Music to my Soul
Chapter III
The door opened on an imposing woman, obviously a housekeeper.
She looked at Cole suspiciously and he guessed that she was in charge of filtering visitors.
"I'm Cole Turner," He began, since the woman kept silent, "I've got an appointment to service the piano…?"
"Hum…You don't look like a piano tuner," she grumbled.
"Thank you," Cole replied with his most charming smile. "May I come in?"
The woman moved aside without a smile and, as she let him in, she went on staring at him.
"Suspicious much," Cole thought to himself while entering the house. He then turned to her and the woman guessed at his silent question.
"Follow me," she simply said, leading him into the sitting room through double doors. He spotted the grand piano immediately. It was a nice instrument for which they must have spent a fortune. Cole guessed that Fredo spared no expense for his mistress. "Well," he thought, "maybe I'll get a bonus here too."
He couldn't help the pleased smile that came to his lips and the housekeeper noticed it as she turned toward him.
"Something funny…?"
"Not at all…nice instrument," Cole repeated aloud.
"You've got a good eye…I hope that you're just as skilled in your work." The housekeeper added curtly.
"I'm one of the best, Mam."
"Hum… don't lose any more time."
Cole went to sit on the polished bench and, somewhat in defiance, he slowly pulled his tools from the leather bag he had carried inside. Meanwhile, he was discreetly looking around. Where were the armed guards he had expected? However, he also reflected that it was all part of the reason he was there. Those gangsters, they managed to keep one step ahead of the law and the feeling of normalcy in the house must have been a façade for appearances. He half suspected that people were watching him discreetly instead, ready to intervene at any moment's notice. Any other would've shuddered at the thought, but Cole found it rather exciting.
The housekeeper cleared her throat and Cole realized that he had gotten lost in thoughts again. He didn't bother acknowledging her and instead proceeded to strike a few notes, listening to the pitch of the instrument. He soon found that it only needed a mild adjustment. No doubts they had someone coming here often to take care of the mechanism. Before he began his real work, the housekeeper left without a word and then he heard light steps behind him, guessing that his target had come into the room. Leo's men were told by the usual guy that Lara Love insisted on being present every time someone worked on her piano; and it was now apparent that he had been truthful about this However, as he began working, and in spite of his curiosity, Cole pretended he had not noticed her arrival. It was all part of the game. He knew it was better to let her come to him rather than forcing it. This usually had the effect of giving him a slight advantage over the person he was after. He worked slowly to give her some time and at last, she came to him as he had expected.
"How is it?" Phoebe asked.
Cole finished listening to the vibration of the tuning fork before looking at her. Then, when he did so, he got a strange sensation of déjà vu, which he couldn't explain since he knew he had never seen her before. A girl like her, he would have remembered. She was indeed very pretty, even beautiful. Small but well proportioned. Her hair was bobbed in the fashion of the time and the dress, albeit a straight cut couldn't hide the very appealing curves. All of this, he took in before locking eyes with her and he was startled by the calculating manner in which her pretty hazelnut eyes were staring at him. In fact, he felt evaluated like a side of beef. It was strange to see such coldness in an otherwise extremely attractive girl. On the other hand, it was obvious that she was evaluating more than his tuning skills and it could serve his purpose.
"The patient will survive," Cole joked half-heartedly.
"I take this very seriously," Phoebe replied without smiling.
"Hum," Cole reflected, "not an easy nut to crack." But rather than finding it discouraging, it stimulated him even more.
"So do I, Lady. Doesn't mean I can't have a sense of humor, now does it?"
"Do you really expect everyone to laugh at your jokes?"
"Usually, I succeed. But I suppose I'll have to live with one less fan…" He uttered with a comical frown.
Phoebe couldn't help a smile at this. He was very handsome and charming. Not at all what she had expected from a man of his trade… She began wondering if he wasn't exactly what the doctor ordered; particularly for the fact that he was obviously interested… Phoebe knew how to recognize the signs very well by now. Still, she could also read an intense arrogance behind the warm smile. As if he expected her to fall at his feet. She had no intention of letting him take the advantage.
"You know, our usual piano tuner works much faster," Phoebe commented casually, as she caressed the piano.
"Maybe that's why it still needs work… Trust me, I know what I'm doing and your piano will have perfect pitch when I'm done," Cole replied confidently. Even as he was making this affirmation, he couldn't help noticing that she seemed to show more warmth for the instrument than she had demonstrated toward him. Strange girl…
"Well," Phoebe thought, "he certainly doesn't suffer from an inferiority complex." She wondered if it was really worth it at this point. She knew the sort; or at least, she thought she did. He would try to dominate her…Under any other circumstances, she would have taken the challenge happily, but she was in need of a quick fix at the moment. Phoebe decided to reserve her decision for later and, instead of answering, she turned away and went to sit on an ottoman that stood against the wall.
"Really tough customer," Cole thought as he resumed his work. The déjà vu sensation still bothered him but he was mostly trying to devise a way to break the ice again, when he noticed something through the large window facing the street. A car had stopped in front of the house and he could see smoke coming out of the exhaust, telling him that it had been left running. Inside the car, two men were staring at the house in a strange manner. He couldn't help being reminded of snipers waiting for a target. It was a strange association, considering the war was long over, except for the fact that it was what Leo had called their fight against the bootlegging business. This had distracted him so that he was holding the tuning fork over the piano without making any move to use it. He heard a not so discreet throat clearing sound behind him and if this irritated him, Cole stopped himself from showing his annoyance, as it would in no way help his purpose. "At least, not at the moment..." he mused. Besides, the two men still held most of his attention. That is until he heard two male voices coming from the next room.
"Do I really need to be present, Saul? I thought you could handle this by yourself…"
"I wouldn't mind boss, but the others insisted in seeing you personally. It's about a territorial dispute they want you to settle…"
"Maria," the first voice called.
"Yes Sir?"
"Where's Lara?"
"She's with the piano tuner…"
There was a long pause, and if Cole expected the man to come into the sitting room, it didn't happen.
"Don't bother her now. Wait till she's done and then tell her I'll be back in a few hours," the man Cole guessed was Fredo Turello uttered. Cole thought that he heard a hint of annoyance in the man's voice and when he looked back at Phoebe, she didn't make a move to go to her lover. Instead, she pretended not to have heard the exchange, or so it seemed. "Trouble in paradise," Cole reflected, as he returned his attention to the street. Then he jumped when he saw the two men holding Tommy guns. Cole debated his options for an instant, mostly wondering where were the guards he had believed to be about. Then, when he heard the steps moving toward the entrance, he dropped the tuning fork, which elicited a groan of displeasure from Lara. He ignored it, got up and ran toward the entrance. Cole was working on instinct at this point, more on a reflex from the war than any calculated move.
The two men he'd heard earlier had just crossed the threshold, and he went out after them. One of the men seemed noticeably older than the other. It wasn't hard to figure he was Fredo.
"Look out," he called to them. The younger one turned toward Cole irritably, but he still reacted instinctively by bending down, whereas the older one stood erect, as if startled by the warning. Cole saw that he was making a perfect target and went after him, throwing him to the ground just as the first bullets began to rain over their heads. Saul pulled out his gun as he lay down on the ground and began shooting back almost immediately. This all happened very quickly, and before he knew it, Cole heard an engine roaring as the car sped away. Underneath him, Fredo was struggling to get back up and as soon as Cole was certain that the danger had past, he freed the old man from his grasp.
Fredo shot an irate glance his way before calling angrily to Saul.
"What the fuck was that? Were you trying to have me killed?"
Saul seemed uncomfortable but he protested his innocence vigorously.
"Oh course not, boss. I'm not the one who called for this meeting. I had no idea they'd planned…" Rather than finishing this sentence however, Saul looked suspiciously toward Cole.
"Who the hell are you?"
Cole brushed the dust off his woollen suit before deigning an answer.
"I'm the bloke who just saved your butts… "
Saul took a menacing step toward him, but Fredo motioned him away.
"Who are you son?" He questioned more calmly.
"Cole Turner…I came here to tune your piano…"
"Really," Fredo questioned skeptically. "You don't look the part... How did you know about the shooters?"
"I saw them through your window and they looked suspicious to me. Right up to the point where they pulled the guns, and then I knew somebody was gonna get killed. But really, this questioning makes me wonder if I made the right decision…"
Fredo gave him a joyless smile.
"Don't get me wrong…I'm grateful you saved my life. It's just it seems so convenient…"
"I can assure you, I knew nothing of these men except they were about to cut you to pieces with bullets and I couldn't let that happen."
Fredo observed him intensely for a moment longer and Cole sustained his stare, certain that any sign of doubt on his part could prove unhealthy.
"Well boy, I gather you've got a job to finish," Fredo finally said, "and I've got some things to straighten up myself," he added while giving a pointed look at his lieutenant. "However, I'd really like to have a talk with you later…"
Cole didn't know how he should take this. But even if it could prove to be something bad, it could also be an opening to get much more than what Leo had expected from him seducing the singer. However, Cole knew better than to show too much interest.
"Right," he simply answered while turning back toward the house.
Fredo called to him then, stopping him in his tracks.
"You're not curious at all about what happened?"
Cole half-turned toward the old man and shot back:
"I don't make a habit of questioning things that don't concern me."
