Covert Identity

by Maria Hammarblad

"Who, me?"

  He poked the tip of her nose. "Yes, you."

  I'm dreaming, and any moment I'll wake up and he'll be gone. You don't meet the person just right for you when driving to Wal-Mart. It doesn't happen.

  Her vision of a perfect Saturday included staying in bed at least until noon. With Jimmy there it seemed silly to get up at all.

  His version of reality was clearly different: he sat up, giving a splendid view of his muscular chest. "I can almost feel the sun shine outside. Time to get up. Up. Outside."

  Could she make him stay in bed if she showed her boobs? No, he'd probably just tease her.

  "Where are we going?"

  "Mickey-Dee's for breakfast, then anywhere that's outside. Trust me, I can ravage you just as well on the beach as in bed."

  Where does he get all this energy? It's Saturday morning... I need a shower.

  She pulled jeans and a shirt on and followed nonetheless. Outside, the large bike waited for them, and the silver sedan idled in the neighbor's driveway. Jimmy frowned.

  "What's up with that car and the kids? I've seen it a lot this week."

  "I don't know. They sit there all the time, and..."

  She didn't get a chance to finish the sentence. He walked over towards the car with long strides, bent down, peeked in through the back window, and waved to the boys.

  This ought to be interesting.

  The kids didn't scream, and no maniacal woman flew out of the house. Jimmy returned and made an unhappy grimace.

  "That's not good. Kids that age need something to do."

  How do you know? Do you have a bunch of children tucked away somewhere? A secret family?

  He swung a leg over the bike but still didn't look particularly happy, and she fidgeted with the helmet in her hands.

  "Jimmy..."

  When he glanced up and met her eyes, his mouth twitched into a smile.

  "You look like you think I'll kidnap them."

  "No. I'm just happy you're here."

  It was the right thing to say. His smile widened and he patted the seat. She obeyed, and hugged him from behind. When they reached McDonald's he seemed to have shaken the mood completely; he pulled her close and kissed her so passionately her knees threatened to buckle.

  She expected a lonely weekend with TV and the laptop for company, but her life had changed. Their Saturday was a whirlwind of activity, sex, coffee, and beer. She thought Jimmy would leave to go play with his friends, or whatever they did, but he hung around and even came with her to the store.

  The lady at checkout was used to her buying yoghurt and salads, and lifted an eyebrow when she saw their pile of chips, hot dogs, beer, burgers, fried chicken, and wine bottles.

  Jimmy flashed a smile. "I forgot something."

  When he roamed back into the store, the clerk mouthed, "Wow."

  "I know, right."

  "Good luck, honey. That's a handsome fella, but be careful."

  Sharon winked.

  She expected him to disappear, but when Sunday dawned, he was still there, still energetic. "Wanna go feed the gators?"

  Doesn't he ever get tired?

  "Feed the what and the what?"

  "The baby alligators, at the miniature golf course."

  "I... Uh, I guess."

  I lived in this city all my life and had no idea the golf course had a zoo.

  It was a matter of minutes before she was dressed and in another part of town, standing in the sun, holding a fishing pole. Jimmy attached something looking like a dog treat to the end of the line.

  "Hold it in front of that one. He looks hungry."

  She obeyed, and squealed when the large reptile grabbed the food.

  "I did it! I fed an alligator!"

  His grin said she was cute and silly. She could live with that.

  "He wants more. Here, let's give him another piece."

  She hadn't expected to actually have to play golf, but she beat him at the game. He probably let her win, and she could live with that too.

  Later in the afternoon, his phone rang. She tried not to listen, but still heard him say, "Alright man, I'll be right there."

  Her heart sank. Once he left he might not come back. He had gotten what he came for, and she would no longer be interesting.

  Jimmy pulled a hand over his face and muttered, "Damn."

  "Everything okay?"

  "Yeah."

  You're lying.

  He cupped her cheek in his hand and gazed into her eyes. "I've gotta leave for a couple of hours. Do you want me to come back?"

