Fragmentation Read online

  Inside the room, they slowly and sensuously undressed each other. Falling on the bed, they explored with deepening kisses and caresses. Their need was great and they rose to a crescendo together, then, lay there quietly as the blue moonlight filtered softly through the window.

  A while later, David arose and began filling the heart shaped hot tub with water. He went to the mini bar, made two drinks and set them alongside the tub. As Colleen stirred as he took her hand and gently led her to the tub. It was a time of quiet reflection. They luxuriated in the water’s soothing warmth, enjoying their drinks and gently rekindling their passion. Again, they began to touch and as their need grew ever stronger, they wrapped themselves in towels and returned to the bed making love again in a more sensuous and caring way. When sleep finally came, it was deep and peaceful.

  In the morning, sunlight reflected off the water and streamed through the still open deck doors awakening Colleen to a gentle symphony of noises. As the morning haze softened the lines between land and water, several boats towed skiers around the glass smooth lake. Colleen gave David a gentle kiss on the forehead and began to coax him out of bed.

  “David, it’s almost 8:30 and we are supposed to meet Angela and Jimmy at 9:00 AM.”

  “I feel like I’ve slept forever but I’m getting up now.”

  Angela and Jimmy were waiting in Split Rock Lodge’s main dining room when David and Colleen arrived. The room had a wonderful view, the opposite of Lake Harmony Lodge’s at the other end of the lake. After preliminary re-introductions, they sat down and began to peruse the menus.

  “Colleen, I’m dying to know what happened. Why you are bringing me a new key to our apartment.”

  “It’s a long story, so why don’t we order first, then I’ll tell you what is going on.”

  The waitress arrived and introduced herself as Carol. She explained there were two ways to get breakfast at Split Rock Lodge. First, there was the buffet, which had just about everything you could want, or you could order items like Eggs Benedict and Belgian Waffles off the menu.

  “Most folks go for the buffet,” she said.

  “Well,” said David, “that sounds like the right thing for me.”

  The others followed David’s lead and the breakfast buffet it was. Once they filled their plates and returned to the table, Angela again prodded Colleen.

  “Okay Colleen, what’s up?”

  “Well, our apartment was broken into sometime over last weekend. David and I went to my parents’ house down the shore and…”

  “Oh you did, did you,” emphasized Angela.

  “Yes, and when we returned Sunday night the lock had been broken and there was someone in the apartment and David chased him off.”

  “Oh, my God, what did they take?”

  “Well, as far as I can tell, nothing, but he sure made a mess. David and I cleaned up and he installed a new deadbolt style lock. That’s why you need the new keys. The other lock was broken right out of the door.”

  “Gosh Colleen, somehow I thought there was more to it. Your message sounded so cryptic; I even imagined you two had run off and gotten married.”

  David shot Colleen a glance and after a slight pause, she continued.

  “There is a little more. David’s apartment was also broken into over the weekend and they put bugs in there; you know, listening devices.”

  “David, are you some kind of spy?” asked an astonished Angela.

  “No, it’s nothing like that but David and I have been doing research on an unusual thing we found at work. There was something embedded in the metal of an old ship and apparently some people are a little worried about it.”

  “You’re not going to tell us you have some metal from the USS Eldridge, they used in the Philadelphia Experiment,” laughed Jimmy.

  “See David, I told you there might be some connection. Jimmy, what do you know about it?”

  “I don’t know very much, but there was a documentary about it on the History Channel a while back. It’s something about one of Einstein’s theories being used to make the USS Eldridge invisible, except there were problems and a lot of the crew became sick and a few even died, I think.”

  “Well, what we found were some DNA helixes and human cells imbedded in the molecular lattice of the steel from another old ship, not the USS Eldridge. David’s report outlined what the findings were and sent it to the DeCosta Scrap yard, along with a copy to the Department of the Navy. That is standard procedure. Sometime after they received the reports, our apartments were broken into, the lab was broken into and all traces of the project removed. Also, the foreman of DeCosta Scrap Metal was found with his throat cut.”

