Hamptons Portfolio 20 - Montauk Man Part 3

"All I ask is a tall ship and a star to sail her by" John Masefield, 

"Sea Fever"

So there I was in my car heading to the Montauk Manor. I should have called for reservations, however it's the off season and I'm sure they will have plenty of rooms available without doubt. I went through the village past the Montauk Tower and headed up Edgemere Street that runs along the bay until I spotted the Montauk train station and turned up the road to the Manor. Perched on a hill with commanding views of the area including Fort Pond Bay, the Tudor style building, like the Tower, seemed out of place but very charming. The setting has that feel of Neuschwanstein, that fairy tale castle mad King Ludwig the 11 built in Bavaria. In any event I looked forward to staying here. I had the added benefit that if my crazy investigation was nothing but a goose chase at least I would get to stay in this glorious hotel for a few nights and enjoy the hell out of myself. However, I couldn't help but think I was directed here for some purpose yet unknown to me: It's no accident I'm here, compliments of the Motel Montauk. I better reserve a room for my extended stay so I don't get booted out like at the Motel.

I entered the lobby and could not believe my eyes. It was if I stepped back in time- What a grand scale interior with stone floors, (talk about a "New swan rock") colonnades and old truss beams in the high ceiling were a sight to see, this was royal. I went straight to the front desk. "Uh hum, (clearing my throat) Uh hum", "Yes, I'll be right with you"  OK so we're having a slow start, let's be patient. The clerk who looked impish, seemed very particular in his actions with an air of always being annoyed, fumbled through papers and his computer key pad; he was having some minor crises- time seemed to stand still as I waited. Finally, he attended me "How can I help you?" "I'd like a room" "Do you have a reservation?" He said with a smirk, you've got to be kidding I thought, not a soul in sight, it's the off season, c'mon!  "No. no I do not" "OK, let me see what we have available"  "Oh fabulous, I found you a suite, with double queen beds, and views of the water, would that be suitable?" " do you have anything, how can I say, a bit less, I really don't need a suite" " Oh no, this was reserved especially for you" "What do you mean?" "Trust me Sir I'll give it to you for the price of our smaller rooms, it's the off season don't you know?", "How can I say no to that..." "I need the room for at least 3 nights"        " That will not be a problem, in fact you may never want to leave at all!".  Alright that was strange, let's see if he knows anything. "Are you familiar with the Motel Montauk?" "Well, yes, but it's not a place I'd stay at" "Why?" "Well for one it's closed for the season and two the place is creepy" Closed for the season? I don't think he understands or knows much about Montauk, after all I was just there. I asked him one last question, "Do you know an older gentleman that works there, at the Motel...a butler looking type?" "Sorry no" "How about Chris, a surfer dude?" "No, sorry again" "OK, what's your name, people seem to come and go around here in Montauk" " I'm Devon" "Thank you Devon, I'll be seeing you soon" With that I received my key and started to head to the second floor to find my room. I turned back to say goodbye and something did not seem right with him- He was staring at me in a suspicious way, as if he was part of some conspiracy- Yet again, my over active imagination. Up to my room I went. I opened the door and this was no Motel Montauk, this was fit for a King. I went over to a french door that led to a balcony, the sight was breathtaking, "Now this is living..."

Time to explore. I passed Devon with a nod, he steadfastly followed me with his eyes as I headed out the door of the Manor. I was still in awe and just impressed with all the architecture and grandeur of the place, you can tell someone really wanted to make a statement with this place. I walked over to my car and opened my door but before I got in I noticed a path to a lookout point on the west side of the Hotel and took it. I scanned the vista, the train station, the bay, this is all lovely but not the reason I'm here for. I have no leads no new info. just a few bizarre occurrences that anyone can easily explain away, I need some help. I went back to my car and decided to travel back into town for some ideas. I parked along main street and began walking. I could really use a town historian or someone who knows the place well... I stopped in a coffee shop and decided to ask around. I was helped by a young girl, pretty, looked a bit ditsy, maybe she knows something, I doubt it, but it's worth a try " Hi, I'll have a black coffee and a piece of that cake there" "Sure, coming right up"  "Listen, who could I talk to if I wanted to get first hand history of Montauk, the unwritten stuff, you know?" " Well, let me see., you could go to the library, maybe the historical society..." "No, I'm looking for the stuff not in the books..."  "My boy friends dad might know something. He's lived here all his life and his dad as well and his dad before him..." "Where can I find him?" "Not a good idea" "Why?" "You're not from around here I can tell, and they don't take kindly to strangers, also he is a bit of a bear-people are sure scared of him but not me" "I'll take my chances" "OK, don't say I didn't warn you. Go to the Harbor, ask around for Marcus, Marcus Grey, good luck."  OK, I thought, at least it's something, who knows, maybe this "Marcus" will know something, possibly "Legend and Lore", it's worth the in-hospital reception I'm sure to receive.

