The Pass

By Ed Carlson

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This story is fictitious. The names of the persons used herein are for purposes

of illustration only and do not represent persons living or dead.

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It was hot and muggy—a typical east coast summer. I had joined the Army and finished basic training. For additional training, I was assigned to a base not too far from the Big Apple. In fact, it was less than an hour away by train.

Classes were over for the weekend. Our barracks passed inspection by the old man—the old man being a smart-ass first lieutenant. The first sergeant checked us over as we were issued our weekend passes. The first sergeant was really a good head. He had been up through the ranks and was given a battlefield commission. Because he had less than a year to go for his thirty years, it was Army policy to return former NCO officers back to their permanent rank. In his case, first sergeant.

Me and two buddies decided to head for the big city. We’d never been to a city of that size before. A few weeks before, we rode through on the bus on the way to the base. We were on our own now, heading to the city on a payday weekend. None of us were sure what was in store for us.

Dressed in our class A uniforms and carrying our small duffels, we walked across the base to the train station right across the street from the main gate. We checked the schedule and bought our tickets from the agent. We bought round trip tickets to ensure that we got back in time for roll call on Monday morning. The benches in the waiting room seemed unusually hard as we waited the forty-five minutes for our train. The time seemed to go by slowly as we waited and told stories about what we were going to do for the weekend. The train finally arrived, and we got on board.

Being from a small town in the Midwest, a ride on a train was a thrill in itself—a throwback to the days before the Interstate and all of the cars and trucks. This was pure nostalgia. I had been on a train ride once before when I was ten. The train ride was almost as exciting now as it was then. Only I couldn’t let my two buddies know how excited I was. I needed to stay cool. Soon the train was rolling, and the conductor came by punching and examining tickets. The train rolled through the countryside and stopped at several small towns. The train seemed to pick up speed as we charged through the industrial area. The train soon pulled into Central Station.

We got off the train and walked down the platform and into the cavernous lobby of the once magnificent station—a relic of another age, gracefully showing her age. I noticed that my buddies were gawking too. We continued through the station. When we went through the revolving doors, we were met by the sounds of the city. Throngs of people rushed everywhere, as did the traffic.

We decided to get some rooms for the night. We walked a couple of blocks and found what we considered to be a moderately priced hotel, at least moderately priced based on Army pay. We each got our own room in the Downtown Arms and went up to check out our rooms. They were adequate for the amount we had paid, and they were air-conditioned. We left our duffels in our respective rooms and met in the lobby. We walked down the street to a bar and went inside.

It was a typical barroom—a long rectangular room with high ceilings and a bar that ran almost the full depth of the room. The back of the bar was lined with a complete assortment of alcoholic spirits set in front of the usual mirrors. The top of the back bar was held up by large round columns that were garnished with decorative carvings, hand done in their day. A few tables were in the middle of the room, and the opposite wall was lined with booths.

The three of us stood at the well-worn bar and ordered our first drink for the weekend. We toasted to our good fortune. I didn’t realize at the time how good my fortune would be.

I was standing on the end of our group, the furthest from the door. Two girls, obviously working girls by their high heels and short skirts, walked in. They winked at us as they walked over to a booth. They sat down and seductively crossed their long legs, just begging for someone to come and visit them. I told my two friends to go for it and wished them luck. The two of them joined the girls, and I remained steadfast at the bar. I glanced over at them. Everyone would be well-taken care of in very short order.

I ordered another drink. I noticed a girl walk in the bar. She was by herself. She too had the look of a working girl. She wore high heels and a short black skirt. She had a leather jacket draped over her shoulders, with the front seductively opened to reveal the sequined tank top she was wearing. She was very tall and had extremely long legs. A purse was around her neck and at her side. She walked over and stood next to me. She was tall enough to look me squarely in the eye. I estimated her age to be no more than eighteen.

“Hi there,” she said in a very seductive voice. “Are you up here on a pass soldier?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Me and my buddies over there are here for the weekend.”

“It looks like they’re occupied. Would you like to buy me a drink?” she asked.

“Only if we can go to a booth and sit down,” I said.

“We can do that soldier,” she said. “Joe, I’ll have my usual over there.”

She led the way, and I followed, noticing the action going on in that short black skirt. She slid into a booth in the corner out of the way. I set my drink on the table and slid in across from her. She still wore the leather coat draped over her shoulders. She made no attempt to take it off.

“So soldier, is this your first time in the Big Apple?” she asked.

The bartender brought her the drink she had ordered. I paid him for it. It was some sort of a drink in a tall glass with straw.

“Yes, this is my first time here. My name is Frank,” I replied. “Me and my buddies took the train.”

“I’m Holly. Where are you from soldier?” she quizzed.

“The Midwest,” I replied. “What about you?”

“Right here in the Big Apple,” she said without emotion.

“I bet you’ve traveled quite a bit,” I said.

“I’ve never been out of the city,” she said. “My parents always talked about going to New England, but we never got there. What are you going to do all weekend?”

“I don’t know. Probably go see the sights,” I said.

