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 Twenty-nine
Tuesday
December 9, 1958

Kitty watched the room lighten with the dawn sun's light. They kept the curtains open on the large plate glass window looking onto the Gulf. She realized Greg was watching her.

"Tough night?" he asked.

She shook her head. She didn't want to talk about it.

He turned his head and stared at the ceiling.

"Tough night?" she asked.

He shook his head. "Not too bad."

She looked at the sky — cloudy, more blue than clouds. He was a liar. She asked him, "What's the worst that could happen?"

He was silent. "Would you be able to help me? I need to pee."

"Sure." She sat up. Mark was still asleep. She got out of bed, stood by the wheelchair as Greg got into it. Getting in and out of the wheelchair wasn't too hard for him to do; they kept it by the bed at night.

Kitty stood outside the bathroom and wondered how his mother had managed. What they had done. She couldn't ask him. She couldn't ask him many things. She turned her head and saw Mark was watching her.

"Morning," she said.

"Is Greg okay?" he asked.

"He's okay," she said. She heard the toilet flush. "Ready?" she asked.

"Ready," he said.

She hadn't been this close with someone since Mark was a baby. Sex was close, but not as close as this. She helped him get back into the chair. She wondered who helped him at her house. It had to be Winifred if they were alone, no other adults around. It wasn't a big deal really, but it was. Sweet little Winifred.

Greg went back to bed; they decided to sleep in. Mark sat up and colored in a coloring book, wearing his pirate hat and pajamas, on his cot, his covers around him.

She shut her eyes after watching Greg stare at the ceiling. He seemed to have a long list for the worst that could happen.

Kitty remembered the time Mark came into her room when she was entertaining a gentleman caller. Mark was asleep, had been asleep for several hours, she thought. She heard him and turned around. He was watching them. Mark was maybe three, maybe a little older.

That was a worst thing that could happen. They survived. She took him back to bed. Read to him. When he was asleep and she went back to her bedroom the caller was gone. Another one of those she never saw again.

In her bedroom at home she could hear birds in the morning. She couldn't here in the hotel. She wondered where she was. This wasn't the real world anymore.

* * *

Johnny held Shirley while they talked in the bedroom. There wasn't room enough for all four of them in his bed so they'd split up, Maeve's choice.

They heard Beth's bark first, then they heard the door to room open. Shirley smiled at him, her brown eyes sparkled.

"Go on," Maeve said. "Wake the lazy bones up."

"We're up," Johnny said.

Beth leaped onto the bed holding the handle of the leash in her mouth. She gave a bark then kissed Shirley.

Maeve joined them. She kissed him, then climbed off the bed. "I'll make coffee." She spoke from the door. "Cereal for breakfast all right with everyone?"

Beth had climbed under the sheet, pushing the covers off the bed when Maeve entered with a pot of coffee and cups on a tray.

Maeve set the tray down. "If we're to leave at nine, there's an hour for play, forty-five minutes for showers and breakfast. I'm going to have a relaxing breakfast."

"Me, too, Johnny," Shirley said. She sat up, then stood. She turned. "Dog."

Beth looked up from Johnny cock.

"Make him beg for it." She unclipped the leash, rolled it around the handle and went to Maeve.

Beth turned and faced him. She gave a bark, moved so her pussy rubbed against his erection and her nose touched his. She held his cock, worked her pussy on it as she watched his eyes.

Johnny heard a chair scrape and Maeve say, "She's in fine form this morning."

He heard another chair scrape, Shirley's voice. "I'd say that stud was in trouble."

Beth kissed him as she lowered herself onto his cock, ground her pussy against him then raised herself so just the tip of his cock was in her. Beth winked as she raised her pussy higher.

He tried to keep in her but fell out.

Beth bent close to him and kissed his ear. She gave a soft bark, then licked his neck. He felt her hand hold him, then her pussy touch the tip of his cock.

Maeve laughed; he heard her walk to the bed. "Help me, Shirley."

He saw her looking down at him. She had the crop in her hand. "If you don't move, Johnny, it won't hurt."

Johnny felt his feet being tied to the bed frame.

"Johnny, position your arms." Maeve tapped the crop lightly against her palm as she peered down on him. He felt his hands being tied. Shirley watched him, also.

"If we had time, I'd shove a dildo up his ass, but we don't." Maeve drew the end of the crop along his jaw as Beth fucked him.

Shirley stepped to the side of the bed. Johnny lifted his head and watched Shirley and Beth kiss as Beth fucked him. He watched Shirley's hand rub Beth's pussy and felt her touch his cock.

Johnny saw a flash, he turned and saw Maeve put a new bulb in the flashgun of Alex's camera.

Beth became furious in her fucking, then came with a muffled scream. She stopped moving and looked down at him.

He felt the crop hit his arm.

"You moved, Johnny." He turned; Maeve stood at the head of the bed. "You're next, Shirley. Clean him first, dog."

Johnny felt Beth suck his cock. He felt the bed move. He felt just a hand on his cock then a pussy. He watched Maeve's face as Shirley fucked him.

