The Scarlet Lady

[kitsuke]

Thomas Whitechapel

I took the gestures of the man and his paid women in stride. They, after all, were just doing their job. Alehouses of this sort were breeding grounds for other illicit dealings, and those implicitly included violence as a way of life. The one up front I had marked with a piece, as with this Clyde. The one in back I had not. Well at least they had competent help. So with a bit less trepidation about total amateurs I sipped my drinks, grudgingly, and waited.

Now, when a man is small, and has a lean look about him, many will describe him as rat-faced. To be sure this is not a connotation one should necessarily take ill toward, rats are hardy, vicious and intelligent. Quite the survivors. In front me, though, a man pulled out a chair and sat himself across from me. He was rat-faced. His head was narrow, his face fairly pointed with a proboscis to match, to make matters worse his excuse for mustache was a few oil-slicked stragglers wending their way out from under his nose to the sides of his face. His dark complexion and shifty mannerisms marked him as my probable appointment. His teeth helped not one whit, either.

"Greetings," he said with an accent overflowing with potatoes, "I'm Mick. Mick the Rat."

... This was Irish? The Rat I could understand, there was no other appelation this man was ever going to earn, but if he was Irish then I am the whelp of a punjab.

"Good evening, Mick.", I replied as straight-facedly as I could, "Are we here to discuss career developments in our specialized fields?"

"Indeed we are, Mr. Whitechapel. I am here to ascertain whether or not you are of an unsavory or even law enforcement type of origin before you get recommended to proceed on to the true destination we have considered for you this evening.", he replied. Lengthily.

I see. He is an educated mobster. How tiresome.

"Well, Mr. Rat, I believe you have already concluded my identity already. My skills that you require are of an unsavory nature and therefore that is an unreasonable requirement to the nature of my assignment. As for my credentials, if you wish to verify my status as law or not I could suggest the simple expedient of you taking me eight blocks in any direction and I shall choose and kill a random passerby. Your policemen certainly cannot do that, and if I happen to be one you may just claim you thought I was a drunken fool you were escorting home. At most you would spend a night or two in jail." I smiled at his suddenly slack jaw. " Unless you have something else in mind, of course."

It's not as though I have little regard for the lives of others.

The trouble would start tonight and I could feel it creeping up through my bones, firing my body with energy and eagerness and vitality. My smile settled down as I mastered myself diligently.

It's really not as if I have little regard for the lives of others.

I don't have any.

 

[rashid]

Vance

For once, nothing I looked at was going to be some kind of trouble. Tommy was disgustingly seasick which pleased me to no end being as how I enjoy piloting the Hope in solitude and Tommys moaning in the forward bunk didn't intrude much on my enjoyment of the Hopes spanking the waves briskly as we headed up the coast.

Behind us was the ugly of the windy city. In front of us was the ugly of Big and Little. Right here, right now was the beauty of a lake that in most places would qualify as an ocean, being it's that big, and the day was fair with a light wind blowing the chop around.

Several hours of running time brought us to the cove the brothers Salamone referred to as "da hideout". I'll give you , it wasn't very original but in truth it was reasonably accurate. About 50 yards offshore was a floating platform permanently anchored as a swimming raft. There was no dock and all visitors were forced to use a small boat to go ashore. If the dingy happened to be in use it was only a short swim. Since men with guns generally don't like to get wet, it made a useful screening process. The runabout the brothers used make their trip was tied alongside the raft and the rowboat was ashore so I knew the boys were home.

One blast of the horn from the Hope brought Fish one and Fish two cautiously down the path. The cursing from below decks suggested that Tommy had hit his head going through the hatch and the little trickle of blood making its way down his forehead verified it. I gave him a life preserver and threw him over the side. He stunk and it was hardly fair to the Brothers to deliver him unwashed.

 

[caspai]

Leslie

Oh, he was trouble, all right.

Narrowing my eyes at his tone of voice, I folded my arms in front of me, and walked directly up to him. That meant that I had to look up into his face, but it also meant that he had to look down at me...quite a bit down. I had learned long ago that the only way you ever stood any chance of survival in this world was to stand your ground, and never back down. Once you let someone know that you were afraid of them, it gave them power over you. No one ever got that power over me, not ever.

"No one ever tries to make a fool of me, and that is just exactly what you just tried to do, you two bit hood! Who the hell do you think you are, choosing songs for me like that? Why the hell do you think people come in here? Because of that rot-gut crap you pour so generously? Give me a break! You can find better hooch than that in my granny's bath tub, and on just about every corner of this burg. If they keep coming back, it isn't because they want to be glared at from shadowy corners by the likes of you. They come to see me, see? They come to be entertained, as much as they come here for a drink. They come here so that they can forget their troubles.