Without moving the glass, she bent over and took a sip of her drink through the straw. I took a drink from mine too. I looked closely at her face. Her makeup covered some ugly scars. She had dark circles under her eyes.

“Do you need a guide to the city?” she asked.

“That depends,” I said. “How much are you going to charge me?”

“I normally get seven hundred for a two-day tour,” she said flatly. “I like you, so five hundred.”

“That’s way too rich for my blood,” I said. “I’m just a buck private. I can’t go more than two hundred if we want to eat. Even at that, it’ll make it a lean month for me.”

“I really shouldn’t, and my boss is going to be pissed. OK, two hundred it is,” she relented. “Do you have a room yet?”

“Yes, we each got rooms at the Downtown Arms,” I said. “It’s just down the block.”

“I know the place. That will do,” she said. “I just wanted to be sure that you weren’t in some flop house somewhere.”

“The room is adequate for the time I planned on spending there.”

“Did you bring any civvies or were you planning on spending the weekend in your uniform?” she asked.

“No, just the uniform,” I replied.

I took another sip from my glass. She bent over and, again without lifting her glass from the table, took a drink through the straw.

“That will be all right,” she said. “We can get some good discounts if you’re in uniform.”

“Good. I need to save all the money I can,” I replied.

“What would you like to do first?” she asked.

“Maybe have some dinner and a movie,” I said.

“How about a hamburger and a Broadway show?” she said.

“Isn’t a Broadway show expensive?” I quizzed.

“My idea will cost less than yours. Believe me; I live here,” she said. “You just need to do what I tell you.”

“OK, what do I do?” I said.

“Let’s go to the USO first,” she said. “It’s only a couple of blocks from here.”

We finished our drinks, and she slid out of the booth. Her coat was still draped over her shoulders. I followed, stopping by my buddies’ table to tell them we were leaving. We went outside and started down the street. We had gone less than a block when a woman wearing a hook prosthesis approached us. She walked on by.

“Did you see that?” I said in amazement. “That woman had a hook for a hand.”

“Yea, I noticed,” she said flatly. “She’s lucky.”

We kept on walking without saying much. She pointed out a few landmarks to me. But her comment about the woman with the hook prosthesis still puzzled me. Soon we came to the USO.

“I’ll wait out here. You go in to the desk on the right and ask for two tickets,” she said. “The price will be right.”

I went in. The place was about half full of servicemen and escorts provided by the USO. They certainly dressed differently than the girl who was waiting outside for me. I walked over to the counter as my guide had instructed. A very rotund woman was sitting behind the desk. She looked up and smiled.

“What can I do for you?” she asked.

“I would like two tickets to a Broadway show,” I said.

“We can fix you up. How about Miss Saigon?” she said.

“That will be fine,” I replied.

“That will be four dollars,” she said.

I gave her a five, and she gave me back a dollar and two tickets. I thanked her and went back outside. The girl was not there. I looked around for her, then started back to the bar. I had gone less than half a block when I heard her call, “Hey soldier.”

I turned around to see her running toward me. As she got closer, I could see some blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. She was out of breath when she caught up to me.

“What happened to your mouth?” I asked.

“Carlos wasn’t happy with the deep discount I gave you, and he slapped me,” she said. I took out my handkerchief and wiped off the blood. She didn’t lift a hand. Her leather coat was still draped over her shoulders.

“Does he do that often?” I asked.

“No. He’s usually pretty good to us,” she said. “Can we go back to your hotel and let me freshen up?”

“Certainly. It’s only about three blocks,” I said. “I got tickets to Miss Saigon.”

She didn’t say anything but gave me a forced smile. We continued to the hotel in relative silence. His sharp slap had taken something out of her. We went into the hotel lobby and caught the elevator. The desk clerk looked up from his newspaper and smiled broadly. The elevator creaked its way up to the fourth floor and stopped with a jerk. We got out and walked down the hall to the door of my room. I fished the key out of my pants pocket and opened the door. We walked inside.

“They haven’t changed the rooms,” she said as I locked the door behind us.

She dipped her head and let her purse fall on the bed. She backed up to the bed and shook her shoulders. Her leather coat fell on the bed. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. The girl had only short stubs for arms—or what was left of them. Both of the stubs of her arms were covered with what looked like tight white stockings. I stood there dumbfounded, unable to speak.

“I suppose you noticed that I don’t have any hands or arms anymore,” she said.

“Yes,” I stammered. “I see that now. I just thought that you had your jacket just draped over your shoulders all this time. I never suspected.”

“Suspected that I was a double amputee and had no arms,” she interrupted defensively. “Would that have made a difference?”

“Oh no,” I said. “You just caught me off guard.”

“Now that you know that I’m a little different, are we still on for the weekend?” she asked.

“It’s OK. You can stay. It’s up to you,” I continued to stammer, caught completely off guard.

“Good. I’ll stay then,” she said. “Will you give me a hand cleaning up a bit? I seem to be fresh out of them.”

“Sure, the bathroom is this way,” I said as I led the way.

I turned on the light and moistened a washcloth. We stood facing each other while I wiped the dried blood from around the corner of her mouth.

“How’s that?” I asked.