"If you're not good, Johnny, you'll hold the dildo in your teeth until we're done with you." She tapped his ear lightly with the crop. "Watch Shirley."

He raised his head and watched Shirley fuck him. She held one breast; her back was arched. Beth was behind her holding Shirley's other breast with one hand while the other hand dug into Shirley's pussy. Beth kissed and licked Shirley's shoulder.

Shirley raised herself off his legs and fucked him hard. Her body jumped as if jolted and she dropped to grind her pussy on him, moaning through her teeth, her eyes open staring at nothing.

Johnny could feel her pussy contract on him, pulsing squeezes. No one moved for a minute, then Johnny felt Shirley's pussy leave his cock.

Maeve struck his arm again with the crop. He looked at her. She held the dildo so he could see it. "In your teeth if you can't last," she said as she laid it next to his head. "Clean him for me, dog."

Johnny shut his eyes.

After Beth's mouth left him, he felt her hand hold him as Maeve's pussy swallowed him. Johnny felt the crop touch his nose, he opened his eyes.

"Look at me," Maeve said.

Johnny raised his head. He saw the flash go off making Maeve's body incredibly bright. She raised herself off him, onto her knees, and began to fuck him. She kissed Beth, held the crop in her hand as she held Beth's shoulder. Beth's hand worked Maeve's pussy.

Shirley walked around the bed as she took pictures. Beth and Maeve broke, Maeve dropped the crop and used both of her hands on her pussy as she leaned back and fucked him.

Beth picked up the crop and traced a line on his chest from his sternum, around one nipple, then the other. She had a smile on her face as she leaned to him and kissed him, then gave a bark as the crop lightly tapped his shoulder. Once, twice, three times and he heard Maeve scream, hold still and shudder.

Beth struck his arm with the crop. "Hold it," she said. She licked her lips, turned to Maeve.

Maeve climbed off him, knelt on the bed by him. "Say a number from one to nine, Johnny."

Johnny felt Beth untie his hands as someone, Shirley, untied his feet.

"Five," Johnny said.

Beth got off the bed, came back with a card.

He saw the number five written on it. She turned the card and held it close. He read, as he felt Maeve's hand on his cock, "Fuck Beth's pussy."

Beth dropped the card and gave a bark. She fell to her hands and knees on the floor by the bed.

"Doggy style, Johnny," Maeve said getting off the bed.

Shirley clipped the leash to the collar and put the handle in Johnny's hand.

Johnny sat up. His cock was red and swollen; he was about ready to explode. He stood then dropped to his knees behind Beth. He held the leash as he rammed his cock into her pussy. He fucked her; she fucked back, barking first, then silently. He wrapped his arms under her shoulders so his hands held her to him. He thrust hard; she shook her head and growled. He came and pulled himself into her, pulling her shoulders back. She gave a cry, bumped her ass into him three times, then dropped her head and muttered for a moment or so. She shook under him, trembled. He trembled on top of her. He dropped the leash, forced himself erect on his knees. He saw the flash go off, felt Beth drop to her elbows. She was weeping, pressing herself into him.

He heard the chair scrape, Maeve say, "I told you we could all do him in an hour." She paused. "You're a good boy, Johnny. Your coffee is ready anytime."

He gave a nod, touched Beth's side. He could count her ribs, see the vertebrae on her back. She was silent now, still bumping her ass against him.

"Clean his cock, dog," Shirley said.

Beth gave a bark, took a step forward then slowly turned around. She handed him the leash handle to hold as she licked his cock clean. She watched him when she was done; her eyes were red and shining. She rose and they kissed.

* * *

Gloria helped Winifred make breakfast. Winifred didn't need help really, she knew what she was doing. Gladys set the table and the card table beside it. She glanced at Gloria and gave her a smile.

Gloria went to the garage, got her troop moving, then to Mark's room and the girls' room. It was a full house. She thought she'd take her two and Darlene, if she'd come, to her house. It was on a different side of town. There'd be problems but nothing like the crowding here. She didn't think they could keep Romeo and Juliet apart forever. She'd have to talk to them about it, but they weren't stupid. They wouldn't have survived if they were stupid.

She and Romeo and Juliet. Maybe Darlene. If Darlene came then Tiger would also come. She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Okay?" Gladys asked.

"Thinking. Just thinking." She followed Gladys into the living room where they sat. Winifred brought them coffee and toast then left.

"What are you planning on doing?" Gladys asked.

"Hadn't thought about it. Hadn't thought much out."

"I could use help with the phone. Johnny talk to you?"

"Not really. We'll talk today. Gladys, what's happening with Kitty?"

Gladys chewed on her toast for a minute. "She . . ." Gladys shook her head. "It's not that bad. I could say all kinds of things. I've done the same thing myself more than once. She's okay." Gladys sat back in her seat.

"That didn't tell me much."

"Wasn't supposed to." Gladys smiled. "There are things you have to do on your own. I think she's doing them. My talking about it doesn't help her. Maybe I'm wrong. It's better for me to keep my mouth shut."

Gloria gave a nod. "I want to see her."

Gladys set her coffee cup down. "I can't advise you. Just be careful."

