. He lay there until Didier climbed into bed and held him in his arms and kissed him and made love to him. He fell asleep in Didier's arms.

7 a.m. the next morning.

Reason wakes up and he looks over at Didier, who is still asleep. He feels this odd sensation, like it's all a dream and it's not real, Didier is his lover, it doesn't feel real. It's the weirdest feeling. He snaps out of it and get's up and heads to the kitchen to make coffee. He uses the main bathroom and washes his face with cold water and combs his hair and rinses with some mouthwash. He then heads back to the kitchen and pours 2 cups of coffee. He adds the milk and Sweet-N-Low and heads to the bedroom. He is careful not to spill the coffee as he maneuvers in the low lit room. He sits them on the nightstand and crawls into bed.

He leans over and puts his arm on Didier's side, and he begins to stir. He knows this will wake him and he pulls himself closer to Didier. He falls back to sleep holding Didier.

He wakes up and Didier is sitting on the side of the bed drinking coffee.

"Hey buddy, I had to reheat the coffee in the microwave. It was cold."

"I didn't want to wake you, and I fell back to sleep. What time is it?"

"Just seven thirty. I reheated yours too, here." Didier hands the cup to Reason.

Reason lifts his body up and realizes that this is like the vision once again, but the words are not the same. He takes the cup and sips it.

"Thank you."

"It felt good to sleep in. I was beat from working so hard these past few days."

"I am glad you did sleep in. You needed the rest."

"So after tonight, I will be free from Friday afternoon, all weekend. Do we have any plans?"

"I would like to ask you if you would like to go to a wedding up by Big Sur?"

"Sounds like a long weekend."

"Yes it could be and I can show you the lighthouse where I took that photo in your bedroom."

"Wow, I never thought I would get to see it in person. So who's your friend?"

"Mike is an old friend. We will have fun. I will plan it all out. We can stay at this bed n breakfast, then drive up to the lighthouse."

"Sounds good, now let's make love." Didier sat down his coffee cup and climbed onto Reason, taking his cup and sitting it on the nightstand

An hour later.

"I have to shower. I need to head into the office," Didier said as he lay there holding Reason in his arms. "I love you."

"I love you too. Go shower. I'll make you some toast and eggs."

"Sounds wonderful." Didier got up and went to the bathroom. Reason lay in bed not stirring. He hated when they made love and then Didier had to leave. He missed him. He got up and dressed in his pajama shorts and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. Colbert followed him into the kitchen and parked herself at the foot of the table. Reason began making breakfast.

30 minutes later.

"I have to run. I will call you at the studio?" Didier asked as he got up from the kitchen table.

"Yes, call me at the studio. Drive safe."

"I loved the eggs. They were the best."

" _Merci beaucoup, mon ami_."

"I love when you speak French to me. Kiss me." Didier leaned down and kissed Reason on the lips.

He left out of the front door. Reason sat at the table. He didn't feel like going to the front door. He was so comfortable with Didier coming and going freely. He got up and went to the bathroom to shower and dress to go to the gallery. He would call Mike and let him know their plans. He was excited to be seeing the lighthouse once again.

Later that afternoon.

Reason is on the phone talking to Didier. "I was planning on driving there on Thursday, and you could fly up on Friday night, I will pick you up at the airport, we can have a nice dinner and then go back to the bed and breakfast. It's just about fifteen minutes from where Mike lives and is having the wedding. I will spend Thursday night there at his house before all the guests arrive. He has a huge house.

"Well that sounds like a great idea. I will take off Monday and we can drive back together."

"Yes, that's what I was going to suggest. I had been waiting to ask you for a couple of days now, but with your aunt dying I wasn't sure you would want to go to a wedding."

"This will get me off on a different track and I would love to spend some time with you away from home."

"Oh you would? _Moi aussi_. Okay so I will call Mike and let him know the plan. I am very excited about the excursion. You know I can't wait to drive you to that place where I took the photo I gave you."

"For some reason that place draws me and I would like to explore it as well."

"Sure we can do that too. I love a great adventure."

"Especially one of mystery."

" _Tres tres_." They said goodbye and made plans to see each other later that night. Reason always was excited to see Didier. "Always on my mind, in my house," Reason thought.

Reason dialed Mike as soon as he hung up with Didier. No answer, he left a message, 'Mike, I am coming up on Thursday, and Didier is flying up on Friday night. I can spend the night at your house Thursday night and we can share about our loves, yes loves. I am faint for this one. You can tell me all about you future husband. I can't wait to see you. Love you, Reason.'

He was excited about it like when he was a kid and was going on a day trip with his class to SeaWorld. What a wonderful day. Then he would think about it ending and he didn't ever want it to. He was sad.

Chapitre 14

Thursday morning.

"I can take a taxi to the airport, don't worry," Didier was saying as Reason was putting away the clothes he had dragged out, but didn't pack.

"Okay, and wear your seat belt in the taxi too," Reason said in a reminder voice.

"I always do, you taught me that," Didier assured him.

"I will call you when I arrive at Mike's house."

"That's fine, have fun and drive safe. I will see you Tomorrow."

"Bye."

"Okay, bye."

Didier said, "I love you."

"I love you too." Reason pondered this, when you say 'I love you' too much does it make it feel any less real? He was all ready to go and he just wanted to stop for a moment and relax, he took a deep breath and sighed. 'I'm not scared.' He drove off. Didier waved as he pulled out of the drive.

He was leaving Colbert with Trevor. He felt comfortable with Trevor and trusted him. Didier was going to drop Colbert off at the camera store on his way to work. She liked Trevor and it would be easier this way.

Chapitre 15

Sunday morning.

Reason wakes up and looks at the clock on the nightstand, 9:30 a.m., still groggy from the night before. He turns and Didier is awake smiling at him.

"Good morning sleepy head."

"Good morning. How did you sleep?" Reason asks.

"I slept perfectly sound. It felt great. I needed it too."

"This bed is really comfy."

"Yes we need a bed like this one."

"I will look at the mattress later."

"That's a great ideal."

"Shall we take a drive and look for the lighthouse?"

"That sounds like a plan to me. Let's have breakfast first."

"Yes, I am hungry. Let's shower and get ready."

One hour later.

"The top is down because the air is clean and crisp," Reason ejaculates right before he sips his coffee. Didier glances over at him and pauses then he smiles and sips his coffee. Reason secretly packed a light snack just in case: some turkey sandwiches, some grapes, sliced cheese, olives and a four splits of champagne. He had ordered it from the chef the night before.

After about 30 minutes of driving,

They come upon a small café, "Very quaint", Didier remarks, "Let's have lunch on the way back. Reason nods and agrees. They continue to drive along until they come to a road that takes them along the beach, it is very deserted and the grass is high. Reason remembers this very well, like it was just yesterday. How odd he thinks, a déjà vu. He wanted to be the navigator so he let Didier do the driving. With a convertible it's more fun to be in the passenger seat.

"Are you sure this is the way?" Didier asked.

"Yes I am sure, not absolutely, but very positive it is."

"Well hope your positive is better than your 'not absolutely sure'." Didier replied. Reason didn't take any offense, as he was not absolutely sure, but there was a gut instinct that told him they were going in the right direction. He felt something drawing him. A few miles later they came to a beach that had an old wooden lifeguard station.

"Oh yes, I remember that, I walked by it, so we are in the general area. But we will have to pull over to the side and park the car."

"Are you sure that will be okay?" Didier asked.

"Oh yes, I haven't seen anyone on this road since we turned on it."

"Me either." Didier smiled after saying that.

"I think it's near here, see that up there is the bluffs, let's park here somewhere, just anywhere."

"Okay how about right here?" Didier pulled the car off the road and under an old lilac tree.

"We'll put the top up to keep the leaves out." Reason thought that a little extreme, but didn't mind doing it. They walked through the brush and came upon the beach. It was a beautiful day, with some high clouds overhead, and the air still crisp.

"I am sure glad we brought these sweaters with us," Didier exclaimed.

" _Moi aussi_!"

"So which way shall we tread?"

"Oh down here and to the right. We will have to walk a ways. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh not at all, I love walking on the beach. I am taking my shoes off to feel the sand."

"Then I am too," Reason exclaimed.

"I brought some snacks just in case we get a little hungry."

"What a great idea, is that why the back pack?"

"I use it as my camera case sometimes and a lunch basket other times," Reason replied.

"Smart."

"I can't wait to see this place again. I'm so excited. I never thought I would be here again."

"Well I am excited too. I want to see it for myself," Didier said. They walked towards the beach for about half of a mile before coming upon the bluffs edge. They stood there and gazed up.

"Well I can't really see it, how far north were you?" Didier said disappointed.

"I was over there by that cliff. I used the zoom. I didn't even see it until I had turned past it."

"Oh I see. Well let's head over there then, and I can look at it through your camera."

"Okay and maybe we can try and find a path that leads up there," Reason added. He smiled at Didier who in turn winked. Reason loved when he got a wink, it made him feel so special.

"I brought some black and white film to take pictures. Real high speed too," Reason informed Didier. He didn't respond to that statement and this bothered him.

"Boy this is a beautiful beach," after a long silent pause. "Look at those huge rocks in the water," Didier pointed to some phallic rocks that protruded from the water, fat and tall.

"I agree with you there, very beautiful," Reason said and then trailed off into thought about how he dreamed of those rocks when he was a child.

"I am hot."

"Take your sweater off. The sun is really shinning now. Reason pulled off his sweater to reveal his hairy chest.

"No undershirt, my sexy man."

"I didn't have time to find one."

"I'll take mine off as well." Didier pulled off his shirt to reveal his blond hairy chest. He was more muscular than Reason, and had thick, blond hair all over his chest. Reason loved looking at his hard Pecs covered with blond thick fur. They strode along a while longer, then turned and looked up and saw the lighthouse. Didier was in awe at how it looked just like the photo he had. "Wow that is impressive. It looks just like the photo."

"Why thank you sir. I take pride in my toil."

"Yes you do. Now how do I look at it through the camera?" Didier seemed anxious.

"Well just press this button half way down, it will auto focus."

Didier was surprised at the weight of the camera. "This is not light."

"Nope it's not."

"Well I can see why you have such big arms," smiling.

"Look through the lens."

Didier was amazed at how close he could zoom in to the lighthouse, "I can even make out the letters on the door knocker."

"That's one of my best lenses," Reason said in a bragging tone.

After a few moments, Didier lowered the camera and said, "There is something about this place that makes me feel like I have been here before." There is a copper sign above the door that reads, 'Les Thurston's Fin.'

"Reason that name seems so familiar to me, but I can't read it clearly."

"Wow I thought I was the one with the mysterious past?"

"Stop it, I feel like I have been in that lighthouse before when I was very young."

"Well let's go take a closer look." I think we can make our way up to the bluff this way," Didier plodded forward.

Reason said, "Wait, I want to take a swim first."

"Then we'll have a snack on the beach towel I brought."

Didier stopped and turned, he paused a moment as if in deep thought. He began to run towards the water and peel off his clothes, Reason stripped and ran after him towards the water, "Last one is it."

"No way, not again," Didier ran faster with his underwear still on. He got to the water. "It's freezing," Didier stopped at knee high.

"Oh it feels great and it will cool you off," Reason exclaimed.

"I have never been nude on the beach before," Didier ejaculates.

"Never?" Reason repeats, "I have gone many times nude on the beach."

Reason waded out deeper up to his waist, Didier followed. Didier grabs Reason and pulls him up close into his arms and starts to kiss him. He can taste the salty water on Reasons lips.

"You are the brave one."

"I don't think anyone else is around. I wanted to kiss you in the ocean. I have never done that before either." They kiss again and embrace each other for several minutes. Didier let go and glides backwards into the water. "Now I am ready to eat."

Reason stands there and lets the moment last a moment longer before he swims towards Didier. They are neck deep in the water and staring into each other's eyes. The clouds are cotton candy and the sun is bright. Reason mouths, 'I love you.'

Didier smiles and mouths it as well. Nothing verbal, just lips moving.

"Are you cool enough, let's eat."

"Yes my sexy man, I am now."

They wade back to the beach and stand at the shore, dripping. Silence. They walk to the beach towel and sit down facing each other, legs cross, salt water glistening in the sun, beads dripping down their bodies. Silence between them.

Reason opens the basket and pulls out two plates. He hands both to Didier, he put's one on each knee. Reason pulls out the sandwiches and lays one on each plate. He does this for the olives, the cheese, the grapes, all in silence. Now he opens the champagne splits, two of them and hands one to Didier. Didier hands one plate back to him and they take the splits and cheer.

Reason says, "Too silence."

Didier says, "To love in silence." Clink. They take a swig and eat, in silence.

10 minutes later.

"Are you ready to go check out the lighthouse?" Reason finally asks breaking the silence.

"Nope, not really. Let's just lay here for awhile, maybe take a snooze."

"Well okay then." Reason pulls out a plastic bag and stuffs the plates and bottles in it and ties it up." Silently. Didier stands up.

"Get comfy and I will lie down next to you."

Reason lies down on his side towards the water and Didier lies down behind him. "I love to hold you like this." Didier hold's him and he falls to sleep.

13 minutes later

Reason wakes up, he's warm from the sun. Didier stirs, he's still holding Reason close to his body. Reason turns to face Didier and they start to kiss passionately.

"Let's make love," Didier whispers to Reason.

Later

"I'm ready if you are." Didier says quietly.

"I can't wait any longer."

"Do you think there is a path up there?"

"I am sure there must be some pathway." They dressed in silence. Didier took the plastic bag and tied it to his backpack.

They walk along the beach and come to an area that looks like they can climb up. Climbing straight up, holding on to the bushes and grass that's growing out of the side of the mountain, they reach the top. Pause for a moment to catch their breath and cool down and proceed towards the lighthouse. Reason is taking pictures of Didier's from behind. They arrive at the lighthouse and it is deserted.

Didier gazes up at it. "Wow it is so cool. I wonder why it is deserted."

They try the front door, it's locked. They look inside and it looks like it might be lived in. But it's very dusty. They take a look around the place and don't find anyone. Reason is wondering if he will get any visions while here at the lighthouse.

From the window off the front porch they can see that the lighthouse has a large living room, with a big stone fireplace that is the center of attention. That is if you don't mind the spiral staircase near the back end of the room. It's made of rod iron and wood. They walk around the lighthouse and find another window that looks into a large breakfast nook with a round table and three chairs. On the center of the table there are three candles that looked pretty fresh.

The curtains look like they are newer than anything else inside, they even look like blackout curtains. Reason gets a suspicion. Maybe someone conducts séances here. The table is large enough for five or six chairs, the drapes would block out any sunlight if pulled together completely.

He asked Didier what he thinks. "I think it's kind of creepy in there."

"I wonder if you could do a séance in there." Reason raises his eye.

"I was just thinking the same thing. Wow. Is that coincidental or what."

"Well I think we both have it in our minds, just a natural curiosity. Have you ever been to a séance Didier?"

"Oh no, the whole thing spooks me. I am very cautious about dealing with the spiritual realm."

"Oh I see. Well I have been to a couple, and I agree they can be spooky, if they are real. During this one séance I let go of the persons hand to my right, well I thought for a second, to scratch my nose, just about then a chill came upon me. When I went to hold the hand again, it felt ice cold. I could barely see anyone, the light was to dull and the room was very dark. I let go from surprise, I heard a screeching noise and I didn't reach for their hand again. The lights came back on and the person was gone. I don't know what happened to them, but their spouse ran out the door looking for them. Then we all just got up and left. The guy who was doing the séance got pretty scared as well. I just left in a hurry never to return."

"Now you have me even more spooked."

"It's alright, I am here."

"Do you think this property belongs to anyone?"

"I would think that it belonged to the Coast Guard. I thought that they run all the lighthouses."

"Yes the operating ones. This is just abandon."

"It does seem odd."

"Did you check to see if we are on government land?"

"I didn't see any signs that say 'No Trespassing'."

"We might still be on private property."

"I wonder how we find out."

"You have to go to the city hall and check it there."

"That is a good idea."

"Let's get back to the car. It will be getting windy soon."

"How'd you know that?" Reason asked quizzically.

"The wind always begins to blow around this time at the beach," Didier said.

"Oh I see. So what do you think of the lighthouse?"

"I think it looks quainter from afar off."

"I agree. Up close it's a bit tattered and worn, needs some fresh paint. I wonder what the story is about this place. It's all a mystery."

"Are you ready to climb down?"

"I think I saw another way down, let's check it out." Reason led Didier down a ways and there was indeed a zigzag path that went back and forth and led down to the beach. "This is how they used to get down there. It's so clever. Why didn't we see this before, we walked right by it."

"Very San Francisco indeed," Didier replied. "We weren't paying attention before." They were down the beach and heading back to the car.

"Did you take many photos?"

"Yes an entire roll of film. Hope you like them." Reason smiled.

"I am sure I will. Are we going to stop at that café we saw driving up here?"

"Oh yes, I forgot about that. I can't wait. I am a bit hungry."

"You didn't get full on that sandwich?"

"That was just meant as a snack. The champagne made me feel hungry I think."

"Blame it on Korbel," Didier said with a wink.

A short time later.

They pulled up to the café and got out.

"It's just about sunset. I hope they have a seat by the window. I want to see the sun set into the ocean."

"I am sure they will just for you Reason," Didier teased him. They were seated right in front of the window, the sun was setting. The waiter came over and asked what they wanted to drink. They ordered iced tea. The menu was home cooking and Reason ordered the pot roast with veggies and buttermilk biscuits. Didier ordered the same thing. Reason looked at him and winked. Didier smiled back.

They sat there in silence and watched the sunset into the ocean. "Wow I loved to watch that. I want to leave by the beach."

"You live within a few miles."

"I have to drive to the beach to watch the sunset."

"Why don't we ever do that? At least once a week."

"From now on we shall." The waiter returned with their iced teas.

"Oh by the way, do you know about the lighthouse a few miles north of here?" He asked the waiter.

"The one on the Vanderbilt Winery? Oh yes, that place has been closed for years. I think since the late 1960's. It used to be managed by the coast guard and then it was not useful anymore after they built the new lighthouse a few miles south of here. The Vanderbilt's closed the winery down and moved to Europe in the late 1950's. Troubles in the family were the rumor. It was a big scandal, murder you know."

"Wow. I got more information than I was expecting," Reason said to Didier. "So who owns the winery now?"

"Don't know that but I hear that are all the heirs have passed and it has no owner, except the State. I heard that a builder from Monterey wants to build a luxurious golf resort and country club but he can't get his hands on it."

"Oh really? I see. Well thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate it." Reason said with a big smile. The waiter left them.

"Did you hear that Didier? Now what do you think of that?"

"I think it all very interesting. It's odd how she said the family moved back to Europe."

"Did she say back to Europe?"

"I thought so. Well anyway from what I gathered my mom's family did move back to Europe sometime in the 1950's and that name, Vanderbilt seems to ring a bell and they might have had a winery here in California."

"The mystery is getting juicier. Call your mom up and ask here."

"I just might have to do that." The waiter brought the plates of food and after much ado about nothing left them to eat.

"Wow they give you huge portions," Reason exclaimed.

" _Bon appetite_ babe?"

Reason's heart melted. It was so romantic the way Didier said 'Babe.'

Chapitre 16

Monday morning.

Reason awakes, Didier is caressing his chest with his hand, he turns towards Didier and pulls him close, he finds his mouth and starts to make love with his tongue and they go on until the sun is peaking in thru the shutters. The morning is sudden and beautiful. They hold each other once again and fall back to sleep. A knock on the door awakens them, "Breakfast is ready." They are up in a flash. Didier heads into the bathroom, Reason begins packing. He leaves an outfit out for himself. He's lying on the bed when Didier comes out of the bathroom all groomed and smelling fresh. He has a grin on his face that tells Reason he is very happy.

"Well all yours." He walks over to Reason and kisses him on his cheek. Boy he's falling in the deep end of love, Reason says to himself and he is also relieved that Didier is so happy. He himself is in a euphoric zone, even radiant. He goes to take his shower, outfit in tow. When he comes out all dressed and ready to go, Didier is sitting drinking coffee that he had delivered to the room.

"Black and piping hot.''

"Hmmm, that smells good, just what I needed."

"This is the best coffee," Didier replies. It smells wonderful. Didier has packed his clothes and has sent the luggage downstairs to the car.

"How did you get my toiletries into my luggage?" Reason asked as he sipped his coffee.

"When you were getting dressed I slipped in and packed all of them and tucked them into your luggage."

"Where was my mind, I didn't even notice."

"Reason, you were off in mystery wine-land."

"Maybe I was."

"Let's go have breakfast," Didier kisses Reason and holds him tight. "I do love you so."

"You are sweet. I love you too."

They head downstairs to the dining room. "The other guests have eaten and are no where to be seen, maybe upstairs packing," the host told them graciously and then showed them to a small table with reserved notes on the plates.

"Look it's reserved for us."

"Yes, to make sure that they don't pick up the place settings," the host said with a smile. They sat down as he poured them coffee.

"How would you like your eggs?"

"How about eggs over medium with biscuits and gravy."

"We have delicious smoked bacon as well."

"Yes indeed."

"Fruit on the side? And juice?"

"Sure that sounds wonderful."

"And you sir?"

"I'll have the exact same thing," Didier said with a smile.

"That was easy, back in a few. The newspaper is in the lobby if you wish to read it."

"Let's not forget to pick one up on our way out," Reason interjected and sipped his coffee.

After breakfast.

"It's a beautiful day. We'll love driving down Pacific Coast Highway _aujourd'hui_ ," Reason quips as they step out of the lobby of the bed and breakfast. "Let's put the top down and enjoy the sunshine." The car has been brought up to the front of King's Cross bed & breakfast.

"I thought you said this was called the Kincaid Inn?"

"I don't know where I got that from."

"Well it was a nice place to stay. I'll be back."

They drive south on COAST HIGHWAY in silence. Reason is staring at the ocean, mesmerized by its beauty, so vast and blue. He begins to ponder about Didier and how long they have known each other. Are we moving too fast? Should we slow down? He glimpsed a huge wave crash against the rocks, staring he forgets his thoughts and looks over at Didier, it's alright and he wants to enjoy the drive back home. They drive on.

Two hours later.

They see a sign for a café that is up the road a few miles. Reason loves to find these places and go dine in them. "Shall we stop at COAST HIGHWAY Café and have some brunch?"

"Oh yes, I am starving. Didier answers." When they pull in, they see several cars parked out in front.

"It looks like it is an old dinner pre world war II. It is in very good shape, all painted and such." The drive is all white rock and they pull in slowly. Reason is thrilled about finding such a gem on this trip. He hopes the food is good old home cooking. As they walk into the café Reason gets an odd feeling about the place.

A touristy place it is now, remnants of the past. Reason and Didier take a seat near the window and look around. All the people seem like regular tourists, a few of the people maybe locals. The waiter comes with menus and asks if they care for iced tea, both of them say yes. He departs and returns with drinks.

"I'll give you a few minutes to decide?" The waiter asks in a slow voice.

"Oh yes a few minutes." They are just looking at the menus and Reason sees something happening. A vision. A lady, she falls in the kitchen of her bakery one day, she is lying still. It is quick and disturbing. Reason comes out of it and is staring at the menu. He shivers. Wow what a place to see something. But this is something that has already happened. It is not the future but the past. He gets a queer feeling in his stomach. He needs an antacid. He fumbles in his pants pocket, but he has none. Didier looks up from his menu and asks, "What's wrong?"

"I just have a bit of an upset stomach and I need an antacid. I shall go to the car, I have some in my overnight case. Be right back." He gets up and walks out to the car, he has a frightened feeling. He hates those visions. He goes to the trunk, he opens it using the keyless remote, and finds his antacids. He puts a few in his pocket, just in case. 'Shall I tell Didier about my vision or not?' He wonders. No not now, he returns to the café, the table and to Didier.

"I feel better now. I rarely get an upset stomach, probably too much coffee this morning."

"Oh?" Didier says, "You look like you've seen a ghost. Well I am glad you feel better, I was worried it might bother you the rest of the day."

"Oh no, it's not that serious. An antacid usually takes care of it. Too much coffee and now iced tea."

"Well good," Didier replies, "No ghosts today."

'Little does he know,' Reason thought. They order tuna salad sandwiches with coleslaw. They eat and it is delicious, and Reason forgets about the vision and the upset stomach.

"I was reading here on the back of this menu, the history of this place, it is quite old, it was started in 1927 by a Lisa-Maebelle who had married a Thurston Crowe, who was the lighthouse keeper. She filled her time baking pies and cobblers while he stayed at three different lighthouses. This bakery and then a restaurant she ran for 24 years and then she had an accident and could not work anymore. She retired and gave it to her daughter-in-law, Stacey. Stacey returned to her home back in Connecticut shortly after Lisa-Maebelle died in 1967. It doesn't say who owns it now, but that it is run in the tradition that it started in, with homemade pies and cobblers.

45 minutes later

"Didn't the sign on the lighthouse say 'Les Thurston's Fin'?" Didier piped up after finishing his Black Currant Cobbler.

"That sign did say that. Maybe that was one of the lighthouses he would stay at?"

"Or maybe it was the last one he stayed at?"

"Yeah it doesn't say when he died, before or after his wife?"

"Maybe the place is haunted?" Didier quipped.

"Well that is interesting, I am so glad we stopped here."

"Yes me too, the food was delicious. Well let's get going." They paid the bill and departed. Reason was thinking about the story of the place. Maybe that was Lisa-Maebelle Crowe he saw in his vision. Why would he see that vision he wondered. He couldn't figure it out and didn't want to just now. He wanted to enjoy the day, enjoy Didier.

They were back in the convertible and heading home once again. Their stomachs were full and their bodies rested, it was a wonderful feeling. It just took another hour or so to arrive home, to Santa Barbara. The drive was tiring, and they didn't speak much. Just a point there, another one there. Reason had asked Didier to drive after lunch, he wanted to be chauffeured. Very lovely, there's nothing as good as a long drive on a beautiful day Reason thought. He didn't feel guilty about it, just totally immersed in the scenery. Those days it seemed were far too few in-between. That should change he thought, for the better. His mind was rattling on again. He wished he could turn it off and relax.

"I can drop you off at your place and then take the car back to the car rental," Reason told Didier.

"Yes, I am tired, I just want to get home and relax for a while. Then maybe a bite to eat later?"

"How about if I order a pizza and we watch an old movie?" Reason asked.

"That sounds good. I will call you after I nap." They headed towards Didier's place.

When Reason was back on the road to return the car, his mind was racing again. He couldn't get the vision of the lady falling out of his head now, could she be the women who owned the café, Lisa-Maebelle Crowe, he thought. He was surprised that he remembered her name. The mystery was amiss.

He was soon home himself. He had relinquished all those thoughts and was now sitting with Colbert. Trevor had come by and dropped her off earlier that day. She was so happy to see Reason, and showed it by cuddling up next to him on the bed, her tail wagging non-stop. He sometimes forgot about her, out of site out of mind. How awful, or thoroughly pleasant, he thought. He would lay there and take a nap as well. Or try to take one.

Chapitre 17

A short while later.

When he awoke, it was dark outside. He felt groggy. The nap was longer than he anticipated it would be, just over an hour. Colbert was asleep as well. The still of the evening was upon him, and he lay there feeling it. It was sometimes an eerie feeling, the total quiet and darkness of the place. He laid there and absorbed it. It was the only way to make it go away. He felt alone during this time of the night. It bothered him, so he just lay there, soon it would go away.

The phone rang and the eerie feeling departed at once. It was Didier, he had napped and showered and was famished. He was on his way over. Reason quickly arose and went to the bathroom to jump in for a quick one. Just to wake up. The next day was work, he dreaded that. It was always a dreadful feeling, come Sunday afternoon, early evening, even though the next day was Tuesday, and he had a hard time trying to relax in the evening. He forgot to call for pizza. He went to the kitchen to get the number. Just as he was ordering he heard a knock on the door. "Just one second." He laid the receiver down and went to answer the door.

"Come in, I am ordering the pizza now. I forgot to after you phoned." Reason went back to the kitchen.

"Yes, that's right, thank you," Reason said and then hung up the phone. "It will be here in 30 minutes."

"I am starving. How was your nap?" Didier stood in the kitchen with a bottle in his hand.

"Too long, I still feel groggy. You brought wine, yum, let's open it." Reason started to look for the opener.

"I slept for about 20 minutes and that felt great. So what movie are we watching tonight?"

"The movie is Laura with the handsome Dana Andrews. Have you seen it?"

"Another movie about a big house with ghosts."

"My favorite. Well there was this movie that I watched when I was a child and I can't remember the name of it and so I am trying to watch all the movies with big houses with ghosts to see it."

"Pour the wine and let's watch it," Didier smiled as he said this.

"I am doing the best that I can." Reason poured the red wine into two glasses. "The movie is in the DVD player already, let's go."

They went into the living room, Didier sat down and patted the cushion next to him, "Sit here babe."

Reason sat down next to him and put the bottle on the coffee table. "The remote is next to you, just hit play." Didier grabbed the remote and pressed played.

"The movie's starting, no talking," Reason said and giggled.

"You brat," Didier said and rubbed Reason's head.

20 minutes later.

The doorbell rang and Reason jumped up. "Pause it please." Reason went to the door and pulled money from his pocket. "Just keep the change. Thanks."

"Let's get some plates and eat in front of the TV"

"We can just eat it out of the box," Didier suggested.

"It's too hot, I need to sit it down on the table."

"I am coming." Didier followed Reason into the kitchen.

"Here's a plate, get all you want."

"It looks delicious. Pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms and jalapenos. I'll be on fire later."

"You might not, cooked jalapenos are not as hot."

"Good to hear that."

"I am ready."

"I see why you like this movie. It reminds you of the weekend."

"Yes old mansions are so romantic. I would love to live in one.'

"Maybe one day you will," Didier suggested. Reason's eyes widened.

"Now that's a thought." They returned to watching the movie.

Later.

They were in bed and fast asleep. Reason was happy. Didier looked happy. The clock was just about 3 A.M., the phone started ringing. Who could that be at this hour? Reason wondered. He picked up the phone and said 'hello' in a very tired voice, he was in a deep sleep.

"This is the Protection Now Security Service, I need to speak with a Reason Simon."

"This is Reason," Reason said.

"We have a reported alarm going off at the following address."

Reason jumped up. "That's my gallery, no I am not there, call the police, and have them sent out right away. I am on my way." Didier was awakened by the commotion of Reason jumping up.

"What's happened?" Didier asked half asleep.

"My burglar alarm has gone off at the gallery. That was the monitoring service calling me to let me know. I told them to send the police. I am going down there right now."

"I am going too," Didier said as he got up out of bed. They dressed sloppily and ran out the door. Colbert was sleeping on her bed. She woke to look up at her master for a few moments, then put her head back down and went to sleep.

"It is cold," Reason quipped when they opened the garage door. Reason hit the button to open the garage door. "I have a jacket in the trunk if you need it."

"We'll see." They were in the car and zooming off down the street. Reason flipped on the heater immediately and switched on the seat heaters. "I hope this is not a false alarm. It has never happened before. I hope the police are there by now," Reason was speaking as if Didier was not there, just to stay something, out loud. Didier was quiet. They pulled up to the gallery, two patrol cars were already there. Policemen were standing about talking on radios. 'I think we have the owner here now,' Reason heard as he was getting out of the car.

"I am Reason Simon, I own this business."

"Well Mr. Simon, when we arrived there wasn't anyone in the business, our men are in there now investigating."

"Do you know how they broke in?"

"Yes they broke the glass and entered through the front door." Reason was looking in the direction of the front door. Didier was still in the car. He was there for support, but not to interfere.

"Did you have any valuables that were out in the open or in the front that could be seen from the street?"

"I only have photos, prints and negatives. My camera equipment I sent to be cleaned."

"So they couldn't have stolen that."

"I am glad I did that before I left this weekend."

"Did you say you left this weekend. Where did you go?"

"I went up to Big Sur to a wedding of a friend of mine. I left Friday morning and returned back last night, around 5:30 P.M."

"I see. Do you know of anyone who would want to rob you Mr. Simon?"

"No, no I don't. I am sure it was just a random burglary, I have nothing of any value in there."

"Well if you wait her, I will check to see if they are ready for you to come take a look." Reason turned to look at Didier, who nodded. He was glad Didier was there, not standing beside him, but there in the car. This comforted him.

"Okay Mr. Simon, you can come in and take a look around. Be careful of the broken glass." The glass had been hit my something very small and there wasn't a very large hole to squeeze a hand through it. They unlocked it by reaching through this hole. The alarm did not sound until they had reached the infrared detector just inside about five feet. They must have known exactly what they were looking for; as there was nothing messed up or turned upside down. Reason looked around and could not find anything missing. It was as though they were only look for valuables, money or some camera equipment. Nothing seemed to be stolen.

"Well officer I can't find anything missing. I have taken a quick look around and everything is here and in place. I even had a small camera sitting back in my office, in a drawer in my desk that was not stolen. The only thing that might have been disrupted is my filing cabinet. It's where I keep my negatives, each in a plastic case. I will have to go through them to see if any are missing. Otherwise all is in its place."

"Okay, are you sure Mr. Simon nothing else is missing?" Reason nodded his head and said, "Yes, I am sure."

"Okay then we are out of here. There weren't any fingerprints on the door lock, wiped clean. Would you like us to dust the place for any?"

"I am sure the only ones you find won't be the culprits." The police wrapped up their investigation. Reason stood there waiting for them to leave. He had gone out to tell Didier that it seemed that nothing had been stolen. The police would be leaving and he would put and old chain and lock on the front door till morning. "If someone wanted to break in again, the alarm would sound and it would be déjà vu."

"Well that's a relief to hear that, I shall stay in the car until they leave." He had turned on the engine to switch on the heater and warm up the car again. It was cold outside. The police left and then Didier got out of the car.

"They take so long for nothing."

"Well it was a break in, just no burglary. Now if I can find that old chain and lock. I used to put it on when I didn't have the alarm. Then after adding the alarm, I stopped doing it, too much trouble. It made it look as though I didn't have an alarm too. It's here in the back," Reason rambled on. He found the chain and the lock. He checked his keys, Didier had removed them from the ignition when he got out of the car, and to make sure he still had the key for the lock. No key. He looked through his desk, nothing. He remembered a small nail that was behind the top drawer, underneath the desk, he reached under and there was a small key hanging on it. There you are. He locked the front door and they proceeded to leave from the rear door. That was a solid door with a dead bolt. He was sure that there would be no more trouble tonight. When they were driving home, Didier asked if he could think of why someone would want to burglarize his gallery, unless it was merely by a random act of violence.

"I am not sure. It seems strange that someone would go to the trouble of breaking into my gallery, and then not steal anything, unless they were looking for something in particular, like camera equipment. Or something else?" Reason said with a quiver in his voice.

"Well that was something," Didier finally spoke, "I will be glad to get back in bed." They were home in a few minutes and then were back in bed. Reason laid in bed thinking about who could have done this. A queasy feeling would not go away. He felt personally attacked by what had happened. His own property, broken into, trespassed upon by some stranger, a thief; it was all personally disturbing to Reason. He wanted to fall back asleep and forget the whole thing. He began to think of the café. No, he told himself, he will lay here and not think of anything. In a few minutes he will fall back to sleep. He felt his body drifting away into sleep, his mind relaxing. Passed out.

Later that morning

Reason woke up, Didier was already up; he had made some coffee and had sat the cup on the nightstand next to Reason. Reason awoke from the smell of his coffee.

"Hmm, I feel like a prince this morning. Coffee in bed, so cozy." He pulled himself up and propped the pillow behind him against the headboard. Soon Didier returned with a tray in his hand, very cleaver that he had found it, a plate with some scrambled eggs and toast already buttered, some grapefruit on the side.

"Good morning sunshine. How did you sleep after all that ruckus of last night?"

"I feel back to sleep rather quickly and was in a nice dream when I smelt coffee in my dream then I woke up." Colbert was up now and shaking her head and body, stretching and yawing. She stood there next to the side of the bed, Didier bending down to kiss Reason on the cheek after placing the tray over his legs.

"My favorite, eggs, toast and coffee."

"And grapefruit. I will be right back."

"Colbert needs to go out in the backyard, can you unlock the doggy door for her?" On cold nights, Reason would lock the doggy door to keep out some stray animals that were cold and searching for warm shelter. Colbert heard the latch turn and was running off to the kitchen.

Didier returned once again with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"I love to sit in bed and drink coffee in the morning. Especially on a cold morning like this one."

"It's a little nippy in here."

"The coffee will warm you up."

"Yes it has, this is my second cup."

"How long have you been awake?"

"Oh not long, about half an hour. I have to go home and shower and get dressed for work."

"What time is it?"

"My watch says eight fifteen."

"I am loving the eggs and toast." Reason took another bite. "Perfect."

"I am glad you like it," Didier said, "When I woke up this morning, it was so quiet. I could hear you breathing softly."

"Yes, this house is sometimes very quiet, sometimes it's eerie."

"It felt so calm. I love to wake up early. The quiet is so nice. Everyone is still in bed. I can enjoy my coffee and sometimes I read the paper. Or I will do some work around the house."

"But you live alone, is it ever not quiet?"

"Well yes, if you sleep in and wake up and the sun is shining in, it doesn't feel the same way. Then you turn on the news, which really takes away from the morning."

"I turn the news on after I have been up for about an hour or so. Then I start the day."

"I see. Well I like that. Maybe I should wake up earlier. I would then go to bed earlier. I am a night owl though."

"Well do as you wish. You have your own business, you can set the hours as you like. Me I work for someone, I have to be at work by 9 A.M. I go in sometimes a bit early."

"Well I sometimes have to make calls to the reps on the east coast, so I do wake up early to call them, and then I crawl back in bed for a snooze. Otherwise, yes I can sleep in till eight or 8:30 A.M."

This conversation was interesting to Reason as he was learning more about Didier. Well I am off to my place now, I need to shower and change. I will call you later this morning."

"Okay, I am anxious to go to the gallery. I have got to see if anything actually was stolen." Didier kissed Reason goodbye, "I will see you tonight?"

"Yes indeed. I must shower first and then Colbert we will be off to the gallery."

"Call me." Didier left.

Chapitre 18

Later on.

Reason drove to work with a queasy feeling in his stomach. I wonder if I will be spooked by last night's intruder he wondered. He wanted to get there and look around, find out if anything was missing as soon as possible, then he could believe that it was a random act of violence, and not him personally that was targeted. He had brought Colbert with him as he had been without her this weekend. He liked her being with him. He arrived at work and everything was normal. He parked in the back to enter the rear door. He let Colbert in first and then flipped on the lights. It was not really dark because light came in from the windows at the front of the gallery. He felt a chill and then proceeded in. As soon as he would open up the place that feeling would go away he knew. He shuffled around the gallery a bit to get a feeling for it, to feel that it was safe to be there. The phone rang. It startled Reason. He picked it up.

"Hello."

"Hello Reason, how are you?"

"I am not sure, I just arrived. I was feeling the place out."

"Was anything stolen?"

"Just seeing if there was anything missing in the daylight, but nothing."

"Well I am glad to hear that. I will talk to you later, love you babe," Didier said.

"Me too. Bye." Reason was so glad to hear from Didier, it uplifted his soul. Now I don't feel bad at all. Let's start looking for anything missing.

He first went to his back office and looked through the desk. Then he decided to make some coffee. He needed it. The coffee was brewing and he was sitting at the desk near the front of the gallery. He didn't have a standard counter with a cash register on it. It was a gallery for goodness sake. The table was tall and had a desk like quality; he had a nice stool behind it. Here he could look out into the street and see the daylight. He wanted that feeling in his stomach to go away.

