Haunted Weekend

Chicago, Illinois

It was four-thirty on Friday afternoon as Frank sat in his office of his team’s headquarters. Nothing major was happening as they had just finished their job bringing in Quito the drug lord out of Cabrini Greens, the area in Chicago that most whites avoided. Chicago was a tough city and Frank was beginning to love it especially in anticipation of an overdue, quiet weekend alone in his apartment. He looked up briefly from his computer having put the final details on his report to his boss, noticing Cody and Monica going over some profiles on the Chinese Triad. He was sure that would be their next case as Bloom had ordered a comprehensive investigation after they wrapped up their last one. Alex and Jake were going over some new weapons Frank had ordered to make them more up to speed. He looked at Jake knowing more about his background and his head from Monica’s report, but even though he had a troubled background it was no excuse for his cockiness. Frank did not have the time to teach him any lessons in order to make him understand he had to follow orders. Alex was different and she was very good at undercover but her emotions often took over, as they were now that Cortez was out of prison.

Frank always tried to keep his personal life personal, especially now that he was a lover of Marisca. He was positive she was CIA so his involvement with her did not go against his morals as it did when he had thought she was just a thief. She matched him in all ways and he was enjoying what time they spent together which was usually just in bed. Now it was the end of October and he had not heard from her in over a week. Frank had tried her cellular and left messages with no response and he was getting frustrated never having been ignored like this. Perhaps a little payback from all the times he never called a woman back when he said he would. He had wanted to invite her for the weekend, to see his condominium at the Marina Towers and to take her around town before he had to leave on another job. Maybe she was on a job he thought, again looking up at the clock that said four forty-five and stared at it.

“What’s he doing?” asked Monica in a whisper to Cody who had turned to see if Frank was wrapping it up for the day so they could leave too.

“He’s staring at the clock again. Sort of in the twilight zone” Cody replied turning back towards Monica.

“I guess his girlfriend hasn’t called him back” she laughed slightly as they all knew he was seeing Vanius by the way he acted whenever anyone mentioned her name.

“I still can’t believe Jake and Alex wanted me to put a surveillance on him” Cody remarked.

“Yeah, Jake especially. He’s still angry at that shooting incident with Quito. I had a good time driving the car while Donovan fired a few rounds. You should have seen the way Jake jumped” Monica laughed and Jake came over as he overheard that last comment.

“Had a good time?” he asked angry. “I could have gotten killed. That bastard went too far with me.”

“You’re an idiot. You deserved a taste of what you put us through. You’ve been lucky so far but you’re going to screw up eventually”, stated Cody and Jake walked off angrier over to Alex.

“I’m out of here”, Alex said picking her bag up and throwing it over her shoulder.

“It’s two minutes to five. We leave at five and no sooner”, boomed Frank as he stood at his office door. “I’m not going to tolerate tardiness anymore either. When we have regular office hours I want you here precisely at eight. Not five after. Is that understood everyone?”

“Fine” replied Alex, under her breath as all the others just said yes.

“What did you say?” asked Frank of Alex as he now loomed over her.

“Yes. I understand, its five now. May I go?” she asked and Frank looked again at the clock.

“Yes” he replied and then watched her storm off with the other three fast behind leaving him to lock up as he always did on such days.

They needed more discipline even in such trivial matters as being on time. Time was important in their lives. How many seconds they had to decode a security lock, how many minutes until a guard came on duty and how long before all your mistakes caught up with you and you died. Frank needed to make his team understand this so the later was avoided. Well, enough of all this he said to himself flipping the switch to the warehouse their headquarters was situated in, taking a final look in to the now darkened area. He exited the steel door and locked it using the security panel then headed down the small flight of stairs to his vehicle parked at the side. Frank got in his Jeep Cherokee thinking he would look around for a more economical car because of the economy and the gas prices. Maybe that would be something he could do to fill his weekend besides the jogging he planned Saturday and Sunday morning in Lincoln Park, along with various other activities.
Donovan finally turned the heat on as he got on to Lake Shore Drive heading north with just ten miles to travel to his building that overlooked Lake Michigan near the Navy Pier. The weather was beautiful as it was fully in to autumn and the lake was blue, but choppy because of the high winds as he drove parallel along side it. His cellular went off and he took it from the car seat next to him and activated it putting it to his left ear.

“Donovan” he said rather sharply thinking it was Bloom for some reason.

“Had a hard day?” asked Marisca after she heard his low, sexy voice that turned her on totally.

“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been calling you all week!” shouted Frank as he speeded up.

“That’s none of your business lover”, she laughed and he could hear a loud hum of an engine in the background. “I’m calling you now. Aren’t I?”

“What do you want? I’m busy”, he said foolishly as he desperately wanted to talk to her and see her.

“Well, in that case. I’d better let you go. I was just hoping you were free this weekend” she said baiting him as she usually did. He was actually getting good at that too she thought.

“What did you have in mind Marisca?” he questioned and she started to laugh.

“You know you ask too many questions. I’ll be landing in O’Hare in an hour. If you’re free meet me at my Lear” she stated.

“Where are we going?” Frank inquired asking another questions and he heard her click her tongue.

“Jesus! Questions!” she exclaimed and then ended the conversation, putting her cellular back in her jacket as she flew her small jet towards Chicago.

Marisca was anxious to see Donovan and hoped he would come to O’Hare and join her for the weekend. She could not blame him for all the questions he asked her but it was getting on her nerves. Why could he not just enjoy their time together and not worry about where she came from and what she was going to do she asked herself. Perhaps it was because she knew more about him that she was not at his vantage point, not viewing things as he did. At least he had stopped telling her he was going to put her behind bars which, had become old very fast particularly now that they had been lovers for almost two months. Marisca had an enjoyable week at Agency headquarters getting updated as she did every six months. She spent a great deal of time with their best analyst reviewing new data on the hot spots she was involved with, particularly in China now and his assessment. Their main operative had been assassinated he felt because of her involvement with the drug bust in Texas and loss of fifty million more Triad money. Fifty million that everyone but her boss thought was destroyed in the fire with the drugs. Fifty million she now had in to one of her many off shore accounts. And Marisca had already stolen a massive amount of their dirty money from her job at the Singapore Bank and now the analyst was convinced they had made some connection to her and the Agency. That was something they had to deal with before it got out of control but not this weekend she thought as she got landing clearance bringing her on the ground a little after six. She settled her Lear in to the area she was assigned and started to power down her engines, then she got up and went back in to the cabin to get a drink. Something harder as she was going to have Frank fly to their destination, that is if he showed up.

