Jules

Jules

The sun had only just begun peeking out of the night sky. Its ugly, scalding hot face, was just coming up to show itself over the buildings and treetops. Like most summer days in Austin, by noon it was going to feel like a blast furnace melting steel in a foundry.

From past experiences I knew that in four more hours, I wouldn't even think about jogging these trails. Days like the one today would be, were not tolerable. The heat alone could kill man and beast, which is why I tend to get up so early. Jogging at noon, in Austin, in August, is never the smartest thing to do. And for my jogging partner, Igor, it considered cruel and unusual punishment. It just wasn't worth it.

Igor, my three-year-old Doberman Pinscher, never misses a run. He seems to enjoy it more than I do. For me, it's a workout. For him, it's a sport. If we do a 10-mile loop, he'll nip my ass as if telling me he wants to do it again. Unlike me, he is lean, muscular, and comes loaded with a never-ending supply of energy.

I never pictured myself as a "PET GUY". The dog was a gift from my boss. A gift I would have never wanted or treated myself to. In my youth we always had mutts. Hounds you picked-up along the road. At the farms where they put hand-painted signs stating they had "free puppies". Signs in front of their long winding driveways, to guide you to your pick of the litter. Igor wasn't one of "those kind of dogs". He was well above that category. My mutt fell into the "Purebred. Highly Trained" group.

He came everywhere with me, even on the hottest of days. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I've heard it all. "Poor dog. Panting so much. He must be dying." "Oh my god. Why is such a vicious beast off leash?" "What kind of owner would be so cruel to his pet."

Like I said, I've heard it all.

Most of the time, I let it go in one ear and out the other. But when pressed, I have a standard answer cued up. "Mind your own fucking business."

Under normal circumstances, Igor runs by my side. Never more than a few yards between. As per usual, I always have a bottle of water strapped to me. We share. And when the mood strikes him, he will make a detour to some water in the lake for a bit of a chill down.

Poor Igor. With how he eats and lives, he has a far better life than a good 25% of the people in this city. So, if you don't mind, please, don't tell me how to take care of my dog.

*****

The Butler Trail in the early morning, is as normal, all but deserted. It usually is at this time which is why I enjoy it so much. Putting in my ear buds, I smiled as my hound marks his third tree in as many seconds. His goal is to rule the world by spreading the scent of his piss, everywhere.

My pre-set playlist is my jogging "guilty pleasure". 80's and 90's pop tunes. I hate it. But it motivates me to move or in this case, run. And I regularly need the motivation.

I'm not like most of the joggers you see in parks with $300 sneakers and matching outfits. Jogging wasn't or isn't one of those things that I one day said, "Fuck! I love this shit!" In fact, it's the opposite. I run in good shoes, not $300 good, but good, and my gear is shorts and a concert t-shirt.

It all started when my ex forced me to join her. She thought I would quit. I worked long hours in construction. And before her, I spent my weekends doing... nothing. She thought that after a few times I would refuse to do it and she could use it as an accelerant to fuel the fires that had become our daily arguments. But here I am. Twenty-two months after she packed up and left, I am still running. Not always excited about it. Certainly never "happy" about it. But always doing it.

*****

Lady Bird Lake was shimmering in the dim, morning light and the soft breeze, as it started to awaken from the darkness of its still night. The shroud night darkness that allowed it to keep from overheating during the day, like those who enjoyed using it. It's a great place in the heart of Austin. The heartbeat of Texas. Its beauty was one of the reasons for me to be here.

Ironically, Liz Phair had just finished serenading me with, "Fuck & Run". I laughed until I started to swallow morning bugs every time the song looped randomly. The next song, "You get what you give." by the New Radicals always made me want to push harder. But I was only 2 miles into my day and the sweat was only beginning to make me feel like I was working.

*****

Huffing down the paved path I was into my rhythm. The sweat was full steam ahead. My muscles knew what was coming and what to expect. The songs were motivating me to move but my legs stopped pumping. They chugged, powered down, and finally they slowed me enough to come to a complete stop.

Today was a first. Looking back over my shoulder, I found myself surprise. Igor had stopped during a run before. Dogs need to poop. I'd double back and whip out a bag. It happens. Like any good pet owner, I'd scoop up the turd and drop it in the trash. But today wasn't a pitstop. Today his stopping was different. It was surrounded by a purpose.

He was sitting at attention. A rippling mass of muscle. Sitting by the shore of the lake. Staring at it. He was a good 100 yards back. I had no idea what he saw. But I had a sneaky suspicion it wouldn't be good. The hound was on full alert. Something bad was going on and it made me uneasy, because I know how much I hated seeing dead people.

Walking back, I pulled my phone out of my arm strap. Killing the music, I put the buds in my pocket.

"Igor. What up?"

His head didn't move. My fingers tapped the top of his head and toyed with his cropped ears. I hadn't seen what he had when we first passed by. But now, fuck my life, there it was, a body.

The closer I got, the more details I could see. The body was a she and she was young. Mid 20's. longer dark hair. Shoulder length. It wasmatted with blood and dirt. Legs and arms scraped and scratched. Covered with bug bites. Her face... bloodied. Fat lip. Puffy and bruised eye. Even if she tried to open it, she couldn't. It was completely swollen shut. And there were lots of cuts and bruises where there shouldn't be.

Fearing and expecting the worst, I made my way to the shrubs that had kept her corpse out of sight. From a dozen feet away, I let out a sigh of relief. I could see her stomach and chest as it rose and fell slightly. The poor girl was beaten and battered, but thank Christ, she was still breathing.

My emergency call was answered immediately. Unfortunately, I couldn't provide many answers for the dispatch. Only that this girl was in need of help. Police and paramedics for a start.

They ask me to do a visual assessment. Could she speak. No. It also didn't look like she had any broken bones. At least none that were protruding, but I wasn't sure. Could I take a pulse? Sure. Her heart rate was 40, maybe a couple more, beats per minute. "Try her neck." What? Try to find a pulse in her neck. I did. It was the same as her wrist. At least within a couple of beats. I'm not a doctor.

I was told to "hang on", help was on the way.

*****

Sirens could be heard. Their whining sound broke the quiet early morning air. It hadn't been long since my call and it hadn't taken long for them to arrive, only a few minutes, but it seemed like an eternity.

The huge yellow and blue EMS vehicle came over the grass with ease. Standing like an idiot. Arms flailing in the air. They raced toward me.

A guy and a girl jumped out. The driver asked me when I had found the body. I told her what I knew, as her partner dropped his bag and took out the tools of his trade. Like a knight in shining armor, he started to work on the poor soul beneath him. The rescue team was at work.

They had been at it for a couple minutes, when the cops showed up. At least it felt that long. And when they did arrive, my day got even longer.

*****

"Name?" Officer Sanchez asked me with a tone that said he'd seen this type of thing far too many times.

"Ethan Miller."

"I. D.?"

"Not on me."

"Her name?"

"Don't know."

"How are you two acquainted?"

"We're not."

"Then how did the two of you end up like this?"

"There's no, 'two'. My dog found her when we were running."

Sanchez's partner came back and relayed some code numbers to him about the victim. Codes I didn't understand. Sanchez looked over at the girl. She was now being placed on a gurney. An I. V. was being inserted into her arm. A mass of wires, tubes and monitors were also being put into place.

"If there's no, 'two'. Can you explain what happened to the both of you?"

He pointed at her. Then to me.

Her beaten body was being slowly and carefully moved past us. The girl was about to get a ride in an ambulance. My body, while not beaten, was bloody. My knees were scraped from where I had kneeled on the stones. And there was definitely some blood on my hands. Not lots, but some. Details I hadn't noticed. My adrenaline caused any pain to slip my mind.

"Where'd the blood come from?"

"Her. Probably when I was taking her pulse."

Sanchez gestured to his partner and the sound of handcuffs rattling free came from behind me.

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you..."

"I wouldn't." Igor was seconds away from causing both of us more problems than we wanted. "Igor. Down."

Obedient. He squatted into a ready position. Waiting patiently for a command.

"Look. I don't know what you're thinking, but why the fuck would I beat someone up. Then call for help."

"You tell us."

Explaining what had happened, step by step, was an exercise in futility. Sanchez had his mind set. Maybe he was at the end of a long shift. Or maybe he was just beginning a long day. Either way, he wasn't buying. Guarascia, his partner, at least showed some common sense.

"After we go back to your truck and verify your I. D. we'll need you to come downtown and make a statement."

"Fine. Seems fair," I said in disgust as I looked at Sanchez.

One officer, with my permission, thoroughly checked my vehicle. He secured, my already secure pistol and spare clips, and allowed me to drive home. They followed me in their squad car. They kindly let me put my dog in the house, then I followed them to their station.

*****

The next two hours was a list of questions read over and over. The poor girl was probably in a coma, and they planned on blaming me for it.

"Explain the blood and cuts on your hands." Asked a detective. He was introduced to me as "Bramble".

"Already have. Numerous times."

"What about your knees."

"When I was doing as instructed, I must have cut them on the rocks."

"Why are your hands so banged up?"

"It called "working" for a living."

Sanchez and Guarascia stood by and let their suited-up boss ask all the questions.

He pushed and pushed. And then pushed the wrong button.

"So. Tell me why you did it. A little lover's spat. Something going wrong at home. Maybe she said something to piss you off. Did you catch her with one of your..."

"Stop!" My head looked around the room. I was finally pissed off. "Look. I defend cops. You guys have a thankless job. I couldn't do what you guys do. But I'm starting to see a side I don't fucking like. I've told you assholes everything I know. That's it. I ain't got no more. If I had anything to hide, I would have lawyered up. Yet here I sit, talking to a bunch of stupid pricks. I'll let you take blood. Do a swab of my dick if you want. Other than where I held her wrist and touched her neck for a pulse, there isn't a speck of my DNA anywhere on that poor girl's body. So, put up or shut up."

Sanchez stepped toward me. He looked like he was about to smack me, but he didn't. Instead, he asked for permission to check my phone.

