Paradise Found

by David Horne

  “People deserve to know the truth about what happened out there Amy. Don't you believe that?”

  “Do they? We didn't even know that this mystery existed until now and we've been getting on just fine without it.” After a pause, she added, “When do you want to go and see them?”

  “Maybe tomorrow morning? It's probably best that they have a couple of days for Logan to get settled in again.

  Simon finished making his sandwich and then returned to his room, not understanding why Amy wasn't being wholly supportive. As far as he was concerned, this was something of public interest, and it wasn't like Amy knew for sure Logan didn't want to be interviewed. Simon imagined that, in the same situation, he'd want to shout out his story to the world, especially if he was lost in some kind of wilderness.

  Chapter Six

  The following morning, Simon was incredibly nervous, although he wasn't sure if this was due to his first assignment riding on this meeting, or that he was meeting Logan. Maybe it was both. Before he left, he went through a number of outfits. First, he tried something casual, just a t-shirt and jeans. Then he remembered that this was his profession. He should put forward an aura of authority if he was going to get anywhere, so he changed into the only suit he owned, the same one he had worn to the wedding. Taking one look in the mirror, he knew that it was over the top.

  Sighing, he trawled through his wardrobe, flinging clothes all over the place, until he sank to his knees and held his head in his hands. He turned to look at himself in the mirror and realized how pathetic he looked.

  “Come on, Simon. You can do this. This is what you've wanted. Are you really going to chicken out now? Just ignore these voices in your head and get it done,” he said, almost yelling to himself. Simon pulled out a few other options, trying to ignore the war that was happening in his mind. It had always been the same thing. There was a part of him that had been his own worst enemy ever since he could remember. It took a tremendous effort to silence the voices, and even then the whisper still drifted through his mind like a winter breeze through a barren forest.

  Eventually, he settled on a shirt and some jeans. He left the collar open and rolled the sleeves up to the middle of his forearms. He hadn't shaved since the wedding, so there was a slight shadow running across his jaw. He decided to leave it. Logan was a manly man, maybe he would respect Simon more if he thought they had something in common. Smoothing down his hair, Simon took one look in the mirror and nodded approvingly. He had to remind himself that he wasn't getting ready for a date.

  Grabbing his satchel, he was just about to leave the apartment when the door to Amy's room opened, and she emerged.

  “Good luck today,” she said.

  “You mean it?”

  “I do. I still love you Simon. I want you to do well in your career, but please, just remember that these people have had a lot of intrusion in their lives already. Don't push too hard.”

  “I won't.”

  The door to their apartment closed behind him. Simon took a moment to inhale deeply, and then he was on his way. The morning was bright and fresh. The air was sweet. In the distance he could see the jagged skyline of the city, its skyscrapers looking smaller from this far out. Instead of getting the train into the city like usual, Simon went in the opposite direction; keeping to the small community he grew up in. It wasn't a long walk to Bob's house, but Simon regretted not finding some other way to get there because by the time he arrived he was dabbing sweat off his temples with a handkerchief.

  The screen door rattled as Simon knocked on it, and Jackie opened. She looked weathered, as though she still hadn't recovered from her wedding.

  “Morning Jackie. I hope you don't mind me dropping by,” Simon said.

  “Of course not, what can I do you for?” Jackie said, smiling.

  “I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Sunday. It was a lovely occasion, and you two looked really happy.”

  “I know, it was perfect wasn't it,” Jackie said, her face widening as she relived the memories.

  “And I guess it was made even better with the return of Bob's brother.”

  “We couldn't have asked for anything more. It's just been so perfect.”

  “I can imagine. I have to say, I never even knew Bob had a brother.”

  “Well, it's not something we liked to talk about, you know. It was very painful for Bob. I think he'd given up hope after all these years.”