Frank got to his apartment and packed quickly knowing there would be traffic Friday night on the Eisenhower Expressway going up to O’Hare. He would go with her and there was so hesitation about it in his mind. He liked being with her and now he liked the fairly regular sex. There had never been any steady women in his life because of his job and where it took him, but now things were different and he was more settled somewhat. He was not looking at this as any kind of relationship that would turn permanent but it was still the longest he had seen a woman since his days at Dartmouth. Marisca also knew where he was coming from and she understood the life he led so there would be no demands that he could not fulfill. All in all he saw no reason for this not to continue as it was with visits to Trump Tower and now some other place she had in mind.

The traffic was horrendous but Donovan pulled up to the security gate that accessed the private portion of the numerous airstrips surrounding the terminals. He was waived through after showing the guard his ID, who then told the young man which area the Lear was parked. Frank spotted the small Lear jet and made his way over to the parking area, stopping his Cherokee, getting his bag out and securing the alarm. He had not seen the plane she had, the one Jake had broken in to outside of Nogales and it was as pretty as Marisca was, painted dark blue with red and white stripes at its tail. Almost the colors of the flag he said to himself as he approached the small stairs that were down and waiting for him. He walked up and in to the plane giving the interior a once over. It was decorated in dark blue leather, with a built in sofa on the left side and chairs on the opposite with a work- table. Then he saw Marisca come out from the back smiling and looking beautiful.

“God! We look like twins!” she remarked as he wore a dark gray cords and a matching turtleneck topped off by a black wool pea jacket. She wore a dark gray cord longish skirt with a black low cut sweater that showed cleavage, which his eyes locked on to right away.

“Your Lear suits you Vanius. The Colonial colors in your condo and now here” he laughed coming up to her for a kiss. “Hi” he said against her lips before he gave them to her fully.

“I’m glad you haven’t had anything to drink”, she said after tasting him. “Here, let me take your jacket.”

“Why?” he replied as she helped him off with his jacket putting it in the small closet towards the back.

“Because you’re going to take the controls”, she responded sitting down on the sofa and picking up her glass of wine. “I’ve had enough for today. Is that all right?”

“I’m not even going to bother asking how you know I can fly” he smirked shaking his head as he sat down across from her in a chair. “Do you have something non-alcoholic to drink before we go where ever we’re going?”

“I have Diet Coke”, she answered and he nodded. Marisca got up and went to the small galley and took a cold can out from the small frig and poured its contents in to a lead crystal glass. “I heard about the drug guy you brought in last week” she spoke as she handed him the glass then sat down again. “More drugs and more Chinese uh?”

“You know perfectly well what happened” he stated abruptly then sipped his Diet Coke.

“No, actually I’m not all that concerned with everything you do Frank. I was just interested when I read about the Chinese guy they found strangled” she said. Marisca was not concerned with Quito but she was concerned about the death of the Triad leader.

“Oh, yeah. You read about it uh?” he replied smiling knowing full well her intelligence system at the Agency told her what had happened and probably in fuller detail than his could. There was no point trying to make her confess to being an operative so he was not going to try anymore. “So where are we going this weekend?”

“Oh, I just thought since it was the weekend before Halloween we’d do something fun” she said excited and smiling. “I thought we’d fly to Salem, Massachusetts. They’re supposed to do things up there quite a bit for the occasion. It sounded fun to me and we can rent a car like regular people. Find a nice B & B. What do you think?”

“Actually, it does sound fun. I’ve been there before during college, have you?” he replied smiling at the thought of her plans for the getaway.

“No, I’ve read a lot about it. You know the witch trials. I’ve always wanted to visit so now we can!” Marisca jumped up to get another glass of wine while he got up to look further back in the plane.

There was a small living area at the back with a full size bed and another bathroom. He wandered in and spotted a palm pilot by the bed and picked it up, just curious at first what make it was. Then ever the investigator, Frank opened it up never having seen anything like it, as it was a cellular also. He activated it easily and the small screen showed several entries that looked like deposits, one of which said fifty million. He put it back as he heard Marisca coming disgusted that it did not occur to him that she had taken the money back in Texas. She was an agent and a very greedy and cold hearted one.

“What’s wrong?” she said strolling in and seeing him by the bed. She knew he had looked at her palm pilot as it was in a different position than she had placed it before.

“Nothing. Why don’t we try out your bed before we go?” he said coming up to her, taking the glass and placing it to the side. “We don’t need to get completely undressed.” He said that as he reached around to unzip her skirt.

“Well, it has been over a week” she replied seductively undoing his belt then his pants, bringing them down as he brought her skirt and thong down and she stepped out.

“Leave you boots one. They’re very sexy”, he said as he kicked his shoes off then pants and briefs. He reached under her sweater and undid her bra then came around to feel what he had unleashed bringing her in for a long and languid kiss. “I need to put a condom on.”

“I have some in the drawer”, she said against his lips as he pushed her back on to the bed then went over and got one out putting it on.

“God! You even make that look hot”, she laughed watching him slip the protection on.

“Did you put these here for me? Or someone else?” he asked as jealousy hit him at the thought of the condoms being too conveniently placed.

“Don’t do this now. You know I can’t give you the answer you want”, she said taking his hand and pulling him towards her. “You’ve been with others too. You’re too good in bed, but it’s just you and me now.”

“Is it Vanius? I don’t want you with other men now. Is that clear?” he ordered as he positioned himself between her legs while he loomed over her face, staring at her with his sharp brown eyes.

“Yes. It’s perfect clear. Now shut up and give it to me” she replied bringing his lips to hers as he did began to give it to her, as she so bluntly requested.

