Trying to stand, he staggered, then fell back, spilling the brandy all over the expensive sofa. Looking at the spreading stain blearily, he belched and said, “Ahhh fuck it.” Speaking slowly once again, he mumbled, “You know, I could have Congressmen disappear, never to be found, if I wanted to. Yet all the power, and all the money I have could never give me what I really want, what I really need. Yunnow that?“
“And just what would that be, pray tell?”
“Love.” he mumbled. “And would you buleeev it, I actually had it once, and pissed it all away.”
Finally easing her hand away from her weapon, she let her arm rest on the chair, and a look of sadness crossed her face. “Max, you of all people should know how foolish love is, and what a waste of time it is to chase it. It’s an illusion. You ever seen that movie ‘Wall Street‘? I happen to believe, now, anyway, what Michael Douglas said in that movie: Love is a fairytale invented to keep people from leaping off of tall buildings. Or something along those lines. Point is, you’re wasting your time chasing shadows.”
Twirling the family ring on his finger, he forced himself to focus on her, knowing that she was full of it. He knew!
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked after a moment.
Focusing on his speech again, he replied, “Illusion? So you think it’s a fairytale, do you? Well, it’s not. Haven’t you ever loved, little bird? Haven’t you ever had anyone in your life you would die for? Someone you would literally kill for to protect? A decent person, someone who’s so good and pure, they help wash the stink off the shameful things we have to do, and that person doesn’t even know it? Well, I had that someone, and lost her. That, my dear, is what’s causing me so much distress.”
“No, I haven’t. But I think I’ll take you up on that offer of a drink now, do you mind?” she asked, motioning to the large bar at the far end of the room.
“Help yourself.” he said. So, I hit a nerve with you. What are you hiding? I still know you’re lying…he thought, his head beginning to clear a little.
“No, I’ve never had anyone like that.” she said as she got up and crossed the room. “And I don’t know why you’re obsessing over it, anyway. Max, there’s no one on the face of this earth who can change the fact we’re monsters, the both of us. We have stood by and watched the innocent suffer and be killed, and all for the amusement of those much more powerful than ourselves.”
Jesus, what a miserable way to live. Without Aisha, I’m just as empty, just as hollow as she wants me to think SHE is. What a miserable Goddamn existence we lead… he thought as he watched her pour a stiff shot of Chivas Regal. He wanted to tell her that not only was love NOT an illusion, but that maybe she should walk away from it all and never look back. But that was impossible, he knew she would only be signing her own death warrant. There was no just walking away, for the likes of them. At least not until Thorn himself was gone.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” she asked as she looked back at him and took a drink.
“Oh, right. Money’s in my briefcase, right underneath the bar there. It’s unlocked. The briefcase, I mean.”
Tossing her drink back with one giant gulp, she grimaced, then leaned down to grab the briefcase. Setting it on the bar, she opened it and retrieved the dark brown envelope inside.
“It’s all there, as usual.” he mumbled, and finally managed to stand on shaky legs.
“Oh, I believe you, as usual.“ she replied lightly. Walking back to the chair she had been occupying earlier, she grabbed her coat and slid it on, then put the envelope in the inside pocket. Then she did something that was totally out of character for her. Reaching out slowly, she caressed his cheek lightly, almost lovingly, and said, “Max, whether you believe this or not, I don’t enjoy seeing you in such a state. I’m still human, after all. Well, mostly. Don’t waste your time pining over this love you think you lost. It’s just not worth it. Besides, it’s something Thorn can use against you, if he ever finds out. Just don’t talk about it anymore, Ok? The state you’re in now, it could be very dangerous for you, and distracting as well. It could get you killed, and I wouldn‘t want to see that happen. Really, I wouldn‘t.”
“I’ll take it under advisement.” he mumbled, knowing the words were as empty as his soul felt.
“Right.“ she replied, and her face once again took on the hard look he knew so well. Reaching into her outside pocket, she handed him her card, one with a new telephone number, as usual.
Stepping away, she walked to the door, then hesitated. Looking back at him, she said, “Listen, call when or if you need me. I’m sorry you’re hurting, I really meant what I said. I wish….never mind. Take care of yourself, Max. Get yourself cleaned up and get something to eat.” she finished, then opened the door and left.
Carefully, he walked to the door and locked it. Leaning against it, he mumbled to himself, “What are your secrets, little bird?”
Looking at the coffee table, he went to it and picked up his cell phone, then dialed.
A voice with a gruff Boston accent answered, and he could hardly hear over the loud music in the background. “Whatcha’ want, Max?” the man half yelled. Do I really want to do this, and why do I even care?… he thought. “I’m at the Dumont, I need you here, now. There’s someone I need you to track.”
The man growled into the phone, clearly irritated at his party being interrupted. “What??? I thought you said to drop the track on your ex.”
