CHAPTER 48

 

9:05 p.m., Tuesday, May 16

Rita’s relationship with Carl, her Internet friend, had cooled considerably; in fact, it appeared to be all but over. He meant well, she thought, but it seemed as if all his time was either occupied with work or his kids. Somehow, he could never fit Rita into his schedule, and they still hadn’t met each other face-to-face. Maybe his ex-wife knew what she was doing, after all. Rita decided she didn’t need the hassle of a man with kids, not to mention one with no time for her. There was every possibility that something might develop between Freitag and her, but for now she was technically a woman without a man.

Tonight, as she sat at her computer, she thought of the fellow who had surprised her recently. What the hell was his name? Jim? John? It was something with a J. “Jack!” she exclaimed. “That’s it! Jack!”

Now, if she could only remember his screen name. The Hulk? Hulk something? No, that’s not it. Wait a minute. I think I wrote it down—somewhere. Where did I put that piece of paper? Rita rummaged through a mess of paper scraps until she found the one she wanted. There it was, scribbled hurriedly, but legible nevertheless. It was Jack (Hunkalovin’).

She quickly brought up the AOL Instant Messenger, and there was Hunkalovin’ on her Friends list. A little “smiley” icon next to the name indicated that, indeed, he was online. Hmm, I wonder what I should say. I don’t want to—Oh, the hell with it. I’m desperate!

She hit “Send Personal Message.” When the box appeared, her fingers flew over the keyboard, as she typed:

Sexy39: Hi Jack. Are you there?

For a second, nothing happened. Shit, I’ll bet he just signed off. Then, like magic, a reply appeared beneath her question.

Hunkalovin’: Hey Sexy. What’s shakin’?

Sexy39: Not much, I’m afraid...

Hunkalovin’: Aw that’s too bad...

Hunkalovin’: A sexy girl like you all alone

Hunkalovin’: Want me to come over?

Sexy39: Not tonight...

Hunkalovin’: When then?

Sexy39: Oh...maybe some other time. I don’t even know you yet

Hunkalovin’: Sure you do

Hunkalovin’: OK OK I know what you mean but

Sexy39: This is only our second “date”...remember?

Rita regretted her choice of words almost immediately. But, it was too late.

Hunkalovin’: Hey! third times a charm right?

Sexy39: I just knew you’d say that...

There was a long pause, and for a minute Rita thought she had lost Jack. She waited a bit more, before typing.

Sexy39: Are you still there Jack?

Hunkalovin’: Yeah...I’m still here

Hunkalovin’: Rita, do you like sex?

Rita’s breath caught in her throat. She felt her heart beat faster, and her palms grew clammy. What am I doing? I don’t even know who this guy is. He’s probably some pervert...

Hunkalovin’: Do you? Do you like it?

Rita’s mind was racing. Does he really know me?

Sexy39: Who is this, really?

Hunkalovin’: Do you? I’ll bet your tits are hard...Are they hard...Rita?

This had gone far enough, Rita thought.

Sexy39: Okay. That’s enough! Whoever you are, I’m out of here.

Hunkalovin’: I know where you live ya know...

Rita gasped. She quickly typed a response.

Sexy39: What do you mean, you know where I live?

Hunkalovin’: I see you all the time...

Rita’s mind automatically ticked off all the recent encounters she had had. There wasn’t anyone that came to mind that could behave like this. She was frantic.

Sexy39: How do you know where I live? It’s not in my profile...

Hunkalovin’: You live on the east side...

Rita was stunned. How did he know where she lived? How could he possibly know that? Who was this guy? Rita’s fingers virtually flew over the keyboard as she typed the next question.

Sexy39: Who are you?

Hunkalovin’: Why?

Sexy39: If you don’t tell me right now, I’ll contact AOL immediately and find out who you are. Who are you?

Hunkalovin’: Why do you want to know?

Sexy39: Because I don’t like you knowing where I live. For the last time, who are you?

Hunkalovin’: I’m Ken

Sexy39: But, you said your name was Jack?

Hunkalovin’: It is....thats my middle name...Jack....my friends call me Jack.......remember?

Rita stared at the screen in disbelief. Could it really be? She typed furiously.

Sexy39: Are you Ken Callahan? The delivery guy?

Hunkalovin’: Yeah.....it’s me. Are you disappointed?

Sexy39: No, I’m not disappointed. I’m mad! Who the fuck do you think you are?

Hunkalovin’: But you said you wanted to meet a man....I was just havin a little fun....thats all...

Sexy39: What’s wrong with you, anyway? I trusted you.

Hunkalovin’: I’m sorry Rita

Sexy39: Sorry doesn’t cut it, buddy, you fucked up big time. I don’t want you to ever contact me again. Is that clear?

Hunkalovin’: But Rita....I thought we could get together...

Sexy39: Look, Ken, or Jack, or whatever your name really is. I’m not really a secretary. I’m a cop.

Hunkalovin’: You’re a cop?

Sexy39: That’s right…and a damn good one. And if you tell anyone, or if you pull this kind of crap again…

Hunkalovin’: I’m really sorry Rita...I was just foolin around...I swear

Sexy39: People get arrested for fooling around like that. You’re lucky I know you, Ken.

Hunkalovin’: I’m sorry Rita

Sexy39: Too late. You just lose this email address. Do you understand? Otherwise I’ll turn you in. Do you understand me?

Hunkalovin’: Yeah......I promise.......you won’t tell anybody will you?

Sexy39: No. But, if I even see your name in another chat room I’ll arrest you myself. Now get offline! Now!

Rita felt strange, writing these types of things on the screen. It was all so—artificial. That was the only word that adequately described the whole process. She should have known better. After tonight, she would confine her relationships to the one-on-one, in-person kind. No more Internet chat rooms for her. She studied the screen for any signs of Ken’s presence, but apparently he had taken her seriously and had signed off. She closed down the computer, and went to bed.