BOOK REVIEW: "A PENNY For My Thoughts" a novel by, E. D. Lewis

-PROLOGUE-

1986, Washington State

The gigantic Redwood trees cast ghostly shadows across the narrow road Christine traveled. Her windows were slightly lowered; she was enjoying the cool, nighttime mountain air. It smelled clean and refreshing. The moon was awake and the sky was clear. Stars covered the entire sky, at least, the parts of the sky that she could see through the thick canopy from the large trees.

Her thoughts drifted to the medicine that the doctor had given her earlier, and how he had warned her not to drive for a few hours. The doctor claimed that the pills would make her sleepy and affect her coordination and response time.

That goes to show, she thought. Doctors don’t know everything.

Christine felt wide awake, and very much alert. In fact, she was so amped up; she started singing to her unborn baby. She used her free hand to rub her belly, hoping that her baby girl could tell that she was singing to her.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! ...BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The sudden beeps startled her at first, causing her to gasp, then she reached over to the passenger seat and dug her pager from the bottom of her purse. She looked at the number; it was her husband, Bernie, calling from home.

Probably only checking up on me, she thought. I'm sure he realizes that there are no phones on my route. Besides, I'll be home in ten minutes or so. He worries far too much.

While replacing her pager back inside her purse, she momentarily took her eyes off the shadowy road. She didn't see the large buck standing in the middle of the road until it was too late. Slamming on her brakes, Christine tried to dodge around the large animal but the tires locked, causing the rear of her car to fishtail.

The car’s front tires slid and made contact with grass, and she lost all control of the car. Christine’s car traveled at over forty miles per hour into the dark woods, stopping only for a great Redwood.

The impact of hitting the tree was tremendous. The front of the small Honda wrapped around the tree and all the lights went out. The car had slid so far off the road, that a passing car may not even notice her. Christine was knocked unconscious. Her body was trapped between the seat and the steering wheel. The airbag and seatbelt had saved her from being thrown through the windshield, but they were not designed for pregnant women.

The tiny heart inside her belly began to slow. Seconds later, it stopped.

In her state of unconsciousness, Christine dreamed. She saw a blinding intense light and her body floated upwards, towards the source. She felt her body relax and a sense of tranquility overcame her. Her neck stopped hurting.

Her eyes wouldn’t focus, but she knew that she was in some type of room. I’m in a hospital room, she thought, that’s why it’s so clean and white. But why do the doctors look so strange, it must be the medication. She could hear that they were troubled about her baby.

"Please save my little girl," she kept repeating.

The doctors only reply was,

"A soul, for a soul?"

Christine couldn’t comprehend what they were talking about.

"I don't understand," she slurred. "Please save her."

Suddenly, one particular voice came into her mind crystal clear,

"Will you substitute a soul for a soul?" The voice asked. “We can’t save what has already been loss, but we can replace the body with a new soul.”

Christine couldn’t grasp what she was hearing, souls couldn’t be replaced; that’s impossible! She was desperate to save her child and would do anything, even if it meant believing in the impossible. She was willing to die for her child to live.

"Yes! …I'll give my soul, in place of her soul!" she exclaimed.

Unexpectedly, Christine felt something ice-cold being placed on her belly, and a magnificent sensation quickly surged through her body. A tingling effect, like an orgasm, exploded deep within her womb, and slowly worked its way down to her toes. Her head fell back, and within seconds, she fell into a deep sleep.

Christine Starlite was in a deep sleep alongside her car when the highway patrolman found her. How she got out of the smashed-up car, no one knew.

Christine woke up two weeks later in a hospital bed; Bernie was standing beside her bed, holding her hand.

"It's about time you came back to me," He said lightheartedly.

"My Baby!!" Christine shouted. Intuitively, her hands went to her belly. Her stomach was still large, but that didn’t end her uncertainties.

"Relaxxxx sweetheart... The Baby is fine. The Doc says that our baby is as tough as nails." Bernie assured her. Then he put his hand on her cheek, bent down and kissed her forehead. "It's you we were worried about. You took a nasty hit on your head when you tried to kiss that tree. If you hadn’t been thrown from the car, I may have lost you and the baby." He added.

Christine’s mind was trying to catch up. She was confused. She didn’t remember how everything happened, but she did remember that she had given her life for her baby’s life. But, if that was true…why was she still living? Maybe it was all some sort of dream. Slowly, she drifted back to sleep. As years passed, Christine put the memories of the accident behind her. Her little girl was born healthy and strong, just as the doctor had promised.

As the years slowly passed, little Brittney Starlite became much more than a handful. She was exceptionally smart and as tough as a little boy. Just as Christine had feared, the mountain living had turned her seven-year-old little girl into a tomboy, and Christine didn’t like it. After talking it over with Bernie, it was decided that the family would move back to the city; at least until Brittney grew up and went off to college.

Christine soon found out; that even the move to the city didn’t change Brittney’s magnetism to high risk and danger. She always looked for trouble. She always found it.

When Brittney turned ten years old, she started having bizarre nightmares. She would wake up some early mornings, trembling from fright. She would run to her mother for comfort, but her mother was little help. Christine’s resolution was to take Brittney to see a therapist. It may have given Christine a peace of mind, but it did nothing for Brittney. The bizarre nightmares still invaded her nights. Over time, Brittney stopped telling her mother about her nightmares, and at age eleven, the bizarre dreams simply…stopped.

Being exceptionally intelligent, Brittney graduated high school two years early and went to college at sixteen years old. She majored in criminal science and crime scene investigation, in hopes of finding employment with the FBI or the CIA. Unfortunately, all she landed after college was a job in local law enforcement. Shortly thereafter, she began working undercover.

Brittney is a natural, using her beauty to charm criminals and thugs, she was able to penetrate deep into various crime rings. It became natural to her… acting.

Within a few short years, Brittney had contributed to several major busts. Her work took her deeper and deeper into a world of drugs, sex, violence, and danger, and she loved every moment of it. Brittney always asked for the most dangerous assignments, and because of her success record and skills, she always received them.

Standing only five feet two inches tall, Brittney carried herself with an authoritative attitude. She has a charming personality, which sometimes gives the impression of being a little excessively flirty. Keeping her body in such excellent shape often brought about envy from other women. Young, intelligent, sexy, beautiful, friendly, charming, all described Brittney.

It isn't her fault that she's beautiful, and men are attracted to her, but sometimes she felt that way inside. Nevertheless, she can't change her personality or the way she looks. That’s why she enjoys working undercover; she doesn’t need a partner, and she don’t have to be stuck inside an office with a group of women hating on her.

Over the past few months, at various check cashing businesses throughout the city, a string of armed robberies has been occurring. All indications show that these crimes are being perpetrated by, what appears, the same two thugs. So far, no one has come close to making any breaks in the case, but things are about to change.

The Lieutenant has approved an undercover sting operation, in an attempt to catch these thugs in the act. When Brittney caught wind of the operation, she was first to volunteer. The Lieutenant didn’t hesitate in choosing Brittney. Among personal reasons, Brittney has the right look for the job. The Lieutenant had no reservations about putting Brittney into as many dangerous situations as she chose to go. Eventually, everybody's luck runs out.

Immediately, Brittney started working at one of the cities check cashing businesses. She did everything to blend in with the other employees. In fact, the other employees assumed she was simply a new employee.

Her team didn’t know if the thugs scoped out the places before they made their hits, so everyday Brittney blended into her job like any other employee. She constantly made mental notes of anyone who seemed out of place. The only leads they have, are vague descriptions of the robbers; two black males, one around 5'8", the other around 6'4".

Working in an urban neighborhood plaza, made Brittney’s job nearly impossible. The limited description covers almost everyone who comes into the office. Brittney’s great beauty brought her constant flirts and offers, but of course, she turned them all down. She is engaged to be married soon. She would simply smile and dismiss the offers.

She wasn’t sure if she was in love or not, but the marriage had other advantages than just being in love. Not that it mattered much now. The date has been set, there’s no turning back now. Besides, if things don’t work; there’s always a divorce.

Realistically, it's been hard for Brittney to find a man that can match her love for risk and adventure. Most men want their pretty little wives sitting at home, cooking and cleaning. That life can't work for Brittney; she is the queen of risk and adventure.

That’s what got her in this mess in the first place.

Chapter One

Armed robbery is one hell of an adrenalin rush. My blood was pumping hard and fast. Sweat was literally pouring down my body, mostly due to the added heat from the Kevlar vest I wore beneath my Nike sweat suit.

My senses were as sharp as razor blades, as I eyeballed the five employees of the check-cashing office. Three minutes ago, they were each at their desk getting ready to open shop. Now, they lay face down across the dirty-ass carpet. Three women, two men, all white.

My partner, Curtis, was rushing to fill up the duffle bag with the stacks of money we had retrieved from the safe. I guard, he stuffs. Next hit, he may guard while I stuff. I checked my watch.

"It's been four minutes. Let’s get the fuck outta here!" I told Curtis.

"Yeah. I'm ready. We’re done here." He replied.

I led the way, stepping over frightened employees while Curtis followed. I took my eyes off of the employees when I was a few feet from the exit. That’s when the shit hit the fan.

One of the male employees grabbed Curtis by the ankle, tripping him. Curtis fell into me, knocking me into the wall next to the door. The other male employee retrieved a snub-nosed 38 special from his ankle holster and had rolled under a desk. I watched as he aimed at Curtis, then I pumped two quick shots into his chest before he could pull the trigger.

The man dropped his gun and fell to the side. He was motionless, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I moved quickly to his still body and put another shot in the center of his forehead. Curtis had regained his balance and was busy kicking the other guy in the face. Blood shot from the guy’s nose, but Curtis, now in a rage, kept stomping him until the man passed out.

"FUCK!!" I shouted.

This was supposed to have been a quick and easy hit. In and out, just like the last ones. I scanned the room, making sure there were no more surprises. Everything appeared right at first glance, and then I looked down at the ladies. The two young women were there, one shaking like a wet kitten, the other one lay calm and motionless. A quick scan of the room and I found what I was looking for.

“MOTHERFUCKER!” I thought to myself.

I quickly moved to the desk where I could see a woman’s black shoe sticking out. Manhandling the desk, I flipped it over like it was a toy. I was hyped.

The little old white women stared up at me in surprise, the phone still pressed to her ear. Her eyes were as big as silver dollars when I pointed my Glock at her face. Her mouth formed the words oh my god, but no words came out. I didn't want to smoke an old lady, so I grabbed the phone from her and shoved her back to the others. When I placed the phone to my ear, and heard a female saying,

"Hello? …Hello? … Ma’am? are you still there?" It was a 911 operator.

I needed to know how much the old lady told her, so I cloaked my voice, and spoke as the old lady,

"How soon, before help gets here?" I whispered into the phone.

