the mike. Sammy and Deano walk onto the stage

  and politely try to take the microphone.

  The pirate whips out a flintlock pistol and points it at them.

  He nods no.

  The masters of ceremony Sammy and Deano raise their hands and just shrug their shoulders.

  Well putting succinctly, you just don't argue with a guy who is holding a pistol.

  The assembled stars and their guests start to laugh.

  The Ole Sailor smiles, He said, "This is dedicated to an old friend who has sailed the seas with me since the world began.

  Capt. you're dressed in that silly outfit, But I recognize ye anywhere, even here. Now I will sing two songs that your soul will remember what the songs are about,"

  He starts with, "Hoist the Colours," and "The Sea is my Mistress," at last the man sitting with Destiny realizes who he really is. A look of shock comes over him.

  The second to the last part of the truth is revealed all the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place.

  The lady in the white dress says to Sean Pierre, "You see Captain Sean Pierre. You've lived in diverse eras.

  You also lived here in the 1950's. Unfortunately your undoing has always been this woman whom you love.

  But can never have. You've been shot over this woman in your heart more than once in your life walks.

  So tonight I said enough is enough. I decided to intervene and take her place in your heart.

  I shall reveal her name. By the by she is a beautiful woman.

  Her name is Esmeralda de Fouquet. Long flowing locks with ringlets that are oak-colored

  and brown eyes to match her hair. It's her mischievous personality that attracts you to her.

  She has a smile that tells you she knows all of your secrets. Yet your love for her cannot be.

  You've come close no doubt about it, you know it.

  I Destiny also love you. You've endured so much suffering for this woman.

  This isn't your fault or hers. Neither is it mine.

  A higher power intervenes. The sad part is that the woman you love sees you only as a friend.

  She never finds out the truth. Always you have defended her honor against unscrupulous scoundrels.

  Your best friend passed away during one of your life walks as a pirate due to some

  mysterious ailments no one could cure at that time.

  He leaves his sister in your charge. Tonight though your paramour met the love of her life.

  That is why she didn't meet you at the appointed time and place.

  So I Destiny reiterate decided to claim you as my own from this day forward.

  Search your heart. You know I am speaking the truth, Sean Pierre?!"

  "Bah! That is nonsense poppet a man is free to write his own destiny, pardon me but no pun intended.

  What we propose is one thing but what God says otherwise is another. I shall have a drink and toast to ye.

  I shall now return to my own time," said a shocked Sean-Pierre.

  Bogey comes to the table with two glasses of champagne, "You can't leave Sean-Pierre.

  Mack, you've crossed over the veil of the past and present. You're stuck here forever.

  Frankly you shouldn't whine. You have a beautiful damsel to spend eternity here.

  By the way Destiny; congratulations, kid. I didn't think you'd pull this off.

  But this man belongs to you."

  Humphrey Bogart kisses Destiny's right hand and excuses himself.

  Sean-Pierre's head is reeling in confusion. The whole truth is disclosed.

  What he had been looking for all his life is here with him at his side.

  He lights up a cigar and inhales deeply and exhales several rings.

  He smiles. While at least he is with a pretty woman.

  Sean-Pierre can't complain.

  God has answered his prayer

  Destiny grabs Sean's hands and looks into his eyes.

  She said, "We are linked forever. I've always been waiting for thee.

  Because I know you would come home to me.

  Romeo and Juliet have nothing in the meaning of true love."

  "Then my beloved Poppet. As the Lord wills it. I can't complain with the company.

  I have to spend eternity with. He reaches over the table and plants a gentle kiss on Destiny's lips.

  Promises of what is to come. Somehow the Lord smiles at the miracle of Love

  One of the redeeming qualities he instill in the hearts of men and women.

  God's ultimate creation, his children of love.

 
Adolfo Rico, Jr's Novels