Some of the themes or activities in The Revolver may be offensive to some people — check the story codes first, please. Story codes and more information about The Revolver can be found on Revolver Page.

Chapter Twenty-nine

Tuesday
December 9, 1958

Kitty watched the room lighten with the dawn sun's light. They kept the curtains open on the large plate glass window looking onto the Gulf. She realized Greg was watching her.

"Tough night?" he asked.

She shook her head. She didn't want to talk about it.

He turned his head and stared at the ceiling.

"Tough night?" she asked.

He shook his head. "Not too bad."

She looked at the sky — cloudy, more blue than clouds. He was a liar. She asked him, "What's the worst that could happen?"

He was silent. "Would you be able to help me? I need to pee."

"Sure." She sat up. Mark was still asleep. She got out of bed, stood by the wheelchair as Greg got into it. Getting in and out of the wheelchair wasn't too hard for him to do; they kept it by the bed at night.

Kitty stood outside the bathroom and wondered how his mother had managed. What they had done. She couldn't ask him. She couldn't ask him many things. She turned her head and saw Mark was watching her.

"Morning," she said.

"Is Greg okay?" he asked.

"He's okay," she said. She heard the toilet flush. "Ready?" she asked.

"Ready," he said.

She hadn't been this close with someone since Mark was a baby. Sex was close, but not as close as this. She helped him get back into the chair. She wondered who helped him at her house. It had to be Winifred if they were alone, no other adults around. It wasn't a big deal really, but it was. Sweet little Winifred.

Greg went back to bed; they decided to sleep in. Mark sat up and colored in a coloring book, wearing his pirate hat and pajamas, on his cot, his covers around him.

She shut her eyes after watching Greg stare at the ceiling. He seemed to have a long list for the worst that could happen.

Kitty remembered the time Mark came into her room when she was entertaining a gentleman caller. Mark was asleep, had been asleep for several hours, she thought. She heard him and turned around. He was watching them. Mark was maybe three, maybe a little older.

That was a worst thing that could happen. They survived. She took him back to bed. Read to him. When he was asleep and she went back to her bedroom the caller was gone. Another one of those she never saw again.

In her bedroom at home she could hear birds in the morning. She couldn't here in the hotel. She wondered where she was. This wasn't the real world anymore.

Johnny held Shirley while they talked in the bedroom. There wasn't room enough for all four of them in his bed so they'd split up, Maeve's choice.

They heard Beth's bark first, then they heard the door to room open. Shirley smiled at him, her brown eyes sparkled.

"Go on," Maeve said. "Wake the lazy bones up."

"We're up," Johnny said.

Beth leaped onto the bed holding the handle of the leash in her mouth. She gave a bark then kissed Shirley.

Maeve joined them. She kissed him, then climbed off the bed. "I'll make coffee." She spoke from the door. "Cereal for breakfast all right with everyone?"

Beth had climbed under the sheet, pushing the covers off the bed when Maeve entered with a pot of coffee and cups on a tray.

Maeve set the tray down. "If we're to leave at nine, there's an hour for play, forty-five minutes for showers and breakfast. I'm going to have a relaxing breakfast."

"Me, too, Johnny," Shirley said. She sat up, then stood. She turned. "Dog."

Beth looked up from Johnny cock.

"Make him beg for it." She unclipped the leash, rolled it around the handle and went to Maeve.

Beth turned and faced him. She gave a bark, moved so her pussy rubbed against his erection and her nose touched his. She held his cock, worked her pussy on it as she watched his eyes.

Johnny heard a chair scrape and Maeve say, "She's in fine form this morning."

He heard another chair scrape, Shirley's voice. "I'd say that stud was in trouble."

Beth kissed him as she lowered herself onto his cock, ground her pussy against him then raised herself so just the tip of his cock was in her. Beth winked as she raised her pussy higher.

He tried to keep in her but fell out.

Beth bent close to him and kissed his ear. She gave a soft bark, then licked his neck. He felt her hand hold him, then her pussy touch the tip of his cock.

Maeve laughed; he heard her walk to the bed. "Help me, Shirley."

He saw her looking down at him. She had the crop in her hand. "If you don't move, Johnny, it won't hurt."

Johnny felt his feet being tied to the bed frame.

"Johnny, position your arms." Maeve tapped the crop lightly against her palm as she peered down on him. He felt his hands being tied. Shirley watched him, also.

"If we had time, I'd shove a dildo up his ass, but we don't." Maeve drew the end of the crop along his jaw as Beth fucked him.

Shirley stepped to the side of the bed. Johnny lifted his head and watched Shirley and Beth kiss as Beth fucked him. He watched Shirley's hand rub Beth's pussy and felt her touch his cock.

Johnny saw a flash, he turned and saw Maeve put a new bulb in the flashgun of Alex's camera.

Beth became furious in her fucking, then came with a muffled scream. She stopped moving and looked down at him.

He felt the crop hit his arm.

"You moved, Johnny." He turned; Maeve stood at the head of the bed. "You're next, Shirley. Clean him first, dog."

Johnny felt Beth suck his cock. He felt the bed move. He felt just a hand on his cock then a pussy. He watched Maeve's face as Shirley fucked him.

"If you're not good, Johnny, you'll hold the dildo in your teeth until we're done with you." She tapped his ear lightly with the crop. "Watch Shirley."

He raised his head and watched Shirley fuck him. She held one breast; her back was arched. Beth was behind her holding Shirley's other breast with one hand while the other hand dug into Shirley's pussy. Beth kissed and licked Shirley's shoulder.

Shirley raised herself off his legs and fucked him hard. Her body jumped as if jolted and she dropped to grind her pussy on him, moaning through her teeth, her eyes open staring at nothing.

Johnny could feel her pussy contract on him, pulsing squeezes. No one moved for a minute, then Johnny felt Shirley's pussy leave his cock.

Maeve struck his arm again with the crop. He looked at her. She held the dildo so he could see it. "In your teeth if you can't last," she said as she laid it next to his head. "Clean him for me, dog."

Johnny shut his eyes.

After Beth's mouth left him, he felt her hand hold him as Maeve's pussy swallowed him. Johnny felt the crop touch his nose, he opened his eyes.

"Look at me," Maeve said.

Johnny raised his head. He saw the flash go off making Maeve's body incredibly bright. She raised herself off him, onto her knees, and began to fuck him. She kissed Beth, held the crop in her hand as she held Beth's shoulder. Beth's hand worked Maeve's pussy.

Shirley walked around the bed as she took pictures. Beth and Maeve broke, Maeve dropped the crop and used both of her hands on her pussy as she leaned back and fucked him.

Beth picked up the crop and traced a line on his chest from his sternum, around one nipple, then the other. She had a smile on her face as she leaned to him and kissed him, then gave a bark as the crop lightly tapped his shoulder. Once, twice, three times and he heard Maeve scream, hold still and shudder.

Beth struck his arm with the crop. "Hold it," she said. She licked her lips, turned to Maeve.

Maeve climbed off him, knelt on the bed by him. "Say a number from one to nine, Johnny."

Johnny felt Beth untie his hands as someone, Shirley, untied his feet.

"Five," Johnny said.

Beth got off the bed, came back with a card.

He saw the number five written on it. She turned the card and held it close. He read, as he felt Maeve's hand on his cock, "Fuck Beth's pussy."

Beth dropped the card and gave a bark. She fell to her hands and knees on the floor by the bed.

"Doggy style, Johnny," Maeve said getting off the bed.

Shirley clipped the leash to the collar and put the handle in Johnny's hand.

Johnny sat up. His cock was red and swollen; he was about ready to explode. He stood then dropped to his knees behind Beth. He held the leash as he rammed his cock into her pussy. He fucked her; she fucked back, barking first, then silently. He wrapped his arms under her shoulders so his hands held her to him. He thrust hard; she shook her head and growled. He came and pulled himself into her, pulling her shoulders back. She gave a cry, bumped her ass into him three times, then dropped her head and muttered for a moment or so. She shook under him, trembled. He trembled on top of her. He dropped the leash, forced himself erect on his knees. He saw the flash go off, felt Beth drop to her elbows. She was weeping, pressing herself into him.

He heard the chair scrape, Maeve say, "I told you we could all do him in an hour." She paused. "You're a good boy, Johnny. Your coffee is ready anytime."

