"Tommy" A Short Story by Culburn Castleberry

[Thread]

Part 3. Continued.

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"Cully, are you okay, puddin-head? Cully-boy?"

I was human again. I'd cleared the pipes. Sure, my buns were super heated, but, my nut was broken. And my presents awaited.

"Christ, I needed that, Girl. Needed it bad. It was almost medicinal. I enjoyed it, sure, yes, but, it was compulsory, trust me, youngster." I was buoyant. I grabbed the pink panties, & began clean up operations.

"Cully, not with those!" She tried to snatch them from me. But, it was too late. There wasn't as much as I'd imagined and it wasn't thick, nor gross after all.

"I have to launder them anyway. Right?"

She kind of waved it off, her brow furrowing.

"Cully, I need to tell you something." In an instant (Loving Girl) was gone. Girl, (Girl-Girl,) the head, the matriarch of our 2 person clan had replaced her.

"Now what?" I lamented to myself. I'd no sooner nutted than it was starting again.

"I wanted to tell you, but, everything happened so fast. This is the first chance I've had and I wanted to hold off until Miss left and you had your,,,well your fun time here. Time has been so compacted. I was even going to wait till morning, but, that's not fair to you with Tommy coming so early."

"What is it?"

"Cully, that night on the highway, I didn't tell you the truth, the whole truth."

"Dear God, I was set up." To-my-self.

"It happened so quick. I didn't see it, Cully until it was there. One second Tommy was crying and the......" She'd come to a halt.

I wanted to crack wise, but, this was not that.

"Go ahead, honey, I'll listen."

"Cully, I should have told you. Cully, Cully? Cully!...he put his service revolver to his head in the car. It happened so fast. I couldn't...I didn't. And then he did that and then he pulled the hammer back. I can still hear the clicks, Cully. Cully? Cully! Please!"

I took her into my arms. "Girl, it's okay."

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End of Part 3.

(to be continued)

[DMC]

Impressive she said "service revolver" instead of "gun".

[Thread]

"Tommy" by Culburn Castleberry

Part 4.

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While the water heated up for tea, I quickly dressed.

At least she hadn't went into an all out crying jag. Those could last a day, or, two.

She just remained on the couch, drying her eyes with the facial tissue she already had on hand. I'd been beaten to tears, she'd been traumatized to them.

"The Whistler" went off-she jumped. "Cully!" I ran like the ens, nearly wiped out on the tile, then cut the switch, poured, squeezed the bags, with my bare fingers, eschewing the steep & served. I included some Bordeaux Cookies as a side on the tray.

"Thank you, Cully."

"How did you get him to put it down?" I didn't know what else to say or ask.

And I know it's selfish but I had a sneaking su ion I wasn't going to get my presents before bedtime, my last bedtime in our bed.

"Cully, please don't say he can't stay here now." Hard-eye-contact. It was not up to debate. Been there. Girl as a girl, and Girl as a woman are two entirely different en ies. Girl as woman was not a lot of fun.

"I didn't say anything. I didn't say that."

"I know. I just want to make sure about that question."

I shut my mouth and waited. Opened it back up and crunched a cookie.

"It's all jammed together, all of it. The speed, the stop, him at the window, begging him, begging you. The gun. It just appeared out of nowhere. I did, I did hear the sound of the leather, then it was at his temple. I swore to him I wouldn't leave him, that we'd go somewhere and I'd listen to him, that we'd talk, all night if it that's what it took, that we'd find a way forward for him. I swore I'd fix him, make it right, that I'd been chosen to be in that cruiser with him. God had chosen me. But, he had to give me the gun. That if he pulled the trigger he'd destroy all 3 of us, not just himself. That I knew in my heart that he was not a selfish man. And that was it. He started breathing again. It was like a dream when he handed me that gun, Cully. A slow-motion dream. I was shaking so badly that I didn't know whether I could release the hammer without blowing a hole in the firewall."

I snagged another cookie, offered her same. "No, thank you." 3 were left.

"He broke down crying. Just sobbed, begging me to help him, to make it stop. I set the gun on the floor board and took his hands in mind. I told him: "Tommy, listen to me now. I'm going to send Culburn on his way home and then I will be back in this car with you in 5 minutes."

"Do you trust me, Tommy?"

"Yes, I do. Please come back. Missus, don't leave me here."

I was pole axed. "Girl, he said that to you?"

"Yes, Cully, I couldn't believe it. Those exact words. Cully, God put us on that highway that night. We started the day at Mass, remember? You asked me who I prayed for. I prayed so hard that morning for you and I to work together always, to be a team forever. And that's what happened. When one of God's children needed help God sent us to help Tommy with God's guidance. We did that Cully."

"It's a miracle, Girl."

"When I came back to the car, I had to leave the pistol by our back tire. I couldn't leave it there in the cruiser. And even then I didn't know whether he had a throw-a-way piece, or, where the shotgun was. If you'd a seen me with his gun you'd a been so alarmed. I couldn't bring it into our car."

And she was right. I could only imagine what I'd a thought if I saw her walking back toward the Plymouth with a gun in her hand. Knowing my paranoid ass I'd a gotten out and started running into a corn field.

"And then I worried about him taking off in his cruiser and running head long into an abutment up the road. And us back there with his gun, my finger prints all over the damn thing. How would we explain that?"

"It never ends, Girl. What was he doing when you got back?"

"Crying with relief."

"Thank you, Missus, God bless you."

I told him: "Tommy I'm not leaving you. We're going to work this out together."

"We waited until you left, then headed to his place."

I wanted to broach the fact that neither of us were professional counselors of any kind, but, she wasn't going to hear it and I couldn't blame her in a way. It looked like a genuine act of God had taken place.

"He didn't ask for the gun back. I shoved it in my purse and left it there. Once in his apartment I suggested that he change out of his uniform for the trip to get take-out. He got back just as I hung up with you."

"The hot food helped to settle us both down."

I was going to inquire as what kind of food it was, but, I successfully resisted that urge. Though I would ascertain that fact some weeks later: KFC, replete with those little Strawberry Shortcake desserts.

"We ate, with the hot tea-then I made a pot of fresh coffee."

Again I resisted the urge to inquire as to the brand, but, would later find out it was Maxwell House.

"Moved into the living room with the coffee and hashed it out till dawn broke. He broke down numerous times. We both did, cried in each others arms, Cully. He kept thanking me for saving his life." She stopped. "Cully, he thanked you as well, honey, trust me. I swear to God. I asked him to pray with me and we did. We knelt by the couch and prayed."

I was trying to segue into the realm of, well, you know...I'd initiated a 10 count, at (9) Girl saved me the trouble.

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Part 4 Continued.

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"Cully, do you want me to tell it in great detail, or, should I just give you an overview?"

We'd moved into the kitchen for a second cup of tea. This one I'd steeped while Girl used the bathroom.

I was tempted to go for the overview. Something told me to tread slowly in these strange, dark waters.

"The former, in great detail."

"Are you sure, honey?"

"No, no I'm not sure, but, do it anyway."

"We'd finished praying, but, were still on our knees, holding hands when I spoke to him plain: "I want to be with you, Tommy.'"

I closed my eyes.

"Cully. Cully?"

"Don't stop, Girl, keep going, please."

"I don't want Cully to be hurt, Girl."

"Cully would not be hurt, Tommy. I promise."

"How would that be possible?"

"I would tell him."

"I don't understand, Girl."

"He'd want us to go to bed together, Tommy. I know he does. I know my husband, Tommy."

"Girl, I have to get some air. I can't sit here anymore." I clambered up & out the patio door, Girl in pursuit. "Cully, wait!"

I sank into my lawn chair. Set my head between my knees.

"Cully, are you okay? I'll get you a cold cloth. Hold on, boy!"

She came back with an ice pack.

"No, stay bent over, I'll hold it in place, Cully."

The pack felt wonderful on the back of my neck. And so I let her hold it while I starred at the ground twixt my knees. It was better when I didn't have to look her in the face as she told it.

"Are you going to be able to stand this, Cully? This is no good, boy. I'm worried about you."

"Cut to the chase, did you go to bed with him?"

"Yes."

"Oh, dear. Okay, okay, go back and detail it out from when I bolted the kitchen table. I have to hear all of this. Hup! How much is there though, Girl, seriously?"

"Seriously? This ice pack will be well melted long before I'm done. Plus, I don't mean to be uncaring, but, I do need to call the man before too much longer, Cully. I promised and I don't want to worry him. So, what do you think?"

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Part 4 Continued.

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I held the ice pack while she made the call.

"Hup! Can I listen in on the extension?"

"Cully, now no, that would not be right, honey. Plus, I'm going to tell you everything that is said, you know that. I just haven't had time to really be attentive to that issue, but, I'll do better, I promise, sweetheart."

"C'mon, he'll never know. I'll put my hand over the mouthpiece and just listen."

"No. And don't mention doing that again. Please?"

"Okay, okay."

"Cully, I mean it now. I don't want to have to worry about you skulking about when I'm on the phone with Tommy. I need to count on you here with Tommy. I-need-you."

"You got me. I promise." & I kept that promise. I never eavesdropped.

She'd been gone 10 minutes when the patio door slid open.

"He can't wait for tomorrow."

"He's okay though?"

"Yes, bless his heart. Cully, you have to be extra nice tomorrow, okay? He needs our support. He is still at risk."

I did not want to think about that particular risk. I never liked mixing sex with violence, (Miss) withstanding.

"You can count on me, Girl. I'll do good, now, tell it and slowly."

"Okay, where was I? Oh, yeah, I know: He started to undress me, but, I told him: 'Not here, Tommy. Please, darling.'"

"I God's, Girl, you said that him?"

"Yes, I didn't want to have our first time be on his couch, or, on the floor. I stood on tip-toes, put my arms around his neck and whispered into his ear: 'Take me to bed, Tommy.' in that voice I use when I really want something, you know that voice, right, boy?'"

"Vaguely."

Girl laughed, she was getting into it. And so was I, the fresh air and open space rallying me.

"I was in my jammies of course, the ones he bought me at Woolco, along with my new panties. I asked him to get me cotton panties, not nylon, or, rayon. You know how if I where those my pussy gets all agitated. So, after I took a quick bath I dressed in a nice pair of blue cotton panties and the blue and white jammies. I'll show you those later."