It was only 10:30 a.m. and a Wednesday at that. He would need to send out some negatives that he had got back on Thursday to one of the reps but first he needed that coffee. It was decaf; his stomach couldn't take any more caffeine. While he sat on his stool and looked out at the street, watching the people pass by, he finally relaxed. The feeling in his stomach passed. He was all right. He leaned on the table and then it hit him. A vision. It was a man, in a long gray coat. Black gloves on, a scarf around his neck, it covered his mouth. He had on a hat. That was strange. Who wore hats? The man was searching for something. He turned and Reason saw his eyes, steely blue. He had something in his hand, but Reason couldn't make it out. The vision was over. Reason came out of it staring over by the filing cabinet with the negatives. Someone was her to steal from him. Very shocking. He went to the filing cabinet and opened it. Everything in the first drawer seemed there. Then the second drawer. A file was missing. The negatives of the lighthouse. They were gone, all of them. Reason's heart was racing. Who would want those he thought to himself. Who? He went for the phone to call Didier. He had to tell him about this. Or should he? He didn't tell him about the vision of the women falling at the café. Should he get him involved? Maybe he is involved somehow? He went and sat in his office. Well he needed to talk to someone. He would have to call Didier. He needed him now. He was afraid. He picked up the phone and began to dial his number. Didier was on the phone. He left a message with the receptionist. Now he needs to call me. I have to wait for him. Colbert let's go for a walk. He began to look for the leash and realized that the front door glass was still broken. He had forgotten all about it. He grabbed the phone book to look up a glass shop. A man could be over there in about an hour. Well he decided he needed to walk anyway. He would lock the front door and just leave Colbert to guard it. Well he couldn't do that. What if someone came and opened the door and let Colbert out or killed her? He was in a panic. He picked up the phone again and dialed Didier's work. "Hello Didier, the negatives were stolen. The negatives of the lighthouse," Reason said.

"Hold on, hold on," Didier was trying to calm him down. "How do you know if they were stolen?"

"I had a vision while I was sitting at the front desk, of a man all in black and gray, with a hat on and gloves. He found them and took them. Then when the vision was over, I went to the filing cabinet where I keep all my negatives, and in the second drawer the file was upset, and I looked inside and they were gone. I looked through all the files to see if they had falling in there and they hadn't. So they are gone."

"Well calm down. Why don't I come over and we can talk about this more?"

"Oh yes, come over, come right now."

"I can take an early lunch, I'll be right over." Reason was so relieved to hear Didier offer to come over there. It must care about him if he would take an early lunch and come right over. He felt so much better now. And the glass repairmen would soon be there to repair the broken glass. He could then leave and go for a walk. Get out of that place. He needed to be with Didier. Didier made him feel safe and secure. He loved Didier, he knew it. He just couldn't tell if Didier felt the same way yet.

20 minutes later.

Didier walked in. He came up to Reason and hugged him and held onto him. He was so strong and it felt so good, Reason didn't want to let go. "I am so glad that you came."

"I could hear fear in your voice. You sounded as if you needed a buddy. Now tell me again what happened, you had a vision?"

"Yes I did. See I was afraid to tell you about my visions, afraid that you would not believe me or think I was insane." He was surprised he said it.

"My dear Reason, I love you very much and I would never think you're insane."

"Oh so you do believe me then."

"Well I guess I have too. Now tell me again." His sincerity was very comforting to Reason. He told him the entire story again, including how when he first came into the gallery this morning, it felt tainted and disturbed. He explained that he couldn't understand why someone would steal the negatives of the lighthouse, except that maybe the story of Lisa-Maebelle Crow was related to it. Maybe she was the ghost standing at the door, telling him to come in, not go away. Maybe she wanted to give him some information through his visions.

"Well if that's the case then why you and for who?"

"I don't know, that is the mystery of it all."

"Well I did get this déjà vu feeling when we went to the lighthouse, like I had seen it somewhere before. Then when I was at my mom's, I heard her talking to one of her friends, and it sounded like she was sorry for what had happened, something in the past, but I couldn't make it out. Maybe I had better call her up and find out."

"Well Didier, are you of French decent, I have been dying to ask you that after you read that story to me in the café. I had a strange feeling that maybe you were somehow involved in all this."

"But my family is not French, and I don't have any other family except my mother, now that my Aunt Annabelle is gone.

"Well isn't that odd that your aunt's name is Annabelle and the lady who started that café, her name is Lisa-Maebelle. That's pretty coincidental isn't it?"

"Well I guess it is, but it didn't cross my mind because we are of Danish decent, not French."

"Your mom and aunt lived in New Orleans, that is very French?"

"Yes but I didn't think they were from there."

We are going to have to look into this further. When can you call you mother and speak to her about it?"

"I guess this evening. Do you really think that I am involved with this somehow?"

"Well, ever since I took pictures of that lighthouse, I met you in a vision, before I ever even met you. I don't know how it's all related, but we are sure to find out."

Just then the door opened, it was the glass repairman come to repair the glass front door. Reason went to meet him, "Hello. I am so glad that you are here, how long will it take?"

"If I have the size and width on my truck, it will be about an hour."

"Well that's fine. I'll be in the back if you need me."

"You don't want a quote?"

"No, just a new front glass door. I have some coffee if you care for a cup?"

"That would be neighborly," he said with a smile and went back out to his truck parked in front.

Didier was petting Colbert who had woke up and was standing next to where Didier was sitting on the stool. "It will be about an hour to replace it. Are you hungry, we can call Griswold's for delivery? How about a pastrami sandwich?"

"That sounds good."

"I'll call in the order." Reason went to the back and Didier followed, Colbert followed.

"They will be here in about 10 to 15 minutes."

"That's fine. Now tell me about this vision you had of me."

"Well it happened just a few days before I met you. I was on my bed and you were sitting next to me. Although it's a bit fuzzy now. The visions are so quick and short. You were talking about being on a boat in a storm."

Didier was silent but his face was serious. "You okay?"

"Yes, when I was young I stayed on a friend's boat and we slept thru a storm.

"Well you see there it must have been you in the vision."

"I was sitting next to you on your bed? I have done that a few times, but have never spoken of the boat or the storm.

"Yes I know. There is one more thing. I think that I may have stepped in and changed that, how I don't know." Reason said and looked down, sighing.

"It's okay, it's fine. I am glad that you did. I am glad that I met you. I love you Reason."

"Reason looked up tears in his eyes, "I love you too and am so happy that I met you."

Didier hugged Reason and held him. "So are there any more visions that you want to share with me?"

Reason let go and saw a smile on Didier's face, "No, not right now, but there are a couple." Reason heard the deliveryman, "Lunch is here, I'll get it." Reason went out to the front of the gallery and paid for lunch. He asked the repairman if he wanted a refill of coffee and he decline. Reason took the sandwiches to the back office.

They sat in the office and ate the pastrami sandwiches almost in silence. Reason was feeling better and after lunch, Didier could go back to work. He would not be worried anymore. He now believed that Didier and the lighthouse were somehow involved and he wasn't just a bystander. This made him feel so much better. "Do you feel better?" Didier asked.

"Yes I do, that pastrami really was delicious and you made me feel better."

"Good, I have to go back to work. I will call you this afternoon."

"Okay, I will walk you out, check on the repairman." They hugged once more and Didier kissed Reason on the lips a sweet, soft kiss. "Love you."

Didier left out the front door, where the repairman was still working. He nodded at him and said 'Keep up the good work.' The repairman thanked him. Reason watched Didier walk to his car, get in and drive off, Didier lifted his hand as a wave, but he didn't actually wave. Reason smiled and went back to the office. "Colbert as soon as he is finished, we will go for a W A L K."

Reason sat at his computer and logged into America Online, he heard the modem making that funny noise, he got excited every time he heard this; He typed in 'Lisa-Maebelle Crowe' into the search box. He couldn't remember the name of the café. He was thinking. The address was like Coast Highway. But what was the name. Maybe Didier could remember. Maybe his search for Lisa-Maebelle Crowe would bring something. Nothing. He was getting frustrated and decided to give it up for a while. He would return later and look it up. He signed out. Didier would remember the name of the café they went to. He would ask him this afternoon.

He needed to check his messages, as he failed to do this, this morning when he had come in. He wasn't in the mood to listen to them, but he knew he had too. He grabbed a pen and pad, for which he bought to take messages, dialed the number and began listening. There were two calls from reps and one call from Trevor. He was calling to invite Reason to his gallery opening the following Wednesday at Joe Handel's Donnie-Jane's, he had gotten an earlier date than Joe Handel had promised him. Reason was happy to hear this.

He called him back and left a message that he would be there at sevenish, with Didier. Now what could he do. He called the reps back and took their orders, one, he would send some stock photos of men and women for a bank advertisement they were looking for, for a client, the other rep wanted photos of food. He would have to actually work. He would do it tomorrow he thought, too late now for the postal service.

The glass repairman hailed him and he came out to see. The door looked brand new; it looked as if it weren't there. "Well that looks great, how much do I owe you."

The glass repairman gave him a bill and he pulled out his check book from the desk drawer."

He finished up with that and then decided to take a break. He called Colbert, and she came out running. Let's go for a walk. When she heard the magic word, she began wagging her tail and jumping sideways back and forth.

He put the extend-a-leash on her and locked the new glass door. The air was cooler and he pulled his collar together to feel like it would be warmer. When we get in the sun, it will be warmer he told Colbert, who didn't understand but just began to walk. He just needed to get away from that place a while, even though he knew that he was safe now. That no one was coming after him, directly. Colbert kept her distance of about ten feet in front of Reason, she was happy to be out walking.

20 minutes later.

He had returned and was just about to close up, the phone rang. It was Trevor.

"Hello Reason, I got your message and am so happy that you are coming to my first opening. I have about 18 pieces to show. And a few inspired by you. I have to thank you so much for given me some direction. I can't wait to see you."

"Well thank you, Trevor, I am so glad that I could help. How I am not sure but am glad anyway. It will be fun, and I am bringing Didier."

"Oh yes, I can't wait to meet him and see you."

"Well, see you soon then."

"Okay bye." He was now off to home and wanting Didier to call him, he was suppose to call earlier. Maybe he had called his mom. He turned off the lights and locked the back door. Colbert was already in the car. All you had to do is open the door and she went running in there. "Ready for a ride?" He drove home.

15 minutes later.

After changing into some comfy loungers and an old t-shirt, Reason went to his computer and logged in to America Online. He had two phone lines, as he used this for faxing as well and internet surfing. He was making a wonderful snack of cut up ripe tomatoes, peeled cucumbers and avocados, doused in balsamic vinegar. This was one of his favorite snacks. He opened a bottle of wine. The phone rang and it was Didier.

"Hi how are you?"

"Oh a bit tired. Just got off the phone with my mother and I learned quite a bit that I never knew. Shall I come over?"

"Yes, come over. I just made a snack. Okay bye." They both said it at the same time. Reason smiled. He cut up some more Tomatoes and cucumbers. That would be enough he thought, maybe another avocado. Now for some wine.

Chapitre 19

A few minutes later.

Didier was over in a flash it seemed. "I am anxious to tell you all what I learn from mother about my past." He came in and sat down in the kitchen where the snack of tomato wedges, cucumbers and avocado sat. There was a glass of wine for him as well. He sipped it and then said that when he called his mother, at first she didn't want to talk about it. But he insisted on knowing who his family was and where he came from.

This is their story. Didier's mother, Catherine's great grandmother was Lisa-Maebelle du Prideaux. Lisa-Maebelle married Monsieur Montague Gautier-Straussburg and they lived in New Orleans, they had a son named Eric, who Married Stacy Dauphine, her grandmother who was from Louisiana as well.

Eric went to California looking for a winery; he loved wine and had heard of the beautiful weather of California. He believed that one could grow grapes there and they would make wine as good as the French.

Soon Stacy came to live with him and they had a daughter, Laura Mae, who met a man, named Keith Guimond, who was also from Louisiana and wanted to marry her. Eric had brought Keith from Louisiana to be his foremen on the winery.

Well Laura fell in love with Keith, Eric forbade Laura from marring him, so she got pregnant on purpose. This made Eric so furious that he forbade her to ever come back after they eloped and went back to New Orleans.

Annabelle was born, my mother adored my great-grandmother's name, but Eric's mother was Anna, so they combined them. Then I was born seven years later and she named me Catherine-Maebelle. Well when I was just about ten years old, my sister and I came out to California with my father on some business, and we went to visit my Grandmother Stacy, who was dying to see her grand-daughters.

We went to a lighthouse near the beach, right on the cliffs, it scared Annabelle to death. We went there because if Grandfather Eric would have ever found out, he would have put Stacy away. I have a photo of Grandmamma Stacy, Annabelle and me in front of the ocean on the beach that day.

Well when Annabelle found out that Grandpa Eric had disowned our mother Laura for marring Keith, she said he would never speak her family name again or ever have anything to do with him, she wanted to be a Guimond.

Then I promised Grandmother Stacy I would come back and live with her some day, it was so beautiful and I loved the ocean. The last day we were there, grandfather Eric returned from his business trip, he came to my room and saw Annabelle and was angry that she was so weak and fair skinned. He blamed this on Keith.

Then he saw me and knew that I must have been his true grand-daughter. He sat at my bedside and whispered to me how beautiful I was and that he was sorry to have sent Laura, my mother away. He said that I must come back and see him again. He didn't want Grandmother Stacy to know that he had seen me. He seemed to be distraught over the situation.

He said he was leaving quickly again on another business trip but had heard word that Annabelle and I were here. I was just ten years old. He gave me this photograph he had brought with him. He told me to pack it in my suitcase and to keep it hidden until I was an adult and then return to him.

Well my father died and I wanted you to go to college, and I picked California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo. She was so happy for me. When I was finished with school she had planned to come out here and live near me, but my Aunt Annabelle got sick and she needed to take care of her. Well Annabelle was so stubborn that she refused to come to California.

Mom was going to send me a letter and explain all these things to me, and then my Aunt Annabelle became very sick. Annabelle had asked her to promise she would never have anything to do with the Gauthier-Straussburg name and not to tell me of my heritage. She hated Grandpa Eric because he had forbidden our mom, Laura to marry Keith, then our lives would have been so much better.

And the winter of 1955, she got influenza and lost part of her hearing. She had wanted to be a pianist and because of her loss of hearing she hated Grandpa Eric, as he was the blame for them living there in cold Louisiana and not in Sunny California.

Annabelle was always a sickly girl and never married for this reason. Had she gone out to California when she was ill, she would be alive today. So she had been waiting a spell to tell me about my family after she died, but it was just not in her thoughts at the time. Then I called her up and wanted to know all about it."

"So let me ask you, what do you think of it all?"

"I am so glad and relieved that I have found this out I told her. How could we have ever been in the dark for so long? I am just in shock about the entire thing."

"Well now you know."

"I think Grandmother Stacy Died sometime in the 1990's. So as far as I know we don't have any living relatives. I was very distraught about that, except for my father's family, which I know nothing about as well."

"Boy that is some story. I can't believe it myself. Well I took that photo of the lighthouse about three years ago."

"Maybe that was Grandmother Stacy in the lighthouse. Maybe she needed help and was trying to get my attention?"

"I am in shock still. Could that have been your Grandmother Stacy waving in the photo to me?"

"Or was it a ghost? Now I have to write this down a bit to figure out who is who."

"I'll get a paper."

"I already wrote it down somewhere," Didier fumbled for a piece of paper in his pockets. "Here it is." He pulled out a folded up paper and smoothed it out. "I was just writing down their names one after another as mom was telling me the story. I still can't believe it."

"Yes me too."

"Well we can look up the death certificate for Grandmother Stacy and I can check out my credit card receipts and see when I was up there at the beach, I keep all my records filed by month and year. This is all coming together now. I can't wait to see what happens next. It's like a good Agatha Christie mystery. What I don't understand is why your name is Gauthier?"

"My mother told me that when she was born that her mother Laura had not given Annabelle and her, their father's name, but Gauthier-Straussburg. So when I was born she just shortened it to Gauthier."

"That is why your Aunt Annabelle said she didn't want to use Gauthier-Straussburg anymore. I didn't get it at first. Wow, amazing."

"Yes it is and I feel more alone now that I know about my past. Here I have been living just about 4 hours away from where my great grandparents lived."

"That is so sad."

"I am a bit upset with my mom as well, she should have told me many years ago. I could have gone and met my great-grandmother. I was here in California."

"Well maybe we can find out more tomorrow?"

"Mom is going to be flying in next week, I want her to come out here to California and live with me now that she doesn't need to be there anymore."

"Well that's great. She will love it here."

"I can't believe it's taken so long for her to make it here to California."

"I am so glad that you will have your parents close to you."

"I think it's good to live close to your family. They can give you a lot of strength to lean on when times are rough." They both got ready for bed and as Reason laid there holding Didier, Colbert at their feet, he wondered about the vision again. Would it come true? Had he "stepped in" enough to change it? He fell asleep wondering.

The next morning.

Reason woke up and Didier was already up, he smelt coffee. He wondered how he could ever rise before the sun. He decided to get up and meet Didier half way, sitting in the kitchen and drinking morning coffee. He climbed out of bed and slipped on his robe. His slippers were in the closet somewhere unattainable, so he put on some socks instead.

"Good morning!" Reason clamored as he strolled into the kitchen, "I am meeting you half way and drinking coffee in the kitchen."

"Well you didn't have too," Didier said politely, "I would have brought you coffee in bed."

"I am up and here, so I will enjoy it."

"Here you go." Didier handed him the piping hot coffee, with milk and sweetener. "I was thinking this morning about my great grandmother and all of it, and maybe I should just leave it alone. Let lying dogs lie." Reason was in shock, he could not believe his ears. But he was not going to say anything negative to Didier, at least right now anyway. He would hold his tongue.

"Why do you feel this way? Is there something I should know?"

"No, no, you know the entire story. However, if the negatives were stolen at your gallery because of something to do with my past, I think maybe it's time to drop it. Forget about it. I don't need to know anymore than I already do. Maybe that's best, for all of us." Reason wanted to stop him in his tracks.

"Shut Up!" He didn't. He sat there and drank his coffee and looked like he was concentrating about this new idea, and looking like he was absorbing it.

"Well I cannot tell you how to live your life and if this is how you feel, then I am fine with it." Yeah Right! Reason thought to himself. I will find the underlying cause of this. There is an ulterior motivation for this, I just know there is. Reason thought.

"Well I need to be off; I have to finish up some details about a project I am working on." Didier rose from the table.

"Okay, well have a nice day, and don't worry about all this. Just let it go, like you said."

"I will try." Didier stood up and hugged Reason, "I will call you later on. Okay, around lunchtime?"

"Sure," Reason nodded his head. Didier left. Reason was so glad he was gone, because he could not hold in the frustration any longer. He went to the bathroom and splash ice-cold water on his face. He needed to calm down. Why would he say that this morning? Maybe he just wants to get me off the subject. Who knows?

Reason undressed and got into the shower, he turned the water so it was a cool lukewarm. This would calm him down. Colbert was sitting on the floor just outside the bathroom when Reason slid the curtain back. Oh Colbert, I forgot to unlock your doggy door. He dried off and put his robe on and went an unlocked the doggy door. Colbert was out in a flash. He sat down at the table to have another cup of coffee.

Chapitre 20

A few days later.

Didier did not speak of his past. Reason was going crazy. He dared not bring it up to Didier in fear that it would upset him and they would have their first fight. Well fights are not so bad, everyone has them. When you make up, then you feel closer to each other Reason pondered.

There must be a way of approaching the subject, must be a way. He repeated. When Didier's mother arrives in town, I will invite her and Didier over for dinner, or take them out to a nice place, to show good California hospitality. Then surely his mother will bring it up or maybe not. He might be self-conscious around me, a private matter not to be discussed with strangers.

I am a stranger in reality. I have only known Didier a short time. Well I will just have to wait and see if I connect with his mother.

They were getting ready to go to Trevor's exhibition, they would have champagne. I will just have a glass or two. Reason was not so distracted with getting dressed as he wanted to be. Didier would be arriving soon, and he needed to finish getting dressed.

There was something slowing him down. His body was just not moving in its normal speed. Maybe he did not want to go to the showing. Maybe sub-consciously he resented Trevor for getting a show, and no thanks to him, although Trevor believes he did try to help him out, and he saved his life, he should be very grateful for that.

Maybe he should tell him about the visions. I am going to ask him if he has had any more close calls since that day, if the timing is right.

He was just sitting on the bed, he had just put on his shoes, and he did not tie them. He had an under shirt on, charcoal slacks, black belt with a silver buckle. What to wear? He grabbed a turtleneck and slipped it on. There he was finished. A dollop of gel on the hair, and that's finished too.

He was in the kitchen feeding Colbert when Didier arrived. Didier was wearing black pants and a black turtle neck.

"We are twins tonight, that's great, we think alike," Reason quipped, all smiles.

"Well I did not put much thought into this," Didier said. He smiled and winked at Reason. Reason new better, but didn't say anything. He would let Didier believe that he believed him.

They were off to the exhibition in just a matter of minutes. They were not going to be fashionably late, as it was a work night. The gallery was on the upper side. On a very fancy street with boutiques and shops that sold high-end clothing, trendy clothing. Reason had no part in it, anymore. He had only ever been to this gallery a few times before. It was always so crowded; he really didn't enjoy himself in a disco crowed and tonight would be less hectic.

After all, Trevor was a new artist; he couldn't know that many people. They drove up to the front of the gallery and it wasn't busy yet, good sign, for him. He parked on the street up a bit. He didn't plan to stay that long.

The air was warmer tonight, not much, but the chill in the air was gone. They walked to the gallery and entered by pulling on this frosted glass door. As soon as Reason did this, a gush of noise came bellowing out. It sounded like a disco. They went inside and Trevor was standing near the entrance, dressed in all black, wearing sunglasses. He turned and faced them in a whirl.

"Howdy boys, welcome to my first showing. So glad you can come."

"Everyone and your funny uncle is here," Reason quipped back. He felt hurt by this, by the fact that Trevor didn't acknowledge him, or recognized him. He wanted to leave right then. How dare he not acknowledge me! I saved his life.

The music was blaring some instrumental disco with orchestrations in the background. It didn't have a big bass sound, so the room wasn't shaking. Reason leaned over and pulled Trevor close to him.

"Trevor, you don't recognize me?"

Trevor looked up at Reason, he lent close to his ear and said, "yes, but I am keeping that quiet. I will tell you later what I mean." Then he pulled back and put out his hand to shake Reasons, then Didier's hand. "Hello, so nice of you to come."

"Oh not at all, I'm with Reason." Reason was so proud that he had such a handsome boyfriend. He smiled over at Didier and winked at him.

"Well get some champagne and look around, be one of the crowd, you might find something you like." Trevor was almost shouting as he told them this.

"Let's go see this boy's work." They headed into the crowd which was mostly in the center of the gallery, they moved to the outside of the crowd and strolled around slowly looking at each piece. The music was turned down after a few minutes.

"Boy, I am so glad they turned it down. I just was having a hard time enjoying myself."

"I know it was a bit much," Didier agreed. "I like his work, it's not too abstract. It has a warm feeling to it."

"Well I asked him to do this work, he brought a piece to my gallery he did a few months back and I told him to do several of these and he'd have a show. I knew he was a savant."

"A savant, you knew he was one?"

"I did."

"You didn't mention that to me."

"I just let it slide."

"So this was your idea then."

"Yes, yes it was and he did an absolutely fabulous job too. They have a slightly different style than the one I saw. I gave him some of the negatives of the lighthouse that I had."

"You did, why?"

"Well I wanted him to make something out of it." They walked around the gallery and didn't see any lighthouse. "I will ask him about it later."

"Oh look at this one, it looks like the sound of the atom splitting." The place was getting more crowded with young people, most of who were dressed in black. They couldn't see Trevor anywhere around. While staring around, Reason noticed this nice looking man talking with a woman. He caught his eye for a moment.

The man had dark hair, slicked back, broad shoulders, sporting a goatee and wearing a mock turtleneck. A suave Don Juan, he looked very happy with whom he was chatting with, a women about the same age, brown hair, shoulder length, dark eyes and a slender face. Reason still didn't see Trevor, so he looked over again at the couple; they had walked off out of sight. Just then Joe Handel popped out of the crowd, David in tow.

"Hey Reason," Joe was waving and smiling, walking towards them.

"Joe it's so nice to see you again," Reason gave him a hug, "And David, it's so nice to see you as well."

"Likewise Reason."

"I want you to meet my boyfriend, Didier Gauthier. This is Joe Handel and David."

Didier extended his hand and shook both of theirs. Joe smiled at Reason and mouthed, "He's gorgeous."

Reason giggled and mouthed back, "He is."

After the introductions, Reason asked, "So who are all these people anyway?"

"I don't know, but I think most of them come to all of these just for fun."

David smirked and said, "For the free champagne is my guess." Joe frowned at him. "I don't do the invites, I have an assistant who takes care of that."

"Yes, well it is a big crowd. I love Trevor's work, he has matured."

"You said it wasn't your kind of work," Joe quipped.

"I just knew he would do so much better here at your place," Reason gave a big smile.

"You are absolutely right. Cheers!" They all clinked their champagne flutes at once and took a swig.

"So did you see the lighthouse one?" Joe asked Reason.

"No, we didn't see it, where is it?"

"Well, as soon as we opened this couple came in and were quickly walking through and looking at all the pieces and as soon as they saw the lighthouse they immediately want to buy it. "

"Trevor sold it?"

"No, no he didn't. He told them that that particular piece was not for sale. Well they kept insisting on buying it and Trevor finally just had it taking down and put in the back. That couple would not take no for an answer."

"Oh really. That is interesting."

"I wonder why they wanted that one so bad?" Joe asked rhetorically.

"Can't imagine," Didier said and as he looked at Reason.

"Well I'll call Trevor tomorrow and ask him about it."

"Yes do that and then let me know what happened," Joe said as he gave a hug to Reason and said they were going to go mingle. Reason gave him back a slight hug and said, "I think we are leaving soon, call you tomorrow."

"Okay, good-bye then." Joe and David went off into the crowd.

Didier looked at Reason and smiled.

"Joe is a dear, I told him we were leaving soon.

"Do I have too?" Didier said jokingly.

"Let's move towards the front and if we run into Trevor then we will say goodbye."

They were almost at the front entrance, and Reason caught another glimpse of the Dark haired man with the mock turtleneck. The man saw him as well and nodded to him, a smile maybe too. They were out the door in a moment. Was that man who wanted to buy the lighthouse? This peeked Reason curiosity. He would have to ask Trevor about him.

"Well that was fun. I have never been to an opening for an up and coming artist before. This is my first."

"Well did you enjoy it?"

"Yes I did. A brief moment in the glitzy life of a noveau artist."

"Well that's a good way to put it. I am glad that you enjoyed it. I had fun too. I just can't believe Trevor disappeared like that. I hope everything was alright."

"Stop worrying, there were a ton of people, he was mingling."

"Yes, yes that's true, there were quite a load of people there. Oh well, I will call him tomorrow."

"And don't forget to ask him about the lighthouse," Didier interjected.

"Okay, let's go home and hop into bed. I am freezing."

Didier looked up at Reason and smiled, "I'll warm you up."

"I bet you will and more."

Chapitre 21

The next day.

Reason was at his gallery looking thru some of his negatives when the phone rang and picked it up.

"Hello."

"Hey there, so where did you disappear off to last night?"

"Well when we went to leave, we couldn't find you, where were you?"

"I was having a little sell-a-thon in the back office. I had three people interested in buying my work."

"Well that's lovely. Who were they?"

"I had this older gentlemen, he had a cane, who wanted the lighthouse piece. Then a couple, said they were newlyweds and their parents had given them cash for their wedding gift and they wanted to buy a piece of artwork with it. Well they both loved the lighthouse piece that I did for you. I really didn't want to sell that one, I wanted to give it to you. I even took it down and brought it to the back and they both followed me to the back. They were trying to outbid each other for it, so finally the price was so high I just had to accept. I am so sorry you didn't get to see it."

"Who did you sell it to?"

"The older gentlemen had cash, $100 bills."

"Really?"

"The couple immediately left after I accepted his offer, which I thought to be odd, but I did see them later still hanging around.''

"So this older gentlemen, did you give him a receipt?"

"Oh no, he insisted on just paying cash and taking the piece out the back door. He seemed anxious as well, once he got his hands on it."

"I bet he did. So you didn't make more than one?"

"I didn't have time because he gave me an earlier date."

"I see."

"That piece was very interesting. When I was finished it, it looked like someone was standing there on the porch, waving. Kind of creepy, but I figured it was the overlapping of the negative on itself."

"Oh really, that is amazing. So do you still have the negatives I gave you?"

"Oh yes, when do you want them back?"

"When can you get them to me?"

"Well I can come by tomorrow and drop them off, will you be there?"

"Oh yes, come around noon and we can go have lunch."

"Oh that sounds wonderful. Now is that what you were going to tell me or was it more? Well actually, yes it was about that older gentleman, he wanted to know how I had come to get that particular lighthouse."

"Did you tell him where you got them from?"

"Well I only told them from a friend. Then he didn't ask me any more questions. Is that strange?"

"Well no it's not. I had a robbery her last week, and the only thing stolen were those negatives and my receipt book, a hand written one."

"Really? When did this happen?"

"Oh about 3 A.M. in the morning last week. I was woken out of bed by the alarm company."

"This is amazing! What do you think of it?"

"I have a suspicion. I will tell you over lunch tomorrow. So make sure you keep those negatives in a safe place."

"Oh, don't worry; I have them locked up at my uncle's house."

"Okay, then tomorrow around noon."

"I'll be there."

"Bye."

"Okay bye," Reason hung up the phone and was very disturbed by this new bit of info. Who wants these negatives? And why do they want them? There must be something more to this than we know. I have got to call Didier. He dialed Didier's number and the receptionist said he was in a meeting and would take a message. Every time I call him, he's busy. That hunk does work sometimes. Reason chuckled to himself. He went back to work looking for negatives to send out to the reps. Who and why?

The bell chimed and someone just walked in. He got up from his desk and went out front. "Hello, how are you today?" It was the man from the party last night, with the dark hair and goatee. Reason mouth almost dropped open.

"Hello, I am just fine. I am just browsing, if that's okay?"

"Oh sure, take your time," Reason sat down at the front desk and looked like he was busy writing something down. He kept glancing at the man from last night. He was strolling up and down the place, looking as if he knew what he wanted, but couldn't find it.

"I believe my wife was in hear a few of weeks ago, you were having a sale?"

"Oh yes, yes I was."

"She saw a picture of an old lighthouse near the beach. She told me about it and wanted it for her birthday. Did you sell it?"

"Oh that piece, actually I did."

"Do you mind if I ask who it was who bought it?"

"He said he was a traveling salesman," Reason had to think quickly, "He came in and was looking around, and as soon as he saw it, he had to have it."

"Oh that's too bad, did he give his name? Or where he was from?"

"No, actually he didn't. He paid cash for it."

"I am sorry to sound so noisy, but my wife had her heart set on that photograph."

"Oh I am sorry."

"No, no that's perfectly alright, well thank you for your time. I appreciate it. My wife will be very disappointed to hear this."

"I had that photo for about three years and no one bought it."

"Oh that long, hmmm. Okay thank you again." The man walked out of his shop in a hurry, not looking back. Reason stood up to peer out the front door to see if he could catch a glimpse of the man, a black town car. Who drives a black town car? Why is everyone interested in that photograph? He decided to pick up the negatives himself from Trevor.

He picked up the phone and rang him. "Trevor, I need to pick those negatives up today."

"Oh okay. What's the rush?"

"I will tell you later. Where will you be, at your place or your sisters?"

"I will meet you at the Coffee shop on 7th Avenue and Cherry in about 20 minutes. Is that okay."

"Sure, sure."

"See you then." Reason locked the front door and went out the back. He hopped in the Jaguar and drove off. 'Shoot, I needed to call Didier; I will call him at the coffee shop.'

10 minutes later.

Inside the coffee shop, the sign said seat yourself. He took a seat near the front window. When the waiter came he ordered coffee and then asked where the pay phone was.

"Over there sir, by the restrooms," pointing behind her.

"Thanks." He got up and went to the payphone. He was trying to remember Didier's work number. What is it? what is it? He always made a point to remember certain numbers immediately if they were important. This was. He dialed the number only guessing, it began to ring.

"Yes, is Didier in?"

"One moment please."

"Hello this is Didier Gauthier."

"Didier, its Reason."

"Well hello, did you talk to Trevor?"

"Yes I did and there is something going on. I am her at the Coffee Shop waiting for him right now. I need to get the negatives of the lighthouse back from him."

"Why? What happened?"

"Well this guy came into my shop last night and was asking about the photograph of the beach house, he said his wife had come in a few weeks back and seen it."

"Well that is odd."

"Then he wanted to know who bought it and where they were from, so I told him I sold it to a traveling sales man."

"Well that was smart."

"Then he left in a hurry. So I phoned up Trevor and told him I needed those negatives today."

"Well yes, that was smart too. What do you think is in the photo that has any relevance to all this."

"I don't know, but when I get back to my gallery, I am going to look them over with the high-powered, magnifying glass. I will be able to see everything on them."

"Okay, well let me know what you find, I have another meeting in a few minutes."

"Okay, bye."

"Okay bye."

Reason hung up the phone and went back to his table. What is taking Trevor so long? He poured the cream into his coffee and added the sweetener. Hmmm, that is so good. He sipped the coffee and stared out the window looking for Trevor. Where was he? He was anxious. He wanted to look at those negatives as soon as possible.

Trevor came walking thru the door, he was wearing black jeans and a leather coat on, with some black shoes. Reason waved at him.

"So what is the rush Reason?" As he sat down in the booth opposite him.

"I am telling you Trevor someone wants those negatives really bad. They broke into my gallery to get them. Where are they?"

"I have them right here in my coat pocket," Trevor reached in and pulled out an envelope, "Here you go."

Reason took them and slipped them inside his shirt pocket.

"Why does someone want these negatives? Is this connected to the painting I made you with them?"

"Yes I believe so, but how and why I don't know. There must be something in the negatives that people want."

"What could it be and what for?"

"I don't know and the less you know the better off you are." The waiter came and asked if they were ready to order. Trevor ordered a grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup.

"That does sound good, I'll have the same thing," Reason added when Trevor finished.

"Coffee, iced tea?" The waiter asked Trevor.

"Iced tea, thank you." He left them.

Reason noticed that this Trevor was not the same guy who had come into his gallery a few months ago. More self-esteem? Less inhibition? Success changes people alright.

Today the man who I saw at your opening last night came into my gallery and was asking about the photo of a lighthouse. He said that his wife had seen it a few weeks back and wanted it for her birthday."

"Wow! So what did he look like?"

"Well last night, he was wearing these black slacks, a mock turtle neck. Slick back black hair, a goatee."

"That's the man who said they were newlyweds and wanted to buy the lighthouse piece!" Trevor exclaimed. "He came into your gallery today?"

"Yes. I gave that photograph to Didier, who by some coincidence is tangled up in this mess as well."

"Oh really, how? Trevor looked like he was dying to know.

"Well I am not sure, and neither is he. But, I am going to find out."

"This is so exciting, I can't wait to tell my uncle."

"No! Trevor, you can't tell anyone about this. Someone broke into my gallery to get those negatives, and to find out who my customers are."

"Okay! I won't. I can keep it a secret."

"Okay, please do." Just then the waiter arrived with their food. They ate in mostly silence, Trevor seemed famished, he devoured the sandwich and then the soup. "Sorry, sometimes I woof my food down. A habit I learned while in the military."

"You were in the military?"

"Yes I did a 3 year stint, loved it."

"I would never dream that you would be in it."

"I got to travel all over the world, even if it was on a ship. I want to do it again soon too."

"Sell some more pieces." Reason winked at him.

"Okay, I am done, have to run, I'll call you."

"Rushing off so soon?"

"I have to get back to the camera shop. I took an early lunch, my uncle always wants to eat at the exact same time every day, if not he gets upset."

"Off with you, and remember what I said, don't tell anyone."

"I won't," as he walked out the door and towards his car.

Reason sat there and ate the rest of his lunch and sipped on his coffee. He didn't want to go back to the gallery. An odd feeling gripped him when he was there now. He finished up and paid the waiter. He felt a little dread walking back to his car.

5 minutes later.

He glanced in his rear view mirror and saw a black town car. Is that the guy from earlier? His heart raced. Was he following me? He decided to take a main street, to get passed the traffic. He turned onto Hwy 1. It was the opposite direction of his gallery but he would lose him on this. He looked again and he was gone. He kept looking in his rearview mirror. Is he still following me?

Nothing then he made a turn off on Hot Springs road. He didn't see any cars on the street. He was a wreck. Why was that guy following him? From nowhere an old gray car came out of the alleyway. Reason hit the brakes and tried to avoid it. It came right at him slamming into the side of his Jaguar, pushing it to the other side of the street. The airbags went off and Reason was unconscious. He blacked out.

Chapitre 22

Later on.

Reason was coming too. He was hurting so bad. He opened his eyes and saw white, white everywhere. Then he heard a voice.

"Are you awake? Are you awake?" He tried to speak, but he couldn't move his mouth. He felt heavy and a pain on the side of his head. He fell back onto the bed and was out again. A few hours later, he woke up, this time with a nursing standing over him, moving something attached to his arm. Then his head was being lifted and moved forward. He felt something around it. A clothe? He was not so groggy now and opened his eyes.

"How are you doing today Mr. Simon?" The male voice asked.

"Where am I? What happened?"

"You were in an automobile accident the voice answered." Very soft, hushed. "Now just lay back and rest. You are her at General Hospital. You were brought in about 5 hours ago. Do you have any family we can call?"

"Yes, call Didier Gauthier, he's listed."

"We have a Didier waiting out in the hall. Would you like to see him?"

"Yes, please let him come in."

"Okay, just relax, don't get too excited." The nurse left and Didier came in. He looked pale.

"Hey buddy, how you doing?"

"I feel okay, my head hurts. That's because your head hit the window when the car hit you. Oh. The doctor says it's just a mild concussion, nothing else was hurt or broke, but they are keeping you her overnight just to monitor you."

"Overnight? I don't want to spend the night in here."

"In the morning you can go home. You'll be feeling better then."

"The negatives!" Reason said out loud, "Did they find the negatives?"

"What are you talking about? Did you have the negatives on you?"

"Yes I did, I had them in my car, under the armrest."

"Well I don't know, they towed your car to the yard."

"That is why the car hit me, the black town car was following me."

"You know I don't know what you're talking about."

"They guy who came into the gallery this morning, he was at the party last night. I told Trevor about it.

"Just rest for now. I'll be here."

"How did you get them to let you see me?"

"I told them I was your brother."

"They believed you. I know your last name, I am Didier Simon." Reason laughed. He put his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.

2 hours later.

Reason heard someone talking, this woke him. He asked the nurse if Didier was back. "Didier is right here next to you, he never left."

'Why didn't he leave, I asked him to go find those negatives. Why didn't he go?'

Didier picked up Reason's hand. "How you doing buddy?"

"I thought you were going to go check to see if the negatives were still there?"

"I told you that we would do that tomorrow. You don't remember."

"It can't wait, those negatives are so important, they are the key to all this."

"Well there is nothing I can do about it. It's all locked up now. No one can steal them now."

"What if they stole them when I was unconscious? Hopefully no one could be that cold."

"Some people are."

"That black town car was following me after I left Trevor this afternoon," Reason said in a low voice.

"Okay, let's talk about it tomorrow, when you feel better. I will say goodnight and let you sleep. I will be her first thing in the morning, maybe they will release you then."

"Okay, I love you Didier." Reason just said it quietly. Didier looked at Reason and said "I love you too Reason," and leaned down and kissed him on his forehead. "Good night now." He left. Reason was so happy that Didier said I love you too. He could sleep now and he did.

The next morning.

Reason woke and Didier was standing by his side.

"Good morning sunshine," Didier said. I am her to take you home, you will be released.

"I am so glad.  
"You just have to tell them you want to go home."

"Nurse, nurse, I want to go home."

"Hey partner, calm down. You aren't totally well yet." Reason, smiled, he liked being called partner.

The nurse came in, "Good morning Mr. Simon. How are you this morning?"

"I feel much better and am ready to go home."

"Oh you are, are you? Well then we shall let the doctor know," he departed. After about two more hours Reason was in Didier's Land Rover.

"Finally," he said as he climbed inside the high car. "I am so glad to be out of there. Hospitals are so sterile."

"We'll be home soon," Didier said, "I will take you to your place."

"Oh poor Colbert, having to spend the night all alone."

"Don't worry, I went to your house last night and used your spare key you keep on top of the ledge of the back door. I let myself in, feed Colbert and then spent the night with her. I hope that was alright?"

"Yes that was perfectly alright, I am so glad that you were there to take care of her. I am sure she would have been alright, the doggy door wasn't lock and she wouldn't have starved over night." Reason was so happy now. He knew that Didier must really care for him to go to all that trouble. Just then they pulled into Reason's driveway.

It was a small ranch style home, built in the late 1950's with a garage and a carport. It had a flat roof and French windows that rolled out. It sat back on about a half an acre lot with orange and lemon trees out front. It was painted a tan color.

