I watched the sun edge up over the hill, faint traces of dust lingering in the air gilded a gleaming gold. Another day had begun at Sugar Hill Plantation.

"Mistuh Rick, you want I should fix you breakfast 'fore I go to the Great House?" Jeremie queried softly as he slipped up behind me on the veranda.

Spinning around quickly, my heart racing, I nearly knocked him over in my surprise.

"Where'd you come from?"

"Nathaniel, he done drop me at the lane on his way to town, I come through the kitchen door. Sorry boss, didn't mean to scare ya."

"You'd best go over and help Chin-lee," I said, trying to recover my composure. "I'll be over in a bit and join you two after our guests are served."

"Yessuh, Mistuh Rick. I fix somethin' special for you and your frien'," he grinned

My face suddenly reddened as Jeremie turned and scampered down the steps. He doesn't miss a trick, I thought as I watched his lithe brown body cross the lawn toward the Great House.

Turning back into the cottage, I crossed the living room to the still closed bedroom door. Now how did he know about my visitor, I pondered?

Alix was sprawled lazily across the center of the bed, his eyes still closed, the sheet pushed down exposing his smooth golden skin. Stepping lightly, I crossed the room and gently kissed his parted lips. A slight salty taste lingered in his mouth, perhaps the remainder of my own cum from the previous evening.

Cat-like, he stretched his arms upward toward the pillows and turned onto his stomach.

Dropping my jeans on the floor, I knelt into the vee between his legs, bringing my mouth down to his silky smooth bottom. Gently tonguing toward the prized rosette in the center, my own manhood quickly surged full. The wetness of my ministrations and the pre-cum lube of my full cock, allowed for easy entry. Alix thrust up to meet me.

"Yeah, baby, I'm all yours," he murmured sleepily.

I moved in and out carefully, establishing a rhythm to match his own. His tight expertise brought me too quickly to the brink. I couldn't hold out, filling him with my seed.

Without letting go, I brought Alix around on top of me, my hands slipping down to his own engorged member. As I stroked him toward his climax he writhed and wriggled down onto my still hard dick, bringing me a second pulsating release deep into him.

"I'm cumming, baby," he moaned, and I bent over his flushed groin, devouring the milky liquid as he discharged into my hungry throat.

Panting with heart pounding emotion we collapsed back onto the downfilled pillows. I gently carressed his smooth hairless stomach bringing my hands slowly across the taut chisled chest, up the sides of his graceful neck. He greedily sucked his own dewey moisture from the tips of my fingers.

My passion subsiding, I easily slipped out of his entrapping hold and rolled him gently off to my side, turning into him with long gentle kisses.

We must have dozed off, the warmth of the day awakened us several hours later.

"Well, my dear," Bradley greeted from the bottom of the staircase as I entered the hall of the Great House, "how did you like my little housewarming present?"

"He's devine, your taste is impeccable, as usual," I grinned in reply, as I took him by the arm and guided him into the dining room.

"Breakfas' is ready, gentmens!" Jeremie announced grandly, setting a final silver chafing dish on the mahogany sideboard.

"Where are the others?" I asked, glancing down the empty table.

"They's eat and gone, Mistuh Rick," Jeremie explained.

"Off to explore the grounds for suitable photoshots," Bradley added.

"And why are you so late," I teased, turning to Bradley, "bring your own housewarming present to keep you company last night?"

"I wish, dahling!" He looked around, then whispered conspiratorily, "Actually things seemed to 'go bump in the night' in my room anyway."

"Strange sightings perhaps," I laughed. "I gave you our very best suite, after all."

"Mistuh Rick," Jeremie interrupted, "the mistress come back!"

I shot a disparaging glance at Jeremie to silence him.

"We mustn't talk such nonsense in front of our guests," I warned him.

"Never you mind, my dear, I've heard all the rumors," Bradley grinned wickedly. "Actually it's a bit more exciting to have a resident ghost. Might drum up new business for your enterprise."

"Business from ghost busters we don't need," I added grimly. "What we do need is well-heeled older gentlemen with money to burn!"

"When my magazine hits the stands with your beautiful shangri-la in living color, the reservations will come pouring in," Bradley promised.

"I hope you're right. I've poured just about every cent Marco and I had set aside. We've just enough to build the pool and that's it!"

Not wishing to alarm Bradley or Jeremie about my shaky financial status, I quickly turned to the sideboard and began lifting silver covers.

"What delights await us this morning?" I called to Jeremie's retreating back.

"Mistuh Lee done cook up a storm for you, boss!" he grinned as he pushed through the swinging door to the butler's pantry.

"Come, Bradley, fill a plate! The world outside beckons."

We sat opposite each other at the end of the long polished dining table, a housewarming gift from my neighbor Tommy at Rose Hall Plantation.

"From the looks of things around here, doesn't seem like you're doing too badly."

"I've called in a few investors to supplement the income," I remarked glumly. "Dig in," I suggested, to change the subject, and just in time. Chin-lee, the new chef hired by the boys while I was still in Key West, popped his head through the door.

"Everything okay, boss? You like?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you." Turning toward Bradley, I said, "May I present our culinaire extraordinaire. Chin-lee is from right here in Montego Bay. The Madame Butterfly bit is mainly for the tourists we hope will flock here."

"Everybody flock here, boss man," Chin-lee said with a big grin.

Bradley chortled, nearly choking on his English muffin.

"Sorry about that," I said, rolling my eyes heavenward. "He's also a comedian."

After our hearty breakfast, or in my case, brunch, Bradley and I strolled arm in arm across the broad front lawn toward the edge of the sea. The sun already high in the heavens, reflected from the the aqua toned water, turning it an even deeper shade of blue.

"My God, this place is absolutely gorgeous," Bradley gushed. "It really is Shangri-La!"

"Then start selling it, I want those reservations rolling in," I commanded.

I led Bradley a short tour of the grounds ending at the site of the future 'lagoon like pool' to be constructed in what was left of the original kitchen gardens behind the Great House. The cooking shed, a detached building common in these old plantations to prevent the spread of fire, had long since disintegrated, stone by stone falling to the ground in random abandonment.

"And tennis courts?" Bradley queried. "You must have tennis courts."

"Of course," I agreed, "come with me."

I led him to the far side of the house, through the formal gardens to the high privet hedge. Set within its bounds, a new iron gate.

"Behold, the old clay courts have been restored!" I grandly swung open the gate revealing the newly restored grounds. "Just like a grand English manor! I want only the cream of the crop staying here, and I want them comfortable, in a 'tweedy, British countryside sort of way."

"Yes, I see," Bradley remarked thoughtfully, "perhaps this sets a slightly different target for our ads. Let me see what I can come up with."

"I knew you wouldn't let me down. You always come through for me, Bradley. And you are truly my best friend."

"Aw shucks," he panned, shuffling his feet and looking at the ground.

Later, in the privacy of my new office on the ground level of the Great House, I telephoned Nathaniel at Rose Hall Plantation, my 'spirit connection', as it were.

"What are the chances our mysterious ghost is back at Sugar Hill?" I asked candidly.

"Slim to none, why you askin', Rick?"

"A little disturbance in the historic bedroom last night. My good friend Bradley, the photo shoot coordinator for the magazine heard a few noises."

"You know these old houses, creaks and groans."

"Yeah, that's what I thought too. Thanks Nathaniel. When you come by to pick up Jeremie, stop in at the cottage, I'll have an impromtu cocktail party and you can meet the magazine crew."

"Sure thing, Rick, see ya' at 'tea time'!"

"Ooh, he is a big one isn't he," Bradley crooned, staring as Nathaniel mounted the steps of the cottage, "and a bit rough looking."

"He is formidible, especially below the belt."

"And how would you be knowing that, my dear," Bradley asked, arching a brow.

"Nathaniel," I broke in, "I want you to meet our magazine rep and my dearest friend , Bradley."

Sensing a hesitation on Bradley's part, Nathaniel grinned broadly and offered his hand, "Don't let these dreds fool you, man, I'm really a pussy cat inside."

"Well, I'll leave you two to get acquainted while I help Jeremie get the drinks together."

By the time Jeremie and I reappeared at the front door of the cottage with our drink trays, the rest of the photo crew had gathered on the wide veranda.

"Where's Alix?" I called over to Bradley. "Isn't he supposed to be working with your guys?"

"Mistuh Rick," Jeremie interrupted, "I s'pose he be helpin' Mistuh Lee get the snack food together."

Just at that moment, Chin-lee and Alix marched across the lawn from the Great House bearing several trays.

"Ah, the hors d'oeuvres have arrived...and my pretty Alix," I murmured to Bradley.

"Don't get too attached my dear," Bradley warned. "Your true love will be with you by the end of summer and young Mister Alix must return with me to Miami when this photo shoot is over."

"Yes, Marco by my side again, as it should be."

The drinks loosened everyone up, laughter rang out across the lawn, reaching me at the water's edge. I had left the happy throng to have a few minutes of solitude as I watched the great orange disc descend into the sea.

"Key West's got nothin' on us!" declared a voice from behind me, breaking my reverie.

"Matthew!" I exclaimed, turning toward the ruggedly handsome construction foreman, "You didn't join us for cocktails."

"Just finishing up a few details at the old mill, want to have your apartment ready when your other half gets here," he grinned.

"You've been to Key West then!" I exclaimed just picking up on the meaning of his earlier statement.

"A few times, back and forth," he stated simply. "You got those excavators coming tomorrow for the new swimming pool?" he asked quickly, changing the subject.

"Yeah, you know what to do. I'm taking Bradley over to Rose Hall tomorrow to meet the neighbors. You're in charge here. The photo crew is on their own, but keep the others busy, we got a lot of ground to cover to finish all this by fall. I expect us up and running September first."

"You got it boss. If you get bored with your little trick Alix, let me know," he added with a wink. "Mister Barry said I should take special care of you."

"Yeah, I'll bet he did!" With that, I turned and headed back to the gathering on the veranda.

CHAPTER TWO

"I see what you mean," Bradley said, staring at the lush rolling green lawns as we glided up the drive of Rose Hall in the Land Rover. "Like a great English estate with palm trees."

"Wait'll you see the house!" I promised.

For greatest visual impact, we pulled up to the front entrance in the circular car park. Nathaniel was descending the stone stairway to greet us.