My toss was harder than expected. It hit him squarely in the chest. Drawing a bad reaction.

"Calm down. Everybody, calm the fuck down. Miller, we're just trying to get some answers."

Another 30 minutes of silently hating the system went past.

*****

They surprised me. They accepted my offer of a blood sample but made me drive over to St. David's. With my truck and their cars, it was a convoy.

An emergency room nurse took 2 vials as samples. Marked. Signed. Secured. My fate would have been in the hands of the lab had the same nurse not used logic.

The nurse knew why I was there. She knew what happened. It was easy to see what was going on with the police and myself.

"Why don't you just ask the young lady what happened. Jules."

"Who?" asked Bramble

"The girl. Her name is Jules," said the nurse.

Sanchez, Guarascia, and Detective Bramble all looked at the nurse with a look that could kill. It was one far worse than they had given me throughout the day.

"She's in a co..."

"Awake. The victim is awake. Has been for two or more hours. Last I checked, she was having some juice and holding a bag of ice over her eye."

*****

The young girl looked like she was on the wrong side of alive. She wasn't in any better condition then the last time I saw her, but she was awake, alert, and sitting up. Also, someone had taken the time to clean and dress her wounds.

This is exactly what I imagined having the shit kicked out of you looks like.

"Miss... Jules... Mame... I'm Detective Bramble. These are officers Sanchez and Guarascia. And, as you can see, we have Miller with us."

The girl used her good eye to scan the group. She went back and forth a couple of times.

"Why isn't Officer Miller dressed in a uniform?"

"It's Ethan. And I'm not a cop."

"Then why are you here with them?"

"Good question."

It only took another 30 minutes for Bramble to ascertain what had happened to "Jules".

Turns out the poor girl took a beating at the hands of her loser boyfriend. A guy 20 years her senior. She had escaped from her apartment, and he chased her into the park. The fight continued until a pair of passersby yelled and Jules broke away from him and hid. At some point while in hiding, she passed out from the pain. When she awoke, she was here. In the hospital.

*****

"Sorry folks. Everyone out. I need a few minutes with the patient. You can stay," the doctor said and touched my arm as she walked by. "You're a lucky girl Jules. The x-ray's show a slight concussion. But other than your eye, no real swelling. You'll need to keep checking your wounds for infections, but they should be fine. After I give you a script for some painkillers and an antibiotic, you're free to go." The doctor gave me the up and down look. "Does she know?"

"Know what?" I asked. Not knowing what she meant.

"That you're the one who found her. Probably stopped her from dying from heat stroke today. EMS told me your name."

The young lady stared at me from her hospital bed.

"It wasn't me... my dog... he... was..."

The doctor finished what needed to be done. But it wasn't over for either of us.

Information was taken and retaken. Over and over again. From the emergency room a description and address were given of the assaulter.

Finally, I was told I could go.

My phone said it was 3:55pm. The entire day had vanished. It was gone by. And there I was. Standing outside the emergency room doors. Heat blasting down from the cloudless skies above. Looking over to my truck in the parking lot, with a beaten-up woman I had only known for a few hours.

For the first time since Igor found her, I got a look at her. Slim body. Muscular butt and legs. Longer dark hair. Take away the damage and I suppose she was probably cute. But what I hadn't noticed until now, was that she was dressed in only a t-shirt and a pair of yoga shorts. Both were filthy. Coated with dirt, mud and blood.

*****

Jules hadn't fully comprehended the extent of what had happened to her during the last 18 hours. Giving credit where credit was due. The cops offered and suggested, that Jules spend the night in a shelter until her attacker was apprehended. She declined. They also suggested, staying with a family member or a friend. Again, she declined.

Now. Instead of being driven to safety, she stood barefoot beside me. Tears in her one good eye. The dirty clothes on her back were all she had at that very moment.

*****

"I don't agree with a lot of the shit those assholes said today. But I do agree you shouldn't go back home tonight. For your own safety that is."

She just nodded. Confusion seemed to have taken control of her body and emotions.

"Are you coming with me?" I asked. She turned and looked at me. Face blank of any expression. "Sorry. I overheard you telling the cops you didn't have any family in state." Still nothing. There had to have been a certain element of shock coursing through her bloodstream. She had had a hell of a night and day. Jules's stare went directly through me.

"The black one. That's my truck. I'll pull up so you don't have to walked through the parking lot barefoot. Enough bad shit has happened to you already. Don't need you stepping on ant broken glass or a nail." It was meant as humor, but it didn't work out that way.

Paying the parking fee, I pulled up to the battered girl waiting for me. Oddly enough, she didn't get in.

Wondering if she expected me to get out and open the door for her, I waited. Eventually, I got out.

Holding the door open, I exposed the black leather seat to her.

"You need a hand getting in?"

Her hesitation spoke volumes.

"Maybe I'll... the cops offered to... it's okay... I'll be alright... but... thanks."

"No problem. I understand completely. Take care of yourself. Hope it all works out for you." I was apprehensive about leaving her alone, but I wasn't about to cause a scene.

The door closed when I pushed at it. Seconds later, I was behind the wheel with the A/C blasting my face and body. Another chapter behind me. Today's story would be one I could tell for years to come. The strange and odd events might be questioned by some, but in my opinion, it was very interesting day. One of my most interesting days, in fact.

Turning right onto Belmont, my head turned to look back at the hospital. Looking back was my first mistake. I shouldn't have.

Cursing, I pulled to the curb and stopped. Jules had found her way to a bench. Seated, her head was buried in her hands. And if I had to guess, I would guess that she was crying.

For five minutes I sat and watched. Not once did she look up. Zero sign of movement. Every instinct in my body screamed for me to drive away. My part was over. It was over. I had done my share. My conscience was clear.

Was it? My mind kept working. The wheels turned. Every gear and cog turning and grinding. It was unfortunate, but whatever this poor girl did now was no business of mine. Drive away!

My inner voice screamed at me, but I couldn't hear it.

*****

Pounding on the steering wheel for a different answer. There wasn't one. At least not a logical one. I slapped the side of my face for no particular reason.

Looking into the truck's mirror for traffic, I pulled back onto the street. I was driving away.

Less than a hundred yards later, I found a spot with enough room and made a U-turn.

*****

Her head was still down. She wasn't waiting for me. She wasn't expecting another Knight in Shining Armor. Not two in one day. The poor girl was probably trying to figure out what her next move was and how she was going to survive the night.

Not wanting the frighten her, I called out her name.

The bench was only 20 feet home the hospital's driveway. So, she didn't have to look far to see who was calling her.

Again, I had the door open for her. This time, I was standing outside. At the passenger door.

"If you trust me enough to get in. I'll drive you wherever you want to go."

She wasn't moving, not even a flinch.

Why?

Walking up, I plopped down beside her on the bench. The truck was still running, and the door was open.

Being next to her was my way of trying to build up her confidence in me. Maybe it would lead to her feeling safe, or in the very least, a little bit safer.

"There's no way for me to know what you're feeling. But I want you to feel safe. Both the cops and the hospital have my information. I'm going to call Detective Bramble. You can let him know he can find you at my number when they catch your... the guy who did this to you, he can contact you there."

Handing the already ringing phone to Jules, I got up and moved away to give her some privacy.

Minutes later, the bag of now melted ice was tossed into the nearest trash can and the door of my truck was closed behind her. The poor girl got in because she was out of options.

In silence, we drove toward my home.

*****

My subdivision is older. Quiet, with tree lined streets. The once great houses are situated on bigger lots. If they ever come up on the market, they disappear quickly. They are scooped up fast. Renovations are made, and families move in. Luckily, I bought when the prices were down. And I'm able to do most of the renovations myself. It saves me money while adding value to my home. Sweat equity as all those shitty home renovation shows say.

Jules suspiciously eyed the property as I parked my truck under the shade of the big magnolia tree covering the driveway.

"Do you live with your parents?"

In this day and age, it isn't uncommon. With the prices of homes skyrocketing. So, living with one's parents is often a misconception.

"No. Just my dog. He's the one who found you." She only nodded. "Are you afraid of dogs." She didn't respond, but shook her head, "no".

"Your house is nice. I mean, from out here, at least."

"Thanks. I work in construction. Lots of left over materials from job sites have been used on this place."

*****

Jules scanned the open-concept house. She had to have been somewhat nervous. And who would have blamed her. Strange guy. Strange house. Strange dog sniffing her in spots he shouldn't be smelling.

"Look, I'll make this as easy as possible for you. Bedroom at the end of the hall has a locking door. There's a shower and tub in there. Food and drink are here," I said. Pointing at the big fridge / freezer combo. "Help yourself to anything you see. Take your time. Lock the door and get some rest."

Jules bare feet moved instantly toward the hall. I watched her painfully walking away. "Jules," It came to me in a flash. I hadn't thought about it. Until I saw how dirty her clothes were. She stopped and turned.

"I have... in the other room... here. Let me show you."

In the closet of the other spare bedroom were a couple of boxes of clothes that my ex had left behind when we split. Three times she told me that she'd be back for them. Three times, she never showed.

"These belonged to my ex. They're clean, but I would understand if you wanted to wash them first. Laundry is just there." I pointed to some closet doors. "Use what you want." I could see the tension in her body. "Let me carry them to your room. It will be easier for you to go through them there." The garment filled boxes landed with a thud. "If you don't see anything you like, I'll let you check my closet."

Her one good eye looked me up and down. Even in pain, she smiled a painful smile. She knew I was only trying to help.

"Your clothes? You're twice the size of me."

"Probably. But at least we know it will fit." Moving to the door, I started pulling it closed. "Lock it when I close it."

"Ethan..."

"Yes?"

Her cheek moved. It moved like she was biting on the skin inside her mouth. Again a tear appeared in her good eye.

"Thank you."

My nod may have gone unnoticed.

"There's extra Tylenol in the medicine cabinet if you need it."

*****

Igor moved about the house as usual. Always prowling and patrolling. Always on guard.

