Writer's Block (Chapter 86 to 96)

Chapter 86

Ryan’s childhood home was very much like she had imagined it would be: cozy and full of motherly touches. It reminded her of her parents’ house back in Boston. Claire hadn’t been to visit since last Christmas, and she suddenly felt a growing desire to see her family again. Her brother had moved back to Boston a couple of years ago, after having lived in DC for almost 8 years. He had graduated from Georgetown with a degree in Engineering, and now worked for a promising new Technology and Communications firm. Her father was an engineer as well, and owned a small enterprise that dealt with alternative fuels. Mike – Claire’s brother – had always been obsessed with computers, and their father had supported his inclinations, without even once suggesting he take over the family business.
They still lived in the same house on Beacon Hill, and refused to sell it, eagerly expecting grandchildren. She knew Mike had been seeing someone for a while now; the last time they’d talked he told her they were thinking about moving in together. Claire made a mental note to call him as soon as she got back to Manhattan.
Ryan gave her a brief tour that ended in his bedroom; where he finally set their bags down. She noticed quite a few pictures of him and George, and thought how lucky it was, that Ryan was staying at a hotel that provided 24/7 dog care services.
“Ry, why don’t you take a shower and relax for a bit while I’ll go fix us some dinner”
“Are you sure?” he rubbed his neck trying to relax the tense muscles on his back
“Yeah… go ahead. I can manage”
He smiled, walked up to her and kissed her forehead tenderly. Claire patted his chest and walked out of the room, down the stairs, and into the kitchen.

While she was fixing some spaghetti with garlic and mushrooms, the phone rang. She waited to see if Ryan had already stepped out of the shower… and walking out of the kitchen yelled “Ryan? Should I get that?” Claire could only hear the sound of running water at a distance.
She paused for a second, and decided to get it. It was probably Donna. She picked up the phone…“Hello?”
“Hi… Is this the Gosling residence?” It was definitely not Donna, it sounded like a young woman's voice.
“Yes”
“Oh… Is Ryan there?”
“He’s in the shower… can I take a message?”
“Yeah… uhm… just tell him Zoe called, and that I heard about Mandi, figured he would be in town… and wanted to get together before he left.”
“Zoe?”
“Yeah... Zoe”
Claire had never heard him mention a Zoe before
“Oh... and tell him, if there’s anything he needs… you know, about Mandi and everything… I’d be more than willing to help out”
“Ok… Zoe, I will tell him that. Does he have your number?”
She laughed “He better!” and then paused “Who am I speaking to?”
“Claire… I’m just a friend”
“Oh… ok. So, can I trust you to pass on my message, Claire?”
“Sure… don’t worry”
As she hung up the phone, Claire wondered who this woman was and what kind of a relationship she had with Ryan.

Colin arrived at Ogham around noon. He had spent the morning visiting Laura at Dr. Kaplan’s medical center; his thoughts still fixed on his recent discovery: Laura’s attempt on her life had not been her first.
As soon as he caught a glimpse of him, Aidan jumped off his seat, eager to tell him the news “You’ll never guess who stepped into our humble bookstore today?” he leaned against the front desk trying to look mysterious
Colin took off his coat “Ernest Miller Hemingway” he turned to hang it.
“No… it would've been sweet, though… Unlikely, considering the man’s six feet under, but sweet”
Colin walked across the next room and into the kitchen… he needed to relax and was not up to Aidan’s silly mind games.
Aidan followed him enthusiastically “C’mon, Mac! I’ll give you three guesses”
Colin shook his head as he poured himself some coffee “Today is not a good day for that, buddy. I have a lot on my mind right now” he sat, set the cup on the small table next to the sink, and rubbed his face. His body, sore; as if he had just been ran over by a stampede of steaming buffalos.
“Ok… ok. I’ll tell you who it was” he paused for an added effect “Seamus McNamara”
“Huh?” Instantly Colin looked up at him “Seamus was here?”
Aidan nodded lifting his eyebrows
“Today?”
“Yeah man… your old man was here... today!” he pointed towards the next room “He only left a couple of minutes ago”
“What did he want?” Colin stared inquisitively
Aidan shrugged “I dunno... to check the place out, I guess…”
Colin paused to wonder what Seamus’ real motives had been. He was sure O’Reilly had probably described the place to him up to the utmost detail. (He might even have seen pictures of every room). Maybe he had come to confirm his suspicions: Ogham was not a popular bookstore… at least not according to McNamara standards.
Aidan searched his pockets and showed him the money Seamus had ‘donated to the cause’. “He even gave me this saying coffee was on him this month”
Colin stood up and grabbed the money from Aidan’s hand abruptly “No it’s not”
“Mac… that’s enough to cover coffee till the end of the year!” Aidan urged him to reconsider
“He gave me the money to buy this place, and I still need to pay him back. We’re not taking a single dollar from him, Aidan” he pointed at him “And that’s final”
Aidan sighed “Whatever you say, Mac… I just thought it was a nice gesture” he walked back into the next room.
But Colin knew better. Seamus McNamara didn’t ‘do’ nice gestures… No. This was not charity; this was his way of letting him know that no matter how hard he tried to break free from the inevitable bonds that chained him to his father… mighty Seamus would prevail.


He stepped out of the shower completely relaxed; now all he needed was a beer, a warm dinner and to cuddle with Claire in bed. He put on his plaid robe and walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Claire had just finished setting the table and was browsing through the cupboards for napkins.
“Smells good, Brickwell” he smiled at her “Trying to find something?”
She turned to look at him. Shit! He looks so hot in that robe. She fought the urge to jump him right then and there.
“Napkins”
He grabbed the kitchen paper roll and showed it to her “Will this do?”
She nodded and sat down quickly, in an effort to keep a safe distance between them.

After dinner, Ryan called his mom to check up on her. Mandi was still asleep and Donna was really enjoying the book Claire had left her. After a while, she asked to speak to Claire, thanked her repeatedly for the lovely book and told her what she needed them to bring for her next morning.
Claire took a much needed shower while Ryan lay in bed flicking through the TV channels. As she stepped out of the steamy bathroom, her cell phone rang. She suddenly remembered Zoe’s message for Ryan.
She ran to grab her purse and pulled out her cell phone, almost dropping her towel in the process (in her haste she had forgotten to pack her trusty robe). Ryan paused to admire the scene and chuckled under his breath.
“Claire speaking?”
“Hey, Brickwell, Hunter here…. I heard you and Gosling left on the afternoon flight for Canada. Is everything ok?”
She walked out of the room and into the hallway… “Hey, John… Yeah… everything’s fine. Ryan’s sister went into surgery… appendicitis”
“Wow! Isn’t she a bit old to have that? I had it when I was 15, I think”
“Well... I guess as long as you have an appendix, you can get it”
“Figures… anyway, is she ok?”
“Yeah… still under the effect of heavy medication, though”
“Good.” he paused “Is Gosling there with you?”
“He’s in his room. Why?”
“I just wanted to apologize for my behavior last night…”
She licked her lips nervously “You don’t need to apologize. It was me… it was all me. I’m the one who should be apologizing.” She turned to make sure Ryan was not eavesdropping on her conversation.
He breathed in “Claire…”
“Yeah?”
“Do you think we could get together and talk about this? I really need to know what’s going on between us." he paused "I’m seriously going crazy here”
“Believe me… Lately everything has been very confusing to me too”
“Is this in any way related to Wilder?”
“I guess… in some way… Listen, John… I really need to go now. I’ll talk to you when I get back”
“Ok, but remember, whatever you need…”
“I know, John... I know. I’ll let you know”
“Exactly. Take care, beautiful”
“Bye”

She stood paralyzed, a few feet away from Ryan’s bedroom door. Was this the right moment to talk about this other woman he had been with? Ask him what had happened? She wanted to believe it had all been a misunderstanding…. That it wasn’t really him, just someone who looked like him. But the lady in the hotel had been quite certain. Besides, she was right: Ryan was way too hot to miss.
She bit her lip, took a deep breath and walked into his room.
“Who was that?” Ryan turned to look at her
“Ehm…It was John… he wanted to see if we needed anything”
He turned to stare at the TV again “Yeah, right”
Claire knelt down and browsed through her bag for her pajamas… “By the way, Zoe called…” she pulled them out.
Ryan turned the TV off and sat up “Really? When?”
Claire looked at him surprised, he seemed very interested in this young woman
“While you were taking a shower”
“Aww... Claire, that was ages ago!… Why didn’t you tell me?” he checked the time
“It’s too late to call her now!”
She stood up and stared at him “I’m sorry… I didn’t know she was so important” there was certain bitterness to the tone of her voice “You can call her first thing tomorrow” she walked into the bathroom to change
Just as she finished putting on her T shirt, Ryan opened the door “Brickwell... What are you doing?”
She jumped back startled and tugged her shirt down “Getting dressed, why?”
“Since when do you leave the room to get dressed? In case you didn’t know… I’ve seen what you look like naked… many times.”
“Well… then use your memory” she hang the towel to dry off.
He shook his head and looked at her confused “I dunno what’s going on, Claire... but you’ve been acting really weird ever since you got to the set today. Is there something you want to talk about?”
“Nope… nothing.” She walked past him “Now let’s get some sleep. We need to make an early start tomorrow”


