Santa Baby, Two Studs & Baby Makes Three

By B.L Wilson

In Book 8 of the Forever Woman series, normally cool, calm, and collected Percy Burnette is in trouble. Her life is falling apart. After she assaulted one of her best friends and shot her ex-fiancée, she is losing control of her world. All she feels is a burning rage. She has no idea where it’s coming from or how to stop her negative behavior toward people that she thought she loved. While awaiting arraignment within the city’s correction system, she has a one-night stand with her cellmate, a woman she’s known for less than 24 hours. Before entering the corrections system, she conducts an affair with her arresting officer, Detective Mary Bethune (MB) Collins.
Now Percy has done her time in the corrections system. She suspects MB of cheating with one of the rookie detectives she’s required to train. However, MB is not playing around. MB is falling in love with Percy but doesn’t know how to tell her. They had agreed at the beginning of the relationship they were in it for companionship and safe sex. Percy means more than that and MB wants to show her with a special gift of love.
Will Percy accept this life-changing gift, or will she give in to the loss of control she feels when her back is to the wall? Find out in Santa Baby, two studs & baby makes three.

• Language: English
• Publisher: B.L Wilson
• Release date: Dec 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005043131

B.L Wilson

B.L. has always been in love with books and the words in them. She never thought she could create something with the words she knew. When she read ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird,’ she realized everyday experiences could be written about in a powerful, memorable way. She wasn’t quite sure what to do with that knowledge so she kept on reading.Walter Mosley’s short stories about Easy Rawlins and his friends encouraged BL to start writing in earnest. She felt she had a story to tell...maybe several of them. She’d always kept a diary of some sort, scraps of paper, pocketsize, notepads, blank backs of agency forms, or in the margins of books. It was her habit to make these little notes to herself. She thought someday she’d make them into a book.She wrote a workplace memoir based on the people she met during her 20 years as a property manager of city-owned buildings. Writing the memoir, led her to consider writing books that were not job-related. Once again, she did...producing romance novels with African American lesbians as main characters. She wrote the novels because she couldn’t find stories that matched who she wanted to read about ...over forty, African American and female.

Book preview

1st: I did the crime. Now, I’m doing the time.

Percy played with the business card Attorney Danielle Turner had given her at the precinct. It was in the pocket of her crappy, baggy DOC jumpsuit. She was on her way to Rikers Island. As she understood it, based on Detective MB Collins’ explanation, she’d be processed and housed on the Island until the arraignment. She needed to hire a lawyer before the arraignment. She wasn’t given the opportunity to make a call before the Rikers bus arrived.

Now, she wished she’d been thinking clearly enough to ask the closeted detective for permission to make that call at the precinct. She listened to the discussion going on the bus’s bench seats around her. She heard more cussing than a truck driver running late who was driving behind Grandma Moses. She decided to take the detective’s advice. She’d simply ignore what she heard and take a nap.

Percy felt a tap on her knee. She turned to her right, glancing into twinkling dark eyes belonging to a young brown face framed by a sculpted blond fade on top. The sides and rear of her black hair were cut very short, almost bald, with geometric designs cut in them. She sat next to Percy. Chains kept them apart.

You’re cute, but you look too grown to be here. What you in here for, Bitch?

Another young woman about the same age as the first young woman studied Percy closely. She sat across the aisle from Percy. She wore her hair in a short, neatly trimmed brown Afro. Eff that shit! Ask the bitch if Detective Pretty Eyes her woman?

If Detective Pretty Eyes ain’t her woman, I’m available. Another woman, older than the first two young women but younger than Percy, eyed her. There was no doubt she was a stud. She’d rolled up her jumpsuit and the thermal T-shirt to expose muscular arms, which she flexed at Percy until they caught Percy’s attention.

Percy sighed softly. Not wanting to upset anybody, she realized she couldn’t ignore the women. If she did, somebody would set her up to beat her ass. She could feel it in her gut. Time to talk shop. She studied the young woman sitting next to her with the designs in her hair.

