The Bluffington Four

By R E Swirsky

Francine Esterro has lived peacefully in the small University town of Bluffington for many years. When she can't reach her long time and close friend in the house across the street she begins to worry. A few weeks pass with still no word of her friend when the house is suddenly sold and a stranger moves in. Francine becomes panicked as her thoughts go to a device that has been kept hidden away and guarded up in the attic of that house; a device that caused her and her friends so much suffering and tragedy many years ago.

The year was nineteen sixty-six. Francine is a young art student sharing the house with three other students. She and the others on a whim decided to explore the attic, where it is rumored a dead man was once found hanging. While searching the attic instead of finding anything to do with the dead man, they stumble across a strange device. After getting a sense that the device is something they should maybe not be touching, they decide to leave it alone, but it is already too late. The next morning they awake to find they have been sent back in time ten years.
As the four attempt to find a way to get back home, tempers flare and personalities soon divide the group. They struggle to work together as a group to find their way home, but not before they send themselves to multiple different periods in time where tradgedy continues to follow them, finally leaving one of them on the brink of death before they make it back to a time they belong.

Francine knows she must seek out the stranger if she has any hope of accessing the device in the attic to ensure the secret of what happened those many years ago remains a secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R E Swirsky
• Release date: Oct 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9780987857415

R E Swirsky

Ray grew up in the small town of Kimberley in British Columbia before moving to Calgary Alberta to go to college. He has remained in the Calgary area ever since.OUTSIDE FORCESA secret vigilante organization named the Order has been formed to correct the errors of an imperfect justice system. Garrod Shaw, accused of killing his three young children and dumping their bodies in a lake has beaten his murder charge on a technicality. A Russian Diplomat, while driving impaired, runs down and kills a young woman and faces no penalty or prosecution after claiming diplomatic immunity. Both men are habitually dangerous and for the protection of all citizens, the Order believes it is time to remove these two once and for all.BUMSTEAD’S WELLThe dare was simple. Spend one night down at the bottom of Bumstead's well. When Vincent's friends fail to return at the agreed time, Vincent finds himself trapped alone and reflecting on his short life.WISH ME FROM THE WATERA young boy commits suicide. The town folk believe it was another result of bullying but two brothers discover the truth and decide to take matters into their own hands. A tale of abuse, shame and standing up for what you believe is right.EXTREME MALICEIf you could create the perfect murder and get away with it, would you? A young university student is charged with murder. His guitar string is wrapped around her neck. His shoe prints are left at the scene. Her earrings found under his bed. Her husband hundreds of miles away. The perfect murder? You be the judge.THE BLUFFINGTON FOURA time travel mystery about four students who disappeared in the mid 1960s.IN THE MIDST OF A PREDATORA very short psychological story. Bobby, a young boy alone at the fair grounds, finds comfort in a stranger who reaches out to him. Having the best night of his life, Bobby is unaware his new friend has something very different in store for him.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Aug 14 2010

A musty smell of things old and forgotten lingered throughout the attic of the house at 742 Founders Road. It had been well over twenty years that the dust had been left undisturbed upon the rows and rows of wooden trunks stacked so carefully upon the shelving along the east wall, but yesterday, the secret access to the attic was cautiously opened once again and two men rose slowly up the staircase in a humbled silence, as if what they were about to do warranted more respect than either were able to provide. As the first trunk was slowly re-opened dust began to lift high up into the air, swirling around in tight circles, as if the particles were in celebration of what was about to come. Below, the two men had returned to travel once again, disturbing the dust with their every movement. The dust continued to twist, spiraling and contorting all around the two as they planned their newest excursion. The voices of the two men echoed throughout the cavities of the attic, sometimes coupled with giddy laughter and shouts of glorious expectation. Long into the night the two mused and reminisced of the events and mishaps from a time long ago, each one being careful to avoid the reason they now found themselves facing one more unexpected journey.

And then suddenly it was all over. The night had slowly changed back into day and the two men that had chatted deep into the night until sleep finally had overtaken them had now vanished to a moment in time forgotten by all but a few.

In the attic with the men now far away in another time and place, the dust began to rest once again, transforming into its own peaceful suspension as another new day broke across the horizon. A yellow glow from the morning sun stole its way through the stained glass window high above in the rafters casting itself upon each one of the dust particles as each particle seemed to float timelessly in the air patiently waiting for the men to return.

