Disclaimers: Hold on, my husband said he had bought me CSI:NY for Christmas, I assumed I owned everything! Little did I know it was just season 2 on dvd!!!! Poop, another day in obscurity!
My knowledge of the Catskill Mountains comes from Rand McNally the road map. So all towns, etc. are there, what they are really like is a mystery to me. So of course I have taken the liberty to invent what ever I want when it comes to my fiction.
I've really turned into something of a review junkie, so help me out and please review. It gives me a sense of purpose. Although I do write just for the love of it and to amuse myself!
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His knuckles tightened on the steering wheel and he muttered under his breath. Glancing into the side and rear mirrors, he accelerated quickly and moved into the other lane. The traffic ahead of him suddenly slowed, causing him to punch on the brake. The car he had just maneuvered around zipped by as the other lane continued to flow. "Damn it!"
"Easy Don. I'd like to get there in one piece if you don't mind." The young man in the passenger seat adjusted his seatbelt and pushed his glasses back up his nose. "Now I see why Stella doesn't like it when you drive."
"The reason Stella doesn't like me driving is that she claims I stop for food too often. So, go to hell Messer." The dark-haired detective watched for his opening and moved back into his original lane. "Besides, this traffic is nuts. I always thought everyone came into the city for New Year's Eve. Time Square, Dick Clark and all that jazz."
"Behind the times my man, Dick Clark is still questionable since his stroke. I think it won't be the same without him there, counting down until the ball drops. I guess it's a good thing we're getting out of town." Danny watched, as his friend's tension seemed to mount with each passing mile of traffic. "Do you want me to drive?"
"Nah, I'm good." The strong set to his jaw gave the impression that it would be pointless to ask again. "I guess I'm still a little stressed from Christmas."
Danny knew that Flack had spent Christmas with his family and that the relationship between him and his father were rather stained. "How are Denise and Scott handling the new baby?" Flack's sister and husband were in the process of adopting an infant that Flack had found abandoned.
"Real good. You would have thought FAO Schwartz had opened up a branch store at their place, she raked in the goodies. Of course she is the first grandchild on both sides, so I know Mom was not going to let Scott's mom out do her." Flack's smile was genuine. "Scott and Denise asked me to be her godfather."
"You're off to a good start with the protecting part." Danny referred to Flack's devotion to finding the baby's birth parents. "I can see it now. You can threaten her potential dates; 'I want you to meet my little friend'."
"Wrong movie, that was Scarface."
"You know what I mean. So what happened to make it stressful?"
"What's my exit?" Flack glanced down at the map quest directions.
"You want Interstate 87 North. Don't avoid my question." Danny glanced over at his friend.
"As soon as I walked in he started making comments. You know what it's like not having your old man's approval."
"Touché." Danny's family situation was also a sore spot. Eagar to avoid delving into his Christmas, he quickly changed the subject.
"So tell me about this place."
"It's outside of Phoenicia, off of Highway 28 and has some of the best skiing around. A guy I went to college with is one of the managers of the resort. He claims that around New Year's the number of eligible young women skyrockets."
"Sounds like my kind of place. So how did you get interested in all of these snow sports? Basketball I can understand, but hockey and skiing? I'm not too sure on the skiing thing. Not much opportunity for a city kid to learn."
Flack smiled, "I've got an aunt and uncle up around Albany who would have us spend our Christmas break with them. About three years ago they sold out and headed for a beach in Florida. They claimed they had enough New York winters to last them the rest of their lives. My cousins still live around Albany though."
"Well, I'm sure you can burn up the slopes while I hang out in the hot tub with the cute girls." Danny rubbed his hands together.
"I'm sure Lindsey gave her blessing on that?"
"Montana? Nothing going on there Don. I asked, she said no, end of story." Danny's lips pursed slightly and his brown furrowed. "I can't understand it? We were getting pretty chummy and bam. I get the "just want to be friends" speech."
"I guess it was bound to happen." Flack set the bait.
"What?" Danny bit.
