Trigger Page 4

  “What?”

  He takes her hand, pulls it around his bicep and rests it on his forearm. He starts walking toward the lunch table. She feels like she’s holding onto him, but because it’s Steven it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Steven let’s her go and holds her hand, while she sits down. Very . . . civilized. “That’s it?”

  He grins down at her. “That’s it. But you need more practice.”

  He signals to the guys. She’d forgotten they were there. They all run over and surround her.

  “One at a time, gentlemen, Jake you’re first,” Steven orders

  What?

  Jake is tall and skinny and at least three years younger than she is. We say hello and goodbye and make comments to each other about our workouts, but she’s never actually talked to him before.

  “May I have this dance?” He says and shoots an eye to Steven.

  She doesn’t want to dance with him, but Steven’s watching. She puts her hand in his, he jerks her up and she’s slammed against his chest.

  “Are you a cave man, Jake? Why don’t you just throw her over your shoulder and carry her off!” Steven yells at him.

  “Sorry.” He says and looks at Steven.

  “Don’t apologize to me. Judy is the one that just got jerked around.”

  “Sorry.” Jake blushes and releases some of the pressure on her hand. She didn’t want to say anything to show weakness with the guys but she’s relieved. He’d squeezed so hard its dead white.

  Instead of taking hold of her like Steven did, he takes both her arms and puts them around his neck and then pulls her hard with his hands on her butt and she’s flush against him. She feels him all over her. She throws him to the ground and puts her foot on his neck. “Back off, asshole!”

  “Next.” Steven yells out.

  Clarence is black and huge. She’s watched him for years, getting bigger and stronger. His arms are bigger than her butt. He could crush her in a second and Steven made her take her gun off?

  “May I have this dance?” His voice is musical and soft.

  She puts her hand in his, glances at Steven to make sure he’s nearby and watching.

  Clarence’s hand is soft and warm and he holds hers gently. He walks her slowly to the center of the gym, turns her wide until she’s facing him and takes hold of her like Steven did. He’s at least six foot seven and it’s hard to look up at him even with her at five foot ten, but boy can he move. She’s really moving and they’re flying around the room. Once he holds her hand above her head and made her whirl in a circle like a ballerina and then brought her back to the way it was before.

  “Am I doing okay?”

  “Judy, you are beautiful. It’s a real pleasure to dance with you.”

  “Thanks. What do you do when you’re not working out or dancing,” she laughs and realizes that she’s having fun.

  “I’m an accountant. I have my own firm.”

  “That’s wonderful. Are you married? Do you have children?”

  “Elise and I have been married for eighteen years. We have three children.”

  He talks about his kids and his face lights up. He’s interesting and before she knows it the music stops. He doesn’t offer his arm, but keeps her hand and walks her back to the chair.

  “Thank you for a wonderful dance, Judy.” He smiles and his face is sweet and gentle. She doesn’t know why she’s ever been wary of him. She could be friends with Clarence, even if he is a man – a very, very big man.

  “Next!” Steven yells out and Jeremy approaches her.

  “May I have this dance?” He grins and holds out his hand.

  Again protocol, she puts her hand in his. His hand is small. Hers is larger. Jeremy is also about five inches shorter than she is and it feels like she’s draped over him. His face is in her boobs. He’s standing about a foot away and takes jerky steps. Side to side, front to back over and over, it’s uncomfortable. She can’t see his face, only the top of his head and it’s hard to have a conversation. So she doesn’t say anything.

  After a few minutes, Steven walks over and taps him on the shoulder.

  “May I cut in?”

  Jeremy let’s go of her and backs away as Steven takes hold of her. It feels like coming home.

  “How am I doing?”

  “You’re a natural, just like you are with everything you do. I would like to offer a little fatherly advice now.”

  “Oh don’t say that!” She feels her eyes tear and it’s so wrong but she can’t stop. She wants to run away from him, but he won’t let go.

  “What?”

