Andy stared out the office window, trying his best not to let it show he was listening to Dillon’s phone conversation. Dillon lit a cigarette, leaned back in his chair and scowled into the phone. “Get outa town!” He shouted. “Get the hell out! Are you sure?”
    The response could be heard across the room. Richard, accountant for the NAWWA was a cigar chomping hulk of a man with a voice like a foghorn and a mind like a steel trap. The first quarter of operations had been highly successful and now it was time for the quarterly tax payments. Like the revenue from the shows, the tax liability came as something of a surprise to Dillon. “Damn, Richard! I didn’t realize we owed those commie bastards THAT much in taxes. I guess if we owe it, we owe it. I’ll get a check in the mail first thing tomorrow.”
    The conversation ended and Dillon grinned. “Holy shit, Andy! We owe more in taxes than I thought. I s’pose that is a good thing. We have had a good run with the shows and we’ve got a video distributor selling the dickens outa footage.. Somebody slap me with a dead trout!”
    “That’s a damned eloquent way of putting it, my friend.” Andy smiled proudly. “I knew this was gonna fly like a big-ass bird, but I didn’t think it’d happen this fast.”
    Shilo burst through the door, an attractive brunette following close behind. “Honey, I hate to break up your bullshit session, but there’s someone here to see ya about work.”
    Dillon glanced up and smiled. “Denise! Good God it is good to see you!”
    Denise was speechless. Finally she regained her composure. “I just can’t believe this. You and Shilo. . . I mean . . . It’s just like Brandy and Vincent have come home.”
    Shilo giggled. “We have. I mean, sort’ve. It’s like I told ya, hard to explain, but here we are. It is good to be home. Now! Tell us more about what you’ve been doing.”
    Denise shared the incredible sadness she’d endured when she heard about Brandy and Vincent’s demise and then the promotion. “Without Brandy and Vincent, none of us wanted to stay around. Nothing was the same. Some of the girls disappeared and some of us decided to give in and work for Brad. We knew it was gonna be a constant hassle, but we’d still be wrestling and getting work.”
    Dillon smiled wryly. “I’ll bet it was a constant battle just getting paid what you were owed, huh? I’ve heard about Brad’s chiselling from more than one wrestler. Not to mention all the other crap he tries to pull off.”
    “Yea, we argued about pay a lot and then I started dating his friend, Sonny. That was a REAL big mistake. At first the guy was a total sweetheart. The more I got to know him though, the more I realized how weird he is. He’s heavy into the occult. He told me if I stopped dating him he’d put a hex on me and no other man would want to be with me. I didn’t really believe him, but then he started doing stuff to me. Sometimes I’d wake up and he’d be sitting there in bed, staring at me and chanting stuff I couldn’t understand. That was it. I told him we were through and that I didn’t want to be with him anymore. That was a few days before my match with Lola Marceaux. The night of the match he saw me at the arena and told me my wrestling career was over and I was gonna lose the match. My contract said if I lost I’d agree to move on to another promotion. I was sure I could beat her, so I wasn’t worried. I’d wrestled her once before and won. It wasn’t easy, but I did. I knew I could again. Then when I got in the ring it was like something happened. I can’t explain it. It was just SO strange. It was almost like Lola was reading my mind. She seemed like she could anticipate every move I made and there was nothing I could do to stop her.”
    Shilo shook her head. “Yea, I remember Al telling us about it. He watched the match on television and said Lola went over on ya real hard.”
    “She did! Even after I gave her the match she kept on working me over.. The ref finally pulled her off, but I could barely make it back to the dressing room. Then Brad came in and insisted I clear out my locker before I left. And if that wasn’t enough, he tried to cheat me on my pay! The phony bastard! I wanted to smack him right in the mouth.” Anger flashed in Denise’s eyes as she recounted the events of that evening. “A few days later I went to California and hooked up with a promoter named Alex. He was a nice guy and he paid decent money, but he didn’t use a lot of women in his shows. I only got work a couple’ve times a month and that wasn’t near enough to live on. Then I heard the NAWWA was back in operation. I couldn’t wait to get back and see if what I heard was true!”
    Shilo grinned. “Well, it’s all true. We’re here and we’re not goin’ anywhere. I promise!”
    Dillon nodded. “Shilo’s tell’n ya straight. We’re here to stay. Tell ya what. Why don’t you come on in tomorrow morning and we’ll get ya set up. We’d love to have you with us.”
    “I’ll be here waiting for you!”Denise jumped up excitedly and hugged Shilo. I’m really glad I came back!”
