A View from the Periphery (standard:drama, 12805 words)
Author: TJC	Added: Jul 29 2002	Views/Reads: 3986/2646	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
An eccentric young female groupie and a thirtysomething, down on his luck male cop are thrown together by circumstance after a rock concert. Both carry emotional baggage and find comfort with each other over a period of one summer night in Tucson.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

stairs came the tall figure of Ritchie Zane, the lead guitarist of Blue 
Nova.  On his head was his signature wide brim black cowboy hat 
encircled by a silver chain around the crown. His black shirt was 
opened and appeared to be wet, possibly the result of spilled Corona 
from the bottle in his left hand.  Upon reaching the bottom of the 
stairs he tugged at his black leather pants and made his way to the 
waiting throng.  The women were now nervously moaning and chirping. 

Zane walked down the line looking at the women up and down as if
examining something to buy.  The women would tense up as he approached 
them.  Every so often he would point at one of them, bringing a scream 
of joy from the so anointed.  Finally he came to the end of the line 
after having pointed at seven girls from Deakin's count. At that 
moment, Jon Bulova, the superstar and lead singer of the band came 
barreling out of the suite and to the railing.  The would be harem 
hopefuls looked up and screamed with delight at their sultan. 

"Bring on the bitches," yelled Bulova.  He then quickly was out of sight
behind the door. 

Zane motioned with his hand and the ones at which he'd pointed followed
he and the two roadies in a single file.  The others, the ones passed 
over, earned a trip to the parking lot with Ty Deakin. 

Deakin stood up and began motioning women in all sorts of variations of
anger and disappointment to the sally port exits which led to the 
parking lots and off hotel property.  He noticed two girls arguing, it 
was heated and he felt they may come to blows so he moved toward them.  
One had long red hair, braided in a long pony tail, the other had 
short, curly blonde hair.  As he approached,  the blonde shook her head 
and screamed, "Fuck you, bitch."  She then hurried over and joined the 
line going to the promised land on tier three. 

The redhead shot Deakin a quick glance and then went running off into
the dark edges of the courtyard.    Two friends, probably.  One chosen, 
one not chosen.  He paid no more attention as he got the women to the 
parking lot and clear of the property. The job took roughly forty 
minutes.  A little empathy mixed with assertiveness.  It was not 
difficult for him.  In fact it was how he earned a living, and not just 
at the Sonora Suites Hotel.  His primary job was as a member of the 
Tucson Police Department. 

Slightly over six feet tall and just over two hundred pounds, Deakin
considered himself good looking.  Certainly he could stand to be in 
better shape but overall he was happy with his appearance.  Though the 
silly polyester maroon polo he was forced to wear while working at the 
hotel was not all that flattering.  At least he was allowed to wear his 
own pants. Tonight he wore khaki cotton Dockers, which looked good on 
him. His police patrolman's uniform fit him perfectly and whenever he 
was in that, he had no doubts at all as to his appearance.   His brown 
hair was thinning, but thus far at age thirty-three it was his only 
real sign of aging. 

After graduating high school Deakin messed around with junior college
but didn't really feel like being a student anymore and decided to quit 
school.  It didn't sit well with his father, a history teacher in his 
very own high school, but nevertheless he quit college and joined the 
United States Air Force. While in the military he worked as a security 
policeman and served a tour in Germany.  After six years and 
discharging from the Air Force, he was hired on at TPD where he had 
been for the past seven years. Life had been good for him until a year 
and half earlier; the day his marriage to Carolyn ended. 

Deakin had met Carolyn while briefly stationed at Charleston, South
Carolina. Within three months after they began dating, the couple was 
married.  The quick courtship the direct result of a pending transfer 
to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona.  They had two sons, David, age 
nine, and  Michael, age seven.    The relationship seemed to be going 
well to him, and he loved his sons more than life itself. However, 
shortly after their tenth anniversary, his wife had an affair.  The 
whole mess was ugly and he could hardly bring himself to even think 
about it. 

His ex-wife had gone on fairly well.  She was still single but was a
regular on the club scene as some of his friends in the department made 
sure he knew.  Between her job managing a dental office and the six 
hundred and forty dollars he paid her in child support, money was not a 
problem.   Those child support payments and his own four hundred dollar 
a month apartment rent forced him to look for ways to make some extra 
money.  Enter The Sonora Suites Hotel.   He worked security any where 
from three to five nights a week depending on his schedule at TPD.    
The more he worked, the less he thought of the images of his wife with 
another man.  Work, and spending time with his sons were the driving 
forces in his life. 

The groupies all appeared to be off the property and the place was
quiet, no complaints had come down from tier three about noise or 
anything. Deakin began to think about knocking off early.  The next day 
he had a true day off, meaning off from TPD as well as no shift at the 
hotel.  He was on his way to let Floyd know he was taking off when he 
heard someone crying.  It was coming from the entry way behind the 
hedges. 

"Miss, are you okay?" Asked Deakin. 

The woman was nearly sobbing.  Deakin recognized her as the one with the
red hair braided in a pony tail  who had run off from the line after 
arguing with the blonde woman.    Seeing her up close it was obvious 
she was probably in her early twenties and very pretty.  Her mascara 
was slightly run and getting worse.   She wore a shiny pea-green blouse 
and a short black leather mini skirt. 

"Miss?" 

"Please go away."  She turned her body on the stone bench and began
wiping her eyes. 

"Miss, I am afraid you can't stay here."  Deakin didn't want to sound
harsh but he had to get her off hotel property.  Visions of her waiting 
for the blonde woman and stabbing her flashed through his mind.  No 
that would not do. 

"But if you need some help or something I would be happy to assist." 

This upset, thought Deakin?   Just because she didn't get to go upstairs
and suck rock and roll cock?  Stupid bitch. 

"Is there anything I can do Miss?" 

"Yeah you can get the fuck out of here, how's that?" 

"Miss, as I said-," but the girl interrupted him. 

"I can't leave," she said.  "My roommate has the car keys and
she's......well she's busy right now."   She sat up straighter and 
stared ahead, not looking at Deakin. 

"How about I call you a cab?"  Deakin placed his hand on her shoulder,
trying to ease her to her feet. 

"Please leave me alone," she said again.  "I'll fucking walk." 

"If that's what you want, but it isn't necessary. I'd be glad to call
you a cab and pay for it myself." 

"I have money, asshole." 

"I didn't mean it that way."  Deakin's patience was being tested. 

She buried her face in her hands, and cried, "I wish I was dead." 

"Miss,  by tomorrow morning all of this will not seem the end of the
world. Believe me there are worse things."  There are worse things than 
not being selected as one of Blue Nova's toys for sexual appetite 
appeasement. 

"Miss, would you like me to buy you a cup of coffee?  We could have a
little talk and you could get yourself back together.  How's that 
sound?"  Deakin half expected her to cuss him out some more, but he had 
to try. 

She looked up at him. Her face was streaked with tear tracks and make
up, but there was no denying her simple beauty. 

"There's a Denny's right across the street."  Deakin was finally able to
ease her to her feet.  A smile came over her face.  It was a sad smile, 
but it beamed none the less. 

"You seem nice," she said.  "I think I'd like some coffee, I probably
need some bad." 

"My name's Ty Deakin."  Deakin shook her hand and extended his arm to
allow her to lead the way out of the sally port. 

"Bess," she replied.  "Bess Foster.  I appreciate your consideration
tonight, Mr. Deakin." 

"Mr. Deakin?  Are you trying to make me an old man? It's Ty." 

"Sorry,"  laughed Bess. "But you are the security man aren't you?" 

"You have no idea.  Come on we'll cut through the lobby." 