  “You’re not my Dad, thank God. Don’t say that, I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Okay, I don’t want you to hurt me either. I just wanted to tell you that you don’t have to dance with anyone you don’t want to. It’s acceptable to decline an invitation to dance. If are you dancing with someone and you don’t want to anymore, stop and say something nice like you think you’re shoes are hurting your feet and you want to sit down. Or something like that and walk away.

  “The rules on the dance floor are the same as on the street, but a little more sophisticated. You still don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Understand?”

  She nods. “Charlotte wanted me to be escorted but I wouldn’t do it. I think maybe I was wrong. Will you go with me to this thing tonight? I’ll pay. It’s a thousand dollars a plate.”

  The crease between his eyes is really deep this time.

  “I have a date tonight after work. I promised. Thank you for asking me I appreciate the compliment. Maybe next time?” He smiles but now he looks uncomfortable.

  “Okay. I like dancing with you, but I don’t think I’m going to dance at all tonight. It’s too complicated and I’ll be there to work anyway. Maybe you and I could go dancing again sometime? For fun?”

  “Sure. That would be great.” She’s not sure but she thinks he blushes. Not as much as Charles. She feels like she should make up for being so forward. “How old are you?”

  “Thirty-two.”

  “Are you married?”

  “Was. Not any more.”

  “Do you have children?”

  “A daughter, Amy is three. She lives with her mother in California. I don’t get to see her very much.”

  “Are you a good Dad or a bad one?”

  Steven stops dancing, drops his hands and steps away from her. “What do you mean, Judy?”

  “I mean do you beat her and don’t give her any food or do you kiss her good night and take her to McDonald’s?”

  “McDonald’s Happy Meals. But don’t tell my ex because she’s all for organic and vegetarian.”

  “I knew you weren’t like the others. Thank you for helping me but that doesn’t mean I won’t still kick your ass if I get a chance. I have to go. I’ll be back about seven. Is that okay?”

  “Sure. I’ll be here.”

  “Thanks guys. That was fun.” Picking up her gun off the table, she’s out the door and running to Big Boy. She’s miserable. She’s broken her most Sacred Rule: Never touch a man, who’s not Gerry or Franklin unless is a business handshake.

  They’ll claim your body and soul if they touch you. Warriors by nature, men battle because they like to war. They believe it is their right to hurt, maim and kill and love doesn’t mean the same to them as it does a woman.

  Many times he’s seen her Dad hold her Mom and say he’s sorry he hurt her and that he can’t understand why he did. Minutes later he’s bashing her lovely face with his fists. I’ve seen his eyes and the eyes of my brothers as they watch and enjoy Dad tearing her body apart. It as if they don’t think she feels pain and sometimes I see them enjoy watching her blood spill and her face swell.

  There is no logic that applies to men other that to battle is their fun, winning is primal and women are their favorite prey.

  Gerry and Franklin are okay because they’re not like most men. Their battles have been fought and put away. They don’t need or want them anymore. I r
ecognize that and I allow myself to be somewhat trusting of them.

  And then there’s Steven. He’s man enough that he doesn’t need to battle. He’s been her trainer for years. She sure he’s probably touched her everywhere on her body one time or another. But she’s his customer. She pays him to make her strong, so she can survive the battle when it finds her again and it will. If he has to touch her to do that, then that’s not breaking the rules.

  Today – the dancing lesson – was different and didn’t fit into any of her rules categories, but more unsettling was that she enjoyed being close to him dancing. She should not have enjoyed him touching her. That is definitely breaking the rules.

  She’s driving and crying from frustration. “I’m the boss aren’t I BB? I shouldn’t have to go through all this. It’s just not necessary. I have a good business and I take care of it and my employees really well. That should be enough. This stupid stuff takes up time and money and you just wait it’s going to be a nightmare and I’m going to end up on the bottom of the pile.

