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Part 4.1
By Way of Introduction
"See Max...I told you she could talk," Bud grinned and we all laughed.
"Don't you love her accent? Not the way I thought someone from Kentucky
would sound."
"Isn't that where Jeff Wigand is from?" Maximus questioned, still gently
holding my hand. Inwardly I was ecstatic. What was it about these guys
and handholding? Not that I was complaining....
"Yeah...Tina's hometown: Louisville."
"They made part of the movie there," I added. "'The Insider' I mean. I
actually caught a glimpse of RC when they were shooting one scene."
"That close to greatness," Bud quipped, and he finally let go my arms.
He probably figured I wouldn't collapse now that my nerves were better,
but he still stayed close, I guess in case things changed.
"But yes, Bud, Miss Stewart has a charming accent." He looked back at
me, those brilliant eyes burning into my soul...and he flashed THAT
smile at me. I didn't tremble, but I knew he saw me return his reaction
by smiling back. "A very charming accent."
"Thank you, General," I replied. "I think most people believe that
Kentuckians have these heavy Southern accents, but that's not always the
case. The woman who played Wigand's wife in the movie...she drove me
nuts. She sounded like she was from Georgia or Mississippi -- very deep
South."
I heard John speak up. "I didn't *think* she sounded right. I couldn't
remember any citizens I met sounding that way."
I looked at the sheriff, almost finding myself becoming lost in his big
baby blues as well. It was a good thing Bud *was* still nearby. "Oh my
God...You've been to Louisville?"
"Six, seven years ago...Yeah, seven. Me and a few others from our area
came down to your Southern Police Institute at...the University of
Louisville?..." I nodded. "...for a month. Two weeks of Homicide
Investigation; two weeks of basic crime scene investigation,
interviewing and interrogation, surveillance, and other things. Great
school. Probably the best I've ever been to."
"I know. I was at S.P.I. about ten years ago. I had two weeks of
Homicide Investigation. Met cops, detectives and coroners from as far
off as...well, Maine and even Alaska." We almost began to study each
other again, just as when we had first met, and I felt a tingle pass
through my most private regions. "What a small world."
"It is, isn't it?" Biebe replied, and he smiled softly. "Sorry I was
about three years off or we might have met." I nodded.
As Maximus let go my hand, he gestured to me. "I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar
with Kentucky. You'll have to tell me more about it...Oh Bud...why don't
you get Miss Stewart a chair? She may be tired of standing. Forgive our
manners."
"Aw hell, where's my head tonight? Sorry, honey. Be back in a sec."
"No, it's okay. No apology's necessary. I don't mind standing a bit; I'm
used to it from work. Sometimes I sit too much anyway."
I noticed that John Biebe had stood again. "Wait a minute, Bud. I don't
know what *I* was thinking either, Max. Miss Stewart...uh, Tina...why
don't you take my seat over here in the booth?" He moved out of the way,
and placing a hand lightly on one wrist, politely guided me to where he
had been. "And I can sit on the other side with Max. That'll save Tina
from watching a tennis game while she's talking to us. Bud, let's see,
you need a chair for yourself." All three men remained standing until I
was seated, then Maximus and John relaxed again. Bud was shaking his
head.
"Nah, not for me right now. I'm heading back over to the bar. Just
wanted to make sure Tina met the two of you. I promised I'd introduce
her around, and...well, she was eager to meet both of you."
I felt my cheeks burn a little as my new companions looked at me.
Fortunately, they did not smile simultaneously or I *would* have needed
Bud's assistance when I fainted.
"Well," Biebe commented, "we're happy to meet *her*, Bud."
"Indeed, Bud. Thank you for bringing her over."
"My pleasure, guys. Oh hey, before I forget then Liz'll kill me, she
wanted me to see if you all need anything to eat or drink. John, she
wasn't happy about you fixing you and Max's stuff the other day," Bud
teased.
Biebe laughed, shaking his head. "Liz and A.J. were busy. Wasn't any
need for me to bother them when it was just a couple of sandwiches and
some drinks. Seemed silly."
"Well, she said you're teaching Max here a bad lesson. If you need
something,...well, Liz says we're all family. Don't hesitate to ask.
Clear Sheriff Biebe?"
"Clear," John answered, grinning. I tried not to gaze too deeply at his
smile. It was bad enough (so to speak) that I had these two drop dead
gorgeous, extraordinary men sitting across from me (as well as the
handsome one standing to my right), let alone concentrating intensely on
one in particular. I would never get through this if I did.
"Max," Bud continued, still in a joshing mood, "don't let this clown
lead you astray. You're still new so we need to keep you straight."
Now it was Maximus' turn to beam as he laughed. "Understood, Officer
White." My heart skipped several beats. I could not believe my luck.
When I woke up that Friday morning, I never had a clue my day would
develop this way.
"Okay guys -- do you all want anything or not?"
The two men thought a moment, then the Spaniard replied, "I don't know
about a drink but that sandwich John fixed us the other evening -- what
was it called again, John?"
"Oh, the club sandwich. That's my specialty."
"Well ask Liz if it would be too much trouble to prepare one of those."
"Club sandwich," Bud repeated. "Got it. How about you Sheriff?"
"Same here -- oh put both on whole wheat...And have them add some potato
skins and mozzarella sticks, too."
"Yeah, those were great tonight," Bud commented. "Tina and I had some
earlier. Honey," he was looking at me, "do you want anything yourself? I
don't want you to feel left out. How about a drink at least; small order
of wings, or something?"
"Bud, I'm not really hungry right now, but...I'd like my usual drink."
The cop winked. "Champagne mimosa it is, Miss. See how well I know you?"
I smiled. "How 'bout you boys?"
"Coors Light -- off the tap," John told him, but Maximus still appeared
puzzled. That was when I spoke up.
"Could I...Could I make a suggestion, General?" Those eyes focused on me
and I tried to keep from stammering my next words. "Do you like wine?"
He nodded, and I turned back to Bud, pulling a small memo pad and pen
from my purse. As I spoke, I wrote. "Have them put all the drinks on my
tab, Bud, and see if they have one of these. Mont Mareal Brut Cava
or...." I thought a moment. "Oh...uh...Codorniu Cuvee Raventos Brut....I
think you might like those," I directed to Maximus. "They're Spanish
vintages." His eyes gleamed in response.
White repeated what I said, and took the piece of paper. "Got it, honey.
I'll have A.J. or Liz bring it over." He leaned towards me, patting one
hand and kissing my cheek. "You have really made my night, Tina. I owe
you."
"Oh Bud--" I was touched by his sweetness. "Thank *you* for everything."
"And I'm leaving you in great hands. Oh, be sure to tell Max more about
your home state." I shook my head, puzzled. "What Kentucky is best know
for." He winked as my eyes lit up -- it would be something that would
please the Spaniard, and definitely get the conversation running. Just
as my job as a civilian evidence technician would open the doors with
John Biebe. "Hey, fellas, you'd better treat this young lady right, or
you'll have me to answer to." We all laughed. "I'll see you all later."
"Bye, Bud," I told him as he walked away, and the two men repeated my
words. Now we were alone, and I briefly wondered whether now - with Bud
gone as my buffer - I could make it.
Maximus was the first one to speak. "Miss Stewart -- I was saying
earlier that I was unfamiliar with Kentucky. It simply fascinates me to
see where exactly in the world you various ladies hail from."
