CHAPTER 16
Esperanza eyed their new boarder with a deep suspicion. He wasn't like Joe or Richie or Duncan
… there was something about him she couldn't quite put her finger on …
Methos could see the woman was wary of him as he carried his suitcase into the entryway and
was introduced.
"Adam Pierson … this is Esperanza Ricci ." Beth turned from one to the other.
"Buena sera Signora … Piacere di conoscerla." He greeted her in her native Italian.
"buena sera … Signor Pierson" she replied. "It is nice to meet you too." Her refusal to continue
in her native tongue letting him know she wouldn't be charmed so easily.
Adam raised his eyebrows in amusement as she went back into the kitchen, leaving him in the
entryway with Beth.
"Here … let me get this one." Beth offered as she picked up his small duffel bag, leaving him to
maneuver the larger pieces. "I know you know the way … but I want to make sure you are settled
in." she led him up the two flights of stairs.
"I decided to open these two rooms up … hope you like the change." Beth said as she opened
the first door and walked in.
"Wow." Adam said as he noticed the transformation. The wall between the two smaller rooms
had been removed and it was now one big area with two large bookcases that had been freshly
stained in a dark wood. The walls were painted in a soft cream and the hard wood floors had
been redone. "This is terrific." He put his things down on the floor and crossed over to the bed,
sitting down and testing the springs.
"I know it's a little creaky … I hadn't really planned for boarders …" she confessed.
"It's fine … really … creaks and all." Adam replied, standing up to check out the shelves and
closets. "For someone who has only been here a few months, you've really transformed this
place."
"Thanks … I like to stay busy …" she started to say that it helps keep her mind off things .. but he
knew that she suspected. "The second bath isn't finished yet … I started converted the small
room across the hall … so until then you will have to share with Esperanza …"
"I'll make sure I respect her privacy." Adam reassured her. He'd been a boarder before and
understood how to make it work with other tenants.
"Dinner will be ready at six … and there are plenty of fresh towels in the linen closet in the
hallway … and the laundry room … well it's where you remember …" she laughed as she turned
to go.
Adam looked up from the suitcase he'd opened on the bed to see her still standing in the
doorway. "Was there something else?" he asked.
"No … not really … I mean … I appreciate what you are doing for me. I can't imagine why you
would agree …"
Adam walked over to the door to stand in front of her. "I needed a place to stay … and you
needed … a little peace of mind. I'd say we both benefit from this arrangement." He smiled,
making her feel more at ease. He had a nice smile when he bothered to show it … and his eyes,
which she had thought such a cold grey color the first time they met, had taken on a softer hue …
even a glint of brightness as he smiled.
Beth returned the smile and thanked him one more time before leaving Adam to unpack.
Over dinner Esperanza practically grilled Adam about everything she could think of. She
periodically broke out in Italian to test his real depth of the language … thinking at first he must
have picked it up in a survival book for travelers. She was surprised when not only did he have a
mastery of the language … but knew the slight dialect variation from her native area in Northern
Italy.
"I may not be well travelled … but thanks to you two I now feel like I've been to a foreign country."
Beth's humorous comment reminded them that she was completely unaware of what they were
discussing.
Adam grinned sheepishly. "I guess we did get a bit carried away."
"Esperanza was telling me about the mountains that rose above her village … Sondrio, her
village, is in the French Alps." He explained.
"That sounds beautiful." Beth replied, her eyes alight … encouraging them both to continue
telling her about this wonderful place … but this time … in English.
Adam had to take care that he only speak vaguely about the region, even though he'd spent
literally centuries in the area. One slip about a part of the region that was much too old for him to
possibly know and Esperanza would be even more suspicious. As things went … by the time the
three of them joined Barkley in the living room for coffee and desert in front of the fire, Adam had
the older woman completely charmed. He'd thought it would take much longer … congratulating
himself silently for not giving himself more credit.
It was time for Beth and Esperanza to do the baking for the next day, but the older woman
insisted she do it alone … "You need to rest … you push yourself too hard." Esperanza insisted.
