STYLIST: A Psycho-Sexual Thriller Read online

  Stylist

  A Psycho-Sexual Thriller

  By John L. Work

  Copyright © 2017 by John L. Work

  All rights reserved

  Acknowledgements

  My thanks to the following people for their kind assistance in finishing this work:

  Sherryl Braughton

  Barbara Ryan

  Jed West

  Alana Woods

  Foreword by Australian Novelist Alana Woods

  Is your hairdresser your confidante? If so, perhaps after reading this latest work by John L Work you’ll reassess your compulsion to confess the details of your life to him or her.

  Although we’ve never met in person John and I are friends. We became electronic pen pals some years ago after first meeting as authors discovering each other’s books. Since then I’ve followed his success trajectory and read and enjoyed everything he has produced.

  Several years ago he imortalised me with a cameo appearance as an off-stage character in The Barter 3: Rescue , the fourth in his political thriller series, The Barter and Reckoning. That, I have to tell you, was an unexpected thrill.

  John’s stories all have the common theme of police work. Not surprising when you think that authors starting out are advised to write what they know and that John was a career police officer, so what better subject to ground his stories in.

  Earlier works—The Barter and Reckoning Series— also carried political themes but with his last two, Fadoesque—a novel I loved—and now Stylist—another gripping read—John has focused on the crime mystery genre, albeit Stylist with a psycho-sexual theme.

  Before reading this latest novel I have to say I assumed it would be what many of this ilk are: the story of a sexual deviant serial killer. How wrong I was. I should have known better; John looks for the less travelled path.

  Because of its theme I was also guilty of thinking the story would be full of painful sexual description. Again, I was wrong. There is intelligent and nuanced restraint, making it a gripping but not squirm-inducing read.

  I enjoyed immersing myself once more into John L Work’s literary world and hope you do too.

  Alana Woods

  Intrigue Queen of thriller fiction

  Author of Automaton and Imbroglio

  Psychosexual: of or relating to the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of sexual development; of or relating to mental or emotional attitudes concerning sexual activity; of or relating to the physiological psychology of sex. (Source: Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary)

  Stylist

  1

  Jeff

  “So, what do you want to do here? You want this shortened? Off the ears?”

  “I think I’ll leave the length the same, but, yeah, can you get it off my ears?”

  “Sure. I can do that. Let me wet you down a little. Are you from around here? This is your first time in my little shop.”

  “What do you mean? Where am I from originally?”

  “Well, okay. I guess that’s a good question. Where are you from originally?”

  “California. That's where I went to high school. In Modesto. I came here for college.”

  “Really. Ever go back?”

  “No.”

  “Not even to visit?”

  “No. It’s way too crowded. I can't stand it. Who works that other chair? You're all by yourself today.”

  “I don't have anyone else at the moment. I had a girl for a while, but she got married and moved to Hawaii.”

  “So you work alone?”

  “For the time being.”

  “How long you been cutting hair?”

  “Mmm, about twenty years. I've had my own shop for ten. You like Colorado?”

  “It’s okay. The mountains are nice. But it’s so expensive.”

  “I guess it is. We pay for the scenery.”

  “Housing is outrageous. And the wages are so low. I’d like to get out and go somewhere else.”

  “What brought you here?”

  “College.”

  “Oh. That’s right. Sorry. You told me that.”

  “It’s okay. So, after I graduated I went to work in Denver.”

  “What was your major?”

  “Math.”

  “Oh, that’s a tough one. What kind of work do you do?”

  “I’m a teacher. High school.”

  “Really. That’s gotta be a challenge.”

  “It’s not bad. I still have fun with the kids.”

  “How long have you been a teacher?”

  “I’m in my fifteenth year.”

  “Wow! Are you married?”

  “Divorced.”

  “Oh.”

  “What about you? Where are you from?”

  “Florida. Let’s see, I forgot. You part your hair on the left side?”

  “No. Right side.”

  “Okay. How’s that length looking so far?”

  “Good. What city?”

  “Miami.”

  “Really. It’s hot there. I was in Florida one time. It was like a sauna.”

  “I know. I grew up there. After a while you get used to it. If you were born there, you don’t even notice it.”

  “You miss Florida?”

  “No. I like it here.”

  “You married?”

  “No. I'm divorced.”

  “Kids?”

  “No no no. No kids.”

  “That was pretty emphatic.”

  “I watched my older sisters when they had theirs. I learned from them. No kids for me. Uh-uh. Don't want the trouble.”

  “Is there someone special in your life?”

  “I have a boyfriend. What about you?”

  “I’m dating one of the secretaries at my school.”

  “How’s that goin' for you?”

  “Good. So far.”

  “How old is she?”

  “She’s my age.”

  “Does she have kids?”

  “Three. She has three sons.”

  “Really. How old are they?”

  “Thirteen, fifteen and sixteen.”

