Danny called the airlines.. got the tickets.. told Michelle to pack whatever she though she absolutely had to have and they were leaving for Paris in the morning.
Michelle asked if she could spend one night with Rick and Abby. Give her a chance to devote the last night to them. He told her he understood. That he would try and get through one night without her.
Danny lay in the bed that he and Michelle had shared. He tossed and turned unable to get Michelle off his mind.
He thought about Dee and the Bergstrom deal. What the hell , he thought, it didn't matter anymore. After an hour of struggling to sleep ,much against his better judgment, he took a sleeping pill.
The sheets were twisted around his nude body. He slept fitfully.. and it was obvious that he was dreaming.. a not too pleasant dream. His forehead was covered in perspiration.
The dream was shrouded in a gray mist.. he saw flashes of familiar faces.. they were blurred but he felt he knew them all.
He saw the bedroom door open.. and the mist cleared for a moment.
A gray wolf sat near the door. The wolf came closer to the bed.
He saw Mick and he was laughing.. "Don't you know , little brother.. Don't you know?"
Mick's face was contorted and his smile was a grimace. There was blood on his head.
Michelle was standing by the desk.. her hair was piled on her head... she was beautiful and he longed to hold her.. she disappeared as quickly as she came.
His mother was wearing red.. she offered him a cup..
"Drink this .. it will make you feel better" she smiled and whispered .. I can make this all go away.. don't you know.. I am your mother"
His body was drenched in sweat and he pulled the covers away..
The wolf snarled and moved closer to the bed
Michelle appeared again.
"Danny, Danny.. I knew you before time.. I knew you before all time"
Michelle stroked his brow.. she kissed his forehead.. he wanted to hold her.. he could not move.
"Cover me with your wildness, Danny" Michelle whispered.
Danny reached for her.. but she was just a wisp of smoke.
Mick appeared again.. he was a child.. crying.. His grandmother wiped away the tears and told him he must not be weak.
Michelle appeared and she held two sticks.. "when these are together , they cannot be broken"
She smiled and touched Danny's chest.. "here , she said.. here "
Danny did not understand.. he wanted to ask her but he could not speak.
The gray wolf lay down next to the bed. He placed his head on his outstretched paws. He seemed content to lie there.
Danny saw what Michelle had left on his chest. A key..
His mother appeared again..
She was just a skeleton.. she had no flesh.. she laughed.
She held withered flowers in her hands.. he could almost smell the pungent smell of rotting flowers..
Danny awoke and sat bolt upright.
The phone was ringing.
He grabbed the receiver and said "Hello" his voice barely audible.
"Danny.. this is Dee.. can you talk?"
"Dee, this is not the time.. I told you.. I can't do this anymore.. " his mind was still reeling from the dream.
"Danny.. I am sorry to have to tell you this.. darling. The Bergstrom thing.. it's dead.. you know.. He just changed his mind and you know how that old fool is.. once he makes up his mind"
Danny stared at the phone and shook his head. "What does she think I am , a first class fool" he sighed.
"Dee , I really don't give a damn about that deal.. did you really think that was what all that was about. For the first time in my life.. I am going to tell you the absolute truth.. it was great sex.. I enjoyed your mind games.. but they are over and frankly.. they bore me.. so , not to put to fine a point on it.. sweetheart.. find someone else to play with.. buh bye"
Dee laughed and hung up the phone. " You just have love'm ,Dad.. he didn't even blink"
Her father wondered if Dee ever had an honest feeling.
He need not have wondered. She didn't
Dee picked up the phone and called Bernard.
"Bernard, Dee here.. fine thank you" she said in her most business like tone.
"Bernard, I need to ask you a small favor. Danny Santos, I know he is an associate of yours. His mother and I are old friends.. she is quite concerned about him. He , well , uh has some problems as of late.. with his wife. She really doesn't approve of his business choices. Carmen is a little concerned that she will turn on Danny. Yes, he is smart.. I know.. and I don't think his mother doubts that for a minute. He is very shrewd.. but you know .. when it comes to affairs of the heart.. we are all susceptible, no?"
