Chapter 12

Moments later we were riding the elevator to the underground parkade. Nika stood with hunched shoulders and her hands stuck in her pockets, confusion wrinkling her brow.

“What on earth is happening, Kathryn? Shelley’s still locked up – who would be shooting at your house?” she asked and for some reason I couldn’t look at her. The doors opened and I headed towards the car. Nika walked quickly at my side. “Kathryn?”

“Something happened today, I probably should have told you about it earlier but—”

I unlocked the car and we both got in. Nika stared at me in silence as I buckled -up, maneuvering to the ramp and into the night.

“What happened?”

“Mark showed up at the office, he – he was aggressive and threatening.” I heard her gasp.

“Where was security? How did he get in? What—”

“I wasn’t in my office, he found me by Sheila’s desk.”

“What did you do?” Nika asked as I sped through a yellow light.

“Nothing, security took care of it.” I said, avoiding the details.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” the hurt was obvious in her voice.

“I, you were, I thought it could wait since you were dealing with, you know, packing up.” I shifted gears and kept my eyes firmly on the road ahead.

“You didn’t want me to worry!” She sounded both angry and incredulous. I merely nodded ‘yes.’ Nika made a huffing noise and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Do I seem that fragile to you?”

“What?” I shifted down to stop at a red light. I looked over at her. She looked more than annoyed.

“After everything that has happened?” Nika asked.

“Darling, I didn’t want to trouble you with –

“Trouble me? Kathryn you knocked out my psycho ex-girlfriend, you could have been stabbed! Don’t you think I might like to return the favour?” The tears on her cheeks reflected red, I shook my head not understanding what she meant, the light turned green. “I mean after all you’ve supported me through don’t you think I might like the chance to do the same for you?” I felt like an idiot, of course that’s what she would think.

I pulled over, quickly putting the car in neutral and setting the hand brake. I pulled off my seatbelt and turned to take her hand; she pulled me closer resting her forehead on my shoulder as she wiped at her tears.

“Nika, I’m so sorry. I should have realized how you might feel. I never meant to exclude you. I know you’re here to support me darling, I do.” Her face was hot with anger against my cheek. “I’m not used to that yet, my love, I’m sorry.”

“So is that all that happened?” she asked finally looking up at me.

“Yes, though Marcus had to tackle him.”

“God! Kathryn!” she stroked my face, looking less angry and more upset.

“So you want to knock out my crazy Ex?” I said fighting off tears. Nika smiled and nodded.

“First chance I get.” She used her right thumb to smear away a tear on my cheek.

“I feel better now Kathryn, we should go” I nodded once then pulled her closer for a quick kiss.

“I love you.” I said.

“Ditto.” Nika smiled softly. For the rest of the silent drive I split the time castigated myself for excluding her and trying to imagine what mayhem awaited us at my house.



***************



As we approached Park Hill I could see the street was clogged with cars. Somehow we managed to pull into the lower garage without drawing any attention. Nika took my hand as we walked through the narrow hall to the basement. At the top of the stairs several uniformed police moved around. Detective Jeffries was sitting in the living room and was the first to notice us. She excused herself and strode over to us; the other officers noticed our presence, surprise clear on their faces.

“I thought you searched the house?” Jeffries said to one of the police.

“We did!” He stared at us waiting for an explanation.

“Behind the furnace in the utility room,” I said to him, he went downstairs “what the hell is going on?” I asked Jeffries. The detective gestured at the young woman sitting on the sofa, she wore a bright blue golf shirt embroidered with the maid service logo and was talking to a uniformed officer.

“Her partner was vacuuming your bedroom – she was cleaning the bathroom and heard the shots. It seems the shooter thought it was you.” Jeffries said.

I let go of Nika’s hand and pinching the bridge of my nose for a moment not really wanting to hear what I was sure would come next. Nika’s hand was on my shoulder as I looked into Jeffries hard stare.

“The shooter?” I asked quietly.

“Mark Anthony Johnson” She replied and I covered my eyes shaking my head. Nika put her arm firmly around my shoulder, which helped diffuse my anger but couldn’t stop the bitter tears. Jeffries voice softened and she told us what she could.

“The shooter used a hunting rifle, somehow climbed and balanced on top of the brick wall and shot at your bedroom window.”

“The maid?” I asked.

“Taken to the hospital – wounded – not sure how seriously – twice in the abdomen.” I felt Nika stiffen beside me.

“Why were they here so late?” she asked. Jeffries shrugged before explaining.

“Apparently they were trying to catch up?” the detective said, I nodded.

“Yes, they missed yesterday – said they would try to make it today… And Mark, what’s happened to him?”

“He’s in custody – EMS took care of a few scratches he sustained falling off the wall.” Jeffries almost smirked but quickly regained her composure.

