Chapter 5: Predator and Prey

Keith was busy fixing the cabinet doors in one of the unit's bathrooms, going through his order sheet of jobs to do, that Marlene had started him on. He was swinging it open and closed, checking how well it worked, when the door to the unit opened. He leaned back and poked his head out of the door to see who it was. In his heart, he was hoping Mary had changed her mind and came back, but he saw the tight, black, Capri pants and knew it wasn't her. He glanced out farther and saw the rest of Marlene. The light material of the white, vee neck sweater was stretched over the curves of Marlene's breasts and Keith took further notice of them. Marlene was bent over, to put a drink on the table and Keith could see her mounds were moving naturally underneath her top, letting him know she was bra-less. Even from twelve feet away, the outline of her nipples were visible and Keith's mouth went dry, as he imagined them. Marlene walked over to Keith, the sway in her hips accentuated, making his eyes remain focused on everything from the neck down and the knees up. Marlene let the corners of her mouth turn up, knowing her prey was caught in the trap.

“I brought you a cold drink, I thought you might be thirsty. How's the job coming?”

Keith was still transfixed on the lush curves of Marlene's hips and ass, as she rotated them back and forth for him, pretending she was looking around in the room. She reached down and gently touched his hair with a soft stroke and Keith snapped out of it and looked up at her. She was well aware of where his interest was held and smoothed her hands down her hips, as a result. Keith swallowed, trying to get some spit happening.

“Job is going well, Mrs. Brock. Just have to change a light bulb by the bed and this unit is ready.”

“Please, call me, Marlene. Mrs. Brock makes me sound so...old. You don't think I'm old, do you, Keith?”

Keith stammered a bit and firmly said no, shaking his head vigorously to quantify it.

“Good, I hate the thought of getting old. Now, back to work. I would like it very much, if you could do the work on the next unit and then come and see me in my place. There's a few things that need attending to right away. Just knock and come on back, I'll be in the living quarters, tending to a few things myself, so don't wait for me to answer, okay?”

Keith saw the smile and smiled back, saying he would get right to it. That made Marlene happy and she bent down to give Keith a kiss on the cheek, her vee neck draping open to expose more of the curves, then softly wiped the lipstick away. Keith could smell her perfume and the scent was intoxicating to him. The innocence of the closeness aside, Keith was as aroused, as if she had just stroked his cock. He watched her, as she walked back out, a little twitch of her ass cheeks at the end of every step, sending little flashes of her sexuality at him. Keith stared long after the door closed, imagining Marlene naked, as she did everything she had just done.

Marlene walked down to unit ten, where Ann-Marie and Suzy were going over the procedures for guests. They had washed out their underwear and had them hanging over the shower rod, sitting on the beds with only towels around them. Marlene knocked at the door, but didn't wait for an answer and walked in. The girls were surprised at first, until they saw it was Marlene, but still felt the need to be guarded of themselves.

“Oh, didn't know we were doing this naked. How nice. I like the look.”

Suzy and Ann-Marie were taken off guard by Marlene's forwardness, as she looked them over with interest. Suzy felt the need to explain themselves.

“Sorry, we thought we could rinse our things out. We haven't been home in a few days to get clean clothes. We're hoping the guys will take us back tonight, so we can have a change of clothing here.”

Marlene smiled at them, then walked to the bathroom. She looked at the bras and panties hung up and looked them over, before she looked in the mirror and preened her hair. She came to the doorway and looked at the two girls, sitting and looking at her, then looked them over again.

“I need you girls to go into Lodi and do some laundry. I need you to take all the dirty sheets and towels in and then fold them and put them in the closet where I showed you. You can use my car, but be careful not to scratch it, or wreck it, I get very upset at that happening, I love my car.”

Marlene's look told them she was capable of making things very unpleasant, should they do any damage. They sat there looking at her, waiting for her to say something else, or leave, so they could get dressed. When she just stood there, they weren't sure what to do. Marlene could see they were unsure and clapped her hands at them.

“That's it, girls, let's get a move on. Chop, chop.”

Marlene's insistence to act immediately, had them nervous, knowing it meant being naked in front of her. Ann-Marie looked at Suzy, who looked at her and then walked over to her underwear hanging up and felt how damp they were. She turned to Marlene and shrugged her shoulders.

“They're still damp. Maybe in another hour, they'll be dry.”

Marlene looked her up and down and then at Suzy.

“You need underwear to do laundry? I didn't know they were necessary for that?”

The girls understood that Marlene wanted them gone now, so Suzy got off the bed, turning her back and unwrapped her towel, baring her ass to Marlene. Ann-Marie looked at her and Suzy just shrugged her shoulders, as she began putting her jeans on. Ann-Marie stood and tuned her back to Marlene as well and dropped her towel on the bed, then began putting her pants on. Marlene stood and watched them both, looking at each, with a sense of power and control.

