The Dance

by James Goodman

  We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

  “Ah, man. See what you’ve done? I missed it,” he whined as he pointed at the TV.

  Nina shrugged. “Missed what?”

  “I wanted to hear if they had any leads. They may have even mentioned who was working the case,” he replied, exasperation filling his voice.

  “Why do you care who’s working the case? We don’t Dance with detectives. It wouldn’t be prudent.”

  “It would be nice to know if they thought they had any clues or not.”

  Nina laughed. “Lover, they have never had a clue, at least not where you’re concerned.”

  Kyle plopped back in his recliner. “And if you play it a little cooler next time, they never will.”

  He decided he had better stay in for the evening. He needed to watch the news before he could begin planning his next Dance. He didn’t expect them to find out about his return so quickly. They had robbed him of his spontaneity.

  “Don’t worry, lover. I will be there to watch your steps as well,” Nina assured him as she slid into lap. “That is one of the reasons I’m here after all.”

  Chapter Four

  We interrupt this program to bring you a special News bulletin. We take you now to Mark Sampson, broadcasting live from the scene of a double-homicide…

  “What the hell?” Tom jumped to his feet from the couch. He snatched his cell phone from the coffee table and began punching numbers as if he wanted to push the keys through the backside of the phone. He continued watching the news as he waited for his call to connect.

  “Jack! Are you watching the news? What the fuck, man?”

  “What channel?” Jack’s voice trembled.

  “What channel do you think, Jack? Check out 22; your old buddy Mark is blowing our case for us even as we speak.”

  “Oh, shit! How’d he know it was The Puppeteer?”

  “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? I didn’t tell him anything,” Jack shot back. “You think I’m that God damned unprofessional?”

  “All I know is, when I left, you two were chumming it up on the front lawn.”

  “Listen, Tom. I swear to you, I didn’t give him anything. All I did was apologize for the way you manhandled him. You need to watch yourself with that shit, or you are going to find yourself on the wrong end of a lawsuit.”

  “So, you didn’t tell him why I knocked his dick in the dirt, huh? I suppose he just took you on faith that this was a run of the mill investigation and I was just being my usual asshole self.”

  “I told him it was a pretty grisly homicide, but I didn’t give him any details. He must have gotten to one of the other officers on the scene. For God’s sake, you know me better than that, man. I would never do anything to jeopardize a case, especially this case.”

  Tom sighed. “Okay, okay, so I might have jumped to the wrong conclusions. You were just the last person I saw with him,” he said in a softer tone.

  “Well, next time ask; don’t just start jumping my ass. We are on the same side, remember?”

  “I can’t believe they’ve already plastered this all over the news.” Tom offered up another source of his aggravation. “What if they drive him back underground?”

  “Come on, Tom. You know better than that. Psychos like him feed off all this attention. If anything, it will probably make him grow bolder, make him more likely to slip up. When he does, we will be there to nab him,” Jack tried his best to reassure his friend.

  Tom pulled a fresh bottle of Jack Daniels from his cupboard. “Did you get the blood sample dropped off at the lab?”

  “Yeah, it will take a couple of days for them to get the results back for us, but they will let us know the minute—”

  “A couple of days?” Tom was appalled at the lack of urgency. “Don’t they realize how important this is?”

  “Yeah, they know it’s important, they also know that all of the other samples they have are important too.”

  “Because convicting a rapist is more important than catching a serial killer,” Tom snapped, tightening his grip on the phone.

  “To the victim, I’m sure it is. More than that, maybe a conviction will keep another woman from sharing their fate.”

  “Jesus! I know… I know rape’s a horrible ordeal for any woman, but at least she’ll still be alive. What about the next victims of The Puppeteer? Do you think they will understand why we were so slow in busting this case?”

  “Are you kidding me with this, Tom? Can you hear what you’re saying? A horrible ordeal? Yeah, they’re still alive...” Jack’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “They’re alive to deal with all the bullshit that’s out of their control, the anger, the fear, the shame.”

  “Okay, I know that came off a little callous. I just…” Tom struggled to find the right words. “You’ve seen The Puppetere’s victims. I for one don’t want to set foot in another crime scene like that again, just because the system was a little slow giving us a name.”

  “You know as well as I do that he shouldn’t strike again for another month. We can be chasing down other leads while we wait for the results.”

  “What other leads?” He wandered into the living room. “This is the only thing we recovered from the scene.”

  “Well, then we’ll just have to find some, now won’t we?” Jack’s tone suggested he was quickly losing his patience.

  Tom didn’t respond as he poured the whiskey into his glass. The truth was, he knew the news story wouldn’t push the perp back into hiding. He just didn’t need the added pressure of city officials and residents wanting answers he didn’t have.

  “Are you drinking again, Tom?”

  “What are you my wife or something?”

  ”No, you’re drinking took care of that one for you.”

  “Oh, so now you’re some sort of life coach?”

  “You were a mean drunk. Your mouth tends to override your good sense when you’re hitting the bottle.”

  “I never laid a hand on my ex or my kids.”

