This is a work of fiction, using characters from the film, “LA Confidential". No insult or invasion of privacy or infringement of copyright is intended. The story is for readers over the age of 18 only, and contains adult language. The writer is not responsible for any "discomfort" caused to the reader by this language and these situations.
Not A Regular Friday Night
©09/2009 by: Alice
Chapter One
Friday night. Lieutenant Bud White was driving home after a long day on the job. He was finally working homicide for the LAPD. It hadn’t gone well with Lynn Bracken in Arizona. That was something Bud didn’t like thinking about. He had come back and was now, thanks to his (not without a certain amount of irony) friend Ed Exley in the detective bureau.
The city was slowly being enveloped in darkness, the sun fading. The streets were starting to fill. Whores, drug dealers, college kids, some semi-decent couples and a few tourists eyeing the ‘City of Angels’. It was a regular Friday night.
Entering a less busy part of town, he turned on an empty street. Almost empty.
He couldn’t help but notice a couple on the right side of the street. There was nothing unusual about them at first glance. But he could see him holding her wrist and it didn’t look like she was enjoying it. Bud thought he might have seen a bruise just below her elbow.
He drove past them, parked his car further down the road, killed the engine and started walking in their direction. That’s when he first hit her; right across the face, it made her lean against the car. He had hit her a few more times till Bud got there.
She was scared and there was a quiet plead in her eyes when she saw him. The man still hadn’t let go of her arm and didn’t even seem to mind having an audience.
“Think you could mind your own business, pal?”
Bud took him by the collar and pulled him off her. “What the fuck…”
“LAPD, ma’am.”
She got the message and moved away from the car just before her boyfriend’s face made contact with the windshield.
“Fuck! You son of a bitch!”
“So you like roughin’ up women? Why don’t you try takin’ a swing at me?”
He did. He failed. In a few seconds and after a few well-positioned blows, he was on the pavement, and pulled his knees to his chest.
Bud turned all his attention to the woman. She looked very young. And very beautiful. She was wearing a long silk pearly white dress and some very high heels. She would have still been tall without them. The dress hugged her perfect hips and had a plunging neckline, revealing perfect breasts. Bud had to draw on all his power just to speak calmly.
“Got anywhere to go?”
“Yeah… I’ll manage…”
“You sure you’re okay?”
There was no need for an answer. He could see she wasn’t.
He saw the gratitude in her expression. There was also pain, confusion, and, it seemed to Bud, rising anger.
Her presumed boyfriend had gotten up by now and commenced swearing in words not even Bud had ever used in his life. She calmly went over to him and punched him in the face so hard he fell right back down.
This was something Bud White had never seen in all his years of helping women.
She was now kicking him in the guts, high heels and all and he rolled around on the ground begging her to stop.
Bud considered stopping her. He quickly decided against it. After a while she got tired and he got unconscious.
She walked back to Bud and he barely had time to catch her before she collapsed. He held her with one arm and she started crying. She pushed herself hard to him and cried against his chest for a long time. Then she abruptly stopped like she was suddenly all out of tears.
He went to see if her victim was still breathing. He checked the pulse and half hoped not to find one; men like that didn’t deserve to live, if you asked him. He was alive.
He put his arm around her one more time. “Come on.” He walked toward his car, still gripping her; she held him tight and rested her head against his shoulder.
God, man, how do you always end up in situations like this?
He unlocked the door to his car and held it for her. She got in without hesitating. He walked around and took the driver seat.
“Look, we’re going to my place; I don’t know anywhere else to take you. And you look like you could use a good night’s sleep.”
“Sleep?” She eyed him suspiciously.
He gave her his most sincere-looking smile. “I’ll be on my best behavior, ma’am. Nothing else ever crossed my mind.” More than thirty times in the last minute, he thought to himself.
What’s wrong with me? Here’s this kind, caring man who just saved me from a couple of bruises and all I can think is he’s gonna rape me…
“Okay… Thank you. For everything.”
~*~
Back at his place, he showed her to his bedroom. He explained he only had one, and that he was going to sleep on the couch.
“Got a shirt?” she asked.
“What?”
“A shirt. I sure as hell can’t sleep in this outfit and I think your shirts are long enough to spend the night in. I’m sorry. I don’t have anywhere to go at this hour and I’m a little scared and…” She fought back tears.
“No… It’s okay, really, no trouble…” He took her hand in his. “Make yourself right at home.”
She laid down on the bed while he was searching for a shirt and fought the urge to give her the shortest one he had. Instead he found a long-sleeved simple white one, medium length. It would have to do.
“Is this okay?” he said holding it out to her.
“Perfect.”
She got up. “Could you please help me with this damn zipper?”
Was she torturing him on purpose? “Sure.”
He brushed her silky blonde hair away from her back and started pulling the zipper. He took his time with it, studying the curve of her back, her white soft skin, thinking of a few ways he could make her arch that gorgeous back. Lost in thought he was startled when she pulled her gown down just inches from him and let it glide past her shoulders all the way down to her waist.
Jesus fucking Christ! I should get moving before I show her just what kinds of thoughts have crossed my mind tonight.
