Chapter 14 begins

     So Charles spent the rest of the afternoon that day comforting Felina in the manner in which she required, for she wanted to take full advantage of the last few days they had together alone in the town house. They spent this time never leaving each other's side then later, on a warm sunny Thursday morning, Felina finally, after several trips to the local breeders, found the ideal canine companion. It was a Golden Shepherd from the Alsace region of France, the breed is identical to German Shepherds, except they vary in color and are a little more vicious in the protection of their masters. The brown-eyed, four month old puppy was adorable and served to bring great smiles of happiness to his new owner, and Felina called him Fuego. The joy that lovable animal brought to Felina's heart could only be measured in her laughs and delighted smiles. It was Fuego who spent that night curled up in Felina's bed and not Charles, whom was glad Felina felt safe to sleep in her bed without him. Charles cared very much for Felina but they had spent the last 2 weeks together non-stop and being a normal man he wanted to be left alone for a little while.
     Friday Charles packed up his bag for his first week at the Estate and he drove Feugo and Felina back up North to settle in for the weekend. It was a short scenic drive through the Argentine countryside, with the top down, wind in their hair, sun on their face, the strong thick scent of the poplar trees, and cypress permeating the air. The two were filled with much excitement, Charles looking forward to starting his new job, and Felina was eagerly anticipating getting back to work at her equestrian center, for the only riding she had managed was on top of Charles, and she could not wait to go take one of her horses out for some fresh air and exercise. Carlo and Aphina were delighted to welcome the two of them back home, serving up a delicious lunch of asado, grilled up by their chef on the large outdoor parrilla for the family and staff. Charles delighted in eating up the succulent barbecue, licking his fingers giving a few pieces of the tender beef to the little Alsatian, who sat contentedly under Felina's chair as she talked with her parents about news from the sale of the pub. Aphina and Carlo both understood her reason for selling so they did not say anything negative to her, though both her parents thought this was unfair to Bengiman, whom they loved like a son.
     Now, when Monday came, life for Charles drastically changed, for that first week he spent many long hours getting the two rooms in the gate house prepared as an examination room and his office. Felina threw herself into her work, overseeing the instructors, working with the student riders and the horses. The two now had vastly different schedules, he working at the estate from Monday through Friday morning, with Felina only on the property from Friday afternoon until Tuesday night. Charles spent the weekends down in the city seldom seeing much of Felina as the weeks rolled on, and he began to miss her, but Charles knew, as Xation's employee, he was no longer allowed to 'socialize' with her like he used to do. Felina excelled in her work and personal life she had begun to feel safe again, although Fuego seldom left her side. Charles was glad to see Felina was able to become well adjusted back into the normalcy of her life after her brutal rape had taken place. So Charles let her go from his heart with a little twinge of regret knowing they could never again be intimate with one another.
     The next few weeks found Charles settling in nicely to his new life, but there was not that much for him to do in his office, so boredom began to creep in. With the occasional cold, sinus infection, cuts and an outbreak of flu to tend to Charles, when not needed, spent a lot of time swimming, sunbathing by the pool, shooting a few rounds with Carlo on the 3 hole course by the river, eventually Felina did teach Charles how to ride, though he preferred the Western Saddle, as opposed to the English style of riding, and he was a natural in the saddle having no fear of the enormous animals. He had asked Felina to teach him to jump with the horses over the hedgerows like she did, but Felina refused explaining he was over 6 feet tall and too large to jump on horseback, for the greater his heighth the greater the risk for injury, paralysis, or death and Felina was well acquainted with this high risk having witnessed this first hand, on the trail and on the polo field. So it was Charles mostly went out for rides through the country galloping along the Pampas, alone with his thoughts in the early mornings after sunrise. The nights were long and would often find Charles in the little club house by the tiny golf course, where he could watch PGA tournaments and Sports from America on the satellite t.v.. However, that season, Charles was engrossed with his home team, the Chicago Bulls, winning streak. This did irritate Charles as he realized as soon as he left his hometown, the Bulls were doing an amazing job and Charles wished he could be there in person to watch his team in action. Alas his favorite basketball team would go on to win the championship that year, 1991, and Charles could only watch thousands of miles away on a big screen color t.v. as he did when the Bulls clenched the championship again in '92, '93, '96, '97, and '98, {although the last two victories he would would watch on a tiny black and white television in the Huntsville prison in Texas].
     There was not much excitement in his life except for the occasional romance Charles would find on the weekends in Buenos Aires where he found himself spending more time with Xation. Xation had recently broken off his relationship with Alicia, never explaining much why, but then again Xation did not like people prying into his private life. Now when Hays, Serena and Bengiman returned, at the end of Feburary, everyone was shocked when Hays announced he was divorcing his wife. Hays explained it was because she would not bare him any children, but the real reason was that his wife had gained forty pounds in the last few years, and Hays was no longer sexually attracted to her. Instead he had found the solace, he so longed for, in Serena's loving arms. For she had kindly volunteered to comfort and console Hays during this most difficult time. Xation seemed oddly pleased by this revelation and Charles was shocked for he, as well as all of Xation's employees, were strictly forbidden from socializing, sexually, with Xation's sisters. This is when Charles realized Hays was not held to the same high standards as he and the boys in the company. As for Serena, Charles spoke to her only when necessary remaining forever silent about the night she had crept into his room and deceived him in his bed, coming in the dark, in the guise of her sister Felina. Every now and again Serena would give Charles a knowing look, a sly wink of her eye, or the occasional devilish smile, serving only to make Charles extremely uncomfortable. However Charles did find himself, on many a long, cold and lonely night, naked on his back in his empty bed where he would close his eyes, thinking long and hard about that night, the things they did together and to each other. Charles remembered every detail with a deep desire unable to stop dreaming of the feeling of the warmth of Serena's wet mouth and moist lips.

End Chapter 13

     Felina heard the sound of the front door shut as she stepped out of her bathroom, suddenly realizing she was alone in her big, empty town house and for the first time in her life Felina felt afraid to be all by herself. This is the moment Felina decided that it was now the right time to own a dog, a guard dog, a sharp toothed, vicious killer, so she could feel safe in her own home again. With thoughts of the many breeds to select from Felina hurried to get dressed, putting on a little make-up before she grabbed the keys to her sister Serena's BMW, Felina was more than sure her sister would not mind.
     Driving over to the pub through the light rain and busy streets, Felina became increasingly nervous, trying to do a few deep breathing exercises to calm down. The mere thought of walking back into the building where she was attacked was just too overwhelming and as she pulled up across the street Felina wished now, more than ever, she had taken a wee nip of courage from a bottle of whiskey. Instilling herself with braveness, her heart and mind racing with recollections of that terrible day, Felina steeled her nerves as she approached the building.
     Two workmen greeted her at the door carrying out one of the tables from the bar area, Felina held the door open for the workers, then she stepped in where she saw her real estate agent and an older Italian gentleman, whom was new to the country, and he was delighted to be able to purchase the property. However he was unaware of the crime which had been committed in the kitchen only last week. Felina, nor her agent, chose to divulge this information to their prospective buyer. The three spoke together briefly while going over the contract at the bar, and as she sat signing the many pages of the document Felina kept glancing over at the kitchen door as the workmen went in and out of the kitchen, removing some of the older equipment to make room for the new appliances. Felina kept seeing quick flashes of the horrible scene play out there before her, in her mind, with every movement of the swinging door. Unable to concentrate Felina paused from the proceedings as two of the men were trying to come out of the kitchen carrying one of the long, stainless steel prep tables, Felina jumped up from her bar stool as she went over holding the door open for the men who gave her a welcome smile as they moved towards the front of the building with the heavy table. Here her agent and the new owner went over opening up both of the front doors to assist the workers with their task.
     Felina glanced back in the kitchen and there she noticed a huge, open space on the right now that the prep table had been removed. There was something else Felina noticed on the floor, a shiny object beside the base boards in the corner. Felina's heart paused in it's beating for a few seconds as she looked down, her eyes wide in dismay, as she saw a long, rust covered knife, but as Felina looked closer she realized it was not rust, but dried blood, the blood of her attacker, the blood of the serial rapist/murder, the blood of the man who was killed to save her life. Without thinking, unsure why, Felina quickly snatched a towel off the counter, carefully wrapping the 10 inch steel blade up before slipping it into her large purse, unseen by the group of men whom walked back over to the bar. Felina did not know why, nor did she understand what caused her to take this action, but she was aware of a strange feeling creeping up through her like ice water in her veins. Felina knew that she had been sent here, today, at this time, for a reason. She had wondered what had happened to the knife used to slice open her attackers throat with surgical precision, the police had made a less than thorough search and were unable to recover the weapon. Yet here, now, the Fates had wanted Felina to find the knife, and this only served to fulfill the secret desire of her heart, for she had wanted to possess the bloody blade, not for some macabre memento, no, Felina knew deep within her heart and soul this nondescript object was what had kept her alive. The use of it's sharpened edge had saved her life, and so this everyday, normal looking, household item had taken on a special significance to Felina and it was all she could think of as she quickly went through the contract, signing her name in an illegible scrawl, only wanting out of the pub, never to return.
     So with that, all the parties satisfied, Felina took possession of the cashier's check made out for a huge amount, thousands above what she had purchased the property for, 2 years ago. As Felina turned to leave she remembered just why she had bought and remodeled the old pub in the first place, and that was so Bengiman would have some place to go when he grew homesick for England, the land of his birth. This made her a little sad, but Felina was growing tired of Bengiman and his constant drinking a cigarette smoking, Felina knew she should have never had an affair with him, but she had felt so sorry for Bengiman. For Bengiman had kept his mouth shut about Teddy's murder, never implicating Xation in any way, shape or form, Bengiman had served 10 long years, of hard labour, while Xation excelled in his life, forming his own successful corporation. Bengiman's sacrifice, and silence, was still greatly appreciated by Felina and her entire family, and he had been well rewarded, but Felina felt having the burden of this business and the memory of what had happened to her was just too great a burden to bear. So Felina bid her agent and the new owner adieu and sped off down the rain slicked street just as fast as she could without getting into a traffic accident.
     Felina felt a rush of nervous energy flood through her body like gasoline through the engine of the BMW and within, what seemed like seconds, she found herself in a strange daze back at her house. Felina had raced up stairs slowly taking the knife from her purse. Carefully she placed it on top of her dresser as she gingerly unwrapped it from the white bar towel. Flakes of deep-crimson dried blood fell on to the cloth as she folded it back exposing the stained blade. Felina just stood there, for what seemed an eternity, gazing down at the knife which she dare not touch with her naked hand. Felina was unsure just how long she had been in her room with the knife, the instrument which was used to save her life, but by the time she heard Charles calling up to her, the rain had stopped falling outside her window as the clouds had parted, the sun was shining low on the western horizon as she snapped back to reality attentively wrapping the knife back up, slipping it in to the bottom dresser drawer.
     "Felina? Are you up there?" Charles shouted through the quiet house after his long appointment with Xation was finally over.
     "Yes!" Felina replied stepping out of her room suddenly over come with a deep abiding grief as tears burst forth from her like water pouring down a mountain. Charles met her half way up on the staircase shocked to see her in such a distressed state, so he embraced her tightly not knowing she had just been reliving the nightmare over again in her head for the last hour.
     "Sweetheart, why are you crying?" Charles asked in a soft soothing tone.
     "I am just.., so happy to see you." she sobbed uncontrollably.
     "It's alright Felina, I'm here with you now." Charles said trying to comfort Felina, who was so exhausted from mental anguish she actually fainted in his arms. Luckily she was thin and petite so Charles was easily able to sweep her up, off her feet, before she could fall and harm herself on the marble steps. With our poor Felina in his safe, strong arms Charles carried her up to her room, where he gently laid her atop her bed. He sat with her a moment holding her hand, straightening out her little sun dress; which had slid up a little on her body exposing her thighs. "Felina? Can you hear me?" Charles whispered nervously as he bent down closer to Felina's face, she looking so peaceful, like a sleeping angel.
     "Yes." Felina softly replied as she opened her eyes to find herself in her bed, on her back now, with Charles oh so near. Seeing his ice-blue eyes gazing down at her, Felina was so grateful that Charles was there with her. Felina looked up at Charles with her dark amber eyes full of an imperative, wistful look of distress and suffering. In her great emotional turmoil Felina reached up with her hand softly touching the nape of his neck, pulling Charles closer to her mouth giving him a longing and loving warm, wet kiss.
   

