Re: Ghosts - ch.20 & 21 -- The Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman Fan Exchange

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Date Posted: 09:54:29 04/07/03 Mon
Author: dqfan
Subject: Re: Ghosts - ch.20 & 21
In reply to: dqfan 's message, "Re: Ghosts - ch.18 & 19" on 10:21:33 04/06/03 Sun

CHAPTER TWENTY

"Breakfast was delicious, Gus. Thank you�"

Actually, it could have been laced with arsenic for all Sophie knew. Once again, she had eaten virtually nothing.

Instead, in a hopeless attempt to regain her composure, she'd spent most of the meal systematically shredding her croissants into bite-sized pieces, which she then absent-mindedly fed to some very lucky pigeons.

All the while, Sophie felt Gus watching her intently. To his credit, she could tell that he was at least trying to hide his amusement at her discomfort.

Thankfully, he seemed interested only in simple conversation for the time being�

So, they'd spoken of Gus' plans for his hotel, his love of art, and his misspent youth growing up in Nevada. But mostly, it had been Sophie's travels�her teaching career�even her supposed "separation" from her husband which dominated the conversation somehow - leaving Sophie to wonder at times just who was grilling whom.

Gus was actually quite easy to talk to. He had such a relaxed way about him. And he'd listened with genuine sympathy to her fabricated lament over her estranged husband's preoccupation with his work, surprising Sophie by unabashedly admitting that several, former loves had said the same about him. Sophie had expected Gus to be confident and charming. But he was also very compassionate, his words tinged by that unmistakable voice of experience.

"Sometimes the people we love disappoint us," he told her softly, in a way that made Sophie certain it was not just a line.

This was a man who spoke from experience.

The more time Sophie spent with Gus, the more confused she became. Confused, and impressed, and - if she weren't by nature such a suspicious and very happily married person - she might even say, flattered.

Until last night, and now, this morning, it had been a long time since any man, other than Peter, had sat across a table from Sophie and made love to her with his eyes. It felt strange and wrong and�dangerous.

Most of the "Gus Leightons" Sophie had known in her lifetime preferred an easy catch with no strings attached - and they would sooner contemplate a blank TV screen than a Miro. So, why was this Gus Leighton so different?

Awkwardly, she'd tried to avoid his gaze, grateful for the increasing number of guests who had begun arriving for breakfast.

Now, as she prepared to say goodbye, Sophie found herself dreading the touch of his handshake and the power it would undoubtedly hold�

"No, you can't go." Gus refused to part from Sophie's company so easily. "The morning's still young."

"Besides, I have a surprise for you," he beamed with a twinkle in his eye.

"That's very sweet Gus, really, but I�" Sophie looked forlornly toward the lobby.

"You wanted to see the spa�that's what you said�" Gus reminded her, breezily. "So, I've arranged a massage for you, right now, before hours. You'll have the place all to yourself," he tempted her.

"You deserve it after that run," Gus praised profusely. "And it might help you take your mind off your troubles," he added, slowly winning Sophie over.

With a sigh, Sophie considered how wonderful it would be to truly relax for a while. Forget about Gus and Charity. Forget about her fight with Peter. Just let all her problems seep from her skin.

Gus could sense Sophie's resolve weakening. Eagerly, he led her down a side hallway, toward an intimate alcove of potted palms, and tranquil music: the entrance to the Grand Sahara Spa.

Gus punched in his private code and opened the spa door for Sophie.

The spa was magnificent - all marble and glass. Its color scheme was a soothing beige and white, with only the deep green foliage to serve as contrast. The lighting was soft and dim, while soothing sounds of the seashore played discreetly from hidden speakers.

"Miguel!" Gus called, after making sure the door had locked behind them.

"Si, Senor Gus, I am here�" Miguel was a very distinguished man of about sixty, with darkly tanned skin and a thick crop of dark black hair. He was dressed in white pants and a white shirt. The shirt had a tiny green palm tree stitched onto each lapel and across the chest pocket, in script, was written "Sahara Sands."

