Adult-FanFiction.org : Television / Streaming

The Handler	By : Melissa92863 Category: G through L > Handler Views: 1936 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Handler, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
The Handler and it�s characters are not mine. They belong to CBS and are from the Series The Handler.
It was the middle of the night early on Saturday morning when Rusty�s cell phone went off. She rolled over and answered it.

�Yeah this is Rusty.� She said sleepily.

�Honey, It�s Joe. I�m sorry to get you up in the middle of the night like this but we have a major problem brewing.� Said Joe.

Rusty looked groggily at the clock that read 3am. She yawned and ran her fingers though her red locks.

�It�s ok Handsome, what�s up?� She asked rolling to her back.

�I shouldn�t go over it on the phone. I�m going to come on home.� Joe asked.

�Sure, come on home Darlin�. How far away are you?� She asked pitching off the covers and sitting on the edge of the bed. Just then two headlights flashed in the window from the driveway.

�I�m already here Honey.� said Joe .

�Ok see you in a minute.� Said Rusty.

He hung up and she quickly put her cell phone down. She went to the front door of the house she and Joe were renting and switched on the porch light then off then on again. That was the all clear signal they had devised.

Joe wearily walked up the steps and onthe the porch. Rusty was waiting at the open door with her night gown on. Joe was on assignment and had been for a week or so. So this was a surprise to say the least for Rusty. He took one look at her and smiled a very tired smile. He was dressed in a suit and tie. The tie hung around his neck untied his shirt unbuttoned one button. She opened the screen door and he walked right into her arms.

�My goodness Joe something really bad must have happened for you to have needed to call me.� She said as she hugged him.

�Yeah, really bad.� Said Joe. �You are a sight for sore eyes Gorgeous.� He let up on the tight hold he had on her too look at her face. Then he gave her a kiss like he hadn�t seen her in years.

�Humm, Handsome I�ve not been missed so much in my life. So what�s this bear hug and the tonsil cleaning all about? Not that I�m complaining.� She asked after he had finished kissing her. As he let her go but not of her hand. He closed and locked the front door.

�Remember I was sent to secure Anton Cormov the singer�s testimony so that witness protection could take over?� He asked as they sat down on her couch.

�Yeah, and it looks like it didn�t go down well.� Said Rusty�s intuition kicking in.

�That�s an understatement Honey.� Said Joe. �When I got there tonight he was dead in his penthouse an apparent drug overdose. The needle still in his arm.�

�Shit.� said Rusty. �Did you get outta there without anyone seeing you?�

�Yeah I believe so. I�ve been driving for two hours making sure no one followed me. He got up and turned the light off on the end table and looked carefully out the window. Nothing. He turned on the light again.

�Ok, so you think it�s alright now?� She asked.

�Yeah if there was anyone following me they aren�t now.� Said Joe. He sat back down and ran his hands though his hair and face. �I called Marty from the scene. He told me he would take care of it and I was to get outta there. I told him I was going home.�

� I�m glad you think of it as your home. I bet you could use some coffee.� said Rusty getting up and going into the kitchen. He followed her.

�I have for a while now Honey. Some of your strong coffee would be appreciated. I know you and the band are ready to play gigs together now since Sardoni. You up for that again?� He asked.

�Yeah, So you are going to need us again right?� She asked.

�I�m afraid so Honey, I�ll need you and the band trow.row.� Said Joe.

�Your talking tired talk Darlin�. Your not making much sense here.� Said Rusty. She started making the coffee.

Joe yawned. �Yeah I know I�m sorry. But it�s good to see you. I�ve missed you Rusty.� Said Joe as she finished making coffee and he pulled her into another hug.

�I�ve missed you something awful too Darlin�.� Said Rusty as she patted his back then pulled away a bit to look at him.

�I�m not sure what to do right now. I�m so tired I can�t think.� Said Joe.

�Then don�t.� Said Rusty. �Just let me get you some coffee and we will sit a while.� Said Rusty.

She got down two mugs and poured the coffee and handed him one of them.

�Thanks Honey. I knew I could count on you.� said Joe sipping it. �Good as always.�

�Thanks. You know you can always count on me. Have you eaten?� She asked.

�No but I�m not hungry.� said Joe.

�Ya sure I�ll make you something.� Said Rusty going for the fridge.

Joe caught her hand. �Maybe later.� Said Joe as they walked back to the couch.

�I�m sorry to have to pull you into this mess with me but, you have talent for the singing and music part of this. Plus, you have a way of extracting information like I couldn�t. I think someone inside Allegra Records offed Cormov tonight. I don�t think the man did drugs.� said Joe sipping more coffee.

�What ever you need me to do Darlin�. You know that. Thanks for the compliment.� Said Rusty.

Joe sat back and started relaxing.

�I really shouldn�t sleep. I need to brief you.� Said Joe.

�You can do that in the later am Darlin�. Maybe a little sleep will help you think things out.� Said Rusty as Joe started to doze off. He caught himself and jerked awake.

