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StrangeNeighbors

Ashlyn Chase

Allrightsreserved Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeansincludinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems exceptinthecaseofbriefquotationsembodiedincriticalarticlesorreviews withoutpermissioninwritingfromitspublisherandauthorAshlynChase.

Thecharactersandeventsportrayedinthisbookarefictitiousorareusedfictitiously Anysimilaritytorealpersons,livingordead,ispurelycoincidentalandnotintended bytheauthor

Warning:the unauthorizedreproductionordistributionofthis copyrightedworkis illegal Criminalcopyrightinfringement,includinginfringementwithoutmonetarygain,is investigatedbytheFBIandispunishablebyupto5yearsinprisonandafineof$250,000.

PublishedbySandyPantsPublishing 8715SurfDrive PanamaCityBeach,FL32408

IapologizeinadvanceifChadtheghostisasmartass.Hefeelshecangetawaywithit, sincenoonecandomuchabouthim it’snotasifhecanbeevictedorslappedinthe face.Hey,ifithadbeenuptome,I’dhavechosenapolitenineteenth-centurynannyto hauntthebuildinginsteadofasarcasticjournalistfromthesixties,butwhatcanIsay? Whowouldwanttomurderasweetnanny?

Prologue

“Whenyou’vehauntedabuildingsincetheBeatlesmetEdSullivan,youseealotofchanges,”ChadsaidtoHarold,who hauntedthebuildingacrossthestreet.

Thetwoghostsfloatedbetweentheirbuildings,highenoughthattheaircurrentsfromtrafficbelowdidn’taffectthem.Still, theyswayedoccasionallyintheautumnbreezeandhadtocompensatetoremainfacetoface Haroldcontemplatedtheelegantoldbrownstonesadly. “I don’t like to complain, mind you, but when your new owner ripped off the roof, did he have to replace it with a God-awful glass and steel penthouse? It’s an eyesore here in historic Back Bay!”

“I miss the old owner He was a crotchety, grumpy, eccentric recluse, but he didn’t change anything ” “Change comes hard for most of us, Chad living or dead yet change is the nature of the world. You’d think we’d get used to it after all this time. I’ve been going with the flow… but enough is enough.”

“I know what you mean, Harold Change can kiss my ass ”

Chapter1

“Merry?Whatonearthareyoudoing?”

*Poof*

Andjustlikethat,MerryMacKenzie’ssexydaydreamevaporated.

“Dad,I’mexhausted.Ihavetorest.”

Merryhadcollapsedonthewornleathersofasittinginthemiddleofthesidewalkinfrontofabeautifulantique townhouse.Sheyankedaninhalerfromherdenimjacket,shookitvigorously,andsquirtedthemistintohermouth.Inhalinga deepbreath,herconstrictedlungseased Ah, relief

“We’realmostdone,honey.Butwhileyou’reresting,letmesaythisagain ifyoueverneedorwanttomovebackto RhodeIsland,youcan”

Sherolledhereyes.“Fine.Butrightnow,I’mstillmovingintomyapartment.Howaboutlettingmeunpackbeforeyou makemefeelguiltyforleavingyou?”Shereclinedonthesofasoshecouldexpandherdiaphragmandrest.

“Comeon,Merry,”herfathersaidasheloomedoverher “Onelastpush” “No.I’mtapped…Gonnadienow.”

“Iknowyou’retired We’vebeenmovingyourstuffintoyournewapartmentallafternoon Or,Ishouldsay,newtoyou,old byanyotherAmerican’sstandards.”

“Well,Ihappentoloveit Jeez,didyoulookaround?Didyounoticethatthick,solidmahoganybanister?Idon’tknowhow youcouldmissit.Itpracticallyblindsyou,gleaminginthelightofthecrystalchandelier,”shesaid.“Theelevatorisall mahoganyandbrassinside.Everythingisinreallygoodshape.Apparently,thelandlordlivesinthebuildingandmadesureit wasallreplasteredbutkepttheperioddetailslikethewidecrownmoldings Andwhileyou’renoticing,checkoutthemarble stairs.”

“Whydoyoucareabouttheelevator?Youliveonthefirstfloor thankGod Ican’timaginecarryingallthiscrapuptothe secondorthirdfloor.”

“Andmovingin isonlypartofthefun!I’llbeuphalfthenightunpacking WhoknewIhadsomuchstuff?” “That’sthewayitiswhenyoumove.Youalwayshavemorethanyouthoughtyouhad,anditalwaystakeslongerthanyou thinkitwill.”

“I’venevermovedbefore,sohowcouldIknow?”

Mr.MacKenziefrowned.“Merry,MattandIhavetogetgoingsoon.It’sgettingdark.Areyouokay?”

“Justonemoreminute,Dad”Merryglancedaroundatthelengtheningshadows,wonderingwherewestmightbeandif she’dhaveasunsetview.Shelookedupattreelimbssilhouettedagainstthetwilightsky.Dryleavesrattledintheautumn breeze,andforamomentshethoughtshesaw…

Great. First night on my own and already I’m seeing ghosts.

Thenshespiedamanwithlong,darkhairleaningagainstthewroughtironfencethatsurroundedthebrownstone’ssmall lot Dressedallinblack,healmostdisappearedintotheshadows,andshemightnothavenoticedhimatallexceptforhispale skinandintenseeyes.Somethingaboutthewayhecockedhisheadandstaredathercaughtherattention.Ashiverrippledup herspine

“Youcanrestwhenyou’reinside.It’sgettingdarkerbytheminute,andyouknowmyeyesight’snogoodfornightdriving.” “HaveMattdrivehome.Whereishe,anyway?”

Herfatherpeeredtowardtheheavyoakandbeveledglassfrontdoorofthebuilding.They’dleftitproppedopenwitha marblepedestalfromthefoyer.“Idon’tknow.LastIsaw,hestoppedtotalktosomeone.Musthavebeenthelandlady.”

Asecondlater,heryoungerbrotherraceddownthestepsbabbling,“Dad,didyouknowJasonFalcoownsthisbuilding? Doyoubelievethat?Jeez,I’mgoingtohavetovisitMerryeverychanceIget!”

Shegroaned “You’dbetternot,pickle-head Andwho’sJasonFalco,anyway?” “You’rekidding!”heshouted.“Youdon’tknowwhoJasonFalcois?”

Mr.MacKenziefoldedhisarms.“Calmdown,Matt.It’safairlycommonname.Itcouldbeanybody.Comeon,Merry.Get up”

“Can’t…tootired.”

Somekindofsecretsignalpassedbetweenfatherandson ThenextthingMerryknew,thecouchtipped,andthey unceremoniouslydumpedherontothesidewalk. Oomph.

“Hey!”Shescrambledtoherfeetwhileherbrothercontinuedchatteringasifnothinghadhappened “It’stheleftypitcherfortheBostonBullets!Iswear.Iwasjusttalkingtohisaunt.Oh shewantsthedoorclosed,bythe way.It’sgettingcoldinthere.”Asiftoillustratethepoint,achillyOctoberbreezeblewcrisp,brownleavesaroundtheirfeet. “Whydidn’tyousaysointhefirstplace?”Merryadmonished “Doyouwantmyneighborstoimmediatelyhateme?Geton theothersideofthecouchwithdad;Ican’tliftanotherthing.”

Merrymarchedintohernewapartmentbuilding,hopingtofindthelandlord’sauntsoshecouldapologize Nooneseemed

tobeabout,butsheheardvoicesfromthesecondfloor.Asherfatherandbrotherstaggeredandgruntedthroughthefrontdoor undertheweightoftheleathersofa,ayoungmanappearedatthetopofthewide,curvingstaircase.

Longmuscularlegsinjeansandsneakershadcomeintoviewfirst ThenMerrysawhisflatabdomenandbroadshoulders underanavyblueknitjersey,andthenfinallyhisface.

“Whoa,letmehelpyouwiththat”Hejoggeddownthestepsandgraspedthesideofthecouchherbrotherhadleft teetering.

Oh, my lord!Whatahandsomefaceitwas Dark,thickbrowsstoodoutagainsthislightskinandclearblueeyes She couldn’tidentifyhishaircoloreasily,sinceitbarelyshowedunderabluebaseballcap.Maybemilkchocolatebrown.Merry thoughtthestylewascalledabuzzcut.Thelengthnearlymatchedthebrownwhiskersofthefiveo’clockshadowonhisstrong jaw

“Thanks,man.”Mattdidadoubletakeandgrinned.“Ican’twaittosetthiscouchdownsoIcanshakeyourhand.Believe itornot,mysister’smovingintoyourbuildinganddidn’tevenknowwhoyouwere”

Thehandsomehunkjustlaughed.

MerryputtwoandtwotogetheranddecidedthismustbethefamousJasonFalco Not bad Not bad at all Ontheother hand,ifherbrotherinsistedonembarrassingherinfrontofherhottielandlordbypointingoutwhatabaseballfanshewasn’t, she’dhavetohavealittle“chat”withhimbeforeheleft.Aslapupsidetheheadoughttodothetrick.

Shesteppedbackinorderforthethreementopassher,astheycarriedtheheavypieceofusedfurnitureintohertinyliving room.

Herfathersurveyedthepolishedhardwoodflooralreadycoveredwithboxes “Wheredoyouwantthis,honey?” “Um…I’mnotsureyet.”

“WellhurryupanddecidebeforeIgetahernia.”

“Sorry,Dad.Justputitdownwhereyouare.I’llfigureitoutlater.”

Herlandlordstraightenedtoafullsixfeettall.“Icanhelphermovethingsaroundoncesheknowswhereshewantsthem.” Andthenhewinkedather

Be still my heart!

Sotherehercouchremained inthemiddleofthelivingroom Immediately,herbrotherstuckhishandouttothestranger.“It’sreallygreattomeetyou,Jason.CanIcallyouJason?My dadandIarebigfans.Ihearyoucanthrowa97mile-an-hourfastball.Andman,yourcurveballandchangeup?Incredible!Do youthinkIcangetanautograph?”

Jasonchuckled.“Thanks…uh,sure.”Hesoundedanythingbutsureasheregardedthetapedboxesaroundtheroom.“Do youhaveapenandpaperhandy?”

“Leavehimalone,Matt.He’sobviouslyofftheclock,”Merrymuttered,notcaringifherfan-boybrothercollectedhis autographornot

“Oh,yeah.Sorry,man.Hey,someothertime…”

“Absolutely,”Jasonsaid.Hesmiledbroadlyandtoherrelief,Merrythoughthesoundedgenuine.Fine,thenthepipsqueak wouldn’thoundhertoobtainJason’sDNA The DNAthat gave him those cute dimples

“Well,I’llleaveyoutogetsettled,”herfathersaid.“C’mon,Matt,we’dbettergetgoing.”HethrusthishandtowardJason andsaid,“Thanksforyourhelp I’llsleepbetterknowingmylittlegirlisingoodcompany”

Crap. How many ways can my family embarrass me? Merryrolledhereyes.“I’mtwenty-five,dad.Notexactlyalittle girl,anymore”

HerfatherdroppedJason’shandandstrolledovertowhereshestood.“You’llalwaysbe my littlegirl.”Thenhekissed herontheforeheadandsaid,“Callmetomorrow,okay?”

Couldshe be anymorehumiliatedinfrontofanawesomelycuteguy?Somuchforestablishingherimageasahip, sophisticatedcitydweller,nowthatshehadfinallydeclaredherindependence.Shesighed.“Okay,worrywart.”

Herfatherpointedather “Imeanit”

“Iknow,Iknow.”

Assoonastheywereoutoftheway,sheplannedtorevelinherfreedom,kickupherheels,andhavesomemuch-needed fun!Whethertheylikeditornot.

Jasonwatchedtheclose-knitfamilysaytheirgood-byesandMerry’sfatherandbrotherreluctantlyleave.Suddenlyhemissed hismother.Shehadtriedtocreatefamilycloseness,butthecompetitionhisfatherhadinstilledinhissonsdidn’tmakefor warmrelationships Nottomentiontheother“littleproblem”thatcrippledhisfamily’shopesforanormal anything

Ashewatchedhisstunningnewtenantwavegoodbyetoherfamily,hecongratulatedhimselfonofferingtostayandhelp herarrangethelargepiecesoffurniture Hot didn’tbegintodescribeher Nowhecouldstealsometimealonewithher

Shelookedsodifferentfromtherestofherfamily.HerfatherhadaScottishlook,asyou’dexpectinaMacKenzie.Hewas stronglymade,andhisgrayinghairlookedasifitcouldhavebeenreddishblondatonetime.Heandhissandy-hairedson possessedruddybutfairskinandblueeyes

Accordingtoherpaperwork,hisnewtenant’snamewasMerryMacKenzie,butshecouldn’tlooklesslikeaScot.Her darkhair,brownbedroomeyes,andfulllips,plusherperfectlysmooth,glowingdarkskingaveheranexoticMediterranean air.OrmaybeBrazilian.God,shemadehisjeanstight!

“So,wheredoyouwantthisgiganticsofa?”

Shechuckled.“Itiskindofamonstrosity,isn’tit?”

“No,Ididn’tmean…”

“That’sokay It’sonlytemporarystuff Itooksomecastoffsfromourfamilyroomandhitafewyardsales,butassoonasI can,I’llreplaceitwithsmallerfurniture.”

“No I,uh ” Why am I suddenly an idiot around her?

Hehadbeentrainedforthelimelightforyears,sowhyshouldhesuddenlyfallapartinthepresenceofaprettygirl?Tons ofwomenthrewthemselvesathimonaregularbasis Maybethat’swhyhereactedtothisonedifferently Hewasn’tJason Falco starpitcherandreluctantcelebrity.HewasjustJason,singlelandlordwithahard-onforhisnewtenant.

“Look,Ididn’tmeantoinsultyourfurniture,honest.Ilikeitbetterthanmine.Ijusthadsomehoity-toitydesignerdecorate myplaceanditlookslikeitbelongsinamagazine,notsomeplacewherepeopleactuallylive Thislooksawfully comfortable.”Heillustratedhispointbysoaringoverthearmofthecouchandlandingonhisbackonthesquishycushions.He couldn’thelpthe“Ahhh ”thatescapedhismouth Hehadn’tbeenabletoloungecomfortablyfordays

Shejustgrinnedathimanddidn’tsayanything.

You’re an idiot, Falco Ababbling, bumbling idiot

Slowly,herosefromhiscomfortablepositionandsaid,“Let’sstartover.”Heheldouthishandandsaid,“Hi.I’mJason Falco,yournewlandlord.Andyoumustbe…”

“MerryMacKenzie,”shesaid,shakinghishand “Whatacharmingname.”