The women responded with words that I dread to this day.

"They should be there at any second. In fact, they're pulling up right now." She said.

I hung the phone up and looked at Curtis, who was still fuming.

"Backdoor!! Move!! Po-Po's out front!!" I shouted.

With speed and precision, I snatched up the duffle bag containing the loot and headed for the backdoor. Curtis followed step, but stopped for some unknown reason and pulled out his gun. He bent over, and at point blank range, shot the old lady in the back of the head. Next, he shot the man who he had kicked unconscious. The young woman, who was shaking uncontrollably, stopped shaking after Curtis put a hot one in the back of her head.

Then, Curtis grabbed the pretty blond woman by the arm and lifted her to her feet. After giving her a quick up and down body scan, he pushed her out the back door in front of him. He walked with his arm around her, so as to appear as a couple, but his pistol was pressed firmly into her ribcage.

"What’s with that?" I asked nodding towards the woman.

"Insurance," He said.

We double-timed it to the van.

It was still early, so the back parking lot was mostly empty. The few people who were there had their own problems, they could care less about us. I got into the driver’s seat while Curtis and his hostage got into the back of the van. After Curtis put handcuffs on the girl, he climbed into the front passenger seat.

As I drove away from the shopping plaza, I noticed several police and ambulances passing by, headed towards the blood bath Curtis left them.

Oh well, shit happens. There’s only one witness left now, and Curtis will dispose of her when he’s finished playing with her. I sniffed the air and smelled piss.

"Damn Curtis, did your girl back there piss herself?" I asked sarcastically.

He began sniffing the air, and then he must have smelled it also. He looked back at the girl.

"Did you piss on yourself in my fucking van?" He asked her vehemently.

The woman didn't answer him, just stared straight ahead as if Curtis hadn't said shit. Curtis reached back and shoved his hand between her legs, under her skirt. She tried to squeeze her legs tightly closed but she was too slow. Curtis snatched his hand back and smelled his fingers. Shaking his head, he said,

"Naw man, she didn’t piss. Must 've been that little-scarred bitch who laid beside her back at the place" He paused, gave a blank stare, then added "Must 've gotten on her skirt or something."

When I failed to respond, he looked at the woman.

"What's your name?" He asked her.

She simply sat there, calm as ever, as if she didn't have a problem in the world. She wasn't expecting the open hand slap Curtis gave her, but she sure as hell felt it. She struggled to climb back into the seat Curtis had knocked her from. She still didn't answer or say a word, but her facial expression wasn't worry-free any longer. The entire right side of her face was red, as a bowl of cherries.

"I said, what's your fuckin name?" Curtis asked her again.

Still, no response from the woman, but she was prepared, this time, jerking backward to dodge Curtis' blow.

"Stop fucking hitting me motherfucker!" She exclaimed.

"Well tell me your goddamn name!" Curtis shot back.

I focused on my driving, but this was getting good. Curtis got himself a fighter this time. After a short pause, she conceded and stated,

"Penny! Are you fucking happy now?"

Curtis starred at Penny. He could see the anger on her face, and smell the scent of her fear. He is a predator, admiring his pray. Then he told her,

"You better be nice to me bitch, before you end up like them four peckerwoods back at your job."

Penny didn't say anything, but I could see her reflection in my rearview mirror, that her eyes were glossy and she fought back tears. She wasn't as tough as she pretended to be.

I reached the house and pulled into the garage, then lowered the garage door. I grabbed the duffle bag and headed inside the house. Curtis got Penny out of the backseat and followed me inside. As I already knew would happen; during the entire short walk from the garage to the living room, I could hear Penny complain.

"Don't fucking touch me like that! ...Stop it! ...Watch your fucking hands! ...Will you please stop touching my ass? ...What the fuck is wrong with you! ...Just leave me the hell alone!"

Everything she said was a waste of time, Curtis only laughed at her. If she knew what I knew, she would be the one pissing on herself this time. Curtis is only getting started with her. Very soon, he would be doing much more than just touching her with his hands. Penny didn't realize that her smart-ass attitude was playing right into Curtis' game. It was hard for me to mind my own business, but I did.

I tossed the duffle bag on the couch and went to grab a couple of beers from the frig. I sat down and picked up the TV remote and started scanning the local stations. Then I found what I was looking for; the breaking news from the robbery.

The aerial view from the helicopter, showed one of the dead employees, being pushed on a stretcher into a waiting ambulance. A bloody white sheet covered the body. I couldn't believe the News was showing this kind of graphic shit. I guess it's all about shock value nowadays.

I closed my eyes and said a short prayer for the people we killed this time. When I opened my eyes, Penny was staring right into my face, looking confused.

"What kind of a hardcore killer are you?" She said.

"The kind that'll break my foot off in your white ass!" I snapped out.

For some reason, her comment had pissed me off. We didn't go into that office to kill people. If that asshole wouldn't have grabbed Curtis' leg, all that killing would've been avoided.

I starred Penny down until she averted her eyes elsewhere. There was something odd about her; I just couldn't figure it out. I'd seen her before.

Curtis started patting her down, allegedly looking for any weapons, but in actuality, he was just feeling her up. Penny squirmed away from his prying hands to no avail. Curtis was going to do whatever he wanted to do to her, and she couldn't do a damn thing about it.

Satisfied that Penny was free of any weapons, Curtis removed her handcuffs and shoved her to the far end of the couch, away from us.

"You could've just told me where to set, asshole; you didn't have to push me!" Penny exclaimed, after nearly falling over the coffee table.

She was a cocky little something. Lucky for her, Curtis was focused on the money or she may have gotten beat down for that comment. As it was, Curtis simply dumped the money out of the bag onto the coffee table.

By way of eyeballing the money, Curtis made his judgment and pushed it into two separate piles. It wasn't official, he just like to see how close he could get to the right amount.

"It's $20,000," Penny blurted out. She just couldn't seem to stay the fuck out of our business. Curtis and I looked at her simultaneously.

"How the fuck you know?" I asked her.

She didn't shy away from our hard stares but seemed calm as a motherfucker. She said,

"We always start the day off with $20,000 in the bank, and we hadn't done any business before you two tough guys came in shooting everybody."

I let her acquisitions slide, probably because she was mostly right, even though it wasn't our plan. Yet and still, we counted our money anyway. The bitch was right, $20,000 to the penny. No pun intended.

I took my ten G's and headed to my bedroom. Before I could even open my safe and stash my loot, I heard Penny screaming for Curtis to get off her. I slammed my door shut to help drown out her loud­ass voice.

I relaxed back on my bed, wondering should I go out there and stop Curtis. I couldn't, it wasn't my business. I don't like the shit, but Curtis is a grown man. He'll pay for his own actions one day. I pumped some old school hardcore shit, "Money and the Power," and focused on when and where was the next hit gonna take place.

My body and mind were tired. I easily drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Two

Penny wasn't expecting Curtis to attack her and before she could react, he quickly ripped off her shirt and bra. Then he roughly pulled and snatched off her skirt and panties. Penny tried her best to fight him off, but Curtis is, at least, two hundred and fifty pounds, and over six feet tall. She didn’t stand a chance against his massive size and strength.

Her self-defense training was useless; Curtis is as hard as steel and as strong as an ox.

I didn't sign up for this shit, Penny thought. This wasn't part of the deal. When I chose to work undercover, I didn't expect to get fucked… at least not literally.

Experience had prepared Penny for almost any situation, but she had never been close to having a 230-pound monster, pin her to a couch and try to rape her. Against her struggling and fighting, she was quickly losing the battle, he was simply too strong for her. His fingers were now around her throat, and he had got in position between her legs.

She tensed up and gritted her teeth when he brutally entered her. Exhausted, she laid there, while being violated. Her only hope was in the tracking device sewn into her shirt collar. She only prayed that her fellow workers wouldn't see her in this position.

Detective Lewis had tried to convince Penny not to do this particular operation; saying it was far too dangerous and unpredictable. But against his advice; Penny insisted. Look at her now.

Penny needed to move this monster up off of her and fast. It wouldn't be long before the doors were kicked open. The quickest and most logical way that came to her mind was simply …submission; give him what he wants. She hated the thought, but he seemed to be getting what he wanted anyway. All she would be doing was speeding him alone.

Throughout her many years of working undercover, sex was sometimes a part of the job. It's just acting she would tell herself. This is no different, she had to survive. She closed her eyes and started acting. Suddenly the monster let out a big growl and collapsed on top of her. Penny could hardly breathe from his massive size and weight, and felt relief when he jumped up off of her.

Feeling humiliated, Penny lay still, fighting back tears. Then, remembering the tracking device, she jumped up and searched for her clothes. Everything was scattered around on the floor, but she found what she needed most.

As she checked her clothing, she noticed Curtis lighting a fire in the fireplace, even though it wasn't that cold inside the house. Maybe it’s a part of some sick fantasy, she thought.

At first sight, she could tell that her panties and skirt were both ruined. They were both ripped and useless to her now, but the shirt had only lost a few buttons. The bra had also survived.

As Penny was trying to fasten her bra, Curtis snatched all the clothes from her.

"You won't be needing this shit!" He said. "I want you naked around here!"

Then he tossed all of Penny's clothes into the fire. The thin material caught fire quickly.

"What the fuck are you doing?" She exclaimed as she lounged for her burning clothing.

Curtis used one arm and easily shoved Penny back onto the couch. Out of pure desperation, Penny tried again; she knew she had to, at least, save her shirt.

Curtis wasn't as gentle with her the second time. He backhanded her in the face, sending Penny spinning to the floor. Penny experienced, as in slow motion, images of Curtis as he stood over her and began punching her in the head. Suddenly, she saw little stars twinkling in her eyes, the room began spinning, then everything went black.

Upon regaining consciousness, Penny saw that the fire had gone out. Her clothes had been reduced to nothing but ashes. She looked up and saw Curtis sitting on the couch, drinking a beer. He noticed her moving.

"It's about time you woke up," He said, "I thought that I had killed you already." He laughed at his own statement. Then, quit suddenly his grinning stopped and he stared at her with pure hatred in his eyes. "Get up!... unless you want me to drag yo funky ass."

Penny got up, still naked, and starting to become very frightened of the monster standing in front of her. She knew that his threats were genuine, and she didn't like his, "killed you already" comment.

Apprehensively, she followed Curtis down the hallway, stopping at a door leading to the basement. He pointed for her to go down the stairs, but she hesitated. That is until Curtis exclaimed,

"Don't make me push yo bitch-ass down them stairs!"