�Joe just relax. Give me the coat.� Said Rusty as he took off his suite coat. She went to hang it on the coat rack on a hanger. When she went to do that and on returning Joe was asleep on the couch. She didn�t have the heart to wake him to have him come to bed. She carefully got his shoes off and swung his feet on to the other end of the couch. Then she got the pillow that was on the other end and carefully put it under his head and covered him with the crocheted afghan. He settled comfortably in on the leather couch turning on his side. She touched his hair and smiled.

�Good night Darlin�. She whispered.

�Good Night Honey.� Said Joe almost unintelligibly. She slipped off back into their bedroom and got into bed .

Rusty got up the next morning putting on her robe. She went out to check on Joe. He was still asleep. She looked at the clock on the kitchen wall. 11am is what it said. She heard him stirring in the living room. Rusty threw out the coffee she had made the night before. It was cold she had turned off the coffee pot upon going to back to bed. So she started another pot. Joe looked around then he knew where he was. He slid upright yawning. Then he heard her in the kitchen so he got up and went into see what she was doing.

�Good Morning Gorgeous.� Said Joe smiling in a little better mood than he had been last night. He came over to her and put his arms around her.

�Good Morning Handsome. How�d ya sleep?� She asked.

�Really good. But I wish you had woke me up to go to bed.� Said Joe.

�I didn�t have the heart Darlin�. You look a might better than last night or shall I say early in this am.� Said Rusty she gave him a hug and a kiss.

Joe hadn�t let that smile leave his face.

�Thank you for last night Rusty. It�s good to know I have someone to count on.� Said Joe.

�Oh Darlin� I didn�t do anything really. I just helped you outta that tree you got stuck in.� Said Rusty they were still in an embrace.

�Yes you did. I love you Rusty.� Said Joe.

�I love you too Handsome. I owe you a lot my sweet Darlin�. You got me help when I needed it after the Max incident. You picked up on it almost from it�s beginning. You went the extra mile for me and I�m grateful.� Said Rusty.

�That�s what happens when you care about someone. That�s the way it�s supposed to be.� Said Joe.

�You sure about that Darlin�.� Asked Rusty.

�Yep. So ya made more coffee?� He asked as the last of it dripped into the pot.

�Yeah, I turned the other off.� Said Rusty. �Your going to have to let me go in order for me to get you some.�

�Yeah, I know.� Said Joe pulling her close again.

�My goodness Joe Renato what has gotten into you?� She asked.

�I just realized something about all this.� Said Joe.

�What�s that?� She asked.

�That my instincts were right.� Said Joe.

�Told ya.� Said Rusty as he let her go finally. �You hungry?�

�Yeah, as a horse.� Said Joe. �You going to be up to making a demo tape this afternoon with the boys in the band?�

�Sure what�s your take?� She asked getting out some eggs and bacon.

�Cormov was killed because of what he knew. You know he came here 10 years ago for asylum.� Said Joe.

�Yeah, He came here because the Russian Mob was after him to join them. Didn�t they kill his parents as a veiled threat to make him join?� Asked Rusty. �You cooking this or am I?� She asked.

�You have been looking though the files on my desk again haven�t you?� asked Joe smirking a smile at her.

�Well you seem to go though mine the same way.� Said Rusty. Rusty looked at Joe. �I guess we are cooking breakfast.�

�That�s what they did. Yeah we are cooking breakfast.� Said Joe. �That�s your way of watching my back, because if it is I�m doing the same thing with you.�

�Ya think?� She giggled.

�I think so.� Said Joe. �He had turned informant in exchange for witness protection.�

�That I didn�t know.� Said Rusty.

�He was part of a really popular singing group in Russia in the late 80�s early 90�s. When the wall fell in �89 the Russian Mob was trying to get into music piracy. They wanted his help in securing tapes for them.� Said Joe. �Or at least that is what Elaina told me.� Said Joe.

�How is she anyway?� Asked Rusty.

�Ok I guess.� Said Joe. �I hope you don�t think��..�

�No, I know. Who�s bed do you sleep in? She and I talked. In other circumstances we could be friends.� Said Rusty. �It�s ok I know she is your informant.�

�Glad you understand that.� Said Joe. She was frying the bacon up and he was scrambling the eggs.

�You were playing his manager weren�t you?� She asked.

�Yeah and I don�t know if my cover has been blown. I did mention that I had other talent.� Said Joe cutting her a grin.

�I guess I�m the other talent?� She asked.

�That you are. Looks like you are going to get a contract whether you like it or not.� Said Joe smirking a knowing smile at her.

�Oh, I know it isn�t real Joe. I don�t want one you know that. I�m happy where I am.� Said Rusty smirking one back at him.

�I feel like you are wasting that beautiful voice of yours. That�s why I helped you get the band together really. I was hoping you would see that.� Said Joe.