Chapter 87

Claire woke up to find Ryan’s spot empty. She hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen, hoping to find him having breakfast. Instead she found a note stuck to the refrigerator door: Gone to get the paper. Love, Ryan.
She decided to make some breakfast wondering if he had already called the infamous Zoe, or worse… if he had gone to meet her under the false pretenses of getting the paper. Hang on, Brickwell! She told herself, Ryan is not like that… he has never lied to you before, why would he start now? She paused Well, sleeping with another woman would be a good starting point…
He stepped into the kitchen while she was fixing some pancakes, grabbed her by the waist and kissed the side of her neck affectionately. Claire was not expecting this and jumped, slightly startled.
“Good morning!” he tossed the paper on the table and grabbed the phone “Do you mind if I call Zoe while you finish with those?”
Claire shook her head and forced a smile “No… I thought you’d already called her, considering how anxious you were to talk to her” again that bitter tone
Ryan pressed one button and waited – Jesus, he’s got her on speed dial! – Claire was not amused
He covered the phone with one hand “I can’t call before 8 am… she’d kill me”
Well… this Zoe sure has a lot of time issues!… You can’t her late at night, you can’t call her early in the morning… Claire took an instant dislike for her.
“Hey Zoe… it’s Ryan! I heard you called!” Ryan sounded excited to talk to her
Claire sneered at him, set the pancakes on a dish and walked towards the table. She poured herself some coffee and sat back to read the NY times…

"A Series of Unfortunate Events by Richard Morris
It was only a matter of time before our young couple’s pleasure cruise sailed into stormy weather. I must anticipate my readers, about this current update: it is heartbreaking and extremely upsetting.
Circumstances have unraveled themselves in the most peculiar way. Where should I begin? Let’s see… on one hand Ms. Brickwell was spotted leaving Hunter’s Upper East Side residence, this past Monday night. At this point you might wonder what is peculiar about that? After all, it is common knowledge that they are friends and also work together. Well… it was her outfit, you see, it struck me as… familiar.
Allow me to elaborate further. Earlier that day, I attended Zach Wilder’s book presentation at the Met; where he willingly confirmed my long time suspicions: his novel is a detailed description of his relationship with Brickwell, and he has returned to Manhattan in a desperate effort to retrieve her love.
Ms Brickwell (on first impression) did not attend this event, and this seemed to disturb our praised writer deeply. Now, as I carefully examine the pictures I have been handed of her, walking out of the impressive building façade, where Hunter keeps his newly acquired and luxurious apartment, something caught my eye.
At this point I need to confess to my readers one of my many weaknesses: Very much to her disadvantage, as it turns out, I am (and always will be) a ‘leg man’. By this I mean that women’s legs have always been a particular fetish of mine. In a nutshell: long, lean, firm legs do it for me. (And unless you’re blind or feeble minded, you might have noticed that Ms. Brickwell’s slender stems are hard to miss).
As I listened attentively to Wilder’s witty comebacks and cunning remarks on his acclaimed novel, I couldn’t help but notice that two seats away from mine, sat a seemingly unknown woman wearing a short miniskirt… her crossed legs, an intoxicating vision of perfection... just like the ones flaunted by our absent writer. Of course, that was where the resemblance ended. Both her hair and eyes were darker, and she possessed altogether different features. However, (as I later realized) her outfit matched Ms. Brickwell’s up to the smallest detail!
Considering her current involvement in ‘Sins’, and after learning that Vera Parker – one of Hollywood’s most talented make up artists – is an active participant of the project… Could she have requested Ms. Parker’s eager services and attended this event incognito? It is possible. I personally believe Ms. Brickwell possessed both the means and the motive to do so… The question that remains is: did she also have the disposition?
Claire was followed, as she walked nonchalantly across to the Upper West Side of Manhattan and into her apartment. Not fifteen minutes had passed, when Gosling and George (his mutt and faithful companion for the last 8 years) walked out of her apartment, and headed towards his hotel downtown. He was then spotted having drinks at the hotel bar with Maxine De Marco – daughter of Alexis De Marco, the steel tycoon - and an exceptionally handsome young woman. They left the bar together, noticeably inebriated, and headed towards her suite. We can only imagine what went on in there.
In the mean time, Zach Wilder was seen clumsily leaving Brickwell’s apartment, in what seemed to be a mildly intoxicated state as well.
Am I missing something? Since when did happy hour in Manhattan, switch to Monday night?
Of course, it does not end here… only this morning, another young woman – my source failed to recognize her, but insisted she was not Ms. De Marco - was spotted leaving Gosling’s hotel room.
Now I ask myself and my readers… What is going on here? Have Brickwell and Gosling broken up? Has Claire settled for another one of her many suitors? Is Gosling now to dive into a life of debauchery and self indulgence? I must say I am extremely vexed by these events, and plan on spending as many sleepless nights as it takes, to get to the bottom of this.
Fear not, Manhattan, I shall find the truth that lies within, and deliver accordingly."


John folded his copy of the NY Times and placed it on the table smiling. He sipped his coffee and turned to gaze outside his kitchen window. The stunning view of the park was what had made him get this apartment in the first place.
Morris’ article had certainly livened up his morning. Claire’s relationship with Gosling was sailing through stormy weather; and he figured it was only a matter of time before she would turn to him for comfort.
Of course John had a hard time believing any of it to be true. He personally did not think Ryan had slept with two other women (he wondered who the second one was, and where Claire had been at the time). Being the skillful judge of character he was, he honestly did not believed Gosling to be the kind of man who would go around doing that kind of stuff. It was just not in him.
He paused to think about Zach and his ‘late night call’ to Claire’s apartment. Had anything happened between them there? What strange spell could Wilder still cast upon her? How far was he willing to go to get Claire back? John believed that if he had been capable of dedicating an entire novel (a whole year’s work!) to her, he was probably capable of much more. Wilder was just warming up. Only God knew what he would willingly put at stake to achieve his goal.
Zach’s return had been tormenting John’s mind for a while now. He had learnt that Zach was not what he seemed at face value: the slightly intolerant, surprisingly talented, but mostly harmless writer, everyone took him to be. You see… John had been doing some research (Always know your enemy, right?). After searching high and low, he had finally set his hands on dozens of unpublished essays, short stories and notes, Wilder had written, since he first started attending Columbia University.
There was a certain boldness, a certain audacity to his writing. The carefree nature with which he described the most noble and tormenting aspects of life (and murder), sex (and perversion), happiness (and torturing pain) was quite unsettling. Most of his characters driven by primal instincts, devoid of any morals or good intentions, lacking remorse and shame.
Was Zach Wilder hiding a sinister and obscure spirit behind the popular existential bullshit he chose to publish?

Chapter 88

Patrick opened his eyes suddenly. Lifting his arm he checked the time “Fuck!” he tried to move from under her body. “Get up! C’mon… I need to go!”
A curvy brunette who lay naked and almost unconscious on top of him, moaned drowsily. He patted the back of her head “Wake up, Coreen! I’m going to be late!”
She lifted herself, arching her back slightly, her perfect breast implants prodigiously defying gravity. “Did you just call me Coreen?” She jumped off the bed, walked to other end of the room and threw his pants at him, sneering “It’s Kathleen you asshole!”
Patrick chuckled under his breath, as he caught them in mid air.
“Moira warned me about you” she mumbled as she zipped up her red dress and put on her matching red stilettos “I should have listened to her”. After grabbing her purse and underwear, she stormed out the hotel room, slamming the door behind her.
Patrick checked his designer suit in the lobby’s mirror as his shiny BMW pulled up. He tipped the valet and jumped inside. In a split second, he entered the address on his GPS and grabbed his cell phone, speeding out of the hotel’s driveway.
Colin picked up his cell phone. After glancing at the screen to check who it was, he excused himself and walked out of the restaurant. “Patrick? Where are you?”
“Hey, bro!”
“You were supposed to be here half an hour ago!” Colin checked behind him to make sure no one was listening
“I know… I know. I overslept… what can I say?”
“You overslept?” he glanced at his watch “What are you doing sleeping in the middle of…” he paused, suddenly realizing what his brother had been up to. He shook his head in disapproval “Can’t you take one day off… at least on her birthday?”
“It was totally unplanned… I had been trying to get into this chicks pants for over two weeks now!”
Colin grinned thinking how funny it was that Patrick thought two weeks was an eternity.
“Is everyone there?”
“Yes! Now when will you get here?” Colin checked the time again
“I’m afraid it’s going to take a while… the fucking highway’s jammed. Stall for me… make something up”
“Like what?”
“I dunno… tell her I was in an accident”
“Are you planning on showing up here with actual injuries?”
Patrick paused “You’re right… No.” he sighed “Oh well… you’ll think of something. You’re the creative one here… Look, I have another call. See you in a bit”
“Wait…!”
Too late, Patrick was gone. Colin took a deep breath and turned to walk back inside; straining his mind, trying to come up with a clever and plausible excuse for his brother being late to Victoria's birthday celebration.