  “You have kids of your own?”

  “Two daughters. They live with their mom in Utah. I see them in the summers.”

  “That's gotta be difficult.”

  “It's not that bad. I think we appreciate each other more with the distance.”

  “I meant with your girlfriend. Is it hard for her? A single mom with a new man. A boyfriend isn't always welcome with teenagers. It's gotta be tough for you two to manage all that. Or am I wrong?”

  “At times it's hard, yes.”

  “Especially when you want some privacy, right? Just for the two of you.”

  “Uh huh. Sometimes we have to do some maneuvering. Send them out for a movie or something.”

  “She must be worth it for you to be willing to deal with three teenagers.”

  “She is.”

  “That's nice. A lot of men wouldn't want to anything do with a ready-made family.”

  “I suppose not.”

  “You thinkin' about marriage?”

  “I don't know if we'll get married. We haven't gotten that far along. What about you? Does your boyfriend have any kids?”

  “Oh, no. Heavens, no.”

  “How old is he?”

  “He's twenty-two.”

  “You're kidding. Really?”

  “No. I'm not kidding.”

  “Forgive me for asking, but how old are you?”

  “Forty-two.”

  “Really? And he's twenty-two? That must keep you busy.”

  “He does.”

  “What kind of work does he do?”

  “He was an intern in the gym where I work out.
He wants to be a personal trainer.”

  “Seriously. Is that where you met him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Was he your trainer?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow. Is he allowed to date clients?”

  “I don't know. Probably not. I don't think his supervisor knew. Anyway, he works at another gym now.”

  “How did you keep it a secret?”

  “We played it straight when I was in the gym.”

  “How long have you two been an item?”

  “About a year.”

  “A year? He was twenty-one?”

  “Uh huh.”

  “Not to get too personal, but, do you ever worry about him looking at younger women?”

  “Sometimes. If he looks, that's okay. All men look. I know that.”

  “I guess you're right. You must be pretty self-confident.”

  “Most of the time. I have my moments.”

  “What's his name?”

  “Tim. What about your girlfriend? What's her name?”

  “Yolanda.”

  “Sounds like a Latina.”

  “She is. Her parents were from Cuba.”

  “Does she Salsa dance?”

  “Oh, yes. She's got the moves.”

  “How fun. Do you go out dancing a lot?”

  “A couple of times a month. How about you and Tim? Does he take you out dancing?”

  “No. We usually stay at home. Take a look in the mirror. How's that look in the back?”

  “Great.”

  “Is it short enough?”

  “It's perfect.”

  “You want me to hit your eyebrows?”

  “Please.”

  “Okay. Close your eyes. Don't move. There you go, you're all set. Let me get you blown off here and you're ready to take Yolanda out on the town.”

  “Can I write you a check?”

  “Only if you promise to come back and get your hair cut again.”

  “It's a deal. How do I make it out?”

  “Sonia's Salon.”

  2

  Emma

  “You want this feathered back here?”

  “Yes. Are my roots showing yet?”

  “No. Well, maybe. Just barely. You're probably good for another week or so.”

  “You think so?”

  “Oh, I think so. How's your son doing?”

  “I haven't heard from him for a few days.”

  “Is he still in Iraq?”

  “Yes. He says it's really hot. He can hardly stand it.”

  “When's he coming out?”

  “He's got nine months left on this hitch.”

  “Is he gonna re-up?”

  “I don't think so. He's really tired of those rules of engagement. They can't even shoot back when they're under fire, unless they get the okay from their headquarters.”

  “That's weird.”

  “It's worse than weird. They get no air cover or artillery support, either. The higher-ups are worried about collateral damage. You know – innocent civilians getting killed. He's just had it.”

  “I can understand that. How short do you want me to go back here? You wanna take a look?”

  “Maybe a little shorter. Not too much, though.”

  “You want me to feather it on the sides?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.”

  “How's Jack doing?”

  “Oh, he's still drinking.”

  “I thought he quit.”

  “He did, for a while. After I told him I'd had enough. He gets mean. Remember that? I told you. When I left to go to my sister's?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, he was okay for a while. He came and begged me to go home. So I went back to him and he started again.”

  “I'm sorry to hear that. Is he still drinking a lot, or did he slow down?”

  “Oh, he slowed down at first and then it picked up again. He's pouring it down as much as he ever did.”

  “What does he drink?”

  “Mostly Seven and Seven.”

  “How many?”

  “It depends. Some days, if he's not working he'll finish off a whole fifth.”

  “You're kidding.”

  “No. I'm not kidding a bit.”

  “My God, I wonder what that's doing to his health.”

  “Well, it can't be good. Last time he had a physical, his doctor told him he's got a fatty liver. Next'll come cirrhosis, I think.”

  “I'm so sorry, Emma.”

  “Thanks. I started going to a few Al-Anon meetings.”

  “Does that help?”

