“Yes, you are absolutely right.” Paul smiled, and in a caring tone, added, “I forgot for a second how intense you are about your inner being.”
We toured several houses before I found the perfect one. I signed a six-month contract on a two-bedroom furnished brown brick. It was vacant, which offered immediate move-in availability. The neighborhood was approximately five miles from the Bygone Era Club, and four blocks from the city bus stop. Grass covered the ground in the front and backyard, along with a couple large oak trees that shaded the property.
One aspect of the house stood out for me, a large enclosed patio, where the walls were all glass, which created the perfect place to write and meditate. The second bedroom was ideal for guests: mainly Bryan whenever he wanted to hang out. Kari already informed me that she’d be staying here on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I gave her free rein to decorate the bedrooms.
Paul and I went to the grocery store; he helped me arrange the food in the kitchen, and then we met the girls for lunch. Joanne was so thrilled about their shopping spree, she found more bargains than she expected. I kept trying to get a word in between each blouse being described. I wanted to tell them about my new house. Of course, they were interested; however, this shopping thing overtook their mind. At this moment, it gave me relief that I didn’t have a sister. A sibling whom I thought I would have liked to have.
Lunch lasted about an hour. I was happy when we finally got back to my new house, anxious to show the girls. Joanne loved it. She walked gracefully about each room like an interior decorator, commenting on décor features and advising me of changes. After eating a snack of coffee and cake together on the patio, they all went home to Tillamook. Exhausted from the conversation, I was now grateful to have this alone-time.
The extreme highs of the recent days left me crashing into my lowest moods. I desperately needed solace as the darkness and old horrors of my past crept into the forefront of my mind. I stretched my body onto the hardwood floors of the patio room, moved one leg at a time, allowing my body to decompress.
At the last speck of sunlight beamed through my window, salty tears flowed down my cheeks. I was tormented again; loss invaded my thoughts with a strong blend of unsettled emotions. I yearned for sleep. Mentally confused, I frantically needed the realm of music. I closed my eyes. I heard the chirp sounds of birds that dominated the backyard. Like melting wax, I soon felt the stress and tension slide off my body; my subconscious spoke volumes to me as auras of color floated about the air. Within minutes, I drifted off into sleep.
Tap, tap, and tap. The sound irritated me. Tap, tap, noises continued, increasing my anxiety. I couldn’t wake up. Tap, tap, and tap. Hands touched my ankles. Please, no more. Where am I? Damn these loud noises! I rubbed my eyes then pulled myself up to stand. Awakened wet, with sweat beading down my face and chest, slowly I recognized my surroundings and composed myself. Tap, tap. The sound was clearer, more distinctive. It seemed to be coming from outside my backyard window.
I found a flashlight and beamed the light on the base of a tree. That’s when I saw him sitting there, a woodpecker. Tap, tap, and tap. This unexpected scenario had brought my dark memories into the forefront of my mind, exacerbating unnecessary fears. I lit up my cigarette, and watched the end burn orange as it flickered in the early morning darkness. I breathed in the misty air, and observed my new friend pecking at the tree.
* * * *
Two weeks had passed, and our nights together filled me with sensations of magic potions. Kari was proud at the job she accomplished—her finished design of my bedroom was decorated in plaids and flower prints in dark green, lavender, and maroon color tones. She enhanced it with the scent of jasmine candles that spread their aroma throughout the bedroom and bathroom.
Together we enjoyed late dinners in the patio room after my performance on Thursday nights. Kari filled several voids within me, and I found myself anticipating her visits. Especially those sensual moments she created while we ate our meal naked on the floor with just a dim candlelight to silhouette our bodies.
Her provocative way intensified me, which always heightened my adoring lust for her. I was inflamed with erotica, which made it impossible for me to finish my meal. With each bite of food she took, she slowly lifted her fork to her mouth allowing her arm to brush against her breast, purposely enticing me. My erection now faced her direction anxious to be in her. I teased her, too, when I dipped my fingers into the wineglass, and gently caressed her mouth where she licked with pleasure.
I slid my body next to hers, my erection on her thighs. She took one more bite from her plate then arched towards me. I entered her easily, climaxing while she guided me into the desires we both craved.
Chapter 23
An incredible journey began for me, creating a routine of what I considered normal living. I now embraced change with my new friends and I noticed my music increased to another level of perfection.
John and Bo Bo recently finished a composition that was highlighted with exuberating flares of swing tones. Not only did it excite the three of us, but it seemed to entice everyone who heard it. John recently shared with me that he felt a renewed motivation since I’d been with them. He explained, “As your energy flows onto others, Steven, it’s produced vigorous new levels of music within me.”
Three nights a week, our ensemble of jazz performed. We observed their enthusiasm on the dance floor, with their dramatic clothes and scarves that flowed around their necks. The dancers presented themselves with so much electricity that I found myself lost in their movements while I played.
A breeze blew through the entrance door when Bryan walked in. “Hey man, I figured you could use a ride home, and I thought I could hang out at your place.”
“This is perfect a time we are just putting our instruments away; it was a great gig tonight,” I told him. “Just give me another ten minutes and I’ll be ready to go with you. How do you like college life so far?”