"Good…Stick around after you're done, boy…" Fredo simply replied. In spite of the peaceful tone of voice, Cole knew this was a summons he had better not ignore.
Cole continued toward the house but before he got in, he crossed paths with a hesitant Phoebe and a man carrying a gun at the ready. Cole couldn't help a derisive smile, as this was what he had expected but it came much too late to be of any use. Maybe Fredo needed better protection.
The girl looked understandably frightened, but she still didn't hesitate to go toward Fredo. Cole couldn't help being somewhat impressed as he watched her going, but the armed guard, who had stayed behind and stared at him threateningly, soon got his full attention.
"It's alright, Robbie," Fredo called, "you can let him in."
The guard reluctantly moved aside.
Cole stopped just inside the door, listening in for any useful information.
"What happened?" Phoebe asked Fredo.
"Nothing to concern you… Everything's fine, Lara," Fredo was saying reassuringly. "Just think of preparing for your new show and I'll take care of the rest…"
"But Fredo…"
"Lara," Fredo uttered very sharply, "I said not to worry…"
Phoebe almost stumbled on Cole as she reentered the house. She was visibly annoyed.
"What are you looking at," she snapped.
"Nothing…"
She kept silent for a moment, as if unsure about something, and then her expression became irate.
"You scratched the piano…Good going."
"I guess I'll have to satisfy myself with your protector's gratitude," Cole answered derisively. He couldn't help thinking that she was cold as ice. Her lover had almost been killed, but she seemed more concerned about the fate of the instrument. He began to wonder why she'd inquired about Fredo at all. Maybe it was more her own safety she worried about. In fact, Cole was increasingly convinced that it was the case, while taking in her put off attitude. "Don't worry about your piano. I'll take care of it." Cole added sharply, before going back toward the sitting room. He was disappointed to have lost this occasion to learn something, but Phoebe's presence there prevented him from pushing his luck. Meanwhile, he also guessed that he should let some time pass before trying to talk to her.
Phoebe watched him going with irritation, but also with some interest. He really was handsome and obviously fearless. She couldn't help finding that stimulating. Phoebe strongly suspected that he was very much aware of his appeal and had probably broken a lot of hearts. However, she wasn't like other women. She had learned long ago to silence the emotions which often plagued her gender.
As pleasant as the prospect of seducing him was, she soon set those thoughts aside to reflect on what just happened instead. She had known all along that Fredo was a shady character, but Phoebe had never really believed he would get shot at. She didn't like this one little bit and, in spite of his generosity, she began to consider finding another sponsor. Unfortunately, she thought then, her show was just about ready, and it was much too late to find someone else. Besides, Fredo had promised that big promoters would be present for her premiere. It was too good an occasion to miss.
Fredo was just coming back in and he and Saul went straight to Fredo's office, closing the door behind them. The seriousness of their expressions had done nothing to reassure Phoebe. Outside she also heard the car rolling down the driveway and guessed that Robbie had been sent on some errand, which she preferred not to think about. Things were very tense and the sight of a very frightened Maria in the hallway had Phoebe questioning her choices anew, even as she motioned the woman away impatiently.
However, she understood that she didn't have any other option; at least for the moment. Thus, she decided to hope for the best and she went back to the sitting room. In order to set her worries aside, she had made up her mind about the piano tuner. She would get him and exactly where she wanted him. This would actually constitute a very good distraction from the unpleasantness. However, Cole didn't give a sign that he even noticed her return and she had pain hiding her irritation as she went back toward the ottoman. Deep down, Phoebe craved attention and detested being ignored. That is, ever since the Reform School…
Her first few months there had seen Phoebe resuming her pattern of reclusion. Most girls at the School were tough and stared at her in what she considered a threatening manner, which led her to try disappearing in the background. "Why did I have to end up here," she often asked herself miserably. After all, she wasn't the guilty one. Those bastards were… To add to her burden, her father passed away six months into her incarceration and left all his money to none other than the very orphanage, which in Phoebe's mind, had been the cause of all her suffering. No doubts, he had done this for spite. This coupled with the mixed feelings about his passing, caused Phoebe to throw such a tantrum that she had to be restrained and isolated.
They had tied her up with the same kind of leather bounds used for insane people in asylums. This made her imprisonment feel even more horrible. She struggled to get free for a long time, but in the end, when even her screams went ignored, she gave up out of exhaustion. Then after lights out, the same woman who had given her the news about her father came back. The matron had brought in a handbag that Phoebe recognized as one of her own and she put it at the foot of the bed. Instead of leaving the room afterward, she came back toward Phoebe and observed her intensely. Phoebe's curiosity about the content of the bag melted away as she felt utterly vulnerable at this point, sensing the intense scrutiny of the woman. Finally, this one extended a hesitating hand toward Phoebe and began caressing her stomach in a much too intimate fashion. Phoebe was strangled by fear and stayed immobile at first, which caused the woman to embolden herself, as her hand moved toward Phoebe's breasts. She then began fondling her to Phoebe's utter disgust. At this point, Phoebe reacted.
"Get away from me," she uttered in a frightened voice.
"Sorry," had been the woman's reaction, as she quickly removed her hand, to Phoebe's surprise. "It's just, you're so pretty…"
Phoebe was about to ask her to leave, but the prospect of remaining a prisoner of those restraints was even more distressing than the woman's disposition toward her. Therefore, and in spite of the intense disgust she felt for the matron, she pleaded with her.
"Please, untie me? I promise I'll be calm…"
"I don't know…the others might get upset…" the woman called Sylvia uttered hesitantly.
Even if at first Sylvia had seemed threatening to Phoebe, the hesitant attitude told her that maybe the matron wasn't as tough as she had appeared. In fact, she seemed almost apologetic.
"I'll tell them I freed myself…" Phoebe tried again. "No one has to know it was you, I swear. Just please untie me. These restraints are hurting me…"
Sylvia gave a quick look at the door, and then she proceeded to remove the leather bounds to Phoebe's relief. However, this was shadowed by her fear that Sylvia might demand more from her. Instead, the woman simply watched Phoebe from a distance for a while longer, and then she left the room, allowing Phoebe to breathe easier. After a long moment, Phoebe went to look at the contents of the bag and found that there was very little in it. Only some personal items she guessed her Cousin Paige had salvaged before the estate was settled. There were a few of the trinkets Paige had given her through the years, including a new make up box, which made Phoebe smile. Then at the very bottom of the bag, she found her journal. In there, she had confided all of what happened to her in the last few years; the bad and the good. This also included the song she had composed before her life was turned upside down. Phoebe read the words, but their meaning was now completely lost on her. On the contrary, it only made her angry. That day, she almost threw away the accursed book but decided to keep it as a reminder of the deviousness of men.
After she managed to calm down and her fright of earlier vanished, Phoebe began to see the incident with Sylvia as another proof that she could obtain favors from others because of the way she looked. Even so, it took Phoebe a long time to take advantage of this fully, but when she found that a simple smile on her part got her all sorts of special treatments, she began emboldening herself.
Eventually, Sylvia developed a strong affection for Phoebe and this one learned to use it to its full extent After she managed to set aside most of her scruples, she allowed the woman to watch her undress, and even shower on many occasions. Fortunately for her, Sylvia was content with this for a long time, even if Phoebe never showed her true affection.
In fact, if she never returned Sylvia's interest, Phoebe had taken to enjoying this situation in a strange way. The matron's admiration was a reassurance about her looks, and even though the thought of ever letting things go any further revolted her, Phoebe couldn't help the thrills that came from those moments. It wasn't so much who liked her, but that someone did. In time, she also learned to recognize this admiration in others who watched her with the same apparent desire and instead of her first reaction of disgust, it made her feel better and better. Much more than this, it made her feel powerful.
Sylvia reinforced this impression by protecting her against the most dangerous girls living there and also some of the most severe matrons. She even got Phoebe a room by herself and a phonograph. In time, this last luxury reawakened Phoebe's desire to sing. However, her motivation for doing so had changed a lot. She no longer trusted in the purity of music. In reality, she didn't believe that anything or anyone was pure; not even her constant friend Paige. Instead, she craved for more of the admiration and even the adulation she had experienced during her time there, because she came to believe it was her due, and she figured it would be even greater if she became a celebrated performer.
Phoebe wanted this very badly and was ready to do anything to attain this goal. First though, she had to get out of this accursed place. In order to do that, she had asked for Paige's mother to intercede in her favor. That day, two years into her incarceration, Paige was coming to give Phoebe the news about it, and she chose not to show her impatience even when Paige inquired about the strange looks the matron was giving them instead of telling her what she really wanted to know. Phoebe's hope was thin at best, and thinning more for every moment that Paige delayed her answer.
"What's her deal," Paige asked with obvious disgust. Phoebe knew what it looked like and it was exactly what it seemed: jealousy.
Sylvia had become very possessive of her lately and was watching Phoebe like a hawk, which was another good reason for Phoebe to want out. She had no intention of ever belonging to anyone… Unfortunately, she understood that if Paige had failed, she would have to take things in her own hands. "So be it," she thought as she replied.
"Don't worry about her."
"But I do worry, Phoebe," Paige exclaimed, although low enough for only Phoebe to hear. However, her news was not good and what Paige believed she saw there made it even sadder. "I'm so sorry, Phoebe," Paige finally admitted, "Mother tried everything, but they won't be swayed. I wish I had better news…"
Even if she had expected it, this revelation hit Phoebe hard. She was willing to go through with the alternative, but she had hoped she would be spared.