I was answered by a kiss. I could feel her little arm stubs on my shoulders. The kiss became very protracted and passionate. She at least acted like she liked her line of work.

We walked back into the other room. She sat down on the bed. “If we’re going to a Broadway show, I need to have a friend bring over my dress,” she said. “Can you help me with the phone?”

I picked up the telephone handset and held it out to her. She held one of her stumps up in the air and held the handset to her ear. I dialed the number as she told it to me. Soon she was talking to someone who I assumed was a roommate. She told her where she was and asked her to bring her good dress over. When she finished, she said that her roommate would bring her dress over here.

“Do you want to fuck me now?” she asked.

“Later,” I said.

“What’s the matter? Does the fact that I don’t have any arms turn you off?” she countered.

“No. Quite the contrary. You really turn me on,” I said. “Have you ever heard of a devotee?”

Her face took a real serious look. She looked like she wanted to get out of there in the worst way. She used her little arm stubs to try and get her coat on. Watching her struggle was turning me on more than the passionate kiss she had planted on me in the bathroom.

“I have to be going now,” she said in a panic. “Could you help me with my coat?”

“I could if you could tell me what is suddenly wrong,” I said.

“Nothing is wrong,” she said defensively as tears started to come to her eyes. “I just remembered I need to meet a friend.”

“That’s not the truth, and you know it,” I said. “I’ll help you when you tell me.”

She sat down on the bed and began to sob uncontrollably. I let her get it out. The tears made a mess out of the heavy mascara that she wore. I went in the bathroom and came back with the damp washcloth. When I came out, she was down on her knees trying unsuccessfully to unlock the door using the little stubs of her arms. She was still crying.

“Won’t you please tell me what’s wrong?” I asked.

“You are what’s wrong,” she blurted out. “You’re a damn devotee. The last time I met up with a guy like you, he beat the crap out of me! OK? Now just let me go!”

“Do I get a chance to explain myself, or are you just going to run out on me?” I said. “Have I done anything to hurt you?”

“No. In fact, you seem quite kind,” she sniffed, still on her knees at the door.

“Why don’t you come over here and sit down and let me explain?” I said. “If my explanation is not good enough, then I’ll be glad to help you leave.”

She struggled to her feet; she walked over and sat in a chair. All the time she watched me as if I were going to pounce on her at any moment.

“A devotee,” I began, “is someone who is especially attracted to amputees. Some like women with a missing leg or missing both legs. Some, like me, are especially attracted to women who are missing an arm. Because you are missing both arms, I am especially attracted to you. Do you understand?”

“Kind of,” she replied. “Why did that other guy punch me out?”

“Was he drunk or sober?” I quizzed.

“He was sober when I met him. He got really drunk, and that’s when he started punching on me.”

“I think what you found was a mean drunk,” I said. “I know some of the guys back at the base who are the nicest guys in the world until you get a few drinks in them, then they’re ready to fight the whole world.”

“OK, then what’s different about you?” she asked skeptically.

“I’m a lover not a fighter when I get drunk, which by the way, is something I don’t intend on doing,” I said. “I’ll have a few more sociable drinks, but I don’t plan on getting wasted. I feel too bad the next day. Besides, we have a city to see.”

“Well, it sounds convincing,” she lamented. “But how can I be sure what you’re telling me is the truth?”

“You can’t,” I said. “You’ll just have to trust me and get to know me. If you want to go now, I’ll help you.”

She got up and walked over to the door. I stood up, and then she turned around. She had tears in her eyes as she walked over to me. I took her in my arms and gently held her for a while.

“I want to trust you,” she said trembling. “I’m just having a hard time doing it.”

“Do you want to sit and talk some more?” I asked.

“Sure. That will be fine,” she said. “Do you have anything to drink?”

“I have some bourbon,” I said.

“Could we have a drink while we talk?” she asked.

“Sure, let me go down the hall and get some ice,” I said.

“Fine,” she said. “Could you get some cola for mine?”

I was about to unlock the door when I heard a knock. I opened it, and a similarly dressed girl about the same age was standing there holding a dress.

“Is Holly here?” she asked.

“I’m in here,” Holly replied.

“Here’s your dress. I brought your good earrings and necklace too,” she said. “What’s the matter? You’ve been crying. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Holly said. “I was just having a little emotional problem. You know me.”

“Are you sure he wasn’t wailing on you?” she said. “I’ll tell Jason if he was.”

“No, he’s been very kind to me,” Holly replied. “I wish everyone would treat me like he’s been treating me.”

“OK then. I’ll be going if you’re sure you’re all right,” she said.

“Thanks for bringing my things,” Holly said.

The girl put the dress on the bed and then left, closing the door behind her. It locked automatically.

“Thank you for what you said about me,” I said.

“It’s true, so far. I’m willing to give it a try,” she said. “How about that drink now?”

I unlocked the door and took the ice bucket down the hall to the ice machine. I filled the bucket and got two colas for the mixer. When I got back to the room, she had managed to get the glasses out of the bathroom and was setting the last one on the desk. She was holding it between the tips of her two arm stumps. If the glasses had been any smaller, she couldn’t have held them.

