Beyond Blue by Austin S. Camacho

Chastity introduced herself. “The manager tells me you’ve qualified for a free personal trainer session. He told me you asked about light weight training in the past. Do you want to just get that freesession now?”
    â€œGawd, I’m all in after that workout you just led,” Francine said, whipping her hair around and spraying water into Chastity’s face. “Maybe another day.”
    Chastity wiped the other woman’s sweat from her cheek and followed her for a few steps, “Come on,” she said in a conspiratorial whisper. “The manager will think I’m not pulling my weight if I don’t get you to have a session. You know how men can get. Look, I’ll buy you a latte after.” When Francine stopped, Chastity turned on the smile full force, her almond eyes crinkling.
    â€œOh, all right. Just don’t work me too hard.”
    Chastity escorted Francine to a fly machine and showed her how to squeeze the padded bars together with her elbows. “This one is great for the bust,” Chastity said, setting a low weight. “Not that you need any help in that area. You’re not a member of the itty bitty titty committee, like me.”
    â€œOh, yours are fine, dear,” Francine said, her voice dripping with superiority. She leaned back and pushed the bars together, lifting the weight behind her through a pulley system.
    â€œNice and slow, Francine,” Chastity said. “That’s it. Do twelve reps and you’ll feel it.” Then they both stopped talking at the sound of a cell phone ringing. It was Chastity’s phone, hooked to the back of her belt. Perfect timing, she thought. She pulled out the phone and flipped it open. She knew that Gunny, at the other end, had sense enough to ignore her words.
    â€œYeah. What is it now? Yes. You what? Spent HOW much? Damn it, Benny, I work too hard for you to…” Chastity cut herself off, looked guiltily at Francine and said, “Listen, I’ll call you back. You’re in someone else’s time.” Then she flipped the phone closed.
    â€œTrouble at home?” Francine asked, standing up.
    â€œMen,” Chastity said, leading Francine to the bench press machine. “Can’t live with them, can’t shoot them. Allthey know how to do is take advantage, you know?”
    Francine lay on the bench and began slowly raising the handles. “Take some advice, Chastity, is it? It’s all about control, girlfriend.”
    â€œWish I could get some,” Chastity said absently. “They just screw you, and you can’t screw them back. I wish I could get me and my little girl out from under. But, sorry ma’am, you don’t want to hear my problems.”
    â€œIt’s okay,” Francine said. “I know where you’re coming from. My man has me working too.”
    â€œYou too? It’s just not right. But I feel so helpless. Nothing I can do but take it.” Chastity let her head droop, her long black tresses hanging to the side. Francine stepped closer, touching Chastity’s shoulder.
    â€œThere are ways, girlfriend. All you need is a good lawyer, and the right shrink.”
    â€œShrink?”
    â€œListen, we need to talk. Do you suppose our workout could include a steam bath?”

Chapter Five
    The weightlifter made the little office next to Irv Jerome’s room look even smaller than it was. He scratched at his shaved head and stared around the otherwise empty room one more time. He looked under the desk for the fifth time, scraped his feet across the thick carpet and stared up at the ceiling tiles in frustration. Then he moved to the doorway, which would not allow his shoulders to pass unless he turned to the side.
    â€œGetting bored here.”
    â€œSit tight, Frankie,” the smallest of the giants called from another room. “We’re coming in there.” Frankie moved back into the room to lean against the window. His