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Hideaway House

By: thornapple



by

 Philip Johnson

As the category indicates, this is a non-erotic story, so don't get mad at me when you don't find much sex in the following story.



 Chapter One

The name Paradise Found sounded somewhere between somewhat cheesy to plastic luxury. But the first thing a person noticed when they pulled up to the front entrance was true luxury. Not over the top luxury, but quality everywhere. The construction made it look like an old mansion that had survived the ravages of time in nearly perfect condition. The entrance gave the appearance of large old oak double doors, but as you approached they opened automatically and you saw the grand lobby. Off to the far right was the reception area with a long marble counter and the staff perfectly dressed and smiling. Nothing could be found out of place, and there was no hint of hurrying or stress. If you were checking in, their attention would be on you alone until all of your needs were met and you were on your way to your room or suite. The lobby was more like a huge living room with a long ornate fireplace, and seating groups scattered all over, and there were three writing desks with computers and printers tucked into private alcoves. The one thing noticeably absent, was provision for small children. Though they were certainly welcome, Paradise Found didn't encourage them. This was a retreat for adults. 

The restaurant wasn't elaborate, but it was tasteful and served excellent food. The bar area was a quiet getaway, often accented with a piano player or a soft duet, and with abundant seating scattered around, with side tables and coffee tables like one might find in a private club. 

Paradise Found was on Old Republic Road just a couple of miles south of Harrisonburg, Virginia. The inn was sandwiched in between the George Washington National Forest, and just to the south, was the Shenandoah National Park. Just two hours to the east was Washington D.C., but you would never know it. The inn was quiet and serene at all times, a simple escape from the big city for a couple of days for some people, and a much anticipated destination for others who planned to stay for many days. Paradise Found was a nice jumping off place for those wanting to explore the different federal lands that practically surrounded the inn, but there was also the Hideaway. For some, the Hideaway was the whole reason to stay at Paradise Found. 

The whole of the three hundred acres of the Hideaway was bounded on the south by the Shenandoah National Park, and nothing but beautiful natural Virginia on the other three sides. The Hideaway had much to offer. Gentle hiking trails, two swimming pools, tennis courts, and enough private places, so that people that wished to be alone could be. There was no restaurant there, but foods were prepared at the inn and transported to the Hideaway twice a day. Simple foods like salads and sandwiches, as well as trays of finger foods to be enjoyed indoors or out. The bar was inside the lodge, a large rustic log building that might put one in mind of the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone, only on a much smaller scale. Also in the lodge, were a couple of meeting rooms and large seating area that were finished in dark woods with heavy furniture that was covered in rusty red leather that appeared to be aged to perfection. Just off the north side of the lodge was a huge covered patio with direct access to the bar, and on cool days mesh screens could be lowered to break the breezes and make lounging more comfortable. Access to the lodge was restricted to guests of Paradise Found of course, and even though the Hideaway was no more than four hundred yards from the inn, transportation was readily available. For those flying in by private plane, there was Bridgewater Airpark and a shuttle to Paradise Found could be arranged with a simple phone call.

The Inn was busy as usual and almost full and things were running along very smoothly until Frank Kennedy the manager at the Hideaway got a call on his cell phone from his boss Cal the resort manager. 

"Frank." 

"Hey it's Cal. I just wanted to let you know that Rex Pascoe just arrived without a reservation. You better check and see if his ex is still out there and warn her." 

"Well shit, and I'll bet she's out there at the south pool sunning topless again." 

"You'll be lucky if she isn't bottomless too." 

"Thanks for that reminder. Okay, I'll see what I can do." 

"Whatever you did the last time worked." 

"Hell, it should have, had I been any nicer to her I would have been making love to her." 

"Hey, whatever it takes." 

"Thanks, but I'll pass on that one. Call me if Rex heads this way." 

"I'll try Frank." 

The ongoing feud between Rex and Loretta was the stuff of legends and stories. Rex was wealthy and hot tempered and he was used to having his own way, and Loretta could hold her own and used to glory in making his life miserable. Even though they were divorced, they traveled in the same social circles and seemed to work hard at running into each other whenever they could. 

Frank found Loretta at the pool just as he suspected he would. As soon as he saw her he back stepped then and called out, "Loretta, it's Frank." 

"I'm out here sunning, Frank." 

"Are you decent?" 

"Hell no, but so what, I don't care if you see my boobs hanging out." 

Frank took a breath and stepped out. The first thing he noticed were her legs spread and her boobs weren't the only things hanging out, but he wasn't about to comment on that detail. "Sorry to bother you Loretta, but I just wanted to let you know that Rex just arrived at the inn." 

"Damn it, they said he didn't have reservations." 

"He didn't." 

"Then tell him to kiss off, Frank." 

"You know we wouldn't do that to him or to you. What can I do to make this easier for you? Can I get you anything?" 

"Yes, a pistol, so I can stop him following me around. I'm the one that introduced him to this place damn it. Oh to hell with it, if he shows up he shows up, I'm not running from him this time." 

"Okay, I just wanted to let you know." 

"Will they tell him that I'm here too?" 

"I don't know, Loretta. Well, I'll leave you to your sunning then." 

"Thanks, Frank." 

"My pleasure, Loretta." 

"I'll bet." 

He walked away smiling. If she had any idea how many naked or nearly naked people from beautiful to old or ugly he had seen in his ten years at the Hideaway, she wouldn't be so quick to assume he'd get the hots for her. Loretta looked good for a woman in her fifties. It was too bad, she was still in her forties. He did have to remember though, that she was rich, and still had powers of influence from Massachusetts to the Virginias. Before he had gone fifteen feet, his eye was drawn to the roof edge of the pool house. "Damn it." 

Loretta looked up and asked him, "You okay, Frank?" 

"Yeah it looks like the storm last night knocked a limb into one of the security camera mounts. I'm going to have to replace the whole damn thing." Frank just shook his head and walked away. Had he done his morning check of the four security cameras like he should have, he would have caught that right away. Well, no harm done he figured. He'd just get Lester Hanley, the maintenance man, to put it right again. That little problem was nothing compared to dealing with the likes of Loretta's nakedness. He called Cal and told him not to worry about Rex, because Loretta was ready for him if he did appear.

Paradise Found was accustomed to having guests that often ranged from the mildly affluent, to the rich and famous, but mostly their clientele came from the corporate world. At the very least, the guest was likely to be well positioned in the government or business world since their cheapest room in the off season was two hundred dollars, and that was when the Hideaway was closed for the season. That same room in prime season, if you were lucky enough to get a reservation, would go for five hundred and the deluxe rooms much more than that. Then there were the suites that went for big money, with the rates varying almost from day to day depending on what was going on in D.C. or the time of year, and of course how busy the inn was. The bottom line was they were accustomed to dealing everybody from congressmen to commoners. 

Cal's office phone rang and he picked up and said, "Cal." 

"Cal, this is Phyllis at the desk." 

"Yes, what's up Phyllis?" 

"Mrs. Carsdale, and her...um...guest, are here to check in and her reservation was screwed up." 

"Oh shit. Let me think. I hate to do this because they don't deserve it, but put them in Mr. Bingham's suite, he's in Egypt for another week or so." 

"Thanks, Cal." 

"No problem." Now he just had to find out who screwed up the reservation so he could wring their neck. Cal left his office for the day and decided to take a walk through the inn. It was something he did as often as he could. It was just good business. He had been at the inn long enough that the regular guests often times would stop him and they would shake hands and make small talk, all just part of his day to day function. 

 Chapter Two

Before going home, Cal stopped in the kitchen and they fixed him up with dinner and served him at a small table in the corner. With that done, he made a pass through the dining room and glad handed his way from table to table, working his way out. When he reached a small table, he saw a woman sitting alone. "Good evening, I'm Cal Glassman, the manager, how's dinner?" 

"Wonderful." 

"I'm glad you approve, is there anything we can do to make your stay more pleasant?" 

"Well, if you could add one more room in the next twenty four hours I'd like to reserve it."

He smiled and said, "I take it your reservation is up and you don't want to leave. I take that as high praise." 

"Well, it's that too, but actually I expected to be done here by now and I'm not." 

"Oh, sorry to hear that. How much time do you need?" 

"A few more days would be nice." 

He was pretty sure there were no rooms to be had but he said, "After dinner come to the desk and ask for me. I can't promise, but if there is anything I can do, I certainly will." He handed her his card and said, "Take your time, Miss..." 

"I'm sorry, I'm Nona Camden." 

"It's very nice to meet you, Nona." 

"Thank you, Mr. Glassman." 

"Cal please." 

"Cal, thanks you" 

"Don't thank me yet, there's a shortage of miracles but I'll try." As he walked away Cal called maintenance and caught them just before they went home. "Tony, it's Cal." 

"You just caught me Cal, I was on my way out." 

"Then I'll talk fast. What's the status of room six eleven?" 

"Almost done, maybe couple more days. They must have had quite a party in that room." 

"It was a very expensive one for them too. Their lawyer didn't even balk at the ten grand figure. Okay, so tell me, what would it take to have it done by tomorrow evening?" 

"Well, another man and divine intervention might do it. Got a hot date?" 

"Very funny, Tony. I have a guest that's in a bind." 

"And she's good looking with big watery eyes." 

"You're close, she's great looking, but how did you know?" 

"I've been around the block too. Look can I get with you in the morning? I'll come in early and see if there's anything that can be done." 

"See you in the morning then, Tony."

Nona was at the front desk about fifteen minutes later and Cal was summoned. He took Nona to the end of the counter and said, "Nona, I can't promise anything, but I'm working on one possibility. See me in the morning, say sometime after nine, and I'll let you know one way or the other." 

"Thank you very much, I know that just one guest in one of your cheaper rooms isn't going to make your profits bloom, so I see you as my hero just for trying." 

He smiled and said, "Just hold a good thought." 

"I will." Cal looked at his watch and knowing he would be up even earlier than usual, decided to hell with it, and went back to his office. He had a hide a bed, so he pulled that out and spent the evening alone in his office. But that wasn't so bad, he would have spent his evening alone at home too.

