“Move! Move!”
Keith’s words forced her back to reality. They were still in danger. The engines of the assassins’ motorcycles hummed a not distant enough tune. The cop grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out towards his door. She had to awkwardly climb over the cluttered middle console of the police cruiser, but within seconds, she was free of the car.
Keith pulled her towards the finished frame of Wainwright Center, which looked like a massive concrete block carved into the land. Framed by marble columns spanning four stories, the entrance would be majestic if not for the killers after them. He ran her to the front entrance, which was still uncovered by any door. She found herself plunged into darkness. Only the dim lights from the street outside and a single fixture across the room provided any illumination to the massive unfinished lobby.
“Come on. The elevator.”
Keith pulled her towards the light on the far side of the room, which he clearly knew to be the elevator. But he barely reached the halfway point of the room. Still in mid-run, his feet suddenly slipped from beneath him. Melinoe stumbled at his sudden movement. He released his grip on her just a second before he was yanked backward, even as she regained proper footing. Melinoe glanced back to see the female assassin. She held a long whip which seemed to undulate in the darkness like a living thing. Though the assassin didn’t move her arm, the whip tightly wrapped around Keith’s leg and pulled him back towards her.
“Run!” Keith yelled. “Get as high as you can, then disable the elevator. You’ll be safe until the rest of the force arrives!”
Melinoe had her doubts, but his plan was sound enough. More space would give her time to think.
She watched as Keith drew his gun and turned away from her. She heard the first shot as she reached the elevator. As soon as she hit the button, it opened.
She hit the higher buttons on the console wildly. She got the top floors, but she also struck buttons on the panels below. Seventy-two was the low number on the list. It would do as well as any other floor for her to escape their grasp. Even with parts of the building still open to air high above, she needed the space to think.
Showing posts with label Keith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Keith. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Book 3 Chapter 26-3
Keith nodded towards a massive structure looming in the distance, the infamous Wainwright Center. It was half built, still more steel frame than actual building, but the eighty-seven story structure was a regular sight in downtown River City. The skyscraper would be the city’s largest upon construction, but delay after delay had slowed the massive structure’s creation.
Massive cranes filled the roof to the buildings next to it, while more equipment lined the streets below. The frame had enough walling to make it easy to disappear into the maze, but she doubted it would save them from the man and woman for long. Still, Melinoe had to admit it was their best chance so far.
She glanced behind them. The twin Ninjas were still on their tale, the hum of the engines a constant presence even as the wind rushed around them. The assassins wouldn’t stop, unless she and Keith at least slowed them until the police could arrive.
“Alright,” she said. “I don’t think we’ve got any other choice.”
Keith said nothing as he powered the car down the road. The Wainwright Center grew larger as they approached, its peak disappearing from view. Melinoe knew they would have to stop suddenly and then move quickly if they hoped to escape into the structure before the assassins ran them down. They would have to take a very sudden stop.
“Hold on and brace yourself. This isn’t going to be a very smooth stop.”
She didn’t say anything as he veered left. The divider offered only a small opening there, but he flashed the police car through it and towards the flat plowed dirt and concrete at the base of the Wainwright Center. Melinoe felt her entire body pulled taut as he slammed on the brakes. The car leapt as they went off the curb and into the packed dirt. It hit the ground hard, the tires and suspension shuttering as Keith spun the wheel.
Melinoe saw why a second later. They pitched towards a front loader, a massive field of red filling their view. Suddenly it wasn’t in front of them, but the Wainwright Center’s frame loomed large before them instead. But their spin turned, even as the car shook as one of the rear tires burst beneath them.
Melinoe gritted her teeth as the car screeched and shuttered. Then it stopped.
And somehow she was still alive.
Massive cranes filled the roof to the buildings next to it, while more equipment lined the streets below. The frame had enough walling to make it easy to disappear into the maze, but she doubted it would save them from the man and woman for long. Still, Melinoe had to admit it was their best chance so far.
She glanced behind them. The twin Ninjas were still on their tale, the hum of the engines a constant presence even as the wind rushed around them. The assassins wouldn’t stop, unless she and Keith at least slowed them until the police could arrive.
“Alright,” she said. “I don’t think we’ve got any other choice.”
Keith said nothing as he powered the car down the road. The Wainwright Center grew larger as they approached, its peak disappearing from view. Melinoe knew they would have to stop suddenly and then move quickly if they hoped to escape into the structure before the assassins ran them down. They would have to take a very sudden stop.
“Hold on and brace yourself. This isn’t going to be a very smooth stop.”
She didn’t say anything as he veered left. The divider offered only a small opening there, but he flashed the police car through it and towards the flat plowed dirt and concrete at the base of the Wainwright Center. Melinoe felt her entire body pulled taut as he slammed on the brakes. The car leapt as they went off the curb and into the packed dirt. It hit the ground hard, the tires and suspension shuttering as Keith spun the wheel.
Melinoe saw why a second later. They pitched towards a front loader, a massive field of red filling their view. Suddenly it wasn’t in front of them, but the Wainwright Center’s frame loomed large before them instead. But their spin turned, even as the car shook as one of the rear tires burst beneath them.
Melinoe gritted her teeth as the car screeched and shuttered. Then it stopped.
And somehow she was still alive.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Book 3 Chapter 26-2
“I wish I knew,” Melinoe said. “They are no one have I ever met. I don’t know why they came after me. I don’t even know why anyone would want me dead. I’ve only been in the city for a couple days.”
“A couple days? And you’re already working at Jacks?”
“He liked my audition. I just came to the town to stay with my brother. I had a falling out with my stepfather.”
Keith shook his head. “You kids these days. Living with your parents until you’re thirty.”
“Are my former living arrangements really a concern? I think we should be more concerned with the murderer and murderess on our tail.”
He glanced up into the rear view mirror. “You’re certainly right about that one, lady.”
“I’m often right. Hopefully I’m not right that we’re going to die tonight.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
Keith put on a brave face, but Melinoe knew it was only that. The motorcyclists could keep up with their pace far longer and far more easily, winding in and out of traffic while Keith was forced to slow for it. It would only be a matter of time before they were close enough to the car to strike. She might not know why they wanted her dead, but either the muscular brute or the whip-carrying dominatrix could easily take them off the road sooner or later and make sure she would visit her father’s kingdom for the last time.
Keith suddenly veered right and Melinoe was forced to catch herself before her head struck the window. He turned from the eight lane freeway onto an exit. A second later, they ran a red onto a four lane road leading back towards downtown.
“We’re never going to outrun them,” Keith said. “My only chance is to bring them to somewhere we might have a chance to stand up to them. And it has to be a place where no more innocents will get drawn into the carnage. And I think I know just the place.”
“The place? What are you thinking? Where do you think we’re going to take this that we won’t get killed by two metahuman psychopaths?”
“Right up there.”
“A couple days? And you’re already working at Jacks?”
“He liked my audition. I just came to the town to stay with my brother. I had a falling out with my stepfather.”
Keith shook his head. “You kids these days. Living with your parents until you’re thirty.”
“Are my former living arrangements really a concern? I think we should be more concerned with the murderer and murderess on our tail.”
He glanced up into the rear view mirror. “You’re certainly right about that one, lady.”
“I’m often right. Hopefully I’m not right that we’re going to die tonight.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it.”
Keith put on a brave face, but Melinoe knew it was only that. The motorcyclists could keep up with their pace far longer and far more easily, winding in and out of traffic while Keith was forced to slow for it. It would only be a matter of time before they were close enough to the car to strike. She might not know why they wanted her dead, but either the muscular brute or the whip-carrying dominatrix could easily take them off the road sooner or later and make sure she would visit her father’s kingdom for the last time.
Keith suddenly veered right and Melinoe was forced to catch herself before her head struck the window. He turned from the eight lane freeway onto an exit. A second later, they ran a red onto a four lane road leading back towards downtown.
“We’re never going to outrun them,” Keith said. “My only chance is to bring them to somewhere we might have a chance to stand up to them. And it has to be a place where no more innocents will get drawn into the carnage. And I think I know just the place.”
“The place? What are you thinking? Where do you think we’re going to take this that we won’t get killed by two metahuman psychopaths?”
“Right up there.”
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Book 3 Chapter 26. Melinoe
Rosa’s cop friend certainly knew how to drive. As the lights above their head flashed red and blue, he drove at blinding speed down the winding streets of River City. His speed might be considered dangerous at first glance, but only before one saw the twin Kawasaki Ninjas streaking behind them at even greater speeds. They were little more than yellow and blue streaks endlessly pursuing the police cruiser.
