Becks 9 Learning on the Job

All characters in this series are 18 or older. Both people and places are fictional or fictionalized, so do not expect places to appear as they may here. This is a series set in my "Pix 'n Bits" storyverse, and thus has elements of science fiction and urban fantasy in it. While there are destinations, like much of my writing this is more about the journey. I hope you enjoy it.

Becks 9 Learning on the Job

I start my new jobs. Meet with people and explore.

Following graduation and the surprises I met with Pix 'n Bits, and the following day with an assignment editor at the New England Country Journal. Bits said to take my time, get to know the shelters and the staff. And keep my eyes open. Pix added that I will probably like everyone, as they do choose more carefully than it may appear.

Made me laugh! And Bits totally understood I needed to be close to Sarah on full moon nights. OK, about as likely as a 2nd lightning strike, but I was phobic. Knew that and it did not matter. If I was away on a full moon I got edgy, tense and irritable. Pixie said I can talk to Sheila in Newton as she is a clinical psychologist. Bits disagreed and said that in her opinion this was healthy paranoia and I should hang on to it. I agreed with Bits. I think Pixie does too, but she likes to be as fair and as reasonable as possible.

Next day I met with an editor at the NECJ. They had offices in Allston in a sunny and cheerful business mall. The receptionist phoned her and she came out to meet me. And gave me a good up and down too! Checked her watch and asked if I had time for a lunch meeting? I said why not, so we wound up at the Allston Depot! I love the train! And the food is so good too! We walked and this is how I met Martha Huggins who said she was "kind of" (with air quotes) my boss and hoped we enjoyed working together.

She also told me I must be interesting, because she was the "etcetera editor"; she gets the writers who can't be stuffed into a pigeonhole easily. "And they are always so much more interesting!"

We sat and ordered and she asked if I had really been part of the experiment that made the Naked Law happen? And was very excited to hear I had done much of the research for the law and it's coming federal cousin. She found that exciting and said also that if she looked like me she would be naked all the time too.

"Thank you for the compliment, Martha but really, it should be about how YOU feel about yourself, not how you think others see you. And personally I think you would look fine nude."

She was looking thoughtful as our server dropped plates, looked her in the eye and said "Listen to your smart friend, pretty lady!" And headed for her next table. Martha smiled "Maybe I will think about that, thank you Becks!" Felt sincere too. After that we talked a little about ourselves, getting to know each other.

Then we talked about what I would write. Which was anything I found of interest, she told me. This was going to be fun and I liked Martha already. We ended that afternoon with a plan to touch base weekly and meet at least every other. Or more if we wanted to.

I spent most of that weekend at the Brigham with Sarah and made plans to start visiting shelters and looking for stories as I go. At least the weekend was quiet! I mean, the usual of course, accidents and cuts. And a couple of babies but no gunmen and no werewolves, so a big plus. Monday I kissed Sarah and took off for East Boston. I had already met Mina in Salem, even if she was on my list as well. I wanted to meet the person who ran a shelter in a bad place first. Because East Boston is a bad place, always has been. Planes and ships come and go, making it a wonderland for criminals.

To be fair, a lot of good people there too. Because busy and noisy also means cheap rents. Or cheaper than downtown at least. About ten AM I parked Ruby angled into the curb in front of the address I had been told was our shelter. Saw a small sign in the window, PEST, E Boston shelter for Women and Children. Small and simple. Also saw a head sticking out upstairs. Not unusual around here.

No more than the pair of thugs leaning by the corner smoking. And staring. I stopped on the sidewalk, looked at them. Walked up a few feet.

"See the shiny motorcycle, boys? If it's gone when I come out it'll make me unhappy."

One says "So? Too bad for you" and laughs.

"Oh, I hate to be pissed off alone, pal. I like to share, I do. And if my bike is anywhere but here and in perfect condition, I'm going to share with you and your friend here. Til we are all unhappy and I feel better."

Then I picked up a beer bottle from the gutter and tossed it straight up. Spun and kicked as it came back and caught it perfectly. Or was I lucky? I hit it with the ball of my foot and it exploded all over the pair, giving them a green Molson shower. A surprising empty for this area, I expected a brown Budweiser. Had the right effect. They kept still trying to look tough but we all knew they were now my parking attendants.

