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 2001.
A perky voice interrupted Remington's restless sleep to announce their flight's arrival at Nice Airport. Remington opened his eyes to glance at his watch. He'd left Los Angeles the day before, and had just arrived in Italy. He was tired, but otherwise excited to finally arrive at his destination. Daniel would be disappointed he hadn't sought him out in London, but the layover at Heathrow airport hadn't been long.
Retrieving his bags, Remington went through customs. While heading toward the exit, he spotted a sign bearing his name. Making his way to the man carrying it, he flashed a smile of gratitude then introduced himself. The uniformed man welcomed him to Nice before signaling another gentleman to retrieve his luggage. Remington was ushered to an awaiting limousine. Easing his tired body into the spacious car, Remington was beside himself with gratitude when he noticed a bottle of his favorite champagne on ice, next to a tray of glasses and caviar.
Initially, the driver had greeted him in Italian, to which Remington had replied. More proficient in French, Remington was relieved to find that his driver was a Frenchman who was all too eager to switch to his native tongue. The man informed him that the drive to Monaco would take about 40 minutes. Occasionally, the driver pointed out points of interest as they motored through the countryside. Remington closed his eyes wearily informing the man that he had been to Monte Carlo on numerous occasions, so he'd forgo the tour for a much needed cat nap.
"The Rock" as Monaco is called, has over 300 days of sunshine and mild weather that allows residents and tourists to take advantage of all the Mediterranean has to offer. The cobalt blue sea and lush, tranquil landscapes beckon those in residence to come out of doors and participate in their surroundings. Monte Carlo, situated between the Cote d' Azur and Cap d' Ali, is close to the Italian Riviera. Monaco is the "in" place for the international jet setting social elite, and the very famous. Remington had called it home for a brief period in his life, and felt the nostalgic pull at returning.
He'd spent many an evening wining and dining rich, aristocratic women on the French Riviera, who were bored with their husbands and looking for some excitement. At the time, Remington had been all too happy to accommodate them. He was in his element in the palatial hotels, chic restaurants, and world renowned casinos. Daniel's expert tutelage insured that no matter what the situation, Remington was never out of his element. He and Daniel had made a fortune gambling and collecting on the finder's fees that various pieces of "stolen" jewelry had offered. It was a time when he felt free; free of obligations, expectations and commitments. Remington pushed aside his drifting thoughts, and focused on the present.
"Here we are sir, Villa de Veilleux." The driver said as he drove up a winding road through a forest of trees to an impressive mansion.
Remington whistled as he took in the large structure surrounded by trees, floral gardens, and what he knew would be a captivating view of the sea.
Seconds later, a beautiful woman swept out of the massive front door, and down the dramatic stone staircase. Without hesitation she threw herself in Remington's arms kissing him soundly on the lips. He held her tight amazed at the strength her small body exuded.
"Darling, leave me a rib or two," Remington croaked as he set the woman away from him. His smile was warm as he kissed her on both sides of her cheek.
"Bonjour chéri, et bienvenue à la maison de la beauté de serene," the woman replied, returning his double kiss before guiding him into the colossal Chateau.
"Bonjour Mme. Veilleux. It is indeed a house of serene beauty. I'm quite impressed. Your tastes have improved over the years," Remington grinned.
"Oh, stop teasing. My taste, in all things, as you are aware, remains exquisite. I'm so thrilled to see you, chéri. Come in and see some of my "improvements". I'm confident you won't be disappointed. "
His host was a whirlwind of activity. With practiced efficiency, she instructed her staff where to put Remington's luggage, which parlor they would take refreshments in, and to inform her family that their guest had arrived. When she was done, the elegant woman turned her full attention to Remington, guiding him to a small parlor off the foyer where she liked to receive her guests. Remington's eyebrow quirked when he saw what she considered "small".
Bathed in sunlight, the room was boasted floor to ceiling windows, complete with an uninterrupted view of the gardens. It was bright, beautiful, and the perfect backdrop to greet newly arrived guests. They hadn't been seated more than a minute before a woman carrying a tray arrived. Deftly, she poured out cups of tea, then offered each a plate holding a variety of sandwiches. Setting the tray down on the table closest to her mistress, the elder woman withdrew.
Before they could speak, a loud noise sounded somewhere down the hall, followed by what sounded like a small army advancing on their position. Remington saw the army round the corner running full tilt. With shrieks of laughter, they lunged. The precocious children would have knocked the woman in the chair over, had she not seen them advancing and prepared herself.
"Maman! Maman! There you are! We told Papa we'd find you, and we did! See Papa, we won the bet," the children chorused triumphantly.
