I saw the flashing lights through the rain, thinking what a lousy place and time to break down. I slowed, but in this area, I had to be cautious. Someone was in there, and appeared to be waving to me, so I took the chance and pulled over.
The figure jumped from the car, running to my passenger door. It was locked, but when I saw it was a woman, I released it.
"Oh, thank you for stopping! I've been here fro 15 minutes and you're the first car to stop!" she spoke as she clamored inside. "I was driving and it just died! And my cell battery can't get reception."
She was shivering, so I turned up the heat. "No problem, but you're not gonna get a tow truck out here now. How far do you have to go?"
"High Street, do you know where it is? I'm sort of confused right now."
I knew it, alright, having driven a cab for a while. Nice neighborhood, expensive houses, big lawns.
Her name was Fran, and she was coming from an art gallery opening. She was older, a lot older, and I could tell she came from money, her clothing, perfect frosted hair, real jewelry, not bling.
We locked her car, and drove off, leaving a note if the cops came that the car was disabled.
As we drove, I could tell she hadn't been in a jeep before, not saying anything, but looking around as if for my banjo and gun rack. I smiled. I knew she was way below her comfort level, but she had no choice and was gracious, even if slightly condescending.
In 20 minutes, we pulled into a circular drive at her direction. The lights were on and a man came scurrying out with an umbrella. He was older, maybe in his 70's.
"Oh Mrs. Walker, I was beginning to worry", he said.
"Hello, Charles. I had car trouble on Route 22, you'll have to take care of it tomorrow. Luckily, this nice young man stopped to help."
Turning to me, "Thank you, Harry, won't you come in?"
"No, thanks, I'm sure you're exhausted."
"No, actually, I'm very much awake. Charles can park the car. Come, please."
With it being so late I had no plans for the night, so I left the jeep running as Charles handed me his umbrella, looking at me and the 10 year old car with disdain.
The place was straight from the movies, high ceilings, long staircase. I was waiting for Scarlet to run out saying "Oh Ashley!"
I followed Fran into the library, and there was a long bar across the left side. "Help yourself, Harry, and I'll take something from the crystal decanter, with one cube." She left, and I thought about my place in life and how different it was from this, as I sniffed her choice, and poured one for each of us.
Charles came in, holding my keys as if it was a dead mouse. "The garage is to the right, as you leave."
Enjoying his contempt for me, I smiled. "Oh thank you, did you get around to a coat of wax for it?"
He grinned, hard, and said "I was afraid it might take the last of the paint off."
I held my glass up to him. "Very good, that will be all."
He glared, as Fran returned, and he turned to her. "Madam, can I get you anything? Some warm tea, perhaps?"
"No, Charles, you can call it a night."
"But, Mrs. Walker..." looking back at me. "What if I am needed?"
She smiled. "Not to worry, I'm sure Harry will be a perfect gentleman! Besides, I know Karate, remember?"
He looked at both of us. "Yes, Madam...I will be in my quarters."
She took her glass from me. "You know how to pour them, huh?" seeing that the snifter was more than half full, way past the breathing level.
"Well, I figured we'd only have one", I smiled as she moved to one of the plush stools.
Gone was the Designer pant-suit, replaced by a long red robe. She had freshened up and looked like the classy lady I expected. She sipped as she eyed me.
"So, how do you like the place?"