Chapter 13 continues

      Suddenly the cellphone on the kitchen counter rang, Felina stood from the table flipping her phone open answering the call. It was her brother Xation calling with a message for Charles, and to make sure Serena had woken up early enough to make the flight. "Yes, she left the house around six this morning with the boys." Felina replied not sounding too enthusiastic.
     Concerned with her melancholia he asked his sister "Le perece bien?"
     "Si, pero, bebi demasiado anoche." Felina lied to her brother, for it was not a long night of drinking which made her feel so dismal. Xation told her to take a hot shower to sleep her hangover away , but she was not hung over, nor did she wish to go back to her cold, lonely bed.
     Charles remained still as he sat across the table while Felina spoke to her brother in Spanish, so he could not understand what she was saying and he feared the worst. Thinking she would divulge his sexual encounter last night, but Felina, of course, would be ashamed for anyone in her family to know what had transpired, so she kept quite on the matter. Felina carried on her brief conversation with Xation then she hung up the phone and glanced over at Charles, who looked like he had just been handed a death sentence.
     "Cheer up, nothing is as ever as bad as it seems." Felina said giving him a sympathetic smile. "You are not to blame, in way, for what happened last night. Do not worry my friend, this situation does not alter the deep feelings of respect and admiration I have for you." she said warmly trying to comfort Charles for he was clearly distressed by the whole affair.
     "I just feel sickened, I thought I was with you." he confessed.
     "Do not let this trouble you, for I can assure you there are far worse things in this World to worry about. I will have a serious discussion with Serena and I do apologize for what has occurred here in my house." Felina paused then the brightness returned to her eyes as the light of happiness shone from her face, making Charles feel relaxed once again as before. "Besides Charles, you have an appointment to keep with my brother at his office in one hour. Xaton needs to discuss the preparations for your new office, at the estate. Do you remember how to get there?"
     "Yes, I think so." Charles said dreading facing the brother of the sisters he had just ravished less than 18 hours ago. "I'll just go have a shower and get dressed." he said as Felina sat in her chair picking at her food. Charles went over taking her by the hand, kissing the back of it softly with his lips, in a most gentlemanly fashion then he went back to his room.
     Felina sat there a moment longer when her cell phone rang again, swallowing her mouthful of eggs she answered "Hola?" It was her real estate agent calling with an update on the sale of the Cock and Bull. This was welcome news to Felina, however there was one stipulation to the agreement. The buyers were ready to sign, at her asking price, but due to the time limitations of their schedule, her agent requested Felina come down to the property to meet with new owners immediately to sign the contract. Felina was very upset by this, as she did not wish to go back into that building ever again. Before she responded, she stopped and thought for a moment of perhaps asking Charles to go with her, but Felina refused to give into the gentle pull of the love she held for Charles in her heart, so she resisted this temptation and with a dreadful, foreboding feeling Felina agreed to meet her real estate agent in 1 hour to sell the English pub she owned.
     Felina hurried to clear the dishes, rinsing them off, placing them in the dishwasher, then she hurried upstairs to get ready. Now while she was having a quick shower, Charles had emerged from the bathroom feeling too embarrassed to live, not knowing how to react when he saw Serena again. He, at this point, did not know what to do. Once more the thought crossed his mind to leave, he could grab some clothes and his money and drive far away in his Mercedes while Felina was up in her room. But where would he go, he had no friends except for these people he had ingratiated himself upon, and what of his new job? Charles thought of all these things as he dressed himself in one of his hand tailored suits, and as he walked down the hall, to the foyer to retrieve his keys, Charles noticed a small, hand drawn map, of the quickest route to Xation's office from the house, a friendly gesture of Felina's. Charles shouted out a goodbye to Felina, but she was still in the shower and did not hear him. Charles locked the door behind him with his newly given key, suddenly realizing this would be the first time Felina had been alone since her attack last week. Charles reassured himself Felina would be just fine as he hopped into his convertible that rainy, Summer's day and drove away, for he did not wish to be late for his meeting, nor did Charles wish to keep Xation waiting.

