by D. J. Wilson
Dear D,
Thank you again for the umpteenth time for the shiny baubles that have allowed me to fulfill my dreams, albeit 4 years later than I had hoped. You’re the best and I don’t know how I will ever repay you. However, based on what I’ve come to realize over the last few days, your repayment may come in the form of my representation, sooner, rather than later.
Just for kicks and giggles, I Googled anonymous packages of cut diamonds in paper wrappings, knowing that somewhere I had read about this ongoing mystery that has taken the country by storm. Would you believe the same message that I found in my package is the same exact message that others have received across the U.S.? Is that a freaky coincidence or what, D? My guess is that you are behind these gifts, with the whole world wanting to know where or how you amassed this treasure and specifically how you have been picking and choosing who is worthy of these instant millionaire presents.
Secondly, since you are the only person to rebuff my intentions, while being in a near state of nakedness, as well as the fact, we now have client attorney privileges, I believe when the time comes and it will come, you will have to totally confide in me. Furthermore, I’m sure there is an honest to goodness method to your madness and that in itself, intrigues me. You don’t look anything like Robin Hood, but if there comes a time where I have to mount a defense for you, we could consider that as a viable option.
Just to give you a heads up, what also concerns me is the fact that the IRS may have a significant interest in this case, regardless of whether you obtained these shiny baubles legally or not. We can escape many things, but with the current state of our economy, I doubt unpaid tax liability will be overlooked.
Changing the subject, how goes it with you and your fantasy girl? Remember, I’m here if you need me, however you want me. By rule, an attorney should never sleep with their clients, but since I was left lacking, before my practice began, I will gladly make an exception for you.
Hugs and kisses,
Vic
Interesting letter, I mused. Vic brought up something with the IRS that had never crossed my mind. Regardless of whether I obtained these baubles, as she called them, legally or not, there is a potential tax liability that may come back to bite me. Oh well, let them come. The federal government and its system has already tarred and feathered me once through the courts, after which they graciously put me in witness protection for my contribution for the good of society, as they called it. Reminds me of the story where the woman finds herself in a most precarious predicament, whereby, since her date rape is all but inevitable, her date says, “she might as well find a way to enjoy it.” Funny it is not. You are still the unfortunate victim, regardless of whether you manipulated your mind to somehow survive it. Guess as it is with anything distasteful, it all depends how you look at it; to insure you survive it to fight another day, you have to first get through it.
Seems like I've been doing most of my life here lately.
Best I do send the barrister a quick and cordial reply.
Vic,
Your concerns are noted. My admiration for you continues to grow in leaps and bounds, regardless of whether your clothes are on or off. It’s still the red hair that gets me every time.
We are nearing the home stretch in our gift giving. Soon it will be behind me and we will just have to deal with the consequences, if, and when they come barreling down on us.
I am thankful I mistook you for a high priced call girl every day. Each time I think our first encounter and my immediate impression of you, it brings a smile to my lips…Yep and a stretching to my jeans. LOL
I am confident you have and will continue to use your past experiences, generated by the expert usage of your Woo-hoo to realize your wildest dreams.
XOXO
D
P.S. My fantasy girl for the moment is still a fantasy. In the present she is now my # 1, while in my mind you continue to be my # 2.
Chapter 21
Returning to the Lodge, I stopped by the restaurant and grabbed two black teas, along with a menu for room service. Candi, was by far the prettiest sleeping beauty I have ever had the privilege to wake up with. Some mornings, I just lie beside her and gaze. Nothing else, no touching, no lusting, just gazing, thinking to myself, I am by far the luckiest guy in the world.
Kissing her on the cheek, Candi roused from her sleep and pulled me back into the bed beside her.
“I haven’t brushed my teeth, baby.”
“That’s okay miss, I have,” whereby she immediately began to kiss me with vim and vigor.
“I’ve missed you. Where did you go?”
“I’ve been busy while you slept. I’ve walked, checked my email, voice mail and text messages.’
“Oh, I haven’t even thought about those things since I landed in Sioux City. I guess I should check mine too,” expressed Candi, while pausing to think just where she had stored her phone.
“Is there anything interesting going on?”
“Not really, but I did hear from a friend I met in Sioux City.”
Now, fully wide-awake, “Is this an old friend or a new one?” Candi scoffed, “And if it’s a new friend, I’d like to hear all the sordid details, considering you were only there 36 hours without me.”
“She’s an attorney, names Victoria, I met at the Casino the night I arrived. She’s now my attorney,” I proudly conveyed, “held on permanent retainer. And no we did not have sex, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Of course, that’s what I’m thinking. You’re a slut remember, when it comes to beautiful women who become willing participants of your lustfulness.”
“Bite your tongue young lady. I do recall that I resemble that remark … but not lately.”
“D, sometimes you exhaust me. Plus, you continue to wow and amaze me. In less than 36 hours without me, you manage to meet and hire an attorney, an attractive one I’m sure. Then somewhere in your spare time you meet and hang out with Billy, Frank and Dusty, ZZ Top no less, two times, as I recall and never even want to know the name of their band. But, let’s get back to your newfound attorney, Victoria; I’m dying to know how you met her. “
“It’s a funny story,” I began, “I thought when she bumped into me in the casino she was a high priced call girl.”