If I was dressing you for a designer’s show, I’d put you in black and white. The geometric designs in your hair made me think black and white. Your suit would be black, and your shirt crisp white with a collar. Your tie would have geometric designs of black and white with a gold stripe down the middle to match your hair. When you opened your fitted suit jacket, the lining would match your tie. Your shoes would be old-fashioned wingtips, black dress shoes with white wingtips, or white dress shoes with black wingtips. The hanky in your breast pocket would be gold.

The young woman’s eyes widened. She imagined what Percy described and went along. Would I be a model or something?

I’m a tailor who owns her own shop. I design and make man-tailored clothes for women, mostly studs but not always. At times, I need models for the shows I enter. I saw your hair with its wonderful designs. I thought black and white with a touch of gold. When we get where we’re going, I could make sketches for you.

The young woman’s face reddened. Sorry about the wisecrack ‘bout your age. You are cute. If you’re a tailor, what did you do? Cut somebody the wrong way or something? Her comment drew more laughter from the three women close enough to hear her.

Percy waited until the laughter quieted. She sighed. That’s a good guess. It was more of a lover’s breakup that went wrong. She wanted out. I wanted her in. I tried to make that happen.

What did you use to make that happen? Sewing shears? the young woman with the designs in her hair asked, which invoked more laughter.

Once again, Percy waited until the laughter subsided. Try a gun, an unlicensed one.

You killed them?

"How did you know there was a them? I didn’t say that," Percy remarked, realizing she never said Adele had found somebody else to love.

There always a ‘them.’ Especially the ones who like to dangle the next lover in front of the old lover’s face. It happens all the time, the older woman with the muscles added, studying Percy again. She decided the woman the cop called Burnette wasn’t as innocent as she looked. Nor was she as harmless. She had to smile. She thought Burnette would be a country mouse. Now she thought Burnette might be a city rat with a knack for survival. Even city rats needed protection in here. She’d make the offer and see what happened.

Before long, the women arrived at the Rikers Island Correctional Facility. After putting Percy through what she regarded as more humiliation, another rigorous strip-down search and bend-over inspection, she was given another set of clothes, an official DOC ID, and assigned a cell. She and the rest of the women on the bus went through the same processing routine, which didn’t make her feel any happier about it. They all showered under the watchful eyes of several female corrections officers.

The muscular woman with the flexible muscles perused Percy’s body as she lathered up with soap, making her feel uncomfortable. The big-muscled woman stared so long, one of guards called out for her to hurry up and exit the showers to get dressed. The guards called out for them to get dressed in five minutes then line up in the face basin area for a headcount.

When the guards marched them back to the cell area, they were assigned to cells. As luck would have it, the big-muscled woman was her cellmate, while the two young women who spoke to her on the bus were her neighbors.

Well, well, Tailor, looks like it’s just you and me here. The thickly muscled woman studied Percy and then the bunk beds. You a top or a bottom woman?

Percy grinned at the big woman. The fact that you’re asking me what I want tells me you look like a top with your big, muscular figure. But you’re just waiting for the right woman to tell you what to do.

You think that’s you, huh? The big woman’s twinkling brown eyes widened in surprise as she studied Percy.

Isn’t it? Percy secretly liked the woman’s size. She was used to bossing big women like this one.

The big woman grinned at Percy. You’re as wise as you’re attractive. I find you very attractive. Do you have somebody outside the wire?

Weren’t you listening? I pulled a gun on the woman I had. I tried to kill her. I almost killed one of my long-time old friends who was with her. I doubt very seriously if she’ll be waiting for me to get out of here. Percy grabbed the sheets on the top bunk and sniffed them. Not bad. They smell clean. Help me make up the bed. Before she could protest, the big woman lifted her easily and sat her on a sturdy shoulder. The big woman held her there while Percy made up the bed, calling out directions as to which way the big woman should move so she could tuck in corners. She plumped the pillow, then she was finished.

Put me down now, Percy remarked, knowing the big woman wouldn’t hurt her, that she’d follow orders.

Percy studied the big woman making up the lower bunk. Then she walked over to pull the big woman’s baggy jumpsuit tight around her waist and hips. She reached up and gathered the baggy jumpsuit across the upper back, also pulling it tight. She nodded thoughtfully.

