Jessie groaned as she watched Michael James march towards her. Looking like he’d just got out of bed, his hair was matted and dark circles rimmed his eyes. The sickly scent of cheap aftershave wafted from him, unsuccessfully concealing his body odour.
“Not now, Michael. Jessie’s had some bad news.” Jasmine wrapped Jessie’s shoulders in a protective hug.
“I’m just saying hello. What’s got your knickers in a knot?” He glared at Jasmine.
“Sorry, Michael, I can’t stay and chat. My father’s sick, and I have to go back home.” Jessie forced a thin smile while trying to keep the peace between her best friend and one of the junior lighting technicians from the company. He’d been asking her out whenever they crossed paths. Although she’d repeatedly refused his offers, Michael didn’t seem to understand Jessie had no interest in him.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. How long will you be gone?” He stepped in closer.
“I’m not sure.” Jessie shrugged.
“Maybe when you get back we could go out and…”
“Listen, Michael. In case you don’t get it. Jessie doesn’t want to go out with you.” Jasmine was curt.
“You can be such a bossy bitch Jasmine Longford.”
“Stop it,” pleaded Jessie. “Michael, I have to go.” She grabbed Jasmine’s hand, pivoted and walked away.
“Okay then. We’ll catch up when you get back,” he called after them.
“What doesn’t he understand about no?” Jessie hissed.
“Got me. The guy’s an idiot.” Jasmine sneered over her shoulder. “Anyway, forget about him. Let’s grab a coffee. You look like you could use one.”
“You have no idea.”
With little time to spare, they jogged to Salvatore’s, arriving damp and reddened not just by their effort, but by the day’s mounting temperature. Dropping into a chair, Jessie scanned the restaurant for service and on spying Skippy cleaning glasses behind the counter, waved him over.
Beaming an eager smile, he shambled towards them. Although his oversized clothes still hung from his body, he appeared better groomed than usual. His hair less dank, his skin less freckled, his eyes less ghostly.
Jessie leaned closer to Jasmine. “At least life seems to be a little better for Skip at the moment. Check out the grin he’s wearing.”
“That’s because he runs at a slower speed to the rest of the world. When you move and think that slow, there’s no time to be stressed.”
“Stop it.” Jessie tapped a good-humoured slap on her friend’s hand. As Skippy sidled beside her, she managed a brighter smile than her mood. “How are you, Skip?”
“I’m g-g-good, Jessie. An-n-d you?” The concentrated furrowing of his brow demonstrated the care he took in speaking with her.
“I’m good thanks, Skip. You look particularly happy this morning?”
“I g-g-ot some g-g-good news yest-t-terday.” Even more than usual, Skippy stumbled over his words as excitement rang in his voice.
“What was it?”
“A f-f-f-friend of mine from s-s-chool is c-c-coming to visit me. A f-f-female f-f-friend.” He puffed out his chest like a mating pigeon on display.
“Hey, Skippy. That’s great. Way to go,” cheered Jasmine from across the table.
“Yes. Her n-n-name is Chr-Chr-Chrissy. I like her a l-l-lot.”
“Well, I hope you have a lovely time with Chrissy when she gets here. Now, can we have two cappuccinos, please?”
“Two c-c-cappuccinos, c-c-coming right up.” With a decisive tap of pencil to pad, he confirmed their order. His repetitive nod of understanding reminded Jessie of the bobble-head toys that people glued to the rear parcel shelves of their cars. Skip’s almost child-like delight at being of service prompted both girls to smile.
Reaching up, she touched his forearm. “Thanks, Skip. Now hurry. We don’t have a lot of time.”
Obviously thrilled by her encouragement and probably the thought of Chrissy’s visit, Skippy gathered speed on his way to the counter.
“He is rather sweet, isn’t he?” said Jasmine, watching him retreat.
“Poor Skip, he has a lot of challenges, yet somehow finds something to be glad about in his ordinary day. His attitude could teach us all a thing or two about appreciating what we have in life.”
“Yeah, maybe you’re right. I hadn’t thought of Skippy like that before.”
He soon returned victorious with their coffee. Without spilling a drop, he placed their cups and saucers on the table. “There you go, J-J-Jessie. J-J-Jasmine.”
