Fury From Hell

by Rochelle Campbell

  “Damn, it’s hot in here. Don’t ‘cha think?” Jennifer said averting her eyes and fanning herself.

  “Uh, no. It’s not the bar, it’s you. Jen I had no idea you rolled like that! And that pick up line? The best!”

  “Agreed!” Betty chimed in as she high-fived Babs.

  “I’m going to the restroom and take this stuff off. Clearly it’s getting me all twisted up and —”

  “Nope, you’re not going anywhere and you’re not washing your face. You look gorgeous like I said you would. Now deal with it. You’re pretty. Men like you. Suck it up and be a woman, Holden.”

  Betty pushed Jennifer back onto her barstool and nodded in agreement.

  Frustrated, Jennifer pulled the torn T-shirt up higher in an attempt to cover up. It didn’t work. With nothing to do with her hands, she folded them on the bar and tried to think of something that would disarm Babs and stifle any further girl bonding…she hoped.

  “Babs, so what’s your story? I never see you dating any of the guys...”

  “’Cause I don’t date in-precinct. “ She was facing the main room with her elbows resting on the bar.

  Betty, still facing the bar, nodded sagely but said nothing.

  “So how do you keep them at bay? With your looks, it must be difficult.” Jennifer said.

  “It’s easier now since I’ve set a precedent.” Jennifer snorted and swiveled to face her. “What kind of precedent?”

  Babs turned her head and smiled enigmatically, “The kind that makes the guys leave me alone.”

  “What? You told ‘em you’re a lesbo?”

  Laughing, Betty clapped her on the back and said to Babs, “Just tell her what happened with Yearwood already.”

  “Yearwood? The one that’s been bugging me for over a year?”

  “The one and the same.”

  Jennifer’s ego deflated as the realization hit. He was going after prey with smaller assets. She pushed the apathy aside and plunged forward.

  “So what happened?”

  “I was relatively new; had only been in the precinct ‘bout 8 months. They were buzzing around me like bees, but Yearwood? He was the worst. He invited me to lunch, dinner and everything in-between. But I had heard that he was a tad…odd.”

  A knowing smile crept over Jennifer’s face and Betty nodded.

  “So, two years went by and he was asking me out to dinner after shift. At that point, I was sure the guy would never stop asking until I shut him down completely, right? So, I asked him flat out, ‘So, what will we do while waiting for our entrees to arrive? Read the death notices?’ I’ve never seen anyone turn that shade of red before! If only I had a camera — Man! He was livid. He stuck his finger in my face and sputtered! He had no words. No comeback. No nothing! He just kind of growled at me then stalked away. He hasn’t approached me for a date since.” Babs finished with a nod and a taut smile that showed no teeth.

  “You really said that?” a bemused Jennifer asked.

  She shrugged and looked over at Betty. “Didn’t I?”

  “Yup, you did.”

  Jennifer looked perplexed. “How would you know?”

  “I was coming on shift and heading to the lockers. He had cornered her right there. It was late, like eleven o’clock. I was a bit late coming on shift. So, I got an earful,” she said grinning.

  Just then, Chad arrived with the three drinks in his hands. He placed a drink in front of each woman with flair and pushed a napkin at each of them. When it was Jennifer’s turn to receive her napkin he said, “Just in case you can’t stick around, there’s something special about yours. You may not want to lose it.” He winked and went to take another order further down the long bar.

  With shaking hands Jennifer picked up her napkin. Sure enough his number was written on the back.

  “Very well played on his end. Ball’s in your court now. What are you going to do?” Babs asked, taking her first chug at the Bomb. She made a face as she swallowed the potent drink. Betty grabbed hers, took a sip and screwed up her face.

  “Whoa! That’s too strong for me.”

  “Wuss!” goaded Babs.

  Absentmindedly, Jennifer picked up her drink and gulped away while thinking about Chad and what she should do. In less than a minute, her drink was done. With a soft burp, Jennifer put the empty glass down and thumbed the corner of her lips. Oblivious to her friends’ astonishment, she wondered if she was up to trying the whole dating thing again.