  “Yeah, that’s true, but you sure tore into her with that mouth of yours, didn’t you?”

  “Why are you preaching at me?”

  “Listen, Tom. We can talk about this tomorrow. Why don’t you get some rest? We want to be clear headed when we talk to the Captain.”

  “Clear headed, huh? I have one drink at the end of a hard day and all of the sudden you’re calling me a drunk?”

  “I’m not calling you anything, Tom. Just—Just take it easy, okay? We need to be at the top of our game if we’re going to catch this guy before he does it again.”

  “What gives you the right to lecture me about what I do on my own time?”

  “Look, I’m your partner, but more than that, I’m your friend. I don’t know about you, but I remember how bad it was the last time. You weren’t fit to be around, let alone working a case.”

  Tom fell silent. This wasn’t the answer he was expecting. Damn you, Jack. Why don’t you just tear into me like everyone else does?

  “Don’t worry about me, Jack. I won’t let it get like it was before. I promise,” he assured him.

  “Get some sleep, Tom. I’ll see you in the morning.” Jack hung up.

  Tom stared at the now silent phone. He slung it against the wall in frustration. It bounced off, taking a picture frame with it. He stomped over, picked up the phone and the now mangled frame. Brushing off the broken glass, he gazed into the innocent faces of his two children.

  “I wonder how Sherry and the kids are doing,” Tom said aloud as he stared at his phone.

  He knew better than to call. If Jack could tell he was drinking, his ex sure as hell could. All it would take is one drunken phone call and she wouldn't even allow him his monthly sleepover.

  He had been sober for over three years. He dried out for her and the kids, but it was too late. She didn’t love him anymore. John and Julie were his whole life, but Sherry mana
ged to convince a judge that due to the drinking and the “erratic” nature of his job, he couldn’t provide a safe environment for them. He was in AA for nearly two years before she agreed to let them spend a Saturday night at his place. John was twelve and Julie was going to turn nine next month, but to him, it seemed like only a few days ago he was changing their diapers.

  “Maybe Jack’s right; I need to keep a clear head. We’ve got a long road ahead of us.” Tom let loose a long sigh as he poured the rest of his drink down the sink.

  Settling back on the couch, he flipped through the channels, hoping to catch another news flash before the 9:00 broadcast.

  “Hell, maybe they know more than I do at this point. At least they can make some imaginative guesses.” He laughed at the idea of it.

  He would have to go down to the lab tomorrow. “Catching this creep is a damned sight more important than anything else they have on their plate.”

  Come first thing the next morning, he meant to make sure they understood that.

  Chapter Five

  “Come on, Kyle. Are you going to sleep all day?” Nina jumped on the bed.

  “Leave me alone!” he snarled, swatting blindly in the direction of her voice.

  “Why are you so cranky? Don’t you know what today is?” She eased herself down until she straddled his back.

  “I don’t care. For the love of God, just let me sleep!” He pressed a pillow over his ears.

  “There is no God. And even if there was, he wouldn’t love you. You’re too lazy.”

  “What?” He let the pillow rise far enough for him to look at her with one eye.

  “I said you are too lazy. You have been sleeping for nearly 30 hours.”

  “What?” Kyle repeated, removing the pillow completely.

  She rolled off him and onto her back, allowing him to tumble out of bed. He fumbled around on his nightstand until his hand grasped the remote control. He pointed it at the TV, pressed the button. He surfed through the channels until he found one broadcasting the news. His eyes drifted to the lower right hand corner of the screen and his mouth fell open. The time and date confirmed it; Nina was telling the truth.

  “On the plus side, it is a pleasant seventy-five degrees. It will be a nice night to be outside,” Nina said, following his gaze.

  “I’m not going anywhere. I’m done playing your games,” he whispered as he tossed the remote on the bed beside her.

  “Really? You think these are my games. I only help you find your partners. You are the genius behind The Dance. It is what you were born to do.”

  “I won’t do it anymore. I don’t like all of the attention it’s getting.”

  “You can’t deny your destiny. There has never been anyone like you before. Would it be fair to deprive the world of your talents?”

  “What do you mean by the world? Those who get to see my work aren’t around long enough to enjoy it. Everyone else just sees my leftovers.”

  “Ah, my love, but you do make them think. Imaginations are running wild throughout the city, even as we speak. The myth is almost as great as the man. You are becoming a legend.”

  Kyle sat on the edge of the bed. “Do you really think so?”

  She rolled onto her belly, crawled towards him. “I know so. If you quit now, your legacy will die before it is truly realized.”

  He reached out to caress her cheek, smiling as she closed her eyes to receive his touch. He memorized the contours of her face. It was, quite simply, the most beautiful face he had ever seen.

  His mind wandered as he gazed at her. “How is it you came to be in my life? Maybe I am special. Maybe I do have a great talent. Maybe… just maybe this is my destiny.”

  “It always has been, lover,” she cooed as she arched into his touch.

  “Do you love me?”

  His question caused her to open her eyes. “Come again?”

  “Do you love me? Earlier you said that if there were a God, he wouldn’t love me. I want to know if you do.”