“Don’t be surprised if he tries to claim police brutality.” I said. Jeffries pursed her lips and nodded. She excused herself and left us alone. I turned into Nika’s embrace.

“Damn him!” I whispered into her chest, she stroked my back.

“Looks like I get to sleep in the guest room after all.” Nika said trying to sound lighthearted. I smiled up at her and then remembered we were in a room full of strangers, I pulled back but took hold of her hand. “Why don’t I make us some coffee?” She said.

I nodded and she went to the kitchen. The police seemed to be clearing out. I thanked them and noticed the glare of news vans at the front gate. Avoiding the door I walked over to the girl on the sofa. She looked pale and confused. I sat down to talk to her.



***************



Kathryn was sitting on the coffee table talking to the maid when I returned with her coffee. She accepted it with a quick smile.

“Would you like a coffee?” I asked the young woman. She shook her head before shyly requesting some water. When I returned with that she was nodding her head and talking.

“That would be really nice Ms. Ridgeway – Amal would appreciate it.”

“Good.” Kathryn patted her knee. I handed over the water and watched her chug it.

Moments later we were alone in the living room watching the camera’s flash through the sheer curtains. Jeffries escorted the maid out to her car. The detective responded to a reporters shout before getting into her car and maneuvering past the crowd. The remaining police officers moved in to disperse the reporters, curious neighbours and close the gate. Kathryn sat curled in one corner of the sofa staring into space. I left her alone and went up stairs. I gathered up our tooth brushes and Kathryn’s skin cream, before going into the bedroom to grab our pajamas. The sight of blood on the carpet made my stomach roil. I quickly grabbed what I needed and went back downstairs. The guest bedroom faced the back and had heavy curtains on the windows so I knew the reporters wouldn’t be able to see the light. I laid out our things in the tiny bathroom and turned down the bed and fluffed our pillows. It was a little stuffy so I cracked open the window and left the room lit only by one bedside lamp. Kathryn had her head in her hands when I joined her on the sofa.

“Let’s sleep in the guest room tonight.” I said reaching out to rub her thigh. She nodded without looking at me. “It’s all set up.” Finally she raised her head and looked at me, her expression was inscrutable.

“Thank you, darling.” She picked up my hand and kissed it slowly, then closed her eyes and pressed her face against my hand. I could feel her tears, and my chest tightened. “Thank you my darling.” She repeated. I slid closer to hug her. I held her for a while neither of us speaking. Eventually Kathryn let out a deep sigh and looked at me.

“I’m hungry.” She said looking exhausted. I nodded and stood up.

“Let’s make something we can eat in bed.” I said.

“Good idea.” She smiled weakly and followed me to the kitchen.



Kathryn had her hair pulled back with a cloth headband and looked adorable surrounded by the extra fluffy duvet. She was propped up with the pillows eating cheddar cheese and crackers. I handed her a steaming cup of tea.

“What?” she asked, “What’s with that look?”

“You, you look like a little kid.”

“Oh please!”

“You’re adorable.” I said climbing into bed next to her. “Hey! save some crackers for me.”

“Well, I guess I will.” She pretended to pout. She put her mug down on the side table, picked up the remote and flicked on the flat screen TV. The late edition news was on; she turned the volume up so we could hear it. They were discussing the recent downturn of the stock market. The screen flipped back to the grey haired news anchor:

“The exclusive Park Hill area was the scene of a shooting today,

Police responded to a 911 call from the home of Ridgecorp

CEO Kathryn Ridgeway, we go live now to News 7’s

Marissa Moriyama on the scene.”

The screen changed to the reporter standing just outside the front gate of the house. “Good God!” Kathryn whispered.

“Thanks Jim, I’m here outside the scene of the shooting

Where there has been no movement for some time. We’ve

had no sign of Ms. Ridgeway herself and were told she

was not at home at the time of the shooting.

What we do know is that the victim was a woman

of Arab descent who works for a maid service, she was

taken to the hospital and is in stable but serious condition.

Jim”

“Do we know anything about the shooter’s motivations?”

“The police have arrested Mark Anthony Johnson, Ridgeway’s estranged

husband. As you know Jim, the two have lived apart for some time,

and we have recently learned that Mr. Johnson was removed from

the offices of Ridgecorp this morning after threatening Ms. Ridgeway.”

“Any connection to the assault that took place there two weeks ago?”

Jim asked looking intent and concerned.

“There has been a great deal of speculation but as yet nothing concrete

connecting the assault on this mystery woman and today’s shooting.”

