Chapter 13

Westminster Abbey
Originally a Benedictine monastery in the tenth century, and later rebuilt in the style of the Gothic architecture by Henry III, the Abbey has been the site of coronations since William the Conqueror in 1066.

It is also the setting for Dan Brown's thriller, The da Vinci Code. In the novel, Langdon and Neveu, the main characters, arrive here following a clue.



"There it is!" Madison was getting a little excited. Of course she knew it was just fiction. Knew that it was nothing more than the imagination of a brilliant writer, but she couldn't help it. Seeing Sir Isaac Newton's tomb up close and personal gave her goose bumps and she imagined herself a part of the conspiracy. She scanned the monument from top to bottom almost expecting to find a note for her like she'd read in the novel.

The marble monument, a part of the choir screen in the nave, was impressive in its size and ornate details. Madison studied the sculptures of the cherubs and the figure sitting atop a globe, and then her eyes rested on the reclining figure of Newton. Her mind's eye traveled along each curve and line imagining the artists of long ago sculpting this memorial. The obelisk monolith served as background and the huge globe protruding from the top depicted the constellations and planets. Being in close proximity to one of the most important figures in history awed her and she stood in silence, nearly forgetting her quest.

"What are you looking for?" Richie wanted to help her but had no idea how. "I don't see anything like the inscriptions on your pendant."

"Neither do I," she sighed. She hadn't expected it to be easy but this was getting next to impossible. There was no way to contact Katherine to ask her what she was referring to. No, they would just have to rely on their own wits. Madison wondered if they would make any kind of breakthrough during this trip.

Richie watched her as her shoulders drooped in resignation. "Hey darlin', don't give up. There are still other places we haven't seen yet. We're going to find something, okay?"

His concern touched her and she smiled up at him. "Thank you." After a long pause, she continued, "I'm sorry about last night. It's just that....."

"Don't worry about it. I know."

"You do? How?"

"I called Kris this morning. I.....I couldn't sleep last night. I had to know what was bothering you and I know you wouldn't tell me, so I called her."

"You called her? What did she tell you?"

"What your cousin said to you." He turned and looked her in the eyes. "Maddie, I need to talk to you."

"Not here." She was well aware of the wary looks Joanna was shooting their way.

Richie took her hand and led her through the Little Cloister, out to a secluded garden area that led to the Chapel of St. Catherine. They walked until they reached a set of stairs when he stopped and turned to face her.

"Madison, what do you think about what Joanna said to you?"

"I.....I don't know.....I haven't really..." Madison gazed down at her hands.

Richie took both hands in his. "Maddie, look at me."

When she did, she saw the emotions and the passion she saw the first time she looked into those deep chocolate eyes.

"Richie, I really want to get to know you, but I realize that we live in different worlds and..."

"Which world do you live in, Maddie? Because as far as I know, unless scientists tell me otherwise, the only world we live in is this one." Richie needed to make her understand. "What happened to the woman who made me fish out a crab for her?" he asked, "at the same time gave my friends enough ammo to torment me for the next few months?"

She giggled, remembering the encounter. "But that was before I knew who you were."

"And before your cousin tried to ingrain into your head that I was some untouchable rock star asshole." Richie finished what she would not.

Madison gasped at his abruptness. "I didn't mean it that way..."

"Yes, you did." But his words were gentle. "And I probably deserve to be thought of that way." Richie tightened his grip on her hands a little and pulled her closer to him. "But I am still the same guy you wanted to run over in Waikiki."

Madison looked up and found him grinning at her. That dimpled grin, again. She laughed softly and leaned in, resting her forehead on his chest.

Richie let go of her hands and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Like me or hate me for the person I am, but not because of what I do for a living, okay?"

She nodded against his chest. "Okay."

"This is not some fling, Madison. At least not on my part." He looked at her with a question in his eyes.

"I'm glad," she whispered, "I don't think my heart could take it if it was."

That's when he kissed her. Soft and gentle at first, then seeking, imploring. When the tip of his tongue grazed her lower lip, she opened up for him. They felt the heat rise between them as their kiss deepened. The sound of footsteps and voices made them pull apart, but he still held her close. He kissed her gently on her forehead and then the tip of her nose. When he hugged her close, he leaned in next to her ear, "I mean what I said. Now, let's go before they send out a search party."

*****

She was watching from the shadows, frowning as her hopes were being dashed right before her eyes. Bitch. This is not over yet.

*****

Madison and Richie found the rest of their group and joined them as they finished up the tour. As they were making their way toward the exit, they ran into Lindsey. "Did you come by yourself? You could have joined us. You're welcome to come back to the hotel with us," Madison offered.

Lindsey was a little taken aback by her kindness but quickly recovered. "No, Nina's around here somewhere. We still have another stop to make before we head back."

"Are you going to be joining us for dinner?" David wanted to know.

"Definitely. We need somewhere to show off our new acquisitions." With that, she turned and walked, no, strutted away.

The girls groaned and the men laughed.

"What? Come on, Kris, you can take both of them on!"

Kris returned David's earlier gesture and flipped him off.

Chapter 12

The breakfast next morning arranged by the coordinators was ignored by both the band and the girls. The poker game had gone on into the wee hours with Kris and Patti winning the bulk of the rounds.

"I'll get the mystery of 'The Shirley' out of you yet, Miss Vassallo. I don't give up easily." David had vowed.

"The Shirley?" Kris had burst out laughing. "You're so worked up over it, it now has a title!"
"And it's Mrs. Vassallo, thank you very much."

After Madison left, Richie had unwittingly sat down on the end of one of the couches and had pretended to watch the game. "Looks like you could use some company." Nina had practically sat on his lap; tucking her feet up under her, she'd leaned into Richie.

Richie smiled weakly and tried to extricate himself while making small talk. She was cloying and though he was feeling a bit bewildered by Madison's behavior, this was not the kind of distraction he needed or wanted.

Seeing Jon raise his eyebrows at him, he stood, then excused himself and had gone back to his room.

The irritated scowl on Nina's face did not go unnoticed by Jon or Kris.

Lying in his bed, he wondered what went wrong. He wanted to call her but was afraid of driving her further away. The rest of the night was spent tossing and turning.


Madison fared no better. She thought about what Joanna had told her and it seemed to make sense. She knew practically nothing about this man. Nothing, except that he was warm, funny and caring. That he had managed to start breaking down that barrier she had built around her heart.

*****

"So, what do you want to do today?" It was already noon when Kris had managed to wake the girls up with her constant banging on their door.

"Definitely shop!" Joanna was eager to give her MasterCard some air time. "I want to go to Piccadilly for sure and we just have to go to Harrods. I know we probably can't afford much there, but I just want to get something, even if it's a small thing, you know?"

"I really would like to go to the Tate Museum. It's not that far from either of place." Madison also wanted to see some of the landmarks as she had never been to Europe before. Seeing Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey in photos was one thing, but she knew from personal experience that seeing them with your own eyes was adding another memory to your life.

Plus, she wanted to check out a few places that were mentioned in the book and the Abbey was one of them. So was The Temple Church on Fleet Street. Maybe someone there would know what the pendant was or at least give her some clues.

"You and your design and art. Don't you ever think about the cool outfits and accessories we could find here?"

"Joanie, those things are design and art. Well, at least part of it. Someone had to design them, right?" Madison laughed as she got ready.

"Love those earrings, Madison! Hey, if they sell stuff like that at the museum, I'm game."

"They just might have some cool ones, Kris. That's one reason I want to check out Tate."