Melinoe knew they had no hope of escape. The two killers seemed unworried about their own safety. The chatter on the car’s radio made it clear police were moving in on the scene from every side. Helicopters were in the air, inbound from the city airport. Within minutes, a perimeter would cut off the entire area from the rest of the city.
But even if it came, it could very well be too late to save her or Keith.
Melinoe wondered who could have sent the killers. Caelus might still have pawns, but the likelihood they would come after a loyal servant like her her seemed slim. The Fates hated her, but they would never act directly or openly. The fools of GENESIS already tried to capture her brother, but they would have called off any police involvement if they wanted her captured. This was someone else, some kind of new threat or some kind of much older threat, one emerged from decades or centuries away.
This bodes ill. I dislike such a lack of control. This is what stepfather’s punishment brings upon me. He should have simply killed me. He has forced me into death by one means or another.
Melinoe silently cursed the god of death once again. She hated Pluto. She hated her mother’s loyalty to the monster. He kidnapped her mother and forced her into marriage. Persephone’s revenge was her, the ultimate cuckoldry. Yet still she stayed with the lord of the underworld, even bore him her fool of a half brother. Persephone should have killed the fool long ago, and taken his place as the true ruler of the dead.
Instead she stood by and left me to this fate.
“Who are these two?”
Melinoe let Keith’s words linger in the car. She had no answer for him. She wished she did. If she knew anything about the male and female assassins, her chances would be far better. She hated direct confrontation, but it seemed clear she would have to face her killers tonight.
Melinoe knew they had no hope of escape. The two killers seemed unworried about their own safety. The chatter on the car’s radio made it clear police were moving in on the scene from every side. Helicopters were in the air, inbound from the city airport. Within minutes, a perimeter would cut off the entire area from the rest of the city.
But even if it came, it could very well be too late to save her or Keith.
Melinoe wondered who could have sent the killers. Caelus might still have pawns, but the likelihood they would come after a loyal servant like her her seemed slim. The Fates hated her, but they would never act directly or openly. The fools of GENESIS already tried to capture her brother, but they would have called off any police involvement if they wanted her captured. This was someone else, some kind of new threat or some kind of much older threat, one emerged from decades or centuries away.
This bodes ill. I dislike such a lack of control. This is what stepfather’s punishment brings upon me. He should have simply killed me. He has forced me into death by one means or another.
Melinoe silently cursed the god of death once again. She hated Pluto. She hated her mother’s loyalty to the monster. He kidnapped her mother and forced her into marriage. Persephone’s revenge was her, the ultimate cuckoldry. Yet still she stayed with the lord of the underworld, even bore him her fool of a half brother. Persephone should have killed the fool long ago, and taken his place as the true ruler of the dead.
Instead she stood by and left me to this fate.
“Who are these two?”
Melinoe let Keith’s words linger in the car. She had no answer for him. She wished she did. If she knew anything about the male and female assassins, her chances would be far better. She hated direct confrontation, but it seemed clear she would have to face her killers tonight.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 19-3
They finally pushed through the last few people and into the parking lot of Lumber Jacks.
Keith pushed her out, but kept a hold on her arm. She turned to meet his eyes. She kept her face impassive as if she was too overwhelmed by the situation to know what emotion to feel.
“You and I will talk about what’s going on here later. You have a lot to answer for here, but I have to find Rosa. She could still be in there and I won’t lose her.”
Melinoe reached up to the side of Keith’s face and just barely brushed her fingertips down his cheek. Minutes ago she wanted to be rid of him, but now she saw an opportunity by keeping him around. And with so many men in authority, it would take only a little bit of her magics to enthrall him.
“Rosa will be fine, but I need you here now. If you leave me and they find me, I’ll have no one to protect me.”
He looked at her. She knew his mind was trying to come up with reasons to go help the other woman. But Melinoe knew she had him enraptured. The intensity in his eyes made his answer clear.
“You’re right. Come on. We need to get you back to the station. We can find out what we need to know about those two there.”
She nodded. Squad cars were already filling the parking lot around Lumber Jacks. The assassins would not be foolish enough to stick around to fight dozens of police officers. They would run, lick their wounds and strike again.
But this time, she would be ready for them.
He pulled her towards one of the squad cars on the edge of the lot. His gun was already gone from his hand. He was quicker than she thought. She hadn’t even seen him holster it. In its place, he held up his badge.
“Sergeant Keith Kenwood. This woman may help us learn a bit about the people that caused this. We both need a ride to Central right away.”
The young officer, a man barely out of his teens from the look of him, studied them for a moment. Keith was already impatient, his drive from her touch in full gear. He shoved the badge in the young officer’s face.
“Now!”
The poor young cop nodded as he quickly threw himself back into the driver’s seat. Keith pulled open the back door and helped Melinoe in before he climbed in himself.
Seconds later, they were flashing out into the River City night.
Keith pushed her out, but kept a hold on her arm. She turned to meet his eyes. She kept her face impassive as if she was too overwhelmed by the situation to know what emotion to feel.
“You and I will talk about what’s going on here later. You have a lot to answer for here, but I have to find Rosa. She could still be in there and I won’t lose her.”
Melinoe reached up to the side of Keith’s face and just barely brushed her fingertips down his cheek. Minutes ago she wanted to be rid of him, but now she saw an opportunity by keeping him around. And with so many men in authority, it would take only a little bit of her magics to enthrall him.
“Rosa will be fine, but I need you here now. If you leave me and they find me, I’ll have no one to protect me.”
He looked at her. She knew his mind was trying to come up with reasons to go help the other woman. But Melinoe knew she had him enraptured. The intensity in his eyes made his answer clear.
“You’re right. Come on. We need to get you back to the station. We can find out what we need to know about those two there.”
She nodded. Squad cars were already filling the parking lot around Lumber Jacks. The assassins would not be foolish enough to stick around to fight dozens of police officers. They would run, lick their wounds and strike again.
But this time, she would be ready for them.
He pulled her towards one of the squad cars on the edge of the lot. His gun was already gone from his hand. He was quicker than she thought. She hadn’t even seen him holster it. In its place, he held up his badge.
“Sergeant Keith Kenwood. This woman may help us learn a bit about the people that caused this. We both need a ride to Central right away.”
The young officer, a man barely out of his teens from the look of him, studied them for a moment. Keith was already impatient, his drive from her touch in full gear. He shoved the badge in the young officer’s face.
“Now!”
The poor young cop nodded as he quickly threw himself back into the driver’s seat. Keith pulled open the back door and helped Melinoe in before he climbed in himself.
Seconds later, they were flashing out into the River City night.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 19-2
They ran out towards the doors, but the fleeing crowd slowed any progression outside. Melinoe and Keith turned to see the woman closing on them. Worse, the seemingly unkillable man followed behind her. Melinoe glanced back behind her. They had no chance of escaping before both assassins were upon them.
Keith raised his gun, but Melinoe simply closed her eyes. She reached into their minds and searched their thoughts. Echoes of images flashed through her head. She wasn’t sure she could use them to stop her foes, but she certainly could slow them down if only she had time to work her power on them.
“Stop!” Her voice echoed over the din of the crowd. “Who are you? Why are you doing this?”
The woman smiled. Melinoe felt the yearn for the lash of her whip again, but she pushed the urge back as she focused on the images in her mind.
“I suppose you should know the name of your killers. They call me Pleasure and my partner is called Pain. Our job is simple: kill you girl.”
“What did I ever do to anyone?” Melinoe tried to sound innocent as she said it, but she doubted the assassins believed her and wasn’t sure about the cop either. Not that it mattered anymore.
The half-naked man—Pain—charged towards them. His fears were simpler and easier to evoke. Never-ending agony scared him, pain that his body would keep him alive to take forever. A simple thought caused flames to blast out of his skin, instantly blackening his flesh.
Keith recoiled, but Melinoe only watched him burn.
Pleasure looked at her partner and then back at her and Keith.
“Stop it. Stop it or I’ll kill you!”
Melinoe stepped back as Pleasure closed. “Stop? I’m not doing anything. Stop him before he burns this place down!”
Pleasure turned back to her partner. She clearly didn’t know what to do, but her worry for her partner at least gave her pause from the job at hand.
Keith’s training kicked in. Even if he wanted to ask Melinoe about the situation, his need to get her to safety overwhelmed it. He yanked her back towards the thinning herd pouring through the doors. Again, she let herself be pulled along.
But her mind was already racing. Clearly these assassins weren’t working under their own accord. Clearly someone wanted her dead. Who even knew she was here in this gods forsaken city? The answer to that question seemed necessary to her continued survival.
