Episode 72: Goode Grief

1:20 PM!

One on One Apartments!

Landlord Drew Hardesty had sunk every penny he made into his apartment complex. Relaxing in one of them he made a nice living off of the other eleven one-bedroom units. Retirement was cozy for the 70-year-old in his final days. All he had to do was maintain and catch his reruns of I Love Lucy. Always cheery, always courteous, Drew took care of his tenants well.

Seeing as he had twelve apartments, he was so nice he even made his rounds of each apartment subtracting one hundred dollars off their rent utilizing a hat draw system just to keep them there. More than fair, each month was a new tenant to save a bit of money. Twelve units he only lost twelve hundred a year. It was worth it to see them happy and keeping him out of debt.

Today was furnace filter day. Once a month he invited himself into their lives just to change out the filters to keep them efficient. Having a Master key, he would let himself in and leave a courtesy note and a Hershey’s Kiss to let them know he was there. No one ever complained of his invasion. He did knock first and knew everyone’s schedule. They loved the old codger to death. He would be missed!

BOOM!

“What was that?”

Grace Goode walked alongside her bicycle with her friend Maria Salazar on the other side steadying her newly acquired young niece, Lola. The adorable deaf girl however hadn’t heard the explosion in the distance to warrant cries of uncertainty. Plucking Lola from her seat Maria took off running. With smoke rising and sirens wailing on their way to the accident she just knew it was her home. Had Lola’s father found them that fast? A warning shot so to speak. With a burger joint across the street Grace hopped on her mountain bike and caught up to Maria.

“Where are you going?”

“To seek cover in the McDonald’s. I fear Lola’s father has tracked her caretaker here and is sending me a threat that I cannot hide.”

“You’re just presuming! Go sit in there and I’ll head home to see if it’s even our place. There are fifty other homes around us Maria. I’ll come back shortly. Get Lola a Happy Meal.”

“I have no money on me.”

Circling back on her bike Grace stopped and dug into her fanny pack. She always kept ten dollars just in case. Handing it off to Maria she simply said, “Keep her safe.” Turning around Grace shot off down the block. With police cars arriving ahead of her, the more she worried, they were going in the right direction.

“There’s Officer Whitmore and Riley Filmore.” More, the merrier! A Wildwood firetruck sounding to get out of the way was let through, Chyna Whitmore closing off traffic by leaving her car flashing and standing on the street directing people from the area. The busty blonde did her job even though she was worn out after last night at Margo Needy’s estate. This explosion could have meant things were not over.

Rolling up on Chyna, Grace stopped next to her. Knowing Chyna well due to her Aunt Sally from her father’s church they were acquainted. “What’s going on, Chyna?”

“Stay away! Apartment explosion over at Drew Hardesty’s place.”

“I rent from Drew. Oh, my God!”

“Shit! Go on, just stay out of everyone’s way. I hope your place survives; report says it’s going up fast. It might take out the whole complex.”

“Crap!”

Grace thanked Chyna and rode on through, staying on sidewalks rather than the street to avoid cars leaving their homes as directed by firefighters. Smoke in the air was billowing in thick clouds, flames seen over the other houses in the distance. Panic was minimal but still enough to bring tears to residents having to flee and not knowing for certain the end results.

Her own emotions were welling up the closer she intruded on the scene. In all honesty she was surprised Chyna let her into harm’s way. While yes, she had things to lose in her apartment, like furniture but those could be replaced. She had renters’ insurance thanks to her father. Clothing loss and memorabilia were more bothersome. Her trophy’s from running track in high school made her pout. Those would be harder to replace. At least she wasn’t home when this all happened.

Having taken little Lola to the small park near the drop off point Grace and Maria were saved the jolt of actually being at home at the time. Even Maria was going to lose what little she had in the world. Unlike Grace her apartment was furnished by the owner, so her losses were more intimate. No money was definitely going to hit her hard.

Coming up on the blaze and the chaos of multiple firetrucks from surrounding towns she stopped at a safe distance. Seeing Riley Filmore and Officer Mitchell Byrd escorting homeowners to safety Grace rolled up on Byrd, Mitchell having graduated two years ahead of her back in the day. He too had run track.

“Hey, Mitch.”

“Get to a safer locale, Goody Two-Shoes.” His nickname for her track star status.

“I live in those apartments.”

“Not anymore. That whole place is going down.”

“Any casualties?”