Paige saw her cousin's dark expression and it worried her more.
"Are you sure that you're ok in here? You keep saying you're well treated but… the way she looks at you… Maybe we could try talking to them again…tell them you're in danger…"
"Don't bother," Phoebe answered curtly. She didn't want Paige to feel bad, but her disappointment was very intense at the moment.
Phoebe was seventeen, and short of a miracle, she wouldn't be let out of the Reform School until her majority, which was four years down the road. For a while, she had hoped that Paige and her mother's plea for her release stood a chance, but it obviously had been a delusion. However, Phoebe's anger toward Paige died as she took in the pained look this one gave her.
"That's alright, Paige. I didn't believe it'd work anyway. It's not your fault. One day, I'll be free and it's all gonna be behind me. I'll be just fine till then." She said calmly.
"Mother and I will always be there for you, you know that don't you Phoebe?"
Phoebe wished it were true, but she knew that it wouldn't be for much longer. Not after what she planned. They'd probably want nothing to do with her afterward. Still, she reassured Paige.
"Of course I do. You were always my best friend…"
Paige smiled sadly.
"I was your only friend…and that's so not fair. You've got so much to give Phoebe."
To herself, Phoebe thought that indeed she had much to give and much more to receive.
For Paige, she pursued:
"It doesn't change the fact that you're the best friend anyone could have. I want you to know I would never have survived all of this without your friendship. But I'm truly fine now and you shouldn't worry about me."
Paige hugged her tight at this, and for a moment, Phoebe wished things didn't have to be the way they were. She also wished that she could tell her of her plans, but Paige wouldn't understand and might even try to dissuade her. Phoebe had already made up her mind that no one, not even Paige would stand in the way of her future…
As the insistent knock on the door pulled her out of her reveries, Phoebe believed that she had been right, even if the five long years she had not seen her cousin afterward had weighed heavily on her. The loud voice startled her, particularly when she heard what it was saying.
"Police! Open up!"
Cole was also startled by the visitor but not really surprised. In fact, he thought that they had taken their jolly time. However, when he glanced at Phoebe, he recognized a hint of fear in her eyes. Maybe it was because of the company she kept, but he couldn't help wondering if there wasn't some other reason for her worries. Far from a deterrent, it was even more of a thrill to think that she might be personally in trouble with the law. Cole was now eager to get into the thick of things with her. However, he knew that he couldn't let his impatience dictate his actions. She would be a challenge, but he was confident that with some smart moves he could get her to eat right out of the palm of his hand. Cole had never failed before and the fact that it might prove difficult wouldn't change the end result. Like all the others, he would make her fall for him. Leo had been right; Cole was already enjoying this thoroughly. And it didn't hurt that he found her prettier every time he looked at her.
Heavy steps in the foyer caught his attention again.
"What do you want?" Saul asked, as if he didn't know what the police was doing there.
"I came to investigate alleged gunfire…"
"As you can see, we're just fine thank you."
Then the voices lowered to a whisper, so that Cole couldn't hear a thing anymore. He got the impression that the first part of the conversation had been for show. This was reinforced in his mind when he saw the policeman go back to his car without having set foot in the house. The man was carrying an envelope in his hand and Cole didn't doubt it was filled with cash. The police were notoriously on the take in this city, and although it was the first time he saw it happening, this didn't surprise him either. He figured that Leo might be interested in this tidbit and he memorized the licence plate. Then Cole gave another discreet glance toward Phoebe and her relief was obvious. Definitely something amiss with her… He could use this, but Cole knew that he'd need more than suspicions…
Even if Phoebe believed they had long forgotten about her, the visit of a policeman brought back the old fear of being retaken. She had waited years before she dared coming back to Chicago and showing them all by becoming the star she had dreamed about. Even if it would have felt better to succeed as Phoebe Halliwell, she understood that she would have to satisfy herself in knowing she'd beaten them all. At least Paige would know and that was a consolation. Not even Paige's husband knew her real name and Paige's mother had passed away a year before Phoebe's return. Phoebe had insisted on her silence the very first time she met Paige again after all those years and thankfully, she had agreed.
Phoebe chased the worries aside and smiled alluringly when she saw Cole watching her.
If Cole had thought she didn't notice his scrutiny, he was disillusioned shortly when he saw her smiling. He was taken aback by the abrupt change in her attitude, wondering even more what her game was at this point. Rather than showing his surprise however, he gave her his most charming smile, as if he had expected this, and then he returned to his work. "Better to let her simmer a little longer," he thought. The strange warmth he felt at seeing her smile, he preferred to forget about.
Phoebe almost growled when she saw how little he seemed affected by her attempt at seduction. "What's his deal?" she reflected. For the first time, she wondered if she had read him right. Who knew, maybe he was another of those men who preferred guys. This wouldn't have shocked her, but she found the idea disheartening. It wouldn't have been her first experience of the sort. In fact, such a man had helped her in New York after she escaped the Reform School.
Phoebe was about to get lost in the reminiscences again when she realized what she was doing. It had been like this for the last week, with her remembering everything, and mostly what she'd wished to forget. Maybe it was the new show that unnerved her so? Or maybe the fact that the driver had dumped her without warning; which had been a sore point with her... No one dumped Phoebe Halliwell. She dumped them. She gave another appreciative look at Cole then. She admired his tight body, while imagining herself ripping his clothes off right then. The temptation was great to drop the game and follow her urges. If he had other preferences, it would soon be obvious anyway, but she doubted that. Even as she observed him, he dropped a tool noisily and as he bent to pick it up, she saw him staring at her thighs. It had been quick but the obvious lust she had seen in his eyes confirmed that his preference definitely went to girls. Phoebe smiled contentedly. "So you're just playing coy with me, are you," she thought to herself. From his attitude of earlier, Phoebe knew he was not timid. Therefore, the only other explanation was that he was toying with her. This was interesting as most men were rather direct and easily seduced. This would prove even more entertaining than she had believed.
The tediousness of his work didn't keep Cole busy enough to prevent his imagination from running wild. The little peep show of earlier had only stimulated his desire. He wondered what it was exactly that excited him so. Maybe it was simply the fact that she seemed just as ready to play the game as he was. Whatever the reason, he realized how long it had been since he had truly desired a woman. He could go through the motions of sex, and take enormous pleasure at it, but the women's appearances were a blur in his mind. On the other hand, this girl…now she was something else. He had to refrain more than once from looking back, as it would have given her an advantage over him. The sensation actually frightened him a little. Not that he really believed he could fall for a woman, considering what he thought of them, but there was always a slight possibility. After all, it had happened to his friend. In spite of Paul's protestations against Cole's lifestyle, he had not become what one might call respectable until he met Lydia.
It happened one night where they were on the prowl for some fun, a year or so after the war. Cole still had to find his true calling, and was working as a cashier in a general store. Paul had only recently begun working at the Gazette and Leo was earning his keep in his father's shop. The three young men spent most of their free time together.
"Who gets first pick," Paul had asked with a sly smile.
"Hey, fair is fair. We'll let the ladies decide." Cole had answered, obviously amused as well.
They were walking down a street lined with saloons where they knew girls were of the easy sort and that suited them fine at this point. This was just before the Prohibition and all the troubles it would bring along. They were all in their late teens, early twenties and with little care about anything besides their own satisfaction. Although Leo still had this gentle quality about him then, along with an easy smile. A world of difference from what he had become. At the time, he was also shy with the ladies and that night, Paul and Cole had decided to emancipate him. Even during the war, when the girls had been falling over each other to get a date with soldiers, Leo had stayed clear of this little dance. And ever since, in spite of having spent the last year with them, he always ended up as the fifth wheel. His friends now believed that his shyness had lasted long enough.
"Tonight's the night," Cole told Leo. "We'll find you someone… leftovers if necessary…"
Leo struck his shoulder hard at this, but they were used to playing rough.
"Hey come on, Leo, I was just kidding you. How about we make sure you get first pick?"
"Speak for yourself," Paul uttered with a chuckle.
"You're just jealous," Cole retorted with a grin. "How long has it been?"
"Much less time than you think," Paul protested mildly. "And if you think we're gonna have this little contest of yours again tonight; you've got another one coming…"
"Chicken!"
"We're here to have fun, not to compete, remember?"
Cole only laughed heartily at this.
"I'm not so sure about this," Leo finally intervened.
"About what?" Paul questioned in surprise. "Hey, now we see who the real chicken is…There's nothing scary about girls you know. You might even prefer it to your solitary pleasure…"
"Paul, for god sake!" Leo exclaimed, his face turning crimson.
"Now, if you wanna be a real man, you gotta face your fears, Leo," Cole added. "Hell, you went through the war like us and trust me on this; a girl is much less dangerous. Just imagine your head buried between two soft breasts, and how it's gonna feel when you have a real woman opening her legs for you."
"If you guys don't shut up, I'm going home. People are staring…"
Cole checked his claim and grinned anew when he saw a few older men watching them.
"They're just dirty old geezers who wish they could do what you will soon…"
"I don't think of women like you do guys…"
"Not yet…" Paul uttered mockingly.
