No Rhyme or Reason, Volume Two
Page 4
Chapter Twelve
It’s always hectic on the morning of art showings. Everything had to be in place. The art pieces had to be in the perfect place to where the light in the room would showcase the artist’s talents. The refreshments had to be in order. The champagne. The decorations. The seating and number of tables had to coincide with the number of RSVPs. Everything down to a specific detail. Julie was always nervous on the day of showings. She had to be spot on with all aspects. As Julie was talking with the person in charge of linens for the tables, someone tapped her shoulder from behind. Startled, she quickly turned around and was pleasantly surprised when she recognized who it was. It was the guy asking for directions the other day for this event.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to surprise you,” remarked the man.
“Oh, no, I’ve just been busy today, so I’m a little anxious,” Julie replied with a slight grin. She thought to herself this guy was more attractive now than the other day.
“Listen, Julie, there’s something about you that I like. So, I’m leaving all of the art decisions up to you. Here’s the account number to my boss’s personal banker. When you find something you think he would like, feel free to purchase it and send it to this address.” He gave her the information to the boss’s office. “Thanks. Oh, and put a little finder’s fee on top of the price. Let’s say, what, thirty percent?”
“That’s very generous of you and your boss, but it’s too much.”
“Sorry, but that’s what he wanted,” replied the man with a curious wink.
“Really, it’s too much.”
“No, but he insists on it. Besides, I have to run right now, I’ve got the jet waiting for me to fly onto the next city to try and find something else that will keep my boss busy for a bit,”
He gently touched her shoulder and started to turn to walk out when she stopped him.
“Hey, you, I never even got your name.”
He glanced up and down her body realizing just how pretty she was and thought it really is going to be a shame when he had to end her. “Please, Julie, just make sure you ship the art to the address and besides, you’ll be seeing me sooner than you think. I’ll definitely make sure of that.”
As he strode out of the hotel, he could feel her watching him and that’s what he wanted. That’s exactly what he wanted.
Chapter Thirteen
As Dawn was driving, she had grown a conscience. She knew this evening was going to turn really bad really quick. She had to focus on the job at hand and that job was to find Lisa. She tried to retrace what Julie had said to her earlier. Lisa wasn’t answering her phone, and that was not like her. They had looked everywhere. Then, Dawn thought of a place where she might be able to find her. She turned her Tahoe around and started driving to Bunyan’s. Bunyan’s was a hole-in-the-wall place where guys usually showed up if they had struck out with the ladies earlier. It was typically reserved for chics who wanted to go out, not be seen by others, and goes home with whatever guy showed interest.
Dawn pulled up to this dump, got out and was immediately confronted by two drunks. They began to walk toward her with thoughts of taking her home.
“Guys, even before you open your drunken mouth, don’t even think about it,” Dawn said with a stern look on her face.
“Sorry, baby, we thought you could use some company,” screamed one of the guys.
“I don’t think so. Why don’t you two back the hell up or I’m going to have your balls in a sling.”
Dawn opened the door and the place reeked of smoke and stale booze. She looked around the bar, proceeded to the bathroom, if that’s what they call it here, and found no sign of Lisa.
Frustrated, she left and walked back to her car.
Chapter Fourteen
Mr. Beautiful had carefully placed Lisa’s remains in order from the first cut to the last cut of her now mangled body. He was now relishing in a dream-like state. He thought of it as his work of art. After all, his trip to Miami made him somewhat of an artist. The total fabrication he told this girl Julie was that, total lies. There was something about Julie that made him feel different. He didn’t know what it was, but it was something he had to have. He would think about her later and how he would decide to involve Julie in his game.
As he walked around the body of this lifeless soul, he couldn’t stop smiling. This was his work. The work of a true artist. He walked gracefully back to his truck and pulled out the some compartments. These were flat compartments that erected to perfect form when he undid the string. He took the temporary graves and put parts of Lisa into them. He looked over his shoulder and saw something move in the bushes. The feeling of intense rage immediately took over his body and mind. Who was in the bushes? It couldn’t be someone from the bar or her friends looking for her. He was careful not to make mistakes. After all, he was a professional. As he stood up to investigate what was staring at him, he started to walk carefully towards the sound. He got half way there and saw what had been rustling in the bushes. It was a set of eyes. Someone had been watching what he was doing.
“Come out of the bushes, I know you’re there,” growled Mr. Beautiful.
The person who was watching slowly made their way out of the darkness. He instantly recognized this person.
“It’s about time, where have you been?” asked Mr. Beautiful.
“I was enjoying the display, kind of like having a front row seat. I was running a little late.”
“That’s no problem. Now, come here. I want you right next to me as I finish up.”
They walked toward each other and gazed into each other’s eyes. This was definitely a moment he cherished.
Mr. Beautiful placed his right hand on her hip and said without hesitation, “I Love You, Dawn.”
**Volume Three coming soon!!!