Stories | Bingo’s Lair

The Revolver — Part Four of Switch: a novel

(Codes: MF, MF+, FF, M+F, M+F+; BDSM, Prostitution, Exhibitionism, Oral, Anal).
More information on The Revolver can be found on the Revolver Page.

Chapter Thirty
Wednesday
December 10, 1958

Maeve watched over Greg's chest as Mark woke. Greg seemed to sleep all night on his back; she lay on the side of the bed toward the window. Earlier she had watched the sky lighten. Then she turned and watched Mark.

She was unable to have children, had never wanted any, was uncomfortable around them. The past few weeks had filled her life with kids. They were still a mystery to her. She didn't understand how they did things. She wondered what her father had thought when she was born, twenty years after his only son and by a different woman. Both she and Ronald were strange, she realized. She wondered how, if her father had been comfortable around children, she would have turned out.

Greg got along with kids. The children seemed to like someone who wasn't taller than they were. Greg's dependence on other people included his dependence on the children at Kitty's. They liked helping, thought it natural to help.

Maeve wondered when the pirate's hat joined Mark in his bed. Mark smiled at her and held his finger to his lips and made a shushing motion.

She nodded at him and grinned. They were complicit in a subterfuge.

* * *

Johnny made breakfast and brought it back to his bed. Penny relaxed, the covers half off her. If he hadn't known her better he would have thought she had arranged them for that effect. She was effortlessly decorative, effortlessly attractive. Johnny handed her the tray then joined her in bed. The sheets were stained; there was a faint odor, nothing bothersome, just a statement of fact that Penny was having her period.

They ate toast and drank coffee quietly. He was happy to look at her; she enjoyed being looked at. When they were done eating he moved the tray to the bedside table and lay down with her, touching her breasts, enjoying their feel. Penny luxuriated in touch. Some women lay quietly, she moved slowly against him, her skin rubbing his, legs against legs, sides against sides, hands touching. She arched her back and opened her mouth slightly and twisted against him when he touched her pussy.

They made love a second time, slowly. This morning Johnny didn't think of Gloria, didn't think of anyone other than Penny.

They washed each other in the shower afterwards. She looked silly in Maeve's shower cap, plastic with polka dots. She seemed to enjoy the feel of his soapy hands on her body, how he held her with one hand as he touched her with the other.

They dressed afterwards. Johnny missed the magic of watching her insert a tampon. Everybody was different. About some things Maeve was private, about others she couldn't have cared less.

They dressed and then left the house, going their separate ways, Penny to Sarasota to pick up Maeve after dropping off Gloria. One car would be left for Gloria and Darlene to come back in. Johnny was to meet Maeve in the hotel lobby and they'd have lunch together.

Johnny had to pick up Sue. They had a busy day together.

* * *

Kitty held Darlene's hand as they got off the elevator. She led her to her room and knocked on the door. Mark opened it and gave her a hug. They went in. Maeve and Greg were still in bed. Kitty arched her eyebrows at Maeve.

Maeve propped herself on an elbow. "Get done what you needed to get done?"

Kitty and Darlene sat on Kitty's bed. Mark sat next to Kitty.

"It's okay Maeve and Greg hugged each other last night, isn't it? Greg still likes you and Maeve still likes Johnny." Mark said.

"It's okay, honey. Sleep well?" she asked Greg.

He glanced at Maeve. "We slept well."

Maeve got out of bed and went to her clothes. "Is it time for breakfast?"

Kitty looked up from the book Mark was showing her. "I'm hungry."

Darlene held out her hand to see the book. "When will you be able to read to me, Mark?"

Mark sat next to her. "See the dog." He pointed to the picture. "Isn't that a funny looking dog?" He turned the page. "The dog's name is Ben." Mark bent forward to look at Kitty. "Mom, can we get a dog soon?"

"Let's get through Christmas, Mark."

"Okay. Darlene, are you and Gloria going to stay with us?"

"For a while." Darlene glanced at Kitty. "If it is okay with your mom."

"It's okay," Kitty said. She turned to Greg. "Need to go to the bathroom?"

He smiled. "About to burst."

Maeve moved the wheelchair to the side of the bed.

Kitty stood. "I'll do that."

When Greg and Kitty returned, Kitty and Mark helped him dress. Mark decided to leave his sword and pirate's hat in the room. As they left, he held Kitty's hand and told her all about the restaurant they had gone to last night.

Darlene pushed Greg's wheelchair; Maeve followed.

They were eating their breakfast in the hotel restaurant when Maeve saw, through the windows, Penny's car park in the lot. Maeve watched Penny and Gloria get out and walk toward the hotel.

"Penny and Gloria are here," Maeve said. She began to leave her seat.

"I'll get them," Kitty said. Kitty stood, glanced at Maeve for a moment, then left.

Kitty ran out into the parking lot and hugged Gloria. They walked hand in hand back to the restaurant, Penny at their side.