Cal was up, showered, shaved, and having breakfast in the kitchen by seven. By eight, he got a call from Tony. "Okay, here's the deal. We can have the bathroom done by late this afternoon, but the room still needs some more work and we want to replace the carpet, but I guess that could wait." 

"So if I said I didn't need it until say six that would help?" 

"That would help a lot, Cal." 

"Then so be it, but don't let me down." 

"Not to worry." 

"I have to worry because that's what I'm paid to do. Thanks, Tony." 

"You bet." 

Nona appeared right at nine and waited for Cal at the end of the registration counter after the desk clerk paged him. She saw Cal coming toward her, but he was stopped by a man that at least in his own eyes was an important person. She watched as Cal started out cordial and continued to keep a keep a near smile on his face, but his body language told her that he was getting upset. Then it struck her that she knew the man talking to Cal. His name escaped her at the moment, but she had seen him on television talk shows a few times. She still couldn't recall his name, but she did know that he was a lobbyist and a person that knew how to keep his face in the public eye. But to Nona, he was just arrogant, abrasive, and self serving. When Cal came over to her she said, "Excellent self control." 

"Pardon me?" 

"Oh, nothing." She knew he would never comment on his run in with Ralph Clayton. The man's name had popped into her head from out of nowhere and it surprised her. "I know the man that you were just...let's say interacting with, and like a lot of the world, I too just don't like him." 

"He does have presence." 

"I will give him that much." 

Cal smiled then and said, "Nona, I have a room for you." 

"I knew you could work miracles." He told her the story of the room and that she would have to be without a room until six o'clock and she said, 

"That's fine and thank you so much." 

"You're welcome, I'm glad we could help. You look very nice by the way." 

"Thank you, I didn't know if I needed to dress for the road or more comfortably for working in my room, but I decided I'd best be prepared and dress for the road." 

"I'm glad that won't be necessary now. Nona you're welcome to leave your bags in my office until your room is ready." 

"Thank you Cal, that would be nice. I'll use the day to take care of some business then." 

"Maybe I'll see you at dinner." 

"Would you join me for coffee?" 

"I'd love to but...how about a cocktail in my office?" 

"I'd like that, what time would you suggest?" 

"Let's try for about five if that's convenient for you, Nona. Then by the time we've enjoyed a drink, your room should be ready for you." 

"Meet you right here then?" 

"That would be fine."

Nona made it back to the inn just before five and settled into a chair where she could see the registration counter, but suddenly turned away. It was Peter, her ex husband, and he was about the last person she ever wanted to see again. He was sporting a moustache and he was wearing glasses, but she was certain it was him. She was trapped, so she grabbed a magazine and did her best to hide behind it and still keep track of him, but just the sight of him made her nauseous. After talking to someone for a minute, he left so she put the magazine down and worked to get herself settled down again. Cal noticed her sitting there, but was trapped in a conversation for the moment. He continued to pretend to listen to what was being said, but his eyes were on her. He had seen, met and been with a fair number of women that looked as good as Nona did, but he couldn't remember any that impressed him as much as she did. He didn't know why that was either, but he just knew that to be true. Cal finally jumped into the conversation again and said, "Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me I must leave you and take care of business." With hands shaken and parting words mumbled, he moved away, but not toward Nona. He wanted to disappear and then wait a minute before going to her. His image was very important to him and how it affected his work life, but no less important to him was his private life. The less his staff and guests knew about him, the better it was for him.

Minutes later Cal went to her and sat down. "Nona, if you'll wait a minute or two, and then have Phyllis at the desk bring you to my office." 

"Of course, take your time." She wasn't certain, but she had a suspicion why he was doing what he was doing. He disappeared and Nona waited almost five minutes, and then went to the desk and found Phyllis. 

"Oh yes, Mr. Glassman said to bring you to his office." The two women went to the hall past the reception desk and to an unmarked door where Phyllis knocked and then opened the door. "Cal, Miss Camden to see you." 

"Thanks, Phyllis. Oh, if a Malcolm Hayes asks for me, please bring him around would you? No need to call me first." 

"I'll take care of it." 

Nona offered, "Thank you, Phyllis," 

"You're quite welcome." 

"Make yourself comfortable Nona, can I order something from the bar for you?" 

"A black Russian, if you wouldn't mind." 

"Not at all," Cal called the bar and in less than five minutes, their drinks were delivered. He handed the Black Russian to her and then raised his glass to her saying, "To your continued success, Nona." 

"Thank you Cal, and for the drink as well." 

"My pleasure." 

"If the person comes that you're expecting, I'll just slip out." 

"I have a confession to make. I don't even know a Malcolm Hayes, I just made that up." 

"Oh...I think I understand why too. You don't want any gossip starting." 

"Very astute of you, so you're a writer." 

"Yes, my first book was a modest success, but it didn't win any awards. My second one did a little better, and now I'm into my third one. I also have a confession." 

"Good, I understand that's good for the soul." 

She smiled and sipped her drink and said, "I'm here doing location research for my writing, but as I travel, to help my bank account, I have been staying at inns and am writing an article for Conde Nast magazine about inns of the southeast." 

"Very enterprising of you." 

"Needless to say, Paradise Found will be mentioned in glowing terms." 

"Then I'm in your debt." 

"Then if you'll forgive me being forward, perhaps we could have dinner before I have to leave." 

"I'd like that, Nona."

 Chapter Three

She took another taste of her drink and said, "Cal, you are very good at what you do." 

"I'm glad you think so, but may I ask why you say that?" 

"I've watched you in action. In fact, I've watched you a number of times in the several days that I've been here. You don't just talk to people. It's more like a courtship, or a dance. In fact, I'd venture the guess, that sometimes what you say isn't all that important to them. It's your body language, and your facial expressions. As a writer, it's very important to me that I observe people. If I want my characters to seem real and alive to my readers, then I have to pay attention to those details and be able to use them." 

"Good writing isn't just good dialogue." 

"That's right. For example, when you talked to Ralph Payton earlier today, you came across as really listening to him. Even when he started to get agitated, you pretended to sympathize with him and really care about what he said. But from my angle, your body language started to tell a different tale." Cal studied her for a minute as he tried to decide how to respond but she made it easy for him. 

"I know you can't and wouldn't comment on that conversation, and that's as it should be. I just wanted to pay you that compliment and explain why I gave it to you. Like I said, you're very good at your job. Besides, you managed to find me a room when I was certain that would be quite impossible." 


Hideaway House



"It isn't often that I have the opportunity to serve somebody of your caliber." 

"Oh I'm sure. I'm a half tested fairly unknown author with a limited budget and you're accustomed to the big guns from D.C." 

"Nona when I said caliber I wasn't referring to your financial health or your social standing. I was referring to important things like your sharp mind, your quick smile, and your beauty." Nona didn't know what to say to that. 

She tasted the last of her drink and said, "I'm so far out of your league Cal, that was such a nice thing to say." 

He smiled then and said, "If I'm so far out of your league, why am I nervous talking to you right now?" 

Nona stood up then and moved toward him and handed her glass to him saying, "Now I know you're making things up." 

"No, I assure you I am not." 

"I better go and get settled in my new room. I have to think about what you just said a little." It was almost imperceptible, but it was there. She felt his hand ever so lightly on her back as he followed her toward the door. To his surprise she stopped, and turned quickly and his hand pressed into her side. "Cal, my list of reasons for being in your debt is growing, but all I can do is say thank you for all of the nice compliments and for my room, and...well, for everything, especially having a drink with me." 

"I have selfish motives, Nona. Now perhaps I can look forward to seeing you for awhile longer." 

She just kissed his cheek, smiled at him and said, "I'm sure we can make that happen", before leaving his office.

As Nona walked away she mentally fanned her face. She had to be on her toes whenever she was around him. He was such a calm and confident man, and yet there was that tiny part of him that seemed vulnerable. If anything, that contrast just made him more attractive to her. He was charming and gracious to the extreme, and in his line of work he had to be. And yet, she felt like she'd just seen a small part of the real Cal Glassman, the man behind the smooth and confident façade. She smiled as she recalled his comment about being nervous with her. If he only knew just how nervous she was whenever she was around him. Nona stopped at the desk to sign in for her new room and with her bags being transported by a bellman, went to her room and from there it was on to dinner. She was used to eating alone, but she didn't enjoy it.

Nona had to keep her secret, but the novel that she was working on dealt with the rich and powerful and the Paradise Found was the perfect place for her to be. She even stiffened her resolve with a couple of double scotch on the rocks and talked to Ralph Payton for half an hour. He loved to talk about himself and his conquests, so for the most part she just smiled and listened to him and nodded her head. She met Loretta Dunhill and had lunch with her. To Nona, the woman had a hard edge to her and her gravely whisky voice just added to her assessment of the woman. But as lunch progressed, she was impressed with her sharp mind and even how cordial and outgoing she was. Nona's stay at the inn was proving to be a goldmine for her. By the end of the next day, her notebook held a wealth of thoughts and she already knew she had to introduce another character in her book. Two characters actually, one with a lot of the unpleasant traits of Ralph Payton, and the other one modeled after Loretta Dunhill. Nona had put almost two years of her writing life into that notebook off and on, and it was always with her or in her room safe because it contained the heart and soul of her story. Without that notebook, she would never be able to finish her book. 

Nona hadn't seen Cal since having a drink with him in his office, so when she saw him enter the dining room, she stopped and watched him. He was with the chef and they were talking to a long table of a dozen diners. Once again, she admired his smooth and comfortable way as he made a point of talking to each of the guests. Cal left them then and moved on to another table where Ralph Payton was dining with some guy she didn't know. The conversation must have been a more cordial one than the last time because Cal had a smile and he seemed relaxed and even patted Ralph's back as he talked. Then it was on to the other diners until he made his way to her table. "Hi Nona, you're looking wonderful as always." 

"Hi Cal, I was beginning to think you were on vacation." 

He smiled and said, "Sorry, I wasn't avoiding you I promise. Just a little busy, how are you?" 

"I'm fine." 

"And the book?" 

"I'm getting so much done. I couldn't be more pleased with it." 

"Wonderful." 

"I'm going to hate leaving here." 

