Noir

[Poganin]

I was sitting on a stool by a shinning bar. The bartender kept on wiping it with a white cloth -- probably because of this the bar was so shiny. The glass of whiskey in my hand was supposed to help me make time pass a bit faster but all it did was get me drunk, what a lousy drinker I am... The lady in red dress was straining her vocal cords to the piano operated by Black Tiger, a former heavyweigth boxer. I couldn't stand her squeaking voice. Damn, the door to my office squeaked better than her singing would ever be. The smoke of cheap cigars was making me nauseous, not that I would ever be able to afford a box of those, not if my clients failed to come to appointed meetings to discuss the case. Just like now. I looked up from my cold glass and met my own gaze in the mirror across the bar, behind Mack the bartender. Tired brown eyes, unshaven face -- I smiled at myself and shook my head, the alcohol was getting to me, I was starting to think myself attractive. What a laugh!

I produced the card my secretary had presented to me this morning. No name, just initials: J.R. and an elegantly scribbled note: "Meet me in Mack's Melancholy at 10 PM, I want to hire you." Not much to read, not much to look at to boot. The handwriting told me even less than the sentence it produced. Hurried, yet elegant -- could have been both that of a man or a woman and the directory showed hundreds of J.R.s in this wretched city where you were soaked even before it started to rain seriously.

I was in a foul mood, with my wallet getting thinner day by day and no real income in perspective. Only this J.R. whoever he or she was.

"Jesus, Mack! Two more minutes of this squeaking and you shall have seven years of bad luck. Why don't you fire that dame? She can't sing at all!" I muttered, annoyed.

"Come on, half of my clientelle cannot tell Mozart from bebop. They do not care and the only one who can make that distinction comer rarer that IRS. No big deal, my left ear is deaf anyway," the bartender answered.

"Yeah, five more minutes and my right will be like that as well. See you." I said, deciding to leave. I got up, put my hat on and turned...

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

OOC:

Posting a brief bio ... if it sounds OK I will post ...

(I assume I have to set the "case" for your charrie to work on?"


Josephine (Josie) Rimmington

20 Years old

5 ft 6

White blonde hair - natural - long and thick

Slender but curvy build

Toned, but feminine

DM x

 

[Poganin]

OOC:
Fine by me but will she put up with a burly PI?
Have fun with it. Don't mind the case if you can't think of anything.

IC:
Either the cigar smoke was too thick or my whiskey-clouded mind was going. How in hell could I have missed this dame entering the house. Wait, isn't she too young to be in such a place? I WAS looking at the mirror most of the time when I wasn't looking in the glass so when and whence she came? If I weren't waiting for this J.R. with register tumblers spinning in my head I probably would have asked her to join me for a drink or ten. Yeah right, from the looks of it I could be her father is I had started real early and hadn't paid attention and moreover my wallet was way too thin to satisfy such a stunning beaty who would probably expect me to take her some place where the high-ups meet. A casino or expensive dancing. Pah! Stop dreaming, Spence! Go home and have a good night's sleep in your won bed whild you're still able to walk straight and talk normally.

My eyes just wouldn't leave her figure, following the natural flow of her curves. If only Tiger's music fit the situation. As such I presented with a cacophony of synesthetic picture and ill-fitting tones. She definitely did not fit here. I hoped she came here with someone or to wait for someone or to meet someone because her looks were dangerous. To herself and to whoever dared approach her. Just like that lass Marlowe told me about, what was her name? The one with rich pa... She offed his Irish pal. A pox on my memory to names.

Our eyes met. It was electric. But I cared not. To me this evening was over. J.R. did not come and I was overdue for sleep. I flicked J.R.'s card into half-downed glass of whiskey and started for the door. My way would take me next to this gal I sensed troublesome, next to her and whatever parfume she wore.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine (Josie) Rimmington

It had seemed like a real good idea at the time and this had seemed like the perfect anonymous place for a meet, but like most of my decisions lately, it was proving to be a disaster.

I stood at the door and looked around.
I’d “dressed down” deliberately, but my jeans were all too pristine as was the sky blue cashmere sweater that hung to my body. I felt like everyone’s eyes were on me, but then realised that this was a “drinkers” place and that I offered very little by the way of interest.

I took a deep breath and walked into the room, picking my way past the tables, looking for the guy I was supposed to meet. I coughed uncomfortably. The smoke hung thick and all round the air was perfumed by the smell of raw spirit and beer. I felt distinctly uncomfortable. In fact if I hadn’t been in so much trouble, I’d have walked away when I first realised what a run down dive this place was!

In the corner some woman screeched out notes, but no one seemed to notice, either to applaud or complain about the quality of the entertainment.
A guy stumbled towards me. I deftly side stepped him moving towards one of the booths to do so.

And that’s when I saw him.

Hat in hand, he almost walked into me.

Even though we’d never met, I knew it was him.
I recognised him from the photo, but upfront in real life, the guy looked much rougher, seedier than I’d been expecting.
I took a step back and eyed the empty whiskey glass on his table.
That and the whiskey fumes gave evidence that he’d been here sometime.
Much longer than the 15 minutes I’d kept him waiting for our “appointment”.

