{Author's Note: This chapter ran so long it had to be split. Thus, there are still two chapters left to the story.

Minimum - I've learned my lesson ;) }

... ... ... ... ...

Our favorite couple is off to enjoy the continuation of their honeymoon Down East.

... ... ... ... ...

"It's such a beautiful morning!" Jessica said as she closed her eyes and lifted her face to smile into the bright sunshine.

"Every Tuesday in June should start out just like this one," agreed Seth as he put their suitcases into the trunk section of the station wagon. "That's it for the luggage." Seth came around and held the door for his wife. "Let's be off."

"I'm sure our friends have been saying that about us for years," chuckled Jessica as she leaned over and gave her husband a small kiss before sliding into the passenger's seat.

Sporting a silly grin, Seth closed her door before coming around and climbing into the driver's seat. "A-yuh, I'm sure you're right - wonder what they'll talk about now that we're married."

"Let's just keep smiling and laughing - they'll have a time trying to figure out what we're up to!"

"Good idea," smirked Seth as he pulled onto the road and headed out of town. Soon they arrived at the US-1 intersection and turned right onto the scenic roadway that headed to all points northeast.

Rolling along the byway, at times close to the coast, Jessica couldn't help but sigh with delight, "I don't know what it is about the endless blue waters of the Atlantic, but when they shimmer in the sun like that it just mesmerizes me."

"It lets a body understand, just a little, how sailors could leave their homes for sometimes years at a time to go skipping through the waves," mused Seth.

The comfortable quiet of their leisurely drive was sprinkled with such casual conversations, such as two dear old friends often have.

However, now adding spice to the trip was Seth's hand stealing over and carefully taking hold of Jessica's on the straightaway sections of road. Her heart rate never failed to accelerate as she grinned over at her husband and gently squeezed back.

A few hours into the drive Seth reluctantly let go of her warm hand and took the turn onto Mount Desert Island, so derived in 1604 when French explorer Samuel de Champlain ran aground there and observed that the summits of the mountains appeared void of vegetation. Thus, he called it "île des Monts Déserts," or "island of the Bare Mountains."

They followed along the shoreline road into an ancient First Nation fishing village, now called Bar Harbor. In years past, the excellent natural harbor of Frenchman Bay, lovely vistas, and cool breezes caused the town to become a summer haven for yachtsmen and wealthy urbanites such as the Pulitzers, Vanderbilts, and Rockerfellers in order to escape the heat of the big cities.

The honeymooners rolled into a town were fishers still worked the waters and lobstermen dotted the surrounding Sea with bits of colored buoys to mark their submerged traps but had now also become a popular sailing and tourist destination for everyone.

Pulling up to the historic Bar Harbor Inn they were met by the valet who extracted their suitcases and whisked the station wagon to a nearby parking spot while Jessica and Seth walked through the double doors into the elegant lobby - which was complete with a central chandelier and comfortable, overstuffed chairs in front of a cozy fire.

As they walked up to the registration desk a friendly, lilting voice greeted them from the clerk. "Hello and welcome! How may I help you?"

"Dr. and Mrs. Hazlitt checking in, please." It makes me so happy to be able to say that, Seth smiled inwardly.

Quickly flipping through her list, the clerk replied, "Ah, yes. You've reserved a luxury suite in the Main Inn. I hope you'll be pleased with it." Then she efficiently completed the registration process and had the porter gather their luggage while directing them to the elevator.

While they waited for the lift the duo closely examined the old photographs on the surrounding walls. "Look at this one, Seth. It's from 1887, when this building held the originators, the Oasis Club."

"The clarity of these old black and white pictures is amazing, isn't it? Here's one with a large crowd waiting to see President Taft, of all people!"

The "ding" of the elevator recalled their attention and the porter ushered them smoothly up to their suite. Opening the door for them and rolling in their luggage behind he began to explain the amenities available to them.

"On this floor you'll find the fireplace, and the large bath. There is a small refrigerator and microwave for your convenience, as well. Of course, you'll also enjoy the view of Frenchman Bay through our new, extra large, Bayview windows. To the right are the stairs to the bedroom area and your own private balcony, along with a second bath. Let me just run these upstairs while you have a look around."

While the porter was busy with his task Jessica approvingly took in the butternut colored walls and cream toned ceiling with deep green drapes at the window and the large couch in front of a gas-fired marble fireplace. Well made dark oak furniture tastefully completed the room, giving it the essence of New England charm.

After thanking and tipping the porter, Seth closed the door behind him. "Well, let's go upstairs and have a look from the balcony before we unpack."