"I'll open the door first and then you can come inside." He had taken the key and went and unlocked the front door. Colbert was there at the door and came running out to see Reason, who had the door open already. She jumped up and got on his lap, wagging her tail and trying to lick him.

"Colbert, now stop it, you know I don't like wet kisses this early in the morning. I know you missed me, but calm down." She jumped off his lap and ran over to Didier, wanting to give him some attention too. "That's a good girl," Didier said.

"Yes the poor dear." Reason was out of the car and heading for the front door, "I can't wait to take a warm bath and then get into my own bed."

"Well come inside. I'll run you some bath water," Didier offered. He went inside to the bathroom, Reason followed.

"You don't have to do that."

"Just go take off those clothes and put on your robe and slippers. You don't want to catch cold too."

Reason went into the bedroom and undressed and slipped on his terry cloth robe. His head still hurt, but what felt worse was not being clean.

"While you bathe, I will make you something to eat, eggs and toast?''

"And coffee."

"And coffee." Didier departed.

Reason got into the tub and sank down in the water. It was hotter than he liked it but felt good. A few minutes later Didier brought him a cup of coffee.

"Thank you. Can you flip the heater on for me?"

"Sure, now don't get to hot."

"Just sit here with me, breakfast can wait."

"Let me get my coffee."

Didier left and returned in a flash. "How you doing?"

"I feel so relaxed and warm. It feels good."

"I am glad it wasn't any worse.

"The coffee is good too."

"As a matter of fact it is good," Didier said.

"Alright then, I am finished soaking, I am going to take a shower now. You can go make breakfast now and thank you for everything." Reason rose up from the water and pulled the curtain closed, Didier departed once again.

When Reason finished he shut the water off and he could smell the toast and eggs. "Hmm, my favorite," he said out aloud and started to dry off quickly. He put his robe and slippers on and strode into the kitchen. "It smells delicious.

"I hope you have an appetite, because I made plenty."

"Yes I do, that hospital food was awful last night. I am famished."

"Good, then you enjoy this and I have to run. I have to go the yard and then I have a two o'clock meeting this afternoon and don't say anything, I couldn't reschedule it." He bent down and kissed Reason once again on the forehead, "I'll call you later."

"Please do. I may be sleeping so leave a message."

"Will do."

Didier left. Reason started to eat the eggs and toast with great enthusiasm. If only he had some hot sauce. He got up and went to the refrigerator; he grabbed the Louisiana hot sauce and the water jug and brought it to the table.

He poured the water in his coffee mug and splashed the hot sauce all over his eggs and toast. Colbert sat at his feet under the table. He grabbed the salt and pepper and shook them really good all over the eggs and toast. After devouring everything on his plate he returned to the bedroom and turned on the television and fell asleep.

2 hours later.

The phone was ringing, Reason picked it up.

"Hello."

"Hi, how you feeling, Didier asked.

"I am feeling better. Did you find the negatives?"

"Well I search the center console and found nothing, so I search around the floorboard and I found 2 negatives."

"Oh happy days, but that means someone took the rest, there were ten negatives in that envelope."

"Maybe they got thrown in the wreck and when they pulled you out they fell out of the car."

"I wish that had happened, but I really think someone took them."

"It does seem suspicious."

"Now make sure you bring them with you tonight."

"Are you sure you want me to bring them back to your house, maybe I should hold on to them until you feel better?"

"Well I need to look at them."

"Okay, I will bring them tonight, when I come. Should I bring dinner too?"

"If you could, Chinese food, Orange Flavored chicken and lo mien noodles for me."

"Okay, I will be there around six tonight."

"See you then." He hung up. "What could be in those negatives he wondered.

Reason found an old black and white movie, _House on Haunted Hill_ , to watch on cable, but fell asleep immediately. When he awoke it was still on, and he felt groggy.. Reason was watching this and all of a sudden realized, the ones stolen were of the lighthouse from far, the ones he had were close ups of the lighthouse, there must be a clue somewhere that you can't see from afar. He lay there and went back to sleep.

Sixish

He awoke and the TV was turned down, he looked up and heard Didier making noise in the kitchen. It stopped, he put his head back down and grabbed the remote to turn up the volume. Didier came into the room.

"Hey why didn't you wake me?"

"You were sleeping soundly. I didn't want to wake you. "

"Why not?"

"You need to rest, you have been through a shock. You're convalescing."

"I feel great. Maybe it's the drugs the doctor gave you."

"I haven't taken any of those pills."

"Okay doctor Reason."

"Don't make fun. I don't like drugs. They make you feel bad after they make you feel good."

"Well I will have to agree with you there. Now let's eat, it's ready."

"I'm coming. Just need my robe." Reason got up and slipped on his robe and followed Didier into the kitchen.

"It smells good."

"Orange flavor chicken and lo mien noodles, just as you ordered."

They ate in silence for a few minutes, and the Reason exclaimed, "The negatives. Where are they?"

"Over there on the counter." Didier pointed.

"Oh I can't wait, I have to look at them now." Reason said as he got up and went to look at the negatives. He took them back to the second bedroom and opened a desk and pulled out a small light table, flipped it on and started looking at the negatives. He grabbed a magnifying lens and started to look at them thru it. There above the door was the sign, it read: MXVXVM. What did it mean. "Hey Didier, come take a look at this. Hurry up."

"What is it?" Didier came into the room.

"It's the clue that will solve the mystery. Take a look."

He handed the lens to Didier. "What am I looking for?"

"Just look at that and tell me what you see."

"I see a lighthouse, old and worn out. I see a sign above the door."

"What does it say?"

"I think it says MXVXVM."

"Yes that's what I thought too. What do you think it means? Could it be Greek or Latin?"

"I am not sure. I will have to look it up. Maybe we can do that after we finish eating, now let's go back to the kitchen. I don't like cold Chinese food."

"Okay, we can finish eating. What could that sign possibly mean? Why would someone try to kill me to get it?" Reason pondered out loud and rhetorically.

"Oh Reason what conspiracy theory are you talking about now? You don't believe someone would try to kill you to get some negatives do you?"

"Oh yes, because these negatives have the clue. MXVXVM. I am so excited. How did we get mixed up in this?"

"Mixed up in what? It was a hit and run, I don't see how you read into this. Unless there's something you know that you haven't shared with me?"

"No, I haven't had any visions for some time now. If I had I would tell you. At least I think I would tell you, depending on what the vision was."

"Well I am glad to hear that, but I don't understand what you're talking about, someone trying to kill him." He smiled and then pushed his plate aside. "You need to rest for the next couple of days. You get so excited over a negative."

"You'll take care of me?"

"Yes. Just don't get to spoiled. After we are back to normal, my mother is coming to visit. She will be here next week."

"Well when did this happen?"

"She called me yesterday and told me he wants to come as soon as possible, she hates being there alone."

"She'll love it here, I can't wait to meet her."

"Yes I hope so. I am going to ask her to live with me."

"Oh that is so sweet of you. I am sure she will want to."

"I hope I can handle it."

"You will be able to."

"I know she'll love you Reason," Didier winked.

"Okay, I'm finished. Now we can look at the encyclopedia. Hopefully we can find something about it in there." With this Reason got up and went to the living room to get the encyclopedia. He was going to find out what that name meant and he knew it. He didn't. He would go online in the morning and do a search.

He fell asleep in Didier's arms, Colbert at the foot of the bed on her pillow. He dreamt of the accident, but it was different. He had no brakes and couldn't stop. Then he was running in the dark, from something. He awoke, and reached over to feel Didier. He smiled and was glad that Didier was there. Tomorrow he would go to the downtown library and look it up, that would be fun. The gallery would have to be closed for a few more days. He would stop by in the morning and post a sign in the window, then start researching at the library.

Chapitre 23

The next day.

The library was very large and foreboding, an old building from the early 1930's, made of brick and mortar. It had a faint musty smell. There were tall shelves that held old books that looked like they were ancient. The floor was marble, which actually caused an echo when you walked. How could you be quiet while walking on marble?

Reason went to the history department to find out about the area where the lighthouse was. He would find out who the owner was and maybe track down some family member. This task was not easy, he didn't know the exact address of the lighthouse, or even the city. He found a map and it looked like national forest was all around the area that he thought the lighthouse might be. He asked the librarian about the national park system, and he gave him a reference book to look at.

The area was national forest, except for about 250 acres right on the beach. This was completely surrounded by forest. He knew it had to be the area, although he was not 100% sure. He found that the property was being held by the state. This really got him excited. Whoever owned the land must have died and didn't leave it to any family members. The house that sat empty for all those years was someone's, but whose?

He made some notes of the names and then photocopies of the area. He wanted to get home and rest. He had already gone by the gallery and left the note on the door, closed due to a family emergency, his own.

He laughed when he thought about it. He was home in about 20 minutes and immediately changed into his pajamas and slippers. He put some water on the stove to boil for some hot tea. He went to the computer and signed on to America Online and entered the name of the national forest.

Maybe there was current information about it online he thought. He found none. The teapot was whistling, so he shut down the computer and went to make tea. He would find a good movie on TV and take a nap.

He was dozing when the phone rang, "Hello."

"Hey babe, how you doing?" Reason loved to be called babe.

"I went to the library and found that the property where the lighthouse is in the states hands. It was never claimed by any relatives after the death of the owner, which I didn't find out their name. A national forest surrounds the property which is 250 acres. What do you think?"

"Very good sleuthing, have you been reading Sherlock Holmes lately?"

"As a matter of fact I was reading Mr. Holmes last week. Well it was so much fun, but I spent two hours and that's all I found out. Nothing about the word MXVXVM."

"Don't worry, I am sure you'll be able to find out more about this mystery by week's end. How are you feeling today?"

"Oh much better, still a bit sore on the noggin, but otherwise I feel great. I might even go to the gallery tomorrow for a few hours."

"You should rest this week, after all my Mother is coming next week, and I want you to be fully recovered."

"I will take it easy just for you, Didier."

"Now that's what I want to hear."

"Will you be over tonight?"

"Yes around six o'clock, is that fine?"

"Yes, great. I'll have dinner ready."

"No, just take it easy, get some rest and I'll bring dinner from a restaurant."

"Surprise me."

"I will."

"Wonderful."

"Okay, bye."

"Later babe." Reason hung up the phone. He drank his tea on the sofa and flipped the channel to Turner Classic Movies, the movie was _Trouble in Paradise_ from 1932. He loved the actress, _Miriam Hopkins_.

83 minutes later.

Colbert started licking his hand. "Colbert, are you hungry? What time is it? He looked over to the clock on the mantel. 5:49 p.m., Didier will be her soon he thought. He went to the kitchen and started to open the can of dog food for Colbert. After this he went and brushed his teeth and got into the shower, he wanted to feel refreshed when Didier arrived. He would dress in a soft cotton t-shirt, and some loungers. He combed his hair and heard the door bell ring. Right on time he thought.

"Hey babe, how are you?"

"I am fine and yourself?"

"I just showered and dressed, so I feel great."

"I need a shower, here's dinner. Chicken Salad, with Italian dressing."

"Great. I can wait if you want to shower first. I can make us some fresh ice tea."

"Decaf for me."

"Okay, that'll work for me too."

"Hurry then, I'm hungry." With that he gave Didier a slap on the shoulder.

Ten Minutes later.

"This salad is great, where did you get it?"

"A small eatery near work. I am glad you enjoy it. I love their dressing. So tell me more about the mystery."

"Well I found out that there is a winery, very old, been there a hundred years, and a huge house on it and the family all died out and it wasn't left to anyone."

"Juicy." Didier said with a smile.

"Oh the best part is that we need to find out about the sign above the door. The lighthouse must have been the beach house, or a guest house or the servant's house. Although maybe it was someone's secret get away, for romance or to hide." Reason said with enthusiasm.

"I am sure of it." Didier said agreeably.

"Well it is a lot of fun, but do you think someone really tried to kill me to get the photos?"

"That would be hard to believe." Didier said unsurely.

"I am stuffed. What a great meal. Now for some dessert. I have some chocolate ice cream. Would you like some?"

"Maybe later, I just want to relax. Let's go into the bedroom, I am beat."

"I'll clean up and then be in there in a few."

"I should help you clean up."

"Oh no, go relax, the remote is on the bed stand"

"Oh thank you. Are you sure you're up to it?"

"I have been resting all day. I'm fine. Now go. _Maintenant_!" Reason said firmly.

"I'll be waiting for you."

Ten minutes later

Reason went into the bedroom, Didier was fast asleep. He turned the lights down, and crawled into bed. Colbert jumped up on the bed too. "Now Colbert, move onto your own bed, but I'll let you rest here for awhile." Colbert wagged her tail. She was such a good girl. Reason flipped on the small 9" fan sitting on the bed stand. He always like air circulating, unless it was very hot, or very cold. The thermostat was set at 65 degrees. This was just right, not to cold, not to hot. In the winter it would be to cold. Very odd. Reason flipped the channels and found an old Japanese movie, Matango: Attack of the Mushroom People. Reason had seen it when he was a child. He didn't remember how cheesy it was.

The next morning Reason awoke to the smell of coffee brewing. It was delicious smelling and made him want to wake up, just when Didier came in with a large cup of the brew. "Good morning sunshine. How did you sleep?" Didier asked as he handed over the cup to Reason.

Reason took a sip, and then another and then one more and then smiled at Didier and said, "Wonderful! Now why are you up so early? And thank you for the coffee, you made it perfect."

"Yes I can do that." Didier said boastfully with a smile on his face.

"I want to go to the gallery today. I may do some work. Some detective work."

"Oh really? Well I will keep reminding you to take it easy, get plenty of rest and don't overdo it. With that said," Didier leaned over and kissed Reason on the lips. "Yummy, coffee lips. Now I have to get ready for work."

"When did you say your mother was coming into town?"

"The end of the week. I can't wait for you to meet her."

"You think so, good, I'm glad to hear that. I will probably like her too." Reason said to be fun.

Didier was dressing and he stood there in the bathroom. Reason could see his back. He wondered how he had met such a wonderful man. Then he began to think about that morning he had actually met Didier. What luck was that he thought.

"Reason, are you staying in bed longer?" Didier peeked out and asked.

"I am going to finish this cup of coffee and then have another, and another. Why?"

"I just was wondering. I have to leave soon. I'm sorry for falling asleep so soon last night, but I couldn't stay awake." Didier said squarely.

"Don't worry about it, I figured you had a hard day at work and were tired and needed the rest. You should always listen to your body. I watched this old Japanese moved, it was dubbed, _Attack of the Mushroom People_." With that last sentence, Reason stopped. He didn't want to harp on it too much, it really hadn't bothered him, although he was wondering when they were going to make love all night again.

"Great, I have to run now, see you later tonight.?"

"Have fun and don't work too hard."

"I won't." Didier replied. He was out the door. Reason laid back down on the pillow, he fell asleep.

11:30 a.m.

Reason woke up feeling groggy because of too much sleep, but he knew his body needed the rest, so he didn't mind feeling this way. He would have some ice-water. He went to the kitchen and grabbed the jug of water that he always kept in the frig. It was half full and he decided to drink directly from the bottle, he was the only one who drank from it he thought, and he was still convalescing.

He drank it slowly and steadily until he couldn't breathe anymore. He gasp for breath as he pulled the bottle from his mouth. After several breaths, he gulped more water until he couldn't breathe again, and pulled the bottle from his mouth. He went to the bathroom and ran a warm bath. He loved to take a warm bath when he felt groggy.

After the bath he dressed and groomed and sat down at his desk and called his insurance company. He would have a rental car brought to his house. He should have called before the bath, but he forgot. They would be there in 45 minutes or less. He didn't mind, he would listen to the messages from work.

45 minutes later.

A knock on the door. The time was flying, he went to the door and a young man was standing there. He signed the necessary paperwork and the guy handed him the keys. It took less than a couple minutes. "Boy Colbert, that was fast." She had been standing at his legs the entire time. "Let's go."

He was missing it. He wanted to just sit there and enjoy the studio. When he drove up the back alley, he started to feel at home again. His studio was his home, his second home. He loved being there, drinking coffee, looking at new work from the college students. He might call Trevor, tell him to come by and visit.

He had only been gone for four days, but it felt longer. His mind had been working overtime trying to figure out the mystery of the lighthouse. He was just going to have to wait until the end of the month to go up there and see it again. Didier's mother would be her soon, in a couple of days. Colbert went to her bed in the office and Reason went to look around.

The place seemed a bit cold, and spooky. He turned on the lights and hit the heater. It was an old gas furnace in the floor. It would heat up very quickly, and then he would turn it off. He went to the front of the store and peered out, people were walking on the sidewalks, and maybe he would put the open sign up. That would be great.

He went to the door and unlocked it, and pulled it open, he sat a door holder in front of it. It was a moderne aluminum square that resemble the square block in 2001 A Space Odyssey. It was a perfect décor piece to first see upon entering the gallery, it set the scene. The air outside was not much cooler than the studio air, but it soon would be warmer. A few window shoppers would be nice he thought.

He went to the back studio, to the safe, where he would put the negatives of the lighthouse. He was going to sign on to America Online and search for the owners of the winery. His connection at work seemed to work faster, the phone lines were newer. He looked for about an hour and was exhausted. It seemed that legal information was not yet online.

He would have to find out in person. He signed out and went up to the front. It was nice once again to be there alone with himself and Colbert. He sat on the round stool at the desk table and looked out on the street. Sometimes there were just lulls and no visitors. He didn't mind. Selling art didn't pay the bills.

"Well I guess Colbert we can go home now. Didier's mom is coming in the day after next or was it tomorrow she was coming in he pondered. Anyway we are going to meet her at the airport. Let's git."

Reason was home in ten minutes, in the bedroom changing into some loungers and a comfy shirt. He wanted to watch the _Golden Girls_ and then have some pizza and diet coke and then watch an old black and white movie. Didier had called and was going to sleep at his place because he needed to do some chores around the house before his mother arrived, it would be just Colbert and Reason.

They were snuggled up on the sofa watching television and eating until Reason feel asleep. He woke up in the dark, the television had shut itself off and the lamp as well. He got up and Colbert woke up, "Let's go to bed, it's more comfortable there."

Colbert followed Reason to the bedroom and was in there before him, on the bed. "I had a nice evening, didn't you?" He spoke to Colbert as if she understood him, and maybe she did. The soft voice he used when speaking to her was reassuring and she always wagged her tail when he spoke to her. He crawled into bed and fell asleep.

The next morning.

"Colbert please go make some coffee. Where's Didier when you need him." He lay in bed not moving, what was he dreaming? He was on his way to work and there was this ship that had to take him across this water which had submarines side by side and he was traveling over them.

They came to a large ship and were waiting for a train to come and bring some passengers. There was a grassy knoll where a couple got off the small boat and sat on the grass. Then the man driving the boat asked Reason to lean a certain way, and when Reason did, the entire boat flew around knocking the man off the boat. The man crawled back onto the boat and asked him to move again but slowly, Reason did and the boat flew to the other side.

The train seemed to come and go and they were running late, and he had to jump of the boat and swim to the submarine, which was rising out of the water, and he got caught on a piece of metal that seemed like a small walk way. He knew he would not drown. Then he woke up.

That was going to stay in his mind all day. He would need to sit down and review the dream and then maybe he could figure it out. He didn't have time right now he wanted some coffee. Maybe he would have a diet coke instead, that had as much caffeine as cup of coffee. Colbert didn't get out of bed, she wanted to sleep some more.

He sat at the kitchen table drinking his diet coke, and staring into the living room. He felt so tired, why, he slept thru the night. Maybe the dream wore him out. He didn't know. He went into the living room and turned on the television, he wanted to watch the news. That would help him wake up.

He lay there and fell back to sleep. He began to dream again, and this time it was about him being at the beach where he first saw the lighthouse. He was walking along the shore and could see a light coming from the lighthouse, but it seemed so far away. He kept walking and walking but never reached the lighthouse.

He stopped and sat down and let the water come in and splash him. Then he began building a lighthouse in the sand. He woke up. Wow he thought that lighthouse is going to be the death of him. They would have to take a day trip up there and do some more investigating. He showered and got dressed and called Didier.

"Hi."

"Hey where have you been all day?"

"Here at home, I didn't go to the studio. I just slept most of the day."

"See I told you that you needed to rest. You went yesterday and wore yourself out."

"I needed to go there, I was missing it, but yes it did wear me out."

"So you rested today, are you planning on going to the airport with me?"

"Yes, come pick me up. I got my rental car."

"That was so nice they dropped it off.

"Yes it was. So see you in a few?"

Late afternoon.

They were waiting at the airport 20 minutes before the flight was to arrive. Reason was looking around at all the people, he loved to watch people. Mostly men. He could tell that Didier was a bit nervous. 'Relax Didier, relax.' He was just throwing this thought over to Didier, who just happened to look straight at Reason. "Were you talking to me?"

"Who me?" Reason said with surprise.

"I thought I heard you say relax."

"Nope, not me." Reason said with a beguiling smile. I guess I have more power than I imagined. I can talk to people via thoughts. That's amazing. Who else can I talk to? That's scary, I didn't even realize that I had this power. When did it come to me? Reason was now lost in his own thoughts when Didier rose, "the plane's here." Reason snapped out of it. He rose too and they walked over to the door.

"Can you see Catherine?"

"Yes I can, she is wearing a long gray coat, her hair is up and she has a scarf around her neck.

"Your mother looks divine, Didier, you never told me she was so stylish." Reason exclaimed.

"I never thought she was until just now. I wonder what happened to her."

"Well whatever it was, she looks great. Just like a sophisticated southern lady."

"Yeah, it's scary." Didier said slowly.

She reached the door and hugged Didier and kissed him, and then she hugged Reason and kissed him and laughed. She was a bundle of joy. Reason was so delighted with her, he knew they would soon become great friends. Didier seemed so surprised by this, as the last time he saw her, she was not at all so joyous. Well shall we go get a bite to eat, or are you to tired Catherine?" Reason asked.

"Oh not at all, I could go for some hot cream of broccoli soup, know any place that has that?"

"I sure do, let's go. Didier you're hungry too?"

"Don't you think mother is a bit tired, we can make something at home."

"Didier, were going to the restaurant, to Café de Nuit. It has wonderful soups. I love cream of broccoli myself." Reason chimed in.

Catherine winked at Reason.

Didier grimaced and agreed.

They were at the restaurant twenty minutes later, as it was very near the airport, sitting at a table in the back with candlelight. The atmosphere was very romantic, with a fireplace and candles at every table, and wine bottles of all sizes along the walls.

"It's so good to see you, son. I've missed you so."

"Well mother you look great and you sound great too."

"It's a new chapter in my book. I am releasing the past and embracing the future. To making a new start here in California."

"Oh really, how wonderful. Reason chimed in. "I love new starts and new chapters. Do you have a title for this chapter?"

"Forget the past, Tomorrow is another day." Catherine said.

"That sounds familiar." Didier said.

" A Vivian Leigh once said it in a movie. Do you remember that movie?"

"Oh yes, the greatest civil war story of our time."

"Civil war story, you must not forget it was a love story too and a tragedy."

"Yes it was fabulous."

"How about _Morning becomes Electra_?" Catherine spoke up.

"Never heard of it."

"Me either mother."

"We shall have to rent it and watch it."

"So less movies, more talk about your plans." Just then the soup came, they had all ordered coffee, with cream of broccoli soup and corn bread.

"This soup is delicious, like homemade." Catherine exclaimed after her first taste.

"Better than homemade I'd say," Came Reason.

"Yes it's delicious, why haven't you ever brought me her Reason?''

"I have lots of places still to take you, so enjoy." They drank their coffee and ate their soup in silence for a few minutes.

"Now tell me mother, what are you plans."

"Well I am renting the house out and am going to buy a condo her in California."

Didier look so surprised. "Mother, are you sure you want to buy a condo?"

"I want to be near my son, and his friend. I want to start new, fresh. I need a change, and this is it." Catherine said with absoluteness in her voice.

"Well of course, but I want you to live with me, we have been too far apart for too long." Didier had a tear in his eye and he wiped it with his napkin. Reason reached under the table and grabbed Didier's hand, and squeezed it to show he supported him. Didier smiled at Reason for this.

"Well it's settled then, I don't have to look for a condo. Now, let's go. I am full and tired. Do you have my room ready?" Catherine said as she began to gather her things.

"Oh yes, I have bought some new bedding. You'll be very comfortable." Reason new that Didier worried about his mother, but he seemed like he could take care of himself. He had pictured this frail women, boy was he surprised.

Twenty minutes later.

"Well we're here." Didier said as they turned into the drive.

"It's beautiful, like an English cottage. I didn't know California had such quaint homes. You've done a wonderful job with the gardens."

"Catherine, that's Didier's favorite thing to do, gardening, and he does it quickly." Reason smiled. Didier too.

"They were in the house sitting in the parlor, as Reason called it. Just a wonderful room with some overstuffed chairs, and a fireplace and some book shelves. A chandelier with a dimmer on it.

"Honey, you've outdone yourself with this place, I feel like I am in England somewhere at a country estate. How big is this house?"

"Well if you include the carriage house, it's around 2800 square feet." Didier said quietly as not to sound to boastful.

"Well it's beautiful. I love this fireplace, it's so warm and toasty. It is a bit chilly outside and damp. I thought California was always sunshine."

"Well that's mostly southern California, we are almost Central and we are a bit more wet and cold. But we do have wonderful sunshiny days. You'll see, and you'll love it." Reason exclaimed.

"I can't wait. I am just tired of the damp cold and hot humidity back east, it's just not worth it after all these years. I want to spend my time in better weather." Reason felt that this might be a warning. Maybe Catherine was in poor health. He dismissed this thought and went forward.

"Well we will get you situated tomorrow."

"Mine things should arrive soon. I put them on a truck."

"You did, wow, how much is coming?"

"Honey just a few boxes of some things I had to save."

"Well you brought 3 huge suitcases and 2 carryons."

"Don't worry about it."

"Oh I don't mind."

Catherine smiled. "Well it's getting late, I think I am going to take a warm bath and then go to bed."

"Another bather, I love to take baths as well," Reason added.

Catherine hugged Didier and kissed him on the cheek. "Good night sweetie." She turned and hugged Reason, "It is such a pleasure to meet you. Good night." She went down the hall to her room, Didier had taken the suit cases in there when they arrived.

Didier drove Reason home. "So what do you think of my mother?"

"I love Catherine and am so glad she is out here to be close to you."

"Yes I am glad as well. It will take some time to adjust." Reason reached over and squeezed Didier's hand and held on to it.

They arrived at Reason's house. "Are you coming in?"

"Yes, I might spend the night."

"Oh wow, I thought you would want to be at your house with your mother, being her first night here."

"She's perfectly capable of sleeping there without me being there." Didier said matter-of-factly, "Besides, I want to be with you tonight." Reason didn't pursue it.

They went inside. They went to bed and made love for a couple hours. "I missed you," Didier whispered into Reason's ear, "I missed this."

Reason felt his heart melt. Out.

Chapitre 24

The next morning.

Reason was at his studio bright and early. Didier had awoke early and made coffee and then left to go back to his house to dress for work and see about his mother. Reason could not go back to sleep. He wanted to start going over the new fall catalog for his clients and this was a great time to work, early in the morning. He spent all day until 1 p.m. working and then he called Didier.

"Hello."

"Hello, how are you today?"

"I am wonderful. I got up when you left and came to the studio to work on my fall catalog.''

"I was wondering why I hadn't heard from you. Hey are you coming over tonight?"

"I would love to come over and cook for you both. What would you like?"

"How about your wonderful spaghetti with a green salad and garlic bread. I'm craving it."

"Okay, I'll stop by the store and pick up everything and go over there around 4:30 p.m."

"That'll be great. I'll be home around 5:30 p.m."

"I can entertain your mother."

"I am sure she'll be entertaining you with her stories.

"I'll have a wonderful time I am sure. Does she like wine?"

"She loves sweet wine, buy some Riesling."

"Okay."

"We talked for a little bit this morning, before I left for work. I thought she would be asleep, but she was up."

"The time change, she will have to get used to it."

"I hope she's all rested. I need a day off. I might take off Friday, we can sleep in and watch movies and eat smart junk food."

"If you want to, we can. I can take off myself. You know me, don't always have to have the shop open, I can close or call Trevor to watch it for me."

"Good enough, we'll spend Friday doing nothing. I can't wait. I'll see you soon, have to go."

"See you tonight." Reason hung up. How much fun he thought, he could find out about Didier's mother. He would go shopping around 4 p.m.

He knew it would be a slow day now. A few people came in to browse, nothing was bought, not even honor or saint hood. He didn't mind, he enjoyed watching the people, which he could watch from his desk in the back and a two-way mirror that was facing them.

He closed the shop and stopped at the supermarket to pick up the ingredients needed for his spaghetti and a bottle of Riesling and a bottle of Chardonnay and a bottle of Pinot Noir. He was at Didier's by 4:30 p.m. ready to cook and entertain.

"Hello Catherine!"

"Why hello, you're right on time. Didier called and told me you were coming over to make dinner and visit. I was just taking a bath and now I am refreshed and ready for some wine. Did you bring some?"

"Why of course I brought wine, some Riesling for you and Chardonnay for me." Reason said with a smile.

"It's not five o'clock yet, but back east it is." Catherine said with a grin. "I usually don't drink until after 5 p.m."

"I don't usually drink till afternoon." Reason said with a bigger grin. "Now, do you like spaghetti with turkey sausage, mushrooms and black olives, and a chilled salad with sliced red onion, avocado, asiago cheese and cucumbers with my own dressing, and some French toast with fresh garlic and grated parmesan cheese?"

"I love Italian food. Especially home made."

"You'll love mine then. I use only the freshest ingredients, except for the sauce. I use fresh Tomatoes, some Tomato paste and a jar of this low-sodium sauce. It gives it the flavor, but I don't like to use too much jar sauce. I love fresh Tomatoes. I also use very lean turkey sausage, not ground beef here, but love a good New York strip steak any night of the week, marinated and grilled on the barbeque with butter.

Now you can open the wine and I will start. I also buy the precut mixed lettuce bags, they are wonderful. This Santa Barbara mix is my favorite. Some fresh French bread, it's still warm." Reason shuffled around the kitchen, while Catherine opened the wines and poured them each a glass respectively.

"Would you like to hear a story?" Catherine said with the air of mystery.

"Oh yes, I love stories, especially about the south." Reason exclaimed.

"Well it all started long, long ago in New Orleans, Louisiana around 1925. It was a cool spring day, and Mrs. Odette was sitting on her veranda enjoying the afternoon breeze. She was waiting for her daughters. Who were getting ready for a grand ball. It was the party of the year, hosted by none other than Mrs. Margaux Dubois.

She was turning 18 and had a wonderful suitor from Oklahoma City, a man from a wealthy family. The following year would be their engagement. So all the families and townsfolk were in invited to Hortense Plantation for Mrs. Dubois's party. Josette and Jacqueline were all excited as they would be going to their first party with a suitor proper. Josette was 17 and a half herself and Jacqueline was just 16. During those times that was just the time for the ladies to start dating."

Reason was so intrigued, "I only thought stories like this happened in books, the classics. Carry on, my dear, I love it."

"Well as I was saying, it was their first dates, proper. Oh they had had suitors come over for lunch on Sundays, many times, but never had they gone to a social event with one. Yes, it was a big deal. They had spent all day getting ready for this special occasion. Now Mrs. Odette was sitting on the porch, taking a break from all the hustle and bustle of her two daughters. She knew that they were growing up and it made her sad. Her two little girls were going to be getting married soon and then the grand-children would come, then little darlings running around with curls and smiles.

This was a sad moment for her because she was also so vain and everyone in town knew this and knew how she hated to grow old. When the time was ready she would go back into the house to see her daughters. They would need some advice about men and being ladies. She went up the grand staircase slowly. She entered the room and they were dressed and ready and look magnificent. Tears came to her eyes.

She approached them and told them when she had her very first grand ball when she was their age. She had fallen madly in love with this young gentleman on their very first dance. She wanted to marry him. However, her parents saw different and insisted she marry another, their father. She had regretted that all her life. She told them to follow their hearts and only to let love lead them and to listen to no one and no reason."

"Oh that is so romantic and did they?"

"As a matter of fact they did and both of them were my grand-mother's best friends growing up. That's how I know the story so well."

"Fascinating. That's why Annabelle never married; she fell in love with a man who was going to marry another woman and would not renege. She claims she never stopped loving him."

"Oh the poor dear."

"She had many offers, but refused all of them. She wanted to marry for love, like our mother Laura had married Keith, against her father's wishes."

"Yes, Didier told me the whole story."

"That was good of him, he tends to be too private sometimes, at least when he was a boy."

"So let's talk about the lighthouse and the winery?" Reason changed the subject abruptly.

"Now when I was a little girl, I came to California with my father and sister. We were here for a short time, and I was so young I can't recall it so well, it's a mystery to me."

"Well let's go for a drive up there the following weekend, maybe leave on a Thursday morning, and we can go check out the winery and the lighthouse."

"Well if Didier doesn't mind, I would love to go up there."

"I am sure Didier can let you go for a few days. He needs to catch up on some work too."

"Oh I hope so."

"Okay then, next weekend. I will book us 2 rooms at the lovely King's Cross Bed & Breakfast. You'll love it. I will rent a car;

"Are you sure Didier won't mind us traipsing off for a whole weekend? I just arrived and he may not want me to go." Catherine said with a sweet tone of voice.

"Don't you worry about Didier." Reason said, not thinking that may have sounded bad, just the truth. After all Didier enjoyed being alone sometimes, just like most people, Reason said to himself. That was reassuring himself.

"We can pick up a new book to read too. I am almost finished with my current novel, and want a good mystery to read. Didier said you enjoyed reading too."

"I do love to read and I want to get a good biography, maybe of Katharine Hepburn. I always admired her as a strong woman. Do you think they might have one?"

"Oh yes," Reason smiled, "I think they might have more than one about her." He was delighted that Catherine enjoyed reading, and biographies, even more impressive. He had read one about Tennessee Williams, a while back, and loved every word of it.

"More wine?"

"Sure, I'll have another."

"I like to drink coffee black sometimes in the evening, but for my morning ritual, real milk and Sweet-N-Low. Did you know that brown sugar, is just regular sugar with molasses sprayed on it? Can you believe that?"

"Oh yes, I learned that when I took a class in baking at college." Catherine said.

"You went to college?" Reason asked with excitement, again.

"Oh yes, I went to a junior college and took many classes on art, history, cooking, and even psychology. I loved it. Then I met Didier's father and we got married and I became a housewife. Which I loved to do. I really wanted to be an interior designer. I took some classes during the day, when Didier was in school, and I never told his father." Catherine laughed out loud when she said this.

"You never told his father? How much fun. Why not?" Reason asked quizzically.

"Oh he didn't need to know everything I did. I went to some clubs, and luncheons, he knew about those, but that was my own thing. I needed it to be just for me. I never told Didier either." Catherine smiled again.

"This is so much fun, talking to you. Now you'll have to come down to the gallery sometime and we can go shopping and have lunch."

Just then Didier walked in. "Hello, I am home."

"We are in here," Reason said in a louder voice.

Didier came in with his briefcase, he looked tired.

"Hello dear, are you tired?"

"Yes I am beat, how's dinner? Do I have time to take a quick shower?"

"Oh sure, dinner won't be ready for another 20 minutes. The sauce is simmering."

"Good, let me go do that right now." Didier went into the bedroom and Reason followed. "Hey babe," Reason said as he came into the room, Didier turned and gave him a kiss.

"That's what I was looking for. I will leave you to shower."

"Thanks babe." Reason went back into the kitchen and checked on the sauce.

"He's fine, it's the mental tiredness that is hard to shake once he leaves work."

"Oh I bet. So how is the sauce coming along? Is there anything I can do?"

"You can set the table in the dining room, let's eat in there and light some candles."

"Oh how romantic," Catherine remarked.

10 minutes later.

"Didier." Reason asked walking down the hall. "You dressed yet?"

"Oh yes. I was just looking over some plans here. Did you have fun visiting with my mother?"

"She was telling me how she took interior design classes at the junior college and never told your dad or you."

"What?" Didier exclaimed. "She has been telling me things I never dreamed she did. Just last week she started talking about the past. Do you think she was blocked by living there in that house with my Aunt Annabelle for all those years?"

"Yes, and now that she has left there, she's free. A burden is off her shoulders, and now she can be herself. I am so glad that she came to live here in California. She needs to be close to her son."

"She's a little too close. I need some privacy," Didier said, "I am still getting used to someone else being in the house. I do love her being here, but it takes time to get adjusted."

"Yes, it does." Reason held Didier in his arms and gave him a big bear hug. Then he kissed him long and deep.

After dinner.

"I am telling you that was the best spaghetti I have ever had. I am so full," Catherine exclaimed.

"It's my favorite, so meaty and thick."

"I use plenty of ground turkey."

"I've never eaten black olives in spaghetti before. They are delicious."

"I am so glad you enjoyed it."

"Anyone for dessert?" Catherine asked.

"Dessert? I didn't buy any."

"I made a peach cobbler this afternoon before you came over."

"I am stuffed, maybe a little later. I want to relax," Didier admitted.

"I will clean up in here and you too go relax," Catherine offered.

"That is so sweet of you mother."

"It's the least that I can do."

They got up and went to the bedroom. Didier undressed and climbed into bed. "I am never too tired to make love, come here."

"You beast you, I thought you were exhausted." Reason undressed and made sure the door was locked. He climbed into bed.

40 minutes later.

Didier fell asleep after as he lay there in Reasons arms. Reason slipped away from his embrace, got up and put on his Didier's robe and went to the kitchen, he wanted some Peach cobbler. He poured himself a glass of milk as the cobbler was being heated in the microwave. Just then Catherine came in.

"Oh hi, I was just dying to try your peach cobbler."

"Oh go right ahead. I had a piece myself."

"I saw that. I was just heating it up in the microwave."

"Mind you don't get it too hot, you will burn your mouth."

"I am very cautious of doing that." Reason took the cobbler from the microwave and sat down at the table. "It is steaming."

"Is Didier awake?"

"No he fell asleep."  
"The poor dear. He works too hard."

"He's fine, just sometimes a project will have some snags and it's stressful and wearing and such. He is going to take Friday off and we are going to hang out all day relaxing. I hope the weather is good. Might lay out and get some sun."

"I am glad to hear that. He works so hard."

"He often leaves work by one p.m. on Fridays."

"Well that's nice. Makes for a longer weekend."

"Indeed it does. That is the best peach cobbler I have ever had."

"I use butter in the dough instead of shortening."

"It is amazing. Teach me how to make it."

"I will."

"Well I am off to bed. Thanks again for that fabulous treat. I will have some for breakfast."

"That is if Didier doesn't eat it all before you wake up."

"He will love it."

"Good night dear." Catherine said and gave Reason a hug.

Chapitre 25

The next morning.

"Colbert, what are we going to do today?" Reason asked this as he was letting her out of the back seat of the Jaguar. He had picked it up earlier from the repair shop. Catherine had dropped him off. Didier had a Fiat X19 he kept in the garage and rarely drove it. Catherine loved driving it. It made her feel young again she said. She had put her car in storage before she flew to California. They first dropped off the rental car before going to the repair shop.

During the drive to his studio, he thought about what Didier had said and wondered if it really was that hard to live with his mother. He didn't even act like it was a problem or he was having a hard go of it. He hid his feelings well. Maybe he hides his feelings from me. He was so sweet to want to make love the other night.

They had a great sex life he thought. He unlocked the back door to the gallery and went inside to face the day. He turned on the lights and opened the shutters. He picked up the receiver and heard the beeping noise informing him there was a voice message. He called his voice service and listened, 'Reason, Jeff here, I need some shots of laptops, a few of them. If you don't have any current ones I can get some for you and we can set it up tomorrow. This is for a technology article and they want three good photographs. Call me back.'

Reason was glad to hear he had something to do, something to keep his mind off the lighthouse. He wanted the week to go by faster. He went to the back office and unlocked the door to another room, he flipped on the switch, it was cooler in this room. All his stock he moved here after the break in. It had a dead bolt that had a guarantee to keep the ones you didn't want in out. He went to the cabinets that were up against the wall.

They had locks on them as well, small keys that looked like the sign of a man. He unlocked it and then began to flip thru the books that were in alphabetical order. He went to technology, then to computers. He pulled it out and headed to the light table. He flipped thru it to find some laptops. He knew that he might have one that was moderne enough, but not three. Maybe a shoot would be good.

