Many apologies, my friends. I’ve been so busy editing my third sci-fi novel, I didn’t realize this had run out! Without further delay, here is part 51 of Bad Fall.
Frank and Marka have just gotten home from visiting his parents. It was a fun visit, but Marka’s mother calls, creating a bit of a stir. Her premonition prompted Marka to tell Frank to call someone named Shay. It’s not a very welcome announcement. Colonel Arnold Shay was Frank’s commanding officer.
Tired of being cramped on the couch, Frank carried her to the bedroom. He set her down, removing her shoes. His hands caressed her feet and ankles, moving up under the leg of her pants. He set the shoes reverently on the table near the bed.
Marka giggled at that. “Do you always set a woman’s shoes on the table when you make love?”
“Only the really sexy ones. . . . . shoes that is.”
“My shoes turn you on?”
He glanced at them, shrugging. “Not really. But I find your breasts intoxicating.” To emphasize that, he kissed both of them—repeatedly. “And this, magic. . . .” His hand slid between her legs.
Marka was hot and wet. He could feel it through her clothing. Enough playing around, he wanted her too much. He finished undressing her and himself in record time.
“Condom?” She asked as he finished.
“Um. . . .” He had to think about that one. This wasn’t his bedroom at home, which was well stocked. Did he have any? “Yes!”
He unzipped his shaving kit. He remembered having packed a few in there when they went by his place—just in case—to be prepared. He was just about to rip it open with his teeth when someone knocked on the door.
“God dammit!” Frank yelled. “Can’t you leave me alone for five fucking minutes?”
“I dunno, kid. Haven’t tried. Put your pants back on and open up before I open it for you.”
“Colonel Shay?” He headed to the door.
“Frank!” Marka tossed him his jeans.
He shut the bedroom door behind him rather more loudly than he should have. “Coming!” Well, I would’ve been in about an hour. . . .
Frank opened the door to find his former commanding officer in the hallway with two other officers.
“I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow,” Frank said ungraciously.
Shay pushed passed him. “Tell your lady friend to join us.”
“What makes you think I’ve got a lady here?”
“Cause nothing puts that tone in a man’s voice except coitus interruptus.”
The other men laughed. Frank blushed slightly.
“I’ll see if she’s dressed.”
“Put your nickers on, son. That denim’ll rub ’em raw—state they’re in.”
“Be out in a few,” Frank said. “You can fix coffee.” He pointed to the kitchen, nodding at the lowest ranking officer, who happened to be a Major.
The other man smirked, moving toward the kitchen. He banged a few cupboards and clattered about for several minutes as Frank tapped on the bedroom door.
Marka was dressed and putting on her shoes when Frank walked in. He dropped his pants and put on his boxers. Marka watched him dress with longing. She tried to speak, but his naked body was very distracting.
“Come meet the guys,” Frank said, holding out his hand.
Marka ran fingers through her tousled hair. Frank kissed her one last time.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Me too.”
They walked to the living room hand in hand. The coffee finished brewing. Marka found cups as the men stared at one another. Frank leaned against the console TV arms and ankles crossed.
“We’d be more comfortable in the sitting room,” he said.
“I hardly think we want to do that,” Shay said, frowning slightly. “Why aren’t you home?”
Frank told him the one minute version of the last few days. Shay nodded, accepting a cup of coffee from Marka with a distracted smile.
“This must be Dr. Ventimiglia.”
“And you know about me—why?”
“Frank mentioned you in passing,” Shay said evasively.
“Right. I suppose you know all about me now. My research and education?
My proclivity for red and my cup size?”
Shay chuckled while the other men looked uncomfortable.
“Thirty-eight C,” she told the Lieutenant-Colonel as she handed him his coffee.
“Dossier said it was thirty-eight and a half,” the Lieutenant-Colonel replied.
Marka flashed him a curious look. He was right, dammit. Smart ass. “You did look me up! You bastard!” She threw a napkin at him.
“Doing my job, Doctor. Nothing more.”
“Where’s Liz? You and she are usually joined at the hip,” Frank asked Shay about his assistant.
“She’s on vacation. She had some personal business to take care of in Florida,” Shay replied.
“Pity. She can always be counted on the jazz things up. Are you going to introduce us, Colonel?” Frank asked.
“My companions would prefer to remain anonymous,” Shay replied.
Frank eyed him critically, arms still crossed defensively, eyes wary. “Not sure I feel like chatting with Major and Lieutenant-Colonel Anonymous. I’m not in the game anymore.”
“I can activate you anytime I want, Francis. You’ve got some skills I badly need.”
© Dellani Oakes
Dellani Oakes 