"Welcome to Rose Hall gentlemen! May I show you in?"

"Ooh, such formality, big boy," Bradley gushed, "I thought we were past all that after last night."

"Something I should know?" I kidded, coming round the car and pushing Bradley forward.

Nathaniel winked at me as he led us back up the stairway to the main entrance. The cool air of the grand entry hall rushed to meet us as we stepped into the elegance of a bygone era. A light scent of lemon oil was detectable, the rich mahogany furnishings gleaming with a rich patina, the ancestral portraits still staring down upon us from their gilded frames.

"Must take a big staff to keep this place sparkling," Bradley commented in awe of his surroundings.

"Just us white boys," Tommie called from the library door as he stepped into the hallway. "We done freed all the slaves, even the bedroom ones," he grinned wickedly as he checked me up and down from face to crotch and back.

"Hi, I'm Tommie, and you must be Bradley," he said confidently, leaning in to kiss Bradley on the cheek.

"I love your place," Bradley responded spinning around trying to take it all in.

"Perhaps Nathaniel will give you the grand tour while I speak to Rick for a moment."

"This way sir, if you please," Nathaniel continued his charade of major domo, leading Bradley back through the hall.

"Rick," Tommie whispered conspiratorily, as he drew me in to the library. "Phillippe and I both know how much this photo shoot means to you, getting this publicity started quickly. If there's anything we can do, just name it."

"Thanks, Tommie, you're a true friend, but you've done so much already. And investing your money in my project has been a godsend."

"Remember to keep that quiet, just between the two of us," he warned. "I wouldn't want Phillippe to know. He doesn't approve of my spending habits as it is."

"Mums the word, Master," I kidded, referring to our previous role-playing sexual encounters.

"You cute little slave boy," he smiled, "I do miss our times together."

We sat in the library and caught up on things while the grand tour continued overhead on the second floor. Finally, every room having been shown to the ever inqusitive Bradley, the two of them rejoined us.

"I'd be delighted to fix lunch for everybody," Nathaniel offered as we settled down into the deeply tufted library chairs.

"Thanks, we could stay for a bit longer," I responded enthusiastically, not wanting to leave such good company too soon.

"Zounds! Whose that gorgeous creature on the piano?" Bradley exclaimed.

Tommie swiveled his head in the direction of the concert grand in the library corner.

"My significant other, Phillippe. I wish he could be here with us today, but he's out on the yacht getting it spruced up for a bit of a charter he's booked for the weekend.. We're both working stiffs now, the bauxite mining profits are all well and good, but we can't be the idle rich, gets us both into trouble."

"Wow, he could model for our next swimsuit issue! Actually, so could you," Bradley said thoughfully, scanning Tommie up and down.

"You ain't seen nothin' yet," Tommie quipped. "What until you see Nathaniel with his shirt off."

"Oh, I intend to," Bradley twinkled.

"Shall we join Nathaniel in the kitchen," Tommie suggested, "I don't mean to leave him out of anything, now that we're all equal partners."

Bradley glanced at me quizzically.

"I'll explain later," I whispered, getting up to follow Tommie out into the hallway.

The old planked kitchen table was set with the everyday Blue Willow dishes. Piles of sandwiches were stacked on a pewter plate, frosted glasses of fresh raspberry tea at each place setting.

"Seems like old times," I reminisced, glancing around at the comfortable old kitchen with Nathaniel hovering over us.

"Ever the romantic, Rick," Nathaniel observed, "Perhaps you should take up writing when your guest house business gets really going well."

"Yes, splendid idea," Tommie chimed in, "the adventures we've been through together might make a good story. You could sell it to a publisher or at least to a magazine."

"Speaking of magazines," Bradley broke in, "I've come up with a rather unusual spin for our photoshoot."

We all stopped eating at once and stared at him expectantly.

Bradley proceeded to detail his plan to the three of us.

Later that afternoon, we returned to my office in the lower level of the Great House. Bradley took over my desk and drafting table to block out the scenes for the photo crew. Shooting would begin the next day. Chin-lee was busy in the adjoining kitchen area preparing a picnic supper for all of us to enjoy out on the front lawn, a chance to share together in the panorama of the magnificent sunset. Maybe we'd start a new tradtion, like the dockside gathering of sunset worshipers in Old Town Key West. Matthew and Jeremie were still hard at it working in the partially restored sugar mill. The excavating crew had already left for the day, having delivered their heavy equipment to the site and surveyed the pool boundaries. The rest of the photo crew were presumably in their rooms, nursing hangovers from the previous nights festivities, the simple cocktail party having extended all evening into the wee hours. Nothing for me to do but retreat to the cottage and relax before dinner.

"Cocktails, sir?" Alix greeted me wearing a smile and nothing else as I stepped into the living room of the cottage. "Shaken or stirred?"

"Somehow you've managed to do both!" I retorted. "Actually I'd like it straight up, if you could manage."

"Cumming right up sir," he grinned as he stroked himself into a more rigid stance.

I quickly tore out of my clothes, flinging them to the sofa, and dropped to my knees, taking Alix into my mouth. He thrust deeper and deeper into my throat. I could feel his urgency as he pushed more frantically.

Pulling quickly away, I looked up into his contorted face and said, "Actually, I'd prefer not to drink alone."

"Thought you'd never ask," Alix responded with a grin as he pushed me back onto the carpet and stretched out over me, filling my throat again as he took me into his own mouth.

The urgency of his desires quickly returned as he pumped furiously into me. I thrust up into his wet warmth just as eagerly. Our combined efforts brought us to the brink of climax, just as the front door opened and Bradley stepped in.

"Don't mind me, boys, just carry on," he giggled as he walked through into the kitchen.

So close we couldn't stop, Alix gushed into my throat just as I spurted into his sensual mouth. We greedily swallowed every drop, Alix collapsing on top of me, spent from desire. After a few minutes of quiet caressing, Alix's slim golden body slid off to the side. He moaned with satisfaction.

"Baby, shower with me," he pleaded, rolling his almond shaped eyes toward the bedroom door.

"I'm right behind you," I grinned as I struggled to my feet, pulling him up with me and propelling him forward.

"Make yourself a drink, Bradley," I called into the kitchen, "we'll be right back."

Freshly showered and crisply dressed, we joined Bradley on the veranda. He had thoughtfully mixed a pitcher of Martinis which rested on the low wicker table with three glasses, awaiting us.

"Didn't mean to walk in on you," Bradley apologized. "I was just so excited about this project falling into place, I felt the urge to celebrate."

"My sexy little Alix," he continued, "you're going to play two roles in this project. I need you to be a model in addition to your crew duties, and I don't mean in Rick's bedroom. We're going to make you Chin-lee's asistant chef, you'll be wearing whites in the dining room shots. Then we'll need you in a fetching speedo hanging around the beach area, what there is of it. I wish the damned pool was finished, but we'll just have to work around it."

"And you, my dear Rick, will be greeting guests at the main entrance, wearing your fancy blue blazer with the brass buttons and looking like two million bucks."

He continued to outline the script to us as we listened excitedly, sipping our drinks. Finally, out of words, he paused, awaiting our reaction.

"I like it," I responded simply, "You're still the genius, Bradley."

Alix looked over at me and asked, "May I work with Chin-lee a little, in the kitchen, to sort of get into my part?"

"Of course, cutie, anything you desire." I glanced over at Bradley. "Okay with you, Mr. Director?"

"He's your present. I gave him to you."

Bradley's words washed over me like a splash of cold water. He was treating Alix like an object, a possession to be given away. Perhaps I was guilty as well. Seeking my own gratification, knowing this was only temporary. My Marco would soon be with me. What would become of Alix?

"Let's join the others on the front lawn," I said soberly, changing the subject. "Come on, Champ," I said, placing a protective arm around Alix, as I led the way down the steps, "Your future awaits!"

Bradley followed silently, tuned in to my sudden feeling of responsibility.

The lawn fete went quite well. Chin-lee's great platters of food were soon reduced to crumbs and bones. A non-alcoholic tea based punch was served in lieu of drinks. Tomorrow was an early working day for everyone. As the sun began to sink into the water, Bradley suddenly snapped into action.

"Such a glorious sunset must be captured on film!" he said excitedly, ordering everyone into action. "Get the cameras. Everyone down to the shore, backs to the house, in random poses!"

The photographers scrambled to get the equipment ready while Bradley positioned the rest of us in a loose pattern at the waters edge.

"The intense glow of the sunset will leave our figures as black silhouettes," he explained to us.

As the shooting went on, I glanced proudly back at the Great House washed in the golden glow. A shadow seemed to pass behind a window of the upper floor, the bedroom floor. To be exact, the mistress's bedroom, where the murder occurred in 1831. Bradley's bedroom!

CHAPTER THREE

"Wake up my little darlings," Bradley sang out, emerging from the bedroom.

"Is it morning already?" I mumbled sleepily, my arms still wrapped around Alix on the foldaway sofa.

"I'm starting coffee, you guys hit the showers, we've a big shooting schedule today," he ordered. "And it wasn't necessary for you to give up your bedroom, dear one, I would have been perfectly safe in the 'murder chamber'."

"Ooh, I like it when you get all butch and bossy," I shot back.

"What's he talking about?" Alix murmured as Bradley continued on into the kitchen.

"Tell ya' later, sweet child, we've got a date in the shower."

Coyly covering his morning hard-on with both hands, Alix smiled demurely, but eagerly led the way.

By the time we reached the kitchen- much, much later, Bradley was scrambling eggs and chatting amiably with Nathaniel, Jeremie, and Jaimie, seated around the kitchen table.

"About time, you two!" Bradley exclaimed, "take a seat, breakfast's nearly ready."

Jeremie helped pass around steaming plates of cheddar cheese eggs, crisp bacon, and fluffy biscuits. Jaimie poured mugs of coffee.

"Couldn't find any grits in this place," Bradley complained, "or we'd of had a real Southern breakfast, just like back home."

We all dug into our plates while he chattered on, "Nathaniel was just fleshing out the details about the goings on in the Great House."

"Did I miss anything?" I asked, looking up from my plate.

"Maybe one or two small details," Nathaniel answered quietly.