* * *

Johnny sat in the department store and waited as Sue tried on dresses. He felt like he should have a monocle and a gold tipped cane. He was here the second time this week and with a different woman. Sue wasn't as obviously attractive as Eve; she had less fire. Her red-blonde hair and pale face didn't stop traffic; plus she usually wore clothes.

Sue was trying on a navy dress with buttons. It looked good on her. She walked slowly across the floor, watching his face. She raised an eyebrow, then turned and walked away. She stopped and turned to him.

"Well?"

"I like it."

She went to the clerk and they talked for a moment. Johnny checked his watch. Eleven. Plenty of time before meeting Maeve for lunch.

* * *

Gloria and Kitty strolled on the beach. Maeve and Penny had left in Maeve's Thunderbird, leaving Penny's car for her to drive back. Kitty was pouring her heart out and it was too much to listen to all at once. Gloria took her hand.

"Let's sit."

They sat together facing each other, not the Gulf. Kitty looked worn out.

"I need to talk about Darlene, Kitty. I'm worried about her."

Kitty nodded. "She told me a little of what went on. How's Tiger?"

"Tiger is sweet." Gloria drew a circle in the sand. "So is Sylphie. She's almost magic-looking. The way she walks she almost floats across the floor. She has white hair, black eye patch and striking features. Romeo and Juliet can't keep their hands off each other. We need to do something about that soon. There's no way to keep them apart. All the kids know too much. All but Walter and Mark, and Walter is old enough to know." Gloria tossed a shell a few feet away. "Kitty, I heard you were having problems."

Kitty gave a nod. "I need to talk to Greg, to apologize. I left him high and dry. He can't be done that way."

"You like him?"

Kitty smiled. "I like him."

"Getting married?"

"Greg is the first to tell you he's not the marrying kind."

"Winifred is sweet on him."

Kitty's eyes were moist. "I know that. Maeve talked to me for a minute before she left."

"Darlene?"

Kitty slowly nodded. "Still Darlene, Gloria."

"Last night?"

"I don't want to talk about last night. I was horrible last night. We talked. We didn't plan. Neither of us is ready for us yet." Kitty brushed the sand from her hands. "I got drunk last night. I know I shouldn't be drinking. I got drunk and it was horrible. I was disgusting."

Kitty looked to her left toward the horizon. "There's a man, Pete, a neighbor of Al's. I did things with him I shouldn't have. I can't keep away. I told Darlene I'd never go there again but I know that's not true. If he walked past right now I'd go to him and let him do what he wanted. I can't explain it." She turned to Gloria. "I'm crazy, I think."

Gloria shook her head. "You're not crazy. Darlene, Mark and I can go off and leave you and Greg alone. Want that?"

Kitty stood. "When I get back this weekend I want to spend time with you. You and Darlene if that's okay."

Gloria stood and hugged her. "Kitty, I love being with you. I like Greg, the little I've seen him. I love Mark."

They walked back to the hotel.

"Think any about next week?"

"I think I want to stay at home for a while. Take care of kids, take care of Greg, maybe take a class or two at the junior college."

Gloria smiled broadly. "Johnny will be glad to hear that."

"He won't be mad?"

"He won't be mad at all. He thinks we're all going too fast."

"I certainly didn't see what I hit. I still don't know what it is."

"But Darlene helps?" Gloria took Kitty's hand.

"Darlene helped last night. I hope I can help her. She's scared."

Gloria gave a nod. "Philadelphia wasn't friendly to us. We saw too much." Gloria paused. "I did do three more ships."

"You did?"

"More names for my ass. Johnny and I screwed in his car last night. Snuck out and had a quickie. The first real fuck I've had for a month."

Kitty was silent for a moment then asked carefully, "You and Darlene?"

Gloria stopped. "Darlene protected me. We weren't always together. At night, when we were together we slept side by side on the same bed, sometimes in our clothes since the heat wasn't good. We never did anything else together. That's what you're asking, isn't it? I was usually too tired, or she was, and neither of us like each other that way, not really. Isn't Penny pretty?"

Kitty nodded. "Penny is devastatingly beautiful. I can't help but stare. Greg hardly notices her. The best of friends." She smiled at Gloria as they started walking again.

"You weren't jealous of me, were you?"

Kitty gave a slow nod.

Gloria hugged her shoulder. "Don't be. I know you love her, I'd never take her from you."

Kitty was silent for a minute then asked. "Would it be okay if I . . . I want Greg to move in with me. It won't be forever. Maybe only a month or two until Winifred decides. I wouldn't keep her from him."

"You'd be?"

"He's getting better in bed. He has nightmares each night. He has problems. Maybe he could go to classes with me."

"I think that's what Winifred wants. She wants him to be happy. It might be too much for her to see him with you, though."

"That'd be okay. He could go to classes with me; we'd be just friends. He'd have a great girlfriend in Winifred. It's just we're a lot alike so maybe this would be good for both of us right now."

Gloria gave Kitty another hug. "You don't sound crazy to me."

Kitty stopped and opened her purse. She took out a piece of paper. "This is Pete's phone number. He'd take me anytime I call. He would blast out everything inside of me and leave just a shell. I'd make him rich. He'd beat the crap out of me. It'd be so easy to call, Gloria."

