Nine

by Jennifer Raygoza

  I slam the gun against the side of his face. He falls down head first, and then he moans in pain.

  I look over on the counter and grab his phone. I go straight to YouTube and hit search. I type in Swan Lake and let it play at full volume through his speaker.

  “She said you used to play this song every night when you came into her room.” I kick him across his face. “How does it feel to be in fear?” I kick him again. The blood pours out of his nose.

  I circle around him and then I kick him in his gut. The man looks like a coward beneath me. He’s crying and groaning and all I can think about is his hands all over Nine. The innocent little girl I never knew.

  “Fucking pervert,” I say.

  “I’m sorry,” he spits out.

  “Sorry? You’re sorry?” I reach down and slam my fist into his bloody face. “You don’t get to be sorry,” I yell, and stand up. I step on one of his knees until I hear it crunch. He cries out.

  “That’s definitely broken,” I warn.

  I turn and look back to the laptop. Pictures of all of those naked kids run through my mind and it pushes the anger in me. I step forward so I’m directly above him. The gun is pointed down. I’m just about to pull the trigger, when I think about her. I picture her smile, her laugh, and the way her eyes light up when she’s not worrying. I think about her hand in mine, the sex and us kissing. I think back to the fighting and the struggle and then I lower the gun. If I kill him, then nothing about me has changed. I’d be a hypocrite. Just owning this gun puts me in that category. I can’t let him go free though. I can’t let him hurt her or anyone else again. Decisions. Decisions.

  Fred moans out in pain and places his hand on my boot. I kick it off.

  “Listen fuckface. Two months ago, I would have pulled the trigger, and then buried you out in the middle of the desert. And afterward I would have eaten dinner and not given a second thought about you.” I pause. “Luck would have it that your niece brings out my good side. I’m trying to be a changed man here, and you’re making it really difficult.”

  He mumbles incoherently.

  “Shut up. No one gives a shit what you have to say.”

  I take the silencer out of my pocket, attach it, and then point the gun at his head.

  “One shot and that’s it. You’re gone. One less pervert for all the mothers in the world to be worried about, but that would be too easy. No suffering. No pain. I don’t think so. I think you need to suffer for what you did to Storm. With that being said, I’ve decided you get to live…but it will be without a dick and you’ll have two fucked up hands.”

  I quickly pull the trigger and take a shot at his crotch, and then one at each of his hands. He yells and then passes out. I kneel down and smack his face to wake him up. He barely opens his eyes.

  “Do you know what they do to pedophiles in prison? I’d take some Vaseline if I were you.”

  I stand up and then walk over to the counter. I open his laptop and face it toward the door, to make sure the pornography can be seen by police when they enter. I grab his cheap- ass, pay-as-you-go phone, call the cops, and put on the best country accent I can pull out.

  “911. What’s your emergency?” the operator says.

  “I think someone has been shot. I’m located at Carvers Inn on Biloxi Blvd. I heard bullets firing away from room 202 and then someone screamed. I saw a woman carrying out a child. She just kept saying he touched her baby, and then she ran away.”

  “What’s your name, sir?”

  I hang up the phone, take out the battery, and then stick them both in my pocket. I poke my head out of the door and then smoothly make an exit from his room. I’ve made it to front of the motel when I suddenly remember the serrated knife. It’s still on the ground back there. I swing around and quickly head back to retrieve it. I swoop up the knife and stick it in my pocket, and then I let my shirt hang down to hide it. I take his cell phone out and toss it into a nearby trashcan. Just as I’m about to leave, I hear sirens, and then several police cars pull up. I hide my bloody gloved hands in my armpits and walk past them like nothing, and then I’m clear. Once I’m out of their sight, I slide the gloves off and stuff them in my pocket. I make my way back over to the restaurant to check on Nine.

