Chapter 5
Laura awoke the next morning with the phone ringing. As it could not be in any other way, it was Mildred. She shared with Laura the results of her research about Paul Bressan. As Mr. Steele had said, the man did accumulate an impressive Cartier collection through his long life. He`d passed away after his 86th birthday a few years ago. But it was not that fact that caught Laura's attention. While checking the man's family, Mildred had found Mr. Bressan had a son, and that they didn't share an easygoing relationship. Jean-Paul Bressan had a final fight with his father in the late 50`s, and after that, they'd never been in touch again. He'd even changed his last name to his mother's maiden name Martin, Paul Martin.
"What do we know about that man, Mildred?" asked Laura.
"He lives in New York cultivating a shallow profile, and he works at a theatre in the off-Broadway circuit at the moment. He is not married and owns a small apartment in Manhattan. He has no criminal records; banking history seems to be in order."
Laura suspected at that moment that Mildred's finding was the tip of the iceberg. It was a lot less than what they needed, but it was something to start with. They would have to link that information with Ann. Looking at her wristwatch, she noticed it was 9:45 in the morning. She looked at Mr. Steele; he'd remained asleep snoring slightly through the whole phone call. He hadn't moved even one muscle. Perhaps it was the perfect chance to try an early run through Central Park, she thought. She climbed out of bed and opened the heavy drapes. It was a glorious day. She felt him moving on the bed and turned, ready to invite him to go with her. But his movement was just the natural reaction of hiding his face from the light that the open drapes allowed to come inside the room. The exercise from the previous evening took its toll on him. The man was exhausted. Somehow the strength he tried to show at the ice rink, mixed with some hard falls, drained him. Add to that they'd stayed up late… He needed the sleep. No, he deserved it. She went through her belongings and grabbed a pair of running shoes and some sports clothes she had wisely added to her suitcase at the last minute, and started with her plan. She reminded herself to leave a note, just in case he decided to join her.
Central Park was at its best at this time of the year. The leaves were turning from green to an unbelievable pallet of yellows and reds. She crossed young people running and some older ones sitting on the benches enjoying the last warm mornings before the cold weather's arrival. A group of four women talking animatedly while riding their bikes passed by her side. After half an hour of running, she decreased her pace to appreciate the view. She was at the Gothic Bridge. New York in its full splendor was able to be discovered from there.
She stopped to drink some water and took a last moment to look at the magnificent view before starting her way back to the hotel. Mr. Steele was shaving in the bathroom when she arrived. Standing behind him she carefully put her arms around his waist, "You really should think about getting some more exercise in the morning. It's a wise way to start the day. Besides, I've missed you."
His thoughts precisely… Okay, what was the matter with him? Before she'd come along, he'd been perfectly content with his life. He dated – when he had time. He enjoyed life and made some sort of effort working when it suited him, and the work was challenging enough. Serious commitment had always been an unnecessary state of mind, body, and soul, and didn't apply to him in the past. Serious exercise ran over the same path. Why would he be missing running with Laura? It was insane. However, he did miss it. He missed every activity that allowed him to share a good time with her, even if exercise was included. Well, mostly if exercise was included. Marathons had been unexpectedly refreshing lately. Who'd have guessed…?
"You know I'm trying, Laura. Don't forget last night it was my ice skating premiere. Add to that our late not precisely demure neither static later entertainment… All I can say is that I needed the sleep. I'll join you tomorrow, I promise." He cleaned the soap off his face, put on some aftershave, turned around and kissed her lightly on her lips on his way to the room where he started to arrange his attire for the day. "Should I ask for room service or we're having breakfast downstairs?" When she didn't answer, he turned to her. His eyes made a detour by the shower and its attractive occupant. "Laura?" Realizing she was not listening through her singing, and that the idea that was starting to grow in her mind was not the cleverest one if they wanted to be ready anytime soon, he abandoned the bathroom reluctantly.
At twelve o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. Steele's hand hovered over Ann's doorbell again. And again, there was no response.
"Nobody's going to open the door here. Perhaps we should try at Mr. Martin's job. Mildred called and gave us his address while you were blow drying your hair," he told her.
"Oh. You didn't tell me. Where does he work?"
"Second Stage Theatre, 305 West 43rd Street, on the corner of 8th Avenue."
"I've never heard about that theatre…"
"It's sort of new. Less than ten years on the off-Broadway circuit."
