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Dreams Of Destiny

By: Krenna Smart



Chapter 1

Destiny Lysander awoke with a gasp. Her heart was racing. The bed sheets were soaked with sweat. Her cranky little air conditioner had done little to lower the stultifying heat and humidity of the early July Washington, D.C. morning.

It was a dream, Destiny gasped with relief, only a dream. God, it was so real

Destiny struggled to separate out the tendrils of fantasy and reality. She looked around her bedroom. Yes, that was her dresser on the left of her bed. Her overflowing closet was on the right. The iridescent light of her clock radio showed that it was 6:30 a.m. It was early enough for Destiny to take a morning bike ride. She could leave the dream behind and meet the real world.  She paused for a moment and shook her head to help sort out what was real and what was not. 

Okay, she thought, today's Monday, June 30. I have a juvenile trial this morning for which I am ready. And I had a good night's sleep.

What was it I was dreaming about this time Destiny thought to herself? Dr. Pheaton said I should tape record my dreams, at least the troubling ones. He said it was kind of like taking control of an addiction. Owning it. 

Destiny had always been a deep sleeper and a heavy dreamer. Her dreams were vividly colorful, sensual, audial and aural. But over the past two years her dreams had taken on lives of their own, or so it seemed. A dream would start one night and continue on through several days until completion. Some of her dreams were serial, like soap operas and some of the stories were frightening.. And she was spending more and more time asleep, which was starting to worry her. Finally in desperation, she had mentioned the problem to her friend, Dana. 

Dana had suggested that Destiny seek professional help and given her names of a few psychiatrists. Destiny had taken her time to settle on a doctor. The doctor she picked was an unusual man she knew as Dr. Phaeton. She had seen him for the first time last Thursday. After listening closely to her tale, he suggested she tape record memories of her dreams so she would have a record of what was happening to her. Dr. Phaeton was an imposing man, but his manner had been reassuring.

After her appointment with Dr. Phaeton, Destiny bought a tape recorder and put it by the side of her bed but she hadn't worked up the courage to record any of her dreams yet.

Destiny decided to give Dr. Phaeton's idea a try. "Okay, here goes. I was driving a red car very fast in the dead of night somewhere near the ocean. It was very warm outside. I think it was Florida. I was being chased and somehow I knew the person chasing me was the serial killer from the amusement park dream I've been dreaming all my life. The air was wet, there was heavy metal on the radio. My foot was on the accelerator and I was losing control of the steering. The car chasing me bumped me from behind. I veered off the road onto the right shoulder and into the marsh. The car slid to a halt. I jumped out and started to run, but I was running in slow motion. My hair was long and tangled and I was wearing a long silky red nightgown with a slit up the left side. I ran further into the marsh. I was pursued. It was misty and the vegetation was pulling at me, sucking at me, dragging me down. I fell, face first, into the salt water and I knew my pursuer was right on top of me and then I blinked my eyes and I woke up in my bedroom with a cry. I was sweaty and I swear I could smell salt air and hear sea gulls calling. That's all I remember."

Destiny popped the tape out of the recorder and labeled it D.L.Dream 1, 6/30

That done, Destiny threw on a pair of cut off shorts and a T-shirt. She padded into the bathroom where she combed her long black hair and put it into a pony tail. She brushed her teeth, and reached down to pet her cat. Top Cat loved to invade Destiny's privacy first thing in the morning. Destiny wasn't sure if it was love or hunger that brought the beast into the bathroom every morning at 6:30.

Destiny moved on into the kitchen and opened a can of cat food. "Yes, I know you love me," Destiny purred to the big black and white feline that was trying so hard to trip her. "What if I stopped feeding you?" she asked. "Would you still love me?" She dumped the smelly mess onto a saucer of Norotaki china and put it down for the cat. She refilled the water bowl and then poured herself a tall glass of orange juice.

Destiny loved her kitchen. It was unusual to have a real kitchen in an urban apartment. It was modern, spacious, and airy, with white walls, dark wood cabinets and new, beige linoleum. And it opened out to a sun deck, which is where Destiny headed with her orange juice. 

It was a typical late June morning in Washington, D.C. Muggy. But this was the kind of weather Destiny loved the best. It was still cool enough to work out comfortably. Destiny went through fifteen minutes of tai chi with the morning sun beaming its red eye over her left shoulder. Destiny worked her lanky body through the routine smoothly, feeling peace in the movements that she hadn't obtained through sleep. The air was fresh, and scented with the roses and honeysuckle which grew wild in the courtyard below the deck. Morning glories were just opening up.

Destiny finished her workout and strode through her apartment. She grabbed her house keys and her bike helmet, skipped down the front steps, and unlocked the front door and the iron grate. She smiled when she saw her garden flowers blooming in the front yard. She grabbed her bike, hauled it out onto the sidewalk and was off.

On mornings like this Destiny felt like she was flying when she rode her bike through town. She headed towards the Capitol at full speed. There was very little traffic at this time of day. Especially in the summer. Riding like this reminded her of her dreams of flying. In her dreams she would just lean forward a little into the wind, let her arms trail out behind her, and off she would go. She could see the world like a topographical map below her when she flew. The colors in her flying dreams were cleaner, clearer, crystalline. For a second Destiny was confused. Am I dreaming this bike ride or am I really riding towards the reflecting pool?. She was not in bed with the sheet over herhead. This is real. This is today. Get a grip 

Destiny was spooked. It was not the first time she had been in a situation so much like a dream that she questioned whether or not she was awake. But this was the most compelling incident. She had felt for a moment that she could have twisted reality with a blink, and ended up back in bed. 

How many times in the past, she thought, have I dreamed that I was riding a red bicycle, and now, here I am riding a red bicycle wondering if I'm dreaming? What if I have the power to decide this time it's a dream, and then I blink, and I'm back in my bed? Destiny shook her head to help sort out what was real and what was not. Wake up Destiny! she commanded. Yes she was still on her bike, heading west. She picked up her speed as she passed the pool. The traffic lights were in her favor so she hit the mall in high gear. Pedaling helped clear her head and she started thinking about the case she was supposed to be trying in two hours. 

It was a stupid unauthorized use of a motor vehicle by a fourteen year old kid without a criminal record. She biked down to the Washington monument and kept going. She passed through the woody area ahead of the Lincoln Memorial. When she got to the Memorial she crossed to the path on the other side and headed back to the right of the Monument, past the Smithsonian and the old carousel. 

Destiny had spent a lot of time with her client, working the angles of the case. She knew what the government would be putting on as evidence and she knew the advantages and disadvantages of her client's position. She reviewed the case in her mind as she sped by the sculpture garden and the renovation site of the botanical garden. Her witness was under subpoena and she hoped he'd show up. Destiny plugged up capitol hill past the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and back home by way of Maryland Avenue.  Maybe the government won't be ready for trial, maybe there will be too many cases and too few judges today. Maybe my client won't show up. Maybe I should call in sick. No not today.

The thing about the UUV (unauthorized use of a motor vehicle) was that all she had was a kid and a car. The car had a punched steering column and was started with a screw driver. The vent window on the driver's side was broken. But the kid was in the passenger's seat when the car was stopped by the police and it was dark outside. He swore he thought the car belonged to the driver's cousin Angelo, whose last name he didn't know and whose address he didn't know. He hadn't noticed the broken window or the punched steering column. His buddy who was in the back seat of the car wasn't caught and is, for some reason, willing to testify that he was with the kid the whole evening. When they got into the car the driver (who was charged as an adult and so cannot be used as a witness) said his cousin loaned him the car. 

Destiny loathed the case. It could go either way depending on the judge, the prosecutor, the attitude of the witnesses and, of course, her own performance. It was a crap shoot. One judge might curse the kid and his witness for lying while another might find their testimony fully credible and acquit. You just never knew. 

Destiny dragged her bike inside and headed for the shower, shedding her sweaty workout clothes on the way. She turned the water on full blast, ice cold, and jumped in. Goose bumps rose on her skin and her nipples hardened. She turned her back on the flow and let the water stream through her hair. She shampooed quickly. Her shower curtain was a map of the world and she fantasized about a trip to Sydney as she worked in her conditioner. She rinsed, then soaped her body with moisturizing cleanser. She briefly caressed the place between her thighs, feeling a welcome tightening. It's been so long, she thought to herself, since... She brought herself up shortly. "Don't go there Destiny"she said to herself. 

Destiny stepped out of the shower and began her morning dressing ritual. It was eight-thirty by the time she was blow-dried, made-up, dressed, and breakfasted. She loaded up her briefcase with her case files, calendar, note pads, pens and other accouterments of trial, grabbed her keys and headed out the front door. Her calendar told her that her case was set before Judge Raven on Juvenile Calendar 2 at 9:00 a.m. She had plenty of time to walk to Court today. Living where she did, at the foot of Capitol Hill, she had commuting options. She could walk the mile and a half to Court, take one of three busses depending on what corner she walked to, walk a mile to the subway, or, if really in a hurry, take a taxi. Driving would have been out of the question even if she had owned a car, since parking cost an arm and a leg, or a very stiff parking ticket. On a day like today the walk finished up a really good workout and cleared her head for the upcoming battle.

She arrived at the Courthouse at 8:55 and walked into Courtroom 114 three minutes later. Her case was called first. She hadn't even had a chance to check to see if her client had arrived when her case was called by the Courtroom clerk. 

Destiny walked up to the defendant's side of the table. The prosecutor stated his name. Destiny then said "Destiny Lysander on behalf of the defendant, you honor. I'm sorry, I haven't had a chance to check if my client has arrived."

The Judge frowned. "Ms. Lysander, were you not aware that this Court begins at 8:30?" Destiny was aghast. "No, your Honor. My notice said 9:00 a.m." "Were you not aware of the change in Court policy regarding juvenile calendar calls effective June 1?" "No, you honor, I'm sorry." "Ms. Lysander, this is a serious infraction," the Judge stormed. "I intend to ensure that you receive no new Court appointments. And I may refer this matter to Bar Counsel."

" BBBBut you honor, " Destiny stammered, this is only a matter of a few minutes and a first incident. Aren't you being a little harsh?" 

"Don't take that tone with me, Ms. Lysander," Judge Raven said with a scowl. "I don't take contemptuous manners in my courtroom lightly." 

"If you want contempt, I'll show you contempt," Destiny retorted.

"Ms. Lysander, please approach the bench," the judge ordered.

Destiny complied, totally appalled at herself and the Judge. As she walked towards the bench, she found that her feet were weighed down as if by sand bags. Her eyes filled with tears. She looked up, imploringly at the judge and blinked....

Chapter II.

Destiny woke up in her bedroom. It was a dream, she realized. Just a damn dream. It was four a.m., June 30. Destiny had been keyed up all night because ofa disagreement she had with her boss at her temporary job the prior evening with the law firm of Richter, Williams, and Twill. Her boss, Stephen Williams wanted her to complete answers to a set of forty interrogatories by Friday without putting in any over time. Destiny had told him that the deadline would be impossible to meet. She asked Stephen to take another look at the interrogatories and the documents she was responsible for. He refused so she went over his head to the managing partner. Destiny was awaiting a response from the partner, but expected that she would be told to find another job.

Such was life as a temp. At least the hours were more to her liking than with other jobs. At RWT she worked noon to nine. If a project required overtime she could go in early or work late. Working later meant taking a taxi home, which ate into her profits, but not by much. The pay was crummy though. After all that education she was working temp jobs at $20.00 per hour. Many of her classmates were working downtown making $150,000 per year. But who wants to make that kind of money if you don't have any free time to spend it? Working eighty hours a week, 51 weeks a year was not Destiny's idea of living.

Destiny yawned and stretched., and then rolled over in bed.  I've still got plenty of time to sleep, thank God, Destiny thought. But maybe I should try taping my dream like Dr. Phaeton suggested. Destiny reached over and picked the tape recorder up off of her night stand and pushed play. She described as much of the dream as she could remember. When she finished, she popped the tape out intending to stick on a label. She was surprised to see an entry already made for the day: DL, Dream 1, 6/30. What the hell? I didn't tape a dream this morning. Then she shrugged her shoulders andmade a second entry: DL, Dream 2, 6/30. When she finished she snuggled down into the bed and pulled the top sheet over her head to block out the early morning light.

Slightly restless, Destiny started to tell herself a story to lull herself to sleep. This was an old trick she'd been using since she was three years old. A little fantasy to get into dream mode. 

Destiny fantasized that she was on vacation on a tropical island. Before she left to go on vacation, a friend of a friend asked her to deliver some computer discs to a relative on the island, and perhaps pick up some discs to be brought back to the United States. Destiny thought it was kind of a strange request, but was told that it was sensitive material and the mail couldn't be trusted. She was told that she would be given instructions on where to deliver the discs upon her arrival on the island. 

In her fantasy, Destiny arrived on the island and, ran headlong into the island's head of security, who happened to be a gorgeous, black haired, blue eyed, army colonel, as she was leaving the airport terminal to collect her luggage. The colonel, Juan Rodriguez, had been advised that someone from the states would be smuggling in information harmful to his country's leader, the Colonel's uncle, President Pietro Rodriguez

Colonel Rodriguez was a proud man. He came from a long line of soldiers and politicos. He had been groomed since birth for action, and for life in the public eye. He was vain, not about his looks, but about his very being. He had the world by the balls and took his future as a leader of his country for granted. This showed in the manner he carried his powerful frame.

The colonel was sizing up the passengers arriving on Destiny's flight. When Destiny and the colonel collide, Destiny was floored by the raw sexuality of the man.. He was like a big, black panther, poised, ready to pounce. She stumbled two steps back before she regained her composure. Rodriguez reached out to steady Destiny.

Rodriguez's hands gripped Destiny's upper arms for no more than five seconds. Destiny gasped as a little shock of electricity shot up through her shoulders and neck. Destiny looked up at the man she had just bounced off of and their eyes meet. Destiny suddenly felt as if she has just awakened from a life-long slumber.

"What is this?" the colonel laughed. The words sound to Destiny halfway between a growl and a purr. "You are American, si? In such a hurry. Where do you rush off to, piquena? Don't run away from me, I don't bite." His accent was velvety smooth.

Destiny fell into a deep, untroubled sleep and her dream took on a life of its own. 

Destiny tried to compose herself, but instead managed to drop her hat and her purse and her carry on bag. Even at five foot seven she felt dwarfed by the man standing in from of her. And damn it, she blushed. She hadn't blushed at a man since high school. "Oh my God, she with a strangled half-laugh, half sob. I'm such a klutz. I'm really sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you."

"You, hurt me?" he responded, with a grin. "Hardly." His teeth were white against his dark tan. "I wish I could be accosted so pleasantly more often. You are very soft, even at full speed."

"Well then, maybe you won't give me a ticket for poor driving this time. You are a cop, I take it?" Destiny asked, taking note of his uniform for the first time.

"Yes, Rodriguez, replied, amused. "I guess you could say I'm kind of a cop. Security is my business at present."

"Do all of the security guards down here carry heavy weapons?" Destiny asked innocently, eyeing Colonel Rodriguez's military hardware . 

"Reduced to a security guard." Rodriguez shook his head ruefully, and laughed. "I'm Colonel Rodriguez." He stuck out his right hand. "And you are...? "Destiny Lysander," Destiny replied, taking his hand for a perfunctory shake. Again she felt the electricity. She caught his eye as their hands clasped, and something in his gaze told her the he felt a jolt just as she did.

And he did. Right down to his bones.  Ah woman, he said to himself, are you to be my Destiny then? His loins tightened as he looked into the emerald pools that were her eyes. He caught her scent and it was familiar to him. She smelled vaguely spicy, delectable. Like a hot drink on a cold night. Something to savor, he thought.

Juan closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them he was awake, in his bed, in Washington D.C., on a hot summer morning in July. July 10, to be exact. It was 4:30 a.m. He was John Rodgers, an officer in DC Metropolitan Police's Youth Division, not Colonel Rodriguez on some fantasy island. But the dream was so real," John thought with some desperation.  The woman. I can still see the look in her eyes, smell her, feel her breath on my face. For a woman like that one might want to sleep forever."

This dream must be recorded, John said to himself. Out came his handy tape recorder -- the one that Dr. Phaeton suggested he purchase. He kept it under his bed and had already recorded about fifteen dreams since he first started seeing the peculiar psychiatrist two months ago. That was when his dreams began invading what he thought to be reality. He, like Destiny, had always slept deeply and dreamed vividly. 


Dreams of Destiny Pt. 02



Chapter IV

Officer John Rodgers opened his eyes. It was 5:55. The sun was rising on the horizon in a rancid, filthy alley in Anacostia, a section of Southeast Washington, DC, known for its high incidence of violent crime. Rodgers was staring down at the teenager he had just subdued seconds ago at gun point. He was, to say the least, nonplused. 

What in Hell just happened to me? he wondered desperately. All I did was blink, and suddenly I was off somewhere, passed out on a floor looking up at a total stranger. A totally gorgeous stranger, but a stranger nevertheless. And then speaking Spanish to a waiter? I don’t even speak Spanish. 

Rodgers realized that his hands were shaking and he was shivering all over. That’s it, he thought, I’m getting the flu. I’ve had too many night shifts and too little sleep. Or maybe I’m so sleep deprived that I fell asleep on my feet. Or else I had an adrenaline hallucination. There has to be a logical explanation for what just happened. Otherwise I’m cracking up and that just can’t be.

The teenager lying at his feet started to turn over. “Hey man.” he complained, “I’m tired of layin on my face. We gonna stay like this all night or are you gonna do your cop thing?” 

Rodgers shifted gears. “Thanks for telling me my job, boy” he said sarcastically. Then he called in the arrest and his whereabouts, and asked for transport for the juvenile. He could already hear sirens heading their way. Less than half an hour had passed since he and his partner had entered the juvenile’s apartment on a domestic violence call. It felt like a year.

“Your welcome, but I ain’t no boy,” the kid replied with a scowl. 

“You are to me if you’re younger than my baby brother. You can roll over slowly and sit up.”

The kid complied. “How old is your brother?”

“Thirty four.”

“Shit, man, he's a grand daddy.” And you be ‘most old as God.”

“That’s the way I feel tonight,” Rodgers agreed. “And for the record, you’re under arrest. Anything you say can be used against you. You can have a lawyer if you want one and you don’t have to talk to me or anyone else without a lawyer.” Do you understand?” 

“Sure.”

“What’s your name son?” Rodgers asked the boy, “and how old are you?”

“Are you interrogating me, or just being friendly?” the boy answered.

“Just being friendly. I’ll know in a couple of minutes anyway, I figure. I’m sure your baby brother and sister have already given the information to my partner.”

“Shit,” the kid said. “That ain’t fair.”

“Life ain’t always fair,” Rodgers said.

“You got that right” the kid agreed without rancor. “My name's Devon, Devon James. I’m fourteen. What’s your name?”

“John Rodgers. I’m forty six.”

Rodgers suddenly realized that he still hadn’t recovered the weapon the kid had been carrying. Very sloppy work, ace, Rodger chided himself.  A little slip like that could cost me my badge if not my life. 

It was fully light outside now. Rodgers looked around for the gun. A pleasant breeze drifted into the alley blowing away some of the stink.

John spotted the gun in a gutter not far from where Devon was sitting.



“Stay put son,” Rodgers admonished the kid. I have to get the gun you were carrying before I arrested you.”

Devon was young, but not totally ignorant of the rules regarding evidence seized at crime scenes. “What gun?” the kid asked with an innocent smile. “I don’t know nothin ‘bout no gun.”

It’s amazing,” John thought, “how much street law a bright ghetto kid could absorb in 14 years."

“Give me a break, Devon,” Rodgers said wearily. “Its just you and me here. Do you see any one else? I saw that gun leave your hand and I saw where it landed. I even saw you reach for it before you decided to freeze. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t pick it up the second you were arrested.” 

Rodgers decided to shake the kid up a bit for trying to be smart. “I might even say I had to struggle with you for the gun before I subdued you if you decide to play games with me. Who do you think a judge would believe?”

“Think about it, Devon, the officer urged. The gun has your prints all over it. Are you gonna try to convince a judge that it flew into the alley this evening under its own steam?” 

The kid didn’t say anything as Rodgers got up and headed over to where the gun was resting. Retrieving the gun took less than a minute. Devon sat still the whole time.

“See,” Rodgers said with a smile. “There it was, right where you tossed it before you gave yourself up to me without a struggle.”

Devon rolled his eyes. 

Rodgers’ backup and the transport vehicle pulled into the alley at about the same time. 

Rodgers was soaked with sweat from the chase and crawling around in the alley He decided to sit himself down and watch the sky brighten while his colleagues worked. It was a warm and muggy morning, but not nearly as bad as summer in West Palm Beach where he had spent most of his early career. He had moved up here to DC to become what some people disparagingly call a “kiddy cop.” He had come for reasons known only to himself. Rodgers knew that life as a DC Youth Division officer could be as dangerous, or more so as a homicide dick in West Palm Beach. This morning’s activity had proved that in spades.

Now came the boring part of the job. He had to see to the kid’s transfer and secure the chain of custody of the gun he recovered. He had reports to write at the Youth Division. After that he would have to wait in the office of Corporation Counsel until a prosecutor was ready to talk to him about the case. The prosecutor would grill him on the morning’s events and decide whether or not to bring juvenile charges against the child.

If charges were filed, Rodgers would have to wait around in D.C Superior Court until a decision was made as to whether or not he would be needed to testify at an initial hearing. Rodgers figured he might get free of this case by 2:00 p.m. if he was lucky. Then maybe he could get some sleep before his next shift which began at midnight. The only good thing was the over time.

Rodgers and the rest of the officers finished up with the crime scene at about 6:40. Rodgers caught a ride over to the station with his partner, Maria Dias, who had joined the Youth Division ten years ago. She had been a beat cop before that. Maria was a pretty woman of ordinary height and breadth She had medium brown hair and brown eyes. Her breasts were her only extraordinary physical feature. Shelf tits, Rodger’s uncle in Florida would have called them. The way her bosom jutted out in front of her was amazing. 

Maria had been his partner since he had joined the Division. She was tough as nails and took shit from no one. She was cool as a cucumber in a crisis. She was an expert at Judo. She knew the city like the back of her hand, having grown up in DC. She was a pleasure to ride with.

“What happened on your end, Maria?” Rodgers asked as he got into the squad car.

“A lot,” Maria replied shortly. “I think it was lucky the boy took the gun. Someone might have died in there this morning if there had been a gun in the apartment. Mama’s boyfriend was in the living room and had the little girl, Lily, around the neck when I got into the apartment. That was when your guy bolted. 

“I heard a gun shot out back right after you went out the kitchen door. I was afraid the kid shot at you, but things were happening so fast in the house that I couldn't get out to back you up. So I called in for help. I couldn’t say which way you were heading and didn’t have the time to look. I told the dispatcher to get as many units into the area as possible.

“Once mama realized I wanted to take the kids into custody, she grabbed little Marky by one arm and dragged him into bathroom. Marky’s about four years old. Momma locked the door behind her. I went after the boyfriend to get him the hell away from the little girl, Lily.

“By this time the other units started to arrive. I subdued the boyfriend and placed him under arrest. Mack processed him for transfer. “Then I interviewed Lily.” 

“Lily told me she’s twelve years old. Her mamma’s boyfriend wanted to pimp her. Her Momma was willing to go along with it but Lily refused to dress up and hit the street. Big daddy laid into her with his fists. Lily kneed him in the balls so big daddy put his hands around Lily’s neck and started to choke her That’s what got your kid all upset. A neighbor must have heard the ruckus and called the child abuse hot line.” 

“While I was interviewing Lily, Mack was trying to convinced Momma to come out of the bathroom and give Marky to us. When she did come out she was high as a kite and wanted to fight everyone in the room. Mack was arresting her at about the time I learned that you had made your collar safely. I wanted to get out of there so I came by to pick you up.”

“God, what a nightmare,” John said.

“Some family, huh?” Maria replied as she lit a cigarette. Maria pulled the squad car into a parking space outside of the building which housed DC’s Youth Division. The two officers got out of the car.

“Well, I guess we’d better write this up tuit suite.” said John. “It sounds like both of us are going to be doing probable cause hearings today.”

“What a pain in the ass,” Maria grumbled. “But the sooner its done, the sooner we sleep. The coffee’s burning on the hot plate and the donuts are getting stale as we speak. Let’s go grab some breakfast.”

They strolled into the building in a comradely silence. It was 7:00 and the morning shift was just coming on duty. Officers worked 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to midnight, or midnight, to 8:00 a.m. Most cops arrived an hour before their shift started in order to dress, chat and for roll call. 

John and Maria grabbed their donuts and coffee and headed for their desks. Maria’s desk was closest to the front door. John looked at Maria’s desk as he passed by. It was a disaster area. It was covered with paper and files. Photographs of friends and family members were stapled to the bulletin board next to her computer. Candy wrappers, wads of used paper, paper cups and soda cans littered the floor surrounding her trash can. 

Thank God the days of indoor smoking are over, Rodgers thought as he looked at Maria’s desk. Add the smell and mess of cigarettes and the desk could be condemned as a toxic waste dump site.

Rodger’s desk was neat by comparison. John prided himself on having an ordered mind. He would have done well in the military he thought, suddenly remembering his earlier dream. There were no little personal touches on or around Rodgers’ desk. Rodgers had very few personal ties and had not taken advantage of tentative overtures of friendship made by colleagues and other Youth Division employees since his arrival in DC. Each time he thought of reaching out he reminded himself that he had a private agenda. 

Rodgers booted up his computer and got to work. He ignored his phone which began to ring the minute he sat down. It took him less than an hour to complete his incident report. As he was about to leave, Maria walked into his cubicle..

“John," Maria said. "Did you know you were voted Mr. Youth Division?” she asked, laughing. "I just got an E-Mail about it.”

“No. This is news to me," John replied. "What on earth is Mr. Youth Division?”

"It’s a little known popularity/beauty contest conducted by secret ballot by the women employees of the Youth Division. But there hasn’t even been a candidate in years. I have no idea who resurrected it. I don’t even know who won it last."

“Great,” John said sarcastically. “So what does it get me? A scholarship to cosmetology school? A date with the Mayor? Modeling contracts in biker magazines?”

Maria snickered. “It’s a great honor and privilege,” she advised him with a note of fake wonder in her voice. “You’ve been recognized as the most desirable man to grace the halls of Youth Division this year."

“Oh my God, you’ve got to be kidding me,” John groaned. “Please tell me it ain’t so.” 

Maria snorted with laughter. “Oh John , this is the funniest thing to happen here in years. Don’t tell me you don’t love it. I’m riding with the sexiest man in the police department.” 

“I don’t love it,” John said through clenched teeth. “I don’t even remotely like it. I feel like I just had a bad nude photo of me displayed over the Internet without my permission. Its insulting.”

”John Rodgers I’m surprised at you,” Maria chided playfully. “Where is your sense of humor? Your southern laissez faire attitude? Where’s your masculine pride, your opportunistic nature? You could go far with a title like this. Think of all the babes out there just waiting for you to give them the nod.”

“Give it a rest, Maria,” I’m forty six years old, not sixteen. I don’t want to be a sex object.”

“If you say ‘been there, done that,’ I’m gonna puke,” Maria warned.

“I don’t mean that, Maria, and you know it. I’m a private guy. I hate the idea of every woman in the building looking at me and wondering how I perform in bed. That’s disgusting. Its enough to put me off sex permanently.”

“Now that would be a waste. No. It would be a national tragedy for women.”

“Do you want to go to bed with me Maria?” John suddenly asked. He was furious. He backed her up against the wall, using his masculinity as a weapon.

She could feel his heat. If only he knew. “Jesus, John, I was just kidding around.” She shoved him back.

He felt a connection. A sudden rush of arousal coursed through him. He backed off. “Of course you don’t, he said brusquely. I know it and you know it. So don’t talk like that. Its inappropriate.”

“All right already. I didn’t know you were so touchy. I’m sure the girls didn’t mean anything by it. It was done in fun to break up work place tension. You know. Give people something to laugh about.” 

“I know,” John sighed. "But how would you like it if it were at your expense? Say the guys put together a tit contest and you won. Every time you talked to a man in our office you’d wonder if he were checking out your breasts.”

“Yeah. I see your point. I hadn’t thought about it like that,” Maria conceded. “What do you want to do about it?”

“What can I do about it?” John asked. “Not much. What’s done is done. Damage control, I guess. Let’s try to keep it from going any further. And I don’t want any female secretaries walking by my desk tittering.” 

The light on his phone line started to flash. John picked up the incoming call. “Good morning, Officer Rodgers here.”

“This is Marty Feinstein, John, in corporation counsel’s office, said a reedy voice on the other end of the line. I’m papering the Devon James case this morning and I need to talk to you. Meet me in my office in twenty minutes.

“Good morning to you too, Marty,” John said coldly. “I’ll have to check my calendar and get back to you.” He hung up. Pompous ass, he said to himself. No please or thank you, or if it is convenient. Just be there. Well, I’ll think about it.

The phone rang again. John left his desk to get another cup of coffee and a donut. The phone was still ringing when he got back.

“Yes,” he said impatiently into the receiver.

“This is Marty again. Can you be in my office in twenty minutes?”

“A simple please and thank you would help,” John said sweetly. "That’s how we do things down south.”

“This is Washington, DC, not West Palm Beach, John. An any event, I would thank you to please have your ass in my office in twenty minutes Mr. Youth Division,” Marty said maliciously.”

Oh great, the word’s out.

“That’s much better, Marty,” John said ignoring the rudeness and the jibe. I’ll see you shortly. He hung up the phone with a bang. What he really wanted to do was hurl it against the office wall. John spent the next fifteen minutes on the telephone with various calls. Several calls were about cases he was currently investigating. He got two or three hang ups which he passed off as wrong numbers. The other two were giggly overtures from female Youth Division employees asking for clandestine meetings.

John started to get annoyed, and then forced himself to relax. Ah hell. Let the twits have their fun. They’re not doing me any harm. Its not as if they are going to rape me or anything. And it is kind of flattering, he finally decided.

.

John looked up at the clock on the wall. 8:25 already. It was a ten minute walk to the Office of Corporation Counsel. Oh well, John thought, Marty’s kept me waiting often enough. He won’t kill me if I’m five minutes late. John shrugged into his rumpled jacket and set out for the prosecutor’s office.

Marty was chaffing at the bit when John arrived ten minutes later. “Where the hell have you been?” Marty demanded as John walked into the office. “Do you have my police report? Judge Raven’s really been hammering at us to get the juvenile cases papered as early in the day as possible. I can’t paper my cases without police reports.”

Rodgers handed Marty the police report and Marty read it eagerly.

“Good, good,” he said as he read. “Wait a minute, I thought there was a resisting arrest charge.” 

“No,” said Rodgers, “Devon didn’t resist.”

“Are you sure about that?” Marty prodded him. “I thought I heard resisting.”

“I should know, I was there.”

“Yeah, right. Well there’s definitely reckless endangerment, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of unregistered ammunition.. That ought to hang the kid out to dry. I’m going for secure detention on this one. We’ll have to have a probable cause hearing. Do you have time for me to prep you now?” Marty asked.

“I don’t need preparation,” John said flatly. “You put me on the stand and I tell the judge what happened. Its as simple as that.

“No its not as simple as that,” Marty snapped. “I want secure detention even though this is a first offense. Judge Raven doesn’t like to lock kids up on first offenses.”

“Neither do I,” said John.

“Your opinion doesn’t count,” Marty said shortly. 

“Gee, thanks.”

“Here’s how I see it . This was a highly volatile situation. You and your partner arrived at Devon’s apartment. When he saw police officers entering his home, Devon picked up his gun and fled the apartment. You took off in pursuit. Shots were fired at you. A lengthy pursuit ensued in the dark of night .”

Marty paused for effect.

“Loaded weapons were brandished. You could have been shot. Bystanders could have been killed. Devon might have been shot. You had to run him down to exhaustion and physically restrain him. You wrestled with him to get the gun. Clearly the boy’s danger to the community and a flight risk. Have I got it right, officer Rodgers?” Marty asked.

“Well, not exactly.” John said. He crossed the room to the water cooler and poured himself a drink.

“What am I missing?” Marty asked.

“That’s not the way it happened,” Rodgers said bluntly.

“Okay, so now you tell me what happened,” Marty suggested.

“My partner, Maria Dias and I were responding to a anonymous call that came in at 5:20 concerning domestic violence. The caller was tearful and sounded scared. She was an older woman. She said she thought three little children, Mikey, Lily and Devon James, were being beaten up by their mother’s boyfriend. She said the mother was a hooker and on drugs. The boyfriend was her pimp. She was especially afraid for the twelve year old girl. She said she thought there were drugs and guns in the house. 

“Maria and I arrived at the scene at about 5:40 a.m. As we approached the apartment we could hear loud music blasting out of the windows. Maria knocked loudly on the door and an African American female, age approximately 30 answered, by opening the door about four inches. The woman was dressed up like she was headed for a party. Her eyes were blood shot and she appeared to be high. 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 02



“Maria showed her badge and explained that we were investigating an anonymous complaint of child abuse. She asked the woman her name. 

“The woman said she was Dominica James. She said she was the mother of Mikey, Lily and Devon James, but that there was no child abuse problem in her home. She turned and started to close the door but I put my foot into it. Maria asked if we could come inside and take a look around. Ms. James hesitated, and then shrugged her shoulders and opened the door to let us in.

“It was a small, one bedroom apartment. It was hot inside and smelled of urine, dirty laundry and stale food.. The place was filthy, and crawling with cockroaches. The front door entered into the living room. I noticed the kitchen behind the living room. The bedroom and bathroom were off to the left. There was a back door leading out to a porch and the alley below.

“As I entered the apartment I saw a young teenager in the kitchen with a handgun in his right hand. He froze for a second when he saw me. Then he turned and ran out the kitchen door. I followed him out. At about the time I stepped out onto the back porch I heard a gunshot in the back yard. I drew my service revolver. As I looked down into the back yard I saw the kid run out the gate and into the alley. He was moving fast. I jumped over the porch rail down into the yard and passed through the gate about forty feet behind the kid. The kid ran out flat. It was dark and he knew the neighborhood well so he kept a good distance between us. He led me a merry chase, but I could tell he was tiring when he turned right, into an alley. 

“I gained on him until there were no more than fifteen feet between us, and then the poor kid tripped over his own feet and went down flat on his face. The gun skittered out of his hand and ended up in a gutter a few feet away from him. 

“I told the kid to freeze. He started to reach out as if to go for the gun. I’ told him to freeze, mother fucker, or words to that effect. I told him that if he didn’t want to die he’d better lie down flat on his face with his hands behind him. 

“The kid flattened out and put his hands behind him. I put on the cuffs nice and gentle, like, and read him his rights. I called in to the dispatcher and then went over to the gutter to recover the gun. After that me and Devon sat together and watched the sun rise whilst waiting for the troops to arrive. And we had us a nice little chat.”

Rodgers finished up his tale leaning his long body back in Marty’s one comfortable chair. His legs were stretched out and crossed at the ankle. Rodgers was finally starting to relax after hours of built up tension.

“So I guess you think I should put this kid back out on the street,” Marty said with disgust.

“No. But I don’t think you should screw him, either. Maybe he’d do okay if he had a decent relative somewhere.”

“He doesn’t. I’ve checked. And even if he did I wouldn’t want him released.”

“Don’t be such a hard ass, Marty,” Rodgers said. “You can’t lock up every juvee that ends up in the system. 

“Sure I can. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.”

“You’d be happy if we went back to the dark ages, wouldn’t you? ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’.”

“Yep,” said Marty. “Don’t screw around with me on this one, Rodgers. I want the kid locked up.”

Rodgers’ gave Marty a hard look. He stood up and leaned his hands on the prosecutor’s desk. “Don’t tell me how to testify, Marty. I don’t like it.” 

Marty looked nervously at the big man across the desk from him. “Oh for Christ’s sakes John, lighten up. This is kiddy court, remember? Its elementary school for criminals.” 

“Yeah, right,” Rodgers muttered disdainfully. “So who cares what happens to the kids, anyway?” He walked out of Marty’s office feeling soiled, and with a bad taste in his mouth.

“Where are you going?” Marty called to him as he left.

“To the officers lounge outside Courtroom 10. I gotta get some sleep, I’m whipped.”

The Courthouse was only a block from the prosecutor’s office but it felt like a mile. It was downright hot out now, the sun was an angry gold disk in the morning sky. DC summers had all of the disadvantages of Florida with no beach. What a crappie city. Rodgers thought. He was in a real funk by the time he got to the Courthouse. Kiddy court. Christ, who needs it? Why didn’t I just stay in West Palm beach with my nice little murders. When he got to the front of the Court he looked up at the letters over he looked at the words over the door. COURTHOUSE OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and saw them as Outhouse of the District of Columbia. Appropriate, he thought.

John made his way to the officers lounge outside of Courtroom 10. He was exhausted. The lounge was empty and dark. The lumpy cot looked more inviting than any bed he’d seen in a long time. He took off his jacket and lay down. He pulled his jacket over his head to make it seem even darker. He was deeply asleep in a matter of minutes. 

John slipped into a familiar dream. He was back in college and taking a long, restful run through the pine forest in Glen Helen. It was late afternoon on an early autumn day. The air was warm and fresh and scented of pine. The light shining through the boughs of the trees was golden and hazy with pollen. There was a clear brook babbling below him on his left side. Large Monarch butterflies were flying along beside him. The path before him turned to the right and began a descent. He let his arms trail out behind him and lifted his chin to the wind as he ran and suddenly he was air born. He climbed quickly, heading into the sun. He flew over the tops of the tallest pines. The wide-open sky was crystalline blue and almost cloudless. He played with the air currents to increase the excitement of his flight. He flew over a pretty blue lake where college girls were enjoying a late season skinny dip. Unembarrassed, they waved at him as he flew by. He made a pass of the small college town and circled the church tower a couple of times. The bells in the clock tower began to chime as he flew by. He flew south, gathering speed, towards his home town. The sun began to set behind him and the air cooled but he did not grow chilled in his flight. He flew on as the sky darkened. 

What should I wish for? he wondered when he spotted the first star of the evening. More stars began appearing on the opalescent vista above him . The moon rose. Then he could see the ocean. It was all so beautiful laid out before him. The silvery wave caps shimmered in the dark sea which reflected the moon and the stars above. The cool, salty air was more intoxicating than any liquor. 

He headed towards his child hood home. There it was in the distance. It hadn’t changed a bit. He barked his speed and angled in, as if he was a small plane preparing to land. His old bedroom window was open, beckoning him. He flew in and landed smoothly. Gloriously tired from the long flight, John sank down into his old childhood bed, pulled up the covers, and fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter V.

Destiny awoke with a start in her bed. It was 7:30 a.m. Her heart was pounding and her eyes were wet as if she had been crying. She had the taste of sangria in her mouth and the name, “Juan” on her lips. She struggled to pull herself back to reality. What day was it, she asked herself? June 30 Yes. What am I supposed to do today?

She ran down the possibilities.

UUV trial. No. That was a dream.

Temporary job. 

No, Its been two years since I gave up on that dead end shit job. Two years to the day she realized with a start. On June 29, 2003, Destiny had asked Steve William's boss to back her up on the interrogatories. He said, almost verbatim “Sorry sweetie, work with Stephen or don’t work here at all.” 

On June 30, Stephen told her sleep with him or finish the interrogatories without overtime. Her only option had been to leave. Even though she had loved the hours, the freedom, and the possibility of a permanent spot with the firm.

Destiny had gone into the job with the promise it would lead to bigger and better things. Yeah. Bigger headaches and better reasons to regret having gone to law school to begin with she thought sourly.

Oh, she had been charmed by Stephen at first, with his glittery dark brown eyes, wavy blond hair and his intense, A type personality. Although he was only an inch taller than her he had the bearing of a much taller man.. He was always careful to poise himself so that he seemed to tower over other lesser individuals. Yet he was lithe and graceful as a cat. He had an animal magnetism about his that had, in the beginning, almost mesmerized Destiny.

Destiny had gained some wisdom through a couple of past, unpleasant experiences. She’d dated enough male lawyers to be cautious not trust her first impressions. She had a well honed bullshit barometer and a thick steel shield around her heart.

It hadn’t taken her long to pick up on Stephen’s underlying madness. She quickly figured out why the firm couldn’t keep female associates for more than six months, and had to rely on temporary help. She wasn’t sure whether Stephen was bi-polar or a true sociopath, but there was something really off kilter about him. It only really showed when he was under intense pressure or wanted something very badly. But it was there, lurking, waiting beneath the surface like a shark to strike

When Destiny took the job she thought her past experiences as a sole practitioner had steeled her for anything. She started to worry when she found out that the entire support staff was on anti-depressants. Then she learned that both the office manager and the senior secretary had been in psychiatric hospitals when she came on board. Next she’d over heard a file clerk telling a paralegal that she thought they should put Prozac in the water cooler. There was a also quiet rumor going around that a young associate that had completely disappeared several years ago. She had never asked for the details, dismissing it as office myth.

Stephen’s obscene proposition had nearly sent her over the edge into despair. She still had nightmares about the firm. This morning’s dream had been mild compared to earlier versions.

Destiny’s alarm clock brought her out of her sorry reminiscence.

So what is on the agenda today? Ah! I remember. Juvenile pick up. The thought cheered Destiny up considerably. She still got a kick out of talking to teenagers. Sometimes she thought she related to the average teenager better than to most adults she knew.  Maybe that’s because I never really let go of my teenage angst, Destiny thought ruefully. 

Destiny had suffered from teenage depression, borderline Bulimia and had tried more types of drugs by the time she reached age 17 than most of the teenagers today had ever even heard of. But the drugs had interfered with her concentration at school, and had made her easy prey to teenage male predators. Like most lessons, Destiny had learned the hard way, and moved on. 

Destiny climbed out of bed, shrugged into her filmy bathrobe and shuffled off to her office. She logged on to her computer and called up her daily calendar.  Yes. She was scheduled to pick up new juvenile delinquency cases in Courtroom 10 that morning.

Destiny headed into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Great. Stale pop tarts and diet soda again. So much for Ti Chi and orange juice. Sometimes I think I’d be in better shape if I stayed asleep. At least I get through some workouts in my dreams. 

Top Cat slipped between her legs and tried to jump into the refrigerator just as she was closing the door. “I guess you haven’t been fed yet. Why don’t you get a job?” Destiny teased. “MEEE? Top Cat replied, indignantly. “Yes you. You only love me when you’re hungry Mr. puss,” Destiny accused as she scooped smelly cat tuna into Top Cat’s china dish. “And remember, Top Cat, only you get china.” 

“Meow.” Top Cat thanked her prettily. He pulled the tuna off of the plate and onto the clean floor, before beginning his repast. “You get to mop the floor next time, you slob,” Destiny chided. Top Cat stuck his nose into the air and headed into the litter box. When he finished he demanded “MEOUT.” 

“Good riddance you little food processor,” Destiny laughed as she opened the back door for His Honor.

Destiny went to the sink and filled a large pitcher with water. She set about watering the plants in her living room and office. She sang to them as she worked. She loved Beatles music and was convinced her plants looked better after a drink and a few lines of a Lennon/McCartny tune. Having nurtured her dependents, Destiny began her morning ablutions. 

I swear I already did this once morning, Destiny thought as she stepped into the shower. She shower quickly. When she grabbed her towel she realized it was already wet. Weird, Destiny thought. Very weird.” Her toothbrush was wet as well. “I just have to get the taste of sangria out of my mouth,” she said to herself as she brushed her teeth. In went the contact lenses. She blew her hair dry and stuck it in a pony tail high on top of her head. She forwent makeup as it was getting late.

Destiny dressed carefully in a plum colored crushed silk suit. The jacket had short sleeves and was well tailored. She liked it because it gave her enough shape that she didn’t need a bra in the summer heat. Her breasts were medium sized and well rounded. She was convinced they stayed pert primarily because she rarely wore a bra and kept herself in pretty good shape. She thought that women who bought into the “wonder bra” craze were suckers. 

The skirt to Destiny’s suit ended just above her knees and showed off her long, well muscled legs. Destiny hadn’t had a chance to work on a tan yet this year so she grudgingly opted for nude panty hose. The things we do for men, she grumbled as she put them on. She added a pair of white athletic socks and donned her trusty white Rebocks. She was ready to hit the street.

And as for my dream, Destiny thought, I still have time to record my island fantasy. Destiny returned to her bedroom and pulled out her recorder. She pushed play and set about describing her dream in as much detail as possible. If only I could just close my eyes and go back there, Destiny thought. But if I do that, God knows where I’ll end up. Maybe back in the marsh with the serial killer, she shuddered. Or worse. Remember the amusement park dream? That’s where I first encountered the killer. I never want to go there again. Wait a second, Destiny thought. I really am losing it. When is my next appointment with Dr. Phaeton? As if I could blink and walk into a whole different world!

But then again, isn’t that exactly what I used to do in my dreams when I was little. I remember having nightmares and thinking, “this is a nightmare, if I open my eyes, it will end and I will be safe in my bed.” And it worked. I used to do that a lot, Destiny though, deeply troubled.

Destiny finished recording her story and popped the tape out of the machine. “What the fuck!!” Destiny exploded. There in her very own hand writing was a label reading DL Dream 1, 6/30/05 Dream 2, 6/30/05. This can’t be happening, Destiny thought in panic.  I’ve never taped before. I’ve only dreamed of taping. I was dreaming all night. None of those things happened. 

Or did they? 

Shit! It’s 8:15. I have to get to Court. I’ll get to the bottom of this tonight. Meanwhile, I’d better label this dream.  So Destiny marked DL Dream 3, 6/30/05, on the label, popped the tape back into the recorder, grabbed her keys and her brief case and headed for the door.

At least I have time to walk today, Destiny thought.  Oh hell, I forgot my dress shoes. Again. Oh well, the Court will just have to live with my tennis shoes today. Again. How many years have I been fighting this battle anyway? As if women can only think, or act intelligently with their heels stuck up on four inch spikes. Damn it, I think better when my feet don’t hurt. 

Moreover, Destiny though, on a roll now, with four inches added to my height I tower over half of the Napoleon sized male prosecutors in the Courthouse. Boy does that ever add to their complexes. And finally, any woman who walks more than three steps a day wears out her high heels in a week. It’s a plot, Destiny decided, fabricated by short, male shoe makers, to subjugate women by crippling and impoverishing them while gazing lustfully at their legs and buttocks.

And if that, Destiny thought, with a laugh, is the worst thing a professional female has to worry about on her way to scrape out a living, life can't be so bad after all.

It was a lovely, fresh summer morning. Destiny finished her walk with a smile and entered the Courthouse feeling better than she had in quite a while.

She passed through the metal detector at the front door and joked with the US Marshall for a minute. He was the one who had arrested a witness of hers last month for trying to bring a six inch hunting knife into the Courthouse. The witness was supposed to have been testifying to exonerate her client on an assault with a dangerous weapon - knife, that day. “So the witness just thought he’d show the judge that his pal, my client, couldn’t have had the knife since it was with him all along. See Judge, here it is. Duh,” Destiny quipped. “Too bad I couldn’t handle that case as well. Slight conflict of interest.”

Destiny headed down to the basement of the Courthouse where the Criminal Justice Act office was located. It was 9:00 o'clock. Time to check in and see if there were any new juvenile cases. Nothing so far. Pickings were getting slimmer and slimmer these days. Crime was down and many youthful offenders were being diverted out of the juvenile system on first offenses. And of course, there was the over abundance of lawyers. 

Destiny was a victim of the baby boom. She was born at the tail end of the biggest baby boom in history. Her elementary school was way over crowded. Her high school was a disaster area. It was a pitched battle to get a scholarship to a decent university. When she decided to go into psychology in her third year of college, half of her class was seeking masters fellowships in psychology. 

So she had what she thought was an original idea. She’d go to law school. Brilliant. Everyone and their little brother decided to go to law school just when she did.

Worse yet, she decided to go to law school in the city that had the highest per capita number of lawyers and the largest growing number of law students in the world. Washington, DC. But Destiny persevered. She made it through on hard work, odd jobs and student loans. When she got out of law school she still wasn’t thinking straight. She stayed in D.C. and took the D.C. Bar Exam along with thousands of other budding barristers. All were in the same boat. Newly licensed, inexperienced and set loose on a thoroughly glutted market.

But the District did have something to offer Destiny: An opportunity to work in her area of interest - juvenile defense. So Destiny gritted her teeth and jumped into the fray of attorneys practicing in D.C. Superior Court.

And here she was, more years later than she would like to admit, still slugging away at the cases tossed at her on pick up days like today. 

Destiny checked out the notices on the bulletin board in the Lawyers Lounge and then headed into the cafeteria for more diet soda. In her father’s day it was coffee. Destiny remembered how her father used to drink cup after cup of coffee. She always wondered how he could drink all that caffeine and still sleep at night.  Now here I am, thirty years later, she thought wryly, guzzling down four or five liters of caffeinated diet soda a day. I take sleeping pills with diet soda for Christ’s sake! The inside of my mouth only sees tap water when I brush my teeth. What must the inside of my stomach look like by now?




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 02



She got her Diet Pepsi , grabbed a table with a view of the door nearest to the CJA office, and steeled herself for a half hour wait to find out if there were any cases today. If only I were more organized, Destiny thought, I’d be spending this time on something billable. Or at least on accounting matters. Instead its more dead time, she grumbled to herself for a minute.  Then she settled in with an easy-to-read paper back novel she kept in her purse for emergencies. Before she knew it she was lost in a turn of the century, foggy London murder mystery.

Twenty minutes later Destiny was brought back to the present with a start. “Destiny, my lass. I’ve been looking all over for ye,” boomed Sean O’Donnell, in his misplaced Irish brogue. “I’ve got a couple of hot looking prospects for ye today.” Sean was the CJA juvenile case manager. He coordinated the appointment of juvenile cases coming into the Court to hungrily waiting attorneys. A judge always signed off on the appointments, but Sean made the recommendations, and literally held the livelihood of nearly a hundred attorneys in the palms of his hands. 

Things were looking up. “What have you got, Sean, me darlin?’ Destiny replied. 

“A walk-in assault, female,” Sean smiled, “and” he hesitated for dramatic effect, “a runaway with the added spice of unregistered fire arm, carrying a pistol without a license, and unregistered ammunition. Do you love me now, Destiny?” Sean asked as he handed Destiny the paper work. 

A gold mine! Destiny thought as she quickly skimmed the two police reports. “Sean, all the girls in Dublin cried when you left the emerald isle,” Destiny said with a lilt in her voice. “You, my lad, are the love of my life.” 

“In your dreams,” Sean laughed as he turned and headed back to his office. 

“My night mares, maybe,” Destiny retorted tartly. 

“And now whose heart is breakin’?” Sean’s voice faded out as he sauntered down the hall. 

As she watched him leave, Destiny got a brief glimpse in her mind of Sean leaning down towards her with his homely face, as if seeking a kiss. She, was standing on the edge of a cliff, on a stormy night by the sea. told herself furiously. Oh my God!” though Destiny. “Where in Hell did that come from? Do not blink! Not in my most desperate moment do I want to wake up there. That picture didn't come from my mind, my dreams or my subconscious. What is going on with me?” When she finally focused her vision again she saw Sean staring at her from the doorway of his office, way down at the end of the hall. Did he laugh then, or was she imagining things?

Destiny’s oldest friend in the Courthouse, Dana was getting off the downs escalator as Destiny regrouped. “Destiny, what’s wrong?” Dana asked. “You look like you just saw a ghost.” More like a ghoul Destiny thought to herself. “Its nothing Dana. A shadow walked over my grave or something.” 

“Are you sure you’re all right? You’re even whiter than usual,” Dana’s impish smile lit up her face. “Where are you off to?" She asked. “Do you have time to talk?” 

“No, sadly, or happily I should say,” said Destiny. "I actually have two live juvees on the hook this morning. I’ve got to try to reel them in before they get away.” 

“Oh how the mighty have fallen,” quipped Dana. “You with all your old ‘save the children ideals’, have been reduced to looking at juvees as fish on the hook?” 

“Can it, Dana,” said Destiny. “I have to eat, just like all of you jaded old timers.” 

“Oh, so now I’m an old timer, am I? I used to be your best buddy, your mentor, your confidant. Now I’m an old timer?” Dana made a face. “You probably think of me as a rival, too, ready to steal your crumbs of bread.” 

“Yes, ma’am, I do.,” said Destiny. “Just as surely as you speak. I know you’re dying to dive on into the juvenile pond. You’ve only been waiting these twenty years until the pickings are really slim, so that you can mess things up good. Am I right?” 

“You’re right.”

They both laughed long and hard, and a little bitterly.

“I’m glad we can laugh about it, Dana,” Destiny said as she caught her breath. “Now I have to go. If I’m late some young punk with a runny nose and a Bar card with wet ink will steal my cases out from under me.” “You got that right,” Dana agreed. “Later” said Dana as Destiny stepped onto the up escalator.

The next floor up was the John Marshal level where Courtroom 10, new referrals were heard. Destiny stepped off the escalator and headed towards the courtroom. It was almost ten o’clock already but the courtroom was still almost empty when Destiny arrived. Later it would be a zoo scene. 

All juvenile and child abuse and neglect initial hearings were heard in Courtroom 10. During the first couple of hours of the day, prosecutors scrambled to put the new cases together to be presented. Usually, nothing's ready to be heard until at least 11 o’clock, no matter how hard the assigned Judge pushes to speed things up. Then everything's ready in a rush and everyone jockeys to have their cases presented first. 

The Court room clerks were traffic cops and acted as the right hand of the Courtroom God. Piss one off and you’ll be stuck in court until doomsday. A friend of Destiny’s once told her he treated the clerks like he had just made love to them. “I hope it was consensual,” Destiny had replied with a laugh. But she knew exactly what he meant when he said it.

The workings of Courtroom 10 seemed like an unorganized mess to the casual observer, but experience had taught Destiny that it worked the way it worked. Judges and managers had come and gone and torn their hair out trying to improve it, but it always ended up working the same way. You made the best possible use of your time, gritted your teeth, and smiled your way through it, and billed for every second you could. A lot of the work was non-billable down time on pickup days.

The Courtroom itself showed the heavy use it received. Several heavy lawyers’ butts had caved a few of the chairs’ seats, in the audience rows. The padding was coming out of other seats here and there. The oak wood paneling was stained in places. And the whole room reeked of burned insulation from a small, but destructive fire which had caught in one of the Judges chambers behind the Courtroom several months ago from a curling iron that had been left on over night. 

The clock on the wall over the entrance from the corridor was permanently stuck at 4:45. It was said that a vindictive bailiff, sick of being forced to stay late without overtime pay snuck in one night and broke the clock, setting its hands at the time the Court was, by judicial order, supposed to close for the day. Of course, that was just a rumor.

The Courtroom was about thirty feet deep. The judge's bench was on a raised, semi-circular dais, straight back from the hall entrance. There was a witness stand to the judge's right, slightly lower than the judge. Below that and on both sides of the judge's chair were the clerks’ areas. Over the past five years, more and more computer equipment had made its way into the dais so space was at a premium. 

Doors on the left and right, behind the clerks desks, led into the jury rooms, the small prisoners’ holding cells and into the judges chambers. Destiny was sure that she was not the only lawyer to fantasize that this or that judge might somehow get lost and end up in lock up instead of in chambers.

Destiny was the first juvenile defense lawyer to arrive that morning. Elaine and Rodney were the Courtroom clerks of the day. They were trying to sort out the files they had been given from the juvenile clerk’s office. “What have you got today, Ms. Lysander?” Elaine asked, all business.

“Good morning,” said Destiny, “I have two little beauties today. A walk-in, female ninja fighter, Takita Smallwood, and wonderful little runaway, Devon James, armed to the teeth. Do you have any petitions for me?” 

“Yes on Takita.” Elaine handed Destiny the petition which formally charged Takita Smallwood with assault with a dangerous weapon, shod foot (meaning she kicked someone, most likely a family member). “And you know its way too early for word on the thug. 

But,” Elaine said with a sudden, and unexpected little grin, “there’s a youth division officer on this one and he is some hunk of male flesh.” “Elaine!” Destiny said raising her eyebrows. “You’re blushing” I’ve never yet seen a cop get to you.” “Who is this guy?” “Have you seen him or is this just rumor?”

“Oh, yes, I’ve seen him,” Elaine said. “And I’ve heard him speak. He speaks as soft and nice as a southern kiss. He’s from Florida. I heard he was a homicide dick in some rinky dink county down there. I’m happily married and I swear my wedding ring gave me a mean pinch when I met Mr. Youth Division, 2005. That’s what they’re calling him down town, you know. And I cannot wait until I see your face when you see him.” 

“Come on, Elaine, he can’t be that good,” Destiny said with amusement. “Mr. Youth Division? No one has earned that title in eight years, Not since Tuck. Do you remember Tuck, Destiny asked?.” 

“Good old Tuck,” Elaine recalled happily. “Tuck the --” 

“ Don’t say it, Elaine,” Destiny warned, laughing. 

“I was going to say buck,” Elaine said with great dignity. “This guy has earned the title cold, Destiny. He has it, dead to rights as far as I’m concerned, Elaine said with glee.” 

“Oh Jesus,” I can’t believe my ears” Destiny laughed out loud. “Elaine’s giggling. I have heard everything. I thought this day started out good. We are breaking new ground here.” 

Destiny and Elaine collapsed into gales of laughter, much to Rodney’s disgust. Destiny was surprised at Elaine’s friendliness this morning. She and Elaine were not really friends though they spent hours together in the Courtroom. They’d never gotten giddy together. No one ever got giddy in Courtroom 10. Even at Christmas parties.

Elaine and Destiny were still laughing when Marty Feinstein, the government prosecutor walked into Courtroom 10. 

“Who’s passing out the wacky weed?” he asked as he entered the well of the Court. “The last time I heard female laughter like this was when my little sister passed out whipped cream cans to inhale at her 13 year old birthday party.” 

Destiny looked at Elaine. “I take it that’s not him?” she said with a snicker. 

“You got that right friend,” Elaine responded. They both burst out laughing again. 

Marty looked at Rodney with questioning eyes. Rodney just shrugged. Their eyes met smugly Women, go figure.

“What’s this guy’s name, anyway,” Destiny asked Elaine, still giggling?” 

“John Rodgers, she was told. 

“A smooth name for a smooth talker.” John Rodgers has a slightly familiar ring to it Destiny thought. Not right, but familiar.

Two male defense lawyers entered the Courtroom next. Both were over forty , balding, and out of shape. Elaine and Destiny howled with laughter and tears ran down their faces. The gentlemen, both in dower gray suits, and boring ties, looked at them as if they had gone stark raving mad. Destiny tried to contain herself. “Oh God,” she mouthed to Elaine’. “I have to pee.” If I lose control Mr. Youth Division is bound to walk into the room she thought to herself. “Go girl,” Elaine said. “I’ll cover for you if the Judge takes the bench while you’re gone.” They both started to recover and Destiny walked out of the room holding her sides with mirth.

Destiny made it to the ladies room in time, “thank God” she thought. She applied some makeup on the way out. You never know she thought. Mr. Youth Division? Lord help us. What next?

On her way back, Destiny looked around in the hallway for Takita Smallwood. No luck. No big surprise. Half of the juvenile walk in cases were no-shows. She’d check for her client again later. She also called out for relatives of Devon James. No response. Batting zero. 

By the time she returned to the Courtroom it was almost full. The US Marshall came out of the back to indicate that the juveniles were available to be interviewed. 

Destiny interviewed Devon James through the bars of the small holding cell where he was detained. Destiny introduced herself to Devon and gave him her business card. There were three other youths in the cell with him. They had to shout at each other over the clamor in the cell block to be heard. Devon was fourteen years old, he said, and had no prior record. 

Good for Devon. Good for Destiny. Devon would probably be allowed to go home pending trial, Destiny thought at first. And she would get to keep the case. If he had other cases outstanding the case would have to be turned over to his previous attorney. 

The charges were serious so Devon would not be offered a pre-trial diversion program if charges were actually filed. As yet, the prosecutor had made no decision whether or not to charge Devon.

Destiny quickly advised Devon of the status of his case and got a brief social summary from him. He said he had been kicked out of school and was “living between his mother’s apartment and his grandfather’s house.” This did not bode well for the child. Juveniles were supposed to be released pretrial whenever possible, but if there was no one to assume parental responsibility other arrangements had to be made. The juvenile could end up in a youth shelter or in juvenile jail. Those were the options. If a child was physically or mentally ill hospitalization would be considered.

Devon didn’t think his mother or grandfather would be coming to Court. He said candidly that his mother was most likely out on the street, getting high, or with a “friend.” His grand father was really his great grand father, eighty years old and crippled. Devon calmly accepted the news that he would most likely be sent to juvenile jail pending placement at a youth shelter.

Destiny assumed that the case would be petitioned and there would be a short evidentiary hearing on the case that morning. In order to detain the youngster the government would have make a probable cause showing. 

Destiny started to gather information from Devon about the arrest and the evidence against him. Upon questioning her client she learned for the first time that he was arrested when he ran away from youth division officers who were investigating a complaint that he and his two siblings were being abused in his mother’s household

Devon ran out of the back door of the apartment when the youth division officers came in the front. This was at about 5:15 this morning. One officer apparently took his little brother and sister into custody and the other went out the back after Devon. 

Destiny was confused. “Devon, the police report says a gun and ammunition were involved in this incident.” 

“Yeah, “Devon responded, “I had my momma’s friend’s piece when the cops came in. He was hitting my sister and I was going to shoot him. When I left out I took the piece with me.” 

“Did you fire the gun at any time?” Destiny asked. 

“It might have gone off when I jumped down the back porch steps. Yeah. I’d say it went off accidental, like when I was leaving the porch.” 

“Then what happened? Did the officer shoot at you,” Destiny asked? 

“Naw, he never,” Devon said. “Like we runned for a while. I’m fast, but this dude, he be quick too. So I split down the alley when I get the chance. He be right behin’ me." The words were coming out fast now, and Destiny was scribbling like mad too keep up with the story. 

“How far behind you was he?” “I dunno, lady, I not be lookin back, you know. But I hear him huffin and puffin behin’ me. I ’s start to fear he might pull the trigger, you know. I still got the gun out, but I not be thinkin ‘bout shootin, just gettin away. Then all a sudden my feets get all tangled up and I go down hard on my face. The gun, it slides, like, outa my hand and a few feet past me. I hear that cop say ‘freeze or I’ll shoot’ and I freeze, just like he say.” 

“Did you reach for the gun at any time after you went down.” Destiny asked, with intense concentration. 

“No ma’am. He say ‘freeze mother fucker, you don want to die tonight’, and I think that’s true. I’d rather be caught than dead. He say ‘lay down flat out with you hands behind you back and you breath wrong, you die.' I do it. He stands on my hands long enough to put the cuffs on me. Then he say I make the right choice son.' And I know he’s right. I ain’t got nothin to say ‘gainst him. He could have smoked me, truth be told.”

“How long did the chase take?” Destiny asked. 

“Ten, fifteen minutes, maybe.” 

“Do you know what happened to the gun after you dropped it?” Destiny asked.

“No ma’am. I lost track of it. We waited there for the troops to come. They was cops coming in from all directions. They was cops all over the alley by the time they put me in a car to take me down town.”

“How much ammunition was in the gun.” Destiny asked. 

“I dunno. Just what was in it, I guess. Didn’t really know if it was loaded when I first picked it up. Not until I shot it off by mistake,” Devon replied. 

“Do you know what kind of gun it was?” She asked. 

“Nah. Just a gun.”

“How did you get those scrapes and bruises on your face, Devon,” Destiny inquired. 

“That’s from when I fell in the alley.” 

“Did the cops treat you okay?” she asked. 

“Yeah” he responded.

“Do you remember my name,” Destiny asked? “Yeah,” he grinned. “Destiny. I like that for a name” 

“You’re a smart kid,” Destiny said with a smile. “Remember, what you and I talk about is confidential. That means private, right?” 

“Right,” he said with a nod of his head. 

“And from here on in, don’t talk about it to any one else about the case unless I’m with you, okay?” 

“Okay.” 

“See ya soon.”

Destiny left the cell block and reentered Courtroom 10. It was noon already. The judge still hadn’t taken the bench. Marty handed Destiny the petition on Devon. “What are you asking for Marty,” Destiny inquired of the prosecutor. “Secure detention,” Marty responded.

“No way,” Destiny replied. “He has no priors. He’s fourteen and small for his age. They’ll eat him up at Oak Hill. Oak Hill was a run down, juvenile detention center about 35 miles east of DC. It housed juveniles delinquents from age 12 through 21. It was basically a holding cell for throw-away children who were out of options, violent, or just, plain unlucky. 

Give him expedited shelter care.” 

“No can do. If you want him in isolation at Oak Hill he can have isolation.” 

“Oh, that’s a big help,” Destiny said with disgust. Put a victim of child abuse in solitary confinement at Oak Hill because he tried to defend his sister from a pimp.” 

“He shot at the cops, Destiny. And a merry chase ensued through Anacostia in the dead of night with drawn pistols. It was a highly dangerous situation. Cops could have been killed.”

‘Which version is that, Marty, yours, after you rehearsed your witness, or the cop who was at the scene?” Destiny asked angrily. “Who are you putting on for probable cause, anyway,” Destiny asked.

