Chris was unhappy about driving Marilyn's Porsche. She felt hypocritical since she was driving a car that was to be an inducement to leave the people she was now going to visit. Nevertheless it was fun to drive.
She was surprised to find that the directions Stephi had given led her into a beautiful old residential area not far from the squalor of downtown LA. She found the women's home with little difficulty. Pulling into the driveway she was struck by the solidity and quiet elegance of the two story house that Lena and Stephi shared. She could not help comparing it to Marilyn's glitzy home. The house she was about to visit reminded her of her home in Iowa.
As she exited the car she saw the front door open and Lena step out onto the front porch. "Glad you could get away early," Lena called to her.
Trotting up the walk she smiled and said, "So am I. Are you sure I'm not putting you out by arriving in time for dinner."
"Hell no. It's Stephi's night to prepare the meal so we're having Chinese – she likes that. On my nights it's pizza. We don't do much cooking here," Lena laughed a deep throaty laugh. "Come on in, kick off your shoes and have something to drink."
The living room was furnished well but conservatively. Stephi called hello from the dining room which opened off the large, high ceilinged living room. Lena had walked over to a small portable bar and as she poured herself a small whiskey and water she asked, "What would you like?"
"Some wine if you have a soft drink if you don't."
Lena waved a bottle of dry sherry questioningly and Chris nodded her approval.
"This looks like a lovely home," Chris said folding her now shoeless feet under her as she sat down in a beautifully upholstered chair.
"Yes we like it. It's close to fifty years old. They built things the way the did back east in those days," Lena said sitting down on a davenport across the spacious room.
Stephi came in, her face flushed and said, "Now that I've got the table set I'll have my drink." She walked over to the bar and poured a small cordial glass full of a clear, white liquid from a bottle that rested in a sweating ice bucket. Raising her gals to both Lena and Chris she said, "To life."
She walked to the davenport where Lena was sitting and sat down next to her close enough so that they could and did hold hands.
"We've invited another guest," Stephi said, "hope you don't mind."
"Not at all. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your interest and concern. But are things medically as bad as Dr. Adams said?"
"It's hard to be objective about it. There are some poor things that we see coming through our place after they've been botched in the private hospitals of the Valley. But we would naturally see only the really tough stuff. It's what teaching hospitals are setup to deal with?" Stephi said.
"Our other guest tonight may well be able to tell you more. He's a cop who knows much about medical things because of several cases he's recently been working on," Lena said.
They sat for a while and sipped their drinks. The quiet was abruptly interrupted by the doorbell.
Stephi jumped up and said, "Bet a quarter it's the food and not Morgan – he's always late and always has some lame excuse."
She returned moments later leading a tall, lanky sandy-haired man who looked as if he had just awakened. His were rumpled and actually looked as if he had slept in them. However, despite his rather unkempt appearance Chris found him to be quite striking. His face was craggy, with deep set, piercing dark eyes.
Stephi led him to where Chris was sitting and said, "Chris meet Lieutenant Joe Morgan and Joe this is Chris Diamond." Chris offered her hand and was surprised at the strength of his grip and the smoothness of his skin.
"I expected the hands to be rough like a cowboy's or a construction worker's," she thought smiling at the man towering over her.
Lena had come up behind Joe and was holding a glass half-full of whiskey out to him she said, "Your a good half hour behind us."
"Yeah I can tell since you're all obviously sloshed," he said.
"Second surprise," Chris thought, "he has a sexy voice."
Joe found a chair opposite Chris that seemed to suit him and his long legs. Then with everyone seated and sipping their drinks he said, "You must be the lady who has met and been charmed by Marilyn Short I guess."
"My gosh how'd you know her name," Chris said with an obvious start.
"Oh our friend Marilyn has been around for a while. I'll tell you all about her some time if you like," Joe said pausing to sip his drink. "Right now I'd like to hear about how you met her and what she offered you to go over the hill to glitz and glamour."
Chris blushed and began to stammer. Tears came to her eyes. Stephi who had been watching the brief byplay said, "Don't be embarrassed Chris. Just an outline will do I'm sure."
Chris told of her trip over the hill to the Valley and of spending the night at Marilyn's house. Omitting all details including Fred's name.
Lena leaned forward and asked, "Which of our girls told you about the party in the Valley?"
"She was a registry nurse. I don't honestly remember her name – er – Dotty something, I think."
