THE TERROR ZONE

CHAPTER TEN

The sunlight crept into the bedroom, and I felt it drilling a hole in my eyelids! I rolled over to avoid it, opened my eyes, and saw Paul peacefully sleeping on his side.

“My gosh, sweetheart, what happened to your eye? It’s swollen and dark black-and-blue. Did you get in a fight or something?”

He tried to open his eye. “Ouch!” he whimpered. “It was you Mohammed Ali, said Paul, you slugged me last night while fighting with someone in your dream. After all these years, I finally find out you’re even dangerous when you’re sleeping.”

I kissed his eye softly. “I need to get up and get to work. I overslept. I usually go in early on Fridays and try to gather all my notes so I can have Kerry type them up and ready for next week. I’m going to jump in the shower, and then I’ll come and kiss you good-bye. Do you want me to get you some ice for that shiner, sweetheart?”

“No, it’s a little too late for that. I’m sure my buddies at the department will have a field day with this one. Maybe I can come up with a whopper of a story by the time I get there,” Paul laughed.

“Oh crap, I need to go to the hospital to check on Alex and George.” I picked up the phone and dialed Kerry. “Hi Kiddo. Is it lonely over there?”

“Yes, what happened? You’re never late on Friday.”

“I overslept. I’ve just been so tired lately. I have to go to the hospital to check on George and Alex, and then I’ll be in.”

“Are they going to be okay? What happened last night?”

“I’ll tell you when I get to the office. I don’t feel safe talking about this stuff over the phone. See you soon.”

Kerry pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it for a few seconds. “She doesn’t feel safe talking about this stuff over the phone,” Kerry mumbled! “What the hell is going on? She said as she shook her head in confusion.

When I arrived at the hospital I went straight to the front desk. “I’m here to see George Chatterly and Alex Finch,” I said to the nurse.

“Which one would you like to see first?” asked the nurse.

“Alex,” I answered.

“Are you a relative?”

“No,” I said.

“Is he expecting you?”

“No, but – “

“I’m sorry, but the chart specifically notes, no visitors.”

“Listen to me, you uncaring bitch! I’m Dr. Susan Skyler. Whos' name is on the bottom of the paperwork, Nurse Grier?” I asked, thoroughly irritated.

She glanced at the bottom of the paperwork. “I’m terribly sorry, Dr. Skyler. I had no idea – “

“That’s right, you had no idea,” I shouted. “Next time, perhaps you could take a little more time with the customers. It only takes a few seconds to lend a hand, but it takes a whole lot of time to put someone off!”

“Yes, Doctor,” she agreed, practically in tears. “Alex Finch is in room 614, and George Chatterly is in room 607. Down the hall, make the first right two quick lefts, and you’ll find Alex in the second room on the right.”

“Thank you,” I said calmly.

I entered Alex’s room, but he wasn’t there. I looked up and down the halls. “Hmm,” I grumbled. I checked the numbers on the doors and found room 607. I walked in and saw George lying on his side with his back to me. “George, good morning.”

“Dr. Skyler, how nice to see you. You saved my life last night, thank you. If it wasn’t for you and Alex, I would be maggot food.” He looked at my eyes and said in a serious manner, “I’m pretty sure I have another brother, Dr. Skyler. The man that hit me over the head at that old motel, looked just like me, so if Alex was with you, that only leaves one explanation.”

“Yes, I know George. I’m sorry I thought you had something to do with –“

“What is it, Doc?”

“Well if you were taken when you say you were, that means that I’ve met brother number 3. Do you remember you had an appointment with me, the very next morning?”

“Yeah, sorry about that, Doc. I know your time is valuable.”

“Under the circumstances, George, you’re forgiven, but,” I said, irresolute and unsettled, “the next morning after you missed your appointment, brother number 3, took your place. He frightened me so, George. He’s evil like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”

George took hold of my hand, and I instantly stopped shaking.

“Don’t be frightened, Doc. Alex and I will keep you safe,” he said, looking at me with those soft, innocent eyes.

“Thank you, George, that’s terribly sweet, but from the episode we endured last night, I’d say he’s a little more methodical, sadistic and terrifying than we give him credit for.”

“Aah," I screamed, and jumped in the air as Alex walked up behind me and touched my shoulder. "Jesus, Alex! You scared the living crap out of me. Why are you sneaking up on me anyway? "

Alex started to laugh, and then George burst out laughing. I guess it was infectious, because we all laughed so hard tears came to our eyes.

