JACK

The plans were spread on the dining table before me. Mr. Boyer had arrived this morning to meet with me concerning the house my wife and I are building in Maine. He stood back as I examined the blueprints, sipping the coffee she had served him. Generally, the plans looked good. It will be a fine house once built, but a few things troubled me.

"Mr. Boyer …"

"Kevin," he interrupted.

I looked up at the man's genial face.

"Call me Kevin, sir," he added.

Ah, sometimes I forget the informality of these times. "Yes, certainly. And please call me Jack." Turning my attention back to the plans, I pointed to one room in particular on the second story. "Here … Kevin, this room. This is to be the nursery I take it?"

"Yes, Jack, adjacent to the master bedroom and close to the main stairway."

"No, no. This won't do at all. The nursery should be on this side of the house. Here, my good man." Taking a red pencil, I marked where the nursery should be. "And all these passageways. Rooms should open into each other." I made more changes with the red pencil. "And the galley. We really do not need such a large galley. If we bring this wall in here, then my study will be enlarged." I stood back and examined the changes. "Very well." I nodded to Mr. Boyer.

Turning my attention to the grounds surrounding the house, I made more changes. "Here, the gazebo should be in the center of the yard, so as to be more easily accessible. And the garden … so large a plot for flowers? Where are the vegetables to grow? And the carriage house, er, the garage? It should not be so large or connected to the house. We'll only have one car, sir, at most two. We'll move that here where the children's play yard is and the yard shall move to this side." I stood back. Yes, it will be a very fine house indeed.

"What do you say, Kevin? Will it not be a fine house?"

Kevin looked concerned. "Um, Jack. Your wife and I met several times concerning the plans."

I waved him off. "Yes, yes, and it was an excellent beginning. Just a few changes, my good man. Nothing to be concerned about." I returned to marking the plans, moving the observatory from one end of the house to the other.

"If I may make a suggestion, Jack? Natalie should be here for this discussion."

Natalie here to discuss the building of the house? No, no, that would not do. She and Mr. Boyer made a fine start on the plans, but as I am home now, building our home is my responsibility to undertake. "No, Mr. Boyer. I think we can handle this ourselves."

"But, Jack … sir, I insist. Natalie was quite adamant about some details of the house. She really should be included in this discussion."

Sighing, I acquiesced. "Very well, I will go fetch her."

Natalie was in our bedroom resting when I called her in, explaining that Mr. Boyer had insisted she take part in our discussion. She was surprised, as I knew she would be, given her delicate nature, but she joined us all the same.

NATALIE

Since I understood that Kevin and Jack's meeting was simply to go over the final plans for the house, I was surprised at Kevin's insistence that I be included. He and I had met several times and I approved the plans just days before Jack's return. But when I walked into the dining room, I understood. The blueprints were bleeding with red marks; so many that they were barely legible.

"What's going on?" I turned to Kevin.

"Jack proposed a few changes, Nat."

"A few changes? Jack," I turned to him, "It looks like you're changing the whole house."

"No, my dear. Just a few here and there." He pointed to the second story drawing. "Here, see, the nursery …"

I tuned him out as I studied the plans. Almost everything had been moved. The kitchen! My beautiful, large airy kitchen was now cramped and tiny. The garage moved and the children's play yard too close to the cliffs for my comfort.

"Jack, what have you done!" My voice rose. "How could you change everything?"

"Natalie, my dear, can't you see? It just wouldn't work the other way."

"Why not?" I spat.

Jack tried to explain, but I was having none of it. I'd worked so hard, paid attention to every detail and made sure that all of the things Jack and I had discussed were included in the plans. Our beautiful house was now ruined. I'd never been angry with Jack before, but now all hell broke loose when he tried again to explain himself.

"Natalie, my darling, don't fret and worry yourself over this. Don't you smoke it? This is my responsibility now."

"What!" I exclaimed. "Our house is our house. You don't make these decisions alone!"

Jack stood up straight and glared at me. "Are you saying I'm not a fit husband? That I am not capable of leading our family?"

"No, Jack," I snapped. "That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is that we should share these decisions."

