“Oh really? What?”
“Me.”
“Oh.”
She got up, leaned over, and gave him another long kiss. “See you, sweetie. Be a good boy, won’t you?”
* * *
The lamp on the nightstand filled the room with a golden glow, which suited her because it was calming, and being in the presence of the Light agitated her to the point of high stress. The closed door kept out Evie and her prayers. At least, she wouldn’t be aware of the prayers. As it turned out, Evie had gone earlier to meet Carlo, leaving her alone to do as she wished.
Poisonous lay on her bed, pondering the day’s events. Excitement coursed throughout her body, a sexual adrenaline rush. She had Kyle right where she wanted him. Now, she just needed to pull Amanda into the trap as well. “Now how do I do this?” The wicked grin returned. “Oh yes. Oh by Lucifer, yes.”
Ten
Wednesday, August 13th
Early the next morning, after Evie had gone to work, she dialed the number that Roger had given her. A few rings of the phone later, a nasal voice answered.
“Bidley-James Accounting Services.”
“Yes, may I speak to Amanda Barrett, please?”
“One moment, please.” Amanda picked up after the third ring.
“Amanda Barrett.”
“Hi, Amanda. This is Perri Loliyekar. Say, I thought it might be nice to meet you for lunch today. I know this is last minute, but since you live near where your work, maybe we could do it at your apartment. I’d be willing to bring something.” Like trouble. “What do you think?”
“You know, that sounds like fun. What do you want to bring?”
“I thought something Indian. Sweet and spicy.” Like me.
“Sounds great. What time would you like to do this?”
“I’ll try to be there shortly after one o’clock, say one fifteen-ish. Would that be okay?”
“Absolutely. Look to see you then.”
* * *
Thursday, August 14th
The outfit resembled the one from yesterday. Just as provocative, only easier to take off. She got on the elevator of the Kennedy Warren, and headed up to the ninth floor. The note in her hand had, ‘905’ scrawled on it. She knocked on the door, and Kyle opened it, a drink in one hand.
“A drink; does my intrepid lover need some courage?”
“Nah. Just felt like it suited the mood. Feel like I’m picking somebody up at a nightclub.”
“Sweetie, I’m not someone you ‘pick up.’ You have to earn your way into my good graces.”
“So come on in.”
A double strike: two kills with one effort. She had managed to get into Kyle’s libido, and Amanda would arrive soon. The anticipation heightened her building excitement.
He motioned towards the couch. “Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Oh no. I usually like to keep my senses sharp.” Eyes drank her in, from top to bottom. “You know, Kyle—I’m not one for standing on ceremony.” She stood in front of him and started removing her clothes.
His eyes opened wide, and his mouth followed.
“Cat got your tongue, sweetie?” She walked towards the bedroom, and turned to him when she reached the door. “Well, don’t just sit there. Come and get me.”
He followed her in short order, removing his clothes with each step.
“Sweetie, be a dear and turn on some mood music. Loud— makes me more excited.”
Eager to please, he did as he was told, and in short order, they were in flagrante delicto.
Enmeshed in their passion, Kyle didn’t hear the door open, but she did. She moaned all the louder.
“Kyle? Is that you?”
Footsteps tap—tap-tapped as Amanda approached the bedroom. They both lay there, spent, and Amanda stood in the door, saying nothing. Again, she noticed her, but Kyle hadn’t. She said nothing, but smiled at Kyle, who now lay across from her.
“Kyle!”
Now Kyle looked up and saw Amanda, but still said nothing.
She, of course, never looked at either of them face to face, emotionally distancing herself from the whole proceeding. This fight would be between them, and only them.
“Kyle, what the hell is going on here?” she said, her hands on her hips, staring right at him.
“What does it look like?” he answered. “I’m enjoying life. Finally.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, really. Besides, what do you care? You’ve become a real drag lately. All you do is talk about kids, settling down and the whole ‘white picket fence around the house in the suburbs’ thing. I’m not ready for that, and I’ve told you so.”
“Well, don’t bother getting up. I’m no longer interested in what type of life you’d like to live. You’re just as immature now as you were at eighteen back in college. What you need is to grow up. In the meantime, I’m leaving you.”
“Whatever.”
“Just do me a favor and don’t be here tomorrow. I’m going to get all my things. Do you think you can handle that?”
He didn’t bother answering.
“And as for you, you back-stabbing bitch…”
Those were the wrong words to say; she never backed down to anyone, and Amanda was no exception. “Excuse me? Were you addressing me?”
“Do you see any other woman here sleeping with my husband?”
Rising from the bed, not even bothering to put any clothing on, she walked over to Amanda.
Amanda shook her head in disgust. “Have you no shame? At least have the dignity to cover yourself—”
Fwap! Her right hand, including her rings, backhanded Amanda full-force.
Amanda held her face, and groaned.
“Now, what were you saying to me?”
“Go to hell, bitch.”
She grabbed Amanda by her collar, pulled her straight up off the floor with one hand, while with the free hand, smacked the other side of her face. Done, she dropped Amanda, leaving her slumped down on the floor, holding her head in her arms.
Yanking Amanda to her feet, her nose came
