Switchblade Romance

Here is Switchblade Romance in full.  I admit, the story got to be way longer than I anticipated, but the more I wrote, the more curious I became about these characters.  I think Chapter 13 is where the chapters started getting up to 10,000 words, which is an awful damn lot.  So, this isn't a shortie; not even close.  And for those who read the last chapter, you know that I've only told half of the story.  I don't know when I'll begin writing the second half; Kaphiri and Malcolm's past lives are complex and complicated, but I'm still curious...so we'll see.


I. Drankin' Patnaz

II.  In Da Club

III.  Hit n' Run

IV.  Chatter

V.  Special Delivery

VI.  Mermaid Island

VII.  More Chatter

VIII.  Moves & Countermoves

IX.  Embers

X.  Revelations


XI.  Kaphiri, Part 1

XII.  Kaphiri, Part 2

XIII.  The Cookout

XIV. Outrageous Sin

XV.  Logistics

XVI.  Summertime

XVII.  The Cookout, Redux 

XVIII.  Crossfade

XIX:  Crimson Secrets

XX:   Bittersweet Heat

XXI:  The Laughing Sun

Switchblade Romance (21/21)

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XXI:  The Laughing Sun

Shantreyl was hunched over the toilet, vomiting up the remains of last night’s dinner.  Malcolm was fast asleep and Kaphiri was standing at the counter, holding a glass of ice.  He was a light sleeper and when he heard her in the bathroom, he got up to care for her.  When she was sure that she was finished, she got up, flushed the toilet, and then washed her face and rinsed her mouth.  After adjusting her bonnet, she took the glass from Kaphiri and started sucking on a piece of ice.

Switchblade Romance (20/21)

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XX:  Bittersweet Heat

Malcolm reserved the private dining room at Embers for dinner on Monday night.  He arranged the same setup he did for his and Shantreyl’s third date so that her family was comfortable.  He and Kaphiri were in the dining room, speaking to the lead attendant when the maître d’ escorted Shantreyl’s family inside.  Two of the attendants led them to the table and they got settled.  Theodore Troy walked right up to him and Kaphiri and Malcolm cast a glance in Shantreyl’s direction.  He couldn’t glean anything from her expression.

“Malcolm,” Trey said, shaking his hand.  Then he looked at Kaphiri for a moment and then held out his hand.  “Kaphiri, right?”

Kaphiri took his hand.  “Yes, Mr. Troy.”

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XIX:  Crimson Secrets

Shantreyl knocked on the door of one of the Vermilion’s Presidential Suites, yawning and rubbing her lower back.  She was tired and left work as soon as her last class was done.  Earlier, she received a text from her mother informing her that they had arrived and Shantreyl was excited to see her parents.  She hadn’t been home in three years. 

A moment later, Shannon Troy opened the door and screamed when she saw her youngest daughter.  She held out her arms.  Shantreyl grabbed and held her mother tight, feeling warmth flow over and through her the way it always did when her mother hugged her.  Her eyes got misty because it had been a long time since the last maternal hug.  “I’m so glad to see you, Momma.  I’ve missed you so much.” 

Switchblade Romance (18/?)

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XVIII:  Crossfade

As time passed, Shantreyl’s workload didn’t decrease, but she got better with managing her time.  She was not going to let Cindy win.  But she did have a victory of sorts: poor Karen was struggling with the G12 chemistry class and their parents were livid.  Shantreyl was as polite as she could be but kept her focus on her middle schoolers.  She hated that the G12s were struggling but there was nothing she could do, as the mess was not of her making.  She wondered if Dr. Bowlen would intervene if things got any worse.  She wondered if the admin were humble enough to come to her and ask her to take over the chemistry classes to get the G12s back on track.

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XVII:  The Cookout, Redux

The next two weeks were extremely busy.  Julie Styles, having been retained by Malcolm, was a virtuoso when it came to event planning.  Shantreyl had to do nothing more than make decisions and the cheerful, effervescent Julie handled everything else.  Shantreyl’s wedding date was set for December 21^st.  The ceremony was going to take place at the Laughing Sun in Catamaran Beach, which was an upscale community adjacent to the South Salena Sea and about an hour’s ride from downtown.  School let out for the winter holidays on December 20^th, and she would have three weeks off.  That was plenty of time for a lavish seven-day honeymoon in Thailand.  Kaphiri booked the nicest villa at the Anantara Lawana Resort, which was a beachfront resort and spa in Koh Samui.

Switchblade Romance (16/?)

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XVI:  Summertime

That Thursday afternoon, Shantreyl watched as Malcolm charmed the hell out of her parents, her sister and her sister’s husband.  Shannon and Trey Troy were quite enamored with Malcolm after a thirty-minute conversation.  When Trey stepped up to speak to Malcolm, he asked his daughter to leave the room so he could talk to Malcolm alone—not knowing that his questions and concerns were being conveyed to Kaphiri as well.  Malcolm reassured Shantreyl’s father that he was the man he claimed to be and that he was completely in love with Trey’s youngest daughter.

