21 comments/ 20629 views/ 8 favorites Not the Woman he Knew By: Dinsmore "Hey Rick, do you remember Kathy Banner?" Kathy Banner. It had been ten years. She had come on board as a new management intern right out of college at all of twenty-two. She had been moderately cute; she had a little too much baby fat and teeth that needed help from an orthodontist. She had that insufferable arrogance of most newly minted college grads who think they know more than the people who have been doing a job since the newly minted "experts" were in grammar school. He remembered the night he had met some work people at a hotel bar after an out of town conference. The region manager had decided it would be good exposure for her to attend. The little girl couldn't hold her liquor. She had been surrounded by a gaggle of vultures recognizing easy prey. As she had wobbled to the lady's room, he had intercepted her and guided her upstairs to her hotel room. "You're drunk, Kathy; it's time to retire." She had tried to kiss him on the elevator ride; she had grabbed for his cock through his suit trousers. He had searched for her key card in her purse, opened the door and pulled her inside. She'd barely made it to the commode before tossing her cookies. She had passed out on the bathroom floor. He'd cleaned her up, carried her back to the bedroom, removed her shoes, blouse and skirt and tucked into bed. He sat down and watched her. As soon as she had started to snore, he had left. They'd never talked about the incident. Last he had heard she had taken a job with the company's Miami branch and then left the company a couple of years later. Within a year of tucking her in that night, he had accepted a promotion and moved to Boston. "Sure Dave. I thought she left years ago." "That she did but she's back. She just took that vacant territory north of Miami. Evidently she's still a smoker. She's out in the courtyard having a cigarette. You ought to go say hello." Rick still succumbed to the occasional smoke. He'd started smoking Sherman's because he actually enjoyed them and discovered that five or six a day satisfied him every bit as much as the two packs of Salems he'd smoked for a number of years. There was only one other person in the courtyard as the number of smokers in the company had drastically declined over the years. Had he not been expecting her he wouldn't have recognized her. There wasn't a hint of baby fat. If anything she was a bit thin for his tastes but thin was fashionable he supposed. It was amazing what good clothes and a good haircut could do for a woman. When she turned, recognized him and smiled, it was obvious that she had benefited from top of the line dental work. "Rick! Long time no see!" she exclaimed, as her perfect smile lit up her remarkably pretty face. In her early thirties, Kathy Banner had turned into a stunningly beautiful young woman. "It's not Banner---Davidson---I got married...orthopedic surgeon...five years. We're separated...working our way toward a divorce." "I'm sorry to hear that, Kath." "Don't be! It was a huge mistake...a disaster in every sense of the word. I gather you took the same road too often traveled." "Not that long after you left Tampa. It ended with a whimper rather than a bang. She's remarried, apparently happily, down in Naples and there's no ill will." "I wish I could say the same. We don't have any kids but it's getting contentious. I mean, I caught the son of a bitch screwing one of his surgical nurses in our bed. I came home with a friend from the neighborhood---she witnessed the whole thing! Unfortunately, I signed a prenupt. I don't get shit---unless he commits a felony or adultery. If I cheated---or cheat---on him, I'm totally screwed. He's got some goon friend of his who is a PI following me. I was his fourth wife---thought I was only his second. He lied." "Doesn't sound like the smartest thing you've ever done, Kathy." "The story of my life. He's handsome, famous, successful---and he's a doctor. Needed an arm piece---one more in a string of trophy wives. He completely won me over and my parents were thrilled. 