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Chapter Nineteen

October 27, 1958

Kitty parked her white Impala in front of room number nine at the motel. She opened the door and swung her long legs out. She wasn't sure about this dress thing of Maeve's. Kitty tugged her hem toward her knees before standing. She left the car, swung the heavy door shut and walked to the room door.

Kitty tossed her bag onto the dresser and the room key on top of it. She walked past the foot of the bed, stopped and began to take her blouse off. She heard someone enter the room; she turned and smiled at the motel owner as she folded her blouse in half and lay it onto the chair. She unbuttoned her skirt at the side and then unzipped it. She lowered the skirt and stepped through it, watching the motel owner watch her. Kitty lay the skirt on top of the blouse, then sat on the corner of the bed. Bob entered the room, closed the door behind him.

Kitty bent and undid her sandals, slid them under the bed. She sat straight and placed her open hands on her knees. She looked from Bob to the motel owner. "Why so glum?"

The owner looked at Bob, turned to Kitty, and shrugged his shoulders. He took off his shirt.

"Maeve took the wind out of your sails, hunh?"

Kitty stood up and walked to the motel owner. She knelt in front of him and untied his shoe. She looked up at him as he lifted his right foot out of his shoe. "Bob fucks me while you fuck my ass. How does that sound?" She bent to untie his other shoe.

Bob lay naked on the bed. Kitty removed the owner's socks, ran her hands along his pants legs. He unbuckled his belt; she unzipped his pants, then stood and turned as he let them drop, then let his boxers drop.

Kitty sat on Bob's stomach, pressed his chest with her fingers. She kissed him, sat straight, then raised herself on her knees. She lowered herself onto Bob's large cock. She moved her hips from side to side, settling onto him. She looked over her shoulder at the owner. "KY is in the purse." She turned back to Bob, raised herself, lowered her chest onto Bob's, then started to bounce her ass.

Kitty felt the cool wetness of the KY on her ass, and then felt the owner's cock slide into her. She held still for him, listening to Bob's breathing and now the owner's and hers overlaid, one on the other.

The owner fucked her, slowly at first. Kitty shut her eyes and bounced between them, felt herself pressed into Bob. She felt both their cocks in her.

The owner gave three quick slams, then held her. Kitty felt him leave her ass; she resumed bouncing her pussy on Bob's cock. She marveled at the silence. It was almost eerie. Bob came and held her down to him, one hand pressing on her back, the other clamped onto her breast, pulling.

The owner gave her ass a hard slap; she jerked, her chin bounced on Bob's shoulder. A moment later Bob's cock slid out of her. It's soft wetness rested against her thigh.

Bob rolled Kitty off him, kissed her hard, then stood up to dress.

Kitty opened her eyes — the motel owner had left the room door open. She rubbed her face, sat up on the bed and watched Bob. Like her, he didn't wear underclothes. He dressed quickly and left, shutting the door behind him.

Kitty went into the bathroom to shower. Only eight or nine more and she was done for the day.

Johnny sat in The Pelican dinner with a cup of coffee and his paper. He looked up as he heard a person sit across from him in the booth.

"Hello, Steve," he said.

"Johnny. Wall Street Journal now?"

Johnny set the paper aside, caught the eye of the waitress, then turned to the man sitting across from him. Dark gray suit, not tailored, but not something from Sears. Steve laid his hat on the table. He was blond, medium build, gray eyes. He wasn't someone who stood out in a crowd. "Ronald, Maeve's brother, has been helping us create an investment portfolio." Johnny watched the waitress set down a cup and pour coffee for Steve. "Breakfast?"

Steve shook his head.

The waitress refilled Johnny's cup, then left. "I haven't the slightest idea what any of this means." Johnny patted the paper. "Hear anything?"

Steve took a sip of his coffee, shook his head, setting the cup down. "I remember not so long ago they had a waitress here. Pretty, blonde, she made this place feel like home."

Johnny sat back in his seat and smiled. "I remember her, too. Nice sway to her hips when she walked away after refilling your cup."

Steve nodded. "What did you need?"

"I was thinking about going to Jacksonville in a day or two. I wondered if you had any idea where I should go, who I should see?"

Steve gave a slow nod. "Haven't seen her Pontiac around anymore. Hate to hear it was broken down." He took a sip of coffee. "Didn't she have a son?"

Johnny folded the newspaper down to a size easy to carry. "Are you sure we're looking for the same person?"

"Pretty sure. Young girl. Fast. Easy on the eyes." Steve unbuttoned his jacket, reached into the side pocket. "Shame."

"I'll pay." Johnny pushed his cup to the side. "Go ahead, say it. I can see you're dying to say it."

Steve fastened his jacket. "Headquarters isn't interested in either of those girls. Nobody's hurt. Those girls are damaged goods, they're probably doing the best that can be expected."

"Need a toothpick?"

Steve gave a slow smile. "No, it's out."

"Both girls are over eighteen, Steve. They're adults."

"So why are you interested, Johnny?"

"I'm a friend of the family."

"Just a friend?"

"No business interest."

"Not at the moment, no."

"Not at the moment." Johnny paused. "Steve. The last time I saw her, she was in a car being driven off by a man who was slapping her, maybe closed-fist slaps." Johnny moved his cup back in front of him. "I just want to get her away from him and back to her family."