He gave a nod, touched Beth's side. He could count her ribs, see the vertebrae on her back. She was silent now, still bumping her ass against him.

"Clean his cock, dog," Shirley said.

Beth gave a bark, took a step forward then slowly turned around. She handed him the leash handle to hold as she licked his cock clean. She watched him when she was done; her eyes were red and shining. She rose and they kissed.

Gloria helped Winifred make breakfast. Winifred didn't need help really, she knew what she was doing. Gladys set the table and the card table beside it. She glanced at Gloria and gave her a smile.

Gloria went to the garage, got her troop moving, then to Mark's room and the girls' room. It was a full house. She thought she'd take her two and Darlene, if she'd come, to her house. It was on a different side of town. There'd be problems but nothing like the crowding here. She didn't think they could keep Romeo and Juliet apart forever. She'd have to talk to them about it, but they weren't stupid. They wouldn't have survived if they were stupid.

She and Romeo and Juliet. Maybe Darlene. If Darlene came then Tiger would also come. She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Okay?" Gladys asked.

"Thinking. Just thinking." She followed Gladys into the living room where they sat. Winifred brought them coffee and toast then left.

"What are you planning on doing?" Gladys asked.

"Hadn't thought about it. Hadn't thought much out."

"I could use help with the phone. Johnny talk to you?"

"Not really. We'll talk today. Gladys, what's happening with Kitty?"

Gladys chewed on her toast for a minute. "She . . ." Gladys shook her head. "It's not that bad. I could say all kinds of things. I've done the same thing myself more than once. She's okay." Gladys sat back in her seat.

"That didn't tell me much."

"Wasn't supposed to." Gladys smiled. "There are things you have to do on your own. I think she's doing them. My talking about it doesn't help her. Maybe I'm wrong. It's better for me to keep my mouth shut."

Gloria gave a nod. "I want to see her."

Gladys set her coffee cup down. "I can't advise you. Just be careful."

Gloria thought as she ate her toast. She could hear the kids in the other room. She could hear Darlene's voice for a moment. Darlene was different now. It wasn't the same.

Gladys finished her coffee. "I need to leave in a minute. We haven't been able to work with the kids as much as we should have. It's good to have you back."

Gloria grinned. "That's one thing I know how to do."

Gladys stood with her cup and plate. "I don't need to ask you about Philadelphia, do I? You look . . ."

"I'm glad to be back." Gloria stood and they carried their dishes into the kitchen.

Johnny parked in front of Kitty's and waited before going in. Maeve and Shirley, and Eve's dress left folded on the wingback, were going to The House first, then Maeve would come to Kitty's

Beth was dressed, seated against him, her hand on his leg. She wore her collar. The leash was attached; he didn't ask where the handle was. He couldn't see it. She had her stint to do today at Kitty's and then Charles would take her to The House. Tonight would be her first real night. He probably wouldn't see her until tomorrow at the photo shoot.

"Do you still want to go on with this?" he asked.

She gave a bark. She gave a quick nod.

"You want to stop, just tell someone. Anytime. Any reason. It will be okay."

She barked softly. She moved across the seat toward her door.

"Feel different about Charles?"

She shrugged and turned to him. "This isn't what I expected."

"The girls are great, aren't they?"

She nodded. "They're great."

"Anything you want to do specially?"

She shrugged her shoulders.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?"

She shook her head. Her eyes held his for a moment; then she looked away. "Maeve is a special woman, an extraordinary person. You hurt her by having too many girls, you hurt her by not spending enough time with her. She's jealous of me, of my time with you. I don't know how she does it. She's gracious, kind. I love her and don't want to do anything to hurt her but I'm falling in love with you, Johnny."

Johnny was silent for a moment. "More time with Charles help?"

She shook her head. "You have too many girls, Johnny. God help me, I'd do anything to be one. I love Charles, love him more than anyone."

"You don't bark in front of the kids, do you?" He grinned at her.

She shook her head, opened the car door.

"Elizabeth." Johnny touched her thigh. "Thank you." He opened his door. "Maeve and I will spend more time together."

She turned and smiled at him. "Liar." She left the car.

Johnny walked with her to the house. "Gloria is here. You'll finally get a chance to meet her."

They went inside. They could hear them, kids and Gloria. They went into the living room, and then Elizabeth took a step back. Johnny turned and looked at her. Her face was pale.

He followed her into the foyer; she leaned on the wall. She shook him away from her.

"Why, Johnny? Why do all your girls have to be so beautiful?"

Johnny heard a footstep and turned. Gloria gave him a broad smile. He turned to Elizabeth. "Are you one of my girls, Beth? Answer me."

She shook her head, turned from him, her face in the corner.

He touched her shoulder her shoulder. "Beth, I'm making a special trip to The House tonight to collect my portion from you. And I'll have a task for you to do for me. Ask the girls what my tasks are like. Only my girls do special tasks for me. They satisfy my whims." He leaned against her and touched her side. "Where is the leash handle, Beth?" he whispered.

She shook her head.

"I didn't even have to ask you, did I? You already knew, didn't you?" Johnny stepped away from her, turned to Gloria and smiled. "She doesn't think she's pretty enough."

Gloria stepped to Elizabeth, touched her shoulder. "My name is Gloria."

Elizabeth turned. Gloria glanced at Johnny then looked back at her. "Charles' wife, Elizabeth." Gloria took her hand and looked at Johnny and shook her head.

Johnny shrugged his shoulders.

Gloria led Elizabeth past him. He followed them into the living room. He leaned against the wall and watched them. Darlene stood next to him. "What's the matter with her?"

Johnny shrugged his shoulders. "Let's talk in the garden."

Darlene followed him. Tiger watched her movements, then turned to the other kids.

Maeve and Billy talked for a moment about last night's Christmas shopping. They were short handed with Neva, Eve, Beth and Shirley not available. It left everything for just the four of them, which wasn't bad. Billy gave a smile. Monday nights were never rough, but still.

Maeve told Billy the story about the stormy night and how she and another girl satisfied a horde all by themselves. Billy had a similar story, then Maeve told about her days in San Diego in a high volume house. Billy wondered if shorter hours wouldn't help, especially on bar nights.

Maeve shook her head. "I'll tell you what we'll do. I'll work here bar night. Anyone wants to, can. They'll get seventy-five percent instead of fifty percent."

Billy kicked her legs for a minute, got up from the kitchen chair and studied the schedule on the refrigerator. She sat back down. "They'll go for it."

Maeve finished her coffee, smiled at Billy. "Just me, alone?"

Billy shook her head. "I think Neva will be here after the shoot, maybe Connie. They like the money."

"Good. We'll have fun together." Maeve stood. "Next week on we'll close The House three nights a week, Sunday and two others. You choose them, except you'll be open on Friday and Saturday."

Bill found a piece of paper. "Four out of seven, Friday and Saturday we are open for business."

"You can change the days off each week. Keep things interesting."

Billy put her pen down. "Won't that hurt business?"

Maeve shook her head and sat down. "We want to move some of you to other jobs."

Billy looked at Michael as he came into the room and sat in the chair next to her. She asked Maeve, "So less will do more?"

Maeve gave her a smile. "I have to get going. You're not working Michael to death, are you? He looks thinner."

Billy laughed.

"Not working," Michael said, "fucking me to death." He shook his head.

"Maybe Charles should help," Maeve said.

Michael shook his head. "Charles has enough problems already."

Maeve stood. "He does, doesn't he?"

"His wife barks, kids are coming home from college in two weeks. Mom's in a brothel working her ass off." Michael leaned across the table. "Charles never told us she was so good looking." He sat back in his seat. "Mom's in a brothel and she's hot and popular. Might give sis ideas, mighten it?"

Billy gave his arm a slap. "It's her son I've got my eyes on."

"Charles," Michael said, "has been thinking about what his wife feels when another fellow's dick is stuffed up her ass."

"He's crude, isn't he?" Billy said. "Yours, right?"

Michael shook his head. "I have problems enough already without taking on any more." He glanced at Maeve. "How's Johnny doing?"

"He's learning to delegate." She picked up her purse. "I'll be here Thursday night, Michael. Just like old times."

He stared at her. "I'm a goner, aren't I?"

Billy grinned at him.

Johnny and Gloria sat in rockers on the porch; Darlene was a few feet away on the grass in the sun. He saw Maeve walk out of the house and he stood.