"You took a bath in front of him, Girl?"

"Noooooo, don't be silly. He was very nice, showed me to his bathroom, made sure I had everything I needed, then left me alone."

"Did you lock the door?"

"Of course not."

"Did he like peek, or, come in accidentally-on-purpose without knocking?"

"Cully! Now stop it. He did not peek, he was, no, Tommy is the perfect gentleman."

"Fine, back to the living room part. Go."

"Am I telling it good, Cully? I want to do good at this so you're not dissatisfied."

"Perfect, Girl."

"You're feeling better, aren't you, boy?"

"Yes. I just hope I don't crash."

"If you do, just remember to come and talk to Girl. Have I ever let you down?"

"No, never. Not once." And she hadn't. & I was no picnic, especially in that early circa.

"And I never will. Wasn't I there when my entire Freshman class wanted to kill you because you took me away from them?"

"Yes." Though my brother came in mighty handy as well in that crisis. He could beat me up, oh, absolutely, but, let anyone else try it & WW3 would commence.

"Okay, then."

"Though you did kiss that Randy Tillman after we'd started going steady, Girl."

"Oh, it meant nothing. And nothing else happened, I swear to God."

"I believe you, punkin. Now, where were we?"

"Oh, let me think. I got it! He held my hand and led me into his bedroom. It was very dark and he asked if it would be okay to turn on a lamp."

"Yes, Tommy, please. And can we close the door?"

"We're the only ones here, Girl, I promise."

"I told him I knew that, but, I would just feel more comfortable having privacy."

"I'll even lock it."

"Cully, he had the sweetest smile."

"Thank you, Tommy."

"And it progressed from there. I smiled at him, you know that smile I get whenever we're about to . I wanted him to be comfortable. He came to me and kissed me."

"On the lips?"

"Well, first he hugged me tightly to his chest. Cully, he was trembling. But, once I hugged and held him his tremors stilled and we just clung to one another for a spat of time."

"Who kissed who?"

"Oh, he kissed me. I was going to go first, but, I didn't want to be too forward, so, I waited for him and he made the first overture."

"You closed your eyes?"

"No, I left them wide open, you dingle berry. Of course I closed my eyes. He closed his and he kissed me."

"On the lips, Girl?"

"Of course, Cully, we were fixing to sleep together."

"I God's, Girl, this is hot. Weren't you scared?"

"No. You'd think I would be. Uh, uh. It was pre-ordained. I saved Tommy's life, no, we saved his life and he and I found each other as dawn broke. I know that sounds corny, but, it is the truth. He is a good man, a beautiful man. Tommy's heart is pure, there was no danger once he did as I pleaded with him to do in that cruiser."

"Did you guys actually do it, Girl? Actually have intercourse?"

"Yes."

"He came in you?"

"Yes."

"How many times?"

"Twice. At first there. Then we slept and upon waking we had relations again."

"Did you, you know, suck him?"

"Not that first night, well, that first morning, but, well, I shouldn't lump separate instances together. Is that okay?"

"So you have performed fellatio on this man?"

"Patience Cully, please?"

"This is driving me crazy, Girl."

"Do you want me to stop?"

"You mean stop any further sexual relations, or, stop telling me about them?"

"Well, now that you mention it, both."

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Part 4. Continued

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"Neither. Please keep going on the first coupling. Sorry, Girl."

The thought of her snorkelin' him had me snortin', but, I needed to hear it in order, or, it could easily get screwed up. She was right.

"Understood, Cully. He unbuttoned my pajama top."

"Were you wearing your bra?"

"No. You know I never wear my bra under my jammies."

"He saw your breasts?"

"Of course. I wanted to him to see my breasts. I wanted to be naked for him to see and enjoy."

"Damn, Girl, you tell this a certain way to drive me to distraction. !"

"Well, it is my way, sure, but, I want you to enjoy it, Cully. If I'm not doing it right just say so and I'll tell it a different way. A more mundane way. You decide, sweetheart."

"Please don't change a thing. I'm just letting my mouth overload my ass, as usual. Tell it like you've been, I'll shut up."

"No, it's okay if you interrupt, I want you to enjoy the telling of the particulars. You're part of our threesome. No, that's not the correct term is it? We're not a threesome, we're a trio, right? A nucleus, perhaps. A nucleus about to be born and joined."

I knew (threesome). We were definitely not that. A (nucleus) sounded good.

"Yes, a nucleus. Who's the leader, Girl?"

"Since were speaking in truth I'll tell you, boy. Not you."

Christ, I knew that was coming. Damn ball buster.

She continued: "And not me. If I'm not mistaken it will be Tommy. And it makes sense: He's older than us. He's 35. He's a man. You're a boy. I'm a girl."

She was such a brat. I was so GD in love with her I couldn't see straight.

I was going to bring up his suicide attempt, but, that would not have been fair and would've brought the evening to a direct close. He wouldn't be coming, she'd probably be going and they'd be shacked up over at that apartment complex---with a pool.

But, I had a point. A vulgar one, yes, a point I'm glad I kept it to myself because Girl was dead on right. Tommy Gentile became our leader.

"You like him."

"You love him." To-my-self.

"He's a good guy, Cully. A prince."

"You were only with him a couple days, youngster."

"I could be wrong, but, you'll see. If I'm wrong I won't deny it. I'll admit it to your face."

"Would you tell the rest of the initial coupling, Girl, please?"

"Of course, sweetheart. I want you to enjoy our nucleus as much as Tommy and I will."

"Let's go inside and have some more tea. And I'll get the rest of the Bordeaux's. C'mon, Girl."

I pulled her up and into my arms. She was warm and soft and squeezable. Nary a sharp edge, smelled of youth, of girl, of life. He'd been this close & closer, as close as I'd been? No, no one had ever been that close.

Her eyes were perfect that night, the hazel and gold specks in full disclosure. "I am going to wake you before you're rested and I am going to give you something. Then I want you to enter me. I will spread wide and accept your seed. Yes, it will be frustrated and denied entry to my light, but, upon expulsion I want you to consume it and lick me, there in my special place. I will not scream, boy. I'll take your pillow and squeal into it. You know how I squeal into it when I love you so."

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Part 4 Continued.

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Girl had much to accomplish before Tommy's arrival on the morrow, so, we agreed to forego the recounting of her initial coupling on the promise that I'd get my presents instead.

"Now, I'll stand here with the trunk lid open and take out one gift at-a-time. There are a total of 4. You close your eyes and when I'm ready I'll let you know. Okay, boy?"

I readily agreed. "Go, go, go, Girl, c'mon, I've waited long enough."

"You're going to love each and every one, bless your little heart, Cully."

With great formality & fanfare she lifted the lid.

"Close your eyes, little Cully-boy."

I obeyed.

"You may open them."

"What, the heck, oh-my-God, Girl."

"Yes, you're favorite cigar, Black Watch by Robert Burns, Cully!"

"Holy , Girl, a whole box, sealed. I haven't had even one in quite a spell. Each cigar in it's own tube. Wow. This was not cheap, trust me."

"And look, here is a genuine Zippo cigar lighter with your initials engraved."

"C.D.C." - Me

"Close you eyes!"

I obeyed.

"You may open them."

"Good Lord, Girl, where the did he find this?"

It was a near mint condition 1959 Edition of Cadaco All Star Baseball Game, with the spinner and the player discs. I had the '65 thru '69 editions.

"Where did he find it, Girl?"

"We went down on 24th Street at those hobby shops. He asked for a list of some of the things you loved, so I put the cigars and this game on the list."

"Cully, this last one is the best of the gifts, I guarantee. You'll never guess what it is, so, I won't challenge you. But, I'll give you a few hints I hope won't give-it-way. An actor takes this in a scene. And you'll scratch, but, not too much. And, get this, Cully, a piece of chalk is essential! Any guesses?"

"I got no earthly idea. What, honey?"

"Close you eyes, little boy."

"I obeyed." Two snaps like latches had been sprung.

"You may open them."

"Oh, my." My eyes instantly welled. "He shouldn't have, Girl. It's way too much."

"It's what you've always wanted, isn't it, Cully? I told him good, didn't I, didn't I, boy? I remembered. Tommy did good, didn't he, Cully?"

I was completely floored. Speechless.

It was a Dufferin Pool Cue. I removed it from the black leather case that Girl held open.

"Screw it together like you showed me back home. Remember, Cully, you used to take me and I'd get that blue chalk on my nose. I used to watch in my elevated chair while you played. And the other guys, the other players would flirt with me when you weren't looking. And then you'd win and you'd buy me Royal Castle hamburgers. Remember? First though look at the grip."

[Cully-boy] ingrained in the wood.

"That's gold inlaid, Cully, under 9 coats of lacquer. Tommy made them rush the order so it would be ready in time. Cully, the man knows everybody. And he's going to take us to a pool hall on Ames Avenue Saturday night!"

"You were up there, Girl?" I successfully tempered my tone of alarm.

"With Tommy, yes. It's perfectly safe. Everybody knows Tommy. He used to be an Omaha Police Officer assigned to that area. We even visited Tommy's mama, Miss Rebecca. She is so sweet, Cully. I told her all about you and we're going to stop and visit her too on Saturday. We're going to have a great time. Tommy and I are gonna dance in the same place where the pool hall is!"

Ames Avenue was the main drag in the colored section of Omaha.

(to be continued)

[Thread]

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I left Girl whirling about as an adorable dervish, hit the sack & fell fast asleep.

"Boy, wake up."

"Jesus, Girl, what time is it?" I could tell thru the curtains that the sun had yet to rise.

"I have your surprise. Remember, Cully?" She was nude from the waist down, a plain white brassier held her diminutive breasts securely.

"That's right, I nearly forgot." I chased sleep away.

"Where is it, my surprise?"

"Did you sleep naked like I told you to?" I turned back my quilts. "Yep." My blood was still coagulatin', but, I'd get there. I didn't need the rubber mallet that would be a requisite 4+ decades & a lifetime on. Just a thought, a flash of light, of sound, of sight.

"Look, boy. My string, again. I even combed my pussy out for you, little Cully-boy. Then I set the string so you'd see it. Look."

No longer coagulatin', my blood rampaged.