A few times he had to be reminded to stay away from our guest's door. The sound of his long, pointy, snout blowing air under the door might freak out the calmest of people.

He waited. I didn't.

Going about my business, I worked inside and out. When the sun started to fade, I started the BBQ.

By midnight, I was done.

*****

Sunday mornings were always lazy days for me. No need to rush off to church. It's not for me. And in mid-summer, there was no need to prepare for football. So, it was just working around the place. Like I had mentioned, the inside was complete. Fully renovated. In need of nothing other than the occasional cleaning. Outdoors was pretty much the same. Landscaped. No pool to tend to. The grass was cut, and barely grew this time of the year anyway. So, my days, were my days.

The fridge was my indicator that at some point during the night, Jules had been up.

The piece of chicken I had grilled for her, and the salad beside it, were gone.

*****

A dark blue sedan slowly rolled by while I was standing near the garage. It can to a stop and backed up. Anyone could tell it was an unmarked cop car. The same unmarked car pulled into my driveway. When it faced me, the driver was very visible. Detective Bramble.

He sat in his car as I moved about. Bramble waited as I unlocked the toolbox on my truck. More time past. Finally, spreading my hands apart, I let him know that I was wondering why he wasn't getting out of his vehicle. He pointed at Igor.

With my hound now seated at my side, the detective felt safe enough to climb out of his car.

"Miller."

"Bramble."

"Word has it, you let the young lady you found yesterday, stay here over night."

"Correct."

"So, you invited a "strange" woman into your home. A woman you claim not to know. A woman who had the living hell beaten out of her, stay here. Sounds a little suspicious, no? I mean if you were in my shoes, that is."

"Correct again. And no."

Bramble chuckled and shook his head.

"How is it that I'm finding it hard to believe you two didn't know one another before yesterday."

"Who knows detective. Maybe you're so narrow minded and can't see when people are telling you the truth."

"Let me talk to her."

"It's not up to me. She's in the spare room at the end of the hall. Knock on the door. If she feels like talking to you, have at it."

"You're a cocky prick, Miller. Cocky pricks never do well with me."

"Really? Maybe I'm just tired of being accused of shit I didn't do."

"Yeah? Well, we did some checking up on the three of you yesterday, last night and again this morning. Found some weird shit about your little trio."

"Three of us? There's no 'trio' asshole."

"You. Your girlfriend. And her boyfriend." The 'asshole' part went in one ear and out the other.

"Girlfriend? Fuck you guys. A bunch of stupid cops. You guys are worse than my dog. Grab a bone with a death grip and won't let it go."

"She's a manipulator of man, Miller. Are you her side piece. Her safe guy. The one she runs to when shit hits the fan. Are you the guy who treats her better than her live-in boyfriend?"

"Look at her face you idiot. I would imagine every other guy in Austin treats her better than her boyfriend."

Bramble curled his lip in a half smile.

"Maybe he snapped. Maybe he can't stand her posting all the nudies shit she does on OnlyFans. Maybe he can't handle knowing you're banging his little honeypot. That shit drove him crazy. Maybe it's all those dirty fuckers jerking off to her hot little unit. See looks pretty sweet. That is before she took the shit-kickin. You got any OnlyFans accounts Miller? Follow any girls online?"

"Just the one."

"Oh yeah. For whom?"

"Your mother."

That might have gone too far. Bramble's face drained of blood, the smile faded, and he looked like he was about to shoot me.

"That's a cocksucker of a thing to say, Miller. My mother's a fucking saint."

"She'd have to be a saint. After raising a shitty, asshole, kid like you."

The cop stood back. He was sizing me up. He was looking. Looking for a reason. Any reason. After a short wait, he found nothing and got back to business.

"Whatever. I haven't got time for your bullshit, dickweed. Now, stop being an asshole and go get the girl for me."

"You want her, you go get her. Like everything else I did for you guys, I'm giving you permission to go inside my house."

"Look. Don't make me take this to the next level. I'm not asking you to go get her, I'm telling you to."

"Well Detective Bramble. I'm telling you. You want her, you go get her yourself. Those are your choices. If you don't like them, then get the fuck off my property."

*****

The cop was in the house for well over an hour. When he stepped outside, he put his hand to his forehead to shade his eyes from the glare of the sun.

Knowing he wasn't about to leave, I put grass trimmer I was working on down on the tailgate of my truck.

"Where'd she get all the clothes?"

"Did you ask her?"

He nodded. "Yep. Says you gave them to her."

"Belonged to my ex. She can take both boxes with her when she goes."

"Strange that you just happened to have clothes for he." He looked like he was making mental notes. "Speaking of which, when is she leaving?"

"No idea."

"She hasn't told you?"

"Sorry, detective. I haven't spoken with since we got back here yesterday."

"So, you're telling me..."

I stopped him in his tracks. The sooner he was gone, the better.

"Exactly. That is exactly what I'm telling you. The poor girl needed some rest and privacy. I provided it."

"My guess is you're lying to cover something up. The internet is bad shit. You and your little sweety won't be able to hide the truth much longer."

"Yeah? My guess is you're too stupid to see the truth."

In an intimidation move. The big cop moved his jacket back. It fell off his hip and exposed his sidearm. He was trying to gain the upper hand by making me fear him. It didn't work.

"You gotta nice place here Miller."

"Thanks. Lots of room in the yard to bury the bodies of people who drop by and flash their guns at me."

Bramble laughed aloud. Caught himself and stopped. He was definitely amused. In another time or another place, he seemed like a guy I could have a beer with. But not here. Not today. He gave the house and the yard another once over. Taking in every inch of what he saw. He smiled at me and made another threat.

"Should I talk to the IRS? See if you claim all the money you have. Pretty fancy place for a construction worker."

"Do it. After they drop by, and see that everything I own is legal, I'll show them your mother's OnlyFans account. They'll have fun checking to see if she's declaring all the money, she makes from it."

"Be careful son. I already told you about my mom. And we all know that girls like that pretty little thing in your house, well, sweet as they appear, they always end up hurting poor saps like you. Mark my words."

"Detective, it's been fun, but... it's time for you to go."

Detective Bramble backed out of my driveway. The car was pointed in the opposite direction from which it arrived. Before it disappeared, the detective gave me a "one fingered" salutation and headed down the street.

Deep down, I knew he was investigating a crime and was only trying to get answers. But it pissed me off when he implied that I might be linked to it in some way.

*****

Jules was sitting in the kitchen when I found her. Igor was at her side. He was letting her rub and pet the short fur on his face and ears. It was the first time I saw her since she closed the door behind her the night before. She already looked better.

"Careful. Do that too much and he'll never leave you alone."

"So, I see."

"Hope the cop didn't bother you too much." I tried to make light of the situation, but I could see Jules was upset.

"Not really. I suppose he told you."

"He told me lots of shit. But mostly asked questions."

"I..."

"I see the clothes fit," I said. Changing the subject seemed to be the best way to go.

"Yeah. Yoga stuff has a way of fitting everyone. It stretches to accommodate. My butt and thighs are kinda big."

"They look fine... sorry..." I stuttered. "I'm not looking... I mean... glad the clothes fit..."

It was the first time I saw Jules's smile. But, it was short lived.

"Will your girlfriend be upset that I'm wearing her things?"

"Ex and no. She left them behind a long time ago."

An odd awkward silence came over us both. She wouldn't take her eyes off the dog she was petting, and I couldn't stop looking at her.

"If you feel like going out, we could pick up some things. If you needed anything. That is."

"I'm good."

"There's lots of soap. And new toothbrushes. Mostly guy stuff. But feel free to look around. You might find something to your liking. I mean..."

"Thanks. I found some stuff last night when I soaked in the tub. And this morning, I used one of the new brushes."

"Good. Don't be shy. If you need anything, I'll buy it..."

"I appreciate the offer, but I have money of my own. I just don't have access to it. Not until I get my purse."

"Have they caught the guy who did this yet?"

"No. Detective Bramble says they haven't seen him. They've been watching his apartment, and he hasn't shown up."

"Does he own a gun?"

"A little one." She held up her hands and fingers. With no way of knowing what kind of gun it was, I decided not to worry about it. But, nevertheless, it is still a gun.

"If you feel up to it, I'll drive you there. We can get whatever you need."

"I feel alright."

"Well, let's go get your stuff."

*****

Feeling 'alright' is subjective. It had only been 24 hours since she had been released from the hospital. Prior to that, she had taken the beating of a lifetime. She had scrapes and bruises everywhere. She was walking with a bit of a limp. And although I didn't know her, I imagined she was moving slower than someone her age should. So, I doubted how 'alright' she actually was.

*****

Jules lived on the outer edge of Auston. In the Del Valle area. The place where she lived with her boyfriend was known as the "seedy" part of town. But later, when we went inside, I found their place to be clean. Except for the broken things caused by the fight.

"Do you think you'll need that?" Jules asked with surprise as I clipped my gun to my belt.

"No. But I'm not going in there unarmed if he has a gun. I already know he's aggressive."

The door to their apartment was unlocked. Jules yelled inside. As, did I. No one answered, so we went in and locked the door behind us.

"Why are you locking it?"

"By locking it, we'll be able to hear if he tries to open it."

Jules didn't look like she knew where to start. Uncertainty caused her to question what to bring. Her head twisted and turned as her eyes darted around the room.

"What belongs to you."

She jumped when I spoke.

"Nothing. My clothes. All the lights and video equipment are mine. That's pretty much it. Nothing else is mine."

"Perfect. Let's start packing.

"I don't have any luggage to put my..."

"Garbage bags. Use garbage bags. You pack your clothes. I'll pack and load up your video equipment."

Turns out the video equipment was the least of my concerns. What should have been a concern to me was the inordinate number of sex toys and costumes that were flung haphazardly into bins on the floor.

Vibrators. Dildos. Butt plugs. Everything. Even toys for multiple players. This shit was way out of my league. I mean, come on, I've watched porn, but this stuff. This stuff was up close and personal. It was right there in front of me, and I couldn't help but wonder what the fuck had I gotten myself into.