“This reminds me of when I was little, and the little girl I told you about used to make us laugh,” said George.

“George,” I said, amazed. “Do you realize that’s the first time You’ve ever spoke of anything remotely happy involving your childhood?”

“Gees, Doc, I feel like I’m back on your couch!”

“Forgive me, George. Just look at it this way, I’m a psychiatrist so nobody steers clear of my couch. How are you feeling?

“I’ve been better. But seeing your bright shining face makes me feel a hundred percent.”

“How about you, Alex, how do you feel today?”

“George said it all. We like you Doc. I think we’ll keep you. Dr. Kinsey said I can be released today. George has to stay here for more tests. The doctor said he came really close to checking out, and I don’t mean from the hospital.”

“I can see you boys are in good hands, so I best get back to work. Please don’t miss your appointments. See you later,” I said.

At my office..

“Kerry, I need to make a phone call before seeing my next client. I’ll ring you when I’m ready.”

“Okay,” said Kerry.

“Okeechobee Police Department, Ginger speaking. How may we help you?”

“I’d like to speak with Officer Beck please.” I said.

Ginger looked up and saw Officer Beck leaving the station.

“Greg,” Yelled Ginger, flailing her arms in the air.

“What Ginger?”

“I know you are on your way out, but you’re going to want to take this call. It’s Dr. Skyler.”

“Thanks, Ging, I’ll take it at Reeves’s desk. Hello, Dr. Skyler. Did you get the information I faxed to you about Mrs. Howl?”

“Yes, thank you Officer Beck. You did a great job.”

“Call me Greg, please. I think you’ve earned first-name status.”

“Okay, Greg, the reason I’m calling is, I wanted to know if you could recommend a private investigator for me? I’ve never had to use one before, and since I trust you, I thought maybe you could help me.”

“You know that’s sort of taboo around here, but I know this guy, his name is Larry Krieger, and he does that on the side.”

“On the side of what, Greg?”

“When he works, he’s a lawyer, but he hasn’t gotten lucky enough to make the big bucks yet, so he sides as a P.I.”

“What‘s his number,” I asked.

“Okay, but you didn’t hear it from me. You can e-mail him at [email protected], or you can phone him at, hold on a minute, Doc, I’ve got to dig his card out of my wallet. Here it is, (487)843-5291.”

“How do I know I can trust him?” I asked.

“I wouldn’t have recommended him if you couldn’t. besides, he just happens to be my half-brother.”

“Thank you, Greg. I owe you one.”

“Talk to you later, Doc. I’ve got work to do.”

I dialed Larry’s number and connected with his answering machine.

“Mr. Krieger my name is Dr. Susan Skyler. I got your name from Greg Beck. He said you sometimes do a little investigating and –“

“Dr. Skyler, this is Larry, I’m sorry I didn’t answer right away, buy you can’t be too careful! What can I do for you?”

“Two of my patients, brothers, have a problem remembering information about their background. I thought maybe if you had time, you could check into it for me. Do you think that’s something you’d like to contract?” I asked.

“Absolutely, Doc. If my brother recommended you to me, you must be okay. You also get the discount for being my brothers’ friend. I charge $1,000 a day, and I’ll pay expenses. If that’s too steep, tell me and maybe we can work something out.”

“No, that’s perfect, Mr. Krieger. When do you think you can start?”

“It just so happens, my calendar is open this afternoon,” he said.

“Their names are George Chatterly and Alex Finch. I’d appreciate any information you dig up be privately faxed to my office every evening. That way, I’ll know you are doing your job, and also because, I’m in a hurry to find out anything I can. How would you like to be paid, Mr. Krieger?”

“You can call me Larry. I usually like my money sent electronically. I’ll email you the information regarding my account and whatnot.”

“Thank you, Larry. I’ll be expecting to hear from you soon.”

I dialed Kerry’s extension…

“Hello, Doctor. Yes, I’ll send her right in,” said Kerry.

The hour passed quickly, and then it was Alex’s turn.

“You can go in now, Mr. Finch,” said Kerry.

Alex nodded, but as he walked by Kerry, he stopped for a few seconds and shuddered. “Are you okay, Mr. Finch?” asked Kerry.