"No, it's not my period. I swear to God. I've been so wet, so moist, I didn't want to mess up my new panties that Tommy bought me. Should I tug and pull, or, would you like to tug and pull?"

"I'll do it. Please?"

"Okay, you get up and I'll lay down where you are."

As I got up I noticed Girl's side of the bed was undisturbed. "You haven't been to bed, sweetheart?"

"No. I've been too busy and excited. He'll be here soon. I can sleep tonight."

"Now, the blue toilet tissue is right there, Cully. Set it there and we can toss it out after. Unless you want to steep it for tea."

I felt a trap. "You'd let me do that?" I was near incredulous.

"Of course I would. It's a special occasion. But, Cully, you mustn't tell anybody, especially Tommy. Only you and I would know, forever. Promise?"

"Sure, I promise. Would you like a cup too." I knew she wouldn't, but, what-the-heck.

"No, Cully, this is just for you, this one special time. You boil the water, steep the tampon, dress your cup and that's it. Right?"

"Absolutely." In the end it wasn't a big deal. I did, I considered what I'd lost, the marker I'd gained as Girl bathed and dressed for Tommy's arrival. I boiled the water, opened the blue toilet tissue, dunked the tampon in, it's acquired weight with an assist by my finger caused it to sink, take on ballast and steep. Two teaspoons of sugar, a splash of 1/2-&-1/2 & I sipped. Like I said, not a big deal. Though I put a bloodied one on my internal/infernal wish list. I'd live in the girl if it were possible, then///now.

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"Now, remember don't tug too hard. I'm pretty sure it's soggy, but, I'm not positive. Go ahead." Then added for emphasis & a slick ball bust: "I've been so wet this week."

I tugged---the little pod released---I pulled it easily from her grotto. "Lord, Girl, look at it." It was white, no curd, but, a wet conglomeration of what, of him, of Tommy? I did not query. Though I immediately sniffed it.

"That's a good Cully-boy, sniff Girl's liquid light."

Frankly, I wanted to bite it, and swallow it, but, didn't want to push my luck, gross her out, and/or choke on it. "I should put it on the tissue now, Girl?"

"Yes, baby, it will be there when we're done. I promise."

"I set it to, covered it lightly with the other fold of tissue as Girl moved."

"Is this wide enough to accommodate you, sweetheart?"

I didn't know she could spread that wide. She'd never spread that wide as long as I'd known her.

"Yes." Me

"C'mon, baby, c'mon and Katie-Girl."

And I did.

And as I crested and tried with all my might to ride that apex forever as I always had and would forever she hissed into my ear:

"That second night, boy?---I sucked him all-night-long."

(to be continued)

[Thread]

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"What did you mea..."

"Sssssshhhhhh, boy. Lick, lick your girl...now."

And I did. I cleaned it up first & fast. I didn't know if I'd dragged some remnant of his remnants as I scoured that same grotto. And I did-not-care. I feasted like a mad-man. Not only to slack some need I've never ID'ed, but, to finish so I could query what she'd meant. I knew what she'd meant. , of course I knew. But, how could one suck on another's all-night-long? It was impossible. , I tried to keep my promise, my own ing vow to suck her pussy all-night-long, and we'd both settled for what, 15 minutes, 20 minutes tops? Yes, twixt 15-&-20, no more. And she'd sucked on Tommy all-night-long?

Sure, she had never sucked me all-night-long. & honestly, between me and my maker I wouldn't want that after the 15-20 minute standard. TV awaited, then cable, VCR, on & on.

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It'd been till that morning of Tommy's imminent arrival:

"Cully, no, it tastes funny. "
"Ewww, Cully."
"Did you really take a bath?"
"Ewww."
"It's too hard."
"It's too long."
"It still tastes funny."

The furrowed brow, white strings, the pigeon toes, all of it, every bit of it as we were on the precipice of a step down & onto a yellow brick road "bathed in light" that would, in the end, be "wrapped in fearful black."

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I moved.

"My beautiful boy friend,,,,,,there. Right there. I won't be long. I promise, Cully. Just-do-not-stop." I knew her spot. Tommy didn't. Tommy would. Tommy would, in the end know all that I knew, even more. This girl-child's muscles tensed, knotted & finally locked. As pretty as a silent Super 8 movie in slow-motion Girl slipped my pillow from beneath her head to over her face.

Near silent convulsions erupted, that I believed would never ease & cease.

"Cully, I needed that. I think it was really medicinal. I busted the outta that nut, huh, boy?"

I was going to initiate a discussion of "all night long" but, the little ens was faster:

"Cully, I have a huge favor to ask of you, darling. Absolutely humongous. Ready?"

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"Cully, what I will do is hand you a marker, redeemable after one year from tonight for anything your heart so desires. Anything. The only exceptions are it can't be some weird ass like when you wanted to rob that bank after we saw The Getaway."

"Girl! I never said we were going to rob that bank."

"Cully, I don't want to get into this old debate. But, you did want me to be Ali McGraw to your Steve McQueen. We'd rob it here, then flee to south Texas and cross into Mexico."

I wasn't really serious. I just mentioned it a few times. She was making more out of it than it was. And once she threatened to leave me and go back to Ohio I mentioned it never again.

It would rear it's head again when Baldwin and his wife Basinger remade the damn thing.
We were in the desserts by then, but, surprisingly I asked to go and surprisingly she'd granted permission and agreed to go along to the theater. "Sure."

At one point Baldwin's "Doc" is behind freaking rebar slats in a Mexican hole jail, his eyes teaming with tears, quietly imploring Basinger's "Carol": "Get me out of here."

The ever present Girl leaned over: "See, Cully."

By then, (1994) I figured out the draw a bit more past the bank job. Finally learned the term. There was a cuckold tinge to both versions, strikingly more so in the '94 release. James Woods laid with Kim freeing "Doc".

---------

"And you can't call the marker involving Tommy in any way, shape, or form."

"That's it?" Me

"Yes. Deal?" Her

"No bank job. No Tommy. I'll take the marker."

"Here it is, Cully."

I stopped her with the palm of my hand.

"I'll save you the trouble, Girl. The favor is you want me to give up my spot in the bed, in the bedroom. Move out to the other end of this trailer. No gripe, no debate, no fit, no pissin', no moanin. Just do it."

No tears, but, her hazel eyes glossed over.

"Am I right, Girl?"

"Jesus, Dale. How?"

"What else could it be?" I prayed it wasn't something else. Something I wouldn't be able to walk away from. I was sure. I was not positive.

"Please, Cully-boy. I can't be sure he'll live if you don't." Now, now they welled.

Mine too. Thru the curtains I saw the sun had risen. "We got time yet, Girl, you change the sheets, I'll move my stuff."

(to be continued)

[Thread]

"Tommy"

Part 5.

---------

Tommy called 11 straight up.

"I'll get it!!!!!!!!!" She cut the corner racing in from their bedroom. Was wearing those hundred dollar jeans & a top I'd not seen before.

"You have to be out of your in' mind, Dale." To-my-self.

"Sure, c'mon ahead, Tommy. We're waiting for you, honey. Hurry, hurry, hurry, Tommy! I can't wait to see you." She looked thru the portal twixt the two rooms. Pursed her perfectly made up lips once in my direction.

Dropped the decibel & her face: "Yes, me too." That voice---in whisper, a thousand times into the original Castleberry homestead phone line: 243-1723.

And then for a moment I recalled the clicks of that trigger that I'd heard thru the report by girl reporter Girl.

The hairs on my arms stood up. And the echo of that morning's sun rise: "I can't be sure he'll live if you don't."

The call had ended.

"What am I forgetting, Cully-boy? You look so sweet, darling."

"Thank you." I did look good.

"Don't forget, Cully, to thank Tommy for your presents."

"I won't forget."

Honestly I couldn't wait to get on that patio by myself, break the seal on that cigar box and fire up my first Black Watch. Girl assured me that Tommy did not smoke.

"I'm so nervous, Cully."

"You look gorgeous, angel. Oh, and just some advice, Girl: When he gets here don't run out the door. Let him get into the house and wait till the door is closed behind him before you embrace him. Please, Girl. Our life is not the neighbor's business. What goes on in our home is our business. All of it. They can think whatever they want, but, don't throw it in their faces. Okay, baby?"

"Because Tommy is black, right?"

"That and because you're a married woman. White, or black we have to bear that reality once we're out in public, whether it's in the yard, or, out and about."

"You know what?"

"What?"

"Tommy more or less told me the same darn thing last night on the phone."

---------

What'd Tommy do as soon as he got inside the door? Closed it behind him and lifted Girl in the air. SOB!

"Honey, we were just kidding you. To bust your chops."

We'd not had a handful of people in that mobile home since we'd moved in. To have as large a man, a black man no less standing in it was shock-blast.

"Culburn? Haven't seen you since, well, since forever, but, I am so grateful to be here with you and the missus." We grasped hands in the traditional power shake of the circa.

"I mean it, man, I'll never be able to thank you enough for that night and well, I,,,"

Girl interceded. "It's okay, sweetheart." Took his hands in hers and tried to comfort the man. I was a bit nonplussed, but, held still. She saved the moment. "Cully, can you retrieve Tommy's bags from his Jeep? I'll show him around, okay?"

Sounded good. Him going back out there in broad daylight and hauling his stuff back in was only slightly worse than me doing it.

"Got it, Girl."

"Thank you, Culburn." He patted my shoulder as I went past him and thru the door, pulling it to as I stepped outside. Sounds ridiculous but I felt like every eye in that park was on me. Our trailer sat at the end and was arranged side-to-side, not in & out. We were broadside to the opposite side of the street.

By the looks of the Jeep Tommy was definitely planning for a long siege. Couple of large cardboard boxes & 3 suitcases. She'd said he'd be keeping his apartment: "You know just in case, Cully." Got it all unloaded & into the house. I could hear Girl's robust laughter down the other end, so, I left Tommy's belongings twixt the washer & dryer, fit right in there, then retreated back to the living room & took station in my easy chair.

I figured they wouldn't do it right off & I was correct, she was talking a mile a minute down there, laughing to beat the band. And I heard him laughing along with her.
"They're probably laughing at you."
"Probably." I answered myself.

