The country is a tiny one on the coast of France, but its legend is known far and wide. The beautiful landscape, the silvery blue of the Mediterranean Sea, the kingdom of princes and princesses all combine to make the perfect vacation spot. The history, the wineries, the casinos are a contrast to what is now Monaco, a haven for jet-setters, celebrities, artists and royalty. It is only natural that Viki and Clint Buchanan would feel right at home in this city of pleasure. Of course, everywhere they go they re-discover their love for one another, so every trip is not only a vacation, but a journey of love.Clint, a very handsome man, was dressed in his best and most beautiful black tux. His lover and wife, Viki, was wearing a red sequined and spangled formal, fit for a queen. As they often do, they were playing roulette amidst a large crowd of gorgeous royalty and jet-setters in the fabulous casino of their hotel. Shamelessly winning, they were approached by the Manager who told Clint that a “gentlemen” was seeking him on the veranda.
Outside, a tall, dark and mysterious man stood on that veranda, shielding his face from the light. Clint moved silently to the opposite side of the veranda before allowing his presence to be known. Who was this dark and mysterious stranger? Was it really someone from the dark side of Llanview’s past? Someone everyone thought was no longer a threat to the wonderful people of Llanview?
Clint waited with caution and curiosity for a few moments. The restless sea far beneath them beat rhythmically and endlessly, while a cool breeze broke the summer night. The moon, full and bright, mocked everyone on earth. What could be so important to those insignificant beings on the surface of mere earth? Destiny was eternal. The moon was eternal and was relentless in its job. It lit the darkness of the night, just enough to disclose the face of this mysterious man.
Clint very softly cleared his throat as a gesture to alert the shadowy figure. When the tall, sinister body turned, Clint was surprised, but not shaken. It would take more than this to shake Clint Buchanan.
“It’s . . . you! I thought you were dead! We all thought you were dead.” Clint’s voice was just above a whisper, but the man heard him. He had been waiting for this moment. He had strained his every being to be here, to confront this man, to get what he needed.
“Yes, it’s me. I’m impressed you recognized me. I did have to have some plastic surgery after my departure from Llanview. The Nazi doctors in South America weren’t nearly as good as I deserved. If only I could have operated on myself. More’s the pity.”
“Why are you here? Better yet, why have you chosen to present yourself to me?” asked Clint, somewhat hesitantly.
“Mr. Buchanan, I need your help. I’m not used to groveling, but I am prepared to negotiate.”
“Why on earth would I deal with a snake like you? What could you possible hope to gain by showing up here and asking for my help?”
“Let’s just say, Mr. Buchanan, reptiles aside, that I have a mission to complete and you are going to assist me in that mission. You are well-respected the world over. Men will listen to you. The additional people I need for this assignment will easily agree to accommodate you,” the man said.
“I know in the past, you were a formidable opponent, but you’re older now, less agile and surely more cautious. I can’t imagine what you need from me, but I can tell you, you’ll get no cooperation from me. And I will be contacting the authorities to see if there’s any reason you can be held. With all the havoc you caused in Llanview, I bet there’s something you could be charged and held for,” threatened Clint.
“Oh, you underestimate me, Mr. Buchanan. I have had lots of rest and I am even more determined to complete my agenda. I have high ideals and I expect to fulfill them, with your help. As for the police, the statute of limitations has run out on most of my crimes,” countered the shadowy figure.
“You’ll have to excuse me, I have a wife to get to and a party to attend. I have no time to lend to murderers and torturers.”
“But Mr. Buchanan, if you were to leave the veranda now, you would never see your precious Victoria again! While we’ve been engaged in such charming conversation on this beautiful night, my accomplices have ‘secured’ Mrs. Buchanan!” boasted the man.
“You’re lying. You’re bluffing and I’m leaving!”
Clint was startled by the sound of his wife’s voice, “Darling, there’s no need to hurry. Let me introduce you to Jean-Claude.” Viki was following a tall, blond man onto the veranda when Clint noticed that she had a small handgun!