Keith raised his gun, but Melinoe simply closed her eyes. She reached into their minds and searched their thoughts. Echoes of images flashed through her head. She wasn’t sure she could use them to stop her foes, but she certainly could slow them down if only she had time to work her power on them.
“Stop!” Her voice echoed over the din of the crowd. “Who are you? Why are you doing this?”
The woman smiled. Melinoe felt the yearn for the lash of her whip again, but she pushed the urge back as she focused on the images in her mind.
“I suppose you should know the name of your killers. They call me Pleasure and my partner is called Pain. Our job is simple: kill you girl.”
“What did I ever do to anyone?” Melinoe tried to sound innocent as she said it, but she doubted the assassins believed her and wasn’t sure about the cop either. Not that it mattered anymore.
The half-naked man—Pain—charged towards them. His fears were simpler and easier to evoke. Never-ending agony scared him, pain that his body would keep him alive to take forever. A simple thought caused flames to blast out of his skin, instantly blackening his flesh.
Keith recoiled, but Melinoe only watched him burn.
Pleasure looked at her partner and then back at her and Keith.
“Stop it. Stop it or I’ll kill you!”
Melinoe stepped back as Pleasure closed. “Stop? I’m not doing anything. Stop him before he burns this place down!”
Pleasure turned back to her partner. She clearly didn’t know what to do, but her worry for her partner at least gave her pause from the job at hand.
Keith’s training kicked in. Even if he wanted to ask Melinoe about the situation, his need to get her to safety overwhelmed it. He yanked her back towards the thinning herd pouring through the doors. Again, she let herself be pulled along.
But her mind was already racing. Clearly these assassins weren’t working under their own accord. Clearly someone wanted her dead. Who even knew she was here in this gods forsaken city? The answer to that question seemed necessary to her continued survival.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 19. Melinoe
Melinoe didn’t know why more super-powered freaks wanted her dead. Nor did she really care. But she would be damned if she let them hurt her. Nor would she let them threaten her new livelihood. Her options seemed clear. She needed to escape Lumber Jacks for now and then find a way to end her would be killers.
Her only problem was the man that viewed himself as her rescuer. Keith, Rosa’s police officer friend, was at her side, already pulling her towards the exit. She knew she would face great punishment should she cause more havoc to the mortals, and a dead police officer would certainly fit that category. She couldn’t kill him in order to make her escape. So she would have to get rid of him some other way—or use him to her advantage.
He yelled, “Everyone out!” The crowd was in too much anarchy to really listen. He yanked her to the door. She was strong enough to pull away, but she knew she didn’t need to raise his suspicions about her true nature.
She let him drag her along, his weapon drawn. The club had a no weapons policy—it was posted all over the doors—yet somehow the police office had his. It was something to note for the future.
A spinning figure rushed over them both as they ran. It was the woman assassin. Her outfit looked like something normal for Lumber Jacks, but she brandished a whip covered in thin metal brackets. She threw it outwards and it wrapped with ease around Melinoe’s left arm.
She expected pain, but an almost orgasmic wave shook her body instead. She could only smile at her sudden state of euphoria, even as she watched Keith raise his gun and fire at the woman.
Their attacker twisted away to avoid the shot and the movement yanked Melinoe to the floor. But it also caused the whip to slacken around her wrist. The metal brackets ripped bits of her skin away even as she pulled free of it.
She instantly wanted its touch again. Her arm ached with the pain of the bloody gashes and the ecstasy was gone.
Keith fired twice more, forcing the female assassin to dodge them again. Grabbing her uninjured arm, he yanked Melinoe back to her feet and pulled her towards the front door. She didn’t immediately want to move, still in search of the whip’s touch, but she let herself be brought along by the handsome young officer.
Her only problem was the man that viewed himself as her rescuer. Keith, Rosa’s police officer friend, was at her side, already pulling her towards the exit. She knew she would face great punishment should she cause more havoc to the mortals, and a dead police officer would certainly fit that category. She couldn’t kill him in order to make her escape. So she would have to get rid of him some other way—or use him to her advantage.
He yelled, “Everyone out!” The crowd was in too much anarchy to really listen. He yanked her to the door. She was strong enough to pull away, but she knew she didn’t need to raise his suspicions about her true nature.
She let him drag her along, his weapon drawn. The club had a no weapons policy—it was posted all over the doors—yet somehow the police office had his. It was something to note for the future.
A spinning figure rushed over them both as they ran. It was the woman assassin. Her outfit looked like something normal for Lumber Jacks, but she brandished a whip covered in thin metal brackets. She threw it outwards and it wrapped with ease around Melinoe’s left arm.
She expected pain, but an almost orgasmic wave shook her body instead. She could only smile at her sudden state of euphoria, even as she watched Keith raise his gun and fire at the woman.
Their attacker twisted away to avoid the shot and the movement yanked Melinoe to the floor. But it also caused the whip to slacken around her wrist. The metal brackets ripped bits of her skin away even as she pulled free of it.
She instantly wanted its touch again. Her arm ached with the pain of the bloody gashes and the ecstasy was gone.
Keith fired twice more, forcing the female assassin to dodge them again. Grabbing her uninjured arm, he yanked Melinoe back to her feet and pulled her towards the front door. She didn’t immediately want to move, still in search of the whip’s touch, but she let herself be brought along by the handsome young officer.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-9
Rosa knew the proper course of action would be to go with the crowd and escape. But she knew these attackers’ type. She knew they would hurt as many people as they could in order to get whatever they wanted. I’m supposed to be retired, she thought. But she already knew that crimefighting ran in her blood.
With a flash of movement, she ran towards the bondage queen. Rosa struck the woman with a long swinging blow that knocked her off her feet. Rosa whisked back into the dressing area. She paused for only a second, ready to strike again.
“Help me!” The words stopped her in her tracks.
Rosa’s eyes scanned the dressing room at metahuman speeds. It took her nearly two seconds to find the source of the voice, a mostly naked woman huddled beneath the dressing table. It took her only a moment to recognize Sexi Bach from her stage performance earlier.
Rosa ran—at human speeds—over to the huddled woman. She bent down beside her and met her eyes. Bach was frightened and a gash on her forehead just below her hairline bled profusely. But she showed no signs of shock. She met Rosa’s eyes without any glassiness and reached out to take a hand as soon as it was offered.
“Come on. We need to get you out of here.”
“How? They could have more people out the back door. Pain and Pleasure have always worked for the highest bidder.”
Rosa didn’t stop now to ask her how she knew the identities of the two metahuman thugs. She didn’t have time for that. She needed to get Sexi Bach outside and to safety so she could help Keith and Mel. She yanked Sexi up off her feet.
“Hold on to my neck.”
To her credit, Sexi didn’t argue. She wrapped her arms around Rosa’s neck. Rosa cradled the dancer’s head against her chest. She took a deep breath and ran.
Six seconds later, they were outside over a quarter of a mile away.
“Find a phone,” Rosa said. “Call the police and an ambulance. You need to get that head injury looked at. I have to go back and help—”
“No, please don’t leave me. Those people back there. I think they might have come for me.”
With a flash of movement, she ran towards the bondage queen. Rosa struck the woman with a long swinging blow that knocked her off her feet. Rosa whisked back into the dressing area. She paused for only a second, ready to strike again.
“Help me!” The words stopped her in her tracks.
Rosa’s eyes scanned the dressing room at metahuman speeds. It took her nearly two seconds to find the source of the voice, a mostly naked woman huddled beneath the dressing table. It took her only a moment to recognize Sexi Bach from her stage performance earlier.
Rosa ran—at human speeds—over to the huddled woman. She bent down beside her and met her eyes. Bach was frightened and a gash on her forehead just below her hairline bled profusely. But she showed no signs of shock. She met Rosa’s eyes without any glassiness and reached out to take a hand as soon as it was offered.
“Come on. We need to get you out of here.”
“How? They could have more people out the back door. Pain and Pleasure have always worked for the highest bidder.”
Rosa didn’t stop now to ask her how she knew the identities of the two metahuman thugs. She didn’t have time for that. She needed to get Sexi Bach outside and to safety so she could help Keith and Mel. She yanked Sexi up off her feet.
“Hold on to my neck.”
To her credit, Sexi didn’t argue. She wrapped her arms around Rosa’s neck. Rosa cradled the dancer’s head against her chest. She took a deep breath and ran.
Six seconds later, they were outside over a quarter of a mile away.
“Find a phone,” Rosa said. “Call the police and an ambulance. You need to get that head injury looked at. I have to go back and help—”
“No, please don’t leave me. Those people back there. I think they might have come for me.”
