Twist and Shout

Lucia looks amused and pointedly glances from one man to another with a raised eyebrow.

How is it that we end up with such men? And I can tell that Lucia has experience with them, too. In my case I like the game, I enjoy the charm, and I love the aura of worship, even if it doesn't last.

I remain quiet as the two men talk, removing my hand from Joshua's arm so as not to be clingy. Doubtless he has gotten the message loud and clear by now. Giving Deuce a cutting glance and a smirk I look away and sip my drink.

William Law. I froze for a moment, although I doubt anyone but the man himself would have noticed. The William Law? Oh, you’ve done it this time Joshua. You’ve done it this time. I pride myself in knowing the major players in the business, and Law was what you might call a rising star. Now I’m not intimidated by money, the Pastor family had ample of funds, and was still making money trough investments of questionable legality. But this man was something else. Made his money, not inherited it.

The smile returns to my face soon after. However powerful this man is, this is Russo territory. This is not his city. Here, we are both visitors, and I’ve just send a message to our host. I might even say I have the upper hand. Two Queens and a King. Better make sure I don’t make a Jack out of myself. “Hm, one could say that. I just told Juana,” I briefly place my hand on her knee, “about how I’m a security advisor.”

Surely this man has no interest in breaking my cover. Unless he would want to claim Juana, that is. No, not unless he wanted to risk talk in the back alleys. Even so, it was a dangerous game. “But I’m afraid I’m not here for business tonight. Gambling and company, I’m afraid. I’ve put some money on a horse named Moneyonme.” I lean back again, using the movement to move a little closer to Juana, again.

“Now what would a gentleman like William Law in New Avarus.” I tilt my head sideways so I can look past the man and at the woman in the exquisite dress. “Could it be business, or… pleasure?”

Juana's eyes were still icy when she looked at me, I realized. The attraction between herself and Mr. Pastor was unmistakeable. He'd be enjoying a good time tonight, if they both persisted.

Pastor's eyes widened fractionally when I gave my name. There was likely recognition there, too. Middlemen generally kept an eye on those who are known for their lucre. Had to, if they wanted to keep their jobs. And Pastor had apparently done well for himself.

A security advisor. So that was his disguise. That is, if he was really here to get in with the Russos. Which, what wouldn't he be? That was my original intent.

I chuckled at his question.

"I tend to mix both wherever I go. But tonight, my goal is as yours. Enjoy my night, a few drinks, and a hand or two of deuces wild." I didn't look at her, but I could picture perfectly the image of Juana rolling her eyes.

"Overall, though, mainly scouting to see what opporunities present themselves here." His reference to business versus pleasure had reminded me of my date. I should get back to her if I hoped to have something of a chance. I looked between the three.

"But, I am interrupting. I'll let you alone to pursue your discussions. I imagine I shall see more of you, Mr. Pastor, if only at the track or the card table." I turned back to Juana and gave a little dip of my head.

"I imagine we'll speak again. Have a pleasant evening, Miss Fuentes." I turned finally to the other lady who sat by, and gave her a slight bow.

"I regret not being properly introduced to you, my lady. I sincerely hope that situation will come to be remedied. As it is, my time runs short. Farewell!" Again, my glance swept all three before I stepped back and turned, heading toward my date once again.

I can’t suppress an eye roll as Deuce delivers his favorite line. He should have it copyrighted or something. I can see his date’s expression from across the room and she looks sulky and restless so I give Deuce a warm smile, something, I’m sure that won’t improve her mood.

Just wait till you find out what he’s all about, Honey.

Sure enough, she shoots me a poisonous glance then favors Lucia with one as he gallantly takes his leave of her. Melodramatic, yes, but Deuce seems to be able to get away with being a bit of…what do they call it here? A cheeseball? …where other men can’t carry it off.

“Oh, I shall,” I assure Deuce regarding the pleasant evening. Joshua’s hand on my knee added to the other possessive body language gave me a little thrill that I rewarded with a return touch on his knee and a shining smile.

As Deuce turned and walked away I thought of at least five things that I wish I had said. My mouth curled in a little smile as I watched his date greet him with a somewhat pathetic eagerness and I traced my nails lightly up Joshua’s leg, slightly inside his thigh, as I removed my hand.