"Well...Kentucky is a small state compared to say...California, or
Texas,...or Alaska." John smiled. "We're...sort of in the heart of the
United States. Have you seen a map?" He nodded. "It's located between
the east coast and the mighty Mississippi River which is approximately
midway the country. We're not northern or southern, eastern or western.
That's why it's called a border state. We're in-between, so we have the
advantages and disadvantages of each. During our Civil War--"
"That's the one Michelle - she's another of our ladies - introduced me
to a few weeks ago; a documentary television series by...a Ken Burns?"
"Oh yeah," I said. "Great series. You'll learn a lot from that one...But
yeah, during our Civil War, we were pretty much neutral because of our
border state status; Kentucky had slave holders, but also those who were
anti-slavery...In modern times, my city, Louisville, is currently the
largest in the state, but there are areas...which are full of farms,
mountains."
"Sounds quite nice."
"It can be, yes."
"And what Bud was mentioning -- what Kentucky is best known for. What
might that be?"
I sat back. Thank you, Wendell White. "Horses." Maximus' eyes expressed
a combination of sheer delight and nostalgia. "Kentucky is known for
its' horses, General."
He raised a hand. "Before we continue...Please Miss Stewart. You must
stop calling me General. I really don't use that title any longer."
There was that beautiful smile again. "We're informal here, right,
John?"
"Exactly. Like Liz said, "We're family.'"
"So," Max continued, "you must call me either Maximus...or Max, which is
what most everyone around here calls me. Being called...Max *is* a
little different--" I chuckled. "--but I'm growing accustomed to it."
"All right...Max. And promise to stop calling me Miss Stewart. Everyone
calls me Tina. I expect both of you to call me that, too."
John replied, "I thought your Christian name was pretty. Etienne." His
warm eyes were dancing as he correctly pronounced my name in his own
unique accent, and I felt myself grow flushed. I was uncertain why I was
reacting to Biebe this way, considering I had only seen the charming
'Mystery, Alaska' once.
"Indeed," Maximus said. "Quite lovely, John." I noticed that his eyes
were sparkling as well when he gazed at me. "Now that we have that
settled...Tina...you must tell me about Kentucky and your horses. Do you
breed any yourself?"
Shaking my head, I gave a small laugh. "Oh no, Maximus, not hardly. I
love them - - I admire them...as beautiful, magnificent creatures, but I
don't raise any. Now my great-grandfather - my mother's grandfather - he
bred horses on the small farm he had when she was a child. That was how
my mother acquired her expertise. Now *she's* the authority in my family
when it comes to horses, especially thoroughbred race horses."
"Follows them from the start of their careers?"
"You'd better believe it. She watches from the time they're
two-year-olds when they start racing, until some of them are practically
ready to retire. I've never seen a person know horseflesh as well as she
does. And she never gambles on them; she just loves to watch them race."
"That's the best way to go," Max said. "Makes it all less...stressful."
"Absolutely."
"So Kentucky - - it's very well known for its' horses?"
I began to beam. Although Kentucky often did not feel exactly like home
to me, and I had been born and bred there (some part of me felt as if I
belonged elsewhere; England had answered that), the mention of her proud
racing heritage brought out a spark in me. I started with the annual
sale at Keeneland, explaining to Maximus' quiet attentiveness, how horse
buyers came from all over the world to make purchases.
"Later in their careers, these horses may bear foreign sounding names
like Fusaichi Pegasus, or as simply American as Silver Charm, but they
all share that one particular magic. There was that moment, at the
Keeneland yearling sale, when someone saw something...special about that
unnamed horse, with only a catalog number for his or her name. People
have paid millions, and were disappointed. Others have spent a few
thousand..." I shrugged, smiling, realizing how they were both hanging
on my words. "...They've spent a few thousand...and unknowingly
purchased legends."
Maximus shook his head, amazed. "Absolutely incredible. I can
just...imagine the excitement around an event such as that." He sat
forward a little. "I can still remember...visiting other breeders, or
going to markets outside Trujillo. You're looking..." He shook his
hands, trying to find the right words, but it was difficult. "You're
looking for that one...special...Then that...one...He or she...you know
it when you see it. They're not always the most...Well, the biggest or
strongest, or most beautiful at the time..."
"Exactly," I said, hearing the passion in each word. For a second, I
recalled a moment from the movie, how the ponies near his house would
play with his son, and the little boy wanted to be like them. How his
horses were taken from him - - like his family, his life.
"But you know them. In your heart...you know them," he continued. "I
would very much like to see this Keeneland."
"I think it's by invitation only, but...the farms...many of the farms
still exist. Other areas of the world produce great horses, too, but
Kentucky..."
"It still has that magic, huh?"
I nodded. "Yes it does. But you can still see some of the great farms.
They're in eastern Kentucky. Beautiful country. So different from
Louisville or Lexington, the other large city...Rolling hills, green
fields, and meadows..."
"Elysium," Maximus stated, grinning in that way which left me wanting to
fall at his feet.
I laughed softly. "Green fields...the horses romping with the sun on
their faces...Guess it could be. I'd never thought of it that way.
Elysium for horses...Oh, and they not only breed on these farms; some of
the most famous winners in the racing world are put to stud on them."
"Lucky horses," the general joked and we all chuckled.
"Tina." The voice was soft, thoughtful. I turned to look at the Alaskan
sheriff, his eyes twinkling. I had watched him occasionally during my
conversation, which had mainly been with Maximus. He remained quiet
throughout, often with hands clasped as he listened, or pushing that
dark, sexy hair off his face with that practiced sweep of the hand.
Funny, this was the first time I had noticed...he had auburn highlights
in his hair if one looked at it in the right lighting. I liked
that...Okay, I tried to concentrate and read what was behind those
blue-green eyes when we looked at each other. All it did was cause
warmth that caressed every muscle between my legs. I wondered if the
feeling was mutual. I'd never had a man look at me in the caring, sweet
way I sometimes saw Biebe do.
He spoke my name again, and this time I responded. "I'm sorry John. What
was that?"
"Tell Max what happens every year in Kentucky. The big race."
"The big...Oh my God, the Derby. John's right. I *have* to tell you
about that, Max."
"Yeah, it had just ended about the time we were in Louisville for the
S.P.I. schools. Max...you won't believe how this one event..." John
shook his head. "You'll never believe it."
Maximus appeared bemused. "*What* is the Kentucky Derby?"
"Well every..."
A.J. the bartender suddenly appeared at our table, a large tray in hand.
"Sorry about the delay, folks. Business - as you can see - has picked
up...For the lady, Champaign mimosa." I thanked him. "John, your usual:
Coors Light off the tap. And for the General, based on Ms. Stewart's
recommendation, Mont Marcal Brut Cava. Sorry we didn't have the other."
"*This* should be fine, A.J. Thank you," Max told him, accepting the
glass.
"Okay...two club sandwiches on whole wheat; one large order of
mozzarella sticks; large order of potato sticks. Oh, and Bud added some
stuffed mushrooms too. They're on the house. Thought you all might enjoy
them."
"Thanks, A.J.," John told him. "Tina, you're sure you don't want
anything? The mushrooms are fantastic. That is if you like mushrooms."
"I love 'em." I kept looking at the plate of large, broiled mushrooms
stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs and other items I couldn't yet figure
out. "It's tempting, but...I'm sure. I splurged a bit earlier when I ate
with Bud, so... maybe I'd better pass. I appreciate it though."
"Some other time then," he said softly and I smiled in return. I sipped
my drink, loving how wonderfully this bar prepared one of my favorites.
