Chapter 11. September

July and August in Brooklyn passed mostly uneventfully. As Merton predicted the ordinance against loitering was lifted relatively quickly and the social life of all young lovers in the area improved considerably. Bucky and Ariel made several evening trips to the seaside in his father's car, complete with blankets and a small bottle of whiskey to ward off the chill of the evening air as the summer was one of the coolest in memory. The encounters were enough to keep them satisfied although Mr. Barnes did have to remind Bucky to sweep out the sand from the floor mats. They went to several concerts at Prospect Park which were less energetic than the Benny Goodman concert but just as enjoyable for the couple. Steve came with them to several and even found the courage to ask several girls to dance. Some even accepted which helped his confidence immensely.

With the World's Fair winding down plans were made for them to go on Sunday, September 1, the day before Labor Day. Ariel asked if Rebecca could come with them, not wanting to deny the girl to chance to see the unique exhibition. Bucky asked Merton if he wished to go as well but he bowed out and said he would go one day when Ariel could watch the store for him.

Wanting to be there for the opening time Bucky, Steve, and Rebecca arrived at the apartment at 8 am, knocking on the door just as Ariel finished eating her breakfast. It was forecast to be a pleasant day so she wore a dress but put flat shoes on, expecting to walk long distances. Bucky smiled as it made her seem even shorter compared to him. At 5 feet 2 inches barefoot to his 6 feet in height he was used to her being taller when she wore her heels. Rebecca and Steve came up to the apartment waiting quietly, although Rosie rubbed up against the younger girl, totally captivating her.

"I didn't know you had a cat," she stated, picking up the ginger coloured feline. "She's the same colour as your hair."

"That's why Bucky got her for me," replied Ariel.

Rebecca's eyes went big at that revelation. "You bought her a cat? You never bought me one."

"Well, I don't know if Ma and Dad will let you have one," he said, slightly embarrassed. "We can ask. Anyway we have to be going to get to the subway."

Reluctantly Rebecca put the cat down and the four of them headed down the stairs to the street, then walked the two blocks to the subway station. As they sat on the subway car Bucky put his arm around Ariel's shoulder and she leaned into him. When they got to the next stop she idly looked up and saw two men, one white with dark hair and a full beard, the other one black, get on the next car. There was something familiar about the white man and he briefly looked at her and Bucky before turning away. His friend continued watching sporadically and even smiled a couple of times at his companion, looking like he was joking with him. When it came time to change subway lines the two men changed as well, getting on at the other end. The bearded man didn't look at them but the black man did from time to time. Funnily enough Ariel didn't feel alarmed or distressed. It wasn't until they got to the World's Fair site that she realized why they were familiar but by then the two men had disappeared into the crowd. She didn't say anything to the others but she wondered why the two men who had helped her and Rebecca at the fireworks on July 4 would suddenly appear at the same time at another crowded location. After paying their $1 each admission which also gave them free passes to 5 concessions out of 17 choices they bought a program so they knew where everything was. Right away Bucky wanted to go to the science area.

"They have television," he said. "Don't you want to see it? They say in 10 years everyone will have one and there will be all sorts of programs you can watch at home. Can you imagine seeing Dick Tracy or The Shadow being performed live on a television?"

The others let themselves be dragged to the RCA pavilion where the television display was set up. They had one with a transparent case so they could see how it worked. Then, as they stood in front of another set they could see themselves being displayed as a camera behind it captured their image. The first thing Bucky did when he saw it was grab Ariel and kiss her, turning his head so he could see what they looked like as they kissed. Then he and Steve got a little silly, making goofy faces until a stern faced man gave them a look to say their time at the display was done. They looked at several other pavilions in the science area then Steve mentioned there was an art exhibit. They lined up to go inside. Once in the building Steve was in heaven as there were original paintings by Rembrandt, Monet, Manet and many other famous artists. Even Ariel was impressed as some of those paintings were in private collections in her time and not viewable by the public. From there they went to the transportation section where there was a very sleek looking locomotive running 24 hours a day on special rollers. On top of the Ford building was a figure eight track with cars racing on it. They stayed there for some time before taking a meal break and buying some sandwiches to eat in a nearby picnic area. Bucky had a cigarette after he ate, making jokes with Steve about the fact there were no flying cars at this world's fair.

"You would think they would show something for us to aspire to," said Bucky. "In fifty years, there will be flying cars. That's my prediction."

Steve snorted while Ariel and Rebecca just smiled. Bucky put his arm around Ariel and kissed her on the side of her head, then whispered in her ear.

