Speak Easy to Me

Chapter 5

Iwoke up in the morning giddier than I had ever been. I didn’t know what it was about Emmett that gave me butterflies, but every time I was around him the fluttering in my stomach would come.

I had not gotten dressed, just thrown a robe on and made my way down to the dining room for breakfast. I wasn’t sure how breakfast worked around here, but the smell of food had coaxed me from the solitude of my bedroom.

My Uncle Lon was nowhere to be found, which I can’t lie, was a relief to me. I followed my nose to the immaculately set wooden table. It had been transformed from the other night, not as daunting or intimidating when Uncle Lon wasn’t sitting there.

I made myself comfortable as I dug into the food sitting in the middle of the table. Eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit were piled high on my plate before I started making use of my fork. I was about halfway through my plate of food when Maggie came into the room holding a box in her hand, along with a letter.

“This came for you this morning, Charlotte.” The bubbly red head handed me a white box that had been carefully wrapped with a beautiful silk red bow, card secured neatly under the bow. Maggie hesitated before she turned to leave, just as curious as I was as to what was in this box. Possibly more important, who sent it.

“You can stay,” I informed Maggie before she’d started towards the door. “I may need someone incase this box is filled with snakes.” I made a mockingly shocked face at her, and she gently giggled.

“If it’s snakes, you are more than welcome to open it on your own.” She was hovering over me by the time she’d finished the sentence, even more anxious than myself.

I debated on whether or not to open the card first, while Maggie was standing there, or wait until she was distracted by the gift in the box. I decided to take my chances opening the card first. The calligraphy was simple and ornate with the envelope simply printed with ‘Lottie’

I tore the envelope open, unable to restrain myself. I made quick work unfolding the neat creases of the paper.

‘I know you will look out of this world wearing this. See you soon, Carrots.’

There was no signature. Emmett knew I’d know it was from him, but also ensured that if anyone got ahold of the letter, there wouldn’t be any way to trace it back to him. Unlike the envelope the letter had been handwritten by a man as the penmanship was barely legible.

“Carrots? Who’s Carrots?” I jumped at the sound of Maggie’s voice. I had forgotten Maggie was standing behind me, reading every word. I clutched the letter close to my heart.

“It’s not very polite to read over someone’s shoulder,” I said teasingly. Maggie started to mumble an apology when I had an idea. “Would you help me with something?” Maggie’s eyes brightened.

“Only if you open that box right now,” was her only condition. We both laughed. I imagined there wasn’t a lot of excitement around this house and Maggie wanted to be a part of whatever scheme this was going to be.

I gently tugged on the bow slowly watching as it turned back into a single piece of ribbon. Gingerly removing the top, I peered inside. Tissue paper obstructed the view of what lay beneath. As I took out the tissue paper my breath caught. I couldn’t say anything as I slowly ran my hand over the velvety soft green fabric of the dress. I didn’t need to see the whole dress to know this had been the one piece of clothing I had wanted while I was out shopping with Russel, but never ended up getting.

It was low cut with the fabric cupping the breasts in pleats. The midsection was smooth contrasting the pleated bust and gathered fabric at the hip. The skirt was a semi-wrap-around gathered just to the left of the middle. One wrong move and all your business would be showing. The cap sleeves coming down nearly to my elbow had been the most modest part of the frock. Russel had taken one look at me when I had tried the dress on and immediately told me to take it off.

I pulled it out of the box displaying it for Maggie to see. She took the dress in, running her hands along the soft green fabric. “This is stunning.” Maggie couldn’t seem to find the words she wanted to say. “Charlotte, you will have whoever sent this to you wrapped around your finger when he sees you in this!”

“This is why I need your help.” Maggie listened intently as I explained, mostly, what had transpired between Emmett and me. I left out a few minor details but gave her the overall picture. Maggie reminded me of one of my younger sisters and it was nice to have that feeling of connection again. I think Maggie was looking for that same connection.

We carefully got the dress and card up to my room, making sure no one saw what we were doing. With our plan all worked out we began setting it in motion. I would announce to Russel I would be in my room and that Maggie would be bringing me dinner to me.