He was about to give it to her a second time but a voice came from the cabin and they both jumped up. Marisca grabbed the gun from under the pillow and Frank somehow was not surprised by her action.

“Hello” said the man’s voice again as Frank put his bottom clothes on again.

“What is it?” he asked coming out to see the man in airport garb.

“Oh, I’m sorry I heard a woman owned this plane” the man stated.

“She’s in the bathroom, now what is it?” Donovan blurted out.

“This plane has authorization to stay until seven and it’s fifteen after. I need to ask you to contact the tower for permission to stay longer or to move” he answered.

“We’ll be taking off in ten minutes. Anything else?” Donovan questioned as Marisca came out.

“No Sir, have a nice flight. I’m sorry to interrupt you” he stated obvious that the couple had been having sex and he interrupted them. They were not the first couple he had interrupted and not the last he laughed to himself as he left the Lear.

“Sit up front with me Vanius” Donovan ordered as he led the way to the cockpit and sat to the left side behind the main controls.

Marisca sat to his right and watched on as he expertly turned the controls on, did a check of all the systems then powered up the twin- jets. She handed him the headset and he contacted the tower for permission and instructions for their take off. Then he set a flight pattern to Massachusetts through Illinois and the other states they would pass over. It took almost half an hour before they had clearance to take off, as Friday night flights were heavy at O’Hare. Once up, Frank brought the Lear to twenty thousand feet then put the auto-pilot on and sat back to relax.

“Can you get me another Coke Marisca?” he asked turning to her. “And some munchies to tide me over, I thought we’d have dinner when get to Salem.”

“Sure” she said getting up. She went in to the galley and got another Diet Coke, another glass of white wine and prepared a bowl of the mixed nuts she liked. She went back and handed him the glass and set the bowl on the middle panel. “One of my friends told me about a nifty little place that serves great chowder and seafood. I have the name and address written down. I don’t recall the name off hand.”

“Nifty? You sound like an 80’s yuppie. Did I ever tell you that you remind me of Martha Stewart? She’s even from Connecticut” he laughed as she smiled.

“God! She’s over sixty! Thanks!” she laughed back now. “I guess she does look pretty good though. For her age.”

“I just meant your hair, it’s the same color and style. She’s not bad looking but you’re gorgeous. And I like the way you talk. Do you own a Volvo too?” he smiled and she picked up a nut and threw it at him.

“Where did you learn how to fly anyway?” Marisca questioned sipping her wine.

“At one of the Agencies I worked at in the beginning of my career. I’ve kept up my license and flight hours, I can fly just about anything”, he stated proudly.

“Can you fly a Stealth?” she asked out of the blue.

“Why? Did you have something in mind? Is this what this weekend’s about? Some secret mission and I have to pilot a bomber?” he started to laugh harder and Marisca started to giggle but also not answering him. He noticed that too so he dropped the subject.

It took a little over two hours flying east when Frank started his descent in to Logan International Airport, the closest to Salem and about a twenty-five minute drive north Marisca had told him. The airport was not as busy as O’Hare and ofcourse, smaller as he set the Lear down on the runway, maneuvering it over to the private plane area per the towers instructions. They had clearance for stay over until midnight on Sunday and after Donovan confirmed he powered the plane down as Marisca readied her self to depart. Frank took his cellular out of his pants pocket and checked for messages as he had turned it off and there were none. He got up and walked back in to the cabin finding his jacket over a chair and his bag by it with Marisca now donning a heavy gray car coat that hung off her shoulders seductively and a bag in hand.

“Ready?” she asked as he put his jacket on and picked up his bag.

“Ready” he answered leading the way over to the exit where he pressed the controls that automatically opened the door and put down the stairs. “Lady first” he said allowing her to go in front of him and out in to the very cold air with him behind.

“That’s the way” he motioned with his head to the left where the main terminal was. “The rental places are probably on the lower level.”

They followed a sign and entered through a reserved door where there were two security guards that checked them with metal detectors, as airport security had increased since the disaster on September 11th. They passed through quickly as neither had been carrying weapons and Frank did not have to show his ID. The airport did not have any reserve units posted like O’Hare and the other large ones around the country. Finally they did come to the car rental area and found Avis where Marisca had made a reservation using Frank’s name and American Express card number she had obtained easily. He signed the receipt amused that she had done that but readily understanding.

“I hope you haven’t been charging anything lavish on my accounts”, he laughed as he took the receipt from the counter then her arm, guiding her towards the exit. “By the way what names are we using this weekend? Lesley and Jesus? Or maybe we should make up some new ones.”

“Well, at least it would get you more exposure doing undercover work. You’re good at it. Better than the others” she said. “Anyway, I like your idea. Why don’t I be Martha and you be Preston Foster again. I liked that character. And I’ll be your wife who just found out you had an affair and you’re taking me on a weekend away to make up to me.”

“Did you just make that up? Or have you been thinking about this for a while?” Frank smiled as the van for the rental car park stopped and they boarded.

“It just came to me. Fun uh? We can even have a pretend fight somewhere and then make up”, she laughed as the van took off.

“You have a warped sense of humor. But I’ll play along. I’d like to be someone other than Frank Donovan for a few days” he said more serious now and Marisca picked up on that somewhat dark comment.

They rented a mid-sized car that turned out to be a black Ultima and after putting their bags in the truck and settling in, took off to find Route 1-A North towards Salem Border and the village. It was a little past eleven with the time change an hour ahead when they reached the outskirts, deciding to find the restaurant first as both were famished. Marisca looked at the street map to find Derby Street where Derby Fish & Lobster was, the place her friend had spoken of and finally Frank just came across it off what appeared to be the main avenue. He parked in the back and for it being so late, it was packed but then again it was Friday night. Donovan got out then came around to open Marisca’s door and help her out which she found very gentlemanly, always appreciating good manners as she had been taught. He took her arm and escorted her around to the entrance and through the maritime looking doors that were the start of a room decorated in similar fashion much like a seaport.

“Do you have reservations Sir?” asked the older man dressed in a navy double-breasted suit and a Harvard tie they both recognized.

