Hamptons Portfolio 22, Westhampton Beach

Westhampton Beach.
Montauk Man Part 5 (Continued below) 

Although I have no connection to Westhampton Beach, I find it an interesting place. There are many homes located along this strip of ocean front and boy is it wacky. It's a playground for architects and architectural style and you can find every one of them here. Another fun note, if you want to know what architectural style is currently in vogue take a trip along Dune Road, Westhampton Beach and you will see it under construction or recently completed. But all of that is not what brought me to Westhampton Beach: It was Gene Wilder. I read somewhere he wrote, Young Frankenstein here in some home while vacationing. Which house I don't know. I loved Gene Wilder, he was my favorite actor and knowing he was out here is good enough for me...

Live Like Vin....

The 1959 Pearlroth House By Architect Andrew Geller
as it stands today January 20, 2017  Westhampton Beach, NY

Part 5 The "Montauk Man"

Meeting the "mysterious" woman may as well be a "Mission Impossible". Not only am I a complete stranger to her but she's with another man. That wasn't my only problem. Sitting a few tables over was an Air Force Colonel, dressed in full uniform who was obviously watching her. This was getting way too complicated for me. Why again am I trying to meet this woman? Because I saw her on a beach?  After all, I have no real reason to believe she could help me. On the other hand, there's just something about her; I feel as if she is calling to me. Tonight she looks more beautiful than when I first saw her; her dirty blond hair was up exposing her long neck and her pale blue evening dress looked spectacular. It would be a dream to meet to her. However, I already have enough problems, as my pirates eye patch would attest to, I better stay clear and forget about her, after all it's for the best. I sat at my table arranging my silverware, fixing my serviette, and perusing the menu when out of the corner of my eye I caught the mystery woman looking at me. This can't be, I must be mistaken, was she really looking at me? I raised my menu in front of my face and tried to look at her inconspicuously; we locked eyes for a brief moment, no doubt she was purposefully looking at me. It wasn't a hey you're attractive stare but more like a cry for help kind of stare. I'm assuming she senses I can help her? I felt a call to action sweep over me, sort of like a knight in shining armor coming to maid's rescue, I felt alive. Change of plan, I had to meet her. The Colonel was still keeping tabs on the woman and I had no idea what to do about him. What's he doing so far from a military base anyway? Was he some secret admirer, her protector, dad, maybe he's on some covert operation? I wonder if there are any military bases around? I suppose Gabreski over in Westhampton but that's not close and it's Air National Guard, not Air Force, maybe I'm wrong, it must be an Air Force base. Unless he's from Camp Hero, the decommissioned base that supposedly carried out fantastical experiments in time travel, otherwise he shouldn't be here. Bravo, nice thinking, now all I need is a tin foil hat to go with my pirate eye patch. OK back to planet earth..... I looked over to the woman again and saw her gesture to get up, the gentleman quickly got up and helped her with her chair. She was heading for the rest room I guessed. She glanced over my way, it was a signal, she was giving me the opportunity to meet her, here's my chance. I can follow discreetly and wait for her to come out of the rest room and maybe say a few words to her...

 I sat on a sofa in the lounge area with my one good eye firmly square on the restroom. Suddenly I was startled by a firm heavy hand that landed on my right shoulder. It was the Colonel, I was so focused on the bathroom I hadn't even noticed him sit next to me. I started to feel queasy, I became light headed and felt as if the room was moving. I shook my head and looked at him. The hotel became quiet, the hustle and bustle of people slowed until they disappeared, I felt as if time stopped. Although my vision was blurry I read the Colonel's name tag. His name was Colonel Harris, USAF. He was an imposing older man with gray features-everything was gray at this point. He spoke to me: "Excuse me sir, do you have the time?" I tried to compose myself to respond to his question. " I don't know, jeez, something has suddenly come over me...." I looked around still not myself I noticed a clock on the wall, it was a rather large clock over a fireplace, hard to miss. "There... there's a clock right over there"  I pointed to it. "It's 7:30" I proudly said as I managed to fight off my daze. " I'm sorry, I'm not feeling so well, could you please excuse me...", "Don't worry son, you will soon be OK".  I gathered up all my strength to speak to the Colonel and as if in a drunken state I managed to talk;  "It's odd seeing someone like you here in a hotel so far from a base..." "You mean I must be on some secret mission, right?", (he winked at me) "Yes...yes, in fact...I do believe you're on some kind of mission, why else would you be here starring at that lady in the dining hall...what do you want with her....?" I was feeling as if I had been drugged and continued to speak as best I could:

