Keeping Victoria's Secret

by Melinda Peters

  When it was fully dark, they spread out Joe’s blanket and Vicky sank down gratefully between Joe and Diane. She was tired and a little sunburned, though she had enjoyed the day. Off to one side she could see Doc and his wife strategically seated on lawn chairs and nearby, Jimmy and Penny lounged on their own blanket, the baby between them. Gradually the crowd hushed, knowing the show was about to start. Somewhere patriotic music began to play and at the far end of the park, the volunteer fire company was bustling around their rocket mortar tubes.

  The first rocket sizzled skyward, culminating with a bright white flash and thudding boom. The crowd rippled with the usual exclamations of, Ohh! and Ahh! The baby woke with a startled cry, and Diane laughed and scrambled over to help the new parents with the crying infant.

  As soon as Diane was gone, Joe moved closer and reaching for her hand gave it a squeeze. Ignoring him, Vicky realized her skirt had risen way too high. She squirmed away, struggling to tug it back down, glad for the darkness. Sitting on the ground has its own difficulties. Someone sat down on Vicky’s other side, and she turned to see Jack.

  More rockets soared skyward, lighting up the night. Vicky froze when Joe casually slipped his arm around her shoulders. She and Jack still had eyes locked. How weird is this?

  “Where’s Carol?” she said, looking around.

  Frowning at Joe’s arm, Jack shrugged. Then he took Vicky’s hand in his.

  With Joe’s arm wrapped around her shoulders, and Jack pulling on her arm, it was becoming an uncomfortable situation!

  Joe leaned over speaking past Vicky. “Jack, are you and Carol getting back together?”

  Jack stared fiercely at his friend, “No.”

  Victoria disengaged herself, tugged the hem of her short dress down again, and ran a hand through her hair. They’re both just plain nuts. More skyrockets went sizzling and crackling up, higher and higher bursting in rapid succession.

  It was precisely at this point that Vicky realized that she held the reins on this team of horses. It was an intoxicating thought and one she hadn’t experienced before now. What she didn’t realize was that this was a runaway team!

  She cleared her throat and gave a little cough. “The fireworks are spectacular! Do they always do such a fantastic job? Is it like this every year?”

  Smaller rockets burst quickly like a string of firecrackers while another exploded, sending a brilliant red, white, and blue rainbow searing across the dark sky. Distantly, from the west, thunder rumbled between the loud booms overhead.

  “Usually it’s pretty impressive. This is even better than last year, don’t you think Jack?”

  Jack nodded. “Yes, even better than last year. That sounds like thunder and the breeze is picking up. Might get some rain before the night’s over.”

  Struggling once more to pull her skirt down she stretched her legs out before her, crossed her ankles and leaned back on her elbows gazing up at the multi-colored bursts. This made the dress rise up higher on her thighs. Vicky grinned to herself mischievously. There’s just no way to keep this dress from riding up.

  Joe looked over at her long legs and grinned at Jack, who looked murderously at his friend.

  The fireworks continued for another fifteen minutes while the thunder grew closer. Then there was a hint of lightning in the western sky. The high school band struck up The Star Spangled Banner as the biggest and brightest missiles, saved for the grand finale, went crashing off in mere second intervals. Everyone got to their feet and cheered. The air was filled with the perfume of celebratory gunpowder.

  The band finished playing the national anthem and as the noise of the crowd subsided to a quiet murmur, lightning flashed and an earsplitting clap of thunder tore the air. Without standing on further ceremony, people began running for their cars. They were parked on side streets and lots all over town and everyone ran in different directions. Except for a few, who stood looking about dumfounded because they couldn’t remember where they’d left their vehicles.

  She felt someone grab her arm and pull her into a run.

  “Come on,” exclaimed Jack, “Before we get caught in the rain.”

  There was a pandemonium of laughing people, grabbing up chairs and blankets, dodging each other and running for their cars. Looking around, she didn’t see Joe.

  “Where’s Joe?” She looked back, worried.

  “Hurry, I’m parked right here!” Jack said gesturing at his truck parked just down the street.