As Deakin escorted Bess through the lobby he told Floyd he was skipping
out for the night but that he'd be across the street at Denny's for 
awhile if something came up. The usually sour night auditor gave him a 
little grin, about as close to a smile as Deakin had ever seen from 
him. 

Once inside, Bess went off to the restroom to clean up. Deakin figured
she'd probably be hungry and so when Donna, the middle aged waitress, 
came over he ordered a couple of cheese omelettes and hash browns for 
the two of them. 

"Hey Ty, I see you have a friend tonight," she said. 

"She had a rough night is all." 

Donna smiled and poured the coffees. "I'll get those orders going,,here
comes your friend." 

Bess sat across from him the booth, her face was clean and nearly
perfect, no sign of the tear or mascara streaks.  She took a sip of her 
coffee, she obviously liked it black.  Deakin as always loaded his with 
cream and sugar. 

"So I assume your name is Elizabeth?" Asked Deakin. 

Bess shook her head as she swallowed some coffee.  "Betsy, actually.  I
started calling myself Bess after I saw a movie about Queen Elizabeth 
as a young girl, it was called Young Bess.   Just loved it and so I 
began using the name." 

"Betsy is what is on your birth certificate?" 

"Yup, my mother is a bit weird."  She took another sip.  "Man this
coffee tastes good to me.  I assume yours is Tyrus or Tyrone, right?" 

Deakin smiled.  Nobody ever guessed his name correctly. 

"Nope, it's Tyre." 

"Tire? Like a car tire?" 

"No," Deakin laughed. "Everybody says that. It's Tyre, T-Y-R-E.....My
father is a history teacher and he named me after an ancient city that 
stubbornly refused to surrender to Alexander the Great." 

"That is so cool, I like that." 

"Thank you, it is a good conversation piece I must admit." 

The food arrived and Donna asked if she could get them anything else to
which Deakin replied in the negative. 

"I thought you might be hungry, if you're not it's no biggie." 

"Good call, I am starving."  Bess salted her omelette and hash browns
and immediately began eating.  "I'm sorry you saw that side of me 
tonight, I really am." 

"Were you upset at not being selected, or because your friend was? I
noticed you two arguing." 

"You saw that, huh?" 

"Occupational thing, I notice stuff." 

"Do you now?"  She looked at him chewing her food, her green eyes now
filled with confidence.  "Is it interesting working at the hotel?" 

"It helps make ends meet."  Deakin wasn't sure if he should tell her
about his being a cop.  So often it changed the dynamic of even the 
most rudimentary conversations.  The reaction was never predictable.  
On the other hand he didn't want this woman considering him a hotel 
security guard. 

"I'm a police officer with TPD," Deakin said tentatively.  "The hotel
gig is part time." 

Bess took another sip of her coffee while looking him over with a long
gaze. 

"Hmmmmmm, I guess your observant nature helps you on the job, huh?" 

"I think my job developed my observant nature."  As if a computer chip
went off in his head Deakin scanned the restaurant.  There were two 
truck driver looking men at the counter, a young pimple face cook in 
the back behind the rectangular wall opening, and of course Donna the 
waitress. 

"You a detective?" Asked Bess. 

"Patrolman.  I might try and go for detective sometime, but it's
political and my lack of a college degree doesn't help."  Deakin did 
not tell her that since the divorce he'd become less humorous and 
outgoing, another couple of strikes against making the points necessary 
for a plain clothes promotion. 

"How long you been there?  You should be a detective." 

Deakin smiled.  "I must look old to you.  I have been there seven years,
I was in the Air Force before I came to the department.  If you're 
wondering, I am thirty-three." 

A grin came over her face as she said, "You're eleven years older than
me, officer Deakin." 

"Please call me Ty, okay?" 

"Okay," she said shaking her head and still grinning.  "So tell me about
yourself, married?   No, I bet you're divorced huh?" 

Deakin nodded.  He really didn't want to get into that story and was
grateful when Bess changed the subject as quickly as she answered her 
own question. 

"What do you do for fun?   You already know what I like doing, huh?" 

The statement made them both laugh out loud.  This was the woman who
wanted to be dead less than an hour ago? 

"I like baseball," said Deakin to answer her question.  "I play softball
and go to as many Tucson Sidewinder and Arizona Diamondback games as I 
can." 

"You have kids I bet, Huh?  Probably a good dad." 

"Yes, I try to be," replied Deakin.  "Two boys, Michael and David,  ages
seven and nine.  They are my world." 

"They're not named after ancient cities, I take it."  Both he and Bess
began to laugh. 

Deakin found himself enjoying her company and even though he hardly knew
her, there was something about her that made him feel like he could 
tell her anything. Maybe it was just that he'd had so little social 
contact with women that he was out of touch. 

"I like baseball a lot too," said Bess.  "Wasn't that great;  the
Diamondbacks beating the Yankees?  I got so drunk that night." 

"It was exciting.  I grew up a Cub fan, so this was definitely a new
experience for me." 

Deakin explained how he'd been born and raised in Illinois and that it
was the Air Force that had brought him to Arizona.  Upon his discharge 
he loved the area so much that he stayed on. 

"I grew up in Flagstaff", Bess told him.   "The only teams we could
follow were the Cubs and Braves on the cable.  I liked the Cubs because 
I thought Ryne Sandberg and Mark Grace were so cute." 

"Now Grace is with us," said Deakin.  "Kind of made it even more special
for former Cub loyalists." 

"Yup." 

Bess smiled at Deakin.  He felt she was sizing him up in some way.  Here
she was a young, beautiful girl, funny and smart, at least she seemed 
to be, and- she liked baseball. 

"Okay, Ruth or Ted Williams?"  She asked. 

The question took Deakin by surprise.  "Uh, what about them?" 

"Who was better silly?" 

"I'd go with Williams, he had better batting average overall and he
would have had nearly as many home runs had he not lost all those years 
to two wars." 

"No way," cried Bess.  "Williams never won a world series and Ruth
dominated the game in his time." 

"Championships are a team thing, the Yankees of Ruth were better than
the Red Sox of Williams, but that doesn't make Ruth a better player or 
hitter than Ted Williams." 

"Nope," Bess shook her head.  "You're wrong that's all." 

"I am impressed you know baseball history," said Deakin. 

"I have a read some books you know.  Surprised?" 

"Not at all." 

"Okay, now here's the real test, officer Deakin." 

Test for what? 

"Leno or Letterman?" 

Deakin actually preferred Nightline, but decided that fact would not add
to the banter and debate that was taking place between he and this 
vibrant young woman. 

"Leno."  Deakin did prefer Leno of the two, if he was going to watch
either one. 

"Yes!  Most of my friends prefer Letterman, but I like Jay Leno a lot
more.  To me,  Letterman tries too hard to be hip.  Leno seems more 
like he probably is in real life." 

"I get tired of the whole top 10 thing myself." 

Donna came over and freshened their coffees, and Bess asked for some
more toast.  She must be having a nice time or she wouldn't want to 
prolong things by wanting more food.  Deakin decided he could go for 
some more hash browns. 

"So you saw Gwen and I arguing?  Yeah that upset me."  A far away look
came to her emerald eyes as she looked out the window at the traffic on 
Speedway boulevard. 

"Were you angry at not being selected?  I think Zane must have been
drunk and blind." 

A bright smile came to her face as she turned again to face him.  She
reached over and patted his arm and said,  "Thank you." 

"No," she said.  "I was pissed because Gwen is a lyin' bitch." 

Deakin's look of surprise must have showed on his face. 

"It's okay, we always call each other bitches."  Bess took a sip of
coffee and continued, "But we had an agreement that if one of us got 
picked she would say 'Not without my friend.'" 

