Page 75 of Nine

“Happy Anniversary,” the tallest cop says. “I would have brought the rest, but there was an incident over at one of the motels.”

Nine’s face tightens as she looks over at me.

“Oh my. What happened?” she inquires.

“Some woman shot the pecker off of some pedophile. Shot both of his hands too.”

“Did he die?”

The woman places her hand over her mouth. I lean in to hear the verdict.

“No. He’ll live. It’s almost as if the shooter wanted him to survive. Craziest thing ever.”

I look away as relief washes over me.

“Well. Karma always comes around. He deserved it.”

“No kidding,” the cop says.

“Everyone, this is my cousin Leon and his men. I know they’re in uniform, but they came here to celebrate with us.” She turns and shouts to the guests at various tables. They both laugh.

The cop is her cousin, and he’s just here to party. My body relaxes, and my head falls into my hand. I silently pray for strength. Nine is going to need it to deal with this, and I’m going to need it to deal with her. I slowly lift my head. She doesn’t appear upset. Instead, she mouths thank you.

“Boys, let me introduce you to Angelina Krackle. She’s the photographer for our party and I would love if I can just get a quick pic of all of you fine gentleman.”

The boys smile and line up. Nine falls right back into motion, and I know everything is going to be fine. It has to be. No one died today.

Chapter 12. At Ease, Soldier

I stare down at the dress. It’s a beautiful blue, shimmery, long flowing gown. I try to imagine what I might look like in it as I hold it up against my body. The fabric feels soft against my fingertips, which just makes me love it even more. I look up when I hear the bathroom door creak. My back stiffens and my mouth gapes open just a tad when I see him.

“My god, you’re handsome,” I say.

The suit fits him in all the right places and I’m in awe. He’s drop-dead sexy. He licks his lips and then gives me a light laugh. His eyes dance around for a minute before they fall back on me.

“I can’t believe that you still haven’t put on your dress.”

“It’s too pretty. I don’t want to wrinkle it.”

I hold it up in the light. He grabs the dress and then my hand. He pulls me to the bathroom and shoves me inside.

“Get dressed, please,” he politely says.

Although his eyes are more commanding.

“Fine.”

I close the door, quickly strip off my clothes, and ease my way into the dress. I slowly zip it up and look into the mirror. It’s stunning. For a man, he did a great job picking it out. I glance in the mirror to inspect my makeup and hair. Trig made me paint my face on hours ago, since he said he didn’t want us to be late to wherever he’s taking me. I slip into some black heels, take a breath, and exit the bathroom.

His eyebrow shoots up as his eyes takes me in.

“You look really pretty.”

I blush for a few seconds and then I pull myself together

“Do you plan on telling me where we’re going?”

“Nope.”

---