Sherolledhereyes “Itwouldn’thavebeenmy choice Isharemynamewithahobbit” Hechuckled.“Doyouhaveanicknameyou’dprefer?”

“No.JustMerry.OneofmyprofessorstriedtocallmeMaconce,butitdidn’tstick.ThankGodforthat,becauseeveryone callsmyfatherMac.”

“Well,atleastIknowwhattocallhimifIseehimagain.Ishouldhaveintroducedmyself.Idon’tknowwheremyheadis attoday”

He did knowwhathislittleheadwasthinkingeversincehe’dlaideyesonthebeautifulbrunettewiththecutest,open whitesmilehe’deverseen

“No.”Merryshookherhead.“Ishouldhaveintroducedthemandmyselfsinceeveryoneapparentlyknewwhoyouwere. Well,everyonebutme.Sorryaboutthat.”

Hegaveheranearnestsmile “Don’tbesorry It’sareliefnottoberecognized” Sort of Now what can I do to impress her?

“Inthatcase,Iapologizeformyfan-boybrother It’sweird,buteventhoughhehasAttentionDeficitDisorder,hecan rememberallkindsoftriviaaboutthingsthatinteresthim,likesports.”Thenshecoveredhermouthandgiggledashercheeks tookonarosyblush “Oh,sorry Nooffense Ididn’tmeantocallprofessionalsportstrivial” “Nonetaken.” Granted, it’s not like saving lives. “So,wheredoyouwanttodo…Um,Imean,wheredoyouwantthis?” “Howaboutoverthere?”Shepointedtothelongestwall.

“Okay So,doyouhaveacoupleofdropclothsoranewspaperoranything?Icansticksomethingsmoothunderthelegs andpushitmyselfwithoutscratchingyourfloors.”

Shechuckled “They’re your floors,Ibelieve And,yeah,I’msureIcanfindsomething”Shepulledthetapeoffabox marked Kitchen andrummagedthroughituntilshefishedoutacoupleofpotholdersfashionedofstretchy,coloredstrips the kindachildprobablycrafted “Thisshouldhelp”

“Perfect.”Hehelduphishandsasiftheywereplayingcatch.Shesimplywalkedoverbesidehimanddroppedonebeside eachlegofthecouch.“Canyouliftitalittle?I’llpushitunder.”

“Oh,sure”Boy,didhefeeloutofhiselementwiththis unimpressed woman Hehopedshedidn’tthinkofhimasadumb jock.

Bythetimehermajorfurniturehadbeenplacedandsetup,hehadexpendedsomephysicalenergyandreleasedmostofhis tension.

I wonder if she has a serious boyfriend “So,wouldyouliketocomeuptomyplaceandseewhatImeanabout uncomfortable,hoity-toityfurniture?”

“Iwould,butI’mexhausted.Maybeanothertime?”

“Sure.Ofcourse.Howabouttomorrownight?Icouldmakeyouawelcome-to-your-new-homedinner,unlessyoualready haveplans…”

“I’dlovethat,believeme,butIhavetowork”Sheshookherhead Crap. You’re striking out, Falco. “That’stoobad.You’reanurse,right?”

“Yeah IworkatBostonGeneralontheeveningshift”

“Thatmustnotbeveryconvenientforanightlife.” C’mon, sweetheart. Give me a hint. I’m dying over here.

“Tellmeaboutit Ican’twaittohavesomekindoflifenowthatI’moutfromundermyfather’sthumb Incaseyoucouldn’t tell,he’salittleoverprotective.”Shelaughed.“Actually,he’s a lot overprotective.” Jasonchuckled.“Hejustseemedlikeanice,caringfather.”

“Hebehavedhimselfinfrontofyou IfIdon’tcallhimtomorrow,he’llbeallovermycaseandchewmeoutlikeIskipped school.Idon’tusuallytellpeoplethisrightoffthebat,butwelostmymotherwhenIwassixteen.Shehadjuststeppedoutfor acartonofmilkandhappenedtobeinthewrongplaceatthewrongtime Itwasseconddegreemurder,buttheguygotoffwith manslaughter.Eversincethen,he’sbarelyletmeoutofhissight.”

“I’msosorry”Jasoncouldrelatetoahovering,smotheringfather Hisdadhadattendedeverygameandasmanypractices ashecouldfromLittleLeagueon.Jasonsuspectedithadmoretodowithcheckinguponhisathleticprowessandmakingsure thefamily“condition”remainedawell-guardedsecret,thanofferingmoralsupport.

Damn Hecaughthimselfjuststaringather Shehadthesoftestlookingskinandhewantedtoreachoutandcaressher cheek. Later, Falco. Don’t blow it even if it’s much later. Andhehopeditwouldn’tbe.Hedesperatelywantedwhat everyoneelsehad alovingfamily AndhehaduntilSpringTrainingtofind the one orgiveitupforanotherlong,lonelyyear

Chadtheghostdriftedupfromapartment3Aandsettledintohaunthisnewlandlordfortheevening

Jasonwasbackinhispristinepenthouseapartment,pacingandmumblingtohimself.

“Ican’tbelieveIgotshotdown,”hegrumbled.“Thefirsttimeinyearsagirlhassaidnotoadatewithme andIeven offeredtocook!Thatusuallycrumbleseventhemostreluctantwoman.Iprobablyjustaskedheratabadtime.Sheseemed tired.Morelikeexhausted.Shehadunpackingtodo…Damnit,whyamImakingexcusesforher?Shesaid no tome!”

Sighing,hehaltedandlethiseyesroamoverhisshowroompenthouse “Ihatethisplace Itfeelslikesomebillionaire’s mansion a chick billionaire!AndIprobablyputtherottendesignerontheroadtofameandfortunebygivingherfreereign.”

Chadgrimaced “I knew he’d regret that ” Jasonsuddenlyshiveredaschillsranuphisspine.

“Easy, man I didn’t mean to give you the willies by actually touching you, but I like to mock people by pacing right behind them I didn’t know you were going to stop so suddenly Maybe you should save this crap for your therapist Don’t all rich people have a therapist?”

“Nowwhat?Ihatetoconfrontpeople I’dratherjustdonatethewholepiletocharityandgoshoppingformyself Hmmm Sinceit’soff-seasonandIhavealittletimetomyself,IcouldaskMerrytogoshoppingwithmetohelppickoutnewfurniture. Itwouldgivemeanexcusetoseeheragain I’dliketoshopdownstairsinApartment1B Ikeepthinkingaboutthat comfortablecouchinMerry’sapartment andhowI’dlovetobestraddledonit.”

Chadgrinned. “Ah, now we ’ re finally getting to the good stuff!Lay it on me, brother”

Jasongrabbedthecordlesstelephoneanddialedalongnumberheknewbyheart “Hi,Mom.Yeah,it’sbeenawhile.Howarethingsbackingoodol’Minnesota?”

Afterashortpause,hesaid,“Ineedtovent Imetagirl Afriendlygirlwhodidn’tthrowherselfatmeanddidn’teven knowwhoIwas.”

Hescratchedhishead “Yeah,it’srareandweirdlyrefreshing Butsheshotmedown I’musedtowomenwantingme well, almost usedtoit,butit’sprobablyjustformymoneyorsotheycanbragaboutdoingaprofessionalathlete.”He chuckled.“Sorry,Mom.”

Chadgaveanexaggeratedsigh “Oh, you poor baby I’d have given my left nut to be in your position when I was alive and horny.”

Jasonsighedandloweredhimselfontothelowarmlesschair “I’mgettingusedtobeingused,andnowI’vebecome anotherkindofplayer.Allofthisgoesagainstmyupbringingandvalues.Youraisedmebetterthanthat.”

“Again, I feel for you, man You’re fuckin’breaking my heart ”

“Youtaughtmetotreatallwomenwithrespect.Youdrummedintomyheadthatone-nightstandsaren’tokay.ButI’vehada lotofthose morethanI’dcaretoadmit.”

Chaddriftedtotheceilingandmimedbowingastringedinstrument “Oh, break out the violins I think I need a tissue ” “DadsuggestedIignorewomenaltogetherinordertoconcentrateonthesport.Actually,Iwantitall thecareeranda specialrelationship butI’manathleteandmeetingnice,normalwomenistough”

Heleanedforwardandrestedhisarmsonhisknees.“Yeah,sure,Iguessyou’reright.SomedaywhenIleastexpectit…” Anotherlongpause.“Hey,somedayI’llhavetodosomethingelse,butfornow,I’mokay.IfIhaveto,Icanalwayssellthe apartmentbuilding”

Chad’searsprickedupatthat. “Why would he have to dump the apartment building? He could probably sell the rights to his life story for a million bucks I, on the other hand, worked my tail off as a real writer and struggled to pay the rent but I’m not bitter or anything.” Snort.

“Iknow,Ma Thanksforlistening Havefunatbingo”Jasonsmiled “Iloveyou,too”Hehungupandwentstraighttohis exerciseroom.Chadfloatedafterhim.

“I do hope he won’t sell the building I don’t think I can stand any more changes His aunt might ruin it for him, though. Even though her nephew is giving her husband a job and she should be grateful for that, she makes a habit of poking her nose into everyone ’ s business ”

Jasonsquattedontherubberfloorandpumpedoutsomefuriouspush-ups

Chadhovereddirectlyabovehim,pumpingupanddownwithJason’spush-ups.Thiswasfun kindoflikeaworkoutbut withnoeffort “In a way I do feel sorry for Jason I get the feeling he’s not really used to his aunt’s ways, and he’s worried about her itchy trigger finger. Not that she’s going to shoot anybody I don’t think so, anyway. She’s trigger happy on the telephone and has threatened to call the police for everything from a little noisy sex to a homeless person walking by

“I hate to think what having cops at the building would do to Jason Falco. For one thing, it would put him in the newspaper and expose his whereabouts his safe haven Goodbye peace and quiet Hello rabid fans ” Chadchuckledsadly anddriftedoutthewindow

OnMerry’sdrivehomefromworkthefollowingnight,shecursedherrottenluck. Thereal motivationbehindhermovetothebigcitywastomeetcuteguysanddate maybeeven haves-e-x.Inabed!Somethingshehadtogowithoutforthemostpartwhilelivingunder herfather’sroofandeverwatchfuleye.Backseatsexjustdidn’tcutitanymore.

Yesterday, the most incredible guy asked me out… and I had to work. Crap. Crap. Crap!

Ithadbeenacrappyshift,too Theywerealreadyunderstaffed,andtheassistantheadnursecalledinsick Thanks, a pantload. ThatmeantMerryhadtogiveoutthemedsforthewholefloorandthatwouldmakeanynewnurseneurotic.She hadn’tevenmetthewholestaffyet.

Whatifshemadeamistake?Sheneededthisjobtopayherrent.Sheneededtopayherrenttokeepherapartment.She neededtoliveinherownapartmenttohavealife!Hopefullyacuteinternortwowouldshowup before shemadeamederror andwastossedoutonherkeester

Evenatinytasteofindependenceexcitedherlikenothingelsehadinthelast…howmanyyears?Maybesincehertraining wheelshadbeenremoved JustthinkingaboutherquestendinginfailureandretreatinghometoRhodeIslandupsetherenough tobringonanasthmaattack.

Themotivationtoleavewasn’tall aboutdating.Sheneededafreshstart.Shehadbeen“thatweirdMacKenziegirl”ever sinceshewaslittle Forsomereasonshecouldsmellbloodblocksaway It’swhyshebecameanurseinthefirstplace It seemedonlynaturalthatsheshouldtakefirstaidcourses.

Merry’sthoughtskeptherthoroughlypreoccupiedassheparkedheragingVolkswageninthealleybehindherbuilding Apparently,noneofthelong-termresidentsownedacar,soshesecuredafreeassignedparkingspace. Hooray!

Strollingawayfromhercarwithcompetingthoughtsswirlingthroughherbrain,shefumbledinthedarkforherback-door key.Suddenly,herfeetwentoutfromunderher,andshefoundherselfhurledtothegroundandpinnedbysomefoul-smelling brute.Amomentlatersherealizedshehadhithardpavementwithherhead.

Unabletofindhervoicerightaway,orevenprocesswhathadhappened,shelaythere,dumbstruck Themoonreflecteda glintofmetalnearingherface.

“Shhh Don’tscreamandIwon’thurtyou much”Maniacallaughterfollowed Ahandfumbledwiththebuttonsonher coat.

Oh my God What is it they tell you to do in case of rape? Oh, yeah, scream! Merryinhaleddeeplyandletoutabloodcurdlingscream.Shedidn’tevenrecognizethevoiceashers.Suddenlyherthroat tightened,andsherecognizedanotherthreat herasthma.

Sherememberedbeingtoldtofightbutnotstruggle Theylikeditwhenawomanstruggled Gouge out his eyes!Punch his

nose up into his brains. Fight like your life depends on it.

Asshetriedandfailedtogetnearthebastard’sface,herassailantgrabbedherwristsinonehandandpressedthesharp knifetoherneckwiththeother Hehissed,“Shutup!Itoldyoutoshutup!”

Shepushedhisarmawayfromherandfreedonehand Grabbinganythingelseshecouldgetaholdof,shetriedtoyank himoffofher.

Hisjeansmusthavehunglowonhiships,becauseshegrabbedontothewaistbandofhisunderwear Riiiiiip Theperpyelped.Hiseyesflashedinhorror,andsherealizedshehadjustgivenhimaworld-classwedgie.

Dear God, I’m going to die I’m going to be raped and killed in a back alley on my first night as an independent adult I’m never going to fall in love, get married, hug my children, or live in a McMansion

Theknifepressedintoherflesh,andthewarmtrickledownherneckmeanthehadpiercedtheskin.Shouldshescream again?Wouldhejustkillherandleaveherratherthanrapeher?Orwouldhe, ewww, killherfirst, then rapeher? Oh, my freakin’God!

Asshecontemplatedwhatwouldbethelesserofallpossibleevils,themanflewoffofherandlandedafewfeetaway At first,shedidn’tseeanyoneelse.

Whensheblinked,twoshadowyfiguresstoodoverthegaspingpervert.Oneofthemclampedhisbootonthewould-be rapist’sneckandpointedagunathisface TheotheronehurriedovertoMerryandhelpedherup

“Thankyou.Bothofyou.Yousavedmylife!”Themanholdingherelbowseemedpreoccupiedwithherneck.Awareness rolledoverher Sherecognizedthedark-hairedmanwhohadbeenleaningagainstthewroughtironfence,watchinghermove in.Again,heworeallblack,buttheconcernonhisfacecompletelychangedhisominousair.Hisdarkchocolateeyeswere warmandalmondshaped,muchlikeherown.

“Hemissedyourcarotidartery.You’llbeokay.”

Merrytouchedherneck.Thankfully,hisdiagnosisseemedtrue.Bloodsimplytrickledfromthewound;itdidn’tgush.