"Would Zane have gone for that?  I think you'd both be here at Denny's."


"Yeah I suppose.  Just pissed me off,  I'll get over it though.  After
all, had she not been a bitch, I wouldn't have met you, huh?" 

Deakin smiled.  He wasn't sure if he should take her seriously, but he
was having a wonderful time. 

"Gwen is good,"  said Bess.  "She's been with several stars.  I bet ten
or eleven. Her hope was to get with Bulova tonight." 

Deakin nodded.  "This is kind of a hobby for you two?" 

"Not really a hobby, more like a lifestyle.  I haven't had any stars
yet, just a couple of bass players and drummers you probably never 
heard of." 

"Lifestyle?"  Deakin tried not to sound judgmental.  He really couldn't
understand how these women could let themselves be used like this. 

"Yeah, it is a lifestyle," argued Bess. " You know how people talk about
the so- called Real World?" 

"Of course".  Deakin had heard the expression all the time as a cop. 
People always said things like You're a cop because you can't handle it 
in the real world. Then of course there was always the upper management 
threat of You guys better shape up or you'll find yourself looking for 
work in the Real World. 

"Well I think people in the so-called Real World are actually just
viewing life from the periphery.  Know what I mean?" 

Deakin raised his eyebrows in thought.  The young woman was a
philosopher. 

"It's true," continued Bess.  "I think being famous, rich, having fun
and all that is what people should aspire to.  These stars in music, 
sports, and movies have made it. That is the Real World if you ask me.  
We are all on the sidelines." 

"So the normal family, making ends meet, raising their kids happily,
that life is some sort of failure?" 

"No not all," Bess said,  sincerely looking into Deakin's eyes. 
"Comfortable is what I'd call it, not a failure.  They are content with 
their spot in the periphery of life." 

"Your views are original.  I think. At least the way you put them gives
it a freshness that comes with originality." 

"Thanks, you're sweet."  Bess rubbed his forearm.   Inwardly he relished
her touch. 

"I do imagine your lifestyle makes it difficult on a boyfriend." 

"Is that your way of asking if I have a man in my life, Officer Deakin?"
 A contagious, captivating smile flashed at him.  Her hand was now 
planted on his forearm.  "I don't have a boyfriend.  I've dated a few 
guys here and there, but that's about it." 

"How about you?  Girlfriend?" 

Deakin sipped his coffee and slowly shook his head.  "Same as you, I've
gone out a couple times, but," he hesitated and then stopped.  "No 
girlfriend.  There's a dispatcher named Yvonne at the station who is 
very sweet and I think likes me, but I haven't asked her.  Maybe some 
time." 

"That divorce was hard for you, huh?" 

"Yes, but divorces always are.  Hell over half the marriages in this
country end that way, one has to move on." 

"If that's the case then how come you hurt so bad?" 

"Is it that obvious?"  Deakin couldn't believe she saw inside him so
keenly, or maybe he made it obvious. 

"I tend to be pretty observant myself, Ty Deakin."  She squeezed his
arm.  "Tell me about it, it might help you know." 

Withdrawing his arm from her hand, Deakin ate some more of his hash
browns, not at all sure if he wanted to go into it.  It was the worst 
day of his life after all,  and he found it difficult to believe that 
talking about it would help. 

"It's okay if you don't," Bess said. 

Deakin felt her pulling back and he certainly didn't want that.  Before
he realized it he was telling her the story.................. 

Ty's Story...... 

Deakin had been on patrol during the day watch, working the eastern
portion of the city.  His partner was out sick so he had the shift 
alone.  Nothing much had been happening; a few traffic tickets and 
minor fender bender.  The day was dragging.  When lunch time finally 
arrived he decided he'd take the patrol car home and have a quick bite 
with his wife Carolyn.  The boys were off with a youth group on Mount 
Lemon for the day, so it would be a nice surprise for her.  For the 
past couple of months the two of them hadn't been getting along as well 
but he loved her and he knew she loved him. TPD frowned on officers 
taking their vehicles to their residence but they'd have to get over 
it. 

Pulling into the driveway of his one story ranch house, Deakin noticed a
red pick- up truck parked along the street in front.  His wife's Toyota 
Camry was in the driveway as usual.  She probably had one of her 
friends over for a visit.  He walked into the foyer of the house and 
didn't see them in the living room or the kitchen. 

"Carolyn," he called out.  He didn't call out terribly loud.  Maybe they
were in the back yard.  Deakin walked to the sliding glass doors along 
the kitchen when he heard something from the back area of the house.  
Moving through the hallway, he went to his bedroom and pushed the door 
open.  The scene would be imbedded in his memory forever.  Carolyn and 
her friend had obviously not heard him come in. 

Standing in the doorway for what seemed years, but in reality was no
more than a few seconds, Deakin felt the blood rush out of his body.  
Could this be happening? 

Carolyn was in the bed, naked, her back to Deakin, her head down between
the man's legs.    He watched the unkempt mop of dark brown hair going 
up and down, the man groaning with obvious pleasure.  It was the man 
who noticed him first.  Eyes wide open, the sight of a uniformed cop in 
the doorway obviously is not what he expected when he opened his eyes 
to look down at Carolyn servicing him. 

"Shit," he yelled, "What's going on?"  He had short brown hair and a
mustache as well as a look of complete fear on his face.  That's all 
Deakin could remember about him. 

Carolyn quickly raised herself and turned toward the doorway and saw
Deakin. Her expression was not one of fear, but of inconvenience. 

"Christ, what the hell are you doing here?" 

Deakin stared at her, his body filling with anger, rage, embarrassment,
and every other emotion in the gamut of human conditions. 

"I thought we could have lunch," he said.  "But obviously you already
have plans." 

"You said you were separated," the man screamed in a whiny high pitched
tone to no one in particular as he started to get up. 

"Shut up, Harry," Carolyn barked at him.  "Just shut up."  Harry sat on
the edge of the bed, a pitiful sight. 

"Yeah, Harry," said Deakin while staring at his naked wife.  "We've been
separated since I left for work this morning."  A controlled rage was 
burning inside Deakin, controlled because he was still on duty and in 
uniform.  That fact made him thankful as he was not all sure how he'd 
have reacted otherwise. 

"Well, Ty,  now you know." Carolyn said as she stood up and flung
herself into her blue silk robe.   "It's probably for the best." 

"Yeah I know now.  I know I am married to a whore."  Things hadn't been
good, he knew that, but Deakin truly felt they had been in a good 
relationship.  Certainly theirs was better than many others.  Obviously 
not. 

"Oh please, Officer Deakin," Carolyn screamed.  "You're married to your
fucking job and that fucking uniform.  Not to mention the fucked -up 
bitches that throw themselves at you jerks." 

"I have said a hundred times I have never messed with those cop
groupies. Never!  Don't try and turn this into something about me or 
the department."  Deakin turned to leave, he could no longer look at 
the scene in the bedroom.   Harry had quickly grabbed his clothes and 
slipped into the bathroom.  Carolyn followed Ty into the kitchen. 

"Yeah that's it, Ty," she taunted.  "Run back to your patrol car.  Get
the fuck out of here." 

Ty turned and angrily grabbed his soon- to- be ex-wife by the shoulders.
 A stunned look came over her face as he pulled her close.  With his 
fingers digging into her soft robe which lightly covered her flesh, he 
said, "Most men would probably beat the shit out of you right now." 

"But you don't believe in that do you," she said with contempt. 
"Wouldn't be proper." 

Deakin shoved her away and she slammed into the counter top.  He could
hear her cry out softly in pain as he walked out of the room, the door, 
and got back in his vehicle.  Pulling out of the driveway and heading 
down the street he watched in the rear view mirror for her to come out 
and possibly stop him.  She did not. 