"Posh," he sneered. "Women aren't interested in these types of things."

"And just what are we interested in, Jack?"

"Babies and cooking and needlework. Those womanly types of the things."

"Oh really? Then how do you explain me? I flew planes. I rode motorcycles. I climbed the rigging. I'm not a subservient little wifey, dammit!"

Our argument escalated until the windows shook. I can't possibly imagine what Kevin thought of it all, poor guy. The shouting did eventually stop. I was trying my best not to cry, holding it in and my back turned to my husband. And Jack, he was pacing in front of the window, muttering.

I knew we had to resolve this. So I asked, "Explain one change, okay Jack?" Pointing at the second floor blueprint, "Why did you move the nursery?"

He turned, his hands clasped behind his back. "The sunlight. Placement on that side of the house would catch the morning light, while be darkened in the afternoon. Better for the children's rest."

I looked at the plans again and instantly saw what he meant. "But my kitchen?"

"Ah, well, I suppose I could have a smaller study," he mused.

As Jack and I examined the plans and began to work together on the changes, Kevin gave an audible sigh of relief.

JEFF

I awoke to find a naked woman in my arms.

The sun was shining in through a corner of the uncovered bedroom window, casting a ribbon of golden light onto Kelly's hair as it fanned out over my chest and shoulder. I enjoyed watching her sleep; her hand was drawn up underneath her chin and her eyelashes fluttered softly as if dreaming. I felt a tug in my groin as her leg, which was draped over my thigh, shifted slightly, brushing up softly against a rather sensitive area that she had given considerable expert attention to a few hours earlier. The sheet began to tent as I relived that delightful memory. There's life in these tired old bones yet…

What was especially nice about the moment aside from the obvious was the feeling of complete comfort. Never mind that the mattress was on the floor and that I hadn't slept this low to the ground since I lived in Japan years ago. I'd probably feel a little bit creaky when I got up and started to move around, but it was well worth it; Kelly and I had enjoyed the hell out of each other last night. A few weeks ago, I would have already been dressed and heading out the door to catch a plane or using that explanation as an excuse before my companion or I could get chance to feel too attached. But here I was, tables turned, feeling my own tightening tethers of attachment. I didn't suspect that Kelly would seriously mind, however. I know I didn't.

Just then Kelly awoke, blinking the sleep from her eyes and smiling like an angel. "Mmmm…good morning…" Her voice had that sleepy huskiness that I found incredibly sexy. She kissed the side of my jaw and I answered by kissing the top of her head.

She snuggled in closer, making a soft purring sound. "Damn, you're better than a teddy bear."

Oh yeah, purr away. "And that's a good thing?" Actually, I've heard that comment from women before. "Does that mean I'm chubby and cute? "

"I'd have to say that you're definitely more handsome than cute, which is much better…and you're not chubby. You're solid; there's a big difference. Solid is good."

"And chubby isn't?"

"Depends upon where you're chubby…now, this is a very fine example of chubby…"
She was wide awake now, sliding her hand down to investigate the tenting action beneath the sheets. I felt a firm but gentle tug. "You have a license for this thing, mister?"

"In fifty states and fourteen territories."

"And boy, do you know how to use it."

I had a snappy comeback all ready for her, but she disappeared underneath the sheet and I felt her tongue giving a repeat performance of the night before. I think I was going to suggest we go out for breakfast, but words and coherent thought began to fail me. Who needed breakfast, anyway?

RILEY

Jack and Nat were arguing across the hall and I wondered how long that would go on. All I knew was that she had a beef with him about the house design. Whatever it was, I didn't think she'd be interested in babysitting duty this morning so I looked down at little T and grinned.

"Looks like we're going to the gym, little buddy. Can't miss my workout and daddy's gone off to talk with Antony, so he can't watch you." I tucked the wriggling bundle into the pouch and kissed his fuzzy head. "It'll be fun! Bobby is gonna love you." I collected car seat, keys, slung my gym bag and the diaper bag over my shoulder and headed out the door. Out in the parking lot I looked for Jeff's car. Huh? Did he never come back yesterday? What's going on with him?