  “The police said that he was involved in some kind of drug deal,” remonstrated David.

  “Well, I’m not buying the drug story. I think it has to do with the report and besides, whoever wanted all that stuff has it now.”

  “I just remembered,” explained David, “I left the other samples outside your parents’ house, down the shore.” He was proud of his use of the phrase ‘down the shore.’

  “Angela, tomorrow morning we are heading to the National Archive in Washington, DC. Under the Freedom of Information Act we want to research the Philadelphia Experiment, as well as two ship names, the Aratusa and the USS Morgan.”

  “You do know that you are asking for trouble,” replied Jimmy. “Whenever the government goes after somebody, they always get them, so I would be very careful if I were you.”

  “We are,” replied Colleen. Now, what are we going to do today?”

  “There are pontoon boats to rent and they can also take people water skiing behind a ski boat,” suggested Angela.

  “Oh, David do you want to ski? The water looks really calm, great for skiing.”

  “Why don’t you two go skiing this morning and later in the afternoon we can all get a pontoon boat and cruise around the lake? We’re headed to Blakeslee to do some shopping and we’ll meet you back here around 4:00 PM, then we can rent a pontoon boat and have a cocktail cruise around the lake.”

  After finishing breakfast, Colleen and David went to see about water skiing.

  Colleen soon found that David was an excellent skier, doing many difficult cuts with a slalom ski he had never even used before. He was able to ski around the lake twice before letting go and made an impressive spin at the end.

  “Show off,” Colleen proclaimed, clapping for David as he climbed into the boat.

  “Your turn,” he pointed out, as Colleen donned her ski vest and jumped into the cool water. “Let’s see what you’ve got, Gilmore,” he confidently chuckled.

  David had to admit that Colleen was, indeed, a good skier and although she was not quite as daring on her cuts as he was, she was certainly very smooth. He was proud of her and gave her a big kiss helping her climb into the boat.

  “That was awesome, Colleen; I mean you really are good!”

  “I told you so!”

  They each skied two more times and Colleen announced, “We are going to be awfully stiff in the morning.”

  They headed back to the lodge, swam at the beach and got in a little sun bathing. By two o’clock, they were in their room and David filled the hot tub again, but this time they used it to soothe their already aching muscles. After dressing, they joined Angela and Jimmy at the dock to rent a pontoon boat. Angela brought a bottle of ready-made Margarita’s along with some paper cups, ice, chips and dip. They began their cocktail cruise and folded in line with other boats doing the same thing. Looking at each of the houses and occupants was fun. They slowly passed each home, commenting on the architecture or type of boat tied up in front. Lake Harmony contained the full array of houses; from a falling down shack built in the twenties all the way up to several 6,000 square foot extravagant summer homes.

  As they neared the
far end of the lake, a woman skier did a big cut lightly spraying them with water, then let go and stopped at a small sandy beach in front of an attractive gray and white two-story house. Her husband, who was driving the boat and two teenage daughters sitting in the front, looked a bit embarrassed as they began pulling in the rope and collecting the skis. Colleen thought the water misting actually felt good as the temperature was still in the nineties. They made several passes around the lake, each time finding something a little different. By dinnertime, they were ready to turn in the boat and get out of the heat of the sun.

  Back in their room, David turned up the air conditioning and, after closing the drapes; they both lay on the bed and rested awhile. David made the first move, slowly unbuttoning Colleen’s blouse; he began kissing her shoulder, then nibbling her neck. Colleen became aroused and soon they were kissing and embracing. Taking their time and enjoying each other, they explored different erogenous zones and learned new and exciting things about each other.

  By eight o’clock, they were dressed and ready to head to dinner. Colleen recommended Shenanigan’s restaurant, located right at the sharp bend just before the lake.