  “Of course I do. I was nothing before you came along. You give me purpose. You give me life.” She let out a small giggle. “You have no idea what you mean to me.”

  “Then let’s not do this tonight. We can Dance tomorrow, but for now, perhaps we can find something else to occupy our time.” He winked down at her upturned face.

  “But all of the preparations I did while you were sleeping—what could be more important than The Dance?”

  “Shh. The Dance is not my only talent. I’m sure I can think of another way to give you an exciting evening,” he suggested with a devilish grin.

  Kyle leaned forward and kissed her forehead. She reached up eagerly to pull him down to her lips. They continued to kiss as he unbuttoned her oversized shirt. He grunted his approval when he realized she wore nothing beneath it. The feel of her skin beneath his fingers sent shivers up his spine. He tried to pull her closer, to feel her breasts pressed against him, but she placed a restraining hand against his broad chest.

  “I have a few talents myself,” she said in a soft voice. “Close your eyes and don’t open them, no matter what.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Promise me you won’t peek.”

  “Hmm, like doing it with the lights out?”

  “Kyle, just promise me or I’m not going to play with you.”

  He obliged and felt her lips on his. As her arms wrapped around him, his body began to feel light as a feather. He resisted the urge to open his eyes when he could no longer feel the sheets beneath him.

  “How are you doing this? Maybe, I’m still dreaming,” he said in a hushed voice.

  “Who cares? Just enjoy yourself. Let go of your reservations and lose yourself in the moment.” She giggled seductively as she pulled his briefs down his legs and off his feet.

  He laughed as they floated through the air. He was aware of the sensation of movement and vaguely worried they might hit a wall. Their bodies intertwined, spiraling around the room. Her mouth was warm and wet as she worked her lips over his chest and abdomen.

  “You are talented.” He sighed, his body surrendering to a wave of ecstasy.

  “You have no idea,” she purred, striving to push him further, harder into the grips of his orgasm.

  Her mouth engulfed his member, nose buried into his pubic hair. It was more than he could take. He grabbed her shoulders, pulled her up until he could reach her hips and spun her, positioning her warmth over his eager mouth.

  “Now, we can pleasure each other,” he sighed, struggling for words.

  They discovered the heights of each other’s passions for what seemed like an eternity. Time had stopped. He was only aware of her presence. Everything else had faded away. Even with his eyes shut, he could practically see her face. He had traced the curves of her body so many times; he could picture her skin as she writhed beneath his touch.

  “You can open your eyes now.” Her voice was shaky with anticipation.

  He opened his eyes; the room swirled around. He fell to his knees as the walls began to melt and reform. Even the floor moved beneath him. He was sure his mind had finally broken as he watched sections of carpet sprout through his hardwood floors.

  “What the hell?” He gasped when he realized he was kneeling in someone else’s living room without a stitch of clothing on.

  “Surprise!” She clapped her hands in joy. “I gave you what you wanted. Now, it’s time to reciprocate.”

  “How did you do that?”

  “Hush now. You don’t want another incident like last time do you? I want this one to be perfect. Now, Dance for me, lover.”

  “Will you ever teach me how to do it?” Kyle struggled to get his bearings as the room continued to spin.

  “All things in time, my love. You will be amazed at the things I will teach you, but you must be patient.”

  “Which room are they in?”

  “Follow me, but for my sanity’s sake, be a little stealthier this time. I want to see how artist
ic you can be.”

  “Tonight, I think I will do something special for you,” Kyle whispered, tiptoeing behind her.

  “Like what?” Her voice hinted of her worry that he might attempt something brash, ruining yet another opportunity for the Dance.

  “I guess you will just have to see for yourself.” He flashed his widest grin, reached for the doorknob.

  Chapter Six

  “Hey, Sherry. It’s me. Can I talk to the kids?” Tom spoke into the phone softly.

  Only silence met his question. It felt like an eternity before she finally responded.

  “What do you want, Tom?” She seemed to seethe at the sound of his voice.

  “I just want to talk to John and Julie. I haven’t spoken to either of them in nearly a week. I think they may have lost my phone number,” he replied with a forced laugh.

  He hated it when she made him feel like he had to beg to talk to them. They were his kids too after all. If she would let them call him more often, she would have to hear his voice less. He didn’t need to talk to her to visit with his kids.

  “John needs some new shoes for basketball.” Her voice took on a softer tone, but he could sense it was a struggle.

  “Oh, yeah. I guess the ol’ B-Ball season is about to start pretty soon, huh?” Tom thought she just wanted to let him know so he could see some of the games.

  “The shoes he wants are over a hundred dollars,” she continued without acknowledging him.

  “Well, you ought to be able to afford it with what I am paying you in child support. I say, let him have them.” Tom laughed, still not catching the hint.

  “Look, things are a little tight this month. Do you think you could buy them for him?”

  “What? Things are a little tight? Welcome to my world. That bloodsucking lawyer of yours—”

  Click.

  Tom pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it, dumbfounded. He took a deep breath, then another for good measure before redialing the number.