"Her family." Steve started to stand.

"Steve, wait a moment." Johnny watched him settle back into his seat. Johnny took a sip of coffee. "A tip." Johnny smiled. "Xerox. IBM."

"Why would I want anything to do with a missile?"

Johnny grinned. "The kids are staying over at Kitty's. Off the street." Johnny paused. "IBM not ICBM. International Business Machines. Ronald told me. I'm telling you."

Steve stood.

"The world's a big place, Steve."

"Johnny, you have no idea how big, until you begin looking for their older sisters."

Johnny stood. "Interested in talking with them?"

Steve smiled. "I was hoping you'd ask me."

"I noticed how deferential you were." Johnny opened his wallet, took out several bills, two of which he tossed onto the table, by the paper.

"Don't want your paper?"

Johnny smiled. "I'm leaving it for Mil. She likes reading it." He left a bill by the register. "My car, or do you want to follow?"

"Follow." Steve held the door open. "Life's been treating you well."

"You won't see Kitty, she's working."

Steve nodded, walked to his car, his hat still in his hand.

"I'll introduce you to Gloria. She's the babysitter."

Maeve put the telephone down and checked off an item on her list. She stood up and stretched. She walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. It was lunch time and she was hungry. She didn't see anything that appealed to her. She shut the door, walked back to the dining room table and sat down. She had so much to do.

Maeve made a short list:

1. Flowers

2. Caterer

3. Tux for Johnny

4. Check wedding site.

5. Dresses for kids, Gloria and Kitty.

6. Suit for Mark

She stopped adding things at that point. She crossed out number three; Johnny could take care of that himself. She struck out five and six, Gloria and Kitty could take care of the kids.

Maeve picked up a small notebook, her purse and keys. She'd check the site first. She wondered if she should have a tent set up. She opened the front door of the house, looked down at her black suit jacket with white lapels. She shut the door behind her, decided to lock it, then walked to her Thunderbird. Check the site, have lunch. Something light, a salad, wine. She'd seduce the florist this afternoon.

Her heels clicked on the cement walk to the driveway. Florist today, caterer tomorrow. She relaxed and stopped creating lists in her head. She had plenty of time.

Johnny and Steve looked down at Mark who'd answered the door. Mark held the door wide for them.

"Hi, Mark, Gloria here?" Johnny asked. "Steve, this is Mark, Kitty's son. Mark, this is Steve who is a detective."

Mark stared at Steve.

Gloria walked into the foyer. "Johnny."

"This is Steve who needs to talk with the girls. Steve, this is Gloria."

Gloria smiled at him. "May I take your hat?" She held out her hand.

Steve looked at Johnny, at Mark, to Gloria. He handed her his hat.

Gloria led them into the living room. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll get the girls." She held out her hand. "Mark."

Mark and she left.

Steve sat on the couch watching Johnny sit in a straight chair, then looked around the room.

"We're at Kitty's house," Johnny said. "Gloria is the babysitter."

Steve looked back at Johnny. "Nice house."

"You should see the back yard."

Steve looked up as Gloria, three girls and Mark entered. They sat on the facing couch.

Johnny smiled. "Have you eaten lunch yet?"

"Not yet," Gloria said. She smiled at Steve.

"Mark and I'll get something, bring it back." Johnny stood up. "Mark, want to wait out in my car for a moment? I'll be right along."

Mark jumped up.

"Steve, why don't you show Mark your badge? I don't think he believes that you're a real detective."

Steve stood, took out his ID from his jacket pocket. He handed it to Mark. "All proper and official?" he asked.

Mark looked at the badge, then back up at Steve.

"Mark," Gloria said, "I'm sure Winifred, Mary and Fancy want to see, too."

Mark looked at Steve, who nodded. He carried the ID to Gloria who showed it to the girls. Winifred started to say something. "Not right now, dear," Gloria said. She took the ID, stood and handed it to Steve. "Thank you."

"Mark, I'll be right out," Johnny said.

Gloria and Mark left the room. Johnny heard the door close; Gloria came back in and sat down.

"You can sit back down, Steve," Johnny said. "Girls, Winifred. Steve wants to ask you some questions. It's okay to talk to him about what you did for Mack."

"You mean whore for him?" Winifred said. She started to get up. "I'm leaving."

Gloria rested a hand on Winifred's arm. "Steve is a guest, to leave would be disrespectful."

"Who cares?" Winifred stepped away.

"I care," Johnny said. He sat down. "Sit."

Winifred looked at Johnny, stared at him for a moment, sat heavily on the couch.

"Thank you," Gloria said. "I don't think there will be any problems, Johnny."

Johnny stood. "Steve will ask you some questions. Any answers you give help him help me find Darlene and Cherry. That's all he's interested in." Johnny paused. "Winifred. That's all he's interested in. Sorry, Steve."

Gloria stood. "I'll walk you to the door."

They kissed in the foyer.

"That's quite a show she's giving Steve," Johnny said.

"He looks like he can take care of himself."

Johnny opened the door, kissed her again and left.

The seven sat in the dining room with their burgers, slaw and french fries. Mark and the girls had milk shakes, Johnny and Gloria coffee, Steve a cola. They broke into two groups, adults and kids, at separate ends of the table.

"Got what you need?" Johnny asked Steve.

Steve nodded. "Wasn't much."

