Speed Trap

by Harris Channing

  "Take your time, sweetheart."

  * * * *

  Libby showered, shaved, and dressed in a soft pink sundress. It was good to be out of the stained burgundy smock that Jimmy and Madge insisted she wear. Her blouse was moist with perspiration and her jeans bore the brunt of a watermelon mishap. Definitely good to be clean.

  Applying light makeup, she hoped to disguise what was left of a bruise Dwayne had left behind. The mark was little more than a slight green discoloration on her left cheek but a scant two weeks ago, it was a black, blue, and purple badge. Time, she decided, was a funny thing. Despite the bruises that remained, Dwayne, Arkansas, and all her troubles seemed years away.

  "Stop it,” she scolded. Thinking of Dwayne made her stomach ache. For the first time in her life, she was with a man who cared about her and she felt confident would never hurt her. Now she wasn't sure. “We'll need to talk after that,” rang in her head like mourning bells. After brushing her teeth, she combed her hair and took in a deep breath.

  Walking down the hallway, she again looked at the photos. She recognized Annie, Chief Bell, and Susan. There she was, beautiful, blonde, and happy.

  "Libby?” Keith called from the kitchen.

  She moved to the kitchen and found him standing at the sink, elbow deep in dishwater. “Hand me a towel, would you?"

  The kitchen smelled of spicy meat, and she saw a bag of tortillas, grated cheddar cheese, and lettuce on the countertop.

  "What can I do to help?” she asked, setting the sage green towel in his dripping hand.

  "Uh.” He looked around. “Pour the wine? You like wine, don't you?"

  "Sure.” But the truth was, Dwayne was a beer drinker, and she'd only had wine on a handful of occasions. Keith popped the cork and handed her the bottle. His warm fingers lingered on her hand as she took the container and he blew out his breath.

  That small reaction to her touch eased her mind, but only a little. She tried to relax as she filled the wineglasses on the already set table.

  She lifted her glass to her lips and drew in a mouthful of the semi-sweet liquid. It rolled down her throat and she savored the flavor.

  "Good,” she remarked.

  "You sit. I'll be right over with the grub."

  Libby sank down onto the wooden seat and set her elbows on the dinette table, watching him. Oblivious of her stare, he went about preparing the food with practiced hands. He was beautiful, his fingers nimble as he arranged the enchiladas on the serving platter.

  "What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked, unable to quell the doubts any longer.

  "Let's eat first and talk after.” He didn't look up from his chore. “Guacamole and sour cream?"

  She shook her head.

  "I've got some diced tomatoes, too."

  She shifted in her chair and finished the contents of her glass before refilling it.

  "What's going on, Keith?"

  He looked to her now. “Dinner."

  "You want me to leave? Are we moving too fast?"

  "What?” he asked, his voice rising with surprise.

  "Do you want me out of your house?"

  "Hell, no.” He rubbed his hands on the towel, strode to her, and fell to his knee. “I like having you here."

  She let out a breath that she hadn't realized she was holding. “What? You have to tell me."

  He pulled his fingers through his hair. “Dwayne has not left White Springs."

  She clutched the skirt of her dress. “Are you sure?"

  Keith nodded and placed his hand atop hers. “Annie saw him loitering outside the gas station."

  "Can you make him leave?"

  "I'd like to,” Keith said bitterly. “I'd like to see him in jail.” He ran a finger over her fading bruise. “But until he does something against the law, there's not a damned thing I can do legally."

  "Can I get that restraining order?"

  "Yeah, a temporary one.” He sighed. “They last fifteen days."

  "He'll just wait that out."

  "I know.” Keith nodded. “We do have the pictures and we can present them to a judge. With luck, we'll get an extended order of protection. That lasts a year."

  "Or, I could pack up and go to North Carolina as planned. That way you don't have to be involved in my problems.” She watched him, expecting him to nod and dismiss her.

  "I am involved, sweetheart."

  Tears filled her eyes at the earnestness of his soft expression. “Oh, Keith, I don't know what to say."

  "Say you'll stay."

  "Are you sure you want all this trouble?"

