Montauk Portfolio 4, Elijah

"Let's head over to the Pub, for a drink" Said the old man. Alright but it is a bit late, don't you think? "Nonsense, hee, hee!" We walked over to a pub located in yet another Tudor style building, the place was musty and dirty, nothing good comes out here I thought. We sat at the bar. "Two Whiskey Sours Ethel!' "You got any money Elijah?"  "My friend here will take care of it!" He laughed and cleaned the saliva foaming from his lips and did a bit of a jig, "Yes I got it". The bar maid brought us our drinks and just as I was about to grab mine a large man in plaid shirt, complete with fish blood soaked overalls, grabbed it, threw it back in one gulp and said "Who's your boyfriend Elijah?" "Oh nobody Marcus. Just a lost tourist is all". "Why is he buying the town drunk a drink?" "Some people are still kind in this world, Marcus", "Yeah well tell him to be careful, I wouldn't want him to get hurt with all that kindness..." With that, he walked away. "That was a close one Mister, see what I mean!" "I'm going over to talk to him...", "If you know what's best for you, you'll stay as far away from him as possible, you hear me?" "OK, old man, I won't talk to Marcus , tell me what you know. "Another drink and I'd be happy to..."

"Well, Montauk is a curious place, always has been. Although this place looks like a quiet seaside town, it's a place that mourns everyday", "How so?".  "This place we call Montauk is sacred. It's a place that has seen its share of sadness. Ever wonder why this place attracts the artistic soul? Especially the tortured ones? Montauk calls to them, misery loves company I suppose. That Jackson Pollack near went mad out here, couldn't take it, gave in to the drink. This sadness in Montauk all began with what we did to those poor Indians.You see, most people know about the injustice most natives suffered across this here great country of ours, same is true here in Montauk, with one big difference..." "What's that?" " Had these Indians known their land would be more valuable than gold they'd had never given it away, not for the pennies they received at least. That Lion Gardiner, the one that owns that Island yonder, suckered those poor Indians with some booze and trinkets for a whole damn Island! Now it's true this land wasn't always as valuable as it is today but the Indians certainly never got their fair share for what was once theirs.Why all of East Hampton Township, snookered from the Montauk Indian! I learned this back when I was a kid: "All the neck of land called Montauk, with all and every part and parcel thereof from sea to sea, from the utmost end of the land eastward to the sea-side, unto the other end of the said land westward, adjoining to the bounds of East Hampton...with meadow, wood, stone, creeks, ponds, and whatsoever doth or may grow upon or issue from the same, with all the profits and commodities, by sea or land, unto the aforesaid inhabitants of East Hampton, their heirs and assigns, forever." Guess how much the English  paid for all of that, the entire Township in other words...30 pounds, about 1000.00 dollars in today's money. No, those natives got what was coming to them, a destiny sadder than any people could imagine to suffer. To this day Montauk remembers. It pervades every square inch of this land, every stone, tree and shrub cry in remembrance." "Why because they made the worst real estate deal in the history of mankind?" "No. Of course not. Money means nothing to those Indians. They lost their home but even greater they lost their freedom to walk among their spirits. If you pay attention...close attention you can feel their their spirit, it cry's out I tell ya!"  Elijah was wide eyed and overly excited by now, "OK old man, I don't believe it happened exactly like that but I get it; this place and country has a checkered history, no doubt but how does this fit in with the Montauk Man, is he some Indian, sorry, Native American super hero?" "I'm getting to it, but first I need another drink"  "Listen it's late, can we talk again tomorrow? It's been a rough night so far." "Sure thing Mister, I'm at the Rec center. can't miss it....", "I'll see you tomorrow, I need to get some rest" "OK Sunny, before you go, how about that drink! Don't do anything foolish!" With that I bought Elijah another drink and left the bar. I stepped outside into the biting cold air, breathing in hard the salt laden air from the Atlantic ocean breeze. I was without my car so I headed down the side walk to look for a cab, and turned down a poorly lit side street. As I did a hand, more like a giant fist came straight at my face; That was all I remembered. I woke up groggy, lying on the sidewalk, my face felt like a truck hit it. My wallet was at my side and all my cash was gone...I picked myself up, brushed myself off looked around and saw no one. Maybe I should go back to the police station to report this, yeah right...I need to get back to the hotel. As I stood there a cab rolled up, "Need a ride?"

 I entered the the Manor and was met straight away by Devon, "Oh my, what happened to you...?" Devon snickered as he shook his head back and forth "Tisk, Tisk, Tisk, You need any assistance?" "No I don't think so, I'll be OK" "We'll if you need anything, like a bandage, ointment or a pirates eye patch let me know..." (grinning). "You know what you can do with that pirates patch..." I left before he could respond and up to my room I went. I checked myself out in the bathroom mirror, What a mess, I looked like a prize fighter who just lost a fight, badly. Where was the Montauk man to help me out I sarcastically thought? I had a nice big black and blue shiner under my eye. I washed my face with cold water to try and bring down the swelling and then jumped in the shower. I should have left Montauk when I had the chance.....I went to bed without eating a thing and fell fast asleep. I awoke early in the morning. "Is this a dream or did I really get mugged for the first time?" Maybe I'm being toyed with, after all, who the hell  gets robbed on the streets of Montauk?

I spent much of the next day just lounging around, sleeping and just generally taking it easy. It was getting dark and well into evening when I thought, "Let's stay here at the Manor for dinner, no traveling today"  I got dressed as snappy as I could and left for the Dining hall. Now this was no ordinary dining hall. Imagine joining King Edward at his royal table for dinner time, that's what this felt like. The Maitre'd sat me down near a huge stone arch not far from the king sized fireplace which was roaring with a glorious fire that warmed my bones... "Ah, now this beats getting punched in the face, (grin), I hope the food is as good as the ambiance..." I was preparing myself for the evenings culinary delight when I spotted her, the woman from the beach, the one staring out into infinity. Was it really her? She was with the same man from the beach  but she didn't seem terribly happy, sad in fact. I couldn't help but feel some connection to her, I needed to meet her, but how? How do you make contact with a  total stranger at a fancy restaurant who is in the company of another male? Time to think.  

Stay tuned for part 5
Copyright Lewis Portal

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