"I don't think I ever will…"
"Come on," Cole tried again, "the girls around here expect to put out. In fact, they're better than the average woman. At least, they don't pretend to be prudes. I sorta prefer that myself…" Then after a glance toward Leo, he couldn't help adding:
"Of course, if you start itching in the morning, be sure to check in with your doc…"
Paul slapped his arm, albeit with a chuckle.
"Hey, are you trying to talk him into it or out of it?"
After a bout of a friendly fist fight with Paul, Cole offered that Leo might need a few drinks to loosen up. They all entered the next saloon, which was a relatively more sophisticated establishment, although just as clouded by smoke and as noisy as most of the others. They had barely time to sit before Paul noticed a tall blond among a group of girls. From that moment on, his attitude toward women changed radically; or rather toward one in particular, Cole remembered.
"Paul?" He asked after seeing his friend holding a drink for at least a minute without making a move to bring it to his lips.
"Have you seen her?" Paul questioned without taking his eyes from the girls. Cole followed his stare and saw that indeed there were a few pretty ones in the lot, but he still didn't get what Paul was so intent about.
"Her who?"
"The woman of my dreams," Paul uttered without even thinking.
"Hey, maybe you drank more of this stuff than I thought," Cole bantered.
Paul finally glanced his way.
"Oh come on, you can't tell me she's not the prettiest thing you've ever seen."
"Now, I might agree with you if I knew which one you're talking about."
Paul stared at him incredulously.
"Are you so far gone that you can't even recognize an angel when you see one?"
Cole shrugged and tried once again to have a good look at the girls. Then, he guessed at which one had caught Paul's fancy only because she was blond and tall, as he usually liked them. Until then however, he had only seen her from behind, although he had to admit that the view was nice there too. When she turned toward them, he saw her staring sweetly in Paul's direction and he was convinced that she was the one.
"That blond?"
"Oh never mind," Paul uttered irritably.
"Hey! I don't mean anything by that. It's just I'm surprised you're so into her…What's more, you should try to remember where we are…"
"She doesn't look like one of those girls…"
Cole shook his head and returned to his drink, convinced that this would only be a passing thing. How wrong had he been! That night, Leo never got around being with a girl and he didn't really complain. In time he met a nice girl as he had wished and got married almost right away. Cole couldn't help thinking that maybe if he'd had more experience, he wouldn't have rushed things.
Rather than what they had planned, they stayed in this saloon and Paul took an eternity before he went to the blond. Even then, all he managed to do was get her name and the promise that she would be back the following week.
Every night after that, Paul insisted they go back to this place, obviously in case she showed up. Cole tried to convince him to give up on this folly, but nothing would do.
"You know Paul you're becoming a bore…" He told him on the third night.
"I'm not forcing you to stick with me, Cole."
"You don't have to. You know that," Cole replied, slightly hurt by his friend's comment. "It's just I'm wondering what happened to the guy I knew until last week?"
"I'm still the same guy, Cole. I just think I could get more than a few thrills out of my life…"
"Boy, you got it bad. I wouldn't be surprised if you started spouted poetry again."
"Maybe I will…"
"Hum," Cole had just grumbled, not too sure he wanted to be part of this. Still, Paul was his friend and if that's what he wanted, they would go back there for as long as it would take for him to get over his infatuation.
The night that she had promised to come had arrived at last and Paul was fidgeting nervously, even more of a wreck than he had been all week.
"What if she doesn't show up?"
"Then my man, she's an idiot…"
"Hey, don't speak about her like that!" Paul exclaimed.
"Good god, man, you don't even know her. For all you know, she is an idiot."
"Cole," Paul uttered warningly.
"Alright, alright…"
"I intend to know her…" Paul continued more calmly, "at least if she ever shows up."
When she had finally entered the saloon, Cole understood that it hadn't been a fluke. Paul seemed transfixed from the moment he saw her. Lydia Spencer was the girl's name and eventually, she became Mrs. McKail after a long and steamy courtship during which Cole feared he had almost lost his friend. That would have been just about the end of all. Paul had been his only anchor throughout the worse times and stuck with him even when he had disapproved of Cole's behaviour. Thus, Cole mostly put aside his own reservations about his friend's relationship and decided to go with the flow. He remembered the night before Paul's wedding, which was the one time he brushed the subject with Paul. Cole had offered one last evening of freedom to Paul, half expecting he'd refuse. Paul had surprised him by accepting his offer and for a while there, Cole believed that his friend was having second thoughts. However, it soon became apparent he was more determined than ever.
They found themselves in one of the speakeasies, which had begun replacing the saloons since the Prohibition. If anything, the law against alcohol consumption had pushed people to drink more… That was almost a year and a half after Paul and Lydia's first meeting.
"So Paul… Having second thoughts?"
"You'd think that, wouldn't you?"
"Well, I heard that many grooms develop cold feet the night before their wedding. I was wondering if you'd come to your senses."
"Cole, I came to my senses the day I proposed. I'm happier than you could ever imagine."
"Then, I guess if you're happy, I'm happy too."
"Well good, because as my best man, I'd kind of hope you would share my joy; not try to talk me out of it…"
"I won't anymore; cross my heart," Cole uttered with a cocky smile.
"You better…Who knows, maybe one day you'll do more than being the best man?"
"Don't hold your breath…"
"And you're satisfied with the way things are going?"
"That's me…always the best man, never the groom," Cole joked, referring to Leo's wedding, which had taken place only a month prior. "And yes, very satisfied Paul."
"I can't help wondering how this can be," Paul insisted after taking a small sip of the drink he'd been nursing for a while. "You know, I'd be even happier if I knew you gave up that grudge…"
"You shouldn't worry yourself about me. I'm just fine, really."
"I'm still hoping that you'll find the right one eventually…"
This time, Cole shrugged with irritation.
"Paul, if this ever happens, I'll rip my own heart out of my chest."
"Why being so dramatic?"
"At least, this way I'll get to do it before she does…"
"You really should rethink this attitude…not all women are like that girl…"
"Let's not discuss it anymore if you don't mind. I'll grant you one thing. You've found the exception and I wish you all the joy in the world with her," Cole said with a sincere smile, as he lifted his glass toward Paul.
Paul seemed uncertain, but he decided against pursuing the discussion. At least that time…
As Cole closed the lid of the piano, he admitted to himself that in spite of a few hurdles along the way, his friends' marriages were enduring. Even Leo's marriage, although his was a lot rockier… He often wondered why he and this Piper were still together. This mystery, he couldn't begin to explain, as neither this, nor Paul's continuing relationship had convinced him that true love existed. He simply believed that Lydia and Paul got along nicely and that Piper and Leo decided to last no matter what.
Cole realized that he had been lost in thoughts again, but at least, it had prevented him from making his move too soon. In fact, he congratulated himself inwardly when he felt her light fingers on his shoulder.
"Finished at last?" Phoebe commented with a hint of mockery. She was more certain than ever that he was ready to eat out her hands and that even if his next words seemed to tell another story. As he looked up, his eyes on her were more eloquent than any word.
Even as Cole admired her, he couldn't help thinking that the girl had a knack for finding just the right words to irritate.
"If you don't trust the job was well done, I invite you to play something," Cole replied as he got up and indicated the bench to her. When she didn't make a move to sit, he shrugged and gathered his tools. All the while, he was watching her and he knew that she did the same.
"I don't think you're done actually," Phoebe finally said.
"And what makes you think that?"
Phoebe moved closer.
"You promised to repair your mess," she said, pointing nonchalantly at the barely visible scratch the tuning fork had left.
"Then, I guess I'll have to come back…"
"You did say you would take care of it…" Phoebe's voice had softened considerably, and he knew she didn't care so much about the scratch anymore.
"I didn't say when…" Cole continued, playing the game. Neither one even remotely cared that Fredo was still somewhere in the house at this point. All the while, he could see what she was so blatantly offering in spite of her reproaches. Phoebe was standing so close to him that she almost touched him, and he wanted to grab her and throw her over the piano right then. It was obvious that's what she expected of him. She was licking her lips invitingly, as ready and willing as any woman he'd ever known, and yet, strangely, he hesitated.
"What the hell is he waiting for," Phoebe wondered. She had seen him getting antsier as time went by. He was obviously itching to take her. Of that there was no doubt in her mind. And yet, he was standing there, doing nothing. It was even more frustrating as she had spent the last hour fantasizing and she couldn't wait to make it a reality.
Cole didn't know if it was the stupid reminiscence about Paul's wedding or the fact that he had worked on this piano much longer than anticipated, but as he was about to take what she offered, he heard music in his mind for the first time in years. This acted like a cold shower that even made him forget his purpose for being there. He pulled himself away from her suddenly and grabbed his bag of tools.
"Where the hell do you think you're going," Phoebe called irately, as he stepped away from her. She no longer tried to hide her feelings, so angry she was that he would reject her.
"I'll be back tomorrow with some polish to repair the scratch," Cole answered curtly suddenly impatient to leave the room. He couldn't believe it… even as he almost ran out of the sitting room he realized that he was saying no to a sure thing. He had her exactly where he wanted and yet, here he was, like a scared college boy. This struck him so that he almost turned back. But as soon as he thought of doing so, the accursed music came back as if to mock him. Cole finally reasoned that she simply wasn't worth the trouble and headed for the entrance. He already had his hand on the doorknob when Saul's harsh voice stopped him short.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Cole only then remembered Fredo's request and he turned slowly toward the lieutenant.