“Read your police report, Destiny, and figure it out. Or wait until the case is called. You’ve always liked surprises, as I recall.” Marty turned on his heel and walked out of the Courtroom. Destiny followed him, seething. 

“As she was leaving she spotted Kate Golding, one of the probation officers on duty in Courtroom 10 that day. “Kate,” Destiny called over the noise, “do you have Devon James’ case” 

“Yep, Kate said, knowing what Destiny was about to ask. “Oak Hill.” 

“Oh, come on. Not you too, Destiny implored. “Did you talk to the kid at all about what happened.” 

“Did I what?” 

“I mean prior to the chase. Christ, Kate, the kid was trying the defend his sister from some sadistic bastard pimp.” 

“So he says,” Kate replied. 

“So youth division thought when they went out at 5:00 a.m. to remove the kids from the home,” Destiny retorted, heatedly. They were a little slow in arriving, as I see it. The pimp left his gun out when he went after the sister. The kid picked up the gun.” 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 02



“And thank God youth division got there before the kid committed murder,” Kate interjected. 

“The kid barely knew which end to hold, “Destiny, replied. 

“Then thank God he didn’t shoot himself. But," Golding continued, “the fact of the matter is that he shot the gun while he was being pursued by a cop. There was a chase, during which either one of the two persons involved could have been killed. Innocent bystanders could have been shot. The cop had to run the kid to exhaustion and force him to give up the gun.” 

“Now that’s just not true,” Destiny countered. “Where in Hell did you get that piece of information?”. 

“From Marty.” 

“Marty made that up,” Destiny insisted. Talk to the kid again, Kate. Think about immediate shelter care. The kid’s practically in shock over what happened. And he’s nice, and he’s bright.”

“Yeah,” Kate grumbled. “And he’s in the same boy scout troop as all of your other juvees. I know you Destiny, and I know these kids. They may get to you but they don’t get to me. Not any more”

“Just talk to him,” Destiny urged one more time. 

“All right,” Kate grudgingly agreed. 

“Thank you!”

Judge Raven strode purposefully into the room.

“All rise,” Elaine, sang out. “All persons having business before the Honorable Judge Raven now presiding before this Honorable Court ...”

Destiny slipped out the door as Elaine gave her opening spiel to the audience. It was almost 12:30. The morning calendar was just about to begin. Destiny decided it was time to figure out who would be testifying for the government in Devon’s case. 

Before she did that she looked again for the missing Takita Smallwood. Takita was definitely a no show, which meant the case would be assigned to another attorney when, if ever, Takita was picked up by the police on the charge.

Destiny sat down on one of the seats outside the Courtroom to re-read Devon’s paperwork. Her best guess was that Marty would call the arresting officer. She squinted to decipher the officer’s name. Well, hot damn, Destiny thought. It looks like John Rodgers to me. Mr. Youth Division himself. Maybe I’d better go freshen up, Destiny thought with a laugh. 

No, better yet. Maybe he’s in the police’s lounge. The cops had a small room to the left of Courtroom 10 where they schmoozed, and snoozed while waiting for their cases to be called. Destiny’s devilish side came out all of a sudden.  I’ll just take a little peek inside. I wouldn’t want Elaine to see me with my jaw hanging open when he appears in Courtroom 10. 

No, he can’t be that good looking. And what do I care any way?

Ah, hell, just a peek.  Destiny walked unobtrusively over towards the police lounge door. No one was looking. She opened the door a crack. The light was dim, and yes, there was a well built cop asleep on the cot. But damn it, his back was towards her. It was a very sexy back, as far as she could tell. The hair was very dark cut in a longish, casual way. Something about the fall of the hair and the tilt of his head was familiar.

“Destiny, there you are,” Marty’s loud voice hit her like a blow. “The case has been called. What were you...? Ah. Ah Hah. I get it. The word is out. Sneaking a peek at the local talent, were you? Destiny, I’m ashamed of you." 

Destiny’s face was bright red. She wanted to sink into the floor out of sight. No. She wanted to close her eyes, and open them and be some where else. Anywhere. 

And she did close her eyes. But when she opened them she was still there. Marty was still laughing and then she had to laugh at herself. What was so wrong about a little female curiosity, anyway. Caught me dead to right Marty. But I bet you wish it was you I was peeking at you bald haired buzzard, she whispered under her breath as she entered the courtroom and walked up to the defense table.

Destiny smiled at her client for encouragement when he was brought into the room. As he stood next to her she whispered to him “did you talk to Ms. Golding again.” 

“Yes,” he replied. 

“What did you talk about?”. “School, and my mamma and her drugs, and her boy friend, and my brother and sister, and how they hit on us. And how us kids take care of my granddaddy when he’s sick. 

“But I told her I couldn’t talk about the facts of the case, just like you said, “Destiny. Was that right?” he asked worriedly. 

“I’m sure you did just fine, Devon,” Destiny assured him. 

The case was called for the record and the arraignment proceeded. When Judge Raven asked for Court Social Service’s recommendation Kate Golding looked at Marty for a second. Then she looked at Devon and smiled just briefly. Destiny relaxed a smidgen.

“Your Honor, this is a tough case. And although there factors indicting the appropriateness of secure detention I’m going to go out on a limb here and recommend expedited youth shelter house placement.” Marty gave Kate a dirty look. Destiny mouthed a silent “thank you.” 

“Kate continued. “This young man is only fourteen years old and has no prior convictions. He does have two prior contacts. Both were no papered shop lifting charges. It is true also that the young man was recently expelled from school for fighting. The school principal, however, indicated to me that there were mitigating circumstances.

“The facts and circumstances surrounding this case are very troubling and the charges are very serious. But it cannot be over looked that the reason Youth Division was at the respondent’s home was to investigate allegations that he and his younger siblings were in immediate danger of physical abuse by their adult caretakers. Placement in the home of the mother is impossible. . The great grandfather is elderly and infirm. There are no other relative placements available. 

Although the incident did involve flight from a police officer there were mitigating factors. I think the respondent should be given a chance in a youth shelter house. Moreover, he is somewhat small for his age. I don’t know if he’d be safe at Oak Hill.” 

“What is the government’s view on this?” Judge Raven asked.

Marty puffed himself up for a fight. “The government is asking for secure detention, Your Honor.”

“Why?" Raven asked bluntly. “It’s a first offense. Less restrictive alternatives haven’t been attempted. If not for the social factors this child would be released in this case.” 

“Not without a fight, Your Honor,” Marty said doggedly. “This was a highly charged incident that could have lead to serious injury or death to officers, the respondent, or innocent bystanders.” 

“But it didn’t, did it” Judge Raven interrupted. 

“Unbelievable,” Destiny thought. “Judge Raven actually on my side for a change.” 

“No your Honor,” Marty admitted, “but shots were fired.” 

“One shot, maybe, and that has to be shown,” Destiny interjected. 

“You’ll get you chance, Ms. Lysander,” the Judge chided her. 

“What else do you have, Mr. Feinstein,” the Judge said impatiently. 

“He tried to resist arrest,” Marty said finally. 

“That’s an out and out lie,” Destiny burst out. “Quiet,” Judge Raven ordered. 

“He’s not charged with resisting. Is the government moving to amend the petition?” the Judge asked with a frown. 

“No, but...” “Then that’s not an issue, is it, Mr. Feinstein?" “No sir,” Marty backed down.

Judge Raven directed his attention to Destiny. Ms. Lysander, will you be asking for a probable cause hearing if I go along with immediate youth shelter house placement?” 

I get it” Destiny thought cynically. Judge Raven’s got a lunch date and he’s afraid he’ll be late if there’s a hearing”  

“Yes.” And miss a chance to see Mr. Youth Division 2000 in action, “Destiny thought.” Not on your life”

The Judge sighed. "That’s what I was afraid of. Call your witness, Mr. Feinstein, the Judge said resignedly.”

While the case was proceeding inside, Officer Rodgers, camped out in the officer’s lounge had awakened from a deep sleep like a swimmer emerging from deep water. First he thought he heard someone say “Destiny,” sharply. Then he became aware of a comforting, enveloping dark. As he came out of his slumber it became lighter and lighter until he opened his eyes and started to take in his surroundings. The room was small and dimly lit. He was on a very uncomfortable cot. Where the hell, he wondered, was he? Certainly not in bed in Takoma park. I was on an island, but I wasn’t me. His whole body remembered. There was a woman. Destiny. No that’s not a name he thought And there was a woman. Oh yes, indeed, he remembered..

Oh God, I’m in Superior Court. That’s right. I brought that darn kid in this morning. Damn near got both of us killed. Turned out to be a nice kid though. Just scared to death and fed up with getting the shit kicked out of him. We all go through that. Hell, I felt like that almost every day of my last year in homicide. No wonder this morning took such a toll on me. But boy I surely did sleep. And I the dream when I finally slept -- what a whopper. I’d almost go through the whole thing again for a dream like that. Almost, but not quite. 

What time is it, any way? One o'clock. Christ these juvee case take forever. First the darn paper work down town. Then the prosecutor. That Marty Feinstein is a real piece of work. Tried to make out like the kid was Jesse James or something. Then sitting down here waiting for the judge to get his ass on the bench. If it wasn’t for the overtime I’d chuck it all in and start a new career.

No you wouldn’t, John reminded himself. There’s that other business. to finish up. That’s personal. You couldn’t finish it in Florida. The bastard moved on and you followed him. Time and patience will finish it. And luck. Bad luck for him. Good luck for me.

What I really need is a shower, a shave and a real bed. And 24 hours of uninterrupted down time. Not back to work on the midnight shift. I can’t go on this way forever, John thought, tiredly. And its only Monday. Two more shifts to get through. Ah well. Take it as it comes. Let the shit fall as it will. John leaned back, about to fall asleep again, when Marty stuck his head in the door.

“You’re up, Mr. Youth Division.” 

“Oh, give me a break,” Marty, Rodgers asked, as he shrugged his broad shoulders into his jacket.

“I might,” Marty responded,” but defense counsel won’t. You might like her to though. Prepare to meet your Destiny, Mr. Youth Division.”

“Kiss my ass, Marty,” Rodgers suggested sweetly. 

“In your dreams,” said Marty. “Get in there and make my case. I don’t want this boy to walk.”

“I’ll do my job,” Rodgers answered back as he strode commandingly into the courtroom. “But I’m not going to hang that kid out to dry. Understand?” I tell it the way it happened, not the way I think you want the Judge to see it.

“The government calls John Rodgers,” Marty announced pompously.

Destiny swore she heard him say Juan Rodriguez. The blood started to drain out of her face. She room seemed to waiver a bit. 

Don’t blink,” Destiny though crazily.  I have to see this through.” Her pencil snapped in half between her fingers. 

“What’s wrong, Destiny, Devon asked in a whisper.” Unfortunately, the microphone picked up his voice and it sounded like a shout to Destiny.

Destiny?, John started at the name. Not possible. He stopped in mid step on his way up to the witness stand and peered towards the defense table. “Holy shit” he mouthed, as he caught his first glimpse of defense counsel.  Yes, it was her. He watched as her green eyes widened in recognition and wonder. Her black hair was pulled up and off her face, which offset, what he saw as her beautiful facial features. Tall, but fragile. And she looked so tired. Older. World weary. He wanted to walk over and lift the burdens he could almost see pressing down on her shoulders.

Juan? Destiny wondered in silent amazement. It couldn’t be. But it was. There was no mistaking that bold stride. His magnificent carriage. His strong brow, the chiseled cheek bones and the determined set of his chin. Those amazing sapphire eyes. Yet it wasn’t him. For one thing, he wasn’t tan as he was in her dream. He was in civilian clothing, for another. But he was still a cop. He was thinner. He was muscled more like a swimmer or a runner, not a fighter as she had last seen him in her dream.  

The world as Destiny and John knew it tilted on its axis and suddenly expanded exponentially. New horizons opened. Whole new possibilities were laid at their feet.

Don’t you dare blink,” Destiny mouthed, not sure who the words were meant for. Herself? John? Everyone on the planet? 

Don’t blink, John murmured at the same instant.

The moment passed and everything was back to normal.

The name “John Rodgers,” was still coming out of Marty’s mouth. Rodgers was still walking up to the witness stand. John and Destiny knew everything was different.

Officer Rodgers took the witness stand and was duly sworn in to testify. 

Marty artfully drew out John’s testimony. Destiny listened numbly, barely taking notes. At one point Devon, nudged her. “Are you listening to him Destiny” he asked worriedly? 

“Of course I am. Don’t worry. It’ll work out.” 

“That’s easy for you to say, Devon grumbled.

On cross examination, John testified that only one shot was fired from the respondent’s weapon and that was just as the chase began, even before John was out of the apartment. He admitted that shot could have been fired by accident and came no where near him or anyone else in or out of the apartment to his knowledge. Much to Marty’s disgust, John agreed that DEVON gave himself up quickly upon apprehension and without a struggle. He never tried to retrieve the gun after it flew out of his hand. The gun was retrieved by John after DEVON was subdued.

He was, however, sure the gun he retrieved was the gun Devon brandished during the chase. Destiny couldn’t get John to admit that he might have lost sight of Devon during the chase, even for a second. 

“You didn’t blink during the chase, Colonel Rodgers,” Destiny asked in frustration. 

“Its officer Rodger, ma’am.” “That’s what I said, isn’t it?” Destiny asked. 

“No ma’am. I didn’t blink long enough to change what I saw in that alley.” “A funny way of working it,” Destiny thought. But she didn’t follow through on the line of questioning. 

“No more questions Your Honor.” Destiny surmised that she had done much better than she thought possible on cross examination. Not only was officer Rodger’s Mr. Youth Division. He was a dream witness for the defense

John was grateful when Destiny’s questions ended. Although he hadn’t blinked during the chase, he had blinked long enough after the apprehension to be transported to a fantasy island and wake up from a dead faint looking up into the eyes of Destiny. I want to see more of your beautiful, green eyes. I need a drink, John concluded silently. No, I need a double.

Marty tried to rehabilitate his case with a question or two without success. He released his witness. “Thanks a whole lot. You can go, ass hole, he whispered to Rodgers as he signed the officer out.” 

Rodgers smiled. “Nah. I think I’ll go catch a few winks in the officers lounge.” He looked in Destiny’s direction hoping to catch her eye. He was rewarded by a quick nod in his direction. Assured she would look for him on her way out he sauntered out of the Courtroom.

“Does the government have any further witnesses?” Judge Raven asked. 

“No Your Honor.” 

“Defense witnesses?” 

“None you Honor,” Destiny assured the Judge. “Argument” asked the Judge?

“The prosecution submits on probable cause.”

“As does the defense.”

Judge Raven looked happy. “I find probable cause. Any new argument on placement in view of the testimony?”

Marty looked uncomfortable. “I would just like to reiter...”

The Judge interrupted. “I said new argument. I take it that’s a no.”

“No your Honor.” 

“Ms. Lysander?” 

“None, Your Honor. I think Court Social Services stated the matter quite well.”

“Good. The respondent will be placed in a youth shelter house on an expedited basis. Do we have a status date?” The Judge looked at the courtroom clerks.

Elaine suggested July 24th at 9:30 a.m. on calendar 2. The parties agreed and the respondent was ushered from the room. 

During the entire course of the hearing, Elaine watched had Destiny and John closely.  I had a funny feeling about those two, Elaine thought with a smile.  And when I’m right, I’m right.

“Unless there is anything else,” the Judge said, “this Court is adjoined until 2:45 p.m. for lunch. The people left waiting in the gallery for their cases to be called groaned in unison. It was already 2:15. The case had taken longer than anyone expected.

As she was leaving the Courtroom Judge Raven called to her from the bench. “Ms. Lysander, could you approach the bench for a moment off the record.” “Of course, Your Honor.” Surprised, Destiny complied.

“Ms. Lysander, I know you don’t mean any disrespect to the Court, but do you really think tennis shoes are appropriate apparel for the Courtroom?” Not again, Destiny thought. 

Fed up with apologies she had been making for years she took a new, bold approach.

“Your Honor,” she said in a conspiratorial tone of voice, “not many people know this, but I have very sensitive feet.” Destiny noticed the Judges ears begin to turn pink. She made her voice even more intimate. “Right know I have a badly infected corn on right big toe. I can’t bear to wear anything but tennis shoes. I can show you my foot if you would like.” Destiny started to reach down, as if to pull her shoe off in open Court. Judge Raven’s craggy old face turned beet red. “No, no,” he hurriedly demurred. “Don’t inconvenience yourself. I hope it ..uh...heels quickly, no pun intended.” He looked like he was going to give her a wink.,

My God, I just used my bedroom voice on Judge Raven and it worked, Destiny thought, smiling inwardly I’ll have to try that more often. 

Out loud she thanked the Judge for his concern. “Have a nice lunch, Your Honor,” you old foot fetishist she added to herself.

Destiny decided to stop in and see her client before she went to lunch. She went back into the holding cell where Devon was still being held.

“Hey Devon, how are you doing?” she asked him.

“Okay, I guess,” he responded without enthusiasm.

“You made a few friends today,” Destiny said.

“Yeah? Who?”

“Officer Rodgers for one. He bent over backwards not to nail you at that hearing.”

“I guess,” Devon agreed.”

“And Ms. Golding changed her mind about you completely after she talked to you the second time. Did you know that?” She originally recommended Oak Hill. The prosecutor was really pissed at her. He was pissed at Rodgers too.”

“I liked Ms. Golding,” Devon admitted.”

“And I think you and I are going to get along pretty well. We have a lot of work ahead of us though. Do you think you can work with me?” Destiny asked.

“Yeah.”

“Did you understand what happened in the Courtroom?”

“Sure,” he said. “I get to go to a youth shelter house. What’s that gonna be like” he asked with trepidation.

“Its like a group home” Destiny explained. You’ll be staying in a house with a bunch of kids your own age. You’ll probably have to share a bed room with another kid. It is not a locked facility but there are rules and regulations. You’ll have chores to do and you will be able to earn privileges. They will be able to get you back into school. Does that sound okay to you.”

“Yeah,” Devon said. “It sounds better than home. When do I go?”

“Today, I think. The Judge ordered that your name be put at the top of the list for placement so you don’t have to go to Oak Hill. I’ve got to go but I’ll call you as soon as I find out where you have been placed. And Devon, Destiny reminded him, “you have my phone number for a reason.”




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 02



“What’s that? Devon asked.

“So you can call me if you need me or have any questions. Do you remember your next Court date?”

“Uh”

“Two weeks from today. Don’t forget. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Destiny,” Devon called as she was leaving, “could you find out where my brother and sister are please.”

“Sure. Their cases are coming into Court this afternoon. I’ll stick around long enough to find out what happens to them.” I should be able to tell you something tonight. Call me if you don’t hear from me.”

“Thanks Destiny.”

Destiny headed out of the Courtroom with her mind on little other than where to go for lunch. She figured she had about half an hour before she should get back for the initial hearing in DEVON’s siblings’ neglect cases. She thought of checking in on officer Rodgers as she passed by the officer’s lounge, but got cold feet at the last second. As she was about to step onto the up escalator she hear her name called. “Destiny, wait.” She turned. Rodgers was running to catch up with her. She stopped and waited for him, smiling as he approached.

“Where are you headed?” Rodgers asked her when he reached the escalator?” Can I walk with you.?”

“Sure.”

They stepped onto the escalator, talking as they rode it up to the first floor.

“I’m going to Burger King. I need some grease to settle the sugar and caffeine I had for breakfast. I’m going for the balanced diet today. Care to join me?”

“Sure. I can do grease. Food of the Gods,” Rodgers answered. How much time do you have”

“About a half hour. Then I’m heading back to Raven’s Courtroom to see what happens to Devon’s siblings. Devon asked me to find out where they’re going to be placed. I thought maybe I could work out some sort of visitation arrangements.”

“That’s a nice thing to do.” “Lawyers aren’t supposed to do nice things,” Rodgers teased.”

“Why does everyone have to bash lawyers,” Destiny complained. “Lawyers can be nice.” “Take me. I’m a very nice person. Its one of my biggest problems. I’m overly nice. Everyone takes advantage of me.” 

I’d like to take you period, Rodgers realized. He kept the thought to himself.

“I’m a cop” Rodgers pointed out as they exited the Courthouse. The heat of the summer afternoon hit them like a hot, wet blanket. 

“Cops are allergic to lawyers, remember? Lawyers get in their way and prevent them from doing their job. We trip over them every step of the way. The minute a lawyer becomes nice, a cop becomes suspicious. It’s the way of the world. Cops and lawyers. The yin and yang of crime”

Yin and yang, huh? they both thought.

“So you’re a philosopher as well,” Destiny said.

“I could be what ever you want me to be ,” he said suggestively, giving Destiny a warm, appraising look.

An immediate spark flared between them and Destiny went on the offensive. Her pulse quickened.

“You know what you are downtown?” she asked with a sly grin as they strolled companionably up Fifth street towards the Burger King? The humidity was starting to make Destiny sweat.

“No. Tell me.”

“Mr. Youth Division.

“Oh, Christ.” Rodgers was disgusted. “Who in the Hell told you that?”

Destiny was surprised he knew, but covered it well.

“Why, everyone, officer Rodgers.” Destiny drawled, batting her eyelashes.” There hasn’t been a Mr. Youth Division since the Buck in 1992, so of course your selection was a hot news item in the halls of the Courthouse.”

“Bullshit.,” said Rodgers, his face reddening. He realized Destiny’s eyes were a deeper shade of green than they had been in his dream. “I would know if gossip like that is spreading.”

“How would you know? How many women attorneys and social workers do you talk with intimately on a daily basis, officer Rodgers?” she asked sweetly. Destiny was wildly curious to hear his answer.

“Oh shut up, Lysander,” Rodgers growled. He was angry and fed up with the conversation. “I’m sorry I ever called you nice. That Mr. Youth Division shit is nothing but sexual harassment. How would you like to be dubbed Ms. Courthouse legs?” He looked at her shorts skirt meaningfully. You’d file a discrimination without blinking and probably win a million bucks. Being male doesn’t make me invulnerable to embarrassment from crap like this. What if I had a wife and kids?”

Destiny regretted her words. “I’m sorry. I was just having a little bit of fun. I’d never even heard of you before today. One of the courtroom clerks told me about your title this morning. I don’t know where she got it from. 

“By the way” Destiny said to smooth things over, They entered the Burger King and got into line with about two dozen hungry cub scouts and a stray lawyer or two, “you did a good thing for my client in Court.”

The restaurant had seen better days and smelled strongly of disinfectant and rancid grease. Destiny wrinkled her nose in distaste.

“What? Telling the truth?” Rodgers said dismissively.

“You could have told it differently to be sure he ended up at Oak Hill. A lot of cops would have. Marty was fit to be tied. For some season he wanted to juice Devon.”

“I’m not a lot of cops,” John said shortly. “And Marty should be tied. And drawn and quartered as far as I’m concerned.”

“Right on both counts” said Destiny. Your honesty is refreshing” 

“Sugar, where I come from, the cops are as honest as preachers.”

“Sugar,” Destiny retorted with a fake drawl, “y’all come from down south where the preachers lie like politicians on election day.”

They moved up in line as the cub scouts grabbed their lunches and headed noisily to the upstairs seating section.

Rodgers laughed. He seemed to have forgiven Destiny. “I come from Florida, where preachers lie like real estate agents talking to rich octogenarians. They talk fast and lay it on thick. But the cops don’t usually resort to fucking over juvees for no reason. And,” he added with a hint of malice, “they might just screw prosecutors who try to tell them how to testify.”

“I knew it,” Destiny proclaimed.” “I just knew Marty made up that part about your having to run Devon to exhaustion and wrestle the gun from his hands. God, he’s a sleezeball. I swear he gets a hard on every time he puts a kid at Oak Hill.

“Just between you and me,” Rodgers continued, the kid and I were both pretty exhausted by the end of the race. But Devon tripped over his own two feet. That’s when the gun flew out of his hand And it’s a damn good thing it did, or he might have accidentally shot himself when he landed on his face.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Destiny asked. “Cops don’t talk to defense attorneys other than to curse them out. Marty’ll have your head if he finds out you’re talking to me about the case.”

“What that little twerp thinks or does makes no difference to me” , Rodgers asserted. And ordinarily I’d say I’ve never met a lawyer I didn’t dislike. But you’re not ordinarily. 

“In any event,” Rodgers continued, switching subjects, “something strange has been happening to me lately. Today I discovered that you may be an integral part of the puzzle. I have to get to the bottom of a lot of things quickie and I need your help. If acting ethically and pissing off Marty along the way earns your trust, great. I’d have done what I did for the kid under any circumstances. He’s a good kid who needs a break..”

Destiny tensed up at his words. “I don’t know what do you mean,” she asked. “I met you for the first time only an hour or so ago. “

“Are you sure about that” Rodgers replied, “It seemed to me that you had a pretty strong reaction when you first saw me in the Courtroom. You called me Juan. Who is Juan? he asked pointedly. And during cross examination you called me Colonel, not officer” 

“That’s not true’. Destiny denied his words the officer’s words belligerently. She didn’t want to consider what it would mean if Rodgers were really Juan Rodriguez from her fantasy dream. It was just too, ..., too,... bizarre. If she had created him by putting him into her erotic fantasies over the years what did that say about the fabric of reality? Destiny pondered the problem.

What if one could create a being, a place or a situation by thinking it into existence. Or if dreams were portholes into separate realities people slipped in and out of unknowingly. Even more troubling, what if at a certain point in life one began to be aware of alternate universes, and to gain a measure of control over them? 

Destiny had read up on lucid dreaming when she first realized she could manipulate her dreams to a certain extent. In a lucid dream state one was kind of both awake and asleep at the same time. Lucid dreaming had various forms. With Destiny it occurred most often when she got into a sticky situation in a dream. She realize it was a dream and say to herself , wake up, Destiny, and open your eyes, and more likely than not she’d find herself back in bed. Lately she’d begun to think of her bed as a safety zone. Sometimes when she was sure she was awake she would test herself and try to wake herself up. So far she’d always been right . She didn’t want to think a day might come when she would be wrong. 

Destiny had experienced two other forms of lucid dreaming. One she considered to be a sort of aural traveling. It happened when she was in a trance like state poised between awake and asleep. She’d will herself to move her arms, starting with her left one, slowly and cautiously. The plasma of her arm would rise, leaving her corporeal limb behind. She’d raise her right arm similarly. The plasma arms pass through the bed covers is if they didn’t exist. Then she’d stretch out her feet and her aural fee would come loose. Next she’d try to pull herself up from her sternum and shoulders, with her head back. This was the critical point. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. If it did, her aura would pull free from her body. The she’d turn and push her fists through the walls of her bedroom. Often it felt like she was going through sand. Other time she went through cement, or dirt and stones. Once, she had swum her way out.

At this point she often heard music. The music might be radio music, instrumental, or vaguely new age. It was always different. She thought of it as the music of the universe.

She never saw the silver cord which so many books said connected persons auras to their bodies. Her cord was more like fish line. Sometimes it wasn’t there at all.

If she could push her way through the bedroom wall she was free. Sometimes she traveled downwards, sometimes upwards. Sometimes she stayed on the earthly plain. 

Destiny’s downward journeys were frequently sensual or even sexual. It would be warm and the air was damp and spicy. She might come out of the wall into a stairwell, and start flying or drifting downwards. sometimes she was alone, sometimes she passed others hurrying here or there her on her way down. 

After traveling down a few floors Destiny often became frightened and turned back. On several occasions, however, she had gone down stairs to find herself in a large chamber where there was more music, and sometimes dancing. It was always smoky in the chamber. There would be others in the chamber engaged in lazy conversation or pursuits of minor pleasure. Chess was a favored game. The color scheme was red and the walls of the chamber were made of rose, black and white marble. There were fountains of flowing water ensconced with gargoyles and cherubim, and their gurgling added to the hypnotic, sensual atmosphere. The chamber was lit by candles and some other unearthly light.

As Destiny floated around the chamber, the others would nod in greeting, but they never spoke to her. They appeared to have more substance in the chamber than Destiny did. 

On two occasions Destiny had spoken with an elegantly dressed entity who acted as if the chamber was a small part of a large fiefdom. The entity was charming and sinister like a snake, with cold, reptilian eyes. His smile was hot and steamy.

On the first occasion they met the entity said something Destiny didn’t like. Destiny said to him “you really piss me off.” Suddenly a faucet sprung out of nowhere and poured yellow liquid over the entity’s head. The entity had laughed, amused by her boldness. But she saw the look in his eyes and it was cold fire. Destiny beat a hasty retreat. She flew upstairs, opened her eyes and slid back onto her body. Her heart was thumping in her chest when she awoke and there was and a hint of sulfur lingering in the area of her bedroom

.

Most often when Destiny slid out of her bedroom wall into the present plane, she would find herself on the campus of Catholic University where she had gone to law school. It was usually springtime. There would be students lounging all over the lawns of the campus, reading or dozing. She would pass couples necking on blankets. Birds would be singing and the air would be aromatic with the scent of hyacinth and apple blossoms. A myriad of spring flowers and bushes would be in full bloom, petals strewn everywhere. 

Again, the entities in the dream would be more substantial than Destiny. They would see her and point, crying “look, she’s flying.” Its easy, she would call back “just lean into the wind, drag your hands out behind you, lift you chin and believe, and you can fly too.” A few would always take her advice and learn, to their delight, that flying was a simple trick.

Destiny would laugh and move on.

Sometimes these dreams ended when Destiny’s life line ran out of play. She would turn back regretfully, head home and slip back onto her body and into bed. 

On other occasions Destiny would forget to watch where she was going and would end up tangled in a tree or bush like a stray piece of Saran Wrap tossed by the wind. When that happened Destiny would be forced to open her eyes, and POP, there she would be, safe in her room.

There were winter days in the earth zone as well. Sometimes Destiny would find herself naked and freezing, barely able to fly in a snow or sleet storm. She would be at the top of a mountain or a cliff, struggling desperately to get back to the warmth of her home. She would cry out “fly, fly!! And then would wake up.

The higher planes were myriad and kaleidoscopic. The colors were brighter. She’d even seen colors that don’t exist on earth. Double and triple rainbows were common occurrences.

The scents were bolder and more pleasing than any she had ever experienced. Music had been re-created in the upper planes. It contained the sounds f joy, hope love, excitement and passion. The sound of rushing water was a constant source of comfort, as were bird song, crickets, and lightly calling bells.

Evenings were wondrous with the glory of rising tides, mountain vistas, the setting sun, the rising moon, star light and fireflies, all rolled into one.

She’d often awake from such dreams with tears of pleasure on her pillow and a swell of a song in her heart that she could never, ever remember.

Destiny’s aural travels were very limited in time and physically taxing. She always awoke from such dreams ravenously hungry with an immediate need for a sugar boost.

The third type of lucid dreams Destiny experienced were those where she could consciously manipulate the fabric of the dream. Sometimes she would be creating someone in her dream and want him or her to have a particular characteristic. She would concentrate on the person and on the characteristic she wanted, blink her eyes, and make a change. It was a touch and go process, however, and often frustrating. She could never seem to get precisely the effect she was looking for and could go on for what seemed to be hour trying to get things right.

Destiny could make other manipulations. She had turned tears into diamonds, often increased the amount of money in her wallet and changed her wardrobe obsessively. She had built houses and furnished rooms. She froze and boiled water, stopped trains, boats, trains and automobiles, and helped children grow up.. She had healed sickness. These dreams were megalomaniacal, Destiny realized. what she couldn’t do, however, was bring corporal matter back from such dreams. She brought back only what she came with. How many times, she wondered, had she tried to bring back flowers, jewels, or brick a brac from a lucid dream to watch them melt like snow flakes as her dream dissolved before her?

But what if all that has changed? Destiny wondered. This is dangerous thinking, . Destiny thought in desperation. Clearly delusional, psychotic even. But the evidence before her couldn’t be denied. John Rodgers looked just like the Juan Rodriguez she had called up from her imagination. Yes, there were subtle differences but his substance was the same and she knew it. She had been calling him up in her fantasies for as long as she remembered in one form or another. Now, here he was, staring at her with questions in his eyes, bigger than life. What’s happening?, Destiny thought nearly in tears. She took a long deep breath, looked up at the sky, as if seeking the wisdom of the stars, closed her eyes....

At the same instant, John looked at the fear and desperation on Destiny’s face in dismay. He hadn’t wanted to panic the woman. He reached out and grasped her hands, then watched in disbelief as diorama before him shimmered for a second, splintered and fractured into a million pieces. The universe made a sickening twist. He felt like he was being pulled along with Destiny through some sort of vapor lock. The force of the shift sucked Destiny hard and he lost his grip on her hands. He shut his eyes and protected his face with his forearms.



Dreams of Destiny Pt. 03



Chapter IV

Officer John Rodgers opened his eyes. It was 5:55. The sun was rising on the horizon in a rancid, filthy alley in Anacostia, a section of Southeast Washington, DC, known for its high incidence of violent crime. Rodgers was staring down at the teenager he had just subdued seconds ago at gun point. He was, to say the least, nonplused. 

What in Hell just happened to me? he wondered desperately. All I did was blink, and suddenly I was off somewhere, passed out on a floor looking up at a total stranger. A totally gorgeous stranger, but a stranger nevertheless. And then speaking Spanish to a waiter? I don't even speak Spanish. 

Rodgers realized that his hands were shaking and he was shivering all over. That's it, he thought, I'm getting the flu. I've had too many night shifts and too little sleep. Or maybe I'm so sleep deprived that I fell asleep on my feet. Or else I had an adrenaline hallucination. There has to be a logical explanation for what just happened. Otherwise I'm cracking up and that just can't be.

The teenager lying at his feet started to turn over. "Hey man." he complained, "I'm tired of layin on my face. We gonna stay like this all night or are you gonna do your cop thing?" 

Rodgers shifted gears. "Thanks for telling me my job, boy" he said sarcastically. Then he called in the arrest and his whereabouts, and asked for transport for the juvenile. He could already hear sirens heading their way. Less than half an hour had passed since he and his partner had entered the juvenile's apartment on a domestic violence call. It felt like a year.

"Your welcome, but I ain't no boy," the kid replied with a scowl. 

"You are to me if you're younger than my baby brother. You can roll over slowly and sit up."

The kid complied. "How old is your brother?"

"Thirty four."

"Shit, man, he's a grand daddy." And you be 'most old as God."

"That's the way I feel tonight," Rodgers agreed. "And for the record, you're under arrest. Anything you say can be used against you. You can have a lawyer if you want one and you don't have to talk to me or anyone else without a lawyer." Do you understand?" 

"Sure."

"What's your name son?" Rodgers asked the boy, "and how old are you?"

"Are you interrogating me, or just being friendly?" the boy answered.

"Just being friendly. I'll know in a couple of minutes anyway, I figure. I'm sure your baby brother and sister have already given the information to my partner."

"Shit," the kid said. "That ain't fair."

"Life ain't always fair," Rodgers said.

"You got that right" the kid agreed without rancor. "My name's Devon, Devon James. I'm fourteen. What's your name?"

"John Rodgers. I'm forty six."

Rodgers suddenly realized that he still hadn't recovered the weapon the kid had been carrying. Very sloppy work, ace, Rodger chided himself. A little slip like that could cost me my badge if not my life. 

It was fully light outside now. Rodgers looked around for the gun. A pleasant breeze drifted into the alley blowing away some of the stink.

John spotted the gun in a gutter not far from where Devon was sitting.



"Stay put son," Rodgers admonished the kid. I have to get the gun you were carrying before I arrested you."

Devon was young, but not totally ignorant of the rules regarding evidence seized at crime scenes. "What gun?" the kid asked with an innocent smile. "I don't know nothin 'bout no gun."

It's amazing," John thought, "how much street law a bright ghetto kid could absorb in 14 years.

"Give me a break, Devon," Rodgers said wearily. "Its just you and me here. Do you see any one else? I saw that gun leave your hand and I saw where it landed. I even saw you reach for it before you decided to freeze. It doesn't matter that I didn't pick it up the second you were arrested." 

Rodgers decided to shake the kid up a bit for trying to be smart. "I might even say I had to struggle with you for the gun before I subdued you if you decide to play games with me. Who do you think a judge would believe?"

"Think about it, Devon, the officer urged. The gun has your prints all over it. Are you gonna try to convince a judge that it flew into the alley this evening under its own steam?" 

The kid didn't say anything as Rodgers got up and headed over to where the gun was resting. Retrieving the gun took less than a minute. Devon sat still the whole time.

"See," Rodgers said with a smile. "There it was, right where you tossed it before you gave yourself up to me without a struggle."

Devon rolled his eyes. 

Rodgers' backup and the transport vehicle pulled into the alley at about the same time. 

Rodgers was soaked with sweat from the chase and crawling around in the alley He decided to sit himself down and watch the sky brighten while his colleagues worked. It was a warm and muggy morning, but not nearly as bad as summer in West Palm Beach where he had spent most of his early career. He had moved up here to DC to become what some people disparagingly call a "kiddy cop." He had come for reasons known only to himself. Rodgers knew that life as a DC Youth Division officer could be as dangerous, or more so as a homicide dick in West Palm Beach. This morning's activity had proved that in spades.

Now came the boring part of the job. He had to see to the kid's transfer and secure the chain of custody of the gun he recovered. He had reports to write at the Youth Division. After that he would have to wait in the office of Corporation Counsel until a prosecutor was ready to talk to him about the case. The prosecutor would grill him on the morning's events and decide whether or not to bring juvenile charges against the child.

If charges were filed, Rodgers would have to wait around in D.C Superior Court until a decision was made as to whether or not he would be needed to testify at an initial hearing. Rodgers figured he might get free of this case by 2:00 p.m. if he was lucky. Then maybe he could get some sleep before his next shift which began at midnight. The only good thing was the over time.

Rodgers and the rest of the officers finished up with the crime scene at about 6:40. Rodgers caught a ride over to the station with his partner, Maria Dias, who had joined the Youth Division ten years ago. She had been a beat cop before that. Maria was a pretty woman of ordinary height and breadth She had medium brown hair and brown eyes. Her breasts were her only extraordinary physical feature. Shelf tits, Rodger's uncle in Florida would have called them. The way her bosom jutted out in front of her was amazing. 

Maria had been his partner since he had joined the Division. She was tough as nails and took shit from no one. She was cool as a cucumber in a crisis. She was an expert at Judo. She knew the city like the back of her hand, having grown up in DC. She was a pleasure to ride with.

"What happened on your end, Maria?" Rodgers asked as he got into the squad car.

"A lot," Maria replied shortly. "I think it was lucky the boy took the gun. Someone might have died in there this morning if there had been a gun in the apartment. Mama's boyfriend was in the living room and had the little girl, Lily, around the neck when I got into the apartment. That was when your guy bolted. 

"I heard a gun shot out back right after you went out the kitchen door. I was afraid the kid shot at you, but things were happening so fast in the house that I couldn't get out to back you up. So I called in for help. I couldn't say which way you were heading and didn't have the time to look. I told the dispatcher to get as many units into the area as possible.

"Once mama realized I wanted to take the kids into custody, she grabbed little Marky by one arm and dragged him into bathroom. Marky's about four years old. Momma locked the door behind her. I went after the boyfriend to get him the hell away from the little girl, Lily.

"By this time the other units started to arrive. I subdued the boyfriend and placed him under arrest. Mack processed him for transfer. "Then I interviewed Lily." 

"Lily told me she's twelve years old. Her mamma's boyfriend wanted to pimp her. Her Momma was willing to go along with it but Lily refused to dress up and hit the street. Big daddy laid into her with his fists. Lily kneed him in the balls so big daddy put his hands around Lily's neck and started to choke her That's what got your kid all upset. A neighbor must have heard the ruckus and called the child abuse hot line." 

"While I was interviewing Lily, Mack was trying to convinced Momma to come out of the bathroom and give Marky to us. When she did come out she was high as a kite and wanted to fight everyone in the room. Mack was arresting her at about the time I learned that you had made your collar safely. I wanted to get out of there so I came by to pick you up."

"God, what a nightmare," John said.

"Some family, huh?" Maria replied as she lit a cigarette. Maria pulled the squad car into a parking space outside of the building which housed DC's Youth Division. The two officers got out of the car.

"Well, I guess we'd better write this up tuit suite." said John. "It sounds like both of us are going to be doing probable cause hearings today."

"What a pain in the ass," Maria grumbled. "But the sooner its done, the sooner we sleep. The coffee's burning on the hot plate and the donuts are getting stale as we speak. Let's go grab some breakfast."

They strolled into the building in a comradely silence. It was 7:00 and the morning shift was just coming on duty. Officers worked 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to midnight, or midnight, to 8:00 a.m. Most cops arrived an hour before their shift started in order to dress, chat and for roll call. 

John and Maria grabbed their donuts and coffee and headed for their desks. Maria's desk was closest to the front door. John looked at Maria's desk as he passed by. It was a disaster area. It was covered with paper and files. Photographs of friends and family members were stapled to the bulletin board next to her computer. Candy wrappers, wads of used paper, paper cups and soda cans littered the floor surrounding her trash can. 

Thank God the days of indoor smoking are over, Rodgers thought as he looked at Maria's desk. Add the smell and mess of cigarettes and the desk could be condemned as a toxic waste dump site

Rodger's desk was neat by comparison. John prided himself on having an ordered mind. He would have done well in the military he thought, suddenly remembering his earlier dream. There were no little personal touches on or around Rodgers' desk. Rodgers had very few personal ties and had not taken advantage of tentative overtures of friendship made by colleagues and other Youth Division employees since his arrival in DC. Each time he thought of reaching out he reminded himself that he had a private agenda. 

Rodgers booted up his computer and got to work. He ignored his phone which began to ring the minute he sat down. It took him less than an hour to complete his incident report. As he was about to leave, Maria walked into his cubicle..

"John," Maria said. "Did you know you were voted Mr. Youth Division?" she asked, laughing. "I just got an E-Mail about it."

"No. This is news to me," John replied. "What on earth is Mr. Youth Division?"

"It's a little known popularity/beauty contest conducted by secret ballot by the women employees of the Youth Division. But there hasn't even been a candidate in years. I have no idea who resurrected it. I don't even know who won it last."

"Great," John said sarcastically. "So what does it get me? A scholarship to cosmetology school? A date with the Mayor? Modeling contracts in biker magazines?"

Maria snickered. "It's a great honor and privilege," she advised him with a note of fake wonder in her voice. "You've been recognized as the most desirable man to grace the halls of Youth Division this year."

"Oh my God, you've got to be kidding me," John groaned. "Please tell me it ain't so." 

Maria snorted with laughter. "Oh John , this is the funniest thing to happen here in years. Don't tell me you don't love it. I'm riding with the sexiest man in the police department." 

"I don't love it," John said through clenched teeth. "I don't even remotely like it. I feel like I just had a bad nude photo of me displayed over the Internet without my permission.  Its insulting."

"John Rodgers I'm surprised at you," Maria chided playfully. "Where is your sense of humor? Your southern laissez faire attitude? Where's your masculine pride, your opportunistic nature? You could go far with a title like this. Think of all the babes out there just waiting for you to give them the nod."

"Give it a rest, Maria," I'm forty six years old, not sixteen. I don't want to be a sex object."

"If you say 'been there, done that,' I'm gonna puke," Maria warned.

"I don't mean that, Maria, and you know it. I'm a private guy. I hate the idea of every woman in the building looking at me and wondering how I perform in bed. That's disgusting. Its enough to put me off sex permanently."

"Now that would be a waste. No. It would be a national tragedy for women."

"Do you want to go to bed with me Maria?" John suddenly asked. He was furious. He backed her up against the wall, using his masculinity as a weapon.

She could feel his heat. If only he knew. "Jesus, John, I was just kidding around." She shoved him back.

He felt a connection. A sudden rush of arousal coursed through him. He backed off. "Of course you don't, he said brusquely. I know it and you know it. So don't talk like that. Its inappropriate."

"All right already. I didn't know you were so touchy. I'm sure the girls didn't mean anything by it. It was done in fun to break up work place tension.  You know. Give people something to laugh about." 

"I know," John sighed. "But how would you like it if it were at your expense? Say the guys put together a tit contest and you won. Every time you talked to a man in our office you'd wonder if he were checking out your breasts."

"Yeah. I see your point. I hadn't thought about it like that," Maria conceded. "What do you want to do about it?"

"What can I do about it?" John asked. "Not much. What's done is done. Damage control, I guess. Let's try to keep it from going any further. And I don't want any female secretaries walking by my desk tittering." 

The light on his phone line started to flash. John picked up the incoming call. "Good morning, Officer Rodgers here."

"This is Marty Feinstein, John, in corporation counsel's office, said a reedy voice on the other end of the line. I'm papering the Devon James case this morning and I need to talk to you. Meet me in my office in twenty minutes.

"Good morning to you too, Marty," John said coldly. "I'll have to check my calendar and get back to you." He hung up. Pompous ass, he said to himself. No please or thank you, or if it is convenient. Just be there. Well, I'll think about it.

The phone rang again. John left his desk to get another cup of coffee and a donut. The phone was still ringing when he got back.

"Yes," he said impatiently into the receiver.

"This is Marty again. Can you be in my office in twenty minutes?"

"A simple please and thank you would help," John said sweetly. "That's how we do things down south."

"This is Washington, DC, not West Palm Beach, John. An any event, I would thank you to please have your ass in my office in twenty minutes Mr. Youth Division," Marty said maliciously."

Oh great, the word's out.

"That's much better, Marty," John said ignoring the rudeness and the jibe. I'll see you shortly. He hung up the phone with a bang. What he really wanted to do was hurl it against the office wall. John spent the next fifteen minutes on the telephone with various calls. Several calls were about cases he was currently investigating. He got two or three hang ups which he passed off as wrong numbers. The other two were giggly overtures from female Youth Division employees asking for clandestine meetings.


John started to get annoyed, and then forced himself to relax. Ah hell. Let the twits have their fun. They're not doing me any harm. Its not as if they are going to rape me or anything. And it is kind of flattering, he finally decided

.

John looked up at the clock on the wall. 8:25 already. It was a ten minute walk to the Office of Corporation Counsel. Oh well, John thought, Marty's kept me waiting often enough. He won't kill me if I'm five minutes late. John shrugged into his rumpled jacket and set out for the prosecutor's office.

Marty was chaffing at the bit when John arrived ten minutes later. "Where the hell have you been?" Marty demanded as John walked into the office. "Do you have my police report? Judge Raven's really been hammering at us to get the juvenile cases papered as early in the day as possible. I can't paper my cases without police reports."

Rodgers handed Marty the police report and Marty read it eagerly.

"Good, good," he said as he read. "Wait a minute, I thought there was a resisting arrest charge." 

"No," said Rodgers, "Devon didn't resist."

"Are you sure about that?" Marty prodded him. "I thought I heard resisting."

"I should know, I was there."

"Yeah, right. Well there's definitely reckless endangerment, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of unregistered ammunition.. That ought to hang the kid out to dry. I'm going for secure detention on this one. We'll have to have a probable cause hearing. Do you have time for me to prep you now?" Marty asked.

"I don't need preparation," John said flatly. "You put me on the stand and I tell the judge what happened. Its as simple as that.

"No its not as simple as that," Marty snapped. "I want secure detention even though this is a first offense. Judge Raven doesn't like to lock kids up on first offenses."

"Neither do I," said John.

"Your opinion doesn't count," Marty said shortly. 

"Gee, thanks."

"Here's how I see it . This was a highly volatile situation. You and your partner arrived at Devon's apartment. When he saw police officers entering his home, Devon picked up his gun and fled the apartment. You took off in pursuit. Shots were fired at you. A lengthy pursuit ensued in the dark of night ."

Marty paused for effect.

"Loaded weapons were brandished. You could have been shot. Bystanders could have been killed. Devon might have been shot. You had to run him down to exhaustion and physically restrain him. You wrestled with him to get the gun. Clearly the boy's danger to the community and a flight risk. Have I got it right, officer Rodgers?" Marty asked.

"Well, not exactly." John said. He crossed the room to the water cooler and poured himself a drink.

"What am I missing?" Marty asked.

"That's not the way it happened," Rodgers said bluntly.

"Okay, so now you tell me what happened," Marty suggested.

"My partner, Maria Dias and I were responding to a anonymous call that came in at 5:20 concerning domestic violence. The caller was tearful and sounded scared. She was an older woman. She said she thought three little children, Mikey, Lily and Devon James, were being beaten up by their mother's boyfriend. She said the mother was a hooker and on drugs. The boyfriend was her pimp. She was especially afraid for the twelve year old girl. She said she thought there were drugs and guns in the house. 

"Maria and I arrived at the scene at about 5:40 a.m. As we approached the apartment we could hear loud music blasting out of the windows.  Maria knocked loudly on the door and an African American female, age approximately 30 answered, by opening the door about four inches. The woman was dressed up like she was headed for a party. Her eyes were blood shot and she appeared to be high. 

"Maria showed her badge and explained that we were investigating an anonymous complaint of child abuse. She asked the woman her name. 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 03



"The woman said she was Dominica James. She said she was the mother of Mikey, Lily and Devon James, but that there was no child abuse problem in her home. She turned and started to close the door but I put my foot into it. Maria asked if we could come inside and take a look around. Ms. James hesitated, and then shrugged her shoulders and opened the door to let us in.

"It was a small, one bedroom apartment. It was hot inside and smelled of urine, dirty laundry and stale food.. The place was filthy, and crawling with cockroaches. The front door entered into the living room. I noticed the kitchen behind the living room. The bedroom and bathroom were off to the left. There was a back door leading out to a porch and the alley below.

"As I entered the apartment I saw a young teenager in the kitchen with a handgun in his right hand. He froze for a second when he saw me. Then he turned and ran out the kitchen door. I followed him out.  At about the time I stepped out onto the back porch I heard a gunshot in the back yard. I drew my service revolver. As I looked down into the back yard I saw the kid run out the gate and into the alley. He was moving fast. I jumped over the porch rail down into the yard and passed through the gate about forty feet behind the kid. The kid ran out flat. It was dark and he knew the neighborhood well so he kept a good distance between us. He led me a merry chase, but I could tell he was tiring when he turned right, into an alley. 

"I gained on him until there were no more than fifteen feet between us, and then the poor kid tripped over his own feet and went down flat on his face. The gun skittered out of his hand and ended up in a gutter a few feet away from him. 

"I told the kid to freeze. He started to reach out as if to go for the gun. I' told him to freeze, mother fucker, or words to that effect. I told him that if he didn't want to die he'd better lie down flat on his face with his hands behind him. 

"The kid flattened out and put his hands behind him. I put on the cuffs nice and gentle, like, and read him his rights. I called in to the dispatcher and then went over to the gutter to recover the gun. After that me and Devon sat together and watched the sun rise whilst waiting for the troops to arrive. And we had us a nice little chat."

Rodgers finished up his tale leaning his long body back in Marty's one comfortable chair. His legs were stretched out and crossed at the ankle. Rodgers was finally starting to relax after hours of built up tension.

"So I guess you think I should put this kid back out on the street," Marty said with disgust.

"No. But I don't think you should screw him, either. Maybe he'd do okay if he had a decent relative somewhere."

"He doesn't. I've checked. And even if he did I wouldn't want him released."

"Don't be such a hard ass, Marty," Rodgers said. "You can't lock up every juvee that ends up in the system. 

"Sure I can. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

"You'd be happy if we went back to the dark ages, wouldn't you? 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'."

"Yep," said Marty. "Don't screw around with me on this one, Rodgers. I want the kid locked up."

Rodgers' gave Marty a hard look. He stood up and leaned his hands on the prosecutor's desk. "Don't tell me how to testify, Marty. I don't like it." 

Marty looked nervously at the big man across the desk from him. "Oh for Christ's sakes John, lighten up. This is kiddy court, remember? Its elementary school for criminals." 

"Yeah, right," Rodgers muttered disdainfully. "So who cares what happens to the kids, anyway?" He walked out of Marty's office feeling soiled, and with a bad taste in his mouth.

"Where are you going?" Marty called to him as he left.

"To the officers lounge outside Courtroom 10. I gotta get some sleep, I'm whipped."

The Courthouse was only a block from the prosecutor's office but it felt like a mile. It was downright hot out now, the sun was an angry gold disk in the morning sky. DC summers had all of the disadvantages of Florida with no beach. What a crappie city. Rodgers thought. He was in a real funk by the time he got to the Courthouse. Kiddy court. Christ, who needs it? Why didn't I just stay in West Palm beach with my nice little murders. When he got to the front of the Court he looked up at the letters over he looked at the words over the door. COURTHOUSE OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and saw them as Outhouse of the District of Columbia. Appropriate, he thought.

John made his way to the officers lounge outside of Courtroom 10. He was exhausted. The lounge was empty and dark. The lumpy cot looked more inviting than any bed he'd seen in a long time. He took off his jacket and lay down. He pulled his jacket over his head to make it seem even darker. He was deeply asleep in a matter of minutes. 

John slipped into a familiar dream. He was back in college and taking a long, restful run through the pine forest in Glen Helen. It was late afternoon on an early autumn day. The air was warm and fresh and scented of pine. The light shining through the boughs of the trees was golden and hazy with pollen. There was a clear brook babbling below him on his left side. Large Monarch butterflies were flying along beside him. The path before him turned to the right and began a descent. He let his arms trail out behind him and lifted his chin to the wind as he ran and suddenly he was air born. He climbed quickly, heading into the sun. He flew over the tops of the tallest pines. The wide-open sky was crystalline blue and almost cloudless. He played with the air currents to increase the excitement of his flight. He flew over a pretty blue lake where college girls were enjoying a late season skinny dip. Unembarrassed, they waved at him as he flew by. He made a pass of the small college town and circled the church tower a couple of times. The bells in the clock tower began to chime as he flew by. He flew south, gathering speed, towards his home town. The sun began to set behind him and the air cooled but he did not grow chilled in his flight. He flew on as the sky darkened. 

What should I wish for? he wondered when he spotted the first star of the evening. More stars began appearing on the opalescent vista above him . The moon rose. Then he could see the ocean. It was all so beautiful laid out before him. The silvery wave caps shimmered in the dark sea which reflected the moon and the stars above.  The cool, salty air was more intoxicating than any liquor. 

He headed towards his child hood home. There it was in the distance. It hadn't changed a bit. He barked his speed and angled in, as if he was a small plane preparing to land. His old bedroom window was open, beckoning him. He flew in and landed smoothly. Gloriously tired from the long flight, John sank down into his old childhood bed, pulled up the covers, and fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter V.

Destiny awoke with a start in her bed. It was 7:30 a.m. Her heart was pounding and her eyes were wet as if she had been crying. She had the taste of sangria in her mouth and the name, "Juan" on her lips. She struggled to pull herself back to reality. What day was it, she asked herself? June 30 Yes. What am I supposed to do today?

She ran down the possibilities.

UUV trial. No. That was a dream.

Temporary job. 

No, Its been two years since I gave up on that dead end shit job. Two years to the day she realized with a start. On June 29, 2003, Destiny had asked Steve William's boss to back her up on the interrogatories. He said, almost verbatim "Sorry sweetie, work with Stephen or don't work here at all." 

On June 30, Stephen told her sleep with him or finish the interrogatories without overtime. Her only option had been to leave. Even though she had loved the hours, the freedom, and the possibility of a permanent spot with the firm.

Destiny had gone into the job with the promise it would lead to bigger and better things. Yeah. Bigger headaches and better reasons to regret having gone to law school to begin with she thought sourly.

Oh, she had been charmed by Stephen at first, with his glittery dark brown eyes, wavy blond hair and his intense, A type personality. Although he was only an inch taller than her he had the bearing of a much taller man.. He was always careful to poise himself so that he seemed to tower over other lesser individuals. Yet he was lithe and graceful as a cat. He had an animal magnetism about his that had, in the beginning, almost mesmerized Destiny.

Destiny had gained some wisdom through a couple of past, unpleasant experiences.  She'd dated enough male lawyers to be cautious not trust her first impressions.  She had a well honed bullshit barometer and a thick steel shield around her heart.

It hadn't taken her long to pick up on Stephen's underlying madness. She quickly figured out why the firm couldn't keep female associates for more than six months, and had to rely on temporary help. She wasn't sure whether Stephen was bi-polar or a true sociopath, but there was something really off kilter about him. It only really showed when he was under intense pressure or wanted something very badly. But it was there, lurking, waiting beneath the surface like a shark to strike

When Destiny took the job she thought her past experiences as a sole practitioner had steeled her for anything. She started to worry when she found out that the entire support staff was on anti-depressants. Then she learned that both the office manager and the senior secretary had been in psychiatric hospitals when she came on board. Next she'd over heard a file clerk telling a paralegal that she thought they should put Prozac in the water cooler. There was a also quiet rumor going around that a young associate that had completely disappeared several years ago. She had never asked for the details, dismissing it as office myth.

Stephen's obscene proposition had nearly sent her over the edge into despair. She still had nightmares about the firm. This morning's dream had been mild compared to earlier versions.

Destiny's alarm clock brought her out of her sorry reminiscence.

So what is on the agenda today? Ah! I remember. Juvenile pick up. The thought cheered Destiny up considerably. She still got a kick out of talking to teenagers. Sometimes she thought she related to the average teenager better than to most adults she knew. Maybe that's because I never really let go of my teenage angst, Destiny thought ruefully. 

Destiny had suffered from teenage depression, borderline Bulimia and had tried more types of drugs by the time she reached age 17 than most of the teenagers today had ever even heard of. But the drugs had interfered with her concentration at school, and had made her easy prey to teenage male predators. Like most lessons, Destiny had learned the hard way, and moved on. 

Destiny climbed out of bed, shrugged into her filmy bathrobe and shuffled off to her office. She logged on to her computer and called up her daily calendar. Yes. She was scheduled to pick up new juvenile delinquency cases in Courtroom 10 that morning.

Destiny headed into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Great. Stale pop tarts and diet soda again. So much for Ti Chi and orange juice. Sometimes I think I'd be in better shape if I stayed asleep. At least I get through some workouts in my dreams. 

Top Cat slipped between her legs and tried to jump into the refrigerator just as she was closing the door. "I guess you haven't been fed yet. Why don't you get a job?" Destiny teased. "MEEE? Top Cat replied, indignantly. "Yes you. You only love me when you're hungry Mr. puss," Destiny accused as she scooped smelly cat tuna into Top Cat's china dish. "And remember, Top Cat, only you get china." 

"Meow." Top Cat thanked her prettily. He pulled the tuna off of the plate and onto the clean floor, before beginning his repast. "You get to mop the floor next time, you slob," Destiny chided. Top Cat stuck his nose into the air and headed into the litter box. When he finished he demanded "MEOUT." 

"Good riddance you little food processor," Destiny laughed as she opened the back door for His Honor.

Destiny went to the sink and filled a large pitcher with water. She set about watering the plants in her living room and office. She sang to them as she worked. She loved Beatles music and was convinced her plants looked better after a drink and a few lines of a Lennon/McCartny tune. Having nurtured her dependents, Destiny began her morning ablutions. 

I swear I already did this once morning, Destiny thought as she stepped into the shower. She shower quickly. When she grabbed her towel she realized it was already wet. Weird, Destiny thought. Very weird." Her toothbrush was wet as well. "I just have to get the taste of sangria out of my mouth," she said to herself as she brushed her teeth. In went the contact lenses. She blew her hair dry and stuck it in a pony tail high on top of her head. She forwent makeup as it was getting late.

Destiny dressed carefully in a plum colored crushed silk suit. The jacket had short sleeves and was well tailored. She liked it because it gave her enough shape that she didn't need a bra in the summer heat. Her breasts were medium sized and well rounded. She was convinced they stayed pert primarily because she rarely wore a bra and kept herself in pretty good shape. She thought that women who bought into the "wonder bra" craze were suckers. 

The skirt to Destiny's suit ended just above her knees and showed off her long, well muscled legs. Destiny hadn't had a chance to work on a tan yet this year so she grudgingly opted for nude panty hose. The things we do for men, she grumbled as she put them on. She added a pair of white athletic socks and donned her trusty white Rebocks. She was ready to hit the street.

And as for my dream, Destiny thought, I still have time to record my island fantasy. Destiny returned to her bedroom and pulled out her recorder. She pushed play and set about describing her dream in as much detail as possible. If only I could just close my eyes and go back there, Destiny thought. But if I do that, God knows where I'll end up. Maybe back in the marsh with the serial killer, she shuddered. Or worse. Remember the amusement park dream? That's where I first encountered the killer. I never want to go there again. Wait a second, Destiny thought. I really am losing it. When is my next appointment with Dr. Phaeton? As if I could blink and walk into a whole different world!

But then again, isn't that exactly what I used to do in my dreams when I was little. I remember having nightmares and thinking, "this is a nightmare, if I open my eyes, it will end and I will be safe in my bed." And it worked. I used to do that a lot, Destiny though, deeply troubled.

Destiny finished recording her story and popped the tape out of the machine. "What the fuck!!" Destiny exploded. There in her very own hand writing was a label reading DL Dream 1, 6/30/05 Dream 2, 6/30/05. This can't be happening, Destiny thought in panic. I've never taped before. I've only dreamed of taping. I was dreaming all night. None of those things happened. 

Or did they? 

Shit! It's 8:15. I have to get to Court. I'll get to the bottom of this tonight. Meanwhile, I'd better label this dream. So Destiny marked DL Dream 3, 6/30/05, on the label, popped the tape back into the recorder, grabbed her keys and her brief case and headed for the door.

At least I have time to walk today, Destiny thought. Oh hell, I forgot my dress shoes. Again. Oh well, the Court will just have to live with my tennis shoes today. Again. How many years have I been fighting this battle anyway? As if women can only think, or act intelligently with their heels stuck up on four inch spikes. Damn it, I think better when my feet don't hurt. 

Moreover, Destiny though, on a roll now, with four inches added to my height I tower over half of the Napoleon sized male prosecutors in the Courthouse. Boy does that ever add to their complexes. And finally, any woman who walks more than three steps a day wears out her high heels in a week. It's a plot, Destiny decided, fabricated by short, male shoe makers, to subjugate women by crippling and impoverishing them while gazing lustfully at their legs and buttocks.

And if that, Destiny thought, with a laugh, is the worst thing a professional female has to worry about on her way to scrape out a living, life can't be so bad after all.

It was a lovely, fresh summer morning. Destiny finished her walk with a smile and entered the Courthouse feeling better than she had in quite a while.

She passed through the metal detector at the front door and joked with the US Marshall for a minute. He was the one who had arrested a witness of hers last month for trying to bring a six inch hunting knife into the Courthouse. The witness was supposed to have been testifying to exonerate her client on an assault with a dangerous weapon - knife, that day. "So the witness just thought he'd show the judge that his pal, my client, couldn't have had the knife since it was with him all along. See Judge, here it is. Duh," Destiny quipped. "Too bad I couldn't handle that case as well. Slight conflict of interest."

Destiny headed down to the basement of the Courthouse where the Criminal Justice Act office was located. It was 9:00 o'clock. Time to check in and see if there were any new juvenile cases. Nothing so far. Pickings were getting slimmer and slimmer these days. Crime was down and many youthful offenders were being diverted out of the juvenile system on first offenses. And of course, there was the over abundance of lawyers. 

Destiny was a victim of the baby boom. She was born at the tail end of the biggest baby boom in history. Her elementary school was way over crowded. Her high school was a disaster area. It was a pitched battle to get a scholarship to a decent university. When she decided to go into psychology in her third year of college, half of her class was seeking masters fellowships in psychology. 

So she had what she thought was an original idea. She'd go to law school. Brilliant. Everyone and their little brother decided to go to law school just when she did.

Worse yet, she decided to go to law school in the city that had the highest per capita number of lawyers and the largest growing number of law students in the world. Washington, DC. But Destiny persevered. She made it through on hard work, odd jobs and student loans. When she got out of law school she still wasn't thinking straight. She stayed in D.C. and took the D.C. Bar Exam along with thousands of other budding barristers. All were in the same boat. Newly licensed, inexperienced and set loose on a thoroughly glutted market.

But the District did have something to offer Destiny: An opportunity to work in her area of interest - juvenile defense. So Destiny gritted her teeth and jumped into the fray of attorneys practicing in D.C. Superior Court.

And here she was, more years later than she would like to admit, still slugging away at the cases tossed at her on pick up days like today. 

Destiny checked out the notices on the bulletin board in the Lawyers Lounge and then headed into the cafeteria for more diet soda. In her father's day it was coffee. Destiny remembered how her father used to drink cup after cup of coffee. She always wondered how he could drink all that caffeine and still sleep at night. Now here I am, thirty years later, she thought wryly, guzzling down four or five liters of caffeinated diet soda a day. I take sleeping pills with diet soda for Christ's sake! The inside of my mouth only sees tap water when I brush my teeth. What must the inside of my stomach look like by now?

