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.

Chapter 10 begins

     "Well, there goes your riding lesson." Felina said loudly staring out the window at the heavy downpour of rain. Michael, awoken by the sound of her voice, looked over at Felina, all attired in her riding gear, tall boots, black waist coat, her back was to him and Michael could not but help notice how nice her ass looked in her tight fitting jodhpurs.
     Michael sat up in the warm comfortable bed unsure how long he had been asleep. "What time is it?" he asked with a yawn and a stretch.
     Felina stepped over to the dresser picking up the watch she had given to him as a sign of her appreciation. "It is a quarter past 1 o'clock." she said as she took the watch over to him sitting on the edge of the bed beside Michael showing him the time. Michael gazed upon her face, she was so beautiful with clear, perfect, dark skin, big almond shaped eyes, the color of smokey quartz and amber, she wore just a trace of make-up and a little black mascara on her thick long lashes, with full, moist lips. Her silkened, raven haired pulled back in a ponytail; which flowed down the length of her back down to her tiny waist and she smelled of lilacs and jasmine.
     "Oh no, I've slept all day." Michael said shocked he had been asleep for over eleven hours.
     "Well, I only just awoke myself a short while ago." she laughed making him feel at ease. "A summer storm has blew in off the Atlantic, we should see rain all day."
     "I was looking forward to learning to ride today." Michael said extremely disappointed, then he sighed and when he inhaled he caught the delicious aroma of garlic and shrimp drifting down the hallway from the kitchen. "What is that I am smelling." Michael asked his stomach grumbling.
     "Oh, our chef, Raphael, has been cooking up a huge batch of paella all morning." Felina smiled rubbing her hand across his rock hard abs as he sat up in bed his pelvis and legs covered with the sheet. When she touched his naked stomach Michael felt himself becoming slightly aroused by her gesture. However, Felina only gave an embarrassed shy smile when she saw she had gotten a little rise out of him so she said "Come and join us downstairs, we will have lunch with my family in about fifteen minutes." with that she exited his room and Michael hurried to brush his teeth and comb his hair quickly getting dressed, and he was very eager to see what this new day would bring.
     When he came down stairs Michael found Felina, Aphina, Carlo, Bengiman and Xation sitting in the formal dining room where two female, young, pretty Latina servants were bringing out large plates piled with huge portions of the saffron rice seafood dish. Michael was greeted by warm smiles and everyone stood to welcome Michael to the table with handshakes, hugs and kisses on the cheek making him feel so welcome in this foreign land, he felt happy and relaxed as he joined the wealthy Argentine family at their table. "Thank you all so much for the hospitality and kindness you have shown me over the last few days. I can not tell you how much being here with you all means to me, a stranger in a strange land." Michael said as he took a seat next to Felina across the table from Xation and Bengiman.
     Xation and Bengiman were extremely considerate of Felina, whom they were just now seeing since they flew back to the Estate last night. They did not mention not one thing about the incident only saying how happy they were to see her looking so well. She apologized to them both saying how terrible she felt about ruining there vacation. To which they both said the vacation was not ruined, they had met a few nice women and had played four rounds at Kapalua and Wailea. Then her brother asked her if she would be happier if they went back to Maui or would she prefer they stayed. To which she answered she would be happier if they stayed. Now through the pleasant conversations, his new friends telling him all of the exciting things about their country, Michael, as well as everyone else at the table, noticed how Felina kept looking down at her cell phone, flipping it open from time to time, checking to see if she had missed a call. They all were well aware of the significance of this but no one said anything.
     The wonderful meal was flavorful, the rice cooked perfectly, the whole, boiled shrimp and prawns succulent and tender, seasoned and spicy, but not too hot that the taste was overpowering, Michael had never been to Spain, but this is how imagined the people of the Costa del Sol would eat out under the warm sun by the deep blue sea. A few bottles of Verdejo was paired with the meal, it was a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc with fresh, nutty characteristics, a prized vintage from Rueda in the south of Spain. As the meal and wine and water were consumed Felina's cellular telephone began to ring.
     Everyone jumped a little as they were startled by the sound as Felina flipped the little black device open stepping away from the table and she said "Hola." Felina said "Si Doctor!" she listened as everyone froze watching and waiting. The call was brief and by the end of it Felina had turned back towards the table all eyes upon her as warm wet tears welled up in her eyes and she began to cry saying "Si gracias." Felina set the phone back down and she sobbed as she held her hands to her face then she suddenly dropped to her knees as a stunned and silent shock fell over the room. Then, before anyone could stand to give Felina aid, she stared up at the ceiling hands together as if in prayer and she exclaimed "The doctor says all the tests came back negative! I have not been exposed to any disease!"
     A grateful cheer arose from all as Felina stood to the embraces of her mother and father, and brother and Bengiman. Then at last she came to Michael and the two held each other tightly and she turned her face to his getting up on her tiptoes to give him a sweet soft kiss on the lips. Michael felt the strong attraction he had for Felina overwhelm his senses. Though the kiss was only a second or two, Michael knew from that day forward that he wanted more. Here Bengiman gave a severe disapproving look and Michael realized his stirring emotions for Felina would have to wait. There in the joyful exuberance of Felina's thankful family Xation called for champagne for with this good news there was much to celebrate.
    