Suzy pulled her T shirt over herself and slid it over her breasts, tucking the bottom into her jeans. Ann-Marie was wrestling to get her larger breasts covered with her vest, as fast as she could. When they were ready, Marlene looked them over, judging their appearance. In a bold move, she stood in front of Ann-Marie and began quickly undoing the buttons to her vest. Ann-Marie gasped at her intrusion, hesitating to stop her, her breasts almost bared, but Marlene didn't pay any mind, as she undid them all and started at the bottom again. Slowly, she did them up and left the top one undone, leaving a good view of cleavage, then patted both mounds underneath the denim, as though she was smoothing out the material.

“There, that's better, not so lop-sided looking now, because the buttons were out of order.”

Ann-Marie turned every shade of red, as she looked at Suzy and then back to Marlene. Marlene saw the look and put a look of innocence on her face.

“Hey, you want to go out with the buttons all wrong, go ahead. I thought I was just helping you out.”

Ann-Marie wasn't completely satisfied with her answer, leaving her with a great sense of uneasiness, as she went to cup her own breasts in protection. She looked at Marlene, her face showing confusion about how to respond and Marlene picked up on it. She smiled and gently cupped Ann-Marie's cheek.

“Sweetie, I like cock, so don't get all bent out of shape over it. If I get a yearning to swing that way, I'll look you up. To be honest though, those felt nice and from what I can see, they liked it too.”

Ann-Marie and Suzy both looked at Ann-Marie's breasts, when Marlene pointed to them. There, as bold and proud as they could be, were Ann-Marie's nipples poking through the thin denim. The flush darkened between her breasts and her face went beet red. She stood there looking guilty about them, balling her hands into fists and becoming unnerved. Marlene was happy with the response and chuckled a bit, before she made her way to the door.

“The keys to my car will be on the counter, along with the bags of laundry. Do a good job, girls. See you when you get back.”

Marlene left and walked back to the office. The girls looked out the window and watched her, noticing the sexuality in her walk and how she carried herself. They closed the curtains and looked at each other, missing Marlene cupping her breasts, as she passed the unit Keith was working in. They got their bags and Ann-Marie stopped, still unnerved about what had just transpired. She pulled the front of her vest open and looked at her nipples, a look of disappointment coming to her face.

“Got to you, did she?”

Ann-Marie looked at Suzy, her face showing the truth, despite what she said against it.

“Hey, don't sweat it. I think you got great tits too, doesn't mean I want to make out with you, or anything.”

Assurances aside, Suzy could tell Marlene had made a deeper impression in Ann-Marie than she was willing to admit. They went up to the office and found the keys where Marlene had said they'd be, along with five dollars and two bags of laundry sat waiting on the floor. They took them to the trunk and put them in, then got in the '64 Buick Riviera and started it up. Suzy put it in reverse and backed out, then pulled out of the lot and off towards Lodi.

Marlene was watching them through a slit in the curtains, making sure they were gone, then began undressing, as she walked back into her room. She looked in the mirror and made sure she looked her stunning best, then pulled the sheets down on the bed and lay on it, in wait. Her hopes that her timing was as planned, came about, as she heard Keith's footsteps on the landing and then the door opened up.

“Back here, Keith.”

Keith followed the voice and looked into the room. He didn't see Marlene there, so he ventured in further and looked about, then saw the feet on the bed. He moved slightly forward, taking in more and more of what he saw. Bare feet, turned into bare legs and the more Keith looked, the more he realized that Marlene was stark naked on the bed. He hesitated, wondering what to do about it, when Marlene called out to him again.

“Don't be shy. Come on in, I won't bite.”

Keith summoned up his courage and walked to the doorway, then looked at Marlene sprawled on the bed. She was naked and motioning with her finger to come to her, then patted the bed beside her. Keith looked at her, his libido peaking and governing his thoughts, as the rich scent of her womanhood wafted to him. He stared at her breasts, capped in light pink, the soft curve of her belly, leading to the dark, red triangle of hair between her legs. He fought with his conscience, deciding what to do, when Marlene parted her legs slightly and ran her hand over the thick mat of hair, then up over her breast, flicking the nipple as it passed. Keith swallowed hard and took one step forward, closing the door behind him.

Suzy and Ann-Marie were enjoying the luxury of the Buick, but Suzy could tell that Ann-Marie was still focused on something else. It wasn't hard to imagine what had her attention, but she wondered what had her so riled up, she couldn't let it go.

“You're not still thinking about that woman touching your boobs, are you?”

That brought Ann-Marie out of her thoughts and back to the present.