You think you can intimidate me? You think you're the first mug to try to strong arm me? Think again, buster. Mess with my songs again, it won't just be firewater you end up wearing."

I just have time to see his eyes flash at me dangerously before I push past him, opening the door and slamming it with all my strength after I walk through. I smile with satisfaction as I hear a glass shatter against the closed door, and quickly make my way toward the piano. Elmo seems to be limbering up his fingers a bit, and I go to sit next to him, whispering to him that he can choose the next song for me to sing, if he likes, and then climb up so that I am sitting on the top of the piano, waiting for my moment in the lights yet again.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Angelo

I rubbed my palms together as I watched the traces of scotch and miniscule shards of glass dance and fall like the embers of fireworks, dying and falling to earth off the door. “Yeah, you’re trouble alright, bitch,” I whispered to myself as I figured she went right for the stage. The only thing that would take the sting out of her ass and pride was a sultry spot. She had something, she had it whether she knew it or not. She had balls, too bad she had so little brains to go with them. A lacking combination, she was going to wind up in shreds someday with her temper. Someday she would find someone who did not give a shit if she had the best piece of ass on any stage in any town, and she would finally make it, her name in big bold letters on the front page of all the papers. Her moment in the sun, too bad she wouldn’t be able to feel the glow, kinda hard lying on a slab with your guts cut out in the city meat locker.

Shook my head and rubbed the back of my neck before slowly opening the door to go back out into the commotion of the hall. I looked over at the bar and noticed that Seamus had his vest unbuttoned as he kept rubbing a martini stem, just a little too distracted. He was watching the mirror, so I stepped out and followed his reflective glances, and I seen him.

Now here was real trouble. I could tell straight away. He had fine clothes, tweed I think, though I am not a fashion follower. But he was definitely a new face, and his demeanor seemed different to me. A Limey? I wondered. What troubled me more was that he was chewing the rug with The Rat. That little grease ball was like the harbinger if I had ever seen one, fuckin’ fag. I took a step towards my corner, lifted a glass off a passing tray, and tossed it back. As I set the glass down on some chump’s table and kept walking slowly, I noticed that the stranger was packin’.

“Well, Seamus,” I said as I leaned into the bar, “who’s your new playmate that’s got you spooked?” I asked in hushed tones as I let him set me up with another glass not looking at the bar mirror just staring at the glass as the ice clinked and the scotch flowed.

“Dunno,” Seamus rasped as the keys started to open Blackbird for our canary to sing. I shrugged and fumbled for my cigarette case and popped it open, no sooner had I put it on my lower lip than Seamus was leaning in with a light. “Thanks,” I said, as if everything was business as usual, loud enough for those around us to hear. Hell, this was business as usual, I observed to myself as I puffed smoke out of my nostrils. “I have never known a life as strange as this, Seamus,” I grinned to myself. “Well, me brother, I have a hunch for a slick dressin’ outta towner behind me, send that new girl, what’s her name? The smokey, send her over there and have her offer that mug a pack of Dunkirk’s, see if he bites,” I said, then glanced up at him and instructed. “For God’s sake, don’t tell her what this is about; just let her act natural as possible. This guy looks like a hired gun, and I don’t want anything getting’ outta hand just yet.”

I watched Seamus grimace a bit, “Speakin’ of ‘outta hand’ and ‘natural’, boss,” as he motioned with his bar rag across the floor. My curiosity peaked I turned to rest my elbows on the mahogany and looked out from the bottom rim of my fedora. I anyone could have peered into that shadowy realm above my flaring smoke, they would have seen my eyes widen briefly then slowly narrow. The smokey, was bending over and handing out a pack to some rum head. That I would have expected, what I did not expect was the sheerness of her panties. Gone were the sequined panties that matched her beaded short hemmed dress, I mean gone. The twist had ditched her unmentionables and was fishing for feels from the suckers.

“Right..,” I gravely growled to myself in a cloud of smoke. “Seamus,” I said as I exchanged the glass for my smoke at my lip. “Forget about her going to handsome stranger’s table. Just send her to my office; I think it is time for another little chat with the help.” With that, I shoved myself off the bar with my elbows and stepped back towards my office in a swirl of blue-black smoke around my low set fedora.

 

[prometheus 2]

Elmo

There she went getting herself in trouble again.
It wasn't usually that way with Leslie, I mean, she knew her way around the circuit and knew what side of the bread the butter was on. Well, she's a red head and that should be considered. She had her limitations, one should consider that.

