Together again...

Robert and I met and I finally told him everything. It felt so good not to be holding anything back from him. I wish I could properly describe his face when I told him everything. I think he was amazed that the woman he constantly protected and sheltered was the same woman sitting in front of him. But of course he wasn't able to resist gloating. After all I accomplished, he just sat there with that big smile: "I still needed him." At one point, I wished I had another lamp handy.

I am overjoyed that I called him. During all those years I thought Robert was dead, I often wondered what he would think of my work. I yearned to be able to bounce ideas off him and pick his brain. And to not be able to let him on the truth when I saw him last year nearly killed me. Now, I have him back and we are going to tackle this together, as equals. Of course, for us, teamwork never did just apply to work. I am definitely looking forward to that part of the adventure.

Making the call...

Well, Zurich, for the most part, was a bust. The old bat had flown the
cave and she took the ... other half of what I want with her. I must be
making her nervous if she’s “running” from me! I did come across a bit
of useful information, nothing earth shattering, but it filled in a
couple of gaps. My experience in this “field” is not what I would like
for it to be, but I know someone who is an expert. As much as it pains
me, I think I must make a phone call.

Good lord, I just know I’ll never live this one down!

No Delicate Flower

Robert once said I was a unique woman because I was one of the few women in captivity that could understand a man like him. Well, I don't. Not
anymore. I didn't want to hurt him, I swear, but he just doesn't listen.
Of course, when I think back, he never really did. But times have
changed and so have I. I am no longer a fragile flower (not that I ever
really was), but I have grown in so many ways, I'm not the woman he left
behind. As the song said, "I am woman, hear me roar." And watch out for
my left hook, cause it's a killa baby!

I was quite disappointed to only "acquire" half of what I need, but it's
a start. I did get a bit of useful information out of the clod that
Robert hit with the lamp, after I rousted him, of course. Unfortunately,
no one in this "game" is ever told all the details, it's like putting
together a puzzle, luckily I'm quite good at them. I finally pieced all
the players together, that's a start, but now I'm more worried than
ever. She won't stop at anything to get what she wants, so I will have
to be extra careful. Anyway, I'm off again - have a craving for a
Luxemburgerli.

Robert, if you're reading this - stay away! As soon as I have the other
half of what I'm looking for, I'll tell you everything. I promise.

Mamma Mia

I'm beginning to get a bit frustrated. I've never seen goods change hands as many times as this. I suppose that means the trail is hot. And as much as I would have enjoyed another evening in Ireland, perhaps a slightly more sober evening, I can't let it get cold.

And now I have Robert following me around like little Ringo used to do. Darling, if you're reading this, for God's sake, would you please stay put? It really is for your own good. I promise to fill you in later, when all is said and done.

Last call for boarding to the land of the midnight sun. I hope I can find a few hours of uninterrupted sleep once I get there.

My Love

LOL! Oh my dear, dear Robert! You were indeed quite soused last evening. And no, I slipped you no micky - you just can't hold your liquor the way you used to! I, on the other hand, have learnt over the years that if you pay the bartender enough, he will water down your drinks for you. Yes, it was a mean thing to do, but you really shouldn't have followed me.

Robert, please listen to me carefully - I love you too much to put you in danger and that's what is going to happen if you keep this up. Please let me handle it, I know what I'm doing. And just for the record, you hurt my feelings by suggesting I was working for the family; I haven't pulled a con for them in years.

When this is all done, we can sit down and have a nice long chat about a possible future together. Just be patient and have a little bit of
faith in me.

BTW, you're still quite a man, no matter how drunk you are! (wink-wink)

Daydreaming

"Je ne reconnais plus/Ni les murs, ni les rues/Qui ont vu ma jeunesse"

I spent the day sitting on a terrasse, sipping coffee and savoring pain au chocolat. All the while waiting for that family friend to come up with some more info on those missing goods. I hate waiting. Give me a little action any day.

I tried to make the best of things and people watched. It was a beautiful day - almost spring - and the crowds were out, milling around the artists. I watched a young couple for a while. They were so much in love, you could see it in their faces, in the way they looked at one another. It was breathtaking. And I remember that feeling. So I made up stories about them. Maybe they were a young couple on their honeymoon? On a lovers' getaway? Maybe they were art dealers, taking a break between finds.

After three cups of wonderful coffee, I finally got the message I'd been waiting for. Say what you will about my family, but sometimes the connections can be invaluable. I've a new lead on the goods and I leave tonight.

Calgon Take Me Away...

I spent most of the day running around in circles, trying to catch up with an old family associate. I am in need of his expertise in relocating some missing items. He was able to assure me that no one I know has them – which, in some ways, is a relief. I should have more information from him in the next day or so.

I was able to spend a bit of time in one of my favorite museums today. I passed by Degas' dancers in favor of his more interesting nudes. There were only three: Nude Wiping Her Foot, Bather Stretched Out on the Floor, and The Tub. I wish I'd spent less time in the tub while we were all at the Villa last year. If that had been the case I might already be out of this mess that I'm in. Oh well – if wishes were booze…