Turned and walked to the shelter, knocked once and walked in. Heard "Oh fuck me" from the corner. Decided that I was gonna like Jessie Washington, who ran this one. Hoped she was a straight arrow. Inside the door on my right was open and a voice called out "In here" so I went. And met Jessie who introduced herself and when she know who I was showed me around. Also said she had fun watching me tame the street crud.

I liked Jessie. Asked if she had any problems at the moment and she said nope, but will call if she does. I gave her my home phone in Salem too in case she needs me fast. From the way she thanked me I knew she was not going to abuse it. I decided to head for Salem next, which should be quick.

Ruby was upright and untroubled. I tossed a salute to the ruffians on the corner. The short one called out asking if they get a tip? I started Ruby and called out "Avoid drugs and loose women" and heard a laugh from the shelter window as I rode off. I think Jessie and I will get along quite well. Meanwhile I rolled up 1A through Revere Beach and ran into Salem. I went straight to the shelter where Mina told me all is well. And Lucy has found work and once she locates proper child care will be moving.

I asked why can't she watch the children, the girl must be in school days and the baby would not need much. Mina actually blushed! Admitted that she was doing that right now and please don't tell anyone. I asked why and she said she assumed "Miss Bitsy" would not approve.

I said I was sure she would and reminded Mina that Bitsy founded the shelter program to help women, so helping them is good. Not sure she got it, but her heart is in the right place even if her head thinks it will make trouble. I stayed to visit with Jill for a few minutes and she was thrilled to see me. She promised to tell Mommy I came by and said she thought I was a real good person even if I was all nakey! Ah well, at least that part is someone else's problem!

Before leaving I remembered I meant to ask about the noise from behind the shelter and stopped to see Mina again. She said that the house adjacent to the rear had been sold and a few days ago workmen began arriving. And she hopes they are done soon too! I smiled and said probably they will be and it looks like the people moving in care about the property, which must be a plus. That made her cheer up a little so I left on a high note. Stopped to see mom, ate and rode Ruby down to the Brigham.

Found Sarah washing up in the ER and ready to go for a snack. We walked together to the bed pan after letting Bonnie know where she would be. Because you can't tell when the next bus is coming in. We talked about our days and I said I was thinking about combining a visit to Fall River with one to Orleans, maybe with a visit to friends along the way. Sarah smiled and said she thinks I want to stop and have amazing sex with naughty mermaids!

Then tells me she has no day off, and thinks I should go and do that. Visit both shelters and give her very best to MaryLou! Of course I asked if she was sure of that. She smiled and said she knows I am all hers, and who can resist our MaryLou? So yes, I should do it, turn it into a mini vacation and come back on Sunday or Monday. Then she told me why she wasn't getting g a day off.

It was because she would now work for the next week and a half, and that will finish up her residency requirements! Then she asked if I have heard from Pixie, because she has! And tells me PEST has bought the house behind the Salem shelter and is turning it into a treatment center, sort of a mini hospital for any women needing help. And of course for any they were already helping. And she even gets her own ambulance and Bits says I am her driver too!

And all the workmen at the house behind the shelter made so much sense now! I laughed and told her I had been there earlier and heard the workers but had no idea Pix 'n Bits had bought the house.

Sarah smiled "I think our friends are full of surprises, Becks!" I had to agree. I also agreed that I will go to Fall River and then Cape Cod and asked if she wants the Turtle here at the hospital. She said she won't need it, and will be too tired to drive anyway. And as we head back her pager goes off. I said I will hang in the on call and she kissed me as she hurried off. I watched her lovely bum wiggle til she was out of sight and turned to the on call room. And took a nap, long day for me too. Not as much, but somehow seeing her reminded me to take care of me too.

Sometime later Sarah climbed in with me and we made love before she went to sleep. I woke early and slipped out to get coffee and some food. Two large cups, two breakfasts, eggs and bacon, and a danish in case the eggs were cold before she gets a chance. Which happens a lot. Luckily this time she gets to eat them and saved the pastry for later. We hug and kiss and I head off to Fall River. On Ruby as the weather is great and supposed to stay that way.