***

Chapter 2

August 18th 2010, 4 Days Later

Francine picked up the phone. Her hand trembled for a moment. She looked at the receiver in her hand and wondered just how many times she had called in the past few days. Carefully she dialed one of the numbers once again, and put the phone up to her ear. She could hear the phone ringing over and over on the other end of the line. Still no answer. She set the phone back down in its cradle, and slowly moved into the front room and stared out the picture window at the two innocent looking houses across the street. Where the hell are they?

***

Francine was out for her usual late afternoon jog. As she rounded the bend on Founders Road leading back to her house, she was startled to see a strange red headed man carrying bags of groceries in to the house across the street from hers. Bill’s house. All Francine could think, was that Bill must be back, and she couldn’t wait to see him. She'd known Bill for twenty plus years and suddenly he seemed unreachable these past few weeks.

As she moved nearer up the street, the strange man came back out of the house for the last bag of groceries still resting in the bottom of the open trunk.

Francine crossed the street to the other side. She needed to find out who this man was. She slowed her pace down to a fast walk and then stopped, giving a pleasant Hi to this stranger.

The man turned and was obviously quite surprised to see someone standing next to him. Francine was wearing a light blue cotton jogging outfit, with matching bandana across her forehead.

Oh …Hello, the man replied back giving her the quick once over.

My name’s Francine Esterro, I live just across the street, she said motioning with a slight tilt of her head. Francine offered out her hand.

The man looked across to the house across the street then tucking the groceries under his left arm, reached out and accepted her handshake.

Jeff …Jeff Carson, he said still taking in the striking beauty Francine’s face and figure always presented. Francine could almost feel Jeff’s eyes undress her as he quickly absorbed her fine athletic physique and beautiful facial features. She was used to the way men looked at her. She had heard the comments many times of how her deep blue eyes were somewhat piercing and always seemed to sparkle. Her body was strong and fit, and few men could resist following her with their eyes as she walked by.

I was just out for a run, and noticed you going into the house there.

Uh huh, Jeff replied, letting go of her hand.

Are you visiting Bill?

Uh …Bill? Jeff asked, looking back up to the house. I just bought this house.

Francine’s eye’s opened wide, darting up to the house and back to Jeff. You bought this house? Where’s Bill? she asked forcefully.

Jeff shuffled his feet before answering. To be honest, I don’t really know.

Francine looked at Jeff saying nothing.

I met his daughter here yesterday, Stephanie, and it all happened rather quickly really, Jeff offered, looking like he needed to apologize for some unknown reason.

Stephanie? I hadn’t seen her since last year. She went away to college…

Yes, well, she came back here just to close the sale on the house. Spent the day here. He paused a moment before continuing. I guess her dad …Bill, asked her to sell the house, right away, lock stock and barrel. Stephanie seemed disturbed by this a bit I think.

Jeff went on to tell Francine about his brief encounter with Stephanie. Jeff’s first curiosity was why the house was listed at well below the market value. Stephanie was obviously upset, but she told Jeff that it was a promise she’d made to her father. She’d been attending University on the east coast when she received the weekly call from her father. He’d not called to chit chat like he always did, and instead began telling her that he was going away for a few days, but he wouldn’t say where. He said it wasn’t important where he was going, but what was important was that she continues on with her studies. Stephanie told Jeff that her father had often talked about the what if’s. What if you mother died? What if something happened to me? It was something he’d made sure she questioned and keep near the surface all the time. She suddenly knew this is what he had been hinting at all those times. Her father was leaving, and she had no idea why or where he was going, nor if he was ever to return. Even though they never said it out loud, this was goodbye. If she hadn’t heard from him within three days then she was to sell the house. He’d already made all the necessary arrangements. All she needed to do was to call the realtor in Bluffington, and then come back to Bluffington once a buyer was found. She was to sign the documents and clear out his personal belongings. She was not to worry about him or try to find him. Just sell the house he said to her. Those three days felt like three months as Stephanie worried for her father, but by the end of third day when he never showed or called, she accepted his decision and placed the call to the realtor. Jeff had seen the home on the internet and fell in love with it immediately and at the asking price, he could not refuse. He’d helped Stephanie pack up her dad’s belongings, and offered the garage in the back for storage until Stephanie sent for his things. Though Stephanie was disturbed by her father’s sudden departure, she was not totally surprised.