After I got ready, Maggie would distract Russell while I went out the front and through the hole in the fence Emmett had told me about the night I sneaked back in. I’d be able to meet with Emmett while Russell would be none the wiser. He’d think I was in my room.

Our plan was executed flawlessly, and I was sitting in the back seat of the car Emmett had sent for me. You can imagine my surprise when we pulled up in front of the planetarium. I exited the car and made my way to the grand stairway in the front of the magnificent building.

I noticed Emmett standing atop the stairs before I made it there. He was taking the stairs down, two at a time, as he rushed to my side. He held his arm out for me to take. Emmett couldn’t see the dress under my coat, but without missing a beat he said, “I told you you’d look good in that dress.” He was quite confident that I would wear the dress he bought me.

“How do you know I’m wearing the dress you sent me?” I teased.

“Are you naked under that coat?” There was heat in his voice as he asked me his question.

“No,” I replied as I took in the smoldering look in his eyes.

“Then you’re wearing that dress.” He was so confident it was bordering on cocky, but he knew how to toe the line between the two perfectly.

I would have made small talk on the way in, but my brain was preoccupied with the dangerously handsome man walking next to me, trying not to fall going up the stairs and trying not to squeal with excitement about going to the planetarium.

The Adler Planetarium was less than a year old, so it was still a novelty to visit. It was the one place I had wanted to visit mote than everywhere else in the city. The magnificent building sat on the bank of Lake Michigan. The outside beauty of the planetarium set the tone for the inside.

Emmett must have felt my mind racing and didn’t say anything while letting me take everything in. I sneaked a glance at him, and he was just staring at me with a wide grin on his face. He relished in my excitement.

As we stepped into the building, I was instantly relaxed. I was back under the stars, and everything just felt right. As we wandered around the planetarium looking at displays, I could feel Emmett’s eyes on me, questions dancing around in them.

“Tell me about the stars, smarty pants.” He jabbed me gently in the side with his elbow. “What did this Nick fella teach you?” I picked up a little jealousy in his words. I never had a man jealous of another man because of me. It was kind of exciting.

I wasn’t sure where to start. I started pointing out the different constellations and the backstories that followed them. We had been walking for about an hour, with me dominating most of the conversation. Emmett followed me closely, taking in every bit of information I was sharing.

There was a lull in the conversation when Emmett informed me, “I’m trying to erase everything you had with Nick and replace it with me.” That little revelation took me aback.

“Really?” I teased. “You want to give me a tattoo as well?” I was feeling feisty.

“Among other things,” was his wicked reply. The heat pulsing through my body almost made me burst. The nervous excitement made me test the waters a tad more.

“I think it would be odd to have two men’s names tattooed on my body.” From his jealousy coded attitude earlier, I knew this would get a rise out of him. I could hardly contain the laugh that escaped as I looked at the shock and bewilderment on Emmett’s face.

“You should see your face right now,” I said in between laughs. “The tattoo is a tiny star that’s barely the size of a pencil eraser.” I turned to walk away, still laughing when Emmett came up from behind, wrapping one arm around my waist, pulling my back flush against the front of his body.

“I am a very jealous man, Carrots. You like playing with fire, Lottie?” My breath caught as his deep, low voice filled my ears. His hot breath tickled my skin. “If you’re not careful, you’ll get burned.” I turned my head. Our lips were so close that one move from either of us and they would meet.

“Maybe I want the heat.” My breathes were coming out fast and shallow. “Burn me with your fire, Emmett. Turn me to ashes.” I meant every word. I had never felt this way with anyone before. With Nick, our relationship had been out of convenience and boredom more than raw sexual attraction. It was nice and everything, but nothing like this. I never wanted a man as much as I wanted the one next to me, right now.

Emmett looked around before grabbing my hand and leading me down a few hallways until we came to a door. He opened it and practically pushed me in, slamming the door behind him. His hands cupped my face as he brought his lips to mine.