“Only one that the firefighters and paramedics have found. Dare I say it, his body parts. The landlord took the brunt of the blast. Bomb squad out of Billingsly is on their way, but suspicion is it happened on the second story. Looks like everybody was at work or out. Glad you’re still hot, just not that kind of hot.” He winked but remained concerned.

“Thanks, Byrdy! Me too! I lived on the second floor. Wow!” Her heart froze in the moment, “I could have been killed.”

“Which apartment?”

“2D!”

“Left to, right? The alphabet.”

“Uhhh? Left almost dead center. My friend Maria lived in 2B, but I know she’s okay I just had lunch with her.” Cover story! “Let’s, see? Ryan was in 2A, but he should be at work. Sanitation Department! 2C was some old guy who drank a lot. I think he worked days too. I avoided him. 2E was a guy named Raoul, kind of creepy but dressed nice. I saw him leave last night around 10:00 maybe. I don’t see his car around so he’s probably elsewhere. He left with a pool cue bag last night.”

“Raoul, you say!” She turned at another voice, Deputy Sheriff Riley Filmore was walking about now that his fellow Officer Samuel N’Dolla had come in after a few hours of rest, Sam being clipped by a bullet last night. Simple bandages sufficed.

“She lived in 2D.” Byrd warned Riley.

“Yeah! Hi, Deputy Filmore.”

“Any idea of this Raoul’s last name? Tell me what you know of this guy.” Was it coincidence that a Raoul the Puma, a former Cartel hitman, had trapped his team out at Margo Needy’s last night? A pool cue case could have housed his sniper rifle, broke down to look inconspicuous.”

“Nothing really! He drove an old car, cream colored. Oh! He always wore tennis shoes when I saw him out. Puma’s! I’d know shoes, I ran track.”

“Good eye!” Riley didn’t even know the car the FBI found and hauled away which belonged to Raoul. The shoes could just be irony. “Why are you in dangerous territory anyway? You need to go elsewhere and chill for a while.”

“Saved by the cell.” She heard her fanny pack ringing. Dragging it around her thin waist she unzipped it and procured her phone. She thought it might be Cabot Ross but noted her dad’s name instead. “Daddy calling. Is it illegal to ride a bike and talk on my cell?” She straddled her mountain bike, Mitchell smiling at her cameltoe creasing under pressure against the seat.

“Stay on the sidewalk. I’ll find you through your dad if I need to question you more. Thanks for the info.” He waved her on. As Grace turned around Byrd became privy to her ass crease in her leggings. No panties if he were a betting man. He was like all young men at 24, horndogs!

“I graduated a couple years before Goody. She still has a sweet ass.”

“Mind on the job, Byrd.”

Sadly, Riley even watched her ass peddle away. It made him miss his wife. He was still grumpy over Heath Talbot’s stunt today at school, putting his wife in a bad reputation so soon after her indecent exposure at the pool against Wayne Nichols. While he had been made aware that Principal Henshaw had her back, he also knew students had big mouths, not to mention cellphones that took video and pictures. He hoped she had straightened up once Talbot left. Not a chance!

Sending Heath to go get Officer Bebe Service from the Billingsly hospital was probably just as big of a mistake as letting him possess his wife. If it weren’t for Frannie’s nympho lust and love of being controlled, he might put his foot down. He knew how that would go. She loved him but obeying him was less glamorous as obeying another. She still gave him everything she had as a wife as long as he didn’t stop her fun. Rock and a harder cock he frowned. A sit down with Heath Talbot was coming. One on One! “Ironic!” he thought, that being the name of the apartments behind him.

Stopping before going across the main road through Wildwood Grace Goode called her father back before he panicked. “I’m okay, daddy. I was out riding my bike when the explosion happened.”

“Thank God!” He was getting into his car to go looking for her, his wife Bianca joining him. “Where are you now?”

“Going to meet my neighbor Maria at McDonald’s. My apartment is toast dad. Every personal item I had is ash. My trophy’s, my wallet with ID, any cash you gave me, clothes...”

“Can all be replaced. Even those trophies can be re-molded. Just be glad God was looking out for you.”

“Oh, I am! I’ll be praying extra hard tonight ... uh? I might have to move...” She almost said back home then remembered her interview with Roselyn Albright.

“You know you can have your old room back.”

“I know. I might for at least tonight. Do I still go to that interview with Rose Albright? That was this afternoon around 4:00. My friend Cabot was going to give me a ride to it.”