The four of them had made their way down to the lobby when they ran into Nina and her satellite. They had just come from their lunch at the hotel's Lane Restaurant. "You're not lunching here?" Nina was exceptionally snotty today. "Well then, I'm sure you can find a McDonald's around somewhere."

"Like I said before....." Kris glared back as the sisters made their way to the elevators.

"We know," Joanna and Patti chimed in, "now we know why some mammals eat their young" they recited in unison. They all burst out laughing.

"Where are you girls headed off to?" It was David. He and Tico had just come off the elevators looking for some food.

"Well, you're up bright and early."

"Early? It's past lunchtime."

"Oh? And I thought rock stars slept in until dark."

"That would be vampires." A thought occurred to him just then - Come to think of it, I've hardly seen Rich before dark....

"I can see just how much you girls missed me."

"Yeah, it was so miserable without you. It was almost like having you here."

Tico couldn't help the snicker that escaped him. David scowled and rolled his eyes at Kris. They really liked Kris and her no holds barred personality. As they had nothing planned that day, they asked to join the girls. This was a deviation from their usual itineraries, but the management had made accommodations for the winners to have an extra day or two in each city to take in the sights.

"Are you going to bankroll our shopping spree?"

"No. But I'll be glad to give you some advice on your fashion choices."

"Thank you. You're both welcomed to join us." Madison wished it was Richie instead, but did not think she could handle that emotion right now.

"Maddie, you may want to rethink that. If you've ever seen his stage outfits, you'd have second thoughts."

David flipped her off and the group made their way out of the hotel.

*****

The expedition was going as well as it could be expected, in spite of the interruptions by fans for David's and Tico's autographs. They were able to visit both Harrods and Piccadilly Circus before deciding to stop for a rest and some cool drinks. "Where do want to go, Maddie?" Joanna looked at her watch. "I think we have time for one more stop before we head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner." Madison had to choose between getting closer to the answer and visiting the coveted museum of modern art.

"Westminster Abbey."

She knew this was a better choice than the Temple Church as it was a more common tourist attraction. She wasn't sure how viewing the knights in the church's round nave would go over with Joanna or Patti. They were eerie and reminded Madison of sarcophagi, even though she knew they were only effigies.

They walked the one mile to the west front of the Abbey. Marveling at the Gothic architecture, Madison searched through her purse for the pendant. It wasn't there. She forgot that she had given it to Jon to look over.

Great. My first stop in my search for clues and I forget the most important thing.

Resigning herself she started towards the entrance. She may as well just enjoy the experience.


He was standing there leaning against the wall. When he saw her he smiled and held out something dangling from a chain. Richie had brought her the pendant.

She stared at him with a puzzled look. "How did you know.....?"

Richie grinned at her, "I happen to have a guardian angel."

She looked back at her companions. Kris was bickering with David when she noticed Madison staring at her with a look of surprise on her face. Kris just smiled mischievously, winked at them and followed the others into the Abbey.

Chapter 11

"Fan fiction? What the hell is that?" Richie had invited Madison up to his suite, much to Nina's chagrin, and was explaining David's outburst on the plane.

"It's where fans write fantasy stories about their favorites. I've seen some of them take anime characters and write their own stories for them. There's also a lot of that going on for celebrities, although those tends to be a bit more....er, 'colorful'."

"Colorful?.......oh..." Madison hoped Richie didn't notice the slight blush starting to heat her face, but he did and grinned at her. That dimpled grin.

Madison cleared her throat. "Anyway," she began again, "what does that have to do with you and David?" She took in the quaint English interior of the beautiful suite that overlooked Hyde Park. The periwinkle blues of the overstuffed sofas and wing chairs blended with the dark woods, giving the room a sereneness.

"Well, darlin', it just so happens that your dear cousin and cohorts are members of a certain fan forum for the band and I'm pretty sure one of them is the author of one of the more popular stories."

"Really? Who? What story? Is it the one that references 'Shirley'?"

"I'm not really sure. But I intend to find out. Some of them tend to change their names when they post the stories. I don't think she's the one who wrote about 'Shirley', though. That one is a great story, by the way. You should read it sometime."

She looked at him warily. "Are you trying to corrupt me?"

"Does it take much persuasion?" He winked at her, making her blush again, while he dodged a good smack on the arm.

"Doesn't David know about the forum?" She tried to take the focus off of herself.

"None of the other band members do. I've been throwing some juicy tidbits out to them and they just think I've lost my mind."

Madison smirked, "haven't you?"

"Smartass."

"I try to be", she grinned at him. She couldn't help it. There was just something about him that made her smile like a giddy teenager. She couldn't remember the last time someone made her feel this way - that it was okay to laugh again. Yet, she also felt something very intense in him, and a sense of loss that threatened to overshadow his lighthearted disposition.

*****

"What were you doing up in Richie's room?"

"Joanie! What a thing to ask!" Kris was embarrassed for her.

"What? I mean, I invite her because I want to spend some time with my cousin and she's gallivanting with Richie Sambora."

"Well, actually that is the whole point of this tour, you know. For us to get to know the band."

"For 'us', yes, but she's not even a fan. She didn't even know who Richie was until yesterday."

"You do know that I'm standing right here, right?" They were talking around her.

"Sorry, Madison", grinned Kris, looking anything about apologetic, "just trying to inject a bit of reality into your cousin here." She turned back to Joanna, "jealousy is unbecoming, my dear."

"Oh, for chissake, I'm not jealous. I just want to make sure that she doesn't embarrass us by doing something inappropriate."

"Like what, for instance? He asked me to come up to see his suite. I've never seen a luxury suite before."

"Well, neither have I, but you don't see me going around hinting to be taken up to their rooms, Madison."

Madison sighed, "I didn't hint, he asked."

"Look, Maddie, just be careful, okay? I just don't want you to get hurt."

"What do you mean, 'get hurt'?"

"He's a rock star, a celebrity. When this tour is over, he's going to move on with his life. Don't get too deeply involved or you won't be able to move on with yours."

This thought had never occurred to Madison and she was taken aback by it. She was charmed by his sense of fun. She had felt an honesty and an integrity in the man. Was I being naive?

"He's just fun to be around. I know this is not anything serious," she assured Joanna. But Madison could not convince herself, especially not after he had kissed her so thoroughly just a few minutes ago.

*****

Richie answered a knock at his door and found Jon standing there. Walking in, Jon scanned the room. "Where is she? I thought you asked her up here. I wanted to ask her more about these," he held up the book and the pendant.

"She went back to her room to unpack and rest." Something in his tone said that he wish she'd stayed.

Jon eyed his friend. There was a noticeable change in Richie in the two days since he had met Madison. He was more relaxed, happier and the mischievous gleam in his eyes was beginning to return.

"So, what's up?" Jon sat down on the couch and waited for his buddy to open up.

"Well, since it's late, we were just going to see if we can order up some dinner when she comes back and..."

"That's not what I'm talking about."

Richie knew exactly what he was talking about and tried to get his jumbled thoughts together before he spoke.

"She's different...She's not like the other girls. Did you know she's not even a fan?"

"I know she's not."

"You do?"

"Yeah, usually when people ask you what your job is, that's a clue right there." Jon snickered, recalling Richie's embarrassment yesterday. "You should have seen your face, Sambora!"

"Fuck you."

"No thanks."

"She might be just what you need, you know." Jon turned serious again.

Richie nodded. "It seems like it's been a long time since someone accepted me for who I am. I don't have to put up any airs when I'm with her. I don't have to wonder if she's being nice because of what I do. " He thought for a moment and added, "when she's with me, it''s like she takes the hurt away, you know? But..."

