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Chapter Thirty-two

Friday
December 12, 1958

Maeve closed the door carefully and went quietly through the house towards Johnny's bedroom. She had wakened at The House, peeled the sheet from her skin and put on the robe. She drove through town, it was just dawn and there was hardly any traffic. It was still dark enough to require headlights.

She showered in the bathroom next to the recreation room. She scrubbed herself, washed her hair, and scrubbed herself again. She wrung her hair out, wrapped a towel around her head and another around her body. She stepped onto the mat and dried herself and toweled her hair. She didn't look in the mirror; she turned out the light and went to the bedroom.

The room was dimly lit by the dawn sun. She saw forms under the covers, Johnny and someone or someones else. Eve and Lori probably.

Maeve lifted the covers and slid under them onto the warm sheets. She felt Johnny and another person's hand on him. She turned away from them and went to sleep.

Johnny woke and felt lips around his cock. He relaxed, put a hand on her shoulder and lay looking at the ceiling. Billy stood at the side of the bed with a tray. Johnny lifted the covers and saw Maeve look at him and smile, then return to his cock.

Johnny let the covers fall around Maeve and looked at the tray Billy had laid on the bed. He had been expecting breakfast, what he saw were ropes, a blindfold and the riding crop.

Maeve knelt, throwing the covers behind her. "Hold out your hands, Johnny," she said as she got off the bed.

Johnny could see Eve and Lori standing in the doorway. Eve waved at him. He gave a small wave back. He thought about saying something, decided not to. He held his hands out toward her.

Maeve held his hands together as Billy wrapped the rope several times around his wrists. "We don't have to go to work at nine today. This is going to be fun, Johnny." She let his hands drop.

He laid them on his chest.

"Lift your head, Johnny." Maeve smiled as she held the blindfold.

Johnny lifted his head and she tied the blindfold covering his eyes.

"Hold his cock, Billy," Maeve said.

Johnny felt a hand hold his hard cock to his stomach.

"Johnny, we're going to play a simple game. Each of us will fuck you. You're to guess who it is. If you're wrong, Johnny," he felt the crop hit his thigh, "we'll start all over. You have to guess all four before you come."

Johnny's leg stung.

"If you come too quickly we'll arrange a suitable punishment."

Johnny felt someone straddle him and take his cock from Billy's hand. He felt her pussy on him. She made gentle movements, slowly fucking him. He could hear whispers and a giggle.

"Who is it, Johnny?" Maeve's voice by his ear asked.

"Lori?"

He felt the crop on his leg.

"We'll start again."

The woman left him. He felt the bed shift and his cock enter a pussy. This pussy was drier, a little tighter. She fucked him slowly.

"Who is it?"

"Billy."

"Go ahead and finish, Billy." Maeve rested the crop on his shoulder and kissed him as Billy fucked his cock. He felt her break rhythm almost like a stutter, resume, break rhythm and stop.

Maeve's mouth left his as Billy climbed off him. He felt another woman on him, he knew right away who it was. "Maeve."

The crop came down hard on his leg. "Wrong, Johnny," she said by his ear.

The woman left him; another slid her pussy over his cock. She fucked him.

"Who is it, Johnny?" Maeve's voice was distant.

"Lori."

The crop came down hard on his leg. "You're a disappointment, Johnny. I thought you knew us better."

The woman left him and another climbed onto him. She held his cock and fucked the tip with her pussy and then slid him in.

"Eve."

The crop landed three times on his leg. "Wrong. Wrong. Wrong," Eve said by his ear.

Johnny tried to concentrate as a new woman fucked him. She moved slowly up and down, bouncing using her knees. He only felt her pussy and the sides of her legs.

"Who is it, Johnny?"

Johnny thought for a moment. His first thought was Lori, but his first thought most times was wrong. He said, "Eve."

The crop landed on his thighs four times. It hurt. He was amazed she could still fuck him.

"Guess again."

"Lori."

The crop his other leg three times. He felt the woman fucking him come. She let out a stifled scream. She climbed off and a new woman fucked his cock.

"Who is it, Johnny?"

"Maeve."

The crop hit his leg two times. "Guess again."

"It's Maeve."

He felt the crop trace a line across his chest.

"Guess again, Johnny," her voice said by his ear.

He shook his head. He felt the woman come. She rested on him, breathing heavily. Another took her place.