  Shenanigan’s restaurant consisted of mainly brass and oak décor, interspersed with deep forest green walls. The owner, Nick Pantonopolis, stopped at each table, making sure everything was right. They both ordered lobster and David selected a bottle of Cabernet Blanc for dinner. In another room, a trio played popular songs from the seventies and eighties as the crowd began to sing along.

  After dinner, they took seats at the bar and watched the people dancing on a small dance floor while sipping two beers.

  “David, let’s dance.”

  “I’m not very good,” he blushed.

  “Come on, I’ll teach you.”

  A little awkward at first, they soon began moving with more confidence and experience. After several dances, they finished their drinks and walked out into the warm summer evening. There was a hint of pine along with the aroma of blooming mountain laurel in the air. After seeing a deer looking at them from the side of the road, they drove slowly back to Split Rock Lodge.

  In the morning, they would leave for the trip to Washington, DC. David requested an early check out with a 5:00 AM wake-up call. They were both a little stiff from the skiing that morning and they fell asleep shortly after crawling into bed.

  Chapter 15

  By 5:30 AM, they were on the road and before the sun rose over the tops of the hills, David had already swung off Route 22 in Easton, PA and headed southward along the Delaware River. They cleared Philadelphia just after 7:30 on Route 95 South just missing the morning rush hour. A few miles north of Wilmington, Delaware, they pulled off the interstate to find some gas and a bite to eat. The Claymont Diner looked like a good bet and there was a gas station next door.

  Entering the diner was like taking a step back in time. At one point in its life, it must have been the epitome of diner architectural style with it’s Flashy neon sign, sharp corners, simulated wood grain walls and terrazzo flooring. You entered the Claymont Diner at the center by the cash register. Flanking the entrance in either direction along the front windows were rows of Formica topped booths edged in stainless steel. The seats were upholstered in maroon vinyl, attached with large brass-headed nails set on very close centers. Each booth was equipped with individual access to a central jukebox system. For the sum of fifty cents, you could play any one of two hundred songs. Across from the booths was a counter running almost the length of the building with an equally long row of maroon stools and more jukebox stations.

  This morning the Claymont Diner fairly bristled with people. The clank of dishes and utensils provided a backdrop for the din of conversation. The aroma of fresh coffee and good food awakened their hunger as servers briskly helped their customers.

  A friendly black waitress with a big smile and an infectious laugh seated the couple in a booth overlooking the parking lot. She returned shortly with two cups and a carafe of coffee and pointed out the breakfast specials on the back of the menu.

  “David, did you get a look at those pastries in the display case on the way in?”

  “Yes and I’ve already made plans for several of them for the remainder of our trip.”

  They took their time over breakfast and on the way out gathered some goodies along with two containers of coffee for the road. The morning sun had already begun its process of scorching the car’s interior. David opened both car doors and ran the air-conditioning before they could get in. While he gassed up the car at the station next door, Colleen bought a road map and a pack of red Twizzlers for the trip.

  Back on Route 95, they headed toward Baltimore, took Route 695, the Baltimore Beltway, around the city and continued toward Washington. On the outskirts of Washington, DC, they got on the Beltway around DC and found the exit for Alexandria, Virginia. Before leaving Split Rock Lodge, Colleen made room reservations at the Alexandria Hilton Old Town on King Street located in the Old Town section of Alexandria. This location would provide an easy walk to the subway running directly into Washington, DC, nicely eliminating the need to drive into the city and fight for parking.

  They arrived and checked in just after noon.

  From the balcony of their fourth floor room, Colleen stood looking down at the pool. “Why don’t we go for a swim? After all that driving I really don’t feel like starting the research today, let’s just relax this afternoon and get an early start tomorrow?”

  “You can be very convincing at times.”

  In less than a half-hour, they were in the pool enjoying its refreshing coolness on the ninety plus degree-day.

  “You know, we just might be able to get tickets for a concert or some other event at the Kennedy Center tonight.”

  “I thought you were tired from all that driving?” questioned David.