Chapter 13 begins

     "Why Serena! You look like the cat who just swallowed the canary!" Hays, who had just arrived with Bengiman to pick her up for their flight, stood at the bottom of the grand staircase early that morning as Serena came down smiling with a radiant glow of deep satisfaction upon her face.
     "Swallow." laughing with a gleam in her eye, acting most curious "That is such a funny word." she giggled like a school girl. "Sounds almost a bit rude. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more." Serena said with a laugh as she poked Bengiman in the ribs with her elbow.
     "Serena? Have you been drinking? It's 6 o'clock in the morning." Mr.Pruce replied thinking her behavior was quite strange indeed, for she had been consumed with terrible grief and anger over the past two months since Humberto's deadly 'accident' and this was the first time they had seen Serena so full of exuberance and 'joie de la vie'.
     Serena only smiled as she straightened out her short blue dress, moving her hand through her long black hair saying "I will never tell."
     Bengiman and Hays gave each other a concerned, worried look, both fearing Serena's blissful state could have been produced by alcohol or drugs, never once did the two men assume her great satisfaction had been obtained through an act of a sexual nature, this is because Jerome Hays and Bengiman Pruce did not know Serena as well as they believed they did. This was a trait shared by all the members of the Diaz family, they were masters at putting the 'lie' in believe. So the three departed making their way to the company jet, heading up to Dallas with a strict agenda of locating a new office space in the downtown area for Xation, whom was planning to open an international office in Texas to further expanded his Corporation, Day Trade Inc. What with the booming real estate market and the city's new re-gentrification programs in development throughout the city, in the Up Town district, along with all the warehouse conversions to lofts in the Deep Ellum section of Dallas, there was hundreds of millions of dollars to be made and Xation wanted in. He had decided to move up to North Texas sending his sister Serena's to find, and decorate, a large estate outside of the city for Xation and his girlfriend, Alicia, whom he was thinking of  marrying soon. Now Bengiman, as usual, went along to make sure everyone was securely protected. In fact, due to Mr.Pruce's overwhelming size and great physical strength, Serena always felt safely guarded in his presence. Our Bengiman was just happy to be in service to Xation and his family after everything they had done to accommodate him, after serving 10 long years in Her Majesty's Prison back in England.
     "It is such a beautiful day!" Serena said as they sat in the back of the limousine the look of happiness and serenity never leaving her face.
     "It's cloudy and raining" Hays said overwhelmed with the disturbing feeling that, somehow, Charles may of had something to do with her giddy mood. That's impossible, he thought, never knowing how wrong he could be, for Serena had, in fact, crept down the stairs to his room, just a few hours before, and the delight she found there within would leave her smiling for days. For she had played with Charles like a Roman with her eyes on fire! He proved more than willing to satisfy her wicked desires.
     Back at the house, a few hours later, Charles awoke in his warm bed filled with gratification of having a great tension relieved through extreme ecstasy. He looked around for his dear, sweet Felina but she was no longer in his bed, so he arose in naked splendor, reaching up with his arms with a great stretch of his body. Then the scent of sizzling bacon wafted down the hall from the kitchen and he hurriedly wrapped himself up in his white, plush bathrobe joining Felina in the kitchen, who was busy scrambling up some eggs, adding chopped tomatoes, jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. "Good morning!" Charles said with a great cheer in his voice coming up behind her, giving Felina a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek.
     "Charles!" she said startled a little, as she did not hear him enter the kitchen "I hope you are hungry." she smiled affectionately.
     "After last night, I am ravenous!" he said giving her a knowing smile and a wink.
     "I thought you might be." Felina gave a little deceitful laugh.
     So the two sat at the breakfast table enjoying the delicious meal Felina had lovingly prepared and Charles was impressed, for not only was she an incredible lover, the best he had ever had, so far, but Felina was also an amazing cook. And she was beautiful, she was fine, and she was wonderful Charles thought as he kept looking over at her, like a lovesick school boy. Felina knew why but she remained silent, saying nothing. It was not until Charles began saying things like "That was amazing, that little trick you did with your tongue last night!' Charles said excitedly recalling the great pleasure she had brought to him with her mouth.
     "Excuse me?" Felina said a true look of shock on her face. "What are you referring to?"
     "You know, last night, when you came into my room, and on my face." he smiled with delight.
     Here Felina almost vomited as she realized just exactly what it was her little sister had done with Charles, and to him. Now she had told Serena that no harm could come from this little act of betrayal, but now Felina felt herself engrossed by a bit of jealousy, almost to the point of rage, as she realized she was wrong and had made a terrible mistake. This terrified Felina who knew the only reason she would react this way was if, somewhere inside her, a little bit of true love had begun to grow in her heart for Charles. Felina was not a supporter love and the madness it ensued, nor did she wish to ever be any part of it, and now, unfortunately these seeds of love had taken root in her heart, perhaps it was already too late. So she looked over at Charles, this 'object of her affection' saying with her words as tense as wire "I can assure you Charles, I do not know what you speak of."
     "You came in to my room." he informed her.
     "No!" she paused and exhaled, sounding troubled. "I never left my bed last night."
     This information was soaked up by Charles in silence as he stared over at Felina with a deep expression of incredulity. "Then you, we..," he paused knowing he could not have possibly just dreamt up the intense, erotic encounter.
     Felina looked over at Charles, and with true disappointment she said "Serena."
     "Serena? I don't understand." Charles muttered a sick feeling welling up inside him.
     "Of course you do not understand, and why would you?" Felina said pushing her full plate of food away from her on the table "My sister is always doing this." Felina lied "Perhaps this is my fault, I should have warned you, but I did not think she would betray me like this."
     Charles sat across from her in shock "How?"
     "Oh Charles, you were drunk! She took advantage of the situation, you could not have known. We both are the same height, we have the same body type, long black hair, and even in the daylight, we look so much alike." Felina explained trying to paint her own sister in the worst light possible, for now she would do everything she could to poison his mind against Serena, for Felina realized she must keep them apart. "Last night Serena came in to my room wanting to borrow my night gown for her trip, she must have sprayed on my perfume and in the dark how were you to know?"
    

End Chapter 12

     Charles was extremely nervous waiting down in his room while the two sisters spoke upstairs. He changed out of his suit putting on a pair of jeans, a sky blue polo shirt and a comfortable pair of topsiders. Charles washed his hands before taking 2 more vicodan, Charles became distraught realizing there were only 4 pills remaining in the bottle. Then suddenly it occurred to him that he was now Dr. Charles Le Mesa, his new identity, and Dr. Le Mesa had a license to prescribe medication in this country. No sooner had he relaxed a thought came to his mind, If he wanted, he could easily take his new identification, the new Mercedes and all his money locked up in his closet, and just drive off and leave, never to be seen again. This is when Charles realized he liked Felina, and her family, very much, and for once in his life he felt like he belonged, nicely fitting in among their gracious, loving company. Charles had been made to feel like he was a part of the de la Rosa Diaz family.
     "Charles?" Felina called out tapping on his door as she did not wish to enter unannounced.
     "Come in." he beckoned.
     "Oh Charles," she smiled sweetly shaking her head a little saying "Serena would like for me to apologize to you, on her behalf, as she is completely, and utterly embarrassed, finding us in such a compromising position." Felina laughed helping to ease the tension Charles was feeling. "She says she hopes you do not feel too uncomfortable and begs for you to still be kind enough to join us for lunch."
     Charles did, indeed, feel embarrassed himself, but this was something he was easily able to get over so he happily agreed to come along. Serena greeted Charles outside by her black BMW luxury sports sedan and the two gave a warm embrace to each other. The two sisters hopped in front as Charles sat in the back seat as the they drove down the wide, tree lined avenues on that warm, sunny Summer's day. The three friends stopped for a light lunch at a local tapas bar, where they drank a few glasses of beer along with a couple of shots of Anejo before they wandered over to the massive Recoleta cemetery complex. They entered the enormous gates flanked by neo-classical Doric columns which towered over their heads. Felina began their impromptu tour at Our Lady of Pillar; a church founded by the Order of Recoleta monks who built the structure along with their convent in 1732. Charles learned this vast cemetery was made public in 1822 and was designed by the architect Prospero Catelin. The area, nearly 2.5 acres, was filled with 4691, above ground, mausoleums, in designs of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque and Neo-Gothic styles, all resembling the actual buildings of Buenos Aires, the extensive grounds were a miniature version of the old port city. Charles rather enjoyed their long walk as he snapped photographs with the new Nikon camera he had purchased after a drunken lunch. He delighted in taking pictures of Felina and Serena who donned dark, movie star sunglasses, wearing their short, Summer dresses and leather sandals, their tan legs and feet, polished toes exposed. Charles was having the best time enjoying the fresh air and sunshine with them that day. Finally they came to the Duarte family mausoleum, the final resting place of Eva Peron, here Felina and Serena paused, in a show of respect, each saying a silent prayer then making a movement across their chests in the sign of the cross, Charles thought this simple act of admiration and devotion was quaint so he waited for their prayers to end before they made their way out of the cemetery over to the Plaza de Mayo.
     The picturesque old city plaza, filled by palaces and museums, was centered around a long public green garden surrounded by palm trees. The modern skyscrapers towered over the old buildings, most no more then three or four stories tall. There was the Caterdral Metropolitana, an imposing Greek style structure that resembled the Parthenon, Charles especially liked the Cabilo, a small 2 story, Spanish colonial style building with bright white stucco that gleamed in the strong sunlight. The most impressive building in the plaza was the Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace, another Spanish colonial style structure, constructed of large, dark pink, granite blocks and colonnades, a long central balcony, over the facade of the building, looking out down across the city square. Felina explained the color pink was chosen as symbol of unity between the 2 political parties, the los blancos and the los Colorados. Charles did not know much about the political turmoil that had reared it's ugly head, years back in the earlier part of the 20th century, in Argentina, but he did not have much of an interest in politics any way, foreign or domestic. However he was fascinated when Serena told him a little about one of Argentina's most beloved National Heros of the Argentine War of Independence, Manuel Belgrano, of whom a majestic bronze statue of him, atop a rampant horse, sits just outside the Casa Rosada. This reminded Charles of America's greatest hero, General George Washington, and this made him a little homesick for his native land. With the hours long tour nearly over, Serena, Felina and Charles were close to exhaustion after walking around all day. So a little after 6:00 the trio headed out for a nice quiet dinner at a local famous steak house, Parilla Cabrera Norte, in the trendy Palermo Soho district.
     They were as tired as they were hungry, so they started off with the hearts of palm and avocado salads, followed by a huge slab of ribeye, the 'Ojo de bife', for Charles, a nice petite cut of Kobe for Felina, and Serena dined on a wonderful dish of Lomo Saltado all served with champignones y tomates seco and cazuelitas de puree de papas andinas, and the deicious meal was, of course, enjoyed with three bottle of exquisite and expensive red wine. With no room for desert in their full bellies, Charles happily paid the bill, and being quite intoxicated he left a way more than generous tip for the shocked waiter. Now Serena had purposefully not consumed as much alcohol as Charles and her sister, doing this she was safely able to drive them all back home a little after 8:00, just as the sun had began to set, according to her plan. Felina and Serena had to wake Charles for he had quickly fallen asleep in the back seat on the twenty minute ride back to their townhouse.
    "Come on darling." Felina said as she helped the drunken man up to his feet telling him "Let me get you to your room, so you can go to sleep."
     "Right this way." Serena said as she opened up the front door, her heart racing with the thrill of what would come later in the night.
     "Sorry girls, I think I should not have had that last bottle of wine." Charles apologized slurring his words a little, as he collapsed on his bed.
     "Let me help you out of your clothes." Felina said demonstrating her friendship for him by removing his shoes, socks, shirt and jeans, including his B.V.D.'s. "Now climb under the sheet." she instructed the suddenly naked man, who did as Felina asked covering himself up, as she bent over giving him a brief kiss on the cheek. "Now close your eyes and go to sleep."
     Charles gave her a drunken smile and a wink as he yawned telling her "Won't you lay down here with me?"
     "Not right now, let me go and check on my sister," she paused then whispered in his ear "I promise I will come back in a little while." Felina lied, then she went to his bedroom door and turned off the light.

