He ran down the stairs, desperately needing a drink. However when he reached the living room, he stopped and looked around in alarm. How in God's name had he ended up in this cold, unfriendly mansion? Just hours before, he'd gone to sleep at the Montana! He was sure of it! This had to be a dream... or more precisely, a nightmare!
He rushed over to the bar and poured himself a sherry, drinking it in one gulp. The liquid trickled down his throat, causing a burning sensation that would make swallowing sandpaper feel soothing.
Suddenly he heard footsteps coming down the stairs and he whirled around; his heart beating rapidly at the sight.
"Maris..." He said, slowly backing away as she came near. He gave her a weak smile and an even weaker laugh.
"H-hello."
His breath caught in his throat when she took him in her arms and kissed him.
When the kiss ended, he pulled away, cringing.
Not so long ago, he would have savored this moment like a fine glass of the world's best wine. But now it sickened him. He had to get out of here.
Ignoring her puzzled look, he ran past Maris and up the staircase. In a disillusioned state, he entered his bedroom and changed his clothes. Within minutes, he'd managed to sneak down the back staircase, past Marta and the cleaning staff, and out the back door.
Safely in his BMW, he backed out of the expansive driveway, narrowly missing Maris' blue Mercedes. He paused only for a moment before he shifted into Drive and exceeded the speed limit until he came to a screeching halt in the parking garage at the Elliott Bay Towers.
He couldn't get to the elevator fast enough and his hand trembled as he pushed the button for the 19th floor.
When the elevator doors opened, he ran across the hall and pounded on the door. "Frasier! Open up! It's Niles!" he yelled. "I've got to talk to you! This is an emergency!"
Footsteps approached causing him to sigh with relief. His brother would know how to handle this. It was definitely stress from working much too hard. And the horrible fight he'd had with Daphne had only proven to make things worse. He could hear the unlocking of the door and then it opened.
"Frasier, thank God! I... Oh..."
Suddenly he wished he hadn't come. Just when he thought that things couldn't get any worse...
They did.