�Joe, my Darlin�, what have I told you?� She asked putting the bacon on the plates.

�That you are happy being a Handler.� Said Joe almost in monotone.

�Yeah, my voice isn�t exactly like it was before Max got though with me.� Said Rusty. She ran her hand over the place where he had got her with a rope.

�Your voice hasn�t changed at all. No more ok? No use in starting that bad shit up again.� Said Joe as he started the eggs and switched places with her.

�Yeah ok, I�m with you on that Handsome.� Said Rusty.

They sat down to eat.

�I�m grabbing a shower after breakfast.� Said Joe.

�Ok. Would you enjoy company?� asked Rusty.

Joe cut a sly grin. �Yeah, we haven�t done that in a long time with our schedules like they have been.� SJoe.Joe.

. �This is the first time you didn�t take me along with you on an assignment.� Said Rusty. �I want you to know for sure you have been missed.�

�I think it can be arranged this afternoon. As to why I didn�t take you with me. I wanted you to see that you were ready for your own team.� Said Joe. �You handle ours so well.�

�First I�d heard of it.� Said Rusty. �I told you I�m happy��

�I know but at some point you have to have your own team, Honey.� Said Joe.

�Why can�t things just stay the same?� She asked as he was shoveling in his portion of the breakfast.

�Because Rusty you are wasting��.�

�Yeah ok. Now you need me and I�m here and I don�t have a team of my own. What would happen if I did?� She asked.

Joe thought a moment. �Ok so you have me there.�

��nough said then Darlin. My, you are hungry as a wolf.� Said Rusty. �I�m not going to take it away from you. Slow down.�

�Well ok, but we just cook good together.� Said Joe. �Want some more coffee?�

Rusty put her hand over her coffee cup and cut a sly grin of her own. �No I think I would rather��.�

�Yeah I know we haven�t had the time for that.� Said Joe. �I�m sorry too.�

�I�ve missed that.� said Rusty.

�Honey, look you tell me when we have had the time for something like that.� Joe said.

�Ok I just thought you might be loosing interest.� Said Rusty sheepishly.

Joe shook his head. Smiled and looked at her. �Baby if you only knew.�

�I wish I did Joe.� said Rusty as they finished breakfast.

She was getting up and about to take the plates to the sink and he stopped her. Took the plates from her and embraced her.

�Now, I�m gonna tell you this one time. Don�t worry about it. I�m gonna clear up any reservations you have soon enough. I think afters ass assignment you and me are gonna find a beach somewhere and�..� Rusty interrupted him.

�Humm, better make that a private beach there Darlin�.� Said Rusty winking at him.

Joe chuckled. �Rusty you have to quit that reading my mind part. It�s already summer. When we take this vacation, you had better go and find a new bathiuit.uit.� Said Joe. �I�m making that your choice of what kind.�

�I got something in mind already.� Said Rusty smiling and then kissing him.

He pulled back a little. �Did I say that we didn�t have time for��..�

�You did Darlin�.� Said Rusty starting to giggle.

�Maybe I was a little premature on that speculation.� Said Joe.

�It was the way I kissed you that made you think twice?� She asked.

�Yeah it was Baby.� Said Joe. Things were turning to clearing the table the hard way when his cell phone went off.

�Ah, Damn it!� Said Joe.

�You said it for both of us.� Said Rusty as he let her go and she straitened up the beginning of a mess they had started. He got his cell and answered it.

�Yeah, this is Joe.� He said with some sarcasm in his voice.

�Anton is dead.� Said the man on the other end of his cell. Joe put his hand over the phone.

�It�s Pavel.� Said Joe. Rusty nodded.

�What�s that Pavel?� Asked Joe.

�Anton was found this morning dead in his penthouse.� Said Pavel. �They are taking him to the morgue.�

�I�ll be right down.� Said Joe.

�Thanks Joe I will meet you there.� Said Pavel.

He slapped shut the phone.

�I�m going to have to ask you to issue another rain check Honey. I�m sorry.� Said Joe. He wasn�t happy about the situation either.

�It�s ok I know you have to go and identify him. You want me to go with you?� She asked.

Joe thought for a moment. �Yeah maybe you should. Then I can introduce you.�

After Joe got though with identifying the body he and Pavel were walking down the hall. Pavel Sorokin, a Russian immigrant himself owned Allegra Records. Pavel had been one of Anton�s band mates in Russia.

�Joe, you know we will need to replace him and I know that will be hard I�m thinking replace is not the right word but you understand don�t you? You said you had other talent didn�t you?� He asked.

�Yes. I have one of my clients with me right now. Just so happens she and I are in a relationship.� Said Joe. �The red head over there. Her name is Rusty.�

Pavel looked at Rusty who smiled at him.

�Lucky man you are Joe. A woman that good looking must be a lot of trouble though.� Said Pavel.

�Not really, we have our moment but we still meet half way. She has talent above what prejudice I would have though Pavel or wouldn�t offer for you to hear her sing.� Said Joe. They walked up to Rusty.