Fearfully, Penny walked down the stairs. Once in the basement, Penny could see that she was in serious trouble. There were no other doors leading in or out of the room. A large bed was against one of the walls, and another wall has been covered with pictures of a naked young woman, tied up on what looks like this same bed. A small night table was beside the bed, with a small TV sitting upon it, and another door leading to a small bathroom; other than that, the room was empty.

Penny thought to herself, this guy is sick, if I don't find a way out of here soon, I'm gonna be subjected to some fucked up shit.

"Make yourself at home…my little toy," Curtis announced, as he sat down on the bed.

In one smooth motion, he reached beneath the mattress and pulled out a large vibrator. He tossed the vibrator into the center of the bed and then picked up a small digital camera, which Penny hadn’t noticed was sitting beside the TV. Grabbing Penny by the arm, he pulled her down to the bed and pointed to the wall plastered with the pictures.

"It's time to add to my collection," He said. Then, pointing at the vibrator, he added, "Show me what you can do with that... unless you want to use this." He laughed as he moved her hand to rest on his cock, but she jerked her hand away from him quickly.

Penny was trapped, there was no way out of this. As if in a mental fog, she slowly picked up the vibrator, and starting acting, once again.

Chapter Three

Detective, Earl Lewis, and his partner, Joe Brown, were both at a loss of explanations. Just moments ago, the signal from the GPS tracking device, they had embedded into Detective Starlite's shirt, was sending out a strong signal. Then mysteriously, it just stopped working. The entire signal... gone.

Lewis struggled to remain calm, which was really difficult considering, he and Brittney are engaged to be married in a few months. He hated the fact she did this dangerous undercover work, but it is her job, and she was working undercover long before they had become a couple. Not to mention that she is the best in the Department.

Lewis just hoped that she is good enough to stay alive until he could find her. Frustrated, Lewis slammed his fist down on the steering wheel,

"Damn it, Brown!" He exclaimed, “We've got to figure out something. Brittney's life depends upon us getting to her in time…what the hell happened?"

Detective Joe Brown was at a loss of words. He knew that the tracking device had been a bad idea in the first place. The Department just didn't have the resources to purchase the newest state-of-the-art equipment, so they just modified their first generation GPS gear. The problem with that is simple; the older models had been used for tracking movements of vehicles, not people. And the one used with Detective Brittney Starlite was the smaller, cheaper version…it was garbage. It's like Brittney had been purposely set up for failure.

Brown sat and listened, letting his friend and partner vent his frustration. He knew that they would find her…eventually, that is.

As Detective Lewis drove the unmarked patrol car around the suburban neighborhood, his mind drifted to past memories of Brittney…

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked Brittney. He was always trying to protect her... even from herself.

She had always talked about getting a tattoo, now they were standing inside a tattoo polar trying to decide on a pattern.

"Of course, silly," Brittney replied playfully. "You don't think we made this trip for our halves’…do you? Besides, you said you would pay for it. How could I pass up such a great deal?"

The Tattoo artist approached, and they both went silent. Lewis looked him over and thought to himself, Fuck, did he perfectly fit his occupational choice. That nose ring looks as if it must weigh a pound …and the holes in his ears are the size of quarters.

Then, looking at the guys’ arms, Lewis saw that both were tatted from fingertips to shoulders.

Surprisingly, the guy approached them and extended his hand out to Lewis. Lewis accepted the jester and felt more at ease when the man showed that he was very articulate and professional. He gave Lewis and Brittney a book containing his patterns and past work.

"Take your time...call me when you're ready," He said.

As the Artist turned to leave, Lewis noticed the slight eyeballing he gave Brittney. Lewis wasn't surprised, it happens all the time, so he had gotten sort of used to it. That's the price you pay when you have a beautiful woman.

Ten minutes later the Artist returned.

"You find anything you like?" He asked Brittney.

She looked up at the Artist with a disappointed look on her face, while handing him his book back.

"Uuummmmm...I really wanted something more...personal,” Brittney replied.

"Well…I can draw up anything you like…I am an artist, remember?" He reminded her, being slightly flirty.

Brittney now stared into Lewis' face, seeking some help. When he didn't suggest anything, she poked his stomach.

"How about your initials?" Lewis offered.

"I like it!" Brittney exclaimed. "I’ll make the letters B.S. drawn original...and I’ll put a star directly above the two letters."

But inside her mind Brittney was thinking, Fuck meaning Brittney Starlite, it'll stand for Brightest Star.

"I could do that," The Artist injected. "In fact, that wouldn't take but a few minutes to draw."

Lewis joined in the discussion, hugging Brittney close to him, showing ownership,

"Now all you have to do is decide where to put this tattoo...and don't forget about work," He added.

Brittney's face went blank of expression for a few seconds as she mused on what Lewis had just reminded her of…work. Then she smiled and said,

''My lower leg, just above my ankle."

The Artist led them to his station. They watched as he brought Brittney's pattern to life. Ten minutes later, Brittney was sitting in the chair gritting her teeth from the slight pain of the needle. The completed work was indeed all original, one of a kind.

"Lewis ... LEWIS!!" Detective Brown exclaimed, snapping Lewis out of his daydream.

"What's up?" Lewis Said. "You have something on the monitor?"

"Regretfully…naw. The monitor is still blank," Brown answered. "You just looked like your mind was miles away."

"Yea…I guess you could say that," Lewis mumbled.

"I ain't tripping…I just don't want you to hit any of these snotty-nosed white kids, that's all."

Brown knew that his partner was hurting inside, but there was nothing he could do or say to ease the pain. All he could do is help to locate Brittney before it's too late.

Chapter Four

The bank was crowded with a bunch of very unlucky men, women, and even children. I studied their faces, everybody rushing to go…nowhere. It's funny how they never would guess that this was their last day alive.

Without any warning, I pulled my AK-47 assault rifle from under my trench coat and started spraying. Just like puppets whose strings were cut, bodies dropped to the floor. The lucky ones died instantly while the others lay on the floor in pain; bleeding out.

The kids were not immune; they lay right beside their dying or dead parent.

"Get the money Curtis!" I hollered.

Curtis jumped over the counter and started shooting the bank employees. To him, it didn't even matter that they were already lying down; some even already dead. Put simply, it was just unnecessary killing, but that's just the way we get down. No witnesses.

It was totally unexpected when the front doors burst open and a SWAT team rushed in. I was an easy target, especially being that I was the only person standing. Oh, how it burnt when the bullets ripped through my body.

I could feel the arsenal hit my frame from several angles, but I refused to fall. I fired back, determined to take a few with me.

Suddenly, I felt an odd presence building deep inside my chest. My vision became hazy, as my soul, or should I say my spirit, separated from my physical body. Slowly, I fell backward. But instead of falling to the floor, I began levitating, arms and legs moving in slow motion as if I was underwater or outer space.

I was now floating above all the madness, getting a bird’s eye view of the massacre, but I had no control of my body; I couldn’t move. Then, I began experiencing tunnel vision; my eyes zoomed in on Curtis, who had now ducked behind a counter, with his pistol to the head of a white woman.

It was Penny, or, at least, it appeared to be Penny. Out of nowhere, I heard the Voice,

“Protect the girl!” It said. “Save the girl!”

“Why!!” I screamed. “Why protect the girl?” But, like always, the Voice never answered.

The lights inside the Bank started getting brighter. Everything became so bright, I couldn’t see anything. I squeezed my eyes tightly shut. It was as though the brightness was starting to burn my skin, my entire body felt as if it was on fire. My skin began to blister and smoke from the burning light. I began screaming, thrusting my body around trying to escape the agonizing pain.

My eyes popped open, and I frantically looked around the room from my bed. My body was covered with sweat and my pulse was racing. I laid there a few seconds, getting my bearing straight. When I looked at the clock, I saw that I had only been asleep for a couple of hours.

I lay in bed reflecting on my dream, Penny, and that voice inside my subconscious telling me to save her.

Then it hit me, this was why she looked so familiar. This wasn’t the first time she had been in my thoughts. In fact, she has been in many of my dreams…now that is some weird shit, I must be going crazy!

As I got up and headed to the refrigerator, I tried to make sense of the dreams. I was greeted by Curtis, who was also in the kitchen, butt-ass naked, and he handed me a cold beer. Then he took a couple out for him and what he calls, “his girl.”

“Hey, man?” I asked him casually while popping open my beer, “What are you gonna do with that bitch?” I nonchalantly took a long swig, giving him the impression that I really didn’t give a shit.

“What the fuck you think nigga…I’m a have some fun with her. When I’m done, I’ll dispose of here…you know me,” He replied.

Yea, he was right about that, I did know him. He is one sick, sociopathic, stupid fuck. I stared at him through cold eyes, thinking, what an idiot. This was the second time he’d kidnapped a woman. The last one, he’d snatched from the parking lot of a Food-For-Less one night. She never made it back to her home.

I’m just not with the kidnap and rape shit, I’m about my money. Ain’t no money in kidnapping and raping. All you’ll get from that shit is prison time. I guess Curtis was too stupid to comprehend that. He left me standing in the kitchen, and headed back to his basement bedroom. Before he walked down the stairs, he turned back to me and added,

“If you want to fuck her nigga, just ask. If not, then stay the FUCK out my goddamn business.” That said, he headed down the stairs.

I stood there finishing my beer, then grabbed another one. I knew what I had to do, exactly what that damn voice in my mind keeps telling me to do…protect the girl. By the time I’d finished my second beer, I had come up with a plan. A partial plan at least. I headed to the basement.

As I walked far enough down the stairs to where I could see the bed, I saw Curtis laid back looking up at Penny, while Penny did her best to imitate an exotic dancer. The scene looked like a cheesy ghetto boom-boom room. Penny looked at me and stopped dancing, which caused Curtis to also cut his eyes my way.

“What’s up nigga? You change yo mind?” He asked me.

I continued walking until I stood beside the bed. The whole scene was surreal. The room smelled like after-sex, which made me look harder at Penny, who, along with Curtis was totally naked. Her hair was slightly tangled, sticky looking, and messy, and her complexion was flushed. It was obvious to me that Curtis had put a major fucking on the little white bitch.

Snapping out of my strange attraction toward something I actually despised, I answered Curtis,

“As a matter of fact, I did.” Then I tossed a sheet over to Curtis, “Nigga, I ain’t trying to keep seeing yo naked ass…cover up or something!”

The whole time I was addressing Curtis, my eyes stayed glued on Penny. Pretending to be admiring her. She could tell that something was going down between Curtis and myself because her fake smile had faded. It was now replaced with a what the fuck now look.

Curtis got up off the bed and gave a head jester for me to get on the bed. Then he said,

“You can have her pussy, Reverend, but the mouth is all mine. She’s too small for me down there.”

I faked a laugh and told him,

“Yea, that’ll work because I want to hit nothing after your trifling ass.” Then I added, “Why don’t you go grab some more beer from the store anyway, and let me babysit for a while.”