  I walk in to Ricky’s and spot her. She’s clearly unfocused. Her face is filled with worry, and her eyes are watery. She’s snapping pictures, but she’s not in the moment. I sit down in the corner of the restaurant and watch her. She looks around and then her eyes meet mine. She exhales, almost in relief, but she looks pained. She thinks I killed him, and maybe I did. Maybe he’ll bleed to death in that motel room. Who knows? She starts to walk my way. I put one hand up to stop her, and then I point for her to refocus on her work. Two seconds later, six police officers enter. Nine and I briefly stare at each other before I look back at them. I watch as their eyes scan the place. They’re looking for someone. I put my elbow up on the table and cover my face with my hand. Suddenly a woman I recognize runs over to them from across the room. She’s the one that hired us for this photo shoot. She and the cops all walk toward my table and now everyone is standing right next to me. I see the woman wave Nine over and my heart drops.

  “You made it. Thank god. I see you brought half the squad with you.” She smiles.

  “Happy Anniversary,” the tallest cop says. “I would have brought the rest, but there was an incident over at one of the motels.”

  Nine’s face tightens as she looks over at me.

  “Oh my. What happened?” she inquires.

  “Some woman shot the pecker off of some pedophile. Shot both of his hands too.”

  “Did he die?”

  The woman places her hand over her mouth. I lean in to hear the verdict.

  “No. He’ll live. It’s almost as if the shooter wanted him to survive. Craziest thing ever.”

  I look away as relief washes over me.

  “Well. Karma always comes around. He deserved it.”

  “No kidding,” the cop says.

  “Everyone, this is my cousin Leon and his men. I know they’re in uniform, but they came here to celebrate with us.” She turns and shouts to the guests at various tables. They both laugh.

  The cop is her cousin, and he’s just here to party. My body relaxes, and my head falls into my hand. I silently pray for strength. Nine is going to need it to deal with this, and I’m going to need it to deal with her. I slowly lift my head. She doesn’t appear upset. Instead, she mouths thank you.

  “Boys, let me introduce you to Angelina Krackle. She’s the photographer for our party and I would love if I can just get a quick pic of all of you fine gentleman.”

  The boys smile and line up. Nine falls right back into motion, and I know everything is going to be fine. It has to be. No one died today.

  Chapter 12. At Ease, Soldier

  I stare down at the dress. It’s a beautiful blue, shimmery, long flowing gown. I try to imagine what I might look like in it as I hold it up against my body. The fabric feels soft against my fingertips, which just makes me love it even more. I look up when I hear the bathroom door creak. My back stiffens and my mouth gapes open just a tad when I see him.

  “My god, you’re handsome,” I say.

  The suit fits him in all the right places and I’m in awe. He’s drop-dead sexy. He licks his lips and then gives me a light laugh. His eyes dance around for a minute before they fall back on me.

  “I can’t believe that you still haven’t put on your dress.”

  “It’s too pretty. I don’t want to wrinkle it.”

  I hold it up in the light. He grabs the dress and then my hand. He pulls me to the bathroom and shoves me inside.

  “Get dressed, please,” he politely says.

  Although his eyes are more commanding.

  “Fine.”

  I close the door, quickly strip off my clothes, and ease my way into the dress. I slowly zip it up and look into the mirror. It’s stunning. For a man, he did a great job picking it out
. I glance in the mirror to inspect my makeup and hair. Trig made me paint my face on hours ago, since he said he didn’t want us to be late to wherever he’s taking me. I slip into some black heels, take a breath, and exit the bathroom.

  His eyebrow shoots up as his eyes takes me in.

  “You look really pretty.”

  I blush for a few seconds and then I pull myself together

  “Do you plan on telling me where we’re going?”

  “Nope.”

  “What the fu—?” I go to say.

  He briefly places one finger up to my lips.

  “Proper ladies don’t cuss.”

  “Nothing about me is proper.”

  “Well, let’s change that then,” he says.

  He extends his elbow out to me, and I curl my fingers around his bicep. We walk out and the suspense is killing me. He holds my hand as we go down the elevator and out to the entry of the hotel. He stops and nods to a black limo that is waiting out front. The driver walks around to let us in, but Trig stops him.