You would look good in a butter leather vest, snug jeans, motorcycle boots, and a wife-beater T-shirt. She pulled the big woman’s broad hand away from her hips, noting her red-brown coloring. White T-shirt, blue or black jeans, black, two-pocket, butter leather vest, black motorcycle boots, and a matching short motorcycle with plenty of zippers. Women would follow you home. You have a nice ass, thick thighs, and bowed legs. You should show them off, but in a classy way. Nothing that shouts ‘I wanna fuck you.’ Something that whispers, ‘I can please you and I aim to do exactly that.’

The big woman studied Percy, rubbing her chin in thought. I wanted to do exactly that to you. Now I think I’d rather hang out with you and see what else you’ll do long as you’re here. She offered a large hand to squeeze. I’m Joyce Slocum.

Percy giggled. Slow to cum. I like that. Are you slow to cum?

Joyce folded large, muscular arms across her sturdy chest and scowled at the little tailor. I never let anybody make fun of my name before you.

Percy moved closer. She reached out to tug a reluctant Joy over to the bunkbed’s darker corner. C’mere, Big Girl named Joyce. I love giving women your size some joy.

Joyce allowed Percy, a much smaller woman, to pull her into the corner where it was difficult for the guards to see. Moments later, her jumpsuit was on the ground along with her boxers. She was leaning against Percy’s shoulder. She moved against the hand with the clever fingers, stroking her insides. Can’t believe how good this feels. She gasped when Percy’s smaller hand found her special places. Sexy little tailor screwing big ole me so good.

Shush, Big Girl. Let me do my job before somebody hears us and stops me, Percy whispered then nibbled an earlobe.

Hey? Little Tailor, I don’t even know your name.

It’s Percy, but you can call me Tailor if it’s easier to remember.

Why did you pick me?

You showed a definite interest in me. It’s always better to go with the woman who is interested rather than trying to convince the woman who is not. An added plus is you’re more mature than our neighbors. You smelled good and you looked clean. Percy studied Joyce’s quiet demeanor and her handsome face. Dare I say this? I believe you’re smart too. You cover it with the big muscles and the thug act. I’m not sure why.

Joyce sat up quickly to look at her then patted broad thighs. Sit down, right here on me. I feel like I owe you for making me feel so good.

Percy sighed as she sat on the edge of the bed and not on Joyce’s lap. No need to reciprocate. I fucked you because I find you attractive. I also fucked you because I’m a bit off-center today. What I did … the reason I’m here. I didn’t know I could hate the same person I loved a week ago so much. She rubbed her temples. I needed to be in control again. I’m so out of control right now. Normally, before I’d do what we just did, I’d make you get a doctor’s note that said you tested negative for AIDS and other STDs. Then I’d make you wait three months before I fucked you.

Why wait three months?

So I could torture you and exert control over you. Bring you to the edge but not do you. Every time we went on a date, we’d play with each other. More me playing with you than the other way around. Percy sighed. I needed that much control over things. She turned to face Joyce. Apparently, nothing has changed for me.

Joyce grinned at Percy and then opened her arms. C’mere, Little Tailor. I want me some brown sugar too.

They fell asleep naked and in each other’s arms.

When a guard came by to notify Percy her lawyer was here, the guard cleared her throat. I’m telling you two because you might not know. You can’t be doing this. I’ll have to separate you two if I find you naked and sleeping in the same bed again. What you do together after I’m gone or before I get here is your business. Understand?

Yes, Ma’am. Percy grabbed her underpants, slipped them on, and then her jumpsuit. She hated that somebody who wasn’t a friend had the right to watch her dress, undress, take a crap, shower, and probably watch her eat too. How was she going to get through this with these thoughts?

Joyce was still half asleep and nodded.

Nodding isn’t an answer. Tell me in words you understand, Inmate Slocum.

Joyce rubbed her eyes and then hustled out of the bed, standing naked and at attention. Yes, Ma’am. I understand.

