Title: A New Start

Author: Tina
Character: Kim Barrett

Disclaimer: The following story has been written with no intention of claiming ownership or
solicitation, nor does the author claim the movie character(s) as his/her own. The movie
character(s) have been borrowed solely out of a love of the particular movie and is not intended
for any other purpose but amusement and entertainment.
~@~@~@~@~@~@~
Part One:

Early February 2006

I never thought I’d think this...but I’m going to miss all this.

It was hard to believe, but she was beginning to feel homesick already, and she was not leaving
that night but in the morning – bright and early – and despite all her years of travel, both
individually and with her family, she knew how much she would miss things. They were spread
out everywhere: within the United States, on duty overseas; only a few were currently within her
immediate reach, with instant messages and emails and the occasional conference call reuniting
them when the need arose. But always in the back of her mind was the thought that no matter
where she was, she would again return home, whether her parents’ house – the one she had
grown up in – or the apartment where she had spent the last five years.
Tomorrow would be different....

I have no idea how long I’m going to be gone...and she casually pushed the soft honey blonde
curls back from her face, the cool March breeze tossing it over her eyes. She was willing to brave
the temperatures for a last opportunity to stand on her balcony and gaze southward, over the ink
black Ohio dotted with the white lights here and there of a passing barge heading to the locks and
dam, and then to the brilliantly glowing skyline and waterfront that made up the city of her birth.
To think that in a month or so, the skies overhead would be filled with magnificent color and
dancing designs; the George Rogers Clark Bridge and the makeshift flatboats launching even
more fireworks or having them spill over into the River while the light show played. Before
moving into her current residence, she would have steered clear of the crowds of nearly a million
that crowded the shore on both sides. Having a home that was eleven stories off the ground and
with such a view....On those Saturdays when Thunder was on display and she was not working,
she and her guests could stand on the balcony or at the glass sliding doors and pretend it was for
them alone.

Now – with the exception of the city lights and the barges and the headlights on the Clark and
Kennedy Bridges – the night was still. The only sound was from the traffic down below and
around her as people came and went, and she was so accustomed to that it hardly bothered her.
No, she had other things on her mind – more pressing things, and after the longest she turned and
looked back into her apartment...her soon to be former apartment, and at the numerous boxes
stacked one on top of the other or the furnishings covered in protective wrap.

That’s the story of my life, huh? Bubble wrap and cardboard she laughed to herself, just as a big
greyish fur ball rubbed against her leg. Reaching down, she gave the cat a rub around his neck.
“Oh I haven’t forgotten you. Were you thinking I’d leave you behind? Silly boy. I’m not going
anywhere without you. We’re a team, remember? And here we are...going where no man has
gone before....” She noticed that he was suddenly staring quizzically at her, a most human look
in his amber eyes. “Okay...whereI have been before but not you. Don’t be so darn nick-picky or
you’ll be staying behind,” she teased. She was thankful her new place would let her have a pet.
At first she thought they might not permit it, only because she knew how some were about
having animals about their dwellings, but there had been no problem, no need for a damage
deposit. “And you’re going to love our new place...” she told him, squatting down so she could
better reach him. “There’ll be plenty of room for you to roam and we have a little yard too, and
they said there are other cats about but you have to promise to be good, okay? Oh and I saw
dogs...and horses...and...” She sighed, sitting back on her heels. “I really think you’re going to
love it as much as I do.”

The doorbell interrupted the conversation and she glanced at her watch. Eight o’clock. She had
said her farewells to everyone over the last few days, so she was not expecting any
company...but the doorbell rang again followed by a soft knocking on the wood. “Well...whoever
they are, they’re persistent, aren’t they? Hold on a sec,” she called, jogging to the door and
standing tiptoe, took a glance through the viewer. Squealing in delight, she turned the locks,
removed the chain and once her guest was in view, threw her arms about him.
“Josh!”

“I didn’t think you were in bed yet,” he told her, chuckling at her reaction. He then looked at her
very casual wear and raised an eyebrow. “You...weren’t in bed, were you?”

“Bed? Nah...too early yet. Just on my laptop and entertaining Casey. The laptop’s the only thing
not packed. Don’t just stand there. Come in...Come in. What are you doing here?” Only now did
she notice that he was carrying several white plastic shopping bags as well as a small backpack-
type item slung over one shoulder.

“I come bearing gifts little girl....Dinner. Figured you wouldn’t even think about ordering Papa
John’s at the rate you were going.”

“Dinner?” She took a deep whiff, then gave a toothy grin. “Kingfish.”

“Kingfish....It helps with them being right down the street so everything is good and hot. And...I
brought a bottle of something I thought would work; one of those Andrea Immer favorites.”

“Mmm...What?” She headed toward her kitchen. “Shoot...All my glasses are packed. I’m not
even sure I have plastic cups. I’ve been drinking bottled water.”

“Lageder Pinot Grigio.”

“Lageder? Ooooooooo....You sure know a way to a girl’s heart.”

“Just wanting to make your last night in town memorable. You have no idea when you’re going
to have Kingfish again.”

“Yeah.” She was touched that he would think of that. The restaurant chain – of which there were
now three – had been part of a local franchise dating back to nearly World War II, an eatery that
was filled with history and some of the best seafood in the area. And because they were local, it
was not like finding a neighborhood Starbucks or McDonald’s on every corner of every city in
America. “Probably not until I come back again...whenever that might be.”

“Hey, you don’t have to look for glasses. I brought some...” and as he placed the bags on a
kitchen counter, hoping that Casey didn’t try to attack, and proceeded in unpacking the
backpack. “You know me – the former Boy Scout....Always prepared.”

“I gave you that a few years ago, didn’t I?”

Josh nodded. “There is nothing like taking your favorite lady on a picnic and making it even
more romantic with your own little wine carry-on, complete with the...bottle of wine – already
chilled; corkscrew; and real live crystal.”

“Lucky ladies,” she smiled back, deciding that while he did that, she could unpack the bags. “So
what did you bring?”
“Oh I’m loaded....Fish box for two....”

“Oh God,” she nearly drooled, thinking how much she loved the taste of the fresh fried whitefish
from the North Atlantic. She was always trying to sort out what they used for the batter, but
finally gave up, deciding that savoring the dish was better than analyzing it. “What else?”

“Shrimp box for two....And I got fries in the fish box but there’s onion rings with the shrimp, and
I got tossed salads and corn on the cob for sides. Hope that’s all right.”

“Perfect.” She opened one Styrofoam container and whispered, “Crab cakes.”

“Crab cakes and their rolled oysters....That’s the appetizers. I told them to throw in plenty of
napkins and utensils and plates, and Louisiana hot sauce...”

“Bless you.”

“Tartar...cocktail sauce...salt...pepper...ketchup; I knew you wouldn’t have any condiments

sitting around.”

“Thanks.”
“Oh and I didn’t forget Casey – got him his own broiled salmon sandwich.”

“Hey! You’re feeding my cat better than you’re feeding me,” she joked, jabbing him in the side.

“I’ve made it up to you. If you’re not too stuffed after dinner...there’s dessert.”

“Dessert? From where?”

Josh held up the final bag then removed four clear plastic containers.

She immediately recognized the dishes – how could she not considering the many times she had
not only dined on them, but once assisted in preparing them. “How did...?” she stammered.

“I reminded them it was your last night in town and asked if they would make sure they saved
some for me to pickup before I headed over here. They couldn’t refuse. Said this would be
something to remember them by.”

“Like I could ever forget his....Oh my God. Oh my God, Josh...that is...that is so sweet. That was
so sweet of them...and it was...it was...it was good of you to be so...”

“You’re not going to cry on me, are you? I hate it when you cry,” he teased.

“Cry?” She quickly wiped her eyes, then washed her hands at the sink. “No....No, I’m not crying.
I’m just...I’m just thinking of all this food.”
“Well, let’s dig in before it gets cold. It’s still steaming hot right now and you probably haven’t
eaten, have you?”

She shrugged. “I had a couple of White Castle cheeseburgers for lunch.” A very early lunch in
lieu of breakfast.

Josh laughed. “Figures. White Castle for lunch and Kingfish for dinner. Two landmarks. Very
appropriate....Okay Casey, quit whining....I’ve got yours right here. It’s like he knew he had
something, isn’t it?”

******************************************************************************

Placing his glass on the nearest surface while relaxing on the carpet, Josh stretched then emitted
a thoughtful sigh, cocking his head to one side. Casey had enjoyed his dinner and was now
peacefully lounging An hour and a half had passed since his arrival, time filled with
reminiscences and laughter, of catching up on the latest news, and now he knew – as time grew
short – he wanted to become serious without becoming too serious. The last thing he wanted was
more tears after all the ones previously shed over knowing she was leaving. “You know I’m
going to miss you, right?”

“No you’re not. Well...you’re going to miss this apartment and that wonderful Thunder Over
Louisville view.”

“That’s a fact.”

“I told you to make me an offer before I sold.”

He shrugged. “It was going to be next to impossible to break my lease though.”

“Yeah....Oh and besides...you won’t have much time to miss me. You’ve got...what’s her
name...uh...Debbie? Macy? Carrie? No...That’s right...it’s a flower: Magnolia.”

Josh rolled his eyes. “Lily.”

“That’s right: Lily.” Her teasing attitude now softened as she nodded. “I like her.”

“She likes you too.”

“That’s sweet. And you do know you should have been with her tonight instead of keeping
me...”

“She understood. I think she would have quit speaking to me if I’d done that and besides, you
know what I say: girlfriends will come and girlfriends will go but sisters...sisters go on forever. I
am going to miss you, little girl.” He paused, noticing that his sibling – the one closest to him age
and personality and with whom he spent so many happy times – had turned her head, trying her
best to keep from getting overly emotional.
“I’m going to miss you too. I’m going to miss...just...everything. And it’s not like I haven’t been
away from home before, and so far from home but...”

“But you’ve never been...” Josh stopped, eyebrows knitting. “Hell, I don’t know what to call it. I
thought you’d been drinking when you told me.”

“I never make decisions – or announcements – unless I’m sober,” she reminded him, her right
index finger tracing the rim of her nearly empty glass. “But I know....Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?”

“More like Bizarro World....No...I take that back. It’s bizarre...you can’t deny that, but...I...I was
thinking about it again on my way over here and it’s...it’s just hard getting my brain wrapped
around the entire concept about this place.”

“I know....but I felt like I had to tell somebody, Josh and...well...the two of us always tried to
explain things to each other.”

“True and I’m glad you did...but this is beyond...it’s beyond...anything, anything I’ve ever run
across in my life...or my...work or my studies or... Do you know how many professors, scientists
would kill for a chance to see that this place allegedly exists? Oh forget them: Entertainment
Tonight, Extra and E! would kill them to get in the front door.”

“It’s not alleged, remember?”

“Right, right....And you’re sure about it? I mean...I know you call it a retreat – for want of a
better word I suppose – but you’re not walking into some kind of potential Jonestown, right?”
His sister laughed, shaking her head as Josh continued. “And this isn’t some Scientology
experiment hidden from public eye?”

“Little Tommy Mapother has nothing to do with this, I promise,” she said, using Mr. Cruise’s
real surname. “In fact...” A sly smile came to her lips. “In fact...I think he might be incredibly
jealous.”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? You never have been a fan of his.”

“Oh let’s not get started...” she joked back.

“No, for real...you are very sure about this place? You’re not going to wander in there and then
get trapped and we’ll never hear from you again.”

“I’m very sure....Look...like I told you...if I’d had the least amount of hesitation, do you think I
would have taken the job? No. I was skeptical too when Annabella first asked me there. If...If I
hadn’t gone there a few years back to help her with that wedding, I...no...I wouldn’t have
believed it either. But it’s there Josh....I swear to you...I’ve seen it and it’s...it’s...it’s as real as
those bridges out there...” and she pointed towards her balcony, “...and the Ohio and Louisville
and right here in Jeff...and the people are as alive and real as you and me.”
Josh poured a little more of the Pinot Grigio, nodding the bottle to silently ask if his sister would
like more. She held her glass forward while he mumbled, “A world of Russell Crowe clones.”
The concept had knocked him for such a loop when he was first told that for hours he had urged
himself to wake up, because none of it could exist outside of a writer’s vivid imagination.
However, the more his sister talked and in such vivid detail, laying out her explanations with the
greatest clarity, then permitting him a view of one particular Internet group to which she
belonged, he knew she was being truthful. Add to that the printed details of her contract and
agreement with her new employer, even the plans to assist in her relocation and the costs....The
mind that had put him at the top of his law school class, made him valedictorian and graduated
him summa cum laude began to accept the idea laid out before him, as improbable as it might
first appear.

“Not clones though....Thanks....They’re not clones. They’re not carbon copies. They’re more
like...I don’t know...I guess incarnations. Yeah...that might be a better word. You remember that
Michael Keaton movie from a while back?”

“Clones? Copycat? No...that’s not right. That was that movie with Sigourney Weaver and Holly
Hunter and the serial killer. What was the name of it? Oh well...I know what you’re talking
about.”

“Well, remember he cloned himself, but then he made a clone of the clone, and then a clone of
that clone and so on, but the secondary clones became paler and less...well, less like Keaton,
until the last one was barely able to string a sentence together. It’s not like that at the Point. I
mean...these...incarnations....They’re not alike. I mean...they sort of are if you looked at them all
together, but then you start to think that they’re more like siblings that kind of resemble but not
exactly twins or triplets or sextuplets. All of them have similar features or maybe little quirks or
habits that resemble...”

“But they’re all individuals.” Not a question, but a statement – he had asked more questions of
her than perhaps of a witness during the most intense cross-examination in his career.

“Right...and remember all the times we’ve talked about him when we’ve seen his movies and
we...we talk about how he changes and seems to morph from one film to the other.”

“That’s a fact.” He chuckled. “Hey...remember that review a couple of years ago in the Courier-
Journal, when they were comparing him in that naval movie to Cruise in The Last Samurai?”

“Oh! Oh I loved that review.”

“What...What was it about um...Cruise in a kimono is just Cruise in a kimono but Crowe is never
the same character and you just wonder what he would have done with that role.”

“Something like that. I know I loved it.”

“Sure you did. I’m surprised you didn’t email the critic and tell her...” He saw his sister’s
knowing smile and laughed. “Figured you did. So...he’s there too?”

“Cruise in a kimono? No...I know you mean. Yeah...as far as I know, Captain Aubrey is there.”

“And the one he played in uh...LA Confidential? Uh...” and he and his sister simultaneously said,
“Bud White. Yeah...Bud White.”

“He’s there...and Maximus definitely is. I caught a glimpse of him out riding when I went there
for my final interview.”

“I was getting ready to say: if he’s not there then there is definitely something wrong with the
place! Oh and I guess that means the one from Beautiful Mind too?” He knew this was territory
previously covered during their other conversations, but Josh felt that the more he discussed it,
the more comfortable he would feel about his sister leaving their real world and entering one that
was baffling to even the most logical mind. “Nash was a real person and as far as I know he’s
still alive. So is Jeff Wigand. And what about...what about Braddock...I mean...all the real people
he’s played? I sort of get the fictional ones being part of the place, but the real guys too?”

“They are all there along with a few you probably don’t even know....Remember the owner I told
you about that’s from Louisville.”

“Right...um...” He conjured the name he had seen throughout the paperwork. “Etienne?”

“Etienne...well...her nickname is Tina – that’s what everybody calls her, but it was her wedding I
worked on when Annabella had me there.”

“So who is she married to? Good grief – I didn’t even know they got married!”

“Someone from a Russell Crowe movie you probably never even saw,” she laughed.

“Try me.”

“Mystery, Alaska?” The title elicited a bewildered expression. “He was the sheriff that played
hockey.”

“Sheriff that played...No, no...I definitely don’t remember that one. So...she’s married to him?”

“Yep.”

“Wonder why she didn’t hook up with somebody more well-known?” he wondered aloud, taking
a sip of the wine. “I’d think if you were going to marry a Russell Crowe character you’d choose
someone like Maximus or Bud White.”

“Maybe because she wasn’t in love with either one of them,” came the matter-of-fact answer.
“Josh...you have to think about it like we’re discussing relationships...I mean...life there is like
life here. It would be like me asking why you don’t marry some runway model or Hollywood
bimbo or the latest millionaire idiot heiress because she’s better known...instead of someone
like...well...” and along came a wink, “Lily?”

“Makes sense.”

“And I’m not saying Bud or Maximus are idiots – you know better than that from their movies.”

“I get you.”

“Tina fell in love with John Biebe and...John Biebe fell in love with her, and Annabella said he
proposed to her and they’ve been married a few years and from what I’ve seen...”

“You’ve met him?”

“Uh-huh. From what I’ve seen...he’s a real nice fellow...and...he really loves her.”

“And she packed her bags and left Louisville behind and moved to this...place.”

“Crowe’s Point.” She wanted to stress the name, wanted her brother to realize that the location
had an identity.

“Crowe’s...Point....And now of you go.”

“Off I go.”

“And you’re sure you don’t want to tell the others about this place. I think Mom and Dad...”

“Would worry...or think I’m insane...or wonder why you didn’t have me committed immediately
or talk me out of it....Josh...look...I told you because...because I knew that the more I detailed it,
the more you would accept it and understand and realize your sister wasn’t losing it. This...This
is the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m actually getting my own kitchen after all these years
and...it’s...what I’ve been working towards.”

“I know.”

“Like you getting that senior partnership last year.”

“Yeah...”

“Or David making Captain and Yelena getting...”

“I know, I know, I know....You have worked hard for this...for everything. I’m not going to deny
that. I just wish...I wish it was somewhere around here...or in Kentucky or Indiana or Ohio or
some place in any other of the fifty states...or Canada or Britain...”

“But it’s not in any of those...I don’t guess. I don’t know.”

“And that’s another thing! You can’t even Mapquest this place. It’s just...” He waved a hand in
the air. “...out there, like Never Never Land and Through the Looking Glass.”

“I like to think...You know...I really like to think of it more like...okay don’t laugh.”

“Trust me – I’m not going to.”

“Middle Earth.”

“Middle...?”

“Or Narnia. Both of those seem so...real, like they were always part of Earth but then something
happened that split them away, but they’re there and we just have to find the right way in.”

Joshua nodded. “Okay...not as fantastical then as Oz or Never Never Land You could actually
believe they exist. Makes sense...I think,” he chuckled. “What Einstein would think of all this I
have no idea....Look...I know how much you want this. Let’s face it...it’s not every day that a
first class kitchen is going to drop into your lap like this...”

“And not just the kitchen, but I’ll be head sommelier too, so I’m going to get to put all my
training to use. I was praying every single night that they’d pick me and...it’s crazy, but I
swear...every time I was interviewed or tested, I knew how those people feel on some of those
stupid reality shows, wondering if you’re going to get eliminated or not. I could wait for years to
get a head position at one of the top restaurants around here or even somewhere in the region but
this...” She shook her head, still amazed at how fortunate she was. “This is the proverbial chance
of a lifetime, Josh. I can’t let it go. I don’t know when something like this will happen again.”

“Well then...”

“Well?”

“I think I just realized how grown up you are.”

“Awww...you’ve known that for a long time.”

“Yeah...but having you so far away...in this place...I think I’m realizing exactly what happens
when you put your mind to something.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“And you’ll email...or text message or call somebody at home or send up smoke signals or
something. Just...let us know you’re all right, okay?”

“Okay...I promise.”
“And maybe someday...Lily and I will have to pay this place a visit.”
“So it is serious...you and Lily....You’ll let me cater the reception, right?”

Joshua shook his head, hoping his face had not turned red in a dead giveaway. “When it gets to
that point, you will be the first to know...and I want a discount because I’m your brother.”

“We’ll...talk.”

Emitting a short laugh, he thoughtfully considered how much he would miss her, no matter how
much he teased her over the matter. It seemed that only yesterday she was squatting in front of
her little Easy Bake Oven and whipping up tiny cakes and brownies for the family. Now she was
not only a graduate of one of the finest culinary schools in the world, but had a lengthy résumé
behind her, one filled with glowing praise from every instructor and employer that crossed her
path. He knew in his heart it was right accepting the position, but also sad thinking that the last
of his siblings in the area would be heading out once more.

Lifting his glass he smiled. “To my little sister: Adalia Sofia....”

Part Two:

“Excuse me.”

A young male face – still in the awkward phase between youth and maturity – looked up from
his clipboard, startled that someone had managed to slip into the Hotel’s lobby without his
knowledge and he blinked, realizing that he was gazing at a stranger standing before the front
desk. A rather pretty stranger, Arthur Baskin’s thoughts stressed as he gave her a quick once-
over, noticing the youthful heart-shaped features framed by soft curls that fell just above her
shoulders. He was amazed at what a light footfall she possessed to have slipped inside without
notice, and also quickly searching his memory for the arrival of any new guests. It would not be
the first time Crowe’s Point was visited by someone who stumbled upon it, drawn there by
whatever force controlled it...or perhaps she was some new lurker. But no, she wasn’t dressed
like a lurker. Well, that didn’t sound right. She was not wearing the typical lurker outfit: jeans or
shorts and some simple T-shirt or top, depending on the weather, but a casual business suit
consisting of a knee-length black skirt and fitted matching jacket, all of it enhancing a
curvaceous figure. The look was classic – the cut of her clothing and the simplicity of her
jewelry was classic. If this was a lurker then she wanted to leave an impression and he kept
thinking that she reminded him of someone, but he could not for the life of him think who it was!