She was only here the one day, yesterday and was soon gone as quick as she had come.

Oh, was all Francine replied looking back to the house once again. I just… Francine’s mind began to race. Bill sold the house? Why? Where the hell did Bill go? Suddenly she had so many questions It’s just …I don’t know. I thought something was up with Bill. I hadn’t seen him for a few weeks, and wondered what was up. Francine’s mind couldn’t help but hook on the feeling that there was nothing neat and tidy about Bill’s sudden disappearance. Bill had said nothing to her about selling or leaving. This was not like Bill at all. There was not even a for sale sign posted prior to the sale. With the sale of his house, Bill was surely not coming back.

Jeff shook his head not offering anything more to Francine.

Well, Mr. Carson, what brings you out here to Bluffington anyway? she asked changing the subject, trying to keep some sort of focus on what was happening.

I’m here actually, to teach a course at the University.

How interesting. Are you a scientist or a math scholar of some kind? she asked forcing a smile.

Jeff laughed. Not really. Quite the opposite in fact. I’m an artist and have been contracted by the University to teach a course on the Bluffington Four. I’ll be here for at least a full year for this.

Francine felt a second wave of panic pass momentarily through her body as she hadn’t heard the name Bluffington Four spoken directly to her face for decades.

The Bluffington Four?

Yes, he replied looking at the confusion spread across Francine’s face. I guess you don’t know who they are? Jeff asked, confusion clearly spreading out on his own face.

Francine froze where she was and an icy cold panic began to swell in waves, filling her veins with a sudden impending dread. She had to leave. As much as she tried to fight it, her thoughts began to consume themselves in fear over her past. The words Bluffington Four had somehow set off a chain reaction within her that she could not control. Was it because Bill was suddenly gone as well? She didn’t know. All she knew was that things had suddenly changed and she needed to get away as fast as possible to try and think this through.

Well it’s nice to have met you Mr. Carson, Francine said directly but as politely as she could manage. Without replying to Jeff’s question about knowing who the Bluffington Four were, she suddenly turned sharply away from Jeff and hurriedly shuffled herself across the street to her house.

It’s Jeff …you can call me Jeff! he hollered across the street behind her.

Francine scurried as fast as she could across Founders Road to her own house. She could feel him watching her all the way. A part of her wanted to sneak a glance over her shoulder, but she couldn’t. Not now. She needed to get back behind her own walls and collect her thoughts. She hurried into her house and a new fear surfaced as she suddenly realized that Bill’s house was the key, and now the house was not under their careful watch anymore. For twenty plus years three of them had guarded that house and shared its secret. Suddenly Bill was gone, and there was someone new standing between them and the device hidden away in the attic.

Francine moved to the front window and stared at the tiny window in the attic of the house across the street. The story of the Bluffington Four had been their little secret, shared by all but discussed by none, and that device in the attic was at the root of all that happened. She couldn't walk away that easy.

***

It was late in the evening the next day when Francine mustered up enough courage to carry out what she thought was her best option. Moments later she found herself standing nervously on the doorstep of Bill’s old house where this new man with the red hair was now living. Francine rang the doorbell and waited.

Hello again, Jeff said obviously not expecting to see Francine standing there.

It’s me, Francine …from across the street. I really hope I’m not bothering you, but I needed or …I wanted to talk to you, she said fumbling over her words.

No, not at all. I was just going over some notes.

Uh …that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. May I come in? I feel bad about yesterday. Francine reflected quickly on her sudden departure, and wanted to ensure Jeff that it wasn’t something he had said that had turned her away.

I’m not sure what you mean. He opened the door wide and motioned for Francine to come in.

It’s just …that yesterday when we talked …I left so suddenly and thought you may have thought I was rude. I wanted to apologize for that. As she stepped into the house her eyes moved quickly, making a rapid inspection around the inside of Bill’s old house.

I hadn’t noticed, Jeff replied.