I noticed that Maximus had lifted the crystal so that the light sparkled
about the ruby red of his wine. He smiled at me, and I bowed my head,
indicating he should go ahead. He took a deep sniff, swirled it, and
raised the glass to his lips. "Well?" I asked anxiously.
"You said it's Spanish?" I nodded, and his smile increased. "Then I'm
happy to see that my homeland still produces vintages of great note.
Tina...this is marvelous."
"You're not just saying that?"
"It's wonderful. Very flavorful, quite elegant. Very impressive."
"Thank God."
"Where did you learn about this? Are you an expert in wine?"
"Not hardly," I laughed. "I just read a lot about wines because I like
them. It wasn't that long ago I saw an article on Spanish wines in a
magazine, and the two I mentioned...they stuck with me. They were both
great vintages, but fairly inexpensive. I think that's what made an
impression."
"I'm quite glad they did. John, really, you should try this sometime."
"I'm not much of a connoisseur myself," John admitted, giving me a
lopsided smile that made me giggle.
"Neither am I," I confessed. "I just like a good wine now and then. And
I like to read about them, too."
"Well when you put it that way - - " John told us, "- - I like wine,
too." He ran a finger over the rim of his mug. "Prefer Coors - -"
"Hey, if I was a beer drinker, I'd drink Coors Light myself. I was in
Denver in '99 for my Titanic Historical Society convention - - yes, I am
a member of such a thing - -" and they both chuckled, "and I visited the
Coors brewing plant in Golden. Talk about a Nirvana for beer drinkers.
The tour's free, and at the end you can have up to three free samples of
anything they brew. And I'm not talking Dixie cup size. I'm talking..."
and I pointed at his mug.
"Up to three of these?" John asked, disbelieving. I nodded. "I have
*got* to get to Denver! Now that'd be a hell of a road trip."
"I even had to sample some. Barely got through it but...It was very good
as far as beers go. Even had a chance to sample a Coors Light before
it's aged; very clean taste...I liked it better than what they sell, and
that was pretty good."
John nudged Maximus. "We've got to tell the girls. Next major road trip:
Denver...uh, Golden." As Max nodded, John grinned at me and winked.
"Maybe Tina would like to escort us since she's been there." I smiled
back, thinking I would very much enjoy doing that, although at the time,
I was not quite sure what he meant by 'next major road trip'. Yes, I
knew what a road trip was (my memories of the one in the movie 'Animal
House' were quite prominent), but this was something these guys did on a
regular basis? John spoke again: "Now...where were we?" He bit into his
sandwich and after swallowing said, "Tina...you were going to tell Max -
- "
"Oh, about the Kentucky Derby! What was I...Uh...oh, Max, you'll never
believe it. You will not *believe* the celebrations surrounding
this...this two minute race. With me working for the police department,
it's not much fun anymore..."
Maximus grinned. "I can imagine, considering the logistics entailed in
planning something of that magnitude."
"Exactly. I hate all the fireworks, parades, and other stuff surrounding
it for the most part - just tired of the stress and all the hoopla - but
the race itself." I shook my head in amazement. "Every first Saturday in
May, it's like the whole world is watching Louisville, and for two
minutes or so, Kentucky and the world come to a stop. Some of the best
three-year-old thoroughbreds at the moment...race for a garland of
roses...and yeah, in some cases, immortality...."
For the next few minutes, I explained the race's allure, and told of
some of the winners - males and fillies - who had captured the moment.
The names tripped off my tongue: Affirmed, Bold Forbes, Genuine Risk,
Seattle Slew, Count Fleet...and my beloved Secretariat, who had set the
Derby record by racing about a minute, fifty-eight seconds. The second
place horse to him had run the second fastest time! I told of my
childhood memories of this horse nicknamed Big Red: winning the
Preakness two weeks after the Derby. Then about his fantastic win three
weeks after that at New York's Belmont, the third leg of racing's
magnificent Triple Crown.
"He moved thirty-one lengths ahead of the pack..." I whispered to their
stunned pleasure. I had them hooked by the story, and horse racing was
not even my forte. "...and when the race ended...he just kept running
around the track as everyone celebrated...I swear, he could have run it
again."
"Then he wasn't a normal horse," Maximus softly said, respect in his
voice quite evident. "The horse...had the touch of the gods."
"He had something," John admitted. "I was just a kid too, but I remember
him, and we don't really follow racing where I come from. Did you ever
see him when he retired, Tina. I heard he was in Kentucky."
"I saw him once, a few years before he died...He was at a farm in
eastern Kentucky - the area I told you about, Max. He..." I paused a
second, for this was an emotional moment for me. I had adored this
champion. "He...had a little bit of gray in his reddish coat, but he
still...he had what John said...that...something. He could still wow a
crowd, and they loved him for it." I swallowed hard. "Do you know...Do
you know I cried when he died?" Blinking back my tears, afraid of
looking silly, I noticed Maximus' expression and realized he fully
empathized with me. "He was as great an athlete - - John...remember all
those top fifty, hundred, whatever of the century sports polls and
surveys and lists they kept regurgitating?"
"Do I? I got so damn sick of 'em."
"And Secretariat made a few."
"Which pissed a lot of sportswriters off."
"Why?" Max asked as he finished the last of the mozzarella sticks.
"Considering his impact."
It was John who responded: "Because they didn't feel an animal should
rate against a human. But that's *their* opinion. You've got folks who
don't consider golf or auto racing sports either."
"So you've lost a Tiger Woods, a Jack Nicklaus, an A.J. Foyt."
"Tina's right. Secretariat, in his field, was every bit as great as Ali,
or Michael Jordan, or Walter Payton..."
"Or Wayne Gretsky." I saw a little smile on John's behalf as he mouthed
a 'Thank You' to me. "And I know we're throwing out a slew of names of
people you don't have a clue about..."
Maximus grinned. "Oh...I've heard of Jordan. Everyone made sure I
did...For some reason, a few people seem to think that...well, as a
gladiator...I was the Michael Jordan of what I did. Now that I've seen
some of his accomplishments...Well, I'm not sure if the comparison is
fair,...but I can definitely understand."
"Jordan's one of the greatest. I don't even watch the NBA now that he's
gone. And...I can see the resemblance myself."
"So can I," John added. He tilted the plate of mushrooms towards me,
only now, one remained. "Tina? Last chance."
"Yes, Tina - please go ahead if you'd like."
I smiled. They had told me it was practically done vegetarian style and
was low fat, so I was willing to take a chance. After all, you only live
once, I thought, and the fat grams from this would be quite small.
"Thanks guys." I placed it on a napkin, and took a bite a few seconds
later, savoring how good it was. Now I was sorry I'd passed up their
offer before.
And so our conversation went, the minutes quickly passing, just as they
had when Bud and I talked. We drifted from sports, to my telling about
my career. That fascinated both men: Maximus because he was incredulous
at the advancements humans had made in science, even to my simple
explanation of ridge detail in a fingerprint. John because...well, as
with Bud, we shared a common love for the work we did.
"So did you and Bud have any disagreements?" John asked me while we
waited for our refills. I would be switching to ice cold bottled water,
as I only now was starting to feel the slightest lightheadedness, the
effects of three mimosas. If I were impaired, how the hell would I drive
home. I wondered if there might be a motel nearby so I could sleep for
the night.
"About..." I began.
There was a twinkle in the sheriff's eyes. "About your...methods of
evidence collection..."