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-8
Seconds later, multiple dancers ran out from the back in various states of dress. For a moment, the crowd were excited by the additional skin on display. But it was almost immediately apparent that the dancers were scared for their lives. The crowd grew edgy and the disc jockey quickly cut off the music.
“Folks, stay calm. I’m sure—”
The DJ’s words were cut off as two figures emerged from the back room.
The man stood well over six feet tall. He was heavily muscled with long black hair and the frame of a linebacker. Dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a wifebeater, he might have been handsome but for the cold yellow eyes.
The woman was almost a foot shorter. She wore some kind of bondage gear, form fitting leather that barely covered up any of her frame, but for the thigh high boots and the elbow length gloves. Chains and spikes adorned her clothes and a dog collar around her neck. Her red hair blazed in the flashing lights and a sadistic grin made her love for the chaos obvious. She held a whip in her hand and it glowed with some kind of dark energy. It lit everything around it in moody tones, even as she used it to rip a bloody gash into the chest of a patron.
Keith was on his feet almost instantly. His pistol appeared from somewhere. It momentarily shocked Rosa as she hadn’t realized he carried it. But she was glad he did as he ran up towards the stage and Mel.
Mel didn’t really seem surprised by the two new arrivals. She stared at them, eyes narrowed in anger. She seemed mad they interrupted her set rather than because they were clearly here to hurt or kill people. Rosa wasn’t quite sure what to make of the other woman’s lack of shock, even as the man stomped towards her. A bouncer tried to intercept him, but the man just slammed the back of his fist into the side of the man’s skull. The bouncer dropped like a sack of bricks as Rosa caught a glance of what could only be a skull fracture on the side of his head. His attacker’s hand was bloody, but he only shook it once before he continued to stalk towards Mel.
Keith reached the stage and grabbed Mel by the arm. He yanked her down and off it, even as he raised his gun one-handed and aimed for her would-be assailant. He sent three shots directly into the man’s chest, the gunshots echoing off the walls of Lumber Jacks. They were perfectly placed shots, but they only staggered the man. Despite bleeding from his heart and lungs, he staggered towards Mel and Keith, slower but still on the attack. Keith took this as a clear sign he was outgunned. He grabbed Mel and pulled her away, his eyes already looking for Rosa in the crowd.
“Folks, stay calm. I’m sure—”
The DJ’s words were cut off as two figures emerged from the back room.
The man stood well over six feet tall. He was heavily muscled with long black hair and the frame of a linebacker. Dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a wifebeater, he might have been handsome but for the cold yellow eyes.
The woman was almost a foot shorter. She wore some kind of bondage gear, form fitting leather that barely covered up any of her frame, but for the thigh high boots and the elbow length gloves. Chains and spikes adorned her clothes and a dog collar around her neck. Her red hair blazed in the flashing lights and a sadistic grin made her love for the chaos obvious. She held a whip in her hand and it glowed with some kind of dark energy. It lit everything around it in moody tones, even as she used it to rip a bloody gash into the chest of a patron.
Keith was on his feet almost instantly. His pistol appeared from somewhere. It momentarily shocked Rosa as she hadn’t realized he carried it. But she was glad he did as he ran up towards the stage and Mel.
Mel didn’t really seem surprised by the two new arrivals. She stared at them, eyes narrowed in anger. She seemed mad they interrupted her set rather than because they were clearly here to hurt or kill people. Rosa wasn’t quite sure what to make of the other woman’s lack of shock, even as the man stomped towards her. A bouncer tried to intercept him, but the man just slammed the back of his fist into the side of the man’s skull. The bouncer dropped like a sack of bricks as Rosa caught a glance of what could only be a skull fracture on the side of his head. His attacker’s hand was bloody, but he only shook it once before he continued to stalk towards Mel.
Keith reached the stage and grabbed Mel by the arm. He yanked her down and off it, even as he raised his gun one-handed and aimed for her would-be assailant. He sent three shots directly into the man’s chest, the gunshots echoing off the walls of Lumber Jacks. They were perfectly placed shots, but they only staggered the man. Despite bleeding from his heart and lungs, he staggered towards Mel and Keith, slower but still on the attack. Keith took this as a clear sign he was outgunned. He grabbed Mel and pulled her away, his eyes already looking for Rosa in the crowd.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-7
She couldn’t quite believe her own actions as she performed them. She wasn’t like this. She was a straight-laced girl raised by strict parents to follow an exact moral compass. Strip clubs weren’t some place she went and she certainly would never walk up to a dancer at one. But she was doing all of this and she loved it.
Mel slowly peeled the right legging down her body, bending at her knees to not reveal too much to the crowd too soon. She left it scrunched down by her heels, unwilling to remove the shoes to strip them completely off. She had a garter beneath it, but she didn’t move to offer anyone a chance to put money in it the way Sexi Bach had. Instead she just continued to dance slowly and sensually around the stage. By the time Rosa pushed through the other men and women that crowded the stage, Mel was already peeling down the second legging.
Even though Mel had made no eye contact with anyone else in her dance, her vision fell instantly on Rosa. Rosa caught the quick look before Mel returned her focus to her movements on the stage. She raised her left hand in front of her and slowly tugged off the gloves over one finger at a time, slowly undulating her hips as she did so.
As she dropped the glove to the stage, she sauntered down the stage, still moving with the beat of the song. But her movements took her directly towards Rosa. Mel stopped just a foot away from Rosa and made eye contact once again before she started to peel off the other glove, just as she did the first.
It took nearly a minute as she teased the crowd with the glove. But as she dropped it to the stage as well, she finally turned around. Her back now towards Rosa, she bent down and forward. The movement exposed her entire rear to the crowd and left the garter open for Rosa. The crowd whooped as Rosa slid the ones in her hand into Mel’s garter.
Mel caressed her chest as she slowly started to pull herself upright. It was clear she was moving to remove her final piece of clothing, even if the dress looked too tight to ever release her hourglass frame. But just as she started to tug at it, a series of screams rang out from the backstage.
Mel slowly peeled the right legging down her body, bending at her knees to not reveal too much to the crowd too soon. She left it scrunched down by her heels, unwilling to remove the shoes to strip them completely off. She had a garter beneath it, but she didn’t move to offer anyone a chance to put money in it the way Sexi Bach had. Instead she just continued to dance slowly and sensually around the stage. By the time Rosa pushed through the other men and women that crowded the stage, Mel was already peeling down the second legging.
Even though Mel had made no eye contact with anyone else in her dance, her vision fell instantly on Rosa. Rosa caught the quick look before Mel returned her focus to her movements on the stage. She raised her left hand in front of her and slowly tugged off the gloves over one finger at a time, slowly undulating her hips as she did so.
As she dropped the glove to the stage, she sauntered down the stage, still moving with the beat of the song. But her movements took her directly towards Rosa. Mel stopped just a foot away from Rosa and made eye contact once again before she started to peel off the other glove, just as she did the first.
It took nearly a minute as she teased the crowd with the glove. But as she dropped it to the stage as well, she finally turned around. Her back now towards Rosa, she bent down and forward. The movement exposed her entire rear to the crowd and left the garter open for Rosa. The crowd whooped as Rosa slid the ones in her hand into Mel’s garter.
Mel caressed her chest as she slowly started to pull herself upright. It was clear she was moving to remove her final piece of clothing, even if the dress looked too tight to ever release her hourglass frame. But just as she started to tug at it, a series of screams rang out from the backstage.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-6
No music kicked off after the announcement and the crowd fell almost into a hush. Melinoe strutted out through the curtain, her head up high and her eyes away from the crowd. And she was nothing short of radiant.
Her outfit was much less abbreviated than Sexi Bach’s had been. She wore a full dress made of a dark red material with a slight gloss to it. It was cut dangerously short. There would be no way for her to even bend over slightly without exposing herself to the crowd. Considering that was the point of her act, Rosa figured that was likely on purpose. She wore a pair of black thigh high stockings as well as a pair of fingerless gloves that matched the lace patterns over her legs. Crimson stiletto heels matched the dress. Her dark hair glinted in the low light as it fell down over the right half of her face.
She looked completely different than she had when Rosa saw her only minutes before. Rosa couldn’t quite believe the speed of Mel’s change presented before her.
A single drumbeat broke the silence in the room. Melinoe turned her head with the cue. Another beat and her body shifted, her profile now on display for the room. A third drumbeat caused her to turn to show her backside to the crowd. Rosa could see the bottom third of Mel’s rear, making it very clear Mel wore nothing beneath her dress.
