Chapter 32: Kitty Arceneaux, 33, Rémy’s Piece on the Side...

Rémy hadn’t told her to, but Kitty felt she should keep him updated on the Jared Plan. She asked him for, and received permission to, stop by the station house.

As she was following the receptionist’s directions, she passed the two detectives she’d met at Rémy’s the other morning. “Nice to see you again.”

“Our pleasure.” “Our pleasure.” No smirking, no sly winks — just two cops who had been through the intercity wars.

Kitty had worn short-shorts and a crop top for Rémy. He nodded his approval as he closed the door to his corner office. The hallway walls had been filled with bulletins and notices and other bumf. The Chief’s walls were covered from floor to ceiling with framed posters by post-war artists.

Tammy recognized the Marilyn by Warhol and a swimming pool by Hockney. The others were of a similar quality, and she wondered if Marie Guidry, or perhaps Eulalie, had been the interior decorator.

After visiting for a few moments, Kitty got right to it. “June Roberts sent Mimi over to blow Jared. I undressed and went in to watch.”

She found Rémy’s reaction interesting. “How did you feel, Kitty? An’ how do you feel now, looking back?”

She took a second to consider, “Well, it was something I had to do. You know why — to work up to ... to the other. I can’t jess spring it on him.”

“But how do you — you, yourself — feel now?”

“Um, better. He was so mortified that it was funny to me, but a little uncomfortable at the same time. But he got past it, pretty much. I even complimented him — tole him he was kinda hot.”

“And you?”

Another pause, “Well, I’m still processing things. Not Mimi’s blowjob, but thinking about when it’s time for me to suck him off. After, you know, you bring him down here.”

“Kitty, if you don’t wanna do it, really don’t want to, let’s drop it. We can try to figure something else out.”

“Are you dumping me already, Rémy? I was jess getting used to the idea — being the Chief’s pussy.”

He laughed, “Yeah, I had me enough of you — scoot.”

“Speaking of ‘enough’ — I know of a gal here in town who might be looking for a little friendly attention.”

“Oh, so you’re dumping me. I get it.”

“My bad — I jess thought you might enjoy a little strange. So sorry.”

He grinned, “Let’s come back to that in a minute. So, Jared — if I bring him in, it won’t be pleasant.”

“I know you won’t hurt him.”

“Not unless he tries to brutalize me.”

Kitty snorted, “Look, I’m committed. I mean, yeah, I have second thoughts about a million times a day, but I’m gonna go through with it.”

“Okay. Kate and I discussed it. Discussed Jared. When I book him, it’ll be psychological pressure, that’s all. I’ll strip him, photograph him, toss him in a holding cell.”

“Still naked?”

“Yes, we think that’s for the best. It peels away a lot of protective layers when you’re the only naked one in the room.”

Kitty pondered the image, then nodded. “And eventually you’ll let him call me to come to the rescue?”

“It’ll be better if you’re out of cell tower reach for a few hours. Down in the bayous.”

Kitty nodded, picturing it. “An’ he’ll keep getting the recorded message until I come back to town.”

They worked out the timing and other details. Then Kitty grinned again, “About your new pussy?”

“I’ll bite.”

“June Roberts.” Kitty held up her palm, “I haven’t talked with her about you. But she let it drop that her love life was kinda blah.”

She could tell that Rémy was sort of intrigued, but not panting away at the prospect. He said, “Well, let me know.”