"Whatever you're comfortable with Milo, I've grown accustomed to so many names, I find myself answering to just about anything, but it has been awhile since I’ve used anything but Remington Steele. I haven't been called Xenos by anyone but you in well over seventeen years," Remington grinned.
His friend smiled warmly and handed the driver Remington's bags before climbing into the limo. He asked Remington what he'd like to drink while pouring himself a healthy shot of Vodka with a twist.
"Nothing quite so strong for me, if you have wine that will do."
"Xenos, you've become positively domesticated since you've been in Los Angeles. I plan to fix that while your here my friend. I've got all sorts of activities in mind for you," he laughed handing Remington a chilled glass.
Remington eyed him with humor while sipping the wine. "Nothing to debilitating I hope Milo."
Milo refrained from comment.
"Say, where is that lovely associate of yours, Laura isn't it? I thought for sure she'd be on your arm when you arrived."
Staring at his glass, Remington’s face lost some of its exuberance. "I invited her along Milo, but true to form Laura, was wary as a skittish mare. She said there'd be too much going for her to come away with me. I tell you Milo, I could live to be one hundred years old and never understand what drives my elusive Miss Holt. I know she wants to be with me, but she gets so bloody caught up in the "what ifs" that she doesn't see the "what ares."
Milo looked at his friend for a moment pondering his predicament. "It sounds as though you've finally found the one woman guaranteed to torment you for the rest of your life. I'd say it was love Xenos, you've finally found the woman that completes you. That's how my father described his courtship with my mother and boy, the stories he had! Don't worry about her, she will come around, you'll see," Milo concluded.
"When?" Remington scoffed. "When I'm too damn old to do anything but hold her hand? If Laura and I don't consummate this relationship soon, I think I'm going to combust! We get so bloody close to it, but then for some reason or another it never happens. It's been harder on my constitution than your sister's cooking!"
Milo threw back the remainder of his drink and laughed heartily. "Careful Xenos, I might just tell Roula you said that, and then think of the trouble you'd be in. It would be hard to love your pretty brunette if you were in a cast from head to toe, no?"
Eventually Remington forgot about his immediate problems. Milo helped by repeatedly filling his glass and keeping him entertained.
Arriving at the villa, Milo held the front door for Remington and allowed him to enter. Setting his bags down Remington looked around him and whistled.
"This place is extraordinary mate! When you mentioned a small villa for me, I had no idea it would be this extravagant, or this big! This must have cost you a fortune, you shouldn't have gone to all the trouble on my account," Remington chided.
"Relax Xenos, this place is on loan from a friend of mine who was more than appreciative of a painting I delivered to him last month. He offered to let me use his villas for some R&R while I'm here. Mine is farther down the road and even bigger than this one. Wait until you see the view Xenos! Let me tell you, it’s enough to make you never want to leave. I've been living like a king since I've been here," Milo boasted. Everything has been taken care so enjoy yourself as my guest and don't worry about a thing!"
His old friend arched an eyebrow. "In the past, everytime you told me that, I ended up having to worry," Remington commented as Milo headed to the door.
"Yes, but now isn't one of those times," Milo yelled over his shoulder.
Remington took a shower and changed clothes before meeting Milo for dinner. A limo picked Remington up dropping him at DeWinter's villa. As the car pulled in front, Remington could see Milo hadn't exaggerated. The house was indeed much bigger and more elaborate than the one he was staying in. Ah, the lifestyles of the very rich and famous. Remington mused to himself climbing the steps to the front door. Before he reached it a servant opened it then stepped aside, allowing him to enter. He was directed to the back of the house, where Milo and other guests were lounging on a veranda that spanned the entire back of the house. Spotting Remington, Milo rose to meet his friend.
"There you are Xenos. As you can see, I've taken the liberty of arranging a little welcome party for you. Now don't give me that look, it’s not what you're thinking. These are just some people I party with from time to time. I'm not trying to set you up or anything, but if you're interested..." Milo finished with a wide grin.
Remington gave him a look before walking past him toward the crowd. Milo introduced him as Remington Steele before handing him a drink. Suavely, Remington greeted the three ladies and one gentleman finding that they were quite an interesting group. He admitted to himself that he was surprised to see Milo's 'friends' were on the up and up, each had quite legitimate, enterprising businesses. He looked at his friend and smiled, catching the "I told you so" look. Tipping his drink towards Milo, Remington sat back intent on enjoying his surroundings.
