Shadows - Chapter Eight

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.

Shadows

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lynn had heard the news about the girls on the radio and, with the busy afternoon winding down, all she wanted to do was to hurry and be home when Bud got there. She was finishing what she hoped was her last sale when she saw another customer come in and groaned, inwardly. She thought briefly of telling her the store was closing: she couldn't bear to wait for the inevitable window-shopping.

But this particular customer gravitated toward the row of cocktail dresses with a real look of intention on her face. Lynn put her impatience aside and walked over to the young woman.

Joy was definitely eying dresses but was also giving Lynn a subtle once-over.

"May I help you?"

"Oh, I hope so. I'm looking for something to wear to a nightclub--"

"Big date, huh?"

"First date, as a matter of fact. I just met him, Monday."

"Wow, he's a fast worker."

"Actually," Joy confessed, "he's my boss--one of them."

"Well! Even more interesting. See anything here that you like? Do you have a color in mind?"

"Ah, no--I haven't had time to think about it."

Lynn looked at her, thoughtfully. With her coloring and figure, she could pull off the dress that she was thinking of. "I have something that came in last week that might be perfect for you--right over here."

Joy followed Lynn to the back of the shop and saw her pull a dress off the rack and lay it out in front of her. It was an exquisite after-five ensemble in a delicate rose color, with a scoop neck and fitted bodice, not too much crinoline and a matching wrap. Simple and elegant and something she could dress up or down. Joy's face lit up.

"This is just what I wanted! Can I try it on?"

"Absolutely," said Lynn, "come this way!"

As Joy disappeared behind the curtain, Lynn felt her impatience all but disappear. This was her favorite part of the job: helping a girl look pretty, supplying a little glamour to their lives and, if they were lucky, maybe some romance. She remembered how excited she had been when Bud began taking her out, and worrying what to wear. She still got that feeling on the now-rare occasions when they had a night on the town.

Joy came out of the dressing room and looked at herself in the mirror, pleased with what she saw. She sashayed back and forth, turning to give the dress a swirl. Lynn noticed the bodice was not fitting as snugly as it should and fixed the problem with a couple of straight pins, much to Joy's disappointment.

"That should just do it. One little alteration."

"I was hoping I could take it home with me tonight--I need it for Saturday."

"This won't take long. I'll have the seamstress do it first thing tomorrow and you can pick it up after work." Lynn was really enjoying Joy's excitement.

Oh, good--you don't sell shoes, do you, by any chance?"

"Well, no-- but there's a nice store just a block from here. I'm sure they'll have what you want."

"I'm certainly glad I came here, thanks," Joy said, gratefully.

"How'd you find us?"

"Uh--actually, I know about your shop from work." She hedged a bit and then decided to be honest. "I wanted to meet you."

Lynn gave her a double-take. "Meet me? Why?"

"Because I'm working for your husband, now. And Captain Exley."

Lynn's jaw dropped open. "You're Joy? Oh my God, I've heard all about you from my husband!"

"Good things, I hope."

"Nothing but." A sly look came over her face. "So you have a date with Ed?"

Joy blushed. "Yes, but don't tell Lieutenant White, please? I kind of want to keep it quiet."

Lynn waved her hand, dismissively. "Oh, forget about keeping anything on the q.t. at the station, honey. But I won't say anything."

"Thanks--but you're probably right." They both laughed, warming to each other.

"You're going to look gorgeous in this dress," Lynn said. "I almost took it home myself but it wouldn't fit me for a long time--"

She stopped herself. Too late. 'Oh well,' she thought, ruefully, 'it was just a matter of time before the cat was out of the bag.'

"Come on, Mrs. White," Joy was saying, "you wouldn't have any trouble wearing this!"

"It's Lynn, and, yes, I would. I'm expecting."

"Oh, that's wonderful! You and Lt. White must be so happy."

"Yes. We are," Lynn smiled. "But now it's my turn to ask you to keep it quiet, we want to keep it to ourselves, for awhile."

"So, why did you tell me? You hardly know me."

"I don't know," Lynn said, thoughtfully, "I guess it just felt good to share it with somebody else. And, since you're seeing Ed, you might as well be in on it, too."

"So, he knows."

"Oh, probably. I'm sure Bud told him."

"So he's a pretty up and up guy," Joy remarked. "It sounds like you really trust him."

"Yes. We both do. We think the world of him. And I really hope it works out for you two." She glanced at the clock. "And now I have to close up and get home. I'm sure you know what happened, today."

"Yes," Joy shuddered, "I heard it was awful and I've kept you long enough. Thank you so much for your help."

"It was my pleasure. See you, tomorrow. Maybe we can have coffee, then?"

"I'd love that. And you don't have to worry--I won't say a word about--what we talked about."

"Somehow, I knew that," Lynn replied.

As Bud pulled into the driveway, he saw that Lynn wasn't home yet and said an oath under his breath. Normally, he liked her independence. The shop was a dream come true for her; he knew that. But, shit, he needed her, right now. Besides, he thought, his irritation growing, she was pregnant and not feeling good. Why was she working so damn hard?