Gloria watched her drop the paper back in the purse and close it. "Promise me something. Promise you'll wait a week. Not till Saturday or Sunday, but until next Wednesday. Don't do anything until then. We'll talk and I'll try to convince you to put Pete off for another week."

Kitty nodded. "Wednesday at noon on the beach back home. Me and you and dirty old Pete."

* * *

Maeve watched Johnny and Sue do their little game. Sue was years older than Johnny; she was pretending she was nineteen, from the country. Johnny was the wealthy industrialist looking for a new secretary. The job interview involved examining more esoteric skills.

She smiled at the waiter, then at Johnny. "I need to go back to work."

"We'll go with you." Johnny set his napkin on the table. "You'll be home tonight?"

Maeve had to think a moment. "Tonight, yes. I'll be working at The House tomorrow night. Giving the girls a night off on Bar Night."

Johnny looked at Sue. "Have you ever done Bar Night before?"

Sue shook her head. Gracefully so, Maeve thought; she had charm. It didn't slap you across the face. It was honest charm.

"We'll tell you about it when we're at the room. Then I need to go to work." Maeve let Johnny pay the check and then they rose to their feet. "Johnny ever ask you to cover the tip, Sue?"

Sue glanced at Johnny, then at Maeve. "No."

Maeve took Sue's hand and they walked together. "It's a quaint custom of his. What he does is ask you to cover the tip. Knowing Johnny you have an idea of what that means, don't you? Do you like the Club?"

Sue said, "Yes. It's nice."

"Sometime I'll bring you here and we'll work it. Ask Kitty about her first time. Girls' Night Out, first one back with one hundred dollars. You've done those before, haven't you? Bar Night is the same only a bit more intense. I like it, Gladys wouldn't.

"I did two here, got two hundred. Kitty did one and didn't get a cent. We don't tip at the Club. Other places we might ask you to. On return visits the staff are most attentive." She looked over her shoulder at Johnny who followed.

"This is the hotel I'm working. Lori is over at The Dakota. Generally two or three days a week, three or four men a day." She watched Sue's face. No problem.

"Appearance is important," Maeve said. "Johnny has started you on your wardrobe. For a man his eye isn't too bad."

"Thanks, dear," Johnny said from behind them. "I thought we did well today."

Maeve winked at Sue. "What sort of slip are you wearing, dear?"

"Slip?" Sue winked at Maeve.

"It shows, too. Men don't care about such things."

They went to the hotel and across the lobby to the elevator. They got out at Maeve's room's floor and Maeve opened the door. She sat on the bed.

Sue looked around the room and in the adjoining bathroom.

"No drinking, no parties, we keep things quiet and restrained. It pays well. We have regulars. Each girl has her own regulars." Maeve looked at Johnny. "I suppose you wanted to show her the room on the next floor."

"We've other plans for this afternoon."

"What? Penny fuck you dry?" Maeve stood. "I have an appointment in half an hour. I need to get myself ready."

Johnny and she kissed. She held out her hand to Sue. "Think you could do this? Good. We'll talk more tonight. Take good care of Johnny for me."

She watched them leave then sat back on the bed. Just thinking about Bar Night made her squirm in her seat. Maybe Beth and Sue could get a preview tonight.

* * *

Kitty held Greg's cock in her mouth, felt it shrink, then licked it clean. It would be his turn later. She climbed back up to him and they kissed. She liked that.

Then they held each other which she also liked.

"Sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have taken off," Kitty said.

"You wanted to see your friend."

"I could have waited. We didn't need to talk all night."

"It was okay."

"Most men would kill for a night with Maeve."

"She's wonderful."

"But is was okay in spite of being wonderful."

Greg grinned, he turned to her. "This morning in the restaurant, you, Gloria, Maeve, Penny, Darlene. I never thought anything like that would ever happen to me."

Kitty looked down at him, brushed his hair from his forehead. "Would you like to move in with me at my house? Before you speak," she touched his lips, "the small print. I love Darlene. That's why I ran off. Just so you know. It won't be exclusive. I'll see other men and women, you'll see other women, men too if you want. Winifred is in love with you. Don't say anything. She's willing to wait until she's eighteen, but you both need to decide then. I like you a lot but I don't love you. I have never loved many men. Who knows what we all will be like a month from now? But you'll get to practice both conjugal duties and philandering. Gloria has her eyes on you and Penny, my god you don't even see her, is willing to hop under the sheets with you. Maeve likes you. I could go on."

Greg turned his head to her and watched her.

"You want me to shoot myself in the foot by chattering you to death. I can't imagine you'd ever say yes except out of pity. You've never seen me at my worst. Saturday night wasn't my worst by a long shot. I'm a terrible cook, I keep pretty good house but you'd never know it by the past few weeks. I . . ."

Greg touched his fingers to her lips. "You have no idea from the past few days what my small print is like. There's a ream of small print." He took his fingers from her lips. "I'd love to live with you, Kitty, but I can't say yes." He turned away from her. "Tomorrow or Friday maybe you'd be able to understand. Think about it for a few more days."

