Poppy's Pride

Shrugg It Off

"Good morning, Beautiful.  I hope you slept well."  Seth glides his finger across her forehead, sweeping the hair from her eyes.
    "Good morning, Handsome."  She Grins.
    "I didn't sleep well, but I am waking up well."
    He laughed.  "Oh?  How is that?"  She snuggles beside him and runs her fingers through his chest hair.
    "I am waking up with the most extraordinary man I've ever known."  He kisses the top of her head.
    "I appreciate the compliment."  She throws her arm over his chest.
    "Umm... can we stay like this for the rest of the day?"
    He frowns.  "Unfortunately, I have some business to take care of this morning.  I just bought a real estate brokerage, and I must sign the papers today.  Jake will be here soon to stay with you."
    She quickly sits up.  "Doesn't he have to work, too?"
    He laughed.  "He will be working.  He oversees your case.  Part of that is making sure you don't get kidnapped again."
    She pokes out her bottom lip and furrows her brow.  "Oh, Poppy, please do not do that."
    "Do what?"  He takes off his underwear and playfully pushes her back onto the mattress.  "Look so absolutely adorable."  They kiss as he unbuttons the dress shirt he gave her to wear.  His hands delicately massage her breasts.  Her nipples spring to life in response to his touch.  She moans softly as his hands travel down her torso to her supple thighs.  He finds her love button and lightly presses with his thumb as he plunges his index finger inside her.  Her heavy breathing lets him know she's coming.  He rotates her clitoris with his thumb until she lifts her bottom above the mattress and lets out a long ecstatic cry.  He carefully rolls on top of her being careful not to press all of his weight and enters her wet vagina.  He moves her legs onto his shoulders allowing his penis to go deeper.  She digs her nails into his tight buttocks with every thrust.  She screams with intoxicating passion.  She breathlessly moans as she runs her fingers through his soft hair.  Just as she is about to come, he slows the pace.  He brings her legs down and pulls her close.  Kissing her neck while rocking his penis back and forth inside her.  No longer able to hold back, his motions accelerate until they both explode into a harmony of moans followed by a sea of satisfaction.  His penis rests inside her as they hold each other and softly drift to sleep.
The Beethoven bell plays "Moonlight Sonata."  Seth jumps up and throws his shorts on.  Lord, his body is amazing.  He locks the door behind him and heads down the hallway.  I hear the echo of two male voices approaching the door.  She hops out of the bed and puts her shirt on then grabs a pair of sweats from the dresser.  She hears Seth's keys clink against the door handle.
    "Good morning, Li'l Sis."  He said.
    She smiled.  "Good morning."  She said.
    "I guess you and I are hanging out today."  He said as she giggled.
    "I guess that means we'll be playing gin rummy, and I'll be kicking your butt all over the place."  She said.
    His expression turns serious.  "Actually, we are taking a road trip today."
    Her eyes light up.  "Great.  I feel like it's been eons since I've been outside."
    "Seth said you need more clothes.  So, we're going to S. T.'s.  But then we have another stop to make you're not going to like."
    Puzzled, she asks, "Where would that be?"
    He hesitates for a moment.  "We are going to have a chat with Max."
    Glaring angrily, she said, "Is taking me shopping a bribe? I mean, iss that absolutely necessary?  Hasn't he caused enough grief?"
    Jakes sits next to her on the bed.  "Poppy, we have questioned Max on numerous occasions, but he said he won't talk unless it's with you."
    She balls her hands into a fist. "Why does it always come down to me?  I'm tired of these narcissistic bastards toying with me.  I am not a plaything."  She shouted.
    "I'm sorry, Li'l Sis.  I know you are strong, and you can manage it.  If I didn't think so, we wouldn't be going."
    She crosses her arms.  "Then, as far as you know I am a wimp."
    He chuckled then softens his expression.  "Come on, Poppy.  You and I both know that isn't true nor would you want anyone to believe that."
    "Yes, but that doesn't mean I want to go out into a tornado just to see what it's like."  Seth and Jake laugh.  She rolls her eyes.
    "Poppy, I would not ask if I didn't think it would help." He said.
    "Help with what?  He's got people crawling out of the depths of high school hell to kill me, what good will me talking with him, do?" She snapped.
    "My team needs to know who else might come after you so we can be one step ahead.  Come on, Li'l Sis.  I swear this is the only time you will have to face him."  She closes her eyes and falls back on the mattress.