'Marry a doctor, Kathy.' How many times have I heard that one? Anyway, he's frozen me out financially; that's why I took this job. He's got friends...powerful friends. I can't afford a private detective. He---or his goon---will ultimately get to the other witness. He'll buy her off or intimidate her and in six weeks it'll be his word against mine in front of the judge and he'll win. I know I can make a living; it's less about the money than nailing that prick. He's gotten away with it three times...I'll be his fourth victim." "Is there anything I can do to help?" "You always were a nice guy Rick, never one to take advantage of a girl when she was vulnerable. For your own well being the best thing you can do is stay away from me. That goon is always there...watching me...waiting for me to screw up. Don't get involved in this. So! You've certainly done well since the last time I saw you! I thought you said you'd never leave the field and here you are Mr. Area Vice President." "After my marriage hit the skids it just made sense. I still get down here every month or so but didn't want to live here anymore." "Do you like Atlanta?" "Not particularly but I'll probably only be there for a few more months. Rumor has it that I'm headed for Chicago." "We better get inside for the meeting. It was great seeing you Rick! I'm not the woman---girl---you knew when we first met ten years ago...not remotely. I hope you realize that." "So it would seem, Kathy." A long and typically tedious sales meeting was followed by cocktails and dinner nearby on the Area Vice President's tab. Rick noted that Kathy eschewed the booze prior to dinner and had only a single glass of wine with her meal. That fact pleased him. He'd been known to tie one on in his younger days. Now days it was Perrier during the cocktail hour and a glass or two of good wine with dinner. At a reasonably early hour the group walked together toward the parking lot. Kathy fell in beside him. "He's in that black Town Car to our left---don't look!" "Who?" "My watcher...my husband's enforcer." Rick caught a glimpse of a heavyset man in a Lincoln fifty feet away to his left. "Do you know his name?" "Arnold---Arnie---Tangini. One very bad dude. He's been on the edge of the law for years but always seems to buy---or intimidate---his way out of it. Look, Rick, I'd better catch a ride with someone else. I don't want you..." "Nonsense! It's on my way." "You're not staying over?" "No, I've got a meeting in Gainesville in the morning, then back to Atlanta tomorrow night." Rick dropped Kathy off it front of her hotel, waited until she was inside and then headed for the Interstate and the two-hour drive north. He was surprised when the black car followed him on to I-75, even more so when he was still back there an hour later. A half an hour south of his destination he put on his turn signal and exited at a rest stop. After taking a leak he went to the vending machines to get some coffee and have a cigarette. Following a series of rest stop murders in another part of the state, the state government had increased security on the interstate and most, if not all rest stops had a security guard and regular visits by the highway patrol. This one was no exception. The uniformed contract security guard came into view and the two men nodded to each other. "Officer?" "How can I help you, sir?" "I'm probably overreacting. I've spent too many nights driving this stretch of road and with what's happened over the last few months up north...There's a big guy in a Lincoln who pulled off when I did---he's parked way down at the end of the lot. I'm positive he started following me when I left Tampa. I saw him in the parking lot of Tio Pepe's as I was driving out. I dropped someone who I work with off at their hotel; he was parked across the street when I pulled out and then he followed me on to 75." "I'll call a patrol officer to check it out." The guard said, speaking into his shoulder mounted radio. "Damn! Looks like you were lucky to get past Ocala! A truck jackknifed just outside of town and the interstate is closed down northbound. There's no one available to come here for at least an hour. Are you carrying anything valuable?" "Nothing more valuable than my computer. We had a meeting at out Tampa office all day and it's very well marked as a medical company. Come to think of it, I might have seen that car across the street from out office when we left for dinner. Since I work in the medical industry, maybe he thinks I have drugs or syringes or something in the car." "Do you?" "No, I'm not in sales anymore so I don't carry any samples. We don't even allow our reps to carry that kind of stuff anymore. Most of 'em haven't got anything more exciting than elastic bandages and some enema kits in their trunk." "Well, if I could get a northbound car up here, I could watch to see if he follows you out and notify the state police and they could pull him over but with that big accident..." "Well, I understand. Again, I'm probably overreacting. I better hit the road. I'm only going as far as Gainesville tonight...early meeting in the morning." "I'll walk down there and talk to him while you're driving out. Maybe I can at least slow him down a little." "Be careful officer...you don't exactly have backup." Rick watched the security guard walk back toward the Lincoln in his rear view mirror. To his shock, the Town Car came hurtling out of its parking