Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001 20:34:46 -0700
From: mistress_n9@juno.com
Subject: Moulin Rouge

Official Disclaimer: I borrowed the title. I don't know the characters
and I don't think I am them. This all fiction. REPEAT: this is all
fiction.

This is for YOU, Sophie!

*~Prelude~*
This is a tale about the Moulin Rouge. A dangerous adventure that holds
true love, betrayal, action, anguish, humor, and innocence.

Prepare for an adventure into another world...the World of the Moulin
Rouge...

*~Part 1/Kevin POV~*
I was a young man back then. Ready for anything. Even taking care of an
13-year-old child. If you looked in my home back then in Kentucky, you
would've seen many pictures of me and my little Sophie. My aunt died, my
only family member left alive, and she left me to raise Sophie all by
myself since she was a baby. Though she's great company, I was terribly
lonely.

I worked very hard. I'm a lawyer. Various diplomas decorated my wall.
I'm the overachiever. The Barbie of the family so says Sophie. Everyone
around me always told me I needed adventure in my life. So, I booked a
trip to California. After dropping Sophie off at Bob's for babysitting
purposes, I went into town to find clubs. Ha, most of them were
straight. I was walking down the street when an almost burnt out neon
sign caught my eye. Moulin Rouge. That's a movie, right?

"Hey, Jo." called out a voice. I turned my head towards the entrance. A
man stood there in a tight, black shirt and blue jeans. The whole outfit
shaped his body perfectly. He looked so appealing. Golden blonde hair,
gorgeous blue eyes, a dazzling smile, hot body; the thing every guy
could lust for. I hesitated before walking in. I grabbed a seat in front
of the catwalk that protruded from the stage.

Women were strutting the stage. Men were being waiters in really small
uniforms. I ordered some chardonnay and watched people around me. I
didn't have long because the lights went out. A man in a tuxedo and a
top hat came out onstage as a spotlight fixated on him.

"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen! To the Moulin Rouge!" he shouted as the
curtain rose. People danced, sang, and did the normal.

I guess I was too worried Sophie to pay attention since one of the
performers suddenly grabbed my shirt collar and pulled me close. It was
the guy I saw outside. Recognizing me, he smirked and leaned in close,
whispering in my ear: "Wanna give it a go?" He laughed seductively and
bounced back to the chorus line. I just sat there like a vegetable.
Though there was a smile on his face, I could tell he was a bit
disappointed that I didn't respond.

I got up and waited backstage. The show was over. People were filing out
except for the morning birds. I looked at my watch. 6:00 AM. Ok,
apologize to blonde cutie then pick up Sophie. I watched as a bunch of
people left the building, calling out 'goodnights' and 'good mornings'.
He was the last one to leave. He was dressed in the same outfit I first
saw him in.

"Hey." I called out. He picked up his head and turned towards me.

"Hey, you're the vegetable from the show, right?" he asked. I blushed.
"What can I help you with?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to pick up my kid. So I
can get to know you better." I stuttered. Why did I suddenly feel 15
again? I'm a respected lawyer for Chris sakes! And NOW I'm stuttering in
front of a boy much younger than I? How did THAT happen?

"Sure. I love kids." He smiled. "Let's go." We started walking towards
Bob's house talking about stupid things. He proved to be a very nice
young man. He had big dreams of becoming a singer or so. "But," he said,
"Until then, it's the Moulin Rouge."

"How long have you been working there?"

"Well, I started out as a busboy at age 8 then became a waiter at 16 and
ever since my 18th year, I've been part of the show." He replied while
looking at the sky. "I knew what you were thinking when we first met.
Moulin Rouge is a movie. I find it pretty ironic that the movie and this
thing are a lot alike."

I listened to his stories. Apparently, his life was full of adventures.
Luring people in just for a peep show. "You know, if you want, I could
give you a drive home." I offered.

"Naw, it's ok. My ex kicked me out of my apartment today and I'm gonna
try to see if my shrew of an aunt will let me stay at her place." He
rolled his eyes.

I smiled. "You can stay at our hotel." The door opened and Sophie bolted
out and flung herself onto me.

"DADDY!" she shouted with joy.

"Hey, sweet pea." I greeted. "How was Uncle Bob? You didn't give him any
trouble, did you?"

"Nope, Uncle Bob's cool! We were signing along to Say What Karaoke and
he said I have talent! He gave me all these cool dolls and funny clothes
for being good!" she smiled. She finally looked past me and saw the guy.
"Hi! My name's Sophie Richardson! What's your name?"

"Nice to meet you, Sophie. My name is Nick."

"Cool! Are you one of daddy's clients?" she asked. I knew the whole time
she was putting on act. She's actually very bright. An I.Q. of 150;
which explains why she's in twelfth grade when she should be in eighth. She
really sticks out like a sore thumb against all of them.

To my surprise, he handled the situation carefully. "No, I'm a friend of
your dad's."

"Cool! Daddy, when're we going home?" she asked.

"In a few days." I replied. "Now get your stuff, we're heading back to
the hotel." She smiled and ran back into the house. "She's actually very
bright. She's in the twelfth grade and she's only 13." I told Nick.

"You have a very sweet daughter, Mr. Richardson." Nick replied. "Do I
have to call you Mr. Richardson all the time or can I have your name?"

"Kevin." I replied. "Kevin Richardson."

Nick felt someone tugging on his hand. He looked down and saw Sophie
trying to get his attention. He squatted to her level. She whispered
something in his ear that I didn't hear. "Really?" he asked her. She
nodded. He looked at me. "This young lady tells me that you have a horse
ranch somewhere out western."

I blushed. "Yes, we do."

"C'mon, let's go!" she shouted. We both smiled at her. The ride to the
hotel was full of questions from Sophie. When we got to the hotel, I
told Nick to take my room while I take the couch in Sophie's room. We
said our goodnights and settled for sleep. "Daddy?" asked a voice in the
dark.

"Yeah, Sophie?"

"I like him. Can he come back with us to Kentucky?" she asked.

"We'll see, Sophie." I sighed. "We'll see."

*~In Kevin's Room~*
"You have 3 days."

"3 days?!" he lowered his voice a little. "3 days? Are you crazy? I
can't find his most prized possession in 3 days!"

"You're my star. You can do it. You've done it before. Why is this time
different?"

"This guy's got a kid."

"So take the kid. The plan was to take his most prized possession and
either sell it, pawn it, or hold it ransom. Either way, we get money for
it."

"There's a little thing that might stop me this time."

"What?"

"Guilt."


Email: Mistress_N9@juno.com
AIM S/N: MistressN9

"Anger is like a storm
It leaves as quickly as it comes."