I turned as he made to walk past me, a hand reaching out to his arm before drawing back as his eyes locked with mine.

”Mr … um… Spence?”

I struggled to recall his name.

”I .. we had an appointment..? I .. got held up … “

I stammered and then held out my hand.

”Can we talk…?”

I looked around nervously.
This was such a bad idea!
Not just the meeting place, but the whole idea that some PI could help me!
I'd been told that this guy was kind-hearted underneath a brash exterior: a rough diamond ...
As I looked at him, all I could see was the rough!
Underage, the wrong side of town with what looked like the wrong sort of guy!
This wasn’t turning out at all like I’d imagined.

”Great … one mistake after another, Josie ..”

I told myself trying to quell the impulse to turn and run out of there.

 

[Poganin]

Well blow me down! Either the dame was the J.R. who wanted to meet me here or she fancied an older, tired guy like me. Up close he was even more out of place than before. In a drinking establishment like Mack's no self-respecting lady would ever dare to approach a man, much less try and strike a conversation. Not unless she were a prostitute or looking for a free drink. The girl in blue before me was neither, if I was ever sure of anything it was that. Her skin was smooth and clean, her eyes young and a bit scared. Like and anxious mouse she stammered her greeting, introducing herself.

With my hat halfway up I stared at her for a moment, checking the lines of her face, her make-up, her lips -- moving as she spoke -- and a lonely strand of hair that escaped to cut her forehead in two. A wrong lass in the wrong place in the wrong company. I shook head making a sceptic face.

"It's Spencer, miss. Only papers, my ex-wife and myself call me Spence and I hate that. You don't want to get on the wrong side of me right from the beginning, do you?... So your name's Josie. I sure hope this 'j' in Josie is the same 'j' as the one in J.R. Wait, don't answer. The way you look and fit in this place already tells me 'yes'" I replied to her greeting.

I guess my voice was a bit too harsh as her eyes went even wider but smoke and booze just do that to my throat. She looked like she regretted coming here. What else is new? I did when I first stepped in. Whatever trouble she had, had its efect on me as I had trouble myself, trouble looking into her face when I spoke instead of tracing the way the fabric of her sweter clung to her breasts. Wake up, wake up! Money's coming you way, Spence, and don't you friggin' dare blow it!

"So what would you of me, Josie R.? Walk you home to your parents and explain you got lost? Or is there a genuine reason why you need a second-rate Private Dick? This place is as good as any to talk about it but I fear you might develop passive addictions here. There's a cafe across the street so if you don't mind let's talk there. And don't look at me like that, my bark is worse than my bite." I laughed inwardly at the joke. I caught myself unconsciously straightening this cheap brown suit I wore. Stop it, Spence, you don't really want the girl to get to like you, do you?

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine (Josie) Rimmington

"It's Spencer, miss. Only papers, my ex-wife and myself call me Spence and I hate that.
You don't want to get on the wrong side of me right from the beginning, do you?.”

His voice was harsh, uncompromising. I shook my head rapidly.
I instinctively sensed that this was a guy I could ill afford to antagonise...

”So your name's Josie. I sure hope this 'j' in Josie is the same 'j' as the one in J.R.
Wait, don't answer. The way you look and fit in this place already tells me 'yes'"

I stared blankly, my words cut short once more.
I might need help, but this man was certainly not the man to turn to.

"So what would you of me, Josie R.?
Walk you home to your parents and explain you got lost?
Or is there a genuine reason why you need a second-rate Private Dick?”

I bristled. How dare he imply I was a mere child?
I glared unaware that my response made me appear still younger.

”This place is as good as any to talk about it but I fear you might develop passive addictions here.
There's a cafe across the street so if you don't mind let's talk there.
And don't look at me like that, my bark is worse than my bite."

My eyes were drawn to his. I replied coldly.

”I had intended to consider enlisting your services ... but ... I don't think you can help me after all ... “

I clutched my bag to me. I wouldn’t be needing the papers.
I would have to find some other way…
I had no idea how ...

Perhaps I had found his patronising attitude so annoying because he was right.
I should be home with my parents …
I should be … anywhere doing anything, except be here with him!

I blinked feeling stupid tears springing to my eyes.
I had to get out of there quickly.

”Good day, Mr Spencer … I won't disturb you any more .. “

I murmured turning to leave.
I was desperate to get outside,
out of the presence of the man I had stupidly hoped could help me …
This man who was the worse for drink and whose brash nature would make him the last person I would trust with such a ... delicate ... task.

I crossed the room quickly and finally broke free of the oppressive atmosphere.
I breathed deeply as I stood against the wall in the alleyway.
I had to pull myself together before recalling the car to take me home.
I took a shuddering breath and dropped my head in my hands.
God!
That had been so awful ...

 

[Poganin]

"Good day, Mr Spencer … I won't disturb you any more .. it is?" I thought to myself. Before I knew it she was out of the room with only a swirl of her perfurme slowly being smothered by the smoke. I sighed, don't you dare blow this chance for some dough, Spence, I reminded myself. Well, I was on my way out anyway.

