Sapphic Voices General Fiction

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Part Two

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 woke up, stretched and yawned. She sat up in bed and watched Amy pack her suitcase. Jessica just felt like relaxing a bit. Amy ordered breakfast from room service.

“You shouldn’t have let me sleep so late.”

Amy smiled and kissed her. “Good morning beautiful. I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”

“I’m sorry about last night.”

“Why?”

“You made me feel wonderful and all I did was fall asleep. I’m so embarrassed!”

“I wanted you to sleep. You needed it.”

Breakfast came and as they ate, Amy discussed her plan with Jessica. “I hope you don’t mind spending a few days in Las Vegas.

“I swore that I wouldn’t run away. That those idiots wouldn’t make me change my life.”

“We aren’t running … just call it a strategic retreat for now.”

“A what?”

“Sorry, I spent ten years in the Army. Sometimes it still shows!” Amy grinned at Jess. “Anyway we need to let Detective Garcia arrest these guys, then we can head back to Phoenix.”

Jessica went to take a shower and Amy grabbed the packed bags and headed out the door to load the car. She noticed a greasy black palm print on the side door of Jessica’s BMW. She froze and quickly looked around but there was no one else in the parking lot. Amy went back into the hotel lobby, called Detective Garcia and told him about Jessica’s car. Then she asked the hotel clerk for a copy of the bus schedule.

Wrapping herself in a large soft bath towel, Jessica hesitated to get dressed. She didn’t want to leave immediately; she wanted to spend her morning making love to Amy. Last night had simply been incredible and she wanted more. Amy burst through the door, and gave Jessica an irritable look.

“Can you hurry up? We need to get out of here!”
This wasn’t the romantic mood Jessica had been looking for. Amy noticed the stunned look on her face and she took a deep breath.

“The next bus to Las Vegas leaves in 30 minutes. I want us to be on it.”

“The bus?”

“Someone tampered with your car. We can’t risk driving it.

“I’m not leaving my car!”

“Be reasonable Jess.” Amy pleaded. “Detective Garcia is sending a bomb squad up here to check it out. He gave me strict orders not to touch the car and to warn the hotel staff.”

Jessica managed to get ready and they hopped on the bus. It was pretty crowded and not a good place to talk. So Jess read a book and Amy stared silently out the window. Finally after hours and hours of driving through wide-open, endless desert, the bus pulled into Las Vegas. The women flagged down a taxi and got a ride over to the Bellagio. The check in lines were horribly long, but Amy strolled over to the preferred guest counter and gave a generous tip to the clerk. Soon they were opening the door to a large, luxurious room.

Jessica flopped onto the huge bed. “I’m so glad to be off that bus!”

“Yeah, me too.” Amy kicked off her shoes and lay down next to Jessica. The women were fast asleep in minutes. They didn’t wake up until the next morning.

“I’m starving!” Announced Jessica.

“Yeah, we kind of slept through dinner. Let’s go downstairs and get something to eat.”

The restaurant was crowded as everything in Las Vegas usually is. But it wasn’t long before they had a table and a cheerful waitress was taking their order. The service was excellent, the coffee was piping hot, and the women enjoyed their eggs and French toast.

“So, what do you feel like doing today?”

“Would you mind if we did a little shopping?” Asked Jessica.

“I’m up for anything.”

They spent most of the day exploring the countless shops in Caesar’s Palace and the Venetian. Amy wasn’t much of a shopper but she enjoyed seeing Jessica having fun. Jess bought several outfits and shoes. It was late evening before they went back to their room. Jessica changed into a black silk dress and heels. Amy watched her put on makeup and lipstick. She wrapped her arms around Jessica’s waist and kissed her neck.
“You look incredibly sexy.”

“I bought you an new outfit too Amy.” Jessica pointed to a bag in the corner. “Put it on, I can’t wait to see how it looks on you.”

Amy was hesitant as she looked in the bag. Then she smiled. Jess had bought her a nice pair of black slacks, and a red and black linen blouse. A pair of Italian leather shoes completed the outfit. “Thank you for not buying me a dress!” She hugged Jessica tightly and then kissed her soft lips.

They went to a show, then returned to the Bellagio and wandered into the casino area. Even though it was well after midnight the room was crowded. The noise from the slot machines and the yells of gamblers filled the air. Jessica played the slots while Amy tried her luck at blackjack.

Jessica was giving a waitress her order for a rum and coke when a man interrupted her.
“Damn! I don’t believe it! Jessica Martin, is that really you?”

Jessica was in shock. The man was Kevin De Carlo, Beth’s husband.

He winked at her. “You’re looking good girl!”

“Hi Kevin.” Jessica said nervously.

“Come over to the bar with me kitten. I want to talk to you.”

“I can’t. I’m here with a friend and I really should be getting back to her.”