space with it's lights off and sped toward the rest stop exit behind Rick, almost running down the uniformed guard in the process. That was dumb, Rick thought to himself. Even dumber, the security guard drew his weapon and proceeded to empty his six shot .38 revolver in the general direction of the Lincoln. The Lincoln screeched to a halt and the big man exited. He was walking back toward the security guard who was furiously trying to acquire his backup rounds and reload. Fuck! Rick jammed his car into reverse and hurtled back toward the scene, coming to rest abreast of the private detective who stopped momentarily as he considered his threat priorities. Rick came out of his car with the Kimber Custom 1911which was always jammed into the seat beside him. He was licensed to carry the handgun in Florida and Georgia. He regularly competed in IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) competition at a private shooting club near Covington. He'd never shot anything more imposing than corrugated targets---certainly never faced an angry, out of control man with a Colt Combat Masterpiece in his hand. With most of his body shielded by his car, he adopted a two handed shooting stance with his feet spread just past shoulder width; his upper body was well supported by the top of his automobile. "Back off, asshole!" Rick said, hoping that his voice registered authority and not the fear he was feeling in ever fiber of his body. "Just drive away, motherfucker! This is between me and that dumb ass rent-a-cop!" The big man's indecision as to his threat priorities began to resolve as he considered Rick's demeanor, shooting posture, grip and effective use of cover. The long barrel of the .357 magnum began a lazy but purposeful swing in his direction. Fuck! You're going to have to shoot the bastard! Arnie Tangini had read it all wrong. Before he could turn and center his front sight on Rick, two shots rang out; both rounds hit him center mass. The big Colt revolver left his hands and he went down. Rick activated the safety on his weapon and placed it on the top of his car, raising his hands. The security guard approached the fallen man with his revolver still pointed at the dead man's mid section. Quickly ascertaining that Arnie was in fact deceased, he spoke to Rick without turning. "Are you okay?" "Yeah." "Please tell me you've got a CCL (Concealed Carry License) to have a loaded weapon within reach in your auto." "That I do---Florida and Georgia." "You're going to be a little late getting to Gainesville." It took half an hour for the state police to arrive. Rick told them what had transpired. The security guard's version was identical. They took his statement, examined his CCL, and confirmed that he had not fired his weapon. He told them everything including his conversations with Kathy about Arnie the earlier in the day. While he hadn't shared that information with the security guard, this was now a homicide investigation and he had no intention of lying to the state police. Two hours later he was back on the road. The following day he would stop at the state police substation in Gainesville to sign some forms. Before heading for Atlanta. His statement was video taped. He had some questions for the investigating officer. "What possessed that guy to try to run down---and then draw on---an armed officer? I realize the security guard is contract---but from what you've told me he has been granted full police powers." "Mr. Tangini had a very checkered past. He'd been popping bennies to stay awake. His CCL had been revoked several months back. He had a shotgun in the back seat with a barrel significantly shorter than eighteen inches. He had a bag of pot in the glove box. He was facing a major felony bust with mandatory jail time. I have no doubt he would have killed the guard if you hadn't intervened. The guard did not exactly respond appropriately by firing at the car but who knows what any of us would have done in that situation? Let me ask you a question, Rick." "Sure." "We checked you out with the folks in Atlanta. Several knew you personally from IDPA competitions and said you were okay---and a hell of a combat pistol shooter. Could you have done it---shot him?" "I'm not sure we'll ever know for certain. In my gut I'm convinced I would have fired before he was able to do so...training and all that. I know I wasn't having some sort of inner moral dialogue. I just wanted to survive." "CCLs have gotten too damn easy to obtain in both states. You're the exception rather than the rule, a guy who bothered to get trained---and trained to a high level. Tangini was no amateur. He recognized that you were more than a shaky civilian with a carry license and a gun who had never seriously learned to use it. Somehow, he