He paused then and asked her, "How much longer do you think you'll be here?" 

"A couple of days at least and then it's home. I have to finish the article for Conde Nast before I can go back to my book." 

"I hate to see you go. Um...Nona...about us having dinner." 

Her smile dissolved into a look of disappointment and she said, "Yes?" 

"Would tomorrow evening work for you?" Her face lit up then and she said, 

"That would be wonderful. Would it help if I were to meet you someplace?" 

"Thank you for the gesture, but that won't be necessary. I'll meet you by the lobby doors at seven if that works." 

"That works just fine." 

His hand was lightly resting on her table and she started to put hers over his to say thank you but caught herself and just said, "I'll see you then." He returned her smile and then moved on to another table.

 Chapter Four

Cal and Nona saw each other at about the same time. As he approached she expected him to be very conservative and proper, but to her surprise he stepped close and he gave her a warm kiss on the cheek. "I had no doubt that you would look stunning, but you still took my breath away." She was completely caught of guard by his display of affection and his grand compliment. 

She couldn't even decide what she should do, but she also couldn't keep from looking into his eyes when she said, "I didn't know if we were going someplace fancy, so I tried to dress for any occasion." 

"I should have at least given you a clue where we are going, but you're just perfect as you are." Cal's car was under the large entrance canopy, so within a few steps he was holding the car door for her. 

Cal was nervous just as he knew he would be. What was it about her that affected him like that? He had met many famous people over the few years that he had been at the inn and he was always in control of his emotions. Now, as they made their way to a simple but nice restaurant, he could feel his insides flutter. Nona was faring no better. It was she that had asked him to have dinner with her, and now that it was happening, she had to wonder if she hadn't aimed a little too high. Cal was handsome and debonair and used to interacting with well known and often times powerful people. She just couldn't help but wonder why he would want to spend an evening with her.

It was a little awkward for both of them as they shared superficial conversation for the twenty minutes of so that it took for them to reach their destination. 

Then right after exiting the car, as much to his surprise as hers, he put his hands on her hips and looking right into her said, "Look, I have say this before I make a complete fool of myself. I told you before that I get nervous when I'm around you and it's no different this time." 

Before he could go on Nona said, "Cal, I'm nervous too." Then she reached up and kissed him. It wasn't a long kiss. Just long enough for his hands to go to her back and return her kiss. 

Then she looked at him and said, "Maybe that will help us relax." 

He just smiled for a second and then said, "I don't know if I'm more relaxed now or even more nervous. Now it's more important than ever that you enjoy our evening and more important than ever that I see you again. I have to find out what it is about you that affects me so much." 

Her hands were on his hips as her eyes stayed riveted to his. "If you're not careful, you could find out you're seeing more of me than you want." He was still feeling flustered but he hid the fact by putting his arm around her and saying, "Let's go see Greg." 

"Who's Greg?" 

"The maitre d' here, he used to work for me, so I'm sure we'll get a nice table." It may have been the great dinner or the wine or even the conversation, but it was more likely that it was the kiss that helped these two adults relax and enjoy each other's company. The dessert choice was difficult, but they both chose the zabaglione and coffee to end their meal. They were getting comfortable with each other and Nona said, "I had lunch with Loretta Dunhill yesterday." 

"Now there is a lady that's helpful to know." 

"She's quite a character." 

"Oh, she is that and more. Did you have a pleasant lunch?" 

"I really did. She told me that she used to be married to Rex, but I couldn't connect the name until she told me a little about him. Unlike so many people of her station, she was very open about herself." 

Cal smiled and said, "She is unique. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I told you a little about her. Loretta was born to money, grew up and made a lot more, then married money. Then when the marriage to Rex Pascoe fell apart, she walked away with enough of his fortune that she became wealthy by anybody's standards. "But not without making enemies, I'm guessing." 

"A few at least, Ralph Payton among them." 

"Then she can't be all bad." He laughed and continued. 

"Loretta screwed up his lobbying efforts twice that I know of and maybe even more. The last time he was lobbying for the timber industry, and after a lot of rough seas working on that, he finally found himself sailing into calm water. That was when Loretta sank his boat somehow. I've never learned the details of what happened, but Ralph just about went crazy is what I heard." 

"I would have paid money to see that." 

"Do people with power bother you?" 

"Only people with power that abuse it." 

"That would include a lot of people in this part of the country." 

"It sure does. I told Loretta that I was writing a novel about Washington and she almost laughed. She said I would have no shortage of scandals and misdeeds to write about. When I told her I was going to model one of my characters after her she seemed truly flattered."

Cal finished his dessert and said, "For all her bluster and cockiness I like her. She is one of the few that expect you to take her as she really is with no games and no nonsense." 

"I also told her one of my characters would have a lot of the traits that Ralph Payton has. Her response was, I hope he gets murdered in your story." 

"Can you tell me about your novel?" 

"It's a mystery really, and of course somebody does get killed in it. Two actually, but one that is central to the story. But it is pure fiction and even Loretta will have to work to find herself in it. A lot of the story takes place at a fictitious estate between here and Staunton." 

"And?"

"Oh no, you'll just have to read the book. I'll even give you an autographed copy." Their desserts were gone and the coffee cups empty so he asked her, 

"Shall we go?" 

"I'm ready."

As they reached his car she said, "Oh and I also met Ralph Payton and listened to him talk about himself for awhile." 

Cal laughed at that and said, "And your opinion of him?" 

"I had to go back to my room and bathe afterwards." That made him laugh even more, but he didn't add anything to her comments. 

Instead he put his arms around her and said, "Nona, I'm enjoying being with you so much." 

"I'm having wonderful evening too, Cal." 

Before he could say anything more his cell phone rang and he said, "I'm sorry I better take that. They don't call me this late unless it's very important." 

"That's okay." He opened his phone and said, "Cal. Wait...tell me that again." He listened and then said, "Oh shit. Okay, I'll be there in half an hour or so. Call me back if you learn anything else." When he hung up his face was somber. "Nona, they just found Loretta out by the south swimming pool...she's been murdered." 

"Oh my God, no."

 Chapter Five

The drive back to the inn was quiet. Cal was rapidly thinking about the Paradise Found and the negative publicity that was sure to be generated. It was his job to worry about that first, and then about Loretta or her family second. As the shock of the news wore off, Cal said, "I'm not going to have time to talk to you for awhile once we get back to the inn." 

"I know Cal. I'm sorry for Loretta, but I'm sorry for you too." 

"I'm also sorry about us. Nona, I've had a wonderful evening with you and I'm sorry it's ending on this sad note."

"I am too Cal. You're going to have your hands full, so just concentrate on the things you have to worry about. If it turns out I have to leave before things settle down, I'll get in touch with you, I promise." 

"It's going to get ugly for awhile. Loretta's murder is going to be big news for the whole eastern seaboard and everybody with an agenda will try to find some way to get their face and name connected to the mystery. It will be like vultures feasting upon the bones of the deceased. Then, there will be the ones that have crossed swords with her over the years. The police will interview them and all of that dirty laundry will be aired again. It makes me tired just to think about it. The fact that poor Loretta was murdered is going to get lost in the shuffle I'm afraid." 

As they pulled up to the entrance Nona said, "Go ahead Cal, you have a long night ahead of you." 

"Nona, I..." 

"Cal, don't worry, we haven't seen the last of each other." It wasn't much, but it was all she could think to say and his mind was already flooded with what he needed to see to that he couldn't think about anything else. The two of them walked in together, but then Cal was gone and Nona went to her room.

Cal called Cory the night security man on his radio and Cory said, "Security." 

"It's Cal, where are you?" 

"In the security office with a detective." 

"I'm on my way." 

As he entered the office he heard the detective say, "Shit. Where was that camera pointing?" 

"Toward the sidewalk that leads to the two swimming pools, see the fork in the walkway. The one to the right is the one that leads to the pool where Mrs. Dunhill was found." 

"Yeah, I got it now." He turned to look at Cal and then extended his hand. "Detective Gaston." 

"Cal Glassman, I'm the resort manager." 

They shook hands and then Cal asked, "Camera problem, Cory?" 

"Yeah, it was damaged in the storm the other night, and we're still waiting for the new one to get here. The camera should have been pointing toward the south pool, but with the mount busted off inside the camera, it's just laying there on the roof all crooked and pointed toward the sidewalk. It's a miracle that we even have an image."

Detective Gaston asked Cal, "I understand that it wasn't uncommon for Mrs. Dunhill to sun naked." 

"Not at all." 

"Isn't that against resort policy?" 

"Yes it is, but to tell you the truth, we have several rather well known people that like to stay here and sun naked in that little corner." 

"Don't you worry that sort of thing will get out of hand?" 

Cal laughed slightly and said, "No. Most of our guests are too worried about their image and won't risk a nude photo of them appearing in the news. They work hard to be discreet and don't bother anybody. Mr. Bingham, the owner and I have discussed it, and we're in agreement on a warn them of the risks, and then looking the other way approach." 

The detective had Cory rewind the tape to a certain point and then to Cal said, "See if you recognize the woman that comes into the left side of the screen." Cal watched closely and after studying the tiny indistinct image said, "No, she's just too far away. I'd guess her to be younger rather than older, but that's about the best I can do." 

"Thanks for trying anyway. Do you know of any enemies that Mrs. Dunhill might have had?" 

"Detective, we're only a couple of hours from Washington, so a lot...probably most of our guests are either in politics directly or affiliated with politics in some fashion. That means that about everybody that stays here have at least a few enemies." 

"So you know of no one in particular with a grudge against her." 

"Her ex husband, but that's common knowledge and their feud, if you want to call it that, has been going on forever it seems. I think they just enjoy driving each other crazy...or, rather they did." 

"Yes, that's what I hear." The three of them went outside and with the videotape in hand and one last look in the direction of the broken camera, the detective headed back to the inn leaving Cal and Cory standing there. 

