Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

By Ellen Feder

This is a psychological as well as an imaginative tale of betrayal and revenge in the upper echelons of the all too powerful. It takes place in New York, Hollywood, the Hamptons, as well as St. Moritz, Iran,& Saudi Arabia. It involves a transplanted New Yorker, a voracious shopper of designer clothes as well as a collector of only the finest vintage Costume Jewelry. A sophisticated woman of great style deeply disenchanted living in Beverly Hills, which she regards as a wasteland. This is her search for a life altering adventure presently absent, until that is, she meets the flamboyant movie producer who entices her with his vast knowledge of the inside workings of the movie industry, where he is a daily fixture. A perfect read for those who would like to know more about the fantasy filled lives in the glittery,high-powered world of the rich & infamous, the ones we only whisper about. This is an affair gone wrong, very wrong indeed! It is a story filled with intrigue, high glamour, sex and, yes, even murder. I feel I am the one to tell this story because I have lived it, & am shall we say, well aquainted with these cast of characters!! There are predators out there who walk among us!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellen Feder
• Release date: Jul 5, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466191327

Ellen Feder

I am a bi-coastal Interior Designer and have been featured in some of the major Interior design magazines such as Architectural Digest. I am also President of a prestigious Entertainment Charity called Share inc.located in Beverly Hills, which helps special needs, abused & neglected children. I think I am the one to write this story, because I know these characters quite well and all they hold dear. I also want to inform as well as alert women that there are predators out there that walk among us. I think this book will appeal to women, many of whom have struck a deal with the devil, in what they thought the opportunity of a lifetime, only to find quite the opposite. I hope this will peak your curiosity. I am at work on my 2nd novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1: A Deal with the Devil

Count the cost before committing yourself

The blood was dark red almost maroon, maybe not as red as Superman’s cape nor grounds for remorse, for still the river of life, a vital force coursing through my veins like water, right next to Kryptonite the fictional radioactive material along for the rough ride. All mixed collectively amid varied amounts of unfulfilled dreams, and dissatisfied expectations, its eager anticipation than so profoundly desired at one time considered rare gems. At present however sadly left with discontentment characteristic I might imagine of personal disappointments gone astray although it’s obvious regrets now only clouded moments, relatively obscure. Nonetheless how it flowed how it gushed how it surged, the clear abundant flow of odorless liquid moving generously in an unbroken stream all while unobserved even though wavering and unsteady. Somewhat like Lucifer, the bloodthirsty devil who wore many faces in offering me the shared experience of the good life in return for my soul. Although by chance had I forgotten to mention hardly suggestive of the pleasurable feelings usually associated with the excitement and romantic mystery surrounding the chambered muscular organ of my heart. Where its small size is almost as large as my clenched fist where it occupies an important position in my chest cavity rhythmically pumping blood into the elastic tube which signifies my arteries. But rather than bore you with lessons from a doctors manual I will get more to the point, which is that he was further capable as you are soon to detect not merely to see my blissful future but at first opportunity to assist in fulfilling his immediate gratification. And I might add, thoroughly able to satisfy most women’s desires by pleasuring and vicariously indulging their every whim. Presumably this testament only evidence of his powerful strength and vigor which was merely a small part of his myriad of hidden talents along with his countless aliases. Just inconsequential additions added to his many assets being there were so many. Although keeping in mind in this imperfect world even high-quality pictures are often deceptive inconsistent to whom we really are. Since being most convincing and effortlessly believable in accessing his multitude of diverse forms validation and long explanations were such entities rarely deemed necessary? Since at the time I considered him rather fetching with a distinctive manner of being unusually approachable thus making it that much easier to justify his very existence. Particularly I might mention when not playing to my unfavorable weaknesses with each precious stone of Turquoise, Moonstone, Emerald, Sapphire and Onyx his distinctive covering. Nevertheless, even in the company of these awesome accoutrements and unexplained magic by no means forget this signet of perfection still remained the devil. While otherwise keeping in mind the devil you know is better than the one you don’t. Seeing this imperial rogue had arrived with a tidal wave of deceit enveloped under a cocoon of noble causes and elaborate deception displaying a precocious talent for dishonesty along with a timeless vision for corruption.

