The next morning I was woke up by the sun shining through one of the vast windows. I rolled over and pulled the comforter over my head only to have it pulled right off by Theresa.

"Time for breakfast senor. Senor Chasez would like you to join him in the library."

"Yeah, yeah whatever." I mumbled as she moved about the room.

"Mister Kirkpatrick, Senor Chasez will be quite upset if you don’t join him soon. He’s been quite anxious to meet you."

"Why? It’s not like I’ve done much that he could possibly have seen. I’ve only done a few jobs professionally. Most of my work has been for friends and I didn’t get a great deal of recognition for them."

"Yes but…Just get dressed Senor Kirkpatrick. I don’t know why he wants to meet you, I just know he wants to." She threw the last of my clothing at me and huffed out of the room.

"Well…Guess I just well get up. Don’t think I’ll be getting much more sleep anyway with all that sun shining in here." I grumbled as crawled off the sprawling bed and into the dressing room. I reached into the basin and felt the warm water and decided to wash a bit first. "Not everyday that happens, better take advantage of it while I can." I strolled down the hallway trying to find my way through the house. Turning down the corridor that I thought was to the library I’d been in yesterday only to discover that it wasn’t when I ended up in an even larger room at the end of the hall, this one filled was filled with weapons of all styles and eras. "Wow, this is a bit creepy."

"Excuse me sir." A tall blonde man dressed similar to the butler had been yesterday stated.

I started and then grinned at the young man, "What is with you people? Is it a game or something between you all to see how many times you can startle me before I have a heart attack?"

"No sir, Mr. Chasez sent me to find you after Theresa had said she’d woken you an hour ago. He was a bit worried you get lost in the Hacienda." The young man smiled.

"Well…Seems he was right. Suppose you’re here to show me the way to where he is?" I smiled, "And what would you’re name be? I don’t remember meeting you yesterday."

"No sir. I only come in when Mr. Chasez asks." He blushed a bit as he stated this.

"So you don’t normally work here at the Hacienda?" I was curious now.

"No sir. I don’t work here at all. I’m…well…I’m a friend of Mr. Chasez’."

"Oh, well that must be nice. Why are you dressed like the butler then? If you’re a friend of his then why don’t you dress as opulently as he does?"

"I’m not of his class. I am a butler for the Garcia family down the road."

"So why are you here running errands for Senor Chasez? If you don’t work for him?"

"I told you…I’m his friend and he asked me too. You’d….Never mind, come we’re already late." He began leading the way down a different corridor and back out into the marble entryway, down another corridor and into the library. "Found him Jo…I mean Mr. Chasez. He was in the war room."

"The war room," he quirked an eyebrow, first at me then the blonde. "Nick? Why’d you just call me Mr. Chasez? I thought we’d already discussed this?"

"Yes sir. It’s just difficult to get used to." Nick smiled, "And I wasn’t sure that it would be appropriate in front of your guest."

"I don’t think Chris will mind if you call me Josh in front of him. He’s from America Nick…They don’t have the fancy standards and class structures that we do here."

I wasn’t sure whether I should be offended or not so I just remained silent until one of the two remember I was still in the room.

"So. Chris? What did you think of my father’s collection?" Senor Chasez asked.

"It was quite…um…massive." I stammered. "Not my favorite type of collection but it would have impressed a few of my friends." I smiled thinking of the friends I’d left behind to come here.

"You miss them?" Senor Chasez asked in a genuinely caring tone.

"A bit. So…What’s on the agenda for today? What ‘did’ you bring me halfway around the world to do?"

"You’re ready to begin working already? I thought you might like a couple days to get acquainted with our…" He looked to Nick for help them started again, "Ok…Well then, follow me and I’ll tell you what I’d like done." He got up from the desk and came around it. He approached a table off to the right of where I was standing. "This was my father’s first drawing of this structure. The section you are here to work on is this area here." He points to a section of the drawing that seems to be outside.

"Um…That’s not a room, Senor." I state, the puzzlement clear in my voice.

"No it’s not. Is that a problem?" He turned towards me, fixing me with those steel blue eyes.

"No, just wanted to make sure I was understanding you correctly. So, I’m here to build a…well…ok, what exactly is that?"

"It’s a pool…you know…for swimming?" The immaculate eyebrows rose again in amusement.

"Well, I knew that. Just wanted to make sure. I don’t want to be building the wrong thing." I reached out, trailed my fingers along the design and then closed my eyes. "I’ll need some paper and something to draw with." Without any hesitation at all a piece of parchment and quill were placed in my hand, "Thank you."

I went to another table nearby and began to draw what had come to mind.

