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Chance: A Day in May Ch. 02

By: the Troubador



No sex in this chapter.

Chapter 02 - Enjoying a 'Burger

I hadn't gone 5 miles before spotting a small blue car pulled off about a mile ahead, the hood raised. Drawing closer, it began looking a lot like Helen's BMW. 

Sure enough, as I drew closer I saw it was hers. Helen and Gerald were standing in front of the car, looking helplessly into the opened engine compartment. Pulling up in front of them I stopped close to where they were studying the dead engine. Shutting down my rig I climbed carefully out. There wasn't a lot of traffic on I-90 here, but it was all traveling fast, 70 MPH or better, and I didn't want to play matador to some farmer's broken down pick-up truck. 

As I pulled in Helen looked over at me desperately. Her husband was almost apoplectic. The man was ranting at her, shouting over the noise of the traffic streaking by on our left. HE had wanted to take the Cadillac, not that antique thing SHE drove. IF he HAD his cell phone they would already have help on the way. Then he started on a litany of the problems his missing the flight from Spokane was going to cause, etc., etc. It seemed everything was Helen's fault, including global warming. If you counted the heat coming from her husband's choleric red face, maybe he was right.

Looking at Helen, but addressing Gerald to keep the lid on the pot, which was boiling madly away there beside the road, I asked what the problem was. 

"This junk heap broke down, and now I'll miss my connecting flight in Seattle. I've told her to get rid of this antique, but she has some kind of fixation because it was the first decent car she could buy on her own money. I ask you, what kind of drivel is that over a machine?"

Ignoring his slander of Helen's beloved car, I consoled the oaf over his predicament. Then, "Hey, Gerry, I tell you what. Why don't you two lock up the BMW and climb into my rig. I'll give you a ride to Ritzville. You can arrange transportation to Spokane from there and Helen can make arrangements to get the car taken care of. You'll be able to get to Spokane with plenty of time. That sound OK with you folks?"

"Oh my god, man! You've saved my life," from the husband. 

Helen smiled gratefully at me. I had them fetch their suitcases then led them to the motorhome. As I expected, Gerry took the passenger seat up front next to me, leaving Helen to get comfortable on the furniture in the living area behind the step-down into the driving compartment.

As I was pulling back onto the Interstate behind a big eighteen-wheeler Gerald asked me, "Where is your wife? Lovely woman! I saw her at the front table in Hawaii. Someone told me you took her every place you went." Without taking a breath and certainly not letting me answer he babbled on, "I can understand that, she's a real looker. In some ways it keeps the expenses down on those long trips, eh?" I thought he was going to reach all the way over to nudge me in the ribs before adding, "As we get older though, the old 'needs' do seem to fade away. I will admit it's nice not to be governed by those urges, though their loss is missed on occasion I suppose. Isn't that what you have found?"

Shocked at the crudeness of his remarks, particularly in front of his wife, I needed a minute to reply. Before answering, I adjusted the inside mirror. It was really only there to allow me to see what was happening behind me in the rig as I drove and I turned it so I could see Helen where she was sitting behind her husband on the right side. Of course, she could see me in the mirror too and knew I was looking at her.

"Well, you are right. Those urges do reduce as we get older," was my answer, sticking my tongue in my cheek and looking in the mirror to be sure Helen saw me do so. "When those urges go, they would be missed, of course," I added. 

Looking in the mirror I saw Helen point a finger at me, then rub a finger over it from the other hand. Damned if she wasn't giving me the old grade school 'Naughty, Naughty' sign! 

What I had to say next was still difficult even after two years. "I'm afraid Jamie can't come with me on these trips any more. And you are right; she always came with me everywhere. She died two years ago, and I've been alone ever since." Thankfully the man was at a loss for words, but I saw Helen's comforting look and felt the hand she reached to rest on my shoulder, giving me a soft squeeze.

We were in Ritzville in 20 minutes, stopping at the Texaco station on the east edge of town. Gerry went inside to made arrangements to be driven back to Geiger Field, the Spokane airport. He ended making a deal with a teenage boy just getting off work at the station. I never said anything, I think he could have taken a limo for less than he was paying the kid.

During the negotiations I was standing behind Gerry where he couldn't see me, giving the kid signals as negotiations were progressing. Every time Gerry thought he had a deal, I'd signal the kid to boost it up a little. He ended up paying $125 for the trip, plus paying separately for the gas and reimbursing the kid for a couple jobs he was supposed to be doing that afternoon. I think the jobs were made up, but I was signaling so hard that he had to come up with something more Gerry could pay him for. 

Helen had been standing off to the side, keeping a poker face as she watched the husband who had been treating her so condescendingly, and who then had ranted at her and her car. She was very fed up with his behavior and was enjoying his being taken by a 17-year-old high school kid. There was a sign advertising the town taxi on the wall right behind where she was standing, hidden by her back. I have no idea if Helen had even been aware of it. Nevertheless, she hid it from him all the time we were in the station.

The kid's replacement for next shift started to say something about the sign behind Helen. But before he could say anything I gave him a $20 and asked him to bring hamburgers for us from the neighboring restaurant. When I told him to keep the change there was no way he was going to blab. The station owner nodded his OK to the kid, and he was off like a bee was chasing him.

By the time he was back, Gerry and his driver had gone. Surprisingly, Helen wasn't hungry and neither was I, it was pretty early. I told the kid to eat the burgers himself. Sixteen-year-old boys are nothing but one voracious appetite.

Helen looked a little troubled. When I asked her the problem she admitted feeling guilty about the way we had treated her husband. She brightened up though when I reminded her of the way he had been acting. And lord knows they could afford it. I also suspected he would find some way to hide the expense in his travel voucher, and probably even make a profit. When he told the story it would sound like he had negotiated a tough deal in a difficult situation with a well-known con man.

After making arrangements with the station to have her BMW picked up and repaired I invited Helen to lunch. Once seated in a surprisingly dim room in a little steak house just across the road she looked at me a little puzzled and asked, "Isn't this putting a crimp in your schedule? I mean you've already spent an hour and a half just getting me and Gerry into Ritzville."

Sipping my coffee I explained that Jamie had been a partner in everything I did, including the business. She had gone with me on all my business trips, after the kids had left the nest, and I had shared the fun and problems of the business with her. After her death the joy I had taken in running my business disappeared. Since I had enough money to live reasonably well, I just retired, well semi-retired anyway. I'd turned the firm over to my employees who, as co-owners were running it now. I was on call as a consultant if they got in any binds, which was rare. I'd been careful and lucky in choosing my people and made sure they were well trained and knowledgeable. 

I told her, "Helen, I have no schedule. I was heading home to Seattle after seeing my grandkids in Spokane. I'm at your service, and so far I've had fun being your knight in coffee stained armor."

"Well Duncan, I don't know what else you can do for me. The car should be ready by the time we finish our meal, so I guess I'll just enjoy your company before you head off."

"Where are you going now, Helen? It sounded like you and your husband had just started a 2-week vacation. Are you going on to Lake Chelan, returning home, or just wandering for a while?" I asked.

Giving me a quizzical look she asked, "Just wandering, Duncan? I don't think I've ever done that. Have you spent much time just poking around with no schedule?"

"Well, yes and no," was my reply. "As a kid, before I got serious about making a difference in the world, I did quite a bit of it. Just hopping in my jalopy and starting off to see what the country was like. Used to take my camera along, and for a while I thought of doing photo essays on some of the little towns I came across." 

I found myself distracted as we talked, with Helen sitting across from me. She was leaning forward, and the flickering candle set in the blood red holder was casting fascinating shadow across her face. Her chin was resting on her hands and those perfect breasts kept catching my eye where her dress gapped open slightly. The shadows were more interesting than a spot light. I just hoped she wasn't noticing. 

After a pause I continued, "Since I was widowed I've done a little bit of poking around the state. It's kind of fun, and I always feel like I've accomplished something afterward. I'm never sure quite what though, looking back after each trip."

Just then our lunch arrived, and we were surprised to find we were hungry so we just fell to. After dinner I walked her back over to the Texaco station to check on her car. As we walked, Helen confessed her husband's sniping at her car was on the money. She was an accountant, a CPA actually, and the first nice thing she had purchased for herself was the BMW. After she married she invested almost all of her salary. Her husband was making far more than they needed for living expenses so she had indulged herself and had the little car rebuilt. It was a 'whole lot of fun to drive' and represented her real independence. When Gerald received an unexpected promotion to vice president accompanied by a startling increase in salary she quit her job and concentrated on running the family and handling their investments. Modestly she confessed she had 'enjoyed some investment success'. Quizzing her I discovered she had turned Gerald's income into a very tidy fortune and had fun doing it.

At the station, we found her car still up on the hoist and were told we would have a little wait before they were sure exactly what the problem was and getting her on her way.

Strolling back outside Helen took my arm, stopping me, and looked up into my eyes. "Duncan," Helen said, "it feels strange to feel the need to ask this, but give Gerry a little slack. OK? I mean, he's really a nice guy. It's just that he seems to have gotten a bit self-important the last couple of years since becoming a Vice President."

I just nodded my head. I mean, what could I say? The man had changed and she didn't want to see it. The man I met today couldn't be the man who had captivated this exotic creature. In no way did I want to upset her. I liked her as a person and when I could get away with it, I was feasting my eyes on the finest legs I ever remembered seeing. Guess I'll always be a dirty old man at heart. What it boiled down to was that she was a pleasure to be around and I didn't want to jeopardize that. She would be driving out of my life soon enough as it was without squabbling about what kind of man she had married. That way lay madness.

Instead of getting her mad, I really wanted to run my tongue all over those thighs. The backs of her knees were looking especially like dessert at the moment. As we talked I was imagining the taste as just the tip of my tongue traced and tasted that soft skin and I could almost hear her murmuring at the feeling.

Snapping out of my daze I heard her say, "Duncan, you are doing it again. Come on, be a good boy!" 

Damn, she had caught me at it again! I felt the blood rush to my face, and knew I was blushing scarlet. "Helen! I'm sorry, I don't mean to be such a bore. Please forgive me?"

She chuckled, "Duncan, the way you look at me is quite flattering. I know you aren't being forward, of course you are forgiven. It's just that I am married, even if Gerry and I are really quite upset with one another at the moment.

I'm pretty dense sometimes, but suddenly things clicked into place. "Jesus, Helen! This trip was supposed to 'revitalize' your marriage wasn't it?"

"Yes, I'm afraid it was and right now I have no idea where that marriage is going. His charging off like that shows me where I stand in his universe. It's pretty discouraging," she confessed.

Right then the mechanic came out, showed us some badly worn and broken chunks of metal and told us the BMW needed some major engine work. Considering the age of the car, the miles it had on it and the way Helen liked to drive I wasn't surprised one bit.

After convincing herself the mechanic was competent, she made arrangements to have the work done here. The problem was it would be two days before the parts could get here and he could put it back together again. Three days if the parts had to come from Seattle. I suggested we just poke around Ritzville for a while today and we climbed into my rig and started poking. 

I pulled my digital camera out of the back for me, and gave Helen my Nikon SLR camera to use and then we had at it. Like all old frontier western towns there were some fine photos to take, and it turned out Helen had a good eye picking them out.

Come dusk we were like two kids just putting a new toy aside for the day. Neither one of us wanted to stop, but we were so happy-tired we really had no choice. Spotting what looked like a neighborhood bar with several beat-up pick-up trucks parked around it I pulled in and we went in for a beer for me, white wine for Helen, and a chance to stretch our legs out. It was a typical friendly bar in a small Western farm town. The Bud, Pabst and Coors signs were all lit, and pool and shuffleboard were set up toward the back. A grill run by the tavern owner's wife was connected to the bar, so we ordered hamburgers and fries for dinner before settling down at a table to enjoy just sitting and relaxing in one another's company. 

I was pleased with myself. During the day I had figured out what to do to keep from staring at all my companions' stareable parts. What I did was stand right next to her. In the tavern I sat down beside her at the table instead of across from her. That way, unless I tried to peek down her dress at those perfect breasts I was home free. She hadn't busted me once since leaving the Texaco station. Of course, that was because she had to turn her head and look up at me so I was given warning. The really nice part was that standing so close, it was only natural to put my hand on her shoulder or take her elbow to help her in a door or over the curb. I even put an arm around her on occasion, my hand resting on her waist.

When the burgers arrived, they really hit the spot. The beer was cold and Helen assured me the wine, which was from one of the Washington State wineries was particularly nice. As a result; good food, fine drink, and sparkling company, we weren't really paying much attention to the time or what was going on around us. 

It must have been around 8:00 or 8:30 when we came in, and after the food and maybe three beers it was around 10:30 or 11:00 when we noticed the music had gotten pretty loud, the crowd had grown and the place was getting pretty rowdy. What brought us to the present was a tall husky man, looking like a real cowboy, standing beside Helen and asking her something.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" she asked.

Leaning back and looking arrogantly down at the two of us, he repeated, "Do you want to leave your dad for a couple dances, sweet thing? Got some real fine music coming up on the jukebox."

"What?" Helen sputtered. "No, I think I'll stay here with Duncan. And by the way, he's not my father."

"Oh, that explains why he's been staring down your dress. I was wondering," he replied. "But hey, you need more than an old man like him and you have the best right here beside you." With that he leaned down, slipped his hand around Helen's arm and effortlessly lifted her to her feet.

She struggled to pull her arm free, but the guy just leaned down and kissed her, putting both arms around her and grinding her body hard against his. She was struggling to get free but was completely under his control. She tried to put a knee into his groin, but he was ready for her and some one in the crowd just laughed and yelled at him, "Go break the little filly in, Chester!"

Knowing from past experience that my height wasn't impressive, I just pushed my chair back and quietly stood up. "Hey pal, let's leave the lady alone. It's one thing if she's interested, but she isn't so how about me buying you a beer and let's be friends?"

Giving a big "Haw, Haw" the guy looked down at me, "Don't worry gramps, by the time we're done she's going to be interested, ain't that right, fellas?" And he turned around, playing to the crowd.

"Hey, Chester cool it," came from the bartender. "None of that stuff tonight!"

"Can it, Jonesy. This is my thing tonight. I've had about as bad a day as can be already and you and everyone else just stay out of it! I'll remember anyone who gets in the way tonight!" was his answer.

The room got real quiet, real fast as all the men seemed to back away. Back in one corner I heard someone say quietly, "Jesus, I think he's serious about this." It was pretty obvious to me that Chester was a bad ass, and pretty mean. It looked like we might be in the soup.

"Chester, leave the lady alone and we'll be on our way," I reasoned. He just laughed at me, and he was still holding Helen in his arms and grinding his crotch into hers.

Just then Helen managed to bring her heel down hard on Chester's instep. The guy swore and loosened his grip on her allowing Helen to swing away from him, though he still had a grip her arm which she couldn't break.

Stepping forward until I was just inches from his chest I drove the heel of my open palm up under his nose as hard as I could. That got his attention, as he shrieked and grabbed his face with both hands. That particular strike can be disabling and can even kill but as I halfway expected it only seemed to enrage him.

He threw Helen out of the way with his left hand. She landed on a table about 10 feet away, slid off and ended sitting on the floor. The glance I threw at her showed her shocked and angry, but she seemed unhurt. Turning my attention fully back on our attacker I watched him draw back his right to deliver a powerhouse blow that he was sure would stop the fight. I was sure too, if it ever landed. When I saw it start forward I was already stepping to my left. Swaying under the roundhouse right, I pivoted and kicked back as hard as I could, catching him behind the knee with the back of my heel. His leg gave out and he started falling to his right. While he was on his way down I planted my right foot and swung from my knees with my left hand, catching him on the temple, using the heel of my hand again. As hard as I was swinging, I didn't want to break my hand on his skull.

For a moment I was afraid I might have killed him, with my strength plus his weight and falling momentum combining against the weakest part of the skull. Thing was, I had no choice. If this guy ever laid a hand on me the fight was over and I was sure to at least spend a few days in the hospital. I fully expected to get stomped. God knew what would happen to Helen with this animal. But we were lucky, I guess. When he stopped bouncing I checked and his breathing and heart rate seemed normal. Actually he looked pretty peaceful on the floor amidst scattered cigarette butts. 


Chance: A Day in May Ch. 02



I stepped back, looking quickly over the crowd. Nobody moved except Helen who jumped behind me wrapping both arms around me and burying her face in my back. After what seemed an hour or so, but was probably less than a minute the bartender asked me if I wanted a job. That seemed to release the tension in the crowd. One of the men asked if I would teach a couple of them how to do that. "It would sure as hell make life a lot easier around here."

Laughing, I told him a bung starter poked into a gut would be a surer guarantee, along with more than one guy standing up to him at a time. Someone asked me what a bung starter was, and I suggested he ask the bartender.

Turning toward the door, it seemed natural to slip my arm around Helen's shoulder and pull her in close against me. She was trembling, which didn't surprise me a bit. It had been an interesting few minutes. Leaning down next to her ear I told her she had done superbly, and that I was proud of her. Then, I don't know why, but I kissed her just behind her jaw and I swear she shivered at my kiss.

Keeping my arm tight around her I kind of swaggered to the door, holding the lovely woman close and tucked under my shoulder, her arms now around me. The cool night air felt good after the last few minutes in the over heated bar.

As the door swung shut behind us some wag asked, "Who was that masked man?" 

Someone answered, "I don't know, but he left this here silver bullet!" and the place broke up in nervous laughter. I have to admit Helen's and my laughs, slightly hysteric laughs, were among them. 

I couldn't help myself. When we got to the rig, parked right next to an open window, I turned to Helen and told her, "Climb in old Silver here, Tonto, And we'll be on our way." I said it pretty loudly, and we nervously joined the laughter from the bar as we drove away. As we turned a corner a city police car with lights flashing pulled into the bar behind us.

Slumping back into her seat in the rig Helen looked at her watch. "Duncan, do you realize it's after 11:30? I don't have a room yet!"

"Let's go over to the motel by the service station and get you set up," I suggested and headed that way. 

When we drove up, the sign said 'No Vacancies". Darn, but there was no room at the inn. 

"Oh Duncan, just when I thought the day was going to turn out pretty good after all. What am I going to do now?" she wailed.



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 03



Chapter 3: Watching the Stars

Duncan fondly studied the woman beside him. He sure understood how she could feel so discouraged. It had been a tough day. What with her husband abandoning her in the middle of nowhere with a broken car. Then the SOB yelled and sneered at her as a means of feeling better about himself.

Helen had confided in Duncan that this was to be time for the couple to get together to reconnect and strengthen their marriage. The jerks behavior somehow didn't seem the way to revitalize a failing marriage!

Topping off the day was the bar fight. Duncan had never before been in a situation where the whole room was afraid to respond to an ugly situation.

On the other hand, they'd had fun all afternoon. Even the tavern experience had been perfect until the cowboy had intervened. Then after the nightmare they ended up feeling like heroes.

"Helen, this is going to sound like another come on. Seems like everything I've said all day came out just a little wrong. Still, we are sitting in one of my houses and I do have an extra bed. Could I ask you to spend the night with me with out getting pounded?" After he shut his mouth, Duncan realized what he'd said. "Damned if that didn't come out right, either!"

"Oh, I don't know?" Helen laughed at him. Reaching over she took his hand in hers she adding, "Sure, why not! I can trust you, and after I spent the day with you anyone with a small mind has already made up it up about what is going on. Sure! I'll even make breakfast if you have the makings. That will surely make the biddies roll their eyes! 

When they pulled in at what they were coming to call, "Their Texaco Station", Duncan asked the guy on duty where they could park the rig and spend the night without being disturbed. After the guy found out the rig was completely self contained he directed them out a small farm road, then sent them down an even smaller side road for about 5 miles. There they found a tiny 'cove' holding a grove of cottonwoods. A small spring was tucked back in the trees hidden from the road. Pulling into the little Eden they spent ten minutes leveling the small motorhome. Before shutting down for the night Duncan made sure all the systems; water, heat, sewage, electric were working properly.

In the silence an insect chorus blended with the cheerful burble of the little spring. The sky was clear with the stars seeming just beyond arms reach. Neither felt like shutting out the soft night with it's stars. A full moon painted the world silver.

"You tired, Helen?" Duncan asked. When she shook her head he pulled a couple blankets and pillows out, then took Helen's hand to lead her up to the top of the hill above where they had parked.

Reaching the top they found the farmer had tilled only a week or so before. As a result the ground was soft where Duncan laid the blanket down. Dropping the pillows Duncan explained, "It's too nice to stay cooped up all night, and I think we need to unwind some before we go to sleep. Am I being too presumptuous, or would you mind watching a few stars with me?"

Helen leaned against him, snaking her arms around his waist to gave him a hug. Duncan circled his arms around her shoulders. When Helen tightened hers around him to give him a squeeze she was so enthusiastic he thought she was going to break a rib. If it hadn't felt so good having her body pressed tightly against him it might have hurt. Instead it was a little bit of heaven. What complicated matters was the instant pole that grew inside his pants.

That distracted Duncan who worried his body was carrying things too far. But there was no way to control that purely male reaction to an incredibly beautiful woman holding her body pressed full length against him. On the other hand it was a reaction that would have brought instant war from a woman guarding herself against unwanted attention. Worries disappeared when she softly pressed her abdomen and groin against his.

When her head tilted upward Duncan lowered his mouth to cover hers and felt her soft lips yielding themselves to him. The tip of his tongue was welcomed inside her mouth and their tongues met to play. There their tongues met like new friends, caressing and sending chills through them.

Softly moving his lips against hers Duncan looked into her eyes and saw her big blue, star filled eyes murmuring yes. Her hands slipped down his back to cup his behind while his own began exploring from the smoothness of her shoulders down to the soft firm globes of her fanny lying under the silky-soft smoothness of the sun dress.

Duncan wondered, "How far should I go with this?"

Leaning back gently Duncan murmured, "I want to show you something." Then he tenderly turned her in his arms until she was leaning back against his chest. "Look at what the moon has painted for us.

Until then, on the long climb up the hill and laying the blankets out to sit, Helen hadn't turned her attention away from what was right next to her. When she looked she realized she was atop a hill and she was looking out on miles and miles of moon-silvered hills. Under the moonlight there was no indication man had been here. In the daylight the gently rolling hills had been broken here and there with outcrops of harsh black, crumbling stone. Now the moon had softened even the stone into a fairy world.





Chance: A Day in May Ch. 03



Maybe he was keeping a 'little something' on the side. Some men once they are successful believe it their prerogative to do so. It was inconceivable to him how a man could reach for another woman when the most desirable woman in the state was sleeping every night in his bed.

Smiling to himself, Duncan realized his own hunger for Helen was unappeased, his cock was still iron hard. Smug in the belief that Helen would be an avid lover later, he dozed off, admiring the stars and cuddling Helen to his chest.

It was an hour, maybe less before he was again aware of the world around him. What woke him was a huge moon rising over the hills and fields to the east. It was painting the world in silver magic.

Washed in that silver a man knew anything was possible and only the good could triumph. Even his tired old self felt new, that when he rose to his feet he would again be young, the world again his to conquer.

Or maybe it was Helen's soft hand, wrapped around and gently fondling his rigidity that brought him to awareness.

Moving only his eyes, Duncan looked down at Helen where she lay, still curled and cuddled tightly against his side. Her face was cradled on my chest with an arm holding her warmth pulled to my side. She was looking at the moon, a puzzled little frown on her face. She was so lovely it almost hurt to look at her.

Her beauty made him stop and think. It had been so long since his wife had died. Duncan had not only not dated since then, he hadn't looked on a woman since then as a man looks at a woman.

He must have moved or made some little sound, for Helen looked up and smiled. "Good evening, kind sir," she murmured. Then turned her face to kiss his bare chest. "Duncan, I seem to be naked, all over!"

Chuckling, Duncan gave her a squeeze.

"Oh brother, that came out strange," she said. "What I mean," she added, with a question in her voice, "I don't remember taking off my panties?"

"I kind of helped you when I covered us up," he offered.>

"Well, uh, I mean it doesn't feel like it, but did you, um... we, uh... What I mean... Did we complete our loving before you covered us up?"