That little bit of curiosity bloomed fast and big time. All I kept thinking as I worked the weights and did my crunches was who's got her hooks into Jeff? When Bobby finally let me loose and cooed his last coo at the baby, I headed for coffee. I always think better after a good slug of caffeine.

I sat in Starbuck's and thought about every single woman I knew in Stowe. None seemed suitable for our Jeff Wigand, not by a long shot. He wasn't likely to take up with a married woman, so that ruled out most everyone else. The only person left that I could think of was the old widow Pearson and the very idea made me shiver. Nah. Jeff's too smart to get involved with someone who'd been widowed not once or twice, but three times. She's also more wrinkled than my sheets when I leave them in the dryer for two days. Not Mrs. Pearson … but hey …who the hell is that?

ANDY

When I dragged my tired arse into the kitchen it was almost noon and Monna was busy was hell. I went to the office and closed the door. My bloody head was thumping so loud it drowned out all the noise from the line. My back ached like a motherfucker and I dug into my pocket for the Extra Strength Tylenol I'd been popping like candy. It wasn't working anymore. I had to admit it. Something was wrong, maybe real wrong.

An hour passed and Monica charged into the office, closing the door behind her. I figured I was in for it. I did promise to help her with the lunch rush, didn't I? I pressed a thumb to my temple and braced, sure she was about to yell really loud. But her hand shot to my brow and she sat on the desk in front of me. "I'm so sorry love. I just …"

"That's it, Andy. I've had enough. Here's what we're going to do. You are taking some time off; I can cover for a while. You have to get over this … this … this flu or whatever it is. You know, everyone gets sick when the weather changes here. You just have to rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids and - "

I could see the worry in her eyes and it was breaking my heart. "Hey, it's not the flu and we both know it. But I think if I can just take some time and sleep I'll be apples in a few days. It's been one hell of a grind, love. Two years of nonstop here at the Inn and maybe it just all caught up with me."

She stood and shuffled papers on my desk. "Where's the list? Here it is. I'll go into town and pick these things up, you just keep and eye on the staff and as soon as I get back I'll take you home and call the doctor, okay?"

There was only one place in Stowe where I could get wonderful dried herbs and seasonings. At least what she'd be getting wouldn't be too heavy to carry … although I have seen my wife lift twice her weight on cases of produce or veal shanks. She shouldn't be long. As chook as I felt, I could hold down the fort for a few hours.

JOHN

Antony met me in the lobby and I thought, holy fuck, here we go. I wasn't looking forward to this, but Terry felt the man would serve well as security for the Inn and after everything that's happened here; there was no question about it, I had to have some serious security. It wasn't his abilities or new skills I was questioning; he was learning from the best. It was his fucking attitude.

Two days ago I'd talked with B about him, vented all my gripes and waited for her response. She just grinned.

"Let's see, John," she scratched her chin jokingly. "He's controlling … he's over demanding of himself … he's a take-action kinda guy … he's adopted the Inn as something special to protect … huh … if I'm not mistaken … he's just like you. Give him a chance, he'll do fine."

Smart ass. But she was right about one thing, I did need to give him a chance so that's what we were doing. Together we'd go over every inch of the property and I'd explain where I see possible problem areas and I'd let him make a few comments. It was our first meeting, or as Riles was calling it, our first male bonding experience. Fuck. Somehow I just don't see this morning ending up in the pub sharing a few frosted mugs of suds.

At first he was fine, observant, nodding agreement with everything I said or pointed out; then it started to fall apart at the entrance gate.

"Why is this gate left opened?" He grunted, walking around it and eyeing the camera perched at the top of the pillar.

"It's a welcoming kinda place, buddy. You see the camera, we can see who's coming in."

"But we can not see that person's intentions, even with the camera. The gate should remain closed, perhaps you should install a microphone and automatic opening devise for after it is deemed that they belong on the grounds."

The bastard was dragging the high wrought iron gate to close the damn thing. I simply pushed him aside and opened it again.

"Biebe, I cannot be responsible for who enters unless I can assess the possible danger."

"Then do it after they get inside the fucking gate. The gate stays opened."