She got her Diet Pepsi , grabbed a table with a view of the door nearest to the CJA office, and steeled herself for a half hour wait to find out if there were any cases today. If only I were more organized, Destiny thought, I'd be spending this time on something billable. Or at least on accounting matters. Instead its more dead time, she grumbled to herself for a minute. Then she settled in with an easy-to-read paper back novel she kept in her purse for emergencies. Before she knew it she was lost in a turn of the century, foggy London murder mystery.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 03



Twenty minutes later Destiny was brought back to the present with a start. "Destiny, my lass. I've been looking all over for ye," boomed Sean O'Donnell, in his misplaced Irish brogue. "I've got a couple of hot looking prospects for ye today." Sean was the CJA juvenile case manager. He coordinated the appointment of juvenile cases coming into the Court to hungrily waiting attorneys. A judge always signed off on the appointments, but Sean made the recommendations, and literally held the livelihood of nearly a hundred attorneys in the palms of his hands. 

Things were looking up. "What have you got, Sean, me darlin?' Destiny replied. 

"A walk-in assault, female," Sean smiled, "and" he hesitated for dramatic effect, "a runaway with the added spice of unregistered fire arm, carrying a pistol without a license, and unregistered ammunition. Do you love me now, Destiny?" Sean asked as he handed Destiny the paper work. 

A gold mine! Destiny thought as she quickly skimmed the two police reports. "Sean, all the girls in Dublin cried when you left the emerald isle," Destiny said with a lilt in her voice. "You, my lad, are the love of my life." 

"In your dreams," Sean laughed as he turned and headed back to his office. 

"My night mares, maybe," Destiny retorted tartly. 

"And now whose heart is breakin'?" Sean's voice faded out as he sauntered down the hall. 

As she watched him leave, Destiny got a brief glimpse in her mind of Sean leaning down towards her with his homely face, as if seeking a kiss. She, was standing on the edge of a cliff, on a stormy night by the sea. told herself furiously. Oh my God!" though Destiny. "Where in Hell did that come from? Do not blink! Not in my most desperate moment do I want to wake up there. That picture didn't come from my mind, my dreams or my subconscious. What is going on with me?" When she finally focused her vision again she saw Sean staring at her from the doorway of his office, way down at the end of the hall. Did he laugh then, or was she imagining things?

Destiny's oldest friend in the Courthouse, Dana was getting off the downs escalator as Destiny regrouped. "Destiny, what's wrong?" Dana asked. "You look like you just saw a ghost." More like a ghoul Destiny thought to herself. "Its nothing Dana. A shadow walked over my grave or something." 

"Are you sure you're all right? You're even whiter than usual," Dana's impish smile lit up her face. "Where are you off to?" She asked. "Do you have time to talk?"  

"No, sadly, or happily I should say," said Destiny. "I actually have two live juvees on the hook this morning. I've got to try to reel them in before they get away." 

"Oh how the mighty have fallen," quipped Dana. "You with all your old 'save the children ideals', have been reduced to looking at juvees as fish on the hook?" 

"Can it, Dana," said Destiny. "I have to eat, just like all of you jaded old timers." 

"Oh, so now I'm an old timer, am I? I used to be your best buddy, your mentor, your confidant. Now I'm an old timer?" Dana made a face. "You probably think of me as a rival, too, ready to steal your crumbs of bread." 

"Yes, ma'am, I do.," said Destiny. "Just as surely as you speak. I know you're dying to dive on into the juvenile pond. You've only been waiting these twenty years until the pickings are really slim, so that you can mess things up good. Am I right?" 


"You're right."

They both laughed long and hard, and a little bitterly.

"I'm glad we can laugh about it, Dana," Destiny said as she caught her breath. "Now I have to go. If I'm late some young punk with a runny nose and a Bar card with wet ink will steal my cases out from under me." "You got that right," Dana agreed. "Later" said Dana as Destiny stepped onto the up escalator.

The next floor up was the John Marshal level where Courtroom 10, new referrals were heard. Destiny stepped off the escalator and headed towards the courtroom. It was almost ten o'clock already but the courtroom was still almost empty when Destiny arrived. Later it would be a zoo scene. 

All juvenile and child abuse and neglect initial hearings were heard in Courtroom 10. During the first couple of hours of the day, prosecutors scrambled to put the new cases together to be presented. Usually, nothing's ready to be heard until at least 11 o'clock, no matter how hard the assigned Judge pushes to speed things up. Then everything's ready in a rush and everyone jockeys to have their cases presented first. 

The Court room clerks were traffic cops and acted as the right hand of the Courtroom God. Piss one off and you'll be stuck in court until doomsday. A friend of Destiny's once told her he treated the clerks like he had just made love to them. "I hope it was consensual," Destiny had replied with a laugh. But she knew exactly what he meant when he said it.

The workings of Courtroom 10 seemed like an unorganized mess to the casual observer, but experience had taught Destiny that it worked the way it worked. Judges and managers had come and gone and torn their hair out trying to improve it, but it always ended up working the same way. You made the best possible use of your time, gritted your teeth, and smiled your way through it, and billed for every second you could. A lot of the work was non-billable down time on pickup days.

The Courtroom itself showed the heavy use it received. Several heavy lawyers' butts had caved a few of the chairs' seats, in the audience rows. The padding was coming out of other seats here and there. The oak wood paneling was stained in places. And the whole room reeked of burned insulation from a small, but destructive fire which had caught in one of the Judges chambers behind the Courtroom several months ago from a curling iron that had been left on over night. 

The clock on the wall over the entrance from the corridor was permanently stuck at 4:45. It was said that a vindictive bailiff, sick of being forced to stay late without overtime pay snuck in one night and broke the clock, setting its hands at the time the Court was, by judicial order, supposed to close for the day. Of course, that was just a rumor.

The Courtroom was about thirty feet deep. The judge's bench was on a raised, semi-circular dais, straight back from the hall entrance. There was a witness stand to the judge's right, slightly lower than the judge. Below that and on both sides of the judge's chair were the clerks' areas. Over the past five years, more and more computer equipment had made its way into the dais so space was at a premium. 

Doors on the left and right, behind the clerks desks, led into the jury rooms, the small prisoners' holding cells and into the judges chambers. Destiny was sure that she was not the only lawyer to fantasize that this or that judge might somehow get lost and end up in lock up instead of in chambers.

Destiny was the first juvenile defense lawyer to arrive that morning. Elaine and Rodney were the Courtroom clerks of the day. They were trying to sort out the files they had been given from the juvenile clerk's office. "What have you got today, Ms. Lysander?" Elaine asked, all business.

"Good morning," said Destiny, "I have two little beauties today. A walk-in, female ninja fighter, Takita Smallwood, and wonderful little runaway, Devon James, armed to the teeth. Do you have any petitions for me?" 

"Yes on Takita." Elaine handed Destiny the petition which formally charged Takita Smallwood with assault with a dangerous weapon, shod foot (meaning she kicked someone, most likely a family member). "And you know its way too early for word on the thug. 

But," Elaine said with a sudden, and unexpected little grin, "there's a youth division officer on this one and he is some hunk of male flesh." "Elaine!" Destiny said raising her eyebrows. "You're blushing" I've never yet seen a cop get to you." "Who is this guy?" "Have you seen him or is this just rumor?"

"Oh, yes, I've seen him," Elaine said. "And I've heard him speak. He speaks as soft and nice as a southern kiss. He's from Florida. I heard he was a homicide dick in some rinky dink county down there. I'm happily married and I swear my wedding ring gave me a mean pinch when I met Mr. Youth Division, 2005. That's what they're calling him down town, you know. And I cannot wait until I see your face when you see him." 

"Come on, Elaine, he can't be that good," Destiny said with amusement. "Mr. Youth Division? No one has earned that title in eight years, Not since Tuck. Do you remember Tuck, Destiny asked?." 

"Good old Tuck," Elaine recalled happily. "Tuck the --" 

" Don't say it, Elaine," Destiny warned, laughing. 

"I was going to say buck," Elaine said with great dignity.  "This guy has earned the title cold, Destiny. He has it, dead to rights as far as I'm concerned, Elaine said with glee." 

"Oh Jesus," I can't believe my ears" Destiny laughed out loud. "Elaine's giggling. I have heard everything. I thought this day started out good. We are breaking new ground here." 

Destiny and Elaine collapsed into gales of laughter, much to Rodney's disgust. Destiny was surprised at Elaine's friendliness this morning. She and Elaine were not really friends though they spent hours together in the Courtroom. They'd never gotten giddy together. No one ever got giddy in Courtroom 10. Even at Christmas parties.

Elaine and Destiny were still laughing when Marty Feinstein, the government prosecutor walked into Courtroom 10. 

"Who's passing out the wacky weed?" he asked as he entered the well of the Court. "The last time I heard female laughter like this was when my little sister passed out whipped cream cans to inhale at her 13 year old birthday party." 

Destiny looked at Elaine. "I take it that's not him?" she said with a snicker. 

"You got that right friend," Elaine responded. They both burst out laughing again. 

Marty looked at Rodney with questioning eyes. Rodney just shrugged. Their eyes met smugly Women, go figure.

"What's this guy's name, anyway," Destiny asked Elaine, still giggling?" 

"John Rodgers, she was told. 

"A smooth name for a smooth talker." John Rodgers has a slightly familiar ring to it Destiny thought. Not right, but familiar.

Two male defense lawyers entered the Courtroom next. Both were over forty , balding, and out of shape. Elaine and Destiny howled with laughter and tears ran down their faces. The gentlemen, both in dower gray suits, and boring ties, looked at them as if they had gone stark raving mad. Destiny tried to contain herself. "Oh God," she mouthed to Elaine'. "I have to pee." If I lose control Mr. Youth Division is bound to walk into the room she thought to herself. "Go girl," Elaine said. "I'll cover for you if the Judge takes the bench while you're gone." They both started to recover and Destiny walked out of the room holding her sides with mirth.

Destiny made it to the ladies room in time, "thank God" she thought. She applied some makeup on the way out. You never know she thought. Mr. Youth Division? Lord help us. What next?

On her way back, Destiny looked around in the hallway for Takita Smallwood. No luck. No big surprise. Half of the juvenile walk in cases were no-shows. She'd check for her client again later. She also called out for relatives of Devon James. No response. Batting zero. 

By the time she returned to the Courtroom it was almost full. The US Marshall came out of the back to indicate that the juveniles were available to be interviewed. 

Destiny interviewed Devon James through the bars of the small holding cell where he was detained. Destiny introduced herself to Devon and gave him her business card. There were three other youths in the cell with him. They had to shout at each other over the clamor in the cell block to be heard. Devon was fourteen years old, he said, and had no prior record. 

Good for Devon. Good for Destiny. Devon would probably be allowed to go home pending trial, Destiny thought at first. And she would get to keep the case. If he had other cases outstanding the case would have to be turned over to his previous attorney. 

The charges were serious so Devon would not be offered a pre-trial diversion program if charges were actually filed. As yet, the prosecutor had made no decision whether or not to charge Devon.

Destiny quickly advised Devon of the status of his case and got a brief social summary from him. He said he had been kicked out of school and was "living between his mother's apartment and his grandfather's house." This did not bode well for the child. Juveniles were supposed to be released pretrial whenever possible, but if there was no one to assume parental responsibility other arrangements had to be made. The juvenile could end up in a youth shelter or in juvenile jail. Those were the options. If a child was physically or mentally ill hospitalization would be considered.

Devon didn't think his mother or grandfather would be coming to Court. He said candidly that his mother was most likely out on the street, getting high, or with a "friend." His grand father was really his great grand father, eighty years old and crippled. Devon calmly accepted the news that he would most likely be sent to juvenile jail pending placement at a youth shelter.

Destiny assumed that the case would be petitioned and there would be a short evidentiary hearing on the case that morning. In order to detain the youngster the government would have make a probable cause showing.  

Destiny started to gather information from Devon about the arrest and the evidence against him. Upon questioning her client she learned for the first time that he was arrested when he ran away from youth division officers who were investigating a complaint that he and his two siblings were being abused in his mother's household

Devon ran out of the back door of the apartment when the youth division officers came in the front. This was at about 5:15 this morning. One officer apparently took his little brother and sister into custody and the other went out the back after Devon. 

Destiny was confused. "Devon, the police report says a gun and ammunition were involved in this incident." 

"Yeah, "Devon responded, "I had my momma's friend's piece when the cops came in. He was hitting my sister and I was going to shoot him. When I left out I took the piece with me." 

"Did you fire the gun at any time?" Destiny asked. 

"It might have gone off when I jumped down the back porch steps. Yeah. I'd say it went off accidental, like when I was leaving the porch." 

"Then what happened? Did the officer shoot at you," Destiny asked? 

"Naw, he never," Devon said. "Like we runned for a while. I'm fast, but this dude, he be quick too. So I split down the alley when I get the chance. He be right behin' me." The words were coming out fast now, and Destiny was scribbling like mad too keep up with the story. 

"How far behind you was he?" "I dunno, lady, I not be lookin back, you know. But I hear him huffin and puffin behin' me. I 's start to fear he might pull the trigger, you know. I still got the gun out, but I not be thinkin 'bout shootin, just gettin away. Then all a sudden my feets get all tangled up and I go down hard on my face. The gun, it slides, like, outa my hand and a few feet past me. I hear that cop say 'freeze or I'll shoot' and I freeze, just like he say." 

"Did you reach for the gun at any time after you went down." Destiny asked, with intense concentration. 

"No ma'am. He say 'freeze mother fucker, you don want to die tonight', and I think that's true. I'd rather be caught than dead. He say 'lay down flat out with you hands behind you back and you breath wrong, you die.' I do it. He stands on my hands long enough to put the cuffs on me. Then he say I make the right choice son.' And I know he's right. I ain't got nothin to say 'gainst him. He could have smoked me, truth be told."

"How long did the chase take?" Destiny asked. 

"Ten, fifteen minutes, maybe." 

"Do you know what happened to the gun after you dropped it?" Destiny asked.

"No ma'am. I lost track of it. We waited there for the troops to come. They was cops coming in from all directions. They was cops all over the alley by the time they put me in a car to take me down town."

"How much ammunition was in the gun." Destiny asked. 

"I dunno. Just what was in it, I guess. Didn't really know if it was loaded when I first picked it up. Not until I shot it off by mistake," Devon replied. 

"Do you know what kind of gun it was?" She asked. 

"Nah. Just a gun."

"How did you get those scrapes and bruises on your face, Devon," Destiny inquired. 

"That's from when I fell in the alley." 

"Did the cops treat you okay?" she asked. 

"Yeah" he responded.

"Do you remember my name," Destiny asked? "Yeah," he grinned. "Destiny. I like that for a name" 

"You're a smart kid," Destiny said with a smile. "Remember, what you and I talk about is confidential. That means private, right?" 

"Right," he said with a nod of his head. 

"And from here on in, don't talk about it to any one else about the case unless I'm with you, okay?" 

"Okay." 

"See ya soon."

Destiny left the cell block and reentered Courtroom 10. It was noon already. The judge still hadn't taken the bench. Marty handed Destiny the petition on Devon. "What are you asking for Marty," Destiny inquired of the prosecutor. "Secure detention," Marty responded.

"No way," Destiny replied. "He has no priors. He's fourteen and small for his age. They'll eat him up at Oak Hill. Oak Hill was a run down, juvenile detention center about 35 miles east of DC. It housed juveniles delinquents from age 12 through 21. It was basically a holding cell for throw-away children who were out of options, violent, or just, plain unlucky. 

Give him expedited shelter care." 

"No can do. If you want him in isolation at Oak Hill he can have isolation." 

"Oh, that's a big help," Destiny said with disgust. Put a victim of child abuse in solitary confinement at Oak Hill because he tried to defend his sister from a pimp." 

"He shot at the cops, Destiny. And a merry chase ensued through Anacostia in the dead of night with drawn pistols. It was a highly dangerous situation. Cops could have been killed."

'Which version is that, Marty, yours, after you rehearsed your witness, or the cop who was at the scene?" Destiny asked angrily. "Who are you putting on for probable cause, anyway," Destiny asked.

"Read your police report, Destiny, and figure it out. Or wait until the case is called. You've always liked surprises, as I recall." Marty turned on his heel and walked out of the Courtroom. Destiny followed him, seething. 

"As she was leaving she spotted Kate Golding, one of the probation officers on duty in Courtroom 10 that day. "Kate," Destiny called over the noise, "do you have Devon James' case" 

"Yep, Kate said, knowing what Destiny was about to ask. "Oak Hill." 

"Oh, come on. Not you too, Destiny implored. "Did you talk to the kid at all about what happened." 

"Did I what?" 

"I mean prior to the chase. Christ, Kate, the kid was trying the defend his sister from some sadistic bastard pimp." 

"So he says," Kate replied. 

"So youth division thought when they went out at 5:00 a.m. to remove the kids from the home," Destiny retorted, heatedly. They were a little slow in arriving, as I see it. The pimp left his gun out when he went after the sister. The kid picked up the gun." 

"And thank God youth division got there before the kid committed murder," Kate interjected. 

"The kid barely knew which end to hold, "Destiny, replied. 

"Then thank God he didn't shoot himself. But," Golding continued, "the fact of the matter is that he shot the gun while he was being pursued by a cop. There was a chase, during which either one of the two persons involved could have been killed. Innocent bystanders could have been shot. The cop had to run the kid to exhaustion and force him to give up the gun." 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 03



"Now that's just not true," Destiny countered. "Where in Hell did you get that piece of information?". 

"From Marty." 

"Marty made that up," Destiny insisted. Talk to the kid again, Kate. Think about immediate shelter care. The kid's practically in shock over what happened. And he's nice, and he's bright."

"Yeah," Kate grumbled. "And he's in the same boy scout troop as all of your other juvees. I know you Destiny, and I know these kids. They may get to you but they don't get to me. Not any more"

"Just talk to him," Destiny urged one more time. 

"All right," Kate grudgingly agreed. 

"Thank you!"

Judge Raven strode purposefully into the room.

"All rise," Elaine, sang out. "All persons having business before the Honorable Judge Raven now presiding before this Honorable Court ..."

Destiny slipped out the door as Elaine gave her opening spiel to the audience. It was almost 12:30. The morning calendar was just about to begin. Destiny decided it was time to figure out who would be testifying for the government in Devon's case. 

Before she did that she looked again for the missing Takita Smallwood. Takita was definitely a no show, which meant the case would be assigned to another attorney when, if ever, Takita was picked up by the police on the charge.

Destiny sat down on one of the seats outside the Courtroom to re-read Devon's paperwork. Her best guess was that Marty would call the arresting officer. She squinted to decipher the officer's name. Well, hot damn, Destiny thought. It looks like John Rodgers to me. Mr. Youth Division himself. Maybe I'd better go freshen up, Destiny thought with a laugh. 

No, better yet. Maybe he's in the police's lounge. The cops had a small room to the left of Courtroom 10 where they schmoozed, and snoozed while waiting for their cases to be called. Destiny's devilish side came out all of a sudden. I'll just take a little peek inside. I wouldn't want Elaine to see me with my jaw hanging open when he appears in Courtroom 10. 

No, he can't be that good looking. And what do I care any way?

Ah, hell, just a peek. Destiny walked unobtrusively over towards the police lounge door. No one was looking. She opened the door a crack. The light was dim, and yes, there was a well built cop asleep on the cot. But damn it, his back was towards her. It was a very sexy back, as far as she could tell. The hair was very dark cut in a longish, casual way. Something about the fall of the hair and the tilt of his head was familiar.

"Destiny, there you are," Marty's loud voice hit her like a blow. "The case has been called. What were you...? Ah. Ah Hah. I get it. The word is out. Sneaking a peek at the local talent, were you? Destiny, I'm ashamed of you." 

Destiny's face was bright red. She wanted to sink into the floor out of sight. No. She wanted to close her eyes, and open them and be some where else. Anywhere. 

And she did close her eyes. But when she opened them she was still there. Marty was still laughing and then she had to laugh at herself. What was so wrong about a little female curiosity, anyway. Caught me dead to right Marty. But I bet you wish it was you I was peeking at you bald haired buzzard, she whispered under her breath as she entered the courtroom and walked up to the defense table.

Destiny smiled at her client for encouragement when he was brought into the room. As he stood next to her she whispered to him "did you talk to Ms. Golding again." 

"Yes," he replied. 

"What did you talk about?". "School, and my mamma and her drugs, and her boy friend, and my brother and sister, and how they hit on us. And how us kids take care of my granddaddy when he's sick. 

"But I told her I couldn't talk about the facts of the case, just like you said, "Destiny. Was that right?" he asked worriedly. 

"I'm sure you did just fine, Devon," Destiny assured him. 

The case was called for the record and the arraignment proceeded. When Judge Raven asked for Court Social Service's recommendation Kate Golding looked at Marty for a second. Then she looked at Devon and smiled just briefly. Destiny relaxed a smidgen.

"Your Honor, this is a tough case. And although there factors indicting the appropriateness of secure detention I'm going to go out on a limb here and recommend expedited youth shelter house placement." Marty gave Kate a dirty look. Destiny mouthed a silent "thank you." 

"Kate continued. "This young man is only fourteen years old and has no prior convictions. He does have two prior contacts. Both were no papered shop lifting charges. It is true also that the young man was recently expelled from school for fighting. The school principal, however, indicated to me that there were mitigating circumstances.

"The facts and circumstances surrounding this case are very troubling and the charges are very serious. But it cannot be over looked that the reason Youth Division was at the respondent's home was to investigate allegations that he and his younger siblings were in immediate danger of physical abuse by their adult caretakers. Placement in the home of the mother is impossible. . The great grandfather is elderly and infirm. There are no other relative placements available. 

Although the incident did involve flight from a police officer there were mitigating factors. I think the respondent should be given a chance in a youth shelter house. Moreover, he is somewhat small for his age. I don't know if he'd be safe at Oak Hill." 

"What is the government's view on this?" Judge Raven asked.

Marty puffed himself up for a fight. "The government is asking for secure detention, Your Honor."

"Why?" Raven asked bluntly. "It's a first offense. Less restrictive alternatives haven't been attempted. If not for the social factors this child would be released in this case." 

"Not without a fight, Your Honor," Marty said doggedly. "This was a highly charged incident that could have lead to serious injury or death to officers, the respondent, or innocent bystanders." 

"But it didn't, did it" Judge Raven interrupted. 

"Unbelievable," Destiny thought. "Judge Raven actually on my side for a change." 

"No your Honor," Marty admitted, "but shots were fired." 

"One shot, maybe, and that has to be shown," Destiny interjected. 

"You'll get you chance, Ms. Lysander," the Judge chided her. 

"What else do you have, Mr. Feinstein," the Judge said impatiently. 

"He tried to resist arrest," Marty said finally. 

"That's an out and out lie," Destiny burst out. "Quiet," Judge Raven ordered. 

"He's not charged with resisting. Is the government moving to amend the petition?" the Judge asked with a frown. 

"No, but..." "Then that's not an issue, is it, Mr. Feinstein?" "No sir," Marty backed down.

Judge Raven directed his attention to Destiny. Ms. Lysander, will you be asking for a probable cause hearing if I go along with immediate youth shelter house placement?" 

I get it" Destiny thought cynically. Judge Raven's got a lunch date and he's afraid he'll be late if there's a hearing" 

"Yes." And miss a chance to see Mr. Youth Division 2000 in action, "Destiny thought." Not on your life"

The Judge sighed. "That's what I was afraid of. Call your witness, Mr. Feinstein, the Judge said resignedly."

While the case was proceeding inside, Officer Rodgers, camped out in the officer's lounge had awakened from a deep sleep like a swimmer emerging from deep water. First he thought he heard someone say "Destiny," sharply. Then he became aware of a comforting, enveloping dark. As he came out of his slumber it became lighter and lighter until he opened his eyes and started to take in his surroundings. The room was small and dimly lit. He was on a very uncomfortable cot. Where the hell, he wondered, was he? Certainly not in bed in Takoma park. I was on an island, but I wasn't me. His whole body remembered. There was a woman. Destiny. No that's not a name he thought And there was a woman. Oh yes, indeed, he remembered..

Oh God, I'm in Superior Court. That's right. I brought that darn kid in this morning. Damn near got both of us killed. Turned out to be a nice kid though. Just scared to death and fed up with getting the shit kicked out of him. We all go through that. Hell, I felt like that almost every day of my last year in homicide. No wonder this morning took such a toll on me. But boy I surely did sleep. And I the dream when I finally slept -- what a whopper. I'd almost go through the whole thing again for a dream like that. Almost, but not quite. 

What time is it, any way? One o'clock. Christ these juvee case take forever. First the darn paper work down town. Then the prosecutor. That Marty Feinstein is a real piece of work. Tried to make out like the kid was Jesse James or something. Then sitting down here waiting for the judge to get his ass on the bench. If it wasn't for the overtime I'd chuck it all in and start a new career.

No you wouldn't, John reminded himself. There's that other business. to finish up. That's personal. You couldn't finish it in Florida. The bastard moved on and you followed him. Time and patience will finish it. And luck. Bad luck for him. Good luck for me.

What I really need is a shower, a shave and a real bed. And 24 hours of uninterrupted down time. Not back to work on the midnight shift. I can't go on this way forever, John thought, tiredly. And its only Monday. Two more shifts to get through. Ah well. Take it as it comes. Let the shit fall as it will. John leaned back, about to fall asleep again, when Marty stuck his head in the door.

"You're up, Mr. Youth Division." 

"Oh, give me a break," Marty, Rodgers asked, as he shrugged his broad shoulders into his jacket.

"I might," Marty responded," but defense counsel won't. You might like her to though. Prepare to meet your Destiny, Mr. Youth Division."

"Kiss my ass, Marty," Rodgers suggested sweetly. 

"In your dreams," said Marty. "Get in there and make my case. I don't want this boy to walk."

"I'll do my job," Rodgers answered back as he strode commandingly into the courtroom. "But I'm not going to hang that kid out to dry. Understand?" I tell it the way it happened, not the way I think you want the Judge to see it.

"The government calls John Rodgers," Marty announced pompously.

Destiny swore she heard him say Juan Rodriguez. The blood started to drain out of her face. She room seemed to waiver a bit. 

Don't blink," Destiny though crazily. I have to see this through." Her pencil snapped in half between her fingers. 

"What's wrong, Destiny, Devon asked in a whisper." Unfortunately, the microphone picked up his voice and it sounded like a shout to Destiny.

Destiny?, John started at the name. Not possible. He stopped in mid step on his way up to the witness stand and peered towards the defense table. "Holy shit" he mouthed, as he caught his first glimpse of defense counsel. Yes, it was her. He watched as her green eyes widened in recognition and wonder. Her black hair was pulled up and off her face, which offset, what he saw as her beautiful facial features. Tall, but fragile. And she looked so tired. Older. World weary. He wanted to walk over and lift the burdens he could almost see pressing down on her shoulders.

Juan? Destiny wondered in silent amazement. It couldn't be. But it was. There was no mistaking that bold stride. His magnificent carriage. His strong brow, the chiseled cheek bones and the determined set of his chin. Those amazing sapphire eyes. Yet it wasn't him. For one thing, he wasn't tan as he was in her dream. He was in civilian clothing, for another. But he was still a cop. He was thinner. He was muscled more like a swimmer or a runner, not a fighter as she had last seen him in her dream. 

The world as Destiny and John knew it tilted on its axis and suddenly expanded exponentially. New horizons opened. Whole new possibilities were laid at their feet.

Don't you dare blink," Destiny mouthed, not sure who the words were meant for. Herself? John? Everyone on the planet? 

Don't blink, John murmured at the same instant.

The moment passed and everything was back to normal.

The name "John Rodgers," was still coming out of Marty's mouth. Rodgers was still walking up to the witness stand. John and Destiny knew everything was different.

Officer Rodgers took the witness stand and was duly sworn in to testify. 

Marty artfully drew out John's testimony. Destiny listened numbly, barely taking notes. At one point Devon, nudged her. "Are you listening to him Destiny" he asked worriedly? 

"Of course I am. Don't worry. It'll work out." 

"That's easy for you to say, Devon grumbled.

On cross examination, John testified that only one shot was fired from the respondent's weapon and that was just as the chase began, even before John was out of the apartment. He admitted that shot could have been fired by accident and came no where near him or anyone else in or out of the apartment to his knowledge. Much to Marty's disgust, John agreed that DEVON gave himself up quickly upon apprehension and without a struggle. He never tried to retrieve the gun after it flew out of his hand. The gun was retrieved by John after DEVON was subdued.

He was, however, sure the gun he retrieved was the gun Devon brandished during the chase. Destiny couldn't get John to admit that he might have lost sight of Devon during the chase, even for a second. 

"You didn't blink during the chase, Colonel Rodgers," Destiny asked in frustration. 

"Its officer Rodger, ma'am." "That's what I said, isn't it?" Destiny asked. 

"No ma'am. I didn't blink long enough to change what I saw in that alley." "A funny way of working it," Destiny thought. But she didn't follow through on the line of questioning. 

"No more questions Your Honor." Destiny surmised that she had done much better than she thought possible on cross examination. Not only was officer Rodger's Mr. Youth Division. He was a dream witness for the defense

John was grateful when Destiny's questions ended. Although he hadn't blinked during the chase, he had blinked long enough after the apprehension to be transported to a fantasy island and wake up from a dead faint looking up into the eyes of Destiny. I want to see more of your beautiful, green eyes. I need a drink, John concluded silently. No, I need a double.

Marty tried to rehabilitate his case with a question or two without success. He released his witness. "Thanks a whole lot. You can go, ass hole, he whispered to Rodgers as he signed the officer out." 

Rodgers smiled. "Nah. I think I'll go catch a few winks in the officers lounge." He looked in Destiny's direction hoping to catch her eye. He was rewarded by a quick nod in his direction. Assured she would look for him on her way out he sauntered out of the Courtroom.

"Does the government have any further witnesses?" Judge Raven asked. 

"No Your Honor." 

"Defense witnesses?" 

"None you Honor," Destiny assured the Judge. "Argument" asked the Judge?

"The prosecution submits on probable cause."

"As does the defense."

Judge Raven looked happy. "I find probable cause. Any new argument on placement in view of the testimony?"

Marty looked uncomfortable. "I would just like to reiter..."

The Judge interrupted. "I said new argument. I take it that's a no."

"No your Honor." "Ms. Lysander?" 

"None, Your Honor. I think Court Social Services stated the matter quite well."

"Good. The respondent will be placed in a youth shelter house on an expedited basis. Do we have a status date?" The Judge looked at the courtroom clerks.

Elaine suggested July 24th at 9:30 a.m. on calendar 2. The parties agreed and the respondent was ushered from the room. 

During the entire course of the hearing, Elaine watched had Destiny and John closely. I had a funny feeling about those two, Elaine thought with a smile. And when I'm right, I'm right.

"Unless there is anything else," the Judge said, "this Court is adjoined until 2:45 p.m. for lunch. The people left waiting in the gallery for their cases to be called groaned in unison. It was already 2:15. The case had taken longer than anyone expected.

As she was leaving the Courtroom Judge Raven called to her from the bench. "Ms. Lysander, could you approach the bench for a moment off the record." "Of course, Your Honor." Surprised, Destiny complied.

"Ms. Lysander, I know you don't mean any disrespect to the Court, but do you really think tennis shoes are appropriate apparel for the Courtroom?" Not again, Destiny thought. 

Fed up with apologies she had been making for years she took a new, bold approach.

"Your Honor," she said in a conspiratorial tone of voice, "not many people know this, but I have very sensitive feet." Destiny noticed the Judges ears begin to turn pink. She made her voice even more intimate. "Right know I have a badly infected corn on right big toe. I can't bear to wear anything but tennis shoes. I can show you my foot if you would like." Destiny started to reach down, as if to pull her shoe off in open Court. Judge Raven's craggy old face turned beet red. "No, no," he hurriedly demurred. "Don't inconvenience yourself. I hope it ..uh...heels quickly, no pun intended." He looked like he was going to give her a wink.,

My God, I just used my bedroom voice on Judge Raven and it worked, Destiny thought, smiling inwardly I'll have to try that more often. 

Out loud she thanked the Judge for his concern. "Have a nice lunch, Your Honor," you old foot fetishist she added to herself.

Destiny decided to stop in and see her client before she went to lunch. She went back into the holding cell where Devon was still being held.

"Hey Devon, how are you doing?" she asked him.

"Okay, I guess," he responded without enthusiasm.

"You made a few friends today," Destiny said.

"Yeah? Who?"

"Officer Rodgers for one. He bent over backwards not to nail you at that hearing."

"I guess," Devon agreed."

"And Ms. Golding changed her mind about you completely after she talked to you the second time. Did you know that?" She originally recommended Oak Hill. The prosecutor was really pissed at her. He was pissed at Rodgers too."

"I liked Ms. Golding," Devon admitted."

"And I think you and I are going to get along pretty well. We have a lot of work ahead of us though. Do you think you can work with me?" Destiny asked.

"Yeah."

"Did you understand what happened in the Courtroom?"

"Sure," he said. "I get to go to a youth shelter house. What's that gonna be like" he asked with trepidation.

"Its like a group home" Destiny explained. You'll be staying in a house with a bunch of kids your own age. You'll probably have to share a bed room with another kid. It is not a locked facility but there are rules and regulations. You'll have chores to do and you will be able to earn privileges. They will be able to get you back into school. Does that sound okay to you."

"Yeah," Devon said. "It sounds better than home. When do I go?"

"Today, I think. The Judge ordered that your name be put at the top of the list for placement so you don't have to go to Oak Hill. I've got to go but I'll call you as soon as I find out where you have been placed. And Devon, Destiny reminded him, "you have my phone number for a reason."

"What's that? Devon asked.

"So you can call me if you need me or have any questions. Do you remember your next Court date?"

"Uh"

"Two weeks from today. Don't forget. I'll talk to you later."

"Destiny," Devon called as she was leaving, "could you find out where my brother and sister are please."

"Sure. Their cases are coming into Court this afternoon. I'll stick around long enough to find out what happens to them." I should be able to tell you something tonight. Call me if you don't hear from me."

"Thanks Destiny."

Destiny headed out of the Courtroom with her mind on little other than where to go for lunch. She figured she had about half an hour before she should get back for the initial hearing in DEVON's siblings' neglect cases. She thought of checking in on officer Rodgers as she passed by the officer's lounge, but got cold feet at the last second. As she was about to step onto the up escalator she hear her name called. "Destiny, wait." She turned. Rodgers was running to catch up with her. She stopped and waited for him, smiling as he approached.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 03



"Where are you headed?" Rodgers asked her when he reached the escalator?" Can I walk with you.?"

"Sure."

They stepped onto the escalator, talking as they rode it up to the first floor.

"I'm going to Burger King. I need some grease to settle the sugar and caffeine I had for breakfast. I'm going for the balanced diet today. Care to join me?"

"Sure. I can do grease. Food of the Gods," Rodgers answered. How much time do you have"

"About a half hour. Then I'm heading back to Raven's Courtroom to see what happens to Devon's siblings. Devon asked me to find out where they're going to be placed. I thought maybe I could work out some sort of visitation arrangements."

"That's a nice thing to do." "Lawyers aren't supposed to do nice things," Rodgers teased."

"Why does everyone have to bash lawyers," Destiny complained. "Lawyers can be nice." "Take me. I'm a very nice person. Its one of my biggest problems. I'm overly nice. Everyone takes advantage of me." 

I'd like to take you period, Rodgers realized. He kept the thought to himself.

"I'm a cop" Rodgers pointed out as they exited the Courthouse. The heat of the summer afternoon hit them like a hot, wet blanket. 

"Cops are allergic to lawyers, remember? Lawyers get in their way and prevent them from doing their job. We trip over them every step of the way. The minute a lawyer becomes nice, a cop becomes suspicious. It's the way of the world. Cops and lawyers. The yin and yang of crime"

Yin and yang, huh? they both thought.

"So you're a philosopher as well," Destiny said.

"I could be what ever you want me to be ," he said suggestively, giving Destiny a warm, appraising look.

An immediate spark flared between them and Destiny went on the offensive. Her pulse quickened.

"You know what you are downtown?" she asked with a sly grin as they strolled companionably up Fifth street towards the Burger King? The humidity was starting to make Destiny sweat.

"No. Tell me."

"Mr. Youth Division.

"Oh, Christ." Rodgers was disgusted. "Who in the Hell told you that?"

Destiny was surprised he knew, but covered it well.

"Why, everyone, officer Rodgers." Destiny drawled, batting her eyelashes." There hasn't been a Mr. Youth Division since the Buck in 1992, so of course your selection was a hot news item in the halls of the Courthouse."

"Bullshit.," said Rodgers, his face reddening. He realized Destiny's eyes were a deeper shade of green than they had been in his dream. "I would know if gossip like that is spreading."

"How would you know? How many women attorneys and social workers do you talk with intimately on a daily basis, officer Rodgers?" she asked sweetly. Destiny was wildly curious to hear his answer.

"Oh shut up, Lysander," Rodgers growled. He was angry and fed up with the conversation. "I'm sorry I ever called you nice. That Mr. Youth Division shit is nothing but sexual harassment. How would you like to be dubbed Ms. Courthouse legs?" He looked at her shorts skirt meaningfully. You'd file a discrimination without blinking and probably win a million bucks. Being male doesn't make me invulnerable to embarrassment from crap like this. What if I had a wife and kids?"

Destiny regretted her words. "I'm sorry. I was just having a little bit of fun. I'd never even heard of you before today. One of the courtroom clerks told me about your title this morning. I don't know where she got it from. 

"By the way" Destiny said to smooth things over, They entered the Burger King and got into line with about two dozen hungry cub scouts and a stray lawyer or two, "you did a good thing for my client in Court."

The restaurant had seen better days and smelled strongly of disinfectant and rancid grease. Destiny wrinkled her nose in distaste.

"What? Telling the truth?" Rodgers said dismissively.

"You could have told it differently to be sure he ended up at Oak Hill. A lot of cops would have. Marty was fit to be tied. For some season he wanted to juice Devon."

"I'm not a lot of cops," John said shortly. "And Marty should be tied. And drawn and quartered as far as I'm concerned."

"Right on both counts" said Destiny. Your honesty is refreshing" 

"Sugar, where I come from, the cops are as honest as preachers."

"Sugar," Destiny retorted with a fake drawl, "y'all come from down south where the preachers lie like politicians on election day."

They moved up in line as the cub scouts grabbed their lunches and headed noisily to the upstairs seating section.

Rodgers laughed. He seemed to have forgiven Destiny. "I come from Florida, where preachers lie like real estate agents talking to rich octogenarians. They talk fast and lay it on thick. But the cops don't usually resort to fucking over juvees for no reason. And," he added with a hint of malice, "they might just screw prosecutors who try to tell them how to testify."

"I knew it," Destiny proclaimed." "I just knew Marty made up that part about your having to run Devon to exhaustion and wrestle the gun from his hands. God, he's a sleezeball. I swear he gets a hard on every time he puts a kid at Oak Hill.

"Just between you and me," Rodgers continued, the kid and I were both pretty exhausted by the end of the race. But Devon tripped over his own two feet. That's when the gun flew out of his hand  And it's a damn good thing it did, or he might have accidentally shot himself when he landed on his face."

"Why are you telling me this?" Destiny asked. "Cops don't talk to defense attorneys other than to curse them out. Marty'll have your head if he finds out you're talking to me about the case."

"What that little twerp thinks or does makes no difference to me" , Rodgers asserted. And ordinarily I'd say I've never met a lawyer I didn't dislike. But you're not ordinarily. 

"In any event," Rodgers continued, switching subjects, "something strange has been happening to me lately. Today I discovered that you may be an integral part of the puzzle. I have to get to the bottom of a lot of things quickie and I need your help. If acting ethically and pissing off Marty along the way earns your trust, great. I'd have done what I did for the kid under any circumstances. He's a good kid who needs a break.."

Destiny tensed up at his words. "I don't know what do you mean," she asked. "I met you for the first time only an hour or so ago. "

"Are you sure about that" Rodgers replied, "It seemed to me that you had a pretty strong reaction when you first saw me in the Courtroom. You called me Juan. Who is Juan? he asked pointedly. And during cross examination you called me Colonel, not officer" 

"That's not true'. Destiny denied his words the officer's words belligerently. She didn't want to consider what it would mean if Rodgers were really Juan Rodriguez from her fantasy dream. It was just too, ..., too,... bizarre. If she had created him by putting him into her erotic fantasies over the years what did that say about the fabric of reality? Destiny pondered the problem.

What if one could create a being, a place or a situation by thinking it into existence. Or if dreams were portholes into separate realities people slipped in and out of unknowingly. Even more troubling, what if at a certain point in life one began to be aware of alternate universes, and to gain a measure of control over them? 

Destiny had read up on lucid dreaming when she first realized she could manipulate her dreams to a certain extent. In a lucid dream state one was kind of both awake and asleep at the same time. Lucid dreaming had various forms. With Destiny it occurred most often when she got into a sticky situation in a dream. She realize it was a dream and say to herself , wake up, Destiny, and open your eyes, and more likely than not she'd find herself back in bed. Lately she'd begun to think of her bed as a safety zone. Sometimes when she was sure she was awake she would test herself and try to wake herself up. So far she'd always been right . She didn't want to think a day might come when she would be wrong. 

Destiny had experienced two other forms of lucid dreaming. One she considered to be a sort of aural traveling. It happened when she was in a trance like state poised between awake and asleep. She'd will herself to move her arms, starting with her left one, slowly and cautiously. The plasma of her arm would rise, leaving her corporeal limb behind. She'd raise her right arm similarly. The plasma arms pass through the bed covers is if they didn't exist. Then she'd stretch out her feet and her aural fee would come loose. Next she'd try to pull herself up from her sternum and shoulders, with her head back. This was the critical point. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. If it did, her aura would pull free from her body. The she'd turn and push her fists through the walls of her bedroom. Often it felt like she was going through sand. Other time she went through cement, or dirt and stones. Once, she had swum her way out.

At this point she often heard music. The music might be radio music, instrumental, or vaguely new age. It was always different. She thought of it as the music of the universe.

She never saw the silver cord which so many books said connected persons auras to their bodies. Her cord was more like fish line. Sometimes it wasn't there at all.

If she could push her way through the bedroom wall she was free. Sometimes she traveled downwards, sometimes upwards. Sometimes she stayed on the earthly plain. 

Destiny's downward journeys were frequently sensual or even sexual. It would be warm and the air was damp and spicy.  She might come out of the wall into a stairwell, and start flying or drifting downwards. sometimes she was alone, sometimes she passed others hurrying here or there her on her way down. 

After traveling down a few floors Destiny often became frightened and turned back. On several occasions, however, she had gone down stairs to find herself in a large chamber where there was more music, and sometimes dancing. It was always smoky in the chamber. There would be others in the chamber engaged in lazy conversation or pursuits of minor pleasure. Chess was a favored game. The color scheme was red and the walls of the chamber were made of rose, black and white marble. There were fountains of flowing water ensconced with gargoyles and cherubim, and their gurgling added to the hypnotic, sensual atmosphere. The chamber was lit by candles and some other unearthly light.

As Destiny floated around the chamber, the others would nod in greeting, but they never spoke to her.  They appeared to have more substance in the chamber than Destiny did. 

On two occasions Destiny had spoken with an elegantly dressed entity who acted as if the chamber was a small part of a large fiefdom. The entity was charming and sinister like a snake, with cold, reptilian eyes. His smile was hot and steamy.

On the first occasion they met the entity said something Destiny didn't like. Destiny said to him "you really piss me off." Suddenly a faucet sprung out of nowhere and poured yellow liquid over the entity's head. The entity had laughed, amused by her boldness. But she saw the look in his eyes and it was cold fire. Destiny beat a hasty retreat. She flew upstairs, opened her eyes and slid back onto her body. Her heart was thumping in her chest when she awoke and there was and a hint of sulfur lingering in the area of her bedroom

.

Most often when Destiny slid out of her bedroom wall into the present plane, she would find herself on the campus of Catholic University where she had gone to law school. It was usually springtime. There would be students lounging all over the lawns of the campus, reading or dozing. She would pass couples necking on blankets. Birds would be singing and the air would be aromatic with the scent of hyacinth and apple blossoms. A myriad of spring flowers and bushes would be in full bloom, petals strewn everywhere. 

Again, the entities in the dream would be more substantial than Destiny. They would see her and point, crying "look, she's flying." Its easy, she would call back "just lean into the wind, drag your hands out behind you, lift you chin and believe, and you can fly too." A few would always take her advice and learn, to their delight, that flying was a simple trick.

Destiny would laugh and move on.

Sometimes these dreams ended when Destiny's life line ran out of play. She would turn back regretfully, head home and slip back onto her body and into bed. 

On other occasions Destiny would forget to watch where she was going and would end up tangled in a tree or bush like a stray piece of Saran Wrap tossed by the wind. When that happened Destiny would be forced to open her eyes, and POP, there she would be, safe in her room.

There were winter days in the earth zone as well. Sometimes Destiny would find herself naked and freezing, barely able to fly in a snow or sleet storm. She would be at the top of a mountain or a cliff, struggling desperately to get back to the warmth of her home. She would cry out "fly, fly!! And then would wake up.

The higher planes were myriad and kaleidoscopic. The colors were brighter. She'd even seen colors that don't exist on earth. Double and triple rainbows were common occurrences.

The scents were bolder and more pleasing than any she had ever experienced. Music had been re-created in the upper planes. It contained the sounds f joy, hope love, excitement and passion. The sound of rushing water was a constant source of comfort, as were bird song, crickets, and lightly calling bells.

Evenings were wondrous with the glory of rising tides, mountain vistas, the setting sun, the rising moon, star light and fireflies, all rolled into one.

She'd often awake from such dreams with tears of pleasure on her pillow and a swell of a song in her heart that she could never, ever remember.

Destiny's aural travels were very limited in time and physically taxing. She always awoke from such dreams ravenously hungry with an immediate need for a sugar boost.

The third type of lucid dreams Destiny experienced were those where she could consciously manipulate the fabric of the dream. Sometimes she would be creating someone in her dream and want him or her to have a particular characteristic. She would concentrate on the person and on the characteristic she wanted, blink her eyes, and make a change. It was a touch and go process, however, and often frustrating. She could never seem to get precisely the effect she was looking for and could go on for what seemed to be hour trying to get things right.

Destiny could make other manipulations. She had turned tears into diamonds, often increased the amount of money in her wallet and changed her wardrobe obsessively. She had built houses and furnished rooms. She froze and boiled water, stopped trains, boats, trains and automobiles, and helped children grow up.. She had healed sickness. These dreams were megalomaniacal, Destiny realized. what she couldn't do, however, was bring corporal matter back from such dreams. She brought back only what she came with. How many times, she wondered, had she tried to bring back flowers, jewels, or brick a brac from a lucid dream to watch them melt like snow flakes as her dream dissolved before her?

But what if all that has changed? Destiny wondered. This is dangerous thinking, . Destiny thought in desperation.  Clearly delusional, psychotic even. But the evidence before her couldn't be denied. John Rodgers looked just like the Juan Rodriguez she had called up from her imagination. Yes, there were subtle differences but his substance was the same and she knew it. She had been calling him up in her fantasies for as long as she remembered in one form or another. Now, here he was, staring at her with questions in his eyes, bigger than life. What's happening?, Destiny thought nearly in tears. She took a long deep breath, looked up at the sky, as if seeking the wisdom of the stars, closed her eyes....

At the same instant, John looked at the fear and desperation on Destiny's face in dismay. He hadn't wanted to panic the woman. He reached out and grasped her hands, then watched in disbelief as diorama before him shimmered for a second, splintered and fractured into a million pieces. The universe made a sickening twist. He felt like he was being pulled along with Destiny through some sort of vapor lock. The force of the shift sucked Destiny hard and he lost his grip on her hands. He shut his eyes and protected his face with his forearms.



Dreams of Destiny Pt. 04



INTERLUDE

John was about three quarters of the way asleep in his bed in Takoma Park when his astral self started to rise from his body. John was surprised but did not disturb his trance-like state. He had had several experiences like this in the past. He met it with a sleepy rush of excitement.

John’s spirit slid off his body. Making fists he put his hands out in front of him and pressed them through the right side of the bedroom wall. His hands traveled first through gravel, then sand. His astral body followed his hands as he slithered through the wall. Then he was free and clear. He came out on an earth plane and drifted towards a crevice in the ground under his rose arbor. He traveled down through the ground. He found himself wafting down a red and black stair case. The staircase was familiar and looked like the stairway of an office building, except for the colors and the lighting, which did not seem to come from any particular source. 

As he traveled, John he encountered fellow travelers. Some were heading up the stair case, some were tromping downward. Some of the beings were more corporal than others like him, who were mere wisps of matter.

It was dark in the staircase at first. As John traveled down the steps it became warmer -- almost hot, and pinkish lighting improved. Now there were sconces with flames recessed in the walls of the staircase. 

Down he traveled. As he went he became excited, exhilarated, but wary. He knew instinctively that this was a dangerous place to travel. Or have I been here before?

He began to notice the gurgling of running water which grew louder as John walked He came to the end of the stairway. The rushing water was nearer now, and made a nice, seamy atmosphere. There was a heavy gray slate door in front of him. It was closed.. John didn’t need to push the door open, His substance was not of this “world.” He pushed himself through using the same technique he had used to get out of his bedroom He slid through the wall and found himself in a large cavern carved out of white, black and red stone. There was an abundance of warm and hot springs bubbling up from underneath the cavern. There were fountains interspersed around the cavern depicting vaguely lewd and suggestive subjects. Curious about the nature of the cavern John stuck his hand into the water of one of the fountains. Visually the water passed right through his hand as if it wasn’t there. But the water scalded his hand badly.

Various entities were lounging on outcroppings of rock and in seats carved out of the marble walls. The cavern was lit by red flames coming from wall sconces. It was an eerie and unsettling scene. No emotion was shown by any of the entities John passed as he explored the cavern. 

There were alcoves at various spots in the cavern. John peeked into the alcoves as he passed by. There was a man sleeping in one of the more opulent alcoves. The form was familiar to John. Looking closer he recognized Esteban Rodriguez from earlier dreams. This is bazaar, John thought. If this is real, does this mean that all of my other dreams and night travels have had substance in reality. And then, in a flash, he realized that Esteban’s alter ego was the serial killer John had been chasing since the incident a Fair View Park so many years ago. Or maybe I’m just as nutty as a fruitcake, John thought with wry amusement.

John stepped back from the alcove. He didn’t want Esteban to know he was here. But it was too late. John’s shadow had passed over Esteban and Esteban awoke and uncoiled himself like a snake.

“Welcome, brother” Esteban said as he stood.

Brother!? John thought.

“What brings you here tonight? How do you like my realm.? Its been a long time since you’ve been here.” Esteban spoke with false affability. Can I get you a drink, or perhaps show you around? My little abode has grown larger since you were last here. 

Perhaps you would like to play some chess. Oh, that’s right, you don’t play me because I make up my own rules. That’s what you told me when we were 7 years old. Don’t you miss those tender times while we were living together on San Angeles island.

“You’re no brother of mine. And I’d rather wrestle a cobra than play a game with you.”

“But John, don’t you see, this is all a game. It’s the greatest game of the all. And I’m winning because the rules don’t concern me. I bend them rules to suit me. 

You’re not winning Esteban, you’re deluding yourself.

No, its you that’s delusional. You’re living in a dream world., I see. You should know that by now. Or have your travels been so circumscribed that you’ve missed the nuances of the game.? I think you training has been seriously lacking and that you are out of practice, but that is to my advantage. Of course you are my brother. The fact is indisputable. We are mere flip sides of the same coin.”

“That’s a crock, and you know it. You’re just a miserable little killer waiting to be caught. And I promise that I will catch you some day in the very near future.” 

“In your dreams, maybe, John, but not in mine. Oh no. That is not part of the scenario this time around. Oh, and John. I like your taste in women. I’ve been following Destiny for a long time. Maybe we can work something out about her. Do you like to share? She’s getting pretty good at the game too. I’d hate to see something happen to her. Something like what happened to Juan’s dear friend, Nicoletta.”

“What are you saying, you bastard? You’d better keep your filthy hands off of Destiny. I’ll come after you if you even think about touching her. There won’t be a safe place for you in the universe.”

“Be very careful John,” Esteban replied. “I’ll take what I want and you won’t be able to stop me.” 

“Oh I’ll stop you. I’ll put you down for good. There won’t be a plane from here to the end of time for you when I’m done with you. There will be a reckoning, I can promise you that.”

With that being said, John turned and left out of the chamber. His body was calling to him urgently. He beat a speedy retreat and was blinking and rubbing his eyes in his own bed within minutes....

Chapter XII.

Destiny got back to Judge Raven’s Courtroom just as the Judge was taking the bench. Good timing, she thought.  Now back to the real world. But what the hell is real anymore? Destiny wondered with a shiver. Now that I know about the reality of dreams, can I control them. If I want to get out of here, do I simply blink my eyes and end up back in bed? It can’t be that simple. What the hell are the rules. My understanding of the nature of the whole universe has been altered forever and I don’t know the rules.

She tried to concentrate on what Judge Raven was saying. She noticed Elaine looking at her curiously. Now, where does Elaine fit in to all of this, she wondered, Elaine sure made it a point that I notice John Rodgers today. Was that mere coincidence or something else? I need to do some research on the nature of dreams, she decided.

Judge Raven called the case of the James children. I got lucky today, Destiny thought. First case to be called. Let’s see what the government wants to do about Devon’s siblings.

Apparently the parties had worked out an agreement ahead of time. Devon’s mother agreed to have the children placed in shelter care, which meant they would go to a foster home. The judge made it clear that the siblings should be placed together if at all possible. The mother agreed to go into drug treatment and parenting classes, and to keep away from the boyfriend. The case was set for a status hearing six weeks down the road. The hearing took about ten minutes.

After the hearing Destiny introduced herself to the social worker. She told her she wanted to set up visitation for Devon with his siblings. They worked out a plan. She went back to the juvenile cell block to give Devon the news which made him happy. She found out that her four o’clock neglect review had been rescheduled as one of the other attorneys was sick so she was done with Court for the day. Happily she headed for home.

She kicked off her shoes and threw off her clothes the minute she arrived at her apartment. She slipped into a short cotton shift, checked her telephone messages, and fed Top Cat who stuck his nose up into the air at the evening entree and marched out to the back deck.

Destiny flopped into her favorite overstuffed chair. She was beat! She realized that so far in this day she had been in four different dream sequences. None of them had been restful. She wondered if she had been going through this all of her life unaware that each sequence was a separate reality. Could that possibly be the case? And if so, why was she suddenly becoming aware now? If each dream sequence was a separate reality, when did she actually rest?

She thought about that last question for a while. She’d had many restful dreams she realized. Dreams about flying, for example were very healing. She often dreamed about taking long, blissful runs by the ocean in the summer. Dreams about skiing were wonderful. Dreams about swimming, walking, bicycling, and boating also seemed to be rest dreams.

What about travel dreams? How may times had she visited Paris in her sleep? Maybe those were her vacation sequences. Not all of her dreams were purposeful or involved work, she realized. Some were pure sensation. Others were pure drudgery. How many thousands of dishes had she washed in her dreams, she wondered. Were those minor punishment dreams?

No! Destiny thought suddenly. This thinking is pure insanity. There has to be a solid reality somewhere. We are corporeal beings, not flights of fancy. Reality does not shift at will. 

But then she thought with a sickening wrench I’ve been dreaming about that damn serial killer for years. He’s been stalking me and playing with me. Most of those dreams take place in Florida. That’s who was in the House of Horrors. Now I know he’s real. And I know when it happened. 18 yeas ago. But it didn’t happen eighteen years ago in this time line she realized which confused hr even further. I only dreamed about making a graduation trip to Florida. It never happened. Or did I?. 

Who is the killer and why is he focused on me? Did I create him. Is he my unconscious death wish? God, I need to talk to Dr. Phaeton. But dare I? He might think I’ve gone off the deep end and prescribe medication. Or worse yet, he might hospitalize me. Can he be trusted? John knows him better than I do. I’ll have to ask him. Maybe we can go to the doctor together with our discoveries.

And how does John fit into all of this anyway? He sure is as close to a fantasy man as a girl can get. I’ve got to step carefully with him. Mr. Youth Division, indeed!. Most men would eat something like that with a spoon. It made him angry.

And what about Juan Rodriguez. I say I created him out of my imagination. John says, no, HE IS Juan Rodriguez. How can that be? Did Juan dream me up, or am I some other person’s fantasy gone haywire. Maybe nasty old Sean O’Donnell dreamed me up and that’s why he was looking at me that way this morning.

On that sickening note, Destiny decided to get up out of her chair and make some dinner. She perused the refrigerator and the freezer with little success. Guess its gonna be ice cream tonight, Destiny decided sadly. Or maybe I should go out and get something healthy. Nah. Its still too hot out. I’d have to get dressed again She made a deal with herself. Ice cream now and workout before bedtime.

While she ate her ice cream, Destiny finished up her work for the day. She checked her calendar to be sure she was ready for the hearings she had coming up, made a few business calls, updated her computer generated time keeping program and sorted through her mail. She made note of things she wanted to accomplish in the office the nest day. 

Once her office work was complete, she dished out another helping of ice cream workout tomorrow for sure she promised, grabbed her novel and her bottle of soda, turned on the TV and stretched out on the couch, ready for another exciting night as a single young professional in Washington, DC. She felt a pang of loneliness as she bit into her dinner. She thought about calling John Rodgers but realized he was probably asleep, gathering strength for his next shift on the Youth Division. She finished her meal, sighed, and let the television pull her into the plot of a poorly written made-for-TV movie. 

She didn’t really mean to fall asleep at 8:00 p.m., but she was so tired from the day’s activities that she just slipped off...

Interlude

Destiny was body surfing naked in a chute of fast flowing cool, water that was crystalline blue. The walls of the chute seemed to be made of glass, or maybe even diamond. She wasn’t wearing any breathing device but had no need to come up for air. She was like a log in an amusement park water ride, but better, so much better because she could feel the water coursing over her, around her, through her very being. It was cleansing, healing. The sun was high in the sky and more brilliant that it ever was on earth. There was a freshening breeze blowing. Dolphins swam in the water ahead and behind Destiny, and they called to her to come along and play. She delightedly realized she had a tail rather than legs and swam ever faster. They traveled together headlong towards the falls. The falls were terrifyingly beautiful. To traverse them, was dangerous, perhaps deadly. Destiny tried to stop herself but it was too late. She hit the falls. She plunged over the crest. She shut her eyes in terror...

Chapter XIII

John woke up in his bed. It was 10:30 p.m. on July 10. His room smelled like sulfur although the ventilation in his house was good. It was time to eat and get ready for his shift.

The memory of his recent dream was strong to he decided to tape his memory of the dream before he did anything else. He pulled out his recorder and gave a succinct rundown of events. He wasn’t clear on a lot of the details. There had been so much action and everything was jumbled up in his mind. He did the best he could with what he remembered, made and entry on the label an put the machine back into place.

When is my next appointment with Dr. Phaeton, John wondered. Oh, good, its at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. I’m going to bring these tapes to Dr. Phaeton. Maybe he can help sort things out. I wish I could call Destiny. Its kind of late thought, maybe she’s already in bed. 

John decided to give it a rest for the time being. He needed to be alert for his upcoming shift. Sometimes the nights were brutally boring, with nothing much to do but answer hot line calls, work on old cases drink horrible coffee, swap stories, and wait for the calls for help that made it worthwhile to work in the Youth Division. 

Unlike in homicide, youth division officers handle everything from petty family squabbles, crank calls, thousands of calls regarding child abuse and/or neglect which turned out to be unsubstantiated, and the thousands that were substantiated.

Because of the nature of the allegations, youth division officers had to have excellent people skills. The officers often went into settings as highly charged as in homicide cases. And, because children’s placement was at stake situations could become very volatile very quickly. Between the boredom and the tension, work at the youth division was extremely stressful.

John arrived at the station at 11:30 p.m.. It was a surprisingly quiet night. He only went out on two calls, and they were nothing compared to yesterday evening’s incident. The first call was from an anonymous neighbor who thought a child was being whipped. The investigation turned up insufficient evidence to take action. Child and Family Services would be put on alert to follow the family informally for a few months. 

The second call was from an irate aunt who had agreed to watch her 18 month old grand niece for two hours. That was two days ago. The baby’s mother had failed to return to pick up the baby. The aunt had called the child abuse hot line saying she was going to leave the baby in the park across the street from her apartment f someone didn’t come and get her. John and Maria hurried to the scene. This was at about 4:00 in the morning. 

The aunt had nothing good to say about the mother. The mother was a sixteen year old high school dropout with no stable address. According to the aunt the girl flitted from one boyfriend to the next, taking the baby with her when she could. More often than not either the girl or the boyfriend would tire of the demands of caring for a young baby and turn her over to her aunt. The aunt had been taking care of the child on and off for a year and a half and was thoroughly fed up. “The mother never even provides a diaper when she drops off the baby.,” the aunt complained. “Then she’s gone again God knows where.”

The aunt was also afraid that he baby might have crack in her system from the mother’s smoking crack in closed areas with the baby in tow. The child was taken into custody and taken to Children’s hospital for a physical evaluation. That process ate up the rest of John’s shift. Once the baby had been cleared medically, the officers took the baby to a social worker at Court Social Services and went back to the station to complete their paperwork. 

It was Maria’s turn to handle initial Court hearings so John was free until his appointment with Dr. Phaeton He decided to head over to the Courthouse for a few minutes hoping he might meet up with Destiny. He thought maybe Destiny would be free to go with him to Dr. Phaeton’s office at 1:30. I Might as well get some breakfast while I’m at it he thought. 

When John didn’t see any sign of Destiny in any defense counsels’ regular haunts in the Courthouse he went to the cafeteria for some poor quality, overpriced food. He stood in line for some luke warm bacon and eggs, and grabbed a blueberry muffin. He added a cold coke to his tray and went to pay for his meal. Four bucks. I wonder how the average single mother with children can afford to buy this crappie food when she’s stuck in Court? Add parking or bus and metro fares and that’s a pretty penny.

He was about to pack it in and call it a day when he say Destiny trip skip into the cafeteria. She looked better than she had when he had last seen her. Now where was that? Outside the Courthouse yesterday afternoon. Its getting awfully difficult to keep the dream lines or whatever they are straight. But I know it was yesterday afternoon that we parted company after meeting with regard to Devon’s case, getting pulled into Florida and then POW, back here again. I wonder what happened next in Florida? Maybe that hasn’t happened yet and won’t until things play out here. As things stand Florida is in flux. And a lot depends on what happens there. Does Destiny go home and reconcile with Nathan. If so, what’s happening here won’t happen because Destiny will have taken the job as a government attorney. Then she’ll go on the dream vacation and meet me as Juan. On the other hand, if she stays in Florida to help catch the killer, do we then part ways so she and I can meet here now, and then what happens. As far as I’m concerned the chemistry between Destiny and me is dynamite.

Is there a third option? What if we vanquish the beast in Florida and then go back to Washington together. Destiny can break up with Nathan and have a totally different life -- one that doesn’t appear to have been written yet. He realized he had dreamed something like that not too long ago. That’s odd, I wonder if there was a time that Destiny and I lived together?

But the glaring question is how do we deal with Stephen? He’ s real and he’s out for Destiny. I’ve been tracking him for years. Can Destiny and I get together and do something about him? 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 04



John got up and started to approach Destiny, hoping to talk with her over lunch. In shocked horror he watched as Stephen stepped out of a vortex right next to Destiny. John yelled her name. Destiny looked at him. Just then Stephen grabbed her by the arm and yanked her through the swirling whirlpool of matter. “Destiny, be careful,” John called out. John had just enough time to jump through too. Actually, he didn’t make it but his astral body did. Barely. John’s body collapsed in the middle of a confused crowd of lawyers and citizens in the cafeteria of DC Superior Court

. 

Chapter XIV.

Destiny opened her eyes after brushing away the wetness that had filled them so suddenly. Colonel Rodriguez was watching her from across the table. “I faint for no reason, and now you cry. What a strange effect we have upon each other,” he says bemusedly. “Where were you? I thought I’d lost you for a moment.” He realizes that he too, has been away for a split second. Its nothing, he thinks, dismissively.

“I don’t know,” Destiny says, embarrassed. “Gathering hay, I guess.” She laughs, uncomfortable. She feels thin, somehow -- stretched out. She felt as if she were in two places at once.  What is going on? she thought to herself. I was here, then I was in a completely different life. I was yanked from there, to go God knows where.  “You don’t have any cousins in the states do you, who look like you?”

“Not that I know of,” he responded. “Why, do you know someone who has my appearance?” He reaches over for the pitcher of sangria and divides the remainder of the wine between their two glasses.

“No. You just seem familiar, somehow. She shrugs.” 

They sipped their wine in silence. Then Destiny looked at her watch. “I guess I’d better go get my luggage before they sell it. Thank you for the wine.”

Rodriguez realized that he, too had things to do. But the interlude was very pleasant. It had been a long time since he has so enjoyed the company of a pretty woman. He didn’t want to end their acquaintance. 

“Where are you staying, and for how long,” he asked in a courtly fashion.”

“I’ll be checking into the Hotel Paradisio this afternoon. I’m here for a week. I want to take spend some time on the beach and later in the week maybe rent a car and drive around the island to see the sights. I hear its uncannily beautiful”

“I would be delighted to escort you to some of spots of local interest. If you will allow me, I will call on you after you are settled and we can make some plans. Later this evening perhaps. I have some business to attend to this afternoon.”

“That would be nice” Destiny said with what she hoped was a cool smile.” She felt her heart flip over in her chest. 