Riding down Rt 24 I think about how nice it is to be able to travel so light! No clothes, just me, Ruby and my writing supplies in her saddlebag. I know a little about Fall River, and as I see it come into view decided to look around for story ideas while I am here. For now I head to the shelter, which I find on a hill overlooking the river. This city has plenty of hills so it is not remarkable other than having a pretty view. And a street below close enough to get to in a hurry at need. Planned or lucky, I smell Bits at work here. Getting off the bike I see two women planting flowerbeds while a child helps them.

One looks up and smiles as she stands and comes closer. "You have to be the famous Becks everyone is talking about! I am so pleased to meet you!" Then introduced herself as "Samantha Borden, just call me Sam" and "no relation to Lizzie, either." Sam is around 5' 9" and has quite a resemblance to Elizabeth Montgomery, the actress from Bewitched who fairly recently starred as Lizzie Borden in a television movie. Great cheekbones, and a great body too. I have no idea if Sam looks at all like Lizzie but she could be Liz's twin sister from what I see in front of me.

Thinking why not I offer to help and we finish planting trays of marigolds in the border beds next to a small vegetable garden. While Sam tells the young girl why we are doing this and how the marigolds will be pretty and also keep pests away from the vegetables, such as tomato worms. I was already seeing why she got her job. Once we finished and went to wash up she offered lemonade in the shade "but not made by an old maid!". An old New England joke, that one. The other woman and her child went in and we sat and talked for a while.

I asked if people mention her resemblance to Elizabeth Montgomery and she laughed.

"Not since she made that movie! Now they tell me I look just like that Lizzie Borden!"

"Could be worse, Sam. Ever seen Borden products? You don't look like Elsie at all!"

We laughed about that and she thanked me, since she also thought Liz was gorgeous and who wouldn't? I explained I was just getting a feel for the shelters and the people, hopefully before any of us need each other's help. She said that was smart, and asked if this was all I do. So I told her I am also a writer and hopefully contribute interesting pieces to the New England Country Journal.

Sam said she loves that, especially articles by Glory Harrington. I did not tell her Glory was retiring any day now, I just smiled and said I do too. She asked if I like mysteries and I said sometimes. She told me she has friends in Westport and Fairhaven and has verified that for some years, once a year a young woman is murdered somewhere between here and there. Always young, brunette and slim. Also always raped, strangled and left naked, often in a wooded area just off the road.

It was interesting, so I filed the info away and later went to the city library and looked up stories in the local paper. One of my favorite research tools. As Sam was doing fine and had fairly new guests, she had no need of me right now so I stole the time for research. I did get some details too. Enough to be sure we had a serial killer who had been working for some time. In one of the latest stories, from a few weeks ago I read that the investigation was now being led by Lieutenant Amy Lawlor of the State Police's forensic unit! I wondered if that was Sgt Amy, who liked my bum and used to stop me years ago? It would be a coincidence but life had already shown me several times the world can be a small place.

I stopped to see Sam before leaving town and she assured me her home was all set. I said if she heard any more about that matter we discussed (the child was in the room) to let me or Bitsy know, please. ASAP. Sam was clever and realized that whatever she had thought, I saw this as an important news item. She promised to get in touch right away if she sees or hears anything. I thanked her and said I hope to see her soon as I left.

With Ruby I made it to Orleans swiftly, about an hour and ten minutes. The shelter here was a former cottage colony on a headland above the beach with incredible views in almost any direction. And I met Jazz! The woman would be unique in any setting but here and now she seemed to belong. With the winds and surf, she seemed to be one more force of nature.

Close to my height, she had golden blonde hair, green eyes and an upturned nose. Which went well with her upturned breasts, as she was as bare as me. I guessed 40 C, maybe even a D but very firm. Maybe due to the amount of muscle she carried. Her hips were close to 38 and although in her thirties at least, she had a fairly small waist. And was completely sun bronzed to her toes. She was stunning before she spoke in a melodious contralto that made you wish she never stopped speaking.

Yup, good thing I love my Sarah! Which I said as we introduced ourselves and she laughed.

"Thanks, Becks, it gets so tiresome having beautiful women follow me around! Well, not really, but aren't we supposed to pretend?" Then she laughed, and that sounded like the ocean calling to a sailor.

"What's the full name, Jazz? Just curious, me. And hey, are you fully human?"

She laughed again and said I was delicious and she liked me. "Occasionally they call me Pirate Jazz, but I have no other name, dear. And I hear my grandmother was a siren, but I am mostly human."

