Chapter One

“Isn’t there a way we can cancel this? I’m frightened and…and it doesn’t seem at all right,” nervously she twisted the buttons on her blouse. “I mean the children and all.”

“Look, Maureen, you agreed. He’s here, down in the den. You can’t back out now. We arranged it. I got my mother to watch the kids for the night. He’s expecting you.”

She looked down at the floor, at her feet, the red toenails, the new expensive shoes with the four inch heels. She noted the sheen of oil on her legs and the scent of the costly perfume that they could ill afford. She thought of the long evening of preparations: the bubble bath, the perfumed oil, the vigorous brushing of her hair and painting of her nails, the eye shadow and mascara, the lipstick and gloss, her new skirt and blouse, the strappy shoes. Looking up at her husband she asked, “Is he young?”

He smiled wanly, “No. Sorry. In fact he’s probably fifteen or twenty years older than you. Maybe more than that. With these people it’s hard to tell.”

“My God! Maybe twenty or more years older!” She frowned, shaking her head. “All this was your idea. I didn’t want to do it. I still don’t. And now you say it’s an old guy. Damnit, Brian!” She looked up at him, anger flashing in her eyes. “I suppose he’s also dirty and a fat slob!”

“He seems clean enough even though he’s wearing jeans and work shoes.” He saw that she was waiting for a complete answer. “Well, honey, he is a big man, very big, maybe one of the biggest men I’ve ever seen. I guess you could say fat. But he looks strong, thick neck, powerful arms.”

She turned away from him, facing the window. “And how does he act? Is he at least personable and polite?”

“I don’t know. Se