HP 24 Montauk Man 7, Chris

Elijah must have realized the impact his story had on me for he looked at me with compassion and did not say another word. He got up off his chair extended his bony hand to me and embraced me. I stood there holding this scraggly beleaguered old man with smokey stained hair. He was gaunt and his clothing hung on him like drapery, I felt sorry for him. He reminded me of the ghost of a prospector that just stepped out of a diamond mine. I handed Elijah all the money I had in my wallet and told him to take good care of himself and said good bye.  I had no idea if I'd ever see him again and gave him one last wave goodbye. I didn't have much time to feel sorry for Elijah as the cold snapped me to attention. I had no idea what I was going to do next- I had no place to go to,  no one to turn to and no belongings to call my own-they were all left at the Manor.  I still had my credit card but that did me no good at the moment. I walked around trying to find a cab to take me to the nearest hotel when I caught sight of the Montauk Tower. I noticed that same light on the third floor, the only light on in the whole tower except for the ground floor. I sat down on a bench in the village green mesmerized with the possibility "he" may be in there or that my damsel in distress was in need of rescuing. I decided to hunker down for a chilly stake out. I'm not going to last long I thought, it being so cold out here but I just couldn't leave. Little did I know the weather was the least of my worries. A few minutes after I sat down a group of young thugs about 5 to 7 of them some drinking beer, smoking and whooping it up happened upon me. They came over and started asking questions, bogus small talk which quickly turned into taunting. The ring leader led the way : "Well, well what do we have here? You lost bro?" He grabbed me by my coat and tossed me over to another hoodlum who then tossed me over to giggling punk who tossed me to the ground. The ring leader spoke up once again " You like soccer bro? Make like a ball !" As he went to kick me I grabbed his leg and tripped him up. His other friends were stunned and rushed over waiting for his instructions. The ring leader got back up and said "You're gonna get it!"  Just at that moment I heard a familiar voice, well more like a scream; "Stop, I know this dude!, Come on guys, leave him alone!" It was Chris, the surfer dude from the Motel Montauk. He bent down and spoke; "Hey Mister, you remember me? It's Chris from the Motel!" "Chris help me up, please..." Chris extended his hand and helped me up. The ring leader looked at me pointed his finger in my chest and said, "You got lucky bro!" "Leave him be Red.....he's a friend" He looked at Chris, "You're my bro and I'll let this one slide, but he better be careful- next time I see him he ain't gonna be so lucky-see you on the waves bro..." With that he signaled his posse to move, and on they left. Chris stayed behind.

"DUDE, that was a close one, if I hadn't have been here....what are you doing out here anyway? Don't you know it's freezing? No offense Hombre but you look like one of those creepy dudes just hanging around...Red doesn't take to vagrants, he thinks he owns the town." " Chris, thanks for what you did but I need a place to stay, and some coffee to warm me up. Can you take me back to the Montauk?" "No can do but you can crash with me if you like, it's not much but at least you won't die out here...by the way did you get to visit the lighthouse like I told you?" I looked at him and grinned, Chris was perplexed, "What I'd say?"

I followed Chris to an old beach cottage not far from the Tower. It was dark and I couldn't see much but the place was small, very old, and very tired. We walked in through a yellow door covered in hippy style bumper stickers and there we were in surfer dudes lair. Surf boards were everywhere, empty beer cans, first aid kits and especially clothing all strewn about. "Excuse the mess dude, find a spot and I'll talk to you in the morning..." "Thanks Chris. Thanks for everything. I hope I'm not putting you out..." "Naw, relax. Sorry I have no coffee. See Youuu Mon-ya-nah..." I found a spot on an old sofa and fell fast asleep.