�Rusty this is Pavel Sorokin head of Allegra Records. Pavel this is Rusty Mc Dowell.� Said Joe introducing them.

�Good to meet you Rusty.� Said Pavel.

�Pleasure is mine.� Said Rusty. Pavel was about her own age. He was a handsome, tall, blonde man. When she and Pavel shook hands something happened that she never expected. Something began passing between them. She was trying to blow it off but Joe noticed.

�Joe says you have a voice that I must hear for myself.� Said Pavel. By now Joe knew something wasng ong on in Rusty�s mind. And probably Pavel�s.

�That�s up to you sir.� Said Rusty.

�Please call me Pavel. Rusty is it.� He asked. Joe began to believe that they had forgot he was there.

�Yes.� Said Rusty as Joe jerked her back into reality. When eye contact was broken between them it went to normal. Rusty shook her head.

�You ok Rusty?� Asked Joe.

�I just felt a bit off there Handsome.� Said Rusty. �We are standing in the morgue waiting area.�

�Are you well enough to sing for me later this afternoon?� Asked Pavel. �I must have a headliner and soon. It�s going to be hard replacing Anton but, I�m going to have too.� Said Pavel. �We were friends for a long time since what you call high school.�

�I�m sorry I have two long time friends of my own. I know this must be a hard time for you.� Said Rusty. Then the second time she looked at him and made eye contact she saw something different but didn�t let on.

�Yes it is.� Said Pavel pulling his eyes away from hers. What grief he had he was having to make up as he went she thought.

Meet me at the Allegra Records sound studio at 5pm then.� Said Pavel. �Joe I suspect she has a band?�

�Yes she does.� Said Joe. �We will be there.�

�Good then we shall have dinner.� Said Pavel. �See you then.� He kissed Rusty�s hand again but this time she wasn�t too happy about it. She hid the fact that she felt she was on to him.

After he left Joe was ready for her to answer some questions.

�Ok what was that?� He asked. He crossed his arms and looked a bit on the pissed side.

�Joe he is hiding something. The grief he had was a make up as you go. The first time he kissed my hand it was like he was trying to impress a point on me. Like if he wanted me he could have me and at that point the had me who-doed.� Said Rusty. �I don�t think it�s the same thing as Max. No he wanted to possess me. Max just thought he was smart enough too. This guy is another story though. He would possess you body, soul, mind and you would wear the dog collar to match it all.�

�That is not what I was getting.� Said Joe. They walked outside. She knew he thought she had fallen for him.

�Oh what the hell would I do with a 6 foot Russian with blonde hair. I�d be afraid mostly.� Said Rusty. �I like Italians better.� She said grabbing his arm and hugging it.

�You sure Adonis didn�t as you put it, tthatthat pretty little red head of yours?� He asked.

�He�s pretty Joe that�s it. But pretty isn�t what pretty does this time Handsome. So get off the jealous pot.� Said Rusty.

�Ok, but I saw that look you got.� Said Joe.

�For how long did I have it for him?� She asked. �How long have I been looking� back at lik like that without hesitation?�

�Ok so you got me again.� Said Joe. �I know you love me. It just scared me.�

�Don�t let it. I�m not into mind control and I think that is what he is good at. Lucky that I have my Handsome steady here to keep me in line.� Said Rusty. �Yeah I love you Joe. You should know it. I know you love me.�

�Yeah you do and I know it. I think the whole of LA does but I�m not sure about the people that live in the hills.� Said Joe chuckling. �I for one��..�

Rusty let his arm go. She crossed hers. Joe looked at her. �Ok, I love you too Rusty. That�s no secrete either.� Said Joe. �Come on we have to get the boys together.�

�I think someone is asking for a spanking.� Said Rusty. Joe pulled her along and entwined her arm with his.

�I think you had better catch me first or put your money where that pretty Scottish mouth is.� Said Joe.

�Did you get the same feeling from Pavel?� She asked.

�Somewhat but not as strong as you did. One reason I wanted you in on this case. I�ve come to trust your intuition. You have been right more than wrong in things.�

They both went on to find the boys.

Later on at Allegra Records Rusty and her band were playing for Pavel. She chose the song Sleeping Angel. A song Stevie Nicks had sung. Rusty hadn�t had time to come up with an original song for him. However; Pavel did see she had talent he decided to record the song. Joe was proud to see her so at ease in the recording booth. It was like she belonged there. In that song there was a message Joe had caught on too.

�That was wonderful Rusty. I can�t believe you did that on only two takes.� Said Pavel.

�I�m glad you think I�m good enough to record.� Said Rusty. �Thanks.�

�I�m glad Joe brought you by. Do you have anything else prepared?� Asked Pavel. �We can work out the copyright on this later.�

�Sure, boys let�s do Sweet Child of Mine. The Sheryl Crow version.� Said Rusty as she picked up her Guitar and got on the stool.