“You’re right,” I remark to Joshua, “I suppose I do make friends by habit. Some friends are less worth the time than others.”

“Hmmm.” She said something about friends not worth being the time, but truth be told, my mind was racing beyond that. William Law. Here, out of all places. And Juana knew him, small world, small world indeed. Perhaps that can be used, in some way. The fact the woman seemed to hate the man was a mere detail in the plans unfolding before my mind’s eye.

Which wasn’t fair.

The man obviously still had an interest in this woman, but for my defence, the woman had showed a clear interest in me. Juana and the man had a history together, but she was still as charming, and she was still more then worthy of my attention. “That man might not be much of a friend, or a gentleman, but you’ll have to forgive for having a deep professional interest in him.” Shaking my head, I gave her a sly smile. “One of these days, you’ll have to tell me how you met one of the most devious men in the business. One of these days. But for now, let’s get him out of your head and enjoy the rest of the evening. Have you decided on what you are going to sing for us, should our pianist host ever arrive?”

I had so many questions, but if there were two things that were sure to ruin ones chances with any woman, it was talking about another woman, and talking about another man.

“That man might not be much of a friend, or a gentleman, but you’ll have to forgive for having a deep professional interest in him.” Shaking my head, I gave her a sly smile. “One of these days, you’ll have to tell me how you met one of the most devious men in the business. One of these days. But for now, let’s get him out of your head and enjoy the rest of the evening. Have you decided on what you are going to sing for us, should our pianist host ever arrive?”

Joshua was adroit in handling the whole awkward scene. True, if he had asked me about Deuce right now he would have gotten every evil opinion I had about the man.

As it was, I could afford to put him out of my mind, focusing on Joshua, himself an elegant figure full of possibilities. If he asked me later about Deuce, at the right time and in the right way, I wouldn’t be adverse to telling him whatever he desired to know.

As for what I was going to sing, I put aside the idea of singing the Linda Ronstadt tune “You’re No Good” even though it would have been fun and appropriate. It was a little too repetitive and didn’t show off my vocal skills enough for an audition.

Instead I looked into Joshua’s eyes with the tiny mysterious smile that drove men to find out what it meant and said, “Since meeting you I was thinking that Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Misty’ might be appropriate.”

I broke eye contact long enough to scan the pianos and include Lucia briefly in the conversation. I didn’t want to be rude, after all. “Jazz seems like a good sound for this venue.” I came back to his face, giving him the smoky look that assured him that he had my entire attention. In fact, he was the only man in my world.

At least for now.

“Jazz does seem appropriate.” I close my eyes and hang my head backwards, as if I’m already enjoying the music, before opening them again and watching Juana with sparkling eyes. “And Fitzgerald is legendary.” She was killing me here. But all my usual ways to show my appreciation were inappropriate, even more so because of Lucia sitting close by.

And she’s an employee of one of the most powerful families in New Avarus. Part of me tried to convince the other part of me she might not pull it off. In which case I would be right there. Or, I reminded myself, she could be hired. In which case, I’m ashamed to say, I would still be there. The finer the woman, the finer the line, and this was a very fine woman.

“Stunning appearance, a beautiful voice.” I felt my lips curl into a smile. “A woman to die for.”

The dashing blond disappears as quickly and as charmingly as he arrived. He’s quite the romantic hero, even going so far as to give me a bow before he leaves. The only problem with the image is the stunningly-dressed date he’s left alone at the bar, glaring sullenly at myself and Juana from behind him.

Well, she has nothing to worry about. I’ve sworn off man-handling for a while, and even if I hadn’t I wouldn’t get involved with her Romeo. Juana’s attitude towards him is more than enough to tell me he’s trouble, and then there’s his name: William Law. I’ve heard it, of course. Alan mentioned it more than once, though I never met the man himself. Like Joshua, not someone I want to get entangled with when I need to keep a low profile.

Of course, also like Joshua if the situation arises and I play my cards right he might make a decent ally.

Ah, the trials and tribulations of a young runaway.

I turn back to Juana and Joshua as they start talking about music, but their body language and the way their gazes are locked on each other tells me I should probably be taking my cue to leave. Even though Juana tried to include me with a brief glance, it’s clear Joshua is her main focus. There is nothing so uncomfortable as being third-wheel to a couple engaged in some heavy flirting.