"Tommy, look, your stuff! C'mon, I'll help you unpack and we'll hang your uniforms so they don't get wrinkled. I have a great iron though just in case." Then lowered her voice. "I'll go down and thank Cully, see if he's okay. You guys are so shy, so, you stay here and I'll be right back."

Bounded on in and nearly missed me as she was headed to the back bedroom. "Oh, there you are! Thank you, darling, for unloading that. Did you get everything?"

"Yep, I checked it."

She hopped into my lap. "Are you okay. He won't come down here. You won't go down there. You're just both so cute. That's okay though. We have lots of time to get acquainted. Rome was not built in a day. We're going to put all his clothes away and his gear, organize his uniforms and what not. Then he and I will fix lunch, well, a late lunch. Then we'll relax this evening, okay?" She was all lit up.

Lowered her voice: "He said he had a bit of a bad night, without me to watch over him, Cully." Like I was to blame. I'd told her to let him come over last night.

"He feels better now though, right?"

"Oh, yeah, he's heartened."

"Why does he call me Culburn?"

"Does it bother you? I could make him stop."

"No, no, don't mention it to him. I was just wondering."

"Cully, he's trying to be respectful and kind. He wants to be accepted, honey. He needs us, both of us. He's made his cry for help and we've answered that call. Now we have to see it on thru, both of us."

She looked right into my eyes. "You're okay, right? I'm counting on you, but, if there's a problem I need to know so that we can get that baby ironed out, pronto, uh, Tonto."

"Definitely, I'm fine. I'm going to duck out for a it bit and have a cigar, if you think that would be okay."

"Sure, go ahead, we're gonna be a while organizing the bedroom. Everything in it's place, hey? And you can drop by anytime, sweetheart. Remember, no closed doors."

That was the one hard & fast rule so far. [No closed doors.] Even bathroom doors. "If we see a closed door it will stunt our growth as the nucleus, remember Cully? It will have a negative connotation. We're not going to be doing anything behind a closed door that can't be displayed in an open setting, even going to the bathroom. If we're going to be intimate with and around one another we can certainly pee in front of one another."

"Okay, and to prove my point I'm going down there right now, lower my jeans and knickers and pee with the door open. You enjoy your cigar, boy. Now, hug my neck & kiss me, I'm off to settle our Tommy-boy, Cully-boy."

(to be continued)

[Thread]

(Continued)

---------

The "late lunch" finally turned into dinner take-out.

"Cully, I'm so sorry, it's just taken a lot longer getting Tommy's belongings put away and that bedroom in an organized state." I was out on the patio smoking my 2nd Black Watch. "It'd be a great favor if you'd perhaps go for some take out. Would that be okay? We'd finish up here and then we could all sit down together. We've been snacking on some popcorn, but, we all need a warm meal."

I-was-miffed. For I sensed a wild goose chase so they could, well, fornicate in my absence.

She slid the patio door closed behind her. "What's wrong, hon?"

"You're not trying to get rid of me the first night are you, Girl?"

"Cullyyyyyyy, noooooo!!! Oh, that's why you're upset."

"And because I'm starving and was promised a home cooked meal." To-my-self. Rule #2: They did the cooking and baking. I did the housework, all of it.. Rule #1: No closed doors. Rule #2: as stated above.

"We just want to get the bedroom and bathroom squared away from the start so it's comfortable and so Tommy feels to home." She lowered her voice. "He brought a lot of stuff, bless his heart. But, Cully, no way. There is no sneaking around like that. Uh, uh. We just haven't had time to lay all the groundwork and rules down, but, you know he just got here and, let's face it I wasn't exactly sure he'd show up for positive, or, that you wouldn't change your mind at the last minute and call the whole thing off. We need to sit down, all of us and come to an agreement on how those relations will occur. I'll chair that meeting, if you'd like, no problem. I know it will be difficult for you guys, but, once we sit down we'll get it done. But, until that takes place there is going to be no behind your back hanky panky, that I promise you. Hey, I swear to God."

She sat down in her lounge chair. Which reminded me I'd need to fetch a third out of the shed sometime tomorrow.

She took my hand. "But, we haven't been totally chaste. We have kissed some, numerous times in truth and hugged the same amount, numerous times. Honey, Tommy needs to be hugged. And touched, not in a sexual way, no, but, in just a kind way, the human touch is vital for a person's mental and physical well being."

"Bend over. I'll in' human touch ya." To-my-self.

"He's moving into a strange home with the husband of the girl he's having a relationship with, in the husband's bedroom, in that husband's bed!" I wasn't positive at this instant, but, Girl could a bust a ball with a poker face at the most diabolical of instances.

"Yeah, I know that. It was my bed." To-my-self.

"Put yourself in his place. He is nervous-he is scared. He's less than a week past from the most traumatic event of his life. So, I have taken the liberty of hugging and kissing him, but, I thought, I really believed that would be fine with you. And I'm excited to have him here, sure, I want to kiss him, he's such a sweetheart, but, that's as far it goes till we have our little sit down and discussion. Is that okay, honey? Cully?"

Her and her habit of kissing men. It was uncanny, but, I should have expected nothing less and I was agreeable to it. "Yes, that's fine, Girl. I overreacted. And you're right, Tommy needs affection, and lots of it. You're absolutely right on that, Girl. Bless-your-heart."

"You do recall them going at it asses & elbows over at his place, don't you?" To-my-self.
"But, that's different and you know it.. To-my-self.
"Debatable" Ditto.

"Thank you, Cully. Now, I'd better scoot back in there. He may wonder what became of me. Though I put his buns to work, by Godfrey Cambridge. He's so happy, Cully. Oh, and he's put some money in the house money can (empty coffee can where we put a few dollars to cover light expenses on a daily basis). He insists on pulling his weight. Isn't that sweet?"

"[By Godfrey Cambridge]? What the..." To-my-self.

Though the (money) perked me up considerably and at once. I was going to inquire as to his pitching in on the monthly house payment sooner than later, but, I knew that was not going to happen. "Cully, noooooo." She'd say: "We can't take his money like that. It's costing us no more with him here as not. No, Cully. No." I was just grateful to get that stipend in that can. I made a mental notation to check that can first chance I got. Tommy gave great presents, chances are he'd do likewise on the can.

"So, anyway take the money out of there for the food and just get whatever strikes your fancy. We'll keep nibblin' on the popcorn till you get back. And no hurry, I'm going to brew us a nice pot of tea as soon as you leave and talk to him a bit at the kitchen table. Settle him down for the evening so he has a good night's slumber. But, like I said they'll be no hanky and no panky."

Whatever she talked to him about? It-did-not-work.

---------

A weight had been lifted. And admittedly, a bit of disappointment lodged at the same juncture, as I'd a been angered and put upon had they done said hanky-&-panky in my absence---I'd have also been sexually charged, even super charged. I knew that at once, without a shadow of a doubt. It was a balancing act that initiated that evening and one I have endured thru the following decades; one-after-another.

---------

I was tickled absolutely pink to find over $400 in that coffee can! + our $19 seed money. I wanted to take the entire wad, but, I resisted that urge, taking it back out of my pants pocket and returning it to the coffee can. I took 2 twenties & was tempted to count the whole thing out and write it down to keep tabs knowing that Girl would be rooting thru it with her ass scratchers and helping herself to the proceeds, but, I did not want to get caught counting that damn thing in front of her, or, especially him! I made another mental note to count it late that night when everyone was asleep and no hanky & certainly no panky would be afoot. & as it turned out there would be no hanky nor panky that night. There'd be more much dire & serious doings afoot, that for certain.

I was so thrilled about the 400+ clams that I peeked in & found Tommy storing items under what used to be my bed. "Tommy, thank you, for the funds, guy. I really appreciate it. Where's Girl?" He pointed into the bathroom. "You are most welcome, Culburn. The least I can do, my fine friend. Hey, and that girl is a slave driver. I haven't worked this hard in a long, damn time, Culburn!" All smiles.

"Here I am." She was back on the pot, door wide open. "I had to take another pee, but the door is open. Tommy took a leak as well. And I watched him. It's my right!"

"I'll be back, kids---with the grub."

"Culburn, give my Jeep a try. You'll love it. Keys are on the kitchen table." As he ducked back under the bed.

"Thanks, Tommy. I will indeed." I'd always wanted to drive one of those damn things. Everyone driving around in them Lording it over everybody. Now I'd do so some Lordin'.

"Cully, be careful. No speeding!!! You shouldn't a done that, To..."

Got out there, fired his Jeep up, & it suddenly dawned on me what he'd said about Girl working him: "Hey, that girl is a slave driver."

Tommy Gentile was chock full of surprises.

(To be continued)

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

[Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips] Got the full spread. Rarely did Girl & I splurge for Treacher's, but, with Tommy coming through like he had it was no problem.

Tommy regaled us with tales of the police, mostly up north when his beat was Ames Avenue as we worked thru the Fish & the Chips & the battered hot dogs I so loved. He could tell a story too, by God. It's a knack, one I haven't got, but, Tommy certainly held, even to a case that turned out to be close to home..."Had one, Girl, not too long ago in Pap." (He'd go short for Papillion). "At night, real late." Girl was listening in rapt attention. Me too. Her father? Forget it. He would try and tell the stories of his Cleveland PD work and it would always be a bitter disappointment. Made your ass want to eat your britches listening to him. Ugh.

Tommy: "Dangerous moment, Culburn. I lit him up, pulled him over. Guy and his missus, busting 115."

"Cully, that's you!!!" Girl laughing & pointing to beat the band.

It was a priceless moment. Girl couldn't stop laughing, Tommy as well. He got me and quite good. She hopped up & hugged his neck. "You are so cute!"

Girl had fallen for him. And vice versa. To watch them interact over that table that first night was both alarming & well, beautiful. The alarm was bound to trigger. But, the beauty, the satisfaction out weighed the alarm, for sure. They talked to one another like old friends, even though our age difference was considerable. Girl was a puzzle. She had multiple sides. She could work whether at the house, or, at the office with such dedication to quality. Then in the next breath be a muse of sorts, or, a spoiled child, and an interminable tease. She knew how to work a room, or, a person. She was like that at 15 when I met her & had changed very little."

I'd just made a pot of tea when the phone went off.
Girl grabbed it off the wall.