The woman settled her pussy on his cock, lowered herself so she sat on him. He felt her lean back and felt a finger touch her pussy and brush against him. He heard the sounds of kissing, felt her make small movements. He felt another woman sit on him. He guessed they were face to face. Both woman began moving, he felt fingers touch his cock. They fucked him.

"Who is it, Johnny?" Maeve asked.

"Lori with Eve."

The crop hit his leg twice. "Damn you, Johnny." Maeve kissed him. "You were right every time." Her finger touched his earlobe. "See if you can't hold for a while longer. What Eve and Lori are doing looks like fun." She rubbed his nose with hers.

Johnny felt the women on him shudder and stop. Their legs shook against his side and then the women sat.

Johnny felt Maeve untie the blindfold and lift it way. He saw Eve's back, Lori's hands on her shoulders, them kissing. They held each other for a moment longer then climbed off. Maeve sat on his cock. She untied his hands, then sat straight as Billy joined her. Johnny's cock was held by Billy as Maeve fucked him. Maeve's hands were on Billy's ass, pulling her to Maeve. Johnny touched Billy's back higher up then lowered his hands so they rested on her legs. Maeve's hands slipped in front of Billy's body so that he could no longer see them.

He saw Eve swing the crop and felt it sting his leg. She lifted it over her head, turned and watched him with a smile as she brought it down a second time.

He saw Maeve fling her head back, saw Lori climb onto the bed and hold Maeve's breasts from behind. Eve sat on the bed and leaned so her face was close to his. Maeve thrust madly on him; the hand was gone from his cock. His leg stung as Maeve came, he came and Eve kissed him.

After a minute they climbed off the bed and stood around it looking at him.

Maeve touched his limp cock. "He's usually good for three, girls." She turned to him. "Eve and Lori next while Billy and I make breakfast." She gave his cock a squeeze and then left with Billy, hand in hand.

Eve and Lori climbed onto the bed, Eve on his left, Lori on his right. They each put a hand on his chest and looked at him with an odd intensity.

Gloria ate breakfast with Elizabeth and Neva while Darlene was off with the kids. Elizabeth was unusually quiet, she seemed preoccupied. Neva regaled them with stories from last night at The House. Maeve was already a mythic figure — a whole new cluster of legends was associating themselves with her.

"And your night, Elizabeth?" Gloria asked.

"Didn't she tell you? She won the most money made. Shirley and Connie were impressed."

Gloria raised her eyebrows at Elizabeth.

"It was Don's doing, really. All I did was . . ." She shrugged her shoulders.

Gloria smiled. "My first really wild time was with forty or fifty men all night. I liked it. There were other times that week, too. I like taking on a group of men. I haven't done it for weeks now. I think I miss it."

Elizabeth glanced at Neva.

"I'm more a one at a time person. Maybe ten or fifteen a day, but spaced apart." Neva stood. "I'll check on the kids."

"Would you do it again?" Gloria asked. She watched Elizabeth's eyes.

Elizabeth didn't look away from her. She slowly nodded.

"Tonight, or better next week, or better next month, or better once a year?"

Elizabeth looked down, picked up her coffee and took a drink. She set the cup down and raised her eyes to Gloria's. "This minute."

Gloria grinned as she leaned forward. "Pace yourself. Don't let yourself get too sore. Sometimes four or five friends for hours is as much fun as twenty or thirty doing it really quick." She touched Elizabeth's hand. "What does Charles think?"

Elizabeth drew a circle on the table with her finger. "Forty strangers in a bar excites him. Johnny and Alex at a photo session scares him a little."

Gloria laughed. "Just a little? He's not screaming mad?"

Elizabeth smiled and shook her head.

"So you want to keep on doing this? What about your job?"

"I quit it last week."

"Does Charles know?"

Elizabeth shook her head. She smiled and shrugged.

"How does it make you feel; to know men desire you?"

"I can't believe it. Don said men were fighting over me last night at the bar."

"I've never had anyone fight over me." Gloria saw Darlene at the door.

"But I'm forty."

"I don't think that is what matters, really. Obviously in your case it doesn't matter. Does it?"

Elizabeth shook her head.

Gloria stood. "Coming to Johnny's party tonight?"

"Yes. Charles and I."

"I'll see you there. You know what we girls are expected to do for his friends, don't you? And then there's the party tomorrow night. Going to participate in that actively?"