The blurry picture of us leaving the hospital filled the screen. Kathryn sighed angrily and turned down the volume. The reporter was speaking to a neighbour who looked angry and alarmed. “This is all I need!” Kathryn put down the remote and crossed her arms. I moved the empty plate off the bed and turned back to look at her. Her eyes were moving around the room and her jaw was set – I imagined she was thinking of creative ways of killing him – that’s what I was doing.

“What can we do?” I asked.

“I can’t stay here anymore, we can’t. That poor woman, she probably came here looking for a better life and what happens!? She gets shot in the suburbs!”

“Kathryn it’s not your fault!” I said turning off the power on the TV.

“Isn’t it? Then why do I feel responsible?” She looked at me with wide eyes.

“Cause guilt and responsibility is what you do.” I said, regretting it immediately. “Sorry, that didn’t come out right.”

“No, it did – you’re absolutely right, that is what I do and it’s driving me crazy.”

I sat watching her, neither of us saying a word for a long time. Finally I got up to brush my teeth. Kathryn followed suit when I was finished. When she came back to bed she lay down and took hold of my hand. Eventually she turned out her light and snuggled closer to me in the darkness. “Nika, thank you for being here, and for everything,” her voice was hoarse. I pulled her into my arms and relaxed.

“Any time Hon, lets try to sleep.” I said and Kathryn nodded against my shoulder.

The motion sensors turned off the lights in the hallway and the room was pitch black. I knew Kathryn would spend most of the night tossing, but we both had to be up early in the morning and there really wasn’t any thing we could do tonight.





The morning news was even more upsetting. Over coffee, yogurt, fruit and granola we learned that Mark had been charged with attempted murder, breaking and entering, theft and unauthorized possession of a firearm. I watched Kathryn’s face as the story continued to unfold; annoyance shaded gradually to disgust until her jaw was clenched in anger.

She sighed deeply and got up to refill her coffee cup, and mine after I handed it to her. We sat back down at the table as the reporter was quoting from a source.

“Mark Johnson, Mr Ridgeway as he is often called is well known in the Gay bathhouses and cruising areas of greater metro and has fathered two children by this woman…” an enlarged pixilated photo of a short brunette filled one corner of the screen.

Kathryn pressed her thumb firmly on the power button. When her eyes met mine she looked exhausted.

“Did you sleep at all last night?” I asked.

“Did I wreck your sleep too?” She asked.

“You look completely dead.”

“Thanks!” she made a lame attempt at levity but quickly gave up. “Darling, would you mind moving sooner rather than later?”

“I suppose...”

“I might be able to wrangle something…you ok with me dropping you off at work a little early this morning?” She sipped her coffee.

“I was thinking I could take the bike path, maybe even keep them off your trail.”

“I don’t know.” Kathryn said looking annoyed again. “What if they follow you all the way to work?”

“Stan can scare them off.”

“But I like dropping you off.”

“I like it too, just not today, besides it would be easier for them to follow you in the car than me on the bike. I can take pathways and shortcuts all the way.”

“Alright courier girl, just be careful, I don’t want to see you with road rash.”

“PPsshht – never happen.” I tried to lighten the mood. Kathryn looked like she hadn’t even heard me. “Are you going to be ok?” I reached for her hand. She looked up at me surprised then smiled a little squeezing my hand.

“Yes Nika, I’ll be fine – really… I have a feeling, well, I’ll have to meet with the board, and they will not be pleased with all this negative press.” Kathryn glanced out the window. I cleared my plate and half finished coffee and then returned to the table to kiss Kathryn on the cheek.

“If I’m biking, I should go.” I said. Kathryn grabbed me and stood up to wrap her arms around me. She kissed me passionately until I felt a little lightheaded. Then she let me go.

“Have a good day at work my love.” She said quietly. I felt myself blushing under her openly lustful gaze.

“You too.” I managed before heading to the main garage.



***************



I checked the security channels while Nika was getting her bicycle. That same persistent bastard was still there, though I couldn’t tell if he was actually in his car. I watched Nika push her bike through the side gate. When she was safely out of sight I flipped through all the camera channels and decided to leave right away, before someone figured out that the unmarked garage door could lead directly to my house.

When I arrived at work there was an email from George Chavez informing me of an emergency meeting at 10 am. As I suspected the Board of Directors were not amused.

Garnet Foster was particularly vocal.

“We’ve got to distance ourselves from this whole situation. If I’d known half of what that bastard was up to I would have got rid of him myself!” He threw a copy of this mornings rag newspaper onto the table displaying the headline “Ice Queen’s Façade Crumbling?” At least it wasn’t on the front page, yet. I reached out to scan the short blurb while the arguing continued. I wondered where the ‘Ice Queen’ label had come from.

“Garnet! Calm the hell down. We’ll fix this!” George said raising his voice. “Kathryn what do you think? It’s your life that’s being dragged through the mud.”