" o.
Yes.
Yes, sir." Girl pointed at Tommy.
"Of course, sir, Sergeant Gentile is sitting right here."
"Oh, yes, sir, it is Girl. Oh, I'm fine, we're having tea and well, here's Tommy, I mean Sergeant Gentile."
"What the..." To-my-self.
She placed the flat of her hand over the mouthpiece.
"Tommy, it's your Captain, honey." In a whisper.
"Uh, oh." Took the receiver. "Good evening, Captain."
"Of course I can, sir. Not a problem whatsoever."
"Well, yes, I'm sure they would be most interested. Very kind of you, Captain."
Girl's brow furrowed at once.
"No, sir, no. I thank you for thinking of me. Yes, sir. No problem. Good night, Captain."

Girl took the phone from Tommy & replaced it on the wall.

"Tommy, what? I don't want you to go, you're on vacation, we're all on vacation. This is our special time now. Don't go, Tommy. Make him stay, Cully."

"No, Girl, listen. Ssshhh." She'd already started vibrating in place. He'd have to hustle, or, she'd start crying any moment. "Remember, you were going to take me shopping first thing in the mor..."

"Honey, listen: I have good news and even better news. I have to pull a shift tomorrow evening, yes. And the better news? Who's up for a drive-along?"

(to be continued)

---------

[clambake]

Be fair when you share tongue time with Tommy

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

"What is that, Tommy?"

I knew, but, I let the cop tell her. It was his news after all. They were both so happy I thought he was going to pick her up again, but, they settled for a hug.

"Wow, I don't believe it. Do I get to sit in the front seat with you, Tommy? Cully, you'll sit in the back. Right, Tommy?"

Right off I thought of the last time she'd sat in the front seat in a police cruiser with him, but, I kept my mouth shut tight. That would dawn on them sooner or later.

He sat down and she immediately hopped into his lap. "No, you'll both be in the back seat and if something should come down serious I'd put you out and continue on. Back-up would be along shortly, or, I'd return."

"I don't like the sound of that, Tommy. Just take the easy calls tomorrow that way you don't have to put us out and we can all stay together." Girl was way ahead of everybody.

I played it cool, because big mouth Girl played it so big. She worked him over as to the merits of drive-along and her quest for front seat privileges. I steeped the tea, set out the cookies and watched not them, but, over them. I'd interject once-in-awhile, but, I just liked to, well, yes, watch.

---------

And it was amazing how we'd become so comfortable around one another so rapidly. I thought nothing of the fact that she was perched on his lap like that. Seemed so natural, even though the sight was striking. There was a beauty there, the contrast in color and size perhaps? Yes, but, there was more. It would take time and we had that, that time was en route. Time to look at them, consider them and make umpteen appraisals, judgments, & decisions, nearly all to-my-self. Tommy had set me at ease. There was no act with Tommy, no bravado, an honesty that was graveling. He was a regular "Joe." More like an extraordinary "Joe." Yes, that was it. I secretly admired him right out of the box. He was an accomplished man, there was no denying that.

"You could learn a lot from him." I reminded myself. "Without-a-doubt." To-my-self.

He had Girl in the palm of his hand, and quite frankly she had him the same way, but, he wasn't trying to maneuver her, or, me, or, the complex situation we were in. And she wasn't either. This had happened. God had dropped this into our lives for some reason. The obvious reason: to save & preserve Tommy's life. Seemed so huge a responsibility. I felt dwarfed at the calling. Thank heavens God had dropped that calling closer to Girl, by inches. She was up to it. Relished it. I thought of "Dragline" imploring "Luke"---"Get mad at them damn eggs." That's how Girl would approach saving Tommy. Get mad at anything that tried to stand in her way as the savior of this good man.

And I could be honest, if only to myself: Girl needed this. Girl wanted this. I could quash it, but, I never considered doing that, not seriously anyway. If I didn't want it after all was said and done I'd have a case and could live with it, but balancing (yes) & (no) as a lifestyle became my life.

[Cuckold] is an ugly word, a vulgar term. I hate it so.

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Be fair when you share tongue time with Tommy

You damn fool, you. Can't you be delicate once in your life?

[Thread]

Tommy

Continued.

A Long Night

---------

Sitting up in bed waiting for Girl to come say her good nights, I was in a bit of panic truth be told. He was down there. I was no longer down there. "How did you let this happen?" I queried myself once again on the same subject.

"He put a gun to his head." A terse whispered answer after I'd checked the open door doorway.

"Cully, I'm going to change into my jammies then I'll be back down." I figured that after they'd went forward & I'd went aft after we'd finished our tea & crumpets amid the great celebration of our drive along on the morrow. She'd backtracked, ducked in & out with the promise delivered.

"Just be grateful they're not going to...or, will they?" This time to-my-self. If she came around the corner and caught me denouncing them it would not be a good look.

I promised myself that once the house came still I would skulk down there and ferret out any untoward behavior.

"And if you find it?" To-my-self.

"I'll skulk right back here and beat off." To-my-self.

But, the one fact remained stellar: Had he not put that gun to his head he wouldn't be down there. "Had you not tripped the second pair of six carburetors he wouldn't be down there ."

"I got one even better for ya:"

"If you hadn't went 115 he'd be most likely dead right now and not down there under a suicide watch by his benefactor/Girl and her husband. No. Indeed you'd a read about him in the Omaha World Herald: 'Papillion Sergeant Commits Suicide.'"

Had that out of body feeling again and closed my eyes.

---------

"Cully, Cully-boy, are you awake, sweetheart?" I'd drifted off.

"Oh, hi, honey."

"Cully, are you alright?"

I wanted to let it all hang out, but, I didn't have the heart to bring it all up again. So, I brought something else, a bit more benign, up.

"Oh, fine, Girl. Just a little bushed. But, how did that Captain, Tommy's Captain know you by name on the phone there earlier?"

"Oh, that, remember I thought I told you about that. The morning after you know that night Tommy and I went over to the precinct and talked to his Captain, Captain Howser."

"You talked to him with Tommy?"

"No, no, Cully, I just met him, then they went into his office and had their meeting. See, I advised Tommy to go in there and clear the air with his Captain. Start off on a fresh note after what had transpired. Clean up all loose ends. He was under the impression that he'd fallen down on the job over the divorce and the other officer having that affair with his wife. Tommy introduced me, and I told the Captain about you being out at SAC and working in a classified setting. You know I wanted to butter him up for Tommy."

I interrupted her.

"You didn't, you know like flirt with this man did you, Girl?"

"Oh, God, no. I know what you're talking about and I didn't do that, expressly did not." She jockeyed back to the doorway to check it.

Lowered her voice: "He's taking a shower, Cully, then he'll pop into bed and wait for me."

"A shower?" Aloud. Christ, here we go, I thought.

"Yes, honey, he has to groom himself. Cully, he's part of our family now. He has to have shower privileges, you goof ball, you. We're going to talk some after I hop in and then it's lights out. No funny business."

"I'm going to lose my in' mind." To-my-self.

"Is that okay, boy?" Brow adorably furrowed.

"Yes, though it'll be a minor miracle if he doesn't have you bent over within 10 minutes of you hopping into that bed with him." Aloud.

"Christ, that's what I'd do if I were him." To-my-self. Then I thought to myself I should just close my bedroom door now, lock it, drop her jammies and bend her over my bed."

But, I didn't.

"Cully, now don't say that, even in jest. I swore to God we'd not do anything sexual tonight until we have our meeting tomorrow and I meant it. So does Tommy. We are adults you know, we do have restraint."

"Bend over, I'll show you in' restraint." Aloud.

That was it. The straw that broke the proverbial camel's back.

"And another thing. Hold on." She broke Rule #1 and closed a door, my bedroom door.

"Cully, I'm going to say this in a most calm and studied way: You're not to utter that bend over epitaph as long as Tommy is living here. I put up with it because it is funny at times and I do appreciate your humor, ribald as it can become, but, if I hear Tommy repeat that saying it will break my heart and I will never forgive you. He is not going to become your bosom buddy in this house. No. You're not going to sit around here and play flinch and watch non-stop television with him. [bend over this. bend over that] No. Tommy is under a lot of stress and so very vulnerable. You need to grasp that reality, Dale, because that is what it is, a stark reality. We're responsible. You and I. We took that responsibly Sunday night and we have to see it thru. And, yes, he and I are in a relationship, an intimate one that you are going to be a part of-you are part of. I want you to be part of it. So does Tommy, but, he is not here for you to pal around with."

She clasped my hands in hers. "Promise me, right now, Cully-boy. I am calling your name."

"Bend over, I'll bosom your in' buddy." To-my-self.

I was on-the-spot. Before it got out-of-hand I went: "I promise, Girl. I won't utter it ever again. I'm sorry, honey. Never again."

"Thank you. I appreciate it. Damn, you're a trial, Cully. I don't have enough on my plate and you start up." Turned loose of my hands.

"I know, I should be ashamed and I am. I'll straighten up and fly right. No more of that nonsense. I promise, youngster." She was lit.

"The old pipe of peace, smoke it with your Cully-boy? Please, Girl. I'm so sorry."

She almost smiled & just like that the proverbial hatchet was buried.
That was a close one.

---------

To be continued.

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

She finished up by telling me she'd shook the Captain's hand using an old trick a fortune teller had sold her when my parents took us to the Ohio State Fair in celebration after she'd accepted my ID bracelet-which meant we were going steady. My dad was taking us down the midway when we came across a Fortune Teller. $5 a pop! That was a lot of money for that era. "Take me, Cully, take me! Please!"

"Here kids." The old man handed me a twenty. "Oh, thank you, Mr. Castleberry. C'mon, Cully, take me! Now!"

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

"I'll be over there, kids." He pointed to a lemonade stand. He'd go from one lemonade stand to the next that day working his way thru the fair. It was interminably humid. Mother had stayed behind in the pavilion to escape the heat, but, mostly to guard the picnic she'd prepared. "You take the children, Cub."

"Yes, mom."

It was a large, gray, soiled tent. "Cully, hold my hand." 1/2 the old man's twenty just to get into the damn concession. Gone. Poof! I had $10 left and that ironically was the cost of the trick. Funny how that worked out.

"You two so young. She your girlfriend?" It was so dark in there. And smelled like a wet blanket. "Speak up, boy!"

"Yes, she is."

"You, girl, you like boy?"

Girl was ready, even at 15. "No. I love him."