Gloria thought as she ate her toast. She could hear the kids in the other room. She could hear Darlene's voice for a moment. Darlene was different now. It wasn't the same.

Gladys finished her coffee. "I need to leave in a minute. We haven't been able to work with the kids as much as we should have. It's good to have you back."

Gloria grinned. "That's one thing I know how to do."

Gladys stood with her cup and plate. "I don't need to ask you about Philadelphia, do I? You look . . ."

"I'm glad to be back." Gloria stood and they carried their dishes into the kitchen.

* * *

Johnny parked in front of Kitty's and waited before going in. Maeve and Shirley, and Eve's dress left folded on the wingback, were going to The House first, then Maeve would come to Kitty's

Beth was dressed, seated against him, her hand on his leg. She wore her collar. The leash was attached; he didn't ask where the handle was. He couldn't see it. She had her stint to do today at Kitty's and then Charles would take her to The House. Tonight would be her first real night. He probably wouldn't see her until tomorrow at the photo shoot.

"Do you still want to go on with this?" he asked.

She gave a bark. She gave a quick nod.

"You want to stop, just tell someone. Anytime. Any reason. It will be okay."

She barked softly. She moved across the seat toward her door.

"Feel different about Charles?"

She shrugged and turned to him. "This isn't what I expected."

"The girls are great, aren't they?"

She nodded. "They're great."

"Anything you want to do specially?"

She shrugged her shoulders.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?"

She shook her head. Her eyes held his for a moment; then she looked away. "Maeve is a special woman, an extraordinary person. You hurt her by having too many girls, you hurt her by not spending enough time with her. She's jealous of me, of my time with you. I don't know how she does it. She's gracious, kind. I love her and don't want to do anything to hurt her but I'm falling in love with you, Johnny."

Johnny was silent for a moment. "More time with Charles help?"

She shook her head. "You have too many girls, Johnny. God help me, I'd do anything to be one. I love Charles, love him more than anyone."

"You don't bark in front of the kids, do you?" He grinned at her.

She shook her head, opened the car door.

"Elizabeth." Johnny touched her thigh. "Thank you." He opened his door. "Maeve and I will spend more time together."

She turned and smiled at him. "Liar." She left the car.

Johnny walked with her to the house. "Gloria is here. You'll finally get a chance to meet her."

They went inside. They could hear them, kids and Gloria. They went into the living room, and then Elizabeth took a step back. Johnny turned and looked at her. Her face was pale.

He followed her into the foyer; she leaned on the wall. She shook him away from her.

"Why, Johnny? Why do all your girls have to be so beautiful?"

Johnny heard a footstep and turned. Gloria gave him a broad smile. He turned to Elizabeth. "Are you one of my girls, Beth? Answer me."

She shook her head, turned from him, her face in the corner.

He touched her shoulder her shoulder. "Beth, I'm making a special trip to The House tonight to collect my portion from you. And I'll have a task for you to do for me. Ask the girls what my tasks are like. Only my girls do special tasks for me. They satisfy my whims." He leaned against her and touched her side. "Where is the leash handle, Beth?" he whispered.

She shook her head.

"I didn't even have to ask you, did I? You already knew, didn't you?" Johnny stepped away from her, turned to Gloria and smiled. "She doesn't think she's pretty enough."

Gloria stepped to Elizabeth, touched her shoulder. "My name is Gloria."

Elizabeth turned. Gloria glanced at Johnny then looked back at her. "Charles' wife, Elizabeth." Gloria took her hand and looked at Johnny and shook her head.

Johnny shrugged his shoulders.

Gloria led Elizabeth past him. He followed them into the living room. He leaned against the wall and watched them. Darlene stood next to him. "What's the matter with her?"

Johnny shrugged his shoulders. "Let's talk in the garden."

Darlene followed him. Tiger watched her movements, then turned to the other kids.

* * *

Maeve and Billy talked for a moment about last night's Christmas shopping. They were short handed with Neva, Eve, Beth and Shirley not available. It left everything for just the four of them, which wasn't bad. Billy gave a smile. Monday nights were never rough, but still.

Maeve told Billy the story about the stormy night and how she and another girl satisfied a horde all by themselves. Billy had a similar story, then Maeve told about her days in San Diego in a high volume house. Billy wondered if shorter hours wouldn't help, especially on bar nights.

Maeve shook her head. "I'll tell you what we'll do. I'll work here bar night. Anyone wants to, can. They'll get seventy-five percent instead of fifty percent."

Billy kicked her legs for a minute, got up from the kitchen chair and studied the schedule on the refrigerator. She sat back down. "They'll go for it."

Maeve finished her coffee, smiled at Billy. "Just me, alone?"

Billy shook her head. "I think Neva will be here after the shoot, maybe Connie. They like the money."

"Good. We'll have fun together." Maeve stood. "Next week on we'll close The House three nights a week, Sunday and two others. You choose them, except you'll be open on Friday and Saturday."

Bill found a piece of paper. "Four out of seven, Friday and Saturday we are open for business."

"You can change the days off each week. Keep things interesting."