The air outside was better than inside, only slightly better. Standing in the doorway I checked my pockets for a packet of smokes. There were none, I must have left them in my office. Oh well, all the better for my health. Except for the smell in the air the night was a pleasant one. Apart from a wasted evening in a place where one can get to a hospital or a morgue just for walking the wrong side of the pavement. Definitely not the place for a delicate girl like that Josie person to meet and talk business. I wondered what scared her more: my attitude or the neighbourhood where she surely had never been before.

I started home, feeling old and useless. Another botched job... yeah right, a job! A hint of a job. Maybe my secretary was right saying to lay off the tough-guy attitude? Oh well, it did much good to Marlowe, so why not me? Not having walked a hundred paces I heard a sigh or a sob from the side alley. Check it or go home? I decided to make sure no felony was taking place and I sure hoped that Josie lass was on her way home and not wandering these dark streets. Imagine my surprise upon seeing her emerge energetically from that narrow alley. I smiled to myself making sure to stand in a place where she would see me clearly and not get scared away again before I could say anything.

"Look, miss, you don't want to be hanging around in this place at this time. But I understand you had a pressing matter and were pretty much desperate to discuss it. Sorry for being an ass inside. It's just that clients who get an appointment and don't show up are way too frequent in my trade. Seeing as you were late I thought you weren't going to show up and it reflected on my manner. My apologies..." I said to her back. "If you still need my services... well... you know where to find me. I may not look it but I can get the job done. Whatever it is."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

I pulled out my mobile and dialed. I had to get home as quickly as possible.
This place was bad news!

"Dammit!"

The signal didn't work. Typical!
Perhaps if I turned onto the main street...?

I hastened out of the alley and turned to dip into my bag.
And there he was again!
To my surprise he walked over and smiled.

"Look, miss, you don't want to be hanging around in this place at this time. But I understand you had a pressing matter and were pretty much desperate to discuss it. "

I found myself smiling in return, perhaps grateful for a "freindly" face out here.

"Sorry for being an ass inside.
It's just that clients who get an appointment and don't show up are way too frequent in my trade.
Seeing as you were late I thought you weren't going to show up and it reflected on my manner. My apologies..."

I stood astounded by his words, his manner.
It was as if he'd left the seediness of the bar behind him.

"If you still need my services... well... you know where to find me.
I may not look it but I can get the job done. Whatever it is."

I watched him begin to walk away.

"Mr... Spencer!"

I called, my voice strangely loud in the quiet street.
I blushed as he turned.

"Look ... I ... I should apologise too ... I shouldn't have arranged to meet in a place like that ... only ... I didn't realise ... "

I broke off and blushed knowing I was sounding stupider by the minute.

"I did want to talk to you ... but I couldn't meet you at your offices ... no one can know .. "

I spoke urgently and then pulled my gaze away from his again.

"I'm in trouble and ... a friend gave me your name ... I didn't know what else to do ... "

I realise my mouth has run away with me and halt trying to quell the panic and look up unaware of the unshed tears glistening there.

"Do you think you might be able to help me ...?"

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

I crossed myself three times in my head thanking Jesus He decided to make her path cross mine again. She was still tense, afraid, like a small animal in a predator's territory. This must have been much too much for her: the location, this night, that lousy bar and whatever predicament she had got herself into. She looked scared and depressed, disenchanted perhaps. No big deal, people read way too much into this profession. Most of those who call themselves Private Detectives are either former inmates or regular goons with a licence to scare both their marks and their clients. I had to make sure the lady hadn't given me any of those labels.

"Sure, miss, I think I might be able to help you with whatever problem you have." I tried soothing her but my voice was still harsh from the bar's atmosphere. Besides, I didn't want her to realise too soon that I didn't know anything about her troubles and without that knowledge I wouldn't be able to do anything, much less decide whether I could do anything.

She was just standing there, fumbling with her bag and trying to avoid my gaze. So I said, "Look, lady, no use standing here and playing 10 questions because all we'll get is some bruises for tumbling in the dark. You seem to want me to do something and this business will work out best if you tell me what the problem is and then I ask my questions and you answer them to the best of your capabilities. I am sure we can work out something but a street is not a location suitable for this. We can either sit ourselves down in that cafe over there or if you prefer a less common place I can take you my place. If you're not afraid to be alone with a guy like me on a night like this. I guess you've had enough troubles lately. It isn't very far, two blocks thataway and a walk will do you good to ease your stress."

She stood there, listening patiently to my tirade but when she glanced at me and quickly averted her gaze in her eyes I already saw that she had made up her mind.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

"Sure, miss, I think I might be able to help you with whatever problem you have."

I looked up and smiled hesitantly then reached for my bag.
The damn mobile had to work.

"Look, lady, no use standing here and playing 10 questions because all we'll get is some bruises for tumbling in the dark.
You seem to want me to do something and this business will work out best if you tell me what the problem is and then I ask my questions and you answer them to the best of your capabilities."

I nodded, but where to start... ?
I glanced round as I heard a sound behind us.

"I am sure we can work out something but a street is not a location suitable for this. We can either sit ourselves down in that cafe over there or if you prefer a less common place I can take you my place. If you're not afraid to be alone with a guy like me on a night like this. I guess you've had enough troubles lately.
It isn't very far, two blocks thataway and a walk will do you good to ease your stress."

