When She Comes

Chapter 32 - Foreshadowing

Valeria tapped the table and sipped her martini.

Fingertips patted the felt covered table one last time and then the dealer called. "The lady wins again!"

Valeria collected her chips and descended from the high chair. "And the lady thanks you for a fun evening." Tossing the dealer a chip as a tip.

"Madame I thank you kindly but we are not permitted to accept..."

Interrupting the dealer, Valeria scolded the manager. "Allow him to cash it in or I will never return.

The legitimacy of her threat was a complete untruth. In actuality, she was never returning. This was her last trip before retiring herself to a simpler life in Belize.

She was tired...and lonely. Traveling after her husband died was the best thing for her but it too felt empty after a while.

A late dinner was next on the docket, opting for the fine dining restaurant rather than the bar.

Content with her winnings, she sat at a corner table and perused the menu at the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

There was a beautiful man who watched her play 21 and she smelled his presence. She knew that scent anywhere because her husband wore it. It was Tom Ford's 'Oud Wood.' Oud Wood is a rare and highly covetable ingredient in a specialty perfumer's arsenal. The cologne is delightfully sensual and contains notes of cardamom, sandalwood, amber, and her personal favorite, rosewood.

Not even a flinch Valeria spoke. "You know I'm growing older by the minute Emperor Penguin. Are you going to speak to this old woman or just stare at the back of my head?

A small smile curved on her lips, impressed with her keen observations of the handsome man in the tuxedo and her quick wit. Undoubtedly, she would scare the man off with her directness, she so often did. Men were attracted to how striking she was but many weren't up to the challenge of chiseling away at her strong demeanor or personality.

"Old woman?" Entertained at her orneriness and guessing this is how she weeds out the riff raff. "No. You are seasoned lady and you tempt my very demanding and discriminating palate." He quipped.

More than satisfied with his reply an invitation was extended. "Would you care to have a drink?"

"A drink? A drink is for boys. I want dinner with you." Taking control from her, he motioned for the waiter as he sat down obstructing her view of the sea.

Initially she was irritated with his arrogance for dinner instead of a drink which was less committal.

"My name is Herod."

Taking her hand in his across the table he watched her blush, that's something she hadn't done in a long time.

"I'm Valeria."

Once she noticed his eyes, her irritation with him ended. She could gaze at the sea anytime, but a good-looking Arab man with blue green eyes that reminded her of the Aegean Sea...now that was scenic.

And this is how they met.

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From London to Rome, Istanbul to Delphi Herod knew how to ditch undesirables. After leaving Paisley Park, Herod drove downtown and parked the Mercedes in an open parking lot. Entering the U.S. Bank building they navigated the downtown skyway to the Target Center and into the 4th Street parking garage where there was a Lincoln Town Car waiting with keys under the passenger carmat.

Hopping on 94 East, Herod treaded lightly with his lovely wife as he knew the proposition he was about to suggest would hardly be received well. One of the things that seduced Valeria was Herod's thick accent which has had a duplicity role in their relationship, it can tantalize as much as it can serve to cushion a blow.