Private Pleasures

Chapter Ten

Dr. Sam Seligmann stepped into Nora's room.

"Sam!" Nora threw back the coverlet and came from the bed.

"Elda stayed to tell me you were awake," he said, "but sweetheart, you've been out like a light for eight weeks. Take it easy. Sit down before you give me a coronary." He almost pushed her into the chair, his fingers reaching for her wrist.

"I'm fine," Nora insisted. "I want to go home, Sam."

"Yep, pulse normal." He took the chart from the foot of the bed and scanned it, shaking his head. "Everything is normal," he said, almost to himself. Then sitting himself in the second club chair, he told her, "All your vitals have been normal since you were brought into the hospital, Nora. But you were unconscious. Actually it was more like you were sleeping. Do you remember anything?" He peered through his glasses at her.

"I remember ordering a cable movie. That's it. Oh, my God! I was supposed to sign the settlement papers. Jeff must be furious."

"He'll live," Sam Seligmann said.

"When can I go home?" Nora demanded. "I feel fine, and I really do want to go home, Sam. And the kids must have been frantic all these weeks. I need to call the kids."

"Frankly I'd keep you under observation for a couple of days," Dr. Seligmann said, "but now that you're conscious, I know your HMO will start screaming because they know that other than being out for these past weeks, you haven't shown any signs of trauma or illness. I'm going to keep you a day, Nora. Just today. You can go home tomorrow, okay? But I don't want you to do anything strenuous for quite a while, sweetheart, and I'm going to check on you myself twice a day."

"You're going to make house calls on me?" Nora grinned. "Why, you old sweetie, you have been worried."

"Don't tell on me." He grinned back, then he grew serious. "Whatever felled you, Nora, I don't want you to relapse by flinging yourself back into your life too quickly."

"I don't have a lot of time, Sam. I'll have to sign that divorce settlement, and that means the house goes on the market April first."

"I'm going to talk to Rick about that," the doctor said. "Under the circumstances we should be able to get an extension. I mean would it kill Jeff to wait till May first?"

"I don't know," Nora replied. "He's been carrying a bridge loan on that co-op he bought. Jeff isn't a man who likes wasting money."

"Listen, Rina says that Carla told her the girlfriend is paying the bridge loan. Your husband isn't out of pocket a penny on this," Sam Seligmann replied. There came a high-pitched sound, and he looked down at the pager on his belt, eyebrows lifting. "Excuse me, Nora, while I make a call." He pulled out his cell and punched in the numbers. "Dr. Seligmann here. Yes. What? You're kidding! I'll be right there." He stood up. "Gotta run. Stay here today. I'll release you tomorrow, and I'll be back later."

He stood up, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and was gone.

Nora smiled to herself. Mr. Nicholas had been right. Everything was going to be just fine. The door opened again, and an aide came in carrying a tray.

"Dr. Sam says you get breakfast, Mrs. Buckley. Glad to see you awake. I'm Chrissy. I went to school with Jill."

Nora smiled. "Of course, I remember you. Cheerleader, right?"

Chrissy nodded. "Yep. Then motherhood too early. I'm going to school now to get my R.N. My mom looks after Jason."

"Dr. Sam sure left in a hurry," Nora probed gently.

"It's something big, but I don't know what," the aide replied. "My brother's an EMT with the cops, and he got called out just after six a.m. Enjoy your breakfast, now."

Sam Seligmann's mind, however, was on the telephone call he had just received from his wife. "Come quick," Rina had said. The cops are all over Ansley Court, Sam. Heidi's pressing charges, and Jeff is raising bloody hell." He reached home in record time to find the street cordoned off. "I'm Dr. Seligmann," he said, holding his ID out for the emergency worker to see. "I live here. Number 200." He was waved through, and parking in his drive, he got out and ran across the street.

"Hey, Dr. Sam," the cop in front of the house said.

"What's happened," Sam Seligmann asked.

"Looks like Mr. Buckley beat up the girlfriend early this morning, although he claims he hardly touched her. She's over at the Johnsons' now. Pretty kid. What she sees in him I don't know, anyway he's barricaded himself in the house. They're trying to talk him out now. You don't know if he has any weapons, do you?"

"No," Sam said. "He's not the type. Who's in charge here?"

"Lieutenant Barker," the cop said. "He's the bald-headed guy over there with the pissed-off look."

"Thanks," Sam replied, and walked over to where the police lieutenant stood. "Lieutenant? I'm Dr. Sam Seligmann, Mr. Buckley's neighbor. Is there some way in which I can help?"

"Can you talk that asshole inside outside, Doc?" Lieutenant Barker asked irritably. "Damn, this is no big frigging deal. The guy beat up his girlfriend. She's pressing charges. I have to arrest him, and now he's adding resisting arrest, and God knows what else, to the charges."

"I have his cell number," Dr. Sam said, trying not to laugh.

"Think he's got it on?" the cop asked.

"He always has it on," Dr. Sam said dryly. "He's an important man in his business." He pulled his own cell from his pocket and punched in the number.

"He's a jerk, as far as I'm concerned," Lieutenant Barker said.

"Jeff? It's Dr. Sam. Will you please come out? No one is going to hurt you, and you're just adding charges to the ones Heidi is filing against you." He listened. "Hang on a minute, and I'll tell him." Turning to the police lieutenant, Dr. Sam said, "He says he's not coming out until he speaks with his lawyer."

"And when the hell is that going to be?" the cop demanded. "You tell him to get his ass out here now. He can call his lawyer from the station."

"Jeff, listen, you can call Kramer from the station. The whole neighborhood is in an uproar, and the local news trucks are already beginning to arrive on the scene. You've taken a simple matter and turned it into a spectacle worthy of P. T. Barnum. For God's sakes, think of your reputation, and that of your firm."

"Ask him if he wants his front door broken down," the cop said.

"Jeff, listen to me. How about if Lieutenant Barker and I come in with a couple patrolmen, okay? I'll go with you to the station house." He listened, and nodded. "Alright, Jeff. Just the lieutenant, two cops, and me. I'll tell him." He ended the call.

