Discovery

by Douglas E Roff

  “There?”

  “Yes, there. And I liked it. I loved it. I wanted more.”

  “You were in love. Why didn’t you ever say so? I wanted you to say it. I waited for you to say it. But you never did. I never knew why.”

  “I couldn’t Bethy. I just couldn’t. Not then, but I can now. But I can’t come to your Prom even though I know I’m being dumb and stupid and all. But you must believe me when I say I have my reasons and they are good reasons. I can’t come because I do love you, love you enough to stay away from you. It’s for the best.”

  “What have you done Eddie St. James? You didn’t do something to that boy, did you? You made me a solemn promise to leave that kid alone. What did you do?” It now hit Bethy what this was all about. She would get to the bottom of this mystery, and quickly.

  “Nuthin’. Really, nuthin’ much at all. We had a little scrap, but I did not start it.”

  “Did you finish it? The way I know you wanted to? Please tell me no, Edward Adam.” ‘Edward Adam’ was the way Edwards’ mom called him to the kitchen when he was in trouble. It wasn’t the words but the tone his mother took that warned him he’d be mucking stables for the next few days while the farm hand watched and ridiculed him. As a joke, Emma shared this with Bethy, and wondered if maybe, just maybe …

  “I did no such thing. And I keep my promises if you must know.” Bethy hadn’t called him ‘Edward Adam’ in a long time and he missed it. It meant that Bethy was a little mad at him but not too mad. And he wouldn’t be mucking stables. It meant he was alive and felt at his best when Bethy was around.

  “I must. And I hope you haven’t picked this moment to lie to me. You haven’t, have you?”

  “No.” He had not. But dissemble, he had. Edward had promised his Bethy that he wouldn’t seek out the kid and beat him senseless. He promised not to find the kid alone and by himself one day and show him that it had been a mistake to engage in rude, boorish behavior with the girls at school. And he promised Bethy that he wouldn’t break the kids arm and put him in the hospital. Again.

  ***

  He promised all that, but he knew he couldn’t keep his promise. He also knew he wouldn’t and that he had no intention of leaving the kid and his thug friends alone. So, he promised Bethy he wouldn’t go after the kid. But in Edward’s mind, if the kid came after him then all bets were off. Then, he had not broken his word to Bethy.

  And so, one day, the kid’s friend, Lincoln Harcourt Presser, a big burly farm boy, cornered Edward after school one day, just outside the library as Eddie was getting ready to jump on his bike and pedal home.

  “A senior, and still a fucking little dweeb, St. James. Get a car. Hey asswipe, I bet you miss that little whore girlfriend of yours, don’t you? What was her name anyway? Bethy big tits? Yeah, that was it, Bethy big tits. They were nice titties, too. Not too big, not too small. And that bush of hers, whoa. Natural blond, if you know what I mean. You ever get some of that?”

  “What are you going on about, Linc? What exactly is it you think you know, anyway?” Edward asked.

  “How would I know what, fuck face?”

  “How do you know any of that nonsense you just spewed, Lincoln? Are you just pushin’ my buttons or do you have something you want. If not, then buzz off. I’m busy.” Edward was unfazed by Lincoln, although to his great shame, he had seen Lincoln do this to other guys – and girls and done nothing to intervene. Intimidation. Bullying. And Lincoln always seemed to get away with it. Of course, he was the starting middle linebacker on the football team, all state and headed to USC next year for college as a heavily recruited college football prospect.

  “I do have something, shithead. I hear you sucker punched my friend Jesse when he was just trying to talk to that slut of yours. That ain’t right to interfere like that and then you cheap shotted him like a chicken shit. That ain’t right either. You hurt Jesse and now I gotta even the score. You still a coward or are you gonna throw down with me?”

  Edward smiled. He had waited for this chance since Bethy moved away.

  “Name the place and the time. Come alone, though. No football buddies. Except you should bring Jesse if you want. He should witness you getting even for him; I’m sure he’ll enjoy that.”

  Lincoln was slightly puzzled, as most kids were scared shitless of him, he thought. No matter, if the dweeb thought he could sucker punch him and run away, as he had with his buddy Jesse, he’s be in for a big surprise. Lincoln would be ready for that.