John stepped into the studio set in downtown Manhattan. Mark had to make some last minute rearrangements due to Ryan’s unexpected trip to Canada. The rest of the scenes at Ogham would be shot as soon as he returned. Today they would focus on some of the scenes that featured Bob and Cat.
He waved at Mark as he caught a glimpse of him examining the scenery, cap in one hand, scratching his head with the other
“Hey!” John rushed to greet him “You ok?”
Mark nodded “Yeah… trying to work things out, I guess…” he sighed
“Need any help?” John followed him to the Kraft Service table
Mark shook his head and chuckled “You know what’s funny?”
John lifted his eyebrows waiting
“I miss Brickwell… I guess I’ve just gotten used to having her around” he grabbed a cookie
“Yeah… I know what you mean…” John smiled remembering the last time they had been together, he could still taste her lips on his
“Oh, well… I hope this whole Mandi affair works out fine, so they can both fly back soon and we can get back on schedule”
John poured himself some coffee “I called her last night”
“Any news?”
“Mandi’s fine, she’ll probably be out of the hospital in a couple of days”
“Did Claire say anything about when they were getting back?”
“No…but I’m thinking Claire will be back here pretty soon” John wondered if she had come across Morris’ article in the NY Times


They arrived at the hospital around 10 am. Donna was waiting outside Mandi’s room, while the doctor checked up on her. Claire rushed to meet her and handed her the stuff she had asked for; Ryan stood anxiously beside her.
“So?” he pointed at the closed door next to him “How is she?”
“She’s fine, Ryan… had a good night's sleep, and woke up feeling only slightly sore this morning. The doctor’s checking up on her now”
“Did they say anything about when she’ll be able to eat?” Claire recalled how her brother had lost almost 10 pounds after the surgery
“I haven’t asked really… so far she’s been given plenty of liquids” Donna smiled at her
“Have you had any breakfast?” Claire regretted having left the remaining pancakes back at Ryan’s.
“Nope…”
“Ok… we should fix that soon” As Claire finished her sentence, the door opened and a young doctor in scrubs walked out smiling
Ryan jumped to speak to him “So, Doc… How is she?”
“She’s fine… perfect recovery. She’ll probably go home in a day or two. We first need to see how she can tolerate food.” He shook Ryan’s hand “We’ll start off with some soft meals, like pudding and broth”
“Can we go see her now?” Ryan pointed towards her room
He nodded. “Go ahead… just don’t keep her up too long. She needs to regain her strength”
The three of them nodded smiling
“If there’s anything else you’d like to know… my shift is over now, but Dr. Osborne will be the attending physician today. Just ask for him” he shook their hands and walked away smiling

They walked into the room to find Mandi looking much better than yesterday. She had more color in her cheeks, and was now sitting up in bed, wide awake. She smiled enthusiastically at the sight of Ryan and lifted her arms to hug him.
Ryan ran to hug her and sat on the bed next to her “How are you feeling, sis?”
“I’m fine…” she smiled “See the things I have to do so I can get you to come here and visit?”
Ryan laughed “You could’ve just called! It would have saved us a lot of trouble and distress… you know?”
She gazed at him smiling. As she looked up to find Donna, she caught a glimpse of Claire standing next to her. She looked at Ryan “Is she… who I think she is?” she pointed at Claire
Ryan nodded. Instantly, Mandi looked up and smiled at Claire “Hi!” she gestured her to come closer “So you’re Claire! I’m so happy to meet you” she turned to sneer at Ryan “Finally!”
Claire laughed and shook her hand smiling “I was really looking forward to meeting you too, Mandi… and I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well”

Claire and Donna picked a table in the hospital cafeteria. Ryan had stayed behind as Mandi bombarded him with questions about New York, the movie, and working with Bob De Niro.
“You have a beautiful home, Donna” Claire looked up at her as she set the tray on the table and sat across her smiling
“Thank you, Claire… I think so too” she handed Claire her cappuccino “Was Ryan a good host?”
Claire nodded smiling “Your son has been nothing but great to me” she swallowed slightly, still thinking about Morris’ article in the NY Times
“Well, as far as I know, you have been a blessing to him” she paused to gaze at her “It was really hard for him for a while, you know?… after breaking up with Rachel. I thought he would never fall in love again” she sipped her coffee and smiled “I’m glad to see I was wrong”
“Hmm” she licked her lips, forced a smile, and fixed her eyes on her steamy cup.
Donna stared at her for a while as she stirred her coffee “Honey, is something wrong?” she lifted her cup and sipped
Claire looked up at her startled “No... everything’s just fine” she shook her head
Donna set her cup down and paused “Claire, you don’t get to be my age without having learned a thing or two. Are you two going through a rough spot?”
Claire looked away as she felt her eyes moisten.
Donna breathed in and stretched her hand to touch Claire’s “It’s OK, Claire, I understand” she rubbed her hand affectionately “All couples go through hard times at some point. It’s life’s way of testing us… of making us stronger.”
Claire turned to look at her and nodded
“I’m sure, whatever it is… you’ll work it out. You belong together, I can feel it” she smiled and pressed her hand before letting go.


John walked around a few feet away from the set, his cell phone pressed against his right ear
“Daniel?”
“Hey, Hunter! I just got your message. How can I be of assistance?”
“I need you to find someone and arrange a meeting for tonight”
"Sure”
John paused to consider “Book a table at the Tavern on the Green”
“Any room in particular?”
“The Terrace Room”
“Ok… what time?”
“Nine pm, send a car if you need to”
“Right… nine pm, dinner for two, Tavern on the Green, Terrace Room…”
“Correct”
“Who am I supposed to contact?”
“De Marco, Maxine De Marco”

Chapter 89

They drove back exhausted after spending the whole day at St. Joseph’s. Still, they were both happy to see Mandi was recovering so well. Donna had insisted on staying the night again, after all… if everything worked out fine, Mandi would be discharged tomorrow.
Claire walked into the kitchen for some water; Ryan followed her, jumping to sit on the kitchen counter. He gazed at her as she gulped down half the glass, deliberately avoiding eye contact. He scratched his beard trying to think what was going through her mind. He knew something was wrong, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Had she suddenly stopped loving him? Was she thinking about getting back with Zach? It didn’t make any sense, she had come back looking for him. She had told him she loved him only yesterday morning. What had changed?
Claire stretched her arm towards him, offering him a glass. In a flash, he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him; taking the glass and setting it on the counter next to him. He held her a few inches away and, fixing his eyes on hers, slid his hand underneath her shirt. Claire breathed in and grabbed his hand, stopping him
“Ryan, this is your mother’s house”
“So? She’s not here at the moment. Besides, I don’t think she’d mind”
He jumped off the counter and pushed her towards the refrigerator door, pressing his body against hers. Claire tried to push him off her but failed, he was too strong for her. He kissed her neck as he unbuttoned her shirt. Claire panted helplessly, fearing she wouldn’t be able to resist him. He lowered himself to kiss her belly as he slowly unbuttoned her jeans.
“Wait!” Claire pushed his head away from her waist
“What is it, Claire?” he looked up
“I… I need to take a shower” she couldn’t think of anything else
“I don’t care…” he went back to what he was doing
“No… seriously” she grabbed his hands “I feel sweaty and tired… let me take a shower first, ok?” she smiled at him
Ryan pressed his face against her tummy moaning, and finally stood up. “Ok” he stepped aside to let her through


She followed the host up to the table.“You must be John Hunter” she stretched out her hand
John got up and shook her hand smiling “Indeed I am. I’m very pleased to meet you Ms. De Marco” he gestured her to sit beside him
She sat down smiling “Call me Maxine, please”
He nodded “I took the liberty of ordering the house wine… I hope you like Cabernet Sauvignon”
Maxine shrugged “Sure… why not?” Maxine didn’t know the first thing about wines, and had no intention on starting now
John shook his head smiling and nodded at the waiter to fill her glass.
Maxine sipped enthusiastically “So… you wanted to see me?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I did” he lifted his glass
“You’re that Hollywood producer, right?”
John gazed at her smiling and nodded
“Yeah, when I mentioned your name to my friend Amber, she said you were quite famous”
“Did she?” he watched her as she sipped more wine “What else did she say?”
“Oh well” she paused to stare at him, blushing slightly “That you were pretty hot”
John laughed “And do you have any thoughts of you own on the matter, Maxine?” he knew that with girls like Maxine, innocent flirting was the right way to go.
She licked her lips “Maybe…” she drank more wine and cleared her throat slightly “Are you working on a movie right now?”
John nodded
“Really?” she sounded excited “What’s it called?”
“A Multitude of Sins”
“Yeah… I heard about it. You’re shooting right here in Manhattan, aren’t you? That is so cool! I love this city”
John smiled and gestured the waiter “Well, we seem to have that in common, Maxine. I also hold a particular weakness for this city.”
The waiter rushed to their table
“How would you like to start off with the Blue Crab Bisque with Taragon Sauce?” he opened the menu and pointed it to her
Maxine nodded smiling “Sounds great!”


