Chapter 5
SAN FRANCISCO 10 MILES
The brightly marked road sign was illuminated by the glaring lights of the twin headlamps of the station wagon as it veered off a side road, one of the many arteries on the highway.
"Won't be long now." The driver, a linen clad blonde woman, slim and elegant, with a glittering diamond choker around her soft throat, peered back at May Kramer. "You'll love San Francisco, I'm sure."
"Have you ever been there before?" It was her seat companion, a youngish looking man in a neat white suit, with a cool white shirt and polka dot tie, smiled congenially at May Kramer.
"N-no," she said in a soft voice, still feeling a bit self-conscious, even though she had been riding with them for the better part of a whole day. "I've heard so much about San Francisco, that I know I'll be happy there."
The woman driver's velvet gloved hand left the steering wheel to wave before them as they passed through a rural district. "I think we better stop at that drive-in motel just up ahead. It's getting dark and we could all use a night's rest, I'm positive."
May Kramer felt squeamish. All alone in the world. That's what she was, and no matter how you sliced it, the truth was that ever since she left home a few days ago, she was completely on her own. May bit her lip nervously, drawing her arms together to fold her hand in her lap.
It had been a horrible experience. A nightmare. But it had happened to her and not only threatened to ruin her life, but had succeeded in destroying the others.
How was she to know that Max and Ned had been, novices when it came to making corn mash or homespun or bootleg whiskey or whatever it was called? The ferment had been immature and set up an acid reaction that caused mental derangement. It was Max who really had lost hold of his senses. He could not distinguish between reality and aberration. He became a wild man, raving and brutal in maniacal lust and then perpetrated the most awful perversions on Ned-completely ruining him!
Both Max and Ned were sent to the institution for the criminally insane. Mercifully, Max had never gotten out of his stupor and was unaware of what had happened. As for Ned, he was reduced to a babbling idiot when he did come out of his coma and discovered he was no longer a man, but a mutilated creature; it was enough to drive him stark raving mad.
They heard us screaming. May reflected as the auto swerved onto the narrow path leading to a drive-in motel. They were just passing by and came to our rescue. Never before had she been so relieved to see the state troopers.
"Here we are!"
May was roused out of her painful memories. There would be plenty of time to think back of those days. Why keep on reliving them? It was like opening raw wounds again!
"Do-do you think it's all right if I stay here with you tonight?" She was still shy and suspicious after the experiences she had gone through. These two people had been so kind to pick her up when she was hitch-hiking, earlier that day. She had boarded a bus in town and it took her as far as forty-two dollars would take. But she was still a long way from Los Angeles.
"Of course," the woman smiled elegantly. She was attractive with soft blonde hair done up in a widow's peak; a glittering hat pin stuck through, emphasizing the rich, sophisticated air. "We're very guest friendly, Mike and I."
Her name was Louise Anders and she was travelling across the country with her husband, Mike Anders. Since they were husband and wife, it appeared that there would be nothing to fear. And they certainly were gracious enough, having taken her all this distance, almost at the doorstep of San Francisco. True, she had wanted to go to Los Angeles but in her present condition, she was not in any position to be fussy. There would be another car that undoubtedly would be travelling from San Francisco down to the film capital of the world-and another helpful driver would give her a lift.
May kept telling herself that the past was done with. She had to trust people, she continued to insist. The whole world was not as bad as the few devils who had tormented her.
Louise Anders moved a well shaped leg and pressed the excruciatingly narrow toe of her sleek alligator stilleto shoe onto the pedal. The car came to a braking stop. A soft crunch of gravel. She turned the ignition key. Looking in the rear view mirror, the smooth faced blonde said, "May, please do stay here with us for the night. I just couldn't let you on that road by yourself. Besides, it's getting dark and it isn't safe for anyone in this wilderness."
May was about to say that since they were only ten miles from San Francisco, why couldn't they drive for another few moments and leave her off in the city? But she was not going to bite the hand that was feeding her. Besides, she had no more than ten dollars and a few coins in her small purse. That would hardly pay for a decent room in San Francisco. And these people were inviting her to remain with them-for free! How unappreciative could she be?
Mike Anders leaned forward, his handsome head close to hers. Mike's dark eyes flashed as he glanced down to see May's dimpled knees, vanishing beneath the slow pleated skirt of her silk print dress. "We'll take a double room-Louise and I-and we'll ask for an adjoining single for you. How does that sound?"