Billy put her pen down. "Won't that hurt business?"

Maeve shook her head and sat down. "We want to move some of you to other jobs."

Billy looked at Michael as he came into the room and sat in the chair next to her. She asked Maeve, "So less will do more?"

Maeve gave her a smile. "I have to get going. You're not working Michael to death, are you? He looks thinner."

Billy laughed.

"Not working," Michael said, "fucking me to death." He shook his head.

"Maybe Charles should help," Maeve said.

Michael shook his head. "Charles has enough problems already."

Maeve stood. "He does, doesn't he?"

"His wife barks, kids are coming home from college in two weeks. Mom's in a brothel working her ass off." Michael leaned across the table. "Charles never told us she was so good looking." He sat back in his seat. "Mom's in a brothel and she's hot and popular. Might give sis ideas, mighten it?"

Billy gave his arm a slap. "It's her son I've got my eyes on."

"Charles," Michael said, "has been thinking about what his wife feels when another fellow's dick is stuffed up her ass."

"He's crude, isn't he?" Billy said. "Yours, right?"

Michael shook his head. "I have problems enough already without taking on any more." He glanced at Maeve. "How's Johnny doing?"

"He's learning to delegate." She picked up her purse. "I'll be here Thursday night, Michael. Just like old times."

He stared at her. "I'm a goner, aren't I?"

Billy grinned at him.

* * *

Johnny and Gloria sat in rockers on the porch; Darlene was a few feet away on the grass in the sun. He saw Maeve walk out of the house and he stood.

"Take my seat. I'll join Darlene in the sun." Johnny kissed Maeve, sat next to Darlene. "Don't get any ideas."

Maeve studied Darlene, kissed Gloria, and relaxed into the rocker. "Whose idea was that, Darlene?"

"Gloria's." Darlene set her cap in her lap. "My name is David, by the way."

"David was my pimp," Gloria said. "He kept an eye open. He was most helpful."

Darlene turned to Johnny. "She's not telling everything."

"I'm not, Johnny. Not now, at least. It wasn't easy. I couldn't have done it without David or Darlene."

Johnny took the envelope out of his pocket. He opened it and counted out the money. "Almost eight hundred?"

Gloria nodded slowly. "We had expenses."

Johnny counted it again into two piles. He handed one pile to Darlene, stood and walked to Gloria. He handed her the other pile. He sat next to Darlene. "As her pimp you get half."

"Johnny," Maeve said.

"No, that's all right," Gloria said. She laid the bills on the floor next to the rocker. "Johnny's being difficult but I agree. Darlene should get half."

Johnny grinned at Darlene. "I'm being difficult."

"Johnny," Maeve said. "What is your problem?"

"We're on edge, Maeve. It's nothing," Gloria said. "Can I see Kitty?"

Maeve looked at Johnny. "It's up to you, since you're our pimp."

"I'd wait a day, Gloria," Johnny said.

"Wait a day?" Gloria looked quickly at Maeve.

"I'll be going shortly. You can come if you want. We can talk. But Johnny is probably right. This one, too," Maeve pointed at Darlene, "needs to talk to her."

Darlene kicked her heel in the grass.

"The doctor?" Johnny asked.

"All taken care of," Gloria said. "No complications. And Darlene is done with her shots."

Darlene muttered something.

Maeve rose to her feet and went to Darlene. She held out her hand. "Let's go visit Kitty."

Darlene watched Johnny.

Johnny stood. "Remember what I said."

Darlene stood brushing the seat of her jeans. "I'm not a child, Johnny."

"She isn't, Johnny." Gloria rocked in her chair.

Johnny rolled his eyes, touched Darlene on the shoulder. "Come here." He walked away.

Darlene glanced at Maeve then followed him.

"Darlene," Johnny said. "See Kitty after she's had her time alone with Greg. Stay in the car, pal around with Mark, then when you come back to the hotel, go up and Greg and Maeve and Mark will go out to eat. Take Kitty out, buy her dinner. Treat her right. She shouldn't drink, not even wine. If you both need more time, Maeve will get you two a hotel room."

Darlene stared at him as he talked. Darlene didn't move, just stood and stared.

"Or visit Kitty some other time. You decide." Johnny smiled. "Do you have a pocket knife?"

Darlene shook her head.

Johnny reached into his pocket and took out his. "Take it. It's something men find useful."

Darlene held the knife in her hand.

"It's safe until you open it, Darlene. Then you have to be careful." Johnny paused. "Decide yet?"

Darlene looked at Johnny, turned to Maeve. "I'll go with you."

Johnny watched them leave then asked Gloria, "Can I take you out to lunch?"

Gloria gave a nod. "Everything is different, isn't it?"

"Darlene's different. You're different. I'm different. I'm tired, Gloria. Let's eat, go to a motel and forget the world for and hour or two."

Gloria took his hand. "The Pelican?"

"I don't think Kitty could take you both at once. She's hopelessly in love with Darlene. You're the one who took Darlene from her."

"I'm tired, too, Johnny. Just hold me, nothing else. No one has just held me since I left."