End Chapter 9

     Feeling much better, some time later, Michael emerged from the bathroom a towel wrapped around his waist. Upon stepping into the bedroom Michael was shocked to see Felina's brother sitting on the edge of the bed, and there was a very large, tall, bald man standing at the dresser holding Michael's Rolex watch giving it a good look. Both men were dressed in a style that was 'casual summer chic'.
     Startled, Michael felt his heart race, his pulse quicken, his first natural reaction was danger, followed by the overwhelming urge to flee; which Michael thought was extremely odd, indeed. He spoke "You must be Xation." Michael said extending his right hand, adding "Your family has told me so much about you."
     Xation shook hands with the tall, handsome, muscular American with ice-blue eyes and short blond hair "Well, I wish I could say the same, though it is so nice to finally meet you, Michael." Xation let go of his hand then with a turn of his head said "Allow me to introduce my good friend, Bengiman Pruce."
     "Michael! Our unknown hero." Bengiman smiled coming closer to Michael, whom he towered over.
     "Hello." Michael said as he stared up at the 6ft 5in Englishman, who looked to be in his mid thirties, with small, dull, grey eyes. He was broad shouldered, barrel chested, ham-fisted, and he spoke with a booming voice that was loud and clear.
     "Listen, Michael," Xation said as he remained sitting there on edge of the bed "Bengiman and myself are extremely grateful you were there to handle this unfortunate situation."
      "You know we would've done exactly the same!" Bengiman said with a regretful look in his eyes as if he wished he had been there to save Felina. "Except for.., I would've have taken his head clean off, but that's just me."  Bengiman said smiling like fiend.
     "Ah, Bengiman, so charming and violent." Xation laughed softly. "Michael, put on some clothes and come outside by the pool for a drink, so we can have a talk. I want to know what happened last night, everything, all of it."
     "I will tell you the story, and I would like to drink whiskey, please." Michael said a little relieved.
     "Cheers mate!" Bengiman said slapping Michael on the back.
     "Well let me just get dressed." Michael said waiting for Xation to get up off the bed and leave.
     After a few awkward seconds Xation said "Oh, yes, of course. If you will excuse me." He stood shaking Michael's hand again and he exited the room via the french doors; which led out to garden terrace and the pool.
     Bengiman gave a quick smile as he followed Xation out then he stopped and turning back towards Michael he said "Oh, nice Rolex, by the way."
     "Thanks, Felina gave it to me." Michael explained and when he said this, to Bengiman, Michael sensed a slight twinge of jealousy in the bald, British man's eyes.
     "Well.., it suits you." Bengiman said and he did feel a little jealous now that Felina had a new, good looking friend, whom had saved her life. Michael was so much better looking, charming, and charismatic than he. But, alas, Bengiman had spent some time in the sunlight of Felina's love, however, as with all men, she soon lost interest in poor, dimwitted Bengiman. Though he would always believe in his heart that someday Felina would welcome him back into her bed.
     After putting on a pair of Levi's and a white vee-neck t-shirt Michael strode outside, barefoot, where he found Xation and Bengiman sitting at a glass and iron table at the far end of the patio. They had brought out a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue, Bengiman's favorite whiskey, pouring out three high-balls of the expensive amber liquid over ice and they welcomed Michael to the table with open arms. Michael was glad to sit out with them on this warm summer night, but he did not relish telling the story, but tell the tale he did. Xation and Bengiman hung on his every word so intrigued by what Michael spoke of. So he told them all, and Michael could see they were both deeply affected by the information, only because they both loved Felina so. Then when he explained about the knife, and the blood, and the death it seemed as if a great weight of tension lifted off their shoulders and Xation, as well as Bengiman, sat up a little straighter in their chairs when he had finished the gruesome tale.
     Silence followed for a few minutes as Xation and Bengiman reflected for a moment, visualizing in their minds what had transpired. Then Xation spoke saying "Well thank God you were there to protect her. I am so relieved she is safe."
     "Well she's not out of the woods yet." Michael said a serious look coming to his face.
     "What do you mean?" Bengiman said in an almost threatening manner.
     "Felina is waiting for a call from the coroner, they have to test her attackers body for H.I.V, S.T.D's, Hepatitis C, etc..." Michael said taking a sip of the intoxicating whiskey as he felt the numbing effect of the vicodan kick into his bloodstream.
     "Dios mio!" Xation exclaimed sickened by the aftermath of the violent attack. "If only she would talk to me!" Xation lamented as Bengiman gave a sympathetic look of understanding to his dear, old friend of thirteen years.
     "Listen, it might take a little while for her to come around." Michael tried to explain "For some reason, Felina said she feels ashamed and embarrassed by what happened and she is terrified she may have contracted some ruinous disease. And she could have, quite possibly, conceived."
     "No, that is impossible!" Xation balked, both men giving Michael a strange look, for the two men had more information about Felina than Michael, but they said nothing of her condition to him.
     "Well, all that matters is Felina needs some time to heal, and as we all know, healing takes time. So be patient with her, she will come 'round." Michael said with great confidence.
      "So, Michael, how long were you planning on hanging around?" Xation asked as he poured out another glass of whiskey for himself and his guests.
     "Well, I have only been in Argentina for 2 days, I have a room at the Wilton for the next five days. But I promised to stay with Felina for as long as she wants me to. She feels safe when she is with me." Michael paused taking a sip then saying "In fact, since this has happened we have not been apart until now, when she went to bed."
     "What can I say Michael, you are more than welcome to stay here for the rest of your life, as far as I am concerned." Xation said with a sigh of relief and a pain in his heart as he said to Michael "You know, if anything ever happened to either one of my sisters, I do not know if I would even want to be alive." Xation stared off thinking upon this for a moment, then with a tear in his eye he smiled and said "So! my friend! I am compelled to reward you for your bravery, keeping my sister safe for me. I am a man of enormous wealth and power, I am able to do a great many things. So what is the one thing you prize above all else, money is no object! What may I give to you to show you my appreciation?"
     Bengiman looked over at Michael, who was deep in thought for a moment, until he answered Xation saying "There is one thing I most desperately need.., but I am afraid you will not be able to accommodate me." Michael said hopelessly.
     "Name it Michael, tell me what you want." Xation said taking his statement as a challenge.
     "Well, what I would really like to have is a new identity." Michael said as Xation and Bengiman sat there a moment shocked and in silence.
      Xation gave Michael a sly cunning look saying "You must be in some sort of trouble."
      "Some sort." Michael replied with a sigh "But please do not make explain." Michael gave a desperate look to Xation as he said "All I want is a new life, and a new name."
     Here Xation and Bengiman began to laugh and both men seemed quite amused by his request, why this was so Michael hadn't a clue. Then Bengiman, all rosy cheeked and with a mischievous smile said "Oh I think that can be arranged!"

   

Chapter 9 continues

     It was a little after 9 o'clock, that warm summer evening, when Aphina, Carlo, Felina and Michael were served a sumptuous, delicious meal 'al fresco' out on the patio by the pool, under the stars and the bright full moon, the sound of crickets chirping, water splashing from the fountains in the lush garden. The warm glow of citronella candles burning, keeping the mosquito's at bay, as a light breeze came rustling through the trees as Michael sat with the family talking a little about himself. Giving them enough information to satisfy their curiosity, but not too much information that would lead them to any knowledge of his crimes. Felina had kept her word, and kept his secret, and for this he was thankful.
     Now, in order to cast away any queries his way, Michael began asking many question of Aphina and Carlo about their children. They delighted in sharing much information about Serena, Felina, and their son Xation. He learned Serena was single, 29,  a well renowned Interior Design Artist in Europe and South America, as well as Michael's homeland. She had redecorated many hotels, penthouses, mansions, corporate office spaces and board rooms. Michael was told Serena had started her first project, a room by room renovation of the gatehouse, a three story building with 12 bedrooms and six bathrooms. Then when she had proven her talent, Serena was allowed to remodel the family's town home in the city. Finally finishing the next year with the country estate. Michael complemented their daughters talent and he was impressed by her level of taste and skill. Any room could be photographed for Architectural Digest.
     Then came much praise to heaped upon their eldest daughter, Felina, who was still single at the age of 35, whom Michael learned was a world class riding instructor, she, over the last fifteen years, had trained many Olympic athletes from all over the world, who went on to win gold and silver medals in the summer games, Felina also had many of the graduates of her riding academy win many times at the Argentine Open, the fifth oldest Polo Championship in the world. As her proud parents gushed on about their daughter, Felina would blush as she sipped from her glass of wine. Michael was deeply impressed by her talent and skill and he eagerly awaited his riding lesson with her in the morning.
     Then Aphina and Carlo spoke of their one and only son, Xation Day. Michael noticed a little difference in their demeanor when they spoke of him, they each sat a little taller, spoke a little louder, a radiant light filling their eyes. For their son had grown into a financial genius, whom, after graduating from Cambridge with an M.B.A at the age 21, Xation had worked for Stanley Morgan as an investment broker on Wall Street, and by the young age of 27 had established one of the largest real estate investment brokerage firms in South America. Xation was the C.E.O of his own multi-million dollar investment empire. Now this was the most impressive of all the information the two had shared with Michael.
     When the conversation, and adulation, had turned to her brother, Michael noticed Felina had become silent and somber. He did not know if this was some jealousy of her brother's success, or merely regret for the way she had treated her brother on the telephone earlier this morning. So, unsure of which, he said "It seems all of your children have made you both extremely proud, I only wish..," he paused unexpectedly becoming homesick for his own parents love and affection.
     "Dear Michael, what troubles you so?" Aphina asked with a deep look of compassion for his sorrowful gaze.
     "It is just, I, myself, lost my parents in a terrible plane crash years ago, and now that I sit here with you fine, good people, I feel myself missing them now, more than ever." Michael confessed the bitter pain in his heart, open and honestly.
     "Oh, our poor Michael." Aphina said extending her hand out in a loving gesture of comfort and sympathy. "We, are all, so sad to learn of this tragic news." Felina leaned over and rubbed his back gently for this was a sad, shocking truth. "We offer our deepest condolences to you, and, on behalf of my entire family, can reassure you, from this day forward, to show you our deep thanks and love and trust, for what you have done to protect our dearest daughter, you may, if you wish, look upon Carlo and myself as your Mother and Father." the two both smiled in agreement and Michael felt the warmth of love and friendship pass between them and this did his broken heart good. "You are always welcome here, let our home always feel like your own. We can be your family, for family is THE most important thing on the face of this Earth."
     Here a wave of sadness and regret overcame Felina, she wept a little as she realized it was now, exactly, 24 hours ago the brutalizing rape of her body had begun, this made her feel ill at ease and she felt sick to her stomach, the fresh grilled lobster and fillet mignon churning in her belly. So she sipped some more wine and looked up at the twinkling stars in the sky. From off in the distance, on the dark horizon, there came the far off rumble of a jets engines and everyone fell silent as a silver Bombardier Lear 60 XD, Xation's company jet, flew low to the ground coming in for a landing on the private airstrip to the east side of the property, swooping loudly over their heads. Felina shot an angry look to her parents saying, speaking in Spanish "Usted le dije estoy aqui? Le dije que no quiero a nadie!" Felina said as she began weeping, shouting "I do not want to tell the story again! Xation will only want me to tell him everything that happened!"
     Michael became very concerned by Felina's sudden, extreme agitation and he suggested she go up to her room and lie down, promising to speak to her brother for her. Felina's parents did not think this was a good idea, they preferred she be gracious to her brothers attempt at consolation and allow him to speak to her. Felina refused not wanting to recall the fresh details in her mind of her embarrassing, degrading tragedy. Felina stepped away from the dinner table telling her parents, and Michael, "All I want to do now is go to my bed and curl up with a bottle of wine." Felina then took her glass and the newly opened bottle from the dinner table and slowly, quietly stepped through the french doors going back inside her family home. Michael excused himself and retired back to the guest room where he felt a terrible migraine headache coming on. He took his toiletry bag out of his suitcase as he went into the bathroom where he swallowed 2 vicodan pills, Michael decided to take a hot, relaxing shower as he suddenly felt very apprehensive now he was alone, now Felina had locked herself in her room. Michael was oddly, troubled by the thought of Felina's brother, Xation Day, suddenly showing up. This realization for some, unknown, reason, set Michael's nerves on edge.
     
