Behind the Hood (Behind the Lives)

by Hansen, Marita A.

  “Can I read your book?” she asked, walking over to the desk.

  Rory jumped in his seat. “Shit, ya gave me a fright. When didja get here?”

  “Just under forty minutes ago. Sorry, I didn’t realise you were in here until I went to the toilet.” She stopped to rub her stomach, hoping she didn’t have to run to it again. God, morning sickness sucked.

  “Oh yeah ... Sally told me someone broke into your house. Lucky nothing was taken, aye?”

  Jess nodded, realising he hadn’t been told about the knickers incident.

  “Anyway, congrats on the baby news,” he added.

  “Thanks,” she replied, not feeling exactly grateful.

  “Is Jakey here?”

  “No, he’s with Sally.”

  “You’re lucky she took the day off to be with Maia.” He turned back to the computer. “All this Tama shit has really shaken her. Hell, it’s shaken me.” He picked up a pencil and dropped it on the desk, then repeated the action. “She’s not only worried about Maia, but she’s scared for Nike too. Thinks he’s going to get hurt.”

  Jess swallowed. “He’s not.”

  “I hope you’re right, because that boy doesn’t know when it’s good to back down.” Rory started tapping on the computer again, his jawline clenching and unclenching. “He always rushes into shit without thinking.”

  Jess went to object, then closed her mouth. Rory was right. “You still writing the same book or is it a different story?”

  He stopped typing. “I’ve giving the fantasy one a breather so I can fix up my Sci-Fi novel.”

  “Can I read it? I like Sci-Fi. I’ve watched Star Wars and the cartoon version with Nike. And, I absolutely loved Return of the Jedi with those cute Ewoks.”

  Rory pulled a face. “Yeah, I betcha did. Those fuckin’ stupid teddy-bears turned it into a chick flick. If it wasn’t for Princess Lea’s bikini that film would’ve been a total write off.”

  Jess smiled. “Nike says the same thing. He keeps tellin’ me they should’ve roasted the Ewoks for dinner.”

  “That’s a first.”

  “What is?”

  “Nike agreeing with me.”

  Jess sighed. She’d always thought Nike was a bit harsh on Rory. Yeah, the guy should help out Sally more, but he did seem really dedicated to his writing.

  “Well ... can I read it?” she asked.

  “Nope, I’m doing another rewrite. Some other writers reckon I need to jack up my first few chapters, so I’m reworking them.”

  “No probs.” She swore silently, remembering she’d forgotten to put out the rubbish. “Can I borrow your car? I need to nip home and put the rubbish out.”

  “Sorry, I’m heading to the gym soon. But I can drop you off, if ya want.”

  “I can’t stay there. Nike doesn’t think it’s safe.”

  “I don’t see why. We’ve been burgled before, and it’s never driven us out of the house. Anyway, what’s the worry? Sally said nothing was taken.”

  “Sumpthin’ gross was done to my stuff.”

  “What?”

  “I’d rather not say.”

  Rory swivelled in his chair. “C’mon, I wanna know. What’d they do?”

  Jess scratched her head, feeling embarrassed. “Some guy...” She cleared her throat. “Um ... wanked off on my knickers.”

  Rory’s mouth dropped open. “You’re fuckin’ kidding me?”

  She shook her head.

  “That ain’t right. What fucked up loser would do that?”

  Jess shrugged.

  “Well, I’ll give ya a lift there and back then. I’ll just save this, then we can head out.”

  “Thanks.” Rory had been a real surprise lately, doing things she wouldn’t have expected from him. Usually he was permanently attached to his computer when she visited. But lately, he seemed like a different person. Jess liked it, hoping it lifted Sally’s spirits too.

  Rory logged off the computer. “Okay. Let’s go.”

  Jess followed him, her mind switching to Nike and his new job. She rubbed her stomach and smiled.

  45

  Nike

  Nike trudged down the main street of Remuera laden with bags of clothes. Talia looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. He smiled back, although he wanted to tell her to carry her own sodden bags. For fuck’s sake, he was meant to be a chauffeur not some rich bitch’s bag boy.