“Isawyouyesterday,”shesaid “Doyouliveinthisbuilding?”

“Nearby,”hesaid,thenheturnedhisattentiontotheotherman,atallblondwithbroadshoulders alsodressedinblack. “Konrad,here,isoneofyourneighbors Hey,”hecalledtothetallblondwiththemassiveshoulders,“leavehimtomeand takeherinside.”

“Goodidea,Sly,”thestrikingVikingsaid.Hiswhiteteethglistenedasagrinspreadacrosshisface.Hiscaninesseemed largerandmorepronouncedthaninmostmen.Lightfacialhairandashortgoateesoftenedhisjawline.Hehadheavybrowsof thesamecolor.Hisearswereslightlypointedandpokedthoughhisalmostwaist-lengthhair.

Thedark-hairedmancalledSlymovedwithlightningspeed,holdingdowntheassailant

Theguyprotested,vehemently.“No,please!I’lldoanythingyouask.Justletmego.”

TheblondKonradchangedplaceswithSlyandescortedMerrytothebackdoor Sheglidedalongbesidehim,numb,asif inadream.

Assoonasshehadascendedtheconcretesteps,beforeshesteppedthroughthedoorthatKonradheldopenforher,she turnedandcaughtonlyaglimpseofthesceneshehadleftbehind Slykneltbesidethestrangerandleanedoverbyhishead Konradplacedhishandonherlowerbackandhurriedherin,closingthedooronamalescreamthatemanatedfromthedark alley MerryleftKonradsittingatherkitchentableandstrolledtothebathroom,saying,“Thehydrogenperoxideisgoingtostinglike crazy,butIknowtheimportanceofpreventinginfection.”

Shedugthroughtheboxmarked Linen closet untilshefoundsomebandagingsupplies Assheswabbedthearea,she grittedherteethandhissed,inhalingalongbreathuntiltheworstofthestingabated.Athinbandagediditsjobstaunchingthe blood.

Whenshereturned,sheofferedKonradsomethingtodrink

“No,thanks.I’mfinebutletmegetyousomethingwhileyousitandrelax.”

Yeah, right Shesatshivering,herarmswrappedaroundherselfwhileKonradputtheteakettleonandfoundamug Soon hehandedherchamomileteawithaspoonfulofhoney,andshewarmedherhandsonthesteamingmug.

“ThisisthesamecomfortdrinkmymotherusedtogivemewhenIwashurtorupsetasachild.Howdidyouknow?” And the same thing I made for my father when my mother was senselessly murdered during a robbery.

“Well,youhadteabagsandhoneyinyourcupboard.”

“Ohyeah”Herthoughtsreturnedtotheincident “Th-thatman ”shebegan “I ”

“It’sbeenhandledbynow.Hedidn’tgetyourclothesoff,soI’dguessyourvirtueisintact.Right?”

Aknockatthedooroftheapartmentstartledherandshejumped.

“I’llgetit,”hesaid.

“Thanks”Normallyshe’dletherguestsitandanswerherowndoor,butatthemomentshelikedtheideaofsomeoneelse facingtheunknownbehindit.

Herkitchenkitty-corneredoffthelivinganddiningarea,outofviewofthefrontdoor,butsheheardbothmaleandfemale voices.

Jasonledthepackandsoonhertinykitchenhadfilledupwithseveralpeopleshe’dnevermet,allofwhomseemed concernedforhersafety.Konradfilledtheminonwhathadhappened.

“Somecreepaccostedherinthealley.She’sokaythough,”headdedhurriedly.

Jasonshookhishead,wearingagraveexpression “I’llinstallmotionsensorsandspotlightsbacktheretomorrow I’m sorryIdidn’tthinktodoitbefore.”

“Oh,Jason,”anolderwomanwithshort,curly,dyed-brownhairindesperateneedofaroottouch-upsaid “It’snotyour fault.Howcouldyouknowanyonewouldbefoolishenoughtohangaroundinthealleyatnight.”

Everyone,includingMerry,gapedather Didshereallyblame her?Shespokeasifinsteadofmerelycominghomefrom workandparkinghercarrightnexttoherapartmentbuilding,shehadlollygaggedinthealley,waitingfortrouble!

“AuntDottie,don’tbeinsensitive.It’snotherfault.”

Thank you, Mr Hottie I don’t care if she’s your aunt or not, that was freakin’rude

“Damnright,”saidKonrad.HeshotapointedlookatDottie.“Shewasmindingherownbusiness somethingeveryone oughttodo”

Merryfidgeted.“Ihadjustcomehomefromworkandsomewherebetweenmycarandthebackdoor,thispervertjumped me.”ShenoddedtoKonrad.“Thankgoodnessyouguysgottomeasquicklyasyoudid.Idon’tknowwhatIwouldhavedone ifyouhadn’tbeenthere.”

“Died,probably,”saidNathan,herrail-thinneighborfromacrossthehall.

Oneoftheattractivewomenwhosharedanapartmentonthethirdfloorthrewherhandsintheair Shehadbeenintroduced asMorgaine.Shelookedniceenough,althoughherblack-linedeyes,blacklipstick,andblacknailpolishmadeherseemabit gothic Jetblackhairandablackdresscompletedtheimage “Well,Nathan,itlookslikeDottie’snottheonlyinsensitive personintheroom!Anyoneelsewanttotakepotshotsatthepoorgirlwhowasjustattacked?”

“Iwasn’tbeinginsensitive,”Dottieblustered.“Ijustmeantitwasn’tJason’sfaultincaseanyonedecidestofilea lawsuit.”HereyesnarrowedonMerry.

“Iwouldn’tsuehim,Mrs.Falco.I’mnotlikethat.”

Dottiecrossedherarmsoverhersmallchestandcontinuedtocastasuspiciouslookherway “Well,Inoticedthatoneof thefriendsyoulistedasareferenceisalawyer.”

“So?She’sadefenseattorney”

“So?She’sstillalawyer.”

Jasonputhisarmaroundhisauntandsteeredheroutofthekitchen.“Leavethepoorgirlalone,AuntDottie.She’sjustbeen throughahorribleexperience”

“Fine.Iwill,”shesaidinamiffedtone.MerryblewoutabreathofreliefwhenJasonreturnedwithouther. “Iapologizeformyaunt,Merry Sheisn’tusuallylikethat” “Onlywhenshe’sbreathing,”Konradmumbled.

Apparently,theothersoverheardhimandchuckledsoftly Jasonheavedasigh.“She’sjustlookingoutformybestinterestssincewe’refamily.”HefocusedhisgazeonMerryanda deeplookofconcerncrossedhisface.“Areyoureallyallright,Merry?Doyouwantmetocallanyone?Yourfathermaybe?” “God,no!” I’d better squash that line of thinking immediately or I’ll be hauled back to Rhode Island kicking and screaming. “Look.”Shesquaredhershoulders.“Noonehastotiptoearoundme.I’mnotafragilelittlegirl.I’mtougherthanI look Iunderstandthatthesethingshappenandassigningblameisn’tespeciallyconstructive Ihappenedtostepoutofmycarat thewrongtime.IthinkI’vecalmeddownenoughtocallthepoliceandreporttheincident.”

“No!”Konradjumpedrightoutofhischairandstoodbetweenherandtheold-fashionedwallphone HereactedinsuchacommandingwaythatMerrywonderedwhatcouldpossiblythreatenabigguylikehim.Didheneed toavoidthepoliceforhisownreasons?

“I Iwon’tbringyouintoitifyoudon’twantmeto,butIshouldatleasttellthemwhathappened” “AndhowareyougoingtodothatwithoutbringingmeandSlyintoit?”

Jasonscratchedhishead “Who’sSly?” Merryexplained,“Therewasanothermanwhointervened.Sly’stheonewhoheldtheattackerdownwhileKonradtook meinside.”

“Ohhh…”Thegroupoflong-termresidentsgroanedtogether. What was that about?

ThenMorgainesaid,“Yeah,youdon’twanttodothat…callthepolice,Imean.” Merrylookedfromonepersontothenextandtheonlyonewhoseemedconfusedwasshe.“Butwhy?” “Whatgoodwoulditdo?”Konradrubbedthebackofhisneck “Imean,you’reallright Yousaidsoyourself It’snotlike thecopsaregoingtofindhim.It’swaytoolatenow.”

Jasonshrugged “Youcandowhatyouwant,Merry,buttobehonest,I’mnotcrazyaboutdrawingattentiontothebuilding Apolicecarparkedoutfrontwilldothat.Ifforsomereasontheywanttospeaktome,it’llwindupinthenewsandIreally wanttokeepalowprofile”

Konradinterjected,“He’sacelebrity.Thelastthingheneedsisbadpress.”

Gwyneth,theprettyredheadfrom3Bdrawled,“Sugar,we’veallbeenaskedtosendanyproblemstothesuper,Ralph. He’sDottie’shusband IfheorJasoncanhandlethematter,theywill” “Oh.Okay,Iunderstand.Iwon’tcallthem,then.”

Secondslater,bluelightsflickeredintermittentlythroughherwindow Gwynethslappedherhandoverherchest.“Idodeclare!” “Damn,”Konradgroaned “Dottiemusthavecalledthem” “Weshouldhaveknownthatwouldhappen,”Nathansaid.“Well,I’moutofhere.”

Thefollowingday,Merry,moreshakenupthanshehadleton,switchedshiftswithanothernursesoshedidn’thavetowork. Sleephadcomehardandleftherjawsorefromfitfullygrindingherteeth.

Sheputteredaroundherapartment,unpackedboxes,andputherspecialthingswhereshecouldseeandenjoythem Her newgoldsilkcurtainswerenowproudlyhungatthebaywindows.Theywereasplurgeshecouldn’tstopherselffrombuying assheexcitedlyshoppedforherfirstplace Shedidn’twanttocoverherhardwoodfloorsasmuchasaccentthem,soshe boughtafive-by-sevenfauxorientalarearugtogroupherfurniturearound.

Otherthanthosetwothings,everythingelsehadbeenhersorextrathingsherfamilydidn’tneed.Likeasecondsetof dishesandstainlessflatware.Atonepoint,hermotherdecidedshewantednewpatternsand,thankfully,shehadn’tthrownout theoldones.

Merrylinedthepass-throughfromthekitchentothediningareawithplants Herfatherhadinsistedhe’donlykillthemif sheleftthembehind.

HerMickeyMouseclockhungonthefarwallofthekitchenoverthetablefortwo,addingsomewhimsytothewindowless galley.

Theexcitementshe should havefeltwhiledecoratingherveryfirstapartmenteludedher.

“Howdaresomepervdeprivemeofthislong-awaitedthrill Thiswassupposedtobe my time” Shehadplannedtorebel.Tomakeupfortheyearsshe’dhadtoputupwithbeingsheltered.Notonlythat,butshetookcare ofotherswhensheshouldhavebeenoutallnight,kickingupherheelsandraisinghell Aknocksoundedonherfrontdoor.

Whensheopenedit,Jasonstoodtherelookingyummierthanever “Iwantedtostopbytoseehowyou’refeeling.”

Sheputonacheerysmileandsaid,“Oh,fine!Hey,wouldyouliketohavedinnerwithmethisevening?”Shehopedhe’d realizethelegitimacyofherworkexcuseandgiveheranotherchance “Yeah,I’dlovethat.”

Whew Spendingsometimewithherhot,newlandlordcouldproveawelcomedistraction “So,didyouhavetotalktothepoliceatall?”Merryasked.

“No FortunatelyIwasabletoavoiditsimplybystatingthetruth Ihadn’tseenanything”

“Iguesseitherthecopwasn’tabaseballfananddidn’trecognizeyouorworeagoodpokerface.Iwouldhavefeltterrible ifthewholethingcreatednegativepressforyou.”

“No Konradwastheonlyeyewitness anddidyounoticeheseemedtoknowthecopwhoaskedthequestions?They noddedtoeachother,andKonradvisiblyrelaxedassoonashesawhim.”

“Yeah,Isawthat Ithoughttheymightevenberelated Theyhavethesamelargebuildandfacialfeatures,”Merrysaid “Nothingwassaid,specifically,butIgottheimpressionthenewswouldn’tmakeittoanyreporters.”

“That’sarelief.Iwonderwhattheothers’reactiontoSlymeant.Whydidtheygroanwhentheyfoundouthehadbeenthe onelefttodealwiththecriminal?”

Jasonshrugged.“Ididn’tunderstandthateither.”

Sheassumedtheotherresidentsknewsomethingtheyweren’tdivulging Slydid seemominousinadark,dangerous,and freakishlystrongway.Adrenalinemayhaveplayedapart,butshe’dneverseenafull-grownmanliftedlikeheweighedno morethanaragdoll

Jasonwanderedaroundhersmallapartment.“Yourplacelooksreallycute.”

Merryappraisedherworkanddecidedhewasright.HerkitchentableworeanewblueandgreenMacKenzieplaid tablecloth,anicecontrasttothewhitewallsandappliances Redpillarcandlesstoodatdifferingheightsinthelivingroom fireplace,andacoupleoffavoriteartbooksgracedhercoffeetablethatusedtobeanoldtrunk.

“Butwhydon’tIhaveyouuptomyplace?Icanprovidethesalad,wine,music,andambiance”

“AndI’llbetit’salittlebigger.”

“Well,yeah Ittakesupthewholetopfloor”

“Okay,then.I’llcookandyoucansetthetable.”

Nowshehadtoshopforfood. Why, oh why did I offer to cook for Jason? I barely know where the stove is Hegrinned “Soundslikeaplan”

Yeah,sheneededaplan.Shecouldputtogetherherfamouslasagnaandbakesomebreadsticks.She’dhavetocheatand buythefrozendoughthistime Oh,anddessert Notone,butthree Sheowedherrescuerssomekindofthankyou,andsince homecookingwasallshecouldafford,thatwouldhavetodo.Hmm…Appleswereinseason.

“Well,I’dbettergogroceryshopping!”

“Untiltonight,”hesaid.Smiling,helethimselfoutandclosedthedoor.

Partofherwantedtostaycocoonedinherownsafespace,butshecouldn’tstaylockedupforever.Shehadtogoout beforedark Thegrocerystorewasonlyafewblocksaway,andratherthanfacethealleyagainshetuggedonherjacket,found herstrongmeshgrocerybags,andsetoutforabriskwalktothestore.

Asshelockedherapartmentdoorbehindher,Nathanappearedtobeheadingout,too Wearingblackwithnoreflectors,he wheeledabicycle.Dideveryoneinthistownwearnothingbutblack?

“How’stheneck?”heasked.

“Oh,fine.Itjustneededasmallbandage,nothingserious.”