 I woke up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.  I sat up rubbed the sand out of my eyes and went over to a sliding glass door and saw it; that big grey imposing ocean. I stepped outside and had a good look at the cottage which was nestled between dunes, mere feet from the mighty Atlantic. I wondered how this ramshackle survived all the storms and was never washed away, and how and who built this place long before you would ever be allowed to build something like this these days especially on the dunes. I turned back to the ocean,  it was a beautiful site to see, gray clouds moving out, salt spray and mist, sea shells, drift wood and miles of sand and sea filled my view. That's when I saw Chris in his wet suit, matted long blond hair sitting Indian style with his surf board nearby. I walked over to him.  "Good morning Chris" "Oh you're up!" "Yes, and you're up early too I see...." "The waves dude, the waves..." I was starting to understand that surfing wasn't a "thing" or a hobby but like a religion to these guys. People like Chris would do anything to catch a good wave it seemed. I sat down near Chris. "I want to thank you once again for helping me out last night and giving me a place to stay, that was real nice of you" "No problemmo".  "Is this your place, I mean the cottage?" "No it belongs to my uncle" "Where's your uncle, is he here?" "Let's just say he's on a vacation, yeah, a vacation" "Your friend back there, Red is his name? What's his story? He looks like a real bully..." "Aw, don't worry about Red, he ain't bad. I mean he can be a real ahole  at times but that's only because his dad is a real jerk, thinks he owns the town. I suppose Red learned from dad" " What's his name, the dads name that is?" "Marcus. You know him?" "Sort of." "If you know know Marcus you know trouble....I bet you're in trouble" "I'll tell you all about it. But first let me treat you to breakfast" "If you're buying dude!" "It's the least I could do"

We went into town and on Chris's suggestion to the coffee shop, I think the same one I found earlier that led me to Marcus. We were seated in a booth in front of a large plate glass window, the Montauk Tower was in sight. "Chris, order anything you want." He flung his long blond hair aside, "Dude you have no idea what you're getting into, I'll bankrupt you!" With that Chris proceeded to order everything on the menu, although skinny as a 2 by 4 he must have had the metabolism of a cheetah ordering 3 breakfast combos. We sat there eating our food, Chris too busy to say a word stuffing his face. "Chris, tell me about the Motel Montauk" "It's a pay check" " Funny thing happened to me while I was there, maybe you can help me out and understand it" "Sure" "You checked me in, right?" "Right" "But you didn't check me out. In fact when I asked for you they said no body of your description works there..." "Dude I have no idea who told you that but I have been working at the Montauk for ever! At least 6 months!" "Sorry Chris. I didn't mean to question you like that. It's that, ever since my stay at the Montauk weird and strange things have been happening to me, things I can't explain. It all started at the Montauk. Well it actually started before my stay at the Montauk at the lighthouse but I'll save that story for later. When I asked for you, some older butler type pretended to know me and have checked me in when we both know he didn't. And get this he even asked,  "Did you visit the lighthouse like I suggested?" " "No way man! That's my line! I'll kill him!" "Yes Chris. He even claimed he didn't know you and then asked me to check out of the Montauk"  "Look dude, I have no idea who that impostor was but when I go back to work, there will be hell to pay if that dude is still around!"

"Chris, I didn't tell you the real reason I'm here in Montauk. Naturally I don't go around telling everyone I meet my business, you understand right?" "Yeah dude but now you got me curious, why are you here, should I be worried about you, I don't even know you..." "Don't worry, I'm not dangerous. I was rescued by a stranger right near the lighthouse and I'm looking for that stranger to thank him. Now don't think I'm crazy but I believe from what I have learned and seen that I was rescued by the legend" "Chris finally stopped eating and his ears perked up, "The Legend?"  "They call him the "Montauk Man"",  "Never heard of it. I've heard of the Montauk Monster but never the "Man". Dude if that's true that would be so cool! Can I meet him?" "Can I trust you Chris?" "Listen dude anything, anything, I'm solid, I want to help you find this dude. Who knows maybe he's a surfer!" "If you find him Chris let me know. Until then, I'll continue my search for the Montauk Man. What I haven't told you are the strange people I have met along the way starting with this mystery butler at the Montauk. He sent me to the Manor where I had the displeasure of meeting Devon but it's also the place where I think saw the "Man" for the first time, saving me from danger once again. I also had a run in with Marcus, well not exactly but I think he knows something about me and may have even mugged me. The oddest character I have met so far has to have been the the Colonel. This Colonel I first saw in the dining room of the Manor keeping tabs on a woman, the same woman I was trying to meet. This woman holds some kind of key for me. The Colonel must of caught wind of my interest in her and confronted me and I think drugged me, so I think-unless you believe in crazy stuff like time travel. I think I may be interfering with some kind of covert operation  he's involved in, I don't know. However the greatest pleasure I have had so far was the pleasure of meeting Montauks own, Elijah..."

