Becks 06 The Call of the Wild

Been talking to Em. Almost babbling really. Because I need a career that leaves me a lot of open time. Someone needs to stop evil and I seem to have been selected by something or someone. I have not told her all yet but I think she knows more than she ought to. I have also lost track of how many pages I have sent the senator. Lots. And I settle down a little. Head down into classes. Off to the Brigham after class in hopes of seeing Sarah. And at least we are in the same building. I do schoolwork and she pops in, mostly just long enough for a kiss and see ya once more. But we get to touch which is important I think.

And I resume sparring with Gunnar a few times a week. Surprisingly I am winning much of the time now. I guess the summer's worth of practice with Bits has kicked in. Or did fighting for Sarah's life -- and mine -­ change how I fight at some basic level? I am not holding back now even though I do try not to hurt him. I also know Gunnar is hard to damage. He has been fighting and training to fight since before I was born.

I think I am not actually better but I no longer second guess my next move, I just do it. Until my opponent stops. Gunnar says I got a taste of blood and my own mortality. Which either turns you away from fighting or sharpens you like a fine weapon. His words, but not bad ones.

On a dreary weekend in March I go to visit Bits in Amesbury. Sarah is working like she always is and I need to talk. Pixie sits in which is welcome. I like her and respect her too. She has told me about her early years and that gal has worked through a lot of hard lessons. And now has a happy, if busy life with her love and lover. I hear it works best when those are the same person! Ha ha!

I explain my dilemma. I will need to work, everyone does. But I kind of feel like I have a mission here too. And point to my legs, where I wear knives on each thigh these days. All the time. I believe firmly I can stop anything human without them. But I have learned there is more out there. Last time Uncle Louis updated my bracers he added a small button. Now I can vanish them, which I do most of the time. Both knives are too long to carry legally. So unless I need them or am relaxing with close friends they are invisible to the world. That man is such a genius and a very useful one.

I wander, and Pixie is talking. Bad me! She is saying that perhaps I have not been told to specifically fight E-vil, but just evil. Small e, no embellishment. And there is plenty of that. And hey, something to do in between liches and werewolves, right? She is making sense, which I think is her superpower. And Bits speaks up.

"As far as jobs, I have one. If you would be interested. Me and Pix are running shelters for women and kids in bad situations these days. All over. Got a half dozen and plans for more. What we need is a very smart and very tough gal to travel and oversee them all. Make sure they are running clean and happily. And help women and kids with problems the cops won't touch, if you know what I mean."

I nodded to show I do know exactly what she is talking about. I had a friend in high school who married after graduation to her school sweetheart. Went sour fast and he blamed it all on her. Beat her. Her family told her to go to the cops. She did and they told her unless he was beating her at the moment they could not do anything. And a woman officer told her the law has their hands tied until he kills her so she should just get away.

Sherry may have believed her. We will never know because that night after she returned home he beat her again. This time he didn't stop until long after she was gone. They found him still pounding her corpse and cursing because a neighbor called in a noise complaint. I heard he got ten to fifteen and may even serve 5 or 6 years of it. What law we have protects the abuser more often than their victims. I would find it easy to treat him like a werewolf and said so out loud.

Bits smiled "Just make sure they can't find a body or he attacked you visibly. No one wants you in jail, girl. Mostly though, you'll bluff a lot, maybe break an arm here and there. Really what we need is someone who can use their brains and abilities to not call me with every problem that happens. And is smart enough to call me if they need to! I talked to Gunnar about this, but you would be a better fit."

We talked quite a bit. I said I was still thinking about writing too. Bits said that was not a problem. Indeed, it was almost a feature as writing gave me time to think, and it was a job I can do anywhere. So when traveling from one shelter to another I could compose my stories. Or articles she added with a lifted brow. I said that was probably right, I liked to write about real things mainly, so writing for a publication might be best. Not the Globe, but maybe their Sunday magazine section? Or something like that at least.

