Fragrance of Revenge

by Dick C. Waters

  “She’s scheduled at 10. Do you know her?”

  “What?”

  “Do you know her?”

  “Yes, I know her from the Harvard Pub.”

  “Okay, I’ll tell her the blond guy from the pub is here.”

  “No…no that’s not necessary.” However, she had already left.

  What the hell am I doing? I looked at my watch and I had twenty minutes until she appeared.

  Vickie was back with my beer and told me the amount. Her name was on her bow tie, which I tried to focus on instead of other things. I gave her a five and told her to keep the change. She did a slight double take and I realized she appreciated the large tip.

  I was impressed with the next dancer and her routine. She was a tall redhead and her body reminded me of Mercedes. When she removed the last of her outfit she was completely bare. Her final routine was to scrunch down and pick up bills standing on end. I was glad my view was limited, but my mind was racing. She took her time leaving the stage.

  My mind was thinking about what Mercedes had done, and what she and Ralph might be doing.

  There was a drum roll from somewhere and a leg appeared from between the stage curtains. The curtain became part of the next dancer’s act. Although she had an outfit on, her use of the curtain was erotic. Even I wanted to see what the dancer looked like. She tumbled out from behind the curtain, landing with the pole between her legs.

  She slithered up the pole and then swung around facing me. It was Maggie. Her arms were over her head hanging onto the pole, and she gave me this big smile. She mouthed ‘thanks for coming.’ She did some other things with the pole and I was mesmerized. I also tried to discreetly adjust, which she observed, smiled and winked.

  She danced around the stage, and men were inserting bills into her top and what you might call a bottom. Then she came over to me and went down on her knees and moved like a kitten stroking its body against a leg. I went to insert a bill in her top, but as I reached the top disappeared. She threw the top in my face. The five dollar bill was still in my hand when she flipped over and picked it out of my hand with her toes.

  She was back to the pole and the rest of her act was a blur. However, my body reacted to her performance and I was surprised at how well toned her body was.

  I’ll remember her final move for a long time—she put her toe into the bottom of her g-string and slipped it off. It took easily over a minute to complete the removal, much to the men’s enjoyment.

  Before she left the stage she came over and posed in front of me. I thought she wanted her top back and I went to hand it to her, but she shook her head and once again mouthed ‘thank you’ and dove under the curtain. I heard the applause and added mine.

  I was on my third beer and checked my time. Two hands covered my eyes and breasts greeted my ears. I looked up to see Maggie’s big smile. She slid her hands around my shoulders and sat on the chair next to me.

  “Thank you for coming to see me dance,” she said, the smile frozen on her face.

  “You were amazing.”

  “Were?”

  “Okay, you are amazing.”

  The waitress came over and Maggie shook her head. The waitress quickly turned and left.

  “Scott, I hope you really liked my routine. But, I have to admit, I never thought you would come. Are you okay?”

  Maggie had a white cut off T-shirt which barely covered the tops of her breasts. She caught me looking at her top.

  “You like?”

  I took a deep breath and could feel my face flushing. I looked away for a quick second and realized many of the men were watching us. “Maggie, you are incredible.”

  “Thanks Scott. Was that my routine, or my body, or both?”

  “Everything.”

  “Did my second card do the trick to get you here, or is the redhead giving you a problem?”

  I could feel the emotions of the early evening coming back, and looked away.

  She put her hands on my knees, well actually a little above my knees, and bowed down so we were nose to nose. I could see the tears forming in her eyes. The music had stopped between acts and we could hear each other.

  She spoke, but the tears were rolling down her cheeks. “I know I really don’t have a chance with you Scott, we’re from different worlds, but I want to thank you for coming. I can tell something’s bothering you. Would you like to have coffee when I’m done? I have one more routine to go tonight close to midnight.”

  I surprised myself and wiped her tears away. “Maggie, this isn’t fair to you. Something did happen with Mercedes and me, and I think she’s seeing someone else.”

  “Scott, I think you need more than a coffee. I’m willing to benefit from what happened, regardless of where it leads. Wait for my last routine. I want to hold you tight. I need you too.” She leaned over and kissed me.

  I couldn’t resist her and enjoyed her kiss.

  “Maggie, I’m sorry but I do have something to do around midnight. If I didn’t I could really go for holding you tonight.”

  She studied me and was doing a mind read on my brain. “That’s one of the nicest things anyone has said to me recently. Thank you, and thank you for coming tonight. I’m sorry you’re concerned about Mercedes, but I’m glad you came. You’re a special man Scott…and I would like to be part of your life, in any way I can. You have my number, and you know where I work.” She rocked slightly and her tears flowed again.

  She got up quickly and bent and hugged me, and her fragrance was as intoxicating as her routine. She reached for her discarded top, and left quickly without saying another word.

  Now I was even madder. The last thing I wanted to do was to upset her. I thought she was just being a tease, but now I knew differently. What the hell am I going to do about it?