Chapter12 continues

     "Serena.., sweetheart." Felina said coming into her sister's bedroom speaking to her in English, as she had grown accustomed to doing since she became friends with Charles. "Why are you so upset?" she asked sitting down beside her sister on the bed.
     Serena gave her sister an exacerbated look, rolling her dark eyes as she replied "I wanted him for myself."
     "I see." Felina said exhaling regretting her sister seeing the two of them on the sofa. "I am so sorry, my sister, I wish you had not seen.., what Charles and I were doing, just now." she confessed with a deep look of shame.
     "It does not matter Felina, Charles has made it perfectly clear, he prefers you over me. There is nothing I can do to change his mind." she sighed folding her hands on her lap like a child. "And I am sure you have probably fallen in love with him by now."
     "No." Felina said taking her sister's hand in hers saying "He has just been helping me get through a very difficult time." she said in all honesty.
     Serena squeezed her hand telling her sister "I understand, I am sure it has not been easy."
     "Oh, but life is never easy, there is work to be done, obligations to be met, who has time for love?" here Felina began to grow a little somber as she told her sister "What does it even matter? Whether I love him, or you love him, he starts work for Xation on Monday, and that will be the end of any love affair that you, or I, could ever find any pleasure with him in."
     "What?" Serena asked shocked Xation would do this yet again. "Why does our brother always do this to the men we are interested in?"
     "He says it is because they are beneath us, not worthy of our blood line. Xation told me once he does it because he cares so much about us." Felina explained knowing the many times he had hired one of her admirers at his company, in a high paying position they were clearly not qualified for, but none of that mattered to Felina anymore.
     "Sometimes I am not so sure." Serena confided in her sister as they sat there a moment thinking of the many lives and loves that were lost to them through their brothers jealous, caring nature. Then Serena thought of Charles whom, though she was aware her brother had procured a new identity for him, as he had done for Bengiman, Serena was not anticipating Xation hiring Charles as an employee. With that she tossed away any thought of having a relationship with him, so she said to her sister "Well Felina, at least Xation gave you one more week with Charles, that should be fun for you both." she said sounding incredibly dejected.
    "Now hold on there, sister dear. You still have a chance." Felina exclaimed giving a cunning smile.
    "My flight leaves for Texas in the morning." Serena reminded her.
     "Yes! Exactly, you still have tonight." Felina said her eyes big and bright.
     "What do you mean?" Serena asked with great intrigue.
     "All we need to do is take Charles out for a long lunch, then we will go on a tour of the Cemetery, show him Evita's family mausoleum, that will take 2 hours of walking around, then show him around the Presidential Palace. Then have an early dinner, where we will get him drunk on wine. All we have to do next is let him fall asleep in his room and wait for the sun to go down. Then..," Felina paused for dramatic affect, as she was apt to do, saying with a gleam in her brown eyes " And tonight, all you have to do is slip into one of my nightgowns and spray on some of my perfume, in the darkness, in his drunken state, Charles will think it is me, never knowing it is really, you." Felina smiled very pleased with her idea.
     Serena gave a stunned look asking her "Are you serious?"
     "What harm could it do?" Felina said with a little laugh.
       

Chapter 12 begins

     "This is what you want?" Charles asked Felina who gave him the most alluring expression of her commanding will to have him, now, here on the long sofa, in the middle of the day. "What about your brother, Xation?" he asked a hint of trepidation in his voice.
     "As of today, you are not his employee, you do not start work for him until Monday. That leaves us one week." she said in a voice as soft as a whisper giving him an reassuring look.
     "You want me, here, now?" Charles asked with a devilish smile.
     Felina did not answer him with words, only moving herself up on top of him, straddling his lap, facing him, knees buried down in the cushions, her hands resting on his chest, as she shook her head yes. With a soft breath she leaned forward pressing her lips to his and our Charles willing kissed her, fully on the mouth. In the grip of this enchanting, lustful moment Felina reached down between her legs, pulling down the zipper of his trousers with her right hand where she felt the heat radiating off his naked, exposed skin. Charles paused as she laid her hand upon him, giving her look as if to say 'release from my lonely cage'. In a brief moment what had begun as a friendly, loving kiss had suddenly changed into an overwhelmingly, seductive, passionate moment between the two as Felina slowly stood, slipping off her white lace panties, as Charles pulled his pants down, a bit, exposing is fully hard erection. Then Felina sat back up on top of the enticed Charles, who leaned back on the couch as she gently eased herself down, feeling the pulse of his blood rushing through his body, the warmth from there within was a deeply engulfing sensation filling both of them with an extreme sensation of satisfaction. Her movements were slow and deliberate, with a gentle, soothing motion.
     Again, there were no words exchanged between them the only sound were short breaths, between kisses on the mouth all the while Felina rising up and down, ever gentle, easing herself back tamely, once again, into the extreme, intimate closeness that comes from having sex with another human being. Now this was not the usual, drunken, rough, rambunctious sexual encounter Charles was accustomed to having with the lively, attractive women of the Mid West, back in the U.S. and he very much enjoyed her being in control, allowing him sit back and just take her all in. Then Felina wrapped her arms around his back, resting her head on his shoulder, not once did they ever look at each other while she straddled his body, her legs as strong as steel from years of riding in the saddle. Charles had to control the rush of energy surging through his body as this most exquisite, charming, delightful creature was so close to him now. Yet even though they were mostly fully clothed, the heat from the skin on skin contact from deep inside her was an incredible sensation as they felt the throbbing of each other's heart beating through the pulse and rush of blood of life through their bodies.
     This moment that passed between them was only for just a little while and Charles sat back letting her take charge as he did not want to overwhelm Felina with any overly aggressive, sexual behavior. Not only was he delighted by this sensual congress, but it was also quite satisfying and relaxing all at the same time.  So Charles happily smiled to himself, embracing Felina tightly to his chest, his hands wrapped up in her long soft hair. Charles felt he could have stayed like this, with her, in this position forever, feeling the warmth and wetness, hearing her let out little moans, and deep breaths of highly sensitive delight. Though he tried to extend this moment as long as possible Charles could only take so much of her riding up and down bringing herself to bare upon him, then with a quick rush of his gushing stream of life, the two came together in an incredibly gentle, sweet and loving manner.
     "What is going on in here!?" came Serena's voice, who stood at the front door, a look of great shock and disappointment on her face. For she herself had been trying to coax Charles into her bed all weekend to no avail and this unexpected scene was quite upsetting.
     Felina rose up off of Charles while he quickly stood adjusting his underwear, pulling up his trousers, zipping up with a complete look of embarrassment on his face. "Serena! What are you doing here?" Felina said hurrying to slip her panties back on.
     "I still have a room here." she said as she turned giving Charles a tearful, hurt look "I wanted to take you both out to lunch today, before I leave for Dallas with Hays tomorrow." Serena informed them before she ran up the stairs to her room, slamming the bedroom door behind her in disgust.
     "Serena!" Felina shouted up to her angered sister as she followed Serena up the staircase.
     Now Charles was unsure how Serena would react, overall, to this compromising situation, so he shook his head, cursing himself under his breath, thinking he, very well, may have fucked up everything! Yet all our Charles was trying to do was help Felina ease back into sexual activity, so she would not be afraid or uncomfortable in the future. Felina wanted his consolation and Charles gave her great comfort in the manner in which she desired, achieving this by any means necessary, in any form possible. With this sudden turmoil rising up inside his head Charles went to the kitchen where he grabbed himself a cold beer, then went back to his room sitting down upon his bed saying aloud to himself "This can not be good."

