Sapphic Voices General Fiction

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Part One

This is a Story of love and hate. It’s about two Women who have the courage to fight the homophobic influences that surround us. Warning! There is adult content in this Story. This Story contains depictions of violence directed toward Women.

Jessica had that odd sensation again. A tingle down her back, a moment of dread as if something was wrong. Then she shuddered; her body shook as a current of emotion overtook her. Jessica checked her rearview mirror, nothing suspicious caught her eye. Just lots of traffic, the usual bumper to bumper stuff. God, sometimes she hated living in the city.

Life wasn’t so difficult when she and Beth were together. Beth her ex g/f had started out as a radio announcer then worked as an anchor for a local TV station. Overnight it seemed Beth had had a sensational rise to stardom. She had gone to Hollywood to make a movie with a famous actor, then suddenly she was in demand. Beth changed her name and became Paige Crofton, quit being a lesbian and actually married some movie producer. At first Beth tolerated Jessica’s visits and phone calls, but she had little time for old friends. Then one day Jessica was refused entrance into the movie studio and that was that. She hadn’t talked to Beth since.

Slowly Jessica edged her car over to the right lane and exited the freeway. Cactus road to Scottsdale, soon she would be home. A dusty white van honked at her and then sped by. Jess had a peculiar feeling she had seen it before. A large black cross was stenciled on the side doors, but she couldn’t make out the name underneath it. Dirt covered most of the letters. As Jessica pulled into her driveway she felt a great rush of relief. She was home and could relax. Her dog Lulu greeted her at the door. Lulu was a massive rottweiler, but she was a very gentle dog. Jessica had had her well trained from puppy hood on. Technically Lulu was Beth’s dog, however Beth had no time for dogs or old friends. That suited Jessica just fine because she loved Lulu very much.

Jessica changed into her swimsuit and swam laps in her pool. Lulu didn’t like swimming very much but she would stand on the pool steps, just so her feet would get wet. The cool water felt great, the sun was just setting on the mountains. The puffy white clouds were a nice contrast to the redness of the sun. Arizona had awesome sunsets. She enjoyed her time outdoors, even though it was still very hot. Jessica grilled some shrimp and made a nice green salad, then sat down for her dinner. The phone rang, but Jess ignored it and continued eating her meal. The caller’s loud voice could be heard leaving a message. “Bitch, repent your evil ways or suffer the wrath of the righteous ones.” The caller abruptly hung up.

Shit that was the fourth call this week. This was getting ridiculous. Jessica thought about calling Detective Garcia again; he was investigating her case. But the last time she had talked to him, there were no leads on her caller. Her phone was tapped and each week she turned the tapes over to the police.

Jessica didn’t want attention; she went out of her way to avoid it. But she didn’t hide who she was. Everyone at work and her neighbors knew she was gay. Being a lesbian had never been an issue before. Now she had had obscene phone calls, threatening notes put on her car, and the street lamp in front of her house had been broken. The phone rang again. Jessica grabbed it, ready to vent her anger out on the caller.

“Hello. Is this Jessica Martin?”

The caller was a female. Jessica was silent for a moment trying to collect her thoughts.

The woman persisted and again asked. “Is this Jessica Martin’s residence?”

“Umm … yes it is.”

“Look you don’t know me but I really need to talk to you.”

“I’m not interested in anything you are trying to sell me.” Jessica started to hang up the phone.

“Please just hear me out!” The woman pleaded. “My name is Amy Thompson, I’m a reporter for The Valley Star. I’m working on a story about threats being made to lesbians in the Phoenix area.”

“How did you know I was being threatened?”

“Detective Garcia gave me your name and phone number. I would like to hear your story; maybe over dinner or a cup of coffee. My treat of course.”

“I don’t know … I’m really very busy.”

“I’ll meet you anywhere at any time. Your story is important, and I know the police have no leads. So maybe we could figure out who is threatening you. This guy could be dangerous.” Amy said anxiously.