"Too young." A wave of the hand. "I look anyway." In a flash she whipped aside a deep burgundy colored babushka to reveal a large crystal ball.

"Sit, sit, hurry. Too young."

Metal folding chairs.

"Long time I see. You long time. Your love, it long time. I see."

"Cully!!!" She squeezed my hand.

"She stubborn." It was not a question. "He stubborn." Again not a question.

"Too young." One more time with the "too young" & I'd get the old man.

"Light gone." The babushka magically reappeared and the crystal ball was out of sight.

"Time up. Hold hand all day, boy. You understand, girl?"

"Yes." We squeezed tighter.

"Thank you, Madame Rue." Almost in unison.

Turned to leave.

"You wait."

Turned.

"You have more?"

Girl went quick: "Yes, Madame Rue. Cully has ten dollars more."

Gone, the whole damn 20. The old man? "Here, here's 20 more. There's always more double-time."

"Thank you, Mr. Castleberry."

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

"C'mon, Cully, buy me a sno-cone, a blue one! Hurry."

The trick was simple, $10 simple: She taught Girl how to shake hands with someone and disturb their skin thru that age old cultural practice. You don't scratch them, nor, draw blood. Just glance the skin with the edge of a finger nail.

"You do right you make wish, you make hex it all come true. No do right, it not come true. It wrong. You practice. You see. Now go. Hold hand all day. Go!"

Girl practiced all the way back up 1-71. Practiced with me, then I fell asleep and she practiced with mother. Mastered it by the next day. You could barely feel it, but, the difference twixt the 2 shakes was there.

"You didn't tell Tommy what you'd done?"

"Noooooo. I'm not stupid. I just shook Captain Howser's hand, hit it right and hexed him to treat Tommy fair and square. And now you see what's happened: He kept his job, the Captain called on him when he needed somebody sharp and we got the drive along."

It was total nonsense, but, I didn't argue. After all she'd gotten her job doing that trick, supposedly. "Cully, there were 16 other girls interviewing for my position."

"How many others smooched the boss?" To-my-self.

There were other examples, so Girl claimed.

"I'll never use it for bad tidings, Mrs. Castleberry." She'd promised during that drive back.

"Yes, sweetheart."

---------

She left me on my first night out of the marital bed with a kiss and a fresh reminder: "Remember your promise, boy." No more bend overs.

Then turned as she neared the closed door.

"Hey, these are the jammies that Tommy bought me that first night at Woolco. I have a green and white pair too. I'll never wear anything else to bed, Cully. I promised him."

"What color panties do you have on under there, Girl?"

"White cotton and they're staying up! Now, good night, sleep tight and don't let them bed bugs bite."

---------

I fell asleep reading my Mad Magazine. I was woken a few hours later by a man bellowing like a wounded grizzly bear.

---------

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

"Now what?" As I hustled to the other end of the trailer I noticed for the first time Tommy's gun belt hung upon the coat rack we had just inside the front door. I was ever so grateful to see his Smith & Wesson .38 in it's holster, 100% secured. Just past the dryer & before the washing machine I could make it out clear. It was Tommy & he was sobbing. It was difficult to make heads nor tales of his complaint, but, the word "gun" came thru awfully clear. I froze and then made a short retreat, backing away from the doorway.

"Tommy, no, honey, no, it's just a nightmare, Tommy. Close your eyes, baby, it's Girl, I'm here, Tommy, I'm here. You are not alone. Girl is here. Just a dream, baby, close your eyes and sleep, angel. You just need sleep. I will not leave you. I'll be here all night. Tommy, it's Girl, yes, it's Girl. I'm here now. I won't leave you again. I promise."

I went back to the kitchen, considered hiding his gun and then returned to my room, and sat on the bed. "Jesus Christ, Dale."

Girl showed up about 20 minutes later.

"Cully, sweetheart. I haven't much time. You heard that, right? Cully, I have to get back down there before he wakes and finds me gone. Please, Cully, get me a cup of tea and bring it down." I tried to query, but, was cut off. "No, boy, no. Tomorrow, not now. Everything is going to be okay. I promise. Tea, please?"

"On it's way. Go."

I made two cups, I didn't know whether he'd be awake or not. Arranged a tray and took it on down. She had Tommy in her arms, softly humming to him. Put her finger to her lips so I'd be quiet and waved me on in. He seemed to be fast asleep, the poor thing. She had him bundled in the blankets. "Put it down here, Cully. Thank you. Oh, just needed the one cup, but, you can leave both in case he wakes."

"Should I go, or, do you need me to stay?" I more or less pantomimed.

"No, go head back down and we'll talk in the morning. He'll be fine. He just needs to rest and sleep. I got him, Cully, but, thank, you. I love you, honey. Thanks so much." Gave me a thumbs up & went back to the hum. Couldn't quite make out what the tune was, but, it did sound somewhat familiar.

The water was still hot so I made myself a cup. Spied the .38 again, but, left it be. The mere thought of holding the GD thing was too much. I'd been cured of guns during a run in with the old man's 20 gauge shotgun when I was 15. But, that's another story for another time during Covid-19.

Back in my new digs I gulped the tea and rolled over. "Danny's Song!" By God, I remembered it. "Anne Murray." I didn't have all the lyrics down pat, but, I had enough and put myself to sleep singing them though "gun" reverberated as well.

(to be continued)

---------

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

_________________________________________________
Morning, Cul,

It's just past eight. You were sleeping so peacefully that we did not want to wake you, darling. Tommy has taken me shopping. Well, to breakfast first, then shopping. He's feeling much better this morning, thank goodness. We started with a prayer upon waking and I believe that heartened both him and I. We included you in our prayer, Cully. I will keep a sharp eye on the youngster and should anything go wrong I'll ring you right off. We'll be back about 1. And we'll leave about 2, or so for the drive-along. Have a good morning.

I love you, Cully-boy.

- Girl

P.S., I know you wouldn't mind so I let Tommy drive us in your car.
_________________________________________________

It'd been Scotch-taped to my door jamb.

Took a look. Sure as it was gone. "How the did they drive off without it waking me?"

"Probably pushed it down the hill and started it at the bottom."

"Christ, if I could've gotten some sleep I would've heard them. How did he recover that quick from a what, a night terror?"

My head felt like it was going to explode. First night in a strange bed, though I knew that bed. It was Girl's childhood bed. It was part of her trousseau. "I must've slept on it wrong."

And wasn't it nice being able to talk to myself out loud again. I'd missed it.

"Their room! Go!" His gun was still there on the hat rack. I started up The Whistler, checked the driveway and made sure the front door was locked.

"Snoopin' time. Leave me all alone will ya's?"

Somebody had made up their bed. The room looked different than when I stayed in it. It was never this & span. Like an ad in a magazine for the cryin' out loud. I checked the waste basket next to her side of the bed for any kind of tissue clean up of naughtiness, but, there was nothing in there to cause alarm. Checked his side of the bed which used to be my side. Nothing in his waste basket. I never even had my own basket. Just piled my refuse on the nightstand and dumped it at overflow.

I wanted to go thru their drawers, but, just didn't have the nerve. "Why don't you?" I demanded an answer of myself.

"I don't know. Leave me be. My head hurts."

I was about to check the bathroom when the Whistler whistled, scaring me half-to-death.

The instant coffee got my blood to boilin'. Checked the driveway and commenced a snoopin' again.

Same with their bathroom. Like a magazine ad. Every freakin' thing in it's place. Though somebody had bathed. "Girl." Just a bit of standing water. "Or somebody's?" There's no way you can get Tommy in that bathtub with her. No way. "They probably tried though." I checked for standing water on the floor, but, it was dry, spotless and dry. I checked the toilet rim for urine spots. Somebody had cleaned mine off and there were no others. "You cleaned those off, remember?"

"Oh, yeah. When I'd cleaned the house."

The damp bathtub meant one thing for certain: "Damn, he's seen her naked."

"Guy, he's already seen her naked. Remember?"

"And more."

"Much more."

Checked the basket in there, but, nothing of interest except an Emory board that still had some life left on it Stuck it the pocket of my pj's. "Waste not, want not, cop."

"The coffee can!!! Oh-my-God, Dale. Go, boy, go!"

I'd left the plastic lid purposely ajar so, I could see (if someone else was around) if the can had been accessed without accessing it in front of them. Thank the Lord the ajar had not been disturbed. I accessed it nonetheless. The gangster wad was still there in all it's glory. Closed it, set a fresh ajar.

Re-read the note for the third time when it dawned on me. She was sitting somewhere having breakfast with a black man. "How's that going to look?"

"Damn, you're wrong! She's counting on you. He's counting on you both and you're worrying about how it looks?"

"I know, I know." Started the Whistler back up.
Dumped 2 teaspoons of coffee into my empty cup.

"I know."

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

She called after 11.

"You're not mad because we took your car are you, boy?"

She was testing me. I had to be careful here because if I got mad it would disappoint her greatly.

"Of course not, honey." Yes, I said that.

"Where is the psycho?" No, I didn't say that.

"Thank you, Cully. It's meant the world to him. It really has. And to me too, boy. That's very kind of you. And he looks so cool driving it."

She never said that about me behind that wheel.
No, she had, I must confess. 3 times in fact.

"Where's he at?"

"Gettin' his hair trimmed. I told him I was going to check on you, make sure you got my note. We ate at Country Kitchen. It was just delicious. I had the corn beef hash. Well, we both did. We got you a surprise from there. You'll see when we get home."

I perked up. "What is it? Is it a piece of their strawberry rhubarb pie?"

"I'm not going to tell you. You'll just have to wait. And we found the cutest top for me to wear on the drive-along. I wanted something new and Tommy said I looked beautiful in it. I tried it on and showed him. He's so generous, boy."

"Lord, help me!" I softly declared aloud after covering the mouthpiece.

"I can't wait to see you, Cully. I've missed you this morning. Well, we'll all be together tonight. I'll have you both to myself. Got to go, baby, here he comes. See you soon. Love ya, boy."

I tried to edge in an (I love you) back but, the line was cut. Probably was picking her up as I looked at the dead phone. "What'd you say?"

"I said: he was probably picking her up in his arms!"

It was difficult to relax in their absence.

No Girl.
No car.
No Tommy.

