it's not what it seems

  This wasn't exactly how it was planned, but shit happens. Mannie scooped her up as if he might need to take care of some roadkill. It wasn't easy trying not to be seen. At least the holidays weren't here yet everyone was tipsy. It would only be in their imagination for a little while.

Soon enough he was in the car and Bentley, youthful with a good heart, was driving.

"What do we do now?" The kid looked in the rearview mirror at Mannie.

"Just drive."

Naturally, Bentley took off too soon and swerved to miss the busy night traffic.

"You really know how to thrill me, don't you?" Mannie bit a grin, but not for long as he looked down at her in a peaceful sleep. Damn, if he didn't know what to do with this one. What could he say? Right place at the wrong time.

It was true he needed her, but she might not like the reason. Soon they got to the old shop and he quickly plopped her on the bed in the backroom that he called home and took off her coat as if she was a rag doll.

"Are you sure, she's all right?" Bentley never shut up, sometimes. Mannie told him to go to the kitchen and put on some coffee. 

"She's got a pulse," Mannie shrugged. If all went well, he would get what he wanted.

He turned her on her stomach and ripped the black dress up so her pale back was bare. He blinked when he saw her black boy shorts. Maybe she was not a prostitute out on a gig after all. Mannie winced and rubbed his nose then his chin as if he was getting too old for this shit. He might only be thirty-four but at the moment he felt sixty was coming too soon. 

How long could it take? He needed the map now. His forefinger touched the nap of her neck and down her back. Finally, the tattoo began to surface. She began to wiggle.

Mannie sighed with relief. It wasn't like he could let this happen to himself. He winced thinking Bentley wouldn't have been the best choice for the job. After all, he was an intern of sorts. He needed a gofer for all those everyday needs.

"What the hell?" She turned to him as if she was not a fan of these sorts of games. She probably wanted to kick his ass, but she was a little groggy as she pushed herself up and tried to turn. He pushed her back down to explore the symbols and paths on her back.

"What did you do to me?" She moaned.

"It was an accident," Mannie started. "Just a pill."

"A pill?" she gasped.

"Actually, a bug." Mannie kept his cool as he took off his shades and loosened his tie. Really, he felt much more at home in a white tank flexing his muscles, but he'd settle for a gray hoodie and some sweat pants. Hopefully, Bentley would get that fast food he asked for. Of course, he'd asked for it long before he picked up the girl.

"A BUG." Now she was enraged.

"A spider," he clarified.

"A spider?" She looked at him as he was the most horrible man on earth.

"Look, I..you'll be compensated." It was the least he could do. Although, he wasn't exactly rich. In spite of all the things he collected.

She was still in a fret. Mannie checked in her little bag. Yes, she was who she thought she was. It was Sadie Jones, and she would be his guest for a while.