"Take my seat. I'll join Darlene in the sun." Johnny kissed Maeve, sat next to Darlene. "Don't get any ideas."

Maeve studied Darlene, kissed Gloria, and relaxed into the rocker. "Whose idea was that, Darlene?"

"Gloria's." Darlene set her cap in her lap. "My name is David, by the way."

"David was my pimp," Gloria said. "He kept an eye open. He was most helpful."

Darlene turned to Johnny. "She's not telling everything."

"I'm not, Johnny. Not now, at least. It wasn't easy. I couldn't have done it without David or Darlene."

Johnny took the envelope out of his pocket. He opened it and counted out the money. "Almost eight hundred?"

Gloria nodded slowly. "We had expenses."

Johnny counted it again into two piles. He handed one pile to Darlene, stood and walked to Gloria. He handed her the other pile. He sat next to Darlene. "As her pimp you get half."

"Johnny," Maeve said.

"No, that's all right," Gloria said. She laid the bills on the floor next to the rocker. "Johnny's being difficult but I agree. Darlene should get half."

Johnny grinned at Darlene. "I'm being difficult."

"Johnny," Maeve said. "What is your problem?"

"We're on edge, Maeve. It's nothing," Gloria said. "Can I see Kitty?"

Maeve looked at Johnny. "It's up to you, since you're our pimp."

"I'd wait a day, Gloria," Johnny said.

"Wait a day?" Gloria looked quickly at Maeve.

"I'll be going shortly. You can come if you want. We can talk. But Johnny is probably right. This one, too," Maeve pointed at Darlene, "needs to talk to her."

Darlene kicked her heel in the grass.

"The doctor?" Johnny asked.

"All taken care of," Gloria said. "No complications. And Darlene is done with her shots."

Darlene muttered something.

Maeve rose to her feet and went to Darlene. She held out her hand. "Let's go visit Kitty."

Darlene watched Johnny.

Johnny stood. "Remember what I said."

Darlene stood brushing the seat of her jeans. "I'm not a child, Johnny."

"She isn't, Johnny." Gloria rocked in her chair.

Johnny rolled his eyes, touched Darlene on the shoulder. "Come here." He walked away.

Darlene glanced at Maeve then followed him.

"Darlene," Johnny said. "See Kitty after she's had her time alone with Greg. Stay in the car, pal around with Mark, then when you come back to the hotel, go up and Greg and Maeve and Mark will go out to eat. Take Kitty out, buy her dinner. Treat her right. She shouldn't drink, not even wine. If you both need more time, Maeve will get you two a hotel room."

Darlene stared at him as he talked. Darlene didn't move, just stood and stared.

"Or visit Kitty some other time. You decide." Johnny smiled. "Do you have a pocket knife?"

Darlene shook her head.

Johnny reached into his pocket and took out his. "Take it. It's something men find useful."

Darlene held the knife in her hand.

"It's safe until you open it, Darlene. Then you have to be careful." Johnny paused. "Decide yet?"

Darlene looked at Johnny, turned to Maeve. "I'll go with you."

Johnny watched them leave then asked Gloria, "Can I take you out to lunch?"

Gloria gave a nod. "Everything is different, isn't it?"

"Darlene's different. You're different. I'm different. I'm tired, Gloria. Let's eat, go to a motel and forget the world for and hour or two."

Gloria took his hand. "The Pelican?"

"I don't think Kitty could take you both at once. She's hopelessly in love with Darlene. You're the one who took Darlene from her."

"I'm tired, too, Johnny. Just hold me, nothing else. No one has just held me since I left."

Kitty looked at Greg as she kissed him. He always closed his eyes; she kept hers open. His chest was muscular under her fingers. His eyes stayed closed. The only scar on his face was on his forehead, white skin, a depression like a crater, about the size of a dime. Those were all things she knew. When she kissed him she saw the bridge of his nose, smooth, his eyelashes long for a man's.

She thought about Al's neighbor while she fucked Greg. Six feet tall, a big man, not very good-looking, one of his teeth had a chip missing. Gloria would have fallen in love with him right off. He treated me like shit, Kitty thought. Treated me like shit and I always came back for more.

She remembered the time he had her dance for them, then one by one they took her. He never let them use his bed; he had an old mattress in the garage that lay on the floor. She danced for them. She begged them to fuck her; they threw her down on the mattress and used her.

It was different from the parties Johnny had her go to only in that the men at Pete's called her names, they slapped her, they liked to demean her. She was dirt, she was treated like the filth she was. They fucked her, they made her ass bleed, her cunt sore, almost raw one night. They talked about knocking her teeth out so she could suck them off better. She didn't need teeth. She was ugly, she was a slut and whore, a lying cheating bitch.

She danced for them, they fucked her one after the other until they were done with her, then they told her to go. She got onto her knees; her lip was bleeding. When she brushed it with her hand, her hand had blood on it. She stood and saw everything beginning to turn white and heard the blood roar in her head. She made herself not pass out. She found her clothes and began to dress. She watched them watch her while she dressed. She walked to the door, opened it and felt a hand grab her arm and pull her back.

"Who said you could go, slut bitch?"

She turned around.

"Kitty. Are you okay?" Greg asked.

She fell against him and sobbed. She felt him hold her as she tried to breathe.

"You're okay. You're okay," he said.

She wanted to laugh. She shook her head.

"You're okay."

She said slowly, "Who are you to say I'm okay?" She rolled off him and sat up.

"You're okay, Kitty."

Kitty stood and walked toward the bathroom. She turned to him and said, "Aren't you going to ask me to lick it clean for you?"

"Kitty, you're okay."

"If you say that one more time I'll . . ."

"Chop my legs off and toss me to the dogs. Is that what you'll do, Kitty?" Greg watched her. "You're okay, Kitty." He smiled. "Do your worst."

She slapped the wall, then marched to him. "You fucking bastard."

Greg pushed himself up on the bed so he leaned on the headboard. "You're okay, Kitty."

She swung at him and he caught her hand. She tried to pull away from him, couldn't. His grip was too strong.

"The Chinese couldn't kill me, the cold couldn't, the doctors tried but couldn't. What makes you think you can kill me, Kitty?" He let go of her hand. "You're okay, Kitty. Nothing's going to hurt you here."

Kitty sat on her bed and stared at him. "You really believe that, don't you?"

"Kitty, when I was a kid there was a joke I liked to tell people. Little Johnny lost his arms and legs in a terrible accident. One day there was a knock on the door. His mother opened it and saw six of the neighborhood boys on the porch.

" 'Mrs. Duncan, can little Johnny come out to play baseball with us?' one boy asked.

"Johnny's mother said, 'But Johnny can't play, he has no arms or legs.'

" 'Oh, that's okay,' the boy said. 'We want him for third base.'"

Greg smiled at her. "You're supposed to laugh. As long as I'm not someone's third base, I'm okay. As long as Mark loves his mom, you're okay. And it doesn't just stop with Mark loving you. Think about it. You're okay. There are lots of reasons you're okay. The world may be falling about your ears, but you're okay."

Kitty sat still for a moment; she didn't blink her eyes. Then she began to weep. She stood and fell across him, holding him.

"You almost did what the Reds couldn't, girl."

She slapped his arm. She crawled over him and lay on top of him, making circles on his shoulder with her finger. She wiped her eyes with her hand then went back to making circles on his skin.

She heard the door open. "I forgot to lock the door," she said. She held him.

"Mom, Darlene's downstairs," Mark said.

"We'll come back later," Maeve said. "Sorry. Mark."

Kitty said, "Give us five minutes." She heard the door close. She touched Greg's shoulder, then sat up. "I need to go, Greg." She touched his face with her finger, bent and kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

Kitty stood and dressed as he watched her. She helped him dress, then touched his lips with her finger. "I need to go."

Mark and Maeve waited outside the room door. Kitty stared at Maeve.

"She's downstairs," Maeve said. "Mark, Greg and I are going out to dinner. We'll be back at nine. If you need more time, let me know."

Kitty hugged Mark, caught Maeve's eyes then turned and walked toward the elevator.

Johnny put down the phone then sat in his chair. It was dark outside, so dark; no moon on the water. He picked up a pencil and scribbled on the pad as he thought. Maeve had called Gladys; Gladys had called him. Kitty and Darlene had gone off together. Kitty's note on Maeve's car had said she'd be back in the morning. Maeve, Greg and Mark had gone to the Jolly Roger out on the key. Maeve would stay the night with them.

