The Songbird( A gangster's tale)~closed~

[Destiny]

She sat at the bus terminal for hours. Why had some come here? She sighed softly and stood to her feet she had 50 dollars in her pocket and still hadn't located a place to stay yet.

Annie headed out the doors to the bus terminal and walked along the streets of Chicago. A friend had told her where they would be staying but when she had called the number the person who answered had said that they had moved with no forwarding address. Annie was close to tears when she heard that. A friendly face would have been so very much needed. As she walked along she was following a bus driver's instructions to a hotel and then she saw the nightclub a fancy one with lots of lights, but it was still day time so they weren't lit yet. A poster board read: Cigarette Girl wanted. Well how hard could it be to sell cigarettes?

She headed into the doors and there were people bustling around cleaning and moving around she stood there holding her bags and someone rushed up to her,"About time you got here Kid, we need you to get into your outfit the chorus line is about to start and you are an hour late...." she was being rushed through a door and toward the back of the building by a man who was tugging off her jacket and her hat and shook his head,"Damn it we asked for a Brunette, not a redhead. Oh well I hope the boss don't get mad." He tossed a costume at you and said,"all you have to do is stand there and hold the light."

Annie was stunned and she blinked at the outfit tossed at her. She had never worn anything so skimpy in her life. Suddenly a rush of girls were taking off her clothes and doing her make-up her hair was unpinned and it fell to her waist in ripples and curls and one of the girls was whispering,"Look at her hair it is absolutely gorgeous. Hunny if I had hair like yours and a figure like that I definitely wouldn't be in the chorus line." Annie was stunned still speechless. She was dressed and made up now and she barely recognized herself as the girl from Georgia.

The girls moved enmasse to the stage and she handed a light and led to her spot and she was posed and the other girls left and she was standing near the front one leg extended the long slit of the skirt exposing long shapely legs left bare of anything even stockings and a haltered top around her neck left her stomach bare. Her skin glowed softly in the harsh light and it set her hair a flame as the music began to play. The rehearsal for tonights dinner.

 

[wait2play]

Joe:

I settled back in the chair, sipping a Club Soda. Sometimes I wondered why I got involved with that is club. When I opened this place I needed it to front the gambling rooms in back and the women who worked their trade from there as well. I often wondered how a legitimate business man opened a place like this, with the payments to the unions, zoning commissions, cops, and everything else. I paid the city and county political machines a lot of money to keep this place open. I didn’t have to deal with the unions, but I did have to keep cash flowing to the bosses. The gambling rooms still provided a nice income in spite of all the damn legal casinos.

The businesses were doing great and as long as I stayed out of the drug trafficking it should stay that way. I wasn’t usually in the club this early in the day, but my daughter had left for college, and the house seemed empty. Hard to believe, 39 years old, and I had a kid going off to the university. Surprising she turned out so well, considering how young we were when she was born and when her Mother ran off with her drug dealer. I has been to busy trying to make my mark to realize she had started using. I had done my best to avoid making that type of mistake my daughter, Lisa.

Lisa has no idea what businesses I was involved with other than the club. Of course I didn’t have much time for any other relationships during those years, but there was always a string of young lovelies for some “R&R”. As I watched the chorus line setting up on stage, I saw the red head. She was drop dead gorgeous, but she was a red head. Tony knew I wanted dark haired women in the chorus line, did he think I wouldn’t notice. This girl looked like she knew what she was doing though. Probably worked some other shows around town and did some special “favors” for Tony to get in here.

[“Hey you, yeah you with the red hair. Come on over here Doll.”]

She turned to look at me and her body moved through the light. Se was standing with
One leg extended through the long slit of the skirt exposing her long shapely legs left bare of anything even stockings. She had a halter top tied around her neck that left her stomach bare. Her skin glowed softly in the harsh light.

 

[Destiny]

Annie Malone

She jumped when she was called to and saw the man heading to the stage, she almost dropped the prop she was holding when she unposed herself to walk across the stage towards the man. She was walking on heels that she was indeed not used to and her legs wobbled a bit and she winced in pain as she realized she may have just sprung something. The man stood below the stage and she looked down towards him. She wasn't quite sure how to squat down without revealing everything she had so she just stood there and chewed her lower lip softly. If anyone could read faces her was blasting the news she had NO idea how she had gotten here and the flush to her skin was not excitement at being here. SHe reached down and covered her bare stomach as one of the guys nearby let a long slow whistle.

Annie whispered,"Yes sir?" When she spoke her voice was a dulcet tone and it held a lilting quality. She covered her eyes as she looked down still and the light overhead set her hair into a even bright glow of fire along her shoulders and back her bright green eyes soft as she then said, "All I came in for was the cigarette girl job." The man continued to stare at her ad it was making her nervous as hell. She moved to take a step and didn't notice the edge of the stage was closer then it appeared and she fell off right into the arms of the man that had called her closer. Good thing he was strong and quick or she would have had a nasty spill.

