Melissa looked over the small town as Adam drove through. Quite a picturesque little place, she decided. It had possibilities.
Adam had some business in the area, and had decided to bring his young wife with him, not wanting to be separated for a week. Melissa, however, had no interest in business, and had already decided that she would have to find her own amusement. Sitting around in the motel room all day or lazing by the pool was just not her.
That evening, Melissa informed Adam of her intentions.
"I've decided that while you're running around seeing your business contacts, I'm going to do a photo essay of the town and the surrounding area. Will I be able to use the car or will you be needing it?"
"Most of my business is within the town," replied Adam. "If I'm going to need a car I can always use a taxi. I grew up here, you know. I'll give you a list of places that you might like to visit. There is some quite good scenery here if you know where to look."
For the next few days Melissa buzzed around the area, visiting local tourist spots and also quite a few non-tourist spots, being guided to these locations by Adam's directions. During the course of her days she gathered quite a few shots.
Melissa was quite pleased with her work to date. She thought that with some intelligent editing, and a smidgeon of luck, she might just be able to get herself a decent coffee table book out of this trip. What she now needed were some pictures of the town.
Melissa spent the next day wandering around the town, capturing it on film. She noted that she should really ask around to see if anyone had some old photos of the town that she could copy. A few old versus new pictures never hurt.
While wandering around the town Melissa found her gaze resting thoughtfully on the old bell tower behind the church. The church was at the end of the main street, and anyone standing in that tower could shoot the full length of the street. It made sense to try to set up a shoot up there.
Heading up the street, Melissa bypassed the church and headed straight for the bell tower. Reaching it, she found it locked. Looking at the old fashioned lock, Melissa thought she could probably pick it with a nailfile, but good manners said no, try the church.
Tracing her steps back Melissa approached the church, finding the rear door standing open.
"Hullo," she called, entering. "Is anyone there?"
"Oh, hullo," said a voice, and a man popped out of the sacristy. "I'm Neil. Can I help you?"
Melissa saw a man in his early thirties, pleasant features and a warm smile. He was dressed for the weather in t-shirt and shorts. He also possessed an unusual charisma, and she was quite charmed by him.
Neil, on the other hand, saw a pretty young woman, very nicely built, in his opinion, also dressed for the weather in t-shirt and shorts.
"Hi," said Melissa. "I'm Melissa. Melissa Grant. I'm staying in town for a few days and I've been gathering photos for a photo essay on the town. I was wondering if I could get permission to go up the bell tower and take some shots from there."
"And you've come here hoping I have a key," said Neil with a smile. "That makes a change. Most people who want to climb it just pop the lock with a nailfile or similar. We only lock it because of the safety regulation. One moment and I'll get the key."
Neil vanished back into the sacristy and came out moments later with a large old fashioned key.
"Oh, thank you," said Melissa. "I'll return it as soon as I've finished."
"You won't, you know," said Neil, still smiling. "It's those safety regulations and our insurance. You see, that old tower doesn't have steps. It just had this long ladder bolted to the wall. The rule is that there must always be two people when anyone goes up, just in case of accident. Fortunately, I'm available for the next hour or so, so I can go with you."
"Are you sure it won't inconvenience you?" asked Melissa. "I can wait until Adam gets back and he can escort me."
"Either way is fine by me," said Neil, "but will your Adam be back before you lose the light?"
"Probably not," Melissa admitted. "If you're sure you don't mind?"
Neil laughed. "After you," he said with a flourish.
Melissa smiled and returned to the bell tower. Unlocking it they entered, and Melissa looked at the iron ladder, a trifle daunted by the climb. It looked a lot higher from inside looking up.
"You had better lead the way, Melissa," said Neil. "I'll follow close behind. I've been up and down this old ladder dozens of times. It's quite safe, but if your foot should slip I'll be right there to catch you."
"Right," thought Melissa, grinning to herself. "And you'll be able to ogle my bottom all the way to the top. Thank god I'm wearing shorts."
Staring up the ladder, Melissa tried to count the rungs, but quickly gave up.
"How many rungs are there?"
"Sixty," Neil told her. "It's the equivalent height of a three story building."
Melissa sighed, and started up the ladder, Neil close behind.