  “Could I come in? I have a favor to ask,” Simon said. Suspicion flickered across Jackie's mind, but she opened the door and welcomed Simon in. The smell of maple syrup, pancakes, and sizzling bacon filled the air. Simon's stomach grumbled. He'd spent so much time getting ready for this moment that he had forgotten to eat.

  “What's the favor? Would you like anything to eat?”

  Simon eyed the food greedily but didn't want to push too far. There was one thing and one thing only he wanted from Jackie and Bob, and it wasn't bacon.

  “I'm good thank you, I had a big breakfast myself. I was just wondering...I mean, this is a big occasion for you two obviously, but also the entire region. You might know that I work for The Literary Summit and I thought it would make a great feature—”

  “Let me stop you there, Simon. I appreciate why you're asking, but Bob doesn't want anything like that happening. He remembered what it was like when he was younger, all the accusations. They treated his father miserably. He's got his brother back. Nothing else matters.”

  “I understand. I did some reading, and some of what was printed was terrible. I can't imagine what it must have been like for Bob growing up, but I wouldn't write anything like that. It would be more of a celebration piece, and Bob wouldn't have to be in it. Really I'd just like to ask Logan a few questions about where he's been and why he's come back now of all times.”

  “He's been away, and he came home because God had the grace to show him the way. Those are all the answers you need,” Jackie said, her voice beginning to tremble with emotion.

  “Yes, but I just thought the people would like to know—”

  “We don't much care for other people around here. This is a family matter, and we'd appreciate it staying that way. I'm sorry Simon, but that's the way things have to be. Logan has been through a lot, and he doesn't want to be disturbed,” she said.

  As though she had summoned him, the two of them heard heavy footsteps thumping up from the basement. Simon's breath caught in his throat as Logan emerged. The man looked even more impressive than he had on Sunday. He'd evidently just finished his workout. He was wearing a gray vest, which clung to his glistening body. His biceps bulged, and Simon thought he was going to faint.

  “Who do we have here?” Logan asked in a low rumble as he walked to the table and poured himself a glass of orange juice. Tilting his head back, he gulped it down eagerly, finishing off the entire glass. A towel was wrapped around his neck. He raised the corner and wiped his forehead. He was a pure physical specimen, someone who epitomized the best qualities of masculinity.

  “I'm Simon, I'm—”

  “Just leaving,” Jackie interjected, shooting Simon a stern look. “He's a family friend who wanted to say how much he enjoyed the wedding.”

  “Oh yes, the wedding. That's where I remember you from,” Logan said. He held out a hand. Simon had to stop his own from shaking with nerves. Logan's palm was rough, calloused. His fingers were thick, his grip strong. Simon felt little as his pale skin was enveloped by the bronzed leather of Logan's hand.

  “It's a pleasure to meet you,” Logan said.

  “The pleasure is mine,” Simon gasped. Looking at Logan was like looking at the sun. Simon had a feeling it was only going to be bad for him, yet Logan was so beautiful it was impossible to look away. He had the kind of aura that made the air sizzle, and Simon wouldn't have been surprised had his hair been standing on end.

  “Sure you don't want to stay for breakfast? There's plenty here. Jackie always does more than enough.”

  “No, Jack
ie was right, I was just leaving,” Simon said, feeling defeat enter his heart. Then he remembered what Bill had told him. Good reporters find a way. He wasn't going to return to work a failure. “But if you wanted to go for a walk sometime, maybe I could show you around the area, see how things have changed since you've been gone?”

  Simon refused to look directly at Jackie. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see that she was shooting daggers at him. Logan smiled.

  “That would be nice. I'd like to get some fresh air. I need to grab a shower and cool down. I'll meet you by the Paradiso in about an hour?”

  “Sounds good to me,” Simon said. Logan nodded, then left.

  “You'd better know what you're doing,” Jackie said in a terse voice. “If anything hurts Bob, I'll make you pay. Keep it to a walk. I don't want to hear anything about a story being written.”