Destiny was charmed by the Colonel’s old world manners, his intelligence and good looks. If ever there were to be a time and place for romance, she thought, this is it. On the other hand, if ever there were a man to break a heart, that is he. Destiny laughed at herself. I should be delighted to have such a worry. Still with Nate after all these years and spending half my time fantasizing about situations just like this. Now a handsome army colonel acts like he is charmed by me and I’m worried that he will break my heart when he probably hasn’t even thought about kissing me. He’s just being polite.

Destiny had never been vain about her looks. She was surprisingly unaware of the impact her slim leggy body, classical features, and easygoing nature had upon many of the men she met. Colonel Rodriguez would not have admitted it to anyone, but he had fallen under Destiny’s spell quickly and completely.

But he had serious business this afternoon. He had to meet with his uncle, the president, regarding his bastard half-brother. Rodriguez always thought of Esteban in those terms. Not only was he truly a bastard by birth, he was a cruel, amoral and ambitious man. His failure to rise through the ranks of the army had only served to embitter him and make him more of a threat to the president. And of course, this made him a threat to Rodriguez as well for Rodriguez had been hand-picked by his uncle to take over power upon his uncle’s retirement. 

His uncle planned to retire in three years. Esteban had been trying to gel support for himself as successor outside of the capitol. He had made surprising inroads. Esteban was very good at hiding the underbelly of his nature. Juan still thought of Esteban as the spawn of a snake. 

Much of the colonel’s time as head of security for the small nation involved internal and external intelligence. It was amazing how much intrigue went on under the island’s sunny skies. Although the police force handled everyday crime, army intelligence was crucial to overall order in the country. There was always the cloak and dagger of the drug and weapons trades and their money laundering to be watched. There were the casinos to worry about. There were various pirating enterprises that had to be kept in check. Immigration was of concern for illegals were brought in as prostitutes and for cheap labor. The country’s economy relied heavily on tourism and where ever there were foreign dollars there was espionage and crime. 

Rodriguez drove quickly from the airport to President Rodriguez’ mansion at the far end of the city in his sleek, dark green Ferrari. He despised the pomp of government cars and used them only for official events.

Now, Rodriguez thought with a sigh, there was this damned nonsense from an unexpected source that information of great detriment to the stability of the president was on its way into the country via an American tourist of all things. His source had proved reliable on other occasions but the information was so sketchy this time. What the hell could it be, he wondered in frustration. Probably some new devilment cooked up by Esteban. Dias, if only I had killed him when I had the chance.

He thought back to the day when he was eight years old and Esteban had broken his nose in a sneak attack. Given the chance, Rodriguez knew, he would have killed the bastard that day. Instead the day had been pivotal for him. That day the balance of power between he and his brother had been irretrievably altered.

When he had first come to San Angeles Island from Ireland he had been first son in name only, He had been big and gawky and alone in a foreign land where only his mother spoke to him in English. Esteban had been like a plague to him, bullying him in secret and bringing his hot Irish temper to full boil, then running to his Momma or papa if Juan retaliated. Juan had learned to suffer the indignities Esteban loved to serve on him in silence. Complaint only led to comments about his size and inability to handle matters like a man. Or worse yet, it led to beatings when he did try to handle things like a man. Esteban was slick as a snake. He was always in position, poised to strike, full of venom.

When Esteban broke his nose, Juan wanted to kill him. Juan knew all of Esteban’s haunts and had searched for him for over an hour to no avail. Finally, he had spotted Esteban lazing in the afternoon sun on the stone fence separating the main garden from the driveway. Juan had picked up a rock the size of his fist and walked stealthily towards Esteban. Esteban had opened his eyes just as Juan was deciding whether or not to use the rock on the unexpecting boy. He had only been feigning sleep. 

“How’s your nose?” I think I did a nice job on it, don’t you?,” Esteban asked tauntingly. “You’re too trusting. You should know better than to trust me.” 

Juan agreed, testing the weight of the rock in his hand. Neither boy saw the large, burly man observing them, and listening carefully from the driveway below.

“What were you going to do with that rock, anyway?” Esteban asked Juan with a glimmer of interest. 

“I thought about killing a snake,” Juan said with a nonchalant shrug. “But I missed my chance.” 

“Would you really have killed me if I had been asleep?” Esteban asked curiously. “I doubt it. You don’t have the guts.” He laughed scornfully. “But I do. I’d do it in an instance given a chance,” he said heatedly. “Don’t forget that. A nose is such a small thing.” He jumped nimbly off the fence and headed towards the house. “Better wash your face before supper,” he laughed as he walked. “You don’t want to worry your mama about your poor nose.”

The blood of Juan’s temper rushed in his head and sounded like a thousand bees buzzing around him. Juan threw the rock in Esteban’s direction as the smaller boy slipped through the garden but he deliberately threw short, knowing that to hit the boy now would be a mistake. Out of nowhere a large, heavy hand was laid upon his shoulder. Juan hadn’t noticed a man walk up from the driveway while he was watching Esteban enter the house.

“Bide your time and make your plans,” a deep voice said from behind him in heavily accented English. The language was music to Juan’s ears. He turned, surprised. There before him was a large, dark skinned man with black eyes and hair who looked like a more vivid version of his own father. The man was wearing the uniform of a highly ranked army officer. Juan, who made a game of sizing up every stranger he met, estimated that the man was in his late twenties He was, in fact 28 years old 

“Your must be my young Irish nephew,” the man continued in English. Juan was grateful for the courtesy. “I’m General Pietro Rodriguez. He bore the title with pride, being the youngest man ever to be promoted to such a high rank on the island of San Angeles. “You can call me uncle Pietro. I’m your father’s younger brother. I’ve been traveling a lot over the past two years. This is the first chance I’ve had to come and meet you”

Juan wasn’t sure why, but he felt like he had finally found an ally on the island.

“So you and little Esteban don’t get along well together,” the General said.

Juan was silent.

“Let me see your nose,” Rodriguez said brusquely. Not knowing why, Juan trustingly tilted his heat so the man could see his nose. “How did Esteban manage to get that punch in? You’re so much bigger than he is. You’re not afraid of a fight are you?” the general looked Juan in the eye questioningly. He liked what he saw. “No, I can see you are not. Then I gather it was a sneak attack.”

“Si,” Juan sighed, reluctantly. He was hesitant to unburden himself but was in such need of a friend. “Esteban walked up to me with a smile on his face, threw a fistful of dirt in my face and poked me in the eye without provocation. That was typical bullshit from Esteban. I should have been prepared. He likes to see how far he can push me. He pushed me too far today. I think I would have killed him if he had really been asleep on that fence when I caught up with him.”

“Esteban knew better than to be asleep unprotected while you were still angry” the general pointed out to Juan. “That’s part of his game. He doesn’t act unless he has full measure of the circumstances. If someone at the house had been watching, Esteban would have feigned sleep hoping that your temper would win and you would try to kill him in full view of witnesses. Then all, for you, would have been lost. That child does not think like a child. Neither should you with respect to him.”

“I will lose,” said Juan, despairingly. “I don’t have the tools to fight the slippery little bastard.”

“He’s no bastard,” the General said, enigmatically. 

“Well, I know he’s not my half-brother, that’s for sure,” said Juan.

“But can you prove it?” the General asked.

“Not yet. But someday...”

“I’ll tell you a secret,” the general said to Juan. “One of the most important aspects of all things in life, be it politics, war, business or love, is intelligence.”

“You mean how smart you are?” the child asked, puzzled.

“I mean knowing things that others don’t,” the General responded.

“Like the fact that Esteban is a sneaky little many fathered shit?” said Juan.

“Exactly,” the General responded, with satisfaction. “I hear you’ve started your own intelligence work here on the plantation.”

Juan was surprised. He looked down at the ground and kicked at the dirt. “Well, I had to do something,” he said. “That mother fucker is no blood of mine. I knew it the moment I met him. And I knew he would kill me given the chance.”

“You haven’t done anything wrong,” the General said gently. But what will you do with your intelligence once you have enough?”

“I don’t know. Maybe use it to get off this island.”

“Is that what you want, son?”

“No,” Juan said slowly. I want to win. I want to crush Esteban like the snake he is just when he least expects it.”

“Ha! The General laughed. Such is the power of vengeance. But it must be tempered with justice,” he advised.

“How would you like to come to live with me in the city, Juan?” asked the General, squinting into the hot, late afternoon sunlight. Beams of light reflected off the windows and fountains of the garden. “I am an ambitious man,” the General continued. “I have been biding my time and easing my way into a position of power. I will need someone I can trust without question as the years pass. You need a good education, and you need to get away from Esteban. Let the little boy have his fiefdom here. It might keep his mind off of matters of more importance. What do you say? Will you throw your lot in with mine?”

Juan couldn’t believe his luck. Just like that it was decided. Juan’s life changed overnight. No more Esteban. No more fights. Esteban was left behind to play the spoiled, pampered pet at the plantation. Juan went to live with his uncle. He received an excellent education, which included self-defense, classical arms training with all nature of firearms. He traveled. As he grew up he became immersed in the General’s political aspirations. 

Juan’s early interest in intelligence work grew and after military school he entered a little known branch of the army which specialized in intelligence. He became the head of state security when the General became president in 1984. Now he was the president’s right hand man and his logical successor.

Juan’s so-called brother still dogged his heals. He had also received extraordinary training and education. Like Juan, Esteban had chosen a military career, but had risen only to the rank of major. He had other, darker interests which Juan tried to keep tabs on. The interests included casinos on the island and arms sales. Esteban was also into illegal drugs and weapons, pirating, and anything else dirty he could come up with . Juan’s past efforts to interfere had done little to stop Esteban’s growing empire. At the moment Juan was biding his time, waiting for some sort of break to bring the boom down on Esteban.

The hatred between the two men had grown over the years and was tangible whenever they were forced into each other’s company. Juan’s mother Rosa had had two more sons. Alessandro, age thirty four worked with Juan’s father on the plantation. Raul, thirty years old had left the island ten years ago and was teaching at a small college in Northern California. Whenever the family gathered at the plantation the tension between Juan and Esteban was thick as a London fog on a dark night. It was like a dank crawling beast, full of fury, waiting to be released.

Juan’s mind was brought back to the present when his uncle joined him in the solarium into which he had been ushered by the maid. 

“So what have we got going this week?” the big man asked. Juan briefed the president about the possibility of information damaging to the presidency coming in by way of an American tourist.

“It sounds like crap to me said the president. It’s hot air. What information could someone possibly have to bring this presidency down? It’s solid as a rock.”

“And why not just down load this so-called damaging information by computer?” the president asked. “What could be so important that the originals have to be smuggled in by hand?”

“It could be a something that would have to be authenticated as originals. Old documents, perhaps. Have you written to anyone who has reason to hurt you. Have you kept a journal or diary over the years. “I just don’t know what is coming,” Juan said. “All my source said was that it could be devastating to the presidency and that the hard copy was coming through via an American tourist”

“So, have you checked out the arriving tourists?”

“Yes. There is nothing outstanding about any of them.” There is a group of American students, a group of four mid western businessmen more here for illicit adventure than for business, I’d say. There’s a female government attorney from Washington, DC. Mid thirties, I’d say. She’s intriguing,” Juan said with a pause. “Striking, actually. She bumped into me at the airport, literally,” he laughed at the memory. “Somehow she seems familiar.”

“What do you mean?” the president asked as he lit a thick cigar. He handed one to Juan and poured out two large glasses of port.

“I don’t know, really. There’s just something about her... “ Juan’s voice trailed off.

“You haven’t shown any personal interest in a woman since Coletta...” the president stopped in mid sentence seeing the look on Juan’s face.

“You’re right,” Juan broke in.” Not since that pretty, faithless little whore got herself killed.” His face was bleak at the thought. “That’s the second time I might have killed Esteban. Why did you stop me?” Juan downed his wine.

“Events must take their course,” the president said guardedly. He exhaled cigar smoke as he smoke. The room grew hazy and fowl smelling. “What are you doing about the tourists?” the president asked, changing the subject. He sipped at his port.

“The usual. I’m having taps put on the phones at the hotels. My assistant is preparing dossiers on each. They’ll be watched to see if they go anywhere unexpected or have any visitors. Their rooms and luggage will be searched as inconspicuously as possible. If there is anything coming in we will find it.”

“I hope so.” The president said. “Keep me posted. Will I see you at dinner at the farm on Friday night?” He stood. The meeting was over.

“I don’t know. Not if Esteban will be there. He makes me lose my appetite.”

Juan left the mansion and strode quickly to his car. He looked up at the sky. Clouds were forming off in the west. A storm was coming in. Good, he thought, some rain might ease this stinking humidity. He left the top of his convertible down, though, certain he had time to get to his office before the storm broke. He wanted to take a look at the dossiers of the American tourists before he called it a day. 

Juan drove fast over the winding two lane highway back into the city. It took only twenty minutes to get to his headquarters. He pulled into his reserved parking spot, put the car’s rag top up, locked it, and started towards the concrete, glass and steel building that housed security headquarters. The wind was picking up and the sky was dark. Thunder growled in the distance and lightening flashed on the horizon. The air smelled of briny ocean spay and was heavy with electricity. A few large rain drops plopped down on the sidewalk ahead of Rodriguez as he hurried inside. Tree leaves and flower petals and stray pieces of trash flew past him on his way. 

Chapter XV

When Destiny first let herself into her hotel room she had whirled around and around in delight. The room was luxurious; opulent even. It had a huge king-sized bed, a sitting area off on the left and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi, a shower and, of all things, a bidet. Destiny giggled like a little girl. Off the sitting room were French doors which opened to a balcony, and a view of the white beach directly below. Destiny threw open the balcony doors. Fresh sea air coursed through the room, invigorating her. She stepped onto the balcony. Although it was well past mid-day the sun was still hot. The beach, however, was not crowded. Only a few umbrellas peppered the area designated for hotel guests. The tide was turning and white caps were rushing into the beach furiously. The sound of the ocean and the cry of sea gulls called to Destiny,




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 04



Poor Nate, stuck in DC, Destiny thought, with a small pang of guilt. Then she shrugged the guilt away like a soiled garment along with her travel weariness. Time to hit the beach Destiny decided. She walked back into the room shedding her travel clothes as she walked. She rooted into her suitcase for her turquoise bikini. She had worked out hard over the past month to be ready to sport the swimsuit, and it showed. She was all legs with the French cut bottom. The top was a sleeveless tube allowing for a nice shoulder tan. Destiny wasn’t chesty, but what she had on top was enough for most men to notice with pleasure.

Destiny braided her thick, black hair which fell almost to her waist.

I’m glad Nate isn’t here, she realized with a start. He would have scowled at the bikini. He didn’t like other men taking notice of her - it threatened him.

It was funny, Destiny thought, how this vacation materialized out of nowhere.  She had a lot of use or loose vacation saved up from her job as an agency representative for the Environmental Protection Agency. Over the years she had never seemed to have time, or the extra money to take a vacation. Then Nate had seen a contest for free air fare and had insisted that they both put in an entry every day for the month the contest ran. Destiny had hit gold , wining a free round trip ticket wherever the airline flew. 

There were strict guidelines as to how the prize could be used. Nothing seemed to fit into Nate’s calendar or financial picture, so, to Nate’s chagrin, Destiny had made plans for a four day package deal to the Bahamas. She had discussed her plans with a friend of hers who told her about San Angeles Island. Her friend, whose family had originated on the island, pointed out that San Angeles Island was out of the way but catered to American tourists. It was off season, but the weather was good, and she could stay a full week for less than she would have spent on the Bahamas deal. It sounded too good to be true.

Destiny looked over the travel brochures her friend had given her and could see nothing wrong with the plan. Nate had hated the idea which, for some reason made Destiny stubbornly determined to take the trip.

Nathan had acted like a spoiled brat. He felt screwed because entering the contest had been his idea. Tough, Destiny thought. This vacation is for me alone. Destiny had been living with Nathan for seventeen years now. The relationship was solid, comfortable, undemanding, unexciting.

Often she wondered what would have happened if she had taken her college graduation trip to Florida rather than staying in Ohio to patch things up with Nathan. Many nights she had dreams of totally different lives that she might have lived.

But that was water over the damn, now, Destiny thought. They would never marry, but there was no point in marrying. After all, there would be no children.

Destiny thought back to the horror of her brush with uterine cancer. One day back in 1990, she had gone to her gynecologist because of unexpected menstrual bleeding. The next thing she knew she was having an emergency hysterectomy. There had been a malignant tumor on her uterus which ruptured. She had been fortunate. If the tumor had gone untreated Destiny would not have survived.

The chemotherapy and radiation had taken every iota of Destiny’s physical stamina to endure. Nate had gone through it with her calm, stalwart and confident. He’d been there through the nausea, the vomiting, the aches and pains, the hair loss, the weight loss, the insomnia, and the ever pressing, almost crippling fear. Any lingering doubts about her decision to make Nate her life partner had disappeared during the year long fight against cancer.

Destiny had been devastated by the hysterectomy. Nate, surprisingly, had taken it well. It seemed to Destiny that Nate must have only been giving lip service to the idea of children and was relieved that there would be no kids to shake up the relationship. Destiny still felt dull, underlying resentment about that.

After the hysterectomy Destiny had plunged herself into work during the days. Evenings and weekends she escaped using romance novels, exercise and excessive sleep as narcotics. She often willed herself to sleep with an erotic fantasy. The fantasies became woven into the fabric of her actual dream life. Sometimes she slept for three days at a time, waking only to pee, or grab a bite to eat. Then she’d sink peacefully back into whatever dream had captured her fancy. Sometimes her dreams felt more real than her life with Nate. And curiously, she never dreamed about Nate at all.

Destiny and Nate had been drifting apart lately. Nate was trying desperately to pull Destiny out of what he viewed to be a self-indulgent bout of depression. Destiny had tried to snap out of it but some days while she was awake she wished she could simply blink her eyes and end up back in bed. This vacation was a God send.

Two days before she was planning to leave the friend who had told her about San Angeles Island had called and asked for a favor. Her aging aunt who had been raised on the island but had left decades ago had some personal papers she wanted hand delivered to her son who still lived on the island. The aunt was eccentric, said Destiny’s friend, and didn’t trust the mail service. Destiny was asked if she could bring the package to the island and deliver it upon her arrival. 

It was such a small request. Destiny didn’t see any harm in it. She had picked up the package on the way to the office. The aunt had taken Destiny’s cell phone number and said her son would call her when she arrived at the island. Destiny had put the package in her purse and forgotten about it.

Destiny’s cell phone rang, bringing Destiny back to the present.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Ms. Lysander, do you have my mother’s package?” a deep male voice asked in a heavily accented English.

“Yes,” Destiny replied.

“Could you do me the great favor of delivering it to me at a little convenience shop called the Presidio, at 9:00 p.m. this evening? The shop is only about a mile up the road from your hotel.”

“Couldn’t you come here to pick it up?” Destiny asked. I’m here now and could wait for you.”

“No. That would not be convenient.”

“I’m not sure I like this,” Destiny said, suddenly worried. “What’s in the package anyway? I don’t want to do anything shady.”

“Just do as I say,” said the voice. I know what you look like. Be at the Presidio at 9:00. Thank you.” The phone went dead.

Destiny sighed in frustration. What the hell have I gotten myself into? she wondered. This better not be some cloak and dagger bullshit.  For a moment Destiny thought about calling Colonel Rodriguez and telling him about the package. She decided he’d laugh at her. He’d think she was an over imaginative , middle aged, American air head. No. I’ll make the delivery and forget about it.

Destiny readied herself for the beach. She popped out her contact lenses, slipped into a cotton shift and donned sling-backed sandals. She grabbed her purse shoving in sunglasses, suntan lotion, a brush and keys. She locked her wallet in her suitcase, picked up her Pentax, and made her way to the elevator. 

She reached the beach level and walked out into the brilliant tropical sunshine. The sun and the wonderful ocean air had almost a sexual impact upon Destiny. Its been ages since I felt so good, Destiny realized -- maybe even a lifetime. There were dozens of gulls in the air. The clouds were puffy and perfect. Exotic flowers seemed to be planted everywhere she looked. And it was remarkably uncrowded. This place is like a fantasy island.

Destiny could have had a sedate swim in the crystal clear water of the hotel pool which was on a raised deck overlooking the beach behind the hotel. There was also an excellent looking tennis court. Destiny much preferred the excitement of the breaking surf.

The sea was blue green, with breakers rolling onto the long white beach. The sky was so blue that one couldn’t tell sea from sky at the far point of the horizon.

Destiny found a spot in the sand, well up from the line of the tide. She barely took time to coat her skin with suntan lotion before hitting the tide. The water was bracing, but not cold. Destiny laughed in delight as the water sucked at her feet. The undertow was strong. 

She didn’t wait to get used to the water temperature. Instead she dove headlong into the first wave that threatened to break over her head. She was up and out of the wave in seconds but a second, larger wave caught her unaware. Under the waves she went, head over heels, with her mouth, nose and eyes full of salt water. She shut her eyes tight and struggled to get her feet under her before the next wave came to knock her off her feet again. Destiny came up gasping for air and opened her eyes....

Chapter XVI

In disbelief and despair Destiny realized she was in Stephen Williams’s office at RWT. Destiny could tell it was late evening because the sun was setting outside Stephen’s office window. Destiny was on her knees, naked, before Stephen, who was leaning indolently against his desk with his head back and a sated smile on his face. 

Destiny’s hair was wrapped around Stephen’s hands. She was gagging and spitting out semen in angry disgust. How did this happen? Destiny wondered miserably. The pig had been groping and eyeballing her since she started at RWT. Her disinterest had only served to make Stephen press her even further. Then he’d given her that whopping assignment with a completely unreasonable deadline. 

Stephen’s boss didn’t care about the unfairness of the assignment and refused to listen to complaints about Steve’s contact. So Destiny had given her notice and walked out. Or so she thought. It was late, 8:30, and she had been crying when the elevator doors opened to scoop her out of there. Her contact lenses were filling up and giving her problems which made the tearing worse. She couldn’t see a thing when she had stepped off the elevator and into Stephen’s arms. She was still on the floor occupied by the law firm.

Stephen wore a dark blue suit with a light blue shirt. His tie was blood red. His eyes were as black as coal. His skin and hair, as always were golden. She tried to turn and run. He caught her easily with one arm. She tried to twist away from him to no avail.

“I have you now Destiny, Stephen whispered low in her ear. You just keep on struggling That’s how I like it best. You caused me some problems with my partner today. I didn’t appreciate it. Now your going to make it up to me.” With one fist holding securely to her long braid and the other twisting her arm Destiny was dragged be dragged into Stephen’s office. She started to scream. Stephen pressed his lips against Destiny’s mouth. He bit her lip hard, drawing blood. “Don’t try it bitch, he said.” She relaxed all of her muscles at once and went down. Stephen was so surprised he let go. She tried to scramble away but he was too fast for her. He had his door closed and locked before she even got to her feet.

Stephen pulled a pistol out of his drawer. It had a silencer. When he saw Destiny blanch he said sweetly “you don’t like guns? I have a real big knife I can show you if that’s what you prefer.

“Now we’re going to play strip tease. Sorry I don’t have any music” he laughed. “Real slow, I want you to take off your jacket and blouse. There’s no rush. Why Destiny, no bra? I’m surprised at you. I didn’t think you were that kind of girl. Now the skirt. Let it fall over you hips. Step out of the skirt. Good girl.”

Stephen’s eyes glittered like diamonds. Destiny saw insanity behind the eye. She was more frightened that she had ever been in her life. “Now take off your stockings. Yes. I have to say your body is as sweet as I hoped it would be.

“Kneel down. and undo my pants,” Stephen ordered. Destiny tried to squirm away. She tried to kick him. He was as strong as a bull and as immovable as a tree. Stephen leaned back against his desk holding destiny’s right upper arm. His right hand pressed the gun up to the side of Destiny’s head. 

“It would be better if you cooperated. I’d hate to come here tomorrow and find out that you had surprised a robber and gotten brutally raped and then killed. How about a quid pro quo? You be a good girl and do as I say and I won’t fuck your brains out and kill you tonight. I want to take my time in getting to know you.”

Destiny unzipped Stephen’s pants and release his cock. It was engorged and was wet with pre-cum. Destiny felt sick.

“Take my cock into your mouth Destiny,” Stephen demanded. “All I want tonight is a nice, hot blow job. Then I’ll let you go home to your cat. But I’ll be back for more in the future.”

Destiny tried again to break Stephen’s hold. He practically yanked her off of her feed with her braid. “Stop it Destiny. “Do as I say.” The gun was cold against her ear. With despair Destiny complied. “Make it the best blow job you’ve ever given,” Stephen ordered.

The act took only minutes but for Destiny it was an eternity. She wanted to spit his semen into his psychotic face when he finally came.

“See how much more smoothly things go when you cooperate?” Stephen asked Destiny with a silky, insinuating laugh. “Why give me trouble? You knew it would come to this in the end, didn’t you. Its simple. I make the rules and you follow them.”

Tears of anger and frustration began to run down Destiny’s face. God, it was so hot in the room. How can he bear it, Destiny wondered. She was covered in sweat. Her hands were slick with saliva. Steve’s cock was still pressed up against Destiny’s face. It started to thicken again.

Destiny smothered an urge to give Stephen’s cock a good, hard bite. He could read her thoughts, she was sure, and would kill her if she moved.

Realization hit Destiny like a brick! This is a dream. I walked out on Stephen when he made his obscene offer. I lost the job but I retained my dignity. All I have to do is blink and I’m out of here. Destiny blinked, hard....

Destiny opened her eyes. She was in the ocean and wave was coming in fast. She was on her butt in the sand and gagging salt water. Destiny stood up and walked out of the water. That wasn’t exactly the swim I expected. Christ, I hope that scene wasn’t a glimpse of Hell. If it was, I’ll have to be a very good person for the rest of my life. I do not want to go there again. As she toweled herself off, she thought about what she had just seen. It was fading so quickly. Who was that man? I knew him in the dream but now I can’t even remember his face. 

Exhausted, Destiny spread out her towel and lay down to soak up some of the late afternoon sun. She willed herself to relax. She slowed down her breathing, She let the sun and the song of the sea lull her into a peaceful sleep....

Chapter XVII

Destiny awoke with a start. She was in a hospital bed in... Where?... She was sixteen years old. She looked at her surroundings. She couldn’t remember anything except being restfully asleep on a warm sandy beach.

Her eyes searched the room. Her old boyfriend, Stephen was sitting on a chair looking at her with curiosity. That couldn’t be right. Stephen and I broke up two years ago and now he was in the Army. No, I remember now. We got back together just last week and... OH GOD. Shame and anger poured through Destiny.

Destiny and Stephen had been desperate for a place to consummate their new found love. They’d put together a picnic and broken into the abandoned house at the end of the block where Destiny lived with her father. 

They entered through the back door on the first floor. Stephen had tested the stair case and found is steady, so they had gone up to the second floor where there was a master bedroom with a balcony. They’d fed each other bread and cheese, and drunk cheap wine. Destiny hadn’t really wanted the wine but once they blew a little coke the wine seemed perfect to mellow things out.

Now Destiny was to learn about the glories of tender lovemaking. She’d lost her virginity two months previously in the back seat of a Sun Bird at a drive in movie theater. The experience had left her feeling empty inside. Was that all there was to it? She hoped not.

Stephen spread out the blanket and lit the candles. They stood together and kissed while they peeled each other’s clothing off. Stephen couldn’t touch her enough. His caresses were soft and sensual, yet demanding. He reached between her legs and rubbed the nub between the lips of her vulva. A shock of pleasure rushed through her. Steve laughed. He slid his index finger into her, rubbing her nub all the while. Then he wrapped his left hand around her hair and pulled her head back. He kissed her neck, her breast. Softly he bit her nipples, each one in turn. He sucked on them until they were sore and swollen.

Then he had Destiny lie down on her back.

“Open your legs” he urged her breathlessly.

“Destiny complied.

Stephen ran his tongue down from her nipple to her belly button. He played in the crevice there for a moment. Then he moved further down. 

“Put your knees up.”

He took her clitoris into his mouth and sucked on it gently. He ran his tongue over it again, toying with it. Destiny cried out. Climax after climax went shooting through her body. Her body jerked with pleasure.

“Where did you lean to do that?” Destiny asked with a hoarse laugh.

“Oh, I’ve had my teachers” said Stephen. “Now its my turn.” Get on you hands and knees. I like that.”

Destiny complied, fully aroused.

Stephen kept his thumb on Destiny’s clitoris as he pushed his fingers into her vagina from the back. Then he mounted her in one big hard push.

Destiny cried out in pleasure.

“Now I get to ride,” Stephen whispered in her ear. The candle light on the walls flickered and caste sinister shadows. The air was smoky. The walls of the room seemed to be made of red and black and white marble. Destiny thought she heard water rushing though the room.

Stephen rode Destiny hard, using his thumb to keep her excited. He wanted her on the edge. Yes. He had her. She’s on the edge.

Just as he was about to pour into her, Stephen pulled out. He spread the cheeks of her butt apart wide with his hands.

“Oh no!” Destiny cried. “Don’t.”

“Yes,” Stephen moaned. He was lost in his fever.

Stephen rammed his cock hard into Destiny’s rectum. He was in with one fierce shove.

Destiny screamed in pain, but couldn’t stop the climax that drove through her like lightening . 

Stephen’s balls were pressed up against Destiny’s butt. He shouted in triumph. It was better than he had imagined. His orgasm was hot, hard and long. Never ending. 

Despite Destiny’s pleas for him to stop, Stephen drove himself inside her six, seven, eight more times before collapsing on top of her, sated.

“You mother fucking bastard,” Destiny cried. She was in pain. And she was mortified. 

“Oh but Destiny,” Stephen crooned, it was so good, so sweet. You loved it. I felt you come.”

“I hated it. It hurt. You humiliated me. You raped me. I don’t know why I ever wanted to make love to you. You ‘re evil. I’ll never let you touch me again.”

“Oh yes you will,” Stephen said. “You’re mine. I’ll take you when I want you.”

“No I’m not.” Angrily Destiny pulled on her clothing. She tried to leave the room but Stephen blocked her way. 

“Destiny, be fair,” you wanted me just like I wanted you.”

“But not like that, that was horrible”

“Destiny walked out onto the little balcony that overlooked the courtyard. She leaned against the rail. Stephen came up behind her and leaned against her. With a lout crack, the railing gave way. Destiny and Stephen fell headlong onto the cement below. Stephen landed gracefully, cat like.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 04



Stephen closed his eyes during the fall. When he opened them Destiny was dangling from a noose which was secured to the railing above. Her eyes were bugging out and she was turning blue. Her feet kicked and the life drained out of her. Stephen closed his eyes in disbelief. He opened his eyes and Destiny was on the ground on her face. Her arm was broken and she was unconscious.

Destiny was slow to come around. When she did she started screaming. She was dangling by her neck from the balcony. Stephen was looking up at her laughing as she died. She closed her eyes. She reopened them. She was sprawled out on the ground with a broken arm and a bad bump on the head.

“You bastard,” she cried. “You worthless piece of shit.” I was hanging by my neck and you watched and laughed. You watched me die and did nothing. Who the hell are you?” Destiny started to throw up. Then she fainted again....

Destiny awoke in the hospital in West Chester, PA, with Stephen staring at her; willing her to be silent. He was willing her to accept what had happened between them.

It was unacceptable. Destiny forced herself to break away from Stephen’s magnetic gaze. She closed her eyes. This never happened, she said with all the strength she could muster. Stephen and I broke up two years ago and I’ve lost touch with him. “I’ll never see you again, Stephen,” she said with her eyes tightly closed. “In fact, I’m going to forget you exist. This has all been a bad dream. And when I wake up I won’t even remember that you ever lived.”

“Yes you will.” Stephen laughed. “You may not remember I exist, but I’ll have you over and over again in your dreams.” He walked out of the empty hospital room smiling.

It was a sadder, wiser Destiny that awoke safe in her own bed the next morning. She was sixteen years old. She had banished Stephen from her thoughts two years ago, after that debacle of failed sexual intercourse. Now, after that horrible dream, where she had dangled from a noose with Stephen watching, laughing, she knew she had things to do with her life. College was essential to her plans. Yes, she still went to parties and even occasionally got high. But she was more self assured and much less likely to fall victim to an n older guy looking just to get laid. She still had nightmares about Stephen but his face, even his name faded into oblivion over the years.

To Stephen the evening had been an epiphany. He realized he had just found a kick greater than any rush from drugs or even sex alone. That evening a killer was born. The shock to Stephen’s system of the violent sex coupled with sudden, unexpected danger and death had taken him over the edge to a place he had been seeking all his life.

Than was no wet dream, Stephen Williams thought when he awoke the next morning in his bed Washington, DC. He was not Stephen, he realized at once, he was Stephen Williams, a partner a RWT. He had his practice, which he was dedicated to, and his sidelines. No one knew about those. A missing prostitute once and a while, nothing to do with him. He was very, very careful. And no one really cared enough to make a thorough investigation anyway. The girl in the dream, Stephen realized suddenly, is one of the temps at RWT. A lot older now, of course. I wonder if she’s recognized me? 

When and where had that segment happened? he wanted to know. He wanted to return to it, immediately, and again and again. He realized with frustration that he’d been trying now for years to achieve a rush like that without success.

Chapter XVIII

Destiny awoke shivering on the beach at San Angeles Island. A storm had rolled in while she slept, blocking out the sun. The beach was now deserted. Rain drops were falling fast and hard. She gathered her belongings together and dashed for the hotel.

Dear God, what a nightmare, Destiny thought as she ran. I haven’t thought about Stephen in years.

There was a long drum roll of thunder. Lightening flashed. The island suddenly looked hostile and forbidding. I just need a hot tub and a cold drink, Destiny thought on her way up to her room. I hope this storm doesn’t last. I’d hate to have to make my delivery in the rain. 

When Destiny opened the door to her hotel room she had a sudden sense that someone had been in the room while she was out. Destiny rushed to her suit case in a panic to check for her wallet. Yes, my money’s safe, but someone has been though this bag. They’ve messed everything up. Maybe it was just a very nosy maid, Destiny thought, somewhat disconcerted. She didn’t know that Colonel Rodriguez’s men had spent the afternoon searching the rooms of all American tourists on the island. Taps had been placed on the telephone lines of each guest as well.

Destiny got out of her swimsuit and put on a cotton robe. She started filling up the Jacuzzi and poured herself a rum and coke from the wet bar. She put her swimsuit into the bathroom sink to soak.

It was still stormy outside. The room started to get warm and steamy from the Jacuzzi. Destiny eased herself into the Jacuzzi with a sigh of contentment. She took a long sip of her drink. I could really get used to this kind of treatment she thought. She didn’t even bother to open a novel while she soaked. She let her mind wander as the bubbles lulled her into a somnolent state...

INTERLUDE

Esteban Rodriguez smiled. Things were falling into place quite nicely. This would be his sequence he though fiercely. No twists, no side bars. He would pull the strings this time and the people around him would dance to his tune.

How easy it had been to set things up. He had manufactured the aging aunt back in Washington, DC. The so called documents for the long lost son were actually well executed fraudulent records of a dangerous nature to be delivered into the waiting hands of an overly ambitious newspaper reporter. The documents ostensibly prove that President Rodriguez fathered a child on his 13 year old cousin. The story was that the baby girl and her mother were secretly exiled. The cousin had died in a suspicious car accident. The child had grown up hating her father/uncle and was now rallying support for Esteban in his political battle against the President.

Juan would learn that Destiny was the source of this information and would be livid that Destiny was a spy in Esteban’s camp.

Chapter XIX

As Colonel Rodriguez entered his office he called out to his assistant, “Max, do you have those dossiers for me.”

“Si., Colonel.”

Rodriguez’s office was masculine and immaculate. It sported leather and dark wood. There was an assortment of valuable books on the shelves. The Colonel’s special interests were in military history and politics. His office was well air conditioned out of respect for the books he has collected.

At the far corner of his office was a chess game in play. It was the Colonel’s game against the world. Anyone, anytime could come to him to make a move for black. He would make a response. It was up to the black player whether to continue the game or to leave after one move, or two moves, or whatever. The Colonel rarely lost at chess. The only person the Colonel would not play was his brother, Esteban.

Max hurried in with his arms fill of files. Most of what he gathered about the American tourists came to him through faxes in the last two hours. He had been working furiously to sort through the mess of information.

Rodriguez asked him if any of the tourists stood out as possible suspects. Max said no.

Rodriguez read over the files with ill-concealed irritation. There’s nothing here. Not one of these people could be considered a security risk. We’re not getting anywhere. “Most of the Americans are staying at the Paradisio, aren’t they?“ he asked Max.

“Si.”

Rodriguez spotted Destiny’s dossier. He finds the reading surprisingly dull. She’d been in a staid, boring relationship for years, he thinks. No kids. Sad story about the cancer. I wonder what brought her to San Angeles Island. I’m surprised she didn’t wait to take her free air fare on vacation with Nathan somewhere solid, like Germany. He realized that he is trying to denigrate the whirlwind of emotions he felt when he met Destiny. What a sensation it was just looking into those eyes.

Well, since I’m not getting anywhere here, Rodriguez concluded, I may as well do some real work. He decided to spend some time at the Hotel Paradisio. Rodriguez changed into the evening clothes he keeps in the closet of his office. He was a striking figure in dark gray, with a white shirt and a tie that set off the sapphire of his eyes. 

The storm had blown itself out and there was a nice, fresh breeze coming off the sea. The humidity had dropped. It was a delightful evening. Rodriguez tested his driving skills on his way to the hotel, taking the hilly curves fast. He loved the raw power of using expertise to push a good machine to its limits. That’s what performance is all about the thought, be it music, driving, fighting, or hell, even making love. Especially making love, he corrected himself.

He made it to the hotel in fifteen minutes flat. He strolled into the lobby, handed his car keys over to the doorman, and went to visit the desk clerk. He questioned the clerk about the comings and goings of the American tourists and asked for access to the hotel safe. 

None of the tourists had done anything other than hit the beach as far as this clerk knew. There had been no strangers handing about. There was nothing of note in the hotel safe. None of this surprised Rodriguez. He knew he wasn’t dealing with careless amateurs. But why use an American tourist?

Rodriguez wanted to throw in the towel, go home, and get some sleep. But he knew there would be hell to pay if this tip turned out to be correct and he failed to prevent a security breach.

So he decided to have a drink at the bar before dinner. He took a seat with a view of the lobby, picked up a section of newspaper, and ordered a cognac. The tour group came down for dinner first. They got off the elevator like a gaggle of geese honking and preening and jockeying for position in the hallway outside the restaurant.

Upstairs, Destiny pulled herself out of the Jacuzzi, showered and washed her hair. It took forever to get her hair dry and styled to her satisfaction. Now, what to wear tonight? She pulled out a lovely new two piece silk ensemble. The skirt was cranberry red, ankle length, long and gauzy, with a slit up the left side. The top was cranberry and white, with lose narrow straps, and a plunging V neck line. The top showed two inches of midriff. She wore comfortable, leather sandals on her feet..

She added a long string of faux pearls, put on her tear drop emerald earrings and popped in her contact lenses. She went a little heavier on the makeup than usual. She wasn’t sure why. Maybe she was trying to create a new persona. Someone who wouldn’t be afraid to go out to that store at nine tonight and deliver the package that was making her so uncomfortable.

Once again Destiny thought about opening the package but she was afraid. What if it was truly some heavy shit? What if it was something that could get her killed? She decided to play the role that she had been assigned. She would play the innocent fool. She wouldn’t stir the soup. If she was doing something wrong and got caught, well, ignorance and innocence would be on her side. She had no ties to San Angeles Island. She had no motive to spy. And obviously she wasn’t making any money doing it. So she must be innocent. 

Destiny tried to calm herself. She told herself she was overreacting. She reminded herself that this was a simple favor for an old, eccentric woman. There was nothing to worry about.

Suddenly Destiny was starving. She realized she hadn’t eaten a thing since the snack on her plane that morning. She was looking forward to some seafood. I’ll see food and eat it she laughed. She rode the elevator down to the mezzanine and decided to walk down the grand staircase to the lobby. She did so using her best Scarlet O’Hara imitation.

She passed by the bar without glancing in. She missed seeing Colonel Rodriguez stare appreciatively as he watched her float by on a cloud of cranberry silk.

Destiny entered the restaurant and was ushered to a table that gave her a sideways view of the ocean and a clear view of the stage. The thunder storm was already ancient history. Destiny ordered a rum and coke and stared idly out the window. There was a board walk and a sidewalk café adjacent to the restaurant. Further out was more beach and far off to the left was a colorful pier. It was getting on towards evening and the shadows were lengthening. The smell of wonderfully cooked seafood was in the air, a pleasant torture to Destiny as hungry as she was.

“You are not venturing out to one of our more exotic restaurants?” a deep voice said to Destiny from behind.

Destiny jumped. “You’re like a cat! she said, in feigned anger. You shouldn’t creep up on people like that.” Destiny did think, again, that he was like a cat. A well turned out black panther. Dangerous and exotic. She grinned at him, glad for his company. He was also solid and, well, she thought, nice.

“I’m not a cat” Rodriguez growled, returning her smile, they do not allow animals in to this restaurant. “Are you here for dinner?”

“Yes,” Destiny said. “I had a nice tussle with the ocean and a nap on the beach and now I’m starving. I hope the food is as good as it smells.”

“It is,” he replied. “You didn’t swim? You tussled?”

“Yes. Your surf was a little stronger that I thought it would be and it pushed me around a little. I came up coughing and blowing but I enjoyed myself. I love the ocean.” I wouldn’t trade it for a backyard pool for all the pearls in the sea.”

“I love the ocean as well, may I sit?” the Colonel asked politely.

“Yes, please do.”

A waiter who had been perched nearby now walked over to the table. He brought two menus.

“Oh, no,” said Destiny to the waiter, “I mean, he just came over to talk, I’m sure the Colonel has plans for dinner,” Don’t have plans for dinner Destiny willed with all of her heart.

“Its Juan,” the Colonel said, “and as it turns out I do not have plans for dinner. May I join you? I, too have worked up an appetite this afternoon.”

“Please join me, Juan. I’d like the company.” Destiny felt light headed with pleasure. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before in her staid existence in Washington, DC. She felt so alive. She felt like she was awakening from a very long and confusing dream.

“What would you like to eat, Destiny,” Juan asked. He caressed her name with his tongue.

“I love seafood. But I don’t know what the island specialties are,” Destiny said. “Do you have any suggestions?”

“Do you like hot food, or plain?”

“I like hot, but not so as to overwhelm the taste of the dish. I want to savor my prawns, linger over sweet succulent crab meat. Destiny closed her eyes at the thought...

INTERLUDE

Destiny was lying in a heap at the base of the ski lift. It was late afternoon and viciously cold. It was beginning to snow.

She managed to pull herself out of harms way, determine she was unhurt from her unceremonious dismount from the lift and make her way to the top of the descent. Now what? She wondered resignedly. Last thing she knew she was contemplating prawns under Colonel Rodriguez’ steady gaze and here she was on top of a mountain in a snow storm. With skis on her feet, for Christ’s sakes. She’d only skied once before in her life and that was long ago. How on earth am I going to get down this hill without killing myself, Destiny thought desperately. 

“You look like you’ve never seen a ski slope before,” a voice came from behind. Destiny jumped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I couldn’t help see your dismount from the lift. I thought you might need help.”

Destiny turned to look at her rescuer. He was slight of stature. His hair was brownish blond with gold highlights. His eyes were dark brown and glittery. He looked like he owned the ski slope. Flakes were coming down fast now.

“What do you think?” he asked, “should we descend?”

“I don’t know how to ski,” Destiny stammered in confused embarrassment.. “I don’t know what I was thinking coming up here.”

“We all do stupid things from time to time,” the man said, unconcerned.” “I’ll bring you down the slope like you are my daughter.” “You can ride in front of me. We’ll go nice and slowly. You’ll get the feel of things. Just let the skis do the work. Do you ice skate?” He asked.

“Yes, occasionally.”

“Good.” Pretend the skis are very long skates. Use the edges. But bend your knees and spread you feet apart. Now turn your feet inwards, like a pigeon.. He took position behind Destiny. He encircled her with his arms. His ski pole was in front of her. 

“Hang on to my ski pole with both hands, Destiny” She wondered vaguely how he knew her name. “We’ll snow plow down. “When I push left, lean left, when I go right, lean right. Work with me.” She did as he said, comforted to have such an apparent expert with her. They started down the hill slowly, zigzagging across the ski run. The man had to steady her, and a couple of times he literally held her up while she found her feet. But the rhythm of his body, swaying this way and that, and his steadying voice in her ears, calmed her. She began to catch on and laughed aloud in delight. This was what skiing was all about. It was like flying, she thought, giddily. They glided down the mountain as one, the wind screaming at them on their way. They picked up speed. Down and down they flew. “You see, we can work together, Destiny,” the man whispered in her ear. She was disconcerted by the voice. She closed her eyes and reality twisted again...

Chapter XX

“I can pick you out a fine meal,” Rodriguez offered.” Destiny looked around in confusion.

“Is something wrong?” the Colonel asked, troubled.

“No, no, “I’m fine. I little chilly,” she shivered.

“May I order for you?” the Colonel repeated.

“Yes, I’d like that,” Destiny said, happy to put herself into his hands.

Not too hot, not too tame, Juan pondered the menu. And fresh, crisp white wine

for the palate.

Destiny barely listened to the Colonel’s choices as he gave them to the waiter in Spanish. The waiter was cheered by the Colonel’s expensive taste in food and wine.

Juan felt a thrill of excitement course through him as he glanced at Destiny through hooded eyes. What is it about this woman, he wondered, as they waited for their meal to arrive. She hasn’t led an exciting life. She’s a bureaucrat, for God’s sake, a government lawyer. But something about her stirred him as he hadn’t been stirred since the very beginning of his disastrous relationship with Nicoletta.

His relationship with Nicky had started out fun and exciting. She had been a singer on a cruise ship that came to port on San Angeles Island. She was petite, blond and full of fire and ice. Her voice had been surprising: a low, dark smoky contralto. One expected a soprano from a face and body like Nicky’s. She knocked men off their feet when she belted out old love songs and pop tunes.

They’d had a very heated affair. When he first heard her sing he pulled some strings with a friend who owned the largest casino on the island and got her a great booking. He’d never told her he was behind the offer. She thought she’d gotten the job by reputation alone.

He’d gone to see her night after night, waiting in the background. He courted her with large bouquets of roses and small gifts. For the first few weeks that they’d dated he’d left her with a chaste kiss at her doorstep, wanting him. He’d wanted her, too, but he had also wanted to savor the innocent courtship.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 04



When they had finally come together it had been with hot steamy passion in his big bed in the house he kept in the city. She’d moved her belongings into the house the next day. He’d been pleased by the living arrangement.

They had had four very happy years. Juan had been getting ready to make a commitment. He was starting to want permanency and children when things began to change.

He started to suspect that Nicky was using a line or two of cocaine to get through the evening shows at the casino. He’d tried to talk to her about it but she’d brushed him off.

Then she’d caught a cold and lost her voice for a week. She was frantic. “This is what it’ll be like when I get old” she’d said, crying. “I won’t be able to sing. I won’t be pretty anymore. I won’t be able to take care of myself. No one will ever have even heard of me.”

Juan tried to talk to Nicky about settling down. She wouldn’t hear of it. No, she said,” with a determined tilt to her chin. “I need exposure. I need to have my voice heard.”

Nicky went back to work at the casino and kept ridiculous hours. She cut a sample CD of her best songs, that was really pretty good. She got a nibble from a talent agency. She didn’t know it was one of Juan’s brother’s enterprises. Esteban carefully and calculatedly drew Nicky into his net. 

Juan had been unaware of what was happening. He’d become sickened by Nicky’s budding narcissism and had resolutely stuck his head into the sand. Later he was sorry he’d been so blind.

One morning Nicky came home from the casino particularly wired. “I have a singing tour all worked out,” she told Juan excitedly. 

“What?” he asked, groggy with sleep.

“I’m going on tour, Juan. I’m leaving next week. I’m going to sing in Vegas and LA and...”

“Where on earth did this come from?” Juan asked, surprised. “Can we talk about it?”

“No,” Nicky said, firmly. “You don’t want me to succeed. You’ve made that plain to me. You haven’t been paying the tiniest bit of attention to my career. My agent said...”

“Since when do you have an agent?” Juan wanted to know.

“I told you two weeks ago. You didn’t listen, just like I said.”

“Who’s your agent,” Juan asked with a sinking feeling in his gut.

“Lisa Morales,” Nicky answered. You know her. She has red hair. She lives on the other side of the island.”

“Yes.,” Juan’s voice cut like a knife. “She’s a charming little predator who’s attached herself to my brother Esteban. Is that not correct?” he asked coldly.

“Well, she sees Esteban, yes, when he’s in town. But that doesn’t have anything to do about this. Esteban’s hardly ever in town anyway. You see to that, don’t you?”

Nicky was pissed off. “You think everything revolves around you, Juan. My getting this tour has nothing to do with you and Esteban. Its just a coincidence that my agent happens to be seeing your brother.

“Yeah, sure,” Juan said. And donkeys fly, he muttered sourly under his breath. Once again his brother had managed to insinuate himself into Juan’s happiness.

“Nicky, “ Juan said, very slowly and calmly, “How much do you want this tour?”

“I want it with all my being,” Nicky said, her blue eyes wide and shining like stars.

“Dias,” Juan sighed. “I should have seen this coming. Do you realize that if you go on this tour Esteban will own you, body and soul.”

“That’s just not true, Juan Rodriguez,” Nicky cried, stung. “Lisa likes my voice and says my CD could go places in the States if I get enough exposure.”

“And who is putting up the money for the tour,” Juan asked acidly.

“It’s a business consortium,” Nicky said,” “Lisa know some people who like to invest in new talent. They think I could be a hot property.” Nicky was so caught up in the fairy tale that she couldn’t see what was plain as day to Juan. 

“Nicky, if you do this, there’s no going back,” Juan said resignedly. “I won’t have you living here all caught up in some venture of Esteban’s.” I don’t touch anything that has the slightest stink of Esteban Rodriguez.”

“I just don’t understand you, Juan,” Nicky said sadly. “Esteban’s not so bad.” “”Its not like he’s an ax murderer or something. You should get over your childhood grudge and take a look at the man. He’s charming, he’s successful, he’s generous, and he’s going places.”

“How do you know all this,” Juan asked harshly, “I’ve never introduced you to him.”

“Well, er, Our paths have crossed from time to time. More lately. He’s interested in my career.”

“You don’t know shit,” Juan growled. “He’s a snake. I have nothing to do with him. If’ I’d known you’d been slumming with him I’d have booted you right out the door. What else is he interested in,” Juan asked coldly. Your legs, your breasts, your baby blue eyes? Have you slept with him?” 

“No, of course not, he hasn’t asked...” OOPS she thought.

“He hasn’t asked?! Juan roared. “You insidious little bitch! Get your things and get out, just get out.” Juan couldn’t believe that the four year relationship had meant so little to Nicky. God save me from ambitious women, Juan though morosely. 

“Juan, you can’t mean that,” Nicky pleaded. “Just out? Its over? Just like that? Just because I had a few conversations with your brother.”

“He’s not my brother. And you knew all along how I felt about him. Yet you let him into our life without a thought. And now you want to go spread your wings as a professional singer? Go ahead. But don’t come crying to me when the wind fails to fill your sails. Betrayal is not something I can swallow.” 

“But I haven’t betrayed you,” Nicky was crying. “We didn’t do anything. We just talked about my career.”

Juan wouldn’t listen. He couldn’t look at her. He was hurt to his very soul. He dressed in running clothes slowly like an old man. Sunlight was just beginning to edge its way over the horizon. Why is it such a beautiful morning? Juan asked bitterly.  It should be storming. 

As he left the townhouse for a run in the early dawn, Juan told Nicky to pack as much of her things as possible while he was gone. “Your agent should be able to find you a place without any trouble,” he said sourly. After all, you’re a hot property.” Leave the keys to the house and the car on the coffee table on your way out.

He left the town house at a sprint. He forced all if his rage and hurt into his pumping legs, his arms. His breath was ragged. He wanted to bellow in his pain but could not. He wanted to weep, but would not. He thought he was angry enough to kill. So he ran. He ran for two hours without break. The even thudding of his footfall and his beating heart began to calm him, bring him back to reason. As always the rush of the ocean soothed him. He began to think about his future which was now so different that what he had been planning.

What about a stable home, he wondered, what about kids? I thought I was ready. And now there is no one. GOD DAMN IT Esteban, he thought.

And then there had been the final blow. Nicky had been gone when he returned to the town house. Juan had gone about his duties that day numbly, feeling like an amputee. He’d gone to bed, alone and been awakened from a sweet, untroubled dream in the middle of the night.

There had been a car accident. Nicky had been in a little MGB with his brother, Juan. They’d missed a turn and the car had careened at top speed off a cliff at the other side of the island not far from where Esteban lived. Nicky was dead. Esteban had walked away from the accident with barely a scratch.

Juan had wanted to kill Esteban that night. He’d gotten into his car with his gun after the phone call and headed towards Esteban’s home with every intention of putting a bullet through Esteban’s head. But cold reason had stopped him. Killing Esteban now would ruin his life, what was left of it, he thought bitterly. Esteban would win, even in death. That’s not how its supposed to be, Juan realized with sudden insight. There are stronger forces at play here than childhood grudges. Juan made a fast turn in his vehicle and headed towards the President’s mansion.

President Rodriguez was awake when Juan arrived. Juan poured out his soul to the older man. He drank most of a bottle of scotch, his uncle matching him drink for drink. The two men talked for hours. Juan ended up sobbing out his misery over Nicky’s sad demise. His rage against his brother became a steel wrapping around his heart. The president and Juan played a long, intricate game of chess as the sun rose over the island. Juan managed to force a draw at the end of the game. Then, with an aching head he settled himself down for a bit of sleep on his uncle’s rattan before going back on duty. He knew he wouldn’t confront Esteban yet. But a reckoning was coming. Oh yes, Juan thought as he slipped into sleep. The day will come you bastard, and I will put things to right. He finally slept...

Chapter XXI

“ Tell me about yourself,” Colonel Rodriguez said as the waiter left to put in their food order. “Where are you from? What brings you to San Angeles Island?”

Destiny told Rodriguez about her life as a government attorney, omitting talk about her relationship with Nathan. She told him about winning the air fare and being steered to San Angeles Island instead of the Bahamas and exclaimed at how beautiful the island was. Destiny asked Rodriguez about himself.

Their appetizer arrived. There were lovely prawns broiled in butter with spices and lemon grass. Then came the wine. Juan sniffed the cork and sampled the vintage expertly, nodding to the waiter to fill their glasses. Destiny and the Colonel made short work of the shrimp, licking their fingers like children when the were done. They sipped their wine. The restaurant was starting to fill up with tourists and with local residences. There was a cheery hustle and bustle going on around them.

Juan started to tell Destiny a little about his job and the politics of the island.

Juan buttered a piece of fresh, crispy bread and fed it to Destiny. It was subtly flavored with herbs from the restaurant’s garden. Destiny’s senses were humming.

Their main courses arrived. For Destiny, Juan had ordered a special platter of the islands specialties that wasn’t on the menu. Juan had a grilled swordfish steak.. The local rice dish was served with both meals. There was an unusual artichoke salad.

The couple took their time and savored the meal. The wine soothed Destiny’s frazzled nerves. Juan relaxed and laughed at the amusing tales Destiny told about bureaucracy in Washington, DC. Island music played softly in the background. The lights were dimmed and candles were lit. Destiny and Juan chatted about their homes and there careers. Late afternoon became early evening. The pair felt irretrievably drawn to each other.

Esteban Rodriguez sat at the bar and stared at them. How in hell did they hook up? That wasn’t supposed to happen. He was furious. He had made his plans and he didn’t want anything to get in his way. It was already 8:15 p.m. Destiny was supposed to make her delivery at 9:00. Had she forgotten? What should I do? he wondered in frustration. Break them up, he decided. 

Esteban strode across the floor of the restaurant and came to a stop in front of Destiny and Juan’s table. “Good evening, brother,” Esteban said with a slight bow towards Destiny. 

Juan froze. Destiny’s mouth dropped open in surprise. Oh, Christ, its HIM. Its Stephen!

“Who is the lovely lady you are sporting tonight? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her,” he asked.

“This is Destiny,” Juan said with ill grace. “Destiny, Major Esteban Rodriguez.”

Juan stared hard at Esteban. “We were just getting ready to leave. Sorry, I have no time to stop and chat, Major,” Juan said. “Let’s go Destiny.” Juan flagged down the waiter and pulled out his wallet.

Nonplused, Destiny started to collect herself. How did he get here? Destiny wondered.

“Oh no,” said Esteban, “not so fast. I’d like to get to know who my brother is walking out with.” 

Juan pushed by Esteban, with Destiny’s arm firmly clasped in his hand. He threw some notes at the waiter on his way out. Juan quickly led Destiny out of the restaurant and to the elevator . “I thought they didn’t allow animals into this restaurant,” Juan muttered angrily on the way out. Esteban’s laughter floated along after them.

“Who was that?” Destiny asked, scared to her toes. 

“You don’t really want to know,” Juan sighed. “That was my bastard little brother who delights in bringing me displeasure. It is nothing.” 

The elevator bell dinged and the door opened.

They stepped onto the elevator. “I’ll see you to your room.”

They were silent on their way up. Juan walked Destiny to her hotel room door.

“I’d like to see you again,” Juan said to Destiny as she slid the card over the key pad. He reached out and grasped her upper arms. He looked into her eyes. “I haven’t ...” His voice trailed off. He pulled her to him and kissed her long and firmly. His tongue searched her mouth. She responded with heat, need, desire. She opened to him. The moment stretched on forever. It was over in a heart beat.

“I must go,” he said. “I have work... But I will see you. I promise you that.”

Destiny gave up the kiss with a half-sob. “I would like to see you, too,” she responded., startled by the strength of her reaction to the kiss. “I would like that very much.” She opened her hotel door and turned, bidding him good night.

She walked into her room with a dazed smile on her face. God. So that’s what I’ve been missing all these years. I thought it was only true in dreams and fantasies. She looked at her watch. 8:35. Oh my God, she thought in a panic. I still have to deliver those documents. Maybe I should just forget about it. As if in answer to her thoughts her cell phone rang. “Hello?” Destiny asked with a sinking feeling in her stomach. “You are going to deliver my letters aren’t you?” asked the voice she had heard earlier. Its so important to me, and such a little favor.”

“Well, I guess,” Destiny said reluctantly. Are you sure you can’t just come here and pick them up tomorrow morning. I’m really kind of beat tonight.”

“No. Just come to the store. Its only a mile away. I’m not nearly as mobile as you are sweetheart,” the voice said.

“All right. I’m on my way.”

Destiny didn’t bother to change her outfit but put on a pair of running shoes. Its only a mile, she told herself, and it’s a nice, balmy night for a walk.

Colonel Rodriguez hadn’t left the hotel after dropping Destiny at her door. Instead he decided to do a little surveillance of the tourists. Besides, it was early and he wasn’t tired. And he was more jarred up by the appearance of his brother than he liked to admit. He’d though the little snake was attending business off the island. I wonder what he was doing here, tonight? Colonel Rodriguez stepped out of the front entrance to light a long- awaited cigar. He breathed the smoke in with great satisfaction. He lounged like a cat against a white pillar in the moonlight. He was startled to see Destiny coming out of the elevator and heading towards the hotel exit.

I wonder what she’s about, he thought as he watched her approaching. I thought she was safely tucked in for the night. I hope she isn’t playing some absurd spy game. She’s not the type. He didn’t want to admit it to himself, but he had been hoping that Destiny was exactly what she appeared to be. 

He stepped back into the shadows as she approached the front door. She glanced at her watch. Opened the door, looked right and then left, squared her shoulders, and headed out in the direction of the city.

So you’re not going for a moonlight stroll on the beach. What are you up to? he wondered. He decided to follow her. 

Destiny strode purposefully through the night, unaware that she was being followed. She just wanted to be done with the damn business. Get to the store, make the contact, go back to the hotel and sleep for a good, long time.

She got to the store just at 9:00. What she didn’t realize was that her contact had seen the Colonel shadowing her and decided not to make the pickup. It would have to be rescheduled, he thought angrily.

Destiny went inside the little store. She walked around in growing frustration. No one approached her. The clerk was looking at her curiously. She decided she’d better buy an item that looked like a late night urgent matter. She picked up a package of Maxi-pads. There’s a good reason for walking a mile in a strange city after dark, Destiny thought to herself. She could thing of no reason to stay at the store any longer. What a pain in the ass. I’m going to throw this package away, better yet, burn it, when I get back to the hotel she thought with determination.

As she turned around to walk out of the store she bumped headlong into Colonel Rodriguez. “Oh no, not again,,” she laughed ruefully. You must think I’m a linebacker for the Redskins.”

“Hardly a linebacker,” he responded dryly. “You do seem to have a very purposeful way about you, but it takes more than a little push to knock me off balance. What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you were in for the night.”

“I didn’t know there was a curfew, colonel,” Destiny said, going on the offensive. 

“No, of course not. There is no curfew. I’m just surprised to see you out here at this hour is all.”

“Well, there was an item I needed that couldn’t wait until morning.” Destiny said. The desk clerk told me this store stayed open until 11:00 so I decided to take a walk.”

“So I see. Will you be heading to the hotel now, or is there any other place you might like to go tonight? I would be happy to accompany you,” Colonel Rodriguez offered.

“I’m headed to the hotel. Its just a short walk. There’s no need to trouble yourself, Colonel. Your wife must be anxiously awaiting your return,” Destiny said, digging unabashedly.

“Its no trouble. And there’s no wife,” he responded, amused. They started to walk in a leisurely pace towards the hotel.

“No girlfriend to pout at you?” she asked, surprised at her boldness.

“No. Just a couple of cranky old cats to complain about my waywardness.

“Ah Hah, an animal lover, I knew you were a softie beneath those impressive buttons and medals.”

“No one has ever dared to mistake me for a softie,” the colonel said with a smile.

“Are you that impressive?” Destiny asked. “Yes,” she answered her own question. But I’ll bet you like to play, too.”

“Play?” Colonel Rodriguez asked, “what is that? It has been a long time since I’ve played.” 

“Well then,” Destiny said, “you should make some time to play. At least one hour per week.”

“But if I did that,” Rodriguez demurred, “the whole world would come crashing down around our heads. Or at the very least, the island would cease to exist.”

Destiny took a deep breath of the amazing sea air and looked around. She felt like she was in a fairy tale. The moonlight was bright and the stars were so close you could almost reach out and touch them. “Did you see that,” she shouted suddenly. “A shooting star! It was brilliant!” 

“Yes,” he laughed. I saw it too. You must make a wish. I also will wish. Our wishes will come true. But you cannot tell me your wish and I cannot tell you mine.” 

They walked on in the moonlight. Somehow Destiny’s hand made its way into Juan’s. They chattered happily like teenagers smitten with each other. Juan told Destiny the wrenching tale of his mother’s flight with him as an infant to Ireland when she learned that her husband’s mistress was pregnant. 

He spoke of how he was raised by his mother and great-grandparents in Ireland for six years. He told her of how, to his shame, his mother had returned to his father upon his mistress’ death. He told her of his sorrow at leaving the emerald island to come here to an unloving father and unforgiving heat. He spoke a little about the bastard brother, Esteban, who was so close to him in age, who had plagued him since his return from Ireland.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 05



Chapter XXVI

Destiny awakened at dawn after her night with Juan. She was surprised to find herself on her couch in front of her television in DC. She was hot and sticky, and was wearing her clothes from Court. She had slept soundly for nine and a half hours. The weather was already steaming hot. It’s going to be another lovely summer day in the swamp that passes for the nation’s capitol.  

God, what a dream I had, Destiny thought. She tried to put the pieces together but it was too fractured. It seems like I went all over hell and back last night in my sleep. First Rodriguez on the island, she recalled, then her old junior high school boyfriend. God almighty, I’d forgotten about that! She shuddered at the memory. Then off to the amusement park where she got a new, revised and very interesting version of the serial killer’s murder. And what was that bit about her and Nathan having lived together for seventeen years? What would her subconscious dream up next? she wondered. I’ve got to get this on tape before my memory dims. 

She went into her bedroom and pulled out the tape recorder. Well, at least there are no new surprises here she thought as she looked at the label. She plumped up a pillow and lay back in bed. She closed her eyes and switched on the tape recorder. Dreamily she tried to reconstruct her memories of the dream sequences she had experienced during the hours she spent sacked out in front of her television. 

As she spoke the memories became more and more real to her. She remembered the interlude on the mountain top with the unknown stranger. She had a sick feeling she knew who the stranger was. Stephen, from the law firm, or Esteban. Maybe I should just think of him as ‘the demon’ from now on. As she spoke into the tape recorder she became more and more convinced that the dreams were real. 

Her wrists were still bruised from yesterday. And there was the undeniable fact that John Rodgers from her dream of the amusement park was the John Rodgers she had met yesterday in Court. She became even more confused when she tried to sort out where and how Juan Rodriguez fit into the picture. 