Again she said that would work, as I can make my own schedule working for "the PEST Foundation". Pixie giggled and said the shelters were her idea and she was a pest until Bits said yes! I laughed even if it sounded kind of rehearsed. Family jokes do at times. And Bitsy said I won't need to start til after I graduate in May. And then quoted a figure that made my pulse jump a notch. Being just that smart she also said I should talk to my sweetie about it before deciding.

I said I would and I was already starting to be in favor. And was I right to believe they just gave me permission to help the women at shelters up to and including "discouraging" husbands and others? Pixie smiled and said that was exactly what they want. "It is important to have oversight of the shelters too, but we try to hire carefully there. Your job will mainly be helping out our "guests".

I said that was exactly what I thought I heard and it was making me happy too! Said my goodbyes and rode straight in to the Brigham. And surprise, managed to eat with Sarah! OK, hospital food but with my honey! Along with other stuff I told her about the offer from Bits to work for the PEST foundation! The name made her laugh and she said that was so like them both. Probably picked the name because they will be pests until the problem goes away! I said that was likely true, they both are extremely pro woman. And general social justice as well.

Sarah said it was up to me. Of course. But she was in favor and who could even be better to work for? I had to agree. I stayed over that night. Slept in the on call room and got to feel Sarah next to me a couple of times. Briefly but there. It was nice even if not enough. Sunday morning I got us pastries and coffee from the bed pan, which is what residents (and others I bet) call the cafe downstairs, actually an outpost of Au Bon Pain, a well known eatery in Boston.

We ate at the nurse's station in the ER. And had fifteen minutes with no problems or patients! The nurses kindly gave us personal space too, so it was nice, if over too fast. Sarah said once her residency was over she was going to need to lose twenty pounds from eating like this! I just smiled.

And said "Or maybe your sweetie likes her curvy Sarah!" And she kissed me!

Of course an ambulance arrived. Dashing off she said she was off tomorrow and will see me at home after class. Yay! I left then and rode home to Salem. Had a long talk with mom over lunch and well into the afternoon. Following which I made two calls. One to my advisor, asking Em for an appointment and the other to Bits accepting their quite generous offer. And went to bed early, wishing I could share the sleep with my girl and hoping she got some tonight. Made me feel guilty that I can rest and she can't. And I can't even slide her a couple hours that I don't even need.

But yeah, I sleep anyway. Don't worry about that! Had coffee and breakfast with mom on Monday and was off to school. After class I found a note in my mailbox telling me Em was free any time after 1. Grabbed an early lunch, and went to see her. Talked about the turmoil I had been in, trying to decide what to do after commencement. In the real world, as it was. And I had decided to write, and help people, mainly women and kids. And I had a job starting in June with the PEST Foundation doing exactly that.

And right, Em knows Sue and my world is pretty small, really. So her eyebrows went up and she asked if I knew Pix 'n Bits from my time at Bridgewater? Guess my new boss is famous, at least in some circles. That made me relax though. So I gave her a bit of a thumbnail of my new position.

Which made her look at me and ask "Are you tough enough for that kind of work, Becks? I mean, you are tall and athletic, but you could be involved with some very violent men in a job like that."

I smiled and realized this would mean something to her. "Em, Bits thinks I can handle the work. And I was a trainer and coach for the Lethal Ladies at BSC."

She looked impressed. Real impressed.

And asked "Why didn't you get on the Harvard team for that sport? I hear they are involved and pretty competitive."

I did not mention that Bits had warned me about the team specifically, just told the truth, or enough of it.

"I went to see them at try outs, but they gave me an ick. Just felt wrong, somehow. So I picked up an extra course instead."

She nodded and we chatted about my writing and what I might like. As I was leaving she said she was going to network for me, because she thinks I have a voice. Wow, that is a serious vote of confidence. But no pressure, right. Ha ha. I went off to my last class and then home. Where I found Sarah, face down on the sofa. Dope tried to wait for me to get home.

I picked her up, carried her up to our room and undressed her. With several kisses. She didn't wake but did moan and giggle in her sleep. I curled into her and lay there for a while then went down to start supper. Either the food smells or me and mom talking in the kitchen woke her because we had a nakey Sarah, all sleepy eyes stumble in and say hi.