“Yes, of course. I just forgot what I was doing for a second there,” he answered, and continued down the hall.

“Good afternoon, Alex. You’re looking good. How do you feel?”

“Much better, thank you. I’m ready to have my head shrunk.” he said, snickering.

“Alex, although we have already had several sessions, our time together hasn’t really focused on your problems. I pride myself in using person-centered therapy. All be it, our time together has been quite stressful, I think I need to go back to active listening. I know this won’t be easy for either of us because we are trying to save lives, but I’ve decided that the top half of our hour together should be spent on the usual person-centered therapy, and the bottom half of the hour if necessary, I will use the ever-popular psychotherapy, i.e., hypnosis. Does that meet with your approval, Alex,” I asked.

“It sounds like a good start, Doc,” said Alex, but why all of a sudden this big change?”

“I want you to trust me and to know that I am empathetic to your needs.”

“I already trust you, Doc, and if I didn’t think you cared, I wouldn’t be here.”

“Okay then, the real reason is because I need to know that I did everything I could for you and to do that I have to give you the best therapy for you as an individual that I can possibly provide.”

“I guess I understand, when you put it like that,” said Alex.

“Excellent,” I said, as I rubbed my hands together. “Now then, Alex, we seem to already have arrived at the bottom of the hour, because of my incessant need to chatter.” What say we begin psychotherapy?”

“I’m right here with ya, Doc.”

“Watch the metronome, Alex, as it ticks back and forth. Imagine you are on a beach, and no one else is around. All you hear are the seagulls and the ocean crashing against the sand. The sun is warming you all over, and peace settles in as you fall into a deep sleep. How do you feel, Alex?” I asked.

“Wonderful, Doc. I love this beach.”

“Why is that, Alex?”

“There are some bathing beauties playing volleyball in the distance. I can see them jumping up and down and laughing. It makes me smile to see them have so much fun.”

“Can we drift a little, Alex, to where we left off yesterday? You were in some kind of institution I believe, being held by a woman with a black wardrobe, and the next instant you were pulled away by someone with a pin that read T.N. Baxter, MD.” As I spoke to Alex, I turned on the tape recorder. I also grabbed a pen and wrote down the name of the MD from Alex’s subconscious, just to remind myself to call Larry, the P.I., and inform him I needed investigating on Baxter as well.

“Okay, Baxter is done bandaging my pinprick and is now moving me to another room. I can’t be more than three weeks old, give or take. I still have that black thing on my belly button. There are other babies here. He’s setting me into some sort of steel basinet.”

“Wait, Alex, go back to the other babies. What do they look like?” I asked.

“They are all about the same age as me. The Baxter fellow is leading some men and women into the room. He’s explaining to them, “You all know what you have to do. These children are to be distributed no closer than one hundred miles from each other. We don’t need any of this coming back to haunt us.” They are picking us up and walking out of the building. They are taking us into separate cars,” said Alex.

“How many babies, Alex,” I asked.

“I can’t be sure, it’s all happening so quick. A guesstimate would be fifteen?”

“Do you recognize any of them,” I ask.

“Let me go back inside where I was before … Well, I see at least three that could possibly be me, and there are five girls that look alike, and three other boys that appear to be the same. Two of the steel basinets are empty, and way across the room is a little baby girl, who looks like none of us. She has blond hair and blue eyes. She’s the only one beside me and another boy who isn’t crying.”

“Alex, the men and women, do they have name tags on? Or do they have any identifying marks?”

“I don’t see any name tags, but they have an upside down triangle with green, yellow and red letters inside,” said Alex.

“What letters, Alex? Please, read them in order,” I advised.

“S,B,G, and F. Wait, the writings on the building read, The Science of Biological Genetics and Fertility. It’s some sort of laboratory where they perform experiments. What have they done to us?" murmured George.

"I am going to count to three, and you are going to wake feeling refreshed and anew. One, two and three.”

“What do you think they did to us, Doc?”

“I am not in that profession, Alex. I couldn’t give you near the answers you need at this particular juncture. I will check out all the information you have provided me with, from that large, bright brain of yours and let you know my findings. We’ve made great strides today, Alex, don’t give up now. The light you shone on us today could open up a whole new range of ideas in finding out all about you and your brothers. If in fact, there are three of you,” I said.

“Doc, you are the miracle my family’s been waiting for. If anyone can help us, you can,” said Alex, leaving the room.