  “Just one more store,” she said.

  Nike followed her into a lingerie shop. Pink walls lined with underwear reminded him of Jess’s knickers. Last night he barely slept, getting more and more worked up over the break-in. Since he didn’t know who the sicko was, he had no idea how he could fix the problem. His mind went to Tama. Christ, his family was having a bad run of things lately. And with Maia getting out today he had to find Tama quick. Straight after visiting Leila, he planned to question the Connors then Trey. One of them was bound to spill if he pressured them enough. It shouldn’t be too hard. Jayden had been easy and he didn’t even have to try at Mikey’s. The kid’s mum was really nice, quite happy to tell him everything, and had continuously apologised. Not like it was her fault.

  He sat down on the heart-shaped couch in the middle of the shop and placed the bags next to his feet. Across from him, Talia flitted between the colourful displays of knickers and bras. She glanced over at him and smiled. He forced out another smile, then looked down at his feet. Although he knew squat about fashion, in all the other stores she’d asked his opinion on every damn skirt, dress, top, and sprayed on jeans she’d tried on. At least here he wouldn’t have to do that.

  A woman with a stroller walked into the shop. She looked in her early forties. Probably the baby’s grandma, he thought. But then again she could still be the mother. Unlike Claydon, he’d noticed a number of older women pushing around prams and strollers today.

  The woman was staring at him. Man, he must look like a proper twat decked out in his chauffeur uniform and sitting in a lingerie shop. He hoped his job didn’t involve working for the boss’s wife too often, because it would drive him nuts.

  “Excuse me, Sir.”

  Nike looked up at the sales assistant. Roughly about his age, she had brown hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. Her black skirt and white blouse suited her curvy figure perfectly.

  “Yes?” he said.

  “The lady you came with needs your help.”

  Nike picked up the bags and followed her to the ... Oh hell, no! The assistant directed him to a changing room then left. He stood rigid, staring at the white door, wanting to bolt.

  “Nike, are you there?”

  “Yeah,” he said softly.

  “Good.” The door opened a fraction. “Come in.”

  He stayed still. “Guys aren’t allowed in there.”

  “Don’t be silly. Hurry up.”

  “Um ... I’m not comfortable doin’ that.”

  “Well, I can’t come out.”

  He stood quietly biting the inside of his mouth.

  “Oh, come on, you’re being silly. Girls at the beach wear just as much. And I need your opinion. I want to know if Nigel will like it.”

  Swearing under his breath, he slipped into the changing room with the bags and closed the door.

  “Does this look good?” Talia said, smiling.

  He swallowed as his eyes moved over her body. She stood in front of him dressed in a frilly red bra and a tiny pair of knickers, her skin tanned all over.

  “What about from behind?” She twirled around.

  His eyes widened. Scrap that, they weren’t knickers, it was a G-string. His gaze went from her arse to her tits as she spun back round. Even though she was skinny, she was still almost naked and she had a damn fine pair of tits. His embarrassment grew along with his dick.

  “Well … do they look good?”

  “Yeah,” he replied hoarsely. He dropped the bags and grabbed the door handle, desperate to get out.

  “Wait, Nike. What about this?”

 
; He looked back and slammed into the door. “Fuck!” His eyes bulged as she dropped the bra on the ground.

  She laughed. “That’s exactly my thought.” She placed a hand on his chest, running it down until she cupped his erection. “I like you, Nike. Looks like you like me too.”

  “I-I-I’m married.”

  She started undoing his belt. “So? No one needs to know.”

  He grabbed her hand. “No, I’m happily married.”

  “Oh, come on. Don’t you wanna make your boss happy?” She unbuttoned and unzipped his pants with her other hand. “I can make you happy too.”

  No way was he going to cheat on Jess. He wasn’t going to do to Jess what Leila had done to him.

  He grabbed her other wrist. “No. I can’t do this.”

  “Yes, you can.” She smiled and pushed up against him.