In the months following that horrible scene,  Deakin thought of trying
to fight for custody of their sons, but decided it would be too great a 
trial for the boys.   Of course there was also the realization that 
winning the case would be next to impossible. Carolyn cheated but was 
not an unfit mother, he was a cop forced to work all different shifts, 
and he had seen several friends in similar situations lose in court. 

It wasn't worth the pain to him or his sons.   He and Carolyn came to an
agreement that he'd pay child support, they'd share custody, and that 
there would be no alimony payments. 

It had been a year and a half, and Deakin felt he was starting to come
around again...................... 

"That must have been awful for you," said Bess as she rubbed his arm
gently. 

"It's certainly a day I will never forget that's for sure.  Carolyn was
right about one thing, my job took up a great deal of my time.  Living 
as my husband was by no means a picnic." 

Bess smiled and shook her head.  "You and I are a lot alike, you know
that?" 

"No, I wouldn't have guessed we are." 

"You lay a lot of shit on yourself, Ty Deakin.  So do I.  I am amazed
that you didn't kill the guy though." 

"One always thinks he'll know how he'll react in a certain situation,
but the fact is one doesn't until it happens.  Believe me I have 
learned that being a cop." 

"Yeah maybe.." Bess did not sound convinced. 

"Besides, the guy was lied to by Carolyn.  He was scared shitless.  I
was far more angry at her.  Last I heard Harry had left and taken a job 
in Texas somewhere.  He'd been used is all." 

"Everyone uses and gets used," said Bess.  That's my opnion." 

"I bet there's a story there, isn't there?" 

"Could be."  Bess looked away and sipped her coffee. 

Donna came over and interrupted the process for a few minutes.  "You two
gonna be here all night?" 

"I just love the coffee and service here Donna, didn't you know that? 
It's my favorite place." 

"You can be so full of shit," she said as she poured coffee into both
cups.  "If either of you need anything else let me know.  Slow night 
that's for sure, but I am not complaining."  After putting the check on 
the table, Donna walked off and talked to the two trucker looking guys. 


"We have been here quite awhile, huh?" Bess said.  "But I am having a
very nice time."  The beaming smile appeared. 

"So am I.  Very much so."  Ty reached across and squeezed and released
her hand. 

"I think we've discussed me quite enough," said Deakin.  "I'd like to
hear about you." 

Bess sipped her coffee and looked away and down to the left.  Deakin
remembered from his interrogation training that such body language was 
a sign of being evasive.  But this was not an interrogation and if the 
girl did not want to talk he was not going to press it. 

"You want to hear my story, huh?"  She smiled, though it was a slightly
sad smile. 

"Only if you want to tell me, but I am interested." 

The beautiful young woman across from him began talking.  Deakin watched
her face and eyes as she told him the story of Betsy "Bess" 
Foster......... 

Bess's Story....... 

By the age of sixteen, Bess had blossomed into a very attractive young
woman, with dark red hair and fair skin, green eyes and a shapely 
figure.   Her outgoing personality and quick wit and intelligence made 
her extremely popular as well.  She was born and raised in Flagstaff, 
Arizona, in the northern part of the state, and was happy. However, 
during her sixteenth year her father, Bill Foster,  was killed in a 
plane crash. He had been a pilot and made a living with a private 
charter business.  The tragedy hit Bess extremely hard as the two of 
them had been close.  Life would never be the same. 

Margo Foster, Bess's mother had always had a drinking problem and the
death of her husband made it even worse.   Attractive,  she had no 
problem finding men to drown her sorrows with and for a time Bess felt 
that she never knew who might turn up in the kitchen in the morning.  
It wasn't long before she began planning her escape. 

In the summer before her senior year of high school, Bess watched her
mother fall for a divorced professor from Northern Arizona University.  
The wedding had taken place in August.  The man, Joseph Grende, was 
friendly enough and seem to make her mother happy.  She didn't drink as 
often at least and smiled a great deal more.  But Grende seemed too 
friendly to Bess.  He was always looking at her and telling her how 
lucky her boyfriends were. 

Bess didn't have a real boyfriend, she wanted to leave Flagstaff as soon
as she graduated.  There had been a couple of boys she'd liked, and 
after setting up birth control for herself, she'd learned how sex 
worked, but that was about it.  The one she liked the best had taken 
her to the prom in May.  It had been a nice night, and they shared a 
hotel room, but all through their inexperienced love-making, she knew 
that she was soon to be on her own. 

The next morning she came in a little drunk and hung over, her green
prom dress in a bit of disarray.  Joseph was at the kitchen table 
drinking coffee, her mother was in bed.  By this time she was tired of 
Joe's constant insinuations and wanted to tease his stupid ass.  She 
waited for the obvious remark that was sure to come. 

"Bess, you look like you had a wild time," he said.  He got up and
walked over to her and touched her bare shoulder.  "I bet you made that 
kid's night. Oh if I were a bit younger." 

"Are you tired, Joe?"  Bess asked with false concern. 

"No, I got a good nights sleep. Why do you ask?" 

"Well," Bess smiled up at him. "Cuz you been runnin' through my mind all
night." Yeah right you stupid old fuck!  On Joe's face was a  complete 
look of shock.  Bess smiled and walked off happily. Go jerk off in the 
bathroom you shithead. 

For the rest of the day Joe stared at her.  Bess reveled in it and made
sure she teased him by bending over as much as possible.  Her mother 
had no idea what was going on.  Then that evening her mother and Joe 
went out to dinner and when they returned she was completely sodden 
with drink.  Joe practically had to carry her to their room.   Sick of 
both them, Bess retreated to her room. 

It was that night that Joe came into her room while she slept.  Before
she realized what was happening, Bess was under him and her panties 
were being pulled down.  He was strong and covered her mouth 
whispering, "You know you have wanted this now shut-up."  Bess 
struggled and fought but had no leverage and in minutes she felt him 
enter her.  Pushing into her he grunted and groaned as she finally 
stopped fighting and let it happen.  He was done quickly. 

Slowly releasing her mouth, Joe said, "I'm sorry."  He was sorry?
Fucking bastard. 

"Get out of my room you sick fuck," Bess screamed.  "Get out now!"  He
did. 

Bess got up and showered trying to wash every part of her body, she ran
the water as hot as she could stand.  The rest of the night she lay on 
her floor, unable to lay on her bed and contemplated telling her 
mother, going to the police, or both. She did neither. 

After that night Joe could hardly look at her and barely spoke to her. 
Obviously he was deathly afraid of what she was going to do.  Bess had 
decided to do nothing but as soon as she graduated in a few weeks she 
would pack up, leave, and never, ever come back.  That's exactly what 
she did. 

Arriving in Tucson she had money for a motel room for a while and
watched the ads for roommates.  She eventually found one and that is 
how she met Gwen Pate.  In no time she was working as a file clerk at 
Tucson Medical Center and going to Pima Community  College on a part 
time basis.    She and Gwen got along great.  The two of them went out 
constantly and lived a carefree lifestyle in Tucson's nightlife scene. 
Gwen also got her into the groupie lifestyle, and Bess loved it. 

It had been four years since she had left Flagstaff and true to her
convictions, she had never returned.  She had not contacted her mother 
at all, and had heard of no attempt on her mother's part to contact 
her.  Now it was her time, on her own and determined to get out of what 
she considered the periphery of life.......................... 

Deakin held Bess's hand and looked into her expressive green eyes, the
far away pain was slowly disappearing.  She smiled at him once again 
and cocked her head slightly as if to say, There you have it. 

"I guess we both have had some bad times, Bess.  You must have been so
scared that night." 

