by Pinki Parks
“I thought I was going to have to twist your arm a little bit more. I should have known better than to think you would pass on a good thing when it’s right in front of you. I can’t promise to go easy on them.” Boot camp had nothing on how I was going to psychologically torture them.
Mason was wearing camouflage fatigues and was never comfortable in a tailored suit molded to his body like a second skin. He could certainly clean-up well when dignitaries were coming to see the dog and pony show. Black Net was the last line of defense for those who didn’t want to get their hands dirty.
“Chase, I wouldn’t expect anything less from a man of your character and honor. You still have the rank of colonel. I expect you will have that permanently tattooed on your skin somewhere. It wouldn’t even surprise me if you have it on your lower back as a tramp stamp.” I cocked my eyebrow and with lightning speed punched him in the shoulder hard enough to make him spin around in a circle.
“I’ve never been comfortable marking my body with ink. I have enough scars with stories for every one of them to last me a lifetime. There was never a need to jump on that macho train when everybody was too drunk to realize what they were doing.” I had a few lesson plans in mothballs which I was going to dust off.
“Your eye for detail is going to pay off in big time around here. We have some lucrative contracts with several high paying dignitaries to give them the security they are looking for. We want more of the same but we also want to tap into the market of the military.” Mason had big dreams and was willing to talk the talk with those still on the fence about using his company.
“Mason, our numbers are wearing thin. It’s not easy to poach the military for established talent. We give the next generation an alternative to signing their life away. It’s far more rewarding. I wish there was something like this before we decided to make our mark on the world. It’s better late than never.” I had a fleeting thought of the woman I was going to be having drinks with for her birthday.
“It’s time for you to get your feet wet and start recruiting. There are a couple of colleges in the area having a career week. I want you to be center stage. We can’t give them the same song and dance as everybody else. It’s necessary for us to stand out from the crowd.” I had seen some of the new recruits and they needed some fine tuning.
There were many seasoned professionals who had been left with their minds shattered from what they had seen and they were going to leave them in a fetal position rocking back and forth muttering nonsense to a bunch of kids.
“I think you might be overestimating my talents to encourage young minds to take a leap of faith. But, I appreciate the high praise and I will do everything in my power not to let you down.” Mason was underneath my command in the marines, but he was always a leader when it counted the most.
“Chase, you’ve always been a blunt instrument. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I had, however, done things I wasn’t proud of.
I never had thoughts of taking my life. It was the coward’s way out in my opinion.
“I’m deadly and decisive. I was at the top of my class through boot camp. I excelled in hand to hand combat. I learned to use my environment and not depend on conventional weapons. This is what is missing from the lazy generation. I’m going to test them until they hate me.” Feelings didn’t matter when a gun was up against your head.
“We can’t condemn the entire generation over a few bad apples. I look forward to seeing how they exceed your expectations. Cynthia has mentioned having you come over for Sunday dinner. I know how you feel about home cooked meals, but maybe you can make an exception.” I knew if I didn’t come he would never hear the end of it from his wife. I had become something of a surrogate brother and thankfully, not some kind of charity case.
Chapter Three
Gail
I was nursing a cosmopolitan alone at the bar looking like a sad case of being stood up by a blind date. It was a crying shame to have somebody like him off the market. I was beginning to think that all the good ones were either married or gay. It didn’t leave much on the bone for those of us still looking for their significant other.
“I think somebody needs another drink. I’m sorry I even made the suggestion about going out for drinks. It doesn’t look like you are in any mood to socialize. It probably didn’t help any matters when I mentioned he was married.” I could see the shining example of his fidelity on his finger mocking me from across the room.
“I’m making the best out of a bad situation.” I wanted to feel numb and forget it was my birthday.
“I haven’t heard him talk about anyone special in his life. It could be he’s trying to separate his professional life from his personal life. I have to admit he does look pretty damn good in and out of his uniform.” I knew what he meant, but anybody overhearing would have been given the impression they had been intimate.
“Lower your voice and we don’t want to give people the wrong idea.” I had known for quite some time his fascination for men in uniform was his Achilles heel.
“I’ve never been one to be quiet about anything in my life. The day I came out of the closet was liberating. I don’t care what other people think.” The one thing I admired about Henry was how he could rise above petty differences.
“I didn’t give 20-years of my life for nothing. People have the right to live the way they want to without being judged. As long as you’re not hurting anyone then there shouldn’t be any problem.” I wasn’t aware Chase was even behind me until he spoke. He was quiet and reserved without any wasted motion.
“I’m glad to see somebody agrees with me. I didn’t come to work for Mr. Dane to be labeled and ridiculed. I made sure to be upfront with him from the very beginning about my open sexuality. He was actually very understanding and made me feel at home.” I felt the same way that Henry did and was surprised to learn Chase was open minded.