"Oh *that*," I laughed, and I saw Max cover his mouth as he chortled.
He'd obviously seen 'L.A. Confidential', too.
"How *not* to tamper with evidence..." John continued.
"How *not* to interrogate a witness, although I don't do that."
"Why you shouldn't stage a crime scene to fit what *you* want."
"We had a very nice talk. We finally...agreed to disagree, and we're
still friends obviously. He respects my...he called it integrity...and I
told him with a few changes, he could make a hell of a detective."
"You're right...he could."
"So we let it go at that."
"Yeah, Bud and I have had some interesting...talks, especially after I
first got here."
"I'll bet," I joked.
"No, no, we really have. Sort of like the one you had with him. He
respects my opinion, too, but..." John shook his head. "...well, Bud's
Bud. What can I say?"
I told a few war stories as did John, and even Max, although they were
definitely stories on a different level. Our discussion went from one
thing to another as different points were raised, or memories unearthed.
I spoke passionately of my love of history, particularly for the Tudor
period in England. I told briefly of my England pilgrimage, and how that
had answered so many of my prayers. I learned on further probing and
recalling the Roman name, that Max had visited what was then the Temple
of Aquae Sulis - now modern-day Bath, home to the ancient ruins of the
great Roman spa. He could vaguely recall Stonehenge the more I described
the area called Salisbury Plain for hundreds of years in this millennium. He knew of Londinium - London - and was amazed to hear of its' evolvement. But his greatest astonishment was reserved when he realized I was quite familiar with a good deal of military history.
"That's why...when I heard them announce the re-creation of the second
battle of Carthage, I knew *exactly* what they were talking about. I'd
just had a class on the Roman Republic,...and we studied that. It wasn't
a battle...it was a freaking annihilation."
Eventually, for I had a feeling it would, we started on one of my
favorite passions of all. It had started simply enough. As he drank
another Coors Light, John had made mention of my visit to the plant and
Denver (home of 'Titanic' heroine, Margaret "Molly" Brown). He recalled
me speaking of the Titanic Historical Society, and I explained it was a
worldwide organization started in the United States by 'Titanic'
enthusiasts, and devoted to the preservation of the history of the ship,
her sisters, and the White Star Line. John mentioned the Cameron film. I
launched into the love which went into making it, form the careful
attention to detail, to him actually dealing with real survivors; or
having real 'Titanic' historians Ken Marschall and Donald Lynch consult
on the movie in many aspects. I, too, had met these same people at
conventions I'd attended. I even joked that I would have loved being an
extra on the movie.
"I can just see me...holding onto the stern section for dear life,
waiting for the hydraulics to start lowering this sucker." Both of them
were laughing now, as was I. "And Cameron's barking freaking orders at
us. 'You...Yeah you from Louisville. You didn't die fast enough. You're
fired!!'" I took a drink of water. "I'd give...*would* have given
anything to have been on that set."
"I'm surprised," Max interrupted, "you didn't get into 'The Insider'."
"They weren't casting evidence technicians," I grinned.
"Well it could have been worst," John told me. "I mean, worst than being
an extra on the stern in 'Titanic'. Freezing your butt off on location
to film 'Mystery, Alaska'."
"Or burning up out in the desert during the day, then freezing in the
mountains at night while making 'Gladiator'," Max added.
"Suffering through somebody's lousy acting." They looked at me, stunned,
silently asking 'Which of our movies?' "Sorry...not either of yours. I
was thinking about some poor extra on say...a Stallone, or..." I
shuddered, "...Pauly Shore movie."
John's head playfully hit the table. "Oh God...that's awful. Nobody
should have to suffer like that. The Constitution specifically forbids
cruel and unusual punishment." I almost sputtered my water I was
laughing so much. When we all had calmed down, and quiet came across the
table, I heard John softly and respectfully say, "You love movies, don't
you?"
"I love movies." My reply was simple and to the point. "I saw my first one when I was... four-years-old. Not some... Disney cartoon, but a movie... a real, honest to God movie... I never forgot that. It was... It was like they were performing just for me and I knew...remember - I was only four...there was an orchestra hiding somewhere behind the screen. I fell in love with how movies were made. I fell in love with soundtracks. I...worshipped John Williams, Bernard Hermann, Miklos Rosza and Max Steiner as much as I did Selznick or Spielberg, or Hitchcock,or VonStroheim. I could hum you the entire score to 'Titanic' and 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' *and* 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' if you wanted me to." I saw them shaking their heads in amazement and Max whispering an "Unbelievable" as John said "Oh my God."
I continued. "There was just this...magic about movies which made it more special to me than TV. I never loved any TV show - - no, not even *liked* a show with the same intensity I have for some movies."
"Do you think," John started, "it's because TV comes into our homes on a daily basis? It never had that...special event-type atmosphere around it. Hope that made sense."
"Perfect sense, and I think you're probably right. Commercials have a lot to do with ruining that... You don't have commercials interrupting a film every ten or fifteen minutes." We chuckled. "Not yet anyway. I mean, TV's starting to enter the twenty-first century though. With big screens, DVD's and high definition sets... the possibilities are endless."
"Bud showed me one of the new HDTV's a couple of weeks ago when we went to one of those electronics places he adores," Max told me. "The...clarity - I think that's the right word - was remarkable."
"I know, I just saw one too. How'd you like to see 'Gladiator' or `Mystery, Alaska' on one of those suckers in your own home."
"Overwhelmed," Max commented, smiling. "It was almost *too* life-like. We have one of those big screens in our little theater here...."
"Sixty inches; complete surround sound system; nice cushioned seats in that stadium seating setting that's so popular."
"Aw man...." I sighed.
John continued. "We use it for special occasions - our own little movie premieres for instance. Or when we get together as a group to watch something better suited for a screen that size. Like being in a real theater. And sometimes...one of the guys might...reserve it, say for a birthday...."
"Or a date?" I teased, laughing softly, but I noticed that the sheriff lowered his head as he actually blushed. It was difficult to tell with the turtleneck under his other sweater, but I could have sworn that his neck was becoming a soft shade of red as well. For a second it took me by surprise. It had only been a joke; there had been no intention to embarrass him. All I could think to say was "Oh John, I hope I didn't..."
He glanced at me, the color fading some but still noticeable, and I realized he was not making complete eye contact with me. "I'm...uh...I'm...No apology necessary, Tina." He chuckled lightly. "Guess *that's* why the place stays so booked up. You almost have to reserve it a year in advance."
Maximus must have also noticed for he added, "You must forgive us, Tina. One of the attributes Russell imbued us with...well, I've noticed we all blush at the slightest..." He laughed. "Let us just say that often, it doesn't take much. The longer you're with us, the more you'll notice it, and it's nearly all of us. Bud..."
"Bud?!" I almost choked.
"Yes, Bud," Max continued, smiling, "both the Jeffs, Cort, Alex..."
"Colin, Andy. Oh God...and Arthur."
"Arthur?" That name was very unknown.
"Arthur Baskin," John explained. "Very young, quiet, shy; brought up in a religiously conservative household."
"I can empathize - - so was I. Non-denominational Pentecostal."
John had returned to a normal skin tone. "How about that. But Arthur...he'll come down and join in with us sometime." He pointed at a far booth, where I could just make out a nerdy looking boy, with an even more baby face than Cort and slicked back hair. He was in conversation with a dark haired girl likely about his age. "That's him over there now...I've seen her here before...She's mainly a lurker right now, but the two of them...." He smiled and shrugged.