"But...?"

"But there's something else about her. I don't know, a sadness, there's something she's not telling me."

"You've just met her, bro. If you're serious about her, give her time." Jon watched his friend continue to pace. "Let her get to know you. Not some damn rock star persona, show her that there's a real person beneath that fricking image. Then she will open up to you."

"What if she still doesn't?"

"Then you haven't done your job."

*****

Jon and the band had decided to invite all the girls up to Jon's suite for a late night dinner. Although this was not part of the agenda, they realized that they were actually having fun with them, especially Kris, who they thought was a hoot.

Even the sisters-from-hell provided fodder for David's constant banter.

"The continuation of the poker game commences right after coffee!" David announced. "If I win," he glared at Kris, "you're gonna tell me what this 'Shirley' business is all about."

"And if you lose?"

"I won't!"

"Don't be so sure of yourself, Curly Top. I have a criteria of my own and I intend to win." Kris was not about to divulge any information about the forum, not if she could help it.

While they wouldn't be caught dead joining a poker game, the sisters feigned interest, at least Lindsey did. Nina calculatingly continued her surveillance of Richie and Madison.



Richie noticed a slight change in Madison when she returned. Though she was still friendly, she was keeping her distance. When he'd touch her, she would move away. Conversation was slightly stilted.

Though Richie sat by her while she talked to Jon about the book, she avoided looking directly at him. He was starting to feel hurt and confused by her sudden change.

He tried to think of what could be wrong, running the events through his mind when it dawned on him - I kissed her. She probably thinks that's the reason I asked her up to my room. But it just happened, just seemed right. Did I scare her?

She was standing out on the balcony enjoying the view when Richie walked up behind her. He put his hands gently on her arms, "Madison?" She turned and he was sure that he saw a sadness. "What's wrong?"

Madison stared into his eyes for a long minute before she found the words. "Nothing...I..."

"Don't tell me nothing. You've been acting funny all night since you came back. Tell me."

"I'm just.....tired and overwhelmed by all this, I guess..."

"Is it because I kissed you?" He needed to know.

"Huh? No! It's not that....just..."

"I didn't mean to to do that.....it just..." He was at a loss for words.

"You didn't?.......oh." A flicker of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

Shit! Nice job, Sambora. Maybe if I open my mouth wide enough, I can stick my other foot in it.

Madison turned and walked back into the suite. "I'm sorry, I'm really tired. It was a long day. I think I'm going to try and get some sleep."

"Madison wait. We're free tomorrow. How about taking in some of the sights?"

"I don't know. I kind of promised Joanie that I'd join her...." There was nothing more she wanted than to be with Richie, but Joanna's words kept playing in her mind - when the tour is over, he'll move on with his life. She was not not ready for that kind of heartache. She smiled sadly at him, "......goodnight, Richie."

Richie watched her leave, then turned to look at Jon with questions in his eyes.

Jon had no answers.

*****

She watched and smiled at the apparent split up of a budding romance. Finally, that bitch is out of the picture.

Chapter 10

"Holy hell! You never said we we're going in a private jet!"

Madison looked at Richie and then back at the plane in awe. They had just gotten through the private check in and security area and was about to make their way to the plane.

"I thought you said Jon 'booked' an early flight. Why would he have to do that if it's a private flight? I mean, he could have easily arranged for a more convenient time, right?"

That morning had been a mad dash to get ready as the girls had overslept, wiped out from the activities of the long day and night before. The hadn't had enough time for even a cup of coffee and hoped that meal service would be the first thing on the flight crew's itinerary.

"I told you, just to piss me off," Richie grinned.

The girls were looking at them with questions in their eyes so Madison let the subject drop.

Walking into the luxury craft, Madison gaped at the plush interiors. She let her fingers travel over the fine leather of the seats as she passed them and noted the polished wood accents as well as the thick carpeting underfoot.

She let Richie lead her to a window seat. He sat down next to her and explained that this side of the plane had the better view.

"Better view? I though we were flying over an ocean."

"Uh huh, but the ocean is bluer on this side."

Madison rolled her eyes but smiled at him. "You're a nut."

"Thank you. Considering my treatment by my so called friends, that's one of the nicest things said to me in the past few days."

"Why would they not treat you nicely?"

"Because." he smiled smugly, "I know a secret and I'm not telling."

"Really? That's a coincidence. I've been trying to figure out a secret, too."

"What kind of secret?"

Madison rummaged through her purse and pulled out the pendant.

*****

The take off went without a hitch and people were moving about the plane trying to find a more comfortable position. Most were content to find a place where they could stretch out and relax, which is what Jon did.

Drinks and a light snack were served and Madison sighed in contentment at her first sip of coffee that day. Everyone settled in for the long flight, either listening to their iPods or the droning of the plane's engines.

Joanna, Kris and Patti found themselves in the midst of a poker game with the band and crew.

"What are the stakes?" Kris was more curious than worried.

"That depends on whether we win or lose." David grinned evilly.

"What do you mean 'we'? Aren't we all playing for ourselves?"

"Our plane, our rules. It's the band versus the crew, versus you girls. The stakes are pretty high, ladies. Don't let your guards down for a minute." A waggle of eyebrows accompanied his evil grin this time.

"You're on, Shir.........er, David!" Kris had caught herself but not, apparently, in time. Joanna's eyes went wide and Patti studied the cuticles on her fingernails, a blush slowly creeping up her face.

David's jaw dropped and he jumped up from his seat pointing wildly at Kris. "You were gonna call me 'Shirley', weren't you?!"

Kris was mortified and wondered just how much David knew. When she saw Richie in his seat, shaking while trying to hold back his laughter, she had a pretty good idea who knew what.

David's remark was bad enough, but now she wished they were flying over the Bermuda Triangle. Maybe an alien abduction would take their minds off this.

Jon and the rest of the guys were watching curiously waiting for some kind of explanation.

It didn't come.

"Ummm...it's just that I always play poker with my friend Shirley.....just habit, I guess," she offered lamely.

"Nice job," Joanna muttered, shuffling her cards around.

"Shut up."

David eyed them suspiciously but let it go for now.

Madison looked over at Richie who was sitting there with a big satisfied grin. At her questioning look he told her, "I'll let you in on it later."

*****

The card game was under way again and Richie and Madison were looking over the pendant, Richie using this as an excuse to lean in close to her.

This did not go unnoticed by the women and Kris smiled as she nudged Joanna and Patti. Patti grinned back at her and Joanna just shrugged.

On the far side, the sisters sat sipping their martinis.

"Looks like you've got quite a challenge ahead of you, sister dear," Lindsey smirked in satisfaction. "I'd like to see how you're going to pull this one off."

"Shut the fuck up and worry about your own conquest. Aren't you the one who's always bragging that you could get Jon to forget who Dorothea is?"

*****

"Looks like something my daughter used to scrawl when she was two." Richie was trying to make some sense of the writing. "Either that or it's Jon's handwriting." Jon flipped him off without even looking up from his reading. He had borrowed Madison's book and was engrossed in it, forgetting some important calls he was supposed to be making.

They were studying the inscription on the pendant. "I think it's Latin and so does a friend of mine. It's just that the etching is so worn that it's hard to see what's on there."

Richie turned the pendant over and over looking at, what was in his mind, the 'scribbles'.

"You know, there are a lot of the same symbols. Maybe it's a code of some kind."

"A lot of the same? How can you tell?" Madison took the pendant from him and tried to study it in the light of the sun filtering in from the windows. "I don't see it. Where exactly are you looking?"