Chapter III
The door opened on an imposing woman, obviously a housekeeper.
She looked at Cole suspiciously and he guessed that she was in charge of filtering visitors.
"I'm Cole Turner," He began, since the woman kept silent, "I've got an appointment to service the piano…?"
"Hum…You don't look like a piano tuner," she grumbled.
"Thank you," Cole replied with his most charming smile. "May I come in?"
The woman moved aside without a smile and, as she let him in, she went on staring at him.
"Suspicious much," Cole thought to himself while entering the house. He then turned to her and the woman guessed at his silent question.
"Follow me," she simply said, leading him into the sitting room through double doors. He spotted the grand piano immediately. It was a nice instrument for which they must have spent a fortune. Cole guessed that Fredo spared no expense for his mistress. "Well," he thought, "maybe I'll get a bonus here too."
He couldn't help the pleased smile that came to his lips and the housekeeper noticed it as she turned toward him.
"Something funny…?"
"Not at all…nice instrument," Cole repeated aloud.
"You've got a good eye…I hope that you're just as skilled in your work." The housekeeper added curtly.
"I'm one of the best, Mam."
"Hum… don't lose any more time."
Cole went to sit on the polished bench and, somewhat in defiance, he slowly pulled his tools from the leather bag he had carried inside. Meanwhile, he was discreetly looking around. Where were the armed guards he had expected? However, he also reflected that it was all part of the reason he was there. Those gangsters, they managed to keep one step ahead of the law and the feeling of normalcy in the house must have been a façade for appearances. He half suspected that people were watching him discreetly instead, ready to intervene at any moment's notice. Any other would've shuddered at the thought, but Cole found it rather exciting.
The housekeeper cleared her throat and Cole realized that he had gotten lost in thoughts again. He didn't bother acknowledging her and instead proceeded to strike a few notes, listening to the pitch of the instrument. He soon found that it only needed a mild adjustment. No doubts they had someone coming here often to take care of the mechanism. Before he began his real work, the housekeeper left without a word and then he heard light steps behind him, guessing that his target had come into the room. Leo's men were told by the usual guy that Lara Love insisted on being present every time someone worked on her piano; and it was now apparent that he had been truthful about this However, as he began working, and in spite of his curiosity, Cole pretended he had not noticed her arrival. It was all part of the game. He knew it was better to let her come to him rather than forcing it. This usually had the effect of giving him a slight advantage over the person he was after. He worked slowly to give her some time and at last, she came to him as he had expected.
"How is it?" Phoebe asked.
Cole finished listening to the vibration of the tuning fork before looking at her. Then, when he did so, he got a strange sensation of déjà vu, which he couldn't explain since he knew he had never seen her before. A girl like her, he would have remembered. She was indeed very pretty, even beautiful. Small but well proportioned. Her hair was bobbed in the fashion of the time and the dress, albeit a straight cut couldn't hide the very appealing curves. All of this, he took in before locking eyes with her and he was startled by the calculating manner in which her pretty hazelnut eyes were staring at him. In fact, he felt evaluated like a side of beef. It was strange to see such coldness in an otherwise extremely attractive girl. On the other hand, it was obvious that she was evaluating more than his tuning skills and it could serve his purpose.
"The patient will survive," Cole joked half-heartedly.
"I take this very seriously," Phoebe replied without smiling.
"Hum," Cole reflected, "not an easy nut to crack." But rather than finding it discouraging, it stimulated him even more.
"So do I, Lady. Doesn't mean I can't have a sense of humor, now does it?"
"Do you really expect everyone to laugh at your jokes?"
"Usually, I succeed. But I suppose I'll have to live with one less fan…" He uttered with a comical frown.
Phoebe couldn't help a smile at this. He was very handsome and charming. Not at all what she had expected from a man of his trade… She began wondering if he wasn't exactly what the doctor ordered; particularly for the fact that he was obviously interested… Phoebe knew how to recognize the signs very well by now. Still, she could also read an intense arrogance behind the warm smile. As if he expected her to fall at his feet. She had no intention of letting him take the advantage.
"You know, our usual piano tuner works much faster," Phoebe commented casually, as she caressed the piano.
"Maybe that's why it still needs work… Trust me, I know what I'm doing and your piano will have perfect pitch when I'm done," Cole replied confidently. Even as he was making this affirmation, he couldn't help noticing that she seemed to show more warmth for the instrument than she had demonstrated toward him. Strange girl…
"Well," Phoebe thought, "he certainly doesn't suffer from an inferiority complex." She wondered if it was really worth it at this point. She knew the sort; or at least, she thought she did. He would try to dominate her…Under any other circumstances, she would have taken the challenge happily, but she was in need of a quick fix at the moment. Phoebe decided to reserve her decision for later and, instead of answering, she turned away and went to sit on an ottoman that stood against the wall.
"Really tough customer," Cole thought as he resumed his work. The déjà vu sensation still bothered him but he was mostly trying to devise a way to break the ice again, when he noticed something through the large window facing the street. A car had stopped in front of the house and he could see smoke coming out of the exhaust, telling him that it had been left running. Inside the car, two men were staring at the house in a strange manner. He couldn't help being reminded of snipers waiting for a target. It was a strange association, considering the war was long over, except for the fact that it was what Leo had called their fight against the bootlegging business. This had distracted him so that he was holding the tuning fork over the piano without making any move to use it. He heard a not so discreet throat clearing sound behind him and if this irritated him, Cole stopped himself from showing his annoyance, as it would in no way help his purpose. "At least, not at the moment..." he mused. Besides, the two men still held most of his attention. That is until he heard two male voices coming from the next room.
"Do I really need to be present, Saul? I thought you could handle this by yourself…"
"I wouldn't mind boss, but the others insisted in seeing you personally. It's about a territorial dispute they want you to settle…"
"Maria," the first voice called.
"Yes Sir?"
"Where's Lara?"
"She's with the piano tuner…"
There was a long pause, and if Cole expected the man to come into the sitting room, it didn't happen.
"Don't bother her now. Wait till she's done and then tell her I'll be back in a few hours," the man Cole guessed was Fredo Turello uttered. Cole thought that he heard a hint of annoyance in the man's voice and when he looked back at Phoebe, she didn't make a move to go to her lover. Instead, she pretended not to have heard the exchange, or so it seemed. "Trouble in paradise," Cole reflected, as he returned his attention to the street. Then he jumped when he saw the two men holding Tommy guns. Cole debated his options for an instant, mostly wondering where were the guards he had believed to be about. Then, when he heard the steps moving toward the entrance, he dropped the tuning fork, which elicited a groan of displeasure from Lara. He ignored it, got up and ran toward the entrance. Cole was working on instinct at this point, more on a reflex from the war than any calculated move.
The two men he'd heard earlier had just crossed the threshold, and he went out after them. One of the men seemed noticeably older than the other. It wasn't hard to figure he was Fredo.
"Look out," he called to them. The younger one turned toward Cole irritably, but he still reacted instinctively by bending down, whereas the older one stood erect, as if startled by the warning. Cole saw that he was making a perfect target and went after him, throwing him to the ground just as the first bullets began to rain over their heads. Saul pulled out his gun as he lay down on the ground and began shooting back almost immediately. This all happened very quickly, and before he knew it, Cole heard an engine roaring as the car sped away. Underneath him, Fredo was struggling to get back up and as soon as Cole was certain that the danger had past, he freed the old man from his grasp.
Fredo shot an irate glance his way before calling angrily to Saul.
"What the fuck was that? Were you trying to have me killed?"
Saul seemed uncomfortable but he protested his innocence vigorously.
"Oh course not, boss. I'm not the one who called for this meeting. I had no idea they'd planned…" Rather than finishing this sentence however, Saul looked suspiciously toward Cole.
"Who the hell are you?"
Cole brushed the dust off his woollen suit before deigning an answer.
"I'm the bloke who just saved your butts… "
Saul took a menacing step toward him, but Fredo motioned him away.
"Who are you son?" He questioned more calmly.
"Cole Turner…I came here to tune your piano…"
"Really," Fredo questioned skeptically. "You don't look the part... How did you know about the shooters?"
"I saw them through your window and they looked suspicious to me. Right up to the point where they pulled the guns, and then I knew somebody was gonna get killed. But really, this questioning makes me wonder if I made the right decision…"
Fredo gave him a joyless smile.
"Don't get me wrong…I'm grateful you saved my life. It's just it seems so convenient…"
"I can assure you, I knew nothing of these men except they were about to cut you to pieces with bullets and I couldn't let that happen."
Fredo observed him intensely for a moment longer and Cole sustained his stare, certain that any sign of doubt on his part could prove unhealthy.
"Well boy, I gather you've got a job to finish," Fredo finally said, "and I've got some things to straighten up myself," he added while giving a pointed look at his lieutenant. "However, I'd really like to have a talk with you later…"
Cole didn't know how he should take this. But even if it could prove to be something bad, it could also be an opening to get much more than what Leo had expected from him seducing the singer. However, Cole knew better than to show too much interest.
"Right," he simply answered while turning back toward the house.
Fredo called to him then, stopping him in his tracks.
"You're not curious at all about what happened?"
Cole half-turned toward the old man and shot back:
"I don't make a habit of questioning things that don't concern me."