He seemed rigid in posture and in his thinking. It was possible he was only saying what we wanted to hear, but I didn’t think so. I was going to go home and dress up for the occasion, but it didn’t seem necessary knowing he was already taken.
“Henry, life is precious and there’s no time for regrets. I don’t prescribe to my own advice, but maybe I could take a page from your book. Sitting in silence and doing nothing has never been my strong suit. Expect me to be heard when I have something to say.” He did have a military bearing even in the suit he was wearing.
“I do have a prior commitment, but I am leaving you in capable hands. Gail is one of my best friends and I would appreciate you keeping her company in my absence.” I didn’t think he was bowing out gracefully like that, especially because the colonel has a wedding ring on his finger.
He was never one to believe in commitment. This was one of those contentions between us.
“That is a nice locket.” Henry had given me a silver heart shaped locket with both of our pictures inside.
“Henry gave me present for my thirtieth birthday.” I was going to treasure it.
“A woman on her birthday should never have to drink alone.” His voice was loud and I looked around to make sure nobody else from the office had heard his declaration.
“I don’t like my birthday and I never have. It could stem from my father leaving the family on my 11th birthday. I’m sure any therapist would have some choice words to say about that.” I kept looking at his ring finger and imagining the lucky woman who had captured his attention.
“A birthday is a chance to celebrate a milestone. Turning thirty is a big achievement. Some people don’t even know what they want to do at that age. Others already have their lives mapped out for them. Each milestone gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself.” His lips were moving, but I could barely hear him over the muscles bulging from his overdeveloped body.
“I would rather have a quiet ceremony in private. I don’t even know why I told Henry. He has this funny way of getting me to open up. He knows me a little t
oo well.” I needed the liquid courage and downed the cosmopolitan to be replaced by another one at my request.
“I think you can handle something stronger. I turned them onto a drink I made call the Bamboozle.” His hands were huge and I could envision them manhandling me into submission.
“I’ve never been known to handle my liquor. I had one experience which left holes in my memory in Mexico on spring break. I was dragged there kicking and screaming by a friend. She abandoned me when the police found me walking topless in the street out of my mind on too many tequila shots.” I was still fuzzy on the details, but I did have a story to tell to anyone who was willing to listen.
“Liquor opens you up to doing something you would never consider otherwise. I’m going to make it my personal mission to make your birthday something memorable. It’s time for you to be reckless and a little careless. My motorcycle is down the street. I could be convinced to give you a ride.” He wasn’t drinking, but I felt it was necessary to pickle myself.
I had a few drinks with this warm sensation running through me. My head felt light and the room was spinning counterclockwise. I tried to stand up, but my legs weren’t exactly seaworthy.
“I’m going to take a rain check on getting on a motorcycle in my condition. I hope you’re not the type of guy to take advantage of a woman who isn’t in control. I could probably be convinced to do practically anything.” I was giving him an opening and afraid that he would take it.
“I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I didn’t escort you home. We can stay until last call. We’ll get some water into you to ward off the effects of the liquor running through your bloodstream.” He wasn’t suggesting a nightcap back at his place.
It would’ve been extremely awkward with his lady love leering at me with judgment in her eyes.
“I could use some coffee.” Black coffee was a good way to counteract the liquor that was making me touch him inappropriately.
“Actually, water is the cure. You are dehydrated from the alcohol.”
I squeezed his muscle and he flexed it to make me jump back in startled surprise. I didn’t mean to be bold. I was prepared to blame it on the Alcohol.
“Don’t be so rough. I’m going to need that arm tomorrow to put the new trainees through their paces. I have to get up at revelry. I have a routine which I follow religiously like my own personal bible.” I wanted to be the fly on the wall to see him up at the crack of dawn showering and sweating through whatever regime he put his body through. Not necessarily in that order.
“I would think by now you would be used to being fawned over. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you’re dead. I would like to know what kind of woman has the power to tie you down for a commitment.” He was plainly out of my league and playing in his sandbox was asking to take the walk of shame.
“My personal life is my business. I don’t mean to be defensive, but some things are better left alone. I want you to come with me. There’s something I want you to see. It will give you some idea of the trials and tribulations other soldiers have endured for our freedoms. People tend to forget the sacrifices made to make it possible for them to drink their fancy coffees in the morning.” He was draped in the flag metaphorically speaking, but I could see the pride he had for his country oozing out of every pore.
“I think I know where you want to go. I’ve always meant to visit. There’s no time like the present.” Those who had been there claimed to see things differently like a light bulb going off over their heads.
“Arlington Cemetery is home to several of my friends. I feel it’s important from time to time to remind myself of those who fought valiantly. I’ve never brought a woman with me. There’s always a first time for everything.” I had glasses of water and was feeling somewhat like myself, but still having vivid and wild fantasies about him in various states of undress.
“I would be honored to share this experience with you. I don’t know what makes me special.” I was a little flippant in my youth about the war effort.
