He hung up the phone smiling. He and Frasier didn't always get along but when they did, he realized how much he loved his older brother.
"Thanks, Frasier. I won't forget this." He'd said when Frasier agreed to let him use the cabin for as long as he needed.
"It's my pleasure, Niles. I'm happy to do this for you. I'll leave the keys in the bowl on the sideboard so you can just come by and pick them up when you're ready. And I hope you have a safe journey."
"Thanks, Frasier."
"You're welcome. Stop by anytime."
Filled with a sense of purpose and anticipation, Niles put away his paperwork. It could wait. And then he called Mrs. Woodson to let her know that he was going out of town for a few days. He was sure that she would understand. Sometimes it seemed that she knew him better than anyone.
He hurried upstairs and packed a few bags, uncertain of how long he would be gone. But even one or two nights away would do him a world of good.
Driving to Frasier's, Niles felt more free than he'd felt in a long time. In just a few hours he'd be in complete solitude, able to do what he pleased. He'd packed plenty of clothes, leaving nothing to chance, but surprisingly he was able to fit his belongings into a few carry-on bags.
Before he knew it, he was pulling into the parking garage of the Elliott Bay Towers. As he shut off the engine he smiled once more. His much-needed vacation had finally begun.
The elevator doors opened on the nineteenth floor and he eagerly crossed the hallway. He was grateful to his brother for allowing him to use the cabin, for it was a generous gesture on his part. Certainly he didn't need to ask permission, as the cabin belonged to everyone in the Crane family. But Frasier had been planning a trip to the cabin himself for a few months, vowing to go as soon as his schedule would allow. And now that trip had been postponed yet again.
Niles knew that he needed to thank Frasier wholeheartedly, but a note seemed a bit impersonal. However, in this case it would have to do.
He rang the doorbell and waited. When there was no answer, he tried again… and then again. Finally concluding that no one was around, he reached into his pocket for his key and inserted the key into the lock. It was the key that Frasier had given him long ago for emergencies.
Well, this wasn't exactly an emergency, but Niles was anxious to get on the road and begin his journey. At this time of year, darkness fell early in Washington State and the drive, although beautiful with its winding roads and abundant green trees framed by the white snow-capped mountains, became dangerous after nightfall.
Slowly he turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open. But as he did so, he stopped, frozen in his tracks. For there, standing in the living room was his angel….
Daphne.