It sounded too good to be true. "I--I really don't know what to say."
"Then say 'yes' and we'll be together for the night. You know," Louise turned around on her seat, her breasts taut against her silk linen jacket, "after this night, we shan't be seeing each other."
"Very well," she swallowed hard, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. There were kind people in the world, after all! "I really appreciate all that you're doing for me."
Mike's voice was unusually soft. "The pleasure is all ours."
There was no time for further talk. Already, the motel owner was coming toward them. A sunburned athletic looking man in his middle 30's, he wore tight blue jeans and a matching blue work shirt, hardly fashionable for a motel, but then this particular drive-in wasn't in Duncan Hines. "Evening, folks," he flashed a grin. "Looking for a place to stay?"
"That should be obvious," Mike muttered as he opened the door and let May get out first.
May had a fleeting sensation that he was looking her over too intimately, almost as if he could see that her breasts were softly naked beneath her silk print dress. Already, the tips were sending sparks through her upper reaches and May was sensitively aware of the way the heavy balloons bounced up and down with the most ordinary movements. She should have worn a bra! But she hated the confinement, the bondage of having her soft breasts sealed within a lacy prison. And those biting straps!
"This is the Willow Branch Motel," he announced, pausing only to stare at May, her smooth black hair combed neatly around her ivory white face, pierced only by the gash of red that was on her soft, moist mouth. "We have a dining room, television, air-conditioning and car hop service."
May held her small overnight bag. It contained her worldly possessions. It was all she could carry on such a short notice to get out of town. "Well ... I don't see any car hop girls around."
"That's because it's Monday night," he explained, reaching for her suitcase. "It's the one night a week the girls are off."
May felt a tremor at the way his strong arm moved to grip her suitcase. He had a powerful, athletic strength that communicated to her. She saw his crinkly smile, the way his blue eyes lit up and took her in. There was a slight flush creeping up her face when she watched the way his broad shoulders moved as he led them to the office. His blue jeans were so tight on his limbs, that every muscle and crevice was outlined. When he turned, at the juncture where his thighs joined his trunk, his powerful virility was boldly accentuated. But he was so matter-of-fact about it all, that May did not know whether he was on the make, or just being friendly.
The office was small, just enough room for a counter, several chairs, and a pay phone on the wall. "I'm Tony Lindgren," he introduced himself. "I run the whole Willow Branch Motel by myself. My wife is off in Hollywood, trying to get into the movies. She goes there every year about this time-and comes back when they turn her down." Tony laughed, showing bright even teeth. "Can't blame her for trying."
"Of course not," agreed Mike Anders, glancing at Louise who was already opening a beaded bag, extracting a gold ball point pen and a folded checkbook.
"How much is a double for my husband and myself? We also want an adjoining single for our friend, May Kramer. She's travelling with us."
Tony Lindgren glanced at the checkbook. "We can't take checks," he said disappointedly.
"These happen to be traveller's checks," she said firmly.
"Oh, oh, I'm sorry," he apologized. "The rates are seventeen for the double, including breakfast, and ten for the single, also including breakfast."
Without a word, Louise Anders affixed her signature to several oblong traveller's checks and handed them to the motel owner. "Will you show us to our rooms, please?"
"Sure thing. Oh, one moment, please. I'll give you the change."
May Kramer was amazed. The woman paid more than the rooms called for and she had not even bothered asking for change. As for herself, May had always been taught the value of a dollar. Every penny counted. This was a change.
Tony Lindgren dug into his jeans, brought out a worn leather wallet, peeled off seven single dollar bills and gave them to Louise who thanked him politely. She was well groomed and cordial in everything she did. Obviously she had good breeding and must have come from a family of social standing.
As for Mike Anders, he was unusually quiet. Looking cool and immaculate in his white linen suit, the match of the one worn by his wife, he cast shy glances at Tony who hardly even noticed him.
"Just follow me," Tony said, picking up May's suitcase in one hand and the keys in his other. "Where is your luggage?"
"I just have this overnight bag," explained Louise Anders. "It'll be enough. We'll leave early tomorrow morning ... uh, right after breakfast, of course." Then she paused. "Shoudn't we sign the register?"
"Plenty of time in the morning," he said. "I trust you folks." He was entirely too trusting, it appeared.