“Really, was she selling tricks on the side to increase her client list?”
“No, but she was offering “lady” luck, as long as she played with mine, not hers. Money, that is.” I grinned.
“I bet that’s not all she was offering,” exclaimed Candi. “Did she offer to let you play with her winnings?”
“You’re jealous. I can tell by the steam coming from your nostrils,” I chuckled.
“I am not jealous, just concerned. You're a push over when it comes to twat. Any twat for that matter.”
“Call it as you see it. That was me, but not now. I’m glad you like me that much to care.”
“Of course I like you, why else would I have rode off into the sunset with my first organ donor?”
“I keep asking myself that repeatedly. Just what organ are you referring to by the way, me or the long and hard one that accompanies me everywhere I go?”
“It’s sure not that little teeny one between your legs,” quipped Candi, thoroughly displaying a smirk, followed by an infectious wink.
“Changing the subject, now that you’ve impugned my manhood, would you like breakfast in bed?”
“Always,” Candi replied, “as long as it includes you.”
“Thank you, Candice, but I have to run out and pick up our clean clothes and return the dirty ones.”
“Don’t you have care packages to mail in this town, too?”
“I do. I should have never involved you in that. I can mail them all by myself, thank you.”
“But I can help,” pouted Candi.
“Yes you can, and I’ll let you if you totally insist.”
“I insist,” she continued. “Just let me put my clothes on.”
> “What about breakfast? You’re always hungry when you wake up. For that matter, you’re always hungry, period.”
“It can wait, besides, I had the feeling my breakfast in bed this morning was going to be without you.”
“You are one astute filly; I grant you that.”
We arrived at FedEx just as they opened and after producing my ID, collected the fourth package and emptied its contents into my waterproof duffle bag, while Candi boxed up our dirty clothes for their return trip to Tennessee.
“When are you going to tell me what’s in all these boxes? And what I also want to know is just where they are going and why? “
“I told you, Candice, the less you know the better. Remember, plausible deniability?”
“But I’m an accessory after the fact, D. If you haven’t noticed by now, I am helping you.”
“You are, but right now, no one knows that, and furthermore, you have no clue what’s in them.”
“Agreed. That’s why I want you to tell me what’s going on. Right now, at this point in our relationship, I’m willing to be all in for you. But you have to confide in me, D.”
“That’s even better than the jealous streak you presented earlier. But why should I involve you in something that could adversely affect you and your career?”
“I’m tired of being protected, D. I like being with you and living on the edge. You’ve brought excitement back into my life. Every day since we first began conversing, I can’t wait to talk to you when I wake up, hear from you during the day and talk to you at night, before I go to sleep. You must feel the same way, don’t you, baby?”
“I do, Candi. Seemingly, you complete me. And it’s been a long time since I’ve come anywhere close to feeling whole.”
“That’s just what I wanted to hear, D. Thank you. My guess is you will open up to me, sooner, rather than later, yes?”
I nodded affirmatively, what else could I do? Swayed once again by the willing, dastardly woo-hoo.
“That works for me. Let’s you and I get these packages mailed, I’m starving.”
Chapter 22
With that, we rode across Bozeman, dropping off the boxes, 25 to 30 at a time. I have been careful to always wear gloves when handling them, while using a reflective covering over the license plate that skews the numbers in the event it is captured on camera. I’m sure I’ve not thought of everything, but at least, I’ve tried to minimize my exposure. Which until Vic’s letter, I didn’t realize how perilous this journey was rapidly escalating.
“One stop, and two to go,” I announced to Candi, after mailing the last packages. “After that, we’re on our own. What I mean by that is you’ll be in crisis mode, if we don’t stop every other day and wash your clothes.”
“Seriously D, you’re worried about my dirty clothes, after all the other questionable things you’re in the middle of?”
“I am. You’re the one that said you would in no way wear the same clothes longer than two days in a row, come hell, or high water.”
Kissing me on the neck, Candi continued, “Things change. I’ve changed. I’m mellowing because of you. If my mom could see me now, wouldn’t she be surprised?”
We made it back to the lodge right before they stopped serving breakfast.
“That was nice of you, D, to offer me breakfast in bed this morning and then to take me with you. I know I can be a pain, more times than not. I’ll settle for dessert in bed before we shower, if you’re still so inclined.”
“Baby, with you, I’m always inclined. That’s my best position. Never mind, with you, reclined is my best position.”
With that, we were off, back to the room and into the cozy bed in three minutes flat. This morning’s encounter was lust, pure and simple. Removing her clothes, I found Candi receptively ready and commando, the two keys in my book to pull off a quick romp in the sack.
Showered, dressed and packed, I called Gio and asked that he and Mile meet us at the Starbucks by the Home Depot. I told him we would ride through downtown and stop at a few western shops and then head south for the best burger in Montana.
