Chapter 1

It had been so long since Howie and Madison had any time together. Howie's jobs as a pop star kept him busy touring all summer long. His newest project involved a new recording complex on the other side of town. There were trips out to the site almost every day, which meant he didn't get home until so late some nights, it was all he could do to eat dinner before falling asleep next to his beloved lady.
Madison had also been busy with her work as an interior designer, but not nearly such long hours, and since she worked out of their home, she was able to be there much of the time. It was ok during the day when she was busy, but when the evening came around and Howie was not home to talk to her, and sit on the porch to watch the sun set, she got lonely. He had been in this business for almost 10 years and was successful, which was good, but she wished he were home more. She missed him.

Next weekend would be their 9th anniversary together. Madison tried to think of something special to do, but she was not even sure Howie would be home much less remembering it. She decided not to say anything and maybe when things calmed down they could spend a night out, movie and dinner. But first they had to get through this weekend. Madison had plans to clean out the spare room, perhaps turn it into an office for Howie. He had a tiny room he used as one in the back of the house. It was really no more than a large closet.

They had bought the house just after Howie and his band mates got their first big contract years ago. One of the things they loved about it was that the bedrooms were so large. There were three of them, and if someday they had children, they would use the 2 smaller ones for bedrooms, but for now, one was Madison's office/studio. The other had been an unofficial guestroom, but lately since they had both been working so much, it was used more as a dumping place for excess stuff. So this weekend was a perfect time to clear it out, move the bed out to the shed, and move the office into it. Perhaps later when they had more company, they would put in a futon, but for now, it was just going to be an office.

Well, Howie was at work now, the breakfast dishes had been cleared away, time to get busy. Madison went into her studio and turned on the computer. As usual, she would check her email, call a few clients and get busy with her design programs.

The new mail sign was flashing as usual, so she opened her email. The first one on the list brought a smile to her lips, it was from Howie. She read it, smiling broader now. "Dear Little One" it read, " If you have not read this morning's paper yet, there is something in the classified section I think you should look at. Love, Me"

Madison got up and went back into the kitchen to find this mornings newspaper. There it was by Howie's place at the dining table. "Hmmm, what is it he wants me to look at?" Looking into the classified ads, first, she looked under personals. There it was... M.... You have a mission to complete today. At 1:00 p.m. go to the florists' shop. There you will find your next clue.... H."

Laughing out loud, Madison took the paper back to her office with her. It was only 10:30. She was dying to know what was going on, but there was no point doing anything before the appointed time. Even though she was excited by the intrigue, there was some work still to be done. She sent a quick email back to Howie telling him, " I got your message. What are you up to? Nevermind, I will find out soon. Love you lots."

By 12:00 Madison was immersed in designing a new kitchen for a client and almost forgot about her mission. But luckily the phone ringing brought her back to the world and after discussing a project with a client, her eyes fell on the newspaper. "Oh, what time is it? Good, I have time for lunch and will get to the florist's right about 1:00." she thought out loud. Their big old orange tabby was lying in a patch of sun on her desk and was startled by her exclamation. "Don't worry Marmalade," she said, "I am not going crazy, you have heard me talk to myself before." Marmy yawned and stretched his right front paw out to bat a pencil around for a minute before falling asleep again. "What a life," she thought.

Madison arrived at the florist at 12:55. Should she wait, or go in? Well, she could not sit still, so she went into the little convenience store next to it and bought a soft drink. That killed about 3 minutes. Might as well go to the florists. She walked in the door and saw a beautiful red rose in a vase sitting on the front counter with her name on the card. There did not seem to be anyone around. "Hello? Anyone here? Hellooooo?" No answer. "Hmmm, well, I guess I will just open the card, after all, it is for me." she murmured to herself. " M...Go back home and look in the hall closet. In there you will find a small suitcase. Put it in the back of the car, don't open it, and wait for further clues." " Well, this was getting interesting," she said aloud.