Time passed, as I read my paperwork...

“Get out of here,” I screamed. “Get out. You were not invited, and I insist you leave immediately,” I yelled. I was so hysterical that I proceeded to crawl into the corner of my office and shriek.

“Susan,” Kerry said, as she burst into my office. “Why are you sitting in the corner?”

With no response Kerry bent down and waved her hand back and forth in from of my eyes, but I just stared into space. Kerry put her arms around me and tried to lift me up off the floor. “Susan, are you all right? You were screaming. I don’t see anyone here. What happened? Susan,” Yelled Kerry, while slapping me in the face.

“Let go of me.” I said, pulling away. “Why did you slap me? That hurt,” I exclaimed.

“I’m not exactly sure what just happened in here, but by the time I reached your office you were huddled up in that corner over there, almost catatonic,” said Kerry.

“Yes, of course, I bent over to straighten my stockings. I must have bumped my head on the bookshelf and passed out,” I said.

Kerry shook her head, no, and mumbled, “Dreadful excuse for what just happened!”

“I beg your pardon,” I said. “What did you just say? Are you calling me a liar? Who’s the professional here? How dare you talk behind my back!”

“Susan? What’s wrong?”

I looked at Kerry’s sweet innocent face and began to cry. “Something’s happening to me, and I don’t know what it is or how to stop it. I have been blowing up at people for no reason. I’ve been having weird episodes where I feel like my blood is flowing icebergs, and I am constantly being told I do things that I can’t remember doing. I know I’m distraught about my daughter, and I’ve been running myself ragged, with all these close-death encounters, but the symptoms I’m showing are pointing to schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder,” I said, in between gasps of air and blowing my nose. “This just can’t be happening to me. I feel like someone has entered my brain, and they are trying to take over.”

“Maybe you should see someone,” said Kerry, trying to stay calm and collected.

“Yes, you’re absolutely right. I should see someone. One of my best and dearest friends in the world. Linda is a psychiatrist. I went to school with her. She always got better grades than me, but I was always the one with hundreds of friends. Of course, this is so not the time for me to bug out. What with everything that’s going on in my life right now and she did move to California after we graduated, so it’s not like she’s just down the street or anything. I’ll have to wait until things settle down a bit here before I take off to California.”

“You’re the doctor,” said Kerry as Susan hugged me and left the room.

I phoned Larry and told him I had information that would help in his investigation. “Look into a laboratory called The Science of Biological Genetics and Fertility. I think it might be where my clients were born.”

As I was on the phone, I noticed that Kerry’s line was being used. “Could she be listening in on my conversation?” I wondered. I hung up the phone, and instantly Kerry’s light went off. I stood up and quietly crept through the hall. I peeked around the corner and watched Kerry, as she sat at her desk, pretending to total client hours. I walked quietly back to my office and stood with the door open.

“This is the last straw,” I said to myself. Now, “I’m showing signs of paranoia. I better head over to Paul’s before I forget where I live,” I said, actually slamming myself for being so weird.

“Kerry, go home,” I said. “Thank you for coming to my rescue earlier, even if I can’t remember what happened! You’ve always been such a big help around here. You didn’t deserve what I said to you. I’m sorry.”

“I still love you, Dr. Susan. What are you planning this weekend?”

“I have no plans. I’m living one day at a time these days.”

“Jeff and I are going to spend the weekend away from Okeechobee. We have a romantic weekend planned. I’ll see you when I get back. Good night, Susan.”

“Good night, honey. Have fun.”

Kerry headed for home. I walked around and turned out the lights. Then I thought I heard a door shut, out in the hall. I instantly went stiff! After all, my record for terrorism hasn’t been all that good these days. I tiptoed to my phone and dialed 911, then noticed that the button Kerry’s phone was blinking, which meant it was in use. I set the phone down on my desk quietly and crept into the hall. Then I heard a phone being hung back on its’ receiver. It was dark, so I figured if I bent down low and slowly walked toward the door, I could make it outside without being seen. I skulked past the half wall, where Kerry’s desk sat, and suddenly someone jumped on my back. I threw my body toward the door and fell onto my stomach. The stranger grabbed my legs and tried to pull me away from the door. I kicked my feet furiously, and his hands kept slipping off my legs as I tried to crawl toward the door. As I fought to get free, I heard sirens. The stranger let go of my legs when he realized the sirens were outside my building and ran toward the back of the building.