"Thanks, Doc," the lieutenant said.

"He says he wants time to get dressed once you're inside," Dr. Sam said.

"No problem. I hope you're not a good friend of this guy. He's a real piece of work, if you don't mind my saying so. Wife in the nursing home unconscious, and he's bringing the girlfriend out from the city to sleep in her bed. A real sweetheart, this guy."

"You won't get any argument from the others here on the court," Dr. Sam said. "It's Nora we all love. Jeff? A real putz."

"Funny how the wife was found like that, isn't it?" the cop noted.

"I'm Nora's doctor, Lieutenant. When she was found, there was absolutely no sign of any injury, internally or externally. She was in a locked house and there was no sign that anyone other than Nora Buckley had been or was in the place."

"What do you think the girl sees in him?" the cop continued, curious, and obviously anxious for a little inside information.

"Money. Power. A stepping-stone for her career," Dr. Sam replied. "Listen, when we get inside, can I talk to Jeff?" His cell rang, playing the theme from the "Peanuts" Christmas special. "Dr. Sam. Okay." He turned to the cop, who was grinning.

"I like 'Peanuts" too," the police lieutenant said.

"Jeff says come in now," Dr. Sam replied. "You didn't answer my question. Can I talk to him?"

They walked to the front door, and it swung open. Jeff Buckley was in pajamas and his robe. He said nothing.

"My men will escort you upstairs to dress, Mr. Buckley. When you come back down, I'm going to read you your rights. Okay?"

Jeff nodded. He was pale, and looked a little flushed to the doctor.

Sam Seligmann reached out and took the man's wrist. "A little fast. Calm down, Jeff. You're only upsetting yourself."

"I left a message on Kramer's voice mail. Why hasn't he gotten back to me?" Jeff said to no one in particular.

"Because he isn't up yet maybe?" the doctor replied. "Get dressed, Jeff. You'll feel better when you do."

"What the hell are my partners going to say about this? That damned little bitch has made one hell of a mess for me," Jeff whined.

"Mr. Buckley, please go upstairs now. Or would you prefer to go to the station in your pajamas? I don't give a damn personally, but either way in ten minutes you're out of here, sir. But I think you would prefer to be seen at your best," the lieutenant noted.

Jeff turned and, escorted by the two patrolmen, went upstairs.

The other two men walked into the living room and sat down.

"You can talk to him when he's dressed, and before we take him out of here," Lieutenant Barker said.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, and then Jeff came back into the room with the two patrolmen. He was dressed in a dark pinstriped suit with a white shirt, and a dark patterned tie. A cashmere coat was over his shoulders. He was every inch the prominent businessman.

"He's ready to go, sir," one of the uniforms said.

The lieutenant stood up, and came over to stand in front of Jeff. "Jeffrey Buckley, I arrest you for the assault and battery, with intent to do harm, of Heidi Millar. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as they have been outlined to you?"

"She's make a big thing of this," Jeff said. "If I could just speak to her."

"Sir, do you understand your rights?" the lieutenant persisted. "Please answer yes or no."

"Yes, yes, I understand. Do you think I'm an idiot like the lowlifes you obviously consort with daily? I want to speak with my attorney!" Jeff was beginning to recover from his initial shock.

"I am going to give Dr. Sam a moment to speak with you, Mr. Buckley, and then we are going to leave your house, and you will be driven to the police station."

He stepped from the room to give the two men some privacy.

"You're making a fucking big deal out of nothing. So I slapped the bitch. She had it coming, damnit!" Jeff said angrily. Then he turned to the doctor.

"I came to tell you that your wife woke up this morning. She's fine. I plan on releasing her from Shorecrest tomorrow, and she can come home."

"She's not coming here," Jeff said nastily. "The house is going on the market in another month."

"The house is hers until then, you bastard," the doctor snapped. "And it's my understanding that she never signed the settlement, Jeff. Until she does, you're stuck. Damnit, Nora has recovered from whatever felled her, and instead of being relieved, you're pissed. What the hell is the matter with you? What did that nice woman ever do to you to make you so vindictive against her?"

"She's alive," Jeff responded angrily. "Why couldn't she have died?"

Lt. Barker gripped Jeff by the arm. "Let's go, Mr. Buckley," he said.

Jeff pulled away. "I'm not going anywhere with you until I speak with my attorney," he snarled.

"I told you, after you're booked you get a phone call," Lieutenant Barker said. "I'm trying to do this in a way that won't embarrass you, sir. But if you refuse to cooperate, I'm going to have to cuff you."

"Go to hell!" Jeff yelled, and then to his astonishment he found himself slammed facedown into the couch. His arms were dragged behind him. He tried to struggle, but his efforts were futile. He felt the metal cuffs enclosing his wrists. Heard the snap of them locking. Then he was yanked to his feet again. Enraged, he shouted, "This is police brutality. I'll have your damned badge for this! Dr. Seligmann is a witness!"

"What are you talking about?" Sam said, a small smile flitting over his lips. "I didn't see any police brutality. I saw a man resisting arrest."

"You kike bastard!" Jeff was practically screaming now, and his lips were flecked with foam.

"Let's go, Mr. Buckley," the police lieutenant said sternly. He was embarrassed by his prisoner's slurs on Sam Seligmann. Sam was the town doctor. Everyone liked him. He was a good man. What kind of thing was that for this jerk to say to him? He pushed Jeff forward a little harder than he might have under other circumstances.

Jeff whirled about, and his head butted the detective hard. "I want my lawyer!"

Two uniforms jumped forward and, each taking an arm, hustled Jeff Buckley from his house past a line of flashing cameras, and into a waiting police car. Left to regain his composure and his dignity, Lieutenant Barker stood up from the couch where he had landed.

"Are you alright?" the doctor asked him.

"I think he bruised my ego," the lieutenant said with a wry grin. "Nah, he just took the wind out of me. I didn't expect such violence from the guy."

