Shadows in the Dark

Chapter 12

Rose joined Mary for a walk with Fritz. The two often took an early morning stroll when Bethany was not visiting.

"I'm glad all is well with the Drakes," Rose said.

"Not everyone is sold, but I suppose you know Nora best."

"I know what makes her tick. Yes."

"Any more visitors to the apartment?" Mary asked.

"Lorraine told me there was a car next to hers Saturday night." Rose admitted.

"So, she's attracting men from away. Speaking of men, Mason Hughes was charming me when I was walking Fritz. He knows how to flatter a woman and his southern accent makes me wish I were younger."

Rose laughed, "He's a good boy."

"He was going to Pendleton's where his young ones were playing."

Rose had heard the latest rumor about the English woman while standing in her backyard, because Lorraine lived immediately behind her. She regretted keeping the rumor alive, but once spoken she couldn't take it back. She kept a lot to herself, including her concern about Jeremy and Ruby. At least the children weren't suffering from their parents' sins, if the Hughes' children were playing with Heidi.

Rose said, "He's concerned about his oldest. We need to keep an eye out to make sure she isn't getting into any trouble. She's old enough for shenanigans on the beach at night."

As they finished their loop, Mary said, "I'm going over to Madelyn's later. She promised to help me with my knitting. Something isn't quite right."

"Good luck. You know I've never been a knitter. I might enjoy the day on the beach," Rose said.

Rose was alone on the beach, when Kelly Harris arrived and sat next to her.

"I think Marie, Judy, and Alice are coming."

"It will be nice for Alice to take time off," Rose said.

Alice worked hard, because in addition to helping her husband, she was a seamstress. She was often hired by the wealthier residents for alterations.

Once the younger women gathered, they greeted Rose and included her in their conversation.

Marie sighed, "Ed and Drew had another argument over his college plans. I keep warning him, if he's not careful he'll cause a rift with his son."

Rose said, "You're in a terrible spot."

"Don't I know it. I wish Ed would be glad Drew's a respectable kid with good grades. I just want him happy."

Kelly asked, "Why does Ed want him to be a lawyer, so badly?"

Marie sigh, "I don't know. Meanwhile, I had to pretend to agree with Drew about that Wendy being nice. I don't want her working with my son."

"Marie! She is nice and has no interest in your son." Alice sounded annoyed.

"Well, I just heard she had a new man over this weekend. How in the world does she meet them?" Judy asked.

"All she does is work." Alice defended her.

Marie said, "Probably on the AOL."

None of them knew enough about how the internet worked to dispute the idea.

Wendy finished work at the fish market and climbed the stairs. Exhausted, she considered if seven was too early to go to sleep for the night. She didn't like the American telly and other than a book left behind at The Landing, she had nothing else to do. Before she used to use the computer, but that was home with Harry.

She had learn to keep her body covered to avoid fueling rumors. It was hypocrisy, since everyone else wore bikinis. Truthfully, while it might be flattering, she didn't want teenage boys gawking at her. 

She was dozing off when there was a knock at her door. Startled she felt her heart race. She quickly went to the door to let her visitor in, before more rumors started.

John Harris was on his nightly walk which was really code for checking up on his teenage sons. He liked to check by the boat ramp, because it was a common place for the kids to hang out. As he was passing the fish market, he heard shouting.

"I want you to leave now!... I don't bloody care!"

John hurried along because he didn't want to be caught up in any rumors. With his luck, people would say he was the one kicked out of the apartment. He looped around to the town parking lot and entered the beach. When he returned home, he wasn't surprised Jack was already in for the night, playing on his Gameboy.

As usual, the boys had argued at dinner. It had started because Jack mentioned the English woman was friendly with Drew.

Ryan said, "Jack, you can't afford her."

John's patience was thin. "Enough!"

Ryan said, "The only way Jack's going to get a girl is if he pays her. Of course, the one he really wants is taken."

"That's not true. I'm not like you. I'd prefer to find a girl I like rather than kissing anything with tits!"

Kelly yelled, "Jack, stop! You're doing the dishes tonight."

John said, "Ryan, you'll mow the lawn tomorrow!"

He wished it was like when the boys were younger and they played together. Now they were like oil and vinegar.

Ryan, who had to have the last word, said, "You can chase Maddie like a puppy dog, but she will never choose you."

Later John told Kelly what he heard by the fish market and by the next afternoon, everyone was talking about how she kicked a man out for not paying for her services. When it came around to John, he hoped he hadn't start that rumor.

Mason was sitting on his back patio. At midnight, he stood and walked away. He repeated the familiar route and quietly walked into Melissa's kitchen. He found her asleep on her sofa with Jay Leno on the TV. He leaned over and inhaled her scent, before he kissed her. She stirred and when she opened her eyes, she smiled.

Sitting up she invited him to sit next to her.  He wasted no time finding her lips. He felt like a teenager making out on his parent's couch. It was dangerous, but it was the fourth night he had visited.

So far he had stayed in control limiting his short stay to kisses and sweet talk. His fingers were itching to explore. He was throbbing but controlled himself for fear, she'd develop a conscious and push him away for good.

Taking a deep breath, he reached his hand into her shirt and cupped her breasts one at a time. They were silky and natural. She moaned when he found her nipple. He was a tease, because after a deep kiss, he whispered, "I should go."

She looked flushed. He wanted her to beg for more and eventually the ultimate act of betrayal to their spouses. He didn't want to coerce her or for the burden of guilt to rest on his shoulders alone.