“Excellent. Thanks. I may not see you for a couple of weeks as I have to go home. My father’s sick.” His face fell. “You have a nice holiday and enjoy Chrissy’s visit. Okay?”
“O-o-kay.” Reverting to his downtrodden demeanour, Skippy shuffled back to the kitchen.
“Now you’ve done it,” scolded Jasmine, brandishing a breadstick at her. “You and your strays.”
“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you…” Jessie turned her coffee cup around and around on its saucer.
“What now?”
“Well…” As they sipped their coffees and Jasmine ate another two breadsticks, Jessie briefed her on last night’s unit break-in, the hideous calling card of her stalker, and BJ’s offer to drive her to Coodravale today.
Jasmine blinked wide-eyed like the proverbial possum. “Are you kidding me? Why didn’t you tell me all this sooner? Thank goodness your father is deathly ill, and you’ve been called home. I don’t know how you could go on performing the Sugar Plum Fairy under these conditions.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course I could. I’d have to. I only wish I could stay and keep performing. This is the biggest opportunity of my life. I hate that I have to leave and give up my chance to be principal next year. It’s all such a mess.” She rubbed her forehead and then glanced at her watch. “Shit. I have to go.” Jessie launched to her feet, leaned over and kissed Jasmine’s cheek. “I’ll call you.”
“And I’ll call you when they announce…”
As she spun to leave, Jasmine grabbed her wrist. “Jessie, be careful.”
“I’ll be safe as houses,” she said, not feeling as confident as she sounded.
“Houses can be broken into, burned down or blown up, as you’ve already witnessed with your unit. Just be careful. Okay?” Jasmine exchanged a look of grave concern with her.
“I’ll be careful. I promise.” She leaned over once more to brush a kiss across Jasmine’s cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
Snapping an about-face, she set off in the direction of home. First her unit, her once loved little sanctuary in which now, she no longer felt safe. And then Coodravale Homestead, her childhood home. But I never felt safe there either…
Chapter 9
“So that’s where we’re up to, Angel. What do you think?” BJ glanced into his rear-view mirror and changed lanes, while he finished explaining last night’s events over hands-free.
“I’m sure the police will be thorough. If you like, I can follow them up and see how their investigations are proceeding?” His smooth voice filtered through the cabin of the Grand Cherokee.
“That would be great. Thanks, Angel.”
“Leave it with me. I’ll keep you posted.”
“I owe you.”
“So Jessie has no idea who might be stalking her?”
“I asked her again this morning, but she reckons she can’t think of anyone. Maybe it’s a sick fan or a disgruntled dancer who never made the grade? All I know is that I can’t let her do that six-hour drive to Yass alone.”
“You’re a good man. Always the hero, hey?”
BJ could just imagine the droll grin creasing the prosecutor’s face. “Cut it out. I’m just doing what any decent bloke would do.” He steered the Jeep into a tight street park outside his house.
“No mate. You’re wrong. Many a decent bloke would like to do it, but few would. That’s what makes you different. You actually go out on a limb to help
someone.”
“Thanks, Angel. Talk to you later.” BJ switched off the engine and got out of the car. He punched in the code at his security gate, then strode up his front steps two at a time. Inserting his key into the front door lock, he felt the door drift. He knew he’d locked it before leaving this morning after he’d fed Whiskey. Had someone broken into his house? Was the same stalker now following him? Flattening his bulk against the door frame, he stiffened; his hands frustratingly empty. Where the hell is your weapon when you need it? And where is Whiskey? Jagged thoughts bounced off the walls in his mind. Maybe they killed her? This one thought alone tore open a Pandora’s Box of hate and revenge. Heart slamming in his chest, he crouched, eased the door further open and slinked inside.
He saw the back door was closed, so maybe they were still in the house. Compressing himself against the wall like a gecko, he edged along the hallway. Steady, muffled thuds came from his back yard. Someone digging? He checked the bedroom, bathroom and study, and then approached the kitchen, still undetected by whoever was outside. Peering around the corner of the kitchen, he spied Whiskey prone on the grass. From this distance, he couldn’t tell if she was breathing or not. He refocused and edged further around the corner to gain full view through the kitchen window. That’s when he saw him, bench-pressing on the deck. BJ flung open the back door and hollered, “What the hell are you doing here, Ricky? I could have killed you, man.”