Elizabeth gave a nod. She stood and held out her hand to Gloria.

Gloria hugged her. "As far as I'm concerned, you're in if you want to be." She kissed Elizabeth and then turned to Darlene. "Are you ready, Darlene?"

"You're just asking to see if I'm awake, right?" She pushed herself off from the wall.

Gloria looked over her shoulder. "See you later," Gloria said to Elizabeth.

Maeve dropped Eve and Lori at The House. Billy was at Johnny's house, helping Johnny organize his day. She didn't think he was good for much for a while, at least that way. Kitty had taught him some tricks for moments like this. The four of them had fucked him dry.

Maeve had a cup of coffee in the kitchen while Eve and Lori dealt with the shambles of their room and Lori dressed. Lori liked the idea of working another day at The Dakota. Maeve was taking the day off. She had a few errands to run for Johnny and she needed to get his house ready for tonight.

Michael and Shirley came in and sat at the table with her. Shirley wore a black corset which left her breasts exposed, a black collar and black g-string with long beaded fringe. Maeve liked to see Shirley dress up.

Maeve finished her coffee and pushed the cup aside. "Who's on for the day?"

"Just Connie and Sue. Sue's late so Eve offered to fill in for her." Shirley looked at Michael. "Go on, say it."

Michael said to Maeve, "Gladys called, someone wants a special. Shirley's going out. I don't like the idea of her going alone."

"He's mad because I said I was too sore last night."

"It's an occupational hazard, Michael." Maeve watched them. "What's going on?"

"Michael's thinking about going back to his wife."

"I just said I wondered how's she doing."

"So you're not thinking about going back. Even if she misses you terribly, you're done with the bitch and her nagging."

"That's not what I said, Shirley. I just wondered how she's doing."

"You don't care maybe that you're the best thing that's ever happened to me." Shirley looked at the table edge and picked at it with her finger. "Even if you are mean and hateful and can't keep your zipper zipped around the girls."

"I haven't touched anyone today."

Maeve glanced at her watch. "Ten thirty."

"A record. It's because Eve was at your place last night."

Michael sat back in his seat. "I didn't yesterday either."

Shirley rolled her eyes. "I'm going out in a few minutes, I'll be back at noon. Think you can hold off that long?"

"Of course I can, hon. You know I love you."

"Ever notice, Maeve, how they bring up love when they're thinking of leaving you or getting some on the side and you're suspicious?"

Maeve smiled. "Now that you mention it. Johnny told me he loved me when I left Billy and him alone."

Shirley put her fingers to her temples and closed her eyes. "Wait. Wait. Yes, I hear her screams of pleasure right now, the turd."

"I doubt if he can get it up again, for a while at least," Maeve said. She watched Michael.

"You broke it off?"

"Fucked it dry. Works for a little while at least."

Shirley nodded and then turned to Michael. "Do you want me to give you a blowjob before I leave?"

"Just one won't work, Shirley. It took Eve, Lori, Billy and I hours to get Johnny in a state where I can trust him." Maeve grinned at Michael's face. "Don't get so eager. He was tied. We whipped him and performed other indignities on him."

Shirley stood. "Was he smiling in the end?"

"Like an idiot."

Shirley put her hand on Michael's shoulder. "Okay, buster. Upstairs for a quickie which better hold you for a couple of hours. When I get back we'll experiment further with Maeve's process."

Michael put his hand on Shirley's and looked closely at her. "Hon, I wasn't planning on leaving you."

"I know that. I just need to hear you tell me now and again. Coming? I have an appointment."

Maeve went to the icebox and looked inside. "I'll make us sandwiches. I'll go along in Michael's place."

Michael followed Shirley, holding her little finger. "Thank you Maeve. You never know what these perverts will do."

Shirley stopped. "I dance for him. Pee on his face and then if he begs nicely we'll fuck." She winked at Maeve. "It's a job."

Michael shook his head. "You never know."

"He might be filthy rich and want to marry me. You see the Rolls Royce on the street. Their owners must be somewhere."

Maeve put sandwich makings on the counter as she heard them walk off. She wondered what her father did. Mother died years ago. She wondered if her father's secretary, an older gray-haired woman whose blouse and jacket were always buttoned to the throat, called for a special. She wondered if her father fell in love with them. She doubted it. He was always too busy making more money and dabbling in politics.

