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  warned that felines are not always what they appear to be.”

  Cocking his head to one side, Gordon looked at this young woman with curiosity.

  He had never met anyone quite like her before.

  “Nor will you again. My presence is meant for a few of my choosing. Do you

  have food and drink?”

  Once again, Gordon watched in stunned silence as this woman sashayed around

  the living room, looking into every corner and crevice. Finally, she seemed taken with

  the view of his roses. She stared out the living room window for a few moments, cooing

  and clapping her hands with glee. “How delightful, how delightful, I knew I chose right

  this time! Oh, you have heather as well.” Gordon took a few tentative steps closer before he spoke again. “I don't think I

  quite understand but I am glad you are alright. You gave Godfrey and me quite a scare

  last night. It's lucky I was home.”

  The young woman twirled around and grinned broadly at Gordon. “You are

  always home Gordon.”

  “Okay, now that is the third time you seem to know a heck of a lot more about me

  that I know about you? Are you familiar with my work? Is that why you came here? My

  brother in law is a Sheriff you know.”

  Seemingly exasperated, the young woman flung herself to the floor and wrung

  her hands in front of her face. “Oh, Gordon you have such limited thinking. Your petty

  little love stories do not interest me in the least. I will soon need your help. Do not make

  me rethink my choice!”

  Convinced that this young woman had most likely escaped from the Maple Ridge

  Psychiatric Hospital he very quickly and quietly backed up and sat on the couch, staring

  at her and wondering once again what to do next.

  “Gordon if I had wanted to do you harm I would have already. I do not wish any

  harm to come to you. But you must promise not to breathe a word to anyone about my

  existence.” The young woman giggled as she watched the look of uncertainty on spread

  across Gordon's face. To Gordon, her laughter was almost reminiscent of tiny bells and

  he could not help but smile at her.

  “May I ask a favour of you Gordon?”

  “Yes...” He replied slowly.

  “Wonderful!” She shouted as she jumped up from the floor and ran back to the

  window. “Please let me see your garden. I must smell and feel the life there.”

  Gordon nodded dumbly and pointed the way out the back door to the yard. The

  young woman gleefully ran passed him, her hair streaming behind her.

  “Amazing, unbelievable but amazing.” Was all Gordon could think to say a she

  watched her joyfully bounce from rose bush to rose bush. She looked almost childlike as

  she inhaled each fragrant petal.

  Finally, coming back to his senses, Gordon raised himself to his full height,

  adjusted his glasses and spoke in as firm a voice as possible. “Who are you young lady

  and why are you here?”

  “Are you back to that again Gordon? I am getting very impatient with you.”

  “Now listen here young woman...” “Enough!” The young woman's voice had become strong and rang loudly in

  Gordon's ears. For some reason he could do nothing but stand in silence and listen.

  “That is much better. Now Gordon, next time I come to visit I expect a bit better

  hospitality from you. Some nice mulled wine with ginger would be a start. Now, I told

  you I need your help. You will...” “Oh no, not now!” She stopped short and held her

  hands to her ears and nodded her head back and forth.

  “All right, all right I am coming back. I am never allowed any fun.”

  Gordon, still unable to do anything but watch could not even think a thought that

  would make any sense to him about this situation.

  The young woman removed her hands from her ears and moved in close to

  Gordon. As she was almost the same height, she looked directly into his eyes and he

  could feel her breath on his cheek as she whispered. “Do not be fooled by my glamour

  Gordon. I seek the same as you. When it is time I will return and you will help me won't

  you?” “By the way, to answer your question...my name is Fae.”

  Gordon's cheek was warm where her breath had touched him. He blinked twice

  and was stunned into the realization that she had disappeared. All that remained was the

  heady scent of moss and rosewood. For a moment he felt an indescribable sense of loss and then panic set in. Was he

  going crazy?

  “Have I lived alone so long that I need daydreams?”

  A loud howling from within the house distracted Gordon.

  “Damn. Godfrey! I am so sorry!”

  Gordon rushed in through the back door and hurried to unlock the spare room

  door. Godfrey came rushing out and then sat in the middle of the living room floor,

  glaring at Gordon.

  Bending down, Gordon tried to pick up his finicky cat only to find him backing

  away and running up the staircase to the top floor.

  “I said I was sorry Godfrey!” Gordon yelled. With his hands at his side, Gordon

  looked around the empty living room. “What the hell happened to me last night?” CHAPTER FOUR

  Marie Parks-Spencer stood in the kitchen watching her husband and children set

  up the barbecue on the deck outside. She was surprised to receive a hurried phone call

  from her brother asking permission to come by for diner that evening. Over the years

  Marie had tried to cox Gordon out of his shell, but to no avail. “Maybe,” she thought.

  “Maybe heading toward fifty is opening his eyes. It's not good for someone to always be

  alone.”

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  Marie turned to see her husband, Joseph standing in the doorway looking at her

  with such love in his eyes that it still gave her butterflies. She walked toward him and

  wrapped her arms around his chest.