"Chris you still with me...wake up!" "No dude I'm not asleep I'm a bit nervous for you-Dude what you just said can't be true.  I'm closing my eyes now and when I open them this had better be a bad dream...." "Chris you need to tell me what's going on right NOW! What part isn't true?"  "We can't talk here, let's head back to the cottage"

Stay tuned for part 8

Hamptons Portfolio 23 Montauk 6 The Legend

"Devon, I'm checking out", "Now?" "Yes now!" "I'm sorry could you come back in a few minutes my computer is acting up..." I could tell Devon was lying to me and he knew I knew. At that moment he looked over at a gentleman dressed in a suit, obviously some security type goon, and signaled him to come over. I quickly walked for the main door and made it outside. I looked around and saw a cab that was idling nearby. I ran to it.  I was opening the back door when I heard a lazy melancholy voice say, "I wouldn't get in there if I were you." I put my hand over my one good eye as a make-shift visor to get a better look at the owner of that voice. It was a moonless brutally cold night, and standing under a flickering yellow sodium light in a  pea coat, was a disheveled tall man.  He had patchy leathered skin, his hair was the color of Montauk beach sand, matted, and uncombed. In between flickers I noticed a welled healed scar across his face. His eyes were slits, almost Asian above high sharp cheek bones. Next to him on the ground was the security person that was chasing me, knocked out. I spoke to him; "Hello, is that you...? It must be you. I would like to talk to you" I closed the cab door and started towards him. He immediately turned the corner around the hotel and was out of sight. I followed him but he simply vanished, I called out; "Hello! PLEASE I NEED to talk to you!"  No answer. He was gone, damn it. I raced back towards the cab to question the driver. Sitting in the "Great White Taxi" was a man with a thin mustache, slicked back thinning greasy hair, racing the engine. He looked at me, winked his eye and said "I guess you don't need a ride this time," He then sped off.

 I sat on the parking lot curb, gasping and choking on the cold air, my adrenaline was in full gear, I needed to calm down.  I was still perplexed by what just happened. The Montauk Man saves me yet again, from what...Devon? The Colonel? The mystery lady? I was warned by the Colonel to leave Montauk. In my past life, before I was saved,  I would have ran by now. The fear would have been so great I would have left faster than you can say "adios" and a long time before things got this far. But I wasn't about to leave Montauk. This was a new life given to me by some stranger, and in this new life there was no place for fear and intimidation. I felt as if for the first time I was strong and not afraid. No, I would continue my adventure.

Enough thinking, it was freezing, and a few yards from me was a man on the floor- I had to move and get away from the Manor quickly. I decided to walk to the nearby train station and find a ride to the village. It's time to find Elijah and continue our talk but where could he be? The Rec center. I was dropped off in front of the Montauk Tower and began my search for the "Rec center". With a little asking around I found the dingy run down place on the outskirts of the village. The exterior was grayed cedar shingle siding, half of it worn to a nub by the ocean salt air and the other half ready to fall off. I opened the oily door stepped in and instantly felt the filth smack me in the face; it was like stepping into a human size cat litter box- it was dirty and mean and I started to itch just thinking about the creepy crawlers that must be lurking around. I spotted a woman folding laundry, cigarette dangling from here mouth, I approached her; "I'm looking for Elijah, can you tell me where I can find him?" "Yea, I'm looking for Santa Claus, beat it!" " Hey, I'm trying to be polite, I need to find Elijah" "Ain't  no one here by that name, now beat it!" That was rude. I left the center and went back into the village to the only other place he could possibly be: The pub.