"I suppose," she replied.  "But I don't think about it much and I got
over it." 

"Easy as that?" 

"I didn't say it was easy, but I am a survivor."  She winked at him and
gave his hand a squeeze before pulling out of his grasp and sipping her 
coffee with two hands. Deakin wanted to scoop her into her arms and 
kiss her.  "Besides," she continued, "I led him on with my comments 
about his running through my mind.  I thought it would frustrate him is 
all." 

Deakin shook his head.  "No, it was not your fault, not matter what you
said or did.  I guess you do lay a lot on yourself." 

Bess just nodded. 

"Bess, I hope you don't mind, but can I ask you something?" 

"Sure." 

"Could it be that you're escaping the pain of what happened by pursuing
the lifestyle you and Gwen have chosen?" 

"You a psychologist too, Ty Deakin?"  Bess grinned and shook her head. 
"I suppose it could be, but I am having fun.  Everyone uses everyone in 
my opinion, but now I am being used on my own terms." 

"You are a very beautiful woman, and obviously quite intelligent," said
Deakin, doing his best not to sound preachy.  "I truly feel you're 
short-changing yourself." 

A slight blush appeared on her face.  "Thank you, I appreciate you
saying that, but I do have an associates degree from Pima College, and 
I still work at TMC, so I think I am doing okay." 

The young party girl, Bess Foster, had a two-year degree, while he
himself had only a high school diploma.  This fact bothered him more 
than he cared to admit. There was no question he could have obtained 
higher education had he made the attempt, but the drive had not been 
there.  After working the streets all day, or at night for that matter, 
Deakin just wanted to come home and enjoy his family.  The job took him 
away from them enough.  Now, after the divorce, it was a financial 
question.  Deep down, however, he knew that if he really wanted to, he 
could go to school. He could find a way.  Enough of that. 

"You are very special," Deakin told Bess.  "It sounds trite, but I mean
it." 

"I know you do," she replied with a bright smile.  "You're very sweet,
you know that?" 

"Sweet?   Oh that is the kiss of death, calling a guy sweet." 

Bess laughed out loud.  "No it's not." 

"Sure," replied a sarcastic Deakin. 

Suddenly Bess stood up and leaned across the table on her elbows.  "I am
glad I met you, Ty Deakin.  Come here."  Deakin leaned up over the 
table and slowly moved his face in to kiss her as she cocked her head 
to one side.  Their lips met and he felt her mouth open to his.  It was 
a short, but tenderly passionate kiss. 

"I think you're a good thing for me, Ty Deakin," said Bess as she sat
back down in the booth.  Her face was alive with devilish delight.  
Deakin's body was alive with desire and he hoped he wasn't blushing. 

"I'm happy we met too," said Deakin as he downed the last of his coffee.


"Would you drive me home now?" 

"Sure," said Deakin.  "It's late and you're obviously tired."  The night
was ending, but before he let her go he was going to get her phone 
number.  There was no doubt in his mind that the two of them had a 
spark and he wanted to see her again. 

"Who says I'm tired?"  Her eyes reflected wanting, a look of
unmistakable desire. "Will you take me home?"  A mischievous smile. 

"Of course, let me use the mens' room and pay the bill."  Deakin's chest
was pounding, his entire body seemed to have electricity firing through 
it.   Just don't look too anxious, Deakin.  Act like you've been there 
before. 

"Hurry up, okay?"  Bess's eyes pierced at him over her mug as she took
what appeared to be one last sip.  Deakin smiled and walked off with 
the check. 

The trucker looking guys were paying their check at the register, so
Deakin ducked into the mens room first.  Or did he float?   This 
fantastic girl was about to take him back to her place.  In just a 
matter of a couple of hours she had completely captivated him, firmly 
entrenching herself under his skin.  So full of life, opinions, and 
attitude, yet with an obvious vulnerability.  He wondered as he took a 
long piss in the urinal if he'd been too obvious?  Did she know how 
smitten he was?  Stop it.  You're over-analyzing again like a damn 
woman.  He washed his face and hands and started to go pay the check.  
While opening the door, he heard something.  A strange, angry voice.  
What was happening? 

Deakin peered out the restroom door and viewed the scene.  A man was in
front of the register with a small pistol, a revolver.  His back was to 
the restroom, he wore a blue cloth jacket with brown leather sleeves, 
some type of letter-type coat.  His jeans were worn and faded, and he 
had black cowboy boots.  The long blonde hair on his head reached his 
shoulders and it was dirty and greasy. 

"The money.  Just open the damn register,"  the man's voice was angry. 
It also sounded young and nervous, and that was dangerous. 

Donna portrayed a sense of controlled calm in front of the register,
while the young cook was obviously pale with terror in front of the 
rectangular kitchen cut away. Bess sat in the in the booth with her 
hands clearly visible, a cool and collected demeanor.   She glanced at 
Deakin in the doorway, but he shook her off.  Do not look over here. 

"Okay, okay, " said Donna.  "I just have to punch in the code to open
without an order.  Please just let me think."  Her voice was edgy but 
she was in control. 

"Hurry the fuck up." 

Deakin silently moved out of the restroom and ducked behind the railing
leading into the restaurant, completely concealed, and removed his .38 
caliber revolver, his off- duty sidearm,  from his ankle holster.  
Listening intently to what was going on he quickly studied his options. 
 The main objective was to insure nobody got hurt, including himself.  
If there was a way to let the guy get out and then call it in that was 
the best option, he could stay in the restroom and wait.  The problem 
with that option was the possibility of the guy deciding not to leave 
any witnesses and shooting all three people, it had certainly happened 
before in small time robberies.  Finally, the option of taking him down 
was dangerous because it could ignite a shootout which may not have 
happened otherwise and result in innocents getting hurt.  He was a cop, 
and he decided it was his duty to try and stop this now.  The process 
had only taken seconds in his trained mind, for this is where your 
experience and training kick in.  Gripping his revolver, he moved up 
into position. 

"Police," said Deakin in a firm, loud voice, not yelling.  "Don't make a
move."  He had him cold as the startled man put his arms to the side 
and down, the small weapon was pointing at the floor.  Any movement of 
the gun toward a person and he would fire on him. 

"Shit man, don't shoot," fear filled the man's voice now.  He dropped
the weapon without being told.  Thank God. 

"Get down on your fucking face," ordered Deakin.  The man did as we was
told, and for the first time his face was visible, he was probably 
early twenties, fair skinned. "Donna, would you call some of my 
friends, please." 

"Do not move an inch, understand?"  Deakin moved close, as he had no
handcuffs and therefore had to wait a few minutes for a car to arrive.  
The young would- be robber was scared shitless and just nodded his 
head. 

The young cook picked up the revolver that the man had dropped.  "Put
that down," ordered Deakin.  The cook set it on the counter and 
laughed. 

"Jesus Christ, " said the cook.   "It's a goddam starter pistol, Jesus H
Christ." 

Deakin looked over at Bess and raised an eyebrow, she smiled that same
wildly hypnotic grin back at him.  She was obviously okay. 

"You must be an Einstein, eh Dude?"  Deakin said to the suspect sprawled
out on the floor. 

"I didn't want to hurt anyone, man." 

"That's good." Deakin turned to Donna and the young cook.  "You two
okay?" Both nodded and the cook continued to joke about the starter 
pistol. 

As the adrenaline began to pump less vigorously, as the situation began
to ease. It dawned on Deakin that this mess might just screw up his 
plans with Bess.  Shit.  "You might have screwed up my night off, you 
know that, Einstein!  That really pisses me off." 