At present however wide-eyed gripped with irrational fear thinking perhaps this was the boogieman while merely a child although thoroughly puzzled noting this boogieman did not wear boogieman clothes. If only I’d remembered this going forward, and what its prohibitive expenditures would be, particularly after many unsolicited visits bearing not only good tidings but with it his direct personal hotline. As he’d come to know humans reasonably well so was all too knowledgeable in bequeathing me a palace in return for my soul. After all, keep in mind he’s had many years in which to learn so consequently was most competent in eliciting you to respond in just the way he wanted even with what I knew were jarring inconsistencies. Especially having been so receptive to his influence along with the accepted wisdom this man of such compelling force was surely someone of higher authority. Consequently, do not return and shout you have not been warned, that is of course, in the supposition you do return!

Live with me, love me for the rest of your life, he said, essentially not a big price to pay you would think. Although I can attest from vast familiarity it would be one of substantial weight, its burdensome requirements not ones to be considered trivial, these opinions reached only subsequent to careful and purposeful deliberation. For after all what woman does not want it all, I know many who do. But be careful for what you wish, for when they say it’s too good and it looks too good to be true it probably is, so run for the hills, run as fast as you can. Much unlike myself for instance who carelessly sold him my soul for merely a pittance having been seduced by a few romantic sonnets as well as the distasteful reek of blemished green currency. Its moldy smell and moist touch coming from the secluded mausoleum but lying in wait for just such an occasion. For this to which I refer and of which I speak best described the crumbled pieces of paper I accepted as payment for goods and services alongside a pirate’s chest of sizable belongings meant to dazzle the eye. Its gold coins once so bright and shiny now considerably dulled with age although hardly what might be thought a discouragement. Since its intrinsic value forever held dear would thus be combined with a life of highly manageable proportions alongside what would best be described as a superior high quality life style. Especially for those not unlike myself who have an insatiable appetite for material possessions, painstaking meticulous collecting, and otherwise indulging my taste for haute couture, magnificent jewels, and only the very finest in timeless period furnishings of European tradition. For that reason not in the slightest deterred I would continue my firm persistent manner by stroking those discolored wrinkled pieces of paper as if they were succulent mouth watering chocolates only awaiting my pleasurable indulgence. In concert with the seductive shimmer of exceptionally rare South African diamonds coupled by some luscious bites of savory hand-dipped chocolate truffles even when devoid of the slightest desire for either food or beverage.

With each pungent morsel mutually combined with special samples of decadent hand-wrapped toffee bon bon’s in hopes they would wet my lips and make them pucker. However, lest one forget and even more essential remained the loud senseless clatter of worthless trinkets which in the end produced nothing more than a noisy disturbance, the commotion to which made scarcely a difference. The kinds of inaccessible trinkets that had little to do but lay stoically at the bottom of the cold steel vault, which in retrospect showed me nothing but austere indifference. Particularly at times there was potential for cherishing more, the more I might add he was not in the least capable of giving. Thus sadly left with painful heartache, isolated loneliness, and those priceless strands of hand-knotted Tahitian pearls wrapped twice around my neck, their incandescent glow spotlighting the soft contours of my well-developed shoulders. This so all friends and acquaintances alike could gasp at their superb quality only wishing these treasures were only theirs. Particularly given these pearls and all they stood for were unquestionably a cut above the rest, which in the scheme of things hardly seemed worth it, but those you see were my requirements. How easily it appears we surrender with the question remaining why and what on heavenly earth for, even though I secretly knew the answer. Since their sheer envy put me on a sphere like no other with these glorious gems and all they represented no longer considered unattainable. Even though the price to pay would be daunting all the while I would be learning my infinite wisdom no longer rebuffed, at one time thought totally insignificant. Although at present my personal opinions held in great esteem, at long last meriting only the highest of praise. It sounded so simple, so effortlessly painless, although on second thought was it not those chewy, rich, mouth-watering caramels, its sweet, buttery burnt sugar fluids trickling pleasantly down my delicate chin and on to my flimsy satin lingerie. Its thin insubstantial fabric more for decoration than for warmth, but that you see, was how he liked it. Since I must say I still taste those delectable, homemade, gooey toffee confections filled with only the sweetest of caramelized molasses. Their golden juices slowly bursting out of its milk chocolate shell in wait for my next small nibble. A lack perhaps others might deem necessary but nevertheless immeasurably satisfying with my over powering need for its pleasing sense of comfort and well-being. As I so like being taken care of you see, given that I must admit it can be irresistibly rewarding in times such as these. Seeing the mere fancy for it mixed with strong affection and fine ornaments were so entwined I could hardly think of one without the other. Or through more careful consideration might it not have been the excess of those delightfully delicious candies so pleasing to the taste which I animatedly succumbed to instead?