  Now he understood why Saul and Ash had warned him. She must have done this shit before. “Saul—”

  Her face darkened. “Fuck Saul!” She yanked her hands free and stepped back. “Did that bastard tell you not to touch me?”

  Nike nodded as he zipped up his pants.

  “Well, as long as you don’t tell him what happened, we’ll be alright. Capisce?”

  He nodded again, hoping that meant she would let him go.

  “Just get out.” She waved a hand.

  Nike slipped out, almost tripping over his feet. He buttoned his pants and started doing up his belt. An elderly woman walked in, her gaze unimpressed.

  Intensely embarrassed, Nike rushed out. Hoping no one else had seen, he sat down on the heart-shaped couch and stared down at the floor. After a few minutes, Talia appeared and paid for her purchases. Without a word, she handed him the bags then left the shop. Nike followed, wishing he hadn’t left his last job.

  46

  Tama

  Feeling anything but friendly, Tama smiled at Nike’s neighbour. She was an old chook dressed in a cardigan and tartan skirt, her blouse matching the blue rinse in her hair. He couldn’t care less that she saw him, but would have loved to whack her stupid mutt with Naf’s baseball bat. The rat-sized excuse for a dog was yapping its bloody head off as it raced back and forth between its owner and the fence.

  The biddy looked down at his bat. “Who are you?”

  He smiled again, thinking she’d be a shitload more scared if he took off his hoodie. Grandmas always gave him a wide berth when he walked down the street. He found it funny seeing the old birds almost wet their granny knickers over him.

  “I’m a friend of Nike’s. I just wanna return his bat,” he said, lifting it up.

  She let out an audible sigh. “Oh, that’s okay. They aren’t here. They had a break in yesterday and Jess went to stay with Nike’s mother.”

  “Oh ... I wuzn’t told,” he said, thinking you stupid old biddy. He didn’t even have to ask and the gossipy nanna spilled. “I’ll ring him then.”

  “Yes, dear, and tell Nike...”

  Not letting her finish, Tama headed out of the driveway, crossed the road and walked past a few houses to Naf’s Escort. He jumped into the front passenger seat and shut the door.

  “Wuzn’t she home?” Naf asked.

  “She’s gone to Nike’s mother’s place.”

  “You want me to take ya there?”

  Tama nodded. He didn’t have to tell Naf where to go. They had gotten into the habit of egging the place every Halloween, and kept it up even after Nike had moved out.

  Naf started the engine, then cut it. He turned to look behind him. Tama glanced back to see what Naf was staring at. A blue Ford pulled up in Nike’s driveway. Jess and a large bald male got out of the car and headed for the front door.

  Tama picked up the baseball bat. “I’m goin’ in.”

  “No, Tama, that bloke’s one huge motherfucka.”

  “He’ll still go down with a bat.” Tama opened the door and got out.

  “They’re comin’ out,” Naf said.

  Tama jumped back in as Jess rolled out a green wheelie bin. She left it on the sidewalk, then hopped into the car with the male.

  “Follow them,” Tama said.

  ***

  Tama smiled as the mofo drove off, leaving Jess at Nike’s mother’s house. He hoped no one else was there. He’d been waiting bloody ages to get some alone time with her, and although he wanted to smash something up real bad, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Anyway, sex always made him feel better.

  He got out of the car with the baseball bat. “You can piss off now,” he said to Naf.

  “Just call me when ya need me,” Naf replied.

  “Sure.”

  Tama headed down the footpath and into the driveway. His excitement grew as he walked through the empty carport, and around the back of the house. The weatherboard bungalow was the same size as his home, but painted in sky blue rather than white. Different types of trees ran along a high wooden fence, giving the house a degree of privacy, while greens grew wild in a small patch next to a tin shed.

  He pulled out his Swiss knife and unlocked the back door. He closed it quietly then walked through the dining-room and into the adjoining lounge. Except for the rumble of traffic coming from the main road, the house was quiet. He crept down the passage. A toilet and bathroom were on his left. He poked his head into the empty study to his right. The next room contained a queen-sized bed, cabinet and two overloaded bookshelves.