“Well,youwerelucky.Ihopeitdoesn’tgetinfected.Evenlittlescrapescanturnreallynasty.Theycanevencausedeath.”

“Yes,I’manurseandknowaboutinfections Ibatheditinhydrogenperoxide”

“Anurse,eh?Whereat?”

“BostonGeneralHospital,”shesaid Hiseyebrowsrose.“That’swhereIworktoo.Whatfloorareyouon?”

“FiveWest.Eveningshift.”Sheinwardlysquirmedatthegoldenskythatsignaledapproachingdusk.

“Ah,you’reinpediatricorthopedics.Idon’tgetalotofbusinessfromyou.”

“Oh?Wheredoyouwork,”sheasked.

“I’minthemorgue Easyclients Theydon’taskformuch”

“Ewwww.”Sheimmediatelyregrettedherreaction.Amorbidsenseofhumorwouldprobablyhelpinajoblikethat and somebodyhadtodoit Shefiguredhewasarealpartykiller,though Merryhadcarefullyarrangeditsoherjobminimizedthelikelihoodofdealingwithdeath.Butherneighborseemed unfazed.Infact,hegrinned,asifpleasedthathisjobcamewithshockvalue.

Sheneededtogettothestore,sosheclearedherthroatandsaid,“Well,I’vegottogo Oh,bytheway,doyouknow whereSlylives?Iwanttobakesomekindofthank-youdessertsforKonradandhim.”

Nathantippedhishead,asifsizingherup Thenheshrugged “Iprobablyshouldn’ttellyouthis,butyouseemlikeanice girl.Slydoesn’texactly‘live’anywhere.Hekeepshisstuffinthebasement,butdon’ttellanyone.”

“Oh Isee He’shomeless,then?”

“Ididn’tsaythat.Hehasaroofoverhishead,hejustdoesn’tlive anywhere.”

Thewayheemphasizedtheword,live,madeherrealizeshehadmissedsomesortofbighint.Sheloweredhervoiceand hopedthattakingaconspiratorialtonemightgethimtoopenup “Whatdoyoumean?Iwon’ttell,Ipromise”

“Imean,he’snotalive.He’sundeadandonlycomesoutatnight.Hatesgarlic…Ringabell?”

“AreyousayingwhatIthinkyou’resaying?”

“Yeah.Wehaveavampireinthebasement.”

Merrythoughtsheheardashortgaspfromthetopofthestairsandthenasoftclick

“Don’tworry.Youcanusethelaundryroomdowntherewithoutdisturbinghim.Youmightwanttowashyourclothes duringthedaylighthours whenhe’sdeadtotheworld.”Nathanlaughedathisownjoke,butMerryfoundnothingfunnyabout it

Hairprickledonthebackofherneckandhermouthdriedup. Nathan must be crazy. And lucky me, I live right across the hall!

Shemutelyfollowedhimoutthedooranddownthesteps.Nathanmountedhisbicycle,saidgood-bye,androdeaway.A fewfeetdownthesidewalkhelookedbackandcalledoverhisshoulder,“Don’tbotherbakingacakeforSly.Hewon’teatit liquiddietandall.Youcangiveitto me,though.”

Chapter2

DottiepacedacrossherworncarpetinfrontofJason. Damn it. Why doesn’t anyone listen to me? “Hewasprobablyjoking,AuntDottie Eitherthatorheknewyouwerelisteningandthoughthe’dhavesomefunwithyou I’venoticedhehasanoddsenseofhumor.”

Sheballedherfistsandjammedthemonherbonyhips.“IknowwhatIheard,Jason.Nowifyoudon’twanttoinvestigate it,I’llsendRalph,butsomeonehastolookinthebasement Whatifthere’sacoffindownthere?” Ralphchuckledfromtheotherroom,thenjoinedthem.“I’vebeendowntheretocleanthelinttrapsinthedryers,andwhile I’mthereIcheckthewaterheaterandoiltanks IthinkI’dhavenoticedacoffin,dear” “Well,I’mnotgoingdownthereuntilyoucheckagain,soIhopeyouenjoydoingyourownlaundry.” Hey, maybe I can get some help around the apartment out of this scare, if nothing else Hesmirked.“So,it’sokayfor me togetbittenbythecreepyvampire…” Uh-oh. Time to backpedal. Shewouldn’tbemuchuseasamaintenancemanifanythinghappenedtoRalph. Dottierakedherfingernailsoverherscalp,throughhershort,grayingpermedhair “You’reright Ishouldcallthepolice andmakethemcheckitout.”

“Please don’t!Ican’thavethemhereallthetime It’llbeinthenewspapersandcallattentiontowhereIlive,”Jasonsaid “Oh,you’rebeingsilly.Noonewillwriteastoryaboutwhereyoulive.I’msuretheymustknowthatcelebritieswanttheir privacy” Honestly!He’s so full of himself, sometimes

Ralphscowled.“Andyouthinkthey’llrespectthat?Dottie,willyoulistentoyournephew?Heownsthebuilding,andifhe doesn’twantthecopstoarriveforeverypracticaljokeorminorincident,don’tcallthedamncops!Hewasniceenoughto givemeajobandusaplacetolive Ifitweren’tforhim,I’dhavebeenunemployedforalotlongerthanelevenmonths” Jasonsighed.“I’llcheckitoutforyou.”

“No Idon’twantanythingtohappentoyou,either Didn’tyousayyouwerehavingdinnerwiththenursedownstairs?” Hehercastasidelongglance.“Yeah…Why?Youdon’twantmetosend her downthere,doyou?”

“Well…No,ofcoursenot.JustaskheraboutwhatNathansaid.Seeifshethinkshewaskidding.”

Ralphcrossedhisarmsoverthet-shirtthatbarelycoveredhisbeerbelly.“ForGod’ssake.There’snosuchthingas vampires,woman.Andhowishesupposedtodothatwithoutlettingherknow someone waseavesdropping?”

Shewinced Someone, meaning me, of course Nooneappreciatedhercontribution Iftheydidn’twanthertokeepaneye ontheplaceandmanageit,whydidtheylethercallherselfthemanager?

“Fine!”Dottiestompedofftoherbedroomandblastedheroldiesradiostation Atthatmoment“YouAin’tSeenNothing Yet”byBachman-TurnerOverdriveservedasawarning.

Just wait, you two Something is going on here I know it!And as soon as I can, I’ll show you evidence and prove my usefulness one way or another

Merry’sapartmentsmelledwonderful ThestrongaromasofItalianfoodandcinnamonmetJason’snoseassoonassheopened thedoor.

“Wow,somethingsmellsdelicious,Merry IcametoseeifIcouldgiveyouahandwhenyou’rereadytobringthings upstairs.”

“Thanks,that’sniceofyou Ihavethelasagnainaglasscasseroledishthat’sprobablyhotandheavy ”Sheblushed Oops. Freudian slip much?

“Uh,soifyouwanttotakethat,um…You’llneedpotholders.Here.”Sheshovedthechildishpotholdersathim. “Ineveraskedwhomadethese Doyouhaveanieceornephew?” “Nope. I madethem atsummercampaboutazillionyearsago.Myfatherkeepseverything.”Sheblushedharder.“The dessertisjustapplecrisp”

“Mmm…Lasagna.Howdidyouknowmynumberoneweakness?And‘just’applecrisp?Theonlythingthatcouldtopthat wouldbeapplepieàlamode”Shehadchangedthesubject,sohe’dteaseheraboutthepotholderssomeothertime “Man,I canhardlywait.Ilovethosetwothings.You’vegotmesalivatingalready.”Hismouthwateredovermorethanthefood.They hadn’tdiscussedhowtodress,andhe’dassumedshe’dwearsomethingcasual,likejeansandasweater.Butsheworeaclingy reddress Hewonderedifsheknewhowdeliciousshelookedinit Merryopenedtheovendoor.“Iwasgoingtoputtinfoiloverthepan,butifyou’rehungryandwanttoeatrightaway, there’snoneedto”

Hedrewthebubblingdishoutoftheovenandsetitontopofthestove.“No,wecantakeourtime.Ididn’tmeantorush dinner,andIwon’tstarvetodeathifwespendanextrahalfhourgettingtoknoweachotheroveraglassofwine.”

Shesmiled.“Soundsgoodtome.”

Didit?Hecertainlyhopedshewasgameforinvolvementwithsomeonewhoseentirelifecouldbetakenoverbyhis livelihood.Attimeshewishedmorethananythingthathehadsomeonewaitingforhimathome.

Merry’spresenceinhisbuildingcouldbethenextbestthing Sheseemedemotionallystable sofar Certainlymorestable thansomeofhisrabidfans.

Loadeddownwiththeheavydish,Jasonletherholdthedoorandlockitbehindthem Heaskedhertoextracthiskeycard fromhisfrontpocketratherthanbalancetheheavylasagnapanononewideopenpalmandhopenottodropit.

“Okaaay”Shegingerlyfishedtheproximitycardoutofhispocketandheldituptotheelevator’sscanner Aslightblush coloredhercheeks.

Themagiccardallowedaccesstothepenthousefloor.Astheyrodetheelevatortogether,heglanceddownatherand smiled Sheshiftedherfocustothefloor,butwhenshelookedupagain,sheshowedhimherwidesparklingsmile theone thattwistedhisstomachintoaknotandaffectedlowerregionstoo.

Atlast,theyreachedthepenthouseandtheelevatordoorsopenedontohisexpansiveentry Hewatchedforherreactionto thepristineconditionofhiscombinedlivinganddiningareas.“Welcometomyabode.”

Hereyespoppedandhersmileturnedintoanopen-mouthed,awedexpressionasshetookintheexpensivelydecoratedbut completelyimpracticalpenthouse.Shebypassedthekitchenandherhighheelsclickedacrossthemarblefloorstothe windows.Shestillclutchedherapplecrisp.“Wow!”

Hehadpulledthecurtainsclosedinallbuttheonespotthatledtohisbalcony Evenso,thecitylightsshowedthroughthe gossamer,airycurtainsandlitupthenightlikestars.Shemusthavelikedwhatshesaw.Sheseemedpositivelymesmerized.

Jasonsetthelasagnadishonhisbuilt-inkitchengrillandfollowedhertothewindows “Pretty,isn’tit?” Not nearly as pretty as the temptress right in front of me.

“I’llsay.Ididn’trealizeourbuildingwashigherthanthoseontheothersideofthestreet.Icanseetheriver.Youreally scoredagorgeousviewhere.”

Hechuckledatheruseoftheword, score. Withanyluck,he’dscorewiththecuteRhodeIslanderbeforetoolong.

“Letmetakethatdishsoyoucanlookaround Seetherestoftheplace”Heheadedtowardthekitchenandsetthedishon thegranitepeninsula.

Shefollowed,hesitantly “Thanks Youtrustmetowanderaroundbymyself?”

“Sure,Idon’tthinkyoucouldhidemuchofanythingunderthatslinkydress.”

Hermouthdroppedopenandsheburstintogiggles.Evenwithhertancomplexion,herfacereddened.

What did I say that for? Now I’ve embarrassed her and she’ll probably wear sweats and bulky hoodies from now on Howcouldhesalvagethesituation?Apologize?Laughwithher?No.Hejustlistenedtohisgut,strodeovertoher,pulledher intohisembrace,andkissedher Hewantedtheretobenomisunderstanding Hedidn’twaitforpermission Hetook possessionofherlipsanddeliveredhismessageresolutely.

Herbodymoldedtohisandshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandshoulders Hedidn’twanttostopkissingher,but neitherdidhewanttoseemoveranxious.Hepulledbackslowly,andstillholdingherhesaid,“You’reirresistible,youknow.”

Sheloweredherheadandletoutanervousgiggle,butshedidn’tpullawayandmaintainedafriendlysmile.Apparently goingwithhisguthadbeentherightthingtodo Heleanedinforanotherkissandthistimeherlipsparted,slightly Heslipped histongueinhermouthandtheirtonguestouched.

Shetastedlikeapplesandcinnamon Shesmelledgoodtoo kindoflikespicyvanilla Asmallmoanescapedhersoft lips. I know what you mean, babe.

Theirtonguesswirledasifcaressingeachother Jasonknewhewasn’tabadkisser,butthiswasthefirsttimehe’dfeltlike hislipswereanincompletepuzzlethathadfoundtheirmissingpiece.Theyfittogetherperfectly.

Hedidn’tknowhowlongthey’dbeenstandingtherekissingwhenhereluctantlylethergo.Shetouchedherfullbottomlip asifittingled

Heinhaleddeeplyandletoutalongbreath.“Man.” “Youcansaythatagain”

MerrywanderedthroughJason’sapartment,barelytakinginthedetails,whileheopenedandpouredthewine Shehadn’t expectedtobekissedsosoonbuthadhopedthingswouldheadinthatdirectionbytheendofthenight still,shewasn’tabout tocomplain.Atwingeofnervousnessniggledather,buthowcouldshefindoutifthishandsomeman,whohadplentyofmoney andcouldprobablyattractanywomanhewanted,wantedherforaflingormorethanthat?

Merryknewwhatshewanted.Love,ahome,andafamily.Sure,agoodtimeatfirstsoshe’dhavesomewildmemoriesto keepherentertainedwhilesittingaroundinanursinghome,butlove,eventuallyandultimately Possiblymorethanamanlike JasonFalcowaswillingtoconsider.

Merry’srealisticnatureacknowledgedthatlovedidn’talwayshappenwithoutheartbreak,butheroptimisticsidehopedto

avoidit,nonetheless.Herlipsstilltingled.Hislineaboutherbeingirresistiblemighthavebeencliché,butthatkisscertainly wasn’t.

Shesuddenlyrealizedshehadbypassedanexerciseroomandhadbeenstandinginhisbedroomforquiteawhile Her attentionfocusedontheking-sizedpedestalbed,coveredinwhitelinens,awhiteduvet,andloadsofwhitepillows.Why wouldasingleguyneedsuchahugebed?Obviously,hewasn’tplanningtosleepalone Buttherewasenoughroominthisone forthreeandthesurfacesatsolowthatnoonewouldgethurtif,inalltherollingaround,someoneslidoffontothewhite carpet Oh!Damn,wasn’tthateveryman’sfantasy?Andifhecouldhaveanythinghewanted Eek

“Likeit?”hesaidfromthedoorway.

Shestartled.“Oh,uh…What?”

Heheldoutaglassofredwinetoher “Doyoulikemyplace?”

“Yeah!Ofcourse.Whowouldn’t?”

“Iwouldn’t Ithinkit’scoldandsterile”

“Really?Huh,cometothinkofit,itkindofremindsmeofthehospital.”Shetookasipofherwine,andittrickleddown surprisinglysmoothly Sheusuallythoughtofredsasbitter,butthismellowbrandmighthelphersurvivetheevening Theidea ofkinkyaerobicshadhershiveringinside,yetshewasn’tchilly.Ifanything,herwarmcheeksgrewwarmer.