"So you did," A man chuckled, walking slowly into the room. He stopped by his wife's side. Bending down, he kissed her on the cheek.
"Hello, darling, I'd like you to meet Remington Steele. Remington, my husband Rene Veillux,"
Remington stood, extending his hand out to his host. "Pleasure to meet you, Monsieur."
"No, formalities please, call me Rene. From what I hear, you and my wife have quite a past," The man chuckled as he squeezed his wife's arm. "I suppose I should be jealous, no?"
Remington looked uncomfortable for a moment, until his hostess poked her husband in the shoulder. When the two laughed heartily, Remington eagerly joined in.
"Like you'll ever have a need to be jealous, mon amour," his wife beamed.
"Then, I am indeed a lucky man," came his quick reply.
Not to be forgotten, the kids descended upon Remington scurrying into his lap.
"Maman says you're her old friend from Los Angles. Is that true?" A blonde haired, green eyed beauty asked him.
"It's Los Angeles sweety," Her mother corrected.
"Yes that's right. My name is Remington. What's yours?" Remington asked the girl sitting in his lap.
"Bon Jour Rem...Remmy. My name is Giselle, I'm 5 and my brother's name is Colin, he's 4 and my baby sister's name is Jolie, she's 2." She finished in a rush.
"Maman! Giselle always says my name. Why can't I say my own name? She talks to much," Colin fumed.
"Do not," Giselle said smiling at Remington.
"Do too," Colin corrected.
"Enough you two," Rene spoke softly, but sternly. "Now why don't we find Adelaide and ask her for an icee?"
At hearing icee, Giselle and Colin squeaked in delight racing out of the parlor toward the kitchen, but not before Giselle turned around and politely said, "Adieu, Monsieur Remmy."
Shaking his head, Rene picked up his youngest daughter, kissed his wife, and headed to the kitchen.
Unable to resist, Remington said, "You have a lovely family, Felecia."
"Ah, motherhood. Honestly, darling, who'd have ever thought I would enjoy it so much?" she was thoughtful before adding, "I do."
"I didn't doubt it for a moment," Remington replied sipping his tea. "Family life becomes you, Felecia. Rene's a lucky man."
"Somehow, I doubt you traveled all this way to ponder my good fortune. What's going on, darling? Your telephone call was a bit cryptic, was it not?" Felecia eyed him intently.
"Just felt the need for a holiday that's all. You have done well for yourself. You've got a husband that adores you, and beautiful kids that are sure to set Monaco on its ear. You're happy--I'm delighted for you. It's what I hoped you'd find."
"And what about you? How is life as the great Remington Steele?"
"Not all glitz and glamour I assure you."
"Nonsense. I was surprised when you telephoned that you were coming for a visit, but I'm more surprised you didn't bring Lisa with you. Why didn't you?"
"I needed a vacation, remember, and it's Laura."
"Is there something amiss?" she asked ignoring the correction. When last I visited L.A. things were going wonderfully between you. What could possibly have changed?"
Concern etched her features. Remington shrugged, then looked off in the distance.
"Nothing. Everything. Look, I don't mean to be curt, but I don't want to discuss my uh...relationship with Laura."
Felecia picked up on his evasiveness. There was no getting past it once Remington made his mind up. Standing, she entwined her arms with his. Leading him down a hallway and out the house, she continued. "Of course, darling. I imagine you'd like to get showered and rest for a while. I'll show you to your rooms."
"Am I sleeping in the barn?" Remington joked.
Her laugh was musical. "You know, I hadn't even thought of that. I suppose it isn't too late..."
Felecia led Remington to a quaint guest house that was down a path and secluded in trees. It was at the back of the main house, so it had a tremendous view of the sea side. It had a large bedroom that opened out onto a small patio, a living room, bathroom and kitchen. The house was decorated in earth tones making it warm and inviting for its guests.
Remington surveyed his temporary quarters. "Good Lord, Felecia, one room would've been adequate."
"Remington, as a bachelor and one not used to children, I thought I'd spare you from rolling over in the morning to three pairs of eyes looking intently at you begging you to play."
"I wouldn't have minded that, really..." he began.
"Trust me, you aren't immune out here, either. As soon as they figure out you aren't staying in the main house, they'll come in search of," Felecia promised as she kissed him on the cheek and left him to unpack.
"Felecia," Remington called before she'd closed the door.
She poked her head back in. "Yes?"
Remington swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. "Thank you."
"Anything for you. You should know that by now." Felecia winked shutting the door behind her.