Traipsing up the stairs they walked past the king sized bed covered with a quilted gold and green spread and stepped out onto the balcony overlooking Frenchman Bay. Both of them gasped with delight at the view of the bay, seemingly just outside their room.

"It's so lovely," remarked Jessica as she took in the white canvassed sailboats dotting the deep blue waters with several small dark green islands scattered about.

"You know, I've never understood why so many of the islands in this bay are named after porcupines," wondered Seth.

"Well, they do sort of look like resting porcupines. If you squint; and one could certainly understand calling that one over there Bald Porcupine Island," indicated Jessica as she pointed to the right side of the bay.

Seth slid his right arm around her waist as he looked across at the mound in the water. "Why, sure! And I could even see why that one a little to the left is called Long Porcupine Island. I really don't want to think about how the next one got named Burnt Porcupine Island, at all! But how on earth did Sheep Porcupine Island manage such a strange name? I suspect that there was a whole lot of whiskey involved," he declared decisively.

Jessica's shoulders shook with laughter at his comment and she turned to find a grin stretched across his face. "Who knows! I'm sure stranger things have happened. It's such a gorgeous day; let's unpack later and go out for a walk around town. I need to stretch my legs. I'll even buy you lunch."

"Sound like a deal to me! I'm ready."

In short order they were strolling arm in arm along the Shore Path by the placid waters of the bay. They made the turn and walked up to the end of the Town Pier, amidst a few early vacationers also happily enjoying the panoramic view that the promenade offered.

As the newlyweds surveyed the pretty scenery a memory sparked in Jessica's mind and she had to hide a wry smile before she nudged Seth with her elbow. "Say, did you ever hear the story of the Captain of a yacht who was approaching the pier and hollered to a gentleman standing pretty much where we are now. 'Hey, old timer, is there a lot of water down there?'"

Looking at her with a twitch at his lips Seth replied, "No, what happened?"

"Well, the gentleman replied, 'A-yuh, there's plenty.' So, of course, the Captain started to bring in his yacht. But when he was still about 10 feet away he ran aground. The rather irate Captain yelled at the gentleman on the pier, 'Hey, you told me there was plenty of water!'"

"Okay, I'll bite. What was the reply?" asked Seth, with a twinkle in his eyes.

"The gentleman said, 'A-yuh, there is plenty. It's just spread kinda thin…'"

A deep, inarticulate sound rumbled from Seth as Jessica broke out into a great big smile. "Oh Jess, that was…. really bad. Woman, how long have you been fishing around, just waiting to tell someone that groaner?"

"Years, my dear. Years! And it was worth it! Thanks for being my big catch," she gleefully said as she patted Seth lightly on the belly and then gave his cheek a sizable smooch.

Seth laughed heartily, causing the few other sightseers to look their way, and smile at the two of them standing arm in arm and chortling away. The other vacationers started back to shore.

When he could finally catch his breath Seth lowered his and Jessica's hands down to their sides and gently brought up his other palm to her cheek as he gazed at her with happiness shining in his eyes. "You caught me a long time ago," he softly confessed before lowering his lips to hers in a sweet kiss.

After the kiss broke Jessica slid her arms around him and hugged him close as she whispered into his ear, "And I'm so very glad that you're mine. I love you, Seth."

"That's wonderful to hear," he replied as he nestled into the hug. "I love you, too." They stayed in the embrace for a few minutes until they were startled by the piping toot - toot of a passing tour boat.

Once again looping her arm through Seth's, Jessica suggested, "Let's walk over to Main Street and find a café. I believe that I still owe you a lunch."

"Mmm, one of my three most favorite meals of the day and I'm famished!"

Jessica shook her head and chuckled as they walked down the quay and then towards town with the strengthening aromas of good food assuring them that they would soon find an excellent mid-day repast.

After finishing their hearty fare Jessica confessed, "I could use a nap but I don't care to sleep right after a big meal. Let's go for a walk up the street and work off a little of this food."

Seth readily agreed, so after Jessica paid the tab they wandered up Main Street, ducking into a few shops with displays that caught their eye, and then meandered through Agamont Park back to the Inn and their king sized bed for correspondingly large naps.

... ... ... ... ...

Waking first, Jessica was surprised to see the sun so low in the sky. She gently shook the still snoozing figure next to her. "Seth, time to wake up. Come on, sleepyhead, up, up!"

"Hmmmm?" Seth inquired, his eyes still closed, before a final nudge got him up and moving. "Wow, looks like we both needed a good rest. We almost slept until dinner."

"I'm really not that hungry, what with the late lunch we had. How about if we just drop downstairs to the Oasis Club Lounge later for a little dessert?"