"Dammit, Greg. You're throwing me to the dogs." Kitty sat up. "Don't think about yourself. Think about me. I need you."

"There are better men, Kitty."

"Name one."

He waved his hand. "There are millions of better men, Kitty."

"Name one. You can't can you? Leaving that aside, I need you, Greg. You're good for me and Mark. We've never had a man with us full time. It would be good to see if it's possible. Give me a try. You don't like me, I'll sleep on the couch and Winifred can take over."

Greg stared at her. "You can't be serious."

"Why not? Just because you don't have any legs doesn't mean you are not desirable."

Greg shook his head. "You'd end up hating me."

Kitty touched his chin. "Greg, this discussion isn't about you, it is I guess, but it isn't. I'm trying to save my life. You can help me. I need you. Mark likes you. He enjoys helping you. Being with you helps make Mark and me better people. I never thought you'd say no." She rose and stood by the window.

"I don't have anything to offer," Greg said slowly.

Kitty touched the glass. "I never thought you'd say no." She leaned her forehead to the glass. "There's a man who wants to be my pimp. He'd take care of me. I wouldn't have to worry about anything as long as I suck dick all day or offer my ass to a room full of . . . I never thought you'd say no to me." She turned and smiled at him. "You have a week to fuck me for free." She climbed onto his bed and touched his cock. She bent down and took him in her mouth, watching his eyes. She swallowed all of him, choked for a second, then raised her head. "I want you in my ass."

"Kitty, I . . ."

She touched his lips. "It's decided, Greg. We'll have a fun few days. I'll come to your mom's and fuck you until Wednesday."

Kitty knelt above him, held his cock to her asshole then lowered herself slowly. She closed her eyes and felt him in her. His cock felt huge, somewhere between a Mack truck and an ocean liner. She fucked him hard enjoying the pain.

* * *

Johnny and Sue followed the realtor as he showed them the features of the large open warehouse space. They were looking at one bay which was long and narrow. All the bays in the warehouse shared, through large doors, a common loading bay on the alley. Each bay had bathroom facilities and plumbing lines that could be tapped into.

The bay was dimly lit with the only windows on the front, facing the street. Lights overhead were spare — metal fixtures and bulbs that hung from the rafters.

The realtor left Sue and Johnny alone finally. Sue held a clipboard and helped Johnny make measurements and discuss potential layout. The realtor had assumed at first she was Johnny's secretary, then he realized Johnny was asking her questions.

Johnny liked the location and the feel of the space. The high ceilings and cement floor meant the warehouse would be cool in the summer. Heating shouldn't be too expensive; it didn't feel bad now. They may need extra heat only in the area the models were using.

Johnny walked from one end to the other as Sue talked to the realtor. They'd be making a big jump. In a way he'd miss the sessions in his garage. Maybe he'd take up photography as a hobby, have a girl over now and again and try his hand. He went to the realtor and Sue.

"Do you think we should get it?" Johnny asked Sue.

She said a simple, "Yes."

Johnny smiled at the realtor. "We have papers to sign, then."

Johnny took her hand and followed the realtor to their cars. The paperwork should take only a half-hour or so. He and Sue could go to a motel for a few hours to celebrate. He was going to be greedy and not even invite the realtor along.

* * *

Maeve was enjoying this one, Andrew, if he gave his real name. They just lay now in bed chatting, over the hour, but she didn't care. She was done for the day. He was in town for several months while his company built a factory on the north end of the county.

"Is there any way I could see you this evening?" he asked. "Some business associates and I were going to a club and I'd enjoy your company."

Maeve smiled at him as she sat up in bed. "I'm pretty busy, tonight is impossible." She saw his face. "But I have a friend you'd like. She's smart, she's beautiful, and I think she's available."

He watched her stand.

"I was going to bathe and would enjoy your company." She went into the bathroom, started the tub, then returned to the room.

Maeve stood by the window. She liked the way men looked at her body. Some couldn't see enough.

"I'll give you a number. Gladys can tell you if Penny is available and what the rates are. Penny is having her monthly now, but that shouldn't matter, she's very flexible. Join me?"

She watched him stand. Not as trim as Johnny, but nice. She liked dark haired men of a certain build. Men who were smart and knew how to please women. She went into the bathroom and shut off the water. She turned and studied him, head to toes and back.

"Would you be up to another, Andrew?" she asked.

* * *

Gloria followed Darlene into the hotel room. Mark had rushed ahead to show the novelty coconut head he'd purchased. Kitty looked happy, all smiles. Greg's face wasn't saying anything. He sat in his wheelchair by the window.

Darlene went to him. "How about you and I go for a walk?" she said.

He turned to her. "Sure. I'm a great walker."

"I can tell," she said. She pushed his chair.

"I can do that."

"I know you can, but I was hoping if you flapped your arms real hard this thing will take off. I have a hankering to see Miami." Darlene grinned at Gloria as they went by.

