Serial Killer Strikes Again

[jushorny]

Marc Jordan

As I worked though the day with a co-worker we joked back and forth, all the while sawing the studs and nailing them into place. The afternoon went by quickly and I was pleased at the end of the work day to realize I indeed had met the goal I had set for myself. The place was now ready for the electricians, sheet metal workers, and plumbers. I stretched my body out as I glanced around the townhouse. With only the stud walls framed I could see through the entire unit, but could also get a sense of what the finished spaces would be like. I began thinking that I might just have to look into buying one of these units. I was tired of my one bedroom condo, having no outside space was beginning to grow old.

I picked up my stuff and walked over to the field office, a small trailer, where the boss man sat and made his phone calls. I punched out on the time clock and took a seat. We seemed to congregate there everyday to review what had been accomplished and to discuss what was on the agenda for the next day. A few of the guys said they were going to Jack’s, the local hang out for us, later that evening. I told them I might show, depending on how I felt after showering and eating.

I said my goodbyes and headed to my pick up. I let it warm up a bit before heading down the road towards my condo, listening to the local country radio station. I was thankful there was no snow, the temperature a bit chilly, but all in all the winter had not yet hit hard. I wondered if anything had transpired with the murders in town. Glancing at my watch, making sure I’d be home in time to catch the news and see if there was any updated information.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Samantha waved goodbye to the last child and looked at the clock, the library closed at 8:30, but her shift was over at 5:00. She was already over her time, but she didn't mind, it wasn't like she was going home to anything. She picked up the arts and craft supplies as well as the various strips of paper that didn't make their way to the trash earlier and took them to the closet and trash can. Taking her purse she stopped and grabbed the paper that had been saved back for her and her bird. “Bye folks!” she called.

“You work tomorrow?” Steve asked, one of the after school teens that had come into work. He was a freckled face redhead, but looked to be a man instead of the 17 year old boy that he was in reality. Sam smiled, wished he was legal, and answered, “yes.” “See you then,” he said, winking at her and admiring her ass as she left the library.

She thought of the young man and wished she was 17 again. She could date him, fall in love with his easy smile, and green eyes, and then when she was 30, like she was now... she wouldn't be that woman with the birds and the cats. Rolling her eyes she tightened the strings on her hat, zipped her zipper the rest of the way, and opened the doors to the parking lot.

Samantha hated the cold. When ever she was in it, it was as if she couldn't breath. It felt like her lungs would lock up. She made it to her car and shivered violently. She fished out her keys and started her Christmas present to herself. The 2005 Chevy TrailblazerSS still smelled new, granted it was only 3 weeks old, but she loved it. Samantha's smile resembled that of a kid locked in a candy store over night with no worries in sight. The beautiful red exterior only added to her thrill of leather seats and all the fun little gadgets that the young woman loved. Since she lived on her own, her house a small 2 bedroom country home her parents had lived in before passing, was paid for, Sam had very few bills, so this year was the year she went a little crazy and bought the new vehicle.

Driving quietly down the road she noticed how smooth it ran and soon she was making her way past construction sites, stores, gas stations and hopefully soon she'd be out of the city. She lived right on the edge of Plainsfield, in that place where it use to be a house here, a house there... now however they were closer to her then she liked. She wondered if perhaps it wasn't time to move. As she drove there was a brief warning that something wasn't right, seconds later the vehicle was jerking around and Sam was pulling off to the side. “Shit,” she muttered, then blushed. “Sorry,” she told herself, not liking the word that slipped from her mouth.

She zipped her coat back up and turned the vehicle off. Her right tire resembled a dieing loaf of bread dough and she growled in frustration. Grabbing her cell phone she pushed in the number to her auto club. He told her he'd be around in an hour and a half, but to sit tight. She could have used her onstar, but she rolled her eyes at the idea of it, "Guess I should learn how to work the damn thing...Great!” she said, kicked the flat and got back into her SUV. She grabbed her paper and leaned her chair back to read. “Damn! Damn! Damn!” she cursed.... “Sorry,” she apologized again.

 

[redbaron05]

After a slow day and his shift at an end Jerry makes his way back to the station.

Signing off the air and reporting to the dispatcher that he is back at the station Jerry exits his cruiser and heads in to file the paperwork on the numerous traffic tickets he had written that day.

Waving to the desk sergeant as he enters the building, "Hi sarge any news on the killings?" The desk sergeant looks up " Nah Smith no news but scuttlebiutt has it they are forming a joint task force with the feds if you're looking for glory maybe you can get yourself assigned to that"

Jerry thinks to himself hmm... Fed task force might be interesting at least more interesting than riding around just writing a few tickets and he might learn something, "Sure sarge I'll check into it." as he continues to the squad room to fill out his paperwork.

Sitting in the squad room filling out the paperwork Jerry mutters, "Another quiet boring shift but at least daddys baby girl or daddys little girl or what ever the press was calling the killer did'nt strike on his shift." then he thinks maybe i will check out that taskforce thing as he files his paperwork and heads for the locker room to change into his street clothes.

 

[jushorny]

Marc Jordan

I drove off down the road feeling good about myself as I often did when I accomplished a lot of work. I lit a smoke and enjoyed the scenery knowing full well that within a few years these fields would be neat little subdivisions of homes. I often wondered where all the people came from and how they could afford such large homes. I kept my eye on the traffic as well as my speed, even after all these years I got nervous whenever I saw a squad car.

Up ahead I saw a SUV with their emergency flashers on, pulled over to the side of the road. Typically I never stop, merely slow down as I pass by. One never knows in this day and age whether you would be stopping to help or stopping to get yourself set up for a con game or worse, killed. The recent murders came immediately to the front of my mind.

I slowed my speed way down and took a good look, it was clear whoever was driving had a flat tire. Must be a woman, I thought to myself, there isn’t a man I know that wouldn’t get out and change his own tire. I decided to be the good Samaritan, it was cold out after all, and pulled over in front of the red SUV. Getting out of my truck and walking towards the vehicle I saw the face of a very pretty lady. I gave her a friendly wave not at all concerned with the fact a murder was at large. Of course, in my mind the murderer was male, I couldn’t fathom how any female could so brutally kill a man, much less a man get himself into a situation where it might happen.