"Oh!" He exclaimed. "No Helen, I'm pretty sure you had told me yes before you kind of took a nap, but I'd never push or do things to you that you hadn't fully agreed to. Besides, it's no fun if you aren't an active participant. I just thought it would be pleasant to feel you clasped to me with nothing between us, not even the panties. I didn't mean to take advantage."

"Um... you didn't Duncan. I'm not sure if I wasn't the one taking advantage. It has been a while since I have been loved. And speaking of which," and here she rose up on her elbow to look down into his eyes. "You were incredible! How in the world did you make me respond to you like that!?"

Pulling her gently back down to lie on his chest, her lips just inches from his he continued, "My lady, an artist is only as good as his materials and subject. I am not a Da Vinci, but you are deserving of one. You are a beautiful, desirable and responsive woman. Thank you." Then he gently pulled head down until her lips met his.

It was only a light kiss, but when their lips broke contact Helen took a deep breath then leaned down to reknew the kiss. This time the softness of her lips, the heat of her mouth trapped him. Their lips explored and tongues discovered all to be found. Their hearts raced as each felt the other's beating in time with theirs. For a time he could only feel Helen, her body soft and hot against his, her hair hanging down around their faces, breasts crushed softly against his chest.

Pulling herself atop him, Helen lay between his legs, pressing into him. The hard pebbles of her nipples squirming against his belly sent pleasure through surging through him. Helen felt the log growing from his groin now trapped and enraptured between their bellies.

Helen pulled her lips from his but her eyes still tied them together. It was then Duncan knew what the poets meant when they sang of being trapped in a woman's gaze.

"I want you now, Duncan, but I want to love you. Do you understand?" she asked.

In answer he reached both arms about her, holding her firmly to him and began softly exploring her back with his hands. No part of her within reach was left unloved. As his hands explored he took notice of her responses and remembered the places that pleasured her.

It wasn't long before her body was again moving against him. Duncan wasn't sure she was even aware she was doing so, at least at first. As his hands moved he began spending more, then even more time where he had noticed the shivery places. Her body's movement became more and more obvious as she writhed against him. Soon her mound was grinding against his shaft and Duncan knew it was time.

Rolling first to his left, then to the right he moved his knees between her thighs. Then he gently spread his legs, opening hers to him. Placing his hands on her hips he lifted and pulled her until his groin until his erection slid free of her pubes and the glans slid wetly along her slit. Slowly Duncan lowered her hips to his thirsty shaft. Helen's sudden gasp told him when her hole captured the glans and it popped just inside her. She was juicy and wet from his attentions and it slid in easily. comfortably.

Pausing he let the sensation of her labia surrounding and gripping the purple head wash through and over them. Duncan was surprised when sadness struck him. Was this to be the only time? The only night he could pleasure this creature? As the shaft slowly sank deeper within her the sadness disappeared in the sensation of the smooth clasp of her vaginal walls as his length traveled up inside her. The entrance was slow but inexorable, feeling as if her core was sucking him into her. Duncan had no sense of pushing himself inside her, he was just pulled into her. When their loins meshed together he felt his glans bumping her cervix and she gasped. Laying still Duncan soaked, marinated in her liquids and warmth, filling her. After a moment he pushed again gently and felt myself extend even further inside her, seemingly entering her womb itself.

The woman lying above him gasped and shuddered as a mini-orgasm spent itself. The he slowly withdrew, feeling her vaginal walls gluing themselves to his spear, fighting his leaving. The slurp of her juices was soft but clear in the night. She was incredibly wet. When his cock had all but left her, he slowly reversed to began the movement our kind has known since before we became aware. Helen, his Helen at least for the night, was soon lost with him in their world of sensation.

As had to happen Duncan soon was not content with such slow exquisite feelings and began increasing the pace of the coupling. Then his hands returned to their business on her back. He began spending more and more time on a certain spot low on her spine, below her waist. There each time his fingers softly ran along her spine she thrust harder, impaling herself further on the spike beings driven up into her belly.

Her mouth fell down to lock on his and Duncan was swallowing her moans. After a wonderful eternity he slid his lips downward to kiss and lick her throat and neck, the top of her bosom. As she moaned into the night he grasped her body to pull her upper body against him and grind her breasts against him in little circles.

Their bodies were slipping in the slick perspiration bathing them. His hands were now teasing and touching her back, especially the hollow at her waist.

All the while he was withdrawing himself from deep inside her, then sliding and thrusting back into her slick warmth.

Then Duncan felt her body tensing as electricity began building within her. He pulled almost out then paused with only the cockhead inside her thirsting vagina.

Looking up into her eyes he ordered her, "I am going to give you a cum now, my woman. Scream for me!"

Then he reamed his cock deep within her, grinding his pubes against hers. There he kept it. Grinding his pubic bone against her clit, churning his big cock within her, punishing her cervix with sensation. He held her against his body such that she could barely breathe.

She gave a great gasp, then froze. Looking into her eyes he saw the lust-madness again. Sucking hard at her throat he left a mark for her to see for days, while one hand ran down her ass and into her crack. When he reached her rosebud he crammed just the tip of a finger inside. She screamed and came.

Her body locked up, no muscle was loose and for an instant he feared she was straining so hard she might break a bone. When the tension suddenly broke she convulsed as wave after wave of contractions swept her body. The cock within her was almost crushed by the walls of her cunt, the same walls that had been so soft and clinging just a moment before.

"Jesus God!" he gasped. Helen was an incredible lover!

When the waves began lessening Duncan began slowly moving inside her again. His pace increased until soon he was again driving, driving, driving into her center. Hard, fast, ruthlessly he fucked into her. Still lovingly but now but even so brutally he fucked her. Duncan was desperate now for his own release as he approached the little death for himself. To his astonishment this wonder of women responded, the fading orgasm reversed and began growing again until, suddenly, she screamed again, her convulsions taking her again as she sucked the sperm from his balls. When he knew he was empty she sucked again. Duncan spurted into her, time after time and then again. His cockhead was shoved, crammed to the end of her channel and then swallowed. His spend shot directly into her womb as he shoved and shoved and pushed while never once withdrawing. Until at last it was all he could do to just held himself as deep within her accepting body as he could reach. He somehow held myself there as he completed ejaculation.

Then he collapsed as Helen collapsed on top of him. Duncan held her, mumbling his love for her. As she lay atop me little ripples ran through her every so often as her body relived its recent glory. She was softly kissing his shoulder, throat and face; everywhere she could reach, with little kisses. Her murmurs were little half heard endearments as they relaxed slowly into that post orgasmic realm so often sought, so seldom achieved.

The two awoke when the sun began forcing its way above the hills to the east with Helen still lay atop him. He gave her a small kiss as she smiled down at him. After rolling her over to lay beside him they began searching for the clothes so carelessly tossed aside in the night. Helen grinned when she saw Duncan was just folding them over his arm, hers intermixed with his. He noticed that look in her eyes again, but knew it was too early for that. They had only met the day before although it seemed like they had known one another for years. Duncan was too old for her anyway.

When they had located everything they picked up the blankets and pillows. Slipping feet into shoes they walked naked down the hill to the motorhome parked below. The golden light of the new day bathed them in it's splendor.

Holding hands. 

To Be Continued...



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 04



Chapter 4 and Breakfast

Duncan could hardly believe the morning. Not one day could he recall that had dawned so bright and cheerful, with so much promise. Looking at the beautiful woman walking beside him, her hand in his, he knew exactly why the day was so grand. Grinning wryly to himself he realized it could be the middle of a blizzard and he would feel the same.

The fact the woman looking up to him with 'that look' in her eyes was as lovely a person as she was beautiful certainly didn't hurt. She was not only comfortable with their being together, but seemed to be enjoying their complete nudity. 

Maybe almost as he was. 

In his long life he had met and seen many women, lovely and beautiful women. In the few instances where he had seen them nude, he had privately agreed that they were more attractive with some packaging than being completely displayed. Very few women could be naked without niggling little imperfections marring an otherwise perfect form. Helen was one of them.

When they got to the motorhome, he opened the door and tossed their clothes inside. Then he shut the door and gave the now puzzled, and still nude, Helen a quick kiss before striding to the back of his rig. Helen stood, proud and seemingly unaware of her nudity as she watched bemused as Duncan opened a small door on the outside of the motorhome. First Duncan pulled out an ordinary garden hose with a showerhead fastened to the end. Setting that aside he opened another larger door low on the side of the rig. From that compartment he pulled out a pole and a wooden grid. As she tried to understand just what in the world her naked host was up to, he attached the hose to the pole before fastening the pole to the grid and setting the whole thing on the ground. 

Helen suddenly understood, Duncan had just set up an open air shower. As private as their parking place was, no privacy screen was needed. Suddenly she was looking forward to her first nude outdoor shower. This lifestyle would take some getting used to. Just think, nude shower dipping!

"Tell me, my love," Duncan asked her, "do you like your showers hot, or will warm be alright with you?" Then he reached inside the first small door and turned on the spigot. Within seconds water was spitting out of the showerhead, soon settling into a smooth flow.

"Helen," he asked, "we have a limited water supply. Come join me in the shower." Not waiting for her reply he picked her, carrying her under the water. 

The water was comfortably warm. In the morning air it felt almost hot. Grabbing soap out of the hose compartment he lathered her up then quickly rinsed her off, careful not to get her hair wet.

Helen found herself laughing at his antics and enjoying the shower. More so with his hands on her. She sobered as she took the soap and returned the favor. She took much longer than needed on some portions of his person but Duncan never said a word despite the amount of water they were using. 

Once they were both sluiced off, Duncan hustled her into the motorhome and out of the soft breeze now raising goosebumps on their naked skin. Inside he produced a couple very soft and very large towels. There they again took turns, this time carefully drying one another off. 

Standing back Duncan let his eye lick over her again, delighted to feel his erection growing. Leaning forward and bending his knees he wrapped both arms around her, pressing his lips to the softness of her throat. Straightening he lifted her off her feet, holding her close. Delighting in the smooth softness of her breasts just under his chin he slowly rocked her from side to side, sliding her still damp skin against him. 

Helen wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his face more tightly to her throat and upper chest. Then wrapping her legs around his waist she clasped him tightly. To her delight she discovered this brought his now full-grown erection to push against her sex. Feeling the tingles as his crown brushed against her lower lips she realized he was in just the right place. Slowly and carefully Helen relaxed her grip on Duncan while undulating her hips. This allowed her body to slip down his body, and his cockhead pushed between her labia. Once he was just entering her she relaxed another little bit, felling herself slowly filled by precious a visitor as it had ever received. In a moment she was again filled with him. 

The moment she began a slow undulating humping a totally unexpected orgasm swept over her. If it had not been for Duncan's strong arms, she would have fallen, spinning off the pole now stuck so completely up into her belly.

Duncan, feeling Helen engulf his manhood shuddered with the pleasure. She was held sealed tightly to him from his groin, where he was speared into her, and along their entire bodies to where his face was now nestled against the side of her neck. With his lips tasting, licking and sucking the soft skin at her throat, Duncan slowly walked to the bed in the back. There he lowered the two of them to lie locked together.

On the bed, Duncan began the slow insertion and withdrawal of his length. As he wallowed in the exquisite pleasure found inside her passage he grew aware Helen was in the continual throes of soft orgasm. There didn't seem to be either an end or a beginning, it just seemed to be constant. Only when he concentrated could he even feel her breathing. 

Leaning up from her he began licking her face and throat. Tiny soft licks, never two alike he tasted her completely. Moving further down he began gently, softly, completely ravaging her breasts. He stayed away from her nipples. She was locked in the soft orgasm and he didn't yet wish to explode her into something more. Looking into her eyes, he saw a soft, dreamy-eyed woman, lost in an Eden of their making. 

Duncan shifted his hips from side to side, withdrawing his cock while rubbing it along one side of her cuntal walls, then reinserting it when he moved his hips back to the center. Continuing the rocking motion he dragged his rigid pole against first one side of her sheath, then the other side. The sensation were continual, her climax constant. 

The constancy of the orgasmic convulsions sweeping through her began to worry him. Was the constant orgasm to much? Pulling his cock almost completely out of Helen's vagina he kissed her, sealing his lips to hers while pushing his tongue deep into her mouth. Then hesitating just a moment with his shaft nearly out of her sheath he waited, then drove his rod home, yanked it out and fucked it home hard into her again and again and again.

She screamed into his mouth as her whole body exploded again into orgasm. The walls of her channel collapsed around him so hard he could no longer move inside her. It triggered his cum. He felt it surge up from his balls, through his belly, shaft and out into her womb. He jammed deeply inside her he felt her suck his balls dry, felt them collapse. The ecstasy was so great he felt it as pain. A pain he never wanted to stop. Duncan realized he was lying atop Helen, fallen partly to one side, and she was kissing him softly and sweetly. 

"Hello, lover," Helen whispered into his ear. "Are you back with me now?"

Confused, Duncan asked, "Where had I gone, Helen?"

"I don't know, love. I do know you've been there for several minutes. I was beginning to get worried." She gave him another small kiss, "Do you often go visiting like that, lover?"

Meeting her lips with his, they kissed softly before Duncan answered, "Never before to my memory love. Never before. You are an incredible lover!"

"Look who's talking," Helen giggled. "Do you feel up to getting up? Oops! Well you know what I mean. I promised you breakfast, and I'm beginning to feel a bit peckish myself, with all the exercise of the past few hours."

Rolling over the rest of the way Duncan sat up on the side of the bed. Rising, Duncan gave her a hand, popping her to her feet. Unembarrassed at her nudity she walked into the kitchen area, her hips gently swaying, stopping only to scoop his shirt off the floor. Slipping her arms into the sleeves, she absent-mindedly began buttoning it while examining the contents of the refrigerator. 

Duncan, watching with a quiet smile on his face, noticed she was buttoning the shirt unevenly. It took her a moment to realize there was no hole for the last button. They grinned at one another for a moment, before she gave up, leaving it as it was. Ignoring the shirt, she pulled eggs, link sausage and a block of cheddar cheese out of the refrigerator. 

Seeming to be in another plane for the moment she absent mindedly went about assembling a cheese omelet, cooking the sausage, starting coffee and toasting English muffins. As she was cooking she wondered at the full pantry. She would have to tease him about preparing ahead of time to rescue a fair damsel in distress.

While she busy Duncan slipped on his sleeping shorts, flannel shorts that doubled as running shorts on occasion. Then he set the table, after turning the radio to find a news station that didn't concentrate on farm news. This close to Spokane finding one turned out to be easy. He then sat and admired the woman he had only met yesterday. 

Musing, he wondered how women could be so many people in one. Helen seemed to be dozens, all singularly attractive, all remarkably competent. Watching the crisp efficiency with which she prepared the meal, his mouth began watering. He was hungry, and no one as openly competent would put less than a chef's meal on the table. 

They would had to talk today, after breakfast certainly not much later. Her car wouldn't be repaired before tomorrow or the day after. Unless she told him to leave, he would plan spending the next couple of days with her. He was a bit afraid his heart was about to be severely strained as he did so. They had known each other less than 24 hours, so he dismissed the possibility of heartbreak. Still, she had a pretty good hold on him already. But she was married.

He didn't believe in poaching on a marriage. It was difficult enough maintaining a lifetime commitment without unprincipled jerks horning in for a quick count of coup. There were enough bastards around without him adding to the mix. Still, her husband seemed to be in the act of abandoning her. As attracted as he was he wanted to stay in touch.

Leaving his relationship with Helen alone for the moment, he began wondering about her husband, Gerry. His first thought on seeing and meeting him was labeling him a pompous ass. Having met Helen Duncan was wondering if he wasn't a fool as well. This jewel making breakfast should be treasured and coddled, not ignored and shunted off to the side. Judging from the small frown tarnishing her brow, she was probably thinking about Gerry along with her day and night with Duncan. 

Whether Helen and he had any chance of ongoing an relationship, he owed her some help with Gerry. Checking the time, Duncan figured the man he had turned his company over to was probably working at his home office now. That was his usual schedule. Duncan stretched and slipped his loafers on his sockless feet. Telling Helen over his shoulder that he wouldn't be five minutes, he stepped out of the motorhome, snaring his cell phone on the way.

Calling Daryl him wide-awake and on the job. It was barely 7am. The man never seemed to sleep! Asking Daryl for a personal favor, he gave him the particulars to do a thorough background and ethics check for him. Telling Daryl it was for a business totally unrelated to the one Daryl was running, he asked for as fast a return as possible. Duncan wanted the investigators to do a complete confidential evaluation of a man for the top position in a Fortune 500 business. 

Duncan gave his regards to Daryl's wife and asked Daryl to tickle his six-year-old daughter for him. Daryl was to tell her it was from Uncle Dunc. After disconnecting he stepped back into the trailer just as Helen was putting the last of the food on the table.

     -  -  -  -  -  -

Going through the familiar motions automatically, Helen assembled breakfast. Immersed in the task her mind was free to wander. "What was there about Duncan that had so overwhelmed her? He wasn't the first man who came on to her. If it could even be said that he had done so. She was as much the aggressor as he."

"But what was so entrancing her? Was it from the first glimpse of the poor man frantically adjusting his dark glasses, trying to hide the direction of his gaze as he admired her? Men often admired her, it was in their nature. But for some reason Duncan's interest was different. One thing surprised her at the time. When men so blatantly eyed her, it always sent a pulse of fear through her." 

"Maybe that was part of the reason!" she mused. "Duncan had so very obviously been trying to disguise his looking. It had been cute, if totally ineffective. One reason it had been both cute and ineffective was the feeling this was something he didn't normally do. He had certainly been worried she would be offended."

But that was only in the first moment. What was there about him that attracted her? 

Was it his intellect? Well partly, but she was used to intelligent, successful men. While she had found many of them attractive, she certainly had made no effort, no interest in becoming involved with any of them.

Perhaps it was his wit! His quick mind bounced around delightfully, keeping her just slightly off balance. Yet other men were as amusing and none of them had her aroused and looking for more than a friendship.

Lord knows it wasn't his looks! Not that he wasn't presentable, but without that certain something, the aura that clung to him, he could fade into the background in any room or crowd. 

Yet she was a married lady, with a husband she had supported for many years, a man with whom she had started and raised a family. The marriage was in trouble for no reason she understood. Still the man she married and the marriage itself deserved more than she had been demonstrating the past few hours.

Gerry's actions yesterday didn't help her thinking. Well, being honest with herself, his lack of interest in her and the marriage had been obvious in its absence. That was what this two-week vacation away from friends, family and business was to have repaired. She understood and Gerry had agreed this was a time to reassess their marriage, their lives together and make them stronger. Her brow wrinkled recalling his sudden flight, leaving her alone and stranded with a stranger in a strange town, far from home.

With the meal prepared Helen sat down to wait for Duncan's return from what ever mysterious chore had called him outside. Thinking of Duncan again she blushed, recalling the night just passed she had spent with him. She hadn't looked at another man since her marriage began, feeling no desire or reason to do so; then came last night!

But what magic had been wrought atop that hill, under the stars with the soft spring breeze cooling their heated bodies just enough for comfort. She was still wearing a deep blush when Duncan climbed the steps back into the RV.

Sitting down across from her Duncan was aware they were now both self-conscious in their near nudity, uncomfortable at the passion that had swamped them. He found her blush delightful but knew enough not to comment. And even now neither had made a move to cover their near nudity.

For the next few minutes they concentrated on a really fine meal. With the long, wonderful night behind them they were ravenous, not a word exchanged beyond those with the meal. Finished Duncan gathered the dishes while Helen nibbled on the last muffin. Completing the washing he fnishing by wiping down the dinette table where Helen now sat studying her hands.

Sitting down across from her Duncan studied his troubled companion. "Helen," he started, reaching across and covering both her hands with one of his, not holding them just lightly touching. "You and I need to talk. I'll start if it's OK with you... First I need you to know yesterday and last night were something wonderful. But I'm worried the passion may damage something unintended but beautiful. Something that has become precious to me in an amazingly short time."

Giving her hands a squeeze to make sure he had her attention, he released them before leaning back into the dinette seat and laying his hands palm down and spread far apart on the table. "Helen, no matter our intimacy, I must keep your friendship. What I'm tryi..."

"Hush! Hush you darling man!" Helen broke in. "Please be quiet before you say something we may both regret. Hear me first." She looked up at him, a small worried smile creasing her face. "You're right, I am bothered by my actions last night. Before you break in, hoping to protect this poor little woman, I have to take most of the responsibility."

"But," he sputtered.

"Hush up, Duncan! Or do I have to hold my hand over your mouth to get a word in edgewise. I hope you noticed I chose the word responsibility, not blame."

She paused, Duncan thinking it wisest not to break in.

"What we enjoyed all day yesterday was precious indeed. And I'm not talking of the loving we indulged ourselves in on top of our mountain. Yesterday's hours were some of the most relaxed and enjoyable times I've ever known. But we seem to be on a sled going downhill and picking up speed. As exciting as the scenery going by is now, we have no idea what is beyond that next little rise or the curve coming up just beyond that."

Duncan raised his hand, chuckling, "Can I speak now, teacher?"

When Helen snorted, he continued, "You said it far better than I, young lady. And I'm afraid unless we take steps, we may hit some nasty rocks not too far down the way. First, I have no schedule to keep, and you are stuck here until at least tomorrow and maybe two or three days more. If you aren't offended, if you see no harm in it, I would like to stick with you and continue our camera study." Pausing, he looked at Helen.

"Duncan, that would be a treat as you know. But I am married! I gave vows, vows which I've broken. That is bedeviling me at the moment. If we spend the next few days together it will not, must not be traveling from one bed to the next. Companionship, great! Taking pictures! I never knew how enjoyable that could be and can hardly wait to see how my efforts turn out. Eating together I fondly say yes to, but don't plan sharing a bed with me again! If we are going to be friends we can't do that. My reading of the Duncan sitting across from me tells me casual intimacy with a casual friend might possibly be okay. But between you and I it would never be casual. Duncan we can't afford that kind of heartbreak. I certainly can't. And I'm still trying to save my marriage. I gave vows 'til death do us part years ago, and my word is precious to me. My marriage has been precious no matter whatever it is now. I hope may be so again."

They silently sat across from the little dinette table, looking searchingly into the others eyes. 

Duncan finally broke the silence, "Helen, do you have some kind of ESP into my mind? You said exactly what I was trying to say, except you were able to put it into real words."

Looking at the clock on the microwave he continued, "It's after 8:00. Why don't we get dressed and go visit the garage. They may have an answer on how long you will be in town. By the time we get done there it will be past the time photographers consider prime for taking pictures. I need to do some running around today, replenish some of the supplies I keep in the RV, and if you are like every other woman I've known you would like to shop in this new town. Why don't we try that this morning, maybe into the afternoon. First task will be to reserve a couple rooms for tonight. I would offer the use of the RV, but that one bed is too inviting. Any other suggestions?" 




Chance: A Day in May Ch. 04



Helen shook her head and slid out of her seat.

Duncan made no secret he enjoyed the way her skirt rode up, showing her thighs. "Why don't you take a shower now, in the indoor shower," he hastened to add as he grinned at her. "The bags we pulled out of your car are in the bedroom. I noticed a faucet outside under the trees. I'll use it to refill our water tank."

Helen smiled at him, called him a lecher, then twitched her barely covered fanny into the bedroom where she closed the door. Duncan began readying the rig for leaving.

They pulled into the Texaco station just after 9:00AM. Checking with the owner and his mechanic they found the needed parts wouldn't get there until later that afternoon. The mechanic promised to get the work done ASAP, but couldn't promise the job done until Friday. With that Helen and Duncan piled back into the RV and headed into downtown Ritzville. Helen to browse, while Duncan had a personal chores to get accomplished.



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 05



Duncan had no more than pulled back out onto the road to town, when a City of Ritzville Police Patrol car slammed on it's breaks as it passed them going the other way. Making a tire screeching U-turn it spun its tires accelerating back behind them. Duncan slowed, figuring to pull over and let him go by when the Patrol Car's lights started flashing. But after pulling over and stopping, a shocked Duncan watched him pull up behind the motorhome and stop.