For as recollections precede me I can still recall the flood of panic the painful constricting of my throat as if compressed by a heavy object. Spasms gripping its furthest parts struggling for even the small sum of a breath making my heart palpitate in unsteady tremulous motions. My mind overflowing with a strong sense of urgency evoking unknown trepidation, even though not fully aware what that strange sense of foreboding was stirring inside my limbs. Could this in fact be what they call a panic attack I wondered now completely winded by my laborious efforts and short intake of air? At the time craving only a momentary pause to take in what was the insufficient amount of oxygen in the room. Its intense desire for it overruling everything else as I cowered defensively in fearful apprehension at what might come next. All further illustrating my feelings of complete disorientation at having lost what I’d thought had been precious hours of sleep in addition to the odd sensation of tearful insecurity taking in my precarious and unfamiliar surroundings.

Consequently just imagine my extreme distress when out of the shadows appeared this incongruous beast well concealed behind an iron grate now grappling towards me at full speed, his long hind legs used primarily for leaping already in the air. Where as a result I became thoroughly startled and completely transfixed thus inducing a momentary inability to move any of my lower extremities for a possible escape, all its necessary parts now completely motionless. As a result taking insufficiently little to grasp this imposing creature was none other than the Lord of evil, insufferable as well as overwhelmingly revolting even at first glance. Hs frail body bent, and twisted surrounded by what appeared to be a billowing cloud of noxious gray smoke making me choke as I inhaled. Its vaporous matter thankfully exhaled from my lungs by instantaneously coughing involuntarily. Somehow making such an explosive noise it caught me completely off guard, frightening me to the point of distraction.

He emitted an unpleasantly dank smell as though moldy from age and decay having been buried in the ground for some extended period, interred most probably in a rotted wooden casket. Its objectionable odor permeating the entire room making me recoil at its extraordinarily offensive stench, and what it contaminated where he stood in close proximity. Hardly the aromatic aroma of burning leaves on a brisk autumn day, the fragrant smell of handpicked roses from a thorny branch, or the sweet scent of freshly cut grass. But in its place, a decomposed body invaded by a number of festering, contagious bacteria that must have spread rapidly uncomfortably crowding and killing off every cell. Most probably caused by an inflammatory disorder such as a bout of Dysentery that had whittled away what was left of his weak, emaciated body? I would have subscribed to one of mothers famous remedies if I’d thought him more attractive, had he come laden with precious jewels along with other such tantalizing delights. That someone mother dear might have invited to play in my sandbox if he’d have been so. Since that was all it would have taken, however, a great deal of money would surely have sealed the deal, presumably eager for just this sort of match to successfully prosper, especially in reference to financial matters which she’d always considered so essential.

Nonetheless, he did not take kindly to my look of obvious repugnance, his piercing gaze looking downright wicked as he stared at me right up front and personal in an unconcerned manner. His cruel sensual mouth covering what looked like unflattering green teeth that ended in distinctly razor-sharp spikes. His unattractive face a curious shade of translucent alabaster with the pallor of white stone, and sour milk. Unquestionably no object of beauty and hardly one might find enticing, his ghostly manner best described as one of Germanic coldness more dangerous still than was evident. This assuredly not my prince, but in its place a slimy-skinned frog poised to seize a creepy-crawly insect in luxurious repose. Scarcely the heady life I’d thus far envisioned nor the quintessential lover stirring me to heights of ecstasy on some breathtaking mountainous terrain. This for sure was not that someone, thus far wincing at the devastating contemplation.

Could it be I have overstepped my boundaries, and exceeded my limits, he said apathetically in a smug, lackadaisical manner with the reflex of a cavernous yawn and not the slightest interest in a reply. Although his eyes remained unwavering with no truth in them as they narrowed unemotionally nonetheless skillfully taking me in little by little.