He was already putting on his clothes before I even suggested him going to the store. He looked up and said,

“You must be ready my mind…sounds good to me,”

After he had finished dressing, he said,

“Just don’t hurt her! I’m the only one who can hurt her, ya dig Reverend?”

I thought to myself, this guy has lost his goddamn mind. But I told him,

“I just want some pussy nigga,” Then I sat on the bed and started taking off my shirt and pants before adding, “I’m not crazy like yo big ass.”

He cut me an evil stare. I had forgotten how he feels about being called crazy. It had something to do with being sent to a mental hospital when he was a kid. He doesn’t like to talk about what they did to him, but I’ve heard stories about what happens to kids inside those places.

He walked close to Penny, reached out and took her left breast in his hand. Then slowly he began squeezing it really hard. He did it so hard, I could see Penny fighting back tears and tensing her body. When he removed his grip on her breast, there could easily be seen an outline of his hand. Penny didn’t scream out from the pain, which surprised me because it looked painful as a motherfucker.

“Yea, I guess you’re right…I am into pain, uh?” Then he headed up the stairs.

I simply shuck my head. This guy’s sanity was gone.

Before he closed the door, he hollered down one last threat for Penny to hear.

“If she gives you any trouble, Reverend, I’ll make her pay for it when I get back. She gets a little aggressive if you don’t take control of her.”

With that said, Curtis finally closed the door.

I moved my attention to Penny, who was now sitting beside me looking suddenly relaxed. She is a tiny woman alright, no more than five feet, around one hundred pounds. Her hair a sandy-blonde, long and wavy. It probably reached the down her back almost to her waistline. Her body is in great shape, toned and perfectly tanned. Her breast was natural, and they fit her frame perfectly, as did her ass.

I looked at her face. Aside from the fear and stress which showed, I could also see beautiful hypnotizing sky-blue eyes, which sat below freshly shaped eyebrows. Smooth healthy clear skin, and perfectly straight white teeth. I was looking at one of the best the White race could offer. But to me, she was just another trashy White bitch.

Ever since the White man exposed their true colors to me, I’ve had nothing to do with any White man or their White women. I had nearly died fighting in their war! And they had the audacity to put me in prison! And for what reason? Shooting the enemy. I guess I was supposed to let him shoot me first? Yea, right.

Reminiscing about the military must’ve shown something in my facial expression because Penny started getting uncomfortable with me staring at her nakedness. I could tell she was trying to figure out what to do next, and I’m sure Curtis’ last threat was playing inside her mind.

Out of nowhere, she reached out and starting feeling between my legs. I pushed her hand away fast like she had cooties or something. She looked surprised.

“You don’t have to do that,” I whispered.

I was whispering because I wasn’t sure if Curtis was standing at the door listening or not, but she must’ve thought I was trying to sound sexy or something. She looked at me as if trying to figure me out. Then she said,

“OOOhhhhh…I see what you want.”

She got on her knees in front of me and started grabbing for my Jimmy again. I stood up quickly to move away from her prying hands, but, by standing up, she was able to hook her fingers into the elastic of my sweatpants and pull the front down, exposing my Jimmy.

Before she could grab hold of it, I was able to put it back where it belongs. She looked at me, totally confused, and we locked eyes for a few moments.

The sound of the garage door opened, then seconds later, it let back down. Curtis had finally left the house. Now, I can stop the charades’ and get down to real business, and not the business the girl was anticipating. Penny reached for my Jimmy again…I needed to slow her roll.

“Hold on!” I said as I slapped at her hands.

She looked at me with glossy eyes and said,

“I don’t want that monster beating e up again, just let me do this and get it over, ok?”

That was the first time I had heard her speak since we were counting the money. She had lost that strong cockiness from before, now sounding mentally worn down. I sat down on the bed and patted the spot beside me. Penny sat next to me, at a total loss as to what was going on.

“I’m not going to abuse you, woman. I’m gonna help you get out of here.” I told her.

Penny’s eyes brightened, I had her full attention now. I continued,

“I can’t do anything until late tonight, that is, if we’re lucky. At worst, a few days” She started to interrupt but I kept saying what needed to be said. “Just don’t do anything that will piss Curtis off and you’ll be fine.”

Saying that out loud sounded really ridicules. Curtis didn’t need a reason to be pissed off. He stayed pissed off. Anyway, it was the best I could come up with. I continued,

“I know you hate it, but just play his game. All he really wants is sex. Just look at it like…acting. Acting…that’s all.” As bad as it sounded, my voice and heart were very sincere. I’m a robber, not some piece of shit that don’t give a damn about others. Especially the weak.

Her eyes grew wide from surprise when I referred to her situation as “acting.” I wasn’t trying to offend her; I was only offering her a way to deal with a fucked up situation. We talked for a few quick minutes, I explained how I would be forced to harm her family if, once free, she tried to turn me in, to the authorities.

Finally, we both decided that we would have to put on a fake show for Curtis to see, or he’ll get suspicious of something. I explained to her my views and feeling towards White women, so she didn’t have to worry about me trying to have sex with her, period.

I’d never fucked a White woman, and I never will.

We heard the garage door open, then close, followed by Curtis talking shit while putting the beer in the frig. I could see her demeanor drastically change. She was absolutely terrified of Curtis. I hugged her close to me for assurance and whispered in her ear,

“Are you ready for some acting?”

She nodded her head yes. I quickly stood up and pulled down my sweatpants and boxers. Penny’s eyes brightened when she saw me fully naked. I didn’t like her seductive stare, but it was acting…right?

She laid on her back and spread her legs. It felt weird climbing on top of a naked woman that I didn’t intend on fucking. I let my flaccid Jimmy lay right on the bed in front of her entrance. As long as he remained soft, he would stay right where he needs to be, and we should be able to look the part.

I could feel Penny moving a little more than I had anticipated, causing my Jimmy to rub against her moist entrance. I tried to shift into a better position to prevent any further contact, but before I could reposition, Curtis popped his head down the stairs. We both looked at him as if surprised.

“Damn nigga, you ain’t finished yet!” He said. “Alright nigga, ten more minutes with my bitch or you’ve got to kick me down some paper.”

He laughed all the way up the stairs. As soon as I heard the door close, I moved to get up. Penny held me in place.

“Wait!” She whispered. “I need to do this. I don’t know why, but I do.”

Her words were no longer that of a scared woman whispering, it had turned seductive. She reached down between our bodies and grabbed my flaccid Jimmy. Slowly, she rubbed it at her entrance and within seconds, my Jimmy betrayed me. I became fully erect.

I wanted so bad to stop her, but something wouldn’t let me. I felt like I was a robot, and my body was being controlled by some outside force. I could feel my head line up with her entrance, I pushed forward and slide inside her. I couldn’t stop myself. She raised her mouth to mine and we blended together.

What the fuck was happening to me? Why can’t I stop myself? Then I heard the Voice say,

“It’s ok, don’t fight it. Just let it happen.”

My mind wanted me to stop, but my body wouldn’t let me. It wasn’t simply that she felt so good, I honestly could not control my body. I was experiencing some form of paralyses. Like I had been drugged.

Being that, I couldn’t stop what was happening to me. I closed my eyes and just went with the flow.

Chapter Five

An hour later, I was laying on my back in my own bed, staring at the ceiling. I couldn’t believe this shit! I had actually fucked a white woman. And to make matters worse…It felt great! It was like we were meant to be together. Even right now, I had this strange sense of ownership towards Penny, as if she belonged to me, and me only.

As I visualized in my thoughts of what Curtis was doing to Penny right now, I felt the heat of jealousy burn deep inside my chest. My protective instincts were growing stronger by the second and I fought back the urge to go claim what’s mine.

That ain’t like me at all. I don’t even get jealous when dealing with my beautiful Black women. Why am I feeling like this over this White woman…a woman I barely even know? And why has she been in my dreams? What the fuck is wrong with me?

Every time I have a dream, and she’s in it, I hear a strange voice telling me to save her. I’m not even sure when I started hearing the voice, but it’s been there as far back as I can remember. Now it’s telling me to save some bitch I don’t even know. Maybe I’m just losing my mind.

I’m gonna figure out some way to get her out of her. Maybe then, the voice in my subconscious will stop bothering me, and Penny will stop being in my thoughts. My real problem is; How am I gonna save her? Curtis ain’t gonna let her out of his sight for one minute.

He’ll get tired of her soon, but then he’ll kill her. That’s how he did things…impulsively.

I had grown sick and tired of his crazy-ass anyway. He was starting to make too many mistakes. Even at the hit today, if he would’ve been paying attention, that Honky couldn’t have tripped him. Then I wouldn’t have had to shoot that man. Then if that wasn’t bad enough, he goes and murders everybody and kidnaps a White woman. Now…we’re probably facing the death penalty.

I think it’s just time for me to go solo. As a matter of fact, after I free the girl, I’m on my own.

I flicked on the TV to check out the latest on the robbery. Every local news was covering it now. Breaking News was on every channel. But, what I didn’t know, was one of the men inside the store was an undercover cop. But what really blew me away; another detective had been kidnapped, and the city was pleading for her safe return. My heart starting beating double time.

I was transfixed on the TV, as a picture of Detective Brittney Starlite filled the entire screen. As if my life couldn’t get any more complicated. I was looking at a high definition picture of Penny, all suited and booted in her police uniform.

“KISS…MY…ASS!!” I said to myself. If Curtis turns on his TV and sees this shit, he’ll kill her on the spot.

Chapter Six

Detective Earl Lewis barged into Lieutenant Collins’ office, not bothering to close the door. And not caring who was watching.

“Goddamn it, Ashley!” He shouted, “How could you release that information about our operation to the public?” Then he stepped within inches from the lieutenant’s face, “This could jeopardize Brittney’s life, and you know it!”

Lieutenant Collins calmly walked around Lewis and closed her office door, then she addressed Lewis,

“First off Detective, if you ever address me like that again, I’ll have you’re your black ass suspended!” She starred at Lewis, who simply stared back at her, clenching his teeth together. Then she continued, “Secondly, if you look at these guys’ history, you will see that they are not killers. Once they find out that your little Brittney is an undercover detective, they’ll ditch her pretty ass as soon as possible.”

For a few seconds, Ashley almost believed her own bullshit, but she knew that Earl wasn’t buying it at all. Ashley and Earl had been married for close to 10 years but recently divorced. She still resented Brittney for being the cause of that divorce.

Every time she laid eyes on Brittney, she would remember back when she had caught Brittney and Earl in their house…having sex. Brittney is getting what she deserved, she thought. Ashley was actually praying that the kidnappers would kill Brittney. She had asked for danger, and that’s what the fuck she got.