"She finally saw the real you and realized that you are more like the frog than the prince." Flack chuckled over his own humor.
"Keep laughing. I don't remember any little woman crying a river over you lately." Danny fired back.
"No, and I intend to keep it that way for a while."
"What? Swearing off the ladies? I would have packed my special undies." Danny teased.
"If Lindsey doesn't want you, neither do I. Besides, right now my life is to fucked up to drag someone else into it." Flack merged the car into the traffic headed to the North.
Danny hadn't anticipated Flack's reply and was a little taken aback. "Hey, I'm not trying to be Dr. Phil or anything, but I really can't see where your life is that messed up. Of course my family is a poster child for the dysfunctional association." He tried to put a little humor back into the conversation; it was getting to serious. However, if his friend wanted to talk about his troubles, Danny would listen.
"It's nothing I want to go into.
Danny nodded. Ever since Flack had gone missing a while back there had been some unresolved issues. Obviously the department shrink had gotten exactly what he wanted to hear or Flack wouldn't have been allowed back on the street.
The two men lapsed back into silence and after driving for another hour, the traffic had started to thin out.
The warmth of the heater and the drone of sports talk radio and lulled Danny into a light slumber. His head thrown back and mouth opened slightly. Don looked over at his friend and shook his head good-naturedly. Danny was a good guy, both at work and as a friend. It wasn't that Don didn't feel comfortable explaining himself to Danny; it was that he didn't think it would be fair to unload extra stress on him. Danny was right about his own family being seriously messed up. A father and brother who were both hoods didn't look good when you worked for the force.
The exit for Highway 28 was ahead. Not a whole lot further. They would get checked in and enjoy the evening at one of the local drinking establishments. Both men had several days off and they had agreed it would be good to get out of the city for a breather.
Don enjoyed being off the interstate, the scenery was much more interesting. They were now in the foothills of the Catskill's and the trees and snow looked like a picture from a Christmas card. A sign indicated that a mile ahead was a small town and he decided a Coke would be a welcome addition. Besides, that would give Danny a chance to wake up and take in the beauty.
Feeling the car slow down and the several large jolts as they pulled off the roadway into the convenience store's parking lot, Danny sat up sleepily and removed his glasses to rub his eyes. "Are we here?"
"No, still at least another hour. I needed a drink."
"Yeah, ok. I could use the head also." Danny climbed out of the car and was struck by the brisk chill. "Whoa, it's cold out."
"There's that science background at work again. Impressive knowledge Danny."
"Stuff it Flack." Danny walked quickly to the store and smiled at the young woman behind the counter. "You were certainly right about the beautiful scenery around here Flack." Without waiting for a reply, Danny headed to the restrooms.
Don grabbed a Coke from the cooler and took a look around the snack selection. He was getting hungry and a little something would keep the edge off his hunger until they got to the resort. He settled on several packs of cashews and a pack of beef jerky. He put the items on the counter and smiled at the cashier. "Wait to ring this up. I'm sure my friend will want me to pay for his stuff too."
As if on cue, Danny emerged and headed to the cooler and grabbed a bottle of water. He made is way to the front and placing the water and a candy bar on the counter, he turned to Flack. "Can you cover me? I left my wallet in the car."
The girl started to giggle and Danny looked up at her in surprise. "What?"
"Nothing." She said the laugh still present in her voice. "It's just that he said you would say that."
Danny smirked and looked at Flack. "It's just that it bothers me when I have to sit on my wallet when I'm in a car."
"Save it Danny, I've got it. You can buy the first round tonight." Flack pulled his wallet out of his jeans.
"You guys staying around here?" The cashier took a quick glance under her lashes at Danny. He notice and gave her a big smile. She quickly looked back to the items she was scanning and a pink blush colored her cheeks.
"No, we're heading up towards Phoenicia." Flack had taken in the scene with amusement. Danny could always find'em. "How's the powder up that way?"