I guess it was just hearing that Bill was gone. It’s quite a shock actually. I mean, I just saw him a few weeks ago and the next thing I find out is he is gone and I find out after the house is sold and all. I kind of thought Stephanie would have come by. We knew each other quite well over the years.

Well I think she was actually pretty shook up herself. Anyway, what can I do for you?

Francine knew that this was the moment. She would need to be direct if she was to accomplish anything and stay connected to Bill’s house in some way. Nothing really, I just really wanted to apologize and also thought that maybe you might need some help or something. You know, I can help you find out information about the Bluffington Four, and I can give you the town tour if you need one. I’d be a great assistant to help you get started if you want.

It was obvious Jeff was a little disturbed by her boldness. She had only met him yesterday, but she was hoping she was offering up some assistance that Jeff actually could use. School would be starting soon and he really only had a few weeks of time to prepare. Francine watched as Jeff glanced to the stack of books on the coffee table.

Actually I’d like that, Jeff replied.

Relief swept over Francine.

Come, sit down, he said motioning Francine to the parlor where Jeff had numerous books and articles laid out, all the topic of Bluffington’s famous four.

I picked all this up at the University library today, referring to the mess of books on the table.

The Buffington Four huh? Francine asked, seeming to not know who exactly the Bluffington Four where. That’s the four artists that went missing back in the sixties isn’t it?

Yes it is. Nineteen sixty-six to be exact, Jeff replied.

Tell me about them. How much have you found out so far?

Jeff began to tell Francine what he knew about the Bluffington Four. Jeff grew up not far from Bluffington, in Calgary. As a young boy, he’d heard about the disappearance of the four young artists. In the beginning it was the only story that seem to top the news every hour. As time went by slowly turning into years, the updates became less and less frequent and when the seventies came, Jeff just barely a teenager was still eager to soak up any word he heard. He could never understand how these four artists just seem to vanish without a trace. One day they were busy students going to school and riding the wave of success and the next day they had simply vanished. There was no evidence of any trouble or violence associated with their disappearance. As time passed, all theories were eventually ruled out including the possibility of this being some big publicity stunt.

Jeff explained to Francine how the Four had come to fame by deciding to market their art while still students at the University of Bluffington. There was never any doubt that they were all talented, but by the end of nineteen sixty-five they were vaulted to the forefront of the local art world when they somehow attracted one of the major art galleries to promote them. They were almost an overnight sensation and their artworks were soon the desirable purchase in most major cities across Canada. Once the Four disappeared in early nineteen sixty-six, the value of the artworks soared and it became the collectible of the day all across North America.

And you’re here to uncover the story of what happened to them? Francine questioned, hoping that this was not the real reason for Jeff’s time at the university.

Jeff laughed. No, no. I’m only here to teach about the four. To give the students a course on these four artists, their style, their paintings. You know, what I guess I’ll do …I’m still not sure yet, since I’m new at this teaching stuff, but I expect, I’ll have the students review the paintings and styles of the artists, one by one.

Francine nodded at his ideas, pleased where this was going.

Teaching, it’s something I’ve never really done, but I think I will teach them about what I see myself when I look at their paintings. I was intrigued when I was a boy and always wanted to paint because of them, and over the past twenty five years, I’d find myself somewhere, someplace …maybe a mall, or the dentist’s office …somewhere, anywhere, and I’d see a print of one the works of the Four and for a moment I’d lose myself in the painting. I’d look at the brushstrokes, and the colors chosen for the piece. I’d look at the style and shadows and somehow I could feel the message the painting was trying to put forward. I’d look deeper and deeper, until my mind was awash with the minutest of details of the painting, each brush stroke almost seeming to be placed precisely for a reason. ….And then suddenly, as quick as I had gotten lost in the painting, I’d hear a loud noise or some passerby would accidentally bump me, and I would come out from whatever kind of trance it was that had momentarily enveloped me.

That’s amazing, Francine responded, looking into Jeff’s intriguing eyes. You really felt that when looking at those paintings? She had never heard anyone talk about artworks in this way before, let alone the Bluffington Four’s. She suddenly remembered back to days gone by when she and the others would sit around in a circle, easels placed in front of each one of them, all of them eager to attack the empty canvas. A pleasant shiver ran up her spine.