Undeterred by his buddy’s temper, Ricky halted the bar mid-air and swivelled his head towards him. “If you recall, we organised to train this morning. It is Monday, you know.”
BJ slumped and consciously switched off his tactical training. “Shit. I completely forgot. Sorry, mate.” By now the familiar, hairy head of Whiskey was nuzzling his thigh wanting affection. BJ crouched and cupped her wolfish face. “I thought someone’d killed you, girl. Good to see you, Whiskey.” A long, wet tongue greeted him across his lips. He spluttered as he wiped away her love. “You’re lucky she didn’t bail you up.”
Ricky rose, flicked his towel from the bench and wiped the perspiration dripping down his arms and torso. “Initially, she thought it was you when I opened the door. I guess because she knows my smell and since I’m here a lot, she allowed me in. I have that effect on the ladies. Whiskey couldn’t resist me.” A cheeky glint flashed in his eyes. “So, where were you, buddy?”
“You’re not going to believe this, but it was that woman again.”
“What? The one from yoga? What trouble did she get herself into this time?”
“Come inside while I make a coffee and tell you all about it.”
“So, I need to grab my kit, throw Whiskey and her gear in the car, and get back there. Sorry, Ricky. I’ve got no time to train. But use the gym while I’m away.” BJ rinsed out the coffee mugs and wiped the benches, so the ants wouldn’t have a festive season of their own in his absence.
“Well, I’m not letting you go off to Yass without at least meeting this bothersome wench of yours.”
“What? Now?”
“Now. I’ll follow you into the city. Then you can introduce me before you two set off into the wild blue yonder.” He clapped BJ’s shoulder.
“Unbelievable,” BJ said, shaking his head in amusement.
“Just doing my job, buddy. I’m the spotter, you’re the sniper. I scope them out, and you hit the target. Sounds to me like this woman may become your target, so I need to scope her out first.” His throaty laugh echoed in the kitchen, harmonised by BJ’s deeper chuckle.
By the time they arrived, Jessie was waiting on the footpath in front of her building. While Whiskey remained propped in the back seat of the Jeep, BJ and Ricky crossed the busy street to where she stood.
“Hi, BJ.” She looked relieved to see him.
“Hi, Jessie. Is everything okay?”
“Yes. As good as can be expected, I guess.” She glanced at Ricky.
“Jessie Hilton, this is Ricky Alvarez, a good mate of mine. We go way back.”
“Hi, Ricky, good to meet you.” She managed a half-hearted smile as she offered her hand.
Pumping it a couple of times, Ricky countered, “And you, Jessie. You look pretty good considering you’ve had a break-in and got yourself a stalker.”
BJ scowled at him. Ricky smirked back.
“Thanks. But I don’t feel that great. But the show must go on. I suspect it’s much the same for you and BJ, although I have no idea who you are…” She cocked her head and looked from one to the other.
“I’m sure BJ will fill you in on the details. I hear you’ve got quite a drive ahead of you.”
“Yes, we do.” Her voice sounded thin and tired.
“So, you’ve got everything you need?” BJ glanced at the duffel bag at her feet.
“Yes. I’ve locked my unit, but I didn’t have time to clean up that black fingerprint dust. It’s awful stuff. You touch it and it goes everywhere.”
“If you want, I’ll clean it up for you while you’re away?” said Ricky.
Jessie frowned. “That’s very nice of you Ricky, but…”
“I can vouch for him. He’s a neat freak. Loves to clean. Don’t ask me why.” BJ shrugged.
Jessie reached up to whisper in BJ’s ear. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” He nodded.
She slumped. “Okay. Offer accepted, Ricky. But it’s not necessary. I can do it when I get back.”
“Of course you can, but you won’t want to. Leave it to me.” He rubbed his hands together as if eager to begin.
“You can have my key, Ricky. Let Angel know you’ve got it in case the police want to get back in. Is that okay with you, Jessie?”
“Sure.” She waved a dismissive hand. “This whole business makes my head spin. Thanks, Ricky.”