“Yeah, he could and I don’t want to piss him off. I’ve gotten a few phone calls that’s all. I don’t want my picture all over some newspaper.”

“Doesn’t it bother you that he is threatening other women?”

“I don’t want to be rude but I really have things to do.” Jessica hung up the phone. She felt a little guilty but damn it; she didn’t want any publicity about her problem.

The next morning Jessica got up early and took Lulu for a long walk. Then she drove over to her office. Jessica was a marriage counselor and everyday she was faced with other people’s problems. The lying, cheating, stealing, abuse … the list was endless. Jessica sometimes wondered if anyone was happy. But she enjoyed her job because every once in a while she was actually able to do some good.

However, there were days when the constant complaining and bickering really got to her. The stress was tremendous. Lately she had started writing poetry and thought about writing songs too. After all she knew quite a bit about the human heart and emotional turmoil. She was also a speaker for several women’s groups in the Valley. Then three months ago her problems had started. Obscene phone calls, the constant feeling of being watched, and sometimes of being followed. At first the police thought she was just some paranoid lesbian. Then Jessica had turned a month’s worth of phone messages over to them and their attitude changed suddenly. Detective Garcia was concerned, but nothing had changed and Jessica did not feel safe.

Jessica drove over to her gym after work. For personal reasons she chose an all women’s gym. As she finished her workout, she noticed a very attractive woman staring at her. The woman was tall, well muscled, had short blonde hair and intense green eyes. Jessica blushed; it had been so long since she had dated anyone she was unsure of herself. She dropped her gym bag and felt like a fool. By the time she picked up her bag and turned around the woman was gone. Jessica shook her head; she must have been imagining the woman was staring at her.

At home that night Jessica hummed her favorite song while she prepared dinner. She had a nice voice but Jessica was too shy to sing in front of anyone but her dog. Lulu occasionally joined in howling her version of the song. Jessica was also a great cook but Lulu was the only one who benefited from this talent of late. As she crawled into bed at night, Jessica felt the overwhelming burden of loneliness. She craved a relationship but damn it was hard to find women who were serious about a committed relationship. In short she was sick and tired of meeting women who fucked around. When Jessica woke in the morning her pillowcase was damp from her tears.

Across the valley, the white van that had been following Jessica pulled up to a large building. Blazoned across the building in large black letters was the name CHURCH OF THE RIGHTEOUS BELIEVERS. A large man, balding, with a decided beer belly exited the van and went into the church. He walked over to a white haired man dressed in a red robe trimmed with gold.

“Ugh … excuse me Reverend Fakier.” Stammered the man nervously.

The Reverend looked up and eyed the bald man with interest. “Well … did you find out where that hellcat lives?”

“Oh yes sir. That was no problem. It’s just that she has gone to the police and they may be watching her house too.”

“Billy Bob, you are one of my faithful ones.” The Reverend crooned. “Are you willing to serve the Lord and wipe out the sickness that has invaded our peaceful valley?”

“I’d do anything for you sir!” Billy Bob’s eyes glowed with religious zeal. “Those women are just asking for it.”

The Reverend smiled. “Yes, they are. I want to stamp out this lesbianism and teach women their proper place in life.”

“Amen, sir!”

“We are soldiers of the Lord. And as good Christians it is our duty to fight for what is right and decent.” The Reverend paused for effect. “You know what you need to do; so go in the name of the Lord and cleanse these women of sin.”

Billy Bob threw himself at the Reverend’s feet and kissed the hem of his robe. Then he rose and left the building. Another man stepped out of the shadows and spoke to the Reverend.

“I hope you know what you are doing.” He commented.

“Of course I do!” The Reverend replied emphatically.

“Mmm… he knows too much and that it dangerous to our cause.”

“After Billy Bob finishes his task, he will be sent far away from here. I think you worry too much. You need to trust in the power of the Lord our God.”

