Teach Me

by Cate Bellerose

  “Pull your pants up. I’ll get your shirt.”

  I tug them up, glad I’m not wearing my tightest pair. As I button them, he hands me my shirt. It’s still smeared with marinara sauce, but it can’t be helped.

  He’s almost apologetic as I pull it on. “I meant to rinse it out in the lake. Sorry.”

  I roll my eyes. “Whatever. Let’s get packed up and get out of here.”

  “Sec.” He wets his fingers and runs them down my neck. “Missed a spot. Alright, let’s go.”

  Less than a minute later, we’re zooming down the highway, leaving behind two suspicious parents, three oblivious kids and a dog who’s too busy eating meatball scraps to care.

  Chapter 9

  Eric

  This guy needs to leave. I pretend to examine meaningless graphs of memory performance, space usage, and drive fragmentation. Anything to make it look like I’m doing something productive on the web server. Sid’s watching over my shoulder, even if he doesn’t understand a thing. If he did, he’d be wondering what the hell I’m doing by now. He’s been standing there for ten minutes, and I’m running out of complicated-looking windows to bring up.

  “You know, Eric, this stuff’s like voodoo. You people are magicians. I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”

  Finally.

  “Sure thing. I won’t be around long.” I open the keymap. “Just making sure your server is up and doing its thing properly. Just pretend I’m not here.”

  Smooth. Real smooth. It’s a good thing Sid’s as dim as he is. I’ve never been good at this sneaking around stuff. More of a frontline guy. Paul’s going to owe me a fuckload of beers for this.

  Alright, if I was incriminating evidence, where would I be? I should’ve had more of a plan than just snooping around on the computer, but I want to get this over with and find something Paul can use. They have a network here. Maybe there’s some shared data or something. Sid wouldn’t know data security if it bit him in the ass.

  It’s hard to concentrate. Much as I want to find evidence, my thoughts keep going back to Amber. I’ve fallen. Hard. Obviously. If I’m quick, maybe I can get this done and over with before anything happens to her. If she gets in trouble because I let her get close...

  Fuck, I don’t even want to think about it. She seems so right, but letting her in right now could turn into the biggest mistake of my life. I know better. And still, here I am, with another trip to the club lined up with her tonight.

  Well, fuck it. I’ll help Paul nail these guys. I have to. It’s like a goddamn movie. That means the hero wins and gets the girl. Just have to find what I’m looking for.

  An hour later, and the most interesting thing I’ve found is Sid’s collection of vintage spanking porn. In his defense, it’s pretty extensive, but not what I need. Shit, spying is harder than I thought, and I’m running out of ideas.

  Angry voices derail my train of thought. What the hell’s going on? I crack the door just far enough to make the voices clearer. They’re coming from Sid’s office. Paul gave me a little digital sound recorder that I pull out and start up.

  “...can’t wait much longer, Sid.” It’s a man I don’t recognize, his voice gruff, threatening. “That’s the third month in a row you’re late. Tony’s been very patient.”

  “Yeah, real patient.” Another voice, with a harsh accent I can’t place.

  “So here’s the deal. We see you spendin’ money. Buildin’ a fuckin’ website? How’re you affordin’ that, Sid, when you can’t pay Tony what you owe him?”

  “I’ve gotta do something to build up business, guys, but I... I’ll get you the money. Honest Vinnie, just a couple of more days.” Sid’s voice is strained. He’s obviously terrified.

  I almost feel bad for him. The slippery eel falling prey to a hungry shark. I may have hit the jackpot even if I came up empty on the computer. If this is the evidence Paul needs, I’ll be able to wash my hands of this whole mess and focus on Amber.

  “You say that every time, Sid.” The threat in Vinnie’s tone’s obvious.

  “But I mean it this time. Shit, you know me. I always pay in the end.”

  “Want me to take you with me, so you can tell Tony that to his face? Think that’ll be good enough? Whaddya say, huh? We can go right now.”

  “Fuck, no. Please. One more day. I’ll get the money. Tomorrow.”

  “That new girl I saw come in here the other day. What’s her name? She your girlfriend?”