*****

In three trips to my truck, the room was cleaned out. The toys, costumes, lights, cameras, backdrops, everything. Almost.

All that was left was one of those oversized, overstuffed lounger chairs, sitting in the corner.

"What about the chair?"

"His. He'd sit in the corner. He'd watch me and jerk..."

Jumping back, I held my hands up like I was under arrest. I was just about to grab it when she told me what the chair was used for. For some reason, the first thing to come to my head was the unspeakable things to have been done on the fabric of the chair and the amount of DNA splattered all over it.

*****

The final two large bags were filled with her things. They waited on the bed to be carried away.

"Did you find everything you were looking for?"

"Almost. But I stopped looking once I found my phone and purse."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Fairly certain."

"Don't be 'fairly certain'. Be sure. Then leave the key on the table."

"What? Why? Why would I leave the key?"

"It finalizes things. Leaving the key is leaving him behind."

"I have nowhere to..."

"Stay at my place until you get settled." Her head hung low. She was avoiding eye contact. "Do you have a car?" Her head moved from side to side. "Perfect. Let's roll."

Her small thin fingers trembled as she pulled the key from the loop holding it along with the others. The uncertainty of the situation caused her eyes to once again tear up.

Today was the first chapter in a new life for her.

*****

The oversized tires on my truck hummed a steady on the smooth pavement beneath them.

Jules stared out the window. Looking, reaching, searching. Staring into the horizon, she was searching for answers. Answers to questions only she heard. Questions from deep within her head. Ones only she could possibly ask or answer. She was so deep in thought, she looked defeated and jumped when I spoke.

"Not sure what you packed, so let me know if you would like to stop anywhere on the way home."

Home. My home. It was now being referred to as her 'home' also.

Once again staring out into the abyss, she had her head leaned to the far right. It was resting on the truck's side window. What she was looking at and what she was thinking, were well beyond me. All I could see was the glare of the sun trying its best to shine through the window, and a reflection of someone who was so sad they trusted no one in the entire universe.

*****

I have never been one of those people who touched my dog while I was eating, nor did I feed my dog from the table.

Igor loved his new life, because Jules had no problem doing either. And by Wednesday's dinner, Igor sat dutifully by her side, waiting for a touch or a small morsal. Showing a leniency uncommon to the training of my dog, I let it be. But there would come a time when it would have to stop.

"You can ask me anything. Ask me why he beat me up. Ask me why I do OnlyFans. I'm not ashamed. I'm not trying to hide any of it. My family even knows what I do for a living." Jules said out of the blue.

"It's none of my business. You have every right to do whatever it is that works best for you."

"Are you too embarrassed to ask?"

"Not really," I chuckled. "But like I said, it's none of my business."

"I'm an open book. I'll answer anyth..."

"Fine. What set him off? What does it take for a man to beat up a woman the way he did?"

Jules hand still worked the soft jowls of the dog beside her. He was rapidly becoming attached to her. For a brief moment there was nothing, but silence and I thought she wasn't going to speak, but she at last turned her head and some of her body to face me.

"He wanted me to do things that I didn't agree with. I drew the line. Some things change people's perspective of you if cross that invisible line. And it upset him to the point where he... well, let's just say that he hit me when I told him I wouldn't."

"Jesus. What could he have possibly wanted, that would have upset him so much when you said 'no'?"

She resumed the earlier position. Looking away, she told me her painful answer.

"He wanted me to sleep with some of my OnlyFans customers. For money. There's tons of money in it. Some girls have no problem doing it, but I think that it makes what I do that much dirtier."

The sound of her phone ringing made Jules and I both jump. When she looked at the screen a look of panic and shocked tremor overtook her body. Her fingers pressed at the screen as she refused the call.

"It... it was... him..."

"If he ever calls you again, answer, and tell him you'll meet him wherever and whenever he wants to meet. He won't like how it ends." I growled.

"Why wouldn't he like it?"

"Because no one likes when their world goes bad on them. And no one likes it when they end up in jail."

Why I was being so protective of the doe-eyed girl I didn't really know, was beyond me.

*****

Saturday afternoon, when I returned home from a half day of work, I found the two amigos in the shade of a tree in the backyard. Jules was in a bathing suit, soaking her feet in Igor's 18" deep, splash pool, while tossing him a ball. They were becoming quite a pair.

"So, what do you do for fun?" I asked as I pulled up a seat on the grass.

"Yoga. I enjoy the yoga thing. It's fun for me. The sex is... a side business. I've always liked stretching. I used to teach a class before Covid. It was the best. But it never started back up after... and I found myself doing other things... that made me more money."

Detective Bramble had made me fully aware of what the 'other things' were. Jules herself had spoken about it. I knew, and she knew, I knew, so any kind of embarrassment about her job didn't exist.

*****

The following week went by fast. I worked long hours, yet every night when I returned home, Jules had dinner ready for us.

Her swelling had receded to the point where her eye was now fully open. And most of her bruises were fading away, and her cuts seemed to be healing well.

I did my best to avoid the room Jules was staying in, but on Thursday evening when I walked past her open doorway, I noticed her tripod, camera, and light stands were set-up. It must have been back to business as usual while I was out of the house.

In a flashback I could see the boxes of toys and costumes I had carried to the truck the day she moved it. Today they were unseen. Hidden away somewhere. Were they hidden from me? Out of sight. Out of mind.

"I'm sorry. I just set it up. I... I can take it down it you'd like." The voice from behind me shocked me back into reality.

"You're fine."

"If it offends you, I can start looking for a place as soon..."

"You can stay as long as you want," I interjected. "But I do have some rules. No guys in the house while I'm not here. Igor isn't allowed outside unattended for more than an hour at a time during the summer, unless he has some shade. The sun cooks his black fur. And be careful not to shoot me if I come home late. As you saw this week, my work hours vary sometimes."

"I'd never shoot you. I noticed your gun lockers, but guns scare me. Plus, Igor and I are becoming the best of friends. So... I think he has my back."

"Good. I'd hate to get shot by one of my own guns. Or eaten by my own dog for that matter."

Yes, friendships had begun to develop in the house.

*****

Saturday, I worked another side job. One that pays cash for services rendered. The kind of job that Bramble could report. Untaxed. It was another half day job, so I was home by just after 1:00pm. After showering I extended an invitation and offered Jules a night out. Dinner at a roadhouse and a "AAA" ball game. She declined.

I went by myself. Which wasn't a first for me. I watched the game. Enjoyed a couple beers and went home. What was a first for me, was what I found at home. Jules was "working".

The voices were pretty clear. So were the moans and groans that followed. From the sounds of things as I laid in my bed, hand wrapped around my cock, her box of toys was getting quite the workout.

From my own bedroom, I filled pair of underwear with my cum. I drifted off to sleep long before her evening ended. Yet in the morning she was bright and chipper.

She was one of those cute, All-American beauties.

*****

With every passing day the house seemed to get smaller and smaller. The sounds of sex and the barely covered skin had the walls slowly closing in.

This morning was no different.

There she was again. Fresh out of the shower, shoulder length brown hair still damp. Perky breasts covered by only a half-cut t-shirt. Firm, round ass secure in a pair of impossibly tight yoga shorts. Firm muscular legs. Her big brown doe eyes accentuated by a cute smile, and rosy cheeks, she looked good. So good.

Who could help a guy for wondering. My mind spun. I was debating in my head whether or not to sign up for her Onlyfans site. Not to be a perv, but just for a look. I needed a look, and as she bent and stretched while making herself breakfast, I checked out her body. It was tempting, and I was very tempted. To do what, I wasn't sure. But the sight and thoughts of her made me happy. But I was certain I wanted to see more.

*****

So, continued the daily tradition. Weeks went by. The bruises and scars had all but disappeared. The cuteness and beauty that had been beaten into hiding had returned. Jules, had returned to what I could only assume, was her normal self. Cute, funny, friendly, energetic and outgoing.

There was color in her face and the bounce in her step had returned. I

It wasn't until I returned home late on a Thursday evening that I saw any remnants of the girl I had first met.

Jules was curled up on the large leather sofa. Igor at her side, his head in her lap. Her pretty face was red and discolored by tears and running mascara.

With no visible damage, I asked if everything was alright. Her head bobbed, but the tears remained.

"Detective Bramble was here," she said and lower her chin even deeper into her chest. "They caught him." Came out a whisper.

I sat on the other end of the sofa. My fingers scratching Igor's hide quarters. A thing that always caused his leg to move involuntarily.

"That's good news, no?" She openly sobbed now. "Why are you so upset?"

Her sleeved arm wiped at her face. Covering the hoodie with tears, make-up, and what I could only imagine was a fair amount of snot.

"I'm not ready for what's next."

"What's next?"

"The things that will be said about me in court. The lies. The truths. I can't take... any of it. All of it will be hurtful. So many people will hear bad details about me. So many people judging me. It will be so... bad. And I'm not sure that..." Her head lifted and those big brown doe eyes made contact with mine. She was looking for words. "I... I feel so safe here. I'm not sure... I don't know if I'm ready to leave."

What Bramble had told me about Jules rang in my head. He said she was a 'manipulator of man'. It was a generalized statement. He had no proof to corroborate what he was saying, and he was only saying it because of Jule's OnlyFans account. And, when he said it, he hadn't caught the boyfriend, nor did he have any specific details to confirm his accusation. Yet his words caused me warning.

Looking around, I took in the surroundings. My house had never been cleaner. Spotless in fact. Igor's coat was shiny to a point it looked unnatural. She had brushed him so many times and had given him a bath at least a half dozen times. And food... she cooked. The girl could cook. There was always a plate ready for me when I got home. Asian. Mexican. American. It was all great.

The only thing she had done that had not "improved" my life was her using my e-bike to run errands. It wasn't a deal breaker. But like my tools, I'm possessive of my toys. It's an unfortunate trait of being single for so long.

"Then, stay." The words blurted out of my mouth.