I set the ice and colas next to the glasses. She gave me a kiss again. I held her close, and she had her little arm stubs on my shoulders again. The kiss was very passionate. She was beginning to relax with me.

I took the plastic wrap off of the glasses and put ice in each one. I poured us each a shot of bourbon and topped it off with cola. I used my finger to stir it. I handed it to her. She stuck out her little arm stubs and tried to hold the full glass between the tips.

“Do you have it?” I asked.

“I think I can do it,” she said.

She tried to bring the glass to her lips. She just about had it when the glass slipped. It fell to the floor. The glass bounced but didn’t break. She began to cry.

“God, I hate being like this. I can’t even hold a damn drink,” she sobbed.

I picked up the glass and soaked up the drink with a towel. I fixed her another.

“Why don’t I hold it for you?” I said.

I held hers out to her, and she took a drink while I drank part of mine.

“That worked,” I said.

“I feel like such a helpless fool,” she said.

“You’re doing just fine,” I comforted.

I sat down on the bed. She sat down beside me. I gave her another sip of her drink.

“Can I ask you what happened to your arms?” I asked.

“Sure. I bet this story will turn you on,” she said somewhat sarcastically. “I ran away from home when I was fourteen. I joined this gang. They took pretty good care of me, and I took care of them, if you know what I mean. About six months ago, the leader’s girl got pissed at me. She got some of the other girls, and they ganged up on me. We were in this vacant lot. I fought pretty well, but there were six of them. They beat the crap out of me, and then when I could hardly get up, they stripped me nude. They staked me out spread eagle. They had me tied so tight that I couldn’t move at all. Someone had some gasoline. They poured some of it on my cunt. I was scared that they were going to light it, but they didn’t. They just left it to sting like they had lit it. I lay there screaming at the top of my lungs for them to stop.

“Another gang showed up, and the girls split. I thought they were going to let me go. I was wrong. They took the gas and poured it over both of my forearms up to the elbows. They were going to pour gas on my legs too, but luckily, the can was empty by that time. One guy on each side lit a match and threw them on both of my hands simultaneously. The gas went up with a whoosh. I remember screaming and screaming for help, but no one would help me. It hurt so damn bad that I passed out. When I came around, my arms were free. I sat up and tried to untie my feet. I screamed again when I saw that my arms had been completely burned off. It smelled terrible. The burned flesh was just hanging there, and my upper arm bones were sticking out. My arms hurt so damn bad that I passed out again.

“When I came around, medics were standing over me. They had put clean pads under my arms and were pouring something over what remained of my once beautiful arms. What was remaining of my arms still hurt like a son-of-a-bitch. I could hardly stand the pain, and I kept screaming. They took me to the hospital. The doctors operated. They shortened up my upper arm bones until they were clear of the burnt flesh. When I woke up from the surgery, my arms were heavily bandaged and were the length they are now. My arms still hurt, but not as bad.

“The cops came and tried to get me to tell them who did it. All I told them was that it was a rival gang, and I didn’t recognize anyone. After two weeks, they let me out of the hospital. I went across town to this neighborhood and found this guy to take care of me. Of course, I have to work for my keep. That’s what I do now, and that’s how I met you. There, does that story turn you on?”

“No, it makes me sick to my stomach,” I said. “How could civilized people do that to you?”

“You’re from the Midwest. Probably a small town,” she said. “You have no concept of what life on the streets of a big city is like. Life is tough here; you survive, or you die.”

“It looks to me like you’re a survivor,” I said.

“I like to think I am,” she said. “I’ve only been this way six months. Time will tell.”

I held the glass, and she finished her drink.

“Do you want another?” I asked.

“Sure,” she said. “I get horny when I drink, and I want to screw.”

I fixed us both another drink. I held hers and drank my own again. When I finished my drink, I lay back on the bed.

“Why don’t you take off your uniform and get comfortable?” she suggested.

I took her advice and took off my khaki uniform shirt and pants. I hung them neatly on a hanger. I hung her good dress up too before I removed my tee shirt.

“What about me?” she said. “I’d like to get comfortable too.”

I took off her tank top and skirt. She was not wearing a bra, nylons, or panties. She was nude except for her high heel shoes and the coverings on the stumps of her arms.

“Is that comfortable enough?” I asked.

“That’s the way I like it,” she said. “I can just step out of the shoes.”

“What about the coverings on your arms?” I asked

“Oh no. Please don’t take off my stump socks,” she said almost in a panic. “The scars from the amputation look terrible. I don’t want anyone to see them.”

I sat back down on the bed and took off my shoes and socks. I lay back with just my skivvies on. It felt good to relax for a while. I felt something tugging at my skivvies. I lifted my head to see her down on her knees trying to get my skivvies down by using her teeth. I arched my back and pulled them down clear of my butt. She pulled them the rest of the way down with her teeth. She dropped them and began massaging my manhood with her tongue. Her touch was very sensual, and I soon had a huge erection. She began giving me a blow-job. I held back as long as I could, and I warned her just before I exploded in her mouth. She was like a wild person as she kept sucking and licking like she couldn’t get enough. She began to massage my scrotum with her little arm stubs. She asked me to put on a condom, and I complied with her request.

