The Bodies of Star Farm

by H R Jones

  Margo flung the door wide. Her eyes looked as big as saucers when she realized it was an officer of the law standing on her doorstep.

  Lieutenant Grutner could readily see there was nothing between Margo’s flimsy piece of lingerie and her skin, as she clutched it tightly with her fist, at her waist, her ample breasts clearly visible through the gossamer fabric. He didn’t need to look to know she wasn’t wearing anything else.

  “Hi Margo, remember me, Lieutenant Grutner, with the Buckton Police Department?”

  She nodded.

  “I was wondering if I could have a few minutes of your time to answer a couple of questions.”

  “Sure, honey, come on in.” She looked down and said in a little girl voice, “Ooopsie, I guess I’ll need to put on some clothes.” She giggled. “I’ll just be a minute.”

  “Take your time,” he said. “I’ll wait right here.”

  “No, no, you come on in,” she motioned with her well-manicured finger. “I won’t be a minute, honest.”

  He stepped just inside the door far enough to keep most of the cold winter air from overtaking the warmth of the small living room. As he waited, the thought occurred to him, if one closed their eyes real tight, one might think Margo resembled an older version of Marilyn Monroe, but Margo, he suspected, wore much more makeup. He figured she must use a putty knife to get all the gunk off her face at night. He was glad his wife didn’t use all that stuff. His senses were overwhelmed by the smell of booze and cigarettes.

  A few moments later, true to her word, Margo sashayed back into the living room dressed in a pair of very tight, hot pink capris, in the middle of winter, that left nothing to the imagination, a fuzzy white, deep “v” neck sweater, and little black flats. John wondered if she made a career out of seducing and servicing men.

  “So, whatcha’ want, Colonel?”

  “It’s Lieutenant, Lieutenant John Grutner, Margo.”

  “Oh, yeah, right, so what d’ya need to know?”

  “Margo, or shall I call you Miss…”

  “It’s Mrs. actually, Mrs. Schwartz, there’s no Mr. anymore. He’s been dead a few years now. Just call me Margo, hon.”

  “Okay. Margo, do you know a Mr. Rory Star?”

  “Ya mean Rory ‘the stud’ Star?” she giggled nervously.

  He was a bit taken aback by her colorful description of Star. Clearing his throat, he went on. “Um, I guess if that’s how you know him. He lives outside of Buckton on a big spread, trains horses.”

  “Yeah, that’s him. Hung like one of them horses of his, or so he tells everyone. Why?” She giggled.

  Feeling as if his face were aflame, he asked, “Have you known him long?”

  “Sure, we’ve been an on-again, off-again item for years, except of course, never when I was married. He’s mostly on, if you get my drift,” she said with a breathy laugh.

  “Well, anyway, sorry to ask, but has he ever, you know, beat up on you, or ah, errr, done anything, you know,” he was stammering again, “you didn’t want him to?”

  “Hell no, he does just what I like,” she said, wiggling her butt.

  John wondered about that. As they talked he’d taken stock of her appearance and noticed a look in her eyes he couldn’t quite identify. Was it fear? Embarrassment? He wasn’t sure.

  “Uh, Margo, have you seen him lately? Be careful how you answer, because I can check.”

  “Ah, yeah, sure, he came over here the night of the big snow storm, in fact, and stayed till late last night, till after the plows had been through. Then he lit out of here like he’d been shot. Don’t know what got into him.”

  “Did anyone know he was here?”

  “I don’t know…but…” she put her index finger to her temple, “he did make a couple of calls yesterday, and I think I heard him on the phone again late last night. So, yeah, maybe.” She shrugged.

  “He didn’t say anything when he left?”

  “Uh, uh, like I said, he left without so much as a ‘goodbye’.”

  “Do you know what time he got here, that would be Tuesday night?”

  “Sure, it was late, maybe nine o’clock, maybe later, and he was blotto, if you know what I mean, and horny as a bear in spring.” She sputtered out a hallow laugh.