"Right there.'" Richie pointed. By the way the inscription was etched in, it was obvious that something should have been there but Madison still could not see it.

She wondered if Richie was just playing with her but his serious expression told her that he was not.

Deciding that that was enough for now, she changed the subject.

"So, what's the agenda like?"

"In a nutshell? We land, drive to the hotel, we eat, we sleep, get up, go to sound check, give a concert, go back to the hotel, sleep, get up, get ready to check out and..."

"Rinse and repeat?"

"Exactly." He smiled ruefully. "Life as a rock star isn't as glamorous as some may think."

"I'll trade you," she smirked. Thinking ahead to the upcoming school year, she was not looking forward to the first few days. Trying to calm twenty screaming three year olds, crying for their mommies, was taxing on anyone's nerves.

"Sweetheart, if you learn to play the guitar and take my place on the stage, I'll substitute for you any day. My daughter is ten, but she was three once and I handled her just fine. I can deal with a bunch of three year olds."

"How about twenty of them?"

Richie eyed her warily. "Twenty?"

"Yup, twenty."

"Darlin', for twenty of them you'd better learn how to play the talk box and sing backup as well."

"Huh...like that will ever happen. My musical repertoire consists of the ABC Song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

"No fair!" David piped up, "they're the same tunes."

"Not when they're sung by a three year old," countered Madison.

"She's right, you know," Jon laughed, as he recalled the many times that Romeo, his own toddler, had sung through an entire song before Jon figured out what it was.

He was taking a breather from reading and Madison leaned over Richie and handed the pendant to Jon. "My friend thinks there's some sort of clue in that book about this pendant. Do you think you can figure it out?"

Jon took the pendant and studied it. "Just give me some time. I'm good at stuff like this." As he ran his thumb over the inscription, something about it caught his attention and he rapidly began flipping through the pages.

Chapter 9

At precisely 7:30, there was a knock on Madison's door. Although she didn't know it then, it was quite unusual for Richie to be on time for anything.

Letting him into the suite, she finished putting on her jewelry.
Richie picked up her hand and looked at her bracelet. "That is so cool. Did you make this, too?"

"Nope, made by another artist. I saw it online and just had to have it. Looks like glass doesn't it?"

"It's not?" Richie touched it and it jiggled slightly. "What is it?"

"Flexible PVC. It's one of my favorite pieces."

"What about the things you make? Aren't any of them your favorites?"

"I do have ones that I simply can not part with, but I always want to support other artists. That's just what we do for each other, even if we don't know them."

"That's sort of how we feel about music."



The short cab ride brought them to Sushi Yasuda. The light wood interior was simple yet elegant and Madison felt like she was transported back to Japan.

Richie had reserved seats at the sushi bar. "Is there anything that you don't like?"

"No. I usually leave the choices up to the chef. How about you?"

"I'm game."

The sushi was the best she had tasted in the states and she enjoyed the light banter they shared with the chef.

After they could not eat another piece, they exited the restaurant.

"Let's walk back to the hotel," Madison suggested. She wanted to walk off the heavy dinner.

"What?! It's like at least a mile from here."

"It took us only 5 minutes to get here."

"Well, we're not going to walk at 40 miles per hour, darlin'."

"Wimp."

The light was about to turn green when Richie suddenly grabbed her hand and started across the street.

"Are you crazy?! You could have gotten us killed!"

"Do you always wait for the walk signal?"

"Of course we do." Madison was still shaken from being pulled across at breakneck speed.

"Yeah, I remember from the few times I was in Hawaii. You locals just stand there waiting even when there are no cars for miles," he chuckled.

"You're one of them!" Madison squealed and pointed at Richie.

"One of them?"

"One of those crazy tourists in Waikiki that I want to run over."

"Aha! Beneath your laid back ways lies a heart of evil! Is that what you call the Aloha Spirit?"

She had to laugh, he was a nut.

He also had not let go of her hand.

*****

"How about some coffee?"

They had been walking for a while now just looking into the windows of the shops that lined Park Avenue. They found a coffee shop and settled in a back booth and ordered their coffees. Feeling relaxed, sipping their coffees, they talked a bit about their work and their art. Richie regaled her with some stories of the band's adventures on the road. Recalling the events of the day, a thought crossed his mind.

"Madison, are you afraid of fire?"

The question startled her and she was quiet for a few minutes. Richie was starting to wonder if he had hit a sore subject when she spoke.

"When I was about seven, back in Japan, my best friend lived right across the street." She paused as if she was struggling for words. "One night, during a hot summer, I woke up to hear people screaming. I also heard this roaring sound. It was just so loud...."

"What happened?"

"I got out of bed. My parents were already outside. People were yelling and running around. I went out and saw her house engulfed in flames. It was so hot even from across the street. Her mom was screaming and people were trying to hold her. It scared me so much, though I didn't know why at the time."

Richie waited for her to continue.

"I woke up the next day to find her parents in my house. They looked so.....I don't know.....broken. I couldn't understand what was happening and asked them were Rika was. That's when they told me that she had died in the fire..."

"I'm so sorry, baby." Richie instinctively wrapped his arms around her.

"From that day on, I thought of fire as something that took what you loved away, something to fear."

"And so," Madison tried to lighten the mood, "that is when you found me in my dilemma."

"With the crab."

"Yes," she laughed, "with the crab."

"So how do you cook?"

"Oh, no problem. Mic helps me with that."

"Mike? Your husband? Your boyfriend?" Richie was feeling nervous. Just my luck.

"My microwave." she laughed, again. "Actually, I'm okay with an electric stove."

"Barbeques must be a bitch, huh?"

*****

They strolled slowly back to the hotel, with Richie still holding her hand. Walking her to her room, they stopped outside the door and could hear voices inside.

"I guess they're back already. Early start tomorrow?"

Richie grimaced. "Damn Jon for booking such an early flight. He did that on purpose, you know."

"To meet a schedule?"

"To piss me off."

Madison laughed then turned and smiled up at him. "Thank you for the dinner...and the company"

"I'll see you tomorrow." With that Richie leaned down and kissed her gently on her cheek.

"Like you have a choice!" They both laughed and he winked at her, turned and walked back towards the elevators.

Entering the room she expected Kris and Patti to be there but was a little surprised to see Nina and her sister sitting with them. She thought maybe the ice had melted but was proven wrong when Nina turned to her and coolly asked, "had a nice time with your little friends?"

"Actually, I did." Madison sat down on the only available seat; right next to Nina. She wasn't about to tell them where she went or who she was with. Though she was not a fan of the band she instinctively knew that it would be a bad idea.

She listened to the conversation, mostly provided by Joanna, Kris and Patti, with an occasional grunt thrown in from Lindsey. After a few minutes, though, she decided to call it a night and went to the bedroom, "see you in the morning."

Nina sat there with a perplexed look on her face. There was something familiar that was floating around Madison but she could not put her finger on it. Then, it suddenly came to her.

It was the scent of Richie's cologne.

Chapter 8

"Looks like you've lost your touch, sis," Lindsey sneered. "I thought he'd be following you back here with his tongue hanging out."

"It's still early. Besides, an easy prey is no fun at all."
"Just give him time, Linds. I'll have him in the palm of my hands soon enough." Nina had sat back down at her table and was eyeing the two as she toyed with her glass of wine.

"The thrill is in the hunt.....although it would be even better if I had a more worthwhile opponent." Nina touched up her lipstick.

"I don't know, Nina. That one looks like she could give you a run for your money."