 

[wait2play]

The poor girl practically jumped out of her skin when she realized I was calling her. I may nave been wrong in my earlier assessment that this girl had been around the club circuit. She has the appearance of a well polished lady, but they way she was wobbling around in those chorus girl heels betrayed her. The view from where I was standing below her was excellent, fine figure of a woman as they say. The outfit they’d given her was hardly enough to cover those Granny panties peeking around the edges. I wonder if the luggage sitting at the side of the stage belonged to her. Our red headed girl may have just gotten of the bus. She was damn cute standing there chewing on her lip. She tried to cover her bare belly, totally unaware of the view from my vantage point. I shot a disapproving glance at one of the stage hands when he whistled.
Her voice was almost haunting as she whispered [“Yes sir.”]
She covered her eyes as she looked down and the light overhead set her hair to a bright glow of fire cascading onto her shoulders. Her bright green eyes softened slightly when she spoke ["All I came in for was the cigarette girl job."}
She moved to take a step and didn't notice the edge of the stage was closer then it appeared and she fell off the stage, falling into my arms. I had reacted on instincts alone; it had actually scared the hell out of me when she fell. I was breathing quickly as I looked to see if she was alright. Her body was flawless, her face that of a goddess. She was somewhat disheveled and her skimpy costume doing little to cover up her firm young body. [“Are you OK Honey, you didn’t get hurt did you?”]
I sat her down in the closest chair and motioned for one of the waiters to bring her a glass of water. I barked to the show’s director [“What the hell is wrong with you? This girl didn’t come in here for the chorus line."] Calling for the shift boss, I asked if he had found a cigarette girl yet. Finding he had not, I looked back to the red haired girl and said. [“Honey, if you want to be the cigarette girl, the job is yours. What’s your name Sweetie?”]

 

[Destiny]

Annie made a slight oomph sound when she was caught so abruptly by the man who had called her closer. Her eyes squeezed shut when the prop she had been holding slammed against her ankle and she felt the pain rip through her ankle. Tears stung her eyes as she was seated at the table and the man was talking to her so sweetly. "Mah ankle hurts, sumtin' fierce." Her eyes widen brightly as the southern drawl she was trying to hide slipped past her lips. She blushed brighter and corrected herself. "I hurt my ankle I think the prop fell on it, Sir."

Extending her leg out before her it slipped out from under the slit along her hip and the long length of her leg was revealed as she reached forward and slowly slid her hand along her leg. Her long hair fell forward hiding her face and a nasty bruise was beginning to form on the top of her ankle. She winced as she felt the pain rip along her foot and leg. "I think I sprained it."

Looking up from where she was leaning over her leg gave a direct look down the front of the halter top she wore tot he tops of her luscious breasts that were threatening to fall out of the top. Her eyes slid along the man's face that had caught her and she smiled gratefully,"I would love the job sir, but I don't think I can take it now with my ankle like this. My name is Annie,Annie Malone. If you can just show me the way back to the dressing room, I will go and change and see if I can still find a hotel." Tears stuill stung her eyes and she sighed as she was getting in a hole deeper and deeper and she didn't see a way out.

 

[wait2play]

["Mah ankle hurts, sumtin' fierce."] I always was a sucker for the southern drawl. There is something about a Southern Belle. Why is it women from the south seem lovelier and a little more pleasing to a guy? Maybe it’s just because I hadn’t actually know that many women from the south.

As she reached forward and slowly slid her hand along her leg, her long hair fell forward over face, in a Veronica Lake look. A nasty bruise was beginning to form on the top of her ankle. The way she was leaning forward made it difficult to focus on what she was saying. The view her luscious breasts that were threatening to fall out of her halter top would distract a monk.

The girl’s voice was sultry as well, [“I would love the job sir, but I don't think I can take it now with my ankle like this. My name is Annie, Annie Malone. If you can just show me the way back to the dressing room, I will go and change and see if I can still find a hotel."] The poor thing was starting to cry, probably didn’t know a soul in town or have a place to go.

Calling the dressing room “Mother” over, I asked to help Annie in to the back room.
[“Don’t you worry about a thing dear, we get a lot of Doctor’s in this place and most owe more than a favor or two. We’ll get one of them to look at that ankle.”]

A doctor did come in and confirmed that Annie did have a nasty sprain, instructing to keep her ankle wrapped and her to stay off her feet for 3 to 4 days. Annie looked heart broken as some of the dancers started to gather around. Half of the people in this place were hustlers and cons, used to the big city; they’d chew Annie up in a flash.

I had Annie moved to my office, where the doctor also gave her a sedative to calm her down. Later I sent my chauffeur to pick up my housekeeper, who took Annie back to the house and settled into a guestroom. Both Annie and the housekeeper were sleeping soundly when the chauffer and I returned to the house in the wee hours of the morning.

A few hours later I awoke to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. Before I went downstairs, I stopped beside the guest room door to see if I could hear our young Annie.

 

[Destiny]

She was wisked off to the man's office and she could hear a few of the girls snickering about the 'boss' finding a new play thing. She didn't quite understand and as she was moved she became increasingly aware of her state of dress. When the doctor arrived and examined her ankle she was surprised her caressed more then her ankle. She was beginning to feel more and more nervous. The Doctor merely smiled and handed her pill with the instructions to take it. Downing the pill and the water provided she was soon beginning to dose.