I couldn't even find solace in the TV. Sat there, dark screen and all

"What if she leaves you for him?" Aloud to that dark screen, my reflection in shadow.

"Oh-my-God." To-my-self.

"Get up and pace. Now!"

I obeyed myself and paced for awhile. Up to their room, back to mine. The panic released about the 6th circuit. Exhausted by both the panic & it's release I sat out on the patio and enjoyed a Black Watch.

"At least you'll get custody of Robert Burns."

"Very funny, lad."

"She's not going to leave you.'

"I need a guarantee."

"I haven't got one for you."

"I know, I know."

I heard it before I saw them. And climbing that one way hill the lawful way that Road Runner looked absolutely spectacular thru that tree line of maples. I'd never seen it that-a-way because I was always driving it.

And Tommy?

"Christ, she's right: he does look cool."

, together, black & white---they looked hot.

(to be continued)

---------

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

I just remained out on the patio. [Hid out there] was more like it. Relit my cigar & portended like I didn't see them drive thru.

"Hey, Cully, we saw you sitting out here as we passed by. We waved, you must not have seen us." She didn't even step down the stairs. Just hopped down.

"Where's Tommy?"

"He's going to take a bit of a nap, Cully, before we leave."

"Is he okay?"

"Yes, he's just a little tuckered. I'm going to lay down with him after I spend a few minutes with my little Cully-boy. Can I sit on your lap?"

"Uh-oh." To-my-self.

"Sure, sweetheart, c'mon." Aloud.

"I missed you this morning. She settled in, all soft and warm."

"Girl, what's the matter?"

"Nothing, Cully. Cully, we didn't do anything serious, but, you know that parking garage at Crossroads Mall?"

"Girl, what happened to my car?"

"Oh, no, it's not that. Is that what you were thinking? Goodness no. It's not your car and I thank you so much for not getting mad about that, Cully. Tommy loves driving it so much. I hope you'll let him drive it again. It would make him so darn happy."

"If it isn't the car, what is it then? And yes, he can drive my car whenever he wants. No problem." Let him do the driving. He looked better sittin' in that driver's seat than I did. I'd either ride shotgun, or, drive his Jeep. I'd make that sacrifice.

"Cully, you're so sweet!" She hugged my neck & kissed my cheek.

"Girl, just spill the beans about the garage for the love of Pete."

She furrowed her brow and told it: "All we did was kiss and hug. Don't get mad now, Cully. It was me. It wasn't him. I wanted to kiss him and I didn't want to do it where we'd be seen, because I know how that bothers you, so, I made him drive into the garage and we kept going higher and higher and higher until we found a level where there were hardly any other cars. It was the level under the top level. No other cars at all, I swear, Cully. I wanted to kiss and hug him. He didn't want to go up there, but, I forced him more or less. Are you mad?"

"Girl, you are a corker."

"I am? You're not mad?"

"No, I'm not mad. How long were you up there?"

"Only about 20 minutes and all we did was kiss and hug. I swear to God. He needs affection, Cully. He's starved for it. And I believe that's why he had that attack last night. He's unsettled and needs to be held closely. When I held him during that attack last night he calmed down, remember? You were there. I hummed to him and he settled right down and fell back asleep, sound asleep. As long as I hummed he slept like a babe in my arms. I need to hold him and I need to hum and sing to him at night. In fact, if it's okay with you I'd like to go in there right now and lay down with him and just calmly talk to him and perhaps sing to him till he falls asleep and has a nap before we leave for that drive-along. Can I go to him now, Cully? He really needs me and no hanky panky, just hugs, not even kisses, just hugs and humming. Please?"

"Girl, you need more sleep too. You're all wound up." 4+ decades on & she still goes like that.

"I know I do, but, I have too much to do with you two guys. I have to take care of you both now. I have two guys instead of just one. I can do it, Cully. I can. I won't let either one of you down. He really needs me, Cully. Okay?"

"Sure, go ahead, I'm going to shower and get ready so you'll have plenty of hot water. You're gonna take another bath?"

"Definitely. I want to look extra special nice tonight. I'm going to wear my new top Tommy bought me. You'll love it, hon." She hopped off, threw me a kiss and was gone.

I re lit & finished my Black Watch.

I wasn't going to look, but, I could hear Girl's voice. She was softly singing. So I edged on down. She held him in her arms again as he slept. She pantomimed her love for me then continued with her song. This one, yes this one I knew by heart. We both did. I'd shown her one time on the The Andy Griffith Show. Before the VCR. "I'll be damned. Girl! Now! Hurry! Remember me telling you about this episode? Watch this, honey-bun:"

"Come to the church by the wildwood
Oh, come to the church in the vale
No spot is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale"

The next time I would hear this tune Tommy's mother would be singing it to me.

(to be continued)

[Thread]

Continued.

---------

The surprise did indeed turn out to be the strawberry rhubarb pie. Absolutely scrumptious, it'd a blown my shorts off if I hadn't held on to them. I wolfed it down as I waited the arrival of the duchess & duke of Bellevue, Nebraska.

He did indeed looked damn impressive in his uniform. As Tommy strapped on his gun belt big mouth Girl, in her gorgeous new top & $100 jeans briefed us on a number of issues:

"Now listen up. I want us to have a good night. This is like our first date as a unit, the nucleus. Let's be extra kind and patient with one another and not talk over one another, Cully. Now, since Cully was so kind as to let you drive, tommy you'll get in the driver's side. I'll get into the back thru Cully's side and then of course Cul will drive in the front passenger seat. Now I want you two to shake hands. That's for good luck." We hesitated.

"Go on!"

We gave in and obeyed, Tommy all smiles.

"Okay, now let us bow our heads and I'll say a short prayer."

"Girllll." Me

"Bow your head!" Girl, crossed herself.

"We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Please protect our new friend tonight, oh, heavenly father. He's a police officer and my husband and I will be traveling with him on his beat. These are two good men, God. True of heart and of sound stock. They are in my charge and I will care for them always. We're a God fearing family, Lord. Please understand our situation, I pray of you. It is unique, Lord, but we believe in you and your almighty power, forever. In your name, Amen."

"Amen." Tommy
"Amen" Me

"Thank you, guys. I feel better now. We'll have a good time and Tommy will be safe. Hurry now, we don't want to be late for our drive-along."

As God was our witness & in broad daylight---2'O'clock of the afternoon we went out that door. Tommy led us, then me, with Girl at the last. I never looked anywhere but straight to the earth.

It was damn weird driving shotgun. But, one look across and it could be nary other way. He would be driver ever more.
Girl took a spot that she would occupy for most of our time together. Edge of the back seat, just about right behind Tommy's right ear.

"Tommy, don't ever go down that hill. It's one-way, the way we came up today. Cully goes down there just to aggravate."

"Should I give him a ticket, baby-Girl?"

"Oh, Tommy, feelin' his oats, eh?" - To-my-self.

"That's a good idea. Teach him a lesson."

Once we cleared the park and got on the road she made sure to initiate some manner of physical connection with the man. Just a touch. A pat on the shoulder. Wet a finger and touch up his hair.

And Tommy? He kept an eye on her in the rear view. Then she found the angle and they played that way ever so softly.

I could see. And it was a terrific turn-on for me.

"Tommy?"

"What sweetheart?"

"Nothing, I just like saying your name out loud."

"Give me a break." To-my-self.

"You look so pretty, baby-Girl."

He'd settled on "baby-Girl" as his go to call for her. And that call would remain throughout our time.

We'd leave the Plymouth at his apartment complex where the cruiser would be left for him. Then we'd simply drop it back off after the shift and drive back in the Plymouth.

"Can I sit in the front with you, Tommy, or, not?" As we pulled in next to the squad car.

"No, I can't do that, angel. I already told you, remember?"

"I know that, but, I want to, Tommy. I won't be able to see sitting in back. I won't tell."

It was like trying to explain to her why I couldn't tell her anything about SAC HQ and working underground there with an TS EBI clearance.

"I'm not going to tell anyone. Just my mother, and she won't say anything. What are doing in there? You're down there a mile down Just tell me. I'm your wife. You're allowed to tell your wife. Don't be selfish, Dale."

"No. I can't do it. I'd lose my clearance, get into trouble, lot's of trouble, Girl."

"You wouldn't a got that clearance if I hadn't lied to that government investigator guy."

"I never told you to lie."

"Baloney. When they came to my house and asked me about our relationship I told them that you were my boyfriend. But, I didn't tell him about you wanting to see it, and you wanting me to touch it. Because you told me not to. I said you were a good boy and that we only kissed twice on prom night when you took me downtown Cleveland to The Theatrical and that we were engaged to be married."

"And another thing, that one investigator was mean. I wouldn't talk to him, so, he switched with the one talking to my dad. He was a lot nicer, even cute. And when I shook his hand I made sure to glance his skin. And you got that EBI clearance, bub, didn't you? Now tell me!"

I finally had to call mother long distance and get her to talk the Looney bird out of nagging me. She finally relented, apologized and didn't bring it up as often.

I'd hope this wasn't going to turn into that.

"How bout I take you shopping again tomorrow and buy you a new hat instead. Okay, baby-Girl?"

"That's so sweet of you, Tommy. Yes, thank you. I can't wait."

He'd never learn, or, maybe he did and his was the wise move after all.

---------

The view from the back seat was a bit marred. A Plexiglas shield covered the entire space twixt front & back seats. Small holes had been drilled with no planned design so one could converse with the officer and so air flow would be enabled. I didn't complain and neither did "new hat Girl."

He passed the waiver papers back thru the opening. "Sign these guys so it's all taken care of." I was shocked when numb nuts didn't make a federal case out of it. She signed, collected mine and slid 'em back thru. "Here you are, sweetheart. You look so cute in your uniform, Tommy."

And once again they found one another in the rear view mirror. And once again I found it incredibly adorable.

Got on the two way radio and set up communication with the dispatcher. A girl named Joyce. Girl didn't like that---I could tell right off. Just a change in body language. Joyce had a sexy voice. And of course I built a woman to that voice in my gourd as Tommy conducted his shift that day turned into night. Well, half-his-shift anyway. I learned quickly that Girl wanted no other woman close to Tommy. And Tommy? The same thing. I was fine, no problem whatsoever. No grudge. No bitterness. Total acceptance, even love/we were, in the end, brothers of the same mother. & Katie-Girl was the daughter "mama" had never had till her.