* * *

Kitty looked at Greg as she kissed him. He always closed his eyes; she kept hers open. His chest was muscular under her fingers. His eyes stayed closed. The only scar on his face was on his forehead, white skin, a depression like a crater, about the size of a dime. Those were all things she knew. When she kissed him she saw the bridge of his nose, smooth, his eyelashes long for a man's.

She thought about Al's neighbor while she fucked Greg. Six feet tall, a big man, not very good-looking, one of his teeth had a chip missing. Gloria would have fallen in love with him right off. He treated me like shit, Kitty thought. Treated me like shit and I always came back for more.

She remembered the time he had her dance for them, then one by one they took her. He never let them use his bed; he had an old mattress in the garage that lay on the floor. She danced for them. She begged them to fuck her; they threw her down on the mattress and used her.

It was different from the parties Johnny had her go to only in that the men at Pete's called her names, they slapped her, they liked to demean her. She was dirt, she was treated like the filth she was. They fucked her, they made her ass bleed, her cunt sore, almost raw one night. They talked about knocking her teeth out so she could suck them off better. She didn't need teeth. She was ugly, she was a slut and whore, a lying cheating bitch.

She danced for them, they fucked her one after the other until they were done with her, then they told her to go. She got onto her knees; her lip was bleeding. When she brushed it with her hand, her hand had blood on it. She stood and saw everything beginning to turn white and heard the blood roar in her head. She made herself not pass out. She found her clothes and began to dress. She watched them watch her while she dressed. She walked to the door, opened it and felt a hand grab her arm and pull her back.

"Who said you could go, slut bitch?"

She turned around.

"Kitty. Are you okay?" Greg asked.

She fell against him and sobbed. She felt him hold her as she tried to breathe.

"You're okay. You're okay," he said.

She wanted to laugh. She shook her head.

"You're okay."

She said slowly, "Who are you to say I'm okay?" She rolled off him and sat up.

"You're okay, Kitty."

Kitty stood and walked toward the bathroom. She turned to him and said, "Aren't you going to ask me to lick it clean for you?"

"Kitty, you're okay."

"If you say that one more time I'll . . ."

"Chop my legs off and toss me to the dogs. Is that what you'll do, Kitty?" Greg watched her. "You're okay, Kitty." He smiled. "Do your worst."

She slapped the wall, then marched to him. "You fucking bastard."

Greg pushed himself up on the bed so he leaned on the headboard. "You're okay, Kitty."

She swung at him and he caught her hand. She tried to pull away from him, couldn't. His grip was too strong.

"The Chinese couldn't kill me, the cold couldn't, the doctors tried but couldn't. What makes you think you can kill me, Kitty?" He let go of her hand. "You're okay, Kitty. Nothing's going to hurt you here."

Kitty sat on her bed and stared at him. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"Kitty, when I was a kid there was a joke I liked to tell people. Little Johnny lost his arms and legs in a terrible accident. One day there was a knock on the door. His mother opened it and saw six of the neighborhood boys on the porch.

" 'Mrs. Duncan, can little Johnny come out to play baseball with us?' one boy asked.

"Johnny's mother said, 'But Johnny can't play, he has no arms or legs.'

" 'Oh, that's okay,' the boy said. 'We want him for third base.'"

Greg smiled at her. "You're supposed to laugh. As long as I'm not someone's third base, I'm okay. As long as Mark loves his mom, you're okay. And it doesn't just stop with Mark loving you. Think about it. You're okay. There are lots of reasons you're okay. The world may be falling about your ears, but you're okay."

Kitty sat still for a moment; she didn't blink her eyes. Then she began to weep. She stood and fell across him, holding him.

"You almost did what the Reds couldn't, girl."

She slapped his arm. She crawled over him and lay on top of him, making circles on his shoulder with her finger. She wiped her eyes with her hand then went back to making circles on his skin.

She heard the door open. "I forgot to lock the door," she said. She held him.

"Mom, Darlene's downstairs," Mark said.

"We'll come back later," Maeve said. "Sorry. Mark."

Kitty said, "Give us five minutes." She heard the door close. She touched Greg's shoulder, then sat up. "I need to go, Greg." She touched his face with her finger, bent and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Kitty stood and dressed as he watched her. She helped him dress, then touched his lips with her finger. "I need to go."

Mark and Maeve waited outside the room door. Kitty stared at Maeve.

"She's downstairs," Maeve said. "Mark, Greg and I are going out to dinner. We'll be back at nine. If you need more time, let me know."

Kitty hugged Mark, caught Maeve's eyes then turned and walked toward the elevator.

* * *

Johnny put down the phone then sat in his chair. It was dark outside, so dark; no moon on the water. He picked up a pencil and scribbled on the pad as he thought. Maeve had called Gladys; Gladys had called him. Kitty and Darlene had gone off together. Kitty's note on Maeve's car had said she'd be back in the morning. Maeve, Greg and Mark had gone to the Jolly Roger out on the key. Maeve would stay the night with them.

Johnny put down his pencil and looked at his watch. He called The House. "Connie, I need to speak with Michael." Johnny tapped the pencil on the pad.