"Good…Stick around after you're done, boy…" Fredo simply replied. In spite of the peaceful tone of voice, Cole knew this was a summons he had better not ignore.
Cole continued toward the house but before he got in, he crossed paths with a hesitant Phoebe and a man carrying a gun at the ready. Cole couldn't help a derisive smile, as this was what he had expected but it came much too late to be of any use. Maybe Fredo needed better protection.
The girl looked understandably frightened, but she still didn't hesitate to go toward Fredo. Cole couldn't help being somewhat impressed as he watched her going, but the armed guard, who had stayed behind and stared at him threateningly, soon got his full attention.
"It's alright, Robbie," Fredo called, "you can let him in."
The guard reluctantly moved aside.
Cole stopped just inside the door, listening in for any useful information.
"What happened?" Phoebe asked Fredo.
"Nothing to concern you… Everything's fine, Lara," Fredo was saying reassuringly. "Just think of preparing for your new show and I'll take care of the rest…"
"But Fredo…"
"Lara," Fredo uttered very sharply, "I said not to worry…"
Phoebe almost stumbled on Cole as she reentered the house. She was visibly annoyed.
"What are you looking at," she snapped.
"Nothing…"
She kept silent for a moment, as if unsure about something, and then her expression became irate.
"You scratched the piano…Good going."
"I guess I'll have to satisfy myself with your protector's gratitude," Cole answered derisively. He couldn't help thinking that she was cold as ice. Her lover had almost been killed, but she seemed more concerned about the fate of the instrument. He began to wonder why she'd inquired about Fredo at all. Maybe it was more her own safety she worried about. In fact, Cole was increasingly convinced that it was the case, while taking in her put off attitude. "Don't worry about your piano. I'll take care of it." Cole added sharply, before going back toward the sitting room. He was disappointed to have lost this occasion to learn something, but Phoebe's presence there prevented him from pushing his luck. Meanwhile, he also guessed that he should let some time pass before trying to talk to her.
Phoebe watched him going with irritation, but also with some interest. He really was handsome and obviously fearless. She couldn't help finding that stimulating. Phoebe strongly suspected that he was very much aware of his appeal and had probably broken a lot of hearts. However, she wasn't like other women. She had learned long ago to silence the emotions which often plagued her gender.
As pleasant as the prospect of seducing him was, she soon set those thoughts aside to reflect on what just happened instead. She had known all along that Fredo was a shady character, but Phoebe had never really believed he would get shot at. She didn't like this one little bit and, in spite of his generosity, she began to consider finding another sponsor. Unfortunately, she thought then, her show was just about ready, and it was much too late to find someone else. Besides, Fredo had promised that big promoters would be present for her premiere. It was too good an occasion to miss.
Fredo was just coming back in and he and Saul went straight to Fredo's office, closing the door behind them. The seriousness of their expressions had done nothing to reassure Phoebe. Outside she also heard the car rolling down the driveway and guessed that Robbie had been sent on some errand, which she preferred not to think about. Things were very tense and the sight of a very frightened Maria in the hallway had Phoebe questioning her choices anew, even as she motioned the woman away impatiently.
However, she understood that she didn't have any other option; at least for the moment. Thus, she decided to hope for the best and she went back to the sitting room. In order to set her worries aside, she had made up her mind about the piano tuner. She would get him and exactly where she wanted him. This would actually constitute a very good distraction from the unpleasantness. However, Cole didn't give a sign that he even noticed her return and she had pain hiding her irritation as she went back toward the ottoman. Deep down, Phoebe craved attention and detested being ignored. That is, ever since the Reform School…
Her first few months there had seen Phoebe resuming her pattern of reclusion. Most girls at the School were tough and stared at her in what she considered a threatening manner, which led her to try disappearing in the background. "Why did I have to end up here," she often asked herself miserably. After all, she wasn't the guilty one. Those bastards were… To add to her burden, her father passed away six months into her incarceration and left all his money to none other than the very orphanage, which in Phoebe's mind, had been the cause of all her suffering. No doubts, he had done this for spite. This coupled with the mixed feelings about his passing, caused Phoebe to throw such a tantrum that she had to be restrained and isolated.
They had tied her up with the same kind of leather bounds used for insane people in asylums. This made her imprisonment feel even more horrible. She struggled to get free for a long time, but in the end, when even her screams went ignored, she gave up out of exhaustion. Then after lights out, the same woman who had given her the news about her father came back. The matron had brought in a handbag that Phoebe recognized as one of her own and she put it at the foot of the bed. Instead of leaving the room afterward, she came back toward Phoebe and observed her intensely. Phoebe's curiosity about the content of the bag melted away as she felt utterly vulnerable at this point, sensing the intense scrutiny of the woman. Finally, this one extended a hesitating hand toward Phoebe and began caressing her stomach in a much too intimate fashion. Phoebe was strangled by fear and stayed immobile at first, which caused the woman to embolden herself, as her hand moved toward Phoebe's breasts. She then began fondling her to Phoebe's utter disgust. At this point, Phoebe reacted.
"Get away from me," she uttered in a frightened voice.
"Sorry," had been the woman's reaction, as she quickly removed her hand, to Phoebe's surprise. "It's just, you're so pretty…"
Phoebe was about to ask her to leave, but the prospect of remaining a prisoner of those restraints was even more distressing than the woman's disposition toward her. Therefore, and in spite of the intense disgust she felt for the matron, she pleaded with her.
"Please, untie me? I promise I'll be calm…"
"I don't know…the others might get upset…" the woman called Sylvia uttered hesitantly.
Even if at first Sylvia had seemed threatening to Phoebe, the hesitant attitude told her that maybe the matron wasn't as tough as she had appeared. In fact, she seemed almost apologetic.
"I'll tell them I freed myself…" Phoebe tried again. "No one has to know it was you, I swear. Just please untie me. These restraints are hurting me…"
Sylvia gave a quick look at the door, and then she proceeded to remove the leather bounds to Phoebe's relief. However, this was shadowed by her fear that Sylvia might demand more from her. Instead, the woman simply watched Phoebe from a distance for a while longer, and then she left the room, allowing Phoebe to breathe easier. After a long moment, Phoebe went to look at the contents of the bag and found that there was very little in it. Only some personal items she guessed her Cousin Paige had salvaged before the estate was settled. There were a few of the trinkets Paige had given her through the years, including a new make up box, which made Phoebe smile. Then at the very bottom of the bag, she found her journal. In there, she had confided all of what happened to her in the last few years; the bad and the good. This also included the song she had composed before her life was turned upside down. Phoebe read the words, but their meaning was now completely lost on her. On the contrary, it only made her angry. That day, she almost threw away the accursed book but decided to keep it as a reminder of the deviousness of men.
After she managed to calm down and her fright of earlier vanished, Phoebe began to see the incident with Sylvia as another proof that she could obtain favors from others because of the way she looked. Even so, it took Phoebe a long time to take advantage of this fully, but when she found that a simple smile on her part got her all sorts of special treatments, she began emboldening herself.
Eventually, Sylvia developed a strong affection for Phoebe and this one learned to use it to its full extent After she managed to set aside most of her scruples, she allowed the woman to watch her undress, and even shower on many occasions. Fortunately for her, Sylvia was content with this for a long time, even if Phoebe never showed her true affection.
In fact, if she never returned Sylvia's interest, Phoebe had taken to enjoying this situation in a strange way. The matron's admiration was a reassurance about her looks, and even though the thought of ever letting things go any further revolted her, Phoebe couldn't help the thrills that came from those moments. It wasn't so much who liked her, but that someone did. In time, she also learned to recognize this admiration in others who watched her with the same apparent desire and instead of her first reaction of disgust, it made her feel better and better. Much more than this, it made her feel powerful.
Sylvia reinforced this impression by protecting her against the most dangerous girls living there and also some of the most severe matrons. She even got Phoebe a room by herself and a phonograph. In time, this last luxury reawakened Phoebe's desire to sing. However, her motivation for doing so had changed a lot. She no longer trusted in the purity of music. In reality, she didn't believe that anything or anyone was pure; not even her constant friend Paige. Instead, she craved for more of the admiration and even the adulation she had experienced during her time there, because she came to believe it was her due, and she figured it would be even greater if she became a celebrated performer.
Phoebe wanted this very badly and was ready to do anything to attain this goal. First though, she had to get out of this accursed place. In order to do that, she had asked for Paige's mother to intercede in her favor. That day, two years into her incarceration, Paige was coming to give Phoebe the news about it, and she chose not to show her impatience even when Paige inquired about the strange looks the matron was giving them instead of telling her what she really wanted to know. Phoebe's hope was thin at best, and thinning more for every moment that Paige delayed her answer.
"What's her deal," Paige asked with obvious disgust. Phoebe knew what it looked like and it was exactly what it seemed: jealousy.
Sylvia had become very possessive of her lately and was watching Phoebe like a hawk, which was another good reason for Phoebe to want out. She had no intention of ever belonging to anyone… Unfortunately, she understood that if Paige had failed, she would have to take things in her own hands. "So be it," she thought as she replied.
"Don't worry about her."
"But I do worry, Phoebe," Paige exclaimed, although low enough for only Phoebe to hear. However, her news was not good and what Paige believed she saw there made it even sadder. "I'm so sorry, Phoebe," Paige finally admitted, "Mother tried everything, but they won't be swayed. I wish I had better news…"
Even if she had expected it, this revelation hit Phoebe hard. She was willing to go through with the alternative, but she had hoped she would be spared.