It was a pretty day; the drive was nice once she was off the bridge. Being that high didn't scare Darlene. She liked watching the tankers pass underneath. Darlene liked being higher than most birds fly.

"Gloria, you won't mind if I stay with you?"

"I enjoy your company."

"Like them young, hunh?" Darlene leaned against the door and studied her.

"Tiger's age is my preference." Gloria heard Darlene snicker. "You're a bit old, but I'll make an allowance."

"My own room?"

"My house has two bedrooms. You and Tiger will share mine. Romeo and Juliet will have their own."

"That guy's hopeless."

"Because he's in love?"

"He's not in love. He just has a hardon all the time." Darlene put her feet on the seat.

"Love can do that to you."

"I wouldn't know." Darlene's left foot touched Gloria. "Does it just get guys that way?"

Gloria shook her head. "When Bill and I married we couldn't keep our hands off each other. I was as bad as he was."

"Anyone lately?"

"You're nosy."

"I'm a teenager. I need to learn these things."

"Are you really just thirteen?"

"Eighteen, don't you remember?"

"So you're not telling."

"What does it matter? You have the hots for Johnny?"

Gloria nodded. "Friendly hots, not marriage hots."

"That's good, he's already . . ."

"I know. Al. I like Al a lot."

"So why aren't you two?" Darlene banged the window with her hands.

"I've been in Philadelphia, remember?"

"So the reason you've been snapping at me is because you haven't been getting any. Al or Johnny."

"Remember Wednesday?"

"Was that what you were doing? It sounded pretty quiet in there."

Gloria tapped on the steering wheel. "Do you want to know something?" Of course you don't, but I'll tell you anyway."

"You don't . . ."

"Shut up." Gloria hadn't meant it to sound harsh. "Let me talk for once." She waited for a moment. "When I left for Philadelphia with you it was just after I'd spent an evening working above a bar at the port. I don't know how many I fucked. I really don't. Thirty. Forty. I don't know. I came almost every time. Even the duds set me off. Something happened in Philadelphia and since I've been back it's happened only once and it wasn't fireworks. Just a glow. That was nice. I've done Johnny, Al, Greg, Kitty and Shirley, and any of them should have had me rocketing about the room.

"Then there's that gun thing at Pete's. I shouldn't have done that. It was crazy to pull out a gun. I wonder what's happened to me. I'm not happy. Are you happy?" She glanced at Darlene, then back to the road. "I'm sorry I was harsh to you."

"It doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters. It all matters. I'd rather jitterbug than point a gun at someone. I'd rather hold thirty men in my arms than be sharp with you."

Darlene sat up. "I'm sorry."

"You've done nothing."

"You went to Philadelphia because of me."

"For Sylphie. I'm glad we have her."

"Because of me. I'm sorry. Do you ever wish I weren't around? I'm a royal pain in the ass."

Gloria shook her head. "Never, Darlene."

"I don't believe you, but that's okay. I feel nicer when you lie."

Gloria made the turn to Sarasota beach. "I'd miss you terribly if you went."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because that's what we're talking about, isn't it? You want to find a reason to go."

"That's crazy."

"Then why make a point of telling Fancy and Mary goodbye? Why the bravado and false camaraderie?"

Darlene leaned her head against the car window. "I'm not going anywhere."

"We're going to visit Kitty and Greg. After that we're going to Kitty's. In a couple of days you'll help me move the kids to my house. We're always going places."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"And if you were?"

"You all would be better off without me. That's the truth and you know it."

"Darlene, if you have to go, leave with my blessings. I can give you money. Is there anything else you need?"

"I'm not going anywhere."

"If you stay, I'll help you in any way I can. Is there anything you need?"

"My gun."

"Besides your gun."

Darlene was quiet. She tapped her head against the window. "I'm such a fuck up. I'm sorry, Gloria."

Gloria shook her head.

Darlene watched the sights out the side window. She didn't respond to Gloria's questions.

Johnny and Billy lay together on the couch. Johnny had the stereo on. Billy's head lay on his chest. He was dressed; Billy was still naked. She played with the buttons on his shirt.

"Interested in a sandwich soon?" he asked.

"Guess so."

"After lunch I need to run some errands. Maeve should be back soon."

"Okay if I stay here?"

"Sure."