And of course any exit I make now will be completely obvious. Wonderful.

I take a large sip of my drink, and wish the others had finished theirs so I could at least have volunteered to get the next round.

Ah, well. Perhaps an opportunity to leave the lovebirds alone will present itself soon.

I returned to my table and my lady, giving a brief apology for my actions. She seemed not to be overly perturbed, which was good. I had run a little near blade's edge speaking and giving obvious attention to two other attractive ladies. Tonight, however, this one must recieve my full attention. Pastor oughtn't to be the only one spending the night in good company.

Sherri was very pleasant, too. She relaxed easily in my presence, and her attraction to me was apparent enough that I waited some time before suggesting another round of drinks. She was, I imagined, the fairly typical 'good girl'. Single (shockingly), one to stay home on a Friday night with a book, or (heaven forbid) catch up on some work. Very intelligent lady, and even though I could tell she was taken with me, she had her wits about her. She wore the dress almost like she belonged in it; and she moved with class. She had the balance that drew me well; subtly and irresistibly sexy, but the furthest thing one could get from trashy. Juana had that same balance. In fact, she was the finest example I had ever seen. Perhaps that was why I was never quite able to get her out of my head.

I cursed myself for allowing my thoughts to be distracted. Sherri was asking me about myself now. She did have a sense of fair play. I had placed her in the spotlight, she had enjoyed her time, and then shifted it to me. She seemed the type to be able to handle it, so I went a little deeper with her than I would with most, explaining details of the legitimate businesses I was in. She listened with interest, and suffered the talk of business much longer than the average woman may have. Eventually, though, she went through more personal questions. I told her I enjoyed fencing, pistol shooting, that I'm a bit of a gambler, and I enjoy cocktails immensely.

Again, my mind kept drifting to Juana. I couldn't help just a little jealousy toward Pastor. I held absolutely no hard feelings for the man whatsoever, but I knew that he would be well-pleased tonight. Of my own future, I was less certain. Juana was...sensational, if I could describe it in one word. My eyes would glance her way once every so often.

An idea struck me, and I grinned inside. I would be playing with fire, but she'd proved time and again that she had difficulty resisting me. She would have her night with Pastor, and well she should. She'd need him. But if I caught her at the right moment, I'd help her remember just what she had had before I was forced to make my mistake with her.

“Stunning appearance, a beautiful voice.” Joshua smiled a slow smile that said more than anything that I wouldn't be alone tonight. “A woman to die for.”

"Hopefully," I say with a return smile, "that won't be necessary."

I find that I'm looking forward to escaping this place with Joshua later. Now that Deuce has arrived it seems more cramped than before, not as relaxing. It would have been easier, maybe, if his escort had been the flashy, obvious type instead of a woman of obvious intelligence, beauty, and class.

Deuce always found women he didn't deserve.

I forced him from my mind again, aware that I had tensed up and Joshua was easily sitting close enough to notice and to wonder why.

By now all the liquid I had consumed was having an effect and I excused myself, rising and looping the nose-breaker bag over my shoulder, to the ladies' room.

I was glad to see, once I was washing my hands and critically inspecting myself in the mirror, that my light make-up was holding up well. I combed my hair into a neat, shining curtain, powdered my nose, and slicked on a little of the faint lipstain.

With that I hesitated before exiting, taking a few deep breaths. I had that feeling that I'd had many times before of jumping in over my head but I wasn't sure what exactly was giving me that feeling. Joshua? The fact that Deuce was here? The upcoming audition? New Avarus itself?

My habitual view on life came back, though, and I pulled the ladies' room door open, exiting with one thought.

Just jump in.

I had noticed the instant Juana had moved, and I waited quite patiently, attempting to time my little plan as well as I could. It would be no good if I left after her too quickly. Not that Sherri noticed. Nor would she. Still. For appearance sake, I waited to excuse myself. My obvious destination was the men's room, though it wasn't my goal. I stepped in and waited, listening for the sound of her shoes on the tile in the room next door. As I listened, a scrawled on a scrouch of paper with a pen.

