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The Black Knight Squash Fiction League Match #2

The Handouts versus The Tin Ringers

EAST SIDE
A Collaborative Novel
 
Chapter 10

“And Here’s To You, Mrs. Robinson…”
by Will Gens

While Hank was contemplating seeing precious Kate, Jerry texted him saying he had some "incredible news".

Hank really didn't want to talk to Jerry right now, he wanted to think about seeing Kate. He wondered what prompted her to join Village, especially after all this time. And why use his squash stuff -- but inside Hank knew that once squash got a hold of you it was usually for life. She was a lifer, he had pushed her too hard, but she had so much talent. He thought often and even spoke to her about someday going “pro”. Margaret just laughed and as usual belittled the whole thing; with Margaret -- if it wasn't about money or what you can get out of something, as in material success it had little or no value. Margaret used to sit at Kate's junior tournaments decked out as if she were going clubbing; and always talking on her cell phone. Hank never did figure out whom she was talking to nor did he really care.
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Margaret often used her friend Lexi's apartment in the Village when Lexi was away. Lexi was pretty much a twenty something version of Margaret. She had clients all over the world, clients who would fly her to Paris, Rome, Italy and Dubai. She was drop dead gorgeous, and had this Mona Lisa face with lips and eyes that could be all things to all men -- especially those who could pay a lot of money for her undivided attention. Margaret usually picked up Lexi's “locals” when she was away. Most of them wealthy businessmen, older, established, but all commonly very lonely. Margaret had a real advantage with men (except men like Hank). She could feign sympathy and concern and deliver it sexually -- which seemed to turn men on and keep them coming back again and again. She had a regular clientele out on The Island and then she had the ones in the city Lexi forwarded to her. Lexi mostly wanted her around when the dog walker came, she didn't really trust the dog walker that much and thought he might rob her or torture her bichon frise dog, Oscar.  Lexi thought Joe the walker was cute if you liked the serial killer type. Margaret thought him lowly, slovenly and worst of all poor.

Margaret was unpacking a few things, checking her schedule on her iPhone when the bell rang. Joe, she thought, a bit late, he's usually very punctual. She opened the door and to her surprise stood Pike, grinning at her. He said,
"Hi Luv, you must be Lexi, I've heard so much about you but nothing prepared me for this goddess stuff. I’m substituting for Joe." His New Zealand accent meant to dazzle her.

Margaret, looked at him and as if reminded of the moment said, "Sorry, I'm not Lexi but her friend, she's out of the country, so I stay at her place."

"My lucky day no doubt. You remind me --"

"Let me guess Catherine Zeta Jo--"

"No, actually I was going to say my mother."

"Oh, hmm, what does that mean, I wonder?"

"Just kidding, I just didn't want to say the expected," he laughed.

Oscar was barking loudly by now... Pike kept pushing him aside focusing instead on Margaret. Margaret liked the attention of younger men. Her clients were rarely younger men. Pike definitely had a way about him.

"The dog is talking -- I mean yelling at you."

"Yeah…Oscar, let's get your business done."

Margaret answered her cell; her demeanor changed. She spoke with a soft sexy voice, "Charles, yes tonight, and oh, by the way only if you misbehave." she shot Pike a glance and winked at him.

Pike stood not knowing whether to just go take the dog out or continue the flirtation. He decided he'd make a play for her when he got back. Play this one cool, he thought. Margaret checked out Pike's tight jeans as he exited with Oscar. Pike had been around enough to know this afternoon was a gift from the gods and meant to get his mind off his troubles.
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"You won't believe this. Hank, seriously, this little shit Pike has got himself into some bad stuff. I got to hand it to him, little did we know --"

"Jerry hold on, slow down, what does Pike have to do with anything?"

"Okay you remember that incident with Marlene and her husband, the guy that Pike knocked out in the first round?"

"Yeah sure."

"Well it turns out that Pike had a lot of shit on this guy through Marlene, like Mr. Marlene sways both ways. The big muscle, macho, stiff hard on man likes boys too.  Marlene made videos of her and her husband's escapades with you know the three-some-free-some types. Right on tape this muscle guy, her husband, being banged up the ole --- while his wife is watching and filming."

"How do you know this?"

"How do I know? Word gets around. The worst part, Pike was blackmailing the guy and screwing his wife at the same time.”

“Damn, Jerry, are you saying Pike is involved in this whole buyout and development thing? I don’t get it what’s his angle."

"Not sure, maybe he wants in on the deal.  He’s in way over his head. I heard Mr. Marlene has real connections, dangerous connections, now they're after Pike.
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"Luv, I don't even know your name, but that was incredible."

"Oscar, you little shit, shut up." Oscar was at the foot of the bed barking at Pike and nipping at his feet.

"Damn dog, he must be jealous."

Margaret rolled over lit a cigarette, took a couple of puffs, put it out on the nightstand,
"See if you can do that again, Joe, sorry not Joe but P----"

"Pike!"

"Oh yeah, Pike, Pike -- see if you can do that again."

"What die and go to heaven, not likely, but, Luv, will give it a go."
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It was raining out. The Lexington subway line had police activity in one of the downtown stations so service was suspended.

Hank tried to get a cab, he was sure he'd miss Kate's match and his chance of reconciling. He could take a bus but they were packed full. He thought about jogging and hope for the best. Maybe jog over to the B or the D line that would get him close enough to the club there.

"Damn this city, sometimes I hate it." The D train conductor gave everyone trying to get on second and third chances -- each local stop is torture, he thought. He kept looking at his watch. He didn't think he would make her match. And he didn't. When he finally arrived he saw Kate getting into a cab with of all people, Pike, yes that was Pike! He felt his face turn red and that all too familiar rage. What was Pike doing with Kate, how does Kate even know him?




Will Gens is passionate about poetry, squash and family, and would one day love to see the elimination of petroleum-driven cars.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.





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