BJ fished out his key and handed it to Ricky, who locked an unwavering gaze on him. “Target scoped. Your turn to lock and load. Have a good trip, buddy.”
“What on earth…?” said Jessie, but her attention was not on the banter between the two men.
“Jessie, Jessie,” another voice called out. It belonged to a blonde-haired young woman who ran up the footpath with the lightness of a gazelle.
Skidding in beside Jessie, she regained her composure and fluttered her eyelashes. “Hi, I’m Jessie’s friend, Jasmine. Now, which one of you is BJ?”
“I am. Pleased to meet you, Jasmine.” BJ eyed Jessie who shrugged as if to say she had no idea what Jasmine was doing here.
“And I’m Ricky, Ricky Alvarez.” Like a kitten angling for a cuddle, he edged closer to Jasmine. Wearing a cutaway training T-shirt and jeans, his body rippled in the late-morning heat and perspiration shimmered on his bronzed, olive skin. BJ shook his head, entertained by his friend’s talent not to miss any opportunity with a new, attractive young woman. The gods-of-lucky-meetings certainly bestowed good fortune on Ricky Alvarez.
“Jasmine, what’s wrong?” Jessie reached for her friend’s hands.
“Tabitha Simpson has fallen and sprained her ankle. Just now, in class.” Jasmine’s voice trilled. “The Company doctor is on his way. You may still get the role of principal. Don’t give up hope, Jessie.” Holding onto her hands, Jasmine jumped up and down on the spot.
“That’s terrible news. Poor Tabitha.” Despite Tabitha’s bitchiness, Jessie couldn’t think of anything worse than being injured when such an important decision was at hand. She’d hate to be in her shoes…literally.
“No, it’s not. It means you may still be in with a chance. Stop feeling sorry for her and think about yourself for a change. Anyway, Kelly, your understudy will dance the role in the meantime. I’ll keep you posted.”
“You know you won’t be able to get me on mobile at Coodravale. Just land line.” Jessie wagged her finger.
“Yes, I know. I’ve got the number.” Jasmine rolled her eyes in return.
BJ interrupted. “Listen. We need to head off if we want to be there before dark. See you soon, mate. You better get that landline n
umber off Jasmine before she heads back. Keep in touch, okay.” He grabbed his mate in a tight bear hug, and they slapped each other’s back a couple of times.
“Thanks, Jasmine. I’ll call you. See you soon. Look after yourself.” Jessie embraced her friend, both holding tight.
“Right. Let’s hit the road.” BJ stooped to collect Jessie’s bag. Turning to the other two, he flipped a wave. “See you when we see you.”
Pivoting, he ushered Jessie across the road and threw her bag in the back as she climbed into the front passenger’s seat.
“Hi, Whiskey.” Reaching back, she stroked the dog’s chest as BJ slid into the driver’s seat. With Whiskey’s head pushed between them, he put the Jeep into gear and drove off with a toot of the horn.
Looking in his side mirror, he clucked his tongue. “Check those two out, Ricky and Jasmine. Flirts, the both of them.”
She swivelled around and stared out the back window. “Yes. You’re right. At least they’re having fun. I don’t expect there’ll be much fun on this trip back home.” Unenthused, she slumped back in her seat.
“Who knows? Maybe it’ll turn out better than you expect?”
“We’ll see. But based on everything so far, I’m not getting my hopes up.”
BJ glanced at her, but she averted her gaze out the passenger window. Without further conversation, he manoeuvred the Jeep through the traffic and hoped tomorrow would be the easy day for Jessie.
Chapter 10
Doesn’t this guy have anything else to do with his life? I can’t believe he’s shown up again. After all the trouble I went to finding just the right love poem, printing it out, breaking into her unit and leaving it on her pillows, he shows up again to spoil everything. He’s really ticking me off. He’s hanging around her like a bee to a honey pot. Has the man no honour? He needs to find a girlfriend of his own and leave mine alone.
But it doesn’t matter. I have what I wanted. It was all I was looking for when I let myself in…her delicious underwear. I have her G-string with me always. Here in my jockey shorts, curled around me, reminding me of what delights are in store. Oh, it makes me tingle, but I don’t dare touch myself.
Retribution: Who would you kill to escape your past? Page 7