"If we had a flying car we could fly it high in the air where no one could find us and make love the whole day in the clouds."

He kissed her again while she smiled at him then whispered back. "We wouldn't be the only ones with a flying car."

"Killjoy," he smirked then kissed her neck this time but doing it to tickle her and make her react.

She laughed and pushed him away.

"Could we go to the Great White Way?" asked Rebecca, looking through the program. "There's games, rides, and all sorts of interesting shows."

The three adults looked at each other, not wanting to go there just yet. Bucky took a deep breath. "Why don't we do that when it gets dark? The lights will make everything more exciting. We still want to see some of the country pavilions." Rebecca made a face. "I'll tell you what ... if you let us see the country pavilions first then we'll go to the Great White Way and I'll win you something at the shooting gallery. Deal?"

She considered it for a minute and stuck her pinky finger out. With a grin Bucky sealed the promise by linking his pinky finger with hers. They left the picnic area and began making their way towards the country pavilions, where they spent the afternoon. Finally, they headed towards the amusement area where Bucky proved he was a good shot, winning Rebecca a stuffed bear. There was a restaurant next to the shooting gallery and Bucky treated everyone to dinner. Afterwards when they were back outside, he lit a cigarette and took Ariel by the hand as Steve walked ahead with Rebecca.

"Listen," he said in a low voice. "There is a girlie show." Ariel gave him a look and he grinned. "Not for me but for Steve but I know he won't go in there by himself. Would you be okay keeping Rebecca occupied for about half an hour while I go in with him? I'll give you some money for the penny arcade, then we can meet up at the Heineken windmill in half an hour, see our free concessions and go home." Ariel was still giving him the look. "Okay, I'll admit, I'm curious. It's supposed to be very tasteful. Now, will you help me out here?"

Ariel was quite enjoying watching Bucky squirm as she considered his request. She finally put him out of his misery and agreed to stay with Rebecca while he dragged Steve into the girlie show. Knowing Bucky it was likely his suggestion. He squeezed her shoulder with his arm. They walked towards the penny arcade and he took some money out of his pocket, giving it to Ariel. After kissing her he whispered in Steve's ear, making him blush, but he was easily convinced to go with Bucky. With a wink and an arm around Steve's shoulders Bucky led him away.

"Where did they go?" asked Rebecca, realizing her brother and Steve had left.

"Boy stuff," replied Ariel. "Come on, let's try some of these games."

They each tried their hand at the skee ball and the bowling game, plus a couple of others where Rebecca won another stuffed animal. There was a fortune telling machine that they both put their penny in, receiving a card in return. Rebecca giggled when she saw Ariel's saying she would meet a tall dark haired stranger.

"Well, Bucky's tall and dark haired," she reasoned. "Mine just says to avoid crowds and look where we are when I get it."

They had a few minutes to get to the meeting point and Ariel suggested they start walking. With the size of the crowd she took Rebecca's hand in her own. Suddenly several drunken men pushed between them from behind and they were separated. Ariel tried to get back to Rebecca who was calling her name but the crowd kept pushing her forward and away from the girl. Then someone grasped her elbow and spoke in her ear.

"She'll be alright," said the voice, belonging to the black man she recognized from the subway. "My friend is getting the girl and bringing her here. We'll make sure you get to where you're supposed to meet your other friends."

Turning towards him she tried talking to him but he kept looking away and she pulled her elbow out of his hand.

"Why are you following us?" she demanded. "I remember you from the fireworks and I saw you on the subway."

"I don't know what you mean, lady," said the man, still looking in a different direction.

He nodded to the side and she saw the bearded man coming with Rebecca, gently guiding her back to them. As he came closer she could see he was quite tall and broad shouldered but his beard obscured his features and the cap was pulled low over his eyes making it difficult for her to see his face. From what she could see he looked to be in his mid to late 30s. The black man leaned into the other man's ear and spoke to him. He seemed somewhat taken aback then looked at Ariel, who noticed he still had his hand on Rebecca's shoulder but in a protective way.

"We live in the neighbourhood," he said, after a few moments. "I've seen you working at the Library and at your uncle's store. We just happened to be here at the same time and saw you had been separated. That's all there is to it. Where are you supposed to meet the two young men?"

"At the Heineken windmill," said Ariel, still sure she knew the man, somehow.