“Your birthday is a great time to reflect on the past and on those who will never celebrate another birthday again. We can toast to their memories together. It’s a sobering moment when you witness the land marred by tombstones.” He ordered a bottle of champagne still corked and held it in one hand high above his head like a trophy.
I was going to ask him how his wife might think about him spending time with another woman. It didn’t seem important enough to voice my concern. I wasn’t doing anything wrong. He hadn’t tried to put the moves on me. I doubted seriously he was going to have his way with me in the cemetery.
“Life is too damn short to look back at all the things I’ve never done. I have had thoughts about going on vacation to someplace tropical. It would be nice to have somebody there with me.” I was hinting at the possibility of him join me on the hot sand with the surf crashing against the shore.
“I hate the heat more than you know. I’m much more comfortable when there’s a chill in the air. I should have been born a December baby.” He was drinking an abundance of apple cider and a couple of his drinks in the virgin variety.
“I’m a little curious to know the reason why you don’t drink.” I was worried he was suffering from being on the wagon and holding onto a sobriety chip in his name.
“I’ve been known to indulge from time to time. I don’t just drink for the sake of feeling nothing. It’s usually in social occasions and when I’m not driving my motorcycle. My place is a little off the beaten track. I’ve seen my life flash before my eyes too many times to let it happen again.” He paid the bill and then I felt his iron grip holding my hand.
I had the perfect view from behind to see his sculpted posterior. It was a blank canvas with the paintbrush of my tongue ready to make him my sexual masterpiece. I was tempted to grab the pipe between his legs, but my morality held me in check.
“I hope you’re not squeamish when I take some of those narrow turns a little too fast. This is the best way to get the adrenaline rush I don’t get when I’m stuck on civilian ground.” It was a beautiful black Harley Davidson with gleaming chrome.
He got on and handed me a helmet which I reluctantly took from him. We grazed fingertips and stood still for over 30-seconds. I could only imagine what he was thinking.
The rev of the engine was nothing compared to when I draped my leg over the side and settled in behind him. The vibration alone was enough to get me there without any kind of manual stimulation.
Chapter Four
Chase
I could feel her fingers around me with only a few inches separating her from touching something unfurling in my pants. The memory was too fresh for me to make any untoward moves. The emotional pain woke me up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Nightmares were something I had learned to live with.
This wasn’t the first time I had been to Arlington cemetery in the middle of the night. I had an understanding with the security guard who didn’t mind turning a blind eye for $100. He gave me a dismissive wave after clutching the bonus in his greedy fist on top of his meager salary.
It was awe-inspiring to be surrounded by the ghosts walking during the witching hour. I could almost close my eyes and hear them whispering my name.
“I wasn’t lying when I said I was going to make your birthday something memorable. Life is hard, but it could be a whole lot worse. I might be prone to violence, but only when I’m provoked. You can’t tell me being here doesn’t make you feel small in comparison.” Every life had meaning. They all had families waiting for them to come home only to be given the harsh news of their untimely end.
She was still a little shaky, but it was the flush along her chest that made me smile. A woman was a sucker for the feelings they got from a motorcycle. They could never understand the glint in a woman’s eyes until they experienced it for themselves.” I took a solemn walk amongst the graves with the sound of her footsteps following in tune with mine.
/> “I should be scared of what lies in the dark, but I’m not. I feel safe like each one of these fallen soldiers is still doing their job by protecting the innocent. I don’t know how quite to describe it.” She stumbled and grabbed onto my shoulders for support.
“It’s a humbling feeling. I count myself lucky to be mentioned in the same breath as many of these soldiers. They paved the way for the rest of us to commit to a higher calling than a normal everyday 9 to 5 existence.” A light snow was falling, but it wasn’t cold enough to stick to the pavement.
“It seems I have a lot to learn. My job isn’t as glamorous as yours. I deal with the numbers in accounting. I make sure Black Net is cost effective. It’s not always easy with Mr. Dane playing fast and loose with the cash.” She looked chilled to the bone.
“Everybody plays their part to make the company a success. Mason is a man who wants his people to have the best equipment money can buy. You can’t scrimp on what’s important. It could be the difference between life and death.” I didn’t mean to give her a lecture. I was very passionate about those who put their lives on the line every day.
“I think I finally understand why it’s so important. I always thought he was frivolous. It took a lot of effort to get him to see the bottom line. I don’t think he really thinks about money. That’s my job and I’m very good at it.” I’d heard some rumors about her about to come to blows with Mason over some monetary discrepancies. She wasn’t about to let anybody walk over the thin line. Somebody had to be the bad guy and she had appointed herself with the responsibility.
“Not many people have been able to see things through my eyes. You might be the first in a long time who wasn’t military born and bred to understand the sacrifices others have made in the name of peace. Most placate by wearing poppy pins. They think they know, but there’s no way they could without firsthand knowledge.” My words had affected her on a deeper level than I was imagining.