I could tell the lady was being cautious, her eyes intently watched as I approached. When I got up to the driver’s side window she flipped the switch to lower it about an inch, no more. “It’s ok, my name is Marc Jordan, I don’t live far from here. Would you like me to change that tire for you?” She obviously was not sure whether she should accept my offer of assistance or not. She let me know she had called the motor club and was waiting on them. I glanced up and down the road, no truck in view, “Well, if you want to wait for them, its fine with me. But I bet I could have you on your way in ten minutes or less.”

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Samatha had toyed with the radio for several minutes, relaxed herself into her SUV, and read the paper. Cars slowed down, none stopped, but each time they had put those break lights on she got concerned. When the man at her window had stopped she immediately grabbed her cell phone, tucked it against her leg and hit the first to digits out of the three to the emergency dispatchers that were in the area. She rolled the window down and heard his offer to help. She looked at him, his vehicle, and him again.

He looked to be an honest man. Hard working, a real middle-class american her father would have said. She thought about the paper that was resting beside her. “Serial Killer,” screamed in her mind. Samantha told herself that she couldn't become paranoid with every person in the city. “Hell,” she thought to herself, “I work with the public.”

“Okay,” she told him. He stepped back and she opened the door to her vehicle. Samantha stepped out. Her heels clicking to the pavement and her legs losing what heat they'd had. She gathered her coat tighter against her and zipped it up fully. “Oh one sec...” she reached in and grabbed her gloves and her cell phone. “Thanks,” she told him. “If it wasn't winter... if I wasn't in a skirt... if it wasn't the fact that I pay for this service... and heck if it wasn't for the fact that I'm a tad lazy... I'd change that,“ she grinned wide at him.

“I'm Sam,” she didn't extend her hand, though normally she would have, but she was still cautious. If she kept some distance between them then if he wasn't on the up and up then she'd have a brief chance of running from him. She kept her hands in her pockets and smiled. “I do appreciate this,” she told him.

 

[Wyld52771]

Martin Glenville

Marty Glenville walked across the parking lot to his Corvette, as he talked on his cell phone. "Jill, I told you...the guys from the team and I are just gonna be going out for a few beers. It's no big deal."

"Well, how late are you going to be out?" she asked, and Marty rolled his eyes. She'd been becoming more and more possessive lately, and truth be told, her attitude had been making him feel more and more irritated with her.

"What do YOU care what time I get back? I'll probably be out 'til bar time. Why don't you and your friends go out and have a girls night out or something?" He could almost feel her disapproval over the phone, but at this point, he really didn't care. He'd been entertaining the idea of dumping her for quite awhile now...the only reason why he hadn't is because his parents approved of her, and it was easier to stay with her and keep his parents happy than to dump her and get lectured on how he was getting old enough to be thinking about settling down. Because of that fact, he'd been purposefully trying to piss her off enough to leave HIM.

He and the guys on the team had been going out a couple times a week for the past few months to a few different clubs and bars around the city, and the fact that he had a girlfriend hadn't stopped him from hooking up the past few times he'd been out. He'd never had a problem getting a lady interested in a quick fuck. He was a good looking, muscular, popular, and because his family had money, wasn't above throwing a bit of it around to impress a lady. Last friday, he'd hooked up with an EXTREMELY hot blonde at the club he and the guys frequented, and had probably the best sex he'd ever had. She hadn't even waited until they got back to his place...she'd unzipped his fly and started giving him head before he even pulled out of the parking lot, and once they had gotten back to his place, she'd been a hellion in the sack.

She'd given him her number, and maybe he'd call her up tonite, if no better prospects came along...but that was unlikely. He'd slept with seven different women over the past two months...all one night stands. There were plenty of women to choose from...just give em a few drinks, and they were putty in his hands. His face took on a self-satisfied smirk as this thought went through his mind.

He had no qualms about cheating on Jill...after all, her foolish notion of saving sex until marriage was a bit outdated and absurd, as far as HE was concerned. She'd given him handjobs, and occasionally had given him head on occasion, but wouldn't let him go farther, and he'd finally got tired of waiting for her to decide to give it up.

Her voice sounded angry on the phone, as she replied to him, "All you guys ever do anymore is go out drinking. I hardly ever see you anymore. I'm getting kind of tired of this shit, Marty." "Screw you," he thought, grinning to himself.

"Look, I'm a team captain, Jill. I have to go out and be social with my teammates. It's expected of me. Why are you busting my balls over this? I don't give YOU shit when YOU want to go out." Her reply was so unlike her that he was actually a bit stunned when she replied, "You're acting like a fucking asshole, Marty. Grow up!"

He felt anger beginning take hold, and cut her off in the middle of her next sentence. "Jill, I'm through arguing with you. I'm going out tonite. If you don't like it, that's just too damn bad. Deal with it." He hung up the phone before she could say anything else, and blocked incoming calls.

"Fuck her," he thought to himself. His plan of getting her to dump him just wasn't working fast enough. "That's it...tomorrow, I'm dumping that bitch. I'll do what I damn well please!" Tonight he planned on hooking up and nailing the first hot chick he saw, just to spite her. He grinned to himself at that malicious thought as he got in his car, and pulled away.

 

[Babette_____]

Angelica tossed her keys on the counter of the little house she’d bought when she first came to Plainsfield several years ago. No one knew of this house. It was far from the city about an hours drive out and even her long standing boyfriend didn’t know about it... only they did, she looked at the pictures of the saved souls. She was their angel, the one that took their sadness away, healed them, just like she’d done for mom and dad. They were in pain too, but she’d healed them, cured them of it and now that she’d done that, she cured others. That was her true purpose in life.

She picked up her cell phone and called her city apartment and got the answering machine. “Still not home huh?” she spoke into the phone. “I had to take care of mom and dad, so I’m staying another night out here. I’ll talk to you later.” She hung up and went to the backyard to deal with mom and dad. The old shed had stood the test of time and it had taken a lot of moving to get her parents here but she’d done it. Opening up the shed she walked in and pulled the string that hung from the roof. “Hello loves,” she whispered to the mannequins that resembled her parents. She kissed each one on the lips and brushed back her mother’s long red hair. “Mom... you look a bit sad. Did Daddy do something while I was gone.”

She looked at her father’s shape and rolled her eyes. “I gottcha Dad. I took care of you. You were on your way to cheating on mom, but I stopped you. I stop you every time don’t I.” She winked at the mannequin and then looked at mom. “What Mom? Yes... I dealt with you to. Yes I know it wasn’t your fault, but you know Mom it was... you made me dirty because you let him...” She grabbed a new dress from the closet and dressed the female mannequin in it. She then placed her father in a suit and tie. “There you all look beautiful. I’m going out tonight and you too can enjoy the evening together too.”