"Why? Why would you want me to stay?"

Trying to lighten the subject, I tried and failed with humor.

"I guess, because Igor likes the company." Her sobbing returning. Worst than it had been earlier. It gave me a strange feeling. "I'm sorry. I like having you here also. Plus, you're a great cook. You keep the place spotless. And when you decide to open up, you're a lot of fun to talk to."

"But..."

"What? 'But', what?"

"You've never... you don't want me... around..." Her chin quivered and a few tears rolled over her cheeks. "I'm just in the way."

"Okay, stop it. You are not in the way, ever. You do keep weird hours, and I have to wear earplugs to get any sleep. But I do enjoy having you 'around'. I kinda even like the company."

"Then, why... why haven't you..."

"Why haven't I what?" I asked. Feeling as if I missed something or perhaps did something wrong.

"You've never tried to... be... with me."

It had gone over my head. I had never thought "being with" her was an option. Normally, in any other setting, she wasn't what I would say was my typical "type". Yes, she was super cute. But...

"Jesus. Come on. Is that it? Jules, look. You're a super attractive woman. But, when we met, you had just encountered a trauma bigger than any most people ever have to live through. And now that you're... better. Well, your nights seem to be fully booked."

"With business. It's my job. I could find time to..."

"Jules, I don't want someone who 'finds time' for me. I want someone who wants to take their time to be with me. I've asked you out and you declined. I understand. I'm okay with it. It doesn't change anything between us."

"We could have sex. Just ask me. I at least owe you as much."

"You don't owe me a thing. And I would want sex that someone felt they 'owed' me. Plus, you have sex all night. So, I don't think having sex with me would be what you would call, special, for you."

"By myself. I have sex by myself. For work. It's how I make money."

The look on her face spoke volumes.

"We've talked about this. I'm not judging you."

"He says in his most judgmental voice. Come on Ethan, deep down inside of you, it bothers you. What I do, offends you. In some way, deep down, you think it's dirty, or that it makes me a bad person."

"You're wrong. Very wrong. I've never judged you."

"Yeah? How many women have you slept with? Be honest. Tell me your total number of partners. Let compare numbers."

"Ten or eleven. Not more than that," I told her honestly.

"Six. In my entire life. Six people."

"Six? You do what you do, for work, and you've only ever slept with six people?"

"See. That's not judgmental at all. And that number is correct. It's not a guess. Four men. Two women."

"For the record, and not that it matters, mine were all women." I looked at her. The surprise had to have been written all over my face. "Sorry, I assumed your number would be higher." I felt bad to have come across a 'judgmental'.

"Of course, you did. Because you assume I'm a slut. If you recall, that's why everybody thinks I got the shit kicked out of me. Not because I wouldn't fuck subscribers, for money. Everyone thinks because I "fuck" for a living, I must have banged a thousand guys."

"Oh. I..."

"So, you win. You get the trophy for sleeping with more people."

"Win? Are we trying to turn this into a competition?"

"I'm not. I'm just saying. Everyone makes assumptions. Like I said, it makes it easier for you if you think I'm a slut. But given a closer and more truthful look, it turns out, you're the tramp."

"I guess. Apparently or even evidently, in this case, I'm the tramp."

"That's right. I'm just the girl next door. The one with the bad reputation."

"Yeah. The girl next door who sticks things into herself and lets strangers watch, for money." It was a statement used as a defense mechanism. It wasn't meant to be hurtful. But as soon as I said it, I could tell that it was.

The tears and sobs were long gone.

"See, there you go again, that doesn't sound judgmental at all."

My, "I'm sorry", fell on deaf ears as she made her way to her room.

"Jules, I didn't mean that. It was meant to be a..." The door closed behind her before I could finish what I was trying to say.

The day had been, too hot, too long, and I had been, too dumb, for my own good. After taking Igor for a run, I called it a night.

*****

The plan was to knock on her door. I would apologize and throw myself into the fires of damnation as I waited for her to pardon me with forgiveness. Instead, I stood silently in the hall and listened as she moved around the room.

"Hey all my sexy boyfriends. Who's ready to get this party started? Let's see what trouble we can get into tonight." There were words being spoken from a speaker in the room. I couldn't hear them, but Jules could. I also knew she had screens where she could read texts and messages from her followers. "Oh, Muskyboy. You are a dirty little devil. I should have never sent you that e-mail just because you said something honest about me. But I'm very happy you still follow me." Jules knew how to work her crowd. She revved them up to the exploding point. "Will you look at this. Boys, all of your nasty requests have me soaked. I'm going to do every single thing everyone wants tonight, and then some. It going to get so wet in here, I'm going to need a mop. Who wants to help me cum?" If this was a business, Jules was surely the CEO.

Those were the last I heard before crossing the hall, closing my door, and inserting my earplugs.

I had never felt so alone in my own home.

*****

Sleep took its time to find me, but eventually, it did. It was fitful. But it was sleep.

In the hot stillness of a long Texas night, I could feel my blankets moving and the weight of a 104lbs body moving across the mattress. The movement alone wasn't enough to wake me. But, the feel of a naked body pressing against bare my skin, was.

For the first time since her arrival, I had an uninvited guest in my bed. Jules had made her way into my room.

The red LED lights on my alarm told me that at 2:45am, her "shift" was over. I assumed that she had "found time". But other than her arm snaking under mine and wrapping itself over my chest, she didn't move. And long before I drifted off for a second time, I could feel her breath on my back. She was fast asleep.

*****

The cold nose of my Doberman Pinscher alarm clock touched the bare skin of my back. It startled me back into the reality of morning. It also caused me a fair bit of concern. Somehow during the night, the sleep arrangements had changed. Jules was no longer cuddling me. Instead, she had turned. It was I who now had my arm wrapped around her body. Her naked body.

Like a cowardly thief escaping in the night, I pulled my arm free. Showered and left for work.

With every single, weird and distorted sexual scenario scrambling my brains, I knew I had a very long day ahead of me.

*****

All day my mind played games with me. It tried to trick me into believing Jules and I had a chance. That other than the bizarre way we met, there was a possibility we could be a normal couple. A couple who could live a normal life. At least normal in the eyes of 90% of the world. A couple who might have kids and take them of dance class or little league. A couple who has BBQs for their neighbors and friends. Ones who talk about current events like movies and interest rates.

Over and over, question after question ruined my day. My head was pounding. And it wasn't until I pulled my truck into the driveway, that I decided to let it play out. To try not to over think what was happening. Let what was going to be, be.

I decided to let the cards fall where they may.

*****

The house smelled of garlic and cilantro. Jules was cooking up a storm. There was chicken and vegetables cooking on the inside grill. Apparently, my housemate was having a good day.

"Smells good in here."

"Thanks, it's me. I had a shower earlier."

"You smell good all the time," I let slip.

Jules made one of patented "quirky" faces and flipped the chicken with her tongs.

"There's time for a shower if you want before dinner."

"Sounds good, but I thought you said you had one earlier?"

An exasperated smile stared at me.

"I'm about to throw an avocado at you," she warned.

"Sweet, I loved them. If you could, dash a little salt and pepper on it for me."

I caught the flying piece of fruit before it hit me. Gently tossing it back to the chef, I smiled and made my way to the shower in my room.

*****

The sound of the large glass door on the shower rolling back, made me smile. Quickly my head darted under the falling water to clear the soapy residue out of my hair and off of my face. I wanted the soap gone so I was able to see every inch of the little cutie who was joining me.

Her perky and toned body rubbed me in all the right places. The natural lubricant of water made it easy for her to slide around on me. Her small, yet great and perky tits rubbed my chest, while her crotch was grinding on the skin of my leg.

"That didn't take long at all," she said as her hand wrapped the hardness of my shaft.

"It's the company I keep."

For the very first time, our lips met. In what was an aggressive kiss, Jules's teeth bit down on my lip and pulled back. It became a very unforgettable. Painful and unforgettable.

Cupping the cheeks of her firm ass in my hands, I lifted. Lifted and lowered slowly. Jules's moan was the sexiest sound my ears had heard in a very long time.

Without the thought or benefit of a condom, I was inside of my housemate. A woman I truly didn't know a thing about. And one, who's word about sexual partners, I would have to take.

As my shaft stretched her open and the head of my penis stopped moving forward, the tiny vixen I had impaled, moaned into my neck and ear again.

Turning, I pinned her body between mine and the stone wall of the shower. Withdrawing myself from inside her felt horrible, like I was missing out on something, but my thrusts back into her felt incredible, like I was where I was supposed to be.

Jules was tight, toned, smooth, warm, and wet. And with my cock buried in her, her perfectly sized tit buried in my mouth, she had me exactly where she wanted me.

It had been months since I had last had sex, so my buildup was almost instantaneous. Every time my cock bottomed out. I immediately felt an overwhelming urge to explode. If I didn't slow myself down, it would be over in a heartbeat.

Slowing down was not an option, and when my cock slipped out of Jule's pussy, she cried for me to keep going. But I had other plans. And my plans included having a taste of the pussy I had just exited.

Lowering myself, I kissed and suckled my way south, and when my lips touched Jule's shaved mound, I knew my plan was a good one.

Pushing my tongue forward her meaty lips parted like the spreading the wings of a beautiful butterfly.

Her arms were spread wide. They gripped at the stones on the wall. With weakened knees, she was trying to steady her body. But with a leg slung over my shoulder and back, and both my hands holding and spreading the cheeks of her fine ass, she was in no danger of falling.

The sexy girl spread across my shower wall was unlike the loud girl who I had heard performing for her crowd, the girl I was having sex with, was on the quiet side. Sure, she moaned, groaned, and thrusted her pussy against my face. She was enjoying herself, but not once did she call scream out how good it felt. Nor did she use my name. It was nothing like her nights alone in her room. She only spoke a few words, and they were in hushed tones.

"Just... like... that..."

Jules hips thrust forward, and she did cum on my tongue. It was with a low, deep growl. The sound of a lioness mating. And when her leg lifted off my shoulder, it wrapped my waist. She was trapping me and pulling me back inside of her.

