Shakin Hands

I was already a few drinks down when I saw her. She looked least thirty; I learnt later that she was twenty four
.
Beautiful she was, in that dangerous sort of way that a black widow is beautiful. A perfect body, a child-like face, pouty lips and straight black hair- a fallen, dark angel I’d see her in Church on Sundays..

Anise, her name. At least that's how everyone knew her. Everyone knew Anise.
She'd appeared in town a year back, and had forced herself into the hearts and minds of the townsmen. In some cases, she'd forced her way in further.


Amanda Stewart, born 25th December 1984 was the only child of Bob and Martha Stewart. She studied at Lakefield High, from where she was sent out over rumoured sexual affairs with several of the members of the school's staff. Public humiliation followed. Her parents engaged a private tutor, Jonathan Wendel (See The Lakefield Backroom Scandal). When the tutorship ended Amanda left home and her parents heard no more of her.

She had her eyes on the prize as the girl next door
You grow up quick when you grow up poor
It's the only way to LA that she knows
The Hollywood pose: teeth, tits, and drawers

It didn't take her long to leave the boulevard
So many Five Star friends with black credit cards
She'd try anything once
Cause anything goes
It never comes easy when you're digging for gold

She caught me looking at her, pushed off the anonymous A-lister pawing at her clothes, and walked over.

Hey handsome.

Hello....Anise, isn't it?

She didn't bother answering. She took the cigarette from my hand.
Smoking ain't good for you honey. She inhaled deeply.

She took the double I held next.

What's your story cupcake?

Me? I'm a reporter. I write for the Herald.

You've a name cupcake?

Mike. My name's Mike.

Mike.

Mike Shandle?

I nodded.

I like your work. I've been following it.

Thank you. I was surprised. My pieces in the Herald were mostly excerpts from the papers I delivered at the University.

I've always wanted to know you...a bit better.

The music was really loud now, and the alcohol was starting to get to my brain.

She had her hand on my leg.

I'm married, I muttered; rather feebly.

Giggle.

I know.

She took hold of my hand and led me into the darkness.

Well she ain't no Cinderella
When she's getting undressed
'Cause she rocks it like the naughty wicked witch of the west
Far too pretty to be giving it cheap
That's why she's making six figures working three days a week
Yeah she'd even break a promise in the promise-land
She didn't make it this far by just shaking hands
She’d take your money make it twice as hot as anyone can
She didn't make it this far by just shaking hands

You're quite fascinating , I told her later. A fascinating story.

Uh huh? You know my story honey ?Think you know me? She asked me, rolling up a smoke.

I told her what I knew.

You don't know squat munchkin.

I doubt she’d even let the devil buy her little black book
City Hall would probably fall off if anyone got a look
Every a-list player is a favorite friend
Since they all taste the same in the back of the benz.

Congressman Phillman?! You must be kidding me.
She showed me the red checked skirt.

A congressman would call her every once in a while
Got the school girl skirt on the top of the pile
She’d done everyone once
And everyone knows
You got to get a little dirty when you’re digging for gold


Do you regret any of it?
Nope.
I’ve my ways and I want what the next man wants.
Who are you to judge, cupcake?
…….

Well someone spilled the beans and now her name’s in the press
Tough to keep it all a secret when you’re one of the best


I didn't break the story. I was fond of Anise by then. We spoke rarely but I remember each time vividly. She'd call when she had a problem with something I'd written.
The case came up up on the 17th. I walked into the court room with more than my fair share of trepidation.

….

But, of course..

The judge is going easy because he paid for her chest
Yeah he loves his naughty wicked witch of the west

So do we all Judge Spalling. So do we all.

.....


She shook my hand; I remember that clearly.