"Come Nick, let’s leave him to his work. I’ll send Theresa in to check on him every so often. I need to go see how Devil is adjusting to his new home, then check on the fields. Will you ride with me today?"

"But of course."

By the time I had perfected the drawing to match what was in my mind it was well into the evening. I looked out the window to a breathtaking view. The sun was setting in the most vivid colors and on the horizon I could see riders coming towards the house. It reminded me of the many stories I’d read of the cowboys of the ‘Wild West’. I’m not sure how long I stood there before my stomach growled and Theresa made her entrance known to me. She must have realized how taken I was by the sunset because she waited until I had turned towards her before saying anything.

"Tis a beautiful site, is it not Senor?"

"Yes, it was very beautiful. This entire place is. I still don’t know why he wanted me here, but as long as I am and he wants me to work on this, I will."

"I’m sure you must be very good Senor, but you must change for dinner. Senor Garcia and Senor Gonzolez are joining us. Go now. I have already placed your suit out for you and a warm bath is waiting."

"A warm bath." I stated as I walked out. "Wow, he must be pretty wealthy to have a warm bath drawn every day for his quests." I went up and changed then, without getting lost, made my way to the same dining room as the night before only to find it empty. "Ok, now what’d I miss?"

"Aw, Senor Kirkpatrick. There you are. Would you be so kind as to escort an old woman into the dining room?" Senora Chasez asked as she quietly, but quickly strode up beside me. "We are dining in the formal dining room this evening. Senor Garcia is trying to get my son to court his daughter. Perhaps if she looked half as good as Angel Josh might be interested, or at least pretend to be." She smiled warmly at me and then turned her head forward as we entered the dining room.

She lead the way to two empty seats next to Senor Chasez, whose was seated at the head of the table. As we entered everyone in the room stood, they remained that way until Senora Chasez had taken her seat next to Senor Chasez and motioned for me to sit next to her.

There was polite conversation about the different crops and weather during dinner. Then the conversation turned towards the horses. This in turn led to a meandering tour, for the men, of the stables and corals on the compound. I was quite impressed by the design, structure and layout of the compound but realized there were a couple things missing that struck me as strange with Senor Chasez’ love of his horses. I made a mental note to discuss these missing structures with him as soon as possible.

As we made our way towards the coral that housed Devil I noticed Senor Chasez began leading the gentlemen back to the house instead of towards the coral. "Hmm. That’s odd."

"Beg your pardon?" The man next to me, which had been identified earlier as Senor Gonzolez’ son Juan asked.

"Hmm?" I turned to him, "Sorry, did you say something?"

"No, but you did Senor. What’s odd?"

"Nothing, just talking to myself." I stated, there had to be a reason Senor Chasez hadn’t taken them to see his new stallion and I wasn’t about to question it. I stepped away from him and right into Senor Garcia’s path. "Oh, excuse me Senor." I stopped, waited for the man to continue following the group and then dropped back and away from the group a bit.

When we reached the main house again we made our way down the hall and into another, smaller library than the one Senor Chasez seemed to spend a great deal of his time in. This one had more areas for sitting rather than tables and desks.

"Please sit, we shall have brandy and cigars now." Senor Chasez stated as he took a seat in a large overstuffed chair. "Alexander…"

"Senor?" Alex asked, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

"Brandy for the gentlemen and a coffee for myself," he turned his attention to me. "Would you like a brandy or coffee Mr. Kirkpatrick?"

"Coffee would be fine, thanks."

"Si Senor." Alex disappeared through a doorway only to reappear within a couple minutes with a cart of drinks for everyone. Handing everyone their drinks.

As he handed me I stated, "Thank you." This caused the entire room to look at me strangely. I just dropped my gaze to the coffee, quickly taking a drink. It was actually pretty good too. When I looked up I noticed Senor Chasez had been watching me closely for a reaction. I smiled at him and mouthed, "Very good."

This brought a subdued smile to his face and a gracious, "Thank you."

"So…Senor Chasez. Why is it you’ve not yet obtained a wife?" Senor Garcia asked.

"No reason really. I’ve been a bit busy as of late. With my father’s passing…The estate and now with the crops ready to harvest…I’ve not had time for such frivolity Senor."

"Ah yes, but why not before that? You realize there aren’t too many young ladies that will go for an older man Senor. You do want an heir, do you not?"

"Of course I do. Don’t we all?" He looked over to Senor Gonzolez, then back to Senor Garcia, "But not until I’ve gotten things settled here. I wouldn’t want to bring a wife to a home that is in such disrepair. It wouldn’t be healthy for such a delicate thing."