The door bell rang at this point and Stephi went to the door. She was back in a brief moment carrying arms full of wonderful smelling food.
"Let's adjourn to the dining room," she said smiling.
"By gosh, I'm starving," Joe said politely assisting Chris out of the deep, soft chair into which she had settled.
A great silence settled over the dining room as all four people dug into the various exotic dishes Stephi had ordered. The clicking of chopsticks and the occasional request for tea or for a dish to be passed were the only breaks in the contented silence.
When the fortune cookies were finally passed conversation resumed. Stephi as reigning hostess for that night declared that each must read the fortune they found. There was the usual hilarity associated with the inanities of this ritual. Then everyone settled back in their chairs and Lena said, "Let's get on with the edification of Chris, Joe."
"Let's help clean the table and do the dishes before you complete my southern California education or disillusionment," Chris said getting up and starting to clear the table.
"What's the matter with you girl? Are you trying to break the house rules?" Lena asked with mock seriousness. "The person in charge of the meal must clear away the mess. The dishes will be tended to by our housekeeper who comes in every day but Sunday. So mind your manners." Chris blushingly apologized and looked appreciatively at Joe who suggested they move back to the living room.
"That'll be OK but only if you wait until I can join you – I have to clean up Lena's mess you see," Stephi said laughing.
They sat and made small talk. Joe told of a case he was working on that tangentially seemed to relate to the recent gang warfare in LA. Chris trying to appear interested found the pleasant sound of his voice so sedative she dropped off to sleep. Stephi's soft voice and gentle shaking roused her.
"OK Joe let's hear your dissertation on Marilyn Short, the raiding hospitals and all the odd side issues that tie into it," Stephi said once again sitting down near Lena so that they could hold hands.
Joe sighed, stood up and looked at Chris as he began his explanation.
"Southern California is an interesting place in many ways. The rules that govern civilized behavior have been amended here. Frank Lloyd Wright said something to the effect that, 'If you tilted the country to the left (west) everything loose would spill into southern California.'."
"He was right if by 'loose' he meant people with no roots: no place or family or ethics. You will find that these people have one concern; immediate gratification. Usually the gratification comes from money but sex and power are also major motivators."
"Now in the field of medicine understand that the average doctor wants to get rich doing as little as possible. He prefers X-ray films to using a stethoscope; lab printouts to physical examination; and sleeping nights to taking calls."
"In this latter situation the nurses working in the Valley hospitals wind up functioning as the doctor. Especially true in the case of ICU and CCU nurses."
"Now we must add more bad things to this equation. With almost no exceptions all hospitals in the Valley are privately owned and are designed to bring in a profit. This means that regardless of how bad a physician may be he is welcome on their staff – the more doctors on staff the more beds are occupied and the more money that flows in."
"However, they have to keep costs down. So they bring in poorly trained nurses, non-English speaking aides and put them under the charge of one or two well trained, intelligent nurses."
"Now how do you recruit these few well trained and intelligent nurses? Money alone maybe; but, money and an apparent rich life style is much better. That's where your friend Marilyn comes in."
"She is paid to provide whatever is necessary to recruit whoever is necessary. She is, when the situation demands it, a drug pusher, a lady of easy virtue, and probably a co-conspirator in the smuggling of illegal aliens."
Chris sat stunned at what she was hearing. "Are you telling me that someone had spotted me as being restless or unhappy and that I was set up this past week-end?"
"Probably you were. I don't have any information on the registry nurse who told you about the a party. But that party was more or less held in your honor. And Marilyn's ploy of waiting in the Ferrari is a trick she has used before," Joe said.
"What about the people she introduced me to? Are they part of the plot allege exists?" Chris asked angrily.
Sitting down near her Joe said, "First don't be angry. I realize I seem to be putting you down and suggesting… no outright saying… you've been suckered but it's not maliciously intended. You are dealing with people who have concern for only one thing – money – greed is their religion."
"Now I don't know who you met. Let me tell you how things usually go in this scheme. The person they wish to recruit is taken to one of the fancy country clubs and introduced a pro; golf, tennis, swimming, whatever. They may be men or women depending on the recruit's apparent interest. And almost invariably they are not pros but hustlers hired for the occasion."
"Shit. You called it. I met the golf pro," Chris said angrily.
"You met a fellow named Fred I'll bet," Joe said smiling.