�That sounds good.� Said Pavel.

Pavel was very impressed with Rusty. Joe watched Rusty play. He never got tired of it. Over the last few months they had known each other he had come to love her talents as well as the woman. Joe smiled as he listened to her.

�Joe I�m glad you brought Rusty to me. I can make her a big star.� said Pavel.

�I knew and I want it for her. She�s been playing since she was about 14 in a band.� Said Joe.

�That�s a long time without being discovered. What is she 30 maybe 35?� Asked Pavel.

�She�s 40. But you wouldn�t know it.� Said Joe.

�I wouldn�t at that my friend.�

Later on after they recorded some songs Pavel had dinner waiting in his conference room. For a small recording establishment Pavel had pulled out all the stops. The meal included Lobster, Steak, and Beluga caviar. With Champagne. After the meal Pavel toasted Rusty. He had a contract for her to sign. He knew talent when he saw it. Joe knew that even with Pavel under suspicion he would still have the pull to make Rusty a star even if it was for just a little while. Joe lit a cigar and sat back with his arm around Rusty.

�Fine meal you provided Pavel.� Said Rusty. �Thank you so much.�

�No it�s me that should thank Joe and of ce yoe you. I�m going to make you a big star like Anton was.� Said Pavel.

�I�m glad you believe I have talent.� Said Rusty.

�You do. Joe was right. Even with him being maybe a little prejudice he was right.� Said Pavel.

�I know talent Pavel. Rusty has it.� Said Joe.

�Yes and a lot more than I would have suspected. We will get the rights to the songs Monday but I plan to put her out on the radio soon. How soon would you be abl pla play at some clubs I have association with?� He asked.

�She�s free to do that.� Said Joe.

�Good then I will set up some dates. We must do this introduction right.� Said Pavel.

�It�s like I am coming out of no where though.� Said Rusty.

�A lot of singers do that. Just show up on the scene. So don�t worry.� Said Pavel. �It�s late and I need to plan Anton�s funeral. I will get back with you on Monday if that is ok?�

�That�s fine. If I can help plan it Pavel, I would be happy too.� Offered Joe.

�No need for that. He will have a church funeral. Least I can do for him.� Said Pavel as they said their goodbyes.

�Ok then, let me know when it is and I will be there.� Said Joe.

�I will. Good Night to you and Rusty.� Said Pavel taking Rusty�s hand again and kissing it.

�Good Night Pavel.� Said Rusty.

Joe nodded and shook his handey ley left after that.

�You know there will be copyright infringement with that.� Said Joe.

�I know. But I cleared those songs a while back.� Said Rusty.

�Good. Then it will only be in Russia that it will be pirated.� Said Joe.

�Yeah, I cleared a lot of songs for use.� Said Rusty. �I�ll have to come up with some original material though. I haven�t had a lot of time for working on anything. I have some old pieces but, I�m afraid they will not be good enough for publication.� Said Rusty.

�I�m sure they would be. You might run some by me.� Said Joe.

�I might at that.� Said Rusty.

�Let�s go home. I have to get some sleep.� Said Joe.

�Yeah after last night I suppose you do.� Said Rusty.

They went back to the house.

�I�ll be glad to sleep in my own bed with my own woman tonight.� Said Joe.

�Yeah will be wonderful having you back to snuggle with.� Said Rusty as they got undressed and climbed into bed.

�I�m sorry but that is about all I can manage tonight.� Said Joe. �In the morning is going to be a different story though.�

�I know Handsome. Good Night.� Said Rusty they started snuggling down together.

�Ok. Good Night Gorgeous.� Said Joe.

For the next few days Rusty was busy trying to come up with new material. She had played in a club with her band. Pavel was becoming increasingly protective with her. Joe knew Rusty had been right about him being a control freak. Joe was barely allowed access to her. By now he had her living in hotel suite. Joe was worried that he had put her in this and that Pavel had ulterior motives for her. Rusty was a beautiful woman and not only that she was good hearted and wise Joe had known that for a while. But now as he was being denied access too her, almost covertly in fact. She was always busy and not allowed a cell phone. But one night she had, had enough of not being able to see Joe and snuck out of the hotel and called him.

�Joe Darlin� it�s Rusty. Sorry to wake you.�

Joe looked at his watch. It was a bout 4 in the morning.

�Hello Gorgeous. It�s ok Honey how have you been? I�ve been worried.� He asked.

�I hate to have to ask you but could you meet me across the street from the hotel at the diner there. I got away from the goons for a while. They think I�m sleeping.� Said Rusty.

�Sure be there in just a few.� Said Joe pulling on his shoes. He had been sleeping in his clothes for days hoping that she would call.

�Ok Darlin� I�m sorry it�s been so long. I tried to tell you Pavel was a control freak.� Said Rusty.

�Yeah you did Honey. I wish I had listened. I feel like you have been taken right out of my life for good.� said Joe as he got his hat and locked the door.