“No, we just drove in to Salem from Logan. Do you have a table for two?” Frank asked taking Marisca’s hand now.

“We’re clearing one now. May I have your name?” the man asked.

“Foster” Donovan stated and then smiled at Marisca who chuckled a bit. “I’d like a bottle champagne brought over right away and some steamed oysters.”

“Yes, ofcourse Mr. Foster. We have a 1978 Dom that is an excellent vintage. Would that suit you? You’re table is ready, please follow me” the man said as he led the way.

“The 78 sounds perfect, my wife and I are on a second honeymoon so to speak. Aren’t we dear?” he said to Marisca as the man set the chair out for her to sit.

“Let’s not start with the honeymoon thing again Preston” she said in her snottiest manner. “You know why we’re here?”

“Look, I told you it was a one-night stand. She didn’t mean anything to me” he said and now two couples near them turned around to look at the attractive married couple who were arguing. “Do you have any cash? I don’t think I can use my card after this with my name on it” he leaned forward whispering.

“This weekend is on me. I invited you remember” she whispered back and he nodded.

This would be the first time a woman ever paid for anything and Donovan was not that macho to be worried about it. Marisca had added fifty million more to her pot after all he laughed to himself. A few hundred to her for a weekend of entertainment would be nothing but for him, well, he was not use to spending that much money particularly on women. The host brought the Dom Perignon over himself and opened it allowing Frank to taste it and when he gained approval poured the lady a glass first and then Frank. Then the waiter brought over a large dish with a dozen oysters already open and ready to be slurped.

“Well, here’s to ten years of marriage” Frank said bringing his glass up for a toast.

“Maybe that’s all it’s going to be after this weekend” Marisca replied clinking her glass against his rather hard.

“Let’s try to be civil. I brought you up here to get away” he said sipping his wine and then eating an oyster as Marisca looked on. God, he is sexy she thought as he consumed the rather nasty looking shell food.

“I should have gone away from you this weekend” was her retort.

“Whatever! Where should we stay tonight? Did your friend have any ideas on that?” he asked now thinking about what friend had told her about this restaurant. “I didn’t know you had any.”

Marisca was not sure if he asked her in character or if he actually wanted to know.

“I know some people. My cousin Skip told me about this place. Why? Do you have any friends? Mr. Friendly?” she remarked sarcastically and then saw a hurt look on his face.

“You” he said simply and at that she reached across the table and took his hand.

“Sorry, but thanks. I’m not much of one though” she smiled squeezing his strong hand.

“No, you’re not. But you’re the closest I’ve ever had to one” he replied looking deeply in to her blue eyes that sparkled in the candlelight.

“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment. But I’m going to take it as one” she stated and then a middle-aged man that sat across from them interrupted their conversation by clearing his throat several time. They looked over and he was smiling.

“I’m sorry to interrupt. I overheard you were looking for some place to stay this weekend. I live in Salem and this weekend is booked because its right before Halloween. If you like, I know the owner of the Salem Inn on Summer Street. I could give Richard a call and get you a room?” he asked.

“That’s great!” Marisca replied. “I’m Martha and this is my husband Preston Foster. We just came from New York with no plans. We were just going to pop in and see the sights. I heard it was wonderful here during Halloween.”

“I’ll call my friend” he replied picking up his cellular that was on the table. He speed dialed and then asked for Richard Pabich the owner and booked a room for Friday and Saturday night in the West House he asked for specifically. Then he ended the conversation and put his cell to the side again. “You’re all set. The Inn has three building built at various times during the 1800’s and The West House is, I think, the most romantic. It’s on Summer Street, which is just two miles down Derby. You make a right on to it and its number 7. By the way, my name is Robert Cahell.”

“How long have you lived here?” asked Frank as he picked up the menu to finally look at.

“All my life. That’s why I write books about the supernatural. Everyone in Salem has a bit of the occult in them” he laughed then took a piece of paper from his pocket and a pen, writing something down. “If you have no plans I might suggest these to do while you’re here.” He handed Frank the paper, which he read.

“Haunted Foot Steps Ghost Tour and The Mystical Voyage Tour? I suppose the first one is a walking thing. That might be nice for daytime. What about this other one?” he asked handing the paper over to Marisca.

“That’s at night, in fact. I started the idea myself and a group of young men run it. They’ll pick you up in a redone Hearse and give you a tour of Salem at night then take you to an actual haunted house where you can look around. It’s not for the weary at heart” he said seriously. “Interested?”

“Ofcourse!” Donovan answered very intrigued thinking this was going to be a fun time in bed and out.

“I have to get going, too late for me. I’ll have one of the Hearse’s pick you up at nine, tomorrow night. It was nice meeting you both. I hope everything works out in your marriage” the man said leaving, feeling better that he had made an effort to try to make the arguing couple happier.

Frank and Marisca both ordered Lobster and another bottle of Dom Perignon, at probably two hundred a bottle he thought but she was paying so why not. The place was clearing out quickly after twelve-thirty and by one-thirty the waiters were standing around wishing they would leave. The maitr’d finally came over and asked if they could settle the bill and Marisca took her wallet out and put down a thousand dollar bill. Several minutes later the man returned with change and she handed him two hundred to be split between him and the two waiters that had served them. Donovan helped Marisca from her chair and they left escorted by the very happy man with an invitation to come back for their famous Sunday brunch on the house ofcourse. Well, that they could add to their weekend plans Frank thought as he made a reservation for noon on Sunday for brunch.

“What was the name of the place?” he asked her as they pulled out of the parking lot.

“Gee! That was a toughie. The Salem Inn, idiot! Take a right here and go two miles to 7 Summer Street” she laughed. “I hope they have a nice cozy fireplace in the room” she stated pulling her coat together as it was definitely colder.

“The weather bureau said this winter was going to be rough. I bet it starts snowing before Thanksgiving”, he said driving down Derby. “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

“If I’m in New York, I’ll go see the parade. If you’re free you should join me. It’s too far off to plan though” she replied having not thought about it much. “Not in to visiting the family uh?”

“That’s for sure!” he chuckled as he turned on to Summer Street and spotted the place. “It’s very nice. It looks like parking is in the back. Why don’t you get out now and go in Marisca.”