Angelica looked around and placed a rose on the table in the corner and turned on some classical music. “You folks have fun,” she whispered, kissed each one again and headed back to the farm house. Her mind was in its own world when she came here, a world that no one invaded, one that was quiet and peaceful. She worked hard to keep it that way, no one visited unless she brought them and then she cleaned them of their pain.

The shower water ran over her and she felt the tension of the day wash away. After her shower she moved to her bedroom and pulled the black leather vest from the closet and slipped it over her arms and zipped it up leaving the curve of her breasts exposed. Her matching skirt enhanced the long legs which were soon making friends with her thigh high boots. After slipping her hair into a ponytail she then brushed back her curly bangs and applied her make up. Her green eyes stood out with the silver powders and the light dab of gold cream on her cheeks added to her natural blush.

Once she was finished with dressing she made her way back to the shed, but this time she opened the large doors that kept the mini van hidden. She slipped into the drivers seat and pulled out the van had been cleaned and sterilized since the last time. Angelica ran everything through her mind and she could feel her excitement growing as the night began to sweep around her.

She made her way back into the city, but this time she headed to the Sailor’s Roost. When she walked in it was relatively quiet so she slipped into a bar stool and ordered a drink, but a man sitting beside her bought it. She smiled, looked at his hand and saw he wasn’t married, she winked, “Girlfriend?” she asked.

“Fiancé,” he told her, then a busty brunette showed up and smiled at Angelica. Angelica saw the couple’s eyes and could read the love there. “Good for you,” she said and took her drink. “Thanks for the drink.”

“I’m celebrating... I’d do it for anybody tonight,” he told her.

She laughed and found a new place to watch, wondering if she’d find an unfaithful heart or not.

 

[jushorny]

Marc Jordan

I could see how cautious this lady was being and wondered if she normally was like this or if it had to do with the killer roaming our streets. I was about to offer that she could stay inside the vehicle and keep it locked as I changed the tire, but she acquiesced to my offer of assistance.

The first thing I noticed as she departed her SUV was her long legs. I had to smile to myself being so lucky as to have run into such a beautiful lady. She offered up her excuses for why she wasn’t changing the tire herself as I smiled back at her. “No worries, a beautiful lady like yourself shouldn’t be changing a flat anyway.” I headed towards the back of the vehicle, opening up the tailgate to access the jack as she introduced herself as Sam. I nodded and told her my name was Marc, “You know, with what’s been going on around here, its not smart for anyone to be stuck along the roadside by themselves.” It was after that comment that I noticed her body tense up a little, noticed she kept her distance from me.

As I carried the jack to the side of the vehicle, I smiled and told her not to worry, I wasn’t the killer. As I began jacking the car up I made small talk, complimenting her on her choice of vehicles, telling her I wished I had the cash to drive something this nice. My mind wished the season was summer, not winter, as I continued to glance at Sam’s legs as I worked. She was a beautiful lady judging from those legs. Loosening the lug nuts and pulling the flat off, I looked up at Sam, “Should be just a few minutes more now.”

I lifted the flat into the back of her vehicle and bent back down, positioning the spare in place. Taking my gloves off I began putting the lug nuts back on to tighten them. After using the wrench to make sure they were properly tighten I stood up, place the wrench back inside and lowered the tailgate door. “That should take care of it Sam. Just make sure you get that flat fixed right away. Do you live in the area? There’s a tire place not too far up the road.” I said as I held my hand on the top of the vehicle.

 

[Alerdene]

She sat in her 650i with the top up, arguing with the person on the other end of the phone.

Why? I don't get it. You already gave me the first one. How hard can it be to get the other two? It's just two little reports dammit.

Running her hand through her long hair, she shook her head in frustration as she tried to count to ten, calming herself before she spoke again.

Fine. Just do what you can do. I understand. He took the reports himself and they haven't left his desk. But surely the man has to eat lunch sometime doesn't he? Go relieve himself? Go home!! Something? Fine. Yes. I'm sorry. You're right. You've helped more then you know. Thanks again.

Slamming the phone shut, her delicate features screwed up as she let out a scream of annoyance. Staring down at the autopsy report in her lap, she read it carefully again. It was from the first killing, but so far, she'd been unable to procure copies of reports for the second two victims. Her accomplice was balking, kept talking about the Feds coming into town, things were being locked up, blah blah blah. Excuses. If she wanted the reports, she'd have to get them another way apparently.

She started the car and slammed it into gear, taking off down the street towards the station. What could it hurt. Tinkling laughter spilled out her full lips as she figured it couldn't hurt to try. The most he could do was say no, and who knew... perhaps he'd be in a charitable mood. Maybe she'd even offer dinner. The info was worth that at least, surely.

She turned the stereo on, a loud techno beat blaring out at her as she drove, her head moving with the music. This was her chance. The biggest story Plainsfield was EVER going to see. And she was taking it. This story would get her the job she wanted in New York, and off she'd go, never looking back. She realized she was coming up on the library, and her black booted foot eased up on the gas some. It wouldn't do to get a speeding ticket just as she was on her way to the police station anyway. Keeping her foot up, the black convertible slowed down to the legal limit and she made her way slowly, oh so slowly towards the station downtown.

Whipping the car into a spot, she unfolded herself as she got out. Glancing down at her attire, she chuckled again. Not exactly the professional look. But it'd have to do, she wasn't driving all the way home to change. Her heeled black boots were covered by exquisitely soft leather pants that molded themselves to her like a second skin. Her so blue it's almost black silk shirt was tucked in, her breasts pushing against the soft material. At least she'd worn a bra this time. A discreet diamond watch was on her left wrist, small studs in her ears, a silver ring high on the cartilage of her left ear, and a simple gold chain around her neck. She wore little make up, just a touch of eyeliner and a spot of gloss on her lips. She didn't need much else. With her tall frame, pale skin, and glossy black hair, she'd have fit right in a big city goth bar without even trying. Her features were delicate and her upturned eyes gave her a faintly exotic look. Her lean, toned body and graceful way of moving giving her an almost predatory look as well.

She walked across the street, exuding confidence. She was used to getting her own way and it was obvious. She walked into the station, heels clicking lightly as she leaned against the desk, her golden eyes sparkling as she threw a smile at the male officer behind the desk. He glanced up, his brows going up in surprise, whether merely from her looks or perhaps he recognized her.

Ye.. yes ma'am? Can I help you?