“I am and it's freaking me out.”

Suzy could see that it was and wanted to know why. Ann-Marie stared out the window, but she wasn't looking at anything.

“I don't know, that's just it. It's not the first time another woman has touched my boobs, Christ, we were all doing it to each other all weekend, almost. It's something about her that has me all fucked up and I don't know what.”

Suzy could see her frustration in trying to make sense out of it and decided on asking questions and seeing what helped.

“Okay, do you think she's attractive?”

“Well, yeah, she's gorgeous.”

“No, not if your think she's pretty, if you think she's attractive?”

Ann-Marie seemed puzzled and Suzy explained.

“I mean, you know she's pretty, but does she look attractive to you? Are you attracted to her?”

Ann-Marie digested Suzy's words and realized what she meant, then turned in shock to her.

“Are you asking me if I find her like, sexy? If I have the hots for her, or something?”

“Well, yeah. Do you? Hey, it's okay with me, if you do, it's cool, you know.”

Ann-Marie thought about it more, trying to decide if she really did find Marlene sexually attractive, or if it was just how she touched her.

“I...I'm not sure. I don't know what I think, right now. I mean like, yeah, she's really, good looking, but I don't think I find her like, sexy to me, or anything. It's how she touched me that got me all fucked up. It wasn't play touching like we did, it was more than that. Maybe the way she looked at me, I don't know. All I know is my nipples were hard as rocks after she did it and...and.”

Ann-Marie left off without finishing her thought, but Suzy felt it needed to be and asked.

“And what? What else did she do, or make happen?”

Ann-Marie looked nervous as she looked at Suzy, unsure if she should tell her. Suzy motioned to do it and held her hand. It might have been the connection made physically that helped, but Ann-Marie sighed and looked beaten, as she told Suzy what else happened.

“I..I got wet between my legs. I mean, I can feel it right now, how wet I am.”

Suzy held Ann-Marie's hand a little tighter, letting her know she wasn't letting what she said, affect their friendship.

“Got to you that much, did she?”

“That's just it. Was it her, or can any woman make me feel like that?”

Suzy looked at her sitting there, staring out the window with an uncertain look in her eyes.

“Do you want another woman to touch you? Maybe you should ask yourself that question.”

Ann-Marie looked at Suzy and squeezed her hand, the fear of the unknown about herself, coming through in her expressions. She stared back out the window, staring far off into the ether, looking for her answer, then turned back to Suzy.

“Touch me. I want you to touch me, like she did.”

Suzy was so taken aback, she had to watch her driving, it stunned her so much to hear it.

“You want me to what?”

“Touch me, like Marlene did. If you make me feel that way, then any woman can. If not, then it has to be her. Does that sound way too weird, or what?”

Suzy could see the desperation in her eyes, the truth being the only thing that would bring an end to her turmoil. She pulled over to the side of the road and put the car in park and turned it off, then sat looking at her feet on the pedals. She turned her head to Ann-Marie and could see she was completely beside herself with confusion. She thought to herself on what was asked and realized it wasn't much different than playing under the blanket with the guys. She took a deep breath and turned in her seat. Ann-Marie turned to her and looked at her, the blue in her eyes awash with emotion, just roiling below the surface.

“Okay, but you have to swear you'll never tell anyone we did this, alright?”

Ann-Marie could see that Suzy was willing to forgo her own boundaries, in order to help her figure out her own. She turned as much as she could and faced Suzy, her hands in her lap and her eyes fixed on Suzy's dark brown ones, now filling with an uncertainty of their own. Suzy looked up and down the road, checking for cars and then moved towards Ann-Marie. Slowly she brought her hands to Ann-Marie's vest and held onto the top button. She looked into her eyes, as she undid it, waiting for her response. A slight intake of breath and a flutter in her eyes, was all she was giving away, as Suzy went to the next one. The quivering skin on her breasts, let Suzy know she was exciting her, but unsure if it was sexual in nature, or nervousness. The last two buttons were undone and the sides parted, as the weight of Ann-Marie's breasts pushed them open. Ann-Marie breathed in deeply at the release, further exposing herself.

Suzy stared at the partial exposure of them and then looked in her friend's eyes, seeing she was getting more restless and her breathing increasing. She went to do up the bottom button, then Ann-Marie held her hands, stopping her. Looking deeply into Suzy's eyes, she held onto them and brought them up to her breasts and gently held them to her. Suzy looked at her hands resting on her breasts, feeling the heat emanating from them. She looked in Ann-Marie's eyes and saw an aching need in them. What possessed her to do what she did, was something that would take many hours of thought to know why later, but she leaned forward and kissed Ann-Marie on the lips softly. Her hands slipped under the vest and began massaging the mounds, as their mouths sought greater interaction. In moments, what was supposed to be a friend helping a friend, turned wildly sexual, their hands becoming eager for more. Suzy fumbled for the lever to make the seat go back and pushed it. They fell back, Suzy landing on top of Ann-Marie, the vest laying open and her breasts bared, her nipples ripe and succulent. They looked at each other, lust-starved and wanton, then Suzy's mouth found the pink flesh and suckled.