That was when he remembered that he had been glaring at her, long enough for it to be
considered rude and yet she quietly waited for him to speak first. “I’m sorry,” he apologized,
putting his pencil behind one ear. “You caught me by surprise. Can I...Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Tina Biebe,” she explained, removing her sunglasses. “I thought she might be
here because this is where we met last time. I’m Adalia Rabinovich.”

Arthur grinned from ear to ear, stepping from behind the counter so that he could greet her more
politely. “Miss Rabinovich? Oh my...of course...our new chef! I didn’t have a chance to meet
you when you were here before.” He extended one hand for her to shake. “I’m Arthur Baskin.”

“Arthur Baskin. It’s very nice to meet you Arthur Baskin.” She had a vague recollection of his
movie but could not place the title.

“Please...call me Arthur.”

“Fine...Arthur. And you can call me Adalia. I’m not standing on formalities.”

“Adalia....That’s...I don’t think I know that name...I mean...the origin of it. Sorry if that sounded
rude. Is it Southern United States or...”

“It’s German...well...Spanish too. German and Spanish....Actually Hebrew...actually.” Well...that

was...memorable. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. It’s not like I’ve never been here before.

“Well it’s a lovely name, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

“Oh! Oh...well...thank you.” She could feel her cheeks starting to burn. “Thank you very much.”

“Tina has an unusual first name too: Etienne...and you said you were looking for Tina, didn’t
you?”

“Yes, yes I am. She knew I was on the way.”

“Of course – she’s been talking about you all morning. We’ve been expecting you. I just
forgot...” He motioned for her to accompany him to the service side of the counter and then
towards a single door at one end of the area. “We’ve been so busy around here today and I’ve
had my hands full with a good deal and sometimes it’s...well...have you ever had those days
when you couldn’t seem to get anyone to assist you?”

“Oh...lots of times.” Of course – now she recalled him: he was the warehouse supervisor in his
movie, the bashful Welsh Baptist in Australia who preferred staying in the car while his friends
enjoyed the pleasures of a brothel. “More times than I care to think about.”

“This is one of them! I didn’t even realize how late...” He glanced at his pocket watch. “Oh...it’s
not so bad is it? Not even lunchtime...and...you’ll be glad to hear that your things have arrived. I
oversaw them while the movers were putting them inside.”

“My...Already?!” The workers had arrived at her condominium exactly at seven-thirty as

promised, going about their duties so quickly and efficiently that her home of the last two years
was quickly emptied of everything that made up her life. They left Jeffersonville a half-hour
ahead of her, but she had no idea.... “Wow! Wow that was...that was...fast.”

“When you’re ready to unpack...if you need any help...just let Tina know and someone will lend
you a hand. There’s always someone here that won’t mind helping you get settled in.”
“Fantastic – thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Although where they all are today I have no idea.,” he grumbled, “but we’ll get some volunteers
if we need to. Excuse me,” and he knocked lightly on the door. A female voice called out,
“Yes?” just before he opened it very slightly and peeped in. “Tina? Miss Rabinovich is here to
see you.”

“She’s here?! Have her come in, Arthur – thank you.”

The voice was very enthusiastic, an emotion that made Adalia sigh inwardly for second thoughts
had been crossing her mind during the drive to the Point.

Stepping to one side, he indicated that Adalia could go inside. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same here, Arthur...and thanks again about my things. Oh!”

“Something the matter?”

“Casey.” She saw Baskin’s confusion. “Casey’s my cat. He’s in his carrier out in my car and he
was all right during the trip here, but if he’s out there alone for too long he might...”

“Oh I can bring him inside and place him in the lobby, if you think he’ll be all right.”

“That’ll be great. He should be fine until we head home.” Home. She doubted the photographs of
the empty interior could do the place justice, but home it would now be. “Thank you so much.”

“My pleasure,” and he closed the door behind her.

Adalia turned back to look across the beautifully appointed room, admiring how the owner had
taken the small space and created such intimacy as well as functionality that one could not help
being impressed...and at once feeling at ease. Her own tensions eased when she caught sight of
the smile on her new employer’s face as the latter rose from her chair and hurriedly approached
her. So she still wants me here. Good. I don’t know why I was so afraid I’d walk in and they’d
act like they didn’t know me.

“Adalia! You made it!”

“Mrs. Biebe It’s good to be back.”

A scolding – albeit teasing – expression came over Mrs. Biebe’s face. “Uh-uh. If we’re going to
work together you’re not calling me Mrs. Biebe. I’m Tina – remember?”

“Right...Tina.” That felt good, being able to say her first name. She had suspected that the former
Louisvillian was quite sweet, but during the battery of interviews and appraisals, the woman was
usually very serious and Adalia could hardly blame her. Searching for a head chef and master
sommelier for not simply a restaurant and tavern but what was home to a large number as well as
a resort was complex enough. The fact that the person had to maintain an air of secrecy because
of what that place actuallywas...not many were up to that task.

“I’m just so glad to see you again. Please...have a seat. You must be exhausted. And Arthur said
he’d take care of your cat, right?”

Adalia nodded. “I’ll check on him in a bit, if that’s okay.”

“Sure it is. You know...I used to own cats when I was back home, then I moved and they wanted
such a security deposit on my new apartment that I had to give them up. On top of that I
developed an allergy to them.”

“Casey’s not going to bother you, is he?”

Tina grinned as she returned to the leather chair behind the antique cherry-wood desk.. “You
know what? I haven’t had problems with allergies since I came to live here. You’ll notice that
yourself when you’ve been here a day or two. No more Ohio Valley allergies.”

“Well...that would be a relief. I think that’s one of the things I won’t miss.”

“And you had a good trip up here then?”

“I...Well...”

“Was there a problem?”

“No...it’s just...I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to...” Adalia’s small hands moved one over top
of the other as if searching for the right words. “I don’t even know what to call it.”

“You mean...coming here?” Tina walked to a small corner table, all the while looking back to
observe the newest Point resident. “Yeah I know. It’s real weird at first. I remember the first time
I came here. I never had any....I’m sorry...would you like a cup of hot tea?” She picked up a
small flat chest and opened it so that her guest could see inside. “I keep a selection in here for
when I’m working so I don’t have to disturb the kitchen.”

“Oh...uh...that would be great, thank you. Do you have...Darjeeling?”

“Darjeeling it is....”

******************************************************************************

"Arthur?"

The deceptively smooth voice caused the younger man to stand straighter just before he could
remove Casey's carrier. He had spent the last few moments introducing himself to the cat --
disturbed to find someone other than his mistress interrupting his rest -- and finally gaining its'
trust, therefore the last thing he wanted...needed was to be bothered by someone who would
never understand and only get in the way.

Oh Lord...I do not need this. Not today....

Taking a deep breath, Arthur returned the sly smile he noticed on his brother's lips. After all
these years at the Point -- and around so many various personalities -- he was 'old' enough to
have learned a thing or two that made him less the bashful boy and a tad more assertive. That
was not being un-Christian....That was being smart! "Oh...good morning," he greeted, returning
his attention to the chore at hand.

"What are you doing with that...?" The other man paused in order to stretch his neck and see
what was inside the carrier. Catching sight of the grayish feline with the vast amount of hair,
making it appear more wild than domesticated, he eased a finger beneath his nose as if to ward
off a non-existent odor and finished his sentence with "...cat."

"About to take him inside once I've calmed him down...again," letting his sibling know that the
disruption was a bother. "Seems to be friendly...oh and he does have a name....It's Casey."

"Casey? Unusual name for a cat. So did Casey drive himself here too?" The vehicle underwent
his careful scrutiny, for it was seeing it in the side driveway adjacent the Hotel that caught his
attention. Most guests used the car park (or as the Americans called it -- parking lot) situated
halfway between the Tavern and the Hotel, and as the small SUV had been there longer than was
necessary to check-in, his curiosity was piqued. Something was going on, something that took
long enough for him to stroll casually to Scents, Swords and More, collect his customized order,
then begin the return to his lodgings. And that was when he realized Well…it’s still there and I
wonder if that means they are more than simply a new guest.

Arthur simply chuckled at the ridiculous inquiry, but gave no other explanation. "It's all right,
boy," he whispered to the cat. "It's all right. I just want to get you inside, that's all."

"So Casey did drive himself...all the way from..." He stepped to the rear of the Dune Pearl
Metallic Ford Escape, catching sight of the license plate with a distant white farmhouse while
blue and green blades of grass wavered in the foreground, tossed about by an imaginary wind.
"...Indiana? Indiana? Arthur?"

"Hmm..." The accountant had finally removed the carrier and Casey was attempting to relax and
study his new surroundings as best he could.

"Indiana....I don't...at least...I don't think...Why the hell…?” There appeared to be honest
puzzlement in his words.

“I’m sorry?”

“I don't think we've had many...what do you call people from Indiana anyway?"
"Hoosiers," Baskin calmly replied, shutting the rear passenger door.

"Who-see-ears?" he sounded out. That was one of the oddest sounding words to pass his ears, but
reminded him of a place name one might hear from some distant part of Australia or New
Zealand.

"No…WHO-sures....”

"How did you...?” He hated that Arthur might know something that he did not.

“That's how I've heard it said at least."

“Well never mind....Who is driving the Ford? I don't recognize it...and please don't tell me that
Casey did. You know I was only kidding you."

"I know," Arthur said, grinning and he started for the entrance.

"Arthur?"

Turning to face his brother and mustering a little courage he asked, "Must you know everything
that happens around here?"

"I try to make it my business to, and I don't understand why you are being so defensive, Arthur,
it's not like you...it's really not. Some of the others are rubbing off on you and not in a good way
either. I miss your Christian attitude...” which to him meant long-suffering and humble...and
perhaps closed-mouth as well. Pity – it seemed the old Arthur had fast disappeared. “I ask a very
simple question and you..."

"I really have too much to do,” he insisted, taking another step while adjusting the carrier’s
handle to better hold it and not jostle Casey too much. “I can't be standing about doing nothing
but..."

"That’s one of your problems little brother. You ought to slow down some...enjoy the
world...enjoy...life. Enjoy the pleasures of some of the lovely ladies that come our way. I
honestly believe a few of them might give you some attention if you…”

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, I'll do that when I have more time. Right now, however, I'm..."

"Indiana!”

“I’m sorry…what?”

“Indiana. I know why that keeps playing around in my head….Michael Mann filmed a portion of
The Insider there...the scene between the Creator and Pacino when they are sitting in the car
before that enormous clock! I read that it is the second largest clock in the world....Some
manufacturing plant...I can’t recall exactly where but it's on the Indiana side...and it
overlooks...overlooks the...Whatever the river is and that's between Indiana and..." He appeared
puzzled as he stared at Arthur. "Kentucky? Is Casey’s owner some friend of our Tina's?"

Arthur hated when he called her our Tina, but he was even more impressed that the other man
worked through the clues without little assistance. “Indiana’s an awfully big state if you look at
a map.”

“True…but the trimming around the exterior of the license plate…did you notice that the SUV
was sold by a dealer…in…Louisville?”

“I noticed that.”

“Therefore…I’m thinking that only someone who lived along…” He stopped as if trying to
visualize the border between the two states and recalling the river that ran alongside Louisville,
separating it from its’ more Northern neighbor. In his mind’s eye he could ‘see’ the Kentucky
side of the waterfront, a small metropolis as a backdrop to that key scene between Pacino’s
Lowell Bergman and the Creator’s Wigand. “Well…let’s face it Arthur. I doubt anyone in say
central Indiana would be purchasing a vehicle in Louisville…unless they were getting an
extremely good bargain.”

Arthur smiled. “I’m impressed. I guess watching all those CSI episodes really have helped.”

“Well,” came the snorted statement, “I’d have to say that they live along the border…the
southern border. Made it easy for them to cross over into Louisville…and that is why I’m
thinking that this is a friend of Tina’s.”

Baskin only shrugged.

“Is Tina in her office? Are they in there with her now?” A deceptive smile appeared. “Does John
know she has company? I would hate to think of her entertaining some handsome young man
and leaving her husband out of...”

“I’m sure he knows...and before you start pretending to be Gil Grissom again I can go ahead and
tell you what everyone else will soon know: we’ve hired the new head chef.”

“We...? We have? Oh! Oh...thank God! I was wondering if Tina would ever make up her mind.”
He was not the only one that had watched the weekly parade of candidates dwindle from over a
dozen down to half that number, and then after a slew of what he heard were interviews and
actual cooking tests bordering on the extreme, was told that only four remained. So the winner
was now inside Ms. Stewart-Biebe’s sanctuary, enjoying her Southern charms and perhaps a
little something more. Just once, it would be such a break from the routine to think that Tina was
in the middle of some indiscretion and not such a faithful bore. “So...who is he?”

“He?”

“The Hoosier – who is he? What’s his name? When do we get to meet him? What do you know
about him besides him being from Indiana?”

“What do I...? Well...not a lot, not yet anyway.”

“But I thought you met all the contestants when...”

“Not actually and....Look...I really do have to go. I’ve been jabbering long enough. Just because
you don’t have anything to do yourself doesn’t mean...”

“There you go again, Arthur – being quite uncharitable. Well do you at least know his name?”

“Tina’s going to make an announcement later. You can wait.” Arthur maneuvered the main door
and then slyly looked back at his brother. “But I can tell you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a she.”

“What?”

“Casey’s owner is a she,” and before his brother could inquire further, the Welshman vanished
inside.

“A...she?” he said aloud to no one in particular. “We’ve hired another female chef? Well...Sid is
going to love that...if I don’t get to her before he finds out.” Glimpsing the reflection staring at
him from driver’s side exterior mirror, he smiled proudly as he straightened his tie. “Just once...I
would like to be the one getting the full attention.”

“So you put cream in your tea?” Adalia asked as she watched Tina pour some of the silky white
liquid into her own cup of Earl Grey. The former Kentuckian had returned to her own seat and
was happily playing the role of hostess at their impromptu late morning tea, but the younger
woman welcomed the respite for it not only gave her the opportunity to pause and take
everything in, but to begin to feel that she was now more a resident, not simply a visitor or a job
seeker. All of the other visits had been so hectic what with the interviews and ‘exams’ that only
in the evening – when it was over – did she have a moment to slow down...and even then she
remained on edge. This...unwinding with a cup of tea....This was very nice, in a pleasant
Southern manner, and she might technically be a Hoosier but deep down, she was Kentucky
born.

“Just like the English....Actually, I picked it up in England when I was there back in 2000 and I
never dropped the habit, even though I get some weird looks from many of the Americans....”
Both women laughed. “So what was I saying? Oh right! You’ll get accustomed to things as you
go along so don’t think you have to learn it all at once. That’s why I suggested you taking a few
days to settle into your new home; get unpacked, start decorating; get to know the Point – or as
much of it as you can...it’s not going anywhere, trust me...and everybody here. And most of all,
get a feel for your kitchen and the staff..”

“I don’t feel right leaving you all hanging for too long since...”

“Adalia...we’ve gone this long without a permanent chef so we’ll survive until you’re settled in.”

“That’s...I appreciate that, Tina....A lot of my employers would want me to throw my backpack
in a corner, get my apron and chef’s hat on and get ready for their first command.”

Tina laughed again, crossing her legs. “You take the time you need, okay? You’re taking over a
whole operation after all, and you knew going in that this was going to be very, very full time,
which is why you’ll be living here and not commuting.”

“Oh absolutely...and I love the idea....” Smiling as she relaxed against the back of her own chair,
Adalia felt her cheeks begin to burn as she confessed, “I...still can’t believe that I’m this young
and I’m going to be in charge of all...that.”

“I wouldn’t have hired you if I hadn’t been impressed. Your rÉsumÉ already had me
floored...but when I saw what you whipped up during those tests we threw at you all and then the
ideas you suggested and....That was exactly what we were looking for.”

Those tests. Adalia would remember those for the rest of her life.

There had been routines to exercise the candidates’ patience and creativity during peak times at
the restaurant. There were blind taste tests of common as well as semi-rare wines from New
Zealand, Argentina, Portugal, France, California, Oregon, Italy, Australia, and even a couple that
left a few of the potentials tongue-tied and unable to sort them (one ice wine hailed from
Starlight, Indiana in the southern part of the state and a Gewürztraminer from a vineyard in
Texas)! They were also faced with theIron Chef competitions – similar to the Japanese and US
television series – in which one ingredient remained secret, was announced only when the
prospects were in the kitchen, and the chefs had an hour to create as many dishes as possible
using that component as the main base, and then being judged on the taste, originality and
presentation. Stressful, but transforming something as simple as turkey breast meat or scallops,
or as difficult as black truffles or Langostinos was a challenge that first surprised her but in the
end she welcomed. She did not win every round, but when she did she set her personal bar
higher; when she lost, she quietly listened to the criticisms and determined she would do better
next time. In the end, her determination put her out of the ordinary and above the others she
competed against; being too timid would leave one behind and they all wanted it!

When it was over and Adalia was offered the position, she considered it the hardest two weeks of
her life, nearly making her time at the Culinary Institute of America (better known as the CIA)
and her other schooling and apprenticeships pale.

“It was worth it....I’m...I’m so stoked about this, Tina!” Placing the china cup on its’ matching
saucer, she reached for her briefcase and began to fumble inside. “Like I told you when you took
me on the tour, I had so many ideas flitting around in my brain, and then when I got home
and...well...in-between packing, and giving notice and selling my condo – and I can’t thank you
all enough for helping me arrange that and getting me relocated...but anyway, in-between all that
I was working on...well...I have all these ideas...if you’re interested I mean,” she suddenly added,
realizing that her enthusiasm might be overwhelming. But she was pleased to see that Tina was
intently listening.

“I’m very interested. I told you that I’ve been considering some new...well... new ideas about
where the kitchen is going....All aspects of it I mean.”

“Right...and I kept that in mind as I was...Well, it might be easier for you to just look over what I
have so far.” She handed Tina a portfolio. “I thought – whenever you have time – we could go
over it a lot closer...”

“Absolutely!”

“I know with you needing to get with me about all the Easter and Derby preparations this might
have to go on the back burner...”

“No, no...I want to get with you on this as soon as possible. This is all part of it too.”

“Oh! I put some of it on CD-Rom to make it easier,” she said, observing Tina’s quizzical
expression on finding one of the discs inside. “I wanted you to see some of the ideas I had for the
future...and for the short term too. I don’t believe in coming in and making immediate changes
on Day One just to satisfy some kind of ego-tripping. I’ve been on too many jobs where...”

A knock on the door interrupted her and when Tina asked them to enter, Arthur once more
looked inside.

“Sorry Tina.”

“No problem.”

“I wanted Miss Rabinovich...Adalia to know that Casey’s here in the lobby.” Adalia’s smile
nearly made Arthur’s heart skip a beat, and then he reminded himself that he wasn’t going to lose
it again so quickly. After all, he barely knew her.

“Thanks Arthur....Tina...could I go check on him and make sure he’s...”

“Sure...go ahead. In fact...I’d like to see Mr. Casey myself if you don’t mind.” She followed the
new arrival out of the room. “We don’t have a lot of cats around the Point. As a matter of fact,
Stephanie Girardeau – she’s our resident doctor’s wife and my sorority sister – may have the
only other ones. Dogs and horses seem to be the most popular around here....Oh! He’s beautiful,
Adalia!” Tina exclaimed on seeing him and she bent down slightly to get a better look at him.
“Hello Casey! How are you? Tired of being in that carrier, hmm?”
“I don’t want to let him go wild in your Hotel, but if it’s okay, could I take him out for...” On
seeing Tina’s positive reaction, Adalia unfastened the latch, opened the small door and gathered
the cat into her arms. “He’s not shedding right now, thankfully.”

“He is so beautiful though,” Tina repeated as she rubbed him behind the fluffy scruff, an action
that made him purr contentedly and raise one paw to thank her for the compliment. “Do...Do you
know what he reminds me of?”

“The Kentucky Wildcat? I’ve been told that before. He’s almost a spitting image.”

“They could send him out as the mascot with a face like that. Wait until Steph sees him – it’s
going to tickle her to death! Oh...Steph and I went to the University of Kentucky together;
pledged the same sorority, then after graduation she went on to law school up at Lexington, and I
came back to Louisville and took some graduate classes out at U of L. Suffice it to say, she
considers me a traitor now.” Both women laughed, while Arthur – standing behind the front desk
– attempted to translate it all, finally realizing that this must be some type of ‘region’ speak. “But
you’ll get to meet her at some point. So...do you follow football? Basketball? Baseball? Hockey?
John’s always looking for a new hockey fan around here.”

“A little football – I follow the Colts of course. And basketball! I watch the Pacers....Our family
has had season tickets for the longest, but mainly, I’m a college fan.”

“The Hoosiers or...”