Had her fantasizing brought Rodriguez to life? Or had she made a trip to San Angeles Island in a parallel life two years ago? The first alternative made her feel very uncomfortable: All logic decried the possibility that her fantasy could be strong enough to bring Juan Rodriguez into being.  Is there a Juan Rodriguez on San Angeles Island? I don’t even know if there is a San Angeles Island. The second alternative was almost unbearable disconcerting: Could there actually be a universe where Nathan and I stayed together and I had an entirely different career? If so, what was the result of my meeting Juan on the island two years ago.  

She finished taping her memories and commentary, and added the label DL dream 4. Then, with a flash of paranoia, she decided to make a copy of the tape. She grabbed an extra tape from her office and used the tape deck in her living room to make the copy. She pulled out an old law school text book that she hadn’t opened in 18 years and grabbed an exacto knife out of her tool box. One thing dad was good about was making sure I was prepared for emergencies. I wonder how many single professional women in this city can put their hands on an exacto knife when they need one?

She carefully cut a square of pages out of the book, making room for one of the tapes. She put the original into the book and put the book back where it belonged, dust and all. She made a new label for the second tape and put it in the zipper compartment of the inside flap of her briefcase. I know I’m being paranoid, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful she told herself.

Her client that morning was one of the few who was actually in compliance with his Court orders. Actually, he was a pretty neat kid with a lot going for him. Probation had been a positive experience for him. He had a probation officer who had helped get him back on track with school. And he had gotten some drug and individual counseling out of the deal. I wish they would all work out so well.

She decided to double check her calendar before getting ready for Court and realized she had a 1:30 appointment with Dr. Phaeton. This will be a very interesting session. She was undecided as to whether she would share her tape with the doctor. She’d only seen him once before and wasn’t quite sure she trusted him. Suddenly she wished John were there to give her advice.

It’s amazing how quickly I came to trust John. Then she realized how much they had been through together and decided it wasn’t quite so surprising after all. 

Destiny showered, shampooed and shaved her legs. She put her hair into a French braid without drying it. Her apartment didn’t have central air conditioning. The weather was too hot to put up with a blow dryer. Using it would evaporate all benefit from the nice cool shower she had just taken.

She dressed carefully that morning, wearing her favorite lavender cotton twill suit. The skirt was short and showed off her legs. The Jacket was short sleeved with a scooped neckline, nice and cool for the summer weather. She wore dressy white sandals with a low heel, and silk panties and bra. 

She applied her best make up, using a little more than usual. She suddenly realized she was dressing provocatively in the hope of running into John. She wondered if he would be in the cafeteria when she got to Court. Officers with morning Court responsibilities often gathered in the cafeteria between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Destiny decided she’d get to Court early and eat breakfast in the cafeteria. Maybe John’d be there and she could invite him to come with her to see Dr. Phaeton. 

She fed Top Cat, picked up her briefcase and purse, and headed out the door. It was still relatively cool so she decided to walk. She snagged a white rose for her lapel on her way. She hummed the old Led Zeppelin tune “Stairway to Heaven” and if you listen very hard, the tune will come to you at last, when one is all and all is one, yeah, to be a rock and not to roll, under her breath as she walked. 

John was just about to pack it in and call it a day when he saw Destiny skip into the Cafeteria. She looked wonderful to him. 

Destiny had been looking for him he realized as she waved and headed in his direction. John’s table was only about 15 feet from the cafeteria door and John was facing outward. As Destiny approached, Stephen appeared out of nowhere. Destiny didn’t see him coming. He came up behind her and grabbed her by the arm. “I’ve been looking all over for you,” he said in her ear. She turned to face him and her mouth dropped open. “Stephen? What on earth are you doing here?.” 

John was out of his seat in a flash, and practically jumped over his table to get to the pair. “Destiny, be careful,” he called out. Stephen used his left arm to open a fissure in the space beside him. He had a strong hold on Destiny. He side stepped and they disappeared into thin air. John made for the fissure with a cry and jumped in as it was closing. He didn’t make it but his astral self slid in just as the crack disappeared. John collapsed in the middle of the cafeteria floor.

Elaine, Judge Raven’s Clerk was the first to get to John when he fell. She turned him over onto his back, checked his mouth to be sure he wasn’t choking. She yelled for someone to get the Courthouse nurse and to call 911. She made sure that John didn’t need CPR Then she sat down to guard John’s body. Elaine had seen everything. The other cafeteria patrons had seen just a piece here or there of what happened. All was confusion. No one commented on the fact that two people had vanished. Each person has their own reality to contend with, Elaine realized. 

The Courthouse nurse arrived, but there was nothing she could do. John appeared to be in a coma for no reason whatsoever. The emergency medical team came in to take John to George Washington Hospital. Elaine rode in the back of the ambulance with John, despite the fact that Judge Raven’s law clerk, Karen had arrived moments before the rescue team to order Elaine back to the Courtroom. As Elaine walked out of the cafeteria, Karen said bitchily. “Well, it’s your job Elaine. He could fire you for this you know?”

“Get a life,” Elaine said under her breath. It was her obligation to remain with John’s body until his spirit returned.

Chapter XXVI

Destiny somehow managed to pull herself clear of Stephen’s arm during the reality twist in the fissure. She concentrated hard on the first place she thought of, bed, and almost made it there safe. Then everything twisted again and she landed on her ass in the snow on a distant plane. She was wearing ski gear. Her skis were tangled and half off. She was at the top of a murderous ski run. Destiny had taken a couple of down hill ski lessons over the years but nothing to prepare her for this descent. The scrape of a skier coming in fast brought her to her feet. She watched as the silhouette of a strikingly handsome man swished up to her and stopped at her feet.

“Destiny, I wouldn’t let you get away that easily.” Oh Christ, it was Stephen.

Destiny’s voice was as cold as the wintry wind blowing on the top of the mountain. “Go away Stephen. I have no use for you. I know all about you and Esteban and your evil tricks. You can chase me from here to hell and back but you won’t get me. I’m not your toy or your queen or whatever it is you want me to be. Leave me alone.”

With that she threw caution to the wind and pushed off down the mountain trail. The first descent came quickly. All was white and pristine on the track. She flew by the few lights which illuminated the darkening sunset. The panorama was austere. As frightened as she was of Stephen and the ski trail, Destiny was exhilarated. She skied like an expert. The snow flew out from under her skis as she took the twists and turns of the trail.

She heard Stephen cursing behind her. Her sudden descent had taken him by surprise. He had wanted to bring her down in front of him as he had before, with her scared and trusting, but excited. But he was also up for a hard chase. He knew he would win. 

He took a straight line down the mountain for top speed. His skill was superior. He hit some moguls and a long jump. He gained quickly, and pressed on. He had to get to Destiny before she passed the mid-point of the run. There was a turn that wasn’t on the structured path that led to a cave. From there were tunnels where the fabric of the plane could be manipulated. It would be a good place to bring Destiny into his realm.

Stephen was tired of the games. He wanted Destiny now. She was the prize he had worked for and had earned over the years. He would not let his nemesis win. 

He, Stephen, was the one who had discovered Destiny. He’d waited patiently for her to mature. She was coming into her full power and it was time that she turn to him. Good -- Evil: Who cares, Stephen thought. It was all one. There were an infinite number of sides, but only one coin. I kill. A spirit is released. Someone somewhere else goes less hungry. It balances out. This is what he has told himself over the years to ease his deeply buried and almost non existent conscience. Does good determine that the evil occur so the resulting counter good exceeds the bad, or is it the other way around. Who Cares?

Stephen leaned further into the wind, squatting and tucking . He gained on Destiny who was having trouble. She was losing her early confidence. The dark was confusing her. He dug his poles in and screamed to a halt in front of the woman. They both went down in a jumble.

Desperate, Destiny tried to force a dream shift, but Stephen held her too firmly. “I’m in control now. Stephen said. So stop wasting energy. I don’t want you to get hurt. That’s not part of the plan.”

“What do you want then. Stephen?” Destiny asked. 

“I want you to come with me tonight. He looked at her hard with the glittery brown eyes that she had always hated. She shivered in the coldness of his gaze.

“You’re freezing,” he said to break the tension. I know a shortcut off the mountain. That’s why I stopped you here. We’re almost at the turnoff.”

“Why would I go anywhere with you? I’d rather take my changes on the main run. Why don’t you just slither away?”

Stephen gritted his teeth at her aspersion. “Desist in your jibes woman,” he said. You’re coming whether you like it or not. Do I have to restrain you?”

Destiny looked around anxiously for help. There was no one else on the mountain that she could see. She didn’t see the white spirit like figure flying down the mountain crest at break neck speed towards them. John’s aura had been following Stephen and Destiny. 

Destiny tried to push off and head down the mountain again but Stephen was ready for her. He tripped her neatly and she went down hard. Her skis flew off this time. She struggled to get up but Stephen jabbed her rudely in the stomach with his ski pole. Stay down for a minute he ordered. He stood beside her and rid himself of his skis. Thus unencumbered, he released Destiny from her pin.

“You can get up now,” he said.

“God damn it, you have no right to man handle me. What the hell is wrong with you anyway?” she asked as she stood. “Why do you always have to be so fucking cruel?”

“You fight me, Destiny, and bring out my anger. I would court you and treat you like a princess if you would bend to my will.” 

He took her arm. “Walk with me now.”

“I will not bend to you will.”

“Then I will force you.” He brushed her feeble attempts at self-defense off as if she were a child. With very little effort he pulled her off to the side of the trail and on to the secondary trail that had been hidden by the darkness. Before too long they arrived at the cave Stephen remembered from a prior visit to the mountain in another lifetime. 

Stephen pushed Destiny into the cave. The air was surprisingly warm and smelled of sulfur. It was black as pitch in the cavern. The sound of underground hot springs broke the silence and added steamy humidity. Stephen pulled Destiny through the cave and into a passage way in back. The clearance was low, and they had to walk hunched over. Stephen never loosened his grip on Destiny. They traveled this way as the tunnel snaked downwards for about twenty minutes. Destiny tried to keep track of time and of the twists and turns of the tunnel in case she got free and could run back towards the cave. She knew, however, that the likelihood of her breaking loose was minimal. 

Finally, they came to the matter gate Stephen had been looking for. Gates were similar to vortexes. Unlike vortexes, they were fixed in space, but not in time. One could come across a gate on Tuesday, and Friday it might be gone. Stephen had manipulated this trip to coincide with the appearance of a gate to his own cavern home. None but an adept at dream shaping could identify and use a gate. 

Throughout the last half hour Stephen had been so intent upon forcing Destiny to come with him he hadn’t even checked to be sure he wasn’t followed. John’s spirit had no problem shadowing the pair once they entered the tunnel. He floated alone silently and bided his time.

Stephen stepped through the gate pulling Destiny with him, John followed. 

There was a sickening twist and Destiny and Stephen arrived in a wide passageway about a mile from Stephen’s lair. John popped through as the pair were heading down the corridor

There was very little John could do in his spirit state to help Destiny. He kept a low profile as he followed Destiny and Stephen. 

John started to recognize some of the landscape from some recognizance he’d done concerning Stephen’s life style over the years. Stephen’s taste in art was quite depraved. John shuddered at the question is his mind as to Stephen’s sexual proclivities. He realized he’d do whatever it took to save Destiny from Stephen’s perversions. 

John suddenly received a sharp tug from the cord connecting him to his body back in DC. John ignored the call by strength of will alone. Let my body suffer. This is more important than my life. Suddenly he was furious at his impotence. Destiny’s very soul was at stake. He sensed that other, similar dreams had been rehearsals for this performance.

John saw Stephen speaking urgently to Destiny but couldn’t make out the words. He didn’t dare get close enough. He was afraid that Stephen could banish him with a mere look now that his body needed him back. He watched as Stephen manipulated matter and altered Destiny’s clothing and physical appearance to suit himself. 

John realized that Destiny was weak here and would be vulnerable to Stephen’s machinations.

Destiny was very weak. She was suffering badly from disorientation as a result of the two rapid shifts through matter and space. Her natural fighting spirit was sorely hurt. She was scared to stay with Stephen although she mistakenly thought this Stephen seemed less dangerous than some of the others versions she’d encountered over the years.

Since she had entered Stephen’s realm she had tried again and again to make dream shifts in the reddish gloom to no avail. To her it seemed like they had been walking forever. Stephen held her tightly as they walked. Her feet seemed to know the pattern of the maze of tunnels they were traveling through. Destiny tried another shift. She was completely unable to change the scenario. She tried to make changes that needed less will. She had been unable to manipulate matter to cause Stephen to trip and lose hold or her. She had even been unable to shape a weapon to protect herself with, or kill myself if it becomes necessary.  

Destiny felt naked. She knew she was no match for Stephen physically. She was slim and, although Stephen was only a couple of inches taller than Destiny, he outweighed her by at least forty pounds. 

They finally arrived at Stephen’s cavern. Stephen forced a kiss upon Destiny. “Welcome to my home,” he said.

“Let me go before I tear you apart,” Destiny threatened. The strength of her voice belied her fear and her weakness..

Stephen laughed. “Always fighting. You never give up How are you going to tear me apart?”

“I’ll dream a more brutal death for you than you can imagine,” said Destiny.

“I don’t think so. Not here in my realm,” Stephen replied. Go ahead, try.”

Destiny tried. She imagined harpies coming down out of the air with dirty claws and gray tresses to rend him and carry him off. Nothing happened. She had known it would be futile. She’d had this dream before.

Destiny squeezed her eyes closed. She thought of home and her bed and tried to wake herself up. Her eyes wouldn’t open to that scene. She used all of her remaining will to open her eyes. She could see her bed. Feel its contours. But it slipped away as her eyes opened to Stephen’s lair. She tried again as Stephen watched, amused. Again, no result. 

Destiny knew she was in deep trouble. She wondered if she still had free will or if that too had been taken from her. Yes, she realized, I still have my will. There is no way I will willingly become Stephen’s queen. I’ll find a way to kill myself first. Destiny knew Stephen was a demon of the worst sort. He killed for pleasure. She didn’t know why she had become his obsession. But over and over again they had played out versions of this scenario. Is this more ‘real’ than the others? She though so but she had no barometer by which to make a measurement. 

Destiny decided to play along with Stephen just for a little while. She would play his game while she gained strength and gathered her forces. There had to be some sort of ally in this realm. Stephen couldn’t have total control. Not all of the entities Destiny saw drifting through Stephen’s cavern looked to be tools of Stephen and his master.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 05



Stephen sensed a change in Destiny’s resolve. She had stopped struggling and pulling away from him. He realized she knew now that she could not get out of his realm using her own powers. Physically, she might get away from him, but she had no means to alter matter. She didn’t think she could twist reality into a vortex or be able to find and utilize the gate. She was trapped.

“I’ll let go of you now if you promise not to run. I’d only bring you back and punish you if you did run. You know that don’t you?”

Destiny shrugged off his arm. Stephen let go and dropped his arm. “Okay. I get the picture,” Destiny said. “You have me here now. What do you want with me?”

“You will stay here with me for a while under my terms. You will do my bidding.” 

Destiny laughed. “You can keep me here, and you can dream I am doing your bidding all you like. But that will be your fantasy not my reality. You can rob me of my dream powers but you cannot rob me of my free will. 

“In my reality you can try to corrupt me. You can abuse me with your perversions. But unless I travel your path willingly you will never truly have me. You can live in a dream world with a fantasy of me at your side forever, but you will not master me or make me your queen, for I will never come to you. You have not won, Stephen. You have only achieved a stale mate.” She laughed.

“Are you certain of what you say, Destiny,” Stephen asked. He pulled an ornate silver mirror out of thin air and handed it to Destiny. “Look at yourself Destiny. You are beautiful.”

Destiny expected to see an exhausted and bedraggled, middle aged woman wearing rumpled ski clothing. Instead what she saw was a version of herself that she had never imagined. 

Stephen had imposed his will upon Destiny’s physical being and her apparel. This Destiny was in her prime. She about 25 years old and as sleek as a panther with her incredible coal black hair loose around her head and cascading down beyond her waist. 

She wore an elegant emerald green satin floor length gown. It looked more suitable for the bedroom than a party, but could easily serve as an exquisite evening gown at the most courtly function imaginable. It was sleeveless and showed off Destiny’s graceful neck, shoulders and cleavage. The bodice was tight down to the waist. The top skirt was emerald satin which parted in the center to reveal an intricate black lace under skirt. Destiny was naked under the lace. 

She wore black ballet-like slippers of extraordinarily soft kid leather. Her feet peeked out under the skirt. Her long silk gloves were mint green. 

Around her neck Destiny wore a neck piece of unbelievable beauty. Its primary stone was a multifaceted ruby that seemed to be made of red fire. It was set in 24 carat gold. Emeralds, sapphires and diamonds surrounded the ruby forming a pentacle of precious gems. The gold setting clasped at the back of Destiny’s neck. The diamond at the top of the pentacle was fixed in the gold setting between her collarbones. The piece formed a V whose point ended just at the beginning of Destiny’s plunging cleavage. Power emanated from the timeless work of art.

Destiny’s face was beautifully made up. Destiny barely recognized herself. Her mien was more sophisticated than it had ever been. As Destiny examined herself she saw a hardness, even a cruelness in her expression. She shuddered and handed the mirror back to Stephen. 

“I do not care for this version of myself,” Destiny told Stephen with ice in her voice. Change me back,” she ordered. She sounded much stronger than she felt. In reality she had been shaken to her very core to see herself done up as Stephen’s queen.

“I will not. You are my queen. You will remain here and do my bidding. Come, I will show you to your chamber.”

“Walk beside me,” Stephen ordered. I do not wish you to lose dignity in front of my guests. He expanded his arms and Destiny became aware of the vast chamber in which they were standing. It was like, yet unlike the chamber where she had taunted the demon and caused urine like liquid to spout out of the wall and pour over him. This chamber was much more beautiful and terrible than the one she remembered.

The same thing could be said about this version of Stephen, Destiny suddenly realized. She examined him closely when she thought he wasn’t looking. He’s much more powerful than I ever imagined. His dark eyes no longer glittered. They were hard as stone and nearly coal black. His hair was long and wavy. It was still gold, but was shot with red in the light of the cavern. His face was hard. His beauty was cruel and powerful. His black and silver clothing fit him like snake skin. A black satin cloak covered his tight leather attire.

He’s part snake part lion, Destiny realized. I wonder how he was spawned? Was he born from a human mother or was he been hatched from the egg of some serpent-creature. Destiny felt sick just looking at him.

She tried to put up a good front as Stephen ushered her through the cavern. There’s my alcove, he pointed as he passed. Destiny peeked in and thought she saw a snake like figure coiled up in the large bed in the middle of the cave.

“Here’s where you will abide,” Stephen showed Destiny to a large, warm cave which was in a passage off to the side of the cavern. 

Destiny’s cave was carved out of rose colored marble. It was magnificent. In an alcove off to the side was a hot pool which bubbled welcomingly to Destiny. The other accouterments of a luxurious bathroom were present in the alcove. The main sleeping room was rounded and about thirty feet in diameter. 

There was an incredible bed across from the bath chamber. It had to be eight feet square of mattress. The bed frame was mahogany and was ornately carved. The bedding was made of the softest down, and was pale green. The pillows were like clouds. The sheets and pillow cases were white cotton and inviting. 

The cave was large enough that there was a sitting area in the far corner with a couch, two large comfortable chairs, and a coffee table. There was a fire in a recessed portion of the wall that burned hotly with coal.

“You have everything you need here. I hope you will be comfortable. 

The beauty of the room was lost on Destiny. “Why don’t you quit the friendly host routine,” Destiny said with false bravado. Really, she just wanted him to leave so she could sink into the wonderful bed and dream herself out of this hell hole. “I accept that I am your prisoner for the time being. Now, why don’t you get out?”

Stephen ignored her anger. “You must be hungry and thirsty after our long trip. I’ll have refreshments brought and we can talk.” He walked to the entrance of the cave and signaled for one of his ever-present servants. “Food and wine immediately, he ordered.” Destiny didn’t notice when Stephen created a door with a strong locking mechanism on the entrance to the cave. He pulled the door shut and the lock slid into place.

Stephen strode over to the couch. “Sit with me,” he ordered, patting the space next to him. 

“Not likely,” Destiny said. Warily, she sat down in one of the chairs opposite to Stephen. “I’m not hungry and I don’t want to chat,” Destiny said. I’m tired to the bone and want to sleep. Cancel the food and leave me for a while.” 

“You’ve seen how beautiful you are here, Destiny,” Stephen said. Look at me. You and I are perfect together. Think of the things we could accomplish together with your power combined with mine. We could do great deeds. My evil could be dispelled.” Stephen spoke quietly, hypnotically. “We could work for the good of creation. We could go anywhere. Do anything. Think of the children we could have together. With subtle force he placed the image of beautiful children running around under Destiny’s feet. Destiny could feel her will weakening. Think of the dynasties we could create.” 

She a saw white mansion and an enormous castle atop a cliff to an unearthly blue-green ocean. There were song birds of every variety in the air. Gulls dived into the waves. Dolphins frolicked beyond the breakers. It was a dream she had dreamed all of her life. She flew above the ocean in golden light with Stephen at her side. Excitement coursed through her. Music filled the air. She wanted to fly to heaven with him.

Stephen knew he almost had her. He saw what she saw but it was not of great interest to him. The upper planes were not available to him. He needed to turn back and head to the castle with her. They would land together and make love in the garden as night fell. He would plant the thought of a child in her. That would bind her to him. She wouldn’t even notice that she had been subverted until it was much too late.

Destiny sensed Stephen withdrawal from her exuberant flight. Fly with me Stephen. Don’t you see how wonderful it is?”

“You are what’s wonderful,” Stephen laughed. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

“No, not now, Stephen. I’ve waited for this moment all my life. I have to go forward. Come on. What’s wrong?”

“We have to go back, Stephen insisted.”

“No.”

Stephen was furious. She’d ruined it! They were back in Destiny’s cavern. Destiny had a sickening headache. Stephen was at the end of his temper. He wanted to wrap his fingers around her neck and choke the life out of her. 

Destiny saw murder in Stephen’s eyes. “Go ahead, do it, she charged him.” 

Stephen realized that he would lose every advantage he had gained this time around if he killed Destiny now. That was her last chance solution. She was truly desperate he realized. The thought brought heat to his loins. I will have her now instead he decided. He smoothed out his demeanor and captured her eyes in his.

Oh no, Destiny thought desperately. She couldn’t break his gaze. He walked forward to her and grabbed her wrists. She struggled, but she didn’t have much fight left in her. She went for his groin with her knee but he tripped her, then caught her easily as she started to fall. He held her to him and hissed in her ear. 

“We can do this easy, or we can do this hard. It depends on you. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time and I’m very hungry. Which way do you want it, Destiny?”

“Go to hell,” Destiny said heatedly. Hot tears threatened to flow from her eyes. She didn’t want to give him the pleasure of seeing her cry. “Or is this pretty little suite part of the hell that you are already damned to?”

That hit close to home. Stephen was angry now. “Brat” he said as he backhanded her. The demon person was emerging through his rage she kicked at his groin, and missed. He ignored her attempts at self defense. He picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. He carried her to the large bed and threw her down. 

He straddled her, holding her hands over her head. He rent her dress with one strong yank, leaving her naked, except for her panties. 

He undid the zipper of his pants and pulled them down. His need for her was urgent.

Destiny was thrashing and fighting but she was no match for the wiry demon. He used his knees to force her legs apart. He tore her panties off and entered her quickly and brutally. 

She cried out in pain and anger. “Stop it, stop it” she shouted. 

He pumped away at her taking his time and enjoying the feeling of finally having her under him. 

She spat in his face which gained her another backhanded slap. 

He forced her legs over his shoulders and ground himself into her further with a moan. “Oh Destiny you are so good for me” he whispered. “Bend to my will. 

“Never, I swear it, Destiny said through gritted teeth. I will not cry in front of him. 

“I will make you happy if you do what I ask” he said, urgently. 

“No,,” said Destiny, “you sicken me." 

He pumped away at her, giving no care as to her pleasure or her distress. It doesn’t matter. She means nothing to me he told himself. All that mattered was this excitement and the coming sense of release. With one more hard lunge he spilled himself into her. He yelled out loud as he came and then collapsed on top of her.

“Get off me if you’ve finished, you fucking brute” Destiny said, holding back tears of rage and sorrow. She felt like she was going to throw up. You’ve taken what you wanted. Now get the hell up.”

Stephen rolled off of her and re-did his trousers. He looked like a satisfied mountain lion. Destiny pulled the top sheet off of the bed and wrapped it around her to hide her nakedness.

“You’re still a spitting wild cat,” Stephen said. “Well, I’ll tame you one of these days. 

“Dream on,” Destiny said. She was starting to shake with reaction from the cruel treatment she had just received. “You sicken me and you always will.” She couldn’t control the boiling hot tears any longer.

“There will come a day that you will take those words back,” Stephen said.

“No Stephen, there won’t. Destiny tried to control her roiling feelings. I don’t want you, I don’t like you. I wish you had never been born. Now please, get away from me. I want to go home. She was sobbing now.

“You’re not going anywhere. And neither am I right now. I’m hungry and tired even if you are not. We will sup here together and then I will leave you for a time to consider your options. Go clean yourself up,” Stephen ordered. I’ll make arrangements for dinner.

Destiny acquiesced. She had no choice. She went into the luxurious bathroom and ran a hot shower. She stepped into the flow and sat down, crying harder now. She let the water soothe the ache out of her head. She scrubbed herself with soap. Then she stood up to rinse off the lather. The forceful hot flow eased some of the tension out of her neck muscles and she started to feel better. I can get through this, Destiny promised herself. Remember, its just a bad dream. She wished that by saying it was a dream it would all go away, but it didn’t. Not this time, anyway.

Destiny dried herself off and combed and braided her hair. Her clothing had been ruined so she wrapped herself in the towel sheet. She pretended she was an empress as she walked into the living quarters of the lair. She gave Stephen an icy glare as she sat down on one of the chairs. “Are there clothes, or are you going to keep me here naked,” she asked him coldly.

Stephen stood and showed Destiny to a large closet filled with women’s attire. “Take your pick, princess,” he said.

“You must have many female friends,” Destiny said with scorn in her voice.

“No. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

God, he’s obsessed, she thought as she looked through the closet for something simple to wear. There were clothes in the closet for any occasion imaginable. Evening gowns, suits, dresses, sports wear, shoes by the bag full, expensive lingerie, all in Destiny’s size to chose from. She donned a pair of jeans and a loose fitting silk jersey. She put on socks and a pair of running shoes. I’ll run the second I get a chance, Destiny promised herself.

She re-entered the living quarters and sat down, maintaining a cool demeanor. Stephen wasn’t concerned about Destiny’s foul mood. He had her where he wanted her. He was savoring the moment.

Before long a servant came in bearing a large tray laden with food and wine. He set the food out upon the coffee table, opened the wine and lit candles. Destiny realized that she had to eat if she wanted to keep up her strength to fight Stephen. She watched Stephen carefully as she ate a hearty meal. She declined any wine, not wanting to lose any of her faculties that evening.

“Will you never relax around me,” Stephen complained as he ate. “Why don’t you just enjoy the meal? Have a little wine, unwind.” Destiny glared at him.

She finished eating her meal at full alert. Stephen ate heartily and drank the entire bottle of wine himself.

Destiny was hoping that the wine Stephen imbibed would loosen his control over the realm but that didn’t happen. Stephen became relaxed. He was charming and loquacious despite Destiny’s non participation. He asked her questions about herself and answered them when she remained mute. He toyed with her and enjoyed himself immeasurably. Finished the wine and took his leave of Destiny. He kissed her cold cheek as he stood to leave. “I’ll come for you tomorrow at mid day. Sleep well.”

Stephen unlocked the door and pulled it open. He locked it securely behind him. He went back to his own alcove where the serpent girl was waiting impatiently for him.

“So you have finally brought your princess here she said with venom. Do you think you are going to keep me stupid and sated with sex in your nest while you play with that worthless human you are so obsessed with?”

“No, my love. I have loved you and your ways for many years. This changes nothing,” he said, wondering how his mate had learned of Destiny’s presence in the lair so quickly. 

“It changes everything. I will not play mistress with her as wife.”

“You are not my mistress. You are my goddess,” Stephen lied. He hadn’t yet figured out what role to assign his asp in this new scenario. He would humor her for a time. “Come, let us sleep together. I am tired from a very long day.”

“I am not tired, she said archly. I will not sleep with you while she is here. I will go back to my true master.”

“What do you mean? Stephen asked,” beginning to get angry.

“I mean exactly what I say,” she hissed spitefully. “I should strike and fill you full of poison, but I will not do that for the sake of our nestlings. You’d better be sure and turn that girl’s will to our side. The master will not be happy if me, his favorite, who tended you so faithfully over the years is humiliated over a woman of light.”

Stephen was beside himself with fury at the unexpected betrayal by his weir mate of so many years. “Get out of here you worm,” he cried. 

“You dare call me worm.” She poised to strike. She thought better of it and slowly relaxed. “The master will hear of this” she said, and slipped out of the alcove.

Stephen grabbed the nearest item he could find to throw. It was a lava lamp from the seventies that he kept in his nest as sort of a joke. He threw it at the wall with all of his force and it broke into a thousand pieces. For a minute that wreckage seemed to be a reflection of his world.

Destiny would fight him to eternity. His snake girl had turned treacherous and gone to the master he served but hated. He was alone and he felt unclean. Desolation took hold of him as he crawled into his bed. It stank of snake and the smell bothered him for the first time in many years. He decided to make a new nest before he slept. 

Stephen made a roaring fire in his fire place, using sandal wood to dispel the smell of ;snake. He threw all of the old bed clothes from his sleeping corner into the fire. He watched them burn. Finally satisfied, he found new bedding and fixed a smaller, cozier nest for himself. He found he didn’t miss the snake as much as he thought he would. He decided to curl up and dream for a while. He wanted some quality time with Destiny....

Chapter XXVII

Destiny had thrown off her clothes with distaste after Stephen left her locked in her room. She found a comfortable robe to put on. She could still smell Stephen on her skin, despite her earlier shower. She decided she needed to soak out her aches and pains and then sleep. Perhaps a solution to her current predicament would present itself in a dream. There was nothing she could do here awake. She decided to take advantage of the hot pool and the luxurious bed.

The pool was recessed into the rose colored marble floor of its alcove. The water was frothy with bubbles and steam hovered over the water. There were several crystal bottles filled with fragrant oil on a shelf near the bath. Destiny sniffed at a few of them, selected one that smelled vaguely like the ocean and poured it in. Destiny sank gratefully into the hot water. She let herself relax as the water gushed and gurgled around her. 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 05



She closed her eyes and fell into a half sleep. Ordinarily her mind would have wandered during such an interlude. This time her mind went completely blank. She saw nothing but darkness. She stayed too long in the water and began to get dizzy. Blackness swirled in head and she came close to losing consciousness. Some change in the atmosphere brought her back full consciousness with a start. 

She got up out of the pool and wrapped a towel around herself. She didn’t bother looking for night clothes she just slid into the ornate bed naked and still damp from her bath. Within minutes she was almost asleep.

She was in such a state where her aura could most easily slid free of her body. John’s shade had been waiting for Destiny to reach this fugue-like state. He came out of the corner where he had been resting and reserving his aura’s waning energy for a meeting with Destiny. 

John approached the bed. He called softly to Destiny as he reached out and grasped Destiny’s wrists. He pulled lightly and her aural came off of her with ease.

Destiny’s consciousness came with her aura. She sobbed as they enfolded each other in a warm embrace. “John, thank God you’re here. I sensed your presence but ignored it, not wanting to clue Stephen in that you made it through the gate.

They held each other for a long moment. The moment was beautiful, despite the desperate circumstances. When two energy bodies merge, as theirs did, there is a tremendous charge that goes beyond the energizing that occurs in physical orgasm. 

When they finally broke physical contact John said “Christ, Destiny, I would have killed him if I had been able.” Watching what Stephen had done to Destiny and being unable to help was one of the worst things John had ever experienced. “I’m so sorry, baby, are you okay? How badly did that fucker hurt you?” She started to cry then. He held her until her sobbing quieted. “God, if only all of me had gotten through the vortex. I’d have stopped him dead. But there wasn’t time to get through the vortex physically. I was waiting in the Court’s cafeteria hoping to talk to you after my shift when Stephen nabbed you. Stephen’s sneak attack was totally unexpected. He’s much more powerful now than I thought.” 

“I know. He had me fooled for a little while. He almost got me with a vision of good works and children. He showed his hand a little to much, though, when he started to talk about dynasties. I remembered a snippet of a dream that’s bothered me for years. It was a dream that my children had horrible little snake creature half siblings. I thing Stephen has an asp as a consort her in his demonic realm.”

“I know. I’ve seen it too. His humanity is very deeply buried now within that twisted heart of his.”

“All that’s left of him are his desire for me and his desire for power. The two impulses are incompatible as things stand. He and I are at an impasse because he can’t alter my nature without my consent. He can’t rob me of my free will. That is the only thing saving me.”

“Now that I am here we may have an advantage,” John pointed out. Especially since Stephen doesn’t know I’m here. The problem is my time is growing very short. My cord is tugging hard at me. There may come a point that I will have to sever the line.”

“You can’t do that!” Destiny cried. Your body will die. You could get stuck here like so many of Stephen’s guests. How he’d love that” He’d do anything to have your soul here to torment. If your cord calls again you have to go back. That’s the only way you’ll be able to continue to help me. You’ve been here before in you sleep, and now your aura knows the way. You can leave and come back if necessary.”

“I guess I could do that.”

“You’ll have to. You can’t stay here and let your body die. That’s suicide.”

“But it’s for a greater cause. That should count for something. If I stay and help you get free and rid the world of Stephen, I will accomplish something worthwhile.”

“No,” Destiny said. “Think about it. That’s not an option. You don’t even know if you can help me with only your spirit. You must go back when you are called.”

“We can’t let Stephen win. We have to get you out of here.”

“But I can’t go. The door is locked and I can’t manipulate it. Stephen’s power is too great here in his lair. What should we do?” Destiny asked.

“Maybe we should explore the lair a bit. There must be some visitors with enough of a grudge against Stephen to want a chance to hurt him and win their freedom.” Exploration will also give me a better idea of where in space we are and how I might get back here if have to leave for a while

Destiny and John left Destiny’s bed chamber by slipping though the door of the cave entrance. Drifting like wisps of smoke, they took several turns around the vast cavern Stephen called home. None of the guests or visitors paid any attention to the shades. 

“I guess we’ll be on our own if we get a chance to make a break for it, John said with disappointment. 

“But at least they won’t be acting as an army for Stephen. He was rather short sighted when he took all free will from these poor entities” said Destiny. “They’ll probably let us pass even if Stephen orders them to impede us. Some may even follow us out and increase the confusion we leave in our wake.”

“Maybe. But just how do you propose we get you out of here. I mean, I can go at any time. Your aura could accompany me. But ultimately your body would die here. I don’t want to loose you again. We don’t even know if we would be together in the next turn of the wheel. We’ve fought long and hard to be together. Let’s get you out of here and find a way to finish Stephen for good.” Unfortunately, neither of them had a good idea of how to accomplish their goal.

“And if we do vanquish Stephen, what’s next? Destiny asked. Are you going to disappear on me the way you did in Florida after the killings in the amusement park? Destiny felt a sudden surge of rage at the situation she was in. She directed it at John. “What happened, anyway? You promised me you’d call after things were sorted out about those murders. Instead you went on an 18 year wild goose chase for the serial killer. We lost all that time that time we could have been together, learning, and growing strong.”

“I didn’t intentionally disappear on you,” John tried to explain. “The amusement park experience became a dream to me just as it did to you. I didn’t even know you when I saw you again in San Angeles and in DC. I don’t know why we were denied knowledge of each other all these years damn it. I’m not the author of this twisted tale any more than you are.”

“As far as dealing with Esteban in St. Angles, I couldn’t accuse my brother of being a killer without proof, which I lacked. The people of my country would not have stood for that. And Stephen thwarted me over and over again in the Florida time line. I never got enough information to identify him. I had an idea who he was. That’s why I moved to DC. But he was very good at intrigue. He’s had the best teachers.”

“So you just let him go about his dirty business for all those years in the hope that you could improve the future?” Destiny asked angrily.

“Yes” said John, “And I’d do it all again if necessary If the ultimate good outweighs the present disadvantages There is always more than one side to consider. Accommodations have to be made for goals to be achieved.”

“You sound like a fucking bureaucrat.” Destiny said accusingly.

“I am a bureaucrat. Bureaucracies are necessary for civilizations to flourish.”

“Yes. but bureaucracies become redundant and outdated as time passes. They become huge ravening creatures feeding upon themselves and on society if they are not kept in check.” 

“That’s not my problem John said with a shrug.

“What about on the island. You’re a powerful man there. If things go your way you’ll be even more powerful in a very short time. If your bureaucracy becomes a feeding creature, what will you do? “ Destiny asked pointedly.

“Hope that the beautiful woman at my side will kick me in the ass and make me see my short comings” he said to disarm her anger.

“Hah! she laughed. Who would want to be at the side of the indomitable Juan Rodriguez?”

“I have in mind a leggy ex-government attorney I happened to meet while she was vacationing on the island two years ago”

“Oh, is that right? Destiny said huffily. What about her long term lover and her job in DC?”

“That guy? She threw him over the first time Rodriguez got his hands in her pants.” As for the job. She hated bureaucracies anyway, so...” John let out a laugh.

“She was wearing a dress.”

“You’re right.”

“But seriously” Destiny asked, most of her anger gone now, “what are you planning to do about Esteban on the island.”

“That will be moot if we get Stephen here.”

“Will it?” Destiny asked.

“Christ, I don’t know. Do we have to destroy Esteban as well as Stephen?”

“And what if we don’t succeed here? I’ll be out of the picture one way or the other.” She frowned at the thought.

“Don’t even think it”

“But I will, at least for a time. You’ll have to neutralize Esteban for there to be any hope of preventing disaster in this go round.”

If we don’t succeed here with you, I’ll do it on the island” John vowed. As he spoke, John’s form was given a hard yank by his cord. “Oh no, I have to go back” he said.

“What should I do?” asked Destiny?

“Play for time. Try to get hold of a weapon. Damn it, I don’t want to leave you. I should stay.”

“You mustn’t!”

“I’ll be back. Maybe I’ll be able to bring help.” 

With that Stephen’s shade disappeared from the room. Destiny wished him well, trying not to give in to despair.

Her eyes swept the cave, looking for any sort of weapon to use against Stephen when he returned. She didn’t think much of the odds that John could make it back here in one form or another to assist her. He’d be sadly depleted from such a long out of body experience. If he wanted to come physically he’d have to make a vortex and then find a gate. God, my head hurts, Destiny thought. She felt abandoned, alone and forlorn. And so very, very angry. Finally, she slipped back onto her body and fell into a deep sleep filled with troubling dreams....

Chapter XXIII

Destiny was in a huge ballroom filled with people of all races and nationalities. There must have been a hundred people in the room. It was late evening. Dinner had been a huge success. Her husband, Stephen, was making great strides in the political community of Washington, DC. They had met on top of a snowy mountain in Colorado 10 years ago. He had helped her down the steep slope and later taught her to ski. She had fallen in love with him easily. She’d called him her golden man.

Destiny had been working as an attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency at the time. Stephen ran a medium sized recording company with offices all over the country including LA, Miami and Washington, DC. They had married after dating for two years. They had two children, Lisa, age 7 and Stephen, age 4, who were adorable. Destiny had quit her law practice to raise the children. Recently Stephen had stepped down as president of his company to run for Senator on the Republican ticket. Destiny had been putting in a lot of hours by his side helping his candidacy and was happy to be doing something challenging again.



Marriage to Stephen was not all that Destiny had expected, but what was, she chided herself. She had the kids, money, work. If Stephen was not exactly the man she’d thought he was, well, every upside has its downside. Stephen loved the children. He treated her with respect -- usually. He hadn’t hit her lately, he didn’t dare with the election coming up. It was truly a shame she thought that she was happier when he was traveling than when he was home, but that was the truth and she had to face it. She had long ago closed her eyes and her mind to whatever it was he did when he was out of town.

This night was a promotional ball for Stephen’s candidacy. The orchestra was just starting up another waltz when an incredibly handsome man in a dark blue suit stepped into the ballroom. Unlike the rest of the guests, he was not wearing formal evening wear. He was about age forty, very tall and well built. He had black wavy hair and blue eyes. His eyes swept the room and captured hers in an instant. Her heart began to pound. She smiled and began to walk towards him.

They met in the middle of the room. An unexpected flash of excitement coursed through Destiny. He gave her a winning grin.

“”Mrs. Williams, I am John Rodgers, FBI. May I speak to your husband?”

“My husband? Why do you want to speak with Stephen?”

“That’s something you will have to ask him, ma’am. Where is he?”

“Why don’t you step into the library?” I’ll show you the way. Would you like some refreshment?”

“No thank you.”

They walked out of the ballroom and into the marvelously furnished, two storied library. Destiny had a passion for antique books. The library had special cabinets and environmental controls which maintained her valuable tomes. 

“This is a beautiful collection,” John said as he glanced over the shelves.

“Thank you. I’ll go get my husband. Please, have a seat.”

She left the room and went in search of Stephen. She found him in the kitchen nuzzling a little blond waitress.

“Jesus Christ, Stephen! Can’t you keep you libido in check for five minutes? she asked disgustedly. And you, miss. I just may forget to pay you for your work tonight. Get your ass out of my kitchen.”

The girl went running out of the room.

“What’s the problem Destiny? You don’t want me in bed any more.” 

“I might if you weren’t such a brute. Goddamn you. What if the children saw you? Or the guests! Is that how you’re going to behave if you win the senatorial seat?”

“Probably. Did you want me for something or did you just come in to piss me off?”

“There’s someone to see you in the library.”

“Who is it?”

“I don’t know.” Destiny wasn’t sure why she didn’t warn him that John was from the FBI. She was wildly curious and decided to walk along with Stephen and find out what the story was.

Stephen opened the door to the library.

“Hello shit head,” John said to Stephen.”

Stephen tensed. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“It took me a while to find you, you son of a bitch. This is for Lizzy.” John pulled out an automatic with a silencer and shot Stephen in the chest.” 

Destiny stood frozen like a statue. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Stephen was flat on the floor in a pool of crimson blood which was growing larger by the second. She felt not a twinge of sorrow. She looked at John, her eyes huge 

“Well, aren’t you going to scream, cry, call the police? For Christ’s sake, do something.”

“Aren’t you going to shoot me too?”

“And get blood over that beautiful gown? Hell no.”

Who’s Lizzy?”

“A girl I thought I loved. A singer. He ruined her.”

“You’d better get out of here. Does anyone know you were coming? Did anyone see you come in?”

“No. What, you mean you’d let me...?”

“How well did you know him?”

“Well, maybe I see your point. But how are you going to explain this?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I won’t have to. Let me see that gun. The gun” she repeated.” Let me see it” she said with excitement.” All of a sudden Destiny recognized John and Stephen from other dreams and was starting to remember her predicament in the demon’s chamber. “I think you were sent to me by way of the back door to help me out of a sorry predicament, John,” she said.

“I think you’re crazy.” 

“I’m crazy? Who just came in and shot my husband. Don’t you recognize me, John?”

“Recognize you? I just met you five minutes ago. No. I’m out of here. Have nice life, lady.”

“Leave me the gun. I’m going to need it. That’s why you’re here.”

He handed her the gun. She closed her eyes tight and concentrated on the gun and on the cave in Stephen’s lair. Sure enough, everything began to twist and turn. Destiny opened her eyes. She was in bed in the cave. Yes! She had been able to bring the gun through the dream shift. Somehow John had gotten the help to her he had promised.

She looked the gun over carefully. She didn’t know much about side arms, but this did not look like standard weaponry. It seemed to be made of something that was neither metal nor plastic. It felt odd in her hands. It was lighter than she expected and almost slippery. She would have to handle it carefully, she thought. She checked the clip. She didn’t know enough about munitions to gather any information about what she had. She supposed it would be sufficient to do a lot of damage to Stephen if only she got the chance to use it.

Now what? she wondered. What time is it anyway? She glanced at her watch. 10:00 o’clock. already. Stephen said she should be ready for him at mid day. Ready she would be she thought.

Destiny was glad she had bathed the night before. She didn’t want to take the chance of being naked and vulnerable when Stephen walked into the cave. What should I wear? she wondered. Something with pockets. Something I can move in. Something feminine enough to put Stephen at ease. She opened the closet and began her search. The closet contained an inordinate amount of evening gowns and lounge wear. Stephen doesn’t want me to be much more than an ornament for his arm and a playmate for his bed, that’s for sure, Destiny thought.

After much searching, Destiny found a long royal blue soft cotton skirt that was split in the middle and had two huge side pockets. It was accompanied by a turquoise and blue blouse that was loose and comfortable. She put on the sneakers she’d worn the night before. She dressed and groomed her hair, braiding it and then swirling the braid into a tight bun. She well remembered Stephen’s penchant for grabbing her braid. She didn’t want her hair to be a liability if they got into hand to hand combat. 

She walked over to the full length mirror in the bathing room. The outfit suited her height She put the gun in her pocket and looked to see if it made an obvious bulge. It didn’t. Good. Then she practiced pulling the gun out of her pocket in as many ways as she could think might arise. Look out Annie Oakley, she thought with little humor. She wondered if she would really be able to kill Stephen in cold blood. Doesn’t that make me as bad as him? 

Isn’t there any other way, she wondered, sadly.. She doubted it, knowing what Stephen wanted of her. He wanted her to be sex toy, a partner in his deviance. He wanted her to further his political aspirations by being a charming wife and mother, while turning a blind eye to his depravities. He wanted her to be a cruel and heartless queen in this realm helping him dispatch lost souls and living a pretty, empty soulless eternity. She couldn’t do it. 

Nothing to do now but wait, she thought. I wonder what John’s doing. I wish he could get back here for the fight. I’d be a whole lot happier facing Stephen with John’s help. Destiny was feeling more alone and frightened than she could ever remember.

She continued to consider her options. She could remain Stephen’s prisoner without acceding to his will. She realized if she did that she would have night after night of unsatisfying dreams about life as Stephen’s wife, or mistress or whatever, and empty days in this chamber considering her fate and wondering what was happening with John and Juan and wishing for escape. That option was as bad as acquiescing to Stephen. 

At least if she acquiesced she could get out of here, and maybe free without having to kill Stephen. No, the risks were too high. She and Stephen together could do immeasurable damage to the fabric of the universe. She remembered some of the deadliness she had seen in Stephen’s eyes yesterday. Children. Yes, but to grow up as what? Cruel, even evil despots. No. She would not be Stephen’s queen.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 05



There was one possibility that Destiny and John had not considered. Could they convert Stephen back to the higher planes.

No. Not possible. Destiny’s mind cried out against the possibility. But what if were possible? Destiny wondered. How could it be accomplished?

He loves me, Destiny thought, that’s something I can use. Maybe if I put the weapon on him I can force him to take me out of his realm. No. He’s too damn slippery. He’d get hold of the gun and then all would be lost. He’d use me badly for punishment if I tried something like that and failed. So, what should I do?

“Destiny, you always make your decisions by not making decisions,” a voice in her head whispered. Who told me that? Destiny wondered. Oh, yes, it was my old college lover Cross D’Arbry. And when I finally make a decision, SPLAT! The shit usually hits the fan. 

Destiny felt like her mind was on a treadmill, going around and around with the possibilities, none of them acceptable.

Play along with Stephen and kill him in cold blood -- Yuck!

Acquiesce to Stephen’s desires and wait for a chance to get away -- too costly and too risky.

Refuse Stephen’s advances and remain prisoner -- NO! I JUST CAN’T, and he’d force me in the end, anyway. He wants me too much to leave me alone.

Turn Stephen to the higher plane? HOW? He’s been in the lower realms for so long. It would mean spending time with him. I couldn’t bear it. I’ve never dreamed that possibility she realized. Stephen’s too far gone.

Damn it, damn it. Destiny started to become angry, furious, inflamed! She began to pace the room.

POUF!! Destiny turned into a brightly. burning pillar of orange, red and blue flame, right there in the middle of the room. OH MY GOD!!! Destiny realized what happened. I ‘morphed into a pillar of flame. I can’t alter matter in Stephen’s realm, but I can alter myself. I wonder how long the effect lasts? What else can I do? 

Destiny tried to calm herself down. It was exhilarating being a flame! What power she had! And she was so hot! She wanted to consume something, anything. The sound of the fire was ferocious, the sensation, ravening. She wanted to fling herself out of the room and go on a rampage, letting loose all of the pent-up emotions she had ever felt in every one of her lifetimes. Greed, envy, rage, hatred, lust, need, desire, all were at the heart of the flame. How long could she maintain the spark she wondered? Long enough to fry Stephen into Hell permanently? 

She was losing control. She could burn out in minutes like this she realized suddenly. This was not the answer. Cool out, Destiny, she told herself. Chill. Calm down. Think of rivers, oceans, ice, you are not a flame. You are Destiny. She concentrated on being human, she tried to breath, tried to feel her heart beat. Slowly the flame died down and Destiny became herself. She sank to the floor, exhausted and trembling. She realized she was starving. It took a lot out of her to metamorphose. She wondered if she could do it again, in a different form.

What form should I take? Destiny considered the question. Something fast and unexpected for Stephen. Something that can fight. Something with good instincts that can see in the dark so I can get through the tunnels and out of here. Something close to my weight so I can maintain the change for a while. A panther! Perfect. Destiny decided to try the idea on and see what happens.

She thought about looking like a panther. No result. Damn. Maybe the flame thing was a fluke. Then she thought maybe it wasn’t looks that mattered, it was feelings. She thought about what it would feel like to be a panther Hungry, fierce, intent on finding prey, athletic, sleek, comfortable in that rangy beautiful body, powerful sense of smell, acute night vision, it all came together. Destiny became a lovely black panther. She was five feet long; rangy and mean. And she was starving! 

The little part of her mind that remained Destiny wondered how long she could maintain this form. It took so much effort to make the transformation! Maybe she should stay this way and wait for Stephen. God, no, she thought. If I stay like this too long I might loose touch of myself. I could devour Stephen. That’s not what I want. Slowly she let go of the panther and reached out for her humanity. The shape shift was quick and fluid.

Destiny sat back on the bed and looked at her watch. More time had passed than she thought. It was almost noon already. Good, she thought. Stephen will be here any minute. And boy will he get a surprise! Destiny made sure she had her gun in her skirt pocket, and lay down to wait for Stephen’s arrival.

As if in anticipation of the coming events, Destiny curled up cat-like at the foot of her bed. She closed her eyes and thought about being formless, saving her energy. At five of twelve Destiny decided it was time. She gathered her forces and drew herself into the panther shape. Then she waited to the left of the doorway.

Stephen was anxious to have Destiny again! She had had the night and the morning to consider her plight. She knew he was holding the trumps. She had had no company and no food or water for more than twelve hours. He thought she would be ready to talk. They would have a meal. She would listen to his plans for her. He would be kind and reasonable. She would welcome his civility in light of all that had occurred in the past between them. They would come to an arrangement. She would open her arms to him, he was sure of it. He had dreamed this scenario so many times! The children the would have! The dynasties they would build!

Stephen dressed carefully in a gray morning suit with a black silk shirt. He checked himself in his full length, gilt mirror. His cravat was white. His black patent leather shoes were polished to a high shine. His nails were perfect. His hair was glorious: gold streaked with red. The reddish gloom of the caverns made the golden glow of his skin even more spectacular. Steven stepped out of his lair and walked gracefully towards Destiny’s chambers. She will not turn me away. He was sure.

He arrived at the chamber. He didn’t knock. He owned the place! He opened the door and called her name. Totally unexpectedly, a great black beast jumped on him, ran him over and exploded into the great cavern where his guests and visitors were lazing! What was it?! Stephen didn’t have a chance to see, it all happened so fast.

“Destiny!” Stephen yelled, as he got up off the floor and began to sort things out. “Destiny, where are you?” He looked all over the cave. She was not there. How did she get out? She couldn’t escape the cave. I made sure of that. What the hell happened? And what was that beast? OH HELL!! Stephen realized what must have happened. It was the only explanation. Destiny must have morphed into that -- whatever it was and headed for the nearest exit.

How much time has she had? Can I head her off? Can I stop her? I’ve go to try. Stephen looked frantically around the large cavern to see which way the beast had gone. He was furious! She had gotten away! Stephen stormed to the dream gate and stepped through. He was on the snowy mountain that preceded his caverns. It was early evening. Destiny was nowhere in sight. 

Destiny had made the best of Stephen’s confusion. The minute she won free of the cave she found a table laden with food. Up she pounced, startling the entities gathered nearby. She feasted on the roast beef and pig, filling her empty belly. With a snarl, she leapt off the table and headed for the nearest tunnel. She didn’t know if it would get her out of Stephen’s realm. She didn’t know much of anything. Destiny was rapidly losing her humanity. The beast was taking over quickly. 

She ran through the tunnel mindlessly. All there was to her universe was the padding of her four feet, the thumping of her heart, the air flowing past as she ran. The ghastly red tunnel seemed to go on forever. She ran and ran and ran. Then she sensed a change in the light. It was bluish. The air was colder. She started heading upward. She continued to run. Then she reached the end of the tunnel. She stepped through a gate.

The panther burst out of the cave about two thirds up the same mountain Destiny had entered Stephen’s realm from. She was free! Her panther form melted away and Destiny stood in the snow wearing the split skirt and short sleeve top she had selected from Stephen’s closet earlier. It was early evening on the mountain, where ever the mountain was. 

Destiny stopped to take stock. She had benefitted from the meal she had eaten as a panther. Her stomach was full. She had the gun in her right hip pocket. But she couldn’t stay here long. It’s cold, and I’ll bet Stephen’s on my tail. What should I do? Destiny wanted to scream with frustration. Think, girl, think! I haven’t come this far to give in. How did Stephen get me here? Through a vortex. I’ll have to look for another vortex. Where would it be? It could be anywhere. God, I’m tired, Destiny thought.  What if I just lie down here and dream myself out of this mess? Can’t I just change reality by force of will now that I’m out of Stephen’s realm? Wait a second. Whose dream is this anyway? If its mine, I have control. I can will a vortex into being. 

Destiny reached inside herself as she had when she morphed into a panther. This time she envisioned a diamond shaped vortex in the space just ahead of her and thought about the other side being where? where do I want to go? She didn’t have time to think. Court. flashed through her mind. A fissure opened. Destiny peered through it but could see nothing. She stepped into the diamond shaped opening. Destiny stepped out of the vortex and into the lawyer’s lounge in DC Superior Court. 

It was 1:00 p.m. The lounge was crowded with defense attorneys preparing for preliminary criminal hearings. “Hey Destiny,” a colleague greeted her with a smile. “Are you appearing in Court in that get up?” Oh shit, Destiny thought. I’ll never live this down. But I’ve got to get out of here. Stephen will be here for me any minute. I have to get some protection, and find a way to end this madness. And I’ve got to find John.

Destiny decided to find Judge Raven’s courtroom. Elaine might know where John is Destiny thought with. She stopped at the information booth to learn that Judge Raven was in courtroom 517 that day. Destiny decided to take the elevator for a change. It went up three floors and suddenly everything came to a halt. Oh no! Destiny thought. A summertime blackout. Of all the horrible places to be stuck in a blackout! Destiny sat down hard. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. All she could do was wait. As time passed it became warm and stuffy in the elevator. Destiny shut her eyes and fell asleep...

Chapter XXIX

It was a beautiful afternoon on San Angeles Island. Destiny awoke naked in the king sized bed where she and Juan had spent so many pleasurable hours feeling like she had just run the Boston marathon. Her leg muscles hadn’t been so sore since the last time she took ski lessons. She yawned and stretched. Then she rolled over and put her pillow over her head. She thought better of going back to sleep and sat up.

Skiing?! she thought. What on earth is going on? What time is it? 1:00 p.m.? God, have I been asleep all this time or, if not, what have I been doing? Where have I been? Skiing, and in some pseudo hell with an obsessed demon. She remembered her rape with a shudder. And Juan’s not Juan, he’s a DC cop, and did I break up with Nathan years ago or am I going home to him in a few days. Where is Juan, anyway? OH CHRIST, does Juan know about my package? I’ve got to tell him about it before he finds it and thinks I’m a spy for Esteban. Is Esteban a demon? Oh God, I’m thirsty! With that, Destiny rolled out of bed, taking the sheet with her for cover, and headed for the wet bar. She stopped, dead in her tracks. There, lying flat out on the floor, unconscious, was Juan. 

“Oh my God, Juan,” Destiny cried. She ran to him, and quickly felt for a pulse. Oh please let there be a pulse, she prayed silently as her fingers searched first his wrist and then his neck. YES! there was a pulse. OKAY, calm down. What do you do? Call the desk and ask them to send a doctor immediately. It’s an emergency. Tell the clerk he may want to keep it quiet because it’s the chief of security who seems to have injured himself somehow.

Thank God he’s dressed, Destiny thought wildly. I can just see the papers. American spy seduces head of security then attempts to murder him to save self from prison. Oh God, where’s my purse? Destiny looked around the room. She realized it had been searched while she was asleep. Her purse was open, her ID was all missing, as was the little package. OH SHIT! Now what am I supposed to do?

Stop thinking about yourself. Call the desk.  Destiny made the call. her voice wavered. “Hello, do you speak English? Good. This is Destiny Lysander in room 415. There’s been an accident. I need a doctor. No. My guest has hit his head and is unconscious. Please send the house doctor. You don’t have a house doctor? Christ! Send for an ambulance. Please. Yes, of course it’s an emergency. I don’t care if you put it on my bill! Jesus! Just do it. Thank you.”

Destiny checked Juan again. There was no change. He had a nasty bump on the back of his head. Otherwise he seemed unhurt. Destiny cradled his head. Oh Juan, what happened to you? This is terrible. She wanted to cry.

Then she stood up. She realized she’d better make herself decent pronto. She didn’t want any jokes or smirks about her and Juan. No one knew he’d stayed with her last night. What’ll I tell them, she wondered. He came by to say hello, and tripped and fell. Or I came into my room and found him like this. But where was I and why was he in my room if I wasn’t there? I know. I’ll just say it’s a matter of national security and they will have to discuss it with him when he comes around. That way we won’t be telling conflicting stories.

With that decided Destiny stepped into the bathroom and quickly changed into a blue and green shorts set. She brushed out her hair and re-braided it. She was just finishing her makeup when a knock came on the door.

Destiny opened the door. The hotel manager was standing outside with a crumpled little man carrying a black bag.

“I take it you found a hotel doctor?” Destiny said coldly.

“Si, senorita. It does not look good to have ambulances coming to the doors of my hotel. What problem do you have? Lets us in so we can look.”

“Go ahead. But I think he needs to be in a hospital. He has a bad lump on his head and he’s been unconscious for a while.”

“”How long has he been unconscious” the doctor asked in a concerned voice?

“That’s the thing. I don’t know. I went for a walk on the beach. When I came back he was here on the floor. My passport and wallet are missing. I don’t know what happened. Maybe he startled a burglar.”

“You know who this is, do you not, senorita?”

“Yes, yes, I do. He’s Colonel Rodriguez. We had dinner together in the hotel last night. You can check on that.”

“What was he doing in your room this morning?” The hotel manager asked pointedly.

“I think you’d better wait to ask the Colonel that question. He is the chief of national security, is he not?” Destiny retorted.

“Si all right. I am not the police. I will not question you. But I am going to call the police now. They will want to know everything.” The manager threatened.

“Why don’t you wait until he comes around and see what he wants to do?” Destiny suggested. 

As if on cue, Juan gave out a low groan of pain.

“He’s starting to come out of it” Destiny said happily. She rushed over and sat down beside him. She didn’t care for the moment what the hotel manager thought of her relationship with the officer. “Juan, Juan? Can you hear me? It’s Destiny?” She looked down at him with concern and watched as he opened his eyes and tried to bring the room into focus. 

He started to sit up, then grabbed at his head and lay back down. “Madra Dios,” he said. “What hit me?”

“I don’t know, Juan,” Destiny said. “You were flat out on the floor when I found you. My wallet and passport are gone. Maybe you saw an intruder going into my room and tried to stop him but he got the jump on you.”

Juan shook his head in puzzlement. “I don’t think so. God! It’s all so fuzzy.”

“Do you want to go to the hospital?” Destiny asked. I could take you in a cab. We wouldn’t have to bother the good manager and his doctor friend any further.”

“No, no hospital. Doctor, I’m okay, aren’t I?” Juan asked the doctor.

“I don’t know.” the doctor said fussily. “I think you should get your head x-rayed. You were unconscious for quite a while. You have a concussion, maybe a fracture. It could be dangerous.”

“Tell you what, doctor. What would be dangerous would be me not getting to the bottom of this quickly. I don’t have a lot of staff and I have a huge headache. Why don’t you just give me a prescription for some good old fashioned pain killers? I’ll have nurse Lysander here watch over me for the next day or so and everything will be okay. Is that acceptable?”

“Okay, the doctor said reluctantly, but no sleep for more than half an hour at a time for the next twenty four hours. If the pain gets worse or your vision becomes blurry go straight to the hospital. And don’t sue me if you die.”

“We all die, doctor”

“You know what I mean. Here’s your prescription,” the doctor said gruffly. He pulled Juan to his feet as he handed over the prescription. Take good care of him, he admonished Destiny. He’s a good man, which is a rare commodity in this country.

The hotel manager and the doctor exited the room, leaving Destiny and Juan with each other and their questions. It was an awkward moment.

“So,” Destiny began, “are you really okay? I mean, I almost had a heart attack finding you on the floor like that. I thought you were dead. What happened?”

“I don’t know, Destiny. One minute I was in here looking around, the next I was flat on my back and it was two hours later. I don’t know what hit me.” But I have a pretty good idea who did, he thought. Esteban’s up to his little tricks again. And where were you, anyway?

“Me? I was here. I woke up here at around one p.m., after the damnedest dreams! I was confused. I got up and was going to get a drink when I found you on the floor. I checked to be sure you were alive and then called the hotel manager. I wanted him to get an ambulance but he thought better of it. I didn’t go anywhere.”

“Yes you did,” Juan said. I woke up this morning and you were gone. No note, no nothing. I had things to do so I left. I had breakfast with my uncle. We talked over a few things. Juan omitted the part where he searched her purse, opened the package and discussed the contents and its ramifications with his uncle. I decided to come back here to see if you’d reappeared,” he said. “Do you have any idea why someone would want to steal your id? 

“Why don’t you tell me about it, Destiny? Was there something else of value in your purse that is missing. Anything that might be of interest to me?” Here is, Juan thought, she either tells me now, or I tell her and bring her into question her. God, I hope I don’t have to do that. I think I’d be playing right into Esteban’s hands. He wants us to be at odds, I know it! Talk to me Destiny!

He knows about the package. Destiny thought.  Maybe he’s even got it and is trying to trap me. What should I do? But what if I’m wrong? Maybe it has nothing to do with island security. It’s just a coincidence that my room was broken into and my id taken along with the package. Bull! It’s all connected. Juan can help me sort it out. 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 05



“Uh -- I don’t exactly know how to say this, Juan. There was something with my Id in my purse. I don’t know what it is. That is, I mean, it’s a package. I was supposed to deliver this package. A friend of a friend gave it to me. His aging aunt wanted to get some documents to a family member and didn’t trust the mail so he asked if I would deliver them. I didn’t think it was weird at the time. But everything’s been so strange since I got here. I’m starting to think the whole thing was a set up. I don’t know what was in the package. It wasn’t very big.”

“How were you supposed to transfer the package,” Juan asked tersely.

“I was supposed to get a call, about where to deliver it. I did. Last night. That’s why I went to the store. But you followed me and they -- whoever they are -- saw you and bolted. That call when we got back to my room. It was kind of threatening. It was about the package.” 

Once Destiny started talking she felt like she couldn’t stop. It was such a relief to have it all out in the open. “I know it sounds like an unusual request, but really, honestly, I thought it was innocent until yesterday when the guy on the phone sounded so sinister. I asked him to come to the hotel to pick it up but he refused. Am I in trouble, Juan?”

“Well, the package was sure trouble,” sighed Juan.

“You knew about it all along?” Said Destiny. “You bastard. You let me worry all last night and today about it, and made me make a confession and you knew about it all along?”

“No. Hold on. I wasn’t sure of your part in it. I knew an American tourist was bringing in a package. That’s why I was at the airport when I met you. You were one of the suspects, and became more likely as events unfolded. I found the package in your purse this morning when I woke up and you were gone. I opened it and took it with me to my uncle’s mansion. That’s part of what my uncle and I were talking about this morning.

“If you hadn’t come clean about your role in bringing it here I was going to have to question you this afternoon. That’s what was decided and that’s why I returned to the hotel. Then I was jumped. The package was taken along with your ID. But we have copies of everything that was in the package, thank God. 

“What was in the package?” Destiny asked.

“Some very damning, false intelligence about my uncle’s past. If it gets out and is not adequately refuted, it could be shattering to the presidency.”

“Oh Christ. Why was I selected to be the messenger?”