Amy had just won another hand of blackjack when she looked up and saw a man holding on to Jessica’s arm and talking to her. Jessica looked frightened. That was all it took, Amy collected her chips and was at Jessica’s side in an instant.

She gave the man a cold look. “You had better get your hands off of my girlfriend.”

“Whoa … slow down darling. I don’t want any trouble. Jessica and I are old friends.”

“Who is this guy?”

Jessica said in a very faint voice. “His name is Kevin. He’s Beth’s husband.”

“Don’t call her Beth, she hates that name.” Kevin winked at her. “Anyway we have a suite upstairs, I know Paige would love to see you. Why don’t you all come up for a drink?”

Now Jessica was in turmoil. Actually she wanted to see Paige, but the look on Amy’s face made her hesitate. “Umm … I don’t think so Kevin. We have other plans.”

“Oh, come on. You two need to kiss and make up.” He handed Jessica a card with his room number on it. “I’ll see you up there in 30 minutes.” Then he walked off towards the elevators.

Jessica moaned. “Oh, I don’t know what to do!”

“I’m never going to tell you not to see her.” Amy stated firmly. “This is something you need to figure out.”

“Talking to Paige is important to me, but not as important as your feelings. I won’t go!”

“It’s going to bug you if you don’t see her. So go on and get it over with.” Amy went back to her blackjack table and started playing again.

Jessica took the elevator up to the top floor. Her heart was racing, her mouth was dry and she felt her knees shaking. She was nervous as hell. Two security guards glanced at the card Kevin had given her and then let her through. She softly knocked on the door and Kevin opened it instantly. Paige was sitting on the couch crying. Jessica gulped; Paige was still the most gorgeous woman she had ever seen. Paige jumped up and hugged Jessica tightly.

“Oh, I’m sorry for crying. Kevin just told me about poor Lulu. I did love that dog so.”

Jessica bit her lip. She was still very upset about Lulu’s death. She pulled away from Paige and sat down on the couch. Kevin handed her a glass of champagne.

“Now girls, I’m going to leave so you two can really make your peace with each other.”

As soon as he shut the door Paige turned to Jessica and grabbed her hand. “Do you still hate me Jess?” She asked quietly.

“No. I’ve outgrown that feeling. I’m just sorry that our friendship had to end on such a bad note.”

“I need real friends! I’m so tired of people always wanting something from me.” Paige paused dramatically. “Jessica, I’m asking you to forgive me. Kevin won’t care if we sleep together, he is very open about that sort of thing.”

Jessica drained her champagne glass. “It would never work out between us, you know that.”

“Don’t ask me to beg you.”

“No…”

“Kevin said you were with a woman. Are you are in love with her?” Paige asked angrily.

“As a matter of fact, I am!” Jessica stated proudly.

“Who is she? Some little waitress you picked up?” Paige stalked around the room waving her hands. “I’m Paige Crofton! People dream about fucking me!”

“Dreams are great, but what happens when you wake up?”

Paige screamed. “Get out of here! I don’t need you!”

“Yes, you do.” Jessica said calmly. “Because I’m the only one who will tell you the truth. And because I don’t want anything from you.”

“Can we ever be friends again?” Paige sobbed.

“I’m willing to try. But you have got to stop all this movie star drama crap! I know you are famous, but I’m not going to kiss your ass!”

Paige hugged Jessica and then kissed her hard on the mouth. “Mmm … maybe we could sleep together once in awhile?” Paige asked hopefully.

“No, I’m serious about Amy. I won’t cheat on her.”

“Okay, okay … go back to Miss Wonderful. But keep in touch.” Paige jotted down her cell number and gave it to Jessica. “You will call me, won’t you?” There was a note of desperation to her voice.

Jessica smiled and gently kissed Paige goodbye. “Yes, I will.”

She rode the elevator back down to the casino floor. Jessica was exhausted and a little lightheaded from the champagne. All she wanted to do was find Amy and go back to their room. But there was no sign of Amy anywhere. Well maybe she had gone to bed Jessica thought. She glanced at her watch, it was now 4am. A hard working waitress passed by, she had a few roses on her tray and Jessica bought them. Then she went to their room. The TV was on, Amy lay on the bed dressed in her jeans and a black T-shirt. Jessica handed her the roses.

“I’m sorry I was gone for so long.”

Amy gave her a peculiar look; she got up and grabbed a few Kleenex then handed them to Jessica. “You should have wiped your mouth before you came in here.”

“What?”

“Her lipstick color clashes with yours.” Amy took the roses, threw them in the trash and left the room.

Jessica was already drained from her confrontation with Paige. Now Amy was pissed off and she was just too damn tired to run after her. She desperately needed some sleep. After that she would be able to sort things out.

Amy was crying. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Only one thought was on her mind, to confront Paige Crofton and find out what was really going on. The security guards stopped her before she could get to Paige’s suite. They were big men and determined to keep fans from Paige.