I never had a kiss so gentle with so much wanting. It was so light I wouldn’t have thought we kissed but I could still feel the warmth of his breath as he pulled away from me.

My eyes were still closed as I took a life centering breath trying to quell my racing heart. When I finally had the courage to open my eyes Emmett was staring at me, waiting for my reaction.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I was forward and I apologize.” His rapid breathing made his chest move up and down sharply.

I shook my head. “No need to apologize.” He looked at me like he was about to devour me.

“Good,” was all the warning I got before he leaned in again, more aggressive this time. His lips filled with want and need and consuming desire. He backed me up against the wall as he kissed me harder, our tongues mingling between our mouths. He pushed my skirt open taking advantage of the ease with which it parted with the wrap around being close to the front. He pressed himself against me, grinding his hips into me. I could feel his hard length pressing into my stomach. I let out a whimper at the thought of seeing him hard and naked.

He let out an animalistic groan as he kissed his way down my neck making his way to my collarbone where he settled. His hands made their way to my breasts. He gently pulled down the velvety fabric, revealing my bra. He pulled down the cups of my bra, letting my breasts spill out. He took a step back, his warmth an immediate loss I wanted back. My chest was rising fast with my quick breaths.

“You are perfection, Lottie. Fucking perfection.” I had barely heard what he said as he grabbed my wrists, pinning them behind my back with one of his hands which thrust my bare breasts up and forward. He took advantage of them being front and center as his mouth encompassed the bud of my nipple while his free hand found my other breast and started caressing it.

A moan escaped my throat which encouraged him continue his frenzied assault, not being able to control his want. His hand wandered lower. My legs naturally parted as his hand moved over my underwear. Emmett began rubbing until I couldn’t take the pleasure between his mouth on my breasts and his hand on my underwear covered clit. I couldn’t hold back anymore, and my passion exploded in a mix of a moan and a sob.

He pulled back, reluctantly, as I went for the zipper on his pants. I wanted more of him. As much as I could get. “We can’t,” he said as he moved my hand from his pants. “We shouldn’t have done this,” he said, almost to himself. Like he was scolding himself.

“I’m sorry,” I suddenly felt completely naked and vulnerable. I fixed my dress feeling ashamed and stupid.

“No, Lottie, I am only saying that because you’re engaged. I shouldn’t have let it get this far.” His eyes had pain behind them. He nuzzled his face in my neck. “I want you so bad right now. Don’t think that I don’t want this to continue. Trust me, I do. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.” Then his eyes got needy again. He looked me up and down for a moment.

“Take off your underwear.” The need in his voice had me immediately obeying, even if it was a little hesitant. He unzipped his pants and pulled out his full length, guiding my hand to it.

My fingers barely met as I gripped his erection. I began stroking it up and down as he took my mouth in his. His groans drove me to increase the speed of my strokes. He kissed me deeper. His tip was wet with precum. I used the wetness to make my strokes easier. A few strokes later, he grabbed the underwear I had forgotten was in my hand and placed them between us, catching everything that came spilling out of him.

We both tried to catch our breath, coming down from the high we had both been swept up in. He rested his forehead on mine with our noses touching. “That was…” He was panting at this point.

“Unexpected,” I finished the sentence.

”I was going to say amazing, but I guess unexpected works as well.” We were both still panting trying to come down from our respective highs. He gave me chaste kiss as he straightened to his full height, rearranging my dress then tending to his own clothes. He placed my underwear, now soiled with his seme, into his pocket.

He tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, cupping my ear in his hand for a moment before pulling me into an embrace. It was a stark contrast from his feral display just minutes ago. The hug was sweet and gentle and comforting. I could hear him as he took a deep breath. If I didn’t know any better, I thought he was sniffing my hair.

“You always smell so good.” He was still trying to catch his breath.

“It’s this new invention called a bathtub and soap. You should try it some time.” He playfully pinched my side making me giggle. He held his hand out for me to take. I knew as soon as that door opened, we’d have to drop hands and walk around as if we were only friends. I didn’t know about him, but after what just happened, it felt like we could never just be friends. There was a heat between us that was undeniable. All it needed was a single spark to ignite what was smoldering underneath the surface.