Ryan grabbed a beer and sat on the living room couch. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of the paper, lying on top of his jacket, a few feet away. He stood up, took it, set his beer on the coffee table and sat back to read.
Claire turned off the faucets and stretched out her hand to grab the towel. Just as she was stepping out of the shower, Ryan stormed into the room holding a copy of the NY Times. She jumped back startled and covered herself hurriedly.
“Is this what’s been bothering you?” Ryan showed her the paper
Claire stood paralyzed, speechless. His eyes locked on hers, waiting.
He sighed, tossed the paper on to the damp floor and sat on the toilet. He rubbed his face and looked up to her again.
Claire nodded and looked away.
“Where you ever going to ask me about it?” he fidgeted with his hands
She continued to avoid eye contact.
“Claire… would you please talk to me!” silence “God, I wish I knew what was on your mind right now… How long have you known about this?”
She breathed in “For a while now. I overheard the maids talking about it when I left the hotel yesterday morning”
Ryan chuckled under his breath, suddenly it all made sense. Claire had been pretending everything was fine because of Mandi.“So all this time you were thinking I was a sleazy bastard who spent the night with another woman, right?”
Claire bit her lower lip nervously
“Why didn’t you ask me?”
“I didn’t think it was the right time… I wanted to wait until Mandi was ok”
He nodded “She’s ok now, Claire." he licked his lips "Are we going to talk about this?”
She swallowed, feeling a sharp sting on the back of her throat and nodded



Maxine laughed as John fed her some of his grilled filet mignon “Hmm...” she relished at the taste of it “Yummy!”
John nodded and smiled, honestly captivated by her childlike manner. There was something oddly attractive about her carefree style.
“So…” she put down her fork “You never told me why you wanted to see me”
John knew this would come up sooner or later “Well, to be perfectly honest, Maxine…” he sipped some wine “I've seen your photo shoot in the May edition of Seventeen… and it’s quite impressive” (Daniel had definitely earned his wages)
“Oh! You have!... well, that’s just me, playing model” she laughed “Of course I have no professional experience… but c’mon, how many classes do you really have to take to pose in front of a camera, right?”
“Exactly” he fixed his eyes on hers “Have you ever thought about a career in film?” John knew he could get her a small part in any movie he wanted
Her turquoise eyes opened wide “You’re kidding!”
He shook his head as he wiped his mouth with his napkin “Not at all”
“Oh… I would love that! Seriously, it’s all I’ve ever wanted”
“That’s great Maxine… believe me, the camera would love you”
“So, what should I do? Do I have to audition?”
“I don’t think that will be necessary. I’ll call you in a few days to let you know”
Maxine could hardly hide the excitement, her eyes sparkled in anticipation. She lifted her glass and finished off her wine “Wow! These past days have been surreal! First I get to meet a famous actor, and now I’m having dinner with a producer and discussing a role in a film… talk about a crazy world!”
“Hmmm!" John set down his glass and paused for a second “Maxine… about that famous actor… Could I ask who that was?”
Maxine paused “I’m not sure I should say anything about that. You see… I think I could get him into trouble”
“I see… why’s that?”
“Well… he’s seeing someone right now… and if people knew about us… well; they might just take it the wrong way”
“I understand” John paused, he could tell Maxine was dying to talk about it. There was no need to rush; he had all the time in the world
“It was all pretty innocent really…”
He nodded
“I mean… nothing happened. We just kissed”
“And then you learnt that he was seeing someone?” John poured more wine into her glass
“No… I knew that beforehand. He’s quite a decent fellow you know?” she smiled at him and lifted her glass once more “I think they had a fight or something, cuz he didn’t want to talk about her”
John kept nodding at her
“We got pretty wasted… one thing led to another… and we ended up in my room”
“And that’s where you kissed”
She nodded, smiling “Yeah… we fooled around for a bit, but then he stopped. Said it was not right”
John breathed out in disappointment; he wished he had been wrong about Ryan.
She went on “I guess he really loves her, I’m thinking any other man would have gone with the flow”
“Well… you are a very beautiful and sexy young woman.”
She laughed as she brushed his thigh under the table “That’s exactly what he said”


Chapter 90

Ryan stepped into his room and sat on the bed, waiting for Claire to put some clothes on. He never imagined his innocent flirting with that cute girl from the bar would jeopardize his relationship with Claire. For a moment, he wished he could live a normal life, away from the big screen and the glamour of Hollywood. He stood up and walked around, thinking what to say, how to make things go back to how they were, before Maxine and Zach. The outlook was not good; he had been seen entering her room in the middle of the night completely drunk. He knew it was hard not to jump into conclusions.
Claire breathed in and opened the door. She closed it behind her and leaned against it, her eyes fixed on Ryan.
He turned to gaze at her and waited.
She breathed in “So? Do you want to tell me about this Maxine De Marco?”
He nodded “I met her in the hotel bar, just like it says on the paper. We had a few drinks, talked for a while… she was a fan of my work…”
She shook her head and grinned slightly. A fan of his work! Did that suddenly justify everything? Did he owe a debt of sexual gratitude to every woman in Manhattan who was a ‘fan of his work’? “What happened afterwards?”
He sighed “We went up to her room”
“How much did you drink that night?”
“A couple of rum and cokes and a few tequila shots…” he nodded “Yes, we were both pretty wasted”
“Go on, please”
“It was all quite innocent Claire, we just fooled around for a bit. Nothing happened”
“Did she know you were seeing someone?”
“Yeah… she did”
“Didn’t seem to care though”
He shrugged “I dunno Claire, does it really matter?”
“Well, I’m trying to establish the kind of person this woman is. Did you hit on her or did she hit on you?”
“We both did… it’s very confusing to me now”
“Confusing enough for you to forget what really happened?”
He walked up to her “No! I know nothing happened. I walked away”
She gazed at him for a while and turned to stare at the floor “How can I be sure, Ryan?”
“You’re just going to have to take my word for it… I thought that would be enough” he stood close to her and lifted her chin, fixing his eyes on her “I’m telling you nothing happened”
Claire felt her eyes moisten, instantly she fixed her gaze on the side of the room. She wanted to believe him, with all her heart. However, she still thought that although this single episode might pass, and they could be back together; she felt situations like this one would probably come back to haunt her again. Ryan was the object of hundreds of women’s desires, it was bound to repeat itself, and she honestly did not believe she had the strength to cope with something like this again.


Colin walked into the living room holding the blue cup. As he did so, Eva walked back, stopping dead at the sight of him. She covered her mouth, in slight shock. He stared back in bewilderment. An awkward silence filled the room as they stood a few feet away, their gazes locked on each other.
Finally, she walked towards the couch, lit a cigarette nervously and sat, waiting for the inevitable.
“How did you get this?” Colin pointed at cup as he walked closer to where she sat
Eva breathed out smoke and licked her lips “It was a gift”
He nodded “Could I ask who gave it to you?”
Her heart pounded on her chest, she had been wanting him to know who she really was, but not like this… “Your father” she took another drag and looked away
"Seamus?”
She nodded still looking away in embarrassment.
“When did he give it to you?” he felt as if he had suddenly distanced himself from his surroundings
“A couple of years ago… I don’t remember exactly”
He rubbed his chin “When was the last time you saw him?”
She paused “This morning”
He looked at her confused
“I’m sorry you had to find out this way”
His arms dropped to the side of his body “You and Seamus... are lovers?”
She turned to look at him and nodded
“When…? I mean, How long has this been going on?”
“Your father and I been seeing each other for almost 20 years”


John opened the front door to his apartment, stepping aside to let her in. Maxine slid off her shoes, and ran towards the huge glass panes, across the living room, leading to the balcony. She jerked the lock trying to open one of them. John, shook his head smiling and rushed to help her.
She stepped outside and bent over the railing “Wow! You have a great view of Central Park!”
John nodded, his eyes fixed on her perfectly groomed bare feet.
“I think I can see my dad’s offices from here” she scanned the buildings that spread at the distance. “Maybe it’s easier in broad daylight”
“Can I offer you something to drink?”
She turned to look at him smiling “Sure... I’ll have whatever you’re having”
She followed him eagerly as he walked back inside and fixed a couple of sweet margaritas.
Maxine sipped enthusiastically, lifting her feet on the black leather sofa set. He stared at her smiling, slightly mesmerized by her nonchalant manner.
“So, John” she set her glass on the table “Do you have a wife? A girlfriend? A sex slave?”
“Wife, no… girlfriend, no… Sex slave?...wouldn’t mind having one, but no. What about you?”
She shook her head “Nope… I broke up with my boyfriend 6 months ago…”
“Are you on the lookout for a new one?” he sipped his drink, enjoying this innocent flirting
“Well.. not really. Actually I haven’t met anyone interesting who was available” She picked up her glass and before drinking added “Until you, that is”
John lifted his eyebrows “Well... I’m thrilled to know you find me interesting” he paused “How old are you Maxine?”
“Turned 21 a few months ago”
He nodded “Are you in college?”
She shook her head “Dropped out… My dad doesn’t think I really need a college education. He just wants me to be happy and have fun”
“That’s another way of looking at things, I guess”
Maxine stood up and began to walk around, browsing the room. Her petite and slender figure looked stunning in an olive colored tight dress. She stopped to examine a huge sculpture that lay on one of the corners, as John admired her from the sofa.
He paused to consider his present situation. He had barely been with any women since he had met Claire in LA; it was only natural his body demanded it. Claire was in Canada with Ryan now, thousands of miles away… he had not given her an oath of chastity… he could do whatever and whomever he wanted. Why did he even have to think about it?
He had to admit that the recent incident published in the NY Times would probably have an impact on Claire’s relationship with Gosling, but that did not mean he would finally get to have her. He would have to play his cards skillfully, and even that way it was a long shot. Gosling would not let her go that easily (just as he wouldn’t either).
Tonight was a different story, though…he had a beautiful woman in his apartment and he was planning on making the most out of it.
He took a deep breath, “Do you want me to show you the rest of the apartment?”


