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.