I knew it was too good to be true.  Poor Seth.  He's gonna have a stroke before he's thirty.  The look on his face told me he didn't want me to go, but if I am ever going to have a normal life... Ugh. "All right, Big Bro.  What do I need to do?"  Any moment now, my heart will jump out of my chest and I'll be screaming down the street trying to catch it.
"Seth, do you really have to go?"  Poppy asked, with sad eyes.
    "Sorry, Gorgeous.  I have a business to buy and papers to sign."  She pouts her lip and looks up at him.  "As adorable as you are, I do not have time. Are you getting spoiled already?"  He asked and she smiled.
    "No, I just..."  He takes both of her hands in his.
    "My Greatest Love, I do not want you to face Max again - ever.  Yet, I understand what must be and I believe you are strong enough to get the job done.  If it brings us that much closer to being regular, every-day people I will be humble and let fate be my driver."
    She throws her arms around him and plants kisses all around his face.  Then, she kisses him and grazes his bottom lip with her teeth.  His wanton eyes tell her all she needs to know.
    "Poppy, I must go.  I know you will accomplish greatness today."
    He turns to Jake.  "Take exceptional care of her - promise me."
    "Seth, you are not the only person in this room who cares about her.  She will be fine.  I have arranged for backup to meet me at S. T.'s.  I've got everything covered."  Jake assured him.
    Seth lets out a sigh.  "I'm sorry, Jake.  It's just the last time she disappeared; it was my fault.  I will feel responsible if something happens again."
    "Seth, the whole Aden thing was not your fault.  This place is like a fortress.  There is no way the average criminal is getting in here.  Because you and Aden were band mates, he had prior knowledge of the layout of this place.  So, stop blaming yourself.  I swear on my badge, I will bring her back safely, okay?"  He nods.  "Now, go before you are late."
    He kisses Poppy once more and runs toward the exit.
    "Hey, Li'l Sis.  Can you show me to the men's room in this place?"
    "There is a bathroom just across the hall.  And, while you're doing that, I'll get changed." Poppy said.
    "Good idea."  He said.
    As he turned to go, she asked, "Lock the door behind you, please."
    "You got it, Li'l Sis."  He said as he pushed the button in.
    She opens the closet and pulls out a pair of cotton capris and an emerald tunic.  She grabs a pair of espadrilles in eggshell and a wide-brimmed hat.  She dresses and throws her hair in a ponytail.  She slips on her sandals, puts on her hat and opens the door.  Jake is patiently waiting for her across the hall.
    "Are we ready?"  He smirked.
    "Yes.  Which are we doing first going to see Max or shopping?"  She asked.
    He scratches his beard.  "Which would you prefer?"
    Without hesitation she said, "I prefer jail first then shopping. A new outfit might help me rise from the ashes of Max-Hell."
    He nods.  "Great idea, Li'l Sis." Jake laughed.
    They leave out the front door and get into Jake's squad car.  As they get hit the freeway, she quietly counts the cars speeding past.  Lord, what do you have in store for me?  I don't know how much more my shattered heart can manage.
    Jake pulls the squad car to the gate and shows the guard his badge.  The guard writes his badge number on a form.  "Thank you, Officer Frare.  Please sign here."  He hands Jake a clipboard.  Jake makes two, swift, pen strokes and returns the clipboard.  He drives ahead and parks near the main entrance.
    We enter an office with a tall counter and dozens of cubicles.  All the officers are wearing a uniform identical to Jake's.
    "Good morning, Rita.  I am here to see my brother, and I've brought a guest with me.  Rita, I would like you to meet Miss Poppy Pride."  Jake said proudly.
    Her glowing, caramel skin blended with the scent of cocoa butter reminds Poppy of afternoon ocean waves washing over sand during a high tide.  Rita's smile is warm and bright like sunshine.
    "I'm so glade to fonally meet ya, Miss Poppy.  Officer Fa'rare has say'ed so much 'bout ya."  She smiles.
    "It's nice to meet you.  I love your accent where you from?" Poppy asked.
    "Thay'nk ya, Miss.  I'm from Al'bama." Rita said.
    "Oh, it's beautiful there.  I've seen amazing coastline down there." She replied.
    "Oh, Yays, Miss.  What ya do fo' werk?" Rita asked.
    "I'm a...  I was a photographer.  I've traveled the world taking photos of lakes, oceans and rivers."
    Rita's eyes are alight with excitement.  "Oh, I'd luv to see yer pitchers, Miss."
    "I will have Jake bring some to you."  Poppy promised.
    She jumps with giddiness.  "Thay'nk ya, Miss.  I shawl apperciate it."