Supported by my hands holding her ass, her legs wrapping around me, Jules eased my cock back home. And home was, wetter, tighter, and more ready than it had been earlier.

My sex partner put her head on my shoulder and held me tight as my meaty, pummeling piston attacked her tiny cunt.

"Are you okay," I asked.

"Umhmmm," she whispered. "It feels so good."

Her thighs tightened their grip. Her teeth sunk into the muscle in my neck. Her fingers tugged at my hair as the rest of her body tensed. Silently, my new lover was having another orgasm.

"Jules..."

"It's okay."

The final thrust I made was by far the longest and hardest. My cock bottomed out and released an explosive load that had been pent up inside of me for far too long.

A frothy white mixture of our combined juices dropped to the shower floor when, for the second time, I pulled myself out of her.

I assumed by how quiet we had both been while having sex, one of us felt bad about it. But the mood changed when Jule's toes moved my slimy spend around in the water and stone.

"Wow. That's a huge load. When was the last time you..."

The answer to her question came in the form of a kiss. A soft, gentle, loving, thank-you, kinda kiss.

*****

"It's cum baby. My new lover filled me up just before I came online. Yes, he did. That's why I'm so wet. It's dripping outta me." "Oh yes, it is. I promise you. It's a mixture of his and mine. Why didn't I swallow it? Because he wanted his baby batter inside me." Jules was working her audience more than I had ever heard her do before. "His cock turns me on soooooo much baby. Look how wet I am. Oh, you like that? Wanna watch me taste it?" She dipped a finger deep inside herself. "Yeah, baby. It tastes soooo good. What's that? Yeah. I was very good. His big old cock felt so good when it stretched my tiny little pussy. I'm sure I'll be sore for a few days, but it hurts so good." "Twice baby. He made me cum twice." "Only once. The first time he used his tongue."

Jules continued to use line after line to entice and arouse her audience.

Listening to her sexy purring had my cock rock hard. Immediately, I understood the hold she had over her audience. They were interested in her words, but they were captivated by her naked body. The paying subscribers got every penny's worth of what they were paying this sexy little vixen.

Standing in her doorway, I watched as she continued dipping her fingers into herself. The curled digits pulled out some wetness, as they exited. For show, she stuck them into her mouth, licked them clean, and held the spotless hand up to the camera.

Just like the guys watching her on their monitor probably did, I let out a moan, and gave my hardness a few strokes.

I couldn't hear what they were saying or read what they were typing. But when Jules responded to some of them, I assumed I knew what they were saying and requesting.

The girl before me was at work. Unlike the girl in my shower, this one was acting. She was the girl of the hour. She was in the spotlight. Did the guys, and perhaps, women, who subscribe to her site see her the same way I did? Could or did they see past the sexy girl wearing fox ears and a foxtail butt plug? Is the interest in her purely sexually driven, or do they have a feeling of connection to the person they spend money to watch?

"I could do that, baby. Oh yeah. He has a nice cock, and if I asked him nicely, he'd probably let me suck it for you. Believe it or not, if he does, it'll be the first time his cock is in my tiny little mouth." Her head turned from the camera, and she looked me in the eyes with the worlds biggest, devilish, smile. "Nope. No way. He'll use the hand-held. You'll never get to see his face," she told her followers.

Standing, the would-be fox hopped around the room. Clicking off cameras as she went. Seconds later, I could see the images her hand-held camera was shooting.

Pressing a corded button, she must have muted her show.

"Do you want to stand or sit. Standing gives them a better show."

Her huge doe eyes pleading with me. Her cute face, strangely made even cuter by the rosy cheeks, black nose, and drawn on whispers, was begging me to join her.

"Stan... stand," I stumbled over the word. Was I really going to do this? The first day we have sex together, I'm going to let her suck my dick for the viewing pleasure of her audience.

"Perfect. Just look at the screen and you'll be showing them exactly what you see."

The button clicked again. She was back in business. Telling anyone willing to spend a dollar, what was about to happen.

"That's right baby, I'm going to suck his cock for you. Sure. You can pretend it's you. Oh yes, I will. I'll show all of you his big old load before I swallow it. No way. Not a chance of it being on my face. His first load is going down my throat. Yep. I promise to show it to you first."

I was primed and ready by her words alone. Both of us were. Me and her crowd of followers.

For an amateur photographer, I did alright. Nothing too fuzzy. Nothing too close up or far away. I got every shot of Jules's face as she spit huge globs on my knob. The way her mouth formed an "O" and slid down my shaft. The way she worked it with both her lips and hands. Her head bobbed and her moans were very loud. The loudness was all for show. But what the crowd of viewers couldn't see was how much care she put into my enjoyment. It was the perfect amount of wetness, suction, pressure and throat depth. And when I was ready, only then did she back away, and only to let my spend fly into her open orifice. The camera spied and showcased her cute "fox" face as she swished my spend of cum around. When her fans were satisfied, she opened wide so the masses could watch as she swallowed it down.

Jules kissed me before taking the camera away. My time was up. One by one she re-activated the other cameras. She was being summoned back to the main screens. The other shows had only just begun.

"You are correct, baby. He is the first guy I ever blew, and it was all for you." I heard her telling a stranger. And what she said next, really caught my attention. "No. No plans to work Vanessa again. No, no. I love her. She's great, but she moved to Florida a while ago."

*****

That evening, there was no surprise at all when Jules climbed into bed with me. It was what would be an daily thing. The start of an ongoing sexual ritual. The beginning of a relationship where she would spend her nights in my bed.

Her coconut oil smelling body would spoon its naked self to me. Her huge, brown, doe eyes staring at me, even while I slept. Yes, there were times when I awoke to find her watching me, smiling. But mostly, we would spend our nights entangled or coupled with one another.

*****

For a week, it wasn't that we avoided each other, but for "the week", we really only saw each other in bed. No. Not for sex. For sleep.

I had a big job on the go. Sixteen-hour days were not uncommon, and by the time I was done for the day, Jules was just starting her abbreviated show.

Often, I ate in front of the television with Igor at my side. Both of us listening to the moans coming from down the hall.

On Saturday night, all that changed.

During the day, Jules joined us for a jog. I knew she worked out. Her athleticism was very apparent. So, I wasn't very surprised by how easily she kept pace. Our trio seemed to be very much in sync.

We eat lunch at a dog friendly restaurant by the lake. Taking our time, we talked, walked and enjoyed the others company. It was only on the way home that Jules sprung her surprise on me.

"Are you interested in joining me again tonight?"

"Absolutely. You mean when we get home. Before you start work?"

"No. More like... while I'm at work." She turned in the seat of my truck, so she was facing me. "Saturday nights are always my biggest crowds. You were a very big hit and some of my regulars are requesting a repeat performance of what happened last week."

"Ohhhhh..." I was surprised, but not entirely shocked. "I understand."

Her hand touched me on the arm and rubbed my bare skin.

"Probably not."

Stopped at a stoplight, I turned to see what she could possibly be saying. By the look on her face, I knew there was something else up her sleeve. Maybe a hidden agenda I wasn't aware of.

"Okay. Then I don't understand."

"Sorry. I don't want to disappoint you but it's not a blowjob. I mean, you can have one anytime you want, but this time they want more. They want to see you in me. They want us to have actual sex for them."

"Jules..."

"I know. I know. It's a big ask. But the payday could be huge. Plus, it's kind of a win - win for us."

"Jules. What if..."

"Never. I promise. They'll never get a look at your face. In fact, they're far more interested in your lower regions and what you are doing to me. They like the mystery of not seeing your face. That wat they can keep pretending pit them with me."

*****

Listening to her perform was all the foreplay I needed for getting ready. No pregame fluffing was required. I knew full well I should have declined her offer, but those big doe eyes and her sexy body stole my heart.

Both of us had showered when we got home, but not together. Jules insisted that she had to do her make-up, and if I joined her, things would have gone wrong. The money shot or creampie would have been wasted when it was washed down the drain.

Jules had told me approximately what time to join her. The time when her group would be ready for the "main event". A time when the screaming hoards needed release from their pent up, normal, everyday life.

Having not seen her since we returned home. I knew stage fright would not be a thing when I finally did see her. Her smoking hot little body and her rock-hard ass made me hard just thinking about it.

The fox outfit Jules wore the first time we were on screen, was hot. Fucking hot, and sexy. But tonight's costume. Jesus Christ. The image of a sweet innocent little bunny had new meaning. No matter what happened after tonight, the sight of her would forever be etched into my brain.

Jules had painted on, pink, rosy cheeks, black bunny whiskers, and had added, overly exaggerated eyelashes. And for accessories, she had on white bunny ears, a pink bowtie, and a fluffy white bunny tail butt plug. My cock throbbed just from looking at her.

Once again, Jules introduced me as her man.

Handing me the camera, she took her spot on her knees. The choking, spitting, and sucking had me as turned on as I could possibly be. And when she got on her hands and knees in front of me, it was all I could do to hold the camera steady.

"Fuuuuuuuuccccccckkkkkk..." we both screamed as my cock sank into her soaked snatch. Whether she was acting or not, it seemed authentic and it felt amazing.

The screen was full of skin. Images of her stretched pussy and those of my cock. At first, I was doing as Jules had earlier instructed me to do, but now, in the heat of the moment, I started doing what felt best. What I would have done without anyone watching us.

Pulling back, I only stopped before the tip of my cock popped out of her hole. Pushing forward, I only stopped when I was squishing the puff, white bunny tail in her ass.

My shaft was coated with her sweet slime. A thick, frothy covering of girl juice that made for good television. Two All-American kids fucking on command. Turned on and waiting to cum. Apparently, Jules fans were eating it up. Wiping my finger along my cock shaft, I gathered up a finger full of her lather and put it into Jules's mouth. Her tongue licked the digit clean, and her screen erupted with comments.

