Free American Mutant by Bernard Lee DeLeo Page A

stood up to face her, and the open admiration on his face made Karen blush. She wore a burgundy, shoulder-less dress, which dropped to mid thigh, and clung to her like a second skin. Her simple gold chain, and cross, sparkled in the light. The blonde hair, Karen always wore up, now hung just below her neck in waves of light color. With matching lipstick and high-heeled shoes, Connor thought she looked as beautiful as any model he had ever seen.
    He walked over to her and took her hands in his. “My God, Dr. Blakely, you look wonderful. The song The Lady In Red should start playing in the background right now. Hell, I don’t need no stinking music.”
    Dr. Blakely’s face lit up as Connor began to sing The Lady In Red, in perfect pitch, with Frank Sinatra’s voice. He held her close as he sang, and led her in a slow, sinuous dance in which she could feel his arousal. Connor ended the song and held her at arm’s length.
    “If we do not proceed to dinner now, we won’t make it at all. I would love to be seen next to you Karen.”
    “I already called for reservations, so we can leave whenever you wish.”
    “Would you like me to drive?” Connor asked.
    “I don’t think so. I know the way, and it would be nice not to have to give directions all the way there.”
    “Good point,” Connor agreed. “From now on I will take you everywhere in a limousine.” Connor looked towards the door and it swung open. “Shall we?”
    As they walked into the restaurant Karen had picked out, she noticed not only the men who checked her out, but also the number of women who could not keep their eyes off of Connor. His close-cropped graying hair, scarred face, dark magnetic eyes, and tailored clothing combined to make a very enticing prospect. She smiled and shook her head. He walked with such easy power; he gave the impression of a panther wearing a suit.
    The waiter showed them to their table, leaving menus and wine lists. He then left to bring them water. He returned quickly, and took their order for coffee, and a bottle of the best Champaign the house had to offer. After popping open the Champaign for them and pouring, the waiter left them for a time to decide on their meal.
    “Do you drink Thomas, or does that weaken the force?”
    “I have a sip or two of Champaign once in a while,” Connor replied smiling, “but I love good coffee at any time. You looked so good walking in here, I thought I would have to fight my way to the table. We will have to go somewhere and find a place where we can dance.”
    “I thought of that. They have a band in here after ten. Would you like to
    stay?”
    “Do they know Lady In Red?”
    “Maybe.”
    “I’m in then,” Connor replied. “I just want to dance with you, while you wear that dress. If you keep teasing me like this, I might have to consummate our friendship.”
    “Promises, promises.”
    “Maybe I.” Connor stopped, and turned towards a waiter approaching him from behind.
    The waiter stopped and bent down. “Mr. Connor?”
    “I am Connor.”
    “You have an urgent phone call Sir. If you would follow me please.”
    He looked at Karen, “do not move until I find out how anyone knew we would be here.”
    “I never said a word Thomas,” Karen said quickly, seeing the grim look on Connor’s face now.
    “It was more then likely a bug on the car. I should have been more careful. Stay put.”
    Connor got up and followed the waiter out to a place on the other side of the kitchen. Connor took the receiver from the waiter. “Hello.”
    “Mr. Connor?”
    “Yes, come on mister, it’s your nickel.”
    “I run the department you and Quenton work in. My associates and I were very impressed with your performance today. We would like you to work directly for us.”
    “Sorry,” Connor replied politely, “I work only for Quenton. Now I really have to get back to my dinner guest.”
    “Yes, the lovely Dr. Blakely. I am so happy you two appear to be working well together. We really