Vincent watched as the train pulled away from the depot and slowly disappeared. It felt good to be back. He needed some time by the ocean. He’d been gone too long and it was good to be home. A hand on his shoulder jarred him from his reverie. “Jesus! You startled the hell out’ve me!”
Andrew stood next to him, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I’ve been waiting for you, my friend. I didn’t intend to frighten you. Well, maybe slightly.”
Vincent scowled. “I hope you’re not here to lead me on another excursion to my past. I’m not in the mood.” With that he turned and walked away.
“Nothing of the sort. I simply want you to meet someone.”
Andrew and Vincent walked silently up the path to the cabin by the sea. There on the porch sat a man with long hair and a beard. Vincent stopped abruptly and stared. It was as if he were seeing himself. The man sitting on his porch could be his twin.
Vincent turned to Andrew. “Another mystical puzzle, I assume?”
“Of sorts. Vincent, I’d like you to meet Amos. I am his spirit guide as well as yours. You and Amos have much in common aside from your physical similarities.” Andrew smiled, pleased with his ability to understate the obvious.
Vincent built a fire in the stove as Amos and Andrew sat talking at the rustic table in the center of the room. The aroma of fresh perked coffee wafted through the cabin as Amos and Vincent reminisced about their past experiences. They were drifters, renegades of a sort and healers in their own ways. During their travels they had touched many lives and had many fond memories of days gone by.
“I have few regrets in my life”, Amos recounted, his eyes misty with emotion. “More than anything, I wish I’d had the time to know a woman named Brandy.” He shared his memories of her with Vincent.
Andrew interrupted. “This is the connection you two share. Vincent, you will one day meet Brandy, but it will be complicated by your relationship with another woman. Who you ultimately choose to be with will alter many future events.”
Vincent frowned. “So who should I choose?”
Andrew was silent. He drew a deep breath and finally spoke. “It is not for me to say. I am simply a conduit through which events flow. I can provide direction, but life’s highway is yours to construct as you see fit.
The hours slipped by and darkness had long since settled on the cabin. Andrew glanced at the clock on the wall and gestured to Amos. “It is time for us to be moving on, my friend. We have a train to catch.”
The constant drumbeat of rain falling on the cabin’s roof roused Vincent from a sound sleep. He retrieved a cigarette from a crumpled pack. Odd shaped smoke rings floated through the air as he lay remembering the conversation from the night before. There must have been a reason for Andrew’s insistence that he get to know Amos. His life did parallel Amos’s in many respects and they looked enough alike to be twins. Still, Andrew’s insistence remained a mystery. It was a mystery that would have to wait. There were fish waiting in the bay for Vincent to catch.
As the afternoon sun slowly slipped lower in the western sky, Vincent peered out on the horizon. An afternoon of fishing had netted nothing and he was growing hungry. There was little to do but return to the cabin and forage thorugh the galley for something to eat.
After a simple dinner of roasted vegetables and flat bread, Vincent wandered back down to the shore and sat watching the moon come up over the water as he contemplated his next destination. There was plenty of work up in Washington. He considered the possibilities as he lay staring up at the stars and slowly drifted off to sleep. The familiar sound of a long, lonesome train whistle sounded in the distance. Vincent found himself standing on the boarding platform in front of the depot. He was no longer a stranger on the Hitchcock Railway. As the sleek, black locomotive and the string of seven rail cars slowly pulled into view Vincent reached down and picked up his seabag, anxious to unravel the mystery that lay somewhere in his future.
The shrill whistle of the teapot echoed through the kitchen. Vincent poured steaming water into a cup and stood patiently waiting for his morning tea to steep. He seated himself on the window sill and looked down at the street below. The fresh scent of a recent rainstorm hung in the air. Vincent watched as the city began it’s day. People were hurrying to their destinations and the sounds of traffic filled the air. He silently wished he were out at sea. Being in a noisy city wasn’t his preference, but it would have to do for now. Wherever he stowed his seabag he considered home, and for now, home was here.
Vincent parked his battered truck in front of a dingy building and went inside. There were men seated along the wall and several others stood in front of a long counter. Vincent took his place in line and waited. As he approached the counter, a burly man with thinning hair and a cigar clenched tightly in his teeth nodded to him. “Got your card?” He growled.
Vincent presented his union card and signed the book. “Been many call-outs today?”
“Yup. So far it’s been a busy day, but if you don’t make it out today check back in tomorrow.”
An hour passed before Vincent heard his name called. He picked up his dispatch papers and walked out of the building. He arrived at the docks and checked in. The morning passed quickly and lunch time arrived.