He decided to call Jeff and tell him to bring the laptops, and find out what back drop they wanted. This took only a few minutes, and he tried to talk him into coming over this afternoon. He wouldn't come, but he could send his assistant Jimmy, a cute beefy boy with strawberry blond hair and blues eyes.

He always liked Jimmy, when he saw him. The boy wore kakis, always pressed. Button up shirts to his neck and boat shoes. He was always very polite and smiled at everything you said to him. He was a 'yes sir' man. Jimmy would be over around 11:30 a.m. this afternoon, so Reason decided to clean up the studio and set up his camera. He would take a few digital and a few film.

10 a.m.

Reason unlocked the front doors and flipped the sign. He walked out and looked around. A new tenant had moved in a few doors down and was selling moderne furniture. He hadn't had the chance to go check it out. He loved moderne furniture and wanted a new chair for his desk at the gallery.

Maybe he would take a lunch break and walk over there. There wasn't much to do this morning, so he decided to go back to his desk and book the bed & breakfast for next weekend. That would be fun. His time at the computer made time fly sometimes.

11:30 a.m.

Jimmy arrived promptly, carrying three boxes. "Hello Reason," Jimmy said as he came into the gallery.

"Do you want some help?"

"I go it." Jimmy sat them down on Reason's desk.

"So what have you brought me today, Jimmy?" Reason said with a smile.

"I have here the latest laptops: a Hewlett Packard Pavilion, a Compaq Presario and a Dell Inspirion."

"How fun."
"The Inspirion is a much lighter color than the other two, they are black and gray."

"Let's take a look, do you want to unpack them in the studio? There's a workbench that you can use." Reason showed Jimmy the studio,

"Do you want any help?"

"I can manage." Reason left him alone.

About 15 minutes he went back into the studio and Jimmy was looking one over.

"Okay so do we know what kind of a background they want?" Reason asked.

Jimmy pulled open a folder that had a generic ad mock up.

"Let me see," Reason said as he moved over to where Jimmy was standing.

"Here, take a look." Jimmy gladly handed over the folder. Reason examined it and then decided to take the pictures with a white back grown that would show off the black and gray ones, and a black back drop for the other one.

He had a special holder that would elevate the computers at different angles, opened at various angles. This would be easy. He set up the first one and after a few digital shots, he took the film shots. "Next." Reason said to Jimmy, insinuating that he could remove the first laptop and set up the second one.

"Okay, that looks good. Now open it more, more. So how have you been Jimmy?" Reason asked easily.

"Who me?" Jimmy asked in surprise.

"Yes, you. How's life, how's your job?" Reason was taking pictures.

"I am doing very good. I love my job. Jeff is a fantastic boss. Very precise in his work. He rarely needs my help and then the rest of the time I just do my job without him watching over me. I like that." He smiled.

"What about this weather, getting cold soon. Do you like the cold weather?"

"Oh yes. I like to wear my winter clothes." He said cheerfully.

"Winter clothes. So what do you plan on doing after this job? You like advertising don't, or is it public relations?"

"I like public relations. I want to concentrate in that area." His eyes had a gleam in them.

"Well I might just help you out soon, when I need some PR for my upcoming show. Do you moonlight?"

"Well I never have, I better ask my boss."

"You don't have to ask your boss if you can moonlight as long as it doesn't' conflict with his clients. I am sure you don't have anything to worry about. I like fresh minds. How long have you been out of school?"

"Just six months."

"Still green, Jeff hasn't spoiled that mind of yours with his ways has he?"

"Oh no, I have only learned more from him." Jimmy said proudly.

"Yes, that's what I am afraid of, he'll teach you the old ways. Well don't worry, you'll do fine. It will be in a few months. I hope you can do it." Reason said this with all sincerity.

"I do too," was Jimmy's reply and then he smiled.

"Now let's do the Dell Inspirion. I am going to have a black back drop. It will contrast with the others. He set up the backdrop by pulling down a sheet of all black.

"Wow that's cool." Jimmy said with a smile.

"Yes, tricks of the trade. There are over 50 colors in that. And you can change some of the lighter ones by using two at the same time." Reason explained. Reason liked having fun with Jimmy, who in all reality was just a young green kid. "We'll be finished in a few minutes. Do you want to get a bite to eat?" Reason asked.

"Well I need to get back to the office, but I haven't had lunch. Is there a place close?"

"Right down the street, we can walk. I am going to go finish the roll and then have this picked up to be developed. You can repack up the laptops. How about in ten minutes we go to lunch?

"Sure, I don't have to really pack these back up, because we are going to be using them at the office." Jimmy said politely.

Reason went to the lab to move the film and pack it up for a pick up. He dropped in a lock box at the back door. Then phoned it in for a picked up. "Ready?" He asked Jimmy walking back to the studio.

"Oh yes, can you help me put them back in the car?"

"Let's do it when we get back. I am starving." Reason headed for the back door.

"Colbert!" Reason hailed her. She came running to the front. "Let's go for lunch." He put her leash on and opened the door.

"Jimmy come." He walked out the door. Jimmy came out in a second.

"I had to wash my hands. Nice bathroom, even a shower." Jimmy said.

"It came with the building. So I remodeled it a bit. Yes there have been times I have used it after work, before going out to a gala. So tell me Jimmy, you lived here all your life?"

"My family moved her just before I was born. I love it here, but I want to travel and see the world."

"In time I am sure you will be able to do that, you're still young. So do you have a boyfriend?" Reason said it nonchalantly.

"Not right now, too busy for that with work and all." Jimmy replied without hesitation. Reason put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it a bit. Jimmy was pretty comfortable with himself, he liked that.

"Well that's smart. When the career is in full throttle, then find a man and always remember, never settle for someone so you won't be alone. Be true to yourself always."

"It seems the best way. I just get distracted when I am in a relationship, and can't focus on work. Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Yes I do. His name is Didier. I met him at the Bagel shop right down the street. He's a beautiful man."

"You deserve one." Jimmy replied.

"Well thank you, that is kind of you." Reason smiled at him. They ate lunch on the outdoor patio and then walked back to the gallery. Reason helped Jimmy load the computers into his car and then said goodbye. Jimmy had been very quiet on the walk back, and Reason wondered why. He finished the day by going over some paperwork and then headed home, Colbert in tow.

Didier was already there when Reason drove up. He thought that odd. Maybe he missed him. Upon entering the house, he found candles lit up everywhere, the lights were all out. Some new music was playing from the living room and bedroom. He had never heard it before. Reason smiled, he knew Didier wanted a romantic evening. He slowly and quietly walked down the hall to the bedroom. There he found Didier pouring some chilled champagne.

"Bon jour mon ami."

"Come in and close the door."

He closed the door and took the glass of champagne and they toasted.

"To happy times together."

There was incense burning in the window sill, the cool breeze was blowing in.

"Today is our anniversary of when we met. I wanted to have an evening alone with you." Didier proceeded to tell Reason. "I hope you don't mind that I let myself in."

"You can let yourself in anytime to surprise me." He had totally forgotten about the day and the month they had met. The night was glorious.

The next morning,

Reason awoke to the smell of fresh brewed coffee. Didier was just coming back in from the bathroom, he had brushed his teeth. He crawled back into bed and cuddled up to Reason.

"Well how did you sleep?" Didier asked.

"Wonderful!" Reason said. "I love to wake up in my bed with you."

This started a passion play that lasted for more than an hour, and then it was time to get ready for work. Reason was spent. His body was so relaxed and he felt that euphoric sensation in his entire body. He really loved Didier and this was so beautiful. Didier went to shower and he went to have another cup of coffee.

"You know I love your shower. The pressure is fantastic, just really feels great.''

"I am so glad you like it. You may shower here any time. Will you have another cup of coffee?"

"I will take it with me, must be headed to work." Didier poured himself a cup and then kissed Reason goodbye. "I will call you at lunch."

"How is Catherine?"

"This was a way to get out of the house and away from her, but she is fine being boring."

"You'll get used to her being there, don't worry about it and you can always crash here."

"Thank you."

"Good bye, I loved last night and this morning."

"We'll do it again soon." Didier departed.

Chapitre 26

One week later.

"Well, what do you think of this minivan Catherine? Comfy?"

"All our luggage fit, and you brought so much. What is all that for?"

"I want to take some shot's of the lighthouse and I brought my camera and a tripod. It's not much really. You have three bags, what's in those bags?"

"Oh just my clothes dear." Catherine said with a smile. There drove off into the morning, stopping in to buy coffee and a bagel for some nourishment. Reason loved to start the trip out early in the morning when it was still dark and then as it became morning, it was such a peaceful feeling to watch the sun rise.

The coffee was good, made him perk up, he wasn't used to waking up so early, but the excitement of the trip woke him up at 4 a.m. without much despair. The trip would take almost 4 hours, so they had to stop and eat brunch along the way. Catherine feel asleep soon after leaving, the van rode smoothly along the interstate with little noise. The first rest stop was after they had driven 98 miles. Reason was ready to get out and stretch.

"Catherine, were here at a rest stop, would you like to stretch or use the restroom?" Reason was unbuckling, as he said this. He was a bit stiff after sitting that long, and it felt great to stretch.

"Oh yes, I need to stretch and freshen up. I had the most wonderful nap. How long did I sleep?"

"Oh not long, about an hour. It was a pleasant drive and I didn't mind." Reason said as he put on his coat, "It's a bit chilly. Do you want your sweater." Reason reached in the back seat to hand Catherine her sweater."

"Thank you, dear. I'll just need this. How much longer do we have to drive?" She asked with a smile not realizing she was using the oldest saying in the world when you are on a road trip.

"I would say about three more hours, but we will stop for brunch sometime to break it up and I know this quaint little café off the highway up in Morro Bay. You'll love it."

"How lovely Brunch on a week day," with a smile as they walked to the rest stop.

Reason was standing there in the chilly air. A few other cars had pulled in and it was the same, people would get out of their cars and stretch and yawn and move slowly. Reason went to the van and waited. Catherine came back and offered to drive and Reason took her up on the offer. He needed a cat nap himself.

One hour later.

"Reason, Reason, wake up," Catherine was telling him.

Reason woke up groggy. "How long did I sleep?"

"Well we are in Morro Bay."

"Already, wow that was an entire hour of sleep."

"I just kept driving, I didn't want to wake you but you said we would have brunch here."

"Now I am not sure where it is exactly, but when we get there, I'll know it."

The café was an old 1960's dinner that had been updated with moderne touches here and there and like Reason said, was quaint. They dined on chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, which Catherine remarked, "were the best she ever had, except for Reasons." It was a good break from the drive, but Reason was ready to get back on the road. He couldn't wait to show Catherine the lighthouse. He had told her the story of how he first came upon it one day and taken photos of it.

For the next hour Reason talked about his life. He sometimes felt like he took over the conversation and wouldn't let go of it. This made him feel a bit guilty, but he knew the other person, whomever it was, loved to hear about his life. Most of the conversation was about meeting Didier and Catherine threw in a few tidbits about when he was a boy. Reason loved this. He felt comfortable with Catherine and it was just so easy to talk with her.

They were just driving into the King's Cross' parking lot at 1 p.m. Reason was tired. He knew that Catherine was tired as well from the drive. They checked in quickly and agreed to be ready by 1:30 p.m. to drive up to the lighthouse. Catherine mentioned she wanted to freshen up a bit. They were just down the hall from each other on the second floor, which had been a large house at one time and now was converted.

30 minutes later.

Reason heard a knock on his door. He opened his eyes and wondered where he was for a second. He usually never was able to nap during the day however, he had laid down on the comfy bed and fallen into a deep slumber for 40 minutes. He arose and opened the door to find Catherine all dressed and ready to go.

"I couldn't sleep much, how about you?" she said quietly. "Oh, did I wake you? I'm sorry."

"Yes I had fallen asleep, but don't worry about it, come in." Reason waved for her to follow him as he turned and went back to lay down on the bed. Catherine followed and shut the door. "I was in a deep sleep, I must have been very tired after the drive and I didn't get much sleep last night," Reason said with a smile as he lay on the bed.

"Sit there in that chair. Do you like your room? It's so fun, this place."

"Yes if feels like home. I like it so much better than a motel."

"Sweetie I never stay at a motel, only a Hotel or a B&B."

"I will remember that."

"So I unpacked and freshened up and I am ready if it's not too late."

"Well, we can drive over to the lighthouse tomorrow morning. We're not in a hurry." Reason said calmly.

"If that's alright with you, I would love to have a nice early dinner and then retire. I brought three books to read."

"Yes, that sounds like fun. I have to check my cameras and then I want to read as well." Reason agreed. "Shall we call Didier and tell him we are here and checked in?"

"Sure, then he won't worry." Reason picked up the phone beside the bed and dialed Didier's work number. "It's ringing."

"Hello, Didier Gautier."

"Hello babe."

"Hey you guys made it?"

"Yes we are at the B&B and have checked in and we are planning on an early dinner and then retire and drive to the lighthouse tomorrow.''

"Well that's a good idea. You must be exhausted from that drive?"

"Catherine drove half way and I slept."

"I knew you would be tired. You never wake up so early."

"I am glad you made it there safely."

"Yes me too. Okay I will call you this evening." Reason listened a moment and then hung up the phone.

"What did he say?" Catherine asked.

"He knew I would be tired and that he was glad we had a safe trip."

"I hope he isn't lonely while we are gone."

"Colbert will keep him company."

"Yes she will. I hope she's not too much trouble for Didier."

"Didier loves her like she is his own."

"That's good. I am surprised he has taken such a liking to her, I never knew he liked dogs."

"You have been absent for too long in Didier's life. I am so glad that you came to California."

"That means a lot to me to hear you say that. I am so glad that Didier met someone like you Reason."

"So, I will shower and get dressed and meet you in about 30 minutes in the lobby."

"Sounds like a plan." Catherine rose from the chair and let herself out.

"Just wait in the lobby and I will be there shortly. It's very nice down there, sit by the fireplace and relax." Reason said. As Reason showered, he wondered if for some reason they weren't able to go today because it was just not meant to be.

He had been excited all day to see the lighthouse and show Catherine; however she didn't seem to share his feelings about it. He brushed it aside and finished showering and shaving and dressed and was down in the lobby in 28 minutes.

"I am here," she declared as he strolled into the lobby. Catherine was sitting in a Georgian Camel Back Settee next to the fireplace reading a book. "Oh there you are. I am ready when you are." Reason exclaimed.

"Reason, you are all dressed up. Should I change?" Catherine said shyly.

"You look fine to me." Reason assured her. "Did you bring your coat? It's a bit chilly out there in the evening."

"I brought my sweater, see it here," she reach over to pick it up from a small table next to the settee.

"Maybe you should get your coat?"

"Well if you think it will be that cold I will run up and get it and change into something else."

"Catherine you look fine." Reason assured her.

"I'll be right back. Wait here for me."

"Sure, I'll sit by the fireplace. Catherine departed and Reason sat on the settee. The warmth from the fireplace felt good. It was a bit chilly in the hallway and coming down the staircase. Reason watched as a few people came thru and went into the lobby. They smiled at him.

5 minutes later Catherine returned. She had changed into a full length black dress and was wearing her coat she flew here in with her scarf.

"Oh Catherine you changed. You look fabulous."

"I just had too, I felt so underdressed for supper. I love this coat too, I bought it at Neiman-Marcus when I was in New York years ago."

Reason chuckled.

"I inquired at the front desk about where to eat and they recommended a French restaurant a few blocks from here. How does that sound?"

"That sounds lovely. " Catherine smiled.

"They said we could walk to it, shall we?"

"A walk would be nice."

A walk later.

The restaurant was dark and filled with ambient light. It had cloth covered tables with high back chairs in nooks here and there. Reason asked to be seated in one of these nooks, more private. The host was obliging. It was not crowded, but not empty, Reason knew they were there early, it was just 3 p.m. The early birds would be arriving soon. "Shall we have some wine? I would love to taste a local wine from Soledad."

"Let's. Shall we have red or white?"

"We can start with a white and then for dinner we can add a red."

"An entire bottle?"

"I am sure if we don't finish it, we can take it with us. There's a small refrigerator in my room, how about yours?"

"I didn't notice it."

"It's hidden in the side board in my room."

"I'll have to check mine out."

"So how about a nice Chardonnay?"

"I like sweet wines."

"We'll get a nice sweet Chardonnay."

The waiter came to the table with two glasses of iced water and menus. "Good evening, I am Nathan, and I'll be your server this evening. Have you decided on a refreshing libation yet? We do have a little of the non-alcoholic beverages on the back of the menu."

"We'll have this Chardonnay, bin 23." Reason said.

"Yes, sir. Very nice choice. I shall have that out right away." He departed.

"I love our waiter, his accent is so French."

"So French," Catherine uttered with a perfect accent.

"Stop, you know I love when you speak in that deep French accent. I am craving some delicious lamb. What do you plan on having?"

"I am still looking over this menu. It has so much. I feel like veal. It's my favorite."

"That's Didier's as well. You have similar tastes."

"I used to cook the best veal around many years ago. It tasted better back then."

The waiter returned with the wine and quickly opened it, asking where they were from and what brought them there. He was very polite and engaging, Reason loved it. Reason didn't want to give out too much info, that they were just taking a road trip.

"Are you ready to order? Or do you still want a few minutes?"

"I think we need a few minutes, but we would like to order the steamed mussels."

"I shall get that started right away monsieur." He departed.

"I love steamed mussels.

"Let's have this Pinot Noir, it's a nice bold wine or you can have a glass of wine if you want a sweet one."

"Sounds good to me. The waiter returned shortly and took their order. "I am going to have the Fricassee of Veal with peppers and monsieur is going to have the Cotelettes d'agneau Champvallon."

"Very good choices. I'll have the wine out directly." The waiter departed.

'You were fabulous Catherine, I think he was shocked."

"I think so too and I do think we made good choices."

"That is my favorite dish. I rarely find it except at French restaurants. It's absolutely delicious."

"I hope my veal is delicious as well."

"I am sure it will be, it sounds wonderful. Lamb is just my favorite meat."

"Veal is mine."

Later.

They ate and drank wine, and had the most pleasant time, laughing and talking with the waiter, who was very professional and at the same time very charming and interactive. Reason tipped him very well.

On the walk back Catherine remarked at how delicious her veal was, the best she ever had. Reason thought it might have been the wine helping her feel this way.

"I loved mine as well, but the dessert was my favorite."

"They were so pretty I didn't want to eat mine."

"Their coffee was amazing too."

"I had such a lovely time."

"It was lovely."

They went back to the King's Cross bed and breakfast and sat in front of the fireplace relaxing for a bit before retiring to their rooms.

"Tomorrow, let's wake up early and go to breakfast, then head up to the lighthouse." Reason said as they were standing in the hallway.

"I am an early riser." Catherine smiled. They said goodnight.

Reason phoned Didier to share their dining experiences. Didier was tired and had worked very hard on some projects. They said goodnight. It was 8 p.m. Reason undressed and crawled into bed, he had brought a book of ghost stores by M.R. James, they were short stories that he could read just before retiring. He read several of them and then fell asleep.

Chapitre 27

The next morning.

Reason was awake at 7:30 a.m., he took a shower and dressed. He wondered if Catherine was awake. He went down to the lobby to get some coffee and sit by the fireplace. It was chilly this morning and the coffee felt good as the fireplace did as well.

He was pouring his second cup when he heard Catherine say good morning.

"Oh good morning, how did you sleep?" He poured a second cup of coffee.

"I slept great, I loved my bed. It was very soft and fluffy. I need to get one of those comforters, I just love the way they feel." She took the cup of coffee from Reason.

"I know the perfect store to buy one." Reason said. "I was just having another cup of coffee to wake up. I slept well, but am a bit groggy this morning. Are you ready for breakfast?"

Catherine nodded and lifted up her cup in a gesture that she wanted to finish this first cup. They sat in front of the fireplace on the settee and drank their coffee in silence. "Whenever you're ready, I am."

Catherine finally said. "Let's go."

They were in the car driving towards Big Sur looking for a place to eat breakfast. "I want a good hearty breakfast this morning, I love omelets with grits and toast and hash browns all covered in gravy," Reason said as they drove along the highway, which was empty this morning. There was some fog here and there, but the visibility was not diminished.

After awhile they found a small café along the road and pulled in. "This looks charming. I hope the food is good." Reason said as they got out of the car.

An hour later.

"What we have to do is take Coast Highway and drive along for a few miles." Reason explained. Catherine was quiet, and Reason figured she was still sleepy. As they drove along Reason realized that he might be lost.

The surroundings looked so unfamiliar. He knew that the stretch in front of them was desolate and he decided not to worry about it. If they get lost eventually they will find their way. He came to a clearing along the side of the highway that looked like a place to park. He wondered if Catherine would be able to walk very far on the beach.

"I believe that if we park here and walk up the beach a ways we will run into it."

"How far do we have to walk?" Catherine inquired.

"I am not sure." Reason replied.

"I think that if we drive up the highway a bit more, there will be a small road that leads to the lighthouse." Catherine informed Reason.

"Why would you say that, Catherine."

"This place looks familiar to me. Like I have been here before. Let's just drive up a bit more. Trust me?" Catherine asked.

"Well okay, we can try it." He replied and wondered how in the world could she know this.

They continued to drive and came upon a small clearing on the side of the road. "There, let's pull in there and walk." Catherine exclaimed. Reason pulled the car

off the highway onto a dirt area and drove about 30 yards and parked the car.

"This seems like it could have been a road at some point. I have never been here before. Does it look familiar to you?"

"I am not sure, but let's try it anyway." Catherine said as she got out to the car.

They began to walk on what seemed like a narrow path that went through some low brush. It was definitely a path that had once been wider. They walked along it for about 50 yards and then Reason saw it.

"Look there it is, the lighthouse." He pointed in front of them. They continued to walk and came upon it very quickly. The brush disappeared and rocks and sand replaced it. The lighthouse stood there. It was very quiet except for the waves down below. There was no breeze even.

"It looks vacant." Catherine said.

"I hope it is, we are probably trespassing on someone's property." Reason said quietly as he looked around. They came up to the lighthouse and stood in front of it.

"Oh it's so beautiful, just the way I remember it." Catherine exclaimed.

"Have you been here before?" Reason asked with surprise.

"I believe that this is where I came when I was a little girl. But I thought we were in Monterey. How could this be the place? Is it not Monterey?"

Reason thought for a second and said, no this is Big Sur. I looked at the map and Monterey is way north of us."

"Maybe they changed the name of the town. If you had said we were going to Monterey then I would have known it was this place." Catherine exclaimed."

"Catherine! I can't believe that you have been here before. And you were at the estate as well?"

"Oh yes we came and stayed here for about a week, and then we abruptly left. My father never told me why."

"Well this is quite a mystery. I have always loved this place ever since I first found it many years ago. And come to think that you were once here. This is totally amazing!" Reason exclaimed. They had been standing there facing the lighthouse talking.

"Shall we take a look around?" Reason asked.

"Yes, let's do." They walked around the lighthouse and came to the west side of it. There was the door, Reason remembered it. They walked up to it, the porch was old and rickety.

"I only came here once when we were visiting. I saw a lady in a cloak she was down on the beach far ahead of us. I ran to see where she had gone and I found her not. So later I had snuck off when we were further down the beach and climbed up a steep path.

I only had a chance to peek inside, the door wasn't locked. I heard voices up in the lighthouse. A man and women were talking very loudly. I became afraid all at once. I didn't want to listen in on a conversation that was none of my business, and then I heard my mother hailing me. I had to run back very quickly.

I don't think I even closed the door. When I looked back once, I thought I saw a women standing at the door, but I couldn't make her out. I had hoped that she didn't see me, I feared she had. When I got back down to the beach, my mother had scolded me for running off without telling her."

"So I am sure you can't remember what they were saying after all these years could you?"

"Catherine shook her head and said, "I do remember her saying 'mon chere' and something else in French. It sounded like a name. I am not sure what it was. It sounded garbled. The memory was unclear as soon as I heard it."

"Mon chere! Is my dear in French." Was it a lover's quarrel? Who was French on the staff, one of the help? I wonder how I can find out. Who was she speaking with?" Reason said this all out loud. Catherine just listened and shook her head back and forth.

"Let's go inside." They opened the door and peaked inside. It was dusty and looked as if it had been disturbed recently. Several footprints were on the floor where the dust was thickest right at the threshold, most of it from the sand being blown inside.

It was a room just about the size for living in. The furniture was askew across the room. There was an old rocking chair sitting next to a book case that had been cleared off. A small wood burning fireplace was on the opposite side near the stairs that led up. An old desk sat near the door that had a small circular window above it. Otherwise, there was nothing else in the room. They walked over to the stairs and looked up.

"Are you ready to go up there?" Reason asked

"Is it safe? Do you think the building is intact?"

Reason thought for a second and said "let's find out." They proceed to climb the stairs that were built around the shape of the lighthouse. They seemed solid and weren't squeaking.

After about 12 steps, they came to a door. This must be another room. Reason pushed on the door and it gently swung open. It was a kitchen. They walked inside and looked around. There was a sink board next to a wood burning stove against the far wall. This room was smaller than the one downstairs. A small square table and two chairs sat next to an old ice box made of wood and steel. There was nothing else in there.

They turned and backed out of the room leaving the door open. They started to climb the stairs. Reason thought to himself, why all the furniture left was, but all the smaller things removed. They climbed about ten more steps and came to another door. This one door seemed to be stuck when Reason pushed on it. He grasped the door handle and turned it and then gave it a hard shove with his shoulder.

"The weather may have warped the door." When he opened the door, it was even a smaller room which was the bedroom. They walked inside to find a rod iron bed up against the far wall. On each side were night tables. There was a dresser with a cracked mirror against the other wall. A wardrobe stood near the door.

"Doesn't this place feel so abandoned Catherine?"

"Oh yes, it feels like a tomb, like no one has been here since I was here as a child." She stood and gazed around.

"I wonder if it has been that long since anyone has been here. The stairs must lead up to the light, unless there is another room above this one. So I wonder where the dampness comes from in this room. None of the windows are broken and the other two rooms, the doors were easy to open."

"Do you remember the story of the lady I saw that night on the beach?"

"Oh yes, I can't get it out of my mind."

"Let's go down to the beach and see if we can find anything that might help us figure this out."

They quickly left the house and were walking towards the bluff. Reason found the zigzag path that he discovered with Didier on his last trip there.

"Come this way Catherine."

They slowly descended the path, pushing away small branches that grew along it from lack of use. They finally made it down.

"I don't really remember it the same way."

"It has been many years."

"Let's go that way." Catherine pointed south.

They started to walk along the beach and the bluff in front of him extended out to the sea. It was beginning to get high tide, so they would have to get a bit wet. They waited until the tide rolled back and then hurried on just missing the waves rolling back in. They were on the other side.

The beach was much more narrow here and almost none existent just up a bit. He looked around to see if he could discover something. It just looked like a wall of dirt and rock and bushes. They walked up to the side of the bluff and stared at it slowly.

He looked up the vertical wall and tried to imagine how a passage way would wind up inside it. He couldn't figure it out and proceeded to walk on the beach a ways up. They walked until there was no more beach, but just some rocks and the bluff. Reason turned back to see if he could make anything out. It appeared as if nothing was there.

Where could have she gone? He thought maybe when the tide was lower, he could walk on. The wall seemed to go forever. There was an indention in the bluff, but he couldn't see it. He would have to get wet. He was afraid to walk in the water because the rocks were jagged and slippery.

"Catherine you stay here." He took a few steps and it was very cold and soft. He held onto a branch and then paused. Should he continue on he asked himself? Was it too dangerous?

He thought he would take one more step to see if he could look around into the indention in the bluff. He reached for another branch and felt something hard and round it, but it was covered with dirt. He looked at it through all the shrubbery growing and indeed it was a metal rod that was horizontal and looked as if it were heading onward.

He tried to loosen the dirt around it and to no avail. This must be some handle to walk along the bluff with. He took another step forward and slipped. He grabbed for the shrubbery and held onto a branch that began to crumble off the wall. He recaptured his balance and was just about to step back when the branch broke off the bluff and took with it a mound of dirt.

There Reason could see the metal rod once more. He grabbed a hold of it and looked around the indention. There he could see a hole in the bluff. Just one more step and he could reach it.

He slowly stepped as far as he could while still holding onto the metal rod. When he couldn't hold on any more he thrust his body forward and leaped to the hole. The shrubbery felt thru and he landed on soft dirt. It was dry and cool inside the opening. A gate was next to him. He got up and tried to brush himself off. He could feel the breezing coming thru. The tide must have been all the way up he thought, if it came up any more the tunnel would be flooded.

"Catherine," Reason shouted, "Catherine go back up to the lighthouse."

"What have you found?"

"A tunnel. I am going to follow it a bit."

"Be careful."

The gate was made of metal and wood and looked as if it had not been moved forever. He pushed on it and it broke free, slowly opening. There was very little light in the tunnel and he knew he needed a flash light. His watch had a light on it. He turned it on and he could barely make out a tunnel.

He began to walk and had to grasp his hands in front of him in case there were cob webs. He walked slowly and realized that this was a man made tunnel and it was tall enough to stand up in. The floor had rock on it and the sides of the walls were smooth and straight. He walked for what seemed a long time.

He was ascending slowly and the air didn't reek of anything foul. He finally came to a fork. There were two tunnels. Now he had to decide which one to take. He thought that he would take the one on his left, because that's where the lighthouse was. He continued to walk till he came to some stairs.

They looked like they were marble. He climbed up them and there was a door. He turned the handle and the door opened and he pushed it up. He could see some light coming thru some planks. He pushed on them and they would not budge.

He yelled out, "Hello."

Nothing. He yelled out a few more times and then he heard Catherine's voice.

"Catherine! I am down here. Can you see me?" He pounded on the planks. Dust came down on him.

"Where are you Reason?" Catherine asked in dismay.

"Over here, under the floor. I can't push open the door." Catherine came over to where his voice was.

"There is a desk on top of the floor. I can push it out of the way." She began to push it and then Reason saw even more light. He pushed on the floor and it rose up. Catherine reached down and helped him raise it.

"Where did you come from?" She gasp.

"You were right Catherine, you were right. The lady that night, she went past the bluff and went along the narrow beach and then there's an indentation. There's a tunnel that leads here to the lighthouse."

"Well come out of there." Catherine reached down to help Reason.

"I am fine, it's just the bright light hurts my eyes. It was so dark down there. I had my watch light to lead the way. It was amazing. The tunnel had a gate, but it looked as if it hadn't been used forever.

The floor was rocks and the walls were smooth and the stairs are marble that lead up here. It's amazing. And the even more amazing thing is that I came to a fork in the tunnel. I took the one to the left and it led me here." Reason said with excitement in his voice.

"Well where do you think the other tunnel leads to?" Catherine asked.

"I bet it leads to that winery or the estate. This is quite amazing. Who would have dug those tunnels? And no one must know about them." Reason exclaimed. "I am tired. I need to sit down. He sat on the rocking chair and took a deep breath.

"I can't wait to tell Didier about this. He's won't believe it. Now we need to go into town and get a flash light. The air was cool and clean down there, so wherever it leads to it must be open on the other side."

"Do you think we should do it?" Catherine asked.

"Well since we're here, I think we should. I don't think it will hurt. Let's drive into town. I am hungry again. You'll have to change your shoes or did you bring some others?"

"I brought a pair of walking shoes in my bag, just in case."

"Oh you thought you might need them. Then you must have known something I didn't." Smiling as he said this. Catherine smiled back.

They were in the car and driving back into town. It was already after 11 o'clock and Reason was just dying to check out the tunnel. He wondered if Catherine had second thoughts so he asked her. "Are you sure you're up to doing with. I can take you back to the bed and breakfast if you want?"

"Then what are you going to do? Come up here all by yourself. No way. I am in for a good adventure." Catherine exclaimed.

They stopped at a hardware store and picked up some headband lights and a couple of flashlights. Reason grabbed a back pack and some bottles of water. They also bought a small box of colored screws and a compass. Reason wanted to mark things if they needed to back track. Soon they were back in the car heading back to the lighthouse, this time they would park closer.

At the lighthouse.

Catherine easily walked down the stairs in the lighthouse. She was amazed at how nice the tunnel was. They quickly proceeded down the path which was at a decline. Soon they came to the fork and headed that way. The walls were lath and plaster without the paint. The floor was crushed rock. The ceiling was also latte and plaster. They walked for a very long time.

Soon they came to a gate. It was wood and metal like the one leading out to the bluffs. Reason pushed on it and it would not open.

"Do you think we have made it to the house already Catherine?"

"Well I didn't think we walked that far. Maybe we are somewhere else." Reason pushed again, and he could tell something was baring there exit. He let go and the gate stayed.

"Whatever it is, it is heavy. Help me push Catherine, right here." She leaned on the gate next to Reason and they push really hard. It barely moved about ten inches.

"I think we can squeeze through."

Upon looking through it was very dark and Reason couldn't make it out. It looked like a warehouse. He got his body through the opening and could tell that a 100 gallon barrel was sitting in front of the gate. He rolled it away and Catherine came out.

"Well are we in the estate?" Catherine asked looking around her headband flash light shining in the dark.

"I don't think so. It looks like a warehouse."

"It smells like wine, old wine."

"Maybe we are in the winery. They used to have one here." They walked along a wall and came into a big huge area with large oak barrels everywhere. It is the winery. "I wonder how far we are from the house now? Let's go see."

They made their way through the maze of barrels and found a door. It was locked from the outside.

"There has to be another way out of here. Otherwise, we will have to go back the way we came."

"I am too tired to go back that way." Catherine grimaced.

"Well let's keep looking. They searched more and came to another door that led thru to some other area of the winery. They found a door there and it was locked as well.

"Catherine, maybe there is another tunnel that leads to the house? Let's find what direction the house is in and look there."

"That's a good idea. Do you think it might be back where the other tunnel was?"

"Yeah, let's go look there first." Reason said smiling. They headed back the way they came and started looking behind some other 100 gallon barrels shining their flash lights over every space in the wall.

"Maybe we should look on the floor for it." They found nothing.

"There must be another one somewhere." Reason exclaimed. He began to walk around a large cylinder shaped object that looked like it was a metal barrel. He saw something that looked like a door. He pushed on it and it opened up, there was a staircase down.

"Catherine, Catherine! I found it, over here behind the barrel!" Reason walked around the barrel shining his light towards the ceiling.

"Do you see my light?"

"How did you get way over there? Catherine asked rhetorically.

"It wasn't easy, but I managed. You have to navigate thru the barrels." He kept shining his light towards the ceiling.

"Here I am." Catherine said as she came around the big cylinder. "Wow I can't believe we found it. It's a good thing we thought of it."

"Yeah! How smart are we?"

"Very smart so far. Lead the way." They climbed the stairs down and started walking. This tunnel went on for a very long time and they needed to take a break. Then they came to an opening that had a bench to sit and rest.

"This must be the halfway point. Should we rest?"

"I'll have a seat." They sat down on the cold stone bench.

"How much further do you think it is? Why would this be the halfway point?" Catherine asked.

"Whoever was walking needed to rest half way. Don't you suppose, just like us."

"It sure is cool in here. Are you ready to get going?" Reason asked.

"I am ready. This is one good hike." Catherine exclaimed.

"I am guessing it's around two miles from the lighthouse to the main house." They continued to walk and finally came upon a wooden gate.

"Well what do you think?"

"I am glad we made it. Let's see where we are now." Reason pushed on the gate and it swung open. Alas they were inside the carriage house.

"Well we made it this far. I hope there is a door that leads to the main house."

They went to the other side of the empty garage and opened that door. It led to a porch, which led to a breezeway. They were finally at the house. They could see the vineyards and orchards from the windows.

"I hope no one's here."

They came to a door and opened it. They were now in a small room that was like a mud room. Just as they closed the door Reason caught something from the corner of his eye. He saw movement out in the vineyard. He moved the café curtain and peeked out.

"Catherine I see a man out in the vineyard. He is looking thru some kind of telescope."

"Do you think he saw us?"

"Oh no, if he had, he would be over here asking us what we are doing here?"

"What do you suppose he's up to?"

"I think that is surveying equipment. That means there is another man as well."

"What do you think they are surveying?"

"I don't know but we better be quiet. Let's go into the house." They opened another door and were inside a large kitchen. It was dark and they let their eyes adjust."

"Should we turn on our flashlights?"

"Let's try to do without them for now."

They moved on thru the massive kitchen and into a butler's pantry which had no windows. Reason turned on his flashlight and then he heard a car door slam shut.

"I think the men are leaving, be still a moment and listen." Silence.

They went back into the kitchen and peeked out the café curtains.

"They are driving away in that truck."

"I hope they didn't see us," Catherine whispered.

"I am sure they didn't. Let's move on."

Chapitre 28

A few minutes later.

The large dining room was off the butler's kitchen. It had huge fireplaces at both ends of the long room. A mahogany dining table that sat twenty was situated on a large wool oriental rug, a large buffet on each side of the room.

"Boy this is a grand dining room. I would love to have a party here." Reason said.

"I don't remember coming in here when I came to visit. I stayed in my room most of the time or went out to the garden to play. We ate out on the back patio breakfast and lunch. Dinner was usually served to us in our room." Catherine explained.

"I would have loved to have come here when I was a young and explored the entire house." Reason exclaimed.

"It wasn't so easy with Annabelle around all the time. She was always afraid of everything," Catherine quipped.

"Well let's see what the rest of the house is like. I am sure those men won't be coming back anytime soon." They proceeded to leave the dining room thru two large pocket doors that had not been opened in a very long time.

"Why do you think this house is so clean? I mean I don't see dust anywhere." Reason asked.

"Maybe a maid comes in and dusts once a month or so." Catherine offered.

"I couldn't imagine that, but if it's so then I want to meet her and talk to her."

"What do you suppose she will tell you?"

"I think she can tell us if this place is haunted." Reason said with eyes wide open.

"You think it's haunted?

"Oh I wonder."

"Why do you say it like that Reason?"

"Because I have a feeling about these kinds of things, trust me."

They went to the foyer that was larger than one might think, almost as big as the dining room.

"Oh this is such a larger foyer. Maybe it was the architects dream to have such a large foyer.

"This staircase looks like it belongs in a Hollywood movie, so grand and dramatic."

"I would say so myself." Catherine looked about as she said this. "No furniture in here, or paintings or art either. The carpet is worn here especially."

"I wonder why it would be so worn out. The sun comes shining thru that window up there and it has bleached the carpet and dry rotted it." Reason pointed to the landing halfway up the stairs.

"Let's go up there and look around. I would like to see if there's any furniture up there."

They walked slowly up the stairs, Catherine following Reason closely behind him. The stairs squeaked here and there. Half way up the stairs the landing was awash in sunlight. The draperies had been removed some time ago, but why Reason thought?

"I remember these stairs. I wanted to slide down the banister. It all seems so fuzzy though."

At the top of the stairs there was a wide hallway that led in three directions. The left was a very long corridor that they couldn't see all the way down, as it got very dark. The corridor directly in front of them was a short one with only two doors. The Right corridor was also long, but lit up with more sunshine.

"Let's go to the right, I can see down there. They proceed to the right and looked into each room one at a time, to find them all empty of furniture.

"Someone has been keeping the place clean. No dust anywhere. Why the missing curtain on the stairwell landing? All the other windows have beautiful window treatments." Reason exclaimed.

Reason stood wondering if this house had any more secret passages.

"Catherine do you remember anything about this upstairs area?"

"It seems to me that there was another staircase that led up to the room where Annabelle and I stayed."

"Could it be down the hall more?"

"Yes do you see how there is a pop out right here on the wall? The handrail abruptly stops here, but looks as though it may have continued on up to the third floor."

"Yes I see that. Why do you think that they closed off the third floor?"

"Maybe to forget something that happened up there."

"Like murder?"

"We must find a way up there, and today if possible."

"Shall we take a look outside?"

"Let's! Follow moi."

They headed back down the hall to the stairs. Reason kept his eye on the area where there might be a third floor. They came thru the foyer and right to the front door. Reason stopped, "Let's peak out first, to be sure no one is out there. You look out over there Catherine," pointing to a sidelight beside the mammoth doors.

They both peered out moving the lace draperies just enough to get a clear view.

"It is quiet, no one in sight."

"Should we chance it Catherine?"

"I don't see why not. If we are caught we shall just tell them that we thought the property was for sale and we came to look at it. The front door wasn't locked so we came inside. What can they do to us, ask us to leave is all?"