As Tommy & Girl would play in his ancestral bedroom, preserved by parents for their only child, him tossing her onto his bed then tickling her adorably. "You're tickling too hard, I'm going to pee my pants, Tommy!" Then laugh with glee. "Toss me again, Tommy!"

Mama and I could hear them at play as she fed me and we'd talk about the old days of her Omaha & of my beloved Cleveland over fresh brewed coffee.

"My boy is a good boy, Cully, but, he is not a saint."
"He doesn't have to be a saint, mama. They love one another."
"Yes, they do, son. And she loves you, Cully, with all of her heart."

(to be continued)

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[Thread]

Continued.

---------

On the first traffic stop Girl put her foot down before anything got writ:

"Tommy?"

"What, baby? She leaned forward and spoke right into a gaggle of drilled holes: "Don't give them a ticket. Just give them a warning. I don't want you to give them a ticket. I don't want them to have to pay money." They locked in the rear view. "For me, Tommy, for Katie-Girl?"

He lined right up. "Sure, Baby-girl, just the warning."

"Thank you, darling." Collected his accouterments and walked to the lucky schnook's car.

"Girl, you can't do that. He's a professional. It's his job. That's wrong."

"Malarkey. He said okay, didn't he?"

Lowered her voice to a whisper (like Joyce could hear us): "I don't like that Joyce woman, do you?"

I nipped it. "Girl, nothing is going on and you know it. He's totally devoted to you."

And he was, we'd go out together, the three of us. Never, ever did I see that man ogle other women, not-one-time. I had to quit doing it because I was embarrassed that he didn't and I felt an ass doing it in his presence, much less hers. And he never admonished me before I quit. He didn't scoff, or shake his head, or, cast me down. He led by example. He never did anything behind Girl's back that he wouldn't do to her face. I had to quit doing that because he didn't do it. I'd a stood out like sore thumb if I hadn't. He was devoted to Girl and Girl to him. There was no extracurricular smooching during the Year of Tommy. It was Tommy, Girl, and me, and nobody elsePERIOD

Well, mama of course, but, that was it.

---------

We spent Tommy shift handing out warnings. And he did not get out of that cruiser without a reminder. Even just a look in the rear view twixt 'em. He'd go to get out, she'd scoot up and laser lock him thru the rear view. It was incredible.

But, it was lots of fun. Tommy entertained us with more stories of the road, of his childhood there in the north of Omaha, of his late father. Tommy was bigger than life.

The sun had failed the sky as along about 8:30 Tommy pulled it over. "How bout lunch, well dinner as it were? I'm ready for a cheeseburger myself. I'm buyin'. Cully?"

I was starvin'. "Count me in."

"Baby-girl?"

"No."

(to be continued)

[clambake]

You aren’t servicing your master

I’m gonna tell

[Thread]

(Continued)

---------

"Tommy, is there a place that we could go to that would be private, where we wouldn't be seen nor discovered? You're on luncheon, correct?"

"Uh, oh." To-my-self. My starving state immediately abated.

They spoke thru that rear view mirror. And thru that same view I'd seen him turn ashen-faced.

"Sure, I have a spot where I set sometimes, take a snooze during my lunch break, or, fill out paper work, if it's slow like tonight. We could go there. Less than 5 minutes off. Girl, would that do?"

"Yes. Please take us there, Tommy."

She settled back with me & clasped my left hand in her right. Hers was soft & warm.

"Are you okay, Girl?" Like a whisper. I didn't want to raise the alarm if it were not necessary.

"Yes, Cully, I just need to speak to you both. And now is the time." She brushed my cheek with her lips.

Tommy checked out for lunch thru Joyce, pulled out, made a couple of turns & twists and I was totally lost. If I'd a had to walk out of there I'd still be wandering around."

---------

Upon arrival:

"May I sit up front, Tommy?" This final, successful attempt was made thru the au es of the rear view.

He didn't even say "yes". Just released her door thru some remote capability up front. A blunt knock was heard.

"C'mon, baby-Girl."

He & I never said a word to one another as Girl made her way around the back of that cruiser & got in.

The little ens went right off: "I know I said we'd sit and talk about certain intimate matters, guidelines and such. I just think this is a most opportune time for that. I have some plans for us this evening here, and even more for when you're off duty and we're once again back in our home. There our privacy is assured and we can be together in an uninhibited manner. That is the way I want to be with you both, uninhibited."

She faced him & took his hands into hers. I stealthily moved up to seat's edge right behind Girl's left ear.

Without breaking LOS with him she addressed me: "Cully, can you hear me?"

I could now. "Yes." Though I felt the loser sitting back there all by myself.

"When we do return tonight I want us to be together in bed. I want to receive each of you and while being ed I want the other to kiss me, deeply, soulfully, to be in no hurry whatsoever."

I don't believe he'd ever been around a female who was as comfortable with the f-word as Girl."

When we'd argue, and we argued often in those days we both used the term to great advantage. Then upon making up we'd use it again to great advantage:

" you, Cully."
---------
" me, Cully-boy."

"I've told Cully about our time together at your apartment. Yes, some of it. But, that was between you and I, Tommy. Cully was not there. He will be tonight. I want him to be. I want him to be close to us, to me especially. I want to feel his heart beat when you me. I want to see in his eyes when you ejaculate inside me, Tommy."

"Oh, Christ." To-my-self as I eased on back from seat's edge.

"You each have expectations of me. But, I have expectations of you Tommy and of my husband. This cannot be about your wants and needs and desires only. I too have those. I too matter. I want that to be acknowledged tonight here, or there in our bedroom."

She was getting her Helen Reddy on. We'd went to one of her concerts at the Civic Center. "Hear me roar, boy!" On the drive back. "No, seriously, I want you to hear me, Cul." I heard her alright, bent her right on over as soon as we got inside the door. "No, Cully, no! I'm not bending over tonight. Let's shower together and do this in a loving manner." She ended up on top of course. And I was no worse for the wear.

"C'mon, Delta Dawn."

"Damn right, I am the prettiest girl you've ever laid eyes on."

---------

"I will always be there for you two. I'm not going to withhold my body to you as some sort of bounty to be dealt upon for favor. No, that will not happen."

A new leaf.

"And I'll expect each us to dedicate their life to the other. No drinks after work with the girls. No *NCO Club, Cully, and no off duty time spent with anyone but, us, Tommy."

*I only went to the NCO Club when they placed a Space Odyssey pinball machine in there. I took root and kicked it's ass up so high they pulled it out & put a cigarette machine in it's place. I went AWOL and will never return unless Space Odyssey returns.

---------

He tried to cut in, but, she stopped him and got down to brass tacks, right-down-to-it:

"Wait, please, Tommy. Can you be with me with my husband watching, Tommy? With me telling him everything? Our most intimate details? Even our secrets, Tommy?"

It was finally his turn:

He'd begun to cry. I slid and put my back against that seat.

"Yes. I don't care, Girl. I don't care. Culburn, I love your wife. I love Girl. I have since that first night when we prayed together. I love her. It does not matter, I just have to be close to her. I'll never hurt you, Culburn and I'll never stop loving you, Girl. Please, Girl. Please."

"Don't cry, Tommy. It will be alright, Tommy-boy." She slid closer & held him.

Being around Girl for a length of time one cried. It was part of the package. She cried. I cried. Now, Tommy cried. + he'd been thru the of a suicide attempt so he was susceptible from the get-go.

"No, little Tommy-boy, don't cry, your Katie-Girl is here." Just a smidgen of baby talk to ease his agony. Always eased mine.

And of course she had the requisite Kleenex in her purse. That was a staple for Girl.

As she helped him dry his tears and her own she got around to me. Right-down-to-it:

"Cully, I'll ask you the same question. These questions must be asked. Now is the time."

I scooted back up. She tended him as she went forth:

"Are you going to be able to bear witness and accept my coupling with Tommy? We will be joined physically and mentally. Do you understand that, boy? I don't want you to run off in a fright, carrying on in that house. You want this? It will be as close as you and I have been. As close as I can be with him. I want to be close to him, Cully. I want you there because you desire to be there and because I love you. I am doing this for you and for me and for Tommy. For all of us. Now is the time. But, we must all agree, or, it's just ing and running and upheaval without end, just madness. I don't want this to be that. We can be better that. I know we can."

I just waited as she put it out there. I didn't try and interrupt. She'd get to me on the by-&-by.

"Cully, I'm calling your name."

I felt light headed. Christ, I needed to eat. My stomach thought my throat had been cut. I needed that promised cheeseburger and a chocolate shake/not too thick. I knew the place Sergeant Gentile was most likely going to take us to & it was to die for.

And I wasn't sure that night, not as sure as the two in the front seat of that cruiser were. The one like me is never sure for any appreciable length of time. The moment of absolute certainty does never arrive. Ever. It ebbs and flows, teasing and tormenting. But, I wasn't going to walk a way from this charter moment, this one, this opportunity. And I was selflessly thinking of him if I didn't make it unanimous. I really did, honestly. There was no way I could do that to Tommy. No- ing-way. And it had nothing to do with his suicide attempt, or, very little, maybe more, yes, more. I, like Girl wasn't sure he'd live if I didn't make it 3-for-3. I knew there'd be misery and doubt and panic and levels of pleasure unimaginable coupled with moments where'd I curse and enjoy the terror that was on-it's-way. Nothing could stop it. And that I have learned. So, I turned all my cards face up. And it began.

"Yes, Girl. And Tommy, I want to see, to see Girl with you. And I too will never hurt you, Tommy. I will guard you. Girl, I'll stay the course, I swear it. They'll be no running amok in the house, nor anywhere else. I will not renege. I will not break your hearts. Please believe me, Katie-Girl. Please."

Now, I'd begun to tear up. She placed her left palm upon that scratched & holed plate of Plexiglas. "I love you, boy." Her tears cresting once again.

I covered it with my right. "I love you, baby."

We left them there for the length of time it took Tommy to obey his baby-girl's directive."

"It is done. We will make the start. It will begin. We will begin. And we will begin here and now, tonight. Tommy, darling, take your gun belt off and come to this side of the cruiser. Come, Tommy, come to Katie-Girl."

(to be continued)