With his eyes fixed on the left outside mirror, he suddenly fell back onto his seat. "Oh, shit..." 

A startled Helen looked at him wide-eyed. It was the first time she had heard him use language that couldn't be heard on the radio. Unless you counted what was said while they had been making love.

"Helen, I may be in the soup. If so, I need you out of the soup so you can help me on the outside. Don't jump in and demand equal time, please."

With eyes big as saucers, Helen recognized a town cop, wearing a pair of mirrored sunglasses stop outside the drivers side window. "Oh, no," she gasped, immediately identifying the big tough who had hustled her last night. The guy Duncan had dropped to the tavern floor, the one they had left lying on that same bar floor, unconscious.

Duncan rolled his window down and the cop in a brusque, emotionless voice asked, "May I see your Driver's License sir?" 

Helen had never seen such an emotionless face in her life. Her heart sank, wondering what this small town thug must be like with the law behind him.

"Thank you, Mr. Handsworth," the cop growled as he handed the card back. Then suddenly his face broke out into a grin. "Hey, there's no way I can keep this tough cop charade going. I wanted to stop and thank you for last night; and no, much as I look like it, that wasn't me at the bar last night. I've been looking for you all morning to thank you. Folks told me last night that you were expecting to be around town for a couple days getting the lady's car fixed at the station. Is that right?"

"What is this all about, Officer?" asked Duncan. "Were charges filed after the ruckus last night? If I thought there was going to be a problem I would have stayed at the bar a while longer."

"Well Mr. Handsworth, my brother finally lost it, after some real shit was thrown at him over the last few weeks. I've been trying to baby sit him, but I was out on call when the divorce papers were delivered to him by the bimbo's attorney yesterday afternoon. I was hoping to keep the final explosion private, but my wife said he just grabbed his hat and went out the door. Never said a word to my wife about where he was going. He was long gone before I got back home. Chester's been staying with us since he caught the twit he married in bed with the town drunk. Ever since she's been tossing accusations at him, and her lawyer has tied up everything my brother owns."

"My brother, bless his soul," the cop continued, "still loves that hussy bitch. She was his high school sweetheart, and he has yet to see how she's changed over the past eight years. Chief Traynor, our police chief, has put him on furlough until he can get himself together. If you two hadn't been able to handle him last night, I would have had to take him to jail. He's a damn nice guy usually, but at that moment he was off his gourd. If he'd spent the night in the iron-bar motel, especially for assault, his police career would be over. That's all he has ever wanted to do, really." 

"This morning, he can only remember bits and pieces of last night. When he started to bring some of the pictures up in his mind this morning, he went into the bathroom and threw up. Sounds crazy to say this, but I think you saved a good man. I'd like to buy you folks a cup of coffee, if I may. My name, by the way, is Everett. Can I call you Duncan, Mr. Handsworth?"

Duncan held his hand out to shake Everett's hand. "No real thanks needed, Everett, but we'll take you up on the coffee, if it includes a doughnut or two. And by the way, my friend here is Helen Conningham. Lead on, Officer Everett. We'll follow."

Everett led them to a happy, cheerful looking diner downtown. He pointed out a spot to park the RV, and met them at the door, holding it open for them as he ushered them inside

"Hey Clarice, you got a pot of fresh coffee, or is that still the one you made for yesterdays lunch crowd?" he called out as he sat them in a booth in the brightly painted, well lighted café.

"Ev, you wouldn't know bad coffee if I fed it to you. I've got a nice fresh pot, and I'll poor a cup for your friends. Give me a minute and I'll get out the crankcase oil you usually drink," a sweetly smiling, matronly waitress answered from behind the counter. "Do you folks want high octane, or unleaded?" she directed at Duncan and Helen.

"We'll take the octane," Helen answered for the two of them. Then looking at Duncan, "Unless you want tea, Duncan."

"Hey, I've got water so hot it's banned on Sundays, English Breakfast Tea and a couple flavors of herb teas. Whatever you prefer," the waitress called back. 

"What ever's easiest," Duncan called back.

When the waitress brought over the coffee, Everett introduced them. "These are the folks who kept Chester out of trouble last night, Clarice. Thought the least I could do would be buy them a cup of coffee. What do you have in the way of doughnuts or Danish?"

After Clarice had delivered their orders, Everett excused himself a moment to check in with the dispatcher. When he came back the three of them just fell into conversation like they had been friends for years. Everett filled them in on the history of Ritzville. When asked he suggested some stops they might want to make for photography. Clarice kept coming by to refill their cups, adding something to the conversation each time she stopped at their table. It seemed to be a popular spot, with townspeople stopping by in what seemed to be a regular schedule. Before Duncan and Helen were aware of it, they had been drinking coffee and eating doughnuts for almost an hour.

The conversation seemed to be coming to a natural close when the door opened and Chester, the guy they had run into last night stepped into the café. The first Duncan knew of it was when Everett waved his hand, "Hey, we're over here, brother. Grab a cup and come on over."

Duncan eased himself back a bit in his seat, and stared accusingly at Everett who grinned back at him sheepishly.

Clearing his throat, Everett said, "Duncan, I'm sorry but you might not have stayed if I told you my brother was coming. I guarantee you won't regret staying."

"Regret what, Ev?" asked Chester arriving at the table.

"My sticking around to meet you this morning," Duncan replied for him.

Chester looked down at the floor as he turned to pull out a chair. Duncan noticed he was limping. "I'm sure glad you did stay. I have to thank you for last night."

Both Helen and Duncan just looked at him. 

"Ma'am, I have to apologize to you, too. I just seemed to go crazy for a while. I really ain't that kind of man, but... Oh hell, things just haven't been too stable for me the last few weeks," Chester said to Helen. He didn't seem to be able to look her in the eye. "By the way, my lout of a brother hasn't introduced us. I guess you folks know my name, now. It's Chester. But what can I call you folks, except exceptional?"

"Oh, sorry Chester," spoke up his brother. "Helen, Duncan this is my brother. Chester, this smart gentleman is Duncan Handsworth, and the lady is Helen Conningham. Say hello, and do some groveling, big brother."

"You got that right, Ev," spoke Chester. "And Mr. Handsworth, I want to thank you for going easy on me last night. It couldn't have been easy for you, 'cause I know I look pretty imposing. But all you left me with was a sprained knee. The headache came from the booze, I think. I seldom drink, maybe even more seldom now, but I had a right skin full last night. Damn it! I made a fool of myself. Course as our daddy used to say, we're the only ones can do that, make fools of our own self. Then he'd tell us to try to do something a bit more constructive, making a fool was too easy. He sure got that right!"

Helen and Duncan soon found themselves relaxing and enjoying Chester's company. All to soon, Everett had to excuse himself to get back to his patrolling and Chester told his new friends he had to leave also. The brothers were sincere in asking to see the two again before they left town.

Seeing the morning had already disappeared, Duncan asked Helen if she wanted to meet him in a couple hours after he got his chores accomplished, say 1:00 for lunch here. He had a couple things to get done, and he was sure Helen would be happier shopping without dragging him along as an anchor.

Helen smilingly agreed, chuckling to herself about the way all men shied away from shopping. 

 - - - - -

It was after 3:00 when Duncan tucked Helen's arm in his before they ducked into the small café where they had enjoyed coffee that morning. Both were tired. It seemed to Helen that she and Duncan had walked every street in town at least three times. Helen was amazed at how many really interesting photos they had found to shoot in the little town. Even more amazing were the number of shots they had taken the second, third and in some cases the fourth time they walked down a particular street. It seemed every time they returned they individually and separately found new things they thought could be turned into photographic art.

The first thing Duncan had done when she met him that afternoon was to give her a gift wrapped box. She had no idea what it might be and was astounded when she opened the box to find a twin to Duncan's digital camera. Duncan explained he had a first rate printer in the RV, and they could turn any shots they thought worth it into photos whenever they chose. No delays, no worry about a photo lab botching a job. What they had were two professional level cameras and their own dark room in the RV. She didn't need to wait for a photo laboratory to process her film, didn't even have to wait until they got back to the RV. She could see what she had just taken on the small screen on the back of the camera. Not only that, but they could make prints that evening and see what the photos looked like full size. Duncan explained with the software programs he had on his computer they could crop and adjust each image to their hearts content. 

Helen had been like a kid with a new toy, dragging him off immediately to take photos of the town.

The table they had been at that morning was open, and they made a beeline for it, collapsing on the comfortable red Naugahyde chairs. 

Clarice, that morning's waitress, was standing at the counter and Duncan asked her if she ever got off work. She assured him she was off but it was so nice she hung around even on her time off. Duncan ordered two milkshakes, and when they were done picked them up himself to carry back to their table.

Duncan was just kind of staring off into the distance as he felt his muscles relax. He was carefully keeping the lovely Helen in the distance he was staring at, when his companion suddenly snorted and clapped her hand over her mouth. Helen's eyes got real big, and then she hissed at Duncan, telling him to listen.

A man sitting directly behind Helen was holding an animated conversation with his companion. Both the farmers were taking advantage of a short lull in their schedule to come to town and take a break.

"I tell you, Jessie, it's true!" the man behind Helen was saying. "Look, we don't see 'em very often. Less now than when I was a boy, but that was a cougar I heard last night! They come down from the forests upstate, and occasionally one will work its way all the way down here. I've heard them before, and I tell you that was a cougar you and I heard screaming last night around midnight. Nothing else around here either sounds like that or is loud enough..."

Here Helen turned red and buried her face in her arms on the table.

"...to be heard that far. I mean your place is a good five miles from mine and we both heard it. Right?" and he waited for his companion to nod.

"You have any other explanation for it, Jessie?" he asked and took another sip of his coffee.

Duncan raised his voice just a tad, and called past Helen, "Was that a bit East and some North of here you heard that?"

The man twisted around, "You hear it too, Mister?" he asked. 

"Well we heard something last night, pretty late. Our RV was parked at some spring off the main road," Duncan replied.

"Hey, I know that spring. It's almost directly between Jesse's place and mine. Was it pretty loud?"

Duncan glanced at Helen's brightly scarlet face, "It was real loud where we were. What did you say it was?"

The man named Jesse spoke up, "Hilliard here claims it was a Puma, Mountain Lion you know. Didn't used to worry about them, they never hurt nobody, but we seem to be building houses where they usually hunt and there have been some nasty attacks the last few years. If he's right, and I'd guess he is, you'd best stay in town tonight. At least don't go back there. Shouldn't be a problem but that must be a big mean one judging from the scream it was giving. Could get pretty badly clawed and bitten if you were to run into it and it was in the mood."

Helen now had both hands clapped across her mouth, her eyes were huge and she was fighting to look natural. She didn't want anyone looking at her now; they might put it all together.

Duncan grinned at her, "Hey, that scream sounded awful close to me. Sounded like a whole series of screams. You sure that was a cougar? Could have been an owl, or even a woman screaming for all I could tell?"

Hilliard replied, "Trust me, mister, that was a cougar. They do sound like a woman in trouble, but it was too loud for that. Had to carry three miles to my place, and pretty near as far to Jesse's."

About that time the hamburgers Duncan had ordered arrived he and Helen dug in. In a couple minutes the two farmers left and Helen whispered, "Do you think that was me they heard?" 

Duncan grinned at her, and reached over to take her hand, "No doubt in my mind, Helen. But I don't know if I'd describe you as big, now mean maybe...And you know, I DID get scratched up some last night."

It didn't seem possible, but Helen turned an even brighter shade of red. Then she kicked him under the table, hard.

Leaving the café later, they climbed into the motor home to drive to the motel. Duncan made a point of pulling some Band-Aids out of the bathroom cabinet, complaining about some deep gouges he had on his shoulders. When Helen socked him he staggered and fell into the dinette before they broke up laughing.

The motel could best be described as a motorhotel. It stood three stories high on the edge of town and only modern practice kept it from its proper title of hotel. Their rooms were adjoining and on the third floor. 

Helen was surprised to discover a connecting door between the two rooms.

Duncan carried their two bags up despite Helen's protest. He just told her to practice her feminism when it was appropriate. She laughed and gave in, gracefully as ever. 

Duncan placed her suitcase in her room, then carried his to the room next door. The rooms were comfortable, but hotel-beige. Both rooms were decorated in a western theme with paintings of cowboys, horses, and round-ups on the walls. 

Helen grabbed her coin purse and an ice bucket before heading to the end of the hall. After filling the bucket with ice, she extracted some Pepsis and Fantas along with a couple Canada Dry Club Sodas from the several vending machines. After gathering bags of peanuts and other munchies she headed back to their rooms.

Walking into her room she shut the hall door before knocking on the connecting door, then waited until Duncan opened it. Walking into his room she put her provisions on the table standing by the window and overlooking the rolling wheat fields surrounding the town. Two comfortable looking, tan over-stuffed chairs flanked the table. Smiling at him she told him she would come back for a nightcap after her shower, promising to knock before she came in.

Returning to her room she quickly stripped, stepped into her shower and luxuriated in the hot shower. Drying off she slipped on a long yellow sleep shirt, more a long T-shirt than anything else. She bottomed that off with a pair of bright red french-cut panties. Glancing at the mirror she pulled on her white terry cloth robe before knocking on the connecting door. The red panties certainly made their presence known under the thin, soft rayon sleeping shirt. 

To her surprise there was no response, so she sat down and thought about her day. In less than ten minutes there was a knock from Duncan's side of the door. Opening it she found him standing there in a wine red bathrobe, a white T-shirt peeking out from between the lapels. Smiling she joined him in his room, leaving the connecting doors open.

Making themselves comfortable at the table, Duncan fixed them each a highball using the club soda and a bottle of Jack Daniels he had carried up from the motor home. Helen opened the peanuts, chips and pretzels, and then they just sat back and chatted. 

It felt so comfortable and right to be there with him that Helen had to blink several times when she remembered she had only met Duncan the morning before. She had been planning a long romantic week with her husband Gerry. The marriage had been drifting for several years, and he had agreed they needed to spend time learning one another again.

And then the skunk had pulled that stunt, leaving her with a broken car at the start of their vacation together as he had jetted off to the Philippines. It was supposed to be business, but she was beginning to wonder. That sort of thing had been happening far too often the past three years. Surely he was in a position at the company that others should be doing this initial trouble shooting. To Helen it seemed Gerry was the first called and the last home whenever an emergency came up in the company. She frowned thinking the two of them hadn't even taken a long weekend together for over a year. Gerry hadn't even been home for Christmas last year. 

When she put her mind to it Helen realized it had been over four years since they had spent a vacation together of any kind. And four years ago the "vacation" had been a family gathering for Gerry's mother's funeral. They had attended her funeral together, yes, but Gerry and she had left in separate airplanes. Gerry hadn't even stayed for the reception after going to the grave site. He left early, flying off on another of his constant weeks long trouble-shooting junkets. She hadn't seen him again for ten days after she returned home. And that was his mother's funeral! 

"Earth to Helen," she heard from across the table. "You went someplace Helen. Can I come along, maybe I can help."

"Oh, Duncan! Sorry, I was just gathering wool for a moment. Today Gerry and I were supposed to have been at Lake Chelan," Helen responded. Pausing she added, "I'm not sure today wasn't a lot more fun, but it sure wasn't what I was expecting to be doing. Say, do you think we could get to that old barn just outside town and get a picture at sunup tomorrow?" 

"Sure, let's get some sleep now, then catch the early light. Let's say goodnight, Helen."

"Sounds great, but I need to clear up a misconception you have. You keep talking like I am a whole lot younger than you. Just how old do you think I am?" she asked her companion.

Duncan looked at her carefully for a moment, "Men aren't supposed to put ages on their ladies, Helen. Why do you want the answer?"

"Oh fudge, Duncan. Just answer the question. I think it's important."

"Well, when I first saw you yesterday I figured you were no more than say thirty-two. After spending a couple days with you, my guess is you're too mature for that. I would guess, maybe thirty-eight. Now what kind of trouble am I in?" answered Duncan.




Chance: A Day in May Ch. 05



"None at all, except I can't believe you think I'm that young. Duncan, I'm forty-four. Not only that, but I have a grown son. If he and his wife have any say in the matter, I'll be a grandmother by this time next year. So you see, we are age contemporaries. Knock off this elder statesman attitude, OK?" replied Helen.

"Well," Duncan said reflectively, "I sure guessed wrong on your age, but I think you guessed wrong on mine, too. Hope it doesn't make a difference, but I'm sixty-one. So, you're still the youngster."

"Well, I never thought you were wet behind the ears, Duncan. Now I know you don't believe I am either. I feel better. Seventeen years difference would have been impossible when I was seventeen, but not so much now. Let's get to bed and catch that morning light," smiled Helen.

"Sure, if we can pull ourselves out of bed. Since my semi-retirement I'm not in the habit of getting up on any kind of schedule," Duncan agreed. "But it's get to bed now or you'll never get me up."

They both rose from their chairs and Duncan walked Helen to the open door connecting their rooms. When Helen turned she saw the hunger in his eyes. It did little nice things to her tummy. Putting her arms around him she leaned against him, lifted her face and kissed him softly. 

It was a gentle kiss, but lasted a little longer than either of them expected. 

After a moment Duncan leaned back to look at her as she reached up to capture his lips again. This kiss was not as gentle, and a long way from being as innocent. Helen found her arms up around Duncan's neck, her hands clasped tightly together. Her body strained against him, her breasts flattened against his chest she shivered with lust and comfort. 

Helen's knees trembled, barely holding her as her mind disappeared except for thoughts of Duncan. Helen's open mouth covered his lips and her tongue pushed out and into his mouth. They strained together, their tongues caressing as the growth of his manhood pushed against her belly. 

With an armful of desirable woman, the most desirable he'd ever seen and thoughts of last night's activities clouding his mind, he verged on carrying her off to his bed. There would be no complaint from Helen, she was nearly swooning against him. Her breath was escaping her lips in little pants. 

When Duncan felt Helen's bare legs against his Duncan knew their robes had opened. That was the moment his cock sprang free through the opening in his boxers. It met her silken panties sending another shiver through his whole body. Helen was unconsciously grinding her loins hard against his, sensuously rubbing his erection. 

For long moments their bodies strained together, their hips rocking. The room was suddenly stifling hot and feeling constricting. 

Suddenly, somehow Duncan stepped back away from Helen, holding her shoulders to steady her as the support of his body was taken away. She looked up desperately into his eyes, seeing the naked lust in his hungering eyes as she strained to return to his embrace. Yet he stepped further away, his hands on her shoulders straightened to hold them apart.

With a searching, hungering stare and a husky voice Duncan said, "Helen, this may be one of the hardest things I've ever done but I can't accept your gift. You would question my motives if I did. You are trying to save a marriage and I came out of the blue acting as knight-errant. It isn't fair to you or Gerald for me to just step in." 

Helen started to say something, but Duncan put a finger over her lips. 

"Please, Helen. Not now. Unless or until you decide the marriage is over you would never forgive me for stepping in like this. What we have so far has been miraculous. It was also spontaneous. This morning we agreed we wouldn't do this and it would be wrong of me, after feeding you drinks and giving you an exciting new experience during a romantic day. If this goes further than good friends, I'll want it to be without regrets by either of us. I know, and you know too, you would regret our not stepping back to look at both our worlds. You are not the kind to take this kind of step lightly. Neither am I." 

Both stood silent for a time, studying each other. In a gruff voice Duncan spoke, "Let's get up and enjoy the sunrise, woman. You looked pretty good over breakfast this morning, can you do it two days in a row?" 

Helen took a deep breath and smiled, stepping away from his supporting arms. "Duncan, this morning I didn't have my ammunition with me. I have my make-up case in the room behind me now along with my 'vacation on the Riviera' wardrobe. You ain't seen nothing yet." Then she stepped back into her room, slowly shutting the door between them.

Duncan's breath sighed out of him. His body was already telling him he had done something stupid. Still he knew he had done the only thing he could. The connection between Helen and himself had grown incredibly in just a day. He didn't expect anything to come of this. Whether or not that was true what had grown between them was too precious to endanger. His body wanted her, his mind and soul would not allow taking a chance on hurting her. If this thing grew it would not be for a weekend or a month. If he never laid eyes on her after tomorrow what this thing was already something to warm his life in the years to come.

He hoped the phone call this morning to his manager would give him a clue where he should go with this. He would check with the investigator tomorrow.

Hanging her robe in the closet, Helen slipped between the cold sheets, her body shivering with unfulfilled passion. Closing her eyes she started going over the past two days. Almost immediately her eyes popped open. What in the world was going on? 

She was a married woman fighting to save her marriage. She had never lost sight of that goal; yet she had been throwing herself at Duncan like a lovesick sixteen-year-old. In her entire life she had never experienced an hour to compare to what she had experienced after meeting Duncan. It felt like she was living on a new level. It all started when she caught him checking her out at the rest stop and not let up since. 

The passion was far beyond anything she ever imagined.

Her life, her marriage had been at a crisis point. And suddenly the fabric of her very existence had changed. She needed to sit and think about this. What direction did she want to go. Until the last few years Gerry had been a wonderful man, a good father and a loving husband. Then he changed.

It happened right after the kids had left the nest but she didn't feel that had anything to do with the change.

Gerry had been getting more and more distant since then. When Helen had agreed to the partnership of marriage with Gerry, she had devoted herself to maintaining the marriage. She always assumed her mate would be as devoted to her as she was to him, "Forsaking all others". This long vacation together was to be the opportunity, the revitalization. Then Gerry bailed out at the very beginning; before it began, really. 

They had always led a healthy sex life. Sex wasn't the reason for marriage but it was one of the most important glues holding it together. Sex with Gerry had all but disappeared. His health was good except for stress headaches from the increased responsibilities. Gerry wasn't about to step back to lesser responsibilities, the stress of the decision making was what he reveled in. It was what made life interesting. 

She wondered about his faithfulness. 

He had been unwilling to spend time with her. No sugarcoating that. Before meeting Duncan she was wondering if she had lost her attractiveness. If a man like Duncan found her as compelling as he did, that couldn't be the problem. 

Duncan had affected her in ways no man, none, had ever done before. 

But that was another worry! 

Where in the world was this going with Duncan. She had never had any desire to stray in her marriage, then along came Duncan and she couldn't seem to think of anything else when he was near.

What in the world was she doing?

She spent the long hours of the night worrying her two related problems.



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 06



Chapter 06 – Parting 

Morning came too soon for both. Duncan had left a wake up call, but that was a real misnomer! He hadn't been able to shut his eyes for more than an hour or two all night. And he hadn't been able to sleep then.

In the bathroom he nicked himself shaving, couldn't find his styptic pencil, then bled profusely through the toilet paper he used to stem the flow. Knowing he was grumpy Duncan vowed to hold his tongue. He may never see Helen again and he wanted her to have kind thoughts of him in the years to come.

Helen's morning didn't go any better. She showered, blow-dried her hair, then found herself in the midst of the worst "bad hair" day she ever experienced. She was barely dressed when Duncan rapped on the door between the rooms.

The two committed themselves to be pleasing companions over breakfast, despite the start to the morning. Instead, striving not to be cranky, they were silent during the meal. As breakfast wore on each began understanding their companion wasn't happy about parting.

Back in the motel they left the connecting doors open as they assembled their things and packed. When finished Duncan carried his luggage into Helen's room, setting it just inside the door.

"Anything you want me to sit on so you can close it?" he quipped as he slouched onto a chair by the window.

Helen had just snapped her suitcase closed. "Too late, my hero. And everything fit," was her soft reply. Then she dropped into the other chair. "Going to be a lonely drive the rest of the way."

Duncan started to say something, then shut his mouth.

"Duncan, let's leave it where it is, OK?" she asked. "Somehow I can't feel what we've done has been cheating on Gerry. But he certainly wouldn't feel the same way. I can't explain it, but us... These few days... It seems like I've stepped outside my life. I will probably be miserable about this later."

"Helen, please God! I don't want you feeling bad about yourself. You are a married woman... Damn it! Nothing that happened was intended. And I don't know now how we could have prevented it. That sounds weak, but it's the way I feel."

They were silent a while longer, then Duncan asked, "What route are you following today? Are you still going to Lake Chelan?"