He nodded and gestured for the other man to lead the way while he and Rebecca followed. When the windmill came into view they saw Steve and Bucky already there looking for them. Rebecca ran ahead to Bucky, putting her arms around him. He looked up alarmed then saw Ariel and they walked to her. When she turned to thank the other two men they were gone.

"What happened?" asked Bucky. "Why were you late?"

"We got separated by several drunks and I couldn't get back to her," said Ariel.

"Then this man with a beard touched my shoulder and said he would take me back to Ariel," said Rebecca. "He knew my name, knew your name, too. Took me right to her then he and his friend walked us here. He said that they live in the same neighbourhood but I've never seen them."

"Well, they must be neighbours if they helped you," reasoned Bucky. "Come on. Let's get our free stuff and go home."

An hour later they were on the subway home. Ariel didn't notice the other two men but sensed they were nearby and she wondered again who they really were. Both of them were well built men with broad shoulders, and a sense of confidence that was not bravado but seemed borne out of actual capability. When they got off at their stop and began walking towards the store she and Bucky held hands while Steve and Rebecca walked behind them.

"So, how was the show?" asked Ariel with a smirk.

Bucky grinned. "Interesting. I'm sure I've seen a couple of the women in a burlesque show." He looked sideways at her. "You don't seem surprised that I've been to one."

"You're a grown man," shrugged Ariel. "Those men, who helped us tonight, were the same men that helped us at the fireworks. That can't be a coincidence."

"What are you saying?" asked Bucky. "You think they were following you?"

She didn't say anything at first. "I honestly don't know but I think there's more to them than meets the eye. I was grateful for their help tonight. The crowd was so thick that I lost sight of Ariel almost immediately. It's almost like they knew where we were." The last three words were said slowly as Ariel made a connection in her mind. Bucky turned to her as if he was expecting her to say more. "I think I'm just tired. This has been one long day."

"It has," he agreed. "I hope you had a good time. There's so much to look forward to in the future, isn't there?"

A smile was her response and she pulled her hand out of his to put her arm around his waist. With a smile he put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her close to his body. When they arrived at the door to the stairwell Steve and Rebecca waited outside while Bucky said goodbye to Ariel at the bottom of the stairs. Pulling her close he kissed her fiercely, while running his hands over her backside. Then he stepped back and took a big breath.

"I need you. In a bed, not the back seat of the car."

He kissed her again and opened the door to the sidewalk, walking towards his sister and Steve. When they were out of sight she closed the door and went up the stairs. Merton was still up, reading a book and listening to classical music on the gramophone. As Ariel hung up her jacket he watched and waited to hear how the day went. Sitting beside him on the couch Ariel composed herself then looked him directly in the eyes.

"Why is there a security team following me?" she asked.

"What makes you think there is?" he replied, keeping his voice level.

"The same two men that helped me and Rebecca at the fireworks were on the subway to the World's Fair, then they were suddenly exactly where we were when we got separated at the Great White Way. One stayed with me while the other retrieved Rebecca, and he seemed quite protective of her when he brought her back. Historically, we know there was never any threats against her so that leads me to conclude that they were following me. Twice, they've been exactly where I was when help was need. Therefore, the conclusion is that they are part of Guild security."

"I doubt that," he said, "otherwise Peri would have advised me. I'm sure it's just a coincidence. Perhaps they were there with someone else and noticed your dilemma."

Ariel raised her eyebrows at him. Merton put a bookmark in his book and closed it, but left the gramophone on. He turned up the volume then looked at Ariel and signed to her.

"How is your ASL?"

"Fine, a bit rusty. Is the apartment bugged?"

"Possibly. That investigation of the missing file that was sent to us in July has revealed there may be a conspiracy to interfere with your assignment."

"Is there a camera as well?"

"Don't think so. Just a recording device."

"Are we in danger?"

Merton took a breath debating what to reveal. "Possibly, that's why security is watching. They will only intervene if necessary. They're under orders not to engage with you if it can be avoided."

"I forced them to answer me when I questioned them. So I'm to ignore them if I notice them again?"

"Yes, ignore them. Let them do their job. Ready to do a quick debrief?"

She nodded and Merton turned the gramophone sound down.

"So how was the World's Fair?" he asked nonchalantly. "Is it worth the admission?"

"Absolutely," she replied. "Lots of good exhibits, good food, and the free concessions we got with our ticket were fun. My feet hurt though, so I think I'll take a hot bath."

"Sounds like a good plan. Remember to give lots of details when you record your findings. Even stuff that seems commonplace has value to certain historians."