It felt as though a blast of unstable air had blown in simultaneously leaving me unpleasantly cold, its sharp bitterness making me quiver, my lips chattering incessantly from the unmerciless winter draftiness. Since the temperature had plummeted somewhat significantly as I sat frozen in a fog of smoke visible each time I exhaled. Its warmth all but gone from the small chamber I’d been so comfortable only those few short minutes ago. Could the red-hot charcoal embers with its smoldering fire have simply burned itself out overnight or was it merely he doing some more of his trickery, the sly smug grin upon the fleshy folds of his mouth suggesting a strong possibility. The large stone hearth used for food preparation as well as heating entirely vacant, it’s warm crackling fire once accompanied by sharp snapping noises long since departed and In its place just dreary gray charcoals looking cold, and unfriendly. It’s now empty furnace holding neither warmth nor kindness.

It was dawn so I could make out the two inadequately lit gas lamps in the distance which cast a faint stream of soft yellow light. Its illumination resting on the high curved ceiling clearly marked by miscellaneous cracks, and breaks, in addition to the tattered gothic tapestry hanging unevenly on the crumbling dungeon walls. The massive iron gates located at the far end of the tower sealed off, and heavily secured by a large corroded padlock the ponderous rusty key to which hung loosely around his loose flaccid neck. Somewhat shocked this slight body could bear up under such oppressive weight. With its inaccessible location made to feel eerily abandoned, as though alone in some antiquated medieval castle from the Middle-Ages vacated by former occupants at a much earlier date. I could feel its unwelcoming mustiness, and the abrupt gusts of wind blowing through its arched empty corridors and considerably sized brick courtyard. No swells of pulsating music but in its place only the flat dreary hum of eerie ghostly silence. The echoing halls and thick heavily built walls once the dwelling of Kings, Queens, Lords, and their Ladies, although at present no longer a house of royalty but in its place apparently left to me and my grotesquely deformed acquaintance.

Was it sexual favors he was seeking I wondered disconcertedly averting his eyes whenever possible. Could this be what this was all about I asked myself silently as not to anger him even though totally appalled at this highly dismal thought.

"Well my treasured pet, my elegant porcelain swan, he inquired as though he were addressing a Baroness or some other kindred spirit in a manner ostentatiously courteous at first, then clearing his throat effectively before he spoke once again.

Are you inclined to strike a bargain, and possibly gild the lily for which you are so fond, he said, sounding instinctively polite with as yet an unexplained offering. Lightheartedly waving his diaphanous handkerchief with a graceful sweeping movement in a macabre flight of fancy used I’d assume to wipe what called to mind his unappealing face.

What bargain do you speak of, I asked with understandable speculation my skin clammy to the touch from all the excitement, droplets of perspiration beginning to saturate my long, heavy pink flannel nightdress. My distinctive long hair and loose curls now tangled with none of its customary brilliance and decided luster or its intriguing feel of once soft supple texture. Still on guard, though of the opinion I must be in the middle of some crazy dream, the ones recurring more regularly of late. Could I simply be hallucinating with this confrontation some bazaar, outlandish delusion? Although nevertheless bewildered by these strange turn of events seeing as I knew instinctively this was someone or something full of ingenuity, inventive skill and originality. Thereby leaving me to question if I was up to the task of solving and meeting these challenges as there were I was certain more than a few of them to solve. It was simply part of my intuition which had always been respectably good considering there was little wrong with my perceptive apparatus. It was just that I didn’t always trust it, and possibly why I made so many bad mistakes included amongst those avoidable occurrences, and precious lessons usually learned the hard way. This knowledge I trust accrued after scores of reckless, foolhardy errors.

His thin red cape without any ornamentation appeared limp, drawn too tightly across his sloped skeletal shoulders leaving me to wonder if he was cold. A bright red drop of red blood trickled slowly down his visibly damaged lips. And his shriveled throat with its prominent Adams Apple protruded each time he swallowed accenting every syllable he spoke, its auditory perceptual pitch continually changing. The words characteristic of a particular region of birth, the place of which I could not easily ascertain, thereby making me listen with even greater intensity to every memorable utterance.