Nona thought about going down to the lobby to see if anything was going on but decided against it. Anything that she might learn from the other guests would be no more than conjecture or complete misinformation. She tried to work on her story, but gave that up and turned on the television. She didn't have to wait for the late news because they were breaking in with the details of poor Loretta's demise. In the end, they didn't know all that much either. Loretta had been found near the south pool, just as Cal had said and they went on to say that she was naked and had been stabbed. Since she was unaware of Loretta's penchant for sunning nude, Nona assumed that sex or rape had been involved as well. It amazed Nona how long they talked about the murder when they had so few details. They spent a good amount of time talking about who Loretta was, but Cal had given her the basics of that story, so she shut the television off and went back to working on her writing.

The next morning, Nona was questioned by the police and she knew that had to be simply because the two of them had had lunch together not long before Loretta was murdered. There was no point of Nona staying any longer. She was getting nothing accomplished and her chances of even seeing Cal were very slim. After packing her bags she sat down and wrote him a note. "Cal, I'm sorry I have to leave without seeing you again and I hope that things settle down for you soon. I didn't know Loretta well, but she certainly didn't deserve to die. I enjoyed having dinner with you so much and hoped that we still had some evening left to share. We didn't even get into the where did you grow up kind of questions. Look for my contact information at the bottom and don't worry I'll be in touch with you too. In the theatre they always say leave them wanting more. Well you certainly have done that", and she signed it Nona. She sealed that in an envelope and left it at the desk for him when she turned in her room card. She only lived four hours away in Charleston, and with all that she had to think about, the drive seemed even shorter to her. At least her research project was done and she could concentrate on her article and her story now. That also meant that she had no real reason to go back to Paradise Found. But she also knew there was a good chance she would.

For the first hour or so of her trip, her thoughts were dominated with visions of Cal and of snippets of conversations that they had shared. It seemed that he was opening up to her, but it still seemed there was still a part of him that he held back. It could be argued, that they were still getting to know each other, but to her there was more to it than that. It was like his work was his wife, and if Nona were to become a part of his life, hers might be more the role of a mistress. She was still turning all of that over in her mind when Loretta came to her mind. Who could have done such an awful thing to her and why?

 Chapter Six

It was the Friday after the murder when someone rang Nona's doorbell. She looked through her security peephole and saw a good looking man standing there in a polo shirt and sport coat. "May I help you", she asked through the door. 




Hideaway House



"Mrs. Camden I'm Phil Cooper. I'm a private investigator and I'd like to talk to you if you have a minute." 

"Can you show me your I.D.?" 

"Of course," and he quickly pulled it out and held it up for her. 

She opened the door, but kept the security chain in place and said, "May I see that again?" 

"Of course, take your time." 

He held it close to her and after a second she asked him, "Is this regarding the murder of Loretta Dunhill?" 

"No, I'm working on something else. I just have a few questions if you wouldn't mind." He handed her his card and said, "Feel free to call my office and ask my secretary to describe me or whatever." She relaxed her guard then and unchained her door. 

"I'm sorry but..." 

"Don't be, you did the right thing by being cautious." 

"Come in." 

"Thank you, I won't be long I promise."

Nona went to a chair in the living room and as she sat down he sat on the couch. "What is this regarding then Mr. Cooper?" 

"I'm doing a background for a security check is all. I understand you used to be married to Peter Koloff." 

"Yes for two years."

"And your divorce was final about eighteen months ago?" 

"About that I guess." He wrote something down and then said, "Peter is in politics I believe." 

"Yes, he was a state representative, but I understand he has aspirations of being a senator." 

"That's what I'm hearing. Do you have contact with him now?" 

"I haven't talked to him since the divorce." 

"I see. He's married to a woman named Bethany now I understand." 

"So I understand." 

"Sorry, I know this probably isn't your favorite topic of conversation." 

She gave him a thin smile and said, "Not even close, especially if I'm sober." He laughed and wrote something else in his notebook. 

"You don't have to answer this one if you'd rather not, but was your separation amicable?" 

"Our relationship was similar to the one Khrushchev and Nixon had." 

"That bad, huh?" 

Changing the subject then he said, "I have to confess I've read one of your books." 

"Is there a but?" 

"No actually, I liked it." 

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, but I'm surprised because I tend to put a lot of romance in my mysteries." 

He gave her his best smile and closing his little notebook said, "I guess you appealed to my sensitive side, but don't tell anybody I have one." 

"That wouldn't do for a private detective now would it." 

"Not at all."

"You're secret is safe with me, Mr. Cooper." 

"Phil, please." He stood up then and said, "Thank you for your time." 

"Sorry about the suspicion thing." 

"Don't be. Oh, I wanted to ask you. Why did you think I might have something to do with the Dunhill murder?" 

"I had lunch with her at the Paradise Found Inn the day before she was murdered." 

"Oh, I'm sorry was she a friend?" 

"No, I had just met her actually. She seemed nice, a real person. I'm sure she could play the game with the best of them, but when I had lunch with her she seemed so genuine and self effacing actually." He gave her another smile then and said once more. 

"Thank you for your time, Miss." 

"Nona please, and come back in a few months and I'll give you a copy of my new novel." 

"I'll do that." Phil made his way back to his office and went in. 

"Hey, boss." 

"Any calls, Kate?" 

"Just one, your mother called and says you're supposed to give me a raise." 

"Nice try." 

"How did it go with that Camden woman?" 

"Okay, I guess." 

"Just okay?" 

"Yeah...I mean she was very cordial, but I didn't get much information." 

"So now what?" 

"I don't know yet. I don't even know if she can help. It's been two years since she talked to her ex." 

"But didn't you say that you needed to look back even farther than that?" 

"I do." 

"So?" He hesitated for several seconds and then said, "I'm going to go back and tell her the truth about what I need." 

"You can't do that without telling her why you need it." 

"I'm going to try." 

"I don't understand." 

"I guess I've been doing this too long. I had a hard time lying to her." 

"Let me guess, she's good looking and she smiled at you a lot, maybe even batted her eyes at you." 

"You're close. She did smile and she's very good looking, but on top of that that she's very nice too, but she didn't bat her eyes." 

"If you go back you better be very careful or you'll lose the account from talking too much." 

"I know and thanks." 

"Just trying to keep my job." 

"Why, I don't pay you enough." 

"At last you admit it, we're making progress." 

Phil went to his office and dialed Nona's number. "Hello?" 

"Miss Camden...I mean Nona, this is Phil Cooper again." 

"Oh yes, Phil." 

"Listen...there's...there's more that I'd like to go over with you. There's a restaurant not far from your place called Henry's, is it any good?" 

"It's not bad at all." 

"Could I buy you lunch or dinner as penance for being a pest? We could talk then if you are willing." 

"I guess so, when were you thinking?" 

"Either this evening yet or tomorrow for lunch, whatever works for you." 

"How about tomorrow for lunch, say about twelve thirty?" 

"I'll see you there and thank you." 

It was late in the afternoon when Nona got another visitor. When she went to the door she looked at another badge. 

"Miss Camden, I'm Detective Tony Gaston from Harrisonburg." She looked at his badge and let him in, but stayed standing. 

"Miss Camden I understand you were at Paradise Found when Loretta Dunhill was murdered." 

"Yes, I was." 

"And you had lunch with her the day before?" 

"I did." 

"How well did you know her?" 

"I'd just met her and she invited me to have lunch with her." 

"Very nice of her." 

"I thought so." 

"But you had never seen her before that time?" 

"Never. I'd heard of her of course during my research, but that's all." 

"What about after lunch, say late in the day?" 

"No." 

"And you were at the inn for research for your writing." 

"Correct. I'm well into my third novel." 

"If that was the only time you saw her then why are you seen on a security video going out to see her at the pool?" 

"I didn't go out there. I've never been out to the pool in fact." 

"But you're seen on the tape coming down the side walk." 

"I don't know who you saw on the tape, but it wasn't me." 

"Did your ex husband know Miss Dunhill?" 

"I haven't talked to him in two years, so you'll have to ask him." 

"I'm told that your mysteries always involve politics." 

"They have so far anyway." 

"And Miss Dunhill was very involved in politics." 

"Yes she was." 

He closed his notebook and simply said, "Thank you, Miss Camden," and turned to leave. 

"You're quite welcome, Detective", and closed the door behind him. She stood in her entryway and leaned against the door for a minute. They couldn't possibly see her as a suspect. She had no motive for one thing. She had researched and written enough to at least know the basics and she also knew she just didn't fit the profile. That told her they were getting desperate to find a suspect and it could be anybody just so long as they had somebody to feed to the wolves and keep the political pressures off of them.

Once she had settled down she called Cal. 

"Cal Glassman." 

"Hi, it's Nona." 

"Hi, it's good to hear your voice." 

"Am I calling at a bad time?" 

"No, but I'm not in my office. I'll call you back in five minutes." 

"Okay." It was almost five minutes exactly when her phone rang. 

"Hi it's Cal." 

"So are things settling down for you?" 

"It's much better now. So how are you?" 

"Doing okay, except a detective was here and all but accused me of killing Loretta." 

"You must be joking." 

"I'm afraid not." 

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised, they all but accused my maintenance staff of intentionally tampering with the security camera." 

"Which camera?" 

"The one that's supposed to aim at the pool area where Loretta was." 

"They said they had me on video walking out to meet her." 

"Well, the part of the tape that I saw you weren't there." 

"I know because I've never been out there. Has the murder hurt your business much?" 

"Are you kidding we're booked solid and I'll bet most of them have been out to the south pool. How is the book coming?" 

"Not too bad, but I'm still working on the magazine article. I should be back to my story in a couple of days though." 

"Any chances of you coming back this way soon?" 

"Not for awhile at least, not to stay I'm afraid, but maybe we can set something up for lunch. Is it possible for you to get away long enough to meet me at Lexington tomorrow, or don't you get days off?" 

"I do, but not tomorrow I'm afraid." 

"Well, we'll just have to try another time then."

"Nona, I really would like to see you though." 

"We'll come up with something one of these days." 

 Chapter Seven

After talking to Cal, she didn't have a good feeling about them getting together again. She could have suggested Sunday as an alternative, but when he didn't suggest that she figured it wasn't that important to him. So instead of being with Cal, she was going to have lunch with Phil Cooper while he fired more questions at her. Then she smiled as she remembered that he had admitted to reading one of her books. She had trouble visualizing this handsome and masculine detective sitting in his living room reading one of the passionate chapters. But when she remembered that some of her romantic passages would take on a decidedly erotic slant, it was easier for her to visualize him reading her book.