"Miguel is my Spa Director and Personal Masseur," Gus bragged, while Miguel beamed. "He's the best in the business. Worked for the President of Mexico, didn't you, Miguel?"

"Senor Gus is too kind," Miguel nodded, and gallantly kissed Sophie's hand, quietly taking notice of her wedding rings. "It is a pleasure to meet you�"

"Sophie Becker�" Sophie smiled warmly.

"Everything ready, Miguel?" Gus asked lightly.

"The Sahara Sands' famous Margarita Salt Rub awaits you," Miguel boasted proudly, beckoning for Sophie to accompany him.

"Oh, I don't know�" Sophie hedged.

"Go on," Gus encouraged her. "I'll be waiting for you."

"You may change in this room," Miguel directed Sophie, handing her a large, plush, terrycloth robe.

"Well, I guess I could," Sophie smiled, beginning to like the idea.

"Make yourself comfortable on the table, Senora, and I'll knock in a few minutes," Miguel said warmly.

Gus waited until he was sure Sophie had closed the door and then took Miguel aside to ask again, more insistently this time, "Everything ready?"

Miguel's smile faded slightly and he took a deep breath. "Si, Senor Gus, but you are sure the Senora will not mind�" he worried. Gus hadn't told him Sophie was married.

"The Senora will love it, Miguel, I promise," Gus coddled him. "Just make sure we're not disturbed. The Spa is closed today, you understand?"

Miguel couldn't help but frown. Someday, soon, he hoped, Senor Gus would settle down like he and Rosalita had�build a family. But, an affair with a married woman was definitely not the way to go about it!

"Si, Senor Gus," Miguel replied glumly, afraid his boss would never change.
"I understand."

"So, after the massage, you'll bring Sophie to the jaccuzzi," Gus prompted, wanting to be sure everything was set.

"Si, the jaccuzzi," Miguel nodded, without further comment.

Gus' face lit up at the mention. He had it all planned�

Miguel's massages were legendary. A person could barely stand up after one, let alone be upset or stressed. Sophie would be on an endorphin high, wearing a welcome smile - and hopefully not much else - by the time she eased down into the warm, pulsating jets.

The rest was simple - a bottle of the hotel's finest champagne and a bowl of strawberries tucked into the small fridge that normally held chilled towels for the guests. Gus had thought of everything when he'd called Miguel earlier this morning.

Then, at just the right time, he'd emerge from the sauna and join her for a little private time together in the jaccuzzi. After all, he hadn't mentioned exactly where he'd be waiting for her�

"You're a good man, Miguel," Gus patted Miguel on the back and placed a $500 bill in his pocket. "You're a good man."

^^^^^^^^^^^

Dropping her terrycloth robe on a nearby chair, Sophie scampered under the cool, scented sheets of the massage table. Rolling onto her stomach, she arranged the sheets around her, and placed her face down into the donut-shaped ring. Lulled by the melodic ocean waves lapping in the background, Sophie closed her eyes and waited patiently for Miguel.

Sophie had to admit she loved spas. Massages�saunas�the whole works. And, as much as Peter enjoyed touting the amenities of Chateau Scarbrow, a five star luxury spa just couldn't be beat.

Miguel seemed sweet enough. Sophie had had several male massage therapists in her lifetime and, except for the occasional George Hamilton wannabe, they were usually extremely professional and courteous.

A margarita salt rub was beginning to sound absolutely perfect.

Sophie heard a door open. "Miguel?"

"Si, Senora," Miguel replied, still in the adjacent room. "I shall be only a minute."

"Fine�no problem�" Sophie mumbled, half- asleep already.

Miguel closed the door and turned to Gus once again. "Are you sure?" he asked nervously, handing Gus a robe in spite of his better judgment.

"Miguel," Gus cut him off in a sharp whisper. "We'll be fine."