They sounded in a decisive exit, and I made my own. In two steps I had crossed the distance between us. I laid a gentle but insistent hand on her arm. She certainly could have pulled away, had she wanted to. Instead she stopped, and I felt her tense and seethe. She was not impressed with me, that much was clear. I braced myself as I tugged her gently against me, and dipped my head to breathe across her slender neck. I could smell her beautiful essence, and memories flooded back.

"I doubt you'll care. And I know you're busy. But I'd like a chance to explain myself." I whispered. I moved my hand gently down her arm, and it brushed her hip slightly. I reached her hand, and tucked the paper into it.

"Call or text with a place I can meet you. That is if you're..." I lifted my head slightly to brush her earlobe with my lips. "...interested." I put a purposeful slur into my voice. Again, I braced myself, ready for an elbow, or a smack. I released her and stepped back, letting her do as she would.

I froze when he stopped me, his hand on my arm. Some small sense of fairness caused me to listen as he spoke, a shiver sliding over my skin as he grazed my earlobe with his lips.

All the memories came rushing back at once. His touch, his voice, Mexico, Barcelona, nights of pleasure…

…abandonment, police, questions, bribes.

Even as my fingers clutched the paper I struck him with my other hand, the slap connecting solidly.

He didn’t look surprised. I, however, realized I was shaking.

In the small space that had seemed to close in around us I silently slipped the paper into my bag,

“I' el ll lo considera, quizá. Usted no merece nada,” I hissed. I knew it was true and so did he.

But as I turned away, looking to see Joshua, I thought I might do as Deuce asked. Curiosity can bring out the worst in me.

Her hand lashed my face, as I suspected it might. She didn't especially hold back, and it stung, but I retained my composure, simply smiling back at her. Her eyes blazed with that fire I knew well. With pleasure, I noticed the look in her eyes was quite similar to another look she gave me once. One that had been the beginning of something far less painful, but no less dangerous.

"Un pensamiento es todo pregunto, Gatita." I flipped my cane into my other hand, and returned briefly to the men's room, to place some cold water on the red marks her hand had left on my face. I then returned, cool as a cucumber, as the saying goes, to my date. Juana knew now, and unless she decided to do the unthinkable, change her ways, and stay with Joshua for more than a night or two, I would be getting a call before very long. Perhaps I thought too highly of myself; but I preferred to think that I was simply an expert in my field. I couldn't help a low chuckle at that.

I took my seat with my date once more, wondering just when the music might start. The building up of comfortability was well over, and a dance would be the perfect thing to escalate things a little.

Taking out my golden pocket watch, I made a mental note of the time and date. Potential love interest slaps one of the more powerful men in the city. I really do need to pick out my female companions with more care. Now don’t take me wrong, I’ve dealt with plenty of wronged woman myself, but the slap Juana gave William Law spoke of two things; love and hate. I nearly pitied the man.

Nearly. William Law wasn’t a man you pitied.

Even as she looks over to me, I see a small slip of the crumbled paper disappear in her hand. Interesting. Whatever he had to tell her, it wasn´t the last she had seen from him. Not that I could blame the man behind the corporate giant; she was a elusive woman. Pleasant company, as well. For me at least. But some men like pain, and I’m not one to deny them their fetishes.

Mocking William Law. Watch it Joshua. You may just tumble into the rabbit hole.

Shaking my head, I downed what I had decided would be the last drink, well, alcoholic drink anyhow, of the night. Perhaps. Who knew. The brief encounter of the third kind had surprised me, but I had to regain myself. People with money didn’t intimidate me. Nor did people with brains. In this case, it had been the combination of the two that had caught me un aware. But I would do right to remember that I was not without resources myself. Should it come top trouble, he would find him evenly matched.

An insurance. Nothing more or less. A rope around my middle. If I had my way, we could both benefit from our mutual arrival in town. But all of that would have to wait. Juana had come over and sat down in her spot, yet I couldn’t help but to notice her hand wasn’t as steady as it had been.

I leant into her, brushing her hand with my own, blocking the sight of Law, still standing, with my body. I kept my face close to hers, careful not to touch as it might pop the bubble of... something that surrounded her. “Juana, I don’t know what transpired between the two of you, but I’m blind nor stupid. What ever trouble you have with that man, know you don’t have to handle it alone.” I retract one of my hands and take a business card out of my back pocket.