    “So are we!” Shilo and Dillon said in unison.

Here's a little somethin' to get your motor runnin' this Blue Monday. Enjoy a version of this song seldom heard before.

    Victoria eyed the clock on the wall nervously as she wiped down the counter once more. Al grinned as he watched her and surveyed the nearly empty diner. “Why don’t you take a break, Vic? You’re gonna wipe the top off the counter if you scrub on it much more.”
    Like every other Friday night, Al’s attention was focused on the television set as he watched the weekly wrestling show. He lit a cigarette and exhaled loudly as he shook his head. “What the hell was that girl think’n?” A powerfully-built blond woman hurled her brunette opponent across the ring and holding her by the hair fipped her onto her back.
    Victoria watched the women as they pummeled each other. She seemed confused by what she saw. “Are they angry with each other?”
    Al grinned. “Naw, not really. It’s just wrestling. Somethin’ they like to do. And they get paid. Gettin’ paid to do what you like to do is a real good deal. Not everyone’s that lucky.”
    Victoria barely heard his comment. Her eyes followed the tall, slender man that entiered the diner and took a seat at a table nearby. She slid off her stool, poured a cup of coffee, scooped a menu off the counter and walked to his table. Victoria smiled as she set the coffee and menu in front of him. “It’s nice to see you again, Sonny. I didn’t think you were coming in tonight.”
    The man glanced up and returned her smile. “Of course I came in, Victoria. A day without seeing you would be like a day without sunshine.”
    Victoria wriggled slightly as she turned and returned to her stool at the counter. Al leaned over and whispered. “Looks like you’ve got an admirer, Vic!”
    Victoria didn’t answer. Her smile confirmed Al’s observation. A few minutes later Victoria returned to his table, took his order and gave it to Al. As Victoria sat staring at the television she realized Sonny had seated himself next to her. “Mind if I sit next to you?”
    She smiled. “I would like that.”
    His dark, brown eyes seemed to consume her. It was a pleasant sensation. An hour passed as sat sharing conversation. Victoria seemed a little sad as Sonny prepared to leave. “I’d love to stay and visit longer, but I’ve got an early day tomorrow.”
    As he paid his bill and walked toward the door, he turned and smiled at her.”Hey! Would you like to go to a club with me tommorow night?”
    Victoria fidgeted nervously. “I’ve never been to a club before. What would we do?”
    “What?” Sunny was incredulous. “You’ve never been to a nightclub? Well, it’s time you went then. We’ll have a few drinks, dance some if you like and listen to the music. You’ll have a lot of fun. I promise!”
    “It sounds exciting!” Victoria wriggled in her chair as she smiled at the handsome, dark-haired man sitting across from her.
    “Well . . . I’m not sure how exciting it’ll be, but it sure will be fun. I’ll meet you after work tomorrow night then.”
    “I’ll be waiting!” Victoria stood and watched him leave the diner.
    A blanket of sunshine spread over the city. It was unseasonably warm, even for a summer August day. The scent of stale sweat and linament hung heavy in the air. Andy and Dillon stood watching, as Shilo and Christi worked out together in the ring. Their sweat-soaked bodies locked together as they struggled for an advantage. A sudden shift of position and Shilo trapped Christi in a painful hold, causing her to howl in pain. “Nice reversal, Shilo! That was perfect!” Bridgette grinned as she glanced at the two men. “Not bad, huh?”
    Dillon shook his head in amazement. “Not bad, indeed.”
    “You’d be wise not to piss your mate off, mister!” Andy said with a teasing smile.
    “Damn sure!. My momma didn’t raise no dummy.” Dillon threw the women towels as he approached the ring apron. “Dry off and come on into the office. Got somethin’ to show ya’ll. You to Andy. You guys are gonna love this!”
    Dillon led the group down the hallway to the office. He rummaged through a pile of papers on his desk. “Yes! Here it is! Viola!” He turned and faced them, a proud smile on his face.
“Oh wow!” Shilo exclaimed. You got it! Your promoter’s license came!” The room was filled with excited conversation as they gleefully discussed the future of the new NAWWA.
    “Hey guys!” Dillon shouted over the din of loud voices. “There’s one more thing. I got a phone call from Brad Hemsley.”
    “I s’pose he called to wish us well?” Andy panned an expression of sarcastic surprise.