Miguel was still not convinced. "I could arrange a lovely luncheon for you both on the spa terrace after the Senora and I are finished�"

"Miguel, you'll be finished if you don't give her the damned massage and let me go change out of these clothes!" Gus fumed, trying to keep his voice down.

Reluctantly, Miguel was about to agree when�

Gus' cell phone began to chime. "Damn!" he muttered, reaching into his pants' pocket.

Gus considered not answering it but when he saw the caller ID on the screen, he really didn't have a choice.

"What!" he hissed into the phone.

"We need to talk," the voice declared.

"I'm a little busy now�" Gus replied petulantly. "We'll talk later."

"We'll talk NOW," the voice insisted. "I'm in the Cactus Gardens, near the Prickly Pear Path."

"Great�" Gus blustered. Apparently his entire day would be spent on the Prickly Pear Path. Furious, he snapped the phone shut, ending the call.

Undecided, Gus glanced from the phone to the door, leading to Sophie's room. Finally, disgusted, he shoved the robe back at Miguel. "I have to go."

Frustrated, Gus eyed Miguel with fury. "I don't suppose you'll keep her here til I get back?"

In reply, Miguel returned Gus' $500 bill without a single word.

"Didn't think so," Gus snapped, wondering why all his employees seemed to have minds of their own.

For his part, Miguel stood resolute and tried not to show his relief. Whatever Gus and the Senora did in private was none of Miguel's business; but, he ran a respectable spa and intended on keeping it that way.

So, without waiting for Gus to change his mind, Miguel opened the door and returned to Sophie.

"I am sorry it took so long, Senora� There was a phone call," Miguel apologized, anxious to get Sophie out of there in record time.

"I shall start with a lime-scented oil to soften your skin," he informed her.

"That's nice," Sophie sighed, relaxing even further. "Lime's good, I like lime�" she mumbled, falling deeper into her tranquility.

From the corner of his eye, Miguel caught a glimpse of the adjoining door opening again, just a crack.

Scowling with disapproval, Miguel, nonetheless, had no choice but to continue.

Hesitantly, he lowered Sophie's sheet to just below her waist and began massaging the lotion into her back.

Gus stood mesmerized by the sight of Sophie's bare skin glistening with oil. Every movement she made in response to Miguel's touch set Gus' blood on fire. How he longed to touch her like that�feel her relax against his hands like that.

Rattled, Gus nearly dropped his cell phone. If he didn't leave now�

"Later, Sophie," he thought to himself, with chagrin, leaving at last.

Grateful to be able to finish Sophie's massage in privacy and peace, Miguel smiled and settled comfortably into his usual routine.

"Now, Senora, I will apply the salt rub�"

^^^^^^^^^^^

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Michaela stood with her hands on her hips, surveying the amenities' room of the Sahara Spa in utter astonishment.

"Sully, this place is�"

The chaises, the jaccuzzi, the bowls of fresh fruit, the assortment of teas, the aromatherapy lotions containing scents designed to delight and arouse�

For once, Michaela appeared positively speechless.

Sully found the expression on his wife's face nothing short of priceless and bit his lip to keep from laughing out loud.

Instead, he attempted to finish her sentence with only a slight chuckle. "Fancier than Preston's hot springs?" he offered with a grin.

Michaela's indignations relaxed along with her husband's amusement and she met his smile. "I'm only glad Mother isn't here to see it," she giggled.

"Hank'd love it," Sully commented, casually leafing through a fashion magazine where the women didn't seem to be wearing much fashion.

Immediately, Michaela snatched the magazine from his hands with a smirk. "Yes, I just bet he would."

"C'mon, Michaela," Sully entreated, circling around her to gently massage her shoulders. "Folks come here to relax, that's all�" he whispered seductively in her ear.

"The music is quite soothing," she allowed, searching for something positive to say.

"Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata," she recognized happily. "It was one of the first pieces Uncle Teddy ever taught me."

"And that jaccuzzi thing," Sully commented, pointing to the bubbling water. "Must be as good fer healin' as the hot springs, don'tcha think?"