The guard studied Inmate Slocum in all her naked glory. She was a big, strong-looking woman. She didn’t blame the much smaller boujie woman for sleeping with her. She’d need a protector, the bigger the better. At ease, Inmate Slocum. And put some clothes on.

Yes, Ma’am. It won’t happen again. Joyce grabbed her boxers, slipping into them quickly, then she pulled on her jumpsuit.

The guard sighed as she eyed the two women. Yes, it will, just not in front of me or any other guard. In a couple of hours, you can make calls and get friends to bring you white underpants and white socks if you want. You can have them put money in an account you can use to buy things here. Read the booklet DOC gave you. Both of you will be going to Inmate Orientation after breakfast. Keep that ID around your neck, where we can see it, Burnette.

Yes, Ma’am, Percy remarked.

Place your hands in the food tray slot so I can cuff them and escort you to your lawyer, Burnette.

Yes, Ma’am.

2nd: Now I’m trying to do less time.

The guard escorted Percy through several locked doors and around several corners before reaching the lawyer’s interview area.

This is like a maze, Ma’am. How do you keep from getting lost in here?

You do get lost until you find markers, Inmate Burnette. Look for markers. Markers can be anything that’s permanent. Like a door with stains on it or paint scratches or odd-shaped light fixtures. A floor area with discolored tiles or scratches or missing tiles or numbers.

Thank you for the tip, Ma’am. I’ll do that, Ma’am, Percy remarked, amazed at how large and sprawling this place was. She stopped walking as soon as the guard did.

This is it, Inmate Burnette, the guard remarked, opening a glass door to a large area with windows. She marched Percy inside and cuffed her to one of the tables. I’ll wait for you outside.

The woman in a stylish suit turned away from the window to study the guard and then the female prisoner with her. Come on, Brenda. Don’t cuff her. Where can she go? I’m her attorney. She’s not going to do anything to me.

She’s here on assault charges, Viola. I don’t want to be held responsible if she goes crazy and assaults you.

Viola groaned. She’s not crazy. Uncuff her, okay?

The corrections officer studied her charge. I hope you were listening, Burnette.

Yes, Ma’am, I was listening. I’m good either way, Ma’am, Percy remarked respectfully.

Attorney Viola Raymond studied Percy Burnette as the officer uncuffed her hands. Her new client flexed her hands and then rubbed her wrists as soon as the cuffs were removed. Her hands and wrists looked strong and solid. Percy Burnette wasn’t a big woman; a couple of inches shorter than herself. She’d quickly learned about responding with a polite yes, ma’am to corrections officers. That meant she was observant and probably people-smart too. Why attack a good friend and her ex-lover, threatening to shoot them, and then doing it? She waited until CO Brenda left before she walked over to sit down at the stainless-steel table that was bolted to the floor. She realized her new client was staring at her, examining her from her toes to her nose. Like what you see, Ms. Burnette?

Percy folded strong-looking arms across her chest and continued to examine her lawyer. The navy and white outfit suits you. The two-toned navy shoes and briefcase are a nice touch too. With your coloring, you could wear shades of red like, say, burgundy, rose, and crimson with pale pink or white silk shirts, matching two-tone heels, or go with contrasting colors—black, navy, dark olive, and maybe ebony brown—for your accessories.

Viola sat down, surprised that Percy Burnette wasn’t leering or admiring but rather assessing her outfit.

You thought I was ogling you, didn’t you? Percy smiled when Viola flushed. I admit I was a little but more interested in studying your style. I like how your clothes fit. Just fitted enough to show off your natural beauty and attractive shape. You’re sexy, but your outfits say, ‘I’m classy. I’m smart. I’m professional. But I’m not easy. If you want something from me, you’d better work for it. And I will make you work for it.’ I’m hoping since I don’t know you, you’ll work as hard for me as your look says you do.

Viola studied Percy Burnette with surprise written across her face. She rubbed her temples. Danny told me I’d find you interesting. I thought you’d be freaking out by now. An emotional wreck or in the infirmary because somebody beat the shit out of you for making the wrong statements in front of the wrong folks. You aren’t at all falling apart, are you?