Soon she was on top of me. She skillfully positioned herself over my erection, and I slid inside her. Sitting up, she began a rhythmic rocking. I took the opportunity to massage her breasts. Soon she was having an orgasm of her own. Almost at the same time, I exploded a second time. She slid off me and lay down beside me. We engaged in some very passionate kissing giving me more opportunity to fondle her. The more I did it, the more she wanted. She was like a woman possessed. This was my first sexual encounter with an amputee, and I didn’t want it to stop. Soon I was on top of her. She had two more organisms before I was exhausted and quit. I lay motionless beside her.

“How was that?” she whispered and blew in my ear.

“That was the best I’ve ever had,” I replied. “You really know how to treat a guy right.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I sure did. You’re the best I’ve ever had too,” she said softly. “I’m glad that you talked me into staying.”

“Do you really mean that I’m the best you’ve ever had?” I asked.

“Yes, I really do mean it,” she said. “Most guys just want to jump on me and have sex for themselves. They know that they have complete power over me, and that I can’t do anything to stop them. You want to have sex for me too, and you care about my feelings.”

We both lay there together for a while. I decided that I needed a shower before we went to the Broadway show. I got up and went into the bathroom and started the shower. I got in and was busily lathering myself when she joined me. She had removed her stump socks, and I could clearly see the deep incision and burn scars on her little arm stumps. I pretended not to notice them.

I lathered her and did some fondling in the process. She especially liked it when I lathered her boobs and her cunt. I spent a little extra time on her cunt and clitoris. She squirmed with delight as I massaged her. She was soon kissing me with the stubs of her arms on my shoulders.

When we finished the passionate kiss, she let me wash her arm stubs. I was only able to lightly touch them as they had several tender spots. I was surprised that she let me touch them.

We got out and I dried her first, then myself. We went into the other room, and I slipped on my skivvies. I helped her put on her dress. I started putting on my khakis. I noticed her struggling trying to put on her stump socks. I came to her rescue and finished putting them on for her.

“Frank, you are so good to me,” she said. “I just love the way you help me with things.”

“I enjoy being able to help you,” I replied. “Part of being a devotee.”

“I’m sorry about before,” she said. “The word devotee just conjured up a bad memory.”

“I know, and I’m sorry too for what I put you through,” I said. “I’m sorry he beat you up.”

“I’m glad you made me listen,” she said. “It would have been a big mistake for me to leave. I love being with you.”

I finished dressing and helped her with her makeup. When we finished, she looked absolutely ravishing. This was a girl that I could fall for in a hurry. She decided not to wear her coat. Her stump socks were exposed.

We went down to the lobby and out onto the street. It was early evening, and we walked to a little restaurant that she knew about. The hostess seated us in a booth that was private and out of the way. I was glad that there were not going to be a lot of people staring at us. The waiter came by and took our drink orders. Holly ordered a tall drink and specified a straw. He looked at her and smiled. He brought our drinks and took our dinner order.

“I’d like to propose a toast,” I said. “To us. May we always be together.”

She looked over at me and smiled broadly. “Please clink your glass on mine,” she said. “I would like to be with you.”

I clinked the glasses, and we both took a drink. We chatted about her life and mine and how different our backgrounds were. We both wondered out loud how compatible we would be. We had just finished our drinks when our dinner arrived.

“How do you normally eat?” I asked.

“I have some bands I put on my arms and stick a fork in them,” she said. “I usually make a mess out of my food and myself.”

“How about if I feed you?” I said.

“I would like that very much, if you don’t mind,” she said.

I cut her prime rib and fed her a piece. I cut a piece of mine and had a bite. I alternated feeding both of us in this manner until we were finished. We decided to wait until after the show to have dessert. The waiter brought our check. I paid him and left a tip. I slid out and helped her up. The restaurant was quite full by this time, and we got a lot of stares as we left.

We walked the three blocks to the theater. I presented the tickets to the doorman, and we went inside. The lobby was quite full. Again, we received a lot of stares. I didn’t mind. I was with a stunningly beautiful armless woman. Let them stare I thought; they’re all jealous as hell.

I presented our tickets to the usher. He showed us to our seats—third row center. We sat down and relaxed. Soon the show started. I was amazed at the production, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the show. At intermission, we both went out for refreshments. I held her pastry for her to eat. When they signaled that the show was about to start, we went back to our seats. On the way, I heard several people whisper, “Look at her; she doesn’t have any arms.” I ignored them and enjoyed my good fortune.

All too soon, the show was over. I had now seen a Broadway production. We filed out with the rest of the patrons and made our way to a little restaurant off Broadway. It was busy, but not packed. We found a table. We ordered dessert. When it came, I fed her like I had done for dinner.

We finished and walked back toward the hotel. On the way we ran into her ‘Employer,’ Carlos, at the entrance to an alley. The two of them started to have words. He was yelling at her and had his arm raised to hit her when I stepped in. He took a swing at me. I sidestepped the punch and landed one of my own to his midsection. He swung at me again. I caught his arm in midair and twisted it around his back. He struggled to get away, and I broke it for him. With his broken arm at his side, he swung at me again with the other arm. I dodged his swing and caught him in the jaw. He hit the deck and lay writhing around in pain and spitting out teeth.