just forgot that there was another armed man out there." "Why did he follow me? Kathy and I are barely more than work acquaintances. I hadn't seen her in ten years until yesterday morning. We spent the entire day in meetings with twenty other people. Except for the five minute drive from the restaurant back to the Bay Harbor Inn where I dropped her off, we weren't alone all day for more than five minutes to grab a smoke outside in the courtyard." "He charged a pretty penny for his unique services. According to his logs, which we found in the car, he'd been trailing her for over two weeks and hadn't come up with squat. Maybe he was getting desperate. Maybe he got bored, maybe he thought you'd double back and meet her---maybe he just got focused on you because he had seen you talking to her and you gave her a ride." The detective perused a photo. "She's a very beautiful woman." Rick laughed. "I almost didn't recognize her when I saw her yesterday morning. When I knew her ten years ago she was a little chunky, needed her teeth straightened, had no sense of appropriate business attire or makeup and was just another irritating young know-it-all kid right out of college. She's certainly grown up; she's not remotely the girl---woman---I knew. I hope all of this works out okay for her; she seems like a decent person." *** Back in his own office the following morning he thought about calling Kathy and telling her what had happened. He decided against it. He had another idea forming in his mind. He called his company's marketing department to speak to the senior meeting planner. "Marjorie! Long time no see. How's life in the puzzle palace?" "Same-o, same-o, oh revered South Eastern Area Vice President. Rumor has it I'm going to be working for you in the near future...any truth to that rumor?" "Now why would I want to leave paradise to come to the frozen north lands?" "Because we desperately need someone up here with some common sense?" "I've heard the rumors too, Marjorie but no offer has been made, accepted or refused." "And if made---will it be accepted?" "No comment. If truth be told, I haven't crossed that bridge yet. I like the people down here---enjoy running my own show. I'm the only Area VP who has successfully ducked a trip to the general offices. Still, if I decide that I want to climb the ladder, it's a required move. They're not going to just hand me a division presidency without a stint up there." "How can I help you, oh wise one?" "What do you know about a big time orthopod out of Miami named Jack Davidson?" "A more inflated ego than most orthopedic surgeons---if that's possible. Charming, lots of charisma and an excellent speaker. He's on a short list." "Short list?" "He's connected to someone on the board and we've used him a few times for sales meetings and customer seminars. He's done a great job in every case---he's just more of an insufferable jerk than most doctors are." "Is he expensive?" "He's more into the perks---the kind that stay under the IRS radar. He's not hurting for money. He loves riding on the corporate jet, hob knobbing with the big boys, staying at the best locations and eating and drinking at five star facilities. Why?" "I've got a regional surgical nurses conference coming up at Hilton Head in a few weeks. We always get hit up to sponsor a major portion of it. I'd rather give them a top-notch presenter than hand them cash. Any chance we could get him? It's a weekend meeting." "I'll give it a shot. The CEO is impressed with the prick so getting the Gulfstream wouldn't be any problem and Miami to Hilton Head is a pretty short hop." "It wouldn't hurt if he brought one of his surgical nurses with him considering the audience." "Oh he always travels with a surgical nurse...seldom the same one twice...if you know what I mean. I'll get back to you later today or in the morning." The call from the meeting planner came in a little after four. "Rick, I already called our contact at the resort at Hilton Head to reserve a VIP suite. He's not asking for a speaking fee since he's getting a G5 ride and a five star weekend." "Marjorie, let them know that I'm the contact---I'll be attending and will be coming in the night before. I don't want the good doctor to have to check in. I'll pick him up and personally show him to his accommodations." "Consider it done." "Is he bringing one of his nurses?" "Yes, but I don't have a name. I'm putting her up in the main building where all the other nurses are staying...although I doubt that she'll actually be sleeping there." Rick's last call of the day was to the security company which not only handled physical security for all of the company's facilities in the Southeast but also handled background checks for new employees and investigated