“You okay, Dr. Skyler?” asked Officer Beck, grabbing my hand and pulling me up off the floor. “We traced a 911 call to this address and I figured you were in trouble again!”

I reached out and hugged him and didn’t want to let go. After a few seconds, I started to feel uncomfortable! “I think I broke my leg,” I said. “Did I mention, I’m really glad to see you Greg?”

“Hang on to me, Dr. Skyler, I’ll drive you to the hospital,” said Greg.

“Wait, I need to check my fax machine. I’m expecting a fax from someone,” I said.

“Can’t it wait,” asked Greg.

I looked at him with my pouty face, and he said, “Lean up against the wall, I’ll be right back.”

He turned on the light to Kerry’s office and checked the fax machine.

“Sorry, Dr. Skyler, but you have no faxes today.”

“That can’t be. He promised he’d fax me every night before I went home. That bastard,” I screamed. “The prowler stole my information.”

“What are you going on about?” asked Greg.

“I’ll tell you what is going on if you drive me to the hospital. Deal?”

“Deal,” said Greg. He helped me into his car and then looked at me.

“What?” I asked. “You’re making me nervous.”

“Your story,” he demanded.

“I called your brother this morning, and we made a deal. But now someone broke into my office and stole his first day’s work! What kind of burglar does that? I’m clueless. Who would want to steal paperwork on one of my clients, except someone who was hiding something, right?” I asked.

“You mean you are going to let me answer one of your questions,” said Greg, laughing. “Yes, only someone who didn’t want the information to get out would steal that paperwork. Look, I realize you are these identical twins’ doctor, but don’t you think you’re getting in over your head?”

“What are you suggesting, Greg? Oh, I see, you think I should just throw them under the bus, instead of help them. I’m not made like that. I’m not going to give up on those sweet men, that trust me with their lives.”

I reached in my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. “Paul, its me, baby. I’m on my way to the hospital.”

“What happened? “Um, never mind, I’ll meet you there, baby. Let me talk to Officer Beck for a second,” requested Paul. I hesitantly handed Greg the phone.

“What is it, Paul?” asked Greg.

“Officer Beck, don’t say a word, just listen. Someone burned down Susan’s house this afternoon. Shake your head, like you agree with me and don’t tell Susan anything. They found Kerry and Jeff Scherer’s bodies in the rubble. I’ll tell her, Officer. Just don’t leave her side until I get there, please.” Jeff asked, desperately.

I saw familiar face when we arrived at the hospital. “Dr. David, I said, how are you?”

“I should be asking you that question Susan,” said Dr. David.

“Oh, this little problem,” I said, as I pointed to my leg and took my arm off Greg’s shoulder. “I zigged, when I should have zagged, I guess.”

“I’ll take it from here, Officer,” said Dr. David.

“But,” said Greg.

“It’s okay, Officer, Paul called and asked if I would take over when you delivered her to the hospital. I’m letting you off the hook. I assume you have better things to do,” said Dr. David.

“What the hell you guys! You act like I’m not standing here! Well in reality, I not, standing here.” I said, laughing. “But I can still hear you!”

“Let’s get you into an examining room,” said Dr. David. Nurse Latch fetch me a wheelchair please.”

When Greg and Dr. David situated me onto the wheelchair, Greg said his good-byes and told me once again to try to steer clear of trouble.

“Sometimes, I really do have other things on my agenda than to rescue you, missy,” said Greg.

“Thanks for showing up Officer,” I said, winking.

“Call me when you can. I need you to add another sheet of paper to your stack, back at the department,” said Greg.

“Now, lets check out that leg,” said Dr. David. “It’s as sexy as it was the last time you came in,” he said, trying to get me to smile.

The hospital took x-rays…

“I’ll be back with the results in just a minute,” said Dr. David.

I hadn’t been in the examination room long, when my cell phone rang.

“Hello,” I answered.

“You’re not alone, Susan. I can call you Susan Can’t I? I mean now that we’ve gotten so close and all?”

Frightened, I asked, who is this?

“Oh, come now. Don’t play coy with me. You know who I am. Just look inside your subconscious. I’m there with you every day.”

“Why are you doing this? What do you want? How did you get my phone number?” I asked.