Gloria watched them, closed the door behind them and sat on Greg's bed, facing Kitty and Mark.

"I thought to myself, Mark," Kitty said, "why wait until after Christmas? We'll go to the pound Monday and if we see a great dog we'll bring him home with us." She winked at Gloria.

"Can we, mom?"

"We can." Kitty hugged him. "Thank you, Gloria."

Gloria smiled at Kitty. "I don't know what I did, but you're welcome."

"For being my friend."

"That's a privilege, Kitty. You and Mark are best friends."

"Darlene likes to walk close to the edge, doesn't she?"

"With Greg? I think he likes her. She doesn't beat around the bush."

"You'll keep an eye on her?"

Gloria gave a nod. "I will. We need to go soon, as soon as Darlene gets back. I hate to leave Tiger and Sylphie alone too long, and Romeo and Juliet are a challenge."

"Plus there's Johnny."

"I'm not expecting to see Johnny soon. He's pretty busy."

"Has Gloria seen your pirate get-up, Mark?"

Mark shook his head.

"Why don't you show her?" Kitty turned to Gloria. "If anything should ever happen to me, would you promise to take care of Mark?"

Gloria studied Kitty for a moment. "Of course. I think you need to put that in a will. Your parents wouldn't let me just take Mark."

Kitty nodded. "I'll do that sometime. I wanted to ask first." She watched Mark posture with his sword. "Black Beard."

Gloria opened her purse. "Come here, Mark. Every pirate has a scar." She took out her eyebrow pencil and drew a line on his cheek and crosshatches for stitches. "There. Can you see yourself in the mirror or do I need to lift you?"

Gloria stood and followed him into the bathroom. He couldn't see himself so she lifted him and held him in her arms. While he turned his face this way and that and scowled, she said, "You take care of your mom, Mark. She needs your love now more than ever."

"I will. I look like a real pirate now, don't I?"

"You do." She put him down and handed him the eyebrow pencil. "Kitty doesn't have one of these so you can use mine. Just one scar a day or else you'll look like Frankenstein's monster."

He shook his head. "He's scary."

Gloria and Mark walked back to Kitty. Kitty was staring out the window, didn't notice them until Mark touched her.

"Look mom. A real scar."

She smiled at Mark, hugged him to her and looked to Gloria. "Thanks, Gloria."

* * *

Gloria drove with Darlene quietly beside her. She had her own thoughts. They were at the top of the Skyway, heading north, at the top then going down just like a mountain, when Darlene spoke. "He said no to her. He's not good enough, he thinks."

Gloria quickly nodded. She thought something had happened. Kitty had her plans, now they were laid waste. Kitty didn't see what she did have. She saw what she feared. It drew her.

"If he weren't a cripple, I'd kill him."

"Darlene."

"I'll call her when we get home. She'll do something crazy. You should have seen her last night. I'm bad. I know I'm bad. Now she's worst. She'll take us all down with her."

Gloria watched the road. "Sometimes the best men don't think they're good enough."

"Even if he changes his mind, she won't change hers. We're so much alike." Darlene hit the door panel.

Gloria smiled to herself.

Darlene hit the door again.

"Wait until we're off the bridge before you begin tearing the car apart, Darlene."

Darlene laughed, opened the window and stuck her head out. "Wheee."

Gloria shook her head. Darlene was going to make a telephone call. She was going to make another. Several.

Darlene closed the window and slumped in her seat. They drove in silence to Kitty's.

* * *

Johnny waited in the car while Sue did the grocery shopping. There were two lists; Sue had the short one. He and she would do the long one later. Alex had his new studio. There would be several weeks of construction work before Alex could begin using it. Putting in plumbing, creating separate rooms in the vast space, he wondered if Al and his crew were up to it.

Sue came out with her small bag of groceries and got into the seat next to him.

Johnny started the car and they drove without talking to the motel. They'd already discussed what would happen next. Part of it was Sue's idea.

Johnny paid for the room and he parked his car in front of it. He wondered how they were doing at the motel on the beach where Maeve and Kitty had worked. Everyone was happier downtown.

Johnny stood in the room by the door and watched Sue undress. When she was naked he went past her and set the bag on the table. He took out the two bottles of coke, a small cucumber and a bottle opener. He needed to get a new pocketknife since he'd given his to Darlene.

He turned and began to undress as Sue set a pitcher of water on the table. He watched her cross the bed and turn down the covers. Before he forgot, he took a ten out of his billfold and set it on the dresser. The room would be a mess when they were done.

Johnny watched Sue on the bed. She had the cucumber in her hand and was using it in her pussy. He set his shirt on the chair, then his undershirt. He removed his shoes, left them by the chair. He took off his pants, then his socks and laid them on the chair. He stepped to the bed and watched her come, then turned and took off his shorts.

She didn't stop using the cucumber. She talked softly while she fucked herself. She spoke in single words. Johnny couldn't hear them clearly. He thought he heard, "Fuck," and her say, "Fifteen," but he wasn't sure. She came a second and third time before he spoke.