"He's not there, okay. Here's a message for him. Charles is to bring Eve and Loreli to my house after he drops Beth off. After he has his hour with her is okay. I need to talk to Charles, have him come in with them. I'm eating dinner with Penny. If I'm late, the house is open." He waited for her to repeat the message. "Perfect. Thanks, Connie." He put down the phone.

He sketched out his evening schedule on the pad. Dinner with Penny, back at his house to talk with Charles, help Alex with the shoot. He wanted to talk with Winifred this evening, he had Beth to take care of and, finally, back home with Penny.

He missed Maeve already. His afternoon with Gloria had been anything but edifying. They held each other, but they were off. He couldn't say anything, in any way, to make her happy. In the end they just held each other in silence. She went back to Kitty's. He spent a few minutes with the new children, though Cherry, Sylphie, wasn't a child any more.

He talked with Gloria for a few minutes afterwards. They were going to shop for a new car for her next week. Tomorrow she was going to Sarasota so she could see Kitty.

Shopping for a car wouldn't take long; it was just finding the time to do it. Gloria wanted a station wagon; another Rambler was fine. He'd pay for it.

Johnny stood and went to the fridge. He checked his cupboards and wrote out a small shopping list.

He made one more call before leaving. He left a message for Steve at the station for a meeting at The Pelican on Thursday.

He knew he was forgetting something when he left the house for dinner but he couldn't think of what. His happiness was somewhere, but he didn't think he left that behind in the house. He wasn't sure where he'd left it. At the motel with Gloria, at Kitty's earlier when Darlene left with Maeve, maybe earlier still.

He was too busy to think about it. He turned the key, backed the Electra out of the drive. He wondered if Winifred wanted his car. He was tired of it. He'd get himself another when he shopped for cars with Gloria.

* * *

Kitty and Darlene strolled on the beach. She wanted to hold Darlene's hand, was afraid to ask. Darlene was so different, subdued and bitter. Darlene didn't talk. Silence was too uncomfortable so Kitty chattered. She wanted to slap herself. She was afraid of what might happen if she gave in to that urge.

Kitty stopped. "We could go out to eat, the hotel restaurant is decent, or we could pick up a couple of sandwiches and a bottle of wine and go back to the room." She watched Darlene's eyes.

Darlene turned to go back. "Johnny and Maeve said you're not to drink."

"Wine's okay."

"The only time people have offered me a drink was so I'd get drunk and they could fuck me."

"No wine. Colas instead. Sandwiches and colas."

"Anything good on TV back in the room?"

Kitty shook her head. She didn't know. All Al had been interested in was sports. After work he ate, had a couple of beers and went to sleep early. Al's neighbor was too busy doing other things to watch TV. She remembered riding in his car with him, one of the few evenings he took her out. He wanted to go to Webb's City so he took her along. She looked at Darlene.

Darlene stared straight ahead. "Let's go to the restaurant. Pretend I'm your kid brother."

Kitty nodded. She walked beside Darlene trying not to remember the parking lot with him at Webb's City. She'd known all along it would happen. She sometimes wondered if she'd wanted it to happen. She had to call Al from a pay phone. He was out in a few minutes to pick her up. They rode back quietly; Al didn't say a word.

She began holding out on Johnny; the week after, she gave Al five hundred dollars. He sat in his living room looking at the money, more than he made a month.

"If you don't take it, I'm sure Pete down the street will." She began to unbutton her shirt. "Why don't you call your friends and we'll have a party?"

Al laid the money on the coffee table.

"You should begin charging them." She laid the shirt on the couch. She stood to unsnap her jeans. "Five dollars, maybe less because they're your friends." She pushed the jeans down her legs and stepped out of them. She sat on the couch and waited for him to make up his mind.

"Pete thinks if I don't have any teeth I'd give better blowjobs. What do you think, Al?"

Al picked up the money and left the room. She heard his bedroom door close and the lock click.

She played with herself for five minutes. She put on her shirt and went out. There was a good bar on forty-ninth.

Kitty stopped at the pavement, looking at the cars parked in front of the hotel. She glanced at Darlene. Darlene was watching her.

"I'm okay," Kitty said.

Darlene shook her head and went slowly toward the restaurant.

* * *

Charles was in the living room with a beer when Johnny and Penny walked in.

"Why don't you help Alex in the garage, Penny?"

Penny left them after giving Charles a smile. Johnny went to the kitchen for a beer and sat down across from Charles in the living room. He took a drink, set the bottle down.

"Want to borrow Penny this evening?" Johnny asked. "You could have her for a few hours."

Charles shook his head.

"What did Eve want to do last night?"

Charles smiled. "She's crazy. She wanted to go into this bar; it was a rough place. No Cadillacs parked in front. Then we spent a couple of hours in the parking lot."

Johnny nodded.

"She gave the money to Michael, Johnny."

"I know. I want you to take Eve and Loreli home this evening. Keep it simple. Get a motel room. Make them happy then take them to The House. Call here to tell me the motel and room number. I'll be bringing someone new to you at midnight or a little after. This crazy woman cornered me last Saturday, won't take no for an answer. She looks good, is energetic in bed, but I'm not sure. I think with Beth I'd better stop."