Both older men seemed rather impressed at this thoughtfulness, but both the Gonzolez boys seemed to see right through the crap that he was giving their father. One of them finally spoke up, "Then why does Senora Chasez stay here if the Hacienda is so inhospitable."

"I have tried on several occasions to get my mother to stay in a more comfortable place to no avail. She is a very stubborn woman and this is ‘her’ home. She has been here since its inception. I would never ‘make’ her leave, it would kill her. Too many memories here for her." He seemed to genuinely believe that last statement and it showed not only on his face but in his eyes and voice. No one in the room seemed to wish to dispute the point any longer and the subject was dropped until the stately gentlemen were taking their leave.

"Senor Chasez…You will be attending Antoinette’s ball? I must give an answer when I get home." Senor Garcia asked as he was putting his coat on at the door.

"I would be honored to attend. I would like to bring my guest along if that would be alright? Senor Kirkpatrick will be here for quite some time and I’d like to make him feel as much at home as possible while he is here."

"I’m sure that would not be a problem. See you both in a month’s time then." He tipped his hat to me and then to Senor Chasez and left.

Senor Gonzolez and his two son’s following closely. "It was a pleasure as always." He stated as he walked out. "Next time I want to see that new stallion though." His smile was kind as he stated this, "Hopefully he will find someone to marry Penelope soon so he will stop harassing you son. I will pray for you son."

"Thank you Senor. It is always a pleasure to have you here. Come over in the morning and I’d be happy to show you Devil."

"Wonderful. Juan is heading back to school in the morning so I’ll come by after he leaves."

After all the guests had left we made our way back to the library, the large one. Senor Chasez unceremoniously flopped onto the only couch in the room, "Man I hate entertaining that man."

"He did seem a bit…uptight." I smirked as I sat at the table I’d used earlier in the day.

He turned and smiled at me, "Uptight doesn’t even come close to it."

"Joshua Scott Chasez!" Senora Chasez stated from the entryway. Although her tone was chiding her smile showed she was only teasing her son. "What have I told you?"

"Sorry mother, but that man is insufferable. It’s no wonder poor Penelope can’t find a man to court her. He’s probably scared them all away."

"Now, now son. You remember how your father was with Heather. He just wants to make sure the proper man is found that’s all." She laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Well…hate to break it to him but I’m not that man." He sighed.

"I know son. I know, but you really should find a nice young woman. With what you have to offer, she’d be more than willing to bare you a child and keep quiet."

"Yeah, you got someone in mind? Cuz I can’t think of any."

"I can think of a couple actually, but perhaps we should save that for another day. I’m tired. I’ll see you gentlemen in the morning."

At this Senor Chasez stood, placed a kiss on his mother’s cheek, "Night mother. I promise I’ll try to find someone. I know how you’d love to have a grandchild."

"Oh son, don’t do it for me. I’m perfectly happy with the life you’re living." She kissed his cheek and left the room.

"I think I’ll head to bed too." I stated as I stood.

"Please don’t go. I’d like to talk a bit if you don’t mind? It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to anyone even close to my own age that isn’t a servant."

"What about Nick? He’s not one of your servants."

"No but it’s not like I can openly speak with him about much. He’s been trained from birth that my opinion is right and doesn’t argue. Even when I know he doesn’t agree with me."

"That has to be annoying. So…what exactly would you like to talk about?"

"What is your home like? Do you have a wife, children?"

"Well…my home is much, much smaller than this room. It only has one room that has my stove and bed in it. I do not have a wife or children and probably never will. I’ve lived on my own for most of my life because my mother and father were killed when I was fairly young."

As I came out of my thoughts and focused on his face I was surprised to see the shock and sadness in his eyes. "That must have been very hard."

"I was but I made it and am still around. Times aren’t always the best but I make due with what I have and don’t dwell on what I don’t have."

"Well…you are welcome to stay as long as you like, but you are free to leave when ever you feel the need. If you are willing to stay when the pool is finished I have a couple other things I’d love for you to work on but we’ll wait til the time is upon us before we discuss them. Now, I think it is time we both retire. It’s bound to be a hard day for both of us." He rises off the couch, "Alexander will help you acquire what you need for the pool. Goodnight Christopher."

"Goodnight Senor Chasez." I stated as I followed him out of the room and down the hall, stopping outside my door.

"Please," He began, turning towards me. "Call me Josh or Joshua. My father was Senor Chasez. I’m just me."

He turned and continued down the hall before I could respond. I entered my room, shedding clothes as I made my way to the bed. "This is either gonna be the worst time I’ve spent away from home or the best."