"Yep."
"Well be flattered they called out the first team for you."
"OK so now what do I do? I virtually committed myself to joining a hospital ICU staff and moving in with Marilyn," Chris asked.
Stephi turned to Joe and said, "Can't you take the car back for her? She can call and say she's changed her mind."
"No. I will help but I need Chris to help me right now. I think we've got friend Marilyn and a few of her cronies in a box on a drug charge. If Chris can have a few days off perhaps we can put her to work on Marilyn and the bunch."
"Meanwhile, we'll get the car back tonight and pick up Chris' car. But, and this is a big but, she'll hold out the prospect of soon joining one of the hospitals for which Marilyn is recruiting," Joe answered.
"Wait a minute. You want me to maintain my contacts with Marilyn – move in with her and meet more of her supposed friends?" Chris asked, alarm clearly evident.
"Not exactly. You just hold out the promise of returning as soon as you can make the necessary changes in your life, like quitting your job without leaving the hospital understaffed," Joe answered.
"What about them watching her," Lena asked. "You told us there might well be some risk – should she go back to her apartment? It strikes me that if she is off work and in and out of her apartment a lot the watchers might get the idea she's not what they think and hope she is."
"Yeah. Does your offer still hold?" Joe asked looking at Stephi and Lena.
"Sure."
"What the hell have you arranged for me?" Chris said feeling imposed upon and showing it.
"You move into the apartment Stephi and Lena have on the third floor – your own kitchen and your own entrance but easy contact with friends should you need help," Joe replied. "Now if you're ready I'd like you to call Marilyn and tell her you're bringing the car back. Then I'll go with you and help you move in here."
Chris sat. She was very much shaken by what she had heard and not a little annoyed by the fact that these people had suddenly taken control of her life. She looked from Joe standing impatiently near the door, to Stephi and Lena both of whose faces showed compassion.
"Chris in the short time we've known you we have come to like you very much. Do what Joe says. I know it's going to work out fine," Lena said walking over to hug her and give her a reassuring pat on the back.
"OK, Joe let's do it," Chris responded rising and heading for the phone.
The mumbled conversation Chris had with Marilyn could be heard by the three friends standing in the living room. When Chris returned she was red faced and angry.
"She was not too happy about my suggesting a delay. She got a little nasty. You guys may well be right," Chris said. "Let's go, Joe."
With Joe driving the Porsche they made wonderful time. As they pulled into Marilyn's broad sweeping driveway Chris said, "Where the hell is my car? She promised to have it here."
"I'll not go to the door with you. I think some of these people may know who I am. But if you have any trouble just turn and wave there is help around."
During the ride into the Valley, Chris had time to chat with Joe. She was already aware of his intelligence but was charmed by his gracious manner and kind disposition. She discovered that they shared many interests in common. Both enjoyed classical music, baseball and good food. As Chris relaxed she was very much aware of the sensuality that seemed to radiate from this rumpled, craggy faced policeman.
As Chris walked to the brightly illuminated entry way of Marilyn's home she wondered what kind of a greeting she would receive. She was grateful for the secure feeling Joe provided.
Marilyn answered the door and her reception of Chris while not effusive was pleasant. Chris was reluctant to step inside and out of the view of Joe so she said, "I'm sorry to have had to change plans Marilyn. I have a friend waiting and wonder if I may get my car." Marilyn's response was not encouraging. She told Chris that she and Paul had not been able to get her car started and so she arranged to have it towed to a garage. She then suggested that Chris come in and let her friend return to pick her up in the morning. She even went so far as to indicate that Fred and Billy were both visiting and looking forward to a small get together.
Chris demurred indicating that she had to be at work early. At which point Marilyn said, "Alright take the fucking Porsche and tell me where Paul should pick it up when he returns yours tomorrow."
Thinking quickly Chris said, "Just have him bring it to the hospital employee's parking lot. He'll see the Porsche and he can make the switch. I assume you have a spare set of keys for it. He can leave my keys with the emergency room charge nurse."
Saying a quick goodnight Chris trotted back to the car and waved as she opened the passenger door. Marilyn had dimmed the lights in the entry but there was no one to be seen sitting in her Porsche because Joe had slumped onto the floor.
The drive back was much more relaxed. Chris sighed with relief, curled her feet under her and tilted the comfortable seat back before relating her experience to Joe.