“Don’t you ever lay a hand on her again!” I yelled at him.

“I won’t,” he replied. “You want the little bitch? She’s yours. You take care of her,” he said as he got up and staggered down the alley.

Holly looked at me and started to cry. “What am I going to do now? At least he gave me a place to stay.”

“We’ll figure something out,” I said as I put my arm around her.

We walked out of the alley and into the bar where we met. We went to the booth where we were first seated. Holly was still pretty shaken. I had managed to calm myself, even though the adrenaline was still flowing.

The bartender came over to us. “I just heard what you did to Carlos,” he said with a big smile. “I never did like that son of a bitch or what he does to his girls. This round is on me.”

I thanked him, and we both ordered. He left to mix our drinks.

“I still don’t know who’s going to take care of me,” she said.

“Well, I’m the one who won the fight. I guess it’s up to me,” I said.

“How are you going to do that? You have to go back to base tomorrow,” she said.

“I don’t know yet. Let me work on it,” I replied.

The bartender brought our drinks. I changed the subject to get her mind off her new plight. We talked about the show and what sights she was going to show me. We finished our drinks and went outside. It was still warm. A horse drawn carriage was dropping passengers off. I went over and talked to the driver. I agreed to his price, and I motioned for Holly to come over. I opened the door and helped her get in, and I snuggled in beside her. I put my arm around her, and the driver started down the street.

“OK. Now you have to point out what we’re seeing,” I said.

“You know, I’ve lived here all of my life and have never ridden in one of these,” she said. “Thank you Frank. You are the nicest guy I’ve ever met.”

A passionate kiss followed. We broke off the kiss and enjoyed the ride. She pointed out the landmarks as we went.

We went past a vacant lot in the less desirable part of town. I noticed tears in her eyes.

“That’s where it happened,” she said. “I never want to see that place again.”

We looked the other way as the driver continued on down the street. She regained her composure and continued pointing out the sights. All too soon, we were back at the hotel. I paid the driver, and we got out.

We went into the hotel lobby. The desk clerk looked up from his newspaper.

“A man with a bad arm was here looking for you mister,” he said. “He left this suitcase for you.”

“That’s my suitcase,” Holly said.

“He left this note too,” the clerk said as he handed me an envelope.

I took the note and Holly’s suitcase and went to the elevator. We took it up to my floor. We got out and walked down the hall. I unlocked the room and turned on the light. Holly went in first, and I followed with the suitcase. I put the suitcase on the bed and opened the letter. It said: ‘You won her in a fair fight. She’s yours now to take care of. Be good to her; she’s a good kid.’

I let Holly read the note, then I opened her suitcase.

“All my stuff is in here,” she exclaimed. “He really did kick me out. Good God, what am I going to do now? I won’t survive on the street without any arms.”

“Like he said, you are mine to care for now,” I said. “I intend on doing it.”

“How are you going to do that?” she asked. “You’re in the Army. You can’t just quit to take care of me.”

“Well, I have a little extra money that is in a blind trust. We can get an apartment near the base. I can get over there to see you in the evenings. We’ll have enough for food and utilities for now,” I said. “We can work out a long term solution later.”

“Won’t you get in trouble with the Army?” she asked.

“No, not as long as I use my own money,” I said. “I’m up for a promotion next month. If I get it, I’ll have enough rank to get separate rations.”

“I don’t understand Army talk,” she said.

“That means that they will pay me extra, and I can live off base with you then,” I said.

“All of the time?” she asked.

“All of the time,” I replied.

She put her little arm stubs on my shoulder and gave me a very long and passionate kiss.

“You don’t mind doing this, do you?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t want to and to be with you,” I said. “Before all of this happened, I was wondering how I was going to get back up here to see you again. Now the problem is solved.”

“Why don’t you move my suitcase off the bed and let me show you my appreciation?” she said.

I closed the suitcase and put it in the closet. I took my uniform off and was down to my skivvies. I undressed her and hung all of our clothes up. She had me take her stump socks off too. She dropped to her knees and used her teeth to pull down my skivvies. When they were all the way down to my ankles, I stepped out of them.

She did things to my body that I never thought possible—all pleasurable to be sure. I gave her great pleasure by gently running my tongue over her amputation scars. It was sex that neither one of us soon would forget.

We were both lying exhausted on the bed when someone pounded on the door. She went into the bathroom, and I slipped on my skivvies. I looked through the peephole. It was my buddies and their girls. I opened the door a little. They all pushed their way in.

“We heard about the fight,” they said. “We came to meet the little lady.”

“Just a minute. We were just celebrating,” I said.

I took a robe and went into the bathroom where she was standing behind the door. I helped her put on the robe and tied the sash.

“Guys, this is Holly,” I said as we emerged from the bathroom.

One of them stuck out his hand to offer to shake.