His voice was calmer but just as forceful. I looked around the table at the small group of old men who had controlled so much of my life and decided to be honest.

“Frankly George, I’ve been thinking of changing my name and disappearing.”

Garnet’s eyes looked ready to pop out of his head. “A joke, gentleman,” I paused and waited for the furor to subside, “I think it would be wise to make a public statement – a press release maybe and announce that I’ll be stepping down from my present position – taking a smaller roll – emphasizing that personal problems won’t effect the company.” I watched their faces, some were thoughtful others surprised. “Up until very recently I have managed to keep my private life completely out of the press – I think perhaps it’s time to use the press to our advantage, tell my side of the story – at least a strategically edited version of my story.”

George nodded slowly, “get them on your side – our side.”

“That’s the idea.” I said. There were nods all around the table.

It took us three hours but we managed to agree on my new role in the company and how to address the ‘Mark’ situation publicly. I declined their invitation for a late lunch claiming there were things I needed to organize. I ordered in a sandwich and a salad to eat while I caught up on my morning work and made a few phone calls to moving companies and the resident manager of our new home. It would cost me a fortune but I didn’t regret a single penny. I was finally making steps towards a life I wanted, one of my own making. I gave in to the desire to call Nika at three in the afternoon. Her boss answered and quickly handed the phone over to her.

“Hi Kathryn.” Nika sounded happy.

“Hello beautiful, how’s your day going?”

“Non-stop excitement as usual.” She joked.

“Uh-huh – I’m going to have to work quite late darling – um but I was wondering if we could have dinner afterwards?”

“What time?”

“Is 8 o’clock too late?”

“No, I’ll have a snack.”

“Thank you darling, um I have some news.”

“Oh?”

“I managed to convince a moving company to move most of my stuff today.”

“What? How did you…”

“I was willing to pay through the nose.”

“I see.” She sounded a little annoyed.

“So if you go home don’t be surprised if the movers are there.”

“Thanks for the warning.”

“Well, I thought you should know. We’ll have to do the unpacking ourselves tho’ that was part of the deal, seeing as it was so last minute.”

“Ok.” Nika’s voice sounded extra quiet.

“Are you sure you’re ok with this hon? This is all happening pretty fast.”

“I think it’ll work out.”

“Good, darling I should go, I have a meeting with PR in a few minutes.”

“Yeah I should get back to work too, Oh um, where do you want to have dinner?”

“How about that lovely little place we first went to?”

“The Willow? Sure.” That seemed to perk her up again.

“Excellent, my love, I’ll see you there.”

“K’Bye.” Nika said and hung up before I responded. I decided not to read anything into that and headed to my meeting with public relations.



***************

The afternoon wasn’t busy which made the time drag slowly. I sat in on a meeting Stan had with a disgruntled bike courier named Tex. He claimed he was getting assigned car-trips, which took him well out of the downtown business core and therefore cut down his earnings. His main issue was a twice a day time-call at Tanzen just on the edge of downtown but at the top of a steep hill, it had been on my route before I switched to driving.

“Look, Tex, if you can’t handle it we’ll find someone else who can- you should be happy – you’ve only been here what? A week?” Stan asked.

“Week and a half.” The young man stated angrily.

“An’ already you’ve got how many regular time-calls? You should count yourself lucky. Nika here had that ‘call for two years and didn’t whine about it once…” Stan waited for a response.

Tex, glowered at both of us and mumbled “fine!” before he stood up and walked out without any further discussion. Stan rolled his eyes at me and shook his head.

“Can you believe these whiny little shits? Un- bloody-believable.” I just smiled at him and shook my head. “That’s it for today Nik, it’s passed five – go the hell home.”

“Don’t stay too late.” I said grabbing my bag and helmet. Stan made a few monosyllabic grunts without looking up from his work.



Outside it was cloudy and I was glad I had brought my beat up rain jacket with me to block the chill in the wind. I took my time riding back to Kathryn’s. When I arrived the mover’s were busily packing up. I managed to fix a quick snack to calm my grumbling stomach before they started working on the kitchen. I sat out on the balcony to stay out of the way and enjoy the view. I realized this was likely the last time I would get to enjoy this view. I thought back to making love with Kathryn on this lounge. The tickle of her hair on my skin, the intense desire in her eyes, the crazy position we had ended up in. I felt my core tighten and my face flush thinking about it, was it really only be a few weeks ago? It felt like months at least. I looked down at my plate of expensive cheeses, artisan crackers and small bottle of San Pellegrino, and laughed a little to myself. Six weeks ago I hadn’t even heard of the foods I was nibbling, and as for bottled water – how bourgeoisie was that! I smiled thinking what a self-righteous ass I could be. I thought about how being frugal made up much of my identity. My proudest accomplishments, my BSc, trips to Europe and Asia, living on my own all involved making the most of very little money. I was going to have to get used to being with someone who had no idea what it was like to worry about making the rent and getting all the bills paid. Dinner tonight might be a good time to discuss sharing the bills, Kathryn didn’t seem to realize that living with her without contributing any cash made me feel like a mooch, definitely not a good feeling. I didn’t want that to get between us.