Gritting his teeth, he tried to control his temper. “No, not her, Raven! I want you to shadow Raven! She just left, so you better hurry! You know how quickly her trail goes cold!” There was dead silence from the man on the other end for a few moments, and the only thing he could hear was the loud thumping of Def Leppard in the background, and the squealing and whooping of what sounded like several drunk females.
“Oh no, brother.” the man finally answered. “No no no no NO! And no amount of money or threats will get me to shadow that psycho bitch! Bitch tried to castrate me the last time I crossed her, remember? And if it hadn’t been for that US Marshall’s cruiser happening by, praise merciful Jesus, she would have succeeded!”
Max was familiar with the story. Duke had gotten on her bad side on one particular assignment. On a stakeout, he had been both bored and horny, and had tried to physically convince her they should kill a little time by trying to force himself on her. She had sliced one of his fingers off, and was lunging at his genitals with the razor sharp knife when he frantically managed to leap out of the car and run down the street. Terrified, he knew she was giving chase, and had felt tremendous relief as he saw a US Marshall’s cruiser two blocks down from where they had been. Running in front of the car, the Marshall had been forced to slam on his brakes, then leaped out. Although she had vanished as quietly as a ghost, he was still terrified of angering her further if he reported her. He made up a lie on the spot, claiming he had been mugged and physically assaulted by a gang of hoodlums. The Marshall had rushed him to the hospital, where he let the local police take over. He had lied to them as well, sending them on a wild goose chase. He never found his severed finger.
“Look, I’ll pay you enough to keep you in clover for the rest of your life, Ok? I’m talking six figures times four, all right? And I know for a fact you need it.”
Silence on the other end for a few moments, then he said, “Hang on a sec…Will you three TURN THAT SHIT DOWN?” he yelled. “Sorry about that. Yeah, you‘re right, I do need the money. Ok. But I‘ll likely never live to enjoy it. I‘ll be over as soon as I can.“
The line went dead, and Max wondered if he was doing the right thing. Too late now…. he thought.
On legs slightly more steady, he went to take a shower and get ready, not wanting to appear incompetent when the man saw him again. After their little meeting, he would sober up a few more hours, then head back home. He had unfinished business with his ex wife Danielle, he had decided he would take custody of his son.
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Chapter 12
Mrs. Aisha Willow Riley stood on the balcony of her soon to be sold condo, gazing at the gorgeous skyline just as the sun began to rise. Pulling the blanket that was wrapped around her nude body a little tighter, she reflected. It was still a little difficult to believe she was actually married to Connell, and would be having his child by late summer. I’m having his baby, Jenny! I bet you’re looking down on us right now, saying ’told you so!‘…aren’t you? With tears of both joy and sadness in her eyes, she looked up to the heavens and offered up a silent prayer. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful gift, Lord. And thank YOU, Jenny, my friend. You’ll forever live on in my memory, along with your children, and their children…..
A sudden fluttering noise broke the spell, and she watched as a dove landed on the safety railing and rested. More than a little surprised, she finally looked away and chuckled. She looked down at the wedding band on her finger, along with the cherished promise ring, and her mind wandered back to the wedding. It certainly hadn’t been a traditional kind of wedding, it had been even better.
Harriett and Connell both had secretly planned it, along with the hospital chaplain and a few of the nurses that had been caring for her. The ceremony had taken place in the beautifully decorated hospital chapel. Harriett had been the maid of honor, and Terry, Harriett’s young photographer boy-toy, had been Connell’s best man.
Harriett and Connell had basically shanghaied her into the wedding, it had started with Harriett showing up that morning with a hairdresser in tow, claiming she would feel better (and it would pass the time) if she got a little make over. The hairdresser did her hair in an updo, and adorned it with small, beautiful, silver butterfly clip. She then had the woman had do her make-up, and only had to use a small amount to enhance her features.
Afterwards, several of the nurses had came in, carrying with them a simply stunning cream-colored wedding dress, complete with a wrap to cover her bandaged shoulder. Only then had it dawned on her what exactly had been going on.
“Now hurry up and get dressed, Connell is in the chapel waiting, and the hospital Chief of Staff is waiting outside the door to walk you down the aisle.” Harriett had cheerfully announced. When she didn’t move fast enough to suit her, Her friend had clapped her hands together briskly and directed the nurses to help her get undressed, then dressed. “Ohhhh, don’t be such a big baby, Ducky! And stop pretending like you don’t want to marry the lad! You’re not fooling anyone, precious! So come on now, he’s waiting, and so is half the hospital! Get your stubborn arse moving!” she had scolded as she took one last swig from her flask to calm her wedding day nerves.
It hadn’t been the kind of wedding she had envisioned in happier times (while living on the farm) but for once in her life, she happily capitulated to the will of others, and let go of her fears. She would finally marry the man she loved, and just deal with whatever fate had in store for them.