    “Yea, right. He pretty much told me we don’t have much chance of surviving. Says we’re mucking around in his territory and he figures we won’t last long. But get this. A few miinutes later he’s suggesting we meet with him and figure out a way to establish a new North American Women’s Champion. The title’s been vacant ever since . . . “
    The room fell silent as the memories of that incredible evening Brandy won a hard-fought match to become the first and only North American Wrestling Champion. Andy ran his hands through his hair as he exhaled loudly. “Brad’s an asshole deluxe, but . . . it might not not hurt to listen to his proposal. It could be just what we need to put this promotion on the map.”
    Al grinned as he watched Victoria pacing nervously behind the counter. “Don’t worry Vic, Sonny’ll be here.”
    “I’m sure he will.” Victoria tried to appear calm, but was more than she could muster.
    A few minutes later Sonny appeared in the diner doorway. He smiled warmly as he saw Victoria behind the counter. “I’m sorry I’m late. A shipment arrived late ahd I had to stay to finish processing it. Ready to go?”
    “Heh! She’s been ready for an hour!” Andy grinned teasingly. “You kids have fun now, ya hear?”
    “Oh, we will!” Victoria smiled nervously as she hurried to the door.
    The crowded club was a blend of loud voices and funky music. Through the smoky air, Victoria stood watching the band with a look of fascination on her face. Sonny led her to a table near the dance floor. An attractive woman wearing a short skirt and a low-cut blouse approached and smiled at Sonny. “Gonna have your usual, sweetie?”
    Sonny nodded. “Make it the same for my lady friend. Will ya Sally?”
    Victoria watched the woman walk to the bar. “She seems to like you a lot.”
    “Sally?” Sunny smiled. “She likes everyone that spends money in the bar.”
    Victoria’s body swayed to the rhythm of the music and she felt herself growing rapidly aroused. The environment was new to her and she struggled to comprehend her emotions. It was frightening, yet exhilerating. Moments later Sally returned with their drinks and Victoria took a sip of hers. The flavors were intriguing. Within minutes she’d consumed the entire glass. Sonny grinned at her. “You like?”
    Victoria smiled. “It tastes good. What is it?”
    “Texas Sling. Just be careful. Too much of them’ll knock you off your chair.”
    “Really?” Victoria said with a look of surprise.
    “Well, not literally, but their potent. Would you like to dance?”
    There was a long pause as Victoria stared at the dancers. “I don’t know how to do what you call dancing.”
    Sonny gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry you’ll be fine. Just follow my lead.”
    As the night progressed Victoria continued to consume a vast amount of liquor. The band broke into a funky version of Brick House and Sonny grabbed her by the hand, leading her back to the crowded dance floor. A burly man dancing next to them lurched forward and came between Victoria and Sonny. Without hesitation, Victoria reached out, grabbed him and pulled him off his feet, holding him in the air, then turned and set him down. An expression of sheer amazement settled on his face and Sonny stopped dancing, staring at Victoria in disbelief. “How the hell’d you do that?” He exclaimed.
    Victoria gave him a lopsided smile. The liquor was having a definite effect on her. “It was easy!” She insisted.
    The man shook his head and smiled slightly, peering intently at Victoria and Sonny. “That’s quite a lady you’ve got mister!”
    Sonny nodded. “Yea, I’d say so!” He wondered silently how she could possibly have done what she did. The man appeared to weigh well over two hundred pounds. This lady was not only mysterious, but astoundingly powerful as well. He was infatuated and intrigued by her, as well as feeling slightly intimidated.
    The night passed quickly and before long the lights came up and the last call for drinks was given. Sonny ordered one last round and reached out to take Victoria’s hand in his. “Wanna come over to my place for some coffee and conversation?”
    Victoria was thoroughly aroused and the last thing on her mind was conversation. “Yes! I’d like that very much.”
    Sonny and Victoria wasted no time driving to his apartment. Victoria wasn’t the only one aroused. They entered the apartment and before Sonny could offer her a seat on his couch, Victoria wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately. “I want to do sex with you!” She exclaimed.
    Sonny’s hormones quickly overcame his surprise as he hurriedly led her to his bedroom. She was like no woman he’d ever been with. Victoria tore his clothes off, pushed him onto the bed and mounted him as if her were a magnificent stallion. The intense expression on her face aroused him even more as his pulsing erection found her quivering pussy and drove deep into her. Victoria screamed loudly as she thew her head back in ecstacy, her hips driving into his with powerful lunges that nearly rocked the bed off it’s base.
    “Oh! Oh God Victoria! You ARE fantastic!” Sonny exclaimed.
    “Call me Katrina!” Victoria said with a commanding voice. “My name is Katrina!”