suspected employee thefts. Since Rick's company stored many controlled items in their distribution centers, security had to be tight. After an unpleasant incident right before he had taken over as VP---a trailer loaded with syringes had literally disappeared---Rick had fired the previous security company and hired a new one. The receptionist at the security company immediately put Rick through to the President. "My first reaction was, 'uh, oh' when I heard that you were on the line. What's up?" "Nothing urgent, Bob; your folks continue to do a great job. I was wondering when you were going to be over this way and hoped we could grab a bite and chat. It's more personal that business and I don't want to get into it on the phone." Not the Woman he Knew "What about tomorrow, say...11:30?" "Sound great. See you then." *** "Bob, do you folks do other than commercial security work...you know, divorce cases and such?" "We all started in that seamy side of the business. Fortunately as our security contracts have come online, we don't really do that kind of work anymore---and none of us miss it. I thought you got divorced eight years ago?" "It's not for me---but I intend to pay for it---out of my pocket, not company funds. It's a long story." Rick proceeded to bring Bob up to date on Kathy's situation. "I saw the Tangini obituary in the paper. No one in my line of work is going to miss that bastard. He gave us all a bad name. I need to ask one question and it never leaves this room. Are you involved with this woman?" "Not remotely. I hadn't seen her in ten years before a couple of days ago. Common sense says I should stay the hell out of it but after the thing with Arnie Tangini...I don't know. She seems like a decent kid and as one of the few smokers left in corporate America, I suppose she's a friend. She works for me indirectly so in a sense, I guess she's family." "So you'd like to get her husband on tape boffing some hussy on the sly? It's not that hard. We've got the equipment; it's the same stuff we use for surveillance of corporate sites where high dollar value---or federally controlled---products are handled. The key is figuring out where they're going to do the nasty and getting in there before they do." "I think I've got that one covered." Rick said, briefing Bob on the upcoming Hilton Head conference. "Look, Rick, you've been good to us---and good for us. You put us on the map in the Southeast in the high-end commercial security world. I can handle a job like that on my own. I'll do it for you for expenses. I owe you at least that much." "Well, let's see. I'm driving to Hilton Head the day before. If you don't mind bunking with me---in a five star suite, you get your own bedroom and bathroom---and drinking for free while eating top of the line food at one of the premier resorts on the east coast..." "That should more than cover it!" "Look, Bob, once we get the evidence---the tape---what the hell do we do with it?" "Who's her attorney down there?" "I don't know. I suppose I could call her with some story about a friend in Miami looking at a divorce and needing a lawyer. Yeah, that'll work. I'll leave her a voice mail right now and mark it urgent." Rick left the short message on Kathy's voicemail. "If he's worth a salt, the best thing to do is get it to him. If it's someone we've ever worked with before we can vouch for the time frame and such over the phone. Most divorce court judges will accept a written affidavit from a reputable investigator. If it's good tape---it'll never get to that. Her attorney will call opposing council and ask for a meet. If I do my job, they'll deal." Like many field reps, Kathy had her voicemail set up to page her beeper if a message was marked urgent. Rick had the answer Bob needed within twenty minutes. "I'm familiar with the firm; they're very respected. I'll check with my folks in Miami and see if we have a contact there." *** Almost four weeks later and less than two weeks before Kathy's day in court, Rick assisted Bob in setting up the surveillance equipment in what was to be the prominent doctor's suite. "Well, that should cover it. It won't matter where they end up---even out on the balcony, we'll be covered. It'll be much better video if there is even a low level of artificial light, so let's hope he's one of those guys who likes the lights on. This is extremely high tech equipment---state of the art. If the lights are on bright it'll be right up there with the best high quality HD porn." "Feel like going with me out to the airstrip to meet him?" "That might not be a bad idea. Tell him who I am---your security guy, here to assure that your guests are safe and...private. Any decent security guy could find this stuff but to the novice it's not easily detectable." The