Charles colored at his wife's name.

"Try her out. If you like her, we'll keep her on. Maybe she can be one of Gladys' girls. That's unless you want to start out on your own."

Charles finished his beer. "I'm happy."

"She'll think a room full of men are waiting for her. Keep the light out. I'll drop her off. You'll take her home in the morning." Johnny took a drink. He heard them in the garage. It sounded like Penny had joined in. "How are you and Beth doing?"

"She barks like a dog, Johnny. That what you want to hear? I pick her up tonight and she shows me, before we've even out to the car where she'd stuck that damn leash of hers."

Johnny went to the kitchen and brought two open beers. He handed one to Charles, then sat down. "She didn't show me." He took a drink. "Otherwise?"

"I'm jealous, Johnny. It's all I can do to just sit here. You've had her, Michael's had her, Alex's had her. She's already done some men at The House; tonight's her first night and she can't wait. At least she seemed that way the way she barked."

Johnny gave a nod. "There's not much I can say, Charles. She doesn't have to do any of this."

"She has two grown children. They're coming home for Christmas. What am I going to tell Chrissy and George?"

"How long do you think she knew about this?"

Charles put his beer down. "I think from the beginning. I didn't know that until now. I think it is something women can smell."

"Your kids were home for Thanksgiving, what was it like?"

Charles sat back on the couch. "It was all right, Johnny. I don't think they knew anything."

"Then I wouldn't worry, Charles."

"Where's Maeve?"

"Sarasota with Greg and Mark."

"I had to ask since I'm still trying to find a comeback. I shouldn't worry? How do you rate her, Johnny? As good as Gloria or Kitty? We'll leave Maeve out of this. As good as little Eve? Or Billy?"

Johnny smiled. "You've fucked them all, too. How do you rate her?"

"I'm a bastard." Charles stood. "I'll wait in the car."

Johnny stood. "Relax in here or join us in the garage. You can watch or join in. If you go out to the car I'll send Eve out to pester you." Johnny gave him a smile. "I like your wife a lot, Charles. You do, too. We're even."

Charles sat on the couch. "How many do you think tonight?"

Johnny sat down. "She might have sex with me or Michael or Alex, but it's you she's thinking of all the time. So does it matter? When Eve and I screw she's thinking of Lori. When Penny and I screw she's thinking about her bank account, her nails, something. When . . . you don't need a list do you? When you're at the motel waiting for the new girl why don't you call The House and ask Michael or Billy how many Beth has done? Maybe she'd be doing one right then and they could give you a blow by blow. Maybe she'd be between and you two could chat. You could talk about next year's garden and your vacation plans. You could talk and think all the time about the come dripping down her leg from the last one. You'd hear a knock on the motel room door. You'd tell her goodbye and hang up. You'll open the door and when she's inside, you fuck the brains out of this new girl. She wants it. She wants it bad. You ever had one hum while she's sucking you off? She's one of those. Slap her around if you're angry, she'll like it."

Charles shook his head. "I just asked you a simple question."

"Ten."

"Damn you, Johnny." Charles picked up the bottle and held it so tightly his fingers turned white.

"Every time she'll be thinking of you. When you were fucking Maeve, were you thinking of Elizabeth?"

Charles stared at him, then shook his head. "Not always." He set the bottle down.

"Then you don't have anything to worry about. You love her more than anyone. She loves you more than anyone. Should I send Penny out here to keep you company? You can think of Beth." He grinned. "It isn't easy, is it?"

Charles shook his head. "I'm okay. I'll watch television in the other room."

"If you're drunk you won't be able to do a good job on the new girl."

"That was my last beer."

"Good. I told her one of the men in the room is a madman. She was looking forward to it." Johnny stood. "I was kidding about the slaps. Don't knock her around, Charles."

Charles shook his head. "I'm only angry at myself, Johnny."

Johnny watched him leave the room. He heard the beer bottles go into the trash then a moment later the TV turned on.

Johnny finished his beer, left the bottle on the table and went into the garage.

* * *

Kitty vomited into the toilet, as Darlene held her head, in their hotel room. She felt terrible. Darlene was angry with her. She'd only had a few drinks. Now she was as sick as a kid on their first drunk before they learned how to hold it.

Kitty spit out as much as she could then said, "Up."

Darlene stood back.

Kitty rinsed out her mouth in the sink and splashed water on her face. She looked in the mirror. She was pale. Darlene stood behind her, frowning.

"I'm okay," Kitty said.

"You're fucking not fucking okay," Darlene said. She left the bathroom.

Kitty looked in the mirror. "I'm okay," she said. She was too dizzy to remember why she was okay. She wanted to take a shower. She flushed the toilet and turned on the bath water. She undressed, laid a towel on the toilet and climbed into the tub. She turned on the shower and let it wash her clean of today, of yesterday and the day before.

