Darque Wants (8 page)

“What do you say we go get some lunch?  Aren’t you hungry since we abandoned our pancakes two hours ago?”  Mateo smiled, hoping that he could squeeze in a little more time with her before heading back to Big Sur.  He was also feeling like he’d rather avoid his studio right now, and he liked the idea of sticking around in Berkeley for another day or so.  Amber reflected thoughtfully, then tilted her head to the side and smiled.

“That sounds like a pretty good idea.  Do you mind if I stop home first to let Brodi out?”  She was thankful to be outside of Sheriff Claiborne’s office, and she felt like her mission had been completed. 

“Let’s do it.”  Mateo locked her arm in his and they walked to his truck.  Once inside, Amber rolled down her window and leaned back on the head-rest.  The sun felt good on her face, and she closed her eyes, envisioning a cozy night with Mateo.  She felt so natural around him, as if they had been dating for years.  She wasn’t sure how to describe it, but she knew that it symbolized something good.

When they arrived back at Amber’s house, it was dusk, and Brodi was looking out the window.  Amber unlocked her door and he came bounding to her side.  She clipped on his leash and then walked him down the stone path that led behind the house.  Mateo looked around, deciding that he really liked her place, but convinced that she would be more comfortable in Big Sur at his million dollar home.  Thinking of home gives him another idea.

“Hey, Amber.  I just had another idea.  What would you think about coming down to Big Sur with me when I go back?  I could show you the studio, and maybe it would give you some closure.  You know, maybe it would help you get one last moment of clarity regarding Christopher.”  He liked his idea, and he hoped that she would consider it.

“You know, being in direct contact with Christopher’s surroundings and belongings would definitely offer insight.  It might be pretty intense, but I think I could handle it.”  Amber stood, thinking about Mateo’s brilliant suggestion.  “Are you sure you have room there for me and Brodi?’  She looked down at her dog who sat wagging his tail.  Mateo smiled and then whispered in her ear.

“I’ve got more than enough room.”  Mateo wanted to add that he had room in both his house and his heart, but he caught himself feeling vulnerable so he remained quiet.  He was already thinking about what he wanted to show her in Big Sur- his favorite beach, his favorite bagel shop, his favorite art store.  He hadn’t had a woman in his house since his ex had taken off, and he was excited to have someone new in his life who appreciated what he had to offer.

“This is exciting.  I haven’t left Berkeley in ages.  And luckily, I have no dance classes at the studio for the next three days. 

“Then I guess this is simply the perfect escape.”  Mateo followed her inside as she unleashed Brodi and then stood in the doorway. 

“I’m looking forward to something different.”  Amber gave Mateo a coy smile and then made her way into her bedroom and threw some clothes into a drawstring bag.  She filled up a plastic bag with dog food and then turned off all the lights.  “I think I’m all set.”  She locked up and then they walked downstairs and got into Mateo’s truck.

As they headed out and onto the highway, Amber thought about all that happened in such a short span of time.  She realized that her life could get complicated quickly with her gift, and she always felt lucky when she could step outside of that burdensome reality and just be free for awhile.  She rolled down her window and let her arm hang alongside the door.  The air was cooling down and the sun was beginning to set as they approached Highway One and made their way south.

“You like jazz?”  Mateo popped a CD into his player and Amber closed her eyes, absorbing the soft, melodic sounds of the trumpets and piano that resounded from the speakers.  Brodi curled up on the back seat and the three rode in silence for a good half hour, sharing in an unspoken appreciation for the coastal beauty and the newfound companionship.  They passed rugged, lichen covered rocks and cliffs, teetering evergreens, and boisterous sea lions.  Amber sighed and thought she’d doze off, but Mateo pulled over and stopped the truck.  “Come on.  Get Brodi.  This is one of the best beach spots in Cali.”  He hopped out and Amber followed.

They followed a winding trail onto the beach and then down to the water line. “This reminds me of a painting I once saw in an art museum.”  Amber pointed at the large, black rock formation that jutted out into the water.  “It’s so enchanting.”  She gazed with wonder at the massive protrusion and then followed Mateo down to its side.