"Like the body of the murdered mistress disappeared the night before her burial," Bradley cut in. "No wonder she's bumping around in the night."

My shocked expression must have registered my surprise as Nathaniel glanced over at me and continued, "Just legend, mind you, but the body was taken from the church during the night before her burial. The sexton helped conceal the fact and buried an empty casket. Didn't want to upset the family back in England, as they were very well connected."

"You mean the fancy gravestone I saw in the church yard marks an empty grave, all these years?" I asked, stunned. "What else did I miss?"

"The night of the slave rebellion, back in 1831, the Great House was set afire to cover the murder. The slave that fathered the mistress's baby, your ancestor," Nathaniel said, looking at Jeremie and Jaimie, "rushed up the burning staircase to save the infant, knowing the mistress was already beyond help. When he had safely delivered the baby to his kin, he disappeared. Some say he came back to claim the body of his loved one and buried her in some private place, known only to him. His final revenge on the mistress's family back in England."

"She vants to go to her grave," Bradley joked. "Meanwhile, the living better get cracking. Alix, take Jeremie and Jamie over to the crew chief for costumes. We'll be along in a minute, soon's I clean up this kitchen."

"Go ahead, Bradley, cooks aren't expected to wash dishes, I'll take care of it," I offered, nodding to Nathaniel to stay seated.

After hearing them clatter down the front stairs, I turned to Nathaniel, "You still say there's no spirit activity in the Great House?"

"Maybe there is, but ghosts don't harm anyone, people do."

"You think we should have sealed up the hidden staircase?" I asked.

Nathaniel nodded in reply, "Wouldn't hurt, almost anyone could wander in there. We don't need more accidents."

"You're right, I'll get Matthew to start on it," I promised.

Nathaniel returned to Rose Hall as I went in search of Matthew.

I entered the main hall of the Great House and found a beehive of activity. Jeremie and Jaime in burgundy vests and trousers with frilly sleeved white shirts were dressed as valets, setting the main dining table for a formal banquet. They both looked up as I passed through to the butler's pantry.

"Where's the film crew now?" I asked.

"They be down t' the kitchen, Mistuh Rick," Jeremie smiled.

I continued down the back service stair to the ground level. A marvel of new stainless steel equipment and old brick walls and floor, the kitchen had been carved out of lower level storage area near the old wine cellar. Chin-lee and Alix, dressed in white uniforms, were busily cooking while the film crew clicked away.

"Seen Matthew anywhere?" I asked Bradley, directing the activities.

"Not yet today, dearie, but we're going to see him later and don't you get lost, your shots are coming up at noon, soon as the sun gets right overhead.

I found him in the old mill, bringing boxes down from the loft area.

"Wassup, Matthew?"

"Oh Christ, Rick, you scared me, didn't hear you come in."

"You got time to do some boarding up at the Great House today? We've got ghosts using the old hidden stairway."

"Ghosts?"

"Noises in the middle of the night, close enough. Meant to seal off the entrance in the wine cellar and up in the front bedroom. Just never got around to it with all the work around here."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Got a pretty tight schedule myself today. In the morning be okay?"

"Guess so."

"Say, Rick, that Bradley guy wants me to do some shots down on the beach. That okay with you?"

"Sure, guy, never saw you in a bathing suit," I replied thoughtfully, "might be kind of sexy."

"This is 'with out', bare ass naked lying on the sand," he said with a leer. "Wanna hook up after, that's if you like what ya see?"

I grinned in reply and left quickly - temptation surrounds me!

"Now my dear, smile seductively," Bradley encouraged.

I was standing with one foot on the bottom tread gesturing up the grand stairway of the Great House.

"Repeat after me, 'The only palace where the queen personally greets you and escorts you to your chamber', " Bradley intoned.

"No way, I couldn't say that! It's too, too, ... Leona Helmsley!" I sputtered.

"Not to worry, dear one, you don't need to say it, just think it. We do the captions back in Miami."

I did look resplendant in my Ralph Lauren blazer, but queenly, don't even go there!

"Outside, everyone, quickly, quickly! Sun's directly over head."

We continued with shots of me alone at the bottom of the stairway to the front entrance, group photos of all the staff lined up the outside stairway, including the cute twins in their matching valet vests, and Chin-lee and Alix in starched kitchen whites.

The balance of the afternoon was spent in staging and shooting the guest rooms, chocolates on the pillow and long-stemmed roses in silver vases for the nightstands. The dining room and library were saved for last, to allow setting sun to stream through the windows, the dining room set for a dinner party and the library for tea time, a tradition we hoped to encourage.

"And now the setting sun outlining our hunky Matthew as God intended, au naturel! Everyone to the beach, quickly, we're losing our light," Bradley ordered.

Matthew was already there, sans bathing suit, strutting his stuff for all to see.

"Not a modicum of modesty, just what we need," Bradley said, positioning Matthew for his feature role, hands on, as usual.

I stood in awe, Matthew was much hunkier than I remembered when I had signed him on and he had seductively dropped trou' to secure his position as general manager and construction foreman. Seeing me staring, open-mouthed, he gave a broad wink. I quickly reddened with embarassment and looked bashfully away.

Finally the setting sun drowned in the smooth glistening seas, leaving a dusky twilight. The crew packed up their equipment and Bradley scooted them back toward the house, leaving the two of us alone. I stood there awkwardly as Matthew slipped on his bathing suit.

Brushing up against me in the descending darkness, his growing erection pressing into my side, he whispered, "See you in my room after dinner. It's all arranged." He walked swiftly away, not giving me time to decline the invitation.

Taking advantage of the elegant setting, we all joined together in the formal dining room, crew, staff, Bradley, and Matthew. Chin-lee outdid himself, serving a fine beef roast, potatoes and carrots. Much red wine was poured from our newly stocked wine cellar. We all chattered amicably as we shared the rich food and drink.

"To the library, everyone, the brandy's on me," I exclaimed, as dinner ended.

After everyone was served, I proposed a toast, "An old friend from years ago taught me this, I hope I get it right." Raising my brandy snifter, I began, "Here's to friends, through thick and thin, peter out, or peter in! ... or something like that."

Everyone had a good laugh, especially Matthew, as he openly winked again.

"Not to damper the party," Bradley apologized, "but we'd best turn in early. Tomorrow we begin shooting at Rose Hall and I want everyone up early."

They all struggled to their feet and drifted toward the door. Bradley took Alix aside and whispered something in his ear, sending him skipping from the room. I glanced at Matthew who had remained seated, smiling seductively at me.

"I told Alix he'd best help Chin-lee in the cleanup this evening," Bradley explained to me with a smirk, "said I needed you for a planning session." He turned toward Matthew and warned, "Be gentle with him, these older guys tire out so easily." He slipped out the door with a wink and a grin, leaving the two of us alone, at last.

"My place or yours?" Matthew offered.

"As if I had any choice, lead on," I directed following Matthew out the door and up two flights to the third floor staff quarters.

"Never been up here at night," I remarked, peering around, "seems eerily quiet."

"Just me and Chin-lee have our rooms up here," Matthew explained, turning to me. "Nobody to disturb us, or hear us."

I sat on the edge of the bed and watched Matthew quickly strip out of his clothes, his growing member springing straight out. Standing over me, his magnificent cock brushing my lips, he murmured, "Take it, baby, take it all. Barry told me what you like." .

The memory of my escapades with his lordship suddenly flooded into mind, causing my own hard reaction.

It was after midnight when I returned to the cottage. Alix was curled up asleep on the foldaway, the lights turned off. The door to the bedroom was closed. I assumed Bradley had retired as well. A partial moon slipped out from behind the clouds, drawing me back out to the front veranda. The darkened Great House stood quietly, bathed in the silvery light. The sloping front lawn cast in shadow. I glanced out across the sea, and noticed a small boat rocking gently in the distance, moored off the rocky point at the far end of the beach.

I turned back toward the front door to join Alix in slumber, just missing the two figures crossing the front lawn, arms laden with boxes.

CHAPTER FOUR

"Wait 'til you see Rose Hall, it's absolutely grand," I told Alix, pouring his first cup of morning coffee.

He looked up wistfully and said, "I'd rather stay around here today, if it's okay."

"Of course, cutie, whatever your little heart desires," I acquiesced. "You're going to miss a great time," I added, a bit disappointed..

"Chin-lee's gonna teach me some new things in the kitchen today," he explained enthusiastically.

"I'll bet he is." Was that a note of sarcasm on my part?

"Guess I better get over there. You don't mind do you?"

"You go ahead, I'll manage. See ya later this afternoon."

Giving me one of his cute little trademark smiles, he fairly skipped out of the kitchen toward the front door.

His quick departure seemed to leave a vast emptiness, in the room, in my heart. I'd felt it earlier this morning. Our usual morning sex-capades seemed to go rather mechanically. We'd hit the showers in mutual silence, he seemed detached, far away. I'd felt a bit down myself, almost depressed. The coffee hadn't helped. It was something else and I couldn't place it.

"Well good morning, sunshine!" Bradley sang through the kitchen door.

I hadn't heard him enter, but turned quickly, putting on what I hoped was an acceptable smile.

"That bad, huh? Tell your big sister all about it."

I went to the cupboard for fresh cups, a chance to collect my thoughts before I spoke.

"Something's missing in my life, Bradley. I don't know what it is or how to describe it."

"Alix not putting out, my dear?"

"No nothing like that, he's fine, it's just not ...fulfilling. The sex is great, then it's over, then what? Am I expecting too much?"

"He's just a 'trick', dear one. Think of him as an office temp, so to speak. Someone to fill in, 'til the love of your life gets home to you."

"You're right. Perhaps I'm expecting too much of him, like conversation, warm fuzzy feelings, things Marco and I shared with each other, the little intimacies, the knowing glances, finishing each other's thoughts and sentences, you know."

"You miss Marco. This is just sex, my dear, not warm fuzzies."

"Thanks Bradley, I think I see what you mean."

"You'll get my analyst's bill in the morning. Meanwhile, let's get cracking. We've got a date in paradise with your cute little Tommie and Nathaniel."

Bradley and I motored over to Rose Hall in the Land Rover, the crew following in a rental van with the photographers' equipment. By the time we reached the manor, a Bentley was sitting in the entrance court.