  Chapter 10

  It was close to midnight on a holiday night. The money drop should have been done two hours ago. He parked on an adjacent street to walk to the Dudley Street station. Of all the places in Boston to pick, this might not be the best choice, especially carrying money. However, it is what it is.

  Chris came around the front of the station and tried to casually check who might be around. He saw no signs of any activity that might give him a reason not to pick up the money. He darted inside the station entrance. The light from the lamp pole outside was sufficient to light up the small waiting area.

  He jumped up on the metal bench and reached over the familiar sign. The bag wasn’t there. His immediate reaction was that someone had seen the drop and had taken the bag of money. He felt around the area, still nothing. He moved down the bench and felt the other side, his hand touched on a paper bag. He looked around one last time and pulled the bag out.

  He wanted to get out of this area as soon as his feet would accommodate. He stuffed the small bag under his dark sweatshirt and headed out of the station. There were three men in dark clothes crossing the previously deserted Tremont Street. He didn’t like the looks of the men or their focus on him. He turned and headed around the building to his parked car.

  He could hear the beat of feet hitting the sidewalk and without turning, started to run. He considered throwing the bag of money over his shoulder, but that was something that he wasn’t quite willing to do. He could see his car parked on Columbus Ave, but he would have to cross the street. He heard the whoop of a police car, but didn’t turn to see what it was doing.

  He unlocked his door and threw the bag on the passenger side floor. He started the car and pulled out onto the road and noticed the police talking to the three men across on the adjacent corner. One of the men was pointing at him. He headed up Columbus Ave, but really wanted to be headed in the opposite direction to Dr. Adler’s house in Chestnut Hill.

  He could hear sirens in the distance behind him and turned off Columbus, but didn’t know what street he was on. He knew he was headed west, which was the right direction. The neighborhood was not well lit and the street narrow since there were cars parked on both sides. I
t was definitely not the place to stop or break down. He noticed the blue lights flashing off the buildings around him and in the rear view mirror saw the cruiser continue on Columbus.

  His heart was pumping and he wondered if he should select a different location for a money drop next time, even though this could be his last request for money.

  He was coming up to a stop sign and slowed. Four men jumped out from both sides of the street from between parked cars. They were intent on his car and now waiting for him to stop. He wasn’t going to take the chance and gunned the car almost hitting two of the men. They immediately starting running and he thought they might be headed to their own vehicle.

  He had wanted to turn at that intersection, but now he was in a similar neighborhood. A car was pulling out onto the narrow street ahead of him and he saw headlights in his rear view mirror. He gunned the car again and almost hit the front fender of the car as he passed. The car stopped dead in the road, the driver probably in shock. The other car’s headlights were behind it now.

  *.*.*

  Fifteen long minutes later he was parked around the corner from Dr. Adler’s house. Most of these homes had garages and long driveways, so parking was easy. However his car was noticeable along the deserted street.

  He opened the bag and felt the hundred dollar bills. He closed the bag and pushed it under the passenger seat. There was no one on the street, which was not a surprise since it was after midnight. He turned the interior light switch off and opened the car door. Two minutes later he was at the good doctor’s house, but the lights were all off.

  Chris knew the layout of the house having been there once before. He thought about using his key, but decided to go around the back of the house to be sure there were no lights on in the rear. He took his time making sure not to hit anything. When he came around the back of the house he noticed a glow on the grass. He silently headed to the light source.

  It was coming from two basement windows. He checked the rest of the house out and there was only a light coming from an upstairs room. He went over to the closest basement window and peered in. The light was coming from a small lamp on a nightstand. Then he saw a nude figure on a bed.

  It was Alexis, and she was naked and tied to the bed posts. Her ankles were being held by ropes. There were ropes also at the head posts. Although the window was covered in dust he could make out her features. Her long red hair was spread out covering the pillow and the top of the sheet above her head. She had her eyes closed and looked like she was in pain.

  He tried to see if there was anyone else in the room, but he couldn’t see that far beyond the foot of the bed. Her body glistened in the faint light of the room. She was covered with sweat, but she looked as stunning as she did last night. He saw her body move suddenly and then saw what had hit her.

  It gave the impression of a dozen separate shoelaces all attached to a single cord. Oh my God, she was being whipped. The separate strands moved down across her naked body. Then they quickly came down across her flesh again. He thought he heard her scream, but couldn’t be sure.

  He moved to the other window and looked down into the room. This time he was near the head of the bed and could see another person’s leg near the foot of the bed. He strained against the far side of the window and saw the good doctor. Doctor Adler was naked as she was and was obviously enjoying what he was doing.

  He looked back at Alexis and realized her hands weren’t tied, but were holding onto the ropes. She was free to let go and stop this at any time. The lashes crashed against her body, but it looked like she was either trying to move away, or trying to reach the tendrils.

  He lost count of the number of lashes, but even with the dirt covered window he could see the red marks on her pure white body. He was very excited and remembered watching her shower the night before. He wondered if they had been doing this or similar things for the hours since they left the care facility.

  He thought about his next actions. If I entered the house and went downstairs and confronted them, would they include me in their fun? If I just watched them could I learn more about what motivates Alexis? He remembered her comment to him about keeping his visits between them, and doing what she says next time. Could he now turn the tables on her, and have her do what he says?