"What did they say at the library?" Gloria asked.

"Didn't work there, had hung around there for a few days. Everyone thought he was someone else's son." Steve watched Winifred as he spoke. "You have your hands full."

"Any problems?" Johnny asked.

Gloria smiled. "Not until you men came here."

Johnny nodded. "The others?"

"We have an appointment at two for Fancy. Her cough. They've been dears, all three of them." She touched her cup. "They have a million questions about you, Johnny." She smiled at Steve.

Johnny rolled his eyes. "Coming over this evening?"

"If I may." Gloria raised the cup of coffee. "You and Johnny know each other long, Steve?"

Steve kept his eyes on Winifred. "Not long. Why?" He turned to Gloria.

"Just wondered." Gloria sipped her coffee, put the cup down. "She's beautiful, isn't she?"

Steve looked at Johnny, then Gloria. "You have your hands full." He stood. "I should be going."

Gloria stood. "Let me walk you to the door."

"I'll call," Steve said to Johnny.

"This evening, or any time at the agency."

"This evening or tomorrow."

Johnny sat down and watched Gloria lead Steve to the door. When she came back, he asked her, as she sat down, "Did they talk about much?"

"Not really. Mary and Fancy watched their sister. She didn't talk, they didn't talk."

Johnny nodded. He stood. "Winifred?"

She looked up at him, away from the others and their discussion.

"I want you to come out in the back yard with me for a moment."

Winifred stood. She walked around the table and made a sly face at Gloria.

Gloria smiled at her, stood. "We need to get ready to go out."

Johnny turned and walked onto the porch before Winifred was close to him. He held the door open for her; she brushed past him as she went out. Johnny looked at Gloria and rolled his eyes.

Gloria grinned at him, began picking dishes up off the table.

Winifred stood almost touching him, when he turned. "That rocker over there," he said. He shut the door.

She sat, smiling at him. Her fingers on her left hand held the rocking chair arm, the fingers on her right, scratched her knee, pulling up her skirt.

Johnny sat in the other rocking chair and rocked, looking out over the garden. He listened to the insects still buzzing about in late October. He watched a bird go from a tree branch to the grass and back. After several minutes he said, "Okay." He didn't look at Winifred. He stood, unbuckled his belt, and pulled it through the loops of his pants, until it was free. He sat back down. "Come over here."

Winifred stood.

"Over here, kneel in front of me." Johnny noticed the white picket fence around a neighbor's garden, how the white stood out because of the lush green foliage around it.

Winifred knelt in front of him. She watched his face.

Johnny stood. Her face was close to his crotch. "Two things." He took a step away from her. "If you ever put on a show like that again, and I see it, I'll hand you over to Maeve and Michael who will beat you black and blue for me. Ask Gloria about Michael." He paused. "I will not tolerate your disrespect." Johnny stepped away from Winifred. "Understand?" He waited.

Winifred turned to watch him as he walked away.

Johnny threaded his belt through his pants loops. He saw Gloria watching them through the window. "Understand?"

Winifred gave a quick nod.

"Understand?"

"Yes."

Johnny turned to her. "Okay. Second thing. I want you to walk with me through this yard. I want you to notice things. Then we'll go inside, you'll put on your underwear. And you'll go with Gloria, Mark and your sisters to the doctor's." He waited.

Winifred stood. She noticed for the first time Gloria watching them through the window. She turned to Johnny.

"See that lizard over there?" Johnny tipped his head toward bushes at the edge of the yard.

Winifred turned toward the bushes, looked briefly, said, "No."

"Winifred," Johnny stepped out onto the grass. "You are a beautiful girl, your attitude makes you less than desirable." He pointed; it's over there. See?"

Winifred stood on the porch.

"If you start crying, I'll leave." He pointed. "See? It's right there." Johnny turned, saw Winifred was facing the house; Gloria watched them through the window. He shrugged his shoulders, smiled at Gloria. "Winifred. Look at me."

Winifred turned.

"Winifred we live in an immense world, a world where it really doesn't matter if I'm a pimp and you were a whore. The lizard over there could care less about goddamn pimps and whores and johns and whether or not you can get me or Steve, or anyone else for that matter, to fuck you." Johnny held out his hand. "Until you see that goddamn lizard, everything will be too much for you." He paused. "Okay?"

Winifred took his hand, wiped her face with her other hand.

Johnny drew her across the yard. "I'm not going to fuck you, understand? We're friends only. See it?" Johnny squeezed her hand. "My three girls have me about worn out as it is, there's no way I could take on another." He looked at her. "It's nothing personal." He squeezed her hand, let go of it and knelt. He pointed. "See it?"

Winifred knelt, she straightened her dress.

"Thanks." Johnny smiled. "It's over there."

Winifred nodded. "There are two of them."

"Damned if there aren't."

Johnny parked his Buick alongside Kitty's Impala at the motel and waited. He wasn't sure if Kitty was in the lounge, on the beach or in the room. He picked the book on music appreciation from the seat and tried to read. He put it down and relaxed, his head against the door pillar, and shut his eyes.

He heard Kitty and another person talking as they walked by to the room. He checked his watch and shut his eyes. He had another half-hour wait or longer.

He woke to Kitty's touch on his arm. He opened his eyes and smiled at her, "Do you think you could spare time for a freebie?"