"Come here," he said roughly.

She opened her eyes, turned to him and said, "Oh."

"I've been watching you, you dirty little slut. You want it, don't you? Come here."

She shook her head.

"Do you want me to tell your parents?"

She stared at him, shook her head slowly. "No. Don't tell my parents."

"You'll do whatever I want you to do, won't you?" Doing this never made him hard but some of the girls liked it. They couldn't care less, at this point at least, if he was hard or not. "Then come here."

She rolled onto her side leaving the cucumber in her pussy. She knelt, began to remove the cucumber.

"No, leave it," he said. "Come here. There's a real one here, girlie."

She walked on her hands and knees toward him. The cucumber fell out of her pussy onto the bed. Her blue eyes widened.

"Leave it, girlie."

She crawled to him.

"Lick it. You know what to do, don't you?"

She stared at his cock, which was hard now, and slowly nodded. She took his cock in her hand and held it while she licked it. She watched him; her eyes never left his as she sucked him.

He shook the bottle of coke in one hand, held the bottle opener in the other." I want to come on your face, slut," he said. He backed a step, popped the cap and sprayed the coke on her face. She held her tongue out, tried to catch as much as possible in her hands so she could lick them dry.

"My pal Chuck wants his cock sucked. Do it."

He stepped forward and she licked his cock. "You're a good little cocksucker, aren't you?" She gave a nod as she sucked him. A minute later he stepped back and sprayed the second bottle of coke on her face. She held her hands up and moaned as she was covered.

"On the bed, slut. My friend William wants to fuck you."

She looked from side to side.

"All of us, slut. You are going to fuck all of us tonight or I'll tell your parents what you were doing."

She shook her head. "I can't. There are too may of you."

"How many do you see, slut?"

She counted. "Sixteen, counting you. Oh, I couldn't. I'm not a slut. I'm not."

"Go on William. Fuck her."

Johnny climbed onto the bed and took Sue and laid her on her back. She shook her head from side to side. "There are too many of you. Just five today. I'll fuck the rest tomorrow. I promise I will. Just five today."

Johnny entered her pussy and began to fuck her. She arched her back and screamed. He covered her mouth with his hand. She stared at him as he fucked her.

"One," he said. He took his hand from her mouth.

"Oh my god," she said. "Don't. You're hurting me. I can't fuck all of you. Come back tomorrow. I promise to be a good girl."

"Two," Johnny said.

She shut her eyes and held him to her. "Don't stop. Please don't stop."

"Three," Johnny said.

Sue came; her whole body shook. She opened her eyes.

"Four," Johnny said.

She wrapped her legs around him and put her feet on his butt as Johnny fucked her. She kissed him.

"Five."

"Fuck me. Fuck me harder," she said as she thrust back at him.

"Six."

"No. No more. I can't take any more. Please no more. You promised me. Just five today."

"Seven."

Sue lay quietly on the bed as he fucked her. Tears slowly fell from her eyes.

"Eight."

She shook her head. She tried to throw him off her.

"Nine."

She panted wildly. She grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into her. "I want you to fill my pussy with your come."

"Ten."

She cried out in another orgasm.

"Eleven."

"You won't stop will you? Come back tomorrow. Tell your friends I'm a slut. I'll fuck anyone."

"Twelve."

"Oh god. Oh god." Sue's eyes flew open. She thrashed on the bed almost throwing him off her.

"Thirteen."

She arched her back and beat his sides as he fucked her. She moaned through her clenched teeth.

"Fourteen."

She came and fluttered under him for a minute. He stopped as she beat her head on the pillow.

"Fifteen."

She came again. Her eyes stared at something behind him.

"Sixteen."

She thrashed under him squealing as if she were in pain. She swung her hips from side to side so hard it hurt him. She opened her eyes. "I love you. I love all of you."

"Some of us want to fuck you again, slut. How many?"

"All of you," she whispered. "All of you fuck me again. Don't stop."

"What are you?"

"I'm a come-hungry slut. I want your come. Please come in my mouth again, Chuck."

"I'm coming in your pussy, slut, along with all the others. Beg me to come in your pussy."

"Please, Chuck. Come in my pussy. Fill my pussy with your come."

Johnny held the cucumber to her lips. "While Chuck fucks you, slut, suck off Jojo. He wants you to suck his cock."

She opened her mouth and he slid the cucumber in.

Johnny fucked her as she moaned around the cucumber. Her eyes were shut. She came, held him to her as she shook. Her eyes were closed when he filled her with come. He rested for a moment, panting in her ear. He took away the cucumber from her mouth; he could see teeth marks on it.

"What do you say slut?"

"Oh please come tomorrow. Please come tomorrow and bring your friends."

"How many, Sue?"

She held him and whispered in his ear, "Twenty-seven." She said it several times then she kissed him.

Johnny held her, not minding that she was a sticky mess. He wondered if Alex knew this game of hers. He probably did. Johnny could see why they got along so well together.

* * *

Gloria watched Darlene as she hung up the telephone. Darlene shook her head. "They must be eating."