"What...have...you..done to me? Why, why, am I so dizzy ......why are you talking to me?"  The Colonel responded lucidity and fully in control; "If it makes you feel any better, think of me as a guardian angel here to help you. Mind telling me why you're so interested in that woman in the dinning hall? Don't answer. I know why. We know everything. Listen son, you're way in over your head, I suggest you leave Montauk", "So you didn't...you didn't come over for the time... rather to warn....warn me???" "Forget about everything you learned here and disappear, otherwise we can help with that. You only get rescued once in Montauk. Next time no one will be there to save you, no blanket, no campfire. By the way, there is no "Montauk Man".  Forget about me and this meeting, it's in your best interest. Don't forget you're just a face in the crowd, one which no one will recognize. You're nothing, a nobody, no one would miss you. You're just someone who stumbled upon something you shouldn't have. By the way nice eye patch...gotta buy Marcus a beer for that one.." With that he released his hand that was still planted on my shoulder. He got up, gave me a stern nod of understanding and left.

I started to feel better. I shook my head a few times, rubbed my temples and came back to my senses. The sensation of moving stopped and the hotel and all it's noise, guests and clatter came back to life. The gray slowly returned to color and everything was back to normal. I had completely forgotten about the mystery woman in the bathroom,  I got up, still a bit shaky but something was strange; the clock over the fireplace which read 7:30 PM when I pointed it out to the Colonel was now showing 6:45 PM. What was going on, did I go back in time? Maybe the Colonel has access to some time Portal. Maybe I just imagined there was a Colonel-However that's not possible-There was a Colonel and I'm still shaking from his stern warning. I couldn't have imagine that. By the way, where is the mystery woman I was waiting for to come out of the bathroom? Let me check back in the dining hall.

 "Hello sir, table for how many?" "I have a table. I was just in the bathroom, my table is right over there..."  "which one was it?" " Don't you remember me? OK so I was gone for a few minutes... Let me show you my table, it was right over there..." As I walked over to my table with the Maitre D' a couple was sitting at it. Everyone in the dining hall was looking at me as if I were from Mars or some space alien. I wasn't about to explain what just happened to me on the sofa with the Colonel but I did want to know just what the hell is going on... "Did you give my table away?" "I'm sorry I don't recall seating you".  "Was there a Colonel having dinner here tonight?" "No sir, there was not". "Excuse me sir" With that he left me and went back to his station. At that moment the mystery woman and her gentleman friend made their entrance into the dining hall and were shown to a table, the same table I saw them at earlier this evening. I then saw the Colonel following behind them, and he too was shown to a table, the same table I saw him at earlier err...later this evening. I was mortified - I froze  and stared at them.  I must have looked like one of those people on the Twilight zone when they finally realize they're a zoo project or about to be dinner for some alien race-I headed to the bar, I needed a drink.

I asked the bartender for a rum and coke, which I threw back and asked for another and did the same. I felt a little bit better. I sat down and relaxed. I gathered my wits, and tried getting myself together. Next to me I heard a familiar voice; bartender, a shot of Jack please...I turned to look and it was the Colonel sitting right next to me...again, this time at the bar. "Colonel Harris  we meet again..." "I'm sorry have we met?" "Colonel Harris, cut the crap! It's not everyday an Air Force Colonel warns you to get out of town! I also don't know what kind of drug you slipped me, I want answers!"  "Look friend, calm down. You're having a rough day and you may be tired and confused, let me buy you a drink..." "look, I know what I know. Did you thank Marcus yet, buy him that beer?" "Marcus who? listen, I'm leaving now I suggest you do the same. By the way, a rum and coke is for the ladies. Ask for Jack and next time keep a better eye on your car...." With that the Colonel winked at me, paid his tab and left for his table. I don't know which I was more; Angry or afraid. This whole thing is rotten, this whole place is rotten, there's some evil force out to get me. I looked at the time and it was 7:30 PM. Maybe it's groundhog day... I decided I had had enough of the Montauk Manor. Time to leave. I took one last look around the dining room. The beautiful mystery lady at her table and the Colonel at his watching her. This time I wasn't going to sit at my table and wait for the Colonel to sneak up on me or warn me once again to leave, I'll do that myself.