Kitty leaned in the window and they kissed. She backed away and went to room number nine, leaving the door open. By the time Johnny entered, she was undressed and on the bed, waiting.

Johnny shut the door behind him, laid his jacket in the chair by the door. He sat on the bed and removed his shoes and socks.

"Need anything while I'm here?" Johnny asked.

"You know what I need, Johnny."

"I meant lunch, a snack, something to drink, juice maybe." Johnny stood and laid his shirt on her blouse. "Downtown they have fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Something like that." He unbuckled his pants.

"I'm okay, Johnny." She spread the sheet flat with her hand, then lay on her back.

"I met a former customer of yours at The Pelican."

"Unhunh."

"He has fond memories of being served by you."

"Interesting. Was he a big tipper?"

Johnny laid his pants and shorts on the shirt. "I'm not sure. Probably not."

"Single?"

"Yes. He's single." Johnny lay down beside her, stroked her stomach with his hand, felt its coolness.

"Goody." Kitty rolled toward him.

"Looking for a husband?"

"Not particularly." She kissed him. "Is he rich?"

"He's a cop. Honest and poor." Johnny touched her breast. "Handsome though."

"I'll keep him in mind, Johnny." Kitty touched his cock, ran her fingers along it. "Your fellow has ideas."

"He's a deep thinker."

Kitty rolled onto her back, keeping her hand on his cock. "Any ideas lately?"

Johnny raised himself on his elbow, looked down on her. "Lots of ideas, sweetheart."

Kitty grinned. "Goody." She gave his cock a tug. "Where would Mr. Fellow prefer to cogitate first?"

Johnny settled over her. "First?"

Kitty moved under him. "Johnny."

"Oh, there first." Johnny settled into her pussy.

Kitty rolled her hips. "Cogitating?"

Johnny started to fuck her slowly.

Kitty pulled him close to her and they kissed.

Maeve couldn't decide if the man standing across the counter from her was unusually dense or if she was having problems communicating. This was the second place she'd stopped and it seemed that florists didn't speak her language.

She tried once again. "I'm getting married next Saturday and need flowers for the ceremony and a small reception afterwards."

The older man nodded. He was balding with a fringe of white hair, not particularly slender, white shirt with sweat stains at the armpits.

"The wedding will be at Lakefront Park, a spot backing against the reserve. There will be a tent, the ceremony spot and corsages . . ." Maeve watched him nod, but it didn't seem like he really understood a single word she was saying.

The man nodded. He smiled at her. "Sorry, you need to talk with Mr. Benjamin."

"But you can do it, can't you?"

The man smiled, nodded. "I don't think there is any way I'd be able to help you. You need to talk with Mr. Benjamin."

"I'd be willing to do anything to have you do the flowers for my wedding."

The man smiled. "I don't think so."

Maeve said, "Anything. You were highly recommended."

The man nodded. "Not me, I'm sure." He smiled broadly at her.

"Mr. Benjamin?"

"He's not here." The man gave a firm nod.

Maeve felt like throwing her pocketbook at him. "When will be he be here?"

"I don't know, miss." He looked over her shoulder. "Nice day out, isn't it?"

"Spectacular, Martin." A warm baritone spoke behind Maeve. She turned.

"Mr. Benjamin, this lady wants to speak to you about flowers for her wedding."

"I . . ." Maeve stopped. She watched Mr. Benjamin cross the room, pass her, go around the counter.

"Thanks, Martin."

"You're welcome, Mr. Benjamin." The older man left his spot behind the counter. He nodded at Maeve. "Miss." He left the shop.

Maeve turned back to Mr. Benjamin. "I . . ."

"Flowers for a wedding. When is the event?" Mr. Benjamin smiled at her.

Tall, dark, handsome, Maeve thought. He knows it, too. "Saturday, early evening."

"Would you like to come back to my office?"

Maeve smiled at him. "Who's Martin?"

He gave her a grin. "This way. Our neighborhood helper." He directed her to his office.

Maeve entered the room filled with plants and prints of plants. He followed, went behind his desk, nodded to a chair. "Be seated. I have just a few questions, then we can get started."

Maeve sat, crossed her legs, set her purse on her thigh. "Mr. Benjamin, I . . ."

"Tony." He smiled.

"Tony. My wedding is this Saturday."

"When?"

"Half past six."

"Dusk."

Maeve nodded. "At Lakefront Park."

"Outside." Tony nodded. He watched her closely.

"There will be a tent in case of rain."

"Reception?"

"Small, just friends."

"Hall?"

"Home."

Tony nodded. "Okay."

Maeve waited.

"I'm busy this afternoon; would you be able to show me the site of the wedding tomorrow morning?"

Maeve smiled. "I could meet you here."

Tony stood. "Good. One last question."

Maeve stood.

"Were you wanting flowers or something more special?"

Maeve smiled. "Flowers for the reception and corsages. I was hoping for foliage, dark green, shiny, for the ceremony."

Tony smiled at her. "Good. I have an appointment I'm overdue for. Sorry to rush you."

"Tomorrow morning, then."

"Nine?"

"Nine." Maeve went to the door, turned. "I told Martin I was willing to do anything to have you do the flowers for my wedding."

Tony smiled, looked at his watch.