Barely aware she was being lifted into a car and then travelling she was brought to a room and she felt a woman's gentle hands stripping off her clothing and a gown was slid overher head and she was redressed just as gently. the lights were turned out and she was slid under the covers to fall asleep unaware of anything around her.

The next morning was a different story. She woke up to a dull ache in her foot and she winced as she sat up and looked around the room, it was an orante room with dark wood panelling and a velvet coverlet with drapes dripping to the floor. She was writhing a bit in her bed and chewed her lower lip as she looked around for a bathroom to go to. Her hair was mussed about her head and she noticed a chamber pot and a vase of cold water sitting beside the table. She began to scoot out of the bed and she grabbed the pot and scooted over the the corner and quickly but awkwardly squatted over it and sighed as she relieved herself. She pushed it up under the bed and quickly climbed back in as her ankle started to throb more.

 

[wait2play]

I could hear our young guest rustling around and the unmistakable sound of the bed springs as she climbed back into bed. She should be fine and I have appointments. The housekeeper would check on Annie throughout the day and prepare a meal when she awoke. I left a note to be placed on her tray. The letterhead served to identify as the owner of the club she had ventured into, the prior night.

Miss Annie Malone

I trust you are feeling better today. I took the liberty of putting you up in my guest room last night. Your luggage is in the closet. The doctor will be making a house call to check on you later today, please do as he advises. You are welcome to stay in my home until you are able to start your job at the club and find your own place. In the meantime please consider yourself my guest and do not hesitate to ask Mrs. Clark for anything. She can also help you contact family or friends if needed. I will return this evening and perhaps you will be available for dinner.

Joe

My first stop of the day was to check on the shipment that came over the border last night.

 

[Destiny]

She fell back to sleep the sedative still not having worn off completely. Never having taken anything beyond and aspirin it had effected her deeply. She lay snuggled into the bed until about 11 and then she awoke again she was shocked at the time and sat up in the bed, seems the housekeeper had been waiting just for that as she bustled into the room. "There you are dear. How are you this morning?" She bustled into the room and placed a tray at the foot of the bed. She sniffed and then wrinkled her nose. "What is that smell?"

Annie blushed FURIOUSLY,"um I couldn't make it to the outhouse." Her voice was soft as she spoke. and she pointed to the side of the bed and under. She ducked her head and fidgeted with her hands.

The housekeeper came closer and she blinked and looked at the girl on the bed, thinking poor thing has never seen a indoor bathroom. She didn't say anything and merely pulled out the chamber pot and walked over to a door and opening it revealing a bathtub and a toilet.

Annie leaned up and gaped, she had heard about this but was surprised to see it in a room with her. She swallowed and leaned back on the bed as she watched the housekeeper go about opening the drapes and the windows to get the smell out of the room. "He must be very wealthy to be able to have indoor outhouse in his house." The housekeeper chuckled and shook her head,"it is a bathroom Annie, now here you go and eat up we want you feeling much better today. Dr. Henry will be here in about an hour."

Annie placed the tray along her lap and she whispered,"Is he the same man that looked at my foot last night?" The housekeeper nodded,"Why yes dear, why do you ask?" Annie flushed red again and whispered," He kept caressing my leg and my ankle was the thing hurting." The housekeeper chuckled and shook her head,"oh to be young and naive again. I will come in with him dear. Please don't worry about that."

The housekeeper bustled out of the room as Annie began to eat. She read the note left to her by the man named Joe and she chewed her food thoughtfully, how to repay such kindness?

 

[Destiny]

The note was dropped onto the table beside the bed as she finished her meal and the housekeeper returned once more with the doctor in tow."How are you this morning young lady? I trust you slept well?" He moved to the bed and true to her word the housekeeper stayed as well.

"Yes I slept very good, Doctor. My ankle really hurts though." She moved her leg out from under the bedspread and she finally realized she was wearing one of her own flannel gowns that she had packed and then realized the housekeeper must have dressed her the night before.

The doctor shifted her gown up and along her left caressing the skin as he looked up into her eyes,"Well let's have a look shall we?" the gown had gone as far as her middle thigh and she was blushing as she looked at the housekeeper who moved to take her hand," It's OK deary."

Annie nodded and then looked back at the Doc and flinched when he touched her ankle," Well as I assessed last night, nothing broken and bed rest should see ti is alright. " he began to pack up his things and he handed a bottle to the housekeeper and said simply,"See that she gets some of this if she feels any pain. The housekeeper nodded and the doctor patted Annie on her upper thigh and then slid his hand to the inside of her leg before tugging down the gown.

Annie shivered and didn't really like the man but with the housekeeper there she felt somewhat safe. When they both left she took a deep breath and shuffled back under the covers.

The housekeeper returned once more and moved to sit on the bed,"He doesn't mean anything by it honey, you shouldn't let it bother you." Annie nodded and smiled as the housekeeper went on. "My name is Mrs. Callahan, Mr. Callahan is the chauffeur who brought you home last night. So is there anyone back home I should call or telegram and let them know you are safe."