Emmett opened the door and made sure no one was around. He exited first. I followed him a moment later. We started walking like we hadn’t just been mauling each other in a broom closet. I felt like everyone could easily see the pleasure radiating all over my body. Emmett walked around as if nothing happened. Every once in a while, though, he’d slip up and I would catch him staring at me, picturing my bare breasts again, I’m sure.

We made our way around the rest of the planetarium in relative silence. Occasionally we would point out various things we found interesting. We made small talk when both of us knew we wanted to say so much more than that.

The end of the displays was in sight marking the end of our time together. We both started trying to delay our departure. Even in silence we still just wanted to be around each other.

We slowly made our way outside and onto the top of the steps. I spotted the same car that had brought me here awaiting my arrival to get in. I didn’t want to return to my house. I hoped Emmett would tell me to get in and he’d whisk me away to his house. That way I would never have to see my uncle or Cameron again. It was never going to happen though, and I knew that.

“This is where we part, Carrots.” Emmett said with sadness and headiness in his voice as he opened the car door for me.

“Thank you for this afternoon. I enjoyed myself.” My face reddened with the memories of what we had done not too long ago.

“I enjoyed you too.” Emmett quipped, making my blush grow as he gave me a devilish smile, knowing exactly what he was doing.

I reluctantly got into the car without another word. My stomach sank knowing that he hadn’t asked me to see him again. We had no plans to see each other in the future. This was a perfect afternoon and if this was all we got, I would have to be happy with it.

I had the driver park down the block when we approached my house so I could sneak back in without being detected. I got to the front door when I was met with my Uncle Lon. He seemed surprised to see me. Like he had forgotten I was now living in his house.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you,” he said a little flustered. Why he wouldn’t expect to see me around the house I was living in was strange, but he didn’t seem like he thought about me, not unless he needed to yell at me.

“And yet, here I am,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t notice the dress I was wearing or my smeared lipstick. He seemed oblivious to my wardrobe.

“Russel said you were in your room.” He was getting a little suspicious. I had to think on my feet.

“I was, but I wanted some fresh air while I stretched my legs.”

“I didn’t see you leave your room. I’ve been in the study the whole time.” Had he? Was he testing me to see if I’d lie because he knew I wasn’t in my room?

“That’s strange. Maybe you should have Claire fasten a bell to me, so you’d be sure to hear my every move.” There, hit him with sarcasm and spite. He’d get flustered and forget why he started yelling at me and now yell at me for this. Distract and redirect.

“No matter. You are going to lunch with Cameron tomorrow. He will be here sharply at noon. And lose the attitude. I will not stand for the defiance you showed at dinner.” He was about to head back into his study. “Don’t make me regret giving you this opportunity. Remember why you’re here, little girl.” I was left speechless as Uncle Lon went into his study; the door thudding shut behind him.

He had just threatened me, and I heard him loud and clear. I needed to try to make an effort with Cameron although I don’t think he’d feel the same. It seemed like Cameron was set in his ways and no one would be able to change his mind. The dread that had evaporated when I was with Emmett was now back, hovering over me as a constant reminder of the deal I made.

I told Maggie I’d needed her assistance in my room. As soon as she shut the door, I spilled my guts out. She barely had time to join me on the bed before I started telling her every detail, minus the broom closet, about my afternoon. She was giddy right along with me.

I fell asleep to the memory of Emmett’s hands on my body and his name on my lips as I tried to touch myself the way he’d touched me. It was not close to the same, but my release was his all the same.

I was up before the sun had broken over the horizon. I was going to try to put Emmett out of my mind and make the best out of this thing with Cameron. I could decide to be miserable, or I could try my best to make this relationship at least tolerable, for me at least. I don’t think anything I would do could change Cameron’s feelings on the whole situation we’ve found ourselves forced into.

I mixed the lavender and honeysuckle oils together in the bathtub before getting in to get washed up. I was about to wash Emmett’s touch off me, I realized. I had a tinge of sadness ripple through my body as I submerged myself in the steaming water, rinsing Emmett’s every kiss, suckle and lick off my body.