Johnny put down his pencil and looked at his watch. He called The House. "Connie, I need to speak with Michael." Johnny tapped the pencil on the pad.

"He's not there, okay. Here's a message for him. Charles is to bring Eve and Loreli to my house after he drops Beth off. After he has his hour with her is okay. I need to talk to Charles, have him come in with them. I'm eating dinner with Penny. If I'm late, the house is open." He waited for her to repeat the message. "Perfect. Thanks, Connie." He put down the phone.

He sketched out his evening schedule on the pad. Dinner with Penny, back at his house to talk with Charles, help Alex with the shoot. He wanted to talk with Winifred this evening, he had Beth to take care of and, finally, back home with Penny.

He missed Maeve already. His afternoon with Gloria had been anything but edifying. They held each other, but they were off. He couldn't say anything, in any way, to make her happy. In the end they just held each other in silence. She went back to Kitty's. He spent a few minutes with the new children, though Cherry, Sylphie, wasn't a child any more.

He talked with Gloria for a few minutes afterwards. They were going to shop for a new car for her next week. Tomorrow she was going to Sarasota so she could see Kitty.

Shopping for a car wouldn't take long; it was just finding the time to do it. Gloria wanted a station wagon; another Rambler was fine. He'd pay for it.

Johnny stood and went to the fridge. He checked his cupboards and wrote out a small shopping list.

He made one more call before leaving. He left a message for Steve at the station for a meeting at The Pelican on Thursday.

He knew he was forgetting something when he left the house for dinner but he couldn't think of what. His happiness was somewhere, but he didn't think he left that behind in the house. He wasn't sure where he'd left it. At the motel with Gloria, at Kitty's earlier when Darlene left with Maeve, maybe earlier still.

He was too busy to think about it. He turned the key, backed the Electra out of the drive. He wondered if Winifred wanted his car. He was tired of it. He'd get himself another when he shopped for cars with Gloria.

Kitty and Darlene strolled on the beach. She wanted to hold Darlene's hand, was afraid to ask. Darlene was so different, subdued and bitter. Darlene didn't talk. Silence was too uncomfortable so Kitty chattered. She wanted to slap herself. She was afraid of what might happen if she gave in to that urge.

Kitty stopped. "We could go out to eat, the hotel restaurant is decent, or we could pick up a couple of sandwiches and a bottle of wine and go back to the room." She watched Darlene's eyes.

Darlene turned to go back. "Johnny and Maeve said you're not to drink."

"Wine's okay."

"The only time people have offered me a drink was so I'd get drunk and they could fuck me."

"No wine. Colas instead. Sandwiches and colas."

"Anything good on TV back in the room?"

Kitty shook her head. She didn't know. All Al had been interested in was sports. After work he ate, had a couple of beers and went to sleep early. Al's neighbor was too busy doing other things to watch TV. She remembered riding in his car with him, one of the few evenings he took her out. He wanted to go to Webb's City so he took her along. She looked at Darlene.

Darlene stared straight ahead. "Let's go to the restaurant. Pretend I'm your kid brother."

Kitty nodded. She walked beside Darlene trying not to remember the parking lot with him at Webb's City. She'd known all along it would happen. She sometimes wondered if she'd wanted it to happen. She had to call Al from a pay phone. He was out in a few minutes to pick her up. They rode back quietly; Al didn't say a word.

She began holding out on Johnny; the week after, she gave Al five hundred dollars. He sat in his living room looking at the money, more than he made a month.

"If you don't take it, I'm sure Pete down the street will." She began to unbutton her shirt. "Why don't you call your friends and we'll have a party?"

Al laid the money on the coffee table.

"You should begin charging them." She laid the shirt on the couch. She stood to unsnap her jeans. "Five dollars, maybe less because they're your friends." She pushed the jeans down her legs and stepped out of them. She sat on the couch and waited for him to make up his mind.

"Pete thinks if I don't have any teeth I'd give better blowjobs. What do you think, Al?"

Al picked up the money and left the room. She heard his bedroom door close and the lock click.

She played with herself for five minutes. She put on her shirt and went out. There was a good bar on forty-ninth.

Kitty stopped at the pavement, looking at the cars parked in front of the hotel. She glanced at Darlene. Darlene was watching her.

"I'm okay," Kitty said.

Darlene shook her head and went slowly toward the restaurant.

Charles was in the living room with a beer when Johnny and Penny walked in.

"Why don't you help Alex in the garage, Penny?"

Penny left them after giving Charles a smile. Johnny went to the kitchen for a beer and sat down across from Charles in the living room. He took a drink, set the bottle down.

"Want to borrow Penny this evening?" Johnny asked. "You could have her for a few hours."

Charles shook his head.

"What did Eve want to do last night?"

Charles smiled. "She's crazy. She wanted to go into this bar; it was a rough place. No Cadillacs parked in front. Then we spent a couple of hours in the parking lot."

Johnny nodded.

"She gave the money to Michael, Johnny."

"I know. I want you to take Eve and Loreli home this evening. Keep it simple. Get a motel room. Make them happy then take them to The House. Call here to tell me the motel and room number. I'll be bringing someone new to you at midnight or a little after. This crazy woman cornered me last Saturday, won't take no for an answer. She looks good, is energetic in bed, but I'm not sure. I think with Beth I'd better stop."

Charles colored at his wife's name.

"Try her out. If you like her, we'll keep her on. Maybe she can be one of Gladys' girls. That's unless you want to start out on your own."

Charles finished his beer. "I'm happy."

"She'll think a room full of men are waiting for her. Keep the light out. I'll drop her off. You'll take her home in the morning." Johnny took a drink. He heard them in the garage. It sounded like Penny had joined in. "How are you and Beth doing?"

"She barks like a dog, Johnny. That what you want to hear? I pick her up tonight and she shows me, before we've even out to the car where she'd stuck that damn leash of hers."

Johnny went to the kitchen and brought two open beers. He handed one to Charles, then sat down. "She didn't show me." He took a drink. "Otherwise?"

"I'm jealous, Johnny. It's all I can do to just sit here. You've had her, Michael's had her, Alex's had her. She's already done some men at The House; tonight's her first night and she can't wait. At least she seemed that way the way she barked."

Johnny gave a nod. "There's not much I can say, Charles. She doesn't have to do any of this."

"She has two grown children. They're coming home for Christmas. What am I going to tell Chrissy and George?"

"How long do you think she knew about this?"

Charles put his beer down. "I think from the beginning. I didn't know that until now. I think it is something women can smell."

"Your kids were home for Thanksgiving, what was it like?"

Charles sat back on the couch. "It was all right, Johnny. I don't think they knew anything."

"Then I wouldn't worry, Charles."

"Where's Maeve?"

"Sarasota with Greg and Mark."

"I had to ask since I'm still trying to find a comeback. I shouldn't worry? How do you rate her, Johnny? As good as Gloria or Kitty? We'll leave Maeve out of this. As good as little Eve? Or Billy?"

Johnny smiled. "You've fucked them all, too. How do you rate her?"

"I'm a bastard." Charles stood. "I'll wait in the car."

Johnny stood. "Relax in here or join us in the garage. You can watch or join in. If you go out to the car I'll send Eve out to pester you." Johnny gave him a smile. "I like your wife a lot, Charles. You do, too. We're even."

Charles sat on the couch. "How many do you think tonight?"

Johnny sat down. "She might have sex with me or Michael or Alex, but it's you she's thinking of all the time. So does it matter? When Eve and I screw she's thinking of Lori. When Penny and I screw she's thinking about her bank account, her nails, something. When . . . you don't need a list do you? When you're at the motel waiting for the new girl why don't you call The House and ask Michael or Billy how many Beth has done? Maybe she'd be doing one right then and they could give you a blow by blow. Maybe she'd be between and you two could chat. You could talk about next year's garden and your vacation plans. You could talk and think all the time about the come dripping down her leg from the last one. You'd hear a knock on the motel room door. You'd tell her goodbye and hang up. You'll open the door and when she's inside, you fuck the brains out of this new girl. She wants it. She wants it bad. You ever had one hum while she's sucking you off? She's one of those. Slap her around if you're angry, she'll like it."