“Sweetheart, what’s going on here?” asked Clint.
“Well, it seems that Jean-Claude here was a little too determined to hustle me out of the casino. And since I was winning, I didn’t want to go. You can imagine my surprise when this ‘gentleman’ produced a gun and tried to force me to go with him. Knowing that you were on the veranda, I immediately smelled a set-up and took the gun away from Jean-Claude,” explained Viki.
“You imbecile, you dunderheaded idiot,” screamed the shadow. “I give you one assignment and you screw up royally! How do you find your way home at night?”
“You know, Ivan, that I live with you. I’ve lived with you for 5 years,” said an astonished Jean-Claude.
“Ivan Kipling! How is it possible? You’re dead. Everybody knows you’re dead,” screamed Viki. She managed to keep her hand steady on the gun and looked at Clint. “What’s been happening out here, Darling?”
“Well, Viki, I was as shocked as you are. Apparently Dr. Kipling here is in need of a favor or something from me. I had just told him to forget it and was going back into the casino when you came out with Jean-Claude. Great moves, by the way, Darling. I knew I could count on you.”
“Never mind the small talk! Just because Jean-Claude here has bungled his job, doesn’t mean we’re through. I have a contingency plan, a plan that won’t fail. I have another ace in hole, as they say. You will help me and, as long as Victoria is here, she will help, too,” said Ivan menacingly.
“I’m not in the mood to listen to your drivel. Take your henchman and get out of the casino before I call the authorities,” said an exasperated Clint.
“So you can turn your back on your friends, Mr. Buchanan? You are so cavalier about these friends, you can afford to ignore my requests?” sneered Kipling.
“Darling, maybe we should hear him out. You know what Ivan has been capable of in the past. He’s right, we can’t afford to ignore him. As much as I hate to admit it, he is a force to be reckoned with,” Viki stated.
“Get it out, Kipling, it’s getting cooler out here and there’s a roulette wheel that is itching to give me money,” snarled Clint.e mood to be hospitable. After all, we haven’t seen each other for a long time. Tell me, how is Larry Wolek? Was he healthy the last time you saw him? Have you heard from Karen? Oh, I do miss Karen. She was a particular favorite of mine. I thought she had such potential. But then, I wonder, has Karen been healthy lately? It would be such a shame if anything happened to either Larry or Karen, wouldn’t it?”
“You’re bluffing again, Kipling. Larry is fine and in Llanview taking care of people, being a real doctor — not a cartoon maniac!” With this, Clint stepped closer to Ivan and looked him square in the eye. “I’ll repeat my previous question. What do you want? And cut to the chase — don’t give us all your fine soliloquies and pretty words with dark meaning!”
“Jean-Claude, it’s getting late. We must take leave of these fine people and prepare for the night. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan, I look forward to our next meeting. Be ever watchful. After all, I knew where to find you and I always will. You will be contacted when the time is right, when I can trust that you will take me seriously and are prepared to cooperate. In the meantime, carry on, as usual. We’ll never be far away.”
With that, Dr. Ivan Kipling and Jean-Claude strode into the casino and out of sight. Viki finally relaxed her grip on the gun and handed it to Clint. “I never cared for guns, but I know now that I can handle one,” she sighed.
“Like a pro you do, Lady,” bragged Clint. “I’m so proud of you. You were able to prevent yourself from being kidnapped. Who knows what terrible things Ivan had in store for you. I don’t know what I would have done!”
“You would have come through, just like always. I know you’ll always be there, Clint, we’re just like two halves of a whole.”
“Now the big issue is: What does he want us to do and why?” pondered Clint.
“Well, Clint, I just know he threw out Larry and Karen’s names to scare us. But, what if he can get hold of them and use them against us? What can we do?”
“Viki, we just have to think some more on this. We don’t know. It could be something really simple.”
Grinning, Viki said, “You don’t actually believe that, do you? I know, you’re just trying to make me feel better. However, if we’re going to beat Kipling at his own game, we’re going to have to work together and be prepared for anything!”