"I want to be like this for your party. I want you to give me to your friends. I want you to tell them that I'm here to do what they want. I want you to let me use a room and that will be where I'll stay until your friends leave. Then I want you to tell me what a good little whore I am. I'll ask you if you want me to suck your cock and you'll say sure. I want Maeve to watch me as you come in my mouth. I want to sleep next to your bed, curled on the floor like a dog. When you need to pee, I'll follow you into the bathroom, hold your dick for you and lick it clean afterwards. I want you to chain me to that pine in the back yard, the big one, and let neighbors fuck me if they want. I want you bring me inside and tell me what a good whore I am. I'll ask you if you want me to suck your dick for you and you'll say, of course, slut. I want you . . ."

"I think we can arrange the first part. You can use the guest room if you want."

Billy touched his crotch. "All that an not even a stir?"

"All that and not even a stir."

"I want you to tie me to the inside of your car, on the back seat so my legs are open. I want you to stop, park on a busy street, and open the back door onto the sidewalk. I want you to put a big sign in the window. 'Free Whore.' I want you to take me shopping. Each stop I leave an article of clothing. I want you to drive me to the center of the state, drop me off with a dime and nothing else, not even shoes. I bet I'm back to your house before you are. I bet a whole day of sex without you which you know I can't live without. I want your cock to dance in my hand. Damn, Johnny. Not a stir. Nothing interests you?"

"Lunch."

"None of what I said?"

"Number sixteen was a treat. Let's do that one."

"Which one was number sixteen?"

"Not telling. Let's eat."

"Johnny. Don't get up yet."

Johnny sat back down on the couch.

"I didn't think I would, but I miss the girls and Michael at The House."

"I can take you back after lunch."

"You don't mind?"

Johnny shook his head.

"I'm not letting you down, not even a little bit?"

"Okay, Billy. Number sixteen was the one where you and I go back to my bedroom and say hi to each other without me calling you a slut, tying you up, or anything fancy. You four just about wore me out."

"So just you and me with no fancy stuff?"

Johnny nodded at her smile.

"I can live with that. You really need lunch?" Billy stood and stretched.

"I'd better put off the inevitable a few minutes longer."

Billy said over her shoulder as she left the room. "You rest up. I'll make lunch. You can even take a little nap afterwards."

Johnny laid back down on the couch. With luck Maeve could join them.

Kitty helped Greg back onto the wheelchair. They were both naked; Darlene and Gloria had left fifteen minutes ago.

"Sorry," he said as they left the bathroom.

"I don't know how you hold it as you do. You shouldn't. If you need to go, just say so."

He parked the wheelchair by the bed. "I'm not used to being around people." He pulled himself onto the bed.

Kitty joined him. "If I'm around too much and you need some time by yourself just say so."

He nodded, turned to look out the window. "If you ever find you want to be shut of me, you'll let me know? Don't beat around the bush. Don't drop little hints. Just tell me."

"Anything else I should know?" Kitty held his cock in her hand. "I'm glad you didn't leave this in Korea."

"Me, too."

"If you had, I'd still like you, Greg." She gave a squeeze.

"Sometimes I . . ."

"Like now? Don't worry about it."

"I'm sorry."

"Nothing to apologize about. You can practice on me." Kitty took his hand and drew it to her pussy. "Would it help if I show you? Learning by touch alone isn't always the best way."

"You don't mind?"

"Greg. What you are about to do to me is special to me. I love it when someone does this to me. With fingers or tongue." Kitty knelt above him. She used the fingers on both hands to spread the lips of her pussy. "Do you think I should shave myself? Maeve is shaved. She looks beautiful."

Greg shook his head.

"It's here. This is my vagina. Stick your finger in." She felt him. "Ummm. My pee hole is here. There at the top, where the folds of skin come together is my clit. Touch it." She directed his finger to the spot.

"Watch how I do it." She moved his finger back to her vagina. "Ummm. Nice. See. Lightly. Rhythm is important to me. It takes a while. I'm not going to go crazy with a touch. I might grab your hand and wail but that just means go on." She took his finger out of her vagina and set it on her clit. "You do it. Yes, softer. That's it. Don't stop. Stick two fingers of your other hand, oh sorry, just one in me. Now fuck me while you pet my pussy. Ummm. That feels fantastic. I'm going to stop talking and enjoy this. Ummm. Yes. Go on."

