A MONTH EARLIER: "Sam, turn around" said Kristian.
"I'm not turning my back on you for shit" said Sam slowly backing away. He bumped into someone.
Turning around he stared into the face of the man standing there.
Jonathan.
(How was that for a cliff hanger?)
Comments as always. Of note... The original website on Stormloader disappeared on me last week for no reason and/or explanation. I will be working on one in the coming months.
backbayguy@juno.com
Chapter One:
A lone figure walked along the silent dark waters of the Boston Harbor. It was 2am. Snow was falling gently over Boston. The figure was dressed warmly against the cold; a heavy black turtleneck sweater, and a black ankle length outer coat completed the ensemble. A quiet distance behind the solitary figure walked two men; both armed. He was vaguely aware of several others in the area. Jonathan came to a halt and just stared out over the black inkiness of the water of the harbors. Boston had always held a fascination for him. Ever since coming here for college there was something about the city; a city that acted more like a town then a city.
Even before becoming immortal, he could "feel" the history, the ghosts of the past. Now, standing here he could almost hear them, see them. In his mind he could see the battles, the blockades in the harbor. Looking up the shoreline towards the Long Wharf he could imagine the wharf, over a mile long at that time, reaching all the way back to the Old State House. What a time to live he thought to himself.
There was a subtle shift in the feeling of the air. Without turning around, he said. "Thank you for coming".
A man walked up to him. "Does being immortal make you impervious to the cold?" asked the man. "In case you haven't noticed, it is snowing and 25 degrees; not to mention it is 2am."
"I feel the cold" said Jonathan, "I just like it. It is quiet, and there is a silent beauty about this city in the snow"
"Be that as it may, I'm freezing my ass off" said Sam.
Jonathan turned to him. "You should dress warmer" he said smiling.
"What gets you out of a nice warm bed and me for that matter, at 2am?"asked Sam as they continued walking. They had turned away from the harbor and started walking up the steps towards the street.
As they passed through the arch at Rowes Wharf, Jonathan nodded at one of his protection staff who radioed ahead.
"Excitement for tomorrow I guess" said Jonathan. "I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk. We left a lot unsaid in Las Vegas last month, I was hoping we could finish that conversation"
"At 2am?" Sam pointedly asked.
"Sorry about that" said Jonathan, with an innocent smile on his face. "I keep weird hours."
As the two men came to the street a black stretch limo pulled up. One of the guards opened the door for them. Both men got in and the limo quietly pulled away from the curb
"No more Hummers?" asked Sam with a smile.
"Nope, gotta keep up the Corporate image" said Jonathan.
"You hate that life" said Sam.
"We do what is asked of us" said Jonathan. "At least I am back in Boston."
"You are. Jonathan isn't" said Sam. He paused. "You freaked the living shit out of me when I turned around and you were standing there in that hotel suite" said Sam. "How could you just disappear and die and let everyone think you were dead?"
"There wasn't much choice in the matter." Jonathan replied. "I knew that Jonathan was going to die, but I didn't know it was going to happen that soon or that fast. For whatever reason, Jonathan Castleton died in spectacular fashion. There is no question he is dead. I did what needed to be done over the next two years and the new part of my life is starting."
Jonathan paused. He reached over to small cabinet in the side of the limo. He pulled out two snifters and a decanter of Grand Marnier, pouring two measures out. He handed one of the snifters to Sam.
"This should help take the chill out of your bones" said Jonathan. He took a sip of his snifter before continuing.
"My new offices open tomorrow, actually later today here in Boston. My new public life begins." Before he could continue a small furry body hopped up of the floor of the limo and snuggled next to him.
"Who is that?" Sam asked, "That's not Sebastian"
"Sebastian was a part of my old life and he is living with Ryan." said Jonathan. "This is Maximillian. He is one of the symbols of the new company."
"Oh yeah, Abyssinian Advisors" said Sam. "He's beautiful"
Jonathan absently stroked the soft fur. This started a purr from the creature. "A very special cat"
Jonathan paused and looked at the skyline as they traveled the nearly deserted streets of Boston. "Want to see the new offices?"
"Sure" said Sam, sipping his own drink. "Where are they going to be?"
"Floors 46-48 of the Hancock Tower" said Jonathan.
"Damn" said Sam.
Jonathan nodded at one of the guards who told the driver where to go. As they drove, the two talked about little things. Finally arriving outside of the tower, they were let out by one of the guards. Jonathan walked slightly ahead of Sam and walked through the doors opened by his staff. The security officers at the desk of the Hancock tower both rose as Jonathan approached.
"Good Morning Mr. Lexington." said the guard. "What brings you in at this hour?"
"Just a last minute look at things" he replied as he signed him and Sam in.
"We won't be long"
"Very good sir" said the guard.
The two walked past the security station.
"Lexington?" asked Sam. "I never did ask you what your new name is"
Jonathan handed him a business card. Sam looked at it:
Michael J. Lexington, CEO ABYSSINIAN ADVISORS.
"What does the J stand for?" he asked.
"Jonathan." Said Jonathan smiling. "Some things just don't go away to easily."
"That's cute" said Sam. "Do I get to keep calling you Jonathan?"
"Let's go with Michael for now" he replied.
"OK, but I still like Jonathan better" said Sam.