End Chapter 11

     Charles drove north down the Avenida de los Italijanos along the ocean, soon getting lost in the city of 50 districts. But he was deep in thought, due to his excitement and thrilling prospect of this new life. Somewhere in the San Martin Square he got turned around but soon found his way back to Avenida del Libertador where Charles was driving back through the familiar, picturesque park, in the Recoleta District, near the townhouse. His heart raced with excitement as he finally pulled up in the driveway, parking his newly acquired, fine automobile, then he rushed in the house to show Felina the convertible and take her for a ride.
     "Felina!" Charles cried out, his voice echoing through the house as he heard her call out to him from her room. Racing upstairs, nearly tripping, he stood at the threshold of her door as Felina sat at her vanity table, a little music box playing, she had just had a nice shower, her face scrubbed clean with a rosy glow, not a trace of make up on her clear bronze skin, dressed in a little white lacy summer dress, she was busy combing out her long dark hair; which looked like long, black, wet ribbons of silk cascading down her back and shoulders.
     "Yes? What is all the excitement?" she asked looking back at his reflection in the mirror as he stood in the doorway.
     "Come! I have something wonderful to show you!" Charles said with great enthusiasm grabbing her by the hand, bringing her downstairs in a hurry, her bare feet pattering on the tile floor as she was rushed outside. "What do you think?" he asked showing off the shiny Mercedes.
     "Oh is this for me?" she said with a great and glorious smile.
     Here suddenly Charles looked dejected and he stammered to apologize for giving her the wrong idea. "Oh my.., I see how you might have.., I am a complete idiot!"
     Felina started laughing as she said "I am only teasing you!" she smiled giving him a friendly hug "I think it is a sharp looking vehicle, and I am glad to see you put some of your money to good use." Felina gave him a kiss on the cheek.
     "Oh, no. Your brother gave it to me." Charles smiled thrilled with all the wonderful news he had to share with his dear friend. But here, when these words came from his mouth, as the information was processed in her brain, Felina's expression of cheer and elation suddenly changed into a bitter look of utter disdain.
     Felina froze where she stood, feeling completely numb inside, surprised by this sudden revelation, and this is when she realized her brother, once again, had interfered with one  of her relationships. This was not the first time a man, she was interested in, had been lured away from her by Xation, with the promise of a position in his company, enticed away from her by her successful brother's wealth and power. "Oh.., I see?" she said with a deep tone of apathy as if to say 'I do not care, this does not matter to me'.
     Charles was shocked by her reaction, he could not believe she had met this great news with a sudden, infinite sadness. "Felina, your brother has asked me to come and work for him, well, your family." he smiled warmly hoping to see a spark of merriment in her eyes.
     "In what capacity?" Felina asked as she clenched her jaw, anger welling up in her heart.
     "I am to go to the Estate on Monday, next week, to serve as the resident physician, in case of illness or injury." again he smiled with great affection but his happiness was not reflected in her eyes. So Charles asked her, taking her by the hands, looking down into her eyes as he towered over her "Felina, are you not happy for me? Is this not a good thing?"
     Felina saw the hurt in her friends eyes and she knew she was just a selfish human being, but the last thing she could be for this unexpected situation was happy. "Congratulations." she said with all the pleasure of a woman who just found a cockroach in her food. With that she went back into the house leaving him outside as she slammed the front door behind her. Unsatisfied by her acrimonious reaction, and complete lack of enthusiasm, Charles stormed into the house where he found her just about to go upstairs.
     "Felina, please." he implored "Tell me why are you not happy for me?" he said keeping his voice calm, never being quick to anger.
     "Charles." she called him Charles, and this shocked him for he did not realize her brother had already informed her of his new identity. "I do not feel well anymore. I will go lie down now, for a little while."
     Charles called out to her, but she would not look his way so he shouted loudly, to get her attention "Felina!" his voice booming throughout the great house.
     Just as she was about to put her foot upon the first step she jumped a little startled by the loudness of his voice. Then, slowly she turned, inch by inch she walked back over to him, then spoke in a clear, authoritative voice of her own saying "I am sorry, but did you just have the audacity to raise your voice to me?" Felina glared up at him with all the fierceness of an enraged bull.
     "Felina." Charles spoke slowly in a voice so small it was almost a whisper "I have brought you my exciting news of great joy, and yet you treat me so discourteously. Why? Have I offended you some way?"
     Felina realized she must quell her anger towards him, for she was upset with her brother, and not her dear sweet friend, who had been through much to help her, and he could have no idea of how many times Xation had interfered with her relationships. So she tenderly put her hands to his face, then she embraced Charles warmly as she apologized. Then she took him by the hand saying in a calm, cheerful tone "I want you to come with me, we can sit and talk for a while." Felina led him into the living room where they sat next to one another on the comfortable silk and linen couch.
     Charles held her hand giving her a strange, knowing smile saying. "Felina, there is only one reason I can think of, as to why you will not be happy for me in my new position with your brother's company." here he grew silent looking into her eyes as if he were about to impart a secret of the universe.
     "Oh, then tell me Charles." she replied sarcastically "What could the reason ever possibly be?"
     Here a brief pause of silence, only the sound of soft breathing, then Charles held both her hands in his and spoke telling her " The reason can only be, that you must be sexually attracted to me."
     Felina said nothing, her only reaction was the rapid dilation of her pupils, her lips seemed fuller, with a rosy blush to her cheeks, a sudden redness to her chest and Charles could feel her hot breath on his skin as she leaned over and whispered in his ear. "Are you.., not attracted to me?" this caused his heart to race as his pulse quickened.
     Charles drew back a little so he could see her face, gazing into her glimmering, dark eyes he felt Felina's hand upon his thigh. Now the question was answered with action, not words, when Charles slowly caressed her soft face moving his hand from her cheek, down her graceful neck, across her shoulders, her body responsive to his gentle touch. Her skin was supple, smooth as a rose petal, then he leaned closer to her mouth, placing a loving kiss on her full, moist, wet, pink lips, gently giving into her seductive desire.
   

Chapter 11 continues

     Our newly christened 'Charles Michael Le Mesa' sat back in his chair as Xation Day explained his offer telling him "Well, Mr. Le Mesa.., Charles." Xation said, now only referring to him by his new identity from hereafter. "As you know, my family's Estate is very private, isolated. The nearest town, Villa Rosa, is a thirty minute drive out west." Xation sighed as if something was weighing heavy on his mind, then he told Michael the following story, saying "There was an accident last month, a riding accident." Xation paused thinking of poor, dead Humberto, whom he loved like a brother. "Unfortunately the gentleman did not survive."
     "I see." Charles Michael Le Mesa replied a little shocked someone died on their property. Here Xation refrained from going into the shocking details of Felina's neglect of her own student, and all the drama the tragedy entailed. For, even though, this 'Charles' was like family, he was NOT family, Xation knew, from experience, some things are just best kept a family secret. "And you believe the rider would still be alive if you were closer to the town hospital?"
    "Oh, no!" Xation responded his eyes widening a bit as he shook his head. "No, there is no way he could have survived." the image of Humberto's head cracked open like an egg flashed in his mind "No, what I would like to have is a doctor on site. We have a 300 hundred acre horse farm, and orchards, with a world class riding academy, accidents always happen. In fact 2 years ago, at Christmas time, one of our workers fell off a twenty foot ladder stringing the lights on the house. Luckily I was able to have my pilot fly him over to Villa Rosa in time, but the poor fellow was in a coma for three days." Xation explained. "What I am proposing is for you to come and work for me, at our Estate in the country. I would like to convert 2 of the rooms downstairs in the gate house, into an examination room, and, of course, a medical office for yourself. I will procure all the medical supplies and items you would need, just give me a list and I will see to it." Xation said then he leaned forward making his offer. "I would like you to come and be our private physician. You can chose a room in the main house, I will need you on the premises from Monday morning through Friday afternoon. You will have your weekends off for you to come back to the city and enjoy your free time. I am still willing to let you keep your room in the townhouse, for you are always most welcome among my grateful family. I am also willing to pay you a salary of $150,000 per year for your faithful service." Xation said with a generous smile.
     Charles Michael Le Mesa was stunned, there were so many thoughts whirling 'round his brain he actually felt a bit dizzy, a sharp pain in his left arm radiating from his heart, he was not quite sure if he was just overwhelmed by this lucrative offer, or having some sort of coronary infarction. "I..,"
     "Do you think this is a worthwhile idea? Something you can get behind?" Xation asked still waiting for Charles Michael to reply.
     "Yes! This is an excellent idea. I would be most happy to be in your family's service for as long as you need me." the former Dr. Michael Cullen, now Dr. Le Mesa, wholeheartedly agreed.
     Now the pleased look of satisfaction suddenly washed away from Xation's face as an extremely solemn expression took its place. Then he looked steadfastly in the young handsome doctor's eyes and he said "However," Xation spoke with a cautionary tone in his voice "There is one thing I must make perfectly clear to you." He paused as Charles Michael felt the sudden pull of this string attached to their agreement. "As you are aware I have hundreds of employees. Hundreds of employees, but I only have 2 sisters, Charles. And much to many men's disappointment, if you work for me, in what ever capacity, Felina, Serena, including any of my girlfriends, are strictly off limits. There shall be no sexual activity, of any kind, with them. I can not abide by an sexual escapades in my business. we must all be unanimous in this matter." Xation said giving his new friend and employee an austere gaze "Unless..,"
     "Unless what?" Charles replied becoming offended.
     "Unless you have already become intimate with my dear sister." Xation said plainly as he was suddenly taken aback by how Charles reacted to this statement.
     "First of all, Xation." Charles snapped, sitting upright in his chair, eyes glaring "I can not believe that you would even ask me such a thing. Have you forgotten Felina was brutally raped not more than seven days ago? Do you not understand?" he paused truly saddened by Xation's inability to fully grasp the psychological ramifications of the violent crime perpetrated against Felina. So he let out a heavy sigh, folding his hands together then he explained "Sexual desire, is not something your sister is even ready to give, or receive. It might take years for her to ever be comfortable again, sexually." Charles said chiding Xation, who thought this was preposterous, for Xation new his sister well and Felina had been diagnosed as a nymphomaniac,or a 'sexual addict' as her psychiatrist was now calling her disorder, years ago.
     "I do apologize." Xation said seeing how much respect and dignity Charles was showing Felina in her absence, this left a very strong impression on Xation. For he viewed this brave American as a man, not only of great valour and courage, but also filled with honor and loyalty. "You know something?" Xation paused then said to Charles "You may not have been born of a noble birth, but you have the wisdom of a king."
     Here Charles smiled and replied "Well thank you, I think that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." and he was highly complemented by Xation words. "But as for your sister, Felina." Charles sighed knowing he would do whatever Felina wanted, and if Felina wanted him, then Charles would gladly give himself freely to her, knowing he would be more than be able to quench her desire, should she be ready to open herself up to him. However Xation could never know these true feelings, yet, being wise as a king, our Charles could not afford to let his passion for a woman exceed all his reason. "What can I say Xation? In all honesty.., I see myself more as Felina's friend and protector, not as her lover." he lied.
     "Then you will agree to all my terms and conditions, when you become my employee?"
     Charles Michael Le Mesa, who would never be known as Michael Cullen after this day, smiled as he stood and shook Xation's hand saying "Yes."
      Xation seemed very pleased with this new venture and, as a further token of his esteem, he paused asking "Charles, it has been a week now, are you more familiar with the city and her streets?" here Xation pulled out a set of keys as he said 'streets'. "As my new employee, befitting your position, you will need a car to get around town in." Xation handed over the keys to a new 1991 silver Mercedes 500 SL convertible and Charles could not believe what had come of their brief meeting. Charles gathered up his new documents with great relief and a new life waiting for him, then Xation escorted his newly acquired private physician down to the parking garage. Just before an ecstatic Charles opened the car door, Xation turned to him and said in an unfriendly, sinister tone "Now, once you work for me, you must always remember, and never forget, if I find out you have slept with either of my sisters, I will be forced to get rid of you."
     Here Charles was confused by the somewhat ambiguous threat, 'get rid of you', for Charles did not know whether Xation meant he would terminate him, or exterminate him. Of this he could not be sure, but before he could respond Xation said "So, now go. You have one more week to visit with my sister, but as of Monday morning, you work for me." Xation said as he gave Charles a pat on the back as he watched him hop into the new, expensive, luxury sports car. With that Charles started up the engine and happily drove off down through the parking garage out onto the bright, sunny streets, hurrying to make his way back to the town house as he needed to speak with Felina immediately.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

