The airport terminal was crowded and noisy as Ray stood at the conveyor and waited for his bag to come around, jostling with the others that waited impatiently as the baggage carousel churned slowly. He kept his head down as he tried to avoid the cameras and kept an eye out for the security guards posted by the foyer. Concerned that he stood out in his denim jacket and sneakers while everyone around him wore heavy coats or parkas and boots he hoped he would not draw unwanted attention.

When the bag arrived in front of him he scooped it up and moved towards the exit with a group, managing to blend in enough to avoid any glances from the guards. He followed along as they stepped through the sliding doors and into the bitterest cold he had ever encountered.

HOLY FUCK! HOW DOES ANYONE LIVE HERE? he exclaimed to himself as he looked for a cab. With a brutal wind and temperature of -36 Celsius the windchill made it even colder and he felt his hands freezing as he walked to the taxi stand. He was directed to a waiting cab and quickly jumped inside, cursing the cold as he slammed the door closed and rubbed his hands together.

"You're obviously a visitor. You need to dress much warmer than that," the driver advised. "Where to?"

Ray reached out with his trembling hand and gave him a slip of paper with the name of the hotel.

"Okay, no problem," the driver agreed.

"Is there somewhere I can get a coat and gloves really cheap?" Ray inquired. "It's fucking freezing here."

"Yeah, there's a thrift store on the way," the driver answered as he pulled into traffic.

Ray shivered and looked in amazement at the huge banks of snow lining the icy, rutted streets as the taxi shook and bounced along.

"Is it always like this?" he asked.

"Not always," the driver chuckled. "We just had a big storm, not cleaned up yet."

People were shuffling along snow covered sidewalks and pacing at bus stops, puffs of breath clearly visible in the cold air.

"Here's the thrift shop," the driver announced. "I suggest you look for a toque and some boots, too."

"What's a toque?"

"A knitted hat, like this," the driver explained as he lifted a cap from the seat. "You need to keep your head warm or you will freeze your ears when you're outside."

Ray returned to the car wearing an oversized parka, a black toque and thick gloves.

"No boots?" the driver asked.

"No boots."

The driver shrugged, pulled back into traffic and slowly proceeded to the hotel. Ray tipped him well and thanked him as he stepped out into the frigid air, slipping on the ice as he closed the door. He slowly picked himself up and walked through the front door, the sudden warmth making him give a sigh of relief as he walked to the front desk.

The young woman smiled as she checked him in and gave him his key card. She was pretty, with olive skin, dark hair and a name tag that said "Welcome, I am Saanvi".

"Enjoy your stay," she chirped with a grin.

"Thanks," Ray replied. "It's sure fucking cold here."

Saanvi laughed. "You get used to it."

"I doubt it," Ray mumbled as he headed for the elevator.

Once in his room he tossed the bag and parka on the chair, still shivering from his short time in the bone-chilling cold. He turned on the shower, stripped and stood under the heat of the hot water until the chill finally disappeared. He put on his jeans and a clean shirt, retrieving the laptop from his bag and setting it on the table before laying down on the bed.

I guess this is where "it will be a cold day in Hell" comes from... he mused as he closed his eyes and drifted off.

***

Ray pulled his gloves on as he passed the front desk, braced himself as the doors opened and stepped out into the frigid temperatures that waited outside. He gasped as the shock of the freezing air hit his lungs and immediately felt cold. He was surprised it was already dark.

How can it be this fucking cold! he questioned as he slowly made his way down the icy sidewalk. He tread carefully, keeping his eyes on the ground in front of him and avoiding the dips and lumps of packed snow. He was shivering as he waited for the lights to change at the intersection, the skin on his exposed face beginning to tingle and feel tight.

He raced across the street and looked for somewhere to go inside for a few minutes, spotting a bus stop shelter another block ahead. He hurried to the shelter and stepped inside. Not warm, but out of the brutal wind.

“Hey, got any smokes?”

Ray looked at the pile of trash in the corner and was shocked to see someone sitting under it.

“What the fuck you doing here?” Ray asked.

“I fucking live here, man. You got smokes?” the trash man replied angrily.

“No.”

“Any change? You got money?”

“No.”

“Then get the fuck out, asshole,” trash man yelled as he waved dismissively.

“Fuck you, too,” Ray replied as he stepped back onto the sidewalk and into the biting wind.

His toes were ice cubes when he reached the restaurant and stepped into the entryway. He pulled a glove off and rubbed his face, trying to warm his frozen cheeks as he looked around and spotted the opening to the lounge.

He passed the row of VLTs, the new-age one armed bandits, and took a seat in the first empty booth. He shivered and kept his parka on as the server approached.

“Cold enough for you?” she joked.

“Fuck yeah,” Ray answered. “Coffee, black.”