Kitty leaned backwards on one hand, then both and let her head roll on her shoulders, feeling her short hair on her skin. She began humping slowly, feeling his two hands work on her.

She shut her eyes and felt his finger in her. She tried to squeeze it with her cunt, she tried to squeeze it off. She shook. "Don't stop." She humped faster, looked at him and his hands as he finger fucked her. She took one hand off the bed and pressed her hand on her stomach; she twitched. She shut her eyes and touched her breasts.

She bit her lip and fucked his hands then let her head fall back and wailed. He kept touching her clit; she jumped and held his hand still. She opened her eyes and grinned. "I'm fine, now. Let me get my breath back." She watched him. "Okay. Now again." She let his hand go.

She came three more times before she said enough. She lay on him, holding him, kissing his face, touching his lower lip with her finger.

"Now it's your turn. Just relax."

Kitty licked his nipple, drew her tongue down his chest to his stomach. She licked around his belly button as she felt his cock. "Think about fucking me and how it feels when you come in my pussy." She held his cock against his stomach and licked its underside. It twitched.

She got him hard, she held his cock before her face and looked at him. "Anytime you want me to do this for you, let me know. We can do it quickly. In the morning while Mark has his shower. When you go to the bathroom. Anytime." She sucked his cock, keeping her eyes on his.

When he came she swallowed, running her tongue over his glans as he shot in her mouth. She sucked him afterwards until he was soft, then kissed his cock as she took it from his mouth.

She kissed him, "Thank you for kissing me, Greg. Many men won't after I've done that for them."

He shook his head. "Why not?"

"Hell if I know." Kitty held him. "I enjoy sucking your cock. Don't be afraid to ask me."

"Don't be afraid to ask me."

"Up for more?"

He smiled. "Sure."

Kitty knelt over him. "Use your left hand on my clit. I want two or three fingers in my pussy."

When Johnny left Billy she was in the guestroom on the bed. She held a wine bottle neck in her pussy. The bottle stuck straight in the air, with her legs closed. He liked that image. She was going to practice a bit before his guests came. He'd recommended a nap beforehand. She thought she should practice a bit first.

"What's number twelve," she asked.

He kissed her. "You're not old enough for number twelve, dear." He kissed her nose. "Number thirteen is taking a nap before Charles, Alex and Michael fuck you silly."

She gave him a smile. "I'm too old for number twelve, am I? I think you have some things to learn about me, mister."

He blew a kiss at the door. "I look forward to you teaching me."

Johnny parked in the church lot next to The House. He was supposed to pick up Connie and Eve for the party.

Gloria saw Greg's face and she turned to look out the restaurant window.

"What's she doing?" Greg asked.

"She's looking for her pistol," Gloria said. She turned to Kitty. "She must have gotten my keys out of my purse somehow."

"Darlene has a pistol?" Mark asked.

"She does. I don't like her to carry it. She's determined and there's not much I can do except toss the darned thing in the Gulf. That wouldn't be fair for the fish, would it?"

Mark shook his head.

"Why does she need a gun?" Greg asked.

Gloria turned and saw Darlene shut the trunk. She said to Greg. "I'm not sure. For some reason it's important to her." Gloria saw the look on Kitty's face. "I don't know what's happening, Kitty."

Kitty shook her head.

"I think it's better to not say anything. You, too, Mark. You can keep a secret, can't you?"

Mark gave a nod.

"Pirate's code," Gloria said. "Loose lips sink ships."

Greg smiled.

Kitty stared at Darlene as she sat down.

"Some old biddy," Darlene said, "had to hog the stall in the bathroom."

"I hate it when that happens. Don't you, Kitty?" Gloria said.

Kitty gave a slow nod.

"I'm ready for desert. Anyone joining me?" Greg asked.

Gloria gave him a smile. "Sherbet."

"Me, too," Mark said. "Orange sherbet."

Maeve carried a bag of groceries into the kitchen. Johnny's car wasn't here; she looked for Billy.

She found Billy in the guestroom, sleeping. An empty wine bottle lay by her side. Maeve shook her head at the bottle. Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. She watched Billy for a moment longer. She's beautiful, Maeve thought. They're all beautiful. Maeve wanted to neaten Billy's blonde hair; instead she gave her a smile and went back to the kitchen. She'd bring in all the groceries without Billy's help. It looked like Johnny had ideas and the poor girl needed all the rest she could get.