  “What the hell? Where did you put all that? Why aren’t you reeling?” Betty asked, flabbergasted.

  “What? It wasn’t that strong.” Jennifer said. Deep within Jennifer’s mind the Fury smiled with wicked delight.

  The Jäger Bomb was now the Fury’s new favorite replacing the Green Fairy; a cocktail mixed with Absinthe that the Fury’s Grisette hosts used to imbibe in Paris a century, or so, ago. Pulling back from the heady memories, the Fury refocused. It would make sure to boost this modern-day host’s tolerance levels so more of the Bombs could be consumed in a night. For tonight, one was this host’s capacity. The Fury was already having trouble trying to keep the host’s brain sober.

  Jennifer looked at her friends and did an internal check. She felt…fine. The room had a bit of an extra reddish hue that made everything seem more alive. She looked over at Babs and Betty and smiled.

  “I’m truly fine. Not even a bit tipsy.”

  “Prove it. Stand up and spin around,” said Betty with a smirk as she hiccupped. Jennifer got up and did as she was told. She even added a hand flourish and a bow after doing a perfect pirouette. Her little dance performance generated catcalls, whistles and applause from those around them. Jennifer blushed and took her seat. She stuck her tongue out at both of her friends.

  “Told ‘ya.”

  “So, does that mean you’re ready for round number two?” said Chad in a sexy voice as he too clapped.

  “You know, I think I’ll take her old usual — a Lemon Gingerini. Can’t hang with this, Chad,” Betty pushed her Bomb towards him with an apologetic smile.

  “Same here,” said Babs.

  “At least you drank a quarter of it,” he smiled at the curvaceous blonde.

  “Yeah, and the room’s spinning ever so slowly,” Babs giggled. “I’ll have a club soda with a twist of lime. I’m done for the night.”

  Chad’s eyes came back to Jennifer and rested on her for a moment.

  “So…what about you?”

  “I’ll go along with my friends and I won’t do another one — but, none of the girly stuff. What else you got up your sleeve?”

  Chad crossed his thickly muscled arms across his chest and stroked his chin as he thought. “You like whiskey?”

  “Dunno. Should I?” She asked with a come-hither look.

  “Yeah…yeah. You should. Let’s go with a Hurricane.”

  “Hmm…sounds good. What’s in that?”

  “Light rum, dark rum, passion fruit syrup and lime juice.”

  Betty and Babs both perked up.

  “That has a bit of sweetness to it,” ventured Babs.

  “Yeah, but the light and dark rums are going to pack a wallop…” finished the taller, darker blonde-haired Betty.

  “Perfect,” cooed Jennifer warming to her role. She figured that would be the best way to deal. Nothing in her life was normal anymore and her friends were encouraging her to do different things. She mentally shrugged.

  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

  Two Hurricanes and a Lynchburg Lemonade later, the Fury was at her limit with the host’s alcohol tolerance levels. The last drink had surpassed the host’s threshold and the Fury was trying to hold the host’s body’s reaction back but to no avail.

  “Oh, God, Jen, you’re looking green. We need to get you to the bathroom right now.” Babs said with urgency.

  At that moment, Jennifer’s stomach started to roil faster.

  “I don’t know what happened. I was fine just a minute ago.”

  “Th
at Lemonade with whiskey probably did it. We tried to warn you, don’t mix liquors — that’s the biggest drinking no-no. You’re going to be so hung over tomorrow. Good thing you’re off,” muttered Betty as they half-dragged Jennifer to the bathroom.

  As soon as they got there Jennifer stumbled into a stall and retched up everything. Babs looked over at Betty winked and said, “Perfect timing.”

  “I see you’ve been down this road a couple times before,” Betty said giving Babs an approving look.

  “Maybe. Seems to me like you have, too.”

  “Yeah. A time or two.”

  Betty sized up the pretty petite blonde and dove into a topic that had been on her mind all evening.

  “But what are we going to do about the rookie?” Betty said angling her head towards Jennifer who was still hurling in the stall.

