Chapter Four

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J

eanine suddenly had a brilliant idea, a master plan. She felt her old self-confidence emerging. She was far enough away from the prison hell that had tormented her for five long years and she was close enough to taste home. No one will ever take away my freedom again, ever, she thought, as she smiled a devious and malignant smile. What needed to happen would happen, and there would be no turning back for her. When she became focused, Jeanine was as ruthless as a pirate on the high seas. Anything goes in order to get what she wanted.

        “Derek, I think I will take you up on your wonderful offer. How about I cook for you when we arrive at your home? I’m sure that it’s been a while since you’ve eaten a home cooked meal,” she flirted, pouring on the charm as thick as chocolate icing on a five-year-old’s birthday cake. She had noticed that Derek had no wedding band on his left ring finger and took a chance that he was unmarried. If Derek had a wife, her plan would have devastating results for both of them.

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        When Derek emerged from the men’s rest room in the gas station’s mini-mart, he spotted Jeanine standing near the check-out counter holding several food items. She held a cup of piping hot coffee, a small bag of colorful Gummy Bears candies, and a coconut flavored Froze Bar. What an odd combination, he thought. She reminds me of a child.

         “I see you’ve made your selections,” he said, as he removed the items from Jeanine’s soft small hands, placing them neatly on the counter in front of the cashier. He then told the cashier, “Just one second, please.” Derek swiftly sprinted to a soda display and grabbed a Mountain Dew. He needed the caffeine to finish the drive to Secaucus. After making the purchases, the unlikely couple left the gas station mini-mart.

       “Thank you, Derek! You’ve been such a life saver for me today. I owe you big time and I am sure to please you later…. with a delicious dinner. I might even bake you a cake!”

         Although she could win an Academy award with her performance, Jeanine was beginning to grow tired of this act. She wanted to feel the warmth of soothing water on her body. She desired it, craved it, and would not have it any other way. Her privates were whispering to her. She had not enjoyed the company of a man for almost as long as she had been incarcerated, except for the occasional late night fuck-fests with the orderlies on her ward. Shopping with Derek, being face-to-face with him, and leaving the store together reminded her of a married couple running errands. She was starting to feel for this man.

        The longer she is around Derek, the more desirable he appears to her. She likes his salt and pepper hair, his attractive face, his beautiful brown skin, and his gentle, old school manners. She might even entice old Derek to join her in the shower….