Maeve glanced at her watch. Four thirty. Plenty of time. The party started at seven. Just a dozen of his friends. There'd be eight girls counting herself. Not like in September, that first week. Then she'd done all of them all night and the next day all by herself. No big deal. It was just she had been tired. She'd had a busy week.

Gloria parked her car next to Johnny's. She wondered how Darlene would get the car keys back. Darlene had "found" them in the parking lot on the way out to the car. How convenient. She still wondered when Darlene had taken them.

She followed Darlene into The House, back to the kitchen. She could hear people laughing.

Johnny smiled at Darlene when he saw her. He rose so she'd have his seat.

"Eve and Connie are going with me." He grinned at Gloria. "As I was telling Darlene. Eve and Connie are going with me. You didn't need to come. Sorry."

Gloria shook her head. "No problem."

Darlene sat in his seat, she said to Shirley, "Don't your tits get cold?"

Shirley smiled at Michael. "Not when he's around."

Darlene made a face.

Johnny heard feet on the stairs. "That's them."

"Johnny. Why don't we take Eve and Connie? You must have things you want to do." Gloria mouthed, "Maeve."

"You'll do that?"

"Sure. You rush on home. We'll idle along after." Gloria sat in the chair opposite Shirley, next to Michael.

Johnny felt an urge to lift Darlene's cap and tousle her hair but didn't. "Thanks. She'll appreciate it."

"I know she will," Shirley said.

Darlene made another face as he left.

Johnny stepped onto the walk in front of The House and stopped. A pale blue ford was parked next to Gloria's car. A tall tanned man leaned against the front grill, his arms crossed.

"Mack," Johnny said. He made a step toward his car.

"That's far enough," Mack said. He showed Johnny the small automatic in his hand.

Johnny stopped.

"You didn't think you could just take them away from me, did you? Darlene and the others?"

Johnny watched the automatic as Mack raised the gun and pointed it at him. Johnny noticed Mack's hand didn't shake.

"I'm taking them back and yours, too. I want Gloria."

Johnny shook his head and took a step forward.

"Stop."

Johnny shook his head. He stepped toward Mack.

"You idiot," Mack fired the automatic.

Johnny found himself on the ground on his back. He hurt.

Mack stood above him and took aim.

They heard the shot. Darlene jumped up, said, "Shit," and ran out of the room. Michael took a step to follow her.

"Get everyone out. It's probably a backfire. But get everyone out," Gloria said.

Gloria left them, followed Darlene's path. She heard another shot.

The front door was open. She ran into the yard and stopped.

Darlene stood above Matt, ready to fire. Johnny was by her feet, bleeding.

"Don't, sis," Matt said.

"I'm not going with you, Marsh."

"Darlene," Gloria shouted.

Darlene gave her a wild-eyed look then turned back to Matt.

"Give me the gun, Darlene. Now." Gloria walked to her. "Now."

Darlene was crying. She handed Gloria the pistol. "Shit," she said. She wiped her face.

Michael yelled, "Kick the asshole's gun away at least."

Gloria kicked Matt's gun out of his reach. His eyes were shut, he was pale. "Go, Darlene. Out the back."

"Fuck," Gloria heard Michael say behind her.

"Go, Darlene. Take a bus anywhere. When you're far enough take a cab to my house. Remember the address? Go. I'll be there sometime tonight." Gloria handed Darlene the keys from her purse. "One of these fits. Go."

Darlene ran past her.

Gloria turned to Michael who knelt and pressed his hand on Johnny's chest.

"Gloria," Johnny said.

She knelt by him.

"Don't, Johnny," Michael said.

"Give me the gun," Johnny said.

She placed Darlene's revolver in his hand. He smiled weakly at her. "Michael, you need to go," Gloria said. "Call an ambulance, then go. When you are far enough away, call Gladys. She'll tell everyone."

Michael's eyes pleaded with her, then he nodded slowly. "Hold your hand on his wound, tight." He left her.

Gloria pressed her hand on Johnny's chest.

"Thanks, Gloria."

"I love you, Johnny. Hold on."

He shut his eyes.

Maeve got the call from Gladys. She dropped the telephone, ran out of the house. Halfway to the hospital she remembered Billy. She couldn't remember if she'd even shut the front door.

She tried not to drive like a crazy woman only everyone around her was going so slow. She couldn't wait for them.