"Yes, Duncan. Maybe Gerry will come home and join me. It's already rented and he would expect to find me there. We were going to take the little state road from here to Highway 2, so I'll do the same. Then I'll follow 2 and cross the Columbia just North of Wenatchee. Then I'll just follow the river North. I expect to take my time, but I'll be in Chelan by mid afternoon easy. I'll be in the condo and settled by dinner time."

"Do you want to walk around Ritzville again before we leave?" asked Duncan. As soon as he said it he was ashamed of himself. He was trying to hang onto her as long as he could. Once her taillights disappeared up the road he was afraid he would never see her again. 

He paused for a moment thinking. Yes, fear was the right word. He knew parting would be painful. Past experience told him the longer he delayed the inevitable the more it would hurt.

"You know I'd like to, Duncan. But, I can't. It's better if we can just cut this off. I AM married, and I DO love my husband. What we feel is special, but how would you feel if Jamie were in my position? Please, make it easy for both of us and just... end it here." Helen almost cried watching the pain flit across Duncan's face. This thing between them had gone too deep already. The longer they stood here the harder it was going to be. 

Duncan was silent, knowing he had nothing to say. What she wanted was the only way. "Helen, let's just load the vehicles and I'll follow you to the edge of town. I'll need to fill up before I leave, so we can say goodbye there. OK?"

Helen nodded and they walked together to the vehicles. When she pulled onto the road he followed her, pulling to the curb at the edge of town. Helen pulled over when she saw him stop and got out of the BMW. The two of them climbed out for their few last words. 

Standing together, neither could think of a thing to say. Duncan stood memorizing her face while idly kicking rocks into the gutter. Helen's eyes were fixed on his face, unaware she was wringing her hands together. Finally Duncan opened his arms and Helen stepped in for a last hug. She leaned her face against his shoulder while Duncan rested his cheek atop her head. They stood like that for a minute before Helen stepped back to kissed her fingertips, then reach out to place the kiss on his lips.

Duncan saw the tears brimming in her eyes as she turned back to her car. He stood watching as she fumbled getting the seat belt fastened, then started the BMW and drove away. Before she disappeared around a bend in the road, unwanted tears began running down his cheeks. 

Long minutes after Helen disappeared he stood there before climbing back into his RV. Backing around he returned to town and "their" café. He parked and went inside, sitting at the counter to enjoy a cup of coffee with Clarice. He spent a bittersweet hour chatting with her and several other residents he and Helen had met the past few days. Even Chester stopped by for coffee. 

When he couldn't delay any longer he said goodbye. After gassing up he followed Helen north, following her route 'til he crossed the Columbia where he turned south to follow Highway 2 through Wenatchee and on over the pass to Seattle. She had his cell phone number and promised to call when she was settled. Helen had promised to give him the phone number where she was staying. If she had trouble she could give him a call, and if she had car trouble he would be on the road behind her.

He knew it was a hopeless plan. Lightening didn't strike twice.

Driving slowly, it was mid-afternoon before he was in Wenatchee. He had time to drive home over Steven's Pass to Seattle before full dark. But he temporized. He was hungry, though he really wasn't. Traffic would be bad in Monroe, where the road leveled as it left the mountains. He needed gas even though the gauge read over half full.

So he stopped and got a hotel room. Carrying his cell phone he walked to a restaurant near his room for an early dinner. While he was waiting for his meal at the restaurant Helen called. She had arrived at Chelan, the condo was wonderful, the town was everything she and Gerry had expected.

She thanked him for being so kind.

It was a very long, tasteless meal.

Back in the hotel he tried watching television, with the usual boring results. When he tried to read Duncan couldn't concentrate, giving up in frustration after half an hour. 

When the rooms walls began to close in Duncan went for a walk with his camera. He found several interesting shots and took them. Instead of calming him the camera made him miss Helen even more as he wondered what she would have seen to photograph he had missed.

Giving even that up Duncan returned to the hotel. After a long hot shower he went to bed where he tossed and turned.

The next morning Duncan ate breakfast in the same restaurant where he ate the night before. Then he climbed back into his RV and drove home, over the pass, arriving home before lunchtime.



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 07



Chapter 07 The Separation

Chance

The soup looked good when Duncan took it off the stove but when he sat down to eat, there was no taste. He tried a few spoonfuls then disgustedly dropped the spoon. Pushing back the chair he got up to bus his lunch dishes, rinsed them then popped them in the dishwasher. Since his return to Seattle nothing tasted good.

Restlessly prowling his living room Duncan stopped before the big picture window to watch the happy crowd promenading around Green Lake. A light wind rippled the lake surface, sending sparkles across the surface. Yet even the placid, happy view from his living room couldn't soothe him this afternoon. Nothing he did snapped him out of the blue funk he'd fallen into since returning from Spokane and his brief adventure with Helen in Ritzville a week ago. 

Duncan snorted. "Be honest with yourself at least," he thought. The blues hit when you watched her drive away: Watched her going to meet her husband, leaving your sad ass behind. 

Standing at the window his mind shifted once again to those few days in Ritzville. In his mind the moon was full again, bathing a woman who was naked perfection in its soft magic. She came to him, pressing herself against him, giving herself to him. As the picture played in his mind he again held her hand, leading her off their mountain. 

As his mind wandered the picture shifted, the ambient light changed from silver and gold to blue and he was again standing beside the road, watching his perfect woman drive away. Tears streaked his face, not for the first time, as he remembered her car disappearing down the road.

He'd not heard from her since she phoned that afternoon to tell him she made it safely. But then he hadn't expected to hear from her. 

"She must be appalled at the enchantment we'd fallen under in Ritzville." He hoped she didn't hate him for seducing her. Lord knows it wasn't something he planned. Not that it wasn't something he didn't want but he just didn't mess with marriages and married women. How could something like that just happen? But it had.

For a moment he fell into the now familiar daydream remembering those few days he'd spent as Helen's Lochinvar. Since returning to Seattle he'd just wandered restlessly from one thing to another. He did manage a few productive hours on his consulting business, but it didn't seem fair to charge the clients for more than half the time he spent trying to concentrate on their problems.

He had walked miles around Green Lake every day since his return. 

The comfortable, cheerful old mansion he and his wife had moved into early in their marriage overlooked Seattle's own back yard. The three-mile walk around the urban park that was Green Lake was the most popular exercise in the city. Almost any time, day or night, crowds of a few dozen to several hundred walkers, runners, bikers and inline skaters could be seen strolling, biking, and skating around the charming natural park. 

One of Duncan's favorite jaunts was walking around the lake on a warm sunny day. The crowd of sunbathers always made wonderful eye-candy. With his house lying just across the road from the park grass, he wryly considered the scantily clad sunbathers to be his own personal lawn ornaments. Kicking off his loafers he had barely sat down to tie on his running shoes when the telephone rang.

"This is Duncan. What can I do for you?"

"Duncan, glad I caught you in," came Colin's familiar voice. Colin was head of the investigating agency Duncan had asked to check on Helen's husband, Gerald. "We have the report you asked for on Gerald Conningham. Do you want me to mail it to you or do you want to stop by the office to pick it up?"

"I'll swing over and pick it up this afternoon. Can you give me a run down on what you found over the phone?"

"Sure, already told you the man met a woman named Myra Jenkins at SeaTac Airport. She is, or was, his Executive Assistant. They cashed in tickets to Manila, then we were able to verify they took a JAL plane to Singapore, First Class. The next four days they spent in Singapore living the high life." 

"They were scheduled to take an inland tour of one of the classic ruins, Ankwar Wat. Gerald left their hotel early to do some shopping and was supposed to meet Myra where the tour started. She never showed and the guy has been tearing the place apart ever since looking for her. She's a pretty little piece; late 20's, blond, and built very nicely. Our informant at their hotel told us she slipped off fifteen minutes after Gerald left that morning. It looked like she was heading to the airport alone with her luggage. Gerald has no idea what happened to her and it's driven him crazy."

"I'm sorry we didn't keep track of her but my man in Singapore had instructions to keep tabs on the guy. He had no more idea she was planning a skip than Conningham. We'll get on her trail if you want but Conningham looks about through with his trip. He tossed a real bundle on the broad and he's been bitching under his breath. Guess she took most of the rest of the money with her. It's handy to have a hotel room bugged."

Duncan thanked him for the summary, promising to pick up the written report at his office later. After hanging up he glanced at his watch before trotting out the door to make the run around the lake. Despite his hopes those few miles were not enough to clear his troubled mind. 

On the drive back from picking up the report Duncan tried making sense out of what he knew. The drive only took half an hour and he ended up with more questions than he started with and no answers. Gerald had to have been an unusual man one time for a woman like Helen to have married him much less stayed with him for twenty years. What had happened? When did the change start? How was Helen going to face this? 

That one had an answer. She would face it quietly and courageously. She would face it with compassion and she would come out of this stronger than she went in. 

Not that she would believe it right away but he knew it was true. 

Duncan faced the truth himself since that second day in Ritzville. Helen was one of the most remarkable and resilient women he had ever met. 

The rest of that truth was uncertainty. He knew how he felt. That didn't help when she was honorably married to Gerald. Could he somehow reach out and try to win her? He promised not to interfere in her life, certainly not her marriage as long as she was committed to her husband. Despite what Gerald was doing she was committed. 

For that matter, she had no idea what Gerald was doing. 

He could not even try to influence her decision about this mess. If she felt he was selfishly trying to break up her marriage he would be gone so fast he'd cause a sonic boom. The fact he would agree with that decision didn't make things any easier. 

All he could do was the honorable thing; support her, answer any questions she had truthfully and hope like hell whatever she decided would be something he could work himself into. Finding a woman like his wife was more than a man could expect. Finding and keeping a second one like her, a woman like Helen, was a minor miracle. Still, he could place himself in position to help her and hope.

As he locked the car he vowed to spend every waking moment hoping for that miracle.

He had no choice but to tell Helen what her husband had been doing. But how was he going to explain he had sicced a detective agency on her husband? How in the world was she going to respond to that? 

He knew the answer to that. Not good!

He had to go to her. He had to be there to comfort her when she heard of her husband's perfidy, had to make her understand this didn't end her world. 

He had no choice but to go because in just three days she had become his dearest friend. How could he bring her to see her first assumption was wrong? It would be natural for Helen to assume he was there to take advantage of her distress. He knew outsiders would not believe anything else. 

Did Helen understand him enough to understand, to know why he was really there? For that matter, did he understand himself enough or was he only fooling himself into thinking he wasn't there to make a play for her?

Leaving Colin's office he knew he was heading home to pack for an indefinite trip to Lake Chelan in his motor home. While assembling the needed items he began trying to call Helen at the Chelan number she gave him.

The packing was completed and he had just hung up the telephone after reserving a space in an RV Park in Chelan when the phone rang. It was Helen replying to the messages he had been leaving on her answering machine.

"Helen, I was calling to tell you I'll be in Chelan tomorrow. I'd like to say hello while I'm there, is that OK?"

After a pause, Helen replied, "I guess so, Duncan. I'm hoping Gerry will be back tomorrow, and I'm sure he would be glad to see you." After another pause, "Call me when you get in. Maybe we can have dinner." 

Duncan agreed then hung up, feeling like a complete fool. Helen was trying to keep distance between them. Yet he respected her for it. More troubling but not unexpected was her attempt to keep the fiction alive of rebuilding their marriage. She had been in Chelan a week now and hadn't accepted Gerald's disrespect and desertion. It was a blow to her self-esteem and hard to accept. Even more critical and difficult to accept was the signal his desertion sent. It was the end of her marriage. How would she respond when he told her about the detective report and she understood its implications?

- - - - -

Duncan pulled into the RV Park in Chelan at noon the next day. He was delighted to be assigned a spot atop the hill where the park was built. The site was well shaded with a superb view of the lake. After connecting the utilities he unhooked the small car he had towed behind the RV. It gave him transportation other than the ungainly RV. 

Duncan settled into one of his lawn chairs with a beer while admiring the view. Since watching Helen drive away, anytime he had a leisure moment his mind drifted back to Ritzville. His heart bounced every time he thought of calling her. Intensifying that fear was the way his stomach clenched remembering he not only had to provide her the confirmation of Gerald's deceit, it was up to him to explain how and why that information was gathered. 

He could only hope she understood why he put the detective firm on Gerald's trail. His gut feeling about the man and his behavior had been correct. He doubted Helen would accept that as exoneration for what he did. 

Finally with a shrug of his shoulders he accepted the inevitable. The quicker he called, the sooner his fears would be resolved. This dithering only made him feel worse.

Duncan dialed Helen's number on his cell phone. When she answered she was very reserved. She told him she was busy for the rest of the afternoon but agreed to have dinner with him. She gave him directions to the condo after they agreed on the time he should pick her up. She was ready to hang up before she informed him Gerry hadn't made it back yet.

*** It had been a long weekend preceded by a really bad week. "Well," Helen temporized, not wanting to feel overly dramatic, "it was unsettling." 

After Gerry left her with a broken car, in a strange town, among total strangers Duncan had come to the rescue like a knight of old. 

"Maybe I should say," she temporized, "sort of rescued." They'd enjoyed a wonderful time that afternoon, followed by a real life adventure in that little tavern where they ate dinner. How odd that the dragon he slew morphed into a good friend the next morning.

How could she explain the night together under the moon? She'd never allowed herself even to even acknowledge to herself she was attracted to another man. Not once since being betrothed to Gerry. 

"I never even thought of cheating in all the years we were married!" she thought, "Oh sure. I've seen good looking handsome men, virile and confident. I've even enjoyed it when one or two of them flirted. I am a woman, after all, but it never went further than that. A quiet word about my kids or how proud I was of Gerry was always enough if they got too persistent. In the few instances the would be lothario wasn't willing to stop it never required more than quietly telling the man he wasn't the man her Gerry was." 

A tiny frown creased her brow as she remembered. "Except for the time that logger caught me in the hall at the Harvest Ball so many years ago. That was embarrassing. If Gerry hadn't found and rescued me, I don't know what would have happened." 

"There I go again," she fussed at herself. "I know what would have happened. That's why I never felt badly about what Gerry did to that poor man." 

How different Gerry was now! She asked herself, "What would he do today if that happened?" She simply didn't know, he had changed so much.

"Then Duncan came along. What kind of spell did he put me under?" 

His phone call letting her know he would be visiting Chelan had started all those feelings again! After waiting for Gerry to come to her as she watched families frolicking in the first real summer weekend she was depressed and feeling adrift. 

Now she was having dinner with him in just over an hour!

Where was that husband of hers? Why, no how could he have left her alone when they were supposed to be reconnecting their marriage? How could he have abandoned her like this? What was going on? 

She couldn't believe he was cheating on her! Could she?

Helen paced the patio in front of the condo, absentmindedly watching water skiers on the deep blue of the lake. She had been so excited! Anticipating a romantic tryst with the man she loved, something they planned for weeks. Helen had believed Gerry when he told her he felt the same. Now she didn't know.

Their first week at Lake Chelan was almost over and she was still alone. Her mind churned, veering from one problem to another, one question to another, trying to keep from thinking of Duncan's impending arrival.

But it did no good, she was afraid all she was doing was burying her head in the sand. In any event Duncan was here and she had agreed to have dinner with him. 

What was between Duncan and her? Was he playing her for a new toy? All her instincts told her he was not that kind of man. But what in the world was going on? She couldn't allow herself to become infatuated with the man! 

That was all it was, infatuation! Even so she had to keep her mind on a very short tether or it returned to Duncan and those few days they'd spent together.

Sipping from an ice cold glass of lemonade Helen wondered how she had allowed herself to be seduced like that. She blushed admitting she'd been as responsible as Duncan for that night on the hill. 

What an impossible moon that had been. Being honest it had been Duncan, not she, who pulled them back from continuing the affair the next night. She had marveled at how difficult it must have been for Duncan not to take her in his arms and carry her off to bed. Heaven knew it was what she wanted! She had done everything except beg him to do it! 

No! She was hiding again. Even that wasn't true! She HAD begged him to make love to her that night.

Helen resolved she would be strong and drive these seditious thoughts from her mind. 

How difficult it must have been for him not to carry her to bed!

Heaven knew it was what she had wanted! Her cheeks burned remembering how she had fingered the skirt of her gown, wanting to slip it off over her shoulders and let it pool at her feet. She had even imagined herself stepping clear of the silk then swaying her way to his bed. She had been longing to slip between the clean, crisp sheets to wait for him. Her body burned even now thinking about it, heat pooling in her belly at just the thought.

Dammit! Only one explanation made sense. Duncan had caught her at a really bad time. Gerry had acted like an ass, the car died, she was alone in a strange town, a strange state without a friend in sight and she faced the ruins of the second honeymoon she had planned to bring their marriage back to life. 

She couldn't blame it on Duncan. She'd been incredibly vulnerable, not a defense in sight. She'd thrown herself into his arms. In the end, she actually tried throwing herself into his bed. 

How could she have done that! 

And Duncan turned her down! He had done so wanting her as much as she wanted him. No woman could miss the sign of a man aroused, not as aroused as Duncan had been. And she had studied that arousal the night before on their mountain.

Damn it to hell anyway! She had to quit thinking like that!

Helen vowed once again to be strong, to not let this thing get out of hand, again. She had humiliated herself enough with the man.

But, Oh Lordy! His very presence did things to her! Just thinking about him had her temperature rising. 

It had to have been the circumstances. It couldn't have been anything more! She would keep herself under control this time. 

It really wouldn't be that difficult, not now. She was a woman grown. She was back on her feet after being knocked askew by what happened in Ritzville. 

Understanding the circumstances, being prepared would make it easy to keep her poise. After all, she was a strong woman. Nothing like that had happened before and wouldn't again. 

The situation had simply knocked her off her feet. It was frightening to think it, but any strong man could have taken advantage of her. She was lucky it had been a man like Duncan. He was such a good man. 

Remembering the anger that had filled her when she realized Gerry's betrayal. His decamping unnerved her still. All that had been amplified with the circumstances. It was understandable why she had been devastated. Circumstances had filled her with passions higher than she remembered ever knowing before. It was those passions that transmuted themselves to making her behave so out of character. 

It was just the circumstances! That was all it had been! 

It was the awful situation she had been in. It certainly wasn't, could not have been because of Duncan! He just happened to be there and willing to spend time with her. That was all. He was an unusual man, but not irresistible.

She would be careful, very careful. If she expected the same kind of connection they had known in Ritzville she was going to be sadly disappointed. Whether she wanted it or not, it wasn't going to be there.

She would be friendly; after all he had been a life saver in Ritzville. 

She just didn't need that kind of help again, thank God. The passions those circumstances brought had been higher than those she felt while Gerry was courting her.

Oh no, look at the time! 

He was going to be here and she barely had time to dress for dinner! 

Resolving to be strong, promising herself to drive the seditious thoughts out of her mind, Helen whirled into the bedroom to shower, dress and put on her face. She couldn't have him see her as unkempt this!



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 08



Chapter 08: Chance

The ride to the restaurant had been quiet. Helen prided herself on her ability to engage anyone in a conversation which seemed to have deserted her since opening her door to Duncan. Duncan's own short, one or two word answers to her sallies hadn't helped. Thank goodness the ride had been short. Even that was relative with the thoughts churning around their heads. 

Duncan was embarrassed at being tongue tied. Try as he could there didn't seem to be a thing he could do about it. 

Helen couldn't imagine how she got so flustered. 

The ten minute journey drug out forever. 

She hadn't seen Duncan since that last view in her rearview mirror as she turned the corner out of Ritzville. He had looked so beautiful, so strong brave and wise; so lonely. It was a wonder she hadn't turned around and gone back before he was even out of sight! Even more a wonder was she hadn't wrecked the car the way her eyes were glued on the rearview mirror. 

She had promised herself not to allow Duncan's presence to fluster her. That promise was broken before they left the condo.

Now here he was again. She was afraid to look directly at him. Every time she did all she saw was how small and suicidally brave he had looked standing between her and that huge bully, a monster of a man who had 'claimed' her as his "woman for the night." She'd been terrified when no one in that little tavern had said or done a thing.

Then Duncan stepped forward to place himself between the cowboy and her. How courageous he had looked, dwarfed by that drunken giant. She shuddered again remembering the crowded bar and how none of the locals had been willing to stand up and defend her.

Then the very next day things had turned upside down. 

Chester had been so embarrassed at his actions the night before. His sorrow over the way his wife had deserted him had been real but he never hinted at using it an excuse for his actions. His remorse and shock at his actions in that bar was very real. 

With Duncan's understanding they had gained a real friend. Friends, really, for Chester had been well liked in the town. Everyone looked at Duncan and her as friends, and Duncan had become a true hero in her eyes.

She'd spent too many hours wondering how Gerry would have handled that situation. She knew he would have stood up and objected to the way his wife was being treated. What she didn't know was how forcefully would he have followed up? Chester was a very large, very fit man. In his drunken haze he had been terrifying. 

Even if Gerry had stood up against him, she knew he would have tried to bluster the drunk down. Threatening an out of control drunk would only have antagonized him further. Once Gerry would have stood as her protector, he had done so in the past. But he had changed. It frightened her to think of Gerald using in his haughty manner giving the monster orders. His condescending way, talking down to what he considered a lesser man would have led to disaster. Envisioning Gerald, an overweight chair bound fifty-year-old executive against a large, athletic man in his prime would have been a disaster. 

Not that Duncan was physically impressive. For one thing he was a decade and a half older than Gerry. But he had something else going for him. Duncan was trained to use his intelligence in confrontations. Even so he knew instinctively such an approach to a drunken wild man would only make the situation more desperate.

She wondered what Gerry would have done after he had been knocked down in that bar. She was afraid he would have just crawled into a corner and left her to fend for herself.

She knew what Duncan would do, she had seen him do it. Talking to Duncan the next day he confessed he had never tried any of the martial arts moves he had used. They were the only thing he knew that would give them a chance. What would have happened if the fight had gone against him? She knew that too. They would probably still be fighting; Duncan would never quit as long as he could stand. 

Duncan hadn't tried meeting brawn with brawn but used his mind. She felt a sense of wonder at the memory. It embarrassed her but she felt the little shivers run through her when she remembered. 

How terrible this vacation had turned out. She planned it to reconnect with her husband. Instead he deserted her in a strange town. 

Then a knight driving an RV rode to her rescue. 

As they pulled into the restaurant's parking lot Helen took a quick peek at Duncan in the light from the parking lot. He was tense and ill at ease. 

Calling him had been such a bad idea. She knew he would drive over if she called. 

Oh, Damn! That peek at Duncan's profile started those little ripples in her belly again. She was a married woman owing her husband to be faithful.

She'd already cheated on him and except for Duncan's unwillingness to push further over he line, she would have slept with him again. How could she think of him that way, when her husband of these many years was half way around the world?

That was the problem. He wasn't here despite his promise. He knew they were drifting apart and knew this vacation was planned to get them back together. They should be spending the sunny days talking, finding a way to make their marriage strong again. 

How could it have gone so wrong!

Duncan held the door as they entered the restaurant, then casually placed a proprietary hand in the small of her back to usher her in. At the hostess' station he gave his name. Then as she confirmed their reservation he asked for a private table. The hostess looked surprised when Duncan released her hand. Helen tried not to watch as the woman snuck a peek at her hand. Helen nearly giggled, wondering how much Duncan had tipped her.

"I am sure we have something that will suit you Mr. Handsworth. It has a commanding view of the lake and the mountains." she promised as she gathered menus and led them across the room to a small alcove, half hidden behind lushly growing plants.

Helen's back was warm under Duncan's comforting hand. She was shocked realizing she was sidling over closer to his side, allowing his hand to slip across to cup her hip. His very closeness was causing her breathing to speed. Helen began panicking, realizing what just being near him was doing to her. 

Her husband should be giving her feelings like this. But Duncan felt so right! 

Once at their table Duncan seated her, involuntarily brushing his hand across the nape of her neck as he turned to sit with only the corner of the table separating them. It seemed so natural for their knees to touch. It was growing warmer in the room.

"I've missed you Helen, that trip from Ritzville to Seattle seemed longer and lonelier than I remembered. How has your vacation been?" 