JT and Piney went back to the shop after lunch and helped Jake finish up with the day's work. Three more cars came in for work and two more were scheduled for service in the morning. Jake was putting the wires on the distributor cap and snapping the boots on the plugs, just about finished with it.

“Thanks for letting us work on the building, Jake. The guys are marking off the floor right now, where we decided on things. Once we get some wood and stuff, we'll get to putting up walls and dividing it up properly. We figured we can get four rooms along the far side and a shitter at the end for everyone to use. How hard is it to put in a line for toilets and stuff? We were thinking of a bathroom for each room, or is that too much?”

“Five bathrooms? I'll say. You can get maybe three, tops, or else the line won't be able to handle it all. It wasn't designed for residential purposes, so keep that in mind. At best, I'd say a full bathroom in the president's quarters and a communal one for everyone else to shower in. Have a sink and toilet at one end for everyone to use, because then you have to think of the kitchen and bar and the drains for them.”

“Wait, we can have a bar?”

“Of course. It's a legal residence, as required by law to have a kitchen, bath and bedroom, so it's legal to drink in it.”

JT stood and thought about that addition to things and told Jake he'd be right back, some remodelling of the floor was going to be needed. Jake laughed, as JT and Piney headed back to the building to discuss a bar and whatever else that went with it, while he reached in and started the Dart, hearing it run smoothly and smiled to himself.

Ann-Marie pulled her jeans up from her ankles, doing up the zipper and making sure her pubic hair didn't get caught in it. She started doing up the buttons on her vest and looked over at Suzy, her pants still undone, as she pulled her T shirt over her head and unrolled it down her body. Her nipples were still hard and erect from her own mouth and hands stimulating them, then smiled to herself, something inside her, making her happy she did that to her. Suzy looked over at Ann-Marie, their eyes meeting and sharing the moment. There was a quiet understanding, that what had just happened between them, was something that would stay between them only. There was also a mutual hint in their eyes, of not wanting it to be the only time.

The guys got together and listened to JT talk about a bar, coming up with ideas on what should go with it. Tables and chairs were thought out and how much room was needed, then how big the bar should be. They looked around and figured it should be as close to the front door as possible. They marked off a thick line to show where the bar area should go and everything seemed to flow from that point. By the end of the day, the entire clubhouse was laid out on the floor in marker, each area noted for its use. Chico had to take off and head back to Oakland and see his contact there. Wally, JT and Piney washed up in the shop and got out of their overalls. Jake told them he'd see them at eight, or maybe sooner, giving them a wink, that he may end up at the motel again.

Wally smiled proudly, when he started the Chevy and it purred quietly, running smoother than it had in years. He shouted out to Jake that he was truly happy with the work he did and said he'd be by tomorrow with a little something for him, to show his appreciation. The guys waved to Jake, who waved back and they headed out of the lot and back to the motel. They talked about so many things at once, any one of which was just as important as the other. They realized it was easier to just sit and reflect and smiled, listening to the radio blare out a song through the broken speaker, uncaring it was barely recognizable. They pulled into the lot and up to their units and saw Keith coming from the office towards them. They got out and called to him, making him stop suddenly in surprise. He regained his composure and walked to them, now wearing a big smile.

They went into Wally's unit and sat on the beds, discussing everything that had happened and what was planned for later that night, when they were going to the site for material. After a joint and several cigarettes, JT asked where the girls were. Keith said he had no idea. He'd been working in the units all day fixing things and only knew they had gone to Lodi to do laundry, but that was hours ago. He said he was just telling Mrs. Brock that he was done for the day, when they showed up. He decided on not telling the guys of his afternoon romp with Marlene and how good she was in bed, letting that be his secret to keep with Marlene. What the guys would have been decidedly jealous about, was that Marlene had a repeat performance planned for later. With nothing else to do, they continued talking and smoked another joint. A half hour passed after they killed the joint, when the sound of tires on gravel entered the room. JT flipped the curtain open and saw Suzy behind the wheel of the Riviera, driving past them and up to the office.

Suzy pulled up and stopped, then got out and opened the trunk. She and Ann-Marie took a bag each and she closed the trunk lid. They went into the office and called out to Marlene, that they were back. Marlene came out smiling, only wearing her robe, her hair wet from being in the shower.

“Finally made it back I see. No problems, I hope?”