"You like that baby? You like how wet I get when my man fucks me? Yeah baby, I wish you were here too. I'd let you taste the same juice I just tasted."

My knuckles were turning white I was holding her hips so tight. Thrust after slow thrust I pushed as deep into my lover as I could. I didn't to read the screen, but I watched Jules while she did. Every so often she would respond to one or more of her followers.

"You like seeing him in me? Oh yeah, it feels as good as it looks."

Jules pushed back onto me. She stayed up while she grinded her hips. Reaching down I took ahold of the bunny tail and moved it around, causing Jules to cry out. Immediately the flood gates opened.

"You... you... what... baby? My ass. You want him to... fu... fu... fuck... my... ass?" Jules stuttered. "No... he's never been in my... ass. Maybe he could try it..."

When I heard her words, I started to look around. The tube of cherry flavored lube was just within reach. I had watched her use the lube before, and when she said, 'maybe he could try it', I assumed anal sex was a go.

With "no hands" thrusts, I still fucked Jules, while I un-capped the lube. The smooth glide assistant was ready to go, so I eased the bunny tail out of her puckered bum hole. It was all I could to keep the camera steady.

A huge glob of the red lube landed directly on her asshole. I didn't need to worry about my dick. There was enough of Jule's slime and my pre-cum to help me slide in. But somewhere in all of the commotion, I had lost track about what Jules was telling her fans. My entire train of thought and all of my concentration was elsewhere.

Extracting my cock from her perfect pussy, I lined the tip up with her puckered, little, butthole. The camera could see my hand holding the shaft as I pushed forward.

Jules hips moved away, but she had nowhere to go. Trapped between the floor and my body, the head of my cock popped into her ass.

"Gaaaaaawwwwddddd..." she cried out at the top of her lungs. It had to have been another of her shows for the crowd, because I had seen her with butt plugs in.

Surrounded by incredible tightness, I continued pressing forward. Jules howled for the camera, and I continued until I had buried myself into her ass.

Trying my best to fuck Jules's ass wasn't good enough. She had put her curled fist between her ass and my body. At first, I assumed that she was playing with her clit, but this wouldn't have been the best position to do so. No, she was trying to stop how far my penetration would be allowed.

Level and recording. The camera was at the perfect angle when I came. The tip of my cock pulled away from the very first ass it had ever fucked, only to be followed by a cream pie, ass style.

The shot was the best one ever. Jules looking over her shoulder. She was trying to see her, puckered, just fucked, cum oozing asshole. She couldn't, but her fans had the privilege of watching as was dripping out of her ass and running down the lips of her pussy. It was absolutely fucking incredible.

Jules went back to talking to her followers. Her voice had changed, but the content was very much the same. It was all about their pleasure. The last thing I heard was.

"No baby, my man is done for the night. No, he is not putting his shitty cock in my mouth again until he showers."

My part was over. I had done everything Jules had requested.

Without ceremony, and without a kiss, Jules had dispatched me to the shower. She still had a list of things to do, but for the rest of the night, she did them at a quieter pace.

*****

Soft foot falls on the hardwood told me Jules was headed my way. As usual, she climbed into bed with me, but tonight, she had her back pointed my way.

"Leave me alone," she said when I tried to hold her still damp body.

"Jules, I..."

"You what? You got what you wanted, and you didn't even have to pay for it."

"What? I only did what you asked me to."

The afterthought of broadcasted sex seemed to be upsetting Jules. It was as if our having sex was a way for her to manipulate me and for me, it was a way to use her for my own personal pleasure. Perhaps her seconds thoughts about what had happened was worse than she thought it would be.

"Jules, I..."

"You're just like the rest of them. You got what you wanted."

"Don't treat me like I'm just another client," I said without thinking. "I just..."

"You're just like he was." She told me. Trying her best to categorize me with her ex-boyfriend.

"Really? At least I didn't try to fuck you out of your dignity. And I didn't raise a hand to you to get what I wanted."

"Only an asshole would say something like that to a woman."

"That's where you're wrong. Only a woman would take what I said as an insult. Because I've never done anything but treat you with respect."

"Tell that to my ass. How much respect did you show it?"

"Why? Your ass was perfect."

"Perfectly virgin. Just because I was talking about it, didn't mean I wanted you to fuck it."

"Jules..."

"Get out!"

That was the start of a battle. There were hurtful things being said. Venom was flying around the room. And, in the end, it was for no real reason. A resolution was nowhere in sight, so I did the respectable thing, I left.

As soon as the door closed behind me, I could hear Jules's sobbing into a pillow. A pillow, on my bed.

*****

Just as fast as our Saturday night had gone sour, by Monday, it had freshened up and was once again, sweet.

On Tuesday I came home to find Jules waiting for me in bed. Naked and waiting. And for the very first time, our lovemaking seemed very... natural. Like we were a couple. Rather than a couple of people who had been thrown together out of necessity.

We made love well into the night. No, ass play was not on the menu, nor was it ever mentioned.

*****

On Thursday night, I was late getting home. The smell of fried garlic made me smile, but the smile only lasted for a few seconds.

Walking into the kitchen, I met Vanessa for the first time. A tall and big boned woman. Dark skinned. Blonde. She looked exactly like the Florida girl Jules had described. A buxom Amazon. And, like Jules, not an ounce of embarrassment could be found within her soul.

They were both naked with the exception of cat and dog accessories. Collars, chains, and of course, whiskers and tails.

Jules and her friend stood near the counter, eating yogurt and fruit. They were replenishing their fuel supplies before starting round #2 of whatever it was, they were doing. And what they were doing, could only be one thing.

"Dinners in the oven baby." Jules told me with a smile.

"Oh Jules. I'm in for sure. You weren't lyin. He is a little hottie."

Jules looked at me and arched her eyebrows. It was almost as if she was trying to send me a signal or a clue of what was to come.

"Ethan, this is Vee. We've known each other for years. Vee, Ethan."

We shook hands and it took everything in my power to keep my eyes on her face, and not the other naked parts of her body. The handshake wasn't nearly enough for "Vee". She was a hugger. The kind who wrapper her nakedness around you, squeezed, and held on for an inappropriate length of time.

"Very nice to meet you. If you guys need anything, let me know. I'll be outside in the garage."

When Vanessa felt me twisting away and out of her grip, she turned her head toward her friend. "He seems shy. I thought you said this big ole cutey was going to join us." Both girls looked at the shocked look on my face. Vanessa smiled. She smiled slyly. "Oh... I'm sorry baby. Did you just find out that you're the guest of honor? It's okay baby, I'm gonna eat you up like the prime piece of Texas sized ribeye you are."

"Vee, baby, give us a minute," Jules told her friend, and half pushed her out of the room and down the hall. Turning back to me, she put on one of her pouty faces. "Ethan, I was going to tell..."

"Why do you keep pushing me away?"

"I don't." She told me, in a childish voice. "I've been planning this treat for you for awhile now. I want to treat you to something special for treating me so you."

"Jules, I don't want a special treat."

"Baby, let me explain."

"Explain? Okay. Fine. Tell me what's happening then. Aren't we enough for each other? Look at yourself. Do you think I want another woman? Do you think you're not what I want? Do you think I need more? Tell me the truth... am I not enough for you?"

"I've never said..."

"You don't have to. I can see what has happened today. Her smell is all over you. And I heard her. It's easy enough to figure out what you have planned for tonight."

"It'll be fun, baby." Jules said, as she ran her spoon filled hand, down my chest. "Come on. Try something different. I promise you will enjoy yourself."

"The offer is greatly appreciated, but Jules, I'm out."

Jules took the last spoonful of yogurt and seductively put it into her mouth. She was trying a few tricks to try and persuade me to join them.

"Come on..." she cooed. Her hand now rubbing the front of my work jeans. "Go have a shower. I'll send Vee in. She has ways to help change your mind."

"My mind doesn't need changing. It's quite content with being set the way it is."

"Are you telling me that you're honestly not going to fuck her?"

"Honestly."

"Why?"

"Why. You're asking me 'why'. Why, would I? I guess I was mistaken, but I thought we had something. For the past few weeks, it seemed like we were... together."

"Ethan, don't." Her voice had changed. It now sounded hurt. "You don't want someone like me. Nobody does. I'm damaged goods. I'm..."

"You don't have to keep reminding me. I remember. And do you know why I remember? It's because you keep telling me every single day." Her head dropped. Her chin rested on her chest. Tears must have been swelling, but from where I was standing, I couldn't tell for sure. "The only person who seems to care, is you. Igor and I take you for what you are, and we only ask the same from you. Your past is your past. Bury it there. One way or another, it's time for you to move on. Either you move on from your past, or from me."

"Ethan..." she sobbed.

"I'm sorry, Jules. It's not healthy. I love you. I do. With all my heart, I love you, but I've given my last performance. You're a big girl. You'll figure it out. Do what you want, but I'm done. Vanessa is welcome to stay the night. But there will never be anything between her and I. Or me and anyone else. Only you."

Igor ran to my side when I whistled. He knew the call. We were going for a ride.

"I'll give you two some privacy. See you in about three hours. That should be long enough for the pair of you to do whatever it is you have to do."

"Ethan... don't. Please, don't make me choose."

*****

With one quick stop, Igor and I landed at Lady Bird Lake. The young clerk at the corner store had happily sold me a King Can of beer for my stroll with the hound. His leash hung loosely around my neck. It wasn't going to be used, but I had one with me.

Leaning on a tree, I watched the spot. The spot where my simple life collided with the most complicated woman I had ever met. My mind screamed at me. Over and over, it replayed every single minute we had been together. Sipping the cold beer, I tried to search for positive notes amongst the cautionary signs.

Jules was everything I wasn't. Wild and open, with a carefree approach to sex. Something I had never been or had ever had. My reserved way of life was loved by her. Partially because it was new and different to her. Partially because it was a big, fluffy, security blanket.

Before I left her at home, I told her that I loved her. Did I? Did I actually "love" her or did I "love" the idea of her. The doe eyed, cutey, with the smoking hot body. Full of energy. So full of life. Did the excitement of crazy sex twist my mind enough to believe my lust for her was love.