“The Hoosiers, yeah...and I’ll watch Louisville and Kentucky; pull for Louisville when they play
Kentucky...”

“Yay!”

“And pull for any team that plays against Duke.”

“Oh my God. You are a woman after my own heart, Ms. Rabinovich.”

“Hockey – don’t know much about it I’m afraid...and I like baseball enough. One of my brothers
played at UK actually; had a scholarship...”

“Does he play pro?”

“No...” and after whispering in Casey’s ear, she returned him to the carrier. “No actually he was
in the school chorus and took voice classes...and the next thing he knew he was competing in the
Met’s New Artist competition...and won that.”

“Oh my....You...You are going to have to tell me more about him, Adalia. I love opera!
Arthur...we’ll be back inside my office for a little bit longer, then if you can get Adalia’s keys for
her...”
“Already done and ready when she’s ready.” That was repetitive. “Oh Tina...I nearly forgot to
tell you.”

“Hmm?”

“Kim was sniffing around when I went to get Casey.”

“Kim?” Tina asked.

“Started interrogating me but I didn’t tell him much...only that we had a new chef. He was quite
busy playing detective though.”

Adalia looked from one to the other, honestly puzzled by the name. “Who’s Kim?” She could see
that her employer was obviously not pleased on hearing the news.

“Kim’s...one of the brothers,” Tina explained and her eyes indicated her annoyance with him.
“I’m guessing you’ve never seen his movie.”

“No...should I have? I’ve never heard of him before.”

“Neither’s most anybody else for that matter,” Arthur interjected.

“He’s...just one to give you a little head’s up about....I’ll explain later – don’t worry....Now
where were we? Oh! You were telling me your...”

The voices disappeared behind the wood door and Arthur could only speculate as to what was
being discussed. He knew Tina had been searching for a chef that would not only fit into the
Crowe’s Point lifestyle, but bring a new air of creativity to the restaurants and the cooking. He
had sat in on a few of the meetings, knew what she was proposing – found it all not simply
exciting but revolutionary in a manner he was still not quite accustomed to, even after all his
years in this world. For the longest time he used to wonder if anyone could possibly take
Annabella’s place; a couple of others came and almost as quickly departed for whatever personal
or professional reasons, so he hoped for a change of luck with Adalia Rabinovich.

If Kim didn’t scare her off first!

Part Three:

If this does not convince her of my sincerity then I have no idea what will Kim considered as he
appraised for the last time the bouquet of flowers he had managed to throw together, thanks to a
quick trip to the greenhouse. The chief gardener was somewhat annoyed at being disturbed,
complaining that there were things she needed to do and helping to create an arrangement for his
benefit was not what she had in mind. After a little cajoling, however, she finally pointed out
what would complement the other and then returned to her work, muttering something about him
obviously having nothing better to do. But the expression in her eyes indicated that she was
surprised to see him creating a bouquet for anyone!

Of course I have something better to do! I need...no...have to beat Sid to the punch! I’m tired of
getting his leftovers...when he has any.

Although he could not yet explain why this unknown woman from Indiana had captured his
imagination when he had no idea what she looked like or if she was even his type.

For all I know she has a mole on the tip of her nose and a great big black hair growing out of
it....Oh no...no...I shouldn’t fool myself that way. She’s pretty....I’m sure of it. I know she is,
simply because Tina is not going to hire some hag to work in our kitchens....Of course...that’s
not precluding the possibility that she could be fat...or old...or has some other handicap I’m not
taking into consideration...such as being ready to go all googly-eyed over one of the others...and
he shuddered at the thought.

For one of the first times in his existence at the Point, Kim was taking the proverbial bull by the
horns, although... although I may be making an enormous mistake...I ought to just let Sid
examine her first and then if she’s not interested in him, I can move in and play....Good...She’s
still here and he grinned at the sight of her SUV still parked in the front driveway. No doubt she
and Tina are sharing a nice chat about ‘back home.’ He paused at the first reflective surface,
appraised his appearance, then clearing his throat, walked towards the hotel’s main entrance.
Let’s see...Arthur won’t cause much of a problem. I mean...it’s Arthur! Tina will be annoyed but
won’t want it to show in front of the new employee; would make the woman uncomfortable if she
did and she won’t want that. She’ll scold me later...but if this all works out, it’ll be worth it. I
wonder what her name is. Arthur seemed to get such joy in telling me that she is a she...like he
was revealing some top secret. No wonder Sid can’t stand him. Of course, Sid can’t really stand
any... Glancing around him, Kim opened the right-hand door. ...one and he doesn’t try to hide it,
whereas I....I can be the most perfect, most charming, and I really don’t want others to think that
I’m....Hmm....

No one was around. He quietly moved inside, thinking Arthur might be behind the desk as he
usually was, but the boy was not there. In fact, everything – the desk, Reception, the sitting area
– appeared deserted.

“Arthur?” he called out, but not too terribly loud, and once again he moved forward, almost on
tiptoe and strained his neck to glance about. “Arthur?” Where is he? “Arthur? Come out, come
out, wherever you...” I’ll be damned. He’s left his post. I’m shocked beyond words. The little
Obergruppenführer....I wonder where....”Arthur?” he said one final time and then sighed,
smiling. “Good.” He smoothed his tie, then his hair, and fiddled with the bouquet a tad more
before he stepped behind the desk.I’m sure Tina won’t mind if I come to see her on some
business...although she’s going to wonder why I’m bringing flowers, but all I need say is that I
realized we had a new arrival and I wanted to make them feel at....

“Kim?”

Kim felt the blood drain from his face upon hearing the other – and very recognizable – voice,
but he managed to regain his composure upon seeing another of his siblings suddenly appear on
the customer side of the desk. He gulped, unable to immediately speak. Shit! Where the hell had
he come from? Was he hiding on purpose?

“Is Tina seeing you today?”

“Uh...Hello. I...I didn’t know anyone...I didn’t see Arthur and...Well...I wasn’t looking for Tina
per se but...What are you doing here?” Why the hell did I put it that way? He’s only going to
say...
“Funny...I didn’t know I needed a reason to see my wife.”

‘I didn’t know I needed a reason to see my wife.’ See...I knew it. He also was never certain why –
although they were the same stature – the sight of John Biebe always intimidated him.
“Well...Well no, John...No...No you don’t, do you?” he sneered, his bravado still intact. There
was no way he would give the Alaskan the pleasure of believing he was afraid. “You are
absolutely right about that. Tina is your wife...and a lovely woman she is. I’ve always said that
you’re a very lucky...”

“And...you’re bringing Tina flowers?” There was no jealousy in the words – only natural
suspicion, and Kim knew that if he was in the same position as John, he would have thought the
same.

“Flowers? Oh these? Why I....Well no, no I’m not truth be told. I...um...No...these...these aren’t
for your wife, John. These...Uh...these...these aren’t for Tina. They’re for....”

“Arthur?”

Why does he have to be such a prick on top of it? The joke was so indignant that he became
flustered without meaning to, but the second the sheriff moved to Kim’s side of the desk, he felt
his fist relax. Not that he planned on hitting his brother, but it had been such a natural reaction to
being teased. “No...No John...of course not. What do I look like – a poof?! You’re confusing me
with Jeff! I just thought...” He sighed, rolling his eyes. “Can’t I be nice for once and offer some
flowers to our newest resident as my way of saying ‘Welcome?’” He saw that his brother was
staring even harder at him

“I didn’t realize you knew our new resident, Kim.”

And why does he always have to act like a cop? “Well I don’t know her...exactly....I was passing
by earlier and saw Arthur out by her SUV and he told me she had arrived...” I’m rambling – John
knows I’m rambling. “...and I thought ‘wouldn’t it be nice if someone made a nice gesture
and...’”

“Kim? You never make nice gestures.”

“There’s a first time for everything, brother dear. Perhaps I’m following up on a resolution I
made last New Year’s. You know: ‘I vow to be nice to people without expecting anything...’”
He’s not believing me. “‘...in...’” He’s even more suspicious.“‘...return.’” Oh God! Why couldn’t
Arthur had been here instead?! I could have conned my way past him! “Fine! All right, John –
you got me!”

John cocked his head to one side, smiling innocently as he did. “I did?”

“You know you did you....Yes, I’m bringing flowers to the new resident and yes, I know she is a
woman because Arthur told me.”

“And the second Arthur did, you got interested, right?”

“Of course I did. How many times...? John...” His voice was halfway between pleading and
attempting to gain some understanding. “How many times...? Are you listening to me?”

“I’m listening.” Although he wished he was inside Tina’s office, which was the object of his
destination when he entered the hotel. He had seen Arthur outside, playing with a strange cat –
whom he learned was named Casey and that he belonged to the new chef – and had told the
younger man that he was on his way to see Tina, so he was surprised to find Kim tipping about
and calling ‘Arthur’ as if hoping his sibling would never appear.

“How many times have I met someone before Sid got his hands on her? And I don’t mean that in
the literal sense either.”

“I know what you mean.” Although John had not been present when it happened all those years
before, he knew that Sid had unsuccessfully attempted to seduce Tina upon her arrival at what
was then called the Crowe’s Nest, but found himself not only getting the cold-shoulder from her,
but nearly rammed through a wall by Bud!

“So here I am, getting a rare opportunity to meet a new female resident and introducing myself to
said female, and hoping that perhaps she might find me even the most vaguely interesting before
she is accosted by Sid or...or...or...starts swooning over the likes of Maximus...or Bud...or
Terry...or some son-of-a-bitch that hasn’t...even...shown up yet!” He didn’t even realize that he
was spitting out the names until John took a couple of steps backwards.

“So you thought you’d harass her first?”

“Harass? No!” he nearly squealed, then cleared his throat to regain his composure. “No John of
course...John! I may be a lot of things but I am not that much like Sid.”

“Look...Kim...I don’t really care how much like Sid you are.”

“Well, I do. I hear the jokes. I’m not stupid, and I don’t appreciate being called ‘Sid Light’ as if
that’s a compliment. He’s not as evil as Sid, but give him time.”

“I...Kim...just...Look...The last thing I want is for you to go in there interrupting Tina and her
guest so you can make some kind of impression on a woman who probably doesn’t know you
from Adam.”

“See?! That’s why I want to introduce myself before someone gives her some exaggerated
opinion of me...”

“Or she sees your movie.”

“Right!” Shit...didn’t mean to agree with him on that one. “I mean...”

“Kim...” John raised his hand, indicating the conversation was nearly at an end. “I don’t care.
Just wait until the new chef gets settled in, all right?”

“Are you not getting it through your skull, John? I need to meet her before Sid does and...”

“I don’t really give a rat’s ass what you’re trying to beat Sid at.” John kept his voice low, not
wanting the sounds to penetrate the office door’s thick wood. For one, he hated disturbing Tina
and bringing her into a situation like this; for another, he did not want Kim accosting the new
arrival so soon that she went running back to Indiana. He realized it was inevitable that she meet
all of the Point’s citizens, but as Maximus might intone Not yet....Not yet. “Good
freaking....Leave the woman alone! Got it?” He saw Kim’s blue-green eyeballs roll into his head.
“Got it, Kim?”

“Yes John, I get it. God forbid that once...just once...I get the chance at someone like you or my
other darling siblings. Even that fucking Egan has NormaJean! But that’s all right. I’m fine.
I’ll...I’ll just slip back under my little rock and you all can pretend I don’t exist...as usual!”

“Trust me...we know you exist.”

“Ha ha.” Had he been less of a man, he considered, he would have stuck out his tongue, but
instead, he stood as stiff as a ramrod, clicked his heels together and in one fluid movement gave
the Nazi salute. “Sieg heil mein Sheriff Führer!” and before John could say another word, turned
and goose-stepped out of the lobby, taking a second to fling the bouquet onto a tabletop as he
left.

“Stupid bastard,” Biebe muttered, shaking his head. He picked up the flowers, saw that little
damage had been done and looking about, noticed an empty vase in one corner. He was placing
the bouquet in it when Arthur returned, Casey’s carrier in his arms.

“And I’ll see if we can find some tuna for...” Arthur was telling the cat when he saw his older
brother. “Oh John...I thought you’d be in there with Tina. Is she still with...?”

“I got interrupted,” was all he would say, but Arthur noticed the ‘cat that ate the canary’ smile.
“When you get a chance, can you add some water to this?”

“Of course, but why don’t you take them into Tina? You know how much she loves...”
“I...think she’d prefer them out here,” John added with a wink and before Arthur could inquire
further, the Alaskan walked over to the door to his wife’s office and gave it a gentle knock,
disappearing inside when he heard a voice say ‘Come in.’

“John!” Tina exclaimed on seeing her husband’s face.

“Am I too late to take you out for lunch?”

Glimpsing the clock on her fireplace mantlepiece, she shook her head. “Nope...not at all. We
were thinking about taking a break anyway. John...I know you haven’t met her yet but this is
Adalia Rabinovich.”
“The new chef.” John was at her side in a few steps and he extended one hand so they might
shake. “Tina’s been telling me about you. Glad to meet you.”

“Well, it’s good to finally meet you too. Tina’s told me about you as well.”

“She has?” John raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”

Both women laughed. “John...stop!” Tina told him. “So...Adalia...how about it? You want to take
a break for a couple or three hours and then we’ll hookup again later this afternoon? Um...give
you a chance to check out your things and the condo...oh and Casey.”

“Casey! Oh God...I hope he’s all...”

“I just left him with Arthur and he’s fine,” John assured her. “Actually...I think he and Arthur are
becoming pretty good friends. Arthur was going to find him some tuna fish.”

“He’s going to get more spoiled than he already is,” Adalia exclaimed as she stood. “But you’re
right Tina. I think it would be a good idea for me to check and make sure everything’s intact and
all. And Arthur’s already told me that when I need help setting up my furniture, let him know
and he’ll round up some volunteers.”

Tina nodded. “That’s what he’s good at. I’m sure the movers did the best they could when they
put your things in there, but you want to make it your home. And let me know when you’re
ready. I’m going to throw you a housewarming party.”

“Oh Tina you don’t have to.”

“Too late,” John told her. “Tina’s already made up a planning notebook. Once she does that it’s a
done deal.”

Adalia looked back at her new employer, who simply shrugged and smiled. “He’s right you
know.”

“Okay....Okay that sounds...sounds great. It’ll give me a chance to meet everybody too.”
“Yep...” and momentarily she sensed John’s unspoken words There might be one or two she can
do without. “So...want to meet back here about...three-ish then.”

“I’ll be here....John – it was very nice meeting you...finally.”

“Nice meeting you too, Adalia and...welcome to the Point.”

“Thank you...and...thank you again, Tina. I mean it. Thanks for everything,” and with a slight
bounce in her step, she picked up her briefcase and hurried back into the main area. Both John
and Tina could hear her talking to Arthur and Casey, before the sheriff closed the door to give
him and his wife some privacy.

“Alone at last,” John teased as Tina sat back down and shuffled some papers.

“Yeah...and I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Leaving before breakfast. I just had so much...”

“Sunny...darlin’...” and he reached across the desk to take her hands, “I already knew you had a
load on your plate today. No problem. I wasn’t even sure if you’d be able to have lunch with
me.”

“I...was hoping we could,” she shyly replied. “And could we have it outdoors or over at the
Tavern or something. I don’t think I can eat another lunch here in my office. I’m getting stir
crazy.”

“Your wish is my command, Mrs. Biebe.”

“And what was all that about ‘There might be one or two she can do without’?”

“Oh that.”

“Yes that. What’s up?”

“Guess who I ran into when I got in the Hotel?”

“Who?”

“Kim.”

“Kim? I...Arthur told me he was lurking around earlier.”

“He was?”
Tina nodded as she started putting things away. Ordinarily she didn’t lock the drawers or file
cabinets, but considering Kim was about and Sid – once he heard of the new arrival – might start
prying as well, it was best she tried to block them as much as possible. “Arthur went out to
Adalia’s car to get Casey and Kim came into the driveway and started interrogating Arthur.”

“How did he do?”

“Arthur? He had Kim all in knots. Barely told him anything, so you know that drove him crazy. I
was really proud of Arthur. It’s about time he realized he doesn’t have to be all meek and mild
around Kim and Sid.”

“I would have loved to have seen that.”

Tina frowned. “But you said he was in the Hotel w hen you got here?”

“Out in the lobby...and getting ready to pay you a surprise visit.”

“What?!”

“He brought flowers.....Oh uh...I put them in a vase. I got them after he threw them away.”

Tina shook her head and rubbed her eyes. “Wait....Flowers? What flowers?”

“The flowers Kim was bringing to our new chef.”

“Okay...I think you’ve lost me.”

“Kim, darlin’, has developed an infatuation for a woman he hasn’t met yet.”

“You mean Adalia?!”

“He wanted to make sure I knew it wasn’t you.”

“Oh Lord.”

“Guess he figured I’d knock the crap out of him if I got confused and thought he was paying
attention to you. Of course I couldstill do that if you want me to, just on general principle.”

“No John that’s....Kim? And Adalia? I mean...why is he fascinated with Adalia? She just got
here.”

“I know.”

“And as far as I know, he never even saw her when she was here for the interviews.”

“I know. Just...chalk it up to Kim wanting to get a jump on Sid.”

“Sid’s not even here,” she reminded him, as he and Tonya were on holiday on his yacht and
would likely not return for another week or two. “Why’s Kim concerned...?”

“He told me that just once he would like to not get Sid’s leftovers...or something like that.”

“And why does he think that Sid is going to get Adalia anyway?” Before her husband could
reply – a wry smile on his lips – Tina threw up both hands and laughed. “Never mind. You took
care of it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but that doesn’t mean Kim has given up.”

“Great. That’s all I need to hear....Adalia does not deserve this, John – she doesn’t, and I don’t
intend on letting Kim make a total ass of himself just so he can prove some point to Sid...like Sid
will care anyway.”

Crossing his arms before him, John asked, “You...You don’t really care about Kim’s feelings, do
you?”

She snorted a reply. “Hardly. I know he’s been here a long time and he thinks...well...whatever
he thinks...but I’m not going to allow him to harass our new chef. I’m not going to. I won’t stand
for it.”

“That’s my girl.”

“Well Adalia deserves better than that. It’s not that I’m thinking she’s weak, but she’s under so
much pressure right now to prove herself and...and...it’s not just the new kitchen and the wine
cellars and all. She pulled up all her roots in Indiana to come to the Point. I’m not going to have
that ruined by...”

“Sunny?”

“Yeah?” Even before John brushed the back of his hand against her cheek, Tina could feel how
flustered she was; how scarlet her face had grown. Sighing, she returned the action by kissing his
fingers, then taking a gentle hold on his wrist. “I know....Don’t lose my temper with him,” came
the whispered answer.

“I don’t blame you, darlin’”

“Even if I do want to knock him for a loop.”

John couldn’t help chuckling. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” But now he grew more serious.
“Sometimes I wonder how you do it anyway. I know we can be a handful.”

“I used to wonder how Michelle...” But she paused.

“You used to wonder...what?”

Tina turned the chair away from the desk so that she could cross her legs, and the Alaskan could
see that this had more to do than future problems with Kim. She did not answer for a few
seconds, and then – after looking about as if afraid she might be overheard – she finally
confessed, “I used to wonder how she did it....Michelle I mean. How she kept it all
together...or...I’m sorry. I shouldn’t even be talking about this right...”

But John was squatting in front of her. “And if you don’t talk about it you’ll keep it bottled
up...the way I used to do. Well, the way I try not to do anyway.” His admission made her smile.
“Go ahead. What were you going to say?”

She shrugged. “Just...I don’t know. There were...” Her eyes drifted upwards towards the ceiling.
“There were just times when I thought That is so awesome what Chelle’s able to do....She...She
has such a gift and she’s helped to bring so many of us together and still....And I really used to
envy her that, John. I did. I used to think how wonderful it was that she had something that
unique about her...and I knew it wore on her – a lot...”

“Yeah...Colin used to tell me that when he felt like...well...when he felt like he needed to talk.”

“But I still couldn’t help wondering what I would do...I mean...if I would be able to be that
strong if I...and then...” Tina sighed, shaking her head. “Well, here we are...and now...now I
really wonder how she did it and still managed to keep it all together.”

“It’s nice knowing you’re not perfect,” John teased.

“Same here,” she joked, laughing lightly. “Look....Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.”
“Well, this isn’t the time for me to start...wondering...whatever. Guess I’m just trying to figure
out what the heck to do about Kim and then I start rambling and...” She laughed. “I think I ought
to warn Adalia again.”

“You didn’t tell her about him?”

“Just...something cursory, you know, until I can sit down again with her and go into more detail.
‘That was Kim Barrett and he was in The Efficiency Expert with Anthony Perk....Anthony
Hopkins. Did you hear me? I almost said Perkins.”

“Perkins might be more along Kim’s lines...or Sid’s,” John quipped.

“Oh stop it!”

“And don’t forget to remind her that Kim’s a total prick.”

“Well, not in so many words, no, but I guess I ought to....No, John...I don’t want to totally
prejudice her against him.”

“Oh....I thought that was why we were discussing this.”