“Ok” she replied opening the door herself and exiting. She turned around and he was still there waiting for her to get inside safely. He was certainly brought up right but ofcourse he was a Dartmouth man and they, were a different breed.

Marisca went in to the very quaint Federal style main building that was decorated in a comfortable manner some of which, was colonial but she guessed mostly English with a hint of country. A man and woman stood behind the reception desk waiting for her as she finally made her approach.

“Mrs. Foster?” the man asked and she nodded. “This is my wife Diane and I’m Richard Pabich. Robert Cahill said you’d be coming about now” he said quite friendly and wide- awake for being almost two in the morning.

“I’m sorry we’re late. My husband’s parking. I only have cash with me, is that ok?” Marisca questioned.

“Your bill has been taken care of compliments of Mr. Cahill. He’s our most prominent citizen and he obviously took a liking to you” Diane spoke now. “If you could sign our register, please” she said putting the charming leather bound guest book in front of her.

“I’ll sign for my husband too”, she said as Frank walked in and over. “This is Diane and Richard Pabich, Preston. They own this place.”

“Nice to meet you” he replied taking the key from the man. “Where is the room?”

“It’s in the building behind us. We call it The West House and it’s has our best suites. I’ll show you they way” Richard stated coming from behind the desk and leading the way.

“Tray service is at nine”, exclaimed Diane as they started to leave. “Coffee or tea?”

Marisca and Frank both answered at the same time “Coffee, black!” They turned to look at each other smiling, not having realized they liked the same thing.

Richard walked them through a small garden outside towards another Federal style building, which he said was built in 1834, the oldest of the three. The one they had left was called The Peabody House, built in 1874 and the one to the right of the garden was The Curwen House built in 1854. A lot of history in just one block Frank thought as they entered their building. Richard took them up a flight of stairs and down a small hall to suite 200W and opened the door with an old-fashioned key that Frank gave back to him. They strolled in after the lights were put on and the fireplace was already blazing ready for a cozy night inside. The main room was bright yellow with delicate curtains to match and on the hard oak wood floors were yellow, blue and pink patterned rugs. The furniture was overstuffed in coordinating chintz, with a sofa, loveseat and two chairs and a small table for dining. The bedroom was similar with a canopy bed that was queen sized with a vanity and two dressers and what Richard called a “fainting sofa.” The bathroom was small but adequate the owner explained, as there was no indoor plumbing when the place was built and they could not accommodate anything larger during renovations.

“Did you have any plans for tomorrow Mr. Foster?” he asked before leaving.

“We’re going to check out the Foot Step Ghost Tour? You wouldn’t happen to know when that starts?” Donovan inquired.

“Two. I’ll make reservations for you for lunch before and book you for the tour. I would suggest it as it’s almost impossible to get in anywhere this particular weekend” the owner said. “I have a certain amount if pull in Salem.”

“That would be wonderful! This is going to be so much fun. I’m already having a great time”, Marisca stated as she went back in to the bedroom.

“Thanks for your help” Frank exclaimed as he tried to give the man a tip but he would not accept it.

Frank closed the door and went to the entrance of the bedroom noticing Marisca was in the bathroom so he took the opportunity to check his cellular for messages. There was a 911, which was his code to call Bloom right away so he pressed speed dial #1 and sat down in the sofa by the fireplace. It rang twice and Bloom picked up answering curtly because of the late hour.

“It’s Donovan. What is it Bloom? I just got your 911” said Frank just as bluntly.

“Where have you been Donovan? I left that message hours ago” Bloom shouted.

“None of you business. My time off is my own”, Frank told him. “”So what’s the emergency?”

“First of all I need to remind you your time is mine. Your 24/7 Donovan and don’t forget it! I need you to start surveillance on a group that we got word is going to go after the Hope Diamond. I think Vanius might be involved, so start getting to work on it by tomorrow” Bloom ordered. “My office is sending you all the data we have.”

“Fine Bloom!” Frank replied then cut the call off putting his cellular down.

He knew Marisca was not going after the gem, as it was not worth all that much. It was a prized possession with great historical value but he knew his woman and she had made one too many comments about the Chinese that night. Her interest was in that direction his instincts told him and not on some jewelry heist. Anyway, she had done that last year in South Africa at De Beers, lifting four times the value of the Hope Diamond.

“So what is it?” Marisca asked her boss at the Agency after returning his message. She stood by the sink in the bathroom after waiting several minutes to be connected through a secure line.

“I need you to fly to Saudi, Arabia Monday, Marisca. You’ll be met. I’ll make it worth your while” he said.

“Am I going in to Afghanistan?” she said knowing she might be called on a mission as others operatives she was sure of had.

“There’s a good chance” he replied.

“OK, I’ll go because I love this country. You don’t need to make it worthwhile for me. Tell my contact I should be there by three pm Saudi time” she said then pressed end on her cell and put it out of her mind until Monday.

Marisca came out as Frank entered the bedroom coming up to her and bringing her in for a kiss and a tongue duel, slowly increasing the heat they had been feeling all evening. They stripped down quickly putting any hint of foreplay to the side as they jumped on the bed and got to it. Marisca laughed to herself thinking about all the nonsense about women needing romance and sweet talk all the time before making love. If they had the right sexual partner there was no need for that, as the mere thought of him made you wet. So was her case with Frank as they grunted their way to full satisfaction again and again. Frank found her refreshing as she had a rainbow of sexual moods, from being virginal to a whore. By morning the only thing that interrupted them was a knock at the door at nine with the tray service. Another knock came and Frank jumped up putting his pants on to answer the door. He took the tray from the girl then brought it back placing it on the bed as Marisca sat up showing her voluptuous breasts once again to him. She picked up the note she recognized made by Crane, an expensive stationer with initials on it and handed it to Frank to read as she poured the hot, black coffee in to the two cups.

“It’s from the owner. We have lunch reservations at Nathaniel’s on the Common, then the tour at two. He’s got directions. Let’s eat and get dressed. I’d like to walk around the village” he stated picking up a crescent roll and buttering it.

