This story is intended for amusement purposes only. This story is not meant to infringe on the names of Remington Steele, Laura Holt or anything that would cause MTM productions or anybody else to sue me. This story is the property of Lisa Watson ã 2000. Some excerps from Rico's letters are taken from Enrique Eglesias' "Alabao", The Family's "Desire" and Queen Latifah's "How do I love Thee."
"Forgive me Xenos, I was wrong. You aren't a demented jackass, you are a fool!" Milo said in earnest.
"I didn't call you to be insulted Milo." Remington said annoyed.
"Sure you did. You knew you had gone over the top and you only needed my agreement; well you have it my friend. You went too far. You didn't even let her defend herself against your accusations. Since when have you been such a cur my friend? I don't recall reading that among the great Remington Steele's list of accolades." Milo chuckled.
"Enough already!" Remington barked. "I admit, I let my frustration at the situation overwhelm me. I shouldn't have yelled at her like that and storm out before she could say a word. It wasn't fair." Remington concluded.
"I'm glad you realize that Xenos. Now the question is what are you going to do about it?" Milo asked.
"I'll call her and ask too see her. I can't let this hang between us too long, we have a case to solve and it's difficult to work that way." Remington said tiredly.
"Look Xenos, I understand you have a great deal to work out about your feelings for Laura..."
"My feelings for Laura have never been the issue Milo, it's what to do about my feelings for Laura that has always been the stumbling block." Remington sighed.
"Cheer up my friend, you and Laura will work this out, of that I have no doubt. Now, go to Maggie D's, tell her I sent you and ask her to open up the best bottle of wine in my private stock. It sounds as if you need it. If she gives you any trouble, ask her how her panther's doing? She'll know I sent you for certain." Milo laughed loudly.
"Her panther? What's this all about Milo?" Remington asked.
"She and I got too drunk one night and she decided she'd get a tattoo. I went with her because I didn't believe she'd go through with it. She did and only a choice few know about it; the ones that get up close and personal if you follow me." Milo chuckled.
"I follow you. And thanks Milo, for everything mate." Remington said and rang off.
Laura decided the best way to deal with her fragile emotional state was too put it to work. She retrieved her purse and retrieved Rico's next clue.
I dream of a physical evening, I long for a night within you. Your body it covers my tower, ecstasy is ours. Picture a vision of beauty, as we dance by the light of the moon. Your passion so often consumes me, like the sensuous beat of a well written tune. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
Laura frowned and re-read the note. This letter wasn't as intuitive as the first. No matter, she was a detective wasn't she? That's what she did for a living, regardless of the upheaval in her personal life. Laura grabbed her purse, maps and headed out the door.
"Damn!" Reminton swore as he hung the receiver up for the fourth time.
He'd called Laura repeatedly but to no avail. She wasn't home and he had no idea where she'd gotten to. He decided he'd go to her villa and wait for her.
Laura was driving aimlessly around the island. Her maps didn't show her any tourists attractions that fit Rico's second note so she decided to drive around until something jumped out at her. It only took half an hour.
If Laura had been driving faster and not paying attention she would have missed it. She brought her jeep to a halt and jumped out. She saw the tip of it over the trees and ran toward it, it was an old tower. It couldn't have been more than twenty feet high making Laura wonder if it was just for show or if it were actually used years ago. Laura noted that it was covered by vegetation and looked completely ramshackled. Whenever it was built Laura was certain nobody she knew had been born yet. She walked around it trying to find a way inside. She didn't relish going inside but she knew Rico's next clue wouldn't just be lying on the ground waiting for her or would it she wondered until she spotted an area that was devoid of shrubs. She knew the only way that could be was if someone had recently gained entry to the tower. She carefully pulled open the door and went inside. It was cool and dark and smelled of decay. Laura could hardly believe someone could be swept up in passion in such a crusty old place. There was a small ray of sunlight coming in from the top so she wasn't completely without light. She walked around looking for possible clues but after a few minutes decided it was pointless. She was heading back to the door when a hand reached out from behind her. Laura gasped at the contact and spun around. She came face to face with the most handsome man she'd ever seen.
The smile on his face vanished immediately and he looked wary. Who are you and what are you doing here?" He demanded.
"My name is Laura Holt. I work for Remington Steele Investigations. Mr. Forrester I presume?" Laura asked casually.
"How do you know my name? I've never heard of you before, how could you possibly know me?" He asked as he pulled her closer to him.
"My client is Abigail Petry. She asked that I come here in her place to find you and attempt to reason with you. She's not coming Mr. Forrester. She has decided to remain with her husband, to tell him the truth and hope that they can work everything out."
Rico's face became a mask of fury,he forcibly pulled Laura against him and ground out in her ear.
"That wasn't a wise move on Abby's part, or yours Ms. Holt. It appears that Abby has forgotten who she's dealing with. No matter, I'm sure by the end of our acquaintence, you'll be able to remind her." Rico sneered as he kissed Laura's lips with decisive force.
Laura's blood ran cold, she knew she was in danger. She had anticipated an angry lover but she'd never imagined he'd take out his wrath on her. Laura struggled against Rico but his arms only tightened around her. She suddenly went limp in his hold and that caught him off guard. Laura was able to slither out of his arms and immediately turned on her heel to run for the door. Laura didn't look back, she ran as fast as she could out in to the sunlight. The harsh light blinded her but she kept running. She heard his footsteps behind her, gaining on her. She doubled her efforts as she saw her jeep in sight. Suddenly she felt her hair being pulled and her forward momentum was painfully screeched to a halt. She was breathing hard, with pain and exertion as she felt herself drawn up against Rico's chest.
"Nice little dash Ms. Holt. Nothing like getting the adrenaline pumping but not too worry, I've got something better in mind." He laughed as he stepped back and slapped her across the face.
Laura reeled back with the blow but Rico caught her, pulling her with him until he reached his car. He threw Laura in the passenger seat and got in behind the wheel.
"Hope you don't mind if I take a few precautions." Rico said.
Rico looked around his car and smiled when he spotted his bandana. He wound it tightly around Laura's wrists making sure she'd find escape difficult. Once he was satisfied with his ministrations he started the car and pulled off.
Remington knocked again on Laura's door but there was no answer. He looked around a few times and was confident that he wasn't being watched. He pulled out a thin tool from his pocket and set about breaking in to Laura's villa. He heard a definite click and leaned in to turn the knob. The door opened and he peered in.
"Laura?" Remington called out as he slowly entered her villa. It didn't take long for him to figure out that Laura wasn't there. He opened her fridge, pulled out a bottled water and settled himself down to wait.
"Where are you taking me?" Laura inquired as she looked out the window for something familiar.
"To my place of course. It was were I was going to take Abby when she arrived at the tower. All I asked of her was one final time together and she denied me even that. I'm not a monster Ms. Holt. I would have kept my end of the bargain but she didn't play by the rules so all is forfeit in my game of hide and seek. Now, anything goes," Rico's gaze roamed over Laura.