  “And now I have to sit still and have a woman play with my hair. Yuck. It’s building up, isn’t it? It’s going to be a disaster.” BB understands and he patiently let’s her cry out her frustrations until she makes herself stop, then tells the GPS the address of the hair place and the very sweet voice, that sounds like her Mom talks to her the whole way.

  “Where’s Steven?” She’s carrying her dress in a long plastic white bag and hanging onto to her shoes and panty hose bags.

  “He’s been in his office since you left, Judy. I’ll tell him you’re here. Your hair looks nice.”

  “Thanks Clarence. I have to be there by eight. I’ll get dressed and get out of the way.”

  “No problem. This is my oldest son, John. He works out with me in the evenings.” She walks over to meet him. He looks about fifteen or so and very much like his Dad. He’s taller than Judy already.

  “Glad to meet you, John. Your Dad helped me to learn to dance today. He’s a very good dancer.” She smiles. He doesn’t.

  Opening the door the women’s locker room John’s voice says he’s going to tell his Mom. She couldn’t be upset with her or Clarence could she? Another reason she doesn’t touch men. She doesn’t make trouble. Rule Number Two.

  It’s been nearly two days, since she’s cleaned up. She feels and looks filthy and scrubs hard, trying to wash away the memory of her Mom’s face, the terrifying night run, and Simon’s threats to her business. He’ll be at this thing and she’ll have to talk to him. It’s unsettling that she’s excited and angry at the same time.

  Finished dressing, the image in the mirror startles her. It takes her a few seconds to recognize herself. “What do you think?” The mirror says that she’ll do. Busting through the door with her now heavy training case over her shoulder, she hears a gasp or two and a moan from Jeremy.

  “What?” Five guys and the two girls, who are younger than her, are staring. She quickly looks around for Steven and finds him in the shadows outside his office. He has an odd expression on his face and his feet are headed straight for her. She holds his eyes and hope they’re not going to be disapproving.

  He stops in front of her, takes the heavy black bag off her shoulder. “Walk to the center of the room and turn around.”

  “Seriously? Maybe I should take some of your business cards and pass them around tonight.” She laughs. That’s really not a bad idea. Maybe she could get him some more customers to pay him for helping her be an idiot.

  “Move,” he orders and she sees the beginning of his crease. Talking off with her usual pace, he yells, “Slower, you aren’t in a race.”

  Slowing down, she’s bashed again, “Slower. Relax your arms and take shorter steps.”

  Doing what he says makes her sway a little. It feels good in this dress and her shoes don’t make so much noise. She turns and looks at him. “And?”

  “Walk back.”

  She walks slow and holds his eyes to see if he’s pleased that she can follow orders that make sense. He’s smiling so she smiles back.

  In heels she’s almost able to look him directly into his eyes. She likes that.

  “Don’t walk any faster than that all night.” His voice sounds rough. He clears it when she stops in front of him. “You’re breathtaking, Judy. Maybe you should wear your gun.”

  Steven doesn’t laugh, but everyone else does.

  “I am.” She pulls up her dress and shows him the thigh strap. “See.”

  He’s laughing like she’s never heard him before. It sounds good but then he takes her by the shoulders and turns her around so everyone can see. “This is the perfect woman, folks. Come on, I’ll walk you to your car. I don’t want any trouble in the parking lot.”

  “You look beautiful, Judy. You’re going to knock them dead.” Clarence says as we walk by. His sweet smile feels good.

  “Is that a good thing, Clarence?”

  “As long as you keep your gun close, girl.”

  When we go through the outside doors, Steven looks around the parking lot and then takes her hand. She’s never allowed anyone to hold her hand. But this is Steven who’s holding it. It tingles. He puts her bag in the trunk and before he closes her door he leans in.

  “Be yourself, Judy. Some of the people you meeting tonight will be snotty and jealous of how beautiful and smart you are. Remember what I taught you about holding your own and not backing down. Don’t confront, best them, right? I checked this event out on the internet and you’ll have to go through metal detectors, because the governor will be there. Maybe you should leave your gun in the car.”