"He's a man used to getting his own way, and used to having people do what he tells them to do. His wife really surprised him when she didn't cave easily to the divorce. He was tossing her out of her house. Cutting his kids off so they had no college tuition at the last moment, and he didn't want to pay alimony, or support for the younger kid," the doctor explained. "To his surprise, she got tough with him."

"Yeah, a woman will where her home and her kids are concerned. Nice guy, your neighbor. Wanted everything for himself, and the young girlfriend. Hey, wasn't his kid the high school's star soccer player the last two years? My kid really admired him. Went out for soccer just because of J. J. Buckley. Made junior varsity this year," the detective said proudly. "And he wouldn't help the kid go to college. What a shit!"

"J. J. got a scholarship," the doctor said.

"Well, I better take my prisoner down to the station and book him. You'll tell the wife? I hate stuff like this, and hell, you're a friend, right?"

Sam Seligmann nodded. "I'll tell Nora," he said.

The two men went their separate ways: Lieutenant Barker back to the Egret Pointe station house, Sam Seligmann across the street to his house, where he discovered his neighbors all gathered in the kitchen drinking coffee and eating Krispy Kremes. He laughed. He couldn't help it. "Rina! Rina!" he said to his wife.

"Well, we were all up," she replied, "and you were over there. This saves you telling the story four times, Sam." She handed him a cup of coffee, already creamed. "So?" she said, offering him a donut from the open box.

"I've got good news and bad news," Sam Seligmann said. "Which do you want first?" He took a sip of coffee, and a bite of his glazed donut.

"We know the good news," Rina said. "The cops arrested Jeff Buckley."

"No. The good news is Nora Buckley woke up this morning, and she is absolutely fine, my dears. It's as if she's been sleeping for eight weeks."

There was a collective shriek of delight from the assembled women, and their husbands smiled, nodding and looking pleased.

"So what's the bad news?" Rina asked.

"There is none," Dr. Sam chuckled. "Where is Heidi?"

"One of the young patrolmen got her into his car, and away to the station house before the news media started showing up. Rick and Joe went with her to make sure Jeff didn't bully her out of filing charges. She's hired them as her local counsel," Rina told her husband, who, nodding, was already turning to Carla. "Listen, Carla," Sam said. "I'd like you to go over to Shorecrest with me when I tell Nora. And bring your cell. There's no phone in her room, and she'll want to call the kids. I'll speak with them first with the news their mother is alright."

"When is she getting out?" Rina, practical as ever, queried her husband.

"I told her tomorrow. I don't understand it. She shows absolutely no effects of lying unconscious in a bed for all those weeks. It's a miracle."

"Let me bring her to my house today," Carla begged. "She must be frantic about the kids, Dr. Sam. Please!"

"Well," the doctor considered, "she is fine, and if she were anyone else, I'd say no, but why not? I'm just across the street if she should relapse. Alright, Carla, you can have her. Is an hour time enough for you? This is seriously big gossip, and I can guarantee it's all over town already. I don't want Nora to hear anything before I have a chance to speak to her. The shock could be very damaging."

"Ten minutes is enough time for me," Carla told him. "I'll just run home and throw on some sweats, okay? What about Nora?"

She can come home in her hospital gown and coat. It's quicker, and will get her out of the media eye. Jeff was a big shot in town. They'll be all over this one. Girlfriend beaten up. Wife comes out of coma on same day. Husband arrested. Oh, yeah. This has Enquirer written all over it," Dr. Sam said.

Carla was as good as her word. Dr. Sam came back from the Buckley house with a coat over his arm to find her sitting in his car, already belted.

"Let's ride, Clyde," she told him.

He laughed and, tossing the coat in the backseat, got in next to her. He turned the key in the ignition and backed out of his drive.

"She's really okay?" Carla probed him as they drove.

"She's amazing," he replied. "I don't know what the hell happened to her, and I don't know how she came out of it. But she did. And the entire time she appeared to be unconscious, her pulse and respiration were normal. It was more like sleeping."

"It was a heck of a nap," Carla said. She was just a little bit frightened by everything that had happened to Nora, yet it hadn't prevented her from visiting The Channel herself. And seeing Nora on her beach, switching men with her, and drinking with her at the pirates' inn was a trip.

They were almost at Shorecrest Nursing Facility. The car turned down Shore Road. The morning sun was sparking on the water to her right.

Dr. Sam parked the car, and they entered the lobby of Shorecrest.

"Ohh, Dr. Sam," the receptionist at the desk said, "I hear there was a hostage standoff in your neighborhood!"

"Just came from Ansley Court, Judy, and all's quiet there," Sam Seligmann responded. "Turn right," he hissed at Carla. "She's on the main floor. Room 112 at the end of the hall. Ah, here we are." He knocked and then, opening the door, stepped inside. "Nora, I'm back, and look who I brought with me."

The two women hugged and sat down in the twin club chairs grinning at each other. They were sharing the most delicious secret.

"Listen, Nora, something has happened, sweetheart. I don't know how upset you're going to get over it, but…" He paused, trying to figure the most delicate way of saying it, but there just wasn't any. "Jeff's been arrested for beating up his girlfriend. She's at the station house now pressing charges."

"What?" Nora feigned shock. "When? Where did this happen? Omigod, the kids! I have to call the kids!"

"I've got my cell with me," Carla said, "but wait, and hear Dr. Sam out."

"The police think it happened during a bout of rough sex. He's mad as hell, of course, and threatening everyone," Sam said.

"My God!" Nora said slowly as if she were having difficulty understanding.

"That poor girl."

"I'm releasing you from the facility right now," Dr. Sam continued. "I'll drive you and Carla back to Ansley Court. This situation could generate some publicity given Jeff's position in Buckley, Coutts and Wickham."

Nora began to laugh. "They really are the most conservative of advertising firms. Blue-chip clients. Veddy proper. They weren't very happy with Jeff and Heidi and the divorce situation. That's how Rick was able to bargain for me. The one thing Messrs. Wickham and Coutts didn't want was a noisy, public divorce; this, however, will send them round the bend. A partner arrested for beating a female employee of the firm while his wife lay comatose! Poor old Jeff. How he looked to the world has always been so important to him."