I had glanced over at the cafe. It was safe, warm but surprisingly busy. I glanced up at the guy in front of me.
Going to his place was a bad idea ... but ...
I pulled my eyes away.
What was one more mistake on an evening like this ... ?

"The matter is ... delicate ... I'd prefer somewhere private ... and maybe I could use your phone from there ... I need to call for my ride to pick me up sometime ... "

I saw him nod and allowed him to point the way.
I fell into step beside him, my eyes darting round taking in the neighbourhood unaware of moving close to his side as we passed a noisy bar.
I glanced at the pavement, ignoring the comments and shouts thrown out into the night, comments addressed to us but were forgotten as we turned the corner and crossed the mainroad before turning off left.

"Is it far now?"

I shivered, chilled and nervous.
Perhaps I was going to top all my mistakes in this one act?
God ... I wished I didn't need to do this... !

 

[Poganin]

"Two minutes and we're home. You can then use my phone to call a taxi or your driver to pick you up."

I'm a lousy caretaker, aren't I? Instead of making the girl relax I only made her even more apprehensive with my offer to take her to my place. She was following half a pace behing me as if afraid. I pitied her, such a pretty face forced to show fear and anxiety to a complete stranger. Such a nice, gentle and pretty girl forced to rely on that total stranger. This world sucks.

"Hey, miss. Why don't you tell me something about yourself," I called above my shoulder, casting a sideways glance at her. If only she raised her head... "And relax, I am not going to hurt you. I am aware it comes hard to trust a stranger with your secrets but since you agreed to tag along you might as well introduce the story a little bit now."

We walked on, I heard her breath quicken when she decided to talk and there we were, in front of my door. I managed to open it without mistaking the keys and I let her in first, smiling encouragingly and nodding once.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

"Hey, miss. Why don't you tell me something about yourself,"

I kept my head down and followed him nervously now.

"And relax, I am not going to hurt you.
I am aware it comes hard to trust a stranger with your secrets but since you agreed to tag along you might as well introduce the story a little bit now."

I continued and wondered how to start?
How to tell him who I was? How to explain …
Finally I looked up.
Name first, I thought … but then realised we’d arrived at his place.
I watched as he unlocked the door and gestured for me to precede him.

Timidly, I moved towards the door and over the threshold.
He followed close behind, reaching out to flick a switch.
I looked round watching as he shed his hat and coat.
Waiting until he gestured me through into adjoining room inviting me to make myself at home.
I smiled hesitantly as sat in the sofa he offered.
My eyes moved curiously around the room until he prompted me to tell him a bit about myself.

I swallowed nervously and began.

”Well … I told you my name was Josie … well that’s true, although my “proper” name is Josephine … Josephine Rimmington … “

I watched him look at me blankly and then realisation dawned.
I knew he’d make the connection.
My father was in real estate and had been making it pretty big lately.
He was involved with a development down town, not far from the bar I’d so stupidly arranged to meet Spencer. The project was pretty high profile.
The Senator had worked closely with my father, making sure he had been associated with the whole idea from the beginning.

”Now you see why I have to be careful …
Why anything I tell you has to be fully confidential!“

I confided urgently.

 

[Poganin]

I nodded, acknowleding the small facts that popped into my mind at the mention of her full name. I stood there for a moment, wondering what all of this could have to do with the girl's troubles.

"Anything you tell me is confidential. This is strictly a detective-client matter. Would you like something to drink perhaps? Coffee?" I asked in my frendliest voice and seeing her nod I went in the small kitchen and put the kettle on. "Oh, if you want to call the phone's on my desk!" In a few minutes the coffee was ready and I topped it with a teaspoon of whiskey. The night was cold and I bet that sweater did little to keep her warm.

Entering the living room I caught her looking at the pictures on the wall: the force, the army, me and the President, me and my kid, Maria. I put the cup on the small table next to where she sat and took off my suit jacket and loosened the tie. "I put in some alcohol to make sure you don't catch a cold. I hope you don't mind." I said, startling her a bit as she jumped slightly. "What do you make of those?" I asked, pointing at the collection of pictures. "Pretty much different from you are seeing now, isn't it?"

A muffled meow reached us from the window sill. I turned to see Sheena, my black tabbycat jumping gracefully to the floor and moving in to rub her side on my calf. I picked her up, scratching her throat and making her purr in pleasure. "This is Sheena." I said to Josie and for the first time this night saw her smile a genuine smile, even her eyes sparkled and her back straightened. "Sheena, baby, meet Josie. Josie is the girl who needs our help and that is just the thing we are about to do. So you do your best too, y'hear?" I walked a few paces and gave my cat to the girl, Sheena eyeing her suspiciosly. "You can continue if you wish."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

"Anything you tell me is confidential. This is strictly a detective-client matter. Would you like something to drink perhaps? Coffee?"

I nodded and watched him turn to make the drink.

"Oh, if you want to call the phone's on my desk!"

I stood and made my way towards the phone.
I left a brief message on the service, for Mike to be on standby “at the place he dropped me”. I would call when I wanted picking up, I told him.
Replacing the receiver, I looked over at the pictures that were hung on the wall … I only half recognised him. I wondered how long ago they had been taken … I saw the young girl and wondered …

Pictures … told so much …

I turned caught out and blissfully taken away from my train of thought.
I sat down again picked up the cup, wrapping my hands gratefully around it with a warm smile.