Lewis was already pissed off when he had first entered Ashley’s office, but now, his temper was boiling. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He fought to keep control when he said,

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me Ashley. You know goddamn well that they’re not gonna just let her go, especially not now! The stakes are way too high. They’ve killed one detective already, for crying out loud! You think they won’t kill another one?!”

Lewis started pacing, trying to keep his anger in check. His pacing stopped short when Ashley stepped in his path. She poked her finger in his chest hard as she said,

“THAT WAS AN ACCIDENT!” She exclaimed. “From the looks of things, your man fucked up and pulled his weapon! He wasn’t even supposed to have his weapon on him! His job was to observe and identify. He could’ve at least let them leave the office first, but nawwww, He had to try some movie shit. Oh yeah, he fucked up alright. He got himself killed as well as the rest of the employees!!”

Ashley and Earl were now eye to eye, and she pushed her verbal knife deeper,

“So. If you want to blame someone for that BITCH getting snatched, blame your super-cop!”

After the words had left her lips, Ashley knew immediately that she had overstepped. She was exposing too much of her hatred for Brittney, but sometimes the truth seeps out. She took a few slow deep breaths, then tried to do some damage control. In her much softer voice she said,

“Hey, we’ll find her, ok. That’s our number one priority right now. We’ll bring her home safely.”

She hoped that she sounded convincing, but by the looks on Earl’s face, she doubted it. She hated that he loved Brittney. She looked at the pain and concern written all over his face, and Jealousy burned throughout her body. Slowly, she touched her ex-husband’s check, while trying to read his mind. Damn, why do I still love him, she thought.

Earl quickly pushed Ashley’s hand away. He was disgusted with her, and her jealous-ass attitude. He turned on his heels and gripped the doorknob. Before leaving and without turning around to face Ashley, he said,

“No Lieutenant. You’re wrong…” He paused, then said, “I, will bring her home safely.”

Without waiting nor expecting a response, he left the office, bumping into Ashley’s assistant, Lisa Hayes, as she was trying to enter through the doorway. Ashley stood there, thinking to herself as she watched him leave. She wanted to say, I don’t think so, Earl…not this time, but she kept her comment to herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted, when Lisa stuck her head through the doorway.

“Are you busy?” Lisa asked her.

Aside from Brittney, Lisa is the most beauteous woman in the department. Light brown skin, hazel eyes, five feet nine inches tall, and slim. She always wore her hair straight and long, all the way to her lower back. 38-26-40…what a body.

“Of course not,” Ashley answered, suddenly feeling much better. “Come on in.”

Lisa walked into the office, closing the door behind her. Then she turned the lock on the door and made sure it was locked.

“I’ve got something important to discuss with you. You didn’t mind me locking the door, did you?” She asked Ashley, who had gone back to her chair behind the desk.

Ashley let her eyes enjoy every detail about her best friend as she answered her,

“So what is so important that it couldn’t wait for our usual meeting later this evening?

Although it wasn’t unusual for the two women to have private discussions in Ashley’s office, behind locked doors, but the timing seemed a little intentional to Ashley. Lisa is a little overprotective of Ashley’s feelings and doesn't want Earl hurting her again.

Lisa casually walked around the desk to where Ashley was waiting,

“Just this,” She said.

Ten minutes later, Lisa was leaving Ashley’s office. Ashley called out to her before she completely left out of the office,

“That didn’t affect our plans for later, did it?”

“Are you kidding? That was only a preview of what we’ll be discussing tonight.” Lisa answered. Then she gave her friend a little girly wave and smile, before leaving, closing the office door.

Ashley sat thinking to herself, what have I gotten myself into…If Earl finds out, he’ll never accept me back.

Chapter Seven

Penny stood under the spray of the hot shower with her eyes closed. She ran her fingers through her hair, making sure that she cleaned all the dried up semen off of her. She had already gagged herself several times.

Curtis is a sick fucking pig, she thought to herself, I’m gonna kill that motherfucker one day. Nobody can treat me this way and expect to get away with it. I’ll figure out some kind of way to get out of this mess…with, or without help.

Even though Penny hadn’t escaped yet, she had managed to keep an appalling situation from getting worse. First, she had convinced Curtis to leave her face out of the pictures he was taking. Secondly, she had been able to avoid having intercourse with him again, but the cost is great. Putting her mouth on his cock is just as disgusting as having him inside her. She fought the urge to throw up, each time she did it, but it was quick and effective.

It’s a fucked up choice to make; head or lay, but Penny would rather her pride suffer, then catch HIV. It’s not like anyone will ever know what I’m forced to do, she thought, because I will never, EVER, tell anyone that this monster had sexually abused me. Tears mixed with shower water.

Penny thought back to some of her past undercover assignments. She recalled the other times she’d had sex as part of her job. It was only acting, she would say. At least, that was how she looked at it.

The only difference this time being, that asshole raped me, she thought, that wasn’t acting…that was survival.

She started thinking about Reverend. Now what I did with him…I don’t know what the hell that was, she thought. I acted like a complete slut for some strange reason. I wanted to have sex with him, and it wasn’t some act just to stay alive either. In fact, the guy didn’t even want to go through with it!

Penny’s thought process was totally twisted up right now. I had practically raped the guy, simply because he had talked nice to me and claimed that he would help me escape. But could I trust him? I really didn’t have much choice. There was no way in hell I can escape from the room without help. Her thoughts were making her head hurt.

She quickly snapped back into reality, when the bathroom door was suddenly snatched open. The steam cleared the small room fast, and she stared at the naked form of Curtis, standing in the doorway.

“I thought that I had told you to keep the fucking door open!” He hollered over the noise of the shower.

Damn! Penny thought. Here I go again.

“I’m sorry baby!... I forgot!... really…I forgot!” She apologized. One of Curtis’ rules was that Penny had to play like she was his girlfriend.

Penny watched Curtis walk into the steamy bathroom and step into the shower with her. He was so unpredictable; she didn’t know what to expect. He reached out and put his hand on top of her head. She could feel his hand forcing her to bend down.

“Well, show me just how sorry you are, bitch,” He said.

Slowly, Penny dropped to her knees and once again put him inside her mouth. Surprisingly, as soon as Curtis became erect, he pushed Penny away, knocking her to the shower floor.

Penny knew that he was only trying to control and humiliate her, and it worked. Curtis left the shower, leaving Penny on the shower floor crying. Moments later, Penny stood up and resumed her shower. She rinsed out her mouth again, for what seemed like a thousand times, then regretfully, she exited the shower and went back into the room with the bed.

“I’m hungry…” She told Curtis.

Jokingly, he grabbed his cock and shook it at her. Penny fought back the look of disgust from appearing on her face, and sounding kinda flirty, she said,

“Not this time big man…I’m starving. I haven’t eaten since early this morning,” Then she forced herself to reach out and squeeze his cock.

She had gotten good at this sick game. She knew that she would need some serious counseling when this was over. The response that she hoped, she got. She knew that Curtis wouldn’t be sexually stimulated by her being the aggressor, He wanted her timid and naive. He quickly pushed her hand away.

“Alright bitch,” He said while jumping up and putting on his clothes, “I’ll be back in a few. Don’t try anything stupid and piss me off, I’d hate to fuck you up! I’m starting to like your white, pale-ass”

He pulled her to him and put his mouth to hers, pushing his tongue deep into her mouth, while squeezing her ass. Seconds later, he shoved her down on the bed and walked up the stairs. Penny heard the deadbolt lock slide into place. She was all alone.

After hearing the van leave the house, Penny started searching the room. She turned on the digital camera and deleted all the photographs of herself, then she searched the rest of the drawers.

Nothing! …Absolutely nothing! No knives or anything else that could be used as a weapon. There weren’t even clothes in the room. She was in a fucking dungeon!

Frustrated, Penny sat on the bed and turned on the power of the little TV. It didn’t take long for her to see her own face plastered on every channel. She knew right off, that Lieutenant Collins was trying to get her killed. If Curtis sees this shit…I’m as good as dead, she thought.

She ran into the bathroom and soaked a facecloth in cold water. Thinking fast, she walked back over to the TV and squeezed a small amount of water over the back vents of the TV, causing it to short circuit. She turned it off and on a few times, just to make sure that it was in fact, dead.

All she could do now was sit there and wait, and hope that Curtis wouldn’t see her on the News while he was out. Wrapping a sheet around her naked body, she nervously waited. About twenty minutes later, Penny heard the door unlock. She closed her eyes and mentally got prepared to start her acting.

When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see that it wasn’t Curtis coming down the stairs, it was Reverend. She felt a surge of excitement rush throughout her body. She knew…she was about to be rescued.

Chapter Eight

Detective Lewis, and his partner, Joe Brown, sat parked against the curb, at the exact spot where the tracking device signal was lost. It was a nice warm evening and the sun was just starting to set. Lewis had refused to just sat around waiting for the Department to pull a rabbit out of the hat. He and his partner had set out to find Britney on their own.

“Say Brown?” Lewis said, breaking the silence, “How big a perimeter could Brittney be from our current location?

Brown thought before speaking. Then he said, “Approximately… …I’d say about a mile or so radius.”

Lewis didn’t respond, he simply stared out the window, searching for anything that may give him the slightest clue as to where Brittney may be. Suddenly something hit him. He noticed the type of cars that were parked in the driveways, the up kelp lawns, the clean streets. It was a well kelp neighborhood. It just didn’t fit the type of area where two killers would live.

Another detail that caught Lewis’ eye, was the kids riding their bicycles and rollerblades. They were wearing helmets…and they were all white kids. The cars that drove past also had white drivers.

This is a predominately white middle-class neighborhood, but the killers are black men.

Lewis felt a small level of excitement as a thought came to him that may be their big break. Finally, he responded to Brown,

“I’ve got an idea,” He said, “Let’s take a walk.”

Seconds later, the two plain clothes Detectives left the car and began walking down the street. Three teenage white boys were riding their bikes on the sidewalk, headed right towards them. Brown stopped them and asked a few questions.

“Hey champ,” Brown addressed the oldest looking of the three. “That’s a nice bike you have there, what is that a Diamondback?” Though Brown tried to sound and act casual, the kid still figured out they were cops.

“Of course not, asshole. It’s a Redline.” The kid snapped back, and quickly looked at his friends for approval, smiling, showing his braces. The other two boys seemed a bit timid, they want smiling back. The boy turned to look back at Brown, then at Lewis, as if sizing them up.

“What’s up with you two, are you guys cops or something?” The boy said. Then he added, “We ain’t done nothing, why you fucking with us?”

Lewis stepped closer to the young bad-ass jerk, towering over him, and gave him the hardest look that he could muster up.

“Do your mother know that you use those words, little boy,” He asked the boy, then added, “Or, are you just trying to impress your young friends, because you’re not impressing us.”

