Seven Women: An Erotic Private Investigation

Chapter 22…

“See ya,” Amelia says as she leaves the cab and goes into the building she lives.

“I’m just two blocks away,” Tasha says to the driver, and gives him her address. I turn to look at her. One eye is covered with hair; her other eye glances at me in the darkness of the car. I think I should move into the back with her. It feels right at the moment, but the cab goes — and then it’s too late. It’s a short ride to her home.

“Have you talked to Veronica lately?” Tasha asks.

“No,” I say.

“Really?”

“Things change,” I say. “The balance of power, like your friend said. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you’d like, like your other friend said. You have wise friends these days.” I feel stupid.

“Yes,” Tasha says, “I know.”

Silence.

“When you see or talk to her again,” she says, “tell her I said hi.”

“I will.”

“Tell her — tell her I hope things are okay.”

“Things will never ultimately be okay for her.”

“And you?” she asks.

I don’t know what to say, except “Tasha—” I turn to look at her.

“Yes?” she asks.

The cab stops.

*****

I want to walk her to her door, but she tells me no, she’ll be okay. She won’t look at me. My ex-wife doesn’t even say good night, only, “We’ll talk.” Then she’s gone.

“A looker,” the cabby says.

I give him my address.

He drives. He could drive forever and I wouldn’t care.

“You folks are the nicest I’ve had in the car all night,” the cabby tells me. “I’ve had some wild ones tonight. Dunno what it is. Maybe a full moon? I don’t see none. I guess it’s just one of those nights.”

“Yeah,” I say.