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Scottsboro, WV—Christmas Eve, 2008
Standing in the shadows of the shoddily constructed “stage” at the rear of the space he had rented to serve as his “church,” Brother Ron watched with curiosity as a good-looking, young woman entered through the glass door at the front of the building. It was unusual for females to attend his services, especially any as attractive as this one. She was of average height, and appeared to be in her mid-to-late twenties, with long, dark auburn hair worn straight. She had on tan, corduroy slacks, a light-blue, man-tailored shirt tucked in at the waist, and a loose-fitting, brown, suede blazer. On her feet were immaculate penny loafers. Among the other shoddily dressed attendees, she stuck out like a spider in an ant farm. But what really caught his attention were her eyes; they were dark brown—and enormous. Even from forty feet away, Ron sensed an animal attraction that caused his breath to grow ragged.
What the hell is a classy-looking broad like that doing in a joint like this? Ron watched her intently as she moved through the room, his curiosity growing. She appeared to be searching for someone in particular; then, spotting Ron, her gaze intensified, and she started in his direction. What does she want with me? He adjusted his tie (the only one he possessed) and stepped down off the wooden platform. What the hell, might as well introduce myself. He made his way toward her, and they met in the middle of the room.
“Welcome,” he said in a loud voice. “It’s nice of you to join us.” What a bunch of crap, he thought. “I’m Brother Ron...and you are?”
“Winona. Winona Stepp,” she said, smiling and extending her hand.
Nice smile, thought Ron. He couldn’t help noticing the firm, young bosom, barely concealed beneath her pale blue blouse, the top two buttons open and somewhat inviting. Nice tits, too.
“So nice to have you with us,” he said, taking her hand in his, and holding it a bit longer than he ought to have, enjoying the feel of her soft skin against his own calloused palm. “What brings you out on such a nasty night, anyway?” God, I am so full of shit. The whole thing had the feel of a high-stakes poker game, with the opponents making small, exploratory bets, feeling each other out.
“Actually,” she said, “I was just curious.”
Curious, my ass, he thought. This broad wants something. If nothing else, Ron was the quintessential skeptic—a predisposition that had served him well in prison.
“I was doing a bit of last-minute shopping and I saw the lights on. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but...is this...a church?”
Was she for real? Okay, he thought, I’ll play along.
“Well, it sure as heck is, Little Lady,” said Ron, affecting his best John Wayne drawl.
Winona blushed, and started to apologize. “Oh, no, I didn’t mean to say—”
“No, no,” interrupted Ron. “It’s cool. I was just being a smartass. I just meant that it might not look like much of anything, but it isn’t because we’re not trying.” It had been a long time since he’d talked to a female—let alone one as attractive as this one. He let his imagination wander.
As if reading his mind, Winona said, “I was wondering if you could use some help.
Here it comes.
“You know, decorating, or...cleaning...you know...whatever...”
“Well, we probably could,” said Ron. “But, we don’t exactly have anything in our...uh...budget for—”
“You keep saying ‘we,’” said Winona. “Do you have a partner?”
“A partner?” Ron laughed. “Not a chance. I’m afraid it’s just me and my shadow.” He feigned a soft-shoe dance step, and then made an exaggerated bow. Owing to the wear and tear of prison life, he looked considerably older than his actual age of twenty-five, and certainly carried himself in a way that belied his true persona, that of a con man. Then Winona revealed her hand.
“How’d you like to have one?” she asked.
“One what?” asked Ron.
“Why...a...partner, of course,” replied Winona. “That’s what.”
Ron coughed, his voice catching in his throat. He never expected this. “Are you serious?”
Winona’s face seemed to change, the softness disappearing along with her smile.
“I most certainly am,” she replied. “It doesn’t take a genius to see that you need me as much as I need you.” She had a full house, “aces over,” and she wasn’t backing down.
“How do you know—”
“I know everything,” she said. Do you really think I just wandered in here? I’ve been asking around about you for over a week. FCI Talladega, wasn’t it?”
Shit. Now what do I do? Ron could feel his hands growing clammy. I don’t need this shit. “Okay, what do you want?” he asked.
“Not much really,” said Winona. “I just want to be part of your little side show. That’s all. I left my old man a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been staying with a cousin over in Schuylerville. But, she hasn’t got two nickels to rub together—and besides, her old man’s a drunk just like mine. He might get tired of beating up on her and start hitting on me. I sure as heck don’t need that.”
“So you figure you’ll just join up with me, huh?”
“Well, I wouldn’t put it quite that way, but, sure, why not? Besides, it might be fun.” She leaned against Ron, letting her breasts rub against his chest to reinforce her position.
It sure would, thought Ron. He had to admit, though, that he was a bit perplexed, considering the way her classy looks contrasted with her actions. Damn. He never was any good at figuring out women. Now what should I do?
“Well, what do you say? Deal?” Winona’s eyes danced with desire.
“Let me sleep on it.”
“Better yet,” whispered Winona into his ear. “Why don’t we sleep on it?”
So, they did. And that’s how it all began.