He rolled his eyes and walked a tight circle. "What is the sense of it? You are asking for a repeat of the kidnapping events!"

"Listen, you belligerent prick. Anyone who wants to get in can go around the fucking gate, opened or closed if he wanted!"

"Then you must wall the property!"

"No!" I charged toward the back of the Inn, Antony quiet and lethal at my heel. Near the dumpsters I got smug. "The fucking gate can't be closed because beginning at six AM deliveries start coming. Linens for the rooms, the tables, napkins, uniforms. We get daily dairy and food deliveries, flowers, housekeeping supplies. No deliveries are accepted after ten AM. Then there's - "

"I will require a list of purveyors who have access to this receiving doc and kitchen entrance."

"Fine. Over there's the employee parking lot. We have forty-two staff personnel."

"I require all their names and social security numbers."

I glared. "What the fuck for? We screened them before hiring them."

"If you feel I'm being too thorough, Beibe, you need only say such!"

"What I feel is you're way too fucking big in the goddamn head to understand how this place works!" Man I was ready to swing.

KELLY

I felt a little bit like the cat who found a bowl of cream. Jeff was just so touchable, kissable, and okay; call me a hussy…fuckable. Sweet, mousey, respectable Kelly O'Grady had been transformed into this uber-vixen that just couldn't get enough. How crazy was it that we managed to meet up during a time where we were both single and open to the possibility of connecting with someone? I mean, let's face it - men like Jeff don't go around slamming their cars into women in oncoming traffic every day!

After we were finally able to tear ourselves away from the bed, Jeff suggested that we take a stroll along Main Street so I could get better acquainted with my new home. There was a Starbucks up on the corner and since my cupboard contained nothing but a can of tomato soup and a package of stale crackers, I was all up for a little adventure.

It was rather funny to think of a Starbucks located in the quaint little town, but I was surprised by how busy it was when we stepped inside. The fall tourist season was just getting underway, but it seemed that everyone was in town just to get a cup of coffee.

Jeff seemed just as surprised as I was. "If you'd like we can go over to the Swisspot - they serve brunch until eleven-thirty. Maybe it won't be as crowded over there."

"We can do that - but let's get some coffee here first; I really need a jump start. You tired me out, mister…" Not that I was complaining.

Jeff responded by slipping his arm my waist and pulling me close. "Takes two to tango, lady." Good God but his voice was a pure aphrodisiac.

The line to order moved quickly and a few minutes later we were standing over by the condiment counter; I liked extra cream and Jeff seemed to favor extra sweetener, judging by the number of packets he was opening. I made a mental note to myself to make sure to buy a larger sugar bowl at the first opportunity.

We lingered in Starbucks for a few minutes while Jeff's attention was drawn to the sport's page of a newspaper that someone had left on the counter. I stood close by waiting for him to finish when I felt the unmistakable sensation of being watched by someone.

Looking around, I noticed a woman staring at us from a table on the other side of the room, her eyes darting back and forth between me and Jeff . I looked away thinking that she was maybe just bored and liked to people watch - I've done the same thing myself on several occasions. But as I tried to put my attention elsewhere I felt her eyes hot upon us. The woman's gaze was relentless. I tried again to ignore her, but I could feel her eyes boring a hole through me.

I turned to Jeff and placed my hand on his arm. "Do I have something on my face - a smudge of dirt or something else that shouldn't be there?" I'd wiped my nose just to make sure I wasn't sporting something gross coming out of my nostrils, but it was unnecessary.

He gave my face a lingering once over, focusing his gaze on my eyes and lips. "Your face is clean, and quite lovely, I might add. Actually, I'd go as far to say that you are positively glowing." He leaned down and kissed the tip of my nose for emphasis.

I leaned in close. "There's this woman over in the corner who keeps checking us out - it's weird."

"Which corner?"

"Over by the clock."

Jeff took a quick glance over in that direction, but the woman was no longer there. "What did she look like?"

"I didn't get a very good look, but I think she had brown hair. And she had a baby with her in one of those papoose-type carriers."

"I don't see her now … Perhaps she was just people watching."