Kevin walked down the hall and stopped. He saw an attractive woman with short blonde hair arguing with the security guards. She looked very familiar.

“Hey!” He yelled loudly. “Aren’t you the one who was going to kick my butt in the casino?”

Amy flushed a bright red. “I just thought you were bothering Jessica.”

“Let her through. I want to talk to this girl.”

He grabbed her arm and escorted her into the suite. Suddenly Amy was face to face with Paige Crofton. She was tongue-tied. Some people have a certain presence, a very seductive force, a magnetism that draws others to them. Paige had that and more. Up close she was even more beautiful than she was in the movies. She smiled and invited Amy to sit down.

Paige lit a cigarette and sucked the smoke deep down into her lungs. “So … you are Jessica’s new friend.”

“I want to know what’s going on with you and Jess.”

“What do you mean?”

“She came home with your lipstick all over her mouth.” Amy glared angrily at Paige.

Paige just laughed. “Oh, you are so confused!” Then she leaned over and kissed Amy right on the mouth. “There now you are even.”

“What?”

“All I did was give her a kiss. Oh I admit I tried for more, but she’s in love with you.”

“She’s in love with me?” Amy moaned. “Oh no … I have really screwed things up.”

Paige walked over to the phone and called Jessica. “Wake up Jess and get up here right now!” She commanded.

“I can’t!” Cried Jessica. “I have to find Amy. We had a fight and she walked out on me.”

“She’s up here with me.”

“I don’t believe you!”

“Do you want me to put her on the phone? Now get dressed and get your butt up here.”

The minute Jessica walked in the door Amy ran over to her and hugged her tightly. Both women were crying and apologizing to each other. Paige watched them and felt a twinge of jealousy. It was a hard feeling to let go, but she did. Jessica and Amy belonged together; they were so obviously in love.

“Okay … okay, break it up you two!” Paige laughed. “We need to talk about something important.”

Jessica and Amy sat down on the couch; their hands were tightly clasped together. “I just want to say thank you Paige.” Said Jessica.

”I want to help you. Amy told me the whole story and I think we should go after these guys.”

Kevin interrupted. “Now, Paige that might not be a good idea. You have your career to think about.”

“I’m going to help my friends.” Paige said stubbornly.

“You are very sweet, but Kevin is right. You shouldn’t get involved in this.” Amy said.

“I can get great press coverage.”

Jessica tried to reason with Paige. “Let the police handle it.”

“Oh, I’m not trying to do their job. But how do you think those religious idiots would feel with the whole story out in the open? They would have to back off and leave you alone.”

Amy replied. “No offence Paige, but you are being a little naive. Those guys aren’t about to quit.”

“What happens when you shine a light on a cockroach? It runs for cover, those guys will too.”

They all laughed and Kevin insisted they change the subject. He called room service and they had a wonderful breakfast. Then since none of them had had much sleep Kevin told Jessica and Amy to take the other bedroom in their suite.

“You girls are moving in here with us. I won’t take no for an answer! Besides you will have better security up here.”

Jessica looked at Amy with questioning eyes. “What do you think?”

Amy hesitated; Paige sensed her discomfort and gave her a big hug. “Look you don’t have to make up your minds right away. Just take a nap for now.” Paige took Kevin’s hand and waved to the girls. “I need some sleep. We’ll talk later.”

The second bedroom was huge; through the French doors was a bathroom with a walk in shower and a tub that you could almost swim in. A California king bed dominated the room. The view of Las Vegas from their windows was breathtaking.

“Amy, I know you aren’t happy about this.” Jessica took a deep breath, she was very nervous. “I love you and if you want to leave, I’ll understand.”

“I love you too but I also think you are still in love with Paige.” Amy glanced uneasily at Jessica.

“No! Paige is my friend and I will always care about her. You are the one I want to be with, you are the one I want to share my life with.”

Jessica walked over to Amy and seized her around the waist. She kissed Amy and teasingly slid her tongue into Amy’s mouth. “Mmm … lets try this bed out.”

“Lock the door.” Said Amy breathing quickly.

Jessica undressed Amy, kissing and stroking her warm, sexy body. Soon the women were in bed making passionate love. Amy thrashed about in the throes of her orgasm. “Oh God! Jess … oh yes … oh that feels sooo damn good!” The sexual desire that poured through her was so intense. Jessica tenderly sucked Amy’s clit; her tongue flicked it back and forth. She drank in her lover’s juices, holding firmly onto Amy’s bucking hips. Amy screamed as she came again, she couldn’t help it. Jessica pushed her tongue deeper into Amy’s hot, wet pussy. Time lost all meaning, only this moment mattered. Their bodies were entwined neither one wanted to break the connection that bound them together. Amy had one thought flash through her mind before she fell asleep. So this was what love was really like. She had never felt so close to anyone before, she was truly head over heels in love.

