Have Mercy

by Siobhán Béabhar

  With her hands, Penelope made a drum roll against the table. "And you said?"

  "No," Red snapped.

  "What? Why?" Penelope asked.

  "Who asked you?" Albertine asked.

  "John, obviously," Melia said, answering the question.

  "I thought that he never wanted to marry again," I said, recalling Red's explanation about her relationship with the Admiral.

  "I don't want to talk about this," Red said.

  "But this is great news!" Penelope exclaimed.

  "Didn't you hear me? I said 'no' to his proposal. I also don't want to talk about this any longer," she said, her eyes hardening.

  Melia and Penelope shared glances with each other. Albertine reached out and took Red's hand. From the tightening of Red's throat, I knew she didn't want any more questions. I bit my tongue, respecting her choice, but I wanted to know why she would push him away.

  I thought Red was in the business because she needed the money, too. As old-fashioned as it might seem, I thought marrying an Admiral would alleviate her money problems. I wondered if a man had offered me marriage, would I have declined?

  CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

  Promptly at nine o'clock, I went down to the landing and sat in one of the armchairs. My little overnight bag was packed, and my heart pounded as I waited for my gentleman caller to arrive. The house was rather quiet with everyone dispersed into their own little corner.

  I heard the sounds of feet pounding up the porch steps. I remained sitting, not wanting to appear too eager. He rang the doorbell. I didn't move. Penelope stepped out of the kitchen, glanced at me sitting on the landing and retreated. I grabbed my bag, descended the steps, and crossed the foyer to the front door.

  "Good evening," I said, opening the door wide. Jack stepped into the foyer. Penelope stood just inside the kitchen. He waved at her, and she smiled at him before disappearing back into the room.

  His gaze shifted to the bag in my hand. "What's that?"

  "An overnight bag," I said. "You didn't provide many details about this evening, so I figured I should be prepared for a night out."

  He took the bag and gently set it down next to the front door. "You won't be needing it tonight. Come on," he said, grasping my hand. He pulled me out the door and on to the porch. He took a step down and turned to look at me. "Are you warm enough?"

  "I think so. Are we going far?"

  His head tilted to the side. He grabbed the front of my jacket, tugging me towards him. He examined the thickness of the fabric before falling away to his side. "It's not too cool out, but tell me if you get chilled. We're going for a walk."

  He crooked his elbow, offering his arm to me. Cozying up to his warm body, I slid my arm through his, allowing him to escort me. He led us past several parked cars and I was curious which one belonged to him. "Which car is yours?"

  "Actually, I walked. I don't live that far from here," he said, setting a leisurely pace. "I like to walk as much as I can, especially at night. I find it rather calming."

  "Are we walking to your place, then?" I asked, curious about our destination.

  "No, Mercy, we are just taking a walk." He smiled, placing a soft kiss on my brow.

  It was summer, but the evening was unusually cool. There was a hint of rain in the air, and it was much needed, considering the long drought that had plagued us the previous summer. I always enjoyed the time before a storm, when there was a feeling of lurking intensity.

  "You've lived here for thirty-five years?" Jack asked, breaking the long silence.

  I looked at the houses along the street. Most of the homes were older than Jack was. To be fair, many were built even before I was born. I had grown up in this neighborhood; it had been my home for most of my life. "I've lived in that house for over thirty years, but if we were to walk that way," I said, pointing in the opposite direction, "we would pass the lot where I grew up."

  Jack stopped in his tracks, dragging me to a halt. "We should walk by."

  "Where I grew up? That house is long gone. There's a block of condos there now," I said, tugging on his arm, hoping he would get the hint.

  He resumed walking. Ducking his head, his eyes shifted away from me. "Still, I think it would be interesting to know where you grew up."

  "I can't imagine why. Tell me, Jack, where are you from?"

  "I've always hated that question. I'm not really from any place specifically. My parents were from North Carolina, but I was born in Georgia." He paused, licking his lips. "My father was also in the Army, so I went to school in Georgia, Texas, New York, and Germany. My own career has taken me to Oklahoma, Washington State, Georgia, and now the District. Maybe Georgia's my home?"