You certainly can. I'd like to see Detective Hallenbeck please. You can tell him Ivy is here.

She'd had many a run in with Detective Hallenbeck on other scenes, and she was fairly confident that he knew her first name. Though whether he'd see her or not was a toss up, but she wasn't about to admit that. She needed this story. And to take this story would mean cooperation. On her part as well as theirs. Her attention was drawn by an unfamiliar man walking behind the counter towards the back. She'd never seen him before. New recruit? No, too old for that. The Fed perhaps... yes, she'd seen that suit and those shoes before. Definately the Fed that was intruding. She wondered how Hallenbeck was dealing with that. Looking back to the desk officer, she smiled again as he spoke.

Detective Hallenbeck is very busy ma'am, Do you have an appointment?

Stifling her irritation, she shook her head and gave the man a crooked grin.

No, but if you'll just tell him I'm here to take him to dinner, I'm sure he'll take the time to see me. I'll wait over here while you check, thank you. Oh, and tell him he can bring his new buddy if he'd like.

She smirked as she turned her back on the man, giving him no time to brook another argument, she went to stand near the front window, her back to the man, though she was acutely aware of his sigh as he picked up the phone. Listening closely, she smiled as his whispered voice rose through the air.

Yes Sir, there's an Ivy here to see you. No Sir, she didnt' give a last name, acted like you would know her. Insists that you would talk with her. Says she's here to take you to dinner. And... and that you can bring your new friend if you'd like. Yes Sir, that's exactly what she said.

 

[Katamari Roller]

*RING RING*

Fuck. Lisa dropped the keys on the way out, in front of the door. The phone had rung. Instead of scooping up the keys, she hurried to grab the phone, which wasn't difficult seeing how small her appartment was. Then again, she had more than enough space for herself.

"Yeah?"
"Lisa, is that you?"
"Captain Morrison? Yeah, it's me. I was just going out. What is it?"
"Look, you know about the serial killer, right?"

Lisa sat down on the armchair beside the table where the phone rested.

"Yeah, I do."
"Well, the chief wants to form a group to deal with it. The FBI sent a guy down here, and the chief ain't letting the FBI take too much credit. He plans to have one or two more guys join Hallenbeck and the guy... errr... Woods, and try to catch the killer."
"So? You want me to join them?"
"Yeah. You know what happens when smart people get accustomed to the big leagues..."
"Look, I am not stupid, Ok? I just like to take things calmly..."
"I know. And that's why I want you there. So, please?"

Lisa sighed. So much for a calm existance. Running after serial killers was not what she had in mind when she joined the force. Sure, you ran into something big sooner or later, but not something that was both big and psychopathic.

"Ok, fine."
"Thanks. I'm sure you'll get something out of this, so don't let the big guys bring you down, 'kay?"
"Big guys have big balls. The better to kick them."
"Nice one. I like that sense of humour of yours. Look, I'm busy right now, so get over to them and start working, Ok? Oh, and if you wanna get a good first impression, get them some coffee. They've been at it all damn day. See ya."
"G'night."

Lisa hung up, and stared blankly at the door. Giving tickets and busting some druggie students was not exciting, but it was a good job anyway. It kept people safe. Then again, a serial killer killed. A lot. That's why they were called serial killers. If she helped catch Daddy's Little Girl, she would be doing a good deed for the community. Far more important than giving a ticket. She sighed.

Grabbing her keys again, she drove to the station. She listened to the Corrs, something that either calmed her down, or numbed her brain to the point where she considered them better than opium. Not that I've ever tried that.

The night shift was pretty lonely in Plainsfield. There wasn't too much night life in her zone, and there wasn't much people to watch. Every now and then a couple would walk by, but you could hardly consider it... exciting. It was like riding a train. You might as well be doing nothing, and let the machine take you wherever it pleases.

Lisa was a practical woman. She wore jeans, and a leather jacket, with a checkered blouse. Nothing too flashy. She was "old-school". She liked dresses, low heels, and a couple hints of make-up. Not what people wore nowadays. She found it annoying at times, how people valued each other only for their bodies... a trail of thought which quickly led to the corpses in the newspaper photos. She tried to imagine them, the most horrible images she could. She knew that when she saw the photos the detectives had access to, they would be far worse. And as "When the Stars Go Blue" ended, the station's main door appeared far away, illuminated by the lamps' lights.

She parked her car, and walked up the steps calmly, taking her time to see that there were very few police cruisers still parked. Night had suddenly become the police's territory. Lisa smirked at the thought, and entered.

"Hey, Lisa!"
"Hey, Roy."
"Why so gloomy tonight?"

Lisa wondered why that was. It wasn't like working the night shift was specially horrible. Just boring.

"No idea, Roy. Say, do you know where Hallenbeck is? I've gotta report to him. I..."
"SSSSHHH!"

The sergeant gestured for her to lower her voice.

"Look, see that woman over there?"
"The one who looks like she might suck your blood?"
"Yeah. Well, she's asking for Hallenbeck. Inviting him and his partner to dinner, it seems. And I am willing to bet she has a pretty damn good reason to invite them to."
"What do you mean?"
"Look at her wrist."

Lisa glanced at the woman. Sure enough, there was a watch on her wrist. She couldn't help but notice the other jewels too. Lisa couldn't help but feel a bit of envy. She had never worn one, because she didn't deem them necessary or worthy for any occasion. But seeing them on another woman...

"So?"
"SO? That's diamonds. And many other shiny bling bling, if you catch my drift. She's paid a lot."

Light dawned in Lisa's mind. For a rich woman to fall in for a cop was suspicious at best.

"Look, Hallenbeck is probably not in a good relationship with that woman. And I doubt he would like to be interrupted by her, so try and be silent about it, Ok? Conference room 3, second floor."

Roy pointed silently at the officer attending the woman. A fresh guy by the name of Martin.

"I'll tell him to keep her busy, Ok? You go up and..."
"Yes Sir, there's an Ivy here to see you. No Sir, she didnt' give a last name, acted like you would know her. Insists that you would talk with her. Says she's here to take you to dinner. And... and that you can bring your new friend if you'd like. Yes Sir, that's exactly what she said."

Roy's eyebrows sank.

"Fuck, that's just great."
"No problem. Hallenbeck will refuse, I guess. Well, I gotta go. Uhmmm... you don't think I have to change clothes for this, right?"
"Well... while I understand that your uniform is not exactly the best thing ever, I guess Hallenbeck would appreciate the extra authority it brings to have an uniformed officer at his side."