  “Nine or later, you say.”

  She nodded.

  “Well, thanks for your time, Margo, I appreciate it. I’ll show myself out.”

  “Okay, Lieutenant.”

  As he opened the door, he turned and said, “By the way, if you should hear from him? Would you call me at the police station? I have some questions for Mr. Star.” He handed Margo his card.

  “Sure thing, Lieutenant, sure thing.” she said aloud as she closed the door.

  After he left, Margo sat down and cried.

  The few days with Rory had turned into a nightmare. Each day worse than the one before. It wasn’t just his insatiable lust, but the anger and the way he treated her. Yes, they’d both had way too much to drink, and popped too many pills, but she’d never seen him that nasty.

  After Rory’d left that day, she’d tried to make the memory of the previous evening disappear with the help of more alcohol and more drugs. It hadn’t helped. Rory’d always walked a thin line between love and hate, but this time, this time, he’d gone too far. Margo vowed never to see him again, and this time she really meant it.

  Fourteen

  When Rory heard from his “old buddy,” Deputy Lyle at the police department, that there was a warrant out for his arrest, he’d immediately packed up everything he needed, put it in the truck and the horse trailer with Ranger. Then, he beat it up to the north woods where he knew he wouldn’t be found. Rory wasn’t sure when it would be safe to go back to town, but did know Lyle would find a way to let him know when the coast was clear.

  He liked the secluded old log cabin. It wasn’t near any of the major back roads. It was well-hidden in the deep woods, off a seldom used, deeply rutted, overgrown forest fire road. It would be very difficult to locate, or even see, if you didn’t know where to look. He did notice, however, someone had tried to access the road at some point.

  The cabin stayed as it was because, even though it belonged to Caroline Pizzog’s family, they never came anymore. Rory still had Caroline’s keys. No one but him used the place. For all intents and purposes it was abandoned. Rory was sure they must be paying the taxes, thinking they’d sell it one day, otherwise there would be repo signs nailed to the door.

  The Pissog family had no idea Rory had made this his secret hide-a-way. He did keep the cabin in good repair, but let the undergrowth creep in around a bit and the rutted lane stayed unattended as much as he could, and still have access to the place.

  ~ * ~

  Caroline Pissog was living the dream. Young, pretty, energetic and smart, she was thrilled to be hired by Republic Airlines as stewardess on the Madison to Houston run.

  After high school she’d taken a course at the headquarters of Republic Airlines in Minneapolis. There she learned to be a waitress in the sky, but the excitement over flying to various places and meeting fascinating people overshadowed the menial tasks of serving meals and drinks to already inebriated passengers, thousands of feet in the air.

  Neither did she mind the menial tasks nor idle chatter and occasional pinches on her rear end, as long as she was doing what she loved. It didn’t matter if the men on the flights made advances to her because there was nothing she could do to prevent it, and she knew she’d never see them again.

  While in Houston, she enjoyed living at the apartment rented by the airlines she shared with her fellow stewardesses. She loved the attention of the amorous cowboys she met when she went out for the evening. They were like the passengers… she knew nothing would ever come of it. It never went further than hugs, kisses and an occasional invitation to spend the night, which she always declined.

  There were many wealthy men who would have liked to make her their wife, but she was having too much fun. Besides, too
many of them just wanted to take her to bed, but her upbringing demanded she be chaste.

  Her room-mates told her she was a fool for not giving into temptation. Her reply was, “At least I’m not taking a chance on getting pregnant and losing my job. I plan to be a virgin on my wedding night.”

  She’d heard too many stories about stewardesses who’d lost their jobs because they’d become careless and a pregnancy followed. Many of them returned home, shamed and no longer employed. They were also unable to put a name to the father of the child, because of too many one night stands.

  Under no circumstances would Caroline ever be in that position. She wanted children but not until she was married and secure.

  ~ * ~

  Rory Star enjoyed his trips to Houston and beyond. He loved talking horses with fellow breeders and making fantastic deals. He also relished the attentions of beautiful women from around the world. He was fascinated by their different styles of love making.

