by Shara Lanel
“Lydia and Evan have had much closer contact with you. We could explain it to them. I’m sure they’d be on your side.”
“But don’t you think Evan was acting strangely last night?”
Rick stared over her shoulder. “Yes, since you disappeared in fact. But what reason would he have to turn you in, especially without consulting you?”
“The reward, of course, and I really can’t see him consulting me about anything. That’s a lot of money. I’d sleep better if we just kept it between us.”
“Do you work tonight?”
Kerry tilted her head. “Yes, but not for a couple of hours. What do you have in mind?”
“Do you play chess? I could teach you…”
“Chess? Yes, I play.”
“Really?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I do have a brain, you know.”
“Really?” Rick said again, this time with a wink, and all at once Kerry wanted to wrap her arms around him. “Well, the board’s in the living room.” He stood and offered his hand to help her up, his grip strong, his skin slightly rough. Kerry was tempted to lean in for a kiss, but he’d already turned, leading the way to the board.
Chess was actually the perfect remedy for her worries. The board was marble, the pieces pewter, gorgeously ornate. She mentally reminded herself of rules and strategies that she hadn’t used since she’d belonged to the high school chess club. She could tell from Rick’s cocky grin that he expected to whip her butt. And she enjoyed spending the next two hours wiping that grin off his face.
“I cannot believe it!” he said again, staring with horror at his sacrificed king.
“Hey, just because my hair is … was blonde doesn’t mean I’m nothing but a California bimbo.”
“I never thought you a bimbo. I would never use such a boorish term.” He paused. “Addlepated chit would be more my style.”
Kerry threw her queen at him, but he ducked. Laughing, she said, “Well, I won and I think it’s time I got dressed for work.”
“Wait. I demand a rematch.”
“In your dreams, buddy!” Kerry envisioned a rematch, perhaps many, in the future. What a pleasant future that would be.
Rick pulled her to her feet. “I’ll help you dress.” His low voice sent shivers down her spine.
“I can’t be late for work. This job is important.”
“I know.” He grinned. “No worries.”
In the bedroom, Rick had no interest in the dressing part, only in the undressing. He stripped them both naked with amazing alacrity, grabbed a condom off the nightstand, and rolled it on.
“I read about something called a ‘quickie.’”
Kerry raised her eyebrows as her nipples drew tight and warmth spread across her skin. “You’re dangerous with a book in your hands, aren’t you?”
He smoothed his hands over her hips, then surprised her by turning her away from him. He folded her over the bed and spread her legs with his feet. The way he took control sent juices out of her in readiness. She felt like a criminal being frisked against a police car. His fingers played in her vagina, acclimating himself to the whereabouts of everything in this new position. Then he positioned his dick and shoved into her. He fucked her hard, gripping her waist while her hands gripped the bedspread. Her breasts pressed into the blanket, the friction sending fire to her nipples. Each thrust hit her G-spot, and she screamed as she came, her body milking him. Rick didn’t slow. In fact, he sped up. His thighs slapped the back of hers, his balls striking her ass. The pressure of his rod hitting her body so roughly was almost too much, but then she felt his come shooting into her vagina, captured by the condom. Seconds later, his arms wrapped around her waist, and he collapsed on top of her, chest heaving.
Kerry recovered first. “Okay, Rick, now I have like five minutes to take a shower and get dressed, so move!”
He laughed as he pulled out of her. He stayed out of her way by promptly flopping onto the bed and falling asleep. Bum!
* * * *
Work that evening went smoothly. She hated nylons, but she enjoyed interacting with people. With her new hair and make-up, she was able to drop her guard and relax. Tips were steady. She decided that she’d keep her money in the inner pocket of her duffel for now. There it would be easily accessible if she needed to disappear, but for the first time in awhile she felt like perhaps that wouldn’t be necessary. She knew, realistically, that she would eventually move on from Rick’s once she’d saved enough money for an apartment deposit and rent, but in her weak moments she rejected this idea, refusing to imagine saying goodbye to this caring, fascinating man.