Ariel understood the subtext from their sign language conversation that in the future if she had questions related to security to use ASL or handwritten inquiries, not spoken, leaving that to sharing details on her observations. She wished she had known before she walked in the door. She started the bathtub running, pouring in some bath salts as well, and went to her bedroom to take her clothes off and put her robe on. Returning to the bathroom she took her robe off and slipped into the hot water. Merton knocked and asked if he could come in so she pulled the curtain around the outside of the tub. He turned the sink water on and flushed the toilet while he spoke.

"I forgot to mention one thing," he said. "Do not speak to Orville Remington about your assignment. He is also under surveillance. We have evidence he made a phone call after he left here on July 4 and told the person on the other end where you would be that evening."

"Okay, I'll remember," she said.

He left, closing the door behind him. Ariel sat and enjoyed the hot water, letting it relax and soothe her. She still couldn't get the two men who helped her and Rebecca out of her mind. She always thought she knew most of the security team but those two men were bigger than any of the men on the team she had previously met. They had obviously undergone a persona treatment to disguise their appearance but the man with the beard was definitely familiar to her. With a sigh she let it go and slid her whole body up to her head under the water. She got out soon after that, dried herself then put her nightgown and robe on. When she came out Merton looked up at her from his book.

"Feel better?"

"Much, thank you," she replied. "I think I'm going to go to bed, if you don't mind."

"Goodnight then," he said. "I'll probably follow you soon."

After she closed the door into her room Merton went to the bathroom cabinet to get the key for the communications console, wanting to report to Peri about Ariel confronting the security team. He turned off all the lights when he went up. Ariel finished brushing her hair then got under her covers and turned out the light when she heard a noise outside. Sitting partially up she looked at the window and saw a dark form coming in. Just as she was about to turn on the light the form spoke to her.

"It's me," whispered Bucky. "I told my parents I was staying over at Steve's. I hope you don't mind."

"We'll have to be quiet," she whispered back. "Uncle Merton just turned out the lights so he could go to bed."

She watched in the dimness as he undressed. Lifting the covers up for him, she smiled as he climbed in beside her. It was hard not to laugh when he immediately pulled her nightgown off and wrapped his arms around her.

"Why didn't you tell me you had this in mind?" she asked quietly.

"I wanted to surprise you. You're all soft and warm, and you smell so good."

"I had a bath," she replied.

Burying his face in her neck to take in her clean smell he shifted to on top of her while kissing her passionately. After fishing a condom out of his trouser pocket they made love quietly enough not to bring Merton to the room. With both of them satisfied they laid tangled together in the soft glow that comes after sex. It was almost like Bucky couldn't get enough of touching Ariel. His hands were either playing with her hair, caressing her body or kissing her neck and breasts. He didn't do it to lead to anything, he just wanted to touch her.

"Are you going to do that all night?" she asked after he nuzzled her breasts once again.

"Maybe," he said softly. "You just feel good to touch." A thought occurred to Ariel and she giggled for a moment. "What's so funny?"

"You were horny because of the girlie show, weren't you?" she asked, shifting so she could see him in the dim illumination from outside.

"No," he replied a little too dramatically, then she could feel his cheeks get warm. "Okay, maybe a little. None of them were as beautiful as you though."

"It's okay. I'm not angry. I've been known to ogle over a well built man."

"Really?" he asked, with a little bit of a teasing tone. "Where do I fit in on your scale of well built men?"

"Oh, you're right up there," Ariel stated. "Probably neck and neck with Charles Atlas, except you outdo him in looks, and probably in another part of your body."

Bucky laughed quietly and held her close again. "I don't think there's anyone as beautiful as you. But I'm biased."

They heard a sound from outside her door and Ariel suddenly realized that Merton had gone up to the communications console and not to bed as she originally thought. They both stopped talking and listened to his footsteps go to the kitchen then to his room.

"I thought he was in his room," she whispered. "He must have gone up to the third floor. There's a storage room there where he keeps broken furniture pieces until he has a chance to fix them."

"Do you want me to go?" asked Bucky.

"No, but maybe you can lock the door," she said. "I would feel better if it was locked."

Carefully, he got out of bed and locked her bedroom door then slipped back under the covers with her. She turned her back to him so he could spoon behind her. With his arm across her waist, they settled in. Gently Bucky kissed her shoulder.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too," Ariel whispered back. "Bucky, I'm glad you're here. I missed having you in my bed."

He kissed her shoulder again and murmured for her to go to sleep. In no time at all they both drifted off.