  

Chapter 11 begins

     Four days later, at around 8 o'clock on a bright and sunny Monday morning, Bengiman entered Michael's room unannounced. Where he was shocked to find Felina and Michael, fully clothed, passed out on top of the covers of Michael's massive, four poster bed. The two had been out all weekend and had only stumbled to his room just a few hours before. Bengiman stood over them for a moment as they slept, unaware of his presence, and Bengiman Pruce thought it was a very good thing he had not come in and found the pair, naked together, under the covers, for even he, himself, did not know how he would have reacted.
     "Michael!" Bengiman shouted as the two awoke immediately to the sound of his booming voice.
     "Bengiman? What are you doing in here?" Felina asked wiping the sleep from her mascara smeared eyes.
     "Your brother has asked me to bring Michael over to his office, downtown." Bengiman replied as he watched Michael get up quickly off the bed and dash into the bathroom to get ready.
     "Why? Is something the matter?" Serena asked as she looked around the room for her high heel shoes.
     "No, he has those documents to show him." Bengiman sighed sounding a bit depressed.
     Here Felina's eyes grew wide as she said "What is the new name?" she asked, just as thrilled as she was when Xation and herself had obtained the forged documents for Bengiman, when he was released from prison in January of 1989.
     "Charles Michael Le Mesa." Bengiman Pruce said as he paused, thinking about his old life and name, Norman Pierce.
     "Oh, I like the sound of that!" Felina said happily as she turned to leave Michael's bedroom.
     "Oh, I bet you do." Bengiman said with a sarcastic jealous tone, giving Felina a very disapproving look.
     "Bengiman do not look at me like that!" she chided him saying "Do not worry, nothing has happened! Michael and I are just friends..," then teasing him she added "for now."
     "Felina." Bengiman said as he reached out touching her shoulder "If you ever get scared at night, you can always come to my room and curl up in my bed."
     "Oh Bengiman! I'll keep that in mind." she gave a sweet smile and with that Felina went upstairs to her room as Michael hurried to brush his teeth, comb his hair, pop 2 vicodan, and change into a clean suit.
     Bengiman waited out in the driveway in his black Range-Rover turning the air conditioning on full blast that hot day. Michael climbed up into the large s.u.v. a little nervous to be alone with Mr.Pruce, after all Michael knew very little about Bengiman Pruce, or his background. But he did know that Bengiman had a brief relationship with Felina, and he was very jealous of Michael and Felina's sudden friendship, he also was aware that Bengiman carried a concealed hand gun in a shoulder holster, under his jackets, at all times, serving some security role for Xation and his family. With this knowledge Michael envisioned Bengiman taking  him out to the country and putting a bullet in his head, or leaving him stranded in the La Miserade district, one of the many 'no go zones', where even the local police and government were too afraid to step foot in. No, even though this had crossed Bengiman's mind, those were not his instructions. So he obeyed Xation's request and drove over to the Porteno district, Buenos Aires central business district, the Microcentro, by the docks and piers off the Atlantic. Michael stared up at the modern, tall, steel structures wrapped in smoked glass, surrounded by the vast blue waters, this part of down town reminded Michael of his home town of Chicago and he felt more homesick than ever.
     Bengiman and Michael entered the lobby of black polished marble floors and walls, with gold and crystal accents. The two took the elevator all the way to the top floor of the 75 story skyscraper, where Xation's company occupied the 73rd, 74th, and 75th floors. Bengiman had been in the building hundreds of times but Michael had not, and he was a little lost, as he followed Bengiman down the long hall ways. Michael felt, nervous and still a little drunk from last night, but he felt the effects of the vicodan kick in, making him feel relaxed as he went into Xation's enormous corner office with a spectacular view of the city and the ocean. They were so high up you could see the slight curvature of the earth, out over the Atlantic, across the horizon. Xation sat behind a massive glass and chrome desk with the latest computer money could buy, as he stood next to Hays deep in discussion about some pressing matter.
     "You wanted to see me." Michael said as the two men turned their attention towards the door.
     "Ah, Michael come in." Xation said greeting him warmly shaking his hand. "If you two gentlemen will excuse us." he said to Bengiman and Hays who quietly exited Xation's office, going over to Hays' office so Xation could speak to Michael alone.
     "You have an amazing view from up here." Michael said trying to use a complement to ease the tension, for now he was alone with Xation, Michael suddenly felt very ill at ease.
     "I have, at last, obtained what you have requested from me." Xation said as he sat behind his desk pointing to a file in front of Michael.
     "Are you serious!?" Michael said incredulous.
     "It was not an easy task, but it has been accomplished nonetheless." Xation gave a brief untroubled smile and, as Michael reached out to open the file, Xation laid another, thicker file, on top of it. Michael said nothing, a sickening feeling churning up in the pit of his stomach. "I have 2 files on you." he paused handing the thick file over to Michael. "This one, contains all the information I could find on Dr.Michael Cullen."
     Michael flipped it open where he saw, to his dismay as he sat there in silence, a stack of copies of transcripts from his pre-trial hearing, arrest sheet, dozens of copies of the many newspaper articles detailing his crimes/felonies, how he had fled the state and prosecution, 'his whereabouts still unknown', as it was reported in the Chicago Tribune. Michael was angry that Xation had gone so far as to amass a file on him and now their were two people who knew the truth about his situation. And, somehow, Michael just knew Xation had most likely given all this damning information to Hays and Bengiman. Michael was correct in his assumption.
     "And then there is this new file, a new life for you." Xation said as he took the first file back from Michael, handing over the thinner file to him.
     Michael opened up the file and found an American birth certificate, a United States passport, a Tennessee driver's license, a medical diploma from Tulane, along with an Argentine license to practice medicine and prescribe medication, all with the name of a one, Charles Michael Le Mesa, born March 27, 1958, in Shelby County, Memphis Tennessee. Michael looked over the superbly forged documents with his old pictures from his passport and drivers license. The documents looked authentic and real to him and Michael was very pleased. "I don't know what to say." he stammered.
     "Thank you. What you want to say is, Thank you." Xation laughed a little.
     "Yes! Of course! Thank you Xation!" Michael said then he gave a strange concerned look and said "It's just..,"
     "What is the matter?" Xation asked a sudden dispirited tone in his voice.
     "Well, I was just wondering. Why did you go to all the trouble of getting a fake medical diploma and this fake license to practice medicine in Argentina?" Michael asked perplexed.
     "You are a doctor, you should still practice medicine. It would be foolish to let all of your education and medical training go to waste." Xation explained.
     "I really do not believe, even with these documents, that it will be very ease for me to get hired on at a hospital here in the city." Michael sighed as regret and worry filled his mind.
     Xation merely smiled, sat back in his comfortable executive chair and said "Well now my friend, I have been giving your future, here with us, much thought and.., I have a business proposition for you."
     I have a business proposition for you.., this phrase echoed through Michael's ears, instantly recalling the night Azir had said the exact same words to him, and that turned out horribly, horribly wrong. But Michael had come this far, leaving everything he knew and loved behind, to start a new life. So Michael took out his new drivers license, HIS license, Charles Michael Le Mesa's license, then 'Charles' looked over at Xation and said "I'm listening."
    