  "Libby.” He took up her hand and kissed the knuckles. “I want to spend time with you. If I've learned anything, it's that folks always have some sort of trouble tagging along behind them. Yours just happens to be a puny redneck."

  Her gaze caressed his face and she felt a flood of desire spread from her heart to her abdomen. She leaned forward and kissed him, all of her emotion, love, fear, want, and need spilling over. He accepted her desire and matched it with his own. Standing, he pulled her to her feet and led her toward his bedroom.

  "Not in there,” she whispered.

  "Why not?” he asked, his brows joined in confusion. “We've been together there before."

  "Not with Susan looking down at us."

  "The photo?"

  "Yes.” She licked her lips and took a deep breath. “Why did you put that up after..."

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Guilt I guess. I've been alone for quite sometime and I haven't strayed from her memory."

  Her hand on her heart, she smiled. “Oh, Keith."

  "You caught me off-guard."

  * * * *

  Keith lowered Libby down upon the hide-a-bed mattress; his long lean body atop hers; his leg between hers as he kissed her. Libby moaned as his lips traced the length of her neck. He taunted her nipple through the thin fabric of her dress. Sliding down the shoulder strap, he exposed her breast to his hungry stare.

  "You're beautiful,” he said, drawing the soft pink nipple into his mouth. Her flesh reacted to his gentle urgings and she arched her body against him.

  "Oh, you make me feel good,” she muttered.

  Pulling himself up on his elbows, he stared down at her. “You make me feel."

  Seizing her lips, he pressed his tongue into her mouth. She accepted the probe and savored his flavor, stroking his tongue with hers. Her hands traveled down his back and finding the bottom of his shirt, she pushed it up; her fingers eager to experience the smooth muscles beneath.

  He pushed her dress up and cupped her ass, grinding his pelvis against hers. Tugging at her panties, he slipped his hand beneath the silky fabric and slid them down her hips. Gliding his hand up her thigh, he plunged a finger into her moisture. Her breath caught in her throat as he taunted her by rubbing her clit. Her ass tightened and she bucked against his hand; her pussy running over with her desire.

  His lips moved with ease over her body before he pulled her legs apart and buried his face in her cunt. She groaned and bit her lip to slow down her almost instantaneous climax.

  "Keith,” she cried out as he flicked his tongue in and out of her, his nose pressing against her button. She writhed beneath him. Her moans grew louder until she finally came, her muscles contracting in blissful release. Her body shuddered, her eyes rolled upward and she trembled.

  Keith raised to a kneeling position, wiping the moisture from his mouth, a self-satisfied grin on his face. Libby sat up, urging the blood back into her head. With greedy fingers, she tugged at his pants. “I want all of you,” she whispered.

  He kissed her again and she smelled her own scent mixed with his cologne. Lying back, she opened her legs, raising her knees on either side of his well-defined abdomen. He teased her, placing his penis in her opening just far enough that her lips grazed its head. With each withdraw and reentry, she braced herself to take all of him in and yet he evaded her, his eyes closed and his head lolling back with his ecstasy.

&
nbsp; "Keith,” she panted.

  At the sound of her voice, his eyes came to rest on her face and in their depths, she recognized his passion, his lust and was it wishful thinking? Or did she see genuine tenderness? A smile touched his lips and he pushed himself deep inside her. Her body quaked as he began rhythmically moving in and out, pressing so hard against her, that he raised her off the bed. She accepted him, clawing at his back, and wrapping her legs around him to allow him deeper access to her. Each thrust brought her closer to an edge she had never experienced before; every inch of him pleasing her flesh. As she climaxed her legs shook and her limbs tingled with rapture. Looking at Keith, he seemed shrouded by sparkling light, his gorgeous face bearing his own pleasure. His lower lip twitched, the muscles in his neck flexed and with a quiver, he released himself with a guttural groan of gratification.

  Satisfied, he lowered himself, his head resting upon her breast. She stroked his hair and marveled at the softness of it. I love you. She bit the feelings back, unprepared for rejection.