Annie froze and shook her head,"No ma'am. My aunt died a few eeks ago, I was coming to stay with some friends here, but well...they have moved and left no forwarding address where they going."

Tears stung her eyes a bit and she looked down at her hands her fingers working into a knot. "That is why I went into the club to get a job, I will need some money to find a place to live. I don't know what I am going to do...."

The housekeeper was a kind old soul and never having had children of her own, her heart went out to the young girl and she patted her on the hand beginning to formulate a plan perhaps on how to help the young girl.

 

[wait2play]

My day was busy, but without any major problems. How long could this good luck hold out? Getting back to the house shortly before dinner time, I found everything to be under control there as well. Dinner was almost ready. I went upstairs to clean up and check on our young house guest. I glanced in the door and saw she was sleeping comfortably. Her leg was out of the covers, perhaps to reduce the pressure on her ankle. The rest of her leg looked just fine from my perspective. I wondered how many lucky guys had found pleasure at top of those thighs.

Leaving another note, I left my apologies, but I had to get down to the club. This whole mess with the chorus line had started with that damn Gloria. She had started in the chorus line herself before she started singing with the band. And then I had started sleeping with her. She was a fantastic piece, but as they say most psychotics area great lay. Dark skin, deep brown eyes, a hard ass, and tits that would make a grown man cry. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do in bed. I mean nothing, and she could go all night long. But, she was a royal pain in the ass.

Gloria had started picking fights with every woman in the club, accusing them of trying to steal her job. We hadn’t slept together for the last two months; I missed the action, but not the aggravation. Damn, if the people didn’t draw the people in though. I would have fired her before now if I had another singer. Johnny had been making eyes at Gloria and would put on in his club in a flash if I gave him the OK.

The stage manager pulled me aside as soon as I walked into the club. Gloria had threatened two of the chorus girls earlier and both were ready to quit. A few extra bucks calmed both of them down. I sent Gloria home, before the last show. That move cost a couple of rounds of free drinks for the house. Usually I enjoyed sipping a fine single malt scotch and cigar during the last show if the night. Tonight I swilled Martinis until my trusty chauffeur showed up to take me home. On the way back to the house, he wouldn’t stop talking about Annie, seems she was winning the hearts of my trusted house staff.

Peeking in at Annie, the moonlight was glistening on her red hair. Her face looked innocent as she slept. She could break the hearts of some unsuspecting guys in this town. I slept later than usual the next morning, with visions of a red haired, long legged vixen in my dreams

 

[Destiny]

Annie had tried to stay up to see the man she owed the bed to, but Mrs Callahan would have nothing to do with it when she saw Annie was in pain still. She dosed her with some of the laudanum that the Doctor had left and Annie was out for the night.

She didn't even get the note about the dinner being missed until the next day. She sighed as she sat up in bed and then finally climbed form the bed and moved with a huge hop at a time to the bathroom and opened the door. She sighed maybe it was time she decided to go.

She began brushing her hair as she stood in front of the mirror and she started to sing one of the things she usually did subconsciously. It was Greensleeves a ballad and would let her range the chords from low to high and she loved the way it sounded as it echoed off the walls of the bathroom.

She imagined herself in a large concert hall singing as she finished and she bowed her way out of the bathroom to the imaginary clapping. The clapping was imaginary though and she all but spun around and landed on her sore foot. She crumpled as she cried out in pain and there he was again catching her before she fell. Her Eyes lifted to him and she smiled wryly, "I seem to keep ending up in your arms and I don't' even know your name."

He crinkled a smile at her and she giggled as he slid one hand under her legs and one around her back. She was still wearing her flannel nigh gown and although she was completely covered she felt like she was naked next to this man. He walked her to the bed and that was when Mrs. Callahan walked in and as professional as you can be she didn't even bat an eyelash at the man holding her and putting her into bed, "Seems our little songbird is still in pain Mrs. Callahan." She nodded and immediately drew out the bottle of laudanum. Annie wrinkled her nose and shook her head her long red hair falling about her shoulder,"Oh please not that please it doesn't hurt that bad."

Mrs. Callahan looked to the man standing beside the bed and he nodded his head and the woman left without another word. Annie began to fidget a bit and she slowly scooted up along the bed and pulled the covers demurely about her legs,"I wanted to thank you for being so nice to me. I don't' know anyone in town and..well... Well thank you."

 

[wait2play]

I heard an angel singing in my dream, as I awoke I thought my subconscious desire to find a new singer was playing out in my dream. Fully awake now, I realize3d the angel was in the room next door. I strolled over and caught a glimpse of her brushing her hair. I also caught more than a glimpse of the sunlight shining through the window and her nightgown, silhouetting that exquisite body. Stepping forward and clapping as she turned I could see the grimace of pain as she collapsed into my arms.


She said; {"I seem to keep ending up in your arms and I don't' even know your name."] As I slid one hand under her legs and the other around her back, the warmth of her body radiated through her gown. We to her bed and I was wondering how to respond when Mrs. Callahan walked in. A short conversation allowed Mrs. Callahan to assess the situation and excuse herself.

The lovely songbird casually covered herself before speaking again. ["I wanted to thank you for being so nice to me. I don't' know anyone in town and...Well... Well thank you."]