The mysterious man spoke again. “I am giving quite a lot of money to the cause. Make sure things go right or you will answer to me.”

The Reverend answered, his voice shaking with indignation. “I am a man of God, don’t threaten me!”

“This is a warning, my partners want results and quickly.” The man growled.

“The Lord will provide everything we need. The world will be a righteous place once more.”


Jessica knew she was suffering from depression. On a whim she decided to take a few days off and drive up to Sedona. The red rock country had always fascinated her. It was a good place to heal her wounded spirit. She packed her bags and loaded them into her silver BMW. Then she put a thick blanket across the back seat and Lulu climbed into the car. Jessica drove past all the touristy areas in Sedona, she had no interest in them. She knew a good hotel that catered to lesbians. Jessica parked in the shade, rolled the windows down a bit and then went in the hotel lobby to check in. There were two huge benches made out of raw lumber, decorated with Native American blankets and red pillows. Sitting there just as if she was expecting Jessica was the blonde woman she had seen in the gym. It was unnerving.

The woman smiled very sweetly. “Hello, Jessica.”

“How did you know my name?”

“We talked on the phone. I’m Amy Thompson.”

Jessica was pissed off. “I told you I have nothing to say. Why can’t you leave me alone?”

“Because I think you are in danger.” Amy replied.

“Oh, and what makes you such an expert?”

“Lets just say I have my sources. Are you aware you have been followed for at least a month?”

The news rocked Jessica. Fear invaded her whole body; suddenly she just wanted to go home. She pushed open the door and ran to her car. Amy followed her.

“Jessica wait … please!”

“I don’t want to talk to you!”

“Yes, you do.”

Jessica stammered. “How did you know I would be here?”

“Your receptionist told me.”

“Oh shit! Do you think she told anyone else?”

“No. Detective Garcia had a serious talk with her about your security.”

Jessica was shaking so Amy reached out and hugged her. Jessica felt the warm of Amy’s body, the strength of her arms, and she completely melted. Jessica unlocked the car and let Lulu out then she checked in and went to her hotel room. Amy stopped by the bar to grab a few beers and then joined her.

Amy handed a cold beer to Jessica. “Okay, now I want you to listen to me. There is a congressman in Arizona who is determined to drive lesbians out of the state.”

“That sounds barbaric! Just like the Nazi’s.”

“Exactly my point. And he is using the religious right to accomplish his task.”

“Well, I’m not afraid of them.”

Amy gave Jessica a folder. “Look inside and read my report. In the last year thirty lesbians have been targeted and they have all moved because they were sick of the harassment.”

For the next hour Jessica looked at the photos of the women and read Amy’s report. It was shocking. How could this have happened? She felt sick inside. The last picture in the folder was hers.

Lulu lay on the bed and snored while the women talked. Jessica wasn’t sure of what she was going to do. But she was determined not to let some shadowy figure drive her from her home. Amy had real concerns about Jessica’s safety. Jessica was getting buzzed off of the beers. She really didn’t drink much, just wine at dinner mostly. Jessica just wanted to relax and forget about those religious assholes for a while. Once they started talking Jessica had liked Amy immediately. It was beginning to dawn on her how very attractive and appealing Amy was. Jessica fanned herself with a magazine. Was the room getting hotter or was it just her? She started to wonder what Amy was like in bed.

Amy collected her papers and photos. “Well, I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Mmm… you could stay here.”

“It’s tempting.” Amy leaned over and kissed Jessica on the forehead. “But I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Why not?” Jessica pouted.

“For one thing you are drunk. And for another I’d rather just be your friend.”

“Oh, I’m not that drunk.”

“Look Jessica, I like you a lot. But I’m not ready to jump into bed with you.” Amy kissed her tenderly on the lips. “Sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Lulu was hogging the bed, so Jessica had to push her over to get some room. She passed out once she laid her head on the pillows. In the next room Amy called her boss.