“Sorry. I can’t,” she said sticking out her arm stubs and holding the empty sleeves out a little away from her body. “I’m fresh out of hands.”

They were both taken back. The girls all knew each other. I showed them the note.

“What are you going to do man?” one of them said.

“I’ll get her an apartment off base. If I get the promotion next month, I can get separate rations,” I said. “I can live with her.”

“Is that what you want to do?” the other one asked.

“Damn right,” I said. “I was wondering how I was going to get back up here. Now my problem is solved. I’ll talk to the first sergeant. I’m sure he’ll help me with the old man.”

They all poured themselves something to drink. I fixed Holly and me some drinks, and we all sat around and talked. They couldn’t believe my plan. We all had several more drinks.

They finally left. Holly and I were alone together at last. We both had consumed more liquor than we had planned. True to our previous statements, I was a lover, and she was horny. Wild sex lasted well into the very early morning. She finally fell asleep in my arms exhausted.

It was daylight when I felt her move. She got up and started toward the bathroom. She stumbled and started to fall. She instinctively stuck out her arms to break her fall. She landed on her still sore arm stubs with all of her weight. The poor girl screamed and lay on the floor writhing in pain. I rushed over and scooped her up in my arms. She was sobbing uncontrollably. I held her and comforted her the best that I could.

She finally quit crying. I helped her into the bathroom. I stood outside and waited for her. I helped her, then we got back into bed. She cuddled in my arms as we lay there.

We decided to take an early train back. I told my buddies. They would take the train we had originally planned on. I helped Holly get dressed in a halter-top, shorts, and tennis shoes. I got dressed and packed her things in her suitcase. All of her worldly possessions fit in that suitcase.

We went down to the lobby and checked out. We walked out onto the sidewalk and caught a cab to the train station. I paid the cabby, and we went inside the cavernous station. I purchased a one-way ticket for her and verified that I could use my return ticket on the next train. We waited for them to announce our train. This was her first trip out of the city, and she was pretty apprehensive. Our train was announced, and we got on board. We found seats, and I put her suitcase and my bag in the overhead rack. The train started to move. We were on our way.

The train ride seemed shorter to me on the way back. Holly was wide-eyed, both excited and apprehensive. Soon we were pulling into the station by the base. I took our bags, and we got off the train. Holly was quite amazed to see such open spaces. I bought a local paper from the dispenser on the station platform. We walked into the station, and I looked in the classified section. We were in luck; there was a boarding house within two blocks of the main gate running an ad.

We walked over to the boarding house. It was a tall three-story house with a verandah porch on three sides. The place had a large lawn with several old oak trees. Holly liked the looks of the place from the outside. There was a room-for-rent sign. We rang the bell. The door opened.

“May I help you?” a matronly looking lady said.

“We’re looking for a room for Holly,” I said.

“We have one. Won’t you come in?” she said as she held the screen door open.

She introduced herself as Mrs. Ross.

Holly went in first and I followed. I set her suitcase down in the entry hall. We followed the woman up the stairs to a lovely room that overlooked the street.

“The room has its own bath. Meals are available if you want them,” she said.

“What do you think?” I asked.

Holly looked around all wide eyed. “I like it,” she said. “Can we afford it?”

“The room with meals is seven hundred fifty a month,” the woman said.

“We can afford that,” I said. “We’ll take it.”

“Fine,” Mrs. Ross said with a smile. “I’m sure that you will like it Miss.”

“Holly will need a little extra help,” I said.

The woman looked at us with a puzzled look on her face. I stepped around to the back of Holly and removed her leather coat. The woman gasped.

“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry,” she stammered. “What in the world happened to your arms?”

“It’s kind of a long story,” Holly replied. “Let’s just say I got tangled up with the wrong people. Frank rescued me. He’s my hero.”

“I’ll be glad to help you all that I can,” she blurted.

“I’m willing to pay extra,” I said.

“Oh no. I couldn’t take your money,” she said. “The room and board will only be five hundred a month.”

“No, we couldn’t do that. We agreed on seven hundred fifty,” I said as I got out my wallet. I pulled out the seven hundred fifty and gave her the money.

“Why don’t you help her get settled, and I’ll make up a receipt?” Mrs. Ross said.

Holly stayed in the room while I followed Mrs. Ross downstairs. I picked up the suitcase and took it back up to her room.

“This is the nicest place I’ve ever been in,” Holly said before she put her stub arms on my shoulders. I held her tightly as we engaged in a long and steamy kiss.

I put Holly’s things away where she directed. She bounced on the bed. I sat on one of the chairs by the big corner window. I looked over at Holly. She was crying.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“I’m just happy. This is the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for me,” she said. “I’m afraid I’ll wake up and find this is all a dream.”

I got up and sat on the bed beside her. I put my arm around her shoulder. “This isn’t a dream. You’re with me now, and with me you’re going to stay,” I said.

“Oh Frank, I want to stay with you always,” she said. “You’re so good to me.”

“I need to get back to the base,” I said. “Why don’t we go downstairs and have Mrs. Ross show you around?”

We kissed again and then walked downstairs. We were met at the bottom of the stairs by Mrs. Ross. She had a big smile on her face. She handed me the receipt.