  On this trip, not only had he wined and dined three different women: the alluring Czech, the stylish mademoiselle, and the mysterious Russian, but he’d also purchased a new horse he planned to name Ranger. The women would go on to new conquests and he’d soon forget them. The horse was another matter. Within a month, the stallion would be delivered to Star Farms and start being sired out to whomever could afford the stud fee. He would earn his keep while the women only wanted to drain him of his money.

  In Rory’s mind’s eye, he could see the beautiful foals and fillies Ranger would sire. Once his blood line was established, he would be in high demand. Even though he wasn’t a race horse, he would be the paragon of the horse breeding world. It would give Rory more free time to pursue his pleasures because the horse would do the work and he’d enjoy the fruits of Ranger’s efforts.

  Upon concluding his business and pleasure in Houston, he was more than ready to return to Star Farm and await Ranger’s arrival. He’d taken this trip many times, but this was the first time he’d been able to get a non-stop flight back to Madison, since Republic Airlines recently expanded their service.

  He checked in at Republic’s desk and secured his preferred aisle seat in first class. It annoyed him to find the bulkhead seating already taken. Even with the luxury of first class, he much preferred the extra leg room for his long legs.

  The call for first class boarding brought Rory out of his brooding mood because he had been denied his preferred seating. He followed his fellow first class passengers down the stairs to the tarmac and up the ramp leading to the waiting plane.

  At the top of the stairs stood one of the most beautiful stewardesses he’d ever seen. She was stunning with her raven hair done up in a French twist, and her ice blue eyes seemed to look directly into his soul. Tall and slender, her graceful body captivated his imagination.

  As he took his seat he was already planning how he could get this beauty into his life as well as into his bed.

  ~ * ~

  Caroline stood at the open door to the plane ready to greet the passengers on their flight to Madison and was checking in all the passengers in First Class. Manifest in hand, she put the names of the passengers to their faces, quickly memorizing them in order to give them each the best service.

  Once everyone was aboard, the door to the plane was shut and secured. Standing at the front of first class, she gave the pre-flight instructions to her guests before securing herself in the jump seat for takeoff.

  After reaching cruising altitude, she began to make her rounds, making sure each of her guests was comfortable as she took their drink orders. In the second row, in the aisle seat sat a gentleman she’d not seen on any of her flights. From her memory, she pulled the name of the passenger, Rory Star. She wondered about the name, Rory Star, and why it seemed vaguely familiar.

  “May I get you something to drink, Mr. Star?”

  “Just a double helping of you, baby.”

  “I’m sorry, sir, I’m not on the menu,” she replied with a sweet smile.

  How many times have I heard that old line? Can’t these guys be a little more original? They’re all the same. Just once I’d like to hear a sincere line from a gentleman, but of course not all of them are gentlemen.

  “Well, if I can’t have you, I’ll settle for a double scotch.”

  “I can do that. Please be thinking of what you’d like for dinner. Tonight we will be serving filet mignon or steamed shrimp scampi over linguini.”

  She could feel him staring at her as she moved on to the next passenger.

  Back in the galley kitchen, she conferred with her fellow stewardess, Lois.

  “How are the passengers on your side tonight?”

  Lois rolled her eyes in dismay. “I’ve got the most obnoxious woman you’ve ever met. I think she’s the bitch from hell. She’s not happy with her seating arrangement, the fact I couldn’t make her a Rob Roy, and she doesn’t like the first class menu. She can’t understand why she can’t order lobster. I’m tempted to trip when I’m serving her and dump her dinner in her lap.”

  “I know you won’t do that, but I can understand how you feel. I’ve got this guy who wants a double of me but finally ordered a double scotch.”

  “I guess we can’t complain too much. We could be dealing with that screaming baby back in coach. Believe you me, I had my fill of that before I was assigned to first class.”

