When she walked in, I knew she would be trouble again, one way or another. Usually it was low-level, only a little pointing and shouting. But I had a feeling about her now. Maybe it was that huge, flashy new engagement ring on her finger, much gaudier than the simple wedding band the last time she was here, wearing widow's weeds. Not for the first time, either. Nor the last, probably.
I did not need to alert my quiet security man, Trey, an after-duty cop. He knew the signs too. He glanced up from the porn on his phone long enough to track the threat.
I knew her drink. It was rougher than the CC Clubbers' usual Margaritas or Daiquiris. She liked a strong Cuba Libre, a chunk of lime in 151 rum half-diluted by Jolt cola, a real hairy speedball. Maybe she needed it.
--
Sharla said, "Colleen honey, you're back! And so soon! How long did that one last? Not many months." She half-emptied her Daiquiri and sloshed the remainder absently.
Colleen said, "Four months, faster than usual. Then snagging Geraldo took another six weeks." She raised three fingers on each hand. Her new ring stood out.
Evie asked, "What was the cause of death for the last? I forget." She sipped.
Colleen said, "Cardiac arrest, as usual. They all are."
Marva asked, "And nobody ever suspects you?"
"What's to suspect? Guys with bad hearts don't last forever, especially if they're trying to. Trying to last forever, I mean. Or at least long enough. I don't have to do anything but encourage them, and they're happy to. So they keep on exercising, strain their hearts, keel over, bang."
Alicia was new to the CCC and did not know Colleen's history. "Lots of guys?" she asked.
Fran said, "We've been gathering here for what, a few years now. And Colleen goes through this cycle every few weeks or months. Who's the new man? That's a great-looking ring."
"Geraldo, that's him, another widower with a family business - a small chain of hardware stores. You've seen them. He's really happy when I blow him stiff and he can poke me a few minutes. He keeps trying to last longer. That's the key. The wedding is next week and if I can keep him going past the honeymoon, I've got it made."