“I need to be going,” I said, “Why don’t you and Holly get acquainted?”

“We will,” Mrs. Ross said. “Don’t worry about her. I’ll take good care of her.”

“I’m sure you will,” I said. “I’ll be back tomorrow night.”

Holly and I walked out onto the front porch. We kissed again, and I started down the walk. As I got to the street, I turned back and waved at Holly still standing on the porch. She waved back with one of her little stub arms.

‘This will work,’ I thought to myself as I walked back to base. ‘I sure have fallen for her and she for me. Yes, this will work. I know I can get the Army to cooperate. I now have the best of all worlds and all a devotee can ask for.’

I got back to the barracks and signed back in from the pass. It was Sunday night and only the CQ was on duty. I was exhausted and went to bed. At last, I got some rest.

The next morning right after formation and before breakfast, I went in to talk to the first sergeant. I knew better than to try and pull the wool over his eyes. He was in a good mood as I stood at parade rest and told my story, all of it, including where the armless Holly was now. I showed him the note.

“What would you like to do about the situation son?” he asked.

“I was wondering if it would be possible for me to get separate rations so that I could live off post to take care of her in the evenings and at night,” I said.

“That’s asking a lot soldier. I’ll talk to the old man. Report to me after class. Dismissed,” he said.

“Thank you first sergeant,” I said as I came to attention, did a military about-face, and left.

That morning at school was the longest that I’ve ever put in. We marched back to the barracks for lunch. When we got there, the company clerk said the first sergeant wanted to speak to me. I knocked and went into his office and stood at attention.

“At ease. I’ve talked to the old man about your situation. He would like to meet with you and the girl at sixteen hundred hours today. Can you arrange for her to be here?” he said.

“I’ll call just as soon as I’m dismissed, First Sergeant,” I replied.

“Go ahead and do that. Dismissed,” he said.

Again, I came to attention, did an about face, and left. I used the pay phone to call. I talked to Mrs. Ross first, and then to Holly. It was wonderful to hear her voice. I told her to meet me at the front gate and to wear something conservative, but something that would show off her little arm stubs like her nice sleeveless blouse. She said she would.

I had what was left over in the mess hall and finished in time to get in formation to march back to school. The afternoon dragged on, worse than the morning. At three o’clock, we were dismissed for the day. I told the sergeant who marched us what I had to do, and he told me to go. I walked quickly to the front gate. I got there at the same time Holly did. I told the MP at the gate what was happening, and he phoned the first sergeant. The first sergeant corroborated my story, and Holly was allowed on the base. We walked to the barracks, stopping once in a secluded place for a kiss. We got to the barracks about five minutes before we were scheduled to meet with the old man. I told her to answer any question that he asked truthfully.

My knees were shaking when I reported to the company commander with Holly by my side. I saluted and introduced him to Holly.

“The First Sergeant said that you would like to have separate rations to live with Holly,” he said in a tone that made my blood run cold.

“Yes sir,” I said. “I promised her that I would see that she is properly taken care of. I can do it best if I can live with her when I’m not on duty. Sir.”

“Who did you promise that to solider?” he asked.

“To Holly and Carlos, the fellow I beat up in the alley who was about to strike her like he had done earlier in the day. Sir,” I said as I passed him the note.

“How bad did you hurt him?” he asked.

“I broke his arm and knocked out some of his teeth. Sir,” I said.

“You must care a lot for Holly,” he said. “How long have you known her?”

“Three days now. Sir,” I said. “Yes, I have grown very fond of her.”

“Holly, how have you been treated?” he asked.

“I’ve been treated like a lady by Frank. I was treated like dirt by Carlos. He hit me and hollered at me a lot,” Holly replied.

“Holly, do you think you are in love with Frank?” he asked.

“I think so sir. I’ve only known Frank for three days now. It’s a little too soon to tell. I’d like to think that I am,” she said.

“All right. I’ll grant hardship separate rations,” the Company Commander said. “The only stipulation is that you maintain the same high marks in school.”

“I will sir. That’s a promise,” I said.

“I’ll get the company clerk started on the paper work. You may have a pass for this evening if you want. Be sure to be back for formation in the morning. It was nice meeting you Holly. I’m sorry about your arms. By the way, you know if you two ever do get married, the Army can build you some prosthetic arms. You are dismissed,” he said.

“Thank you sir,” I said.

“Thank you,” Holly said. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“I think I do, Miss,” he said with a big smile. “Best wishes to both of you.”

I saluted, then turned and left. Holly walked beside me. We walked past the first sergeant. He only smiled and winked. I knew that he had softened up the old man. I mouthed “thank you” as we walked past.

Holly waited while I went into the barracks and got a fresh uniform and some civvies. I picked up my pass, and we walked over to the rooming house. We met Mrs. Ross at the door.

“Well, how did it go?” she asked.

“Wonderful,” Holly said. “Frank will get to stay here with me and just report to base during the day.”

“Is the room going to be large enough for the two of you?” she asked.

“As long as I’m with Holly, everything is wonderful,” I said. “Everything is just fine.”