    

Chapter 9 begins

     After a few brief words with her parents, Felina escorted Michael down the long hallway to a spacious guestroom; which was located at the south end of the expansive stately home. The guest room was all in white, from the Carerra marble floors, to the mission style furniture, to the walls, the bedding, pillows and drapes, the only accent color, emerald green, from the tropical palms and orchids through out the bright, airy room. Two french doors looked out over the garden terraces and well manicured lawns, where Michael noticed an olympic-sized swimming pool surrounded by ancient columns; which he imagined were transported all the way across the Atlantic Ocean from some far away ruins of a temple in Greece. Michael set his suitcase atop the comfortable bed unzipping it, he turned to Felina asking "What am I supposed to do with this?" he pulled out the large commercial-size bank bag which contained the $200,000 in cash.
     "Here." Felina replied taking the bank bag from him, walking over to a small white desk; which had a new computer system on it. She bent down turning a small key, unlocking the bottom drawer. She deposited the money, then Felina closed the drawer and locked it. Handing over the small, silver key to Michael she said "Now hide this somewhere so you do not lose it." Felina smiled giving him a look with her eyes as if to say 'do not worry my friend, your money will be safe here.' She turned her back to Michael as she went over to the french doors stepping out on the veranda as Michael took the key and slipped it under the computer monitor on the desk. Michael breathed a sigh of relief as he joined Felina outside.
     "It is so beautiful here!" Michael exclaimed remarking on the spectacular view. He surveyed the grounds of the vast property, a quiet, tranquil land of verdant, lush gardens filled with perfectly maintained boxwood hedges, shaped into submission by years of skilled gardeners hands, their was a miniature version of the hedgerow maze at Hampton Court, peacocks strutting around on bright patches of Bermuda grass, under the towering cypress, pine, and maple trees, the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle permeated the air, as a warm summer breeze rustled the leaves of the olive trees down off in the grove to southwest of the property.
     "Yes..," Felina agreed as she felt a wave of deep relaxation fill her weary body and mind, and she was grateful and just so happy to be alive, overjoyed to be able to spend another day in the gardens of her childhood, where she learned to love, to laugh, and play. "Come let me show you around." Felina smiled sweetly taking Michael by the hand as she led him down to the pool, inviting him for a moonlight swim later in the evening.
     As the sun set, far off in the west, Michael was happy to be led around by Felina, for he found her to be an ideal friend, for she was breathtakingly beautiful, with a brightness to her eyes the mark of intelligence, she was witty, warm, sweet, generous and most kind. Michael found her to be a caring thoughtful person in the short time he had come to know her. He was delighted to know they both were close in age, she was 35, born in 1955, he was 33, born in 1958 they enjoyed the music of the 60's and 70's, both huge fans of The Rolling Stones, Jethro Tull, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin, as well as a penchant for classical music, Mozart, Bach, Ravel, Segovia and the like. Now, the fact that Felina was from an incredibly wealthy family did cause Michael to ponder about the benefits of establishing a life long friendship with this graceful, elegant lady.
     As they walked towards the east side of the property Michael smiled when he saw the riding ring, polo field, and the huge stable; which housed twenty majestic, valuable horses, some for jumping and dressage, others for polo training, and a few that were just for riding. Felina delighted in being among the thoroughbreds and polo ponies, Michael thought it was cute how she spoke to each animal rubbing it's nose lovingly feeding each a peppermint treat. Introducing her favorite mounts to Michael saying "This magnificent creature is Iguazu, a strong Andalusian stallion." There was Mr. Whiskey a bay with a blaze of white on it's face,, and a few other's with interesting names like: Sir Galahad, Prado, Le Master Grand, Mr. Friday, etc... Michael felt a little fearful around the thousand pound animals, and he did not wish to feed any treats to the equine. Now when Felina noticed Michael was a little apprehensive around the horses she asked him "Michael? Do you know how to ride?"
     "I grew up in Chicago, I have never been on a horse in my life." he openly and freely admitted.
     Here Felina's face took on a glow of  radiance, a glimmer in her eyes as she said "Oh Michael! You need to have me teach you!" she exclaimed excited with the prospect of teaching her new, dear friend how to be a true and proper horseman. "We can go riding in the morning and then play a round of golf in the afternoon."
     "You have a golf course here?" Michael said in amazement.
     "No, not a golf course.., just a three hole layout down by the river." she replied "My father and Xation practice their game there." Felina said with a sudden apologetic look on her face saying "You do play? I suppose I just assumed you played, since you told me you were a doctor, back in America."
     "No, I do play, but not since college, it has been a long time. I must say I am delighted by your wonderful suggestion." Michael smiled happy to have something to take his mind of his legal troubles back home in the U.S. "I would love for you to show me around the saddle, and shoot a few holes of golf with you.., it's just." he paused.
     "Just?"
     "I am afraid  I will only embarrass you,  as well as myself." Michael laughed sheepishly.
     "Oh Michael do not be afraid." Felina reassured him then a rumble came up from her hungry stomach and she said "Are you as famished as I am?"
     "Yes." he said glancing at his watch it was now 8:00 p.m. as the sun had set and the vast canopy of stars began to shine in the ever darkening night sky.
     Felina went over into the stable masters office, picking up the telephone calling up to the main house. "Mother, Michael and I will be having dinner, would you like to join us?" Felina paused then said "Good."
next she called the gate house "Chef, could you prepare dinner for my mother, my father, my guest and myself?" Felina paused then said to Michael "What do you think of steak and lobster?"
     "Yes." Michael answered quickly, his mouth watering at the suggestion.
     "Chef, steak and lobster please.., oh Michael we do steaks medium rare. Is that alright by you?"
     "Perfect."
     Now let's go back up to the house, have a shower, then meet in the dining room for a quiet meal with my family, and I can tell you more about my brother and sister, whom I shall introduce to you soon. As for tonight, it will be nice to relax and enjoy some good food, great wine and, most importantly, enjoy your company." Felina said giving Michael a little hug, she felt good in his arms, and for the first time, in such a long while, Michael felt happy to be alive.
    