The drumbeats suddenly fell regularly and with them came a heavy bass beat. Melinoe twisted and twirled as she suddenly started to dance. But her movements weren’t quite like the other dancers. She moved with more flourish of her arms and hips, even as she took careful steps across the stage. The style felt classic and trained, but it did nothing to detract from the allure Mel—or Nitey Nightmare—presented on the stage. Instead it made her feel a bit more exotic, a still beautiful oddity in a group of gorgeous women.
A few men and women rose from their seats to approach the stage, but they did it with an almost religious reverence. It was like they were in some kind of holy fervor, directed solely to the vision of beauty upon the stage.
Keith glanced back towards Rosa. She wasn’t quite sure how he could look away from Mel on the stage. But she gave him a lop-sided grin before she pulled a couple single bills from her pocket. Without saying a word, she rose from her chair and sauntered towards the stage.
Her outfit was much less abbreviated than Sexi Bach’s had been. She wore a full dress made of a dark red material with a slight gloss to it. It was cut dangerously short. There would be no way for her to even bend over slightly without exposing herself to the crowd. Considering that was the point of her act, Rosa figured that was likely on purpose. She wore a pair of black thigh high stockings as well as a pair of fingerless gloves that matched the lace patterns over her legs. Crimson stiletto heels matched the dress. Her dark hair glinted in the low light as it fell down over the right half of her face.
She looked completely different than she had when Rosa saw her only minutes before. Rosa couldn’t quite believe the speed of Mel’s change presented before her.
A single drumbeat broke the silence in the room. Melinoe turned her head with the cue. Another beat and her body shifted, her profile now on display for the room. A third drumbeat caused her to turn to show her backside to the crowd. Rosa could see the bottom third of Mel’s rear, making it very clear Mel wore nothing beneath her dress.
The drumbeats suddenly fell regularly and with them came a heavy bass beat. Melinoe twisted and twirled as she suddenly started to dance. But her movements weren’t quite like the other dancers. She moved with more flourish of her arms and hips, even as she took careful steps across the stage. The style felt classic and trained, but it did nothing to detract from the allure Mel—or Nitey Nightmare—presented on the stage. Instead it made her feel a bit more exotic, a still beautiful oddity in a group of gorgeous women.
A few men and women rose from their seats to approach the stage, but they did it with an almost religious reverence. It was like they were in some kind of holy fervor, directed solely to the vision of beauty upon the stage.
Keith glanced back towards Rosa. She wasn’t quite sure how he could look away from Mel on the stage. But she gave him a lop-sided grin before she pulled a couple single bills from her pocket. Without saying a word, she rose from her chair and sauntered towards the stage.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-5
Rosa watched the dancer disappear, her eyes staying with Sexi Bach every step of the way. She continued to stare at the closed curtain, still enraptured with the beautiful woman.
“Rosa, you feeling alright?”
She turned herself back to her own table and to Keith. She offered him a weak smile to try and cover up the fact she’d been ignoring his words for at least a few moments.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m fine. I just have never seen anything like that before. She’s amazing.”
“Yeah, she is.”
“I could never do anything like that. I would be embarrassed just to wear that outfit let alone take it off in front of a crowd of people.”
“It’s a good thing you’re not an exotic dancer then.”
“It doesn’t make you sad that I’m not pretty and open like that?”
Keith shrugged. “I like looking at pretty girls, but I want them to be comfortable. If Sexi Bach is comfortable showing her assets for the entire club, I’m happy for it. If you’re only willing to show me yours in the comfort of your apartment, I’m fine with that too. I like you for your personality, not just the way you dress or how willing you are to be a little freaky.”
“But you wouldn’t mind me a little freaky?”
Keith laughed out loud. “Never ask a man that question, Rosa. We always want our girlfriends to be a little more freaky. But I’m serious. I like you the way you are.” He reached out and ran a hand down her face. She turned her cheek into him as he caressed her.
“That makes me a bit more comfortable.”
“We can leave if you like.”
“No way. I’m having way too much fun for that.”
The P.A. system came to life again with another slight squeal. Whatever money Lumber Jacks put into their dancers, they clearly didn’t share with their D.J. Still he tried his best as he yelled into his mike at the back from his booth on the edge of the room.
“Sexi sure is something. But now we’ve got a whole new fresh act ready to burn down the house. Ladies, gentlemen and anything in between, all of y’all give it up for the one and only Nitey Nightmare!”
Rosa was a bit surprised to not hear Mel’s name, but she didn’t even know the woman’s last name. It made sense that she wouldn’t want to use her real name as a dancer here though. Rosa knew enough about the unsavory types of the world to know some took attraction to a crazed extreme. Anonymity would be a good defense for that.
“Rosa, you feeling alright?”
She turned herself back to her own table and to Keith. She offered him a weak smile to try and cover up the fact she’d been ignoring his words for at least a few moments.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m fine. I just have never seen anything like that before. She’s amazing.”
“Yeah, she is.”
“I could never do anything like that. I would be embarrassed just to wear that outfit let alone take it off in front of a crowd of people.”
“It’s a good thing you’re not an exotic dancer then.”
“It doesn’t make you sad that I’m not pretty and open like that?”
Keith shrugged. “I like looking at pretty girls, but I want them to be comfortable. If Sexi Bach is comfortable showing her assets for the entire club, I’m happy for it. If you’re only willing to show me yours in the comfort of your apartment, I’m fine with that too. I like you for your personality, not just the way you dress or how willing you are to be a little freaky.”
“But you wouldn’t mind me a little freaky?”
Keith laughed out loud. “Never ask a man that question, Rosa. We always want our girlfriends to be a little more freaky. But I’m serious. I like you the way you are.” He reached out and ran a hand down her face. She turned her cheek into him as he caressed her.
“That makes me a bit more comfortable.”
“We can leave if you like.”
“No way. I’m having way too much fun for that.”
The P.A. system came to life again with another slight squeal. Whatever money Lumber Jacks put into their dancers, they clearly didn’t share with their D.J. Still he tried his best as he yelled into his mike at the back from his booth on the edge of the room.
“Sexi sure is something. But now we’ve got a whole new fresh act ready to burn down the house. Ladies, gentlemen and anything in between, all of y’all give it up for the one and only Nitey Nightmare!”
Rosa was a bit surprised to not hear Mel’s name, but she didn’t even know the woman’s last name. It made sense that she wouldn’t want to use her real name as a dancer here though. Rosa knew enough about the unsavory types of the world to know some took attraction to a crazed extreme. Anonymity would be a good defense for that.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-4
“She’s certainly very attractive,” Rosa said as she watched the crowd flock to get a bit closer and deliver a couple more dollars to get Sexi’s attention.
“You haven’t seen nothing yet, lady.” The new voice caused Rosa to turn to the back end of her table. She hadn’t heard her approach, but somehow Mel had slipped into the seat behind her.
“Mel! I’ve been looking for you. Did we miss your show?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m on next. And I plan to put even the famous Sexi Bach to shame. But I doubt any of these mor—people—have ever seen anyone quite like me.”
Rosa nodded. “I can’t wait. I’m having a lot of fun. I’m so grateful you decided to invite me.”
“It’s nothing,” Mel said. “For a couple as cute as you, I’ve always got an open invitation.” She gave Rosa a wink as she rose from her seat. Rosa wanted to ask what she meant by her last sentence, but Mel was already making her way back to the dancer’s staging area.
Sexi Bach turned her naked backside towards them and Rosa suddenly couldn’t look away from the sight. Something about the gyrating hips and the open naked vagina drew her eyes in and wouldn’t let them get away. She wanted to just keep watching the beautiful dancer continue to woo her and the crowd.
This is why she’s so popular, Rosa thought. It’s like she cast a spell over the entire room with her dance routine.
But even as she analyzed it and understood it, Rosa could not help but continue to be mesmerized. Sexi Bach found one of the twin poles jutting from the side of the stage she strutted upon. With amazing ease, she hefted herself up by just her arms. Her legs she spread as she somehow did a sideways split. The fans grew deafening with their cheers even as she dropped a leg and spun herself into a twirl. By the time she started to slow, her legs straddled the pole and her heaving breasts pointed to the ceiling as she threw her head back towards the floor. As her final spin ended, so did the music. She sat there for a moment with a smirk on her face as she took in the adulation of her fans, both from the noise and from the bills raining down on the stage.
Keith joined in the hooping and hollering, but Rosa only continued to stare. Sexi’s eyes turned their way. She smiled as she met Rosa’s view. Rosa felt her cheeks burn as the dancer blew her a kiss. It was like they were connected, joined by some hidden bond between dancer and patron.
Then it was gone. Sexi stood up, gathered the money on the stage quickly and gave the fans one final wave before she strutted through the curtains and into the backroom.