  “I love you.”

  “And I love you Marie. Now what is this all about? Why such a hurry for the

  barbecue?”

  Marie smiled and kissed her husband on the cheek. “Gord is coming for dinner

  tonight; he actually called me!” Joseph walked to the fridge and took out two cold beers and handed one to his

  wife. “Seriously? Wow, what is up with that?”

  Marie shook her head and took a sip of the cold brew before answering. “I don't

  know but if I know my brother, something has happened since last night. It takes a lot to

  get him away from his writing. Heck, it takes him a lot just to get out of the house!”

  Raising an eyebrow, Joseph chuckled as he swallowed a large mouthful of beer.

  “Maybe he met a woman.”

  Marie choked and gently poked her husband in the rib cage. “Not funny Joe. You

  know how hard is for Gord to talk to a woman let alone go out of his way to meet one.

  You think one just showed up on his doorstep during the storm?”

  Raising his hands in mock surrender, Joseph backed away and smiled. “Okay,

  okay but you know he spends way too much time writing about love and not enough

  time practicing.”

  “Yes, well he'd need a partner to practice with first; anyway, I am just glad he is

  coming. The kids love him and they seem to bring out something in him. I think he

  would be a great Dad.”

  “Yeah,” said Joseph. “But that chance will pass him by if he doesn't settle down

  soon. I know I wouldn
't want kids when I'm close to fifty.” “Well let's just enjoy tonight. We can talk to him about his love life later!”

  “Yes, Mam!” Joseph made a mock salute with his right hand and headed back

  outside. “Speaking of which I think I hear his old bucket of bolts coming up the road!”

  Marie ran to the door and watched the dust cloud rise down the road as Gordon's

  old Jeep sped toward her house.

  “Kids, Uncle Gord is coming!” Marie yelled.

  Trevor and Tina scurried out from behind the house, their dust covered faces

  beaming. At eight years old they were the epitome of health and energy. They had their

  mother's spunk, their father's sense of humour and they both loved their Uncle Gord

  dearly. He always regaled them with a new story and he never complained as they would

  both fight for space on his lap.

  Being twins, they were one another's best friend and shared just about everything.

  Even though Tina was a girl, her brother never failed to include her in his baseball

  games and never teased her when she refused to put the worm on the hook when they

  went fishing. Marie considered herself very lucky that she had such lively, loving

  children.

  Marie smiled as the twins ran to her side, each clutching at her pant leg. Their

  disheveled dark curls and sun kissed cheeks made them look like cherubs. She was so full of love for them and her husband that she said a silent prayer of thanks for her good

  fortune.

  “I can hear Uncle Gord's truck!” Tina squealed happily.

  “I wonder if he has a new story. He tells the coolest stories Mom!” Trevor

  commented as he watched Gord's Jeep make its way up the driveway.

  Marie watched as Gordon parked, then stepped out from behind the wheel of his

  Jeep. He had that Jeep for as long as Marie could remember. It always looked as if he

  saved it from the recycling heap.

  As Gordon walked toward Marie and the twins she could see worry in his eyes.

  He tried hard not to show it but she knew in her heart that something was wrong.

  “Uncle Gord..Uncle Gord!” The twins called as they ran toward their Uncle. He

  stopped and knelt down, picking up one child in each arm while they feigned terror.

  Marie laughed out loud and reached up to hug her brother around the neck.

  “It is wonderful to see you Gord. I am glad you came.”

  Gordon placed the children down and returned his sister's hug with a quick peck

  on the cheek. Although he had showered and changed into jeans and a sweater, he had

  neglected to shave and there were dark smudges under his eyes. “Thanks Marie. It's been awhile.”

  Joseph walked over to Gordon and clapped him on the back. “Great seeing you

  again Gord. I got the new barbecue all set up. You should see this thing!”

  Gordon nodded and shook Joseph's hand. “Can't wait! Hey, can I borrow your

  wife for a moment?”

  Joseph looked at Marie and then back at Gordon and nodded. “Not a problem my

  man. Come out back when you are done and there is beer in the fridge.” Come on you

  two monkeys let's leave Uncle Gordon and Mom alone for a minute. You guys can help

  me get the picnic table set up.”

  Gordon watched as the twins trailed along behind their father. “You have got a

  great family Marie. You are so lucky.” he said.

  Marie grabbed Gordon's arm and led him into the house. After he settled into a

  comfy chair, he leaned forward and wrung his hands.

  “Gord, what is going on? I know something is up with you. You don't just leave

  home out of the blue.” Marie stood in front of her brother with her hands on her hips.

  She watched as Gordon removed his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes. “I am sorry Marie. I know I should get out more often. Something is or at least

  was going on and I am not quite sure how to describe it.”

  Marie hurried and sat down by her brother's side, her face was clouded with

  worry. “Are you sick Gord?”

  “No, I am not sick...at least I don't think so. I wish I was because that would

  explain a lot about last night.”