End Chapter 10

     It was a little before 8 o'clock when everyone arrived back at the town house feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Michael was delighted to find his new wardrobe had been delivered and Sanantonia was kind enough to hang all of his new suits, shirts, jackets, jeans, etc... in his closet, setting out the fourteen pair of shoes and boots on the shelves, even filling the dresser drawers with his silk pajamas, socks, and underwear. She set out on a silver tray, in his bathroom, the new bottles of colognes, after shave, lotions, hair gels and the like for him. Michael felt welcome and more at home, now more than ever, he was very happy to have a closet full of expensive clothes again, for he had left everything he owned back in his apartment at the Marina Towers in Chicago.
     Xation, Bengiman, Felina and Michael all dressed themselves in spectacular attire and met down stairs a few minutes before 9:00 that warm, humid Thursday night. Everyone complemented each other on their appearance and soon were on their way, via limousine, to an elegant Parisian style patisserie, the Cafe Los Violetas; which Michael thought odd as they were beginning their evening with dessert not dinner. Felina and Xation explained 'Portenos' do things a little differently here in Argentina. Now Serena and Jerome Hays had not yet arrived, so the four went ahead and ordered a few delicacies. Michael enjoyed the Dulce de Luce, a massive caramel and cookie pastry dipped in sugar, there were fruit filled empanadas, one called camote, a sweet potato filled puff pastry, so delicious, it was like biting into heaven, other varieties were, apple, guava with queso fresco, and a pineapple empanada that was more like cookie. Laughing and chatting as they nibbled on the sweet treats sipping there strong black coffee, and ma'te, a hot, bitter tea the locals consume daily, Xation explained the bitter herbal tea help the Argentines digest the massive quantities of beef they consume. This made perfect sense to Michael who knew how important a healthy digestive tract was to a persons well being.
     It was about ten minutes after 9 o'clock when Serena and Hays entered the cafe coming over to the table, where all stood to greet the two with hugs and kisses. Xation threw his arms around Felina and Serena giving them quick little kisses on the lips as his heart was lifted with the joy of being with them. Then Hays gave Felina a long, loving embrace, for she was like a sister to him and he was so relieved she was with him now, safe once again with her family. Felina her heart racing, she turned slowly to embrace her sister tightly as the two shed a few tears, smiling as they wiped away each others tears of sadness and joy. Felina was so pleased to see her little sister again and, though Humberto's death was ruled an accident, Felina still felt responsible for Serena's fiance's death. He had asked Felina to teach him how to ride, a skill Humberto wanted to master to impress his new bride. Recklessly, foolishly, Felina had put Humberto up on a powerful, erratic horse, named Sirocco. Felina knew this was the worst thing an instructor can do to put an inexperienced rider up on such a large, high spirited, 1,000 lb animal, but Felina did. Yes, she was jealous of Humberto and her sister's relationship, and yes, she had tried to hook up with him, before Humberto met Serena. But never did it occur to her what would happen that first day of December. She knew the chances of Humberto getting hurt were good, but Felina thought the likely hood of him actual dying were small. However, unsure of his mount with fear in his heart Humberto went into a panic, when the big grey horse took off at a very high rate of speed. Humberto cried out, mounted high atop the restless stallion, his fearful screams only served to anger the creature; which sensed the trepidation of his rider. Now the horse, as most horses will, tried to dismount his nervous rider by rushing under the low hanging, thick branches of an oak tree. Felina heard the impact of Humberto's head against the wood, the sound was unforgettable and horrific, as he was knocked from out of the saddle. When Felina rode upon the scene she found poor, sweet, Humberto lying under the tree, a large bloody gash on his forehead, exposing part of his brain, his neck broken, eyes closed, head flopped to the side. The young, exuberant man, with his whole life, and wedding just ahead of him, was now dead. Wiping this frightful memory from her mind Felina held her sister close, telling her how much she loved her. Serena smiled, truly glad to have her dear sister safe and alive after everything that had happened to her. So Serena put away any thoughts of ill will or malice, finding room in her heart for forgiveness for her sister, and she was now able to convince herself that, perhaps, Humberto's death was just an accident after all.                             
     Michael watched this touching scene of reconciliation between the two sisters and then he realized Serena was just as beautiful, if not more, as her photographs, she was like a younger version of the lovely Felina, and Michael gave the raven haired, petite young woman a bright, radiant smile of delight when he was finally introduced to the the sexy Latina, Serena Maria de la Rosa Diaz.
     Serena stared up at the handsome foreigner and she was immediately taken by his looks, and charm. Now, even though her heart had been utterly crushed by the sudden 'accidental' death of her beloved fiancee, Humberto, Serena did feel a spark of desire stirring in herself for this man she had never met and did not have the pleasure of knowing.
     Hays, as well as Bengiman, watched with jealousy as they realized there was a sudden connection between the two of them, and Hays had been trying to win Serena's love and affection for seven long years. Even when Hays was with his wife, back in Texas, he often fantasized about the young, sweet, and lovely Serena. Troubled by the too long of an embrace, Hays interrupted saying "Hays, Jerome Hays." he said extending his hand out to Michael, who, for some reason, seemed a little shocked to meet him.
     "Hello." Michael said as he reached out shaking his hand. Now Michael was shocked, for when he had heard the name Jerome, Michael just assumed Jerome Hays was a black man, though Michael said nothing of this to Mr.Hays as he did not want to appear to be a racist. "So nice to meet you, I am Michael" he added as he noticed how tall and thin, Hays was. He had large hands, broad shoulders and was just about an inch taller than Xation and Michael, but not taller than the Goliath of a man Mr.Pruce,
    "Yes, my fellow American." Hays replied giving a pleasant smile, shaking Michael's hand staring at him with his bright amber eyes, he had chestnut colored, short, wavy hair, a clean, freshly shaved face with sharp, pointed features, a thin nose, prominent chin, a small mouth with full pink lips. Hays was attractive, but not better looking than Michael or Xation, and he appeared to be strong, athletic, healthy, full of a energy, as if he had just snorted a few lines of high quality cocaine; which he had. And when Hays spoke he used his hands frequently to express himself better.
     Now as for the two sisters, they sat beside each other on one side of the table conversing rapidly in Spanish, with words of forgiveness and love. Michael and Bengiman sat beside each other on the opposite side of the table, with Xation and Hays sitting at the ends of the table. Hays mentioned how tan and relaxed Xation and Bengiman looked, asking about their brief visit to the Hawaiian islands. However Xation shied Hays away from this topic of discussion as he did not want to remind Felina of the vacation Bengiman and himself were missing out on. Neither would he allow Hays to make any mention of Felina's tragedy or Michael's involvement in the situation. So Hays changed the subject by pulling out his new cell phone, telling them about the latest technology. They all marveled at the new device, for it was smaller and lighter than the old flip phones they were accustomed to using, and there was no antenna attached. Hays told his fascinated friends about how this new phone was able to send and receive what Hays called, 'text messages'. Michael was amazed, along with everyone else at the table, when he explained how you could send a written message to anyone in the world without even speaking to them.
     "Hays, how is this possible? Where is the antenna!" Xation asked bewildered.
     "There are 2 antennas, Xation, and they are on a micro-processing chip inside the device." Hays replied with a clever smile. Then he went into a fascinating explanation telling them about fractal geometry, a decade old discovery from one of the geniuses, Dr. Mandelbrot, of M.I.T., Hays' Alma mater. He told the story of  how a physics student at N.Y.U., who, as a hobby, had a ham radio. Now he could not get a good signal from his building in the city, and when he tried to install a larger antenna out of his window the tenants and landlord complained. Then using fractal geometry; which is the study of a set of infinitely recursive mathematical functions which seem to mirror natural phenomenon like leaf and cloud formations, the student pulled the circle of his coat hanger antenna into the shape of a cross, and, not only did the antenna work, but the newly shaped antenna was putting out a strong signal for thousands of miles. "So the student sold his idea to Motorola, and now we have this technology and society will soon be able to do many things with these micro-processors!" Hays said enthusiasticaly, as Michael realized just how intelligent Hays was as he went on talking with an unbridled energy that engulfed everyone, who hung on his every word "One day wireless phones will be able to take and send photographs to computers through the Internet and e-mail system." he said looking at his new phone "I will upgrade all your phones by the end of next week." he said eagerly, for Hays was always caught up in the new 'space age' technologies and computer programs coming out of Japan, Apple and M.I.T.. Michael, along with Bengiman, was absolutely clueless when it came to computers and new technology, so he thought it best to move the conversation in another direction.
     "So, Hays, how is it you and Xation came to know one another?" Michael asked, as Hays looked over at Michael, you could see his thought process change as Hays explained how he had been working for I.B.M. developing and writing codes for a new computer program; which allowed stock brokers to make trades via computer from anywhere in the world. It was the Summer of 1983, he had been sent out to Manhattan to Stanley Morgan to oversee the installation of his soft ware into the hard drives. Xation was working for the brokerage firm, the two met up and hung out for a few days while Hays was in New York. They had stayed in touch and when Xation started his own brokerage house he hired Hays to design the computer programs for his financial transactions through the Internet banking systems.
     "And he was so successful and intelligent, I hired him on as my Vice President." Xation said with a satisfied grin.
     "Yes, and we have made millions ever since!" Hays replied with great cheer and satisfaction.
     With that Xation felt elated and ecstatic to have his sisters together again as a peace settled over them. Xation could only hope and pray that nothing would ever come between them. Though he did not like the way Serena was looking at Michael, whom she chatted with, flirting with him all night long, dancing close to him, trying to teach him how to tango, touching his hands, kissng him on the cheek, whispering in Michael's ear. It was strange and annoying but Felina, whom was begining to develop strong feelings of love and affection for Michael, she pretended not to notice Serena and Michael's flirtations, as she did not wish to upset her sister by fighting over a man. This caused Xation to begin to worry about Michael and his relationship with his dear sisters. Xation knew very little about Michael, but all he really needed to know was that Michael was tall, handsome, charming, and extremely intelligent, just the type of man his sisters were attracted to. However, later that evening, during their wild night out on the town, drinking, dining, dancing, Xation pulled Hays to the side, handing over all of Michael's identification, instructing Hays to go to his office, first thing in the morning, and get on the Internet to find out everything he can about Dr. Michael Cullen. 