"You're staying with me," Carla told her.

Nora stood up. "Can we go now, Dr. Sam?" she said.

He nodded, and wrapped her coat about her. "Shoes! Oy! I forgot shoes."

"Bring the car around to the entrance, and it won't matter. These little paper slippers are really warm," Nora said.

Dr. Sam tossed his car keys to Carla. "You get it while I check Nora out," he said.

Carla caught the keys and hurried out.

"You ready, Nora?" he said. "There shouldn't be anyone in the lobby right now. It's still early."

"I'm okay," she told him.

At the desk in the lobby Dr. Sam signed all the necessary papers, and Nora signed where she was told. They heard a car horn beep, and knew Carla was waiting for them. Dr. Sam escorted his patient to the car and helped her into the backseat. Then he climbed into the front seat, letting Carla do the driving this time. After they pulled into the Johnsons' driveway, the doctor helped Nora from the car and into the house.

"You're okay?" he asked anxiously.

"Yes," she said.

"Come on," Carla said softly. "We can talk inside."

They went inside, where everyone was now waiting in Carla's living room. After the other women had hugged Nora and welcomed her home, Rina, Tiffany and Joanne left with their husbands, but not before Dr. Sam had checked Nora's pulse again. Satisfied, he suggested rest, and said he'd be back later in the afternoon. They went into the kitchen, where they found Rina had left a box of glazed Krispy Kremes and made coffee.

"Well, Rick," Nora said quietly, sitting down and reaching for one of the donuts, "what now? Do I sign the settlement agreement?"

"No," he said. "You're still legally his wife. Trust me when I tell you that Heidi Millar isn't going to back down. She hasn't just accused him of assault and battery. She's added rape to the charges. Says she came up to bed from watching the television, and he was hot to trot. She wasn't, told him so, said no, but he forced her anyway. Jeff is now in really serious trouble."

"Everything's still in his name," Nora said. "What if she sues him for damages?"

"No judge or jury will award compensation to a woman having an affair with a man who has a wife, especially when the wife and children are as presentable as you and the kids are. And especially if the circumstances are made public.

"I gotta go to the office," Rick Johnson said. "You two going to be alright?"

Nora nodded. "I'm going to call the kids. Carla will tell them I'm okay, and then I'll tell them what has happened. Thanks, Rick."

"I'm glad you're okay, Nora," he answered her, and then left the kitchen with Carla, the two of them talking softly.

"Thanks," she called after him.

Carla returned shortly. "Let go upstairs," she said. "You're staying in the guest room until Dr. Sam is certain you're okay. Rina brought some of your stuff over so you can get dressed."

"You know I'm absolutely alright," Nora said as they walked up the staircase.

"I know, but I can't believe this is happening. I just spoke to Heidi last night. I knew when she left, she was fascinated. I knew she'd try The Channel. Poor kid. She was bored to death out here. And Jeff was hitting the sack early, leaving her in front of the television. Do you know what happened to her? I mean you were there, in The Channel."

"I imagined someone like Caleb Snow to be her lover last night. I knew you would have enticed her with the fourteen-inch penis, and every little girl wants one of those at least once," Nora said as they entered the guest room. She sat down on the edge of the bed. "His name is Brad. He's a dominant, and I just somehow knew that while Heidi wants to be in charge in our reality, she secretly wants to be controlled when no one else can see it," Nora said with a small smile. "Of course if you ask for a favor you must repay it. Because Brad's bisexual he wanted my Rolfie. I can always get another masseur so I let Brad have him. I guess Heidi had a good time, considering what happened when she got back from The Channel."

"What are you going to do now that Jeff is going to jail? Rick will get the house for you, but I don't know about the rest of it," Carla said.

"Well, I am the poor wife," Nora replied with a twinkle.

"I'll share my Channel connection with you," Carla said.

"No, thanks," Nora told her. "I'm going home tomorrow, Carla. I want to be in my own house. Tomorrow I'll order The Channel just to be with Kyle for an evening, but I won't stay now. I'll be back by morning as always. I have to see what Rick is going to do to protect me now. What if Jeff insists the house be sold so he can pay his lawyers? I know he'll hire only the best."

"Too bad she didn't kill him when she beaned him with that vase," Carla said.

Nora laughed. "I can't say I disagree. Give me your cell. I'd better call the kids now, and let them know I'm okay. Were they too upset?"

"They wanted to come home," Carla replied. "I talked them out of it." She pulled out her cell. "Let me prepare them, okay?" Then she dialed.

J. J. cried learning his mother was awake and okay. He didn't want to let her go to talk with his sister, but he finally did. "Can I come home next weekend?" he asked her.

"I'm not certain, honey," Nora said. "There's something else I have to tell you," and she gently explained to her son that his father had been arrested for assaulting Heidi Millar. "I don't want the media jumping all over you, and they might if you come home."

"I'll make a deal with you, Ma. If they come to campus, I get to come home, okay?"

"Okay," Nora promised her son. "I'll call you later this week, honey, alright?"

Jill was more pragmatic about her mother's recovery. "I knew you'd pull out of it," she said. "Do you need me home?"

"No," Nora said, "but I've got something unpleasant to tell you, Jill," and she went on to explain what had happened.

"Daddy beat her up? Geez, I wouldn't have thought it of him," Jill said.

"I don't know," Nora said. "I'm not certain when he's being arraigned."

"They've got to charge him, or they can't hold him," Jill said.

"I'm sure they will charge him, Jill. I can't believe it of your father, but it does appear as if he is guilty," Nora told her daughter. "Watch out for the media. Daddy was prominent in his business."

"Roger!" Jill replied. "Sure you don't need me home?"

"I think under the circumstances it's better if we're scattered," Nora answered her daughter. "I've got to go, honey. I haven't called Grandma yet. Bye, now."