good doctor was every bit as arrogant and impressed with himself as advertised. The blond nurse with him---easily twenty years his junior---could have made a lot more money taking her clothes off than being a surgical nurse. While the doctor attempted to maintain an air of professionalism, it was obvious that the nubile young lady had visions of being the next Mrs. Doctor Davidson. Rick introduced the doctor to Bob as planned. "Security?" Davidson inquired. "Our senior executives often use this location for senior level, ah, conferences. Industrial espionage is a growing concern particularly in our business. Bob is here to ensure that none of our senior people are eves dropped on or disturbed in any way while they are here." The good doctor bought it hook, line and sinker. The cameras were all tied in via a wireless feed to a console in the living room of the suite that Rick and Bob shared. The equipment required no attendant; occasionally during the night Bob got up to inspect the video. Some time after three in the morning, Rick awoke and joined Bob in the living room. "How's it look, Bob?" "Prime, USDA inspected High Def porn. The friggin' guy never turns the lights off! Kinky bastard, too. Tied her up for a while, definite anal fetish---both of them---and other nasty stuff you really don't want to hear about. The doctor seems to like being both the spanker and the spankee. I'm glad I brought a shit load of DVDs. I've downloaded a stack of 'em. When we're done I'll edit a highlight reel which will be sure to get attention." "No problem identifying the players?" "Not remotely. They also call each other by name repeatedly. He's here for two nights? I don't see any reason to record a second night. I don't want someone from housekeeping finding some of my stuff and asking questions. What time is he speaking?" "Nine o'clock." "Great! I can get in and out before the maids show up." *** As promised the highlight video had the desired impact. Dr. Davidson's attorney quickly advised his client that he would lose half of all his assets and pay significant alimony under the state's strict formula if it got in front of a judge. Absent any information of misbehavior by Kathy, Davidson was fucked. Additionally, with the demise of Arnie Tangini, the other witness to his blatant indiscretion in his own marital bed found her conscience and agreed to testify in detail. The ultimate deal did not involve alimony or anything else that would tie Kathy to her former husband. It involved a substantial transfer of assets and cash which would ensure that Kathy wouldn't ever have to work for a living again. To add insult to injury, Kathy was granted a restraining order. Her attorney had made it clear that a single phone call would be construed as intimidation and the video would go public. Rick was not surprised a few weeks later when Kathy submitted her resignation. Why work if you don't have to? He was pleasantly surprised when she took the time to stop off in Atlanta to say goodbye. "So, Kath, according to the grapevine, everything turned out okay for you. What's next on your agenda? A life of leisure in Malibu?" "I guess I should have my feelings hurt that you have such a low opinion of me but I'm not surprised. You've always been one of the good guys, haven't you, Rick? Rescuer of damsels in distress...savior of a foolish young college girl's virtue. God I had a crush on you ten yeas ago! You could have gotten in my pants without a hell of a lot of effort...still could if you were so inclined." "Kathy, I..." "Look, Rick. The details are a little sketchy but I know enough to surmise that you had something to do with the outcome. You're still looking out for me...taking care of me after all these years. Why?" "Us fellow nicotine fiends need to stick together." "Whatever. I'm moving north. I grew up in one of the seedier suburbs of Chicago---blue collar, union, not remotely on the lake. I've accepted a job with another company up there---one of this company's suppliers---as a marketing manager. And yes, I'll probably use my new found affluence to buy a house on the lake. Maybe we'll bump into each other next time you're up that way. Any chance a girl could get a hug...for old times sake?" "Of course." Rick said. In ten years they'd never exchanged even a business hug. This one was something more but not remotely erotic. Friends? Just good friends? Why not. "Rick, in spite of the way I came across, I wasn't some poor little rich girl. I got a full scholarship to a top school---and waited tables forty hours a week all four years. I suppose if I'd grown up in the South, I'd be little more than white trash. As far as the money goes, it means my mother doesn't have to work a shift in a canning factory anymore. It