“Inoticethateverythingisprettylowtothefloor.”

“Iknow Isn’tthatridiculous?IhadtogoandbuymyselfonechairIcouldsitinwithoutstretchingmylegsallthewayout I’msixfeettall.Istillcan’tfigureoutwhothedesignerhadinmindwhenshepickedoutthisstuff.Dwarfs?”

“Itlookslikeallsevendwarfscouldfitinthisbed”Sheglancedbackatit,thennoticedagleaminhisblueeyesashe smiled.Warningalarmssoundedinherhead.

Butheanswerednonchalantly.“Thesevendwarfsworkedinamine,didn’tthey?Allthiswhitefurnitureandbedding wouldturngrayinaweek.”

“Well,let’sgobacktoyourlivingroom,”shesaidalittletooabruptly. Theybypassedthelivingroomanddecidedtoskipthesmalltalkandgorighttodinner.

Hepulledoutthechairforher Thatmadehersmile Well, things look as though they’re back on track

And, how!Merry didn’t sit but faced him and pulled his arms around her waist. She delivered another one of her mindblowing kisses, then swept aside the dishes She lay back on the table and crooked her little finger at him

Jason approached her like a panther stalking its prey. He walked forward on his hands and leaned over her. As he kissed her again, she cupped her hand around his hot, throbbing… Mercy!Heshivered.

“Iseverythingokay?Areyougoingtositdowntoo?”

Crap. It was just a fantasy. Someday,however,hewantedthatparticularfantasytocometrue.

RecognizingMorgaine’svoice,butunabletohearanyresponse,Chaddeducedthatshewasonthephone andpossiblyonthe phone-sexline!Hecouldalwayshopethatsomekindofreal foreplaymightbeinprogress,buthepushedhiswaythroughthe woodendoortofindout.Healwaysfeltasifheneededtospitsawdustaftergoingthroughdoors.Itwasbetterthanplaster, though “Oh,yeah…Doyoulikethat,baby?Hmmm…I’mreallyturnedonrightnow.”

Sureenough,Morgainewasusinghermoneymaker hersupersexyphonevoice. Suddenlytheotherphonerang

Thewitcheshadtwodedicatedlineseach,andheassumedeachhadtheirownclients.Butthebestthingabouttheirliving togetherwastheirabilitytocoverforeachother callersneverhadtohangupdisappointedwhentheyneededtogettheir rocksoff.

“No,baby.Idon’thavetogo,”Morgainesaidbreathily.“Ihaveto come. ” Gwynethrushedinandpickeduptheringingtelephone. Morgaineaddedsomeheavypanting,andthen… “Oooh, Ahhh, Ohhhhhhhhh. AAAAAAAGH!AAAAAAAAGH! AAAAAAAAAH!”

Shepantedafewtimes,thensaid,“Thatwasfantastic!You’re so incredible.DidIsatisfyyoutoo,baby?Yeah?Good.” Afterabriefgiggle,shesaid,“Ofcourse Callanytime We’realwayshereforyou,baby”

Assoonasshehungup,shereturnedtothekitchenwheresomethingbrewedonaslowsimmer.Itlookedlikeanotherbatch ofherprotectionpotion.Chadhadseenhermakeitbefore.Shekepttheblackliquidatjustbelowaboil.

Herememberedwhenitbubbledoverandmadeamessofthewhiteappliancesandtilefloor.Morgainedeclaredthebatch

ruinedandthrewitout.

Sometimestheyslavedoverthehotstovefortwentyminutesormoreastheystirredtheirspellsintoallkindsofhorrible soupylookingthings Ofcourse,sometimestheyweresimplymakingsoup Chadcouldonlytelliftheytastedthestuff HeswitchedhisattentiontoGwynethasshebegantalkingdirtyinhersexySoutherndrawl.

“I love that Gwyneth still has a heavy Southern accent Those dropped r ’ s and slow drawl are music to my Northern ears. ” Itwashardtobelievetheywerecousins eventhoughChadwasprettysurethey’dmovedfromdownsouth somewhere ChadloveditwhenGwynethusedtheendearment,“Dahlin’”toherbetterclients Thatslowdrawlplusthesexy voicecouldmake him come.Asitwas,hetriedtoavoidthefrustration.Ghostsnothavingabodyandall…

Itamazedhimhowthecousinscouldturnitonandoffatamoment’snotice.Ofcourse,itwasacting!That’swhythey calledthemselvesphone-sexactressesandcouldwinacademyawards Certainly,theirperformancesrivaledMegRyan’s Heh heh. I’ll have what she’s having.

Chadknewtheyhadanowlfamiliarandwonderedwhereitwas Athenawasarealowl keptlikeabelovedpet They believedshecontainedthespiritofsomekindofreincarnatedancestororspiritualguardian.Chadthoughtitwasjustadumb bird

Herperchwasinthebathroom,soifshespilledherfoodorhadanaccident,theywouldn’tloseanotherarearug.She didn’tflymuch,butsometimesgotturnedonbyallthenoisesandbeganflappingherwingsandhooting.

“Oh,gawd,dahlin’ Oh,thatfeelssogood Ohyeah,dahlin’ Arey’allclose?Now?Awww Shee-it!AAAAAaaa, AAAAAaaa, AAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

Hoo Hoo

“Yup, these two are a gas to watch,” Chadgrinned.

“Thisisdelicious,Merry.”Jasonhadn’thadamealthisgoodinalongtime.Sure,hecouldgrillasteakandmicrowavea potato,butthis…thiswasambrosia.

“Youmakeameansalad,too,”shesaid.

Jasonchuckledandscoopedanotherforkfuloflasagnaintohismouth.Hechewedwithhiseyesclosedtosavorthemixof tomatoes,meat,andcheeses Histastebudszinged

Wow, a beauty who can cook too. Notlikethespoileddebutanteswhohadbeenforcedonhim speakingofwhich…

“Merry,there’sacharitybachelorauctionthePRpeopleropedmeinto Ireallydon’twanttobeauctionedofflikeapiece ofmeat,soIwasthinking,maybeifIgiveyouthemoneyto‘buy’me…Wouldyoubewillingtogetdressedupandposeasa rich,spoiledbrat?”

Merryalmostchokedonhersalad Thenshestartedtolaugh Whensheclearedherthroatandcomposedherself,sheasked, “Whenisit?”

“TheFridayafternext”

“You’reinluck.Iworkeveryotherweekend,butIhaveFridaysandMondaysoffwhenIworkthatSaturdayandSunday.” “Isthatayes?”

Sheshrugged.“I’llthinkaboutit.”

Well, that was better than an outright no Now to keep the conversation casual “IsthatwhyyoumovedinonaFriday? Wasthisyourweekendtowork?”

“Yes.That’swhenmyfamilywasavailabletoo.Mydad’sretired,butmykidbrotherworksSaturdays.OnFridayshegets outofschoolatnoon SinceIcouldn’tcarryalltheheavystuffbymyself,IhadtotakewhateverfreelaborIcouldgetwhenI couldgetit.”

“So,you’reoffagaintomorrowsinceit’sMonday?”

“Yup.Ishouldprobablyfeelguiltyaboutplayinghookytonight,butwhenIcalled,Iwasstillprettyshakenup.” “Ididn’trealizethat.Youseemfine.”Hethoughtaboutherreactionatthebedroomandrealizedshe’dprobablyfeel skittishafteranearrape Nowherabruptchangeofmoodashe’dwalkedupbehindhermadesense

Hereachedoverandgraspedherhand.Ittrembled.“Merry,I’msosorryyouwereattacked.IknowIsaiditbefore,butmy uncleistakingstepstocorrectthelightinginthealley Ipromise”

Shesmiled.“Iknow.Thankyou.”

“He’llhaveitfinishedbeforeyouhavetogobacktowork.”Hesqueezedherhandbeforeheletgo.Shenoddedand lookedatherlap.

Wow, she really was upset. I wonder why she didn’t let on?

Theyhadfinishedtheirmeal,clearedthetable,andsettledonthesofatotalk.MerrysetherwineglassontheLucitetable, afraidofspillingitonthewhitefabricofthesofa.

Shehadalreadyfinishedtwoglassesandreallydidn’tneedanymore Thewinemadeherrelaxedandherlipstingled, faintly.OrmaybeshewasanticipatinganotheroneofJason’stoe-curlingkisses.

Jasonsatsolowtothegroundthathislegsstretchedwayoutinfrontofhim Merryhadbeenabletotuckhersdemurely underandtooneside.

“SeewhatImeanaboutthisridiculousfurniture?”hesaid “Itlookscool,butI’mafraidtospillanythingonit,”Merrysaid.“Especiallyredwine.” “Iwouldn’tmindifyoudid.Itwouldgivemeanexcusetotosstheseandgetnewones.” “Whydon’tyoudonatethemsomewhere?”

Helookedleftandrighttothematchingsidechairsandsaid,“Youknowwhat?You’reright.Isettledforthemjustbecause theyweresodamnedexpensive,andIwasraisednottowastemoney I’msurethere’ssomeofficeinafamilyshelteror somethingIcanfurnishandthengetwhatIwant.”

“Ofcourse Maybeyoucouldbringthembacktothestoreifyouknowwheretheycamefrom orsaveyourmoneyfrom thebachelorauctionifyouneedto.”

“Oh,no.It’snotthemoney.”Heturnedtofaceherandrestedhishandonhers.

Aslightelectriczingtraveledupherarmandraisedgoosebumps Herbreathhitched,butJasondidn’tappeartonotice “I’veheardnightmarestoriesfromsomeoftheguysonmyteamaboutthosestupidauctions.”

“Likewhat?Blue-hairedoldladieswithnoteethwhowanttogropeyouallnight?”

Helaughed.“Ihaven’tbeenthroughanythinglikethatyet,butit’scertainlyarisk.No,I’mtalkingaboutsocietywomen tryingtomarryformoney.Theythinkouroff-seasonistheirhuntingseason.Idon’twanttogetdupedintoanythinglessthan love.”

“So,youconsiderfallinginlovethebetterwaytobeduped?”

Hisjawdropped “No!”Heshookhishead,furiously “That’snotwhatImeant” “Iknow.Iwaskidding.”

Amomentlater,hetrailedhisfingerupherarm,makingherquiver “Doyoubelieveinlove?”

Shesmiled.“Ofcourse.Don’tyou?”

“Yeah,I’veknownsomeveryhappycouples.Professionalsportscantakeatollonrelationships,butthatdoesn’tmeanit’s notworthtrying.”

“So,itsoundslikeyou’replanningtofallinlovesometime Whatareyoulookingforthesedays?Areyouplayingthe field?Tryingoutrelationships?Justwanttobefriends?Youdon’thavetoanswer,butItrytobeupfrontwheneverpossible, andjustsowe’reclear,this is atest”

Heleanedbackandlaughed.“Well,Iappreciateyourcandor.”

“Haveyoueverbeeninlove?”

Hisexpressionturnedsomber “IthoughtIwasinloveonce,”hesaidsoftly “Oh,whathappened?Ifyoudon’tmindmeasking.”

“No,Idon’tmind Baseballcantakealotoftimeawayfromrelationships Thingswereshakyanywayanditaffectedmy game.AndthenIwastradedtoBoston.Shedidn’twanttoleaveMinnesotaandIdidn’thaveachoice.”Hetookadeepbreath andcontinued

“I’vealreadyplayedthefieldandthatwasn’tverysatisfying.IguessI’mtryingoutrelationships.Friendshipsarenicetoo. Ihavenothingagainstgoingthatwayifyou’renotreadytogetinvolvedwithanyone especiallythefirstpersonyoumetafter movingtothecity”

Shegrinned.“Ilikefriendshipstoo,butIhavenothingagainstrelationships,either.Wecouldalwaysbeginasfriendsand seewhereitleads”

“Thatsoundsokaytome.Friendsarenice but…”Heheavedasighandmuttered,“Ohhell,”thenpulledherintohis embraceandloweredhislipstohers Theysharedalong,deepkiss Merryfeltherbodyweaken Hertemperatureroseas theirtonguessoughteachotherandexplored.AdeeplongingbuiltinMerry’sgut,andshecravedhistouch.Sheslidherhands overhisbroad,warmbackandhecaressedhersinkind.

Heloweredhertoasupinepositionandneverremovedhislipsfromhers Forseveralminutes,Jasoncontinuedhis druggingkissandMerrylostalltrackoftime.Theirkissingandcaressingmayhavegoneonforanhourormoreforallshe knew Histongueoccasionallylefthermouthandsuctionfusedthemtogether,thenshefoundhertonguechasinghis Her insidesliquefiedassherealizedtheywerelyingnexttoeachother.Anythingcouldhappenfromthere.Anything…

“Jason!”Hisaunt’svoiceinvadedherdreamlikestate.

Hesatup.Hisbodyleavinghersabruptlychilledandsurprisedher.

What the… Merryliftedherselftoasittingposition.Sureenough,hisaunthoveredinthedoorwaywithakeycardinher

hand.

“Ididn’texpectyoutwotobehere.Um…”Shesmiledandherpaleskintookonarosyblush.Atlast,sheadded,“Well,I thoughtyou’dbedownstairs”

“No,wehaddinneruphere.Istheresomethingyouwanted?”

Sheclearedherthroat “Um,yes Iwasgoingtoleaveyouanoteaboutthewomeninapartment3B There’saterrible racketgoingondownthere.Allkindsofhootingandhollering.Evenscreaming.Iwantyoutotalktothem.”

Hestoodslowlyandputbothhandsinhispockets “Whydon’tyoutalktothem,ifit’sbotheringyou?Ican’tevenhear them.”

Dottiejammedherhandsonherhips.“Ialreadydid.Theyobviouslydon’tcareifthey’redisturbingme.” “HowaboutUncleRalph?Isheupsetbyit?”

Sherolledhereyes.“Youruncleisn’tupsetintheleast.Infact,hethinksitsoundslikethey’rehavingsex,andheseemsto beenjoyingit”

Jasonchuckled.“I’llseeiftheycankeepitdown whenthey’refinished.” “Pleasedo”Hisauntspunonherheelandleft Jasonsighed,thenlookeddownatMerryandsmiled.“I’msorryaboutthat.”

“Don’tworry.Itwasprobablyagoodthingwewereinterruptedorwhoknowswhat…”Sheflushedassherealizedwhat shehadjustrevealedaboutherself,thencheckedherwatch “Oh,look It’sgettinglate Weshouldprobablycallitanight”

Jasonlookeddisappointed,thensaid,“Okay.I’llwalkyoutoyourfrontdoor.Doyoumindstoppingoneflightdown?It mightbe a little lessembarrassingformetotalktoGwynethandMorgaineifyou’rethere”

“Ifthey’rereallyhavingsex,doyouhonestlythinkanythingwillmakeitlessembarrassing?”