Switchblade Romance (15/?)

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XV.  Logistics

A few hours later, Shantreyl was at the Zig Zag Diner, sitting with Malcolm and Kaphiri at their usual table.  She studied the menu with a measure of glee.

“I don’t even know where to start,” she said.  “Everything sounds so good.  What do you guys eat?”

Kaphiri said, “She uses organic ingredients, which I like.  Her strawberry pancakes are good, as are the blueberry ones.  I eat them three times a week and never get bored.  She also makes excellent waffles.”

Malcolm said, “Her omelet breakfasts are delicious, as are her biscuits and gravy.  Nyx’s breakfast menu is extremely popular.  If you’re unsure, try the Pygmi Slam.”

Switchblade Romance (14/?)

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XIV:  Outrageous Sin

Shantreyl stared at Malcolm as he massaged her foot.  “What is it?  What do you want to know?”

“What do you think of Kaphiri?  Honestly.”

Shantreyl made a face.  “Why are you asking?”

“Answer the question first.”

“I like him,” she said.  “He’s very nice, very interesting.  He’s a gentleman, same as you are, and he’s very attractive.”

Malcolm didn’t miss a beat in kneading her foot.  “Do you want to fuck him?”

Shantreyl stared at Malcolm, gobsmacked.  Did he know about the kissing?  Did Kaphiri tell him?  It took a moment for her to respond.  “Malcolm, what is this about?”

Switchblade Romance (13/?)

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XIII.  The Cookout

When Shantreyl and her friends got into Malcolm’s Range Rover on Sunday afternoon, he said, “The Parkers live on the north end of Ravencliff, so we have a bit of a drive.  We’ve got to cross the Oriochi, so am I riding with tunnel enthusiasts or bridge fans?”

Renee and Jaya said simultaneously, “Bridge fans.”

Shantreyl added in a low voice, “I prefer the bridge over the tunnels whenever possible.  I like seeing the sun.”

Malcolm smiled at her and took her hand, holding it as he drove.  Renee nudged Jaya and pointed.  Jaya smiled.

“So, what can we expect today?” Renee asked.

Malcolm said, “No kids.  Full bar.  DJ—the same DJ that was at the Zodiac that night.  Catered barbeque—and Carlee’s Soul Patrol has the best barbeque in Suva Oriana.  Dancing.  Card and domino games.  Swimming.  Weed if you want it.”

Switchblade Romance (12/?)

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XII.  Kaphiri, Part 2

Kaphiri lived in Dastara, on the Suva side of the river. Shantreyl was surprised to see him driving into what was a sketchy part of town and was even more surprised when he pulled up to what looked like a derelict building.

“Where are we, Kaphiri?”

“Home.”

“You live here?  In this abandoned building?  In this part of town??”

Switchblade Romance (11/?)

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XI.  Kaphiri, Part 1

Thursday of that same week, Shantreyl woke up with a spontaneous idea: to surprise Malcolm for lunch.  He had told her on Tuesday that he usually ate lunch at the Vermilion at three p.m.  She was in a good mood and hopefully, would be able to have lunch with him. 

She dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans, cute white sandals and a flowy white top with bell sleeves.  She pinned the sides of her hair up with combs, applied a little bit of makeup and was out the door after checking her appearance.

The drive to the Vermilion took a little longer than she expected, due to an accident.  While stuck at a red light, she texted Malcolm and asked what he was doing.  Two minutes later, he wrote back:

Switchblade Romance (10/?)

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X.  Revelations

A week later, on Sunday, Malcolm picked Shantreyl up from Fallon Station at noon and took her to Fireside Park, where they had a picnic.  Malcolm ‘fessed up when Shantreyl accused him of getting help with the menu, which consisted of antipasto lettuce wraps, hummus and pita bread, black bean and corn salad, fried chicken wings, panzanella with vegetables, peach hand pies, fruit salad, lemonade and sweet tea.

“I know you didn’t cook this yourself, Malcolm!  Did your mother make all this?  Did you wake your mother up to cook for you?”

He laughed.  “No.  My mother’s cooking days are over and I can’t cook.  I have a very, very good friend who owns the Zig Zag Diner.  Her name’s Nyx and she put all this together for me.  I arranged it ahead of time because I knew exactly what I wanted our fourth date to be.”

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IX.  Embers

Malcolm sent a platinum-colored Bentley Mulsanne to pick her up.  When the driver opened the door for her, she got in and saw a bouquet of three white lilies on the seat.  She picked them up and put them on her lap as the driver closed the door.  Soon, they were on the way and Shantreyl called Jaya.

Jaya said, “You were supposed to send us a selfie of you in that sexy jumpsuit!  I’ve been waiting for the past thirty minutes.”

“I kind of got in a hurry at the last minute.  I’ll make sure I do it when I get to the hotel.”

“How did your hair turn out?” Jaya asked.

“It turned out great.  For once, my curls behaved.  He sent a Bentley to pick me up.  I’m riding in style tonight.”