He went into the living room and also changed his clothes. When he entered the bedroom again she was finishing buttoning her – his – shirt. It fit her perfectly. Short enough to show a pair of stunning legs, long enough to cover what he had prayed it wouldn’t.
She got into the bed and under the covers.
Damn. “Well, I should go. Just call me if you need anythin’, I’ll be in the other room.”
“No, you won’t.” She smiled up at him. “I’ve caused you enough trouble as it is.” She grabbed his hand. “I’m not kicking you out of your own bed.” She pulled him down and made room for him.
She can’t be serious!
“There. See? There’s enough room for both of us.”
She was serious. She hit the light switch and turned to one side, her back to him.
He couldn’t quite think straight right then and didn’t dare look over to the woman sitting next to him. In his bed! But that was useless; Bud saw her every time he closed his eyes. Her rich golden hair, her deep, dark brown eyes, her full rosy lips that just demanded to be kissed… He didn’t dare let his mind wander below the neck. He turned around, angry at himself, and a little ashamed at the growing erection he now had.
Sleep didn’t come easy for Bud White that night.
~*~
When he woke up the next morning she was cradled to him. She had an arm strewn across his chest and her head on his shoulder. Bud was surprised to discover he was holding her as well, and pretty tight at that… He freed himself, careful not to wake her up.
He had to get to work.
~*~
The sun on her face woke her up at about noon. She was alone. She turned around to his side of the bed and saw a note.
It said he had gone to work, for her to stay as long as she liked, he wouldn’t be home all day. The note also informed her there was coffee in the kitchen. Now that, she could relate to. He had signed ‘Bud White’. So, that’s his name… Bud…
~*~
Parking in front of his building, Bud noted the light was on in his apartment. Maybe his mystery girl from last night forgot to turn it off.
He got to the door and heard noises inside. Pulling out his gun he entered, 9mm first.
She was still in his shirt and looked as striking as ever. She didn’t seem to mind the gun that was only a second ago pointed at her.
“Are you okay?”
“Cooking. So there must be something wrong. I can’t cook.”
She gave him her most appealing smile. He couldn’t help but smile back.
“I never really got a chance to thank you properly. I made us some dinner. I didn’t know when you’d be back, but I figured you’d be hungry. I’m sorry I stayed, but I just couldn’t have left without sayin’ goodbye…”
“No, that’s okay…” Was it? He had to think things as he went along. “Well, I should have a shower… If you’d excuse me…”
“Yeah… You know what, I’m just gonna go. I set two plates, but that’s okay, I mean you can have leftovers tomorrow if you’d like…”
“I’d love it if you could stay for dinner, ma’am. Please.” He really would love it. Probably too much, that was the problem.
“Really?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He flashed a breath-taking smile.
What are you doing? She’s way out of your league and way too young. You don’t even know her name.
“Well, I think my knight in shining armor should at least know my first name.”
“I think you just might be readin’ my mind.”
“It’s Lynn.”
To her, Bud White seemed a very reserved man. Always calm and collected; even when he was beating the shit out of her ex, Jimmy. Now she saw emotion steal across his face. There was a shadow of pain that somehow instantly darkened his otherwise perfect blue eyes.
He covered it up well.
“I need a drink. Got any scotch?”
Wow. She drinks hard liquor, sleeps in men’s shirts and can knock out a man. She’s fantastic!
“Sure.”
He took a bottle out of a cabinet, poured her a glass and handed it over to her. “I’m gonna go see about that shower. I’ll be right back.”
She sat on the couch and watched him go over to the bathroom, unbuttoning his shirt as he walked. She hadn’t realized how utterly handsome he was. She now noticed his broad shoulders, wide chest, strong arms. He had just the right amount of muscle on him. He wasn’t too beefy, but still very well-built.
Bud was also kind. It was nice to know there were men out there who still cared. His ocean blue-green eyes saw right through her, to her very core. And his voice, velvety and rough at the same time, low and raspy, but still caressing. Lynn absolutely loved how he sometimes raised an eyebrow, half smiling. The flawless curve of his lips made her wonder what he could do with his mouth…
God! He is just doing his job and I’m taking advantage… But still, the way he looks at me sometimes…
Get a grip! She knocked back what was left of her drink.
~*~
In the shower, Bud couldn’t help but think of her, but not in a sexual way; okay, not only in a sexual way… He had never had any real problems relating to women. Usually, she’d have been on her back by now. But this was, he reminded himself, somewhat unusual. She was definitely different. That’s what he liked about her. That and her perfectly delectable ass…
He switched the water to cold.
What is she? Like 25? Looks even younger. What could she possibly want with an old man like me?
~*~
Lynn was tending her second glass when Bud came out of the bathroom.
He had shaven off his three day stubble. Just when she thought he couldn’t be any more handsome.
He helped himself to a drink and tilted his head towards the kitchen door.
“Something smells good in there.” His stomach gave out an assenting growl.
“Let’s eat.” she said, and smiled.
She had cooked roast beef and mashed potatoes. To Bud, it looked like heaven on a plate and he dug in.