“I think its Esteban’s way of killing several birds with one stone. He doesn’t want you and I to be together. Making you look like a spy in his camp would certainly have put me off you for good. It could have ended you up in jail for fraud. I’m not sure why he would want that unless he was hoping to play hero and spring you somehow. He’d weaken the government by making my uncle look corrupt and immoral. I’d be besmirched by association, and his political power base would grow by leaps and bounds.”

“Who do you think he was having me deliver the documents to?”

“I don’t know. Maybe some reporter on the make.”

“Christ! What are you going to do now?”

“I’d like to find my damn brother and do unto him as he did to me.”

“You mean kick the shit out of him. Do you think it was him that jumped you?

“Yes. And I’d like to wring his neck. You weren’t in the room when I woke up this morning” Juan said. “Where did you go?”

“I wasn’t gone. I didn’t even wake up until 1:00 a.m.”

“Destiny, I got up, you were not in bed. I left, I went to the president’s mansion for breakfast, I came back to the hotel, you still were not here, and then I got clobbered. Where did you go? You’ve told me everything else. You can tell me.”

Destiny wanted to scream with frustration. “I didn’t leave the room. I didn’t even wake up. I must have got sucked away by my dreams.” Destiny said derisively. “Yes. That’s it. I was in bed but my dreams were so compelling they sucked me away to a ski resort in Colorado, to be raped in a snake pit run by a demon who looks just like your brother, and then to Washington, DC. And now, as you and I are talking, I am sound asleep stuck in an elevator in DC Superior Court.”

Destiny’s eye’s teared for a moment and to Juan’s surprise, the vista surrounding him and Destiny wavered, and, indeed, he saw Destiny curled up in a little ball in a steamy hot elevator somewhere else. For a moment the two realities almost collided. Then the lights in the elevator blinked back on Destiny awoke. The elevator started up.

The island Destiny had no choice, she was sucked through space like a blot of ink. Juan grasped what he could of her at the last possible second, and he too, spilled through the spacial rift. He landed on his feet looking down at the single Destiny that was sitting, astonished in the middle of the floor of the moving elevator. “Well, I’m solid enough,” he said as he checked his hands and arms and body. Then he looked at Destiny.

“You’re different.” He said. 

“I’m the real Destiny,” said Destiny.

“What do you mean?” Juan asked. “My Destiny was the real Destiny. You’re, -- her nightmare. What have you done to her?”

“Nothing. She’s me, I’m her. 

“And me. What am I doing here? I should be on the island.”

“Well, you’re here now. And I think we’re all overdue for some answers, don’t you?”

The elevator came to a halt at the fifth floor. Destiny and Juan stepped out.

“Yeah, I’d like some answers,” said Juan. “Like how do I get back to the island, and how do I shake my Destiny out of you? What are we doing here, anyway?”

“I wouldn’t let you touch me, much less shake me with that attitude,” Destiny said angrily. I need to find out where John is.” The courtroom clerk should know.” Destiny started down the hall to Courtroom 517. Juan dogged her heels.

“John is my alter ego, Si? So when I meet him, does he become me or do I become him or do we combine into some weird third John creature?”

“How should I know?” Destiny snapped.

“You should know. You’re the one who started all this trouble.” 

“That’s not true. And it’s not fair” Destiny said heatedly. This has been going on for longer than any of us can imagine. It’s getting more and more intense every time around. I can’t stop it. I’ve tried. Don’t you think I would if I could? It has to play out. And we have to get it right. If we don’t....”

“Yeah, what happens if we don’t get it right?”

“I don’t know.” She tried to reign in her temper but she was sick of the dream twists, sick of the whole deal, and particularly sick of men. “But, the demon has more power than he has ever had before, so that doesn’t bode, well for us getting very many more chances. He gets stronger every time we loose.”

“The demon is Esteban?”

Yes, and Stephen. 

“Esteban’s still on the island. If we resolve things here, we will still have to contend with him on San Angles, won’t we? With me here and the two Destiny’s joined, how are we going to get back to San Angeles Island?”

“Assuming I’d go back with you, and that’s assuming a lot.”

“You have to come back with me.”

“Why.” Destiny asked. “Why did I get dragged into this whole damned thing?”

“I don know. I wish I did. But think for a minute.” He wanted her to calm down a bit. How did you get to the island to begin with?”

“By airplane”

“No you didn’t, you got there through a fantasy.”

“A fantasy? A sexual fantasy?” Destiny was nonplused.

“Yes.”

“So you’re saying that to go back we make up a fantasy? Who gets to build the dream, me or you?” 

Juan moved closer to Destiny, letting his heat reach out to her. She could feel the stirring of his desire. Tendrils of sweat began to trickle down her back. Her pulse throbbed in her neck and she was flushed. But she backed off. She resented her surge of sexual desire. She didn’t want to have anything to do with any man for a while, she thought. Not after last night with Stephen.

Juan noticed her discomfort but wasn’t sure where it came from.

They reached Courtroom 517. The judge wasn’t on the bench so Destiny and Juan walked into the Courtroom to talk to Elaine. Elaine was relieved to see Destiny. She’d wondered what happened after Destiny disappeared from the cafeteria the day before. 

When she saw Elaine, Destiny suddenly realized that she’d missed her probation review before Judge Ruiz yesterday. Destiny hit her hand against her forehead. Shit. “Elaine, do you have any idea what might have happened to my case yesterday before Ruiz?” she asked, not really expecting Elaine to have an answer.

Elaine surprised her. “Yeah,” she said. “Your friend Dana stood in for you. That was a lucky break. Ruiz would have had your ass if you hadn’t had a stand in”

”Thank God for small favors.” I wonder how Dana knew to stand in for me? Destiny mused.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend? Elaine asked. “Good Lord, don’t tell me that Mr. Youth Division has a twin brother?” She gave Juan a lusty smile. Destiny had to admit that Juan looked impressive with his dark tan and his army regalia. Other than that, he was the spitting image of John Rodgers. 

“Elaine, this is Juan Rodriguez. He’s John’s, uh, cousin. He heard that John fell ill yesterday and wants to visit him and make sure he’s all right. Do you know where John, is Elaine? He’s okay, isn’t he?”

“Oh yeah. He’s fine. He’s recovering from that heat spell he had yesterday. They took him to George Washington, Hospital. I went with him.”

“You did? That was nice of you. You seem to be acting as guardian angel these days”

“It looks like you’all need a guardian angel from where I sit. Anyway, John sure was surprised to see me when he woke up. I thought Florida boys knew better than to get over heated like that. He scared half the courthouse women out of their drawers, thinking he’d had a heart attack. We can’t lose him before we have any serious money on who he’ll be stepping out with. My money’s on you Destiny. 

Elaine smiled at the memory.

“Oh God, “John had groaned when he woke up. “I must have fainted like a ‘lill o’le southern belle. My macho reputation is in tatters. What ever will the ladies think?” He looked Elaine in the eye. She looked at him very seriously. “How do you feel?” she asked softly. 

“Like I died and went through a tornado and was pasted back on my body. But I’ll live, I guess.”

“I almost didn’t get you back. You risked a lot. You must be more careful. This isn’t just about you and Destiny, you know!” Elaine had chided him.

“Damn it all, lady, what the hell is it about?” John asked, frustrated. “I’ve been battered and bounced and bumped along this wheel since forever it seems. Can’t who ever’s organizing things just get it right once?”

“You think it’s that easy dreamer? All things must come to pass. The path you take has many rewards, but is fraught with danger and you must learn as you travel. If you walk the higher planes you’ll have responsibilities and you must take care as you pass. Too many missteps, and back you go to start again, or worse. 

Don’t I have anything to say about it? Are we thus denied free will?

“Not in mundane matters. One can always ride a bike, fly a kite, chose a mate, have children, make love, and do whatever one likes in the circle of life. Some lives are bolder than others. Some eras are more important. But the wheel turns inexorably and we are all but specks of dust upon the wheel. 

“I’m afraid this is too metaphysical for me. I don’t know what’s been happening, except that me and Destiny and some freak serial killer are caught in a nasty triangle. Actually, the only nasty part is the killer. Kick him out of the loop and Destiny and I will ride off into the sunset happy as yuppies with puppies.”

“And what of Juan and Esteban?” Elaine asked?

“How do you know about them? Who are you?” John demanded.

“I’m a dream guide. I’ve been on this path for a very long time.”

“Why did you reveal yourself to me?”

“It was necessary. The demon has grown much stronger in these dream lines than ever before. He’s never been able to capture Destiny before. That was a very bold step. It will be tragic if she becomes subverted.”

“She won’t be,” John said.

“She could be”

“No. He has nothing to offer her”

“You don’t know that.”

“I know Destiny.” John insisted. “So, anyway, I’m okay now. I can leave the hospital, right? Could you get my doctor and see if we can get me cleared for release? I’d like to get back to helping Destiny rather than discussing her attributes”

“I’ll see what I can do. But don’t leave without the doctor’s permission. You’re health insurance won’t cover this if you leave AMO.” 

Elaine left the room to look for John’s doctor. 

Shit, this could take hours, John thought. I need to be doing something. Anything. But if I leave without clearance I won’t be able to take my shift tonight. And I can’t sit around doing nothing. I wish I could just go to sleep and dream a solution. John closed his eyes for a short time and surprisingly he did come up with something of a solution. 

He entered one of Destiny’s dreams of marriage to Stephen, had the pleasure of shooting the bastard, and leaving the gun with Destiny. He awoke a couple of hours later, refreshed, and feeling better than he had in days. He was unpleasantly surprised to learn that his doctor wanted to keep him overnight for observation. “Why?” he asked. “I’m fine. I was rushing around in the heat and I fainted. It could happen to anyone.” 

The doctor muttered about heart rate and electrolytes and blood pressure. Basically John figured out that he’d almost dropped dead for no known reason and the hospital wanted to cover their asses by keeping him under observation over night. John gave a huge sigh of frustration and acceded to their will. He’d catch hell from the captain if he left the hospital without permission and his insurance would throw the bills into his face. He was stuck.

He made use of he time by calling Dr. Phaeton and asking for a new appointment. Perhaps the Doctor could see him tomorrow. John left his hospital room phone number and drifted off to sleep. His sleep was quiet and untroubled. He must have been lightly in sync with Destiny. He watched her break free from the demon and make it back to Washington, DC. He was astonished when Destiny from the island merged with DC Destiny, bringing Juan with her. 

How’s that going to play out, he wondered uneasily. Are Juan and I going to merge and become some new creature, part security freak, part murderer hunter, fixated on Destiny for the rest of eternity. What about free will? John thought angrily. Why do we have to paint the same picture again and again?

John tossed and turned dreamily, and rode the waves of his thoughts as the night slowly drifted into dawn. 

Then came the final dream. He was more deeply asleep than he’d ever been in his life. He knew the dream was of what was to be, not what could be or might be. The options had been eliminated. It rested on his shoulders.



Dreams of Destiny Pt. 06-11



Chapter VI.

Destiny was driving her old, beat up, red Volvo fast along the Coastal Highway south of West Pam Beach, Florida. The hot, humid, salty air pouring in from her open window had caused another sneezing fit. Damn allergies, she thought as she opened her eyes. She felt dizzy and confused for a second. She lost her bearings. What am I doing? She puzzled. For a second there I thought... No, I haven't even started law school. She looked around. Florida? She spotted her camera, a great, new Pentax with all the trimmings. Now she remembered. The camera was a college graduation gift from her father along with the cash for a vacation road trip to Florida. 

She was headed to an old amusement park that was closing up to be replaced by a bigger, better, theme park. 

But for a second there, I could have sworn I was sitting in a Burger King in DC with... a cop?!, He scared me with something he said. I looked up at the ceiling and closed my eyes. The cop grabbed my wrists just as I was pulled into some kind of whirlwind. Everything was ripped apart. He held on firmly, she glanced briefly at her wrists, sure enough they were swollen and bruised, as if they had been wrung by someone very strong. She blanched at the sight. 

Somehow, I think we went through the vortex together. Are we supposed to be able to go through together? God I don't know. I don't even know what the hell I'm thinking of.. I'm under pressure about all this crap with Nathan. That's all. And unsettled from graduation and getting a new job. I need a vacation. That's why I'm here. That and the possible photo shoot. So forget this crap and concentrate on having a good time.

She looked forward to taking in this park for a last time. She come here a couple of times with her father and her uncle as a little girl.

Since then, Destiny had had a fetish for old amusement parks. She loved the colors, the atmosphere, even their shabbiness. The hawkers plying their trades fascinated her and she loved having her fortune told and her cards read. There was nothing like grabbing the brass ring on the carousals and getting a free ride. 

She delighted in rocking the car at the top of a rickety old Ferris wheel, and adored the smell of the old fashioned bumper cars, and the silliness of the tunnels of love and haunted houses. She excelled at ski ball and had a gallery of stuffed animals to prove it.

But the cap -- the crowning glory was always the old wooden roller coaster. She got a huge adrenaline kick wondering if the old dinosaurs were safe as they chugged their was up to the top of the first hill. Sometimes their condition was so bad the cars actually tilted on their tracks as they screamed around corners at top speed. 

It wasn't that she had a death wish. But somehow the fear was more real if you wondered it the car was safe for one more trip. There was the rush of going headlong down a steep grade all right, but there was also the glow of knowing you were alive when you climbed out of the car with shaky knees after the trip. You didn't get that with the new coasters that were springing up everywhere. And she always ended up with a headache after rides on the newer models. She loved them but they just were not the same. 


So Destiny had decided to make the drive from Southern Ohio to Mid-Florida for a break in routine, to immortalize the beautiful old park with her Pentax, and for a few more rides on the good old Thunder Bolt. She had a vague notion of writing a magazine article about the demise of the older amusement parks, including a photo array. 

Actually, she had hoped that Nathan, her college beau of three years would come along and do the writing while she focused on the artistic angle. Nathan loved the old parks as much as she did. But their relationship had taken a sudden down spin right before graduation two weeks ago. As of three nights ago it was in what she resignedly thought of as the "crash and burn" stage.

Many of the things that had seemed so simple in College and High School were so different now. The two step dance into marriage and family were not what Destiny had in mind for herself. 

To be fair, Nathan wasn't actively pushing her for those thing, but every little step they took together seemed to be aimed in that direction. And so far, Destiny had no real idea what she wanted out of life. She had planned on declaring psychology as her major but the crowds at that door had scared her off. She knew she was a great counselor but the idea of a lot of research and dry scholarly papers to justify funding made her cringe.

So she had hemmed and hawed and ultimately declared pre-law/social work as a double major. She took the LSAT examination, achieving very good, but not great, scores. She did have a great GPA so she figured she'd be able to get into a relatively good law school, succeed, and get a fairly good job in a fairly good firm. It had all seemed very remote to her somehow. As if she were planning someone else's life. 

Then, as graduation approached, she realized in a panic, that although she might be able to get into a law good school, there was very little financing available for law students. Her father had always made it clear that the gravy boat ended upon college graduation. Not that she begrudged him that mandate. To the contrary, he'd been very generous throughout her life and especially in college but enough was enough. Dad was getting up in age and had retirement to plan for. Dad's family had a history of long, lingering, disabling diseases, Parkinson's and diabetes being her father's crossed to bear. His pension was limited and his physical condition had required him to take an early retirement two years ago.

Nathan had come up with the idea of looking for legal work in Washington, DC. "After all," he said, "that's lawyer heaven. Plus, you have all that undergraduate training in legal research and writing.." It was true. And there were six law schools in the immediate area. The idea had worked out well for Destiny. Her second interview at a DC firm last November had landed her the promise of a good job as a paralegal upon graduation, with great pay and benefits. Destiny was thrilled. Nathan was not.

Nathan had graduated the year before in journalism and was still trying to land a job in either radio, newspaper or television. Right now he was earning good money basically running the college's student services including the bookstore and the newspaper. He also had a late night radio show spinning rock and roll discs at the college radio station. 

He wasn't happy, however, in the sleepy little town and was champing on the bit to try his hand at "real journalism." Unfortunately, he was getting rejection letter after rejection letter for all of his job seeking efforts.. His mood was getting more and more despondent as Destiny made her plans for the move. Up until three nights ago they had been going on the assumption that Nathan would be moving to DC along with Destiny and her cat. They had been assuming that Nathan would suffer only a very short period of unemployment and that Destiny would pay the bills along the way.

But three nights ago they had gotten into a terrible argument. Destiny had finally realized that she did not want to start her new life with Nathan depressed and dour sitting on her living room couch looking for a job. She couldn't and wouldn't do it. Nathan had taken the news with very little grace which stiffened her resolve to make the move by herself.

"Its not the end of the world," she tried to tell Nathan, "I don't even know if my job will work out. I may end up knocking on your door or back on my father's door step. You have a good job here which you love and are great at. Why not just stay here until something opens up for you in DC?

Bitterly, Nathan had accused Destiny of using his situation as an excuse to get out of the relationship. Destiny hadn't thought so at the time. She was now beginning to believe that Nathan was right. 

She also had a vague, uncomfortable fear that something was wrong with her in the romance department. She hadn't felt like she was "in love" since she was fourteen years old. Destiny had fallen very hard for an undesirable, but very sexy 18 year old drug dealer. 

He used and sold LSD and other assorted pills, cocaine, Methedrine, hashish, marijuana, mushroom, peyote, and occasionally opium and heroin. How he made his connections at such a young age still puzzled Destiny. At the time, Destiny had been mesmerized by the boy.

He had dropped out of high school and went to an "art school". He had a little bit of artistic talent in the painting department but was too lazy to finish school projects. But he often spent weekends painting psychedelic murals on the basement walls of friend's parent's homes. The murals were in day glow colors and were scenes from other planets. 

During one LSD trip Destiny had been sure she slipped completely into one of his worlds. To this day she has only vague memories of colors, music and scents from the trip. She went into a trance and when she came out of it she found herself wrapped in a blanket which she was busily setting fire to with a lit cigarette. She dropped the blanket and walked away from the growing circle of flame completely naked and unaware she had been in any danger. Her poor friends had taken turns guarding her for the next twenty four hours to be sure she didn't do anything stupid like try to fly off the roof.

The only meaningful, lasting gift the guy had given her was a love of the game of chess. He had been a master, at least in her eyes, and she had been an apt student.

He had just loved to get high and lived for the adrenaline rush of good clandestine drug deals. So did Destiny. She built herself a reputation of being a super freak 9th grade by selling good "soft drugs" to fellow classmates. She knew more about pharmaceuticals than most pharmacists: mood-altering pharmaceuticals, that is. 

And she sampled the wares as much as she could without running up a bill, becoming physically addicted or bringing attention to herself in school or at home. During the seven month relationship Destiny had kept up her grades, made drug transactions, stayed as high as possible and spent every evening with him. When they weren't selling or at a party they were in the rec. room of her father's house listening to rock and roll music, playing chess and necking and petting themselves into unbearable states of sexual arousal.

On "good days" Destiny smoked pot at the school bus stop in the morning, during lunch, after school and before bed time. Sometimes LSD or mescaline enhanced the hallucinatory high. She often tripped on weekend evenings when sleep was not so important. She loved pep pills. They gave her energy she often lacked, made her feel happy and kept her weight down. She used them carefully. She had seen a couple of girl friends end up in psychiatric hospitals because of speed. She would usually participate in "mixed pill" parties because she knew what most of the good drugs looked like. Barbiturates had no effect on her. Seconal and Tuinal (Reds and Yellow Jackets) were almost always use to for drowsy, happy highs. Quaaludes hit the marked about that time and were great both for profit and recreation. At about age 15, her group of friends added rot gut wine to their repertoire. Destiny learned to drink to oblivion, puke, smile, and start over again in the space of about three hours.

Destiny did not, however, touch or trade in the harder drugs which included PCP (angel dust), Methedrine, opium of heroin. Crack had not come out yet and few of her friends thought cocaine was cost effective. They'd take a good cheap pep pill over cocaine any day. 

Intravenous drug users disgusted Destiny.. They would sell their mothers for a prick in the arm. One of her friends became so hooked on needles that she would inject herself with spring water just for the rush. Destiny saw needle use as a last, desperate step into depravity. That spring she had sadly watched the love of her life slip slowly into the oblivion of drug addiction. 

But during the good times Destiny fantasized about a long life with her boyfriend by her side. They rarely had time alone together. They necked and petted themselves to distraction.

The funny thing was , when they finally did get an opportunity to sneak a whole night together they didn't actually screw. They had all their clothes off and rubbed themselves together a lot and got very horny. But neither one of them knew what went next and both were too embarrassed to admit it. Destiny awoke the next morning horribly embarrassed because the bottom sheet was wet. She hadn't known about male orgasms. It took her two years to figure out that she hadn't peed herself in her sleep that night.

Destiny had still been terribly in love with him but things were never really the same again between them. He was getting into harder and harder drugs. Destiny was afraid to follow him down that road. He started going to parties without her. Eventually he told Destiny he was tired of "hassling with her" He told her she was "too shy," and started dating an exotic looking redhead that nobody liked. Destiny wanted desperately to hold on to that indescribably beautiful feeling of being in love but it slipped away. It had taken many years for Destiny to realize that it was the feeling, not the boy that she had wanted to hold on to. And now, Destiny suddenly realized,, she didn't even remember his name or his face. Just the feeling. It was like the memory of a dream.

The last she had hears about the guy , he had flunked out of the military due to heroin addiction, had married a fellow junkie and were expecting a heroin addicted new member of the family.

After they had broken up she had continued to go to parties. She flitted from one short relationship to another, finally losing her virginity at age sixteen the same month as she got her first menstrual period. Neither event was the big deal it was made out to be. She had found her first experience with actual intercourse to be embarrassing and disappointing. As was her second and third.

Her relationships began to form a pattern. She meet a guy when she was high who she'd think she could fall for. Sometimes the guy would be a predator and just out for a good time, occasionally she would fall for the predator, be used and hurt again.

More often it would be some nice, average kid. They'd have a few dates. When they got to the groping stage of the relationship Destiny would find herself asking "is that all there is to it?" And then she'd give the guy the old "I like you as a friend speech" and so long Charlie. 

After her first relationship ended, Destiny eased herself off of the drugs to some extent but could often be found sipping cheap wine out of a soda can in one or another of the girls rooms in her high school. She had all the classic symptoms of a teen age alcoholic, but no one would believe such a thing of the persona Destiny projected. She was the girl mothers most wanted their sons to date. She was bright, pretty, charming but shy, and headed for college in another state rather that a walk down the aisle with a thickening belly.

She'd hoped her pattern with men would change when she hit college but it hadn't. Even worse, often she'd find herself dating one guy while infatuated with another. And it never failed that the guy she had her eye on had his eye on the girl down the hall or, on one awful occasion, her own dorm mate.

Then she started dating Nathan. In so many ways he was all that a woman could ask for. Pleasing to the eye if not handsome. He was funny, talented and ambitious. had put himself through college without student loans or a penny from his parents. He was tall, with long baby fine blond hair and blue eyes pretty enough for a model. He was sensitive, he loved rock and roll, particularly the Beatles. They had friends in common. She got along with his mother and sister. He wanted children eventually but supported her desire for a career. What else could she ask for? A semester together had drifted into a year and before she knew it three years were gone. She had graduated with Honors with Nathan and her father sitting together companionably together in the audience. She could almost hear the wedding bells.

And three nights ago she found herself asking is this it? Is that all there is? Where are the bells and the whistles.? The fireworks? The agony of wanting a man inside you so badly you can feel it all the way down to your toes. Should I grab this ring just because its here and it looks like brass, or should I go for the gold? 

Destiny didn't have the answer to those questions. Just the thought of making an earth shattering decision like ending the relationship was giving her a pounding headache.

Destiny came out of her reverie. Her gas gauge light was on. It was a stinking hot Florida afternoon, and she smelled like an ape in the monkey house of some zoo. She'd been driving since dawn and had eaten nothing except a bag of chocolate covered pretzels. She she'd drunk 32 ounces of Diet Pepsi since she last stopped and had to pee desperately. It was time for a pit stop.

Destiny signaled and pulled into the right hand lane. She saw a sign for food and fuel and breathed a sigh of relief. The exit was only two miles down the road.

Destiny popped a Pretenders tape into her tape deck and started to sing along with Crissy Hine in her strong alto voice. "I went back to Ohio. But my family was gone." Appropriate tune, she thought as she drove.

She glanced at her watch as she steered onto the off ramp. 1:30. Good. I should be able to make it to the by three. Almost there. She turned left onto the highway and located a likely looking pit stop. Good, she though, a Smuckeys. Decent food, air conditioning and clean toilets. What more can a girl ask for?

Destiny suddenly realized that just minutes ago she had been thinking of Nathan in almost precisely the same terms as she was now describing Smuckey's Restaurants. It was an epiphany. The relationship was something she could easily settle for, but not with much enthusiasm 

Well, she thought, I guess that says something about how I value the relationship. Its something known and comfortable, respectable, replaceable. It keeps away the loneliness. Its not unique or exciting. Its not, she decided, what I want for the long haul.

Destiny felt like she had just walked out of a warm, stultifying box. She knew what she would have to tell Nathan when she returned to Ohio to pack her things up for the move. Nathan would not be welcome to join her in DC.

She pulled up to the gas pump first. Her Volvo got very cranky when it was low on gas. A mechanic had told here there was probably debris in the gas tank. But it wasn't worth the cost of pulling out the tank to have it cleaned. 

After being stranded a couple of times and having ignoramuses insist to her that she was out of gas when she wasn't, she had learned to cater to the cars needs. She'd come very close to the danger line this afternoon. She counted herself lucky that she wasn't out in the middle of the highway right now hoofing it to the station in the mid-day heat.

Destiny walked up to the cashier and paid for a fill up. She returned to the pumps and began pumping gas. She finished up, then checked the oil, the water level, and washed windshield which was coated with bodies of thousands of kamikaze Florida insects. Destiny wondered idly how many varieties of insects had met their fate against her windshield during her drive that day.

Finished at the pump, Destiny drove over to the Smuckey's parking lot. The place didn't seem to have pulled in much of a crowd this afternoon which was all to the good as far as Destiny was concerned. She breathed a sigh of relief as the air conditioning hit her heat flushed face. She headed for the rest room. 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 06-11



She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror on the way out. You need some summer sun, girl, she told herself. As always, she angled herself around in the mirror to be sure she wasn't getting fat. This was an old holdover from her days as a bulimic. 

From sixth through and eight grade Destiny's weight had see sawed between 135 and 90 pounds. At the start of the problem she had been tall for her age and portly. She remembered wishing she could cut off hunks of flesh from her thighs and stomach so she would look better and fit in with the other girls at school. Then she had begged her father to buy her a diet supplement. He finally did and things went well for a while. 

The weight had started to come off right away. But she soon became obsessed with food. She felt horrible guilt every time she put a piece of food in her mouth, even the diet supplement. She would mentally map the course of every morsel she put into her mouth. Her thoughts grew so disgusting that she stopped eating. She would pretend to eat at dinner, then throw her food away when her father wasn't looking. 

Breakfast and lunch were no problem. Even as a baby she had hated breakfast. Her dad didn't expect her to eat before school. And no one in her over crowded school paid a bit of attention about who ate what. Once in a while a teacher would notice that she didn't have a lunch, but until she got really skinny, she would simply respond "I'm dieting, you know. My doctor says adolescence is the perfect time to take and keep off weight." The teacher would usually say something like "I'm happy you don't look so ungainly any more. Keep up the good work."

At the same time she was starving herself she went on an exercise craze. Exercising kept her from thinking about food. If she wasn't studying she was running, biking, swimming, doing calisthenics, or whatever else she could force herself to do. This wasn't necessarily bad by itself. But coupled with the starvation it was pure insanity.

She started chewing ice cubes when she was really hungry. She swallowed air to make herself feel full.

When she dipped below 90 pounds, at 5'5" her father started to think something was wrong. First he sought advice from friends. Then he consulted self-help books. Next came the psychiatrist. Nothing helped. Never once did he walk into her bedroom, however, and ask her what was wrong.

Finally, in desperation, her father threatened to ship her off to her mother's mother in Detroit. That would have been unbearable to Destiny. The damn burst and Destiny started eating again. But the obsession with her body image didn't stop. Instead she started experimenting with other methods of weight control. She discovered she could eat an entire half gallon of ice cream at one sitting, get immense pleasure out of doing so, puke the whole mess up and not have it show up on the scale the next morning. Other foods weren't so easy to disgorge. But laxatives were easy to shoplift, and if she spent an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom well hell, she was a teenager, right dad?

Then, at 14, she discovered that there was more to life than her shadow in the mirror. She made friends had fun. She got normal exercise and ate normal meals. She still used the vomiting trick, but only on special occasions like Thanksgiving when she deliberately over ate along with the rest of the country.

However, in retrospect Destiny realized she had just jumped from one problem to other, more complicated problems. She became a Multi-drug abuser who was "searching for love in all the wrong places." She was glad that her teen age years were behind her.

Now, at age 22, Destiny was lean and lithe. She didn't use drugs, except for the occasional joint, and yes, maybe a line of coke if offered at a party. But she never bought drugs. She liked to drink but did so infrequently, believing herself to be at risk for alcohol dependency. She had started taking modern dance and tai chi her second year in college and planned to keep up with both regimens. She felt and looked good. But she had to admit she still had terrible eating habits. As for love, well, there was Nathan, but she kept hearing t hat old refrain "is that all there is?"

Destiny walked through the line at Smuckey's trying to decide what to have for lunch. Be good she instructed herself. You haven't eaten a vegetable or a piece of fruit in days. Forget it, warred her stubborner self, grease, sugar and caffeine. That's the ticket. Nothing looked appetizing. Destiny was starting to think she wasn't hungry after all. Then she saw what looked like a real Italian hoagie, Philadelphia style. It had everything she needed. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, meat, cheese, olive oil, peppers. Perfect. Cut it up into small pieces so it can be eaten on the road. Butterscotch Crimpets for the sugar fix. And a Diet Pepsi to wash it down with. 

Destiny paid the cashier and gave her smile. Summertime hit her full in the face as she exited the restaurant. When she got to her car she opened up all of the windows, hoping to let some of the infernal heat. As she got into the Volvo she put her sunglasses on and fanned herself with her map of Florida. Then she opened up the map to get an idea of how much farther she had to go to get to the Amusement Park. Now, what's the name of that town? Summit. That's right. And the park is Fair View Park. Looks to be about 60 miles, she figured , No so bad. Hope there's a decent hotel with a swimming pool nearby. I sure could use some cooling off.

Destiny arranged her sandwich and soda so she could reach them without interfering with her driving, put on her seat belt and hit the road. Within minutes she was back on the interstate, heading south, munching as she drove. The traffic was fast and aggressive which was fine with Destiny. She was a skilled driver. She made good time and turned off for Summit at about 3:00 p.m. Great timing she thought. She saw a sign for a Best Western Motel 5 miles down the road and almost cheered. Best Westerns always had swimming pools she thought with glee. It had been a long two day trip. She was ready for some R & R.

As she drove into the entrance way of the Motel she saw that the vacancy light was lit. Good., and I'll bet old Fair View Park isn't drawing in crowds tonight either. Nothing like an amusement park without lines. That's a rare treat. I'll take a swim, shower, change and then hit the park. I'll be able to get pictures in the late afternoon light, early evening, and after dark. Then tomorrow I'll catch the park as it wakes up. Park maintenance is fascinating and will make a great subject for a second photo shoot. Then, when I'm tired of the park, I'll head for the nearest beach. That can't be too far. After all, this is Florida.

Destiny checked into the motel quickly, brought her car around to the spot in front of her first floor room, and dragged in her bags. She cleaned out the front seat of the car, which was full of trash from the two day trip. Her sandwich was already getting funky so she got rid of the remains. Then she slipped off her travel clothes and stepped into her scarlet tank suit. She headed for the swimming pool which was in the center of the Motel's courtyard. She was bare foot and the asphalt was almost unbearably hot on the soles of her feet. She made it over to the pool in lightening speed.

The pool was kidney shaped and had a surprisingly nice diving board in the deep end. The board was higher than most. It was a board that practiced divers could enjoy. The water was clean and cool, even though summer was early this year. 

At the other side of the pool there was a small building which housed a hot tub and sauna. As if I'd want either of those in this heat, Destiny thought. But then again, maybe late tonight if the pool's still open another swim and then a hot tub to soothe me into sleep. Yes! she thought. That would be fabulous. I wonder if anyone else is using the facilities today. it'd be great to have them all to myself. Destiny thought about going into the hot tub room and checking it out but decided to leave that for later on. What she didn't yet realize about the room was that persons in the hot tub could watch swimmers without themselves being observed.

An elegant man with blond hair and dark brown, glittery eyes, was stepping out of the hot tub when Destiny got to the swimming pool. He observed her stick her foot in the pool and check out the diving board. He stiffened, ready to sink into the shadows when she seemed about to approach the hot tub room. He relaxed when she changed her mind. Something about her graceful carriage struck a familiar note with him. He did not want her to know he was there watching her. He remained still and silent like a reptile on a rock waited.

Destiny headed strait for the diving board. She clambered up, took pause, and dove. An elegant pike with little splash. Destiny came up for air with a gasp. OH she cried out in pleasure. invigorated.

Onto the board again. A back flip, a little shaky. She tried it a second time. Better. She remembered her dives from summers past at scout camp.

A couple of swan dives. More flips. 

Time for some laps.

Destiny was in the pool for the better part of an hour feeling herself relax for the first time in weeks. All her muscles came alive. Blood coursed through her veins. She never had the sense of being watched.

But she was. Closely. She is so beautiful. I can almost taste her lips on mine. Perhaps I would draw a little blood as I nip her lip. How would it feel to have her on her knees before me, her mouth open wide to take me in? What would her screams sound like? Why is she here? He reached for a cigarette. He thought better of the idea. The smoke might alert her to my presence. 

He stood and watched. The oppressive heat of the room was inconsequential to him. His blond hair curled tightly in the humidity. Steam came off of the hot tub which bubbled and boiled like some witch's cauldron.

Destiny completed her swim, and headed back to her room. The man followed her silently like a cat. He fit into the landscape. He was golden like the sunlight. Like the heat. He noted her room number and identified her car. He decided he needed more information.

He went to his room, which was a floor up and five rooms over from Destiny's. He pulled out a small tool kit. He didn't think that the Volvo's locks would give him any trouble but he wanted to be sure. And he wanted to be in and out of the car as fast as possible. Who knew what the girl's agenda was, he thought. 

He was back in the parking lot within minutes. As he thought, he could have unlocked the car blindfolded. He looked around. No one watching. He climbed into the passengers seat and went for the glove box. Unlocked of course. Destiny Lysander. She's no one, he thought. She hides nothing. Auto registration: small town in Ohio. What's she doing here? he wondered Strange place for a holiday. Middle of Florida at the hottest part of the summer. And this is no resort town. What else is here. Parking ticket. Ah ha, speeding ticket. You like to drive fast little one? Picture of her with boyfriend. dull looking fellow. You could do better. Much better. 

Back seat. Stupid girl! You left your camera. A nice one. I should relieve you of it but will be generous this time. Why are you here? Give me a clue. Ah. Here we are. The Fair View Amusement Park. A notice about its impending closing. That must be it. So you like amusement parks do you little girl? Well. Maybe I can come up with an unexpected amusement for you. Are you going there tonight? Maybe I'll tag along if you do.

The man's search had taken no more than eight minutes. Destiny was just stepping into the shower when he finished. He made sure the car looked untouched, locked the door, and headed back to his room. There he quickly showered and shaved. He donned black athletic pants and a black short sleeve tee shirt. Surprisingly, the black set off his magnificent tan. His teeth were very white in his face. He put a black bandanna over his blond curls, pirate like. All he needed was a cutlass and one might think he was a seventeenth century Caribbean brigand. He was well muscled but of slight stature. 

He was a passionate man. Fencing was one of his passions. Others were women, music and sensuality, psychology, philosophy, history, and martial arts to name a few. He was a man who had time on his hands but was easily bored. This meant that he pursued things that interested him relentlessly and discarded those that did not without thought. Obstacles in his way were to be crushed without pity.

He stepped out onto the walkway outside his room to be sure Destiny's car was still in the lot. Yes. Good. Now the game can begin. He went back into his room and opened up his tool case again. He selected a few items with care and was ready to go. 


On his way to the door he grabbed a cold beer from his cooler. He popped it open and downed it in one long pull. He smiled at himself in the mirror as he left his room. Perfect. He thought. I think this will be a night to remember.

The man's car, which was parked immediately below his room was unremarkable on the outside. It looked like a standard, dull blue Dodge Omni Hatchback that had seen a few miles. The engine had been modified for enhanced speed and endurance. It had a heavy-duty transmission, was four wheel driven and had a special suspension system. It had been rebuilt to handle Florida marsh, sand, snow, and mountainous terrain. But it was so ordinary looking that no one would give it a second thought under most circumstances. This was essential for the man's purposes.

Making sure he was not seen, the man lithely jumped over the railing outside his room and landed next to his car. He got in and drove the car into the spot he had already selected for his surveillance. It was out of the way, and in the shade. A casual passer-by would have no business peering into the car windows where it was located. But he could look out without readily being seen, and would be able to follow Destiny's car out of the lot easily without raising suspicious. He leaned back and began his wait, vaguely wishing for another beer.

Destiny couldn't decide what to wear. She wanted to look good for no reason that she could put a finger on. When she went to put on her white dress with the halter top she recoiled in horror. For a second she could have sworn she saw blood on the front of the dress. No, nothing there, a trick of the light. But she put the dress away with distaste anyway. What else do I have? Blue jeans? No. Too hot outside. The beige shorts make me look dumpy. Ah, I have it. The emerald green, silk jumper with the light green tube top as a shirt. Cool and sexy. I don't know who I'm trying to impress. It'll probably be me, some giggling townie girls, some bikers, some grubby kids with tired parents, and Prince Charming, of course.

She put on the clothing she selected, adding her good emerald teardrop earrings. A glitzy amber choker, her watch and gold bangles on her wrists. She applied makeup. Her hair went back into its ever-present top of the head pony tail. She opted for running shoes over sandals or heels. 

Purse, money, keys, camera. Shit, where's my camera? Oh hell I left it in the car. Stupid. It had better be there. I'll kick myself if its been stolen.  Destiny turned on the light nearest the door before she left. She hated walking blind into unfamiliar territory. 

Destiny decided to get a soda for the road. She wandered over to the motel lobby where there was a machine. She fished in her purse for change. Diet Pepsi number three zillion today, Destiny thought. 

As she walked back to her car Destiny noticed the little blue car parked under the tree at the other side of the lot. Funny, I thought that was parked a few cars away from mine when I came in from the pool. Nah. All those awful American compacts look alike when they're that color. The other car must have left. 

When Destiny got into her car she immediately checked for her camera. She was panicked for a second when it wasn't on the front seat. Then she remembered she'd put in it in back when she was cleaning out the front seat. There it is, Thank God. She retrieved it from the back. and placed it next to her. She popped The Pretenders tape back into the deck, pushed play, cranked up the engine and hit the road. It was a short, peaceful drive to the amusement park, through big old tree heavily laden with Spanish moss. The day was winding down and the air was noticeably cooler There was still a monstrous number of bug flying into the windshield. Destiny sang along with the Pretenders at the top of her lungs. I go to sleep, sleep, and imagine that you're there with me. I go to sleep, sleep, and imagine...

She took her time, not wanting to break into the stillness that was falling over the woods. She didn't even bother to check her rear view mirror. If she had would she have noticed the plain blue American compact tooling along at much the same rate of speed as her own? If she did, would its presence have disturbed her peace of mind?

The man in the car behind her was careful to keep far back without losing sight. But he was not worried about losing her. There was only one logical place she could be heading at this hour on this road. She was going to the amusement park just as he had expected. He hummed tunelessly to himself as he traveled down to road after Destiny. 

He didn't have a set plan yet. He wanted to let things play out. Get a measure of the playing field.. Then he would decide how best to amuse himself. Would she be the prey? Maybe not. Maybe tonight he would simply introduce her to the game. If she plays she dives and swims it would be so much sweeter to draw her into a snare, watch her react. Let her go? Maybe once. Maybe more than once if she's worthy.  It had been a long time since he had found worthy prey. The most recent ones had slaked the thirst but did not satisfy.

Destiny found the turn off for Fair View Park without trouble. Its sign was decades old and fading. You could tell that after dark, when the sign was lit, only about half its lights would work. The sign announced the Thunder Bolt Coaster as a main attraction. There was a huge parking lot which was two thirds empty and riddled with pot holes. Weary looking clown faces on poles at the end of each aisle announced parking lot number and letters. The clowns bespoke day endings when happy weary tourists looked worriedly around at seas of cars and wondered how the hell they were ever going to figure out where they were parked. 

It was getting on towards early evening. Frogs were starting to croak in the wilderness beyond the parking lot. They didn't know that their time, too, was coming to an end. All of this would be bulldozed under in a few short weeks to make way for the new. Destiny took a shot of the clowns and drove on. She found a parking spot under what looked like a working street lamp close to the park gates.

Destiny stepped out of her car. The sights and sounds of the old amusement park greeted her like an old friend. First there were the admission gates with gaudy signs announcing events, deals, attractions. Sadly, there was a big sign announcing the last day of operation. 

Destiny paid her fee at the gate, had her hand stamped and moved in through the small crowd. The man from the blue car strode in behind her. He watched her carefully, stealthily. 

The sounds made her smile. 

There's was nothing like this on the face of the planet., Destiny thought. She heard kids screaming emanating from the Thunder Bolt, the top of the Ferris wheel, the log ride, the scrambler, and the haunted house. There was the chug chug chug of; the roller coaster as it pulled its cars up the first hill and the rush and clickity clack as the cars came down again and then raced around corners. There was the calliope on the merry go round playing horrible polka tunes. There was the laughter and the bumpety bump of the bumper cars. There were the air squirts from the haunted house and the demented laughter that followed them. The hawkers called out to passers by. So easy to win, just give it a try.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 06-11



Bells gonged from time to time when strong young men impressed their girls by hitting a board hard with a hammer. Destiny heard the whizzes, bells and sirens of the pin ball machines.; the popping of air pistols; the chugging of the tourist train and the toot of its whistle; the call of "all aboard," at the station stops. Always there would be a baby crying somewhere, a mother or father soothing it. Children's laughter was everywhere. Water rushing over the falls of the log ride was soothing to the ear.

.And the sights! Destiny didn't even stop to look. She just took out her camera and started clicking. She caught the clowns teasing little children; a set of twins sharing cotton candy; the surprised look of passengers going down the falls. 

Destiny decided to shoot pictures of the rides from the outsides first. Then she would ride the rides and take pictures as a passenger. She had to have a plan. there was so much to do. She got the Tilt-a-wheel, and the Scrambler at crazy angles. She got as close to the Thunder Bolt's big hill as possible and took shot after shot of cars full of people screaming their heads off with crazy grins on their faces. She did the same thing at the falls with the barrel ride. The bumper cars were all sparks and motion. She took more pictures.

She got the train with a wide angle lens. The sun light was turning more and more orange as late afternoon melted into early evening. She took wonderful shots of the fortune teller and the strong man, who were a husband and wife team. She wanted to pay to have her fortune told. The fortune teller started to throw some cards. She paled a little, looked close. She looked at Destiny, deeply troubled,. "I cannot continue, child, the cards make no sense. "Your future is not clear. Go and have fun girl. Go with God." 

Destiny laughed. Fortunes were fun and games. She didn't believe in fortunes.

The merry go round was an old classic. Time passed quickly. Every where she went she shot pictures of people. 

She got a shot of a blond haired man decked out like a modern day pirate, or half of his face any way. She caught glimpses of him from time to time but although they seemed to be looking at the same things much of the time, he never seemed to be where she expected him to be and whenever she tried to get a shot of him he'd vanish like a cloud. 

She didn't know that he was playing gently with her. Letting her see only so much. Drawing her in. Trying to intrigue her. He didn't know how much further he wanted to go with the game. It was starting to get boring to him. She too must have become bored.


She got in line for merry go round first. He decided to pass on that one. He watched her go round and round, shooting pictures from her wooden steed. with her pony tail flying out behind her. She started grabbing for the rings on each turn of the ride and laughed out loud with delight when she grabbed the ring of brass. She gave it to a pretty little girl when she got off the ride, and then snapped the girl's picture.

She stood in line for the Ferris wheel. He got in line four people behind her. He wanted the feeling of following her up and around and down. Daylight was beginning to fade. The wheel turned. Up they went. He noticed Destiny begin to rock her seat when she reached the top of the wheel. Destiny stood up and snapped pictures of the view from the sky. Around and down they went, picking up speed. He laughed along with Destiny, amused by her delight. Wishing her screams were real and for him alone.

He passed on the Scrambler, the Hell Hole and the Octopus. God, this could go on all night. Give me something to work with, Destiny. I'm getting bored, he willed her.

Good, the Thunder Bolt. He would ride right behind her. Maybe whisper something into her ear to frighten her on the ride down. But he needed some cover. Someone to ride with him? Maybe someone to finish up the evening with? Yes! He was well aware of the mesmerizing effect he had on many women. As far as he was concerned younger was better. One that could be easily swayed to his will. One that would be undemanding, happy for his bounty. Younger girls were less likely to make trouble if they were unhappy or hurt. Young and unattached to a family would be ideal. 

He looked around quickly. Destiny was still far back at the end of the line. If he acted now he could be assured to be on the same trip as her. But he wanted to be directly behind her. He stepped into line making sure his face was turned away from Destiny. He looked around. The great thing about amusement parts was that there were always stray girls looking for a guy to win her a teddy bear. Yes. Over there. There was a skinny young red head cute enough to think she was an item but not pretty or mature enough to be going anywhere with anyone soon. The man in front of him looked like a sap.

"Hey buddy," he said to the man. See that girl over there? The red head. I came with her but we had a fight. I've been looking for her for an hour. She loves the roller coaster but won't ride it alone. Will you hold my place while I go fix things up with her."

"Sure."

He sauntered over to the red head. "Hey red," where you been all my life."

"Me,? Why right here waiting for some knight in shining armor. Ain't seen one yet"

She wasn't as young, and maybe not as dumb as he originally thought.

"Maybe I'm him," he said.

"You ain't exactly wearin' white, honcho," she drawled. "And where's your horse." She appraised him boldly.

Now was the time to turn up the heat. "You like to ride, sugar, I've got something for you to mount." He looked her in the eye. "I'll bet you're good in the saddle."

She tried to look away but couldn't. She felt vaguely like a worm on a hook. Then he smiled, and heat rushed coursed through her. Her knees buckled slightly, she found that her panties were wet..

"Why," she struggled with her feelings, "you sure do have a winning smile," she said, knowing she was lost. "What do you want to do, dude."

"Do you like the Thunder Bolt?"

"The Thunder Bolt?" she asked weakly. 

"Yeah, the ride," he said, impatient now. The line was moving quickly. Destiny was almost at the front of the line.

"Oh darlin'," she said, deeply distressed on one level, but relieved on another, "if you want me to go on that ride with you, I'm truly sorry, but I cain't on account of my head. It goes to fast. I could get an aneurysm and die of a seizure if I go on that thing."

"No shit," he said, damn bitch, he thought. Well, fuck, its too late anyway. There goes Destiny on her ride. Destiny had climbed into the front car of the Thunder Bolt and was eagerly awaiting takeoff. Now what?

"Ain't there any other ride you might want to go on with me tonight," Red asked seductively.

"Let me think for a minute. You want a beer baby?" he asked her. What's your name anyway?"

"Why shoot, I thought you knew me from somewhere. Around here everybody just calls me Red."

"Now ain't that something. I guess maybe I do know you. How about that beer?"

"Sure," she said happily. "And I got something a little stronger to mix with that if you're interested."

"What have you got, lovely lady?"

"Well, I got me a little moonshine, if that be your thing. Also got some blow."

He strode off to get a couple of beers, keeping an eye on the progress of the Thunder Bolt. He was getting a very interesting idea as to how to add some excitement to the House of Horrors, which was across from the Thunder Bolt. It was almost completely dark out now. All of the parks lights were on. The House of Horrors was a walk through thrill show, not a ride on. It was usually empty this time of night. A perfect place for a little tete a tete. Maybe a little sniff of cocaine to liven things up. He'd take things from there.

He brought the beers back.. They were served in paper cups. "Let me see that shine, Red." I've got an itch to party." He sniffed the 'shine, and smiled., then poured a liberal amount into both beer cups. He took a long drink, savoring the felling of fire that coursed through him when the liquor his empty belly. He knew the stuff would have little effect on him. 

He handed Red her cup. "You drink this stuff often?" He wondered again vaguely how old she was. She could have been anywhere between fifteen and thirty he figured, and he was usually good at guessing women's ages. It didn't really matter anyway. Not for his purpose.

"I drink it whenever I can get a hold of if out of my father's storage bin.

"You have such an angel face, darlin," he said, "but you got a devil in you, you know that girl?" "No I ain't" she pouted. "Not yet anyway. But you, the way you look at me and smile, I swear you got some of the devil in you."

"Maybe this night was meant to be," he said to her thoughtfully.

He looked around for Destiny. Sure enough, she was off of the Coaster and it looked like she was heading for the House of Horrors.

"I got an idea he said," all innocence. "Lets go through the House of Horrors. This is probably its last night, you know. They are going to start taking this old park down tomorrow. Did you know that Red?," he asked. He grabbed her hand and pulled her with him, determined to get into the darkness of the House before Destiny.

"Yeah, I know," she said sadly. "It's the end of an age." She polished off her drink and made a face. "This old place was wonderful when I was just a teeny girl."

He noticed Destiny detouring to the ladies room. He decided to take a chance and go into the House of Horrors anyway. He was ninety percent certain Destiny would head here next. This gave him a little more time to set things up. Better and better, he though.

There was no line at the House of Horrors. They walked into the House together, holding hands. "Five years ago when you were young, you mean," he said, continuing their conversation, and beginning to get excited.  This was what it was all about. The bait, the trap, the game. 

"Bout then," she smiled impishly, not giving him any information. They walked further on, into the dark. It was hot and steamy in he House. The various "horrible" surprises" were old and tired and of no interest to either of them.

Red could tell something was up. The man next to her was wired. Hot. Giving off an incredibly sexy aroma. Different than the smell of arousal she was used to. And Red was used to the smell. She had been around the block a few times and was closer to thirty than fifteen. She felt she was ready for what ever was coming. Maybe even had been waiting for it for a long time. Hell, she thought suddenly, he hasn't even told me his name.

They arrived in a large chamber. It was red and smoky. The light was other worldly. Red could almost imagine that the walls were made of red, black and white marble. She heard water rushing.

The man turned and kissed her hotly on the lips. She opened herself up fully to him. He pulled her down on to the floor. How about some of that blow, Red," the man suggested hoarsely.

"I don't even know you're name.," she said. "Tell me."

"Stephen," he said. He kissed her again. Then he untied the neck of her halter top. It was white. He put his lips on her left breast and sucked. She moaned. He sucked harder, and then bit down, hard. She cried out. 

"You hurt me," she said, with surprise in her voice.

"You liked it."

She didn't' answer. Instead, with trembling fingers she pulled out a small bottle from the back pocket of her jeans. It contained cocaine. She had a pretty silver spoon on her key chain. "My husband gave me this," she said. "I work at Saint Luke's. The coke is pharmaceutical quality so be careful with it" she cautioned. 

"Ladies first," he said. "Sure," she laughed weakly. She took two good strong hits. "That'll starch your shirts," she said with a laugh.

He heard noises in the rooms below. Someone was coming. Destiny, probably, Red put the cocaine away quickly. "He looked at her almost sadly." "I thought I could take my time with you," he said, "but I can't. You liked it when I hurt you, didn't you. Be truthful." His gaze was hypnotizing.

"Yes, kind of," she said slowly, not understanding. "But..."

"Trust me," he said. "Put both arms around me and look me in the eyes"

As she did so he reached into the right pocket of his jacket. He pulled out an ice pick. He wrapped the ends of her hair around his hands. She was beautiful to him at that moment, still unaware. And she was hypnotized by his eyes -- totally under his power.

"Now let me kiss your beautiful breast again." 

She nodded once.

He pushed her against the wall of the cavernous room with both hands. Then he leaned down and bit her breast hard. Blood poured over her halter top. She screamed in anguish. The scream was what he had wanted from her. He had hoped to have time to get a coattail scream, either of pleasure or pain. This was sufficient. It was what would jack knife Destiny into action.

Knowing he had no time left he quickly plunged the ice pick in hard, between her ribs and under her sternum, into her heart.

He had less time than he thought. He was pulling the ice pick loose when Destiny burst into the chamber  Why had he known she would rush in rather than run looking for help when she heard the scream? he wondered. 

But now she did the unexpected. Destiny hadn't stopped to think when she heard the blood curdling scream coming from the chamber above her. It sounded like some on in mortal anguish and immediate danger. She rushed up the stairs and into the chamber.

It was dark and seemed smoky or hazy. She couldn't see a damn thing. But her camera could. Destiny aimed her Pentax and began shooting pictures. The speed of the camera was astounding. She shot pictures until her senses started catching up with her reflexes. She realized that she had seen a black blur leave the chamber fast, almost immediately upon her arrival. Obviously that must have been the perpetrator of... of what? Did she get him on film, she wondered.  She hoped so for a second. then she wasn't quite sure what she hoped. Only a minute or so had passed since she burst into the chamber. What happened in here? She looked around and let out a loud scream when she saw the body of a woman slumped against the back wall of the chamber. Dear God, there's blood everywhere, she thought. Can she possibly be alive? Go to her Destiny. You have to. No one else is here and there is no way to call anyone. If she's alive you have to get her out of here and fast.

But her feet moved slowly, like there were sand bags weighing them down. She made it over to the back wall. the woman's eyes were open, staring and fixed. There seemed to be no breath, no pulse. But can I be sure? How can I leave her here if I'm not sure? Oh God the blood No one could lose so much blood and live, could they? She remembered a trick she had seen on television. She pulled out her compact. It had a mirror on it. She held the mirror up to the woman's mouth.  No cloud. No breath. She felt ghoulish, but she knew it might make a difference later. She snapped more pictures. There was nothing else for her to do but get the hell out of there the way she came in and as fast as possible. What if he hadn't left. She shivered. what if he were watching her. Waiting for her. Shock was starting to set in. 

Then she heard her name: "Destiny. It was almost musical, silky and seductive. "I see you got my surprise," how did you like it"

"You bastard, you filthy animal, she screamed, sobs were torn from her chest. "Who the hell are you. "Why did you do this? You don't know me. You're no one I know."

His voice seemed to be emanating from the very walls of the chamber. "We're going to get to know each other very well Destiny. I have a special feeling about you."

"Where are you? Why haven't you killed me yet? You know where I am."

"The game has just begun," said the voice, "Its late though and you have a lot to do. You'd better find your way out." Suddenly the scant light remaining in the House of Horrors went out. It was pitch black. Blacker than any nightmare. As black as Hades. Destiny was left alone with a dead stranger and a maniac. She began to sob.

"Oh and Destiny." The voice said. "Don't try go out the way you came in. The doors are closed and locked for the night. Sweet dreams my precious." His seductive, sinister laugh filled the gallery, then faded as he made his way out towards safety.

As he was leaving the gallery he realized that his hands were sticky with blood and that there was blood on his shirt. I'll have to do something about that, he thought with distaste. 

He made his way through the remainder of the exhibits, paying no attention to the exhibits of artificial horror. He had created his own tableau for the crowds tomorrow, he thought with satisfaction. It was very dark in the exhibit but he felt like he knew his way. He didn't have to grope and left no finger prints. 

The tunnel became noticeably lighter. He was reaching the exit. As he was turning the last corner of the exhibit's passage, he spotted a young security guard running into the exhibit towards him. Thankfully there was no one else around. "What's going on in there?", the guard shouted at him. "I heard screams."

Stephen grabbed the guard's left arm. "Thank God you're here," he said with a fake gasp, acting as if he had been running. "Something terrible has happened." The guard hesitated, seeing the blood on the man's hands and jacket. "Maybe I should get some backup," he said.

"No, no," the man said urgently. We need your help. The lady might die. There's no time." He guided the guard back towards the bowels of the exhibit. He made his attack swiftly and silently. There could be no blood. He needed the guard's shirt if he was to get out of the amusement park without being questioned. He could keep his bloody hands in his pockets until he found a men's room where he could wash up, but the jacket had to go.

He let the guard get slightly ahead of him, then pounced, like a cat. His slight frame belied the deadly force of his being. It was usually in check, simmering beneath the surface of his sophisticated mien. He used in now. Coldly, deliberately, as he had been trained so long ago. 

He slammed the guard down, onto the floor hard, going with him, on top of him. The guard had time for no more than a startled grunt. The man broke the guards neck with one vicious jerk and a twist. How easy to dispatch a soul, he thought with grim satisfaction. He rolled off the guard. He checked the body carefully for any sign of life. Nothing. Good. 

He relieved the young guard of the sought after jacket. He slipped off the light silk jacket that had served him so well. He knew he couldn't leave it behind.  Too much evidence. He was a careful man. He had to be. 

He donned the security guard's jacket, which was dark blue, with trimmings to make it look official. The damn thing was way too big but it would serve. 

He decided to go back to the chamber of horrors and check out Destiny's situation. He loved slithering about in dark places like this. Has she fallen apart? he wondered with some excitement. Is she ready to make her way out of here? Should I follow her, taunt her, scare her? He was growing hard again at the thought. Or should I kill her now? He loved holding her fate in his hands. Why am I so interested in this girl anyway? he wondered. 

Destiny still sat with her back against the wall of the chamber, content with her tears for a moment. Then she began to take stock of her situation. She could sit here all night and wait to be rescued by the cleaning crew in the morning. But she was hungry, thirsty, had to go to the bathroom, didn't want to sleep with a dead body, and was not real sure her nemesis wasn't playing games. He might decide to come back for her. He might realize there was a good chance she had some kind of picture of him on her Pentax. He might be crazy enough to burn down the House of Horrors. After all, murder had been committed here and the only witness was stranded with the body. He could decide take his winnings and end the game.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 06-11



That last thought galvanized her. She wished her dead companion a silent bon chance and headed in the direction she thought lead to the chamber exit. 

The man watched as Destiny pulled herself together and stood up. He had time to slink into the even deeper shadows. Destiny walked past without even a glance in his direction. He could have reached out, grabbed her long pony tail and pulled her to him but he restrained himself. No, he thought, I want this game to go on for a while

.

As Destiny moved, a sudden confidence over took her. Her feet seemed to be leading her by instinct. Or perhaps she had traveled this road before. It wasn't that the House of Horrors was familiar, but the pattern was. 

Destiny froze as she heard soft, sinister laughter in the distance behind her. OH Christ, he's still in here, she thought in a panic. He's toying with me. "Leave me alone you mother fucker!" she yelled back at him. She started to run.

Her feet seemed to know the lay of the land. At first the passage wound around like a maze in a garden she might have memorized long ago or in some forgotten dream. Then it wound downwards, and twisted as if through a secret passage, in a far off hillside. She seemed to travel for miles, but that wasn't possible. She ran as if she was in a trance. 

Unknowingly, unthinkingly, she ran, in a state that was half awake, half asleep. Her terror was like a wild animal clawing her heart. On and on she ran. Was this really happening or was she in the grip of an interlude of a dream from hell?

Finally, finally, after what seemed to be hours she started traveling back upwards. She came to a wooden door which was in the ceiling at the end of the passage. There was s small rickety ladder. Up she climbed. There was no lock on the door., just a rusty wooden handle. She turned the handled and pulled. Dirt and debris poured down upon her from overhead, almost knocking her off the ladder. covering the outside of what was, essentially, a bulkhead door. She got dirt in her eyes and was filthy by the time she cleared a passage was but she made it. She pulled herself through the door and was free! 

Outside it was a warm, humid night. There were fireflies and the moon had apparently been up for hours, but it was dark where she was. She tried to read the face of her watch without success. I'm trading this in for a utilitarian watch with a face that lights up first thing tomorrow she promised herself. She looked around for a minute and tried to get her bearings. She was in some kind of wooded area. She listened. Frogs. The occasional owl, and yes, cars and a train in the distance.

Where the hell am I? she wondered.  I feel like I've been walking for hours. Think, girl, she chided herself. What was that passageway? It obviously wasn't all house of horrors, she thought. Maybe it was some kind of maintenance tunnel for the amusement park. 

Yes. That makes sense. So I'm probably at the far side of the park from where I came in. Let's see. I drove south to get here and turned right into the parking lot. That would mean the entrance faces east, towards the ocean. I have no idea what direction I walked in that tunnel. 

Destiny silently cursed the gene which caused her to lose her sense of direction the minute she was in an enclosed environment.  Nathan would love to see me like this she thought somewhat unfairly. He thinks women are constitutionally unable to make their way out of paper bags. According to him that's why we're always asking for directions.

What direction should I walk in to get help, she asked herself helplessly, west or east?. She looked at the sky and spotted Polaris ahead of her, grateful for the summer evenings she had spent with her father watching the sky while he pointed out the stars and made up stories to go with the various constellations. That had been when she was very young.

So the cars were to the east towards the ocean, she figured. Good she thought that's where I'll head. Maybe my luck will improve and I'll be able to catch a ride with a normal person and not some homicidal maniac. She shuddered, and looked quickly around her, hoping the man from the House of Horrors was long gone. 

Destiny suddenly realized she couldn't go on without a pit stop. God, for a penis, she thought miserably. Not for sex, just for outside adventures.

She looked around again, making doubly sure she wasn't being watched. Then she did what she had to do praying silently that she wasn't squatting over a poison ivy plant. She re-fastened the buckles of her jump suit, looked up at the sky again for direction, and headed out through the woods.

It was pretty rough going. The vegetation was thick and the ground, uneven. But she made good time once she found her pace. She was surprised by how quickly she reached the road. It was not so dark outside of the woods, The stars were shining and the moon was out. She walked over to the nearest street light. She tried again to look at her watch.  Eleven fifteen. I entered the House of Horrors at about 8:45. So I was in there for two and a half hours. And I was running most of the time. Shit. I must be miles away from the Fair View Park. What on earth was that tunnel? she wondered. And which way should I head?. 

Destiny looked around again. She saw a lot of lights not too far off to her left down the road so she decided that was where she wanted to go and she trudged off. The scenery looked familiar and she realized that she was only about a half mile from the entrance of Fair View Park. 

This doesn't make any sense, she thought.  Where was I during those two hours I was running? But I've got to get back to the park. I have to tell someone about the murder. They're going to think I'm crazy, running around the country side for two hours before reporting a murder. Oh God, she thought desperately, what if they think I was part of it? Or that I helped the killer get away to save myself. 

Destiny had a sudden urge to turn around and walk in the other direction. It can't be too far to the nearest town. I have my Master Card. I could find a motel for the night, and get some sleep and slink back to the Best Western in the morning. I could drive off like nothing ever happened she thought.

Coward! A woman is dead in that park. And somehow she died because of me. The son of a bitch knew my name. He acted like we were on intimate terms. He was playing with me. It was a game. He enjoyed it. Maybe he even got sexual pleasure out of it she realized. On account of me. The thought made her queasy, Who in God's name was he? Was there something familiar in his voice, his insinuating laugh. She thought there was, but couldn't make a clear connection.

I have to go back. Destiny decided, it doesn't matter what they think. My fingerprints aren't on the body although the poor woman's blood is all over my hands. She grew dizzy for a second remembering the terrible scene. The scarlet blood all over the red head's halter top reminded her of the vision she had seen when she was dressing that afternoon. Red blood all over a white halter top. Its as if I knew something awful was going to happen. And now I have blood on my hands. What are the police going to think?. It doesn't matter. I'll see my away clear of this somehow. Destiny steeled herself for what she knew would be a difficult night.

Then she realized something. She still had her camera. Maybe she had the bastard on film. She had taken picture after picture when she first entered the chamber of horrors. Maybe she could be of good use to the police. The thought cheered her up and firmed her resolve. Destiny turned towards the park and began walking.

Chapter VII.

Officer John Rodgers of the West Palm Beach police force opened his eyes his way down the first hill of the Thunder Bolt to an early evening, summer sky. He was screaming, and grinning like a kid. The rushing twist of senses was much more intense than what he normally felt during a coaster ride. And as coasters go these days, John thought, the Thunder Bolt is tame. 

Suddenly John felt dizzy and disoriented. He didn't remember getting on the roller coaster at all. It was as if he had awakened from a dream sitting in the back seat of the ride. What had he been dreaming?  he wondered anxiously. The dream was slipping away from him and he felt like he was losing something important. 

Something about a conversation with a beautiful woman n a restaurant in a far away city. Who was the woman? Not even a glimmer of a face remained with him. The moment passed. He enjoyed the rest of the ride without giving the incident another thought.

It was getting close to closing time, John realized as he pulled himself out of the car. He wasn't quite ready to pack it in and find a hotel. He knew this was the last chance he would have to play like a child in Fair View Park.

John wasn't sure why he had given in to his urge to come to the park this last time. He had seen the notice about its closing in the paper Friday night and decided to drive over for an evening of what he considered to be purely adolescent fun. 

What should I do next?  He decided to grab a brew to drink as he pondered.  Couldn't drink in here when I was a boy, he realized. But I'll bet this is how they've made ends met over the last few years what with competition to intense among theme parks in the south. Boy are we ever a society addicted to fun and thrills? he thought. We are raising a generation of adrenaline junkies. But I get enough adrenaline on the job. 