Stay tuned  for part 6
Copyright Lewis Portal

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

HP 19 Part 2 The Motel Montauk

Story below continues from, "The Legend of the Montauk Man"

I had to get off that bench at the light house and start my quest to find the kind stranger who helped me that fateful day. It was time to be proactive and sitting around was not working. As a data analyst, I knew I had to gather key bits of information to solve a problem or in this case a puzzle. Where do I start? Could I really just quit my job and dedicate myself to this adventure? The answer was easy. If it were not for that mysterious stranger I wouldn't even be here today, so sure I'll set aside my life to try and solve this riddle, maybe even get to thank my good Samaritan. There was no time like the present to start, so I began looking for some place to stay for the night. I drove through town with no luck, so I kept driving, slowly getting further and further from Montauk point until I spotted it. It was a motel on the beach, just outside the village, located where the road into Montauk splits into the old and new highway. Yes it's the only way to get in and out of Montauk but it appeared to be out of place cutting through sandy dunes and scrub pines. Oddities aside I felt some kind of attraction to the area, so I went with it. The Motel Montauk was its name and everything about it seemed stereo-typical, a bit run down, aged by the salt sea air and lonely. The price was reasonable, being it was off season, so staying a few nights wouldn't be a problem.

 A surfer kid greeted me and was, as you could imagine, the kind of kid without a care in the world. He welcomed me by saying, "We're expecting you...dude!" . "Do I know you?" I said, to which he repeated "we're expecting you to... to have a great time here in Montauk, I'm Chris!" I gave him the side eye and thanked Chris. He made some small talk, asked me where I was from and what I was here for. He proceeded to tell me about his life story and the "waves" which I had to cut him off short; "I'm sorry, I'm tired, could you please hurry this along" "No problemo, here is your key and don't forget to check out the light house!" I thought that was about the dumbest thing he could have said to me, to which I responded "yes, sure thing, Chris, I'll try to get to it" I thanked him again and went to my room via an outdoor walkway lighted by sterile lights strung on a cord that faced the street. I found room 2C on the second floor and unlocked the door with the key surfer kid gave me, no fancy hotel card here. I peered in skeptically and checked out my room. I walked over to the far wall and pulled back the curtain and boom, there it was, through a large floor to ceiling window the gray view of the ocean, spraying mist, waves laying foam under dark clouds as thunderous waves crashed onto the beach. I was in awe and fear at the same time. The room itself was sparse, the typical sea side motif complete with lighthouse print sheets, a musty bathroom as you enter and then the room itself with a king size bed, wow how luxurious. I settled in and then decided to get some dinner. I went back down to the reception and the surfer kid was not there, nor anybody else. I looked around, walked back and forth down a hall, and there he was, "You need something?" "Yes, I wanted to have some dinner, do you know of any place around?" " Everything is closed for the season, sorry" What the hell am I going to do. "Thanks" "hold on, you may want to try the Pizzeria in town, they have pretty cool food there...." "Gee"

It was dusk as I headed off into town to find some food. Dead; no cars or people milling around. What a stark difference to the summer time when you can't even find a parking spot. I did find the pizza shop and decided what the hell pizza tonight. Tomorrow I'll find something a bit more substantial.  I ate my food, left and walked around the town in the cold night air. I stopped in front of the Montauk tower located in the middle of the village, which I found odd and charmingly out of place and wondered who the hell would build that multi story brick tower in this sleepy little village? I thought I needed to investigate further, no reason, just a hunch. Apparently the building houses condominiums, not its original use I'm sure but oddly enough there were no mailboxes or directories in the lobby or any other indication that people live in this place. There were no cars out in the lot, and no one around, who stays in this place? Here I go inventing tales were none exist; this is obvious a resort town and these are summer apartments unoccupied in the winter time which it now was. I doubt my good Samaritan lives here. It was getting late and I started to feel like a vagrant loitering around so I left the building and looked back at it again once more before I left for the night -I don't know why but I had the queasy feeling someone was starring at me. As I turned around I saw a single light on the third floor and watched someone instantly pull back a curtain so as to not be seen. "It's him!" Oh yes striking evidence I thought, you solved the mystery let's come back and just interview all the residents of the Montauk Tower, "By the way, remember me, the guy you saved at the beach" that should go over dandy here in this ritzy area. Time to go back to my motel.