Hewinced.“Idoubtit,butwillyoucomeanyway?Asafriendsupportingafriend?”

Sheshothimateasinggrin.“Sure,Iwouldn’tmissit.”

“Oh,soyou’re that kindoffriend,areyou?”

“Don’ttellmeyoucan’ttakealittleinnocentteasing?”Sheelbowedhimintheribs “OfcourseIcan,aslongasyoucantakeitaswellasdishitout.”

“Bringiton,pal”

BeforeJasonwalkedhertotheelevator,Merryhadofferedtotalktothenoisemakersin3Bforhim Shereallydidwanta relationshipbasedonfriendshipanditseemedlikeasmallthingshecoulddoforhim.So,shekissedhimgoodnightathisdoor andtooktheelevatoralone.

Nowshestoodatthedoorto3B,listeningtoobviousmoansofpassion,wonderingwhattosay “Hey I’mgladyoutwo havesuchagreatsexlife,andIhatetoputadamperonit,but…”No.Toodirect.Maybe,“Hi,it’sjustlittleol’me,dropping offamessage ”Atlast,shedecidedtotrylettingtheminonsomethingshe’doverheardthebig,badmanagersay Okay so shetookthecowardlywayoutandstretchedthetruthabit,butthatseemedliketheonlyoptionshecouldhandle.So,she knocked

Alongsilencefollowed.Shewonderedwhethertoknockagainorforgetitwhen,amomentlater,thedooropened. Gwyneth,theyoungerone,greetedherwithacheerysmile.“Howdy,Merry.Whatbringsyouallthewayuphere?”Sheworea long,bohemian-looking,embroideredblackskirtandablackcrushed-velvettop Herlongredhairlookedprettyyet unsophisticatedpulledbackonthesideswiththerestofithangingincurlingtendrilsaroundhershouldersanddownherback.

“Iwantedtotellyousomethingkindofimportant IhopeI’mnotdisturbingyou”

“Oh,no.Notatall.Comeonin!”

MerrysteppedthroughthedoorandMorgaineroundedthecorner “Whatanicesurprise Howareyoufeeling,Merry?” Morgaineseemedtobeinherthirtieswiththesamebohemianstyle,butherhairhunglooseandstraight.Ashinyeaglefeather tuckedbehindhereargavehertheatypicalappearanceofagothicNativeAmerican.

“I’mfeelingmuchbetter,thanks Itwasjustsortofunnerving,especiallysinceI’donlymovedinthedaybefore Whatan introductiontocitylife!”

“Yeah,youmusthavefeltlikeyouwerecaughtwithyourpantsdown”Gwynethgasped “Lordy,Ishouldn’tletmymouth overloadmytail.WhatImeantwas,youmustathoughtaboutturnin’aroundandmovin’rightout,huh?”Gwyneth’sfair completionturnedbrightred.

“Iadmititoccurredtome.ButI’vewaitedtoolongforthistojustturntailandrun.Itdoesn’thappenalotaroundhere, doesit?”

“No,thisneighborhoodisverysafe,andgoodforyou,”Morgainesaid “YourattackwasthefirstonourblockasfarasI know.”

“Luckyme”

Gwynethadded,“Nowasfaraspeoplemovin’inandrightout,thathappens,butonlyinapartment3Aacrossthehall.”

“Hmm…Maybeit’shaunted,orsomething?”

GwynethlookedtoMorgaine,whonodded

“Wouldyouliketositdown,Merry?Wecangetyouabeerorsomething…”

“Oh,nothanks Ihavetogobacktomyapartmentandgetsomesleep IjustwantedtosortofwarnyouthatDottie’sonthe warpathaboutsomeloudnoisescomingfromyourapartment.”

Thewomen’seyeswidened “Noise?Whatkindofnoise?”Gwynethasked “Shesaid,‘hootingandhollering.’Oh,and‘screaming,’Ibelieve.”

Thewomenlookedateachother,andGwynethflinched.

“Andshewastellingyouthis,because ?”Morgaineasked

“Oh,no.ShewastalkingtoJason.Shewantedhimtotalktoyouaboutit,buthewasembarrassed.He’sareallyniceguy andIdidn’twanttoseehimsquirm,soIsaidI’dtellyou It’snobigdeal Imean,Ithinkit’sgreatthatyoutwoaresointoeach otherandhavesuchgratifyingsex.”

Morgainestraightenedandstared Gwynethslappedahandoverhermouth Atlast,theuncomfortablesilenceshattered whenthetwowomenburstoutlaughing.

Merrycockedherhead,confusedaboutwhatshehadsaidthatamusedthemsomuch.Eventuallythepairsettleddownand Morgainespoke

“We’renotlesbians,Merry.We’rephone-sexactresses.Sometimestheguyswantustopretendwe’regettingofftoo,so theycanfeelallpumpedupabouthow virile theyare”

“Virtuallyvirile,shemeans,”Gwynethdrawled.

“Oh!Sothat’showyoumakeyourliving?” Well, that was unexpected

“Thatamongotherthings.It’snotlikewecanreallykeepitdownmuch.It’swhatpaystherent.Idon’tsupposeDottie wouldcare,evenifsheknewthat.”

Merryshruggedoneshoulder “Probablynot Butmaybethere’ssomekindofsoundproofingJasoncouldlookinto”

“Somewhat?”Gwynethasked.

“Soundproofing betweenyourtwoapartments”Merryglancedaroundandnoticedalackofcarpeting “Inthemeantime, maybeyoucouldputdownsomerugsasanoisedampener?”

Gwynethnodded.“Wecouldtryit.”

“Anythingtokeepthewickedwitchof2Bhappy,right?”Merrywinkedconspiratorially.

Thewomenraisedtheireyebrows,thenburstoutlaughingagain.

Now what did I say?

Chapter3

Jasonhandedabeertohisuncle,tookaseatonhislowsidechair,andstretchedouthislegs.“How’sitgoing?”

“Withme?Youknow Sameold,sameold IthoughtI’dseeifyourlifewasmoreinteresting” Jasonchuckled.“Well,tonight,Igottoknowoneofmytenantsbetter…alotbetter.” Ralphleanedforward.“Tellmeallaboutit.”

“Merry,thenursewhorecentlymovedin,camefordinner Jeez,Ialmostcameinmypantswhileweweremakingouton thecouch.”

Ralphlaughed “Gladtohearit Butinaway,that’swhyIdecidedtopayyouavisit Weneedtotalk” “Talk?Aboutmylovelife?”

Ralphrestedhiselbowsonhisknees “Iknowthisissomethingyou’dprobablyratherhearfromyourfather,butI’mhere andheisn’t,soI’mtakingituponmyselftohave the talk withyou.”

Jason’seyesrounded.“Youmeanthebirdsandthebees?UncleRalph,I’mtwenty-sevenyearsold.I’veknownaboutsex sinceIwaseleven”

Ralphchuckledbutquicklyturnedserious.“Notthat talk.Theonespecificallyconnectedtoourfamilygenetics.” “Oh,yeah Isupposethat’satalkwecouldhave”

“Eversinceyouwerealittleboy,girlshavefollowedyouaroundandbeenfairlyforwardwithyou.Yourdadaskedmeto keepaneyeonyouhereandmakesurenoonegottooclose foryourowngood”

Jasonrearedback.“Whatthe…So,amIneversupposedtohavetheloveandtrustofagoodwoman?Justbecauseyoutwo thinkyouknowwhat’sgoodforme?”

“I’mnotsayingthat I’mjustsayingyouneedtobecareful Thisgirlseemslikearealsweetheart Thekindofgirlyou couldfallinlovewith.”

“Yeah,and?”

Ralphlookedhimintheeye.“Andthatmakesyouvulnerable.”

“Iknowallaboutthechangesloveandsexbringtothepictureforthoselikeus.”

“She’svulnerabletoo.Thisisherhomenow.Ifthingsdon’tworkout,livingheremightbeuncomfortable,butitcouldbe evenworseforyouifthingsprogress.”

Jasonfoldedhisarmsandfrowned “How’sthat?”

“Ifshelearnsthefamilysecret.Youneedtobeverycarefulnottoshowherthatsideofyourself.”

“Evenifthingsdon’tmoveforwardromanticallywithMerry,anditlooksliketheyjustmight,she’salreadybecominga goodfriend.Shesaidshe’dgotothebachelorauctionIwaspressuredintoandbidonme.Ireallyneedthattohappen.Iget intotroublewhenI’mstressedout.”

Ralphslappedhisknee.“That’sexactlywhatI’mtalkingabout.”

“Don’tworry.Iwouldn’tdaretellhermydeepdarksecret,yet.ShemightfreakandIdefinitelydon’t wantthattohappen. Butsheseemsopen-minded Maybe,ifwegetclosefirst,she’llunderstand”

“Idoubtit.Yourmotherwasoneinamillion.Yourfatherwasextremelylucky.Toexpecttofindawomanlikethatislike expectinglightningtostriketwiceinthesamespot”

“So,you’resayingthatifIgetclosetoawoman, any woman,Ishould never sharemyuniquecondition?”Thislittlechat wasannoyingJasonmoreandmorebytheminute.

“Yes Look,asmuchasIhatetoputitthisway,you’rejustahalf-breed Youmightnotexperiencethesamecontrolover yourinstincts especiallyifyouletawomanintoyourlife.That’sthetimewe’retestedthemost.You’renotasstrongasthe restofus”

Jasonshookhishead.Heknewtheinstinctshisunclereferredtoandheexperiencedthesamefeelingsasmuchasanyother full-bloodedfamilymember Buthisunclewasright Hedidn’thavethesolidcontroloverhisconditionthatwasneeded especiallyduringbiologicalchanges.Adolescencehadbeenadoublenightmare.

“So,younevertoldAuntDottie?”

Ralphburstoutlaughing

Jasonwaiteduntilhisunclesettleddown.“You’rewrongaboutMerry.Shewantstotakestress off.Shedidmeabigfavor byspeakingtosomenoisytenantsforme or,moreaccurately,forAuntDottiewhohadalreadytalkedtothem Iguessthe noisecontinued.NowDottiewantstousemeasthe muscle, andIreallydon’twanttobecastinthatrole.”Jasonhunghis head “Ithoughtbeingalandlordwouldbeeasy WhatwasIthinking?”

Ralphtookalongswigofhisbeer.“I’lltalktoDottie.Meanwhile,beextracarefulwithMerry.Enjoyherfriendshipbut leaveitatthat.”

“I’mnotsureIcan”

“Wellthen,testherfirst.Seehowshehandlesstressherself.Youknowthefightorflightinstinct?”

“What’sthatgottodowithanything?”

“YourfatherandIhadanotherbrother,remember?Untilherevealedhissecret,andhisgirlranoff.Youknowwhat happenedafterthat.Maybeifhe’dknownthat’showshehandledbadnews…”

Jasonpaused,mullingitover,thensaid,“Iguessatestmightbeagoodidea IwasthinkingImightoffertovisitthe patientsatMerry’shospitalandsignautographs.Thebonuswassupposedtobespendingmoretimewithher.Butseeingherin actionmightbeagoodideatoo Sofar,everythingaboutherispositive,buttherehastobeadownside Noone’sperfect” “Exactly.”

“So,youwantmetotesther?”Jasonasked “How?”

“Herjobsoundsstressful,andstresscanbringouttheworstinanybody.Justwatchcarefully.Seehowshehandles whatevercomesherway.”

Jasonsecretlyhopedtoseeherstayand“fight,”notrunfromstressfulsituations Atthatmoment,aknockonhisdoor meantthemostimperfectpersoninthebuildinghadreturned.

Ralphjumpedup “Don’ttellherI’mhere I’llbeinyourbathroom Ihavetogoanyway”

Jasonsaid,“Wecancontinuethislater,”andwaiteduntilhisunclewashiddenbeforeheansweredthedoor.“Aunt Dottie Twovisitsinonenight?Don’ttellmethey’restillatit”

“No.”Shebreezedpasthim,uninvited.“Icametosaythankyouforspeakingtothem.Andwhatagoodidea…romancing thenewgirl.”

“Goodidea?Whatdoyoumean?”

“Imeanthatshewon’tsueyou,ifyou’reherlover.”

“Jeez,Dottie,isthatallyoucanthinkabout?Idon’tthinkshe’sgoingtosueme andwe’renotloversyet”

“Bythelooksofthings,youwouldhavebeenifIhadn’tinterrupted.Oh,I’msorryaboutthat,bytheway.”

“Apologyaccepted.Maybeyoucanleavemessagesonmyvoicemailortapenotestomydoorfromnowon.”

Shefrowned.“Areyousayingyoudon’twantmeinyourapartment?”

Jasontuckedhishandsintohispocketsandshiftedhisweight,rockingfromhisheelstotheballsofhisfeetandback.

“Look,it’snotthat IappreciateitifI’mawayandneedthisrainforestwatered ”Hepointedtothemassivepalmsandfichus treesbythewindows.“ButifI’mhome,Ishouldbeabletotakecareoftheapartmentmyselfandthereareotherwaystoreach me”

“Inotherwords,youdon’twantmeinhere.Isupposeyoudon’twantmestraighteninguptheplace,either.”

“Yeah,Iwasgoingtotalktoyouaboutthattoo.Icanhireahousekeeper.Youalreadyhaveaplacetoclean.Plus,youdo thehallways ”

“Well,itisn’tanybother.Youshouldsaveyourmoneyforarainyday.Youcan’tplaybaseballforever.”

“Iknow,AuntDottie,Iknow I’malreadytakingstepstoinsuresomeincomeinmyretirement”

“Likewhat?”

“Well,there’stheinvestmentinthisbuilding”

“Youwon’tseeaprofitfromthisplaceforquiteawhile.Itmusthavecostamint.Plus,Ralphsaystheplumbingneedsto beupdated.Whatifaninjurytookyououtofthegamepermanently?”

“Iknowthat’salwaysapossibility,butIhaveotherthingsintheworkstoo” “Like?”

“Ihavestocks”

“Thestockmarketisunreliable,orhaven’tyounoticed?”

Hefidgeteduncomfortably “OfcourseI’venoticed ButthereareotherthingsIcandotomakemoney” “Forinstance?”

“Well,mymanagertoldmetokeepsomenotesinafolderincaselaterIwanttowritemymemoirs.”

“Really?”Hereyeslitup “CanIseethem?”