  “She’s coming out of her shell. We’ve got to be there so she won’t go down the wrong path. The boys won’t hesitate to lead her by the nose if they sense she’s a loose cannon,” Babs said with a thoughtful look in her eye. “But what I don’t understand is why all of a sudden? And sometimes, she seems so bipolar. Have you noticed?”

  Betty’s back stiffened.

  “She’s not bipolar. She caught a case that would have been rough for any woman even one that’s been on the force for decades. Barnes was messed up bad. You didn’t see the body as it was found. You only got her clean sterile body fluids. Back off of Holden, Strickland. She’s actually doing pretty damn well for what she’s been through this week.”

  Babs looked at Betty sharply and realized her gaffe when she saw the fierce protective look in Betty’s eyes.

  “Look, sorry. I didn’t mean anything. I know you’ve worked with Jen for a few years on various cases. I…I just meant she seemed stressed. This girl’s night out was a good idea. And, I’m glad you guys invited me.”

  Betty nodded her head towards Jennifer’s stall, “No, she invited you.” Babs licked her lips trying to assess what was going on.

  “You got a problem with me?” she asked Betty in a low guarded tone as she faced the bigger woman.

  “Not really. I just don’t know much about you ‘cept what I hear from the boys. You keep to yourself and use your gams and other assets whenever you need a promotion.”

  Babs flushed deeply. “Ah! And there it is. Right, should have figured you’d believe that. Not that it’s any of your business, that’s not true. You of all people should know that if they can’t get a piece they make stuff up to appease their own tiny little egos. Every damn promotion I’ve gotten was through my own sweat and hard work. I’ve got a fucking Master’s in Forensics. I can run rings around almost all of them in my department. If they actually gave me more serious work I could really show them what I can do! But you of all people should talk. Don’t they call you a butch behind your back?”

  In the stall, Jennifer heard the grating rumble of Betty’s anger getting ready to boil over. With her stomach emptied, and the squeamishness abating, Jennifer caught the last bit of Betty’s response to Babs’ taunt. Jennifer was touched but she couldn’t have her new friend eaten alive by the Mother Hen that was Betty Feinster. Jennifer chose to flush the toilet at that moment halting the escalating tension. They both turned as Jennifer walked out of the stall.

  “Feeling better?” Betty asked as she shoved Babs out of her way. Betty pushed a stray lock of Jennifer’s dark brown hair off her forehead. Jennifer looked up into Betty’s face and realized for the first time that she had missed out on some good times because of her own phobias. She vowed not to do that again.

  “I’m good — better.” Jennifer nodded as she amended with a wan smile.

  Babs came up behind them and cleared her throat and directed her question to them both, “Need a ride? I’ve got to split. I’m on duty in the morning.”

  Betty looked at her with disdain and was about to say something but Jennifer jumped in.

  “No, I’m cool Babs. Thanks for the offer. I’m not too far. I can actually walk home from here.”

  “Betty?” Jennifer’s eyes pleaded with Betty to be nice. Betty sighed.

  “Yeah, thanks. I could use a ride to the Railroad down by the Barclays Center. Left the car at home today. You’ll be okay, Holden?”

  “Be fine. I’m a big girl.”

  “Yeah, with her first big fat hangover looming in the morning,” Betty said as she peered at Jennifer. She knew Betty was pondering leaving Jennifer unattended while inebriated.

  The Fury stepped in and spread its finger-like claws.

  From out of nowhere, Jennifer felt strength and confidence flood her mind and body. She smiled and a gleam came into her eye.

  “Besides, I think I have some unfinished business to handle.”

  Babs snickered and Betty’s color shifted to a dull crimson.

  “Uh…ooh. I, ah, forgot about Chad. Didn’t think he was your type though…”

  “I’m not even sure I have a type. So, why not see if I like his type and I’ll go from there.” She smiled and reached over to hug Betty’s stiff 5’11” rugged frame. Then she grabbed Babs’ shorter curvy 5’7” frame and hugged her as well.

  “I’ll be fine you guys, really. Text me your number, Babs. Get it from good ‘ole Betty here. I’ll text you both when I get in. You’ll get it in the morning since I can see you’re practically dead on your feet, Babs.”