[“No problem Honey, you had an unfortunate accident and it’s the least I could do. Please accept my apologies for what happened at the club, it was a bad there for everyone, but I am going to solve the problem. My name is Joe, I own the club along with some other business ventures around town. I couldn’t help overhear your singing. You didn’t tell us you were a professional singer. When you’re back on your feet, I’d like to see if you’re interested in singing in my club.”]

Standing up, I suggested that Mrs. Callahan could her get cleaned up and we’d get her downstairs for some food. [“You must have quite an appetite by now. I’m going to go clean up myself, I’ll be back to help you down the stairs. Maybe we can set you up in the study so you won’t his away up here by yourself.”]

 

[Destiny]

I blushed slightly as I looked up at him and shook my head,"but I am not a professional singer, sir... I well I just sing for fun." She began to fidget with her hands once more and she was aware of him staring at her and she swallowed and then looked up at him once more. "I am not that good really..."

He moved away saying he was going to go get cleaned up as if he hadn't even payed attention to anything I had said. It was like his mind was already made up and I was merely a footnote in his plans.

Mrs. Callahan bustled in and started talking about 'that' woman Gloria down at the club. Apparently the housekeeper didn't like her too much,"Well she was here when he through a party. Poor man could barely walk around the house without her clinging to his arm like she was sewn there or something. If my Lisa had seen that I would have been so sorry for her.." I was stunned with all the information I was getting about Lisa and 'THAT" woman.

I laughed slightly and quickly covered up by a somber face and was finally dressed. Mrs. Callahan had pulled out my best dress the one I saved for Sunday church. Seems that was everyday wear around here. It was a form fitting white eyelet lace dress that clung to my upper body and flared out at my hips. The capped sleeves left my arms bare and the skirt swirled around my thighs nicely, no stockings and no shoes as my ankle still hurt.

She bustled me out of the bed and then he walked in and moved closer and helped me up to a standing position as Mrs. Callahan began to make up my bed. I felt pampered and knew this wasn't going to last long. The first couple of hops he was looking a little peeved finally he just swooped me up again and carried me down the stairs.

Into the study he took me and deposited me on a chair. The skirt of the dress lipped up some uncovering the tops of my thighs and I quickly shoved it down, but not before her got a nice long look. "Well I hear you are from Georgia? Tell me a bit more about yourself honey?"

I didn't know if I like that word much anymore. It was liked the way he called me that but I found myself telling him stuff anyway. He merely nodded and wrote things down as I spoke. I didn't' even know if he was even listening to me talk.

 

[wait2play]

Annie downplayed her singing skills, but her voice was a natural. I am going to arrange for the piano played, from the club to come to the house and start working with her, without Gloria’s knowledge of course. This young lady had raw talent, she just didn’t realize it.

I could overhear the two them talking away, from the next room. At different points I caught references to Gloria and Lisa. I know Mrs. Callahan missed Lisa, I probably hadn’t allowed how much the two would miss each other, making a mental note to let Mrs. Callahan know she could call Lisa as often as she liked, in fact I would encourage her to do so. Gloria and Mrs. Callahan had been at odds from the beginning. Like I said, Gloria was a psychopath, but damn she was s great lay.

Annie was wearing a form fitting white eyelet lace dress that displayed her ample assets quite nicely. She didn’t do well walking so I picked her and carried her downstairs. While I enjoyed the intimacy of having Annie in my arms I was concerned she would begin to question my motives, which were still honorable at this point. She was beguiling.


While Annie told us a little about herself, I jotted a few notes for myself. I would have people check into her background and see if her stories held up. In addition to scheduling some time with the piano player we would have to get her together with a seamstress.

[“Annie, I’d like to help you out. This is a big city and there are many ways and places for a new gal in town to get hooked up with bad people. If it’s OK with you, I’d like to have someone help with some new songs and get you some new clothes. Don’t worry about expenses or a place to stay for now. You’re welcome to stay right here, where the Callahan’s and I can help you get back on your feet as they say.”]

 

[Destiny]

"When aunt may....." Her voice trailed off as he spoke and she blinked.

"I don't understand...why are you being so nice to me... I just wanted the cigarette girl job."

"Sorry the position was filled yesterday. " his head down as he rattled off the comment still writing.

"oh I see....Well I do thank you for the compliment on my singing, but I am not that good honest and I get scared if too many people hear me sing." She was beginning to fidget again and she looked at him almost pleading with him to let her off the hook. "I can't afford new clothes either."

He looked up at her and stopped as suddenly as she had begun to speak he had this look about him as if his will would be obeyed and right now his will was making it known that I needed to be quiet. She swallowed and dropped her hands into her lap as she began to wring the lace of the skirt into the fingers the hem of it sliding higher and higher as she fidgeted more.

Mrs. Callahan to the rescue rushed into the room and delivered breakfast and to tell Joe that there was a phone call for him from Ms Stanton. She sent me a look that said it was 'THAT' woman again. She placed the tray before me on a table as he picked up the phone. I could hear the shriek from my seat.

