Continue The Tale - Part 4

Chantal Merryweather slipped off her goose down wrap and flinged it with care onto the davenport. Her milky shoulders now exposed to the insects, she walked briskly to the window and nudged it shut.

Dale could already tell this was going to be a juicy tale. This book was not only exactly what he was seeking, but also a bargain at 79 cents. He wished only now that he had some cash on hand. He hated using his debit card for such small purchases. The times he would have to slide his Newtonville Savings and Loan plastic along the slot at Merv's Joe Pavilion for a small French roast made him feel as though he was a careless, self-centered buffoon. He always gave in to the guilt and added a shot of pecan syrup and a rubberized travel mug just to bring the total up to a respectable level. Dale dug into the satin-lined pockets of his trousers and found his earbud case, a Starburst, some beach sand, but no coins. He riffled through his duffle. Still nothing.

The thought of shoplifting entered his mind and stuck there like a heavy sauce burnt into a pan. He scanned the shop for cameras and guards, seeing nothing but what looked to be a cardboard standy of Nathaniel Hawthorne. He slipped the book into his duffle, tucking it safely under a pair of hardened swim trunks. The perfect crime?

"T'was only a twitter in my loin not but a fortnight past," said a high, sultry voice.

"Huh?" Dale muttered. He looked around again but saw no possible source for the comment. He then realized it must have come from the copy of "Paris Knights" and unzipped the bag to give her a little air. "Did you say something?" he asked the book.

"Reginald? Is that you?" said the book. "Sir Haltenstedder has locked me in his stone-walled guest bedroom! He's gone mad with passion! Help!"

"Listen, Ms Merryweather is it?" Dale said with his face tucked in to the musty duffle. "I don't know who this Reginald is, but I can assure you I am at least 75% more of a man than he is. Let's get you out of here."

Dale and the stolen, imprisoned damsel walked calmly toward the exit of the Booken Hausen...