You mean he would appreciate the sight, I guess... It wasn't that Lisa found her uniform to be a problem, but working with the FBI while wearing that piece didn't seem to her like a good idea.

Upon seeing her expression, Roy wiped the smirk off his face.

"Ok, Ok, do whatever you want."
"Good. See you later, man."
"See ya."





After grabbing her weapon, a Browning with 13 9-mm rounds, two clips and handcuffs, all in shoulder-straps made for civilian-clothed cops, Lisa ran upstairs, trying to get to Hallenbeck before the vampiress...

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Samantha had watched him work, his steps sure and easy. He'd chuckled at her, or at least she thought he did, it seemed to show in his eyes none the less, over her reasons for not changing the tire. She blushed as the excuses rolled off him to lay empty between them. Her eyes followed his derrier when he moved to the back of the vehicle to get the jackstand and the lug wrench. She covered up her stare by raising her brows and forcing her thoughts away from the round ass to the lips that were speaking to her. His words finally reached her and she said nothing to him about being stuck with the killer on the loose. She still had her cell phone and she still could push that last button... even as she ran away, if she needed to.

When he began working on the flat, Samantha's mind wandered again and she thought about the last time she'd been on a date, a real date, not those kind that a group of friends get together and toss in a couple of single people in an attempt to “match” them up. It had been a while and she wondered when she'd be dating again. Samantha also wondered why she was suddenly thinking on those lines. She looked up at him again when he spoke to her concerning how quickly he'd be done, for a moment she thought he'd been staring at her legs, but surely she was wrong. “There was nothing special about them,“ she thought to herself, though his looked very strong and capable as did the rest of him.

He had turned back to his work and Samantha scolded herself for allowing her thoughts to travel. By the time he was finished Sam had battled a war between her common sense and her libido. Common sense won and when he asked her whether or not she was going to have the tire taken care of she pushed away any half baked plans to get to know him better. Obviously he was just helping her out and that was that. "He's probably got a girlfriend too,“ she sighed.

“I've still got another 1/2 hour to go and then I'll be home. I normally use the dealer to get the work done. This is my Christmas present, so I haven't had a need for anyone's assistance... until now,“ she rolled her eyes and tucked her hands deeper into her pockets. “If I could follow you to the car shop I'd appreciate it.“ She smiled when he agreed and she waved at him when he drove past her and she soon was following behind him.

Her thoughts were running wild. “I should let him go... let him get home to the little woman and the kids... he's probably got some blonde bombshell waiting for him, and a little fellow that is the spitting image of him. No, way is he single, no man that looks like that would be single.“

Samantha kept her eyes on his vehicle and out of habit memorized the license plate. She was good with numbers, probably because of all the time she had spent years ago converting the bibliograph system to just a few strokes of the computer keyboard. With the useless knowledge of his license plate stored in her head, she was glad they made it to the tire shop.

 

[Tseranc]

Agent Bruce Woods

The local chief, some throwback of a policeman from the 60’s, who was not about to let some ‘damn fed stroll in and muck up his operation’ had chosen to make Woods life more interesting then needed. Maybe the extra copy of the FBI letter detailing their authority to take over the case wrapped up all pretty in ribbons and a bow left on his desk pissed him off….who knows?

They had been at it all day, which was not bad for a first day really. Most the time the FBI gets to town, and the first day is spent either having your ass kissed by every local rookie that wants to make it big and toot his own horn for the “Big Boys”, or fighting the hell out of the chief. No fighting happened here…the chief met every request Woods had made…and then some; which was the ‘interesting’ part.

‘Task Force’ – Bah!

In the mind of Bruce Woods, task forces were for the military or rather large, multi-year investigations…like the war on drug, or bringing down the mob. Not some two-bit serial killer with daddy issues. But this was not Chicago, or the main office in Virginia, it was the current bane of his existence…Plainsfield.

For the past few hours he sat spinning in his chair, and genuinely trying to poke holes in Hallenbeck’s theories playing devil’s advocate, just as the detective had been doing with his. While they had very few things solid, a working suspect profile was beginning to emerge. He even picked at the poor guy less, hardly at all in the last two hours. Might be a new record for him.

Suddenly his stopped his one man chair Olympics, and stood to walk to the ghastly pictures all over the front wall.

“Michael, we’ve been at this shit too long, I’m fairly sure your mind is about as mush as mine…lets go get a drink or something, and hit this again in the A.M. ?”

He stood there, still starring at the board…but heard someone enter the room, which meant that this quaint little ‘task force’ was coming together and his newest children to baby-sit would be arriving.

 

[redbaron05]

Officer Jerry Smith Volunteers for the Task Force

Before heading to the locker room to change Jerry decides to head upstairs to homicide and check into getting aboard the task force.

Entering the homicide squad room Jerry asks for the detective in charge of the task force being set up to handle the serial murder case.

He is informed that the detective is in the conference room down the hall thanking the detective for the information Jerry makes his way down the hall finding the room. Following a female uniformed officer Jerry holds the door open for her as they enter he says, "Hi I'm Jerry and you are?"

 

[jushorny]

Marc Jordan

I couldn’t come up with an excuse or reason to stay longer with the lady whose name is Samantha even though I would have if I could. I mean, I did my best to slow down the process of changing her tire, but one can only drag that out for so long. We stood there, her hands shoved into her coat pocket trying to maintain some level of warmth, like one waiting for the other to speak.

While I wanted to spend more time with her, I felt it rather bold when she asked me to follow her to the car shop. First off, she didn’t even know me or anything about me, secondly I had already changed her tire out of mere kindness. Of course I readily agreed to make sure she made it to the shop. I hopped into my pick up, letting her lead at first, but then passing her. I probably kept my eyes as closely peeled to the rearview mirror as I did to the road in front of me.

I wasn’t sure what it was about this lady, but I found myself wanting to know more about her. She’s probably married I thought, I mean, she never did take her gloves off so I couldn’t be sure, but how wouldn’t a beautiful lady like her already be attached. I wondered if she had children and if so how many. Wait, what was going on in my mind? This is so unlike me, she was just a lady who happened to have a flat tire, nothing more. I must make an effort to get out with some females, stop hanging around the guys so much.