  “More like not actually wanting to do any work. But a concert, now that’s something entirely different all together,” divulged Colleen. “The concierge in the lobby can arrange for tickets. If we go, we can also do a little shopping in Old Alexandria for something to wear. Oh, David, it would be so much fun.”

  David was a sucker for her blue eyes and red hair, especially when she had that pleading look. It did sound like fun and since he now had a real girlfriend, he definitely needed to improve his wardrobe.

  The concierge desk arranged for two tickets in the second row of the balcony at the Kennedy Center. The Boston Pops Orchestra was performing a show, called An Evening with the Pops.

  Casually dressed in shorts, tee shirts and sneakers they walked from their hotel into town. Old Town Alexandria, Virginia was once a colonial seaport and home to George Washington; years later, it was a Confederate city overlooking the Union capital of Washington, DC. Walking by the George Washington Memorial Masonic Temple, they were able to see the city of Alexandria and the monuments in Washington, DC. While strolling along the waterfront, they passed the home of the Marquis de Lafayette and the famous “Flounder House,” where ships once delivered goods for sale in northern Virginia. Along the way, they visited the old Torpedo Factory from WW II, which now houses several artists busily creating and selling their crafts.

  A late lunch in a small New Orleans style cafe provided them with a little rest and some sorely needed sustenance. Tucked away in what was once part of an old lumberyard, the Cafe Orleans offered delightful patio dining in a garden-like setting with excellent cuisine. They each consumed a glass of white wine while they dined on Crawfish Etouffee and Shrimp Creole. Afterward, Colleen and David shared a rather decadent French pastry and espresso.

  As they journeyed along the waterfront, Colleen found a delightful little dress shop and purchased a slinky red evening dress with spaghetti straps and a long slit up the side. She completed the outfit with a pair of matching high heels.

  A few doors down, they found a preppy lo
oking men’s store called the Regimental Stripe. David selected a blue blazer, matching traditional striped blazer tie and blue Oxford button-down shirt.

  After leaving The Regimental Stripe, they headed back to the hotel to get ready for the concert.

  The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is, by any standard, impressive. An imposing square structure done in white marble, it contains an Opera House, a Concert Hall and the Eisenhower Theater, not to mention various other rooms, terraces, exhibits and displays. David took Colleen’s hand as they walked up several steps and entered the North Plaza Grand Foyer with its high ceiling and helix shaped hanging chandeliers. Scarlet carpeting accentuated the floor to ceiling windows flanked by columns, while brass ashtrays stood like soldiers along the interior walls. Crowds of well-dressed people filtered into the foyer and the din of conversation gradually increased in volume.

  They slowly sipped two glasses of champagne while absorbing the ambiance of the room. Tonight’s event was taking place in the Concert Hall and their seats were in the first tier of the balcony. After finishing their champagne, they went in and found their seats. The room was large, seating over two thousand people with bright red seats and matching carpeting. Most impressive were the eleven Hadelands Chandeliers on long chains, a gift from Norway.

  A chime sounded and the chandeliers began to dim as Colleen snuggled a little closer to David. Kettledrums rolled while the spotlight shone down on the conductor. The opening piece was George Gershwin’s Strike up the Band Overture quickly followed by David Rose’s The Stripper. As the evening wore on there were selections of movie themes including the Theme from a Summer Place, Moon River, Come Fly with Me, then several Cole Porter songs from the thirties and forties. Just before the house lights came up for the intermission they finished with In the Still of the Night from 1937. They enjoyed another glass of champagne and strolled throughout the South Plaza Grand Foyer stopping to look at the bust of John F. Kennedy.

  As they made their way back to their seats, David was briefly aware of a man with an earphone staring at them. When David looked again, he was gone. He decided the person was probably looking at Colleen, who, in her new red dress was stunning. The chime sounded again and they returned to their seats. This time they began with a medley of Beatles’ hits from the sixties and seventies. Next up were a number of Broadway show tunes including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, from Evita, The Impossible Dream, from Man of La Mancha and finally ending the evening with another Cole Porter tune from 1944, Every Time We Say Goodbye.