End Chapter 8

     Aphina, Felina's worried mother, had a terrible headache and no appetite after the day she had, so she retired early up to the master suite around 6 o'clock in the evening that warm summer day. Carlo, Felina's father, went upstairs to check on his grief stricken wife, he too had his heart broken with the news their son Xation had shared earlier in the day. However, when the newspaper came with the the horrid story, all this was just too much to take, then the evening news came on, detailing more of the graphic crime, informing the shocked audience watching the telecast at home.., 'A waitress, working alone, was savagely raped in a bar last night around 10:00 p.m., in the wealthy Recoleta District of Buenos Aires, only to be saved by a patron who came in and slit the rapist throat, saving the woman's life. Her attacker died from his injuries at the scene. Authorities believe the attacker could be linked to several rapes and murders in the recent past. When the Police tried to question the 'Unknown Hero' they found he had left immediately after the incident, telling the woman he did not wish to be identified.'
     Carlo found Aphina sitting in a chair next to the window staring out at the sun which was just begining to set far off on the horizon. He went over standing behind Aphina, rubbing her shoulders; which were stiff like cement from the tension. Aphina began weeping saying through her tears "Donde podie ser? Por que el lupus eriematoso sistemico no volver mi llamadas?" Aphina stared up at her dear husband longing to see her eldest daughter's face. "Desdo que ella llegeba a casa?"
     Carlo did his best trying to comfort his wife, telling her Felina probably just needed some time to herself,  now that the strange graphic incident had been picked up by the Cable News Network, the incident a bizarre tale people would be talking about for months. Aphina prayed her daughter would return or call, then as she turned her head to look out the window she saw a familiar black convertible coming down the long gravel drive way towards the main house. "Carlo! Mira! Que es de Felina's coche! Ella ha vuelto a casa!"
     Elated, their aching hearts lifted, with the knowledge their daughter was now safe at home. Carlo threw open the bedroom door, running after his wife who went down the stairs in a flash, rushing to the front door of the great house as she heard Felina pull up in front of the house. Aphina pulled open the heavy door a smile on her face as big as the love in her heart. "Felina! Felina!" she shouted tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. Felina knew instantly this reaction could only mean that her parents had seen the newspaper article and spoken to her brother.
     "Madre! Padre!" Felina said happy to see her parents again as she jumped out of the drivers seat, running into their arms, her mother and father embracing her tightly to them, who gave her kisses on her face, wiping away each other's tears, Michael was touched by this true, honest display of emotion exchanged between them, and Michael's poor heart filled with grief and he was sad, missing his parents terribly. Michael, going unnoticed, stood by the Maserati as Felina spoke softly, in words he did not understand. Michael felt a little out of place until Felina turned to him and said "Well, they already know what happened, may I tell them your first name?"
     "Please." Michael gave a sweet smile, this is when Aphina and Carlo turned to look at her companion. They saw a tall, pale faced ,handsome, blond, blue-eyed man, who looked strong and healthy, with a look about him that said 'I am afraid of no one, and I am above doing a mean action'
     "English..?" Aphina spoke asking the good looking man "Are you an Americano?"
     "Si." Michael answered her question in Spanish.
     "Mother, Father, I am proud to introduce you to the man who saved my life last night, this is Michael." Felina said proudly as Michael shook her father's hand. Michael towered over both her parents, Carlo was about 5ft 6in and Aphina was small and petite like her daughter, a good looking couple who reminded Michael of Latin sensation Charo, and Carlo looked almost exactly like Armand Assante, the actor in 'I the Jury'. They appeared to be in their late fifties,and Aphina had gone one too many times to the plastic surgeon, but Michael knew plastic surgery was extremely common in South America. Her father, Carlo, had a warm smile and a firm handshake, Felina's mother, Aphina, instead of shaking Michael's hand, she reached out hugging Michael tightly telling him "Thank God for you Michael! Thank the Lord you were there! For were it not for you, my daughter might well be dead!" here Aphina began crying once more at the terrible thought of the loss of her dearest daughter.
     "Thank you for everything you have done to help her! You are a very brave man!" Carlo said rubbing Michael's back in a loving gesture, as his wife embraced their hero. Carlo had many questions for Michael and for his daughter Felina as well, so he ushered everyone back into the house. Overwhelmed by the display of thanks and emotion Michael was made to feel like a long lost son and he marveled at the palatial home, the biggest he had ever been in his life, a beautiful, two story, 20,000 sq ft, Spanish style palace, looking more like museum than a home. The grand house was built in the configuration of an H, with the foyer and double staircase in the center of the structure, Michael gazed up at the forty foot ceiling to the balcony upstairs and the Waterford Crystal Chandelier suspended high above the marble tiled floor.
     "Now Felina we need to phone Xation and Bengiman, they have flown back to the city and could not find you, so we must let them know you have returned home so they can come and see you." her mother said as they passed through the foyer over to the west wing of the house, back into a spacious living room furnished with expensive antiques, original works of art, tapestries, and an enormous marble mantle carved with lion heads and laurel wreaths.
     "No mother! Please, wait until morning." Felina protested as she sat down next to Michael who stared at an exquisite golden sculpture of a naked woman on a pedestal next to the fireplace.
     "Por que?" both her parents said in unison.
     "Do you not understand what I have been through? I do not wish to relive the trauma of the situation tonight." Felina let out a sigh "Anytime I have to tell what happened.., it is like going through the trauma all over again. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to show Michael to a guest room, then I want to take my dear friend on a tour of the property, show him the stables." Felina informed her parents, who agreed this was a good idea so they let her be, not prying for any details of the rape scene.
   

Chapter 8 continues

     Michael was awoken from his peaceful slumber by the sound of the front door slamming, followed by footsteps of some one ascending the marble staircase. Michael shot up in bed, terrified that her brother Xation had returned, even though he knew Xation was on the island of Maui. He shook Felina awake saying "Some one is in your house Felina.., wake up."
     Felina awoke hearing the fear in Michael's to which she only laughed saying "This is Wednesday, my maid Sanantoina comes and takes care of the house, Wednesdays through Sundays." she reassured him. Then Sanantonia ran down the hall finding Senora Felina in her brother's bed with a man she did not know, nor did she recognize. The older rotund woman spoke in Spanish to Felina who sat up under the covers in the large, comfortable bed. From what Michael could ascertain, from his limited understanding of the Spanish language, he deduced that Xation had contacted Saraphina, whom he instructed to tell Felina that he and Bengiman were flying home to Argentina. Xation wanted Felina to be home at five o'clock, so they could talk. This information seemed to set Felina on edge. Then when Sanantonia showed Felina that days newspaper, Michael watched as the devastated Felina's poor heart sank, then saddened as she read the story of yesterday's horror.
      Felina bowed her head in disgrace as she cast the paper aside staring off into space, as if she were a million miles away. "Are you okay?" Michael asked reaching out for her hand.
      Felina explained to him the details of the article, how the serial rapist/murder had been stopped, she told him how the 'unknown businessman' had put and end to the killing spree, with more information to come. It was here when Michael realized what he actually done, yet he still did not feel like the 'Uknown Hero' as he was dubbed by the press. Then he noticed a change come over Felina who seemed to spring to life, like a deer on the run from from a hunter, and she shot up out of bed on to her feet tossing the newspaper back down on the bed, telling Michael. "They say here the rape happened in an English pub in the Recolleta District!"
     "Well, see it doesn't even name your business." Michael tried to reassure her.
     "The Cock and Bull IS the only English pub in the Recolleta District!" Felina snapped back as a plan began to form in her head. Felina said to Michael, who looked quite confused and unsure of what was happening, "Michael, let's go to your hotel room and order some room service.., I will take a look at your watches and see how I can help you out. Besides, I really do not have the energy to deal with my brother,  Xation or Bengiman. So why don't you grab something out of my brother's closet and we can get out of here." Felina went over to the closet opening up the door. "Now, keep in mind it will reach at least 83 degrees today."
     The morning passed in a daze, breakfast in his room, a trip to Felina's bank where she withdrew $200,000, paying him in cash, she stashed away the expensive time pieces in one of her safety deposit boxes in the massive vault, but not before she let Michael pick out his favorite, a platinum Presidential Rolex Swiss watch, for him to keep. Then Felina stopped at her realestate agents office handing him the keys to the pub, instructing him to have the locks changed immediately and place the Cock and Bull on the market. As they drove through the magnificent old city, the Paris of South America, Michael felt a little uncertain on his second day in the city, but he felt happy to be with Felina because he knew she needed him, for a little while anyway, he thought. Next, after a quick stop for a late lunch, Felina explained to Michael she wanted to get out of the city for a few days, so she invited him to come with her to her family's Estate, just north of Buenos Aires, by the Rio Negro, out in the country. Michael was delighted and intrigued when Felina said she wished for her mother and father to meet the man that saved her life. As Michael and Felina drove out of the city for the hour long ride that day, Xation, out of the unity, loyalty, respect and honor he had for his dear sister, had flown back immediately along with Bengiman, who was deeply disturbed by Felina's misfortune, for he held Xation's sister in the highest regard, the love he had in his heart for Felina was immense. However, unbeknownst to Xation and Bengiman,  Felina did not want to see them. When they finally arrived, a little before 5:00 in the p.m., at his town home, Xation only found Sanantoina waiting for him. When the maid informed Senor Xation that his sister had left earlier in the day with a tall, handsome 'Americano', whom had stayed the night with Felina in Xation's bed, Xation was greatly displeased. He wondered who this handsome Americano could be. Xation was angry he and Bengiman had flown all the way back from their vacation, foregoing all their plans on Maui, missing the entire PGA tournament, just to return home and comfort their poor, dearest Felina who had been savagely violated and traumatized, only to find she had gone. Felina would not answer her cell phone when Xation called, Serena had not heard from their sister in weeks, and his mother, Aphina, told Xation she had not seen Felina since Tuesday morning when she drove back down to the city, yesterday. Xation had no idea where his sister could be, she was nowhere to be found and this caused Xaton a great deal of worry and heartache.
     "Why would she leave?" Xation asked his closest friend in the world, Bengiman who shook his head uncertain while pouring himself a drink.
     