  “OK dweeb, tomorrow over at Washington Park, behind the Rec building in the woods. All nice and private. Say, four o’clock?”

  “It’s a date. See you then.”

  “It ain’t a date, faggot.”

  “I know, I know. See you then.”

  ***

  When Eddie arrived at the location the next day, a few minutes before the appointed time, he saw he wasn’t alone with Lincoln, as expected. The other kid, Jesse James Carter, was with his buddy Lincoln and expecting to watch Eddie get his ass kicked and his body busted up.

  “So, Jesse, are you back for round two or just to watch me teach Lincoln a lesson?”

  Jesse, a feral and somewhat shifty kid, always hung around the bigger, meaner kids and made himself useful in one way or another. In high school that mostly meant procuring beer and sometimes weed. Jesse gave regular potheads a bad name and they pretty much didn’t like him either. Jesse was an angry kid and acted out every beating he had ever experienced from his mom and dad by inflicting equal punishment, and more, on other kids unable to fight back. He had done that once too often and Eddie had beaten him badly as Bethy watched in horror. That day Bethy changed, as did Edward, just not in the same way.

  “Now, Jesse”, Edward said, “Lincoln here tells me I sucker punched you and that’s how you got all beat up. Must have been one hell of a sucker punch. That’s what happened, Jesse? You should tell your buddy Lincoln here what really went down last time and you’ll save him a world of pain. After I fuck him up, I’m comin’ after you. Again. You know, that right? It’s very bad to tell a lie, isn’t it my friend?”

  “You ain’t my friend, bitch. And Lincoln’s gonna kick your ass, right Lincoln? You said you’d get him for me and I could watch.”

  “What’s he yappin’ about Jesse? You lie to me about this dweeb or somethin’.”

  “No, boss. It’s just like I said, I was followin’ that cunt McQueen just like you said and was gonna make her come to the place, you know right here and party with us. But this chump come outta nowhere and hit me from behind. Then he and that bitch kept beatin’ on me for no reason. I was lucky to get away at all.”

  Lincoln turned to Eddie, “You heard the man. Justice will be met, just like it commands in the Good Book. That right, you candy ass?”

  “Right. Let’s get started.” Eddie said, “I have chores at home and you have an appointment at the hospital.”

  It didn’t take any longer for Edward to finish up with Lincoln than it had originally to finish off Jesse. Lincoln went down quickly, where Eddie did a little ground and pound with his elbows, shattering Lincoln’s jaw and leaving him spitting teeth. Dazed and disoriented when Eddie let him up, Lincoln foolishly charged like a linebacker, the only move he knew. It was a mistake, as Eddie deftly moved to one side, did a roundhouse kick that landed his shin squarely on Lincoln’s ribcage. Eddie shattered three of Lincoln’s ribs, causing the big kid to drop like a sack of potatoes and clutch himself in pain, as he writhed on the ground in the fetal position.

  Jesse had seen this coming and abandoned his friend, leaving him to his own fate as he ran like the wind away from the Park. By the time it was all over, Jesse was nowhere in sight.

  Eddie came up to Lincoln and squatted down next to him as Lincoln tried to control his pain and anger. “You’re a bully and a criminal Lincoln and you are getting braver at picking on kids at our school. Especially the girls. You did something, something to Bethy but Bethy wou
ldn’t tell me what. I know it was something bad, very bad. You hurt her, and you should be ashamed of yourself.

  “So, this incident is over, and I expect you to be nice to our classmates for the rest of the school year, helpful and a model citizen. If you pick on anybody else, I’ll come back for you and do the ribs on the other side. Or your kneecaps. Then your career at USC will be over for all time. For now, I suspect you will heal up just fine, but you’ll have some serious rehab ahead of you. Good luck with that. Remember what I said.”

  “I’m callin’ the cops right after I tell my dad. He’s a lawyer here in town and he’s gonna sue your ass. I’m gonna own you, fucker, then I’m gonna make you pay. Mutherfucker!”