He took a bite then held it out towards Marisca’s mouth as a sort of erotic invitation to share his. She did the same to him with her own finishing the rolls, OJ, and coffee quickly in order to get ready for the day. Frank put on another sweater that was a black crew neck he had ordered by mail from Lands End topping off his gray cords. Marisca put on camel hair turtleneck with her gray skirt and low- heeled gray loafers for walking. They walked out of the West House heading through the garden at ten and entered the main building, greeted by both owners, who kept long hours. Both watched Marisca and Frank stroll through the lobby and out the door hand in hand, obvious they had made up as their neighbors in the next room had called to complain about the noise they were making all night. Richard Cahill had told them the Foster couple was on the verge of divorce so their loud love making set that notion aside for Richard and Diane. They were true romantics anyway, so they said nothing to the couple about the complaint that morning.

Donovan and Marisca strolled down Summer Street, half a mile to Derby taking a right this time going towards the center of the village. It was a fresh, cool and sunny day as they acquainted themselves with Salem. The streets were lined with homes just as old as their inn and now they noticed Halloween decorations almost at every door- step. Lights that were popular that year, Jack O’Lanterns, ghosts made of white cloth hanging from trees, skeletons on the doors and many other signs of the season. They would make it a point to drive around that night to view the spectacle when everything was lit and sparkling against the dark. They entered the shopping district having gotten on to Salem Boulevard and many people were dressed in costumes in anticipation of a festival that was being held that day on The Common they were headed for.

“Let’s go in here”, Frank said as he looked in to a shop that was called Angelica’s. “It looks like it just opened.”

He stood back as she walked past him and in to the rather large shop that was a bookstore to the left and to the right counters with gems and crystals in all fashions. A woman about fifty was standing in the middle and now strolled towards them smiling. She had never seen a couple with such auras before and very well suited for each other.

“Welcome to my shop. I’m Angelica. Has anyone ever told you two you have amazing auras?” she asked of the very attractive couple.

“I’ve heard of that. What is it exactly?” asked Donovan not sure where this woman was going. Probably a sales technique he thought but he listened politely.

“Auras are energy sources that surround the body. I’ve had the gift to see them from childhood and I’ve been trained to help people. Sort of an aura doctor” she laughed.

“What do you see with my husband and me” Marisca questioned rather skeptical.

“First of all you’re not married”, she stated and both were shocked at the statement. “But you are well suited lovers. Both of you have a red/orange as your outer color which means sexual passion. You both also have middle layers of purple for spirituality” she said then looked at Frank. “Your inner aura is white for truth and the lady’s is yellow for intellect. These are what brought you together. They’re splendidly matched.”

“That’s interesting. So you can help people develop another aura?” Marisca asked.

“No, not another one. But I can give some mental exercises to expand one and lessen another. Expanding the purple, the spiritual is the most popular these days. It used to be the sexual” Angelica stated as a younger woman now joined them. “This is my daughter Sabrina.”

“Like the teenage witch?” questioned Marisca laughing slightly.

“I’m learning the craft and crystals like my Mother. Would you like a Ghostbuster? We’re serving them for our grand opening today” Sabrina asked.

“What’s that?” asked Donovan looking now at the other patrons carrying drinks that looked like Irish Coffees in glasses.

“It’s part coffee, crèam, coffee liquor and vodka with whipped crème on top. It’s really good”, the young girl said and both Frank and Marisca nodded.

“It’s eleven. Time for a cocktail” Marisca laughed as she began looking at the first counter.

“I’ll let you wander around. If you have any questions please ask” Angelica stated as she went behind the cashier’s counter.

The couple looked carefully at the very nice displays of gemstones and quartz crystals. There were earrings, bracelets, charms, necklaces and anything else one would imagine but both paid more attention to the amethysts discovering it was their birthstone. Marisca born February 25th and Frank the 28th and four years younger than her. Sabrina came up finally and gave them their drinks making the little shop even more delightful with a splash of alcohol. They looked around the jewelry section and then the books that were mostly on the occult, from very rare to very modern texts.

“Finding everything all right?” Angelica asked after a half hour. “I thought you might like a list of all the Halloween events in Salem this weekend.” She handed an orange piece of 10” x 8” paper to Marisca.

“I’d like to buy you a crystal” he said to Marisca who smiled. “Can you recommend one Angelica? I think perhaps a necklace.”

“I’ll show you what I would recommend for the Lady at this moment. Sometimes the properties only last a few months but for now a Rutilated Quartz would be nice” she stated bringing them over to the first counter where she had her best pieces.

They watched as she unlocked the bottom of the case taking out a silver chain with a clear crystal that had ribbons of silver and gold. She handed it to Frank who put it around Marisca’s neck and fastened it securely, then he turned her around to have a look. Marisca looked in the mirror liking the elegant, simplicity of the quartz.

“This crystal is used to stimulate the brain and I sense from your aura that you will have to be at your intellectual best shortly. It also promotes clairvoyance which I feel you have the ability if you worked on it” the woman said. “That is the reason you have become so successful in everything you do. But you must wear the crystal against your skin. Its energy flow through it.”

“Do you like it?” Donovan asked as he thought it was very beautiful and very appropriate starting to believe what Angelica said.

“I love it!” she replied putting the crystal underneath her sweater and on her chest. “It feels warm for some reason.”

“Good! It means it’s working” the woman laughed. “Did you want to put that on your credit card?”

“How much is it, anyway?” Donovan questioned a bit late as there was now turning back on the purchase. She showed him the tag so that Marisca would not know the price and it said two hundred fifty dollars so he did pay with his American Express.

“Thank you. I hope you two have an enjoyable time in Salem. But be on guard now as the spirits both good and evil are more active” she stated as they started to leave. “And be especially careful next week when you face your next challenge.”

“Was she talking to you or me?” Marisca asked as it could have applied to both their lives. Frank just shrugged his shoulders as he took her hand, strolling back down the boulevard. “Thank you for the necklace Frank. I love it.”

“You’re welcome. It’s too bad you have to hide it underneath your sweater” he replied looking down at her as they walked.