    "No problem, Rita.  I'm happy to do it."  Poppy smiled.
    Jake looks down at her, his hazel eyes stern.  "Can we go now, Li'l Sis?"
    She grins.  "Yes Sir, Officer Frare."  He laughed.
    "Hope to see y'all agin."  Rita shouts as we turn to go.
    They reach a door made of steel bars.  An officer standing guard checks Jake's badge number then slides the door open.  As they walk toward the visiting room, the pungent odor of blood, sweat and gun oil makes Poppy's stomach turn.
    "Are you okay?  You look a little ill."  Jake said, concerned.
    She looks up at him.  "I'll be fine, just a new scent for a new memory."  She said.
    "I take it you have never been in a prison before."  He chuckled.
    She crosses her arms.  "No.  I would never want to either."
    "Good.  Then, I don't have to worry about ever using these on you."  He points to his handcuffs.
    I might want to borrow them for the bedroom, though. 
    "Okay, Li'l Sis, here we are.  You ready?" He asked.
Five...Four...Three...Two...One.  Deep breath in, exhale.  "Yes."  Poppy said as she sees Max sitting behind a wall made of bulletproof glass.
    There are metal slats separating a section for each visitor.  Behind the glass, there is a long metal bench.  There are phone receivers connected to a metal cable that hang on a hook, so the prisoners are better able to hear their visitor over the din reverberating throughout the dingy, cement room.  Slate gray walls give the place a gloomy atmosphere.
    "Poppy, I will go talk to him first and when he is ready, I will gesture for you to come over."  Jake informed her.
    "Okay."  She said, a little nervous.
    Poppy looks around at the somber faces of the children.  I wonder what they think about this place.  She sees mothers crying, wishing they could embrace their sons or husbands behind the glass cases.  Her heart is heavy.  She feels empathy for the families whose quality time with their loved ones is to a sardine can.
    "Poppy."  Jake called. She looks at Jake as he waves for her to join him.
    She takes small steps.  Five...Four...Three...Two...One.  Breathe, Poppy, breathe.
    She approaches the sardine can.  Jake takes her hand.  She trembles as she picks up the receiver from its corroded metal holder.
    "Hiya, Poppy."  Max said in his smoker-gruff voice.  It's good seein' yer emer'd eyes.  How you be?"
    "Terrific.  Great, in fact.  How they treating you in here?"  She asked, pretending to care.
    "Welp, sum days good, sum ain't so good.  Sum days I ain't beat or shanked,  sum days I enjoy's a good beatin'.  Food 'ere ain't too good."  He said.
    "Jake said you had something you wanted to talk about."  She said, keeping on task.
    "Yup.  Got a couple hits on ya.  I's told one of 'em found ya .  Po' sap.  Told 'im I was funnin'.  But, he went and got feelings.  I ain't no feelin's kinda guy.  As I's sayin', got a couple hits on ya.  One of 'em's 'ere.  Other one... welp, ya betta grow eyes behind ya with 'er." He laughed.
    "Her?"  Poppy asked, raising an eyebrow.
    "Seen 'er few days back.  Told her I ain't wantin' ya 'urt no more, but she blames ya for me bein' 'ere."  He confessed.
    "Max, can I ask you something."  Poppy said, straightening her posture.
    "O' course." He replied.
    "What reason do you have to kill me?  What did I ever do, outside of getting drugged and raped, to deserve death?"  He leans his elbow on the tiny, metal ledge above his stool.  He scratches behind his ear then smells his fingers. Gross.
    "Welp, I'm a put it like this.  I firs' got to the clink, I's  angry.  I dial'd up my buds and asked 'em to kill ya.  Then, I figger I's here 'cause I's doin' wrong and got caught, so I's not angry no mo'. .  But, them's wanna kill ya wouldn't back off ev'n when I told 'em to."