“You haven’t seen nothing yet, lady.” The new voice caused Rosa to turn to the back end of her table. She hadn’t heard her approach, but somehow Mel had slipped into the seat behind her.
“Mel! I’ve been looking for you. Did we miss your show?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m on next. And I plan to put even the famous Sexi Bach to shame. But I doubt any of these mor—people—have ever seen anyone quite like me.”
Rosa nodded. “I can’t wait. I’m having a lot of fun. I’m so grateful you decided to invite me.”
“It’s nothing,” Mel said. “For a couple as cute as you, I’ve always got an open invitation.” She gave Rosa a wink as she rose from her seat. Rosa wanted to ask what she meant by her last sentence, but Mel was already making her way back to the dancer’s staging area.
Sexi Bach turned her naked backside towards them and Rosa suddenly couldn’t look away from the sight. Something about the gyrating hips and the open naked vagina drew her eyes in and wouldn’t let them get away. She wanted to just keep watching the beautiful dancer continue to woo her and the crowd.
This is why she’s so popular, Rosa thought. It’s like she cast a spell over the entire room with her dance routine.
But even as she analyzed it and understood it, Rosa could not help but continue to be mesmerized. Sexi Bach found one of the twin poles jutting from the side of the stage she strutted upon. With amazing ease, she hefted herself up by just her arms. Her legs she spread as she somehow did a sideways split. The fans grew deafening with their cheers even as she dropped a leg and spun herself into a twirl. By the time she started to slow, her legs straddled the pole and her heaving breasts pointed to the ceiling as she threw her head back towards the floor. As her final spin ended, so did the music. She sat there for a moment with a smirk on her face as she took in the adulation of her fans, both from the noise and from the bills raining down on the stage.
Keith joined in the hooping and hollering, but Rosa only continued to stare. Sexi’s eyes turned their way. She smiled as she met Rosa’s view. Rosa felt her cheeks burn as the dancer blew her a kiss. It was like they were connected, joined by some hidden bond between dancer and patron.
Then it was gone. Sexi stood up, gathered the money on the stage quickly and gave the fans one final wave before she strutted through the curtains and into the backroom.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-3
Rosa glanced towards Keith. His eyes were glued to the stage as he watched the beautiful woman work her magic on the stage. Rosa wondered for a moment if he would look the same way at her if she chose to wear such an outfit, even if she wasn’t sure her modesty would ever let her.
“She’s really hot,” Rosa said. “And everyone seems to know it.”
Keith nodded. “She’s been around for a few years. She’s worked in films and stuff too, and made quite a name for herself before she decided to move back to River City. She really helped put Lumber Jacks on the map.”
“You certainly are quite knowledgeable on this subject.”
Keith shrugged. “Like I said. I’ve worked this beat before. I’m not going to pretend I haven’t visited this place on a night off now and then. I’ve been a young single male for a lot longer than I’ve known you, Rosa.”
Rosa smiled and laughed. “Don’t get so offended. I was just teasing you.”
Keith nodded. He looked at her a moment before she turned back to the stage to watch the rest of the show. She saw him quickly turn back to watch Sexi do her work as well. It seemed clear Keith really liked the star of the show. Rosa wasn’t sure she could ever offer him anything Ms. Bach did onstage, but she hoped she would never have to. He didn’t seem like the type to expect her to act out any fantasies that might come from a place like Lumber Jacks.
Sexi Bach worked her way in front of a table where a pair of young men in their early twenties were waving around large bills. When one slowly slipped a twenty into her thigh highs, she pulled at the fishnets on her chest. She held the grip out to him. With a smile, he took the fishnets and ripped them off her, leaving her completely topless. The crowd roared again in approval.
She turned and danced her rear to the audience again even as her hands worked around the edges of her bottoms. The previous two girls had stopped at just removing their tops, but Sexi seemed to have no qualms about revealing everything. She slowly bent forward, raising her butt into the air before she slipped the panties down to her knees. She gyrated her rear as she slowly pulled her undergarments down over her boots.
“She’s really hot,” Rosa said. “And everyone seems to know it.”
Keith nodded. “She’s been around for a few years. She’s worked in films and stuff too, and made quite a name for herself before she decided to move back to River City. She really helped put Lumber Jacks on the map.”
“You certainly are quite knowledgeable on this subject.”
Keith shrugged. “Like I said. I’ve worked this beat before. I’m not going to pretend I haven’t visited this place on a night off now and then. I’ve been a young single male for a lot longer than I’ve known you, Rosa.”
Rosa smiled and laughed. “Don’t get so offended. I was just teasing you.”
Keith nodded. He looked at her a moment before she turned back to the stage to watch the rest of the show. She saw him quickly turn back to watch Sexi do her work as well. It seemed clear Keith really liked the star of the show. Rosa wasn’t sure she could ever offer him anything Ms. Bach did onstage, but she hoped she would never have to. He didn’t seem like the type to expect her to act out any fantasies that might come from a place like Lumber Jacks.
Sexi Bach worked her way in front of a table where a pair of young men in their early twenties were waving around large bills. When one slowly slipped a twenty into her thigh highs, she pulled at the fishnets on her chest. She held the grip out to him. With a smile, he took the fishnets and ripped them off her, leaving her completely topless. The crowd roared again in approval.
She turned and danced her rear to the audience again even as her hands worked around the edges of her bottoms. The previous two girls had stopped at just removing their tops, but Sexi seemed to have no qualms about revealing everything. She slowly bent forward, raising her butt into the air before she slipped the panties down to her knees. She gyrated her rear as she slowly pulled her undergarments down over her boots.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17-2
They worked their way through the growing crowd and found a table of two just a few feet away from the stage. From here, they couldn’t really reach the dancers, but they could easily watch and get up if they wanted to interact with them. Rosa figured it would be the best place to watch and not have to interact with any of the women. She wasn’t quite sure what she would do if one bumped or grinded in front of her.
As she sat and watched, she was a bit surprised to find herself far from the only female here. She saw several young women on their own, but she saw even more couples taking in the show. Apparently a lot of young locals found dancing naked women a welcome evening entertainment choice.
The driving metal beat started to transfer into the twang of country music. The P.A. hissed for a second before the DJ came on with his announcement. “Give it up one more time for the Caliente Cuties! But it is that time now, folks, as the biggest sensation on this side of the nation takes the stage. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Sexi Bach!”
A dark skinned woman with long beautiful hair sauntered onto stage. She wore an abbreviated pair of pink shorts and a matching bra. Though the bra was made of more cloth than a lot of the other dancer’s garb, a large hole was cut in the bottom of it. She wore a fishnet bodysuit over it, one that matched the fishnet thigh highs she wore. A pair of pink cowboy boots and a wide brimmed hat finished the outfit.
She swung a lasso as she walked out of the back, but beside that, Rosa saw little that was country western about her act. The music was some kind of melding of traditional country and rap, with a thick southern drawl from the singer. Sexi Bach worked her way down the stage as she danced, whipping her head from side to side and turning to shake her ample posterior at the cheering crowds.
While this woman was clearly older than the previous dancers, it was equally clear she knew how to control the crowd. They seemed to be in a fevered pitch for her before she reached her hand behind her back and unclasped the bra. She pulled it away and dropped it to the runway, her nipples sticking out against the fishnet top that remained.
As she sat and watched, she was a bit surprised to find herself far from the only female here. She saw several young women on their own, but she saw even more couples taking in the show. Apparently a lot of young locals found dancing naked women a welcome evening entertainment choice.
The driving metal beat started to transfer into the twang of country music. The P.A. hissed for a second before the DJ came on with his announcement. “Give it up one more time for the Caliente Cuties! But it is that time now, folks, as the biggest sensation on this side of the nation takes the stage. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Sexi Bach!”
A dark skinned woman with long beautiful hair sauntered onto stage. She wore an abbreviated pair of pink shorts and a matching bra. Though the bra was made of more cloth than a lot of the other dancer’s garb, a large hole was cut in the bottom of it. She wore a fishnet bodysuit over it, one that matched the fishnet thigh highs she wore. A pair of pink cowboy boots and a wide brimmed hat finished the outfit.
She swung a lasso as she walked out of the back, but beside that, Rosa saw little that was country western about her act. The music was some kind of melding of traditional country and rap, with a thick southern drawl from the singer. Sexi Bach worked her way down the stage as she danced, whipping her head from side to side and turning to shake her ample posterior at the cheering crowds.