"But I took practically all the day off for my drive with Duncan … and you took care of everything.
Really Esperanza … if anyone deserves a night off … it's you."
But the older woman really loved her time alone in the big kitchen. It allowed her to do things that
she found relaxing … even though many would find it hard work.
"I think I'll start moving some of my research from the attic into my room." Adam said as he
carried his plate and coffee cup to the dishwasher. "Do you want me to bring in some more
firewood?"
"Oh … thanks … but I think there's plenty for tonight, and I may try to turn in early …" she said as
Barkley walked over and rubbed himself against her leg.
"Well … I'll leave you to enjoy your evening." Adam said as he walked toward the stairs. "If you
need anything … if you hear or see anything suspicious …"
"I'll be sure and let you know … thank you Adam." She said as he paused in the doorway.
Adam noticed the proud tilt of her chin … the way she bravely displayed an air of confidence.
She was by no means fragile … and yet … he realized he was glad Duncan had persuaded her
to let him stay in the house. He could see in her eyes the deep sadness that she tried to mask
with her naturally positive demeanor, and admired her for the effort he knew it took.
"Goodnight Beth." He said, moving away from the doorframe.
"Goodnight Adam … " Beth replied, watching him disappear above the first landing.
The phone rang and Beth reached for the cordless as she browsed the shelves of the bookcase,
looking for something to curl up with before trying to sleep.
"Beth … it's Richie."
"Richie … Hello … how was your day?"
The two of them shared a bit of small talk and then Richie asked how things were going with
Adam.
"It's fine Richie … really it is. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but he seems nice
enough … and I do feel better having him here to keep a watch over us."
"You know I'd be there in a second if you needed me." Richie promised.
"I know … and I appreciate that. But Richie you have your own life … your friends … I don't want
to interfere."
"You know I wouldn't think that." He replied. "I care about you … I want to know you're safe."
"Between you and Duncan and Joe … and now Adam … I feel safer now than I have in a long
time … "
"So have I interrupted your baking?" he asked.
"Actually … no … Esperanza wanted the kitchen to herself and I'm going to curl up with a book
and try to get to bed early …"
"I won't keep you then … but you have my cell … if you need me."
"Thanks Richie … I will … and you have a good night. If you have time tomorrow … stop by, ok?"
"I will … sweet dreams."
"you too." She replied before pushing the button to end the conversation.
She looked up to find Adam watching her from the doorway.
"Sorry … I didn't want to interrupt … but I thought I'd grab one of my beers from the fridge …
unpacking makes a man thirsty." He brushed by her and retrieved his bottle.
"I take it that was Richie checking up on you." He said as he turned back toward her.
"He's been really great … " Beth replied.
"You know he's in love with you don't you?" Adam asked directly.
Beth didn't reply and he didn't wait for one. Adam retreated to his room on the third floor, leaving
Beth in the living room, clutching a book she knew she'd never get past the first few pages
because of the guilt she felt over Richie … She hadn't meant to lead him on … she hadn't seen it
till it was too late. Hadn't she been honest with him though as soon as she realized?
Part of her wished she could just let down the wall she'd built up and let whatever happen,
happen. But another part of her knew that Richie wasn't going to fill the void in her life … and she
wasn't going to be what he ultimately needed either. And she cared much too much for him to
fool herself into thinking something casual wouldn't leave them both regretting it.
She put the book back on the shelf, closed the glass to let the fire die down and called out a
goodnight greeting to Esperanza before climbing the stairs to her room. Still deep in thought,
she mindlessly scrubbed her face … brushed her hair … and put on the simple white cotton gown
she'd folded under her pillow that morning. Settling into the covers, Beth listened to the sounds
of the house … the occasional car on the street … the sound of Adam moving around in the room
above … Esperanza's footsteps pausing on her landing before moving up to her own room.
After a long while Beth finally drifted off … hoping that this might be the first night in so many that
she could make it through without the terror that haunted her dreams.