“The key with this is to make sure that you make a run for it as the tide reaches back.”  Mateo raised his eyebrows and then motioned for Amber to hurry.  She felt giddy and adventurous, and they both stood alongside the giant rock face, waiting to see what the water did.  When Mateo grabbed Amber’s hand, they ran through the tiny opening that was cut in the rock and then scampered to the other side.  Brodi followed, nipping at Amber’s heels, and then barking once they had all reached the other side safely.  They watched the water suck back toward the horizon, and then crash forward once again onto the beach.  Mateo reached for Amber’s hand, and they ran once more through the rock.  Then they stood on the sand, watching as the water pulled back into the ocean.

“That was so much fun.”  Amber wrapped her hands around Mateo’s waist and he turned to face her.  They looked in each other’s eyes and then kissed, effortlessly and passionately, on Mateo’s favorite beach. Brodi interrupted with a bark, and they decided to head back to the truck.   Mateo told her that they would have to check out the sea lions tomorrow, and that it was one of his favorite pastimes.  They slid back into the truck and continued their ride down the One until they reached what looked like a large wooden castle surrounded with dunes and flowers.  Mateo smiled and then turned off his truck.

“This is my home.  The studio is right down the street.  If you want, we could get you settled inside first, and then take a walk to the studio.  Only if you’re up for it.”  Mateo gave Amber the option of deciding what she was most comfortable doing. 

“Sure.  Let’s just drop my bag off inside and then head over.”  Amber thought that thy might as well get the studio visit out of the way so that she could send the rest of her time enjoying Mateo.  As soon as Mateo opened the door to his home, Amber was awe-struck.  The house was large, with hardwood floors and tasteful art throughout.  The windows were large, as functional, as Mateo later explained that his home was almost completely solar.  He described some of his project details that Tommy was involved with, and Amber realized that not only was the mind kind, artistic, handsome, and funny, but he was also a genius.

He showed her to a guest room and she put her bag on the end on the bed, and then walked observantly down the steps, taking time to notice the art –work on his walls, and the photos he had displayed.  “This place is amazing, but I’m sure you already know that.”  Mateo shrugged and then reached for her hand.

“Are you in the mood for a drink?  It might loosen up your nerves before heading to the studio.”  Mateo lead her to the kitchen, and then reached in the fridge for a beer.  Amber stood back and admired his décor.  He had an eye for detail, and a gift for design.  She smiled when she saw a photograph on a horse, and then remembered their agreement to go riding as a first date.  Mateo handed her the beer and then they walked out of the kitchen and toward the front door.

“Thanks for the drink.  You know, I can see the artist in you when I stand inside your house.  It’s really beautiful.”  Amber smiled, and they headed outside.  They held hands and walked lazily along the street, beers in hand, until they reached the cottage that Mateo pointed out as the studio.  It was dark outside, but Amber could make out the general structure of the space, and she could sense that it had been built many years ago.  They moved slowly up the cobble stone path that led to the doors.

Amber stood quietly for a second.  She wanted to get a clear read on the space.  She looked at Mateo and before she could say anything, a wave of anxiety flooded her body.  She gripped his arm and then inched slowly toward the door.  “There is definitely something awry with this place.”  She looked at him and then crept forward.  Brodi was at her heels, sniffing at the doorway.  Mateo pulled out a set of keys from his pocket and then slowly unlocked the door.  Amber waited with anticipation and he turned on the lights and then her inside.  Ac hill ran down her spine and she stopped as soon as she reached the work-table. 

“Are you okay?”  Mateo stood next to her, concerned that she might get dizzy.  As soon as he spoke, Amber fell back against an easel.  She tried to steady her balance, but she swooned instead, just in time for Mateo to lead her to a purple couch that was seated beside the art supply cabinet.  She closed her eyes and then lied back.  Mateo knelt down beside her. 

Amber’s vision led her further into the mystery’s unraveling.  She witnessed Jeffrey, again, but this time he was inside the studio, the same studio that she was sitting in now, rifling through a pile of papers inside a small, wooden drawer.  She realized that it was one of the wooden drawers to the apothecary cabinets.  Jeffrey proceeded to pull out a piece of red, folded paper, and then looked hesitantly over his shoulder.  He walked to the work-table and un-folded the paper. 