I walked in and low and behold there was Elijah at the bar with another fellow connoisseur of the drink. "Elijah!" "Hey Mister,! It's you again! What happen to your eye, did Marcus find ya?"  " No Elijah, I got mugged after I left the bar..." "Would be the only mugging ever to occur in Montauk. Sorry friend but I warned ya, you should have left Montauk by now....next time it will be worse!" " Yes everyone keeps telling me that. By the way your home is the Rec center?" "Funny thing about that Mister" " Yes, I'll say, they never heard of you there" " Listen Mister, I come and go like the Montauk wind, ain't many people troubling themselves with an old man" " OK Elijah, I'm not here to judge, even if you're not being 100% square with me. I'm not leaving until I find out more about this Montauk Man, I think I may have seen him tonight-I need to find him. I can't stop now and other strange things have been happening to me, I need to figure this out", " Wow Mister, OK, I'll tell ya what I know. But first you need to buy me a drink."  I looked around settled in for the tale that was about to be told. I asked the bartender for a couple of whiskey sours, folded my arms and looked directly into Elijah's eyes and thus he began:

"Now I told ya about Montauk's sorrowful history but there's more to Montauk than just sorrow. Montauk is of 'another world'!  But before I tell ya about that, let me tell ya the tale that might explain something about the man you're looking for. Not many years ago, there once was this rich family, the McCallasters'. They lived over in East Hampton, the ritzy section, near the ocean.  It's a high class area surrounded by tall shrubbery- I guess they like to hide themselves away. Anyway, Brad McCallaster, the patriarch, came from humble origins, he wasn't a blue blood, that is, born into money and privilege. No, Brad was from right here, Montauk herself, son of a fisherman and a hard working family. His dad worked himself to the bone on that fishing boat of his, battling that remorseless sea to provide for his family. He literally paid in blood for his son's upbringing and education. He loved his son - too bad though he could never tell him, he just wasn't the 'touchy feely' type, old school I suppose. No, he showed his love through sacrifice, hard work and just being there for his kid; his son understood. Brad left Montauk, out into the world, went to a fine school and got educated. Because of his love for the ocean and his dad he also became an Olympic swimmer, actually competing in the Olympics herself! The world was his oyster! He eventually got a job in one of those big Wall Street firms, the ones that could finance a small country and became rich, rich as one of those sheikhs! Brad knew however that deep down inside he was a fisherman's son and he wasn't ashamed of it but he wanted more and got more. He was moving up in the world and the more he moved up the more he prospered. Although he never disparaged the working class that his dad came from he put on a big mask to fit in this new world he was moving into. He went to their parties and soirees made his connections and  that's where he met his wife. It was at one of those "Ball" parties, you know, only important people welcomed! There he saw her across the room and instantly fell in love with her, she was as pretty as a princess. Abbey was her name, short for Abigail. Her family were well to do, not exactly New England nobility coming from Greenwich Connecticut, but close enough. He courted her and eventually won her over and married her. They bought their summer home in the tall shrub section like I told you, and jumped right into high class living together as a couple. Brads' wife became a first class socialite of the Hampton's, you couldn't hold a party if you didn't invite her. Her life was all about status, only the first lady of this great land was more popular than her. Brad, well he did what any other husband of a socialite did, looked good, made money and joined the exclusive country club like all the other well to do folk. They kept moving up in the world of tall shrubbery, becoming members of exclusive golf clubs, rubbing elbows with movie stars and presidents, they had it all!  They eventually had three children, a decent marriage and of course the family pooch. Life couldn't get any better, that is until the Stock Market crash of 2008. Brad lost it all. I don't have to tell you what devastating consequences that would have on any family let alone one accustomed to the finer things in life. The wife took it the hardest. Unable to show her face at those glitzy gatherings, loosing memberships to those exclusive clubs and getting snubbed by her once so called friends, killed her, she fell apart, couldn't take it and fled! She moved back with her family, out of state, left her husband and sadly the kids which was more devastating than the money they had lost." I was completely taken in by Elijah's story and had noticed by this time the pub was clearing out. It was getting quit and only now I had noticed others had gathered around to hear  Elijah's tale. For how long they were there I couldn't say but I was like a fish on the line. I nodded to Elijah and he continued:

