The plane settled onto the runway at Hewanora airport in St. Lucia with a barely noticed bump, and taxied directly to the terminal. Passengers, as a group, unbuckled, retrieved carry-ons, and squeezed into the aisles, shuffling toward the exit.

The post card and the ticket had been a humorous tease, but then she noticed it was open-ended, not something easy to arrange any more, and as time passed she realized that its validity was almost up. Her knowledge of Chase had been limited to their week together – a week of absolute mind-boggling action and danger – but there were a few moments . . .

The decision was made without a pause and in two days, She had arranged time off, booked the flight, and with a devil may care attitude, flew off to who knew what. Now here she was, alone and unannounced, on an island thousands of miles from her home.

Once through the long line of arrivals, Paula Regan stepped out into the sudden blast of heat from a molten sun, shading her eyes and looking around uncertainly. There had been no communication of any kind, and now, as she stood on the walk in front of the airport, she wondered what the devil had she done.

"Excuse me, Ms. Are you Paula Regan?"

The pleasant smile on the dark face brought a smile to her own, and she nodded, "And you are?"

"Joseph Laforce." The smile widened and he dipped his head. "If you would follow me?"

"Whoa – follow you where – and why?" Paula gripped her bag tighter.

"To my car. I will take you to Mr. Chase." The eyes lit up and the eyebrows danced.

"You work for Mr. Chase?" She moved after him as he gestured taking her luggage.

"Every day, I come for the Air Canada flights and watch for the lady in this picture." He held out a bent photo of Paula, that she looked at in surprise. "Now my work is done."

"Are you saying you've been coming here every day for the last two years?"

"Once a day, three times a week. Mr. Chase was very insistent, but he pays very well." The trunk of the Camry opened and Paula's bag was placed inside. "Would you prefer the front or back?"

"I'll ride with you if that's okay."

Another wide smile and the front passenger door opened similarly.

******

Personal questions about Chase were dismissed politely. Instead, Paula got a tour guide description of the drive from the airport to Canaries in Anse La Raye – a two and one half hour drive. Just north of Soufrière the road led them through the island's fruit basket, and she heard about the many varieties of bananas, mangos, limes, and breadfruit from the enthusiastic Joseph.

"It's all very beautiful, so lush and green, and those mountains – just spectacular."

"Gros Piton and Petit Piton. Many people come to climb Gros Piton. From the top you can see all around the island and even as far as Martinique."

"This place we're going to--"

"Canaries."

"Yes, Canaries. Do you live there as well – I mean, with Mr. Chase?"

Joseph laughed and banged the steering wheel. "No, Ms Regan. I live with my wife and our three children, right in the town. Mr. Chase is just outside of the town."

Further probing was deflected with a suggestion they stop at a place he knew and have something to eat, as there was still about forty-five minutes driving over the tight, winding roads. The exterior didn't have much to recommend it and Paula wasn't sure she wanted to stop, but Joseph saw her face and he laughed again, assuring her she would be quite surprised.

Her surprise was genuine. They were greeted by a large, jolly looking woman, who embraced Joseph as they exchanged words in what sounded to Paula like a French spiced Creole. She was introduced and they went inside to a bright, naturally lit room with bamboo tables and chairs, sporting colourful cloths and cushions.

"So you are the lady Joseph spends his days seeking." The woman set dishes in front of them without asking preferences, and Joseph kicked his grin up a notch.

"Well, I had no idea--" Paula glanced at the bowl placed in front of her.

"He told me, Celeste, when I finally arrive with the lady you will make your Callaloo soup. You arrive, and I serve the soup."

"Oh – well it smells delicious." She smiled nervously, looking to Joseph for assistance.

"Best Calliloo on the island," he bragged, picking up a spoon and digging into the creamy mixture.

"What actually is Calliloo?" She stuck her own spoon into the bowl.

"It's like spinach only better. Lots of good stuff in here," he spooned in a mouthful.

Paula tasted hers and thoughtfully considered the flavours. "Seafood. Garlic. And is that potato?" She smiled up at Celeste, who nodded and left to fetch drinks. "Oh, is that lobster?"

Joseph's head bobbed as he shovelled in large spoonfuls.

Back on the road, Paula felt stuffed and she mildly berated Joseph for not allowing her to pay for the food. She continued for a while but it ended when he finally announced, "All taken care of by Mr. Chase. You can tell him soon." He stated with a smiling finality, steering into the town of Canaries.

Paula absorbed the magnificent view across the water and the quaint, rustic little shops, their once vibrant colours looking weather-worn yet still inviting. Joseph waved in a general direction to where his family home was and then they were out of the town and onto a highway briefly before swinging onto a rugged, dirt road.

They drove slowly through dense patches of tropical growth, including palms and some wild, banana trees. She held on as they bumped around a final turn and rocked to a stop. Ahead, she saw a wooden, two story structure that blended so perfectly into the landscape, its actual shape was difficult to discern.

"We have arrived, Ms Regan." Joseph shut off the engine and climbed out to open her door and retrieve her bag.

"This is quite a place," she turned about, shading her eyes, and then looked back at the house. The figure seemed to shudder in the bright sunlight, and she emitted a small gasp as it stabilized and came to a stop about five feet from her.

"Hello again, Ms Regan."

There he stood, and she could only stare at the man that had driven away two years ago after sharing a week of more wild emotions than she'd ever had before or since. Words froze on her tongue and she felt his eyes boring into hers, his mouth twitching into a grin. His skin was clear with a light tan, and the crooked grin she had first found so annoying now almost felt endearing.

"I'll take the bag, Joseph, you can get home to your family with my thanks, and the usual will be in your account – with a bonus."

"The pleasure has been all mine, Mr. Chase." He turned to Paula, "And a pleasure meeting you, Ms Regan. Perhaps again sometime."

Paula blinked and held out her hand, feeling the warm grip of the man she met only a few hours ago, having shared a close quarter drive, a meal and a wealth of local lore. Chase picked up the bag and took her arm, steering her away and toward the house.

"You do remember me I hope." His words showed the humour of her reaction on arrival.

"I actually don't know what to say." She fussed with her hands and hair. "I mean – well hello, of course . . ."

Chase laughed and led the way up a couple of steps to open the door, allowing her to walk past inside. She stopped and took in the simple but functionally furnished room, with floor to ceiling windows across from her that gave onto a solid hill of every green shade she might imagine.

"Oh my, what a glorious view!"

"Yep, and year 'round." He walked past and around a corner with her bag, sparking her to follow.

Awkward couldn't describe how she felt. All the way down on the plane she had tried to imagine when they came face to face again. All the way from a massive let-down, to her flying into his waiting arms for a passionate kiss. Now she waded somewhere in between, uncertain and uncomfortable. Had she made a huge error? Did the few moments during that long ago week make her think there was a future of some kind? Was he still – doing his work?

"This is your room. I suggest you take your time, relax, change or even shower if you like. It's right through there," he pointed, "then we can sit, enjoy a drink and catch up. Okay?" His smile made her blush, and she fidgeted with unreadable hand signals as she accepted his offers.

"I'll be waiting in the front room." He smiled again and left her standing, her mind struggling to wrap itself around everything that happened so quickly.