*****

When I could no longer stare at the sight where Igor first found Jules, he and I walked for miles. At one point, in the darkness, we both marked the same tree.

Making our way back to the truck, we both knew it was time to go home. Home to darkness. The entire house was dark except for the small slit of light coming from under the door where Jules and Vanessa were still "working". Once again, I was home to an empty feeling. Once again, I would be sleeping alone.

*****

After another long, hot day of work on Friday, there was no sense of urgency for me to get home. My Thursday night debacle gave me plenty of reasons to stay away, and I wasn't even sure Jules would speak to me again. So, when I opened the door, and the house was silent, I wasn't surprised. Stepping inside, I wasn't even sure she still lived there.

Quiet, dark, and empty. The only thing that had changed from this morning was that now, every door in the hall was open.

Finding Jules's "studio" empty, didn't surprised me. It hurt, but there wasn't any real surprise. All the cameras, toys, and costumes had been packed up and taken away. Gone was every hint or trace of her or them ever being there. Down the hall, in the room where Jules had first stayed, I found the same. Other than the smells of fresh soap, it was as if no one other than me had ever set foot in there. The bed was made, and the extra set of towels was folded neatly on the end of it.

My deep breath in and huge exhale out did nothing to ease my pain. Yes, pain. For some unknown reason, there was now a deep-rooted pain and sorrow in my heart. Jules being gone ripped a part of my soul away. Leaning back, against the wall, I stared at the emptiness that was the room and my heart.

Time had escaped me. Not knowing how long I had stared into the spare room. I felt the nudge of Igor's nose. It was dinner time. He was hungry and waiting.

"Sorry, buddy," I said as I rubbed his ears and prepped his food.

The hound always looked like a puppy when I mixed the kibble into the raw food diet he eats. He could be miles away, but when the little nuggets hit the stainless-steel bowl, he always comes running.

From six inches above the floor, I dropped the bowl.

Jules was standing in the kitchen doorway. Wearing a sport bra and her trademarked yoga pants. Somehow, she has silently snuck back into house.

We stared at each other for a short time before she spoke.

"I didn't realize how much I needed you, or how much a wanted you. And when I figured it out, I didn't think I deserved you. And wasn't sure that you wanted me. No one has ever wanted me. At least not for just being me. Then, when I figured out that you did, I couldn't understand why."

"So, you tried to get rid of me by pawning me off on your friend."

"No. I tried to "gift" her to you." Her sobs could be felt on my chest, where her head lay. "And... and when you said, "no", I knew for sure. And then, you told me that you loved me."

"I do love you."

Her huge doe eyes were red and full of tears. Even in this situation, she was still a strong girl.

"Jules, what if I had said, "yes". How far would you have taken it? How long would have let it continue?"

"Right to the very end."

"And afterwards. What then? What would you have done next. What would have topped Vanessa?"

"Nothing. It would have been over. She would have been my "thank-you" to you, when I left."

"Really?"

"There's a very distinct difference between being a slut and being a whore."

"I'm all ears."

The tears had stopped, but her eyes were still very red. Jules lifted her chin and showed her strength.

"You should have thanked me for being a slut with you. And you should have hated me, and run away, when I was being a whore."

"I've never thought of you as either of those things. They are your words, not mine."

"What, a whore or a slut? Oh, you loved it. You may not have said it aloud, but deep down inside, it was what you wanted from me."

"No Jules. All I ever wanted from you, was you."

We looked at each other. Waiting. Was there a place for us together.

"Jules, I just want..."

She shook her head. She didn't want to hear anymore. Her mine was already made up on the direction her life was going. We both knew it, but I asked anyway.

"Is this the end for us, is it over?" I asked.

She knew I wasn't asking about her OnlyFans business. A simple nod or yah, wouldn't be enough. At least not enough to make anyone feel comforted by it. So, Jules lifted her head, squared her shoulders, and stepped forward. Closing space between us.

"Well... not all of it. But... between us... it is."

Jules is a strong person. Even if I wanted to, there was nothing I could do to persuade her to stay. Letting her go would be part of a hard life lesson. A life lesson to look back on. Perhaps reflect upon and learn from. Something that might, hopefully, make me stronger also.

"Ethan, did you hate it so much? So much you didn't want to be a part of it?"

It was over. Jules had made it clear. She had made her choice, yet she still asked questions.

"There was never any hatred involved. I actually loved it because it was with you. Only you." I couldn't help but smile when I pictured us together. "I especially loved the fox and bunny outfits. I really enjoyed those props. I could live with that Jules all my life, but the thought of sharing you with anyone else, yeah, it makes me want to hate the industry you are involved with."

Waiting for what might come next, we both heard the sound of a car horn. It could only be Vanessa. Jules's ride was outside. The car must have been packed up full and the driver was impatiently waiting.

"Florida?"

"Yeah. Thought I'd give it a try. I'll stay with Vee for a bit. See where it leads me."

"Well... the best of luck. Stay safe."

Jules took another step forward.

"Will you at least hug me good-bye?" she asked.

Our hug was friendly enough as Jules hard little body formed to mine for the last time. The hug was over before it led to anything else. No kiss. No feeling of love. Only the feeling of loss.

In the end I couldn't help myself, I replayed every minute of us being together. Over and over in my head. How could we have played it so that it worked out? Could we have rearranged the stars, so our story was happier? Was there a chapter or two we could have rewritten? Probably, but our stories ending had always been predetermined. From the very start we were destine to failure.

*****

Jules sexy little body had been the lure that attracted, but her big doe eyes and super cute smile were what got me hooked and caught me. Everything about her made me want to be with her. I wanted her to be a part of my life. I wanted to love her, but I certainly didn't want to share her.

Jules and my journey together had only just started when it was derailed. It was an unforgettable adventure, but like some adventures, things don't always end with the greatest of memories. This was one of those times.

From the front window of my house, Igor and I watched as Jules climbed into Vee's car. It backed out of the driveway and without so much as a sad wave they disappeared from sight.

Jules was gone for forever.

*****

It had been a few months. Still, I immediately recognized the dull paint of the unmarked cop car.

The detective got out of his ride and walked over to where I was in the garage. He carried himself with a swagger only Texas cops know. He hadn't changed a bit.

"Miller."

"Detective."

"Putting up your Christmas lights?"

"Yeah. First time ever. Even got a tree for the house."

"Sweet. How much you charge? My old lady wants me to put ours up this weekend, but I'm afraid of heights. And my asshole neighbor usually does it for me, but I never hear the end of it."

"Sorry. Even with the cop discount, you couldn't afford it."

Bramble laughed and looked around the yard. He wasn't here on business, he was just... here.

"Ever hear any more about Jule's ex?" I asked.

"Nah. But then again, I don't want to. The prick is where he should be. He was a wanted felon. Long history of being a bad boy. His shit finally caught up with him. Prison will be his home for quite some time. What about you guys, you ever hear from him?"

"Not since he was apprehended."

"Didn't see you in court, Miller. Thought you were the kind of boyfriend who would have been there for support. Didn't expect you to be the kind of guy to disappoint his lady."

"She wasn't my girlfriend. She was just staying here, hiding out."

"Seems like a long time ago."

"Sure does."

"You know, I did a little checking on a few other things. Looks like your little OnlyFans girlfriend has had a few guests on her show. One guy who appeared to be a regular for a while, and now there is a girl. She on there a lot. Sexy thing. Big blond girl. Know anything about it?"

"Nope."

Bramble smiled and rubbed his scruffy chin. He looked toward the house and then back to me.

"Some say I don't know shit. Others say I do. Depends on who you ask. Either way, I can't really disagree with them, but I can tell you this, I know people. And you, Miller, you don't come off as the kind of guy who would share his woman with another man, let alone another woman."

"And..."

"And, I'm saying, I think you've been making some cameos on your little honey's show." The detective sized me up again. Looking me up and down, he made an odd face before he asked, "You got another little honey pot livin here with you guys, Miller?"

"Nope."

"Why'd yah stop doin guest appearances? Better yet. How'd yah get her to stop letting you do them?"

"Is that why you're here, to gossip about sex sites on the internet?"

"No. Not really. I just dropped by to say hi and drop off this." It was a small bag of jewelry. Stuff Jule's ex had stolen from her long before they broke up. Turns out it was found at one of his friends' houses, when the friend got busted.

"Thanks. I'm sure she'd be happy to have it back, but she doesn't live here anymore."

"Fuck off. Really?" The detective looked shocked. Almost like I had pulled one over on him.

"Yep. It's been a few weeks.". I might be mistaken, but I believe she lives in Florida now. And before you ask, no, I do not have a number or address." I said as I tossed the cloth bag of jewelry back to him.

Bramble turned and started toward his car. Then, almost as if he was having an epiphany, he stopped. "You know, I almost feel like a dick for saying this, but you ever heard the words, "I told you so"? Sometimes, they're hard to swallow, but just remember, I told you this was going to happen long before the axe fell. The writing was on the wall you know. Even so, I was pullin for you. I thought maybe the pair of you would be having a kid or two and would be getting married down on the coast. Who knows, maybe show the wedding, the conception, and the birth of your kid on Onlyfans. Earn a few extra bucks."

"Fuck you, Bramble."

"You wish, punk. I'd be the best lay you ever had," he laughed.

I smiled to myself. I liked the "new side" of the cop. He was correct. Even in his very early assessment of our situation, he called. Right out of the gate.

"I highly doubt it." I called back to him.

We were both smiling and shaking our heads. He was done with me. And unless he wanted to look for Jules, he could close the book this case.

Before he opened the door of his car, I yelled to him, "You wanna beer?"

The detective looked at his watch. He looked up and down the street and raised his hand to his neck. With a couple of tugs, he had loosened his tie and had undone the top button of his shirt.

"Yeah. Sure. What the hell, I'd love a cold one, and I'm off the clock."

That evening was the last time I ever mentioned Jules.