Vincent followed a group of workers down the block to a nearby diner. As he entered, he noticed a poster in the window advertising an upcoming professional wrestling show. Prominantly displayed was a picture of an attractive but tough looking woman by the name of Lady Brandy Hawke. Vincent was astounded. It was the woman Amos had spoken of. He could understand Amos’s infatuation with her. There was something about her eyes and smile that mysteriously attracted him.
The week passed rapidly and Vincent was anxious to explore the city. He walked the rain-soaked sidewalks, stopping to peruse the items displayed in pawn shop windows. It was as if he was surveying the remnants of broken lives. As he reached the end of the block, bright lights and gaudy signage of a topless lounge caught his attention and he entered. Music blared from the speakers on the walls and Vincent hesitated for a moment, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim lights.
He made his way to the bar, sat down and ordered a drink.
Vincent stared at the mirror behind the bar, watching the reflection of the dancer on stage. She was beautiful. Her long, auburn hair swirled as she tossed her head from side to side. Vincent watched with fascination as she bent her body into all manner of positions. Her tanned and toned body seemed to be made of putty. The bartender watched Vincent peering into the mirror and smiled. “She’s pretty amazing, isn’t she?”
“I’d say so! I’m sure as hell glad no one expects me to do that.” Vincent smiled as he pictured himself trying to duplicate her moves.
The bartender laughed. “Me either. But then we’re not plumbed right for that line of work anyway. Probably just as well. I’m Kelly. I don’t recognize you. This your first time in?”
Vincent shook Kelly’s hand. “How are ya, Kelly? I’m Vincent. Yea, I’m new here. Just got into town a few days ago.”
“Nice to meet ya, Vincent. You’ll like it here. The dancers are the main draw, Tawny especially. She’s got more guys lusting after her than Cole’s got pills.”
“Did you say Tawny?” Vincent was incredulous. He turned around and stared at the stage. It was the woman Amos had spoken about. Vincent was beginning to understand the dilemna Amos referred to.
Kelly and Vincent continued their conversation, Vincent sharing stories of his travels with his new friend.
A sultry, female voice interrupted the discussion. “Hello Amos. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you.” The woman threw her arms around him and hugged him. Kelly looked perplexed.
“Uh . . .hi! I think you’re mistaking me for someone else. My name’s Vincent.”
Kelly recovered his composure quickly. “Vincent, this’s Tawny. She’s our number one dancer.”
Tawny peered intently at Vincent. “This is just strange! You look exactly like someone I used to know. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.” She turned to leave and Vincent caught her arm. “Wait! Aren’t you going to at least tell me more about the man I remind you of?”
Tawny cocked her head and smiled. “It’s just amazing. You look just like my friend, but your
accent’s different. I can’t quite place it. Where are you from?”
“I was born and raised in Biloxi, but I’ve been gone from there for a long time. I spent time in the Caribbean Islands. That’s where my accent comes from. Join me for a drink and I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
“H’mmm. Anything? That’s a lot to offer a girl.” Tawny smiled as she led Vincent to a table. “I just
can’t get my head around how much you remind me of my friend, Amos. From what you say, it sounds like you’re a travelling man.”
Vincent grinned. “You could say that. Mostly I work as a merchant seaman. For now I’m working on the docks. I don’t like to be far away from the ocean.” Their conversation continued as he told her stories of his adventures in foreign ports and some of the people he’d met along the way.
The night passed quickly and before they knew it closing time was upon them. Tawny reached across the table and took his hand in hers. “You want to come over to my place? I’d like to know more about you.”
“I’d like that to.” Vincent followed her out the door.
Tawny’s apartment was small, but comfortable. She led him inside, slipped out of her coat and motioned to the couch. “Make yourself comfortable while I make us something to drink. You like coffee or tea?”
“Tea if you’ve got it”, Vincent responded.
“Did you say tea?” Tawny stared at Vincent. “This is so weird! Amos drank tea when he was here.”
Vincent noticed a stack of compact disks next to a sound system on the wall. “Mind if I take a look at your music collection?”
“Go ahead. Pick out something you like to listen to.”
Tawny’s collection was a mix of classic rock, some fusion and blues. Vincent chose several cd's and inserted them in the player. He silently hoped Tawny would let him stay the night. His attraction to her was growing as the night progressed. Vincent stretched out on the couch and Tawny reappeared carrying two cups of tea. She set the cups down and stared at Vincent. “Are there any other surprises waiting for me?”