  "Where in Georgia were you born?"

  "I was born in Atlanta," he answered. "My father was stationed at Fort McPherson. I was stationed at Fort Benning for about six years."

  "I actually know about those places," I said. "My husband served in the Army, and we would visit some of the Army bases in the area. He was from Dublin, but we lived in Macon when we were newlyweds."

  "I can't say that I'm familiar with the place." His voice was still warm, but he spoke hesitantly. It probably was a bad time to mention Moses.

  "Which place was your favorite?" I asked, wanting to learn more about him. I was struggling to understand the night. Was he a client? Was he a friend? Hopefully, I'd have that figured out by the end of the evening but, until then, I just wanted to talk with him. "I kinda envy you, living in so many places. I've spent most of my life here in the District, but I went to college in Missouri, a place called Harris Teachers College. Then there was my brief time in Georgia."

  "Ah. My favorite place? I really enjoyed my time in Seattle. If I had a choice for assignments, I would return there in a heartbeat," Jack admitted. "I love the outdoors, so it was paradise for me. I spent many weekends hiking the trails or sailing out on the lakes or sound."

  "I've never been to Seattle, but I think I wouldn't mind visiting the place. I used to teach geography, and every spring, we'd have a unit on rain forests. Did you ever visit the rain forests up in Washington?"

  "I went a few times, but most of my hiking was around Mount Rainier and Mount Adams," he answered. "One day, maybe I'll take you back there."

  What could I say to that? Jack didn't strike me as the type of person to make light promises. The wisest course would be for me to ignore his comment. "Why would you take to me to Seattle?" Obviously, I wasn't that wise.

  "I think you would like it. I wouldn't mind showing you some of my favorite spots," he said.

  I stopped walking and pulled on his arm. He stayed beside me, his eyes focusing on something further up the street. "What exactly are you up to, Jack?" I was standing on a sidewalk in the middle of summer with a gorgeous young man on my arm. It wasn't like he was escorting a little old lady home from the supermarket. He had paid, and was willing to pay, money to spend time with me.

  "You mentioned that you'd be interested in Seattle. I'm just saying that I wouldn't mind showing you the city," he answered.

  "Bullshit. You know exactly what I'm asking you. Why are you here with me? And, don't you even think about dodging that question because I'll just keep asking it until I'm safely returned to my home."

  Jack's jaw tensed. An impulse to soothe him rose up in me and I rested my hand against his cheek. He turned into my hand, placing a kiss across my fingers. My hand fell away as he stood there, collecting his thoughts.

  "I'm drawn to you, Mercy."

  "Why? Do you have mommy issues?"

  "Not at all. I have a great relationship with my parents. Try again," he said, resuming the walk.

  "Hm. Cougar fetish?"

  "Does it seem so unbelievable that I would simply be attracted to you?"

  "Yes" was my answer.

  "Mercy, believe me when I say that I am attracted to you. I have been since the moment I spotted you at the ball," he said.

  "You don't strike me as the desperate type."
/>   "I'm not," he said. "I have never had any difficulty finding dates, if that's what you mean. In spite of your own hang-ups about our ages, it doesn't bother me. I want to spend time with you, but I doubt you would have said yes if I had asked you out on a traditional date, so the Admiral advised me that this might be the best way to get to know you." I pulled away from him, retreating a few steps. I turned and began to walk away. He was a crazy person, someone who must have recently escaped from a mental institution. When I got home, I would make sure to call the cops and report the mental case wandering my block.

  "Okay. Maybe I was looking to knock another line off of my to-do list." I could hear the sound of his footsteps as he caught up with me. He grabbed the collar of my jacket, yanking me to a stop. "Since the first night we have met, you have walked away from me, time after time. I should take the hint, and leave you alone, but damned if I don't want to do that. We're adults, so let's cut the games, shall we?"

  Slouching under his words, I felt like running away. "What else am I supposed to do? I don't know what you want from me."