“I can take you. I realize it’s bad timing, but she did offer us a bunch of clothes for the church. I could discuss that with her.”

“Dad? I know the timing is terrible, but can I do this by myself, without Rose thinking I brought you to secure the maid’s job? I mean, she could cancel it herself once she knows I lived where the explosion occurred.”

“This Cabot, the boy who gave up his tip at Hilltop?”

“Yes! You know we ran against one another in track. He’s really nice.”

“Potential boyfriend?” Evan grinned knowing his daughter was safe put him in better spirits.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” She blushed but then looked to the sky thinking, “I hope so.”

“Can your mother and I at least meet you at McDonald’s and get you lunch?”

“Sure! Oh! My neighbor Maria will be there. I rode over to the fire and left her at McDonald’s. It’s so sad daddy, she just got stuck raising her baby niece and now they’re homeless.”

“I’ll help find her a place to live.”

“You’re the best. I love you! Kiss! Kiss! One for you and mommy.”

“See you there in ten minutes.”

“On my way!” Hanging up she started to stash her cell when a car honked on the main road and pulled into the Dry Cleaner’s to her right, her side of the street. Realizing who it was she grew giddy and rode standing up to reach the car. Put in park Cabot Ross jumped out of his grandmother’s old car and ran up to her. A smothering hug before she could even climb from her seat was met with emotion. “I’m okay!”

“I heard the explosion and left work as fast as I could. I didn’t know.”

“You could have just called.”

“I know but I’m just being protective of my investment.” He chuckled!

“Oh? So, I’m an investment now?”

“My bitch!” He smirked playfully! “Seriously, I’m glad you’re fine. If I’d lost, you I’d have had to have looked for a hotter blonde.”

“Whatever! You know you love me.”

“Lust for certain. Love? Special spot, maybe.” He kissed her on the lips without warning. She flared her eyes at his jumping at her to achieve his goal. The kiss was warm and welcoming. Two minutes into it he peeled away with a sigh, her eyes were still sealed and smooching open air. “Don’t make me put my dick there.”

“You’re an ass.” She laughed! “Are you even worried about Maria like this?”

“Of course, I am! She should be at the nursing home where it’s safe though.”

“Not quite!” Grace gnashed her perfect teeth. “She called off today.”

“WHAT? Was she hurt?”

“No! We were out at Denali Park together. Um? You might want to brace yourself Cabot. She’s a parent now.”

“Oh, fuck! Did I knock her up?”

“You’re an idiot! What kind of Master are you? I hope not anyway. No, I don’t think you’re the Daddy!”

“Who is?”

“She’s not pregnant. Geez, Cab! Just follow me to McDonald’s. I left her there for safety. Oh! My parents are meeting us there too. We should probably beat them there to avoid questions.”

“Bike in the trunk.” He walked away then into a sprint to unlock the car. Helping put her mountain bike in they closed the large trunk and hopped in. Turning around Cabot drove the eight blocks to the golden arches. Pulling in he looked through the windows and located Maria waving at him. Seeing Lola patting the glass he gulped. “Who’s kid?”

“Her sister’s. Long story! She can fill you in. Let’s not go too in depth in front of my parents, okay?” He parked and the two of them left the car and walked toward the entrance. “Oh! Just a warning? Her niece is deaf. I know sign language but that’s not perfect because she’s only 3. Her word knowledge is probably minimal.”

“Wow!”

Diverting from the door Cabot walked the sidewalk up to the window and crouched in front of Lola in a booster seat. Smiling brightly at the child, Cabot palmed the glass and was met with Lola’s slap and a giggle. Good natured at least, considering this brave new world she now lived in. Finding Cabot’s reaction to Lola emotional Maria too planted her hand over his through the glass. Smiling up at Maria, he blew her a kiss then stood up. Grace holding the door for him nodded with a pucker.

“Maybe you are a daddy.”

“Your daddy!” He pinched her ass on the way in. She was fine with that. Her heart fluttered, maybe that was her heart-shaped ass. Both felt the love. Share and share alike! A bicycle built for two ... cheeks!

Standing up to greet them Maria threw her arms around Cabot and held him tightly. Tears welling up began streaking down her face. “I have missed you, Senor Cabot.” He rubbed her back, tempted to say, “I just fucked you yesterday.” However, under the circumstances he tried for respect. Possibly only because people eating in the dining area were watching. Fuck them!

