The Temptress- Chapter one

So here's the first chapter for The Temptress. It was a lot of fun to be in Morgan's shoes while writing this scene. Anyways, enjoy!


Chapter one- (Tall Tales and Burning Leather)

The engine puttered as the car slowed down to a stop.

"Dammit!" I slam my hands on the wheel causing the horn to go off.

         Well this is just great. I should have known something was wrong when the salesman practically handed me the keys. At the time I was desperate and in need of a car. The idea of it breaking down in the middle of the road never occurred to me. Well so much for driving.

I jimmy the handle and push the door open.

         I grab my black purse from the side of the passenger seat and step out of the car slamming the door on my way out. I take one last glance behind me at the Oldsmobile. It's a Camaro Z28. The orange paint is fading on the rooftop and two hubcaps are missing. What can I say? I have a thing for old cars. When I saw this baby in the lot I had to have it. It's too bad I have to leave it behind. Oh well. Someone will find it and put it to good use.

         I hike the purse on my shoulder and cross the street blending in with the shadows. My name is Morgan Collins. I am a bounty hunter more by necessity than anything else. I used to work for a man named Darius McKneeley. He owns and operates a bail bonds shop for the supernatural. He may be an elf but don't let that fool you. There is nothing he won't resort to when it comes to getting his share of the money. Like today when he set my one bedroom apartment on fire for example.

         You see, it all started when he came to me a couple days ago with a job. Instead of bringing in a perp like I normally did, I had to look for an object. A rare enchanted jewel thought to be inside of a tomb. After slumming it with downworlders I followed a lead that took me to an underground tunnel. Hidden deep in a brick wall was the prized jewel wrapped tightly in a purple velvety pouch.

         When I saw that emerald for the first time I couldn't help but think 'this is it'. I did what any sensible person would do. I took it for myself. I figure I could sell it to someone with deeper pockets than cheapskate Darius himself.

         Instead of handing it over I told Darius the lead was a bust. What I didn't count on was Darius figuring out that I jipped him. I thought I was careful enough. There’s a first time for everything, I guess. I just wish I knew who ratted me out. I don’t exactly make the best first impression in my line of work. Hey, I can’t help it if half of the people that I meet want me dead. While the other half would no sooner come to my aid even if I bribed them. What can I say? It comes with the job description. 

         It sure is too bad that Darius burned my apartment down. It was nothing fancy but it was mine and I was damn proud of the fact that I could pay rent when it was due.

        It's a good thing I wasn't home at the time, considering. Imagine my surprise when I was greeted by sirens and police who, after taking my initial statement left to file the report. There was nothing the firemen could salvage. I lost all of my worldly possessions when the fire set everything ablaze.

        The superintendent offered me a room until construction was done but I knew I couldn't stay there any longer. Darius didn't find what he was looking for and I didn't know when one of his goons would return.
  
       The first thing I did after I broke my lease was go to The Better Savings Banking Group. It was one place good OL' Darius didn't know about. If he did I'm sure he would have wasted no time in cleaning me out.

         When I first took the bounty hunter gig I set up a safe that I made in another name. I emptied it and put all the contents in the only place that I could think of. My purse. I’ll admit it’s not the smartest idea, but I figured it would be a lot easier roaming the streets knowing that I have something to defend myself with in case anyone recognizes me. Inside I have my Smith and Wesson .45 ACP, an extra clip of specially made silver bullets, a couple of throwing knives, and some left over money minus what I paid for the Camaro. I know it's not much but I have a plan. Well, sort of. If there's one person Darius hates more than anyone it would be Little Tony.

         You see, a while back Little Tony dated his younger half-sister, Daisy. One morning Daisy wanted to surprise Little Tony before her shift started. What she didn't count on was catching Little Tony in a compromising position with some waitress in an alley next to a dumpster. Nothing says surprise like watching your boyfriend, butt-naked in all his glory; cheat on you in broad daylight. Little Tony could have at least had the decency to rent a room in one of the many vacant hotels around the neighborhood but that’s not his style. I get the impression he’s more of a ‘do now’ and possibly ‘regret later’ type of guy. Not that I heard any complaints from anyone before.

        After that Darius and Little Tony never saw eye to eye. In my opinion Daisy should have known better. Everyone knows Little Tony will hump any woman that spares him a second glance. He's not ugly or anything. He just can't seem to keep it in his pants. And as for Daisy, well, the last I heard she met Tammy and swore men off for good. I'm not sure how well that's working out but I wish her all the best just the same.

         When Little Tony's not chasing after some unsuspecting woman he goes to his day job. Little Tony owns an Italian restaurant not too far from here. We go way back him and I. When I first started as a bounty hunter I ran into him by pure accident. He was running his own underground blood bank and I interfered with a drop off. For some reason he didn't kill me. Which, of course, I'm grateful for.

        I'm not sure if he still smuggles humans but I learned to keep well enough alone. Ever since then our paths have crossed once or twice. I would try his new pasta dishes and in return he would give me whereabouts to my perp. In the end we both got what we wanted out of the deal. He got someone to try his new recipes while I got a free meal.

         In a lot full of hungry shoppers it would be hard not to miss the restaurant. It's a huge building with large windows that wrap around to the other side of it. The dark green banner says Little Tony's Spaghetti House and Pizzeria in large white letters.

         I stay away from the streetlamps and survey the scene around me. Even though it’s well past dinner time the parking lot is full with minivans and luxury cars. There is nobody within the area. My guess is everyone is inside having a grand old time.

         Eager to join the festivities I cross the street and look myself over; I'm wearing a deep red bustier that has a ribbon tied in the back, tight black leather pants that hug my round ass, and my favorite six-inch heels.

         I rearrange my girls and flick my curly auburn hair over my bare shoulder. I take the steps one at a time and collect my thoughts before making myself seen. The light filtering from the inside through the glass door spills onto the concrete pavement entrance and shines on me, making me visible to anyone that might be in the shopping area.

        I grasp the golden handle in a firm grip and pull it open. Immediately I am hit with the most intense aroma of garlic and herbed cheesy bread. I ignore my rumbling stomach and cross the threshold.

A tall hostess in a long white flowing ball gown greets me.

        Her name tag says Giselle. She has flawless exotic-looking skin, defined slim cheek bones, ample glossy lips, and narrow green slits for eyes.

        I’ve heard about her kind. I never thought I would get the chance to meet one up close and personal. She’s a toad. They're incredibly rare but if you manage to find one all you need is a witch to conjure up some potion, say a few words and BAM! The once ugly toad turns into a beautiful maiden right before your very eyes. It is said their beauty attracts abundance, wealth, and prosperity. Looks like Little Tony added some insurance just in case his restaurant turned to shit. Dare I say, that was a good move on his part.

"Good Evening and welcome to Little Tony's. Do you have a reservation?" Giselle asks politely.

"I came to see Little Tony. Tell him it's Morgan."