When I went back inside the movers were packing up the last of the dishes. The majority of Kathryn’s belongings were boxed up and the larger pieces of furniture dismantled or covered in thick blankets. The team of three had been dropped off earlier in the day to prep and now they were waiting for the truck to show up. It was marked as a furniture delivery truck not as moving company. I was amazed at how quickly they transferred Kathryn’s household to the truck. Anyone watching would simple assume they were delivering a new sofa or dining set. I told them I would meet them at the condo and watched, via the security cameras, as the gate closed behind them. Our persistent paparazzo actually got out of the car as the truck passed. It was a blonde woman with her hair half hidden under a ball cap; she was dressed in a track suit like the woman who had been watching me at the Donair place. My heart sped up. She stood and looked from the house to the truck and back again. Then she got back in her car and started it and pulled a tight U- turn in front of the gate. I quickly grabbed my gear and ran to the garage for my bike. There was no way I wanted her finding out where we were moving!

I got out onto the bike path as quickly as I could, not bothering with my helmet until I was on the paved section. I had just clipped the strap under my chin when the path sloped downhill. I grabbed the handle bars and stood up to lean my weight back. When the path flattened out before it branched into two I decided to go right instead of my usual left betting that would take me closer to the route of the moving truck. I was surprised by a hairpin turn halfway down the hill, after that the path gradually sloped down to come alongside the entrance to an alleyway. At the far end of the block I could see the truck stopped at a light and the blonde’s crap coloured sedan a few cars back. I turned onto the road and sped up between her lane and the parked cars. I stopped behind the truck and took a drink from my water bottle glancing over my shoulder to see if she had noticed me. Traffic started moving and I hung back acting like I was afraid to pass the truck. The cars traveling behind it passed me leaving a gap in front of her car. I pulled into the middle of the lane hoping to slow her down and get her attention. At the next light I glanced over my shoulder and she gestured at me that I should move over. I turned around and took off my sun- glasses gesturing back at her. I yelled that I needed to turn. The surprise on her face was unmistakable. She gestured like she was sorry and glanced away. I put my glasses back on and waited for the truck to move. Would she follow me or would she continue to tail them? As the truck pulled ahead I signaled my intention to turn left. I moved ahead and left enough space that she could have passed me on the right if she had wanted to. Instead she waited. I turned when I could and continued slowly down the street glancing behind me to see that she was still at the intersection waiting to turn as well. So far so good, now all I had to do was think of a way to lose her while keeping her occupied long enough. I meandered along the street trying to think of which direction I should take. I wasn’t that familiar with this neighbourhood. She was having a hard time following discretely because I was going so slowly.

After a few blocks I recognized where I was and pulled off the road and onto the bike path that followed the long treed street known as the Parkway. I picked up speed enjoying the crisp air rushing over me. The sedan sped passed me and I wondered if she had given up. Several minutes later I exited the trees and spotted her car in the parking lot for the city golf course. I breezed right by as though I hadn’t even noticed her. I stopped next to a park bench, got off my bike and pretended to tie my shoe. A woman walked by with her dog – it was a Wheaton terrier. I smiled at her, complemented the dog and asked her the time. I was surprised to hear it was already five passed seven. I would have to move quickly if I was going to get to the condo and meet Kathryn for dinner. I hopped back on my bike and sped off down the pathway. The wooden pedestrian bridge was narrow so I had to slow down to make the turn, as I did I noticed the blonde was following me. If she wanted to continue tailing me her only choice would be on foot. The bridge spanned a narrow creek and led to a park. Even if she risked speeding she would need ten minutes to loop around and catch me leaving the other side of the park. I peddled hard and ignored the pain in my ribs, lucky for me there weren’t too many people to dodge so I got through the park quickly.

15 minutes later I was breathing hard and buzzing the manager of the condo building. She didn’t seem pleased when she let me in saying that bicycles were not allowed in the main lobby. I picked my bike up and set the crossbar comfortably on my shoulder and followed her to the elevator. She handed me the key and punched in her security code before tapping the button for floor J. I was quite happy she wasn’t escorting me upstairs. When I arrived our door was open and it was obvious the movers had already started bringing stuff up. I carried my bike into the laundry room just off the front hall and wondered if I had time for a shower. I looked at myself in the hall mirror – hair sweaty and stuck to my skull in the same pattern as my helmet vents, flecks of mud on my chest and left cheek. Definitely a shower was in order!