"Aw...he's cute," I remarked. "RC must have been a baby when he played him. Of course, he's practically a baby right now." I turned back to my table companions, noticing that both had heightening reddish complexions. Giggling, I said, "Geez guys, I see what you mean." They chuckled almost similarly: infectiously soft baritones that sent a tingle through my lower half. "I can't wait to see Bud do that. Not something I'd expect from him."
Maximus smiled. "No, you wouldn't think so." Now his demeanor grew serious. "There are however..." He stole a glance at the sheriff. "There are a couple here you would never see blush under any circumstances... Sid for one."
"Oh... Sid. No, I wouldn't think so. *When* would he ever be embarrassed, or bashful, or tentative enough?" I had to wonder though. Considering the makeup of his bio-system, would he blush human red, or nano-gook blue? The idea of seeing his "flesh" colors transform him into a blueberry was enough to make me snicker to myself.
"And there's one other," Maximus continued, still very serious, and John nodded in agreement. "We *definitely* need to warn you about him...considering...."
"Considering...what?" I didn't like the hesitation.
"Have you seen 'Romper Stomper'?" the general asked me, and I shook my head. "Then you aren't familiar with Hando?"
My eyebrows raised as I stammered, "Hando? No... The movie's not... But then, I don't know *all* of RC's movies yet."
John spoke up. "Well thankfully, Hando doesn't come around us much. Tends to stay to himself a lot, which is fine with everyone."
"Not very sociable, huh?" I tried to lightly say, but when neither of them laughed, my smile fell as my eyes widened. "You two are starting to scare me."
"Sorry Tina, don't mean to," Max told me, "but it's important you be aware of him in case...well, in case you should meet up with him one day."
"He sounds almost worst than Sid."
"In a way he is," John said softly. "At least Sid can be ingratiatingly charming when he wants to be. Hando - excuse my language - is just a lousy son-of-a-bitch; totally useless. And..." He sighed as he sat back. "Sorry but...we're just trying to find a way to tell you because Hando's... Hando's a skinhead."
"A...what?!" I exclaimed, nearly knocking over my bottle of water. "I don't... I... *Why* would you all allow a *skinhead* to be here with the rest of you guys? I mean Sid's bad enough..."
Max smiled slightly. "I would almost deal with Sid better than Hando and they are both despicable lowlifes. But Hando hates everyone and everything."
"Skinheads normally do." I was trying not to let my nervousness be too obvious. "But I *still* don't understand why..."
"Because," John started as he leaned forward, "he's one of Russell's characters. It's as simple as that. *All* his characters are here, and unfortunately, it means - as cliched as it sounds - the good and the bad. There's not much we can do but try to live together the best we can. But that's why, in a nutshell, we have to put up with Hando or Sid -- and whoever else may come in the future."
"And although Sid is a pain..." Max began then the sheriff finished.
"Hando almost makes *him* pale. Sorry to drop all of this on you, but we wanted to warn you, just in case you run into him and one of us isn't around."
"I appreciate it, guys. So... what does he look like? If he's a neo-Nazi I imagine hair shaven to the scalp."
"Loads of tattoos. Nasty looking. Nobody else comes close." I know John saw me grimace when he said that. "You'd know him when you see him. Nobody else comes close."
"And if you are fortunate... you never will. However, caution is always best."
"Absolutely. Well like I said, I appreciate you all telling me. His look would have turned me off anyway, but... considering my Kentucky hospitality, I might have tried to smile and speak to him. I mean for me, he'd just be another Russell portrayal."
John reached over and as he had done when we were exchanging seats, a hand gently touched one of my wrists. "Exactly. I'm not trying to insult you or hurt you, Tina, but Hando would *definitely* let you know his feelings towards... someone of color."
I sighed. "Yeah, I'll bet he would. An African-American would be bad enough, but I'd really throw him for a loop. I'm biracial."
Maximus smiled and nodded, while John subtly removed his hand, although I enjoyed the gentle almost innocent touch. The general added: "Well as we said, Hando fortunately keeps to himself. When he does venture about, he usually goes no further than the bar, and only when everyone else is gone, so I wouldn't wander about the Tavern after it's closed. I half believe he *is* attempting to avoid all of us, no matter our race. I think since I arrived, I've seen him... once."
"I've seen him less than a half-dozen times since I got here, and that's just a few months short of a year."
"So if I'm lucky..."
Max grinned. "You'll *never* see him. Our little group here is becoming too diverse for him."
"Thank God."
John spoke again. "Like we said, we're not trying to scare you, just warn you. And if you do happen to meet him, just head in the opposite direction, okay? Or look for one of us. Don't try to confront him, no matter what he says."
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't feel as though you're a prisoner here though. Just be at home, all right?" I nodded.
John chuckled. "Well I know you needed to be warned, but how the hell did we get off on Hando?"
I smiled. "We were discussing how little it takes for you Boyz to blush."
"Oh yeah," John said, rubbing a hand over his beard. "Oh, and we were talking movies before that."
"How passionate you are for them."
"And how they mean the world to you." John's smile was teasing, as were his eyes. "Quick...off the top of your head. Name your ten favorite movies."
"In any order?"
"Any order."
"That's easy. My favorite of all time: 'Titanic'. Second is 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and third is Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Ten Commandments'. It's been number three forever; never changes position. Number five: I combine two movies as one..."
"What about your fourth favorite?" Max quizzed, eyebrows raising.
"I'll get to it in a moment. Where was... Oh, number five is 'The Godfather' and 'The Godfather Part II'"
"No 'Godfather III'?" John asked, the little smile he gave letting me know he suspected what my answer would be.
"No, since it was a disaster. Okay, Sofia Coppola didn't ruin her father's movie, but she sure as hell didn't help."
"Now that comment," Max spoke up, "*makes* me want to see it." We laughed and he said, "All right you have five more. What are the others?"
"In no particular order: 'Pulp Fiction', 'Gone with the Wind', 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir', Oliver Stone's 'JFK', the 1989 'Batman', 'Full Metal Jacket', 'The Right Stuff', 'Ben-Hur', 'The Silence of the Lambs', 'Laura', 'Citizen Kane'..."
"That's more than five," Maximus interrupted.
"Don't stop me. I'm on a roll." Both of them laughed and I continued. "'The Shawshank Redemption', VonStroheim's mangled silent epic, 'Greed', 'King Kong' - - the original, not that remake which stunk big time."
"Amen," John commented his smile increasing.
"'Wuthering Heights' - the 1939 classic version, 'The Mummy' and 'The Bride of Frankenstein' - - both with Karloff, 'The Sea Hawk', 'Casablanca', 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Rear Window', 'Psycho', 'Vertigo', 'Star Wars', 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'The English Patient', 'South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut', `Terminator II: Judgement Day'." I exhaled. "There's more, but you get my drift."
And they both applauded, laughing and cheering as they did.
"That was..." Max began, "...Tina... that was positively incredible.
Wasn't it, John?"
"That's an understatement. And none of them fall into one particular
category. You're all over the place - - and that's a compliment,
darlin', not a criticism. Just shows you have eclectic tastes."
I smiled, blushing a little. "Yeah, well, thanks. But you asked."
"Indeed we did," the general continued, "however...you still have not
told us your fourth favorite movie."
My eyes twinkled. "Didn't I?"
"Not yet and believe me, after hearing your other selections, my
curiosity is definitely even more increased."