    She glares at him.  Her thoughts race.  Her deliberate breathing tames her mind.  "Max, I am gonna be straight with you.  You shredded my dignity, my grace, and my hope.  You chained me to your bed like a dog.  If Jake hadn't found me, I'd be dead.  But even after the beatings, starvation, slamming me face-first onto a slab of asphalt, I didn't hate you.  I hated what you did, and I was sad because you needed help and didn't have the means.  My work and intense therapy helped me process my anger and emotions, allowing my heart to forgive you for what you did. Yet, now get  to deal with the remnants of you and the torture I endured.  And yes, I've had a couple run-ins with your rat corpse, gay lover - Aden.  He kidnapped me and tried to drag me out back and shoot me like a lame horse so he can have you all to himself.  Now, you tell me one of your whorelets wants me dead.  Max, if you have a heart, give me my life back.  That is all I ever wanted.  After everything you did to me, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
    He lowers his head and strokes his greasy fingers through his hair.  "Poppy, I ken jus' say I'm sorry fer how I did ya.  I ken talk to her, t'ain't gonna do nuttin'.  She artta be splashin' with the loons, if ya git my meanin'.  Thank yer lucky stars ya got Jake.  I don't wan' see nuttin' bad happen t'ya.  I's seent th'era of my ways.  I'm a git yer pitchas back from Ad'n, and I'm a help my bro when I ken, but I ain't full o' promisin' nuttin'." He confessed.
    "Thank you, Max.  Listen, I never hated you.  Somehow, I knew you always had it rough.  I hated the things you did, the way you acted and the unrepeatable things you said.  - but I never hated you.  I truly forgive you for what you did, and I hope you are getting therapy and support while you're here."  She said, softly.
    He smiles at her with tears in his eyes.  "I'm a fix this.  Ev'nif I's die tryin'."
    She smiles.  "Max, I don't want you to fix it.  I'm glad you told me.  And I deeply appreciate the apology, it means the world to me."  He hangs up the receiver and walks away.
    Jake grimaces as if puzzled.  "Jake, what is it?"  Poppy asked.
    He shakes his head.  "How is it that my brother, the man who beat, raped and almost killed you leaves crying?"
    Gaping, she asked, "You didn't eavesdrop?"
    "Why would I?"  He said.
    "I thought you wanted to know who has a target on my back."  She scowled.
    He grins.  "If you want my help, I'm sure you'll tell me what I need to know."
    "Unfortunately, he didn't tell me her name."  I said.
    I suddenly feel lighter than air.  The heaviness in my chest - gone.  If I can get through this next challenge without dying, I know things will be all right.
Jake holds out his arm.  "Are you ready to shop, Miss Pride?"
    She giggles.  "Yes Sir, Officer Frare."
    "You silly woman.  I'm so glad you're my Li'l Sis." He said.
    Jake pulls the squad car into the parking lot.  He smirked and said, "I can park next to the door if you like."
    "You mean over there."  She points toward the door.  "Next to Seth's Ferrari?"  They both laughed. "Can't you give him a ticket for that?"
    "Not if he has permission by the owner, which I am sure he does."
    She crosses her arms.  "What on earth is he doing here anyway?"
    Jakes shrugs his shoulders. "Let us find out."
    She grabs Jake's arm and they saunter into S. T.'s Department Store.  Poppy spots Seth standing at the perfume counter.  She sneaks up behind him and runs her finger down his back.  He stands stock still but continues his conversation.  The lady at the counter is unsure if Poppy is a wanted harasser.  Again, she slowly runs her finger down his back.
    He whispers to the salesperson, "Would you excuse me for one second?"
    He quickly turns and hugs her.  She slumps her shoulders.  "Aww.  You knew it was me."
    He smiles.  "Of course, I did.  I would know those fingernails anywhere."  He laughed as her face goes from pale to hot crimson.
    "What are you doing here?  I thought you were working."  Poppy asked, catching a glint in his eye.
    "I finished up early and decided to meet you here."  He grinned.
    She places her hands upon her hips and smirks.  "I saw that look, Seth Tutman, you are up to some kind of mischief."
    He moves his mouth to one side.  "Hmm... You think you know me that well, huh?"
    "Yes.  I can prove it." She states, matter of factly.
    "Oh?"  He smirked.
    She grins and skips over to the counter.  Seth watches her lean over the glass display where they keep the Women's perfumes.  She covers her mouth and whispers something to the sales clerk.  They giggle as Poppy skips back over to Seth.
    He folds his arms.  "What was that all about?"
    She rolls her eyes with a smile.  "Oh, you'll see."
    Seth walks over to Jake and shakes his hand.  "Thank you for taking care of her."  He laughed.
    "She's a big girl and can take of herself.  I was just on the lookout for the bad guys."  He blushes.
    "You know what I meant, Jake."  Seth said.
    "Yeah, I was just kidding.  Anything for my Li'l Sis." He smiled.
    "One day you'll have to tell me the whole story about this relationship between the two of you."
    Jake stands at attention, then leans forward.  "If you turn out to be one of the good guys when this case is over, I will tell you over a beer."
    Seth nodded and said, "We are going to the ladies department.  You are invited to join us if you like."