Charles shook his head. "I just asked you a simple question."

"Ten."

"Damn you, Johnny." Charles picked up the bottle and held it so tightly his fingers turned white.

"Every time she'll be thinking of you. When you were fucking Maeve, were you thinking of Elizabeth?"

Charles stared at him, then shook his head. "Not always." He set the bottle down.

"Then you don't have anything to worry about. You love her more than anyone. She loves you more than anyone. Should I send Penny out here to keep you company? You can think of Beth." He grinned. "It isn't easy, is it?"

Charles shook his head. "I'm okay. I'll watch television in the other room."

"If you're drunk you won't be able to do a good job on the new girl."

"That was my last beer."

"Good. I told her one of the men in the room is a madman. She was looking forward to it." Johnny stood. "I was kidding about the slaps. Don't knock her around, Charles."

Charles shook his head. "I'm only angry at myself, Johnny."

Johnny watched him leave the room. He heard the beer bottles go into the trash then a moment later the TV turned on.

Johnny finished his beer, left the bottle on the table and went into the garage.

Kitty vomited into the toilet, as Darlene held her head, in their hotel room. She felt terrible. Darlene was angry with her. She'd only had a few drinks. Now she was as sick as a kid on their first drunk before they learned how to hold it.

Kitty spit out as much as she could then said, "Up."

Darlene stood back.

Kitty rinsed out her mouth in the sink and splashed water on her face. She looked in the mirror. She was pale. Darlene stood behind her, frowning.

"I'm okay," Kitty said.

"You're fucking not fucking okay," Darlene said. She left the bathroom.

Kitty looked in the mirror. "I'm okay," she said. She was too dizzy to remember why she was okay. She wanted to take a shower. She flushed the toilet and turned on the bath water. She undressed, laid a towel on the toilet and climbed into the tub. She turned on the shower and let it wash her clean of today, of yesterday and the day before.

She stayed in the shower until she couldn't stand it anymore. She turned off the water and heard the TV. She let herself drip dry. The cold air felt good on her skin. She opened the shower curtain, found the towel and dried her hair.

She wondered if she should shave her pussy like Maeve did. Men liked to see she was a true blonde but maybe it didn't matter that much. She could shave her pussy, let her hair grow longer, get a permanent. She could learn to wear high heels and dress. She wondered if she should give Al a call. She could say she was sorry. Maybe he could come over, pick her up and take her out.

She had Pete's number, but she'd wait a week for that.

She hung the towel on the shower rod, dressed and looked at herself in the mirror. She wasn't as pale as before. She didn't have much to offer Darlene, did she? She used her fingers to brush her wet hair. Not much at all.

If Darlene didn't work out, she wouldn't wait a week for Pete. He'd seen her at her worst. He didn't care. She smiled into the mirror, held her lips back from her teeth. She wondered if he'd knock them all out or just the front ones. It wasn't like she chewed on a cock. She closed her lips. It didn't matter. She didn't need teeth where she was going.

She smiled, winked at the mirror and turned out the light. Darlene was on the bed, watching TV.

Johnny watched Alex set up the shots with Eve and Loreli. Penny sat next to him on the couch they'd moved out of the way from an earlier scene. The garage was chillier tonight. It didn't seem to bother Eve and Lori but Penny wrapped herself in a blanket to keep warm.

Johnny assumed Alex had them go through a pretty standard lesbian sequence, just Eve and Lori first, then Penny. They had different levels of photos. Lingerie shots, partial nudes, imitation sex and real sex. Some of the girls liked doing some types of scenarios more than others. Maeve and Shirley would do scenes with ropes and whips.

Lori and Eve were on the bed wrapped around each other, licking each other's pussies as Alex walked around the bed and photographed them. They looked like children unless you looked closely. Loreli was nineteen, slender and blonde. She had high breasts that Alex's camera seemed to love. Eve was a physical contrast, with a womanly body but without pronounced hips or breasts. Eve grew on the viewer; at least Johnny found her so for him. He saw her, he saw her and looked more closely. Her body was fresh and exciting; a moment later it was even more exciting. Her movements were dance like, her fingers graceful.

Johnny felt Penny against him. He smiled at her. She watched the women on the bed; her mouth was slightly open. By the way she looked at them and how she was breathing Johnny realized she was excited by them. Johnny put his arm around Penny and she glanced at him with a smile and turned back to the bed.

Johnny didn't feel like joining in tonight, he was happy just watching, holding Penny.

When he was younger, before he went in the army, women like Penny and Maeve were only to be admired only from a distance. He didn't have the money, looks or charm to attract their attention.

Eve rode through Loreli's climax, kept licking her pussy. Loreli had another climax a few seconds later. Eve stopped, laid her head on Lori's leg, and stroked Lori's calf with her fingers as Lori returned the favor.

Eve changed position, raised her head and then lowered it, licking Lori's pussy. Then Eve stopped, Johnny could see Eve's body shudder and hear her moan.

Penny touched Johnny's thigh. "My period started this afternoon, Johnny."

"You're off for a week, then." Johnny stroked her ear with his finger.

"You want me to go home?"

"No."

"Eve and Lori or the other girls will keep you company."

"Tossing me to the wolves? No, your period doesn't bother me unless you'd rather not."

Johnny saw her green eyes glance at him; she turned back to watching the girls on the bed. "This is nice, Johnny."

Alex began putting up his camera after unplugging the lights. Lori and Eve continued moving together on the bed; they were beautiful.

"I'm going to go to Kitty's when this is all done, and then I need to visit The House around midnight."

Penny sat up, holding the blanket closed at her neck.

"Want to go or do you want to stay here?"

"I'll go." Penny stood. She took the blanket from around her shoulders and folded it. She turned and smiled at him as she laid it on the couch. She went across the room barefoot and naked to the round wood table by the fridge where her clothes were. Alex glanced at her as he was preparing his bag of film to develop. Johnny stood and walked to Alex.

"Did you want to follow Charles and the girls to the motel?"

Alex gave a nod. "For a few minutes."

"How's Sue doing?"

Alex zipped his bag. Alex used army surplus bags for his gear. He had all shapes and sizes. Alex pointed to the couch.

Johnny sat with him. Alex took a few minutes then spoke. "I'd like to get a second enlarger set up. I need more darkroom space. I need more space to store supplies and a place to dry prints."

"Have an idea?"

Alex took a piece of paper from his pocket. "An old warehouse for lease, just one bay. I'd have to make part of it a studio; it is much, much bigger than this. I can create several rooms. There is space for a large darkroom, about the size of a single car garage. There is space for storage, an office, changing rooms, wardrobe. We could have several enlarger set-ups. One for four by fives, one for eight by tens, one for custom. Maybe two for four by fives."

Johnny took the paper. "I'll call them tomorrow. Bigger place means you'll need help."

Alex looked up from his hands to Johnny. "I'd like Sue to join me full time."

"What's she think?" Johnny smiled. His girls were his girls because of their bents.

"I can't talk to her."

"Want me to talk to her?"

Alex nodded slowly.

"What if she says no?"

Alex shrugged. "I'll find someone else."

"About fifty, smokes like a chimney, regales you with stories of what he did during the war. A get a load of those knockers type."

Alex shrugged.

"Full time means what?" Johnny could tell Alex liked Sue.

"Eight to ten hours a day. Darkroom and studio work. Maybe some work of her own on the side."

"Artsy stuff."

Alex gave a nod. "She's good in the darkroom. She's good with a camera. The girls are comfortable with her."

"Eight to ten hours is full time or just part of full time?"

Alex shrugged.

"Do you love her?"

Alex looked up from his hands. "Do you mean does it bother me she's screwing a lot of other men? No. Do you mean, I want to be with her all the time? Yes."

"I'll talk with her." Johnny watched Penny chat with Eve on the bed as Lori dressed a few feet away. "Is there something photographers do together? Conventions, trips, you know? Classes maybe?"

Alex shrugged.

"You and Sue want to go off for a week we'll pay for it. You want to go to the Bahamas or Mexico, New York City or Atlanta. You want to shack up for a week on Miami Beach you can. You want to shack up full time you can. You know that don't you?" Johnny watched Alex not look at him. "I'll talk to her." He paused. "Did you ever make prints of Gloria on the beach?"

Alex nodded.