"Okay, I'm following your steps this time, Mr. Steele. Let's check about your subway knowledge improvement." She took the subway map from her purse and handed it to him.
He took the map in his hand, re-folded it and put it in his pocket. "Let's try a detour upon the earth for a change, Laura. There's a lot to see. Besides, I'm starting to feel myself as a rodent, circulating all day by those dark tunnels." Putting his hand on the small of her back they started their way to their destination, walking the streets of New York.
They arrived at the theatre and were told that Mr. Martin did work at the theatre but was on vacation at the moment. Although the staff member gave them his address, he warned them he was not supposed to be at home. He told them Mr. Martin spoke to him about buying some airplane tickets but couldn't remember where to.
"So, what's next?"
"Next, my dear Laura… we're having lunch at the Old Town Bar; reasonable prices and casual and unpretentious ambiance. Let's grab a cab. Even if we're not too far, I'm not in the mood for walking anymore. My exercising quote is fulfilled for today. I'd like to keep my strength for our next exercising challenge if you don't mind."
Once they arrived at the Bar, Laura understood why Mr. Steele decided to go there. Over the years, many people have come into the Old Town, looked around and asked. ..Wasn't this the bar in…? The bar had been used in many movies, television shows, and commercials.
"I realize why you were interested in coming here. This place smells of movie history", said Laura.
"The Devil's Own, State of Grace, and a few more had been featured in here, Laura. But that was not the main reason I brought you here."
"And which would be the reason then?"
"Celebrities like to come here, and they never got put in the paper. It's a very private place."
"I've never known privacy bothered you a lot…"
At this very moment, the waiter arrived. He handed them the menus. Noticing Laura's fedora resting on the seat beside her, he smiled. "Do you like classic movies?" he asked her.
Laura put her menu down and looked at the young man, then at her hat. "Sure, I do love classics."
"I love classic movies too. That's why I work here. The place has history! And there's always the chance to meet some big screen stars. We have very loyal clients. If you're interested, I can bring you our not celebrity but celebrate book to take a look. You'll not believe the people that have been seated at this very same table."
"Sounds interesting," added Laura flashing the young man a broad smile.
"Have you visited the Gramercy Theatre? They always showcase something interesting these days. You might go there after lunch. I've heard about their terrific second-run films in the late afternoon."
At that very moment, Mr. Steele, who had been listening to the whole exchange, not too surreptitiously decided that he wasn't comfortable with that young man flirting with his wife in front of his face. "We are ready to order if you don't mind," he said in a very nonchalant way.
"Sure, shall I recommend you our burger, The Mayor's Choice? It's grilled to your liking and served on a soft sesame bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion –on the side. All burgers and sandwiches include your choice of fries, potato salad or coleslaw."
"Hmm, interesting, I think we are taking the Caesar Salad, double dressing and no anchovies if you don't mind; and two pints of Guinness. That's all. We're in a hurry, so if you please, can you bring our drinks? That would be absolutely fantastic. There you go."
The young man wrote the order and took off without opening his mouth again.
"You were awful with that poor kid. And I didn't want to eat a salad. I wanted a hamburger. Why did you place the order not only not checking, but without even looking at me to confirm your choice? We are already at the place you chose. Please be a little more polite with the young man once he comes back."
He stared at her for a brief moment. "That young man was staring at you. He was flirting with you in front of my eyes. And you were flirting back, Laura."
"The young man was just being polite and offering some decent conversation while you were totally immersed in the menu. Or you seemed to be. I guess your attention was not in the reading but in eavesdropping on my conversation with him. As if you would find something interesting enough that deserved to be eavesdropped…"
"I was not eavesdropping."
"Well, it does look as if you were. We were talking about movies, classic movies. You're the one most interested in that stuff if I recall."
They made silence once they beers arrived. The waiter put a white paper napkin under each of the pint glasses and left them without saying a word. It was clear he'd noticed the nasty tone in Mr. Steele's previous words. They grabbed their drinks and had a sip trying to get out of the ugly moment.
"When did you start to be interested in classic movies?" asked Laura.
"I'm not sure when exactly. About fourteen, I guess."
"What caught your interest? It's not usual to be interested in that sort of movie while being that young."