�The only way that was to happen would be for me to be dead Handsome. That�s the only way in the world. Cuz nothing but that could keep me away from you.� Said Rusty.

�I�m getting in the car right now.� Said Joe. �Let�s hope that isn�t a scenario.�

�Ok, I�ll be waiting.� Said Rusty.

�Oh by the way, why did you wait so long to call me?� Said Joe.

�Pavel has almost been right up my butt for a few days now. I�m almost a prisoner.� Said Rusty.

�I think we need to get you outta there.� Said Joe.

�No but I could sure use some help.� Said Rusty.

�I�ll think on it and we will talk in a few minutes I�m almost there.� Said Joe.

�Ok see ya in a few.� Said Rusty. She hung up the phone and decided to wait outside in the shadows for him. He parked the Mercedes and started to walk inside.

�Hello Handsome.� Came Rusty�s voice from the shadows. Joe looked down toward the alley way and started to walk faster. Upon arriving there he and she both threw there arms around each other and held on.

�Hello Gorgeous.� Said Joe almost holding too tight.

�I see you missed me. I missed you too Handsome.� Said Rusty as they let up on the embrace a little so they could almost see each other�s faces there was little light in the alley. They kissed for the longest time then stopped.

�You really did miss me.� Said Joe.

�You bet I did Darlin�. It�s like a Russian Gulag working for Pavel. I feel like Faust a little you know he signed a contract with the devil and the devil reneged right?� She asked.

�Yeah I know the story. I�m sorry it�s been that way. He has been covert in his ways of stopping me from seeing you. I am going to send someone in to help you out.� Said Joe. �I�m afraid something is going to happen to you.�

�I�m beginning to have the same feeling and I for one am not done with this world yet. I still have things to do.� Said Rusty. �I play at the night club tonight. Maybe you could send someone in to help me there.�

�Ok I�ll do that.� Said Joe. He pulled her into a hug then he got an idea. �Rusty are they speaking a lot of Russian so that you can�t understand?� He asked.

�Yeah, I�m afraid he is planning something and I have no idea what.� Said Rusty.

�I have a wire in the car. One that goes in that pin of yours you wear. Also, I�m going to ask Elaina to come into the game. She can help you out that way. I know she will she likes you a lot.� Said Joe.

�I�m doing what ever you want now. This is too much. I have no freedom.� Said Rusty.

�Honey, has he��..�

�No, not yet but I feel like soon he will try and it is not going to be subtle either. He is going to hit me with that all at once not like Max.� Said Rusty. �I may have too but I just don�t want to think about i/P>
/P>
�Yeah I know. I don�t either. I think I would have to take him out myself then.� Said Joe. �I know you don�t have a lot of time.�

�No, I should hurry.� She looked at her watch. They were still holding on to one another.

�I�m so sorry Rusty.� Said Joe.

�You didn�t know he was like this. You were only there a couple of weeks before Anton was murdered.� Said Rusty. �Rats don�t show their bad side until it is almost too late sometimes.�

Joe pulled her a little closer. �If something were to happen I could never forgive myself. This would have��

�No, don�t you go and do that. I�m doing my job my sweet Darlin�. Part of that includes risking everything. Now, I need to go but I don�t want too.� Said Rusty as she pulled back to see Joe�s face in the faint half light.

�Ok but your getting help and I will have someone listening 24/7 here.� Said Joe as they went to his car. He fixed the pin so it would work for her. �Frank will be on call for this. He admires you a lot.�

�Not as much as my boss man.� Said Rusty.

�I�m not your boss Rusty. We are equals in this. You know that.� Said Joe as he pulled her again into another embrace. �You be careful.�

�I will Darlin�.� Said Rusty. �I�ll expect to see Elaina.�

�Good. I love you Rusty.� Said Joe.

�I love you too Joe.� Said Rusty as they kissed again. Joe reluctantly let her go and got in the Mercedes. Rusty waved faintly at him and he tried to smile and waved back. She then rushed back up the back steps and into her hotel suite. Joe called Frank and he agreed to listen in he would be in a van outside the hotel in about 20 minutes.

Joe was kicking himself at this point. He hit the steering wheel of the car several times in frustration. But the best he could do for her was to get Elaina in there to translate things and to help her find a way out. He hit Elaina�s number.

�Hello.� Came a Russian female voice.

�Elaina, it�s Joe.�

�Well, hello Joey how�s things? How is Rusty?� Asked Elaina.

�Not good Elaina we have to discuss you working for us again.� Said Joe.

�I can tell from the sound of your voice something has happened. Meet me at the old bar in 20 minutes. You know I am up all night with my girls.� Said Elaina.

�Ok, 20 minutes then.� Said Joe.

Joe met her at the old bar down town. He explained the situation to her and she listened.

�That is some story Joey.� said Elaina. �I�ll be happy to help her out.�

�Ok how much of a cut do you want?� He asked.