"I meant that. Anything." Maeve smiled. "I'm looking forward to this." She turned and left. Poor man, she thought, he's distracted. She walked out of the shop, toward her car parked nearby. There's still time to seduce the caterer, she thought.

Gloria parked her car at Johnny's, behind his Buick. No one else was here yet. Only their two cars were in the drive. Gloria shut the car door behind her and walked toward the house. She carried Johnny's black robe over her arm. She wondered if she should undress before entering like she had to do last week. She decided to undress inside. She opened the front door, walked in and closed it behind her. She laid the robe on the wingback chair, then her dress. Simple, she thought, when you don't wear underclothes. She walked to the kitchen.

Johnny sat at the dining room table with his ledger, entering figures. He looked up at her. "Pour yourself a scotch." He returned to business.

Gloria sat next to him and waited.

Johnny worked for a few minutes, then pushed the ledger away. "How's Winifred?"

Gloria smiled. "Thoughtful."

Johnny nodded. "I didn't mean to be hard on her." He took a sip of scotch. "Do you think if she was involved in something meaningful, it would help? Had a job?"

Gloria watched Johnny closely. "Depends." She touched his hand. "I would like to suck your cock. I want you to come in my mouth so I can savor you, Johnny." She took a sip of scotch and winked at him.

Johnny nodded. "Later." He paused. "Say bookkeeping. Do you think Winifred could do that?"

"Your books?"

Johnny nodded. "It was a nice offer. I thought we'd go out this evening." He covered Gloria's hand with his. "I would pay her."

"Have her involved in one end rather than the other?" Gloria leaned to Johnny and gave him a kiss. "Offer still stands."

"I'll ask Maeve."

"Charles is a bookkeeper."

"Think she's ready for Charles?"

"Should I make dinner?" Gloria took a sip of scotch. "Think so. I have things I need to do with Michael this week, and Alex one morning."

"That's okay." Johnny paused. "Maybe she could track my investments." He looked at his watch. "We're eating out." He finished his scotch. "Interested?"

Gloria nodded. "I'd check with Maeve first. Where?"

"Place on the edge of town. Boys are meeting us there." Johnny stood. "In a half hour."

"How should I dress?" Gloria stood, leaned against Johnny. "Like this?"

"As you were earlier." Johnny touched her breast. "We're going to a motel afterward. Then like this."

"Just us?"

"And the boys." Johnny gave her a hug. "That enough?"

Gloria tugged at his zipper. "Maybe." She smiled at him. "We'll see. Are you sure?"

"Later."

Maeve parked at Johnny's. The drive was empty of cars. She went into the house, saw his note on the dining room table and smiled. She had things to do this evening. She went to their room and changed out of her suit into a pale blue cocktail dress, then went back out to her car. Lists were starting to form in her head again. She sat for a moment making entries into her notebook, then started her Thunderbird. She'd eat out first, visit Kitty for a bit, then return home. She wondered how Johnny and Gloria were doing — she was glad she had girlfriends.

Kitty dumped her purse by the door in the foyer when she entered. After too short a time with Gloria, bathing, hugging Mark, talking with the girls, dressing, all the busy things she had to do before dinner, she picked up her purse and carried it into the living room. She opened it and took out the bills and change from today at the motel. Eight men, two hundred forty. The motel owner and Bob got their thirty-seven fifty, leaving $202.50. She took out two tens, dumped the rest into an empty envelope and sealed it. She wrote on the envelope, "Took out twenty — K." She stood up, took her purse and the envelope into her room. She dropped the envelope into her dresser.

She walked into the kitchen were they were waiting around the table. "Still want to eat out and go to the drive-in?" She saw Mark's face. "Didn't have to ask, did I?" She turned to Winifred. "Done?"

Winifred stood, holding a piece of paper. "Done." She walked to the refrigerator.

"Let me see first," Kitty said. She looked at the sheet in Gloria's handwriting held on by a magnet.

"Mary, Fancy and Winifred write and illustrate a book for Mark to read."

"Okay," Kitty said.

Winifred put her sheet on the refrigerator. Her writing was not as neat as Gloria's, but not that bad either. She printed in rounded letters. Her sheet said, "Mark and Winifred write a play. It is put on by everyone in the afternoon. Gloria is the evil fairy grandmother."

Kitty read the sheet, smiled. She looked at Mark and the girls. "Ready?"

Mark jumped up and started to run out of the room.

"Remember your manners, Mark," Kitty said. "Girls first."

Mark stopped and waited impatiently as Fancy and Mary went ahead.

"Okay," Kitty said. Mark dashed after them.

Winifred stood back. "Age before beauty."

Kitty held out her hand. Winifred looked at it then took it. "Age before beauty," Kitty said. She led Winifred to the car.

Gloria followed Johnny's Buick in her Rambler. They had left the city limits and were on a busy road going north. After a few minutes she saw his turn indicator flash. She followed him into the parking lot of a small Italian restaurant, pulling into the space next to his Buick.

She got out of her car and met Johnny at the front door.

"Been here before?" Johnny asked.

She shook her head. Johnny held the door open for her.

"Maeve met me here a month ago. Michael was there and another man." He smiled. "A memorable evening." He took her hand. "They are over there."

Gloria followed him to the table where Charles, Alex and Michael sat. They stood as Johnny seated her, then sat talking all at once.