"It all started when winter arrived, and I had no place to go after school. The town theatre was warm inside, and I had a good friend at the kiosk, who would hand me something to eat under the counter. It became a routine. And after a few weeks, I began to pay attention to the big screen and stayed inside watching until the last showing was over. It was weird, somehow. But I got trapped by the glamour and the style of the classic films instead of being attracted by the Cowboys' performance. Perhaps there were too many real cowboys in my real surroundings back then…"
She was lost in thoughts. Life had been hard for him. But somehow, he'd found the way to survive.
"Life sometimes has a strange way of giving you what you need when you least expect it," she told him.
He gave her his signature crooked smile, "I realize."
"Would you like to go to that Gramercy Theatre after lunch?"
"Why Laura, are you trying to replay our last heated experience in a movie theatre in LA?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Laura's cheeks turned red, and she purposely skipped his eyes.
"So, just going for the classic type of performance… That can work likewise."
They ate their meal and decided to attend the afternoon function after all. The film, Smiles of a Summer Night wasn't one of his favorite ones, but the company undoubtedly was. The afternoon was winding down when they left the theatre. His carte blanche evening was ready to start.
He closed the room door after hanging the Do not disturb sign on the doorknob. Walking toward her at his own personal pace, seduction was implied in every movement. But Laura remained standing in front of the dresser, absent from his intentions, her eyes nailed in Ann's jewelry box. She had her coat still on. With a slight movement, he helped her to slide it from her shoulders and threw it on the nearby chair, his own overcoat following suit. Laura closed the distance to the box and opened it. All the clues they counted on to find Ann were resting in that beautiful wooden box; Ann's pearls necklace, the golden ring, and the brooch. Laura opened the lid of the box and grabbed the ring in her hand. The red stone was as shiny as ever, capturing the tenuous dim of the light. After a moment she put it back in its place, feeling his breath on her neck while his left arm came around her waist right at the moment the box was closed. She laid her hand over his and turned her head slightly allowing him to kiss her neck.
"We are one more time in the beginning," Laura said, resignation concealed in her voice.
"Would it be that bad? It happened before, and it didn't stop us."
"I know, but this time I feel that we are failing not just to us, or to the agency, but to Mildred, as well." Laura turned into his embrace, resting her forehead on his chest. He held her tight and rested his chin atop her head.
"We are not failing Mildred. We are doing as much as we can. We've been in this position in different opportunities before and we've always been able to crack the case even while starting it over and over more than several times."
"I know. It's just… I'm sort of disappointed…"
"You shouldn't be. The fact that every road we have taken has led us to discover nothing doesn't mean we don't have some new options to explore in the future. We are here, we are a team; we can do it. We'll find Ann."
Laura exhaled a sigh, "Thank you for tonight. The concert was beautiful. I can't imagine how you managed to get those tickets in your hands in such short notice. It's almost impossible to get them once the season is freshly opened, and don't tell me Mildred did it because I heard the bellboy when he brought them to you earlier."
"I've still got my resources, Laura. And a New York Philharmonic performance is not that unforgettable. It can be attended at any time. "
"A gala night at Carnegie Hall is not easy to forget for me."
"Any gala night at Carnegie Hall is not memorable enough for me in comparison to a night beside you, enjoying it."
"I guess you mean it…"
"I do mean it." He dropped a kiss on her forehead, "What about me? Does a gala night at Carnegie Hall feel more impressive than a night with me?"
"Let me think…"
He leaned back, "Really, Laura?"
She rolled her eyes, "Listen to me. Although a simple night at Carnegie Hall would remain in my memory for years to come, a night with you there beside me will be unforgettable too; Gala night or not."
"Which part of the evening did you like the most?"
"The opening was magnificent. And the Second Act was out of this world. But sincerely, the most special part for me comes usually with the encores… Once you think the magic of the concerto is already behind, the performers find a way to surprise you with another stunning piece."
"Encores, eh? I didn't know they had such impact on you."
"Why, yes, Mr. Steele. I love encores."
"I see…"
He lifted her chin so that her eyes were looking right into his, and slowly lowered his lips to hers. His first kiss was almost tentative, on the corner of her lips. Then he stopped and closed his eyes, leaned his forehead against hers. "You are absolutely enchanting, Laura."
Not welcoming the new distance between their mouths after his brief invitation, Laura rose up her hand and pulling him down, drew his lips down onto hers. The encounter was intimate, agonizingly slow and hot. She opened to him, and he took the invitation. In just a moment there was no unsolved case, no orchestra performance, no Mildred interrupting; nothing but the two of them executing their bodies at the best of their tempos, vibrating with the exuberant magnificence of their kiss until they broke for breathe.