###
"That's it for me honey, I'm calling it a night. James and I are going out for dinner and I've got to go home and freshen up before he arrives," Mildred handed Laura the last stack file folders.
Placing them on her desk, Laura stood up. Stretching slowly, she tried working the knots out of her shoulders. She hadn't realized she'd been hunched over her desk for so long, but her body knew and protested loudly.
"Thank you Mildred, for helping me with all this stuff. I don't relish the mundane any more than you do. Still, it had to be done. I've been putting off reorganizing all our files for way too long. I'm just glad I've got the chance to take care of this while Mr. Steele is away," Laura chuckled. "You know how much he hates having to help with this sort of thing."
Mildred wondered who Laura thought she was kidding. Mildred knew Mr. Steele was going to ask Laura to go with him. She also knew the only reason Laura was standing here in her office was that she had decided not to take him up on his offer to go to Antigua. Mildred guessed the real reason Laura hadn't gone. It had nothing to do with catching up on the backlog of things around the office, everything to do with her feelings for Mr. Steele. Thoughts of shaking her and telling her to go home, pack her bags and join her man in paradise came to mind. It would fall on deaf ears. Laura would only get defensive at what she'd view as prodding. Mr. Steele wanted to be alone with Laura as much as Laura wanted it, she just couldn't figure out why they never got their wants in sync with one another. Certain that they had yet to sleep together, Mildred knew that there would definitely be fireworks when they finally did. If they both weren't dead and buried before it actually happened!
Shaking her head, Mildred bid Laura goodnight again and told her not to work too late. Waving Mildred off, Laura promised she'd leave soon. Hearing the door close and locked, Laura sat down at her desk and stared into space. She pondered her milquetoast attitude - the complete opposite of her real self. Truthfully, all the changes she'd made in her personality weren't because of Wilson's insistence. Much of the fire she'd felt for life was buried deep to protect her against giving too much of herself. It kept her from being wild and carefree, from risking the possibility of being abandoned by someone she loved. She'd done it when her father deserted and again, to a greater degree when Wilson left. The true depth of who she was in danger of being buried forever until HE came into her life. Instantly, Laura experienced more than platonic feelings for the mystery man. She wondered how long he'd want to be in a relationship that didn't include intimacy. It was becoming quite difficult to keep him at bay. Honestly, she wanted him more each day and knew he felt the same. Looking at her watch Laura groaned. Another Friday night with the television keeping me company, she grumbled inwardly. Grabbing her pocketbook, she turned the lights off and headed out the front door.
###
Kicking off his shoes, Remington sat down on a couch. Putting his feet up on the coffee table he took the proffered drink.
"I must admit, that was quite enjoyable. You are getting settled in your old age mate. Some of the parties you used to give made this one look positively virginal in comparison. I admit, I like the more laid back version."
"And you talk about me my friend. I remember you showed up at every party you could attend if you were in town. So that says a great deal about you, no? I'm glad you enjoyed it, but I want to tell you one of the reasons I'm here," Milo took a deep breath and plunged in head first. "I stole a painting; it’s a wonderful and exquisite piece worth well over a million dollars. I stole it for a very wealthy art collector that spared no expense on my fee Xenos; in fact he doubled what I was asking for! Can you believe that? It was such a sweet deal, I couldn't possibly refuse it."
Remington looked surprised then a bit saddened by his friend's disclosure. "Milo, I thought you'd given that life up mate. You know none of us are getting any younger, and the stakes continue to get higher as technology advances. Didn't you tell me you'd gone legit?"
"I had Xenos, believe me, but this job alone will set me up quite nicely and I plan to invest it wisely. Think of this as my last big score! I haven't even told you the best part yet; another enterprising art collector approached me about the same piece. He said he'd quadruple the price I'd been offered if I brought the piece to him after I'd acquired it. I tell you Xenos; my good fortune has been impossible to believe on this trip! I'll be a millionaire by the time I'm done!"
"You should know Milo, that if you’re good fortune is impossible to believe, it’s probably because it’s an impossible endeavor! How bloody useful is a million dollars if you're not around to spend the bloody loot, eh? You are playing at a dangerous game Milo, one that could damn well backfire on you at any moment! You've stolen the bloody painting and I’ll wager your first buyer knows that by now. He’ll wonder what the hell is keeping you from delivering the goods. Do you honestly think he hasn't anticipated your getting greedy and trying to back out of the deal? If I were him I'd have thought of every possible scenario, believe me. He isn't a fool when he's paying out as much money as he's offered you. Hell, he’s probably a friend with the guy trying to undermine his deal Milo, have you thought about that? The art world is a very small, close knit community mate, you know that as well as I do," Remington leaned in closer. "I suggest you stop being greedy and turn the bloody piece over to the original requester, before you end up six feet under, with your family mourning your untimely demise!"