I smile and change my tune. I know she likes that. As long as she knows its coming and she always seems to be able to read me as well as I read her right now shes feeling deep inside while on the surface, what's there is just a facade. What she really feels is that shes been misjudged... and the best way for her to get it out is to sing it. I Mouth the name of the tune to the boys and they're right with me as we begin. Leslies eyes light up and she beomes a whole different person as her voice mellow and innocent lets the whole world know she ain't misbehavin'

 

[Cathay]

Samantha

Oh...that man is trouble all right. Sighing, I melted against
him, oh...My it's gettin' warm in here. I resisted the urge to fan
myself while Seamus held me by the arms. I should say,
held me "up", thanking the good Lord he was, cause my knees
were doing that "weak thing".

I was actually speechless (go figure) and he gave me a little
knowing smile, turned me around, patted me own my satin
covered ass and went back to the bar. When I could focus
again I noted Dixie sitting at the bar, hmmm dammitall.. laughing. Trying to recover my dignity (which I believe floated somewhere beneath my powdered scented knees) I headed for her. She opened her mouth to speak and I put my hand up to stop her, she closed her mouth, snorted and ordered another drink. "Thank you." I said rather primly. At
that she chortled and said, "Atta Girl." and bought me a drink.

I watched Seamus while he stood talking to Angelo for a
while and with a start realized, "God's Nightgown! I'd forgotten
the stranger and my little info-gatherig mission." When I
looked in the mirror, I noted that the out-a-towner was now
sitting with someone. Tapping my fingers on the bar I knew
I recognized that face from somewhere. Who was that guy?
He's a local...skinny little guy with a long thin nose and a lousy
fashion sense. Aha! That nose was the giveaway, Eureka,
that's Mick the Rat!

Oh Hell, ..... Mick. He's a runner for Salieri. And Salieri was
the guy Sandee was worried about. Wait...This might mean
that Salieri didn't have Tommy. And the stranger was here
to find him and ... and... whack him. Alot of people end up
in Lake Michigan around here. My mind was going a mile
a minute. Oh hell Sam, what are we gonna do???? When the
office had been broken into I knew that Salieri had been
behind it, and now there's some out-of-town-talent...in town.
We are in deep doo-doo.

We needed help. All those swimming lessons at the Y weren't
gonna help us if we're tossed in the drink wearing cement high-heels.

 

[kitsuke]

Thomas Whitechapel

"Well," started off my Rat brilliantly, "I don't know as to we have to go that far. I'm sure your credentials are good, we've heard of your work here. That was a keen whack up Salisbury way you did." Gone was the educated veneer. This Rat knew me, and knew me no officer of the law. "Was the job for the family, too, or did you throw in extras gratis?" I wince as he mangles his own language into gra-tiss.

"Mr. Rat, a professional keeps all variables and details in mind at all times. What is invariably on my mind at this moment is the small detail of you discussing my work in a public place. Realms of conjecture are fine for conversation. My resume is a private affair.", I reply coldly. His oily mannerisms are now beginning to grate. No matter, I will not have to deal with him for long. I shall no doubt meet my employer soon.

Bloody hell, that is the third person to give me a twice over in as many minutes. I don't think that any of them recognize me and I'd like to keep it that way.

"I will meet you outside in ten minutes, Mr. Rat. Run along now.", he probably won't appreciate the peremptory dismissal. I shall just have to try and give a damn. He slithers out of the bar and I sit and slowly, painfully finish my drink. I walk past the bar on the way out, passing the satin covered tart with the now empty glass who appeared to be a frightened rabbit when she saw me speaking with my appointment.

I lean over and whisper to her, "Whatever it is you think you saw or think you know, miss, I suggest you develop a lack of remembrance. I do not relish the thought of complications in my work, and," I look her up and down, "a gentleman hates to waste fine things. Adieu, madamoiselle." I walk through the doors and out into the gloom. I am sure my Rat will be impatiently tapping his foot, but that is just too bad for him. He will be working on my schedule, he will just have to get used to it.

 

[Cathay]

Samantha

I knew he was trouble... now I know he's scary trouble. And not
just for Tommy but (gulp) little ole me.

He actually threatened me. And not the overt Chicago way either.
He's got an accent, Like he's some high-falutin Royal or something! By the time I got my breath back, I'd realized that
underneath that cultivated exterior we had a Limey. One
"almost" succeeding in sounding upper crust. Hmm, My Aunt
Fanny! But.....that doesn't change the fact that he's smart.
Hope to high heaven, we're smarter. My pop didn't raise a fool
either.
We ain't afraid of no steeeenking limey. r-i-g-h-t.