"I suppose it is�" Michaela sighed, beginning to enjoy herself more than she'd admit.

"Wonder what's in here?" Curious, Sully ventured over to a closed door.

"Sully, don't�" Afraid her sense of propriety couldn't take much more, Michaela tried to stop him.

A blast of hot steam sent them both reeling backwards. Michaela affirmed the scent almost at once.

"Eucalyptus," she marveled, shutting the door quickly.

"Sully, that room would be wonderful for anyone suffering from a catarrh." The doctor in Michaela was becoming fascinated by the curative properties on display in every corner of the amazing room.

"That mean yer startin' t'like the place?" Sully teased.

Michaela shot him a frown. "I still think it's quite decadent," she argued. "But the principles it's based on are medically sound."

"Decadent�." Sully mumbled under his breath, deciding to check out the second and final door off the main room.

"Michaela, look�" Sully's voice was bright with excitement. "They got a sweat lodge!"

Michaela followed Sully into the dark, tranquil room, where the air was heavy, hot and dry. Sparsely furnished in rich teak walls and benches, its simplicity was a welcome change from the excesses just beyond its door. The only sound to be heard came from the enticing sizzle of a few metal basins filled with overheated red rocks.

With the door closed and the world seemingly a million miles away, Sully moved to take Michaela in his arms. "Remind ya of anything?" he asked mischievously, pulling her down to sit beside him.

"Well, let me think�" Michaela teased. "Ah, yes," she recalled, playfully stroking the hair behind his ear. "It reminds me just how much I missed you, Mr. Sully."

"How did everything go with Peter," she asked, concerned.

"Fine," Sully reassured her softly. "He's on his way back now."

"I was worried about Sophie�" Michaela feared Gus' plans. "You were supposed to be watching her, Sully."

"I got here as fast as I could, Michaela�" Sully sighed. Somehow, it seemed he was needed everywhere lately.

"Besides, Gus wasn't touchin'," Sully grinned, reaching out to trace Michaela's collarbone lightly with his fingertips. "He was only lookin'."

"Did the same with you once," he admitted, unbuttoning the top button of Michaela's blouse.

Michaela grabbed his hand tightly in hers. She'd done it another time, long ago - only then he'd just done up her buttons.

"You did?" she questioned, her breathing rapid. "When?"

"When you were sick with the influenza," Sully said softly, kissing her hand, but still continuing his task, button by button.

"I'd come t'see how you were doin'�Olive was bathin' ya�She had the sheet pulled clear down yer back, just like Sophie�"

Michaela's heart was racing, both from Sully's deft maneuvering of her buttons and his provocative recollections of the past. Truly, she couldn't decide which was exciting her more. The thought of Sully watching her all those years ago, when their relationship was so new...or that he still wanted her, even after all this time.

"Yes�but, at least your intentions were honorable," Michaela excused, her eyes shining with love as she remembered how Sully had saved her life after the quinine ran out.

"Wanna bet?" Wickedly, Sully fed Michaela's fantasies.

"So, then if someone were only to look at me�" Michaela asked coyly.

"I'd kill 'em," Sully nodded with confidence and a wink.

Beads of sweat were glistening on them both now, their breaths ragged from the heat of the sauna and the heat of their memories: the influenza�the sweat lodge�Sully's proposal of marriage�a lifetime of passion.

"I'd almost forgotten what this felt like," Michaela sighed sadly. Their brief physical sojourns in Peter and Sophie's world always ended much too quickly; but, body or soul, she and Sully would always be one.

"Maybe I could remind you?" Sully tempted, undoing the final button on Michaela's blouse. Slowly, he slipped it off her shoulders, easing it down, and off her back.

"Sully�" Michaela whispered adoringly.

"I will love you all my days, Michaela," he vowed, claiming her lips at last.

It was a promise made in another time�another place.

Yet, miraculously, it was a promise that had endured for all eternity.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"How do you feel, Senora?" Miguel asked solicitously.