Two of the movers arrived with dollies loaded with boxes they nodded in response to my ‘hello’ and left the boxes piled along the wall in the living room and quickly disappeared out the door. I rummaged around hoping to find some towels. All I could find were the tea-towels, they would have to do. I grabbed a handful and made my way to the bathroom.



***************



I hurried up the walkway to the restaurant hoping Nika wasn’t too upset with me for being 15 minutes late. The cute young waitress with dreadlocks met me at the door.

“Hello, I’m meeting someone, she’s tall with blonde hair, I’m afraid she’s been waiting for a while.” I said. The young woman looked confused and led me inside.

“I don’t think she’s here yet – feel free to look around and then choose whatever table is available.” She smiled awkwardly and left me to it. I wandered through the rooms of the old converted house. It was quite busy tonight; lots of couples at candlelit tables for two and a couple of louder groups out on the patio. Nika wasn’t there. Feeling very self conscious I peeked into the rooms I had already been through and decided to grab the only remaining table on the patio. It was in a dark corner up against the wall of the house. A handsome young man came over to light the candle on the table.

“Just yourself tonight or is someone joining you?” He asked with a smile.

“Hopefully she’ll be here soon.” I said taking the proffered menu.

“Can I start you with a glass of wine or a coffee?”

“A glass of your house red, I think.” I said. He smiled in response and lay down a second menu on the table. I tried to read the menu but the words couldn’t break through my concerns about Nika. It really wasn’t like her to be late, in fact, she tended to be early.

I decided to take her shopping for a new cell phone as soon as possible. I considered calling the condo manager to ask if she’d seen Nika. My wine arrived and I took a sip, thinking I was over reacting, her crazy ex was locked up, Mark was still in Police custody, and I really shouldn’t be so paranoid. I should just try to relax – focus on the positive – I told myself. I snuggled into my fleece jacket, crossed my legs and leaned against the wall to watch the tiny lights moving as the breeze shook the trees. The wine tasted quite good and created a lovely warmth inside me. My life is finally moving in a direction I want – even if that comes from difficult circumstances – I’m deeply in love with a wonderful woman who loves me. I glanced down at my watch – almost 8:30. I looked up to see curvaceous hips clad in snug black jeans, a knitted top following the slope up to a slim waist and further to a set of strong shoulders held with perfect posture. I cleared my throat and she turned around; my beautiful Nika looking flushed and anxious. She leaned down and kissed my cheek. She started apologizing before she even sat down, talking so quickly I could barely keep up!

“Darling, slow down, take a breath – what blonde? I’m not following what you’re saying.” I said. At the same moment the waiter reappeared and Nika ordered a wine and a large glass of water. Nika calmed her breathing and glance around.

“Remember that woman who was watching me, at the Donair place?” Nika asked. I quickly nodded not wanting to interrupt. “She’s the one whose been sitting outside this whole time!”

“Our persistent bastard?” I was surprised. Nika nodded.

“She almost followed the moving van but I distracted her – Thanks” she glanced up as the waiter brought her drinks, and then took a long drink of her water.

“Sorry, we haven’t decided yet.” I said and the young man turned to the other tables, “what do you mean, distracted her?”

“On my bike, I followed them – made sure she recognized me and then got her away from them.”

“How do you know she’s not dangerous? I thought you said she had a gun?”

“I was on my bike, it was fine, I could have lost her whenever I wanted, besides I’m pretty sure now that it was a camera.” I bit my lip to avoid snapping at her cavalier attitude.

“You’re pretty sure.” I said.

“It makes more sense – Shelley wouldn’t want me dead.” Nika took a sip of red.

“Considering what happened earlier today don’t you think there is someone who might?” I raised my eyebrows and waited. It took barely a moment for Nika’s expression to change.

“Oh, I didn’t think.” She took a larger sip of her wine. My insides clenched with fear as I mentally listed the blondes possible motives, most were quite unpleasant. My concern must have been obvious because Nika reached over and offered her hand.

“Kathryn, I’m sorry – you’re right, it could have been risky.” I took hold of her hand and looked into her eyes.

“Please try to be more careful, darling. I can’t stand the thought of you hurt.” I said, she smiled apologetically and gave a slight sideways nod. The waiter returned and Nika ordered for us. Over our appetizer Nika described her shower adventure at our new place.

“So all I could find were tea towels and I didn’t even think to grab clothes before I got in the shower.” I smiled at the thought of Nika trying to get dry with what amounted to a thin hand-towel. “When I dried off I realized I had nothing to wear and that all my clothes were in bags and boxes in the living room!” Nika made a wide-eyed face as she explained and I had to press my lips together to avoid laughing. “So I tied three of them together around my waist and put my jacket back on.”