Ann-Marie stayed by the door and stared at the floor, not wanting to make eye contact with Marlene. She chose to cover her breasts with her hair, removing any chance of her finding a reason to touch her. Suzy handed her the keys and stood closer to her, as she told her how things went.

“We had to get change for the machines. That took us forever to get someone to make it for us. It's like it's too much of a hassle to count out a few quarters and swap them for a bill, or something. And of course, I drove really slow, so I didn't damage your car, like you said. It's a really nice car, I liked driving it. Really smooth.”

Suzy made her excuse sound as convincing as possible to her, trying to come up with some reason they were more than an hour longer than they should have been. Marlene looked in Suzy's eyes and saw her waver and knew something more had happened. She looked at Ann-Marie still staring at he floor, wanting nothing more than to be out of there. As she looked back, she noticed the twin peaks still showing through Suzy's T shirt. Her eyes travelled back up and saw Suzy looking in her eyes, that look that said something of an arousing nature had transpired between the two young women. With a knowing smile of guessing what happened, she teased the end of Suzy's hair and winked at her. Suzy flustered and tried not to show it got to her, but the eyes told all to Marlene.

“That's okay, as long as it's done. Thanks Suzy, that's all for today, Ann-Marie, be a dear and put those away in storage for me. See you tomorrow, Suzy.”

Marlene's tone was soft, but a underlying tone of authority accompanied it. Suzy looked at Ann-Marie as she walked out, seeing one of worry, coming back from her. Ann-Marie hesitated to move, until Marlene walked over to her, invading her comfort zone and closed and locked the main door. She picked up a bag and went into the back, to the storage closet and opened the door. She turned on the light, opened the bag of folded towels, then began putting them away, when Marlene brought in the other bag. The small room became instantly claustrophobic, as her presence filled it. Ann-Marie turned towards her, a stack of towels in her hands, looking like her breasts were laid on them for presentation. Marlene literally ate her up with her eyes, as she slowly closed the door behind her, shutting off any chance of escape.

“I thought you might need a hand, so I brought these in for you.”

Marlene kept her eyes fixed on Ann-Marie's, dominating her with them, as she began undoing her robe.

Suzy went into her and JT's unit and sat on the bed, reflecting on her encounter into a sexual unknown. She cupped her breasts and felt her nipples, finally letting go of the arousal inside of her. As she crossed her legs, she became aware of the wetness inside and went to the bathroom to wipe herself dry. As she did, JT came in the room and called for her. She pulled the bathroom door open a crack and let him know she'd be out in a minute, as she cupped her mound and felt the still present sensations Ann-Marie had left in her. She pulled up her jeans and looked in the mirror, setting her composure and fixing her hair. She walked out and acted like nothing out of the ordinary had happened, as she hugged and kissed JT with passion. He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, still kissing with fervour. JT walked over to the door and fumbled for the lock and locked it, before stepping forward and falling with Suzy to the bed.

JT had no idea why she was so aroused and wanting him, but none of that mattered, as she pushed his jeans down and took hold of him. He worked at her jeans and slid them down, Suzy kicking her feet out of them and spreading widely for him, as he lay atop and looked in her lust-fuelled eyes. He groaned loudly in pleasure, as he felt himself being guided into the hot wetness she had for him, her legs wrapping around and holding him deep inside.

A knock on the door a few hours later, had JT dressing quickly and finally answering the door.

“Oops, sorry to bother you two, but we have to get ready to go, JT.”

“Okay, Piney, be with you in a second.”

JT kissed Suzy and told her to keep it warm, that he was coming back for seconds. Suzy giggled and said she would be waiting. She gave him a quick flash of her nudity, as JT put on his jean jacket and blew her a kiss, on the way out. Wally, Keith and Piney, were waiting in the car for him and once he closed the door, they were on their way. They drove down to Jake's and opened the gate and then the building, making sure they took the least amount of time possible doing it. They waited for Lenny to arrive and he was good on sticking to the plan and arrived on time. He pulled his bike in around back and shut it off. He got in with the other guys and they drove out, closing the gate behind them. JT set the chain and lock, but didn't lock it properly, wanting to get in as fast they could and close it again.

The trip to the construction site had them going over everything again, making sure Lenny had scouted out the materials they needed and where they were on the site. It wasn't long, before they turned off, down the unfinished road and into the site. Wally killed the lights and drove behind a few trees for cover and killed the engine. Lenny got out and ran over to the site trailer and used his key to get in. He picked up the keys and ran over to the yard truck. He started it up and the guys dashed over and jumped on the flatbed. They rode to the first stop, a house that was finished on the outside and they slid a full skid of drywall onto the bed, then they drove down the dirt road to a new foundation and loaded all the two by fours of two skids, on top of the drywall. They drove around to the supply hut and Lenny opened the lock. They took a box of nails and a box of screws, then Lenny locked it back up.