"Incredible." Sophie's one word response was issued with a deep sigh and a slightly glazed look on her most contented face.

"I am glad," Miguel answered succinctly, staring at the clock. He didn't dare keep Sophie at the spa any longer. Gus might decide to return any minute.

Unfortunately, Sophie seemed quite comfortable in her limited wardrobe of oversized robe and floppy sandals. As she searched through a nearby candy dish for a rum toffee to pop in her mouth, she was obviously a woman at peace, and in absolutely no hurry to leave.

Miguel would have to work fast�

With Sophie's belongings folded neatly into a complimentary spa tote bag, Miguel broke the bad news to her. "I am sorry, Senora, but I am afraid you must go now."

"Go?" Sophie's brain was floating somewhere over the massage table.

Miguel flustered for an excuse. "Ah, yes, you see, a pipe has burst and I would not want the plumbers to disturb you, dressed as you are."

Sophie raised her hand to stop him. "Say no more, Miguel. I'll just go change."

"No!" Miguel snapped a little too sharply.

"No?" Sophie was too mellow to be upset, just confused.

Miguel softened his tone at once. "There is no time. They are already here," he fibbed.

"May I suggest the staff's service elevator?" Miguel pointed to the private elevator just outside his office. "You will reach your room quickly and discreetly, Senora."

"Miguel," Sophie sighed, a smile permanently glued on her face. "You think of everything."

Miguel relaxed at the compliment. "I try, Senora. I do try."

^^^^^^^^^^

Sophie was leaning back against the railing of the service elevator, patiently waiting for the doors to close when�

"Hold the elevator, please!"

"Oh, great," Sophie thought to herself, seeing a uniformed hotel employee racing down the hall. "So much for privacy," she muttered, tightening her robe around her.

The young man, suddenly noticing Sophie's attire, sensed her discomfort. He was about to offer to take another route when a flash of recognition hit him.

"Sophie?" he greeted her with surprise.

Sophie was so mellow it took her memory a few seconds to kick in. When it did, a huge smile crossed her face. "Reggie!"

Thrilled, Sophie embraced her favorite waiter from the Broadmoor Hotel. Reggie had been such nothing short of a lifesaver, as well as a wonderful friend to both her and Peter, during their journey home to Colorado Springs.

"What are you doing here?" Sophie exclaimed happily.

"My cousin, Monroe," Reggie explained. "He's having his gallbladder out. Monroe was gonna lose his job here if he couldn't find someone to cover for him."

"I've been at the Broadmoor so long, I got vacation oozin' outta me, so I figured, what the heck, might as well see Vegas�" Reggie finished with a flourish and a smile.

"Reggie, I am so glad to see you," Sophie beamed, pressing the elevator's red "STOP" button so they could talk privately.

"Ah, Sophie�" Misunderstanding entirely, Reggie gulped, eyeing Sophie as warily as if she were Mrs. Robinson herself. "I thought you and Peter got married�"

"What? Oh� No�" Sophie tried not to laugh. "We did� We are� But you can't tell anyone�"

Between Sophie's massage-induced euphoria and Reggie's overall confusion, the conversation wasn't exactly clear.

"Reggie, Charity's in trouble," Sophie said somberly.

"Mrs. M.?" Reggie was crushed. There was no one in this world he admired more than Charity.

"Well, actually, she's Mrs. R. now, but not really�" Hopelessly, Sophie tried to explain.

Poor Reggie couldn't have looked more perplexed. Sophie and Peter were married, but don't tell anybody. Mrs. M. had married a Mr. R., but not really.

Suddenly, Reggie was beginning to wonder if Sophie had turned into one of those crazy ladies. It never failed to happen when�

"Peter's here somewhere, isn't he?" Even in a closed elevator, Reggie shot a look around.

Men were not meant to be as successful as Peter Scarbrow - or as smart as Peter Scarbrow - and definitely not as all-out-make-em-swoon-til-they-drop-and-lose-their-minds as Peter Scarbrow. It just went against the laws of nature! Men were meant to be average, everyday, hardworking guys like himself, who, if they were very lucky, managed to make one woman crazy, at one moment, in their otherwise boring, uneventful lives.