"I put in some alcohol to make sure you don't catch a cold. I hope you don't mind."

I jumped and looked down at the liquid.
God. I knew he was being helpful, but after …
I put the coffee untouched on the side table.

"What do you make of those?
Pretty much different from you are seeing now, isn't it?"

I looked over at him, now minus tie and jacket.
He looked tired … sad … certainly disillusioned.

”Photographs are only a snapshot in time. They can be … misleading..”

I commented softly.
He had no time to respond before a tabby cat jumped up insisting on attention.
I eased myself back on the sofa smiling as I watched him pet and talk to the cat.

"This is Sheena.
Sheena, baby, meet Josie. Josie is the girl who needs our help and that is just the thing we are about to do.
So you do your best too, y'hear?"

Automatically I reached out and stroked the soft fur.
The cat looked up uncertainly and then padded as I scratched her ears gently.

"You can continue if you wish."

I nodded. The cat was a good diversion.
As she settled down on my lap, I realised she was good for added warmth too.

My hand moving automatically now, I glanced over at Spencer as he sipped his coffee and began.

”There’s a guy … I want followed … I need to know who he sees, who he meets over the next two weeks … and … I don’t know if you can do this or not … but … he has something of mine … and I want it back…”

I abbreviated giving a summary of what I wanted.

”Can you do that?”

 

[Poganin]

Spencer

"Sure sounds easy, Josie." I said, sipping my coffee. "I can do that nice and smooth, the guy won't even know I'm there. Do you want me to take pictures of him and whomever he meets? His friends, associates, girls? Or do you prefer a written report, or should I call you on a daily basis to report my findings? Here's my card, my mobile number is there so you can call anytime if there's something more you need done. And about that item... Am I supposed to beat him silly and make him cough it up or ask nicely. It would do, if you were honest with me, Josie -- the more honest you are with me, the less trouble I will have on the job. And from now on you smile and dance and sing and forget your trouble, your problem's on my mind now and I am taking care of it." I made my face to frown in a professional manner that was supposed to reassure people and make them trust me be seeing as Josie hadn't touched her coffee.

"And you need to trust me, Josie. You trusted me to come here and confide in me so bear with me till the end... even if it gets rough. I'm your man for the job, I trust you, I have to. Ok?" I smiled warmly, seeing Sheena fast asleep and purring in Josie's lap. "Don't you dare wake her now" I said still smiling and winked at the girl.

"I will do my best, Josie, to help you and make sure none of this gets out to the press. You know what they called me in the force? Black Dog, because once I bit on to something I never let go. Well, I had to let go of the force in the end. I may not have the badge anymore but old habits die hard, you know."

"Are you sure you're not going to drink that? I'll dispose of it then."

Standing up, I looked at her again, now a wee bit more relaxed and cozy in the sofa with Sheena curled on her thighs dreaming her dreams of mice and milk. Josie herself looked as if she were to fall asleep after my tirade. I smiled again. This house hadn't seen so much warmth since Maria's last visit to hre old man. I unconsciously stared and my girl's picture.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

"Sure sounds easy, Josie.
I can do that nice and smooth, the guy won't even know I'm there.
Do you want me to take pictures of him and whomever he meets?
His friends, associates, girls? Or do you prefer a written report, or should I call you on a daily basis to report my findings? Here's my card, my mobile number is there so you can call anytime if there's something more you need done.”

I forced a smile. It seemed easy, so easy … too easy.
And it wouldn’t be … I knew that.

”And about that item... Am I supposed to beat him silly and make him cough it up or ask nicely”

As if he would part with it!

”It would do, if you were honest with me, Josie -- the more honest you are with me, the less trouble I will have on the job.”

His words hung like an accusation.

” And from now on you smile and dance and sing and forget your trouble, your problem's on my mind now and I am taking care of it."

I thought of the party … my party … was it going to be like that?
I smiled at his paternal manner and again experienced a twinge of guilt.

"And you need to trust me, Josie. You trusted me to come here and confide in me so bear with me till the end... even if it gets rough. I'm your man for the job, I trust you, I have to. Ok?"

Again he hit a nerve. I hadn’t confided in him at all.

"Don't you dare wake her now"

I smiled at his wink. He was so soppy about that cat.
A man who loved animals like that couldn’t be bad…

"I will do my best, Josie, to help you and make sure none of this gets out to the press. You know what they called me in the force? Black Dog, because once I bit on to something I never let go.
Well, I had to let go of the force in the end. I may not have the badge anymore but old habits die hard, you know."

Again he chatted on whilst my thoughts raced.

"Are you sure you're not going to drink that? I'll dispose of it then."

Again I flinched at the reference to the drink.
I eased my head back on the sofa. All I wanted to do right now was escape.
If only it would all go away.
I looked up as Spencer picked up the cup making ready to throw it away.

”Spencer … I … I have to explain…”

I watched as he set the cup down and sat carefully beside me on the sofa.

”I don’t think this is gonna be so straightforward … and … you need to hear all the facts, I guess… “

I stared at the cat in my lap and then forced myself to face him.