The last number Carla got for Nora was Margo's. "Hey, Margo, Carla. No! Everything is okay. In fact it's better than okay. Nora woke up. She's in terrific shape, and Dr. Sam let her come home. She's with me tonight. I'm going to put her on now. Bye, Margo."

"Mom?" Nora's voice was strong.

"My God, darling, you had us all terrified," Margo said. "What happened to you?"

"You got me, Ma," Nora told her mother. "Everyone is mystified, including me. How are you, and how is that sexy Southern gentleman of yours?"

"Taylor is just grand. Persistent, but grand," Margo answered her daughter. "Now, Nora, I want you to ask Dr. Sam when you can fly. You're coming down here to recuperate, darling, and I won't take no for an answer."

"Ma, I can't," Nora said. "A rather nasty problem has come up. It's Jeff. He's been arrested for assault with intent to do bodily harm, and rape. He beat up his girlfriend, and she says he raped her when she said no to sex."

"My God!" Margo exclaimed. "Thank heavens it wasn't you, darling. I never did like that man. I'm so glad your father isn't alive to see the truth. But why can't you come down? I mean surely you aren't going to defend him, are you?"

"No, no," Nora assured her parent, "but you see, Ma, everything is still up in the air. I never signed the settlement, and now Rick says I shouldn't until we see what's going to happen. So I'm kind of stuck here for the time being."

Margo Edwards sighed. "Well, I suppose you do have to stay until it's all straightened out. I'll tell you one thing, Nora. I am very glad that neither of Jeff's parents is alive to see this either. His father in particular would be mortified. I always thought the mother sweet, but a bit of a mouse. Oh, I have to go! Here's Taylor. I'll tell him the good news. And the bad while we drive to lunch. There is an absolutely darling new little restaurant on the beach about fifteen miles from here. Everyone says the food is heavenly. You're at Carla's? I'll call you later. Bye, now!"

Nora smiled to herself as her mother rang off. Margo was Margo. She never changed, and it was certainly comforting. Everyone was fine, and her little adventure hadn't really harmed anyone. She looked around Carla's cozy guest bedroom. It was sweet, but she longed for her penthouse, or was it just Kyle for whom she was longing? Lord, she had only been gone a few hours, and she was already itchy. She needed him so badly. She wasn't going to sleep a wink tonight, she thought.

By evening the story was all over the news- print, television, and radio.

It was a slow news day and the arrest of the golden boy and partner of the most prestigious advertising agency in the country had great salacious value. A couple of Jeff's more clever campaigns were mentioned, and their commercials shown. Then came the tale of the wronged wife, just out of a life-threatening coma, and the ambitious blond mistress. The story had everything, and it took people's minds off the war and the economy.

The remote van from the city's two biggest stations appeared outside of Nora's house. She was glad she wasn't there. Eager young reporters began making the rounds of Ansley Court, knocking on doors and asking questions. The Pietro d'Angelo twins were surrounded as they got home from school, with one anchor badgering them until Tiff came flying out of her house, the protective and avenging mother to rescue her children.

"I'm calling the police," she shouted at the media.

"First-amendment rights, lady," one of the young reporters shouted at her.

"Fuck you!" Tiff yelled back as she hustled her kids safely inside.

Shortly afterwards the police arrived and set up barricades, behind which they moved the reporters and their trucks. The trucks were still there in the morning. One of the uniformed cops came to the Johnsons' kitchen door. He suggested that using the backyard might be a good way for Nora to get into her house without being annoyed. The barricades were removed to allow the residents out to go to their jobs, then put back. The police van departed shortly after eleven a.m. One cop remained on guard.

Carla was watching. "They're eating sandwiches and talking," she said. "I think we can get you home if you want to go."

"I want to go," Nora told her.

"I'll have to shop for you," Carla said. "I doubt there's anything in the house you can eat. Heidi didn't cook. They always had takeout."

"Jeff never wanted takeout," Nora noted.

"Heidi told me she didn't cook," Carla answered. "I guess she had other talents."

"She must have liked working alone," Nora remarked cattily, and Carla laughed.

Carla's cell rang. "It's Dr. Sam," she said. "Hi, Doc! What? Okay. Nora's going home now. We're sneaking through the backyard. I'll tell her. Bye." She turned to Nora. "Dr. Sam says the newspeople have Shorecrest staked out. They don't know you were released yesterday, and of course Shorecrest isn't going to give them any information. They're outside our street because they're waiting for you to come home."

"Let's sneak through the backyard, then," Nora said.

Getting their coats, the two women exited the back door of the Johnson house and ran quickly across the lawn. There was a large privet hedge between their homes. Their kids had worn a passage through the hedge over the years. They slipped through it, and removing her key from her pocket, Carla opened the kitchen door to the Buckley house. Entering quickly, they closed and locked the door behind them.

Nora looked about her, and smiled with pleasure. She was home. Removing her coat, she laid it aside and went to the fridge, opening it and looking in. There was a container of plain, fat-free yogurt, an open quart container of milk, and everything that had been in the fridge eight weeks ago. She laughed. "She was no housekeeper, poor Heidi," Nora remarked. "I'll spend all afternoon cleaning up this mess. If only J. J. needed a science fair project, we could do the wonderful world of mold. I'm just going to toss everything. The plastic containers will have absorbed the smell after this long. Who doesn't empty out a fridge of ancient food?"

"Will you be alright?" Carla asked.

"I'm fine," Nora assured her.

"Then I'll go do the shopping. Anything other than the basic supplies to get you through until the reporters go away?" Carla inquired.

"Get me one of those rotisserie chickens the market does. And a box of Mallomars," Nora told her with a grin. "I can survive on chicken and cookies."

"I'm glad you haven't changed entirely," Carla replied.

"Have I changed? Really?" Nora was surprised.

"Oh, yes. You're more assured, stronger now. I guess what I'm saying is that you're no longer a victim, Nora. You fought Jeff, and you've won." Carla buttoned her jacket as she spoke.

"I never meant for Heidi to be hurt," Nora said quickly.