  “I’m beat all right. If you’re sure?”

  Jennifer coaxed them both out of the bathroom. When they left she washed her mouth and was shocked to see that her eye make-up was still pretty much intact.

  Damn, she’s good with this stuff.

  She took a deep breath and prepared herself to seduce a man for the first time in her life.

  ***

  Friday, November 9th, 2:00 A.M.

  Chad wiped the bar down for the final time and looked around at the empty place before catching Jennifer’s gaze.

  “Thanks for hanging around, even though a woman like you has better things to do with her time.”

  “Oh? Like what?” she smiled as she shrugged on her denim jacket and headed towards the door. He flicked off the lights while grabbing her hand. He brought her fingers up and brushed them lightly against his lips. He turned towards her at the door and stopped.

  “You sure you want to come home with me? I’d completely understand if you want to go on a real date first…”

  “Real date? Isn’t that what we’ve been having all night?” He opened the front door, pulled her through it and locked up.

  “Yeah, sure it was! Especially the parts when I was working and serving drinks for most of the night.”

  “Oh, that…foreplay. Totally.”

  He shook his head smiling at her.

  “Then, no. I can’t do it. I want to see you again…soon. With one-night stands, you rarely see the person again, let alone talk to them.”

  When she gave him a sharp look, he put up his hands, “That’s what I hear! Not from experience,” he said praying his little lie would go undetected.

  “Sure. You, big burly blond, you’re telling me you’ve never had a fling with a girl that you’ve never seen again? Yeah, I can believe that,” she said with a soft snort.

  Her sarcasm wasn’t lost on him, and Chad pulled Jennifer close.

  “So what, I’ve had a few fun nights. I was careful and I get tested once a year. I’m clean and ready for something more than what I’ve had in the past.”

  He bent his head letting his soft pliable lips play with hers until he felt her tension subside. He slid his tongue between her parted lips.

  The Fury felt the host start the process of pulling and running away from the sheer terror of the physical intimacy. The Fury seethed. Only recently had the memory of this host’s abusive father and uncle surfaced; much too recently for the Fury to have alleviated the host of the pain and trauma of these memories. The Fury had to clamp down hard onto the host’s emotions. The Fury kept the host in place but the kiss w
as not going well.

  Jennifer’s age-old fears came back with a vengeance. Chad’s gentle probing tongue made her break out in a cold sweat. She could feel the clammy hands of a much larger, out of shape, drunken man on her body. She could almost taste the sour beer on his breath. She did all she could to not pull away from Chad but she froze and tried to breathe as shallowly as possible until the memory faded.

  “Did I…do something wrong?”

  “No, it’s not you —”

  “Yeah, I know that one. ‘It’s not you, it’s me.’ Got that. See? I was right. It is better we do this the traditional way. So, let’s start over.”

  He had eased back from her and passed a hand over his perfect hair. He plastered on a bright smile while sticking out his hand.

  “Hi! I’m Chad Fosdick and I would love to take you out to dinner, lunch or brunch sometime very soon. I’m housebroken. I’m a good listener. I play the bazooka — rather badly. I also love long walks in the park and horseback riding. My family has a horse farm in Shelbyville, Tennessee… what? You don’t believe me? I’ve got pictures! Look…”

  Jennifer had broken down and was giggling uncontrollably. Chad sounded so earnest and was working so hard to impress her. Jennifer knew that she must be dreaming and at any moment she was going to wake up from the wettest dream she’d ever had. She giggled so hard she had to pee and collapsed on the sidewalk.

  Concerned, Chad squatted down and looked her in the face. “Okay, young lady, I know I was being a geek but…really?”

  Jennifer tried to get herself under control but wasn’t even remotely successful.

  The Fury liked what was happening and found entertainment in the host’s interaction with the modern-day noble gentleman. The Fury didn’t sense any evil or wrongdoing in him nor did she see any disease or other injury that would infect the host. All in all, the Fury was pleased that the host had found a suitable male to consort with pretty much on her own. With the host’s traumatic experiences, an understanding male would come in handy. The Fury retreated fully and allowed the man and its host to do as they pleased.