"Perhaps, but it was just so strange."

"Well, whaddya say that we go outside and enjoy some of the view and do some people watching of our own before heading over for something to eat? The community church is just around the corner - it's the one that you see in all those advertisements for the town. It's non-denominational, if you'd ever like to check it out. I'm a latent Catholic boy, myself, but I've never really stopped by to see it in person."

We had already discussed a myriad of topics, but this was the first time either one of us had mentioned religion. "I was born and raised by an Irish Catholic mother and father, went to a Catholic all girls school, I even once thought about becoming a nun. I haven't been to church in months. I'll probably burn for that transgression."

We made our way outside and started to stroll on over to the church. Jeff reached for my hand again. "A nun, huh? I've always embraced science, and it doesn't leave a lot of room for divinity. I think my father had a lot of ambivalence towards the church, but my mother was a devout Roman Catholic 'til the day she died. It's funny, but the older I get, the more I long to touch base with my roots. Does that ever happen to you?"

I was liking this conversation. Jeff seemed open to discuss a wide variety of subjects, unlike my ex. It was so refreshing to spend time with a man who seemed interested in what I had to say. "I did go back to church for a while right after my husband and I broke up. My parents live in Florida now and I couldn't run to them for solace. The church kind of filled that void for a while."

Jeff squeezed my hand in understanding. We had just crossed the street were standing directly in front of the church, both craning our necks as we looked up to get a good look at the steeple. The building was just as lovely as it was in the pictures, surrounded by a manicured lawn and a sprinkling of autumn leaves. We discovered a bench on the grounds that faced out towards the street and went over to sit down. I felt like I was in a Norman Rockwell painting. "This is really quite lovely."

Jeff slipped an arm around my shoulder and I was just about to snuggle in and plant a kiss on his cheek when I saw her again from the corner of my eye- the woman from Starbucks!

"Jeff, look - there's that woman again … and she's still checking us out!" I pointed with my chin over towards where she stood. She was standing with her back to us in front of one of the local clothing stores, watching us in the reflection of the store window. Why in the world was this woman following us, and dragging her baby along, no less?

Jeff's head snapped towards the direction I was indicating and he shook his head and began to laugh. "Damn … I guess she just couldn't resist the temptation … I always tell her that curiosity will get the better of her one day."

I didn't understand right away but then it hit me. Jeff knew this woman!

"Come on - let's go over and surprise her - I'll introduce you." He got up from the bench, pulling me along with him as we headed across Main Street. The woman saw us coming over and turned around, her face sporting an embarrassed smile. The papoose sling that she carried was almost as big as she was and I caught a good look of her baby just then - he had a tuft of brown hair underneath a soft blue knit cap and I know it was my imagination but he seemed to be watching me just as intently as his mother.

She looked up at Jeff and giggled. "Uh, hi you two … I guess I am so busted …"

Jeff couldn't stop grinning. "Kelly O'Grady, meet Riley Biebe … the mother of young Terrence here, half owner of the 1876 Manor Inn where I've been staying, and occasional private detective."

So this was the infamous Riley that Jeff had been speaking about. She was so tiny! And here I'd been imagining some statuesque, severe looking, business suited doyenne. She looked like a former high school cheerleader.

I held out my hand and smiled. "I'm pleased to meet you, Riley. Jeff's told me a good bit about you." I was a little curious as to why she felt a need to follow us about, but Jeff didn't seem perturbed so maybe it was just good natured curiosity after all. She was dressed in a red velour Nike sweat suit and I noticed a gym bag slung over her shoulder. That's when it all began to fall into place. New baby, gym located nearby … was she also carrying a diaper bag as well? Good Lord, she looked geared up for combat.

She took my hand in hers and giggled again. "It's nice to meet you too, Kelly. You probably think I'm some kind of lunatic, but I spotted you two in Starbucks and I was just, well, curious. I'm quite normal, I assure you."

Her explanation made sense. I was a bit flattered that someone actually found my presence intriguing. "I think I'm supposed to call you and set up an appointment so you can see my artwork. Would you be interested in doing lunch sometime next week? I'm still in the process of unpacking everything, but I could get it all together this weekend."