Milo swiftly downed his drink. "Xenos, believe me, I can handle it. I just need a bit of help from you to get this all wrapped up. You know I will make it worth your while."
"Have you been listening to a word I've said? Or have you taken leave of your senses? This is beyond foolish of you. You should know better! You know I've been legit for years and have no intention of returning to my old ways. Laura has trusted me with her very livelihood; I'm not about to throw away all I've gained and all we've come to just to help you in this ridiculous venture!" He looked at Milo incredulously. "I don't even know how you could ask it of me. You know I'm your friend, hell we’re closer than friends, but there is no way I can get involved in this Milo. It would be the end for me if my involvement comes to light."
Milo put a hand on Remington's shoulder. "Of course I know it my friend, I only want you to hold the painting at your villa for a few days. If anyone came looking for it they'd know to come here for it. I have a meeting with my first buyer's representative tomorrow. I'll simply tell him that I have the painting in a safe place and will make the exchange this weekend when things cool down a bit. I’ll have made the sale with the other buyer by then and disappeared. You've got to help me on this one Xenos. Nothing is going to go wrong, trust me on this."
"I trust you believe what you say Milo, but I don't trust that nothing is going to go wrong. Something always goes wrong with foolhardy plans like this. Look, I don't want to get stuck holding a stolen piece of art that’s worth well over a million dollars. I have a plan that will allow you to put the painting in a place they would least suspect. You and I will go back to your villa and I'll show you how to go about hiding it. If you're set on this course of action I will help you conceal it, but don't even think about asking me to help you in any other way. I've already put my head on the chopping block as it is."
Remington slipped his shoes back on and they headed out to Milo's jeep.
"Thank you my friend, I appreciate this. I don't want to get you into trouble, believe me. I just feel safer knowing that you at least know what’s going on," his voice broke. "I trust you like a brother."
Remington softened a bit but still quirked an eyebrow at his friend. He knew he'd done some risky things in his life, but Milo was taking reckless to a whole new level. There was no way he could get too involved with Milo's plan. He had no intention of risking his life or safety to help his friend do something as stupid as this, Laura would kill him.
They arrived at Milo's villa and went inside. Remington wrote a list of items on a piece of paper and told Milo to purchase the things on the list. He asked to see where the painting was hidden. Milo took Remington upstairs and to his bedroom. He went to a closet and pulled the painting out. Remington recognized the piece immediately. It was Amedeo Modigliani's "The Nude." He knew it was worth well over a million dollars and couldn't even begin to contemplate how Milo had stolen such a well-known piece as this one. Honestly he didn't want to know, he just knew he had to help keep his friend alive long enough for him to see that his plan was suicidal.
Carefully, Remington returned the painting to its hiding place and left Milo's bedroom. He told Milo to let him know when he'd gotten the supplies so they could get to work. Borrowing one of the jeeps at Milo's disposal, Remington drove home. He thought about Laura and wondered what she was doing now. Knowing Laura, she was probably watching some late night movie on the classics channel. He smiled knowing she'd pick that habit up from him. He wished she were here. He'd love to have her beside him for a moonlight stroll along the beach, or curled up beside him in bed. Remington sighed and switched his thoughts to something less painful. The last thing he needed was to spend his first night in Antigua frustrated and unable to sleep. He hopped out the jeep and headed toward his front door. He whistled a lively tune as he bounded up the steps to the door. Before reaching his destination, Remington was ambushed from behind and struck hard on the head by a heavy object. Before seeing his assailant the world closed in on him and he crumpled to the ground.
When he came to, it was much later and at the hospital. Remington frowned as light invaded his eyes. His head hurt like the devil and his mouth felt like sandpaper. He tried to focus on the man standing before him.
"Oh thank God you are awake! Thank goodness you’re alive Xenos! I've been worried sick about you. Can you tell me what happened?"
Remington looked at his friend and attempted to ascertain just what had happened to him. He could barely focus on anything but the pounding in his head. He closed his eyes a moment to try to get a handle on the pain. Milo turned a concerned eye to the doctor standing nearby.
"Doc, you’re sure he'll be ok, right? I mean, no brain damage or anything? He looks like he's in a great deal of pain, can't you give him something?"