  The doctor’s sudden move brought him back to reality. He climbed on the bed and was soon soothing the parts of her body that he had whipped. A minute or so later she was writhing on the bed with her hair flashing from one side to the other.

  He heard her yell out as she dug her nails into the doctor’s butt. He thought he could make out her tongue wetting her lips. He could only imagine what was on her agenda. Her head rolled towards the window, her eyes opened and she smiled.

  What magic did the doctor have to get someone so young and beautiful to give herself this way? He was going to find out.

  The window was now fogged, but he didn’t care, he had seen enough. He had also discovered another way to make some money.

  Chapter 11

  I got a good look at the blackmailer’s face. He spotted the three men walking across the street towards him and froze. Now that I knew what he looked like, I could tell Stephen about him. It would be up to him to figure out who it might be. At least it’s not a female. It had crossed my mind that maybe he had a lover who was getting back at him.

  I didn’t like the looks of those guys either and waited for them to get away from the station. I was certain the men were intent on having more than a conversation with the other white man in their village.

  I started the car and got my white ass out of there. I had lots to think about while I drove. I have a woman who knows me, never saw me privately; but I think really wants me to be more than a friend.

  Conversely, I have a woman who knows me quite well, wants my body, sees it quite often, but I think is sending me a message that she doesn’t want me anymore.

  My problem is that I love Mercedes, and still can’t believe what I saw with my own two eyes at her apartment. The fact that she left her apartment in that manner told me she wanted me to find the evidence and get the message.

  Regardless, she’s with Ralph at this moment. I have Maggie’s number and could be with her tonight, but I have to think that out. The good news was that I made her day, and the bad news was I didn’t make her night.

  Stephen asked me to call him at the office tomorrow even though he expressed his desire to know who this person was tonight. He said it would be too risky to call tonight as his wife is still recovering from all the trauma of her daughter killing herself.

  I looked at my watch and it was just before 1 am. Maggie would be just changing from her last routine. I considered changing my mind and heading to the club, but that is like convicting Mercedes before she proves herself innocent.

  Scott, you are being such an asshole. You never were good with girls and you certainly need to learn more about women.

  Despite what you want to believe, she went to bed with Ralph, during the afternoon when she knew you would be gone, and even if she didn’t realize he left his boxers in the bed…she left the bed messed up and the evidence of their shower. And, most of all…I’m now guilty of doing exactly what she asked me not to.

  I’m in another investigation, and yes, she’s right, it could be dangerous and I might even…I didn’t even want to think about those consequences.

  *.*.*

  I pulled into the driveway at my apartment. Mrs. Abbott, who is my landlady, is sure to know about my frequent absences from my apartment. It’s pretty hard for her not to, since she leaves the paper on the stairs for me each morning. This is when I wish there were many apartments in the building. She’s very smart and even if there were other apartments, she would know about my being elsewhere.

  I parked and entered the front door as quietly as I could. There were yesterday’s papers sitting on the first step. I knew without even looking that ‘Dear Abby’ and the crossword puzzles would be missing. I could feel my first s
mile of the day coming on. Even though I tried my best to be quiet, the stairs gave my presence away. I unlocked my door and closed it very quietly.

  Once the light was on, I looked around the apartment as if it was my first time seeing it. It was neater than I remember it. There were some work projects on the round table to my right. The sitting area was to my left and the couch looked very inviting. Despite my bedroom down the hall, I spent many a study night on the couch. However, the only woman who was ever in the bedroom was Lisa.

  It seemed all of the time I spent with Mercedes, it was at her apartment. I have to admit that her abode is much more impressive since it’s in a high-rise. It just hit me that maybe Mercedes felt that being in my bedroom here might bring back memories of Lisa.

  Lisa stole my heart and was my first love. We enjoyed our love affair, and our marriage. It was cut too short by the accident on a winter’s night. I stayed away from Mercedes for almost two years following Lisa’s funeral. Mercedes finally had to call me, and gave me hell for not being in touch with her. My falling in love with Mercedes was long after she had fallen for me.

  I went in the bathroom and started to get ready for bed. I was surprised I hadn’t needed to go to the bathroom before now, but I made up for lost time. I looked at myself in the mirror and as Mercedes would say, ‘wipe that frown off your face.’ I did look like I was carrying the weight of the world. Things could be much worse…I wondered how.

  I emptied my pockets and placed the contents on my nightstand. I had one coin and it was a penny. I thought of my conversation from a long time ago when Mrs. Abbott told me the penny has two sides and it represents the day. You can have a ‘heads up’ kind of day, or it can be something else. She told me to always remember to make each day a ‘heads up’ kind of day.

  I flipped the coin and turned it over and it was ‘heads up.’ Now my job is to figure out how I can make it that kind of day. Why do I feel like Mercedes is going to call and explain things? I woke up yesterday morning having a nightmare, and it was kind of that kind of day. Maybe tomorrow will be a heads up kind of day.