Outside, it was already dark. Night birds made their pleasant sounds; crickets chirped and a soft breeze fanning the magnificent redwoods of northern California made everything so tranquil. A strange scent assailed her nostrils. Pine woods. It was so refreshing that May Kramer felt all of her fears and woes leaving her. She was safe and sound, far away from that dastardly place back home. In due time, she would forget that horrible orgy and the two depraved men in an institution.
She would even forget Jeanie-her step-sister. Jeanie with the soft mouth, the teasing tongue, her white breasts that became alive with red glowing tips at the slightest touch.
Jeanie-the girl who loved the way a man should love. Jeanie, the girl who had loved May, kissed her all over, stroked and fanned the fires.
Could she ever forget Jeanie?
Possibly-if she would meet another girl ... one who would love her with all the turbulent, aggressive passions of a man.
They were going toward a long row of motel rooms, set in the nearby woods, surrounded by tall trees, floral bushes, neat hedges and lawn patches. A few outside lights showed that some of the rooms were occupied. Soft music drifted across the way; a few shrill laughs were heard and a distinct voice shrilled, "No-no-Eddie-oooh-no-oh-ohhh...."
"Here we are, folks." Tony Lindgren, the owner of the Willow Branch Motel opened the screen door, unlocked the wooden door. A musty closed-in smell could be felt as he went inside, flicked on the air-conditioning unit (which turned out to be nothing more than an ordinary blower fixture) and then snapped on the lights.
The Anders' went in first. May remained in the doorway, still feeling apprehensive about accepting their courtesy. But she knew she was not in any position to act independent. Had it not been for these people, she might still be stranded on the highway, thumbing a ride, fearful of who the driver might be.
From inside, Tony was saying, "This room adjoins to the next one. You can open or lock the connecting door."
Just then, May heard some loud laughing and a wild yell, "Whoopie ... will you get a load of that!"
Before May could turn, she felt the probing glare of an automobile headlight turned directly on her.
"Hey-lookit all them nice, soft curves." There were shrieks and laughter and someone cried out, "That one isn't even wearing a bra! Hey-those are nifty panties!"
She whirled, suddenly aware that the bright headlight was making her silk print dress completely transparent, outlining the shadowy curve of her soft thighs and well rounded buttocks. Her skin tight panties were wisp, nearly transparent and she might as well be naked for all those concerned. "Stop that!" she yelled out. "Get away from here."
Tony Lindgren came running. "Hey-you go back in your rooms or I'll have you tossed out! This is a respectable motel!"
May Kramer was stunned. On the lawn were three people-two were brawny looking men, with bronzed legs and broad shoulders. They looked like virile young lifeguards with white strips of bathing trunks. The third was a honey blonde, wearing the same white bathing suit ... but no ... upon closer look, as the young men danced wildly and turned to run back into their rooms, their buttocks flashed in the light. They were naked-all three of them!
The white strips were flesh-eager, responsive and hot!
The blonde's breasts were milky white, shaped like conical pears, with enormous stems that pointed downward. Her well shaped bottom flounced up and down in alternate rhythm as she squealed and hurried back into the room.
"I don't think I'd want to stay in this kind of place," declared Louise Anders, looking angered.
"Me neither," muttered Mike. From the flushed expression on his face, it was apparent that this little jaunt upset him.
"Now, now, those people just had too much to drink. It never happens here," defended Tony Lindgren. "I'm strict about such things. Maybe I'll give them back their money and tell them to leave."
"You needn't go to that extreme." Louise Anders felt placated. "After all, you're in business to make a profit and I suppose you didn't know they were that type when you rented to them."
"Of course not." Tony appeared anxious to get away, while his new guests were temporarily calmed down. "Have a nice sleep. Breakfast is served in our little dining nook right next to the wishing well in the back over there." He waved in the direction and then his broad-shouldered, slim-hipped figure was vanishing in the darkness.
"I think it's a good idea for us to keep our doors securely locked." Inside the double room, the Anders began unpacking a few items.
"Yes," stammered May Kramer, deciding this was a good time to leave them alone. She, too, wanted to be by herself, to think things out. "Well, I guess I'll take a shower and turn in. It's been a long and hard day."
Mike Anders had slipped out of his white jacket, unbuttoned his shirt. In a moment, he was naked to the waist. His broad chest was bronzed in athletic strength; his biceps moved with rippling power and there was an air of sensuous animal passion about him. "Sleep tight," he said, his tongue flickering over his lips while he kept looking at the naked valley of her upper breasts, the shadowy line dividing the twin peaks.