“Wait, the one held together with duct tape?” I asked, picturing that in my mind.

“That’s the one.” She took a bite.

“That’s quite a picture – like Tarzan meets Tank Girl!” I said, and Nika grinned and nodded.

“So I wait until I think the movers have gone downstairs again before I sneak out to the living room. Only one of them is there waiting for me to sign something.”

“What happened?”

“I just acted like nothing was wrong, handed back the clipboard and waited for him to go. That’s when I realized my skirt was coming apart.” I couldn’t hold back the giggles any longer. “No wait – it gets better, the other two guys show up asking where to put the bed frame as I’m literally holding myself together and as I’m talking to them the back comes apart!”

“ho-Oh-No!” I managed between giggles.

“Anyways, I moved out of their line of sight and managed to find my clothes and pull this on while crouched behind the boxes.” Nika gestured at her outfit.

“Oh honey, you’re so hilarious. Why didn’t you wait?”

“cause I knew you’d be waiting and worried.” She said making a face to say ‘obviously.’ We smiled at each other, not looking up when our entrees arrived.

“You know, love, I’ve been thinking we should buy you a new cell phone.” I said.

“I’m not sure a really want one, it seems like a needless expense – you know?”

Nika started to eat, so I did as well. Money is quite the sore spot with her lately so I didn’t want to push.

“There is the safety aspect.” I said casually. She nodded in agreement.

“I’ll think about it.” She took a sip of wine and quietly cleared her throat. “I want to talk about paying my share of the rent from now on.” She stated.

“I own the building, darling, there is no rent.” I cringed thinking how that must sound.

“Expenses then, bills…” I nodded so she would continue, “I’m tired of feeling like a mooch, Kathryn, or like some kept woman.” Nika started eating again.

“Mooch? Nika, you’re hardly a mooch. I haven’t done anything to make you feel like that have I? I honestly never meant to.” She looked down at her plate.

“I know that Kathryn, you haven’t, really, it’s just – weird for me, you know, how you never have to worry about money.” Nika bit her lip a little as she looked at me.

“I worry about money quite a bit, actually, though more how to manage it …I know you’re sensitive about this darling. It’s obvious we’ve had very different experiences with money but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, necessarily – does it?”

“No, I suppose not, but it’s important for me to pull my weight.”

“Of course.” I said. We ate in silence for a while until Nika noticed the look on my face.

“What’s that smirk about?” She sounded serious. I started to smile. “What?”

“Kept woman? Haven’t heard that one since 1952.” I said.

“You weren’t alive in 1952.” Nika pursed her lips and squinted at me.

“Apparently you were!” I joked.

“Mmmmm-Hmmm” she responded with her mouth full.

“Still, I kind of like the idea.” I said giving her a wanton look. She simply shook her head and rolled her eyes at me, before she leaned over to whisper.

“The things you say, Kathryn Ridgeway, naughty – naugh-ty!”



***************



Back at the condo we surveyed the mass of boxes. Kathryn walked over to the fridge to grab us something to drink.

“Oops.” I heard her say and turned around to see her standing in the light of a completely empty refrigerator. “I guess we forgot the food.” She looked amused.

“Water sounds perfect then.” I stated smiling at her, “Um, any idea where the glasses are?”

“These are them.” Kathryn said confidently opening a box on the counter. I joined her in the kitchen as she pulled out the first one, it was a champagne flute. Her brows crinkled as she held in a laugh.

“I guess we’re really roughing it now.” I said and she finally laughed. I took the glass from her hand and put it on the counter to take her in my arms. Her laugh is quite infectious. Her forehead was resting on my chest, her giggling turned into full on cackling when I shoved my breasts higher to bounce off her chin. We hung onto each other shaking and laughing out loud for several minutes.

“Ohhh, darling, the neighbours are going to think we’re crazy.” Kathryn said smiling and pulling me closer.

“Oh we’re crazy, that’s pretty clear!” I said.

“I love that we can laugh, even with everything that’s happening. It means a great deal to me Nika.” Kathryn reached up to run one hand through my hair.

“For me too, it’s like I can let myself be happy with you, I was always on guard before.” I admitted.

“I was too, darling, really, I wasn’t like this before you.” Kathryn kissed my neck, “you’re pretty wonderful, you know.” I felt my face blushing at her words.

“Thank you.” I managed to say before she captured my lips.