Sarah sat in my lap to eat which made mom smile. And was very cozy. Food revived her somewhat and she asked if I had decided yet. I told her I was taking the job for Pest, and she laughed. "Of course you did! Who wouldn't work for Pest!" and giggled til she almost fell off my knee.

I also told her about my chat with Em, and she said that would be great too, because Em was right. I do have a voice. And when it doesn't work, I kick them in the what for! And giggled madly again. Definitely sleep deprived! Mom latched on to the part about Em networking and said that can be valuable to anyone and especially for a young person. And I should thank her. I said I already did, because I knew it was a big favor, not a nothing.

Mom said that was how she wound up at BD, designing robotics. Which oddly is not very different from repairing or altering DNA as it turned out. But she got the job because someone she knew also knew of the position and knew she would be good at it. I grinned and said "Uncle Louis, right?"

She smiled and said they were already friends and that made the friendship blossom. And now she was in charge of her division. So a word from the right person can make a big difference. I said I was hoping for that, because I kind of saw me as a contributing writer for a magazine or supplement, not a reporter for the Globe even though I like the paper. She said that made sense, and even more with my other job now.

That was when Sarah gave us her news. She had tomorrow off and was free til Wednesday morning! I said I will take tomorrow off. Sarah said no, I will make love to her all night and she can sleep while I am in class! Mom laughed and said my wife has a good sense of priorities! So we did exactly that. Good thing I was rested! It was great to have her home if only for a while. And getting to share the bed with my love and lover was so wonderful! I dropped her at the Brigham on Wednesday and we kissed. I watched til she was inside and rode off to class. A little late but alright.

A life of being on time and attentive was paying off as my professors all gave me some leeway now, knowing my Sarah was in her residency. Maybe also because I was not taking advantage.

In late April two more things happened. Em called me to her office and informed me that if I wanted the job, I was now a roving reporter and contributing editor for the New England Country Journal. Kind of everything from farm life to city life, as well as tourist attractions and other things of interest to a local audience.

I said that seemed like starting at the top, and I was surprised. Em said she had sent them a few samples of my writing and they were excited as they were seeking a strong women's voice. I said "But they have Glory Harrington!" in surprise. Em smiled at me.

"Not yet public knowledge but she is announcing her retirement soon. And they were hoping for a bright and powerful young voice. I believe you are exactly who they need and want!"

I grinned "But no pressure, right?" and as she laughed I thanked her. Em said she just hoped I would continue to be in her circle of friends once I left school. I said of course I would and I won't be surprised to see her in Amesbury either. She smiled and said you never know who you will find at a garden party, do you!

I said I was very happy to accept the offer, and she said I will get a formal letter soon. I thanked her again and left for my next class. Later on I passed the Brigham as I saw several ambulances there. Headed home knowing Sarah would be busy for hours. Got to have dinner with mom which was nice. And she was excited to hear my news. I even told her why after swearing her to secrecy. Which means she might tell Louis but no one else, I know.

And I went to the hospital afterward. Did some class work and got to see Sarah for about ten minutes while she gobbled down some food. While sitting on my lap! She was excited to hear about my writing job too and said she knew I would be a big writer someday, just not this soon! And laughed. Went home about ten to get some sleep. As Sarah said, one of us ought to.

A week or so later I was hanging at the Brigham and got paged to the lobby. Weird but I went. And found Pix 'n Bits waiting for me. They wanted to talk to Sarah and me, so they came by the hospital and were hoping. I got a nurse to page her and found she was on her way to find me, so good timing.

I need to say here that is Bitsy's superpower. Call it timing or luck, the world sways in her direction any time it has a choice. So not a large surprise, really.

Why did they come by? They had decided they want a family doctor type to visit their shelters and take care of the women and kids staying there. And they knew she had a residency to complete but hoped she would consider it. Sarah had one question for them.