I arrived back at my motel late into the night and went to the reception where I found the surfer kid, Chris all alone on his Lap top computer and glimpsed at his screen. I was a bit taken aback as there was no "cool video" or anything inappropriate, thank god, however I could have sworn there was some computer code he was typing. Being a data analyst I can recognize any code but this was no ordinary code that I have ever seen before. As he typed,  the code seemed to expand and contract in real time and there were no discernible characters that I could recognize -more like symbols-OK is this some x-files stuff going on here? I spoke up, "Hey Chris, you a computer programmer of some sort?" "What me? No way man, this is just some cool game I'm playing" "No it's not" "Sure it is check it out" To my astonishment some video game suddenly appeared. "I thought I saw you programming, you a college student studying computer science?" "Me a programmer? (laugh) the only computing I'm doing is wave computing", "I could have sworn I saw something on your screen, I'm an analyst myself", "wicked cool!" " could you help me get to the next level...here check it out"  I said good night and left for my room.

The next morning I went back to town. I had to go back to the Tower and check out that lone light-maybe the occupant will come out. I parked my car in the village and looked for a bench near the tower and sat down fixed on the Tower. I sat there for 3 hours-no luck. This is foolish I thought, I have no clue what I'm doing except that this may be a colossal waste of my time. How about I put an end to all this nonsense, go back to my motel, check out and head on back home, that sounded just about right. Before I left for the motel I headed to the beach for a walk to shake off this non sense I was up to. As I began walking the beach I passed a woman, a strikingly beautiful woman, like a Christie Brinkley type, who was dressed smartly in her winter clothing gazing out to the ocean, I caught her look, but tried not to hold it as I didn't want her to think I was some kind of creep, so I smiled and kept walking, but I kept thinking about her, not because she was stunning, which she was, but because she was trans-fixed on something or someone it seemed. I did not have the nerve to speak to her at the time but it would have been nice to learn about what she was thinking as she gazed out to sea-was she like me trying to answer some mystery? Looking for someone? I suppose it could have been anything. Anyway I turned around and started walking back to her, gathering up some courage to maybe say hello, but just then a man approached her and they embraced and left the beach.....so much for that mystery. I thought OK strike two. Let's not wait for strike three and leave while we still have some dignity left.

That afternoon I came back to the hotel and my surfer kid was no where to be seen, maybe his shift was over. Instead I was greeted by some older gentleman, someone who looked like and sounded like a butler  "Hello Sir, may I help you?" "Where's the young fellow who was here last night? "Excuse me sir?" "Yes the young man with the long blond hair surfer type looking kid, Chris is his name..." "No one works here by that description...."  "Are you sure, he checked me in last night and I do have a room, here is my key..." " I'm sorry Sir that was me who checked you in, are you feeling alright? Did you get a chance to visit the light house like I suggested?" "Excuse me, this is crazy." I rushed off to my room and tried to get my wits about me, my head was buzzing. Alright, I'm searching for some mysterious person that comes to peoples aid, was he in disguise as this surfer kid? Maybe he's this old man who looks and acts like a butler?  I don't know, what do I do? Maybe I'm not well... However I know what I saw and I know who helped me check in and it wasn't that older gentleman. Change of plan, I cannot leave Montauk just yet, I need to confirm one way or the other that I'm not going crazy. Maybe this is a product of my overactive imagination but maybe not.

One thing was for sure; I needed to figure out where was Chris and who was this old man pretending to know me, I went back to the front desk. "Welcome back sir, are you feeling better?" " Yes, yes I am. I'd like to stay another night, I have some further business I need to attend to..." " Let me see....(pause) I'm sorry we have no further vacancies..." " Last night when I checked in I was told by Chris there were plenty of rooms available and by the way, where are all the guests?" " I apologize once again, may I suggest you try the Montauk Manor just outside the village, I'm certain they have plenty of vacancies..."   How strange, he's trying to get rid of me and suggesting I go to the Montauk Manor...It would be nice to be closer the village and anyhow maybe I'll run into that woman I saw on the beach. I decided not to make a scene and play along with the old man. " OK then, I'm checking out, not that I have a choice" "Good Sir, was everything to your satisfaction?" "You tell me" "Excuse me?" "Sorry, yes, except for the part of the no vacancies..." "Very well, we will be expecting you again..." "What did you say?", "I'm sorry, I meant we look forward to being of service to you again in the future..." He smiled wryly. I looked at him with my head tilted downward, eyes looking straight up at him as I signed my receipt, and said  " Yes, you can definitely expect me back...By the way, you don't happen to drive a gray Rolls Royce for some rich Baron?" " Hardly Sir." With that I left, destination; Montauk Manor

Copyright Lewis Portal
Stay tuned for part 3


   

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