When he was half way through his dinner, he saw Lynn had barely touched hers and was currently pushing the food around with her fork. It was his turn to do the mind reading.
“Something the matter?”
“No…” She tried to pull off a small sad smile. “I was just thinking I should call my sister, and get out of your hair.” She didn’t have the courage to look up from the table.
“I said you could stay as long as you wanted, and I meant it.” He took her hand and thought he felt her pulse accelerating. He grinned to himself when he was sure Lynn couldn’t see.
“You probably got work to do and I’m in the way…”
“Come on, lighten up. Tomorrow’s Sunday.”
She finally looked at him and caught that dazzling grin. Was he saying he wanted to spend the day with her? Keep it together.
“Yeah… But still…”
He could see there was something else. He thought hard. What had she told him when he first asked?
“So... your sister…”
She had dropped her eyes. That was it.
“I take it you’re not close?”
“Never have been. We haven’t spoken in a while. You know, she warned me about Jimmy… I just don’t know if she’d take me in right now.”
“’Course she will. You know, blood’s thicker than water. You’re still her family, despite your terrible taste in men.” He also unconsciously referred to himself when saying it. “Just tell her you moved in with the man that beat the shit out of Jimmy. That’d soften her up.”
Did I really use the words ‘moved in’?
She still kept her stare down, and poured herself another glass of scotch.
He decided to try one more thing. Shot in the dark.
“It’s not like I’m kickin’ you out. Fuck it! You cook, you know how to throw a punch and, for the first time in a very long time, I’m not drinkin’ alone. I love having you here.”
She finally gave in and a smile lit up her face.
Had it really been just about him? He was flattered. Well, time to face the music.
“How old are you?”
“Bud White, don’t you know you never ask a woman her age?” Her smile grew. “I’ll forgive you this time. I’m 22.”
She saw his expression change. Maybe she should have put on a few years.
Twenty fuckin’ two? God, she’s a child! A solid fifteen years younger’n me. Now he was sure she didn’t want anything with him. Could he really have misread her signals so completely? It wasn’t like him. Well, if she wanted anything, he had to find out, if not, he could still play a little, couldn’t he?
“I have to inform you, ma’am, I can’t sleep in the same bed as you another night.”
There was a picture perfect crooked smile playing on his lips. It was the first time she saw it reach his eyes. She knew he was joking.
“Now why’s that, Officer?”
“You practically suffocated me. Do you normally hug a pillow in your sleep?”
“Well, yes, but…”
“I think you mistook me for one.”
She blushed instantly and dropped her eyes. He had been right; there was definitely something there. He grinned in complete satisfaction with himself.
~*~
It was an uncommonly hot night for early June, even in Los Angeles. Bud couldn’t imagine sleeping any other way but shirtless. He didn’t know how Lynn would feel about that.
Asking her if it was okay would have developed into a mildly uncomfortable conversation. So, before going to bed, he simply took his shirt off, sans warning.
How in the hell am I ever going to get some sleep now? she thought nervously. Might as well make the best of it if that’s how he wants to play. It had become increasingly obvious to her after dinner that he wasn’t entirely indifferent to her charms.
She pushed the covers off from her legs. She was now wearing another one of his shirts, light blue. She knew it rode a little higher than was acceptable for a woman that usually behaved properly. Bud had his eyes glued to her long legs in earnest fascination. Good. She seized the covers, placing them between her legs, gripping tight. She could see it almost gave him a heart attack. Good. She grabbed a pillow and pulled it to her chest, hugging it. Bud was now almost pleading with his eyes.
“That’s so I don’t attack you during the night.” She started laughing. “We wouldn’t want you to feel suffocated…”
Oh, she’s good!
“Yeah, and what if I attack you?”
“You’d do that?” She put on her most innocent scared kitten look. It was enough to distract him. She smacked him with the pillow. They were both laughing, throwing pillows, acting like they were five years olds.
When they were out of breath, Bud grabbed her wrists to restrain her and pushed her hands down on the bed, just above her shoulders. It was a light touch, almost gentle; he didn’t want to hurt her. It still brought him almost on top of her, leaning over her from his side of the bed. Their smiles vanished. He cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow. Bud’s face was barely an inch from hers, his lips almost touching hers. He stared deep into her eyes. Then she turned her head to one side. The moment was gone.
Bud fell back on his back again. He was trying to figure out what went wrong when, all of a sudden Lynn curled herself against his chest. She threw one leg around him and stroked his cheek.
She just might have a multiple personality disorder, he thought to himself.
Lynn moved her hand lower from his face to his neck, all the way down to his abdomen and up again, caressing his skin softly, tenderly. Finally she let her hand rest on his chest and tightened the grip her leg had around both of his.
How such an amazingly hot, attractive woman could make all this seem somehow friendly and in no way sexual was beyond him; she pulled it off beautifully. He leaned and kissed her gently on the forehead. He couldn’t help smiling contentedly at himself when she fixed him with sleepy eyes and grinned.
Bud heard her easy breaths fall into a pattern and knew she had fallen asleep. He felt he, too, was drifting off.
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