She stayed in the shower until she couldn't stand it anymore. She turned off the water and heard the TV. She let herself drip dry. The cold air felt good on her skin. She opened the shower curtain, found the towel and dried her hair.

She wondered if she should shave her pussy like Maeve did. Men liked to see she was a true blonde but maybe it didn't matter that much. She could shave her pussy, let her hair grow longer, get a permanent. She could learn to wear high heels and dress. She wondered if she should give Al a call. She could say she was sorry. Maybe he could come over, pick her up and take her out.

She had Pete's number, but she'd wait a week for that.

She hung the towel on the shower rod, dressed and looked at herself in the mirror. She wasn't as pale as before. She didn't have much to offer Darlene, did she? She used her fingers to brush her wet hair. Not much at all.

If Darlene didn't work out, she wouldn't wait a week for Pete. He'd seen her at her worst. He didn't care. She smiled into the mirror, held her lips back from her teeth. She wondered if he'd knock them all out or just the front ones. It wasn't like she chewed on a cock. She closed her lips. It didn't matter. She didn't need teeth where she was going.

She smiled, winked at the mirror and turned out the light. Darlene was on the bed, watching TV.

* * *

Johnny watched Alex set up the shots with Eve and Loreli. Penny sat next to him on the couch they'd moved out of the way from an earlier scene. The garage was chillier tonight. It didn't seem to bother Eve and Lori but Penny wrapped herself in a blanket to keep warm.

Johnny assumed Alex had them go through a pretty standard lesbian sequence, just Eve and Lori first, then Penny. They had different levels of photos. Lingerie shots, partial nudes, imitation sex and real sex. Some of the girls liked doing some types of scenarios more than others. Maeve and Shirley would do scenes with ropes and whips.

Lori and Eve were on the bed wrapped around each other, licking each other's pussies as Alex walked around the bed and photographed them. They looked like children unless you looked closely. Loreli was nineteen, slender and blonde. She had high breasts that Alex's camera seemed to love. Eve was a physical contrast, with a womanly body but without pronounced hips or breasts. Eve grew on the viewer; at least Johnny found her so for him. He saw her, he saw her and looked more closely. Her body was fresh and exciting; a moment later it was even more exciting. Her movements were dance like, her fingers graceful.

Johnny felt Penny against him. He smiled at her. She watched the women on the bed; her mouth was slightly open. By the way she looked at them and how she was breathing Johnny realized she was excited by them. Johnny put his arm around Penny and she glanced at him with a smile and turned back to the bed.

Johnny didn't feel like joining in tonight, he was happy just watching, holding Penny.

When he was younger, before he went in the army, women like Penny and Maeve were only to be admired only from a distance. He didn't have the money, looks or charm to attract their attention.

Eve rode through Loreli's climax, kept licking her pussy. Loreli had another climax a few seconds later. Eve stopped, laid her head on Lori's leg, and stroked Lori's calf with her fingers as Lori returned the favor.

Eve changed position, raised her head and then lowered it, licking Lori's pussy. Then Eve stopped, Johnny could see Eve's body shudder and hear her moan.

Penny touched Johnny's thigh. "My period started this afternoon, Johnny."

"You're off for a week, then." Johnny stroked her ear with his finger.

"You want me to go home?"

"No."

"Eve and Lori or the other girls will keep you company."

"Tossing me to the wolves? No, your period doesn't bother me unless you'd rather not."

Johnny saw her green eyes glance at him; she turned back to watching the girls on the bed. "This is nice, Johnny."

Alex began putting up his camera after unplugging the lights. Lori and Eve continued moving together on the bed; they were beautiful.

"I'm going to go to Kitty's when this is all done, and then I need to visit The House around midnight."

Penny sat up, holding the blanket closed at her neck.

"Want to go or do you want to stay here?"

"I'll go." Penny stood. She took the blanket from around her shoulders and folded it. She turned and smiled at him as she laid it on the couch. She went across the room barefoot and naked to the round wood table by the fridge where her clothes were. Alex glanced at her as he was preparing his bag of film to develop. Johnny stood and walked to Alex.

"Did you want to follow Charles and the girls to the motel?"

Alex gave a nod. "For a few minutes."

"How's Sue doing?"

Alex zipped his bag. Alex used army surplus bags for his gear. He had all shapes and sizes. Alex pointed to the couch.

Johnny sat with him. Alex took a few minutes then spoke. "I'd like to get a second enlarger set up. I need more darkroom space. I need more space to store supplies and a place to dry prints."

"Have an idea?"

Alex took a piece of paper from his pocket. "An old warehouse for lease, just one bay. I'd have to make part of it a studio; it is much, much bigger than this. I can create several rooms. There is space for a large darkroom, about the size of a single car garage. There is space for storage, an office, changing rooms, wardrobe. We could have several enlarger set-ups. One for four by fives, one for eight by tens, one for custom. Maybe two for four by fives."

Johnny took the paper. "I'll call them tomorrow. Bigger place means you'll need help."

Alex looked up from his hands to Johnny. "I'd like Sue to join me full time."

"What's she think?" Johnny smiled. His girls were his girls because of their bents.

"I can't talk to her.&qu