A female officer walked up to VD. “Are you acquainted with the victim?”
“No, ma’am. I just happened to come in here, and saw her lying there, unconscious. My friend...” She looked in Evie’s direction. “…knows her attacker.”
Evie poked her head out of the stall. “Is she still there?”
VD smiled self-consciously at the officer. “She’s a little queasy.” She turned back to Evie, and said, “No she’s not. You can come out now.”
* * *
Thursday, July 10th
The Conquests magazine covered her eyes as she lay upon her bed. Putting the magazine where she could better see it, she re-read the blog article in her favorite forum, which she had just submitted.
“What techniques do you use to attract someone?”
PoisonousPerri said:
You know, ladies: being on the prowl for handsome men means you can’t limit yourself as though you were looking for ‘Mr. Right.’ If you’re looking to find a nice man, get married and have children, you shouldn’t be reading this magazine.
Now, I have met two men, and am seeing them both simultaneously. One of them is even my partner in the great dating adventure. I am looking forward to making my first beau not only spend time alone with me, but wining and dining me as well. Who says you can’t make a pleasant experience of the hunt? It makes making a man pursue youa very enjoyable experience.
Her cell phone rang, and Poisonous picked it up. “Hello?”
“Well, hello! Now there’s a voice I could listen to any time.”
“Roger! Good to hear from you again. It’s been two whole days...”
“Mea culpa. Work has been crazy, and well... I’m a busy man.”
“My, sweetie, you are the ambitious one, aren’t you? So what’s up?”
“Well... I’m having a little soirée chez moi tomorrow. I was wondering if your gorgeous self might make an appearance.”
“Oh. Well, let me see... hmm. My calendar says I might be able to fit you in.”
“Oh please do. It would be dreadful without my sparring partner. There would be no challenge to get my blood pumping. You know?”
“What? You don’t want to see me because I’m such a delightful person, and a great conversationalist? I’m hurt... deeply.” She smirked.
“I somehow have a feeling you’ll get over it. And if I’m not mistaken, you love the hunt as much as I do.”
“Touché, darling. You know me all too well.”
“And you love me for it. I’ll pick you up around seven-thirty?”
“Goodness. I even get an escort. I must be high on someone’s list.” She stifled a giggle, and lay down on her back, putting a pillow beneath her head.
“You are. I’ll be there with bells and whistles, my lady.”
Sighing contentedly, she added, “Ah-h-h-h-h... you spoil me sweetie. I’ll be expecting this kind of treatment all the time, if you keep this up.”
“I could think of worse things to do.”
“Well, darling, would it impose on your time if we, say, met for a drinkie-poo tonight?”
“Well let me check my calendar... you know, I think I can fit you in.”
“You, sir, are incorrigible.”
“All part of my charm.”
She laughed. “Really Roger, you’re such a hoot.” I’ll meet you at Au Jus de Pamplemousse. You’re buying, of course. You won’t disappoint me, will you?”
“I wouldn’t dare...”
“No, you wouldn’t. Pick me up at six-thirty?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Bye.”
She pressed ‘END’ and smiled at the ceiling. “You’re right about the hunt; and tonight, you’re my prey... sweetie.”
* * *
Her fork returned to the table as she polished off the last morsel of lobster, and drank down the remainder of her Cabernet Blanc. “I just adored that lobster. So, sweet and succulent.” She gave Roger an appreciative look. “You outdid yourself. That was exquisite.”
“I try. Is milady sated, or is there something else she desires?” His eyes always twinkled with mischief and made her weak in the knees, fanning the flames of her desire.
“Well there’s always the matter of dessert.”
“Well. Why don’t you tell me what suits your fancy?”
“Well, I like my dessert spicy and hot. It would involve both you and I enjoying it together.” She looked him right in the eye, opening her mouth slightly. “I think pleasure should be shared. Don’t you?”
“I think that can be arranged. Now, was there something you wanted on the menu?”
The game of cat and mouse pushed up the flow of adrenaline in her blood, which also increased her appetite. “Well, the Death by Chocolate sounds positively decadent. Mmm.”
“That can be arranged.” Roger flagged down the server, and soon she tore voraciously into her desert. “Oh, my... I believe I’m addicted to this already.”
“I have to fatten you up before I make you a sin offering.”
She put on her best pout. “Oh, I don’t want to be fat. I say we work this off with a little exercise.”
“Nothing like keeping in shape. Perhaps after a brisk walk back to my condo, we can reward ourselves with some of that dessert you mentioned.”
“Now am I an offering for sin... or to sin?”
“You, young lady, would lead the most devout man astray.”
“I say we a-stray on over to your condo.”
“Like lambs to the slaughter.”
* * *
Friday, July 11th
As she walked up the street towards Roger’s condo, Poisonous smiled at all the men who stared appreciatively at her form beneath the skimpy dress. The image reflected in the mirror in the lobby got her approval. The elevator