"Great idea. We can unpack in the meantime and catch the sunset from the Lounge, if we're lucky."

Once they finished their chores and freshened up Jessica and Seth found themselves walking into the comfortable Oasis Club Lounge just as the sun was slipping down towards the tree line. After being seated on the adjacent balcony, and taking a quick perusal of the menu, they both ordered slices of Maine blueberry pie and coffee. Their desserts were quickly brought to the small round table, along with cups of steaming hot java.

"Looks like we're just in time for the sunset show," observed Jessica as the local star touched the tops of the trees. It then rapidly sank below them, leaving the trees now a dark contrast to the golden horizon with a few scattered puffy clouds taking on a rosy hue.

As they enjoyed their pastries, the couple silently watched the bay come alight with the reflected red, orange, and gold colors of the sky until all the water in the basin took on an iridescent amber glow.

After a few minutes the light dimmed, allowing darkness to settle over them. "And like all great shows, it fades to black at the end," whispered the writer.

"Amen," quietly voiced Seth. He released a deep breath he didn't know he had been holding and looked around. He was pleasantly surprised to find that his fingers were intertwined with Jessica's. He squeezed them lightly. "Shall we call it a night, my dear?"

Serenely looking over at her husband, Jessica agreed and they left the darkened bay to the night, returning to their room for a restful sleep - snuggled close together in each other's arms and dreams.

... ... ... ... ...

Waking alone in the large bed Jessica wondered, Now where did Seth get to? The rich aroma of good coffee floating up from downstairs answered her and she wrapped her robe around her before going down.

She found him busy in front of the table by the Bayview window. "Good morning, honey. What smells so wonderful?"

Seth turned and bowed slightly as he stepped to the side of the table. "Good morning, madame. Breakfast is served!" he formally intoned as the table, laden with breakfast fare, was revealed. "I got up early and thought I'd surprise you with room service."

"It smells wonderful! Please feel free to surprise me like this any time you'd like," Jessica grinned as she stepped close and kissed him.

During the morning meal they debated whether to take a boat tour along the coast or take advantage of the carriage roads that criss-crossed nearby Acadia National Park.

"It looks like the wind is picking up and clouds are coming in," noted Jessica as she glanced out the sizable window. "I vote for wondering along the carriage roads. I like the idea that the ones in the park are closed to motorized vehicles."

Seth readily agreed and left for a moment to call the front desk about arrangements.

After breakfast the couple made themselves ready for a day of exploring. "And I'm not forgetting the camera," boasted Seth as they headed downstairs.

As they stepped out of the elevator Seth noticed a small line of people at the front desk. He suggested that Jessica enjoy the many interesting old pictures on the lobby walls while he took care of the tour details. Jessica agreed and busied herself reading the historical footnotes included with many of the old photos.

She had just finished the collection on the north wall and had turned to admire the large picture above the fireplace when she saw the body.

... ... ... ... ...

Oh, no! No, please no… raced through her mind as she started over to the motionless, thin figure of an elderly man settled deeply into the overstuffed chair with his head slumped to the side. His jacket gaped open to reveal a red stain over his left chest.

Seth had just completed his transaction and was tucking his wallet back into his pocket when he felt a silent wave of alarm. He immediately looked around for Jessica and saw her approaching a chair at the other end of the lobby, her face stricken and gone pale.

Something's wrong! he feared as he hurried over to her. Coming up quickly to the area he stridently asked, "Jess, are you all right?!" before noticing the figure in the chair.

"I'm fine, but he's…" the rest of her sentence was interrupted by a high, female voice coming up behind them calling out, "Harold? Harold where have you gotten to?"

At the sound of the woman's voice the man in the chair straightened his head and heaved a deep sigh. When he opened his eyes he was duly surprised to find three people staring down at him. Two strangers, who peered at him with intense looks of concern etched in their faces and his wife, who also gave curious glances at the other couple.

"Are you all right?" asked Jessica immediately. "I saw you slumped over and noticed the red stain on your shirt."

"I'm fine, thank you, ma'am," the man answered groggily.

His wife grasped the situation and chuckled, "Oh, everything's okay. My husband was napping while I got the car. That red stain is from cranberry juice at breakfast this morning. I guess his jacket didn't cover it as well as we thought it would. We're ready to go Harold, and I'm driving!"

They thanked Jessica and Seth for their concern and took their leave. Jessica gave herself a small shake before she looked up at Seth. "Are we ready, too?"

"We are, if you are," answered Seth as he looked closely at her.

"I'm fine," she replied. "Let's go."