As she approached the entrance to Henry's, she saw him standing there with his trusty notebook in hand. As soon as he saw her he straightened up and smiled. "Thanks for agreeing to meet with me again." 

"You're welcome but I can't imagine what I can say that would help you." 

"Maybe nothing, but I'd hate to realize later that I'd failed to ask that one question that makes a big difference." 

They were soon seated and had ordered their drinks before she asked him, "How is your investigation progressing?" 

"Slowly I'm afraid." 

"Hence the need for more answers from me." 

"That's about it. Listen I was in such a hurry to get here I didn't wash my hands. If you'll excuse me I'll be right back." 

"Take your time Phil." The restrooms were on the far side of the restaurant and she noticed he had left his notebook on the table. The urge was just too powerful to ignore so as soon as he was around the corner she grabbed it opened it. On the left side were the questions he had asked her when they met the first time with notes after the questions But on the right side were small notations saying things like, very pretty and has beautiful dark eyes. Then it said, seems very smart and has great sense of humor. Want to see her again. She was embarrassed to be reading those very personal notes, but at the same time she was so surprised and flattered. She was afraid he might come back and catch her so she quickly put his notebook back where it was. Was this meeting for more questions just a ruse so he could see her again?

When he returned she said, "You forgot your notebook." 

"I figured it was safe in your hands." 

She didn't know how he meant that so she quickly asked him, "Do you take that wherever you go?" 

"Just about." 

"So you write down questions that you want to ask later?" 

"Sometimes. Other times I ask questions and then write them down with the answers I get. I frequently just write down random thoughts too. Then when I get back to the office I transfer all of my notes to file. I sometimes even surprise myself when I realize what I've written down. I guess we all have to have our systems." 

"That's true. I write tons of notes and outlines as I develop a story. Sometimes my notes are so detailed it's almost like writing the story twice." 

With their food delivered they ate lunch and made small talk. "Nona, have you heard anything more about the murder?" 

"A detective came to see me and all but accused me of being the murderer." 

"Why would he think that?" 

"He claims I was seen on a security video where Loretta was murdered, but the truth is I was never there." 

"If you were never where the camera could see you, he's on a fishing expedition is all. He may be trying to rattle you or perhaps they have someone on camera, but they can't identify them, and had you been at the scene of the crime at some point, that ploy would have rattled you enough that you would have admitted to being there." 

"I thought of that, but it helps to hear you say it." 

"I can only imagine the pressure those detectives must be feeling."

As soon as their empty dishes were removed, Phil leaned forward and said, 

"Nona, I wasn't honest with you when I saw you the last time." She just looked at him in silence so he continued. "I'm not working on a security background check. I was hired by a private investigator in D.C. to look into your ex husband Peter." 

"Why didn't you just say so in the beginning?" 

"Because I shouldn't be telling you any of what I'm about to." 

"Then why are you?" 

He just smiled at her and shrugged his shoulders before saying, "Because you are so..." and he stopped for a second before quickly changing his mind and saying, "I just feel that being honest with you is the best way. If I'm up front with you, maybe you'll be more inclined to be open with me." Had she not stolen a look at his notes, she wouldn't have given it a thought, but now she wondered what it was he started to say to her.

She sipped her coffee and studied him over the rim of her cup before asking him, "What could I know that would be of help to your investigation?" 

"Very possibly nothing." 

"Is he in some kind of trouble?" 

"Nona, I can only tell you that there are some improprieties within his circle of...business associates. I wish I could tell you more, but to be honest I don't know a whole lot more than that right now." 

"I get the feeling that this conversation might be long and would have gone better at my house rather than here." 

"Maybe so, but this way I got to buy lunch for my favorite author." 

She had to smile and then said, "You've read all of one of my books." 

He didn't hesitate and returned her smile before saying, "But that represents about eighty percent of my reading in the last six months, and I can't wait to read your next one." 

Nona leaned back then and said, "Okay Detective, let's go to my house and I'll even provide the coffee. I have to see what kind of old memories of my ex we can dig up." She was about half surprised at what she had just said. She hardly knew this man, this detective, and here she was inviting him to her house for coffee and extended conversation. A conversation that was almost certain to contain details of her life with Peter that no one else knew about, and she had finally managed to put behind her. She was also surprised to realize that she was glad that she hadn't driven up to see Cal. 

Phil looked into her eyes in a way that made her wonder if he could read her mind and then simply said, "I'd like that." Phil followed her home and waited as she made coffee. When she returned she handed him his coffee and said, "I'm assuming you still want it black." 

"Yes, thank you." 

"Be right back", and she disappeared. When she returned she handed him a book and said, "I can't have my favorite fan not reading my first book." 

He smiled and said, "Thank you, Nona." He opened it and saw that she had signed it after writing, "To Phil, my favorite fan and favorite detective, from your favorite author." 

"Thank you Nona, I can't wait to read it." 

"You're welcome. I wanted to give that to you before your questions got me mad or upset." 

"I promise to do my best not to make you mad." 

"What about upset?" 

"I'll do my best there too, but I don't know how talking about Peter will affect you." 

She sat on the couch next to him and said, "Okay, Detective, detect." 

"Let's focus on the last year of your marriage." 

"I was afraid of that; it was only the first year that we were happy. Okay, first question." 

"How would you describe his overall demeanor in those last months?" 

"What do you mean?"

"Happy, tense, hostile?" 

"Oh. It varied quite a bit. He seemed happy until about...let me think. About...I guess about the beginning of that last year. Then he seemed to become more distant. Disconnected, I guess, at least from me." 

"But not hostile?" 

"Not until later." 

"Let's come back to that in a minute if you don't mind. So if, for example, the two of you were out for an evening, how would he be?" 

"Again it depended. If it was just the two of us, he would be quiet and even morose sometimes. But in public he would be mannerly and smooth. On the other hand, if it was a political function, he would be very charming and outgoing." Phil was looking into his cup and slowly swirling the last of his coffee so she asked him, "More coffee, Phil?" 

"Oh, yes thank you. Sorry, I was just considering what you just said." 

She got the two of them more coffee and when she returned he was writing in his notebook, on the left side.

 Chapter Eight

When she sat down again he said, "Thank you. Okay, so I take it from what you said, that around home he wasn't exactly effusive." 

She smiled and said, "That's one word that I don't connect with Peter." 

"You doing okay, I mean is this bothering you?" 

"I'm okay." 

"I want to talk about finances a minute. I'm not going to ask you detailed and personal questions, but...let's try it this way. Did you and Peter have a blended financial arrangement or did each of you have your own money?" 

"In the beginning it was pretty well blended, but as time went on and he started to change, my writing income started to amount to something. It was at that point that I insisted on splitting the expenses and so forth." 

"I have to think that was a very smart move on your part." 

"As it turned out it was." 

"Did he...were there times when he seemed to have more money than other times?" She paused for several seconds and the question seemed to bother her, but at last she said, "Yes. He never seemed pressed for cash, but there were times when comments or purchases told me that he was feeling pretty flush and almost reckless with his spending." 

"For example." 

"For example, he would invite a half a dozen couples to join us for dinner and then pick up the tab, and I'm not talking about your average neighborhood restaurant." 

"So you're talking in the thousands." 

"The bar tab alone would be a thousand or more." 

"Did you ever ask him about it?" 

"No, by that point I just didn't care. I was just glad that I had my own money." 

"I'm sure." 

"What about his circle of friends. Did they ever have those dinner parties and invite you and Peter?" 

"Not to the scale that Peter had them." 

Phil leaned back and thought a second. Then as he talked he made a couple of notes on the right half of his notebook. Nona was so intrigued by what he was doing she missed his next question. "I'm sorry Phil what was that?" 

"I was just asking if the two of you ever fought or was it more of a battle by silence?" 

"Oh we fought, and it was anything but silent." 

"Over money?" 

"No." He just looked at her until she said, "Sex." 

"Oh." That answer wasn't one he was expecting and it made him uncomfortable. 

"I um...we don't..." 

"I'm sorry if that made you uncomfortable." 

He smiled then and admitted, "You got me with that answer. Let me ask you this. Was there anything in your...personal life, that if made public. would prove to be damaging to his or your career? I don't want to seem like a voyeur. I'm trying to get a complete feeling about Peter. What drives him, what his weaknesses are, and given a certain situation, how might he react." 




Hideaway House



"The simple answer to your question is yes there were, or are, things in his life...his sex life, that would prove embarrassing if it were made public." 

"Can you elaborate on that at all?" 

She looked toward the far wall and then to Phil and said, "Let's come back this later after I've had something more than coffee to drink." 

"Of course, would you like to stop for a few minutes?" 

"Long enough to dump this coffee and get something else, would you care to join me in a glass or three of sherry?" 

"Yes, I'd like that." 

"There's something about sherry that gives me strength. It will also make me drunk if I'm not careful." 

When Nona returned with their glasses of sherry, she set hers down and sat down again, but this time she was just a little closer to him. It wasn't a conscious decision, but more a matter of that's where she ended up, but she didn't move away either. He was writing in his notebook again and again it was on the right side. "Another question to ask or another answer given?" 

"What? Oh just some thoughts." 

"Phil, this whole topic is more than a little awkward for me." 

"I'm sure it is, Nona. Bad relationships always leave some debris behind, broken dreams, broken hearts, and bad memories for example." 

"It sounds like you might have been through a rough one too." 

"I'm divorced too." 

"Your choice or hers?" 

"Mine. She discovered the glories of cocaine." 

"Oh no," Phil took a long taste of his drink and said, "I'm not exactly without blame either, of course. I detest drugs and I always have, but I used to like us to get out of town and raise our share of hell. I like to have a good time, but only in a way that suits my partner and me. Watching her getting high on drugs just didn't get it for me. In addition to or because of the drugs, toward the end, she was getting just a little too wild for me." 

"Do you know what became of her?" 

"No, she pretty much dropped out of sight after I left, but of course I didn't exactly go looking for her either." 