She disappeared for a moment and Ray pondered why his feet were burning when she returned and placed a tall mug and a silver carafe on the table.

“It’s fresh from the pot, I’ll leave you the carafe,” she said as she placed a menu down. “If you want anything, just wave.”

“Thanks,” Ray replied. “You have good burgers?”

“Depends... do you like them big, sloppy and greasy?”

“I do.”

“Then yes, we do. And fries with gravy?”

“You read my mind,” Ray chuckled.

“Easy to read I guess,” she joked, winking as she turned away.

He nodded and poured the hot liquid into the mug, wrapping his hands around it and absorbing the heat. After a few sips he unzipped and removed the parka, finally feeling somewhat warm. His toes tingled as he removed the toque and ran his fingers through his hair. He noticed the last of the dye on his fingers and wiped it off on his pants.

“Here you go,” she announced as she put the plate in front of him and placed napkins and silverware down. “Anything else?”

Ray liked her cute smile and sparkling brown eyes. He suddenly felt much warmer.

“No, I’m good. Thanks.”

He watched her walk away and admired the shapely ass and curvy hips. She was attractive and not much younger than him. Thoughts of fucking her played in his head as he ate his burger and watched her move around the lounge. He caught her looking at him a few times and felt the pull of mutual attraction.

She appeared again as he pushed aside the empty plate and poured the last of the coffee into the mug.

“More coffee? Or anything else?” she said teasingly.

“No, thanks," he replied with a shake of his head. "By the way, does Angela Barrett work here?”

“Angie? Not anymore, she left a few months ago.”

“Any idea where I could find her?”

“You a friend or…?” she asked suspiciously.

“An old friend of her brother. Trying to track him down, lost touch a few years ago.”

She eyed him for a few moments before nodding her head slowly.

“She works at the Gentleman’s Club.”

“Thanks, appreciate it.”

Ray handed her a fifty dollar bill.

“Keep the change,” he offered with a smile.

“Thanks. Anything else?”

Ray looked into those sparkling brown eyes and was drawn right in.

“You interested in coming to my hotel room?”

She blushed slightly and held her hand out, the gold band obvious on her ring finger. Her eyes never left his.

“Interested... but not really available,” she replied.

“What time do you finish?”

“Usually around ten, sometimes later.”

“I’ll wait. See if you can leave early.”

“Really?”

“Really. How about a beer while I wait?”

She smiled and nodded before walking away, knowing that Ray’s eyes followed her. She felt a spark with this attractive man, something she hadn't felt in years. Maybe he was just flirting?

When she handed him the bottle the hungry look in his eyes told her that he did indeed desire her. She was now forty-five, with an inattentive and unappreciative husband, stuck in a dead marriage. It had been a very long time since she felt this desired. She slipped the gold band off her finger and put it in her pocket.

***

It took less than a minute for their coats and clothes to hit the floor of his room. They embraced and locked lips as they fell onto the bed in a lusty frenzy. Hands moved and tongues intertwined as Ray was pulled between her legs. He felt her hand grasp his swollen shaft and direct it to her wet opening, feeling slight resistance as he pushed inside and began thrusting. She took him fully and rocked her hips, pushing herself into his thrusts and directing him.

"Oh, fuck me... fuck me good," she moaned loudly.

He surprisingly felt the pressure building quickly as she writhed below him, her legs suddenly wrapping around his waist and pulling him tight. She shuddered and he moaned as they climaxed together, her silky cunt clenching his pulsing shaft tightly as he emptied his load deep inside of her.

He collapsed on top of her, holding his weight off by resting on his elbows. He dropped his head on her chest as the orgasm subsided and tried to catch his breath. Her legs embraced him tightly as she stroked his hair.

"Oh, that was fabulous," she purred.

"Yeah," he exhaled. "It was."

She lowered her legs and allowed him to roll off and onto his back. She tucked herself under his arm, resting her head on his chest and her leg across his waist as she snuggled up tight against him.

"So, this is a little late," Ray whispered. "But what's your name?"

She giggled before answering. "Jess. Jessica, actually."

"Hello, Jessica actually. I'm Ray."

"Very nice to meet you, Ray," she cooed as her fingers ran across the greying hair on his chest.

"My pleasure," he chuckled.

"Oh, mine too," she giggled. "That was great."

They lay together in silence for a while, Ray stroking her hair while she gently rubbed his chest.

"How long will you be here?" Jess questioned.

"Not sure. Depends on what Angela can tell me."

"Where are you from?"

"Nowhere, really. I've moved around a lot."

"Hmm, okay."

Ray enjoyed the feeling of her fingers running over his chest and the heat of her body pressed against his as they relaxed in silence once more.

"How long have you been married?" Ray asked. "Kids?"

"Almost eighteen years now," she sighed. "No, no children. Just never happened."

"Mostly good years?"