  “But I came with Joe,” she shouted.

  “I know, I know, but you’re leaving with me.” Jack picked up the pace, pulling her along. Lightning flashed across the sky illuminating the park. Thunder boomed in a deafening clap just over their heads. Shrieking, she threw herself into Jack’s arms and clung to him. He scooped her up and ran the short distance to the truck. The first heavy drops were pelting the hood and windshield.

  Jack opened the passenger door and lifted Vicky onto the seat. The emergency wasn’t so dire that he failed to take time to notice her skimpy red skirt hiking all the way up to reveal… Yes! Silky red panties. He sighed with pleasure, before he ran around and vaulted into the driver’s seat just as the rain came beating down in torrents.

  “Joe won’t mind. It’s an emergency. No point in him driving all the way out to the farm and back.” He started the engine and pulled slowly into the line of vehicles carrying weary revelers homeward. He drove slowly and carefully through the driving rain, wipers slapping rhythmically, working hard to keep pace with the downpour. Neither of them spoke until his truck was on the gravel drive beside the farmhouse.

  “Come on!” yelled Jack as they climbed out quickly and dashed for the front porch. The roar of the rain thundering on the roof as they stood watching the storm.

  Furious, she turned and faced him before erupting, “You shouldn’t have grabbed me like that. What about Joe? He’s the one that took me out! I should’ve gone home with him. He’s going to be mad, maybe worried about me just disappearing! I’m going to call him.”

  “Joe will understand. It was the storm coming on so fast.” He quickly pulled out his cell phone and punched the buttons.

  “Joe. It’s Jack. Victoria’s with me.” He listened, and then said, “Well I had to get her out of the rain. Where were you? I didn’t see you anywhere.” He listened again. “I knew you’d want me to take care of her. She’s safe at home. Talk to you tomorrow.” He closed the phone abruptly, replaced it in his pocket, and turned once more to Vicky, sensing her displeasure.

  “Victoria, look. I tried to talk with you all day. I want to apologize. I think I’ve made a monumental mistake.” He looked at the raindrops dancing through his headlight beams in the driveway, before he said, “Always seems to rain on the Fourth sometime during the day....” Silence followed, broken only by the rain and occasional peals of thunder.

  “Does this mistake have something to do with the rain? Is that it?” Vicky asked sarcastically.

  Then it all poured out of him in a rush. “No damn it! It’s you. It’s always you! I’ve tried my best to keep away from you! There’s a good reason. Hey, I don’t want you or anyone else, to think I’m trying to get the farm back by getting close to you. I’ve been watching out for you, trying to make sure Van Winkle doesn’t swindle you out of this place. I’m still worried about that, no matter what Fred says. Victoria, when you went off with Joe today it was as if somebody stuck a knife in me." Jack reached for her. "Ever since we made love…there’s been something special between us; don’t you understand?”

  Vicky wasn’t sure exactly what it was Jack was trying to say, but she was touched by his concern. “Did you think that Joe was going to hurt me in some way?”

  “No!" He drew her closer. "If you’re interested in Joe, I’ll try to understand. If you want to date him, that’s your business. Joe’s a great guy. Probably make some girl a great husband some day.”

  She wasn’t sure whether she wanted to laugh or cry. It was all too much for her. “I can�
�t say that I’m particularly interested in Joe, not yet.” She stepped back and found herself yelling at Jack. “Listen, I don’t want to be alone all my life. I would like to get married someday and God willing have a family. You’re obviously not interested in that kind of a future with me, or any girl. You’ve probably dated half the girls in town already, so please just let me alone.” Brushing tears away, she slipped inside her front door and ran upstairs, pursued closely by two scrambling kittens.

  Chapter 19

  Peter Dewitt toyed with the stem of his crystal wine glass as he studied his lovely young guest from across the dining table. The servants, under his direction, had necessarily dressed the unfortunate girl in some of his late wife, Marguerite’s clothing. Taken from him the year before by the yellow fever, she was sorely missed and he was only now recovering from the loss.