  What a strange question. Of course she wanted him to come back.

  "I'd even like you to hurry."

  She was afraid she'd sound needy, but her words made his eyes smile. Maybe he wasn't used to being wanted.

  In Sharon's world "a couple" meant two. Jimmy's perception of a couple was clearly different. She attempted to get some work done to keep herself occupied, but peeked through the window every time she heard a sound outside.

  Why is my self-confidence so horrible? Why do I care so much? He's just a man.

  A sexy and funny man with whom she might be able to spend eternity without growing bored.

  *****

  During the coming days, Jimmy went off on mysterious male errands, but always returned.

  He didn't seem to work but always had money, and Sharon chose to keep her eyes closed to this fact. As long as she didn't know, she didn't have to take action and burst her bubble of joy.

  The little house filled up with more and more things that weren't hers. Having a man's stuff around was weird and scary, but comforting too. It had been a long time since she had anyone but Mona to call if she needed help and she had forgotten what it felt like to have someone. If disaster struck, he would come for her. He had already rescued her once when her car wouldn't start.

  Seeing the man on the large bike pull up to her lifeless truck gave a feeling of belonging. It was strange not to be alone, and wonderful to have someone there for her.

  She looked at a peculiar contraption in the bathroom, and he explained with a chuckle, "It's a beard trimmer, so I can keep this sexy stubble. Without it, I'd have beard to my knees."

  Sexy stubble, sexy muscles, sexy man.

  He sniffed his shirt. "Hey, can I use your laundry machine?"

  "Sure. Or, toss it in the hamper."

  His clothes ended up in the closet, and seeing his shirts and jeans hang next to her skirts and dresses brought a warm feeling to her chest. His things filled a spot that had been empty, one that shouldn't be empty.

  Jimmy fiddled with his bike and her car, and the little garage filled up with tools.

  What could possibly be so interesting about an engine?

  Curiosity tugged at her, and she grabbed a beer can from the fridge as an excuse to go out to him.

  "You thirsty, handsome?"

  He shrugged, smiled, and brushed his hands off.

  "Do you want to learn to drive?"

  "Me? That monstrous thing? Oh no, it would drive away with me and fall over me, and neither of us would ever be the same."

  He held her gaze and patted the seat.

  "Trust me."

  Crap. I can't say I don't trust him.

  She sat up, careful not to touch anything.

  "Gas, break, this is the clutch, and that's where you shift gears. First gear is toe down, and all the others heel down."

  I'm not driving this. I should get off before he gets his hopes up.

  Jimmy sat up behind her, and his breath was hot against her ear.

  "This bike is too big for you to practice so I'll help you. If you like it, we could get you something smaller."

  Too big was an underestimate. The thing was huge. Enormous. Much larger up front than when she sat on the back.

  He held his hands outside hers and helped her roll the monstrous machine out of the garage. It made her feel like a little girl. They drove around the block, and surrounded by his arms, it was an exciting and s
exy adventure. She had problems with the gears at first, but could probably learn to do it.

  I don't think there's a slumbering biker in my heart, but I'm definitely in lust with this man. In love?

  *****

  Late that night, she sat curled up on the sofa, resting her head against him. He ran a hand over her hair.

  "You'd tell me if you wanted me to leave, right?"

  "I would, but I don't want you to leave, so it's a moot point."

  He kissed the side of her head.

  "As long as you're sure..."

  She shuddered involuntarily.

  "What?" He sounded worried.

  "I imagined being alone again, without you. Scary."

  He held her tighter and she relaxed.

  It's strange, we spend so much time together, and I don't know anything about him. He can disappear at any moment. Then what would I do?

  "Tell me something about yourself."

  She could feel him shrug. "Like what? I'm not interesting."

  "Where are you from? Do you have a family?"

  Why are you in a gang?

  "Look, your show is coming on."

  It was a clear change of subject and he didn't offer any answers. He got up to fetch a beer. In his world, beer seemed to be the answer to everything.