  “I got it.”

  “Ohhhh fancy, Mr. Krackle.”

  He opens my door and lets me in first.

  “And a gentleman too. I like that.”

  “I’m always a gentleman.” He winks.

  “I’ll give you that much.”

  I look out the window, anxious. I’m dressed like I’m about to attend a wedding, or rather, be in one. Trig reaches over and grabs my hand.

  “So, you’re really not going to tell me where were going?”

  He shakes his head. I frown.

  “It would ruin the surprise.”

  We drive down a few streets and then the limo parks outside a high school. I see tons of kids getting out of cars and limos dressed up like we are. Holy shit. We’re at a prom. I turn to Trig. He smiles and holds up a corsage.

  “Will you go to prom with me?”

  I laugh.

  “We’re kind of already here. It would be mean to say no at this point.” I pause. “Yes. I’ll go to prom with you.” I grin.

  He slides the corsage on my wrist. I watch him get out on his side, and then he comes around and opens my door. I step out, arm and arm with Trig. I can hear music playing from somewhere inside the school.

  “This is crazy. How are we even getting in there?”

  “I’ve got game, that’s how.”

  We walk up to where the other kids are checking in. An older woman standing on the opposite side of a table from us looks at me, and then Trig.

  “Mr. Krackle. How are you? Is this the lovely young lady?”

  She points at me. I just stare.

  “It is.”

  “Come in, please. I am so glad we can make this wish come true for you both, and I just want to thank you for your large donation to the school. We are so honored to have you here tonight.”

  I look at Trig like he’s an alien.

  “The pleasure is all mine. Anything for the kids.”

  I have no idea who the man attached to my arm is right now. Large donation? A wish? I lean into him as we walk.

  “What are we really doing here?” I ask.

  He ignores me as we walk down the hallway toward the music. I’m filled with confusion, excitement, and uncertainty.

  “Trig?”

  He stops and turns to me just as we get to the entryway.

  “I’m trying to give you what you never had.”

  I go to speak, but he stops me.

  “I want to make up for all the things you missed. Just let me be a man and do that for you.”

  I nod, and with that one nod, I think I just gave him every piece of me. I squeeze his hand tighter. He turns to walk, but I pull him back to me. He swings around and I grab his face with both of my hands. I pull him down to my lips. The kiss is slow and sweet. It’s a thank you. No. It’s more than that. It’s a, how did I get so lucky to have you by my side, type kiss. We have that unconditional love. Agape as it’s otherwise known in the Bible, and Trig is right. No one has ever loved me more than him, and no one ever will. He pulls away and looks at me the way he usually does with those soul-searching eyes, and I can’t get enough of it. Trig and me are far from perfect people, but tonight I feel flawless next to him. We both turn and head toward the gymnasium.

  “Oh my god,” I say, as we enter.

  The school really went to work in here. It’s beautiful. The theme on a large banner reads A Diamond In The Rough. The place is blinged out, and everything shines, from the center pieces, to the décor on the ceiling, to the floor. It’s every girl’s dream prom. I scan the room to see kids scattered everywhere. Some are dancing and some of them are just hanging out. I notice a few teenage girls checking out Trig, and I don’t blame them. If I was younger and saw him walk into my school the way he looks right now, I’d probably do the same, maybe more. The DJ is up on the stage, and a pop song is playing. It’s a little too fast for me, so we go take a seat at a nearby table. I look around the room.

  “What? No punch bowl?” I joke.

  “I think that’s only in movies. Too many kids were spiking the punch and having a really good time at prom. There’s a non-alcoholic drink bar over in the corner if you’re thirsty.”

  “No. I’m good. Maybe later. I still can’t believe you did this.”

  I stare down at my corsage. It’s pretty. The blue flowers match my dress.

  “I’d do anything for you, Nine. You know that.”

  I look up at him. His dark brown eyes stare into mine. The fast-paced song that is on suddenly changes, and now the tempo is nice and slow.