    An expression of momentary bewilderment crossed Sonny’s face. “Who the hell AM I in bed with?” The question was soon lost in a sea of passion and sweat. Victoria’s hips thrashed forward and back at a frantic pace and Sonny could feel his release close at hand. His back arched wildly as he thrust his torso up to meet Victoria’s and his hot, love liquid shot deep into her. He lay quivering uncontrollably as Victoria screamed loudly. “Don’t stop! Oh please! Oh! Don’t stop!”
    There was nothing Sonny could do. His cock was drained and shrinking rapidly. Victoria moaned and squealed, struggling to keep him inside her, but it was an exercise in futility. Anxious to prolong the incredible pleasure she was experiencing, Victoria slid up Sonny’s body and trapped his face between her thighs, pressing her fiery mound against his lips. His tongue lashed out and met her as he eagerly licked and sucked. Victoria moaned loudly, reached down grabbed two handfuls of his hair and fell to her side, dragging him with her. It was as if she desperately wanted him, all of him deep inside her.
    Sonny thrashed helplessly on the bed as Victoria’s legs tightened around him. He began to panic, realizing he was trapped and at the mercy of someone far more powerful than he had imagined. His movements slowed as he began to lose consciousness and soon his body went limp.
    Victoria realized he was no longer moving. Panic swept over her. Dark memories of Basil’s demise flooded her mind and she relaxed her grip on Sonny, peering intently at his lifeless body. Crying hysterically, Victoria rolled to her knees and shook him as she screamed loudly. “Oh God! This can’t be! This is NEVER something Katrina would do to her lover.”
    Much to Victoria’s surprise, Sonny’s eyes opened and he bolted upright. “What the hell happened?” He exclaimed.
    Victoria’s eyes widened, as if she were seeing a ghost. She threw her arms around Sonny and kissed him repeatedly. “I am SO sorry. I never meant to damage you. Are you okay?”
    Sonny smiled weakly. “I’m fine. Really. I’m okay. Holy shit! What the hell happened just now?”
    Without another word, Victoria quickly dressed. Sonny stared at her, not sure what to say or do. Before he could fully recover his composure Victoria disappeared from sight. He rushed to the door but she was nowhere to be seen. It was as if the darkness had swallowed her. All that remained was the strange, sweet scent of her perfume. As he sat silently on his bed, the moonlight streaming through the open window, a long, lonesome train whistle could be heard in the distance.
“How strange!” He thought. “There aren’t any railroad tracks within miles of here.

    Andy stood in the doorway looking like he’d just discovered the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. “By damn, Dillon, this is exactly what we need. There’s plenty of room for the ring and the work-out equipment and a shower room to boot!”
    You don’t have to convince me. I love it! Shilo’s gonna shit a wheatie when she sees it. There’s no doubt about it. Your friend Mel’s a flamin’ lifesaver. Hey! Speak’n of Shilo, we better ramble on over to the diner. We were s’posed to meet her and Bridgette there an hour ago.”
    The men entered the busy diner and made their way through the crowd to a table at the rear of the room. Shilo smiled as she saw them approach. “Well? Don’t keep me in suspense!”
    Dillon’s face was expressionless. “Uh, well . . .I’m not so sure babe. The place might not quite be what we’re look’n for.”
    Andy supressed a grin as he listened. Disappointment showed in Shilo’s eyes. “Oh. Well . . .I s’pose we’ll just have to keep looking. There’s gotta be a place for us somewhere!”
    “I dunno baby. I’m not sure I wanna look anymore.” Dillon did his best to appear dejected.
    “What? I thought . . . “ Shilo’s voice trailed off as tears formed in her eyes. Bridgette sat next to her, sadness showing in her eyes.
    “C’mon now, babe, I was just tease’n ya. Finish your coffee and we’ll go take a look at your new gym.”
    Shilo peered at him intently. “You asshole!” She exclaimed. I ought’a beat you half to death!”
    Bridgette and Shilo were like kids in a toy store as they stood in the middle of the building, pointing and giggling as they considered how to fit everything in. “This is just SO perfect! I can’t wait to get started!”
    A week passed as the construction crew installed interior walls, painted and lay carpeting throughout the facility. As the second week came to an end the ring, production gear, lighting and office space were completed and they were ready to begin operations.
As Dillon, Andy and Shilo stood surveying the new facility a man walked through the door. Andy turned to see Brad approaching. “Well, well. I wondered how long it’d be before you came sniff’n around!”
    “Hello Andy. Long time no see. So this’s the new home of the NAWWA? It’s impressive.”