Chapter 91

“You should stop coming here… get on with your life” Laura looked out the window as she sat on the bed that stuck to the side of the room she had barely left for the last 5 months. Her skin, almost as pale as the silk nightgown she usually wore.
Colin sat across from her and jumped, startled. Laura had barely uttered a single word to him since that terrible night. Feeling a mixture of anticipation and perplexity, he breathed in “I will… as soon as you come back home with me”
“I will never go back” her gaze fixed on the steel bars that quarantined her room from the neatly groomed gardens.
“Nonsense… Dr. Kaplan says you’re doing great” he lied trying to sound cheerful
She turned to look at him. Colin gasped as he noticed the void in her eyes. The heavy medication she was under had finally succeeded, and the blinding sparkle her beautiful blue eyes used to boast had vanished.
Pausing to regain his composure, he went on “He says you’ll probably be discharged in no time”
Her mouth twitched, as if trying to smile “You’re too good for me, Colin” her expression became distant once again “They will never let me leave this place. At least not while I’m alive”
“That’s not true, baby. You and I will be driving back home soon, I promise” he struggled to hold back the tears
“Will you ever forgive me, Colin?” she stared blankly at him
“Forgive you? What are you talking about? You’ve done nothing wrong.” He was suddenly invaded by a feeling of profound impotence
“For ruining you life” she tugged at the plastic bracelet that had been placed on her wrist, the day she had been transferred.
“You haven’t ruined my life… whatever gave you that idea?” he got up and walked to where she was sitting. Quietly, he knelt on the floor next to her, and placed his head on her lap.
Laura brushed his hair affectionately as her eyes began to moisten. Instantly, she breathed in and looked out the window again “Colin?”
“Yeah?” he kept his eyes closed, wishing they could stay like this forever
“Do you love me?”
He nodded “Very much”
She paused, her gaze still lost “If I ask you to do something for me… would you?”
“Sure… what is it?” his eyes still closed, transported by her gentle touch
“I need you to promise me something”
“Ok”
“Will you?”
“Yes… I will”
“I want you to promise me …” she paused “you will forget about me and never come back here again”
Colin opened his eyes abruptly and turned to gaze at her in bewilderment


He fixed his eyes on her trying to guess what was going through her mind. He knew she was probably having second thoughts about him, and desperately hoped she had believed every word he said. Claire breathed out, her back still leaning on the bathroom door.
After what he thought had been a century of silent torment, he got up and walked towards her. She stared back at him, biting her bottom lip, trying to decide what to make of all this.
“Are you going to say something?” he stood a few inches away from her
She licked her lips, hesitated and shook her head.
“Do you believe me?”
She paused, sighed and nodded helplessly, her eyes moist.
Ryan breathed in and took a step further towards her, their bodies almost touching. Slowly, taking the time to study her reaction, he leaned over. His lips almost brushing hers. Claire didn’t move. Gathering confidence, he lifted her face by the chin and kissed her. She recoiled slightly trying to consider what to do. After a moment of hesitation, in which their eyes met once more, she moved towards him and kissed him back tenderly.
He sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pressing her shivering body against his.
“You’re the only one for me, Claire. I’m lost without you” he stroked her long wet hair.
Claire pressed her head against his chest, straining to fight back the impending tears, and nodded. She wanted to believe him, she needed to believe him. She closed her eyes, and focused on the soft cadence of his steady heart beat; aware of how her entire body surrendered intoxicated by his scent. Unable to hold back, she unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his chest.
Ryan breathed out, relieved and grabbed her face. He gazed at her for an instant and kissed her deliriously, wanting to savor every inch of her. While their lips fused, she slid off his shirt and moaned as she pressed her nails against his bare back. He lifted her shirt just below her breasts and brushed her belly gently, pushing her towards the bathroom door. Panting, as she felt his strong body against hers, she hurried to unbuckle his belt. He grabbed the side of her face with one hand, brushing her lips with his thumb as he licked the side of her neck. Claire bit his thumb lustfully and moaned. With a sudden tug she unbuttoned his pants and pushed him off her. Ryan gazed at her confused. Claire, keeping her eyes fixed on his, breathed in, and stripped off her clothes. He paused to study her naked body as she stood in front of him. He knew her body by heart; every curve, every dent, every freckle. He had touched and savored every inch of her many times. He fixed his eyes on one of her breasts and stretched to caress it gently. Claire closed her eyes and licked her lips, feeling her body tremble as he touched her. Still focusing on her breast, he leaned down to kiss it, making her twitch slightly. She sighed and brushed his soft blonde hair, as he nibbled on her right nipple. In a sudden impulse, he flipped her around, and keeping his hand on her breast, leaned his body on top of hers, pushing her against the closed door. Claire moaned as she felt his hips thrust against her, whispering how much he wanted her. He slid his hand down her body slowly, and touched her, grunting as her warm moistness soaked his fingers. She smiled and turned her face to kiss him, completely carried away.

Colin stood paralyzed and nodded. Suddenly, as he dropped the cup and it rolled along the carpet, a thousand images clogged his mind. Eva sat quietly, a mixture of feelings invaded her body as she contemplated, this beautiful young man who stood a few feet away from her, slowly come to terms with the shattering truth about his ‘impeccable’ father.
She knew it was for the best; removing the gauze from his crystal blue eyes. A gauze that had prevented him from being free, from making his own choices (maybe not the right choices, but at least the ones that followed his noble and unblemished heart). She had played this scene in her mind a thousand times these last few months, shivering as she understood how painful it would be for him; like a newborn child’s first breath. The sudden and inexorable expansion of something that lay deep inside; something that had been numb and collapsed for so long. Still, as each day passed, Eva felt a growing sense of confidence: it was the right thing to do.
She did not know what would happen between them (Seamus and her), after Colin learned the truth; but the waters had been still for too long. Someone had to rock the boat, brew a storm in Seamus’ perennial pleasure cruise. She had been a silent observer for almost 20 years, convincing herself that is was none of her business, that there was nothing she could really do to save him. Lately, she had begun to feel like an accomplice.

He breathed out as their tongues brushed together, fearing his body would explode with lust. Claire panted deliriously as his fingers moved inside her, grabbing on to his arm, feeling her muscles spasm and her legs weaken. As her pleasure peaked, she gave out a high pitched moan, muffled by their undying kiss. He lifted her and carried her towards the bed. She lay with her eyes fixed on him, as he stripped off the rest of his clothes, and sat on the edge of the bed next to her. She sat up, and after pausing to stroke the side of his scruffy beard, wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him towards her. He lay on top of her, relishing on each on of her sighs as he entered her slowly.

She gazed at him as he lay unconscious beside her, tears rolling down her cheeks. She brushed the hair off his forehead, kissed him and crawled out of bed quietly. She then grabbed her bag, lifted the clothes that lay scattered across the floor and tiptoed out of the room.

Chapter 92

He sat on his living room couch and stared blankly ahead. His body bent and aching with exhaustion. Laura’s therapy seemed to be leading nowhere, her shocking words still lingering on his mind. As he searched his coat’s pockets for a cigarette, he came across Seamus’ ‘generous donation’ and sighed, pausing to consider what his father would do in a situation like this. Of course, Seamus would never find himself in such a predicament; he would have never blundered to such an extent. He had planned out his life to perfection, and had strictly – almost religiously - abided by his rules and codes. Guilt and regret were two feelings Colin believed his father had never experienced. He sometimes wished he could have been more like him. Noble and dauntless, immune to the shallow demands of the flesh. Boundless both in spirit and courage, wise beyond his age, unbiased and eternally composed.
He put the money back and lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply – his gaze still lost ahead – and breathed out. He got up and walked to the kitchen for an ashtray, pausing to glance at the pile of dirty dishes that lay in the crowded sink. Shaking his head, he placed the cigarette on an empty saucer and turned on the faucet. As the water splashed and swished among the countless cups and bowls, he thought he heard a noise. Somewhat startled and confused he turned the water off and waited. A few minutes later he heard it again, clear and unadulterated by any other sound. It was the doorbell. He glanced at his watch and frowned. Who could be ringing at this time of night? He grabbed a cloth, dried off his hands and tossed it across his shoulder. He walked to the door and opened it. Before him – he held his breath as his pupils dilated - stood Victoria.

John tiptoed towards the kitchen for something to drink. Maxine lay sound asleep in his bed. As he poured some water into a glass, he heard his cell phone ring. He glanced at his watch: 8 am. He frowned slightly and grabbing the glass, rushed to answer. It was Daniel, his trusty employee.
“Hunter?”
“Yep, what is it?”
“Sorry to bug you at this hour, but I just got a call from a friend in La Guardia and he told me something I thought you might find interesting”
He sipped some water “Shoot”
“I have been informed that one Ms Claire Brickwell has recently booked a seat on the American Airlines morning flight from Ontario to New York”
“Did Gosling book a seat too?” he leaned on the counter and sipped some more.
“No”
He set the glass down “When will she be landing?”
“Probably around noon”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Positive.”
“Ok… excellent work, Daniel. Thanks!” He hung up the phone and rushed to his bedroom. He needed to wake Maxine up, get her back to her hotel and erase any evidence of the night they had spent together


She kept her gaze fixed on the seat in front of her, her dark glasses hiding her swollen eyes. She grabbed the water bottle and lifted the tray just as the pilot announced their impending arrival on the PA system. Pausing to breath in, she drank almost half of it, in a effort to muffle the sting in the back of her throat.
As the plane cruised towards the designated gate, she sighed, and looked out the window. New York appeared dull and lifeless. The heavy clouds that gathered ahead, an accurate reflection of her present mood. She wondered what would become of her life now. How would she be able to cope with seeing him every day? To hold back from jumping into his arms and seeking his kiss. She knew it had been her only choice. Well, not her only choice, but the one that would eventually exonerate her from an almost certain and excruciating pain. These past few months with Ryan, she thought, could be likened to a dream. The kind you never want to wake up from, the kind that make you want to skip school, cuddle between the sheets and sleep all through the day. Dreams that made your heart race and the side of your mouth twitch slightly. Responsible for the spontaneous unintended chuckle that fled, days after, as you sat in the crowded underground during rush hour.
It was time to wake up. To become aware, to cover your nose trying to avoid the stench of the fish market down the road, to close your eyes as the heavy smoke from an exhaust pipe burned and blurred you vision. To spit out the bitter phlegm, to shiver after shaking off a vagabond cockroach that wandered up your leg.
Claire licked her lips recalling their last hours together and smiled. She had no feelings of regret, those were memories she would cherish for as long as she lived. She knew she still loved him with all her heart, but believed she could let go (just as she had before) and settle for someone ‘safe’. Someone who would not be the object of women’s desires, surrounded by inevitable temptation everywhere he went. Maybe if they had met a few years from now, after he had experienced most of the things men covet, and he were looking to slow down. But John was right, Ryan was in his prime. He was just beginning to savor the sweet taste of success, and she was not about to hold him back from his yearnings and aspirations.
She nodded reassuring herself. It was all for the best.
She hoped he could forgive her for her sudden outburst, tiptoeing out of his house like she had, without even giving him the chance to speak his mind, to try to talk her out of it.
Some would think it had been a childish and cowardly gesture (and they might have a point), but it was not entirely true. She had explained her reasons. She had left him a note.