When he opened up the map, Amber saw small, intricate markings, and one of the giant red circles on it was placed over what appeared to be a hole in the ground.  Beside the image of the hole is a brown bag, and Amber realized that it must represent the leather bag that she saw Jeffrey holding in her earlier visions. Amber started to shake, and Mateo slid next to her, and then placed her hand in his lap.  He knew that he couldn’t do much, but he could try and make her feel as safe as possible. Amber could tell that the vision was waning.  She had received a clear image of both the cabinet and the map, and she knew that the map needed to be retrieved as evidence in the case.  Her only hope was that it still sat inside the cabinet, and that maybe Jeffrey had put it back inside. 

She slowly opened up her eyes and rubbed her forehead.  Mateo watched her carefully, but silently.  He took a sip of his beer and then waited for her to talk.  She smiled weakly and then tried to stand up.  “Are you okay?”  Mateo took her by the arm and then walked with her as she scanned the room, looking for the apothecary cabinet.

“I’m okay.  I’m just looking for something.”  She squinted and saw lots of art supplies, a few easels, some empty frames, and a lot of half-used canvasses.  She didn’t see the cabinet.  In a moment of doubt, she wondered if the vision had been incorrect, or if she had seen Jeffrey someplace else.  But she shook her head.  Surely, it had been the very same studio.  Mateo stopped her.

“What are you looking for?  I know where everyt5hing is down here.”  He laughed, figuring that if anyone could find something in the studio, it should be him.

“It’s a cabinet.  One of those old ones used for medicine years ago.  I think it’s called an apothecary cabinet.”  She continued to look around, and then laughed, figuring that it should be big enough to see without looking too hard. 

“It’s out back.  I just hauled it out there last week, before coming up to Berkeley.  I was going to have it re-finished.  Come on.”  He spun around and both Amber and Brodi followed behind him, through a small, dimly lit hallway and out back to an enclosed patio.  The apothecary cabinet stood in plain sight, against a backdrop of vigorously growing tiger lilies.  Amber froze.  If the map was inside the drawer, it would be the first tangible possibility of evidence that she could bring to Sherriff Claiborne.  It would provide something concrete, something tangible to back up her claims that might otherwise be brushed aside as crazy.

“I’m nervous, Mateo. If I open these drawers and find the map, it will confirm so much, it will be an important part of the mystery that has finally been unearthed.”  She took a deep breath and looked at him for approval.

“Let’s start opening them.”  He pulled open one of the top drawers but it was only filled with small tubes of paint.  He opened a second drawer and it was filled with un-used rags.  He opened a third drawer and it was filled with paper clips, washers, screws, and bolts.  He laughed.  “We weren’t always the most organized of business partners.”  Amber looked at the remaining drawers and then held her hand up to them.  Mateo stood back and watched.

“I’m going to see if my energy can just pick up on what drawer it might be.”  She stood still, scanning the cabinet with her palm.  Then she stopped and opened up a drawer on the left.  It was filled with erasers and pen caps.  “I think I’m close.”  She stopped and looked at the next drawer to the left.  “I think this is it.”  She locked her finger around the little round handle, and then pulled it open. 

The red, folded map sat inside.

              Mateo watched Amber as she pulled the map out of the drawer.  “What is it?”  He furrowed his brow and leaned closer, as curious as she was to see what it looked like once opened.  Amber held it for a second and took a deep breath.

              “I think Sherriff Claiborne will find this very interesting.”  Amber smiled and then pulled one of the edges down, then slowly pulled the other.  She opened up the map and held it up for both her and Mateo to see.  Brodi cocked his head to the side.  The map was exactly as she had seen it in her vision, with several specific markings, and one big red circle on the end.  She tried to see what else was in the details, but it was smudged in areas, and torn on the side.  “This isn’t just any old map.  This looks like a map from Gold Rush days.  This is incredible.  I think we might be able to find out why this location is so significant.  There’s all kinds of little marks and circles on it.  You’ll have to take a look.”  Amber was wide-eyed and excited when she showed Mateo the map.