"I didn't want to hurt anybody.  Let me go man and we'll forget the
whole thing. How's that man?" The suspect laughed.  His joking 
indicated the man was getting comfortable, and therefore could be 
dangerous again.  Might try something.  Deakin had to take control 
again. 

"Shut the fuck up, and don't give me a reason to shoot your sorry ass." 
As the words escaped Deakin's mouth his friends arrived.  Two officers, 
a rookie he didn't yet know and Sergeant Richard Dickerson, AKA The 
Dick. 

In a matter of seconds the rookie had the suspect cuffed and outside as
another vehicle came to haul him off.  Then the preliminary interviews 
were done with the three witnesses and of course Deakin himself. 

After about twenty minutes, Deakin got Dickerson to the side and pleaded
his case.   "Come on Dick, give me a break."  He didn't want to go down 
to the department and spend all night filling out reports.  Dickerson 
was known as The Dick because he was a stiff collar, a by the book man. 
This fact could be used to his advantage, thought Deakin. 

"Look, Ty, you did a great job here but the reports have to be done, you
pulled your weapon.  You know the drill." 

"You know as well as I do that I have twenty four hours to get it
written, Dick. Come on."  Deakin wanted to scream at the guy but held 
it together to make his case. 

"What else have you got to do?"  Dickerson was writing in his notebook,
paying little attention to Deakin. 

"Dick take a look at that girl over there," Deakin motioned with his
head as Dickerson looked up.  "I am about to go home with her.   I met 
her tonight. This whole thing is going to ruin a pretty nice night for 
me." 

Deakin looked over at Bess along with Dickerson.  She grinned back at
the two of them and then broke into a bright smile and looked out the 
window.  The lights of the cars outside shined off her shimmering pea 
green blouse.  There was little question that she knew the gist of the 
conversation going on. 

"Shit, Ty," Dickerson said as he resumed his notes.  "That policy isn't
so officers can go get laid.  It's if you are in the hospital or 
something like that" 

"I will be in first thing tomorrow and get it written." 

"It is tomorrow, Ty.  It's three am for Christ sake."  Dickerson looked
up again and glanced over at Bess.  Deakin felt he might be wearing him 
down. 

"I'll owe you, Dick."  He smiled at Dickerson. 

"You'll owe me big, Deakin."  It worked.  "She is quite attractive." 
Dickerson smiled and put his note book away.  "Don't screw me over, get 
in there as soon as you can and write that report." 

"You got it."  Dickerson walked over to his young rookie partner as
Deakin walked back to the booth.  It had seemed years since he had 
gotten up to go pay the check and hit the mens room.  Bess's face was 
illuminated by a dazzling smile, her green eyes as bright as they'd 
been all night. 

"Were you showing me off, Ty Deakin?" 

"Lets say I had to plead a case for myself.  I have no intention of
going into work to write a report." 

"Did you tell him you had plans to take me home and fuck me?" 

Deakin stumbled a bit on his words, slightly shocked by what Bess had
said.  "Not quite in those words." 

"That's the best description if you ask me."  Bess stood up and got out
of the booth.  She leaned up and whispered in his ear, "I am going to 
fuck you so good." 

Deakin just smiled and began to walk out with her, taking her hand.  Was
he still floating?  Maybe. 

"I must tell you Mr Deakin that I thought you were too sensitive to be a
cop." 

"You did?"  Sensitive.  Deakin wasn't sure how to take the statement. 

"Yup, but I was wrong.  Wow,  how you took that guy down, it was so
exciting." 

"I'd have preferred it not happen, but all worked out okay." 

"It sure did," Bess said as they raced across Speedway Boulevard and
into the hotel parking lot.  At his white Pontiac Grand Am, she turned 
to face him.  As she put her arms around his neck she said, "I was 
wanting you enough before all this, but now I am on fire for you.  Get 
me home and take me."  She leaned up and they kissed each other with 
fiery passion.  Deakin reached down and squeezed her ass through her 
short skirt.  He hoped she didn't live too far away. 

While driving, Deakin still held her hand as he steered with one arm,
following her directions.  "So you liked your view from the periphery 
as it relates to the crime world." 

A deep laugh escaped from Bess.  "That's one area where I'll stay in the
periphery, thank you.  That's not the stage and fame I have in mind."  
Bess leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder.  "Have you ever 
had to shoot anyone?" 

Deakin had feeling the question would come, it always did.  "No.  I have
had to pull my weapon about four times, five now.  But luckily I 
haven't had to fire." 

Bess began nibbling Deakin's ear.  He was so full of desire for this
exciting woman he couldn't remember ever feeling like this.  As if 
reading his mind, Bess whispered, "It's not too far." 

A few minutes later they arrived at her apartment complex. It was a nice
looking building, southwestern style as so many in Tucson were.  Bess 
and Gwen lived in 215, on the second floor.  Deakin and Bess stopped a 
few times to kiss each other as they went up the metal steps leading to 
her door. 

As Bess bent down to pull their spare key out of a crack in a flower
pot, Deakin hadn't even thought of how they were to get in with her 
keys up in the party suite with Gwen.  All he could think about was 
touching this exciting woman.  The door opened and the two of them 
groped at each other as they went through what appeared to be a living 
room next to a small kitchen and then a short hallway.  Bess's room was 
dark, but some light from the street peeked in through her curtains.  
She had a large wood frame bed, unmade,  a dresser and some shelving 
units on the wall.  There were some stuffed animals on the bed and 
several more on the shelving units, he noticed no pictures. 

Deakin kissed her with a feverish desire pulling her close and squeezing
her small body with a strength that was fueled by passion.  He felt her 
hands slip under his polo shirt and he began to unbutton her blouse as 
his mouth was locked on to hers.  Her scent filled the room and it 
drove him insane.  Breaking away from her kiss he pressed his mouth 
into her neck as her blouse opened to reveal a white lace bra, 
supporting two gorgeously proportioned breasts.  They were not big, but 
round and firm   Her hands were at his belt as he moved his mouth to 
the soft mounds and began kissing them, burrowing his face into the 
sexy crevice they made. 

"Do you want me?" She asked as he felt his pants open.  "Huh?" 

"Yes, I want you bad. I want you bad."  Deakin pulled down her open
blouse and the straps of her bra, kissing his way down. 

"Take me," she whispered.  "Take me on to my bed and fuck me." 

They flung themselves in one motion on to the bed and continued to grope
at each other's bodies and clothing.  Her black skirt and thong flew 
onto the floor, as did his pants, briefs and polo.  Their limbs were 
entangled in a dance of passionate animalistic desire.  Deakin loved 
her body, the skin so smooth and tight.  Moving up and down he tasted 
her and a flaming wave engulfed him that made pleasing her his top 
priority.  He made love to her orally and physically, wanting her more 
and more.  Then Bess became the aggressor, instantly turning wild in 
his arms.  She pinched his back and nibbled at  his chest.  His body 
was taken to the heights of pleasure as she explored with her mouth.    
Now on top of him she rubbed and rocked as he held her tiny waist. The  
wetness from inside her was drenching his groin and he was in an 
ecstacy he never knew existed.   She slowed down and easing herself up 
and down on his shaft as she reached up and undid her long braid.  The 
long hair was now free and fell over her shoulders as she moved her 
head back and forth.  Pushing down a little harder on him she lowered 
her head and allowed her hair to fill his face.   He opened his mouth 
and moved his head back and forth in the scented locks.  She was down 
on him hard as he exploded in a tidal wave of pleasure. 

The two of them made love four times during the night.  In a mixture of
fucking and tender love making, they spent themselves into exhaustion.  
Deakin finally fell asleep with Bess nuzzled up against his shoulder. 