Heading to the harbor.
Montauk has a strong fishing industry and by the looks of these tired old boats you can tell they know the sea... The dock was run down and haggard-one misstep and into the dark green murky salt water you would go. The air stunk of rotting fish, the seagulls were constantly squawking and men were busy on their boats getting ready for a sail or having returned from a sail breaking down the days work. Who could I talk to? Not a single fisherman seemed approachable and no one stopped to bother with a lost tourist. I need to come back later in the evening, maybe this Marcus would stop in at the local pub for a drink. Later that evening I returned, I found the local pub at the Harbor, or should I say the dive at the harbor and went in. No surprise, all eyes were fixed on the "Non Local", me. I felt uncomfortable but went to the bar anyway, I sat down. "What can I get ya?" "I'll have a rum and coke please" "Jack Daniels coming right up", "That will work too..." " Do you know where I can find a Marcus Grey?" The barkeep looked at me as you would someone who was in danger - his round spectacles and his burnt out appearance gave the impression he might care about a stranger who was about to walk into the lion's den. "What for?" he looked around and leaned closer to me, and whispered "Don't mention that name to anyone else around here unless you want trouble" Someone at the bar turned to me and said "Hey Buddy, is that your ride out there?" I looked out the window and saw my car being hooked up to a tow truck....I ran out the door "Stop!!!" Too late, they took my car. "bastards!" I went back into the pub. "Tough break", said the stranger that alerted me at the bar, and began laughing and couldn't stop. Man, that's rubbing salt in my wound...I called a taxi to take me to the village, I was steaming and a bit nervous; Was someone messing with me?

The cab dropped me off at the village Police, apparently that's the place to find my car. " Hello, my car was towed just a few minutes ago", "Come back in the morning...Sir" Said the gruff Sargent at the front desk-"You don't understand I need my car back", " You don't understand, come back tomorrow!" He was agitated. I raised my voice, I don't know why, "You better....!!!" " I better what?" He turned away and just then I heard a loud crash behind me and then a clipboard went flying through the air and struck the officer in the back of the neck drawing blood "OK, that's it, hands behind your back!" "But I didn't do that!" I was locked up and put in a holding pen along with a couple of other unfortunates. I sat down next to the least intimidating of the two. He was an older man, stank of alcohol, a bit scraggly with a really long beard complete with crumbs. Maybe he was a Hatfield maybe a McCoy he spoke to me;  "What you in for?" "I don't know" I said, "Yes, same here dang nab it. SINCE when it is a crime to have a couple of drinks!(Talking loudly in the direction of the officers) Well that and urinating in the middle of the square, I should have rethought that one..." "Sorry Old Timer, I'm here because I was looking for a man, Marcus, ever hear of him?" "Yes. Be thankful you didn't find him and that you're in jail. I hope you didn't go around asking for him? Don't matter now, I'm sure he'll come looking for you", "Please save your scary stories...", "We'll if getting away with murder and having a few people disappear under suspicious circumstances don't scare you I don't know what would ...",  "I don't want any trouble, all I wanted..." "Wanted what?" "Was to ask him about a stranger that saved my life...some call him the Montauk Man". "Why didn't you say so!" "Listen, bail me out and I'll tell you everything you need to know about the legend and Montauk itself. Maybe this way you'll get the hell out of town before Marcus finds you..." "By the way, where are you staying?" " "The Montauk Manor" " Get out of there! You're in great danger my friend!" "C'mon old man, I'll bail you out but I'm not leaving the Montauk Manor, it's a place worth dying for! (Pun not intended)" "Be careful what you wish for...". I posted bail for the both of us and there we were in front of the police station.

Copyright Lewis Portal

Stay tuned for Part 4