"He should be back soon, I hope," Sophie answered honestly.

"Reggie, are you free to help the guests here at any time?" Sophie asked with a twinkle in her eye.

"That's my job�" Reggie boasted. "Well, it's Monroe's job, I mean," he qualified. "Twenty-four hour concierge. All you gotta do is beep me."

Reggie waved his pager cheerfully at Sophie. Why, today, already, he'd filled in for an oversleeping bellman and a hungover golf cart driver. Monroe told him his job wouldn't be dull�

Nervously, Sophie cut to the chase. "Reggie, do you know Gus Leighton?" she asked in a hush.

"Sure, Sophie," Reggie answered, happy for an easy question. "He's my boss."

Sophie's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Maybe now, she and Peter actually had someone in this town they could trust.

"Reggie," Sophie offered intriguingly. "How'd you like to help us help Charity AND make a little extra money on your vacation?"

Reggie didn't need any time to think. Smiling from ear to ear, he offered Sophie his handshake.

"I'm in�"

^^^^^^^^^^

Peter left his motorcycle with the valet and entered the Sahara Sands' lobby, the glitz and glare of the Vegas Strip positively blinding after his quiet sunrise out at the Valley of Fire.

Peter's jeans and black t-shirt were covered with the dirt of the road. His denim overshirt had long since been removed, as the morning sun grew hot. On his face was visible a scruffy day-old beard and the beginnings of a light sunburn.

Preoccupied with wiping the sweat from his brow, Peter forgot to watch where he was going, accidentally bumping into an unexpected sight.

"Reggie?" Peter was sure the lights were playing tricks on his eyes.

"Sshhh�" Reggie hushed him, pulling Peter over into a quiet corner. "Geez, what the heck happened to you?" he observed, shocked by Peter's rough appearance.

"I know, I've been in the desert all night," Peter brushed some more dust off his pants.

"Oh, don't worry," Reggie muttered sarcastically. "On you it looks good."

Peter rolled his eyes at Reggie's good-natured jab. "What are you doing here?"

Reggie looked over his shoulder before answering in a whisper. "I'm your inside man."

"My inside man?" Peter was beginning to think he'd been in the desert too long.

"Sophie'll tell you all about it," Reggie promised.

"Sophie?" Peter spoke her name urgently. "You've seen Sophie? Is she all right?"

Peter had been kicking himself the entire ride back for leaving her alone, possibly at Gus' mercy.

"Oh, she's pain-free," Reggie chuckled, picturing Sophie in her nirvana-like state. "She's upstairs in her room right now."

"Reggie, you are amazing�" Peter smiled broadly at Reggie's impeccable timing.

"Can you make sure nobody bothers us?" Peter asked hopefully, heading toward the elevators.

"How long?" Reggie wanted to know.

Peter looked at his watch. It was a little after 9am. Charity's bail hearing wasn't until 4 this afternoon.

"Rest of the day?" Peter shrugged, praying that in less than seven hours, he could somehow convince Sophie to forgive him.

"Consider it done," Reggie replied with no humility whatsoever. He was damned good at his job and he knew it. A hold on Sophie's phone calls, a Do Not Disturb sign on Sophie's door�a quiet word to housekeeping that the lady said she'd be sleeping� Boy, he was good! You know, except for the looks, and the money, and the women, he WAS Peter Scarbrow. Heck, he was darn near James Bond!

"Beep me, if you need me, Pete�" Reggie instructed with a cocky wave goodbye.

"Beep?" Peter stood, momentarily absorbing the conversation. It was probably a good thing that Reggie was there to help them. It was probably not a good thing that Reggie was now calling him "Pete."

Either way, Sophie was waiting for him upstairs...

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Replies:

Re: Ghosts - ch.22 -- dqfan, 04:36:27 04/08/03 Tue
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