Gloria took her memo book and found Al's number. "My turn."

Gloria dialed the number and waited while it rung. "Al? This is Gloria. Yes, I'm back." She grinned at Darlene. "Still glad to hear my voice? I'm sorry about Kitty." She shook her head. "No. I need to talk to your neighbor, Pete." She glanced at Darlene. "I need to talk to him. A friend of mine, David, will be with me." She laughed. "No, he's not my boyfriend, Al. You're jealous." She smiled. "I missed you, too. David will be with me and I hoped you would come along, too." She paused. "In ten minutes. We can go out to eat afterwards, my treat." She put her hand on the mouthpiece. "He's looking to see if Pete's home. Okay, we're going out the door now. Thanks, Al." Gloria hung up the telephone and stood.

In the foyer Gloria stopped and turned. "No guns, Darlene."

Darlene shook her head.

Gloria patted Darlene's pockets. "Okay." They went out the door to Kitty's car.

"You don't trust me, do you?"

"Darlene," Gloria said as she sat behind the wheel, "if I had a gun, I'd shoot the bastard and not think twice about it. Certain people take an exception to such behavior." She stopped at a light and waited. "As do I when I'm not angry."

Gloria parked in front of Al's. She patted her hands on her dress. "I'm perspiring."

"You say perspire, I say sweat." Darlene got out of the car. "If you and Al are going to smooch, can you do it afterwards?"

"We won't bore you." Gloria held out her hand. "David."

Gloria knocked on Al's door and when he opened it she and Al looked at each other for a moment. Neither seemed to know what to do.

"Pete first, then you smooch," Darlene said.

"Thank you, David." Gloria exhaled. "We'd better do it while I have a head of steam."

They walked several houses down to Pete's.

Gloria stood on the porch and turned to Al. "David and I will do the talking. We've done this before." She gave him a smile. "It's nice to have you here, Al."

She knocked on the door and waited.

The door opened and the man behind it looked at them. He was tall, heavy, some of it muscles, young, maybe thirty. He wore a cheap suit; the tie was loosened.

"Hello. My name is Gloria. May we come in?"

He peered over her shoulder at Al and David, both the same height. He started to shut the door in her face.

Gloria shoved her pocketbook in the crack. "Pete, I suggest you want to sit down and talk with us."

"Get lost, bitch," he said.

"David, slash his tires."

He opened the door. "Leave the car alone, twerp."

Gloria laughed. "He will start with your tires and them move to more personal appendages. I suggest we talk." She waited as he stared at her.

He slammed the door in her face.

Gloria turned and smiled at them. She went past them, opening her purse. She held up a long shiny knife. "Where shall we start?" She laughed and glanced at the window of the house. The curtain fell. "Let's wait a minute."

"You're scaring me, Gloria," Al said.

"Good. Minute is up." She handed the knife to David. "Slash away."

Darlene looked at her, took the knife and walked toward the car. She heard the house door open and turned.

Gloria cocked the pistol. "Having second thoughts about letting us in?"

Pete lowered the fireplace poker. "You're crazy."

"Which appendage do you think our friend Pete wants to lose first?" She paused. "I'm angry, Pete. You've hurt a friend of mine. You want to talk out here, that's fine with me." She lowered the pistol.

Pete stood in the doorway. "Leave the car alone."

"Stand back, David."

Gloria waited. She didn't turn from Pete to look at Al or Darlene.

"Okay. Talk . . ."

She raised the gun. "Don't say it, mister."

He raised his hands, the poker dangled from his right fingers. "Just kidding, lady."

Gloria lowered the gun. "Kitty is a friend of mine, of all three of ours. You've hurt her, hurt her badly. She thinks she needs to have you destroy her. If I see you two together, I'll kill you. K.I.L.L. Understand me? She knocks on your front door, you run out the back as fast as you can. Don't look back. She calls you, you tear the phone from the wall and hope I didn't hear it ring. You see her on the street you'll stop, turn and go the other direction. You won't think whether or not you should do these things. If you want to live, you'll do them."

Gloria paused. "I don't hear you." She said it louder. "I don't hear you."

"I'll leave the bitch alone. She's crazy, just like you."

"Pete. Don't go. Since you made us go through all this, we need to do something about it. Don't we?" Gloria grinned at him. "You're going to lose an appendage. Left arm, right arm, legs. No, I have a better idea. Drop your pants."

"You're crazy."

Gloria raised the gun and took a step forward.

"You don't mean it."

Gloria moved two more steps forward. She held the gun in two hands and sighted it.

He dropped the poker and unfastened his pants while he stared at her. "Don't."

She stopped. "Shorts, too."

His hands shook as he lowered his pants, then his shorts. "Please don't, lady. I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything."

"Turn sideways."

He turned sideways.

She smiled and said, "Bang." She lowered the gun. "Next time we meet, Pete, I won't be in a joking mood. Have a great evening. Dark of the moon, isn't it?"

Gloria watched him shut the door. They could see him peek through the window as they left.