“It’s just...I don’t want her to hate him. She ought to get to...well...get an impression about him
just from meeting him; not from you or me telling her things up front about him...although...she
may have already gotten that from me.”

“Did you call him Sid Lite?”

“Did I...? No...No....At least I didn’t do that.”

“So look darlin’. Let it go at that. You gave her a slight warning just so she’ll be on her toes
and...hey...you never know. Kim’s been here a long time and...”

“John! You’re not suggesting that...”

John put up both hands, indicating she should listen. “I’m only saying that Kim’s been here a
long time and he’s never had a single steady relationship – just one and two...or three
nighters...but he’s always complaining about feeling on the outside by not having someone
more...regular.”

“So whose fault is that? Yours? Because you found someone. Terry’s or Maximus’ or East’s
or...?”

“I’m only saying that you never know where this stuff might lead, Tina. I’m...I’m not thinking
about throwing the two of them together, but I figure...well...if Hando found someone and Sid
too, you just don’t know.”

“Oh God,” Tina groaned, her chin lowering to her chest. “I’m not throwing that poor girl to...”

“No, not throwing her. Just...I’m just saying that if it happens...”

“I’m not feeling that.” Her eyes raised so that she could see the puzzlement on the sheriff’s
features. “In my gut...John...I’m not feeling that. There is no connection with Kim – I don’t sense
that and I’m usually...I’m usually very good about...”

“Any chance you might be wrong?” He wondered if he had gone too far in questioning her that
way, so he was relieved when she hesitantly nodded.

“I...I don’t know. Maybe it’s more an ‘I hope there’s no connection’ than it is I’m certain of it.
Look...I’m just going to throw a bit of another warning her way and then...I swear...I will step
back and let destiny take its’ course....But if Kim tries to hurt her in any way, shape or form, I
will ring his neck and bury him where nobody will find the body. And you know I can do that.”

“Never doubted it for a minute,” John laughed, giving her a tender kiss on the mouth and happy
to feel her relax at the touch. “Now...back to what I came here for – taking my beautiful wife to
lunch. You still hungry?”

Tina eased her arms about his neck. “Famished.”

******************************************************************************

Part Four

“What did we miss?”

Steve looked up from his cards, only now noticing that his much younger brother Dominic –
accompanied by young Johnny – had approached the table at some point, he was uncertain when,
only that they were not there a few minutes ago. “Where did you two come from?”

“And can’t you see we’re in the middle of something important?” East muttered under his breath,
then loudly announced, “I’ll...take...three.”

“Two,” came Colin’s response to the dealer’s inquiry.

“We just got home a little while ago,” Johnny explained, then nudging Dom he whispered, “I
told you that we shouldn’t have bothered their game.”

“Well, we’re bothered now,” East told them, trying to prevent one corner of his mouth from
going into a grin. He loved teasing the younger ones.

“Anything we can help you with, mates?” That came from Terry, who was also dealing.

“And are either of you playing?” Alex asked. “We’re always happy to part you with your cash,
you know.”

Dom shook his head, but Johnny appeared quite eager. “Count me in – next hand,” and to show
his interest, he flipped one chair around before straddling it, sitting so that he faced the back of it.

“One,” Steve said, continuing the game.

“Where have youse two been?” Terry asked.

“We went walkabout, remember?” Dom told them, but most of the men at the table shook their
heads. “You didn’t even know we were gone? You see that, Johnny? They didn’t miss us at all.”
He was disappointed.

“Makes a bloke feel unwanted, don’t it?” Johnny admitted. “Just for that, I’m going to take you
guys for all you’re worth.”

Most of those at the table deeply chuckled, but Terry shushed them, hoping they realized that
simply because the other two were among the youngest of the Creator’s incarnations, they should
be respected. “I heard you were gone,” he told Johnny and Dom. “Did you have a good time?”

“Are we playing poker or what?” East demanded. “I’m in.”

“All right, all right – I won’t say another thing,” Johnny told them, but those words were barely
out of his mouth when he asked, “We did have a good time, thanks for asking, Terry...but Dom’s
right though – what did we miss?”

“Oh for the love of...” Steve started to say, nearly throwing down his cards in disgust, but
instead, decided to throw some chips towards the middle of the table while he chomped on a
cigar. “I’m in too if we’re still playing poker.”

Alex was shaking his head, having a little trouble concentrating on his cards with all the
interruptions. “What do you mean, Johnny: ‘what did we miss’? I’ll see your twenty...and
raise...you...ten.” His fellow players whistled in disbelief.

Johnny shrugged, intent on responding to the question. “Well, when we first walked in and were
going to head upstairs to stow our backpacks and gear and shower, Tina was finishing up some
announcement.” He strained a little to see what cards East held – he was sitting directly behind
the horseman – which earned him a quick stare-down from Driscoll on sensing that someone was
watching him.

Dominic nodded. “Then when we got back everything was over. We just wondered...”

“We were only wondering what had happened,” Johnny finished, “‘cause everyone had
disappeared...well...all but you blokes.”
“Figured – I’m in – figured we’d get a few hands of poker in while the Tavern was quiet,” Colin
explained.

“It’s midweek. Not a big crowd,” Terry said in clipped sentences.

“But Tina had something to say?” Johnny asked, his curiosity at a high.

Terry smiled, figuring that a quick response would bring all the questioning to an end so they
could return to poker...before either East or Steve got so disgusted that the game went bust. He
couldn’t have that, not when he was down $50.00 Australian and needed to at least break even so
Kaz wouldn’t kill him. “She wanted to introduce our new chef to everyone.”

Dom’s eyes lit up. “We finally got a new chef? Who is he?”

“Can we finish this hand for God’s sake?!” Steve demanded. “Or I’m going home!”

“Not with all my money you’re not,” East softly told him.

“I hope he knows how to fix something other than all that fancy stuff for the Hotel restaurants,”
Johnny said.

“I’m sure he does...oh and he’s a she anyway,” Terry replied.

“We have another female chef?” Johnny glanced over at Dominic, who was grinning from ear-
to-ear. “Thank you, God! I do love the ladies ‘round here. What’s she like?”

“Is she pretty?” That came from Dom.

“How old is she?”

“Is she married? Engaged? Connected already? Please tell me she’s not connected!”

Steve banged his head on the tabletop and pretended to whimper, a reaction that seemed to melt
all the ‘poker tension.’

Johnny looked perplexed. “Why’s Steve crying? He and Donna didn’t break up while we were
gone, did they?”

“He wants...to finish...the hand,” Colin explained, rolling his eyes and shuffling his own cards.
“We all do...before ANZAC Day anyway.”

“Oh...sorry,” Johnny apologized, then leaning over to Steve he whispered, “Glad it’s nothing
about you and Donna, mate.”

“ ‘s okay,” Steve replied, banging his head again for good measure. He knew he should have
stayed home.

“And we don’t know what she’s like ‘cause we’ve never really met her longer than a few
minutes,” Terry continued, “but yes, she’s pretty....She looks young and as far as I know, she’s
not married, engaged or connected to any of us ‘round the Point.” The two younger men gave
one another a high five.

“Thank you God!” Johnny repeated.

“What’s her name?” Dominic asked, moving closer to the table.

“Can we finish this hand...please?” East seemed to be on the verge of tears too.

Although eager for more information, Johnny and Dom nodded in unison and permitted their
brothers to complete the action in play. A few moments later, once Alex was dragging all the
winnings into his pile and saying something about ‘coming to papa,’ several stood to stretch their
legs and Terry found a moment to continue what he was saying.

“Her name is Adalia Rabinovich.”

The mouths on both boys dropped, astonished. They were already conjuring in their imaginations
what a woman with that name might be like.

“Adalia?” Dom started, and Johnny finished with “Rabinovich? What is she? Where’s she
from?”

“What is she?” Everyone turned at the sound of Kim’s voice, only now realizing that he had
returned to the Tavern. The last time he was seen, he had been lurking over in a corner of the
room, listening as Tina formally introduced the chef to everyone and then invited everyone to a
housewarming party in two nights’ time. “Only a couple of children would be asking questions
like that. You’d think she was the new schoolteacher or nanny instead of an incredibly beautiful,
exquisitely tasteful woman bringing more class to this...place.”

“Oooooooo,” the remaining brothers teased and Alex asked, “Kim...you don’t honestly think
you’re going to have a chance with her, do you?”

“My opportunities are as good as yours. Perhaps more. After all, I understand that she’s a friend
of Annabella’s and you know how women talk. She’s probably heard enough about you to...”
But he didn’t complete the sentence as Alex jumped to his feet, fists beginning to clinch. “See?
Like that....I simply want to give all of you a word of warning,” he declared in his clearest voice.
“Having seen Ms. Rabinovich first...”

“When did he meet her?” Johnny eagerly asked Terry, but the latter held up a finger to silence
him. They were all enjoying Kim’s performance too much to have it disturbed.

Kim continued: “...it is my intention not to be left behind this time to wallow in the wake of any
of the better known ones...or you little babies either, who think you’re cute enough to attract
attention. No! Not by Sid and certainly not by the likes of any of you. For once in my existence
in this suffocating little world, Kim Barrett is going to get what is due him.”

“Getting his arse whipped?” East mumbled, but the question was loud enough to be heard by
everyone.

“Ha ha, East. You’re a bloody comedian, did you know that? I’m just wanting all of you
unattached ones to know this in advance,” and he pointed his finger. “I intend to leave my
mark!” and on that note, he left the room and hurried up the staircase to his room.

Only when the door slammed did the others look at each other, but it was for Steve to say,
“Okay....Who rammed the stick up his ass?”

“Where does he get off telling me to step back?” Johnny demanded.

“And who’s a baby?” Dom shouted. “Why don’t I have as much a chance with her as Kim
does?”

“He’s just trying to get you boys rankled,” Steve told them in-between chewing on his cigar.
“And sounds like he’s done a fucking good job of it, too.”

“I just wonder where he comes off with talk like that....Dirty mongrel,” Johnny said, annoyed. It
was bad enough that he always felt as if he was nonexistent – many of the younger, lesser known
ones were that way – but to have a prick like Kim give him orders....

“I don’t know why anyone thinks they have a chance with her,” East commented, stretching his
arms over his head. “For all we know she’s gay.”

Johnny and Dom chose to ignore that and the older of the two said, “Now
Terry...Adalia....Adalia Rabinovich. That’s not American is it?”

“She’s American mate.”

Dom shook his head. “But her surname’s Russian right?”

Andy – who was trying to clean up the bar and had remained amazingly silent during all the
conversations – finally spoke up as he removed several mugs and plates off one now empty
table. “I heard her tell somebody that her first name was Spanish or Russian or something, and
her family’s Russian from way, way, way back.”

Johnny smiled. He was already beginning to romanticize about her and he never even saw her in
the small crowd that gathered about her and Tina. “Russian. I wonder how far back. I
mean...back before or around the Great War...”

“Or think about it, Johnny,” Dom added. “Maybe her family came over during the Russian
Revolution. Maybe they were – you know – White Russians.” He imagined her ancestors as
aristocrats, fleeing the old empire and emigrating to America when their society collapsed
forever underneath the Bolshevik takeover. Such historic things would never have come into his
young mind had he and a few others not drooled over the beautiful Natasha Richardson in The
White Countess! Who the hell said that older women could not be the most alluring in the
world?!

Terry rubbed the back of his head. “I don’t know about that lads.” He didn’t know much about
her either, but one glimpse of her had made him smile. He might love Kaz with all his life, but
no red-blooded man could deny that the new chef wasn’t a damn attractive woman. “I
mean...White Russians? Sounds like something out of Dr. Zhivago.”

East, now resting his head in his arms, asked, “Is that another of those long chick flicks?”

“I think so,” Steve replied. “Never saw it though.”

“Tina said she can’t stand it – she much preferred The Bridge on the River Kwai.” Everyone
looked over at Andy after he spoke. He stared back as if surprised they would wonder where or
how he received that information. “I played movie Trivial Pursuitwith her once and Dr. Zhivago
was one of the answers. She said it made her want to ram her head in an oven.”
All of the men laughed.

“Never thought Tina would dislike a romance,” Steve joked.

“You guys want another round before I finish up? I don’t want to spend all night cleaning. And
I’d like to join in the next hand if I can. The next time you want something, you’ll have to get it
yourself.”

Everyone said that they would and Andy gathered up the old glasses, but the action did not stop
him from musing, “I was wondering...Did anybody else notice? I mean...she reminds me of
somebody.”

Terry looked puzzled. “Who? You mean the new chef?”

“She reminds me of somebody. Did anyone else notice that?”

“Somebody like who?” Dom queried. “Like a movie star or a singer or TV star or something?”

Andy shrugged and began to fill another mug with beer. “She just seemed...familiar...I don’t
know. Like I’ve seen her somewhere before.”

Yawning as he grinned, Steve opined, “J-Lo familiar? Madonna familiar?” He chuckled on

seeing Alex hold his nose at the last name mentioned. “Keira Knightly familiar?”

“What about the one that stripped for Clive Owen? You know – she played Luke and Leia’s
mom,” Johnny said.

Steve could not resist answering with “Luke and Leia’s mother did a striptease for Clive Owen?”
He knew better, but he loved watching young Ryan mouth ‘Fuck off’ in reply.

All this time though, Andy was shaking his head. “No, no, no. Not any of them.”

“Kate Winslet!”

It was Alex’s turn to grin when Colin said the Oscar nominee’s name. “Andy’s right. She looks
familiar, but it’s not Kate Winslet although...damn, she’s...I wouldn’t turn her out of my...”

“It’s Grace Kelly.”

The room grew quiet at Arthur’s pronouncement. The Welshman was simply passing through on
his way to his room, and had remained completely unnoticed until he heard the chatter about
Adalia’s resemblance.

When he first saw her – really saw her – the afternoon before, he kept thinking she seemed
familiar, but figured it was from seeing her at a distance during the job competition. Now, having
had a few hours to mull it over as Adalia Rabinovich’s face returned to his memory over and
over, it finally hit him, and the image of the actress turned real-life princess came to him. He
envisioned her in High Noon and High Society; Mogambo, To Catch a Thief and Rear Window
and each occurrence left him comparing her to Adalia, so that in the end, he knew where their
differences lay. She was not Princess Grace of Monaco. She was not Grace Kelly the movie star.
She was this seemingly sweet-natured, strong woman who loved college basketball, had a
passion for cooking and wine, and was willing to give up her life in Indiana for a new start at the
Point. On top of that, she possessed a classic beauty that was uncommon and regrettably ignored
in a world of anorexic runway models, and boring leading ladies with little talent and not quite
stunning appearances.

But now he was sharing that knowledge with his siblings, for having that little secret made him
feel as if he was somehow protecting Adalia. The talk – what little he heard – was driving him
crazy and before he realized it, he had blurted out the words without actually meaning to. It was
just too much! Some of those names were not even in the same category with someone like
Grace Kelly. It was insulting.

“Good God!” Alex exclaimed. “You’re right! Arthur’s right! It is Grace Kelly, isn’t it? I mean
think about it....She has those Grace Kelly features, doesn’t she?”

Johnny flopped back down on his chair. “Crikey! I always did love her. I don’t know a man who
didn’t.”

“Shit – Hitchcock sure did,” Steve told them and the group either leaned forward or moved
closer to listen. “He did. He had a hard-on for those cool blondes: Grace Kelly, Janet Leigh, Kim
Novak...Melanie Griffith’s mom...”

“Which one was Melanie Griffith’s mom?” Dominic asked.

“Tippi Hedron...Marnie...The Birds,” Steve explained, the comment earning him an

“awwwwwwwww” from some of his amazed brothers.

Terry smiled. “Anyone game for a Hitchcock film festival this weekend?”

“I just want to finish this poker game...if any of you are still interested,” they all heard East
mutter.

“Will Kaz let you have a Hitchcock film festival? Colin wondered.

“He can say we all got interested in Hitchcock for some reason or another,” Steve suggested.
“Maybe we were sitting around discussing why anybody in their right mind would do a remake
of Psycho when they didn’t have to.”

Johnny was shaking his head in disbelief. “I can’t imagine Alfred Hitchcock having a hard-on
over anybody.”
“Arthur? Want to join us for the next hand?” Alex asked. “There’s always another chair.”

“You mean we’re actually going to start another hand before the Creator releases a new movie?
Oh thanks mate!” Using a single hand, East happily accepted the beer Andy was offering him,
nearly downing it in one gulp.

“No I...” Arthur felt himself growing red, not from anger with himself – although he should have
felt the need – but that he had told his brothers something he never intended. I should have kept
walking....No one even knew I was here...but no...no...I had to open my big.... “I think I’ll just...”
He motioned upstairs. “It’s been a long day. I think I’ll get some hot chocolate and finish up the
last of my paperwork before I turn in.”

“You work too hard, Arthur,” Dominic sympathetically called over to him, noticing that his
sibling was still keeping a slight distance. “You always have. You need to relax more.”

“I do,” he smiled in return. “Thanks for worrying about me, Dom. I really...I really ought to turn
in though. I have a ‘arvo.”

“Night then mate,” Terry told him and the others bid farewell also.

Arthur briefly hesitated, almost reconsidering, but on recalling that he was going to help out
Adalia, he shook his head. “Night,” and before he said something else he might regret, he rushed
up the steps. If he was going to get volunteers for assisting with the chef’s moving, he would go
to them one-on-one...and he would make certain to contact only those currently ‘taken.’

That’s not a very Christian attitude, he thought as he placed his key in the lock to his apartment,
but I’ll ask forgiveness later.

He never noticed Kim peep his head out from his own room and give Arthur a quick glance.
There was nothing he had wanted particularly; he simply heard the footsteps and wanted to see
who was in the hall, hoping perhaps to find one of his brothers coming home with a new lady
friend. Had that been the case, he would have started some sort of annoyance, but no, it was just
Baskin. Boring as usual he joked to himself, quietly retreating behind his door.

Downstairs at and around the poker table, Dom leaned against one of the beams and stifled a
yawn as he watched his brothers take their seats and Terry started to deal. “Sorry...but Arthur
may have had the right idea. I’m beat.”

“You heading to bed? Nice to see a young man take stock in how much sleep he gets,” Steve
joked.

Ignoring him, Dom stepped behind Johnny and bent down to his right side. “You staying then?”

“Yep. Not sure how long though. I’ll catch you at breakkie in the morning.”

“Knowing you, you’ll still be here when I come down for breakkie!”
“Probably.”

“Where are you going in such a hurry, Dom?” Alex asked. “It’s still kind of early yet.”

“I know...but I was thinking that – in case she hasn’t found anybody yet – I might lend the new
chef a hand in her moving.” The comment caused all of them to stop what they were doing, but it
was Johnny and Alex that seemed the most interested, although they did their best at maintaining
some sort of ‘poker face.’ “I know the workers got all her things put in the place, but I figured
she might need a hand in moving stuff around. You know how ladies are. She’ll want a sofa
moved three or four times before she’s happy with where it is.”

“That’s a fact,” Terry chuckled.

Johnny took Dominic’s words into consideration...and realized he was disappointed he had not
thought of the idea first! “So you’re going to head over there in the morning then, Dom?”

“I thought so....I guess. Don’t you think she might need some help?”

Ryan gave a slight shrug. “Probably.” That was the way to do it – be nonchalant so no one would
realize how excited he was at the prospect.

The youngest gave Johnny a slap on the shoulders. “Great! See you at breakkie then. I’ll let
Arthur know.”

Johnny looked surprised. “Why are you telling Arthur?”

“Well, I’m sure he’s organizing everything...as usual. At least he can tell us where to go find her.
Night mates!”

“Anyone else lending a hand? With the chef’s moving I mean,” East asked after Dominic had
gone. “I’ll take...one,” he said, shuffling his cards.

“Hadn’t thought about it, but...I’ll see....You?” Alex asked, hoping the wince on seeing his hand
had not been apparent to the others.

“Maximus, Jack, Cort and I already had something planned. Mannie’s coming down from the
farm so we can’t put it off; not if he’s coming. You know how rare it is he gets down this way,
but this is important. Anyway, Tina wants our opinion about some new horses for the Point...and
possibly getting into some breeding.”

Terry’s head shot up. “Holy snappin’ arseholes! Are we doing the breeding or sending ours out?”

East smiled. “Maybe a little of both, mate. You know the plans she has for expanding life at the
Point...making us even more self-reliant and all. She’s talking Keeneland Horse Sales in
Kentucky come September....Oh...I call....She’s talking stud fees.” Terry whistled. “Anyway, if it
wasn’t for that, I’d see if Kath wanted to go help the new chef out, but I have a feeling she and
Savannah will probably be going whether I’m there or not.”

“Why do we keep calling the new chef the ‘new chef’ when she has a name? I’ll see your five
and raise you five.” Johnny enjoyed hearing her name – it had a way of falling over his tongue
with the ease of smooth whiskey on the throat. Hearing Adalia Rabinovich spoken aloud made
her seem more real.

“I just want to give her time to settle in before I get to know her too well,” East teased. “The way
we’ve been going here lately, she may not stay long.”