Oh absolutely. It’s funny though, because sometimes when I’d come out of the trance the painting had caught me in, I’d be almost embarrassed for being so wrapped up in a painting. My wife never understood this, and I never really could talk about it with her.

My wife passed away nearly three years ago; auto accident, Jeff quickly added before Francine could offer any condolences.

Oh, I’m so sorry.

It’s okay, Jeff said, grabbing Francine’s hand and patting it. It was a long time ago, and I’m well over it now. He smiled. Francine smiled back.

So what can I do to help with your research?

Well, I wanted to find out all I could about each one of them. I’ve been mostly trying to find as many photographs as I can to sort of get the feeling of who each one of them was and try to maybe put some kind of personality to each of them.

Jeff held up one of the books to a page opened with the four artists standing in front of a collection of new works.

There really weren’t very many pictures of the four of them. See this picture, for example. We can see Wilfred Brofman over here. He’s the big one with the big bushy hair and beard, that in every picture I’ve seen so far, he looks the same. Jeff grabbed another book with the four of them and quickly flipped through until he found a few more photos

See, in every one, Wilfred always has the same bushy hair, going out in all directions and the same bushy beard. I didn’t find one picture yet of him with his hair nicely trimmed, or combed down, or even his beard trimmed.

So, what’s wrong with that? Francine asked.

Nothing’s wrong with it, I’m just trying to get a feel for each one of them.

And what does this tell you?

Well, I’m guessing that, Wilfred is a down to earth kind of guy that really doesn’t care about what anyone else thinks of him. He doesn’t seem to put on airs in any of the pictures, and even the most recent photo, taken just before they disappeared he looks the same. He, to me, seems to be focused on the arts part and is enjoying just being Wilfred. I don’t think the success really fizzed on him.

That’s pretty close, Francine responded, remembering back to Wilfred and an earlier time.

Huh?

Oh, I mean, that’s pretty close to what I see as well in those photographs. Who are the other three?

The one with the thinning long hair is David Dickson. He always looks so serious in all the photos. Not all but most of em …and this is Michael Plummer with the long thick brown hair and glasses. Him I haven’t figured out yet, and the girl here is Selena Forester. She’s quite the looker, and in all the photos she seems to be posing as if she’s very proud of what she’s doing. Like this sort of success was meant to be for her.

Mmm… Francine said softly running her fingers over the page and searching the features of the people in the photograph. She knew these photos well, but seeing them once again today felt like the first time, all over again.

I can probably help you research this stuff. I tell you what. I can try to get as much stuff as I can, and if you want, I’ll help set up something like a file system. You know, sort through and copy all the articles of interest and we can put them in some kind of order.

Hey, that sounds good. Then I can actually teach their art in a chronological order. Go through the paintings in the order they painted them and also where they were in their personal lives.

Yes, and leave the climax to the end of the year.

Jeff looked up at Francine as she said the word climax and suddenly she knew immediately that he liked her. His anticipation to begin the research with her was clear and obvious.

You really want to help me on this? he asked.

Yes. Why not? I’m semi-retired Jeff and I would just love to do something like this. I really have nothing else taking up my summer right now and this sounds like a great deal of fun. Fun really wasn’t the right word, but it would do for Jeff.

What was she getting herself into she wondered. Was this really worth it? Suddenly she wondered why she felt responsible to be the one to ensure history wouldn’t repeat itself. Maybe she should turn away and close this chapter of her life forever. Say goodbye to Jeff, move away from Bluffington entirely. Somehow she knew this wouldn’t happen. It had been too long. Too much time had passed, and time was slowly catching up with her.

Jeff shook his head side to side grinning at Francine. I’m really glad you came over, you know that. I really am.

Francine looked at her watch and stood up. I am too Jeff, but I think it’s getting late and I should be going.

Jeff stood up and walked Francine to the door.

Call me in the morning, and we can discuss how to continue, Jeff remarked.

Francine smiled and stepped out. She strolled across the road, feeling the last of the evening sun rest gently on her face. She smiled to no one, but deep inside she could not have been more excited about the opportunity to be back in Bill’s house once more. When she reached the front door of her house she paused and turned back towards Bill’s house. She stared up at the tiny stained glass window that was inset below the gable on the south wall, and suddenly the memories of the events in the attic began to slowly return. She let them return, and proceeded in for the night satisfied she was on the right track.