“You can see it tonight when I’m naked. I want to wear it all the time to get that energy flowing through me” she chuckled. “And you’ll be putting a lot of your energy in to me later too.”

“Well, she didn’t have to tell me we both had sexual auras” he said leaning over to her ear and nipping at the lobe. “We’d better find this restaurant. What does it say on the hand out?”

“It’s a calendar of events during October. There’s supposed to be a pet parade and a costume parade going on now at the Commons where the restaurant is. Pumpkin bowling sounds fun, we should check that out after the tour. Tomorrow we can go to the House of Spirits at The Seven Gables. That’s open at ten am then Brunch and starting at five they have kind of an interactive thing going at The Peabody Essex Museum” Marisca stated.

“Dinner after and then back to the airport. That’s ok with me” Donovan remarked as they approached the Salem Commons, the largest park in the village.

They strolled across it looking at the various parades Marisca mentioned especially liking the pets of all sizes, dressed in costumes. There was a small stage near the restaurant that had some play about Nathaniel Hawthorne, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe and Donovan and Marisca watched standing behind the seated audience. At noon they crossed the small street and went in to Nathaniel’s, one of the best places in Salem. By one-thirty they were trying to find Center Street where they were to meet the tour that would take them to various haunted places around the village. The tour guide upon arrival told them he had a reservation cancel from a couple that was book for his Candle Light Tour that started at five and after briefly describing it Frank and Marisca opted for that one instead. And with three hours to entertain themselves they headed back for The Commons and the activities that were going on there.

Donovan checked his cellular again for a confirmation message from Cody telling him he and Monica had gone in to the office to retrieve Bloom’s data and start on the new project. Finally at two-thirty he got Cody’s coded message saying everything was done. He put his cell away and brought his attention to trying the odd sport of pumpkin bowling which he and Marisca found enjoyable enough for almost an hour. One of the men they played against suggested going to Lafayette Street two blocks away and taking a look at a tourist attraction called Dracula’s Castle which they did finding it totally lame but all in all a good laugh. And after many more shops they decided to take another cocktail- break ending up at The Hawthorne Hotel in the lounge having more Ghostbusters. Frank had noticed right off that Marisca made herself aware of her environment particularly when they walked as she would looked around at places he knew would be best for surveillance. He said nothing until they passed a man taking photos on The Commons that looked somewhat out of place as he took a snap of the two of them.

“What are you doing?” Frank asked as she took off towards the young man holding the camera.

She approached him and grabbed it quickly, opened it and took out the film then handed it back to him. Frank could not hear what she said to him but it was enough for him to run away fast in the opposite direction. Marisca strolled back to Donovan who started laughing.

“Not use to having your picture taken uh?” he laughed.

“He just teed me off! Snapping a photo without our permission! God! I have enough people trying to do that. At least this one I could control” she exclaimed as they headed back to the tour area.

“If you’re that paranoid why don’t you wear a disguise? Do you think someone knows we’re here?” he questioned taking her hand again.

“Someone? Probably. I don’t wear disguises because then I would feel like I was in prison. Do you still want me behind bars?” she smiled at him.

“I’m still watching you and if I do put you behind bars don’t take it personally. I want those conjugal visits I’ll see you get” he chuckled.

They were a bit late at the tour site but the group of thirty greeted them warmly as they joined them. The guide handed them large white candles that he lit and began his two- hour tour through the side streets of Salem. Frank and Marisca were having too good a time so they decided to drop the fighting couple routine and enjoy the time they were actually not baiting one another. The atmosphere was a combination of romantic and spooky as the group strolled down the cobblestone lanes and in to homes that had been darkened and supposedly full of ghosts. Everyone thought the guide was entertaining as he recited his lines in dramatic fashion like one would do sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories. He brought the dead to life so to speak and when the tour was over everyone hated to leave having had such a splendid time and some very good laughs.

“Haunted weekend” Marisca said. “Everything is haunted in Salem. That’s what I’ll call my next entry in my journal.” She was baiting Frank with that bit of information and she knew he would take it.

“You keep a journal? Isn’t that a bit dangerous?” he asked hooking himself on her line once again.

“Not if you have it neatly hidden. Anyway, I don’t think I can make it back to the Inn. My feet are killing me so let’s go back and have a drink. We have plenty of time to get back for our nine o’clock tour”, she said having checked the back of her heel on her right foot, which had a nasty blister developing.

“I’ll give the tour company a call and have them pick us up in the village”, he stated. “Has anyone told you, you drink like a fish?”

“Jesus! I am almost Russian and you know how they are. At least I can hold it” she chuckled at his remark as she did drink a lot and he did not.

They went back to The Hawthorne for drinks and plate of steamed clams noticing many more people were dressed in costumes as there was an annual party held at the hotel. The village was much more alive now that it was dark and the lanes they had strolled down even on the tour were lit by the decorations they had admired that morning. Frank felt like he was in Americana heaven with all the tradition surrounding him based on what had happened hundreds of years ago because of a witch trial. Chicago was the heart of the Midwest but here in Massachusetts was where the real history was. That had been one reason he chose Dartmouth, very attracted to its history and American Ivy League tradition.

Frank checked his cellular once again while Marisca went to the bar finally asking for a band -aid. He had a message from Cody telling him he had picked up a conversation between Sonny Walker and his lover that was highly suspicious and Monica felt he was going to do something that next week. Cody ended his message using the code he developed that was similar to the British one that was popular, by saying he would keep Donovan informed. Frank just wanted to make it through the weekend before he had to get back to Chicago and back to work. Donovan watched Marisca limp back with the band-aid in hand, thinking she was so different than the operatives he had been exposed to when he had a taste of the CIA years ago. She was high profile and obvious and this was apparently working for her and enough to make her very successful he thought.

Marisca looked at Frank thinking even more so that he was someone she would not want to deal with as a criminal. There were segments of his life unaccounted for when she was briefed on him and he was as dangerous as her. And perhaps as cool-blooded but so far Marisca had not seen any misuse of power on his part to indicate that. He was a good leader and a scary one too if needed, having personally witnessed an interaction with one of his crew. And if she had not been so experienced she would have been overwhelmed by the way he approached her after her job at Nasdaq when he thought she was just a thief. This weekend he was smiling more and laughing, so totally opposite his mode when he was working.