He opened his eyes and stretched to find her. Noticing the empty spot next to him, he sat up and scanned the room. Nothing. Still half asleep, he stepped out of bed and rubbed his eyes, smiling as he recalled last night’s events. He then headed towards the bathroom, thinking she was probably fixing breakfast downstairs.
He glanced at his reflection on the mirror and paused to further examine a mark on his neck. It was a hickie. He chuckled thinking what the girls from make up would say when he got back to the set. After washing his face, he turned to grab his toothbrush, noticing Claire’s was gone. He frowned and walked out of the bathroom scratching the back of his neck in confusion. As he stepped into his room, he stopped suddenly. Her luggage was missing! He slid on his robe and ran downstairs, his eyes scanning the way almost systematically. (His heart racing inside his chest). He held his breath as he got to the kitchen and browsed the empty room.
“Claire?” he called out as he walked around the cold ceramic floor.
Suddenly, as he leaned beside the kitchen table to check across the window and into the backyard, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. On the kitchen table a scribbled piece of paper, on top of it a small blue velvet box.

“Can I come in?” she stared at him inquisitively, her eyes slightly swollen as if she had been crying.
“Sure” Colin smiled and stepped aside, still startled by her unexpected visit.
She walked in and stood facing him. He stared back speechless. Suddenly regaining his composure “Can I take your coat?”
She nodded smiling as he helped her slide it off and hung it next to the door.
“It’s so good to see you, Vic! Would you like something to drink?”
She nodded “Water would be wonderful” as she walked towards the living room.
Colin rushed behind her and cleared the couch for her to sit. “I’m sorry about this, Maria has the flu”
She shook her head smiling “Don’t worry Colin, it’s not that bad” she sat on the edge of the oversized couch.
As he lifted a few magazines that lay scattered around the coffee table he pointed towards the kitchen “I’ll go get you some water” and he rushed off.
Victoria breathed in and fixed her skirt. She paused to consider how she had never been in Colin’s apartment alone before. She grinned slightly as she noticed there seemed to be as many books in here as there were in Ogham. She had always loved that about Colin, his uninhibited desire to read, to nourish his soul with endless words and ideas. She wondered why he had never dared to write a novel. She knew he was a brilliant writer, his mind surfeit with subtle metaphors, his soul plethoric of delicious passion and sensibility.
She turned to find his wrinkled coat beside her and lifted it to shake it and stretch it. Making sure he was nowhere in sight, she held it close to her face and inhaled, flooding her senses with his familiar scent. Instantly, somewhat embarrassed by this odd whim, she set it back down again.
Colin walked in holding two glasses of water. She smiled at him as he handed her one and sat next to her. Victoria took two sips and set it on the table, carefully placing a magazine beneath it. Colin shook his head and laughed, remembering her obsession with coasters.
“So?” he placed his glass next to hers “To what do I owe the honor? Is everything ok?”
She licked her lips, fixed her eyes on his and shook her head slowly
“What's the matter, Vic?” he looked concerned
“Colin, if I ask you something.... do you promise to be honest?”
“Sure. What is it?”
“Does Patrick see other women?” she kept her eyes fixed on him
“Huh?” he was not expecting this
She breathed in “Please, Colin, I need to know”
He paused, thinking what to say
Her eyes moistened and she turned to look away “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be asking you this. You’re his brother.”
“No… it’s fine, Vic.” He stretched to touch her hand holding back halfway.
“I just…” she stared back at him “The truth is I know the answer to my question. I know Patrick has been seeing other women for a long time now. I doubt if there’s been an instant in his life when he has been faithful to me”
Colin stared back at her in slight shock. She knew? All this time?
“But I really thought I could live with it, you know. I told myself it was ok as long as he only loved me.”
Colin nodded, still silent
“But lately…” she paused “Colin, what have I done?” she covered her face with her hands in sudden despair.


Chapter 93

He jumped off the car and run to check the monitors. Her plane had already landed. As his heart pounded helplessly inside his chest, he hurried towards the arrivals sector and stood waiting eagerly. A few minutes later, he caught a glimpse of her “Claire!” he waved in her direction.
She turned to glance his way and stopped in astonishment as he sprinted towards her. “John?”
He nodded smiling, kissed her on the cheek, and grabbed her luggage
“How did you know?” still taken aback by his unexpected presence
“Now don’t be mad at me Claire, but I’m the producer and I need to know what’s going at all times. You’re the writer and a key element to this project. I have a reputation to uphold” he smiled and began to walk towards the exit
Claire shook her head smiling “The truth is John, I’m kind of glad you’re here”
“So you’re not mad?”
“Nope”
“Ok… great. You see, I forgot to dress up in padded clothing in case you wanted to punch me” he joked
Claire laughed and followed him outside

They drove quietly for a while, their gazes fixed on the busy road.
“Gosling didn’t come with you?” he needed to know
Claire shook her head (her dark glasses still on)
“Anything I should know? Is his sister ok?”
“His sister’s fine. She’ll probably be discharged today and you’ll get back on track with the shooting in no time” she looked out the window
He nodded and turned to glance at her “So why did you leave? You could have stayed longer, you know?”
She paused
“Claire? Is everything ok?”
“I left him, John. It’s over”
He breathed out “I see. Want to talk about it?”
“No” she wiped the tears from under her glasses “All I really want to do now is get into bed and sleep for the rest of the year”
“Well, that is not an option, Claire. I will however take you home, so you can get into bed and sleep for the rest of the day”


She got home from work, dismissed the maid and rushed into the shower. Patrick had promised he would be back home for dinner – as she had eagerly begged him that morning – and she wanted to be ready. She fixed his favorite dish: Linguini in clam sauce, and opened a bottle of 1965 Chateau Laffitte.
After lighting the candles and dimming the lights in the dining room, she paused and ran to check the calendar once more: Yes. It was day number 16, she was definitely ovulating.
She smiled mischievously as she recalled her doctor’s words advising her to have fun. She had so been looking forward to a romantic evening with her husband! She looked at her reflection in the mirror, and paused to fix a rebellious lock of hair. She then rushed back into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of white wine, glancing at the clock above the table. He would be home soon. She sighed in excitement and walked into the living room, where she sat to wait for him.


He lifted the note and sat to read quietly, focusing on every word. She had left for Manhattan on the morning flight, and apologized for not being able to stick around until Mandi was discharged from the hospital. She trusted everything would be fine and thanked him endlessly for introducing her to his lovely family. She then went on to tell him she loved him dearly, but had no other choice than to leave and put an end to their relationship. It was the hardest decision she had ever made, but was confident it was also the wisest. He had so much ahead of him and she didn’t want to hold him back. She trusted him, and knew that nothing had happened with the woman from the hotel, but felt she lacked the strength to live through another one of these misunderstandings (and she was sure they were bound to happen again). She explained her love for him lacked any sense or reason. She had hardly survived Zach’s betrayal and couldn’t even begin to grasp what she would feel when he chose to leave her.
“… I will always remember you as the man who unleashed a passion I had never imagined dwelled in me. I hope we will be able to look back on this as friends and understand that, as painful as it may seem now, it was for our own good. I’m sorry. Claire”
He gazed at the note in bewilderment. How had this happened? When had she started feeling this way? Why had she made love to him last night if she intended to leave him? Why hadn’t she given him the chance to talk her out of it? He jumped off his seat in a desperate urge to go after her. Instantly, he paused remembering Mandi was still in the hospital. Claire had probably thought about this carefully. She knew he couldn’t go after her until Mandi was back home and safe. He shook his head, flooded by a feeling of rage and impotence. Recalling the box she had left on top of the note, he turned to open it. Inside, a pair of diamond earrings.

She glanced at her watch and frowned. What could be keeping Patrick? She got up and searched for the phone.
“Honey!” he sounded unruffled
“Patrick? Where are you?”
“At the office, why?”
“Do you know what time it is?” she walked around the living room impatiently
“Yeah, it’s …. Ten thirty”
“Exactly” she breathed in “Patrick, you promised you would be here no later than nine”
“I did? When?” again that cool tone
“This morning, over breakfast, remember?” she was not amused about this nonchalant tone of his
“Right…. Oh, sweetheart. I’m sorry…. I completely forgot about that! Listen, I won’t be able to make it before midnight… another one of my late office cramming sessions…. I will make it up to you though, I promise”
Victoria closed her moistening eyes and hung up the phone.