Slowly and groggily, Deakin sat up on the edge of the bed.  Bess was
asleep on her stomach, the covers contoured the curves of her body.  
She was so beautiful.  The sun had replaced the street lights and  was 
slipping in through the curtains shining off her dark red hair.  
Finding his clothes strewn about he began to get dressed.  That report 
had to be written and the sooner he got into work to do it, the sooner 
he could get out of there and hopefully come back to Bess.    He went 
out of the room and into the apartment to find the bathroom so he could 
take his morning leak.  It was a two bedroom apartment as the other 
bedroom door was open.  The rest of the small hallway was a closet, 
also open, and the small bathroom.  The girls were obviously not neat 
freaks as magazines, glasses, and clothes were all over the living area 
and kitchen.  He'd always felt that women were actually more likely to 
be slobs than men.   Their furniture was brown for the most part, as 
was their carpet.  The most obvious piece being a large deep brown 
leather sofa.  A large stereo and big screen TV filled much of the left 
over space.  After relieving himself, and using a dixie cup of water to 
rinse out his mouth, he finished getting dressed and went into kiss 
Bess before he left. 

Upon entering her room, Deakin found Bess beginning to stir.  "Hi," she
said. "How are you doing?"  She stretched slightly, he eyes still 
closed. 

"I'm great."  Deakin sat on the edge of the bed next to her as she
slowly opened her eyes.  She reached up and stroked his face.  He bent 
down to kiss her mouth, but she pulled away a second after their lips 
met.    "My mouth is horrid in the morning." Bess covered her lips with 
her hand. 

"Morning?"  Deakin chuckled.  "It's after one." 

Bess just smiled and rested her head on her pillow looking up at him.
"Leaving me already?" 

"I have to get the report done, no way around that."  Deakin rubbed her
shoulder and bent down to kiss it.  "But I am off tonight."  His lips 
traced the muscles and collar bone. 

"Hmmmmmm," moaned Bess as she crooked her arm to rub the back of his
head. "Got any plans?" 

Deakin sat up.  "The Sidewinders are in town.  How about a ball-game,
dinner, and some dancing?  Let me take you out tonight." 

"Sounds great," Bess said.  She leaned up on her elbows and the covers
fell away revealing her perfect breasts.  "You are a fantastic lover, 
Ty Deakin.  I mean that." 

"Thank you, it was easy with-" Deakin hesitated, searching for the
words, "Someone so full of energy.  You made me feel wonderful."  
Deakin stood up and began to move toward the door.  "I really have to 
go now, though." 

"Is Gwen's door open?" 

Deakin nodded.  It was open and it had not been slept in as her
roommate's bed was made up.  "Doesn't look like she made it in, she had 
a good night I guess." 

"Not as good as mine," purred Bess as she burrowed herself back into
bed. Her eyes peering at him from the end of the sheets. 

"Nor mine, I assure you of that." 

"Ty," she called as he began to walk out.  "I am so happy you found me
on that bench." 

"The feeling is very mutual.   I will be by around six or so, the game
is at seven.  I want to show you a good time." 

"It'll be wonderful," she said turning on to her side, facing away from
him.  "See you tonight."  Her voice sounded sleepy. 

Deakin walked out of the room and out the door.   Before leaving he
twisted the knob lock and shut her apartment door.  Was he walking, or 
floating? 

Deakin was smiling all day.  After showering up at his apartment he
breezed into the precinct in jeans and a gray TPD  t-shirt to write up 
his report, known as an After Action Account.   He always hated coming 
in to the patrol cubicles to write anything. The cubes,  bordered by 
free standing bulletin boards were always in disarray, dirty, and 
smelled of stale coffee.  It was not as bad as when it was permitted to 
smoke inside, then the area stunk of cigarettes as well. Worst of all, 
the computer keyboards were probably cleaned about once every five 
years.  Detectives of course had their own desk, if not their own 
office, but patrolman used these communal areas.  However, on this day, 
he didn't mind one bit. 

"So did it work out?"  Deakin turned to see Dickerson standing behind
him, his shift should have ended at noon, three hours earlier. 

"Do you ever go home, Dick?"  Deakin turned back to his screen to finish
the last bit of his AAA.  "I bet you waited around just to see if I'd 
come in and write this." 

"It's called dedication that's all, Ty.  Simple professional
dedication." 

"I call it insane." 

"Well?"  It was obvious he wasn't going to leave until Deakin gave him a
report of a personal nature. 

"Yes it worked out," Deakin said as he punched in print.  "We had a
wonderful time and I don't mind owing you one bit."  He signed the 
report,  logged off the computer, and got up.  "I will route this one 
up, and I've e-mailed a copy to the Captain's office." 

"I'll tell you, man, this is the most upbeat I've seen you in a long
time.  It's nice to see."  Dickerson patted him on the shoulder and 
walked to the door to the locker room. 

"Hey, Dick," called Deakin.  Dickerson turned at the door.  "I really do
appreciate it.  Thanks."  The insane, dedicated professional smiled and 
disappeared through the door. 

After a few short conversations with assorted staff members and officers
on his way out, Deakin was in his car pulling down the long driveway 
that led out of the Tucson East Precinct.  He decided to head home and 
change into some different clothes, and maybe pick up a small bouquet 
of flowers before heading over to pick up Bess.  This was basically to 
be their first date, and he intended to do things right. 

It was about five pm when Deakin pulled into the La Posada Villas, the
apartment complex of Bess Foster.  He'd told her he'd be by around six, 
but since he was ready earlier there was no harm in coming by early. 
Now they could sit and relax before heading to Tucson Electric Park, 
the home of the Tucson Sidewinders.  Like a high school kid he'd gone 
back and forth on what to wear, finally deciding on a green button down 
short-sleeve shirt and a pair of dark blue docker shorts. It was hot as 
usual in Tucson, once the sun went down in a couple of hours the 
temperature would drop into the nineties.  Now seeing the complex in 
the daylight, it was obviously a nice place. There were trimmed hedges 
along the sidewalks leading into the courtyard from the parking lots, 
as well as three saguaro cactus dominating the center area leading to 
the pool.  It was all well kept.  He walked up the steel stair case and 
knocked on number 215.  In his hand was a small bouquet of red roses 
and white carnations. 

The door opened and Deakin immediately recognized Bess's friend Gwen,
the woman she'd argued with the night before.  She looked like she 
needed some sleep, and her blonde curls were messed up and she had a 
make shift bun pulling them back, but there was no denying her 
attractiveness. She stood there in a purple Arizona Diamondback T-shirt 
and gray sweats. 

"Hello," greeted Ty.  "You must be Gwen." 

She shielded her eyes from the sun.  "You must be the cop.  I don't
think Bess is ready." 

"May I come in?" 

"Uh-" Gwen stammered. "Yeah I suppose.  Flowers? That's very sweet of
you, she said you were very nice." 

Deakin walked into the apartment and found  it dark, the shades were
drawn, but he was happy to feel the air conditioning pumping at full 
force.  On the couch in the living room was a man.  It was one of the 
roadies, the one with black hair and beard.  He wore a tight, black, 
Jack Daniels t-shirt as he drank what looked to be a can of Budweiser.  
"How are ya, dude," he held up his can at Deakin. 

Deakin nodded to the roadie and turned to Gwen.  The young woman was
looking at the large man with a nervous expression, her face almost 
ashen  "I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt anything." 

It was obvious the couple were having a good time before his early
arrival.  "I'll just go and roust Bess, okay?  I really am sorry.  
She's in her room I imagine?"  Deakin moved to the hallway.  There was 
something strange between them, he wondered if they had been doing 
drugs before his arrival.  That would account for the uneasy 
atmosphere. 

"You could wait out here, I could go wake her up."  Gwen was talking
loud, almost yelling.  What the hell was going on. 