  “I don't understand Gord.”

  “Neither do I Marie, neither do I.”

  Marie suddenly got up and went into the kitchen. “Do you want a drink? Can I

  make you some tea?”

  “Anything stronger?” Gordon asked.

  “Okay, now I know something is wrong. You rarely want a drink, especially a

  strong one. What happened?” Marie asked while opening up a cupboard and removing a

  bottle of whiskey. She poured a finger full in a glass and brought it to Gordon who was

  cleaning his glasses and shaking his head. After gratefully accepting the drink, Gordon took a long swallow, relishing the

  warm sensation as it settled into his stomach. Seemingly fortified he started into the

  story of Fae.

  It took a few minutes for what Gordon had told his sister to sink in. She sat next

  to him, motionless and silent. When Marie finally moved, she walked toward the large

  picture window and stared out, still not speaking.

  “Say something Marie. Please. Do you think I have gone crazy or something?”

  Gordon was frustrated with his sister's silence and that normally meant she had

  nothing positive to say. He fidgeted on the couch then finally got up and stood next to

  her.

  Marie finally looked up at her brother and placed on hand on his arm. “Gord,

  have you been drinking at home, alone?”

  Gordon pulled away and sat back down on the couch.

  “Geez Marie. No, I have not turned into some crazy old man sitting at home

  drinking my sorrows away. My god! I am lonely but not THAT lonely. And I am NOT

  like our mother.” Marie's eyes filled with tears at Gordon's mention of their mother. She was a

  manic depressive, alcoholic who had taken her own life after the sudden death of their

  father in an industrial accident.

  “I am sorry Gord, you were always “sensitive” like she was. But, I should know

  better than that. I know you would never turn to drink to cope. But what else is there?

  Have you been getting enough sleep?”

  Leaning back on the couch, Gordon looked tired and like he doubted his own

  mind.

  “I don't know what to think. I was tired after finishing my last novel. I was

  thinking about Mrs. Quinn last night. Did you know she died a few months ago? With

  all her stories about faeries and such, I probably had a waking dream or something.”

  A weak smile came across Marie's face and she nodded in agreement. “Maybe

  you need some time off. You work all the time and you never socialize. I am curious

  though. This “Fae” fantasy you had. What was it she said about “glamour?”

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Gordon repeated what Fae had said to him.

  “Do

  not be fooled by my glamour Gordon. I seek the same as you.”

  “I have heard the term “glamour” before and not in the context you think. Let me

  check the bookstore in the morning and I'll give you a call.” “Sure Marie, and thanks for listening. After telling this to someone it sounds just

  like the dream it probably was. Sorry to worry you about it.”

  Sighing heavily, Gordon raised himself back to his feet and went to the kitchen.

  “Smells like Joe started the barbecue. Maybe I should go out and help.”

  His sister nodded and hugged him tightly. “You should have a famil
y of your own

  Gord.”

  “I think I've allowed that opportunity to pass me by.” Gordon said quietly as

  walked out into the back yard. CHAPTER FIVE

  True to her word, Marie spent the next day searching through boxes and racks of

  books in her store.

  “Glamour, glamour, glamour,” She mumbled as she opened dusty volumes of

  ancient, leather bound books.

  “Looking for a wee book about fashion Marie?” asked a lilting, bubbly voice.

  Startled, Marie bumped her head on the counter as she jumped up from her cross

  legged position on the floor.

  “Good morning Fiona. I didn't hear you come in. Sorry.” Marie said as he rubbed

  the swelling lump on the back of her head.

  Just inside the door stood Fiona O'Neill, she was a history teacher at the

  University who had emigrated from the coast of Ireland over 20 years ago. As a result, if

  one listened carefully they could still hear a touch of the “Isle” in her voice as she spoke.

  That and her waist length, flaming red hair caused quite a sensation wherever she went.

  Her heart was a big as they came and with that, she had just finished the process of

  adopting a child from overseas. Ling Mae was her pride and joy and Fiona was never far

  without the tiny, Asian baby strapped to her back in a baby carrier. Marie applauded her

  for her choice to become a single mother and adopting a child who needed a home. “No worries Marie. I have a few boxes of those lovely, old history books you

  asked for. They are ancient. I hope you have a collector in mind? Now what's this about

  glamour? You haven't been seeing faeries now?”

  Marie stopped and stared at Fiona with a puzzled look on her face. “What do you

  mean?”

  “Well, besides the obvious meaning of the word, “glamour” is also another term

  for a faeries power to make themselves attractive for a human being; mainly a human

  male. There are many stories of “social” faeries “bewitching” a man in order to have a

  child or just to entice a man into the act of seduction. It's a word I haven't heard of since

  my “Mamo” used to tell me faerie tales as a wee one.”

  “Mamo?”

  “Sorry, it is a Gaelic word for Grandmother. Kind of like “Nana” I guess.”

  “That's fascinating and no I haven't been seeing faeries. The word came up in