"Are any of them good? I'd like to see them." He smiled. "I like art, too, Alex." He stood. "Penny and I'll follow you and Charles to the motel."

Johnny went into the motel room after Alex and Charles, Eve and Lori. Eve was naked; she helped Charles remove his clothes. Charles looked like a lost man. Alex and Lori talked about the shoot, what worked, what didn't.

Johnny tapped Charles on the shoulder. "If you want to sit it out, you can. Just tell them." He smiled at Eve who had Charles' pants unfastened and pulled halfway down his legs. "Remember I'm bringing the woman over some time after midnight. It's okay if Alex is here, but the girls have to be back at The House."

Charles nodded, said, "Eve, I'd better not." He pulled up his pants.

"Alex is fresh, Eve. He doesn't have a commitment for later this evening," Johnny said. He patted Charles' arm. "Sometimes it is fun just watching." He stepped toward the door. "I'll see you."

When Johnny got to the car Penny kissed him.

"Next stop?" she asked.

"Kitty's."

She leaned against him as he drove.

Gloria and Winifred talked in the dining room as the kids tore around the house. The kids were doing some sort of treasure hunt with a map and clues. Neva had created the game earlier for them; she was at the office working while Gladys was with the girls from the house doing Christmas shopping.

Tiger stayed by Gloria's side. She was comfortable around Hetty with Darlene gone but with all the commotion she felt safer near Gloria.

"Does Johnny know?" Gloria asked. She hadn't even met Greg; it felt strange to be talking about him.

Winifred shook her head and looked up from her hot chocolate. "No one will want to go to bed tonight."

She was right; the kids were pretty excited. "Does Greg know?"

Winifred shook her head. "He's always had eyes just for Kitty. He notices a pretty woman, say Penny or Maeve, but his eyes are for Kitty only."

Gloria knew the feeling. "He's in a wheelchair?"

Winifred smiled and nodded. "No legs but that doesn't matter, does it?"

Gloria wondered about jobs and just doing simple things like driving a car or shopping. "Does it?"

Winifred shook her head.

Gloria couldn't offer much. When she'd left, Winifred was head over heels with Johnny. A month later it was a different man with maybe less, maybe more, to offer; she didn't know the man. "I want to see Kitty tomorrow. I'll meet him then."

"You'll like him."

"If you like Greg so much I'm sure I will." She heard an argument in the garage and began to stand.

"I'll do it," Winifred said. Winifred left the room.

"How are you doing?" Gloria asked Tiger. Tiger liked picture books. She liked books with animals more than books with people. Tiger listened when people talked to her; she listened and was withdrawn, never a participant.

Gloria glanced up; Johnny and Penny walked in the room. "It's okay, Tiger," she said. She said to Johnny. "Tiger is anxious when men are present."

Johnny sat away from Gloria. "I won't come any closer. Tiger?"

"Her eyes burn bright in the night." She turned to Penny who sat next to Johnny. "Hi, Penny." She looked to Johnny. "Where's Maeve?"

"Darlene is spending the night with Kitty. Maeve is staying with Mark and Greg." Johnny shrugged.

Gloria thought for a moment. "Before she comes back. Winifred is sweet on Greg."

Johnny started to speak, paused, and said, "I didn't know."

"Greg sounds like he's sweet on Kitty."

Johnny gave a nod.

Gloria turned to Penny. "Who are you sweet on?" She grinned. "You don't have to say anything." Winifred joined them.

"How's Greg?" she asked.

"Mark, Kitty and he are having fun last I heard. Mark wants to be a pirate. Kitty has settled down some. Greg is getting a break from this madhouse. You're next. What do you want to do? Where do you want to go?"

Winifred glanced at Gloria.

"Do you want me to say anything, Winifred?"

Winifred gave a nod.

"Winifred wants a week with you in Acapulco. If you're not available, a week in Sarasota with Greg."

"You're seventeen?"

"Eighteen in February."

Johnny turned to Gloria. Gloria smiled at him. "Don't look at me. If you had half a grain of sense you'd take her up on it."

"Maeve would kill me." He asked Winifred, "A week with Greg?"

Winifred blushed.

"You ask him tomorrow, Gloria. Penny will take you." He turned to Penny. "Do you need a new car?" He shook his head. "No." He smiled at Gloria. "Another week in Acapulco. I have how many girls? A week each, Maeve would kill me." He said to Penny, "A car is something I can manage."

Penny gave them a quick smile. "I wouldn't mind looking."

"Darlene and Kitty?" Gloria asked.

"Just for the night."

Gloria nodded. Darlene had problems. Kitty had problems. She had problems and Johnny looked tired. She glanced at Walter, "Who won the treasure hunt?"

"Nancy did."

"You look surprised."

"It's just she's . . ."

"You guys are good for her," Gloria said as Walter rushed off. She wasn't sure if he heard her. Gloria asked Winifred, "Since Johnny is here, how old is Sylphie?"

Winifred stood and went into the kitchen. "I'm going to make hot chocolate. Anyone want to join me?"

"I'll help," Penny said. She stood and left them, trailing her fingers over Johnny's shoulder.

"Better?" Johnny asked.

"Better. You want me to work soon?"

"Whatever you want to do is fine. Take some time off. You and Penny could go to Acapulco for a week."

"I'm needed here, Johnny."

"I know. Dream about it, what you want to do. We'll try to make it happen."

"Penny staying with you tonight?"

"You want to?"

Gloria shook her head and smiled. "I'm needed here."

"How's Tiger doing?"

"She's looking at pictures. She's very aware of you. Walter doesn't bother her, Romeo, Bobby, doesn't bother her, but men make her anxious."

Johnny took the cup and moved it in front of him. Penny and Winifred joined them. "How old, Winifred?"

"She's a year younger than me."

"She's your sister?"

Winifred shook her head.

"Then just the four of you are sisters."

Winifred gave a nod.

"What happened to her eye?"

"She wasn't like that last summer, Johnny. I don't know. She's scared and doesn't want to talk."

"How did you meet?"

"She was one of Stanley's girl who was nice to us. Sylphie, Debra, Jane and us." She watched Gloria. "I can't say any more."

"It's okay, Winifred. I'm glad Sylphie is here." Gloria glanced at Johnny. "Is any of this like you thought it would be?"

Johnny shook his head. "Everything's constantly changing." He said to Winifred, "I mean it about the vacation."

Winifred stood. "I need to start getting them ready for bed."

"I'll help." Penny joined her.

"How's Tiger?" he asked.

"You're concerned, Johnny?" Gloria asked.

"She's the first woman recently who hasn't wanted to jump in my lap. That makes her special." He paused. "Do you think we need to see if people can help us?"

"People?"

"Doctors."

"I'm not sure. I'm worried about Darlene. I'm worried about Tiger. I don't know if I should be worried about the rest of them. People will come here, have ideas about how things should be. None of us is normal anymore; we're all tainted. Many people react to the taint with fear, anger or loathing. The nurse at the doctor's here who gave Darlene her shot, for example. The people who see Romeo as different."

Johnny nodded. "We'll wait and see. Thanks for being here to help, Gloria."

Gloria held her cup of hot chocolate down to Tiger. "Want any, dear?"

Tiger sniffed the drink, then ignored it.

Gloria put the cup back on the table after taking a drink. "I plan on bringing Darlene back tomorrow."

"Good." Johnny let out a breath. "She's like a loaded pistol, you don't know when she's going to go off."

"You still have the gun?"

"I think so. In the trunk."

"Check, Johnny."

He gave a nod.

"I think . . . no, I won't say it." Gloria paused. "Darlene is as you said. A loaded pistol. I'm tired."

"You don't need to stay up for us."

"You know what I mean, Johnny." She raised her eyes to his. "You do, don't you?"

"I think so, Gloria. I'm tired, too. I feel like I'm running down."

"Penny is to help you wind back up again?"

"I hope so. It'd be nice if it were that easy."

"How's Al, Johnny?"

"You haven't talked to him?"

She shook her head.

"He's another one who's tired."

She finished her hot chocolate, then smiled at him. "You miss Maeve?"

"Of course I miss her."

"I've missed Al so long he's like a dream from long ago to me. He's not a writer, he never answered my letters."

"I know, he talked about it Saturday."

"He miss me?"

Johnny nodded. "You didn't know?"