  Singing came from the end room. Unlike the others, the door was shut. He pocketed the knife and opened the door a fraction. With her toes wriggling, Jess lay on a bed with earphones on and her eyes closed. Although she was damn hot she couldn’t sing to save herself. Well, she’d be singing a whole different tune for him soon. Tama smiled inwardly, finding the cliché funny.

  He slipped in and closed the door quietly. The room looked like it belonged to a girl with its walls covered in posters of pop-stars and actors. He guessed it was probably Maia’s bedroom. With the way she usually dressed, all grunged up in baggy trackies and hoodies, he would have pegged her for a reggae or rapper chick, not a teeny-bopper. It made him realise how young she was. With her curves, he’d forgotten she was only fourteen.

  Anyway, he wanted Jess, not Maia. He placed the bat on the carpet and walked silently over to her, his heart racing like a Nascar finalist. She wore a skirt and sweater, the later emphasizing something he definitely needed to touch.

  He wanted to yell, “Fuck me!” as the front of his jeans began to fill out. But shit, now he was here he didn’t know where to start. He pulled out his switchblade, then re-pocketed it. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he also didn’t want any screaming or fighting. With Jess he wanted to be gentle—he just hoped he could be.

  Man, he ached to kiss her, then strip her naked and make her groan in pleasure. And condoms—he didn’t need one with her. He knew she’d be clean, no disgusting diseases like the other bitches he knew. She was nice, sweet, someone he wanted to keep. Plus, he’d love it if he got her pregnant—a little Tama in her oven.

  Her hand moved up to her stomach and rubbed it, her pretty face changing into a grimace. He hoped she wasn’t sick, because it would be his damned luck if she was. Well, he couldn’t stand here all day staring at her. He pulled off his boots, undid his belt, and stripped. Once naked, he climbed on the bed.

  Her eyes shot open. Tama leaned down and kissed her lips.

  47

  Maia

  Maia watched Mikey as he slept. He had an IV in his arm, a clip with a wire on his middle finger, and a blanket up to his armpits. He appeared even paler than last night, with dark circles under his eyes. She still couldn’t believe he’d died. Although it had only been for a minute, she felt sick just thinking about it. Yeah, he’d help Tama taunt her, but he didn’t deserve to die for that. Plus, he’d apologised twice and...

  Maia scrubbed a hand down her face, annoyed with herself. Man, she was superficial. She wasn’t here because he’d apologised, it was because he was good looking. Yeah, he was a bit on
the skinny side, but he had such an angelic face. She frowned, remembering the way he’d grabbed her hood and his far from angelic expression as he’d tried to get through the window.

  She got up and headed for the door. A large woman entered, dressed in a crinkled navy skirt and white blouse. A black bag rested over a shoulder and a wrapped muffin in her right hand. Despite having a rounder face and double chin, she looked like Tama with her flat nose and dark eyes.

  “Who are you?” the woman asked harshly.

  Maia winced, hoping she wasn’t in trouble. Her mother may have lied for her last night, but she’d continued it today, pretending she was Mikey’s cousin.

  “Maia Daniels.”

  The woman’s brows pulled together. “You’re the girl Tamati stabbed.”

  Maia nodded.

  “Why’re you visiting Michael?”

  “He’s in my class at school. I wanted to check that he was alright ... I-I’m going now.”

  “You don’t hafta go. Come sit with me,” she said, taking Maia’s arm.

  Maia squealed. Shit, the woman knew she’d been stabbed; she didn’t have to pull on her effing arm.

  The woman let go. “Sorry, dear, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” She smiled at her sadly. “I appreciate you visiting my boy. Please stay. I could do with the company.”

  Maia tried to hide her surprise. Mikey’s mother? She looked nothing like him, in fact the total opposite, both her features and girth far too wide to even remotely resemble him.

  Mikey’s mother placed a chair next to the one Maia had been using and sat down. “Come talk with me,” she said, patting the seat next to her.