Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 17:01:25 GMT From: Robyn Harris Organization: Wesleyan College Subject: Re: INT:GP (aka Goldman Pictures): A Three Hour Tour.. J. Hall,jhall@lemoorenet.com,Internet writes: > In the morning a small dark Indio boy crept out of the bush and tapped m e >on the nose with a dirty finger. He grinned and slid his little M-1 carbine >off a shoulder like a pro and pointed up into the hills. > Breakfast. > Jeff gently shook both Reine and Lex, waking them. Lexie woke up spouting expletives, hung over. Reine woke up looking fresh. She stood. "Where'd he come from." "There's a villa up the way, we've been invited for breakfast." Jeff brushed the sand of his clothes as best he could. "Civilization! How marvelous!" Reine walked to the back of the plane wreckage. "Lex and I should change. No peeking." Jeff rolled his eyes as Lex and Reine disappeared behind the Bellanca's corpse. The little boy pulled at his sleeve. "It's no use trying to hurry up women when they decide to get dressed, kid. Always remember that. We might as well take a nap." The little boy shifted from foot to foot impatiently as the moments stretched to minutes. Finally the women appeared around the tail. The both walked towards Jeff and the boy. Reine was decked out in a full length red- sequin evening gown, her hair falling loosely across her shoulders and back. The gown was halter top, slit up the right side to an almost indecent height, and trimmed with gold sequins at the plunging neckline and hem. Lexie was a little more modest in black silk, but not much. They were both barefoot and giggling like teenagers. "Let's go," Lexie said taking the little boy's hand. "I'm always up for breakfast." Reine took Jeff's arm and they followed. "Do you like the dress?" Reine whispered. "It's one of your Uncle's dresses." "Not anymore, Jeff." "You don't sound shocked, or anything." "Before the crash, Lex and I--Ouch!" a branch snapped back into her face. "Sorry!" Lexie called back. "I'll hold them longer." Reine continued with her arm in front of her to catch any other branches that might snap into her face on the way to the villa. "As I was saying, before the crash Lex and I discovered that I own her contract with Tony." "And how good is a contract?" Jeff asked," Watch that root." "Thank you," Reine stepped over the root, "Very good. It was what bound Lexie to Uncle Tony." "And what exactly was it?" "You are so full of questions," Reine looked up and froze. The House was magnificent. It stood like a massive tropical castle. It's windows were huge and the outside walls were ivory bricks. It was four stories and the front doors were at least two high. "Damn." "You can say that again." A man came out of the house. "By the way, we didn't get a chance to tell you last night, but you were out for two days. We kept you hydrated, but don't eat too fast. I don't want you to get sick." Reine smiled at the man. "You must be our host. It's so nice to meet you." "John Huston." Reine shook his hand as he raked his eyes up and down her. "Nice dress." "Lex and I believe in being properly attired when invited out," Reine laughed and put her arm around the older woman's shoulders. "Mr. Huston," Lexie shook his hand. "What kind of place is this?" "It's a vacation hideaway of sorts. Come inside." He held his hand out, yielding to the women who swept into the house. He looked at Jeff. "Still feeling a little, how did you put it, oh right, graceless this morning?" Jeff nodded slowly. "And that dress doesn't help." "Yes, it's a mighty fine view back here," Huston smiled as they followed the women. A servant had led the way into a huge dining room. "Welcome to Del Azul, my island home away from home," Huston said, holding out Reine's chair. He then held a chair out for Lexie. "Thank you," they said in unison. Jeff sat down beside Lareine and across from Lexie. Huston smiled at him and sat across from Reine. "You have had this fortune to crash on my beach. I happen to own this island." "Sorry about the beach." "Not to worry, Man. I'm glad for the company. This is the off season." "Really?" Reine asked. "Not many people come down here during spring. We usually get guests in Fall and Winter. It's tropical paradise to them, a welcome break from the cold." "What do they do here?" Lexie sipped at the water in front of her. "Hunt exotic animals. It's a game reserve." Just then four servants walked in, each carrying a covered platter. They placed one in front of each diner and then bowed and removed the covers. They left quickly. The smell of pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, and toast all mixed in the air causing a near hypnosis on the three guests. "Eat your fill," Huston smiled benevolently and then dug in. "Too much, too fast," Reine shook her head. Jeff looked up from the bed and moaned. "I warned you it would make you sick. But did you listen? No! Serves you right." She brushed a cloth over his head. "You should sleep some. And when you wake