While this woman was clearly older than the previous dancers, it was equally clear she knew how to control the crowd. They seemed to be in a fevered pitch for her before she reached her hand behind her back and unclasped the bra. She pulled it away and dropped it to the runway, her nipples sticking out against the fishnet top that remained.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 17. Rosa
Rosa had certainly not known what to expect when she walked into the club with Keith. She had expected something a bit dingy and dark, but after they paid and walked in, she found herself in a surprisingly bright room. A long stage shaped like a V was at the far side of the room and two women clad only in very abbreviated thongs pranced down either runway as the crowd cheered them on. One woman was white with shocking red hair of a color found nowhere in nature while the other was a Hispanic woman with a poor blonde wig. None of the people around the stage seemed to care about the states of the dancer’s hair though as they waved dollars as the dancers shook their breasts and behinds at them.
“We don’t have to stay if you don’t want to,” Keith said. “I’m not sure if this is really your scene.”
“What? No, we can stay.”
He smirked. “If we’re going to stay, you’re going to have to drop the deer in headlights look. You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
“I am just a bit shocked. I never actually went to a place like this before. It’s just—well, different, from what I expected.”
“Lumber Jacks is fairly upscale. We’ve got a lot seedier places in the city that might fit your image more closely. Here they follow the laws or at least act like they should. Some of these places have drugs out in the open backstage and you can tell every dancer from how long the trail of heroin scars on their arms are.”
“How pleasant.”
“Sorry. You work in River City as a cop long enough, you have a few too many strip club stories.”
“I suppose so,” Rosa said as she surveyed the room. She saw no sign of Mel anywhere, although she did catch sight of a few slightly more clothed dancers working their way through the crowd.
“You sure you want to stay?”
“Of course,” Rosa said. “I wanted to experience new things when I came to River City. This certainly qualifies. Besides, I got to at least say hello to Mel before we leave.”
Keith nodded, but Rosa could detect a hint of distrust in him. He wasn’t as sure about the club or Mel as she was. Rosa figured he saw Mel as a troublemaker after their meeting at lunch, but she suspected Mel was just a bit high strung. Besides, it would be in poor taste to accept an invitation and not wait for the raven haired beauty’s dance number.
“We don’t have to stay if you don’t want to,” Keith said. “I’m not sure if this is really your scene.”
“What? No, we can stay.”
He smirked. “If we’re going to stay, you’re going to have to drop the deer in headlights look. You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
“I am just a bit shocked. I never actually went to a place like this before. It’s just—well, different, from what I expected.”
“Lumber Jacks is fairly upscale. We’ve got a lot seedier places in the city that might fit your image more closely. Here they follow the laws or at least act like they should. Some of these places have drugs out in the open backstage and you can tell every dancer from how long the trail of heroin scars on their arms are.”
“How pleasant.”
“Sorry. You work in River City as a cop long enough, you have a few too many strip club stories.”
“I suppose so,” Rosa said as she surveyed the room. She saw no sign of Mel anywhere, although she did catch sight of a few slightly more clothed dancers working their way through the crowd.
“You sure you want to stay?”
“Of course,” Rosa said. “I wanted to experience new things when I came to River City. This certainly qualifies. Besides, I got to at least say hello to Mel before we leave.”
Keith nodded, but Rosa could detect a hint of distrust in him. He wasn’t as sure about the club or Mel as she was. Rosa figured he saw Mel as a troublemaker after their meeting at lunch, but she suspected Mel was just a bit high strung. Besides, it would be in poor taste to accept an invitation and not wait for the raven haired beauty’s dance number.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 12-5
The conversation paused as a server brought Mel her food. It hissed still on the plate from the heat. The smells hit Rosa’s nose and made her contemplate buying a replacement for her own burrito which was nearly gone. If it didn’t mean leaving Mel with Keith, she would have.
“Come now,” Mel said. “I don’t think with a young lady clearly as talented as Rosa here, you need to visit a place like Lumber Jacks to fill your time. But come now, I have doubts you can say you’ve never been inside such a place. Not a red blooded American male like yourself.”
“Well—”
Mel laughed. “As I thought. Nothing to be ashamed of, is it, Rosa?”
“I guess not,” Rosa said. “I don’t know much—”
“Exactly. There’s nothing wrong with young men and young women enjoying each other’s company, nor is there anything wrong with my choice of profession. I think both of you would have a great time. Perhaps you should stop in tonight.”
Keith threw up his hand. “I don’t think that would be—”
“Maybe it would be fun,” Rosa said. “I’ve never been to a place like this Lumber Jacks. We could go together.”
Keith studied her, his eyebrows slightly raised, as if he was studying her response. Rosa wondered if she had overstepped the bounds of their relationship. She wasn’t even sure if it was a relationship really. She liked Keith, but so far most of their contact had been physical. And while he seemed like a nice guy, she wanted more than that in a significant other.
Mel laughed aloud. “You are both far too uptight! I think you need to loosen up! Come out, have a drink and a good time.”
She ripped into the burrito and started to eat. She gave a nodding approval at her simplified version of the dish.
“Well?” Rosa said. “Do you want to? I mean we don’t have to, but it might be a fun date.”
“Yeah, I guess. I have to say that isn’t where I expected to take you out to for our first night out.”
Rosa smiled. “I guess I’m a bit more full of surprises than I look.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Mel interjected as she picked up her burrito. “I think you are both full of surprises. See you tonight.”
Both Rosa and Keith could only watch as the raven haired beauty sauntered out of Rey’s and back onto the street.
“Come now,” Mel said. “I don’t think with a young lady clearly as talented as Rosa here, you need to visit a place like Lumber Jacks to fill your time. But come now, I have doubts you can say you’ve never been inside such a place. Not a red blooded American male like yourself.”
“Well—”
Mel laughed. “As I thought. Nothing to be ashamed of, is it, Rosa?”
“I guess not,” Rosa said. “I don’t know much—”
“Exactly. There’s nothing wrong with young men and young women enjoying each other’s company, nor is there anything wrong with my choice of profession. I think both of you would have a great time. Perhaps you should stop in tonight.”
Keith threw up his hand. “I don’t think that would be—”
“Maybe it would be fun,” Rosa said. “I’ve never been to a place like this Lumber Jacks. We could go together.”
Keith studied her, his eyebrows slightly raised, as if he was studying her response. Rosa wondered if she had overstepped the bounds of their relationship. She wasn’t even sure if it was a relationship really. She liked Keith, but so far most of their contact had been physical. And while he seemed like a nice guy, she wanted more than that in a significant other.
Mel laughed aloud. “You are both far too uptight! I think you need to loosen up! Come out, have a drink and a good time.”
She ripped into the burrito and started to eat. She gave a nodding approval at her simplified version of the dish.
“Well?” Rosa said. “Do you want to? I mean we don’t have to, but it might be a fun date.”
“Yeah, I guess. I have to say that isn’t where I expected to take you out to for our first night out.”
Rosa smiled. “I guess I’m a bit more full of surprises than I look.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Mel interjected as she picked up her burrito. “I think you are both full of surprises. See you tonight.”
Both Rosa and Keith could only watch as the raven haired beauty sauntered out of Rey’s and back onto the street.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 12-4
Rosa found her burrito still waiting for her, a thankful sight after the strange arrival of Mel. After the both sat down, she quickly introduced Mel to Keith before going back to her food. While she wasn’t quite sure what to think about this beautiful woman suddenly inserting herself into the day, she couldn’t quite be sure whether it bothered her or intrigued her.
Mel leaned on both hands as she took in Keith. “So, what do you do for a living, Keith?”
“I’m a police officer, miss. I’m off duty today, but that doesn’t mean I care for trouble like you seemed to be causing.”
“My apologies. I am new to the area and wasn’t really familiar with the local cuisine.”
“Where are you from that doesn’t have burritos? Timbuktu?”
She shrugged. “Close enough. Rhode Island.”
Chewing the food in her mouth quickly, Rosa realized Keith was far from happy with the new arrival. “Rhode Island, huh? I just had some friends come back from there. Very small state, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Mel said. She glanced Rosa’s way, but seemed to clearly not be happy about the interruption of her flirtation. “It is a small state.”
“The smallest,” Keith added. “Tell me what brings you to River City, Mel?”
“I have family here. I had a falling out with my parents and thought it was prudent if I relocated. I just scored a job here, so I’m sure everything will fall into place just fine for me here. I have a way of making sure I get what I want.”
“I’m sure.” Keith glanced towards Rosa. Rosa only shrugged. She didn’t know what else to say.
Turning back to Mel, Keith said, “where is it you’re working, Mel?”
“Oh, it’s right down the street, Keith. You should come stop in some time. I suspect you will like what you see. I’m over at Lumber Jacks down the street.”
“Lumber Jacks? You mean the strip club?”