"No, not really. Nothing there anymore, actually."

"Hmm, sorry to hear that. But not sorry..."

"Thanks," she giggled. "Have you ever been married?"

"No," he admitted. "Things just never worked out that way."

They cuddled quietly for a few more minutes, enjoying the feeling of intimacy that they both needed.

"So, your looking for Angie's brother?" she inquired.

"Yeah, been looking for a while," he sighed. "Hope I finally catch up to him."

"Guess you were good friends?"

"At one time, yeah. Been through a lot together."

"Well, hopefully she can help you out."

"We will see."

Her hand drifted down his torso and between his legs, her fingers touching his now-stiffening cock. She began stroking him and he was quickly hard again. Without a word she slid down and took him into her mouth, sucking him slowly as he kept his hand in her hair. He heard a "pop" as she pulled her mouth off and watched her swing her leg over his hips and lower herself down onto him. They both moaned quietly as his thick cock was swallowed up and she began slowly moving.

His hands cupped her ample breasts, soft flesh spilling over his fingers as he gently squeezed and kneaded. Her rocking motion became quicker and she suddenly tensed up and shuddered as she climaxed.

"I love your dick, Ray," she giggled.

"Well, keep going then," he chuckled as he thrust his hips upward.

She smiled and began grinding again. They quickly developed a rhythm and Ray lifted his head up as Jess moved forward and he took her nipple in his mouth, suckling as she rode him. He felt the pressure build and let her know of his impending climax.

"Oh, fuck... I'm gonna cum, Jess."

She quickly moved off of him, swung around and took his bursting cock into her mouth, clamping her lips around the pulsing shaft and taking the entire load into her mouth. Ray shivered as his balls emptied. Once he relaxed she pulled away, swallowed, and then lay down beside him once more.

"Wow, that was great," he moaned quietly.

"Fun, too," Jess giggled.

They lay together for a few minutes, cuddling in silence until Jess announced it was time for her to leave.

"This was great, Ray," she said as she dressed. "I wish I could stay."

"You could."

She shook her head and quietly replied, "Not tonight."

"Another time?"

"I'd like that," she smiled. "Will you come by before you leave?"

"Yes," he promised. "I will."

They looked at each other in silence for a moment, then Jess gave a little wave as she closed the door behind her.

Ray waved back at the closed door.

***

The Gentleman's Club opened at noon and Ray took a seat at a table near the rear door. He ordered a beer and a burger from the bikini-clad young beauty who came by and watched as the strip club slowly began to fill up. He kept an eye out for anyone who might resemble Digger, hoping he could spot Angela without having to ask for her.

The first dancer appeared on stage and Ray watched with interest for a few moments before spotting the tall brunette behind the bar. She looked about the right age, older than the other women he had seen so far, and Digger was tall with dark hair as well. The little bikini girl came by with another beer.

"Thanks. Is that Angela, by chance?" he asked as he pointed towards the bar.

"Uh, Angie... yeah," she answered.

"Can you ask her to come and see me when she has a few minutes?" Ray asked as he handed her a twenty.

"Sure thing," she replied with a big smile as she tucked the bill into her bikini top.

"Anything else I can do for you?" she teased suggestively as she tossed her long blonde hair.

"No, not at the moment," Ray replied with a grin. "Maybe another time."

"Okee-dokee," she chirped as she walked away.

Ray watched as she went to the bar and gestured at him to Angela. The tall brunette eyed him suspiciously before returning to whatever she was doing. He waiting patiently and watched the next dancer, a petite slender redhead with tattoos, until Angela approached.

"You wanted to see me?" she asked.

"Yeah. Are you Angela Barrett?"

"Who's asking?" she replied.

"Please, sit down and relax for a moment," Ray suggested as he pointed at the chair across from him.

She sat in the chair and he continued.

"I'm looking for an old friend, I believe he is your brother. Digger Barrett."

"Digger!" she replied in surprise. "I haven't heard him called that in a very long time."

"So you know him?"

"Yes. Who are you?"

"Ray."

"THE Ray? From down south?"

"Yeah, I'm Ray."

"Well, holy shit. I never thought I would ever meet you."

"So you know who I am?"

"Of course! Johnny... Digger used to talk about you. He said you went to jail for him."

"Yeah, but let's not talk about that. Is he around? Where can I find him?"

She sat quietly for a moment when the little blonde stopped by and put another beer on the table. Angela scowled and she quickly scurried away.

"He's... well, he's dead," she shrugged. "A few years now."

"Shit. What happened?"

She sat back quietly. Ray noticed her lower lip tremble and her eyes begin to tear.

"Drunk driver. Hit him when he was crossing a street one night."

"I'm sorry," Ray offered. "Fuck."

"It's okay," she replied. "Thank you."

"Drunk driver," Ray mused quietly. "After everything else..."