Esperanza eyed their new boarder with a deep suspicion. He wasn't like Joe or Richie or Duncan
… there was something about him she couldn't quite put her finger on …
Methos could see the woman was wary of him as he carried his suitcase into the entryway and
was introduced.
"Adam Pierson … this is Esperanza Ricci ." Beth turned from one to the other.
"Buena sera Signora … Piacere di conoscerla." He greeted her in her native Italian.
"buena sera … Signor Pierson" she replied. "It is nice to meet you too." Her refusal to continue
in her native tongue letting him know she wouldn't be charmed so easily.
Adam raised his eyebrows in amusement as she went back into the kitchen, leaving him in the
entryway with Beth.
"Here … let me get this one." Beth offered as she picked up his small duffel bag, leaving him to
maneuver the larger pieces. "I know you know the way … but I want to make sure you are settled
in." she led him up the two flights of stairs.
"I decided to open these two rooms up … hope you like the change." Beth said as she opened
the first door and walked in.
"Wow." Adam said as he noticed the transformation. The wall between the two smaller rooms
had been removed and it was now one big area with two large bookcases that had been freshly
stained in a dark wood. The walls were painted in a soft cream and the hard wood floors had
been redone. "This is terrific." He put his things down on the floor and crossed over to the bed,
sitting down and testing the springs.
"I know it's a little creaky … I hadn't really planned for boarders …" she confessed.
"It's fine … really … creaks and all." Adam replied, standing up to check out the shelves and
closets. "For someone who has only been here a few months, you've really transformed this
place."
"Thanks … I like to stay busy …" she started to say that it helps keep her mind off things .. but he
knew that she suspected. "The second bath isn't finished yet … I started converted the small
room across the hall … so until then you will have to share with Esperanza …"
"I'll make sure I respect her privacy." Adam reassured her. He'd been a boarder before and
understood how to make it work with other tenants.
"Dinner will be ready at six … and there are plenty of fresh towels in the linen closet in the
hallway … and the laundry room … well it's where you remember …" she laughed as she turned
to go.
Adam looked up from the suitcase he'd opened on the bed to see her still standing in the
doorway. "Was there something else?" he asked.
"No … not really … I mean … I appreciate what you are doing for me. I can't imagine why you
would agree …"
Adam walked over to the door to stand in front of her. "I needed a place to stay … and you
needed … a little peace of mind. I'd say we both benefit from this arrangement." He smiled,
making her feel more at ease. He had a nice smile when he bothered to show it … and his eyes,
which she had thought such a cold grey color the first time they met, had taken on a softer hue …
even a glint of brightness as he smiled.
Beth returned the smile and thanked him one more time before leaving Adam to unpack.
Over dinner Esperanza practically grilled Adam about everything she could think of. She
periodically broke out in Italian to test his real depth of the language … thinking at first he must
have picked it up in a survival book for travelers. She was surprised when not only did he have a
mastery of the language … but knew the slight dialect variation from her native area in Northern
Italy.
"I may not be well travelled … but thanks to you two I now feel like I've been to a foreign country."
Beth's humorous comment reminded them that she was completely unaware of what they were
discussing.
Adam grinned sheepishly. "I guess we did get a bit carried away."
"Esperanza was telling me about the mountains that rose above her village … Sondrio, her
village, is in the French Alps." He explained.
"That sounds beautiful." Beth replied, her eyes alight … encouraging them both to continue
telling her about this wonderful place … but this time … in English.
Adam had to take care that he only speak vaguely about the region, even though he'd spent
literally centuries in the area. One slip about a part of the region that was much too old for him to
possibly know and Esperanza would be even more suspicious. As things went … by the time the
three of them joined Barkley in the living room for coffee and desert in front of the fire, Adam had
the older woman completely charmed. He'd thought it would take much longer … congratulating
himself silently for not giving himself more credit.
It was time for Beth and Esperanza to do the baking for the next day, but the older woman
insisted she do it alone … "You need to rest … you push yourself too hard." Esperanza insisted.