up, I'll order you some soup." He pouted, it wasn't as effective on Reine as her's were on him. "Sleep, Jeff." "Two days?" "Two long worrisome days. I thought I might lose you." She patted his hand and settled more comfortably in the chair beside the bed. The guest rooms were as decadent as the rest of the house. Each was done in a different motif. Reine suspected this one was a late 19th century safari motif. Jeff tried to turn but his stomach felt like a lead weight, "You did?" "Of course I did." She smiled at him. "I should go talk to Lex. We have a few more things to finalize." "What do you mean?" "She's staying on with me." "She doesn't have a plane," Jeff raised an eyebrow. Reine stood and kissed his nose. "Details, Jeff. Those can all be worked out later. Sleep!" It was an order. Reine walked out into the hallway. The landing looked into the foyer. Lexie was standing by the front doors. Reine hurried down. Lexie had already changed into pants and a workshirt. "Well?" "He's sleeping, or at least he should be." "Are you sure about this?" "Pretty sure, did you talk to Mr. Huston?" "Of course," Lexie held up a set of keys. "It's a small plane, but just as good." "And it will make it?" "With a few stops to fuel up." Reine chewed her bottom lip. "I hope this is the right thing to do." Mr. Huston came out of the parlor. "So you are determined?" "Of course, Sir. And very grateful at your help. I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't stumbled onto your house. But your idea was perfect." Lexie beamed as if it were her own idea. "And Jeff?" Reine's eyes were filled with worry. "He'll be down for a few days, but it will wear off by the time you get back." Huston looked at her. "I won't hurt him." "I know, John. I just feel guilty about leaving him in the dark." "Hurry. The longer you wait, the longer it will take you to get back to him." Reine nodded, "I'll go change." She returned a few minutes later her hair severely tucked under a hat, dressed in men's work clothes. "I just don't pass as a boy." "It won't matter once we get there." Lexie pulled her out the door. "We plan to be back tomorrow night, Mr. Huston." "You are moping again, Bob." "Sorry, Chuck. I was just thinking about...Jane, left back there." "Quit moping and fuel the plane," Lexie thrust the hose at Reine and she hooked it up. She couldn't help but feel guilty. Jeff would be mighty angry to be left out of the loop. "How many more hours until Washington?" "About three." "OK. We're full." "Good." They unhooked the hose and Lexie went to hanger operator. She returned with a smile. "He called me sir." "Maybe these mustaches were a good plan, Chuck." They climbed back into the plane and Lexie made preparations to taxi to the runway. "Le-Chuck, what if they won't let us in? What if they don't believe us?" "They will. I have a friend." "Where don't you have a friend?" "Ontario." "Ah." John Huston sent the maid up with soup laced with sleeping powders. Chances were, once this episode was over, the man in John Huston's guest room would never need to sleep again. "That was easier than I thought." "I told you a had a friend." Reine so much relief now that the papers had been delivered to the authorities. "He'll be back in a matter of days. Undeniable proof of his guilt, and his falsified tax information. If it worked for Ness and Capone...it'll be a decent back up plan for Tony DeLauro." "Meanwhile, we need sleep. A goodnight's sleep in a posh hotel." "Let's find one." "If I may say so, It's going to be quite fun working for you, Reine." "You may say so, Lex, and it will be a pleasure to employ someone as knowledgeable and devious as yourself." They flew to New York and stayed at the Ritz. Huston breathed a small sigh of relief when the tower rang to inform him of the approaching craft. He had some soup made for Reine to serve to her boyfriend upstairs. It was a specific request made by the young woman before she left. Thirty minutes later, she burst through the door. John told her the soup was waiting in the kitchen and she practically flew. Lexie came in at a more sedate pace. "How's the patient anyway?" "I'm pretty sure it was a concussion. He seems okay, but very groggy. I'm sure the medication didn't help his alertness any." "Any deficit?" Reine hurried upstairs, tray in hand. "None visible." "Do you play chess, Mr Huston? My late husband taught me how to play, and I haven't had the chance to play in a very long time." Huston nodded and led her into the parlor. "Jeff?" Reine nibbled on his ear. "Wake up, hon." "Hmmm?" "I brought you some chicken noodle. Mom's home remedy. You've been in and out. I think it must have been a concussion." Jeff tried to sit up. Reine rushed to prop him up with pillows. "Where have you been?" "Around. Here, let me feed you." "I'm not hungry." "Jeff. If you don't eat your soup, you won't have enough energy to play later." He looked at her. to be continued.... Robyn Alyson The only difference between fantasy and reality is perception...