Vincent gave her a puzzled look. “Surprises?”
“The music you chose. It’s almost the same as Amos listened to. He liked fusion music and blues. In fact he played some for me a few times. He was never without his mouth harp.”
“You mean like this?” Vincent pulled out a cloth bag and handed it to her. “I always carry mine with me.”
“Oh shit! If that’s a harmonica in that bag I’m gonna faint.” Tawny pulled it open and looked inside. “I don’t believe it!”
Vincent smiled. “Now promise you won’t faint. My doctoring skills aren’t much good.”
“I feel like I’ve wandered into some kind of twilight zone or something. You’re so much like Amos I can’t believe it.” Tawny moved closer to Vincent and he put his arm around her.
Tawny looked up at Vincent. “I’m sorry. You must be getting tired of hearing about someone you don’t even know.”
“I don’t mind. After all, I could be his evil cosmic twin.”
“Oh yea, right. Whoever you are, you don’t seem the evil type to me.” Tawny put her arms around Vincent’s neck, pulled him close and kissed him. He could feel her warm body pressing against his and sensations of arousal washed over him. Tawny slowly unbuttoned his shirt and Vincent felt her soft hands caress his skin. The scent of her perfume was intoxicating and the sensations her touch ignited were magical. Vincent slid his hands under her shirt and explored her body. His fingers found her stiffening nipples and he slowly played with each of them. Tawny moaned quietly as they continued to kiss and fondle each other. Tawny took Vincent’s hand and led him to her bedroom. They undressed in the moonlight and lay wrapped tightly in each other’s loving embrace.
Tawny’s breathing grew rapid as she kissed Vincent’s neck and slowly stroked his erect cock. She straddled his torso, her gorgeous breasts within range of his lips. Vincent eagerly sucked and licked each of them as his hands massaged her taut ass cheeks. He could feel her hot pussy pressing against his skin as he continued to nibble and kiss her erect nipples. Tawny’s moans of pleasure grew louder as flames of passion licked her body.
Vincent rolled her over and his pulsing member teased the opening of her quivering snatch. Tawny guided his shaft into her, moaning louder as he slowly penetrated her. Vincent felt her walls close around his cock as he pulled back and penetrated her again. Tawny buried her fingers in Vincent’s long hair and tugged. “Oh, baby. Don’t tease me. Give it to me! Oh god! I want you!”
Tawny’s legs encircled Vincent’s body and her hips thrust upward to meet his powerful thrusts. The pace of their movements quickened as their bodies moved with an erotic rhythm. Tawny screamed
with ecstacy as she neared climax. Vincent drove his cock into her, moaning and gasping as he felt himself close to release. Their moans and gasps filled the air as they thrashed on the bed, beads of sweat forming on their bodies. “Oh! Oh! Baby, I’m gonna come!”
Tawny’s body shuddered as her hips quivered uncontrollably. Moments later Vincent unleashed his load into her, gasping loudly as his love juice filled her to overflowing. “Oh! Oh, God! Oh!” Vincent’s body relaxed as he collapsed onto his lover and rolled onto his side, pullling Tawny over with him. “You, my sweet, are fantastic.”
Vincent awoke to the sound of Tawny’s heavy breathing. He rolled over and smiled at her. She was lying next to him, stroking herself with a dildo. “Want a little help?” He teased.
“God, baby, I’m sorry. I woke up so horny I couldn’t stand it and I didn’t want to wake you.”
Vincent pulled her on top of him. “I’ve got something better than what’s in your hand.”
Tawny smiled wickedly. “You sure you can handle me? I may not let up on you.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Vincent grinned as he positioned himself beneath her and felt his member penetrating her moist pussy. Tawny gasped as she pumped her hips, her cunt swallowing the length of his shaft. Vincent massaged her breasts as he thrust his hips upward to meet her. Tawny’s fingers gripped his waist as she rode him like a bareback stallion. She licked her lips and moaned loudly, pumping at an ever-quickening pace. Her muscles tightened as she came closer to orgasm. “Oh! Oh God! I’m gonna come!”
Vincent arched his hips, driving deep into her as waves of pleasure consumed her body.
Tawny fell forward, her face buried in Vincent’s chest. He held her by her hair and began to pump his hips again. She squealed with pleasure as her hips thrust in rhythm with his. “Jesus, baby! God, that feels good!”