"That's okay," replied Deakin as he walked up to the closed bedroom
door.  Then it hit him like a freight train.  He stiffened as it all 
became clear what was making Gwen so terribly nervous.  From inside the 
room the unmistakable sounds of a man's heavy breathing and the 
creaking of the bed.  The red bearded roadie no doubt.  There was also 
the familiar sound of Bess's voice, different variations of Oh God, Oh 
Yeah, and Aahhhh. 

A wave of anger and self inflicted stupidity washed over him.  His body
was numb and he needed more than anything to get out of this apartment. 
This was not a scene he wanted to live through again. 

Hurrying out the hall and into the living room, Deakin dropped the
flowers on the coffee table in front of the black beared roadie as he 
sat there with a blank expression staring straight ahead.   Some water 
from the plastic wrap dripped onto the table. 

"Hey, wait, uh, " Gwen obviously had no idea what to say.  "We can
explain, please..." 

"No need," said Deakin trying to control his anger.  "Tell her I had a
nice time last night."  He went out the door and down the stairs.  He 
couldn't wait to get in his car and get away from this absurd drama 
he'd found himself in.  Walking quickly along the sidewalk and hedges, 
he was at the edge of the parking lot when he heard her voice calling 
him.  Gwen had no doubt gone in and told her what happened.  The 
roadies must be having a good laugh. 

"Ty," yelled the familiar voice of Bess Foster.  She was obviously
running. Deakin kept walking.  Do not look back.  "Ty wait, 
pleeeeaase." She was gaining on him and it was obvious he'd have to 
face her.  He stopped and turned. She was in a white teri-cloth robe 
and brown sandals.  The main expression on her face was embarrassment 
and insecurity, not at all the confident woman he'd been with the night 
before.  However, Deakin could not look her in the face, he stared at 
the ground, focusing on a group of red ants scurrying around their hole 
between the curb and cracked pavement of the parking lot. 

"I'm sorry, Ty.  Please let me explain."  Deakin kept staring at the
ants, hoping his concentration on their activity would stem off his 
feelings of stupidity.  "There's nothing to explain," he said. 

"Yes there is," Bess's voice began to sound emotional.  Were there
tears? He wasn't going to look.  "I knew it would be hard to tell you, 
but I sure never planned on this.   I didn't expect you until six." 

Deakin nodded.  "I will never arrive early for a date or unannounced for
lunch ever again in my life." Now he began to hear the soft murmur of 
crying.  Part of him wanted her to hurt. 

"Oh dammit, I am so sorry, please don't hate me."  He felt her hand on
his elbow. "Please look at me, Ty." 

Deakin looked up.  Her eyes were welled with tears and she was wiping
her nose with her other hand.  "Bess, we just met.  Obviously I looked 
at things wrong.  But shit, it's not like you're my wife." 

Bess looked away shaking her head.  Deakin's salvo had obviously found
the mark.   "Ty, I thought you understood.  I didn't mean to open 
another wound." 

"I'll be fine, I don't need you feeling sorry for me and my fucking
wounds."  Deakin pulled his arm from her hand.  "I need to go." 

Bess grabbed his hand and he stopped, but he didn't look at her.  "This
is how the game is played.  These guys are going to take us with the 
band in the bus tonight to Los Angeles.  We have to do this, don't you 
see?" 

Deakin nodded.  "I know you do.  I wish you the best."  He didn't pull
away from her though, wanting her for some reason to keep holding his 
hand. 

"Ty, last night was wonderful.  You made me so happy and I truly felt
you cared about me.  I know that sounds silly." 

"No it doesn't," Ty replied as he turned to see her tear streaked face. 
"I did- do- care about you." 

"This was something else.  These guys don't mean anything to us, except
as a means to an end." 

Deakin nodded and squeezed her hand.  "I need to go, Bess. I really do."


"I need adventure.  I want to see this life.  Please don't hate me." 

"I don't hate you.  Goodbye."  Deakin pulled himself away and began to
walk to his car, but Bess came after him.  She grabbed his shoulders 
and he turned to face her again. 

"Ty, you're not all that happy are you?"  Bess looked up at him with
pleading eyes. "Come with us." 

Deakin couldn't believe it.  "Come with you?  These roadie ass-holes
want me to fuck them too?" 

Bess looked down at the pavement dejectedly.  "I guess I deserved that. 
But listen to me," she again looked up at him.  "These bands always 
need security people and I told them about you stopping that robbery.  
It would be fun." 

"You have got to be kidding, Bess." 

"No, I'm not.  Come with us.  Come with me."  She hugged him, pressing
her face into his chest.  Instinctively he put his arms around her.  
Under the thick robe he could feel the body that had sent him into 
orbit the night before.  Could he possibly walk away from everything in 
his life?   He eased his face down onto her head and smelled her hair. 
Just minutes earlier this woman was with another man getting fucked, 
but he wanted her anyway.  But walk away from his life?  The answer was 
obvious. 

"Bess, my life is here.  My sons are here."  He eased her off of him and
looked at her.  A sad smile came to her face under the red, tired eyes. 


"I can't stay on the sidelines, Ty.  I refuse to be on the periphery." 

"Ah yes, the periphery," Deakin said.  He adjusted his sunglasses on his
eyes as they began to slip off due to his sweat.  "Well I don't 
consider myself on the sidelines." 

"I meant no offense.  Please don't hate me." 

"That's three times you've asked me not to hate you.  I don't hate you. 
But I am not walking away from my life on a whim.  I do understand that 
you have to do this, but I can't."   Deakin squeezed her shoulders and 
gave her a half smile.  "Good luck to you." He turned and walked away.  
He did not want to look back. 

Bess called to him, "Ty, the bus leaves from behind the TCC arena
tonight at 1 am."  Deakin kept walking, he was nearly to his car. 

"Just in case you change your mind.  Think about it okay, Ty?  You mean
a lot to me."  Deakin acknowledged her with a raised hand and waived 
without looking back. Quickly he got into his car and started it up. 
Staring straight out the window with the car in park he could see her 
in the corner of his eye still standing there.  He shook his head. How 
could this happen? 

Pulling out of the space and driving across the lot to the exit he
looked over at her standing there in her white robe.  She raised her 
hand tentatively and he gave her a short nod as he drove past.  In a 
few seconds he was out of the lot and into the traffic of Tucson.  
Deakin had no illusions of ever seeing Bess Foster again and he knew he 
shouldn't be angry, for she had never pretended to be anything but what 
she was; a young woman determined to get what she wanted out of life 
any way she can.   The bus leaving after the Blue Nova concert was her 
shot as she saw it.  Her way out of the peripheral dull side of life 
and onto the stage of what she believed was The Real World. Realizing 
all of this made it no easier for him.  This episode hurt, hurt bad, 
and he felt stupid, something he really hated.  However, he would be 
strong and he knew eventually he'd get over it.  Eventually.  He 
slammed his fist against the dashboard. You stupid idiot.  What was 
that old saying? The postman always rings twice. 

Hemingway's Old Man lost his fish.  The Mighty Casey had struck out and
let Mudville down.   Life, like baseball, was a game of failure, but 
Deakin planned to keep playing the game. Maybe he would call Yvonne 
after all.  Hell she was nice, divorced, and there was no reason he 
shouldn't. 

Tonight, though, he would step away from that game and see if Carolyn
might be talked into letting him have the boys on a non-visiting night 
so he could take them to the Sidewinder game.  Lately she'd been much 
easier to deal with on such things, so he didn't anticipate a problem. 
That would be the best way to get through tonight.   His boys, the 
center of his world, peripheral or not, were what mattered. 

TC 


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