I pulled into the lot of the shop and watched as Samantha followed closely behind me. It appeared as if the shop was closed, very few lights on inside. I got out and walked over, trying the door, before realizing the sign said ‘Closed’. I met Sam just as she was exiting her shiny new Trailblazer, letting her know they were already closed. I noticed the frustration in her face and tried my best to figure out an alternative plan. “How about we do this Samantha, you take my spare tire, get yours fixed in the morning, then I’ll get it back from you after yours is fixed. That way you don’t have to drive without one, if you have a piece of paper I can jot down my cell number, you can call me tomorrow.” I could see in her face my idea appealed to her.

 

[Katamari Roller]

OOC: She's not uniformed, but if she were, she would look like this: http://photobucket.com/albums/v292/01922/?action=view&current=Jill.jpg



Lisa slid under the officer's arm, not bothering looking at him as she entered. "Lisa." Then, she walked to the nearest table, and stopped in front of it. She surveyed the two men inside.

One, with a cheap suit. Middle-aged. Lisa got a feeling he was pretty experienced at this. He had that "police movie" feel around him... he probably was the FBI guy.

Then, there was a guy with more informal looks. Long hair, boyish charm... he couldn't be the fed. He just didn't have the "I am a Government agent and I am big and mean" thing going. He had to be that Hallenbeck guy.

"Good night. I'm Officer Lisa O'Connell, the captain had me join this little party we seem to have going..." Lisa talked with no semblance of humour in her voice or on her face, as she gestured lazily at the photos and reports laying on the tables, pinned on the boards, and in general scattered all around.

"So, may I have the pleasure of knowing your names?" She extended her hand, not really bothering to smile or even look friendly. Geez, what's with you tonight? This isn't normal, and you ain't making friends like this...

 

[Tseranc]

Agent Woods took the proffered hand, and shook it, noting the strength in the hand shake; far greater then most females…even police females. As he shook her hand, he eyed her up and down…taking in measure not only of her obvious form (which he did enjoy) but sizing her up as an officer too. Pretty faces were nice – but there was no room for mere eye candy in an investigation like this.

“The name’s Bruce Woods, I’m down from the Chicago office. A pleasure to meet you.”

She seemed to have already pegged him for the fed…and he’d probably kick anyone of these snot nosed brats clean out the station if they couldn’t.

Letting the girl offer her hand to Hallenbeck, he waved the next contestant in this sick show to finish entering, “Come on in kid, no one will bit you just yet.”

 

[redbaron05]

Entering behind the lady cop Jerry approaches the man who told him to come on in no one will bite offering his hand Jerry replies, "Good I may bite back Officer Jerry Smith reporting for duty."

Lookingl the fed straight in the eye as he shakes his hand in a firm grip sizing up the man who looks like hes been around the block a few times and just may know what hes doing.

Jerry then moves on to introduce himself to the other detective in the room. then takes a seat to wait for them to begin.

 

[Wyld52771]

Detective Michael Hallenbeck

After going over the police reports and autopsy reports over the four previous victims from the outlying areas of Plainsfield and comparing them with the three victims in the city proper, he had to agree with Woods. The M.O.s matched perfectly, and autopsy reports matched almost exactly as far as the wounds and cause of death were concerned. There was only one difference...the thing that Woods mentioned. The older victims were not branded. "Since that is a new twist, maybe the killer bought materials to make the branding irons locally...or maybe ordered them and had them delivered. It's another thing we could check into." He rubbed his bleary eyes, and stifled a yawn.

The phone rang abruptly, making him jump in surprise. He picked it up. "Hallenbeck here. This had better be important."

The voice in the phone replied, "Yes Sir, there's an Ivy here to see you."

"Ivy who?" he asked, yawning, "Did she give a last name?"

"No Sir," the guy at the front desk said, "she didnt' give a last name, acted like you would know her. Insists that you would talk with her. Says she's here to take you to dinner. And... and that you can bring your new friend if you'd like."

"Oh really?" he replied, figuring out who it was. Ivy Tanne, the reporter. When she came to mind, he smiled a bit. She WAS an attractive woman, if a bit overzealous. If he hadn't known that all she was doing was trolling for leads on the case for her story, he might have even been somewhat flattered. He DID have to admire her tenacity. "So, she wants me to go to dinner, eh?"

"Yes Sir, that's exactly what she said," the desk clerk replied.

"Well," Michael said, "tell her I'll have to decline. I'm a bit busy here. She'll just have to find out more about the case when we give the press conference tomorrow, just like the REST of the media." He hung up the phone, and yawned again.

Woods stopped spinning around in the swivel chair and got up, walking to the bulletin board. He looked tired too. “Michael," he said, "we’ve been at this shit too long, I’m fairly sure your mind is about as mush as mine…lets go get a drink or something, and hit this again in the A.M. ?”

Michael nodded and was getting up out of the chair, when the door opened and two people walked in...a female officer with red hair, and a dark haired male officer. These must be the officers that Captain Morrison had mentioned...volunteers for the "task" force. Michael didn't necessarily like the idea of beat cops on the team...more often than not, they were sloppy in these types of situations...but the decision wasn't his to make, and he just had to deal with it.

He walked over to them both and shook their hands, introduced himself, and motioned for them to sit. "Welcome aboard." He walked up to the bullietin board and motioned to it. "As you can see, we're going to have our hands full here. Before I brief you both on the case, let's just go over the ground rules, shall we?"

"First off, next time you enter this room, you had better knock on the damn door first. This is a restricted area now. Agent Woods and I will have copies of the key. This room is off limits unless one of us is present. No unauthorized personel will be allowed in here."

"Secondly, I'm running this case. Anything that has to do with this case goes through me." He looked over to Agent Woods. "Agent Woods is here to assist us on this case and provide Federal support and his expertise. Be sure you brief him on anything you come across as well."

"Because of the high profile nature of this case, NO information leaves this room. There will be NO MORE information leaked to the media without the approval of either Agent Woods, or myself. If there is so much as the TINIEST leak of information leaving this room without clearance, I'll have you both writing out parking tickets 'til retirement. Understood?" He gave both officers a meaningful gaze.

"You main role as members of this task force will be as a support capacity. Tracking down leads, doing paperwork, and pretty much doing whatever the hell else me and Woods here tell you to. It's not going to be fun. It's going to mean long hours, and alot of lost sleep until the killer is caught. It'll mean following orders to the letter, even if you don't agree with them."

He looked at each of them in turn. "This is your last chance to back out. Just say the word, and I'll talk to Captain Morrison and get you re-assigned. If you decide to stay for the long haul, there's no backing out. Once we brief you and bring you up to speed, you're in for the duration." He looked at both officers letting his words sink in. "So, what's it gonna be?"