  "It's rather clear. I want you, Mercy, and if it means that I have to pay to be with you, I'm willing to do that, for the time being." He stood beside me; only a few inches separated us. Neither one of us reached out to the other as we stood there, staring at each other. I turned and began to make my way home. He fell into step beside me, saying nothing as we walked the blocks back to my house.

  We reached the house and I trotted up the steps. Opening the door, I held it wide for Jack. He placed his hand on the door and leaned into me. "Think about what I've said. Call me when you've thought about it," he said.

  "Aren't you coming in?"

  "No, I better get home. I walked remember."

  "Why don't you stay the night? Or, better yet, how about I give you a ride home?"

  He shook his head, tucking his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "Thank you, but no. I don't mind the walk, truly I don't. It's calming." He smiled and with a final glance, he walked down the porch steps to make his way home.

  I closed the door and stepped into the foyer. I picked up the overnight bag that we had left beside the door, and I began to walk up the stairs. The house was quiet as the others had retired to their rooms.

  It didn't sit well with me that Jack was walking home alone at this time of night. He was an arrogant warrior, yet even he was vulnerable in a place like this. I didn't know how far away he lived, but even though we were in a quiet neighborhood, the area was surrounded by some not-so-quiet hoods. I dropped the overnight bag on the chair and I walked back down the stairs, grabbing my car keys from the hook.

  I climbed into my car and drove in the direction that he had walked. I didn't see his lean form, and I began to worry that maybe I was too late. I slowed the car and glanced up the block, checking both sides of the street. I saw a man walking on the opposite side of the street. I pulled up to him and rolled down my window.

  "Jack," I called out. His head shot up, surprise clear on his face. "See, I caught you off guard. Inattention like that could get you killed around here," I said, waving for him to climb into the car.

  He glanced at my old Mazda. A sheepish grin crossed his face, "Don't worry, ma'am. I noticed the car approaching. I'm just surprised to see you out and driving a Mazda. For two grand a night, you must have a BMW somewhere."

  "It's in the shop; now get your dumb ass in the car." Grinning, he glanced down the street. Slowly nodding, he walked towards the car and climbed into the passenger seat.

  I said, "Tell me where I need to go."

  "Keep driving down this block, I'll tell you when to turn left," he said. He sat back in his seat, buckling his safety belt. "Aw, Mercy. I didn't think you cared."

  "Hey! Why wouldn't I? Thus far, you're my best client," I said, grinning at him. A sad smile curled his lips, and he shifted to look out the window.

  "Turn left at the next light," he said, directing me. "You see that dark brown building next to the Chinese restaurant? That's where I live."

  I had to drive a few buildings down from his condo block; the street was packed with parked cars. I parked in a vacant space, but I kept the car running, expecting him to leap out. Instead, placing his hand on the ignition, he turned the car off and pulled out the key. "You coming?" he asked, climbing out of the car.

  I let my head fall against the steering wheel as I considered my alternatives. I could be stubborn and sit in this car, pouting, until he relinquished my key, or I could follow him, knowing this wasn't going to be a casual visit. I didn't know why I created these false choices in my mind. When it came to Jack, I was already realizing that I wouldn't be making any wise decisions.

  I undid my seatbelt, letting it slide off of my body. I opened the car door and walked over to stand beside him. "Lead the way," I said, tilting my head towards his building.

  He tossed my keys at me, and I caught them against my chest. I locked my car and silently prayed that it would be there when I got out. At the entrance to his building, he punched in the entry code, causing the door to make a small clicking sound. He held the door open as I walked past him and into the elevator lobby. He pushed a button and we waited, watching the numbers descend as the elevator made its way to the lobby.

  The doors opened and I stepped inside, followed by Jack. He reached across my body, his arm brushing against my breasts as he hit the button for the ninth floor. We stood side by side, adhering to elevator etiquette. The door opened and we stepped out onto his floor. I hobbled behind him as he walked towards his condo.