  “Dance with me,” he says, as he shoots up from his chair.

  I stand and wrap my arm around his as he leads me out to the floor. He puts one of his hands on my waist and the other one on my hip. He slowly pulls me into him, and we start to sway to the music. I can’t keep my eyes off of him. I want to freeze this moment in time. Everything is perfect, and I’ve never been happier than I am right now, dancing in the arms of the man who I’ve fallen in love with. I smile up at him.

  “What?” he says.

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Tell me,” he pushes.

  “I’m just so...” I change my mind. “Thank you,” I say instead.

  He holds me tighter. I rest my head on his chest and smile. I breathe in the smell of his cologne and I’m here in heaven with him holding me the way he is. I can feel his warm hand on my lower back and the sensation is comforting and sensual. The DJ follows through with two more slow songs, and we stay out there on the dance floor enjoying the moment. I wrap my arms around his neck and look up at him with adoring eyes.

  “How’d you do it?”

  “Do what?” He knits his eyebrows together.

  “Free this caged up heart of mine.”

  He grins.

  “I told you I’d fight for you. I guess I won the battle.”

  “At ease, soldier.”

  I slowly reach up and pull his face down to mine. Just before our lips touch, bright lights start flashing all around us and the music cuts off. I pull away and look at the circle of people gathered close by. A few photographers are still snapping pictures of us when a loud voice comes on over the speaker. I spin around to look at the stage. The woman we first met when we came in is now standing up there and looking at Trig and me. My insides cringe and I feel overwhelmed as the spotlight shines on us now.

  “I guess a few of you are wondering what these two beautiful people are doing here. Well, let me tell you. Last week this young gentleman came to me. He told me his wife Angelina had never been to prom because of a tragedy that occurred in her youth. He asked me if he could make it up to her tonight by bringing her here. She had no idea. Tonight was a complete surprise to her. I know normally we only do one prom king and queen, but I think tonight we can handle two.”

  The gymnasium goes crazy. Kids are smiling and hollering and everyone is looking at us. I feel like I’m about to throw up. This is all too crazy. I look at Trig. He
gives me his famous grin.

  “Can we get you two up here?” The lady smiles and waves us forward. “Come on.”

  I can’t walk. My feet are planted on the floor. Suddenly everyone clears a path for us. Trig has to lightly nudge my arm to get me to move. We finally make our way up to the stage, hand in hand. I look out over the crowd of kids who are yelling and clapping. I smile out of embarrassment. My cheeks must be a bright shade of red because I can feel the heat on my face. The woman pulls out a crown and places it on my head, and then she does the same to Trig.

  “I crown you two this year’s honorary prom queen and king.”

  The crowd starts to whistle, scream, and clap.

  I tell her, thank you. We both face the crowd and nod.

  “I’m going to kill you,” I say through my teeth as I lean into him. The smile on my face hasn’t left yet and neither has the one on his. He leans into me.

  “Baby, tonight I’m going to give it to you so hard that you won’t want to.”

  I blush again. The clapping and yelling finally subside. We make our way off the stage as they bring up the real queen and king. The two kids look super happy and not bothered once by the little show they had for us.

  “I can’t believe you told them to do that.”

  “No. That back there wasn’t me. I didn’t request her to crown us.”

  I look at him, unconvinced. I cross my arms and stare him down.

  He finally laughs and holds one hand over his stomach.

  “Okay. I might have mentioned you, but certainly not me.”

  I walk up to him and grab him by the lapel.

  “Your wife? Honorary prom queen? You are in so much trouble, Mr. Krackle.”

  “I just want to see you happy.”

  I look around the room at all the cheerful young couples. A few of them are sneaking kisses on the dance floor and the others are discreetly making out in dark corners.

  “If we were a teen couple I would have totally made out with you behind the bleachers, just so you know,” I say.

  “And I would have totally tried to get laid on prom night, just so you know.”

  “I would have let you try, and maybe even helped you succeed.” I smile.