Helen opened the menu before replying, "Without Gerry being here it has seemed pretty pointless. How's Seattle?"

"Still raining," he answered with a smile, opening his own menu before asking her if she knew of any specialties of the house. She had not been out to eat since arriving and was unaware of any.

After ordering the conversation was slow but warm. Helen hadn't really done anything more with her photography since arriving. She had taken a few shots she had hopes for. Duncan promised her they could bring them up on the monitor in his RV. If they were what she was looking for they could print them out for her portfolio.

The meal was good, the company and they finally relaxed while eating. Still Helen's butterflies kept growing. Just being near this man made her melt.

Finally, after sharing a slice of Double Dutch Chocolate cake, the meal was over. When they brought the dessert cart Helen had looked so longingly at it Duncan selected the cake, asking for two forks. Duncan leaned back to take a good look at Helen, then leaned forward to plant his elbows on the table. After looking carefully into Helen's face for what seemed like hours he placed a thin leather folder on the table before her.

"I've done something my conscience required me to do, Helen. I didn't really have the right to do it. I'm going to ask for your forgiveness after you've read this." Here he leaned back and took a sip of his coffee. "I ordered this the morning we came down off the mountain." He smiled, "The one where the lion screamed."

Helen, blushing at the reference looked at him searchingly. "What's in the folder, Duncan?" she asked.

"The report is yours, Helen. I have one other copy which I'll destroy if you ask me." He looked down into his coffee, "I would like to give you a quick summary before you read it, if I may?" She nodded.

"I called a corporate security firm I have used in my business for many years for background checks of potential employees. I asked them to discover your husband's movements and destination after he left you in Ritzville." He added in almost a whisper, "Something about his actions the few short minutes I had with him didn't make sense. I asked my friend to find out what was going on."

Helen's mouth dropped, "You sicced private detectives onto my husband?" she forced out, her voice rising.

Sheepishly he answered, "Well, yeah, in a way. But it isn't public knowledge..."

"You went fishing, using a detective, trying to discredit him after you seduced ME?" she hissed in a voice quivering with rage.

"It wasn't like that, Helen..."

"What the hell was it like then?" she demanded in a pinched voice he could hardly hear.

"He had walked out on you, leaving you in the lurch..."

"And what business was it of yours?" she asked in that same vicious whisper. "It was my  life, and that was my husband you were attacking! Did you think you could paint him with a big black brush so I'd drop in your lap, lover?" Angrily she shoved her chair back, then pulled it back even closer to the table, "Was I some kind of prize for you, if you could 'get the goods' on Gerry? Just what do you think of me, Duncan? What rights have you to go after my husband? Did you think after you porked me you could somehow reel me in for your VERY OWN?" Her voice rose to a near shout on the last words, and she looked around nervously to see if anyone had heard her.

"Let me tell you now, Mr. Duncan Handsworth, I'm not an object, and I'm not for sale. I've had a good marriage, Gerry and I are going to save it. Did your 'operatives' discover Gerry had a little something on the side in the Philippines? Well, I don't believe it."

"Helen, you have the right to be angry. I had no right, no real justification to ask for this report. Believe me..."

"Humph! You're damned right you didn't!"

"I wasn't trying to manufacture something on Gerry. Let me tell you what he found, and this is a reputable security firm. They do a lot of background checks on possible future hires into sensitive positions. They are not in the business of chasing errant husbands, and this was not what they thought they were doing."

"Your husband told us he was on his way to the Philippines. When he arrived at SeaTac airport he cashed in his ticket to the Philippines, as did his Personal Assistant who met him at the airport. He didn't tell us she was coming with him on the extended foreign stay. Did you know about it? They used the cash from the tickets to the Philippines to buy two first class tickets to Singapore. Which is where they have been holed up." 

Helen buried her face in her hands, trying not to hear his words.

"The security firm made very sensitive inquiries with Gerry's employers. In no way were they calling attention to his actions, they were just casual phone calls to various areas in his company asking to speak to him. They expected to find, for instance, that he had been sent to the Philippines on an emergency but that another problem came up in Singapore taking precedence. That Myra and Gerald trip had been rescheduled to handle the new situation." 

Duncan watched Helen, trying to read her expression. "All our inquiries received the same reply. Your husband had gone on a long overdue vacation with his wife. At his direction no one was to be given his location, he did not want to be disturbed. His PA had taken advantage of his absence and she herself had taken a two-week vacation. They didn't know where she had gone but were sure she could be reached if necessary. We told those we contacted that it wasn't necessary to disturb her, we would see Gerry on his return."

After a long, pregnant pause, Duncan asked, "Helen, can I take you home now? I will leave the folder with you, it is yours. I want to talk to you. If you will allow me I would appreciate the chance to keep you company while you are digesting this. Helen, this has nothing to do with my feelings for you."

Duncan rose, helping Helen from her seat. Dropping money on the table he escorted her to the car. Helen was numb, her mind a jumble. One moment she wanted to turn on Duncan and pummel him, the next she wanted to fall into his arms and weep. All the time, those maddening tingles coursed through her body every time he touched her. Despite what he had done, he still affected her.

The drive back was very quiet. Helen was confused, felt lost. She had felt guilty since Ritzville, now she felt betrayed but her guilt was still there. Even worse, her compass was broken; for the first time in her life she had no direction. Even with Gerry's apparent indifference the past few years she knew her marriage, her life, could be straightened. It would take only understanding and care on both Gerry and herself to make the marriage strong again. 

For the first time she feared Gerry had no interest in the marriage. She would read the report, study it carefully; if were true she would have to admit Gerry had little interest in the marriage... or her.

She couldn't let herself go, she had to remain strong and weather this out. But God it was so difficult even thinking about it.

Duncan drove carefully, his mind grim behind a carefully schooled, emotionless face. He had feared Helen's reactions to the news he carried. Would her feelings toward him change after learning the truth? Would his carrying that message change her view of him? 

It was true, the messenger was often shot.

Helen had become important to him, he hadn't considered it possible at his stage in life. After his wife's death he believed relationships, loving such as he had enjoyed these many years past were only in the past. He hadn't believed it possible for a man his age to love and be loved. A grand passion such as he had enjoyed with his first wife would be impossible. For one thing, the most important thing, women like the one he had married were rare.. 

Then Helen blew into his life, exploded was a more apt description. She had blindsided him. Driving back to Seattle Duncan had tried to convince himself their liaison was short and complete; intense but transitory. He tried to believe it was over.  

But those days in Seattle, his inability to pick up and continue on with his life, to get her out of his mind, convinced him what they had started was much more serious than he had tried to believe. 

He had no idea if Helen felt the same way. Worse, after handing her that damning report she might hate him for interfering in her life.

Despite her explosion in the restaurant Duncan was convinced he couldn't leave her alone tonight. Somehow he was going to install himself in her condo for the night. She would need a friend tonight. It would have to be platonic but she shouldn't have to face the darkness alone. It may be she would spend the night venting her anger on him. His face an expressionless mask, he thought, "This might be the last time I see her. If so, so be it. Whatever happens, I have to see she has herself back under control."

Wordlessly he parked, rounding the car quickly to help her from the car, then walked her to the door. Silently Duncan took the key from her hand, opened her door and ushered her through into her condo, his hand casually resting on her waist. Helen looked like she was walking in a fog. Even so she was startled when she heard Duncan close and lock the door behind them.

She spun away from his hand, glaring at him. Duncan silently shrugged off his coat, draping it over the arm of a chair by the door. Helen seemed to gather her strength as she watched him. 

Taking a deep breath she started. "Keep away from me, and keep your hands OFF me, you big APE!" she screamed. "I don't need some guy I just met moving in on me. I'm waiting for my husband! Leave me ALONE!"

Duncan stepped away, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Why- are- you- DOING THIS? I thought we were friends!" she screamed.

Duncan stood quietly before her with his hands in his pockets as she ranted. He wore a sober expression as he met her gaze, "Helen, I am no more of a threat to you now then I was the day we met. I feel very unhappy bringing this news to you. I honestly hadn't expected what I discovered. On the other hand, you are a very intelligent woman. I can't believe you had no suspicion that something was going on. Perhaps not as serious as the report shows, but you must have had your suspicions."

A long silence had the two of them standing, Helen's stance stiff and closed, the two searching each others face. Gradually Helen's posture softened, her shoulders slumping she clutched her arms across her chest. Her eyes fell from his to look at some spot off to the side.

After a lengthy wait Duncan continued, "You called and asked me to come. I'm here and my only concern is seeing you are all right. I can't leave you alone, you don't need that. At the same time you don't need someone putting unwanted pressures on you."

Helen, her arms clasped under her breasts, began pacing around the room. As she walked her shoulders rounded further, her chin dropped from its proud, challenging angle. Picking up the report she pulled it from the envelope, reading as she paced. 

To Duncan, watching as she moved about the room, it seemed his friend was shrinking into herself as she read. She fought desperately against them but saw the glisten of tears in her eyes. 

At long last she turned facing him her back against the window. The dark of the night framed her slim body. She stared at him for what seemed hours before taking a deep breath.

"Duncan," she whispered, so softly he could hardly hear her. "Did Gerry really do those things? Is this report true? Was he really in Singapore with his assistant?"

Carefully weighing his words, speaking slowly, softly and clearly he answered, "I am so sorry, Helen. That report is accurate. It has only been a day since it was completed. The investigator called me as soon as he had it complete. Colin gave it to me yesterday."

The silence in the room was deafening. Finally he walked slowly to where she was standing, her face buried in her hands, tears streaming down her face. Duncan hesitated before placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. He knew instinctively Helen was crying for her lost marriage, weeping for a love she knew was lost. 

Her life's partner had cared so little for her he had abandoned her. It was doubly hurtful as the unfeeling way he had ignored the last ditch effort Helen was making to save their union. He lied to her about the value he placed on the marriage. Worst of all, he his plan was to leave her even as they planned this trip together.

Duncan squeezed her shoulder gently. "I came here as your friend, Helen. Whether you learned of this from the report I brought or in a more emotional, less private situation, you would have learned. Don't believe I caused his betrayal. I didn't. 

"I would like to stay the night as your friend and confidante. Not as a lover. You need to talk, I want to listen. I'll stay out of the "guy mode" and not offer endless, unwanted solutions. Perhaps tomorrow, after we have talked, maybe had a nights sleep, you will see what you should do next. If you wish, I'll help you any way I can. I am sure we can find a direction that will give you at least temporary peace while you search for a more permanent solution."




Chance: A Day in May Ch. 08



Without volition from him his hands gently pulled her to him. Wrapping his arms loosely about her he rested his chin atop her head. He held her, waiting while she cried. It seemed hours but finally he turned with her still in his arms and half led, half carried her to the sofa. There he sat, lifting her onto the sofa on her side, her upper body half-lying across his, her head on his shoulder. 

Lovingly Duncan held her, his hand tracing slow comforting circles on her back. There they spent the night, Helen bundled against his chest, her arms folded between her and his chest. After awhile, when he knew she was asleep and was sure it wouldn't awaken her, Duncan carefully pulled her hair away from her tear sodden cheeks. After drying her tears with a tissue he relaxed back into the sofa. Throwing an afghan over them he made them comfortable for the night.

As she slept he memorized her face. Occasionally Duncan leaned forward to give her a kiss; on the forehead, on the tip of her nose, her cheek. The kisses were soft, gentle, carrying love but no promise of passion. He had no hope of passion again. She had been through so much and he had been in the center of it. She would not be able to separate Duncan from the rest of the catastrophe. All he could hope for was friendship.

If that was all that was possible, that was all he would give. He'd be satisfied with that, never asking for more. He wouldn't add to her problems.

Holding her there, watching, he saw tears again beginning to track their way down her cheek. Duncan responded by cuddling her closer, whispering his love to her. Helen shivered, stirring in her sleep. She relaxed to the sound of his voice, sinking back into deeper, less restless sleep.

Seeing her relax Duncan rested his head against the back of the sofa. 

Soon he dozed. Occasionally he woke long enough to be certain she was fine, but there he stayed the long night through.

When he woke at last, sunlight was painting the room a wonderful gold and he knew she was awake. 



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 09



Chapter 09: Chance

A Word of Warning!!!!

This chapter has no sex in it, implied or otherwise. 

As always my stories are about people. I will not force an erotic interlude into my story just to be including it. 

I hope you enjoy my story of star crossed lovers. There will be one final chapter, and an expected epilogue.

Enjoy!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

After a good morning hug lasting too long to be casual the two friends took turns in the shower. Duncan hesitated when dressing. Slacks and shirts could be kept fresh, but climbing back into yesterday's socks and underwear never appealed to him. And today yesterday's shirt and slacks looked decidedly like he had slept in them. It had something to do with having worn them all night long. 

Realizing his only choice was the outfit he had just pealed off or something of Helen's he gave in and pulled them on. 

Helen led him out of a foul mood with her practical, no nonsense outlook. She had bacon and eggs soon perfuming the air while Duncan was making tea and manning the waffle iron. Helen left him on his own to set the table, even managing a small smile watching him search out plates and silverware.

The mood in the condo was strange. The usually buoyant Duncan was reserved and careful, trying not to be obvious while watching his friend to see how he could help her. He had yet to decide if she would even allow him to help if it was needed.

Helen, the effusive happy one, was quiet, saying little and avoiding eye contact. 

After the meal Helen bustled around cleaning, straightening pictures, picking up, sorting magazines, then dumping them back where they had come from. Duncan worked to stay out of her way, drinking coffee until he developed an acid stomach. The two avoided speaking, a difficult task even in the large condo.

Finally Helen settled before the large picture window pensively looking out at the spectacular view of the lake. Duncan joined her there, handing her a glass of orange juice. He couldn't stand without occupying his hands but after all the coffee he needed something else.

After a while Helen began telling him how she and Gerry had met, reminiscing about their courtship and the early days of the marriage. Duncan was wise enough to listen, avoiding all commentary while absorbing this woman's history. 

Helen would speak of a fond memory, then leave the thought unfinished and began telling of another. Then she would spin away from the window to pace the room. Her eyes flitted from one thing to another, never settling on Duncan though she was speaking to him. He finally realized she was talking, but not really to him. She needed a sympathetic listener, someone to make the experiences more real. She might not feel comfortable with him at the moment but she valued his ability to listen, to understand. 

She needed his understanding.

Near midday Duncan waited until Helen paused between memories and left her momentarily to prepare a light lunch of soup and sandwiches. Once it was on the table he took her elbow and led her to the table.

Lunch was silent and Duncan sensed a storm gathering in his companion.

Helen ate little and what she did eat Duncan had to tease her into taking.

When it was obvious she would eat no more he quickly cleaned the remains of the meal, giving her no opportunity to help. Then he pulled her coat out of the entryway closet, helped her shrug into it then donned his own. Taking her hand he led her down to the path beside the lake. 

For the first few moments Helen was silent. When she again began talking she was angry. She demanded to know how and why he felt he had the right to meddle in her affairs. Duncan held himself to quiet apologetic comments. Never confronting her, always sympathetic... And that got her angry too. 

They walked for over an hour, Helen never letting up on Duncan and what he had done. But she never released his hand.

Finally by mutually but tacit agreement they turned to retrace their steps. Now she was calmer, more reasonable, more understanding of what Duncan had done and why he had acted as he had. Not once had Duncan explained his motives for looking into Gerald's activities, now Helen was explaining them to him and to herself. 

As they walked she grew less judgmental, more understanding, less outraged that he had done so.

Back at the condo they took soft drinks out onto the patio to sit under the spring sky. Sitting on comfortable Adirondack chairs the two soaked up the brightness of the early spring day while continuing their conversation. It was there Helen tried apologizing to Duncan for her reactions. 

He wouldn't allow it. Instead he insisted he had been operating with her best interests in mind but confessed also he had no right to do so. Humbly he explained he feared how being suddenly faced with her husband's perfidy would affect her. He apologized over and over, while admitting he would do it again in the same circumstances. He also admitted if he had been aware how strong she was he probably would not have been so worried.

While his motives were good, he had no right to do what he had done.

Helen finally gave him the tiniest of smiles and they fell into a comfortable silence watching a pair of water skiers on the lake. It was a long companionable afternoon at last, spent quietly in one another's company.

The two were emotionally exhausted after a day fighting demons. By mutual agreement they enjoyed a light, early dinner. Helen helped Duncan make up the couch in the living room. Duncan had worried unnecessarily; Helen was easily convinced she would feel more relaxed, more comfortable and even safer if he spent the night on the couch. As she gave his pillow a last fluff she saucily warned him the hallway was rigged with traps to catch anyone wishing to play the night time game of musical chairs. 

Before turning in, Duncan convinced her to come with him to collect fresh clothes for tomorrow, reminding her he had already spent two days in the same outfit. He made her laugh describing how attractive she would find him if he spent a third day in the same clothes. 

They snickered and teased one another on the trip to the RV to collect fresh ones. Helen insisted it was necessary she come along to see he didn't get lost.

At the RV Duncan fired up his computer before gathering clothes to take back with him to the condo. By the time he had packed clothes for tomorrow, sneaking in another set "just in case," The computer was warmed up. They sat down before the screen while Duncan showed her some of the photos the two of them had taken in and around Ritzville. 

Helen was captivated and excited at the quality of the photos she herself had taken. For the first time since his arrival in Chelan Duncan felt she was comfortable and pleased with herself.

Before returning to the condo Duncan gathered some of his camera equipment, tossing it in the back seat of the car.

Back at the condo they ran completely out of steam. After sharing a drink the two separated, Helen walking down the hall to her bedroom, Duncan to the sofa. It was only moments before quiet fell over the condo.

The next morning Helen was pensive rather than distraught, given to long thoughtful silences. Duncan, respecting what she was going through kept to himself, leafing through magazines and taking casual photos of and around the condo. 

It was late morning before Helen sat down beside him on the couch. For the first time she touched on the relationship between them. They agreed there was something there, Duncan himself insisted he would not, could not allow it to grow further under the circumstances. 

Helen reminisced about her life with Gerry, her kids, the life she had been enjoying until the past few years. Somehow Gerry had changed, his personality had changed. She didn't know how to handle it, confessing she didn't feel she knew him anymore.

As the day stretched before them their moods became more and more philosophical, more accepting to the way things were.

As Helen talked of the good times and the bad times Duncan got a picture of a good man turning greedy. As she talked, Duncan glimpsed a moral man whose ideals were morphing into something else. Duncan also sensed a man becoming jealous of his wife's talents and abilities. Helen never mentioned it; Duncan doubted Helen was aware of it. 

The man she spoke of wasn't the man who Duncan had met in that rest stop just East of Ritzville. He wasn't the man she had fallen in love with. Something had changed in him though Duncan couldn't put a finger on how and why. Things just moved in unexpected directions.

Gerald wasn't an untalented man but listening to his wife's anecdotes it seemed the man who had proven his worth and been moving up the corporate ladder had changed in the last few years. Duncan had the impression Gerald's continued climb had changed from using his own talents to use of other men's ideas and talents for his own advancement. This was a very different man than the one his friend had married.

Sitting down to dinner that evening Duncan decided it was time to move Helen's thinking in another direction. It was time to get her thinking about something other than Gerald and looking forward to the lonely frustration of waiting for the man to finally come back to his wife.

As the afternoon light began its slow change to the gold of evening he decided it was time to act. 

"Helen, I have my camera here and would like to take some portraits of you. Would that be all right?"

"Heavens no, I look a mess! Besides, there is no place in the apartment to do portraiture without a lot of equipment," was her quick response.

Duncan laughed at her so-female response. "I don't want a glamour shot, woman! I want a shot that shows you, that lets the world see your real beauty. The so called glamour shots always take the character out of a photo, leaving just the husk of the person in the shot." 

Turning, he pointed to the large picture window in the living room, "The view from that window is superb. If you posed on the left side of the window, the evening light would shine on you, then if we put one of my reflectors or used a fill flash for the shadows I think we'd get a wonderful shot. I can move around, capturing different angles to change the backgrounds of mountain and lake. With you in the foreground it will be spectacular. Please let me.

"Then tomorrow morning we can use the early morning light, having you standing on the other side of the window, the right side. Just think of the many things we can do, like narrowing the depth of field, moving from telephoto to wide angle, even changing the amount of light. In every shot we would have the lake and mountains as background. How about it, Helen? Are you game to try?"

After studying a moment, visualizing what he described Helen agreed. That didn't' stop her complaining she was going to look grubby, getting a belly laugh from Duncan.

As they readied the equipment and planned for the shoot, Duncan casually commented that he had been hoping to do that photo safari through Eastern Washington. 

That got Helen's interest. He soon had her tossing ideas back and forth with him; where he should go, what kind of things he would be shooting and so forth. 

As Helen headed to her bedroom to change into something more "appropriate" for the shoot Duncan asked, "How about you coming along with me on the "safari?" Your ideas sound too good to miss."

She stood still a moment, just looking at him before answering. "Duncan, it would be fun and you know I'd love to do it but there's only one bed in that RV. I'm not about to sleep in a tent, and we agreed what happened in Ritzville was a fluke, something that wouldn't happen again."

"Let's not go there, Helen. I don't deserve the implication I was asking you for sex. You know me better than that. At least I hope you do. Washington isn't so wild there aren't a great number of motels and hotels. I won't say every town has one, but most do. I can't think of a place in the state that we couldn't do our photography without compromising you. It would just take a little planning. If we find a spot so great we need more time or if we decide we need to stay to catch the early light, I have a wonderful sleeping bag and a most comfortable air mattress. Unless there was rain, rare in Eastern Washington in summer, you are welcome to the RV. I'd be comfortable outside. I sleep there often when I'm out alone, anyway. I enjoy the stars. You'd have that comfortable queen sized bed in the RV. How about making it a photo safari? I promise there will be no attacks on your virtue."

Helen was embarrassed, remembering the last night they had spent in the motel. She'd had no intention of seducing him yet he was the one at risk that evening. After his behavior that evening she had no right to act as if she worried about his intentions. 

She was torn about leaving the condo. But sitting here, day after day, waiting for her husband to come back to her was so depressing. Then with the investigators report on Gerry's actions...

She had been missing the emotional and artistic release the camera had given her in Ritzville. The shots she took, at least some of them, made her proud. Maybe she had found something creative to do.

"OK, Duncan, let's start with the photo shoot here, then we can plan the trip and start out. How does day after tomorrow sound to you?"

All hands agreeing, they started planning the trip even as Duncan posed her and shot his photos. Helen was surprised to find how tiring it was being a photographer's model. 

The next morning they were up with the sun, posing and snapping to their hearts content. When the light changed about 10 AM they took a break, going for another long walk along the lake. They were back at the condo by 3 PM the time the days light began shifting to the golden scale again.

Late afternoon, using the golden afternoon sunshine, Helen dressed casually and posed again. For some reason, unlike in the morning, she was stiff and uncomfortable until Duncan began teasing her. He soon had her relaxed, smiling, comfortable with what they were doing. Most important to Duncan, she was enjoying his company again.

Duncan refused to let her see any of the shots until they were back at the RV and he could put them on the computer monitor.

After packing away the photo equipment the two stood on the patio to watch the spring night creep down upon them. There was something about the peaceful scene that finally relaxed Helen. 

They had been standing together for some time when Duncan realized Helen was silently crying. Concerned he turned to her, taking her shoulders in his hands. Helen looked up at him silently, the tears streaming down her cheeks, then her arms came around him and she melted into him, her face buried in his chest. As the night deepened she clung to him wordlessly. 

The tears eventually faded away, leaving the two erstwhile lovers and deep friends absorbing peace, one from another. If the thought of love intruded the feminine mind, with its ageless, eons old strength instantly seized it, tamped it down and pushed it ruthlessly into a closed corner of her mind, never to be acknowledged. When he male mind caught the beginnings of the idea it took from far distant, knight errant ancestors, encasing it in crystal to be seen from within, never admitted, a source for strength to defeat any and every adversary.

Stronger, minds more at ease and souls at peace after long but fleeting moments the two eased apart. Helen reached up to grant her knight a sexless kiss on the cheek. Duncan gently squeezed his lady, promising that which could not be admitted. If one had realized and admitted memorizing the softness of the others curves, or the other had gloried in the hard strength that protected them and theirs, it was hidden to be recalled only in the dark, lonely hours of the morning to chase away the phantasms of the soul.