Johnny held up his fingers, smiled, drew a deck of cards from his pocket. He passed it to Michael. "Shuffle please." He looked at Gloria. "We'll each draw a card, highest card wins." He winked. "Midnight on you're his, to do as he wishes."

Michael passed the deck to Johnny. "Or orders." He smiled at Gloria. "You look beautiful."

Johnny took his card. "You do, dear," and passed the deck to his right to Alex.

Gloria thanked the waiter for her menu. "And before midnight?"

Alex passed the deck to Charles. Johnny said, "We've reserved a room."

Charles took a card, passed the deck to Gloria who passed it to Michael. He drew a card, set it face up on the table, "Eight of spades."

The others turned over their cards. Alex had a Jack of diamonds, the highest card. He grinned at Gloria. She smiled back at him.

"You've reserved a room?" Gloria asked Johnny who sat across from her.

"Anything?" Alex asked Johnny.

"Just so she's in shape tomorrow to babysit. Anything."

Alex winked at Gloria.

Johnny turned to Gloria. "A room, you know, for later."

Michael put his fork down. "How is Maeve doing?"

"Haven't seen her since this morning," Johnny said. "You want to go to Jacksonville with me, tomorrow?"

"Kind of short notice, isn't it?"

"It is. We'd be gone overnight." Johnny looked to Gloria. "Sorry dear. It can't be helped."

Gloria nodded. "I understand." She finished her coffee, set the cup down. "I'd like to work at the motel Wednesday and Thursday if I may."

Johnny nodded. "Do you want Alex and Charles to be creative tomorrow night?"

Gloria looked at Alex, then Charles. She smiled at them. "Be creative." She turned to Johnny.

Michael said to Johnny. "You really need me?"

Johnny nodded.

"Okay." He turned to Gloria. "Where is this motel you'll be at Wednesday and Thursday?"

"It's thirty dollars."

"Honey, I'll make sure you earn every penny."

"On the beach."

"It's a date." Michael turned to Johnny. "I can't wait. How about I show Gloria the room and get her settled in?"

Johnny put his napkin on the table. "I can't wait either." He looked at Gloria and smiled. "I know what I'm going to do if I get high card Wednesday."

Gloria nodded. "Ropes. Car trunk. Adventures?"

Johnny nodded. "Let's get out of here."

Gloria watched the four men take ages to undress. She smiled at them and offered words of encouragement. Men wore so many clothes. She sat on the corner of the bed, naked, her legs open, arms behind her, palms flat on the bed. She wondered who would be first.

"I want to suck your cocks," she said. She grinned at Johnny and winked. "You first. I want you to come into my mouth so I can taste you."

Michael threw his shirt against the wall. "Fuck. Did it again." He smiled at Gloria. "I keep on forgetting. Shoes first." He bent and untied his shoes. "Don't let me hold you up, guys." He looked up at Gloria. "Me, I want to shove my fat dick into your tight pussy." He pulled off his shoes, hopping on one foot, then the other, his pants bunched up around his ankles.

Alex sat naked in a chair by the door and pointed at his erection. Gloria stood and walked over, brushing her fingers through Johnny's hair, then touching Michael's shoulder. She knelt in front of Alex, gently wrapped her fingers around his cock. She gave the head a lick, stopped and looked over her shoulder; she turned back to Alex.

"I want you to come in my mouth this time." She used her other hand to touch his stomach, rub across his chest. "You can come on my face later tonight. Okay?"

Alex nodded; he watched her drop her hand holding his cock to the base and begin to lick him.

"Hey Gloria," Michael said. "Ever been fucked by a beer bottle?"

Gloria shook her head, Alex's dick in her mouth.

"Tonight's your lucky night, then."

Michael had her torso lie across the bed, knees on the floor. Her arms were held by Johnny and Charles. A pair of underwear were stuffed in her mouth. Michael knelt behind her, he felt her ass, squeezed the firm flesh.

Each of them had fucked her. He saw come on her leg and on her pussy. He finished his beer, then took the bottle and pushed the neck slowly into her cunt. He worked it in and out of her for a few minutes. He looked up and saw Alex at the head of the bed, kneeling by Gloria's face, jacking off. Michael shook his head. He hoped those weren't his boxers in Gloria's mouth.

Michael pulled the bottle out of her, put two fingers in her cunt and worked them in and out. She moved her ass toward him, she was moaning.

Michael took his fingers out, replaced them with the bottle, and moved his fingers upward to her asshole. He wiped them around the hole, then touched it with his forefinger.

"Gloria, this hurts too much, kick your feet."

She moaned. Alex bent and grabbed her hair with his free hand, raising her face toward him.

Michael pressed the finger in slowly. Her asshole clenched tight on it. He could feel with his finger the bottle in her cunt moving in and out.

She jerked and he looked up to see Alex shooting on her. All over everything. Michael shook his head and looked at Johnny who was watching him. Sheets, Gloria, shorts, everything. Johnny gave a smile, then turned to Alex and said something, too softly for Michael to hear.

He kept his finger in her ass; the other hand worked the bottle in and out of her cunt. He looked up, saw Johnny kneeling at Gloria's face, jacking off. Alex wanted a sloppy bed, he was getting one. Alex held Gloria's right arm now.

Michael used the forefinger of the hand with the bottle to stroke her cunt as he fucked her. The asshole had relaxed its deathgrip on his finger. He moved the finger, the grip returned.