“Viki, with you, I can do anything. We’re a team and we can lick this guy.”
“How do you suppose we start our plan?”
“When I left the casino, we were winning. Do you suppose we could go finish the chips off and then get some rest?”
“Oh, Mr. B., why don’t we skip the casino and go straight to the suite? You know how danger always speeds up my libido.”
“Race you to the room, Mrs. B!”
“Oh, oh, Clint, we forgot the Count’s party that we were supposed to attend tonight.”
“I did think of it once, while I was staring straight into Kipling’s ugly puss, but the thought passed. Guess the Count’ll just have to get over it. Actually, I was having a pretty good time at the roulette wheel. I probably would have forgotten it anyway.”
“I’ll just send a note of regret and hope he’s understanding.”
Clint opened the door of their suite and quickly scanned the room. There was nothing there but the immense king-sized bed, the ornate dresser, armoire and bedside tables. In the bathroom, the luxurious heart-shaped sunken tub, oval matching vanities and wall-to-wall mirrors were alone and quiet. The balcony was dark and cool with heavy wrought-iron furniture. He still had the handgun, which he would put away for safe-keeping in case he needed it later.
Viki followed him out on the balcony and he took her in his arms. She wiggled so that she could see the sea and still be in his arms and then sighed a great sigh of contentment.
“This is the life! Oh, Darling, this is so wonderful. How could it be ruined by that evil man?” wondered Viki.
Clint smelled the essence of her hair and kissed the top of her head. “It will only be ruined if we let him ruin it. Let’s don’t give him that power. We are in charge of our lives. We make our happiness.”
With that, Clint picked her up and held her tightly, hoping he would never have to let go. The night was beautiful, the moon still full, bright and mesmerizing. “There must be something special about this moon,” he thought. And he was right. Carrying her to the bed, he covered her with kisses. Her neck, her ears, her eyes were all smothered by his lips and her body by his hands. As always, she was hungry for his caresses and responded with kisses of her own. The elegant gown and the formal tux were quickly discarded and they were naked on the bed, a blend of ecstasy, desire and heat. Was it the fireworks from the pier or were those explosions right in the room with them? Impossible to tell, they fell into a rhythm of perpetual motion until they were spent, exhausted and deliciously satisfied.
The next morning, the brilliant sun cascaded into the room, illuminating the sweetest smile on the Mediterranean. The sliver of sunshine fell on her fluttering eyes, causing Viki to blink and emit a little groan.
Sweetheart, wake up. It’s morning and time to get up,” whispered Clint.
“I don’t want to. I’m tired, we just got to sleep!” complained Viki.
“It’s 7:30. We have a big day. We have to solve the mystery or kill us a skunk. Personally, I’d like to hang and quarter the guy and be done with it, ” said Clint.
“I don’t want to get up. . . OK, I’ll get up. In a minute.”
“I’m warning you,” teased Clint, “I called room service and, if the waiter gets here before you get up, I’m going to treat him to the surprise of his life.”
“You wouldn’t dare! Darling, don’t you think we should call Larry again? Didn’t he have any information about Karen?”
Clint reached down and squeezed her toes, then he cuddled next to her. “No, Viki, but he promised to call Wanda. He thought she might be able to reach her. Seems they’ve kept in touch all these years. Poor Larry. He was shocked beyond belief when I told him about Kipling.”
“Who wouldn’t be? I mean, he’s supposed to be dead. So many good people die and stay dead, but somehow the bad ones come back. Don’t you find that strange?” asked Viki.
“Yeah, well, I stopped trying to figure out Llanview a long time ago.”
“When do you think Larry will call? We’re several time zones away, so it could be hours from now, I suppose.”
“He didn’t say, Viki, but when he knows something, he’ll call. In the meantime, I hope he keeps his eyes and ears open.”
“Now that he knows, he’ll be on guard, I think.”
The phone rang and, because they weren’t expecting it, they both jumped. Clint grabbed the phone and was greeted by the sound of Larry’s voice.