With the shopping done, they were driving back to Wally's car, when JT smacked Lenny's arm to stop and pointed to something he spotted, sitting on the porch of one of the houses. Piney and Keith jumped off and ran up and grabbed the sink and toilet, still in their boxes. Taking it slow over the rutted road, they parked by the car and tied the material down with rope, while they put some plates on it to take it out of the site. Lenny turned the lights on and only one headlight was working. They checked the back and it had no brake lights and only one tail light. With no other choice, they left the yard and drove back to the shop, Wally tailing close behind, so no one got a good look at the truck.

They made it to the shop without incident, but whether anyone spotted the Oswald logo on the truck,was another matter. JT opened the gate and closed it behind them, as the vehicles pulled around back to the loading dock. Piney pushed the roll up door open and it wasn't long, before a line was formed and material was being loaded into the building. It took only ten minutes and the truck was empty and the doors closed. They got back in and drove back to the gate and Wally and Lenny pulled out, then JT closed and locked the gate behind them. He jumped in with Lenny and they were off to the site again. It seemed everything went exactly as they expected, as Lenny parked the truck, took the plates and put the keys back where he found them. He jumped in the car and Wally was just pulling out of the site, when a cruiser drove up and blocked their path. Lenny slid the plates under the seat and joined the others in trying to remain calm.

Wally's headlights shone on the car and they could see the officer behind the wheel, was none other than Wayne Unser. He didn't put the flashing lights on, but got out and walked to the driver's side window. He shone his flashlight inside the car and saw who it was. Wally rolled down his window and waited to see what happened.

“How are you guys, tonight?”

They answered him that they were okay and asked how he was. Wayne knew something was up, but nothing seemed out of place to him.

“So, what brings you out here?”

That's when Lenny felt he had to speak.

“I brought them out to see where I work, Wayne. We were cruising around and I noticed we were close, so we stopped by, Not much to see when it's dark, so we were just leaving.”

Wayne remembered Lenny's rap sheet and knew he was telling the truth about that. Whether that was the whole truth, was something he had to prove to himself.

“You wouldn't mind opening the trunk for me, would ya?”

Wally looked at the guys and turned back to Wayne.

“Not at all, Officer.”

Wally shut off the car and took the keys. He opened the trunk wide and stood back, so Unser could inspect it with his flashlight. The cavernous space was empty, except for some garbage and a spare tire. Wally waited for Unser to say he could close it, then got back in the car.

“Everything seems okay, Sorry to bother you guys. Old man Oswald has been on the chief's ass, about theft from the sites.”

The guys did their best not to show any reaction to what Wayne said. Lenny finalized everything for them.

“I know what you mean. I lost two days pay, because some fuckers stole the material we were going to use. I get my hands on those fuckers, I'll get my pay out of them. Bastards.”

Wayne saw the anger in Lenny's eyes and knew no work because of no material, meant no pay for him.

“Yeah, I don't blame you, Lenny. Sorry to bother you guys. You have a good night.”

“You too, Wayne.”

The guys smiled at Wayne, making him feel a sense of friendship between them, then Unser walked back to his car and moved it, so the guys could leave. They waved to him, as they drove past and headed for home. Once they were out of sight, they whooped and cheered at pulling it off. They made it back to the shop and JT opened the gate and waited, while Lenny got his bike and started it up. He was more than happy he'd had it looked at today, the last thing he wanted, was standing there trying to start it all night.

Lenny pulled his bike out and JT locked up again. Lenny headed back home to Lorraine, while the guys headed back to the motel. They pulled into the lot and the headlights illuminated the light blue paint of Jake's bike. They tried to imagine when he rode past them and figured it was when they were at the site and that's why they never heard him. Still feeling at ease about it. They split up and headed to their rooms and their women, calling it a night and making plans to start building tomorrow. JT walked in and was greeted with a naked body laying on the bed, a smile and a welcoming gesture to spur him to get undressed.

Piney lay on his bed and wished Gloria didn't go, but wished even more, that Mary had stayed. He was enamoured by her looks and her body, lusting more for her, than Gloria. Keith sat in his room and looked at the empty bed across from him and wished Mary was there with him, but memories of that afternoon flooded his thoughts and he looked towards the office and the seductive charms of Marlene, filling the empty spaces in him.