Kitty put down the telephone. She looked at Greg. "Johnny's been shot. He's in the hospital. They don't know . . ." She turned to Mark. "Come hold me." She reached out her hand to Greg. "Gladys will let us know. We're to stay here. Maeve's order." She smiled at them. "Thank god you two are here with me."

Maeve paced the hallway. When she was tired of pacing she sat down for a moment. She was boiling mad. Johnny gets shot, what else do the cops do but search his house? Billy put in jail, wasn't anymore. But . . . Maeve was mad. They hauled out boxes of stuff. She'd warned Johnny not to have anything too close to him but she'd never thought it would be like this.

She called her father. She hated to ask him for anything. At least he liked Johnny. That helped. She hung up, paced up and down the corridor boiling mad, wearing out the linoleum. A half-hour later a lawyer appeared and they sat down.

Father called people. He called Washington. Washington called the governor. The governor called the mayor. The mayor called the chief of police and all of a sudden everyone was calling her ma'am and Johnny sir. And the lawyer appeared. Billy was back at home, the boxes were who knows where. Some police captain's closet.

The lawyer had wandered off to help Gloria. He had Gladys' number.

Maeve sat down. Gloria was at the station getting the bright lights treatment. Maeve wished they could trade places. She'd give them all a piece of her mind.

She paced. The House was done. The girls were at Alex's and Charles'. Nobody was in a party mood, not even Eve. Damn Johnny. He could have all of them all the time till his dick fell off. All she wanted was to see his smile. That look in his eyes. Those sparkles in his brown eyes.

She sat down and tried to breathe slowly.

She heard footsteps and looked up. The surgeon. She couldn't tell if he was happy or sad. She stood and walked toward him.

"Mrs. Thurston?"

"Maeve Thurston. How's Johnny?"

"You can see him for a minute. He'll be all right with rest. It'll take a while. He won't be able to play golf for a month or two."

"I'll tell him that. If he knows he can return to the game one of these days soon it will make the world of a difference to him." She tried to stop talking. She was babbling. She followed the surgeon.

"The police didn't say how he got shot."

"Some crazy man."

"The other one?"

She nodded. "How's he doing?"

"Broken arm. Shock."

"He'll live?"

"He'll live."

"Good. Johnny will want to know that."

The surgeon stood by a door, opened it. "Just a minute with him. A nurse will come."

"Thank you so very much," Maeve said. She felt she was about to lose every shred of dignity.

The surgeon walked away.

Maeve shut the door and looked at Johnny. His color was wrong. Her heart sank. Maybe the surgeon was lying. She stepped toward the bed.

Johnny's eyes opened and watched her.

"You bastard. You'll do anything to get out of watching me fuck your friends."

"I love you, too, Maeve."

Maeve tried to smile. She cried, held his hand, he didn't have any strength left, and then she kissed him. It seemed like only a second later a nurse came and told her she had to leave.

Maeve stood in the hall. She heard footsteps and felt a hand. Gladys led her to a waiting area.

"How is he?" Gladys asked.

"All right, they say. He looks like shit."

Gladys exhaled, took Maeve's hand again.

"Who's watching the telephone?" Maeve asked.

"Neva."

"Can you call her? I'm staying here tonight."

"I'll call her. I'm staying with you."

Maeve gave a nod, started to cry again.

Penny sat down next to her. "Gladys told me. It's okay to cry."

Maeve shook her head.

Penny held her.

Gloria took a cab to her home. Darlene had her keys. Darlene had her heart. She didn't want to lose either.

The light was out on the porch.

"Wait here, please," Gloria said.

The walk to the front door was a long walk. She turned the knob. The door was locked. She knocked on the door, then pressed the doorbell. She waited. She decided she'd waited long enough, was turning to leave when she heard the door open.

"Darlene?" she said.

Darlene nodded.

"Bless you. We need to take the cab back to the car. Matt has girls on the street, doesn't he? They need a home."

She held Darlene's hand as they walked.

"You have the keys?"

"I have the keys."

"Good. Johnny is okay. Matt is okay. There is a huge furor but that will pass."

Darlene gave a nod, sat next to Gloria in the back seat. Gloria gave the cabbie the address of the church where her car was parked.

Gloria held Darlene's hand. They didn't speak. Gloria used her thumb to trace the bones in Darlene's hand. Wondrous child.

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.

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