  “Somewhat. A little. I guess. At least I'm around some people dealing with the same problem.”

  “He doesn't want to stop?”

  “You've gotta be kidding. He's had two drunk driving arrests. He's on probation. That hasn't stopped him. Hasn't even slowed him down. I don't know what it'll take.”

  “How long have you two been married?”

  “Twenty-five years. He wasn't like this when I met him. He was nice. He had good manners. He opened doors for me.”

  “So, when did he start drinking?”

  “Oh, it was sort of gradual. When he got promoted into management we were doing a lot of entertaining. You know, goin' to company dinners at big hotels. That's when it really started. At least that's how I remember it.”

  “What about AA? Is that somethin' he'd consider. Sounds like he's really got a problem.”

  “Oh, it's a problem. But he's absolutely not gonna ask anyone for help. He's very headstrong. He's always determined to do it himself.”

  “Hmm. Sounds like a difficult spot. Here. Take a look. How's the feathering? It's laying pretty nicely now, I think.”

  “I like it. I think he's got a girlfriend somewhere.”

  “What? No. You're kidding. Right?”

  “No. I'm serious.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  “Just a hunch. We haven't made love in two years.”

  “Oh, no. That's gotta be hard for both of you.”

  “Not for me. I have no interest in that at all. I haven't felt like it for years. You know. Menopause. I don't know. It just doesn't matter to me. It's not worth the trouble.”

  “You have any idea who it might be?”

  “No. Not yet. I don't even care.”

  “Really? So, what makes you think he's having an affair?”

  “Well. He’s out a lot at night. He spends a lot of time on the phone. When I go into the room, he disconnects the call.”

  “Don’t you ask him where he’s been?”

  “No. I really don’t care where he’s been.”

  “Have you checked the phone records?”

  “No. He bought one of those little disposable phones – you know. No contracts, no phone bills. Besides, I wouldn't bother to check his records. I don't care what he does.”

  “Do you check his emails?”

  “No. He's got it all password protected. I really don't want to know, Sonia. I don't have the energy to play detective. I just wish he'd stop drinking. He gets angry after the third cocktail. His personality changes. I can't be around him.”

  “Have you thought about leaving?”

  “I'm not ready to do that yet.”

  “Has he ever hit you?”

  “No. Not yet.”

  “Are you afraid of him?”

  “When he's had a lot to drink, yes. I go into the bedroom and close the door. He usually falls asleep on the couch or in his recliner. But, yeah, sometimes he scares me.”

  “Hmm. I understand. Leaving a husband is a scary proposition after so many years. Well, there you go. You want one more look-see? Here. You can hold the mirror.”

  “Oh, it's really nice. I love it. Thank you so much, Sonia.”

  “I'm glad you like it. Give me a call in a week or so and we'll take care of those roots.”

  “I will. I’m gonna take a vacation. I’ll need to have my color right.”

  “Where are
you going?”

  “I’m gonna take a Mediterranean cruise. For two beautiful, luxurious weeks.”

  “Wow. Is Jack excited?”

  “Oh, he’s not going. I’m going by myself. I need to get away from him.”

  “Good idea, Emma. When are you leaving?”

  “In three weeks.”

  “Good. That gives us plenty of time to re-do your color.”

  “I’ll call you.”

  3

  Wellie

  “So, how's school going, young man? You gonna pass fifth grade?”

  “I think so.”

  “You like school?”

  “It's okay. But I don't like my teacher.”

  “Why not?”

  “She calls me Wellington in front of the other kids.”

  “Well, isn't that your name?”

  “I hate it. I wish she'd just call me Wellie.”

  “You don't mind that one too much, huh, Wellie?”

  “Nah. I guess it's better than Wellington.”

  “What's your favorite subject?”

  “Recess.”

  “Ah. Funny guy. Recess. That's pretty funny. What do you do at recess?”

  “Play basketball.”

  “Really. On a team?”

  “No. I shoot hoops with a friend.”

  “What's his name?”

  “Walter.”

  “Is he a good shooter?”

  “He's pretty good. We play Horse.”

  “And who's better at Horse? You or Walter?”

  “He's pretty good. Probably him.”

  “You got a girlfriend, Wellie?”

  “C'mon, Sonia.”

  “Seriously. How old are you now?”

  “Eleven.”

  “And you're not lookin' at the girls yet?”

  “Maybe. I guess.”

  “You got your eye on any of 'em?”

  “One. I guess.”

  “Really. What's her name?”

  “Karen. But don't tell anyone. Especially my mom. Please.”

  “Okay. Your secret is safe with me. Tilt your head forward a little. That's good. Tell me what you like about Karen.”

  “She's really pretty. And she's the best four-square player in the whole school. No one can beat her.”

  “Really.”

  “Uh-huh. Not even the sixth graders. And she's in Girl Scouts. Sometimes she wears her uniform to school.”