Pouring coffee from a carafe into a mug, she shivered as she recalled what he’d done to her just hours before. She’d never been taken from behind like that. She’d liked it. Her nipples puckered against her bra and the polyester of her uniform. That was the strangest part, that she’d liked it, that she’d not felt intimidated by Rick’s ferocity. She’d felt safe.
The mugs full, she balanced them on her tray and crossed the restaurant to the two businessmen near the window. Praying they couldn’t tell she was turned on, she switched off the memory. Focus on your future, Kerry.
Perhaps she could, at the least, stay in Richmond and finally reclaim her life. The plan that she’d mentioned to Rebecca about attending VCU may actually be possible. For once, she would be setting her own course for the future without her parents and fiancé to influence her decisions. She admitted to herself, as she stood ladling soup into a bowl, that if she’d shown more backbone earlier in her life she could have chosen her own path years ago. When she thought about the woman who had graduated from Stanford and driven a Lexus and sported a two-carat diamond ring, she felt as if she recalled a stranger’s life. That woman had disappeared and would never return even if Kerry ever rejoined her family in California. She would never be walked on again.
* * * *
Evan drove slowly down Monument as the sun set. Both the grassy median and the sidewalks sported a slew of joggers, dog walkers and speed walkers. He found a parking space at the curb in front of Rick’s house and pulled in. “This is it. Kerry’s been staying with my cousin.”
“Is your cousin female?” Jason Sentron asked, leaning forward to peer at the lighted windows. His pale hair gleamed in the streetlight and his fingers gripped the dash.
“No, male.” Evan felt less and less like giving this man information. In fact, he began to wonder if he had chosen wisely when he’d responded to the ad, especially as Jason sneered at the information that Kerry had been living with a man. Of course, if it had been Lydia staying with another man, Evan would have felt the same way, so perhaps he should give the man some slack. Deciding to change the subject, Evan asked, “So, when do I get the reward?”
Jason’s cold eyes met Evan’s as he pulled a cashier’s check out of his breast pocket. “I have it here, but first I need to see Kerry, confirm that you’re telling the truth.”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“No, but I am a naturally suspicious man and we’ve had many prank calls and false leads since broadcasting the ad.” He tucked the check back into his pocket. “Why don’t we go to the door so that you can introduce me to your cousin?”
Evan pulled the keys out of the ignition. “All right, but Kerry may be working. She mentioned it last night.”
“And where does she work?”
“Some restaurant. We can ask Rick. It’s somewhere within walking distance since she doesn’t have a car.”
“No car. Interesting.” Jason’s voice was almost a purr as he pushed open the car door and climbed out. His “associates” had stayed at the airport still attempting to line up a rental car and a hotel room. Apparently, they had left California in quite a hurry.
Evan knocked and waited for Rick to answer the door. After a minute he knocked again, louder this time. When Rick finally opened the door, he wore his workout pants and a layer of sweat. “Cousin, how are you?”
&nbs
p; “Hey, Cuz. I want to introduce you to someone. Rick Abernathy, this is Jason Sentron.” Evan stepped aside as Jason stepped forward, extending his hand. Rick took it until Evan added, “Kerry’s fiancé.”
Rick immediately dropped Jason’s hand and instead of opening the door wider to allow them to pass, he moved forward as if to block the entrance.
“Kerry’s not here.” Rick’s jaw worked as he met Jason’s eyes. The look was not friendly on either side.
“Is she at work?” Evan asked.
Rick’s blue eyes flicked to Evan. He paused. “Yes.”
“And where would that be, Mr. Abernathy?” Jason asked.
Rick crossed his arms. “Some restaurant in the West End. She didn’t tell me the name.”
“The West End?” Evan asked. “How’d she get there?”
“I don’t … she took the bus. I believe she hopes the manager will drop her here after work as she did yesterday.”