When they stepped, separately but together into the condominium each was stronger, more complete and readier to face the night and the many separate mornings to come.

Inside they were mildly taken aback to find their hands were locked together. Sorrowfully they loosened their hold and slowly stepped apart. Helen searched Duncan's face and eyes, seeming to find what it was she was seeking. She brought a finger to her own lips, kissed it, then pressed that finger on Duncan's lips.

Turning softly she walked proudly away down the hall. What they had was still there, it had not disappeared. They knew deep inside it was far stronger than a moments physical passion. 

It was hard going to bed in separate rooms but they were at peace with the mutual decision. Unspoken was the knowledge that the other was now an intricate part of the other. 

They were up before the sun next morning preparing to finish the portraiture. At Duncan's request, Helen dressed as if she was just out of bed. That decision was hard on Duncan. Although she was modestly dressed, her hair artfully disheveled and wearing no makeup it was nearly impossible for him to keep his mind on his camera.

Wrapping up the photo shoot, Duncan casually mentioned with a perky voice, "Next time, we'll lose some clothes, make some money!" 

Before he could put his camera down Helen was on him. 

Grabbing one of the big, fluffy red throw pillows off the sofa she chased him around the room, whopping the daylights out of him every time he was within reach. He was at a tremendous disadvantage, laughing so hard he could hardly stand. It wasn't long before she cornered him. Duncan waited until she drew the pillow back for another blow, then stepping close and before she knew what was happening he had folded her in his arms, pulling her close.

His face buried in her neck below her ear he chewed gently. She dropped the pillow to toss her arms around his neck and hug him hard. They stood holding one another up, laughing together for a good five minutes. 

When they began calming down Duncan kissed her under her ear again before stepping back. Still giggling he grabbed her hand and walked her into the kitchen. There they sat savoring a cup of tea until the giggles mostly disappeared. They agreed it was too late to start the safari today. Their photographic trek would begin the next day.



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 10



Edited by Melado

Helen tossed and turned for hours, trying to sleep. Her mind had other ideas.

Her feelings for Duncan jumbled, bumped and danced through her head. She nearly hated him when she remembered his giving her that detective's report on Gerry. Then she would remember how wonderful he had been on that high hill in the moonlight. Every time she did, goosebumps chased one another across her belly accompanying a throbbing in the center and her belly going liquid.

Later the memory of that morning in the restaurant with the two farmers sitting behind her, talking about the "scream of the Mountain Lion." Even now lying in bed her face burned recalling the words of the old farmer. She flounced over onto her side, "Mountain lion indeed!" Then she giggled! 

Then as she lay remembering she again felt the terror and helplessness, feeling that big, tough cowboy's arms around her, overpowering her. She was helpless in a roomful of men; men just sitting, watching the monster paw her. That was replaced by another kind of fear roiling through her as Duncan rose to challenge her tormentor. Duncan looking a foot shorter, easily 30 years older placing his impossibly small self on the line for her. She saw again his defiant body, a boy defying, denying a giant. She had known the next time she saw him would be in the hospital! She had known that devil would destroy him, kill her knight! Then impossibly this Lilliputian David somehow slew the monster Goliath, rescuing her. 

After defeating the dragon her knight had been concerned he may have done serious damage to the thug was attacking her! Her pride in him filled her to overflowing!

She giggled remembering Duncan's cry, "Hi, ho silver!" as he drove out of the parking lot.

The memories flew through her head and the room grew hot; she tossed off the blankets. Then when she was able to force the memories temporarily out of her mind the room felt chilly and she would pull the covers back up. The cycle repeated several times before she realized the memories of Duncan were what made her hot. 

With that understanding she recalled being in his arms, kissing him, giving herself to him in the hotel... Only to have him push her away so gently, the longing she saw in his eyes enough to make her cry. The man had wanted her so deeply but even so understood what his acceptance of her offering would do to her feeling of self. 

The strength of his character stunned her. She had felt his body reverberate with his need, knew he was aware she was offering herself to him totally. Had already sensed this was totally against her code yet she still felt a need to give herself to him. Somehow he found the strength to resist. 

All for her as he understood the self-loathing she would have felt the next morning.

She thought about how he dropped everything to drive here when she called, just because she needed someone to talk to. 

And she would forever remember the feel of his arms around her.

She lay in her bed, twisting, burning for him. All this time she felt his presence just down the hall, sleeping on her sofa. All she need do was walk down the hall to be with him. She hadn't even closed the bedroom door tonight. She always closed her door, every night, never failing. She often locked it once her children grew out of the toddler stage.

After hours fighting herself, Helen found herself rising from bed to walk toward the hall. As she walked she felt her gown was soaked through and stripped if off over her head. She dropped it on the floor, but ignored the robe lying on the chair by the door. 

In the hall she found herself walking, bathed in the soft light of the moon bathing the living room with its silver. That room was still, the sight of the opened hide-a-bed somehow seemed erotic. Like a man's sex, unrolled and grown out of its nest? 

The opened drapes allowed the moon's light to fill the room with soft luster but cast mysterious shadows, mysteries holding joys unknown.

Duncan lay quietly on the hide-a-bed in a shaft of moonlight. Standing looking down at him she felt warmth for him sliding through her again. He looked so strong, so masculine, so good there on her couch. What her ambivalence must be doing to him! 

She felt how inadequate she was! The man she had loved, who she had given herself to unconditionally, had found her less than adequate. All the signs pointed to his abandoning her. Helen had always been confident in her sexuality. She had always been sure, confident in her beauty, strong in being a woman. Now she felt empty, wondering if she was adequate. 

Her husband had discovered after years together that she was not woman enough for him. She felt herself shrivel inside, wondering how she could expect any man to find her attractive.

But the masculine beauty of Duncan drove those thoughts from her mind. The hard plane of his chest, dusted with sparse fur in patterns. Her eyes drifted down the strength of his body, following the pattern of hair down to the joining of his legs. There her eyes stopped, mesmerized with the strength and size of his manhood thrusting along his belly. 

Her mouth grew dry as she stared at its length. She felt her belly go liquid again in her already aroused body. Oh, God! It was magnificent! And her body recalled how it had filled her, driven her mad with joy.

A small movement, maybe a noise, snapped her eyes back upward to where his head was laying on his folded arms. The moonlight glistened off his opened eyes.

Suddenly the monstrousness of her being here before him overcame her. She had no right to be here, why had she come?

In those moments she knew she loved him, loved him with all her being. But she was married, married to a good man who somehow had changed. Or was she the one who had changed, somehow become inadequate? Even so, Gerry was the father of her children, the man who once had cared for and loved her all those years ago. 

He didn't deserve her betrayal despite what he was now doing.

As she wavered, trying to turn back, Duncan stretched an arm out to her. Imperiously he beckoned her to him. She was helpless to disobey.

She stifled a sob at her dilemma. Her legs, barely able to hold her began carrying her toward the man, her knight, lying on the unfolded hide-a-bed. By the side of the bed she swayed, nearly falling.

**** Duncan sensed Helen's presence before she emerged from the hallway. Holding himself still he bathed his senses in the wonder of this woman he had known for such a short time. 

But it didn't seem short, when he was around her she enveloped him and her essence became part of him. It seemed he had been reborn the morning he met her.

As she stood in the moonlight his eyes captured her beauty. Her breasts were so perfect, not as proud as they must have been many years ago, still they could be described as 'perky.' To the man lying on the bed they were perfect as they swayed gently on her chest. Her shoulders were so square, her strength so obvious and admirable. 

His glance slid down and he memorized her belly, softly rounded, smooth, so slim and perfect. Duncan had never considered it before, but the slim waistline of the woman standing so still before him was perfect.

Then his eyes moved again and he was lost. The way her hips swelled, then tapered where her perfect legs met her body. His mouth grew dry as his eyes locked on the triangle gracing her loins. It was so perfect, so necessary to adorn her sex!

If she had remained still he may have spent the rest of his days bathing, drinking in the look of her. Then she swayed, for a moment he feared she was turning to leave him. Fear and panic nearly swept away his reason. She must not leave him, if she did he would be bereft! 

Duncan's voice came to her softly from the stillness of he room, "You must be getting cold, Helen. I promise not to bite, come sit with me."

She stood quietly another moment before stirring. Then, taking little steps, she closed the distance to where Duncan lay. As she approached, he pushed himself back to lean against the back of the hide-a-bed. He arranged a pillow for her comfort, before placing a demanding hand on her hip and pulling her gently onto the bed.

She snuggled up next to him on the bed where they both lay back against the nest of pillows Duncan had arranged. Seeing her shiver slightly Duncan pulled the covers over them. 

No words were spoken, the two erstwhile lovers and now fast, deep friends, lay quietly soaking in the presence of the other. After a while Helen's hand stole across the inches separating them to be met and engulfed by Duncan's. There the two sat for hours, intensely aware of the other. Thoughts of what could be, what might have been, engulfed them both. 

The morning light was just beginning to be noticed when Duncan gently pulled her hand, drawing the exquisite woman over to lie across him. Her barely heard hum of appreciation sent chills through his body. He slipped an arm around her, holding her nude body close against him. Drawing her head against his shoulder Duncan nestled his cheek against the softness of her hair before closing his eyes to absorb her nearness.

Outside the day was beginning, inside the soft light of dawn painted the two in its rosy glow. Helen turned to lay alongside this man, intensely aware of her breast pushing into him. Her leg lay over his, the knee between his legs. 

The comfort of his arms poured through her, but couldn't chase the bitter thought she belonged to another man...Gerry. The man who had once held the place in her emotional life Duncan now filled. Gerry, who she had once seen to be as staunch and solid as the man lying next her. The man she had vowed to support and strengthen with her life. 

She and Duncan lay quietly for hours, gaining strength together while they silently wondered where life was taking them. Each was afraid to ask the question, "Do they have a future together?"

The shrill ring of the telephone had Helen leaping from the bed. Once standing she discovered one leg had gone to sleep and she began crumpling back onto the bed. Duncan's arms caught her, steadying her, holding her upright to reach for the handset. 

Lifting it to her ear she glanced at the wall clock. She was startled to see it was already 8:30. How in the world had it gotten so late? 

"Hello?"

She listened for a moment before her eyes strayed to Duncan. "I'll be there soon as I can, honey. Call me after you talk to your Dad and let me know how he is. If necessary I'll fly home. If I do, I'll take a cab from the airport so don't worry about meeting me." 

She paused a moment before adding, "After talking to your father, decide if it's something the rest of the family needs to know at this time. You can let me know and we'll make a decision then on what else is needed. What you do need to do as soon as you pick him up is get him to our Doctor."

Hanging up the phone, she turned to Duncan, "That was my son, Conrad. He was called this morning and told his father will be landing at Boise airport in about fifteen minutes. Conrad was told Gerry is desperately ill. 

"On a flight from Singapore via Manila his head began hurting, growing worse as the flight progressed. Gerald refused to accept it was serious enough to prevent his traveling. When they landed in Seattle he transferred to a plane for the final leg of the journey without mentioning the pain. About half way between Seattle and Boise he became nauseous. Conrad is scared. Gerry never gets sick but whoever was on the phone warned him his father is seriously ill now. I have no choice Duncan, I have to go home. Our photo safari is off, I'm so sorry."

Duncan had slipped off the Hide-a-Bed and the two embraced. Clasping him to her she gave Duncan a hard hug, then rested her head against his bare chest before heading to the bedroom, calling over her shoulder, "I'll make us breakfast after my shower."

Duncan watched her go with eyes filled with sorrow. When he waved her off at the airport would that be the last he would see of her?

At breakfast they discussed Helen's alternatives. It came down to her need to catch the fastest flight home. She was needed to take charge, as able as her son was he shouldn't have to take this on his shoulders alone. 

Still, she couldn't do anything, even call the airline, until she heard back on what was happening at home.

It wasn't until after 10:30AM that the phone rang again. Duncan almost answered it, quickly reconsidering. This was Helen's Condo and some strange man answering her telephone could be mistaken. If it was Gerald it would put Helen at an unnecessary disadvantage. If it were her son, Conrad didn't need questions on his mother's behavior to further disarrange his life.

Helen answered on the forth ring, "Hello, is this Con?"

"Yeah, mom," came his voice in her ear. "We have dad home. I took him straight to the Doctor. He poked him a lot, then took some x-rays. When he got them back he turned all mysterious on me; wouldn't tell me a thing. All he said was that we needed Dad to take some tests, including a bunch more of his head. I told him we'd get back to him. The Doc told me it's not necessary to do it today but he really has to have the pictures as soon as practical. The way he acted has me a little scared, Mom. Can you get here today?"

"Honey, I could get there tonight, but it would be too late to go see the Doctor. I'll get packed and fly in tomorrow morning. Don't come get me, I'll take a taxi from the airport or maybe even the airport shuttle. See you tomorrow, sweetie. Oh! If anything sudden comes up, be sure to call me, okay? Use my cell phone, I may not be at the condo."

"Sure, Mom. See you then, by."

Helen explained what was happening to Duncan, then began stewing over having to store her car in Chelan. Duncan quickly told her he would get it to Boise for her, all she had to do was leave the keys.

After a brief pause, Helen agreed. They spent the rest of the day planning as Helen packed. 

It was bittersweet, spending the day together. Helen consoled herself that at least she would see Duncan one more time, when he delivered her car.

Duncan was very sober all day, afraid this was the last time he would have Helen alone. She was going home to Gerald. The thought that he would never have another chance to see her again took the laughter and sunshine right out of him.

I had been planning on concluding this story with the 10th chapter. Instead, I've broken that chapter in three parts. The final chapters will be posted soon.

the Troubador



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 11



The ride to the local airport the next morning was glum. Helen boarded at the airport in Wenatchee. It was a commuter flight servicing a number of small cities between Wenatchee and Boise. She would have stops in Yakima, Pasco, Walla Walla and Lewiston before arrival in Boise. With all the stops it would be mid-afternoon before she arrived home. 

With many promises and a chaste kiss for Duncan, Helen boarded. Duncan stood, a forlorn sight, watching until her plane was out of sight.

Driving back to Chelan he decided the smartest plan was to drive his RV to Boise, towing the little BMW. They'd been planning on towing it on the now aborted photo safari so he already had the tow equipment on hand. It would only take a few minutes to hook it up. He would store his own small car in Chelan and pick it up after he left Boise.

He was on the road by late afternoon, feeling blue. His cell phone rang as he was crossing the Columbia River at the Pasco/Kennewick bridge. There was no traffic on the bridge so he answered it. It was Helen and he told her he would call her back as soon as he found a place to park. He hadn't got this old by splitting his attention between a call to his sweety and jockeying the RV down the road.

The news on Gerald was not good. Helen had talked to the Doctor, finally convincing him nothing he told her could be worse than what she was imagining. She was glad to find out what was wrong, but what he told her wasn't much better than what she had been imagining. 

The Doctor suspected a brain tumor, which would be bad enough in any case but there was more. Without further tests he couldn't be sure but he feared it was cancerous. They would know more the next day and the Doctor didn't want anyone flying apart before they knew for certain. 

Helen had gone home and immediately gone online to discover what she could about Brain Cancer. None of it was good, most of it was terrible. 

Depending on the tumor's location and on how extensive it was, the prognosis was anything from possible minor mental impairment to an unpleasant death. The worst case scenario had Gerry dying within weeks. 

It was possible to surgically remove a tumor, depending on where it was in the brain. Brain Surgery was never easy; there was no need to explain what a minute slip of the knife might do. If it was cancerous however, even removal was questionable. Cancerous tumors sent tendrils throughout the brain, making removal impossible. 

The Doctor, who admittedly was no an expert in the condition, was very pessimistic. To him the symptoms indicated an advanced tumor in an inoperable area of the brain. If it was cancerous he feared the tumor had already sent out tendrils. If this was the case he expected personality changes and loss of motor skills at the minimum. 

It was possible the tumor had been there for years. Gerald had complained of headaches for years, refusing to see a doctor for such a minor everyday problem. 

Like plotting a Hurricane, each such tumor had its own life to run. What scared Helen was reading that some tumors might grow slowly for years, then suddenly explode. Like all cancers, if it was detected in time they can be defeated. Helen feared, believed, this had been growing for years. If so, that would account for the slow changes in her husband's behavior.

As Duncan expected Helen was terrified. He promised to be in Boise sometime the next day, planning to make the drive only stopping for naps and meals. If there were any kind of delay he would call, but she was to look for him sometime tomorrow evening. 

For the first time he confessed his love for her. Then he promised that he wouldn't let it get in the way of any decisions she needed to make about her life. He agreed her marriage was and should be currently the center of her life. He told her this so she would know he would be there for her and hers as long as she needed him, she had no worry about him being there for her, at least until this nightmare was handled. There were no strings attached to his help and he would not get in the way of what she saw had to be done.

He pulled into a rest area soon after, made a meal, then took a nap. He was up and on the road again well before midnight. Driving carefully and taking a break every hour or so to eat and in some cases nap he called as he neared Boise to ask for directions to her home. It had been a fast trip with the RV, and he planned to stop and make dinner in the RV, eating before he arrived.

Arriving at the address for the Conningham home he saw a large two story white colonial. From its size Duncan guessed it had five, maybe more bedrooms. Helen opened the door as he stepped onto the porch. Drawing him inside she introduced him to her daughter Holly and to Conrad, her son. Neither of the young adults took askance at a strange man delivering their mother's BMW. Instead they took their cues from the way their father had reacted when he heard Duncan was coming. The unexpected, obvious near hero worship with which Gerald had greeted the news he was coming smoothed over what Duncan had feared would be a tense situation. 

Gerry wasn't there to greet him when he came in. He had been too exhausted to stay up and was sound asleep when Duncan drove up. 

Conrad had graduated in Accounting that winter from Idaho State University there in Boise. Holly had picked Idaho State and would be living on campus. She planned to major in Psychology. This would be her first year. Neither one lived at home. 

It was later than Duncan had expected arriving and he was glad he had stopped to eat. Under the circumstances he pled being tired and was soon bedded down in the guest room for the night. He had no chance for talking alone with Helen that night and hadn't expected to do so. Much worse, under the circumstances he didn't know what to say. It certainly was no time to discuss their relationship. She didn't need that kind of pressure now. As he settled in for a troubled sleep he wondered if there would ever be a time for them now. He would try to speak with her privately the next day.

The next morning was hectic. Helen made breakfast for Conrad, who had spent the night "home" along with his sister who had moved into a dorm that week. Helen managed to get him off on time to his new job, assuring him she would call him if his dad took a turn for the worse. 

Holly slept in, exhausted worrying about Gerry. Her first University class would be next week. She was starting with the Summer Quarter and she figured this was her last "sleep in" until that was over. She was hoping to be far enough along in her studies to go for her Master's Degree in three years. Duncan thought it very daunting, considering she hadn't yet attended her first lecture.

When Gerry pulled himself out of bed he was obviously hurting. He knew Duncan was due in last night and wanted to thank him for his kindness and didn't allow himself the extra time in bed his condition asked for. 

Duncan came downstairs soon after Conrad left, showered but not particularly rested. Helen suspected that like herself, sleep hadn't come easy or early. Duncan discovered Gerry sipping coffee at the kitchen table and reading the paper with Helen sitting across from him. 

Looking up when he entered the kitchen Helen couldn't help the frisson of love chasing through her at sight of him. Helen prayed her husband didn't pick up on some of the strange vibes filling the room. 

It was a strange situation; now that she had an idea what had been happening with her husband she understood his changed behavior. With that understanding much of her affection for him had returned. 

But even with that her strong feelings for Duncan had not eased. For the life of her she couldn't set one aside for the other. It was very difficult. For the first time she understood how a woman could love two men at the same time. The feelings for Duncan were different from those she had for Gerry. Different but just as strong.

Breakfast was quiet, Duncan obviously deep in thought, Gerry obviously slightly punchy from the pain medication he was taking. Helen bustled around, trying to pay personal attention to both men despite Duncan's poorly hidden wish for her not to fuss over him. That was enough to give her a headache.

When Holly finally joined them it was only long enough to eat some toast. Then she too was off to do her thing, this time an afternoon at one of her friend’s house to bask for the last time in the idea they had graduated from the public school system. Most of them were going on to college of course, but that just wasn't the same thing. With her going the three adults were left alone with their long thoughts. 

The day passed slowly, conversation stiff and formal. Early afternoon Gerry begged tired and went to lie down. Duncan had been looking for this opportunity to talk privately with Helen, both dreading and anticipating the talk. That was when Holly called needing her mother's immediate help and she was off, with a quick apology, to help her daughter. So much for a private chat.

Sometime after 4:00 Helen returned, going upstairs immediately to check on Gerry and get their bedroom straightened up. When she stepped in the room she found him in bed, propped up on pillows.

He greeted his wife with a small wave, "Helen, I was hoping you'd be up soon. I need to talk, honey. The sooner the better."

Helen answered guardedly, "Sure Gerry. How you feeling?"

"Good at the moment, but that's not what I want to talk about. I've had a lot of time to think since I left you in Ritzville. Some things have happened that opened my eyes, woke me up to myself. If you have the time… If this is a good time… I need to talk, Helen. Do you have time, honey?"

"Of course, dear."

After a short pause Gerry continued, "I don't know exactly how to say what I have to say. Guess the best way is to just get started and let things fall where they may." He paused a moment, "Somehow the last few years I've lost touch with myself. That's the only way I can explain it. I've done some things I don't feel proud of, not at this moment."

Silence stretched in the room. Helen didn't know what to say, and when she opened her mouth to speak her husband held his hand up to stop her. "Wait Helen, let me talk for awhile, you listen, just listen. This isn't going to be easy for me, and it grieves me to know it won't be easy for you either."

"Five years ago, more or less, I began understanding what it would be necessary for me to do, to become… to reach the next level in the company I've been working for all these years. I'm ambitious as you know, and decided I had to change my "style" and become the man management wanted. Don't worry; I never became a hatchet man. But I bottled up and put aside any compassion I had for the people working with and under me. Where before I would make allowances for personal situations my people may be in, I quit doing that. In plain words I became a complete bastard. The friendships I had with the people I worked with began withering but the production of my department increased markedly. Well, being completely honest, it increased in the short run." He paused again before adding, "That's also about the time those headaches started."

"What happened to me was interesting and not good looking back on it. With my new attitude and the increased production my new attitude forced out of my people upper management began promoting me rapidly. The areas I left soon faltered and returned to the production levels that were more natural. The new managers were blamed for the fall. Understand, the "improvements" I had brought about couldn't be sustained over the long haul. Looking at it now it's easy to see. People aren't machines, but like machines they do break down with enough pressure. I was gone, so the new boss was blamed."

"When I saw how my new attitude was pushing me up the ladder I got greedy. And worse yet, I became an egotist. The success I was having at the expense of the health of my employees, both mental and physical, I attributed to my brilliance."

There was a long, loud silence. Helen tried to speak several times only to be motioned to silence by her husband. With his eyes fixed on his hands, Gerry began again. 

"With my new attitude came a belief that the people working for me were little more than tools for my use." Helen found herself caught in her husband's anguished stare, "Honey, I used them! And not just in the job. If a woman was attractive I considered her to belong to me. I seduced several of my employees. To my everlasting shame, I did things I have always believed despicable, excusing myself because I "deserved" the attention. They were despicable, but they "felt" good." 

Helen was caught in his misery, while horrified at his confession at the same time. His voice dropped to a bare whisper, "So I did them. I did whatever felt good to me. I pray now that those good ladies were strong enough to keep their self respect and mental health after I tired of them."

Helen's knees gave out and she found herself plopping down on the foot of the bed, her hands covering her mouth. Gerry could see the unshed tears in her eyes.

"Lordy, Helen! It hurts so bad to tell you this. If there was some way you didn't already know of this or I could be sure you would never hear of it I would never have told you. I love you, Helen. Despite my selfish, hurting ways I do love you."

Through her tears Helen saw her husband's tears streaking his cheeks. "Gerry, I love you too. I do!"