He stepped into the bathroom and got the shower running. Claire sat on her living room couch, her gaze lost ahead. She felt unbearably light, as if her body had suddenly evaporated. John glanced at her and breathed in. He then walked towards the window and opened it “It’s pretty stuffy in here, don’t you think?”
Claire remained motionless
He checked the sky; a storm was slowly gathering and a strong breeze had dropped the temperature a few degrees.
He pulled her out the couch and led her to the steamy bathroom.
“Now you go in there and take a nice hot shower. I’ll go fix you something to eat” he closed the door and headed back for the living room.

As he set two plates on the counter, relishing on the delicious aroma of sautéed vegetables and chicken, Claire’s phone rang.
He walked up to the coffee table and grabbed it, pausing to check the tiny screen. It was Ryan. He paused, hesitating. Finally, he decided to answer.
“Hello?”
“Who is this?” Ryan was startled by a male voice answering Claire’s phone
“John Hunter… Hey, Gosling” he walked back towards the kitchen
Ryan breathed in and shook his head “Is Claire with you?”
“She’s taking a shower. Do you want me to go check if she’s almost done?” he grabbed a couple of napkins
“No, it’s ok. I can call her back”
“Ok” John paused “How’s Mandi?”
“She’s fine… they’re probably discharging her today”
“Great!” he placed the phone against his shoulder and splashed some wine into the steamy pan “Listen, Gosling… if there’s anything you need…”
“Sure… thanks” Ryan paused “Hunter?”
“Yep?”
“What are you doing there? Did she call you?”
John rubbed his face and breathed in, considering what to say “No… I picked her up at the airport”
Ryan chucked under his breath “Rather slick of you, right Hunter?”
“Look, Gosling. I’m not going to lie to you and pretend I don’t want Claire, cause we both know I do. However, my intentions here today are completely innocent.”
Ryan had a hard time believing this, but knew he could do nothing about it “Did she tell you about us?”
“Yeah…”
“Is she ok?”
“No… not really”
He was not expecting John to admit this. “I dunno what got into her. Everything was fine”
“She needs time to figure things out. These past few days have been pretty confusing”
Ryan licked his lips and nodded “Yeah… I know”
John breathed in “Listen, I cannot help being biased about this whole thing. And yes, I will probably be tempted into using this to my advantage. Still, I think it’s up to her to decide who she wants in the end”
Ryan closed his eyes and sighed, aching at the thought of her with another man. “I guess you’re right, Hunter.” He pulled into St. Joseph’s parking lot “Just let her know I called, ok?”
“Sure… Bye Gosling. See you in a few”
He hung up the phone and tossed it onto the passenger’s seat, rubbing his slightly moistened eyes. He needed to look happy for Mandi.

Chapter 94

They drove back quietly that evening. Victoria looked out the window and smiled. They had spent the day at Dean McAllister’s home, one of the senior partners at Patrick’s law firm. Dean and Margaret (his lovely wife) owned a stunning house in Scarsdale, had two beautiful kids and a Labrador. Victoria had been looking forward to this event for the entire week. She had met Margaret a couple of months ago, at one of the many cocktail parties Patrick’s firm organized, and had taken instant a liking to her. She was the perfect example of the ideal housewife. Margaret had been an airhostess in her youth, but had given up flying after she met Dean. As soon as they got married, Dean had surprised her by purchasing a spacious house in a nice neighborhood, close to the best private schools and the safest parks. Margaret got pregnant during their honeymoon. It was all they ever wanted.
She had a blast, playing hide and seek with Nicholas and styling Kaylee’s long blonde hair into elaborate braids. Victoria had no brother’s or sisters. (Her parents had decided to focus on their careers), but boasted an innumerable amount of cousins, living mainly in the outskirts of Madrid, and she had kept in touch with them throughout all these years.
She turned to look at him “That was fun!” she smiled as she gently rubbed his arm.
Patrick shrugged and chuckled under his breath “I’m glad someone had a good time. I’ll tell ya… if the guy wasn’t my boss, I would’ve dismissed his invitation in a flash”
She frowned confused “You don’t like Dean?”
“Dean’s ok… It’s the whole family thing I can’t get over”
“What do you mean?”
“Well for starters, look at Margaret! She used to be one hot lady and also fun to be with, but now she’s fat and all she ever talks about is her kids and her terrible cooking”
Victoria stared back in disbelief “She’s not fat!”
“Ok, she’s not fat… she’s not slim either. How Dean manages to put up with her now is beyond me”
“They look very much in love to me…” she breathed in “What else?”
“Huh?”
“You said: for starters… what else is wrong with them?”
“Oh… right, the kids… Katie and the other one”
“You mean Kaylee and Nicholas? They’re adorable!”
“Adorable? They’re spoiled brats! They have no manners, they’re always dirty and… they smell”
“They smell?”
“Yeah… you know… that weird smell kids have”
Victoria couldn’t believe her ears
“Thank God we don’t have any… I don’t think I could live with those things running around the apartment, breaking stuff and getting sick all the time. Do you know how much Dean spends on medical insurance alone?”
“Kids are supposed to get sick… it’s how they train their immune system”
“Well… I don’t recall ever getting sick as a kid. Anyway…” he turned on the radio “We don’t need to worry about that”
She stretched out and turned the radio off “We don’t?”
“No” he turned it on back again
Victoria breathed in, turned to sit facing him and killed the radio again “And why is that, may I ask?” she was pretty annoyed by now
Patrick shrugged “Cuz we’re never gonna have kids”
She stared back at him in shock “Who said that?”
He stopped at a red light (they were a few blocks away from their apartment) “I thought it was implied, Vic”
“Implied? I don’t think so”
“C’mon Vic, why change something that’s perfect. We don’t need kids… they ruin everything and blame you for their fuckups”
“Are you being serious about this Patrick?”
“Dead serious. I thought you knew” he pulled into their driveway and killed the engine “Good evening Pablo” he handed the keys to the valet
“Good evening Mr. McNamara. Your usual spot?”
Patrick shook his head “Leave it handy just in case”
Victoria stepped out of the car in bewilderment. She had to admit she had never discussed having children with Patrick, but had automatically assumed he wanted to be a father.
She slammed the door shut and stormed into the lobby. Patrick hurried behind her.
As they drove up the elevator quietly, she gasped recalling the evening she had spent in the greenhouse, having tea with Patricia.

“Where’s Claire?” Donna looked behind her son’s back searchingly as he hugged her dearly.
Ryan held on to her “She left”
She pushed him off her gently, and stared deep into his eyes “Is something wrong, Ryan?”
He nodded and looked down.
Donna hugged him once more and gently caressed the back of his neck “I figured this would happen. Don’t worry, Ry… she loves you, I have no doubts about that”
Ryan nodded straining to fight back the tears “Just not enough, I guess”
“It must be hard for her, Ryan… falling for someone who does what you do. It was hard for Rachel, and she was used to it”
He broke off “I wish she had talked about it with me. Let me know how she felt”
Donna nodded and fixed a lock of hair off his forehead “She’ll come around, Ryan. I promise.” And tugging at his shirt’s collar added “Now pull yourself together, Mandi doesn’t need to see you like this”
He nodded smiling and combed his hair with his fingers.

Mandi sat on the edge of the bed fully dressed. She smiled as she caught a glimpse her brother walking into the room “Hey! What took you so long? I was starting to think you overslept”
Ryan ran to hug her “Just had a busy morning”
“I can imagine…” she smiled mischievously “Where’s Claire?”
Ryan glanced at his mother and turned back to look at Mandi “She had to head back, Mark needed her. She sends her love and apologizes for not being able to stay longer”
“Huh! Another workaholic… just like you. The first time I laid eyes on her I knew… you two are meant for each other”
He chuckled under his breath thinking how everyone, except Claire, thought they were meant for each other.

Chapter 95

“Feeling better?”
Claire fixed her robe as she walked into the living room and nodded.
“Good” he smiled, and lifting a bottle of white wine in one hand and of red one in the other asked “Red or white?”
Claire shrugged “Dunno, I like both… Red?”
“Red it is then” as he began to unscrew the cork
She walked towards the kitchen counter, noticing how John had set a mildly elaborate lunch with assorted vegetables, fried chicken and warm bread. She shook her head smiling, and sat on one of the stools across him. “Hmmm… smells delicious!” suddenly realizing how hungry she was
He smiled and handed her a glass of wine “By the way, Ryan called”
Claire lifted her eyebrows “When?”
“Just now… while you were in the shower. I answered because I didn’t want him to think something bad had happened to you”
“Ok” she sipped some wine, her gaze fixed on the steamy dish in front of her
“Do you wanna tell me about it?” John gazed at her inquisitively
She shook her head stubbornly and paused, considering. Finally she took a deep breath “It was bound to happen, John. You said so yourself”
He poured himself a glass of wine and leaned against the counter “Is this in any way related to the article on the NY Times? The one about Maxine De Marco?”
She chuckled under her breath, thinking how ever since she had met Ryan, the details of her life had been a huge and never ending public event.
“In a way… but not exactly”
“Would you care to elaborate on that Ms. Brickwell?”
“Ryan said nothing happened between them at the hotel that night” she paused “And I believe him”
“So… What’s wrong then?” he was slightly confused. He had assumed Claire’s sudden outburst had been a result of that misunderstanding
She set her glass down on the counter “I just can’t deal with it, John. I can’t go through all this again.” She felt her eyes moisten “Ryan and I lead very different lives, and sooner or later he will want to move on. He’s got many itches he needs to scratch, and staying with me will only hold him back”
“You mean to say you fear he might later resent you for it?”
She nodded wiping her eyes “So, you see… I had to walk out, before it was too late”
He gazed at her inquisitively “You still love him, don’t you?”
“Very much” she breathed in and lifted her glass once more “But I’ll get over it.” She sipped “I got over Zach didn’t I?”
“If you say so…” he sipped some wine, his gaze still fixed on her.
She paused to stare at him, confused “Hey, whose team are you on, Hunter?”
He smiled and set his glass down “I think I have made it pretty clear, ever since we first met, that I’m on your team Brickwell... whatever the game”

