Excerpt

Im curious if Miss Megan Shapely knew who Marilyn is before she tailed me? Why she would tail me, is also obscure. Further jockeying with subterfuge wouldnt bring answers. Abandoning my sweet nice guy bit, I announce with devastating candor, Marilyn is the wife of Benito Mazaruka. Ever hear of him?

She quickly nods. You live dangerously.

I don't like her knowing about Benito Mazaruka. My protection wall has become a sieve. Have I fallen in love with a deceitful plant? Though she doesn't show surprise, she recognizes my growing anger. I growl, Whats your concern? Marilyns just an old friend.

Not so old. Okay. Why do you wish to hit on me if youre, uh, in a relationship with her?

I hadnt expected that question. I shake my head. It isnt a relationship.

Hah! I havent dated you, because I knew you were seeing her. Well, someone.

I immediately feel relieved as its feasible she had tailed me out of jealousy. She was checking me out for personal reasons that had nothing to do with spying for the mob. Smart women make sure of a guy before getting into a relationship. She obviously likes me. I gotta put her mind at ease about Marilyn.

Megan, let me explain her this way. Close friends down the line become closer. Those who love to travel and eat together, are not necessarily in romantic love with each other. But close camaraderie can spill over into occasional sex, without love being a part of the emotional function assigned to humans. Human ids ranks the physical wants, a higher priority over any mental state of love. When sex is presented without a qualm of caution, it usually occurs, is enjoyed and left indelible in the memory for old age.

She laughs. Were you raised in a free-love commune?

I give her my stock answer, Horace Mann grammar school in Glendale, California. I graduated in the top ninety-five percent of my class.

And got As for excuses, she taunts. I wont tell Benito Mazaruka. Unless you refuse to buy me dinner and champagne.

Tonight? I ask quickly. I must have sold her? She is forgiving my sex with Marilyn, and I will probably have to forgive her past sex with some stud. I dont think it will prove to be George Sadowski and Ill have to guard against jealousy. Its a two way street. I want her to be a normal woman who enjoys orgasmic response.

She says, Tonight would be nice.

Ill make reservations. What kind of food? Steak, lobster, Chinese, Mexican?

She chooses shrimp. We go down stairs and she winks a pretty right eye at me as I stand at my door to watch her enter her place. I phone immediately and obtain reservation for eight oclock at the Beach Grotto. The restaurant, a bit exclusive because of price, serves excellent seafood with a view of the waves. Im feeling flush as another one of my escrows closed Friday and I had picked up my 4,200 dollar commission check. I hurry across the hall and knock on Megans door to tell her the time.

She was about to take a shower and answers my knock in a short peignoir I can see through and she grins at my surprise. Yes? she asks.

Oh, yes! I agree. Uh, that is dinner at eight. We should leave here no later than seven thirty. Its at the beach.

Wunderbar! she cutely winks. Oh, Walt. Would you come in? I cant get the lid off a jar of cold cream. I cant find the grip thing.

Sure. As I follow her I see a chess board set up on an table as though in play. I say, Well have to play.

You study chess moves?

I keep abreast. I grin.

She gets it. Keep a couple myself.

In her bathroom. I warn, Im liable to turn your cold cream hot, viewing you in that thin robe.

Well, I wouldnt answer my door, naked! Ruin my reputation.

She hands me the jar and the lid easily twirls open in my hand. I look to her face to see her grinning. The damn jar wasnt on tight? I ask, Just what is your reputation?

She shrugs. I tease friends. Youre my friend, arent you?

I wish to be.

You are. Walt, have you ever killed anyone?

I couldnt be more surprised if shed asked if I wished to be castrated. Why would she ask such a question? I puzzle a moment before I answer a simple, No. She guesses I lied. I ask, Why would you ask?

She laughs it off as a joke. Just wanting to make sure Im safe going out with you.

You have nothing to fear from me. Ive never killed any of the girls I raped.

Okay, Ill be ready.