A PUPPET ON A STRING

CHAPTER 2

Marilyn. A petite Latin American beauty, with long dark hair. Frank had me ether a year earlier at a Casino. Sitting alone at a long bar overlooking the tables.Both quietly enjoying their drinks. Frank was not a man to hit on women. He preferred keeping to himself. For some unknown reason they started talking.After the fall out with his ex-wife he certainly did not want a repeat performance. But some things in life we have no control over. As if the Universe had conspired to push Frank's life in a specific direction.

It couldn't be avoided.Marilyn initiated the conversation."What are you doing?" She had asked innocently.

"Oh... Just taking numbers down."

"What for?"

"It's cheaper than playing. I get to see if I can win without losing money...It's what we Accountants do for fun... So what's your name?" Frank diverted back to her.

"Marilyn." She smiled and flashed her eyes.

"That's a nice name... I'm Frank."

And shook her small delicate hand.Further small talk revealed Marilyn was married, with her husband still  . And that she waited tables at a restaurant catering Mexican cuisine.Sending back what she could afford to her family Tijuana. It was a relationship Frank had trouble understanding. But one which Marilyn had little trouble accepting. Some cultures are just different to others thought Frank. Within  of casual meetings they had fallen into bed and became lovers.  's sexual drought.

And finding a peace he had long since forgotten. To Marilyn it satisfied her own sexual frustrations.Moving in with Frank soon after their affair began. Frank's  little disruption to their relationship. But what was their relationship?Being Catholic, Marilyn was unwilling to divorce. The writing was on the wall unless something happened to her husband. No doubt he had a mistress tending to his own carnal digressions. For Frank it was better not to think about  affairs. Knowing it could end at any time.Frank enjoyed the best of both worlds. A sexual arrangement, without the commitment. Marilyn filled a hole in Frank' life.

As no doubt he filled one in hers. Worries of the ex-wife faded as he found himself falling in love with Marilyn. This time he had nothing to lose. His ex-wife had taken everything the first time. The emotional bank was empty. Marilyn was the perfect lover.Sensual. Sensitive. Seductive.

Everything he ever wanted in a woman.Everything his ex-wife was not. Compared with Marilyn, there was no comparison.Frank glimpses the mirror on the wall and sees the reflection of the man in the dark suit looking at him. Who is he? IRS? Debt collector? Frank gulps a mouthful of bourbon. And turns about hoping to catch the man staring. But hehad resumed his newspaper.

"Psst... Tomo..." Frank catches his attention.Tomo moves closer polishing a glass in his hand.

"What's up? You want another one already?"

"Nah I'm good... What's with the guy in the dark suit? Keeps looking at me." Frank whispers trying to keep his voice down.

Tomo looks over to the man sitting quietly in the booth.

"Don't know... Been here a few times now... Just sits there and reads the paper. Keeps to himself... Always looking about at people. Don't take it personally... Unless he hits on you... Want me to have a word with him?"

"Nah. Nah. I'm good... Just get a feeling I'm going to be served with something."