"Brad McCallaster tried to reconcile with his wife who he loved very much in spite of the phony life they had built but she wasn't about to have anything to do with a man who lost his standing in the community and especially one who was broke! He tried and tried to win her back. He wanted to put the family back together for the children's sake but to no avail, she'd have none of it. He started drinking, became a complete mess, and worse of all couldn't continue to take care of the kids on his own. One dark day he went to Montauk, his place of birth, parked his car at Camp Hero walked down to the beach. Sat there for a while, Indian style, got up then walked straight into that cold unforgiving water. His body washed up on shore, found a day or so later. It had been so cold his lifeless body and handsome self was still a sight to see. The papers ruled it an accident but an Olympic class swimmer doesn't just drown- it was no accident, Montauk took him." I sat there with goose bumps covering my body. The hair on the back of my neck stood up...."He drowned himself Elijah? " "Yes sir, he walked right into that water right near the lighthouse and never looked back. You OK Mister? You look like you just about seen a ghost. I didn't mean to scare you."  "I'm sorry Elijah, please go on. What about the kids, what happened to them?" "Ah, yes, here is the real tragedy of this tale. Those poor kids were passed back and forth among friends and family. Brad's dad by now had passed along with his mom so there was no one who really cared about those poor children. The oldest son took the news of his dads death the hardest. He was a kind hearted kid. Athletic himself, a tall handsome popular boy in school, he was known as the "protector' because he always came to the aid of other kids who would get bullied. He was a teenager at this point when the family fell apart and he up and disappeared." "How about the other kids you said there were three" "Yes, the daughter she's out there, just floating around like a cork on the sea. She grew up to be a real looker, wavy blond hair fine features with an athletic build; she could have been a model you know. She however stayed in the area, passing herself off to one rich playboy after another but never staying in one place for very long, always searching for something..." "Searching, you say...searching for what I'd like to know." "Good question Sonny, maybe for some explanation why the world is so cruel...." "And the last kid?" " Yes the youngest child. This is this the most curious thing, he actually benefited from this whole ugly tragedy. He was taken in by a family, a childless couple that had more money than god. Said to be related to the Rockefeller clan, the Averys'. However the Averys' were meaner than a ten headed snake, carpet bagger's they are! Mr Avery was extremely ruthlessness, a real devil of a man. Well anyway, they took in that youngest McCallaster, adopted him and claimed him as their own. They erased his history, his family, his identity and gave him a new one; he became one of them...cruel as could be"

"He took to the Avery's like a fish takes to water. The little tycoon acts like the governor, being driven around in that fancy gray car by a personal driver. He visits the stores and business's his folks own, firing people at will, teasing, demeaning them and treating everyone he meets like dirt. It's not a good thing to give so much power to a child-how the hell do they know how to use it? Some peoples dispositions are naturally evil or naturally good-In the case of the this young Avery the devil himself lives through him..." "Yes I know, like a real life Damien Omen", "Damien who..?" "Nothing old timer, where's he now?"  "He hasn't been seen lately. Heard he went to military school." "I may beg to differ Elijah. So you're telling me the older McCallaster kid is the Montauk Man?" "Not exactly Sonny. I don't know. Could be. What if the Montauk Man was really the Montauk Woman, or Montauk Devil....? In any case, this whole story I told you is just rumor, gossip, no one knows for sure not even me. Now, I need another drink.." The onlookers who had gathered dispersed as if a church mass had come to an end. I sat there not knowing what to do next - I just looked at Elijah and he sat there looking back at me.

End Part 6 Stay tuned for more.
Copyright Lewis Portal

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