  Caroline nodded in agreement. She too had spent enough time in coach to appreciate the fewer passengers in first class. As a general rule, parents with children could not afford the extra cost of first class.

  Filling her tray with drinks for her passengers, she made her way back to serve them and get their dinner orders.

  Rory craned his neck to watch the sway of Caroline’s ass as she proceeded back to the small galley. The only reason he knew her name was her name tag was pinned strategically over her ample left breast. Something about her seemed familiar. He just couldn’t put his finger on it. It was like she was someone he knew, but certainly she couldn’t be from the small town of Buckton, Wisconsin.

  He knew once this flight ended, their paths wouldn’t cross again. Even with that knowledge he decided he needed this woman in his life. In his mind, he imagined what it would be like to have her in his bed at Star Farm. Even though it wouldn’t be an exclusive relationship on his part, she wouldn’t need to know. He had many other fields to plow and women to woo. Hopefully she would be willing to play his twisted games.

  “Here’s your drink, Mr. Star. Have you decided on your dinner choice?”

  Rory bit back the comment he wanted to make. “I’ve had enough beef while in Houston to last me for a while. I think I’ll have the shrimp.”

  “That’s a good choice, Mr. Star. It is what I’m planning on having this evening as well.”

  “I don’t suppose you could join me. The window seat is empty, and I’d enjoy your company, honey,” he said with a wink.

  “Sorry, it’s against airline rules.”

  “In that case, will you be laying over in Madison?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have some down time coming and will be visiting my parents.”

  Rory let the subject drop momentarily. There was still a while before the plane arrived in Madison. If her parents lived in the area, it wouldn’t be too hard to find out where before they landed.

  Fifteen

  Caroline used her down time to enjoy a vacation with her parents at their secluded cabin in the thick pine forest of Northern Wisconsin. As a child she’d spent many delightful summers with younger brother, Toby, exploring the hidden pathways through the pines. Occasionally, they’d catch a glimpse of a shy deer drinking from the lazy stream.

  This year everything was different because Toby had enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Germany. It would only be Caroline and her parents. She was no longer a child and was able to communicate with her parents on an adult level. They were always interested in hearing about her experiences.

  “So, how was it flying
to Houston on a regular basis?” her father asked. “Do you meet many millionaires?”

  “Oh, Herbert, really,” Sarah exclaimed, “Caroline is an adult, unless you’ve forgotten?” her mother said sarcastically. “She doesn’t have to have your approval of any young men she might date.”

  “Well, she’s still my little girl.”

  “Oh, Daddy,” she said as she leaned in with a kiss on his bald head, leaving a bright red lip imprint, “I’ll always be your little girl. I’ve learned how to recognize a Prince Charming from a big bad wolf. I have the values you and Mom have instilled in me. Let’s just relax and enjoy our time together. We probably won’t be able to have many more times like this, as my route is going to be changed. I’ll be flying from Minneapolis to Atlanta on a regular basis and won’t have layovers in Madison any longer.”

  Her mother rushed to her, her hands on either side of Caroline’s lovely face. “Oh, honey we will so miss these few fleeting times we’ve been able to have with you.”

  “Well then, my surprise for you is coming at the best time. Because I work for the airlines, I’m able to get you free tickets to go and see Toby in Germany, for Christmas.”

  Her father looked at her in shock. “You can’t be serious, honey! That’s too much.”

  “Oh, no it’s not, Daddy. This is one of the perks of my job. I’ve logged enough hours of flight time to be able to do this. I hope you and Mom will enjoy the trip and not only to see Toby but also have the opportunity to see some of Germany’s beautiful sights. Since you’re both teachers, I think the timing is perfect.”

  “But, what will you be doing for Christmas?” her mother questioned.

  “That’s the best part. Republic is doing a Christmas run to Frankfurt for the Christmas Market. I’ll arrive two days after you and have a three day layover before I need to return to the states.”

  She watched the expression on their faces as they tried to comprehend all she’d just told them. This would be one Christmas none of them would ever forget.