  Shit.

  Sid hesitates. “Amber?”

  “Amber. That’s a pretty name. She’s cute. Don’t you think so, Sid?”

  “What? No, she just works for me. She doesn’t know anything about this. Jesus, Vinnie. I’ll get you the damn money.”

  “Be a shame if something happened to her? Bet you wouldn’t wanna be responsible for that? It’s a damn pretty face.”

  “Oh, come on. Tomorrow. Nine sharp. I’ll call in some favors, alright? Don’t go dragging innocent people into it. Jesus, man. That’s not right.” About as upstanding as I’ve ever heard Sid.

  “Alright, Sid. Noon tomorrow. We’ll be back then. You better not be fuckin’ around, got me?”

  “Yeah, alright. Gotcha.”

  “Good.”

  Vinnie and the other goon step out into the hall. Fuck, those guys are huge. Any idea I have about taking them down vanishes. I have enough training to more than hold my own, but I’m not about to take down two gigantic mobster goons who are probably armed. At least not yet.

  Fuck.

  Fuck.

  Fuck.

  I hate being wrong. I hate fucking up. I hate that I can’t tell her what’s going on, but I need to get her safely out of the picture, and the only way I can think to do that, she’s going to hate me for. Dammit.

  The metal door to the outside slams, telling me the goons are gone. I turn off the recording. What’s coming next is between me and Sid. The bust is important, but not as important as Amber. I walk to Sid’s office and throw the door open with a crash.

  The poor guy leaps out of his chair and throws himself down under his desk. “Don’t kill me! I swear you’ll get your money!”

  I roll my eyes. He might own a BDSM club, but this guy couldn’t top a kitten. “Sid. It’s me. Get up.”

  The way he peeks up over his desk would be comical if this wasn’t so fucking serious. “Oh shit. Eric. Don’t do that, man. My heart can’t deal with this.”

  “Listen, dickhead. I heard everything, and this is what you’re going to do. I have no idea how you’re getting your goddamn money, and I don’t really care, but you’re going to call Amber right away, and fire her. Got it?”

  “What?”

  “I’m getting her out of this shitstorm of yours as fast as possible. I don’t know if you’re going down or not, but you’re sure as fuck not taking her with you.”

  He looks at me like I’m crazy, his mouth flapping like a fish out of water.

  Maybe I am, just a little, but if it keeps Amber safe that’s all that matters. “Now, Sid. I’ve got things I need to do to fix this, and I don’t have time to wait around for your slow ass. Do you read me?”

  “But what do I tell her?” He crawls up into his chair.

  “Whatever you want. Blame it on me, if you need to. I can’t deal with working with another person. She’s too much work, I don’t want to babysit, whatever. I don’t give a fuck right now, but do it. If I find out you haven’t done what I say, what those two guys want to do is nothing compared to what I will do.”

  He stares at me blankly.

  “Now!”

  He scrambles for his phone while nodding. “Yeah, yeah. Alright. Fuck me, today sucks.”

  “You don’t know the half of it.” I leave him to it and get my ass out the door. Heading for the exit, I fish my phone out of my pocket and hit a quick contact.

  Paul picks up just as I hit the street. “What’s up?”

  “Paul. Listen to me. Get a man on Amber ASA-fucking-P, read me?
They’re threatening to hurt her if Sid doesn’t play with them.”

  “Jesus, I told you to get rid of her.”

  “You don’t think I fucking know that? I’ve told Sid to fire her, but it may be too late. Hurry. I’ve got some recordings for you, and I bet he’s freaked out enough that if you brought him in he’d sing for a chance at a deal. I’ll bring them right over. I want to be done with this shit.”

  “I’ll put a guy on her right away. Hopefully you’ve got what we need. See you when you get here.”

  I hang up and throw myself onto my bike. Sid might be about to blow my chances with Amber, but she’s still mine, and those fuckers aren’t going to mess with her if I can help it.

  Chapter 10

  Amber

  “Hey Sid, what’s up?” What does he want? He usually calls Eric.

  “Uh, hi. I... I really hate to do this to you, Amber, but um... you’re fired.”