  "This is it," he said, motioning to a door with 904 on it. He unlocked the door, pushing his way into the small entryway of his unit.

  Jack lived in one of those modern buildings, built after older, derelict homes had been torn down to make way for luxury units. I remember seeing the real estate listings for this community. Now that I'd seen the interior, I felt they were way overpriced. The kitchen was tiny, a small abandoned space made for a single person who didn't cook often. On the fridge, there was a large calendar with a date circled and highlighted. A huge television and a leather sectional couch dominated his living room. Between the kitchen and living room, there was a small dining area with a counter-height dining table. In contrast, the table was cluttered with books, folders, and piles of paper.

  He moved aside, understanding my curiosity in seeing his place. There was a small hallway to the right of us. Jack walked towards the hall, opening a door and disappearing inside the room. I followed him, watching as he removed his jacket and hurled it onto a chair near the window. He beckoned for me to enter the room, and I walked inside, kicking the door shut behind me. He sat down on the bed and began to remove his shoes.

  "I don't think I've ever seen you go so long without saying a word, Mercy," he said, standing. He unbuttoned his jeans, allowing them to fall to the floor. He stepped out of them, grabbed them, and tossed them into a closet.

  "C'mere," he ordered as he held his hand out to me. I stepped in front of him and he swiftly began unbuttoning my jacket. I raised my hands and began to pull off my shirt, matching the speed of his movements. He undid my pants and tugged them aggressively down my legs.

  Free of his clothing, Jack fell back on his bed, bouncing from its softness. "You remind me of a big kid," I commented, referring to his playful mood.

  He grinned, but I could sense that he restrained himself. "Are we back to the age thing?"

  "No," I said as I climbed onto the bed. "I just meant that you seem rather light-hearted this evening."

  "I'm a light-hearted type of guy."

  "Really? Every time we meet, you always seem to be so intense."

  He placed his hands on my waist, pulling me astride his body. I knelt over him as he began to kiss the curve of my breast. I felt his breath through the thin fabric of my bra. I felt him unclasp it, and I pulled it from my body. My breasts fell forward, my stiff nipples tickling his lips, the warmth of his breath contrasting with the cool air.
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  "You've held up well for such an old lady."

  I bent over, nipping his neck in rebuke. He laughed softly as he began to nibble across my shoulder, his hands cupping my breasts. My skin reacted to the light touch, goose bumps rising over my skin. His lips followed a path from my ear, along my jaw, and to my lips. He nipped at my bottom lip.

  His musky scent overwhelmed me, and I moaned. I couldn't stop myself. Holding his head in my hands, I took control of the kiss. I pressed my lips against his, wanting to sink deeper into him. He wrapped his arms behind my back and pulled me closer, his chest scraping across mine.

  He caressed my back and slid his hands under my panties, cupping my ass. I could feel the heat from his body penetrating the cotton of my panties, bringing forth the scent of my arousal. I fought the urge to cringe and pull away from the kiss. It shouldn't be this easy for me to fall into this White boy's arms. It hadn't been this easy with the General, and he had met all of my preferences.

  Jack pushed my panties down with his hands. I shifted, helping him to pull them from my legs. I grabbed the waistband of his briefs and he lifted so that I could shimmy them down his legs.

  Blindly, he reached out and opened the drawer of his nightstand. Reaching inside, he removed a condom packet. I waited, impatiently, as he pulled a condom on. Poor lad.

  His fingers tightened around my waist, and he guided me down, allowing me to adjust to his girth. I felt the spasms of my inner walls begin to build as I started to grind against him. He lay back, shifting the angle of his penetration, and my knees clenched as a rawer sensation came over me. Our breathing became more shallow, and the thrusts more consuming. I fell against him as I unraveled, gasping out his name. He continued thrusting until I felt his stomach tense and his body rock with his own waves.

  My head fell against Jack's shoulders as he raised his hand, placing it on the back of my neck. My face was cradled by the curve of his neck. I inhaled his scent, savoring the mixture of sweat, sex, and cologne.

  "Mercy."

  "Yes?"