After Gio hung up, I shared the news with Candi. “I’m taking us to a longtime western bar, for lunch, right out of the old west, called Stacie’s Saloon, a twenty-minute ride south of town in Gallatin Gateway. Bella offers the best buffalo burger and coldest, locally brewed beers, west of the Mississippi.”
“I’m game for that, let’s ride!”
* * *
Meeting up in the Starbucks parking lot, I motioned for Gio and Mile to follow as I headed into downtown proper. We parked on Main Street and walked through the shops and stores that catered more to tourists than locals. Mile found a $600 pair of cowboy boots that she could not live without.
“It’s okay, Gio,” I assured him, “I’m positive they can ship them to Milan.”
“No ship,” said Gio, “she wears.”
“Well then, send her old ones home.”
“No, she keeps, too.”
“Well sir, make room in one of your bags, because hers are full.”
Finally, Mile relented and the store was kind enough to offer free shipping, even to Milan. My guess is that they would do that all day long, as long as they found suckers, I mean customers willing to pay $600 for boots. Gio decided he, too, would buy boots and ship them home with hers. An hour later and almost $800 lighter, Gio had picked out the first exotic pair of the twenty or so boots he tried on.
“So help me Candi, if that had been you trying on all those boots, I would have left your behind here a long time ago.”
“He’s such a girl when it comes to clothes. He has been that way all his life, come to think of it.”
“Lucky you,” I quipped.
Chapter 23
Heading south, the Italians followed closely behind me as we weaved our way through traffic toward Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky. The road we’re on leads into Yellowstone near the Idaho border and is always either totally congested or under construction much of the year. After 30 minutes of stop and go traffic, our troupe rumbled into Stacie’s. We parked right beside the front door, stretching our legs and scratching our helmet matted hair in the dusty graveled parking lot. I instructed the others to hang out in the bar for a few, while I searched inside for the woman I fondly knew as Bella. She was a dear friend from long ago — back when my life was not so twisted. I was eager to see her again, especially after the passing of so many hard years.
Chatting up one of the waitresses near the kitchen, she directed me to the back room to surprise my old friend. I soon found her, stocking shelves with numerous cans and jars and humming that old tune under her breath, like always. She hadn’t changed a bit — same faded-blue apron cinched-up around her plump waist. I offered a playful insult as I stepped near.
“I see they let the congenial help work out front with the customers.” My wry, but humble smile greeted her steely-blue eyes and curly white hair.
“Well, hell, Boy! Ain’t you a sight for sore eyes? Where the hell you been, kid?” Bella was never short on clever lingo, herself. “Gimme a hug, before I bust that sorry ass of yours for not keeping in touch! The nerve of you, boy…”
Bella shuffled over to me and tugged me in close. I could tell by her tight grasp that a lot of water had run beneath the proverbial bridge since we’d last talked. There was more to her embrace than a casual welcome back. She squeezed me hard, before finally letting go. I stayed silent as she backed up and gave me the once-over glance, up and down. “Last I heard, you was stuck in some kind of deep shit down in Texas and fell off the map. Damn it, Boy, you know better than to stir shit or you’ll have to smell it. Hell, I even caught a whiff clear up here.”
With a sheepish grunt and a shrug of my shoulders, I let her know that her comments weren’t far off-track. “Yeah, it went a little something like that.” Raising my foot off the ground before her, “My boots still stink.”
Bella continued with her questioning. “I called and emailed a doze
n times, but never got so much as a kiss-my-ass. What the Hell happened?”
“Well, I can’t go into much of it at the moment, Bell — I have a few friends with me right now — but basically me, and a bunch of others took a good screwing … and I got to take the fall for a good bit of it. Although I’m nearly broke, I’m trying to make amends to many people who not only deserve it, but have been a part of my whole mess. And,” I continued, “That quest brings me to you.”
“You never wronged me, son. What are you talking about?”
“I never intentionally wronged anybody, but just by being involved with those bastards, I managed to be the vehicle of destruction to some. As I said, I’m making amends to those I love and care for, and you are very high on my list. I’ve always appreciated your help early on. I love you, Bell. I’d have gotten nowhere in life without your help in introducing me to the heavy-hitters up there in Big Sky.”
“I’m still not sure I’m following you, Jon David.” Her eyes having lost their tender glow, were now becoming much more curious.
“Like I said, I’ve got my friends waiting. They’ve probably raided your bar snacks and one in particular, may have seduced your cutest waitress. We’re hungry from the ride, and I’m sure Gio is also drooling over the beer list.” My feeble attempt to change the subject seemed to work. I took my turn at questions. “What’s happened with you, Bell?”
She gave a wrinkle of her nose and a quiet grumble. “Recession took damn-near everything I own when this sorry sumbitch I partnered with in a venture fell short about two-mill. In the end, I got even with the connivin’ bastard, but the money never turned up. You know how that goes, don’t cha, Boy? When ya got money, some sum-bitch is always tryin’ to take it away from ya.”
“That’s for damn sure! I’m sorry, Bella. It must be tough. I know you’re a strong one, but it still doesn’t make it any easier.”