  “Yeah, I’m sure. But tell your daddy I have an audio of everything you ever said to me, including today.” Eddie reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny multi directional and ultra-sensitive voice activated tape recorder. “It’s all on tape my friend. And I’ll turn this over to the cops when you send them by. Pretty sure your dad will want a copy too. So yeah, go ahead and call the cops. And, tell your daddy. Like I give a fuck.”

  Edward stood up and walked away. He never spoke to Lincoln or Jesse for the rest of that year, or any other year, and when he moved to Westwood for college at UCLA, he put the entire episode behind him.

  ***

  Edward’s father had previously insisted that if he was going to continue his martial arts training, Edward would be required to carry a recorder ‘just in case.’ Fred loved his son but knew there was a part of him that wasn’t quite right. He wanted his son to be able to defend himself, but he had seen his son sparring with his Instructor at the U and understood what an arm bar and a knee bar were. He spoke quietly with Edward’s Instructor and was frankly informed about Edward’s skill levels and capabilities.

  “He could compete at a high level in tournaments if he wanted but refuses the competition. But he’s also gone off on his own to learn some Muay Thai and the principles of Krav Maga on his own. He’s learned his lessons very well. Forgive my French, Fred, but your son can fuck up anyone at this point and he seems unfazed by his ability to do so. If he was old enough, he’d have multiple black belts. But don’t worry, he’s a good solid and sensible kid and I doubt he would ever hurt anyone – at least anyone who didn’t deserve it. It just isn’t in his nature. Wouldn’t be surprised if he became a Buddhist monk, he’s that mellow.”

  Fred listened intently but knew better than the Instructor what was in Edward’s mind. He was a good kid, and a loving and obedient son. And something else.

  ***

  Fred did receive a call from Lincoln’s father, a well-known former prosecutor and defense attorney name Arthur Presser. Fred expected some legal trouble but got none.

  “I hear your boy put a whoopin’ on my boy, Lincoln. That true, Fred?”

  “I believe so, Arthur. Got into a scuffle. My boy’s sorry for that. He won’t be bothering Lincoln again, I can assure you of that.”

  “No need, Fred. I heard about you and your boy and want to thank you for doing what’s right. Not enough of that in our world today. I got the truth outta Lincoln and his messed-up friends and whatever your boy did is nuthin’ compared to what his mother and I would have done if we had gotten there first. I’d say he got what he deserved but less than he merited. His mother is a sweet woman and has never raised her hand or voice to another person on this planet. It’s why I love her. But she went, er, ape shit, excuse my French, when I told her the whole story. I’m afraid of that boy’s plight when he gets home from the hospital. Edith is a strong woman and a feminist. It’s gonna go hard on Lincoln. Football’s gonna look easy for him when Edith is done.

  Arthur continued, “I’d like to meet your son one day, if you would see your way clear to allow it. I think one day he’ll do great things. I hope you and Emma are proud.”

  ***

  The cops did, however, find out about the incident after the hospital reported a beat up and busted up Lincoln Presser, cursing to high heaven and naming names. They interviewed Lincoln in the emergency room, then went out to the farm to speak to Edward and his parents. Edward gave the details, but not all of them, leaving out any references to Bethy and gave up a copy of his recording. The cops left but called Fred later to say that no charges would be brought but that he should have a serious talk with his boy. Beating up bullies may be fine on TV shows, but it was a lot less fine in the real world, especially here in Iowa City. The police would be keeping an eye on the situation and would have a chat with Edward’s High School Principal. And his guidance counselor.

  “These things can so easily go so wrong.” he said. “We should all try to nip this in the bud.”

  Fred hoped so too but knew it would never happen. He worried about what Edward might do later without the calming and guiding influence of his parents in his life. Edward assured them they had nothing to worry about. He’d never ever do that again, he promised.

  “It’s not in my nature Dad, you know that.” Edward smiled that smile Fred always loved to see, wanting to believe that his son wasn’t an evil man.

  Chapter 44

  “I can’t come to your Prom, Bethy and I’m very sorry about it. I would if I could, you must believe that.”

  “Liar.”

  “Bethy, I’m not lying. I would never lie to you, not ever. So, don’t you dare even think that.”