“We have been going through chefs like shit through a goose, ain’t we?”

“That’s a damn pretty picture, Steve,” Thorne snickered.

Johnny grunted, wanting them to return to the original subject. “Still...we ought to call her by her
name. It’s not that hard to say: Adalia Rabinovich. Wonder what it means?” Once more he
thought of Natasha Richardson and The White Countess.
Alex smiled. He could tell his younger brother seemed infatuated, and he had not even met the
new resident. “You speak Russian don’t you, Terry. Any ideas?”

“Hmm...well...I know it’s ‘son of’. So it’s ‘son of’ something or other. Rabinowitz is the same. I
think they both have the same etymology. Wish I could help you out but....Wait. I do know what
it means. I knew a Rabinowitz years ago when I was in the service. It’s ‘son of a rabbi.’”

Alex heard Johnny give a loud sigh. “What’s wrong?”

“Guess mine and Dom’s imaginations got the best of us. I have a feeling her family probably
weren’t Russian aristocracy, were they?” Images of the elegant Czarist court were now replaced
with Fiddler on the Roof.

Terry shook his head. “Probably not, mate. They probably came to America after some
pogrom...but...why don’t you ask her yourself when you meet her?”

Johnny’s face brightened. “I could, couldn’t I?”

Steve placed his cigar in an ashtray and analyzed his cards even more. “Hell of a way to start a
romance. ‘You’re beautiful, Adalia...and did your family escape Russia after the Cossacks were
turned loose?’”

“I wouldn’t put it to her that way, you arse!”

Everyone at the table laughed and the conversation finally returned to poker chips, flushes, aces
and the like – the ‘important matters,’ as Steve referred to it once the comments about ‘the new
chef’ were finally put aside. It did not mean that most of them ceased thinking about her, but at
least the discussions about Adalia Rabinovich, her position at the Point, the meaning of her name
and questions of her ancestry were no longer in the forefront.

But that was only after Johnny wondered how old she might be and whether she might enjoy the
company of two ‘boys’ like him and Dominic.

And Andy mentioned briefly speaking to her following Tina’s introduction, then heard himself
say that he hoped to find time to help her out and make her feel more at home.

And on being asked, Alex joked that he had sworn off dating cooks for the time being...but
considered to himself that he realized – on meeting her – that she was really quite charming and
sweet in her own way. She was not Annabella; he couldn’t have dealt had she been, but after his
longtime relationship with the Point’s first chef....Taking a long swig of his beer, he examined
his cards and decided that perhaps he ought to take a chance if he could: on both the hand and
with his life.

And Colin – Colin who was still wondering what life and his future held, decided that this was
still not his time. Not yet at any rate.

While upstairs in his apartment, Kim paced back and forth inside his walk-in closet, examined
his wardrobe with the greatest of care, and began to put together the outfit that would set him
apart from the rest.

And Arthur – in his flat – did what he did best: planned what he prayed would be a nice
housewarming gift to make her first days at Crowe’s Point more convenient.

New Start:
Part Seven

Adalia smoothed the hair back from her forehead as she glanced aside, smiling. Right now, it
appeared that more people had arrived in the last ten minutes than had been there the last time
she looked around the room.

“Well...I had a grandmother who once taught me how to make the best chicken soup from some
old Jewish recipe that she learned from her mother or grandmother. I figured I might put that on
the menu over at the Tavern – you know ‘chicken soup like your grandmother used to make...or
not.’ Something like that anyway.”

“I love that idea!” Donna told her, although Steve was rolling his eyes, earning himself a nudge
when he was caught in the act. “Annabella used to make an incredible chicken soup, but then,
well, all three of us have the same background, you know: Jewish grandmothers, chicken soup,
and matzo balls.”

“Yours doesn’t come with matzo balls, does it?” Steve asked.

Adalia glared, pretending to be offended. “You don’t care for matzo balls, Mr. Timko?”
“Not Donna’s anyway....Ow! That hurt woman!” he exclaimed, rubbing his left arm.

“It ought to...and there’s nothing wrong with my matzo balls!” She looked back at Adalia and
assured her, “There’s nothing wrong with my matzo balls.”

“You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Steven Timko – criticizing Donna’s matzo balls that
way.”

“You haven’t...” He suddenly took a couple of steps away from Donna’s side before he said,
“You haven’t tasted them, Ms. Rabinovich,” and before his girlfriend could give him another
pinch, he was chuckling and scurrying in the direction of the buffet table.

Adalia did not know if she should feel uncomfortable at what had just happened or not. She
thought the couple was playing, and yet again.... “Uh...is he...”

“Always like that? Sure...which is why I guess I fell in love with him,” Donna explained,
smiling. “Anyway...I haven’t had a good chicken soup in I don’t know when, and I know, I
know...the Tavern’s food is supposed to be a little more casual, but what’s more casual and more
homey than chicken soup...with or without the matzo balls, right? The crowd should love it.”

“I hope so....”

“Oh trust me, they will. I’ve been around this place long enough to know that...and Tina’s been
telling me that she loved your ideas for what you plan on doing to liven things up. She wouldn’t
have chosen you otherwise. Besides...the men around here will eat anything...as long as it’s food.
I mean...look at them, look at them,” and she nodded to where Steve now stood, filling his plate
with spoonful after spoonful of potato salad while Andy glared at him, the latter seeming to
count each one. “You’d think there wasn’t anymore in the kitchen...” She looked back at Adalia.
“There is more potato salad, isn’t there?”

“I hope so.”

“Thank the goddess.”

“I don’t think Tina wants a riot on her hands! She’s told me how the guys around here eat. But
remember...she planned this. Didn’t want me catering my own housewarming.”

“Well, Tina plans everything almost down to the last detail. Guess you’ve noticed right? That
girl and her notebooks. You’ve got to love her....Well, let me go grab a bite to eat before they
take it all. Men...what would we do without them, hmm? Talk to you later.”

“It was nice meeting you, Donna.”

“Same here...and trust me...you’re going to get sick of me before it’s over,” she joked, winking
as she walked away, leaving Adalia to sigh and give her living room another look.
As large and comfortable as her house had felt, even with the inclusion of her belongings, she
was beginning to feel cramped and nearly claustrophobic. She knew that not that many had been
invited – just the Point inhabitants and the Point regulars, some of whom made a special trip that
weekend to be there to meet her – but she had the suspicion that some of the single boys had
brought along their most current ‘friends,’ especially on overhearing one or two ask whether they
needed to find a last-minute gift.

And despite this being a ‘private’ party, she watched as John Biebe or Maximus, Bud White or
Cort, or Jack Aubrey or Jim Braddock politely escorted what would be considered ‘lurkers’ back
towards the Tavern, where the usual Saturday night festivities were in full swing. She figured
that some of the ‘guests’ simply saw another gathering and decided there would be even more
food and drink available; after a few minutes of grabbing a snack and some beer or alcohol, their
stay was at a quick end, and Adalia never saw them again. Considering that some were getting
on the loud side, she was thankful for any of the brothers – without being told – to run
interference and prevent the housewarming from deteriorating into a free-for-all.

“That’s the way people are around here,” Stephanie Giraudeau assured her at one point. “We all
try to look out for one another. I’m still the resident attorney, so if you ever need legal advice at
any time, look me up.”

“Thanks.”

“And I’m married to the resident doctor, which you’ve probably heard already, and if you don’t
mind me saying so, I still think he’s the best looking man here...and at least he’s unique. He
doesn’t look like all the others.”

“Funny – Tina told me you’d say that.”

“Did she?” Stephanie asked, feigning innocence. “Sneaky girl. I’m going to have to talk to her
about that. She really ought not to be going around warning you about people that way.”

Adalia felt comfortable around Stephanie, thinking that perhaps it was the idea that they – like
Tina – were from the same region, but she then realized she was having the same reaction about
nearly all that she met over the last couple of hours. Some elicited immediate reactions of
friendship.

Hando left her curious and cautious, and although there were assurances of his change of heart
and mind, she needed to personally know that this was true, not simply take the word of others.
He seemed friendly enough however, even upon noticing the menorah in that place of honor in
her living room, or his brief analysis of the mezuzah upon the front doorpost as he entered her
home. More than likely he noticed the Star of David she wore on a chain about her neck, but the
Hando of the movie was nothing like the Hando she saw in the flesh. Later, she overheard him
asking Terry as to what ‘the odd little mailbox’ was, and on learning, seemed curious as to why it
was so important and what was written upon the scroll he was told was inside. Adalia admitted to
herself that she was excited when the boy said, “Maybe I’ll ask her…maybe,” when his older
sibling told him that it would be simpler just to ask Adalia. So perhaps…one day….
But she had to be given time. Even Tina was sympathetic in that aspect. Jack Aubrey was close
to being as overwhelming in person as he was in his movie, and while the General was
everything she imagined him to be, Maximus Decimus Meridias was still a powerful enough
figure to take one’s breath away. It had been, so far, a most interesting housewarming.

But now, Adalia was speaking to a woman who was married to someone who bore a very
striking resemblance to not only Maximus’ enemy in Gladiator, but even more so, the cinematic
version of a certain famous Man in Black. Most importantly, it was obvious how much he loved
his wife...and how much she adored him.

“You should have met Steph’s ex-husband...although Tina can’t stand the sight of him,” yet
another Point regular told her.

Adalia’s head was beginning to spin, and deep in the recesses of her mind, she tried to recall the
name. Was it Lisa? No...that would be the woman doing the quick step right now with Lachlan
Curry. No, the person in front of her had the name of a Southern location: Atlanta? Florida?
Georgia? Virginia? Wait – Georgia! Marching Through Georgia: Hurrah, hurrah, we’ll sing the
jubilee. Hurrah, hurrah, the flag that makes us free. Dum dee dum dee dum dee dum…Atlanta to
the sea….Where on the sea? Oh! Savannah! Right – Savannah from Vancouver, the young
woman who seemed such a natural life of the party because she was incredibly vivacious.

“Tina can’t? You mean Tina Tina? I didn’t think Tina disliked anyone.”

“Oh Tina knew him from way back during her and Stephanie’s years in Kentucky. Jack Foley’s
from there too. That’s his name: Jack Foley. They all graduated the University of Kentucky,
maybe not the same year, but they all graduated from there. But right now, he works for the top
law firm in the state, and I’ve heard he definitely earns his keep. A lot of firms all across the U.S.
would love to get their hands on him.”

“That good, huh?”

“That’s what they tell me. Anyway, it’s not like Tina’s ever impolite to him. She’s hardly ever
impolite to anybody.”

“But this Jack Foley...?”

“Well...she's not rude to him either, but he brings out the worst in her. He's...well...you’ve never
met him. He accidentally got into the Point once when he was following behind Stephanie,
and...well ask Tina to tell you the story sometime. He nearly destroyed everything.”

“He nearly…What?”

“He almost single-handedly wiped out the Point.”

“Oh my…Oh my God.” She did not think such a thing was possible.
“It all worked out in the end, but it doesn't change how much he frustrates her." Savannah's voice
dropped slightly, as if afraid to be overheard. "She doesn't mince words. He's a cheat."

Adalia gasped.

"That's why she doesn't trust him. Tina said he hurt Steph when he was married to her, not just
once but two or three times, and then always came off with the 'I'll never do it again' with Steph
until she couldn't put up with it anymore!"

"No wonder Tina can't stand him."

"Of course none of us had even heard of Jack Foley before he stumbled in here, and occasionally
he sticks his nose into what’s going on with Steph, but things are all right I guess. I’ve met him;
not sure I like him all that much. He’s kind of slimy in that charming kind of way a lot of women
enjoy. I still think if Tina could rip out his heart with a rusty knife she’d do it in a heartbeat.”

“Understandable. I don't like cheats and liars either."

“Just don’t mention Fargo around her though.”

“Fargo? You mean, Fargo the city...or...Fargo the Coen Brothers movie?”

“The movie. Wasn’t it great? But you mention that and she’ll get off talking about him and wood
chipper fodder...”

“Ewwww...”

“And I honestly don’t think a former crime scene technician should be talking that way...if you
know what I mean,” and Savannah winked.

Adalia just smiled, watching as her new boss laughed along with several of the others before
turning away, lovingly easing her arm within one of her husband’s. It was difficult believing that
Tina Stewart-Biebe would be capable of.... A wood chipper? Good grief! “So does this Mr.
Foley look like one of the...?” and she nodded towards a small group in which Braddock, Max
Skinner and Johnny Ryan were standing.

“Oh Heavens no! He claims that people think he looks like what’s-his-name who used to be on
that...uh...you know...that doctor show....”

“House?”

“Oh no way – not House. And don’t you dare say Doogie Howser either – you had it on the tip of
your tongue, didn’t you?” and Adalia just laughed. “No...it’s that one that’s been on fore...E.R.
He says some people think he looks like that guy that used to be on E.R. You know. The Ocean
movies and Oh Brother Where....”
“Him?!” It suddenly hit her as she recalled reading something about it in one of the stories the
ladies had written, the ones that most people would consider fiction, and never have any idea
beyond that. “He thinks he looks like...?”

“I don’t think he does,” Savannah confessed. “I’ve never thought he did. I just figured that was
Jack Foley being an arrogant fat head, and Tina would say I was right. You should see some of
the men that come here and think they resemble Russell Crowe. You’d laugh your arse off, you
really would!”

“So you’ve been coming to the Point a long time then?”

“Oh wow...yeah, I guess I have. Had to stop and think about that for a minute....Yes I...I...uh...I
got here a few months before John and Tina’s wedding, but she and Michelle had been trying to
get me here for a while. I just kept...you know...hesitating I guess; wasn’t sure. I used to come
every now and then, but now...well now I suppose I’ve found my niche...finally. Chelle and Tina
would say finally anyway,” she grinned, but Adalia could see that the last words went quite deep
with her.

“I guess...I guess you must miss Michelle. Tina was telling me about her.”

“Well, I see her in Vancouver of course but yeah...I miss her being around here. You miss people
that have been part of a place for a long time, and then something calls them away.” She sighed,
glancing down as she swirled her Guinness about in the glass. “And of course that was when
Arthur and I were real close too. Have you met Arthur yet? Arthur Baskin?”

“Arthur? Oh yes, yes I did...the first day I was here. Well, the first day I came back after I got the
job. He was working over at the Hotel.”

“Isn’t he the sweetest? I don’t think there’s an evil bone in his whole body. And wait until you
hear him sing. It’s like listening to an angel.”

Adalia tried to think of a way of phrasing her next words without making it appear overly
meddlesome, but since Savannah had opened the door herself.... “So uh...you and Arthur...you
used to be...”

“Used to be is the operative term, yeah. We’re like brother and sister now. I did feel a
little...well...it was sort of awkward at first after we...and I didn’t come back for a while...but
then I realized...” She shrugged, taking another drink. “It’s funny...all the ones I’ve seen come
and go, and some of them do come back, but most of them, when they go...when something
else...I don’t know. I guess once I came back and knew it was about as permanent as it was going
to be...I just wondered...” But now she laughed and smiled brightly. “I’m rambling. Tina will tell
you...I ramble a lot. And I’m making your housewarming awfully depressing....So tell me; please
tell me. Don’t hold back. Did you like the candles I gave you? ”
“How did you know I love those fragrances?” And no...you aren’t depressing me Savannah. I’m
just thinking how sad it is to see friends you love go away from all this. From what little I’ve
seen so far, I can’t imagine why anyone would want to leave...and I don’t just mean the
fascination with the men either.

“A little Louisville Cardinal told me. I just hope a dozen weren’t too many.”

“Not the way I burn them. Thank you so much. I just loved them!”

“Well, I thought those would be nice, you know, for when you have a chance to relax at home. I
don’t think you could ever give me enough candles, and – hint, hint – when your stock gets low,
remember Scents, Swords and More. And there...that was my shameless plug of the evening.
How are you settling in?”

Adalia paused, feeling as if she had been momentarily taken aback. Savannah could manage to
squeeze a million subjects into a matter of seconds, and she was glad the girl was fascinating
enough that you couldn’t help but pay attention. “Oh I’m...I’m getting there, thanks for asking.
I’m just grateful Tina gave me some time off or I’d be running around like the proverbial
chicken with its’ head cut-off.”

Lisa shook her head. It was now her turn to talk to the new head chef, and she managed to catch
Adalia in the kitchen when the latter went to fetch more wine she wanted the crowd to try.
“Tina’s not a slave driver you know, and I’m glad you had time to feel your way around. It’s
so...disconcerting when you first get here....Come to think of it, I’ve been coming for years and I
still get thrown every single time....Here – let me give you a hand with that,” and she took two of
the bottles. “Ooooooo...this Aussie Chardonnay sounds good. Master-peace. Great name!
Anyway, what was I...? Oh...you won’t be the first one to get thrown off by this place. Between
you and me...” and momentarily, there was a sense that an old memory was tugging at her,
“some of us have been literally left in tears.”

“Are you kidding?” Adalia looked astounded. The only time she felt tearful during her
preliminary visits – while going through the interview phase – was that she might have
mismatched the 2003 Chateau Gravas Sauternes she decided to serve during one of the
competitions.

“Nope....Believe me, you’ll hear all the battle stories...all the Point Urban Legends, but if you
want it from the horse’s mouth, I think most of the gals around here are more than willing to
bend your ear. I guess we’re always hoping somebody might learn from our mistakes.”

“Adalia?!” one of the male voices called out to her, and she saw Bud White motioning to her, an
action that nearly took her breath away – partially because he had always been one of her
favorite characters, and partially because seeing him in person was simply overwhelming.

“Look,” he continued, the moment she was at his side, “I know I told you how much I hope grits
will stay on the menu.”
“Absolutely! There’s no way I’d remove that. I might be a Hoosier, but way too much of my
cooking is inspired by the Southern United States.”

“Great. Well, you can add this cheese on there too.”

“You like it then?” she beamed.

Darcy laughed. “Like it? He won’t let anybody else near it. They start towards it and he
practically growls.”

“Oh I do not.” He looked at Adalia as if hoping she did not believe Darcy’s words. “I do
not...Look Adalia honey...I’ll pay you myself to make sure you always have this cheese around.
Can you do that?”

“Sure I can, and seriously, I was hoping you all would like it. You’ll never guess where it comes
from.”

The ones nearest her guessed Britain, then France, while several thought Wisconsin or some
other ‘cheese state,’ and a few mentioned Italy.

“Nope....I am very, very proud to tell you that it comes from...Indiana,” a response which earned
her quite a few expressions of surprise...and an ‘I’ll be damned’ which she accepted as a
compliment! “That is a Banon Capriole Goat Cheese, and I know the French have something
similar, but I’m biased and don’t care. It’s one of the best cheeses I’ve ever had in my life.”

“You can say that again,” Bud confessed as he slathered a large amount on a plain cracker and
popped it into his mouth. “I didn’t even know it was goat cheese. I mean it doesn’t taste...”

“Goaty?” Darcy was grinning when she asked that.

Bud rolled his eyes. “Goaty? Give me a break. No...Look...goat cheese makes me think real
strong tasting or something, and this ain’t it. It’s like butter. Butter with...okay I give. What’s it
wrapped in? I was peeling off those leaves. What the hell was that?”

Adalia giggled. “Chestnut leaves....Chestnut leaves soaked in Kentucky bourbon.”

“Damn!”

“Now I see why you’re in love with it,” Darcy joked. “Bud’s been a fan of Kentucky bourbon
since Tina told him about it years ago, right?”

The cop simply nodded and returned to smoothing more of the dense, creamy cheese onto yet
another cracker, managing between bites to say, “Just tell me you won’t run out.”

“I’ll try not to,” the chef promised, turning to respond to someone else who wanted to know what
wine would go best with the cheese. “Um...well...I think a good sherry would work, depending
of course on whether you like sherry. I’ve got one right over here....It’s a Manzanilla...Hidalgo
La Gitana, but if Bud will let you near the cheese table, get a sample of the Banon, get some
olives...there are some toasted almonds right...right there, and see what you think. Let me
know...” and she started walking backwards and stepping away from them on noticing that Tina
was motioning to her. “Okay? Personally, I’m a big fan of Osborne Oloroso,” and she nearly ran
into Kim Barrett upon turning about.

“Oops,” and he took advantage of the situation to place his hands very casually on either side of
her arms, as if to steady her.

“Sorry – my fault. Wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“Not at all. Are you all right?”

“Yes, yes I’m fine, thanks.” Adalia felt her cheeks flush at his touch, and she discreetly moved
out from the grip, although she found it difficult to turn away from the twinkle in his eyes.

“And I think the Hidalgo La Gitana is a wonderful suggestion, although considering my

brother’s tastes, a good beer would be more to Bud’s liking.”

“Nothing wrong with a good beer, if you like beers.”

“Well, if I ever get a chance to try your Hoosier Banon,” and Kim gave her his biggest smile,
watching for any indication that she was affected by his action, “I was thinking I may
accompany it with Domecq La Ina.”

“A very good choice. Classic Spanish sherry, although...with that one...I might pair it with a
Muenster.”

“That would be agreeable as well, and considering you are the sommelier, I shall rely on your
expert opinion ....So...have you had the opportunity to open the Ducru Beaucaillou?”