  This girl, Gwendolyn, was indeed beautiful, with delicate features and striking red tresses that flowed over perfectly shaped alabaster shoulders. Sarah, his Carib housekeeper, had altered for her a blue silk gown with a very low décolletage that revealed a healthy portion of her full breasts. Her eyes, a deep blue like that of the dress, sparkled at him in the candlelight.

  They were enjoying a last glass of wine together following an elaborate meal in the large dining room of his plantation’s manor house. It was a grand mansion situated on a cliff overlooking the sea. Servants had carried in platters of crispy fried fish, heavily spiced chicken with rice, flat bread and every variety of vegetables. They’d hovered attentively ensuring their plates and wine glasses were kept filled. Gwendolyn hadn’t tasted anything so wonderful since leaving England three months earlier on board the brigantine, Charlotte.

  “A good business it was we managed to spirit you away when we did. That Captain of theirs was determined you should remain, but… though it was a close run thing there for a moment.” Dewitt shrugged elaborately, took up his glass, and sipped. “We had the upper hand on them, at least temporarily. I am gratified to know that those devils did not molest you while they held you in captivity.

  Now Miss Butterfield, I hope you will make yourself comfortable here in my home until we can arrange passage on a ship to return you safely to your people. If there is anything further you require, please do not hesitate to ask.” His gaze strayed to her soft breasts, barely contained by the blue silk. He smiled at her over the rim of his glass and imagined what it would be like to make love to this beauty. With an effort, he dismissed the thought from his mind and refilled their glasses.

  “I can’t thank you enough, for my rescue and the many things you’ve done for my comfort. You are correct my good sir, I was not abused. I was treated roughly at times, but….” She darted a suspicious frown at him. Just how is it he knows I wasn’t molested or cruelly treated? Shall I trust this man, Peter Dewitt? How could he have known what transpired during my weeks of captivity?

  Swallowing wine, she continued, “I can tell you this, if it were not for the bravery of Captain Jack I might well have been badly treated and dishonored. I believe some of the other women held by them most certainly were. More than once he interceded and kept his men from harming me when they might have….” Her voice trembled in fear at the memory, or was it desire? As the image of Captain Jack, deliciously making love to her, made her long to be in his arms once more. I endured captivity only to have the worst assumed regarding my honor. When it becomes known that I was held prisoner for weeks by pirates, people will naturally assume the worst, but they will be right to do so. Was I not, in fact, dishonored by that very same?

  “Ah yes, the infamous Captain Jack. Pardon my saying this, but you my dear were fortunate to be captured by that man. He is no common thief or murderer like the others. I fear your fate might have been far worse otherwise.” Dewitt took a sip of his wine, and smiling to himself, grunted with satisfaction.

  “You know of him?” asked Gwendolyn.

  He shrugged in response, saying, “Who is not known by most everyone in our small community of islands. The pirates leave us alone generally, but once ships embark laden with goods for the Colonies or Europe, they become fair game. However, after our confrontation yesterday, they might feel the need to retaliate. You needn’t be concerned, I have many armed men in my employ, and I believe the miscreants are not so foolhardy. Your ship, what was she and where bound?”

  “Our vessel was the brigantine Charlotte, bound for the Chesapeake and the James River in the Virginia Colony where I’ve relatives. I greatly fear they’ll think me gone from this world. If there is a way to obtain passage to those shores, I would be grateful. I’ve nothing now, but when safely arrived at my destination, can send you payment.”

  Dewitt waved away the mention of payment for anything he might do for the young woman. “No no, say nothing of that. I am glad to be of some assistance to you. Ships come often to these islands to take on cargo of molasses and rum for the colonies. It should not be long before we can get you aboard one of those, but Virginia.... I cannot be sure when.”

  Thoughts of the handsome Captain with flashing dark eyes made Gwendolyn almost regret her rescue. I knew there was something different about him. She sighed. At heart, he’s not a bloodthirsty scoundrel. There is goodness in him. If I had found the strength to resist his kisses, he would never have forced himself upon me. Wonderful warmth filled her at the thought of his caresses. She lifted her fan, fluttering it rapidly to try to relieve the heat within, cursing her own body for betraying her.