He flicked through the pages of the manuscript desperately. If only he could find what he was looking for. He knew (was almost positive) there was something there. Something that would save him, exonerate him from the sins of humanity. He did not expect to succeed by mere chance. Luck and destiny had no saying in this.
He recalled all those struggling months in Paris, writing deliriously; helplessly driven by a mysterious force that had captured his very soul. Exempt of the passing days, of the bodily transformations, of all manner of biological demands and needs. He had used his bare hands, his discolored nails and inked fingers. No keyboard, no blank screen, no flickering cursor could express the heated impulse of his thoughts, the naked instinct of his longing, the relentless synecdoche in his prose.
Reminded by a quote by DH Lawrence 'Never trust the artist. Trust the tale', Zach continued to search feverishly through the heavily inked pages. Suddenly, in one of the final chapters, he found it. Pausing to examine the words closely, he nodded and breathed in.


He thought about calling her back but discarded the idea instantly. Claire would find a way around his words… he would have to deal with this in person. He turned to glance at Mandi as she slowly walked towards the living room couch, and sat right next to him.
“Does it hurt?” he fixed the cushions on her back
“A bit… not terribly, though” she smiled and lifted her right leg, setting it on the coffee table ahead “Don’t tell mom about this” she pointed at her leg “but it feels much better when I lift it”
He chuckled under his breath and shook his head “I don’t think mom will care, she’s just happy to have you back home”
“Ry?”
“Yep?”
“Is everything ok?” she stared at him inquisitively. Mandi knew her brother too well. “Super, couldn’t be better. Why?” he pretended to flick through one of Donna’s endless collection of interior design magazines
She paused, her gaze still fixed on him “Is it Claire?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you and Claire having trouble?”
He paused, breathed in and nodded “Yeah…”
“Is it another guy?”
He turned to look at her “I hope not”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” she paused “I feel sort of responsible for this, maybe if I hadn’t fallen sick and dragged you…”
“Are you insane? This is not in any way, shape or form your fault. This is something that has been going on for a while now.. I guess I just neglected to see it was coming”
She nodded “You love her don’t you?”
He breathed out and nodded helplessly
“Have you thought about what you'll do to get her back?”
“I dunno if she wants to get back with me”
“Of course she does, silly! That’s what all women want… to be rescued from our own stupidity. We like to play martyrs, but deep down, all we need is to be told how indispensable we really are, and how men can’t live without us”
“Sounds easy when you put it that way, sis. But the truth is, others may have already beaten me to the chase”

He rushed along Grand Central slightly out of breath. As soon as he jumped onto the train, he set his luggage on the seat across from him, collapsed on to his, and grabbing his cell phone, dialed.

“Hey Wilder!”
“Hey Browning, sorry to bug you this late”
“No problem buddy, what can I do you for?”
“I wanted to tell you I’m skipping town for a few days”
“Huh? You’re skipping town? Now?”
“Yeah… there’s some urgent business I need to tend to”
”When are you heading back?”
“In two or three days”
“You do remember you’re supposed to be signing at Shakespeare and Co. by the end of this week, right?”
“Yeah… don’t worry. I’ll be there”
“Zach, this is serious. You don’t want to mess with these guys.”
“Marcus, I said I’ll be there” he looked out the window as the train slowly gathered speed
“Do you really have to go? Can’t it wait until we’ve finished promoting the book?”
Zach shook his head “No… it can’t wait. I need to do this now”
“Ok…” he paused “May I ask where is it you’re heading on this mysterious business of yours?”
“Boston”

Chapter 96

He felt his eyes moisten as he stared back at her in shock. The music had stopped and the room stood in deadly silence, almost frozen in time. The pouring rain trickling down the windows, the only reminder of life beyond these walls.
His mind wandered across the painful memories of his childhood and adolescence. The feelings of inadequacy and inaptitude. Of not being able to live up to Seamus’ righteousness… to his unadulterated disposition, to his picture perfect image of father and husband. It was all a lie, a fake, a premeditated routine, a calculated performance. Complete, with epilogue, prologue and rehearsed monologue.
A profound feeling of nausea captured his entire body, as if by some reverse mechanism his disgusted intestines wished to regurgitate years of honest and boundless admiration. Seamus was no better than him. Some might actually say Seamus was countless times worse than him. After all, Colin had never boasted about his impeccable behavior, had never sneered at other people’s weaknesses, or judged men by their heated actions. He had never expected more than others were willing to give, or disapproved of their heartfelt intentions. Only mighty Seamus had acted as judge and jury, verdict and executioner, priest and undertaker.

She jumped off the limo and waved at the driver.
“Thanks for the coffee, Ms. Brickwell” he lifted the cup smiling
“Don’t mention it… and you might want to drink that while it’s still hot” she winked at him
She walked towards the entrance of the building, pausing to check the address, and hopped on the elevator.The studio looked just as busy as the outdoor set. She scanned the room for familiar faces, and smiled as she caught a glimpse of John walking towards her.
“Hey Brickwell! Did you sleep ok?”
She pecked him on the cheek “Yeah, thanks for the limo, by the way”
“Nothing to it, really” he smiled and scratched the back of his neck “Are you feeling better today?”
“I guess … I’m taking it one step at a time”
“Hmm…” he fixed his eyes on hers “Have you heard about Ryan?”
She shook her head “Nope…” Claire had been expecting him to call, and although she strained to avoid it, she had glanced at her cell phone on innumerable occasions that morning
“He’s probably on his way back here”
“I can’t really say, John. As I said, he hasn’t called” there was a slight pitch in her voice
They were suddenly interrupted by an eager Mark, who ran to hug Claire
“Hey, gorgeous! I’m so glad you’re back! I’m telling you Brickwell, this director cannot function without you”
She laughed and patted his chest “You’re too nice, Mark… and I’ve missed you too”
She followed him towards the set “I’m sorry about this. I guess I shouldn’t have left, but Ryan asked and I…”
“Relax Brickwell, I would have never expected less of you. He needed you with him. It’s what happens when you work with people in love” he smiled and winked at her.
Claire nodded, paused and licked her lips. “Anyway” she added “You won’t have to worry about that any longer”
Mark gazed back confused
“We’re not together anymore”
He stroked her shoulder gently “Are you ok?”
“Yep… everything’s fine, honestly, Mark. I’m doing great. I can’t wait to get back on track with Sins… you must have been reeking havoc here on your own” she smiled as Mark broke into hysterical laughter.
.

After having dealt with the paparazzi and their endless questions about the status of his relationship with Claire, Ryan hopped on to the limo and lit a cigarette.
“Good evening Mr. Gosling. Did you have an ok flight?”
“Hey, Sam… you’re definitely a sight for sore eyes” he took a drag “My flight was fine, thanks”
“Where will it be then, sir?”
“My hotel” he blew out smoke as Sam nodded at him across the rearview mirror.
Ryan stretched his legs and sighed as he looked around recalling how only a few days ago, he had been in this very limo, making love to Claire.


Zach glanced at his watch as he sprinted out of Boston South Station and into Atlantic Avenue. After a slight hesitation, he hailed a cab and jumped in.
“Where will it be, mate?” the cab driver turned to look at him
“Do you know of any decent hotels near Charles Street?” he set his bag on the seat next to him
“Well, both the Beacon Hill and the Liberty Hotel are on Charles Street”
“Great, whichever we come across first, then” he glanced at his watch again and tapped on his thighs anxiously.

He walked into the stately, rough-hewn granite style building, pausing to admire the Gothic chandeliers that towered the lobby lounge. Zach had read about this hotel somewhere. Apparently, the Liberty Hotel – depicting the acute sense of humor boasted by its owners – had been originally Charles Street Jail: a milestone of design and architecture, built in 1851. It had closed down almost 20 years ago, only to be transformed into a luxurious hotel after a billion dollar restoration. The place had preserved, quite successfully (and to many a visitor’s morbid curiosity) much of the original stone and brickwork. Many cell bars remained as well, cleverly back lighted by ever changing shades of lavender and chartreuse; and while most of the rooms were stacked into a new tower, a selected few, dwelled in the original building, connected by cat-walk like terraces that guards had once patrolled.
As soon as he stepped into his suite, Zach tossed his luggage and ran towards the bedside table, browsing through the drawers desperately. Nothing there but a few complimentary mints, and a copy of the Holy Bible. He breathed out, slammed the last drawer shut and dropped back to lie on the bed.
“Damn it!” he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. After a good 15 minutes of lying motionless on the king sized bed, he turned to look out one of the colossal windows that surrounded the room. As he stared into the reflection of the moon in the calm waters of the Charles River, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of it. In a flash, he jumped off the bed and ran to a small table right below one of the windows. Lost in his rapture, he flicked across the pages of the phone directory, muttering under his breath “Brickwell, Martin and Kate”