With those thoughts buzzing like gnats in his brain he came in through the kitchen and automatically peeled his jacket off, draping it over the chair. He glanced at the refrigerator and then at the cupboard. Beer was definitely not going to cut it, tonight. He pulled the bottle of scotch down, took a glass and filled it to the brim. With one swallow, he emptied half the contents, filled it to the top again and went into the living room. Kicking off his shoes, he lay down on the couch and put an arm over his eyes. He brought the glass to his lips, took another long gulp and set it carefully on the table.

He had drifted off--he was not sure for how long--and woke up as the front door opened and Lynn hurried over to him.

"Hi, baby, I'm sorry I'm so late--"

"Must have been important," he muttered.

"Yes, it was. I'll tell you in a while, but, first, I heard: was it awful?"

When he didn't answer, she sat down beside his prone figure and leaned forward, massaging his coiled arms. He resisted.

"I should take a shower. You don't want to touch me. Not where I've been today--"

"Ssh." She continued to rub his arms and his shoulders. "You are so wound up. I know what you need. Come on." She took both his hands and tried to haul him to his feet but he resisted.

"Wait a minute. I want to know what the doctor said. Is everything okay?"

"Everything is perfect," she replied. "We have about seven months to go."

Whenever she talked about the baby, a luminous light shone in her face. It was there, now. He touched her cheek.

"I'm gonna take care of you. I'm gonna take care of the two of you."

"I'm going to take care of you, right now. "Come on--I want you to take that shower and then there will be a nice surprise for you in our room. "

Bud did as he was told. He showered and soaped himself thoroughly, trying to rid himself completely of the sights and smells of the crime scene, of the whole god awful day.

Finally feeling clean, he stepped out of the tub, he patted himself dry, wrapped the towel around himself and went into the bedroom.

The blinds were drawn, blocking out the remaining light of the day. Candles with that soft musky smell, the ones she had bought when they had dinner in Chinatown one night, lit opposite sides of the bed. Twangy Oriental music played in the background. Lynne, clad only in her bra and slip, was rubbing oil on her hands. She handed him his drink.

"Finish this."

He did.

"Now, lie on your stomach."

Again, he obeyed gratefully and stretched out on the bed, his head flat on the sheets, faced down. She straddled him. He felt her delicate but surprisingly strong hands knead into the small of his back and sighed with sensual pleasure. She always seemed to clue in to what he needed. Whatever was in that oil and the movement of her hands had a way of mellowing him to the marrow of his bones, radiating heat that traveled rapidly through his body, melting away the last vestiges of tension. He sighed deeply.

"God, Lynn--"

"Ssh," she persisted, "relax, darling, just relax."

He didn't hear her. He was sound asleep.

Bud awoke at his usual time for work feeling like a new man. He reached for Lynn and not finding her, thought she was in the bathroom. Then, he caught the smell of bacon and eggs wafting in the air and realized that she was cooking breakfast. For the first time, in days. He slid his pajama bottoms on and padded into the kitchen where she was standing at the stove. He walked over to her and placed a deep kiss on the back of her neck.

"Umm," she purred, "how'd you sleep?"

"Like a baby--thanks to you. And I'm starving."

"I knew you would be. This is almost done. Here." She handed him a steaming cup of coffee. He took a sip.

"So, what's going on? I haven't seen you near so much as a piece of toast, lately."

She beamed. "No morning sickness! At least not so far."

"That's great," he said, feeling vastly relieved.

They both ate a big breakfast, silently enjoying a morning they hadn't in a while. Bud finally pushed his plate back and finished his second cup of coffee. Lynn started to clear the table.

"That can wait," he growled softly, "come here."

She did. He pulled her into his lap.

"Thank you. For last night--and for this."

"You don't have to thank me--"

He silenced her with a kiss, then nuzzled his neck. She put her arms around him and melted against his body, feeling his rapidly swelling erection under the thin fabric.. Their breathing increased; another minute and they both knew they'd be on the floor. Bud reluctantly pulled away.

"Shit," he muttered, "I don't want to walk into that hell hole today--"

Lynn nodded, the passion still in her eyes.

"I want a date tonight, Lynn."

"A date?" A smile sparkled at the edges of her mouth.

"Yeah." His fingers played up and down her arms, still loathe to release her. "This damn case--it's been taking up so much time--I've been neglecting you. Let's go for Chinese, after work."

"You've got a date, mister."

"And it's Friday," he said wickedly, "we're gonna make this a real long date, Mrs. White."

"I can hardly wait--but I might be a little late."

His face fell. "Again--has business picked up, all of a sudden?"

"Not exactly." She told him about Joy. He got a smug look on his face.

"That's why she was in such a goddamn hurry, last night. See, what did I tell you? I knew he had the hots for her--"

"--oh, she's got the hots for him, too."

Bud rolled his eyes. "Christ, what are we? Matchmakers, all of a sudden?"

"Maybe just this once."

"You women. You aren't happy till all of us are domesticated!"

"Hey," she said, poking his ribs, "you're the one who mentioned it first. You're just as bad."

"If you say so."