Gloria handed the pistol to Darlene at Al's house. "Tell me it's not loaded."

Darlene carefully released the cock. "I always keep it loaded."

Gloria exhaled. "It goes back in my purse." She turned to Al. "This is Darlene. You met her at the wedding. She has had a haircut."

Al sat on his couch.

Gloria took the pistol and knife and put them in her purse. She took out her memo book as she sat next to Al. She wrote Pete's address and license plate number. She glanced at Al who watched her. "For Johnny's friends. I hope we can convince Pete to move soon." She grinned at Darlene who leaned against the wall. "Ready for dinner?"

"You're crazy, just like she is."

Gloria closed her purse. "I'm very angry. Kitty is angry with herself. I don't think either of us is crazy." She asked Al, "Could Darlene place a long distance call while we reacquaint ourselves? I'll reimburse you."

"Sure, go ahead. Phone's in the kitchen."

Gloria heard Darlene leave as she smiled at Al. "I didn't scare you, did I?"

* * *

Johnny held the door as Charles and Beth entered. Charles was smiling today. Sue looked up from her drink in the living room. Her hair was almost dry.

"Alex is a little late. We've started a project," Johnny closed the door, "and he's gloating. Sit down."

Johnny brought Charles a beer and Beth a wine and then went to sit in his chair.

"Thank you," Charles said.

"For last night?" Johnny gave him a grin. "It was fun for me, I hope it was fun for you two."

Beth gave a bark.

Sue started laughing. "Sorry." She held her hand to her mouth. "It just gets me."

Beth smiled at Sue, then turned to Johnny. "Where's Maeve?"

"With the kids at Kitty's. Neva's shopping." Johnny crossed his legs and picked up his drink. "Tonight's photo session will have Sue behind the camera, Beth, Alex and I in front. You're welcome to join in, Charles, or not."

Charles glanced at Beth then said to Johnny, "I'll sit and watch. I'll decide then. Okay, honey?" he said to Beth.

Beth gave a bark and patted his leg.

"I'll take Beth to Kitty's in the morning. Maeve had something she wanted the girls to do with her later tonight."

Charles nodded. "Okay."

Johnny tossed Charles the motel room key. "The bed is a mess but you're welcome to borrow one of the girls tonight. If not, drop the key off at the office."

"Go ahead, honey."

Johnny smiled at them. He thought Charles would be pure for a day or two longer, though who knows. "We can set up. We don't need Alex to start."

Sue stood. "I need to change into something more comfortable." She walked back to Johnny's room.

"I'll join her," Beth said. She left Charles and Johnny in the living room.

"Thanks again," Charles said. "You scared both of us."

"Maeve's best for me, too." Johnny finished his beer and stood. "Shall we?"

Charles finished his beer and followed Johnny into the garage.

* * *

Maeve sat next to Winifred at the theater. They watched Disney's Pinnochio. Even the older kids seemed to like it. She hoped it wasn't too much for Tiger who sat on the other side of her holding her finger tightly. They'd left Romeo and Juliet home, which was best. They wanted to be alone together anyway. Young love. She remembered it. She remembered believing boys, she couldn't believe how many times she believed them.

Maeve had stopped at the bar on the way to Kitty's to make arrangements for tonight, eleven to two in the morning. She studied the layout — decent sized room, not too small. Her requisite table. She didn't think Beth would join in. She was fairly sure Sue would. It didn't matter if they didn't.

She had let the bar owner sample her wares. He seemed excited at the prospect of further sampling later. He gave her the twenty, promised the other eighty when she appeared at eleven.

She wondered how he was going to do it, make his hundred back. She didn't worry about it too much.

She wondered if Penny was out with Andrew tonight. He looked like he might become a regular. He'd be good for Penny.

Maeve turned and studied Winifred as she watched the screen. She was a beautiful young woman. The past month had seen her achieve poise and an outer calmness which hopefully reflected inner rest. With Kitty, with Gloria and Darlene and their changes, Winifred was like a safe haven. She hoped Winifred's calm would spread.

She hoped Kitty and Greg could settle down for a little bit. She thought they would both be good for each other. Nothing permanent. Best friends at best, good friends at worst. Winifred could decide; she was showing remarkable restraint at the whole prospect. Good for her. That meant she really loved him. Maybe one day soon Greg would realize he loved Winifred.

Maeve turned to the screen and relaxed. She thought too much.

* * *

Charles left about an hour into the shoot. He wasn't upset; he just couldn't watch any more. Johnny thought he might stop by The House, maybe just to talk to someone. It must be hard to go home alone.

Johnny sat and rested on the couch. He had his pants on, nothing else, and it was chilly. The chill wasn't bothering Alex and Beth.

Sue looked like she was good with the camera. He'd see prints in a day or two. She'd shot a movie earlier; now she used the still camera without a flash. Often Alex was naked at a shoot; Sue was the same way.

She used the camera differently from Alex. She got in closer. She seemed to go for angles rather than straight shots. Art was okay, it didn't sell as well, but those who were interested in art were very interested.