“Do you have any news for me?” Asked Amy.

“Yeah, listen to this; we have a lead it’s Congressman Crookston who is funding this religious group’s activities.”

“Holy Shit!” Amy shouted. “We have him now! When are you going to make the announcement?”

“The story is going to break in a few days. Detective Garcia asked me to hold the story until he gets his undercover man out of there.”

“Okay, so what do you want me to do?”

“Just sit tight. These fanatics have lots of weapons. I don’t want you anywhere near Phoenix for the next couple of days.”

Amy agreed to do as her boss asked then hung up the phone. The next person she called was her mother. Amy was turning forty next week, it was going to be a big day for her and she wanted more than anything to spend her birthday with her family. But it seemed like her mother had other ideas.

“Oh, I don’t know Amy. This isn’t a good time for a visit.”

“Mom, it’s going to be my birthday.”

“I know honey, but your brother Michael is staying with me now and you know how he feels about homosexuals. He doesn’t want his children exposed to that kind of life.”

“I don’t give a damn about how he feels. What about my feelings Mom? Don’t they matter too?”

“If you would only settle down and marry a nice man…” Her mother whined.

Amy interrupted her. “How many times do we have to go through this shit? I’m a lesbian and I’m not ashamed of it even though you are!”

“Do you know what the neighbors are saying and the ladies at Church? I’m humiliated!”

“Forget I called!” Amy slammed down the phone and burst into tears. Crying because she cared. Crying because her mother never really loved her like she loved her brother. Rejection by your family is never easy to take.

Early the next morning the two women took Lulu for a walk. Jessica really loved the beautiful scenery. The red rocks were awe-inspiring. She could feel her spirit become more calm and peaceful. Lulu was very excited jumping up and down. Jessica smiled and played with her dog. Then she took the leash off and let Lulu run ahead.

“Hey, you’re awfully quiet.” Jessica commented to Amy.

“Sorry … I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Why not?”

Amy blurted out. “I’m sick of my mother and my family not being able to accept me.”

“Oh …”

“Yeah, well you have enough of your own problems, you don’t need to worry about mine. But it just makes me so fucking mad!”

“Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure.”

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

Amy laughed. “No. I’m happily single at the moment.”

“I guess you know that I’m very attracted to you.” Jessica said boldly.

“Jessica …” Amy hesitated. “I don’t want to start anything with you.”

“Why not?”

“You’re a very stubborn woman! I’m just afraid I won’t be good enough for you.”

Jessica shook her head in disbelief. “What?”

“Well, you used to date the famous Paige Crofton. Who is an incredibly hot woman. I can’t compete with that.”

“Her name was Beth when I knew her. Now thanks to breast implants and plastic surgery she has turned into a typical Hollywood bimbo.”

“You still love her don’t you?”

“It’s kind of a love hate thing. We spent five years together, I can’t forget the good times we shared. But now Beth is famous and married, and I think she hates to be reminded of her past.”

The women held hands and continued to walk, enjoying the inspiring beauty of Sedona and each other’s company. Lulu took off chasing a jackrabbit. Jessica yelled at her to stop, but the dog had other ideas. She wasn’t fast enough to catch the rabbit but she wasn’t ready to give up yet. Lulu ran over the hill and suddenly the sound of gunfire split the air. Then two more shots went off.

“Oh shit! What was that?” Jessica groaned.

“You stay here, by this rock. Don’t move. I’m going to go look for Lulu.” Amy ordered Jessica.

Amy took off before Jessica could argue with her. She heard a jeep speeding away and she cautiously climbed up a large boulder and looked down. Lulu lay on her side by a barrel cactus. She wasn’t moving. Blood trickled out of her mouth. Amy ran over to the dog, but there was nothing she could do. Lulu was dead. She burst into tears and lovingly stroked the dog’s head.

Jessica had followed Amy and screamed when she saw Lulu. “Oh no … is she going to be okay?” Not wanting to believe the worst.