Before she could add anything, Gerry held his hand up to stop her talking. "I know you learned of my trip, Helen. Maybe not all of it, but you must know enough to doubt me. And I know Duncan has been supporting you after I abandoned you in Ritzville. When he looks at you it is plain to me he would like to be more than a friend. But I know the man, even if mostly by reputation. He wouldn't make a move on another man's wife. 

"It hurts me to see this. It really does. Watching how you look at the man hurts, too. You are my wife and I know you love me. But when I was wandering the streets of Singapore I realized how badly I've treated you. You have stood by me unswervingly all these years and instead of appreciating it, I took it as giving me freedom to do whatever I wished."

There was silence in the room again, broken only by Helen's muted sobs.

Then Gerry spoke again, "I was listening to the Doctor's explanation, honey. It explained some of the things that have been going on with me the last few months. Before I left Singapore I did some heavy thinking. There have been "aberrations" in my behavior the last few months, maybe... probably longer. The Doctor's comments gave me an explanation for some of my actions. My thinking gets twisted every once in a while. There have been times when I have looked back at something I've done or the way I've behaved and wondered how I could have done them. The brain tumor would explain these. And I heard when he was tiptoeing all around his prognosis and my longevity."

Gerry picked up a manila folder Helen hadn't noticed, handing it to her. "This afternoon, instead of taking a nap I went online and did some research on brain cancer. And have no doubt, the Doctor thinks that's what I have. He won't be sure until he gets his laboratory tests back but if I were a betting man I wouldn't bet against it."

"Honey, I've been humbled the last weeks. There are a lot of regrets I have, the biggest is the way I began putting myself on a pedestal. You have been and continue to be a wonderful wife. Don't ever question yourself girl. You have done and stood for more than I had any right to expect…" 

Gerry tiredly lay back against his pillow, "Now, I DO need to rest. Call me for dinner, hon." Then he turned on his side and settled down. 

His wife sat on the bed for some time, watching him. It took only a few minutes before she knew he was indeed asleep. She continued to sit thinking while she watched him. Then she got up to begin preparing dinner.

    - - - - -

Duncan watched morosely as Helen headed upstairs to see how Gerald was doing. He had wondered if conversation between Helen and himself would be strained in the home she shared with Gerald. Obviously it was true; hardly a surprise with her husband diagnosed with cancer. With everything that had happened the past few weeks it would have shocked Duncan if it hadn't been the case.

He had no personal experience with this dealing with cancer among his friends and acquaintances. Therefore Duncan checked the internet the night before last. He discovered recovery rates were terrible. The worst he had heard of.

He felt restless, staying under Gerald's roof the way he felt about his wife. Sure, Gerry had turned into a jerk but that was no excuse to pursue his wife. On the other hand Helen needed someone to lean on. She confessed she had no close family other than her children and a few of Gerry's relatives, none of whom she felt close to. He decided he would hang out here as long as it looked like his presence was needed. However if things became strained here in any way it would be best he return to Seattle. He could return to Boise within hours if he was needed. 

As he pondered he realized he no longer thought of the man as Gerald. Somehow his view of the man had changed, now when he came into his mind it was as Gerry. Despite the circumstances that had introduced them Duncan had gained some rapport and respect for him. 

At the moment Duncan feared Helen's need for his comfort was dissipating. Yet wasn't that what he wanted, having her regain her strength and the ability to stand on her own?

Lost in these gloomy thoughts he almost missed the call coming in on his cell phone. Answering it he found himself talking to Daryl, his friend from the private investigations company.

"Duncan, I've been following up on the Gerald Conningham matter. We have some additional information you may have some interest in. Want me to give you a quick run down before I mail the report?"

He sat up, wondering what else Daryl may have gathered. "What do you have? Oh, and before you begin, I know Conningham returned to the states. Actually I'm sitting in his living room as we speak. What else do you have?"

"Well, there went part of my surprise. We kept track of him, even watching him transfer planes at SeaTac Airport on his way home to Boise. But we do have some disturbing news about the Administrative Assistant." He waited a beat, not hearing anything from Duncan he continued, "She showed up in Bombay, and we put a tail on her to see where she was going. We lost her there, and I don't think we'll be seeing her again. 

"Thanks Daryl, one question before you go, she was believed to be carrying a very large sum of money. Did she store it somewhere, or was she carrying it when she disappeared?"

"No sign of the money, Duncan. She certainly wasn't carrying it with her, and there was no sign of such in her luggage. She may have sent it to some "off-shore" bank. Since the banking changes in Switzerland it isn't as popular as it used to be, but you knew that. Where do you want the report sent?"

"Hold it in your files. I'll pick it up when I get in town. I don't see any reason to rub these folks noses in the mess. You did a good job, Daryl. Thanks." 

At dinner Duncan told Gerry and Helen he would be heading home the next day. To his surprise Gerry was visibly upset, "Duncan, I'd like to talk to you tomorrow. I can't do it tonight; I seem to be running out of energy entirely by 6:00 or 7:00 every night. If I can talk you into staying over at least one more day, I'd like to talk tomorrow. Can you do that?"

Duncan was caught off guard but there was nothing important he had to see to in the next few days. The men running his company were handling it as competently as he ever had. "Sure Gerry, I can stay around another day. I've got no schedule."




Chance: A Day in May Ch. 11



Duncan was up his usual time the next morning, feeling like the spear bearer in an opera; necessary but really only taking up space. Gerry came down for breakfast. The two men shared the meal with Helen. Over coffee Gerald asked him if he could talk with him in his home office. 

Following the man down the hall to his office Duncan noticed him weaving almost imperceptibly, even stumbling slightly a couple times as he walked. Gerry looked very tired. Duncan wondered if the man had slept at all that night, the bruising under his eyes showed how weary he was.

Gerry stood aside, holding the office door open, letting Duncan enter first, then shutting it firmly behind them. He shuffled off to his desk then seemed to collapse into the chair. After a moment Gerry looked up and caught the puzzled look on Duncan's face. "Yeah, not as smooth as yesterday am I?"

Catching the questioning look Duncan was giving him; Gerry glanced down, then looked up under his eyebrows. He cleared his throat before hoarsely adding, "Let's not walk around the issue, Duncan. I heard what the Doc said. When I came home I looked Brain Cancer up on the internet. I'm as close to 100% gone as they come and still be walking around. Some of these symptoms I've had for a while. I suspect my time is less than months. Maybe a couple weeks, maybe less. I think you noticed as we left the kitchen my coordination isn't as good this morning as it was yesterday afternoon. I'm not going to tell my wife, there's no reason to upset her more than she is now. There's no way that news would help her handle this." 

There was silence in the room for a few minutes as the two men digested Gerry's words.

"What can I do for you, Gerry?" Duncan asked quietly. "I'm feeling uncomfortable just sitting around. I don't have anything pressing back home, but I don't understand how I can help by just being here. At the moment I feel like that third wheel."

There was another pause before Gerry answered, "This is going to be hard to say, Duncan. And I want you to understand there's no animosity. But I've had a little time to think about the twists my life has taken in the past four or five years. Then this cancer thing landed on me. How much do you know about the trip I just came back from?"

Duncan looked at him levelly, thinking about his answer, "Well, you and your Admin Assistant ended up in Singapore after leaving Helen in Ritzville. You ducked out on a vacation with your wife meant to reignite your marriage. Somewhere in there the Admin Assistant disappeared and you spent time alone in Singapore before you came home." 

After another of the long pauses conversation in this house seemed so prone to, Duncan continued, "Something didn’t feel right when you left Helen alone in Ritzville so I asked a company that does investigations for me to find out what was going on. I mean, Helen was very upset. After I got the report I still didn't understand leaving an attractive woman like Helen stranded in a strange town." Another pause before he continued quietly, "I wasn't going to tell Helen, but when she called me in Seattle, just wanting someone to talk to… Well I drove to Chelan and gave her the report. At the time I figured it was going to destroy any friendship she and I had developed. Still, I thought she needed the information. Knowing what's happening is a whole lot better than wandering around in a dark room, banging into the furniture. That's a hell of a simile, but I think you understand what I mean."

Helen's husband leveled a stare at him for a moment, then continued in a hesitant voice after another pause, "That's about what I figured happened. I know you and Helen have a 'connection' but I also know the kind of man you are; and I know Helen. Don't feel that I am accusing you of anything. But I've lived with the woman a lot of years now. I still love her, and I think she still cares for me. But when you two are in a room together there are sparks. And those sparks are what I'm going to rely on…"

Gerry's eyes dropped to his hands where he fumbled with the pen from an expensive desk set. The room was silent, only slight sounds coming from the living room where Helen was straightening up broke the stillness. 

Duncan sat stone still studying his hands, thinking of the man sitting across the room from him. This Gerry was very different from the man Duncan met in the rest area east of Ritzville. This man was clear eyed despite the pain Duncan saw in his eyes and posture. Somehow the self involvement Duncan had sensed those weeks ago had disappeared. In its place was a man, sick unto death, caring and worrying about the woman he had wed so many years ago. The woman he had, for a time, forgotten and emotionally deserted. 

For the first time Duncan understood him, sensing the man who had attracted Helen, the man she had married. The question of how he had attracted such a strong woman was solved, now he knew. Gerry had taken a wrong turn in his life, discovering it almost too late to do anything about turning it around. All Duncan could do was conjecture on how long ago and how seriously the tumor had affected him. Was the personality change all the result of the tumor, or was there something else? Duncan would never know.

Was it too late? 

And who would suffer if it was? Would it be Gerry, Helen, Duncan… or would it be all three? Who would suffer if it was not too late? Would it be possible somehow that this disaster could be turned around?

Outside the world continued, in this room time was held in suspense.

The two men sat quietly, soundlessly communicating. At last Gerry struggled to his feet, Duncan rising with him. The two men clasped hands; their eyes caught one to each. With a small, strange smile Gerald showed Duncan to the door. 

As Duncan paused in the hallway, Gerry added, "I know we can count on you, Duncan. Will you be able to stay here?"

"Is that what you want, Gerry? Wouldn't it be better if I returned to Seattle for a few weeks, coming back later?"

After another of those pauses, Gerry answered, "You may be right. But if you take that route, returning to Seattle, don't leave your return until too late. I would prefer you stay. I'm a fighter and I haven't given up. At the same time I can tell, day by day, sometimes hour by hour how this thing in my head is progressing." 

"Somehow I must talk to Helen, get her to understand. Make her know she has my blessing and that I still love her." He bowed his head a moment, "Let her know I trust her judgement and that anything she thinks is right, IS right."

Duncan nodded soberly before agreeing, "Let me talk to Helen, see what she wants. No way will I tell her about this conversation. That must come from you." 

His eyes on the man suffering in front of him Duncan thought, then said it out loud, "Gerry, I apologize for my earlier thoughts. You are a hell of a man!"

"I was once, Duncan. And maybe I am again. I hope so. Coming from you that is high praise." With that he turned back into the office, leaving the door open.

Duncan spent the next few hours turning over Gerry's request. Then that evening he sat down to talk with Helen. He explained he had been thinking, planning on heading home but wondered if she would prefer he stay and help her. He was willing to do anything in which she needed help. She promised to think about it, they would talk about it the next day.

The next day Duncan sat down with Helen and Gerald. Helen was badly shaken, when Gerry tried to get out of bed he had collapsed forward off the bed. This last sign forced her to realize what the doctor had been unwilling to tell her. 

After Helen helped him back to bed Gerry laid out to her what he had learned on the Internet. When she broke down he had held her, assuring her he had already realized where this was going. He had accepted it and his biggest worry was how she was going to handle this when it happened. That was when he asked her to bring Duncan in to talk with them.

Together the three of them planned the best way for the family to handle the situation. Duncan flew back to Wenatchee that evening, leaving his RV in Boise. There he caught a bus to Chelan, picked up the small car he had left there and then drove back to Boise. 

Within a week the kids had come to accept him as a part of the family. Sitting with them, Duncan helped Helen and Gerry plan and advised them how to wrap up Gerry's affairs. 

When Duncan had agreed to remain in Boise he hadn't seen how he could keep himself occupied. To his surprise he found himself wondering where he could add an hour or two to the day to get everything done. 

Being the man he was Duncan made no demands on the woman he now knew he loved. It wasn't easy ignoring the attraction the way she looked at him, the unconscious little touches as they worked together. There was still something between them. Until the family tragedy worked itself out that had to be put on hold. He resigned himself to the possibility it would never go any further.

In the end, Gerald Conningham lived another ten weeks before Helen woke up one morning to make breakfast then return upstairs to discover her husband had died. 

It was Duncan who supervised the final arrangements for the funeral, having discussed it several times with Gerry himself over the weeks. He remained in the background, now accepted as a family friend by the visiting relatives. Helen's daughter and son had come to rely on his steadfast strength, themselves welcoming him into their small family group.

He moved to a hotel right after the death, not wanting to call Helen's behavior into question. He stayed there for almost two weeks after the funeral, but taking his meals with the family. In the end he found the kids calling on him repeatedly to handle problems and just for the strength to go forward. 

The final act came on an evening when the kids had come to dinner. It was just four weeks after the funeral. The gloom of losing father and husband was diminishing and the mood around the table was almost upbeat. 

The kids left early, either dates or studies, Duncan didn't understand which. Truth be told he couldn't care less which it was. He liked the kids and saw no reason to question their actions. Part of the reason it was so easy for him to do was Helen's complete confidence in them. 

After they left Duncan settled in the living room, taking his place on a couch where large pillows nearly two feet deep took the place of the normal upholstering. He relaxed back into the pillows for a moment, telling himself he was just being sociable, staying past her children's departure. Watching the flames in the fireplace Conrad had started before he left, Duncan assured himself he was not pushing himself into her life. His presence was meant to steady her as she recovered from her grief. He was absolutely not taking advantage of her emotional distress. 

Helen disappeared into her room to change into a light housedress. It was one of her favorites, buttoning down the front from neckline to hemline. One thing she loved about it was that it so loose she could just slip it over her head. Leaving the master bedroom she went to the kitchen, quickly loading the dishwasher and straightening up after the meal. Leaving the kitchen she paused in the doorway, looking back over her shoulder to make sure she hadn't missed anything. The light was behind her. 

The sight inflamed Duncan who until then had been able to keep 'that' part of himself under control. The light weight dress became nearly translucent, the sway of her breasts made it obvious they were unfettered. Duncan was even able to make out the substance of her brief bikini panties under the dress. 

Somehow he tore his glance from her before she turned around. Then he leaned forward to conceal the sudden bulge in his pants.

*****His presence in the house comforted Helen. He was a man she trusted and she had grown accustomed to his presence in her home. That her charms were revealed by the lighting never crossed her mind. 

It didn't show but Helen's grief and guilt were building to a peak. Despite the confidence and control she was showing, Helen was on the verge of a breakdown.

The man she had loved and married so many years ago had been lost, then rediscovered. He had deserted her and while he was gone a new man had come on the scene. Neither Helen nor Duncan had planned or even wanted the sudden wild passion that had exploded in their lives. Then her first love had returned, reclaiming his place in her life.

With Gerry's sudden return her emotions became a hopeless muddle. Still, the man she had vowed to cling to in sickness and in health had returned. Flying back to Boise Helen had known he was ill and that was going to be a factor in her relationship with him. Despite seeing signs of his intending to leave her, he was here. 

On the flight back she had worked to build again the feelings she had held for him all those years. Then she landed to find he was sick unto death. To her amazement, she discovered the man who returned was the man she had married not the man who had left her in Ritzville. The Gerry she loved was back. And he was dying.

Duncan had driven to her aid. Every thing he had done had been without her asking. Not once had he showed he deserved anything for his efforts. All he had done was to pitch in and make bearable an impossible situation. Duncan told her the Gerry he met in Boise was a fine man, a man Duncan admired and liked. 

She loved Gerry. Yet she had feelings, even love for Duncan too. It was tearing her up. Worse was the guilt she felt now with Gerry gone. One part of her wanted now to accept Duncan as her man. Another part was outraged that she could even consider such a thing with her husband and lover, father to her children, hardly cold in the ground. Helen had no idea where this was going. She feared where it would end. 

On impulse she paused at the liquor cabinet to pour two stiff brandies. As she crossed the room to where Duncan was sitting she flipped on the stereo. As luck would have it the machine was loaded with ballads, love songs from the 50's and 60's. Handing a drink to Duncan she swirled the liquor in the big balloon glass she held, burying her nose in it for the aroma while the old torch songs sang around her. 

With Helen's presence swamping his awareness Duncan was having trouble paying attention. Somehow Duncan managed to take the snifter she held out, taking a large mouthful as she sat down beside him amid the pillows of the sofa. The room was comfortably lit with one lamp and light from the fading sunset coming through the large window looking into the secluded backyard.

The two settled side by side on the sofa, watching the play of the flames. He fought with himself to keep control, the brandy didn't help. This woman didn’t need something else to rock her emotions.

Helen had no such inhibition. She felt comfortably safe in Duncan's presence. She desperately needed someone to rely on, caught as she was in a swirl of emotions. Some of those emotions were being generated by proximity to the man sitting beside her. In almost no time her glass was empty and she poured herself another, shifting closer to her companion when she sat down. Not aware she was doing so she snuggled up to him, wrapping her arms around his arm, hugging it tightly to her. It felt natural to do so. When she laid her head on his shoulder she sighed as they sat together in the growing dark of the evening.

The feel of Helen pressed around his arm had Duncan enraptured. He knew he should get up and go. There are many times one knows exactly what he should due but is unable to do so.

The firelight flickering its shadows in the room, Chris Connor singing of love and the brandy Helen had imbibed combined to relax her hold on her emotions. When Duncan felt Helen trembling he looked down to see two tears tracking down her cheeks. Pulling his arm loose he put it around her and pulled her against his chest.

That was all it took to release the torrent of emotion that had been building inside her. In an instant she was sobbing, her tears soaking the shirt where her face was buried. The strength of her arms wrapped around him was near enough to stop his breath.

"Oh, God Duncan! Oh God! He's gone, he's gone, I'll never be able to fix it now. I loved him, Duncan; I loved him with all my heart until this thing changed him! 

"I was turning from him, Duncan. Then he came back to me and died!"

For long Duncan held through her heartbroken sobs: Holding her, his own bruised heart near breaking. He had no right, no right what-so-ever to feel a loss. How could he lose something he had never had? But the felt loss was too agonizing not to be real. He too grieved, nearly as deeply as did the woman crying in his arms. Duncan grieved for a love barely found, a man's unstinting friendship that was lost before it could even be accepted. Most of all he grieved for the woman sobbing in his arms.

How long she cried neither knew. He began stroking her back, kneading her arms, trying to comfort in any way he could. Helen nestled ever more closely as she bawled her distress, until finally even the heartbreak became normalized and until slowly the tears stilled. At long last the sobs disappeared leaving behind only the felt need for the other, the warmth and ease of their bodies touching. 

Clasping her gently against his chest, Duncan leaned forward; grabbing the pillows they were resting against, then tossed them off behind the couch. Then he twisted, lying back against the pillow serving as an arm of the couch. Shifting the woman he held in his arms, he settled them comfortably in the bottom of the couch, now nearly as wide as a full sized bed. Duncan held her gently to him, stroking her back and shoulders while murmuring soft promises neither understood as she relaxed against him. 

Finally her eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep nestled on his shoulder, her body resting against the length of his. As she slept Duncan fought tears. He had no right or hold on this woman. She was everything he wanted and needed. But she had met him, known him, only as a part of her despair as her marriage broke apart.

Dawn was lighting the windows when Helen awoke. As sleep left her she grew aware of the man holding her as she slept. Waking further she recognized his distress. Her woman's sense understood the sadness with which her grief had flooded him. Even as sleep left her she let her hands begin comforting him; stroking his sides, nuzzling the hollow of his throat, play with his hair. As she grew more fully aware it felt only natural to trail tiny kisses on the man in whose arms she had once again spent the night. 

She held him tenderly in her arms. Initially all she felt was compassion. 

Duncan came awake to her caresses, beginning to rub his face into her hair even as Helen smoothed her face against the fabric of his shirt and the chest now only partially hidden under the shirt.

The night spent in his arms, with no demands except to be herself released the tension that had been building. With the man's comforting presence, his lack of demands on her eased her, made it natural for Helen to be pulled even closer to him. 

As they lay there together the kisses became more serious, more heated until finally their lips sealed them tightly together. This time when their lips met the passion was there to be tasted. Unconsciously Helen shifted to her side, allowing her hands to burrow under his shirt and smooth the soft pelt found there, caressing the masculine roughness of his skin.

After the night spent healing the passion of grief, the grief morphed into passion of the flesh. The shared tragedy was still there but now the impossible triangle was broken; gone in a way no one desired, but gone. For the moment the guilt and sorrow surrounding her loss was forgotten and the bond between the two solidified, welding them ever closer.




Chance: A Day in May Ch. 11



Unconsciously her hands undid the buttons on his shirt as his lips nibbled at hers then pulled it open to her lips and tongue. As she tasted him a hand tangled in the softness of her hair, fingertips dipped to her scalp, sending tiny threads of sensation coursing through her body. Helen's whole body relaxed to sensation, at the same time coming alive to her needs. A breast was cupped, then kneaded so gently, deeply. Helen shuddered with the sensations as Duncan's thumb slid back and forth across her nipple. Helen opened her eyes just as her world spun. She found herself looking into his gentle, demanding eyes, watching his mouth drop to nurse on her breast. 

As she arched against him to push her breast deeper into his mouth, Helen slipped off his shirt. As he nursed and she moaned under his caress Duncan completed opening the dress. Pushing it open he bared her body to his hands.

For long moments neither was aware of either what their hands were doing or the actions of the others, only the texture of skin under their fingers and the sensations filling their universe. 

The next conscious thought Helen had was awareness of Duncan's mouth on her sex, tasting, teasing, forcing a scream of passion from her throat. 

For forever Helen was caught in the pleasure waves sweeping through her body. As they began subsiding she became aware and thankful for her nudity. Before her mind completely grasped that fact the tip of his tongue began tasting, teasing around her bud, sweeping softly, devastatingly. Her body heated again, soared up until two fingers suddenly thrust into her core and she exploded again, joining the glorious reds, yellows and blues of the stars as they wheeled with her through ether. 

This time he held her there, peaking over and over again. 

Then Duncan moved away, allowing his lover to relax from the ecstasy. He licked her slit gently as Helen came gently back to earth. 

As her eyes again began functioning Helen felt his body slip up over hers, felt his welcome weight come down on her, his warmth adding to hers as he pressed her back into the couch. When her arms slipped around his shoulders to hold him even closer his mouth took hers again. 

Even as her mouth opened to welcome him she felt the hard softness of his manhood pushing against her sex. Her legs opened further, and she flowered further open, welcoming him inside. 

His woman's welcome stirred something in Duncan's soul, even as his crown slipped just inside her secret. Just inside he held himself still, basking in the heat and moisture of her womanhood. Without himself moving he felt the walls of her sex caress him. 

It was impossible to delay the indescribable sensations for more than a moment, then he was sliding slowly, lovingly into her body. With little pushes he moved into her by tiny amounts. Then he would pause, soaking in her juices before withdrawing slightly only to push further into her heat and damp. 

As his manhood inevitably pushed itself into her, Duncan leaned back from the kiss to gaze into her eyes and accept her welcome. They lost themselves in the others eyes. As Duncan was swallowed into her eyes he gloried at her acceptance of him into her body.

At last and too soon his crown firmly seated itself against the end of her sheath. There he paused, feeling the soft spasms snuggling the length of his shaft, drawing him more tightly into her. Accepting him. 

Helen found herself grinding her sensitive pearl against the root of his shaft which now lay buried its length inside her welcome. A small orgasm surprised her, opening her mouth and forcing a long moan.

Neither wished to move as they basked in the sensation of Duncan filling her.

It was too much for either of them to remain still for long. Soon Duncan was sliding slowly out of her, then reversing and more quickly burying himself again in her heat and wet. The spasms traveling the length of her channel were constant, interrupted more and more often with full body convulsions as major orgasms took her over and over again. When she recalled their coupling later, late at night as she lay awake, it was of being in constant orgasm from the first moment he buried himself inside her.

