Muffled shouts and moans floated through the door to Beverly’s apartment. The scandalous sounds had the clouded leopard blushing. She quickly pushed her companion away from the obscene noises and in the direction of way they had came. With a sour look from her friend the elk brushed her off and reached for the doorknob. Beverly could only squeak in horror as the door swung open to reveal the unsavory scene before them. Shark was thrusting away into a very vocal Tanya, the two seemed to be lost in their own bubble of passion as they continued on as Beverly and Ike were rooted to the spot in shock. It took a good ten seconds before Beverly let out another squeak and reached for the door to slam it shut.
The interruption did nothing to slow down the erratic movements of the larger canine as the noises leaving Tanya’s mouth increased in pitch and frequency. The two accidental voyeurs stood on the opposite side of the hallway avoiding each other’s gaze as they waited for the two lovers to finish. After a loud grunt and the sound of heavy furniture scraping across a hardwood floor the two sighed in unison. Beverly and Ike waited another minute or two before the braver of the two stepped forward and rapped on the door.
“All clear!” Came the breathy reply. Beverly and Ike hesitantly re-entered the room, praying that the scene they encountered earlier had shifted into something more tame. To their relief they found Shark and Tanya mostly covered and cuddling on the couch they had just christened. Shark looking quite content with a smug grin as he gave Tanya a small squeeze.
“Tanya, a word please.” The strained request had a concerned look washing over Tanya’s face as she extracted herself from Shark’s grasp and followed Beverly to the kitchen.
“Yea? What is is Bev, you don’t look so hot.” Tanya’s kind words and sweet Minnesota accent clashed with the compromising scene she had witnessed moments before.
“Geez Tanya, I wonder why that is?” The sarcasm was dripping from Beverly’s voice, “ This is the third guy this week you’ve brought home.”
“Ah yea, well I’m real sorry ‘bout that Bev. I meant to warn you but Shark and I got a little carried away and...well...yea.” Tanya trailed off with a wistful smile on her face. She decided to leave out the fact that it had actually been the same guy but she decided that conversation was for another time. Beverly regarded the promiscuous coyote and let out a sigh before continuing.
“Tanya, I don’t mean to judge but don’t you think you are being a bit of a….floozy? I mean it’s great to have fun and all but Anya, you gotta admit you get around.” Beverly had a look of concern on her face though her words stung Tanya. Her face scrunched up in distaste as she huffed indignantly.
“Oh please, my...exploits may sound exorbitant to a prude like you but I assure you I’m far from a ‘floozy’.” Tanya uncharacteristically lashed out at Beverly, who was taken aback by her harsh words. She bristled as well and wagged a finger in her friend’s face.
“Well of course I’m a prude by your standards. Goodness if we were going by your ‘norm’ even Savannah* would be a prude.” Beverly regretted the words almost as soon as she said it but she was so mad she chose not to revoke her statement just yet.
“You know what? I’m a normal red blooded American who enjoys a good romp every now and again. Who are you the judge me anyways? My mother?” At this point Tanya was yelling and the two fellas that were quietly conversing in the living room turned to look at the arguing roommates. They glanced at each other, each making the decision to leave the girls to their own devices.
“Well excuse me for worrying that my friend is going to attempt to sleep with every eligible guy above the Mason-Dixon line!” Beverly threw her hands up in exasperation.
“You’re just jealous because you don’t have any prospects!” Tanya clamped her hand over her mouth after the insult was thrown. Before she could apologize Beverly had snatched up her purse and rushed out the front door, Ike close on her heels. Tanya wandered back over to the couch and sat down on the edge, her face full of regret. Shark slid closer to her and wrapped an arm around her, Tanya leaned into the embrace.
“That was wicked harsh babe.” He nuzzled her neck to show her he meant no ill will.
“I’m aware. Gosh I didn’t mean to say that. It’s just I got so darn heated. I suppose I should apologize.” Tanya made to get up but Shark grabbed her wrist and tugged her back towards the couch.
“Maybe you two should cool off a bit longer, Ike’ll make sure she doesn’t get into trouble.” Shark tried to hide his smile as Tanya obliged and sank back down into the overstuffed couch.
“Hey, Bev! Bev!” Ike shouted after his friend as he exited the apartment building. He squinted, trying to see which way the leopard ran but couldn’t see much in the darkness. “Jeez that dame can run, how does she move so fast in those darned heels anyways?” He muttered to himself before his ears picked up the sound of those heels clicking against the pavement. He sprinted in the direction of the sound, yelling for Beverly to slow down.
“Go away Ike.” Beverly muttered as she stomped down the deserted sidewalk.
“Beverly, slow down! What’s the rush?” He was now half-jogging to keep up with the angry feline and again wondered how she moved so fast.
“I said. Go away.” Her voice broke and she furiously wiped at her eyes. A frustrated growl leaving her quivering lips.
“You’re not really taking what Tanya said to heart are ya?” Ike managed to grab Beverly’s hand and pulled her to a hault. “Look you know she didn’t mean it, she got upset and said the worst thing she could think of. True or not.”
“Well true or not it still hurts. I mean I know I’m no party girl but I like to think I’m a pretty fun gal.” Beverly fussed with her hat as she contemplated the truth in Tanya’s jab.