    Jake makes a call on his radio then catches up to Poppy and Seth.  "Poppy, have you told Seth how it went with Max this morning."
    At that moment, Poppy gave him a hard stare.  If the look of death existed, I'm sure he'd collapse right now.
    Jake holds his hands out and shrugs his shoulders.  "What did I say?"  Poppy ignores him and keeps walking.  Seth takes her arm.
    "You seem in good spirits; I am assuming things went well?"
    She gives him a half-smile.  "Can we talk about it later?"
    He nods.  Poppy looks at the jeans while the two men keep watch.  She grabs several pairs and heads to the dressing rooms.
    Seth runs up behind her.  "I'm coming in with you."
    "Seth you can't be serious."  She laughed.
    "I am serious, Poppy.  I am not taking any chances."  He declared.
    She takes a step back.  "Oh.  All right, then."
    He follows her into the dressing room while Jake stands guard outside.  "This dressing room is as big as my..."
    As she looks in the mirror, she sees her.  Poppy yanks Seth's arm so he is looking into the mirror, too.  They walk backwards out of the dressing room, clueing Jake that something is wrong.  Jake radios for backup and enters the dressing room.  Jake walks out of the dressing room.
    Poppy and Seth shout, "Jake, behind you."  A gun goes off and, Jake collapses to the ground.  The shooter appears and steps on Jake as she spots Poppy across the store.
    Stacy Shrugg is five-feet, four-inches of pure hatred.  Her blonde hair is ash gray because she failed to introduce it to a shampoo bottle.  Her face and body are covered with magic marker, ball-point pen, henna and Indian ink.  Her teeth - what's left of them - slant to the left and right.  The rumor at school was that she snorted cocaine daily and eight-balls on the weekend.  Her knees and elbows resemble bricks of charcoal after they've cooked a steak dinner.  She was mean to everyone.  So mean, in fact, she snapped a Doberman's neck because it barked at her.  She walked, talked, smelled and chewed tobacco like a man.  Her father taught her how to hunt, fish and kill a man or anyone that stood in her way.  At this moment, she has Poppy in her sights and runs straight for her.  Stacy chases her through the store and out into the mall.  Poppy sprints taking quick glances to gauge the distance between them.  Stacy taunts her from behind.  She shoots bullets at Poppy's feet.  The ricochet just misses a young girl and her mother.

    Poppy screams, "Everyone get down."

    Patrons begin ducking beneath chairs, hiding behind statues even squeezing between hanging merchandise to keep out of sight.  Stacy begins to run out of breath and stops.  Poppy seizes the opportunity to crouch beneath a staircase to get behind her.  Stacy looks around and starts running again.  Poppy runs into the sporting goods store, yanks a leg from one of the male mannequins and takes off after Stacy.  Each time Stacy takes a break, Poppy wedges herself in one of the store entrances inching closer, making her predator the prey. She pokes her head out just enough to keep an on eye Stacy.  When Poppy sees her start to run, she follows.  Stacy sits atop one of the brick planters.  Poppy is only two steps behind.  She sneaks two steps ahead inside a narrow corridor and waits for her opportunity.  She peeks around the corner and sees Stacy running toward her.  Poppy swings the heavy, plastic leg and hits Stacy in the head knocking her to the ground.  Stacy's gun slides across the floor and Poppy grabs it.      Mall security comes running out and puts Stacy in handcuffs.  Poppy takes the gun and runs back to S. T.'s department store to check on Jake.  She slowly pulls back the hammer and tucks the gun inside her jeans. She sprints back to the fitting rooms.  An ambulance has arrived and a couple of EMT's are wheeling Jake on a gurney out of the store.  She catches up with the emergency techs.  Her throat is dry and she is out of breath.  "Is... is... is he..."
    A female in uniform smiles at her.  "He will be just fine."
    "Where..." Poppy grimaced.
    "He will be at St. Fjord's."
    "Thank..."  Poppy leans forward trying to catch her breath.
    "Hello again, you piece of shit."  Aden looks at her.
    His face is contorted like Harvey Dent.  His mouth is open and drool is dribbling onto the floor.
    Poppy scowls at him, "Who let you out of the cage, Rat Corpse?"
    "How dare you get Max pissed at me.  You will never see those stupid pictures again."
    He lunges forward as if he plans to chase her.  His sinister laugh is a cross between Pee-Wee Herman and the Penguin.  He inches closer.  She is alone.  He keeps moving toward her.  He finally stops just 10 paces before they are face to face.  They both pull out a gun and shoot.  Each one collapses to the floor.