“No!” Crap, that was about the worst thing I could have said to an old busybody. Heshookhishead.“No,it’sjusta bunchofdisjointednotes,notveryinteresting”

“Waitaminute…You’regoingtoshareitwiththeworld,butnotme?MaybeIcanhelp.Iwasadecentwriterinhigh school YouwerenoRhodesScholar I’msureIcouldmakeitalotless,well,grammaticallyincorrect”

“I’llhaveaneditorforthat.Andifitstinks,they’llhireaprofessionalghostwriter,I’msure.”

“Fine,”shesaidcasually.Dottieshivered.“Whyisitalwayssodamncoldinhere?”

Chadhadjustcaughttheendofthisconversation

“If only the guy was psychic, he could have a real ghost writer That would be more fun than just watching live humans get themselves into train wreck after train wreck. Although, I have to admit, that’s fun, too I can’t wait until his aunt sneaks in and looks all over for his notes ”

Atlast,herhandreachedforthedoorknob,butjustbeforesheleft,shesaid,“Oh,andImighthavearenterfor3A.Some bio-physic-something-or-otherprofessor.”

“Good.Thanks,AuntDot.”

Chadgasped. “3A!That’s my place!Well, we’ll just see about that.”

Assoonassheclosedthedoorbehindher,Jasonrushedtohiscomputerandchangedhispasswords.

“Allaboard,folks!”

JasonassistedhisdateontotheBostonDuckTourvehicleandwhisperedsomethingtothetourguide.

“I’vealwayswantedtodothis”Merrygrinned “Whyhaven’tyou?”

“Well,it’snotexactlyaroundthecornerfromRhodeIsland,anditseemedlikeIwasalwaysbusywhenevermyfriendRoz andIthoughtaboutgoing.”

Jasontookherhand.“C’mon,let’ssitintheback-facingseats.”

“Isn’titcolderoutthere?”

“Don’tworry,I’llkeepyouwarm.”

Merryhappilyfollowedhimtotheendofthebigyellowduck TheyfoundseatsandJasonwrappedonelongarmaround herbackandcuddledher.

“Allreadytogo?”their conDUCKtor asked Jasongaveathumbs-upsignal.

Merryraisedhereyebrows.“Whyarewetheonlyonesonthetour?”

“BecauseIboughtallthetickets.”Hegaveheraside-squeeze.“Ithoughtwecouldtalkandgettoknoweachotherbetter withoutabunchofeavesdroppers.”

“Oh”Merryknewhecouldaffordit,butdidhegivehertherealreasonforwantingthewholethingtothemselves,orwas hethrowingmoneyaroundjusttoimpressher? Either way, looks good for me. Shechuckled.“Okay,whatdoyouwantto know?”

Theamphibiousbuspulledoutoftheparkingareaandontothestreet.

“Well,forstarters,whydoyoulookmorelikeaMartinezthanaMacKenzie?”

“Ah,that’seasy.Iwasadopted.Mymotherwantedadaughter,hadtwoboys,andthentalkedmyfatherintoadoptingme fromalocalCatholicorganization.IknowIhavePortugueseancestors,butIdon’tknowanyotherdetailsaboutmybirth parents”

“Thatmakessense.Anycuriosityonyourpartaboutfindingyourbirthparents?”

“Noneatall I’vewonderedaboutthem,butasfarasI’mconcerned,mydadandlatemomare myparents”

“Mattisyounger,sotheydecidedtohavemore?”

“Myteenagebrotherwasalast-minutesurprise.HehasADHDandthelittlewack-jobdrivesmecrazyhalfthetime,butI sawtoithedidhischores,finishedhishomework,andwenttoschoolunlesshehadafeverofonehundredandone Hefinally graduatedfromhighschoolthispastJune withhonors!”

Despitethewayshespokeabouthim,shehopedJasoncouldtellthatshewasextremelyfondofMatt “He’sthereasonI didn’tbecomespoiled.Thathonoralwaysgoestotheyoungest.”

Hisjawdropped “So,youhelpedraisehim?”

Sheshrugged.“Ijustdidwhatanygoodsisterwoulddo.”

“Man,that’salottoaskofakid.Howoldwereyoutwowhenyourmompassedaway?”

“MattwaseightandIwassixteen Isteppedintotheroleofcaretaker butcouldn’treplacemymother Whilemyfamily recoveredemotionally,anditcametimetogotocollege,Icommuted.Icontinuedtoliveathomewhileworkingandfinally decideditwastimetoleavethenestbeforeIwasoldandgrayandwonderedwhathadhappenedtomylife”

“Wow.EvengivingupnineyearsofittoraiseMattwasalot.”

“Iknow Ididn’tmind,really Itwasimportant ButifIstayedanylongeritwould’vejustbecomeharderandharderto leaveastimewenton.Especiallyformyfather.”

“I’mgladyoudecidedtomove andevenhappierthatyoumovedinto my building.”

Thewayhelookedathersentshiversdownherspine Heseemedtobefeelingacombinationofpride,admiration,and somethingelse.Hiseyeshadtakenonasoftglow.

“Bytheway,”hesaid,“I’mthinkingofgoingfurnitureshopping Wouldyouliketocomealongandhelpmepickoutcolors thatgotogether?I’mnotverygoodatthat.”

“Areyousure?Youseemlikeastylishdresser.Sofar,Ihaven’tseenanystripedpantswithplaidshirtsandpolka-dotted sweatervests.”

Helaughed.“IwearsolidssoIdon’thavetoworryaboutprintsclashing,andmyuniformisn’tmuchofachallenge.” “Whenwereyouthinkingofgoing?”

“Tomorrow?”

“That’sthedayIwasplanningtogoouttolunchandshoppingwithmyfriend,Roz”

“Oh,well,maybesomeothertime.Itwasmostlyanexcusetospendmoretimewithyou,anyway.”

Merry’scheeksheated.“Yousureareacharmer.”

“Nah”

“Ahha!Iknewyouweretoogoodtobetrue.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“I’vebeenwaitingforsomekindofimperfectiontoshowup.Liar,liar,pantsonfire.”

Heraisedhiseyebrows Eitherthatwassoimmatureitbotheredhimor oh,maybetheywere onfire,figuratively speaking.Sheglancedathiscrotch. Yup, a nice big bulge right at the intersection of said pants.

Thegiant“duck”rolledintothewateroftheCharlesRiver.Asitstireslefttheboatramp,thevehiclefloated.Thebreeze pickedupandchilledhim,soJasonzippeduphisjacket He’dcaughtMerrystealingaglimpseatthetentinhispantsbeforehe coveredit,though.Notthathewasn’tproudofhisassets,butitwasdamncold. Better hide it before there’s any shrinkage.

“Wanttogoinside?”heasked

“Sure,butwhenwesitdown,canitbemyturntoaskthequestions?”

Hesmiled “Turnaboutisfairplay astheysay”

Thetourguidehadapparentlybeentoldtotakethenightofffromcommentary.Hesmiledasthecouplereseatedthemselves andremainedquiet.Thenheturnedhisbackandletthemhavetheirprivacyagain.

JasontooktheopportunitytocupMerry’scheekandgiveheratenderkiss Shemeltedintohimandwrappedbotharms aroundhisback.Theyfitasiftheyweremadeforeachother.Herlipsweresosoftandkissingherwarmedhimlikenojacket could

Jasonknewhewasfallingfastandhard,butforsomereasonputtingonthebreaksfeltlikethewrongthingtodo.When theyfinallypulledapart,shesighedandsaid,“You’reverygoodatthat.” “Soareyou.”

“IdoubtI’vehadnearlyasmuchpracticeasyou’vehad.Youmustinspireme.”

Hesmiled,thenkissedheronherforehead Better move on to another subject “So,whatelsedidyouwanttoknowabout me?”

“Oh,Idon’tknow What’simportanttoyou besidesbaseball?”

“Yeah,that’sprettymuchagiven.Ilikeothersports,too.Iplayedfootballbackinhighschool.Iliketoswim.WhenI finallyhadtoconcentrateononething,itwasn’thardtodecide.Baseballiswheremyhearthasalwaysbeen.”

“Swimming,huh?Ilovetoswim,too.Igrewupnearthebeachandmyparentsfeltweallneededtolearntoswimasearly aspossible,forsafetyifnothingelse.Wheredidyouswiminland-lockedMinnesota?”

“Iguessyoudon’tknowourstate’snickname LandofTenThousandLakes?”

“Oh,yeah.Thatsoundsfamiliarnow.”

“MyfamilyhadaplaceonLakeSuperior You’dbesurprisedhowmuchitresemblestheocean Completewith lighthouses,fishingboats,andseagulls.”

“I’dlovetogotheresomeday.Butthen,I’dlovetogoanywhere.I’veneverbeenoutofNewEngland,exceptforaclass triptoNewYork”

“Seriously?”Jasoncaughthimself,butitwasprobablytoolate.Hedidn’tmeantopointouthowunworldlysheas. “Iguessyou’vetraveledalloverthecountry”

Helaughed.“Yeah,I’veseenquiteabitofthisbigmudballweliveon.”

“MorethantheUnitedStates?”

“Yeah,besidesCanadaandMexico,I’vebeentoEurope,Russia,andJapan.” “Japan?You’rekidding!Whendidyougothere?”

“Incollege BaseballisahugesportinJapan,andIwascuriousabouttheplace”

“So,youjustupandwentthere?” “Yup”

“Byyourself?”

“Yup”

“AndEurope?WheredidyougoinEurope?” “Allover.”

“Really?How?”

Heshrugged.“Frequentflyermiles.” If she only knew.

“Wow Idon’tthinkI’dhavetheguts”

“Then,I’llhavetotakeyouwithmeandshowyoutheworld.”

Shegrinnedandherperfect,whitesmilelitupthenight.Jasonreallydidwanttoshowhertheworld hisworld.Andhe wantedherinitfromnowon.

“Yes,youcancomeoverandseeitanytimetomorrow.I’mthemanagerandIshouldbehomeallday.”Dottietwistedthe telephonecordinherhandasshespoketoaprospectiverenter.

Chadwasleaningagainstthewall,inanincorporealsortofway,listeninginwithgreatinterest “Oh, great She wasn’t kidding. Some poor shlub will rent the place, move in, and I’ll have to scare him off. Or maybe I can discourage whoever wants to live there before that I hope the new landlord will catch on eventually and leave my apartment alone The old owner finally gave up trying to rent it.”

“It’sbeenemptyforquitesometime,soI’lljustdoalittlevacuuminganddustingbeforeyougethere”

“I like my dust right where it is, woman. You leave my dust alone.”

“Yes,Imanagetheplaceandmyhusbandtakescareofanymaintenanceneeded,butIdoalittlelighthousekeepingoutside theunitstoo”

“Naturally. It’s so much easier to eavesdrop that way. ”

“Oh,it’snobother Itkeepsmeoutoftrouble”Shechuckled

“That’s debatable. Wasn’t it enough that I let her store a few things in my living room? Now she wants to take away the only place I can go for complete peace and quiet I can’t go to the attic anymore It’s now a penthouse I can’t go to the basement. It’s a laundry room and vampire lair. Just where am I supposed to have my hip pad? I refuse to haunt a cardboard box in the alley.”

“I’llseeyouattwoo’clock,then Iknowyou’reaprofessorandprobablyverytrustworthy,butpleasebringreferencesand paystubsasproofofemployment,anyway.Oh,andyouknowthesecuritydepositisonemonth’srent,right?”

“She ought to make it two and a half After I get through with him, the place might not look the same ”

“Itwassoniceofyoutooffertovisitmypatientsandcheerthemup I’msurethey’lllovegettingyourautograph!”Inthe hospitalelevator,MerrystoodontiptoesandkissedJason’scheek.“NottomentionI’llprobablyriseinpopularityamongthe staff.”

“Justdon’ttellthemwhereIlive.That’sallIask.”Hedrapedanarmaroundher.“Ifallgoeswell,Imightcomeback anotherevening.”

“Hey,ifallgoes really well,Imightgetonthedayshift!”

“Isthatwhatyouwanttodo?”

“God,yes I’dlovetohavemyeveningsfreelikenormalpeople” And come home in daylight especially after the incident in the alley.

Theelevatordoorswhooshedopen,andtheysteppedoutontothecorridorthatledtothehospital’spediatricorthopedics floor

“I’llhavetogointoreportfirst,butoneofthedayshiftnursescantellyouwhichpatientsarewellenoughtoreceive visitors Reportonlytakesabouthalfanhour”

Hestoppedwalking.“Oh.IthoughtI’dgetachancetogointoyourpatient’sroomswithyou.”

Shetippedherheadandasked,“Youaren’tshy,areyou?Ihaven’tbeenhereforacoupleofdays,soI’mnotsurewhich patientswouldbeupforavisit.Ofcourse,ifyoudon’tmindwaitinguntilafterreport…”

“Whateverworksforyouisokaywithme.Yougodowhatyouhavetodo.I’msureI’llfindsomecaststosign.”

Shegrinned “I’msureyouwill,too Andalotofparentswillbevisiting,soyou’llhaveplentyofpeopletokeepyou occupied.”Shewinked.“Don’tworry.Iwon’tdesertyouforlong.”

Theyroundedthecorner,arrivingatthenurse’sstation Merryspottedtwoofthedayshiftnursesfinishingtheirnotes AngiealwayssashayedaroundlikeshethoughtofherselfasafemmefataleandSamwasgay.Merrydoubtedthateitheroneof themwouldknowJasonbysight,sosheopenedhermouthtointroducehim

Beforesheutteredaword,Angielookedupandgasped.

“JasonFalco!OhmyGod!Whatareyoudo Nevermind.Whatafantasticsurprise!”Sherushedaroundthenurse’sstation andhuggedhimwithoutaskingifheminded

Shockedspeechless,Merryobservedtheblondebombshellhangingalloverhimandtellinghimwhatanadoringfanshe was Thegreen-eyedmonsterrosehigherinMerry’spsychethantheGreenMonsterbackfieldwallshehadheardof,bringing withituncomfortablepricklesupherspine. Is this how dating him will be? Is that why he just introduced himself as a ‘friend of Merry’s’rather than my boyfriend? Terrific

Samambledaroundthedeskandstuckouthishand.AsheandJasonshookhands,AngiesidledovertoMerryand whispered,“Howdoyouknowhim?”

Tooangrytospeak,Merrygrittedherteethanddidn’tanswer Whatcouldshesay?Hehadtoldhernottomentionthey livedinthesamebuilding.Nowshedidn’tevenwantAngietoknowtheylivedinthesameneighborhood orthesamestate! Howmanyunwelcomeguestswouldthatbringtoherapartment?Angiewasn’tknownforherabilitytokeepsecrets

ShehadtothinkofawaytosendAngieaway.Preferablytoanotherplanet,butontheothersideofthedeskwouldhaveto do.