Walking out through the lobby doors Jessica was happily surprised to find a horse drawn open carriage waiting for them. The driver stepped down and greeted them, "Good morning. I'm Thomas and these are Rikky and Tikky," he explained as he patted the withers of the nearest big brown mare. "I'll be your driver for your tour on the carriage roads today."

"Seth! What a wonderful idea."

"Well, I thought we may as well tour these trails in the manner they were made for. Shall we?"

Once they were settled in, Rikky, Tikky, and Thomas led them into nearby Acadia National Park and they spent the morning enjoying the many stone bridges, dappled foliage, and sweeping vistas while the carriage wheels crunched along on the broken stone path under them.

Stopping for lunch at Jordan Pond the driver produced a small picnic basket containing snacks, sandwiches, and iced tea as well as a blanket before pointed them to a fine spot overlooking the pond while he attended to the horses.

After enjoying their light lunch Jessica and Seth stretched out side by side on the blanket and watched the thickening clouds float by.

"You know," Seth tentatively began. "I felt your distress at what you thought was a dead body back there in the lobby."

"You did?" asked Jessica with some surprise.

"A-yuh, I've always had a sense of when you were in trouble, but this was more intense. Like a big wave smacking me upside the head. Then I turned around and saw you - and the look on your face. Would you like to talk about it?"

After a long moment of silence Jessica sighed deeply, "No, not really," was the quiet reply.

"I've been trained to deal with death, but it's never easy - I guess it never should be," softly said the physician. "We doctors, and nurses as well, can always find solace in talking to each other about the more unpleasant aspects of our callings."

Turning his head to look at her he continued, "As a writer, you don't exactly have that option. I've always admired your great inner strength and independent spirit, but I think they've caused you to never speak about how you feel dealing with as many violent deaths as you do. Those kinds of things can tear at your very soul. You've always been there for me when I had a rough day in surgery or had to tell someone bad news. Let me be there for you, Jess…" he implored her.

Jessica's hand found Seth's and she gave it a gentle squeeze. "I thought I was the detective in the family," she wryly said. "I know you're there for me - I've always known that and I greatly appreciate it. It's just that… I don't want to lay this terrible burden down on anyone." Sitting up, she turned to look him in the eyes as she seriously continued, "Especially on someone I love so very dearly."

Jessica turned and wrapped her arms around her knees as she stared out at the small ripples on the pond, whipped up by the wind, before drawing a deep and slightly tremulous breath and continuing, "It's not escaped my notice that I started coming upon these scenes of murder after I began writing. You know that I'm not a superstitious person, but I intrinsically seem to know that they are somehow connected."

"I couldn't stop writing even if I wanted to; it's become a part of who I am now. Some time ago I became resigned to the fact that this meant the other part of it, this terrible burden, would continue, too." Her head slightly drooping as she reflected, "But that decision makes it mine to carry. Alone."

Seth also sat up and then took her hand back and brought her it up to his lips and gently kissed it.

"I think it's courageous of you to be sure that justice is served, regardless of the personal price you pay. It's the last tribute you can give to those poor souls. But please remember, your burdens are mine now too, Jess. I meant it when I vowed, 'for better or worse.' And you're not alone, remember that we joined in marriage, and .…"

Reading his mind, she interrupted him, "… and two shall be as one." Her spirits lifting and a small smile starting at the corner of her mouth.

"That's right! All I'm saying is that you can tell me anything - and you should. After all, we're in this together!"

"And I'm so very glad that we are," she looked at him lovingly, interrupting him once more as she leaned over and pressed her warm lips to his. "Thank you, my love. It's a balm on my heart just knowing you're there for me."

They sat silently side by side for a little while, letting the breeze and the sounds of nature refresh them, and remind them that they were still surrounded by life; with the amazing beauty of the area irresistibly demanding their attention.

Once Thomas returned with the carriage the couple continued on their tour in a much more cheerful frame of mind, enjoying the exquisite scenery and taking quite a few pictures. The black four-wheeler arrived back at the Inn in the early afternoon and deposited Jessica and Seth at the front door. They tipped Thomas and offered Rikky and Tikky a couple of leftover lunch carrots as thanks for the wonderful day they'd had, and waved as the carriage rolled away.

Putting her hands on her hips and stretching back Jessica commented, "Ugh, I'm not used to riding in a buggy for as long as we did. I'm quite stiff - I think I'd better lie down for a little while."

"That's the best idea I've heard lately," commiserated Seth as they returned to their suite. After kicking off their shoes they extended their muscles and bones flat across the bed and soon were fast asleep.