Nina snorted. "I can take care of her."

*****

"So, what do you do, Madison?" David was trying to edge in on Richie's new found interest.

"I'm an assistant director at a private preschool and also handcraft silver beads." Madison had nearly given up on trying to get some meat out of the crab. "One I do for the love of it and the other to keep from starving."

"And which is which?"

"Guess."

David reached out and took a closer look at the bead on her necklace. It was a silver rectangle with intricate details of a wing. The quote inscribed on it read: "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

"You made this?"

Madison nodded.

"Wow." David was impressed.

"It's Michelangelo," Madison offered.

"What is?"

"The quote. I don't think I can express the sentiments of an artist any better."

Richie tried to wrestle the conversation back to him.

"Do you make glass beads, too? I met a guy once who made some incredible ones."

"No way. You need a blow torch for that...you know, fire."

There's that reference to fire again. Richie wondered about that but said nothing.

"Do you have other beads with you? I'd like to see them." David was ignoring Richie's glaring looks, taking satisfaction in knowing that he was getting irritated while trying to act nonchalant.

"Are they up in your room?" David tried, again.

That does it. Richie had had enough.

"I'm telling."

David looked up at him, feigning innocence. "What are you talking about?"

Richie was flustered. He couldn't very well stake a claim on someone he'd just met. He leaned back and casually draped his arm over the back of Madison's chair and glared at David through slitted eyes.

Madison battled with her crab.

Across the room, Nina was watching the entire exchange, a glint of contempt skimming just below the surface.

*****

"Come on, Maddie. It's going to be fun."

The girls had decided on having dinner out and then checking out some night spots. They were giddy that some of the band members had asked to join them.

"You guys go and have a nice time, Joanie. I'm spent."

"What about dinner? And are you going to just sit around until we get back?"

"I'll just order some room service. And my friends will probably call," she lied. She just wanted Joanna off her back so she could rest.

"Fine, but you don't know what you're missing."


Joanna and her new found friends made their way down to the lobby. They were dismayed at finding Nina and Lindsey waiting there with David and Tico.

Just then, Hugh and a couple of the crew joined them.

"Ready, girls?"

"What about Richie and Jon? Aren't they coming with us?" Nina looked at the men trying to decide if they were worth her presence.

"Nah. They had some stuff to go over. Come on, the car's here."

A slight scowl flitted across Nina's face. "Pity. I could have shown them a good time."

Kris raised her brows and leaned in close to Joanna and Patti.

"Now we know why some mammals eat their young," she whispered, sending the two into fits of giggles.

Nina turned around and glared at them with scorn but continued to walk out behind the men.

Outside, a few fans had gathered hoping for a glimpse of the band. As soon as Nina saw them, she sidled up to David and slid her arm into his, causing him to look at her in surprise.

Joanna shook her head, "will you look at that? She wants those girls to think she's a part of the inner circle."

Secretly, Joanna couldn't fault her. She was trying hard herself to suppress the gloating feeling she felt as she walked past the fans and got into a limo with the members of Bon Jovi.

*****

Madison got a can of Coke from the minibar and plopped down on the bed with the book. She was going over the photos and re-reading some of the chapters for any clue to jump out at her. Only now it wasn't just the mystery of the pendant that was on her mind. She couldn't shake what that man on the plane had told her.
What secret? It's just a novel. Isn't it?

She leaned back and closed her eyes for a minute.

Jarred awake by the ringing of the phone, she realized that she must have dozed off. An hour had passed by.

"Hello?"

"Hi, darlin'. I was just sitting around in my room wondering what you were up to."

"Who is this?" she asked through a sleep clouded fog.

"I'm hurt. I rescue you from starvation and you can't even remember my name."

She giggled, leaning back on the pillows. "Richie?"

"That's better."

She couldn't help it. "The guitar player, right?" she teased.

"Keep it up, smartass, and it'll be the last time I fish out a piece of crab for you." His laughter was infectious.

"I hardly ate any. Couldn't get the damn meat out."

"You should have asked me."

"Hmmm, you were too busy playing one-upmanship with David."

Though Madison couldn't see, Richie flushed red wondering if she had sensed his possessive behavior.

"Anyway, you were saying...?"

"Wondering what you were up to."

"Having a can of Coke, trying to read this book and falling asleep. Yup, that about sums it up."

"Have dinner with me?"

"Well, I was planning on ordering room service..."

"Aw, come on. The food here sucks."

"No, it doesn't! This is The Four Seasons, for god's sake."

"Will you please stop trying to shoot down my attempts to ask you out?"

Madison laughed. It's been a while since she had laughed so much.

"What did you have in mind?"

Richie had a few things in mind but decided that it was too soon to reveal them.

"Do you like sushi?"

"Love it!"

"Good. I'll pick you up in an hour."

Chapter 7

Arriving at JFK at 7:30 in the morning after a 14 hour flight and two stopovers, Madison was not a happy camper. I could have walked here faster! This was like going down every aisle in a supermarket just to get milk.

After collecting their bags, they went outside and spotted a man holding a up a sign with Joanna's name. "That would be me."
"Joanie? God, it's so good to finally meet you!" Joanna turned to find a tall, striking redhead and immediately hugged her. "Kris! We're going have such a blast - I can't believe we're actually here!"

Patti was Kris' friend. Though very shy, she was just as warm and friendly as Kris and Madison took an immediate liking to both of them.

Jeff, their coordinator, turned their attention to the two women who seemed to be posing for an imaginary photographer, and made the appropriate introductions.

Nina and her sister Lindsey seemed to regard the four of them with disdain. They merely nodded at the intros, unsmiling lest their makeup should crack. You couldn't help but notice that they had 'Designer' stamped from head to toe, as if they had been manufactured in some evil Chanel factory.

Wonderful. I get to travel with The Hilton Sisters From Hell. At least Paris was dorkily moronic.

*****

"What do you mean 'can you skip lunch'?" Joanna looked at Madison in disbelief. They had just checked in at the Four Seasons and the big comfortable bed was beckoning Madison. After that long flight and limo ride, she was exhausted and food was the last thing on her mind. So was meeting a bunch of rock stars.

"They are paying for all this," Joanna waved her arms around the beautifully appointed suite, "not to mention the trip to Europe. Don't be so rude. The least you could do is go down and meet them."

Madison thought that the logic would be true if she was the rock star, but grudgingly got up and showered. Dressing casually in jeans and a light sweater, she watched as Joanna donned her makeup. She's so much prettier without the magic markers.

Meeting Kris and Patti in the hallway, they caught the elevator down to the banquet room. Just as they were entering it, Madison's phone rang. It was one of her artist friends. Motioning for them to go in first, she took the call.

Her friends were flying out tonight for Chicago to do a jewelry show and wouldn't be able to meet her. Disappointed, she walked into the banquet room.

The girls were already situated with their plates of food at various tables, giggling at the conversation of the men around them. There were a lot of men and Madison supposed that some of them were actually from Bon Jovi. She recognized Jon right off the bat, but didn't really know the rest.

Jeff waved her over to the buffet and introduced her to some of the crew. The road manager, the technician, the 'computer guy', giving a brief explanation of their various jobs. They were all loading up their plates and suddenly Madison felt famished and decided to follow suit. She noticed the burners under the chafing dish and cautiously stepped back trying to pick at the entree from where she stood.

"They're dead, you know."

"Huh?" Madison spun around to find a tall, dark haired man watching her curiously.

"Who is?"

"The crab. You look like you think they're going to jump out at you."