"Your friend Tommie sure has expensive tastes," Bradley commented.

"Looks to be the attorney's car, Mr.Mandeville, wonder what he's doing here," I muttered.

Nathaniel came bounding down the front steps at our approach. "We lined up ol' Mandeville's car for your photoshoot, Bradley, thought it might add a little class."

"I dare say!" I exclaimed somewhat disgustedly, "Where is the old coot?"

"Went in town earlier and drove it out myself, left our new van for the 'old coot'," Nathaniel chuckled, "and, of course, Tommie's Jag is parked in the rear motor court."

We trooped after Nathaniel, up the stairs to the main entrance, Tommie awaited within.

"Welcome, guys!" he gushed, throwing his arms about both of us, quite enthused by our project.

Director Bradley went right to work, dressing and grooming Tommie for his part as 'lord of the manor'. Nathaniel was costumed as butler and valet. A neighbor's wolfhound was on loan to complete the image of country gentleman of leisure. We purposely held off on Tommie's other half, saving Phillippe for the yachting photos later at the marina.

A grand luncheon was prepared for the crew in the formal dining room while Nathaniel and I served from the kitchen. I had volunteered to help as I needed his sage advice.

"I think there's something afoot at Sugar Hill," I began, "I know I'm naive, but even I can see weird things are going on around me."

"Like what, Rick?" Nathaniel turned, raising an eyebrow in concern as he gave me his full attention.

"Boxes stored in the old mill, don't know what was in them, noises in the mistress's bedroom, a strange boat moored off the rocks last night. Almost seems like the old drug runners are back again. I'm not even sure if I trust Matthew anymore. You think I'm acting paranoid?"

"Just keep your eyes open, let me know if anything else seems out of sorts. I'll do some checking on Matthew for you, but he's been working his ass off around there."

"And mine, too," I chuckled.

"You didn't?" Nathaniel accused.

" 'fraid so," I admitted with a grin, "you know I'm a sucker for a sexy man."

"Don't I know it!" Nathaniel shot back, "my little Mr. Hot Pants."

When it was time for the afternoon shots at the marina, I begged off, leaving Bradley to continue on with the crew and ride back with them afterward. Making my amends to Tommie for the short visit, I whispered to Nathaniel that I intended to do a little snooping at Sugar Hill.

"You be careful," he warned, "and call if you need me."

"I always need you, big boy," I said lustfully, "I just can't have you anymore."

The pastoral scene at Sugar Hill was rudely disturbed by sounds of monster machines moving earth, the pool builders were hard at work, Matthew supervising. I slipped past them without notice and headed for the ground level kitchen to seek out Alix.

"Hey, baby, when did you get back?" he greeted me with a floury kiss, his chef's whites dusted with the biscuit makings.

"I missed you," I grinned, "and wanted some quiet time without all those people around. Where's your master chef, Chin-lee?"

"The old mill. Had to move over some of the food supplies he keeps stored out there. Don't worry, he's teaching me well, I can handle it alone."

"I know you can, cutie, just don't want you over doing it. Maybe I should give him a hand."

Out the old farm road to the mill was a short walk but in the heat of the afternoon, it seemed endless. I purposely slipped up quietly to observe what I could without being noticed. The old mill was quiet, the loft empty, no boxes. Chin-lee was not to be found anywhere. I returned to the cottage to do some quiet observing from the shadows of the covered porch.

My quiet reverie on the veranda was suddenly interrupted by shouts from the rear of the Great House. Matthew came bounding round the corner of the building. Noticing me standing at the porch railing, he charged across the lawn in my direction, arms waving wildly.

"Rick, you gotta see this," he exclaimed breathlessly, as he neared.

I scrambled down the stairs to meet him. "What the hell, somebody get hurt? What's going on?"

"A body! They found a body!" he panted, dropping to the ground at my feet.

Flashing blue lights appeared at the entrance drive announcing the arrival of Chief Constable McKendrick. The XKE directly behind carried Nathaniel with Tommie at the wheel. Wordlessly we trooped across the lawn and around the Great House to the old kitchen garden where the pool was being dug, the excavators fallen silent, the workers quietly gathered around, their hard hats off.

"Why it's just an old graveyard you've gotten into," Tommie noted, staring at the fragments of wood and bone at the bottom of the newly dug pit..

The chief was already down in the shallow end of the hole examining the find.

"Never was one here at Sugar Hill, this family was all buried at the church yard," Nathaniel spoke quietly, reverently.

"I'm afraid we'll have to gather these remains and take them into town," the chief constable announced, "the work will have to cease for today. I'll send a forensics team out right away."

The chief continued his notes while we clusterd around the backhoe.

"What do you think, Nathaniel? The mistress of Sugar Hill?" I offered.

"Exactly. Looks like one mystery's solved." He turned toward Matthew. "You heard the chief, best send the crew home for now."

"Yeah, right away," Matthew agreed quickly as he walked unsteadily over to the crew and whispered his orders.

"What's he so nervous about?" I pondered aloud.

"Maybe he's never seen a skeleton before," Tommie offered.

"Or maybe the presence of Chief Constable McKendrick is too close for comfort," Nathaniel added with a knowing glance at me.

"Drinks anyone? I feel a ... raspberry iced tea coming on," I said, almost forgetting Tommie was on the wagon. "Let's join Alix in the kitchen. Maybe he can whip something up for us."

"We've got to be getting back, Rick," Nathaniel explained. "The photo crew should be back soon from the marina."

"And Phillippe, hopefully," Tommie added with a wistful look.

I walked them out to their car. Nathaniel lagged behind a few paces. When Tommie was seated behind the wheel he spoke softly, "Trouble in paradise, but it'll blow over."

"You mean Phillippe?"

"The new charter business is cutting into married life a bit. I'll explain later, I got a call coming this afternoon with some info on Matthew. I'll get back to you this evening when I come by to pick up Jeremie."

They pulled out of the drive leaving only the black police van, blue lights still flashing. I went in search of Alix again, perhaps a martini was in order after all, forget the ice tea!

"Still hard at it?" I exclaimed, slipping up behind Alix and embracing him with a quick hug.

"Not hard," he grinned, "but still at it. What's keeping Chin-lee?"

"No sign of him at the old mill, no boxes either. A body in the back yard and a body missing from the kitchen, what next?" I wondered aloud.

"A body!"

"Yeah, I think Matthew found the mistress of Sugar Hill, lying all these years in a hidden grave in the back garden. Any chance of you joining me for a drink?"

"Whew, I wish, but I got lots to do if Chin-lee's gonna be much longer."

I returned to the cottage, suddenly drinks didn't sound like much fun - all alone. I retraced my steps to the Great House and went into my ground floor office to place some calls, the first one to Mr. Mandeville the estate's attorney back in town.

"Yes, Rick, I've heard the news just a bit ago. I've already notified the family back in England."

"News sure travels fast," I commented.

"Not everyday we have a situation like this. Any idea who it might be?" he asked solicitously.

"Nathaniel seems to think it may be the mistress of Sugar Hill. I tend to go along with that."

"Well, that may upset a few people back in England. They wanted to disbelieve all those old rumors. Guess we'll have to seek an exhumation order to see who or what's in the grave at the church yard. The family'll have to approve it, of course."

"Yes, I dare say." There I go again, the British persona taking over.

I placed a call to Key West next, my own attorney, Fielding Francois.

"Always happy to hear from you, Rick. Are you inviting me to your open house?"

"Of course, you'll be my first invitation, but I need to know about another matter, a legal matter."

I outlined the incident of today's discovery as minimally as I could without getting into too much background.

"Don't worry, you have no liability or responsibility at all. It happened too long ago, before you bought in to the place. Just let the estate owners take care of it and be glad about one thing, you may have finally put to rest that ghost you've spoken of."

How true!

My third call was to my beloved, Marco.

"Just thinking about you, lover," he answered quietly, after I reached him in Miami at our old apartment.

"I think about you every day, baby," I vowed, "and I wish you were here with me right now."

"Maybe sooner than you think," he replied.

"Really? That's great! When?"

"I've been working on a deal to get my probation ended early. I think they'll go along with it."

"Wow, that's super, baby. I really love you and miss you."

"Me too. Got some strings attached to this early release deal. Better not say too much yet. Let you know soon as I hear back from the probation office."

After I hung up from Marco, I returned to the cottage. My heart was afire with thoughts of having my lover with me but something was gnawing at the edge of this happiness. He was holding something back. As I mused quietly on the veranda, iced tea in hand, a motor car sounded out on the gravel drive. It was Nathaniel in the Bentley.

"Got to take this thing back to town, want to ride with me?" Nathaniel offered, climbing the front steps to join me.

"Sure, let's get outta here, I need to be with the living for awhile. Strange day, strange things happening around here."

"One for the books alright."

"Rather have a drink first?"

"Let's wait 'til we get back, need clear heads for some serious thinking," he replied mysteriously.

When were seated in the regal motor car rumbling down my rutted gravel drive, Nathaniel began.

"Seems like your Matthew may be up to something. He owes a lot of money back in town. He's connected with Manville somehow. And he's got a rap sheet -mostly for drug trafficking."

I let out a low whistle. "No wonder he was nervous around Chief Constable."

"I checked into Chin-lee while I was at it."

"Don't tell me, he's a druggie too?"

"Not exactly. He does have ties to Matthew, some business dealings, and he's worked for ol' Manville."

"The enemy surrounds us!" I exclaimed. "What'll we do?"

"Thought you'd never ask. I gotta plan, if you're up to it?" Nathaniel grinned over at me.

"You mean, the Sugar Hill gang rides again?"

He just turned back to the road as he continued smiling.

CHAPTER FIVE

"Anyone seen Alix?" I asked at the dinner table that evening.

"No dear, " Bradley responded, "and if you can't take better care of your 'toys' and put them back where you found them, you'll have to go to bed without dessert."

"Yes, Mother!" I said with chagrin, as the others around the table chuckled into their plates.

Just then Chin-lee came pushing through the door from the butlers pantry with a fresh tray of biscuits. I motioned him over.

"Alix still working down in the kitchen?"

"No siree, Rick, I give boy time off. He work very hard today. Do good job," Chin-lee replied with a quick bow and wide grin. "He very talented boy, he learn very fast."