"What if we have a child. I would be the pregnant one, and would also need to be more local to Salem for some time. At least til she starts school."

I don't think they thought of that -- yet. They looked at each other and I could almost hear the thoughts racing between them. Bits nodded and Pixie looked at Sarah.

"In that case, you would be tied to the Salem shelter for at least five years, although you may need to do some weekend travel from time to time. But I believe Becks' boss will make sure she can travel at the same times and be with both of you. When do you see that happening if I can ask?"

Sarah looked at me and said "Once I finish my residency and get at least a months worth of sleep. Probably. And then we will make baby Becks!"

I blinked. Hey, I knew it was coming, just had no idea about the whole "baby Becks" part! Pixie smiled (and Bits snickered behind her hand too) and said that would work for them and since they approve of good childhood care would be sure to help us make that possible. Then she mentioned a number that was almost twice what they were paying me! I was not upset as I knew what my girl was worth.

Sarah looked at me, I nodded and she told them she accepted. And we all heard the ambulance klaxon as she kissed me and ran off to the ER. Pix 'n Bits said goodbye and that they were even more happy now, knowing there was a baby Becks coming along someday! Me, I went to the bed pan, bought two decent sandwiches that would keep for a while and drinks too. Told the ER nurse to send me Sarah for her dinner once the pressure was off and she said sure thing. The nurses all treat us so kindly, I love this place.

Sarah showed up a couple hours later which gave me time to get most of my work done. I had gotten us both roast beef with boursin on good bread and they were still great. She said this might be her best meal this week and I said she better start eating better or baby Becks will suffer! Which became a running joke from that day forward.

On her next day off we talked with mom about babies. Specifically, how long were the eggs good for, and how much time did she need to do the work? Mom said that if all went well, two weekends were enough. And the eggs will keep for at least ten years frozen. Which she can do at work. And they have facilities there for human reproduction work and please do not ask as she hates to lie to her own kids.

Sarah asked, regardless of why, what kind of facilities. Mom said they were not used anymore but they have a deep cryo freeze as well as all the tools to implant a fertile egg with. No longer enough to do all of the work which is why she needs access to the Brigham's lab. But she can do the implanting at her lab as well as storing the eggs.

I said "Eggs? As in plural?" Both mom and Sarah turned and explained that stuff happens and to be sure it works you make backups. OK, I can see that and do trust mom. Our eggs will not be used to make a generation of Hitler youth in Sao Paulo.

And Sarah says mom can pick her weekends anytime. Just let her know and she will make it work. I was guessing that the nurses like her as much as I thought. And no surprise there. Sarah is likable and also very fair-minded and helpful. Plus she acted as if nurses were people, not servile robots. Two weeks later we both gave mom some eggs.

I finished school. Still one exam and two papers due, and I was working on them. Em called me and asked if she can use my "book" for the senator as my work for her and if so, she will not need another thesis. I asked if she was sure it was enough and she laughed on the phone and said it was over 500 pages! And just for me, do not spread it around, the naked law will get passed this weekend! I asked if she was sure and she said yes, and from what she knew the national version was coming in a year. Mainly due to my work with writing for the Senator.

Got off the phone and had to take a minute. My writing was affecting the federal government and the entire populace of the USA! Holey guacamole! Had to tell mom when she came home! And she said she heard from Louis the state law was passing this weekend and now they are working on adding "naked" as a new protected class in Mass! Went to pick up Sarah for her day off and told her too.

She wondered if the hospital was going to allow naked doctors and nurses. I said if they are a protected class, they won't have a choice. Sarah said they can always make it hard for people though and I agreed. Had already seen too many examples of that in life. We had a great night and day anyway. And I did not have any classes so I could just not write or study and spend time with my gal! Which I did!

And I had a secret! I have always liked Land Rovers, the totally cool four wheel drives from British Leyland. But they stopped selling them in the US a few years ago due to a change in import duties they thought was unfair. Not my area of expertise but I was sad to see them leave us. Til I found Al. He was the top wrench twister at a Land Rover dealer and saw the writing on the wall.