Bernard sat in his office wondering why Dee, of all people ,would call him.
He knew Carmen only too well. She had expressed to him at one time that Danny was in over his head as far as his wife was concerned. Her name was Bauer.
Yes, he remembered hearing about the Bauer's .
"What do you want me to do , Dee? " Bernard asked
"I want you to tell me what you know about the Bauer's"
"Why do you need to know ?
"No, Bernard.. not why...your correct question is what do I need to know and how soon."
"Bitch.." Bernard thought
Bernard took a deep breath... "O.K. Dee, I don't know much. Just that her father is Ed Bauer.. he is out of the country. The brother's name is Rick. The bride's mother is dead. Seems Dr Ed had quite a way with the ladies and a big drinking problem. Must run in the family.. I understand her grandfather liked the booze too. He pulled a couple of disappearing acts himself. Just your usual Springfield family."
Dee smiled. "Drinking huh? Any other weaknesses that you know about. Michelle have any problems with alcohol?
"Not that I know of.. there was one incident.. long time ago.. at the Millennium.. I don't think that was ever repeated though.. "
" No problem with drugs? "Dee asked.. hoping the answer would be yes.
"Nah"
"No legal problems in the family.. IRS nothing like that"
"What , you think I am the FBI, Dee?"
"Force of habit.. had to ask." Dee poured herself another drink ..
"Well, we shall see.. maybe that can change."
Bernard looked puzzled "What?"
"Nothing , sweetie.. don't you worry your silly old head.. just want to help Carmen out.. she isn't very objective about her son, you know."
Bernard hung up the phone. He wondered what she was really up to, she had too damn many connections. She new Bergstrom.. only too well from what he understood. She had connections in Vegas and Brazil.. her reach went everywhere.. what in the hell was Danny doing talking with her. Bernard didn't like the sound of any of this. Not at all.
Michelle sat across the table from Abby and Rick. They both looked concerned.
"Rick,, please try to understand. Danny and I need to get away. This past year.. well.. it hasn't been the best in our marriage. I guess I kind of cut myself off from Danny... there were things that made it difficult to connect sometimes.. you know.. "she looked pleadingly at Rick.. hoping he would understand and she would not need to explain further. Instead it was Abby who picked up on what she was saying.
"Michelle.. we do understand.. sometimes in a marriage...one person or another stops communicating. We understand , don't we Rick.
"Sure, Michelle honey.. you take your trip.. work out the kinks in the marriage.. I know you two will be fine.. at least you can escape Carmen for a while, huh?"
"Will you look up dad when you are there?" Rick asked
"Well.. Danny and I need sometime alone.. you know.. but maybe later.. give us a while,o.k.?"
"By the way Rick, if anyone asks where we are.. just give a vague answer ,o.k... you know.. traveling in Europe or in the East Indies .. just don't tell anyone where we are."
Rick looked startled.
"What do you mean, Michelle are you in some danger or something.. why shouldn't we tell anyone?I don't like the sound of this"
"Please Rick.. just trust me.. allright..please"
The next morning the car arrived and Danny came into the Bauer kitchen. Rick greeted him and offered him coffee. Danny declined.. he just wanted collect Michelle and get to the airport.
Michelle came downstairs in a pale green suit.. she looked radiant.. as if this were her honeymoon. She had been preparing for this since 5:00AM.
Danny smiled and kissed her on the cheek.
"You look gorgeous, gorgeous..."
"You look handsome, handsome"
Rick laughed" It is too early in the morning for this.. don't think I can take it."
They were glad to get on the plane and on their way.
"Why aren't we flying Air France?"
"Michelle, I guess because we are not going to Paris"
"Where are we going," she asked
"We are going to South America.. Brazil to be exact"
Michelle stared at him in stunned silence. This can't be real. What is he doing now? Why Brazil? She was afraid to ask and then remembered their vow to tell each other everything.
"Danny, why Brazil?'
"Because I have to clear something up with someone."
He saw the look on her face and took her hand and kissed her palm..