Vincent continued at a rapid pace, thrusting himself into her with powerful upward strokes. Tawny gasped and moaned, begging him to give her more. Her ravenous appetite for sex seemed insatiable. Vincent could feel himself nearing ejaculation as he continued to thrash beneath Tawny’s body. Unable to hold back any longer, Vincent’s love juice spurted deep into her. “Oh! Oh, baby, don’t stop!”
Unable to continue, Vincent rolled Tawny over and rammed the dildo into her hungry pussy. He worked the toy in and out, plunging it deep into her and pulling it out with a slow, deliberate movement. Tawny squealed and screamed. “Faster, baby! Give it to me faster!” Vincent complied, pumping the toy at a furious pace. Tawny screamed loudly as she exploded with a powerful orgasm, thrusting her body upward, nearly dumping Vincent on the floor. She was stronger than Vincent realized. He continued to ram the toy into her, as she squealed and gasped. “No more, baby. I can’t take any more.”
“Really? And you were worried about me being able to handle you.” Vincent smiled and lowered his head to her chest, gently kissing her breasts. “Are you sure you’ve had enough?”
“Yes! God, yes! That was fantastic.” Tawny’s face mirrored her contentment. Her eyes closed, as Vincent kissed her mouth. Vincent rolled over and wrapped his arms around his lover as they gently fell asleep once again.
Tawny’s steady gaze met Vincent as he slowly raised his eyes. He yawned, stretched, pulled her close and gave her a passionate kiss. “Been awake long?” He asked with a smile.
“Not long. I was watching you sleep and wondering what you were dreaming about. Is Andrew a good friend?”
Vincent stared at her for a moment. “Andrew?” He hesitated, unsure how to explain Andrew, or if he even wanted to. “Yea, Andrew’s someone I travelled with. One of many friends I met along my way.”
Tawny seemed satisfied with the explanation and bounded out of bed. “I’m starving and I’ll bet you are to. I’ll fix us something to eat.”
Vincent watched as she pulled on an oversize shirt and disappeared into the kitchen. He lit a cigarette and slowly dressed, contemplating the rest of his day. Part of him wanted to spend another night with Tawny and part of him knew he should go. After a leisurely meal together, Vincent pulled on his coat and prepared to leave.
“Will I see you later?” Tawny asked, with a noticeable pout.
“Probably not tonight, sweet one. I’ve got an early day tomorrow and there’s some stuff I need to take care of yet tonight. When you least expect it, you’ll see me again. Count on it!” Vincent kissed her good-by and left.
Monday morning greeted Vincent with clouds and a pouring rain. After a breakfast of sweet tea
and cigarettes, Vincent left for work. The day passed rapidly. There were mountains of freight to move and Vincent continued working without a lunch break. By the end of his shift, Vincent was starving and exhausted. He stopped for dinner at the diner near the docks. As he left he stopped to check the poster in the window advertising the upcoming wrestling show. It was scheduled for Wednesday night. Vincent decided to go. He was unsure what to expect, but it was the other half of the equation that had been presented to him by Amos and Andrew.
Tawny was gentle on Vincent’s mind as he finished work Tuesday night. He decided to go and see her after dinner. Vincent showered, devoured his dinner and left for the club. Tawny was on stage when he arrived. He took a seat at the bar .
“Hey Vince! How ya doin’ tonight? Gonna have a shot of Myers?” Vincent was surprised that Kelly would remember his name, not to mention what he drank.
“Howdy, Kelly. Mix the Myers with some Ginger Ale. Gotta go a little light tonight so I can make it to work tomorrow.”
Tawny noticed Vincent at the bar and smiled. He and Kelly shared small talk as Tawny finished her set and joined them. She gave Vincent a hug and seated herself next to him. “I was hoping I’d see you tonight!”
“I just couldn’t stay away!” Vincent teased. “Not that I was trying to.” Kelly moved down the bar as Tawny and Vincent sat talking together.
Tawny glanced at the clock and frowned. “Dammit! My break’s over already. Are you gonna stay for awhile?”
“I’d love to, but I’m really beat. I’ll be back though, you can count on it.”
“Tomorrow night?” Tawny hoped he’d say yes.
Vincent shook his head. “I don’t think I can make it then. I’ve got something I need to do. I’ll see you before the end of the week for sure.” He gave her a kiss good-by and left.
Tawny was on Vincent’s mind as he lay in bed smoking his last cigarette of the day. Vincent considered changing his plans and going to see Tawny again the next evening, but he decided against it. A promise was a promise and he had given his word to both Andrew and Amos. They were counting on him and Vincent was determined to follow the mystery to it’s conclusion, satisfactory, or not.