Laura bit her lip. She started working on his shirt, button by button until her hand found a bare, warm chest. He slipped the straps of her gown from her shoulders and dipped his head to kiss her collarbone. Laura closed her eyes and leaned back, sighing with pleasure. He smiled at her surrender, and in a swift motion unzipped her dress, a task he delivered with absolute precision, like the theft artist he was. He pulled the dress down the rest of the way, until it fell to the floor, around Laura's feet. She stepped aside and took off her shoes. Taking advantage of the new distance between them, he discarded his shirt, too. The rest of his formal attire fell to the floor within a second. Laura slipped her hands under his waistband and got rid of the last interference. Once the barriers between them were off, he gently pushed Laura onto the bed and lowered his body over hers.
"You are incredible, Laura. The more I look at you, the more enchanted I am. There's no piece of art or masterful performance able to enchant me the way you do."
He lowered his mouth to hers, his hands moving incredibly slowly down her body. Their kiss was an agonizing battle, both of them the most eager participants in the same surrender. His eyes were closed. He felt the raising of her hips, her hands moving restlessly over his hair and down his back. She broke the kiss and held his face in her hands, until he finally opened his eyes and looked at her, her eyes never leaving his.
"Love me tonight?" she asked, reaching up and lovingly caressing his cheek.
He lowered his head and gave her the most beautiful and tender kiss she had ever known.
"Love you forever."
They were quiet, not sleeping but content. He was stroking her hair, his fingers tangling through the strands.
"We are stuck," she told him.
"Of course we are," he answered her, "And it's my hope we stay in that way."
She lifted her head from his shoulder, "I'm not speaking about us. I was speaking about the case."
"Oh."
"Do you really feel like you are stuck with me?"
"Well, I'd like to put it in a slightly different way… Remember that my original idea after we cracked up the Hunter case together was leaving. I was ready to leave. But I came back. I decided to be stuck at the agency. I'm stuck with you by decision, Laura, not by imposition. He kissed the top of her head. "What about you? Do you feel you're stuck with me?"
"Well… In the beginning, it felt like that, maybe. You were the stranger that took up over my agency name by force. But at some point, I realized that I was getting comfortable being stuck with you. And it became clear after a while that I was more than comfortable being in that position. I guess I just liked to play a little stubborn for a while."
"A little stubborn, you?"
She chuckled against his chest. "Oh, come on! You can count that as one of my assets from time to time. Can't you?"
"I loved your stubbornness from the beginning, Laura. It's one of the particularities of your colorful personality that led me to stay. Imagine how boring could have been if you were an accepting woman. No discussion, no making up after our little quarrels… What a waste of fun."
"Sometimes I wonder if we're going to have fun working together forever. It scares me just to think about it."
"Don't think about it, then. There's no chance. You're really stuck with me, Laura. I'm not leaving anywhere."
"I know. But life sometimes surprises you. Some things don't remain like you planned them, untouched forever. There could be slight changes, barely perceptible changes that can take all the worth from something without leaving a trace in plain sight. And once you realize them, then it's too late. Take Ann's brooch for example. We were sure it was an original piece until an expert told us the truth; that it wasn't. Maybe she didn't realize it. Or maybe she does, and she's hiding it from the rest of us." They remained in silence until Laura turned on the light and got up from the bed, "I'll be right back," she told him.
She came back carrying the jewelry box. Throwing all its contents on the bed, she gave him the box. Her attention remained captivated again by the brooch. He grabbed it from her hands and started a closer examination. Once he turned the box upside down, the blue velvet bottom of the inside fell down on the sheets, along with a folded piece of paper.
Laura left the brooch and grabbed the paper in her hands, unfolded it and began reading. "Who's Desiree Armfeldt?" A half-smile crossed her face, her eyes still on the paper.
"What?" asked Mr. Steele.
"Desiree Armfeldt. This looks like a script's sheet."
"Desiree Armfeldt… Smiles of a Summer Night, 1955, it's an Ingmar Bergman movie. William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" served as the inspiration for the film's plot and tone. Desiree Armfeldt was an actress. Desiree and Fredrik used to be lovers, and once they met again after some years, she discovers the two of them still have feelings for each other. Why do you ask?"For a full moment, Laura didn't move at all. When she raised her eyes finally meeting him, he saw the thrill in there. She'd found something. Relief flooded his body.
"Send in the Clowns," was all she was able to say.