“Jessica, I’m sorry…” Amy didn’t know what else to say.

Jessica fell to her knees and held Lulu close to her body. She rocked back and forth crying and moaning with grief. Amy stood watching her, tears streamed down her face.
At least an hour went by before a group of hikers came across the women. Amy explained to them what had happened. A woman from the group took Jessica over to some shade and the rest of them helped Amy bury Lulu. Amy kept Lulu’s red collar.

Back at the hotel Jessica was grief stricken. She wasn’t talking, and wouldn’t eat or drink anything. Amy filled the tub with hot water and soothing bath oils, and then she insisted that Jessica take a bath. While Jessica was in the tub, Amy phoned the police and reported the shooting. Amy went back into the bathroom to check on Jessica. She was just sitting there, tears running down her cheeks. She didn’t even acknowledge Amy’s presence.

Amy knelt by the tub; took a soft washcloth and gently bathed her friend. Slowly stroking and caressing Jessica; then Amy massaged her neck and shoulders. Jessica responded by kissing Amy hard on the mouth.

Jessica whispered into Amy’s ear. “I need you.” It was a plea that Amy couldn’t ignore. The women kissed, softly at first then Jessica slipped her tongue into Amy’s mouth. They tasted each other and moaned with delight. Amy kissed Jessica’s ears, her neck, and then she nuzzled her soft generous breasts. A tingling warmth gushed through Amy’s body. Jessica stood up and toweled herself dry. Amy took the opportunity to strip her own clothes off. Jessica reached out and took Amy’s hand and led her to the inviting bed. They lay side by side. Amy explored Jessica’s body; slowly stroking her lover, intensely aware of her soft, smooth skin. It was like touching silk, so incredibly sexy. Amy kissed her full, luscious breasts, then her tongue trailed down to Jessica’s stomach.

She squirmed under Amy’s touch, and opened her legs wider. Amy reached down between her thighs and lovingly stroked her. Amy’s fingers glided through Jessica’s hot, wet pussy. Jessica’s hips arched up and she moaned loudly. “Oh baby, I love you!”
Amy’s tongue replaced her hands, she marveled at the deliciously exciting scent of her lover. She took long slow licks and then swirled her tongue deep inside Jessica’s vagina. Her teeth pressed against Jessica’s clit and Jessica went wild. Jess screamed with pleasure, her body rocked into a frenzy as she climaxed.

Her face was flushed as she yelled. “Oh … Oh … Oh GOD!” She fell back, panting; her skin was hot and damp.

Amy held her and tenderly kissed the side of her neck. Jessica relaxed and drifted off into a contented sleep. Amy gazed at her lover; she looked so delicate and vulnerable while she was sleeping. Amy knew Jessica was emotionally exhausted and sleep was the best thing for her. However, Amy was alert to the dangers that faced them, and it was a few hours before she finally was able to sleep.

When the morning sun shone through the windows, Amy woke up and lay in bed listening to Jessica’s gentle snoring. She tried to figure out what was happening to them; they had to leave Sedona today. Suddenly Amy knew where they were going; she would drive to Las Vegas. It was the perfect spot; a city full of strangers, no one would pay them any attention there. Amy sighed, it might be just a pleasant dream but maybe Jessica would be the one woman who would share her life from now on. She had had so many failed romances that Amy was a bit afraid to let her heart love again. Honestly she knew she couldn’t stop herself from loving Jessica. They should be getting up and moving out, but for now she would let Jessica sleep a little longer. And then there would be new challenges to face.

END OF PART ONE

If you have enjoyed Julie Blue's "OUT OF THE SHADOWS - Part One", then please be certain to e-mail her at  shilo886[at]yahoo.com  and thank her for posting this Story.

Click here to continue on to  "OUT OF THE SHADOWS - Part Two"

Click here for a list of all of Julie Blue's Stories and Poetry at  Sapphic Voices Authoresses.

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