When I emerged from the bathroom Claire was waiting in my room, not so patiently. She looked like she was about to burst. I could hear the minor urgency in her voice when she said, “Mr. Darby is downstairs, Charlotte.” I looked at the clock showing it was only 9 o’clock in the morning. She gave me a knowing look about his surprise appearance earlier than expected.

“Are you sure he’s here to see me?” I asked, knowing that she wouldn’t be here in my room, waiting for me, if he hadn’t specifically asked for me.

There was a sympathetic glint in her eyes, “He asked for you, dear.” I just nodded before she turned and left the room.

As I was getting ready to go downstairs, I was getting madder and more annoyed. I put on a simple day dress that had been purchased a few days before. I didn’t even bother doing anything with my hair or makeup. Cameron was early and I would bet dollars to donuts he did that on purpose. Was it a power move? Was it just to annoy me? I had no idea, but I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of thinking I would just jump as his every whim. I wouldn’t do that now and I certainly won’t be doing that once we are married.

Before I made my way downstairs, I stopped at the railing overlooking the foyer; trying to calm my nerves before I saw him. I heard his voice coming from my uncle’s study, but it wasn’t my uncle’s booming voice joining Cameron’s. It was my cousin Nathaniel’s easy, happy tone I heard filling the foyer space. I made my way down the stairs, trying to be quiet so I could hear what they were talking about. What can I say, I am nosy, and I like gossip.

I couldn’t’ make out what they were saying and as soon as they spotted me in the doorway, all conversations ceased. Nathaniel and Cameron shared a secret look and nod, and Nathaniel left the room, shutting the door behind him, no doubt just standing beyond it in case there was a repeat of the other night.

Cameron stood straight up, taking me in. He was in a nice white button up shirt with a pull over vest over top of it. He looked casual today. He cleared his throat as he straightened from his leaned back position on the wall by the fireplace. “Good morning, Charlotte.”

I was still trying to figure out what he was doing here so early when we weren’t set to have lunch for at least another three hours. “Good morning, Cameron,” I replied, cold and guarded.

“I know we were supposed to have lunch together today, but” I hoped he would say he was canceling lunch and I’d have the afternoon free. “I was hoping you would join me for breakfast and then do me the honor of accompanying me to the picture palace to watch a movie of your choice.”

He could read the hesitation on my face. “I was thinking,” he started moving closer to me, “we are both stuck in this horrendous situation. I figured we could try to make the best of it until things are completed.” Until he gets me knocked up, he means, which was better than animosity the whole time. Could he talk to me and not insult me?

“I was thinking the same thing. We need to make the best out of our little predicament. We could both be miserable, or we could try to salvage some sort of attempted happiness.” I think this caught him a little off guard. He thought I was going to be happy to be his little wife. He didn’t expect me to voice my unhappiness with the situation as well. My indifference to him cut his ego a bit. He took a minute to recover that little piece of dignity I had chipped away.

“You’ll join me today, then?” he asked, on pins and needles as I made up my mind.

“Yes. I will. It will take me some time to get ready though. I wasn’t expecting company until noon.” I scolded him.

He shook his head “No, I understand showing up here was unexpected. Take all the time you need. I’ll be waiting right here for you when you’re ready.”

I summoned Maggie to help me get ready for my day date with my fiancé. It was still not fully absorbed into my brain that this man was going to be my husband, reluctantly or not. I was ready and back downstairs in less than half an hour, to Cameron’s surprise.

I had changed into a more suitable day dress with a little flower pattern on it. My hair had dried enough from my bath to have Maggie help style it up with pins. My shoes were less high heeled and more kitten heeled, making walking more comfortable and less awkward. I wasn’t trying to impress Cameron, but I wasn’t trying to repel him more by tripping and falling while out.

He opened my door for me and shut it once I was in the car. He joined me, getting into the driver’s seat. We pulled out of the driveway and another car followed. I looked back out the window. Cameron saw me looking and explained, “I believe you know Russel and Marco.” I thought they worked for my uncle, but I was evidently wrong.