Phil knew that his afternoon with Nona hardly resembled any interview he had ever had with anybody before. He did need to ask her those questions and more, but it was almost more important for him to just be with her. His attempts at separating his function as a detective, and as a man very interested in this wonderful woman were failing miserably. She seemed willing to provide him with the information that he needed, but the cost to him could be considerable. He was getting in over his head with this woman and it was going to hurt like hell when he ran out of excuses to see her. 

Once Nona had emptied her glass and refilled it Phil asked her, "Did Peter have any affairs or one night stands that you were aware of?" 

"I suspected it for some time, but toward the end I was certain of it. I just couldn't connect a specific name to any of his flings." 

"So you don't know if it was the same woman each time or several." 

"My guess would be different women. I think for him it was more a matter of conquest than anything else." 

"Would you consider him controlling?" 

"Oh yes." 

"Phil, isn't there anything else you can tell me about why these questions?" 

"I just know that there are allegations of favors asked and given that wouldn't be looked upon kindly by certain people in power. I also know that there have been some, shall we say after hours events, that could ruin careers and make for some very interesting reading." 

"All involving Peter?" 

"Any, all, or none, and that's one of the things I'm trying to shed light on for John Mosby, the detective in D.C." 

"So you don't know all of the specifics then." 

"I'm afraid not." 

"But you suspect Peter is an active player in that drama." 

"I suspect him more and more. Nona, is there any part of you that feels the need to protect him?" 

She almost laughed when she said, "No, I feel nothing for him at all." 

She looked at her nearly empty glass and put it down and leaned back against the couch before saying, "Now what were those other questions you wanted to ask me?" He started to turn toward her, but decided it might be easier for her if he wasn't looking into her eyes. Instead he leaned back next to her and looked across the room at nothing in particular. 

"I was getting the impression that he had sexual tendencies that you didn't exactly approve of." 

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 

"You have no idea how embarrassing this is going to be for me." 

"Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you?" 

"I don't think so." 

"Is it safe to assume that your love life was normal and happy in the beginning?" 

"Yes it was for about the first nine months or so." 

"Then what happened?" 

"I don't know if I can go through with this or not, Phil." He leaned forward then and with his elbows on his knees just looked toward the kitchen in silence. "Phil, this is all so damn personal and awkward for me." 

"Nona, I understand, I really do." Then against all reason he took her hand in his and held on to it as he said, "If you can't tell me, then I guess you just can't." 

She studied his face as he looked down at their hands and then she blurted out, "He tied me up while I was naked and exposed me to a couple of his cronies." That about knocked the wind out of him. He squeezed her hand without realizing it but kept his eyes down. 

Then in a near whisper he said, "That bastard." 

Nona finally looked away from him but made no attempt to take her hand away from his. It felt comforting to her to have him hold her so firmly, so she continued. 

"Peter and I had played at light bondage several times. We had fun with it. He didn't like being tied up, but I didn't mind and at times even asked for it." Then it hit her just how much she was revealing to Phil and her embarrassment returned, so she suddenly stopped. He slowly relaxed his hold on her hand, but didn't release it and continued to stare at their hands as they rested on her knee. When he looked at her she couldn't take her eyes away from his. 

"Nona...you don't have to do this. I don't want to drag you through those memories any more." 

"There were other things that happened before that day, but it was after that happened that I left him." Her eyes never left his until she had finished what she had to say. 

Without letting go of her hand he said, "Thank you. I can only guess what you went through and I'm so sorry that it happened to you." 

"Thank you." He didn't want to leave her, but he couldn't think of any more questions to ask her. His reason for being there had been exhausted. 

"Nona, I'll be very careful how I word my report to John Mosby." 

"Thank you Phil, I'd appreciate that." He pulled his hand away then and said, "I'll get out of here and let you get on with your day." 

"Phil, thank you for being so caring." 

As they stood up he paused and said, "I finally get to meet my favorite author and what do I do? I make her sad and even cry," and he gently wiped away a single tear from her cheek. She gave him a weak smile, but said nothing. 

They walked to the door and paused there and she said, "If you have more questions let me know." 

"Thank you, I'll do that." 

He stepped out onto the small cement porch and she said, "You're my favorite fan, so take care of yourself." 

"I will, Nona." She closed the door and wandered back to the living room and dropped onto the couch again. She felt drained and sad from dragging out those awful memories. But at the same time, she had to smile. She liked having Phil in her house. She liked how he watched her and worried about her. Her hand touched her cheek as she remembered how he had wiped away that one tear. Then her hand touched the other hand as she remembered how he held it so firmly and called Peter a bastard. He had been hurting right along with her. 

 Chapter Nine

It had been over a week since Phil had asked her all of those questions and she had returned to her writing and put those bad memories of Peter to rest once again. Her article for Conde Nast was finished and had been emailed to them, and she had finally finished a chapter in her book that she had been struggling with. She was thinking about taking an afternoon off and go shopping or something when she got a call. 

"Hi Nona, it's Cal." 

"Hello, I was beginning to think you had disappeared." 

"I was wondering if the offer to meet me in Lexington was still valid." 

"When did you have in mind?" 

"How about tomorrow?" 

"Okay. There's a restaurant next door to the Super Eight Motel so how about there?" 

"Great, say one?" 

"I'll meet you there then." 

"It's good to hear your voice Nona, see you tomorrow." After hanging up she stood there for a minute. She had pretty much written him out of her life and she still might, but she had to admit that she was looking forward to seeing him again.

Nona beat him to the restaurant and watched him as he approached her at the door. His slacks looked custom tailored and perfect and his casual shirt didn't appear to have a wrinkle in it despite a forty five minute drive. They shared an embrace and kisses on the cheek and then went inside. As they waited for their order he asked her, "How is the writing coming along?" 

"Very well, I've been struggling with a chapter for three weeks and last night I finally finished that, so I feel pretty good about it." 

"Congratulations then." 

"Thank you. So how have you been?" 

"Doing well, Mr. Bingham has decided to do some renovations and add another small wing to the inn, so it's getting pretty busy around there." 

"I'm sure it is." 

"Have you had anymore visits by the detectives?" 

"No, just that one." She didn't feel like getting into the matter of Phil investigating Peter but continued with, "Anything new in the investigation?" 

"I don't think it's been in the news, but word has it that Rex Pascoe, Loretta's ex, has been hauled in for questioning twice now and he's not very happy about that." 

"I'm sure not." 

"Then Ralph Payton has been questioned at least once, but I believe more than that, and he's crying foul and harassment to anybody that will listen." 

"That can't be good for his lobbying efforts." 

"I think it's killing him." 

"Good. I gather there has been no progress then in finding her killer." 

"Nothing has been released anyway." 

"Has Rex been back to the inn since then?" 

"No. I don't think that would be very smart of him, at least not until things settle down and her killer has been found." 

"I wonder if they ever figured out who the woman was on the tape, assuming there ever was one in the first place." 

"That's one of those things that we'll never know I'm sure." For the next hour they talked about anything but the murder and about each other. Nona knew without it being discussed that the construction and renovation project were going to consume a lot of Cal's time and that it wasn't likely that she would see him again. When they parted, it was with more kisses on the cheek and promises to get together again that would never be kept. 

It was the following Tuesday when Nona answered her phone and heard, "Hi, it's your most ardent admirer." 

"I thought you were my fan." 

"I'm more than your fan now; I just finished The Technical Difference." 

"You have read my book already? I'm impressed." 

"You should be it cost me a night's sleep." 

"Did you like it?" 

"Of course I did. I'm allowing my secretary to read it, but only after she promised that she will wash her hands each time before she picks it up." 

"I'm sure." 

"You can ask her." 

"I just may." 

"Am I forgiven for making you suffer the last time?" 

"Of course you are. Are you done with your investigation now?" 

"No. In fact I have a request." 

"I'm listening." 

"Would you make me a list of the people that Peter liked to wine and dine or whatever?" 

"Phil it's been so long, I don't know how many I will remember." 

"I'll take you out to dinner if you'll do that for me." 

"And if I say no?" 

"I'll still ask you out for dinner, but you'll have to listen to me whine." 

"When do you need this list?" 

"At your convenience or day after tomorrow whichever comes first." 

"You're pretty funny for a detective. Okay, let me think about it and see if I can do you any good." He wanted to tell her that just hearing her voice did him a lot of good, but he stopped himself. 

"Nona, thank you once again." 

"I'll call your office when I have something." 

"Thank you." 

"But I'm not forgetting about dinner either." 

"I'm not either." 

"Bye, Phil." 

"Bye." 

She noticed her car keys in her hand and realized talking to him had made her forget she was on her way to the grocery when he called, but now it wasn't important to her. 

Nona thought about his request and knew just who to call for help. When her call was answered she said, "Hi, Angela this is Nona." 

"Oh my god, how are you?" 

"I'm fine and you?" 

"I'm great, this is such a surprise." 

"It's been a long time." 

"I'll bet we haven't talked in close to a year." 

"Would you have time to have tea with me at Christie's?" 

"I'd love it, when were you thinking?" 

"I'm flexible but how about later today some time." 

There was a short pause and then she said, "How about four?" 

"That would be fine." 

"The only bad thing is I have to be out of there by five thirty." 

"We'll just have to talk faster then." 

"Wonderful, see you there." Nona remembered that Angela loved Christie's. It was just a little too fluffy and pretentious for her, but since she was going to ask Angela for a favor, she had to set the stage first.

Angela's new husband was Congressman Simmons, so she knew how to play the socialite game, but if you got her alone and relaxed she could be as earthy as anybody. She was one of the few of that elevated social circle that Nona ever really liked. She was good at playing the game but never let all of her money and influence corrupt her. Nona spent an hour looking for just the right slacks and blouse for the occasion and left the house leaving her bedroom and closet in shambles.

When Nona got to Christie's, she found Angela waiting for her. They exchanged a delicate embrace and gave each other glancing kisses on the cheek. "Nona, you look wonderful, single life must agree with you." 

"I'm doing okay, but I have to say being married to Jack Simmons seems to agree with you." 