  “Allow me to intrude on your thoughts Miss Butterfield. It appears you are distressed.”

  She did not have an opportunity to answer, as without warning through the windows came a brilliant bolt of lightning, splitting the darkness, followed closely by a tremendous clap of thunder. Immediately they both turned to see that it had grown very dark out of doors.

  “These tropical latitudes can produce storms in the mere blink of an eye. Before the sun set, one would have given no thought to a storm arising,” said Peter Dewitt. He sipped from his wine and sighed, gazing through the tall windows at lightning flashes illuminating the roiling surf as it crashed onto the beach.

  In quick succession, more thunder rolled over the sea and Gwendolyn visibly shuddered with each report.

  “Do not be afraid, Mademoiselle. “These storms usually pass quickly.”

  At that moment, a dull boom sounded a different note from the direction of the sea. Peter Dewitt came erect listening. He put down his wine and went to the long windows.

  “Not thunder,” he announced, “But the sound of a big gun. It was a cannon shot.”

  Several further thudding booms sounded, followed once more by a thunderclap. “Remain here Mademoiselle, and linger as long as you like over your wine. If you will pardon me, I must go and see what this is about.” Bowing, Dewitt darted from the room.

  What’s happening? Gwendolyn wondered. Sipping the excellent vintage, she watched the storm release its fury on the island. She heard shouts from outside but couldn’t make out what was said. Gradually the voices receded and the gunfire seemed to become more feint as well. She was put at ease by the warming wine and relaxed in the growing quiet.

  Without warning over the sea flashed a blaze of lightning that briefly illuminated the island. Then overhead there came a deafening peal of thunder. Startled, she straightened quickly, dropping her glass. It crashed and tinkled, scattering chards across the floor. The sound of doors crashing open and yells came from within the house. Clutching her chair, she turned around and Jack stood there before her, smiling at her, his coat dripping water onto the floor.

  “Come with me, my dear. Do not be afraid. I’ll let no harm come to you.”

  With complete trust, Gwendolyn followed as he took her arm and led her from the house. Thrilled at the thought of this handsome dark man spiriting her away, her heart began to pound. She marveled at how readily she was willing to go with him, abandoning her safe haven and the prospect of returning to her people in Virginia. He led her car
efully down a steep path on the cliff face in the darkness, rain soaking her shear evening dress. Somehow, Jack knew where to step and guide her along. She made her way with difficulty in delicate shoes, lifting her long gown. She wondered how it was he so easily negotiated the treacherous path, almost as though he’d been here before. More than once Jack reached out to prevent her from falling. At the water’s edge, several of his crewmen awaited them beside a boat drawn up on the beach.

  From "Caribbean Fire", by Tori Baxter.

  * * *

  Vicky fished her cell phone from a pocket when the ring tone startled her back to reality. She saw the call was from her agent, Marsha Chandler. Flipping open the phone, she answered with a cheerful, “Good morning Marsha”

  “Vicky, how are you? We haven’t talked in way too long.”

  “I’m fine Marsha. How are you? Still after that hot guy in legal?”

  “He turned out to be not so hot,” sighed Marsha. “I guess I’m just not meant for romance.”

  “Same here,” she laughed.

  “How’s ‘Caribbean Fire’ coming? Your publisher is enthusiastic. She’s winding up a couple of projects now and we were hoping to fit yours in right behind them.”

  “The book is coming along nicely. No problem. I’m on schedule. It’s been a while since we talked. I guess I didn’t tell you about my car accident?”

  “Car accident! Oh my God! Vick, Honey, are you okay?”

  “Sure Marsha. I’m fine. It happened about a month ago. I pulled out of a parking lot, and whamo! Some poor senior citizen strayed over the center line. The car was totaled, but I’m okay.

  “That’s good. Did you get a new car yet?”

  “No, not yet. I’ve received a check from the insurance company though. While this book’s coming along so easily I want to concentrate on it. I’ve been looking around some, but I can’t decide whether to get an economical car or an SUV for the ice and snow they tell me I can expect up here during the winter."