"Nice. Actually, I was keeping away from the burners. They're hot."

"Yeah, they're weird that way."

Madison laughed, shaking her head, but continued to poke at the crab from a distance.

"Do you need help with that?..... I'm Richie, by the way."

"Yes, thanks." Madison was glad for the help. "So, what do you do here?"

Richie gaped at her but she didn't seem to notice as her attention was on the succulent crab in the hot chafing dish.

She also didn't notice Jon and some of the guys trying to hold back their laughter, but Richie did and flipped them off as discreetly as possible.

"I play the guitar."

"You do?.......what kind of job is that?"

Jon and company lost it then. Serves the idiot right for being so smug these past few days. They were practically rolling on the floor and this time Madison did notice.

"Oohhh.....you mean for the band."

"Yeah.....thanks for the ego boost."

Madison turned a few shades of red and said the first thing that came to her mind.

"Crab," she pointed, ".....please?"

*****

Richie had noticed her the minute she entered the room. Petite, no more than 5' 5" and pretty. But there was something more than that. There was something very real and down to earth about her.

She seemed oblivious to the band. And distracted.

When she backed away from the banquet table and started grab at the food from an awkward angle, he decided to make his move.

*****

Helping her with her plate, he led Madison back to his table and pulled out a seat for her next to his.

"This is Dave, his job is to be a jerk. And he does it pretty well. He also plays the keyboards on the side."

David flashed her a big grin and flipped Richie off under the table.

"Standing over there is Jon and his job..."

"Oh, I know who Jon is."

Richie pouted at her, making her laugh. "Sorry, I can't help that."

"By the time this tour is done, you will know who I am, darlin'." Richie grinned and waggled his brows at her.

I think I just might enjoy this tour after all. For the first time, Madison noticed his deep dimples and a sparkle in his eyes that came from within.

*****

"I can't believe that one of us has managed to snag a Jovi!" Kris was beside herself with delight as she watched the two who seemed to be in deep conversation.

"She's not 'one of us', you know." Joanna was dumbfounded. "She's not even a fan. Besides, they're only talking."

"Oh come on, Joanie, just look at them. They're perfect together."

"You're a Richie Girl, Kris. Doesn't that bother you?"

"Why should it? I'm not going to lie and say I don't wish that was me, but hey, he looks happy."

Joanna shrugged, "well, okay then. So, do we change our strategy and focus on Jon?"

"Like we could steal him from Dot."

They burst out giggling.

*****

"Hi, Richie, I was getting lonely when you didn't come back to the table."

Richie turned at the sound of the honey dipped voice. Nina sat facing him in the seat next to him and laid her hand on his shoulder.

"Looks like you're finished helping her with her loaded plate. Come on back to us. I'd love to know more about that sexy cologne you're wearing." She put an extra emphasis on the word 'loaded'.

Stroking her hand lightly down his arm, she tilted her head, smiled and sauntered off back to her table.

Chapter 6

The ride to her aunt's house was uneventful with Mike pointing out landmarks and stopping to take some photos. Madison marveled at the quaint architectures, especially in the neighborhood of Clay Arsenal.

Joanna wanted to take Madison shopping the next day for last minute items before their flight to New York. Her suitcase was already bulging but she needed to be sure she had everything. "I'm sure they sell stuff in New York, too, Joanie."

Joanna eyed Madison critically. "Do you have any idea how much things cost there?"

"Joanie is very budget conscious." Mike smiled at Joanna.

"I'm not cheap, if that's what you're trying to say, Mike!"

"Oh no, sweetie, I would nev...."

"Please! Don't call me that.....ugh!"

Mike turned back to his driving without saying another word.

Madison watched the curious exchange between the two but refrained from making a comment. For now.

*****

Aunt Toshi was ecstatic that Madison had come. Though she was proficient in English after so many years in America, she often reverted to the comfort and familiarity of broken in English mixed with Japanese when among friends and family. "Maddie-chan! Oh, I miss you so much! You hungry? Come, come, we eat now."
The dinner table chatter was rife with questions and twenty five years of catching up.

"Do you have anything planned in New York, Madison? Other than meeting the band, I mean." Mike was trying make small conversation.

"Actually, I have a couple of artist friends there. I told them I would call when I got in." Madison hoped she would get a chance to see them.

"You're telling me that you'd rather see your friends than hang out with Bon Jovi?!" Joanna was incredulous.

"Joanie, we'd probably have a formal meeting or something, but it's not like they're going to want to run around with us."

"The letter says that we would get to know the guys in the band", Joanna insisted, "how's that gonna happen if we don't hang with them?" "Just think, we're going to be a part of their intimate circle!"

Oh...my...god.......somebody needs a reality check. Madison just gave her a half smile.

Thanking her aunt for a delicious homemade dinner, they made their way back to Joanie's apartment. Mike dropped them off promising to pick them up tomorrow at three for the ride to the airport.

"Joanie, I really think your expectations are too high", Madison tried to reason, again.

"Maddie, why are you so pessimistic?" Joanna was rechecking her bags. "Do you know how long I have waited for this? Why can't you just be happy for me?"

Madison sighed, "I just didn't want you to get your hopes up. But you're right. You should enjoy this moment."

Joanna eyed her wondering if she was being sincere or sarcastic.

Madison decided to change the subject.....to one she'd been keeping quiet about.

"Why are you so mean to Mike?", she asked as she settled down on the bed. "I mean, I think he's such a sweet guy."

"Maddie, if I don't keep him in check, he'll start thinking that he's my boyfriend."

"Well, isn't he? Sort of?"

"Look Madison, I know you and mom want to marry me off to the first available guy, but I have standards."

"What are you talking about? He's nice, attentive and obviously wants to please you. And he has a good job, doesn't he?"

"Mmm hmm....yeah, sure. He's a computer science instructor at the university. He's really good at computers and remembering useless data." "I don't think he can get any other kind of job. Can you believe he's actually tried out for the police academy?" Joanna snorted. "He wimped out during the first week. Then there was the fire department. Couldn't pass the CPAT." "I suppose he'll try out for the FBI next."

"He just wants to prove himself to you, Joanie."

"Hmph. He just watches too many movies. Believe me, he's no catch."

Madison fell asleep wondering what Mike saw in Joanna.

*****

Richie booted up his computer the minute he checked in at the Four Seasons.

From lurking on the forum, he has learned that two of the winners were actual members. Instead of just the fans that he thought might be frequenting the forum, he now had confirmation that one of them was the author of some of the raunchiest fan fictions he's ever read. Bingo. This was going to be an added source of entertainment during the tour.

Let's see what those girls are up to today. I swear they have the most unbelievable imaginations! They actually have some great set list ideas, too. I should run some of these by Jon and see what he thinks.


Well, well, well.....what have we here?

*****

After checking in at the airport the next day, Joanna excused herself to go to the ladies' room and Madison used this opportunity to talk to Mike.

"I know it's not really my place to say this but why do you allow Joanie to treat you like she does?"

Mike studied his shoes. "She's not like that when we're alone. Just when there's other people around." Mike shrugged, "we talk a lot. About our dreams and what we fear, about the movies we see.....I don't know, it's just different when there's no one else there."

"She thinks I'm not sexy or manly enough." Mike's interest in his shoes increased. "I don't even know why she's so crazy about that band. What did they ever do?"

"Well, I remember reading somewhere that they help the victims of Katrina and the homeless. It's not about lifting heavy things or jumping through hoops of fire, Mike."

He shrugged, again.