"Why is there a girl staying at your house?!" he yanked the phone away from his head so fast it looked like it was burning him. "How dare you ...................... entire club knows ............................ there. If you think .................... treat me you are sadly mistaken." I didn't hear the entire tirade as he quickly turned around in his chair and began trying to sooth the strident voice on the phone. His voice rumbled and it sounded soothing and nice. Mrs. Callahan sent a smile toward me, she was eaves dropping and not hiding it at all!

 

[wait2play]

Gloria’s screaming in my ear was a world away from the conversing with Annie.

[“Gloria, listen to what I am saying. Are you listening Gloria? I have been watching for you and Johnny for the last month. I know you’ve been getting together outside of the club. I have a business and a reputation to maintain, and you two are jeopardizing my control. Johnny is opening a new club in Kansas City and he’s looking for his main attraction. Are you interested in that spot, you sold be. Are you still listening to Gloria? I’ll allow Johnny to buy out your contract and the both of you can leave town now. If I see you or Johnny in my club again, or in my town after Friday, you’ll both have a permanent resting place here. Do you understand? Good, best of luck to both of you in Kansas City.”]

I took a deep breath before turning back to Annie and Mrs. Callahan.

[“Annie you don’t have to do anything before you’re to. I don’t think you have anything to lose and have everything to gain by working with Sam from the club. As far as the clothes, consider it an investment in an attractive young lady, who I believe has a world of talent. I’m sure Mrs. Callahan would agree with me and would welcome having you around our home for awhile.”]

I walked over and sat in front of Annie.

[“I’ve become used to getting what I want over the years (not a word from you Mrs. Callahan) but I don’t want to assume anything here. These are your choices, if I’ve been too forward in my actions or assumptions please overlook that when making your decisions.’]

Glancing at Mrs. Callahan, I caught her nodding her approval to Annie.

I wisely stopped speaking at that point as I became lost in the beauty of Annie’s eyes

 

[Destiny]

Her eyes lifted to Mrs. Callahan watched her and frowned as she overheard some of his conversation and she sighed as she took a bite of a muffin.

THe conversation completed he turned back to her and looked at her face for the longest moment as he spoke. When he moved closer and she looked into his eyes she was transfixed by his voice and the depth of feeling he showed. Looking bacj up at Mrs. Callahan nodding her head she sighed and then looked down at her hands and she sighed and then stuck out her hand for it to be shaken," Alright Sir, but you have to promise if your customers at the club all run screaming from the club you won't be mad at me."

He sparkled a smile at her the dimple at his cheek showing as he nodded and took her hand,"Alright sugar its a deal." He climbed to his feet and seemed to be done with her now and began issuing the orders that would start her new life.

 

[wait2play]

The house was a flurry of activity over the following days. Sam the piano man, as he was known, came in every afternoon to work with Annie on new arrangements. The doctor stopped dropping by after a couple of days. Annie seemed to enjoy her time around the house with Mrs. Callahan. Annie’s natural beauty seemed to blossom as she also settled into the home, with some routine, good meals, and the attention she was receiving. The two of us would sit each morning discussing the events of the prior day, and plan for the coming day. Annie was a vision of beauty, apparently with no idea how seductive she was in her gown and robe with tussled hair and that sultry morning voice. I was looking forward to our time together each morning, mildly resenting when the Callahan’s would join us after about an hour.
I was enjoying every moment with Annie and while we talked freely about the club, I did not enter into conversations about my other business ventures. I did not deal in drugs, thievery, or robbery. I did, on the other hand, deal in smuggling, gambling, liquor, and prostitution. We had very strict rules about our brothels and how the women working there were treated. A portion of their earnings were set aside to earn interest, so each one had a nest egg when she left.

The last couple of nights, actually mornings, Annie was waiting up for me when I came home and would join me while I had a nightcap and enjoyed a cigar. While I had offered Annie a drink each time, she always declined. She didn’t express any displeasure about my drink, but she did seem to have a negative feeling about people over indulging. I knew this could be a potential problem if she began working at the club and felt we needed to edge her into that environment. We planned for Annie to start spending time around the club beginning the next weekend, with no plans for her to perform on stage at this point. ON those nights, I would give Annie a hug as we prepared to go to bed. I don’t know what she was using for bath oils or cologne, but her scent was left aroused each time. I was becoming quite entranced by this young lady.

I came home early one afternoon to find the seamstress there, and suggested they put together a couple of dresses for the club. The seamstress had some fabrics (silk, satin, I’m not sure what) that clung to Annie’s body, highlighting every sensuous curve. The material lay across her breasts and clung to her body, gently resting on the curves of her hips. Mrs. Callahan was right there watching over things as well. The seamstress had pinned a garment on Annie that would have me running for a cold shower if I had been able to stand up without embarrassing myself. There was one flaw in the vision, I gestured to Mrs. Callahan.

[“Do you think you could explain to Annie that she can not wear those old fashioned bulky undergarments under a dress like that? In fact, she should probably lose the corset, or whatever you call that thing, all together.”]