However, as he made his way around the room unhurriedly I could see he appeared badly disfigured possibly from a fire, or a physical deformity. For his spastic movements appeared ungainly as he shuffled with a slow lurching gait, dragging his feet abnormally with neuromuscular imbalance, each awkward irregular step, and staggering motion lacking in both grace and dexterity. Good-looking as you might imagine was hardly his strong point. His hollowed, deeply indented eyes encircled by dark circles smudged probably from the thick, dense smoke. Mere slits in the odd shape of his bulbous alien head like that of an extraterrestrial which stared at me with great intensity before changing into adult form. His homely face giving the appearance of being smooth to the touch, and never in need of a shave. As though he were wearing a prosthetic mask which if this were the case what if anything could be laying beneath I wondered, grimacing at the frightfully unpleasant thought. Although possibly considered quite dashing in his day, that day I’m afraid had sadly long since passed

"So my sweet, is it money, prestige, or power you seek in this world of intolerable excess he asked, soft-spoken at first, his voice slowly intensifying rising forcefully each word carefully thought out with a spirit of straightforward candidness. Its loud tone needing no amplification for this I was able to hear quite clearly. As he inched slowly forward his claw protruding as if to cradle it to my lips making me draw back in obvious disgust at its repulsive offering.

"Is it not something you have long hungered for my regal lovely, he whispered, with lilting grace?

But more significantly my precious will you be prepared to pay for this grand expression of value with your soul, he alleged, speaking in a distinct delivery with the kind of vernacular preferred by the upper classes as in a refined manner suitable for the King’s court. Marveling at the reality I was to be at the whim of the monarch, and about to be one of his Royal Subjects or perchance his Lady-in-Waiting?

For this my pampered little pet is what it will cost you, on this long perilous journey, he said, with what sounded like brash cockiness in a faint ominous whisper barely audible.

"Well, I answered spontaneously as though he were paying favor to the Queen in addressing a woman of great title, as for instance the Dowager Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.

Just show me the way since by all appearances it sounds perfectly dazzling, I replied, jubilant at merely the suggestion. Although blissfully ignorant to its possible repercussion believing at the time it sounded so uncomplicated. For what was there to concern myself considering he was scarcely my equal, and taking into account he was captivated and thoroughly enthralled by my many charms. Since if I may say so myself I was nothing but utterly beguiling?

Your life will have no meaning, no worthiness at all. It will have no richness whatever, only riches, he said harshly, practically growling, his lethal words spewing out angrily, ejected so strongly I could feel a faint residue of frothy spittle upon the soft fleshy sides of both cheeks. All just an inventive distraction I assumed, but then again perhaps with a little repackaging he might otherwise fill the bill.

These my love will be your perks and your infinite comforts, will that suffice, and will it be of some small comfort, he said insipidly with a trace of vulgarity and even greater eloquence. His harsh accent seemingly gone yet touched with mocking sarcasm.

Even if I sensed this was some kind of charade there was not even a hint of hesitation as I arose quite eager but still struggling to control my trembling hands. Feeling captive, but nevertheless with feathered quill in hand I appeared quite ready to sign my name underneath the assertive strokes of bold black letters gazing back at me only awaiting my flowery signature. Along with what looked like a most memorable evening ahead, especially to some who might regard this as a pleasurable experience? Everyone that is, except me?

It was dusk much time had passed the sun long gone below the horizon, but it felt like the middle of the night possibly from the intensity of the darkening sky. Although no longer as flustered as before having become more adjusted to my situation, my composure finally returning while at the same time blatantly ashamed of the irrational thoughts running through my head a at a million miles a minute. My usual ability to reason leaving me somewhat puzzled, particularly in reference to what I assumed was this ungodly hour.

I will take good care of you, just smile and look pretty my little trophy, he said, teasingly like a puffed-up peacock with a show of condescending over-confident cockiness, and that same self-satisfied look upon his face as before.

However, do not at any time forget a deal is a deal, he offered with complete self-assurance, the faint smile fading, and in its place undeniably strong determination.

Why that all sounds rather simple so easy to achieve, for what could be easier I thought of this undemanding chore, thinking about none of its penalties or to what violations I might be subject, since at the time of an attitude that was naïve and thoroughly unrealistic.. The ink not yet dry on the yellowed tattered contract he initially extended me, but making little to no difference as I remained infatuated by his words, somehow possessed by unreasoning attraction as well as unsound judgment with no thoughts of reconsidering.