  I blink, not understanding right away. “I’m what?”

  “You’re ah... fired. I’m sorry. Just not working out. You know how it is.”

  “Wait one fucking second. I’m fired? No I don’t know how it is. You can’t do this.” What the hell is going on? I’m fired? For what?

  “I can. I’m sorry.”

  “Why, Sid? Why are you firing me. I’m doing good work, I’m cooperating with Eric. I’m making this site zing, just like you said. What fucking reason could you have to fire me?”

  “Okay, fine. Eric told me to, alright? He can’t put up with you anymore. He told me you’re difficult to work with, that he’s sick of babysitting and that he can do the rest of the site on his own. He didn’t tell you?”

  It’s like I’ve been punched right in the gut. All the air goes out of me. My chest is being crushed by something immensely heavy, and my jaw goes tight as I feel the tears coming. This can’t be right. Seriously?

  “Eric... Eric said that? About me?” I close my eyes. This has to be a stupid joke.

  “Uh... yeah. Pretty much. He said the site was almost done, but that you weren’t keeping up your end of it. I’m sorry. I’m all for helping starters, but if you’re not doing the work, I can’t pay you for it.”

  Almost done. Seriously? Not only is Eric dumping me through some sleazy club owner, he’s going to take credit for the work I’ve done too? This is insane. I’m going to fucking kill him.

  “He’s lying. I worked on that site as much as he did. Let me come in and I’ll show you.”

  “I’m sorry. He’s got the experience. I have to go with him. Don’t bother coming over. I won’t be there today. Or tomorrow.”

  “Fuck you, Sid,” I yell into the phone, but it’s already dead.

  Whatever. I didn’t like him anyway. I look at my phone. I can’t afford to break it, so I put it carefully down on my nightstand so I don’t smash it against the wall the way I want to.

  I can’t believe this. Except maybe I can, because it’s not exactly the first time Eric has gone from hot to cold on me. But that he would stab me in the back and not have the balls to say it to my face? That hurt. I thought we had something going. Something more than a fucking job.

  The tears flow. Dammit. I don’t want to cry over him. Eric doesn’t deserve it. I do anyway, throwing myself on my bed and clutching a pillow. God damn him and his lying green eyes, his pervy sex play, his fake kindness, his ugly ass motorcycle. All of it.

  When Viv finds me a several hours later, I’ve stopped crying, but I’m not in the mood for company. She stops in the doorway. “So. I was going to come in and bitch about how hard it is to find a decent job in this town, but it looks like you’ve got me beat. Want to talk about it? Is it Eric?”

  I feel like a little kid for not answering, but I dig myself deeper into my pillows without saying a word. After a few moments, she comes in and sits on the end of my bed. “Guys suck. Not our week, I guess.”

  Much as I’d like to wallow in my own misery, her presence does make me feel better. When guys let you down, friends have your back. I roll over. “The fucker got me fired.”

  “What?” Her eyes go wide in disbelief. “I mean, not that I know him well, but that doesn’t sound like him at all.”

  “Yeah? Tell that to Sid. He called earlier and told me I’m out for not doing my share. That Eric’s sick of babysitting.”

  “Bullshit! What did Eric say about it?”

  “Eric?”

  “You didn’t talk to him? You said this Sid guy was sleazy, right? How do you know he’s not lying? He could be trying to get out of paying you, for all you know.” Viv puts her hand on mine. “Take it from someone who knows all about not thinking things through. Give Eric a chance. Talk to him. If he’s still an ass, knee him in the balls and walk out with your head high. Right now, you’re only taking the word of some skeevy low-life.”

  She’s making a ton of sense, and I hate admitting it. I look at the clock. Six. I’m supposed to meet him in the club at seven. Well, was supposed to. If what Sid said really is true, that’s probably not on anymore.

  But what if Viv’s right? If Sid’s lying, Eric is going to think I stood him up. I can’t call. I’ll sound pathetic. I can show up, though. Damn you, Eric. You’re not off the hook yet.

  Chapter 11

  Amber

  It’s strange to be here alone. When I ran out last time, I never thought I’d be back. There’s a different door guard today. Big and strong, but not massive like the other guy. He lets me in with a nod when I give him my name.