  He hands her a small piece of paper. “This is my personal cell phone. Call me, if you need help and I’ll come.”

  She memorizes it. He closes her door and watches her drive away.

  “Steven is a great guy, isn’t he BB?” He agrees and the sweet voice of the GPS Mom takes over the conversation.

  Chapter 10. Governor’s Ball

  One valet approaches each car that pulls up to the doors, when she gets there three guys – probably college students -- shove each other and surround Big Boy. “Don’t be nervous BB. I’ll come and get you in a little while.” The tallest apparently wins, opens her door and holds out his hand for her. She ignores it and gets out by herself.

  “Take good care of my man,” she says and hands him a twenty.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  He peels away but slows down when he sees her watching and then she turns to face what will probably be the worse mistake of her life. “Shit, Judy, let’s go kick some ass.” Not sure, but pretty sure she heard a couple nearby chuckle. So what if they heard her.

  The metal detector goes off like she expected and the people behind her back up. She can see through the doors and a good number of people near this side of the ballroom heard it too. At least it will announce her arrival and give them something to talk about she muses.

  “Ma’am, will you come with me?” An elderly security guard says and holds out his arm toward a darkened area.

  “Not necessary.” She whips up her gown, pulls the Velcro apart and holds her gun, holster and strap out in front of her with two fingers. “My permit is in the holster. Please don’t let anyone steal it. It’s my favorite sidearm.”

  She walks passed him and into the light and under the chandeliers slowly like Steven taught her. She doesn’t know where to go, so she stands and cruises the room with her eyes, memorizing the space and the exits, like she always does when she’s in a place she’s never been before.

  “Your invitation, ma’am?” A pretty girl, probably a college student and a girlfriend to one the valet boys, looks at her like she’s going to hurt her. Judy hands her the fancy printed card Charlotte gave her and she waits while the girl punches on an iPad and then tells her that she will be at Table Three. It’s to her right.

  A large orchestra is on her left. Judy has never seen a live orchestra before. In pictures and in a video in grade school, but not l
ive and walks that way to get a closer look.

  The men are all wearing a tux and the women are in black gowns, the leader is wearing a tux with long tails. He looks like a friendly penguin as he notices her and smiles. She turns to find Table Three, which is apparently her party base of operations – a home base is necessary no matter how temporary. Simon is directly in front of her, smiling at her and blocking her way.

  Oh, good let’s get it over with and maybe she’ll get a chance to enjoy some of this evening she’s paid thousands of dollars for.

  “Good evening Miss Mason. It’s good to see you.”

  She raises her eyebrows and he grins. She feels her chest suck in air. He is so handsome, tall, tan and the arrogance drips off him. She takes a tiny step back, so it won’t drip on her.

  “Simon, I didn’t recognize you without a couple of hookers on your arm. Did you forget to pick them up?”

  He laughs loudly and she sees people turn and look at them. “You look lovely Miss Mason. I’m sorry you had to leave your accessory at the door. What was it?”

  “A gun, Simon. Haven’t you ever seen one before?”

  “Not on a beautiful woman.”

  Thanks to Kempo training, she takes a quick step to the right and she’s passed him before he realizes. Unfortunately, since she has Steven’s orders not to walk fast he catches up to her and holds out his arm like Steven did. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Judy. Steven’s voice is loud in her head. She ignores his arm and keeps walking . . . slowly. He finally puts it down.

  “You are sitting at Table Three, Miss Mason. I’m at that table too. I’ve saved the seat next to mine for you.”

  What?

  “Judy.” She hears Franklin’s voice and he and Evelyn are moving quickly toward her. She can see Steven’s deep crease of disapproval as they scurry her way.

  “Excuse me.” She maneuvers around Simon and walks slowly toward Franklin, holding his eyes the whole way. When she gets close he raises his arms and she walks into them.

  “I didn’t know you were coming. I’m so glad you’re here.” Judy feels like twenty pounds have been lifted off her shoulders. Someone she can trust is here and has her back.