Paige saw her cousin's dark expression and it worried her more.
"Are you sure that you're ok in here? You keep saying you're well treated but… the way she looks at you… Maybe we could try talking to them again…tell them you're in danger…"
"Don't bother," Phoebe answered curtly. She didn't want Paige to feel bad, but her disappointment was very intense at the moment.
Phoebe was seventeen, and short of a miracle, she wouldn't be let out of the Reform School until her majority, which was four years down the road. For a while, she had hoped that Paige and her mother's plea for her release stood a chance, but it obviously had been a delusion. However, Phoebe's anger toward Paige died as she took in the pained look this one gave her.
"That's alright, Paige. I didn't believe it'd work anyway. It's not your fault. One day, I'll be free and it's all gonna be behind me. I'll be just fine till then." She said calmly.
"Mother and I will always be there for you, you know that don't you Phoebe?"
Phoebe wished it were true, but she knew that it wouldn't be for much longer. Not after what she planned. They'd probably want nothing to do with her afterward. Still, she reassured Paige.
"Of course I do. You were always my best friend…"
Paige smiled sadly.
"I was your only friend…and that's so not fair. You've got so much to give Phoebe."
To herself, Phoebe thought that indeed she had much to give and much more to receive.
For Paige, she pursued:
"It doesn't change the fact that you're the best friend anyone could have. I want you to know I would never have survived all of this without your friendship. But I'm truly fine now and you shouldn't worry about me."
Paige hugged her tight at this, and for a moment, Phoebe wished things didn't have to be the way they were. She also wished that she could tell her of her plans, but Paige wouldn't understand and might even try to dissuade her. Phoebe had already made up her mind that no one, not even Paige would stand in the way of her future…
As the insistent knock on the door pulled her out of her reveries, Phoebe believed that she had been right, even if the five long years she had not seen her cousin afterward had weighed heavily on her. The loud voice startled her, particularly when she heard what it was saying.
"Police! Open up!"
Cole was also startled by the visitor but not really surprised. In fact, he thought that they had taken their jolly time. However, when he glanced at Phoebe, he recognized a hint of fear in her eyes. Maybe it was because of the company she kept, but he couldn't help wondering if there wasn't some other reason for her worries. Far from a deterrent, it was even more of a thrill to think that she might be personally in trouble with the law. Cole was now eager to get into the thick of things with her. However, he knew that he couldn't let his impatience dictate his actions. She would be a challenge, but he was confident that with some smart moves he could get her to eat right out of the palm of his hand. Cole had never failed before and the fact that it might prove difficult wouldn't change the end result. Like all the others, he would make her fall for him. Leo had been right; Cole was already enjoying this thoroughly. And it didn't hurt that he found her prettier every time he looked at her.
Heavy steps in the foyer caught his attention again.
"What do you want?" Saul asked, as if he didn't know what the police was doing there.
"I came to investigate alleged gunfire…"
"As you can see, we're just fine thank you."
Then the voices lowered to a whisper, so that Cole couldn't hear a thing anymore. He got the impression that the first part of the conversation had been for show. This was reinforced in his mind when he saw the policeman go back to his car without having set foot in the house. The man was carrying an envelope in his hand and Cole didn't doubt it was filled with cash. The police were notoriously on the take in this city, and although it was the first time he saw it happening, this didn't surprise him either. He figured that Leo might be interested in this tidbit and he memorized the licence plate. Then Cole gave another discreet glance toward Phoebe and her relief was obvious. Definitely something amiss with her… He could use this, but Cole knew that he'd need more than suspicions…
Even if Phoebe believed they had long forgotten about her, the visit of a policeman brought back the old fear of being retaken. She had waited years before she dared coming back to Chicago and showing them all by becoming the star she had dreamed about. Even if it would have felt better to succeed as Phoebe Halliwell, she understood that she would have to satisfy herself in knowing she'd beaten them all. At least Paige would know and that was a consolation. Not even Paige's husband knew her real name and Paige's mother had passed away a year before Phoebe's return. Phoebe had insisted on her silence the very first time she met Paige again after all those years and thankfully, she had agreed.
Phoebe chased the worries aside and smiled alluringly when she saw Cole watching her.
If Cole had thought she didn't notice his scrutiny, he was disillusioned shortly when he saw her smiling. He was taken aback by the abrupt change in her attitude, wondering even more what her game was at this point. Rather than showing his surprise however, he gave her his most charming smile, as if he had expected this, and then he returned to his work. "Better to let her simmer a little longer," he thought. The strange warmth he felt at seeing her smile, he preferred to forget about.
Phoebe almost growled when she saw how little he seemed affected by her attempt at seduction. "What's his deal?" she reflected. For the first time, she wondered if she had read him right. Who knew, maybe he was another of those men who preferred guys. This wouldn't have shocked her, but she found the idea disheartening. It wouldn't have been her first experience of the sort. In fact, such a man had helped her in New York after she escaped the Reform School.
Phoebe was about to get lost in the reminiscences again when she realized what she was doing. It had been like this for the last week, with her remembering everything, and mostly what she'd wished to forget. Maybe it was the new show that unnerved her so? Or maybe the fact that the driver had dumped her without warning; which had been a sore point with her... No one dumped Phoebe Halliwell. She dumped them. She gave another appreciative look at Cole then. She admired his tight body, while imagining herself ripping his clothes off right then. The temptation was great to drop the game and follow her urges. If he had other preferences, it would soon be obvious anyway, but she doubted that. Even as she observed him, he dropped a tool noisily and as he bent to pick it up, she saw him staring at her thighs. It had been quick but the obvious lust she had seen in his eyes confirmed that his preference definitely went to girls. Phoebe smiled contentedly. "So you're just playing coy with me, are you," she thought to herself. From his attitude of earlier, Phoebe knew he was not timid. Therefore, the only other explanation was that he was toying with her. This was interesting as most men were rather direct and easily seduced. This would prove even more entertaining than she had believed.
The tediousness of his work didn't keep Cole busy enough to prevent his imagination from running wild. The little peep show of earlier had only stimulated his desire. He wondered what it was exactly that excited him so. Maybe it was simply the fact that she seemed just as ready to play the game as he was. Whatever the reason, he realized how long it had been since he had truly desired a woman. He could go through the motions of sex, and take enormous pleasure at it, but the women's appearances were a blur in his mind. On the other hand, this girl…now she was something else. He had to refrain more than once from looking back, as it would have given her an advantage over him. The sensation actually frightened him a little. Not that he really believed he could fall for a woman, considering what he thought of them, but there was always a slight possibility. After all, it had happened to his friend. In spite of Paul's protestations against Cole's lifestyle, he had not become what one might call respectable until he met Lydia.
It happened one night where they were on the prowl for some fun, a year or so after the war. Cole still had to find his true calling, and was working as a cashier in a general store. Paul had only recently begun working at the Gazette and Leo was earning his keep in his father's shop. The three young men spent most of their free time together.
"Who gets first pick," Paul had asked with a sly smile.
"Hey, fair is fair. We'll let the ladies decide." Cole had answered, obviously amused as well.
They were walking down a street lined with saloons where they knew girls were of the easy sort and that suited them fine at this point. This was just before the Prohibition and all the troubles it would bring along. They were all in their late teens, early twenties and with little care about anything besides their own satisfaction. Although Leo still had this gentle quality about him then, along with an easy smile. A world of difference from what he had become. At the time, he was also shy with the ladies and that night, Paul and Cole had decided to emancipate him. Even during the war, when the girls had been falling over each other to get a date with soldiers, Leo had stayed clear of this little dance. And ever since, in spite of having spent the last year with them, he always ended up as the fifth wheel. His friends now believed that his shyness had lasted long enough.
"Tonight's the night," Cole told Leo. "We'll find you someone… leftovers if necessary…"
Leo struck his shoulder hard at this, but they were used to playing rough.
"Hey come on, Leo, I was just kidding you. How about we make sure you get first pick?"
"Speak for yourself," Paul uttered with a chuckle.
"You're just jealous," Cole retorted with a grin. "How long has it been?"
"Much less time than you think," Paul protested mildly. "And if you think we're gonna have this little contest of yours again tonight; you've got another one coming…"
"Chicken!"
"We're here to have fun, not to compete, remember?"
Cole only laughed heartily at this.
"I'm not so sure about this," Leo finally intervened.
"About what?" Paul questioned in surprise. "Hey, now we see who the real chicken is…There's nothing scary about girls you know. You might even prefer it to your solitary pleasure…"
"Paul, for god sake!" Leo exclaimed, his face turning crimson.
"Now, if you wanna be a real man, you gotta face your fears, Leo," Cole added. "Hell, you went through the war like us and trust me on this; a girl is much less dangerous. Just imagine your head buried between two soft breasts, and how it's gonna feel when you have a real woman opening her legs for you."
"If you guys don't shut up, I'm going home. People are staring…"
Cole checked his claim and grinned anew when he saw a few older men watching them.
"They're just dirty old geezers who wish they could do what you will soon…"
"I don't think of women like you do guys…"
"Not yet…" Paul uttered mockingly.
