KLEMPNER"Nice to meet you, Mitch," I say to her. "Dance for me."She slips off her shoes, then ignoring Conners, her eyes holding mine, she sways to the music, dancing for me.The dress she wears seemed classically respectable when she was sitting and walking, but now that she dances, it falls open, slit to the thigh, displaying long, firm calves and thighs. Hips undulating and her body weaving with the slow, sensual music, she strokes herself, caresses herself....I want to get between her thighs and bury myself in her. In the background, Frank mutters. "Fuck me...."Mitch slips hands behind her neck, raising her hair, then sits, backing up beside me, offering me the clasp of the halter. I unfasten it and the halter falls, exposing a slender waist and smooth, sculpted shoulders. The only break in the perfect skin is a small tattoo of a butterfly behind one shoulder. I pause, a hand resting at the top of either arm.To the fore, Conners is grinning. "Nice tits." He takes a
MICHAELIt's early, still not light or even close to it. I had trouble sleeping. And after a restless doze of a couple of hours, I'm awake again, staring into the darkness. Although our impromptu bonfire party was a success and the evening ended amicably enough, my gut is still coiled tight. I need to burst out somewhere.Perhaps I should demolish another chicken shed?Grow up, why don't you....Charlotte is curled up in my arms, her spine pressed against my chest. It helps. But what I really want is to fuck-make-love-with-fuck-my-brains-out-with her.Everything's alright when I can lose myself in you.Will she want to?Unsure of my reception, I don't quite dare rouse her, so I lie there, wishing for her to wake, wanting her to tell me that everything's okay between us.*****CHARLOTTEI'm warm and very cosy. And through the haze of a semi-doze, I realise why. Michael is spooned up behind, his arms wrapped around me and the heat of his body seeping through my bac
KLEMPNER"Hey, Larry. Thought I might find you here." Conners collapses into the seat next to me, slapping a folder down on the coffee table. "Is she in later?"Fury flashes, then I muscle it down.He has every right to be here...."She said after seven.""Good stuff. I'm looking forward to getting that one on her knees again. Hey, don't you just love the way she....""What's that?" I nod down to the folder. "Is that for me?""It is. The City authorities have said that in principle, they're happy to sell that remaining land you want.""In principle?""Well, you need to make them an offer obviously."A shadow falls over us. "Hi, guys. How are you doing? Out to play this evening?"*****Later, I watch him grunting over her. A part of me revolts at the sight. Another part is fascinated.Why do you do this?Men would throw themselves at you....And my shaft lies quiescent.But as he pumps her, she turns her face to mine. Her glorious eyes fix on me and my co
JAMESI'm partly taken aback at this sudden reversal. Partly fascinated by it........ and partly delighted....Sparky subs....For the first time since Kirstie started working here, I take a hard look at her, instead of white washing her with my memory of our first meeting those years ago at the Club.Just a sub?I stand over, deliberately looming. "And how do you arrive at that conclusion?"She doesn't cower, though perhaps she should. I don't make a habit of hitting women, except in the way I know they enjoy as much as I do. Nonetheless, I know I can intimidate.But she doesn't back down. "Look.... I know you're a Dom.... I mean, so's Michael, but he's a bit less obvious about it. But you...." And now she eyeballs me. ".... you walk through that lobby behind Charlotte like you've got her on reins. If you're in a situation where it matters that people don't realise what your.... domestic arrangements are, you could tone it down. That's all I'm saying. As it is, I'm su
JAMES"Francis, could you pass this along to Richard when he's in. I've signed off the approvals, but it needs his signature too.""Of course, James."She jots a line or two on a sticky note and appends it to the file. I'm heading for my office when I hear the intercom click into life."Francis!" It's Kirstie's voice, urgent, almost panicked. I turn to listen in. "It's Kirstie in the lobby. Ben Summerford is outside, ranting at Charlotte...."Francis' eyes widen. "James...." But I'm already running for the elevator."Call Security!" I yell. "And the police."As I slam my hand on the call button, Francis ramps up the volume so I'm still hearing Kirstie as I champ and stamp for the doors to open.".... It's not looking good...." Kirstie sounds thoroughly rattled. ".... He's looking really threatening towards her. I've called Security, but can you please tell Mr Alexanders to get down here right now.... And do you have the contact for his friend Michael? Can you call him,
KLEMPNERI can't think straight. My work doesn't hold my interest. My concentration is blown.An image of emerald-green eyes follows me.What are you doing now?I want to see her.I want to see her. Not the pro, but her.She's a whore. A professional. But still I want to see her.It's ridiculous.She's one of dozens....Hundreds....Mitch...".... Finchby is asking if you can supply more exotics...." I tune back to the real world. Bech is looking at me oddly. "Sir?""Yes?" I snap. "What?""What do you think of that idea? Finchby is asking for Asians and Orientals. Both sexes and specifically the younger ones.""Right...."Get your mind back on it....".... I may be able to arrange something, yes. I was planning trips next year to the Middle-East and around Rwanda. I could pull those forward."Bech nods, pursing his lips as he jots a note. "Very good. Anything else?""Yes, with all the turmoil in Eastern Europe right now, I want to investigate the opp