"Perhaps he took a walk down to the sea, I'll look for him later."

"Yes, he walk about, walk about." Chin-lee bowed again as he backed toward the door.

Dinner was finished summarily, the crew having worked up a big appetite, what with the shots at Rose Hall followed by shots at the marina, and a bit of a sea excursion afterward. Jeremie had gone home with Nathaniel when he returned me to the cottage after our trip to town. We had discussed a new plan for getting to the bottom of our strange happenings, and I was anxious to question Alix further about Chin-lee's mysterious absence this afternoon.

Bradley pushed back from the table first. "Well dear ones, I hate to leave such good company, but I've got work to do in the quiet of my room tonight, if it stays quiet," he said with an arch of the eyebrow.

"I believe that problem may have been solved with the discovery in the pool excavation, at least according to Nathaniel," I promised with a grin.

"Yes, dear, I have great faith in Nathaniel's spiritual connections," Bradley concurred as he walked from the room, preoccupied with private thoughts.

I excused myself from the others and took a stroll across the front lawn toward the edge of the beach. The sun was not yet ready to plunge into the sea, plenty of light still flooded the grounds. No sign of my boy. I explored the back garden and side formal gardens, quiet breezes were the only things stirring. Suddenly I spied the gate that let out to the newly refurbished tennis courts. It was slightly ajar. As I approached the arched opening in the hedge, I could see Alix stretched out in the last rays of sun, snoozing quietly, his jeans folded under his head. I stood quietly and watched, not willing to wake or startle him. We could talk later. Suddenly his eyes flew open as if he sensed my presence.

"Hey, baby, how long you been standing there?" he yawned stretching his arms out, drawing his knees up to conceal his growing erection.

"Long enough to fall in love with you," I admitted.

"No, Rick, don't say that." Alix looked up, concerned. "I know you have a lover, I don't want to spoil that. Let's just enjoy what time we have together."

"How did you get so smart at twenty-two?" I marveled.

"Street smart," he grinned back. "Come down here with me," he invited, patting the ground next to him.

I sprawled on the hard clay court beside him, staring in awe at his enormous appendage, his ability to grow hard instantly at the slightest provocation.

"I want you now," he growled low in his throat.

"Here in the wide open spaces?" I breathed, surprised at his sudden ardor.

"Right here in our 'secret garden', no one'll see us. I want you inside me now."

He turned over on his side, drawing a tube of lotion from his jeans pocket.

"Here baby, use this, I new you'd come after me. I came prepared."

Later as we lay in each other's arms, the descending coolness of the evening drew us ever closer together, bonded as one.

"Well if it isnt love, I don't know what it is," I murmured in his ear.

"It's lusty sex between two hot horny men. You'll get over it, soon as your honey gets here."

I just squeezed him tighter.

"If it helps, I love you too, Rick. But when it's over it's over. I won't make it difficult," he promised.

Finally the unseasonable chill drove us back into our clothes. We walked arm in arm back through the gardens toward the cottage, like two lovers in the gathering dusk. The moon just began to peep out from behind a fleecy cloud. As we passed the Great House, the windows were aglow with warm light, the cottage lay in darkness. We stumbled up the stairs and let ourselves in. Alix led me directly toward the bedroom, we left the lights out and continued where we left off. He was insatiable! So was I.

Our new found understanding drove us to a new found intimacy and more feverish pursuits of sexual exploration and ecstasies. Finally, exhausted from our pleasures, we fell into a deep slumber, our arms wrapped protectively around each other.

Over in the Great House, the lights in the windows were extinguished one by one as each of the guests and staff turned in for the evening. The partial moon was overtaken once again by the fleecy cloud cover. No one noticed the two figures emerge from the ground floor, lugging boxes in their arms, scuttling down the sloping lawn toward the sea. The figures disappeared behind the rocky outcropping at the end of the beach. No one heard the thuds of the boxes hitting the boat bottom, nor the quiet chugging of the motor as the watercraft pulled out into the surf to rejoin the waiting ship anchored far out in the darkness.

"My dear, you really must do something about those rats rustling away in the walls. I'm a sound sleeper, but even I couldn't sleep through that."

I looked up from my breakfast plate, startled. "There's never been any rats here, Bradley. Not four footed ones anyway."

"Something certainly scurried up and down through that fireplace wall last night."

"I'll look into it today, I promise."

It was still early when I left Bradley and the others in the dining room feasting on the great breakfast Chin-lee and Alix had put together. I found Matthew supervising the pool excavation crew.

"Got a minute, Matthew?"

"Sure boss, what's up?" he asked, glancing down at my crotch. "You need my special services?" he grinned.

"Just wondering if you got the old hidden stairway sealed up," I replied brusquely, ignoring his inuendos. "The guys on the second floor have been hearing noises inside the wall."

"Didn't get to it yet, what with the pool guys here, I know how important that is to you. Then the finding of the grave. Too much. I'll get to it today, promise!"

Deciding to test his truthfulness, I dropped another question on him.

"You know where Chin-lee disappeared to yesterday? I looked all over for him."

"No sir, boss. I don't have nothin' to do with them chinks!" he spat out.

"I thought you guys were old buddies from back in town. Must have heard wrong." I searched his eyes for a clue.

"Never saw the guy before your little slave boys, Jeremie and Jaime brought him out here to work. I told 'em it was a bad idea hirin' the guy with you not here."

It had the ring of truth, but I already knew better from what Nathaniel had found out. I let it drop for now.

"When you're ready to get started on that little project, let me know," I said firmly, "and before the day's end, please!"

"Guess you're the boss!" he snapped back as turned away from me, his arms crossed in defiance.

I returned to my desk in the ground floor office to get busy on my fall mailing list. Bradley was putting together a special package deal for me, the magazine coverage, full color brochures to mail out to inquirees and a special set of brochures for me to send to a select few, with a free one years subscription to his company's magazine. He was being very generous, as there would be no cost to me.

The morning passed swiftly. It was nearly one o'clock when Alix poked his head through the doorway.

"You got time for lunch, baby?"

"I still have a lot to do, maybe I'll eat later," I said distractedly, not looking up.

"I'll fix a plate of sandwiches and bring them to you. You got to eat something," he insisted.

"Thanks Alix, you're so good for me." I smiled up at him, but he was already gone.

Something made me pick up the telephone and call Nathaniel at Rose Hall.

"Yeah, Rick, wassup?"

"Anything you want, big boy," I said teasingly.

"Alix cut you off, huh?"

"No way, just kidding. We got our noises back in the front bedroom where Bradley stays."

"There's more to it than ghosts, Rick. We got to set up a sting and see if there's any drug running action with your guys, Matthew and Chin-lee. You up for it?"

"You got a plan, right?"

"Yeah, listen up now...."

Just as I hung up from Nathaniel, Alix appeared with a lunch tray. Some sandwich! It was my favorite lunch treat, Hot Brown!, thinly sliced smoked turkey on toast points smothered in rich cheddar sauce and topped with sliced tomato and bacon, all nicely browned under a hot broiler. Raspberry iced tea and a stem of orange hibiscus in a bud vase completed the picture.

"You absolute darling, how did you know?"

"I read through your planning menus and came across your favorites, thought I'd impress my new boyfriend."

"No sugar in the tea, right?"

"Uh huh."

"Then come here and sweeten my lips with yours."

I got up from my desk and took his mouth with mine, kissing deeply and passionately. Almost instantly I felt guilt rushing in, my committment to Marco was being tested severely.

"Thanks, Alix, I got to get back to work," I said lamely, covering my mixed emotions. "See you for drinks before dinner, if you can get away from the kitchen."

"Of course, baby, I'll meet you back at the cottage about four?" he offered.

"Yeah, don't start with out me," I grinned as I sat down and tore in to lunch.

It was already four o'clock and I hadn't heard back from Matthew. If Nathaniel was right, it was time to put on a bit more pressure. He wasn't on the grounds or in the old mill, I returned to the kitchen where Chin-lee was finishing dinner preparations, Alix had already left for the cottage.

"You seen Matthew?" I quizzed Chin-lee.

"Matt go to room upstairs, he wait for you. You go, you go," he grinned.

From the kitchen to the staff quarters on the top floor was three full flights of stairs. I arrived at Matthew's door completely out of breath, shouldn't have run all the way. The door was ajar. I could see Matthew reclining on his bed, wearing only jeans. I charged through the door.

"Fine time to rest, you promised - the stairway. Remember?" I panted.

"Sit over here, Rick, let's talk"

He patted the edge of the bed beside him. I dropped down gratefully.

"You need to relax, Rick," he murmured, pulling me back against him, running his hand down into my pants. "I think I got something real special for you," he continued, starting to unbutton my shirt.

"Wait a minute," I protested hotly, struggling up from his grasp. "I didn't come here for sex, I came for an explanation!"

"I'll get to that project first thing tomorrow. Right now you need a hot man to give you a real good fuck." He pulled me back down on top of him.

"Matthew, knock it off! This is business. What happened with us the other night was an accident. You set me up, got me drunk, and you..."

"You loved every minute of it," he interrupted, tearing at my shirt again.

I punched my elbow back into his ribs and lunged forward out of his grasp.

"Get your fuckin' hands off me!"

"Now I'm not good enough for you, huh?" he shouted, jumping up and starting toward me again. "Savin' it for for your little boy?"

"Leave Alix out of this!" I warned.

"I can fuck that little bitch o' yours anytime I want. Thought you might want a real man for a change."

"You touch a hair on his head and you're out of here. I know what you've been up to, a little drug running maybe, you and Chin-lee? I think Chief McKendrick's got you in his sights already."

"Why you...!" he sputtered, clenching his fists, his face deepening into crimson.

"You got anything stashed around here, get it cleared out of here tonight, or else!"

I exited quickly, afraid I'd gone too far. I ran down the steps to the second floor and smashed into Bradley, coming out of his room.

"My dear, you certainly have an impact on people! Just don't knock them over," he grinned.

"I'm sorry , Bradley, I was a bit worked up," I apologized. "Come join us at the cottage, I think we need to break out the Bombay."

"Sounds devine, darling. Lead on."

"Dearest Alix, how lovely you look," Bradley greeted him with a wink.