Joe reached over and patted her hand, "Saying you did well and thought quickly about the car transfer. How about a little nightcap and some soft music?"
"I'd love it Chris," said.
They drove into Santa Monica and Joe led her into a rather seedy looking place from which the sounds of mellow jazz could be heard. The room was dimly lit, smoky and crowded. Despite that they were seated at a small table. As her eyes adjusted to the relative darkness Chris could see a few couples dancing.
After Joe had given their drink order he suggested that they join the dancing few. He was an excellent dancer. Chris felt comfortable and secure in his arms and quickly became aroused.
"My God I hardly know this man and I'm ready to bed him. This is foolish," she thought.
They stayed for over an hour and each time they danced Chris felt her desire for Joe increasing. As they started out to the car Joe said, "Would you be offended if I invited you to my place for the rest of tonight. I really hate to have you leave me."
Chris took his strong hand in hers and whispered, "I can think of no nicer or more welcome invitation."
She cuddled close to him as they drove towards his home. Joe lived only a few blocks away from Stephi and Lena. His house was small, well kept and nicely furnished. He informed Chris as they walked toward to the entrance that he had been married as a young cop but the marriage had ended in divorce ten years earlier.
The house was neat and nicely furnished. Joe moved about the place turning on lights and escorting Chris from room to room. They settled in the living room sipping hot cocoa Joe had quickly prepared from a box mix. Sitting next to each other on a settee placed near the cold fireplace Chris was more acutely aware of the strength and sensuousness of her tall, lean companion.
She was growing increasingly restless and thought, "If he doesn't make a move soon I'm going to forget I'm a lady."
As if reading her mind Joe put his empty cup down on the coffee table and took Chris in his arms. She still holding her warm cup turned and willingly let his kiss her tenderly on the lips. She leaned forward placed her cup next to his on the table and took the craggy, strong face in her hands and brought his lips to hers. This kiss was deeply passionate. Their tongues met and glided around and over each other.
Without a word being said the rose and moved as one toward the bedroom. Pausing only briefly along the way to kiss and fondle each other. By the time they reached the bedroom Chris was in her scanty panties only and Joe in a pair of blue Jockey shorts that bulged magnificently.
Chris' moved her hungry lips over Joe's hairy body. Kissing his breasts and belly as her eager hands moved to strip away the blue shorts that hid what she so desperately wanted to hold.
Joe's hands gently cupped Chris' small, firm breasts. His thumbs moved back and forth over the stiff, erect nipples that seemed to pulsate with her desire. Chris moaned as her hands found and held Joe's stiff cock. She slid to her knees as Joe settled slowly onto the bedside.
Moving her right hand gently along the shaft of Joe's now throbbing cock Chris let her tongue move deftly over the glans and across the opening causing Joe to shiver and softly moan. Her left hand now held his firm testicles and rolled them gently back and forth. With a desire she could no longer control Chris slipped his stiff cock into her eager mouth sucking hungrily she slid the throbbing organ deep into her mouth again and again until she felt his body stiffen and her mouth fill with the salty token of his great arousal.
Whimpering and shivering with the intensity of her own arousal Chris lifted her face to Joe's and whispered, "Please make me come like that."
Joe lifted his lean, pliant body onto the bed and kissed her with an ardor she had not believed him capable of. His lips moved over her pulsating, vibrating body like embers flying from a searing fire. When his lips sucked and held one nipple and then the other Chris' long shapely legs thrashed and her hips pitched with urgent need.
She wrapped her arms around his muscular body and pleaded, "Fuck me darling," thrusting and grinding her hips in search of Joe's stiff, long cock.
Slowly Joe guided his once more throbbing, eager organ deep into the wet, wanting cunt that Chris had eagerly spread wide for him. As he slid into her Chris squealed and wrapped her legs firmly around the strong hips. Holding him tightly to her now wantonly moving pelvis Chris thrust her eager body at her lover with increasing fervor. She felt him stiffen above her and as his organ began to beat within her grasping cunt she screamed with joy. Her body beat and jerked with the intense spasms of her orgasm as her hands tore at her lover's smooth hairy back. She came again and whimpering softly, "Don't leave me my darling," as her eager cunt held tightly to Joe's now limp cock.
They finally slept clinging to each other in sweaty relief from the paroxysms of joy that had rocked their bodies minutes before.