Percy sighed. Your friend Danielle gave me good advice about shutting up, watching, and listening. She played with her hands. I did the last two. The first one not so much. Joyce Slocum’s naked muscular body popped into her head and made her groan.

Explain, please.

Percy sighed. I feel. No, I need a friend in here, preferably a big tough-looking one. I made one last night. Maybe not the wisest thing I did, but it’s done now. My gut says you’ll get me out at the arraignment. She studied her new attorney. I think I’ll be doing time in here or somewhere like this. What I did to Adele and Viv. It’s like me but so not like me. I’ve been feeling out of control. For a long time, I’ve been angry. I don’t know why. She paused to scratch her head. How could I love Adele yesterday and hate her so much to try and kill her today? Am I crazy? She stopped to study her new lawyer. Ms. Raymond, I didn’t call you. I take it Danielle Turner called you.

Viola Raymond nodded. Yes, she did. Freddie, her boss’s wife, called me. As did several other folks who seemed to know you well. She pulled out a list of names and read them aloud. Jenna, Florence, Essie, Terry, Leah, Maria, Winnie, and Sadie. They were unwilling to believe you did what you’re accused of. Several of your friends suggested one of your victims would not willingly testify against you. They mentioned Vivian Johnson would be hard pressed to testify against you. She studied Percy’s bowed head. I don’t get many cases where the person who did it has such a good support network of friends.

Percy raised her head to look at the attorney. I keep thinking I need to stay here and take my punishment. I did it. I should pay for it. If it means prison, I say okay. She sighed. I need to understand why I need to control every goddamned thing in my life with an iron fist. Maybe I can find the answer in here.

Hell to the no! Viola Raymond growled at her client. Yes, you might have done it. Were you in your right mind? I don’t think you were. This is the last place I’ll allow you to stay to find out. Yes, it’s a controlled environment, but you ain’t the one controlling it. I suspect it will be very tiring and difficult for you to stay here with somebody else pulling your strings, Ms. Burnette.

Do you think I did it? Percy asked.

Honestly?

Yes, be honest with me. I’ve been lying to myself for what seems like forever.

Viola sighed. She needed to get this client out of the system and keep her out long as she could. There’s something in English common law called an act of passion. That’s what I’d classify what you did. We’ll need to send you to a therapist to see if I’m right. I think you were very angry about your girlfriend leaving you.

She checked her yellow legal pad. Let’s see, her name is Adele Hailey. Her neighbor’s name is Shannon Chestnut. I believe you thought your ex was cheating on you with Ms. Chestnut. Your mind exploded into a rage. The only way to soothe your mind was to eliminate them both. Maybe you’d spied on them, hoping to catch them in the act to justify killing them. Your anger built and built until it was white-hot. You couldn’t find them together. You settled for killing Adele. I don’t know whose gun you used. Thank god it didn’t fire, or if it did, it missed?

I didn’t miss. I shot her in the back of the head. Percy stood up to walk around the room. Lots of blood. I heard the police talking. She’s not dead yet. She groaned and sat back down, rubbing her forehead. I don’t want Adele dead. In that moment, while holding that gun, I wanted it badly. If Vivian hadn’t hit me with Adele’s crutch, I think I might have shot myself too. She studied her lawyer and rubbed her forehead. I screwed a stranger tonight. I thought it was a smart move to select the big bad stud. She held her head in her hands and shook her head. I’m all fucked up.

Viola studied her client. Should I tell the officers to put you on suicide watch? Do you feel like you want to harm yourself?

Percy sat up to look at Viola. No. But I know I need help. I need to speak with somebody.

I’ll see what I can do about that. Do not tell your cellmate what’s going on with you. Let’s keep that between us for now. The prosecution uses jailhouse snitches. Okay? After Percy nodded her approval, Viola changed the subject. There was no point in harping on the bad. Let’s look at your background. Tell me about your childhood. Whatever you want to tell me stays with me. Nobody need know unless you give me permission to talk in writing.

Percy took a deep breath and then exhaled. She rubbed her temples. It had been a long time since she’d thought about her roots, not since Jenna’s birth mom died years ago.