Freshly showered and dressed in a crisply ironed Ralph Lauren button down shirt and black 501's, he did look quite delicious standing there on the verandah waiting for us.

"Shall I fix drinks," he asked as I wrapped an arm around him in a protective gesture.

"No, my love, I'll get them. You've been working hard all day. Sit here with Bradley. I won't be but a moment," I said softly, kissing the top of his head as I placed my hands on his shoulders and gently returned him to his chair.

"Martinis all around?" I asked briskly, not waiting for an answer as I strode through the front door of the cottage.

"So, my dear, how's life with Rick?" Bradley whispered. "You two getting along?"

"He's been wonderful, I think I could really go for him," Alix replied shyly.

"We'll see! It all depends on Marco, it's his call." Bradley looked thoughtfully away for a moment. "I sure hope he knows what he's doing."

"What was that, Bradley?" I asked returning with the drink tray, placing it on the low wicker table between them.

"Oh nothing, darling," Bradley said idly, "just hate to be going, but our time is nearly up. We've got to wrap up this shoot and get back to Miami"

"Before we get too wasted, which I'd dearly love right now, I need to let you guys in on what's been going on around here, or what we think is going down."

"Who's we, my dear?"

"The Sugar Hill Gang," I replied...I filled them in on Nathaniel's plan. "...and tonight's the night. They should be joining us about midnight."

"Perhaps we better go easy on the drinks, Rick," Alix suggested tentively.

"You're right, baby, the voice of reason, my conscience."

I turned to him with a gentle kiss. The drinks had emboldened me, but not numbed me to the fact I was creating something out of nothing, I was substituting Alix for Marco. Where was Marco when I needed his strength beside me?

CHAPTER SIX

At the stroke of midnight, more or less, Jeremie and Nathaniel slipped through the kitchen door. Bradley, Alix, and I had retreated from the chill of the veranda to the cheery warmth of the living room.

"I see you started without us," Nathaniel grinned, eyeing our drink glasses.

"Excuse my manners," I slurred slightly, "may I offer my fellow thugs a drink to ward off this unseasonable chill?"

"Maybe a hot mug of tea for all of us," Nathaniel suggested, with a warning glance at Jeremie.

"I'm right on it," he complied, as he disappeared back into the kitchen.

"You think we're too looped to help," I commented, "but this was just a final toast, to the imminent departure of the criminal element around here. Now could I have possibly said all that - drunk?"

Bradley rolled eyes heavenward, "I've heard you recite the funeral mass in Latin with more drinks than you've had tonight."

"There's a point there, I thimk."

"You mean 'think', I think!" Bradley continued with a giggle.

Alix sat quietly through all this cheerful banter, Nathaniel looked perplexed at our behavior, but took a seat at the end of the sofa.

"Gentmens, the tea is served," Jeremie announced, carrying a tray of steaming mugs into our midst.

As we sipped the healing beverage, hot tea generously laced with milk and sugar, English style, sanity returned, albeit slowly.

"Now if I have your full attention," Nathaniel began, clearing his throat ominously, "we have asignments to carry out."

"Aye, aye, sir," I quipped, saluting. "Your men are all present and accounted for,except... where's Tommie and Phillippe?"

Nathaniel pulled one of our old walkie-talkies from his parka.

"They should be moored just off shore at this very moment. 'Princess', come in, this is base calling'."

"Who's Princess?" Alix asked innocently.

"You're too young to ask, my dear," Bradley chided.

"It's Phillippe's yacht," I whispered, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"We're here, base," the voice of Tommie crackled over the air, "target not in sight."

"What's that mean?" Alix persisted.

"I think our drug runner boat failed to show," Nathaniel responded worriedly. "Maybe they were tipped off."

"Or maybe we have the wrong night?" I exclaimed with sudden realization. "Just because I told Matthew to clear out his stuff, doesn't mean he had any to clear out, or any place to off load it."

"Good point, Rick," Nathaniel said thoughtfully. "If there's no action, maybe we should stir some up."

"Like?"

"We seem to be a majority here, let's confront Matthew and Chin-lee, face to face."

"And beat it out of 'em!" I shouted gleefully.

"More flies were attracted with sugar than salt," Bradley reasoned aloud.

"He's got a point," Nathaniel grinned.

"Other than the one on his head," I continued disrespectfully.

"I'll call the guys back and tell 'em tonight's a bust, and not a 'drug bust'!"

While Nathaniel tried to reach Tommie and Phillippe on our WWII war surplus phones, I turned to Bradley with the big question.

"What do you mean by 'sugar', sugar?"

"You're so 'sweet' to ask," he bantered back. "Here's my plan..."

He outlined a scenario for all of us to consider. We kicked it back and forth, ironed out the wrinkles, and ran it up the flag pole. It flew, everybody saluted! So we were in agreement. Tomorrow night would be a big send off dinner and party for the staff and photo crew. We would smooth out bad feelings with Matthew and act as if all was back to normal. The drinks would flow and we, the Sugar Hill Gang, would keep semi sober, then turn on the charm. Whatever slipped out in the way of useful infomation would be shared later.

"Well, I'm sleepy, it's well after two in the morning," I yawned, rather rudely.

"I'm going to retire to the 'murder chamber'," Bradley yawned in agreement.

"The boys are going to stay moored out on the yacht, just in case," Nathaniel added, "so I guess Jeremie and I better head back to Rose Hall and guard the family jewels."

"So that's what you call it these days," I said with a leering glance down at his crotch.

"Rick, please!" Alix piped up. "Perhaps I better tuck you into bed, you need to sleep it off."

"Anything you say, my dearest Alix," I said tiredly, "I'm silly putty in your hands."

"Goodnight guys," Jeremie called out as Nathaniel dragged him out the cottage door.

At last we were alone. And we really did go right to sleep, believe it or not.

I awoke to an empty bed. Struggling to rise, the thunder of a thousand horses trampling through my head dictated that I should return quickly to the prone position. I obliged. The sun may have been up for hours, for the room seemed quite warm and oppressive.

"Alex, where are you?" I called out weakly.

"Coming, Rick," he answered soothingly, slipping through the door with a small tray.

"Nothing for me, thanks, I couldn't think of eating until next week," I grinned up feebly.

"Plain bottled water, chilled, and three aspirin, then back to sleep," he ordered. "I'll come back and check on you after we finish serving lunch at the Great House."

"Thanks, baby, you're too good to me."

"I know, and now you know!" He departed with an mysterious, preoccupied look.

Several hours later, the clatter of footsteps on the veranda stairs brought me out of my light sleep. This time, Alix strode briskly into the room.

"Enough of this," he commanded sternly, "hit the showers and get your clothes for this evening. There's lots to do before your friends get here."

"What friends?" I looked up at Alix from my tangled nest of bed sheets and pillows.

"Remember the party you and Bradley planned. He's been telephoning all morning. The attorney guy from town, Tommie, Phillippe, Jeremie, Jaime, Nathaniel, Bradley, the magazine crew, Matthew, and Chin-lee, they're all coming for tonights dinner, with a gathering in the library afterward."

"Whatever for?" I asked befuddled.

"Bradley and company are leaving day after tomorrow, you're playing detective tonight to get the goods on Matthew and Chin-lee!"

"What happened to the sweet little guy that nursed me this morning?" I asked wistfully.

"Somebody has to take charge of you." He kissed me primly on the forehead. "And start with toothpaste and mouthwash, please!"

I rose quickly and retreated to the sanctuary of the bathroom.

"Pick out something for me to wear," I called back through the closed door.

I returned to the bedroom renewed and refreshed from the healing waters of a warm shower followed by a cool rinse, just for good measure. My clothes were laid out on the neatly made bed - my new Ralph Lauren blazer, cream colored slacks, tie and Italian slip on shoes.

'Your power suit,' read the note laying on the pillow sham. 'Join me in the dining room when you're ready, Your loving partner, Alix.'

"Oh no," I thought, "he's assuming too much again, we'll have to have another chat about this relationship."

Our dinner party seemed to go as planned. Alix and I served, buffet style, from the huge mahogany sideboard in the formal dining room. Chin-lee and Alix had previously prepared all the food. Serving with Alix was merely a token position to allow Chin-lee to join the guests for the dinner - part of our plan. The wine flowed endlessly, with all partaking except Alix, Nathaniel, and Tommie. They were all on alert to pick up items of gossip. I indulged slightly, as Bradley had assigned me to seduce Matthew. After our last brief encounter, I would need a few drinks to act convincing.

"Jeremie, would you light a fire for us," I asked, pleasantly sated and feeling the unseasonable cold creeping through the limestone walls.

"Yessuh, Mistuh Rick, in da libary?"

"I think we'll all end up there for after dinner drinks and whatever."

I hoped the smoking was minimal, the fireplace, not the guests. It had never been used since remodeling.

Sidling up to Matthew, I began my apologies.

"Sorry, Matthew, about the other night," I began, "but I was feeling overly possessive of Alix and upset about other imaginary things."

"No problem, Rick," he said expansively, "I knew you had to fight real hard to resist my sexy body."

"Yeah, you're right. I won't resist next time, if I get a chance."

"Maybe," he said with a brief grin.

"Oh, Rick, a bit of news about a grave situation," Mr. Mandeville quipped with a rarely seen smile. "I've just this day received permission from the Carlysle family in England to disinter the family plot. If the grave is empty, the remains you found will be considered the 'mistress of Sugar Hill' and reburied with all due ceremony."

"Thank goodness, that should settle all these bumps in the night," I said glancing back to get Matthew's reaction, but he had already disappeared. "Perhaps I won't be so edgy anymore."

"And his Lordship sends his personal regards to you," he added with a wink.

Bradley was frantically motioning to me from across the room.

"Well, yes, thanks very much," I responded distractedly, "I hope I can attend the ceremonies."

"But of course, we'll keep in touch," he called as I wandered over to Bradley.

"You summoned?"

"Your intended seduction may have gone awry. Matthew is in the dining room getting touchy feely with your lover, my dear."

"Since he's not 'my lover'," I stated archly, "I guess I can't complain, as long as one of us takes him to bed."

Secretly I was seething inside. I'd have to rescue Alix at once.

"I believe it's time for your announcement, Bradley."

"What 'announcement'?" he asked with a blank expression.

"Think of something, quickly, you're good at that!" I hissed through clenched teeth, and stalked from the room.

