Wet Lands- closed for Lotus_Maiden

[BRIGHTWELL]

He woke slowly and blinked his eyes. He looked up at the mirrored ceiling as things came into focus. Then he became aware of the two warm forms next to him. One shifted and moved closer to him. The other layed still. He closes his eyes and tryes to remember. Was it last night?

He smiles to himself. Yes it was last night! It was Dixie's Dance House on Southern Boulivard. Thats right Tina and.... He looks at the darkhaired woman in his bed. Tina and Brittany that was the other girl , Brittany. He climbs over the sleeping Brittany and pads quietly to the bath room. He takes care of his body's needs and the aroma of sex fills his nasal cavities. Yeah, a shower would be a good idea.

He turns on the the shower and allows the hot water to rush over his body. The shower takes about ten minutes. When he steps out the mirror is fogged over. He rubs his chin and takes a quick look over at the bed. Yeah, they are still sleeping. He rubs a clear spot in the mirror and starts to shave his neck and face. When he is done he picks the bright yellow and orange robe off the hook on the back of the bathroom door.

He walks over to the bed and looks down at the two sleeping women. Maybe a little early morning delight? Then looks toward the drawn drapes that block the bolcony. Below and around the border are bright with light. He smirks and walks around the bed. When he gets to the drapes he stops. As if to prepare himself for a sudden blast of light.

He pulls one of the drapes to the side and the morning sun hits him full force. He pullks back slightly as if offended by the light. Then unlocks the sliding door and steps out onto the balcony. The air is fresh and just a slight feeling of cool. This is countered quickly by the warmth of the sun on his face. He looks out at the vista in front of him for a few seconds. Then the phone rings.

He picks it up the cordless phone on the third ring. The checks on the girls with a quick glance. Still asleep. " Yeah" he askes quite disinterestedly.
"Where are you?" the male voice askes.
"On the balcony, I just got out of the shower." he replies.
"I need you at the office. I got an E-mail from New Brunswick they want research done on Dyspepsia. I've hired a guide and I want you to meet her." the vioce adds.
" Chip what are you talking about?"He askes, just barely understanding his friend. " Why in god's name Dyspepsia?
"I don't know, TJ they say therea a tree in the Everglades that was brought over from India. Wait a minute." There is a bit of a pause. "Ah yeah, thats right, India. " Chip cantinues.
TJ looks down at the cars moving past his building. "What is the name of his tree from India?" He askes moving into work mode.
"Ah....Aegle Mamelos, also known as Wood Apple or Indian Bael." Chip pauses. "TJ, they want this in a hurry. I hired this guide to help us find the tree."
"Fine I'll be there as soon as I can. Give me a half hour. I'll be there."
..........................................................................................................................

Two hours ealier:

Chester 'Chip' Henderson leans back in his chair at Palm Research. He had got an early start. An early breakfast at the bagel shop and a cup of coffee. Traffic had been surprising light on Clint Moore Road this morning. He starts up his computer to check the latest news and sees he has a new message.

He opens the E-Mail.

To: Thomas Johnson and Chester Henderson
of Palm Research, Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton, Fl

BE advised research needed on Aegle Mamelos
Understand that Aegle Mamelos in your area.Everglades wetlands
You are authorized to hire any necessary local assistance to achieve desired results
Research to focus on treatment of Dyspepsia
WE need this fast as you can

Director of field research
Clovous Breakwater
Johnson&Johnson
New Brunswick, New Jersey

Chip shakes his head. You are authorized to hire any necessary local assistance to achieve desired results!Damn! Chip checks his files.

L&S Adventures
If its guides you need. Guides are what we got!

Chip calls the number."L&S Adventures, let us be your guide The female voice purrs.
"Yes, this Chester Henderson at Palm Research here in Boca. I need a guide for a few days to take me and a colleague into the Everglades. I need some one in a hurry. Say within an hour and a half."

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

Grace, 27, an adventurous guide

This was not Grace Salinas first trip to Florida. It was, however, her first time as a stand-in tour guide for her cousin at L&S Adventures. She wasn’t from Florida, but her cousin did give a crash-course before the latter went off to get hitch. Grace reluctantly agreed because it was only for a short term, a month top. Besides, she worked for a tour agency back home. She had backpacking around the world, in most rural and undeveloped countries. She loved adventures, meet people, learn other cultures and see new things anyways. Florida wasn’t the most exotic nor did extreme place, but it have its mysteriousness and beauty. Moreover, this was only temporary and business was stagnant.

Wes Lester was the other owner of L&S, but Grace had never met or talked to the guy. So for the past two weeks, she flew solo, opened and manned the business located in a strip mall. She was checking her cousins’ Facebook pictures when the phone rang. Grace answered, “L&S Adventures, let us be your guide. This is Grace, how can I help you?”

The man on the other end replied, "Yes, this Chester Henderson at Palm Research here in Boca. I need a guide for a few days to take me and a colleague into the Everglades. I need someone in a hurry. Say within an hour and a half."

“Everglades?” Grace echoed enthusiastically. She not only read-up about the tropical wetlands weeks ago, but had also ventured through it once with her cousin awhile back. So she felt confident and excited about this trip already. “Of course, Mr. Henderson. I can be at Palm Research in an hour. We’ll discuss the trip details and pricing then. Great, see you then.” After she hung up, she scribbled her number on a piece of paper and taped it on the door next to the CLOSED sign.

The dirty, off-road Jeep pulled into Palm Research’s parking lot. Grace stepped out in khakis short, sleeveless shirt that tied around her midriff, and hiking shoes with fully stuffed backpack hung on one shoulder. Her long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. The lanky Grace went straight to the building’s front desk. She told the receptionist, “Hi. I’m Grace Salinas of L&S Adventure. I’m here to see Chester Henderson.”

The lady gave her the wait-finger and picked up the phone. “Someone from L&S is here to see you. Send her up?”

 

[BRIGHTWELL]

The upstairs work room is covered with maps. Color and black and white photos plaster the walls. Chester 'Chip' Henderson is studying a section of map with a fine magnifying glass. His back is tro the door. "My this is interesting. It is way out there though." He hears the door close. He don't turn around. " My partner Mr. Johnson and I need to check out some wet lands to the south and west of here. " He pauses and checks out another section.

"I am thinking of setting up our base camp in Everglade City. " He moves to another place of the map. "We are going to be in the wetlands. Do you have any experience with wet lands?"

Just then the door closes again and Thomas 'TJ' Johnson walks in to the room. He looks at the woman in khakis short, sleeveless shirt that tied around her midriff, and hiking shoes. A fully stuffed backpack sits on the floor next to her.

He smiles at her. " TJ Johnson, nice to meet you. And I bet you do know some wet lands." Chip turns around and looks at the woman for the first time."Your a woman!"

TJ laughs. " That's my Chip for you, nothing gets by him."