It had been months since either had tasted love, this passion consumed them. Helen wrapped her legs around her lovers hips, pulling him tight to her. Helen's mouth reached to capture his where she lost herself in him. 

"Duncan… Duncan… Oh, yes, YES!" she screamed. "Uhh, Oh God! Duncan! Duncan! Hard now, yes, yes! YES!" 

With that she convulsed totally! As he felt her flood Duncan erupted, exploding his seed deep into her depths. They froze, ecstatic, as the physical love swamped them Duncan looked into her eyes, watching as the love light burning inside dimmed and realization of the where when entered her mind. 

Duncan pulled her head to cuddle it against his shoulder, rolling them to the side where he held her to him. As she lay beside him he felt her turning inward, felt her withdraw from him. A feeling of helplessness filled him even as he hugged her to him. 

They lay together, dozing, silent in each other's arms as the night passed around them. It was only his imagination he was sure, still, Duncan imagined he felt her harden herself and slip further from him as he held her body close to his.

Duncan continued snuggling her to him until Helen began moving, restless in his arms. Regretfully he pulled his arms away, sitting up, helping her to rise.

As she gathered herself and collected her clothes Helen couldn't meet his eyes. Gathering himself Duncan managed a small smile, giving her a hug before watching her disappear down the hall and into her room.

Snatching up his clothes he used the guest bathroom to shower then began building breakfast. Helen walked in just as he was turning to call her. Seeing her there he put the French toast on the griddle and poured her a cup of coffee. Conversation was quiet, desultory between the two who less than half an hour before been lying in each other's arms. The longer they sat the more obvious it was to Duncan that the women would not, could not meet his eyes.

Breaking a long silence Duncan told her it was time for him to check in on his home in Seattle. He explained that the last time he had talked to the man running his old company he had been asked when Duncan could come by the office. 

Duncan asked if it would be a problem if he headed home that afternoon, confessing he believed his presence in Boise was no longer needed. In his mind he added, "…or wanted."

With her relief apparent Helen agreed. At the same time she shyly asked if Duncan could keep in contact. He agreed, promising to call her once a week as long as she felt it helped. 

It had never been unpacked except for the clothes Duncan had been using, so the RV was ready to go. Following breakfast, Duncan called the kids, leaving a message for Holly at school and catching Conrad at his desk. Duncan drove one of Helen's cars to the hotel to gather the few things he had been keeping there. By eleven he returned to the house to say goodbye. There Duncan climbed into the RV after giving Helen a brotherly hug. As he drove away Duncan reflected on how much more comfortable Helen had been after he told her of his decision to leave. He wondered if she would ever be able to accept him as more than a friend. 

He did know his own heart was breaking as he watched in the rearview mirror as Helen closed the door to her home behind her. 

It was a long drive from Boise to Seattle. The longest he had ever made.



Chance: A Day in May Ch. 12



Duncan knew it was not a sign of age for a man with his long history to indulge himself in reminiscing. Still, sometimes he felt guilty to just sit and reminisce, remembering all the wonderful things he had seen and, more importantly, the people he had met. It hadn't been that many years since he made that early pit stop here in Ritzville. 

Lord knew he'd spent hours enough recalling that morning. Most especially the vision of Helen; walking, swaying up the walk from where she'd parked that marvelous Beemer of hers. That memory still popped into his head at the damndest times. When it did it stayed in the back of his mind all day. 

But even in those few years since that morning in May, so many changes had been made in this quiet Eastern Washington town. For one thing, the motel was now a La Quinta. As comfortable as he remembered the room he was in now was head and shoulders above the two rooms Helen and he had "shared."

The Texaco Service Station was still there but it had major competition now. Two competing oil companies had built more modern stations just off the interstate, each complete with a "convenience" store. He had driven past them in his faithful RV on the way in. He hadn't stopped of course. Duncan had no idea if the Texaco station's ownership had changed, still it made no difference. He had filled up at the Texaco station and even taken time to step into the office where Helen and he had played that nasty trick on Gerry. But what the hell, Helen had been his wife and she was as responsible for what they had done as Duncan. It wasn't as if Gerry couldn't afford the big fee for a ride to the Spokane airfield. 

Damn but Gerry had been a stuffed shirt that morning. So different from the man Duncan met again later that year in Boise. The man he met in Boise he liked and admired. 

Duncan still mourned his passing. He knew Helen and her kids remembered him as he was in the kid's formative years and in those few weeks before he passed away. Funny how a good man can change, but maybe it was as Helen believed, probably was that. A personality change caused by the brain tumor. The three of them, Helen and her kids, had been troopers too. He admired the way they handled their adversity.

The restaurants here in Ritzville hadn't changed and tomorrow he was planning to go into town to have breakfast in "their" diner. Duncan was looking forward to seeing Clarice again. 

Which reminded him, he had to call Chester and find time to say hello while he was in town. The last Duncan heard, Chester had made sergeant along with his brother Everett. Helen had passed the word on to him after she made a phone call to Ritzville that Chester had married again, this time to a good woman. One his brother approved of. Duncan hoped to meet her too this trip.

After his walk he was going to take another look at the vintage photo's the La Quinta management was displaying in their halls. They were very effective. He had an idea to make them even more so and with the success he and his partner were enjoying with their Photography business he expected to have some "DH Photography" work sitting side by side with the old photo's, showing what Ritzville was like today. Before and after shots were really effective.

The way Ritzville was changing it wouldn't be many years before the work they were doing now would be nostalgia. 

Walking to the back of the property Duncan stood looking out over the hills of wheat rolling to the horizon. Surprising how timeless and fascinating that view was. 

DH Photography had been surprisingly profitable. He never expected it to pay for itself much less actually turn a profit. Even with them constantly upgrading their computers, printers and camera's the business was covering all expenses, plus covering the cost of their safari's and living expenses. 

Even upkeep on the old RV was being covered. Though it was about time to retire the old rig. He'd put a lot of miles on it. He'd keep that in mind and talk it over with his business partner. His partner would insist on having final say in that.

While he was here Duncan planned on taking a drive to the little park where he had parked the RV before leading Helen up the mountain. If it didn't seem like sacrilege he'd even take some photo's from the top of "their" mountain; but maybe not. 

So many things about the town were special to him now. He wasn't going to leave before walking around town, taking photos of the places Helen and he had memorialized in film. Maybe the old barn was still there where he took the shot of Helen, back lit by the rising sun. That photo still sat above his fireplace, the place of honor in his home in Seattle.

So many memories...

His partner was probably sleeping and he'd have to wake the lazy bones up, couldn't handle these "late nights" like before. He'd have to watch the hours they were keeping if he wanted to get some decent shots here. 

He called the room from the lobby phone, getting the expected lazy yawn but was able to make arrangements for the evening. Duncan planned on visiting that country bar where he had come so close to disaster: if not tonight then tomorrow or the next day. Amazing how everywhere he looked reminded him of Helen and that day in May. Well, maybe not so amazing, but startling.

Duncan walked across the road to the old cemetery, taking his camera with him. He had learned the pioneer cemeteries such as this one were rich sources of meaningful photos. 

Instead of walking among the monuments, he found a bench and let his mind run over the happenings since he had driven away from Boise those years ago. Watching the woman in his rear view mirror as he drove away, leaving her behind. The woman he had already decided would have been under other circumstances his second true love. It was hard courting a woman whose first love had returned, then died within weeks. The connection between Helen and her husband Gerry had been reestablished and Duncan was left feeling like the third wheel. It had been hard to drive away. Still, it was the thing to do.

Back in Seattle it had been nearly impossible to reestablish routine. He had made it a point to call Boise weekly, no more than that. It was hard not picking up the phone every night to talk but he had kept it to Sunday afternoons only. 

At least half the time the phone was answered by her son Conrad or Holly, her daughter. He'd left Boise on good terms with them and they weren't uncomfortable talking to him. He knew too, they had spotted the connection between him and Helen. That had worried him for a while. Nothing was said but over time he came to believe they knew the trouble their parents marriage had been in before Duncan ever came on the scene. And since his presence in Boise had been supportive of both Gerry and Helen there didn't seem to be any bad vibes between the kids and him.

Then things changed. He let his mind drift back those short years before.

**

It was eight months after his return from Boise that Duncan returned from his morning stroll around Green Lake to find a message on his answering machine. Helen had called to tell him that unless he called by 10 that morning she would be leaving in her BMW, heading for Seattle. She expected to be there in two days. Helen asked if he could put her up while she was in town. 

Since it was nearly 11 AM it was too late to call and stop her coming. Not that there would ever be a chance of Duncan ever doing that!

As if his calling and asking her to stay away was ever a possibility.

Her timing worried him; April was a bad month to be driving the mountains between Boise and Seattle. He was worried enough to call her to warn her about the weather problems, particularly in the mountains in Eastern Oregon. He let the phone ring a dozen times before giving up. He knew she had a cell phone but somehow she had never been given him the number. He stewed for another hour or so before laughing at himself. He would be worried if she were driving by herself in the middle of summer: Talk about over protective!

Damn! He had to get the house ready for guests! Not that it looked like a bachelor pad, but... Somehow he calmed himself down enough to make a tour of the house. Nothing really needed doing, but he did make sure one of the spare bedrooms was made up with fresh sheets and aired out. While he was thinking of it he called a local florist and ordered several floral arrangements for the house. He looked around some more but he honestly couldn't find anything to fuss over. The house was in good shape, he guessed he was more worried about her reaction to him when she got there. 

Helen pulled up in front of his house right on time. Duncan met her at the curb as she pulled out a suitcase and was surprised to find Holly had ridden with her. He gave Helen and Holly both hugs before taking both their suitcases and leading the way into his house. He was half way to the house when he noticed the women weren't following him. He turned to see Holly leaning into the trunk, hauling out another suitcase and several bags she distributed between herself and Helen. They were in the house before he could get out to help them haul things inside.

Once in his house Helen stopped to look around. It was the first time she had seen Duncan's home. She caught herself thinking of the inspection as seeing the lion's own lair, seeing him in his natural environment. The first thing she spotted was the portrait of herself hanging over the fireplace, showing her silhouetted by the morning sun. As Duncan had promised it was the central focus in the room. It made her blush a little.

It was the first thing Holly spotted, too. She couldn't seem to pull her eyes away from it. At first she was stunned at how wonderfully he had caught her mother's beauty. The second thought she had was, "That's what I'm going to look like when I'm her age!" She was stunned. 

The third thing crossing her mind was that the photographer had seen more in that portrait than just a beautiful woman. She hoped someday a man would see her like that. 

Duncan had planned a light meal of Salmon, a Seattle delicacy. It was something that took only a few minutes to make so he hadn't put it on until his guests arrived. When he loaded it on the barbecue he had an interested audience. 

After eating they sat on the front porch, which sat at the top of a short bluff across the street from Green Lake, watching the moonlight on the lake and sipping brandy. When he noticed Helen's eyes drooping shut Duncan gently pulled her up to point the two women to the guest rooms where he had placed their luggage. It had taken only a moment to get the second guest room ready for Holly.

Both women thanked him, kissing him on the cheek and promising to look forward to breakfast the next morning. He watched Helen walk up the stairs before turning back to sit on the porch. He sat there, peaceful now she was here with him. He wondered what it would take to convince her they belonged together. What would it take to keep her here?

He quickly squelched that line of thought. If they were as drawn to one another as he believed and hoped, they would be able to work something out.

After a bit he came back inside and locked up. Groaning with a pleasant weariness he climbed the stairs, barely pausing as he passed the door behind which Helen was sleeping. It was so nice to have her here, under his roof. Surely what they had was strong enough to build upon.

He pushed open the door to his bedroom, not bothering to turn on the overhead light, its bright glare too harsh this late in the evening. Heading to the bed he unbuttoned his shirt, slipping off his shoes and pushing them just underneath the bed so he would be able to find them in the dark without kicking them across the floor. Reaching for his belt the same time he bent toward the bedside lamp something startled him. Before he could react the lamp on the other side of the bed snapped on. A slim, very feminine arm was holding the covers back, inviting him into the bed. As he watched, fixed in place, the soft, naked woman's body moved over, giving him more room to snuggle in next to her.

"Duncan," came a soft, husky, purely feminine voice. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever get here. I'm only guessing, but I expect tomorrow you will better understand the sleeping arrangements around here. Do you know how lonely it is in this bed alone?"

"What... Uhh, where's Holly?" he stumbled.

"Oh, Holly took the spare room down the hall. She wanted to spend some time with her sweetheart for a few days. He's going to Seattle-Pacific University. She'll be staying nights with us, but I don't think she will be around during the day. Now come to bed."

In a moment he was lying beside her, their naked flesh sliding sensuously together. This gift was priceless and he made the most of it. Within moments the soft, willing, warmly passionate woman with him was moaning and shuddering as his fingers renewed their knowledge of her curves and sensitive places.

As he pulled her to him he opened his mouth to kiss and taste the softness of her throat under her ear. When he felt her bones turn to jelly he continued the caress until her body was throbbing. The hand cupping, squeezing and exploring her breast slipped down to trace the line of her vulva. When her hips began undulating, and he heard her gasping for breath he let a finger slip just inside those lips to explore her folds. Her honey was already flowing, so after pleasing her there his thumb slipped up to circle and press softly on the pearl of pleasure at the top of her sex.

He continued until her hips were bucking and his woman began pleading, her lips pressed against his. Then he moved atop her, his body pressing her into the mattress. Resting over her he slowly, easily slipped himself inside her wet tightness. Carefully and slowly he worked his length inside her. As her curl mixed with his Duncan heard Helen gasp as her arms crushed him to her chest.

It was difficult, he wanted to taste her, ravish her hard and immediately, but Duncan forced his body to take his pleasure slowly. He was rewarded with the feel of her body convulsing around him, tiny waves running through her vulva, fondling his manhood where it rested, fully inside her. 

Still he managed to hold back his explosion until she convulsed under him a third time. Then he lost all control, to explode inside her. Helen wasn't aware of it, but her scream surely had to have been heard across the street, Duncan could only guess how loud it would have been in her daughter's room.

By breakfast time late the next morning Duncan had gained some understanding of the permanent arrangements this woman planned to add to his life.

**

Shaking his head at the memories, Duncan hauled himself off the bench, taking a moment to get his muscles working. It was still chilly sitting here in the shade on a May morning. Glancing at his watch, he knew it was time to get back to his partner. There was a bounce to his step as he headed back to the La Quinta Motel.

At the desk he picked up several messages, sifting through them as he walked down the hall to his room. He smiled when he saw the one from Chester, his old cop buddy. He had been invited to Chester's place for dinner tomorrow, with a promise Chester's new wife and his brother would be there. That was something he could never miss. He would have to call and let Chester know he would be there.

Slipping the key card in the slot he quietly entered, noting the lump still lying on the bed under the covers. Time to wake up sleeping beauty.

Nearing the bed Duncan slipped off his shoes and stripped his shirt off. For a moment he stood undecided, then thinking better of just climbing in bed behind her, he knelt on the bed beside her. With a hand on either side of Helen's head he lowered his lips to hers, giving his wife a long, tender kiss.

She woke under him slowly, already into the kiss before her eyes opened. "Duncan, it's been so lonely here alone. I'm glad you're back." The lovely woman stretched her arms above her head, her eyes locked on his before locking them behind his head, holding him to her. "What time is it, lover?"

"Just time enough for us to get to the diner, honey. We're picking up a picnic dinner they're making for us. Then we'll take a little drive." Giving her another long kiss he stood, watching her. "Lordy, lord," he thought, "the sight of this woman affects me as much today as it did the first time I saw her walking up the walk from her BMW." 

Then he turned into the bathroom, calling over his shoulder, "Remember, if you come in here with me, it's going to take twice as long as it would if we shower separately."

"Isn't that the truth?" she answered, following him into the bathroom.

The sun had sunk below the horizon, bringing on the long twilight when Duncan pulled the RV under the cottonwoods watered by the little spring. Duncan grabbed the blankets and a couple pillows, playfully tossing them at his wife. She caught them as she was swinging out of the motorhome. Duncan hefted the picnic basket Clarice had prepared for them at the diner.

He had stuffed a flashlight in his pocket, but it was a ways from night time and too light to need it yet. Linking arms they strolled up the hill. At the top they could see for miles and Helen did a slow pirouette, admiring the view. "Duncan, where are those farms those two farmers owned, you know, the ones who heard the "mountain lion" when we were here before?"

"Honey, they were two or three miles from where we're standing and down in the valley between a pair of these hills. All we can see from here are the tops of the hills. We don't have a chance to see anything unless they built on top of a hill. No one does that, the winter winds are too harsh. But I tell you what, I'll see if I can't make that lion scream again tonight. What do you think?" 

Helen grinned, "Who knows, big guy? Maybe if you work hard?"

Sundown was not quite on them, giving the two time to lay out their blanket and enjoy the meal they had carried up. As the sun approached the horizon, clouds in the West were painted by the dying sun. Helen cuddled up to Duncan, admiring both nature's show and her man's presence. 

With the sun gone they stood to stretch and enjoy the 360 degree vista in the long twilight. When Helen turned to watch the stars coming to life in the East, Duncan slipped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

As they relaxed together in the evening calm, Duncan bent to cover the nape of her neck with his mouth. Feeling the heat of his mouth and his tongue tasting her skin, even enjoying his teeth gently nipping, she bent her head to allow him access. 

In moments her knees had grown weak and she found herself leaning back into his embrace. Feeling her shivers as she gave herself to him more and more completely his attentions grew more heated, soon having his woman moaning at the sensation of his kiss. When her lover's hands slipped up to cup her breasts. Helen's moans turned more passionate, encouraging his fingers to caress, gently pinch and explore her tender flesh. 

Duncan's male ego glowed as her body gave itself to him unconditionally. Only the strength of his arms and the wall of his body kept her from collapsing to the ground.

Her moans became louder as she felt Duncan's mouth fix itself more solidly to her neck. At the same time his fingers suddenly grasped her nipples, now hard and longing for attention. Taking hold of each wanting bud he pulled and pinched just hard enough bring her to culmination of her pleasure.

She screamed her release. Once again her man had brought her to ecstasy using only sensations from her nape and nipples. 

He held her there at the peak of release for what seemed minutes, all the time as she screamed her pleasure to the world. Again he had brought her to complete, utter release using only manipulation of her breasts. 




Chance: A Day in May Ch. 12



Finally pulling her to him he gently lowered her boneless body to the bed they had made. There he held her in his arms, murmuring his love between kisses. Helen wound her arms around him, overcome once again with her love for this man.

Finally she pulled herself away to pour two generous snifters of Brandy. Then, with Duncan lying on his side, head propped on his hand, head to her feet, she lay back using his legs as her back rest. Smiling at her man she toasted him, touching their glasses gently before she sipped.

For long moments they gazed into one another's eyes. Then recovered from their bliss, Helen took his glass from his hand, carefully set both his and hers aside. Then she leaned forward to begin unbuttoning his shirt. When Duncan reached for her she batted away his hand, murmuring, "Now it's my turn, husband. Wait your turn."

As she slowly uncovered his chest the tip of her small tongue began licking his throat. As she gradually opened his shirt, she followed the baring of his flesh with her tongue; tasting, licking the bared flesh. Nuzzling the material to the side, she bared his chest to begin nibbling, kissing, licking him, finally taking a nipple between her lips to suckle him. 

Duncan could barely stand the sensations: writhing gently under her, groaning with the pleasure-pain. Helen's ministrations to his chest caught his attention such that he was unaware when she parted his trousers. When her small hand burrowed under the waistband of his undershorts to slip around his rock hard member he groaned even louder as his back stiffened in surprised pleasure.

Fumbling as she uncovered his sex Helen began licking and kissing her way down his belly, nuzzling through the light fur, stopping for only a moment to attend to his navel.

At her urging Duncan raised his hips to allow her to expose his manhood. As his hips relaxed back she licked down to the nest encircling his sex. Bending further, her lips parted to capture the crown of his sex, kissing and sucking it into the hot wetness of her mouth.

With a hand cupping his sack, gently manipulating his most tender parts she bent further. Slowly she sucked the hard length of his shaft into her mouth. As it was engulfed into her mouth her tongue explored and caressed every millimeter of its length. When her nose had buried itself in his curls she began a slow bobbing on his sex. 

For moments lasting eternities the woman pleasured her man, delighting in his barely heard moans, savoring his taste and texture. She would slow when she sensed his pleasure approaching its height, just teasing him with her tongue, until she sensed his control returning. Then she would resume her yearned for pleasuring.

When finally she raised her face from his groin she filled her hand with his cock. Pushing him further back on the blanket she rose to her knees, throwing a leg over his hips before lowering her chest to his. Wonderfully shocked, Duncan felt the curls of the nest between her legs mesh with his at the same time he felt the wet clasp of her labia part to clasp the base of his shaft while the corona of his sex was cushioned by her soft belly. She bent forward to slide up and down the shaft; mashing the spongy head against her belly; wiggling her hips against his hardness; relishing sensation of her clitorus riding over his glory while maintaining the yearn in her loins to be filled. 

Twisting her chest from side to side she dragged her nipples across his chest, sending shocks of ecstasy through their bodies.

When her gasps for air matched his she raised her hips, allowing the crown of his manhood to slide back into her cleft, the valley of her sex. She paused for a moment, allowing herself to savor the sensation as the very tip of his sex barely slipped into her hole. Then pushing herself upright and straddling his hips Helen slowly, excruciatingly slowly, lowered herself onto the hard, hot, demanding length of his sex.

Feeling his length push against her cervix she paused, allowing her clasping vagina to adjust to his width. Then relaxed gently, allowing the head of his cock to just push through into her womb. Then the woman relaxed atop her man, clasping and releasing his shaft with her internal muscles. 

When she could no longer stand the yearning ache in her loins Helen began the ageless wonder of sex with her man. Slowly she would raise herself off his groin, then gently sink down around him, until he was again buried to his root inside her. At the deepest entry she paused and Duncan flexed himself inside her.

As much as they were lost in these sensations they could not be continued for long. The want and need were just too great. Soon she was rising and falling faster and harder against his hips as Duncan surged up, then back, meeting her thrusts with his own.

They managed to maintain the rhythm for an eternity and an instant until Helen screamed, her body contracting uncontrollably around him. As the oil of her orgasm drowned his groin Duncan gave one last mighty shove up into her, sealing himself against her as he released his sperm into her greedy, spasming womb. 

There they froze together, bodies quivering, faces contorted in ecstasy. Finally she collapsed atop his body where he enfolded her in the love of his arms and wrapped a fold of the blanket over and around her, binding them together.

With Helen pulled solidly against his chest, her head cradled on his shoulder, they relaxed. It was only moments before they slept the lovers sleep, sated and complete, bathed in the light from the stars.

Later that night, as the moon rode high above them and silvering them in its light, they woke again to glory in the dance of love. For the third time that evening the farmers miles away were awakened by the scream of a mountain lion that had traveled to the Ritzville area.

In the morning they gathered the remains of their meal and their blankets. Then once again, nude, they strolled down from their lovers tryst to enjoy the wonders of their outside shower.

Once inside the RV and warmed after the outdoor shower Helen glanced at her cell phone and saw the "missed message" signal. She recognized the phone number as her son's and, after breakfast, called him back. Duncan was treated to another shriek, this time inside the RV.

"Duncan!" Helen burbled, "I'm going to be a Grandmother! You are going to be Granddad again!" She was hopping around in joy as Duncan took the phone from her to get the ungarbled details from his step-son. 

Hanging up, Duncan sat down to pull his wife onto his lap and make plans. Helen was so excited it took him a while to be sure she realized they had months to wait until the baby arrived. They made plans to see their friends in Ritzville, maybe spend a week there before taking the short trip East to Spokane to visit Duncan's son, now her stepson and his family. Duncan was as pleased as Helen to plan on their traveling to Boise by the end of the month. 

Duncan explained to any who would listen, while Helen "mock glowered" at him, that they would be traveling to Boise to aggravate her daughter. The reality was the expectant parents were waiting impatiently for their arrival.

The End