“They work for me. It’s come to my attention recently that there is a man who wants nothing more than to see to my demise.” There really were people out to get Cameron. “I have them with you, since now you are a target for this guy as well.” I thought Russel had just been exaggerating about my being in danger. I guess it wasn’t so far-fetched that someone could be after me.

“I come from a powerful family. You come from a powerful family, whether you know them or not, you’re still blood and that’s all that matters to these people, Charlotte” He had is eyes on the road, but kept talking. “This man would love nothing more than to get his hands on you and bring me down.” He took his eyes off the road to look at me. “There have been a rash of kidnappings recently, so I am just being overly cautious.”

Everything he was saying was being stated so matter of fact, like it was ordinary everyday life. Maybe it was for him. “As much as I don’t want this marriage to happen, I am responsible for you and any of our future children. I want you to know that I will keep you protected.” There was something so attractive in the way he was so absolute in his words that it almost made me forget that I didn’t like him.

“This guy, Holden, is my reluctant business partner. He works for Petrillo, one of the most connected men in Chicago. I am the go between with the police and Holden’s boss. We don’t see eye to eye on the price of things.” I could read between the lines. Holden wanted to pay less, and Cameron wanted him to pay more. Why is it being poor, you are happy with what little you have and being rich you are never satisfied and always want more and more, no matter the cost?

“Your Uncle told me about your connections and that is why I feel comfortable telling you about Holden. I trust you understand nothing I’ve told you leaves this car.” There was a hint of threat in his voice.

“I am a woman of many secrets, not just my own.” Assuring him that I was able to keep a secret, even if it wasn’t my own.

He turned into a street and parked the car. We got out and went inside a small café. It was quaint and decorated nicely. The tables were all round with two chairs. We sat at a table and were attended to shortly after. We started talking while waiting for our food to arrive.

I was sipping on an orange juice as was Cameron. He put his glass down and asked, “How have you been settling into things?” That was a loaded question. I took an extra-long swig of my drink as I thought of what to say.

“It’s…different. It’s all so new to me. I’m used to having lots of people around and bossing them around, but they were my sisters and the farmhands. I feel like I earned the right to be in charge of them. Here, with the maids and butlers and drivers, it’s just so foreign to me. Having people wait on me hand and foot is not something I’m exactly comfortable with.”

“You’ll get used to it,” he said as he waved his hand in the air dismissing my discomfort.

“I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you. The moment I get used to it is the moment I am no longer me.” I think my words hit a nerve because he sat up a little straighter and rolled his shoulders. I think I had unintentionally insulted him. I felt I needed to elaborate.

“Despite what you think of me, I like myself. I am happy with who I am. I am not trying to say there is anything wrong with you or your lifestyle” I gestured to his expensive clothing that probably cost more than my last year’s wages. “I’m just saying that it’s not what I had envisioned for myself, is all.” He was trying to be nice to me and I didn’t want to mess it up by insulting him even if it wasn’t meant as such.

“Would you like to see my house?” He took a beat before he corrected himself, almost regretfully. “Your house?” Until that moment this had all seemed like a game. Like this was just something that was going to happen in the future, but the future is now. This was what my life was going to be. As Mrs. Cameron Darby I was going to be part of high society. I was also going to have a target on my back for Cameron’s enemies as well as my uncles. Reality started setting in and making me feel uneasy.

“We don’t have to go today. Whenever you’re up to it.” He was being uncharacteristically nice, from what little I know of him. I smiled and nodded politely, not wanting to think about reality.

We enjoyed our food, getting to know each other a little bit better. Both of us tried making an effort. Once we had finished eating, we were on our way to watch a movie of my choice.

As we walked up to the ticket window Cameron took my hand in his. The warmth of his hand wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. We waited in line behind two other couples. It was a little chilly out causing me to shiver. The wind was whipping around as Cameron pulled me in closer to him, putting his arm around my shoulder. I let myself lean into his body. We made our way up to the window. When the ticket person asked what picture we were there to see, Cameron turned to me.