"No, Michelle , it is not with Dee.. I have to talk to Bergstrom.. I have to clear myself with him"
"Why.. clear what Danny?"
"Bergstrom , I am almost positive, is unaware of what Dee is up to and I intend to bring him up to speed"
"Does that put you in danger, Danny? I thought you said she was dangerous and that she had connections everywhere."
Danny saw the fear in Michelle's eyes.. "Why did he always seem to do this to her," he wondered.
"Bernard called me before I came to pick you up. He told me that Dee had called him. I have to do this to protect everyone.. do you understand now, Michelle?"
"Does that everyone include me.. my family ,Danny?"
Danny hesitated.. he shook his head and looked out the window.
"I don't want to tell her this.. " he thought
Danny sighed.
"Michelle, Dee was asking questions about your family.. about your father and your brother.She was trying to dig up something. Bernard said he had to tell her some harmless stuff.. just to throw her off. This is a woman who will keep digging until she finds a weak spot.. she never gives up if she wants something. I had a deal with Bergstrom.. a big real estate deal.. involving billions of dollars.. it was for the good of the family. It was pretty well sewn up.. I thought that Dee really was a friend.. I know , I know .. I was a fool. She was working me and Bergstrom to try and take the deal for herself. I let her think she had won. She has a need to win, I knew that. She was using my mother too.. if you can believe that.. my mother trusted her.. well only because she thought that it would get rid of you."
Michelle was staring at him and suddenly realized her mouth was hanging open.
She could not believe what Danny was telling her.. this was insane.. who was this Dee , why did she care about Michelle.. she had so many questions her head ached.
"Michelle , did you hear me.. "
"Yes.. I hear you.. I don't understand .. but I hear you"
Truth telling was not as easy as Danny had thought. Michelle's face had gone pale. Her hand was shaking as she held her drink. She took a sip of her drink and tried to calm herself.
"Is my brother or Abby in danger from this woman?"
"Again the truth Danny..aren't you the great advocate of truth.." Danny thought.
"They could be.. I don't know for sure how Dee will react to my talking to Bergstrom.. I will have to rely on his discretion in this.. I can only hope he is more concerned with getting Dee out of the way.. than betraying me"
They arrived in Rio and they spent the next morning touring Rio de Janeiro52;a city of distinct districts connected by tunnels drilled through granite mountains. Slums, called favelas, cling to some hillsides, rewarding their tenacious residents with magnificent panoramas of the harbor and of elegant clusters of skyscrapers in the city below. Far above this urban scene a thick rain forest carpets the crest of Tijuca, the highest of Rio's peaks.
One of the famous masquerade balls was being held at their hotel. It seemed to appeal to the more adventuresome tourists and thousands of Brazilians, who pressed into every ballroom so compactly that they seemed like a many legged mass of flesh, writhing to a samba beat. . Many splendidly built young women were ecstatically flaunting their freedom, having cast off customary family controls, as well as their clothes.
Michelle was in shock. She had never seen this side of Danny. He seemed completely at home in this atmosphere. She had heard Pilar talk about Spain and the freedom of the woman and their behavior. She was not sure she was ready for this.
When they returned to the hotel Danny's mood was definitely romantic. She hoped it was her and not all these wild woman. She laughed at herself.. "What a prude you can be , Michelle.. " she thought
Danny watched her as she prepared for bed. He stared at her the way he did the first time he saw her. There was a slight smile that played around his mouth. He came up behind her and kissed the back of her neck. His hands followed the contour of her body. Her shoulders , her breasts and hips. He kissed her with such passion that it took her breath away. Her heart was pounding. She felt as if was the first time he had ever touched her. There was more fireworks in the room than occurred in all of Rio that night.
Early the next morning she awoke and looked at the place beside her. Danny was gone. She panicked.. where was he?
There was a knock at the door.
She put on her robe and answered the door.
The young man had a tray with breakfast and one white rose.
"Your husband said you should eat now. He will join you later . Please enjoy"
He handed her the tray and she sat down at the table. She lifted the cover and saw a box . She carefully opened it and saw a gold pin. It took her a moment to realize what it was. Two bodies entwined. What they were doing was no mystery. She saw the note.