  The music pounds, the lights are blinding. I’m lost. Where would Eric be? We never agreed on a specific spot, so I figured he’d be waiting by the door. Maybe that’s my first sign. I can’t quit now. If he’s here, I’m going to find him and make him sing.

  I dressed up. Took time, and did makeup, and even threw on a dress for him. A dress. I hardly ever wear one, but I figure even if he turns out to be an asshole, I can still show him what he’ll be missing. Every cell in my body wants Sid to be a fucking liar, but there’s this nagging doubt that won’t go away.

  There. At the bar. The bouncer from last time. His massive frame is impossible to miss. Maybe he knows. I weave across the dance floor, taking care not to rub against one girl’s bare breasts. They move freely as she wiggles to the music. Seems impractical in a crowd, but maybe she’s into it.

  I take the stairs up to the bar area, trying to fake a confidence I don’t feel. He looks up when I approach, peering at me like he’s trying to place me.

  I hold out my hand. “Hi. I’m Amber. I was here the other day with Eric.”

  He smiles, and goes from scary behemoth to friendly teddy bear just like that. “That’s right. I remember you now.” He takes my hand. “I’m Caleb. What’s going on?”

  “Have you seen Eric? I need to... talk to him.”

  His eyes search me, but if he sees something, he chooses not to comment. “Yeah, he was in the back earlier. I’m sure you’ll find him there.”

  “Thanks.” I’m already several steps away before I remember that it’d be polite to at least say bye. Mom would be so disappointed. I turn and give him a wave, and hope my smile doesn’t look too fake. It’s not his fault that Eric’s quite possibly a douche.

  When I find Eric, he’s leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, watching what looks like a rope tying demonstration. I remember the park, and feel chills even now. That had been so good. Why did he have to go ruin it?

  I sigh. Open mind, Amber. We want this to be a mistake, remember? Even still, I don’t approach right away. I could take off now, and he’d never know. This will be uncomfortable, no matter what.

  But then I’ll never know.

  I steel myself, drawing a deep breath and letting it out slowly. I owe it to us, to myself, to at least try.

  I step into his field of vision. “Hi, Eric.”

  He jumps, staring at me in surprise as if I’m the last person he expects to be here. Not a good sign.

  “Amber. You’re he
re. I didn’t think...”

  Shit. “And why is that, exactly? We have a date. Or did you forget?” My words drip like sweet syrup, laced with arsenic.

  “Didn’t Sid call you? I...”

  “Oh, he called me, alright.” Any pretense is gone. Fury rises within me, roaring in my ears, blocking out everything except the two of us. My voice grows louder with every word. “But I hoped it was a misunderstanding. That he was lying. Some sort of sick joke. Anything, except revealing you for being the spineless, heartless, dickless worm that you are!”

  “Amber!” He looks as if he’s going to say more, but catches himself. Around us, the crowd’s quieting, watching us curiously. I don’t care.

  “An explanation. Anything. Give me something I can work with, Eric. I thought we had something, but were you just playing with me the whole time?”

  “No. Dammit. I wasn’t.” He looks around at the crowd, which is hanging on our every word by now. Everyone loves a scandal. “Come here.”

  “What?”

  He throws open a door next to him, grabs my wrist and pulls me in after him. “I’d rather this be between the two of us, and not the two of us and the crowd.” He slams the door shut, and suddenly we’re surrounded by silence. The soundproofing in these rooms is really good. I feel my cheeks warm when I realize it’s the same room we watched the last time I was here. Only this time, we’re on the inside.

  I step away from him, crossing my arms over my chest. “Fine. We’re alone. Is there anything you can say that’ll keep me from just walking right back out of here? Because I’m about ready to be done with you.”

  “Maybe not. But I’ll try. I’m trouble, Amber. I’m already telling you more than I should, but I did it to get you away from a dangerous situation.”

  My brow arches in disbelief. “Seriously? That’s the best you can do? What are you then? Spy? Undercover cop? Alien? You’re not convincing anyone with vague bullshit like that.”