The other two boys fought to hold back their giggles, as the first boy’s face turned bright red. The boy regained his composure and said,

“Come on guys, let’s get the hell out of here.”

The kid was obviously pissed off and embarrassed, but Lewis didn’t give a damn.

He grabbed the boys handlebars, stopping him from leaving.

“Hold on a minute,” Lewis said in a more settled voice. “You guys may be able to help us out here,” Then he released the bike.

The boy looked nervous, but his eyes lit up when Brown produced a twenty-dollar bill and extended his arm out to him. The boy quickly reached for the money, but Brown snatched it back before the boy could grab it.

“Answers first,” He told the boy.

The boy hesitated for a few seconds, as if weighing his options, then he let out a loud exhale and said,

“Ok, what’s up?” Then, before Lewis could inject, he added, “But I ain’t no snitch! So don’t ask me about any drug dealers!”

Lewis and Brown both held back laughs. Lewis leaned over to Brown and whispered in his ear,

“This kid needs to quit watching movies,” Then he told the boy, “We’re looking for two Black Men who may live around here. Do you know of anyone, you know, Blacks, who live around here?”

Lewis had become serious and intense. He knew that this kid could very well lead him to Brittney’s whereabouts. He starred at the boy sternly, but it didn’t take long for the kid to reply since it was a predominately White neighborhood.

“The only Blacks living around here is Reverend, and his big friend Curtis, but they’re cool as a motherfucker, especially Curtis,” The boy blurted. Then he held his hand out to Brown to receive his money.

“Address first!” Brown told him. After the boy complied, Brown gave him the twenty-dollar bill. The three teens wasted no time in getting ghost.

“A preacher! I have to admit, Earl; this just may be a dead end,” Brown said after they’d got back inside the car. Optimistically, Lewis started the car and drove off to find to address.

“Maybe, but I’ve seen some shifty preachers in my day, Brown. I just don’t want to leave one stone unturned.”

Lewis could feel the adrenalin starting to surge through his body. Unless that kid was full of shit, I could be within blocks from Brittney, he thought, and if just one single hair on her head is hurt, it will take an act of God to keep me from committing murder.

Brown was thinking how he hated this whole situation. Earl is just too emotionally close to Brittney; he’s not thinking straight. We should call the information in, and wait for back-up. Brown knew from past experience, that Earl would never do that, Earl is a man of action, a super cop. But, Earls superhero attitude scared the shit out of Brown. He just had a bad feeling that one day, Earl would get them both killed.

As they arrived at the address, they saw a van backing out of the garage. A huge Black Man, around thirty years old, was driving. The driver paid the Detectives no attention,

“Get the numbers of that license plate, Brown,” Lewis ordered, as he drove slowly past the house. Lewis wrote down the number, then called it to dispatch for a check.

They parked a block away and waited for the intel to come back, identifying the owner of the van. Lewis was having a hard time being patient. He wanted to drive back to the house, kick the door in, and save Brittney. But he also knew, that could get Brittney killed. He took deep breaths to control his anxiety and waited.

As Curtis was backing out of the garage, he immediately noticed the unmarked police car. It was pretty obvious since it was rare to see two Black Men cruising in this neighborhood. He may have written it off as a coincidence until he saw the passenger writing down the plate number of his van.

Nevertheless, he played it cool and acted like he never noticed them. He headed straight to a payphone, this wasn’t good, he thought, not good at all.

When Reverend answered the phone, Curtis talked to him in their special code,

“Reverend,” Curtis said calmly, “E.P.1.” He paused, “…did you hear me? E.P.1.” Curtis was telling Reverend that they were enacting Emergency Plan One.

“Are you sure?” Reverend asked in a very concerned sounding voice.

“Very sure. I’m looking at a blue LTD that I’m gonna get in about 15 minutes. You’ll see it when you get here. Put a rush on it…and don’t bring my wife. I want this to be a surprise,” Curtis said in code, then he hung up the phone.

Curtis now had about 10 minutes to get set up. He headed to the storage to pick up his tools, then rushed to the spot and waited. He knew that when Reverend gave the sign, he was ready to do his part. His only regret; he didn’t get to kill that bitch first.

Chapter Nine

After the Dispatcher had relayed the information about the van to the Detectives, Lewis relocated their car to where they were now parked only a few houses away from the suspects house.

“Do you want to call it in now, Earl?” Brown asked his partner. Brown wasn’t too eager to play hero with these assholes. This is the real deal, these guys are killers and he wasn’t trying to become their next victim. He felt like Earl was going too far.

Detective Lewis’ eyes were locked on the house; he barely even blinked. Without looking at his partner, he said,

“Fuck naw! If we call it in, that bitch Ashley would send an army blowing trumpets, just to get Brittney killed,” he reached out and clicked on the CD player,” We’ll handle this one ourselves,” He finished.

Before Brown could assert his opinion, the garage door at the house started rising. Lewis started the engine but waited for the suspects’ car to back out of the garage, before he put the car in drive. Slowly the dark-green Impala backed out of the garage and left the house. Lewis followed, staying a good distance behind the Impala.

“Let’s call it in now, Earl,” Brown stated while picking up the microphone. Lewis saw what Brown was about to do, so he quickly reached over and snatched the mic from his partner’s hand,

“I told you!” Lewis said, “We do this one by ourselves. If those assholes have hurt Brittney in the least way, I’m gonna personally put them to sleep,” he paused, making his point sink in, “You know exactly what I mean, and I don’t want any witnesses, you feel me?”

Brown didn’t “feel” him, but he did feel something, and he didn’t like the way it felt. He had a bad feeling about this one…a very bad feeling. He and Lewis had been in rough situations in the past, a few close calls. Lewis is a cowboy at this police shit, but Brown just wanted to play by the rules, get hit check, make it home safely, and retire with a nice pension.

Nevertheless, Brown would still back up his partner, especially under these circumstances, they kidnapped his fiancé for Christ sake; and Brittney is a very beautiful woman, no telling what hell those scumbags are putting her through, Brown thought.

The thought of Detective Starlight being abused had entered Brown’s mind, but he never brought it up to Lewis. Some things just don’t need to be said. Besides, what man wouldn’t want to fuck Brittney? Brown felt shame at having such thoughts, but inside he knew that Lewis was one lucky son-of-a-bitch.

Brown had tried to date Brittney many years ago, but it never became reality, her eyes were locked on Lewis; a married man, and that, put Brittney on the Lieutenant’s bad side. Snapping back into the present, he mentally got himself prepared for whatever.

When they stopped at a four-way stop, Brown was busy writing down the license plate number. When he looked up, he saw the driver of the suspect’s car waving for them to go around. Before his mind could register what was happening, the passenger–side front window shattered; and it all went black.

Chapter Ten

After hanging up the phone, I quickly got dressed. There was no time for questioning Curtis’ judgment. If nothing else, Curtis has good eyes. He had been a sniper in Desert Storm, and a damn good one; sixty confirmed kills. He knew his shit, and with his sociopathic personality; he was very dangerous.

Hastily, I took all my money out of my safe, put it in a bag, and put the bag in the trunk of my car. Next, I headed down to Curtis’ basement bedroom to free Penny.

As I was walking down the stairs, the Voice told me, “Take her! Keep her safe!”

Ok, I thought, I’ll take her with me and free her later.

When I got to the basement, Penny was sitting on the bed with a sheet wrapped around her body. She panicked, and was about to pull the sheet away until she noticed it was me; and not Curtis. Her face instantaneously brightened when she looked at my face, and I felt a weird attraction when we locked eyes. I tossed the sweat suit next to her,

“Get dressed... and do it quickly!” I ordered her.

Her face showed concern, it was probably due the tone of my voice, but playtime was over. It didn’t take her but a few seconds since it was only a jacket and pants. She looked at me confused,

“No shirt? No underwear?” She asked.

Wow, I thought, what an ungrateful woman, but my patience was short and my adrenaline was working overtime right now. I didn’t have time for explaining shit to her or anyone else for that matter.

“There’s no time!” That was all I could say right now. I looked around the room, then added, “We’ve got to get out of here…fast.” I barked.

When I grabbed Penny’s hands and put handcuffs on her, her whole attitude changed. She started fighting and jerking around, trying to get away from me. It was too late the cuffs had her restrained.

“Hey!! What the fuck is going on?” She screamed. “I thought you were going to help me get out of here!!

I picked up a roll of duct tape from the floor and tore off a piece. I used it to tape up Penny’s mouth. Afterward, her blue eyes burnt holes into my face, as she still tried to cuss me out. Her face turned red from her anger.

I didn’t have time for showing compassion or pity, this was for her own benefit, either she knew it or not. She wouldn’t walk with me willingly, so I lifted her and put her over my shoulder. She wiggled and fought, which almost caused her to get dropped, but I made it to the car and opened the back door.

I hated to do it, but I laid her face down on the back floor. She kicked at me, but I was still able to grab her legs and tape them together. She looked uncomfortable, but it had to be done this way. I couldn’t have her kicking, or trying to get up.

Finally, I slammed the door shut, then screwed a stolen license plate onto the car. One last thing crossed my mind. Since I’m gonna do this, I thought, I might as well go all out. I ran back into the house, to Curtis’ regular bedroom. Reaching under his mattress, I grabbed his money from the hit. I knew that by doing this, there would be no resolve. I made my choice and ran back to the car.

I opened the garage door and backed my Impala out. As I pulled away from the house, I noticed the two men in the blue LTD following me. It was just as Curtis said, definitely law enforcement.

I didn’t speed, I didn’t panic. I knew Curtis would be exactly where he was supposed to be. It’s a drill we practice weekly. I simply turned on some boom and pumped some old school, Fatboys, “Can you feel it.” I knew Penny could “feel it” because my bass was hitting from four 10” woofers installed behind my backseat. It was for her own good, though. She didn’t need to hear what was about to happen. It was about to get a little noisy outside.

I stopped at the predetermined spot and rolled down my window. I stuck my arm out the window and signaled for the car behind me to go around.

Chapter Eleven

Curtis laid on his belly looking through the scope, waiting for the two cars to show up. Moments later, Reverends Chevy Impala stopped at the stop sign and Reverend waved his hand out the window, signaling for the following car to go around. That was also the signal telling Curtis that everything was a go.

He pulled the trigger on his high powered rifle and watched through the scope; seeing the passenger of the LTD fall to the side. Reverend exited the car and stood in the middle of the street.

The LTD attempted to pull off, but Reverend pulled his Glock and started firing through the car’s windshield. His bullets struck the driver several times. The LTD slowly veered off the road and came to a stop in the ditch, beside the road.