"You two have time to join us in the library for Bradley's announcement," I said a bit sarcastically, calling in to the dining room where Matthew had Alix cornered.

"Yes, baby, we'll be right in," Alix replied quickly, in apparent relief.

I returned to the library doorway, cleared my throat rather loudly and said, "Bradley and company are about to leave us for Miami. As this may be our last evening all together, I'm sure he would like to thank all of you for your eager cooperation in modeling, etc., and I believe he has a rather special announcement to make."

I could feel Alix arms going round my waist as he slipped up behind me, Matthew at his side.

Bradley stared wide-eyed at me as if I'd lost my mind.

"Well, I...er...yes, I would like to thank all of you for your assistance in this photo shoot, your patience, your understanding of our rather quirky requests. I...ah..."

Suddenly his eyes lighted up as he stared at Matthew and he continued.

"... and I've just received word today, from our publisher in New York, that the stills we sent on ahead for editing have revealed a new talent among you. Seems we have a potential fashion model in our midst and they would like to invite him to New York immediately for photo tests and possibly a contract. Matthew, please take a bow!"

Bradley clapped rather loudly and was immediately joined by the whole group. Matthew, red-faced with embarrassment or surprise, stood eyes gaping, mouth dropping open.

"That certainly calls for champagne all around," I suggested. "Come, Alix, we'll raid the wine cellar."

We returned with a few bottles of bubbly kept chilled for just such occasions. I poured while Alix distributed the glasses.

As I poured Bradley's drink, he whispered to me behind raised hand, "If you ever do that to me again, I'll haunt you to death. After sleeping in that 'white witch's' bedroom, I can probably do it, too!"

"I'm sure you've haunted a lot of places," I giggled, the drinks having once again kicked in.

"You better get the goods on him tonight, he must never get to New York or the magazine board will think I've lost my mind."

"Don't worry, he'll be easy after this round of drinks."

The crew and Bradley were set to party all night, but Tommie and Phillippe took leave after the round of drinks. Mr. Mandeville offered Jaime a ride back into Montego Bay where he was staying with his grandmother. Nathaniel gathered up Jeremie and drove him back to Rose Hall in the estate van. I quickly decided to divide and conquer as Bradley had instructed me once before.

"Alix, baby, why don't you help Chin-lee gather up these glasses and tidy up the dining room," I suggested. "I'll get Matthew alone and try to get something out of him. He should be easy now, he's drunk as a lord."

"And you're not?" he teased.

"That's what makes it so easy, I won't be afraid to do whatever I have to."

"You be careful," Alix warned, "he had his hands all over me earlier."

"I noticed," I said grimly. "Don't worry, he'll pay for that!"

I approached Matthew warily, not sure how far gone he was.

"Matthew, can I talk to you alone, please?" I asked timidly, struggling for some idea, some wedge to open up a flow of information.

"Yeah, I new you wanted to finish what we started the other night. Let's go up to my room," he leered, grabbing me by the shoulder and propelling me out the library door.

"Could we talk first," I pleaded, as a sudden idea had struck.

"Yeah, what about?"

"Not here, let's go outside where no one can hear us," I suggested.

At least I'd have plenty of room to get away if he got too unpleasant.

We strolled out the back door of the entrance hall onto the elevated terrace that ran along the rear of the house overlooking the gardens. The enclosing darkness provided just the right setting for intimacy.

Placing my hands around his waist, I drew into Matthew closely and whispered, "I need your help. I've got financial problems, big problems, big bills coming due."

"So, how can I help?" he asked suspiciously.

"I know there's a way to make some quick money here, it's been done before. The drug trade needs a set up like this to get the stuff off the island to boats offshore."

"What makes you think I could help you with that?"

"You might have connections, it's rumored."

"Yeah, Tommie said you'd fall into line, soon's the going got tough."

"Tommie!?!" I exclaimed, jumping back.

"As if you didn't know. Your snooty little friend's got rich off your place here, right behind your back. He was going to cut you in, but didn't think you'd go for it 'til you got desperate."

"You mean Tommie is running drugs through here?" The shock was unbearable, but I had to look calm.

"His idea, his money, his connections. We just do all the work"

I fell silent, considering my next move. Nobody was going to believe this, I didn't believe it.

"With you in it, I know you'll get me a bigger cut. That New York business ain't for me. I like it right here. You and me can make this place pay off big time."

"You're right, Matthew," I said hugging him tightly to me, "we're going to make great team, you sure saved my ass."

"What'll ya say we go up to my room now and have a little private celebration! I may have that ass after all," he grinned.

"Anything you want, Matthew, you're the boss now."

"You didn't do anything with him, did you?" Alix accused as I rejoined him in the library, now emptied of party goers.

"I should have an 'Oscar' for my performance tonight," I gloated. "You don't really think I'd go to bed with Matthew after the slimy business he's been pulling. I fed the poor sot a few more drinks, he passed out cold across his bed. I turned out his lights and fled down through the house to find you."

"Of course not, baby, but you'd make a terrible spy. Your hands are shaking, your heart's beating like mad."

"Let's get outta here," I suggested slyly, "If I'm lucky, your heart will be pumping wildly for me when I'm done with you."

"You get bolder every day, you little devil!" he said gleefully.

"Come on, I got lot's to tell you anyway."

"That can wait, this won't," he purred, pulling my hand down across his bulging crotch.

Arm in arm, we walked briskly out of the Great House and across the yard to our romantic tryst at the cottage.

CHAPTER SEVEN

"Are we alone, can you talk?"

"I am. You?"

"For the moment, Alex is in the shower."

"Wassup, Rick?"

"About Matthew. Last night. I don't know how to begin."

"Come on, you can confide in me, you always have. What's he done now?"

"It's what he told me, last night."

"Spit it out, Rick, my ESP's not working this morning," Nathaniel sputtered impatiently.

"He mentioned Tommie. Said Tommie was the brains behind this little drug running business, freely admitted it after I had him liquored up and put the make on him, of course."

Silence from Nathaniel's end.

"Tell me it's not true!"

"I'll take care of it," Nathaniel replied quietly. "Don't mention this to anyone, you hear."

"But it's not true, right?"

"I'll take care of it, Rick. We'll talk about it later. Got to go right now."

Click, the line went dead in my ear.

"Hey, baby, who you talking to?" Alix asked, stepping into the living room draped in his towel, brushing back his damp hair.

"Nathaniel. Told him about what Matthew said last night"

"Just think positively. Tommie's your best friend down here, remember?"

"Yeah, I hope so. Matthew's probably just trying to fuck with my head a bit, draw me into his scheme."

"Now what do we do?"

"Nothing, Nathaniel said he'd take care of it. I guess we go through the day like we know nothing, see what happens."

Bradley smiled up as Alix and I entered the dining room.

"Some party last, guys. Thanks, I think! This hangover is finally ebbing."

"The least we could do," I replied, bowing slightly, "in grateful appreciation for what you're doing for us."

"Since we don't go back to Miami until tomorrow, I thought I'd just relax and enjoy your sunny little beach this morning," Bradley noted cheerfully, "maybe it'll clear my head."

"Where's your crew? No breakfast?" I asked.

"I'm sure they'll wander down, one by one."

Alix and I filled our plates from the silver covered dishes lining the sideboard.

"At least Chin-lee is still on the job," I whispered to Alix.

I walked Bradley down to the beach, while Alix went on to the kitchen to see if Chin-lee had any inkling of what went on with me and Matthew last night.

"My dear, I hope you get that body reburied soon," Bradley began, "that screeching and moaning in the night just isn't good for business."

"What now? I thought that was all over with."

"Maybe it was a vivid nightmare, but it sure woke me out of a deep sleep."

"Just what did you hear?" I asked increduously.

"A blood-curdling scream followed by crashing and banging from inside that wall, then a few distant moans."

We reached the sea and Bradley fluffed his towel out on the edge of the beach.

"I'll just catch a few rays. Why don't you join me," he invited, patting the sand beside him.

"Perhaps I'd better go find Matthew and get him on that boarding up project," I said grimly.

"Don't let me stay here too long, my peaches and cream complexion won't take much sun."

I walked back to the house, determined to get Matthew on the job, regardless of what transpired between us last night. After all, he was still my employee, technically, until we got this drug business brought out to the authorities.

The door stood open, bed clothes rumpled, no sign of Matthew. Memories of last night flooded through my mind like a replay, his drunken form passed out cold, snoring away as I turned out the lights and closed his door quietly behind me.

When I reached the kitchen on the ground level, I found Alix busily loading the new stainless steel dishwasher.

"Where's Chin-lee?"

"Said you told him to go into town," Alix shrugged. "Something about a special meal for the crew."

"I haven't even seen Chin-lee today, that was your job."

"All I know is, he took the keys to the Land Rover and walked outside a few minutes ago. You didn't see him?"

"No, I was upstairs looking for Matthew. He's not there either."

Our eyes met in sudden recognition.

"They've made a run for it!" Alix exclaimed.

"You may be right, let me call Nathaniel, I don't know where else to turn."

I sprinted down the hallway to my ground floor office.

"Nathaniel, thank God your still there. They've taken off, Matthew and Chin-lee. They've got my car," I said breathlessly. "What should I do, call Chief Constable McKendrick?"

"Don't be hasty, Rick," Nathaniel warned, "we don't have the proof we need to call in the authorities. Let me get over there, we'll talk about it."

The line went dead again, I wish he'd quit doing that. I wandered slowly back toward the kitchen.

"Any warm coffee, baby? I need it."

"What'd Nathaniel say?" he asked, handing me a steaming mug.

"He's on his way over, said not to do anything, he'd take care of it."

Alix finished his cleanup while I stared at him, finishing my coffee.

"What are we gonna do, baby?" I asked quietly.

"About?" he said turning toward me, a questioning look in his eyes.

"About us. You're scheduled to go back with Bradley and the crew, aren't you?"

"I wanted to talk to you about that," he began slowly. "I know I can't be your lover, but I thought maybe I could work here in the kitchen, stay here at Sugar Hill."

He looked up slowly at me, perhaps gauging my reaction.

I looked back into my empty cup, no answers there.

"Promise I won't get in the way. If Chin-lee doesn't come back..."