"I don't think I ever will…"
"Come on," Cole tried again, "the girls around here expect to put out. In fact, they're better than the average woman. At least, they don't pretend to be prudes. I sorta prefer that myself…" Then after a glance toward Leo, he couldn't help adding:
"Of course, if you start itching in the morning, be sure to check in with your doc…"
Paul slapped his arm, albeit with a chuckle.
"Hey, are you trying to talk him into it or out of it?"
After a bout of a friendly fist fight with Paul, Cole offered that Leo might need a few drinks to loosen up. They all entered the next saloon, which was a relatively more sophisticated establishment, although just as clouded by smoke and as noisy as most of the others. They had barely time to sit before Paul noticed a tall blond among a group of girls. From that moment on, his attitude toward women changed radically; or rather toward one in particular, Cole remembered.
"Paul?" He asked after seeing his friend holding a drink for at least a minute without making a move to bring it to his lips.
"Have you seen her?" Paul questioned without taking his eyes from the girls. Cole followed his stare and saw that indeed there were a few pretty ones in the lot, but he still didn't get what Paul was so intent about.
"Her who?"
"The woman of my dreams," Paul uttered without even thinking.
"Hey, maybe you drank more of this stuff than I thought," Cole bantered.
Paul finally glanced his way.
"Oh come on, you can't tell me she's not the prettiest thing you've ever seen."
"Now, I might agree with you if I knew which one you're talking about."
Paul stared at him incredulously.
"Are you so far gone that you can't even recognize an angel when you see one?"
Cole shrugged and tried once again to have a good look at the girls. Then, he guessed at which one had caught Paul's fancy only because she was blond and tall, as he usually liked them. Until then however, he had only seen her from behind, although he had to admit that the view was nice there too. When she turned toward them, he saw her staring sweetly in Paul's direction and he was convinced that she was the one.
"That blond?"
"Oh never mind," Paul uttered irritably.
"Hey! I don't mean anything by that. It's just I'm surprised you're so into her…What's more, you should try to remember where we are…"
"She doesn't look like one of those girls…"
Cole shook his head and returned to his drink, convinced that this would only be a passing thing. How wrong had he been! That night, Leo never got around being with a girl and he didn't really complain. In time he met a nice girl as he had wished and got married almost right away. Cole couldn't help thinking that maybe if he'd had more experience, he wouldn't have rushed things.
Rather than what they had planned, they stayed in this saloon and Paul took an eternity before he went to the blond. Even then, all he managed to do was get her name and the promise that she would be back the following week.
Every night after that, Paul insisted they go back to this place, obviously in case she showed up. Cole tried to convince him to give up on this folly, but nothing would do.
"You know Paul you're becoming a bore…" He told him on the third night.
"I'm not forcing you to stick with me, Cole."
"You don't have to. You know that," Cole replied, slightly hurt by his friend's comment. "It's just I'm wondering what happened to the guy I knew until last week?"
"I'm still the same guy, Cole. I just think I could get more than a few thrills out of my life…"
"Boy, you got it bad. I wouldn't be surprised if you started spouted poetry again."
"Maybe I will…"
"Hum," Cole had just grumbled, not too sure he wanted to be part of this. Still, Paul was his friend and if that's what he wanted, they would go back there for as long as it would take for him to get over his infatuation.
The night that she had promised to come had arrived at last and Paul was fidgeting nervously, even more of a wreck than he had been all week.
"What if she doesn't show up?"
"Then my man, she's an idiot…"
"Hey, don't speak about her like that!" Paul exclaimed.
"Good god, man, you don't even know her. For all you know, she is an idiot."
"Cole," Paul uttered warningly.
"Alright, alright…"
"I intend to know her…" Paul continued more calmly, "at least if she ever shows up."
When she had finally entered the saloon, Cole understood that it hadn't been a fluke. Paul seemed transfixed from the moment he saw her. Lydia Spencer was the girl's name and eventually, she became Mrs. McKail after a long and steamy courtship during which Cole feared he had almost lost his friend. That would have been just about the end of all. Paul had been his only anchor throughout the worse times and stuck with him even when he had disapproved of Cole's behaviour. Thus, Cole mostly put aside his own reservations about his friend's relationship and decided to go with the flow. He remembered the night before Paul's wedding, which was the one time he brushed the subject with Paul. Cole had offered one last evening of freedom to Paul, half expecting he'd refuse. Paul had surprised him by accepting his offer and for a while there, Cole believed that his friend was having second thoughts. However, it soon became apparent he was more determined than ever.
They found themselves in one of the speakeasies, which had begun replacing the saloons since the Prohibition. If anything, the law against alcohol consumption had pushed people to drink more… That was almost a year and a half after Paul and Lydia's first meeting.
"So Paul… Having second thoughts?"
"You'd think that, wouldn't you?"
"Well, I heard that many grooms develop cold feet the night before their wedding. I was wondering if you'd come to your senses."
"Cole, I came to my senses the day I proposed. I'm happier than you could ever imagine."
"Then, I guess if you're happy, I'm happy too."
"Well good, because as my best man, I'd kind of hope you would share my joy; not try to talk me out of it…"
"I won't anymore; cross my heart," Cole uttered with a cocky smile.
"You better…Who knows, maybe one day you'll do more than being the best man?"
"Don't hold your breath…"
"And you're satisfied with the way things are going?"
"That's me…always the best man, never the groom," Cole joked, referring to Leo's wedding, which had taken place only a month prior. "And yes, very satisfied Paul."
"I can't help wondering how this can be," Paul insisted after taking a small sip of the drink he'd been nursing for a while. "You know, I'd be even happier if I knew you gave up that grudge…"
"You shouldn't worry yourself about me. I'm just fine, really."
"I'm still hoping that you'll find the right one eventually…"
This time, Cole shrugged with irritation.
"Paul, if this ever happens, I'll rip my own heart out of my chest."
"Why being so dramatic?"
"At least, this way I'll get to do it before she does…"
"You really should rethink this attitude…not all women are like that girl…"
"Let's not discuss it anymore if you don't mind. I'll grant you one thing. You've found the exception and I wish you all the joy in the world with her," Cole said with a sincere smile, as he lifted his glass toward Paul.
Paul seemed uncertain, but he decided against pursuing the discussion. At least that time…
As Cole closed the lid of the piano, he admitted to himself that in spite of a few hurdles along the way, his friends' marriages were enduring. Even Leo's marriage, although his was a lot rockier… He often wondered why he and this Piper were still together. This mystery, he couldn't begin to explain, as neither this, nor Paul's continuing relationship had convinced him that true love existed. He simply believed that Lydia and Paul got along nicely and that Piper and Leo decided to last no matter what.
Cole realized that he had been lost in thoughts again, but at least, it had prevented him from making his move too soon. In fact, he congratulated himself inwardly when he felt her light fingers on his shoulder.
"Finished at last?" Phoebe commented with a hint of mockery. She was more certain than ever that he was ready to eat out her hands and that even if his next words seemed to tell another story. As he looked up, his eyes on her were more eloquent than any word.
Even as Cole admired her, he couldn't help thinking that the girl had a knack for finding just the right words to irritate.
"If you don't trust the job was well done, I invite you to play something," Cole replied as he got up and indicated the bench to her. When she didn't make a move to sit, he shrugged and gathered his tools. All the while, he was watching her and he knew that she did the same.
"I don't think you're done actually," Phoebe finally said.
"And what makes you think that?"
Phoebe moved closer.
"You promised to repair your mess," she said, pointing nonchalantly at the barely visible scratch the tuning fork had left.
"Then, I guess I'll have to come back…"
"You did say you would take care of it…" Phoebe's voice had softened considerably, and he knew she didn't care so much about the scratch anymore.
"I didn't say when…" Cole continued, playing the game. Neither one even remotely cared that Fredo was still somewhere in the house at this point. All the while, he could see what she was so blatantly offering in spite of her reproaches. Phoebe was standing so close to him that she almost touched him, and he wanted to grab her and throw her over the piano right then. It was obvious that's what she expected of him. She was licking her lips invitingly, as ready and willing as any woman he'd ever known, and yet, strangely, he hesitated.
"What the hell is he waiting for," Phoebe wondered. She had seen him getting antsier as time went by. He was obviously itching to take her. Of that there was no doubt in her mind. And yet, he was standing there, doing nothing. It was even more frustrating as she had spent the last hour fantasizing and she couldn't wait to make it a reality.
Cole didn't know if it was the stupid reminiscence about Paul's wedding or the fact that he had worked on this piano much longer than anticipated, but as he was about to take what she offered, he heard music in his mind for the first time in years. This acted like a cold shower that even made him forget his purpose for being there. He pulled himself away from her suddenly and grabbed his bag of tools.
"Where the hell do you think you're going," Phoebe called irately, as he stepped away from her. She no longer tried to hide her feelings, so angry she was that he would reject her.
"I'll be back tomorrow with some polish to repair the scratch," Cole answered curtly suddenly impatient to leave the room. He couldn't believe it… even as he almost ran out of the sitting room he realized that he was saying no to a sure thing. He had her exactly where he wanted and yet, here he was, like a scared college boy. This struck him so that he almost turned back. But as soon as he thought of doing so, the accursed music came back as if to mock him. Cole finally reasoned that she simply wasn't worth the trouble and headed for the entrance. He already had his hand on the doorknob when Saul's harsh voice stopped him short.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Cole only then remembered Fredo's request and he turned slowly toward the lieutenant.