Through the scope, Curtis watched Reverend get back inside his Impala and pull off. Mission complete, He quickly put his rifle back inside its case and rushed back to his van. He drove to the predetermined spot and waited for Reverend.

To calm his nerves, he popped the cap on a 40oz of Colt 45 and took it to the head, tossing the empty bottle into the grass. He then checked his cell to see what time it was.

Ten minutes had already passed and Reverend hadn’t shown up. Thirty minutes, still no Reverend. Maybe he went back to the house, Curtis thought to himself, I’m sure he wouldn’t have gone back for that bitch. We had decided to leave her. Besides, the cops are probably combing that place right now.

After almost two hours had passed, Curtis decided to go peep out their house. He casually drove past the house, checking out the area. Everything looked normal, so he parked a few blocks away and jogged back to the house. He went inside through the back door, just in case someone was staking out the place.

When he entered the house, he knew right away that something wasn’t right. The house was silent. Nothing had been disturbed, but something just wasn’t right. He hurried down to his room, it was empty. The woman was gone. He’d been betrayed by his partner.

The anger and hatred building inside him was so intense, it had caused his nose to bleed. His only thoughts were revenge; somebody was going to pay, big time.

It only took a few seconds for Curtis to realize where Reverend was headed. He picked up the phone and called his cousin Maurice. After laying down a good plan, he ran back to his van and headed after Reverend.

Chapter Twelve

After pulling off from the intersection, I headed straight for the Super Walmart which was on the outskirts of town. I knew that I only had a few hours before Curtis would figure out he’d been had. Hopefully, he’ll wait for me at out designated spot for a while, before he goes back and checks the house. But once he finds the girl, along with his money, gone, he’ll come for me; hopefully.

I spent about thirty minutes rushing back and forth through the aisles of Walmart, grabbing everything I needed; from toilet paper to a tent. I had to guess at Penny’s size for her some hiking boots and warm clothes. It’s cold as hell where we were going.

It wouldn’t be hard for Curtis to guess where I was headed, he knew the spot as well as I did. Besides, where else could I go with a kidnapped detective? I couldn’t just let her go now, things have become just a bit more complicated.

Before I had found out that she was a cop, I was gonna free her and we each roll our separate ways. But now, that plan was out the window. If I was to let her walk away right now, she will be dead within the week. Curtis would see to that.

I headed out of the city, driving towards the mountains. Finally, I came to a dirt road which took me right up to a campsite beside the foot of the mountains. It had become nice and dark outside, which was perfect. I didn’t care about anyone finding the car, we will be long gone by that time, in addition to several thousand acres of forest to search, which we will soon be lost in.

I got out of the car and rushed around to the back door. After opening the door, I cut the tape that was binding Penny’s legs, then I took off her handcuffs. She wasted no time getting to her feet, snatching off the tape that covered her mouth. She exploded as soon as she could talk,

“WHAT THE FUCK…” She started yelling. I cut her off, “Hold on, let me explain everything before you start bitching!”

She stood in the cool darkness, staring at me as I told her the rundown. It’s really dark, so we were very close and I could still barely see her. It wasn’t cold just yet, but I knew it would be freezing up on the mountain. Nevertheless, I saw fog exit my mouth as I talked.

After I finished telling her what was going on, I expected her to start flipping out again, but the first thing she said was, “I got to pee really bad.”

Surprisingly she was calm, that is, until I told her that she would have to pee right beside the car. She tried to protest, so I had to explain that I had already seen every inch of her body. Not to mention, that it was pitch black out here.

She thought to herself for a few seconds, then dropped her pants and began peeing. I handed her some baby wipes that I keep in the glove compartment for emergencies, then I stepped away so she could handle her business in private. When she was finished, the first thing she said was,

“Now, let me get this straight… your friend, or should I say “Partner in Crime,” is hunting for us, he knows exactly where we are and where we’re headed, and we’re going there anyway? …ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS!!!” Then she let out a growl from frustration, “Aaahhhhh…” Throwing her arms into the air, spinning; such bullshit theatrics, I thought to myself.

“And you forgot about the part where you can’t go home yet,” I added sarcastically.

Aggressively pointing her finger in my face, she said, “Oh yeah, I did forget that little detail…” She injected, but now sounding genuinely pissed off, “…and you never explained why you can’t let me go?” She stepped right in front of me, about a foot away, with her hands on her hips looking up into my face, waiting for an explanation.

I was tempted to tell her to fuck off, and not tell her shit. Instead, I decided what the hell she was in this as deep as I was.

“Because…Detective Brittney Starlite! The whole damn state is looking for you, and I don’t want the death penalty!” I exclaimed. Her mouth dropped open when she heard me say her true name, she was speechless. The look on her face was absolutely …priceless. I continued, “Curtis will find you, and he will kill you. Your people won’t be able to protect you. If we stay together and help each other, we’ll get him first. Then, and only then, we’ll talk about you going your own way…comprende?” I finished.

Penny remained silent as we loaded our supplies into our backpacks. I hoped that she had taken what I said seriously. Curtis will come for us, and he will come hard. If she took off on her own, he’d certainly kill her sooner or later; more than likely...sooner.

The ugly truth being; someone is gonna die on these mountains real soon and I’m gonna do everything in my power to make sure it won’t be me, or Penny.

After strapping on our packs, we headed up the mountain into the darkness…into the unknown.

Chapter Thirteen

Back in the neighborhood, three teenage boys dirt biking through the woods stopped, at the edge of a clearing. Looking down at the street below, they spotted a blue LTD parked awkwardly in a ditch, as if it had been an accident. The leader of the boys pointed at the car and said,

“Hey dudes, there’s those two Black cops again. Let’s see if we can get some more money out of them.”

Although it had started to get dark outside, they each agreed and coasted on their bikes down the hill towards the car. It didn’t take much daylight for the boys to easily see that something wasn’t right. They stopped a short distance from the car, startled at what they were seeing; the passenger was slumped forward lifeless and the drivers head tilted out the front door.

The leader got off of his bike, letting it drop to the ground, totally engrossed in what he was seeing. He cautiously walked to the car for a better inspection. The car was still running, but the windshield was shattered and mostly broken away. He turned around quickly and saw his friends turning their bikes and head the other way.

“You fucking cowards!” He hollered at them.

The boy was nervous, but he was also curious. Seeing a dead body would improve his status amongst his homeboys, so he refused to turn around.

As he got even closer, he could see that dash was covered with glass from the windshield that was busted out. He stared at the horrifying scene for a few moments, contemplating on what to do next. Then something caught his attention…the driver was still breathing.

He walked closer and stared at the man more intensely. Without a doubt, the man was, in fact, breathing. His chest was slowly taking in air.

“Are you alright mister?” The boy asked, although in actuality he knew the man was in bad shape. His shirt was bloody and his face was pale. As expected, the man didn’t respond.

The boy was within seconds of turning around and jetting away from the scene as fast as he could. Then the thought of being a hero entered his mind. Saving a Cop from dying would really boost his reputation around the city. He opened the door, reached over the bloody Black man and grabbed the microphone.

“Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?” He said into the microphone.

Within seconds, a female voice responded through the speaker “This is control …who is speaking, please?”

“I’m just a kid lady, I’m trying to help these cops …he’s been shot or something, and I think the other one is dead …he ain’t moving,” The kid replayed.

The woman’s voice came back over the speaker, this time sounding very serious and concerned, “Alright son, I need you to listen to me, ok? I’m gonna need your location, can you get that for me?” She requested. After the boy gave her the information, she told him, “Now I need you to stay right there, help is in route.”

Ten minutes later, the entire area was swarming with law enforcement, News helicopters, and medical vehicles. The driver, barely clinching to life, was rushed away by Flight For Life. Unfortunately, the passenger had been hit by a high caliber weapon to the head, he had died instantly.

Lieutenant Collins arrived on the scene just moments after Detective Lewis was airlifted away. She hurried over to the shot up car, which still had Detective Brown’s body in the front passenger's seat. Looking at the distressing scene, she bit down on her lower lip and restrained from showing her emotions. “I cannot cry,” she thought. “I’m in control, I have to lead the team.”

The boy had repeated his story several times, but the lieutenant needed to hear it firsthand. The boy told her about meeting the detectives earlier, and also telling them about Curtis and Reverend. Then, for the tenth time, he gave up Curtis and Reverend’s address.

The boy stayed around, watching the police work. It had become dark outside, but the police had brought super bright spotlights to the crime scene. Several hours later, the shot-up car was gone, along with the spotlights and police crews. The street was back to normal. To a passerby who didn’t already know, there wasn’t one clue that a tragedy had taken place on this intersection.

The boy finally got on his bike and headed for home.

After a quick briefing, the lieutenant sat the raid in motion. The entire house was surrounded and SWAT moved in for the assault. At the leader’s signal, several tear gas canisters were shot through numerous windows simultaneously.

Seconds later, wearing gas masks and bulletproof tactical gear, the SWAT team kicked in the front and back doors. They had expected resistance, but the house was empty. They had arrived too late.

Everyone was disappointed, but no one more than the lieutenant, and definitely not for the same reasons. She had hoped to find Detective Starlite somewhere inside the house, dead. Now the lieutenant stood inside the living room baffled, thinking to herself, “Why didn’t they kill her and leave her inside the house? Why carry along the extra baggage? The gig was up now; they would have no use for her now …or would they?”

A devilish smirk appeared on the lieutenant’s face. She had a hunch and headed down to the house’s basement to confirm it.

The forensic team had finished obtaining their evidence from the house, so no one was there to question what she was doing. Walking over to the bed, the lieutenant pulled back the top sheet. She directed her attention to the center of the bed and found what she was looking for. A sly smile appeared on her face as she stared down at the cum stains on the sheet.

Well, well, she thought to herself, it looks like little Miss Brittney has been doing some fucking. I wonder whose heart the little tramp has stolen now? Then she leaned closer to the pillow, where she saw strings of blonde hair, confirming her hunch. If they haven’t killed her yet, it’s only because someone has taken a special interest in her, she supposed. Serves her right, she’s exactly where she should be; with the dogs. I hope they get their money’s worth.

After replacing the sheet, the lieutenant left the house and headed to the hospital to check on her ex-husband, Detective Lewis.

Chapter Fourteen

Hiking through the woods at night was extremely dangerous, but necessary. I needed to keep us pushing forward, putting as much distance as possible between us and Curtis. I wasn’t exactly sure how much head start we had on Curtis, but one thing is for certain; he was coming.

I had sorted our gear to where my pack was about twice the weight as Penny’s. She was a very small woman and I was use to climbing these hill with a much heavier pack.

Following the trail, I lead the way with the only flashlight and Penny stayed right on my heels; a few times even bumping into me. It was pitch black dark and we could only see where the beam of the light hit. It was eerily quiet, but I knew that bears and timber wolves were on their nightly prowl.