"But I took practically all the day off for my drive with Duncan … and you took care of everything.
Really Esperanza … if anyone deserves a night off … it's you."
But the older woman really loved her time alone in the big kitchen. It allowed her to do things that
she found relaxing … even though many would find it hard work.
"I think I'll start moving some of my research from the attic into my room." Adam said as he
carried his plate and coffee cup to the dishwasher. "Do you want me to bring in some more
firewood?"
"Oh … thanks … but I think there's plenty for tonight, and I may try to turn in early …" she said as
Barkley walked over and rubbed himself against her leg.
"Well … I'll leave you to enjoy your evening." Adam said as he walked toward the stairs. "If you
need anything … if you hear or see anything suspicious …"
"I'll be sure and let you know … thank you Adam." She said as he paused in the doorway.
Adam noticed the proud tilt of her chin … the way she bravely displayed an air of confidence.
She was by no means fragile … and yet … he realized he was glad Duncan had persuaded her
to let him stay in the house. He could see in her eyes the deep sadness that she tried to mask
with her naturally positive demeanor, and admired her for the effort he knew it took.
"Goodnight Beth." He said, moving away from the doorframe.
"Goodnight Adam … " Beth replied, watching him disappear above the first landing.
The phone rang and Beth reached for the cordless as she browsed the shelves of the bookcase,
looking for something to curl up with before trying to sleep.
"Beth … it's Richie."
"Richie … Hello … how was your day?"
The two of them shared a bit of small talk and then Richie asked how things were going with
Adam.
"It's fine Richie … really it is. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but he seems nice
enough … and I do feel better having him here to keep a watch over us."
"You know I'd be there in a second if you needed me." Richie promised.
"I know … and I appreciate that. But Richie you have your own life … your friends … I don't want
to interfere."
"You know I wouldn't think that." He replied. "I care about you … I want to know you're safe."
"Between you and Duncan and Joe … and now Adam … I feel safer now than I have in a long
time … "
"So have I interrupted your baking?" he asked.
"Actually … no … Esperanza wanted the kitchen to herself and I'm going to curl up with a book
and try to get to bed early …"
"I won't keep you then … but you have my cell … if you need me."
"Thanks Richie … I will … and you have a good night. If you have time tomorrow … stop by, ok?"
"I will … sweet dreams."
"you too." She replied before pushing the button to end the conversation.
She looked up to find Adam watching her from the doorway.
"Sorry … I didn't want to interrupt … but I thought I'd grab one of my beers from the fridge …
unpacking makes a man thirsty." He brushed by her and retrieved his bottle.
"I take it that was Richie checking up on you." He said as he turned back toward her.
"He's been really great … " Beth replied.
"You know he's in love with you don't you?" Adam asked directly.
Beth didn't reply and he didn't wait for one. Adam retreated to his room on the third floor, leaving
Beth in the living room, clutching a book she knew she'd never get past the first few pages
because of the guilt she felt over Richie … She hadn't meant to lead him on … she hadn't seen it
till it was too late. Hadn't she been honest with him though as soon as she realized?
Part of her wished she could just let down the wall she'd built up and let whatever happen,
happen. But another part of her knew that Richie wasn't going to fill the void in her life … and she
wasn't going to be what he ultimately needed either. And she cared much too much for him to
fool herself into thinking something casual wouldn't leave them both regretting it.
She put the book back on the shelf, closed the glass to let the fire die down and called out a
goodnight greeting to Esperanza before climbing the stairs to her room. Still deep in thought,
she mindlessly scrubbed her face … brushed her hair … and put on the simple white cotton gown
she'd folded under her pillow that morning. Settling into the covers, Beth listened to the sounds
of the house … the occasional car on the street … the sound of Adam moving around in the room
above … Esperanza's footsteps pausing on her landing before moving up to her own room.
After a long while Beth finally drifted off … hoping that this might be the first night in so many that
she could make it through without the terror that haunted her dreams.