Chapter 7

Author's note: There have been a few comments about the direction this story was taking. So much was favouring going back and getting on with those two witches, I mean, those two darlings, rather than never going back. Like Bob(Lubrican) in some of his stories, I decided on an Alpha and a Bravo version from Chapter Seven on. I seem to always be harder on my story girls than most people think I should be.

In this, the Alpha version, There is no going back. That saying about being burned once has some meaning, twice, even is worse. Yep, it was time to start over, again. Upon reflection all this was probably my fault. The idea of being a King had gone to my head. I had begun to think I really might give an order. Too late, but now realized that it was not so. It had cost me everything and it was a mistake I vowed that I would never make again.

Even that original plan to move to California was in question. The greatest desire was to just disappear and avoid any people or places where I might be known. I knew that there were a few more thing left to do back home, my previous home, and would let John do all he could before returning there one last time. I had been a fool regarding Leslie and Daphne and realized I would be paying for that mistake the rest of my life.

I remembered the pledge to protect both women, my vow, I also recalled Leslie's words, "You too must freely choose to stay. Daphne may have been a bit excited and placed undo influence on you, as I may have also."

As I now saw things, the decision to leave before we would learn to hate each other was, in a way, fulfilling my vow to protect them, at least I considered it such. During the next few months there was a constant desire for me to race back there, beg forgiveness and be satisfied with being a fake King.

After a bit, three more months, I had a difficult time even remembering their names. When I contacted John, he asked if I had called or seen Leslie or Daphne. My response sort of answered that question, "Who?" I said. That was the very last time they were ever mentioned to me. I went home, cleaned the remaining details left there and picked a direction to go at random. Noting that it would in no way lead back to Leslie and Daphne. South East seemed to be the general direction selected. There was no main road' so I selected one bag for clothes and such, got cash, several pre-paid Visa cards and a debit card for a checking, savings account that had a little over $328,000 in it.

A bus or train seemed the best right now for me to use. I recalled that California had different requirements for cars and was concerned that until I found some place I would live in, I wanted nothing to limit my options.

You meet or see all kinds of people using public transportation. Old, young, rich, poor and some you are glad to be rid of. Heading towards Texas, Mexicans were in abundance, towards Florida, elderly and vacation goers abounded. On the train North most of the people were headed to D.C. or Atlanta, few transferred to Charleston SC. So, I, of course, headed there.

At the station was a huge poster that said, 'Welcome To Charleston' Mayor Joe Riley. There was nothing much at the train station except a phone on a desk and a placard touting the services of a hire car to take you almost anywhere.

I asked the driver who came for me where was a good place to stay at? His answer was something I never thought much about.

"Well son if you stop thinking like a 'Damn Yankee' we got us some fine places here. Charleston Place on Meeting St, or the French Quarter Inn on Church St are known for Southern Hospitality. If you can stand when, 'Dixie' is played you will do all right with them."

I understood why he had said what he did. Instead of the expected Confederate Flags, most were from the American Revolution, some the Civil war, and the room rates had to be the highest in the city, but you knew this was the South there.

I checked into a nice room, asked for a map and an idea of places to go. When I told the desk clerk I was not a tourist but wanted to find a place to live, she told me that downtown was not the place, unless I was some rich playboy, then she might show me around.

I laughed, or tried to, remembering the past I told her that I would hire her to help me learn about the city and no I was not a playboy, just wanted to have a place to call home.

"She must have really hurt you then?"

"Some, but actually, it was me that probably hurt them more!"

Her name was Wendy and she looked at me confused by the word 'them' but gave me a look that seemed to infer that he understood. Nevertheless we made me her good deed and planned a search of the town the next day since she was off.

She called my room at the hotel early the next morning. I came down and just stared at her. She was dressed about the same as I was except for her shirt rolled up baring her flat midriff.

"Hey, quit stealing my clothes!" she mocked.

I like the mature gentleman I am just stuck out my tongue at her and smiled.

She shook her head and pulled me by the hand. That touch was like electricity. I began to worry if and how we would keep this strictly business. She seemed to pick up on my reaction to her touch.

"Don't worry Sailor, I'm not keeping you and will just throw you back to get caught again. I vowed if anything came along it would have to be someone who would keep me in the manner that I wanted to become accustomed to and you already said you were not a rich playboy, so you're safe with me."

I should have told her that was not my only concern. What was it that made me feel so at ease with these woman, first Daphne, then Leslie now Wendy. Would I never learn?

"I'm driving, any problem with that?"

"No Ma'am, I'm just tagging along, your in charge!"

"Damn straight!"

We went off. "Do you want a house, apartment or a Townhouse/Condo. Any wife. girlfriend or kids to consider?"

She looked ahead as she said that to me. I choked up a bit, then answered, "No Ma'am, just drive to some places you might like!"

Now she looked at me with a twinkle in her eyes. "Yes Sir, Admiral."

We drove to several developments and many more areas. She asked me what kind of work I did or jobs I wanted. I told her I solved problems and worked from home, when I worked. I got a pained look on my face when I said that, thought about Mom and Dad and the time at the Castle.