“As a matter of fact...Tina and I were enjoying some of it earlier, and we asked a few other wine
fans to join us. It uh...It lived up to the hype I’m happy to say.”

“Wonderful! Sometimes you just don’t know, do you? You pay an exorbitant price for
something allegedly that exquisite and then get your heart broken. I was hoping it didn’t taste
like red wine vinegar.”

“A very expensive red wine vinegar? No...No it was fine. There’s probably still a bit left if
you’d...uh...if you’d like to try a glass of it before it’s gone.”

“I would very much like that.” Say it Kim – say it.

“And…” Adalia continued, “I have a recommendation for you, to thank you for the Ducru
Beaucaillou, but I’m afraid you may want to wait until after 2008 to drink it.”
“I’m all ears.”

“Chateau Pichon Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville.”

The French flowed off her lips with the greatest simplicity, and Kim smiled again in spite of
himself. “The Chateau Pichon-Baron. I know it well.”

“Not as pricey as the Ducru Beaucaillou, but I had a sampling of it during a tasting held by The
Wine Spectator, and uh...and it was surprisingly...surprising.”

“Sid mentioned how delightful it was. So you plan on stocking it in the Point cellars?”

“As many cases of the 2002 as I can get my hands on. I wasn’t overly impressed with the 2001,
but I think this one will go over very well. Well, it will with anybody that likes that sort of
Bordeaux.”

“Do you?”

“Do...I? Well...Yeah...Yeah it’s...it’s worth it and especially since it’s not all that expensive. The
tannins are silky; it doesn’t kick you in the behind but it’s still ambitious; and I love the tobacco
and currants and the cedar.” She found that if she continued discussing the wine, it was less
likely she would feel flabbergasted being in his company.

“Just promise that you will acquire a few bottles for both Sid and myself. We both have our own
little wine collections. Better yet...”

“Better yet, just get you a few bottles and make Sid pea green with envy?”

“You’re reading my mind.”

“No...I just figure that you’d love to play a bit of one-upmanship with him.”

“I was right – you are reading my mind.” Say it Kim – ask her. “Well, if I may be so bold, be it
this year or next year, or sometime after 2008...I hope you will give me the honor of arranging a
dinner around the opening of a bottle.”

“Sure Kim – I’d be happy to. I’ve planned dinners around a wine. You just want to show it off
more than you do the food, but of course they need to complement one...”

“Only if you promise to complement my table with your presence, Adalia Rabinovich.”

The remark caused her to drift back onto her heels as she looked aside, praying that her
expression was not obvious. “I...” and she paused, feeling incredibly stupid and awkward. “I...”
Kim nearly reached for her hand, but realizing that it might be taken as some act of aggression,
he held back, whispering instead, “At the least...think about it...all right? After all, you have a
year or two.”

“I...” Nothing would emerge. She had been doing fine until he made that bold proposal, leaving
her feeling quite small and delicate in his shadow. It’s not that I dislike you. It’s not that I think
you’re a monster...but you just don’t....Please God...I need to tell him something that won’t make
him think I hate him or.... “Kim I....” Her breath increased and the throbbing in her temples
intensified. He was so close right now, the eyes eager, welcoming, pulsing with fervor….

“Excuse me you two.”

This is the Lord’s doing. It is marvelous in our eyes. Perhaps the memory of the ancient Psalm
was over reactive, but it blessedly broke the spell that Barrett had seemed to cast. “Tina...hi!”
Adalia tried not to look too relieved.

“Look I’m sorry to interrupt, but...could I tear Adalia away for a moment?”

Kim sighed, hiding his disgust and smiling as a way of assuring the Keeper that this was fine.
“Of course. Thanks to you, Tina, our Adalia is a very popular lady. I don’t think she’s had more
than five minutes alone with anybody.” At least you’re discrete – your husband would have
escorted me out the door for simply looking at her. He now looked at the chef again.
“Just...remember what we discussed...please. And I’ll see you later.”

“Sure...Sure Kim, yeah. Maybe...Maybe later...okay?” and with a final glance over her shoulder,
Adalia walked away. “Oh my God,” she said when they were out of earshot.

“You all right?”

“Oh I’m fine...I’m fine. He wasn’t...He wasn’t harassing me or anything, but thanks for coming
along. It’s just exhausting feeling as if you’re on guard all the time.”

Tina raised an eyebrow. “What was he saying? I didn’t catch any of it except something about a
year or two.”

Adalia simply shook her head. “It was nothing...It was just...I was telling him about a Bordeaux I
thought he might enjoy, and he said something about having me create a dinner around the wine
itself...and then...”

“Then he invited you to dinner?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll give him one thing...” Tina said, smiling in spite of everything, “he’s a whole lot subtler
than Sid would have been.”
“Meaning he didn’t knock me in the head and kidnap me?”

Sid hasn’t kidnapped anybody in ages she thought, wondering if Adalia had read about their
resident cyber being’s little stunt with Laura. But instead of saying it out loud, Tina answered,
“Kim’s not...Kim’s never been like that thank God. He’s smarmy, that’s a fact...and arrogant
too...”

“But you’re going to tell me he has his moments?”

“No, not actually,” Tina laughed, offering the chef a glass of Chardonnay. “The only moments
he’s had have been on the nasty, mischievous side, and I think that was his way of making sure
we all still knew he was around.”

“How would you not know he’s around?” Adalia admitted, giggling slightly. “But yeah...I guess
it’s as hard being ‘Sid Lite’ as it is just trying to stand-out among...well...”

“The better known ones?”

“Exactly, and look...Tina...I’m sorry about that, I really am...”

“Sorry? Sorry about what?”

“If I came off rude to him ‘cause...”

“I doubt that Kim saw it that way.”

“Well maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, and I know I’m the newcomer here, but I just...I just don’t
like feeling as if I’m being put under pressure about anything, that’s all. I’ll be nice to him but...”

“Adalia...you are under no obligation to be nice to him or short with him. You do what you think
is necessary, okay? I just...I just never want you to feel uncomfortable. You ought to be able to
go anywhere you want in the Point, and not feel like you have to look over your shoulder in case
Kim’s around. That’s not right.”

Crossing her arms, allowing the rim of the glass to gently tap at her bosom, Adalia nodded,
watching as Kim appeared to be making the moves on a young redhead she had earlier seen with
Andy. Thankfully, before it could turn into a minor free-for-all between the two brothers, Jim
Braddock stepped in as peacemaker...and Kim simply chuckled, brushed imaginary lint from
Jim's shoulders, then Andy’s clothes, and finally sauntered away, whistling as he approached
another – and seemingly more agreeable – lady to be conquered. “Did you see that?”

“Yeah...I did,” Tina sighed. “That’s...typical.”

“I’ll bet.”

“You don’t...You’re not bothered by...”

“By what just...? Oh no! I’m not...No...Look...Tina...if I was attracted by Kim...I mean in that
way, I would have talked to him from the beginning, you know, shown him I was interested.
I’m...I’m not...not right now I mean. I don’t...And I swear, if I was talking to anybody but you,
Tina, they’d probably say I sound so confused I must like him and I’m probably jealous of that
over there.”

“‘The lady doth protest too much’ and all that?”

Adalia nodded, her face turning red.

“No...I’m not going to say that. I’ve had my share of embarrassing situations, times when I felt
like I could crawl under a rock and never come out because I was the brunt of somebody’s idea
of a joke.”

“You mean...since you’ve been at the Point?”

Tina slowly shook her head. “No...not here. Back home....Back in Louisville, and it really hurts
when you think someone or a group of ‘someones’ are your friends. You just know they’ve done
it because it makes them feel good to knock you down a notch because they secretly dislike you.
I’m a whole lot more sturdy than I used to be,” she added, her usual confidence quickly
returning. “And it’s always good to know that you have someone in your corner that wouldn’t
want you hurt for anything in the world.”

As if knowing he was being spoken of, John Biebe glanced from Jack Aubrey and Beej, and
smiling, winked at his wife before returning to his conversation.

“See what I mean?”

“You’re real lucky, Tina.” Now that’s the way a man ought to look at the woman he loves!

“Yeah, yeah I am.....Hey, are you all right?” Putting down her own wine glass, she gently
touched Adalia’s arm. “You look tired.”

“I’m just...Is it hot in here, or is it just me?”

“It’s a little warm, yes, but it’s not too bad. Not to me anyway.”

“Well, it must be me then. I’m burning up,” and she fanned herself with her free hand.

“I think it’s the excitement too. You’re meeting a bunch of new people and they’re wanting to
know everything about you, and you’re trying to remember names and fit in, and on top of that,
you’re seeing nearly all the brothers pretty much in one setting.”

“All the girls keep saying it’s a bit...overwhelming.”

“A bit? That’s an understatement, but they’re right, they’re right – it is, even when you’ve been
introduced to many of the Boys here and there over the last few days. It’s a lot to take in, and
you need to do it in steps, the smaller the better.”

“I guess.” Adalia rubbed at the spot between her eyes. “I’ve...I’ve felt a headache coming on
most of the evening, Tina....I’m sorry.”

“Why?”

“Because you planned all this – it’s my housewarming....Everybody has said you’ve been
planning it for days, and I feel like I’m being such a jerk ruining...”

“You are not ruining anything,” Tina declared. “Do you think I want you to pretend as if you’re
having a good time when you’re totally miserable? Look...um...everyone seems like they’re
settled in. They’ve got plenty of food. There’s enough liquor and wine and beer to keep them
happy. Why don’t you take a break, go outside and get some air?”

“But...” and Adalia found herself being carefully maneuvered away from the press of guests and
towards a set of French doors.

“But nothing. No one is going to care if you step outside for a few. Now go.”

“Tina...”

“Go.”

“All right, all right, I’m going. Lisa was wrong. You are a slave driver,” she joked.

Tina rolled her eyes and pointed outside. “Go...now.”

“I’m going, Boss, I’m going.”

******************************************************************************

The dark golden lashes fluttered then closed tight, accompanied by a relieved sigh as she settled
against the coolness of the wrought iron bench, her entire body figuratively melting into it when
she relaxed, her head easing backwards. It had taken a few minutes to find this spot deep inside
the vastness of the Hotel gardens, a short distance from her cottage, but considering the privacy,
considering she had not seen a single person in a while, the longer walk had been worth it.
However, just as she felt settled, her eyes opened again, this time looking skyward, and a smile
caught on her lips. The Big Dipper of John Nash’s world appeared to surmount the velvety blue-
black canvas...that was until she caught sight of the Southern Cross so familiar to the Australians
or Jack Aubrey, all of which left her wondering – for the millionth time – how such things were
possible, things that defied physics and nature.
“What a fascinating modern age we live in,” Adalia softly quoted, closing her eyes again and
releasing yet another sigh. In the background, barely audible, the cacophony of voices remained,
accompanied by occasional laughter intermingling with the compact disc now playing something
upbeat, truly American and recognizable. Take Five. Dave Brubaker. She caught herself
humming along as her left foot began to tap time. At the rate she was going, she would be
completely spoiled before she actually started her job! Right this moment she felt more a guest
than a new employee.

Tina had been right though. Finding some solace in the garden was exactly what she needed, an
escape from the overwhelming claustrophobia of the people pressing in on her, the imagined heat
of their bodies nearly pushing her to the edge of exhaustion. For a while, the evening had
become as bad as a kitchen preparing meals at the most popular restaurant in town on the Friday
night before the Kentucky Derby! Considering serving the public was her career – as well as a
passion – she welcomed snatches of time such as this.

Too bad it would not last.

So enjoy it. Vacation’s nearly over, so take this as it comes. That’s what Mom and Dad always
say. And I’m the one that decided to become a chef. If I’d wanted something less exciting, I
would have become a librarian or something.

Her mind started drifting again, and she cocked her head to one side, imagining herself in that
beautiful new kitchen with her staff at the ready, her favorite Wüsthof Classic Santoku knife
poised in one hand with the same grace as a conductor and his baton. The clanking of pans, the
shouts of orders, the sizzling and blending and grinding, the whipping and tinkling of wire
against copper…each sounded blended, lifted, softened and rose…her own symphony…

“Oh! Oh I...Excuse me.”

Adalia did not jump at the sound, but her eyes quickly opened and she grew alert on realizing she
was not alone. A tall figure was in front of her, hidden in shadows, and although the appearance
should have been quite ominous, she heard herself saying, "What? Oh."

"Hello," and immediately removing the Akubra from his head, he ran a hand through his hair.

"Hello," she repeated, propping herself up with both hands.

"Sorry – thought I was alone. Didn’t know anyone was about."

A-boot. The accent was immediately recognizable and unmistakably Australian, but the voice....

"Uh...no...no...you’re...you’re fine," she responded lightly, shifting and running a hand over her
face in order to become more cognizant. "Really...honest...you are....I...uh...I thought I was alone
too."
"I was...Well, I suppose you were until..." The next idea amused him, and chuckling he added,
"Well...until I stumbled my way in here." The words caused Adalia to smile. "At any rate...g’day
to you."

"G’day." Adalia returned the greeting, hoping that any hint of a faux Australian accent did not
emerge, but she felt more comfortable each time she said the phrase. The voice again – soft-
spoken, well-educated when one listened carefully to the inflections, and most certainly one of
the brothers.

"And you must have had the same thing in mind that I did...getting away from the crowd, I mean.
It was starting to get a bit much in there. Good party and all, can’t deny that..."

"No. Tina was sweet to throw it for me."

"That’s a fact...She’s good at that sort of thing. But when you get that many of us together, well
sometimes…sometimes it gets to be a bit much. Every time we have one of these
housewarmings, everybody wants to get close to the newcomer like they were the Queen herself!
Then they jostle the new person around...want to make sure we all meet them...and it doesn’t
help when they’re someone like...well...like our new chef and all. Like you."

Somehow, even in the darkness, she caught sight of his broad smile as she replied, "Yeah."

“Everybody has to meet you. It’s a requirement.”

Adalia smiled again. “Yeah.”

"So you’re Adalia Rabinovich." He didn’t ask it; he spoke it as if assured of the answer.

"That’s right. The new chef that everyone wants to meet....And..." She shifted her line of sight,
hoping to get a better look at his features, but he seemed to be purposefully standing now so that
he remained in darkness. "And I’m sorry. Have we met? You...you are..."

He chuckled again, although the sound this time was nearly poignant. "Someone you wouldn’t
know, even if I told you my name."

"You might be surprised." Why would he say that about himself?

"I would definitely be surprised, Miss Rabinovich. More than you could know."

"Miss Rabinovich....You don’t have to call me that, you know. I’m Adalia to everyone."

"Adalia then."

He seemed about to say something more, but instead, appeared to purposefully walk several feet
away, the shadows engulfing him more until Adalia speculated as to why he was being so
secretive. She searched her memory, trying to recall if any of the brothers had some physical
abnormality that would keep them hidden away from possible embarrassment. Once, a long time
ago, she recalled that there had been a movie proposal in which the Creator would have played
the role of deformed acrobat or trapeze artist, but the project died for one reason or another, so as
far as she knew, ‘tentative characters’ did not populate the Point. So that left the ones currently
in residence...and now she wondered...

Wondered what? Oh! I know what I’m thinking. He’s like the Phantom of the Opera; doesn’t
want me to know; wants to stay mysterious. Okay...I’m game. You just have me wondering...

"It’s been a long time since I've been out here."

The words caught Adalia’s attention. "I’m sorry?"

"It’s been a long time since I came out here,” he repeated. “A long time....We...Well, most of us
anyway...Some of us...we leave the gardens for the guests staying at the Hotel. Makes sense I
suppose – they were created with them in mind. Like this..." and he indicated – with long fingers
– the deep-pink petals of one rose that was catching the smallest amount of moonlight. "It
came...I guess it was about seven years ago, maybe six. A young woman came here for Bud and
this showed up ahead of her."

Adalia sat forward. "Really? Is she...?" She wondered if he meant Darcy.

"No...she's not here anymore. She came back quite a lot, and then one day she just...stopped. I
think Tina and some of the others tried to contact her, but we never heard from her again." He
shrugged. "As I said, it was a long time ago. Feels like it anyway. Lots of water under the old
proverbial bridge. They come...and they go....Not all of them of course, but sometimes...it’s very
fleeting I suppose; like a dream, like...as if you’re trying to catch gossamer and it slips
away...just...like..." and the fingers made a motion, as if he was causing something to disappear,
"that. You don’t even see it coming many times and..." She saw his shoulders relax as he
exhaled, and she realized how important this subject obviously was with many of the residents.
After all, she and Savannah had only just discussed it.

"I'm sorry. I was starting to ramble, wasn't I?"

"Were you?" She found herself paying close attention, hanging on all his words, fascinated by
what he had to say.

"All that about fragility and gossamer..."

"Oh. Well...no, I...no, I didn't think you were rambling. I thought it was...I don't know. Poetic?"
Poetic. Like Lachlan? No...I don't think this is Lachlan. He was inside with Lisa and he....

"Was it?" She detected surprise in his question. "Ah...all right then. Sometimes I think I'm only
making sense to myself."
"I know the feeling," she empathized; pausing as the man was heard catching his breath, as
though about to respond.

Instead, clearing his throat, he said, “But all that over there...” and he nodded in the opposite
direction, “...it came right before Tina did. John will tell you he remembers when it appeared,
even if he wasn't expecting her then. That's the English gardens."

“The English...Oh my...Wisteria,” Adalia whispered, and standing, she found herself drawn to
the blossoms, only now recognizing how stunning they were, one bower resplendent in white,
while another was crowned in sprays of purple. “I didn’t even know these were out here. I love
wisteria."

"Do you?"

"My mother's grown it in her garden since before I was born. I used to love hiding in the arbors
so I could read, and the wisteria..." She reached up, permitting her fingertips to caress the
softness, surprised when none of the petals fluttered away. "The wisteria was always so...I just
always had good memories of it...as if it was...I don't know....Protecting me? Sounds silly..."

"No." His answer was reassuring.

"That's good of you to say."

"We all need hiding places...well...secret places. You were a child then, but believe me, I think
sometimes that after you're an adult, you need a place even more."

"Then I'd better find a good location before it's taken," she joked, and she heard him chuckle.
"Anyway I digress...I loved it, the wisteria. That and lavender. We had so much lavender..."

“Lavender pretty much grows everywhere at the Point. Tina, Kath and Savannah's store use a lot
of it in their...uh...is it aromatherapy?"

"Aromatherapy, yes."

"That's it. Well, you'll be glad to hear that lavender grows everywhere around these parts. You’ll
see it eventually – can’t miss it."

"I've seen a bit of it, the Point I should say, but not as much as I'd like."

"I suppose not, not when you're packing and unpacking and settling in. That's coming along I
suppose?"

"Settling in? Oh yes, yes it is, thank you for asking."

"The carriage house looks bonzer really. You've managed to get a good deal done in such a short
time."
"Nice of you to notice. Sometimes it's hard to be sure."

"Well, Tina set you up with a good location. You have some privacy even being here close to the
Hotel, but you feel more like you have your own home, and not a flat. Makes it more..."

"Intimate?"

"Intimate, that's it....And you're convenient to your kitchens."

"I like that." He didn't immediately reply, so she went on. "What you just said."

"About the convenience?"

"No...about them being my kitchens."

"You're the new chef, Miss...Adalia. Of course they're yours."

I know one thing...he knows the right thing to say...but most of all he means it. It's not an act to
flatter me. He seriously means it. This was why Adalia was becoming more confused as to the
identity of her companion. He seemed too mature to be Johnny or Dominic; there was something
that made her know this was not Arthur either.

Oh my...This can't be Kim. I mean think about it -- for real? Kim? Kim?! I just saw him inside,
and okay...he was more mellow than he has been...More...what? Discrete? I didn't feel like he
was being as slimy, but I don't remember....

She could not recall Kim following her, but she was not for certain. Most importantly, there was
the momentary sense that not only was this man a fascinating enigma; he was actually making
her wish this conversation could last a little longer.

"When does Tina expect you to start work?"

Adalia shook her head, realizing that she had been drifting in thought, trying to sort out the
identity of the man before her. "I'm sorry. What was that again?"

"When will your holiday be over?"

"My holiday," she giggled. "I guess it is sort of that, isn't it? Well, the bulk of my unpacking is
done. I've had some time to relax. I told Tina I'd be ready to start next Thursday."

"In time for the weekend." There was whimsy in his words.

"Yeah...isn't my timing just perfect?" They both laughed, and she listened again to the sound,
pondering once more if this was Kim. "No seriously, I'm ready for work. I'm not a workaholic by
any means and I’m in a high pressure job, but I know how to relax..."
"Glad to hear it....Doesn't do anybody good to stay stressed all the time."

"Exactly."

"But when you have a job...a career you love..."

"Yes..." she agreed before he had finished.

"You don't mind going back."

"I never have, but I'm fortunate. I did find something I loved."

"So did I."

He's a what? What did Tina tell me? A salesman? An efficiency expert? Deals in improvements?
Why do I keep waiting for him to throw me a sales pitch when I'm not looking!? What am I
saying? He's been throwing me a sales pitch since the second we met!