Inside her own room, May Kramer took a deep breath. She felt a tingle at the thought of being alone with these two strangers. That Mike Anders did have a sexy look about him. For a moment, she started comparing him with her husky step-brother, Jeff, when he pseudo-showered himself in the open yard, using a water hose. Her heart pounded with nervous reaction to think of Jeff-big, brawny like a bull used to sire mares. Even in his flaccid condition, he was big!
She was slightly in awe of the male sex. While she now was firmly convinced that anything to do with men would lead to inevitable tragedy, not to mention pain, she still felt curiosity about the opposite sex.
She remembered how the entire town had been shocked by the scandal. All blame was upon her and Nancy, the other girl. But it was May Kramer who was termed a loose girl; a fatherless hoyden who would do anything to satisfy her devilish urges. As for Nancy, she was forced into this debauchery!
After all, Nancy's parents were long standing Grange members, officials of the town government and on the school board. It was obvious that they commanded so much position, not to mention the fact that they also set the prices on the grain elevators in the co-op, and hence were above suspicion.
They used May as a scapegoat and nothing could be done about it. May had been violently ill at the local hospital for more than a week, after she found out what had happened; She was in a state of shock that bordered on a nervous breakdown.
Over and over, she had to tell the local police about Ned and Max and how they had brought the moonshine from a taboo still, while it was still fresh and highly poisonous. Then she had to tell every detail of their sordid lovemaking, even down to the way she had been taken by Ned-used as if she were a recepacle for his perverted lusts.
May Kramer always sensed that those who listened to her story received a vicarious thrill out of it-it was a weird way to get kicks, but from the look of intense absorption and how they followed every detail, it was apparent they were excited over the minute items.
When May had to tell about Max using Ned-just as if he were a woman-and then how Max had brutally mutilated Ned with a knife, turning him into a woman-it made her so violently sick that the hospital physician forbade her retelling of the story.
After a few weeks of sedation and medication at the hospital, May Kramer was released. But her troubles were just beginning. While her step-father drove her home, without saying a word, that would be his last act of gratitude. In front of the house, her suitcase was waiting for her: already packed.
"B-but ... can't I say goodbye to Mama?" she sobbed tearfully. No one was outside.
"Get your suitcase," pointed her stepfather, "and get into the car. I'm driving you to the railroad station. You'll be given twenty dollars. Where and how far it takes you is none of my business. I never want you to step foot in my house again."
She was so shaken, following the ordeal and now this, that May could not even muster enough strength to try to defend herself. "I'd at least like to say goodbye to Jeanie."
The stepfather was angered. "Keep away from my daughter," he emphasized his possession. "Never speak to her again-or I'll take a horsewhip to you-slut!"
If he had flogged her, she would not have been so hurt Tears flooding her eyes, a choke welling up in her throat, she took her suitcase and sat in the back of the car as he drove her to the railroad station. No words were spoken when they stopped. The stepfather got out, opened her door, motioned her to leave the car. The suitcase was dumped on the ground. In a moment, he was back in the car, driving off in a cloud of dust. The car became smaller and smaller until it vanished in the distance.
Never before had May Kramer felt so alone. In one hand was the twenty dollar bill he pressed at her; in the other hand, she picked up her suitcase and made her way to the depot ticket office. She was so flustered and nervous that she could scarcely gather her senses together. She knew she made a foolish one-way ticket purchase to a small town somewhere. She was confused. And ... five hours later ... when the railroad train left her at this town, she again sensed the aloneness. Just ten dollars and change in her purse-that was all. And she was hungry.
It was a stroke of luck that would obliterate all the misfortune she had endured that the Anders happened along in their sky blue Volvo with the pink upholstery. A compact car, it bespoke of wealth as did everything about these two people. Surely there could be no harm in accepting their generous offers of help!
They not only offered to drive her to San Francisco, but bought her a sumptuous dinner on the way. Steak smothered in onions, mashed potatoes with gobs of. steaming gravy, fragrant green peas and artichoke hearts, followed by a baked Alaska, and two cups of black coffee, made May Kramer feel like a new girl.
She wanted to repay these kind people for getting her out of the worst dilemma she had ever known. There would be time, the next day, to offer to repay them-at least, she could get their home address and perhaps mail them something in gratitude when she was back on her feet again.