Evan wondered why Rick didn’t invite them in, but he felt oddly reluctant to press the matter. Last night he’d gotten the impression that Kerry worked nearby. Was Rick jealous of the fiancé?
“I’m sorry I cannot invite you in at the moment. I have an appointment I must get to.”
“An appointment at this time of day?” His cousin never had appointments at all. Where could he be expected now?
“Well, a date rather. With Lydia. I must get ready now or I will be very late.”
Evan felt as if he’d been gut-punched. Lydia hadn’t mentioned a date, but perhaps Rick had called her this afternoon, or more likely she had called him. Pasting on a grin, he said, “Good going, Cuz. I knew the two of you would hit it off.”
A sound something like a growl came from Jason. “It is imperative that I speak to Kerry as soon as possible. Did she perhaps leave a number where she could be reached?”
“No. She’s very independent.”
“When will she return?”
“I don’t know.” Rick uncrossed his arms and gripped the brass door handle.
“Well, when did she get back last night?”
Evan answered that question. “It was around one a.m.”
“I had hoped to surprise her,” Jason said. “Perhaps since you seem to communicate so little, you could keep my visit a secret? I’ll try to catch her tomorrow.”
Rick nodded. Evan backed up and let him shut the door.
Jason walked briskly to the sidewalk and pulled out a tiny cell phone. “Stephan, have you got a car? Yes? And which hotel did you choose? I’ll meet you there.” He clicked off and replaced the phone in his jacket. “Stephan has booked a room at the Jefferson. Would you be so kind as to drop me off there?” Without waiting for an answer, he strode to the passenger side and got in.
“Sure thing.” Evan scratched the hair under his cowboy hat. He’d never found out Kerry’s story. Did Rick know? It occurred to him that Kerry wouldn’t still be lost if she didn’t want to be. She could’ve called her family at any time, unless she had amnesia like in the soaps. Perhaps he’d made a mistake, but he needed that money. Whatever Kerry’s reason for leaving home, he was sure she could work it out after a long conversation with her fiancé. Besides it was past time she stopped mooching off his cousin, so this was for the best.
As Evan drove down Monument past the Robert E. Lee statue, he wondered why his conclusion didn’t sit right in his gut.
* * * *
Kerry waited on a large group that was celebrating a couple’s engagement. The bride-to-be was diminutive and the groom-to-be over six feet tall. They kept leaning together and kissing. Their hands touched on the table. They fed each other pancakes and hash browns. The rest of the group teased them good-naturedly, and their laughter rang through the restaurant. Kerry recalled her engagement dinner. They’d journeyed to LA to meet with the in-laws in an haute cuisine restaurant. Her father had dinged a crystal goblet with a silver spoon to get everyone’s attention, then he’d announced the happy news. Jason had given her a perfunctory peck on the cheek, then leaned to his right and discussed business for the next three hours with his cousin Stuart.
Thinking on it now, Kerry knew she would gladly trade in the arugula salad and asparagus soup for pancakes any day if, for just one moment, she could have the love of a family such as this. She paused near the swinging doors that led into the kitchen and stared into space. She suddenly felt very alone, because despite her intimate relationship with Rick, she didn’t think he had any real feelings for her. She wasn’t sure of her feelings for him either, but she enjoyed his company and admired his off-center point of view, and any man that cooked for her got a plus in her book.
Kerry’s gaze focused on the restaurant’s front doors and, as if she’d conjured him, Rick walked in. He looked around until he spotted her, then waved. Kerry found herself smiling widely as she went to greet him. How nice of him to come see her at work!
“Rick, what are you doing here? Did you come for some pancakes?”
Rebecca stood behind the register, watching, so Kerry didn’t want to stand there, chatting while on the job. “Why don’t I take you to a table? There’s one free in my section.”
Rick nodded, but he didn’t smile. Shrill alarms went off in Kerry’s mind. He never looked this grim. She grabbed a menu and led him to a booth near the kitchen. “Can I get you something to drink? I don’t want the manager to think I’m not doing my job.”