    

Chapter 8 begins

     "Hola." Felina said in a low, raspy voice. Michael watched and listened as he sat up on the couch wiping the sleep from his eyes, still a little drunk from the expensive vintage. Felina stood by the phone, in her long black night gown and robe, listening to the caller. Michael was a little surprised when she began speaking in English; which she did for Michael's benefit as well as her own. "No Xation, I was not robbed at the pub last night, I was raped!" Felina screamed into the phone, her face turning a pale shade of purple as she yelled at her brother "Oh, thank you so much for getting back to me right away! I left that message six hours ago, and now you two decide to call me? Oh you just woke up! I really do not wish to discuss this anymore with you, Xation! I am still too tired and drunk to deal with this situation! Now leave me alone! I have company!" Felina slammed the phone down and just as she turned, with tears welling up in her eyes, the telephone rang again.
     Felina snatched up the phone and shouted "Leave me alone!" she slammed the phone back down again, rudely hanging up on her brother, who was devastated by the shocking news. Ring, ring, ring, Felina picked up the receiver holding it to her ear but not speaking into it. Then she heard the sound of her best friend Bengiman's voice on the line and she broke down in tears, her mood turning from rage to an infinite sadness "This is all your fault Bengiman, this would never have happened if you had done the payroll before you left on Friday! I couldn't get down from the Estate until last night." Felina paused shaking a little as she remembered the terrible events just hours old "I let everyone go home early, they forgot to lock up while I was back in the office.., and" she paused swallowing hard as Michael averted his gaze away from her and out the window as she relived the nightmare for her friend. "This.., man.., indigent, wretched, horrible, disgusting, man came back into the kitchen and found me in your office..," she closed her eyes seeing everything clearly in her mind as if she were watching it play out in a film. "Bengiman!" Felina cried out to him across the telephone line "He, dragged me down, and I fought him Bengiman! I fought so hard, but I was not strong enough, and when he forced me down onto the kitchen floor I heard someone screaming so loud, and then I realized it was me!" hot tears of raw emotion streamed down Felina's face and Michael went numb inside as he listened to her tell her horrific, true tale. " That is when he wrapped his his filthy hands around my neck! Then I could not breathe! And just as I was about to close my eyes and give up hope, I saw a man, an American tourist who had come to the pub to get a bite to eat, burst in to the kitchen and when he realized what was happening he grabbed a sharp, long knife, off the wall and sliced my attacker's throat, right in front of me!" Felina let out a few more sobs as she tried to catch her breath "I should be dead! You both could have received a call  today about my death, and you would be planning my funeral, picking out a spot for my grave!" here her tears of misery changed to tears of gratitude as she looked over at Michael, the American tourist. Felina paused listening to Bengiman speak, of what Michael did not know, then she kept repeating "You should have been there Bengiman! You should have been there for me! After everything I have done to help you! You should have been there instead of me!" Felina wiped away all her tears with the back of her right hand, and then she spoke in a tone as bitter as a cobra's venom "Oh and by the way! I am shutting down the pub as of today! And I will NEVER step foot in that place again!" Felina slammed the phone down, letting out a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. Once again just as she took one step away from the telephone it rang. "Oh! Dios Mio." she said softly, her throat sore from all the screaming and strangulation. Felina picked up the phone then set it back down hanging up on the caller. Then she, wisely, took the receiver off the hook and she looked back at Michael saying sadly "I am so sorry you have to see me this way." again the bitter tears flowed like water down a mountain.
       Michael stood up going over to Felina trying to comfort her, hugging her close to his chest saying in a reassuring voice "Felina, you are a wonderful, vibrant, beautiful woman. You never have to feel embarrassed, or explain yourself to me." Michael took her by the shoulders peering into her dark eyes with a very serious, sympathetic look he told her "Remember, you are not alone in this situation. I was right there with you. Fate put me there last night, at the right place, at the right time. Do you believe in Fate Felina?"
     Felina smiled, shaking her head, saying "No, I do not believe in Fate, but I do believe in you. Thank you." here, on her tip toes, she gave Michael a sweet little kiss on the lips, as she felt the tension in her body ease up just a bit.
     Michael felt a warm wave of trust and love pass between them as he held her close in his strong, protective embrace. Felina trembled a little as she said, her voice shaking "I am so tired and I do not feel well, I just want to go to bed and sleep forever."
     "Yes, we should rest, I think we only got about three hours of sleep."
    So Michael helped the exhausted, tormented woman upstairs, when they approached her bedroom door, Felina would not open it, instead she turned and said, with a deep pain gushing up from her soul "I want to sleep in my brother's bed! I was so mean to him, I shouldn't blame him! I love him so much!" here Felina nearly collapsed from the weight of emotion that overcame her, and she fell into Michael's arms. He lifted up the petite woman carrying the grief stricken Felina into Xation's room and over to the massive bed, where he covered Felina up safely under the sumptuous, silken sheets and gold-embroidered, warm duvet. Michael sat down on the bed next to her as Felina rested on her side, staring over at a few photographs of  her family on the nightstand. Michael held her hand speaking in a calm soothing voice to help ease her troubled heart telling her everything would be better tomorrow, how he would stay with her as long as she wanted. Then she gave Michael a pleasing smile asking in a small voice "Will you lay here beside me Michael?"
     "Of course." Michael gave her a an affectionate smile squeezing her hand a little, then he stood and walked to the opposite side of the bed. As a sign of respect and honor Michael crawled ON TOP of the blankets, as he did not wish to make Felina feel vulnerable or uncomfortable, for he thought to curl up underneath the sheets with her would be some sort of violation. So on Xation's bed they laid together on their sides, like two spoons in a drawer, Michael resting his arm around her tiny waist, Felina felt like a doll next to him. Then Michael whispered to Felina saying "You can cry as much as you want to. It will help to get some of the anguish out." Michael closed his eyes, his mind weary, his body numb from the shock and horror, as he thought what a very strange last ten hours he had spent in Buenos Aires. Michael Cullen fell asleep secure in the knowledge that things could not get any worse than what he had just gone through, the whole bloody scene. If only he could have foreseen what the next year of his life would bring, but alas he could not predict the future so he closed his eyes and dreamed a dream.