 

[Destiny]

The singing lessons were not so bad. Sam was a nice man with a rough baritone voice to made her think of a frog on a lily. When he would come to visit she would sit up on the piano Joe had in his ballroom and she would go over the music. First scales and then she would sing the slow love ballads that were popular for the day. Sam explained she needed to strength her voice to be able to sing one to two songs a night without hurting herself.

The dresses were also something she wasn't used to they were long and flowing and clung to parts of her body showing off way to much skin to her mind but that is what Sam and the seamstress said she was supposed to wear.

The mornings were the most wonderful though, Joe would be there in his study going over the daily things he was supposed to do and indulging her in the chatter of someone who had done so much. When in fact all she had done was dress and sing. Her eyes would slide along his hands and face when he wasn't looking and she would watch the way he would write. His voice always gentle with her even when he was yelling at someone else.

Then one day he arrived during some final fittings and he sat there watching as she tugged on some material here or there it draped down between her breasts and created a deep V, her back would have been bare down to her ass if she hadn't been wearing her undergarments. When he made the comment about her underthings a bright red blush slid along her cheeks and Mrs. Callahan nodded and pointed out,"You know hon he is right you can't wear those things underneath." Annie chewed her lip and slid behind the screen set up in his study for changing while the seamstress was there.

A sew moments later she stepped pack put from behind the screen sans her under garments and the gown draped in all the right placed now Her breasts were pert enough to not really need a lift and her back was flawless the material draping almost along her ass showing down to just below the perfect dimples at the base of her back. Mrs. Callahan and the dress maker were walking around her lifting the skirt to make it fall just so, all she saw where Joe's eyes pinned to her.

 

[wait2play]

Annie blushed at the suggestion of removing her undergarment, but when Mrs. Callahan confirmed the suggestion Annie stepped behind to screen. When she reappeared she was a vision of beauty. The cream colored gown draped over her breasts which were young and firm, Annie must have caught a chill because her nipples were like stones beneath the sheer material. As she turned, her back was as smooth as porcelain, unblemished and exquisite. The dress plunged to the top of her butt. Even without heels on, her ass rounded perfectly blending into the smooth line of her thighs.

I immediately laid the newspaper in my lap to cover my reaction to Annie’s appearance. A move not lost on Mrs. Callahan. Realizing my jaw was hanging open I regained enough composure to speak.

[“Annie you are beautiful, I mean you were always beautiful but you and this dress were made for each other. You look amazing.”]

The seamstress beamed with pride as did Mrs. Callahan. However, Mrs. Callahan did a double take when she heard my words. Poor thing had never heard me gush over a woman like this. The only time she had ever seen me beaming so, would have been with our little Lisa. Lisa would have been happy to see me at this moment; she had never seen me enthralled with a woman. Annie was the Lady of the hour, I was able to set aside the newspaper now and walk over to her. My erection not gone, but I no longer cared.

[“Annie I can’t find the words to properly express how wonderful you and that dress look together. I softly (almost meekly) ran my fingers over the material, sliding my hands over her ribs, careful not to seem inappropriate. If we had been alone I would have lifted her in my arms once again to carry her upstairs.)

We all jumped a bit when Mr. Callahan walked into the room and exclaimed.

[“Damn, our young songbird is a friggin’ beautiful woman.’]

His comment broke the stillness of the room and I chuckled.

[“You’ve always had a way of getting right to the point my man.”]

Turning to the seamstress, I inquired.

[“How soon can you have this dress ready? Also we need to start designing another something perhaps in an emerald green to further compliment Annie’s red hair.”]

Taking Annie’s chin and lifting her face.

[Annie, you’ve been working so hard, your ankle seems to be healed, you will let me take you out to celebrate as soon as the dress is ready won’t you?]

 

[Destiny]

She shivered as she stood there waiting for his reaction. He didn’t make her wait to long and she smiled wide as he gushed over how she looked in the gown. She dind’t lift her arms to cover her self as much and the gown was so light as to barely be floating onher body almost making her feel naked.

When Joe stood up and moved forward to stop before her and caress her side she swallowed and her skin goosefleshed as she felt the heat of his hand along her bdoy. It was soon gone when Mr. Callahan came in and made his compliment as well.

“It has to be the gown you all are staring at, because there is no way that I look anything more then merely pretty.” I chewed my lower lip softly and looked from Mrs. C to Joe to the seamstress and then to Mr. C. They all looked at me a bit shocked and I shrugged making the material rub against my already sensitive nipples.

The seamstress shook her head and then looked up at Joe,”Well I jut need to pin up some of the hem and then it is ready I can have another in Green and blue for you in two days time. Plus all the undergarments and a few other gowns for your inspection in a week.” She began to gather her things leaving the screen though for when she would be back. She waited until Annie spoke before she ushered her up onto a stepping stool to begin to hem up the gown.

Annie’s voice shook a bit as she swallowed,”Um If you would like to Joe. Can we go to your club please?” Her eyes looked into his own as she waited for his answer to her question. She was urged up onto a stepping stool while she waited for him to speak. Her eye moving back to his waiting almost breathlessly.