  “Then why won’t you come? I know if I called your Mom right now, she’d put you on the plane herself, so don’t try to tell me ‘it wouldn’t be proper’ or any of that nonsense. Your Mom and Dad love me. So why won’t you come?

  “Because. Just Because. It’s how it must be for now. Trust me it’s for the best.”

  “Oooh Edward Adam St. James you’re the thickest, densest, most irritating kid on the planet. I hate you when you’re like this and won’t talk to me. It’s me, Bethy, you dodo, and I know what you’re like. I was there, dammit and I saw you. So, you tell me what’s going on this instant or I’ll call your Mom and ask her.”

  “Don’t do that. And don’t say you hate me; I don’t like it when you say that. It hurts.”

  “You’re such a softie for such a tough guy. I’m sorry I said that; I didn’t mean it. Now, tell me why you won’t come. I won’t argue with you, I promise. Unless it’s really, really stupid. And I know it isn’t. So, spill.”

  “I can’t go because of you.”

  “What? That can’t be.”

  “It is, but really it’s because of me wanting to protect you. Maybe too much.”

  “No such thing but go on.”

  “I didn’t go after that kid, Lincoln. Or his friend Jesse. Or anyone else. I kept my promise to you, just as I promised it.”

  “But.”

  “But, the Lincoln kid came after me.”

  “Damn, damn, damn you Eddie, I knew you would. I knew it. You get that look around me, then its watch out. What happened? Tell me everything.”

  Eddie fessed up and came clean. “I’m sorry I let you down, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the whole truth. I just don’t like it when you’re mad at me. So, I fibbed a little and here we are. You angry?”

  “Yes, I am. I’m furious, you big jerk. You’ve ruined my whole Prom and all my romantic plans.” She sounded mad, but she really wasn’t.

  “I’m sorry. I screwed up. But I really miss you and I just couldn’t help myself. I just … made a bad choice. Are you ever going to speak to me again?”

  “I love you, you big ape. I always will. And I miss you too, so I guess I’ll have to skip Prom. Wouldn’t be any fun without you. Might need some muscle at the dance then where’d we be. In trouble together, the way it ought to be.”

  “Don’t make fun of me. It’s not fair and I already feel terrible. Don’t rub it in.”

  “I must make fun of you and mock you as well. It’s what I do, and you love it. And me too, of course. So, I have an idea for Prom night, both of our P
rom nights, so listen up. We’re going on a date.”

  “Fat chance with me confined to the jailhouse, I mean farmhouse a thousand miles away in Ames. I could steal the truck and drive but that would end badly too.”

  “I know, and I understand the logistics of the whole thing. I’m really smart, you know.”

  “I know and smarter than me. Still, not sure how all your wisdom gets us anywhere on o near a date.”

  “Because, silly boy, we can still talk on the phone, can’t we?”

  “Yeah. So?”

  “So, we date by phone. You go into your room and make it off limits to your parents and I’ll do the same. Then we have our music ready, our music on, and the lights off. With me so far?”

  “Yes, yes I am. Lead on, evil Princess. I’m loving it so far!”

  “We can pretend like we’re on a Prom date: we can dance or sing or do whatever we want in our rooms and on our beds. And we can talk dirty and have Prom sex too. Just like I had planned for the real Prom. You were going to get so lucky my friend, just so you know.”

  “I was?”

  “You definitely were. I have been so horny thinking about you, I thought I’d burst. But then my new friend Allison Simmons – a very randy girl. It’s my new word, randy, randy, randy I’m so randy – catchy isn’t it.”

  “Yes, I get it, you’re randy, as randy as a minx.”

  “Oooh that is good. Randy as a minx. Well, anyway so Alli has an older sister, Gwendoline, but everyone calls her Gwennie. And, by the way, I wish to God that I had an older sister like Gwennie, she could be so useful when Mom and Dad aren’t around. Anyway, Gwennie is a total slutsky but a really nice kid. Just doesn’t know how or when to say no. But a good girl, mind you, just not proper in every respect, at least not to her parents’ satisfaction. But I think she’s amazing and totally cool with herself and her … passions. She chooses what she wants to do. Makes her own decisions and lives with them. Doesn’t give a fig about convention. My kind of girl, and yours, truth be told.