“Yes, Larry, I’m glad you could call back so quickly. Have you even been to bed?” Clint grinned at Viki. “I see. And you’re sure about this? Yes, well, we’ll do what we can from here. Try to protect yourself. Maybe you should leave town, make yourself scarce. Ok, we’ll call you as soon as we know something. Goodbye.” Clint replaced the phone and stood there thinking.
“Well? Clint?”
“Oh, sorry, honey. Seems that Karen hasn’t been seen for two days. She was to report to work day before yesterday. Didn’t call, didn’t show. The production company’s not too thrilled. Guess Ivan could be making good on his threat.”
“You don’t think that it could just be a coincidence, do you? No, I guess not. Where do we go from here?”
“Don’t have a clue. I guess we wait on Kipling,” replied Clint.
Viki put her robe on and walked out onto the terrace to admire the spectacular view. The hotel was set high on huge cliffs, facing the most beautiful part of the Mediterranean. Sun-worshippers were already on the beach, catching the rays, laughing and talking, seemingly not interested in the cares of the world. The flowers were blooming, their finery evident in an iridescent rainbow of colors and a symphony of fragrances. Everywhere the world seemed happy and alive. But not for Viki and Clint now. How could this be happening? Viki was the happiest she’d been in a long time. Why did Ivan have to ruin it? She wouldn’t let him, she decided. She’d hold onto her happiness with a tight grip, cherish it, treasure it and keep it safe. She had Clint, their children, a great career, the best of friends and, finally, her health. Her world was perfect.
The room service waiter knocked sharply on the door and was admitted by Clint. As the waiter rolled the cart across the terrazzo tiles, the dishes were tinkling and clinking. The noise wasn’t loud, but it provided the very diversion that the evil Dr. Kipling needed to slip into the suite unseen. After serving the Eggs Benedict and wishing them a good breakfast, the waiter left, never realizing that Ivan had hidden himself.
The seagulls were flying lazily high above them and waited patiently for the morning diners to share their crumbs of discarded breakfast remains from their balconies. The air was breezy and clean, sweet-smelling and free. Oh, if only they were free to enjoy their marvelous surroundings. Why couldn’t it all be a dream, a bad dream? They ate in silence for awhile until Ivan stepped out of the suite.
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan. I trust you had an excellent night’s sleep?”
“Kipling, you’ve just made my day complete,” said Clint sarcastically.
“Never mind the sarcasm. What have you decided? Will you help me?”
“I guess we have no choice but to hear you out. What would we be required to do?” asked Viki.
“I want Larry Wolek to come to Brazil. I run a clinic there now and we need some expertise.”
“You want Larry to go to Brazil? Why Larry? Aren’t there enough doctors in Brazil?” queried Viki.
“He obviously wants Larry to do something illegal, honey, that’s why he has to threaten us to get cooperation,” explained Clint.
“All you need to know is that Larry needs to be in Pico da Neblina in 10 days. Never mind the details. By now, you know that I have Karen. And if you want Karen not to be harmed, you will see that Larry is ready and able to travel. Otherwise, well, I’m afraid that Karen’s days are numbered. Do you understand?”
“Yeah, we understand. What makes you think that Larry will cooperate?” asked Clint.
“Mr. Buchanan, that is up to you. Everyone’s fate is now in your hands. You will be contacted next by Jean-Claude. In the meantime, stay in this hotel and don’t even think of notifying the authorities. You know that by the time you can confirm her disappearance and convince them of the seriousness of the situation, Karen would be weeks dead. Don’t even try it.” With that, Ivan left the two as quietly as he had come.
Again, the two ate in silence. The solitude was deafening. It seemed like a foggy night, instead of a crystal, pristine day. What was behind this madman’s plans? How could they cooperate and not put everyone in danger? It was a serious game, a game the end of which could spell tragedy and dire consequences. Viki and Clint were responsible for the lives of their friends. Were they up to the challenge? Viki looked up at the sky and saw the silhouette of the moon. The moon wasn’t always visible during the day, but it was always there, just like Clint. And Viki knew that the moon was always watching.
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