"I know you didn't," Carla answered her, and then blowing a kiss to her friend, she went out the kitchen door.

Nora picked up her own coat and went to the hall closet to hang it up. Returning to the kitchen, she got out a large black lawn-leaf bag, and dumped the contents of the fridge into it, pouring the milk down the sink, washing the yogurt away. There was only one glass casserole in the fridge. She scraped the contents of it into the black bag and washed the dish by hand, noting that the dishwasher was full of clean dishes. She put everything away and cleaned the sink. She wiped down the walls and glass shelves of the empty fridge. Then she went upstairs.

The unmade bed showed signs of one occupant. They were the same sheets she had put on the bed clean on New Year's Day. Jeff's pajamas were on the floor. She picked them up and, going into the hall, threw them down the stairs. They would go in the black bag with the rest of the garbage. She opened her walk-in closet. Her clothing was gone, and in its place hung two pairs of trendy jeans, a pair of flannel slacks, two wool sweaters, and a silk shirt. Pulling the clothes from their hangers, Nora threw them down the stairs as well.

She pulled the sheets from the bed. She was going to get a new bed. In fact she was going to redo the whole bedroom. She had always hated the decor in this room, but Jeff had liked it. The headboard was even similar to the one his parents had. She considered what she would change it to, but she was too distracted right now by the fact her husband had been screwing another woman in the bed in which he had conceived children with his wife. "Bastard!" She wasn't going to sleep in this room until it was redone. She'd use the guest room.

"Where are you?" Carla's voice called.

"Upstairs," Nora said.

Carla's footsteps sounded, and then she came into the bedroom. "What are you doing, and what's all that stuff at the bottom of the stairs?"

"Garbage," Nora replied. "I'm moving into the guest room until I can redo this room. Where are my clothes?"

"Jeff had them packed up and put in the cellar," Carla answered. "I'll get the guys to bring them up this weekend. I got the groceries. They're in the kitchen. The reporters are still outside the street. When I went out they yelled questions at me. I just shrugged. Listen, Nora, if they don't go by evening, and you have the lights on in here, they're going to know you're back. I wouldn't put anything past them to get a picture or a story from you."

"I can live with just the television," Nora murmured.

"They could see the flickering from the outside," Carla responded.

"Tell Rick to issue a statement to the press that I will grant them a half hour tomorrow morning at eleven, and I'll answer questions. But this is on the condition that they leave with their trucks now. And Carla, my windows will be dark tonight. You know the den has those heavy short draperies with the lining. I'll draw them as soon as I go downstairs again."

"You're going to access The Channel? Nora, the cable operator might give that information out to make a few bucks if you call. Then they'll know you're home," Carla fretted. "What if someone tries to jump the gun and get an exclusive?"

"I think I can handle it," Nora replied quietly.

"I'll go call Rick," Carla said. "Do you want me to come back?"

Nora shook her head in the negative. "I think we're safer if you don't."

Carla shoved a cell phone at Nora. "Take it. I picked it up at the market. It's one of those ones with the prepaid minutes. You've got one hundred twenty. It's safer just in case someone is listening in on your line. And don't answer your house phone, Nora. I'll call the kids and your mom, and give them the cell's number, okay?"

"You're make this sound like a covert operation," Nora laughed.

"It is," Carla said, grinning. Then she hugged Nora. "God, it's good to have you back, and to know you're safe!"

"Rick still has to reason with Jeff, and Jeff isn't going to be reasonable in jail," Nora reminded her friend. "Now scoot, and leave me to finish cleaning up my house."

Carla departed, and then called Nora once on her cell to tell her she had gotten in touch with Margo, J. J., and Jill, and given them the cell's number. Then she had called Rick, and Rick had issued the statement. The media people and their trucks were now gone from the head of Ansley Court, but the cop and the barricade was still there just to ensure everyone's privacy for the interim. "Need anything else tonight?" Carla asked. "I mean that I could give you."

Nora could imagine her grinning. "Nope. I'm fine," she replied. She had cleaned out the master bathroom, but she wasn't going to use it. She found a fresh tube of toothpaste, a new toothbrush, and her own hairbrush. She put them in the guest bath. Until the master bath was cleaned thoroughly and redecorated, she wasn't going in it. In fact she was going to gut this bathroom and put in all new fixtures.

It was getting dark now. Nora heard the clock in the foyer striking six p.m. She hurried downstairs, carved some chicken off the rotisserie bird Carla had brought, fixed a salad with some of the greens now in the clean fridge, made some iced tea, and sat down to eat. She wasn't interested in the local news. She didn't give a damn who did what to whom overseas. The world was crazy now. All she wanted to do was survive the madness, and she had her escape in The Channel. She picked up her cell and dialed the cable company, ordering The Channel for the evening. The operator seemed neutral, and uninterested in who she was. She had never considered it before, but she now suspected that the operators taking calls for Suburban Cable were located somewhere else. They didn't know her or the scandal now surrounding Ansley Court. She finished her meal, and put her dishes in the dishwasher. She hadn't had to turn on any lights, and in the den the curtains were drawn tightly. Nora went into her laundry room and, taking a few clothespins, returned to the den and clipped the draperies shut where they just might allow a crack of light through.

She plunked herself in Jeff's recliner. It was like new because he had hardly sat in it. The mantel clock struck eight. Nora turned on the television and waited. And then her penthouse living room appeared. Eagerly she put her hand on the screen, and was there. "Kyle!" she called.

He arose sleepily from the couch, the relief on his face evident. "God, Nora, I missed you," he told her, and wrapped his arms about her.

She held her face up to him for a kiss, and almost melted with the desire he instantly engendered in her body and soul. Their lips met, and when they parted once more, Nora said, "You owe me a massage, Mr. Gorgeous." She smiled.

"And afterwards, what would madam's wish be?" he said.

"To spend the entire evening with your talented cock in my pussy, my darling!" Nora told him. "I missed you!"

"What has happened on your side of reality?" he asked her, taking her hand and leading her into the bathroom, where the massage table was set up and waiting.