“This brother isn’t playing any games, is he?”

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VIII.  Moves and Countermoves

Shantreyl was at work, updating her class website for her seniors.  Graduation was in three weeks.  She had one week to finish the rest of the organic unit before reviewing for the external exams.  She was hard at work when someone knocked on her door.

“Come in,” she said as her fingers flew over the keyboard.  She looked up to see the bottle-blonde bitch coming in, holding a giant vase of yellow and red calla lilies. 

The fuck does this bitch want now?  “Good morning,” she said.

“Good morning, Shantreyl.  You have another delivery and I thought since I had to come and talk to you anyway that I would bring it down.  These are really beautiful.”

“Oh,” Shantreyl said.  “Thank you.  Just put them there on the lectern.  What is it that you need to speak with me about?”

Switchblade Romance (7/?)

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VII.   More Chatter

Malcolm was at the Zig Zag Diner the next day, waiting for Kaphiri.  He sipped on hot coffee, thinking about the day before.  Shantreyl’s ex-boyfriend’s sudden appearance was an unexpected game changer.  Malcolm figured that it would take about three or four dates before he let Shantreyl know of his intentions and expectations.  But Miles’ appearance simplified the entire thing.  Shantreyl knew exactly what his goal was and where she stood with him.  Malcolm had to figure out how to adjust his schedule so he could date her properly.  If he didn’t put forth a full effort to woo her, he knew he could lose her.

Kaphiri came into the diner and headed towards their table in the back.  Malcolm smiled at his friend as he sat down and removed his earbuds.

“So,” Kaphiri said as Nyx brought him a large glass of fresh orange juice, “how was your date?”

Switchblade Romance (6/?)

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VI.  Mermaid Island

Malcolm knocked on Shantreyl’s door at exactly 9:15 Saturday morning.  She opened it, fully ready, and stepped out, locking the door.  The sun was out and bright and she quickly donned her sunglasses.  She wore denim shorts, a Nubia T-shirt and a pair of red Chuck Taylors.  Her hair was in two Afro puffs and she sported large gold hoops.  Malcolm gave her an appreciative glance.  The woman was a dime, pure and simple.  He liked her “around the way girl” look.

As they walked to his car, Shantreyl took a moment to apply lip gloss.  Malcolm looked at her legs and then at her shoes.  “You sure you want to wear a pair of All-Stars to an amusement park?”

Shantreyl nodded.  “All of my Chucks have comfy gel inserts.  I’m good.”

“All right then.  Let’s go.”  He unlocked his Range Rover, walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Shantreyl.  She thanked him and got in, and soon they were on their way.

Switchblade Romance (5/?)

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V.  Special Delivery

Malcolm sat at his desk, an envelope in his hands.   It took Romeo almost two weeks to compile all the data he thought his boss would need.  He dropped the envelope off at Malcolm’s office in the Vermilion Hotel & Casino.

Malcolm palmed the envelope.  “It has some thickness to it, Romeo.”

“Because there are photos.”

“Really now?  I didn’t expect you to go that far.”

“You said you wanted to know who she is.  I wanted to be sure that it was her, Mr. Sullivan.  I can’t have your faith in me waver.  Anything else, sir?”

“No.  Thank you, Romeo.”

Romeo left, closing the door.  Malcolm opened the envelope and tipped out the paperwork and photos.  He found himself staring at a copy of Shantreyl’s driver’s license and a copy of her teacher’s ID:

Switchblade Romance (4/?)

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IV.  Chatter

The next day, Malcolm was sitting at his usual table in the Zig Zag Diner.  It was his favorite spot for breakfast, and the Zig Zag served breakfast all day.  Malcolm was friends with Pygmi Nyx, the diner’s owner and manager.  He sat, sipping on black coffee while thinking about last night.  Last night was a very good night; he had thoroughly enjoyed himself with Shan, the lovely lady he met at the Zodiac.  She was smart, attractive, fine as hell, and the pussy was really good.  It was Malcolm’s firm intention to have another round or two of sex, but when he woke up, she was gone.

And he was pissed about it.  Even though she’d told him up front that all she wanted was the D, he was annoyed to find her gone.

Switchblade Romance (3/?)

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III.  Hit n’ Run

Summerwind I had 28 floors and Malcolm’s apartment was on the 28^th.  It was very nice.  Shantreyl walked in and looked around, moving over to the windows that overlooked the bright lights of the city of Suva Oriana and the Oriochi River that bisected the city.  There were at least six neon dinner cruise ships going up and down the Oriochi.

“Nice view,” she said.

“I like it,” Malcolm replied.  He joined her over by the windows and pointed.  “There’s the Solar Fountain.  And if you look across the river over there, you’ll see the Vermilion.  Have you ever been inside either of them?”

“No.”

“You’ll have to go in one day.”

“Maybe I will.”

Malcolm took a moment to look her over, appreciating her curves.  “So, Shan…how do you want to do this?  How do you want this to go?  It was your idea to come home with me, after all.”