Gloria shook her head. "I don't really believe you either. That's all right. It was nice while it lasted."

"He misses you, Gloria."

She shook her head. "You're cute, Johnny. Anybody ever tell you that?"

"Just you, Gloria."

She smiled. "Liar."

"Do you think Tiger could stand it if we went for a walk?"

"I'll tuck her in. This isn't just so you can get a quickie in the back seat of you car, is it?" Gloria bent and spoke to Tiger.

"I wouldn't complain."

Gloria stood; Tiger held her hand. "I'll be back shortly. A quickie would be fun, Johnny." She walked past him putting an extra bit of swing into her hips.

Maeve stood in the center of the room and looked at both of them. Mark was by his bed; it was hard to tell what Greg was doing.

"Mark, I'm sleeping in Greg's bed with him tonight. Did you want to sleep in your mom's?"

Mark looked at her. He was cute, his pirate hat on slightly crooked, his plastic saber stuck through his belt. "Isn't Greg mom's boyfriend?"

Maeve sat on Kitty's bed. "Come here, Mark." She patted the bed beside her. She held him to her. "Mark, I have you in my arms. Whose son are you?"

"Mom's." He glanced up at her.

"But we're friends so it's okay to do this. You're still Kitty's son, aren't you?"

Mark nodded.

"Greg and I are friends. I miss my husband, he misses Kitty."

He thought for a moment. "So he's still mom's boyfriend?"

"I'm still your mom's boyfriend," Greg said from the wheelchair by the window.

"What about Johnny?"

"Johnny's my husband and my lover, Mark." Maeve looked at Greg as he turned the chair to look at them.

"It's confusing, isn't it, Mark?" Greg said. "I'm okay, Maeve. I can sleep alone."

"When was the last time you slept all night, Greg, with a woman in your arms?"

"1950."

"That's before I was born," Mark said.

"That's a long time to sleep alone," Maeve said.

"Mom and Darlene will be back in the morning?" Mark asked.

Maeve let go of him. "In the morning. Gloria is coming tomorrow to visit." Maeve stood. "Mark, I know a place where we can find sharks' teeth. We can look tomorrow morning after Kitty is back."

"Sharks' teeth?"

"Big ones sometimes." Maeve held her fingers more than an inch apart.

"Gosh," Mark stood. "Can I sleep with my sword?"

Maeve gave a nod. "But not your hat."

"Okay." Mark walked over to Greg and hugged him. "Maybe if Maeve sleeps with you, you won't have nightmares tonight. My mom helps me."

Greg watched Maeve stand. "Thanks, Mark. I'm not sure, we'll see."

"Ready for bed, Mark?" Maeve asked.

"We need to help Greg use the bathroom first, Maeve."

"We'll do that first, then." Maeve smiled at Greg. "The kids like helping."

Greg wheeled the chair past her. He nodded.

She followed them into the bathroom. She wondered if Winifred knew what she was getting herself into.

Kitty lay on the bed holding Darlene. They were naked, Darlene was stiff as a board and Kitty's headache was back. This wasn't at all as she imagined.

"When you left with Gloria, all I could think of was what I'd done to you."

"You didn't do anything," Darlene said.

"I tossed you to Steve."

Darlene shook her head. "We fucked, it was no big deal."

Kitty rubbed her chin on Darlene's shoulder.

"We fucked, Kitty. It's no big deal. He was just like all the others."

"Just like all the others." Kitty said the words in a dead tone.

"You're a whore, you know what it's like. You fuck that guy without any legs? What's that like?"

Kitty released Darlene and lay on her back.

"He have trouble getting it up? You ever do one with green come? You ever get one who likes to hit you or bite your nipples off? You ever get one who wanted you to eat his shit? Who wanted to eat yours? So is he any better, Kitty? How much does he pay you?"

"There's one like that," Kitty said. "I'm leaving Johnny when I get back. He'll be my pimp."

Darlene sat and looked at her. "Are you fucking crazy? You are. You're crazy." Darlene climbed onto Kitty. She peered down at Kitty, pressed Kitty's shoulders into the bed.

Darlene slowly raised herself from Kitty's stomach. Kitty lay back and relaxed.

"If I shit on you, you'll eat it?"

Kitty shut her eyes. She felt Darlene move.

"Open your mouth, bitch. Swallow every bit."

Kitty opened her eyes. Darlene's pussy was over her face. She opened her mouth and waited.

Darlene crushed her pussy on Kitty's mouth. "Piss," she said then wiped her cunt on Kitty's nose. "Don't miss a drop, bitch." She climbed off Kitty, knelt beside her.

Kitty looked at her, her mouth still open, crying.

"You didn't get it all, slut." Darlene slapped her.

Kitty held her hand to her stinging cheek.

"That was fun," Darlene said. She got off the bed. "I need to find something big to shove up your fucking cunt, bitch."

Kitty shut her eyes. She heard Darlene move around the room. Then she felt Darlene climb back on the bed.

"Spread your legs, bitch."

Kitty opened her legs.

"Wider, put her knees on your tits, slut."

Kitty raised her legs, felt Darlene touch her ass and felt something enter her pussy.

"It's not big enough, is it?"

Kitty shook her head.

"Is it?"

"No." Kitty shook her head. She felt Darlene move on the bed toward her.

Darlene knelt above Kitty, held her knees against her chest with her arm. "You like this don't you? Don't you?"

Kitty nodded slowly. "Yes."

Darlene got off the bed. "You disgust me. You think you love me. You think I want to do this shit."

Kitty said, "I do love you, Darlene. Please come back. I'll be good. I'll do whatever you want."

Darlene leaned into Kitty's face. Her mouth was inches from her eyes. "If you really loved me you'd learn to say no, Kitty." Darlene walked to her clothes.

"Please don't leave me," Kitty said.

"Kitty . . ." Darlene sighed. "Put your fucking legs down. Take that hairbrush out of your cunt."

Kitty sat. Darlene was across the room wearing her shirt, leaning against the wall.

Darlene spoke softly. "Kitty, I need you. Not Kitty the fucked up slut. I need the woman who slept with me a month ago and told me I could choose." Darlene slid down the wall, sat on the floor. "Kitty, I fucked men in Philadelphia. I fucked men for money. I fucked men for money so I could buy a gun to kill a man. I shot him. I shot him again and again in the face, the fucking animal. I come back home and you're crazy. And I'm crazy because I really enjoyed killing him. What are we going to do?"

Kitty got off the bed and went to Darlene. She bent and took Darlene's hand. "Come on back to bed, honey."

Darlene stood. "I don't know if I love you or not, Kitty. I don't want it to be like the others. I can't do it any other way, I think."

Kitty held her. "It's okay. We'll take it easy."

Darlene walked slowly to the bed. "Sorry, Kitty."

"You made your point."

"You made your point a month ago. I don't want to destroy you, Kitty. Like you talked about. Steve I didn't care about. I don't want to destroy you."

"Sit." Kitty said. She unbuttoned Darlene's shirt. She stopped. "You want to walk on the beach?"

Darlene nodded.

Kitty rebuttoned Darlene's shirt. "I'm sorry I got drunk. I won't do that again."

Johnny sat in the kitchen with Michael as Beth finished upstairs. Michael was preparing snacks for the working girls; cheese and crackers with juice or beer to drink — they didn't keep much alcohol in The House since they didn't want problems. He left the trays on the counter for each person to get when they were ready.

Penny walked into the room with Sue and they sat at the table. Michael set a tray in front of Sue.

"You want anything?" He glanced from Johnny to Penny.

"Crackers would be nice. You have any pop?" Johnny said.

"Wine?" Penny asked.

Michael poured crackers into a bowl, poured a glass for Penny, and opened a bottle of cola for Johnny. He joined them.

"I want to talk to you tomorrow, Sue. Can we make a date?"

She finished her cracker and nodded. She was Gloria's age; Penny was the youngest person at the table.

"Shortly after nine. I might want you all day."

She grinned. "Something special?"

Johnny looked at Michael then Sue. "Probably not in the way you're thinking."

Penny stood, leaned toward him and whispered into Johnny's ear, "Ladies room. Be right back." She squeezed his shoulder and left.

"You've been good, Michael? Shirley said you weren't paying enough attention to her."

Sue laughed, drank from her beer bottle. "You, good?"