�Small percentage I am helping a friend here. 5 percent?� She asked.

�Nice to know you have some sort of loyalty. Ok.� Said Joe almost sarcastically.

�Oh Joey, I do especially with her. I don�t want to see her dead because of something I could help prevent. Actually��.� She started talking in an American accent. �Actually I have been practicing this accent.�

�Very good Elaina. No traces of a Russian accent at all. How did you learn that?� He asked.

�Watching TV and listening to my girls talk. Some are American you know.� Said Elaina.

�You�ll go in tomorrow and not as a call girl either. Business woman I think.� Said Joe. �Do you need clothes or anything?�

�I could use a car.� Said Elaina.

�I�ll see you get one.� Said Joe. �Come to the office in the morning before noon.� Said Joe.

�You need rest Joey. How long as it been since you slept?� She asked.

�Been ile.ile. I�m worried about her.� Said Joe.

�I wish someone loved me that much. Talk about your loyalties.� Said Elaina.

�Yeah, I�ll see you tomorrow Elaina and thanks.� Said Joe.

�Don�t worry so much. Rusty is a smart girl.� Said Elaina. She patted his shoulder.

�Easier said than done Elaina.� said Joe with a half hearted smile. Elaina turned and walked out the door. It was 6 am when Joe finally got to his office. He got in his chair and rested awhile. At 9am Marcy woke him.

�Joe you been here all night?� Asked Marcy.

�No, I met with Rusty.� Said Joe.

�So she finally called. Was wondering about her. She is supposed to check in every day.� Said Marcy.

�Cut her some slack. Pavel is almost glued to her and he wont allow her access to a cell phone. I screwed up putting her in there.� Said Joe.

�No you didn�t. How much has she uncovered? She found out Anton was offed by someone in the Russian Mob didn�t she think it was actually Pavel?� Asked Marcy.

�Yeah that�s what she said when she reported a few days ago. She hasn�t been able to find out much. He has eyes and ears on her. I�m sending Elaina in to see what�s up. Rusty said they are doing a lot of their business in Russian and she doesn�t understand.� Said Joe. �I really want her out of there. Pavel is a control freak.�

�So I heard. Maybe she should just close up and make herself disappear.� Said Marcy.

�She probably will.� Said Joe.

�Listen you need to go and get some sleep.� Said Marcy.

�I will. I need to get cleaned up too. I�m getting a bit on the scruffy side.� Said Joe as he ran his hand over his three days of stubble.

Darnell and Lily came in about that time.

�Joe you heard from Rusty?� Asked Darnell.

�Yeah, she�s alive and well for the moment. Something is going down soon though.� Said Joe.

�When we didn�t hear from her we were getting worried. Do you need us to tail her or something?� Asked Lily.

�I have Frank listening in. But yeah. Could you run interference tonight at the night club?� He asked. �I can�t go in there. Also Elaina is going in to see what she can find out. She knows Russian and Rusty doesn�t.� Said Joe.

�Ok we go in tonight.� Said Darnell. �Anything to help her.�

�I�m glad you like her so much.� Said Joe.

�What�s not to like?� Said Lily.

�Elaina comes at noon. I�ll try to be back before then. I don�t think I can sleep.� Said Joe.

�I�ll get her what she needs and get her ready before you get back ok?� Asked Marcy.

�Ok I�m outta here for now.� Said Joe.

�She will be ok. Rusty is really smart.� Said Darnell.

�Yeah, she is and with Elaina there she will know how to plan.� Said Joe.

�See ya later.� Said Lily.

With that he left. Heather saw him walking down the hall way and went into his office where Marcy, Darnell and Lily were discussing what they needed to do.

�I take it he heard from Rusty.� Asked Heather. �So she is ok?�

�Yes. He talked to her early this morning. She�s ok but he is calling in you guys to help watch her at the club she is playing at.� Said Marcy.

�I�m going.� Said Heather. �Rusty is my best friend.�

�We all are. Joe can�t go in there. Pavel has made i Joe Joe is off limits to Rusty now.� Said Marcy.

�I hope it�s not another Max thing.� Said Lily.

�I hope not either. I wish you could see Joe. He looks like something his cat drug in.� Said Marcy.

�Yeah, I noticed that the other day. He�s a mess but he is holding it together. It�s going to take everything he has to help her.� Said Darnell. �He loves her.�

�She loves him.� Said Heather.

�They are a good team. I�ve learned a lot from both of them.� Said Lily.

�We all have.� Said Marcy.

When Joe got in the Mercedes he put the disc in that Rusty had made of her demo tape. The strains of her beautiful voice came gently from the speakers. It felt bittersweet to him at the moment. It was the song that she had sung for him Sleeping Angel. He drove to the house listening to it. He finally got inside. He went to the couch and got a few hours sleep. Before he lay down hwed wed his head. He said a silent prayer for her safe return. And for his team to help her since he couldn�t do it any other way. It wasn�t in his nature not to have better control of the situation. He prayed for guidance and he prayed because he loved her.