Bryan blushed for a second before he replied, “The studies are quite interesting. I’m doing well in biology. Although when I walk into my classrooms it just about takes my breath away. I am surrounded by an enormous amount of beauty. Tall ones, short ones, long-legged ones, even the overweight ones reek of feminine bliss. Higher education is paying off well.”
The next morning, we headed out for some fun time. Bryan drove way too fast, racing up the coastal highway to the beach where we were meeting his friends for a volleyball match. I looked forward to watching the game. I found the perfect spot for myself near the court line, and plopped down in the sand. Perfect spot indeed; it made for an interesting view of the players when sexy women bent over me when they retrieved the foul balls. The sun shone bright today, warming my legs where I sat.
I felt fantastic—that is, until this bleached blonde started giving me weird stares. I mean, there was a fierce expression on her face. She asked if I was an actor or had I been on television recently because I looked familiar. She presented herself to me in a creepy invasive way, not the usual excitement one would portray when meeting an actor. I was quite uncomfortable with her attitude, and rudely said, “No, I’ve never been on T.V. It’s for those insecure types.” That seemed enough to get her out of my face, just as I caught a foul ball and stood up because the game had ended.
That evening, we barbequed hamburgers in my backyard and enjoyed more of the outdoors together while we ate under a shade tree. The conversation between us delved into a philosophical talk, which later turned to reflections of each other’s family life.
Bryan shared stories about his favorite person: his grandfather, whom he considered his friend and mentor. “My grandfather is a firm believer that patience is the key to every facet of our daily living. From the simplest way in which one chooses to live, to what motivates our behaviors. Those who only strive for financial wealth seem to miss out on the true meanings life has to offer, not recognizing the importance until they’ve had a heart attack. While the person who has continuity in l
ife, one who has held onto inner and external views of nature and mindset, seem to advance faster to high levels of a total human being. They’re the ones who present a balanced level of patience every day. He’s known many people who’ve obtained their master’s degree and high career status, and later set a course for simplicity. That’s one small reason I chose to be a marine biologist—to hopefully achieve both facets of life,” Bryan finished.
“Those are my thoughts exactly.” I smiled. “My father was an engineer, very focused on his job. Although he seldom spoke of work, he instead taught my brother and me about strength in family. His teachings of nature, animals, and respect for the earth, I hope to carry with me forever. When we fished together, his motive wasn’t about the great catch of the day, although he liked chanting about it in our faces once he made that catch. However, his motives were to achieve patience with hopes of brotherly bonding. He was the one person in my life who respected my quietness, knowing I wasn’t just being quiet but deep thinking.”
“I would have liked your dad, Steven. I’ve been thinking that it would be good for my grandfather to experience one of your shows at the club. What do you think?”
“That’s awesome. Make it happen soon, man. You know how time sneaks away. Let’s make it a big event and bring the rest of your family and your grandmother, too.”
“No, my grandmother passed on a few years ago, and my parents aren’t into any night clubs or this kind of music. However, Grandpa may enjoy it even more if I brought him one of those volleyball players we were with today. I really should try hard to make that happen,” Bryan said in joking manner while he laughed and danced in my yard.
Nighttime had fallen. I lay on my back in the dark room alone, with just a hint of the moon glowing through my bedroom window. I visualized Kari teasing me with an ice cream cone. She’d shoved it in my mouth at The Tillamook Cheese Factory. Her expression of joy lit up like a child in a woman’s body. I miss her being here in my bed. I crave for her body to be next to mine. I recall our first time together at the ocean, and try to hear only the sounds of the waves as it covers the shoreline and I close my eyes—goodnight.
Chapter 24
“It’s great being home, back in Washington,” Fike said to Captain Michaels as he handed him a cup of coffee. “Are there any updates from the officers who conducted the search in the woods?”
Michaels took a sip of coffee. “We didn’t discover anything concrete. We’ve had little to no response from our artist profile. Officers showed it to every employee on duty at the nearby convenience stores, plus the local neighborhoods. One lady thought she recognized the man in the sketch, although she couldn’t be positive, and she refused to give us a name. There are four cabins in that area. We searched the grounds but found nothing that gave us probable cause for a warrant. All homeowners have been contacted except for one who’s out of state visiting her niece in Colorado for a month. We checked the database and found nothing on them, none with criminal records. However, the neighbor next to the woman on vacation—a Mrs. Straws—stated she recently lost her husband. They had two adult sons with whom she lost contact, she thinks they moved out of state but doesn’t know where.” Michaels finished his report.
“That may be our closest lead so far,” Fike said. “We have two distraught sons, the loss of a loved one, and the unknown whereabouts of these men. Let’s dig a little deeper into this Straws family and also her employer’s number.”
After talking with the Portland police, Jones filled them in. “The recent information I received from Portland states they have assigned undercover officers to a couple of sleazy clubs just outside the city borders.”
“Has anyone invited you into this conversation, lady?” Michaels glared down at Jones. “Perhaps we weren’t finished discussing the people who saw our sketch on our assailant.”
