Chapter 8: Wetter Union

Annette undressed slowly while George gaped. He was gobsmacked. “I must be dreaming.” He saw her in profile, her left side turned away. Gathering his thoughts, he began unbuttoning, careful to protect his suit. Shoes, socks, tie and shirt were stripped off.

George walked to the large bathtub and began filling. There was ample room for them to soak together. Annette stepped into the room. George was suddenly infuriated. Her left elbow and upper arm were blue-black with bruises, thanks to Jerry. Worse, her left hip and thigh had older bruises, in yellow and brown. “Oh, honey! Let me help you in.” Both of them were teary with rage and pain.

He made up a washcloth with the hotel’s “french milled” soap and began lathering her carefully. “That. animal. will. never. hurt. you. again!” George growled.

“I’m so sorry. But there’s more,” Annette whimpered. “You can’t see it, but he forced me. My vagina is messed up now, so I can’t be yours for awhile.” Tears rolled down her face.

“Shhh. It’s OK, honey. You’ll be taken care of, I promise. In the meantime, I’m going to wash you, dry you, cuddle and kiss. And in the morning, after breakfast, we get you everything you need. Do not doubt, do not worry. Just kiss me when you can.”

“I certainly will. I guess I’m clean and pruney now, so let’s get out.” He used the towels while cackling: “I’ll pat you, my pretty, and your little pussy too!” He doused the lights, brought her to the bed, and set her on her uninjured right side. A pillow eased her left arm. Instinctively, he spooned behind her, with her breast cupped in his free hand.

They were fast asleep in minutes.

In the morning, George awakened in an unfamiliar, and empty, big bed. There was a long brown hair across his face, and he sneezed. Annette padded in from the bathroom. “Good morning, handsome man. Need the bathroom?” “Um, yes, um... “ “Hey, no problem. I saw him last night, remember? Yes, healthy and happy. Now go in there and think about politics until you can pee. Then have a quick shower so we can check out. It’s 8:00 and I’m starving.”

Later, Annette gestured with her forkful of pancake. Let’s go pick up my car, and then you can tell me what comes next. Fortified with carbs and coffee, they approached her parking spot.

Something was obviously wrong. The tires were flat, the fenders kicked in, and all the glass broken. “My only asset. Uninsured. Jerry wins.” “Don’t worry, let’s take care of it.” He took several photos of the car, including the open trunk lid. “Did Jerry have keys?” “He did.” “Then he pays the damages he caused. He will be arrested again. And you’ll have a restraining order. I’m going to photograph your injuries too, and get medical reports. Next question, does he have money? Property?” Jerry has some inherited money and a fancy car. And a vacation cabin.”

“Excellent. He’s getting the medical bills too. Don’t get mad, just get even. You and I are going to make that bastard squeal. Now let’s get you a mailbox.” “Because?” “You don’t want butthead to know where you’re living.” “I see. So where am I living, friend?”

“With me, of course. Gah, again with the tears. And the hugs, and the - Mnph - kisses. There’s no getting around it, I’m smitten too. Now come meet my parents, they are going to love you.”