For Valentines day Joe had got her a diamond cocktail ring she hadn�t taken it off since he gave it to her. It was in a w gol gold setting in a diamond shape with brilliant stones. She looked at it as she woke up. Pavel was there bringing her breakfast again. She got out of bed and locked the door so she could dress. Then she came out.

�Did you sleep well?� asked Pavel.

�I slept ok.� Said Rusty.

�What is wrong?� He asked.

�I�m going to need a secretary.� Said Rusty.

�Ok, you shall have one.� Said Pavel. �What else is wrong?�

�I can�t see Joe.� Said Rusty.

�Now we talked about that. I�m the only one that should be managing you Rusty. You don�t need him.� Said Pavel.

�But I love him.� She countered.

�You don�t need to worry about that now. Your mind should be on your career and not on some man that is too old for you. I�m more your age. I am 41.� Said Pavel.

�That�s awfully generous of you Pavel but Joe and I have been together a long time.� Said Rusty.

�Has he offered to marry you?� Asked Pavel.

�Somewhat.� Said Rusty.

�I would marry you. Make you my wife and give you everything your heart desired.� Said Pavel.

�Like I said Joe and I��..�

�You refuse?� He asked. Rusty knew she had better not argue with Pavel.

�No it�s just sudden. Please give me time.� Said Rusty.

�Ok but no more Joe. He is out of your picture now.� Said Pavel. �I�m going down town. Be there in two hours.�

�Ok.� Said Rusty she gave him a smile and he left. Upon his leaving she went to the bedroom and started crying. Frank was out side and heard everything. He felt bad for her. About that time Darnell came to get the first tapes.

�Hi Darnell.� Said Frank. �I really feel bad for Rusty. It�s just like Joe said. That Pavel doesn�t want her to have anything to do with Joe.�

�Is that what that Rat said?� A Dar Darnell. �That�s not going down too well with Joe.�

�Wouldn�t with me either.� Said Frank. �There isn�t much on this tape. She mostly slept tossing and turning. Darnell she has been crying. �

�Damn, I really feel for them both.� Said Darnell. �Thanks.�

�No problem. In two hours I�ll be moving to Allegra Records parking lot.� Said Frank.

�See you there then.� Said Darnell as he got out of the van and went to his car. Lily sat waiting.

�Well?� Asked Lily.

�Frank just said Rusty was to have no contact with Joe.� Said Darnell.

�Oh that�s going to go down really swell.� Said Lily. �Joe is going to have what Rusty calls a conniption fit.�

�Don�t I know it.� Said Darnell.

Elaina was sent on over. Rusty had just got there and saw her. Elaina gave her a sign not to notice her. Rusty nodded and went on in to Pavel�s office.

�I called an employment office and someone is coming for an interview.� Said Pavel.

�There is a woman out there. She is blonde could that be her?� Asked Rusty.

�I�ll go and see.� Said Pavel. �I want you to be as happy as you can be Rusty.�

�Thanks.� Said Rusty as Pavel went to see about the blonde in the lobby. Elaina being very astute decided that the secretary part was her in. She followed Pavel in to his office and Rusty and she shook hands.

�You say you need a secretary.� Said Elaina.

�Yes.� Said Rusty almost astonished at her American accent.

�I have had 5 years business training along with 10 years of experience.� Said Elaina.

�Ok then I think we would get along just fine actually. You will be taking care of me more as a personal assistant.� Said Rusty.

�That�s fine I can do that too. When would you like me to start?� She asked.

�Today if you can.� Said Rusty.

�Your in luck I can.� Said Elaina.
> > �Good then. Let�s go to my office.� Said Rusty.

Pavel stopped them before they left his office.

�You sure you want her?� Asked Pavel some what suspiciously.

�Yeah, I need a personal Assistant. You can�t keep waiting on me.� Said Rusty. �It doesn�t look right and you know it.�

�Your right this time but I say who comes and goes around here.� Said Pavel. Rusty crossed her arms. She had almost had enough.

�Ok, ok take her to your office I have no time to argue with you and if I did you would loose.� Said Pavel. The two women left the office and went to hers.

�I haven�t been glad to see anyone in my life Elaina. See what a horses ass I have to put up with?� Rusty asked.

�Yes he is a regular Jack ass.� Said Elaina. �I could handle that for you.�

�No, I have to do that. He is interested in me. Say you look wonderful dressed that way.� Said Rusty.

�Your Joey sends his love Rusty.� Said Elaina.

About that time Rusty broke. �I�m afraid I will never see him again.�

�You will, he misses you too my friend.� Said Elaina patting her shoulder.

�You must be since you offered to do this.� Said Rusty.

�Rusty, I have been for a while now. Let me do what I need to do to help you.� Said Elaina. �I can come and go from here like you can�t.�
- 4
- 5
- 6
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Handler