"So far everything has been just as Mr. Nicholas said. I woke up in a nursing facility. Heidi got beaten up and pressed charges. Jeff is in jail." She undid her robe and climbed naked on the massage table.

"Are you happy, Red?" he asked her softly, pushing her hair aside to kiss the back of her neck. "God, I missed your scent!" he groaned.

"Yes," Nora told him. "I've never been happier, although I wish Heidi hadn't been hurt. Use almond oil, darling."

He poured some of the heavily scented oil into his big hand and began to smooth it down her back. "I don't know how long I can do this," he whispered to her.

"I want the full treatment," she told him.

He laughed softly. "You're fully prepared to torture me, huh?"

"Maybe," she said.

Neither of them heard the elevator doors opening in the living room. The plush carpeting stilled the footsteps crossing over to the bathroom door, and then they heard Mr. Nicholas's low, cultured voice. "Good evening, Kyle, Nora."

She started, and blushed. Kyle's hands grew still on her body.

"No, no, my dear," he said. "Let Kyle finish what he is doing. I do so enjoy the sight of a beautiful female form. We can talk as he massages you. Carry on, Kyle." He came around the table and drew up a padded stool, upon which he sat. "Now, tell me, Nora- everything has gone as I promised you?"

"So far," Nora replied.

"And tonight as Kyle makes love to you, your husband will see it in his dreams. It will be the final straw for him. He has behaved quite badly during his short incarceration, I'm afraid. They have had to restrain him. He had been so unpleasant the judge refused bail. It really doesn't do to annoy these small-town judges. I actually have come to believe that no one has ever said no to Jeff, or refused him, in his entire life. He seems unable to cope. It will not seem odd therefore that they find him dead in the morning. It will seem the natural result of his choler. And then, my dear, you are a free woman."

"Thank you," Nora responded. His feet were very narrow, and he was wearing very well-polished black leather shoes. But then he tipped her face up to his. His fingers were very warm against her chin. Almost hot.

"So now, my dear, we must discuss your repayment of my kindness," Mr. Nicholas said. He averted his gaze from hers momentarily. "Turn her over, Kyle, so Nora and I may speak on this matter. You can finish the massage when I have gone."

Kyle turned her over, but as he did he wrapped her in the sheet that had been covering the table, thus preserving her modesty. Their eyes met in silent understanding. Nora sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of the massage table.

"Ah, excellent," Mr. Nicholas said. "Now, my dear, one must always pay the piper, and you have said yourself that you would meet your obligations to me. Is that not so, Nora?"

"Yes," she answered him. What was he going to ask her? Whatever it was, it was worth it if she could be free of Jeff, and her house and her children were safe.

"I am a man of many and varied interests," Mr. Nicholas began. "The Channel is just one of them. There are other things requiring my attention now, and I find I must choose someone to be the new administrator of this enterprise. I choose you, my dear Nora. You are exactly the person for whom I have been looking."

"You want me to be the administrator of The Channel? I can't!" Nora cried. "I wouldn't have the faintest idea of what to do. I don't even know how all of this is even possible. I've never held down a job in all of my life. I've just learned how to operate a computer. I know nothing of office procedure."

"You don't have to, Nora," he told her calmly. "You will have others to handle the mundane chores of The Channel. But you have what I want in my deputy. You are intelligent, and there is a well of anger deep down inside of you that exists. Your intuitiveness is most promising, my dear Nora."

She was astounded. She was frightened. "I can't," she said.

"Of course you can," he replied. "And you will. You owe me a great debt, my dear, and I have kept my word. Now you must keep yours. Why is it you humans take so greedily of what I offer and then demur about paying the price? Think, Nora! What would your life have been without The Channel? Without Kyle? Do you want to go back to the way it was? Your husband deserting you for another woman? Throwing you out of your house? Making you a penniless wretch. Your children's dreams destroyed. I can make it happen if that is your wish, and you will owe me nothing."

"The Devil and Daniel Webster." Nora was suddenly reminded. But she couldn't think of a way to talk herself out of this predicament. She looked directly at Mr. Nicholas. "Can I continue to traverse between these two worlds?" she asked him.

"Of course," he said. "At least until you are an old woman, and die."

"Then what happens to me?" Nora queried him, but she already knew the answer.

"You will remain here within The Channel," he answered her. "Think about it, my dear Nora. You will be forever young! Forever beautiful! Forever desirable!"

"And I will have Kyle?" Why was it you never knew when you were making a bargain with the devil? Nora wondered sadly to herself.

"Of course," Mr. Nicholas said. "He is yours for as long as you wish him to be. Consider, my dear, you will have the kind of power of which all rulers dream."

"But I don't really understand what it is you want of me, expect of me," Nora said.

"I will teach you everything you need to know, my dear girl," he promised. "Kyle will open an antique shop in Egret Pointe," Mr. Nicholas said.

"Kyle is human?" Nora was surprised.

"All too human, I fear, eh, Kyle?" And Mr. Nicholas laughed darkly. Then he continued. "He is quite the expert in seventeenth-and eighteenth-century English and American antique furniture, glass, and china. He will advertise for an assistant. You will answer the ad, and he will hire you. Although you will not need to work, your doing so will be but part of the metamorphosis you undergo in your friends' and family's eyes. People will admire you for your grit and determination despite all the tragedy that has befallen you. The shop will be quite successful in part to your presence. I do like an investment to pay off."

"I do know something about antiques," Nora said.

He laughed. "Whether you do or not isn't really important," Mr. Nicholas told her. "The office upstairs where you will work most days will be where you will manage The Channel for me. You may want to check into the office at The Channel in the evenings occasionally."

"Will I have Margaret?" Nora said.

"No, no, my dear. Margaret is far too valuable to me. She has been involved for years with my other interests. I shall give you Celia, who works at the desk across from Margaret's. Edna will remain, moving up to Celia's position, and I shall give you another girl as well. You and Celia will be in constant touch during the day."