Wally hugged and kissed Ann-Marie, happy to find her naked in bed, but she wasn't responsive to him and he wondered why. She said she was tired and not feeling that well, so he let her be and got undressed and climbed into the other bed. He turned out the light and lay on his side facing her. Ann-Marie lay there in the dark, staring at the ceiling, hoping Wally was asleep, as her mind took her back to the office store room and Marlene. She could feel the excitement in her loins, the ache in her nipples, as she lay quivering under the sheets. Her hands found their way back between her legs and her breast, cupping them to herself hard, pressing against the hot flesh and felt the wetness begin. Slowly she let a finger begin sliding inside and imagined Marlene again, taking her and making her feel so wonderful. If only the moon shone a bit brighter, Wally would have noticed the rapid movement under Ann-Marie's covers, as she relived that afternoon's awakening.

Morning found them all with a different outlook on life. The guys were on their way to fulfilling a dream, while the girls were putting a new perspective to their sexuality. JT and Piney were grateful for Wally joining them and the ride into work. They were sitting at the table, having a smoke, when Jake pulled in. He smiled at them as he passed and parked in his usual spot. JT and Piney went over and said hello to him and asked how his night was with Marlene. His expression said it all, even though he said very little about it.

Lenny pulled in, with Otto right behind him, the Harleys making sweet mechanical music. An old pick up came in shortly after them and pulled up beside them. JT and Piney went over to greet them and Otto introduced a guy he worked with, Steve. He said he was there to load Piney's bike and bring it to the shop. JT took Otto and Steve over and introduced them to him. He explained the situation and Jake said Piney could go with them and get his bike. After a round of handshakes and thank you's, Piney took off with them to realize his dream at last.

JT went to work with Jake, working on the cars with the same enthusiasm he showed yesterday and Jake was beside himself happy, with his performance. Wally was busy in the building, laying out the wood to make frames, then came over to ask JT if they had a hammer, so he could get started nailing it together. It became the first disappointment of the day, to find that nothing existed on site. Wally said he'd go and get one and took off in his car.

“You boys got some wood to put together?”

“Yeah, we scored some two by fours last night and brought them by. A friend told us about them and said we were welcome to them.”

“That's decent of him. Get very many?”

“I think we have enough for a wall or two, so at least it's a start.”

Jake nodded, happy JT was making a go of things and not just talking about it. They worked together as a team, finishing the car and putting it back in the lot, then JT brought in the next one. They worked solidly for an hour and finished three cars, when Wally pulled in and parked, raising a hammer above his head, as he went into the building again. Minutes later, the pick up came in with Piney's bike on the back and Lenny and Otto following him. The pulled to the side of the garage and everyone held onto the bike, slowly bringing it back to solid ground again. Piney thanked everyone for their help and sat on the bike, smiling happily that he would soon be riding it with them.

Jake was standing and admiring Otto's bike, looking at the paint and finishing details he had done. Otto walked over and stood beside him.

“Not bad, huh?”

“Beautiful bike, Otto. I love the paint work you did. JT was telling me about it, but seeing it, makes mine look plain Jane.”

“Thanks, man. It took me months to get it all together. Like I said to JT, a bit here, a bit there and then it all came together. Just a lot of hard work more than anything.”

“It shows, Otto. You did a fantastic job.”

Otto was proud of his accomplishments and took no umbrage at showing it. He was pleased that Jake was as into bikes as they were, giving them common ground to stand on. He got on and started it, the sound low and sweetly throbbing. He said goodbye to everyone and told JT and Piney he would be back after work to help with the clubhouse. He gave the throttle a couple of revs and put it into gear and sped down the lane, letting the sound become deafening, as the pipes blared out the soulful harmonies. Steve waved out the window, as he followed behind, heading back to the body shop.

Piney was eager to get started on his bike, but knew he had to do his day's work first. Reluctantly, he got off and pushed the bike out of the way and started on an order. He pulled it into the bay and began working on it, but his head would invariably come up and look over at his bike.

Back at the motel, Suzy was ready to get started on whatever Marlene had for them to do and walked next door to Ann-Marie's room. She knocked on the door and waited, then knocked again, when she didn't answer. She called out as she opened the door and looked in, finding the room empty. She had no idea where she was, so she went to the office and walked in. Suzy called out for Marlene, that she was there and heard her voice come from the back. She stood waiting and then Marlene came out, fixing her hair and adjusting her clothes, slightly out of breath and a look of happiness on her face.

“Good morning, Suzy, ready to get to work?”

“Sure, what do you want me doing today?

“I need all the rooms vacuumed and dusted, so you can get started on the end one.”

Suzy acknowledged her order and went to go, then stopped and turned back to her.

“You haven't seen Ann-Marie, have you? She wasn't in her room.”

“She's giving me a hand with some things I want to do in my room, seeing as I'll be here for a bit. When she's done, I'll send her down to help you.”