"Not too bad. It was really warm last week and we started to get some melting, but then it cooled down and dumped a couple of fresh inches on top." The girl began to put the items into a bag. "They are calling for a bunch of fresh snow tomorrow or the day after. Depends on how fast and which way it goes. Must be great to be a weatherman and get paid for never being sure."
Danny smiled at her again. "Yeah, everything is a 50 chance."
Grabbing the sack, Don turned to the door. "Come on Romeo, let's get back on the road."
Giving a shrug to indicate 'what can you do', Danny said good-bye and jogged over to the car. "Why ya always got to be blowing my chances with the ladies?"
"Save it Danny." Flack got in and started the car. "Think of all the women in Phoenicia who are awaiting your arrival."
Pulling back out onto the highway they both were quiet as they snacked, the radio station giving the run down on the up coming bowl games.
It was 45 minutes later when they pulled up to the lodge that was the main building for the resort. There were four smaller buildings visible, each ablaze with lights.
"Nice place your friend has got here." Danny was visibly impressed.
"Let's wait until we see our rooms before you get too excited." They crossed the lot to the door. "I told him we needed the budget plan. I hope that doesn't mean we will be sleeping in the barn or anything."
They entered and made their way to the check-in desk. A petite redhead was handing a key to a middle-age man and pointing out directions. As the customer moved away, she turned her attention on the two newcomers. "Hello gentlemen. Welcome to Hidden Springs Resorts, can I help you."
"Yes, I've got reservations for two rooms under the name Flack." Don pulled out his wallet.
"Oh my God, you're Shawn's friend from college!"
Looking a little embarrassed, Flack nodded. "Yeah, is he here?"
"He had to run some towels and things over to Wind's Reach, that's one of the buildings. He should be back in ten minutes or so."
"Great. Why don't we go ahead and check in and get our room. I can talk to him when he gets back if he's got the time." Another group had come into the foyer and he didn't want to hold up the process.
"He put you here in the lodge. Rooms number 126 and 128, they are next to each other. Here are your key cards. The indoor pool is down this hallway, dinner is in the dining room from 6-10 pm. and the lounge is down that way. Tonight being New Year's Eve, there is a live band that will play from 8pm until 1:00." Turning and giving Danny the full benefit of her smile she added. "My name is Stacy and if you need anything, just call the desk."
Grabbing the keys, Flack spoke for both of them. "Thanks and please let Shawn know we made it."
Danny turned and gave Stacy a smile and a wave, "Thanks Stacy. I'm Danny and if you need anything you know where I am."
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Fifteen minutes later they had carried their luggage in and had discovered that the refrigerator in Flack's room had been stocked with beer. Sitting down and enjoying a cold beverage, the men discussed their plans for the evening.
"Ok, so we grab something to eat at the dining room and then head to the lounge to get a good spot." Danny stood and grabbed another beer. "I'll go change and be right back."
Flack tipped back the remainder of his beer and then set the bottle down. "That tastes real good. It's a good thing we don't have to drive tonight."
Danny laughed, "Just so long as I'm not to drunk to lose my good taste and judgment when it comes to women."
"What? You had that before you started drinking?" Flack snorted and grabbed another bottle.
"You know Flack, you have done nothing but impugn my character all day. In fact ever since I've know you, you have called into question my ability to attract women. I tell you what. Let's have a little wager. Let's see who gets the first lady tonight."
"Hold on there. You'll get someone's gramma on the dance floor and expect me to pay up." Flack shook his head. "Besides, I don't know if I like the idea of messing around with any of Shawn's customers. It might give a bad reputation to the place."
"Flack, we don't work here! We are just two hotel guest, just like the rest. If we want to pick up girls and spend a wild evening filled with wanton behavior, who cares?" Danny pointed a finger tauntingly at Flack. "I think you are just chicken shit, cause you know who the ladies love more."
Rolling his eyes, Flack took a drink. "Now you're talking like a crazy man Danny."
"Knew it, chicken. Flack is a chicken." Danny made some clucking sounds.
"Screw you Messer," Flack pointed back to his friend. "I take your challenge. I'll see you eating your words before the night is over."