End Chapter 7

     Before Michael began to tell his tale he took a sip of wine, what passed over his lips was the most delicious red wine he had ever had in his mouth. "My God." Michael commented savoring the oakey notes, with a touch of raspberry and cinnamon.
     "Yes, I am very impressed myself.., this is an exquisite bottle of wine." Felina said not mentioning the age, rarity, or cost of the fine vintage, allowing her most welcomed guest to enjoy the potent libation.
      Michael drank in the wine and he immediately felt a rush of blood to his face, his cheeks pink with a slightly inebriated glow. He felt most relaxed, sinking down into the sofa, as Felina sat beside him, covered up by a crimson chenille blanket. And so he told her all, every detail of his crime, the case of the United States vs Dr. Michael Cullen, the charges, the expected prison sentence, and fines. Over the course of the hour, his first night in Argentina, as Michael explained it all to his new friend, Felina, she began to interrupt, stating. "How is it the American Government can tell a Doctor how many patients he can see in a day, or how much he can charge them, or how many prescriptions he can write. This makes no sense to me! And still the Government wishes to lock you up for ten years? The sense this makes.., is none!"
       Michael felt some sort of vindication by her statement, even though he knew Felina had no clue about the laws of America. "I did not know what else to do, I can not be at the trial next week. So I flew down here, to Buenos Aires, to start a new life." Michael said ending his tale, which felt more like a confession.
     "So.., what was your plan?" Felina asked as she curled up closer to Michael on the sofa under the warmth of the blanket.
     "I took $10,000 in cash, the most you can legally take out of the United States, and I have about $200,000 in time pieces back at my hotel.
     "Where are you staying?" Felina asked, a plan forming in her mind.
     "The Wilton." Michael said as he moved the chenille blanket over his lap as Felina leaned on his chest, his arm around her.
     "Yes, that is a very nice hotel." she paused turning her head to look in Michael's eyes. "Listen, I think I should take a look at those watches, I might be able to help you out. You could live a nice life here in Argentina for $200,000." Felina commented approving his plan to escape from justice. Then she gave a very serious look to Michael and she said "Your plan is a good one, I will agree, however, I will wager you could live a better life, spending your time with me."
     Michael was now in a deep, strange intoxication from the wine it was a little before three a.m. and he could not recognize the implication of Felina's suggestion. Michael let out a heavy sigh as he noticed Felina glancing over at the telephone. "Are you expecting a call?" he asked catching Felina off guard.
     Felina looked back at Michael feeling the wine coursing through her body as she felt her legs tingling with the effects of the 1945 Mouton Rothschild. "I called.., I left a message for my brother.., 2 hours ago!" she said nearly in tears as she glanced up at the mantle clock.
     "Where is your brother.., Xation?" Michael asked wondering.
     "He is with Bengiman, at the Ritz Carlton on Maui.., they go every year for the opening of the PGA season at Kapalua.
     "Who is Bengiman?" Michael asked wanting to know more of her story.
     Felina did not answer his question she threw the blanket off of them as she stood, glass of wine in her hand. She walked across the grandiose room over to the white, baby grand, Steinway piano: which was covered by photographs of her family in ornate silver frames from Tiffany and Cartier. Michael arose from the couch following Felina who picked up a photo staring down at it. "This is my brother, and my little sister and me." Felina said feeling the warming sensation of the wine seeping into her blood.
     Michael looked down at the photograph of the three of them aboard a sail boat in the Mediterranean, Xation, a tall, amber eyed, handsome man, with movie star looks, his lean, muscular arms wrapped around Felina and Serena's waists, both in black bikinis, looking drop dead gorgeous. Michael commented on the beauty of Felina and her family. Michael took a good look through the pictures noting the ones of Xation and Bengiman, a giant of a man, skiing in Switzerland, on the Beaches of the Costa del Sol, with Serena, whom Michael thought looked like the Latina phenom, Selena. Michael was impressed by the photographs of Felina's brother Xation on horse back during heated polo matches, wishing he could have been with Xation and his father, Carlo, when they teed off at Augusta. Or been at the outdoor cafe with Felina and her sister in Monaco watching the Formula 1 race. Each picture a record of some phenomenal achievement Michael could have only ever hope to dream of.
     Felina made a few snide comments about her brother, and the mysterious Bengiman Pruce, as she sat herself back down on the couch pouring out two more, full, glasses of wine, finishing off the outrageously expensive bottle. Michael curled up under the blanket once again with Felina, who seemed to calm down a little each time she sat next to Michael. "Why don't you tell me a nice story from your time in Illinois." Felina asked setting her glass down, resting her head upon Michael's chest as he placed his arm around her shoulder.
     Michael paused for a moment, recalling Christmastime of 1979. "It had been snowing for weeks, I was on Winter break from North Western, at my family's house, just North of Chicago." Michael began "During the long, cold Winter, for as long as I can remember, my Mother, Grace, would always put out sunflower seeds and fresh water for the cardinals, the state bird of Illinois. I remember one morning I looked outside, at the wooded area that lined our backyard, and there must have been hundreds of the little bright red birds, with their orange beaks, chirping as they fluttered their wings, foraging for seeds and fresh water there in the white winter snow." Michael exhaled recalling the splendid spectacle of nature, remembering the warmth from the fire inside his childhood home. As for Felina, she had curled up underneath the blanket, leaning close to his body, the rhythm of his words and the quiet beating of his heart causing Felina to fall asleep half way through his story. Michael made himself comfortable with his new friend resting on his body, as she slumbered in a safe, secured sleep, and he too felt calm. For Michael knew well, there are may ways to relaxation, and expensive red wine is one of them.
      So it was the two slept there on the comfortable suede sofa as the hours passed along until 7:32 in the a.m. this is when the peaceful slumber Michael and Felina had finally attained was shattered wholly by the sound of the telephone ringing loudly, arousing them to wake.
 
      