“Ah,Ange,wouldyoupleasemakealistofthepatientswhowouldlikeavisitfromJason?Ihaven’tbeenonforacouple ofdays,andI’dappreciatesomeoneelsewhoknowstheirconditionsspeakingtothemfirst.”

AngiehookedherarmthroughJason’sandsaidinhersyrupysweetvoice,“Whydon’tItakehimaroundwithme?There’s noneedforalist.”

Hell’s Bells That backfired

JasonglancedatMerryandmusthaveseentheannoyedlookonherface.Hesaid,“I’msorry,Merrypromisedtotakeme around ifyoudon’tmind.”

Merrywantedtokisshim Maybethistypeofbehavioriswhatmadehimuncomfortableabouteventslikethebachelor auction.NowMerrywouldn’tmissitifshehadtobewheeledinonastretcher.

Angielookedcrestfallenanddroppedhisarm “Oh Allright Iguessyoucangoaroundwithwhoeveryouwant ”She rolledhereyes.

Merryquicklypointedtothefamilylounge “There’saplacewhereyoucanwaitforme Oryoucangotothecoffeeshop andcomebacklaterifyou’drather.”

“I’drathernotwalkintoaroomfulofstrangersincaseI’mrecognizedandstampeded.”Hesmiledasifmakingajoke,but maybehewasn’t “I’lljustwaitoverthere”Henoddedtowardthelounge,stuffedhishandsinhispockets,andstrolledinto theroom.

Naturally,anexcitedshriekfollowed “JasonFalco!”someoneexclaimed Thefollowingday,ChadwatchedasDottie appropriatelynicknamed metthewould-benewtenantatthebottomofthe stairs.“Would-be,”sinceChadhadaplantodiscouragenewrenters.Thisonehappenedtobeaprofessorfromthehigh-tech universityacrosstheriver. “Good Probably someone who doesn’t believe in ghosts I love a challenge ”

Dottieeyedthedisheveledlookingmanwearingrippedjeansandafadedgreenjacketontheothersideofthedoorand beforeopeningit,sheyelledthroughthethickglassinsetwindow.

“Stateyourbusiness”

“‘State your business’?” Chadrolledhiseyes. “She sounds like a cop. Maybe she was a pig back in Minnesota. Come to think of it, I could see her in an interrogation room making suspects squirm with all of her funky questions and crazy conclusions.”

Theman’seyesnarrowed,andheyelled,“I’msupposedtomeetthemanagertoseeanapartment.Isitstillforrent?”

Shepaused,frowning,asifshedidn’tbelievehim,gavehimtheonceover,thenexhaledloudlyandopenedthedoor Chad thoughtshemusthavebeenexpectingapipe-smoking,tweedblazer–wearing,clean-cut,bespectacledman.

Sheheldthedoorforhim,andheskirtedarounditasifshemightslamitinhisface ShewasmakingChad’sjobtooeasy! Ifhedidn’tdrivetheprofessoroff,Dottiewould.

Sheledhimtotheelevatorandpunchedthebutton Chadwasn’tcrazyaboutridingelevators Beinginspiritform,hehad totimehisascentandlandingjustrightsohewouldn’twindupontheothersideofthefloororceiling.

Hemanagedthetake-offandstuckthelandingjustfine. “Whew Why spend the energy to penetrate solid objects like walls, when it’s so much easier just to zip into spaces when the doors open? Plus, it’s fun to see people shiver if I happen to touch them.” Helaughedtohimself.

He’dhavegiventhisguyanicechilldownthebackofhisneck,butacollarandlong,curlyhaircoveredthesensitiveskin there.Theprofessordidn’tbotherremovinghisjacket.

Chadlikedtheplaceniceandcool,anditwasagoodthingsincetheownersdidn’tlikewastingoilandkeptitjustwarm enoughtopreventthepipesfromfreezing.

Theboxeshadbeenmovedfromthelivingroomtotheclosets.Whilehestrolleddownthehall,Chadusedhistelekinesis toopentheclosetdoor Thattaskpresentednochallenge Hecouldgiveitagoodslam,too,butwouldwaituntiltheywerein theroomsotheycouldseeitclosewithnodraft.

Hemanagedtomoveoneoftheboxesrightintothetrafficpattern “There, now when they round the corner, someone will trip over it and fall splat. That’ll be far-out.”

Nowthatgravitywasnolongerhisproblem,helovedwatchingpeoplefalldown.Iftheywereevenatinybitpsychic, they’dhearhimlaughinghisassoff.

“I have to let them know the unit’s previous owner bought the farm right here in his living room and isn’t happy about it Heh heh I get what little revenge I can ”

Hestillcouldn’tgetoverhowtheyhadexplainedhiscauseofdeath.Itwasofficiallylistedascardiacarrest.Well,sure. Whenabulletentersthebrain,theheartstops

Hehadbeenajournalistinthesixtiesandlivedininterestingtimes.Protestmarches,riots,andLSDweresomeofthe storieshehadcovered.Unfortunately,sowereconspiracytheories,andoneofthosehadlandedhiminhotwaterwiththeFeds. “Me and my fucking integrity and first amendment rights ” Thepublicdeservedtoknowthetruth,butashefoundout, someonedidn’tagreewiththat.

Thestorynevercametolight Backthen,heusedanactualtypewriterandhadbeenworkingonthepieceathome Hewas dedicated.Laboringunderafalsesenseofsecurity,hehadn’tusedthedeadboltandtwoguysbrokedownthedoor.Oneheld himatgunpointwhileanotherconfiscatedallofhisnotesandtheunfinishedstory Chadtriedtofightback

“If I ever find out who tipped them off, I’ll kick his wrinkly old ass. ” And,speakingofkickingasses,theywerecoming backtowardthelivingroom.

Makingeye-contact,Dottiewasgrillingtheprofessorabouthisdailyhabits ifheplayedloudmusic,heldwildparties, etc.Shecompletelymissedseeingtheboxinfrontofher,tripped,flipped,andlandedspread-eagleonthegleaminghardwood.

“Bull’s eye!”

Chadlaughedsohardheforgottoslamtheclosetdoor.

JasonhadshownupatMerry’sapartmentalittleearlytoprepareherforthebachelorauction.Heonlyhadacoupleofhours beforetheeventandavague,uncomfortablefeelinghaddescendeduponhim.Eversincehehadvisitedherhospital,he wonderedifshecouldtoleratehiscelebrityandthechallengesitwouldbring.Sheteasedhimaboutitandseemedokay afterward,buttheyhadonlyrunintoaforwardfemalefanonce sofar.

Theyhadspentalotoftimetogetheroverthepasttwoweeks Nowitseemedasifhehadknownherforever Ifshewasthejealoustype,thismeatmarketmightbepainful.Hewantedtoreassureherthat,regardlessofwhathappened, shewashisgirl Butifshecouldn’thandlethepossiblecatcallsandattentionhe’dbereceiving,knowingthatsoonerrather thanlaterwouldbehelpful.

Hecuppedhercheekandleanedinforalightkiss.Shetwinedherarmsaroundhisneck,whichinvitedanother.

Jasonfelthisarousalbrimmingandknewthatsoon,verysoon,hewantedtotaketheirrelationshiptothenextlevel.Butit wouldbebettertowaituntilaftertonight afterhewitnessedhowshe’ddealwiththeauction.Jealousyinamatecouldbe verytiresome,especiallywithhislifestyle

Butlifeisfunny.Ashegazedather,herealizedthathe mightwindupbeingthejealousone.Shewasaknockoutinher littleblackdressandhighheeledpumps Athinchainofdiamondearringsgentlycascadedalmosttohershoulder,andwithher hairsweptup,herlong,gracefulneckbeggedtobekissed.

Hewasjustabouttopushoneofherearringsoutofthewaysohecouldtrailkissesfromhereartohershoulderwhen flashingbluelightslitupthewindowsinherapartment “Crap.Notagain!”

Merrysighed “Maybeit’ssomethingelse Thecollegekidsacrossthestreetarekindofloud Afterall,itis Halloween” “Idoubtit.”Hestrodeoutintothehallandcalledupthestairs.“AuntDottie,didyoucallthepolice?”

Shetrotteddownthesingleflightofstairsandasked,“Aretheyfinallyhere?It’sabouttime” JasonsawthemcomingupthecementwalkandbackedintoMerry’sapartment.“Whydidyoucallthemthis time?” “Isawsomeoneskulkingaroundoutside.Helookedsketchy.”

“Ishestilloutthere?”

Sheshrugged.“Maybe.Ican’tseehimanymore,butIwantsomeonetotakealook.”

Jasonrolledhiseyes “Well,leavemeoutofit,okay?”HesighedandshutMerry’sdoor Merryfoldedherarmsandtippedherhead.“Doesyourauntknowwhyyou’renotcrazyaboutthecopscominghereevery coupleofweeks?”

“I’msureshemust.”

“Haveyoueversaidanythingtoher, directly,aboutprotectingyourprivacy?” Hestaredattheceilingandseemedtomullitover Thenhelookedather,shruggedandsaid,“IthoughtIdid Maybeshe didn’thearme.”

“Ifthere’sonethingnursinghastaughtme,it’stocommunicateclearly,andasoftenasneeded Confusionthatisn’t clarifiedcanleadtoallkindsofmisunderstandings andsometimesdangerousmistakes.”

“Yeah,IguessIcanseewherebeingassertivemightcomeinhandy,especiallyinyourfield.IguessI’vegottenusedto keepingmymouthshutandlettingotherpeoplefightmybattlesforme.”

“Really?Likewhom?”

“Referees,agents,coaches,managers ”

“You’rekidding.Whatdoyoudoifyoursteakisundercookedinarestaurant?Getoneofthemtosenditback?”

“Ieatitanyway There’snosuchthingasabadsteak”Hegrinned

Sheleanedtowardhimandlookedhimrightintheeye.“Youdothatalot,youknow.” “What?”

“Avoidthequestionbymakingajoke Whataboutfemalefanswhowanttomanhandleyou?”

Hegraspedherarmsandlookedherintheeye.“Merry,ithappens.Iwon’tlietoyou.It’salwaysanuncomfortable situationformesinceIdon’twanttooffendthemwhileextricatingmyself Youneverwantyourfanstellingeveryonetheythink you’reanass.Iusuallyjokemywayoutofit.That’swhyIwantyoutobuymetonight.Here.”Hereachedintohispocketand extractedamoneyclip,fatwithgreenbills “Thisshouldbeenough”HehadloadedtheclipwithBenjaminsbutknewthe biddingcouldgohigh.Hewasacelebritywholookedprettydamngoodinatux.

Merrytuckedthecashinherclutchpurse.“Areyousureyouwantmetospendallthis?”

“It’sforcharity Spenditandfeelgoodaboutit”

Aknockonthedoorinterruptedtheirconversation.Jasonrolledhiseyes.

“I’llgetit,”Merrysaid “Afterall,itis myapartment”Shesmiledasiftryingtoreassurehimofherprotection Jasonwasn’tsurewhatheshoulddo.Hedidn’twanttohideinthekitchenlikeacoward.Ifsomeonerecognizedhim,he couldalwayssayhehadcometopickuphisdateandnoonewouldhavetoknowhelivedthere ifDottiecouldkeepher mouthshut.

Yeah,Merrywasright.Hereallydidhavetotellhisaunt,specifically,nottoalerttheworldtohislocationbycallingthe copsatthedropofahat,andthenreinforcethatmessageasoftenasnecessary Merryopenedthedoorandsaid,“Sly?”

“Youknowthisman?”oneoftheofficersasked

“Yes.Hesavedmylifeacoupleofweeksago.”Shesteppedintothehallandshookthestranger’shand.“Iwantedtothank you,butIhaven’tseenyousincethatnight.”

“How’veyoubeen?”heasked,ascasuallyasifonecopdidn’thaveavicegriponhisarmandtheotheronewasn’t barringthedoorbehindhim.Dottiemadeadisgustedsoundandmarchedbackupstairs.

“I’mfine Thankstoyou”

ThecopholdingSlyasked,“Whatdoyoumeanhesavedyourlife?”

Slyspokeupquickly “Itwasnothing Amisunderstandingthatcouldhavegottenoutofhand,butitdidn’t Iintervened” AtfirstMerryhesitated,andthenasifshe’djustrememberedthecopsweren’tsupposedtoknowabouthernearrapeshe chuckledandsaid,“Yeah,that’sallitwas.Icanbeabitofadramaqueen.Itwasjustamisunderstanding.” “Yousure?”thecopatthedoorsaid.

“Yes,itwasnothing,really.”

JasonstudiedthemanthatmusthavebeenDottie’ssuspiciouscharacter“skulkingaround”outside Hedidn’tseem homeless.Hewaswell-dressedinanopencollaredblackshirt,blacktrousers,andanexpensive-lookingblackwoolcoat. “What’stheproblem,officers?”Jasonasked

“Someonecalledaboutaprowler.”

Slylaughed.“Iwasleaningagainstthefencehavingacigarette.Notprowling.”Hemadeeyecontactwiththeofficera littlelongerthannecessaryandsaid,“So,I’mfreetogo,right?”

Thecopsaid,“Aslongasthiswomancanvouchforyou.”

Merrynodded “Ivouch”

“Okay,”thecopholdinghisarmlethimgowithawarning.“Findanotherfencetoleanagainstasyouhaveyoursmokesor, betteryet,quit It’safilthyhabit”

“Yes,sir,”Slysaidandsaluted.

Theguyseemedawfullycavalierforsomeonedetainedbypolice.Afterthecopsleft,heturnedtowardMerryandsaid, “Well,niceseeingyouagain I’llbeonmyway,now”

“Wouldyouliketocomeinforsomecoffee?It’sprettychillyouttheretonight.”

Heglancedateachofthemandsaid,“Maybesomeothertime Itlookslikeyouandyourboyfriendaregoingoutonthe town.”

Jasonplacedapossessivearmaroundherwaist “Yes,wewerejustgettingreadytoleave”

“Solong.”Slywaved.“Oh!BeforeIforget.Youknowtherewassomeoneelseskulkingaroundoutthereinthebushes, right?”

“Therewas?Whydidn’tyousayanything?”

“Becausethepersontookoffassoonastheynabbedme,andifIsaid,‘Oh,it’snotme…it’stheotherprowleryouwant,’ they’dbuythatsometimeaftertheyboughttheMassAvenueBridge”

“Doyouknowwhoitwas?”

Slyshrugged.“Nope.Itwasawomanwithaknitcappulledoverherhair.Shemayhavebeenaprivatedetectivetryingto catchacheatingspouseoranex-girlfriendstalkerorsomething.Shehadacamera.Well,haveanicenight.”Assoonashehad joggeddowntheoutsidesteps,heseemedtodisappearintothedarkness.