"Wouldn't Celia be a good administrator for The Channel?" Nora ventured. "After all, she knows all about it, and how it operates. I don't."

"Celia would never aspire to such a position," Mr. Nicholas said. "Besides, she doesn't have your intellect, or depth of duplicity."

"You make it sound as if I am evil," Nora cried.

"All humanity has the ability to be evil, dear Nora," Mr. Nicholas told her. "How many of you can really turn the other cheek? A few, but not the majority. Could you really have stood by and said "So be it' if Jeff had taken your home, left you penniless, and destroyed your children's future? That is part of what being good is, but most people can't do it."

"Does everyone who is lured into The Channel end up damned?" Nora asked him sadly.

"No," he said. "Most people live their foolish fantasies for a time, and then grow bored with it and go away. Very few can be entrapped in this manner. And fewer yet with your potential. Don't look so distressed, my dear Nora. Being bad is far more fun than being good. Look what being good, being dutiful, got you."

"Then I have no choice," she said softly.

"You made your choice," Mr. Nicholas said quietly.

"What if I say no, I won't do it?" she asked him.

"It shall be as it was back just before J. J.'s graduation last June," he told her. "Of course you will remember all of this, and you will not be able to convince yourself it was your imagination, my dear. You shall know that you willfully threw this opportunity away. You shall lose your beloved house. Jill will not be able to finish law school for at least six years. She will have to work in order to pay her tuition, and of course she has no skills other than waitressing and temping as office help. As for J. J., he will give up his scholarship to help you survive. You see, Nora, you really do have a choice," Mr. Nicholas said. "If you take the path I have laid out for you, you will be a very wealthy woman in your reality. You will inherit everything that Jeff has amassed. Heidi will accept repayment with interest for the moneys she has expended on the bridge loan. Be generous with her. She cannot afford to retain possession of the co-op. Even if it is in her name, she will be glad to get her small investment back, and leave selling it to you. Surprisingly she feels guilt about the children's college funds. And of course she has other goals in mind now, which I will see she attains in return for her cooperation. Brad will make certain she understands, and does what she is told.

By the way, do get Rick to have Raoul Kramer negotiate the sale of your husband's partnership in Buckley, Coutts and Wickham. The senior partners will attempt to cheat you. And do invest the moneys conservatively."

Nora shuddered. It was like being on the other side of the looking glass. It was surreal. She was getting investment advice from the Devil. But how could she live with herself knowing what she had done to her children by refusing him? And she would remember, Mr. Nicholas said. Nora believed him. Everything he had promised her had come true. Why would any woman in her right mind give up all of this, all of what she could have, out of a sense of right and wrong? She looked at Kyle. His face was expressionless as if he didn't want to influence her. They would be together every day in his antique shop, and every night here within The Channel. "How long must I repay this debt I owe you?" she asked Mr. Nicholas.

"Does it really matter, my dear Nora?" he asked her with a small smile.

"No," she said with a deep sigh. "It doesn't."

"Then we are agreed, my dear? You will accept my offer?"

"Yes," Nora told Mr. Nicholas, "I will. How clever you are, sir, to seek out a weakness and use it to your own advantage."

"You will learn how to do that in time, my dear," he promised her.

"Will I learn all of your little tricks?" she queried him.

Mr. Nicholas laughed. "No," he said, "but you will learn enough over the coming years to be quite valuable to me, my dear Nora. Oh, one small thing more, dear girl, employee. The Kyle who will exist in your reality, your world, will not know you other than as his employee. Only in The Channel will he be the man you have come to love, and who loves you. His memory of you in your reality will not exist. You must, after all, suffer some small punishment for your sins. Even I am not allowed to put the universe out of balance." He stood up. "I will leave you and Kyle to your private pleasures now." And with a neat little bow he departed the bathroom. They heard the elevator doors closing behind him as he went.

"Do you want to know?" Kyle asked her.

"I know what I need to know for now, I suppose," Nora answered him.

"I was never privy to what he intended to do with you," Kyle said.

"No, you wouldn't have been," she replied, lying back on the table, and unfolding the sheet that had covered her so that she was naked once again.

"I never lied to you when I said I loved you," Kyle told her.

"I know that too," Nora agreed.

"Are you angry?" he asked her.

Nora thought a moment. "No," she said. "Just sad."

He began to massage her again, and when he had finished they went into the bedroom, where they climbed into the king-sized bed and began to make passionate love to each other. And in his jail cell bunk Jeff Buckley dreamed that his wife, Nora, was screwing another man. He saw her plainly. Beautiful. Young. And far more passionate than he had ever seen her before. The horny little bitch, he thought, and he tossed restlessly. And then he heard her cries of pleasure as the dark-haired man used her mercilessly over and over again. He could feel his own heart beating violently in his chest as he watched them. How could she betray him like that? She was having a really hot fucking party with the guy, who behaved as if she belonged to him and it wasn't the first time he'd had his big cock up her wet pussy. He was going to kill the bitch when he got out of here. And all the while she had played the proper suburban matron. She sure as hell wasn't behaving properly now. How long had it been going on?

And then Nora's lover turned her over onto her stomach. She knelt with her deliciously round bottom toward him. Leaning forward, she balanced herself on her folded arms. The guy had the biggest dick Jeff had ever seen, and he slowly slid it into Nora's asshole. Jesus! She'd never done it for him that way. He'd never even suspected she was that hot. A respectable man's wife wasn't supposed to be like that. Jeff could see Nora's face. It was alight with her pleasure. A look he had never seen. The guy was reaching beneath her to get at her clit. Jeff's heart beat faster. He heard Nora's voice as plain as if she had been in the room with him.

"Do it!" she begged. "Do it to me, Kyle!" And then she looked directly at him. "Good-bye, Jeff," she said, laughing.

Jeff Buckley's heart felt as if it were being squeezed by a large hand, and then it stopped entirely. There was a white light ahead, and a well-dressed man came forward smiling at him.

"Hello, Jeff," the man said to him. "I'm Mr. Nicholas. I've been waiting quite a long time for you."