"Mine too, Max. So 'fess up Ms. Stewart. What's number four?" John
asked.
Bowing my head, I sighed. "You can't guess?"
"I think we have a pretty good idea," Max teased, "but we want to hear
it from *your* mouth. Come on now, don't be getting shy on us again."
"All right, all right." My voice dropped to a whisper as my cheeks
burned. "It's 'Gladiator'." I looked at both of their beaming faces.
"Happy?"
"Well I am. How about you John?"
"Delighted. She's definitely got great tastes in movies."
I laughed again, but this time even I felt it. I nearly fumbled my water
bottle as my eyes started to droop. Glancing at my watch, I realized it
was just close to eleven (time definitely slowed down in this
dimension). Not only had it been an exciting day for me, but also the
mimosas were slowly kicking into gear.
"You must be getting tired," I heard Maximus gently say, and I nodded.
"I was just going to ask you all if you know a motel close by I could
walk to. Or even catch a cab there without paying an arm and a leg. I
just don't want to take a chance of driving home if my...well, if I'm a
little under the influence. I had a little bit more than usual, and I
don't want to take any chances."
"Absolutely not," John said. "That's smart on your part." He and Maximus
exchanged looks." You obviously... Nobody told you about the hotel?"
"Hotel? No - -"
"Crowe's Hotel," Max explained, and he pointed in a westward direction.
"It's right up the hill from here. Strictly for our guests."
"Oh God, you know what? I *do* remember Bud mentioning a hotel
restaurant, but I don't think it sank in or really clicked with me.
Hotel... Okay, makes sense. So you guys live..."
"Upstairs," they both answered.
"Here at the Tavern, and...I've got it. Sorry."
"Well we'd be happy to get you a room since you're going to stay
overnight."
"That would be great, Max. Really it would. Thanks. Hope they take
credit cards."
John grinned, his eyes becoming playful again. "We're very trusting. You
just have to answer one question."
Oh, so he wanted to play games, huh? Okay, I'd bite. "Shoot."
"Name your top favorite Russell Crowe movies." That started me laughing
until I wondered if I could stop, and my tablemates joined in. As I
shook my head, John added, "That's your deposit, Ms. Stewart. Come on
come clean. I *know* you've got at least three, don't you?"
"Aw man..."
"John's correct. The time for perfect honesty is at hand, Ms. Stewart.
Name them," he said quite gravely, but there was that darn smile, giving
away his true feelings.
I looked away for an instant, then opened my mouth to speak, just as a
voice suddenly announced: "Don't be so pushy, fellas. You two are going
to be hugely disappointed when she tells you 'L.A. Confidential' is her
favorite." We all laughed as Bud White leaned over, good-naturedly
placing his chin on my shoulder. "Go ahead, honey. Tell these two
losers."
"In order: 'Gladiator', 'Mystery, Alaska', and 'L.A. Confidential'," I
said quickly. "Sorry Wendell."
"Aw shit." Bud pretended to pout in disappointment while John stuck his
tongue out at him.
"She liked mine better than yours, White."
The cop snorted, as he stood upright. "Well she liked *his* better than
either of them."
Max crossed his arms, and sat back with a satisfied smile, trying not to
laugh any harder. "Thank you, Etienne. John was right about one thing:
you do have most excellent taste. Gentleman, the lady has spoken."
"Oh shut the hell up," Bud growled before he burst out laughing, joining
the rest of us.
"Wendell," Maximus sighed, "this isn't my fault. Everyone like
'Gladiator'."
"Except Roger Ebert," I admitted in a matter of fact way, pretending I
was ultra-serious.
"He's an idiot," Bud announced, "even if he did love 'L.A.Confidential'."
"He's *still* an idiot, Bud," John admitted. "But I was thinking more
along the lines of SOB."
"And I was thinking -" I paused. "Forget what I was thinking. I've never
been a fan of the bastard anyway."
"Such language, young lady," Bud teased. "Hey honey, I wanted to
introduce someone to you before we lose her to the company of some of
our more *interesting* guys..." That was when I realized that there was
a young woman standing off to White's side, her sense of humor intact as
well. "Michelle - - this is Etienne, better known as Tina. Tina - this
is Michelle. She's the one we call The Keeper. I don't know if you two
have met online or not."
"Yes we have," Michelle enthusiastically said as she extended her hand
so we could shake when I stood up. John and Maximus started to rise as
well, greeting her like an old friend, but she motioned for them to
remain seated. "Tina... it's great to finally meet you."
"Yeah, same here. How are you?"
"Exhausted," she sighed. "Just got off from work and decided, hey, I've
finally got a weekend off. I need to head out and see The Boyz. So here
I am." She wrapped an arm around Bud's waist. "There's only so long I
can go without them."
"That's understandable," I said with a smile. "I'm starting to wonder
how I'll survive after I head home."
"Just start counting the days until you *can* come back," she told me,
grinning. "Believe me, this is going to become wonderfully addictive for
you." She looked around at the three handsome men in our presence.
"You'll wonder how you ever got through life without them."
"I know the feeling already. Oh, and I promise, I'm trying to get my
list together like you asked. It's a bit of a challenge. A lot of the
good ones are already gone."
"Just think about it. Trust me. It'll come to you the more you think
about it."
"You all talking about the Keeper's List?" Bud asked, and I nodded.
"Yeah, it is dwindling down to a precious few, but Michelle's right.
Just give it some thought."
"Well, she already offered me a few," Michelle said with a knowing
smile. "A few for each of you guys."
John looked at me, surprise etched on his features. "You never told us
that, Tina. What did you pick?"
"Michelle..." I was getting embarrassed again at this attention.
"Well, it'll be common knowledge pretty soon anyway...Let's see..." I
had sat back down, wondering if I could hide my face in my hands. "Bud -
- she wants to keep your smile and your tender side."
"Aw," John and Maximus said, smiling at the cop in enough of a way that
I finally got to see the well discussed Bud White blush.
"And...Max... what was it... oh, keeper of the helmet - - the very sexy
one you used in the arena scene."
"That's the one that shows off your eyes, Max," Bud joked. When the
general scowled, he threw up his hands and said, "Hey, that's what all
the girls say." Maximus rolled those beautiful, blue-gray eyes and
chuckled deeply. "And... was it his official standard bearer, Tina?" I
nodded. "And John..."
"I can't wait to hear this," Bud quipped.
"Keeper of your plaid shirts, your sweaters, your icepack, your
snowmobile, your accent...."
"I asked to be his personal evidence/crime scene technician," I added.
"But I don't remember what else..."
Michelle shook her head. "I keep thinking there's another..." She
snapped her fingers. "Was it...?" She paused.
"Was it *what*?" Bud eagerly asked, anxious for more. "Oh come on
Michelle - - don't back out on us now. What the hell else?"
"I'm sure that when Tina wants to tell you, she will," she said, winking
at me.
"Michelle!" Bud was behaving as though he was about to wet himself.
"Come on girl - - spill it."
"Tina, it was great meeting you at last," she said, not missing a beat.
"Same here, Michelle." I stood up again, and whispered so that it was
between only us, "Thanks."
"No problem, girlfriend."
"Michelle!" Bud was getting desperate, and we were all starting to
laugh.
"John, Max... hope to see you two later."
"Welcome back, sweetheart."
"Yes, glad to see you back, Michelle," Maximus said.
"Thanks guys. I'd better get going. Colin's going to wonder what
happened to me."