My darling Michelle,
I know you will never wear this in public. See how well I know you? I just wanted you to remember last night forever, I know I will.
Love you,
Danny
She looked at the pin again. My god ,, no she wouldn't wear it in Springfield ,that is for sure. Probably get arrested.
An hour later he walked in the door.
He explained that he had been setting up a meeting with Bergstrom. He was to meet with him at noon. He wanted her to go with him. "I want him to see you.. I want him to know there are no secrets between us. Besides he appreciates beautiful women. "
They went to Bergstrom's office. It was paneled in beautiful mahogany. Oriental rugs covered the floor. The view was breath taking. The office smelled of cigar smoke. Michelle tried not to cough. They were introduced and sat across the huge desk in leather chairs.
"It is good to see you Daniel. How is your mother?"
"She is fine .. she sends her regards."
Bergstrom leaned back and stared at Michelle. She felt completely naked. He stared at her breasts so long that she thought of ripping open her dress just to make sure he didn't miss anything Her face was getting warm and she was really more than upset with Danny for bringing her here.
Danny looked over at her and realized that she was getting angry.
"Look Bergstrom, I came here to tell something not for my wife to be displayed for your pleasure"
"Bergstrom laughed.. "Gottcha.. Daniel.. Dee was right.. you are not very objective about your wife. She is beautiful.. sorry if I offended you Michelle. Just a little test of Danny's temper."
"O.K business, what is the problem ,Danny?"
"Dee is the problem. We had a deal. I made the mistake of trusting Dee, now she is playing one against the other. That real estate deal is mine. I did all the work ,, I expect the reward.. "
"What about Ben Warren. He claims that he came up with the contacts in Puerto Rico"
"Ben is way out of his league. Believe me.. he knows nothing about the extent of this deal"
"Well, your mother trusts Dee.. she thinks she is just the best.. even kind of hoped that she would be the next Mrs Santos."
Tears stung Michelle's eyes. How much of this was she to endure.
Danny reached over , without looking at Michelle, he grasped her hand. She felt him squeeze her hand lightly.
She knew that he understood the hurt that this man had just inflicted.
" There isn't going to be any second Mrs Santos, Bergstrom. This is the only one. Forever.. you understand. Dee was trying to come between us.. with my mother's help. Just isn't going to happen ,so anyone who tries this again is going to fail. Michelle and I are joined at the hip ."
"Allright Danny. I understand. What do you want me to do?"
"Close the deal today.. with me. I'll be happy, Bernard is happy, and my mother will be happy."
"Dee is going to be far from happy if I do this Danny"
"Business before pleasure , Bergstrom.. right?"
"You will be denying me a lot of pleasure Danny"
Danny was silent and stared at Bergstrom waiting. Trying to look more confident that he felt.
Bergstrom sat drumming his fingers on the desk.
He looked at Michelle and then at Danny.
"Any children yet ,Danny?"
Danny looked at Michelle and then at Bergstrom.
"What the hell kind of question is that" Danny wondered
Finally Danny answered. "Not yet"
"Plan on them being in the business, Michelle.?"
Michelle was horrified.. of course not.. what was she supposed to say?
"No", Michelle answered, glaring back at him.
"Good," Bergstrom said with a smile " next generation should all be lawyers and politicians.. almost as bad but not quite" he laughed at his own joke.
Danny and Michelle did not.
Bergstrom stood up and shook Danny's hand.
"All right Danny, I will take care of everything. I take it this is your final deal , right?"
"Yes.. this is it"
"Good.. I will take care of everything.. don't worry and Michelle.. I am not the monster you think I am.. just a very lonely old man.. I am glad that Danny found you." he shocked her by kissing her hand.
They stayed in Rio for a week. The deal was signed. Ben was out. Mama was rich. Dee had a mysterious accident. It seems her car swerved over a cliff in Monte Carlo. So sad. Oh yes and Bernard got Ben's job.
THE END