  Jackie opened the door for Simon, indicating that it was time for him to leave. He took the invitation, but didn't say anything else to her. All he had to do was explain the situation to Logan. Logan seemed reasonable, and ultimately it was up to him whether he shared his story or not.

  With a spring in his step, Simon walked down to the old Paradiso theatre. The cinema had seen better days. In its heyday it had even attracted people from the city, but as multiplexes became more en vogue, the Paradiso suffered. Its dilapidated walls were torn and weathered, and the banner that showed coming attractions was completely bare. The ticket kiosk was empty as well.

  Simon leaned against the wall and pulled out his equipment to make sure that it worked. He'd brought a tape recorder, a notebook and pen, and his laptop, although he didn't think he'd need the latter just yet. While he waited, he thought about how he would begin the article. His eyes scanned the neighborhood, looking at the old general stores, searching for inspiration, but his mind quickly wandered to Logan.

  Simon had put Logan's intense aura down to his own imagination. After all, he'd been distracted on Sunday and had had a fair bit to drink so his judgment was impaired. Surely nobody could have been as gorgeous as he was. But now, seeing him in the flesh again, Simon knew his first instincts had been right. The man was right out of one of his teenage fantasies. He looked like he belonged on a screen. Simon imagined there was nothing beyond his capabilities. He was one of those men that looked timeless, as though he had always been that age and would always be that age.

  He was so lost in thought that he didn't see Logan when he approached.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” he asked.

  “Oh, sorry,” Simon said, flustered. He picked up his satchel. Logan had changed into a t-shirt and jeans. His broad torso made it look as though the t-shirt hung off him. He was at least six foot four, and cast a long shadow.

  “It's okay, don't worry about it. Damn, I didn't realize how depressing this place looked. What happened here?” Logan asked, stepping back a little so he could take in the entirety of the cinema. “I remember when I was kid there would be people lined up all down the street. This was the most glamorous part of town.”

  “It all moved to the city, unfortunately. New cinemas came along, ones with ten or twenty screens. More movies were released each year. The Paradiso just couldn't keep up. I think it finally shut down when I was about five. My mom and dad were sad. Anytime we wanted to go to the cinema we had to take a ride into town. I remember them saying something about bad management as well. Sandy got ill and had to let her son manage it. From what I've heard over the years he didn't have the same business brain as her mother. He made some bad choices and the Paradiso couldn't recover.”

  “Funny how devastating bad choices can be. I used to dream of working here. My best memories were coming up here every Saturday and staying there all day, my eyes glued to the screen. I used to watch everything, but I loved the classics. Brando, Bogart, Rock Hudson, those were my idols. I was never happier than when I was in there. You think we can go in?”

  “I don't think we're supposed to,” Simon said, but Logan was already walking up to the entrance. It had been boarded over. Nobody had stepped inside for years. Simon looked around nervously.

  “What happened to Sandy's daughter?”

  “She left to work in the city. I don't think there was any interest in this place, so it just sits here.”

  Logan heaved the wood away. There was a sharp crack, and then a thud as he tossed the plank to the floor. He repeated this a few times until the door was accessible. He opened it, a yawning darkness beckoned, and he entered. Despite his nerves, Simon followed.

  Chapter Seven

  “It's just like I remember, only sadder,” Logan said. They walked into the lobby. The only light that illuminated the building was from the sun that broke through the dust-covered windows, and shafts of light that came through holes in the ceiling. The faint smell of popcorn lingered after all these years, and on the walls, posters were hung up of the latest movies at that time. Faded stars, faded images, this place was a relic of the past.

  Logan continued walking, unafraid of anything he might find. Simon, in contrast, was looking around furtively, afraid of anything that might be lingering in the darkness. When they reached the screen, Logan breathed in the air and placed his hands on his hips. Simon heard something scuttle by and jumped up, yelling in fright. Logan glanced at him and chuckled.