"Never to return, then where will we be?"

"We will be nowhere. We will just have to drive back home."

"That's what I am afraid of," Reason said dryly.

Reason unlocked the front door slowly and turned the handle, pulling it open with a thud. He walked outside casually followed by Catherine. They walked down the stairs out to the drive turned around and looked up.

"Hmm! No third floor windows."

"Let's go around the back and check, via the house, we are less visible." Catherine headed back into the house less casually. Reason followed.

They wound back through the house to the rear again. Catherine in the lead unlocked the door and proceeded without looking first.

"Catherine wait let's peak first!"

"No time to peak"

Reason sighed, "We better not get caught till we find something."

"We won't be caught, follow me!"

As they walked out of the rear of the house they looked up to find four windows.

"See up there, a third floor does exist. I knew my memory was accurate. Let's go back in and find a way up there. I am trying the butler's pantry."

Back inside they found the butler's pantry and Catherine climbed inside.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Reason asked hesitatingly.

"Yes I do, now send me up. Just turn that wheel right there but not too fast. Reason started turning the wheel reluctantly.

"You can go faster. Faster. I am already near the second floor." Reason heard Catherine's voice down the shaft. Soon Reason could not turn the wheel anymore. Catherine must be there. He waited a few minutes the pantry came down empty.

"Crawl inside it," the faint voice of Catherine echoed down the shaft. Reason crawled inside it and closed the outer door. It began moving up.

"Well that was fun. Boy it's dark up here. I will turn on my flashlight."

"I forgot it was on my head." Catherine flipped on hers as well. They were in a small room with one door. "It's locked."

"Let me try it." Reason grabbed the handle and twisted as hard as he could. A snap was heard and the door gave with a thud. He pulled it open. The hallway was dark. There was a musty smell. It was cold and quiet like a Tomb. Looking down the hall Reason saw furniture lined up against both sides, all covered in sheets.

"Look at all the furniture Catherine it's filling up the hallway."

"I see. Maybe there is more." They proceeded down the hall making their way through the covered furniture.

"Here's a door, let's move some of this away from the door. As they moved the furniture away from the door, it was possible to open it and squeeze inside the room.

"Wow, Catherine, look at all this furniture. Why do you suppose it's up here, locked away?"

"I believe somewhere in here lies the last Will and testament of my grandfather," Catherine exclaimed.

"I believe you are right. Where shall we start looking? How about if we tear off that paper on the windows to let some sunshine in? It will be easier to see then."

"Can you even make it to the window? It's almost piled all the way up to the ceiling with furniture."

"Who could have possibly done this? Why would they do this?" Catherine remarked with an annoyed tone.

"Maybe your grandfather did this." Reason stopped. He had no idea why he would do this and had never heard of anyone doing this.

"Do you think it was to save the furniture for the next heir?"

"Yes, that thought crossed my mind. Why though?"

"From vandals, thieves and relatives.

"Or the servants?"

"It is quite baffling."

"It is futile. I cannot get any further, and my flashlight isn't giving off enough light. I am not sure of what I am standing on." Reason sighed. Reason began to reach for the paper near the window and as he did, he heard a car door slam.

"Oh Catherine, someone's here." In a loud whisper.

"I didn't hear anything."

"I am closer to the window and I heard a car door shut. I am going to get down and be quiet. Turn off your light." Reason directed.

"Okay."

"Yes, but we can't be found out up here."

"How do they know that we are up here?"

"You just never know. Come over here and let's see if we can hide in this armoire. It's a mighty big one."

"I can't see a thing."

"Close your eyes for a few seconds, then open them. You will be able to see better," Reason instructed. Catherine did as she was told.

"I can see. Wow. It's so much lighter in here now. I see you Reason. I can get to you."

"Just quietly and quickly," Reason said as he opened the armoire.

"Who was this armoire for I wonder," as Reason climbed in one side. "Hurry up. I heard some more noise."

"I'm coming, see I am here where do I stand? Over on this side?"

"Yes, yes, let's close the door, mine first." Just as Reason shut his door Catherine pulled hers closed and it locked. A loud noise came from outside. Then some more noise, Reason heard a muffled voice was heard.

A stream of light pierced the lock of the armoire. Reason almost gasped. He looked down at the stream of light and it hit the back wall of the armoire. Some more noise and scuffled sounds of furniture being moved. The light was going, but Reason knew someone was still in the room and maybe heading towards them.

Reason reached out to see if there were a lock on the inside, for whatever reason why he didn't know, but as he felt about in the dark, he touched a piece of wood that spun it in either direction. He slowly turned it. The light was shining in again thru the key hole. A rattle of the door almost made him yell out. Catherine was silent. The door shook and moved but could not be opened.

"Dame rats!" The voice said. "They need an exterminator around here not a security guard." The door was pulled again. The small wood lock held it tight. Reason's heart was pounding. He didn't want them to be caught, but now he knew there was a security guard, but who hired him and how did he know they were up there and how did he get up there so quick?

"Now I have to report that rats were stirring about." The voice said. Reason faintly heard it. He didn't move. A few moments later he heard a door slam shut. He shrugged, his heart still pounding. He waited a few minutes longer and then whispered, "Catherine, are you okay?"

No reply. He fumbled for the light on his head and switched it on.

"Catherine, are you okay?" Her eyes were closed and Reason feared she had had a heart attack. "Hey, are you okay?" He reached over and grabbed her arm. She was warm.

"Hello. What happened?"

"I think you fainted Catherine," Reason whispered loudly. "It's okay fine, he's gone, a security guard, thought we were rats. I had turned this piece of wood and it locked the doors from the inside. He was trying to open them. I heard him mumbling about damn rats," Reason rambled on.

"Oh dear, I must have fainted. I thought for sure he was going to find us in here when I saw the light come thru the key hole. I just passed out. I am sitting on something, otherwise I would have fallen. Can we get out now?" Catherine was whispering and breathing loudly.

"I think it's safe, I heard a door slam. I am going to peek thru the key hole

first." Reason bent down and looked thru what he thought was a key hole. Pitch black. He spun the wood piece and the door flopped open. He pushed it slowly open all the way and looked around the room with his flashlight. No one was there.

"Okay, let's get out of here."

"How do you think he got in here so fast?" Reason asked quietly.

"I am not sure, maybe there is a back stairway that we didn't see that leads up to the third floor. Maybe a fire escape." Catherine added.

"But how did he know we were up here? How could he have known it?" Reason asked rhetorically. He looked around the room and nothing much had been moved except the furniture in front of the door they entered. It had been pushed back and fallen over a bit. Why were there boxes and furniture in front of that door he wondered?

"Are you sure you are fine now Catherine?" Reason asked sincerely. He started to laugh. "I can't believe you fainted and you didn't make any noise when you did. I just thought you were being still like me." Reason said and laughed more.

"I can't believe it myself. I must have gotten so frightened when I heard the noise and then I saw the light and I thought we have been found out." She started to laugh with Reason. "I was so frightened." She chuckled.

"You must have been. Well thank God you just fainted. At first I thought you had had a heart attack and I got scared again. My heart was pounding so hard already. When he grabbed that door, I am sure he thought he was going to yank it open really fast. Then that little piece of wood just stopped him.

I wonder why that piece of wood was in there in the first place. Someone must have hidden in there before and didn't want to be found. He must have that that it was locked. He shined the flashlight thru the key hole. Oh I was about to yell out myself. Then he just started ranting away about the rats and how he had to report it. The funny thing is I have not seen any rodents or their droppings." Reason was out of breath.

"I am sure there must be a back stairwell. Let's get out of here."

"Oh wait, I want to see what I was sitting on." Catherine shined it into the armoire.

"This part is built in; its drawers and they all have keys as well."

"Maybe they are not locked."

"They are."

"Shoot."

"I wonder if there's anything in them."

"Oh well."

"Let's go, you ready now?"

"Don't you think we should try to find the back stairwell?"

"No. Let's just leave the way we came in." They made their way to the door. It's locked or stuck. Try it Reason, maybe you can do it." Catherine moved out of the way.

"Let me see," Reason grabbed the handle and tried to turn it. I think it's going to break." Clunk and the door handle came off.

"Now what are we going to do?" Reason huffed.

"Just try pulling on the door, it may open." Catherine suggested.

Reason put his fingers on the door edge and pulled, it came open. "It's a miracle. How could it just open?"

"Lower your voice, he may still be downstairs." Catherine whispered. Just then Reason heard tires squeal and some other muffled noise.

"I think he just left, I heard the car pull out. Let's go." They headed down the hall and the last door opposite the butler's pantry to their amazement found a spiral staircase.

"Well no wonder he got up here so quick. Let's go down this way," Reason exclaimed. He began to climb down the spiral staircase, Catherine close behind him. At the landing there was a door. "Is that locked too?" Catherine asked earnestly.

"Yes I believe it is, but from the inside. "What an old house, with all these strange inside locks." Reason turned the lock and the handle and the door opened. They were on the first floor in a small room that looked like a wet porch.

"Do you remember this area?" Reason asked.

"Well I never got to see the entire house so I don't. Let's go back towards the kitchen and down thru the cave."

"I am afraid the tide will be up and we won't be able to go that way. We will have to go out the back and just walk thru the vineyards. I am sure he is gone off the property."

"Why do you suppose that he was here in the first place?"

"Do you think someone spotted our car down by the lighthouse?"

"Maybe that's what happened. He was driving thru the property and drove down by the lighthouse and saw our car and decided to come take a look at the house. Yet, he came right up to the third floor. How did he know to look there?"

"Well the rest of the house is empty and so why search there? Go straight to the third floor to find the vandals."

"I still find it fishy that he would head straight up there and how do they know that the third floor is full of furniture?"

"That I don't know. Who could he be working for I wonder?" Reason said out loud.

They were walking behind the house and thru the vineyards now, heading towards the lighthouse. It was getting to be late afternoon and Reason wanted to get back to their room to shower and have dinner and call Didier.

"Maybe we can stop by the library tomorrow on our way out of town. I am sure we can find some old newspaper articles on microfiche about when your grandfather passed and what happened to the estate."

"Well I do hope so," Catherine said with a sigh as she walked on next to Reason.

"I have to call Didier and tell him of our escapades _au jourdui_ ," Reason exclaimed.

"Yes, yes we must do that when we get back to the B&B." Catherine agreed. They made it to the van and saw that there were some other tire tracks next to the rental that looked fresh. The guard had come by and seen their vehicle parked there and went to see if there were any vandals or snoops up at the house.

Was there anything particular about the property that would warrant a guard to be assigned to it? Here it had set all these years empty, with no one claiming it. Reason didn't want to ponder any more, he wanted to shower and change in to some fresh clothes and relax with a glass of wine. He knew Catherine was exhausted as well.

They drove back to the bed and breakfast and went to their rooms. They would meet in an hour to have drinks and dinner.

Chapitre 29

Reason sat on the bed and looked at his watch.

He wanted to just relax for a few minutes before showering. He felt exhausted. His body ached some, and he wanted to clear his mind. He sat there and stared down at the floor for a few minutes aware that he was glazing over. A few moments he snapped out of it and got undressed and slipped into the shower, warm, but not too hot, basking his tired body under the water.

His mind was not thinking about the day's events, just on the lather that felt so good from the soft washcloth. He spent well over ten minutes relaxing under the water before exiting the shower. A soft, oversized towel sat on the sink waiting to absorb the water and keep his body warm. He was enjoying the experience so much he forgot about where he was and why he was there.

Then he thought of Didier, he must call him. He flopped down on the bed and reached for the phone. He dialed the number and turned on his side, there he could see outside the window, it was dark and a light rain had started.

"Hello," Didier said.

"Hey, how you doing buddy?" Reason asked calmly.

"I am fine, just waiting to hear from you, what else?" How's my mom? Did you wear her out mystery hunting?" Didier said sassily.

"Yes we were mystery hunting and we found some great clues. Your mom is fine, she is just getting ready and we are going to meet in a half hour to eat. So this is what we have found out so far." Reason began to tell the days adventure. He tried not to sound too excited and he left out Catherine fainting in the closet part, and calmly told him all that he remembered.

"So when are you coming home?" Didier asked quietly.

"Tomorrow morning after we visit the local library."

"I miss you. I also think that we should let lying dogs lie."

"Yes how about that, just forget about your family and the estate and live our lives just as we have been? I believe this is fate Didier. The visions have never been of any value to me until now. I must pursue it," Reason said calmly. He didn't want to sound like he was being demanding and bossy.

"Yes, well, you need to be careful. Remember your accident? Someone wants this property and they almost killed you trying to get it. Reason this isn't Murder She Wrote, this is real. You have to be cautious and I don't think my mother is fully aware of the danger she and you could be in. Babe, I don't want anything to happen to you. I love you and I am concerned."

"Yes, wow, you are serious. We are just investigating. We haven't done anything illegal or dangerous. At least I don't think we have."

"So what's your plan tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow I am going to the Courthouse to find out about this and talk to the local authorities. Once they know who we are, I am sure we won't have to worry."

"Reason, they may be in on it. Who was the security guard working for? The state? The county? I am sure he's working for the same people who stole your negatives," Didier said firmly.

"I am going to be cautious and be aware Didier. Thank you for your concern and I love you too, however, I want to continue investigating this. I told you what we are planning to do tomorrow and then we are heading home," Reason said in a cool tone.

"Well call me after dinner will you?" Didier asked.

"I will and just relax and don't worry," Reason said calmly.

"Okay, I'll be waiting for you call. Just going to do some work I brought home."

"Okay, bye," Reason said quickly.

"Bye," Didier said slowly.

That man needs to calm down, Reason thought to himself as he looked over at his clock on the nightstand. Better dress, Catherine will be here soon. A knock on the door ten minutes later, Reason was ready.

The restaurant was Italian and across the street. Very dark and had some classical music playing. Reason told Catherine about the conversation and the concerned tone of Didier.

"Do you really think we are in danger? I wish you had told me about the accident and the negatives. This is really exciting. I hope I don't faint again!" Catherine exclaimed smiling.

Reason smiled back and agreed that it was exciting. They ordered a bottle, had a couple glasses of wine to relax, and then ordered. Reason wanted something light and spicy. He ordered some Capellini pasta with pesto sauce, to make it spicy he asked for red peppers. Catherine ordered a big Cobb salad with ranch dressing.

They discussed the adventure of the day and speculated about who the surveyors were and why and who wanted the land. They finished the wine and then had a cordial, which made them both sleepy.

The rain had stopped earlier and now it was drizzling again. They didn't get very wet crossing the street, and were so ready for sleep it didn't matter. They hugged and said goodnight.

"Call me when you wake up in the morning, but try to sleep in," Reason told Catherine.

"Don't worry, I want to sleep in tomorrow. The wine, the wine," Catherine remarked gaily.

"I am sure you will sleep in. Goodnight," Reason said. He went to his room and undressed, the rain was now coming down hard and he could hear it distinctly. He went to the window and pulled it up a few inches. He loved the rain. He crawled into bed and reached for the phone. He didn't look at the clock, he knew Didier would answer.

"Hello," said a groggy voice.

"Were you asleep? I'm sorry. You said to call."

"Yes, no, it's fine. I dozed off watching TV How was dinner?"

"Very spicy and light. We had a bottle of wine, it was splendid."

"You know my mom is a light-weight. Did she enjoy herself?"

"Oh yes she did and it relaxed her. She thought this mystery hunting to be very exciting."

"Well don't give her too much excitement. She might faint."

"Faint? Your mother faints?"

"She's from the south, she faints."

"Well if she faints, don't worry I will catch her."

"You do that. Well then, sleep well and call me in the morning. I love you."

"You sleep well too, babe, good night, I love you." Reason hung up the phone. He laid there a few minutes and was asleep.

Three forty-five a.m.

The thunder sounded like a bomb going off. Reason woke as the lightening lit up his room. He loved thunderstorms more than the rain, but always wanted them at the same time. The thunder cracked and roared, afar off and close by. The rain came down harder. Wow this is a huge storm Reason thought.

He got up and looked out into the night, a flash lit the sky. He turned and crawled back in bed, it wasn't as cold as he thought it should be. It must be the rain. He feel back to sleep after lying there listening to the rain awhile, the thunder had diminished and was far off.

Chapitre 30

Nine a.m.

Reason was standing near the edge of the cliff, looking out at the waves, he saw the storm coming in, the sea was black and the wind howled. He couldn't look away from the darkness and the cliff was erect and pointed and he felt like he belonged there and then he woke up. He had dreamed it many times before, was it the bluffs at the lighthouse he wondered? If so, then he had had that dream ever since he was a child. Was his fate was foretold ever since then? He heard the phone ringing, Catherine is up.

"Bonjour!" Reason said like he had been awake for awhile.

"Bonjour!" Catherine replied, "Ready for breakfast?"

"I am not dressed yet, you'll have to give me 10 minutes."

"I will meet you down in the lobby when you're ready. Bye."

Boy she sounded rested, now I have to jump up and dress and wash my face and comb my hair in ten minutes. Rush, rush, rush. Reason hated to rush but he knew it would be fun to have coffee and wake up with Catherine. He was out the door in 15 minutes, he had to call Didier and say good morning.

"Hey girl!"

"Hey boy!"

"Where are we eating?"

"I was talking to the gentlemen at the front desk and he said there was a nice quaint place in downtown. They have great coffee, croissants, omelets and champagne."

"Well that sounds like my kind of breakfast place. Are we driving?"

"Oh yes, it's a few miles. Here's coffee to go, with milk and Sweet-N-Low, two packets."

"Thank you! How kind."

"Think nothing of it."

11 minutes later.

The restaurant was just as they said, with great coffee, champagne, croissants and omelets, quaint as well. "Shall we head over to the courthouse and see what we can find?"

"Just let me finish my last cup of coffee." Catherine begged.

"Hurry, up!" Reason said.

One hour later.

"What a neat Courthouse this is," Reason exclaimed.

"Yes it is, marble floors, chandeliers and mahogany paneling. It was grand even in its day," Catherine remarked.

"I bet it has marble toilets!" Reason said quietly leaning into Catherine's ear.

"Now let's find the records department. Here's a directory. It's in the basement. The basement?" Catherine looked at Reason.

"I am sure the elevator takes us down there. It's over there."

"We shall see." They walked over to the elevator and there was a down button, which they pressed. The elevator doors opened and inside it was more mahogany wood paneling. "Very nice and there is a basement button," Reason quipped. They arrived in the basement and it was just as lovely down here as it was on the main floor. There was a door across from the elevator that read Records Department.

"This must be it."

The man at the counter was in his early 30's, with blonde, wavy hair and a moustache. He smiled when he saw Reason and Catherine.

"Good morning. How can I help you?"

Reason smiled and said, "Good morning. We are looking for some information regarding the property off Coast Highway, the vacant house and winery near the lighthouse. How do we find out who is in possession of it?"

"Let me check on that, I will have to look at the map and then cross reference it with the county records. This Will take a few minutes. Do you mind waiting?"

"No, not at all. We shall sit over there," Reason answered.

"I will be right back." The clerk left.

"Catherine, do you think he will be able to find out who it is?"

"Well I hope so, isn't this the place that keeps record of this kind of thing."

"Yes, but it's not a normal piece of property we are asking about."

"Someone should know who's handling it," Catherine exclaimed.

"We shall see soon enough. Do they have any magazines around here to read while we wait. It may be sometime before he returns." Just then the clerk returned and cleared his throat.

"Apparently this property is in some legal issues and I am afraid that I cannot tell you who is in possession of it right now. I will have to look into to it. Do you have a phone number that I can contact you at?"

Reason pulled out his business card and handed it to the clerk. "Here you go. I would so much appreciate any information you can give to me," Reason said as nicely as possible. The clerk smiled and said he would do his best. They both left without saying a word until they were well enough away from the slightest of eaves dropping.

"Catherine, do you know what this means? I don't think we'll get a chance to rummage around that house without the proper authorities. Someone has got their hands on that house and they don't want anyone to know. We shall have to find a lawyer. I know one back home, when we get there I will have him call up here and see what he can find out."

"Well that sounds promising then. I am anxious to get home."

"Why are you anxious?"

"Well I want to look over that picture that my grandfather gave me. Maybe there is a clue there."

"Do you really think there could be? I mean do you think that your grandfather wanted you to have the house after all?"

"I am not sure what he wanted for my mother, but as for me, he may have been thinking ahead. If he was all alone, he knew one day he would leave it to someone."

Catherine said slowly.

"I hope that was the case. Forgive and move on is what I believe," Reason said matter-of-factly.

"Well it's just not that simple Reason. Back then when people had a grievance, it was for life. They never forgave, just too proud or stupid," Catherine said.

Reason seemed perplexed by this statement. He found it hard to believe that people could be so hard and bitter.

They walked out to the car and got in without saying a word. Reason lost in his thoughts. They drove off in silence. Back to Santa Barbara.

Chapitre 31

That evening.

Didier was sitting on the porch, Colbert sitting next to him, when they drove up to the house. They were tired from the drive. Reason slowly got out of the minivan and stretched his arms back. Colbert ran to him and jumped up on his legs.

"Hello sweetie, how you doing?" Reason bent down and rubbed Colbert on her head, holding her neck with the other hand. "You missed me didn't you?" He saw Didier coming to him. They hugged and kissed on the cheek.

"Hey mom, how you doing? How was the drive back? You guys look exhausted."

"Well I slept off and on dear," Catherine explained. I am really not that tired. Reason must be, we only stopped a couple times."

"Do you need anything in the house tonight or can it wait till morning?" Didier asked smiling.

"Oh I think I am fine for now. I have my purse and that's all I need," Catherine replied as she headed towards the house.

"What about you Reason?"

"I am fine, just want to shower and go to bed. We can talk afterwards. I have some interesting news. How have you been?"

"I've just been working extra hours. Missed you," Didier said sheepishly.

"You are sweet."

"Just sharing how I feel. Let's get inside, it's a bit chilly out here." They went inside the house and straight to the bedroom, Colbert in tow. Catherine was no where insight.

"Go see about your mom while I shower Didier," Reason asked quietly.

"Oh sure! You need anything hail me."

"I'll do that." Reason leaned over and kissed Didier a deep long kiss.

"Be back in a few." Didier said.

Colbert was in her bed next to the side where Reason slept. She curled up and went back to sleep. Reason looked at her and smiled. She must have been sleeping before they arrived. He went to the bathroom.

After showering and drying off, he climbed into bed. Didier returned and flopped down next to him, "Now tell me what you learned today."

"We went to the city hall, it was a beautiful building." Reason told Didier about trying to find out who owned the property.

"Someone with a lot of money wants that property and they are willing to burglarize, steal and run you off the road to get it."

"Okay, let's not talk about it anymore. Did you miss me? Come here and show me." Reason pulled Didier close to him and started kissing him.

Chapitre 32

The next morning.

Reason woke up and for a second wondered where he was. Then his mind was clear and he remembered he was at Didier's house. What a strange feeling, to wake up and not know where you are. Didier was still asleep and he quietly got out of bed and put on a robe Didier had left for him next to the bed on a chair, slippers too. Colbert's tail started a little wagging. She raised her head and then laid it back down. Reason leaned over and rubbed her head. He whispered, "Sleep sweetie."

He went into the kitchen and started making coffee. He was still fuzzy and kept the lights off, working in the dim light of the morning. He didn't want any bright light on so early. He sat at the kitchen table and waited for the coffee to brew. It smelt great. He prepared his cup with milk and Sweet-N-Low as he waited for the coffee to finish brewing.

When it finished he poured the coffee into the cup and went to back to the chair. He sipped on the coffee and petted Colbert who had wondered in and plopped down by his feet going back to sleep. He finished the coffee and decided to have another when he heard Catherine coming down the hall.

"I smell coffee she said quietly. Who's up?"

"Just your sleuthing partner."

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"I slept great. I was bushed from that drive. How about you?"

"Oh yes indeed. I also had this dream about the house. I got out the photo my grandfather gave me and looked at it but was too tired to really think. We can look at it later."

"So do you think we'll find some clue?"

"I hope so.

"This coffee is delicious."

"I mix two kinds of coffee together and it tastes better."

"How wonderful it is."

"And how is my Colbert this morning?"

"I think she's gone back to sleep," Reason whispered. Colbert's tail started wagging. "You see she knows when we are talking about her." Colbert's tail started wagging faster.

"She's a smart dog. Must have learned it from her master."

"Yes I agree with you there."

"She's so calm and I never hear her bark."

"She only barks if she senses danger. I don't know how she learned this, but they used to guard the palaces in Egypt, very useful back then."

"A lovely animal she is."

"Yes and I missed her greatly. She doesn't know how much, but I did. I may take her to the park and let her run wild this afternoon. Do you want to come?"

"Sounds like fun. We can have a picnic. We haven't done that since I've been here. I can make all my favorite foods just in bigger quantities."

"Oh are you sure you're up to it Catherine?"

"We can always pick up something at the deli."

"Now, it's no trouble. I can have it ready in just about an hour. It's good for me to do little things like that, it makes me feel helpful."

"You are helpful Catherine. Just being here has been good for Didier. He may not show it, but he likes having you closer. You're his mother, it's good to be close to your mother."

"Well I am glad to hear that Reason. I don't want to be a burden to my son."

"Now listen to me, you are no burden. You are a blessing and don't forget it."

"Thank you honey, that makes me feel better."

"Now shall I go wake sleepyhead. That rascal is usually up by now. He must have been tired last night himself, waiting for us to arrive home."

"Oh let him sleep. Let's make some buttermilk biscuits and chocolate gravy. I am graving that this morning. It will be just a quick as making pancakes, you can stir the gravy for me."

"Sounds like fun to me. I can't wait to try this chocolate gravy." Reason said with a smile.

"I have been eating chocolate gravy since I was a little girl, that's how old it is."

"Where did this chocolate gravy come from?"

"My mother used to make it for us and I don't know where she came up with it. She also made buttermilk biscuits from scratch as well. Now let me look in the pantry, hopefully I find what I need."

"Be my guest, however, I don't believe there is any cocoa to make this chocolate gravy."

"I bought some the first week I was here." Catherine smile when she said this.

20 minutes later.

"Wake up sleepyhead," Reason whispered into Didier's ear. "It's time to wake up."

"I was dreaming of the queen I believe, I can't remember now. Why did you wake me up?"

"Because breakfast is ready and your mother made chocolate gravy and buttermilk biscuits from scratch."

"No kidding? That's my favorite." Didier climbed out of bed grabbing the robe that was lying at the end of the bed. "Come on let's eat." He said and rushed on to the kitchen.

How come I'm the only one who doesn't know about chocolate gravy and buttermilk biscuits Reason pondered and followed Didier to the kitchen.

"Good morning mother," Reason kissed her on the cheek. "You made my favorite."

"Yes dear, I thought you would like to have some good vittles this morning." Catherine was ladling the gravy onto the split biscuits at the stove. "Have a sit and pour yourself some coffee. Where is Reason?" Catherine asked in earnest.

"I am right here. I was just pondering in the hall for a moment."

"Have a seat."

"Did you pour yourself some coffee?"

"Yes and mother mixed two together. I can taste it."

"How in the world did you know she did that?"

"I know my mother very well."

Just then Catherine placed the two plates down in front of each of them and said, "Dig in!"

"Yum!" said Didier.

"Yum!" said Reason.

Catherine sat down as well with her own plate fully loaded with gravy and biscuits.

"We are going to the park to let Colbert run free and have a picnic later on today."

"Oh that sounds like fun," Didier replied after chewing and swallowing.

"It was my idea to go to the park and then Catherine wanted to have a lovely picnic, so I gave in."

"Yes that mother of mine can get her way through your belly," smiling and holding the fork up in the air loaded with biscuits and chocolate gravy.

"So when am I going to hear all about what happened up there to you two?" Didier asked as he sipped on his coffee.

"Well I can tell you all about it right now, if you like?" Reason perked up.

"I have nowhere to go, mother do you have anywhere to go?" Didier asked.

"Well I was there, so I know what happened. Let Reason tell you."

"Then proceed, I am all ears." Didier said as he took another bite of the biscuits covered in chocolate gravy.

"Well were shall I began. We went up to the lighthouse and there we found a place to park." Reason sat there with Didier and Catherine and told of their escapades for the next hour. Didier patiently listened the entire time.

"Well this is all pretty amazing. This is turning out to be a real mystery and I had been telling Reason to just let it go," Didier said this to Catherine.

"Son now what are you going to do? Talk to a lawyer?"

"I think that would be then next step. We can try to find out as much as possible about who is trying to take the land."

"I want to find that picture," Catherine interjected, "Maybe it's the clue that we are looking for."

"So how does it feel to be the heir to a grand winery and estate Catherine?"

"Yeah mother, how does that make you feel?"

"Well I haven't really thought about it, but what if we find it's been Willed to the state or to another relative. Then I wouldn't be the heir to it. We are only guessing that it is I who have inherited it." Catherine said demurely.

"Well I hope it's you Catherine, I hope it's you." Reason said sincerely.

"Now I will clean up this," Didier said as he rose from the table and started stacking the plates.

"Oh sweetie you are dear," Catherine said smiling looking at Reason.

Chapitre 33

Later that morning.

"Are you ready?" Reason was asking as he stood at the door, Colbert next to him.

"I am coming. Mother is just finishing up the basket and I will carry it out to the car," Didier said.

"I am going to start it and get Colbert settled," Reason said as he walked out to the Jaguar, Colbert in tow.

"Will we all fit or shall I drive my car?" Didier asked as he came out with a huge basket weighing more than one would expect.

"Colbert will sit in the rear with Catherine and we will all fit. Now I thought about going to the Park over on the south end of town. It's very large and has plenty of trees for shade. We can take a hike up to the waterfall."

"I have never been to that park, what's the name of it?" Didier asked as he sat the basket in the trunk.

"I am not sure but I will make a mental note of it when we enter the gates. Write it down in my diary."

"Reason you don't have a diary, do you?" Didier asked quizzically.

"I do have one, but rarely write in it. It's mostly dates of activities, nothing secretive or such."

"Well that's fine. I wish I had a diary of all the things I had done."

"You can start one today. Reason was sitting in the driver's seat, letting the a/c cool down the inside of the car. Colbert was in the passenger's seat. Didier went back into the house. They came out and got into the Jaguar.

"I was looking for that key, Reason, and I found it in my jewelry box. I am not sure where it goes to but it might lead us to the Will."

"Oh that is so great. What does it look like, this key?" Reason pulled out of the drive and headed south.

"It's very ornate and quite large, about four inches long. It is a bit worn, so I would think that it had been used often. Maybe to a safe, or a room."

"Well if it was a safe then I am sure that is gone. We looked around the house and never saw what even looked like a safe."

"Maybe it's out in the winery, we didn't look around there enough to notice. There must be an office."

"I am sure that whoever cleaned out the main house has been through the office as well."

"Maybe it's hidden in a secret place. Like that tunnel, I am sure not many people know about it."

"You know where I thought it might be hidden, was under the fountain, in that alcove where the bench was," Didier chimed in.

Reason looked at him with surprise.

"Well, it just seemed odd to have an alcove there under the fountain. It must have been a secret meeting place. You said that there was a grate and that if you are sitting there on the bench, then you could hear someone above ground at the fountain. That could have been how they signaled each other," Didier finished saying.

"I think that is a very good possibility. Where else would you hide a Will than the place you would secretly wait for your lover? It makes perfect sense to me." Reason drove on and they all were silent until they reached the park entrance. The fee was $8.00 per car, but today was free for some reason and they were waved on thru the gate.

"I know this area way in the back that we can drive to and park fairly close, it has a big open expanse with grass and it's close to the trail I want to hike up to," Reason said as he drove them along.

15 minutes later.

"I think this is a nice place to sit by the table and we can spread out the blanket over there under that big tree." Reason said.

"Oh yes it's so lovely, it reminds me of back home, going to the park when I was a little girl," Catherine exclaimed.

"I never knew that you went to the park when you were little mother, it never crossed my mind." Didier replied as he sat the picnic basket down on the table.

"I have brought a table cloth for us to use, so sit that on the bench here while I set it up. You help Reason with the blanket; you'll want to take a nap after we have lunch."

"Yes mother," Didier said as he moved the basket to the bench with a smile.

"Hey Reason let me help you with that," he said in a louder than normal voice.

Reason looked up from the messy blanket and sighed, shifting his weight to one side in a show of relief that his struggle would soon be over with the blanket.

"Mother must have brought this with her, as I have never seen it before," Didier said as he was grabbing the two corners to help stretch it out.

"It's a lovely blanket, very soft and thick. Must be made of wool, but it doesn't seem itchy."

"New wool is very different than old wool I believe. I have a pair of wool slacks and they are so soft, I really enjoy wearing them in the winter," Didier said.

"When I was young, I remember having a wool blanket and it made me itch. I am really surprised that this is wool."

"How are you boy's doing laying out that blanket?" Catherine asked. "I brought it from home. It's one of my favorites and has been in my family for many years."

Both Reason and Didier looked at each other. "So much for new wool," Didier said. They laid down on it and stretched out on their backs. "Maybe we can take our shirts off and get a tan?" Reason asked.

"I like that idea, but let's put them back on when we go eat," Didier interjected, "Just to be well-mannered."

Reason smiled and agreed, "Sure, no problem."

"Hey mom, we're going to get some sun, when's lunch?" Didier said in a louder voice than normal.

"Lunch is in about 20 minutes, so relax until then. I am going to go fetch Colbert, I see her way over there in the bushes." Colbert had run off to her favorite place in the bushes where she would chase the lizards in the brush. She would never run off and there were no poisonous snakes in this area. Catherine headed towards Colbert, a sun hat keeping her face shaded. "I'll be right back," as she passed by the boys.

"Do you think Catherine is relaxing?"

"Oh sure, she likes being outdoors and she said this place reminded her of when she was young back home. I think the fresh air does her good too."

20 minutes later.

"Lunch is served." Catherine exclaimed.

"Reason wake up, lunch is served," Didier said quietly, "Let's go."

"I was having the best nap, but boy am I warm. Did I burn?"

"It's only been twenty minutes, I should say not," Didier exclaimed. "Put your shirt on and let's eat."

"Okay, give me a minute. I am groggy from falling asleep. I never take a nap during the day."

"Yes, I know. It's good for the mind and the body."

"Go eat."

"Hurry." Didier got up and went over to the table. "Mother, you've outdone yourself. It looks fantastic," Didier exclaimed as he sat down.

"Is Reason okay? He looks a bit groggy."

"Yes, he's fine, he's just not used to taking a nap during the day."

"Well I want him to enjoy his lunch," Catherine added.

"I am sure he will love it, mother. How could he not?"

"I'll pour the sun tea I made yesterday."

"Oh I love your sun tea mother. Here he comes."

"I just fell asleep and had a hard time waking up."

"Oh dear, don't worry, have some of my sun tea," Catherine handed a glass to Reason.

"Thank you," Reason said and took a big gulp of it. "Wow, that is delicious. It hits the spot and has a bit of a lift to it."

"We have roast beef sandwiches on rye with mustard and pickles. I made pasta salad with olives and capers and onions. We have some sour cream dip and chips. I made carrot and raison salad as well. Here is some hot relish as well. I have dessert too." Catherine said without stopping.

"This is a feast. Oh I brought Colbert some food, it's in the trunk."

"I already gave it to her, see she's laying on the blanket all pooped out. I put some water over there in the shade," Catherine explained.

"Thank you Catherine, you are so thoughtful."

"I love being a mother," Catherine said demurely. They ate their lunch and sat and had more sun tea. "Now you boys go take Colbert for a hike up there to the waterfalls and I will lay down and take a nap. I will just cover up all this food and you can nibble on it."

"Are you sure, mother?"

"You don't want to go with us?" Reason asked.

"I am ready for an afternoon nap and I brought a pillow, you guys go and enough yourself." Catherine waved her hand towards the hill.

"Okay, well enjoy your nap and we'll be gone about an hour," Reason said.

"That's no problem. You have fun and watch out for snakes."

"We will and don't worry, there are not any poisonous snakes around," Reason assured her.

"Let's go Didier. Colbert!" Reason hailed her and she was up in a minute. Colbert loved to go up the hiking trail, but always stayed close enough to see them behind her. She would turn her head and check to see that they were still there. The hike was not steep and had a clear path to walk on. It wound along the hill back and forth until it reached a summit, but not the top of the hill. This took them about 30 minutes to walk up.

"The waterfall is a bit further if you want to go?"

"Sure, I am sweating."

"When they got to the waterfall, there was no one around. Reason and Didier striped to their skivvies and walked under the waterfall. They made out for awhile and then took a dive into the pool that the water cascaded into. Colbert stayed at the edge of the pool and would not get into the water.

"Maybe you should throw her into the water Reason?" Didier exclaimed.

"I could never catch her, because she would know that I was going to do something and run from me. It would shock her too much. It would be cruel," Reason explained.

"Yes, I am sure it might be, I didn't think of it like that." Didier said apologetically.

"Are you ready? I think we should start heading back, we've been here a while, mother might start to worry."

"Yeah, I am ready, nice and cool and shriveled up." They got out and sat on the rocks which were warm from the sun. "Let's dry off here for a few minutes," Reason said. "Come sit next to me." Didier climbed out of the water and sat next to Reason on a large flat rock. He put his arm around his shoulder and leaned into him.

"I love you," he whispered in Reason's ear. Reason shivered with goose bumps all over his body.

"I love you too, Didier." They sat there for awhile saying nothing.

21 minutes later.

"It's faster going down the hill than going up, so we took a bit longer than we said," Didier explained to Catherine.

"I was just cleaning up. I had a nice nap and it was so warm on the blanket. Did you have fun at the waterfall? You both look refreshed."

"Yes the water was very relaxing, we went swimming," Reason offered.

"Then we laid out on some hot rocks and dried out," Didier continued.

"You both look very healthy now," Catherine finished.

"Are we ready to head back?" Reason asked.

"I think it was a fun filled day. Let's do it again soon." Didier remarked.

"I would like that," said Catherine.

"Moi aussi," said Reason. They were heading home. Reason wanted the day not to end.

"Shall we go to the movies?"

"I would like that, we have not yet been. What shall we see?"

"Well there's the artsy theater downtown. It might be playing something good."

"I have the newspaper from today, we can look and see."

"I do hope something is good playing."

"I am a bit tired, maybe I'll stay home and relax with Colbert," Catherine interjected from the back seat.

"You are welcome to join, but if you are not up to it then that's perfectly fine, "Didier said.

Reason believed that Catherine wanted to stay home and let them have some time together. He thought that was very considerate. He smiled at Didier and then continued to drive in silence, the radio low enough to be heard but not loud enough to disturb the silence. He felt great.

Chapitre 34

15 minutes later.

They pulled up to the house and got out. Catherine took Colbert into the house while Reason and Didier collected the picnic stuff from the trunk.

"I think your mom wants us to have some time alone tonight?"

"Well let's go back to your house after the movies. I am sure she won't mind taking care of Colbert," Didier replied.

"I hope not." Reason answered. When they got inside, Catherine said she was going to go lay down and relax. Didier mentioned that we might be out late and she said it was no problem and that she would watch Colbert. Reason found the movie ads and quickly surmised what movie they should see. "How about a drama?"

"I am more in the mood for a comedy or a science fiction epic."

"Let me see. Here's one. It's about an accident on the sky lab that catapults itself out into open space. How does that sound?"

"Sounds fun. What time is it playing?"

"Do we have time for dinner before the movie?"

"Well it's playing at 8 p.m. It's now 5:30 p.m. I think we have time to shower and go eat dinner," Reason said smiling.

"Okay then, I will tell mom. I am sure she can fend for herself." Didier went to the bedroom to tell Catherine. Reason got up and went to shower. He was just rinsing off when Didier popped into the bathroom. "Can I get in there with you? I want my back scrubbed."

"I just finished, come in." The shower was an oversized one that could easily hold two people. Didier walked in and Reason stepped back so he could rinse himself off. Reason took the loofa sponge and poured the shampoo onto it.

He started scrubbing Didier's back gently while he stood in front of the nozzle. Didier moaned some as Reason scrubbed harder. He let his body relax as the water poured down he head and shoulders and back. Didier then turned around and wanted to be washed all over. Soon Reason was aware that Didier wanted more than to be washed. They grasp each other and started kissing.

"Let's finish what we started at the waterfall," Didier whispered into Reasons ear.

Later on when they were drying off, Reason felt water logged and exhausted from being in the hot water for so long. He wanted to lie down and take a nap. He would let Didier decide if they were still going out.