means my brother who has severe special needs can get the kind of professional care he deserves. It means my parents can get a new furnace and replace the leaking roof over the heads---or move to someplace better. They won't, of course. That's where all their friend are." "Kathy, don't sell yourself short. You're a good person." "Just not quite good enough? The story of my life! You're the really good person Rick. I'm proud to have known you...wish I could have gotten to know you better." And then she was gone. *** Rick was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing three months later. He moved quickly, purchasing his own home in an upscale suburb on the lake. He thought about Kathy often but wasn't even sure why. She was a dozen years his junior. He doubted that they really had that much in common other than cigarettes and both having grown up poor albeit in different parts of the country. She was a strikingly beautiful woman and he had a soft spot in his heart for her that he couldn't explain. Three months after taking on his new responsibilities his admin stuck her head in his office to tell him that a Kathy Banner wanted to say hello even though she didn't have an appointment. She'd taken her maiden name again. He walked out to meet her in the reception area. Free of the travails of her previous divorce she appeared even more lovely than memory served him. She was smiling; she had an air of peace and contentment about her and she wore it well. They greeted with a hug. "I was over here attending to some of my marketing responsibilities and..." "I'm glad to see you, Kath. You look great! More relaxed than I remember." " I love my job. Good folks to work with...making new friends...rediscovering old ones." "Have you got time to chat? I don't have anything on the agenda for at least thirty minutes." "No, not really. I've got to get back. Rick...I don't know exactly how to kick this off...so here goes: "There is a side of me that is still as obstinate, arrogant and know-it-all as when you first met me right out of college. I'm tenacious...I have my family to thank for that. I can't seem to let go of the idea that you and I could be...Rick, I'm asking you out on a date. Tomorrow night? If not---you tell me when you are free. Anything you want to do...I'm..." "Tomorrow night would be just fine. What time are you going to pick me up?" "Where do you live?" He told her. "Amusing...we're almost neighbors give or take a block." "We both have good taste. Let's go into the city for dinner. I'll make a reservation; it's a little place in the old book binding district. Six-thirty? We can have a drink before dinner. On second thought, let's not drive. Let's take a limo...parking is a real pain and outrageously expensive." "Sounds good. I can take care of that aspect. Oh my God! You said yes! I was so afraid that you'd..." "Hurt you? When was the last time that happened?" "Never...never...you're one man who has never hurt me." "What would make you think I'd start now?" "Insecurity? Rick...I know you've never had the slightest interest in me as a..." "A beautiful women who's company I might enjoy?" "Well...yes..." "Kath, I guess you're sort of like a persistent itch that just won't go away...you've grown on me." "Sort of like a fungus?" "Exactly!" "Well at least it's a start." "It's one of the few restaurants left that still has a smoking section." "Thank God! Okay, I've got to run. Tomorrow at six-thirty?" "I'll be waiting with bells on." A quick hug...a soft kiss...their very first. *** A man really doesn't have much of a chance if a woman really wants him as her mate. Men are such pitiful amateurs when it comes to seduction. When a flawlessly beautiful size two with just the right amount of curve dresses for an evening with the man she desires, he would have to be a complete fool to get in the same car with her if he really expects to retain his freedom. Assume perfectly applied minimalist makeup, soft animated hair, a hint of French perfume, long well turned legs, huge bright blue eyes and a killer smile, and his goose is cooked. He knew it the second he saw her. She was not the awkward girl he had hardly known a decade earlier. She was the stunning young woman he wanted to know much better. Nothing about Kathy's seduction of Rick seemed forced, contrived or rehearsed. She was charming and funny...fun to be with. There was so much more inside her than he could ever have imagined...substance. So much more commonality between them then he could have anticipated. As the drove back from the city his brain was completely addled. They were in each other's arms effortlessly. There were in his bed not long after. And as one might expect, sharing the same house on the lake and last name a few months later.