"Have you ever tried to stand your ground?" Madison couldn't stop herself, "I mean, not let her push you around like that?"

"Thought about it. I get really angry sometimes, but if I blow up, she might not want to see me again. It's not worth it. Not being with her, I mean."

"You really love her, don't you?"

"Yeah, I guess I do."

*****

"Joanie, why are we making two stopovers just to go to New York? Isn't it like just over that hill or something?"

"Stop complaining, Maddie. I saved us a ton of money by not booking a direct flight."

"How much?"

"$58.72.....each!" Joanna smiled at her triumphantly.

Why would they charge us less to keep us in the air longer?

Elsie had the right idea:

"You're shitting me, right?"

Chapter 5

Madison settled in her seat and pulled out the book. The long flight will give her the time she needs to go over the photos in it and try to figure out which one Katherine was referring to. The evening flight would take her to Minneapolis for an hour and a half stopover before connecting to Bradley International.

Flipping through the pages, she pored over the photos carefully. The Vitruvian Man? No, nothing of that drawing made her think of the pendant. It was not the Mona Lisa or the Last Supper, either. This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. After a couple of hours, she put the book down and tried to rest.

Her seat mate was already sleeping. Earlier, he had been trying to be helpful by shouting whatever the flight attendant said to her. "SHE WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU WANT COFFEE." Madison wasn't sure if he thought she didn't understand English or that she was deaf. At least he was leaving her alone now.

"So you like da Vinci Code, yes?" He was up again.

"Well, I actually liked Angels and Demons better, but yes, I like a good thriller."

He looked at her, surprised. "You speak English well."

"I'm American."

"Ah! Sorry for my behavior earlier but I thought you were a foreigner."

"Why?"

"Well, you look.....mixed."

"Mixed? Oh...my father is Scottish, my mom Japanese. They met in Tokyo while my dad was stationed there."

"So, that explains your exotic looks."

Madison never thought of herself as 'exotic', but then in Hawaii, where many cultures came together, she didn't really stand out.

"Your mother is typical Japanese lady, yes?"

"Well, no. She's quite untypical. Although I never really thought about it until I met my aunt."

Her father and his brother, Uncle Paul, had both married Japanese women. Her mother was a social butterfly, always flitting from parties to functions, heading committees and joining neighborhood boards. Joanna's mother was a homebody. Taking care of her husband and children were her top priorities. She remembers well when she was living with them. Aunt Toshi was there when they came home from school, always ready with a snack. Dinner was always on time, clothes were always washed and pressed, and her home was always immaculate. She envied Joanna and her stable home life.

How is it that Madison grew up to be so uptight and introverted while Joanna was the carefree one?

"You do know the secret of that book, yes?" The question brought Madison out of her reverie.

"Sure. It's about Mary Magdalene."

"Oh, if you think that is what the secret is, then you have not really read the book.....or understood its meaning."

"Its 'meaning'?" "It's a mystery novel. Fiction. Although there are certain parties who feel Dan Brown is trying to deface Christianity, it is what it is. Fiction."

"Yes, the plot may be so, but read it again and you will see something that you did not the first time you read it."

"Why don't you just tell me what the secret is?"

"Because it holds different meanings for different people. You must find out what it is for yourself."

With that, he closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

*****

After the short layover, the flight touched down at Bradley without incident. Her mysterious seat mate had hurried off the plane without so much as a goodbye and Madison was left wondering about the 'secret' that was in this heavy tome.

Coming out of baggage claim, she was met with a fierce hug and a squeal. "Maddie, you're finally here!" "God, you're looking good!"

She hugged Joanna and stepping back, studied her. What the hell has been going on in her life?

Madison took in Joanna's platinum blond hair, cut short and spiked. Her low cut halter top nearly spilling out its contents was just shy of the top of her skin tight jeans. Jeans obviously a size or two too small for her. Heavy silver belt and huge dangling earrings completed her look. Kind of. Joanna's makeup was the second thing Madison noticed. Dark, heavy eyeliner rimmed her lids, as if she had drawn it on with a black Sharpie. On the top of that, electric blue eye shadow clung sparkling. I didn't know they still made colors like that.

"Joanie, you've.....changed."

She had been outrageous as a youngster, but her fashion sense had always been on the conservative side, especially with Aunt Toshi making all of her clothes. Maybe it was late life rebellion. Whatever it was, Madison found it distracting. This was not the Joanna she knew.

"Anything interesting happen on the plane?"

"No, except this guy I was sitting next to kept trying to translate whatever the flight attendant was saying. He thought I didn't understand English. Weird, since he was the one who was clearly the foreigner." Madison laughed as she recalled his accent.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, Middle Eastern, I think."

"You mean you actually flew with an Arab?!"

"Joanie! He was nice." And strange.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a man standing quietly by, not saying anything until Joanna beckoned him over.

"Maddie, I want you to meet my friend, Mike. Mike, this is my cousin, Madison."

Mike smiled and shook her hand but did not say much other than the usual niceties. He picked up Madison's suitcase and followed them to the car. Putting it in the trunk, he turned to Madison, "I thought you might like to see a couple of places before we head to Joanie's mom's house for dinner. I mean, if that's okay with you, Joanie."

"There's nothing she wants to see here, Mike. Geez, we're going to Europe for chrissake. What's there to see in Hartford?"

"I've never been here before, Joanie. Mike, I would love to see some of the sights, thank you."

Mike grinned at that and hurried to open the doors for the ladies. God, he's so timid. But Madison said nothing.

As Joanna was getting in, Madison saw of flash of yellow on her lower shoulder.

"What was that? A tattoo?" "Joanie, when did you get that?"

The tattoo was, of all things, of Sponge Bob Squarepants. It totally clashed with the outfit she had on, but again, Madison chose to keep quiet.

"About a year ago. It's cool, huh? You should get one, Maddie."


Actually, Madison already had one.

*****

"Rich, I don't know about this, man."

It was just a couple of days away from the event and Jon was still bitching about it.

Richie was exasperated. "Look, you've been going on and on and on about this that you're starting to sound like a sewing machine."
"Besides, there might be some cute chicks we could meet", he grinned, waggling his eyebrows.

"I thought you were over that stage, how old do you think you are, anyway?"

"I've read that I'm beautiful at any age." He grinned again, showing off his dimples.

Jon stared at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"Where the fuck are you getting all this crap from?"

When the contest was announced, Richie had decided to go with the flow and just have some fun with it. He had come upon a fan forum dedicated to the band and was amazed by the things he read there. Holy crap! I wish our lives were as exciting as they make it out to be. The little tidbits that he threw out at the guys confounded them and he was reveling in that. Sooner or later, they would beat it out of him, but for now he was smug in the knowledge that only he was aware of the forum. The most entertaining thought, however, was how the girls will react when they discovered that he was a regular lurker.


What he didn't know was that he would soon be starring in a story of his own.

Chapter 4

Jon paced the floor of his office, asking for the fifth time, "Why did we hold this contest, again, Obie?"

Obie sighed. "Look, Jon, we went over this. The management thought it would be a good idea for you and the guys to know who your fans are."

"We know who our fans are."

"No, you don't. Not really. Just as they don't know you."

"I'd like to keep it that way."

"Look, it's only for ten days and it's not like they would be underfoot twenty four seven. They'll travel with us, go to the concerts and have a few meals together. Other than that, they're on their own."

"You'll get a chance to know them. What they like, what they don't. It's not like those gushing fan letters or the posts you read on the fan forums. They're human. After a few days, they're likely to drop their guards and you'll really see what's ticking in their heads. And they'll see what's ticking in yours."