  He rolled off her and stared at the ceiling, his breathing heavy, a fine film of perspiration covering his face.

  She snuggled up to him, with her head on his chest, and his strong steady heartbeat pulsating in her ear. “You're the one. It's never been like this for me before. You're so generous, so unashamed."

  Kissing the top of her head, he pushed her hair from her face. “So are you. And it's never been like this for me either. You're wonderful."

  Closing her eyes, she savored his words. How often had she wondered if she were a good lover? Now this man with practiced hands and natural abilities found her to be wonderful. It wasn't a pledge of undying love, but it was a beginning. Warmth crept over her and closing her eyes, she felt herself drift off into delicious sleep.

  Chapter 8

  Keith pushed the buttons on the radio trying to find a station playing music and not filling the airwaves with idle chitchat. His left hand on the steering wheel, he sighed and flipped off the radio.

  "Thanks for coming along with me,” Libby said, her head against the headrest.

  "Wanted to.” He grinned. “Besides, you don't have a license right now. Don't want you getting pulled over.” He set a hand on her knee and gave it a squeeze. She giggled and pushed at his fingers. “Know how you like a man in uniform."

  "I like you in uniform and out,” she teased.

  He stole a quick glance before looking back at the road. “Don't I know it.” His hand still on her leg, he slid it up her thigh and gave her pussy a gentle nudge.

  "Don't start with me,” she warned, slapping his hand away. “Before you know it, we'll be on the side of the road going at it like a couple of teenagers."

  "Would that be bad?” he asked as he maneuvered the car between a semi and a pickup truck.

  "You know it would be great."

  She turned her head and stared out the window at the scenery. Hills covered in trees that showed off their fresh foliage, wildflowers on the side of the road. Tennessee was sure a beautiful state. How long will I be here?

  Fresh doubts crept into her mind and a jolt of adrenaline passed through her core. The idea of a life with Keith crept back in from the corners of her brain. She imagined herself standing next to him in a beautiful wedding gown, with his ring on her finger. The dread of reality tugged at the glorious scene and she felt a deep sorrow saturate her thoughts.

  Truth was she would probably end up alone in White Springs in the next few months. She'd pack her bag and try to find a place to go. After all, Harvey's Grocery was not a lifelong occupation. Just a stopgap measure until something better came along. Maybe that was what she was to Keith. Something to fill the void, on a temporary basis.

  "Why so quiet all the sudden? We're supposed to be having a good time ... our first date, you know."

  With a smile, she decided that no matter how long this lasted, she was going to enjoy every moment. Even if he weren't hers for long, he was hers for now.

  "Our first date, huh? I don't kiss on the first date."

  "We'll see about that, won't we?"

  * * * *

  Back in the car, Libby searched through her wallet, and found everything left exactly as she remembered. Even the credit cards remained in their usual slot.

  "There still are good people in this world, aren't there?"

  "Yep, there are,” Keith replied. “It's high time you realized that and that not everyone is out to hurt you."

  "It's difficult to trust people after all the things that have happened to me."

  His eyes grew soft as they scanned her face. “I know. It's a lesson I'm struggling with myself.” Bringing the car to life, he pulled out of the central precinct's lot. “Where you want to go now?” he asked. “Graceland? Mud Island? The Peabody Hotel to see those cool ducks?"

  "They all sound fun but I've got two more days till payday and I think I should give you the money from my wallet for gas and rent."

  "No.” He frowned. “You've done laundry, cleaned the house, and hell, you even bathed Elvis and Prissy. You're earning your keep. Besides, I'm an old-fashioned kind of guy."

  She tilted her head. “How so?"

  "I take you out on a date, I treat. Sweetheart, if you haven't noticed yet, I plan on dazzling you."

  "Oh, Keith.” She giggled. “You already have."

  "Well, let me at least treat you to some genuine Memphis barbecue. I guarantee you'll love it."

  "It does sound good."

  "And a woman's got to eat."

  * * * *

  Dinner over, Keith rested while Libby drove. He dozed in the passenger seat, his jeans unbuttoned to allow his full stomach relief. Libby smiled, recalling how much Keith ate. She'd never seen a man put away so much food and although she managed to keep her caloric intake under two thousand, she had to admit the barbecue was the best she'd ever had, dry rubbed and tender.