Didier busily dried off and then went and got dressed. Reason felt great, better than he had ever felt after making love. Maybe it was because he was in love with Didier. He left the bathroom and got dressed. Didier had gone into the kitchen. He was sitting on the edge of the bed when Didier returned. "Hey there, how you doing?" Didier asked softly.

"To tell you the truth, I feel a bit wiped out. I am exhausted actually,'' Reason said slowly.

"I see that. Well we don't have to go to the movies. We can stay here and relax."

"Yes we can, but I was so excited about the movie."

"Don't worry about it. We will see it later this week. I can order some take out. How's that sound?"

"That sounds great and I do appreciate your understanding."

"Babe, you know that wore me out as well, so don't worry about it."

"It did?''

"Yes, it did. So just get some pajamas on and I will go order the take out. You relax,'' Didier had said as he squatted down in front of Reason, his hands on Reasons thighs.

"Kiss me." They kissed and then Didier got up and left the room. Reason changed into some pajamas and went back into the living room. "I feel so much better now."

"Glad to hear it. I ordered Chinese and they are delivering it in about twenty minutes."

"Yum!" Reason said, "My favorite tonight."

"I think it could be your favorite every night," Didier said smiling. "Let's watch some TV. Maybe a good sci-fi movie is on. Or we could go rent one?"

"Whatever you want to do is fine with me," Reason replied.

"You find something. You are quicker at it than I," Didier passed the remote to Reason.

"You want sci-fi? Let's go to the listing channel. Maybe something is coming on at six p.m." Reason found the channel and began reading it. Didier was laying next to him on the sofa. He felt great and in love. "Here's one, 'Event Horizon.' Have you seen it?''

"Never. Is it good?"

"Me either but I hope it's good. It's starts in 20 minutes. When the food arrives I will fix you a plate and we can eat in here."

"Sounds good to me. I will open a bottle of wine. Red tonight. I got a super cabernet sauvignon."

"Great. Maybe we need some pillows and a blanket?"

"They are in the hall closet, can you get them?"

"Sure. How about your mom, will she be joining us?''

"I think she's leaving us alone tonight."

"You did order enough food for her?"

"Egg foo young for her, she loves it."

"Wonderful." Reason got up and went down the hall. He found the closet and opened it. Inside were pillows and soft blankets. He took two blankets and two pillows. This should be enough. He returned to the living room and spread one blanket on the sofa and then thru the pillows on there and then got on and put the other blanket on him.

"I am so glad this sofa is so deep. We can both fit on it with room to spare."

"I am so glad you like to spoon with me while we watch TV."

"It's so comfortable with you only," Reason piped up.

"Glad to hear that."

20 minutes later

The door bell rang and Didier got up to answer it. He paid the delivery guy and brought the food to the kitchen.

"Now come here and watch this movie and I will serve our plates," Reason said as he rose from the sofa.

"Just wanted to get my glass of wine and some of these wontons, I am starving too."

"The movie is starting. Come on Didier." Reason pleaded gently.

"Coming." Didier came and sat down on the sofa. He leaned over and kissed Reason. "Thank you."

"I don't know what for, but you're welcome."

"For being in the bagel shop that morning," Didier answered.

"The pleasure is all mine. Now let me hurry up." Reason got up and went to the kitchen. He got out two plates and filled them up with rice and noodles and chicken and beef. He got out the trays and placed the plates on them. He got out real napkins from the drawer and silverware. He brought out the soy sauce and poured it into small dishes. He then took one tray into Didier and placed it on his lap.

"Hurry,'' Didier whispered.

"Be right back. I have been watching." Reason went back into the kitchen, grabbed the wine Didier had poured and placed it on the tray and went back into the living room. He gently sat down next to Didier and started watching the movie. They ate in silence.

Reason had finished his food and saw that Didier was still working on his, staring at the movie. Catherine came in and whispered, "Just getting some food. Thanks for the Egg foo young." She disappeared quietly.

Didier finished his food and placed the tray on the coffee table. "Let me take these to the kitchen," Reason said as he got up from the sofa.

"Let's spoon when you come back."

"Okay." Reason went into the kitchen and saw that Catherine had put up the rest of the food in the refrigerator. He placed the plates and silverware into the dish washer and went back into the living room. Didier lay on his side on the sofa. Reason climbed in front of him and covered up.

"I love the movie and I love you," Didier whispered into Reason's ear. At this Reason's heart fluttered.

"Just enjoy the movie, babe." They watched it silently once again holding each other. Reason loved to be close to Didier like no other man he had known before. He didn't know why though.

1 hour later

"Wow, that was a cool movie. I can't believe that I missed it at the theater.

"Yeah I figured it would be good. Let's go to bed, now I am bushed." They got up and went to the bedroom and climbed into bed, the night light was on, and kissed each other and then snuggled together under the blankets.

"Nite love," Didier whispered.

"Nite love, sleep well, Nite Colbert," Reason whispered. Colbert wagged her tail and snorted and went back to sleep.

"I will, you're with me." They fell asleep without another word.

Chapitre 35

The next morning.

Reason awoke and Didier was still sleeping. He gently began to get out of bed so as not to disturb him, Didier rarely slept in. He got out of bed and made it to the door, he slowly turned the knob and pulled the door open. He squeezed thru letting as little light into the dark room as possible and then closed the door.

He could smell the coffee, Catherine was up and so was Colbert. He tiptoed down the hall to the kitchen. As he walked in he put his finger to his lips, "Didier is sleeping and I don't want to wake him. We shall have to whisper," as he made his way to the coffee pot.

Catherine turned up from the paper and whispered back, "Okay and Colbert is out in the back yard. I opened your door this morning and she came running out, so I let her out in the back. I tried to let her back in but she didn't want to come in."

Reason got his coffee and sat down at the table next to Catherine.

"Don't worry, she's fine. I will feed her after I have some coffee."

"How was the movie last night?" Catherine whispered as she stared at the paper.

"Well Didier really enjoyed it. How was your night?"

"Well I was reading this new mystery that I had found on the shelf in my room. At least I think it's new. It came out this year. I wonder when Didier put it there. Oh it's so good. Right off the bat it takes off and the characters are so comical and there are so many of them. It's moderne, not a classic, but it's enjoyable. I read until about ten and then shut the light off and went to bed. I had made myself some tea while you were watching the movie, you didn't hear me in here shuffling around?"

"Nope I didn't, but I was so engrossed in it, the ending is the best part of it."

"So what are you doing today? Are you going to the gallery?"

"Yes I better. I will go in around noon. I want to go home first and check on things. Then I will go open up, unless Trevor wants to do it. I will have to call him in a little while. It's still early." Reason looked around to see the clock over the kitchen window. Seven thirty. "I am surprised I woke up so early, I was bushed from yesterday."

"If you needed more sleep I am sure you would have stayed sleeping." Catherine whispered.

"Yes I guess so. This coffee is delicious. I will have another cup." Reason arose slowly and went back and poured another cup of coffee.

"Colbert might be hungry now. I'll check." He went to the back door and opened it and Colbert came running in. He followed her back to the kitchen and prepared her food. He always had dry and canned food here now.

She sat at Catherine's feet while he did this, but as soon as Reason started opening the can of dog food, she jumped up and came to his feet. He mixed the dry food with the canned food, then added a splash of water and mixed it up some more. He sat it down by the back door on a little step stool that Didier had placed there for her and Colbert started to devour it. He went back and got his coffee and sat down again.

"Any disasters happen?" Reason asked.

"I didn't see any, but I haven't read all the paper. Do you want any particular section?"

"Are you finished with the front page, I usually just look at that."

"Yes, here it is," Catherine pulled it from behind the page she was reading.

"I like to read this and the life style section."

"I am reading that right now. Nothing exciting."

"No one died either?"

"Nope, no one."

Reason took the paper and began to scan it. He always liked to see what the main headline was and the photo. Ever since watching classic movies from the 1930's and 1940's about newspapers and reporters, this intrigued him to see what the mundane of everyday printing was. If there wasn't a disaster or scandal going on then the paper was pretty boring. He liked to read the obituaries as well to see who had passed. He always felt a little sad when young people passed. They rarely ever told you why.

He drank his coffee and finished looking over the front page. Colbert was now at his feet and he knew she needed to go out. He got up and went to the back door to let her out. Just as he closed the door he heard Didier coming down the hall. He returned to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee, Didier came in rubbing his eyes and asking why they had let him sleep so long.

"Apparently you needed it," Catherine piped up. "Now sit and enjoy your coffee. I am going to shower and get dressed." At this Catherine rose and went to her room.

"Good morning Didier," Reason replied as he sat down at the table. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did and it felt great. I have not slept in that long for a while. What time is it?"

"I think it's half past nine. Boy you did sleep a long time."

"I am surprised at that."

"So what are you doing today?"

"Catherine asked me the same thing. I think I will go home and check on the house and unpack and then go to the gallery."

"Sounds good. I am going to have to work on a project for a couple hours. Let's go for a late lunch and then go to that movie you wanted to see."

"Shall we ask Catherine to go?"

"Sure we can and I am bet she will go. I believe she might just be getting bored around here. I bought a couple new books and put them on her shelf when you were gone."

Reason laughed a little. "Well she found one of them and started reading last night. She couldn't figure out when you had put them there."

"I took a few off and replaced them. There are so many I am sure she couldn't memorize all of them. The entire wall is a book shelf."

"Aren't most of them architect books?"

"Yes on the lower shelves, but I arranged them neatly before she came so that she wouldn't need to look there if she wanted to read. I know that she has always been an avid reader, and she loves mysteries." Didier smiled at this.

"Well she really liked the one she started last night, she said it was a moderne comedy."

"She would say that. She always likes classic gothic novels." Didier drank his coffee and glanced at the front page laying on the table.

"So whenever you're ready you can start working and I will be going home."

"Running off so soon? I thought we might go back to bed for awhile."

"You think we have time for some loving?"

"Yes I always have time for loving you. Let's sneak back there right now."

"Alright with me, Colbert is outside. I will let her in on the way there. They arose with their cups and headed towards the bedroom. Reason was not sure he could just be in the mood but he was willing to give it a try. He let Colbert in and then went to Didier's room and closed the door. Colbert would be fine by herself.

He crawled into bed after undressing and Didier grabbed him and pulled him close. He opened his mouth and Didier's tongue was way inside. Farther than any man had ever put his tongue. It was amazing how deep he could go.

It turned Reason on and he pulled Didier closer to him. After about an hour they lay in each other's arms exhausted. The room was dark and quiet. Didier fell back to sleep. Reason got up slowly once again and got dressed and left the room.

"Catherine was in the living room reading by the fire. "Oh you started a fire, how nice."

"Yes, it was a bit chilly in here and I would rather sit by a fire than turn up the furnace. It's more fun and I love this book. I can't keep it down. Did you take a nap?"

"Yes we did, and Didier is still sleeping." Reason sat on the sofa which Catherine had folded the blankets and set aside the pillows. Colbert was laying in front of the fire sleeping. This is so cozy. Now all we need is some rain. Just then they heard thunder pierce the sky with a heavy boom. Catherine looked up from her book. "I see you got what you wished for."

Reason laughed, "I didn't wish for it, I just thought it would complement the mood.

"And it has, it's pouring out there now. I hear it coming down the chimney some. I hope it doesn't put the fire out."

Reason sat there on the sofa and listening to the rain, it was pouring super hard. He laid his head on the side of the sofa and shut his eyes. He loved the day so far. He would go out later. He fell asleep.

Chapitre 36

30 minutes later.

Reason was standing by a river and the car wouldn't go into reverse and the car was going to be sucked into the river. Just as it started to be sucked into the water, he woke up. Catherine was still sitting there reading and Colbert was still in front of the fireplace. He closed his eyes and wondered how long had he slept. He got up and went to check on Didier.

"Are you awake?"

"Yes I was watching the news. This storm just came in really quick and it's pouring down. Come lay with me. I am cold."

"Shall I turn the furnace up?"

"Nope, just warm me up." At this Reason crawled back into bed and snuggled up next to Didier. "Is this good?"

"Yes and you are warm."

"Your mom started a fire in the living room."

"That explains it."

"I was a bit shocked that she could do it."

"She's from the South, they are always lighting fires down there. It's in her nature to know how to do it. Us 'Californians'' turn on the gas and think that's a fire."

"Well it is a fire, just not a wood burning one."

"Wood produces more heat and it's more romantic. Shall I light one in here?"

"Let's just snuggle for awhile." Reason replied and pulled the covers up to his neck. He laid there holding Didier and listening to the news thinking how wonderful it was to have someone to love and to be loved by that person back. It was such a feeling that he had never really experienced before. It was all new to him and he never wanted it to end. He was amazed. He fell asleep once again.

30 minutes later

Reason awoke and he was alone, the TV was on but he couldn't make out what they were saying. He felt groggy and a bit cold. He reached for his robe that lay on the foot of the bed and put it on. He made his way to the hall and he could hear Didier and Catherine talking.

"Hey there, you sleep well?" Didier asked.

"How long did I sleep?"

"About half an hour. It's still raining outside."

"I see the fire is still going. I am cold."

"Come sit by it. I got up and wanted to see how mother was doing. She's the smart one, sitting by the fire, reading a good book."

"I wanted you to light the fire in the bedroom."

"You said we should snuggle, or do you remember?"

"I do remember. Let's light it now and go watch the TV. Not to be rude Catherine."

"Oh not at all, I am sure you two would enjoy a fire in the bedroom. Go right ahead. Colbert and I are fine. I just love this book."

"Wonderful. Let's make hot chocolate."

"I just made some a short while ago," Catherine piped up without looking up.

"I will reheat it?"

"Sounds good to me. Let me start the fire first in the bedroom. It will only take a few minutes. You sit there and get warm." Didier got up from the sofa and went to the bedroom. Reason sat there in front of the fire getting warm. Colbert on her side snoring softly.

"I am surprised she didn't wake up when I came in here."

"She's been dreaming," Catherine uttered.

"Oh has she? I sometimes wake her up when she is dreaming. She will be whimpering and I think she's having a nightmare."

"She'll be fine. I'll keep my eye on her."

"Okay I am going to reheat the hot chocolate. Stay warm." Reason got up quietly and went to the kitchen. He switch the stovetop on medium to reheat the hot chocolate. Just then Didier came in, "You know why it's so cold in here? The furnace is not working. I just checked it. I will call the gas company tomorrow."

"Do we have enough wood to keep us warm all thru the night?"

"Yes don't worry. I have a cord out on the side of the house. There is a stack right outside the back door. I will bring some in and put it in the living room. Mother will have to sleep in there tonight. I gave that electric heater away last winter."

"Do you think she'll mind?"

"Mother is very flexible and she'll sleep fine on the sofa."

"It's so romantic to have to rely on the fireplace to keep us warm."

"That's because we have plenty of wood."

"I hope it rains all night."

"I was watching the news and it looks like rain for the next three days."

"I hope I can find that umbrella of mine."

"I have one in the trunk of the Jag," Reason exclaimed.

"Smart and handsome," Didier said smiling. He leaned over and kissed Reason. "Hurry up with the hot chocolate and I will go tell mother she might want to sleep on the sofa." He departed and Reason poured the hot chocolate into two mugs.

Somehow the temperature seemed to have dropped quickly and since the furnace was not on, certain areas of the house were chillier than others. He had left the burner on and was waving his hands over the heat. Didier came back into the kitchen and smiled. "I am going to fetch some more wood for mother."

"Do you want some help?"

"I go it. I see that you are warming up at the stove. Cute."

"The temperature has really dropped quickly."

"We won't freeze, we have each other to stay warm."

"Yes, but what of mother?"

"She will keep her fire going thru the night and stay plenty warm. She can take care of herself."

"She's a tough cookie."

"As a matter of fact, she is," Didier smiled and took the wood into the den. Reason sat the mugs on top of the saucers and took them to the bedroom. When he entered the room was warmer than the hall and kitchen, but not exactly comfortable. He sat the hot chocolate on the nightstand and disrobed. He climbed into bed and sat there waiting for Didier.

"Mother is fine, her fire will burn most of the night, she'll get up in the night and stoke it. She is a light sleeper. Colbert is still sleeping in front of the fireplace."

"Oh she will keep her company during the night then, that's fine. Now get into bed, it's still chilly in here."

"I want to add some wood to the fireplace first. How is the hot chocolate?"

"I haven't tasted it yet, but I am sure it will warm us up," Reason said confidently.

"Don't worry, I'll keep you warm in the night. The fire will eventually go out in the night and it will be freezing."

"I must admit I do love it when it's cold here in California."

"During the middle of the night it might drop down to the teen's tonight and without the furnace, we might have icicles on our noses," Didier laughed as he said this.

"Here is your hot chocolate, drink it before it gets cold," Reason handed the cup to Didier after he slid under the covers.

"How about some kissing to warm me up?"

"Drink your hot chocolate first and then you can have some kisses," Reason replied as he sipped his.

"Yes dear, chocolate first, kisses last." Didier said sheepishly.

"Okay, kiss me," as he sat his cup of chocolate on the nightstand. Didier was using he left hand to his down as he leaned over and kissed Reason. He then pulled him close and began a deep marathon, their bodies next to each other generating heat immediately. The warmth made Reason excited and he felt safe in Didier's embrace. They made love until they were exhausted and fell asleep in each other's arms.

Chapitre 37

The next morning.

Reason awoke and he didn't feel his nose cold, it was actually warm. He reached over and Didier was still asleep. He reached over and drew himself closer to Didier and held him. He knew this would wake him up. Didier started to move a little and he knew he was awake. He turned and faced Reason. "Good morning sleepyhead. I slept so good. You kept me warm all night."

"I think your mother stoked the fire, because it's not out."

"Oh really? How sweet she is. Otherwise it would be freezing in here."

"Yes, I agree. She was thoughtful to do that."

"What time is it?"

"Seven thirty."

"I need to get up soon and get ready for work, I have a meeting at 10 and I need to prepare for it."

"I think your mom made coffee. I'll get us some."

"I can smell it. Do you think we were selfish last night?"

"No, not at all. Your mom let us have some us time."

"Yes, but I hope she fared well. Oh here's Colbert." Who ran and jumped on the bed.

"Good morning to you too," Reason exclaimed as he got out of bed. Colbert jumped down and ran out of the room.

"She's excited this morning."

"She's usually not that excited unless she wants to go out. I'll go see about her and get us coffee."

"I am going to take a shower."

"Go right ahead." Reason put on his robe and left the room and went to the kitchen. Colbert was sitting there with a chewy in her paws going at it.

"Why are you so excited this morning? Huh?" Reason asked her as he came in and started to get two coffee cups. He poured the milk first and then the sweetener. Colbert continued to chew on the rawhide.

"I hope you are enjoying that rawhide, Colbert." She paused for a second and looked up at Reason. He took the cups back into the bedroom. Catherine was nowhere to be seen, but the fire was still going in the den and it was warming the entire house. Didier was in the shower and he sat the cup on the side of the sink. "Coffee is here," he said to Didier.

"Thank you."

Reason went back into the bedroom and sat on the bed. He drank his coffee whiling listening to the shower. When it stopped he got up and went into the bathroom, Didier was drying off. He made sure that he was sipping on the coffee, he didn't want it to get cold. "I'll be done in here in a few," Didier said.

"Don't worry about it, I am not in any hurry this morning. You're the one who needs to be at work by nine. Do you want some breakfast?"

"Eggs and toast if you please?" Didier asked sweetly.

"Coming right up." He left Didier to finish in the bathroom. He went to the kitchen and found the eggs in the refrigerator and the butter, he also found a cantaloupe. He put the bread in the toaster, turned the stove on and placed a small skillet on the flame. He put a thin slab of butter into the pan and sprinkled salt and pepper in it. He waited a moment and cracked the eggs into the pan, then he turned his attention to the cantaloupe.

He began carving the fruit. He made several cuts with a large chief knife and laid them out on a plate. If he had time he would have used the melon baller, but another time. He got out some raspberries and laid them on the plate as well. He flipped the eggs over and then pushed the toaster down.

The eggs were ready and he scooped them out with a spatula and laid them on the plate. The toast popped and he buttered it liberally, sat it on the plate next to the eggs and fruit and then he hailed Didier. He sat this down at the table and began to make another plate for himself.

Didier came in and sat down. "It's looks great. This will give me some energy."

"I love eggs and toast in the morning."

"You're a good man."

"Only because it's you," Reason smiled and sat down with his plate of eggs, fruit and toast.

"I will be home about five tonight. What are your plans for today?"

"I will go to the Gallery and work a few hours. Catherine and I are planning on calling a couple estate lawyers and discuss the situation.''

"Well good luck with that. I am not fond of lawyers," Didier announced.

"I have a way with them," Reason smiled when he said this.

"I am sure you do," Didier smiled back.

"How are the eggs?"

"I love them, perfectly seasoned and just the right amount of running yolk to wipe up with my toast."

"I am glad you like, so easy and quick to make."

"Any more coffee?"

"I think there is," Reason got up and fetched the carafe and poured Didier and himself more coffee. "Do you want some milk?"

"Yes please."

"You know I miss you when I go to work."

"You are sweet. Call me then, whenever you miss me."

"I need to get going, need to get ready for the meeting. Thanks for breakfast and last night.

"You are most welcome."

"I need my brief case and then I am off. Kiss me," Didier leaned down and kiss Reason. "Cheers love."

"Au revoir," Reason said as he kissed him. Didier went out the garage door.

Reason waited a moment and then grabbed his coffee cup and went into the den to sit by the fire and relax until he took a shower and went to the gallery. Colbert came running into the den and sat down at Reason's feet. The fire was warm and he was enjoyed his coffee. His mind was on the fire. He drank his coffee up and went back into the kitchen. He was just cleaning up the dishes when Catherine came in. "Good morning. How are you this morning?"

"I am fine. I was up early and went back to bed."

"That's what I thought, but isn't your bedroom cold?

"I was warm from sleeping on the sofa so I just got under the blankets and closed my eyes."

"Didier said 'Goodbye", he went to work."

"I heard the garage door. Did you make breakfast?"

"I cut some cantaloupe up and made eggs and toast."

"Oh good! You need your protein in the morning. Gives you energy."

"So are you up to talking with a lawyer today?"

"I guess. You know I am a bit afraid to get involved with this. What if it puts our lives in danger? What if I don't want to try to fight it?" Catherine exclaimed.

Reason heard this and was surprised. "Are you really afraid? I mean you don't have to be."

"Yes I am. What if nothing comes of this. Shall we have done this and it was a waste of time?"

"I don't think it's a waste of time. I believe that things happen for a reason. Things began to change after I met Didier. I can't say why or how, but I do believe that it's not just by chance this is happening."

"Well it might be too much to do. What if the lawyer can't help us."

"Then we go to another one, and if they can't help us, then we look for another one. I don't think that will be our biggest problem. It will be finding the will. If we find that then it will explain things more clearly and then we can go from there."

"I just don't know and I am scared."

"There, there Catherine. That's fine to be scared. We will persevere. Now I am going to go shower and dress and go to the gallery. I will make a few calls and then we can see if we can talk to a lawyer about this and go from there. You can come down to the gallery this afternoon. We can go to lunch."

"Do you mind leaving Colbert with me. I just don't want to be alone right now."

"Well if you get dressed you can come with me if you like. I don't mind at all,'' Reason said as he stood there holding her hand.

"Okay, I will get dressed. How much time do we have."

"Just take your time, it's no hurry to get there. Don't worry, it will be fine. You might just have inherited a winery."

"Yes that scares me. How would I ever take care of it."

"Don't worry about that right now. Just go get dressed." He let go of her hands and she went to her room. He headed for the shower himself. He wanted to feel refreshed and awake.

Chapitre 38

1 hour later.

They pulled up to the gallery and stopped. "I will open up while you take Colbert for a short walk. Do you mind?"

"Oh sure I will. Come Colbert," Catherine got out of the car and Colbert followed her. Reason unlocked the back door and went inside. He turned off the alarm and went to his desk. He had been talking to Joe who referred him to a lawyer that he knew that might specialize in Probate law.

Reason dialed the number and heard it ring.

"Monaghan Law Offices," the man's voice said.

"I am Mr. Simon, I was referred to you by a Mr. Joe Handel, he thought you might be able to help me out with some estate law."

"Oh yes Mr. Simon. I do have a message for you. You can call Mr. Ince and discuss it with him. He specializes in Probate law. Are you ready for the number?"

"Yes I am." Reason wrote the number down on the pad he had on his desk. The Desk of Reason Simon it said on the bottom of it.

"Well thank you so much and I appreciate this."

"You're most welcome. Good day."

Reason hung up the phone. "Now that was easy. I wonder how this will go." He heard Catherine come in from the back door. "I am here in the office," He called.

"I am coming." Reason waited for her to get to his office before calling Mr. Ince.

"There you are. Colbert & I had a nice walk around the block. Here's her leash," handing the leash to Reason.

"I just got the name of a Probate lawyer and I was just about to call him and make an appointment. You want to have a seat. Colbert sit over here on your bed," Reason pointed to her bed on the side of the desk. She trotted over there and laid down.

"Do you want some privacy?" Catherine asked.

"Catherine, this is about you, it's your inheritance. I will just call and make an appointment.''

"Yes, I guess so," She relented.

"Now let me call him up," Reason dialed the number.

"Mr. Ince's offices. How may I help you?"

"Hello, My name is Reason Simon and I was referred to you by a friend, a Mr. Monaghan. I wanted to talk to Mr. Ince about some property that a friend of mine might be the inheritor of."

"When would you like to talk to Mr. Ince?"

"Today would be great, this afternoon."

"Hold please. Let me check his schedule."

"I am on hold," Reason told Catherine. He sat there and doodled on the note pad. He turned the page and began to doodle more.

"Hello. Thank you for waiting. Mr. Ince is available at 3 p.m. Is that good for you?"

"Oh yes, defiantly. Perfect. What is your address?" Reason wrote it down and hung up the phone.

"So today we have an appointment at 3 p.m."

"Wonderful. I hope he can help us out."

"I am sure that he can."

3 p.m.

"Hello, I am Mr. Ince."

"I am Reason Simon and this is Catherine Gaston."

"I hear you have some questions about some property. Who is the inheritor?"

"It is I," Catherine piped up.

"So why do you think you are the heir?"

"Well it was my grandparent's estate. They are both dead and it's in the States hands. No one has a claim on it and it's going up for public auction."

"I see," Scratching on a notepad. "How about if I have my assistant look up the property and find out a little more about it. Then we can discuss this more."

"When did you find out about the property?"

"Just recently, within the last two weeks. I thought that it might have been giving to another heir, but to my surprise it hasn't and now the State has it and it's going to auction it off."

"Inheritance is a very touchy subject. Do you believe that no one else in your family has come to claim it?"

"Well no, if there has then so be it."

The lawyer looked up, "I will let you know as soon as I find out. My assistant will call you."

"Do you think we will have a chance to stop the auction?" Reason piped up.

"That all depends on the circumstance of the property. Once I find this out then we might be able to. The question is how will Mrs. Gaston prove that she is the heir?"

"We are working on that," Reason answered.

"It will have to be some concrete evidence. Like a copy of a Will."

"Right now we don't have one."

"You better have something in writing." He said sternly.

"Like Reason said, we are working on it Mr. Ince," Catherine interjected firmly.

"Good day to you," Mr. Ince said, "And good luck."

"Thank you for your time."

"My assistant will get the info from you on your way out."

"Good bye and thank you again, Mr. Ince."

They stood up and a man entered the room. I am Greg, Mr. Ince's assistant. Come this way." They followed him to another office and give him the address and their contact information. They explain to him about going to the records office and not getting any info.

"I will request the information on the estate."

"As soon as you find out something please let us know," Reason asks.

"You got it. Have a nice day."

They leave the office and head back home.

"So what do you think Catherine?"

"I think he thought I was a gold digger."

"Catherine do not say that. You are entitled by blood to have that property. Not some developer."

"I just feel like if I deserved the property then arrangements would have been made and I wouldn't have to be doing this. I do feel like a gold digger."

"Now Catherine, sometimes things don't work out and we don't really know the history of your family in detail. Maybe we can find out more. We will have to do some research."

"I still feel a bit seedy."

"You shouldn't feel that way, but if you do then just feel it and then move on."
"The great balancer."

"Yes I have been called that before."

"Well if it things go smoothly then I will be glad. I do feel like my inheritance was stolen from me."

"You see, now you are talking. Let's go reclaim it."

"Yes, sounds good to me." They drove on home.

Chapitre 39

30 minutes later.

"So what happened?" Didier asked.

"Well we talked with the lawyer and he was not exactly supportive. He made Catherine feel like a gold digger."

"Mother, how did he do that?"

"Well he wanted to know why I felt that I should be the heir to the property. I didn't even know what to say."

"I told you that it would be hard and that you really should not pursue this."

"Didier you have never been very adventurous and that's why you don't think I should pursue this. This is my inheritance and it has been stolen from me and I want to reclaim it," Catherine exclaimed.

"Well when you put it like that, then it sounds legitimate. I can understand it better now. I think you might not be able to prove it though. That is what I fear more than anything. You will have wasted all that time and energy."

"Son, I need your support right now and if it is all in vain then I will have some peace about it. If I just let this go then I couldn't live with myself and it will always bother me."

"Mother, you're getting loud."

"Then maybe you can hear me over that brain of yours thinking."

"I can hear you fine. You don't need to yell."

"I am not yelling, just talking a little louder."

"I am right here."

"When I am talking it seems like you are not listening."

"I am listening. I just feel that you are going way out of your way for this and don't feel like it will come to fruition."

"Let me tell you, if you were as formidable as Reason here, it would no doubt come to fruition."

"Yes, thank you for comparing me to my boyfriend."

"Reason has been supporting me in this endeavor from the beginning and you are standing on the sidelines watching."

"I have to work every day, I can't take off like Reason."

"If that is not an excuse then fine. I will not bring it up again. I am going to my room."

"Mother don't leave. I didn't mean to upset you. I just don't have the optimistic attitude that Reason has. Why I don't know. Can't you just accept me for how I am?"

"Yes dear I do accept you for how you are and I don't ask you to change. I am tired now and don't want to talk about it right now. I am going to go lay down."

Reason never said a word but listened to both Catherine and Didier speak. He felt bad for each of them. He couldn't figure out why Didier was so unsupportive and was this really making Catherine not want to pursue it. Catherine had left the room.

"I need a drink. Shall I open a bottle of wine?"

"Yes that might just be a good idea."

"Let's just drop the subject for now. I really am not in the mood to discuss it."

"That's fine with me. I thought that you had discussed it enough."

"Was that a sarcastic remark?" Didier asked as he turned the corkscrew.

"No, not at all. I heard you and you were honest with Catherine how you felt. I don't think she really should get so upset about it."

"Good, I don't want you jumping on my back. I want you to support me."

"I will support you. Can we just have some wine and relax now?"

"Yes, hug me?" Didier asked. Reason hugged him and squeezed him hard. After a few minutes he released him. "Feel better?"

"Yes, I do. Thanks. Now for some wine." Didier held his glass up to cheer, "To a brighter future."

"Cheers, to a brighter future," Reason repeated without hesitation. He didn't want to seem disagreeable at that moment. They sat down in the living room without saying another word.

5 minutes later.

"Reason, do you think that I am being unreasonable?" He paused. "I just don't think that you'll be able to prove that my mom is the heir and then she'll have wasted her time and money and energy."

"Didier, I don't agree with you that if she cannot prove she is the heir then she has wasted her time and energy, after all what else would she be doing with her time. Yet I believe that something has made a way for us to find this out and that it is her fate to have the property."

"You really believe that?"

"Yes I do."

"Well then I will have to believe it too, I think you did have some kind of experience and that this has made it come this far," Didier smiled as he said that and drank the rest of his wine. "Want another glass?"

"Sure, let's finish the bottle and then go to bed," Reason agreed. He got up and went and brought the bottle in from the kitchen, he poured Didier another glass. Didier kept pushing the glass up to indicate to Reason not to stop. "Okay, you want a fuller glass, it will help you relax."

"Reason I have never had an argument with my mother before and it shook me up."

"I understand. Maybe you want to check in on her before you go to bed. That might make you feel better?"

"Well after this glass of wine I hope I do feel better."

"You will." Reason poured himself another sensible glass and sat the bottle on the table. He sat on the sofa next to Didier and put his hand on his knee.

"Maybe Catherine needed to talk to you about it to help her with her own fears," Reason finally said.

"Her own fears?" Didier sounded perplexed.

"Yes, she admitted to me earlier that she was fearful of what might happen and if we were putting ourselves in danger."

"In danger! What is she talking about? What kind of danger?"

"I assured her that there was no danger and that I am here and you are here and nothing would happen."

"Yes, but what did she mean by danger?"

"I think she was afraid that someone might not want us to find the Will and stop the auction. That they might try do to us harm."

"That seems a little over dramatic, don't you think?"

"You never know how people might react."

"No, no you don't. Can you be sure that you won't be in any danger?"

"If we use a lawyer to stop the auction, I don't see any harm in doing that. The lawyer did say that we would need to prove in writing that Catherine is the heir."

"See that's what I am talking about. How are you going to do that? I don't see it coming to fruition."

"You of little faith. If this is all a mistake then I would be surprised if Catherine does not inherit that place."

"Oh yeah, I have to trust you."

"If you would trust me a little, I would appreciate it."

"I am going to make a conscience effort. I do love you and want to believe in you."

"That's sweet, Didier."

"It's true!"

"I believe you and I feel the same way about each other. I hope this does work out."

"Well I am going to go say good night to mother. Here, can you put this away?" He handed the empty glass of wine to Reason and got up.

"I will see you soon," Reason replied as Didier walked out of the room.

Reason got up and took the empty bottle and glasses to the kitchen. He rinsed out the glasses, sat them in the drying stand upside down and put the bottle in the recycling bin. He headed off to the bedroom and took his clothes off. A chill was in the air. He went to the fireplace and sat a fire log on the grate and then two large logs on top of it. He took the long matches and lit the fire log. Soon there would be a roaring fire. It was not late, but he felt tired after all the talking. He wanted to hold Didier, just to make him feel better. He thought by holding him he could ease his mind. He laid there and began to fall asleep.

15 minutes later

Reason woke and Didier had his arm around him. He gently turned to face Didier who was silent. "I must have dosed off. Is the fire still going?"

"Yes you did and yes it is. I let you sleep while I watched the fire, it's a big roaring one now. Hold me," came the request. Reason reached one arm to hold Didier under the pillow and the other over his chest, he pulled him towards him and got up close to his ear. "Relax," he whispered, "You'll feel better in the morning. I am here with now."

Didier sighed and held onto Reason. He held Didier for what seemed like a long time. Their bodies were getting warm. He could feel Didier breathing in and out. He felt warmer and he didn't want to let go. He began to release Didier slightly. Didier held him tighter.

Their skin was beginning to feel wet, the fire had warmed up the room dramatically. Didier would not let go. Reason could feel his heart begin to race slightly. Didier began to kiss him. Kissing him softly at first and then deeper. Deeper than Reason ever felt before. Didier was pushing his tongue deep inside his mouth. He could almost feel it to the back of his throat.

They began to sweat now profusely from the heat of the fire. Reason felt the tongue in the back of his throat and didn't want it ever to leave. They rolled over, Reason on top of Didier, who wrapped his legs around Reason's thick torso. The sweat was making their bodies slippery. They went on for an hour making love finally collapsing in one another's arms, exhausted and hot from the heat. Reason lay on top of Didier until he fell asleep.

He woke up and the fire had gone out. Didier was asleep, he quietly crawled out of bed and grabbed his robe. He put on his slippers and went to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and grabbed the bottle of water and poured himself a glass. He drank it down completely. It quenched his thirst. He remembered the last time he had done that he was in his own kitchen. Now he was in his lover's kitchen doing it.

He went back to the bedroom and crawled into bed. Colbert must have gone in and slept with Catherine. That was good company for her. He fell asleep.

Chapitre 40

The next morning.

Reason woke and Didier was not in bed. He got up and went to the bathroom room to wash his face and brush his teeth. He put his robe and slippers on and went into the kitchen. Catherine was sitting at the table.

"Where's Didier?" Reason asked as he poured himself some coffee.

"He went out to the garage," Catherine smiled as she replied.

Reason stumbled out to the garage with his coffee. Didier was in his car looking for something. "Hey," he said as he saw Reason standing by the car, "I was just about to come say goodbye to you."

"Okay, I was hoping that you had not left without saying goodbye." He turned to go back into the house, Didier followed him. They went to the bedroom and Didier closed the door. "How are you this morning?" Reason had put down his coffee cup.

"Me, I am great, especially after last night. Let's do it again tonight?''

"I'm game."

"Well I am off to work, kiss me."

"What about Catherine?"

"She's fine. I talked to her last night and this morning."

"Well good then go have a wonderful day," Reason kissed Didier.

"I will. You too," Didier turned and left. Reason sat down on the bed. He picked up his coffee and drank it down. It warmed him up immediately. Now he could face Catherine. He went back to the kitchen and sat at the table.

"Good morning."

"Good morning and how did you sleep? Did you miss Colbert? She came in and slept with me all night."

"I noticed. So Didier talked to you?''

"Yes and I believe you must have talked to him first, because he was very apologetic and he said that he was going to be rooting for us, which I thought was kind of funny."

"He said that? 'Rooting for us!' and laughed.

"Yes he did, so I thought you must have talked with him about it. I always thought he was a bit stubborn and would never admit defeat."

"Well I don't think he was admitting defeat, but he was open to supporting what we were doing. I asked him to and he agreed."

"Just like that?''

"Yes and he was very understanding."

"Well I am glad to see you have such a positive effect on him."

"I just suggested that this was all happening for a reason and that he needed to support us."

"Okay then. I am glad for that and now what will we do?"

"I want some breakfast? Did Didier eat any?"

"Yes he was having toast this morning when I got up. I made him some scrambled eggs with cantaloupe and grapefruit."

"Did he eat the grapefruit?"

"I sprinkled sugar on it."

"That's the trick. I'll remember next time."

"Do you want some eggs? I haven't eaten yet."

"Sure, with some sautéed onions and garlic?"

"Well if you want that, then you're going to have to cut them up for me," Catherine smiled.

"No problem. It will be delicious." Reason got up and went over to the cutting board to start chopping.

"So what about that photo? Have you ever taking it out of the frame?"

Catherine was silent for a second, "Yes I did and there was nothing much on the back."

"Can I take a look at it?"

"Sure, let me go get it." Catherine went to her room and came back with the photograph. She handed it to Reason who had sat back down at the table. "The onions and garlic are all chopped."

"How could you do that so quickly."

"Practice. Now let me see, this has old nails holding the back in place. Reason used his finger to pull them away. The back slipped off and there was the back of the photo. He looked at it closely and saw some numbers on it. "What do you suppose these numbers are?"

"Numbers," Catherine repeated. "I never saw any numbers on the back before."

"They are very faint. I am going to write them down, let me get a pad. Reason got up and went to the corner drawer of the kitchen counter. There inside the draw was a yellow notepad and some pens. He grabbed it and a pen and sat back down at the table.

He wrote the numbers out one by one. 36.21.241698,-121.54.23.7348, 36.21.24.5046, -121.54.20.5668. "Hmmm, what do you make of this?"

Catherine was stirring the onions and garlic; she came over to the table and looked at the notepad. "It looks likes random numbers. Do you think they mean anything?"

"I am not sure. Who do you think we can ask?" Reason remarked.

"Maybe Didier would know what they meant. Catherine went back to her sautéing.

"Didier is at work. We need to know now."

"When he gets off work he can look at them. I am making these eggs easy," Catherine announced.

"I love easy eggs," Reason said as he looked at the photo. "Is this a tapestry behind your grandfather?"

"Hold on these eggs are almost done." Catherine took the pan from the range and sat it on a trivet on the table. "Let's eat before they get cold."

"The numbers are almost exact, which I don't understand at all. They must mean something, otherwise why would he write them on the back of the photograph. It must be a clue," Reason pondered.

"I don't see how numbers can be a clue," Catherine said as she ate her eggs and toast.

"I need some hot sauce for these eggs." Reason got up and went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce.

"Now don't ruin them, they are delicious."

"It was my chopping."

"If you say so. Oh Louisiana hot sauce, that won't ruin them, it will make them tangy. I shall have some as well." She grabbed the bottle and gave a couple shakes onto her eggs.

"I like it on my toast as well," Reason added. "Maybe those numbers are coordinates like latitudes and longitudes?"