John walked over to a picnic table and sat down sideways, stretching his long legs out comfortably. He was a tall man, and powerfully built. He was twenty six years old and had been a deputy on the West Palm Beach police force for three years. He was ambitious. He planned to make homicide detective by age twenty eight. John had always planned to be a homicide detective. He had never wondered the origin of the ambition. It felt right and he went after it relentlessly.

As John settled down to savor his beer, he noticed a pretty, pert red head walk, laughing, into the House of Horrors with a slightly built man dressed in black. Something about the man struck a familiar note with John. He felt the hairs rise along the back of his neck. I wonder who that is, he thought, unsettled. No one I know, he decided.

John was wearing blue tonight. He had on blue jeans and a light blue tee shirt. And his sapphire eyes sparkled in the dusk. His hair was wavy and black. It was longer than it should, technically, have been for work. But dress regulations were a little slack in West Palm Beach and no one minded that his hair fell a little below his collar. John held his handsome face with an unconsciously arrogant tilt. The girls in high school had always thought of him as conceited, until they got to know him. His nose was crooked, having been broken in a childhood fist fight with the son of a bitch he had been told was his half-brother. Not likely, John had thought at the time, the sneaky little bastard looked nothing like me or my father.  

John's mouth was wide and smiled easily, but he looked mean when he was crossed. He knew how to use his body both at work and at play. I haven't had much play lately, John thought ruefully. Not since I sent Lizzy packing. 

They had had a good thing going, he reminisced, sadly. Why did she have to mess things up? He thought back about the events that had led to their break up three weeks ago.

Life had been so smooth for so long. He remembered as he sipped his beer in the fading sunlight. Okay, maybe Lizzy wasn't much help financially, trying so hard to make a living singing at clubs and doing occasional commercials for local shops in West Palm Beach. That had been okay with John. He hadn't minded carrying more of the financial load the Lizzy. It was the way things were supposed to work. 

But then Lizzy had hit age twenty five and decided life was passing her by. Whereas two years earlier she had loved West Palm Beach, recently she had become convinced that her great talent would never be discovered there. And when she looked at John she no longer saw the dashing young police officer she had fallen for in her senior year of college. 

Lizzy had decided John was holding her back. She began to weasel her way into the Palm Beach elite set. He didn't fit in. He didn't want to fit in. He'd rather bust their asses for smoking pot and blowing snow than make polite conversation with them at parties. John and Lizzy had gotten into a rotten fight at the last party they went to together. That was the closest he'd ever come to punching a woman.

Lizzy had gotten high and drunk too much champagne at the party. The host, Mr. Hollywood John thought with a snort of derision, was a minor movie actor who had moved in on Lizzy like a shark when she was taking an unsteady walk in the garden. John had unobtrusively followed Lizzy out to be sure she was okay. 

When John approached the pair, the actor was filling Liz's head full of promises of movie videos and bit parts which he said could lead to better things if she was friendly. The guy had his hand on Liz's ass and was about to kiss her when John stepped in. 

John had stonily told Lizzy to go inside and get her purse. They were leaving. The host objected in a fake English accent. John had simply said "fuck off friend, unless you want me to call my colleagues on the West Palm Beach Police Force and have them check this party out for illegal narcotics. Lizzy, who had ignored John's order to go inside gave him a hard shove towards the fountain. He tripped and almost went sprawling. You don't run my life John Rodgers," she'd cried furiously. He stood up. She rushed at him and slapped at his face with both hands. He'd grabbed both of her hands and held tight while she spewed invective at him. 

The Liz's actor had come running up as if to protect Lizzy. John released her into the guy's arms with a hard push. "Here, you want her, you got her," he shouted angrily. What he'd really wanted to do was dump both of them into the fountain, trash the place and then call in a disturbance on 911. 

John had barely been able to control his temper. That had shaken him to his roots. He knew he was very strong and physically able. He could have done a lot of damage that night if he had let his emotions run unchecked. He knew many cops ended up in physically abusive relationships and had always prided himself for his control. 

John had driven home alone, in his little MGB, too angry to trust himself with Lizzy. Fuck her he thought, with heat, she can get a ride from Mr. Hollywood if she wants to come home. Or she can walk for all I care. He drove much too fast, getting satisfaction from the strict control he maintained over the vehicle. Angrily he thought, she's probably giving Mr. Hollywood the ride, not the other was around

He got home about two a.m. and spent the rest of the night stewing and think hard thoughts..

As he expected. Lizzy had come back the next afternoon, hung over and contrite. She wanted to start again she said. She said it was all her fault. But John knew the relationship with Lizzy was over. It had been a lot more fragile than he had known. At least we aren't married. John had thought. And no kids will suffer from the breakup..

John had been cruel, but he knew he had to be. If he didn't make her mad she'd end up sobbing and he'd end up comforting her. Then they'd probably end up back in bed which was where John knew he was vulnerable. They'd end up putting a band aid on the relationship and nothing would have been accomplished.

"Why do you want to come back? Did your actor friend renege on his promises after he gave you the fucking you deserved?" he asked meanly as he lounged in his bathrobe on his brown leather sofa. He'd done a lot of thinking since he got home from the party, and had gotten little sleep.

"You should be glad to move on, sugar, he told her, I'm a dumb cop who's holding you back. You want to fly? Go fly. Be my guest. But be careful honey, he cautioned, too much blow and smoke will age that pretty package right fast. And don't give yourself away too cheaply. I don't want to see you on a slab in the morgue dressed like a street walker.

She had flown into him then, all nails and teeth. "You bastard," she yelled, "you're comparing me to some drug crazed little hooker you arrest on Saturday night to watch turned loose on Monday morning. I'm bigger than that, John Rodgers. You know I am" She scratched his face before he was able to grab hold of both hands.

"I know you are Lizzy," he said, trying to talk some sense into the girl. " So why don't you act like it. Get it together and do something real with your life. Maybe you are right, I've been thinking," he continued as she struggled to free her hands. Maybe I have been holding you back, making it too easy for you. She kicked him in the shin, hard. She was crying now. "Ouch, God damn it! he swore. Why bother to struggle if dinner is already paid for? You have talent Lizzy. Go out and make something of it. But don't be cheap. And don't kill yourself in the process.. 

Lizzy stopped fighting him. She slumped down onto the carpet with her hands over her face, sobbing. He sat down beside her, started to reach out to pull her into his arms and paused. He dropped his arms. Instead he took his right hand and placed his fingertips under her chin. He pulled her face up so she was looking him in the eye. 

"Lizzy, he said sadly, "I didn't want us to end and I certainly didn't see this coming, But I think was should call it a day between us."

"Joust because of last night?" Lizzy asked, tears falling faster now. 

"No, baby. Well, yes and no. 

John, I'm so sorry about what I did she said in a rush. all contrition. But I just got so mad at you. You always said you'd help me with my ambitions and be proud if I made it big. And then, there was Stephen making all those promises, really looking at me for the first time, and you acted like a son of a bitch. I've always known you had a jealous streak but I never thought you'd interfere if someone who could do my career some good showed me professional interest."

"Sugar, the only interest that creep was showing you was sticking up between his legs. His type are a dime a dozen around here. You know that. This age twenty five shit has got you addled. Or maybe it was something in the punch. You used to be smarter than you acted last night. He just wanted to fuck you baby."

"Oh, Fuck you, John, Lizzy said ready to start the fight anew. She wiped at her tears angrily. He'll come through for me. He has four other singers. He made a promise."

"So he did fuck you last night, John said, stung. He'd known it but hadn't really wanted to hear it. Was it worth, baby? What did he promise you? Did you get it in writing? Or did he boot your sweet little ass out the door the minute he woke up with a limp cock? Is that why you came back here? You thought the grass was greener but it turned out to be covered with dog shit?

"Oh John, grow up, for Christ's sake," she snapped.  "Yes, I slept with him. What was I supposed to do?. You drove off like a goddamn maniac in that crappie little car of yours. How was I supposed to get home? Walk? Beg a ride and have everyone laugh at me?




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 06-11



John could just envision the scene. Lizzy, watching him drive away without her, stunned, and then turning on the tears and the charm.

"I was very upset and he was sweet and nice, and very understanding. He said he thought I'd had enough excitement for the moment and showed me where to freshen up. Then he put me to bed and said he'd come to see me after he got rid of his guests.

"Ill bet he did," John said sourly, not sure he wanted to hear the rest of the story." 

"I was sound asleep when he came back. He brought in more champagne and snow with him. He woke me up by tickling my foot with a rose. It was so sweet. Then he pulled covers and hopped into the bed. We were very tender with each other"

"Just the way you like it, right Lizzy?" John said, sarcastically, knowing she liked a little rough play in here love making.

"Oh shut up. He had a little problem, you see, " she blushed.

"Oh Christ, John said with some satisfaction, "so Mr. Hollywood couldn't get it up, is that what you're telling me? Is that how you want to spend the rest of your life Lizzy?

"He was very embarrassed. He said he'd had a little too much champagne. But he knew what would do the trick. He just needed a little encouragement." She blushed some more.

"What kind of encouragement?," John asked tightly, thinking he knew what was coming next, but hoping he was wrong." He looked at her. " What did he want you to do?"

"Don't look at me like that," she said. His eyes were burning holes into her. "Its no big deal, really. I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but it was okay." "What?" He wanted to shake her.

"There was this other girl at the party. I'd seen her around town before. He said he found it very exciting to watch two girls kiss.. and stuff. He brought her into the room. He wanted the two of us to get together while he watched. Then he'd decide which one of us he wanted to make love to."

"Oh God Lizzy," John was disgusted by what he was hearing, "you didn't go along with it did you?"

"Well, what choice did I have?" she accused him bitterly. You were gone. So was everyone else. 

"So this is all my fault?"

"Yes..., No...I don't know. But it worked out fine and it wasn't so bad. It was really rather, er, interesting if you want to know the truth. She was pretty. And he began to get hard the minute we started playing with each other"

"So who did he chose?" John asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer.

"Me, of course," she smiled her pretty smile, her eyes bright." He'd never know that the other girl had passed out cold during the little play and had been carried out of the room by Hollywood's burly body guard, to be dumped without identification at the nearest hospital with an overdose of cocaine. 

"He didn't last long though, thank God, she giggled. I was worn out by the time he was ready to make love"

"Fuck, you mean."

"Whatever. He passed out afterwards and slept like a baby for eight hours even after all that cocaine. I couldn't really sleep so I got up early and took a swim. I made him a nice breakfast, too."

"Didn't work though, did it," John asked.

"What do you mean?"

"The breakfast routine. He didn't ask you to spend the day, did he. He just hustled you out of there like last night's trash, didn't he?"

"No, of course not. But he knew I had to get back here since you and I have a relationship. He got his driver to take me even 'though its Sunday and his day off." He said he knew I had some things to straighten out and that he'd give me a call in a couple of weeks."

"Oh." John said flatly. He'd never felt so betrayed. He was mad as hell and feeling dangerous. "Is that what he did. So this little act about your wanting to start over again. That's just for a 'couple of weeks' while you wait for him to come calling? What then, he asked?" His sapphire eyes were dark as midnight. He chided himself for ever giving a damn about this selfish little chit. "Well forget it, sweetie. You can't stay here. Maybe your new girlfriend will put you up," he said nastily.

"Don't be like this, John," Lizzy urged. "Don't you see? I have to stay here. I live here, for Christ's sake. All of my things are here. I get all of my calls here. I don't have enough bookings to get my own place. You know all about my finances." Lizzy was getting frightened. She knew John was as stubborn as a mule when his back was up. And boy was his back up. "Where will I go?" she pleaded with him. "Just let me stay on the couch or something until I can get myself together."

"Forget it" he repeated..

She tried another tactic. She lowered her voice seductively and looked up at him with her cat like eyes. Her lashes were long and sooty black. "John," she said, "it can't be over. Not just like that. I know you. You have very strong needs. We're great together." She reached out as if to touch the upper part of his thigh.

He jumped as if a poisonous insect had just tried to bite him and swatted her hand away. 

"Don't play the whore with me, Lizzy. I'm not interested. Not after what you just told me. Go upstairs and pack a bag. Make some phone calls. You have a half hour. I'll give you ride where ever you want to go as long as its within an hour of here. If its to a bus or train station, I'll buy you a one way ticket to wherever you want to go. If its to a hotel, I'll pay for a week's stay. But that it. The end. Its finished. And I want my house and car keys. Now. He was shaking with anger by the time he finished his speech.

Lizzy looked at him wordlessly. She pulled her keys out of her purse and threw them at him. "Take them you heartless son of a bitch," she sobbed as she ran out of the room and up the stairs to what had been their shared bed room. "Just what the hell you think I'm going to be able to arrange in half an hour, I don't know." 

"You should have thought of the consequences, Lizzy, before you started fucking around." 

"You're going to ruin my career, John. My career," she stormed.

"Yeah right. Your career must be between your legs," he retorted. "I didn't know that about you until just now."

It had been a terrible ending to what had seemed at the start to be a promising relationship, John thought sadly, coming out of his reverie as he finished up his beer.

A striking brunette was entering the House of Horrors. It looked like she would to be the last one into the exhibit that night. He briefly thought about running up to her and offering to show her around but decided not to. She'd probably think I'm a masher or something. I'd have to show her my ID. I wonder if she dates cops? 

Over the past few years John had learned that some women fell very hard for cops. Other women wouldn't give them the time of day unless they were at the other end of a 911 call. There was very little in between. Once a woman learned he was a cop things always changed. Most of his friends considered it a hazard of the job. John resented it.

A long, loud scream emanated from the House of Horrors. That sounded real, John thought. He jumped up, ready for action, his hand reaching automatically for the gun he wasn't wearing. Then he looked around sheepishly. No one else had paid a bit of attention to the scream. They must have really improved their sound effects over the year. Or else, I'm just spending too much time thinking about work. 

A couple of moments passed. The hawker outside the House of Horrors announced that the exhibit was closing. John made a last minute decision to go ahead though the House, just for fun.

He walked briskly through entrance. His eyes were just beginning to adjust to the darkness when he heard another scream. It sounded like a woman. It came from somewhere above him. God damn it, he thought, that was real. He rushed forward and quickly came to the stairs that led to the second floor of the exhibit. 

He took the stairs two by two, ignoring the out dated special effects which popped out here and there, intended to scare tourists. He reached the top of the stairs. What little light there was in the passage way was red and hazy. The entire tableau had a bizarre, dreamlike caste to it. His heart was pounding and blood was rushing in his ears. He heard commotion in a chamber just ahead. He paused, unsure how to proceed. He decided to proceed and rushed forward. He saw flashes of bright light as he entered the chamber. Momentarily blinded he squeezed his eyes shut...

Chapter XIII

Young Juan Rodriguez didn't know who he was or what he was doing for a second. He found himself in a courtyard angrily rubbing dirt out of his eyes. His nose was streaming with blood. He staggered for a moment, thinking he would pass out. Only little girls pass out over a punch in the nose, he told himself sternly, in English. English was, after all, first language, he thought rebelliously. He hadn't asked to be dragged to this god-forsaken island to live with his father who he knew and cared little about. 

Juan was eight years old. In height he had already surpassed most boys two years older than he. His Irish blue eyes contrasted starkly with his long black hair and made him stand out even more among the brown little peasant children he played with most of the time.

He realized what had happened. Christos, he thought unhappily, another bloody fight with that little fucker they say is my half brother. If only they would let me kick the shit out of him once as he deserves, that would be the end of it. But they are all so sorry for him. And they say that because he's so much smaller than I am, I must keep my temper. He's just as old as I am, though, and has had more training in self defense. Besides, he's a sneaky shit with no morals. That's the problem. He sneaks up and attacks me and then when I defends myself he goes running to papa. Spineless jerk. So I get beaten and mamma makes a fuss over him. 

This time Esteban had gone too far, though. He'd walked up of Juan with a smile, blinded him with a handful of dirt, punched him hard in the nose, and walked off laughing that creepy laugh of his.Juan wasn't going to take it this time. I might just kill him, I really might, he thought. But I have to find him first. He realized his nose was still bleeding. Dias, I think its broken, he thought sadly. He was proud of the great, classic strait nose he'd inherited from his father. He was glad for his Irish stature which served him well in fights, but thought most Irish noses he had seen were lumpy and unattractive. 

He had seen a lot of Irish noses in the first six years of his life. His mother had fled with him to Ireland when he was an infant and she had learned his father's mistress was heavily pregnant. They had lived peacefully in a sleepy village by the sea in a cottage with his mother's Irish grandparents. He had been happy.

But all that had changed two years ago when his father's mistress had died unexpectedly. Juan's father had come to Ireland in search of his wife and first born son. She was needed, he insisted, to help carry on the Rodriguez tradition. Rosa had agreed to return to her husband's homeland on condition that Juan be favored over his half brother Esteban. Esteban was four months younger than Juan, but had until now been raised as first born and heir. His father had agreed.

Juan had been disgusted when he arrived at his new home. Oh, it was beautiful. A tropical island plantation. But upon his arrival he was told he had to learn to speak Spanish immediately and make friends with his little brother. Juan had taken one look at the little creep and known that they were not of the same blood. 

They could not, possibly be related, he thought. The kid had curly blond hair and eyes that were almost black. He was small and wiry for his age. And he was as mean as they come. Juan had known that instinctively. As the two boys sized each other up during their first meeting, Juan could sense Esteban's hatred forming. 

Esteban had reason to be unhappy, sure. He was being supplanted as first son and heir. But Esteban was younger and a bastard, after all, Juan thought, righteously. Esteban had lost his mother and Juan would have sympathized if he thought Esteban had actually had an iota of human feelings insider that wiry little body. No, Esteban only missed his mother when it suited his purposes to do so. He would play the poor orphan when he wanted something and laugh about it to Juan later. Juan wouldn't tell. Juan had been warned not to tell stories about his poor little brother.

His poor little brother was a spoiled rotten little shit heel who was, he was convinced, spawned by a snake. Esteban's whore of a mother had pulled the wool over his father's eyes but Juan knew Esteban wasn't his brother. After he had met Esteban he'd done a little childish investigating. He'd been good at it. What he had learned was very interesting. Maybe it could never be confirmed. But what he knew and what he felt made Juan uneasy and want to run the little runt off the island.

Juan fingered his sore nose and pondered the situation. Where could Esteban have slithered off to?, he wondered. It was roasting hot outside. Juan squinted into the midday sun. Drops of sweat dripped off his brow and into his eyes making them burn and tear. He closed his eyes...



Dreams of Destiny Pt. 12



Chapter XXX

John awoke early and ate a large breakfast. The doctor came in to make a final check of his vital signs. John hit the pavement running when the doctor signed the release form. He knew where he had to go and what he had to do. 

First John went home. He played with Aristotle for a good, long time. Dumb dog didn’t know when to quit. Then he went into his office and tidied up a few things. 

John took a long, cold shower. He loved the feeling of getting the DC summer stickiness off of him. He washed his hair and let it dry naturally. He dressed in a light linen suit that fit the summer to a T.

Then he made his way to DC Superior Court.

He was on the fifth floor when Destiny and Juan got off the elevator. He watched them go into the Courtroom to talk to Elaine.

Stephen/the demon -- they were one by this time -- had furiously tracked Destiny to the Courthouse after she gotten away from him. He’d followed her through the snowy reaches, saw her create a vortex out of thin air. He’d tried to jump in with her but his timing was off and he was sorely whipped by the backlash of matter as the vortex closed. 

The Demon was now maddened with pain as well as lust for power, possession and sex. He was a mindless thing, following his obsession by instinct and cunning. He tore open a piece of space and traveled to the Courthouse. He didn’t care who saw him in this condition. He would finish it now. He was sure he was strong enough to take the bitch, whatever form she might take. As for the other -- John --he would die an unthinkable death. The two had been dogging him and barbing him and thwarting him for centuries. He was the one with the true power. He would prevail.

He jumped over the metal detector on the first floor. A Marshall started to pull his gun, took one look at the demon and fled down the hall in the opposite direction. 

“Where is she?” he roared. He looked left and right. It was a crowded day in the courthouse. There were lawyers and defendants and plaintiffs and jurors and judges in profusion. People were scattering everywhere. Anyone who looked upon the demon found him or herself praying that they would be allowed to disappear anywhere.

The demon pulled himself up short. He’d never find his prey if he scared everyone off. He took the escalator down two flights. He stepped into the men’s room next to the cafeteria. He looked in the mirror. . Almost nothing of Stephen Williams remained. He was a demon. His appearance shocked even himself. This is a dream, he told himself. Quiet it down. Tone it down. You are Stephen Williams, golden man. Women fall at your feet. You win cases just by smiling at the judges. Destiny is yours for the taking. You’ve just been playing with her -- giving her some rope. Now its time to pull her in. You have the power. And you can deal with the other one at the same time. 

He looked in the mirror again. Better. His human features were coming back into shape. The reddish caste to his skin was fading and the golden tan was taking over. His eyes changes from coal black to burnished brown. He smiled politely in the mirror and made a mock half bow.

He left the men room and walked over to the lawyer’s lounge. “Has anyone seen Destiny Lysander this afternoon?” the demon asked.

“”Yeah, I saw her a little while ago. Before the black out. She was in some strange get up. I asked her if she was appearing in court like that and she gave me the finger. What a bitch. I hope she got stuck in the elevator. That’s where she was heading.”

“Do you know what floor she went to?”

“Nah. Probably five. That’s where Judge Raven is. Destiny’s always got something before Raven.” 

“Thanks pal.”

The demon didn’t bother with the elevator. The escalators only ran to the fourth floor. He rode the escalator up to four, and then took the stairs to the fifth floor.

The fifth floor atrium is wide open. All that stands between the hallway and the six floor drop to the cafeteria level is an expanse of greenery and a railing which is about three and a half feet high. Ever since Destiny first came to practice in DC Superior Court she had wondered when someone would take a dive from the fifth floor railing down to the cafeteria level. She’d imagined the flight down any number of times when a case was going badly. She often thought of all the tragedies that were played out in the halls of DC Superior Court and was amazed that no one had ever taken the plunge.

She’d mentioned the fantasy to a couple of colleges, who’d rolled their eyes, and then avoided her for a while. Was she the only one who saw the danger? She remembered the courtyard below her dorm room in college where someone had painted JUMP SOON. From time to time Destiny’d been tempted to put up a sign on the fifth floor railing warning away persons with suicidal bents.

Destiny and Juan were walking away from Courtroom 517 towards the elevators when the demon burst out the stairwell. The demon made a grand leap towards Destiny but John had been waiting for this moment -- the moment he had seen in his dream -- intervened. He jumped on the demon and brought him down. “Run Destiny” he shouted. Destiny froze. John grabbed the demon by the neck and started to squeeze. The demon broke the hold easily, by standing up and tossing John over his head. That threw John, over the railing and down seven flights, to land outside the door of the lawyer’s lounge. 

Destiny screamed. All the hurt and anger he had caused her over the years came pouring into her and moved her hand. “You mother fucking bastard, she said.” She pulled out the pistol John had passed to her in his dream, aimed it and let fly round after round, straight into the demon’s chest. The demon backed up fell, and rolled over the railing to land head first on top of John. Destiny and Juan stood in the atrium, stunned. 

Destiny turned to Juan almost in hysterics. “This is a dream. I’m, going to wake up in my bed now, okay?” Tears were pouring down her face. She blinked. Nothing happened. “Damn it, I have to wake up now.” she cried. 

“Stop it Destiny,” Juan said. He took her by her shoulders and gave her a shake. “It’s not a dream. It’s over. At least this part is over. You have to pull yourself together. There are going to be all kinds of questions. Like where did you get that gun, and how did you smuggle it into the courthouse.” He looked around and was surprised to see that they were alone in the hallway. No one had been there to witness the scene. 

Then he experienced a strange sense of coming together, like a part of him which he hadn’t known existed had joined him. All of John Rodger’s feelings, and a lot of his memories somehow entered his being. And, just for a flash, he felt the excruciating pain and sorrow John had felt at his death.

Juan recovered more quickly than Destiny.

“I can’t pull myself together. I don’t know which one of me I am any more. And that’s John down there, God damn it. He’s dead. Don’t you understand? He’s dead, and I can’t dream it away! He died trying to save me. What’s all this been worth if I can’t dream that away, Juan? John’s not supposed to die. I should be down there with him.”

Destiny broke as if to leap over the railing, but Juan was way ahead of her. He grabbed her, pulled her down onto the floor and held her tight until her sobs started to quiet a little. “Hush, Cara mia, hush. It’s over. Come on now. We’ve got to go.”

They stood up and were making ready to leave. As if by magic, Elaine materialized from the Courtroom. “Come on you guys. I’m taking you out the back way. There won’t be any questions. None that you will have to answer anyway. At least not tonight. It’s been fixed that the story will be that officer John Rodgers spent his career hunting down serial killer Stephen Williams. It will come as a huge shock to the legal community that they nurtured such a viper. The press will report that Williams shot Rodgers with a special gun that can’t be detected by standard metal detectors. 

You’d better give me the gun, Destiny. I have to make sure it gets to the right place tonight.” 

Destiny complied.

Neither Destiny nor Juan could imagine how everything had been arranged in the short amount of time since the shooting. But they were too numb to ask questions.

Elaine kept up a steadying rain of chatter as they headed out through the bowels of the Courthouse. But she didn’t explain anything about her role in the afternoon’s events or reveal anything about others who may have helped finesse the situation. 

“Destiny, remember that request for a three week leave of absence you put in a couple of weeks ago?” Destiny hadn’t put in for any leave. “Well it’s been granted. And guess what? I just happen to have a couple of first class tickets to San Angeles Island, leaving on Sunday at ten a.m. from Reagan National Airport. That is, if you’re interested.”

“I guess,” Destiny said woodenly. She was filled with pain. “Will you feed Top Cat? He’s kind of picky and he’ll never forgive me if I disappear for three whole weeks..”

“Well, maybe he’d like to stay with me for a time?”

“You’d do that for me?” Destiny asked.

“Of course. I love cats. We’ll get along fine, as long as he doesn’t snore.”

“Juan., what do you think? Should I come to San Angeles Island? I’m kind of at loose ends, you know? everything’s happened so quickly. And, dear God, John’s dead. I only knew him for a couple of days but I felt like I knew him forever I wanted to know him forever.” She started to cry again. Juan held her tightly to his chest. It was strong and comforting.

“Destiny, John’s not dead. That was just a shadow figure on the floor of the courthouse. He’s here with me -- with us, I mean. Just like that Destiny of the island is with you. She didn’t depart in such a dramatic fashion, but she disappeared. You know she’s with you. Right?”

“You’re right. I hadn’t thought of that.” Destiny looked slightly cheered by the thought. 

“And the demon’s dead,” thank God.” I wish I’d been the one to kill him he said with violence in his voice,” knowing know about Destiny’s rape the night before. But I suppose the demon’s not truly dead. Esteban still prowls the island.”

“That’s why we have to go back,” he said referring to their earlier conversation. I need you. I can’t get rid of him without your help. 

They exited a little-used side door of the Courthouse and said good night to Elaine, thanking her for her trouble.

“I’ll be calling you tomorrow Destiny.” Elaine said. “I’ll have to get your itinerary and your list of stand-in attorneys. Also, well, someone’s going to have to go through John’s home. I guess Youth Division will handle the service and the funeral, but someone should look out for his things. He didn’t have any family other than Juan, you know?”

“How do you know all this?” Destiny asked.

“Oh, we clerks get around. We hear things. You could say we are the soul of the Courthouse.”

“So..., “ Juan said as they watched Elaine walk away into the late afternoon sun, I guess you’re stuck with me for the time being.”

“I am?”

“Well, Juan said, stating his obvious dilemma, “I can’t very well go to John’s place, where ever it is. I don’t have the keys and the cops are probably there going over it with a fine tooth comb. They’d be really tickled if I showed up saying I had a right to the place because, guess what, he’s me?” And he probably has an attack dog that would eat me the minute I stepped in the door. Surely you’re not going to send me to a hotel?”

“No, of course not,” Destiny said tiredly. 

“Don’t sound so thrilled.” Juan was not sure why, but he wanted to pick a fight.

“I’m not thrilled, I’m not anything. I’m just hot, and tired and sad and want to go home.”

“Well, lead on then.” Juan said.

“How do you want to get there,” Destiny asked. “We can walk. We can wait for one of two busses at various locations which don’t run very often. We can take the subway and walk from Union station. We can grab a cab. Your wish is my command, Colonel.”

Juan stretched out his arm and, presto! a cab stopped. “I’ll pay Cara,” Juan said with a smug look. “What’s the address?”

Destiny told the driver the address, and the two sank into their separate air conditioned circles, not quite ready to engage again, happy for the silence.

“Hey,” said the cabby. You guys come from the Courthouse? I hear two people were killed by falling off the fifth floor balcony inside the building. Did you see it happen? Folks are saying it was a double suicide or a murder suicide. No one knows what the hell happened. God, what a thing to have happen. New York maybe, but here? I think maybe it was some damn lawyers desperate to get paid. What do you think?”

“I don’t know anything about it,” Juan said coldly, willing the blabbermouth to shut up. Just when you need a silent cabby you get one with diarrhea of the mouth, he thought. Destiny said nothing. 

The cab seemed to hit every red light on the way to Destiny’s apartment. What should have taken five minutes seemed to stretch on forever. Then, finally, the cabby pulled up and stopped. “That’ll be $12.50, the cabby said to Juan.

“Destiny scowled, angry now. You not only have a big mouth, you’re dishonest. You know the fare’s eight bucks. I don’t like to be fucked with, you worm,” Destiny said with venom in her voice. “Give him eight bucks and get his name and license number. I’m gonna call this in in the morning.”

”Hey lady, give me a break, huh? I’m sorry. I misread the chart. Accidents happen, right? Right mister?”

“Yeah,” Juan tried to soothe her. “Drop it, Destiny. It’s only a few bucks. You’re not really angry at him, anyway.”

Destiny whirled. “Don’t tell me who I’m angry at Juan Rodriguez. Go ahead. Settle up with your buddy. I’ll be inside. Why don’t you give him an extra hundred, just for being stupid.”

Destiny slammed into the house. Juan paid the driver, tipping him a buck and a half.

“Thanks buddy,” the driver said. You’re all right. What’s the matter with the missus, PMS?”

“No, a friend of hers went over the railing this afternoon. And she’s a damn lawyer always worrying about getting paid.” He gave the cabby a hard look. The cabby shivered as he drove away. People, go figure!

Juan walk up the path to Destiny’s flat in the light of early evening regretting his earlier irritation with Destiny. He approved of the riotous flowers that grew in the small front yard. Destiny’s a summer girl, he thought. There was a big apple tree smack in the middle of the yard, which gave shade to the small porch. The downstairs neighbors had put out plastic garden chairs, but they were empty as Juan walked up the steps and rang Destiny’s door bell.

“It’s open,” Destiny called from upstairs. “I left the grate key by the door. Could you lock up when you come in?”

“Sure.” Juan locked the security grate, closed and bolted the inner door and flicked on the stairwell light. He thoughtfully picked up Destiny’s mail and carried it with him on the way up.

He opened the inner door and was surprised by the size of the apartment. Most inner city flats were small and squalled. This was large and roomy, with high ceilings, a sun light, two bedrooms, an alcove and a stupendous kitchen. “How on earth did you find this treasure of an apartment?” Juan asked.

“It hardly anything compared to what you’re used to on the island,” Destiny said, unexpectedly pleased that he approved of her home. She stopped feeling so cross.

“Yeah, but for the city its great. Its light, its airy, its colorful. It suits you.”

Juan looked around the apartment again. He noticed that Destiny’s furniture was mostly interesting, refinished second hand work, rather than the knock out pre-fabricated stuff people on budgets usually opted for. Destiny had put a lot of herself into furnishing the place, Juan thought. He had a flash back of a dream of furniture hunting with Destiny at an antique shop near Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He noticed a cedar trunk in the dining area. 

“Destiny,” Juan said excitedly,” I was with you when you bought that trunk. Do you remember?”

“Oh my God, yes, I do remember. We, I mean John and I, lived together when he first came up from West Palm Beach. No, that’s not right, we couldn’t have, could we? We just met two days ago. This is impossibly confusing. I’ll never sort it out.,” Destiny complained.

“I don’t think we’re meant to sort it all out. But my memory is the same. I, as John, lived with you here for a while. I’m just not sure when. Was it after the amusement park killing? That’s when our lives first became intertwined.”

“Yes, I think you’re right. The amusement park wasn’t just a dream. I broke up with Nathan after that trip. When I got home from Florida I’d look at Nathan and wish he was John. I started dreaming about John all the time. So I told Nathan that ‘I loved him but wasn’t in love with him’, and that I wanted to look for the magic of being in love. And that was that. Actually, Nathan had a hard time letting go. But it worked out well for him in the long run. He found a good job, made it rich, and ultimately married a woman who suited him a lot better than I did.

“And John showed up on my doorstep one morning. I’m not sure how that happened. I think I woke up one day and he was there on the porch. He just slipped in on a dream. Maybe that’s why my memory of my time with him is so fuzzy.” Destiny shook her head in puzzlement.

“I wonder if two alternate realities can run on the same line for a time?” said Juan. That would explain the trunk.” 

“I don’t know. Anyway..., are you thirsty,? Destiny asked. She gestured at a chair for Juan to sit in.. Juan sat.

“Sure, what do you have?”

“Water, diet cola, ice tea, Lite beer, A chilled Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, or if you feel like getting toasty tonight, I’ve got the makings for Margaritas.” 

“I’ll make us some margaritas,” said Juan, standing up and heading into the kitchen. He stopped a few inches from Destiny. After all, I’m the one with the Spanish accent. You, my dove, are charged with finding us some food.” He ran his index finger down the side of her face. 

“You can cook, if my memory serves me” he said suggestively. He felt like some unknown force was driving him. He wanted Destiny, badly, and immediately.

Destiny was feeling the heat too, but was trying hard to ignore it. “This must be your Latino side rearing its head,” said, She stepped back, towards the refrigerator, trying to make some room. Her heart rate began to quicken. Blood coursed through her and she became wet between her legs. Her palms dampened. Sweat began to bead up in the tendrils of hair on her forehead. Damn it, why can’t I get some control over this lust?. Its not the right time or place to make love.

Juan sensed Destiny’s arousal. Without a word he enfolded Destiny in his arms. She couldn’t fight the fever inside her. She grabbed at his back and his buttocks. They kissed deeply, feverishly. 

Destiny was first to break the embrace. “My bedroom. Not here.“ 

Juan nodded his assent. They walked together into Destiny’s bedroom.

Juan gave a big grin. Then he picked Destiny up in his arms and tossed her onto the bed. “Mine” he said with a growl followed by laughter.

Then “MEEEOOO” Top Cat skittered out from under Destiny, hissed at Juan, and left the room with is nose out of joint and his tail in the air.

“What was that?” Juan laughed.

“My guard cat. I think you just made an enemy.”

“I’ll deal with that pussy later,” come here. Juan grabbed at Destiny.

Destiny was laughing full out now. “Oh my lord, be careful,” Destiny laughed as Juan pulled at their clothing. “You don’t have any other clothes here, so if you rip them you’ll have to look war torn tomorrow.

“It’ll be a badge of honor, won at your bed side. I’ll be able to tell my tale of valor for years to come.”




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 12



“Oh no you don’t.” Said Destiny. She was pulling her own clothes off now.

“Then help me woman. I’m in a sorry state. Ah free at last.” he growled as he stepped out of his trousers. He and Destiny tumbled together in Destiny’s fine four poster bed. They took their time and got to know each other’s bodies again. It was a home coming and a new adventure. The sailed with each other, reached the crest, and lazed home together in bliss.

It was fully dark by the time they settled down into a peaceful afterglow. “Juan?”

“Humm?”

“What’s next for us do you think?”

“Hush, Destiny. Let’s take this moment and treasure it. I don’t want to destroy it by adding a jumble of possible tomorrows. Let’s let tomorrow take care of itself for once.

They were silent again for a while. 

“Juan?”

“Humm?”

“I’m starving. Are you hungry?”

“Si.”

“I hate to say this, but the only thing I have in the house to eat is a frozen pizza. I don’t do a lot of cooking, being single and all. Sometimes the cat eats better than I do..”

Juan put on his shorts and his pants, leasing his chest bare. Destiny donned her white silk robe.

“So I guess I’m lucky there’s frozen pizza. Is it a good brand? If not, we might have to cook Top Cat.”

Yuck, roast cat paws? No thanks. The pizza is good. Unless you want to call for Chinese food, or a carry out pizza or something.”

“No. Let’s do the frozen thing. I’ll make the promised margaritas. We can watch the news and get a little lit while we wait for the pizza to cook. Where’s your ingredients?”

Destiny showed Juan around the kitchen and set out the drink makings. Juan had a smooth hand and doctored up a blender full of frozen margaritas.

Destiny switched on the TV. A news reporter was excitedly describing the scene at DC Superior Court. Destiny and Juan ignored the screen. Destiny looked at the frothy contents of the blender. “Are we going to drink all that?” Destiny asked, with a sober look.

“I think we’ve earned it today, don’t you, Juan asked?”

“Well, if ever a day called for a drink, this was it. As I recall, I was reaching for a rum and coke when I woke up to find you unconscious in my hotel room.

“Dios, so much has happened since then, I’d forgotten all about my bump on the head. Well, I guess shock’s a cure for a concussion.” Juan lifted his glass and tapped it against Destiny’s. “To better days,” he said, and took a long pull of his drink. Then another. He sat down in the middle of the living room floor. “Let’s forget about the news.” 

Destiny sat down beside him.

Destiny matched Juan drink for drink. “Not everything about today was bad,” Destiny admitted. “Score four for the good guys. We got the demon and Stephen, BLAM!! Destiny crowed.” The shock of shooting a man hadn’t sunk in yet. From experience, Juan knew that Destiny might suffer a delayed reaction that could be debilitating.

Juan poured another set of drinks. 

“We lost two dear friends,” Juan said contemplatively, “but they remain with us, and we have found each other.” 

“To dear friends,” Destiny slurred, and slurped some more of her drink,. The tequila was hitting her like a bomb. “Oh no. The pizzas burning.” She tried to get up and head for the kitchen, but tripped and fell, giggling, sprawled across Juan’s lap.

Juan picked her up and set her aside gently. Then he carefully walked to the oven and pulled out the pizza. His capacity for liquor must have been much greater than Destiny’s. He managed to get the pizza out without burning himself. The pizza was not burned, rather, it was done to perfection. Juan was starved by this time. He cut the pizza into eight slices and served himself four. Another he put on a plate which he passed under Destiny’s nose.

Destiny perked up.

“Dinner’s here, princess?

“Looks good. Did I burn it?” She took a bite. “Ouch, it’s hot!” she complained. “Better let it sit.” Destiny closed her eyes and fell sound asleep.

Juan thought Destiny looked adorable all fuzzily tipsy, wearing nothing but a short, filmy white wrap, her legs stretched out in front of her. Her hair had come loose and was all a tangle around her neck and back. Starlight filtered in from the back door. They hadn’t bothered to turn the lights on in the kitchen. Her hair shone like black onyx in the light. It’s the small moments in time that make it all worthwhile, Juan thought. Not the great ambitions, or the wonderful futures or the save the world objectives. Yes, one must walk the path of light. But the small moments are what makes the path walkable. 

Juan smiled at Destiny, and kissed her nose. Then he set about eating his pizza. He washed it down with another Margarita. I’m not going to feel very well in the morning if I’m not careful he realized. 

Juan bundled Destiny up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He wandered about the apartment shutting off lights, and feeling very much at home. In the bathroom he finger-brushed his teeth, found some aspirin, quaffed three along with about 16 ounces of water. The best defense against a hangover is a good offense he had learned over the years. He brought a glass of water and some aspirin and placed them on the dresser beside Destiny. Then he stripped off his pants and sank gratefully into bed.

Maybe they had earned a respite from troublesome dreams. Both Juan and Destiny slept the night through without a single memorable dream crossing their tired brows. They both awoke alert and refreshed despite last evening’s libations.

It was Top Cat’s mournful meowrour that awoke Destiny at about 7:00 a.m. “Unstroked and unfed. Gosh what a terrible provider I am,” Destiny chided herself, only half seriously. “I’m sorry Top Cat. You should have been let in on the fun last night. At the very least a piece of pizza and half a glass of tequila would have been fair. Right?” “Mright.” 

“Okay, here you go. You get real tuna for breakfast because I feel guilty.” 

“Mrowrow.”

“Dios, you two do understand each other,” Juan laughed, as he came out of the bedroom, stretching and scratching his beard.

“Of course we do. I’ve lived with him longer than with any other male companion. He’s a lot easier to live with than your standard, run of the mill bachelor. He doesn’t leave the toilet seat up. He doesn’t snore. He doesn’t watch football, or leave beer glass rings on my coffee table. He doesn’t try to run my life....” Destiny’s voice trailed off. Maybe her joshing had come a little close to home. She glanced worriedly at Juan. He seemed to take no notice of the deeper implications of what she had just said. He was laughing.

“NO, he eats with his face in a bowl and leaves a mess for you to clean up. He poops in a box on the floor, for you to clean up. He doesn’t work but expects three square meals and a roof over his head. He hogs the bed without giving any bedroom pleasure.... Need I say more?”

“No. no. You’ve got me. I’ll take a good healthy male human after all. Know of any who might be available?” She smiled. Then she said “but I’ve always thought you were part cat anyway -- part panther, or jaguar. You’re so sleek, with those dangerous muscles. She eyed him bawdily. He was only wearing his shorts. He leered back at her. They laughed and looked towards the tumbled bed. He was closer. He reached out his arms and took Destiny by the shoulders. They walked back into the bedroom where they remained for the better part of an hour.

They were sliding into sated somnolence when the phone chirped. It was Dr. Phaeton. 

“Hello, doctor. Yes, I know I missed your appointment the other day. Something rather urgent came up. I didn’t have a chance to cancel. In fact, it had to do with the dreams, and another patient of yours. Well, former patient, I should say. Today? I guess. Could I bring a friend? Yes, I think it’s important that you meet him. All right. Two o’clock. Thank you.”

“Well,” Destiny said flatly. That was a timely call. How much did John trust him, Juan?”

“Pretty well. You know. John made a tape or two. I don’t suppose we could get them before the appointment?”

“No. I don’t think we should go to John’s house yet. I’ve got some tapes to bring to the doctor. And I think before we do anything else, we should sit down and describe what happened yesterday on tape. We should each make a tape. That way we’d see things from both perspectives. You can talk about things on the island that I don’t know about. I can describe my escape from the demon and my flight back to DC. You can go first. I’m in desperate need of a shower and clean clothes. I’ll go get you the recorder.”

Destiny settled John down to make his tape with a piece of toast, and orange and a glass of Diet Pepsi. “Food of the Gods,” Destiny quipped as she made for the bathroom.

She sighed in satisfaction as cool water coursed through her hair and over her body. She stayed in the flow for a good ten minutes before reluctantly turning the faucet off and strolling naked and dripping into her bedroom. She opted for casual clothing, knowing that her Court calendar was clear for the day. 

“Summertime, and the living is easy,” she sang as she dressed, segueing from the Porgy and Bess version to Janice Joplin’s blues version. It was times like this that Destiny wished she’d stuck with her guitar lessons over the years. It sure would be good to be able to just sit down and play. Maybe I’ll take it up again, Destiny thought suddenly. There’s nothing stopping me.  “Do you play any instruments? Destiny asked Juan.

“What?”

Musical instruments? Do you play any?”

“Yeah, I used to play a little piano. I never got very good. I never had the time to apply myself. The instrument fascinates me. It can do so much. Do you like Jerry Lee Lewis?”

“Oh yes!” Destiny said with a laugh. I’m thinking about taking up guitar again. I never applied myself either. I was always more intent on singing and there was always someone around to pluck the guitar for me. My problem is, half the time I’m too lazy and too impatient to get the results I want so I never get very far out of the starting gate.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Juan said, uncomfortably. You’ve accomplished a lot.”

“Have I?”

“Yes. But I’m too hungry to elaborate. That pitiful breakfast you provided only whetted my very large appetite. Knowing you, all that’s left in the house to eat is a dried up lump of cheese. So I’m taking you out to breakfast. You fell asleep with your nose in the pizza last night. You never ate a bite.”

“You’re right. I’m famished. I know the perfect place for breakfast. But I have to make my tape first.” Destiny made a terse report of yesterday’s events into the tape recorder. 

Just as Destiny was locking the security grate her phone rang. Destiny bolted back up the stairs to catch the call. Juan followed her up the stairs at a slower pace.

“Is this Destiny Lysander?” a sad sounding voice was on the other end of the line.

“Yes.”

“This is Maria Diaz, John Rodger’s partner. You knew John, didn’t you” Did you hear about his death at the Courthouse yesterday?”

“Yes, I’m sorry. It was a terrible thing.” Destiny was guarded. She didn’t know what to reveal about her relationship with John. “Had you been his partner for long?”

“Yes. Look, I know John didn’t know you very well, but he left two letters. One for you and one for a Juan Rodriguez. The one for Rodriguez has no address. Do you know who he is or how I might locate him?”

“Yes. He’s John’s cousin. By happenstance, he’s staying with me for the time being.”

“Oh. That’s a coincidence.”

“Well, you know how things just seem to happen. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason and then they just sort themselves out. What do you want to do about the letters?”

“Would you have any way of picking them up at John’s house.”

I don’t have a car right now. And I have a bunch of errands to do today. Can it wait a day or two?”

“It could, but there’s this other problem.”

“Yes.” What now? Destiny thought.

“Aristotle.”

“Aristotle?”

“John’s dog. He’s beautiful. A real sweetheart. Well trained. Intelligent. John wanted Juan to have him.”

“Oh, Christ. How big is this dog?”

“Err,.. big.

“God, its not an attack dog is it? Some crazed Rottweiler or Doberman?”

“No. He’s sweet as he can be. Still kind of a puppy.”

“What breed of puppy?”

“Sheep dog.”

“Sheep dog. Great. Well, my cat’s going to be tickled pink about this. And if my land lord ever hears about it...”

“You’ll take him? Just like that? God, you’re wonderful.”

“Funny thing,” Destiny said, half to herself, “I’ve always dreamed about owning a sheep dog. What the hell? And it’s for John.” Destiny said with resignation. “When you’re on a roll, you’re on a roll. But Maria, could you hang on to him for just a little bit longer. I’ll have to set my house up for him. Get Juan used to the idea. Tranquilize my cat. And you’ll have to deliver him. Is that fair?”

“Sure. .

“Okay. Oh by the way, do you know when the funeral is going to be? 

The Department’s making the arrangements. Its going to be on Saturday. I’m not sure where. You could call the station, they might have more information. Maria sounded forlorn.

“How are you holding up” Destiny asked with sudden empathy.

Maria paused. “Its spooky being in his house. Its almost as if he knew what was going to happen”

What do you mean?’ Destiny asked.

“Well, he left those letters for the two of you. I didn’t even know John had a cousin until just now.” She sounded sad and hurt.

“You really cared about him, didn’t you?” Destiny asked.

“Yes. The depth of her sorrow was immense.

“Did he know how you felt.”

“Of course not. But he was the best partner a person could want. And the best human being I ever met”

“I know what you mean,” Destiny said, feeling a gigantic sense of loss. She had a strong urge to confide in Maria about the strange transformation Juan had undergone, but she knew it would be a mistake. Maria needed to grieve for John, not look for him in another person.

“You know what else was weird?” Maria didn’t wait for and answer. “He left enough food and water out for Aristotle to last several days. and he left the back door propped open so Aristotle could get in and out of the house. He knew he was going away,” Maria concluded. 

“And Aristotle was so depressed when I first arrived. It was like he knew John was never coming back. Aristotle knows me pretty well. He didn’t bound up on me like usual. He just came over to me, lay down on my feet and wined. God I wish that I could keep him.” Maria and Destiny were both crying by the time Maria finished her narrative.

“You know, I barely knew him,” Destiny said through her tears. But I know he was a man of great integrity. Just wait until you meet Juan,” she said, wanting to cheer Maria up. You’ll be astonished. It’ll be almost like having John back.”

“I don’t think I’d like that.” Maria said sadly. I just want John back.”

“Keep an open mind,” Destiny said. Juan’s kind of a cop too. He’s the head of island security on San Angeles in the Caribbean.”

“Does he resemble John?”

“You’ll be stunned, “ Destiny replied. “They could be brothers.”

“That’ll be hard to take,” Maria sniffed.

“No it won’t. It’ll be like getting seeing John again. Goddamn that bastard to hell that John killed,” Destiny said. She’d almost forgotten that she was the one who pulled the trigger.

“Did you know anything about that?” Maria asked. “The cops are now saying that John had been tracking him for years. They say that he was a serial killer that John came across in the course of his work as a homicide detective in West Palm Beach. When I heard that I tried to get information out of John’s former boss in West Palm beach but he was as tight lipped as an oyster.” Maria sounded really aggrieved. 

Destiny denied knowledge of John’s quest. She wished she could confide in the woman, but the whole story was so bizarre that she didn’t dare reveal what she knew.

“Did John keep any records on his computer?” Destiny asked.

“Not that I can access. My knowledge of computers is pretty limited. John had an elaborate system with a lot of security. I don’t know what his agenda was. Do you suppose Juan knows?”

“Maybe, but I don’t think they talked that often. Listen,” Destiny said, I have an idea which I should run by Juan first. But what are you doing tomorrow afternoon?.”

“Not much. I usually sleep after my shift, unless I’m stuck in Court.” Then I get up and putter around. Tomorrow I was planning to spend some more time with Aristotle.”

“How about if you swing by my place when you’re done with work and pick up Juan? You and he can go over to John’s house. That way Juan and Aristotle can get acquainted. He can get started going through John’s stuff too. I guess he’s next of kin, huh?’

“Seems like it.”

“Did you find a will or anything? That would make things easier.”

“No, no will as far as I can tell”

“Are you sure you don’t want to be the one to go through his things. I think you must have been closer to him than anyone. He must have cared for you.”

“In a comradely sort of way,” Maria acknowledged. He was in a relationship back in Florida that ended badly. I think he had a hard time getting over it. He was really decent despite his good looks. He was kind of shy. did you know that.”

“Yeah, I picked up on it. I teased him about being Mr. Youth Division and he got kind of upset.”

“He hated that title. It really embarrassed him. He hated the idea of women sizing him up and ogling him.” Is Juan like that too?”

Destiny thought for a minute. She looked over at Juan who was sitting in the kitchen playing with Top Cat. “No,” she said thoughtfully. He’s more sure of himself. He’s’ kind of arrogant in a military kind of way.”

Juan overheard Destiny and stuck his tongue at her. Destiny smiled, and walked out onto the deck carrying the portable phone..

“He thinks he’s more dignified than he is,” Destiny said to bate Juan. He smiled.

“I’m starting to look forward to meeting him. You too,” said Maria.

“I’ll try to get free of court early so I can come along tomorrow. That is, if Juan’s game. Let me talk to him and call you back. What’s your number?”

After she hung up the phone Destiny called out to Juan. “Hey, Juan, where are you?”

“In the kitchen,” he replied.

Destiny walked out of sunshine and into the kitchen. “That was Maria, John’s former partner.” 

“So I gathered,” he said.

“John apparently knew ahead of time what was going to happen.”

“Oh God. Really?” How do you know?”

Destiny filled Juan in on what she and Maria had discussed.

“I feel terrible about it all. I can’t believe I actually shot a man” Destiny concluded.

“I know. It’s going to hit you soon. I just hope it doesn’t floor you. Just remember, you had no choice. Did you get a look at Stephen right before he went over the railing. He was a demon. There wasn’t anything human left in him.”

“I know,” Destiny sighed. 

“Anyway, John left you something really special.” She hesitated to tell him.

“What is it?”

“It’s not an it, it’s a him. John had a dog.”

“Oh boy,” Juan said. He didn’t sound terribly pleased “What kind of a dog?”

“A sheep dog. Maria said he’s still pretty much a puppy. He left specific instructions that you were to take him.

“Is he one of those giant shaggy things that look like panda bears?”

“That’s a pretty good description, I’d say. What do you think? do you want a dog?”

“Juan hesitated for a moment, thinking about what it would be like to have a dog. Suddenly he felt the boundless joy Aristotle had brought into John’s life. I can’t say no” he concluded. It may not be easy at first, but I can handle it. My cats’ll through a fit. What’s his name?”

“Aristotle.”

“Well, it must be a smart dog to have a name like that.”




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 12



“Its funny,” Destiny said, “when I was a little girl I fell in love with a neighbor’s sheep dog. I wanted one desperately.”

"Well, congratulations. I hereby pass Aristotle over to you.”

“Oh no you don’t. I can’t have a dog in this apartment. We’re going to have to find a way to get Aristotle over to San Angeles Island.”

“Maybe the three of us could nap together,” Juan said wryly, and we’ll end up there. Free air fare.”

“I have a feeling it won’t work that way.”

“Probably not. So, when does our new addition to the family arrive.”

“Maria’s been taking care of him at John’s house. We thought maybe you could go over there tomorrow to meet him. Also, you’re John’s next of kin. You’ll have to go through his belongings. If you’re willing, Maria will pick you up after her shift tomorrow.”

“What about you?” Juan asked.

“I have a trial tomorrow. I’m not sure if I’ll be free in time to go with you. Will you go?”

“Sure.”

“Okay, I’ll call Maria and tell her its okay.” Destiny made the call. Maria said she’d pick Juan up around 2:00 p.m. unless she got stuck in Court.

“Do you want me to bring Aristotle back here tomorrow afternoon,” Juan asked after Destiny got off the phone.

“I guess that would make sense” “Anyway, I’m starved, are you ready to go for some breakfast?” Destiny asked.

“Just lead the way. Where are we going?”

“Eastern Market. It’s only about a half mile away. We can walk.

They continued their discussion as they walked towards the market.

“Destiny, about Aristotle....”

“Oh no,” Destiny said, jumping to the conclusion that Juan was going to try to get out of taking Aristotle.” I can’t keep Aristotle in my apartment for more than a couple of days. He’s going to fill up the place. He might trash it. He’d have nowhere to run around like he’s used to doing. I’m in Court every day and then I work at home. He’d drive me crazy while I try to work. Also, I don’t have a regular schedule. I wouldn’t be able to make sure he got enough exercise. I have a million and one reasons not to keep a sheep dog here.

“I wasn’t going to try to weasel out of taking him,” Juan said hurt. I was just thinking about how we were going to get him to San Angeles Island. You are going with me,” he asked, “aren’t you? I’d like us to try to work things out there if you’re willing,” he added shyly.

“Of course I’m going. At least to deal with Esteban and help get Aristotle settled. I have those three weeks off that Elaine mentioned, remember. But what would I do with myself if I lived in San Angeles? I’m use to being busy. I’m a lawyer, for Christ’s sake. I need adrenaline. Does San Angeles have a Bar Association? It’s mostly Spanish speaking. I don’t even know the language, much less the law”

“You’re just throwing out reasons why it wouldn’t work,” Juan said with heat in his voice. ‘Think of some things that would make it work. Do you want to be a defense lawyer for the rest of your life? It doesn’t seem to make you particularly happy. You’ve got other talents. Why not put them to use? And then there’s us.”

“Us?”

“Yes, us,” as in you and me.” 

“What do you see as us? Destiny asked curiously.

“Well, we’ve been bouncing around in dreams and fantasies for an awful long time now without ever settling in to see if we could live together.”

“Except for that time with John and I, after the Amusement Park murders.”

“Yes. And that worked out well as far as I remember. At least I think it did. I don’t remember why or how it ended though,” said Juan.

“Me either. It was like a sweet dream. I don’t remember how it started or how it ended, but I know it was special.”

“You see. We can live together.”

“But I assume both of us were working then.”

“So. I won’t stop you from working. I’m sure you can find something fun and interesting.”

“But enough to support myself and Top Cat?”

“We’ll you wouldn’t need as much on the island. And if you were living with me there would be no rent. That is, if you want to with me.”

“You mean you don’t have a mortgage? Because I’d want to pay my share.” 

“No, actually, I don’t have a mortgage. My house is paid for.”

“Wow. That’s unusual.”

“Well, I’m from the island’s leading family. We own a lot of property.”

“Lucky you!” Destiny was feeling kind of diminished. “I’ve never even come close to putting a down payment on a house. I’ve got bills up the keister. I’m usually scrounging for rent or for medical insurance, or whatever else happens to come up whenever I think I’m finally going to break even. It must be a nice feeling not to be in debt.

“I never really thought about it. So, you see, moving to San Angeles would be of great benefit to you.”

“I can’t live off of you!”

They arrived at Tunnicliffs, which was a popular pub with average bar food fare. It was a little early for the lunch rush so they didn’t have to wait for seating. They continued their discussion as the waiter ushered them to a table in the rear of the restaurant.

“I promise, we can be partners and I’ll work you to death.”

“So I can become a senior security officer, and start busting spies and stuff,” Destiny said sarcastically.

Uh, no. I think we have all of those we need.”

“So what’ll I do?” Destiny asked with growing frustration.

“I don’ know. You’ll think of something.” Juan frowned. “But we don’t have to decide today. Today we just decide what we want for breakfast. Or I guess it’s more like lunch by now, isn’t it?” He looked at his watch - quarter of twelve.

Destiny and Juan had a leisurely lunch. They shared some mediocre food, a bit of wine and a lot of laughter. From there they headed out to Dr. Phaeton’s Dupont Circle office. The metro ride was uneventful and they arrived at the doctor’s townhouse at quarter of two. 

“You know,” Destiny said, “this is the longest time we’ve spent together without some kind of dream shift.”

“Don’t mention it,” Juan said, half jokingly. “You might jinx us”

The doctor’s office was on the third floor of his townhouse. Destiny assumed that he lived in the first two floors. Access to the third floor was by way of a rickety old elevator. Destiny shuddered every time she got into the elevator expecting to get stuck or dashed to her death when the cable broke, but it always chugged its way up steadfastly, delivering her safely to the reception area. 

“Not the standard setting for a psychiatrist’s office,” Juan observed as he stepped into the elevator.”

“Like you’ve seen a lot of them,” Destiny teased.

“No. But you have to admit it’s a bit -- outre. Will the elevator carry both of us? Maybe I should wait down here.”Juan’s persona had never been to a psychiatrist. He looked at psychiatry as voodoo for the mentally weak. He wasn’t sure he wanted anyone getting inside his head.

“Oh no you don’t” said Destiny. We’re in this together.”

“All right, I’ll come with you. But I don’t promise I’ll like it.”

“Chicken.” Destiny teased as she pressed the button for “3.” The elevator started its slow ascent.

“I’m not chicken. I know John liked him, but John didn’t have access to my mind and memories.”

“Aren’t you interested in Phaeton’s take on what’s been happening to us?”

“Yes, If he’ll give it to us. But don’t shrinks usually just sit there and watch while you dig around in your psyche?”

“That’s a morbid way of thinking about it but I guess it’s accurate. No. Actually they kind of direct the dredging project.”

“I’m not sure I want my psyche dredged.”

“We’re talking about dreams, Juan, not childhood angst,” Destiny pointed out.

“Ultimately, don’t they all boil down to the same thing?” Juan asked.

“No. Well maybe. I don’t know.”

The elevator door opened. Destiny and Juan stepped out into the small reception area. The walls of the room were a very pale shade of blue. There were prints by Manet on the walls behind the reception desk. To the right of the desk was a large bay window the looked over P Street towards Georgetown. 

There were a couple of over stuffed Blue and green chairs by the window with a small table between them. The table was littered with old magazines. Although the townhouse was air-conditioned the reception area was warm. Juan took off his jacket. He was sweating. “Dios,” he complained, “I’m used to warm and sticky weather but this is ridiculous. I’d kill for an ocean breeze right about now.”

Destiny announced their arrival to the receptionist who nodded with a pretty smile. She buzzed the doctor. Your 2:00 o’clock appointment is here.”

She smiled again. “Just have a seat. The doctor will be with you in a moment.” The receptionist went back to her computer.

Juan and Destiny sat. The suite was really an attic. Its ceilings sloped on the far sides of the room. It was dusty, Juan noticed. He watched an evil looking black spider spin its web on the far side of the room.

Destiny fanned herself with a magazine. “Sure is hot.” She got up and walked over to the water cooler next to the reception desk. The water bottle gurgled as she poured herself a tall cup of cold water. “Do you want some?” she asked Juan. 

“Yeah, sure.” 

Destiny poured another cup. As she walked back to her chair she noticed that the plants which were placed here and there in the office could have used a drink of water as well. She handed Juan his water and drank hers thirstily.

Destiny was having a hard time sitting still. All of the action over the past couple of days had left her skittish and jittery. She felt like a race horse at the gate.

Finally the door to Dr. Phaeton’s office opened. Dr. Phaeton stepped out.

“Destiny, what a pleasure to see you.” The doctor turned towards Juan. “And you must be Colonel Rodriguez from San Angeles Island. I’m so glad you could join us,” he said cordially. “Why don’t we step into my office?”

Juan took careful stock of Dr. Phaeton during the brief moment of their introduction. Dr. Phaeton’s vice was cultured. He had an open and easy manner about him that was easy to like.

The doctor was a tall man. His face was ageless -- that is, one would be hard pressed to put an age on Dr. Phaeton. He could have been anywhere between 40 to 70 years old depending upon how you looked at him and under what circumstances.

His hair was silver, and his eyes were a deep opaque gray, with just a hint of sapphire. The eyes were kind and very wise, but complicated. There were shadows among the gray if one looked closely. The eyes were those of a man who had known a lot of pain and lived many years. Looking into his eyes Juan suddenly felt as if he had known Dr. Phaeton for a very long time. 

The doctor smiled and nodded in acquiescence at Juan’s look. The smile was like sunlight in the midst of a tempest. The Doctor’s brow was bold and his heavy eye brows were black rather than silver. His nose was long and straight and his mouth was generous. He had a strong chin with a hint of a dimple. His ears were curious -- almost pointed at the top. They made him look like a wood elf. Phaeton was casually dressed in a light weight gray linen suit with a forest green cotton shirt.

As they entered the office they were hit with a wave of blessedly cool air. Apparently Dr. Phaeton cooled his office separately from the rest of the house.

As well he should, Destiny noted. Dr. Phaeton seemed to have a passion for rare books. His office was lined with beautiful dark wood book shelves. The shelves all had glass doors. Inside were volumes of rare books on a wide variety of topics. There was a matching wooden door which seemed to lead into a room filled with even more well stocked bookshelves. The books dated back centuries. The office had the rarefied scent of an ancient library.

There was a blue wool rug on the floor of the spacious office. The desk, which was in the center at the back of the room matched the bookshelves and was a work of art. A state of the art computer setup was parked on the desk, as well as a telephone, a desk calendar, a fax machine and a mug filled with pens and pencils. 

The room was dim and faintly dusty. Afternoon light filtered into the room through two windows which ran from ceiling to floor on the right side of the office. Dust particles danced in the sun. 

There was a semi circle of three well padded light blue chairs in front of the desk. A half-moon shaped glass coffee table accompanied the chairs. There was a large clear crystal ball on a black marble stand in the middle of the table.

To the right of the room’s entrance was a pale blue divan. 

“Come into my office,” Dr. Phaeton said, motioning towards the chairs. “We have much to talk about. He looked at Destiny searchingly. Destiny felt like a deer trapped in headlights. “A lot has since our last meeting, has it not?”

Dr. Phaeton sat in the center chair. Destiny sat down to his left. Juan pulled the remaining chair to the other side of the table so he could meet Dr. Phaeton head on. Juan had a knack for power games when it came to situations like this one. He wanted the doctor where he could look him in the eye.

As he looked around the room Juan got a strange sense of deja vu. “I know this place,” he said in wonder. I’ve been here time and time again. In fact, this room is one of my very first memories. How odd,” John said to the doctor.

“Well, “ the doctor said, peering intently at Juan, “you know my office. Do you know me?”

“You, Juan said, almost hypnotized by the doctor’s gaze. Yes, I’m not sure. You are familiar,” he said puzzled. I don’t know you by your looks. It’s as if your vibration or something is familiar.”

“That’s a good way to describe it,” Destiny chimed in. That’s what struck me when I first met you, but I just set the feeling aside as unimportant. After this week I’ll never belittle a deja vu feeling again.”

“You and Juan have traveled very far this week, true?” the doctor asked.

“Very true. But how did you know?”

“I read it in your faces and, well, there are other things. Disturbances have occurred in the planes.”

“What do you mean?” Juan asked. “That’s not exactly psychiatric terminology. What planes are you talking about? And who are you anyway? Do you have anything to do with what’s been happening to Destiny and me?” Juan was disturbed and was feeling like he was losing control, which made him angry and impatient.

“That’s a lot of questions. Some I can answer. I know you are impatient, but if you’d humor me, I’d like to be fully updated on what’s been happening from both of you perspectives.”

“I’ve described most of what’s been happening on tape,” Destiny said with some hesitation. She looked at Juan. He nodded. Juan made a tape too. John Rodgers made some tapes but they are at his home. You know he’s dead, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Dr. Phaeton said shortly.

