Blood Street

Blood Street Chapter 10

Chapter X

For the second time this week, Alexei sat in the audience watching the musical 42nd Street. He came back because of the spellbinding play of the flute player in the orchestra. He had long been a fan of the arts and had seen plays in dozens of cities. His ears were so keen that he could pick out the sounds of individual instruments within an orchestra. 

Alexei worked his way back stage using his charm. These mortals couldn't resist him. He chatted with several performers, then asked where he could find members of the orchestra. 

He found her near the rear exit to the theater, a bottle of water in hand, talking to a trumpet player. The trumpet player's musical abilities were not so impressive, but he had a soft spot for all practitioners of the arts. He worked his way into the conversation. 

The woman was a fiery, red head named Denise McKenna. Her skin was fair and lightly freckled. She spoke softly and possessed a quick wit. Alexei could tell she was passionate, but careful with whom she let into her world. 

The trumpet player had a baby face. He was probably close to thirty, but appeared more like twenty. His name was Troy and he was a native of Philadelphia. 

Their conversation lingered, as members of the cast and crew exited. In the middle of Alexei's story about some time he spent in Mongolia, a security guard told them the building was closing down and everyone had to leave. 

Troy smiled. "Let's go back to my place." 

They took a cab to Troy's apartment. They conversed and drank coffee until the early hours of the morning. "I have enjoyed your company immensely, but I fear I must depart. Perhaps we could meet again tomorrow night." 

Denise had a look of desire, as if the last thing she wanted was for Alexei to leave. "We have a matinee performance. Maybe you can come by after the show." 

Alexei smiled. "I'm afraid I'll be occupied. How about after the Thursday evening show." 

"That'll be great," Denise said. "I look forward to seeing you again." 

He left them each with a kiss on the forehead. 

He met Denise after the Thursday show. Troy was ill and did not make the performance. 

"Would you like to take a boat ride on the Delaware?" Alexei asked. 

"I'd love to." 

"Great, bring your flute." Alexei thought at that moment she would have loved to peel potatoes with him. He commandeered a luxury boat on Pier fifty-three off of Delaware Avenue. He told her it was his, but he had no idea who actually owned it. 

Even though he hadn't sailed a boat in some time, it did not take him long to figure out its inner workings. He still preferred sailing to flying. It was difficult to find flights that entirely traveled in darkness. 

As Alexei sailed down the river, Denise played her flute. He felt at peace as the melody bounced off the walls of the ship and onto the water. He leaned back against the cushion of the captain's seat and watched the soft moonlight glisten off her face. 

When Denise finished, he held her in his strong arms as if she were a child. Her eyes beckoned for him to give his sweet embrace. 

"Take me now," she said. 

He kissed her. "Patience, my precious. When the time is right, I'll give you such intense pleasure you won't be able to handle it." 

She leaned her head onto his chest. Within minutes she was asleep. Alexei carried her to a cot in the lower deck of the ship. He then sailed the boat back to the dock.