 

[Destiny]

Mrs. Callahan

After it was all decided that Annie would go with Joe to the club she left the room and went into the room that used to be occupied by Joe’s wife. There in the closet she found what she went in search of. There lying on the bed now was a beautiful ermine wrap that would go wonderfully with the gown now being worn by Annie. She smoothed her hand over the wrap and sighed slightly. She remembere the night Joe had given this to his EX. He had been so in love with her, but she kept throughing it back inhis face. This had been one of the many gifts he had given her to try to make their life together work. She had sneered at the gift and tossed it on the floor and called him every name in the book because he wasn’t what she wanted anymore. Now here it was all cleaned and waiting for a new owner, that owner would be Annie.

 

[wait2play]

[“The club? Tonight? Well sure, that’s perfect. I have one more piece of business for today, I will return shortly.”] I was astonished with everyone’s enthusiasm. Annie was beaming from ear to ear, flashing those pearly whites.

The piece of business wasn’t as pleasant. One of my guys had been skimming from his numbers take. Four broken fingers and a thumb would keep his hand out the take.

I returned home and began to prepare for the night out, dare I say date. I left a wrist corsage sitting on the table outside of Annie’s room. She and Annie sounded like two schoolgirls in the room as they were preparing Annie.

I heard the two of them as the spotted the corsage before scampering downstairs. I walked downstairs moments later. Annie was gorgeous; I had never seen her so lovely. Mrs. Callahan had used a minimum of makeup, Annie needed none. I was beaming at the two of them, when a dark cloud passed over my face. I spotted the fur and immediately resented its presence. However the look on Mrs. Callahan’s face helped me to realize this wasn’t that bitch’s coat; it had never been her coat. It had merely been waiting here for its’ rightful owner and Annie was the one. I nodded my approval to Mrs. Callahan and returned my attention to Annie.

I picked up the coat and draped it over Annie’s shoulder, allowing my hands to linger on her for a moment. I leaned it close to her ear, inhaling her scent and feeling the brush of her silken hair in my cheek.

[‘Please excuse the pun Baby, but I’m so glad you stumbled into my life.”]

Her head rested on my shoulder for a moment, I was intoxicated with her presence.

Mr. Callahan brought me back to my senses when he came through the front door. While he held the door open I watched Annie slide into the back seat with a natural grace that seemed as though she were perfectly comfortable her, as though this had been her destiny. The dress floated over her body as she moved. During the ride her bare leg brushed against mine as we rounded a corner. Goosebumps ran down my leg and when I looked at her again I realized she was not wearing silk stockings, those creamy smooth legs were all hers.

We arrived at the club. I offered her my arm when she exited the car. The doorman gave me an approving wink as he opened the door for us and we entered the club. All eyes turned to Annie.

 

[Destiny]

When Joe said yes she was thrilled. Not that she didn’t enjoy being home with Mrs. Callahan. But Joe fascinated her. He was older and he did so many new and exciting things all the time she wanted to be part of that world. The city was seducing her and she wanted to enjoy everything it had to offer.

After Joe left she slipped out of the dress to let Mrs. Daniels finish the sewing and went up to her room to prepare for my evening out. Mrs. Callahan said she should take a small nap and she would have her bath ready for her in about half and hour to an hour. Annie was so excited she didn’t think she could sleep. She soon drifted off though and in no time Mrs. C was awakening her to take her bath. She had chosen Annie’s favorite a soft lilac scent. She had taken it from a set she had bought for a goddaughter and also rinsed her hair with the same scent. She felt like a princess.

Mrs. C was helping her to dress and she loaned her some of Lisa under things. She said it wasn’t decent to be completely naked beneath the gown. She helped her to dress and gave her a pair of low heels but they arced Annie’s legs beautifully, and the slit in the dress showed off her legs well. She was still nervous about all the skin showing but Mrs. Callahan assured her it was all the rage and Annie capitulated and went along with what she had to say. She twisted her long red hair up into a French twists leaving the tail of it lying along her shoulder and the tip curled along one breast.

When we walked down stairs she was wearing the wrist corsage Joe had provided and then Mrs. C. handed him the most gorgeous white fur coat Annie had ever seen. She saw the thunderous look cross Joe’s face and was about to refuse it when he took it and slid it along her shoulder himself. Annie was in a dream state enjoying all the attention and when he slid his lips along her cheek she couldn’t help but lay her head onto his shoulder.

‘Please excuse the pun Baby, but I’m so glad you stumbled into my life.”

“Oh Joe you have been so wonderful to do all that you have done, I don’t know how I can ever repay you.” Her eyes lifted to his and then they were walking down the stairs to his car and were on our way to the club. The club she was supposed to be working at as the Cigarette girl would soon be hearing her sing and she was nervous about it. During the ride the slit of the gown had expose her leg up to the thigh and she felt Joe’s leg against her own it was so warm and he was so handsome.

After they arrived at the club she heard the whispers as Joe led her into the anteroom for coats and things and was a bit reluctant to reveal the openings of the gown to so many people, but there were a few women there dressed similarly to herself so she handed Joe the fur. A few men stared and then Joe was at her side once more leading her to a table. She was barely seated when Joe was pulled aside by the manager of the club and she was left alone at the table to listen to the band playing and to watch the people of the club.