"He's a sweetheart." The two women were seated at Angela's favorite table and for the next half an hour they talked about what was going on in each other's 

lives. Nona told her about the Paradise Found Inn and meeting Cal and managed to mention meeting different people that Angela would either know or be very aware of.

"Oh Nona, you had quite a time of it." 

"I did until poor Loretta Dunhill's murder." 

"Oh my god, you were there then?" 

"I had lunch with her just the day before." 

"That must have been a ghastly shock for you." 

"It certainly was. Cal and I were just coming back from dinner when he got the call." 

"My you certainly have been getting around. Cal Glassman is quite the man I hear." 

"He's every inch a gentleman and a very impressive man." 

"Oh sounds like you might want to see more of him." 

"I don't think so. He's so busy and about to get busier. I want a man that I can count on to be there if I need him." 

"Well at least you're not locking yourself away." 

"Not completely." 

The waiter refilled their cups so the women were quiet until he was gone again and Angela said, "Nona, I see your last novel did well." 

"Not bad at all, but I think the one I'm working on now will do better." 

"I'm sure it will." 

"Angela, a private investigator contacted me recently. He's doing some kind of security background check for a company and Peter's name came up. He wondered if I could provide him with a list of people that he socializes with, but you know, I realized it's been so long that I just can't think of a lot of them. I was hoping you might be able to help me." 

"Is this investigator cute?" 

"No, he's handsome and so very charming." 

"Oh better yet." 

"Now Angela, you're still almost a newlywed, you should still be starry eyed." 

She laughed and said, "I'm too old to get starry eyed, and besides I can still look and admire." 

"That's so true." 

Showing Angela her list Nona said, "These are some names that came to my mind." 

Angela glanced at the list and said, "Well, there's Fay and Payne Southgate." 

"Oh yes." 

"Then...well, there's Polly Franklin. Nona, were you aware that Peter was...well you know playing around?" 

"Yes, I found out a couple of months before I left him. Polly Franklin wasn't one of his women certainly, she's too old for him." 

"Oh darling, for Peter it isn't about age, it's about influence. If the woman can help him, he'll sleep with her even if she's eighty and in a wheelchair." 

"Oh Angela, surely you exaggerate." 

"Not by much. Nona, Peter tried more than once to get into my panties too." 

"No." 

"I'm afraid so. I think it was right after you left him." 

"This is all so unbelievable. What about, oh what's her name...Patricia..." 

"Lockland." 

"Yes, Lockland." 

"I don't know if he succeeded, but she told me he was doing his best to charm her." 

"I can't believe these women can't see through him." 

"Oh some do I'm sure, but what's more important to them is they have a young man that wants to screw them and flatter them. Sorry, I guess I shouldn't talk about Peter that way." 

"Angela, I love how you say what's on your mind. Don't worry about offending me, marrying Peter ended up being one of the biggest mistakes I ever made, but I did something about it, just not soon enough." 

"Well, in that case, I'll tell you this too. Starting well before your divorce, Peter has managed to screw at least half the women we can name and who knows how many that we can't name." 

"My god, I don't know what to say. Is he still like that, or does his new wife keep him in line?" 

"I seriously doubt that." 

"I've never seen her. What does she look like?" 

"Tall, not all that pretty, but elegant in a way with very long hair." Angela had provided Nona with a lot more information than she had expected to get, and when she left the restaurant her head was still spinning a little with all that she had learned.

 Chapter Ten

Nona typed the list of names into the computer, and even alphabetized them and then printed them off. She didn't have any idea what good those names would do Phil, and she didn't really care. There was a part of her that hoped by her providing Phil with the names and the other dirt that Angela had provided her with, would somehow screw up Peter's life. Then she thought about that awful day when he had tied her up and displayed her to those men. It was clear to her that he was looking for favors from those men and was trying to show off for them by letting them see her. Had she remained calm rather than scream so loudly, she had little doubt that events would have progressed much farther. Then she remembered the names of those men and added them to the list, and reprinted it before calling Phil's office and leaving a message that the list was ready.

Phil called her Wednesday morning and said, "You work fast." 

"And hello to you too. I enlisted the help of a friend." 

"Then I should take her to dinner too, but I won't because then I'd have to share your attentions and I'm too selfish for that." 

"She gave me a lot more information about Peter too." 

"Fantastic. Now about dinner, when would you have time?" 

"Well, I have to eat dinner at least once a day, so you tell me." 




Hideaway House



"Of course, I'll say tonight then." 

"What time?" 

"I'll pick you up at say six." 

"You won't be wearing a tux will you?" 

"Not in this lifetime." 

"Then I'll be ready." 

"Nona?" 

"Yes." 

"Thank you." 

"Save it, you'll have all evening to thank me." 

"And I intend to, bye." 

"Bye Phil." After hanging up Nona tried to work on her story but gave that up. Her mind went from images of the list of names and then to Peter with different women. She was glad she didn't know just how out of control he was even then. Hearing about it now just made her hate him that much more. Had she learned of it when she was married to him she would have been devastated. Then she thought of Phil. Listening to his voice and how happy he sounded made her smile and she wanted the evening to arrive quickly. 

Once again, Nona tore into her wardrobe. She wanted to look nice for dinner with Phil. She opted for slacks and then went in search for the right blouse. She found just the right one but had to change her bra first. She liked how she looked and she smiled when she realized just how much cleavage she would be showing him, but at the last minute changed her mind. She wasn't trying to seduce him after all. Her second choice was still low cut, but she felt it was more appropriate than the other one. She wanted to please him, and she felt that the uplifting bra and the nice vee cut in her silk blouse was about right. She studied herself in the mirror and moved this way and that and leaned forward to make sure she wasn't showing too much of herself, and then smiled in satisfaction. She was ready and with twenty minutes to spare. She slipped on her heels and once again looked at herself. The heels were the perfect finish. Now her legs looked longer, and when she walked away from the mirror her butt seemed just teasing enough. There was no doubt about it, Nona wanted to tease and impress Phil. 

She heard him pull into her driveway, but she didn't want to appear eager so she waited until he was ringing the doorbell before she went to greet him. She opened the door and smiled as she looked at this handsome man before her. She didn't move as his eyes went out of control. He managed to look at her face for a second, but that was the end of his will. He just stared at her before saying, "Oh shit. Sorry, I mean Nona, you look stunning." 

"Thank you. Is this okay for the evening?" 

"You are fantastic and any man that disagrees with me will be shot." 

"Don't tell me you're armed." 

"Not now. In fact, I feel totally defenseless as I look at you." She carefully kissed his cheek and said, "I'm starved." 

"Then let's do something about that."

The restaurant that Phil chose wasn't overly fancy. If he was going to impress her, it had to be he that impressed her, not the restaurant or how much he was willing to spend on her. As they walked from the car to the restaurant entrance, she saw his notebook and said, "Did you take that with you everywhere when you were married?" 

"No I didn't dare, because I might have used it to beat some sense into her drug altered head. Does it bother you?" 

"I just feel a little like you're going to interrogate me or something." 

"I have it just in case something important pops into my head and I want to put it on paper. I want to remember the thought just as it came to me." 

"You do have an interesting system." 

"I've been told that before."

As they had their dinner, Phil said, "I talked to John Mosby a couple of days ago and gave him what I have so far. He was a little cryptic, but I think our Peter Koloff is in some kind of real trouble. John has promised me that he will tell me the whole story as soon as he can." 

"My friend says that Peter has been bedding about everything that wears panties, or at least has tried. According to her, he doesn't even care what age they are, only what they can do for him. A little piece of information that he can use or whatever he can get, in return the women get a roll in the hay with a young man that tells them they are amazing lovers, or whatever else they want to hear." 

"Well, that tells it in plain English." 

"You should have heard how my friend phrased it." 

"Is she in a position to know?" 

"I'd have to say, yes. Plus, he tried to get her into bed too." 

"When did all of this happen?" 

"It started even before I got a divorce and it's still going on." 

"And these women aren't on to him?" 

"I asked that question and Angela...sorry, you didn't hear me say that name, she says it doesn't matter all that much. These are women who are well connected, who's husbands are busy and neglecting them, or they are getting older and want or need to be told that they are still stunning or sexy or whatever. A gigolo in a way. He's paid in information, and they are paid in flattery and sex." 

"So they are willing victims." 

"I'd have to agree with that." 

"How much of this were you aware of before?" 

"Almost none of it, but I like I told you, I did know he was being unfaithful. Isn't that a laugh now? Unfaithful doesn't quite cover that, does it." 

"Not even close. You're lucky he didn't bring you a nasty surprise in the form of disease." 

"You can bet I've had a full physical since leaving him." 

"I'll bet you weren't this calm and in control in the early days of your separation." 

"I was pretty much a basket case actually." 

"I can imagine." 

"Phil...about that time when he bound me and put me on display, the names of those two men are on that list too." 

"I didn't ask you before, but did either of them touch you?" 

"They would have, but I screamed so loudly that I think I scared them almost as much as they scared me." 

"Good for you." 

"I'm still trying to figure out how you got me to tell you about some very intimate details when I hardly knew you." 

"Maybe you needed to tell somebody, to get it all out in the open. I'm glad I was able to make you comfortable enough to let go of it." 

"You are the only one in the world outside of Peter and those two men, that know that ever happened." 

"I don't know how you did it, but you don't seem permanently scarred from it. You didn't end up hating all men or whatever, but you must have some strong feelings about ever being restrained again." 

"You can bet I will have to have total and complete trust and faith in my partner first." 

"But did you with Peter?" 

"Yes and no. I knew he had issues, but I never expected that to happen." 

"I'm sure not."

As they finished their after dinner drink and he paid the bill, Nona, thinking she was going to at least surprise him, or even shock him said, "It's only fair that I ask you this. With your ex wife doing drugs did that affect her level of...I don't know desire, and passion, I guess?" 

Phil didn't blink an eye and answered, "Our sex life was full and very good if that's what you are asking." 

"Well, yes." 

"At least it was until toward the end. Then the cocaine became her lover." 

"You didn't even flinch when I asked you that. I expected at least a funny look." 

He smiled and took her hand in his and answered, "If you can handle that kind of open honesty, then I can too." 