He eased her away then palmed her face with both hands, his thumbs wiping away her tears just before kissing her just as he had Grace. Seeing him Grace fidgeted, her mind trying to conceptualize her role in his life. Cabot Ross loved women. Take him as he is or go away. At the moment Grace was still attached.

“I’m glad you’re safe.” He parted his lips from hers but lingered very close. “So, expanded family?”

“I do not know what to do now that I have her. This is Lola.” She turned her cheek to smile down at her niece gnawing on a French fry, big brown eyes going without blinking. She was adorable. Even Cabot had to clear his throat.

“Let’s sit.”

He nudged Maria back to be seated next to Lola, then motioned Grace to utilize the inside of the bench across from Lola. Easing in beside Grace he patted the table almost nervously. “Okay, explain Lola.”

“My sister Lucinda’s baby. Do you remember I told you I was expecting a package?” She tilted her head at Lola with a worried frown. “I had no idea it would be her daughter. My sister ... I fear will never be heard from again. Lola’s father is a very, very bad man. This was why I was sent to the states, to seek freedom from him. I too might have had his baby if I had stayed. My sisters and I will never see one another again. Contact has been quite scarce. If Lucinda is alive... “ She made a religious pass of her fingers over her chest. “ ... she will be tortured. Sending Lola to me was her last hope. I do know this, she would have had to have stolen money to pay coyotes to bring Lola so far in secrecy. This alone likely saw Lucinda dead. Now I must find a new home.”

“My dad is on his way here.” Grace cut in, “He said he would find you shelter. I mentioned Lola but he doesn’t know details. Let’s not tell him about the bad guys. He’s worried enough about me.”

“Si! I understand. I will be very grateful to you both.”

“Cabot? Just a thought ... you can decide.” Grace palmed his hand on the table. With his bolstered ego of late he dropped his right hand onto her leg, then slid it into her bikini area, rubbing her pussy through her leggings. A hesitant glint in her eye she let him continue just as her thoughts were being made vocal.

“I told my dad I still wanted to meet with Roselyn Albright this afternoon. Do you think that she might hire Maria as well? As a way of giving, she and Lola a chance.”

“Maria has a job already. My grandma needs her.” He enforced the issue. “We will find you a place to live.” Reclaiming his left hand from the table beneath Grace’s he stretched his legs out toward Maria’s then dug into his pants pockets producing his tips for the day, a meager forty-one dollars and fifty cents. Resting it on the table he slid the money to Maria. “Here! It’s not much but it feeds you two for a few days.”

“Gracias, Cabot! You are most kind.”

“That little package over there does not change anything Maria. I’m here for you both. Your future is in my hands. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?”

“Si! Yes, my Master.” She knew exactly what he meant. Being owned even sexually, knowing Cabot’s true soul, she felt much better.

“Master?” Grace winced at Cabot.

“Yes?” He looked at Grace with swagger, as if she were calling him Master as well. She sighed at him and dropped her right hand over his in her lap. Pressing his fingers into her cameltoe as if telling him her own unspoken “Yes, Master!”, she smiled until she spotted something. “Here’s my mom and dad.”

The proud parents walked in and found Grace waving at them. A glance at her lap, then to Cabot she expected him to remove his fingers, bad enough her wetness was seeping through the fabric of her leggings. A stain was going to be hard to hide, his hand in her snatch even harder.

Whimpering at him she hugged the table, both elbows on it. “Hey, guys! This is Maria and her niece Lola.” A point at least lured her parent’s attention toward something other than Grace in her situation. She knew Cabot was testing her, so did Maria. It was nice of Maria to be distracting.

“You are Grace’s mommah and poppah?” Maria opted to shake their hands, wife Bianca visiting her grasp before Evan. Evan was more interested in seeing Grace so closely seated to the boy who passed on a thousand-dollar tip. He respected a man who didn’t let money go to his head. Yeah, right! In reaction Evan extended a hand toward Cabot out of friendship rather than wait to greet Maria.

“Nice of you to check on my baby, Big Tipper.” Evan grinned! It was time for Cabot to remove his hand, his fingers having been pressing in on Grace’s vulva. Her eyes bulged as Cabot used that same hand to shake her father’s. Noting a dampness in Cabot’s hand the young man grinned.

“Sorry! Sweaty palms.” Grace nearly died but looked away in order to compress her lips. “I heard the explosion at work. Worried, so Claude let me take the remainder of the day off. I need my girls here.”