Jonathan smiled.
Chapter Two They rode in silence up the fast moving elevators to the 48th floor; each lost in their own thoughts. Jonathan, against his better judgment opened his mind to Sam. After a few moments he knew what he wanted. Just where to start he wondered.
Standing in the private office of Jonathan the two stood side by side looking out of the floor to ceiling windows at the Back Bay; each lost in their own thoughts. Finally Jonathan turned to Sam.
"Were you really that upset when I died?" asked Jonathan.
Sam turned to him. "Of course I was. You are a good friend and I missed you"
"Just a good friend?" asked Jonathan looking at him directly.
"Well, a very good friend" said Sam smiling.
"That day before I left for Switzerland I asked you down to the resort. Do you remember that?"
"How could I forget?" asked Sam. "It doesn't happen too often that a college professor gets to buy lunch for one of the world's richest men"
"Was that the only reason?" asked Jonathan.
Sam paused. He knew he was at a junction.
"Well, I guess if you can be this honest with me, telling me the truth about your immortality and coming back, I can too."
"And" said Jonathan.
"I was starting to have feelings for you that day, or rather I was acknowledging those feelings."
"Are you interested in seeing where those feelings go?" asked Jonathan.
"Does that mean we are going to the resort?" asked Sam with a smile.
"I've got the company startup tomorrow" said Jonathan looking at his watch. "Well, actually today. I can't go back to the resort in St.Thomas, but I do think I can afford someplace else"
"OK" said Sam. "Look I have got to get some sleep. I have to teach in the morning. By the way, since you are having this bout of honesty, who else are you going to tell?"
"The truth shall lead the way" said Jonathan.
Sam came over and gave him a hug. "I'll be in touch"
As Sam left the office, Jonathan turned back to the window. Staring out the window, he felt Maximillian come into the room. The cat stood at his feet and meowed quietly. Jonathan reached down to pick up the cat. Stroking the fur seemed to calm his mind.
"You are deep in thought my friend" said Maximillian.
"Indeed I am" said Jonathan.
Over the previous two years the two-man and beast- had come to an understanding. Each now accepted and treated each other with respect and honesty. Jonathan had even come to use Maximillian as a sounding board at times and used him for thoughts.
"How many people have you seen over the centuries who have had to change their lives as I did?"
The cat stared into Jonathan's face.
"Many over the years. Why do you ask?" came the reply.
"Is it dangerous to tell more than a few people about our powers?" asked Jonathan.
"It can be dangerous. It is very hard to explain" said Maximilian. "You place yourself in jeopardy of being an outcast on one hand and a figure to be examined against your will"
"Outside of my inner circle no one knows." Said Jonathan. "They knew of my immortality before I went away."
Maximillian hopped down. "Then you have answered your own question. I am tired. It is time for home and sleep"
"Almost" said Jonathan.
The cat flipped his tail and disappeared. Jonathan smirked. He turned back to the windows.
"You are right Sam" said Jonathan to himself. "I need to take care of something. There is someone who needs to know the truth. If I have to live a lie, I can at least tell the people I care about the truth."
Jonathan reached for his phone.
Chapter Three
The sun was beginning to set on the Florida Coastline. People were out and about preparing for another night of Southern Florida fun. Pulling up to a brightly lit restaurant and bar, a Lincoln Navigator stopped. Two men got out of the Navigator, one from the front seat, the other the rear door behind the driver. He walked around to the passenger side and the two men exchanged glances before opening the rear passenger door. Getting out, Jonathan stood and looked at the early evening line at the door. Jonathan was dressed as was becoming his custom head to foot in black, a long ankle length leather coat in black and black Ray Ban Aviators completing the picture.
"Happy Hour seems to be going strong" he said to no one in particular.
He walked up to the door bouncer with the two bodyguards in tow. "Excuse me is Bryce here tonight?"
"He's here every night but he is busy." Came the brisk reply. "Who are you and what do you want with him?"
"The who is not of your concern" said Jonathan. "The what is none of your business either."
Before the bouncer could make a comment, Jonathan pulled a folded 100 dollar bill from his wallet. Unfolding it, it was seen to be a half of a hundred dollar bill. Half a word was written on it: TIKI.
"Send a bar back in with this and give it to him. Tell him I'll be waiting" said Jonathan.
"Why should I waste his time?" asked the bouncer being obnoxious.
"Because if you don't, you will be out of a job, out of your house, and the closest thing to home you will have will be a beach umbrella under the pier" said Jonathan taking off his sunglasses and staring directly into the bouncer's eyes. Unseen mental images transferred to the bouncer. He moved. Fast.
Jonathan put the glasses back on and walked back to the Navigator and leaned against it; not paying attention to the looks from the people in the line.
Not even 2 minutes later, Bryce Johnson, owner of the RIKI TIKI came flying out of the door, the half bill in hand. He looked around and saw the man in black standing there.
"Where the fuck did you get this?" he asked coming over.
"You never were very polite when you were uptight were you?" asked Jonathan.
"Only one person in the world would have had this and there is no way this shows up now" said Bryce.
"Way" said Jonathan taking off his glasses. "Let's talk".
Bryce took a moment to stare at the man. Finally it hit him.
"You are dead" he whispered.
"Get in the car, we need to talk".