 Chapter Eleven

As they drove back to Nona's, he looked at her and asked, "Did I tell you how incredible you look tonight?" 

"You did mention it, but I like hearing it again." 

"My words seem so inadequate, so I'll just have to keep repeating myself for emphasis. I had to work hard at the restaurant just to keep my mind on what I was saying to you, because my eyes kept controlling my thoughts." 

Nona didn't know what to say so she paused and then asked him, "Do you think you have done about all you can about Peter?" 

"No, I think I would be doing the world a big favor if I were to castrate him, but I guess that's against the law." 

"A nice sentiment, but you're right, it might get you into trouble." 

As soon as they were at Nona's and her front door was closed behind them Phil turned her around and with his hand behind her neck gently pulled her to him until their lips touched. Then as her arms went around him his went behind her and they shared their first kiss. Rather than it ending, the kiss became deeper as her tongue found his, and their hands gently and slowly moved over each other's back. When she finally looked up at him, her knees almost buckled. The way he kissed her and then looked at her made her feel like he had just kissed her very soul. She held him even closer as she whispered, "What are you doing to me?" 

His eyes never left hers as he said, "Nona, I have dreamed of holding you and of kissing you ever since I saw you for the first time. It didn't feel right for me to be asking you all of those questions and then suddenly kiss you, but that's exactly what I wanted to do." She led him to the couch and they sat close and her hand in his. He turned toward her and said, "I'm going to call John Mosby tomorrow and tell him I can't do anything more for him. I can't keep pumping you for answers and at the same time want you in my arms more than anything in the world." 

"I really don't mind." 

"Then I'll talk to him and see if we can't bring this to a head somehow. I want to see Peter swinging from a rope and I don't care what charges it takes to get him there. Nona, I don't know what tomorrow will bring for us, but for me at least, nothing in the world is more important than giving us every chance to be together and see where it takes us." 

Nona just leaned into him and slipped her arm behind his back and rested the side of her face on his chest. 

"Phil, I keep telling myself that I have to slow down and get control of my emotions." 

"Do you really feel out of control?" 

"I don't know if I'm out of control, or just afraid." 

"What are you afraid of?" 

"You...us...me." 

"Are you afraid that I'll walk out of your life or hurt you?" 

"No...I don't know." Phil had to wonder if Peter had done more damage to her than either of them realized. 

"Nona, I'm sorry if I've scared you, or have moved too fast, or something. But I can promise you I will not willingly walk out of your life. You will have to tell me to go and never come back. That's the only way you'll be rid of me." 

"I don't want to be rid of you, that much I do know. I don't even want you to go home tonight, but at the same time I want you to go home, so I can try to sort out my feelings and my fears. I knew that one day I would meet someone special, and I was so sure that I would be ready when it happened. But look at me." 

"I have been looking at you and I can't stop admiring you." 

"I mean look at how messed up I am. Look at how my self confidence is crumbling around me." He gently tipped her head up to look at him and he kissed her softly. 

"We have time, Nona. You don't have to make any decisions right now. Not even what you'll have for breakfast. Would you rather be someplace other than here with me right now?" 

"There is no place in this world for me right now except right here with you." 

"Then there is nothing for you to worry about." 

"Phil, it's just that when we kissed and then you looked at me, it was like my whole existence was jolted. Like the whole universe was knocked off balance for a minute." 

"It serves you right because that's about how you have affected me every time I've been around you. I can be in my office and in the middle of something important, even on an important call and you will pop into my mind and I'll lose my bearings for a second." 

"Phil, this is all just too fast for me." 

"Would you like me to go home?" 

"No, let's just go to the kitchen and get some wine or something. I think I need to move around and try to think straight." When they stood up they fell into a long embrace, but they didn't kiss again and then he followed her to the kitchen. 

She handed him a bottle of wine and the opener and as he worked on that she got two glasses from the cupboard. He poured until their glasses were about half full and then he said, "To you, to us and to tomorrow." They both tasted their wine and then she kissed him softly before saying, "That's the best this wine has ever tasted." 

"So, if you were writing this story what would you have happen next?" 

"Something that in the real world just wouldn't be at all smart. Something that makes for good reading only." 

"And that's all you will tell me?" 

"As a writer I have to have my secrets. But I have to admit that this whole evening has helped me solve a problem I'm having with my protagonist." 

"I hope I've played a small part in that solution." 

"A very large part as a matter of fact." 

They were quiet for a minute as they slowly drained their glasses and he added just another splash to each of them. "Phil, are you really going to talk to John Mosby tomorrow?" 

"I am. If you are willing, I'll stick it out, but he has to be more forthcoming with what the hell is going on. If I'm working for him, then he can't claim confidentiality restrictions." 

"And if he says no?" 

"Then I'll take myself off the case. I have other things to do, so it isn't like I'll starve without his money." 

"I can't help but be burning with curiosity. I have no doubt that he's up to his neck in something, but whether or not it's illegal is another question." 

"If I can learn anything, I'll call you if you're going to be home." 

"I'll be here." Phil put his glass down and took her in his arms again. "Nona, I'm going to go home. If I stay here I can promise you that I will not be able to leave you alone for a minute." She managed to put her glass on the counter and then her arms went around him. 

"You make it very hard for me." She blushed and quickly said, "I mean to decide. To decide if I want you to leave so I can think straight, or just say the hell with it and ask you to stay." 

He gave her a light kiss and said, "If I stay you might have a very hard time getting rid of me later. I'll call you tomorrow even if I don't get hold of John." 

"Phil, thank you for dinner and for a wonderful evening. I know I'm mixed up, but be patient with me." 

"I told you earlier, nothing says either of us is under a deadline. We have time so you can decide about tomorrow when it gets here." 

"What about you?"

"I'll have to save that answer for another day." 

"So you know about your tomorrow." 

"No, my tomorrow is undecided too I'm afraid." 

"You are a mystery." 

"Not really, but tonight is not the time to explain it. I will say this. There is an old Elvis Presley song where part of the melody is, my insides are shaking like a leaf on a tree, and that's just how I'm feeling right now. Now if I don't go home, I'm going to say too much." He gave her a long kiss and then in a soft voice said, "I'll call you tomorrow," and he headed for the door before he could change his mind. 

Nona stayed in the kitchen and watched him as long as she could, and when she heard her door close, she dropped into a chair and laid her head on her arms on the table. 

 Chapter Twelve

Phil was up by six Thursday morning and on the road a little after seven. When he was about half an hour west of John Mosby's office in D.C., he called him. "Hi, it's Phil." 

"Good morning." 

"I'm less than half an hour from your office and headed your way." 

"Oh, well okay." 

"I'll give you what little more I've come up with when I see you." 

"Okay, I'll be looking for you then." Phil wanted to either learn something or get clear away from the whole mess around Peter Koloff. He didn't even want to see or hear his name anymore unless he could see that there was some point to it, some end to the story. 

When he went in to John's office, his secretary said, "Go on in Mr. Cooper." 

"Thank you," and he knocked and then opened the door. John hung up the phone and they shook hands. 

"What brings you to the big city?" 

"I wanted to give you what little more I had for you, but I want to talk to you too." 

"Okay, shoot." 

"John, bring me up to speed on this Peter Koloff. Just what is it that he's suspected of being involved in? This working in the dark is driving me crazy, and I can only be about half effective this way." 

"I promised my client that I would keep it confidential, Phil." 

"Damn it John, I'm working for you, remember? You're paying me good money for that in fact. If I can't be trusted to work in the best interests of your client, then I have no business working on the case and we'll just close the books on my involvement." 

"Now hold on, don't get so cranked up over this." 

"I've never worked on a case with my hands tied behind my back before, and it really sucks." 

"Okay, relax, and sit down, coffee?" 

"Depends do you have something to tell me?" 

"Yes damn it, now sit down. Black right?" 

"Right."

John handed Phil a steaming cup of coffee and then getting one for himself sat down next to him. "Okay, but remember none of this can be proved just yet."

"Of course not, if it were we wouldn't still be working on it." 

"Damn, you're testy today." 

"I have other issues pending and this is starting to interfere with those." 

"Okay. My client came to me with the claim that Peter Koloff was blackmailing her, but she was afraid to go to the police. She expected me to go out and break both of his legs, so I had to convince her that she had watched too many old movies. Anyway, that's where all of this started." 

"So he lives in Harrisonburg, but the blackmailing happened in D.C.?" 

"That's right. She showed me a photo that he sent her. It was of her and she was naked as they come and she wasn't in her bed at home. In fact, she was outdoors and in the background was what she said is an apartment complex. By the way, she's too old to be doing shit like that. Anyway, she said he called her and said that he needed some help with developing contacts inside the beltway of D.C.. My client is very well known and has a lot of influence in certain circles." 

"So instead of blackmailing for money, she's being nailed for favors." 

"That's it. It's going to be damn hard to prove that what she says really happened. How can you trace a favor?" 

"Has he been in contact with her since that call?" 

"Just once. He supposedly called her to remind her that he had a number of other very embarrassing photos to share with the world if she didn't help him." 

"Well, judging from what I've been able to learn that certainly sounds like something he might do." 

"I have to agree." 

"But...?" 

"But I haven't been able to develop anything that I could take to the police. She could just be pissed off because he rejected her advances or whatever. She admitted that she willingly posed for those photos and also admitted that doing that was a very stupid thing to do." 

"No shit, but nobody ever said you have to be smart to be rich, just lucky or good looking. I'd have to say my client was both. Anyway it gets even more interesting. She and a friend of hers were drinking and talking, and her friend told her a similar story involving our Peter Koloff, so I end up with another picture of another naked over the hill rich bitch. Needless to say, there was also another demand for favors accompanied with threats of publishing a fistful of very revealing photos of her. Also, needless to say, neither of these women wants to lose the good life that they enjoy now so they want this all kept very quiet. 

John refilled their cups and sat back down before saying, "They want him dealt with, but if I can't do that, they will roll over and give him what he wants rather than squawk to the cops." "I would like nothing better than to see our man Peter get his gonads stapled to the barn wall." 

"He sounds like a real piece of work that's for sure, but what the hell were these women using for brains?"