"Well I have never seen longitude numbers but maybe. I thought that was for nautical people."

"Well I am sure your grandfather had sailed on a boat and maybe he was giving you a clue to something. Now who can we get to read this to us?"

"I don't see how he thought that writing down those numbers on the back of that photo would ever lead us to a clue."

"He must have thought that because we are here talking about it. I shall call Didier and ask him if he know someone who can read these numbers for us."

"Oh that's a good idea. I am sure he will, but finish your breakfast first."

"Yes mother dear."

"Don't sass me either. Now shall I feed Colbert?"

"You might as well. You're her new best friend."

"She didn't want to leave your room in the night? I woke up and opened the door enough if she wanted to leave and she stayed with me all morning."

"I am surprised, but also glad that she keeps you company." Reason was finished and started to clean up the kitchen.

"Now let me do that and you call Didier." Reason went to the bedroom and phoned Didier.

"Hey what's up?"

"We found some numbers on the back of the photograph that Catherine was given by her grandfather. I think they are latitude and longitude numbers. Do you think you can help us determine if they are and where they point to?"

"Well sure. Why don't you bring them here to the office and I will look at them. I am sure we can figure where they are pointing."

"I am so glad you said that. I am very excited about this clue. Maybe it will lead to an answer."

"Yes, it is exciting and now I have more faith that something might come from this. See you soon."

"See you soon and thanks Didier." Reason hung up the phone and went back to the kitchen. "Catherine, Didier thinks that he can help us with the numbers. I am going to get dressed and take these down to his office. Do you want to come?"

"I'll stay here, you go alone."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, now get dressed." Reason went back to shower and dress. He was so excited. He knew that this would lead them to a clue that would solve their dilemma. Didier would pull through for them.

Chapitre 41

1 hour later.

Didier was at his desk when Reason walked into his office. "Hey there."

"I will be finished with this in a moment. What took you so long? I thought you would have been here quicker?"

"I needed to shower and dress. I also wanted to go over the numbers one more time to make sure I had copied correctly."

"Let me see them." Didier raised his hand to take them from Reason. He glanced at them. "This looks like two separate coordinates. It might take some time for me to decipher these, can you wait?"

"Of course, I have nothing else to do?"

"What about the gallery?"

"I am heading there right after I finish here."

"Okay let me take these to the drafting manager, he can help me out. Be right back." Didier got up and left the office.

Reason sat in a chair facing the desk. He looked around the office and examined the décor. He had never been to Didier's office before and found it to be very sterile. The colors were not, but the layout seemed a bit so. It was stark with hard edges. He began to wonder if Didier was like his office before he met him.

He never saw this in Didier, but maybe he didn't know him very well. The other night he was a bit surprised at Didier's reaction to his mother. Was Didier showing his true colors? I hope not. He seemed to be in a trance as he wondered. He felt like he was in a trance. Was a premonition coming on? He snapped out of it and just then Didier came it.

"We have found the where the numbers lead to. I am not sure if this is going to help you. I have a map here and of course the first number leads to the lighthouse. It is basically right in the center of it. The other leads nowhere. Just some distance between the lighthouse and the main house," Didier pointed on the map he brought in and laid down on his desk in front of Reason.

Reason at once saw that the point must have been somewhere in the tunnel. "How did you find it so quickly?" Reason asked as he looked up at Didier.

"We are very sophisticated here, we are Architects, it was a cinch," Didier said smiling. He leaned in and kissed Reason on the mouth. It was a bit wet. "So do you think this will help you?"

"Yes indeed. I believe that this second mark tells us where something is buried. It must be in the underground tunnel. Now all we have to do is have the lawyer petition to have the auction extended to give us time to look there."

"That means another trip up there. Will it be a long one?"

"I am not sure, do you want to come?"

"You know I can't come, unless it's over the weekend?"

"We can go on the weekend. I have no problem with that. We really can't go until the lawyer tells us he can postpone the auction."

"So when will we find out?"'

"I will call the lawyer again today."

"I do hope that he has done some work on this."

"I do too. Now I am off to the gallery. I will see you later tonight."

"Yes, yes. I am not working late."

"What about Catherine?"

"How was mom? Why didn't she come with you?"

"She thought I should come alone. I think she still feels a little uneasy about last night."

"I told you we talked it over and she was fine with it. Now don't get on my case."

"I am not, just sharing with you what I think."

"I am sorry, I didn't mean to say that. Forgive me?"

"You are forgiven. Next time I am staying out of it."

"You don't have to stay out of it, you're my lover."

"Yes I know that, but sometimes it's better for a mother and son to work out their misunderstandings without me."

"Okay, I understand where you're coming from. Again I am sorry for snapping."

"Oh you weren't snapping, just sharing," Reason smiled.

"Kiss me and get going. I have a lot of work to do." They kissed and Reason departed. He knew that was a sore spot for Didier and he wanted to test him. He was not surprised at his reaction. He left Didier and headed to the gallery.

30 minutes later.

"Hello, Catherine. I have wonderful news, Didier found out where the two coordinates were pointing to."

"Oh he did, where? I am dying to know."

"The first one is the lighthouse and the second one is between the lighthouse and the main house."

"So what does it mean?"

"I believe it's somewhere in the tunnel. Maybe something is buried in the tunnel."

"Do you think it could be the Will?"

"I wish it was the Will. However, I don't believe it would be that easy. I am at the gallery all day. I am planning to call the lawyer and find out what he has found out."

"Well Colbert and I are just relaxing here all day. Call me when you find anything out."

"I will call you as soon as I find out anything from the lawyer. I want to drive up there this weekend if at all possible to search the tunnel. Didier wanted to go up there with me."

"Well I will stay home and watch Colbert. Three's a crowd."

"I am so glad that you were agreeable with that."

"I don't want to stop Didier from participating in the search for his future fortune," laughing afterwards.

"Okay, talk to you later." Reason hung up the phone and called up the lawyer. He had butterflies in his stomach. "Hello, this is Reason Simon and I was calling Mr. Ince."

"One moment please," the voice said and he was on hold. He stared at the clock on his desk and wondered how long had he owned it. Ten or twelve years.

"Yes Mr. Simon," the voice said, "This is Greg, we spoke the other day."

"Yes and I was calling to see if you found out anything about the Property Auction?"

"Yes I did. There seems to have been a Will that indicated that the property would go to any heir that claimed it within a certain time period. If no heir claimed it, then it would go to the State and they could do with it as they see fit."

"Where did this Will come from? Who wrote it?" Reason asked surprised.

"Well it seems to have come from a Mrs. Stacy Dauphine and dated May 24th, 1955. There seems to be no record of another Will after this."

"No Will from her husband? Why wouldn't he have had a Will?"

"Well if he did have a Will then it was not recorded. I really don't know the history of this place. I can tell you that Mrs. Stacy Dauphine had left in 1954 and moved to Paris, France leaving her husband, but never divorcing him."

"That means if she died last then she would have left the property to any living relative, but she died first, I believe."

"Then Mr. Dauphine, excuse me, I mean Mr. Gauthier-Straussburg would have had a Will as well, but it is nowhere to be found, at least not in public records."

"So when did the period end?"

"According to the Will, it is not exact. It states a period of two generations. More than likely it meant about 40 years. This is usually a generation 20 years."

"She died in 1959, so 40 years from then is this year. Her death occurred in January of that year and the Will states from the day of her death 2 generations. Today is February 10. The period has ended. The auction is scheduled to take place 30 days from the last day of the month she died, so March 3. You have until then to come up with another Will."

"So we have 23 days. Can we go to the property and look around?"

"Well it is under the care of the state. I would have to put in a petition to allow you access to the property. That could take as long as ten days."

"Wow so then we only have 13 days to find the Will. It's getting down to the wire."

"Shall I put the petition in for you?" Greg asked calmly without showing any emotion in his voice.

"Yes please do."

"I'll get right on that Mr. Simon. I'll call you back with the details when I obtain them. Do you have any other questions?"

"So how much will they start the bidding at for the auction?"

"They will do a survey of the property and start it out about 15% to 20% below market value. This is just for the land. They don't usually add value to the buildings on the property that is this old."

"Well thanks for the info. I'll be hearing from you soon. Goodbye." Reason waited to hear the goodbye with the receiver away from his ear, almost sitting on the cradle. He picked it back up and called Catherine. He spent the next fifteen minutes explaining everything to her and then he wanted to call Didier.

Catherine was sorry that she had waited so long to tell Didier about his relatives and the trip she made to California when she was a little girl. Reason listened to her and tried to sound positive, but realized he could not cheer her up. He felt anxious and just wanted to talk to Didier.

When he got off the phone with Catherine, he was thirsty. He went to the refrigerator and got out the half gallon glass bottle of water. He drank it down completely without stopping. He filled it back up with tap water from the sink and placed it back in the frig, way in the back. He needed to talk to Didier right now and tell him what he had learned.

He dialed Didier's work number.

"May I speak with Didier?"

"Didier has left for a meeting downtown, may I take a message?"

"Umm, no thanks, I'll call back." Reason hung up the phone and called Catherine again. "Didier is out at a jobsite, so I have to wait tell he returns to tell him."

"Do you think he'll have the same attitude after he hears we only have 23 days to prove that I am the heir. I mean I was the heir for 40 years, but I never claimed it over his Aunt Lisabelle's stubbornness. Here we could have moved here 30 years ago and I could have been a native Californian by now. Catherine remarked with a bit of anger.

"Yes, but I may never have met Didier then."

"Oh I am sure you would have when you went up to see the lighthouse three years ago."

"Do you really think so?"

"Sure you would have met him on the beach. He would be taking the afternoon off from running the winery and you would have got him on camera."

"You tell such romantic tells Catherine." Reason laughed.

"Yes I believe that you were meant to have met and now you have."

"I am very happy too. Well when I talk to him I will call you. I want to plan a trip this weekend even if we don't have a right to be on the property yet."

"I'll be here," Catherine said.

"How's Colbert? I miss her."

"She's fine, just came in from the back yard. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Which reminds me, do you think you could go to my house and water the plants?"

"Sure I can do that. I'll take the Fiat and drive over there. Where is your key? Didier has an extra key in the pantry on the hook just inside the door."

"If I can't find it I will call you back.

"Thanks again."

"Shall I take Colbert with me?"

"Oh yes, she'll be happy to ride with you.

"She's good in the car and I will drive perfectly safe."

"Talk to you later." Reason hung up. He was tired of being on the phone and wanted to relax. He had some orders to take care of. Trevor had watched the gallery the last time and had brought in a few of his pieces and sold them. Reason on the other hand had not put up any new art since winter started. He had some beautiful pictures he needed to blow up and create some new pieces.

He would work on that today. It would keep his mind busy. Later he would plan the trip when he got back to Didier's. He went to the dark room to develop the film. He wanted these to be very large photographs to frame and sell for the coming month. He needed to develop them into 8 x 10's to examine them for clarity to make them into large prints. This would take a couple of hours of his time today.

Chapitre 42

2 hours later.

The bell rang and he knew a customer had come into the shop. He had left a printed note on the desk indicating he was in the back and would return in a few minutes. When he went out to see who it was, an elderly lady was with a young man and they were looking around.

"If you have any questions, just ask," Reason said as he went over to the light table to lay out the photos he had just finished developing. He had 12 of them. He could really look at the detail on this table. When he blew them up the flaws would be more evident. He looked at all of them thru the magnifying glass that was attached to the side of the table with a large scissor arm that extended all around the table. He studied them. He glanced up a few times to see how the customers were doing.

"Excuse me, do you have any beach photographs?" The man asked from across the gallery. Reason looked up.

"My mother used to live on Cape Cod and has recently moved here. She wanted to have a beach photo to remind her of home."

"As a matter of fact I have some here. Would you like to take a look at them?"

They came over and started looking at the photos that Reason had taken when he and Didier drove up to see the lighthouse.

"I love this one right here with the lighthouse and the water. The sky is so blue and the water shimmers."

"Well I can blow it up and have it ready for you next week."

"Oh that sounds lovely."

"How much will it be?"

"Well since it's for you, I will give you a wonderful price. How about 500?"

"Sold," The elderly said.

"Is that the best you can offer?"

"Yes it is. I normally ask 1200 for a shot like this."

"Well that is over half off dear," The lady said to the man.

"Yes it is and if it makes you happy mother, then that's fine with me."

"When will it be ready. I will have it by next Monday if that's fine with you?"

"Do we need to leave a deposit or pay for it now?"

"No, that's not necessary. If you don't return, then I'll ask 1200 for it." Reason smiled.

"I can't wait to see it big. What size will it be?"

"I usually blow these up to about 36" wide by 24" height. How does that sound?"

"I think it's lovely. I am going to place it in my living room, over my mantle. I love to see the ocean from my easy chair while I knit."

"Then come back on Monday and it shall be ready. What is your name?"

"Marie-Élise Granville."

"Oh what a lovely French name."

"Merci beacoup, monsieur." She spoke beautifully.

"Tres bon, tres bon," Reason replied.

The lady raised her eyebrow and gave a wink, then sauntered off leaving her son to follow. "Bonjour," she said as she left the gallery, her son in tow.

Now he had to blow this one up first, he grabbed it and took it to the back. He would do it tomorrow. Now he would try calling Didier again. He went to the desk and sat down. He dialed the number and he heard it ringing. "Didier Gautier," the voice says.

"Didier, its Reason. Are you busy?"

"I just returned from a job site and I am bushed. I have all these problems to deal with. What's up?''

"I spoke with the lawyer's assistant and he gave me all the details about the property. Unfortunately we don't have much time. I am not really sure what will happen."

"Well with all these problems I will not be able to go with you this weekend. I need to work overtime. Can you catch me up later tonight? I will be working late every night this week and maybe even the weekend."

"What kind of problems are they? They had to raise the foundation 3 feet on one side of the building and I have to redo all this work."

"I see well I will take Catherine with me then because I do want to go up to the lighthouse and look around. I have some information I want to look at as soon as possible."

"That's fine with me. I'll talk to you tonight when I get home."

"Don't work too hard."

"Yeah I'll try not to. If I can I will try to be home by nine."

"That's so late. Call me later."

"I will. Bye." Reason heard a click. He didn't even say goodbye himself. He looked at the clock on the desk and it was almost four. Today will be an early one. He went and locked the front door and turned the sign. He was tired from all the talking and processing. He needed to rest.

He drove to his house without thinking about doing it. His mind was on the day and he didn't pay much attention. When he drove up to the garage he wondered how he even made it there. He decided to go inside and relax.

The plants were watered and the place seemed a little bit tidier. He looked around. Catherine must have cleaned up. He called Catherine and told her he had stopped in at his house and was planning to take a nap and that Didier was working late.

"Thank you for watering the plants. Did you clean up too?"

"Oh yes I sweep the floor and mopped it. It needed it after the rain. I dusted too. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh not at all, I'm just glad it was your idea and not mine."

"I enjoyed it very much. I hope I can be of help some more in the future."

"That is so thoughtful Catherine. What I was thinking was that maybe you can find out who the butler was who worked for your grandfather. Maybe his family might be able to help us out."

"I don't know where to start. I was thinking about that all day and I have no info about them."

"When we go up there we will have to search the local library for old newspapers. Didier said he couldn't go with me because he has to revise these plans for this building and he'll be working late every night."

"Well why don't we go up there as soon as possible then. Why wait for the weekend?"

"I see your point. If I could get Trevor to watch the gallery, then yes let's go up tomorrow afternoon."

"How exciting. I love that house and want to be in it. Just knowing it was my grandparent's house makes me have a sentimental value to it."

"It's funny but I feel attached to the house as well. Ever since I saw it the first time. It made me feel at home. I am going to take a nap, I am bushed. I'll call you later."

"Sure, that's fine. Talk to you later."

"Bye."

"Bye." Reason hung up the phone and went to his room. He had not been home for a week and it felt so quiet, so sleepy. Almost like a tomb. He laid down on the bed and fell asleep.

One hour later.

He was staring out towards the hill, he knew he had to see it one more time. He made his way to the top of the hill and then the brick wall, he climbed over the wall and just down to the other side. He was in a field of tumble weeds. He ran towards the mountain and when he came to a deep gully he jumped and was flying in the air.

The wind picked him up and lifted him high above the mountain, he flew towards this great lake and soon was over it, this blue lake high in the mountain. On the sides of the mountain were people living. They were so far away he couldn't make them out. He flew all the way across the lake and then he was in the clouds past the lake.

The phone was ringing and Reason awoke startled. He couldn't remember where he was for a few seconds. The room was dark. He reached to pick up the phone and said hello.

"Hello sleepy head. How was your nap?"

"How did you know I was napping?"

"Catherine told me when I called my house to talk to you."

"Yeah, I drove here after work and then I didn't even remember driving here. I was thinking about the day and then this elderly lady came in looking for a beach photograph. I showed her some that I had just developed. She bought one. And she was French too."

"The French they love you Reason," Didier said jokingly. I am still at work but will be finished around 8:30; shall I come to your house?"

"Sure that's fine. Did you have dinner?"

"Yes, we had Thai takeout. Bobby went and picked it up for us."

"How many of you are working late?"

"Just Mark and I. Bobby left right after bringing it to us."

"Okay well I am going to heat up some soup and make a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner."

"Sounds delicious and it will warm you up. I believe it's going to be cold tonight."

"I'll make a fire then. I am cold now. I didn't turn the heat on when I came home."

"See you soon." He hung up. Reason wondered how he never said goodbye. He lay in bed and felt cozy. He thought about the feeling he had after waking up. How do you forget where you are just by going to sleep? He got out of bed and headed for the kitchen, time for some dinner. He missed Colbert.

He went to the living room and put some wood in the fireplace and turned on the gas to catch the logs on fire. He then went to the kitchen to open up some canned soup and make the grilled cheese sandwich.

He had forgotten to ask Didier if he told Catherine he was coming over there tonight, but he figured he had and went on cooking. He would call her later. The soup smelt delicious even though it was from a can.

He sat down at the dining room table and ate the soup and sandwich. The fire in the living room was crackling a bit. Then he heard the rain start. He forgot that it was going to rain. He wondered what they should rent to drive up to the lighthouse tomorrow. He thought a minivan again would be nice to drive. The convertible was no fun if it was raining.

He finished up the meal and cleaned the kitchen. He thought he would find a book and read for awhile in front of the fire. A classic, _Joseph Conrad's_ _The Secret Sharer._ He had bought it months ago in the Everyman's Library edition and had it sitting on the mantle. Tonight would be a good one to read about a captain's desires.

He sat in his large leather chair that was in front of the fireplace and brought in the hot tea he had made and settled in for a good half hour read. Didier would be home by then and they could talk about the day. He began to read.

One half hour later.

Reason heard a car pull into the driveway. Didier must be home. He got up and sat the book back on the mantle. The tea was finished and he picked up the cup and saucer. He went to the kitchen and placed it in the dishwasher, just then Didier came in from the garage. He had pulled into the open garage that Reason had left for him since it was raining. "Thanks for opening up the garage. How did you know I was here?"

"I merely left it open so when you pulled up you could drive straight in. I heard the rain and started a fire. Care to sit for a few minutes?"

"Sure let me get these shoes off and I'll be there in a minute." Reason went back to the parlor and pulled the other chair from the side of the fireplace facing in. He rarely used them unless he was reading in front of the fire. Didier came in and flopped down slightly. "Ah, I am bushed. That was a grueling day. How about yours?"

"Well I found out some info about the property and Catherine and I have decided to drive up there tomorrow since you will be working late every night on this project."

"So what's your plan exactly? Where's my kiss?"

"Right here," Reason leaned over and kiss Didier on the lips and then leaned back in his chair.

"The fire's nice. It's a bit cold in here." Didier remarked as he leaned towards the fire and rubbed his hands together.

"I didn't turn the furnace on yet since I had the fire going. I was reading this past half hour. I can turn it up if you're cold?"

"I am fine here in front of the fire, but later when we go to bed maybe?"

"Don't worry, you have me to keep you warm."

"Yes I do," Didier smiled.

"Are you thirsty? Any hot tea?"

"Yes. Later, I am keeping you from telling your plans."

"Oh, I was going to say that when we arrive we need to go up to the property along the coast and find the tunnel and make our way to the coordinates. How we'll do that I am not sure. We'll be underground. Then when we reach the spot start to look around to see if something is buried there."

"Do you remember any place in the tunnel that looked like it might have something buried there?"

"I think it's the area where there is a seat and the fountain is up above and there are some grates that let air in."

"Do you really think it's that spot?"

"I do. I do. Then once we find out what is hidden there maybe it will help us with the next coordinates."

"What if you don't find anything?"

"I guess all is lost then. And we return home."

"You wouldn't try to go to the second coordinates then?"

"We could try, but it won't help much I believe. The first spot is the most important I believe."

"Have you discussed this with Catherine?"

"Nope, not yet, but tomorrow on the way up we can talk about it. I am not going to get up early. I want to take my time, a nice leisurely drive."

"Keep the anxiety down that way, or make it worse."

"I think we can keep it down. I enjoy your mother's company very much."

"So how about that tea?" Didier quickly changed the subject.

"Sure I'll have another as well. It will only take a few minutes, the water is still hot from earlier," Didier got up and went to the kitchen. Didier had slumped back in the leather chair and closed his eyes. Reason knew he was tired and didn't want to talk anymore. He made the tea and took one cup to Didier who gladly accepted it. He sat down in the leather chair to drink his and watch the fire. "I do hope you find something in the tunnel. I am just not sure why great-grandfather didn't have a will. It is all baffling to me."

"Maybe he didn't have one because he thought your great-grandmother would destroy it."

"Well we don't know the circumstances behind what happened. We do know that she left and went to live in Paris."

"Why would she do that I wonder?"

"Reason, who do you think is the women in your photos?"

"I couldn't tell you. It could be your grandmother. I do believe she went down there."

"It was someone else who knew what had happened and was trying to get your attention."

"If only we had found out a month earlier Mom could have claimed the property and there would be no problems."

"Maybe it was meant to be this way?"

"I seriously doubt that. I think we just didn't see the clues."

"You don't think your mother thought she had inherited the estate do you?"

"Well why not?" She's a relative."

"Yes, but under the circumstances I don't think she thought that she would have inherited the estate. She would have been contacted many years ago."

"That is true."

"How many people leave their property to any relative that comes to claim it?"

"Not many to say the least. Maybe it was fate."  
"So there's a reason we have met then?"

"I think we met because we were standing in the same bagel shop on the same morning.

"Yes, but what led us to go there the same day?"

"Fate I believe. I have been going there on and off now for two years. You just happen to be in the neighborhood. Eventually we would have run into each other, don't you think?"

"We don't live in a town where there are many gay outlets, it's a rare coincidence."

"The beach can be gay and that little coffee house down on Carol Street, have you been there?"

"Nope I haven't. When's the last time you were there?"

"Not too long before I met you, I went in there. I met some nice people hanging out. Why I haven't been back I don't know."

"That's because you met me, and now you're complete," Didier started laughing when he said this and Reason joined in with a chuckle too.

"That was brassy."

"Yes it was. You know I love you."

"Yes I do and you do fulfill me thus far."

Didier looked awe struck.

"You'll always love me, I know that. I just hope that we can 'live our lives completely,' as Neil would say."

"Hey we have to live each day. Don't worry about tomorrow or ten years from now. I am here with you right now and I love you and want to be with you," Didier said seriously. Didier looked serious as well and then broke into a smile.

Reason chuckled.

"How did we get on this subject?''

"It was all you; telling me that you complete me."

"Now I remember. Let's go to be, I am beat."

"I am too." They both got up and took their cups and saucers to the kitchen. Didier headed to the bathroom, while Reason piddled in the kitchen. He stopped in the hall to turn the furnace on and then went to the bedroom.

Didier was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. Reason thought he should put the fire out in the living room?' He has gone to bed before without extinguishing it. It's safe with the glass front closed he thought. He undressed and slipped on his Turkish robe and went to the bathroom. Didier was just finished and he needed to brush his teeth as well, "I'll be right there," as he passed him exiting. He took a few minutes to do this and then was in bed with Didier.

They embraced each other and kissed a good night kiss. "Go to sleep, you are too tired for anything," Reason said as he turned to spoon him.

"Yes in the morning I'll be rested." Five minutes later Didier was asleep and Reason laid there. His mind was racing a bit. He needed to sleep. He closed them one more time and played the game. The 'no thoughts' game with himself. Try not to have any thoughts and as soon as you had one you stopped it. He fell asleep.

Chapitre 43

The next morning.

Reason felt like he was flying high in the sky. He could see the storm clouds circling below. The wind picked up and he began moving towards the storm clouds. He felt frightened. He wanted to be on the ground. He let himself fall and he came crashing down to the grown with a thump. He stood up and he was in a field. The townsfolk were far from him. He began walking towards the storm and it began to rain. Reason woke up. He felt something warm next to him. Didier was still asleep and very warm.

How high had he turned up the furnace he wondered? He began to move and Didier's arm grabbed his. "Don't go yet."

"The furnace must be up to high."

"It was me. I woke up this morning and it was so cold. I turned it up a few notches."

"Oh. I thought I had done that last night. This room gets the warmest and I am beginning to sweat."

"Yes, I know. I am sweating too."

"It's like palm springs summer heat in here!" Reason declared laying there nude.

"I wanted it to get really hot in here and make love to you."

"Oh really, then I feel good. Kiss me." Reason pulled Didier's mouth to his.

One hour later.

"Turn the heat down first before you make some coffee," Reason said as he lay in bed panting, worn out from the love making and the heat. Outside it was chilly, probably in the high 30's and in his room it was roasting.

"It was up to 87. I turned it off and opened the garage door a bit. The coffee is brewing and I am going to shower." Reason didn't answer he just laid there with his eyes closed. He felt euphoric and didn't want to move. If he moved then it would go away. If he lay really still then he would continue to feel the euphoria. He fell back to sleep.

15 minutes later

"Hey sleepy head. I brought you some coffee," Didier said as he sat it on the night stand.

"I must have fallen back to sleep. I was having the strangest dream earlier."

"Why don't you get showered and dressed and we can go to that coffee shop you were talking about?"

"Really? I will be ready in ten minutes, let me just have a sip of this coffee," Reason reached for the coffee.

"I don't have to be early for work. Shoot, I worked thirteen hours yesterday."

"Shoot take the entire morning off," Reason interjected and sipping more coffee.

Didier sat on the bed next to him. "No, I can't do that, but they can't expect me to be in there before normal business hours after working so late last night and probably every night this week. It's not my mistake either."

"Yes, I know you told me. Okay let me get up and shower. Thanks for the coffee."

"You're welcome. Thanks for being a sport about the heat. Next time I'll warn you." Didier got up from the bed and went to the closet to get some clothes.

Reason headed to the bathroom for a quick wake-me-up shower. He didn't want to take too long and he needed to cool down. He felt hot. He propped open the small window next to the mirror a few inches to let the heat out. He turned on the water and made sure it was just barely warm. He got in and stood under it. It felt colder than it was. His hand knew how warm it was, but his body was hotter than his hand.

After a few minutes he cooled down and began to lather up his body first, then his hair. He turned the water off and reached for the towel, he knew that bathroom would still be warm and decided to dry off on the mat. Usually he dried off completely before he stepped out of the shower due to it feeling so cold.

He combed his hair, brushed his teeth and splashed cologne on his face. He went out to the bedroom and it was warmer in there. He grabbed some briefs from the top drawer. Went to the closet and grabbed some cords and a cotton shirt. He pulled his loafers out and slipped them on. All finished in ten minutes. He went to the kitchen to find Didier sitting at the table reading the newspaper.

"You are ready? Boy that was quick. I have never you seen you shower and dress so fast."

"I wanted us to have some time at the restaurant. Not just rush in and eat and leave."

"Yes you are leaving me today to go up there. I shall miss you. How long will you be gone?"

"I am not sure. We'll have to wait and see. Hopefully not more than 3 days."

Didier looked up from the newspaper, "Three days? I will be missing you a lot."

"You are sweet. Let's go get some grub." Didier grabbed his car keys. "We are taking separate cars aren't we?"

"Yes, I will follow you. I don't know where the place is."

"Bring the paper with you if you want."

"I won't have time to read it today."

"Read it tomorrow. Remember, you'll be without me."

"That's right. I will take it for later." They left thru the garage door and got into their cars. Didier backed up first and then Reason came out. Reason used the remote and closed the door. It was built into the jaguar. They were off.

The coffee café was on Carol Street a few blocks from the downtown. They drove up to it and Reason found a parking space at the end of the building in the back. Didier pulled up next to him. They got out and headed back around the front. "I would never have noticed this place before."

"It's a bit shabby but fun inside. You just wait and see." They walked around the place. There was an old wooden awning that covered the front of the building. Tables and chairs sat out under here. There we no patrons yet.

They went inside and it was a Hodge Podgy of records and paraphernalia from all the decades on the walls and ceiling. They went up to the counter and a lady came out. "Good morning boys. Are you eating with us this morning?"

"Yes we are, a table in the back please."

"Follow me," and the lady came out from behind the counter and escorted them to the rear of the dining area. "Is that a lady or a drag queen?" Didier whispered into Reason's ear.

"What do you think?" They walked past chairs of various shapes and sizes. The tables were all different as well. "Here you go boys. Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes two please, with cream." Reason piped up as they sat down.

"Coming right up." The waiter departed.

"She's wearing hot pants and her shirt is tied in a knot in the front."

"She's wearing rollerblades as well."

"Is that why she was gliding? She makes a good women."

"So you honestly have never been here?"

"Never. Where are the menus?"

"Under the glass in front of you," Reason pointed down in front of Didier.

"The place is hysterical and they have cloth table clothes. Very odd."

"The food here is so delicious," Reason added. "They print the menu up on the paper and place under there because it changes daily."

"Yet stays clean."

"You got it. They don't have a huge menu, but it's all homemade every day."

"I just can't believe you have not brought me here before."

"Well I forgot about it and it's so crowded on the weekends. We rarely go to breakfast during the week."

"I am going to have the Lobster Omelet topped with asiago cheese with home potatoes and Rye toast," Didier said.

"I think I will have the same. The home potatoes have sautéed onions and bell peppers in them. The omelets are always light and fluffy. Perfect every time."

"How many times have you eaten here?"

"A few times. Unlike you, I don't have to be at the gallery till 10 a.m. I would come here one or two times a week for breakfast last year, when it first opened. They close @ 2:30 p.m. It's just breakfast and lunch."

The waiter came back with two large cups of coffee steaming. She placed them down on the table and then said she'd be right back with cream, she sped away on her roller blades. "This coffee smells delicious and I may not need cream," Didier picked it up and took a sip. "Nope, this is perfect.

"I'll try mine. Yes very good. They must have given us a brand new pot."

The waiter returned with a glass creamer and sat it down, "What'll it be boys?" She had her pad and pencil waiting for a response. They gave their orders and she was off. A few minutes later, a couple walked in and sat near the front. Reason and Didier drank their coffee slowly together. "It's a tad hot."

"Yes, it is hot, so don't burn your mouth," Didier instructed.

"Here you go boys." The waiter placed the plates down in front of them and sped away. They began to eat. Didier loved every morsel of the omelet and Reason agreed with him every time with each bite.

"This is my favorite new restaurant, I want to come here once a week," Didier proclaimed.

"We shall then. Be early risers on Tuesdays," Reason answered.

"We can try everything on the menu."

"What's the waiter' name, Stella?"

"Yes, that's what she said."

"I like her, she is very sweet and calls us boys."

"I think she calls everyone boys, but yes she is sweet."

"Her voice is raspy though, I guess it's because she's a man baby."

"Don't say that too loud. We don't want to spoil the camouflage," Reason ordered gently.

"I won't. Do you really think she's fooling anyone?"

"This is a mixed crowd. I am sure the gays know she's a man."

"Well that was delicious. I can't wait to return."

"Tip her well then."

"Never worry about that. I was a waiter one summer before I went off to college."

"I never heard this story before."

"Yes it was at a steakhouse, only men waiters, very nice indeed. I made great tips most of the time. Then there were those who we all avoided, the very bad tippers, and they were the most demanding."

"I bet you can tell me some stories."

"Yes, one day I will. Shall we have one more cup of coffee?"

"I am game. Do you think Catherine is up?"

"She usually gets up before I do. She might have slept in. Colbert is good company for her."

"Yes I miss Colbert."

"I'm here."

"You are not Colbert."

"You can only miss her when you're alone," Didier teased.

"I have been so preoccupied that I have not been paying her much attention."

"Don't worry about it, she has become attached to Catherine and it's good for the both of them."

"I guess."

10 minutes later.

"I am ready to go, are you?" Reason asked gently.

"Yes I am indeed." They got up and left the café. "So I am off to work and you are going to drive up there today?"

"Yes, Catherine and I are. We need to do this and I know it's a bit far but we are on a time limit." Didier hugged him and got in his car and drove away. Reason got into the Jag and drove back to his house to pack. He felt full and anxious. He wanted to find the Will.

Chapitre 45

One hour later.

Reason was driving over to Didier's house to pick up Catherine. They would be on the road soon and Reason wanted to arrive before dark. He pulled into the driveway and got out, Colbert was inside at the living room window looking out, and she apparently heard the Jag drive up. Reason could see her staring at him. As he walked up to the door, she disappeared and when he opened it, she was there staring up at him.

"Good morning, Colbert. How are you this morning?" Colbert waved her tail and put her paw up, she wanted some attention from her master. Reason sat down on a bench near the front door and started to caress Colbert, who had followed him wagging her tail. Reason rubbed her belly and she laid down on her back and let him rub her some more. This was her favorite thing to do. She would get excited and jump up and run down the hall and then run back. He watched her do this a couple times and then Catherine came calling, "What's all the commotion so early in the morning?"

"It's just Colbert and I, Catherine. She's very frisky this morning."

"Yes, I can hear that. She must have slept well last night to have so much energy."

"I am not sure what gets her excited like this, but I am glad it's not every day. I think I'll feed her or have you already done that?"

"Yes, I feed her this morning."

"Maybe she wants to go out. Come Colbert, let's go let you out," Reason got up and led her to the back door, and opened it, Colbert tore out of there in a flash. "I thought she wanted to go out," Reason remarked as he went back to find Catherine who was in her room.

"Are you all packed?"

"As much as possible. This trip is making me nervous, what if we do find the Will?"

"Then I suppose you will be the owner of a winery." Reason said matter-of-factly.

"I don't know if I want to live there. It's so far from Didier."

"We can cross that bridge when we arrive at it, until then let's not worry. After all, you don't have to live in the house."

"That's true," Catherine said glibly.

"Let's get out of here, I am anxious as well."

Chapitre 46

4 hours later.

"They drove up to the small hotel and stopped the car. "Your Jaguar is so lovely to drive in. It sure made the trip seem shorter than the last time," Catherine said as she got out.

"The more times you drive to a place, the shorter it seems to get. I was amazed at how quickly we arrived, even with stopping for a quick bite to eat."

"I took a nap as soon as we finished that delicious lunch and here we are."

"Let's check in first and then get our luggage," Reason suggested.

"Fine with me," Catherine agreed. They went in and checked in at the front desk. The clerk was a young man who was very polite and spoke softly. The hotel was more like a motel, but that didn't bother Reason. The bed and breakfast was all booked up.

This place reminded Reason of Psycho and thought it to be very quaint. There was a garden that made you feel more like home as you walked between the two buildings that faced each other. "I am number 7 and you're 9, so you should be right next to me," Reason said.

"Here I am. This place is so cute, I love the garden here and I hear a fountain down there."

"We can explore it after we get our luggage, I saw a bell mans cart in the lobby. I just wanted to see the room and make sure the bed was not hard. Reason unlocked his door and to his surprise the room looked like a bed and breakfast more than a hotel.

"Oh look at this," Reason said, "It's very cute indeed. There was a four poster bed of mahogany with a dresser that matched. In the corner stood a tall mirror that looked a bit more contemporary. The bathroom was large and had a moderne feel to it. The lamps were of the tiffany period and the draperies were thick and velvety.

"Oh my what have we stumbled upon Reason. This place is adorable. Did you know that it was going to be like this?"

"Not a clue that it would be. I just thought it would be a run of the mill hotel. I do like it. The bed looks soft and inviting."

"I can't wait to see my room. Come with me," Catherine headed for her room. She unlocked the door and to her surprise the room had completely different furniture in it, but of the same style. "This is something else. I love it," Catherine remarked.

"Yes not exactly the same furniture, but in the same period. We shall have a good nights' rest. Let me go get the luggage."

"I will help," Catherine said as she followed Reason.

"We can unpack and then go eat a good hearty meal."

"That sounds fine to me."

"We can turn in early and read."'

"I brought 2 books," Catherine exclaimed.

"I have one as well. Let's see, here's the bell man's cart." The clerk was not at the front desk and the place felt quiet. They pushed the cart out to the car and noticed there were cars in the lot.

"Did you notice how quiet it was in the lobby?"

"I was paying attention to the quiet."

"It felt a bit odd."

"Are you going to have a vision?"

"I was thinking about that myself. I wonder if when we go back to the house I might see something. It would help us out." Reason took the luggage from the trunk and placed it on the cart.

"Although, I don't just have them at my convenience. They are random and I have not had one for awhile."

"I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No, no, that's fine. I don't mind talking about them. They happen so infrequently that I even forget I have them. They make me very tired as well."

"Well then I hope you don't have one before dinner," Catherine said with a smile.

"I am not worried about that," Reason said as he pushed the cart.

"I can grab that," Catherine grabbed her two suitcases and carried them to her door. "Call me when you're ready to go eat," Catherine remarked as she pulled her luggage into her room and closed the door.

Reason thought that was a bit odd. She just left him there and didn't seem to want to talk anymore. I wonder if she felt awkward about asking about the visions. Reason took his luggage into the room and found a luggage rack in the armoire. He set it up and placed his luggage on it. He then took the cart and pushed it back to the lobby. There he saw a young couple checking in. He was relieved to see other people there.

Empty hotels do remind him of Psycho, especially on the California coast. He went back to his room and unpacked his toiletries and hung his shirts up in the armoire. He sat his book next to the bed and then picked up the phone and called Didier.

"Hello, how are you doing babe?"

"Hello, and I am fine, how was the drive up?" Didier asked.

"It was surprisingly short and Catherine slept half the way."

"Are you at your hotel, how is it?"

"It's very quaint, reminds me of King's Cross."

"Oh really, that's nice. I miss you."

"I miss you too. You didn't work late?"

"Nope, I was tired so I thought I would get up early tomorrow and work. I just wanted to get home at a decent hour."

"You should relax then. Read a book, turn in early."

"I was planning on that. I found a book, it must be yours, says it's a mystery, _Dead on your feet_ by Grant Michaels."

"I am half way thru that one and it's good. An enjoyable read."

"Colbert is fine, she's laying here at my feet, and I'm in the kitchen."

"Glad to hear it. We are going to go get some dinner and then turn in early ourselves."

"I am sure you're tired after that long drive. How was it driving the Jaguar?"

"Catherine loved it. It made the trip seem shorter. I set the cruise on and we never really hit any traffic."

"So you excited about tomorrow?"

"I can't wait, it's like when I was a child and I was going to go to the carnival and I knew when it was coming to town, I was so excited."

"Something wicked this way comes."

"Don't tease like that, you know I loved that book."

"I hope you find the Will or something that will lead you to it."

"Catherine asked me about having a vision."

"Oh." Didier said slowly.

"I told her it was no big deal, and that I didn't mind discussing it."

"Well good then, I thought it might make you feel uncomfortable."

"Not in the slightest bit. It's something I have come to realize might happen and when it does I'll deal with it then."

"Don't you think your vision led you to me and all this?"

"I have not really thought about it, but yes I do think so. It was some destiny. I still had to act upon it, it didn't just happen."

"Yes free will to choose your fate. I do agree with you there."

"Well I will let you go and call you when we get back from dinner. Love you."

"Love you too." Didier hung up the phone. Reason had laid there on the bed and heard it click. He sat it back in the cradle. He got up and grabbed his room key and headed over to Catherine's room.

It was odd that he brought up Colbert. It didn't matter, he knew Didier missed him and he missed Didier as well. He knocked on the door. Catherine came to the door and handed Reason a glass of red wine, "Cheers," She said.

"Where did you get this?" Reason exclaimed as he followed her inside.

"I brought it with me, how do you like it?"

"It's delicious. What is it?"

"A Petite Syrah I picked up at Trader's last week. I thought I would surprise you."

"Well this will take the edge off, just what I needed.