 

[redbaron05]

Jerry Smith

Looking over at the the female officer named Lisa then back at the detective Jerry says, "I'm in long hours and hard work never killed anyone but this damn psycopath sure has and needs to be nailed so yeah I'm in."

Then Jerry sits back and waits to see if his possible new partner is in or out? Jerry drums his fingers on the arm of his chair as he awaits her answer.

 

[Wyld52771]

Martin Glenville

Marty pulled up to the "Sailor's Roost" in his Corvette. Dale Wick and Chuck Hansen pulled in behind him in Dale's Firebird. Dale was the running back of their college football team, and Chuck was an offensive lineman, playing Center. The two had a "Mutt and Jeff" look about them. Dale was only about 5'8", slender, and athletic, while Chuck was huge; about 6'6", and weighing close to 350 lbs, all pure muscle.

"Hey Marty," Chuck said, in a rumbling bass voice, "you ever call back that blonde hottie from last Friday?"

Marty grinned, and replied, "Nah...she was great in the sack, but I like a little variety. Ya want her number?" He winked, and pulled his wallet out, giving Chuck the blonde's phone number. "Just buy her a few shots and she'll be riding you til you're begging for mercy, man."

Chuck grinned, "Good deal...maybe I'll give her a call and have her come on down." Dale stood back, smiling absently. He was kind of quiet, but the guy was probably the most popular guy in school. Odds were that he was probably gonna end up playing in the pros, the most talented football player Plainsfield College had ever seen, and quite possibly one of the best finesse runners that Illinois had ever produced. Because of that fact, he could pretty much pick any woman he wanted, all of em wanting to ride his coattails to big money.

The three of them had made these trips out on the town a bit of a recent tradition, much to Jill's dismay. "Hey," Chuck said, as if reading his mind, "Jill give ya shit about comin' out tonight, man?" Marty laughed. "Yeah....she's a fuckin' pain in the ass. It's over...I'm done with the bitch. Tomorrow she's gettin' kicked to the curb. She's too fuckin' clingy."

With a grin, Marty said, "Enough of her. Let's change the subject...or better yet, let's just head on in, guys. The women are waiting, and I can't deny them the pleasure of my company."

*****

A couple hours later, Marty was feeling pretty buzzed. Chuck had indeed called up the blonde, and after she'd come down about an hour ago, had ended up leaving with her shortly after. Dale had actually left a few minutes ago with TWO ladies, and Marty had the feeling that Dale was going to have a pretty interesting "threesome" story to relate tomorrow morning.

He ordered himself another beer, and started scanning the bar for his next conquest....he planned on leaving with someone tonite, and before the night was over, he was determined that he was gonna get some pussy. His eyes locked on a hot pony-tailed redhead at the end of the bar. She was dressed in a tight black skirt, a vest top that barely covered her well rounded breasts, her legs looking extremely long and sexy in her black thigh high boots. Her body looked as if it were specifically designed to give pleasure...she was perhaps the sexiest looking woman he'd ever seen in since he'd been coming here. He waved the bartender down, calling him over.

"What'll ya have, pal?" the bartender said, and Marty replied, "Get me another beer, and get the redhead at the end of the bar another drink of whatever she's been ordering."

He looked at her, and saw that she was looking at him in return, her captivating green eyes locked on his face, her lips pursing slightly in a seductive smile.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Lisa looked at Jerry, at the same time he looked at her. Morrison was right. They ARE pretentious bastards. She hated how, when someone got promoted, suddenly they thought they were general Patton. Truth was, she knew what this would be like. She had not worked as an intern, but Lisa was pretty damn sure she was about to find out what their work was like. Still, it was better than working the night-shift. She didn't know how the day-shift was, but GOD, it couldn't be worse than cruising along for six hours on deserted zones.

Of course, it wasn't that she didn't understand the logic between the rules. But that tone of voice was not to her liking. Implying that they were traitors, or something...

She let Jerry finish talking, and then stepped forwards. She stared at both detectives with dead eyes, and no hint of being affected by the words of any of the three men.

"I'm in."

 

[Babette_____]

Angelica smiled at the young man that the bartender pointed out to her. She hadn’t needed the bartender’s help she knew who’d bought her the drink. She lifted the screwdriver, toasted the man, and took a sip. It was only her second, she’d milked the first, and followed it with a soda, and milked that as well. She’d been about to give up on the evening until the three jocks walked in. She managed to catch bits and pieces of conversations throughout the evening. When she’d walked past one of them on the bar payphone obviously making plans with another woman Angelica had knocked him off her list, the other friend had hit on a couple of ‘hos” and Angelica wasn’t dipping that into her sweet pussy. When the remaining buddy just sat at the bar drinking she’d focused on him.

Her eyes drank him in and it wasn’t long before he was beside her and doing his best to cop a feel. Angelica didn’t bother playing hard to get. She’d wasted enough time on trying to find company tonight and she was a bit worried she’d not get the job done before the night was over. So when she leaned over and placed her long, slim fingers over the man’s crotch and rubbed hard she whispered, “I think we need to fuck.”

Marty didn’t stop to ask questions he just readily agreed and was putty in her hands. Angelica continued teasing his cock, making him wait until she was finished with her drink. He downed two more shots of Jake’n Coke before she slipped her hand behind his neck and pulled his mouth to hers. She ran her tongue beside his and let him taste the mixture of drink and her. “Ready?” she asked.

“Fuck yes, Jill ain’t nothing compared to you,” he told her.

Angelica’s eyes flashed. “Haven’t lost the touch have you baby. I knew you’d find another. You just keep pickin’ up out don’t you sweetie. Bring him home... cleanse him.” Angelica stood up and pulled her keys from the small clutch she carried.

“Oh I’ll drive babe,” he said.

“No babe. I drive or you walk,” she smiled at him, her voice reassuring every word she meant. He conceded faster than any man before him or woman and Angelica couldn’t help but chuckle. They left the bar after Marty told the bartender he’d be back in the morning to get the ‘Vette. Angelica made note of his car, after he’d pointed it out. She unlocked her van and he climbed inside the passenger seat and she sat behind the wheel. She rolled her eyes to the heaven’s when he commented about her “soccer mom” van and she laughed with him. “I need a sporty car huh?” she’d asked him.

“Yep,” he told her. “You’d look hot in mine baby girl.”

Angelica felt a thrill run through her and she looked at him while she drove. “Is that what I am? Your baby girl?”