  “It's just a rat,” he said. “Look at this. This is true beauty. I can't believe it's been neglected. I'm going to go to my favorite seat,” he said, and walked down the aisle. Simon followed dutifully. Logan found a seat toward the back, in the middle of the row, and let out a long, satisfied moan as he sat down. The red velvet that covered the seats was still comfortable. Ornate golden dragons snaked around the ceiling, all slithering around the screen.

  “This was where the magic happened,” Logan said, looking in awe at the blank cinema screen. Simon imagined that he was running through images in his mind, thinking about all the movies he'd seen come alive on that screen. “I guess everything has its time,” he added, a tinge of wistful sadness in his voice. “Still, it's good to be here.”

  “I guess it's hard coming back after all these years. So much must have changed.”

  “Not as much as you might think. It's mostly the people. They come and go, and I guess people make a place. It's only been twenty years, but it feels like longer. The high street is the most different. It used to be the place to be.”

  “Now that's the city,” Simon said. Silence rested over them. Simon could barely believe he was sitting next to Logan. The musty old smell of the cinema was driven away by the pure scent of him. Part of Simon didn't want to tell Logan about the article at all for fear of him reacting like Jackie, but he had a professional commitment, and he didn't want to keep Logan here under false pretenses.

  “I hope you don't take offense at this, but Bob didn't mention you as a close friend,” Logan said.

  “No, well, I guess we're not really. We kinda knew each other in school. He went out with my best friend.”

  “Oh, right.”

  “Did he tell you the story of how he and Jackie met?”

  “He did, indeed, something about a minor crash.”

  “Yeah. He crashed because Amy had just broken up with him.”

  “Sounds like my brother,” Logan said with a smile, “turning defeat into victory. He's done well for himself. Jackie's a good woman. Strong, forthright, but I think that's what Bob needs. Someone to keep him on his toes. Someone just like mom...it was good of them to take me in.” For a moment Simon got the sense that Logan was about to reveal something personal, but something had stopped him. Logan was a powerful man, and powerful emotions must have been simmering under the surface.

  “Yeah, they're well suited.”

  “She seemed pretty icy this morning. Did something happen between the two of you? You're not some kind of heart-breaker, leading innocent young girls to misery are you?”

  “No, nothing like that,” Simon said, blushing slightly. “It's actually, wel
l, it's a little awkward honestly. It's just that I work for a local interest magazine called The Literary Summit. It's celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary this year, and I was hoping to get my first proper article published. I'm only a junior editor at the moment, and I've never written a story like all the other writers. Then you came back and, well, I thought...”

  “That you could write a story about me.”

  “It would certainly capture the interest of everyone around, but I understand if you don't want to. Jackie didn't like the idea, not after everything that happened after your disappearance.”

  “I heard something about that. Bob hasn't managed to catch me up with everything, but there's been a lot.”

  “It wouldn't be like that at all though,” Simon said quickly, “I just wanted to ask you a few questions about where you've been and why you came back, and what you hope to do now. If you wanted to be interviewed that is.”

  “It doesn't sound too bad, but I'll have to talk it over with Bob of course. This isn't just me it'll affect. I'm not opposed to it though, but you have to understand that I was away for a long time. Sometimes these things aren't easy for me.”

  “Of course not. I understand completely. I would only go as far as you wanted me to.”

  “That's kind. You strike me as someone with a kind soul, Simon. Well, here's what I'll do. I'll think about it, but the one thing I'm sure of is that I'm only going to agree to have this piece written if I'm sure that you have the best interests of my family at heart, and for that to happen I need to get to know you. So how about we spend a little bit of time together and at the end of the day we can see where we stand. But we’ll just hang out as friends, this isn't going to be a part of the article.”

  “That sounds good to me,” Simon said, trying to remain as neutral as possible, not wanting Logan to know that deep inside his heart was jumping for joy. They stayed staring at the screen for a while longer, before Logan eventually rubbed his hand over his beard.