Chapter 7 continues

     Felina scrubbed her body clean, inside and out, as she stood in the steaming hot waters of the glass enclosed shower. She tried not to think about what had transpired but flashes of her attacker's face filled her mind every time she closed her eyes. Even though she had a prescription for Nembutal, for her ever present insomnia, Felina did not wish to take any of the pills, for she was afraid of what dreams may come if she went to sleep. Luckily for her Michael was still down stairs waiting for, so Felina hurried to dry off, rubbing a rose scented moisturizing lotion into her naked skin, then she slipped on a long black silk night gown with a matching robe, and a pair of pink satin slippers from Victoria's Secret of London. Felina combed out her long black, wet hair and applied some Oil of Olay on her clean, freshly scrubbed face. She rushed down stairs back to the kitchen where she thought Michael would have broken his promise to her and left her house, but Felina's fear dissolved away, like sugar in coffee, when she saw the handsome, blue-eyed man, sitting right where she had left him.
     "Well." Michael said as he stared over at Felina, who looked even more beautiful than before. In his experience, the majority of gorgeous women he had dealt with, looked a lot different in the morning when all the mascara, eye-liner, fake eyelashes and make-up came off, but not this one. Felina had clear, dark brown, tanned skin, with soft, full, moist lips, large almond shaped smokey quartz colored dark eyes,  and the look of extreme intelligence behind her piercing gaze. Michael felt like she could, in an instant, see right through him, to the ugliness inside him. However Michael had no idea of Felina's true, vindictive nature. "You are so amazingly beautiful." he said in all honesty as he stood up from his seat, extending his hand out to her.
     "How tall are you? About.., 6.1?" Felina asked not acknowledging Michael's compliment.
     "Yes! That is exactly how tall I am." Michael said amazed.
     "Yes, I thought so. You are the exact same height as my brother, Xation." she smiled.
     "Satan?" he asked mishearing her words.
     "No!" Felina laughed "His name is Xation. Though it does sound a lot like Satan, you are right." she rolled her eyes saying "And well, sometimes my brother has been known to act like Satan." she laughed
leaving Michael with the distinct feeling there was some sort of secret story there, but of her brothers actions, Felina did not wish to share. Instead she suggested Michael take a shower saying she would provide a clean pair of pajamas for Michael to wear to bed. So Felina led Michael through the elegant rooms, up the grand staircase to a large, well appointed, lavishly decorated bedroom that adjoined Felina's  room via a carved gilt door. "This is my brother's room, when he is in town." Felina said as she switched on the light.
     "This is the biggest bed I have ever seen in my life!" Michael marveled at the four poster bed whose supporting columns were like tree trunks, carved with vines, thorns and snakes, there were gold, silk jacquard drapes enclosing the bed which was covered in a thick soft duvet and  pillows of linen and silk. The bedroom itself was fit for a king, to say the least, and Michael was not far off from his belief, for Felina's brother Xation Day was  a king in the empire he had created for himself.
     "Yes, it was shipped over from an estate in Brittany." then she added "It is very comfortable." which, for some reason, Michael thought that was an odd thing to say about her brothers bed, but no matter, for Michael was quickly whisked away into Xation's closet; which Michael was astounded by, for the enormous closet was larger than his hotel room. It looked like the men's department at Barney's New York, There were hundreds of suits, shirts, ties, at least eighty pairs of fine leather shoes from every well known designer on the planet. There were two large dressers, pushed back to back, in the middle of the space and it was from one of the drawers Felina retrieved a pair of red Perry Ellis silk pajamas, she also took a pair a red plaid and shearling Ralph Lauren slippers from one of the endless shoe shelves, then Felina directed Michael to the large modernized bathroom. "I think you will be a little more relaxed after you have had a nice hot shower. I'll meet you down stairs." she gave Michael a sweet, sisterly-type smile, adding "I will put on some music and open a bottle of red wine.., we can stay up and talk, get to know each other better."
     "I'd like that." Michael smiled realizing he had made his first friend in this city; to which he had never been and he was glad to know that he was able to befriend a member of one of the wealthiest families he had ever known. Michael was quite pleased he was the one to be there, to help save this beautiful, charming, wealthy woman's life.
     "So make yourself at home, I want you to feel welcome here always."
     With that Felina went down stairs where she walked around the house making sure all the doors and windows were locked up tight. Then she went to the main formal living room, at the front of the house, where she switched on her C.D. player, cuing up a lengthy disk of Mozart. After lighting a few candles, filling the room with a warm soft glow, Felina brought out two Waterford crystal wine goblets and uncorked an expensive bottle of French red wine, a 1945 Mouton Rothschild; which she had purchased at auction for a little over $25,000 for her sister Serena's wedding, but that blessed day, tragically, never came. Felina opted, instead, to open up the bottle tonight on the special occasion that she was still alive. While Felina decanted the rare wine, she thought back on what the police had told her. They were almost positive the man who attacked her was the serial rapist/murderer that had been terrifying the city for the past two years. The detective said they could not be certain until the dead man's D.N.A. was matched up with samples of evidence found inside the victim's bodies, but with the composite sketches , made by a few women who managed to get away, the man that raped her and tried to strangle her, looked very similar to the man they were looking for.
     A chill ran up the length of her spine and through her entire body as she could see the face of her would-be killer flash before her eyes. Felina trembled as she remembered the feeling of his hands wrapped around her throat, and then she saw the stranger, much to her relief, come up from behind with the knife, spilling the vile man's warm, sticky blood out of his body. The thought of this man's death brought a great ease and comfort to her heart for she believed God, himself, had sent Michael, to save her. Then Felina made  a sacred and secret promise to the Lord, her God, that she would never leave Michael, nor would she ever forsake him. However her brother, and Bengiman, she was most unhappy with. For she believed, and held true in her heart, that none of this would have happened if Xation had not taken Bengiman off to Maui for a week of golf at Kapalua. For if Bengiman had stayed in town she would have not been there to be doing the payroll for him. And it would have been 6 foot 5, Bengiman Pruce, a former rugby player and ex-con, who the rapist would have encountered. Alas, it was poor little Felina whom he came upon, not the bald, British bastard, Bengiman Pruce. So while Felina waited for her guest to come down stairs she placed a call to her brother, trying to reach him on his cell phone. Now it was a little after 1:00 a.m. so she knew that it was after 6:00 a.m. at the Ritz Carlton, on Maui, but Felina did not care about the time.
     The phone rang and was answered by Xation's voice mail and Felina left a message for her brother "Xation! Algo terrible na sucedido esta noche, la policia se encontraban en Bengiman's pub. Necesito que me llame enseguida, yo estaba casi muerto esta noche!" Felina spoke in short, panicked breaths "Necesito que por favor llameme tan pronto como se reciba esta mensaje!" Felina hung up the telephone as she felt her pulse race and her blood pressure rise, the panic returning once more, then she turned and saw Michael, her hero, standing at the door. "Come, sit sown beside me here." she smiled graciously happy to see her new, dear friend, someone she could talk to, someone who would stay up with her through the long dark night. "Do you feel a little better after what has happened?"
     "I will be fine. It's you I am worried about." Michael said with great concern as he had overheard her on the telephone, he felt she was putting on a brave face for him, but Michael knew the events of this evening would leave a deep scar upon her heart and mind.
     "I do not know how I feel, honestly, but right now all I want to do is drink this  exquisite bottle of wine and get to know you better." Felina said as she filled up the goblets saying to Michael "So, please, tell me more about yourself. What is it that you do for a living? What brings you to Argentina?"
     Here Michael froze up a little, for he did not know if he could trust Felina with the truth of his story, yet something deep within his soul wanted to tell her all the sordid details of his life and crimes. And he truly felt, maybe, after what he had just done for her, saving her life, that she might afford him some sense of loyalty. Though, of course, of this he could not be certain. Michael let out a heavy sigh and slowly shook his head, determined not to speak, but he looked into her big, brown, trusting eyes and said "I will only tell you my story, IF you can honestly say you will keep my secret."
     Felina's eyes grew wide with intrigue, she moved closer to him on the sofa, taking his hands in hers, telling him "After what you have done for me tonight, I promise I will protect your secret, whatever that secret may be, with my life."
    