“Excuse me sir,” Jones replied. “I have information from Portland. Captain Clark had a strong hunch that our suspect may head further south going off the main grid. His team has alerted the motels along the inner towns as well as the highway. The FBI has also been notified of our two intertwining cases. Given the killer’s state of mind, he most likely will hide for a short period of time. He definitely appears to have crossed the line, losing touch with reality. He’s going to need a new lover to victimize soon.”
“I’m sure the son of a bitch will,” Michaels sneered at Jones, who turned her full attention now to Fike.
“I’m going to investigate the high school near the Straws neighborhood, show the sketch of the sons to the senior class. Someone should recognize them; if not a friend, perhaps a sibling. I’d like to send for Officer Pete to assist me with this process. His calm demeanor will help relax the students during my interview.” She gave a saintly smile to Michaels.
“Wait a minute,” said Fike. “Let’s hold off checking the school until I finish interviewing Mrs. Straws. One of the students may have known our suspect more intimately. We could indirectly give them cause to protect the suspect by alerting him to this investigation.”
Jones halted then sat back at her desk.
“What I want is for the two of us to investigate the grounds of those cabins,” Michaels said.
Fike raised his hand, silencing him. “I know your men checked the area. I don’t mean to be disrespectful but I am lead on this case and I want to see it on my own. No offense to any of our officers.”
A ringtone blared and Jones flipped open her cell phone.
“Hello Detective Jones, this is Clark from Portland, thought you should know the victim’s family arrived today. Tracy’s brother is seeking revenge.”
“I suppose that’s an understandable attitude to take after hearing information of one’s sister being murdered,” she said. “That’s the main reason for me calling you. I want to inform you of his background. He’s already started his own investigation. Tracy’s brother, Mike Bird, has been in numerous barroom brawls, and rides with a local motorcycle gang. Damn, he is acting jittery and may just head out your way. He better not do anything stupid to jeopardize our case. I’ll keep you posted on any news that may arise.”
“Thank you for the update, Captain. I’ll inform the rest of my team.”
Chapter 25
“Fate—the ground of destiny, you and I, Kari, I love you so very much,” Steven told her while he snuggled his face into the crevice of her neck.
“Friendship and love, that’s what we have, Steven. In the short time we’ve been together we’ve watched each other grow. Our first day together on the beach I felt an instant friendship, and playfulness in trusting you. I have fallen deeply in love and am so happy to be part of your passionate journey.”
“And I love being with you, for the way you absorb nature, creating a newness for me in every path we walk. I sense the joy through you each time you crouch to touch a plant. You demonstrate an unwritten poem to me, a graceful movement that intertwines with nature. To me that’s a special gift of love.”
I took her hand and lifted it to my cheek. She caressed my face as I smiled into her eyes with complete devotion.
The waitress approached our table. “Would you like some more tea?”
“No thank you, it was delicious,” expressed Kari.
“What a gorgeous day it is. There’s just enough wind to lift the sails to send the boats gliding over the water.” I tilted my fedora a little lower over my forehead than usual.
“Yes, those boats are amazing and look at us, we look like a couple of tourists,” she said.
She loved taking pictures of me sitting at the waterfront café. Kari posed me in different positions while pretending she was a professional photographer on a shoot. She took me by surprise when she stopped a guy who walked in front of us, and asked if he would take a picture of the two of us as we stood in front of the sailboats. It’s a moment I will always remember because that’s when I truly felt we were a real couple.
It was time to get to practice. Kari drove me to the club an
d then went to my house for the rest of the day. She settled her belongings nicely into the bedroom and then prepared for her guests. Bryan informed her last night that his grandpa would join them at the Bygone Era for tonight’s show. Then they would gather back at Steven’s house for dinner and conversation. She looked forward to the evening of music, love, and entertainment.
Steven, John, and Bo Bo entered stage left. They all wore scarves. It became a new highlight for their patrons when at the end of last week’s gig several ladies placed one around Steven’s neck.
My gaze briefly met Kari’s. I broke contact when I saw Grandpa Bill and focused my smile on him in gratitude for being here.
This Thursday evening the club rocked more than ever, the patrons recognized our songs. Bryan grabbed Kari’s hand and swung her onto the dance floor. He slid her body around his backside and kicked up the rug just like it was in the 1940 era of jazz! They all danced in the spirit of the night.
The band’s enthusiasm bounced off everyone as Grandpa’s feet stomped in double time under his table. Next thing, he brought his arms above his head and swung from side to side right on each beat. John must have twirled that cello around fifty times; that’s the kind of energy we produced.
During a quick pause between songs, Bo Bo took off his scarf and threw it to the floor. He didn’t particularly like wearing it although the patrons didn’t know that. He picked up the drum beat like a breeze of wind right back into the music. A young lady grabbed his scarf, which hung off the edge of the stage. She swung it around her neck, yelling, “I got the drummer’s scarf!”
“Crazy man, it’s just crazy!” Bo Bo shouted back.
The applause lasted for minutes when the first session ended. It was the perfect time for Bryan to introduce his grandpa to me backstage. Bill embraced me as he took in the view of the John and Bo Bo drinking water and wiping their faces while at rest.
With a Tilt of My Hat Page 8