"There's nothing ticking in Dave's head," smirked Richie, earning him a finger salute from the curly haired blond. "Did you know that they call you 'Shirley'?" Richie was on a roll.

David glared at him but there was a tinge of confusion in his eyes.
"Shirley?! And what do they call you - Laverne?" "And who is 'they', anyway?"

"Besides," Obie continued, ignoring the two, "probably no other band has done something like this for their fans."

"And with good reason." Jon was at wit's end. He knew it was too late to do anything about it, but nonetheless wanted to make his grievances known.

Jon raked his hands through his hair. "Fine. Just make sure that whatever is private stays private."

*****

Joanna had packed and unpacked then re-packed again. And again. "Everything has to be perfect. The guys are not going to see me if it's not perfect."

"Not saying this because you didn't invite me", her best friend Sarah pointed out, "but I don't think the guys are going to notice any of you."

"And why not? I've worked too hard for this, Sarah. They will notice me. I'll make sure of that."

Joanna had been preparing for the four weeks since she got that letter. Made sure that her passport was up to date. Spent hours shopping for clothes she thought were sexy. Had her hair dyed and styled. Thank God for MasterCard!

The diet she went on managed to shed a few pounds, but not enough to her liking. She cursed the DNA her mother had passed on to her - short, round and stocky. "Be glad that you big boned. Men like women that way", she would always tell Joanna in her broken English. "Look at Maddie. Poor thing all skin and bones. Remind me to feed her when she get here."

Trying out yet another outfit, she heard the sound of a car coming up her driveway. "That should be Mike. He's taking me to the airport tomorrow to pick up Madison." "We're going to the movies tonight, wanna come with us?"

"And intrude on your 'couple's time'? No thanks."

"Look, for the millionth time, he's not my boyfriend!"

"But you tell people he is."

"It's easier than explaining."

"I don't see why you didn't just ask him to go with you. You know he would in a heartbeat, Joanie. He would do anything for you."

Sarah didn't understand. Mike was sweet and caring. He thought the world of Joanna. He went with her to the concerts when her friends couldn't go, and even tolerated her gushing on and on about them. He supported her through her numerous career changes when no one else would. Even the blind could see how much he loved her.

Joanna didn't understand why Sarah wouldn't understand. Sure, Mike was a nice guy and all, but he was no catch. He was nondescript, skinny and lanky. If there ever was a stereotype for a nerd, Mike was it. Give him a Pan Am bag and pocket protectors and he'd be ready for a role in Napoleon Dynamite.


"I told you already, Sarah. What chances would I have with the guys if I have him tagging along?"

Probably the same as if you didn't . Sarah shrugged and smiled to herself.

Joanna blew out a breath. "Besides, Madison needs a change of scenery."

"And that fact that she's not the least bit interested in Bon Jovi has nothing to do with it," Sarah stated flatly.

*****

Madison still had mixed feelings but had resigned herself to going with Joanna. She was packed and ready and had called for a cab to take her to the airport.

Checking again to make sure she had everything she needed, her fingers fell on the pendant in her purse. Pulling it out, she looked it over once more vowing that she will find out what secret it held. Or at least find out what was written on it. Europe would be the perfect place to do this.

"I'll be back in a few weeks. Keep an eye on the house, will you, kiddo?"

"I'll solve this mystery for you, I promise."

The smiling little boy in the hand tooled silver frame seemed to nod in agreement.




The cab honked its horn. Twice.

Madison waved from her lanai and gathering her bags, headed out. Just as she was locking her door, her neighbor from across the hall called out to her.

"I thought you left yesterday and so did the postman. He gave me your mail like you asked him to. Do you want them now?"

"Sorry for the mix up, Lani, but if it's bills and junk mail, I could do without them."

"Most of them are, I think, but you also have a package. I'll get that."

It was from Katherine.

After getting in the cab and instructing the driver to take her to the airport, she looked at the package.

Opening it, she read the note:

"I finally figured out what your pendant reminded me of. Take a look at this and see if you agree. I've bookmarked it for you.

Love, Kat"

She shook the contents out and as she did, she also dislodged the bookmark. Sighing, she turned the book over and gaped at the title:


The Da Vinci Code, Special Illustrated Edition

Chapter 3

Madison sat in her studio fervently carving out her design. The need to finish this before she left was overpowering. Why, she did not know. She just knew that it had gripped her and would not let go. The design was a step apart from what she usually created. It was larger with a bit more weight than any of her previous beads.

The quote that she carved was something from deep within her memory. Madison could not remember where it came from nor did she care. She only knew that it had to have a 'home'. She referred to her beads as 'homes' for the countless quotes that held so much meaning in a simple sentence. When the silver bead was cast, it served not only as a messenger but a mirror into her heart.

Pausing after a few hours, she leaned back in her chair and looked about her studio. Her eyes came to rest on the pendant. It was hanging from a glass knob she had attached to her bulletin board. She used to hunt for these little treasures with Micah on the weekends. Once, they had come across an old shoebox filled with glass knobs, mostly clear ones, a couple of amber colored ones and this; a single sapphire blue one.



"Mommy, look at this necklace, isn't it cool?"

"Where did you get that, Micah?"

"Mr. Tanaka gave it to me. He said it's special because it has a secret."

"Oh? And what's the secret?"

Micah shrugged. "I don't know, mom, but he said I can figure it out 'cause I'm the smartest boy he knows!"

"That you are, kiddo, and he's a smart man to recognize that."

"But, mom, you're going to help me solve the mystery, right?"

"Of course, honey. But until we have the time, we'll hang it on the bulletin board, okay?"

"On my crystal knob?"

"Yes, sweetie, on the blue one."



Taking the pendant down, she studied it closely. The inscription was rubbed smooth in a few places and she could not make out some of the words. Scratch that. She couldn't make out any of the words. They were in Latin. Or maybe Greek. Madison had no idea what it was.

She had taken the pendant up to Ravensdale last summer and had shown it to Katherine. "I'm pretty sure it's Latin, though it's so worn that it's hard to tell", she told Madison. She had also mentioned that she had seen another piece like that, although it wasn't a pendant.

"I'll let you know if I remember where I saw it or what is was", she had promised.

Suddenly Madison wished she was going to see Katherine instead. She wanted to explore ideas about the pendant with her after the classes, but she had already committed to going with Joanna. Joanie would be livid if she reneged now.

Sighing, booted up her computer. She had emailed Katherine about rescheduling her class and wanted to check for a reply. As she hoped, there was an email from her, but not the reply she was counting on.

To: madisonavenue@yahoo.com
From: katmuller@aol.com
Subject: Rescheduling Class

Hi Maddie!

Sorry you can't come to the retreat. I was looking forward to seeing you again.

I'm not sure about rescheduling as I have other engagements I cannot break, but since you have the whole summer we'll see if we can't maybe arrange something. Maybe.

Remember those photos I took of your pendant? Well, I showed it to an old friend of mine who's a language professor at our local college and he thought it was Latin, but he wants to study it a little further. Will let you know if he comes up with anything.

Oh! And by the way, I remembered where I saw something similar. Well, it's not exactly similar but somehow it reminded me of it. I'm sending it to you so you should receive it shortly.

I'll be in touch. Remember Ravensdale = no Internet access. : )

Have fun with the *rockstars* - LOL!

Kat


Madison looked at the pendant, again. Turning it over, she noticed that the inscription went right under the bail. That's odd. The pendant and the bail are made of two different metals. Someone had soldered it on.


It was not a pendant at all.

*****