He started to laugh and said, “are you kidding, I’m everywhere. I thought you were brighter than this Dr. Skyler. I have to give you some credit, though, you’re a harder nut to crack than I expected. Mrs. Howl was easy. The rest of the women were only in the experimental stages, before you and that pathetic brother of mine butted in!”

Paul walked up to me. “Paul, I’m so glad to see you,” I said, as tears filled my eyes. Then I heard the monster, disconnect.

“Who were you talking to, honey?” asked Paul.

“Huh? Oh, I think it was Alex and Georges brother,” I said dropping the phone.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” asked Paul.

“The phone call, it was him. He’s in my head, Paul. He’s everywhere!” I cried.

“Sky, tell me what happened?”

“Nothing happened. I was attacked at my office, and this stranger is harassing me,” I said.

“Dr. David," greeted Paul.

Paul nodded, "Dr. David."

“Good news, young lady, Your leg isn’t broken. It’s full of stress fractures, but the bones aren’t broken yet. You need to be careful on it for a while. It needs healing. Would you like me to order you to use crutches?” asked Dr. David.

“No,” I answered.

“Okay, but if I find out you’ve been running track, I’ll insist you use them. You are free to go,” said Dr. David.

“Take me home, baby, I’m tired. "

“Before we go Susan, there is something I need to talk to you about,” said Paul.

“What is it Paul? You look so serious,” I said, reaching out to try to turn his frown upside down.

“Susan,” Paul said and then hesitated.

“Paul, you’re scaring me, what is it? Are you breaking up with me?” I asked

“No way, honey, I’m in your life for the long haul," said Paul, kissing me on the lips.

I ran my fingers through his hair and said, “Sweetheart, what is it?”

“Someone burnt down your house today, baby. We tried to put the fire out as fast as we could, but it was too far gone and too hot!”

“Paul, stop crying, there’s other places to live. It’s just a house, don’t take it so hard,” I said, trying not to think of all my babies pictures and the stuff that was rolling around in my head.

“There’s more,” said Paul.

“What could be worse than that honey? Spit it out,” I said.

“Kerry and Jeff were hanging in the middle of your living room, by their arms, from the rafters, naked and clinging to each other. They died screaming for their lives. Their mouths were hung open in terror!” said Paul.

Tears flooded my eyes and I could not keep quiet any longer. I screamed over and over again. “No, not Kerry, she was so innocent and young, to die such a horrible death. “No,” I screamed. “No!”

Paul wrapped his arms around me and tried to calm me down. “I’m so sorry Susan. I’m so sorry," he said, crying.

I stopped crying and put my arms around him. “Oh Paul, I’m so sorry you had to see that. It must have been horrible for you. It’s all right, baby.” I said, gently rubbing his back. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

“Mommy. Mommy.” “Lindsey?” I murmured.

“Did you hear that Paul?” I asked.

“Did I hear what?” asked Paul.

I sat there quietly, listening for my daughter’s voice, as Paul stared at me in wonder.

“Don’t look at me like that Paul. My daughter was calling me. I heard what I heard!” I said.

Paul stretched out his arms, reaching for the chair handles. “Come on sweetheart, let’s go home.”

When we reached the doors, He pulled me up, and with his help, I stood carefully by myself.

“Ouch,” I said as I limped out the door.

I started to think about what Paul had said. Let’s go home. I started to laugh so hard that tears again came to my eyes.

“What is so funny?” asked Paul.

In between the laughter, I said, “I don’t have a home. Where am I supposed to go?” Then I was laughing and crying at the same time. I guess I was hysterical.

Paul lifted me up into his Jeep. While he had his left arm around my shoulder, he looked at me with curious face and said, “Stay right there, sweetheart, don’t move a muscle, I have a thought,” he said. He made his way around the driver’s side of his car and stepped in.

“Come on Paul, don’t leave me hanging!” I said.

He started the engine, put the car in gear, and took off.

“Paul,” I said.

“What would you think if tomorrow we went shopping? It’s Saturday, and I would like to take you to a special place that I’ve been wanting to show you for some time.”

“Oh baby, this is all so secretive. I don’t know if I can stand waiting until tomorrow,” I said. “Do you think you could give me a clue?”

“I’d really rather wait until tomorrow, baby,” said Paul.

“Okay, but I don’t know if I will be able to sleep tonight,” I said.

“I’ll try to help you with that as best I can,” he said, looking at me cunningly.