Joshua Phillip Pastor
Security Advisor

Underneath the heading was the number of my cell, as well as an email address. All printed in Scarlet on broken white. Very classy, if I may say so. First impressions matter, but people remember you by your business card. “Now I was hoping I could give this to you later, possibly after I bought you a lovely dinner to celebrate a wonderful performance.” I give her a charming smile, hoping dearly that she takes the advice for what it is. Or seems to be.

No need for her knowing that I have an interest in her now that goes beyond herself. As beautiful as she is.

Whether they mean to or not, Juana and Mr. Law are giving myself and Joshua quite the show. I knew where the suave blond was headed as soon as I noticed him leave the bar, timing it perfectly so that to anyone else watching his running into Juana might seem little more than a coincidence.

But whatever else I may be, I’m not a fool, and by the looks of things neither is William Law’s date; it’s quite clear he has unfinished business with Juana, and the stinging slap she just delivered suggests she has unfinished business with him, whether she likes it or not.

I feel almost sorry for the girl at the bar, but obviously she’s willing to put with a lot for the sake of William Law. Somehow I doubt he’s worth it.

Juana is shaking slightly as she returns to her seat. Love and hate are strange thing, bringing out the most extreme of emotions in us, and usually always intertwined. I used to shake with hatred for Alan, but I loved him too. You can’t hate what you cannot also love.

I see Joshua lean into Juana, and immediately wish I was nowhere in the vicinity. I doubt he’s coming on to her after witnessing her little tête-à-tête with William Law, at least not overtly, but it’s still uncomfortable to be sat nearby.

Noticing their glasses are empty, I polish off my white wine spritzer and get to my feet with casual grace.

“Next round’s on me,” I offer with a smile. “What would you like?”

No more alcohol for me, I remind myself, but somehow I think Juana might want something to calm her.

As I sit down with Joshua once more it’s obvious that the little scene didn’t escape his attention. If Deuce managed to scare Joshua away I’ll call him all right. I’ll call him and track him down then I’ll…

Joshua’s face blots out both my view of Deuce and my thoughts of mayhem. His hands grazing mine gently, are soothing.

“Juana, I don’t know what transpired between the two of you, but I’m blind nor stupid. What ever trouble you have with that man, know you don’t have to handle it alone.”

Like a magic trick he puts a business card into my hands. White and scarlet, his name and numbers prominently displayed.

“Now I was hoping I could give this to you later, possibly after I bought you a lovely dinner to celebrate a wonderful performance.”

I search his face, wondering if he’s just downgraded our contact to business only. His body language is cautious but his face is aligned with mine.

“Next round’s on me,” Lucia is on her feet, smiling slightly, counteracting some of the drama. “What would you like?”

“Cosmopolitan, please,” my no-alcohol-before-singing idea is out the window. I could use something to steady my nerves or my voice will be all over the place anyway.

As the small bombshell moves away, I turn back to Joshua and before he can move away or anything bad can happen I press my lips to his in a brief but decided kiss.

“Thank you,” I tell him as our lips part, the fingers of one hand curling around the card, the other stroking his knuckles in a light caress. “Though I hope that your plans haven’t entirely been ruined.”

She always struck me as a woman to take initiative, but the kiss came a pleasant surprise. And although I’m well pleased with the unexpected show of... I would say affection, but it is a dangerous word... I do wonder what she is trying to prove, and more importantly, to whom. I would hate to serve is nothing more than a distraction from a man like William Law.

Would I?

Yes, of course I would. This is not some woman you pay off in the morning. But my point is, I remind myself, that there are many ways this could turn out. My interest in here was obvious to me, which left her interest in me, which could range from getting back at an ex to a true interest in my person. Or my money. But Juana didn’t strike me as that type of lady.

Her touch is light, her voice intoxicating, and luckily I remember to smile while I formulate my answer. “I came here without any plans at all.” I turn the hand she was stroking palm up, gently gripping her fingers and bringing them to my mouth. The kiss is gentle, nowhere as decisive as the kiss she gave me, but in truth I have more to consider and far more lose by simply sitting here with her. “And any plans that include you seem like wonderful plans to me.” There, no going back now.