”But … it’s difficult … “

My voice broke and I struggled for control.

” … embarrassing … “

I added softly, then struggled to continue.

”This guy … he’s blackmailing me … he has … photos and … I’m not sure what else … and he’s not some thug … he’s … well connected … no one would believe his word over mine …

I took a steadying breath and looked up with tear filled eyes.

”You have no idea what he’s like … what he did … in two weeks it’s my 21st birthday. I’m supposed to have a big party and… well you can imagine … he says that his birthday present to me will be … memorable … “

Despite my efforts the tears flow over.

”God … I don’t know how to stop him … “

 

[Poganin]

My heart almost broke in two seeing this lovely girl cry. How could anyone have anything against her when she obvioulsy was gentle and nice. This must have been someone's was of getting at her old man. Some thugs will stop at nothing, destroying more lives than necessary in order to achieve their goals. Weel, one thug was in for a surprise.

I took a tissue and gently wiped her tears hoping she wouldn't get startled again. My attepmts to calm her down were so far as succesful as being stealthy on broken blass.

"Don't worry, Josie. It's on my head now and everything will be fine. You'll see. In two weeks' time you'll have one less thing to worry about and I will give you a better present -- peace of mind. You have my word for it. "

For a moment I just sat like that, next to her, watching her try to get a grip on herself and her troubled soul. Why wouldn't she trust me? Why doesn't she have faith in me and my abilities? After all I was recommended to her.

I put my hand on her trembling shoulder and gave a it a gentle squeeze. She flinched a bit as I suspected she would but she didn't shy away. I smiled as warmly as I could into her teary, questioning, scared eyes, getting up and letting go of her.

"You'll probably want to go home now, Josie" I said, but my voice took on a strange, alien tone.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

I glanced up as I felt his hand gently wipe at my tears.
I tried to force a smile, but failed.
I was amazed at the gentleness of his touch and his coaxing voice.

"Don't worry, Josie. It's on my head now and everything will be fine.
You'll see. In two weeks' time you'll have one less thing to worry about and I will give you a better present -- peace of mind. You have my word for it. "

I nodded, but still struggled to stem the soft sobs.
My body jerked instinctively as I felt his hand on my shoulder, but as I looked up I saw him smile a wealth of sympathy if not full understanding in those eyes before he got up and walked across the room.

"You'll probably want to go home now, Josie"

I rubbed a hand over my eyes and nodded.

”Yes … I guess I should .. “

I answered.

”If you’ll give me the address or walk me back to the club I’ll arrange to be picked up .. “

I murmured feeing the cat shift and slip from my lap.
The papers burned a whole in my bag, but I hesitated.
I would show him just the essential information, I decided.
He seemed to need very few details.

”I guess you’ll want the details of the guy you’re supposed to be following … “

I said reaching in and drawing out a photograph.

”His name, address and numbers are on the back, although you’ll hardly need them.”

I commented handing the picture over to him.
A picture of Nicholas Parker, the Senator’s son.

 

[Poganin]

Spencer Grant

OOC: Congratulations on your #2000 post

IC:
Even before she produced the photograph I had already known that the guy for me to tail was that bastard Parker Jr. Using his old man's name as a personal aegis he enrolled a number of shady deals from drugs to extortions. Josie, I reckoned, got into this mess by her fathers connection to old man Parker. I was in for some fun hide and seek with a spoiled brat. No big deal, in my time I'd dealt with the worst of them. Little Nicky was no threat to me, but he could spoil Josie's reputation big time if I was not careful.

My cheeks ached from smiling at her, reassuring her it will be alright. I haven't smiled that much since God-knows-when. I massaged my jaw to ease some tension from my face. As she got up I could get a closer look at her form, not too obvious though. I knew, women were sensitive to ogling. Long legs, round hips tightly hugged by her jeans, her sexy upper body enveloped in a sweater that gave her the innocent look and the cute face with pretty, big eyes. She was a real heartbreaker, a woman men would kill for, a woman men would die for and she must have had a loving, caring boyfriend to satisfy her emotional and carnal needs. A sad smile crawled back on my lips.

I pocketed the photograph and nodded. "Consider it done, Josie. You got yourself a PI. And I think I had better walked you somewhere you can be picked up. It wouldn't do now for someone to connect us, taking you from this place. Especially you wouldn't like to worry your parents or hint them at your problem."

It was deep, dark night outside and a sudden gust of wind blew my hat from my head and took it for a ride among tree branches. I always knew I should have cut that blasted larch down. Seeing Josie shiver I removed my overcoat and put it around her, just like I thought, that sweater wasn't good at keeping her warm. I nodded to her, combing back my wind-messed hair. We were on our way. Two people together, two people alone.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

"Consider it done, Josie. You got yourself a PI.
And I think I had better walked you somewhere you can be picked up.
It wouldn't do now for someone to connect us, taking you from this place. Especially you wouldn't like to worry your parents or hint them at your problem."

I glanced up at him as we walked out of the front door.

”My parents aren’t around this weekend … that’s why I thought I could try to … to sort all this out .. “

I smiled as he chased his hat and shivered as the wind blew chill through my sweater. Gratefully I accepted his offer of the overcoat, warmed by his kindness and his recent body warmth as much as from the fabric itself.