My mother died in childbirth. I lived with my father, the town drunk who had a gambling problem. He owed money all over town. His unpaid debts got him killed when I was about five. I went into foster care for the next eight years until my aunt and my uncle found me. I was thirteen when my mother’s sister finally found me in foster care. She watched Viola’s eyes widen. My father never told anybody what the deal was. They didn’t know he was killed or where I was. They became my guardians until I turned twenty-one.

Viola expected some family issues from Percy Burnette. Maybe a troubled coming-out story. Or a family that wouldn’t accept her lifestyle or she played straight but was an undercover lesbian until she met the right woman and came out. Nothing like this. She’d need to speak with a therapist to see how this could affect a kid. Are they still alive?

No, they died before I turned thirty. Him first and then my aunty. They left me a small inheritance. I used it to fund my business. Percy sighed. My mother was the baby of the family. My aunt was the next youngest one. The rest of the family, three brothers, died some time ago.

Do you have any living family?

What’s family? If you mean blood relatives, then no. Jenna Jacks and I grew up in foster care together. Her mother prevented her adoption a few times. I finally convinced my aunt and uncle to become her guardians. She came to live with me at seventeen and stayed off and on until she was twenty-five. She’s family and so is her wife and all the folks who called and some who haven’t called you yet. Vivian Johnson and her wife Patty certainly are too. She covered a yawn. Excuse me for yawning. Most of them have known me for over ten or fifteen years.

Viola flipped through her legal pad until she found the page that she wanted. Then she ran a finger down it. You’re being charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and resisting arrest.

Percy nodded then cleared her throat. I want to plead guilty to everything. I want to pay for their medical bills and therapy if they need it.

Viola groaned. Paying for medicals bills and therapy is a great offer. Pleading guilty to everything, not so much. Yes, we can plead you guilty, but not to those charges I just read to you. Would you be willing to let me see what I can arrange with the DA’s office?

Percy rubbed her tired eyes. Yes, go ahead. Keep in mind I did do what they said I did.

Ms. Burnette, may I call you Percy? Viola received a nod of approval from her new client. All right, Percy. Don’t take this the wrong way. You might want to rethink your new hookup. Say as little about this case to her as you can. Unless you already told her everything. She studied Percy’s guilty look. I understand the need to confess. I also understand the need to feel connected to somebody. Is there anything else you’d like to tell me or ask me before I go?

When is the arraignment?

Yours is this afternoon. Why?

Percy pulled at her baggy jumpsuit. Am I supposed to wear this ill-fitting thing?

Nope. You should have your clothes returned to you. What you wore on the ride here. Viola frowned as she noted Percy’s frown. Unless they took your clothes at the precinct for forensic purposes. Shit! They did, huh? She watched Percy nod. Let’s see, you are a tailor with her own shop. Would anybody have keys to your shop … like the landlord or building owner?

I am the building owner.

Hmm, all right. I’ll see if your personal items traveled with you here or were left at the precinct. When I get the keys, what outfit would you like me to bring you? Viola pushed her legal pad at Percy. Make a list of things you’d like. I’ll only be able to bring one outfit and shoes.

If my keys aren’t here when you go to the precinct, ask for Detective MB Collins. Percy paused. Let her know I’m fine. I’m trying to do what she suggested.

Viola studied Percy, who dropped her eyes. Oh boy, what’s going on, Percy? You didn’t?

Of course not. She was the arresting officer!

Talk to me, Percy.

She’s what my aunty would call a handsome woman.

And?

She’s a stud like I am.

And?

I like her. She knows we can’t do anything long as this case is being investigated.

And?

We both wanted to. Percy groaned. I said I was out of control. I’ve never dated two women at the same time before.

And?

"Shit! Stop with the damned and!" Percy stood up and marched to the glass block window with the bars running across it. What the hell is wrong with me? I don’t know either woman that well. Yet I think I could handle them both. I want both women in my life right now. She put one hand on the wall next to the window as she looked outside. She heard Viola sigh then the click of heels across the vinyl tile floor drawing closer. She felt a warm presence standing next to her.