After the ceremony was over, they had called back home, telling everyone the good news. Everyone (except Megan) had been ecstatically happy for them, and were already planning for their return. While Connell himself hadn’t appreciated his mother’s attitude one bit, she herself at least respected the woman’s honesty. She had remarked to Connell, “Well, I would rather her be upfront, unlike the people that burned that cross. There’s an old saying, ‘better the devil you know’ Saying that, she had put her thoughts on Megan on the backburner, and had enjoyed her wedding night with her husband. When she had spoke to Helen, the woman had hinted she was in for a big surprise when she returned home. She suspected it would be some sort of “Welcome Home” surprise party.
With a loud flapping of wings, the dove finally took off.
Everything seemed to be happening in one big whirlwind for her. Touching her shoulder, she thought about the arrangements that had been made for her aftercare and physical therapy. Doctor Boyd, the doctor Jenny and Connell had always trusted, had would be caring for her. Other than him, she didn’t think she would need any further care, at the moment she really only suffered from soreness and morning sickness. But Connell had insisted that she be seen by an OB when they returned home, and she had agreed, just to avoid strife.
She jumped and yelped when a strong pair of arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her. “Connell, damn you, you scared five years off my life! For such a big man, you move around like a ninja!“
“You shouldn’t be out here,” he murmured as he kissed the side of her neck. “It feels like we’re in for some snow, and soon. I wouldn’t want you or the baby to get sick,” he said, pulling her even closer to his hard body.
Glancing over her shoulder she looked at his bare chest. “Look who’s talking, at least I have a blanket!”
He nibbled her earlobe, causing her to shiver, He chuckled and said, “You’re talking to a hardcore country boy, remember? I love the cold.”
Turning around she opened the blanket, welcoming him to share the warmth. Resting her head on his shoulder, she said, “We really should shower and get dressed, the movers will be here soon to start packing the house up. And the realtors will be here.”
He silenced her concerns as he lowered his head and flicked his tongue lightly over both her taut nipples. “Hmmm, something about this seems awfully familiar, doesn’t it?” he teased as he lifted her and carried her into the living room.
“You bad, bad boy!” she giggled in anticipation.
Placing her gently on the couch, he pulled the blanket back, exposing her nude body, “Have I told you lately how beautiful I think you are, inside and out?” When she nodded, he said, “Well, let me say it again. I can’t believe a woman like you would want a simple man like me. Thank you for loving me, and letting me love you.”
“Well, you make it easy, damn you. Well, most of the time, anyway.” she sighed.
Leaning forward, he took a hardened nipple in his mouth and carefully pulled her to him.
She released a contented moan of pure pleasure. Running her fingers through his hair, she pulled his face even closer to her bosom and arched her back, feeding him even more of her hot flesh. He kissed and licked his way down to her other nipple, his warm breath making her skin tingle. Her legs grew weak and she moaned as he inserted a large finger inside her hot center and began stroking slowly.
Excited by her reaction, he let his lips and tongue trail slowly down her body. Stopping at her womb for a moment, he kissed her there reverently, then looked up at her and said, “I can’t wait until you start showing, somehow it’ll make all of this seem more real, and not so much like a dream.“ He began planting small, tender kisses all over her belly, causing her to whimper and at the same time marvel at his ability to set her body on fire so easily.
“Ohhh Connell…” she breathed heavily, her eyes beginning to glaze over with lust.
Parting her legs, he planted wet kisses and licked the inside of both her thighs, inching his way to her hot, wet folds. Gently, he took her one of her legs and raised it over his shoulder. Slowly, he began kissing and teasing her center with his tongue and mouth.
Wave after wave of pleasure washed over and through her, and for the hundredth time she marveled silently at his ability to spark hair-trigger orgasms from her body. While she had always been a passionate woman, no man had ever possessed the ability or talents to make her so wet, so hot, and worst (or best) of all, could have made her beg, and even offer money, if he had so desired. The sweet *torture* with his mouth, tongue, and fingers continued until she had released three more times and began begging for mercy. Moaning loudly and feeling faint, she knew the best was yet to come.
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3 Days Later
The drive home had been uncomfortable for Aisha, because of the constant need to have Connell pull over in rest areas so she could relieve herself. He had opted to drive his Dodge Ram all the way up to New York instead of catching a horribl
y expensive commercial flight. After all, he had had three days to get there and prepare the condo for her recovery. When she had finally arrived stateside, he had booked a small, inexpensive flight in a privately owned Cessna to DC, and a return flight for two.
As far as having to pee every twenty minutes, she had thought those kinds of things only happened late in a pregnancy. She decided to find a bookstore and hopefully buy some baby books to prepare herself, and to read about the changes her body would be going through the next few months. Asking him to pull in and stop at the next mall they spotted, she giggled and said, “You should have booked us a commercial flight anyway. There would have been a bathroom right there, and with gas prices the way they are right now, driving this behemoth probably wasn’t much less expensive.”
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