Then she asked how old I thought she was? I said about 33, more or less and she laughed. Told me she was closer to 60 than 30 and regularly competed in triathlons! I said with her physique that was easy to believe and the other was pretty cool. Because I am me, I asked of the siren blood kept her boobs so firm?

"The girls are fresh and ripe, aren't they? Not sure, as gran died long ago, and mom never cared to ask. Me, I think they are a fun bonus and so is the slow aging part!"

I thought and said that maybe the slow aging part is what keeps the T&A looking so firm and fresh and she laughed. She laughs a lot, Jazz does.

"Neptune's ass, I hope so! At least I get something for me from it all."

I smiled and said she also got a pretty voice and wow, a gorgeous face and body too. I said it seems mostly good to me.

She made a face "It's not so bad generally. But the Ning-yo and the selkies took some time to trust me. Apparently sirens often like to use their ability to enthrall others, yuck!"

I smiled "Yeah, not worried about that. Bits would never hire you if she saw a chance you were that big of an asshat."

Laughter again "I love that word, can I have it please? And I think I like you, Becks. I rarely make friends quickly but you feel like a friend to me already, woman."

Suddenly Bitsy's head was floating between us! "Dang, that cost me a dollar, girls!" And she chuckled.

Jazz looked at her and at my ears and smiled. "So you bet we would not get along?"

"Yep, Pix said you would be friends in ten minutes and I said Becks would probably have to kick your ass first just to show she can. And Jazz? Don't bother, she definitely can. Take my word on that."

Jazz grinned "I CAN be competitive..."

Pixie appeared next to Bits and grinned "Can be, dear Jazz? You try to fight Sun with a stick! I still thought you two would like each other too fast to fight though."

Jazz laughed "OK, I do like to win but just a lot! And I do like your Becks too! So thanks for sending her, boss ladies!"

I grinned "Jazz, did you hear they only bet one dollar on us? I feel so cheap!"

We all laughed and Bits said they are happy we like each other and blinked out. We heard Pixie say "And play nicely" trailed by laughter.

We looked at each other and smiled. Jazz said "Looks like we may be friends for a while, so lets talk, pretty Becks."

I laughed and said that is what my friend MaryLou, a Ning-yo calls me. Jazz laughed and seemed to recall something. "That makes you the gal who took on a werewolf at the hospital and won! No wonder I don't make you nervous!"

"If I wasn't in love and secure with my sweetie, you could make me real nervous, Jazz!"

We laughed and I could almost feel bonds of friendship and family settling around us as we chatted. Jazz told me she had no guests at the moment, so plenty of extra beds. I asked if I can take her to dinner and she laughed.

"Ah, the pretty Becks wants to sleep in my bed!"

I grinned "Could happen. Plus we do need to eat, lady."

She picked and we rode there on Ruby. Jazz had her own bike, an older Triumph Bonneville and quite well maintained from what I saw. She was a good passenger, and felt fine against me as we rode. As we parked and got off I told her and she smiled. "It was good for me too, Becks!"

Over dinner I mentioned what Bits called "shower rules" and Jazz like that idea. I said that for some reason all of Cape Cod seemed like a big shower to me! We talked about various things and I mentioned the annual body left from Westport to Fall River. She sat right up and said she has heard of that here as well and I need to talk to the selkie community or the Ning-yo. Or both. And if I want, we can head to Provincetown at first light and she will introduce me to a few selkies.

We did wind up in the same bed, and it was fun and almost sweet too. Jazz said the selkies are almost as horny as the Ning-yo so be prepared! That thought gave me fun dreams! In the morning we took both bikes and Jazz dressed for the ride. In a pair of bracers. She told me Pixie got them for her at a very good discount and she loves having them. And does not even wear shoes! Has nice feet, so she is lucky or has very tough skin. Maybe both.

This early we make great time and are in P-town quickly. Once we park she leads me down Commercial St and turns, heading for a door that looks no different from most. Inside we are in another world. A tavern or restaurant and it has the feel of a medieval gathering place somehow. The tables are wood, but modern enough and it has electric lighting. It takes a moment but I realize that in this place,, Jazz and myself are other. It almost seems tense until a cute (and very naked) goth Lolita smiles at Jazz and says hello, telling us she will run and get mom.