Chapter 10 continues

     After a few glasses of Dom Perignon, Xation mentioned to Felina and Michael that rain was expected for the next few days, here in the north counrty, but the weather was nice and sunny back in the city. So Xation suggested they all hop in his private jet and head back down to Buenos Aires and show Michael a good time. Felina thought this was a wonderful idea and she said with a confidant, fulfilled look on her face "Yes, Michael you will have the time of your life with us tonight in our picturesque city, there is so much to do and see." she beamed then a serious look came over her face and she said "Now, I have survived to live another day, I want to live my life not afraid to be happy, I want to enjoy everyday, and the thrill of another night of satisfaction and pleasure!"
     "Cheers! I'll drink to that!" Bengiman said as he bent down giving Felina a kiss on the cheek.
     So it was decided, and a little after 3:00 on that grey and dreary, rainy afternoon Xation, Bengiman, Felina and Michael boarded the silver jet and were well on there way. Michael had quickly packed up his scant belongings, and his money, into his little suitcase, he never mentioned to his new friends of his fear of flying. However, Michael had never been on a private plane and some how this new experience helped him to maintain a sense of calm. As he stepped onto the expensive aircraft; which smelled like a brand new Rolls-Royce, Michael noticed the tan nappa leather seats, there were three rows of seats, for six and a long leather bench at the back of the plane, with the restroom in the tail of the fuselage. The pilot and co-pilot greeted Xation and his guests as Felina and Bengiman sat down next to one another buckling their seat belts. Xation sat next to Michael at the back of the plane for he needed to speak with him.
     Michael, soon after an easy take-off, was informed by Xation to hand over his passport and drivers license, explaining he needed the photographs to help with the forgery of the documents Michael required to start his new life in Argentina. Reluctantly, not sure if he could really trust Xation, Michael gave up the only identification he had on the face of the earth, his Illinois State driver's license, his State Department issued United States passport, along with his American Medical Association license to prescribe medicine. In doing so Michael hesitated for a few seconds as he suddenly realized he was, literally, handing his identity away, after this moment he would have no proof of who he was, or where he came from. And with that Xation was satisfied with Michael's decision, and he was impressed Michael actually was a physician. Xation even seemed, somewhat, proud of Michael for giving in to his request, willing to make this sacrifice to start again, furthermore he appreciated the fact that Michael was giving up his full trust, and faith, in Xation, this was something, Xation Day thought, should be rewarded.
     Now it was only about thirty minutes, up in the air, before Xation's company jet touched down at the regional airport in downtown Buenos Aires. A long black limousine was waiting on the tarmac to pick them up, as the four stepped off the plane out in to the warm late afternoon sunshine under bright blue skies. Michael was quite relieved to be back on Mother Earth and he was also a bit tipsy from the second bottle of bubbly they had opened up at 20,000 feet. Everyone was in a fine mood laughing, talking, re-telling old stories as they took Michael to his hotel, where Felina had him gather up his remaining items and check out of his room. There was still four days remaining on his week for which he had already paid, but when the manager tried to refund his money he said to her "Give it to the maid!" With that they returned to the opulent town house where Michael had stayed with Felina, that first night. Here they showed Michael to three guest rooms, two on the third floor and one on the ground floor. Michael chose the room on the first level, not wanting to climb all those stairs. Now, when Xation and Felina showed him to that spacious room decorated in the Tudor style, with an antique four poster bed, large fireplace and an en suite, with a large walk-in closet, Michael went in to the closet to hang up his long leather trench coat. Felina and her brother observed Michael standing there with a sad look on his face holding his little suitcase in his hand, his eyes seemed to say 'all this space and so little clothes', and so Felina asked him "Michael, are these the only clothes you have brought with you?"
     Felina took the case from him, setting it on the floor, getting on her knees as she opened it up examining the contents saying "Oh Xation, he has only one suit and a few pair of jeans." she shook her head seeing a few t-shirts and a pair of dress shoes.
     "This will not do." Xation said shocked by his lack of wardrobe. "We must take him shopping!"
     "Oh but yes!" Felina said with excitement and then she raised her hands so Michael could help her up off her knees and she gave him a wild, enthralled look and she spoke quoting an ancient poem, saying to him "With you my child, I wish to play, I will give you gifts if you will stay. I will pick you flowers and presents bring."
     "And dress you like a noble king." Xation said, finishing the familiar poem, made familiar to him by his sister who had taught him the poem when he was just a little boy, oh so long ago.
     Then the whirlwind of that day began for Michael first with a stop at all the high-end boutiques in the Recoleta district, Armani, Givenchy, Gucci, etc... From Calvin Klein underwear and cashmere socks, to dress shirts and suits, with vintage Ralph Lauren silk ties, to casual wear, from the finest shoes, to three pair of Nike's, and two pair of riding boots, a $2,000 pair of full-quill ostrich Lucchese cowboy boots hand made in Texas, to a $1,700 pair of Cole Hahn English riding boots. Everything Michael wanted Xation paid for, refusing to let his new friend spend one thin dime, and Michael was much obliged. Felina had a marvelous time dressing him up and helping him find the perfect attire. Everyone waited patiently as Michael was fitted by the tailor in all 7 of his new expensive suits, though Michael was tall, lean and athletic so he did not require much adjustments to the garments. Xation and Bengiman even picked up a few new suits as well. All totaled Xation put over $48,000 dollars on his company credit card. Xation justified this for he had the clever idea of giving Michael a title, putting him on the payroll at his company, if things went well.
      Afterwards they all ventured over to the Red Door Spa where each of them delighted in a few hours of pampering. Felina had a facial, a body brushing, followed by shiatsu massage and a hot oil rub down. The three men had a nice hot shave, haircuts, with manicures and pedicures. Now this lavish treatment was very unfamiliar territory to Michael as he had never been into a spa before in his life, but he liked it! Even though he was well aware he, himself, had never had the chance to live like these people, Michael was uncertain if he would be able to fit in this wealthy world. Michael did not know if he would be able to learn how to live like his new friends. All these doubts and insecurities were quickly melted away when the sweet, young lady with small, strong hands began to massage his naked feet, bringing a deep sense of penetrating, relaxation as Michael leaned his head back in the chair, closing his eyes, and he realized he had never felt so at ease in his life.
     The serenity of this peaceful moment was shattered by the sound of Xation's cell phone ringing. "Si." Xation said as he slipped the flip phone out of the pocket of his white terry-cloth robe. Bengiman and Michael listened as the three women continued rubbing warm jojoba oil into their client's large feet. "Hays.., No! Really?" Xation said, a joyous note lifting his voice. "She will come? Wonderful!" Xation smiled, delighted as he listened for a moment then spoke "Perhaps what has happened to Felina, has caused Serena's cold heart to melt a little, and she may, finally, forgive her sister." their loving brother let out a deep sigh of relief "Right then Hays, we will all meet you there at 9:00. Oh, and one more thing, I am 'technically' still on vacation, so no talk of business tonight."
     "What's that all about mate?" Bengiman asked giving Michael an odd look out of the corner of his eye.
     "That was Hays." Xation turned to Michael who sat next to him in the long line of spa chairs "Jerome Hays, he is the Vice President of my company." he explained "Hays has spoken with my dear sister, Serena, and she has agreed to come out and have dinner with us all tonight." here Xation leaned over a little on the arm rest and told Michael "Unfortunately my two, stubborn, sisters have been fighting. Not willing to get along with one another. This frustrates me endlessly. The one thing I want in this world is for my family to be happy and united. Unfortunately, for all my wealth, I can not pay any price to accommodate a peace between them." Xation said exasperated.
     "Well Xation," Michael said with true sympathy giving the distraught man a few words of encouragement saying "all you can do is try, and the fact that you care so much about your family, well that fact, alone, is more precious than gold."
     Interrupting this warm moment Bengiman nudged Xation with his elbow asking "So, she will come?"  he said sounding doubtful. Bengiman Pruce found it hard to believe Serena could just forgive Felina so easily, after everything that happened to Humberto, Serena's fiance, whom was now deceased. Doubtful though he was of any true reconciliation between the two sisters, Bengiman was pleased he would get a chance to see his two gorgeous friends in the same room together at long last.
     "We shall see." Xation said glad to know he would be sitting down at the dinner table tonight to share a meal with the two most important women in his life, his dear sisters, whom he had not seen together in such a long time.