I know it’s not the easiest thing to call folks from here. If you need to talk, call me collect. I’ll make it a point to come and see you. Our conversations are confidential in here. Over the phone not so much. You might try speaking with the minister or the therapist who comes once a week for group therapy sessions.

Does that mean you think I’m crazy?

Viola shook her head and turned to study her new client. I believe you’re a bit lost and trying to find your way home. I’m here to help you do that. I want to see you back in your shop designing and making your suits, much wiser, less violent, and armed with self-knowledge. She smiled at her new client. If that means having two sensitive, attractive, and intelligent women in your life and your bed, so be it.

How do you know they have those qualities?

Viola rubbed Percy’s back. You may be a bit lost right now, Percy, but you aren’t stupid. When it comes to people skills, I’d rank you right up with me and a dear friend of my mine, Yolanda Riggins. Hmm, she was a former cop. I wonder if she’d know Detective MB Collins. I’ll call her and see. Would you like to know why your cellmate is here? she asked softly.

Percy yawned. Only if it’ll be something non-violent like traffic violations or trespassing. One crazy violent person in the family is enough. She sighed and glanced out the window into the darkness. What time is it? It’s hard to get a sense of time in this place.

It’s almost midnight. Viola studied Percy’s profile for a long moment. I need to get started on your case. I’ll need a retainer to start.

How much? Is fifty enough?

Yes. For now. If we go to trial, it’ll be more. Viola pulled out a contract. Read it. Take it with you and read it. If you don’t have any questions, you can return it when I bring your clothes. Does that sound good?

Yes, it does.

Viola offered a hand, which Percy shook. Are you ready to go back to your cell?

Percy sighed. Do I have a choice? She walked over and tapped on the door glass.

Percy, you will get out of here. I promise to find someone for you to speak with while you’re out.

Thanks. It was good to meet you.

3rd: I’m still doing the time.

Percy’s prediction was right. It was wrong too. There would be no trial because Percy pled guilty under certain conditions.

Attorney Viola Raymond returned to the correctional facility at eight thirty the next morning with one of Percy’s clothing bags. Inside the bag were two custom-made suits with contrasting shirts, vests, shoes, socks, and two sets of underwear. They had to be searched. She watched as the guards examined the suits visually then physically searched the suits and ran a metal detector over them as well. The shirts, vests, and shoes received the same treatment. The trouser socks and underwear were examined visually then searched and shaken out.

Am I good to go, Brenda? Viola asked the corrections officer assigned to Percy’s area.

Yep. Leave your briefcase in the lockers. Take out what you need from it. You can carry the clothing bag to her. One suit and accessories stays with us until court time or release. The other one and accessories you take with you. That means one set of underwear goes with you.

Can’t she have the extra set?

Nope. Brenda sighed. No special treatment. You know the procedure. If she doesn’t make bail, the suit and accessories get stored until she’s released. She’ll have to wash the underwear and socks, and give them to us so they can be stored with the rest of her stuff. You know as well as I do, everybody wears the same undergarments to prevent fights.

And you know female inmates smuggle that stuff in all the time.

Are you saying we should worry about Burnette doing that?

Christ, no! I’m just saying it’s such a small thing.

Brenda sighed. Yeah, I know it’s about respect and dignity. I hate it too. Once we strip that from a person, what’s left? And we send these same women back into the world and expect them to forget the shit that happens in here and be normal again. She rubbed her forehead. If I didn’t need the money and the bennies, I’d be gone.

Viola studied Brenda for a long moment. My offer for you to become one of my investigators is open like always. Come over to the dark side of things. I bet you’ll like the view.

Brenda grinned at Viola then winked. I always did, Vi.

Viola flushed deeply from the memory of their meeting years ago. They were good in bed until they weren’t. She loved her work too much to dedicate her life to loving one woman. Brenda found that one woman to share her life with until she died suddenly of a heart attack. It left Brenda with four daughters to raise alone. Somehow, she did it. Two were in college on full scholarships. One was graduating high school this year and attending a community college for auto mechanics and business. The baby would graduate next year on a full sports scholarship in soccer. How are the girls?

Brenda chuckled. "Same old Vi. You get flustered when I