So when exactly do we start, I asked somehow soothed even though an admonitory voice in my head expressed reproach warning me to think otherwise. Those very same ones of which I usually paid so little attention, my mind infused with a network of other fascinating interests.

His skin appeared somehow blistered oozing from what looked like an infected abscess which required drainage, a most ungodly sight indeed. His aged knurled over-sized curved claws mottled with large dark liver spots from what I speculated were old age rather than from the sun. But which held on to the contract a fraction too long to make sure they weren’t hidden, and I hadn't missed them. Except how was I to miss and not see something dark and forbidding in the tattoos of skulls covering large parts of both arms. Since I could see them rather clearly as he raised them in the air as if about to strike prolonging my trepidation and anxiety to what would follow, even though it should have!

How then to refrain from a deafening shriek at the sheer absurdity having gotten a fast glimpse of his giant totally flexible tail unleashing itself wildly, lashing, thumping, and whipping itself around the heavily carved chair upon which he was about to seat himself. His every curious move however taunting me to remain steadfast strangely committed to our upcoming agreement.

With a shuttering of chills that ran down the nape of my neck as though I had contacted a short but sudden fever, the outlook to which was not looking at all good. My mouth made dry and parched due most probably due to fear and long exposure to this stale, antiquated room. By now dehydrated and much in need of a cool glass of fresh unsullied water to help quench my unending thirst. Fervently praying anything I was about to put to my parched lips would not be defectively tainted infecting me with the plague or any other such miserable affliction.

"The day has grown unreasonably long, and I am slightly fatigued I alleged half-heartedly.

Consequently, before I lie myself down to rest once again, when might you say my journey will first begin, I asked, rather tentatively at first no longer as frightened as before but filled somehow with exuberance, and unflinching anticipation. For exactly what I was not yet certain but nonetheless quickly realizing I was in need of a brief respite to help facilitate my thought processes, which under the circumstances were in complete disarray.

The color returned actually flooding my cheeks with a rosy glow as if embarrassed in wait for his next poetic words. After all, was this not supposed to be my great opportunity and what I hoped would be my great escape? For the feel of treading water unsafely and being harassed had made me quite lethargic, but the gentle melancholy that once pervaded my body was slowly lifting, the allusion of apprehension and uneasiness about to depart so as to once again function in my usual customary manner.

Nonetheless I was certain to be on my own in the Serengeti, presumably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. Filled I was told with endangered species many soon to be extinct, although should I conceivably forget and give a misleading account still considered a roaring impenetrable jungle. One that would take great vigilance if that is I was to get out alive. With the fervent hope I would turn out to be as smart as a Zebra, and pray not eaten alive by a ravenous Hyena on the hunt in want of satisfying himself much like most of the men in my life. Although with a more positive approach I could perchance befriend an eight-hundred pound Galapagos Tortoise since only eleven remained. For enduring extreme discomfort in my imaginary jungle instead of taking the easy way out would be my best teacher. It would however take awhile to discover with many more enlightening lessons to learn along the way. The big question was would I take the leap and learn them, since it was so much simpler the other way with a good deal less effort.

Have to watch out for those large dangerous, carnivorous crocodiles, he further mentioned, his voice crackling with sharp, crisp electrical energy.

After all, you never know what they might do next, remember they can’t be trusted, he noted nastily with an unsmiling deadpan expression upon the external covering of his thin skinned face.

For if you are perchance not already aware they derive most of their nutrients from a good flesh-eating meal, his lips pursed clamping together like an executioner. Too bad I’d not listened to this cryptic message more carefully going forward and to him as well.

For this brief little chat as I would come to discover had been no dream but in its place a chilling nightmare, one as I recall so easily lived without. Since it would prove to be my destiny, my very own choice, and all those quick decisions I’d made earlier would prove to be my nemeses and my undoing. What had been my rationalization I would later ponder, and had it really been worth it. For in retrospect his impact upon my life would prove unparalleled, impeding even my loftiest ambitions, the journey more hazardous than I ever could have imagined. Or was I just too painfully shortsighted and this just another of my unwise decisions, much like the ones I’d so often come to regret?