  The sun had set and left behind stray strands of orange and yellow that kept the sky from darkness. As she pulled up the driveway, something registered as wrong but her mind dismissed it.

  "Keith, honey, wake up. We're home."

  His eyes opened and a smirk curled his lips. “Hey. Give me a kiss before we go inside, won't you?"

  She leaned forward and took his face between her hands. She put her lips to his and felt the now familiar spark of desire ignite.

  "Ever done it in a car?” he asked, his voice husky.

  "No,” she whispered.

  "Want to?"

  She straightened and glanced out the windshield and that's when she noticed the oddity again. This time she squinted to examine the strange form on the front porch.

  "What's that...” She began to ask but before the words had passed her lips, Keith was out of the car and rushing down the walkway. Libby followed close behind.

  "Oh shit, shit, shit!” he shouted. “How the fuck did Elvis get out of the pen?"

  Bending to investigate, Libby saw the dog's fur matted with dried blood. “Keith, is he dead?"

  Keith set his hand on Elvis's side. “He's still breathing, but it's shallow."

  "Get him to the vet or something,” Libby sobbed. “He's a sweetie. Save him, Keith."

  "I'll take him to Doc Corman's but first go and see if you can find Prissy. She's probably hiding in the doghouse.” Libby sprinted toward the backyard, calling the schnauzer.

  "Prissy, where are you, girl?” Reaching the pen, she found the gate open and the chain in a silver pile on the ground. “Prissy, where are you?"

  On her knees before the doghouse, she couldn't see into the small dark opening but she heard a low whimper.

  "Priscilla, it's all right. It's me.” Libby slid her hand in and the dog licked her fingers. With gentle prodding and petting, Libby was able to coax the dog from her lair. She inspected her and found no real injury, just a small nick on her ear. Lifting her, she carried her back around front. Keith sat on the stoop, cradling Elvis in his arms.

  "You should go,” she whisp
ered. “Pris is fine."

  "She's not cut or anything?"

  "Nothing big. Just a spot on her ear."

  Libby watched as Keith rushed to the squad car and took off with lights flashing. She looked down at the one-eyed dog and sighed. “I hope Elvis is all right. If he's not, I don't know what you or Keith will do."

  * * * *

  Libby sat on the sofa, watching television and stroking Priscilla's coarse grey fur. The dog slept and shook with fear intermittently. With each spell, Libby would talk to her and pet her, trying to relieve her upset.

  An hour had passed before the phone rang. Relief took control and she smiled.

  "That must be Keith,” she explained to Prissy as she lifted the cordless phone to her ear.

  "You think that getting a restraining order against me will keep me away from you?"

  Her heart sped up so fast that she thought she might faint. “Dwayne?” she whispered. It had been just over a week since she heard him speak but he sounded strange and foreign, a voice from the distant past.

  "You bet it's me, you bitch."

  "Go home and leave me alone."

  "I have taken care of you for three years and you think that because you want it to be over, it's over? Think again. I ain't done with you. And that boyfriend of yours better watch his back."

  "Don't you drag him into your insanity!” she shouted into the phone.

  "And why shouldn't I? He's fuckin’ my woman."

  She hung up on him and fought back the tears of fear mingled with anger. “How dare he talk to me like that,” she sobbed. When the phone rang again, she didn't answer. It rang and rang, seven, eight, nine times. “Stop it,” she ground out at the screaming receiver. “Let me alone."

  Rushing over to her suitcase, she threw it on the sofa and began packing. Prissy followed her from room to room as she gathered up her toiletries. “I have to get out of here,” she murmured. “He'll hurt Keith. I bet he hurt Elvis.” Raking her trembling fingers through her hair, she steadied herself. She was hyperventilating, her lips were numb, and each breath felt laced with ice water.

  Closing her eyes, she focused on her breathing. “Slow down.” Calm was beginning to eke its way in when Prissy alerted her with a string of yapping barks.