Under the Bridge

Under the Bridge

Story by Susan Reetz

Photo by Irene MacFarland

That fish jumped, straight up through the air, out of its element, turned, and dove back down to what it knew best. It was then that I realized just how hungry I was. Fish doesn’t normally appeal to me, but extreme times call for extreme measures.

Gone are the days of regular foot traffic in this part of town. Now everyone is in such a hurry they drive. Gas-swilling exhaust-belching vehicles swarm at top speeds, engines roaring, ruining my piece of heaven.

Once upon a time I was respected. Some feared me. Many tried to match wits with me and most faced  failure. Only a few crossed my path and lived to tell about it. They and their blasted descendants went on to create this false environment and push me into obscurity.

So here I sit. Under the bridge. Waiting for a weary traveler to cross the bridge above me. I have questions three and a growling emptiness waiting to be filled.

Treasure Hunt

What fun is a treasure hunt if the treasure is not hidden? I’m not afraid to work for my rewards. I’m actually good with delayed gratification, so long as it’s not delayed too long. That’s why I always give them a head start. It’s so much more, interesting.

And I never know where the next one will be.

Today, for example, I spotted her at the local swimming pool. I’d had no intention of finding anyone again so soon, but as she swam by her hand brushed my chest. Instant heat followed, charcoal, long soaked in lighter fluid, kissed by the flame of her touch. I caught sight of her heels as she flicked her strong legs behind her. I have always liked a well shaped foot, and hers were bewitching.

So I waited for down the street. My lucky day; she’d forgotten her shoes and the pebble strewn blacktop was painfully hot to her naked feet. I offered her a ride. She got in.

I locked the doors and leaned over to help her with the seatbelt. She didn’t even see the cloth in my hand or smell its sweetness until it was already at her face.

We drove a while in companionable silence, past homes and fields. The trees were thick on the old logging road where I parked. I left the doors open and walked away. I knew she’d wake up soon, and I wanted to give her time. 

I had all night to find my treasure.

Abduction

Gary stowed the bottle under the front seat. According to the latest weather report, the evening was supposed to be clear with a full moon. The temperature was predicted to drop below zero, but he didn't feel cold. He was too focused to notice the chill spreading through his car.

The engine ticked, slowly releasing the last dregs of heat. Gary patted  his pocket to make sure the keys were still there. The adhesive on his sideburns stretched his skin uncomfortably, and the wig itched, but he couldn’t chance any passersby recognizing him.

Six long days ago his office phone rang. He answered, and got the shock of his life. Someone had abducted Shannon. He was so shaken he couldn't make even simple numbers add up. 

When he met Shannon it was mutual love at first sight. They reveled in each other. They both enjoyed the outdoors and long afternoon naps on the weekends. Gary found himself working even harder at the CPA firm so he could buy her the best of everything. He would do anything for her, even break the law to get her back.

So here he sat at the bottom of the ski hill, waiting for the abductor and the return of his beloved Shannon.

As dusk deepened, leaving the mountain in silhouette and adding mystery to its very existence, a van slowly rolled up. Gary exited his car.

“Did you bring it?”

“Here you go.” 

Gary passed the bottle of Colt 45 to the pimply teenager and in return, took Shannon in his arms. The tiny Yorkie licked his face and yipped in relief. 

Last Resort

Lucy sat in the coffee shop, privy to a clear, unfortunate view of snow falling from the late April sky. 

Unbearable. That’s what this was. Her knee bounced beneath the table in a rhythm of its own.

She wished she was on a plane, flying to some new scene replete with dashing and unforgettable characters which, she was sure, lay just beyond this horizon. Yet, disappointingly, here she was. In Wausau. And it was snowing. Again.

Experience told her that warmer weather would eventually arrive, but in the meantime, she might have to resort to radical measures. Resort. Hmmm. She had savings. Maybe she’d book a last minute trip to an exotic location where she’d enjoy margaritas on the beach, the sound of surf lapping, and a few rounds of water volleyball. Maybe she’d even meet a cute, mysterious guy.

There was no doubt. She needed excitement and a break from the crummy weather, and a trip would be the fastest way to get both.

As she picked up her iPhone to search for the latest Groupon Getaway deals, the door opened admitting a swirl of snow, cold air, and a handsome man. 

“They’ll have little chance of succeeding unless we help them,” he uttered his voice deep and accented. “I know this plan is our last resort, but we need to step in and make this all right.”

Lucy forgot all about the weather.