I forgot that I was supposed to choose the show. After a quick scan of the marquee, I made my decision. “Little Caeser.” Cameron looked a little amused as he repeated it to the ticket person, paying and then getting our tickets.

When the doors opened, I was greeted with the smell of freshly popped popcorn. Even though I just had breakfast my mouth watered at the aroma surrounding me. I must have audibly groaned because, with a smile in his voice, Cameron said “Would you like some popcorn?” I looked at him and he tugged me with him to the concession stand. We got a popcorn and drinks. I also got Milk Duds and Cameron got Raisinets.

We found our seats and settled in. The picture started and about halfway through Cameron put his arm around me and I snuggled into his side, resting my head on his shoulder. I think I heard him inhale the scent of my hair. What is with these men and sniffing my hair?

The movie had been entertaining. I enjoyed it for what it was. We were walking out of the picture palace when Cameron asked, “What did you think of the show?”

I had to respond truthfully. “It wasn’t realistic enough for me.” A laugh escaped his lips.

“How would you know it wasn’t realistic enough?” It was a rhetorical question. I hoped it was anyway. He said he knew of my connections, but I didn’t think he fully knew what they entailed. I just innocently shrugged, but there was nothing innocent about my dealings with the mob and bootlegging. That’s how I met Nick, or Little Nicky, as he was referred to by everyone else but me.

I wondered if Uncle Lon knew about my relationship with Nick or if he only knew that we allowed Nick’s boss’s gang to occasionally stay at the farm when they were running booze from Canada down to Chicago. Nick had gotten into some trouble and was a wanted man, so we took him in on the farm. Most of our farmhands had some sort of criminal past, so him being a wanted man was nothing new to me. I guess you could say I had a thing for bad boys.

As we got settled into the car my mind started wandering down the road to the past. The first time I had met Nick was interesting to say the least. The memories in my mind were as clear at the picture show we had just watched.

I went out picking raspberries in mid-July. It was hot and the sun was beating down on me. I was about two miles down the road away from our farm. It was a dirt road with bushes and woods on both sides of the road, a stark contrast to our open fields on the farm.

I was mindlessly walking and picking the ripe, juicy berries, placing the ones I wasn’t eating into my basket. My mom wanted to make jam for a few of the neighbors, so I volunteered to go picking.

As I bent down to pick berries from one of the bushes, I heard a rustling in the woods. Before I could register what was happening, I was staring down the barrel of 4 guns of various makes and sizes. “Whoa!” was all I could say as I threw my hands up causing my basket to drop scattering the freshly picked raspberries into the dirt.

There were four men, guns drawn, no doubt ready to shoot me at their earliest convenience. The suits they wore exuded a casual power. I exclaimed, “I didn’t see anything. Whatever your business is, I don’t care.”

The two guys in front looked back to the older two men behind them, waiting for the order to fire. “My farm is down the road. Whatever you need should be there.” I was then struck by the fact that I didn’t see a car and I knew those city boys didn’t happen to walk down my road by accident.

The older guy in the back who seemed to be the leader said, “Your farm, does it got gasoline?” My father had just gotten all the cans filled in town the previous day. “Yes. We do. More than enough to get you to wherever you were headed.”

All of the guys turned and looked at each other making silent agreements. Before they could say anything else we heard gravel flying in the distance. The young guy with black hair said, “Someone’s coming.”

“Follow me.” The men stood stunned as they watched me walk further into the woods. “Move it!” I said. They all silently followed behind. “Where’s your car?” I had to know so I wouldn’t draw attention to it or them. One of the guys pointed behind a bush, it was hidden enough that you wouldn’t see it if you didn’t know it was there.

I motioned towards the mouth of a small cave just beyond where we were standing. “Go in there a few feet. You can’t be seen from the road, but you will be able see everything that’s going on,” I said over my shoulder as I rushed back to the road.

I had made it back to my basket just in time as the car made the crest of the hill right before the bushes. It was Derek, the chief of police, who was a few years older than me and his partner, Collin. I waved as the car approached, trying to act as casual as possible.