“Oh fuck yay... you can be Daddy’s little girl and your Daddy’s gonna treat you nice tonight,” he reached over and pressed his hand to her crotch. “Daddy and you are gonna fuck till you scream for mercy baby.”

“Oh Daddy.... I’ll make you scream,” Angelica said, one hand lifting her skirt so his hand could slip inside her silky lips that were thick with juice.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Sam wasn’t sure about taking him up on the offer of his tire, but she did want his number. She chewed on her lower lip and as she hesitated over her decision. “Look... I better not. I mean...” she groaned. “I appreciate you helping me... I really do.”

She looked at his vehicle then hers. “Man... if you get a flat your stuck too. The chances of me getting another one before tomorrow morning are almost non-existent.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll just swing by here and drop the tire off in the morning and then have someone from this shop bring it to the library where I work and have them drop it off. Really, I’d hate to go home worrying about whether or not I kept you stranded on the side of the road.”

Blowing the hair from her eyes, she angled her head to one side. “It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Jordan and perhaps we’ll run into each other again sometime. In the meantime what do I owe you for your trouble?”

Samantha reached into her pocket and got the small coin purse she kept small bills in. She opened it and pulled out the $20.00 dollar bill and held it to him. “I’d be grateful if you’d take this and let me call us even. I’ve kept you away from your family long enough, I’m sure.” She went back to the nervous habit of chewing gently on her lower lip and waited for him to take her money. The whole time she thought of what a fool she was for not getting his number.

 

[Alerdene]

Standing by the window, she was quite conscious of the looks she was receiving. Some smug, some rude, and some merely curious. She watched as a young female came in and headed straight towards the back after giving her a cursory glance. It only took her a moment to realize that the woman and another man were speaking in low tones about her presence as well and she stifled a noise that nearly escaped her lips.

This wasn't going to go her way, she could already tell. It had been a slight lapse in her judgement to even walk in the door. It wasn't how she operated and she had let her excitement over the story get the better of her. She spun suddenly towards the front desk, noticing that the two officers who'd been whispering were gone. Walking up to it, she gave the man a friendly smile, just as he hung up the phone, his head shaking almost apologetically.

I'm sorry Ma'am, but Detective Hallenbeck is too busy to see anyone right now. He asks that you please come to the press conference tomorrow morning and you'll get answers to your questions there.

Nodding at him, she spun on her heel and walked out, her face calm. Fuck Fuck Fuck. Stupid to come here, what was I thinking. The thoughts were in her head as she walked briskly across the street, rubbing her arms in the cold air. Muttering to herself as she unlocked the car, she got in, starting it up to get the heater going.

The press conference. Yeah right. I'll hear what everyone else hears, which is crumbs. I don't need crumbs, I need the whole sandwich dammit.

She laughed outloud as an unbidden thought of Detective Hallenbeck entered her mind, along with the female officer she'd seen earlier... and he was sandwiched between the two of them. Biting her lip to stop the laughter, she shifted into gear and pulled away from the curb.

Oh Ivy... you need a drink girl. You've obviously lost it.

Almost unnoticed, her voice added a last comment, and her hand clapped over her mouth as soon as it came out.

Well he is attractive. Damn.

Chuckling still with disbelief at the turn her thoughts had taken, she realized it'd been way way too long since she'd been out.

A drink. That's what you need, a drink and then a long bath at home to regroup. A press conference my ass.

She pulled into a small parking lot and locked the car up before heading inside to the tasteful pub. Walking straight to the bar, she nodded at the bartender as he came over with a questioning glance. Ordering, she turned her back and leaned against the bar, perusing the place with an interested look. A few cops scattered here and there among others, glancing at her with amusement. Turning back to the bar, she downed the shot of Tequila the man had placed in front of her and exhaled sharply before picking up the beer and taking a sip.

Good Ivy, need to relax, have a drink... and you pick a cop bar. Nice one.

But she'd be damned if she'd run out of the place because of them. Sitting down, she downed her beer and ordered another, taking a small sip of it this time. She heard a remark about the rich girl playing reporter from behind her and she managed to supress the urge to turn and snap at the person... Just barely. It wasn't her fault her daddy had money. Why should she live in poverty when she didn't have to. She didn't take his help job-wise, and she wouldn't... but she wasn't a complete fool. Why not be comfortable instead of scraping by. She also knew however, that most people thought of her exactly the way the person behind her did. A rich little girl playing games.

Screw them.

Excuse me?

She looked up to see the bartender looking at her with a cocked eyebrow. Blushing slightly, she shook her head and pointed at the shot glass.

Nothing, sorry. Can I have another shot please?

 

[jushorny]

Marc Jordan

Women! This was the perfect example of why I was still not married, I was still not able to figure out the way a female mind worked. One minute she is grateful for my assistance, then asking me for more help, the next minute she is unwilling to take my help. I had half a mind to just say to hell with it, let her be on her way with no spare, halfway hoping I’d find her further down the road with a second flat. Of course that might have something to do with why I wasn’t married too.

Then of course she flashed her smile at me telling me it was a pleasure meeting me. Like all guys do, I got all warm, and knew I would have to convince her to take my help or I’d feel guilty and worry the rest of the night. “Ms. Cordial, I don’t recall it being an offer, I do believe you have no choice but to take my spare.” I winked and walked over to the back of my truck, lifting out the spare. “What kind of man would I be if I let you continue on without a spare. I highly doubt I’ll get a flat, but I do believe I could fend for myself if it did happen.” I loaded my spare into the back of her SUV, closing the rear door as I turned to face her.

I didn’t realize it, but I must have ignored what she was saying because as I faced her, I saw her holding out a bill. “Samantha, I’m not taking your money, its insulting that you even offer. I stopped to help, that’s it, nothing more than any other decent human being would do. Besides, there is no wife, no family for me to return home to see.” I closed my hand around hers, crumbling the bill. “Please, put that away.” Her hand felt small and cold, I couldn’t help but take it in both of my hands and rub it, trying to warm it. I watched as she bit her lower lip and wondered if it was a nervous habit. I surely would have loved to lick away her bites.

Quickly realizing this was a bit forward of me, I let my hands drop to my side. “Now, will you at least write down my number, so I can pick my tire up tomorrow? And if you are really concerned about me making it back to my little one room place, you can call me later.” I really was hoping she would call later, but was pretty sure she wouldn’t bother once she got into the warmth of her home. She’d probably become immediately busy cooking dinner for her husband, lucky man.