Chapter 7 begins

     "You can come out now." Felina said as she opened up the door calling down to Michael, who had fallen asleep on the couch while the police conducted their investigation and the coroner and his staff  hurried to remove the body, cleaning up the blood before it became a bio-hazard. Michael sat up wiping his tired eyes as he stared down at his watch it was just after midnight and he had still not eaten.
     Felina stood at the top of the stairs and beckoned him to come back up to the kitchen Michael smiled up at her, for she had brushed back her long raven hair and fixed her make up and she looked like a little sexy baker in her kitchen uniform "Are they gone?" he asked nervously as he slowly ascended the narrow staircase.
     "Yes, finally!" as she stood over the threshold of the doorway she said with a serious look "Now will you tell me who you are?"
     Michael smiled as he stood toe to toe with her as he gazed down at the dark eyed beauty and said "I am a wealthy businessman who can not afford the publicity." he laughed.
     "Be serious!" Felina said with a look in her eyes as if to say 'tell me your name or I will push you down this staircase'.
     "Michael, my name is Michael and this is my first night here in Buenos Aires. I am very tired and very hungry. All I have had for dinner is a half a bottle of whiskey." he answered most annoyed.
     "Well then.., Michael, let's get the fuck out of here!" Felina said as she grabbed him by the hand leading him through the, now spotless, kitchen as the dead man had long since been removed. Felina grabbed her purse handing over her car keys to Michael saying "Please drive me home, I am to distraught to drive and I do not wish to be alone tonight. I will make you something to eat from my own kitchen."
     "This is my first night in the city, I don't know my way around town."
     Felina smiled and said "It is alright Michael, I have been to my house, I know the way." she gave a soft laugh as she handed over the keys,
     Michael took the keys and the two left the little English pub, Felina setting the alarm as she had Michael lock the doors as they exited. Felina turned and pointed to a black convertible 1991 Maserati TC parked across the avenue "That is my car over there."
     Michael felt a bit of excitement getting to drive the brand new, luxury sports car. So they scurried barefoot across the street as Michael opened the car door for Felina helping her in to the passengers seat, then he climbed behind the wheel of the automobile, moving the seat as far back as possible to accommodate his 6 foot 1 inch frame. With a rev and a roar of the engine the two drove off with the windows down past the wide, tree-lined sidewalks, through the warm Summer night, down the quiet streets lit up by old bronze streetlamps like on the Champs Elysee in Paris. Felina instructed him to turn right at the corner, then three stop lights down they turned left, it was a brief eight minute ride as she lived just a stones throw away from the Cock and Bull.
     "Pull up in the driveway." she instructed Michael who was more than impressed with the town home, nay city mansion, she lived in. Michael turned up the U shaped drive way pulling the car to a stop underneath the portico, where the old carriages, of another time and era, used to pull up in front of the marble steps; which led up to 2 tall, intricately carved doors. "It is an amazing structure, is it not?" Felina commented as the two exited the vehicle.
     "How old is it?" Michael gazed up in wonder at the three story Parisian style ornate building with colonnades and solid marble balustrade and railings.
     "This was the first French Embassy in the city,  it was built in 1779, my grandparents purchased it in the late thirties and my sister and I had a complete renovation of all the rooms done, back in 1986. My sister Serena is a talented Interior Designer, she decorated the entire house!" Felina said proudly as she took Michael by the elbow and said "Shall we?" Felina asked motioning for Michael to unlock the door with the keys he was still holding. Now this seemed like a very intimate act to Michael, opening up this woman's front, for she was still a virtual stranger to him. Slowly he slipped the silver key in the lock and opened up the door as Felina, the mistress of this house, breezed past him, as some of the weight of the terrible night lifted up off her shoulders now she felt safe and relaxed, being back in her home. "Come! I will feed you."
     Michael had to be pulled along through the grand foyer as he gazed around at the marble staircase and gold and crystal chandeliers, large scale works of art, oil paintings dating back to the eighteen century, there were over sized crystal vases filled with giant bouquets of lilacs, roses, gardenia's etc..., gilt and marble tables, Louis XIV style couches, chaise lounges and high backed chairs, and massive, ornately carved, Italian marble fireplaces etc... Michael thought this was a home Princess Diana, or Alexis Carrington would feel very comfortable in. "Come on." Felina said pulling him by the hand as she led him to a massive, modern kitchen with black granite counters, stainless steel appliances, white ash cabinets, a black and white marble checkerboard floor. "I will make you a nice roast beef sandwich, how does that sound?" she smiled opening up her Sub Zero refrigerator.
     Michael's stomach rumbled loudly with a hungry growl as Felina laughed.
     "I will take that as a yes. Now sit, relax this will take but a moment." Felina said washing her hands as Michael sat down at the island in the middle of the kitchen sitting himself down in a comfortable captains chair. He watched in silence as Felina moved with a certain grace through her kitchen. She grabbed a large saute pan from the cupboard to which she drizzled in a bit of olive oil, salt and fresh ground pepper, a drop of balsamic vinegar, some Worcestershire sauce, half of a sliced purple onion, two sliced portobello mushrooms, the aroma of which filled Michael's nostrils making his mouth water. Next she took out almost half a pound of deli-sliced, rare roast beef, this she placed in the pan where it sizzled and simmered with the onions and mushrooms. Felina opened up a large wooden bread box taking out a loaf of what she said was homemade honey wheat berry bread. Cutting off two Texas size slices she popped the dark brown bread into the toaster, while she waited Felina placed four hearty slices of Swiss cheese on top of the roast beef, letting it melt over the, heavenly smelling, mixture of onions and mushrooms. Michael watched as she took out a jar of mayonnaise, a small jar of Dijon mustard, and large bottle of stone ground mustard, slathering this on the warm toasted bread. Carefully Felina used she a spatula to place the tender, hot, juicy roast beef, smothered in Swiss cheese, mushrooms and onions between the slices of bread. Then she cut the large sandwich in half, diagonally and placed a few strawberries and grapes on the plate; which she sat in front of him on the counter. All this took about five minutes and Michael was in a word, delighted! "Here, you eat up!" Felina said as she handed him a napkin, pouring him a glass of cold San Pellegrino. "Michael?" she asked a look of worry coming over face.
     "Yes Felina?" he asked only wanting to take a bite of the enormous sandwich.
     "I am going to take a nice hot shower, will you promise you will not leave? Will you promise to stay here with me?" she asked sincerely too terrified to stay by herself, not tonight. "I will take you back to your hotel, in the morning."
     "I would be glad to stay here with you, I promise I won't leave." he smiled warmly knowing she looked to him to protect her through the rest of this horrific evening. Felina gave him a sweet, little kiss on the cheek, then she went out to the hall, and went upstairs to have a nice cleansing shower. Michael sat in the kitchen of the magnificent house, devouring the most delicious roast beef sandwich he had ever eaten, all the while Michael still could not believe the course of events which led him here, to this city, to slice open a rapists throat, to save this woman, to be in her house. Michael could not help but wonder what else awaited him in Argentina.

    

End Chapter 6

     "Thank you for staying, and saving my life. My name is Felina, and I would be dead without you. He would have killed me!" Felina said between sobs as she tried to take a breath while Michael helped her down off the counter, setting her back down on her feet. The tearful, violated, dark-eyed beauty spoke softly standing in front of Michael, who towered over the petite lady. Felina grabbed his hands in hers bringing them up to her chest as she bowed her head and gave up a prayer of thanks to God, she said in a small voice in Spanish "Doy gracias a mi Jesucristo, quien ha cubereto mi cabeza en la batalla, y me libro de los manos de mi enemigo. Bendito eres tu que me ha enviado este parientes reventar, y juro os dame en deuda con el como has guardado mi vida medios necesarios, yo soy tu siervo, humilde y amorosa para siempre. Amen"
     "Amen." Michael said, as this was all of her prayer he could understand. Then a strange thing happened as he stood there holding the little woman's hands, for after she had offered up her prayer, a serene peace came over her countenance, as a brightness and clarity came to her eyes, her face softening, as every tense muscle in her body relaxed when she let out a deep, cleansing breath, she appeared to grow a little taller, her voice stronger. She looked up at Michael with a sweet, calm expression on her face as the pain and horror, her mind and body had just been forced through, seemed to melt away from her presence and she smiled at him with a great satisfaction and appreciation for her life. For Michael knew, without a doubt, that rapist would have most certainly strangled the life out of her, just to stop her from screaming, but Michael could not abide by that, and so he reacted accordingly.
     "I want you to come with me." Felina said as she took his right hand in hers, her left hand trying to keep the table cloth, she was wrapped up in, from falling off. Felina led him down stairs to the basement of the old stone building which was erected in 1879. The cellar was cool, well lit, and well organized, the kegs of beer and shelves of liquor on the right and the walk-in coolers to the left, there was a red velvet couch along the wall, with a little glass coffee table in front of it. There, under the stairs, Felina opened up a little closet were she pulled out two chef's uniforms, she took a regular 'comme' shirt and pants, giving her handsome savior the executive chefs uniform. Michael stood there for brief moment as Felina dropped the cloth covering her well tanned and toned body, to which Michael turned away and Felina laughed, saying "Why are you embarrassed to see me naked, after what you have just witnessed. Go on, turn around."
     The two stood back to back as she dressed herself in the clean cotton garments while Michael stripped off his blood splattered tee shirt and now ruined jeans, his favorite 501's, and his Nike's. Michael felt awkward as he slipped into the clothes she provided, never knowing of all the expensive suits and gifts to come his way from the beautiful Felina Sarafina de la Rosa Diaz. As for now she bade him stay and wait down stairs she said "There is plenty to drink down here, or eat, if you can stomach food at a time like this, I will go and summon the officers, when they come I will close this door until they leave, and then you can drive me back to my home." here she embraced Michael tightly, thanking him once more for coming to her rescue, getting on her tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek and with that she walked up the stairs, barefoot, dressed like a kitchen worker, he could hear her on the phone with the police, the panic returning to her voice, caused by seeing the dead body of her attacker in a congealing pool of blood in the middle of the kitchen. Felina stood at the top of the stairs saying  "this might take awhile, so get comfortable."
      "What will you tell them.., about me?" Michael asked with a troubled voice.
      "I will tell them what happened, that a wealthy businessman came to my rescue and he could not afford the publicity for his company and so this man, who saved me, cleaned me up and left when I called the police." Felina said with a serious look adding "Do not worry my friend, this is Buenos Aires, I, and my family, are well respected in this city. I will take care of everything."
     Michael was now alone as he heard the sirens approaching the building. He felt nervous, anxious and still in shock, a little, so he quietly went over to the shelves of liquor, where he came upon a case of Johnnie Walker Blue. Michael had completely lost his appetite, slicing a man's throat open will do that to you, so he sat himself down on the comfortable sofa, putting his feet up on the little table as he leaned his head back, taking a few swigs off the brand new, expensive bottle of Scotch Whiskey. Michael tried to listen but he could not decipher what Felina was telling the police as he waited on baited breath in the basement. Michael felt as if what had just occurred was happening to someone else, as if he were in a film, or perhaps this was all a terrible nightmare, perhaps he was still on board the flight to Argentina, maybe he was only dreaming, he wondered. However Michael Cullen knew that what had transpired was all too real and he was more uncertain, now more than ever, of what future would bring, for he could have never foreseen this terrible, twisted turn his life would take, and he knew he was not mistaken, so with knots in his stomach and a silent prayer under his breath, Michael leaned his head back on the sofa and closed his eyes.