Suzy was sceptical of her answer, but she had nothing to oppose it, so she went to the storage locker and took the upright vacuum and dusting kit with her. Marlene watched her go into the end unit and closed the door to the office. She walked back into her room and into her bedroom, undressing as she went. She looked at the bed and smiled happily, the look of desire in her eyes. Ann-Marie lay naked on the bed and Marlene wasted no time in joining her, as arms entwined bodies, and lips resumed their stimulation, moans of pleasure coming from both of them. Ann-Marie stifled a cry of passion, as Marlene's mouth covered her sopping wetness, her fingers grasping her hair, desperate to hold her there.

Keith was given the day off, so he gladly took off and rode to the shop to see the guys and get to work on the clubhouse. He pulled up beside the other bikes and got off. He greeted JT and Piney, as well as Jake, then made his way into the building and joined Wally. Once they said hello, it was a normal course of action to smoke a joint to get into the mood, before they looked at the boards all laid out and started nailing them together.

The walls echoed the sounds of work, as hammering came from the clubhouse and impact wrenches spun nuts on and off, in the shop. Jake didn't say anything, but smiled as he listened, knowing that things were getting accomplished. The sound of Franco's horn blowing, signalled it was lunch time and all the guys put their tools down and walked over. They bought their food and drinks and headed over to the picnic table by the clubhouse, as Franco closed up and blew his horn, as he left.

The guys ate hungrily, working up an appetite from their efforts. Jake enjoyed his glass of wine and asked how things were going with the building.

“Great, Jake. Keith and I have two rooms built and standing and a third is almost ready.”

“That much? How much wood did you guys get?”

That put an instant stop to their easy feelings and eyes looked back and forth among themselves for an answer. JT felt he had to take the lead, as his position demanded he protect his brothers.

“Not really sure, Jake. We picked up a bunch of wood that was lying at the back of the building, beside Otto's work. He said it had been lying there for years, or something and no one was using it, so he told us we could have it. Hope no one thinks we stole it. That would be the shits.”

Jake was appeased with the answer and agreed it would be bad for all concerned, if it was. That had the mood stay a bit tense, as they ate and finally finished, almost glad to be away from anymore questions. As Jake walked back to the shop, an audible sigh of relief could be heard from almost all of them, feeling they were close to getting caught and escaping it. Talk turned to one of caution, no one wanting to have everything they had, taken away in one fell swoop.

JT and Piney went back to work and put forth their best efforts, so they could finish and start on Piney's bike. When Piney pulled the last car out, Jake looked over at JT and told him they could start on Piney's bike and see what it needed. His smile told Jake he was happy he could knock off and help his friend, which was all Piney needed to hear, when he came back. Together, they pushed the Indian into the shop and began the cleaning of it first. Once it was free of dirt and debris, they began looking over the bike carefully, noting what was worn and what was still usable. After a good half hour, they gave the list to Jake and asked if they could call and order the parts under the company name. He was more than happy to let them have his discount and Piney went in and ordered the parts.

Piney got on the bike, after putting in fresh gas, then primed the starter and looked at JT. He jumped down on it hard and the engine caught and sputtered, then died. Piney's face was an expression of sheer happiness, knowing he could actually hear it run today. Once again he primed it and jumped down, the engine coughing and catching roughly. Little by little, Piney coaxed the engine to rev faster, the carbon build up in the cylinders belching out black smoke from the exhaust. It refused to run smoothly and JT tried adjusting the screws on the carburetor, getting nothing better as a result. Jake heard the engine and knew what was wrong, so he walked over and took the screwdriver from JT and readjusted the screws JT had set and then adjusted the timing.

As if by magic, the engine began purring smoother, the roughness gone. Piney revved it up several times and smiled at the power. He shut it off and dismounted, standing beside JT and Jake, looking at it.

“I bet this thing will be roadworthy by tomorrow and we can go riding soon, JT.”

“Looking forward to the day, brother.”

“I'll go with you guys on the first outing. I want to make sure both your bikes are running well and won't break down. Nothing spoils a ride faster, trust me.”

JT and Piney agreed the first ride would be the three of them and asked Jake about the road trip he was taking them on.

As hammering continued in the clubhouse, Jake started describing the roads and the sights along the way. The guys could see Jake was remembering it fondly and hoped he didn't return to the moment riding became a hell for him. One thing they did get out of Jake's descriptive telling, was that they were going to see a lot of beautiful scenery, while riding on some spectacular highways.

JT could hear what Jake was saying, but back in the recesses of his mind, he was leading his club and every member was patched, the ground shaking rumble of a dozen bikes cruising together. He felt the exhilaration in his soul, knowing the dreams and wishes of a spirit denied, were becoming a reality he was founding. A reality that brought together the kindred spirits of like men, men who wanted to belong to something they believed in and felt it was worth dying for.