“Yr-Welcm” she mumbled while taking a gasping breath as she pushed me back against the island counter. Moments later I was bordering on sensory overload because of Kathryn’s urgent tongue and scorching hands. She was leading me slowly across the room somehow avoiding the haphazard piles of boxes. When she finally stopped my bra was unfastened and she was ripping open my button fly with one hand. The other tiny menace was grabbing one of my breasts trapping my nipple between two fingers which somehow felt remarkably like her lips. She had led me over to the centre of the living room to my favourite chair. I fought off her suggestions to sit until I had her trousers pulled down to her knees. Before I got comfortable she roughly pulled my jeans off and kicked off her own pants. Kathryn climbed onto my lap and tipped my head in both of her hands to meet her deep, moan inducing kiss. She pulled away panting, her hair a curtain for the small space between our faces. “I’ve never been like this before, either.” She said, before kissing me again.

“Like an animal?” I whispered as she trailed her lips down my throat. She nodded and made and “mmmmhmm” noise into my neck. She wrestled with my top and bra pulling them off together and then crouching over to capture my left nipple in her mouth. Kathryn focused all of her attentions on my breasts; sucking, squeezing, and tweaking until I could feel that I was soaking wet and my back began to ache from arching it. She stopped all of a sudden and leaned back. I looked up at her as she peeled her shirt off and discarded her bra. The room was barely lit by the orange of a dying sunset. I was drunk with the sight of her, couldn’t keep my hands off of her glowing skin: the smooth curve of her taut thigh muscles making a strong line up to her hips, her belly and then the perfect curve of her breasts, nipples hard and pointing skyward. Her riotous hair framing her beautiful flushed face, her lips slightly swollen from all that kissing, and her eyes so dark with desire I could barely see the blue in them. I gasped her name and pulled her close pressing my lips to her abdomen. I slid my tongue up towards a nipple enjoying the shiver that shot through her. Her hands were back in my hair as I slipped my hands down to cup her ass and tease her bush. She pulled back, her nipple leaving my mouth with a ‘pop.’ She moved off my lap with a sexy smirk.

Kathryn knelt on the floor and grabbed my calves, since the chair was already slick with sweat she easily pulled me towards her. I gulped for breath as her hands trailed up my thighs and she firmly took hold of my waist, rubbing her thumbs in circles over my hip bones. She started kissing her way up one leg. I slouched down to spread my legs for her. I jolted as her nipple hit my clit. She smiled up at me for a moment before stretching my vulva and plunging her tongue down over me. My hips bucked of their own will and Kathryn pulled me closer still. Pure sensation pulsed through me as she tongued her way inside me. I reached up and grabbed the edges of the chair which gave me the leverage I wanted to push my hips towards her. All that matters is Kathryn’s mouth and the amazing pleasures she can give me. She started to suck, not simple my clitoris but labia too, pulling and pulling into her. I was having a very hard time controlling my hips, keeping my self from forcefully grinding against her. I wasn’t certain how much more sensation I could take. Then, still sucking me, still pulling all of me throbbing inside her suddenly her tongue was inside me! I completely lost control of my hips as she continued. Noises somewhere between a sob and a moan matched the rhythm of her pulling thrusts. I barely realized I was the one making them. Kathryn wouldn’t stop; we continued this glorious torture until I was wracked with orgasm after orgasm my spine arching with each one. Just when I though I’d reached a plateau Kathryn changed tactics and took me further. I tasted my wetness on her lips as she climbed back on top of me and slid I don’t known how many of her slender fingers deep inside me. I felt deliciously full everywhere. I was vaguely aware that she was pressing a knee against her hand grinding against me. I sucked and sucked at her tongue as she continued to plunge into me. Every muscle in my legs went taut as I rode her hand. She leaned up pulling her lips away to thrust still deeper into my pussy. I caught her nipple in my mouth, it tasted of me too. I focused on the feeling of Kathryn fucking me and stretched open my mouth taking as much of her breast into me as I could. All I could think of was how much I wanted her inside me, spreading me open, making me quake. Soon enough that was all I could do. Many delightful moments later I gasped for breath against her chest.

“Goddess, you are – amazing!” I said. Kathryn simple dipped her head to kiss me. I shuddered as she slowly pulled her fingers out of me only to press my wetness against my clit, causing me to shake even more. “You’re evil.” I whispered and bit her collarbone.

“Mmm, but you like it when I’m evil, don’t you?” the low tone of her voice almost made me come again. “I think we should adjourn to the bedroom darling. I’m no where near done with you yet.” She looked positively feral. She pulled me to my feet.

“There aren’t even sheets on the bed.” I said as she walked into the kitchen. She filled the flute with tap water and gulped it back before refilling and bringing it back to me.

“Well, we’ll have to find something darling, otherwise how can I tie you to the bed?” I stopped just before drinking to take in the sight of her curves highlighted by the dim light of the front hallway. She turned away from me and sauntered to the bedroom door. I gulped down the water and followed her.