He finally smiled. “Tea then, please.”
Kerry ducked into the kitchen to fill a glass with ice and tea.
Rebecca walked around the corner from the checkout area. “Kerry, is that the friend you’re staying with?”
“Yes. Rick.”
“He’s handsome!”
Kerry grinned. “Yes, he is.”
“Why don’t you take your fifteen minutes now?”
“Okay, great.” She filled herself a glass of tea then rejoined Rick at the booth. “I’m on break now.”
“Break?”
Kerry rolled her eyes. “You know, fifteen minutes to sit down, get something to drink. Then it’s back to work again.”
“Oh.”
“What’s the matter, Rick?”
He shook his head. “I think my cousin has done a very bad thing for you.”
Kerry rolled her eyes. “What did Evan do now?” She thought about how he’d leaked her car-less, homeless state to Lydia.
“I think he may have seen the missing person ad.” Rick’s eyes held hers.
Kerry’s breath caught. “What makes you think that?”
“He introduced me to your fiancé tonight.”
“What?!” Kerry’s tea glass clicked against her teeth as her hand started to shake. Rick reached over and took the glass from her hand, placing it on the Formica tabletop. “Did you tell him where I am?”
“No, but at the very least he knows where you’re staying.”
“Did he follow you?”
“No. From what I could hear Evan was to drive him to the Jefferson. I left immediately and drove around for a while just in case.”
Kerry pressed her hands together and twisted them until her knuckles were white. She counted the buttons on Rick’s shirt as her brain froze. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. What should she do now?
“Kerry?” Rick’s hand covered hers. “I will help you and I will protect you. Do not fear.”
The tears fell. He handed her a napkin and she dabbed at her blotchy cheeks. She couldn’t return to Rick’s. She would have to leave her job to go into hiding. She could borrow money from Rick for a bus ticket to wherever, but then she would be back to square one. Her shoulders shook. She held the napkin to her mouth to keep from sobbing aloud. Rick came around the table and slid in next to her. He put his arm around her so she could lean against him and cry.
Kerry heard Rebecca’s voice as if from a distance. “What’s happened? Kerry, honey, are you all right?”
Rick spoke. “A family member has died. I feel it is best if she left now. As
you can see, she’s in no state to work.”
“Oh, honey.” Rebecca’s Southern accent soothed her. “You go on home and let me know what the arrangements are.”
Kerry finally had control of her voice. “But I just started. I don’t want to miss any work.”
“I know, honey, but sometimes life intrudes on intentions. You just let me know what you need to do. Don’t worry about your job.”
Kerry peered at Rebecca through damp eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Rebecca marched through the kitchen doors and started issuing orders, presumably telling the waitresses to take over Kerry’s tables.
Rick walked Kerry to the door, keeping his arm around her the entire time. The hostess looked at her oddly as they walked out.
Once through the outer doors, Rick brushed his lips against Kerry’s ear. “We can drive around, find a quiet place, and decide what to do.”
They climbed into the car and Rick turned the key and flipped on the headlights.
“How did he seem?” Kerry asked, as they left the parking lot.
“He seemed anxious to know where you worked and when you would return.”
“Did you tell him when I would return?”
“Evan did actually, before I could stop him.”
Kerry rolled her window down, letting the warm breeze wash across her face. Rick put his hand over hers as he steered with his left. She looked at him. “I need to leave, get out of town as fast as I can, as far as I can.”
“I don’t think that’s the right choice.”
Kerry’s head jerked around. “How can you say that? I told you what he’s done. He’s evil. He’s tried to kill me before. He might get it right this time.”
Rick drove towards Maymont Park. When he found a space on one of the side streets, he pulled over and killed the engine. They sat in silence.
“I think you must fight,” Rick said finally.
“This is not a Western or a Die Hard movie. I don’t know how to use a gun and I barely escaped the last time.”
“There are other ways to fight.”
“Such as?” Kerry’s heart would not slow down. She felt like a giant hand pushed against her chest.