Rosa coughed and gagged on the water she was sipping. I invited a stripper to a lunch with my boyfriend. Am I a complete idiot?
“Of course,” Melinoe said. “I’ll be starting as a feature there tonight. I’m sure I can get you in if you’re interested, Keith.”
“That’s very generous, Mel, but I don’t generally frequent such places. Unless I get a call for some kind of trouble in the parking lot.”
Mel leaned on both hands as she took in Keith. “So, what do you do for a living, Keith?”
“I’m a police officer, miss. I’m off duty today, but that doesn’t mean I care for trouble like you seemed to be causing.”
“My apologies. I am new to the area and wasn’t really familiar with the local cuisine.”
“Where are you from that doesn’t have burritos? Timbuktu?”
She shrugged. “Close enough. Rhode Island.”
Chewing the food in her mouth quickly, Rosa realized Keith was far from happy with the new arrival. “Rhode Island, huh? I just had some friends come back from there. Very small state, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Mel said. She glanced Rosa’s way, but seemed to clearly not be happy about the interruption of her flirtation. “It is a small state.”
“The smallest,” Keith added. “Tell me what brings you to River City, Mel?”
“I have family here. I had a falling out with my parents and thought it was prudent if I relocated. I just scored a job here, so I’m sure everything will fall into place just fine for me here. I have a way of making sure I get what I want.”
“I’m sure.” Keith glanced towards Rosa. Rosa only shrugged. She didn’t know what else to say.
Turning back to Mel, Keith said, “where is it you’re working, Mel?”
“Oh, it’s right down the street, Keith. You should come stop in some time. I suspect you will like what you see. I’m over at Lumber Jacks down the street.”
“Lumber Jacks? You mean the strip club?”
Rosa coughed and gagged on the water she was sipping. I invited a stripper to a lunch with my boyfriend. Am I a complete idiot?
“Of course,” Melinoe said. “I’ll be starting as a feature there tonight. I’m sure I can get you in if you’re interested, Keith.”
“That’s very generous, Mel, but I don’t generally frequent such places. Unless I get a call for some kind of trouble in the parking lot.”
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 12-2
“Maybe you and your friends should have some kind of memorial for Garrett. It could help you quite a bit. I know when I lost my father, hearing everyone’s thoughts about him really helped me get through it. You should give it a try.”
You’re right that I need to end this, but I’ve already lost too many people to just let things go that easily.
“I will talk to the others when I meet with them. It’s a good idea even if I’m not sure if I’m ready to close things like that.”
“We never are, Rosa. We never are.”
“I guess.”
They fell to silence, the somber conversation subsumed by the need to eat. While she knew some people with a lot on their minds didn’t eat much, Rosa had never been one of those people. Maybe it was because her powers consumed so many calories, but she always wanted her next meal no matter what. It being as good as Rey’s burrito was just a plus.
A female voice boomed over the quiet hum of the other customers at their tables. “I will take your finest meat, your finest cheese and your finest wine!”
Rosa and Keith both turned to look at the new arrival. A dark haired woman stood at the order counter. A thin streak of white hair cut through her dark locks, but it did nothing to detract from her striking features. She was dressed in clothes a size too small, but it only served to accentuate her body, which seemed so perfect as to be sculpted from bronze.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. We have steak and queso, but we don’t normally just serve them separately. We have them as burritos, tacos, salads and such. And we don’t have any wine. We have beer, maybe a Corona—”
The new arrival glowered at the order taker. “You have heard me, woman.”
With a sigh, Keith started to rise from his seat. Rosa reached out to grab his hand.
“No, I know it’s your job, but let me handle this one. Perhaps I can help her understand the restaurant a bit better. I want to help and this is something within my power.”
Keith lowered back into his seat. “Alright, but if she gets any more belligerent, I’m going to step in. I would rather not have to write up the paperwork on lunch, but I’m not going to have a fight break out here.”
You’re right that I need to end this, but I’ve already lost too many people to just let things go that easily.
“I will talk to the others when I meet with them. It’s a good idea even if I’m not sure if I’m ready to close things like that.”
“We never are, Rosa. We never are.”
“I guess.”
They fell to silence, the somber conversation subsumed by the need to eat. While she knew some people with a lot on their minds didn’t eat much, Rosa had never been one of those people. Maybe it was because her powers consumed so many calories, but she always wanted her next meal no matter what. It being as good as Rey’s burrito was just a plus.
A female voice boomed over the quiet hum of the other customers at their tables. “I will take your finest meat, your finest cheese and your finest wine!”
Rosa and Keith both turned to look at the new arrival. A dark haired woman stood at the order counter. A thin streak of white hair cut through her dark locks, but it did nothing to detract from her striking features. She was dressed in clothes a size too small, but it only served to accentuate her body, which seemed so perfect as to be sculpted from bronze.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. We have steak and queso, but we don’t normally just serve them separately. We have them as burritos, tacos, salads and such. And we don’t have any wine. We have beer, maybe a Corona—”
The new arrival glowered at the order taker. “You have heard me, woman.”
With a sigh, Keith started to rise from his seat. Rosa reached out to grab his hand.
“No, I know it’s your job, but let me handle this one. Perhaps I can help her understand the restaurant a bit better. I want to help and this is something within my power.”
Keith lowered back into his seat. “Alright, but if she gets any more belligerent, I’m going to step in. I would rather not have to write up the paperwork on lunch, but I’m not going to have a fight break out here.”
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Walking Shadows Book 3 Chapter 12. Rosa
The placed was called Rey’s Burritos which sounded like exactly the kind of place a girl born and raised in Guadalajara wanted to eat north of the border. It was the kind of name that just sounded like America’s weird hodge podge of American cooking and traditional Mexican cooking. But Keith insisted she try the food. She frowned when she saw the neighborhood. Most of the businesses were a bit rundown and a twenty-four strip club was clearly visible a couple blocks down.
But as she looked at the open kitchen and smelled the food, it was clear the place knew what it was doing. It was clear the people at Rey’s knew something about authentic cooking. She smiled as the couple in front of her ordered tacos and did not receive the crunchy abominations that some American invented.
“See,” Keith said. “This isn’t so bad is it? Besides, I’m buying.”
“So far they’re doing well. But I haven’t tried the food yet.”
The line moved quickly. Keith went first ordering a steak burrito (everything seemed like it was steak here) and a large pop. She followed him up and studied the meat choices and was surprised by several choices that reminded her of her childhood. “I’ll take the lengua please,” she said in Spanish.
The order taker smiled and rattled off both orders in Spanish to the two men behind her.
It took less than ten minutes for their food to reach the table. It might have taken longer in Mexico, but speed was something Americans loved in their food, even if it cost them quality regularly. But as she took the first bit of her burrito, it was clear Rey’s was not that kind of place.
Keith smiled as she took a quick second bite after the first. “I told you this place was great.”
She chewed the mix of rice, meat, bean and tortilla filling her mouth. Unable to speak she gave him a nod and smile.
“Look, I really wanted to thank you for coming out with me. I know your mind is on the friend you lost. I just wanted to say that while I think your heart is in the right place, you need to leave this to the right authorities. I know the detectives are hard at work. Homeland Security is assisting. We take bombings really seriously. We will find out who did this.”
“I know. I just need some kind of closure.”
But as she looked at the open kitchen and smelled the food, it was clear the place knew what it was doing. It was clear the people at Rey’s knew something about authentic cooking. She smiled as the couple in front of her ordered tacos and did not receive the crunchy abominations that some American invented.
“See,” Keith said. “This isn’t so bad is it? Besides, I’m buying.”
“So far they’re doing well. But I haven’t tried the food yet.”
The line moved quickly. Keith went first ordering a steak burrito (everything seemed like it was steak here) and a large pop. She followed him up and studied the meat choices and was surprised by several choices that reminded her of her childhood. “I’ll take the lengua please,” she said in Spanish.
The order taker smiled and rattled off both orders in Spanish to the two men behind her.
It took less than ten minutes for their food to reach the table. It might have taken longer in Mexico, but speed was something Americans loved in their food, even if it cost them quality regularly. But as she took the first bit of her burrito, it was clear Rey’s was not that kind of place.
Keith smiled as she took a quick second bite after the first. “I told you this place was great.”
She chewed the mix of rice, meat, bean and tortilla filling her mouth. Unable to speak she gave him a nod and smile.
“Look, I really wanted to thank you for coming out with me. I know your mind is on the friend you lost. I just wanted to say that while I think your heart is in the right place, you need to leave this to the right authorities. I know the detectives are hard at work. Homeland Security is assisting. We take bombings really seriously. We will find out who did this.”
“I know. I just need some kind of closure.”
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