“Beverly Collins, you are the most lively Sheba** I know. How many dames do you know that shake it like you do on stage?” Ike gave her an encouraging smile. He was relieved when Beverly returned it with a small one of her own. He took that as a surrender and steered her back in the direction of the apartment complex. As the ascended the stairs Beverly went about regaining her composure. They entered the apartment, for the third time that night, unsure about what they would find behind it. Both were relieved when they saw a gloomy looking Tanya nestled up to Shark. She sprung up when Beverly entered letting out a stream of apologies.
“Bevvy, I am so sorry! I didn’t mean what I said, I was angry and upset. You know I think the world of you.” As Tanya started her apology Beverly did the same.
“I didn’t mean to insinuate that you were promiscuous, I was just worried about your safety.” There was a slight pause as both processed what the other said.
Then the pair engaged in a quick embrace, chuckling slightly at the silliness of it all. They squeezed onto the couch, making Shark slide over to make room as Ike sat in the recliner. As Beverly and Tanya chatted about club politics and idle gossip the guys took to talking about the generic small talk topics (sports, the weather, etc). Though it wasn’t long before an unpleasant noise interrupted the group, the awful grinding noise that came from the furnace drowned out their voices.
“Cavolo, what was that?” Ike was clutching at his heart for emphasis.
“It’s the furnace, it’s been doing that for the past week but the manager won’t do anything about it.” Tanya grumbled as she glared in the general direction of the noisy furnace.
“Hm, sounds like the exhaust is clogged. I could clear it out for you gals? It’s a quick fix.” Ike offered casually, surprised that his time fussing with the nearly 100 year old heating system at his childhood home came in handy.
“Really? Oh Ike that’d be swell!” Beverly exclaimed, excited at the prospect of not having to sleep under a pile of blankets every night.
“Of course! Anything for my best doll.” Ike winked as he rose from his spot in the recliner. Tanya mirrored his movements, heading to the kitchen to grab a flashlight.
“The furnace is down in the basement, Beverly refuses to go down there so I’ll show you where it is.” Tanya explained as she returned to the living room with a small wave they were off, leaving Shark and Beverly alone. The clouded leopard eyed the lounging canine with distaste. Though Shark was technically a fellow co-worker he mostly dealt with outside interest, Beverly found the negotiator to be a bit crass and handsy. He had openly groped her on many occasions and was constantly making passes at her and the other dancers. While she usually respected Tanya’s judgement in partners she was puzzled as to what the coyote could possible see in Shark.
“Sooo-”
“Don’t. Let’s not force it.” Beverly quickly cut off the canine not wanting to engage in strained small talk, he shrugged in response. They said in stagnant silence until:
“She was right you know.” Shark mumbled under his breath, Bev almost didn’t catch it.
“Who? About what?” She sat up straight and turned towards Shark.
“Tanya, about you being a boring prude.”
“As if you’d know.” Beverly huffed and crossed her arms in defiance. The sneer that graced Shark’s face was unsettling.
“Well prove me wrong. What do you do for fun? After your stint at the club what do you do? Maybe stop for a cup of coffee at the local diner? I bet your idea of a wild night is drinking a glass of wine while reading a steamy romance novel. You’re a Plain Jane, Beverly. A bland broad who’s one bright spot is when she’s on stage showing her goods to a crowd of sleazy businessmen.” Shark paused to gauge Beverly’s reaction.
“Shut up, Shark. You’re just some fancy con man for hire.” The feline huffed and tried to control her boiling rage.
“You’re just upset because I’m right. Honestly Beverly, what are you doing here? Surely a gal of your caliber would never be caught dead dancing in a gin joint. You don’t belong here, you’re too good for the Spiked Tiger. But then again you obviously couldn’t manage in the well-to-do world. What a pitiful existence, too pretentious to hang with the proletarians but too lowbrow for the blue bloods.”
“God, you’re disgusting! Just barbaric.” The hushed whisper was all Beverly could manage before the door swung open again, revealing Tanya and a sooty Ike. Beverly swallowed down her fury, attempting to compose herself.
“All fixed!” Ike announced triumphantly, oblivious to the confrontation that just took place.
“Goodness Ike, you’re filthy! Don’t think you’re coming in here like that.” Beverly stood to push him back towards the threshold.
“I guess that’s my cue. G’night Tanya, Shark.” He waved to them as Beverly continued to push him out the door. Once Ike complied and headed back down the stairs she finally thanked him for his help.
“You really saved us from freezing tonight Ike.” She shot him a genuine smile despite the anger that still swirled in her chest. As they stepped back out onto the sidewalk she drew Ike into a tight hug.
“Alright Bev, I’m getting soot all over your fancy coat.” Ike chuckled as he pulled away. He gave her a peck on the cheek before stepping off the sidewalk into the dimly lit road.
“I’ll send you the cleaning bill.” Beverly joked, she giggled at the glare Ike tossed over his shoulder.
“You better n-” Ike’s mock threat was cut short as a speeding Ford Model T smashed into the elk, sending him crashing into the windshield. Beverly could only watch in horror as the vehicle was thrown into reverse, depositing a lifeless Ike onto the cold concrete. The driver wrenched the car back in drive and sped off, leaving a shell shocked Beverly and a badly injured Isaac.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ -super dramatic gasp- Who did this?! They must pay! Looks like someone wants Ike out of the picture...did they succeed? Let's hope not!