"He left a package for you," Angela announced. "I've had it put away for years. I never thought you would come here."

"He did? Is it possible to get it?"

"Sure. It's for you," Angela shrugged. "I can bring it here tomorrow."

"Can I get it today?"

"I guess. I don't live far, I can go home and get it."

"How about I come with you?"

"You were expecting this?" she questioned.

"Hoping, not expecting," he replied. "I'll make it worth your time."

"Oh, that won't be necessary," she declined. "Let me see if I can take an hour off."

She left the table and disappeared through the doorway behind the bar. Ray sipped his beer.

Thanks Digger.

She returned wearing a coat and gestured for him to follow her. He pulled his parka on and followed her to the parking lot out back, getting in the Corolla she unlocked.

"It's not far," she explained as she pulled out onto the street. "Wow, it's really you."

"Why so surprised?" Ray asked.

"Well, Johnny thought you might be dead. He came up here while you were in jail and never heard anything about you, so..."

"He was up here all these years? I had no idea he ever lived here."

"He didn't. He came up to stay with me for a while and never left."

"No wonder I couldn't find him," Ray mused.

"How did you find me then?"

"Long story."

She glanced over at him. "I have time."

"Another time maybe," he replied.

She pulled into the parking lot of a large apartment complex, parked in a stall and shut the car off. He followed her into the building and they rode the elevator in silence, getting off on the seventh floor. She unlocked the door and invited him in.

"I'll just wait here," Ray said as he stopped in the entryway.

"Suit yourself," Angela shrugged as she walked around the corner and disappeared.

Ray glanced around the apartment and noticed the men's shoes at the foot of the closet. He listened closely but only heard the sound of her rummaging around. She returned and handed him a large shoebox wrapped in plastic and covered in dust.

"This is it," she said as she handed him the box.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"He spoke very highly of you," Angela said sadly. "I miss him."

"Yeah...well, I need to go now."

"I can drop you off wherever you want," Angela offered.

"I would appreciate a ride back to the club. Do you have bag or something I can put this in?"

She reached into the closet and pulled out a white trash bag.

"Will this do?"

"Yeah, that's fine. Thanks."

***

Ray sat on the bed and stared at the box for a while before carefully cutting the plastic off. He lifted the lid slowly and was pleased to see the stacks of bills. There was a note on top.

Ray - I said I would look after your share - here it is. There is also an additional $176,000.

$100 a day for each day. Digger

"Thanks, buddy," Ray said aloud as he put the lid back on the box.

He wrapped the plastic around it, secured it with tape and placed it back in the white trash bag. He closed and taped that up as well before putting it in his travel bag. After ensuring he had everything he slipped on the parka, grabbed his toque and gloves and made his way to the rear exit of the hotel.

The wind had dropped off and the temperature risen to a balmy -10C as the day passed and Ray found the walk to the restaurant much more pleasant. He went into the lounge and took the same seat in the same booth.

Jess came over as soon as she noticed him. Ray noticed the gold band was not on her finger.

“You leaving already?” she pouted.

“Yeah.”

“You found your friend?”

“Yeah, I found what I was looking for.”

“Coffee? Beer?” she offered. “Before you go?”

Ray shook his head no.

“You ever been to Costa Rica?” he asked.

“No,” Jess chuckled. “Mexico once a few years ago. Why?”

“You want to come with me?”

“To Costa Rica?”

“Yeah.”

“Now?”

“Yeah.”

“I… uh, I can’t just leave,” she protested.

“Why not? You think he’s going to miss you?”

“Uh, likely not. We had a big falling out last night.”

“So grab your stuff.”

“I.. I don’t have anything here. No clothes, no… no… my passport.”

“Let’s go get it.”

“You’re serious?”

“Yes.”

“I… I…”

“Do you have your car here?” Ray asked.

“Yes.”

He stood up, took her hands in his and looked her in the eyes.

“I’m leaving. I’m ready to start over in a warm place by the ocean. I want you to come with me.”

They stood and stared at each other for a few moments.

“Give me a minute,” Jess replied.

She walked away and disappeared through the doorway to the kitchen. Ray stood and waited until she reappeared wearing her coat and carrying her purse.

***

There was a light breeze drifting in from the ocean as Ray stepped out to the veranda and handed Jess her drink. He plunked himself down into the lounger and let out a deep sigh as he relaxed in the heat of the day.

“Can I ask you something?” Jess queried.

“Sure.”

“Why Digger?”

“What do you mean?”

“The name. Why do you call him Digger?”

Ray laughed.

“When we met up he worked the backhoe at a cemetery.”

“So?”

Ray laughed again.

“So he was a grave digger.”

“Oh!” Jess chuckled. “Duh…”

She lifted her glass up to his.

“To Digger,” she toasted.

“To Digger,” Ray agreed as he touched his glass to hers.