"Yeah fellas, I'll be right back." Bud told us. "As soon as I get the
rest of this out of Michelle. You're not getting away that easy, young
woman, so come back here." She only smiled and started walking away, Bud
quickly following as he called out, "Oh come on, Michelle. What's the
big secret? You've told us this shit before...."
Maximus, still laughing quietly, climbed to his feet. "John, do you mind
keeping Tina company while I go arrange her reservation with Peaches?"
"You know I don't."
"Sorry, Max... you said... Peaches?"
"Yes, she's the owner of the hotel. She also has several other duties,
like our Liz and Michelle. I'm just going to walk up there for a moment
so she can get a room ready for you."
"Why don't you use the house phone, Max?" John asked.
"I was going to, but considering how noisy it's starting to get in here
- I'd just rather not scream everything over the telephone. I don't mind
the walk...I've been sitting too long anyway. I'll be back shortly you
two."
"Thanks Max. Like I said, I appreciate it."
"I'll return in a little," and after bowing slightly to me, he hurried
away.
And now there were two, I thought, recalling the old nursery rhyme. I
leaned back against the buttery upholstery of the booth, taking a deep
whiff of the fresh leather scent emanating from it. My companion was
running a finger over the rim of his mug; most of his beer still left.
He squirmed a little, I noticed, before looking straight at me. Smiling
and clearing his throat, he asked, "So...you've had a good time thus
far?" he asked, using his free hand to push his hair behind his ears.
For a second his movement distracted me. I had watched him perform that
action numerous times during the evening, and I realized the move was
becoming even sexier to me. Recovering, I answered, "I've had a
fantastic time, even with the Sid episode. In the words of my
sergeant,... this has been *great*."
"Well, I'm glad that you had...*are* having a good time...despite Sid,"
and we both laughed. "You're supposed to be able to come here, relax,...
be yourself. Put the real world aside for a while."
"That sounds so nice. It's hard for me...Hard for me to relax, I mean.
Most of the time I work six days before I'm off, but here lately, with
the overtime being available, I've worked two, three, four weeks
straight and barely took any time off."
"Geez. When the hell do you sleep?"
"What's that?" I joked, and we smiled.
"I *am* glad you got to meet Michelle tonight. She's something else."
"And Max said she does...other things, like Peaches and Liz?"
John nodded thoughtfully. "Michelle helps us..." He chuckled. "It's...
hard to explain, Tina, but Michelle,... she's the one... when we guys go
away from here - like our road trips, or shopping, whatever - she...
sort of has a hand in that."
"I'm not... Okay... like opening the portal?" I asked very seriously.
"Like opening - - Yeah, that's it. She doesn't have to be here
necessarily. It helps, but that's her responsibility when we want to...
well, to get outside all this. Sorry if that sounded awfully... 'Star
Trek'."
"Not at all. The more I think about it, and everything we've talked
about tonight as far as how you all came here...No, it makes sense to me
in a peculiar way. Everyone keeps saying I'll find my way home, and I'll
find my way back here again. I'm *really* believing that more and more."
"Just keep believing it, darlin'. You can come back whenever you like.
We-uh...We love you ladies' company."
I looked at some of the others who were about. "I can tell. I like this
place so much though. Everything's so... Well, it's so much more
intimate than when I was at Ford's Place."
"I can imagine," John laughed, taking a sip of his beer.
"Well there were *too* many people. Hundreds to be honest, sometimes
upwards of a thousand or more. If you finally got to meet one of the
popular ones: Han, Indy, John Book, Jack Ryan,...the character he played
in 'Air Force One'...well, it was like take a ticket, take a seat, and
you talked maybe fifteen minutes tops. I was there for...I guess almost
twenty years off and on, and I only met Han a total of...well, if I said
a couple of days, it wouldn't be an exaggeration."
"Shit."
"There was none of the intimacy - - not like it is here. That's why I
like this place. All of you guys seem to have plenty of time for the
guests. It's not rushed; it's so laid back. I don't feel like I need to
look at my watch all the time before someone comes along and knocks me
out of the way. If that makes sense."
"Makes perfect sense. I hope this place... well, I want to see it grow
of course, but I hope it never reaches those proportions. I can't
imagine what we'd do...But hey, I'm glad we've won you over, Ms.
Stewart." He paused for a second, then looked back at me again. "Could
I-uh... Could I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"It's sort of selfish on my part. Okay... curiosity."
I grinned, wondering what he had on his mind. "Sure John, go ahead."
"You-uh... You said 'Mystery, Alaska' was your second favorite RC
movie?" I nodded, smiling. "How did you... When did you first hear about
it?"
Sighing, I scooted forward a bit as though I was confiding a secret.
"It's funny... I have this... strange... I don't know, it's funny. I
remember... I think I do anyway... I remember skimming over this review
of it in my local paper, but... I can't recall an ad campaign, a 'Coming
Attraction'... not even a commercial. Nothing."
"So how *did* you find out about it?"
"Oddly enough, I was in a video store looking for a Russell movie to
take home for the weekend. That was *right* after I'd seen 'Gladiator'.
I had picked up 'The Insider', and... I'm skimming the shelves in the
immediate area... I'm in the "M" section... and... that's when I saw it.
The jacket just... caught my eye."
"The jacket, eh? So you didn't know- -"
"If I did, I'd forgotten by then. So, I picked it up, and I was reading
the cast, and I said to myself, 'Oh my God. Russell Crowe is in this!'
And I hemhawed back and forth for a minute, trying to decide between it
and 'The Insider' because I only had time to watch one...."
"And?" John asked anxiously.
"I decided to wait and battle big tobacco another night." I could nearly
hear him whisper 'Yes' under his breath, as he must have inwardly
cheered my decision.
"So...how many times have you seen it?"
"Once. Only once. That's all I've had time for. Sorry, but... well,
you'll be glad to know, it has stuck with me almost as much as
'Gladiator', and I've seen that even more... John," I gently placed a
hand over his left one, much as he had done with me earlier, "I really
*loved* your movie."
I could see the delight in both his eyes and his smile. "You did?"
"Absolutely. I mean, it's not this grand epic, or a gritty crime drama,
or one of those intense dramas which get Oscar nominations... but I
thought it was beautiful in its' own way."
"Beautiful, eh? I've never heard anyone call it that before."
"Well that's *my* opinion - my word. I just loved it so much. The
characters were quite three-dimensional, the storyline was good - not
predictable, and *you*..." His eyes dropped to his mug. "John, you
were... something else."
"Something else?" he laughed, his cheeks growing pink.
"You were incredible. Very multi-layered; I saw... such a range in you.
Russell just did marvelous job. I mean, up to that point, the only
characters I knew of his were Sid, and Bud... and of course, Maximus,
but 'Mystery, Alaska'... I can't seriously imagine anyone but him...
*you*."
"Thanks."
"You are most welcome. Your movie definitely made my night, believe me.
If I had had the time, I would have watched it again. I know I will at
some point."
"That's really nice of you, Tina."
"I'm just being honest, John. It was wonderful, unquestionably one of
Russell's best... I..." I softly laughed, almost embarrassed by how I
was laying it on. "I mean, it was such a nice, sweet little movie,...
but there was so much more, and I really, *really* got into it... You
want to know how I knew your character had won me over?"
"Hell yeah, I'd love to know!" he said earnestly and we both laughed.
"During the big game... when that Rangers player... I think he... body
slammed you... I was watching while laying in bed...and I literally
jumped off the bed and..." I stopped, for that had been a very personal
moment for me, and I was about to reveal a rather private recollection.