"Damn well he won't come back," I interrupted harshly. "Those two are history!"

"Please, Rick, if I can't have you at least we can still be friends."

I got off my stool and walked over to where Alix stood, still leaning on the work table his head lowered.

"Baby, we'll always be friends. But you know my circumstances."

I placed my arms around his waist, drawing him back against me. I could feel his heart beating fast, a shudder passing through his body. I kissed the top of his head, let my hands stroke his beating chest.

"I do love you, baby."

"Then let me stay, please!" he pleaded. "I won't be any trouble, I'll work hard here in the kitchen. I just want to be near you."

"Looks like I got here just in time," came a voice from the kitchen door. "Interrupting anything? I been looking all over for you," Nathaniel announced.

"Just complimenting our new chef," I laughed lightly, dropping my hands from their guilty pleasures.

"You mean it, baby?" Alix said excitedly, "I can stay?"

"Of course. Sugar Hill needs you. I need you!"

"Meanwhile, back at the ranch," Nathaniel interrupted, "show me Matthew's room."

I led the way back up to the third floor, Alix and Nathaniel trailing behind me.

"So this is where you did the dirty deed," Alix said glancing at the unmade bed.

"I already told you, nothing happened," I said, glaring at him sharply.

Nathaniel, ignoring our little clash, was poking into the walkin closet at the end of the room.

"In here, guys," he called out.

"Still in the closet, eh?" I chuckled.

My mouth gaped open as I stared at an open panel at the back of the closet, musty air rushing out to meet us.

"The other end of your hidden stairway," Nathaniel announced.

"No wonder Matthew didn't want to seal up the wine celler opening," I breathed with shock and surprise. "How did you know?"

Nathaniel ignored my question.

"I think he used this stairway to get in and out of the house unseen. May even have been storing his stash in here 'til his contact arrived out in the bay. Got a flashlight up here, Rick?"

"Everything's stored down on the ground floor in the supply room."

We all trudged back down the three flights to the ground level where we had started.

"Might as well check from this end," Nathaniel suggested as he took the torch from me and headed into the wine cellar, Alix and I right on his heels.

The wine rack concealing the hidden panel slid out easily.

"Sems to be working smoothly, too smoothly," Nathaniel muttered.

He shined the beam into the dank interior and gasped, "Good God, it's Matthew!"

The light clattered to the floor and went out as Nathaniel stumbled back against the door frame.

The flashing blue lights from the black van brought Bradley up from the beach. A few of the crew were already gathered around the arched opening leading from the front lawn into the ground floor.

"A police escort? Really, my dear, you shouldn't have. We don't leave until tomorrow!"

"Bradley, it's Matthew! He's dead!"

"Was it something I said?"

"I'm not kidding. He fell down the hidden stairwell. Apparently last night."

"Then I wasn't dreaming. I did hear something," he said in awe.

"Why don't we all go back inside," Nathaniel suggested, "let these men get on with their job."

"If they need photos taken..." Bradley began.

"Got it covered," I said. "The whole crime scene team's here. Not the kind of publicity I had in mind."

"They got Chin-lee in town," Nathaniel added. "Found him at the airport trying to get a ticket to Miami. He didn't even have a passport on 'im."

"You called the chief anyway, didn't you!" I said staring at Nathaniel.

"Couldn't let them get away with your car, could I?" he said lightly.

An hour later, Chief Constable McKendrick joined us in the library where we were huddled around the room in little groups. He approached me and Nathaniel.

"A few wrapped packages around the body seem to be cocaine. Fits with what his partner told me in town," the chief explained.

"Chin-lee confessed?" I exclaimed.

"Implicated Matthew as well as Mr. Mandeville, the real brains behind this caper."

"Mr. Mandeville!" I looked over at Nathaniel, shock written all over my face.

He nodded silently as the chief continued,"We've suspected him all along. His gang was disrupted when you men caught them redhanded. He laid low for awhile then got some new recruits, Matthew and Chin-lee."

"Then Tom-"

Nathaniel quickly cut me off. "Tommie always knew Mandeville was responsible for running his parents car off the road, killing them. They probably were on to him, too, and threatened to turn him in. He had to silence them."

"And Barry, Lord Carlysle?" I asked. "Was he in on it?"

"His lordship tipped us off about Mr. Mandeville," the chief explained. "We suggested he leave the island for his own safety."

I let out a low whistle. "Well I'll be!"

The official investigation drew to a close. Matthew was removed, a white sheet covering his broken body. The packages were taken as evidence. The last of the police cars rolled down the gravel lane, a trail of dust clouding behind them.

The others in the room had fallen silent during Chief McKendrick's presence. Now that the initial shock had worn off, I got up and headed for the big rosewood armoire in the corner of the room.

Opening the big panelled doors, I announced, "Bar's open! Anyone care to join me in a martini?"

Drinks were passed out. Alex and Bradley were engrossed in serious conversation of some sort. The photo shoot crew was relaxing with each other, so I cornered Nathaniel for some explanations.

I opened with, "So how did Matthew get to the bottom of the shaft?"

"You'd know more about that than me," he responded innocently.

"You think I threw him down the stairwell? I didn't even know it went up to the the third floor. How did you know where to find the opening?"

"The art of observation. It's plain to see that Matthew's bedroom sits directly over the mistress's bedroom chamber, where Bradley's been staying. The shaft does continue up past the second floor level. Ergo, the closet must have an opening."

"Hmm, very convenient," I murmured.

"Whether Matthew was too drunk to climb down the ladder at night, either to escape or to collect the rest of his contraband and move it out of the house, is a moot point. The chief rules it an accident, officially. Case closed."

"And I'm the one that got him drunk, so I'm at fault?"

"No, Rick, he did it to himself, his greed killed him, not you."

"And Tommie, he's never been involved in any of this, like Matthew said?"

"You know I always protect Tommie, I watch over him. He couldn't be involved without me knowing about it."

"You wouldn't tell me even if he was, right?"

Nathaniel just smiled.

"Now will the noises cease in that bedroom upstairs?"

"The lady herself will be buried tomorrow afternoon, privately. Your friend Barry gave the final okay. Tommie and I will be there to witness since Mandeville will be busy defending himself in court."

"Let me know when it's done. We can all breathe easier."

I glanced over at Bradley and Alix, still chatting quietly in the opposite corner.

"Best go check on my new chef. You think Jeremie will fill in as assistant in the kitchen?"

"I'll see that he gets here every morning in plenty of time," Nathaniel promised. "Alix going to stay on in the cottage with you?"

"For the time being, 'til Marco gets here."

I slowly sauntered over to the pair, not wishing to intrude.

"Rick, my dear, we were just talking about you," Bradley greeted me warmly. "You've captured this young man's heart. I guess I'm leaving him in good hands."

"Yes, he'll make a fine addition to the staff," I replied coolly.

Alix glanced up at me, a pained look briefly visible in his eyes.

"Guess I better get back to the kitchen," he mumbled, turning away from us and walking out of the room.

"Now see here, my darling one," Bradley scolded, "if you break that child's heart, you'll have both of us to answer to."

"Both of us?"

"I mean, me and Alix, of course. He loves you with all his heart, you've quite entranced him. Now don't screw up!"

"But Marco's coming!"

"Well, not right away."

"What are you talking about?"

"Let's go outside, I've got to fill you in on a few things," Bradley said mysteriously.

He led the way to the back terrace, now bathed in sunshine, a far cry from the night I dragged Matthew out there.

"What's this all about? You know something, Bradley, spill it!"

"I've said too much already. Marco will be calling you soon. Something about his deal with the probation office. He may have to go away for awhile."

"Away! Where?"

"Part of his conditional release. Call it an undercover job."

"How long have you been keeping this from me?" I demanded.

"Since we got here. Marco personally picked out Alix to come on this trip. A little gift of his love for you. He knows you can't stand to be alone. He wanted someone good and decent, someone caring and loving to be with you."

"Whew," I gasped, "I don't know what to say."

"Say nothing to Marco, he's calling you after we leave. Pretend you know nothing, please! I'm begging you for his sake, for my sake, for Alix sake."

He led me back into the Great House, my stunned look masking the turmoil loosened inside me.

"I'm making a double Bombay Sapphire martini for you, my dear, then I've got to pack. We are leaving at dawn tomorrow. Now sit in this chair and relax, I'll bring it to you."

While my mind wandered, my thoughts turned to our life together, Marco and me. Bradley slipped out of the room and alerted Alix down in the kitchen.

"He knows. Part of it, anyway. Be easy with him, I think he's in a bit of a shock. He'll need you now more than ever!"

While Bradley was packing in his room, I was stumbling across the lawn toward the cottage. I needed to call Marco, right away!

There was no answer in our apartment in Miami. I called Fielding Francois in Key West, our attorney. He admitted that Marco had just arrived in town and was now staying in our little carriage house apartment on Fleming Street. As we had discontinued the phone service there, Fielding agreed to bring him over to his office to call me back.

Finally the telephone rang.

"Hello, Marco?"

"Yes, baby it's me. What's up?"

"That's what I want to know. Why are you in Key West? When are you coming here?"

"I need to explain a few things first. The other day when we talked, I told you I had a few strings tied to my release from probation. I've got to go away for awhile. Then I'll be free, totally free."

"Why didn't you tell me before, baby?"

"My plans weren't firmed up yet, now I know what to do."

"How long will you be?"

"I really can't say anything more about it. It's all very hush-hush, baby."

I paused, at a loss for words.

"Alix is a friend of mine. I sent him there to take care of you until we can be together again. Do you understand?"

"No, I don't understand."

"My gift of love to you. I've got to go now. I love you so much darling. We will be together again, I promise."

The line went dead.

The next day a small article appeared in Miami's evening newspaper:

July 15, 2002.

Key West, Florida

Miami resident Marco Boñilla was found dead in an apartment on Fleming Street, in Old Town An apparent suicide, Mr. Boñilla had been seeking treatment recently for an advanced case of cancer of the brain. The second death to occur at this address in the past six months. Famed Broadway impresario, Mr. Lawrence Germaine, was found stabbed to death in his home at this same address. Mr. Boñilla's attorney would only say that recent depression at lack of available medical treatment may have contributed to this decision.

PUTTING GHOSTS TO REST