Riley's eyes lit up brighter than they already were. "That would be perfect! How's about Tuesday at noon? If you come on out to the Inn we could have lunch and talk shop. Would that work for you?"

Goodness. Right now I had nothing but time. "That sounds perfect. It's a date."

Just then as if on cue, baby Terrence started to cry. "Listen you two, I gotta run - this little guy is wet and hungry and I've got to get back before John sends out a search party."

We exchanged hasty good-byes, and I noticed that she shared a meaningful look with Jeff before turning around and heading back up the street.

Jeff slipped his hands into his pockets and gave me a wink. "Looks like you're in. "

Oh my. Then why am I suddenly feeling so nervous?

ANTONY

Biebe bellowed, I bellowed and I am sure my face had grown as red as his. When his fist flew, I caught it in tight my palm and leaned close.

"Are you sure this is what you wish?" I hissed, more than prepared to give him the battle he wanted.

"Hey! Enough of that shit!" shouted the brother called Lachlan. "We've got a big problem in the kitchen, mates!"

Together we charged inside behind Lachlan to find a downed man.

"Andy!" barked John. "What the fuck happened?" He looked up at Lachlan who was moving for the wall telephone.

"I was chatting with him and he just bloody dropped like a fuckin' rock. Callin' 911."

I knelt beside the silent man, he was breathing but fully unconscious.

"Forget fucking 911," John grunted. "We'll take him to the local hospital. Where the hell is Monna?"

"Gone into town for some shit. I'll call her and tell her where to go."

I carefully lifted the man and moved quickly outside to the car. Biebe and I jerked and pushed until the limp dead weight was neatly tucked into the back seat and I leapt into the passenger side as Biebe started the engine. We sped out of the thankfully opened gate, swerved and soared down the road. I glanced back, Andy was still as death.

Clipping my seatbelt I found myself marveling at Biebe's skill at the controls. This was a man who certainly had a grasp of defensive driving, weaving and leaping ahead safely but efficiently. Watching him I suddenly felt the weight of my situation, the strangeness of my life. And it became very clear that I was not becoming a part of this world as I should have been, was not attempting to weave into the fiber of it … instead I was forcing it into my own reality. A reality that no longer exists.

The expressions on Biebe's face, his actions and decisive decisions reminded me of another man. Of a comrade I had loved and respected greatly. Of Lucius Vorenus. In that moment I was humbled. John Biebe was not a man to conquer. He was a man to stand beside.

MONICA

I ran through the shop, grabbing items and dropping them thoughtlessly into the basket, not even consulting the list. I had other things on my mind, things I unfortunately didn't really want to think about.

Andy was so sick. I'd been aware of it for weeks but he kept insisting he was just tired. Now I know I only accepting his explanation because that's what I wanted to believe. All I could think, standing in line at the check out counter, was my father. How quickly he weakened and dissolved before cancer took him away forever.

"No. No. That's not it," I said aloud and the woman in front turned a glare. It couldn't be it. Andy is young and has always been strong and healthy. It has to be something else, something simple. After all, he was right. For two years he'd been working like a dog at the Inn. I had so hoped that moving out of the suite and into our house would give him better opportunity to rest and relax. It's really hard to work where you live, it's like you're on duty all the time.

But he just got worse. This was my fault; I should have put my foot down earlier. Now, if only the woman ahead would stop chattering about her grandchildren, I could get out of this damn store and take my husband home to rest.

My cell rang and I almost dropped my basket trying to get to it quickly, the displayed number was the Inn kitchen. "Andy? You okay?"

"Monna, darlin'. It's Lachlan. John just rushed Andy to the hospital there in Stowe."

"Oh Jesus!" I set the basket down and pushed past everyone to get out. "What happened?" Did he try to cook something? Cut something? He could hardly focus on getting from one part of the room to the other lately. I envisioned the need for stitches or skin grafting after third degree burns!

"Sweetheart, I was talking to him and he just blacked out; hit the floor like a rock. He was still out cold when they took him. Hurry, Monica. Soon as I get Riles to cover this kitchen, I'm on my way too."