I was standing up now, facing the door HE'd walked out of
and jumped a bit when two arms came around me from behind.
Two delicious strong arms with a little auburn fur. Seamus
kissed the side of my neck (sigh) and whispered in my ear,
"What did that bastard say to you, Liv?" I couldn't talk for
a second, I needed the warmth and safety of those arms to
chase away that nasty little chill I just had. His arms tightened
a bit and he bit me gently on the neck, "Liv.....answer me.", he
repeated quietly. I recognized that stubborn- better -answer me
tone (my that's sexy...). Clearing my throat, I answered almost
whispering, "He suggested that I develop amnesia."
His arms tightened almost imperceptibly, "And???" as he laved
my neck with small nibbles. "He...he said that he hated to...
(gulp)...hated to waste "fine" things." I could feel Seamus
stiffen behind me and patted his arm. He spun me around
pulling me close, 'Sonofabitch!" He looked around to see
if anyone had heard him, and pulled a blank face. I could see
his eyes though, they weren't blank at all. They were filled with
something else entirely. Something warm....something primitive.

And they took my breath away.

He steeled himself, leaned down and whispered into my
lips, "Stand right here Oliva Samantha Spayde. I will be
right back." uh oh. He said my whole name. No kidding around
this time. So....I stood.

I watched him head for Angelo, watched his head bent while
they spoke, watched him nod at something Angel'd said and
watched him walk back to me. Watched the man who
suddenly looked like a predator and lover. (What a heady
combination) and I knew that I'd not go home alone tonight.
Knew that I didn't want to, couldn't. Cold with fear and
my skin hot with need, as if my very life depended on it...I
stood.

And yearned.

 

[darrenfate]

Seamus

Seamus was furious. No one threatened him or his people! That old scar on his forehead throbbed in a warning about his state of mind. Angelo must be told, it was his establishment after all. Then he would deal with this stranger.

What happened next shocked him. Angelo listened impassively his face a stone mask.

I'll take care of this myself, Seamus. You are too involved and angry people make mistakes. Take a break.

Seamus replied -

Boss, I don't think

Angelo cut him off. In a sotto voice he said -

I don't pay you to think, I pay you to do what I tell you. And I told you to beat it. I don't want to see your face around here for the next two hours. MOVE. Now!

Seamus paused, started to speak then thought the better of it. Like a balloon let out of air, his anger deflated on the spot. He saw the curvaceous Oliva watching him from across the room. He saw her eyes rake over his body, in that alluring way that always drove him crazy. Then he was struck by an inspiration. Its better to turn lemons into lemonade he had once heard. That dame had a date with him, so why not now? He walked over and grabbed her hand.

C’mon babe

He led Olivia through the back to one of the private suites that Angelo kept reserved for his nest guests. After she entered, he threw the deadbolt on the lock.

She had this knowing grin on her face, like she knew this would happen all along.

Reaching out he pulled her to him. Her body curved perfectly against his. Wrapping his big arms around her, he gave Liv a long deep kiss. Somewhere in his head he knew that they had to have come up for air along the way, but he was lost in the moment. She was perfect, their mouths and tongues found each other becoming entwined.

His hands roamed her body freely, moving from her shoulders down to the small of her back. Finally, he reached up to her neck and found the zipper on her dress. With a long slow pull he undid it, ending with the red dress open to her waist. He had waited for so long for this moment. Seamus saw the desire in her eyes, the time was at hand.

I want you

He whispered then gathered her up for another long physical kiss…

 

[Cathay]

Olivia

I knew I was in trouble (the good kind) when Seamus straightened and came towards me so purposefully. He took my hand and pulled me behind him, I think he said "come with me".
The feel of his hand on mine, strong and provacative, the rasp of his voice made it impossible for me not to follow him. I wanted
him so badly, the ache began and spread so quickly.

I couldn't help but smile knowingly when I heard the dead bolt
slide home. At last.... He pulled me into his arms almost roughly at first, then his strong arms slid around me as his mouth found mine and I was lost. Lost in the taste of his mouth, in the smell
of his skin, the feel of his body against mine. Lost in a flood of
anticipation, my own body bending to his and pooling beneath
me.

How fast the transition from wanting to wanton, I thought. Then all thoughts went out of my mind. I no longer thought of Sammi,
the out-a-town stranger...even the danger that Sammi and I were in. Nothing mattered but the feel, smell and taste of him.
He slipped the zipper down and my dress fell to my waist, I could see his mouth lean down towards my breasts and I heard him
say...simply...I want you.

My breath caught in my throat and I could feel my pulse rush and speed up...the tingling in my hands...the quivering of my thighs,
ah...........his breath warming my skin...his tongue chasing the goose bumps that trailed my skin. My knees weakened and I would have collapsed if he'd not caught me in his arms, and ravaged my mouth. He lifted me and carried me to the bed, it's
chocalate sheets beckoning...

His mouth hovered over mine. He breathed into my mouth, " Do
you want me Liv? Tell me that you do..." as his tongue touched my lips..."Say the words, I need to hear them."

And I needed to say them.