  When he returned, he rolled the can between his hands. "I'll tell you all about it someday, just not right now, okay?"

  Pushing him wouldn't do her any good, but banning the subject from her mind was near impossible. So many questions and not even one answer.

  He held his arm out with a pleading expression on his face, so she curled up to him again, and after a few minutes in silence, the TV beckoned for her attention.

  She did like the show, and she should watch it instead of sulking.

  The screen showed a couple kissing. The hero pulled the heroine into his arms and they danced slowly in front of a fireplace.

  Dreamy. He's a good sport watching this with me. Never complains or changes the channel.

  "Aww, that's so nice."

  Jimmy frowned. "You're joking, right?"

  "No, it looks nice."

  Romance clearly wasn't up his alley. It didn't matter. Dancing wasn't required for a happy life.

  "Alright, get up."

  Oh no, whatever crazy adventure you just thought of, I don't want to go. It's dark outside.

  Jimmy took her hand and pulled her onto the floor. A moment later, she had a strong arm around her waist, and he led her to the music from the TV.

  "You know how to dance?"

  His eyes glittered.

  "Don't tell anyone, it'll ruin my image."

  The TV moved on to an action scene and she could hear gunfire, but Jimmy ignored it and hummed a melody.

  She smiled. "Image is important to you, isn't it? Just because you're so good looking I'll keep quiet about the singing, too."

  He stopped both humming and dancing, and cupped his hands around her face.

  "You have no idea."

  His lips against hers made the butterflies flap again. She was done with TV.

  "Bedtime?"

  "Nah, right here is fine."

  He brushed his hands over her shoulders and stared into her eyes. There was still so much she didn't know about him, but his touch claimed knowledge wasn't important. Here and now was important, she never had sex on a rug before, and getting his clothes off should be a priority.

  *****

  When morning returned, so did her questions.

  Jimmy stood in the kitchen, filling the coffee maker, and she tugged the back of his shirt to get attention. "So, when will I see your home?"

  He gave a dismissive gesture.

  "Trust me, there's nothing to see there."

  Maybe he doesn't have a place of his own. He might shack up with a friend, or move from woman to woman.

  He put his hands on her hips and inched her closer.

  "I'll leave if you want me to. Pack up my stuff in a tiny little bag."

  His eyes smiled and he held his fingers an inch apart to show just how small a bag he would need. She stuck her tongue out.

  "That's not what I meant, and you know it."

  "I'll take you there soon. There's not much to see and I've gotta clean up before I can take a lady there."

  Are you keeping something from me? Another woman? A secret meth lab?

  It wasn't like her to be this suspicious, but it wasn't like her to date guys boasting gang names either. He hadn't done or said anything to deserve distrust, but if he were innocent with a clean conscience there would be no need to hide things from her. Things, like his home.

  She must have stood quiet for longer than she realized; he lifted an eyebrow. "Are you okay? Hey, it's a fine day. Let's go for coffee."

  "What is it with you and outside? We have coffee right here. You were just making a pot."

  "It'll still be here, and outside is better."

  Once she sat on the back of the bike, she had to agree: it was a fine day. In the sunshine state most days were, but Jimmy taught her not to take them for granted. She couldn't fret with the warm wind on her face.

  He pulled up outside Starbucks.

  "C'mon, let's go get you something yummy, and we can sit outside in the sun."

  Yummy? For a big, bad guy you're really cute.

  There wasn't a good place to sit outside, all the tables were taken, and Jimmy plopped down on a concrete ledge. He patted his leg, urging her to claim her spot, and she was more than happy to. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek.

  She said, "You can't be comfortable."

  "Of course I am, I have you here. How 'bout you?"

  "It's heavenly."

  It was true; she couldn't think of anything that might be better. She wanted to lean her head against his, but that made it difficult to drink coffee. Jimmy stole kisses from her while telling funny stories.