***

Francine called Jeff the next morning and was soon sitting next to Jeff in Bill’s house. Things progressed quickly with Francine eagerly assisting Jeff in his research on the history of the Bluffington Four. The two of them scoured through the many books Jeff had retrieved from the library at the university. The university had collected nearly every book written about the Bluffington Four and these numbered close to a hundred.

The next two days progressed with a compilation of the facts surrounding each of the Bluffington Four. It was clear to Francine that Jeff was pleased with how she was helping him. Francine found she was also enjoying Jeff’s company, and nothing seemed better than to be working alongside him. She found it difficult when she excused herself at the end of the night. She wished she could stay longer, but let herself out each time without commenting on her feelings. The mornings were no different as she sometimes caught herself pacing back and forth endlessly, walking up to the window to sneak a peek over at Jeff’s house every few minutes, waiting for just the right time to go over.

She knew what was happening. Was it about Jeff or just being back in Bill’s house, some sort of comfort zone, or even maybe just going down memory lane with the photos and history? She wasn’t entirely sure but she wanted to find out. She hadn’t felt this way about any man in years. She wondered if he was feeling the same.

***

Francine finally arrived late afternoon the next day, letting herself in after knocking, without waiting for Jeff to come to the door. There was a chill in the air as the sky threatened rain, and Francine wished she’d worn her new sweater she had recently purchased but she seemed to have misplaced it. Jeff was seated in the parlor looking over the latest articles he had found. Enthusiasm was spread over his face.

Hi Jeff, Francine said. I’m sorry I’m late.

Jeff nodded without looking up, still studying the newspaper article before him.

You’re not going to believe this, he said suddenly.

Francine came and stood behind him, looking over his shoulder at the article he gripped tightly in his hands.

You see this picture?

Uh huh, Francine replied. She recognized this photograph immediately.

Look at it. What do you see?

Francine grabbed the paper from him and moved around to sit next to him on the couch. It looks like the four of them. Francine stared at the photo, remembering back to when it was first taken.

…And? Jeff prompted her.

And …they’re posing in front of some of their artwork. What about it.

You don’t see it? Look at the picture. Not the four of them, look around behind them.

Jeff watched Francine as she studied the picture. She couldn’t tell him about the photo. He wouldn’t believe her. Francine stared at the young man on the left side of the photo. This was Michael. She swallowed hard, trying hard not to let Jeff see what she was feeling. This was the last photo she remembered being taken of Michael before …She let it go, and handed the paper back to Jeff.

You don’t see it?

Francine shook her head, but she knew exactly what Jeff was referring to.

Look at the room they’re seated in.

Francine still shook her head.

Jeff stood up. Come over here, he said, motioning for Francine to follow.

Look at the picture from here he said, standing in the hallway, with the picture held up in front of them towards the parlor.

Oh my goodness, Francine said, trying to look surprised. She continued looking from the picture to the parlor and back to the picture.

Yes, Jeff began, That picture was taken in this room! Can you believe it? Jeff was clearly excited.

Francine continued her study of the picture and the parlor.

And not only that, I began to look through some of the other pictures, and you know what I found?

I can guess.

Well, you’d be right. It took me a bit to figure out, but I found seven pictures of them in their studio. The room at the back behind the dining room was where the studio was.

Looking at the pictures never really donned on me until last night. I found this photo in the drawer underneath the silverware tray. I was just tidying the kitchen, and lifted out the tray from the drawer, and there it was. Jeff handed Francine a photo she’d hadn’t seen before. It was a photo of the four of them smiling, and holding their last checks.

Francine stood there expressionless, not saying anything.

That was taken in this room, and it reminded me of the photos I’d been looking at in all the books and magazines. This is the house the Bluffington Four lived in when they disappeared! Jeff’s voice was raised now. This is utterly amazing!

No kidding, Francine said softly still studying the picture, not looking at Jeff. Of course she knew this was the house. That’s why she’s here right now, Jeff. This house and that thingy in the attic is the reason she came over in the first place.

I was planning to go search for the house later, and here I am in the house the whole entire time. I’m living in the house I was going to go look for! I just can’t believe this!

Neither can I, Francine responded, trying hard to mimic Jeff’s excitement.