    Dillon and Shilo gave him a quizzical look. Andy scowled slightly as he introduced them to Brad. “Dillon, Shilo, this’s Brad. He’s another local wrestling promoter. Brad, this’s Dillon and Shilo.”
    They shook hands and Brad stared intently at Shilo. “You do bear an uncanny resemblance to Brandy. It’s truly amazing.”
    Shilo’s eyes met his. “Well Brad, life comes with a lot of surprises. I guess you could say Dillon and I are just a couple of them. Well, us and the revival of the NAWWA.”
    Brad’s expression hardened slightly. “I agree. This is a surprise for sure.” Glanciing at his watch, he continued. “I’d like to stay and chat, but I’ve got a show to get on. Best of luck to you both!”
    They watched him disappear out the door. Andy shook his head. “Once an asshole, always an asshole.”
    Dillon grinned. “So THAT’S the guy, huh?”
    “One in the same, my friend.” Andy exhaled loudly. “He treated Brandy and the other wrestlers like shit. When she and Vincent broke away and started the NAWWA the son of a bitch did everything he could to run them outa business. He got pissed off all over again when their shows began outdrawing his. The dumb bastard tried everything he could think of to discover their secrets. Funny thing is, the more he tried the more he fell on his ass. Brandy got an invite to do shows in Vegas and he damn near had a coronary occlusion. Piss on him! He’s noth’n to worry about.”
    “Who’s worry’n? We got plenty to do without giving him another thought.” Dillon grinned. We’ve got a party to plan. We need to celebrate!”
    It was late evening and Al’s diner was nearly empty. Two men sat at a table, arguing good-naturedly about which was a better autombile, Ford or Chrysler. At the end of the counter sat an attractive brunette, staring at her cup of coffee. Tears ran down her face as she slowly stirred her coffee. A man rushed out of the diner’s kitchen and turned up the volume on the television set above the counter. The Friday night wrestling show was playing and the man watched intently as two women took their places in the ring. “Ha! There she is. That’s my gal!” Hey Roy! Ed! Denise’s match is on!”
    The two men at the table moved to the counter watching the screen intently. One of them spoke. “Hey Al! Which one’s Denise?”
    “That one!” Al pointed at a woman wearing a colorful robe, standing with her hands on her hips. “That’s Denise. She’s somethin’ else I’m tellin’ ya. This’s a ‘loser leaves town’ match. It should be damn good!”
    “I dunno Al, that gal across the ring looks pretty tough.”
    Al scowled. "Bullshit! Denise’ll wipe up the mat with her!”
    The three men bantered back and forth as the action on the screen intensified. Victoria glanced up, mildly intrigued by what she saw on the television. The women growled and squealed, sweating and struggling as they fought. Twenty minutes elapsed before the match ended and Denise’s opponent was declared the winner. Al’s face mirrored his dejection. One of the two men at the counter shouted. “Heh! That’s five bucks you owe me Al! I figured that big gal’d win!”
    “Piss on you, Ed! Go figure, huh?” Al layed a five dollar bill on the counter.
    “Don’t be bitter, big guy. Just bend over and take it in the . . .” His voice trailed off as he realized Victoria was sitting near by. “Hey! We’ve gotta go. See ya tomorrow night?”
    “Hell yes! Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Al had been going to the Saturday wrestling shows ever since Denise first made her debut in the ring.
    He wiped down the counter top and glanced toward Victoria, realizing she was crying. “Why so blue, sweet lady?” Al asked with a gentle smile.
    Victoria dabbed her eyes with a napkin and stared at him for a moment. Al reached out and placed his big hand on her arm. “Is there anything I can do for you?”   
    Victoria shook her head. “No, not really. I’m just scared. I don’t know what to do or where to go.”
    Al gave her a puzzled look. “I’m not sure I understand.”
    “I have no place to stay and I have no money. I’m not even sure where I am.”
    “Well! Sounds like you came to the right place then. You can stay here if you like. I’ve got a studio apartment upstairs that no one’s using right now and my waitress left town with her boyfriend two days ago, if you’re looking for work.”
    Victoria peered at Al. “Thank you. I will accept your offer for both lodging and employment. I can be a very good waitress.”
    Al smiled. “I’m sure you’re a fine waitress. Now. If you’re gonna live in my apartment and work for me I need to at least know you’re name.”
    “Oh! Yes! I am Katrin . . . I mean Victoria. My name is Victoria.”
    Al gave her a knowing smile. “It’s okay. Around here you can be anyone you want to be.“ 

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.