Wild Card Run

“Something wrong?”

“Blazes!” I jerked backwards in alarm.

It was Aaron leaning in the cubicle doorway, the coil of frayed line slung over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised, the slight twist to his lips just revealing his strong teeth. “I see you found it.”

“Found what?” Had he seen me closing up the cabinet?

“The console. What else? You maybe looking for something else down here?” The words held an insinuating emphasis, and his smile widened into an unpleasant grin as he glanced from me to the winking monitor lights and back.

“Aaron, I’m not in the mood to play games.” I started to step past him, but he shifted just enough in the doorway to block my way.

“Games? I thought that was your specialty, little Ruth. I know what you’ve been doing, out there,” he jerked his head vaguely upward, “with your gambling and whoring and—”

“Is that why you’re so interested in my violation point status, Aaron? Must have been a disappointment to find how low I am.”

His nostrils flared angrily. “I don’t count up points on you—that’s for the cybers—but the sooner they decide you need Healing, the better. You and the rest of the Rule breakers, trying to bring the Plan down. I’m watching, I see the demon at work in you. I warn you, I’ll stop you.”

“You’re telling me you didn’t ask the console for my point status?”

“Now why would I do a thing like that?” The nasty smile was back on his face. “Running scared, aren’t you? Go ahead, ask the Matron.” He tilted his head toward the console. “Go ahead.”

I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter, anyway.” He knew damn well what the Matron would say. But what was he up to?

I straightened my shoulders and met the hostile brown eyes. “Aaron, what’s the point of all this? It’s been ten years. Whatever arguments we had with each other are wind over the wheat now. For Helen’s sake, why don’t we start over? I’m willing to forgive and forget—isn’t that what the Book says?” To my reckoning, I had more to forgive than he did.

He shook his head. “You can’t fool me with your wiles.” His eyes narrowed. “You’ve learned how to use them, haven’t you? You’ve grown up. You’re even pretty now, aren’t you— almost like a real woman? Sort of a pale imitation of Helen.”

I could feel the angry flush rising through me. my nerves jumping for a fight, but I refused to be baited in the same old way. “Have it your way. I’ve got better things to do.”

I started again for the door, but he shot out a hand and grasped my arm. He leaned closer. “I know why you came back, slut! And you think Helen’s going to shield you again? Maybe you’re not so grown up after all.”

I tried to pull my arm away, but he only tightened the grip painfully. “I’m about the same age as Mother’s new husband, I expect. Is that what’s got you, Aaron? Can’t stand sharing her?”

His eyes glittered furiously as he drew in a harsh breath, and he yanked me angrily forward. “You demon, you—”

I stamped on his instep as I snapped my free forearm quickly beneath his grip, twisting and moving back to break his hold. I stood, crouched slightly forward, taking a deep breath. “Don’t touch me again, Aaron.”

He looked briefly disconcerted, then laughed and moved back from the doorway with a mocking bow. “Don’t let me stand in your way, Ruth. Do you really think you could tempt me? You? When I have a wife like Helen?”

He was laughing as I hurried past him to the stairs.