"You mentioned that you did see some of the Point?"

"Oh yeah, yeah I have. Tina's shown me around..."

"She's a good guide all right."

"Oh most definitely. You can tell how much she loves this place."

"Well, she's found a lot to love here. I suppose that's something she wants to try to share with
everyone."

"Understandably. Seriously, if I hadn't gotten the job...I honestly wondered if I wouldn't mind
living here anyway."

"Hmm." Her admittance seemed to make him more interested, evident again from his stance.
"You would have relocated here, perhaps?"

"Well, at least thought about making this my 'weekend' home, whenever I had a weekend off.
Chefs don't ordinarily work a typical 9 to 5, Monday through Friday schedule."

"True. But back to what you were saying. It wouldn't be the first time someone came here part-
time and stayed. Many of the ladies started that way...visiting on weekends and during their
vacations...and then a few decided to make it more permanent. Not all of them of course; it's
difficult making that sort of commitment."
"I guess." She sighed, wondering why this stranger made her so comfortable. "It was hard
enough for me, and I'm only changing jobs. I can't imagine the ones that gave up...well...old
lives...you know...what they've always known for...well...for..."

"Something that might be or might not be real?"

"So I'm not..."

"You're not the first one to think all of this, no...." He moved again, Adalia hoping this would
reveal more of his face, but it had not helped. "So when Tina's been occupied...?"

"Oh...well...someone else has always been good enough to give me a mini-tour. I haven't been
neglected."

"Good."

"Lachlan's promised to take me up one day and show me the view from the air. He claims there's
nothing else like it."

"That is a definite must-do, and if you ride, get out and see the Point that way. It's a slower pace,
of course, but you'll get a very different view of life ‘round here."

"I hadn't even...That's a great idea."

"So you ride?" he inquired.

"Yes, yes I do. Since I was a kid. I don't get to do it as much as I used to of course, but...Lord...I
have missed it."

"I'm sure they can hook you up with a good mount, depending on what you need."

"Fantastic," she said enthusiastically, wondering how soon she could do so.

"Talk to Maximus -- of course; Cort rides...and East. So does Jack."

"I remember that from the novels."

"There's also Egan, don’t forget him, but we so rarely see him and NormaJean. He's a beaut of a
rider though, maybe the best we have 'round here...when he's around of course."

"Well, that's something else to take into account....Uh...do you...ride?"

"Sometimes."
So much for getting a clue from that response. "Anyway...I nearly forgot Captain...well, Jack
Aubrey. He's given me permission to come down to the Surprise when I have time, and he'll give
me a personal tour."

"He's impressed with you then. He only gives special invitations when he likes you."

"Well, I think everybody's been quite nice; very helpful. But as far as me seeing a whole lot of
the Point, no, not yet..." Now he'll offer to show me around, take me to dinner, spend an evening
at the Tavern...and God knows where he thinks that might lead if I give him an opportunity. He’ll
want me to organize that dinner around the bottle of wine now instead of one or two years from
now….

"Did Tina show you the kitchen gardens too?"

"The kitchen...? Oh! Oh right, yes she did. The ones out behind the main kitchens, right?"

"That's it. Annabella helped with that."

"Annabella did?"

"She was always telling us how proud she was of her kitchen herbs; made it so much nicer to
have them right at hand when she needed them, instead of having to go to a market."

"Oh that's right! Tina was telling me...I'm sorry...I've got so much to remember right now. I
honestly think that if my head wasn't attached..."

"Don't apologize. I know the feeling," he mused. All this time he had remained the best of
listeners. Although she could still not fully see his features, there was something in his stance:
his hands and hat behind a straight back, the manner in which he stood, aware of his
surroundings but concentrating on her. Amazing how she could tell so much from the simple
movements of his body. "You have so much to learn, and you're afraid of …."

“Screwing up?”

“Something along those lines,” he agreed.

"How did you guess?" she laughingly asked.

"It wasn't difficult. You're not the first one to come here and wonder...Well...wonder..."

Wonder if they had screwed up in the biggest way possible. But what emerged was "I'm glad
someone understands my confusion. So...tell me..." Adalia stammered, trying to figure the best
way to ask again what made her the most curious. "You've been so nice...listening to me and all,
keeping me company when you wanted to be alone yourself...and you know...well...I wonder....I
wonder if I might..." I wonder if I might know your name….
“We have magnolias too,” and she followed the line of his finger so that she would notice the
large creamy blooms suspended in the trees above them, forcing their way from the dark emerald
leaves enveloping them.

And he managed to skirt that question, didn't he? Adalia nearly laughed out loud.

"This is so...It really makes me feel at home. I know that Indiana isn’t a part of the South, not
like Kentucky, but Kentucky considers itself the gateway to the South. I’m right across the river
from Louisville and...well...they always call southern Indiana the ‘sunny side of Louisville.’”

“’The sunny side of Louisville,’” he repeated. “That’s bonzer.”

“Plus that…my mom is a Kentuckian by birth, so magnolias...wisteria...”

“It’s as though all this was created for you,” he commented in all sincerity.

“Even if they have been here for years. Just nice knowing they are here....I'm glad...I mean...at
least I'll have a place to come when I need some peace..." Isn't that right...Kim? For if it was
Kim, then nothing was as it had been; this man -- Her Stranger as she now chose to call him --
made her feel more welcome than she believed possible.

"You'll have the whole of the Point for that. Well, once you finally see more of it.”

Bending her head slightly to one side and casually crossing her arms, she heard herself say,
“Sounds like you might be the right man for that sort of job” before she could stop.
“Oh...I’m...I’m sorry.”

“Why?” He did not sound the least upset by her comment.

“It’s just...I didn’t...I don’t want you to take that the wrong way.”

“That you think I’m the right man for the job?”

“It sounded so...well...not like me. That was rather audacious and brazen of me.”

“Really?” He sounded almost amused.

Adalia knew she was blushing – the heat was burning its’ way through her cheeks. “It’s only
that...well...that could have come off sounding as if it had a number of...It’s...I guess I thought it
could be really...well...misunderstood.”

“I don’t...”

“I’m sure you must hear that all the time, and they don’t necessarily mean you giving them a tour
of the Point either.”
“Oh....Well...”

“I’m sorry if that...”

“No...don’t apologize. I was simply thinking that...I don’t think anyone has ever said...Well,
when it came to my job, yes, I’m certain someone did, but...I don’t think...I can’t recall that a
lady visiting here has ever...”

“Here you are!”

Both Adalia and the stranger turned at the sound, only then realizing that they were no longer
alone.

“Tina!” Adalia exclaimed, stepping a few feet away from the man who had kept her company
these last few minutes.

“I was wondering where you disappeared to. I know, I know...I told you to come out and get
some air, but then someone asked where you were and I realized you’d been out here for almost
a half-hour.”

“I have? Sorry, I…It didn’t feel like it had been that long.”

“You okay?”

“Yes...” and the Hoosier glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting that her unknown companion
had vanished and was actually a figment of her exhaustion. But upon seeing that he was still in
the same spot, she smiled, exhaling, overjoyed that their minutes together had been an actuality.
“Yes...I’m...Sorry Tina....I...I lost track of the time. Is everything all right?”

“Sure, everything’s fine, but everyone’s missing you.”

“Oh!” and once more she looked back at the stranger. “Guess it’s nice to be missed, hmm?”

“And don’t think it’s only because you’re our new chef. Or that Bud is wondering where you hid
the rest of the Banon Capriole! I told him I arranged the catering, but he insists you're holding
out on him.”

Adalia laughed. “Oh good grief! Okay...I’ll be there in a second.”

“Great!" But now the stranger fully caught Tina's attention, and she squinted as though
attempting to make him out. Only then did she grin broadly, exclaiming, "Jack?! Jack is that
you? I thought you’d gone already.”

Jack? Adalia fully turned to gaze at the shadowed figure.

“I had started to, but then I ran into Miss Rabino...Adalia...and we started to talk
about...about...We started to talk.”

“Oh? Oh that’s great. Hey, why don’t you come back inside? I know you said you were heading
home, but you can change your mind,” Tina told him.

“I’ll...No...I think I’m still going to call it a night, Tina, but thank you. Tell John I said good
evening again.”

“I will.” Momentarily Tina looked from Adalia to the still hidden figure, wondering what she
might have interrupted and nearly allowing curiosity to get the best of her, but instead she said,
“Well...uh...see you inside.”

“I’ll be there in a bit. Tell Bud to hold on.”

“I will. Um…Night Jack.”

“Good night, Tina.”

Swallowing hard, Adalia felt her throat tighten as she once more gave the stranger her attention.

Well, no longer a stranger and she thought it impossible, no, incredible and downright
ungentlemanly that a man she respected was playing some type of game with her...especially
when she knew he was attached to another. That fact angered her, but in addition he had been
manipulative in a way she did not believe possible of him, not from the books and definitely not
from the movie. It was not that she was seeking a romance, but she felt as though the little time
spent in his company had been an awful cheat.

“Jack?” she finally managed, the surprise obvious in her voice, and knowing that her face was
burning with embarrassment.

“Jack,” and he finally moved. “I should have told you in the beginning.”

“Yes...I think you should have.” Adalia hoped that her voice did not sound hurt.

“It’s only…I’m just not the Jack you think it is.”

“Oh really?!” She thought that a touch of sarcasm was just what was required to let him know
she didn’t appreciate his joke. "So just who exactly are you then...Jack?! That other Captain
Jack, the one that wears more mascara than I do? Oh I know – you’re Jack Bauer, and you just
happened to drop in here by accident while looking for Jihadists!"

“Let me…”

“Oh no…let me! I haven’t had a chance to tell you how much I love your show!”
“Let me…” he stressed, attempting to work in his words before Adalia interrupted again. “I
must…introduce myself, as I should have. I’m Jack.”

“I know you’re Jack!” she said impatiently, glaring until he moved completely into the light.

And she blinked, thinking her eyes were playing tricks. She had expected to see blonde hair
pulled into the Nelson era queue, but that was oddly missing, as was the imposing, larger than
life form. Instead, she found herself face-to-face with a dark haired man with short hair, his
cheekbones slightly high, the features highlighted by a boyish youthfulness, and yet filled with a
self-confidence and maturity that neither Johnny nor Dominic possessed. Startled, she stepped
backwards, nearly tripping over her own feet, realizing how mistaken she had been.

“Lieutenant Jack Corbett. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rabinovich.”

Oh my... “I’m sorry. Jack? Corbett?”

He smiled sadly. “I told you so."

“I...Jack? Corbett?” she asked again, realizing how ridiculous she was beginning to sound.

“Or as Johnny might say ‘an oldie but goody’.”

Adalia opened her mouth again to speak, and then closed it on knowing that nothing was ready to
be heard, and had she spoken, it would have been a repeat of ‘Jack? Corbett?’ which was
becoming incredibly redundant. Yes, it was very obvious he was one of the brothers. She knew
that the moment she heard him speak, but the face was completely unknown to her, and she
seriously knew that had he remained hidden, she would have known as much about him as she
did this second. “An...An oldie but...” She shook her head, her confusion obvious.

“I’ve been here almost from the beginning....Blood Oath? Or, you might know it by Prisoners of
the Sun?" On seeing her continued puzzlement, Corbett merely smiled. “You’re not the first
one.”

“I'm not the first? As in...”

“You’re not the first one that has never heard of it, by either title. I did mention that you
probably wouldn’t know me, even if I said my name.”

“Well I....Well...I...I...” she sheepishly said. “Oh Lord…I’m so sorry.”

He appeared to have expected such an answer. “Why would you be sorry? It’s not your fault.”

“But I feel awful. I thought...It’s...It’s just..."

"You thought I was Brother Jack, didn't you?"

"I thought you were...Yes, yes I did...and that's what made it so..." She smiled. "I hope you
understand what a dilemma..."

"Oh I understand, and I'm sorry myself...for confusing you."

Adalia shook her head. "It's all right."

"Well, it was a ridiculous ruse on my part. I wasn't trying to deceive you or play games. I
suppose -- in my own self-doubt -- I hoped a bit of mystery was in order. I get stares enough,
only because so few people recognize me, except as one of the brothers."

"That's such a....Sorry, I'm doing it again. I just hate hearing..."

"That I’m not well known?” He shrugged. “And this has given you a very bad impression of me
for a first meeting. I must appear very self-pitying."

"No..." Adalia confessed, "it's...it…No…I…Now that I know you’re not Jack Aubrey, I…No…I
don’t have a bad impression."

"No? Then we can start over again?"

"Considering I half-expected you to walk out of the shadows, wearing a mask over part of your
face..." At that comment, Jack Corbett laughed. "...and singing Music of the Night...yes, let's start
again." With that, she extended one hand. "I'm Adalia Rabinovich from Jeffersonville, Indiana
and I'm the new chef for the Point."

Corbett gently accepted her hand, shaking it in the most courteous fashion. "And I'm Lieutenant
Jack Corbett. How do you do?"

"I'm fine, thank you. And you?"

"Sweet as a biscuit, thank you."

Adalia did not need a slang dictionary to translate that. English (and likely Australian) biscuits
were what most Americans called cookies so it made perfect sense. He was telling her he
couldn’t be better.

And they laughed, suddenly realizing that they were still holding hands, both noticing that it was
with the slightest hesitancy that they finally parted. The laughter eased, the two briefly looked
aside, and it was for Adalia to speak first, hoping to end the now awkward silence. They had
been so comfortable in those minutes before the revelation, and she wanted that again.

"I know you've heard this before, but it's just...I thought I knew all of his movies.”

“I think most of the casual fans are the same...until you mention...let’s see....The Crossing....The
Efficiency Expert.”
“That would be Kim, right? The Efficiency Expert?”

“That would be Kim....The Crossing is Johnny’s....Arthur’s is Love in Limbo....”

“And yours is...Prisoners of the Sun?”

“Or Blood Oath. It depends on the nation it was released in, sort of the way Egan’s movie was
titled: Silver Stallion, Silver Brumby.

“When was it released?”

“I’ve read 1990 -- near the start of his real cinematic career – the Creator’s I mean....There was
Johnny and Andy…Dominic…Kim …me….East, Egan, Arthur, Hando came next. Johnny and I
arrived first though. Our movies weren’t always released in the same year, but I
guess…someone…something didn’t want us alone, so we came nearly at once. It’s not like it is
now, where they come as their movie is released, but there’s so many of us now. No one gets
lonely.”

“That’s a fact,” she agreed, thinking of the crowd still awaiting her return to the carriage house.

“When I arrived...” he looked around, giving Adalia an opportunity to see him even better.
“...When I first came...none of this was here yet: not the gardens anyway, or a good deal of what
lies beyond. The Hotel was always here in some form; so was the Tavern, and I’ve never
honestly been sure as to how long. But then, the Point was mostly...everything that I had known
in my life...my movie. So I had Australia...I had islands from the South Pacific. I guess Tina
explained that it continually expands...”

“With every new arrival and even when some of the ladies come."

"The ones that make a difference, yes."

Adalia wondered if anything that might connect her to her Indiana roots or the things she loved
waited for her to seek out. She had been so busy the last week, there had been little time to do
much exploring. But her concentration returned to her companion, patiently waiting, and likely --
somehow -- knowing exactly what his words had triggered. "And...So were you the first? You
and Johnny?”

“Seems as though we were, but the others started showing up almost immediately. Our other
brothers I mean. It’s been so long ago…but I think I arrived first…” His voice seemed to drift.
“…then Johnny arrived shortly afterwards. I know…I wasn’t alone for very long.”

The first? If that was so, he was another Adam, the first man to enter the Garden, to be there
when the world was born, and she could not help but wonder how he had felt being alone, no
matter how short the period. She could imagine him wandering about the property, discovering
all there was to offer, and coming to the realization that there was no one else. She could not
even begin to imagine his emptiness….“I’m glad.”

“You’re…”

“I’m glad you weren’t alone for long.”

“Ta.”

“And you...you were...?”

“Excuse me?”

“What were you?”

Jack raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got me there. What...was I? Oh! You mean...in my movie?”

Adalia nodded.

“It’s not very exciting, especially compared to some of the others.”

“Well, not all of you can be generals and Royal Navy captains, or...Nobel Prize winning
mathematicians or a K&R...or...or...heavyweight champion of the world, right? Some of
you...Well...some of you have been waiters...and cops...and sheriffs and...”

“Lawyers.”

Adalia paused in her recitation. “You...You were a lawyer?”

Corbett nodded, a slight smile pulling at his lips. “Australian military.”

She was allowing it to soak in little by little, the fact that instead of being Jack Aubrey – and
thanking God that it was not – the incarnation that had excited her imagination was a young man
seemingly aged beyond his apparent youthful years. “You....Like a ...Like a JAG then?”

Jack thought briefly then answered, "Yes that sounds right. I was trying to recall what the
American military would call it, but I believe that would be right." He smiled. "I was a
JAG...second chair...if you know the term."

"I know it very well, Lieutenant."

"Jack," he told her, his voice insistent.

"Jack...." She smiled in return, wondering how in the world she had ever thought it was Jack
Aubrey. She doubted the good Captain could pull off an Australian accent if his life depended on
it! "Yes, I know the term quite well. I have a brother who is a lawyer."
"You have my sympathies," Corbett teased, and Adalia gave a short hard laugh.

"Yeah, well, thanks. And uh...several members of my family are current military; I have family
that's retired military too."

"Right! I heard Dom and Johnny saying you have a brother in your Air Force."

"My brother, Nathan, yes. Wouldn't be the first time we’ve served." She was smiling with pride.
"My dad is always saying that our family has served in every war in American history, even..."

"That little affair between you colonials and the Mother Country?" and he winked after asking,
causing Adalia to chuckle.

"Oh, now is that the one with the tea chests and whites of their eyes, and kicking Hessian
behinds at Trenton? And that tiny little defeat at Yorktown?"

"'Tiny little...' ? I...I think so. I also heard it's the one when that bloke signed his name quite big
so the King..."

"Farmer George?"

"The King..." Corbett stressed, enjoying this little banter with her, "could read it without his
spectacles?"

"That would be the same little affair, Lieutenant, yes."

"Feel free to chide me anytime, Miss Rabinovich."

"Adalia."

"Right...Adalia." Now his expression grew more serious. "That's quite an honor, your family
serving your country that way. So your Revolution, and your Civil War too?"

Adalia nodded in reply.

"Which...?"

"The Union," she replied, predicting his question. "I had ancestors at Gettysburg...one died at the
second battle of Bull Run...and a couple were at a little place in Kentucky called Perryville, and
before you say anything, I doubt you've heard of it. It's really not as well known as the others, I
mean, unless you're a Civil War student."

"I am a bit of an American Civil War buff. In fact, I think I own as many books on that subject as
I do World War II. I would love to know more...about this Perryville."
"You know you don't have to say..."

"No, I'd like to." He appeared very thoughtful. "My university dissertation was to interpret the
battle tactics of Lincoln's chief commanders...sorting the errors and the successes...placing one in
command of a battle in which he wasn't involved and analyzing how he might have handled it."

"Now that sounds ambitious."

"Yes, I suppose it was, but I was fascinated by what made them all...well...unique. So yes, I'd
love to read about Perryville. And it's in Kentucky you say?"

"It's in Kentucky. I'll see what I can find for you. I imagine there's something online, if you fool
with the Internet, but Tina might be able to tell you something too. With her being a history
fanatic, she may have visited there."

"I will."

"And as I said, it's not as famous as Gettysburg or Antietam, or Vicksburg or Sherman's March,
but a lot of Civil War buffs know it. I’ve heard that it was the largest battle to take place in the
state. Oh and of course there was World War II; my family fought in it in huge numbers."

"Which theatre?"

"Both, but the majority were in Europe: Normandy, the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the
Bulge..."

"Berlin?"

Adalia nodded. It was not all that often that she found a fellow history lover. "I even had one that
managed to get into the RAF because America wasn't in the War yet, and he managed to survive
the Battle of Britain....That would have been my father's..." But she paused on hearing Corbett's
slight chuckle, a hint of irony in the action. "What's wrong?"

"The War. I love how you called it that. You speak of it as if it was your War. It was...what?"

"Over sixty years ago, I know, and yes, I know I call it The War but I've always called it that. I
guess it's because I've heard my family talk about it my entire life. It was like...well...we always
felt we made our mark in the Revolution, in the Civil War, but the War...I don't know....I guess it
really did feel as if we were helping save the world. And that was as important as..."

"Building a new nation or saving one?"

Adalia smiled.

"That was my War," Corbett softly replied.

"Which...? You mean World War II?"

"That was mine."

"Oh! Oh that's...You did say Australia and the South Pacific, didn't you? Of course that would be
your War. Your movie was about that?"

"Well, not my time during it, but afterwards...and...that can probably wait for another day."

Adalia's face nearly fell. "Why?"

"Because if you don't get inside, Bud is going to go searching for that cheese on his own, and I’m
not sure you’d want that. And besides, Tina will either come looking for you again, or she'll send
John to look for you, or all your guests will be out here wandering around."