This’ll add great substance to the course, actually living in the very house they created all of their artworks in. Jeff was grinning, over flowing with excitement.

Francine stood silent watching Jeff in his excitement. She smiled, trying to look pleased at Jeff’s revelation and watched as Jeff held each of the photographs up in front of him and looked from the photos to the room behind.

This is the house they spent two and a half years in, painting and drawing. Studying, and going to school …and in that backroom there, was where it all was done. Jeff began pacing around still holding tightly to the photos.

All the history of them stems from here… Jeff said, shaking the photos as he spoke. This is so cool, I can’t get over it.

Francine had known this day would come when Jeff would realize he was in the house of the Bluffington Four. Francine also knew this would be a difficult day for her, but how difficult she had no idea. This was worse than just missing her best friends Bill and David. This was reliving memories that were long ago buried, never to be discussed, and forever to be denied. How could she possibly deny them anymore in the face of what was being presented to her on a daily basis now?

Francine and Jeff finally returned to the work at hand after Jeff finally calmed down over his new discovery. The afternoon slowly wore away and Jeff broke the formality when he departed to the kitchen, only to return with two beers, one for each of them.

I think we need to take a break, he said opening one of the beers and passing it to Francine.

Francine hesitated at first, not sure if she should be accepting his offer.

I think I need one of these today, Francine replied, her face breaking into a smile as she accepted the beer.

I just thought we needed a breather from all this work.

Yes, maybe we do,

Jeff sat down next to Francine and suddenly the conversation went into a more personal direction than Francine was expecting. Francine realized that neither she nor Jeff had discussed any of their past and up until now and she had been okay with this. Jeff was now probing her for some history and it hurt like hell to offer up.

Francine spilled up as much as she dared to Jeff, staying very clear from the truth and her real past, and instead focused on her life since she moved into the house on Founders Road. She told Jeff the truth about her current status as semi retired from some business ventures from years ago, and explained some of her involvement and volunteer efforts in the community, but still avoided some of her other volunteer activities that Jeff really didn’t need to know about at this point in time.

Francine discovered Jeff’s interest in painting came about quite soon after his wife had died. Jeff fell into painting as a release and a means to cope, and unexpectedly found himself suddenly changing careers as his talent far exceeded his or anyone’s expectation. He was suddenly alone and had no ties to keep him where he was. The art world was suddenly at his feet and the offer to teach at Bluffington was an escape from the constant media following that he could not pass up.

The two of them talked long about the town and other such things, each one careful to stay away from any deep personal questions, and by the time the evening ended, the two of them had each put back four beers, and a Hawaiian pizza that Jeff ordered in. Francine felt more comfortable with Jeff than she could have ever imagined.

Jeff had laughed a lot throughout the evening and it pleased Francine. She knew she was having an effect on him and he was becoming more open and comfortable with her each day. He told her he was enjoying his time since arriving more than he could have expected and that she was one of the reasons.

Jeff went on to tell her that there was only one thing that was disturbing him since arriving in town. He was having difficulty finding some personal things since he’d arrived. He was sure he’d arrived from the east coast with two large suitcases and one small one, but could not seem to find the small one around anywhere. He mentioned that he was missing a pair of new shoes and a few of his favorite items of clothing. Francine said nothing in response and reflected on her own search for her cashmere sweater earlier that seemed to have vanished sometime since last week.

Francine eventually departed, leaving Jeff alone once again, and she knew he was watching her again from his porch as she scurried back home. There was definitely a spark alive somewhere between the two of them, and she wanted more.

***

Jeff had already been working when Francine arrived the next day. He had several new articles laid out on the table and explained that he had already been over to the library and back this morning. Jeff began flipping through the different articles, relating some more personal articles about the Bluffington Four.

Did you find anything? she asked picking up one of the magazines.

Not really. Just a bit more on their background, that’s all.

Let’s see, Jeff said, nodding his head at one the articles Francine now held in her hand. Francine sat down next to Jeff and flipped through the magazine that had carefully placed strips of paper marking the pages of interest.

Looks, like you were busy, she said, noticing how many pages Jeff had read through.

Uh huh.

Jeff moved closer to Francine, and casually placed his hand over top hers, as she flipped the pages.

I think you’ll find this one quite interesting.