The doctor assured him that Remington would definitely live, and could have something for the pain as soon as he finished examining him.
"Xenos, do you want me to call Laura and tell her about this? I'm sure she'd like to know that you've had a bit of an accident, but that you're ok."
Remington looked at his friend and blinked a few times. "Laura? Milo, what are you talking about? I don't know anyone named Laura. Who is she?"
Milo took a quick step back and turned immediately to the physician. "Doc, there's something wrong if he doesn't know who Laura is. She's his business associate and his, well girlfriend I guess you could call her. He's known her for years now, yet he just asked who she was. Does he have amnesia?" Milo said worriedly.
"Mr. DeWinter, your friend has had a very nasty blow to the head. In these circumstances, amnesia isn't all that uncommon. I will need to run further tests on him to see just how extensive this memory lapse may be. It could be just a temporary condition brought on by the blow to his head. I can't tell you anything more until I evaluate him. Now, it’s best that you wait outside while I get started on the tests I need to run. I think it may be a good idea to call this Laura person and let her know what has happened. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Milo looked at Remington, who it appeared, had fallen back to sleep. He reached into the drawer by Remington's bed and pulled out his wallet. He left his room and headed for the telephone in the waiting room. Milo fished through Remington's wallet until he found Laura's information. He found her home number, picked up the telephone and dialed.
###
Laura was lying on her couch sipping a glass of wine and listening to a classical CD she'd purchased recently when the telephone rang. She looked at the time and thought excitedly that it had to be Remington calling her. No other person would be calling her this late. She got up and walked quickly to her desk to answer the telephone. She answered a bit breathless in her excitement. "Hello?"
"Miss Holt, Laura Holt?" Milo asked.
Laura was instantly alert as she said that it was, in fact, her speaking.
"Hello Miss Holt, my name is Milo DeWinter and I'm a close friend of Xen..I mean Remington's. I wanted to call you to tell you that he's been in a bit of an accident. Well, it wasn't actually an accident, more like an ambush. Well anyway, he is in the hospital now, recovering from a blow to the head. He's ok, but I have to tell you it appears that he has some type of amnesia. He didn't know who you were when I mentioned your name. The doctor is checking him over right now and I guess we’ll know more when he's finished. I just thought you should know, maybe you should come down and see for yourself?"
Laura felt the sweat on her palms and tried to ignore it. She quickly told him that she'd be there as soon as she could. Milo gave her his phone number for her to call back when her travel plans were arranged.
"I can meet you at the airport Miss Holt, just call me when you've gotten your flight information confirmed."
"I'll do that Mr. DeWinter, and thank you for calling me. I'll have some questions to ask you when I get there, so be forewarned Mr. DeWinter."
Milo nodded gravely into the telephone before he hung up. He knew from talking to Remington that this Laura Holt was a pitbull when it came to getting to the bottom of something. She'd want to know everything that had led to Remington getting bashed on the head and losing his memory. The thing was, Milo had no clue as to who it was that had attacked Remington. Hell, it could have been anybody that happened to be passing by. Maybe someone looking for some quick cash from a tourist. Deep down Milo wasn't too sure he believed that, but he pushed it to the side for the moment as he headed back towards Remington's room.
Laura was running around her loft trying to pack everything she'd need for her trip. She'd already called Mildred to let her know what had happened to Mr. Steele. Laura grimaced remembering Mildred's suggestion for curing amnesia. Her assistant was still adamant that another blow to the head was just what would bring her boss around. Laura asked Mildred to take care of things at the office and promised to call her the moment she got settled. She'd decided to take a cab to the airport so not to disturb Fred with having to take her in the limo. Next was a call to the travel agency to arrange her travel plans. The travel agent booked her at the Curtain Bluff Resort. She assured Laura it was a superlative, upscale, all-inclusive hotel. Laura told her that was fine and gave the chipper woman her credit card information. Once her plans were in place, she called the number Milo had left for her but didn't get an answer. Laura slipped the number in her purse. She'd try again once she got to the airport. No doubt he was still at the hospital with Remington.
"I hope he's alright so that I can kill him! Amnesia," Laura said aloud. "Not again! I remember how hard he was to control the last time he had amnesia. It was beyond difficult trying to explain our working and personal relationship," Laura muttered.
Hearing the taxi horn blowing, Laura grabbed her purse and luggage then headed for the door. She turned the lights off, pulled the door shut and locked it tightly. It was at times like this that she agreed with Mr. Steele; she needed an elevator!