"All right, all right, I get it, I get it!" she laughed, but she grew quiet, attempting to think of what
to tell him next.

Funny how this episode had gone from a fascinating mystery, to seconds of anger and hurt, and
now such interest that she hated tearing herself away. She wanted to know more: about his
movie, his life, the world he had known during a tumultuous period of history that always
enthralled her imagination. The veterans she knew, those of the Greatest Generation, were old
men who had given the best of their youth for something larger than themselves. And now -- as
if stepping into a time machine -- she was talking to one who was still young, unbroken, his
memories as fresh as yesterday and not over the expanse of decades. There were other things she
wanted to share with him, so that he would know that her curiosity was not simply that of a fan-
girl, but those of a woman whose family had given and sacrificed so much at the time, and not
only on the battlefield.

Adalia cleared her throat, and gently smiling said, “It’s…It’s been nice, Lieutenant,” and she
effortlessly said it in the British fashion.

“You’re right – it has been. And…I apologize again…”

“No…” she protested, raising one hand.

“No…I apologize – again – for leading you astray.”

“You didn’t…No…look…it was…it’s all right. I mean…in the end, we worked everything out
so…don’t worry about it, okay?”

“Leave it to you to make my deception seem less…disturbing.”

“Well, considering the circumstances…honestly…don’t...don't worry about it, all right?”

Corbett opened his mouth, another protest, another apology on his lips, but it was gone with one
glance at that smile. There was nothing more he could say but "All right."

"Great....So...I guess..." She was trying to find an excuse, any excuse to linger.

"I guess you should get back to your guests."

"I think you're right." She took a step backwards. "It was...I'm happy to have met you."

"Same here. Good evening."

"Night."

Adalia started to leave, but Jack almost caught his breath when she suddenly paused, and in the
most dancer-like of moves -- turned to face him again, as if suddenly remembering something.

"I should have told you...look...I hope I'll see you around...you know...the Tavern and all."

"Well, I live at the Tavern, me and most of my brothers."

"Oh right. That's right. Tina told me that. Sorry...another of my 'if my head wasn't attached...'"
Corbett grinned and shrugged. "Anyway...I should have said that sometime...when you have time
I mean...drop in for lunch...or dinner. I guess you guys can eat at the restaurants, can't you?"

"We can eat at them, yes. There aren't any restrictions."

"Oh good. I wasn't sure if they were only for the guests or not. I didn't want you to get in
trouble."

"That's very thoughtful of you, but yes, they're open to everyone. I don't eat at the Hotel
restaurants all that often though."

"Too fancy?"

"Well...that's one reason," and Adalia realized that likely the chief reason was that those facilities
usually consisted of groups of friends having an extra special party, or ladies wanting a fun night
on the town during a weekend at the Point...and couples. If Corbett felt uncomfortable -- and she
sensed that from the change in his stance -- then likely he did not have a lady friend he wanted to
escort there.

And that idea made her sigh, as she carefully considered her next words.

"Well, think about coming by the Hotel sometime, come to the casual restaurant…Take a
chance."

"A chance?"
"Right – take a chance. Come by the Hotel’s most casual restaurant, the one by the terrace…and
you can let me know in advance or just drop in, but I'll whip you up something special."

"Am I your guinea pig, Miss Rabinovich?"

Adalia laughed. "I don't think so."

"That's a relief."

"Nobody's died from my cooking..."

"Yet?"

"There you have me, Lieutenant," she joked, winking. "But for real, promise you'll stop by when
you get a chance, and let me work up something for you. It doesn't matter what meal. I'm pretty
imaginative with all of them, if I do say so myself."

"Well..." Jack hesitated.

"Please. My treat."

"Your...treat?”

“And if you want to come when business is slow, that’ll be fine. You won’t have to worry about
the crowds and people and…”

“All right…I’ll come...as long as I'm not putting you out."

"Putting me...? No, no, I wouldn't have asked you if it was going to be a bother....So..."

"So…”

“You will come?”

"We’ll see..." and he used his head to motion over his shoulder, back towards the carriage house.

Adalia smiled, but disappointment was evident in her eyes. "Right. I should be going…but
look...promise you'll come for breakkie or lunch...or...or...dinner, afternoon tea...I don't care. And
I...I will make sure you get a meal you'll never forget."

"But no real fancy stuff. I'm not all that...I don't honestly..." Even in the dark, Adalia could see
that he was turning slightly red. "See...I'm not much of a...I'm...just a plain ol' meat and potatoes
bloke, with maybe one or two veggies thrown in for good measure."
"Then Southern cooking should be right up your alley. How about...fried chicken, corn bread,
fresh picked green beans or mixed greens with mashed potatoes on the side? Maybe some
candied yams, oh, and macaroni and cheese. I had two guys propose to me because of my
macaroni and cheese. Oh...and some sort of pie: pecan, lemon meringue..."

Corbett grinned. "Sounds like my kind of meal."

"Or a nice grilled T-bone with a big baked potato and your choice of green veggie, and
homemade yeast rolls?"

"That would hit the spot."

"And if you don't mind a bit of 'fancy'..."

"How fancy?"

Her voice grew soft, filled with the passion for food that had made her decide upon this
profession...and revealed to Jack exactly what it meant to her. "Like what a drop or two of white
or black truffle oil can do to the simplest of mashed potatoes. Trust me -- once you've tried it,
you'll never go back. But I swear..." and she placed a hand over her heart, "down-to-earth, just
for you!"

"Just for me, eh?"

"Yeah....So..."

"You'd better go."

"I'd better go," and she hesitantly extended her right hand. "Jack...it's been good to meet you."

"Same here. It's been good meeting you too, Adalia. Good night now."

Their hands briefly gripped, neither giving the other time to speculate or imply a single thing
beyond this being a Western gesture of welcome or farewell. It quickly ended, the Hoosier
whispering a polite "Good night Jack," before she hurried along one path, the moonlight
momentarily vanishing behind a cloud cover just as she slipped between a row of roses. When
the light reappeared, she had gone as if enveloped in the brief darkness and the life of the garden
itself....

Like gossamer....

*******************************************

"Why no...my feelings aren't hurt. You aren't the first person that never heard of my movie."
Kim had one hand against a wall, supporting himself as he spoke to a dreamy-eyed brunette
gazing up into his face. She had nearly accosted him, mistaking him for...well, it did not matter
now. The fact was that upon realizing her error, she did not apologize and slink away,
embarrassed. No, she stayed, they talked; she was with one of the incarnations -- an available
one -- and that was all that counted. Kim might have been insulted at first on hearing her "Excuse
me, but aren't you..." followed by the name of one of his more popular brothers, but realistically
he had experienced it enough times to know that it did not matter who these women thought he
was at first, as long as they remained in the end.

"Well, I can't say again how sorry I am."

American, but Kim was not sure from where. Some nondescript region with little or no accent,
but with that perfect tan that was not from a tanning bed or a can... Possibly a California girl? 'I
wish they all could be California girls...' "Don't you dare apologize again...Lauren," and he said
her name in a way that made her lips part and her tongue make the tiniest of moves across them.
She's positively wet with anticipation. "I'm glad you didn't leave, and I'm glad you managed to
get in without one of our watchdogs sending you back."

"I'm glad too," she giggled. "I almost didn't. I heard it was a private party, but I figured I'd take a
chance."

"Brave girl."

"And...And did I tell you how much I love your accent?"

"Why no, you didn't," he replied, feigning surprise.

"Oh I do. I love Aussie accents.”

“Ozzie.”

“Osborne?”

“No my dear…it’s Aussie as in Ozzie, not aw-see.”

She pouted. “Oh. Oh! Like they call Australia Oz.”

“There you are.”

“Well then, I love OZZIE accents,” she giggled.

Ozzie…Aw-see. What the fuck does it matter when she looks the way she looks.

“Anyway, Aussie accents are so much more interesting than English ones. I get tired of English
ones."
"It's probably the glut of movies and telly shows they have."

"Probably," she panted, giving him the silliest of smiles, but reaching out to discreetly place
several fingers on his behind.

"They don't have an Empire any longer, but they've made up for it..." Kim felt compelled to add.

"With a zillion adaptations of tired old books I had to read in school? I mean...Gawd...it's like
one long stupid Merchant Ivory production, isn't it?"

"It must feel that way. But…I thought all you Americans loved those BBC imports."

"Well, it'd be nice if they had a production without people riding around in a horse and buggy, or
Kate Winslet or Cate Blanchett in a hoop dress."

Kim grinned. "You know Ms. Blanchett is a fellow Australian...or did you?" He couldn't
remember a movie with Kate Winslet in a specific hoop dress, but then he felt she looked great
in whatever time period her movie happened to be set.

"Is she really? No, no, I didn't know that. Kim?"

"Hmm?" At first he was unsure if she was making sure that was his name, or asking him a
question.

"Can I tell you something?" and she moved closer to him, if that was possible, the heady spice of
both her perfume and the Zinfandel in the glass she held exciting him.

"Oh yes, of course you may. What is it?"

"If they do one more Pride and Prejudice I swear I'll strangle somebody with a corset!" Kim
laughed. "I wish Miss Austen and...and...and that Dickens…that Chuck Dickens..."

Chuck? Dickens?

"...and those stupid, depressing Brontës had never been born. Gawd. I mean...who the hell even
understands what Shakespeare was talking about anyway. He couldn't just speak English like
everybody else?"

Well, at least she made up in looks what she lacked in good manners and smarts. Those melons
of hers are about to pop out of that top. "Makes one wish the sun did set on the Empire, doesn't
it?"

"You mean it hasn't yet?" she grinned.

"You're a woman after my own heart...Lauren." There, she did it again. She'd drop to her knees
right now if there wasn't a room full of people. What the fuck! If I told her to drop to her knees
and blow me in front of everyone she wouldn't hesitate. "So...you're here with..."

"Some girlfriends. My first time. I can't believe all these...You guys are...I mean...Wow!"

"Yes...wow."

"And you're all exactly alike."

"Well, not exactly." And he moved her free hand away from behind...and just beside his groin.
"Some of us are more..."

And at that moment Adalia returned, rushing through the patio doors as she placed one hand over
her heart, smiled, then pushed the hair back from her face. Where she had disappeared to for a
half-hour or more -- yes, Barrett had been counting the seconds, or at least he believed he had
been -- he did not know, but seeing her walk into the room was like the proverbial breath of fresh
air. She was smiling...no, beaming, those lovely features glowing and alive, and the exhaustion
he had earlier glimpsed now gone. The eyes were brighter, more alert, and he was reminded of
the evening's beginnings when the party first started. To anyone not paying attention, the subtle
differences were hardly noticeable, but to someone for who details were a part of life....

Amazing how a walk in those gardens could refresh one to the point of renewal.

She looks as if she could conquer this party all over again, he thought, hiding a grimace when
John Biebe came to her side, appearing to be in his typical role of everyone's big brother, the role
he was expected to play and did so sincerely well.

Kim had a perfect view of everything, and Lauren could see nothing of Adalia from her own
angle. So enticed was she by this younger incarnation, (and the idea that one was attracted to
her), that she missed the expression on his face announcing how thrilled he was to see the new
chef again. She detected...nothing, nothing but the excitement of being in his company and the
desire to boast to her girlfriends about her catch on her first visit.

Kim attempted to read their lips, but for every word he deciphered, he lost four or five. John was
asking if she felt better. Adalia replied that indeed she did, and was grateful Tina had suggested
the Hotel gardens. John said something about her being fortunate to have a home so close to
them, then....Kim gave a slight frown. Maybe John was mentioning moonlight...moonlight
garden...one of his wife's favorites...Something...duplicated at their own gardens at home.

Ah...that makes sense. Tina has those English and Moonlight gardens too. She said the Hotel
ones inspired them. Sid's right. Why do these ladies of such exquisite tastes fall...Oh...damn!

He almost choked on one deep intake of breath, and not from any particular action except simply
being herself. Adalia was looking beautifully romantic, a pre-Raphaelite image brought to reality
-- the result of passing underneath the living room's track lighting, and he
remembered...remembered a soft-focused image immortalized on film. Classic beauty caught in
a single moment of an awakening lover finding her bending over him, and then bestowing him
with a kiss. It had been Adalia's face over fifty years before....

Which gives ol' Jimmy Stewart one up on me. To have that face leaning over me....To have those
lips....My brothers were right for once -- she does look like...

He raised an eyebrow. Adalia had said a word that caused him to mouth it to make certain he
understood. Was it...gossamer?

"I'm sorry...what was that?"

Lauren gave him a playful punch in the chest. "Silly! I said 'Some of you are more...what?' You
didn't tell me. Or...do I need to guess? Do you want me to guess?"

"Do I want...? Yes...it's a game of mine. I don't know why I insist on playing it, especially when
you're being so...well...serious." He watched John politely and -- in a most brotherly fashion --
touch the upper portion of Adalia's back, while, with his other hand, he pointed to where Tina
stood with several others.

"Oh that's all right," she purred. "I was just worried you'd lost interest in me already."

"Lost...interest? Oh no, no, I haven't. Believe me, I haven't at all."

Why the hell gossamer?

One did not hear the word that often, and he had to wonder, what had inspired it. Being in those
gardens, well, Kim -- on second thought -- realized it was more appropriate than originally
believed. Adalia was intelligent, well spoken -- he imagined her poetic and romantic as well. Her
passions seemed revealed through the menus and dishes she had suggested or he heard her
describe, making her as much an artist as any writer or painter. That was her particular gift. So it
was not difficult thinking of her discovering something in the garden, something of such delicacy
and transparency, that the word seemed appropriate and came to mind.

It only made him want to know her better. It made him wish it was Adalia conversing with him
at this moment, and not the charmingly empty woman vying for his attention instead.

"Oh good," Lauren sighed. "So...have you stayed long enough?"

"Hmm? Oh yes, I believe so. Ms. Rabinovich has my housewarming presents; I've stayed an
appropriate amount of time and paid her my respects. Yes, I think I can leave and not seem
rude." He grinned toothily. "Why?"

"I...just...wondered....I thought maybe we could go back to the Tavern and have a drink."

"Of course. My flat is at the Tavern, you know."

"No, I didn't know."

"Oh yes. The first floor in fact."

She looked puzzled. "The first...? But I don't remember seeing..."

"Oh...that's what you Americans call the second floor. Your first floor is our ground floor."

"Is it? Well...whatever," she giggled. "First floor, second floor..." She squeezed closer, wrapping
one arm around his right one, as if indicating that she had no intention of allowing him to escape.
"I'm just looking forward to talking to you more, without all these people around."

"Really? I was going to say that I'm looking forward to..." and he leaned forward to whisper in
her ear, causing her to collapse into a flurry of laughter. "However, if you just want to talk..."

"Talk -- smalk. Let's go."

Kim took Lauren's hand and began to maneuver his way towards the front door. He said good-
bye to the few brothers he passed, wished a good evening to the regulars he saw, nodded an
unspoken farewell to those he did not know. But just before stepping out of the crowded living
room and into the hallway, he took one final glimpse near the area of the fireplace, to where
Adalia stood amongst a small group, her head tossed back as she laughed in response to some
remark Savannah had made.

In a matter of seconds, Kim studied everything about the chef: the twinkle of her eyes, her gentle
smile; a lyrical dialect that seemed more reflective of her Kentucky neighbors than that of the
Midwest. And then there was the flow of the rose-colored silk, each delicate fold draping her
curves, revealing every advantage. He also realized, with the greatest clarity, that he wanted to
be with her more than he ever had anyone, either in his movie life or at the Point. It was at that
moment he knew that she was not a woman to be seduced in some clumsy manner, or given a
crass pickup line, or involved with him in a meaningless one-night stand.

This was a woman to whom he might give a loyalty he never thought himself capable!

But he would continue as though nothing had changed. He swore then and there that he would
not pursue her to the point of stalking, or annoy her, or make her uncomfortable. No, he would
make Adalia feel very much at home in her new world, and whenever the moment permitted,
find the kindness he called the major flaw in all but one of his siblings. He could not possibly
change overnight, and in fact, now felt he was less than perfect anyway. Kim simply hoped that
Adalia could bring out the best in him, and in exchange, he would attempt to make her see what
a catch he could be.

A catch. Well, that's a first Kim old boy. First time in your whole miserable life that you really
wanted a woman to care. I know, I know, it won't be easy....I...I just need to take my time...be
patient....He opened the door for Lauren, and on stepping out into the cool air, he visibly relaxed
and deeply inhaled, feeling quite free. She'll see...eventually. I know she will....I want her to....

"So are you and your friends staying at the Hotel? Or are you just here for the evening?"

"We're at the Hotel for the weekend, but I have my own room, so it's not like Mommy and
Daddy will be waiting up."

"Oh good for you. I happen to like big girls."

Incredible how I can be so ridiculous with this one, and I want Adalia to see me at my best. I can
be funny with her, and serious, and she'll take me either way. At least I think she will. I've sensed
that she will....

"Kim? Do I know him?"

Kim was startled back to reality as he heard Lauren speak, then saw that she was pointing a short
distance away from them, but still along the line of the walk. "I'm sorry, luv....What was that?"

"Him. Do I know him?"

"Him?" Kim squinted, attempting to catch better sight of the figure now moving towards the
Tavern, his head down and hands firmly behind his back.

"I was wondering if he's someone I should know. I mean...is he one of you guys? He kind of has
your build.” She shrugged. “I know it's kind of dark, but he...well...he just doesn't look familiar."

"Umm...who the devil...? Oh! Looks like Jack," came the unexcited answer.

"Aubrey?!!!"

Oh Lord...there goes the fan-girl look. If I told her it was him, she'd squeal and run after him like
a bitch in heat. "No...no, not that Jack. He's no where near as..." He nearly said 'fat' or 'obese' but
instead explained, "It's my other brother, my older brother, Jack Corbett. I recognize the hat."

Lauren looked puzzled. "Excuse me? There's another Jack here?"

"Oh he's been here forever and a day."

"He has? I've never...What did you say his name was again?"

"Jack Corbett," Kim grinned. It was nice to know that there was someone even lesser known than
him. "He was in this little flick with Bryan Brown..."
"Oh him I know! I saw him in that Thorn Birds miniseries when they repeated it on cable TV a
few years back. Used to be married to Rachel Ward. Or maybe he still is. I don't know. So Jack
Corbett was in a movie with Bryan Brown?"

"And Mr. Sulu too I think."

"No shit?! I didn't think he'd done anything but...well...you know..."

"Star Trek?"

"Right, the old Star Trek....Jack Corbett. I wonder if any of my friends know him. A couple of
them are bigger Crowe fans than I am."

"Maybe, maybe not. Probably not."

Lauren chuckled. "Good grief. Is he that insignificant, hmm?"

"Well, that might be a bit rough," Kim explained, smiling even more, "but he's a lawyer, and it
was a war movie..."

Lauren turned up her tiny nose. "I don't like war movies."

"Well, this wasn't a war movie per se, but it had to do with a war."

"Okay. A lawyer...in a war movie that wasn't a war movie."

Kim stifled his chuckle. "It was a combination war movie, courtroom movie."

"I didn't like A Few Good Men either."

"Then you'd probably dislike this one as well. It's all about World War II crimes against
humanity and such."

"Oh Gawd! Save me from another of those! I'm sorry....I know it's a Crowe flick and all, but that
sounds like a major snooze-fest. Let's pass, all right?"

"All right. Believe me, I have no problems with that."

"And I hate lawyers too," she continued as she cuddled against Kim once more, the two
proceeding the way they had been going. " Well, not hate them, but they're...well...you know. I
dated a lawyer once and it was all about him, him, him, nothing but him. Thought the world
revolved around him..."

"I know the type." I'm likely one of those ‘world revolves around me’ types myself...and I know
Sid is, but we're both...unique.
"It didn't help that he resembles George Clooney on top of it."

Oh no! It couldn't have been. My oh my, does that gentleman get around. Talk about a small
world!

"At least he wasn't one of those that advertises on TV, you know."

"Oh, the 'You're injured and I can get you a check for ten million dollars' sorts."

"That's it. No…he might have been worth a million dollars himself, and very classy but so full of
himself….Is your brother anything like that?"

Kim watched as Jack's figure moved further and further away, and at the last minute turned to
the right as though heading to the beach. It appeared a last second decision, at least Barrett
sensed that it was, and he wondered why his sibling was out there wandering about, especially as
he had left the housewarming party some time beforehand. But he knew Jack enjoyed the
solitude, loved to walk....

This is why the poor fellow will never find a sheila. He's way too serious for his own
good....Doesn’t make any sense after all these years….

Kim's reply to Lauren, however, was to playfully flick a tongue behind her ear, an indication of
how he hoped the remainder of their evening would proceed. "No one is like me, my dear. I am
an original, as I hope to show you."

And the way I hope to show Adalia some day...so that she will get to know me better too. But
when I do, it won't be the Kim Barrett everyone claims to know so well....It'll be the Kim Barrett
who almost thinks he'd do anything in the world to.... But he paused in his thoughts, wondering if
he could honestly be what had proven so difficult in the past: to be less selfish, less self-
centered....

Anything in the world to have Adalia love me.

THE END