I make my way over to the bar, the high-heeled boots giving my walk a gentle sway. I remember how only a few months ago when I walked into a room I deliberately accentuated every swing of my hips, elegantly brushed my hair back, wore clothes designed to entice as much as to conceal. Every aspect of my persona back then was meant to seduce; it’s a surprising relief not to have to worry about the men in the room and whether or not their eyes are on me, to only have to be concerned with myself tonight.

I’m careful to give William Law and his date room, leaning casually a few feet away on the black marble counter as I wait for the bartender. The service is prompt though, and I only have to wait a few moments before he arrives.

“What can I get you?”

I order Juana’s Cosmopolitan first, then, remembering my decision not to have any more alcohol tonight, an orange juice for myself. I also take the liberty of ordering another whiskey for Joshua; although he didn’t ask for anything, he bought me a drink so now I can say we’re even. I don’t want to be in debt to anyone, even for a drink.

While the bartender fills the order, I glance over my shoulder at my companions and see Joshua pressing Juana’s hand to his lips. Quick work. Perhaps I’ll linger at the bar just a few extra minutes rather than rushing back to be the third wheel.

What a dull day just the way I like it, I thought with a smile as I let the sounds the car drown out Drakes dull voice. He hadn’t stopped talking since he picked me up from the station. The soft tapping of my fingers on the door let him know I was getting bored, definantly not something he wanted me to be. His eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, there silvery depths showing a small hint of fear, at this I couldn’t help the small smile that reached my lips,

“How about you tell me where we’re headed now Drake?” I said softly watching the soft bobbing of his head as he nodded in agreement,

“I’m taking you to the Twist and Shout, but they’ll take your weapons off you as you go in”

His voice was soft as per normal, I smiled slightly nodding in understanding,

“Who will I have to speak to when I get in there?” Drake bit his bottom lip, although he was like a brother to me at times I had to question his intelligence level,
“A name please Drake” I pushed, he nodded and shut his eyes only momentarily,

“When you get there go up to one of the bars and say that your looking for a man named…”

He paused and looked up away from the road, instantly I lent forward and clipped him around the head,
“Eyes on Road Drake” my cold voice whispered before I lent back in the seat.

“Carnie”

Drake’s eyes lit up with a smile, seemingly pleased he remembered, I nodded from the back seat removing a stray piece of hair as I did so,
“How long till were there?” I asked quietly as the car began to slow,

“I’m pulling up now Wolf girl good luck”

I smiled at him pulling the door open and stepping out, my thick boots making little sound on the pavement,

“I’ll pick you up later” Drake called as I was stopped by the bouncers, quickly I removed my gun and knife and was permitted through the door.

I wasn’t intending on wasting anytime walking over to the bar I lent on it casually,
“A friend sent me in here looking for Carnie” I said quietly to the bartender standing there.

I didn't miss the slender, red-haired form that stepped to the bar, giving Sherri and I a wide berth. Sherri was proving to be a fine companion. She had missed the little exchange between myself and Juana, probably to my salvation. I had tight-rope walked on a blade when I approached her the first time. My obvious attempt at persuasion would be quite sure to end the evening in a bit of a mess.

But even though Sherri and I were performing marvelously together, I still felt a bit of questioning at my decision to bring a date at all. I was expecting mostly the wives of important men; with perhaps a few 'bunnies' flirting about; the type in whom I had little interest. But it rather seemed the female coningent here was much more enticing than I expected.

Still, for the sake of my evening, I didn't linger too long at the thought. Surely, for one evening, I could behave myself? I grinned inside.

I noted the drinks that Pixie (for that was her name until I heard otherwise) ordered. They were all wrong. The orange juice for herself was too simple; close to what she needed, but too simple. She needed...a mimosa. More specifically a strawberry mimosa. And Joshua needed to add some creativity to that whiskey. a Ballylickey Belt would do fine without muddling his taste for stength too much. And Juana...

Mmmm...probably not appropriate for her current mood. That almost called for tequila straight up. Almost. But if I were Joshua; Cafe Azteca would be hers. A good seductive drink with that bit of Latin flair.

I considered addressing Pixie with my concerns, but decided against it. I had taken quite enough risks for one evening.