Many hours later they all sat down to dinner in a private dining room that the Bellagio provided for Paige. It was the only way she could eat and not be swarmed by her many fans. They had steak and lobster and the wine flowed freely. Kevin was an entertaining host, he kept them laughing all through dinner. Paige got quite drunk and Kevin good-naturedly helped her walk to the elevator. He waved to Amy and Jessica. “You girls go have fun. I’m going to put the movie star to bed.”

Amy and Jessica decided to go out front and watch the water fountain show. The music had just started and the dancing water entranced them. Upstairs Kevin got a phone call. It was Detective Garcia.

“I need to speak with Amy or Jessica.” He demanded.

“Sorry, they aren’t here.”

“Look, this is urgent. Amy told me they were staying with you.”

“Yeah, but like I said they aren’t here. I’ll tell them to call you when they get back.”

Detective Garcia swore softly. “It might be too late then.”

The Nevada police had been notified when Detective Garcia found the bomb in Jessica’s BMW. Billy Bob’s fingerprints had been lifted off the door to the car. Now the police had solid evidence against him. Detective Garcia wanted him found and quickly, before he had a chance to plant any more bombs.

A patrolman bicycled slowly past the crowd in front of the Bellagio. He was watching for pickpockets and purse-snatchers. A balding fat man caught his attention. The man was wearing a leather jacket despite the summer heat. His hand was buried in the side pocket and he kept playing with something. The officer stopped when he saw a glimpse of a gun. He radioed for help and slowly approached the man.

Jessica smiled at Amy. She was so happy. Amy reached out and gave Jessica a big hug. She didn’t care who was watching. Someone in the crowd yelled. “You Fags make me sick!” Amy turned to see who was yelling. Jessica heard a sound like pop, pop. It wasn’t loud. Billy Bob’s pistol had a silencer. Two bright red spots appeared on Amy’s blouse. She gasped like the wind had been knocked out of her, and then she fell to the ground. Jessica was in shock; she couldn’t believe what had just happened. People started screaming and running for cover. The patrolman ordered Billy Bob to throw his pistol to the ground.

He refused, and yelled. “I am doing the Lord’s work. You have no right to stop me!”

The patrolman didn’t hesitate. People’s lives were in danger. He shot Billy Bob dead. Jessica screamed, knelt down and grabbed Amy’s hand. “No! Oh God … No!” Amy lay on the ground gasping for breath. Her shirt was now saturated with blood.

The piercing sound of sirens filled the night air. Soon police cars surrounded the area and an ambulance drove up. Jessica was crying so hard she could barely see.
“Amy, hang on!” She begged desperately. “Please don’t leave me!”

“I feel so cold.” Amy gasped. Her teeth were chattering, her lips were extremely pale. “I love you Jess.” She passed out from the intense pain.

A policewoman pulled Jessica away. The paramedics swarmed over Amy; she was totally unresponsive and not breathing. One started CPR and another inserted an IV line. They positioned her on a backboard and put her in the ambulance as quickly as possible. The driver had to honk his horn several times to get the curious onlookers to move out of the way. Then the ambulance sped into the night. Sirens blaring they were in a race to save Amy’s life.

Jessica kept screaming at the policewoman to let her go. She couldn’t face the pain, the guilt of not being with her lover. Another paramedic examined Jessica. She was covered in Amy’s blood. The press arrived and soon flashes were going off as they took pictures of everything. They shouted questions at Jessica but she just looked at them with wide staring eyes. The situation was overwhelming; Jessica simply couldn’t cope with it all. She fainted right in front of all the TV cameras.

Kevin arrived and picked Jessica up, just like she was a little child. He told the police officers that he was bringing her to his room. Kevin cradled Jessica in his strong arms and pushed his way through the crowd. The press hounded him with questions but he ignored them all. Finally he got to the hotel and his security guards kept the press back. Paige screamed when she saw Jessica.

“Pull yourself together. Jessica needs our help.” Pleaded Kevin. He laid Jessica down on the bed. She moaned and cried out with heartrending grief.

Paige collapsed into a chair. “What happened?”

“I’ll tell you the whole story later. Right now I want you to get some clean clothes for Jessica.”

Jessica sat up on the bed and screamed. “I want to see Amy!” She sobbed. “Oh God, please make her all right.”

Kevin’s jaw tightened. He was very upset too. How could anyone deny that these two lovely women belonged together? How could people who called themselves Christians be so full of hate and prejudice? Kevin had to turn away from Jessica; tears streamed out of his eyes down his cheeks. He promised that one way or the other they would settle this issue. He would protect Jessica from this day on.

END OF PART TWO

If you have enjoyed Julie Blue's "OUT OF THE SHADOWS - Part Two", 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 - Conclusion"

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