It had been a desperate bid for upward mobility, an invitation to the ludicrous. Scattered of course with an abundant sprinkling of glittery fairy dust along with all the showy things I perceived and classified as refinement, grace and good manners. Such as a fancy zip-code, the right atmosphere, and swathed in incomparable jewels most without equal. Completely unconcerned as I indulgently rode my golden sleigh to my castle in the sky while he spun his imaginary tales ignoring all the signs along the way, thinking is there not a bit of this in all of us. Only further lackluster yet essential truths about human beings and their extremely curious ways. Not that I gave one moment’s attention to meanings either, not even those that were readily apparent, obviously wearing rose-colored blinders in my inventiveness to create, and clearly the downside of true creativity.

For being most gifted and indisputably talented was in its entirety what he capitalized on all which I deemed to accept gleefully with little to no self-doubt. These stories presumably presented with such flourish I bought into every rapturous one. Given the brilliant imposter it would appear had found his perfect mark as he gained my confidence preoccupied with even the slightest detail in fabricating each new identity, but another superficial aspect of his personality unknown to me at the time. His talents for self-invention so plentiful most which had not existed before did not make it any less remarkable. With those impersonations so meticulously impressionable I was completely taken in surely by a lack of good judgment. After all, has it not been this way since time immemorial, particularly for fools best described as those like myself?

Therefore choose not your friends by outward show as the feather floats, the pearl lies low. This I hadn’t thought to consider since the first was far more amusing, the second far less obvious from my point of reference simply because I wanted it to be. However, appearances can be deceptive, and so the search for higher ground would begin. Or would it, would it really, since in due course I would be taking on one of the best actors on the planet as well as an ensemble of shady characters with a few philandering lotharios thrown in. Where oh where does the truth lie and is money not the root of all evil? But we shall see, won’t we!

Chapter 2: Caviar & Cognac

One bad turn deserves another

The wine is quite intoxicating would you not concur my dearest, he whispered bringing the glass to his lips slowly with scrupulous execution, his eyes fixated on me with obvious misgivings as he asked the question solemnly not so much as the glimmer of a smile.

"Indeed I answered demurely an excellent accompaniment to the delicacy of the cheese: however the tone in his voice suggested complete disapproval. His upright bearing and proper diction maximizing his power, further alerting you he was a man who took himself quite seriously.

Very fruity, full of flavor you must agree, he retorted bitingly with brushstrokes of controlled but tempered aggressiveness ever ready to find fault, as always totally absorbed with his own self-importance.

Of course, I answered agreeably in a languid, unhurried manner giving myself some moments of short contemplation before I spoke once again.

Its fragrance is one of just ripened fruit I replied trying to sound impassioned by extolling its many virtues.

Surely of superior quality, I answered unthinkingly, even though I preferred mine a bit smokier. However, I could not help but notice the twitch of his eye as he spoke, the quick, short muscle contracting rapidly. Although its slate blue color appeared gray and murky, obscured and undefined by the heavy haze of mist slowly rolling in.

"Yes I replied nervously in a schoolgirl way, yes it is simply delicious, I responded gaily even though I felt anything but.

So very worth the wait for these exotic grapes full maturity, he said, in a tone which invariably evoked suspicion and meant to provoke. His dark mood reminiscent of an overcast London fog, sometimes volatile and unpredictable as in a tornado, you could never tell which it might turn out to be.

I am of the very same opinion, I said, even though I thought him ill advised as far as the environment of the grapes were concerned and hoped he would consider changing his presentation. For I felt it lacked the appropriate development smelling pungently from vinegar my taste buds already repelled by its obvious sour taste. Nevertheless, I would continue to let him think I knew nothing of its shallow flavor and its less than favorable aroma, the signs of oxidation most apparent and surely recognizable. Yet why I wondered not to him.

The chemical balance is just about perfect, he said, unrelentingly with a reassured bearing taking the glass to his nose to sniff to see if I was in fact following his gibberish in what I considered his every bloated sentence. Resplendent in his black velvet robe and matching slippers with the family crest monogrammed across both, a starched white shirt of little visibility sneaking out from underneath.

Very well textured, he said, knowingly spinning the glass around in his thick hands amid great pomp and ceremony, than sipping it noisily and swallowing it too