We walked on in silence, heading back towards the club.

”You’ve been … very kind Spencer … thank you …”

I offered shyly as I drew close to him in the darkness.

”I know this is every day stuff to you … but this has really freaked me … and I felt so stupid … you know afterwards … and it’s not as if I can remember anything about it … or if he … I …. “

I halted realising I’d been jabbering on.

”All cos he wanted to date me … well to begin with … but … “

I shuddered.

”I don’t know if I could ever trust anyone again … after this … “

 

[Poganin]

We walked in silence for a moment.

"Trust isn't something that is taken for granted or just is there. It's not like we are born trusting everyone from the beginning. Trust is like appreciation or respect, you get to have it only when you get to know that person. Take an example, when we met for the first time today, at Mack's, you surely had no respect for me, had you? You didn't trust me to give me details to work on. Now, maybe you are beginning to trust me a little but it doesn't come out of thin air. Don't take for granted what people are telling you. And you are old enough to know that when guys talk dating they think scr... with their other head... Especially when such a striking beauty as yourself is concerned..."

I cut off suddenly. "I'm sorry. I was too forward, please excuse me. Sometimes my tongue works faster than my mind does."

I decided to shut up before Josie thought I was hitting on her. Again I checked my pockets looking for smokes and again there were none. I noticed her casting curious glances at me but I pretended not to notice. We were close to the place where Josie was to be picked up.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

The words hung in the air as we continued to make our way back to the club.

"Trust isn't something that is taken for granted or just is there.
It's not like we are born trusting everyone from the beginning.
Trust is like appreciation or respect, you get to have it only when you get to know that person.”

I nodded and kept close to him as we passed a rowdy street corner.

”Take an example, when we met for the first time today, at Mack's, you surely had no respect for me, had you?”

I blushed and looked away, unwilling to admit what I had first thought of him, unwilling to admit that I’d felt totally intimidated by his abruptness.

”You didn't trust me to give me details to work on.
Now, maybe you are beginning to trust me a little but it doesn't come out of thin air. Don't take for granted what people are telling you. “

I smiled slightly as he continued.
He sounded like a cross between a sympathetic friend and my father, well, if my father had ever stayed in one room long enough to have a conversation with me!

”And you are old enough to know that when guys talk dating they think scr... with their other head...
Especially when such a striking beauty as yourself is concerned..."

I blushed at his blatant … honesty …

"I'm sorry. I was too forward, please excuse me.
Sometimes my tongue works faster than my mind does."

I smiled.

”No .. I know… I know you’re right. I know what Nicky wants … wanted…
But … it’s too late for that now … he’s … “

I stopped and blushed.
I thought I’d made it clear, even though I had … hinted … he still didn’t seem to get it…

”Spencer … I … God … I don’t know how to say this … “

I stopped. We were just around the corner from the club.
I eased into the shadows of the wall and began to explain.

”I … I haven’t gone about this right at all … I thought I’d explained.. but… “

I knew I was babbling again. I took a deep breath.
Without thinking I laid a hand on his arm and spoke quietly, forcing myself to speak clearly, to explain.

”Nick and I were at this … function … we were talking … good PR to be seen together … he wanted to go somewhere more … private after … I didn’t … it was public … all safe … but … “

I felt Spencer’s eyes on mine and looked up, speaking quietly.

”I began to feel ill. Nick offered to take me home … make sure I got back safely … “

I forced a laugh.

” I hadn’t been “drinking” … I was dizzy … soo disorientated … I never realised why at the time … “

I halted. Hesitating until Spencer prompted me to continue.

”I couldn’t make Nick take me home … I don’t know where he took me … I only remember bits … flashes … but … I … I couldn’t stop him … “

I eased closer feeling Spencer’s arm around me as I shivered my imagination of what could have happened that night, even worse that the reality might have been.

”He sent me a photograph… taken that evening… he says he has more … and a video … but… I don’t know if he has … he says he’ll give them to me as a … souvenir … if I’ll go see him … so he can “refresh my memory” … with me … conscious this time … “

The horror of the situation kept my tears in check.

”You see why I'm a bit low on trust at the moment?"

I forced a smile, but the bravado cracked.
I whispered softly.

"You have to help me, Spencer … he really scares me … “

 

[Poganin]

She was so fragile while speaking of this horror she had suffered that I couldn't help but embrace her softly, to show her that she is not alone, that I am on her side and ready to support her. It looked like she had no-one else in the world she could rely upon and having to rely upon me was very hard on her. I rubbed her back lightly comforting her.

"Shhh, girl. I understand. It's very hard on you, I know, but I told you I will take care of this matter promptly, so you have nothing to worry about. I'll take whatever materials of that night he might have in possession, see whom he sees or meets, maybe find something on him."

Her touch on my arm was so soft, so gentle, so... so like her. I smiled at her as warmly and reassuringly as I could and hugged her a little bit. I felt her ease into my embrace, shifting for better position and she sighed almost inaudibly or it may have been a stifled sob, I couldn't tell the difference with her face so close to my chest. It was strange, this girl with so little trust in anyone at the moment bravely accepted my help and attempts at comforting her. I brushed away a strand of her hair and as she looked at me questioningly I kissed her on the forehead. This gesture seemed so natural to me at the moment that for a while I haven't even registered what happened and it dawned on me a few seconds later.