"Wine always makes me relax and I am loving this Petite Syrah."

"You have good taste in wine," Reason lifted his glass up and then thought to himself, maybe she does need to live at the winery. Catherine was telling him the year but he was lost in his thoughts.

"It's very good, just what I think wine should taste like."

"Glad you like it. When we are finished let's go eat. I am getting a bit hungry and I don't want to keep an empty stomach too long, I'll get sleepy," Catherine admitted.

"I am getting that warm, cozy feeling from this one glass," Reason exclaimed.

"It's good wine then. I hope you have a place picked out for dinner or are we just going to wing it.''

"I thought we would ask at the front desk," Reason said tipping the glass up for the last sip.

"That's a good idea. Let's go." Catherine gathered her sweater and purse and headed for the door, Reason following. They walked to the lobby and the front desk clerk was speaking to a business man, telling him directions. When he was finished he looked over at Reason and Catherine, "Can I help you?"

"Yes we were looking for a restaurant for dinner, do you have any suggestions?"

"I was just telling the gentlemen there is one close by, just head out and take a left at the first light and go about a mile and you'll come to an intersection and it's on your right hand side, it's a dinner house, steaks and such."

"Oh it's sounds fine, thank you very much," Reason said as they turned to leave.

"Steak sounds wonderful and another glass of wine," Catherine piped up.

Chapitre 47

2 hours later.

Reason laid down in bed, and picked up the phone, it was almost nine. He dialed Didier and listened to the rings. "Hello."

"Did I wake you?"

"No, no, I was just laying here reading. This book is very good, entertaining character, Stan Kraychik."

"I thought you would like him."

"So how was dinner?"

"We went to this really nice Dinner house and had steak and wine."

"How lovely."

"I had the New York Strip and Catherine had the Filet. That cut is just to tender for me, I like to have something to chew."

"We can agree on that, and what kind of wine?"

"We had this delicious Petite Syrah, it really went well with the steak. They had sweet potatoes and squash, and it was wonderful."

"What about dessert?"

"Key lime pie."

"My favorite, go on.''

"The pie was homemade and really light and tasty, almost like a mousse. You would have loved it."

"The next time I come up there, then I want to try it and the steak. Well I had some leftovers and a Heineken. Colbert is in her bed and asleep already."

"That's sweet. Well I am going to read a bit and then am off to sleep. I love you."

"Love you too."

"Good night then. Sweet dreams."

"You too." Reason hung up the phone. He opened the book and began to read, _Tornado Alley_ by William S. Burroughs. A collection of short stories. He enjoyed short stories because they could be read quickly and he read for about 15 minutes and although he was enjoying the story, he began to feel sleepy and decided it was time to shut the lights and go to sleep. He begin to pray and drifted off.

The next morning.

Reason woke up to a knock on the door. "Who is it?"

"It's Catherine, I have coffee for us. Open up."

"What time is it," Reason asked himself as he got up and put his slippers on. He had sat them there the night before. He went and opened the door and Catherine rushed in.

"It's freezing out there. I know it's a bit early but I couldn't sleep and I thought it would be nice to wake up to coffee."

"That is sweet. It's not too early, almost 8:30," Reason took the cup and sat on the bed. Catherine sat on the chair by the window.

"I was just so excited about today. It may be a wonderful day."

"I hope it is as well and we find the Will."

"If we do find the will, who do you think it has been left too?"

"I am sure to his next closest relatives."

"That would be Didier and I."

"This coffee is wonderful. Just the way I like it."

"They had a lovely spread with fresh croissants out by the coffee in the lobby. It is very elegant, with some jams, butter and cheeses, of all things. I had a taste of them and they were so good."

"Well do you think I could wonder over there in my pajamas?"

"I don't see why not. I am about finished with my coffee and need a refill."

"This is so fun," they headed out towards the lobby. When they arrived, there was this elaborate spread that had several soft and hard cheeses, butter pats, jams and honey in small bottles. The croissants were still warm. They had coffee in a silver pot. "This is so delightful. For some reason this cheese is so good with coffee."

"I am telling that's what I thought. Maybe that's why I love cheese Danish so much. Especially warmed up."

"I love that as well," Reason said as he filled up his small plate.

"Ready, or do you want to sit here and eat it."

"If you don't think I am being to scandalous sitting here in my pajamas?"

"You are perfectly fine," Catherine assured Reason as they walked over to a small table with two chairs. "Have a seat."

"We can see out the window, it's going to be a nice day."

Chapitre 48

One hour later.

They drove up to the lighthouse and this time parked right next to it. They got out and headed for the cliff. "I hope that we are here and it's low tide."

"Me too." They climbed down the side of the hill and headed towards the other end. When they arrived the water was too high to cross.

"I guess we will have to go to the house and make our way back thru the tunnel." They headed back up to the lighthouse again.

"Let's drive up to the house and see if anyone's there," Reason said. They got in the Jaguar and began driving. When they had reached the main road they turned right and headed for the house. They reached the main gates and they were not locked.

"I think someone's been here since we have and they don't seem to care if anyone comes in."

"I would think they wouldn't want any transients coming up here and squatting."

They drove through the gates and headed towards the winery. "It's so quiet, it's kind of creepy. No wind today."

"No birds either." They went to the winery and it was unlocked as well. Inside it was darker and it looked like someone had been looking for something. The place was a mess. Reason looked at Catherine.

"I wonder if they were looking for the Will?"

"I am sure they were. They suspected that he might hide it out here with the wine?"

"There is no wine. Just big stainless steel vats that all seem to have been thoroughly examined. It's over here, the one with the secret door. Somehow I remember where it is." They headed to the far side of the building.

There it was, they had found the secret door and pried it open. Reason was shocked. He didn't believe that someone else knew about it.

"Let's go take a look." They went down the steps into the tunnel once again. There was more light now. Sunlight was coming thru some holes that had been dug into the ceiling of the tunnel.

"Let's go look by the fountain." They walked until they came to the fountain and in the small alcove they found a hole in the ground. "I see they were digging here as well. I wonder who it was?" Reason pondered.

"Maybe the person who hid the Will here came to retrieve it?" Catherine interjected.

"Then maybe you have a relative running around here?"

"I doubt that," Catherine said.

Reason looked around over by the fountain. He walked up to it and was looking through the grill. "I see something glimmering, come take a look," He hail Catherine. She came over and looked up through the grill and saw something under the fountain that glimmered as well. "What do you think it is?"

"It looks like a piece of glass actually, a round one, let's go check it out. They headed back the way they had come from. They made their way out to the garden and found the fountain. "You see this fountain is all crumbling and has all this growth on it. Whoever was looking for the Will seemed to over look this?" Reason walked around the fountain and saw that there was a small door near the base of it. He reached down and pushed away the weeds that had grown thick there near the base. He pulled them away and could feel the small metal door pull away; it broke off its hinges. Catherine was standing a few feet back and could really see what Reason was doing.

"I think I found something here at the base of the fountain. He reached his hand in and touched something smooth. I think its glass." He got closer and tugged on the door more to pull it completely away from the fountain base. Again he reached in and grasp a hold of the smooth surface and drew it towards him. He had to wiggle his wrist and gently pulled the glass from the fountain. It was covered in dirt and oval.

"What is it?"

"I think it's some kind of lens. Where's a faucet?"

"Do you think the waters on?"

"We shall find out." Reason searched all over and didn't see any water faucet. I saw some water in the winery. They went back to it and there was a sink. The water was crystal clear. He dipped the lens into it and it washed away all the dirt. He brought it out and could see now that it was a lens for the lighthouse.

"What do you make of it? Why would a lens be hidden in the fountain?"

"I think it's a clue to helping us find the Will. Let's go back down to the lighthouse." They made their way to the car and began driving back down to the lighthouse.

"This is now getting mysterious. A hidden lens and what do you think it will show us?"

"Can you see if there is anything scratched on the lens? Any words or numbers?"

"I can't see anything," Catherine said as she stared thru the lens. They made it to the lighthouse and it was also unlocked. They went up the stairs and to the light mechanism. "You see there is no lens in the lighthouse.

This must be the one that went into it. Now I wonder how this goes in there." Reason looked around and saw that the lens sat in front of the bulb. "This must be a very old lens, because I thought that they were replaced by Fresnel lens in the 19 century."

"So we have this old lens and we don't know what it's for and it's not giving us any more clues to the whereabouts of the Will."

"My guess is that we need to come here at night and bring a light source and shine it around the property and maybe that will show us the clue."

"That seems like a bad idea. What if we get caught? We can say we were experimenting. The second set of numbers on the back of the photo is the main house. I say we shine it on the house and see what happens."

"Can we even see the house from here?" Catherine asked dismissively.

"Yes over there, see thru the trees."

"I don't know if shining a light on the house will help out any? I mean I can barely see it through the trees."

"Come stand here and look straight ahead. There is a path that leads directly to the house. There are no trees to block the view."

"Yes I do see it and it almost looks as though it was done on purpose. This lighthouse must have been obsolete because it's too high on the bluffs in the fog. Unless they had a large siren to warn them during the fog."

"Maybe that's why it was abandon."

"Well I suggest we go buy a light source and come back here tonight."

"Sounds like a plan. The part of the house that I see from here is the back where the four dormer windows are. They are all covered up, remember. What if we need to see what's in them?"

"Yes I see what you're talking about. It's really the only part of the house I can see as well. Maybe we should go see if we can clean the windows?

"We should just open them up. Do you think the house will be unlocked as well?"

"I think it will be let's go back up there and check it out." They climbed down the long winding stairs and were back in the car.

"We are going to wear ourselves out running up and down those stairs."

"I am not worried about the stairs, it's good for us." Reason laughed a little as he said it. They drove back to the house and parked behind it. They got out and went to the back door, it was unlocked as well. It might have been jimmied from the way it was loose on the door.

They headed up the spiral staircase and were on the third floor. They went down the hall and came to the room. When they opened it up they were shocked to find that it was in complete disarray. The furniture was all thrown about.

"Someone was here and I am sure looking for the Will." Catherine walked over

to the armoire and found that the drawers had been opened as well. "I hope they didn't find it," she said as she walked over to the windows and tried to pry them open. "Help me out here, they are stuck," Catherine said trying to unlocked them. Reason went to help her and realized that they were nailed down.

"I brought a small pocket knife; I think I can get these nails out of the windows." He struggled for awhile and then pushed the windows open. The light came streaming in. "Finally some light." He went to the other two and worked on getting the nails out. He pushed them open as well. He turned and saw that the light was shining in the room.

"So what do you think?" Reason asked.

"I don't see anything. It's so bright in here now and it's just a big room full of furniture. It's a mess."

"Shall we look around?" They began to look at all the furniture lying here and there. It was apparent that someone had looked before them and they weren't concerned about being careful to preserve it. Reason looked up and around the room.

"Maybe they just used the lens and a candle to signal that they were at the lighthouse and to meet them?"

"I was thinking that as well."

"They hid the lens there at the fountain for what?"

"I still don't quite understand that either. It just doesn't make sense." They stood there in silence.

"Look over there behind that stack of boxes, there's a tapestry on the wall and it's facing the windows." Catherine looked and saw it as well. They walked over there and started moving the boxes to get to the tapestry.

"I think this was the tapestry that was in the stairwell window that had been removed," Reason said. He ran his hand over it.

"They moved everything up here at some point, including this," Catherine interjected.

"Someone hung this here on purpose. He pulled the edge from the wall and looked behind it. "It doesn't look like there is any safe back there, nothing but wall." Reason said.

"So what if it's just a coincidence that it was put there?" Catherine said as she looked at it.

"I don't see anything unusual about it?"

"Maybe there's a message on the back of it?" Reason piped up.

"You mean a clue to the whereabouts of the Will?"

Reason pulled the tapestry away from the wall further and looked at the back of it. "I don't see anything."

"There must be a reason that this tapestry is up here. I am going to take it down." Reason looked around and saw a wooden chair turned over. He went and turned it upright and dragged it over to the tapestry and climbed up on it. "I can barely reach it, but I think I can knock it off its hooks."

"Be careful, don't fall off that chair."

"I think I got it," Reason said as he pushed up on the tapestry and it came off its' hooks and fell. This wall looks normal to me. Nothing special about it. He ran his hand over it and felt grit on the wall. "I feel something on the wall."

"What do you think it could be?"

"Maybe a message written to be invisible," Reason pondered. "Hey Catherine do you still have that bottle of red wine?"

"Yes I think there are a couple left. Shall I get them?"

"Please do, I have an idea." Reason got down from the chair and moved the tapestry away from the wall. Catherine went down to the car to get the wine. She was back in a flash.

"They are twist off," Reason said with a smile. He took one bottle and poured some of the wine onto the wall. He watched it run down the wall. Soon he began to see something dark on the wall. "Letters. Beautiful letters," Reason exclaimed, "My god it is a secret message." He continued to pour the wine on the wall. "Catherine I need another bottle!" He grabbed the bottle and shock it, when he opened it sprayed all over the wall. The message began to appear slowly. It was in an old script.

"Reason what does it say?" Catherine asked excitedly.

"It says, I Eric Gauthier-Straussburg, hereby bequeath all my estate to my granddaughter, Catherine Gauthier-Straussburg,"

"My god! We found the Will. Now what do we do?"

"We call the lawyer! What else?"

"Shall I stay here?"

"What time is it?"

"I am not sure, Pam?"

"It's not too late then. I will drive into town and make the call, you stay here."

"I don't want to come back and it's gone."

"Yes I know, just our luck."

Reason got down from the chair again and hugged Catherine. "You are now the heir to all of this!"

"I can't believe it!" Catherine had tears in her eyes. "I never thought we would find it."

"How did you know to pour wine on it?"

"It's really the only thing I could think of that we had that was liquid. I thought it might work just like grape juice."

"It did work. Okay hurry call the lawyer." Catherine wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Okay I am off then. I will be back as soon as possible."

"I will straighten up some of this furniture, it will help me pass the time. I am so excited! I just still can't believe it."

"Didier will be so proud of you!"

"I hope he is."

"He will be. I will be back before dark." Reason left Catherine, who had already started moving things around. Reason went down the spiral staircase and headed out to the car. He jumped in and drove away.

Chapitre 49

30 minutes later.

Reason drove into town and went to the café, He asked if they had a pay phone and they said no, but they could use their phone in the office. Reason had brought the number of the lawyer and stuck it in his wallet. He followed the man to the office and sat down at the desk.

"Mr. Ince please, this is Reason Simon."

"Please hold a moment." The man said and put him on hold. Reason sat there with butterflies in his stomach.

"Mr. Simon, how are you?"

"We found the Will!"

"You found the Will from Mr. Eric Gautier-Straussburg?"

"Yes. The thing is it's written on the wall of the mansion."

"I see, so it's not on paper?"

"That is going to be a problem. How are we going to get this into court?"

"You're the lawyer, don't you know how?"

"We will have to have an expert come and look at it and take photos of it and have it transcribed and notarized and then present it to the court."

"Wow that sounds perfect. Will they be able to stop the auction?"

"Yes I can stop it if we say that we have the Will."

"That's what I wanted to hear."

"That is quite amazing. How did you find it?"

"I don't know but it was work."

"Well I need to make some phone calls and get some people over there as soon as possible. Is there a number I can reach you at?"

Yes I am staying at this hotel, the number is xxx-xxx-xxxx."

"Good then I will give them the address and see if we can get them over there today. The sooner the better."

"Yes indeed."

"Okay bye and thank you." Reason hung up. He lifted the receiver and dialed Didier at work.

How may I direct your call?"

"Didier please."

"Please hold."

"This is Didier."

"We found it, we found the Will. I just called the lawyer and told him about it." Reason was so excited.

"No way. Where did you find it?"

"On the wall of the third floor behind the tapestry. It was a secret message written with baking soda and water. I poured some wine on it and it appeared. This beautiful penmanship. It's from your grandfather, and he left all his estate to your mother. Is that amazing or what?"

"It is amazing. Where's Mom?"

"I left her there at the house. I was afraid it might disappear."

"Is she safe?"

"Yes I believe she is. I am headed back there right now. They are sending the people over to look at it and verify that it is indeed a Will and to transcribe it to be submitted in court to stop the auction."

"Well congratulations, you solved the mystery!"

"I am so excited and Catherine is too. She cried!"

"Well I don't want to keep you on here any longer. Call me later, I love you."

"I love you to and I will."

"Bye." Reason heard the phone click. He jumped up and left the motel. He wanted to get back as soon as possible. He drove fast but tried to stay calm. He was so excited.

When he arrived it was still daylight. He had stopped and bought some more wine and a flashlight. He ran upstairs to tell Catherine the good news.

"Hey there, I called the lawyer." Catherine was sitting on a big stuffed chaise lounge she had sat right in front of the Will on the wall.

"I was just about to doze off. I am a bit tired from all the excitement."

"Wow you sure did straighten up this place. No wonder you're tired."

"So what did the lawyer say?"

"He is sending people over here to look at the Will and verify it and transcribe it."

"I do hope they get here soon, before it gets dark."

"I do too. I bought some more wine just in case they need it."

"Yes there are a few areas that didn't come thru."

"Let's wait until they arrive to do it. I called Didier as well and he was so happy for you."

"I am so glad that he's happy for me."

"I knew he would be, silly." Reason hugged Catherine and then they both sat on the chaise lounge and waited.

It was beginning to get dark. "I will go down to the front door and wait for them. Do you want to come with me?"

"Sure no reason to stay up here," Catherine agreed. They went downstairs and opened the front door.

"So how does it feel to have inherited this place? Are you excited? Is it super fun?"

"I am overwhelmed by the idea. I haven't processed it yet. What do you think I should do with it?"

"Well maybe you can lease it out as a vineyard and come up here a few months out of the year and vacation?"

"That sounds lovely. I don't think that I would want to run a vineyard. You don't think that I should sell it?"

"Well I am not sure what you can do with it or should you sell it or not. Let's wait until you actually inherit it." Reason smiled. Right then he saw light coming down the long drive.

"Here they come." The car pulled and stopped in front of the house. Two men wearing business suits got out and went to the trunk. One pulled out a large camera. The other was looking at a yellow notepad. They closed the trunk and walked over to Reason and Catherine.

"Hello there."

"Hello," Reason and Catherine said simultaneously.

"I am Hugo Limeral and this is Blake Savage." They all shook hands. "Mr. Ince called us and asked us to come over and take a look at a Will."

"Yes follow us," Reason said and he began to walk up to the third floor using the back stairwell. They were up in a flash and Reason pointed to the Will on the wall.

"Wow Hugo, have you ever seen anything like that before?"

"No, can't say that I have. So you did you guys just find this? It seems wet."

"Yes we just found it and we had poured wine on the wall and it appeared."

"This writing looks like it is very old. The penmanship is beautiful considering it is almost like it was etched onto the wall," Hugo Limeral said.

"I believe it is baking soda that was used. When the wine was poured onto the wall it made it appear."

"How could he have written it?"

"The paste was seeable when he did it," Catherine remarked.

"It must have taking him a long time. Blake, are you transcribing it?"

"Yes I have started."

"How long will it take you to do it," Reason asked.

"Another 15 minutes and we will be done," Hugo Limeral replied. They continued to work and Reason and Catherine went downstairs. "I hate when someone is watching me do my work," Reason whispered as they were leaving the room. They went downstairs to the first floor and it was almost dusk.

"It will be dark in 15 minutes."

"I think they will be finished quicker than that," Reason added. They sat down on the stairs and leaned up against each other. Reason was so tired he couldn't think straight. His mind was thinking of Didier. He was missing him. They would be at the hotel soon enough and he would call him again and chat. He closed his eyes and drifted a little before being startled by Catherine raising up.

"I hear them calling us Reason, wake up." Reason woke and stood up. They went back up the stairs.

"There is this small area down here we can't make out. Do you have some more wine?" Blake asked.

"Oh yes we do, I picked up a bottle in town," Reason said and began to unscrew it. He went over to the wall and began to pour it on the area that was unrevealed. Soon the writing appeared.

"This looks like it says that a copy of the Will is in a safe deposit box at the Bank of San Francisco. It is also dated 8/10/1961."

"Could the Will really still be in that safe deposit box?" Catherine asked.

"Well it all depends, maybe he set up a reoccurring payment on the box," Blake replied.

"The box number is TBS6467YA."

"That seems like an odd number," Reason interjected.

"Back then there was no set number, all banks made up their own numbers. We shall have to contact the bank to see if they still have the Will," Blake answered.

"Wow Catherine we really did fine the Will then. If it's still there. That is truly amazing. I am so happy for you." At this he hugged Catherine.

"All our detective work really did pay off. I hope Didier is proud of us."

The two men took photographs with their big camera and then packed it up and left. They gave Reason their business card and told them to call them the next morning, they would have a copy of the Will for them.

"Shall we go back to the hotel?"

"Yes I am so tired. Can't wait to take a hot shower and relax."

"Yes that will be nice and I can't wait to call Didier. I miss him."

"I am sure he will be happy to hear our news." They left the house and drove back to the bed and breakfast. When they arrived they agreed to meet in the lobby in an hour to go eat. Reason quickly went to his room and laid on the bed and dialed up Didier.

"Hello there," Reason heard Didier say.

"Hello. Well guess what?"

"What?" Didier said cheerily.

"The Will is in a safe deposit box in the Bank of San Francisco. It is box TBS6467YA."

"How did you find this out?"

"At the very end of the Will, I poured more wine onto the wall and there it was."

"Do you think the Will could still be there?"

"I hope so for Catherine's sake."

"Yes that would make probate so much easier to do then. So are you tired?"

"Yes I am, I am going to shower and then relax a bit. I was missing you and wanted to hear your sweet voice."

"I was missing you. Do you still love me?"

"Yes I still love you Didier. You are my man."

"Good I am glad to hear that. Well I am glad to hear about the Will. When will you find out if they still have it?"

"I think we should drive up there tomorrow and go search for it."

"You think so?" I miss you so much."

"Yes but we need to find out as soon as possible."

"Why don't you drive back here tomorrow and then we can fly up there this week and spend a couple days?"

"Well that sounds fun. I haven't been to San Francisco in forever."

"We can go to Top of the Mark for breakfast and hang out in Castro."

"Yes that sounds so fun. Okay we will drive home tomorrow. I can't wait to see you and kiss you."

"Yep me too. Okay good night, call me later and tuck me in," Didier said.

"Will do babycakers."

"Wow never heard that one before, but I like it."

"I like it too." They hung up and Reason went to the shower he was excited about going to San Fran with Didier. He wondered why Didier seemed to be in a better mood. His attitude was more positive about the whole thing. Maybe he saw that their hard work had paid off. He wanted a really hot shower to relax in and forget about everything.

One Hour later.

Reason was walking into the lobby area and saw Catherine. "Hey there," he said.

"Did you talk to Didier? What did he say?"

"Yes I did and he said we should fly up to San Fran this week and see if we can find the Will."

"Oh that sounds fun. I have never been to San Francisco. Will we see the Golden Gate Bridge?"

"Yes we can do that, drive over to Sausalito and then take some photos."

"That will be super fun."

Reason looked at Catherine quizzically. "Well Didier sounded so positive. He really sounded different."

"Oh really? Hope he stays that way."

"Yes I am sure he will. I think it was that he was afraid we wouldn't find the Will and we would be let down and disappointed. Which would have been really awful but we stuck in there and look how it turned out."

"Yes I think he has a tendency to be over protective of his heart. I wish he would just have some more faith."

"Amen to that sister," Reason gave her a high five and she took it. They left and went to the steakhouse down the street. They had porterhouse steaks with a green salad and buttered bread. And some petite syrah. The place was a bit quiet and they were tired so they didn't talk much but enjoyed their food and wine.

Ah hour later.

Reason was in bed and felt great from the wine and the food. He dialed up Didier.

"Hello there."

"You in bed?"

"Yes I am. You called to tuck me in?"

"You can tuck me in as well."

"Okay Reasbehr. Have a good night."

"Reasbehr? Where did that come from?"

"Well you called me babycakers, so I wanted to come up with a nick name for you. You know I love nicknames."

"Do you. I am not sure I have heard you use many before."

"I have them for all the people I work for. I call mom, Cat."

"You do. I have never heard you use that with her."

"Only when I was younger. I just call her mom mostly."

"Well I like Reasbehr. So goodnight babycackers love you, sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams my Reasbehr." They hung up. Reason laid there and wondered what got into Didier. He was being more open, more comfortable. Showing his feels. He is a sweet man Reason thought. He was so happy he had met Didier. He drifted off.

The following morning.

He was standing there and he was alone. Where was Didier he thought. He looked off and could see Didier, he smiled and then saw that Didier was laughing and chatting with another man. Who was this man? How did Didier know him? He called to Didier who smiled and waved but didn't come to him. Reason became concerned. He heard a knock and then he woke up.

"Knock, knock, time to wake up sleepy head." It was Catherine. Reason got out of bed and opened the door.

"Good morning, what time is it?"

"It's half past ten. Time for coffee and some breakfast and back home sleepy head," Catherine quipped as she walked into the room carrying a cup of coffee. Reason took the coffee and sipped it.

"Wow I slept late."

"I did too, until 8:30. Then I read the paper and drank coffee. I showered and packed and am ready for some brunch."

"Okay, let me just drink this cup and I will shower and get ready," Reason said as he sat on the edge of the bed. Catherine had walked over to the window and was looking out of it.

"When do you think we will hear from the lawyer?"

"I can call him in a little while," Reason answered. He drank his coffee which was piping hot and delicious.

"It's a beautiful day Reason, perfect for the drive home. I am so relieved by yesterday's findings. I still am in shock."

"Yes me too. It seems so surreal. It just happened so fast."

"Well I will let you finish and shower. I will meet you in the lobby, now hurry up." Catherine left. Reason wondered why Didier hadn't called him. He got in the shower after finishing the coffee.

20 minutes later.

"Well that was quick."

"It is Didier who takes more time than me in the bathroom."

"Yes he does like to primp, but don't ever tell him. He would deny it. I hear him every morning. He brushes those teeth day and night and flosses. Then he takes the longest hot showers."

"Yes and you can't even be in there five minutes and he thinks I am taking forever. But I don't mind, it makes him feel good and I like that about him."

"He's a Leo just like me. He likes to be sure he looks good when he is flirting with the men."

"What did you just say?"

"You know Didier likes to flirt with the men, all his life."

"The crazy thing was I had a dream this morning about him flirting with some guy."

"Well I am sure he doesn't do it now Reason. He loves you and although he is a Leo and likes attention, he respects your relationship."

"Yes I hope he does. I trust him so I am not worried. That dream was odd though. I am not sure why I dreamt it."

"You were mentioning how Didier's attitude seemed more positive. Maybe that has something to do with it."

"So Didier likes to flirt?"

"First it was with the girls, then when he was about 17 it started with the boys. I don't think he realized it, but he would flirt with them, then it was more towards men. Older men. He had a thing for them. I think it was the lack of having a father."

"Wow, you are keen on all this?"

"Well Didier tells me everything. And mothers notice things. When he came out it changed him completely. He was angry before and was always getting into fights. Then when he came out he completely changed and became this very sweet man. Has been ever since."

"That is amazing. I am going to tease him about it."

"Be careful, Didier likes to be a brat and tease, but don't tease too much back. He is very sensitive."

"Yes I know. But that's what I love about him."

"I am so happy that he met you Reason. You guys are so good for each other."

"I am so happy I met him as well. He is the love of my life. I hope forever and ever."

"I know you will be together forever and ever. He loves you the same."

"Well that makes me so happy to hear you say that Catherine."

"It makes me happy too."

They had driven a ways as they talked. Reason felt so good about hearing Catherine remark on their relationship. Reason felt so happy. Didier did love him truly. They would be together forever and ever. He drove on.

One hour later.

I liked this place and Didier and I stopped here when we drove back down the last time. They had gone to the dinner. The food was just as good and Reason, although chatting here and there seemed to be lost in the words Catherine had said earlier. He was now confident in their relationship and wasn't going to worry anymore. They were driving now back down to Santa Barbara.

4 hours later.

Reason pulled up to Didier's house and sighed. Didier was standing on the porch with Colbert. Reason got out of the car slowly and stretched. He waved to Didier who waved back. Catherine got out and slowly wobbled towards the porch. "How was the drive?" Didier asked smiling. He gave Reason a kiss and a hug, a big squeeze.

"It was fine. It's nice to be home."

"It's nice to see you Reasbehr." Reason smile and kiss Didier again. Catherine went on into the house. "Colbert missed you too." Colbert was dancing around them excitedly.

"Yes Colbert, how are you?" Reason bent down and rubbed her head. "Let's go inside. I want to lay down."

"You've been sitting all that time."

"That's not the same. I want to hold you and kiss you."

"Okay I am fine with that." They went inside and Catherine had gone to her room. They went to the bedroom, Colbert followed. They undressed and laid down in bed. Reason wrapped his arms around Didier and held him tight. They began to kiss. It was a long make out session that turned into a passion love making session. When it was over, they lay in each other's arms breathing hard.

"I love you Reason," Didier whispered into Reason's ear.

"I love you Didier," Reason whispered back. "I mean it. Forever and ever."

"Yes forever and ever," Didier followed. They fell asleep.

An hour later.

When Reason woke up he was still holding Didier. He slowly and gently let go and pulled away. He got out of bed and went to the kitchen. Colbert followed him.

"Hey there. Did you have a nice nap?"

"Yes it felt great. How about you?"

"I read some and then slept a bit. I found this book on the shelf that is very fun. It written in a free flowing style with less description and more dialogue. The dialogue is very current, written the way people actually speak, so it takes you off guard. It's not perfect English."

Reason sat and listened, he was interested in hearing about this book.

Catherine continued, "So it is more fun to have less description sometimes and then you can create your own characters in your mind. There are some spelling mistakes that I believe the author put in there on purpose. I am sure it will drive some readers crazy. But I think it's intentional. Some of the plot seems to go nowhere, but it's how real life is. There are many loose ends."

"I want to read it when you're finished. Sounds fun."

"It's very different in style than most mysteries I read. I am enjoying it."

Reason smiled.

"Oh, I made some tea and sandwiches. They are in the frig."

"Sounds delicious." Reason got up and went to the frig. He made a plate of small sandwiches, the cute ones that are so southern, some pickles and olives and a big glass of iced tea.

"I love these sandwiches you make Catherine. They are so tasty."

"My mother taught me how to make those when I was ten. Been making them ever since."

"You have patience to make them. Like Didier. Where he gets his patience I don't know."

"From me dear. I have lots of patience."

"Wish I had some."

"If you wish for it, then you will have to go thru things that will make you have it."

"So maybe I shouldn't wish for it."

"That's up to you," Catherine said as she read her novel.

"I can't put this down."

"I see. I will leave you be." Reason got up and went to the bedroom. Didier was awake and had the TV on. "

"Baseball?"

"I just flipped it on and this was on. I wanted to watch it a bit."

"Who's playing?"

"Red sox vs. the Yankees."

"Oh good, love to see those Red sox loose. Who's winning."

"Why do you want them to lose?"

"Because the next day, everyone in Mass will be depressed. It is so funny."

"Yeah I know," Didier smiled and grabbed Reason.

"Here, your mom made these." He fed a sandwich to Didier.

"These are my favorite. Ever since growing up I loved these sandwiches."

"I love them too," Reason leaned in and kissed Didier. They sat there and shared the sandwiches and tea and watched the game. The Yankees won.

The next day.

Reason woke and he was in bed alone. He hated that feeling. Just then Didier came in. "Good morning. I brought you some coffee. How did you sleep?"

"I slept great. How about you?"

"You know I love to sleep next to my babycakers," Didier smiled when he said this. Reason smiled as well. He sipped the coffee. Didier leaned over and kissed him. It was a deep kiss.

"Yum."

"You are so fun this morning. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just more comfortable sharing with you. Being more physical with you."

"I like it. Sharing my coffee and tea with you."

"And gum."

"No one has ever given me their gum while we kissed."

"It's super fun."

"Yes it is."

"So when are we going to fly up to SF?"

"Whenever you are off work."

"I will take tomorrow off and we can have a long weekend. How does that sound?"

"I love it. Love exploring with you."

"I love SF. Will show you some fun sights."

"I bet you will."

"Catherine is coming."

"Yes I know. I am fine with that."

"I was hoping you would be."

"Okay well I am off to work."

"A kiss before you go." They kissed for a good ten minutes. Reason loved it. He was kind of wondering when Didier was going to stop, but he never stopped. That came to a pause and then a quick kiss.

"Bye, love you," Didier got up and left.

Reason lay back down and closed his eyes. He fell asleep.

30 minutes later.

He woke to Colbert licking his face. "Colbert, what are you doing?" Reason lifted himself up and rubbed her head. You must want to go out. He got up and went to let her out. He saw that Catherine was in the living room.

"Are you still reading the same book Cat?"

"Yes I am and where did you hear that from?"

"From Didier of course."

"That boy, he loves a nickname for everyone."

"I like it Cat. It's fun."

"Yes I had to get used to it. Didn't like it at first."

"It's fun because you're a Leo too."

"Yes I am," Cat smiled. Reason went into the kitchen and it was clean. He didn't feel like going to the gallery. He thought he would take the day off.

"We forgot to call the lawyer yesterday when we got home Cat."

"We did. Let's call him now."

"Let me get some more coffee."

10 minutes later.

"Hi can I speak with Mr. Ince?"

"May I ask who's calling?"

"This is Reason Simon. I don't have an appointment but we spoke the other day and he has some information."

"Please hold."

"Hello, Mr. Simon."

"Hello Mr. Ince, I don't have an appointment and I wasn't sure I could speak with you."

"It's no trouble. I got a copy of the Will. It states that Monsieur Eric Gautier-Straussburg has left everything to Catherine Maebelle Gunman, ne Gautier, his granddaughter, she only has to claim it. That's it. The Will is in a safe deposit box in the Bank of California, San Francisco."

"Wow. So she gets the vineyard, the house, all the belongings?"

"Yes. So if you want me to I can stop the sale of the house and say an heir has come to claim it?"

"Yes please do. We can come in and sign the papers anytime. We are flying up to San Francisco this week to get the Will."

"Sound's good. Come in before you do that. I will have the contract drafted up. Bring your check book as well. I will need a retainer."

"Okay will do."

"My secretary will make an appointment with you. Hold please." Reason was put on hold and the secretary came on the line.

"Mr. Simon, how about tomorrow around 10:30 am?"

"I will be there. Thank you." Reason hung up the phone. "Catherine we have an appoint tomorrow morning to sign a contract."

"Is that all?"

"You have inherited the entire estate. How do you feel?"

"I feel like celebrating, let's have some champagne tonight."

"You might one day have your own wine."

"That sounds divine."

"Indeed it does. Shall we go to lunch to celebrate?"

"Sure. Are you not going to the Gallery?"

"Not today."

"Okay I shall change."

"You look fine."

"I want to look great."

"Well have at it. I will dress myself.

"I need to shower first."

"Then do it." Reason went to the bathroom to shower. He was famished.

30 minutes later

"Are you ready?" Reason had come out of the bedroom and was standing in the kitchen.

"I am ready, let's go. Where shall we eat?"

"I know this little Mexican place. The best eggs and cactus and huge fabulous margaritas as well."

"Oh sounds fun but this early?"

"We are celebrating."

"I am all for it but will only have one."

"That's fine, moi aussi." They were taking the Fiat X/19 this time. The day was beautiful and Reason wanted to take the Targa top off. He let Cat drive. It would be a quick ten minutes to the restaurant.

"I love this little car. Reminds me of being in England and driving around the country side in my friends MG when I was young. The top down, wearing a scarf around my neck. The air was cool and misty. It was very romantic."

"I didn't know that you went to England."

"Yes and to France too. It was when I was 21 and I wanted to see the world. I had a chance to go and was there for nine weeks. It flew by."

"Well that is exciting. Tell me more."

"I went with my friend, she had been a couple times before when she was younger. At 18 and 19. She knew how to travel with a small backpack. We slept in all kinds of hostels around England and France. Saw the countryside and tasted the wine. Met some boys. We had a ball."

"That was so fun. I would love to toot around the English countryside in an MG."

"You and Didier should go this summer. It would be so fun and romantic."

"I would love to go."

"Bring it up to him. He may want to go with you."

"I hope he would, the brat."

"He is sometimes a brat even to me."

"Is he? I do love him though, brat and all."

"He is like a little boy. Hasn't grown up yet."

"I love him just that way as well."

"Didier is a sweet man."

"I tell you Cat, he is the sweetest man I have ever met. He is always doing little things for me."

"He has always been a sweet boy. He used to play all by himself as a child and never bothered me. He was a bit of a loner."

"Yeah, I kind of get that feeling from him."

"That what's I was worried about when I came to live with him. If I would be crowding his space."

"Not to worry Cat, he loves having you around. He loves you dearly."

"I am glad that he does. We were apart for so long. Most of his adult life up to now."

"Yes it is sad when you move away from family which reminds me that I need to take a drive down and visit my parents."

"Oh where do they live?" Just then Cat pulled into the driveway of the restaurant. They got out and went inside talking as they did this.

"Palm Springs. It is just 4 hour drive. Maybe we can go there for a long weekend after we return from Frisco."

"Oh that would be lovely. I have never been but heard about it. In I Love Lucy, Lucy, her mother and Ethel went there in one of the episodes and it rained for 3 days straight."

"I wonder if that has ever happened. It really is a desert."

"I am sure it has once or twice."

"I know that July is the warmest month. December is the coolest month. February is the wettest month. May is the driest month. The highest recorded temperature was 123°F in July of 1995. The lowest recorded temperature was 19°F in January of 1937."

"How do you know all this Reason?"

"I looked it up before when I went down to visit my parents. I just seemed to remember that. Love topic of the weather."

"Well Didier loves geography."

"I didn't know that."

"Yes he was always looking at maps when he was a child."

"He has kept that a secret from me."

"He is a secretive person. In time I am sure he will talk to you about it."

"Yeah I do hope so." They had seated themselves at one of the tables and were waiting for the waiter. It was basically empty being that it had just opened a few minutes before they arrived. It was very festive and had an authentic feel to it. The waiter came with water and they ordered two of their Cadillac margaritas with salted rim. When the waiter left Cat smiled and said, "Are you sure we should be drinking so early?"

"It's 11:30 a.m., and that is not too early for an adult beverage."

"Ok. So what's good here?"

"Everything that I have eaten is good here."

"I am craving some mole."

"I am craving Nopalitos Con Huevos."

"What is that?"

"Cactus with eggs."

"Sounds yummy. I will order that."

"You'll love it. It's healthy for you too. Eggs help your body metabolize alcohol, so drink up." Just then the waiter brought the margaritas. He took their ordered and was gone.

"Cheers! To your inheritance."

"Cheers!" Cat repeated. They both took big sips. "It's delicious."

"Strong too. We better just have one."

"Sounds perfect to me. What would Didier say?"

"Drink in moderation." They both chuckled.

Later that day.

Reason was laying down and the phone rang. "Hello."

"Well hello there." Didier said in his sweet voice.

"Hey there."

"You didn't go to the gallery?"

"Nope. Cat and I went to brunch and had Nopalitos Con Huevos."

"Interesting."

"We were celebrating."

"Celebrating what?"

"That the Will says she is the only one to inherit the estate."

"Are you jumping the gun?"

"Why do you ask that?"

"What if the Will is not there in the safe deposit box?"

"Well then we will have a harder time to prove that her grandfather wrote it on the wall in the mansion."

"Yeah and it might not be admissible."

"Let's look on the positive side."

"Okay that is a good idea. I will be positive. I usually am but this whole mess has me worried."

"Worry not Didier. Will you be home soon?"

"Yes I was just calling Cat to see if she needed anything at the store."

"I can ask her. We stopped and picked some things up after brunch."

"Well then maybe I don't need to stop then."

"If it is not pressing, then come directly home. I miss you."

"Okay, I will."

"See you soon." Reason hung up. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. Didier was the sweetest man he had ever met. Kind and thoughtful. He could never imagine him any other way. He decided to tidy up the bedroom. Cat had gone to take a nap as well. Colbert followed him as he piddled around trying not to make too much noise. He didn't want to wake up Cat.

Fini for now. Hope you enjoyed. Please leave any feedback if you wish. All is appreciated.

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About the author:

Neil Crenner lives in Palm Springs California with his cat Halo. My second novel is finished, DREK, a sci-fi story is finished and being edited.

Connect with Me Online:

Facebook: <http://facebook.com/neilcrenner>