  "This one girl I knew said, 'What does IDK stand for?' I said, 'I don't know,' and she shouted, 'OMG, nobody does!' Oh, and this one time she tried to call nine-one-one, but she couldn't find the eleven on the keypad."

  He escalated it and made voices until she laughed so she needed to dry her eyes.

  A car pulled up not far from them and she saw hidden lights along the front window, but didn't give it a second thought. Cops needed coffee too, probably more than other people.

  Two men in civilian clothes stepped out and she could feel Jimmy tense.

  "Damn it. I'm not up to this today."

  "What?"

  There was no time for him to answer or explain. She sensed more than saw two people come closer, and a voice said, "Hey Jimmy, what are you doing here today?"

  He put the mug down on the ledge and pushed her to her feet.

  "Nothing much, having a cuppa joe with this beautiful lady."

  I feel sick, I shouldn't have had that muffin. I haven't done anything wrong, but he might... What is it with cops that always makes you feel so guilty?

  Both officers wore civilian clothes, and the taller one crossed his arms over his chest. "Why? She doesn't look like a hooker."

  Sharon couldn't keep it in; her blood boiled.

  "Oh my God, that is so rude."

  Jimmy kept a serene expression.

  "She's a nice girl, leave her out of this."

  The shorter officer said, "Shut up. I'm sure I can find something to bust you for. Play nice and I won't take her, too."

  Sharon clutched her little mug.

  "He didn't do anything. I don't think there are any laws against having coffee."

  Jimmy sighed and got to his feet. He tucked a hand in a pocket, and both cops stiffened.

  "Good grief, I'm gonna give her money for a cab home."

  She mumbled, "I have money," but he didn't pay any notice to her objection. He tucked a pile of wrinkly bills into her hand and kissed the corner of her mouth.

  "Don't worry, dearest, it'll be okay. I'll be back before you know it."


  One of the men pulled Jimmy's hands behind his back. It looked painful.

  Oh my God, they're cuffing him, can they really do that? That has got to hurt.

  He took a seat in the back of the car without objecting.

  "But he didn't do anything."

  No one listened.

  Jimmy leaned towards the window and winked as the car pulled out of the parking lot. He didn't seem worried, but maybe he just kept a brave face for her? Either way, she had to dry her eyes.

  Chapter Five

  The back of the police car smelled bad, but not as bad as it could have been.

  Jimmy shifted his weight and pulled his hands out of the cuffs.

  "Did you have to do that when I'm with her?"

  The driver met his eyes in the rearview mirror.

  "Yes. We need to talk to you. Something's going down and you need to be in on it. Who is she anyway?"

  The man in the passenger seat glanced back.

  "I thought you were gonna hit me when I called her a hooker."

  "Hey Bishop, say that one more time and I'll hit you in a way you can't even imagine."

  Bishop grinned and turned towards the driver.

  "Neil, I think this might be it. He has fallen. Again."

  "I expected another stripper."

  Jimmy cleared his throat. "Angela wasn't a stripper."

  They ignored him. Bishop said, "Yeah, this one isn't his type. She wears clothes."

  "Soon we'll be hearing wedding bells."

  "That's good. I like weddings, and he's the only one ever having them. How many has it been? Is it four or five?"

  Jimmy leaned forward and tossed the handcuffs on Bishop's lap.

  "What do you morons want?"

  Chapter Six

  Sharon stood outside the coffee shop and shifted her weight from foot to foot, looking at Jimmy's abandoned bike.

  I can't believe they took him. I always thought the police were the good guys, but I guess I was wrong.

  The way he'd been ripped away from her made her feel queasy, and for a moment she thought she might have to run behind the building and throw up.

  The police picked up her boyfriend, and people didn't flock around her. No one stared or pointed fingers at her. The sky didn't fall down. Strange how such a major event in her life could go unnoticed by everyone else. To them, it was an ordinary day.

  The bike beckoned to her, but she couldn't do anything about it. She wouldn't be able to move it, and he didn't expect her to. Hell, she could barely drive it with his help.