Derek stopped the car and both men exited. The sun was so bright I had to use my hand to shield my eyes. “Hello there, Lottie,” Derek said. “Everything okay?” His eyes moved to the raspberries scattered on the ground and my basket in the dirt.

I nervously laughed, trying to buy a little more time to come up with a lie. “Oh that? I’m fine. I am a little jumpy right now, though.” The looks they were giving me let me know this wasn’t a sufficient answer. “I thought I heard a bear. Some of the guys on the farm said they’ve seen her around recently.”

“Is that so?” Derek’s questioning tone let me know he wasn’t buying my story.

“It is. She got one of Mama’s pies she had cooling in the window the other day.” It wasn’t a complete lie. There was a pie that had been snatched up by a bear, but it was two summers previous.

“I guess no one is immune to your mama’s pies, huh?” My mother was an excellent baker. Everyone in town knew it. He was reluctantly going along with my explanation.

“That’s why I’m out here today. Mama wants to make a batch of jam and needs fresh raspberries.” Hoping my answer was sufficient, I turned around to pick up my basket needing to also just take a breath and relax.

I bent down to pick up my basket and when I stood back up Derek and Collin had encroached on me. I got an immediate sick feeling in my stomach. This wasn’t good. I had never been alone with either man, let alone both of them together. For every step I took back, the two men advanced. I was nearly in the raspberry bush when I started to feel the panic coming on.

“You know it’s not a good idea for you to be out here by yourself. It’s dangerous. You should let us give you a ride home.” Derek wasn’t trying to hide the malicious evil in his voice.

“I’m fine by myself. I have dealt with things scarier than bears before.” I tried to sound self-assured, but I know it didn’t come off as such.

“You better come with us.” The man put his hand on my arm. His fingers dug so deep into my arm and squeezed so tight I knew it would be bruised.

“I’m making some jam for your wife with Mama. What is your wife, like, six months pregnant now?” That seemed to get his attention. “It’s a good thing I know what I’m doing. Did you know that there’s a berry that looks exactly like a raspberry, only it’s poisonous if ingested? How easily the wrong person could hurt someone unintentionally.” My veiled threat hit its mark. He let go of my arm.

His face was red with anger as he not so sincerely said, “It was nice seeing you, but we better get going. Stay safe out here, Lottie.” Derek jerked his head towards their car and both men headed in that direction.

I just stood there and watched as they got into their car and drove off. My heart was racing so fast. My knees gave out as soon as the car was out of sight. Adrenaline coursing through my body was now dissipating. The four men emerged from the cave and came rushing to my side. From where they were in the cave, I knew they could hear everything that had been said.

“Are you alright?” The younger guy with black hair knelt down as he helped me up.

“I’m fine. Thank you.” I offered him a gentle smile as thanks. “They are local cops. A bunch of jerks with badges if you ask me.”

“We had to hold ol’ Little Nicky back from rushing out here and emptying his magazine on them.” Nick’s face was serious as he nodded his confirmation.

“As satisfying as that would have been, I don’t think that would have helped your hiding.” We all laughed in a relieved manner.

One of the older men then asked, “Did you really just threaten to poison that cop’s pregnant wife?” This caused all four men to stare at me.

I shrugged. “I was just informing him of the truth, however he took it is on him,” I sounded innocent but wore a sinister smile on my face. I had no clue if there really was a poisonous berry that looked like a raspberry, but my bluff had worked regardless of the merit.

“You also said there’s a bear out here?” Nick asked. I shook my head. “Not out here. In there.” I pointed at the cave. The blood drained from all four of their faces. “That’s her cave. She could be in there right now or she could be out here.” I motioned to the forest of trees. They all just stood there staring at me, dumbstruck.

“Remind me to never piss you off,” Nick said with an amused laugh as he picked up my basket from the ground.

All five of us walked back to the farm, picking berries, talking about what brought them to cross paths with me on the road. After that, Nick was like a permanent fixture at the farm. He was the go between for his boss in Chicago, my family’s farm, and their supplier in Canada.