I was well acquainted with the route, and as long as we stayed on the trail, we should be fine. At this altitude, the woods are richly dense, but it would thin out as we climb higher.

I don’t believe Penny had the slightest intentions on running away. Besides, it would be suicide on her part. If the wild animals didn’t get her, Curtis sure as hell will.

After hiking for almost two hours, I started getting winded. I stopped and looked at Penny, and she seemed to be unfazed by the exertion of energy. I was impressed. For her to be so physically small, she sure as hell is a strong hiker.

It didn’t matter, though, because we were now at a location which, I determined as safe enough to set up a small camp for the night. I slowly set my heavy-ass backpack down to the ground and unpacked the tent. I handed Penny the flashlight, and she stood beside me aiming the beam, so I could see what I was doing. After putting the tent together, I started putting the sleeping bags inside.

Penny searched the ground with the trail of light, then shined the light in my face,

“Where’s the other tent!?” She asked in her usual cocky tone. I was trying to block the light with my hand as I answered her,

“I was in a rush; I guess I only grabbed the one,” Then I reached out and snatched the flashlight from her hand.

“Yea…I bet. That’s pretty damn convenient, ain’t it, Reverend! I knew you were just like that other one. Men are all the same, they only think with their dicks.” She stated. I let her comments slide, she didn’t know shit about me.

I continued getting myself ready for a few hours’ sleep, but it seemed as though she was determined to keep poking at me.

“Ooohhhh…now I see,” She started again, “So your friend kidnaps me because he is a sick sexual predator. Then, you kidnap me from your friend. So what’s going on, I’ve got to fuck you now?” she blurted.

I kept right on setting up my shit, ignoring her white ass, but she wasn’t finished. She refused to be ignored. “…or, was this hot, white pussy, so fucking addictive …you needed it all for yourself!?” Then she had the nerve to shove me; well, at least, she tried.

I don’t know what kind of game she was playing, but I didn’t like it. I tossed her sleeping bag down beside her feet, then told her,

“Lady, I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about! I don’t give a fuck where you sleep, but I’m sleeping inside this tent…” My voice remained calm and controlled, “…If you want to sleep out here and freeze, that’s your choice, knock yourself out…but there ain’t no motherfucking Walmart on this mountain, and this is the only tent.”

I went inside the small tent, leaving Penny standing outside in the cold dark air. Moments later, she came through the opening and zipped it shut.

“So you’re just gonna leave me out there, alone?” She stated, “What if I escaped?” Her tone was still like a smart-ass and confrontational.

I clicked the flashlight on, shining it directly in Penny’s eyes. Her anger made her beauty radiate. For a moment, I had a strange desire for her. It was surging deep inside my loins, but I shook it off and told her,

“You can’t escape. You’re not a hostage anymore.” Then I clicked off the flashlight and laid back down in my sleeping bag. Penny just couldn’t accept that answer, she wanted to fight.

“Could you please turn the light back on! She said through clenched teeth,” I turned it back on, and not pointing into her face this time. “So what, what, what…hold on here…” I really had her mind fucked up now. She paused, searching for the right words to say, so she could vent her anger, “So what the fuck am I doing up here in these mountains, with a murderer, if I’m not a hostage!?”

I didn’t answer her, just stared at her with a blank expression on my face. She added, “Why didn’t you just let me go my own way before you decided to play Grizzly Adams!” She finished.

“Because I need to save your life, that’s why!” I had started getting a little pissed, so I added, “And for your information…I’m not a murderer!” I had set up and was now inches from her face.

I hated this silly conversation, and I could tell it was gonna be a very long night. Penny, on the other hand, had no problem with our verbal confrontation. She dove right in, pulling all the stops.

“The hell you’re not a killer! You shot a detective…remember!? Or have you killed so many people that you’ve lost count!?” She screamed in my face. I’m sure no one was close enough to hear her, so her loud cocky attitude didn’t worry me; but it sure as hell pissed me off. I found myself now hollering. I leaned right in her face; within inches, and said,

“That cop pulled his heat first and was about to shoot me, or my partner. If he hadn’t drawn down, shit would’ve gone differently. We would’ve simply taken the money and bounced!” I exhaled through my mouth, blowing hot wind in her face. I was done with this silly conversation, I laid back down inside my warm sleeping bag.

Surprisingly, Penny just sat there not responding back. Oh well, that’s a good thing.

After calming down a bit, I realized, the nighttime mountain air was colder than I had anticipated. To make matters worse, building a fire was not an option. That would be like telling Curtis our exact location. We’ll just have to rough it out.

It had become deadly silent, which made me realize that Penny had finally shut the fuck up. I felt kinda sympathetic for her when I realized that she was sitting at my feet, shivering.

Against my better judgment, I asked her, “I know this may sound odd to you, but…do you want to share my sleeping bag, since it’s the largest of the two. Then we can use your bag as a cover.”

I thought that I was sounding as humble as humanly possible, not trying to rock her boat and get her all fired up again, but she wasted no time in attacking me verbally.

“I KNEW IT!! I KNEW IT!! I FUCKING KNEW IT!!...” She exclaimed, but I cut her off quickly, “You knew WHAT!” I asked defensively.

“I knew what you were really after! …You’re not slick!” She shot back.

I simply shuck my head in the dark, not wanting to go through another round of needless arguing. Then I calmly told her, “Hey, it’s your call.” With that said, I put my head inside my sleeping bag and used my breath to warm me up.

Penny stayed silent but still shivering, for another five minutes or so. Then she finally came to her senses. Being cold has a unique way of breaking a tough-ass.

“Ok,” She said, “Let’s do it.”

Truthfully, I didn’t like her tone. I almost told her to fuck off, because I had gotten rather warm. Instead, I unzipped my bag and held it open for her. She was slow about kicking off her boots and climbing inside, I told her,

“Hurry up woman, I’m losing heat.” I was trying to sound playful, hoping to lighten the mood. I wasn’t her enemy, but I don’t think she quite understood that.

She wiggled her petite self into my sleeping bag and we lay back to back. I tried to have any no contact at all with her White stuck-up ass, but this wasn’t working out right.

I turned around and casually pressed my body against hers. I expected her to through a shit-fit, instead, she pushed back into me; pressing us even closer together. I started feeling the heat, but not in the way I wanted heat.

Penny was soft, and her body fit perfectly up against me. It was like we were crafted from the same mold. She wiggled her bottom a little, which I assumed, was so she could get into a more comfortable sleeping position. That’s when she felt it.

I pulled my hips away from her, so she wouldn’t freak out and get the wrong idea about me, but she pushed back into me again, harder. I felt her giggling, so I asked,

“Are you trying to be funny or something?” I started thinking the feeling, that maybe this woman was bi-polar or something. One minute she’s accusing me wanting to fuck her, the next minute, she’s acting like she’s trying to seduce me. I needed answers.

“No, I’m trying to get warm,” She said, pausing for my response. I didn’t respond so she added, “You act like you’re gonna get sick and die if you touch me…get closer damn it, so we can get warm.” Then she went silent, like a child pouting when they don’t get their way.

I stayed silent, I was all confused. This woman is loaded with contradictions, or maybe, just playing some kind of head games. I told her, “So, one minute you accuse me of trying to seduce you, then, get offended when I tell you that I’m not. Five minutes later, you’re demanding me to get closer to you. What the hell is wrong with you?”

She didn’t reply. Still pouting I assume. I thought, what the hell, I threw my arm across her body and pulled her closer to me. It was totally dark, so I couldn’t see her, only feel her. I whispered into her hair, close to her ear, “I told you before…I don’t like touching you White people.”

It was like she was waiting for me to say that, because she quickly shot back, “You didn’t have any trouble sticking your cock inside this White Woman earlier, so cut the bullshit, and keep us warm.”

You know, it wasn’t what she said, it was the way she said it. Her anger and cockiness was gone and was replaced by softness and emotions. Not to mention, she had a good point. But what we had done earlier, that was totally different. Though I will admit, the sex was great…I can’t deny that.

I pulled her even closer to me, “There…you satisfied?” I whispered.

Once again, she surprised me. She through my arm off of her, and turned around to face me. “Look,” She said, “We’re on the same side here, right? So, in order for us to survive this mess, we need to get along…agreed?” I thought she had finished, but she added, “The enemy is out there, let’s keep it that way.”

She didn’t give me an opportunity to respond. She pressed her lips against mine, rather clumsily; being we couldn’t see shit. I pulled back, but she followed. Her tongue ran across my lips and I gave in.

Our kiss was slow and very passionate. I had forgotten about her being White. It’s hard to distinguish skin color, when in the dark. My hands found her ass, and I traced every curve. I squeezed her softness, thinking about how sexy she had looked naked. My hands trailed up her back, slowly inching around to her ribs, headed to her luscious breast.

Then, Something I least expected happened, she pulled away and quickly turned back around, facing away from me again. What the fuck, I thought.

I was frustrated, but I put my arm across her. Only this time, the tension between us was now gone. She wiggled her ass against my erection again, causing me to let out a low groan. I heard her giggle again, but I just ignored her. I couldn’t do anything about it anyway.

I laid there quietly, cuddling with Penny, keeping her warm and safe. This strange White Woman was starting to affect me in a very weird way and I didn’t like it.

The night was dark, cold, and except for the creatures of the night; quiet. If fact, the creatures were my natural warning system. If they went silent, it would only be because something or someone, had startled them.

One good thing did in fact happen, Penny had fallen asleep. Maybe after she gets a few hours of sleep, she’ll be in a better mood. But truthfully, I understand completely why she’s in a fucked up mood; how could she not be. I laid there thinking until my thoughts turned into dreams.

Penny laid motionless beneath Reverend’s protective embrace, thinking. I can’t believe that he hadn’t tried to seduce me, she thought. I had even tried teasing him, not that I would’ve actually let have sex with me again; I was only trying to figure out what makes this guy tick.

At first, he was supposed to be helping me escape from his sadistic ass friend, then he hogties me, and brings me up to these cold-ass mountains. Every man has a motive for their actions, especially when It comes to helping women; but what was his motive?

Then shamefully Penny’s thoughts drifted back to when she had had sex with Reverend earlier, in the basement. She felt her nipples harden and noticed that she had become moist between her legs.

I don’t know why, she thought, but something deep inside me longs for his touch. It’s like my body has found an addiction that it has searched for my entire life. I could easily get up and leave, go back to my life, but something keeps telling me that this is where I’m supposed to be.

She laid there in the dark, contemplating her thought for over an hour before sleep overtook her.

Penny and Reverend were both in a very deep sleep when the bright light filled their tent. Samples were taken, subconscious was stimulated. Upon waking, they would have no idea that they had been visited…again.