"Well... I-uh... I-uh screamed your name."
"You... You did?" Biebe softly asked.
"I was worried the SOB had hurt you. Sorry, but I get into a lot of
movies that way, no matter how many times I've seen them. And when I
become overly concerned for the characters... sometimes I catch myself
doing... caring about them so much."
"I figured you did, just from listening to the passion you have when you
talk about them."
I shook my head. "No matter how many times I've seen 'Titanic', it still
tears me to pieces watching those people run for the highest point out
of the water, or watching them jump overboard. I still...hold my breath
and hope that this time, when Rose tells Jack there's a lifeboat to
rescue them, he answers her. Or that one day, they'll actually clear the
berg to begin with." Resting my chin on my left fist, I continued. "and
one of these days, maybe I'll eventually stop telling myself that in the
end, Maximus won't die this time round... I keep saying that, every time
I see them... that things will work out better."
Nodding, John quietly added, "You have...Well, you've not only got a
great imagination, but you live a lot of movies, don't you?" I nodded,
not speaking. "See, that's why I love movies so much too. If it's a
great one, you're right up there with the characters, aren't you?"
"Very much so."
"How many times have you climbed out on the bow with Jack and Rose and
went 'flying'?"
I beamed. How did he know how much I loved that scene? "Eleven times on
a big screen; I've lost count on video, but it's been a lot."
"Well, being your favorite movie, I can understand why. Is that your
favorite scene, the 'flying' scene?"
"Oh yeah... yes, it is... I can feel..." I shut my eyes. "I can taste
the salt in the air; hear the waves as the ship cuts through them; feel
the wind whipping about my clothes... I love Rose's outfit in that scene
- - I have a doll wearing that very dress." I focused back on John,
seeing how intently he was listening to me. "I'm on the banks of the Red
Sea when Moses parts it; I cry every time Sonny Corleone gets gunned
down. When Matthew Broderick leads his Negro troops on that hopeless
attack on the southern fort in 'Glory', I'm charging along with them...
I've been in the Arena with Maximus... I've skated the ice with you."
"After only one time?"
"It only took once.... When you... Well, when you... After the 'Dear
Abby' scene - which I love by the way."
"Thank you."
"Well when you go out... on the ice... by yourself... You don't say a
damn word, it's all..." I pointed at my eyes, "*here*. It was a small
scene, but a big moment for you... That expression in your eyes, and on
your face when you were staring at the net... Aw man, it was great."
Biebe's cheeks were starting to burn outwardly again, and I shook my
head, not having meant to embarrass him. "I'm sorry John."
He rubbed his beard and pushed back his hair, smiling softly as he did.
"For making me... Nah, no problem, darlin'. It's only that... I've... I
don't believe anyone's ever talked about 'Mystery, Alaska' the way you
do. You saw so much to it."
"Well it was because of the characters... and you. I mean, it could have
had this cliched ending with you guys kicking the Rangers' asses big
time, or winning on a last second goal. Instead... well, even though you
lost... I don't know... it felt like you'd won even more."
"Yeah it did. I know one thing." My eyebrows raised. "It made this old
man feel great."
"Who's an old man?" I asked softly. "You?" The sheriff gave me one of
his lopsided grins. "John Biebe you are *not* old, dammit!" I quietly
proclaimed. For a second, the expression on his face reminded me of Bud
White when I told him I would never falsify evidence. John also saw my
fervor behind my wire-framed glasses. "If you're old, that makes me old,
too, and I ain't going for that. We're both about the same age." He
chuckled, as did I. "But I could see how you could feel ancient and
washed-up. Scott and them dropped you like you were a two-bit rookie, or
completely out of step. And asking you to coach...geez, that was a
double blow."
"I understand why they did, Tina - - looking on all of it in hindsight.
Hell... *I* might have dropped me!" he joked, then he was serious again.
"Wasn't a good time for me during that... Hmph... Well, maybe one day,
when I'm much older and..." He patted his stomach as I laughed.
"...Well, a hell of a lot fatter, I'll want to coach...."
"Question then. Do you all grow old?"
"Nope. We stay... as far as we comprehend, the exact way we were in our
movies, for the most part I suppose."
"So..." I began thoughtfully, "you'll never actually be older or fatter
then?"
"Guess not. So I don't suppose I'll ever actually coach then."
"You don't sound disappointed by that."
"I want to play, darlin', not coach. I've wanted to be in the Saturday
game from the time I knew what it was. So we're talking three or
four-years-old. I was on skates almost before I knew how to walk...
Hockey became as much a part of my life as law enforcement did when I
decided that'd be my career. Or when I asked Donna to marry me, and
become part of my life...or when my boys were born." I just sat there
and listened to him, that distinctive accent of his beginning to fill my
heart with its' quiet tone. His reminiscing was not sad or pathetic; it
was sweet natured, like him. Finally he sighed, and gave that deep laugh
I had heard Maximus utter so often during my talks with him. "Sorry."
"Why? No... don't be sorry, John. This has been great, listening to you
talk about your life and your world this way. I like hearing about it."
"I just feel like I've bored you."
"No, not at all. It just adds to what I sort of thought you'd be like. I
always try to imagine the characters as they were before a movie
started... and if they survive what their lives may be like afterwards.
I have notes jotted down for stories about what happened with Rose after
'Titanic'."
"You write then?"
"I *love* to write. It's my one real creative outlet."
"You have a pretty voice though." Now it was my turn to blush. "I said
that earlier. Do you sing at all?"
"I had chorus when I was in school... and drama. Acting and singing were
my other outlets, but writing was my first love."
"Like movies, eh?"
"Yes, like movies. But... uh, back to 'Mystery, Alaska'. I can't wait to
see it again. I just think I'll pick up on things I missed the first
time out."
"That happens. One thing though... We *still* lose the game," he
grinned.
"Yeah, but..." My eyes twinkled humorously as I watched him drift into
another of his charming, lopsided grins. That beard of his... I again
liked how it framed his mouth. And as he took a final drink from the
mug, I saw his tongue very casually run over his lips. Maximus had done
that as well, and had looked just as sexy, but with John - -
"Yeah, but what, Tina?" the sheriff asked, waiting for me to finish. I
hoped to God I hadn't been staring at him.
I came to my senses. I *had* to stop doing that. "Yeah, but..." I had
forgotten my train of thought, so I managed, "But I get to watch you out
there on the ice again."
He laughed. "You can watch me do that anytime, darlin'. There's a rink
here on the property. I go skating all the time; need to keep up my
skills."
"Hey, you've got jump, remember."
He nodded, his smile broadening. Then it happened. We had what Bud and I
had earlier: a comfortable lull, one that required no conversation. I
gazed about at the surroundings, enjoying how those present of Russell's
characters interacted with the ladies who were there. It was a wonderful
feeling - - I could sense the warmth, the excitement. At that moment,
there was no place else I longed to be. And across from me was a
handsome young man I found amusing, intelligent, sexy....
"Uh Tina..." My attention was drawn from watching Lachlan and an
obviously thrilled lady dance to a TOFOG tune. I looked back at John,
who was swallowing so hard I could almost hear it.
"I'm sorry, John. Did you say something?"
"Yeah, I did." He paused again, once again running a finger about the
glass then our eyes met. I noticed it then: he had hazel specks in those
blue-green eyes. "Uh Tina... I was just wondering... if maybe
sometime...."
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