“Anyway,” Destiny continued, “the past few days have been a whirlwind. It’s hard to know where to start. Maybe it would be best just to listen to the tapes first. Then we can fill in any details we might have missed.”

“Okay,” said the doctor. “It’s your dime.”

Destiny pulled the tape recorder out of her purse. She popped the tape in and pressed play. She cringed when her voice started. She always sounded so babyish on tape.

Destiny and Juan both watched Dr. Phaeton’s face for expressions while Destiny’s voice spun its story. Destiny had a knack for words, and the drama of the dreams came through strongly on tape. It took about a half hour for the tape to run. Next they played Juan’s version of what happened yesterday. There was a short silence after Destiny turned off the tape player.

“So, the doctor said quietly, there is only Esteban left, and you and Juan of course.”

“Yes, although to me it seems I am both Destinys, and Juan is also John.

“But that’s been true all along, hasn’t it?”

“Yes and no,” said Destiny. There was a time when there were actually two of me. There was me, and there was the me that stayed with Nathan for seventeen years and actually went to San Angeles Island two years ago. I thought I dreamed Juan up out of my fantasy but the other Destiny met the living, breathing Juan. But they are one and the same. How can that be?”

“And there are two of me, Juan said. John Rodgers, who by all accounts is me, is dead on a slab at DC General Hospital. But here I am, alive and well, and certainly not a figment of anyone’s imagination. I have John’s feelings and memories inside of me now. But I think I always did.”

“And I know Esteban is going to be waiting for us on San Angeles Island when we return, even though Stephen and the demon died yesterday. I’ll bet Esteban will be all that much stronger now that he has joined with his alter egos.” John lifted his hands and shrugged in frustration.

“None of this makes any sense,” said Juan. If we are to believe the evidence we’ve been given, humanity’s entire sense of order is an illusion. We are randomly fleeing from one dream to another without rhyme or reason, or any awakening. I can’t accept that. I cannot live my life knowing that whenever I sneeze wrong or yawn or go to sleep I may be bopped into a different reality.”

“How old are you,” Dr. Phaeton asked out of the blue.

“46,” Juan said, puzzled.

“Has it always seemed to you that you are being bounced around from dream to dream?”

“No. Of course not. At least I don’t think so at this moment. What I think in the next dream may be totally different I suppose. But I seem to have a pretty secure memory of a stable childhood and adolescence. There were always intense dreams, but I didn’t have problems separating out what I thought of as dream from reality until relatively recently. And then things just exploded two days ago.

“Now I’m finding out that some of my long past dreams actually happened. For example, last night Destiny and I realized that in one dream line I, as John Rodgers, lived with Destiny in her apartment on capitol hill. 

Destiny added “that was a dream of mine for a while after John and I met at the amusement park. I think it was the amusement park incident that really started things off for me as far as dream living is concerned. That’s when I first recognized John. After that I had all sorts of confused dreams about leaving Nathan or staying with him or living alone or living with John. I never did seem to settle into that decision. 

I also started to fantasize about Juan then, too. And I had recurring nightmares abut a serial killer and an occasional dream about being married to my first boyfriend who, coincidentally, turned out to be Stephen.

“For me,” Juan said, “there was the ongoing dream that I was a homicide cop tracking a serial killer. Later I moved to DC and joined the Youth Division. During this time I had meaningful relationships with Lizzy and Nicky, both of whom fell under the spell of the demon. I was always looking for something more I realize now. Otherwise I wouldn’t have let that happen”

“So what’s your diagnosis, Doctor,” Juan asked with an ironic smile. “Are we crazy? Do you have any pills for us to take to solve this? I don’t think so. You don’t have any answers for us, do you, doctor?” 

“I don’t know if I have any answers. I will try to help you sort things out.” Dr. Phaeton looked deeply into his crystal ball. He measured his words carefully.

“The universe is like this ball. The ball appears solid, like rock or glass, but is made of billions and billions of minute particles swirling around and held together by electromagnetic currents. Our ball is ever expanding. That is space. And it is rolling forward. That is time. At least that’s how I imagine it. I’m sure a physicist would strangle me for making such a description. What is inside is the fabric of the universe. 

Every soul, or spirit, that exists affects the fabric. Everything in the universe works in relation to the fabric. Everything that a soul does or thinks affects all dimensions of time and deadlines.




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 12



“The fabric is always in flux. Pressure here will cause a reaction there. There are currents and eddies and tides. How much impact can one individual have upon the momentum of the universe? Immeasurable. Each is like a very tiny pebble in a large pool, causing its own ripples. Each action, each possible action, each thought, each dream, has its impact upon the fabric of the universe. 

“Some of our lives are interconnected. Paths cross and re-cross. Is this by accident or by design? I can’t answer that question. But just as the crystal has a structure, there is a structure to the fabric of the universe. We are all a part of it. We always have been in one form or another. 

Dreams? Who is to say what is a dream and what is real? Our existence is both.

When you come to realize this you have taken a long step on the path we are all required to walk. It lends some measure of control over the dream phenomena. You experienced that yesterday, Destiny, when you found you could morph yourself into a flame or a panther; and again when you opened a vortex. These abilities will be available to you both now that you have come to a certain point of awareness.

“This does not mean that you can decide to blink and change the landscape if you don’t like the view. But in extremis you will find you have the tools you need to accomplish what you set out to do.

“The accelerated dream shifts over the past few days were the culmination of events that happened years ago. The time has come to eradicate the evil created when Stephen became a demon. This is the task that was set forth before you in this dreamline. It is good that all three alter egos are embodied in Esteban now. That will make your task easier.

“But you must remember, the outcome of this particular turn of the wheel has yet to be decided. Tread carefully, however you chose to act. The balance can easily be tipped in the wrong direction.

“And then what happens?” Juan asked brusquely.

The crystal ball on the table began to glow blue, like the ocean surrounding San Angeles Island. Dr. Phaeton stood up and walked back behind his desk. The blue grew and grew until it encompassed Destiny and Juan. Destiny and Juan found themselves standing in the sun on the sandy road that leads up to the plantation owned by Juan’s father. It was a hot sunny, sultry afternoon. Seagulls called listlessly in the distance, and mosquitoes started to make their presence known. There were dozens of native workers in the sugar cane fields on either side of the road. The Rodriguez villa was about a half mile away.

“Where are we Juan:, Destiny asked.

“This is my father’s plantation. I rarely come out here these days.” Juan replied.

“Watch out, Destiny yelped, jumping back. A long black snake slithered carouse the road directly in front of them. “God, I hate snakes,” Destiny shivered.

Juan picked up a branch to use in further encounters with snakes, and Destiny and Juan set out for the villa. They walked in silence. The heat was oppressive and the slight breeze was like a warm salty kiss.

It seemed to be about 5 o’clock when they arrived. They walked up the driveway. There was the stone fence Juan remembered so well. The old garden was gone. The house was at least a hundred years old. It had thick white stucco walls and a red tile roof. It was build as a square with a open courtyard in the center. The front porch was a magnificent mosaic sunburst pattern. Two large wooden carved doors opened into a sun lit hallway. There was a set of stairs to the second floor on the left. A passage way under the steps led to a large pantry and then to the corner kitchen, which was restaurant sized and fully modern. 

Beyond the kitchen was a long, formal dining room with a elegant table large enough for 24 diners. The dining room was saved from being overly stiff by a wall of glass doors leading out to the courtyard. There was an impressive gas barbecue standing on an ancient mosaic patio just outside the doors. In the center of the courtyard there was a lovely little fountain which, combined with the abundant greenery and flowering plants, lent an air of peace to the residence. It bubbled and rushed in the stillness of the hot, late afternoon.

To the right of the front doors was a sitting room, a library, and a more formal living room in the corner. Beyond them were a rest room, and office and a couple of bedrooms. The back of the square was staff housing, which was modern and extremely comfortable. The upstairs had several bedroom suites with bathrooms and sitting rooms a sewing room, a music room and a couple of storage rooms. Destiny’s impression on first glance was that the house was cheerful and sunny and lighthearted.

Behind the villa was a luxurious grassy lawn and a barn. The villa kept a few cows and a good stable of thoroughbred horses. There was a ring where the horses were worked next to the barn. Beyond that the ground gradually dropped away and there was a path of white sand leading to a gazebo overlooking of small lake. Swans and ducks swam idly in the lake. 

Destiny was enchanted by the beauty of the surroundings. Juan’s view, however, was jaded by rotten childhood memories. When they entered the house he ushered Destiny towards the kitchen rather than the family areas. He wasn’t exactly sure why he and Destiny were there. He wanted to find out when, in time they were.

As Juan entered the kitchen he almost knocked over the little cook, Rosalia. He steadied her with an apology. Rosalia looked shocked to see him. Then he received a long string of Spanish.

“Where have you been?” Rosalia wanted to know. “Everyone had been looking for you.” She wanted to know if he was here for tonight’s celebration of Esteban’s inauguration as president of San Angeles. She said she wasn’t sure celebration was called for, especially in light of so much recent tragedy.

“What are you talking about? What inauguration? What tragedy?” Juan asked

“Si, first your father and then the president’s assassination.”

Juan felt like he had been kicked in the stomach. “What are you talking about?” he asked. What happened to my father?

Rosalia looked at him, stricken. “You didn’t know? He killed himself, poor man. After that awful information came out accusing the president of incest, your father hanged himself in the barn. He left a letter admitting that he had been Katarina’s seducer and the child was his.”

“Christos,” Juan said hoarsely. I didn’t know about that. When did it happen.

“Just after you disappeared. Everyone said you took off after some gringo tourista.” She looked meaningfully at Destiny. Destiny smiled at Rosalia, not understanding a word of what was being said..

“I said you’d never have done that. I thought it was foul play. Things were bad between you and Esteban. Everyone knew that. 

“This tourista was accused of bringing the documents onto the island falsely implicating the president in the scandal and you were linked romantically with the woman. People started to talk about you being behind the attempt to discredit you uncle, and causing your father’s suicide. 

“Well, sympathy was high for the president, his brother dead and you maybe a traitor. Your uncle stood up for you though. He pretty much had things settled down, and then he was shot, dead, right outside the mansion.” Rosalia was crying at the memory.

“Who shot him?.”

“Oh it was a professional job. A sniper. And the president wasn’t properly protected that day. They never found a suspect.”

“Everything was in chaos after that. There was no one to govern. Esteban just strolled into the mansion the day of the funeral and said he was taking command. He had the army behind him even though he was only a major. He took his currency from the fact he was the president’s nephew. No one else seemed interested in the job anyway. 

“He set up a special election to legitimize things pretty quickly. There was no one else on the ballot. Some choice. I think we should have elected nobody. Today he was inaugurated. Tonight we celebrate. So, you came back just in time, didn’t you?,” she said in disgust. Then she threw her arms into the air and walked away cursing.

“Madre Dios, this cannot be happening,” Juan said in despair.

“What?” Destiny asked in concern. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Juan summarized what he had been told by Rosalia.

“That’s why we’re here” Destiny said “To see what happens if we don’t succeed against Esteban.”

A shadow appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. Esteban walked in carrying a class of champagne. He looks like he’s in fine form, Destiny noted sourly. Esteban was dressed in full regalia. He looked sleek like a mountain lion in the prime of its life. Juan wanted to punch the self-satisfied look off Esteban’s face.

“Esteban.” Juan acknowledged his brother with distaste.

“Brother,” Esteban said mockingly, “you honor us with your presence. You’re back, but you’re too late. I’m president and you’re nothing. And Destiny, my treasure. I’ve missed you.” His eyes were cold.

“Oh go jump off a bridge,” Destiny said. Esteban paled slightly at the reference. He laughed ruefully.

“Your caught me short twice,” Esteban acknowledged. “First you escaped me and then you shot me. You won’t get the jump on me a third time. I’m much stronger now. Allowing my alter egos to merge was a mistake. He took a large drink of wine and lifted his glass to her. Join me Destiny. Come with me voluntarily and I might let Juan live.”

“Don’t threaten me, you slimy little bastard,” Juan said heatedly.

Esteban ignored him. His attention was fully focused on Destiny.

There was a storm brewing out at sea. A gust of wind blew into the kitchen and thunder rumbled in the background. The sky was darkening. The clouds were wet and low. There was a flash of lightening and another roll of thunder.

“My inauguration today should have been a coronation.” He caught Destiny’s with his diamond like stare. It will be some day, I swear it. And you will place the crown on my head.”

“Not in this lifetime, you bastard, Destiny said with a low growl.” She was enraged. She aimed the heel of her hand at Esteban’s nose intending to send the bone through to his brain. but Esteban was too quick for her. He grabbed her wrist and twisted her arm cruelly behind her. He pulled her up close to his chest.

With a roar, Juan flattened Esteban with a fist to the temple. Esteban dropped like a sack of potatoes, Pulling Destiny down with him.

Juan helped Destiny right herself. Rosalia stood in a corner of the kitchen sobbing.

Juan and Destiny looked at each other. “What should we do?” Juan asked. He’s down and completely vulnerable. Should we end it here?”

“Do you mean kill him in cold blood?” Destiny asked, appalled at the suggestion. “I don’t know. Don’t you think that would make us just like him? Besides, then we wouldn’t have a chance to undo the harm he’s done here on the island. And we’d have to leave the island forever. If we stayed, we be tried for murder, I think. No, this is not the time or place to end things. We have to go back.”

“How do we do that?” Juan asked. “Go to bed and hope we wake up in the right place and time.

“I think that’s a little too arbitrary. But I don’t think Phaeton intended us to stay here.”

“Maybe we should sort of imagine ourselves back, Juan suggested. Clear our thoughts and focus on Dr. Phaeton and his office. Remember the crystal ball? That’s what brought us here. Concentrate on that.”

“Maybe we should click our heels together three times,” Destiny said dryly.

“No,” that only works for Kansas,” John replied.

Juan and Destiny held onto each other’s hands. They closed their eyes and concentrated on the crystal ball and Dr. Phaeton’s office. They experienced a swirling sensation, like they were caught in the center of a cyclone. The felt a quick, dizzying rush, and then they were back in their chairs in Phaeton’s office.

“Welcome back. What did you see?” the doctor asked eagerly.

“Let us catch our breath, will you,” Juan said. “I could use some water. How about you Destiny?”

“Yes. I’d like that. Juan stepped into the reception area and poured a couple of cups of water. He came back in and sat down.

“I’d like to record this if its okay with you,” Dr. Phaeton said to Destiny and Juan.

They agreed. Destiny looked at Juan. He should be the one to fill the doctor in on the tragedies that had occurred on San Angeles Island she thought

Juan’s narrative was curt and to the point. He spent a little time explaining their decision to leave Esteban rather than kill him as he lay unconscious. “That would have been a mean and cowardly thing to do.”

Destiny agreed.

“So where do you go from here?” Doctor Phaeton asked the couple.

“We want to go back to San Angeles. And at least I want to go there to stay.” Juan glanced meaningfully at Destiny. We have some things to tie up here first, and I don’t think we should just jump in and hope we get things right. We have to have some sort of plan.”

“I can’t go back to San Angeles immediately anyway, Destiny said. I have court obligations and clients to consider. Also, we have to be here for John’s funeral. And, there’s Aristotle to consider.”

“Pardon me?” the Doctor asked.

“I’ve inherited John’s sheep dog, Aristotle” Juan explained.

“Oh. Good luck. How are you going to get him to the island.”

“I don’t know.” Destiny and I are have airline tickets to San Angeles Island for a flight leaving on Sunday. I guess we should call the airline and see what they suggest.” 

Juan and Destiny stood, ready to leave.

Dr. Phaeton took hold of Destiny’s hands. “Call on me if you need strength he told the pair. The coming events may be rough. But mark my words,” he said intently, “much harm will result if Esteban takes power on the island and if you become his queen. He looked at Juan. You must be strong and take control of San Angeles. You and Destiny will find a way to dispel the evil without falling off the path you are walking if you are stalwart and determined to preserver.

“We should get going, Destiny said.”

They took their leave and walked out into the beginning crush of rush hour in the city. 

“I’d like to stop off and do some clothes shopping” Juan said as they approached the subway. “I’m sick of being stared at in this uniform. You’d think Americans had never seen a soldier before. And I’m broiling.”

“I’m not so sure it’s just the uniform they’re staring at,” Destiny laughed. A couple green haired of teen aged girls had just passed Juan and stared at him with their mouths agape. “You look pretty uncivilized in a yummy kind of way. I’ll have to be careful or I’ll lose you to some young soldier groupie. By the way, the beard becomes you.”

Juan grimaced. It was true he hadn’t shaved in two days, but he wasn’t planning on growing a beard. His whiskers were heavy and two days growth left quite a shadow on his face.

They rode the long elevator down into the subway station.

“I’m going to take care of the beard tonight,” Juan said.

“Oh no,” Destiny said with pretended sadness. “I was hoping to se how it feels on my face.”

“Its pretty rough,” Juan warned. “I’ll leave scratches on your tender parts.”

Destiny shivered in anticipation. “Promise?,” she asked huskily as they purchased fare cards. 

“Sure” he purred back.. Now, where would be best for me to pick up a few items of clothing. I don’t want to travel all over town”

“Do you want me to go with you?” Destiny asked, hoping he’d say no.

“No, I know you have things to do.”

“You’re right. What kind of clothes are you looking for”

A train screeched into the station. Destiny and Juan picked up speed and ran toward the opening doors. They made it into the train just as the bell chimed and the doors closed. “Doors closing,” a pretty automated voice announced.

The car was crowded with sharply dressed commuters. Destiny and Juan had to stand shoulder to shoulder backed against the far doors of the train. 

“I want to get something cool and casual, and I should get something I can wear to John’s funeral,” Juan said over the sound of the subway train. “Is there any place I can go that’s on the subway line?”

“Yes. Hechts, at Metro Center. You won’t even have to go outside. Just follow the signs in the station. Wait a minute. You don’t have any American currency, do you?”

“No, but I’ve got what I need. I have plastic.”

“Whatever did we do before credit cards?” Destiny wondered.

“I don’t know, but they sure work.”

“Metro Center’s the next stop. Do you know how to get back to my apartment when you’re done shopping?”

“Yes mother,” Juan teased.

“Well, I don’t want to lose you.”

“She cares! Juan said to the ceiling.

The train pulled into the station and the voice announced the obvious. “Doors opening.” Juan stepped out of the train and went off to do his shopping.

Destiny had a thought just as the doors of the train closed. Damn. I don’t have anything in the house for dinner. I’m just not used to planning for people who eat regular meals. I’ll have to pick something up at Union Station. I wonder what he likes to eat. Maybe some Mexican. No, too stereotypical. Seafood? He’s probably sick of it living on an island. The Chinese is lousy and I fed him pizza last night. I know. I’ll buy a picnic. Deli sandwiches, potato salad, green salad, some beer. I’ll put the card table up on the deck with a table cloth and some candles. We’ll eat late, after I finish my phone calls. We can watch the sun set. 

The train arrived at Union Station and Destiny exited with the crush of commuters heading for suburban train lines. She made her way to the food court and ordered dinner. On her way home she stopped off at a little corner store for some beer and cat food. When she got home she picked up her mail and sorted through it, tossing bills into one pile, work related items in another, and throwing junk mail and other solicitations into the trash without opening them. She opened a beer and put the remaining 5 and the food in the refrigerator. She set up the deck for their meal before closing herself in her office. I’ll have to fit a trip to the grocery store in tomorrow.

She logged onto her computer and made some notes about upcoming cases. She checked her telephone messages. Both Elaine and Maria had left messages about John’s funeral on Saturday. After she finished listening to her messages she made a list of phone calls she needed to make. 

One of the things Destiny found most frustrating about her job was the amount of time she spent playing telephone tag. She knew she would get answering machines on at least eight out of ten of the calls she made. Of the eight, five or six would call back within a day. But then she would often be in Court when the return calls came in. It was a never ending battle. She’d tried cell phones but found them distracting and expensive. And if you make all of your phone calls away from your billing program, you stand to lose income if you aren’t a meticulous record keeper. 

God! The things they don’t teach you school, Destiny thought with a sigh. She realized there was much she wouldn’t miss about practicing law if she really did decide to stay in San Angeles.

Good Lord, I’m really thinking about it she realized. What would I have to do to get free of Superior Court, and how long would it take? I’d have to write motions to withdraw in all of my cases, and notify everyone. Turn over my files. Would I have to find myself a replacement? I hope not. I’d have to submit final bills in every case. Hey, if I do that, I might have a little chunk of money coming in. That’d be nice. I wouldn’t be stranded if things don’t work out with Juan. Oh please let it work out she wished. 

Destiny could feel herself getting excited at the idea. I’ve always wanted to live at the beach. That’s where I feel most in tune with myself. There are all kinds of things I could do to generate income. I never got a chance to explore the island. I wonder what the market place is like? Maybe I could open a little shop catering to the tourist trade. I’ve got an eye for curios and antiques. That stuff sells great in tourist areas. Hey, this could work! Destiny felt a surge of emotional freedom that she’d never felt before. She felt like tossing everything to the wind and starting a whole new life. Why not? 




Dreams of Destiny Pt. 12



Let’s take first things first. I have to find out about shipping Top Cat and Aristotle. Elaine didn’t say what airline we’re flying on Sunday. Maybe I should just call around to get an idea of how its done. Destiny decided to call TWA. 

She called the reservation number and was connected to an agent named Bonnie who was very helpful. Top Cat could fly with Destiny. Aristotle would have to be shipped in a cargo hold. They couldn’t promise he’d be shipped on the same flight she took to the island. She was assured the ride would be comfortable for the dog. The hold’s temperature would be between 46 and 85 degrees. She’d have to get a good cage for him. The animals would have to be medically cleared at least ten days before the trip. They’d probably have to be tranquilized. 

Well, Destiny thought, I guess that means I’ll be making two trips to San Angeles. First I’ll go to the island with Juan to deal with Esteban and the political problems. Maria can take care of the animals while I’m gone. Then, assuming I’m really going to do this, I’ll come back to DC, get the animals taken care of, write my motions, put in my bills, close down my apartment. 

God, I’m going to have to ship or get rid of all of my stuff. What the hell am I thinking of? This is a staggering proposition. But I’ve never wanted anything more than I want this. I’ll take it one step at a time. 

The phone interrupted her train of thought. It was Robert Blake, the prosecutor on the juvenile UUV trial that was scheduled for tomorrow. That brought Destiny up short. Then she realized she was primed and ready for the trial. She’d already practically done it in her sleep.

“So, Destiny,” the prosecutor asked with artificial friendliness. Is Ronald going to plead tomorrow?

“No. I don’t think so. You can’t give us anything we want and it sure isn’t a cakewalk for the government. I think were going to go to trial.”

“With his record? Shit, if he’s convicted you know what were asking.”

“He doesn’t have any record and you know it. He’ll get probation. What are you really after? Is the government going to be ready for trial? You weren’t last time and Ruiz said he’d dismiss if you asked for another continuance.”

“Dismissal? I don’t think so.” 

“That’s it, isn’t it? You were feeling me out to see if I’m ready. Well, I’m ready. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.” Destiny was elated at the thought of a dismissal for want of prosecution. That would leave her with a free day and she had things to do. Time to call her client and make sure he was as ready as she was for the day.

She got her client’s mother on the phone who said he was out playing baseball. They would be ready for Court in the morning she promised. Destiny gave the mother last minute instructions such as how her client should dress and the time and courtroom. After she hung up she called her witness and left him a message reminding him of his obligation to appear in Court. 

She made the rest of calls she had listed, getting through quickly as virtually no one was in their office as she had expected. Neither Elaine nor Maria answered their phone. Then she spent some time reviewing the file and making trial notes. 

It was getting dark when Juan arrived back at the apartment. He’d found what he wanted at the department store without too much trouble. In addition he brought back a roast chicken, a pasta salad and a bottle of white wine. Destiny laughed. “We both thought of our stomachs. Thanks. We’re going to eat well tonight.” She showed him what she’d bought for dinner.

“That looks good too,” Juan said. I could really go for a beer. I just assumed you were a wine drinker. Why don’t you put the wine in the refrigerator and we can open it later if we want it. Are you hungry? I am.

“I could eat,” Destiny said as she popped open two cans of beer. She was busily putting the food on plate to take out to the deck. “What do you want on your salad? Vinaigrette or ranch?.”

“Vinaigrette.”

“Me too.” She dressed the salad and handed him the bowl. “Here, make yourself useful.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said. 

“And take the pasta salad out too.”

“Okay.”

The food was arranged and they served themselves. They both ate hungrily. It was cool and surprisingly peaceful on the deck. Top Cat prowled around and got table scraps to supplement his dinner. He was suitably grateful and deigned to make friends with Juan. 

“That’s progress. He’s not hissing at you.”

“I’m not sitting on him or trying to displace him from his favorite spot. Cats are easy. All you have to do to win their affection is feed them, tell them they are beautiful, and give them proper strokes. They’re a lot like women,” he said to bate Destiny.

“You cad,” she cried. “You chauvinistic pig.” Destiny laughed. “You know I’m going to have to make it difficult for you tonight now, don’t you.”

“I always rise to a challenge,” Juan said with a swagger.

He was still petting Top Cat, who had actually rolled over onto his back and was purring loudly while Juan stroked his belly.

“”I already know that. But if you think I’m going to roll over for you, think again.” She looked at Top Cat in disgust. “Don’t you have any pride, Mr. Whiskers?”

“Juan smiled wickedly at Destiny. “I can make you roll over.”

“You can’t.”

“Bet?”

“No!.”

“Chicken” 

“I’m not chicken”

“All right then.” Juan stopped petting Top Cat and stood up. He walked around behind Destiny’s chair. He moved her pony tail aside and blew on her neck. Destiny shivered, immediately feeling a stab of arousal. Then he nibbled lightly on her ear. She shivered again. He sucked on her earlobe while he reached into her shirt. His index finger found her nipple. It was already starting to harden. Destiny felt like squirming in her chair but resisted.

“I don’t feel a thing,” she said primly.

“Liar,” he whispered in her ear. His other hand was on her shoulder and he began to knead out the tension. Destiny felt like she was melting. His hands roamed over her breasts. He tenderly toyed with a nipple, then he pulled off her shirt. He left her side long enough to blow out the candles so the neighbors wouldn’t get an eyeful of what he planned. Destiny felt the wind caress her breasts. The very air around her was in league with Juan and his ministrations. It was damp, warm and humid, like she felt.

He came back to Destiny’s chair and stood in front of her. He unhooked her bra and slipped it off her shoulders.

Then he kneeled down in front of her

“What are you... “ Destiny was sweating. Her pulse was racing.

“Shhh.” He undid her trousers and lifted her up long enough to slide them off. He parted her knees. “Slide forward.” 

Juan, no. Not here.”

“Yes.” He pulled her forward gently by her hips and spread her legs further apart. He dipped his right hand into his wine glass to wet his fingers. Then he parted her like a flower. His head was close to her knees. “You are so beautiful he said.” He played gently with her clitoris with his thumb and slowly slid his little finger into her vagina.

“Destiny was feeling frantic.” She was getting very close to the edge but she didn’t want Juan to know how much his attentions were affecting her.

Juan sensed Destiny’s plight. He laughed a little. “Do you want me Destiny?” He breathed into the mound of her pubis. His breath heated her further. He removed his hand and slid his tongue over her clit.. I have you now,” he purred.

“Oh God.” Destiny said.

“Say you want me.” His tongue flicked her nub. She jerked a little. He caught it between his lips and sucked gently. She was just about to go over the edge but he stopped.

“Oh no, don’t stop. Please.”

“I want to be inside of you. Slide off of the chair.”

“Yes” she said frantically, not caring that he was now directing the scene..

He quickly pulled off his pants.

He tasted her one more time. She moaned in pleasure.

“I told you you’d feel the scratch of my beard. Do you like it?”

“Uhumm.”

He was tempted to ask her to roll over and win the bet. He realized that would make their love making a contest of wills. He didn’t want that. He gently parted her with his fingers and entered her with his shaft. Destiny exploded the second she felt his length inside her. She was dizzy with pleasure.

“You make me wild,” he said. He moved faster. Their hearts beat hard and fast. They took their time with each other and finally reached the pinnacle. Juan kissed her and rolled off her onto his back. The lay back and watched the stars and the fireflies for a while.

“Making love with you is really miraculous,” Destiny said. “I would have rolled over for you, but you didn’t ask. 

“I know.”

“Most guys would have.”

“I’m not most guys.”

“That’s for sure. I think....” She hesitated. 

“What?”

“I probably shouldn’t say this. It’s only been a couple of days.”

“What is it? You sound so serious.”

“It’s just that I think I’m in love with you.” Destiny said in a rush. Those four words usually sent men scurrying for cover. But then, she figured if he was the scurrying type she’d just as well find out now before she cashed in her chips in Washington and moved to San Angeles.

“That’s what’s so serious?” Juan said, sounding amazed. “I think that’s great. No. It’s terrific. I’m in love with you too. What do you think about that?”

“You mean you’re not going to run screaming out of the room?” 

“Should I?”

“No. When did you figure out that you loved me?”

“Pretty early in the game.” With all the hopping around we’ve been doing it’s kind of hard to say just when and where it hit me but I’ve known it for a while.”

“I’ve been thinking about San Angeles. A lot..”

“Yeah? What are you thinking.”

“We should go back as soon as possible to deal with Esteban. But I won’t be able to stay very long. I’ll have to come back here for a little while if I want to close things down.

His heart soared, she was thinking of making the move! “What will you have to do?”

Destiny filled Juan on what she had been thinking earlier that evening. Juan thought her ideas were pretty sensible and said so.

What are we going to do about Esteban?” Juan asked. 

“I don’t know. We have to get back to the island before the documents are released to the press. That’s what started everything. God I wish I could go back and throw out those discs. That’s an idea. I wonder if I could.”

“No, I don’t think so. Because then you and I wouldn’t have met at the airport, remember, I was there to size up the Americans on the flight because I knew a tourist was bringing something in to harm the presidency.”

“You’re right. That won’t work. So when should we plan to leave. I’m afraid Sunday may be too late.”

“So we should travel back some other way” Juan stated. 

“I think so. When do you want to do it.”

“Not tonight. I need sleep. And tomorrow I’m most likely to be in trial.”

“I keep forgetting you’re a working woman. Is all of this interfering with your cases?”

“Not really, surprisingly. I get a lot done in stray dreams. I’m prepared for tomorrow’s trial because I had an involved dream about it a few nights ago where I did all of my trial preparation. Everything’s ready to go.”

“What judge do you have?”

“Ruiz. He starts right at nine. What time is it, anyway. I probably should get some sleep.”

Juan lit a candle and held it up to his watch. “Its 11:30 already.”

“Yeah. I’ve got to go to bed. Do you want to join me?”

“I think I’ll stay up a little while. I want to watch the news and sit and think a bit.”

“All right. Destiny stood up and stretched. She leaned over and kissed Juan on the cheek. I feel like an old married lady. It’s kind nice.”

“Goodnight Cara. I’ll be along shortly”

Destiny took a short shower and went to bed. She was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow... 

INTERLUDE

Destiny was naked. Her hair was loose and wild. She was on a black marble alter. Her arms were tied over her head and her feet were also secured. She was terrified. She had no idea where she was. The dim light was red and smoky. There was a smell of hot pitch in the air. She could hear the moans of unhappy souls. She heard her name and turned her head. Esteban was standing before her with a knife in his hand. He lifted his arm, ready to strike a killing blow. Destiny cried out in fear....

Juan finished his beer, which had gotten warm. He thought about opening another but didn’t want to rely on it to make him sleepy. So he put on the local news and listened with half an ear. The news media were still having a field day over the events at Superior Court the day before. He heard Destiny cry out and raced into the bedroom. Destiny was sitting upright in bed with a terrified look on her face.

“Oh God, it was a dream. Hold me Juan. It was terrible.” She started to cry. “I can’t take much more of this” she sobbed. 

“What was it Destiny? Tell me. I’ll make it go away. He soothed her like he would a frightened child. She lay trembling in his arms.” 

“Oh Juan, it was terrible. I was on an alter and I was bound and helpless. He was going to kill me. Is that how it’s going to end? Juan, I’m frightened.”

“No Cara mia. I won’t let him kill you. It was a dream, a possibility. But it won’t happen. It won’t.” Destiny was trembling so he slid into bed with her. He held her close and she started to settle down. In a few minutes she was asleep again. Juan too was drowsy. He let himself relax and then he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter XXXI

Destiny awoke as the morning sun was rising. Washington was in the middle of its usual July drought. It was going to be scorchingly hot today. Juan was asleep on his back. He had kicked the sheet off during the night. He lay naked, sprawled out taking up most of the bed. Surprisingly, Top Cat had decided to nestle under the Colonel’s left arm. Juan’s mouth was half open and he was snoring gently. He hadn’t yet bothered to shave off the heavy growth of beard on his face. 

She pulled out her old battered Pentax and took a couple of pictures. Just in case I ever have to blackmail him she thought with a laugh. He looked ridiculously beautiful Destiny thought as the put on her warm up suit. So incredibly masculine, yet vulnerable with the cat purring at his side. She felt so good she wanted to sing out loud but didn’t want to disturb him.

It was early enough that she could do some Tai Chi and then take a bike ride. She went out onto the deck and worked through her favorite movements. I’ll pick up the makings for breakfast and surprise Juan when he wakes up. He’s convinced I’m helpless in the kitchen.

She took off on her bike with a big smile on her face. I have a feeling this is going to be a great day Destiny thought as she pedaled up the short hill towards the capitol. She took her usual morning route pushing hard to get a thorough workout. I don’t know how runners can stand plodding around tracks and over hill and dale. It’s much better to feel like your flying on a bicycle. She took her hands off the handle bar and raised them into the air as she sped down a hill. She felt like a little kid.

On her way back to the apartment she stopped at the corner grocery store. She bought eggs, sliced ham, milk, coffee, mushrooms, a red pepper, some cheddar cheese, a couple of potatoes and an onion for hash browns, a small container of orange juice, and a beautiful, ripe mango for desert. I may not cook much, but I can make a great omelet when pressed.

She had to ride the last few blocks carefully, balancing the bags of food on her handle bars. She made it home without dropping anything. 

Juan was in the shower when she got back into the apartment. She was tempted to strip and join him but decided to leave him in peace to enjoy his shower. I could really get used to having regular good sex, she thought, pleased at the idea. But she was hungry so she unpacked her groceries and set to the task of making breakfast. 

First things first, she thought as she cleaned up the remains of last night’s pick. She loaded the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and scrubbed the counters. Then she worked her culinary magic.

Once she had the potatoes frying in her small skillet and the western omelet in the huge skillet her grandmother had given her, she made a fresh pot of coffee. She sliced up the mango and sampled it to be sure it made the grade. It was perfect.

Juan came out of the bathroom wearing the gray linen slacks and a blue madras shirt he had bought the night before at Hechts. He also had on a new pair of black Nike’s. His face was freshly shaven and he looked like a different person that the imposing army colonel she had become so familiar with. “Something smells great,” he said. “Are you making breakfast?”

“Who is this handsome stranger standing in my doorway?” Destiny asked approvingly.” She walked over to him and ran her fingertips down his smooth cheek. “Hmm,” very nice she said. I guess I won’t be getting any more whisker burns.

“Not today, anyway,” he responded. “So do you like the new look?”

“I like you however you look, she said slightly lecherously. But yes, it is good to see you in something other than your uniform.” Then she laughed. “You should have seen how you looked about an hour and a half ago.”

“What do you mean.”

“You were sprawled out flat, naked, on your back with Top Cat tucked under your arm snoring away.”

“You lie, woman,” Juan said “I’m always dignified, even in sleep.”

“Oh yeah? Well wait ‘til you see the pictures I took.”

“You didn’t” he said with a mock scowl.

“Yes I did. And I hid the camera afterwards, just in case you decided to destroy the evidence.” 

“No, come on, you didn’t, really,” he said, starting to blush.

“Yep. I’m going to get them developed and keep them in a nice safe place just in case I’m ever really upset with you,” she teased. “Then you will be in big trouble. Big bad Colonel Rodriguez asleep with his favorite pussy.

“Christos, Destiny, is that how you treat all of your guests?”

“No, only the naked ones who hog the bed, snore and alienate the affections of my cat.”

I did that all in one night? I guess you had a right to be upset,” he said with good grace. But don’t you ever show our children those pictures.” 

Destiny looked stricken. She turned her back quickly and began to fiddle with the potatoes on the stove. The bright day had suddenly gone black for her. I will not cry, l she ordered herself. He didn’t know, and maybe it won’t make a difference

“What’s wrong?” Juan asked. Oh, Dios, what was I saying? You had a hysterectomy, didn’t you. That was you as well as your alter ego. I didn’t know. I was only talking about hypothetical children anyway. I’m 46 years old, and I’ve never settled down long enough to give children much of a thought. Are you crying?”

“No,” Destiny lied through her tears. Juan walked over to her and put his arm around her. “I never thought I’d want children,” Destiny said. “I was an only child and never felt comfortable the few times I baby sat. I had a bad time of it when I had the hysterectomy, but it was mostly hormonal. I don’t think I ever really grieved for children I couldn’t have. Nathan was the only long term relationship I was ever in, and I moved out right about the time he started talking about marriage and kids. 

“Of course there was John. But that was all a dream, or so I thought. As far as I can recall we never discussed children. It just struck me for a minute how nice it would be to have children with you. But I’m forty two already. Besides, it’s going to be difficult enough getting Top Cat and Aristotle used to each other. Destiny tried to smile.”

“You’re right about that. At least for the time being.” And we’re still getting to know each other. But we could probably adopt if we want to. We’re pretty good prospective parents.”




Dreams Of Destiny



Two months ago John had an intense dream about driving his car fast for a very long distance. When he awoke he was inside his car in his boxer shorts and tee shirt in the dead of night. The keys were in the ignition and the engine was hot. He had no memory of driving. All he remembered was going to bed at his normal time and then dreaming that he was driving and driving without purpose. Like tonight, the dream ended when he closed his eyes. When he opened them he was awake sitting at the wheel of his Toyota.

John clicked on "record" and described his dream of the island and Destiny to the best of his recollection. When he was done, he pulled out the tape and dutifully labeled it Dream 16, 6/30. It was now 4:45. John thought about getting up and taking a long run through his Takoma Park neighborhood. But the dream kept nagging at him. It had been so seductive!

So why, John thought sadly, can't I just close my eyes now, and open them, and be back on my island, with Destiny? "Try it" a voice in his head said, "go ahead, try it." John closed his eyes. He opened them. He wasn't on his island. Nor was he in bed. He was running into a pitch black, smelly, trash littered alley in Anacostia after a teenager. His walkie-talkie was blaring, his gun was in his right hand, and his heart was in his throat. This was just the type of situation the classrooms and text books warned against. He had no back up. He had just been shot at, and he had no idea if he was going to get out alive. 

The kid was fifteen feet ahead of him, running fast. John kept up the pace. Then the kid tripped, and went down face first into the trash on the right side of the alley. The kid's gun skittered out of his hand.

"Freeze or I'll shoot," John shouted. The kid reached, as if to grab for the gun. "Don't do it mother fucker," John yelled. "You don't want to die tonight. Lie down flat on your face with your hands behind you! Do it! NOW!" John was right on top of the kid now with his gun in both hands, poised to shoot. 

The boy flattened out, as ordered and clasped his hands behind his back. "If you even blink, you're dead," John said to the boy. Slowly, John lowered his gun. He stepped on the kid's hands as a safety measure, as he pulled out hand cuffs. He reached down and put on the cuffs. "You made the right decision son. Roll over now and sit up slowly."

The kid complied.  Jesus Christ, John thought the kid can't be more than  thirteen years old. He almost killed me and I almost killed him. What a nightmare. John closed his eyes for a second. 

Chapter III.

Colonel Rodriguez slowly opened his eyes. He looked around, confused.

Destiny's cool, green eyes were looking down at him with concern. She was on her knees before him, and he was stretched out flat on his back in the corridor of the airport. They were drawing a crowd. "Maybe I hit you a little harder than you thought." she said. "It can't be the heat. You live here, so heat prostration is no excuse for a fainting spell."

"A fainting spell?" Rodriguez asked. He looked around like he'd never seen the place before in his life. "No" he said, "I was asleep, and then I was a cop, somewhere..., Madre Dias! Where am I and what the hell happened? Who are you and how did I end up flat on my back on the floor?"

"I' m Destiny Lysander. I just got here on vacation. You're in the airport. Destiny replied. "I ran into you. We were talking and you suddenly folded like a deck of cards. Maybe you're not the first man to fall at my feet." Destiny smiled, "but please don't make it a habit. I've lifted weights, before but I'm not used to pushing two twenty without warning. I wouldn't want to try it again soon. 

You were out for about a minute," Destiny continued. I was afraid you needed CPR so I got you onto you back. You were breathing and in no apparent distress so I just stayed with you and tried to keep a crowd from gathering until you recovered. Are you feeling any better?" Destiny asked worriedly.

"You say you are Destiny?""Si! I begin to remember. You ran me over."

"Bounced off of you, more like," Destiny countered, somewhat affronted. It was like a rabbit hitting an oak tree," Destiny said with candor, and then blushed. "I've never quite gotten such a dramatic reaction from a man before." Do you think you can get up yet?" 

"Si," said Rodriguez. "With some assistance." He didn't need any help. He simply wanted to hold onto Destiny before the moment sipped away.

Destiny reached out her hand and helped pull him up off of the floor. "Before you ask, no, I don't just go around picking up guys off the street."

"What?" he said in confusion. The crowd was starting to disburse.

"That was a joke, Colonel. A little humor eases tense social situations, I'm told. Would you like to go some where to sit for a minute? Maybe get a cool drink to help you recover? There's a little bar right over there." Destiny pointed to an airport outpost not far from where they were standing.

"A very intelligent suggestion. A drink is definitely in order as it seems I have been smitten by Destiny. But you must proceed me, lovely lady, so I can say Destiny awaits."

"You know," Destiny said with a grimace as she headed down the hall, "I've heard just about every Destiny joke there is. I didn't ask for this name." Rodriguez followed her into the dimly lit bar.

"No, piquena, it was fate that gave you your name."

"Actually," Destiny said as she sat down at a table looking out at the concourse, "my mother's name was Faith, believe it or not. Very few people know that." 

"Faith begets Destiny?" The colonel laughed. "I'll bet your mother's put up with a lot of ribbing over that."

"She didn't have a chance to," Destiny said sadly. "My mother died in child birth. "I lost my faith when my mother met her destiny." 

Destiny paused as a waiter approached. The waiter asked for their orders in Spanish. "What would you like?" Rodriguez asked Destiny. 

"Sangria would be good," Destiny replied. "Dos sangrias, por favor." The waiter nodded and headed back towards the bar.

"So sad," the Colonel prompted, "never to know you mother."

Destiny continued her tale. "My father named me in keeping with my mother's family's tradition. We have them all. Faith, Prudence, Hope, Charity, Comfort. I might have tapped into darker aspects of humanity if I'd had children: Jealousy, Vanity, Despair, Pity, Sorrow, Anger, Hatred. The possibilities are endless. 

How about Passion, Love, Longing, Lust, and Desire" Rodriguez suggested. Or the twins, Lewd and Lascivious. 

"Now you're talking." Destiny grinned at the handsome colonel. But my family would truly disown me if I gave name to such venal sensations."

They both laughed.

"You seem to be recovering well." Destiny said. No head ache or dizziness?"

"No, nada, I have no idea what happened back there." the colonel responded. "It was as if reality twisted for a second, and I was in some other place. Actually, two other places."

"You haven't been taking any medications? No drugs?"

"Of course not." said Rodriguez, affronted. "I've just been having a little trouble with sleep lately."

"Ah," said Destiny. Is it sleep, or is it dreams?" 

"Well, to be honest," he replied, "it is both." 

Suddenly Rodriguez flared. "Christos, why am I telling you this? Who are you anyway, Destiny Lysander? Some American Tourista. You come here to this island for a week or so of sun and pleasure. You know nothing of me. I know nothing of you except what you tell me of your silly family names and tradition. I faint dead on the ground and all of a sudden you think you know me?"

Destiny was about to make an angry reply when the waiter returned with a pitcher of sangria and two glasses. The wine and fruit was served. She bit back her retort and picked up her glass instead. He raised his. Their eyes met as they sipped their wine. 

For both Destiny and Rodriguez the world 's spinning slowed for a fraction of time. The air between them hummed. They moved closer as if drawn together by a magnet. Destiny would swear later that she heard the music of the universe in that second. 

"Colonel," Destiny said, as she tipped her glass, "may you never grow faint in the face of Destiny again."

"Juan," the colonel said in a low voice. "My name is Juan Rodriguez."

"Juan then," Destiny agreed. She caressed his name with her lips.

For some unknown reason Destiny's eyes began to tear. She started to brush away the wetness. Oh no, she thought, and stopped in mid blink, but it was too late. The vista before her began to shimmer and disintegrate as if she were viewing it through a kaleidoscope. There was nothing she could do. For Destiny the dream ended. 

And, at that precise moment Colonel Rodriguez sneezed. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped at his eyes....

Chapter IV

Officer John Rodgers opened his eyes. It was 5:55. The sun was rising on the horizon in a rancid, filthy alley in Anacostia, a section of Southeast Washington, DC, known for its high incidence of violent crime. Rodgers was staring down at the teenager he had just subdued seconds ago at gun point. He was, to say the least, nonplused. 

What in Hell just happened to me? he wondered desperately. All I did was blink, and suddenly I was off somewhere, passed out on a floor looking up at a total stranger. A totally gorgeous stranger, but a stranger nevertheless. And then speaking Spanish to a waiter? I don't even speak Spanish. 

Rodgers realized that his hands were shaking and he was shivering all over. That's it, he thought, I'm getting the flu. I've had too many night shifts and too little sleep. Or maybe I'm so sleep deprived that I fell asleep on my feet. Or else I had an adrenaline hallucination. There has to be a logical explanation for what just happened. Otherwise I'm cracking up and that just can't be.

The teenager lying at his feet started to turn over. "Hey man." he complained, "I'm tired of layin on my face. We gonna stay like this all night or are you gonna do your cop thing?" 

Rodgers shifted gears. "Thanks for telling me my job, boy" he said sarcastically. Then he called in the arrest and his whereabouts, and asked for transport for the juvenile. He could already hear sirens heading their way. Less than half an hour had passed since he and his partner had entered the juvenile's apartment on a domestic violence call. It felt like a year.

"Your welcome, but I ain't no boy," the kid replied with a scowl. 

"You are to me if you're younger than my baby brother. You can roll over slowly and sit up."

The kid complied. "How old is your brother?"

"Thirty four."

"Shit, man, he's a grand daddy." And you be 'most old as God."

"That's the way I feel tonight," Rodgers agreed. "And for the record, you're under arrest. Anything you say can be used against you. You can have a lawyer if you want one and you don't have to talk to me or anyone else without a lawyer." Do you understand?" 

"Sure."

"What's your name son?" Rodgers asked the boy, "and how old are you?"

"Are you interrogating me, or just being friendly?" the boy answered.

"Just being friendly. I'll know in a couple of minutes anyway, I figure. I'm sure your baby brother and sister have already given the information to my partner."

"Shit," the kid said. "That ain't fair."

"Life ain't always fair," Rodgers said.

"You got that right" the kid agreed without rancor. "My name's Devon, Devon James. I'm fourteen. What's your name?"

"John Rodgers. I'm forty six."

Rodgers suddenly realized that he still hadn't recovered the weapon the kid had been carrying. Very sloppy work, ace, Rodger chided himself. A little slip like that could cost me my badge if not my life. 

It was fully light outside now. Rodgers looked around for the gun. A pleasant breeze drifted into the alley blowing away some of the stink.

John spotted the gun in a gutter not far from where Devon was sitting.

"Stay put son," Rodgers admonished the kid. I have to get the gun you were carrying before I arrested you."

Devon was young, but not totally ignorant of the rules regarding evidence seized at crime scenes. "What gun?" the kid asked with an innocent smile. "I don't know nothin 'bout no gun."

It's amazing,"John thought, "how much street law a bright ghetto kid could absorb in 14 years.

"Give me a break, Devon," Rodgers said wearily. "Its just you and me here. Do you see any one else? I saw that gun leave your hand and I saw where it landed. I even saw you reach for it before you decided to freeze. It doesn't matter that I didn't pick it up the second you were arrested." 

Rodgers decided to shake the kid up a bit for trying to be smart. "I might even say I had to struggle with you for the gun before I subdued you if you decide to play games with me. Who do you think a judge would believe?"

"Think about it, Devon, the officer urged. The gun has your prints all over it. Are you gonna try to convince a judge that it flew into the alley this evening under its own steam?"

The kid didn't say anything as Rodgers got up and headed over to where the gun was resting. Retrieving the gun took less than a minute. Devon sat still the whole time.

"See," Rodgers said with a smile. "There it was, right where you tossed it before you gave yourself up to me without a struggle."

Devon rolled his eyes. 

Rodgers' backup and the transport vehicle pulled into the alley at about the same time. 

Rodgers was soaked with sweat from the chase and crawling around in the alley He decided to sit himself down and watch the sky brighten while his colleagues worked. It was a warm and muggy morning, but not nearly as bad as summer in West Palm Beach where he had spent most of his early career. He had moved up here to DC to become what some people disparagingly call a "kiddy cop." He had come for reasons known only to himself. Rodgers knew that life as a DC Youth Division officer could be as dangerous, or more so as a homicide dick in West Palm Beach. This morning's activity had proved that in spades.

Now came the boring part of the job. He had to see to the kid's transfer and secure the chain of custody of the gun he recovered. He had reports to write at the Youth Division. After that he would have to wait in the office of Corporation Counsel until a prosecutor was ready to talk to him about the case. The prosecutor would grill him on the morning's events and decide whether or not to bring juvenile charges against the child.

If charges were filed, Rodgers would have to wait around in D.C Superior Court until a decision was made as to whether or not he would be needed to testify at an initial hearing. Rodgers figured he might get free of this case by 2:00 p.m. if he was lucky. Then maybe he could get some sleep before his next shift which began at midnight. The only good thing was the over time.

Rodgers and the rest of the officers finished up with the crime scene at about 6:40. Rodgers caught a ride over to the station with his partner, Maria Dias, who had joined the Youth Division ten years ago. She had been a beat cop before that. Maria was a pretty woman of ordinary height and breadth She had medium brown hair and brown eyes. Her breasts were her only extraordinary physical feature. Shelf tits, Rodger's uncle in Florida would have called them. The way her bosom jutted out in front of her was amazing. 

Maria had been his partner since he had joined the Division. She was tough as nails and took shit from no one. She was cool as a cucumber in a crisis. She was an expert at Judo. She knew the city like the back of her hand, having grown up in DC. She was a pleasure to ride with.

"What happened on your end, Maria?" Rodgers asked as he got into the squad car.

"A lot," Maria replied shortly. "I think it was lucky the boy took the gun. Someone might have died in there this morning if there had been a gun in the apartment. Mama's boyfriend was in the living room and had the little girl, Lily, around the neck when I got into the apartment. That was when your guy bolted. 

"I heard a gun shot out back right after you went out the kitchen door. I was afraid the kid shot at you, but things were happening so fast in the house that I couldn't get out to back you up. So I called in for help. I couldn't say which way you were heading and didn't have the time to look. I told the dispatcher to get as many units into the area as possible.

"Once mama realized I wanted to take the kids into custody, she grabbed little Marky by one arm and dragged him into bathroom. Marky's about four years old. Momma locked the door behind her. I went after the boyfriend to get him the hell away from the little girl, Lily.

"By this time the other units started to arrive. I subdued the boyfriend and placed him under arrest. Mack processed him for transfer. "Then I interviewed Lily." 

"Lily told me she's twelve years old. Her mamma's boyfriend wanted to pimp her. Her Momma was willing to go along with it but Lily refused to dress up and hit the street. Big daddy laid into her with his fists. Lily kneed him in the balls so big daddy put his hands around Lily's neck and started to choke her That's what got your kid all upset. A neighbor must have heard the ruckus and called the child abuse hot line." 

"While I was interviewing Lily, Mack was trying to convinced Momma to come out of the bathroom and give Marky to us. When she did come out she was high as a kite and wanted to fight everyone in the room. Mack was arresting her at about the time I learned that you had made your collar safely. I wanted to get out of there so I came by to pick you up."

"God, what a nightmare," John said.

"Some family, huh?" Maria replied as she lit a cigarette. Maria pulled the squad car into a parking space outside of the building which housed DC's Youth Division. The two officers got out of the car.

"Well, I guess we'd better write this up tuit suite." said John. "It sounds like both of us are going to be doing probable cause hearings today."

"What a pain in the ass," Maria grumbled. "But the sooner its done, the sooner we sleep. The coffee's burning on the hot plate and the donuts are getting stale as we speak. Let's go grab some breakfast."

They strolled into the building in a comradely silence. It was 7:00 and the morning shift was just coming on duty. Officers worked 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to midnight, or midnight, to 8:00 a.m. Most cops arrived an hour before their shift started in order to dress, chat and for roll call. 

John and Maria grabbed their donuts and coffee and headed for their desks. Maria's desk was closest to the front door. John looked at Maria's desk as he passed by. It was a disaster area. It was covered with paper and files. Photographs of friends and family members were stapled to the bulletin board next to her computer. Candy wrappers, wads of used paper, paper cups and soda cans littered the floor surrounding her trash can. 

Thank God the days of indoor smoking are over, Rodgers thought as he looked at Maria's desk. Add the smell and mess of cigarettes and the desk could be condemned as a toxic waste dump site

Rodger's desk was neat by comparison. John prided himself on having an ordered mind. He would have done well in the military he thought, suddenly remembering his earlier dream. There were no little personal touches on or around Rodgers' desk. Rodgers had very few personal ties and had not taken advantage of tentative overtures of friendship made by colleagues and other Youth Division employees since his arrival in DC. Each time he thought of reaching out he reminded himself that he had a private agenda. 

Rodgers booted up his computer and got to work. He ignored his phone which began to ring the minute he sat down. It took him less than an hour to complete his incident report. As he was about to leave, Maria walked into his cubicle..




Dreams Of Destiny



"John," Maria said. "Did you know you were voted Mr. Youth Division?" she asked, laughing. "I just got an E-Mail about it."

"No. This is news to me," John replied. "What on earth is Mr. Youth Division?"

"It's a little known popularity/beauty contest conducted by secret ballot by the women employees of the Youth Division. But there hasn't even been a candidate in years. I have no idea who resurrected it. I don't even know who won it last."

"Great," John said sarcastically. "So what does it get me? A scholarship to cosmetology school? A date with the Mayor? Modeling contracts in biker magazines?"

Maria snickered. "It's a great honor and privilege," she advised him with a note of fake wonder in her voice. "You've been recognized as the most desirable man to grace the halls of Youth Division this year."

"Oh my God, you've got to be kidding me," John groaned. "Please tell me it ain't so." 

Maria snorted with laughter. "Oh John , this is the funniest thing to happen here in years. Don't tell me you don't love it. I'm riding with the sexiest man in the police department."

"I don't love it," John said through clenched teeth. "I don't even remotely like it. I feel like I just had a bad nude photo of me displayed over the Internet without my permission. Its insulting."

"John Rodgers I'm surprised at you," Maria chided playfully. "Where is your sense of humor? Your southern laissez faire attitude? Where's your masculine pride, your opportunistic nature? You could go far with a title like this. Think of all the babes out there just waiting for you to give them the nod."

"Give it a rest, Maria," I'm forty six years old, not sixteen. I don't want to be a sex object."

"If you say 'been there, done that,' I'm gonna puke," Maria warned.

"I don't mean that, Maria, and you know it. I'm a private guy. I hate the idea of every woman in the building looking at me and wondering how I perform in bed. That's disgusting. Its enough to put me off sex permanently."

"Now that would be a waste. No. It would be a national tragedy for women."

"Do you want to go to bed with me Maria?" John suddenly asked. He was furious. He backed her up against the wall, using his masculinity as a weapon.

She could feel his heat. If only he knew. "Jesus, John, I was just kidding around." She shoved him back.

He felt a connection. A sudden rush of arousal coursed through him. He backed off. "Of course you don't, he said brusquely. I know it and you know it. So don't talk like that. Its inappropriate."

"All right already. I didn't know you were so touchy. I'm sure the girls didn't mean anything by it. It was done in fun to break up work place tension. You know. Give people something to laugh about." 

"I know," John sighed. "But how would you like it if it were at your expense? Say the guys put together a tit contest and you won. Every time you talked to a man in our office you'd wonder if he were checking out your breasts."

"Yeah. I see your point. I hadn't thought about it like that," Maria conceded. "What do you want to do about it?"

"What can I do about it?" John asked. "Not much. What's done is done. Damage control, I guess. Let's try to keep it from going any further. And I don't want any female secretaries walking by my desk tittering." 

The light on his phone line started to flash. John picked up the incoming call. "Good morning, Officer Rodgers here."

"This is Marty Feinstein, John, in corporation counsel's office, said a reedy voice on the other end of the line. I'm papering the Devon James case this morning and I need to talk to you. Meet me in my office in twenty minutes.

"Good morning to you too, Marty," John said coldly. "I'll have to check my calendar and get back to you." He hung up. Pompous ass, he said to himself. No please or thank you, or if it is convenient. Just be there. Well, I'll think about it.

The phone rang again. John left his desk to get another cup of coffee and a donut. The phone was still ringing when he got back.

"Yes," he said impatiently into the receiver.

"This is Marty again. Can you be in my office in twenty minutes?"

"A simple please and thank you would help," John said sweetly. "That's how we do things down south."

"This is Washington, DC, not West Palm Beach, John. An any event, I would thank you to please have your ass in my office in twenty minutes Mr. Youth Division," Marty said maliciously."

Oh great, the word's out.

"That's much better, Marty," John said ignoring the rudeness and the jibe. I'll see you shortly. He hung up the phone with a bang. What he really wanted to do was hurl it against the office wall. John spent the next fifteen minutes on the telephone with various calls. Several calls were about cases he was currently investigating. He got two or three hang ups which he passed off as wrong numbers. The other two were giggly overtures from female Youth Division employees asking for clandestine meetings.

John started to get annoyed, and then forced himself to relax.  Ah hell. Let the twits have their fun. They're not doing me any harm. Its not as if they are going to rape me or anything. And it is kind of flattering, he finally decided

.

John looked up at the clock on the wall. 8:25 already. It was a ten minute walk to the Office of Corporation Counsel. Oh well, John thought, Marty's kept me waiting often enough. He won't kill me if I'm five minutes late. John shrugged into his rumpled jacket and set out for the prosecutor's office.

Marty was chaffing at the bit when John arrived ten minutes later. "Where the hell have you been?" Marty demanded as John walked into the office. "Do you have my police report? Judge Raven's really been hammering at us to get the juvenile cases papered as early in the day as possible. I can't paper my cases without police reports."

Rodgers handed Marty the police report and Marty read it eagerly.

"Good, good," he said as he read. "Wait a minute, I thought there was a resisting arrest charge."

"No," said Rodgers, "Devon didn't resist."

"Are you sure about that?" Marty prodded him. "I thought I heard resisting."

"I should know, I was there."

"Yeah, right. Well there's definitely reckless endangerment, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of unregistered ammunition.. That ought to hang the kid out to dry. I'm going for secure detention on this one. We'll have to have a probable cause hearing. Do you have time for me to prep you now?" Marty asked.

"I don't need preparation," John said flatly. "You put me on the stand and I tell the judge what happened. Its as simple as that.

"No its not as simple as that," Marty snapped. "I want secure detention even though this is a first offense. Judge Raven doesn't like to lock kids up on first offenses."

"Neither do I," said John.

"Your opinion doesn't count," Marty said shortly. 

"Gee, thanks."

"Here's how I see it . This was a highly volatile situation. You and your partner arrived at Devon's apartment. When he saw police officers entering his home, Devon picked up his gun and fled the apartment. You took off in pursuit. Shots were fired at you. A lengthy pursuit ensued in the dark of night ."

Marty paused for effect.

"Loaded weapons were brandished. You could have been shot. Bystanders could have been killed. Devon might have been shot. You had to run him down to exhaustion and physically restrain him. You wrestled with him to get the gun. Clearly the boy's danger to the community and a flight risk. Have I got it right, officer Rodgers?" Marty asked.

"Well, not exactly." John said. He crossed the room to the water cooler and poured himself a drink.

"What am I missing?" Marty asked.

"That's not the way it happened," Rodgers said bluntly.

"Okay, so now you tell me what happened," Marty suggested.

"My partner, Maria Dias and I were responding to a anonymous call that came in at 5:20 concerning domestic violence. The caller was tearful and sounded scared. She was an older woman. She said she thought three little children, Mikey, Lily and Devon James, were being beaten up by their mother's boyfriend. She said the mother was a hooker and on drugs. The boyfriend was her pimp. She was especially afraid for the twelve year old girl. She said she thought there were drugs and guns in the house. 

"Maria and I arrived at the scene at about 5:40 a.m. As we approached the apartment we could hear loud music blasting out of the windows. Maria knocked loudly on the door and an African American female, age approximately 30 answered, by opening the door about four inches. The woman was dressed up like she was headed for a party. Her eyes were blood shot and she appeared to be high. 

"Maria showed her badge and explained that we were investigating an anonymous complaint of child abuse. She asked the woman her name. 

"The woman said she was Dominica James. She said she was the mother of Mikey, Lily and Devon James, but that there was no child abuse problem in her home. She turned and started to close the door but I put my foot into it. Maria asked if we could come inside and take a look around. Ms. James hesitated, and then shrugged her shoulders and opened the door to let us in.

"It was a small, one bedroom apartment. It was hot inside and smelled of urine, dirty laundry and stale food.. The place was filthy, and crawling with cockroaches. The front door entered into the living room. I noticed the kitchen behind the living room. The bedroom and bathroom were off to the left. There was a back door leading out to a porch and the alley below.

"As I entered the apartment I saw a young teenager in the kitchen with a handgun in his right hand. He froze for a second when he saw me. Then he turned and ran out the kitchen door. I followed him out. At about the time I stepped out onto the back porch I heard a gunshot in the back yard. I drew my service revolver. As I looked down into the back yard I saw the kid run out the gate and into the alley. He was moving fast. I jumped over the porch rail down into the yard and passed through the gate about forty feet behind the kid. The kid ran out flat. It was dark and he knew the neighborhood well so he kept a good distance between us. He led me a merry chase, but I could tell he was tiring when he turned right, into an alley. 

"I gained on him until there were no more than fifteen feet between us, and then the poor kid tripped over his own feet and went down flat on his face. The gun skittered out of his hand and ended up in a gutter a few feet away from him. 

"I told the kid to freeze. He started to reach out as if to go for the gun. I' told him to freeze, mother fucker, or words to that effect. I told him that if he didn't want to die he'd better lie down flat on his face with his hands behind him. 

"The kid flattened out and put his hands behind him. I put on the cuffs nice and gentle, like, and read him his rights. I called in to the dispatcher and then went over to the gutter to recover the gun. After that me and Devon sat together and watched the sun rise whilst waiting for the troops to arrive. And we had us a nice little chat."

Rodgers finished up his tale leaning his long body back in Marty's one comfortable chair. His legs were stretched out and crossed at the ankle. Rodgers was finally starting to relax after hours of built up tension.

"So I guess you think I should put this kid back out on the street," Marty said with disgust.

"No. But I don't think you should screw him, either. Maybe he'd do okay if he had a decent relative somewhere."

"He doesn't. I've checked. And even if he did I wouldn't want him released."

"Don't be such a hard ass, Marty," Rodgers said. "You can't lock up every juvee that ends up in the system. 

"Sure I can. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

"You'd be happy if we went back to the dark ages, wouldn't you? 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'."

"Yep," said Marty. "Don't screw around with me on this one, Rodgers. I want the kid locked up."

Rodgers' gave Marty a hard look. He stood up and leaned his hands on the prosecutor's desk. "Don't tell me how to testify, Marty. I don't like it." 

Marty looked nervously at the big man across the desk from him. "Oh for Christ's sakes John, lighten up. This is kiddy court, remember? Its elementary school for criminals." 

"Yeah, right," Rodgers muttered disdainfully. "So who cares what happens to the kids, anyway?" He walked out of Marty's office feeling soiled, and with a bad taste in his mouth.

"Where are you going?" Marty called to him as he left.

"To the officers lounge outside Courtroom 10. I gotta get some sleep, I'm whipped."

The Courthouse was only a block from the prosecutor's office but it felt like a mile. It was downright hot out now, the sun was an angry gold disk in the morning sky. DC summers had all of the disadvantages of Florida with no beach. What a crappie city. Rodgers thought. He was in a real funk by the time he got to the Courthouse. Kiddy court. Christ, who needs it? Why didn't I just stay in West Palm beach with my nice little murders. When he got to the front of the Court he looked up at the letters over he looked at the words over the door. COURTHOUSE OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and saw them as Outhouse of the District of Columbia. Appropriate, he thought.

John made his way to the officers lounge outside of Courtroom 10. He was exhausted. The lounge was empty and dark. The lumpy cot looked more inviting than any bed he'd seen in a long time. He took off his jacket and lay down. He pulled his jacket over his head to make it seem even darker. He was deeply asleep in a matter of minutes.