"You be brave, girl. I am giving you all the help I can, you have my word for it." I had to fight the urge to kiss her and I shook my head. "He'll pay for what's he done to you, Josie. And even his old man won't be able to help him." I hugged her once more and felt her relax a tiny little bit with another sigh.

"I guess that's your ride," I said, nodding at the black limo that stopped in front of Mack's. "Call me, if you're impatient for results. Or I will call as soon as I have anything to ease your mind. Now go, Josie. Have faith in me, ok?" I smiled again and pushed her gently towards the car, staying in the shadow of the wall. I watched her go, I watched her move and felt enchanted by her gently swaying hips, so beautifully round and shapely in her jeans. I let out a sigh myself.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Josephine Rimmington

"Shhh, girl. I understand. It's very hard on you, I know, but I told you I will take care of this matter promptly, so you have nothing to worry about. I'll take whatever materials of that night he might have in possession, see whom he sees or meets, maybe find something on him."

His words soothed me. I realised that I’d almost expected him to call me names, accuse me of being stupid of being a …
I felt his leant into the comfort of his arms finding myself feeling strangely secure.

I glanced up as he brushed my hair away from my forehead, my eyes wondering what he was thinking, whether he was usually this kind to distraught female characters … perhaps this was a PI’s “bedside manner”.
But no … his soft kiss on my forehead made me smile, as did his words..

"You be brave, girl. I am giving you all the help I can, you have my word for it."

I nodded.

"He'll pay for what's he done to you, Josie.
And even his old man won't be able to help him."

I let him draw me against his body again and relaxed against his chest.
It sounded as if he really cared, as if he gave a damn.
There was certainly no other person I could tell about this … and that was what Nick was counting on, I realised.
Again I had the strange sensation of feeling “safe” now that Spencer was involved.

"I guess that's your ride,"

I turned my head and saw the limo parked outside the bar.

"Call me, if you're impatient for results. Or I will call as soon as I have anything to ease your mind. Now go, Josie. Have faith in me, ok?"

I eased myself out of his coat.

”OK … and thanks Spencer … “

He nodded and I wondered if he realised just how grateful I was:
Grateful for him taking the job, but also the listening ear, the support, the coat … the reassurances.
I pressed a card into his hand.

”Call me on this number … anytime … if I can’t speak leave a message..?”

He nodded and with a quick smile I turned and made my way towards the car.
If my father ever got to hear about this outing, it would be reported as an evening with “unsuitable” characters in an “unsuitable” bar … anyhow “daddy” was rarely concerned enough to make a fuss … it wasn’t as if I’d ever given him any cause for worry. Perhaps that was why he couldn’t see what Nick was really like…

I smiled and pretended I’d had a great time, as I slipped into the car.
As it pulled away, I glanced into the shadows, but I couldn’t see Spencer.

 

[Poganin]

It had taken three days to get Nicky-boy's daily pattern. Work, meeting with some shady characters doing shady deals, train station. Tailing him had been getting tedious and on the fourth day I decided to start acting. He broke his daily routine then and visited a photo studio. The clerk spilled the beans that he had several sets of copies made. I already knew why he had been visiting the train station -- he had rented a safety box in there. Picking the lock when nobody looked was only a matter of seconds. Just like I thought, inside were a few thick packets with what felt like paper rectangles inside and several video tapes. However one pack was lacking so he must have had it on him or stored somewhere else.

Getting to find him was an easy job, at 3 pm he visited one of his girls. Searching his car revealed nothing, either he had it on him or peddled it. Just for the sake of being on the safe side of Josie's request I shot a few photos of him and the girl as they were leaving the flat.

On the fifth day I shot some new photos of Nick buying crack from one of his "associates". Curiously, the envelope he paid with looked very much like one of those in the safety box. The guy was a regular pusher so a few bitchslaps made him cough the envelope up. Opening it, I found what I was looking for -- several dozen pictures, looking at the fist one I knew I hit the jackpot: there was Josie in it, wearing a pretty pastel dress and a vacant look in her eyes. The police took the bastard in. The only thing I had to do now was clean up the safety box. Luckily Nick didn't take any of the remaining packets away and one of the tapes looked different from the others with a sticker described "JR" so I assumed it was the original.

I stashed the stuff in a cardboard box and in the evening called the number Josie had given me. She wasn't available so I left the message stating that I had retrieved what she asked me to retrieve and would proceed to check him up for the rest of the two weeks I was supposed to keep my eye on him. With a glass of whiskey to keep me going I typed a written report on the progress of the case.

I spent the rest of the days just watching him and couldn't help but smile seeing him pissed off like hell at the disappearance of Josie's "birthday present". To be on the safe side I checked his routines again but he was rarely leaving his flat now, only nervously peeking from behing the curtain from time to time. I had him, the incrimination material I had shot was enough to get him a comfortable little cell. He was trapped.

I called Josie again. "Good evening, Josie. This is Spencer. I have what you wanted. The operation had been carried to the letter. How do you want to meet? Shall I visit you, or will you come to my place again?"