Gloria jerked, then relaxed. Michael looked up; Johnny was coming on her. He watched Charles and Johnny change places. He looked back down at Gloria's ass, her back, her narrow waist.

Charles always took a while to come. Michael's finger was out of her; he used the bottle for a minute or two more, pressed it hard with each stroke. He took it out, moved it to Gloria's asshole, and stroked the hole with the rounded edge of the neck. Michael lay the bottle aside, shoved his cock into her pussy and fucked.

He loved her tightness, how she moved around him. It was a feeling impossible for him to describe. He fucked her, eyes closed, hands pulling her hips to him, feeling her.

She jerked, then her whole body trembled, kept trembling for a minute or two, a constant tremor. He opened his eyes, he could see that Charles had shot on her, he could see her body's color pulse, white then glow, white then glow. Her red hair was scarlet, her skin pale and luminescent as he came. He held her trembling body to his, saw the colors dull, become normal, as he softened, then slid out of her cunt.

He released her, sat on the floor. He opened his eyes and saw her on her back, completely on the bed now, being fucked by Alex. The gag was gone, he could tell. She was making deep moaning sounds.

Michael felt a hand on his shoulder. "You okay?" Johnny asked.

Michael grinned at him. "Nothing a beer won't fix."

"You sit there, I'll get two for us." Johnny returned with a couple of opened Black Labels.

Michael took a sip, leaned against the dresser, a knob pressed into his shoulder. He took another sip. "That's never happened before. The colors."

Johnny nodded, he sipped his beer. "Be ready about noon?"

"Your place?"

Johnny nodded. He turned and watched Gloria for a moment. Alex was finished; Charles was fucking her. He looked at his watch. "Eleven thirty. I'm done."

"I'm done." Michael stood. "A quick shower then to home." He took a step, turned. "You'll tell me where that motel is, the one on the beach?"

"Tomorrow. Address, directions, everything." Johnny stood and grinned. "Thirty dollars means just once. No really fancy stuff."

Michael nodded. "Yes, boss."

Gloria lay in bed while Alex and Charles talked at the room door. Her skin tingled. Her eyes were shut because of the come. She waited.

She heard the door shut, felt the bed shift as Alex climbed onto it.

"Everyone's gone?" She asked.

"They're gone."

"What's next?" She smiled at him. She'd already licked as much of the cum from around her mouth as she could.

"We're going on a date." Alex sounded happy.

"Like this?"

"If you want." Alex got off the bed.

"All right to shower?"

"Sure."

"Okay, shower." She sat up. "Could you help me?"

She felt Alex's hand. He directed her into the bathroom, turned on the water for the shower, and helped her into the tub. She used her hands to rub the come from her face under the shower stream. She felt him wash her body with a washcloth. She took the cloth, cleaned her face, opened her eyes and smiled at Alex. She soaped up the cloth and washed him. She pressed her body to his, felt his erection. He shook his head, no. "Later," he said. She stepped back and turned off the water.

"Hot date?" Gloria asked.

"Hottest." Alex handed her a towel.

"Good. I hate lukewarm dates."

Kitty tucked Mark in first. Mark had fallen asleep on the way home. Too much popcorn, too much excitement. Kitty enjoyed Winifred's whispered comments about Jayne Mansfield. They'd shared the front seat; Mark sat between Fancy and Mary. Kitty thought Mark had stood, leaning against her seat, most of the movie at the drive-in. She hadn't looked, but bet he'd danced to the music.

Kitty relaxed with the girls afterwards in the dining room. No TV, no music. They just sat around and chatted about nothing serious. Fancy took her medicine, made a silly face and proved she was a brave girl. The freckles across her nose, the way she moved her face made her a natural comedian.

Kitty finally stood, said it was time for bed. She was exhausted. The girls marched off to their room, pushing each other and laughing. Winifred looked over her shoulder and smiled. The first real smile Kitty had seen the girl make.

Kitty turned out lights in all the rooms, undressed and lay in bed, lonely. She read again the long note Gloria had left for her. She looked at the book the girls made for Mark, a story with three princesses and one prince and a very happy world. She turned out the light, lay back into her pillow and listened to the night sounds. She wondered if Maeve and Gloria would like Fats Domino. She thought Johnny would.

Maeve was naked, on the couch in the living room dozing when Johnny came home after midnight. There were bits of paper stacked in piles on the coffee table and end tables, an empty glass of wine sat next to a pad and a pen.

The hi-fi light was on; Johnny quietly walked over and turned it off.

"Johnny."

Johnny turned and smiled. "Maeve."

"I expected you home earlier." She sat up.

Johnny sat next to her. "Been with Gloria and the boys." He touched her cheek. "Staying out of your hair, dear."

"I've missed you." Maeve stood. "Would you like a drink?" She picked up her glass and walked to the kitchen.

"Scotch, neat."

Maeve came back, handed Johnny his glass, and sat down with hers next to him. "Cheers." She said raising her half-filled glass.

"Cheers," Johnny said. He sipped, put his glass down. "Michael and I are going to Jacksonville tomorrow, coming back Wednesday."

Maeve stretched. "Police have a name for him?"

"The one he gave the landlord."

"Sure it's him?"

"Pretty sure. Clothes that would fit Fancy and Mary were there. No suitcase, he didn't leave much behind."