Michael sat back in his seat. "Shirley has complaints? She has Beth as her pet dog doing tricks with me. Training she calls it. I won't go into it. Doing the same thing over and over to make sure Beth gets it right. I'm not Alex, Johnny."

"You're not Alex, Michael. We know that. You have less hair." Sue winked at him.

"Johnny, you know what would make everyone happy? You move in here. I'll trade with you." Michael leaned forward. "Sue isn't showing it, but she's all a twitter. A whole day with the big man. Alone. Doing who knows what. She can't wait."

"He's right, Johnny. I can't wait." She smiled at him.

Michael finished his coffee. "I look at you. I see a normal man. Not that good looking."

Penny sat beside Johnny and put her hand on his thigh.

"Not that good looking, okay but nothing exceptional. And in a few weeks all this. I get to wallow in the dregs and I have to admit it's fucking fantastic."

"I heard that, Michael," Shirley said behind him. Beth gave a happy bark.

Michael turned. "Hi, hon." He gave Johnny a grin. "Wallow in the dregs and it's fucking fantastic but any of the women in this house would do whatever you wanted."

Shirley handed Johnny the leash. "He doesn't understand us girls like the strong silent type."

Michael put Beth's tray on the table.

"You'd better eat, Beth," Johnny said. "You have a busy night ahead of you."

Beth looked at Shirley.

"You're his tonight," Shirley said. "I'm going upstairs and get some dregs so Michael can wallow in them." She kissed Michael and left them.

Michael turned back to Johnny. "Sometimes I get mad as hell I ever met you. Other times I thank god I got knocked out of that rut. I miss my wife and son. But if I'd never met Shirley." He shook his head.

Sue stood. "Back to the grind." She did a wiggle of her hips and left them.

"Penny, I need your slip and stockings," Johnny said.

Penny stood and took off her dress. She watched Michael with a smile as she did this; he watched her. She took off her slip and laid it on the table. She unclipped her stockings from her garter belt and rolled them down her legs. She stepped out of her heels and out of the stockings and laid them by the slip. She sat next to Johnny, put her hand on his thigh and gave a squeeze. Beth glanced at Johnny then continued watching Penny.

"Did Charles call?"

Michael shook his head. "No calls."

"That's okay. He'll see Beth tomorrow. He can ask her then."

Beth turned to him.

"How many so far?"

She shrugged. "I'm supposed to keep count?"

"He sounded like he wanted to know."

She pushed the tray away. "You said you have something for me to do?"

Johnny said to Penny, "Why don't you check to see how many she's done?"

Penny left them wearing only her garter belt and bra.

Michael exhaled.

"I was getting worried about you," Johnny said.

Michael shook his head.

Johnny turned to Beth. "Put the slip on. I'm taking you and dropping you off. When they're done with you, they'll bring you back in the morning."

"They?" Beth stood next to him with the slip on.

Johnny stood and took back the leash. "Subcontracting you. I'm dropping you off at a motel. When they're done with you they're taking you to Gainesville. Some college thing. They'll bring you back." Johnny picked up the stockings and Penny's dress. He said to Michael, "I'll see you tomorrow. I'm changing the photo shoot. It will be Sue and Beth. Tell Shirley I'll make it up to her somehow."

Michael gave a nod. "Good luck, Beth."

Johnny led her to the front room where Penny was talking to two men. She turned to him. "Seven, Johnny."

"Want to stay here?"

She shook her head. "I'm busy, fellas." She put on her dress.

"Still want to go, Beth?" he asked.

Beth watched the men as they stared at her. She gave a bark.

Penny led them to the Buick.

Johnny started the car; Beth sat in back. He turned and looked at her. "Last chance. You'll be in over your head in a few minutes. No turning back. You'll be past revenge on Charles."

Beth gave a bark then said, "I'm sure."

Johnny drove to within a block of the motel and pulled over. He said to Penny. "Blindfold her and tie her hands. Strip her first."

Penny got into the back seat and tied Beth's hands with her stocking after Beth removed the slip. Penny doubled up the other stocking and used it a blindfold. Penny got out of the back seat and shut the door. She sat next to him.

Johnny started the car, drove to the motel and parked by Charles' car.

"Penny, you'll step out of the car, remove your dress and take her to the room. If they like you, you'll be theirs, too."

Penny undressed inside of the car, laid her dress and underthings on the seat and shut her door. She opened Beth's door and helped her out of the car. They walked to the room, Penny holding Beth's arm and leash. Penny opened the door; the room was dark.

Beth gave a bark when the door shut, fell to her knees and bowed her head. Penny stood next to her. She saw Charles' face on the shadowy form sitting on the bed. She smiled at him, backed out the door and shut it behind her. She heard another bark as she went to the car.

Johnny felt her snuggle up to him as he started the car.

"What did you tell Charles, Johnny?" Penny asked.

"Does it matter?"

"You should have seen his face change when he heard her bark."

"They like each other. Think they'll survive the night?"

"I was thinking that thing in Gainesville sounded kind of fun."

"Kind of fun."

"Not as much fun, Johnny, as we're going to have."

"Just don't make me do anything that'll make Maeve jealous." Johnny watched the empty streets as he drove.

Maeve held Greg. "Better now?"

He nodded. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it. This is something I've wanted to do."

He shook his head slowly.

"It is. You have a lot of nice qualities, Greg."

"And some not so nice."

"Don't worry about it. Do you like Kitty?"

He nodded.

"Good. She needs people around her who like her."

"I like her a lot."

Maeve touched his lips with her finger. "Think you can go back to sleep?"

He slowly nodded.

"Try. If not we can talk. All right?"

"Thanks."

Maeve felt his chest move as he breathed. She hoped Johnny was making do.

Kitty held Darlene's back to her stomach. They both lay on the their sides, spoon fashion. Darlene had relaxed, so Kitty thought Darlene was sleeping now. It had been a long night. Her headache was gone. All she could think about was how mad Johnny and Maeve would be with her.

For a month she'd imagined being able to lie with Darlene like this. Being able to taste her skin and smell her hair. Being able to feel her skin, Darlene's naked skin, against her own naked skin. Being able to do things with Darlene she'd never done with anyone else.

She'd lost all those dreams and had new ones now. She wanted to be with Mark. She missed Greg, which surprised her. She finally held Darlene and she never wanted to let go, but it wasn't going to be easy like with Mark or how it could be with Greg. No jagged edges, they didn't see or feel hers, not like Darlene did. Her jagged edges were tearing her up inside. She had swallowed an impossible person, herself, and she was tearing herself up.

She thought she could help Darlene for the past month. She hadn't realized then she and Darlene were the same person.

Johnny fucked Penny whose eyes were shut. Her whole body looked like sex felt, her sides, her breasts, her legs, her neck; just looking at her was a tactile experience. She moved with his thrusts, her hands lightly on his back, her back arched and her skin felt incredible next to his.

He was with one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen and he was thinking about Gloria on top of him in the back seat of his Electra a few hours ago. She was naked, knelt facing him. She had a smile on her face as she worked his cock with her pussy. She was the only one he knew who could do that. The light was from a street lamp a few houses away. The windows were misted up so all the shadows and highlights were soft. Gloria's face rubbed against his as he touched her side and the sides of her breasts with his hands.

Penny cried out and shook under him; he held her shoulders with his hands as he thrust. Her breasts rubbed his chest as she met him thrust for thrust with her pelvis. Her hands held him and her fingers dug into his back as she cried out again and he came.

He supported himself on his elbows as he remembered Gloria's and his kiss afterwards. He raised his head and kissed Penny whose eyes were open now, staring at the ceiling, then him.

"I love you, Johnny," Gloria said.

"I love you, Johnny," Penny said. She kissed him, then held him close to her, rocking his body with hers.

Go to the next chapter of The Revolver.
Chapter Twenty-six | Chapter Twenty-seven | Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine | Chapter Thirty | Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two | Chapter Thirty-three | The Schedule

The first part of Switch: a novel is Switch.
The second part of Switch: a novel is The Babysitter.
The third part of Switch: a novel is Comes the Bride.
The fourth part of Switch: a novel is The Revolver.

Disclaimer: Some of the things the characters do in this story are seen as offensive or frightening (even terrifying) by some if not most people. Please don't surprise anyone. Always ask first. Have an agreed upon safe word even if you don't do BDSM.

Stories
Bingo’s Home