“It’s nine. We should go outside” Frank stated having looked at his watch.

After making their way through a considerable crowd of happy people they were greeted outside by a young man dressed as an undertaker who stood in front of a 1950’s Hearse. Frank and Marisca started to laugh knowing this was going to be a real experience as the man, named Jerry, helped them in to the back. It had been redone in purple leather like the back of a limousine as they sat down facing the front. There was a small bar the was pulled out and an open bottle of Korbel Brut Champagne waiting for them to pour which Frank did, handing a glass to Marisca then sitting back with his own. An intercom clicked on and the young man started to speak.

“I want to welcome you to The Massachusetts Hysteria Haunted House Tours. Tonight you have been invited on our special Mystical Voyage to the house of Eliza Tilton, a Sea Captain’s widow that still walks among us. Her home is twenty miles from Salem with many interesting sights along the way. Sights you can even see after dark” the guide said.

“This is great” Marisca said softly looking at Frank and his dark eyes and she was becoming aroused.

“I haven’t kissed you all day”, he said as leaned forward to touch her lips with his fuller ones bringing them in to a passionate embrace and a slight spill of champagne.

Jerry talked on and on about the sites as they kissed like teenagers and if they had been alone Marisca would have had her first sexual experience in the back of a car or Hearse in this case. But when the guide said they were approaching the haunted house they straightened up almost immediately gaining some composure for their arrival. The Hearse pulled up the long gravel drive to the immense house that was built by the famous Federal style architect Samuel McIntire in the 1799 the young man said as he got out and opened the back door for his group.

“Jerry, do we pay you now or later?” questioned Frank as Marisca stood next to him.

“My Uncle Robert is taking care of this. He really liked you two when you met last night so just enjoy yourself”, he stated as another young man came from the house walking quickly towards the couple.

“Good evening. I’m Peter. I’ll be your host for the evening. Come this way please. I’m going to show you around and then we have a special dinner arranged for you”, he said leading the way in to the three-story home with a widow’s walk at the top.

“I’m glad there’s dinner. I’m starving”, said Marisca to Frank who took her arm as she walked in.

The way Jerry drove at snails pace, it took them almost forty-five minutes to get there and now it was almost ten as Donovan glanced at his watch. Peter took them through the house that was built for a sea captain named Henry “Strong Arm” Tilton who married at twenty-five the beautiful Eliza, a girl of eighteen that lived in Salem. Tilton was from Maine but he had visited the area and fell in love with it and the young woman. But fortune was not on his side and two years after marrying the sea took him leaving poor Eliza to walk the house he had built for her. Peter said she spent her nights weeping for the loss of her husband even to this day and this night, that Frank and Marisca were there. Another haunting the couple thought as they strolled behind the young man listening to his vibrant tale of Eliza’s doomed after life.

The home was decorated in nautical fashion with remembrances of the past lit only by the candle light of those times as the three walked the area. The garden outside was riddled with now bare rose bushes as they made their way to the cliff the overlooked the water. Both Marisca and Frank could feel something strange in the air as they stood with the now harsh wind hitting their faces. Marisca felt her crystal become much warmer, too warm and she brought it out from under her sweater. It was eerie and Frank was becoming unsettled as he stood looking down on to the rough waters.

“You never said how the woman died” he asked Jerry who stood by their sides.

“She threw herself from where you are standing. Her body was never found” he replied. “Why don’t we go back now, the chef should have your meal ready.”

“This is creepy” Marisca said chilled to the bone and a bit nervous for some reason as she clung to Frank’s body, wrapping her arm tightly around his waist.

“He’s just making it scary for us. Part of the act” he whispered in her ear. “You know that.”

A very elegant table was set for them in the front parlor with fine china of white and gold with silver and crystal goblets for the champagne that was served. Oyster Rockefeller then Boston Clam Chowder before the entrée of bacon wrapped Monk Fish, the highlight of the meal. Donovan and Marisca delighted in the presentation of the food and every bite was un-comparable to the next. And with another bottle of Korbel and desert of Crème Bruele they were as relaxed as could be for being in a haunted house.

“I can’t believe it’s after midnight already” stated Marisca sitting back drinking her champagne then looking around. “Where is everyone?”

“They’re probably cleaning up in the kitchen” he replied as a gust of wind blew across the room blowing out all the candles. “Shit!”

“Frank! There’re no windows in this room. What’s going on?” she said jumping up looking around more.

“The wind probably came from the other room”, he stated getting up and walking in to the next room seeing no windows. He paced over to Marisca. “No windows there either. I guess I didn’t notice how few there are in this house.”

“I’ll go find the crew and get some matches”, Frank remarked starting to leave.

“Well, you’re not going to leave me here alone Donovan!” she stated right behind him as he made his way to the kitchen that was empty and just as dark. “Let’s just get out of here.”

“Yeah, good idea” he said as he went over to the back door and tried to open it. “F….k!” Frank lifted his right foot and tried to break down the door but it held on his three attempts.

They paced back to the front door still in the dark but their night vision having been adjusted so they could see fairly well. That door too was locked and again Donovan tried to break it down, getting frustrated so he started to bang on it calling out Jerry’s name.

“This is ridiculous. I’ll bet it’s some practical joke this Robert Cahill is playing on us”, Marisca stated. “Why don’t we see if there’s another bottle of Korbel and sit down and wait?”

“You’re right! No use worrying about it. We’ll get out sooner or later and maybe we can try out the old Sea Captain’s bed?” Frank laughed as they went back to the kitchen and found an extra bottle.

“Oh, yeah! Try your cell. I didn’t bring mine with me” she remarked having just thought of that.

Frank took his out of his pants pocket, activating it to find a message, which he read then passed it over to Marisca to look at. She looked at his face which had had become sterner then brought her attention to the small digital display that said.

“Help me! Help me! Help me!”

                                                                    THE END
                                                                    (of, Part 1)

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                                                    Haunted Weekend - Part 2

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