Maeve nodded. "Why Jacksonville?"

"He was there last. His reference to the landlord was from there."

Maeve nodded, sorted through stacks of notes, and separated one. "Here, this is yours." She took a drink of wine. "You don't come up with anything, you're putting me on the street Wednesday night. You know that, don't you?"

Johnny looked through the stack of notes. "I don't like it." He put a few to the side. "I don't like the idea of you doing that."

Maeve smiled. "The way I'm going through money, a bit extra coming in wouldn't hurt."

Johnny shook his head. He handed some of the slips back to her. "These are taken of."

Maeve looked at the top one. "Tux?"

"Fitted, I'm buying it." He smiled at her.

Maeve touched his leg. "You know how I . . ."

"I've always suspected a well-dressed pimp sends shivers down your spine."

Maeve stood. "I'm tingling." She finished her wine. "If we don't go to bed soon, I'll begin telling you about my day."

"Busy, hunh. All those caterers, florists, and god knows who else."

"Not one fuck all day." Maeve gave a grin. "Not for want of trying."

"What about this morning?"

"You don't count."

Johnny stood, finished his scotch. "Thanks."

Maeve held out her hand. "Johnny, you're my regular, my pimp. You don't count." She gave his fingers a squeeze. "Not that way." She released his hand. "Do the lights?"

Johnny went to the lamp by the window.

"I think it was what I was wearing. Too formal."

Johnny followed her, turning out the lights.

"Maybe something looser, I don't know. I'm too tired to think."

Johnny turned out the hall light as she turned on the bedroom light. "It's bothering you, isn't it?"

"Not one of them." Maeve turned down the covers. "Not even a pass."

Johnny nodded. "I've had days like that. Tomorrow will be different."

Maeve waited in bed as he undressed. "What happened to your underwear?"

Johnny looked up at her while he bent to remove his socks. He grinned. "Nope. I'm not telling."

Gloria sat in the car as Alex walked around to the driver's door. Once he sat and prepared to start the car, she asked. "That's the hot date?"

Alex nodded, grinned at her. "I have to stop by my house to get my camera equipment." He turned the key.

Gloria watched him drive. Charles and he were unlike Johnny and Michael. They were quieter, less flamboyant. Alex and she had gone to this neighborhood bar, sat and drank a beer. They talked about tomorrow morning and tomorrow night. A friend of his had come over, said a few words. Alex's friend had looked closely at Gloria, gave a shy smile. Gloria had leaned close to Alex. "Do you want me to fuck him?" Alex just sat and grinned and shook his head. Gloria kissed his ear, sat up straight, her hand on Alex's leg.

That was it.

Alex parked in front of a modest house. He shut off the engine and lights. He turned to her. "We could stay the night here, or go back to the motel."

"Here," she said.

Alex smiled at her, got out, and opened her door for her. She followed him to the front door, holding his hand.

He opened the door, turned on the light and stepped aside so she could enter.

The room was plain, sparsely furnished. Gloria saw photography magazines on the coffee table, framed landscape photos on the walls. Alex took her hand, shyly. That surprised her still after earlier this evening in the motel. He showed her his home, room by room, turning on a light, turning it off as they left.

The last room was his bedroom. The white walls were covered with prints of Maeve, Kitty and her. Not the sex ones, instead they were artistic shots of a back, a shadowed face and torso, breast and arm. The photographs made Gloria want to get closer, to study them.

"They're beautiful, Alex."

Alex sat on bed, began to undress. He shook his head. "You're beautiful."

"You make me look beautiful."

Alex tossed his shoes into the closet. "I try to catch what I see. Not very successfully." His socks followed.

Gloria absentmindedly undressed as she walked from print to print. She tossed her dress into the closet. When she heard the covers rustle, she looked over to the bed and smiled at him. "What time do we need to get up in the morning?"

"Five." Alex set the alarm clock down and sat watching her, his hands in his lap.

Gloria went to the bed, climbed onto it and walked up to him on her hands and knees. "Kitty and Maeve need to see these. All right if I tell them?"

Alex looked closely at her for a moment, nodded. "Okay."

Gloria kissed him, climbed under the covers. "How about tomorrow night you and Charles have me from whenever until ten? Then you have Kitty for the rest of the night?"

Alex thought for a moment, nodded.

Gloria wrapped herself around him. "Good. She's feeling left out." She kissed him. "You want to take me back to that bar, you can. You want me to do something there, just ask. All right?"

Alex kissed her.

"Anything. Suck people off in the parking lot; fuck your buddies in the men's room. You could," she paused as he entered her pussy. "Um. You could." She paused. "Um. You could fuck me on the table there, while your buddies watch." She grinned. "Like this."

Go to the next chapter of Comes the Bride.
Chapter Eighteen | Chapter Nineteen | Chapter Twenty | Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two | Chapter Twenty-three | Chapter Twenty-four | Chapter Twenty-five
The Schedule

The first part of Switch: a novel is Switch.
The second part of Switch: a novel is The Babysitter.
The third part of Switch: a novel is Comes the Bride.
The fourth part of Switch: a novel is The Revolver.

Disclaimer: Some of the things the characters do in this story are seen as offensive or frightening (even terrifying) by some if not most people. Please don't surprise anyone. Always ask first. Have an agreed upon safe word even if you don't do BDSM.

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