MICHAEL Finally, he answers his phone. "What the fuck do you think you're playing at, Ben?"He replies in tones that would cut metal. "What am I playing at? What the hell are you playing at? I suppose you met your little whore at one of these clubs, did you?""In fact, no, I didn't. But it's none of your business, Ben. And I'll thank you not to speak of my wife like that.""You're obsessed with the bitch.""I've just married her. Of course I'm fucking obsessed. If I'm not obsessed with her now, when would I be?""That's what I don't get, Mike. I could understand if you were just playing around with her. I might not like it. I know you played the field, but I'd understand it. But you married her. Why for God's sake?"Because I love her. Because she loves me.""And where does your so-called best friend fit into this?""James loves her too. And she loves him too.""Listen to yourself Mike, it's fucking bizarre. It's not right. It's not.... natural....""Who are you
Outside, Mitch gestures down the street. "There's a little place down the road I sometimes stop for coffee."Without giving her a chance to refuse, I take the bag of books from her. "Let me carry that for you."The 'little place', a small cafe, is mainly occupied by student types. They sit in groups, wearing bohemian clothes and cheap gothic jewellery, arguing loudly. It's not quarrelling, but debate of the kind you get from the types that think they know the secrets of the universe, or they can put the world to rights by talking about it."Interesting place," I comment, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my tone.Her lips make that quirk again; a sort of half-smile that would make the Mona Lisa long to be more subtle with her body language.She chooses a table by the window, speaking in a low voice. Humour dances at the corners of her eyes. "It's always interesting. Some of them can be quite profound. Some of them wouldn't know their ass from their elbow. But there's always c
A sound... Charlotte clearing her throat. "Ummm...""Yes, Charlotte." Richard swings around. "I believe that makes it your turn. James... Together or separately?""You're the guest, Richard. You choose.""In that case, I think together. Heads or tails?""Oh, tails I think, if that suits you?""Absolutely."As I withdraw from Beth, tucking away my subsiding erection, I help her upright.Richard and James both stand, side by side, towering over Charlotte. I back away from the action, giving them space, but take Beth with me, pulling her down onto my lap as I sit, nuzzling into her neck. "Thank you. You have no idea how much..."She twists back, kisses me on the mouth. "I think I did know."James and Richard are both stripping off jackets, ties and shirts, kicking off shoes. "I think Charlotte's about to get it big time," she murmurs."I'd say so, yes."James drops to his knees, settles between her thighs.Richard unzips, releases himself, then stroking his erectio
MICHAELheading south, I tug at the ties of the thong, pulling away about a square inch of satin as the flimsy thing falls away.Richard sucks in air. "So, James, where would you like me to start?""I'm sure you don't need instructions from me..." James drops eyes to Beth's smooth pubis. "... An old hand like you." His gaze shifts to Charlotte... "But I think we'll adjust the furniture a little." Rising, he takes a stand-mirror from the corner of the bedroom, moves it to the side of the bed, adjusts the angle, then stands back to gauge the results. He adjusts it a little, measures it by eye again and then nods. Charlotte has an excellent view of her own sex."Would you like her opened a little further, Richard? I imagine you'll want to reach everything easily.""Excellent idea, James. The knees wider I think, and we'll lift her hips."It's a game they play, the pair of them, torturing her with anticipation, but Charlotte's eyes tell a tale. The two Doms work as a team, J
MICHAELI sit, staring at nothing, thinking about...... Nothing...Maybe I should get something to eat?My gut's griping. I've not eaten all day. Sally brought me one of her usual offerings for lunch; a plate-sized bacon and egg sandwich and a can of beer, but the smell turned my stomach.Scruffy ate well though along with Kirstie's tribe, running wild around the gardens in hairy, waggy, excitable enthusiasm.The pint-sized rag-tag lies by my feet. Occasionally he looks up at me, whining. I scratch his ear and he settles again.There's no sign of James and Charlotte other than James' tablet on his armchair and a book, marker inserted, on Charlotte's favourite spot on the settee. With no real interest, I look at the cover. 'A Song of Ice and Fire - A Dance with Dragons.'The scent of something is drifting in, James' cooking I assume. A part of me says it smells rich and savoury, winey and herby, but my gut recoils.Just a coffee maybe...I head for the kitchen, but
MICHAELI don't much feel like breakfast, but for the sake of form, I join Mitch, James and Charlotte in the kitchen, downing a coffee, then pouring another.James is on his usual 'toast and coffee only' breakfast. Mitch works her way through yoghurt and muesli, eating tidily and sipping at a cup of peppermint tea.Charlotte's standing on tiptoe, rummaging at the top shelf of the store cupboard. James stands, walks across. "What are you looking for?""Pickled onions.""You don't like pickled onions.""I felt like one sliced up on my sandwich."I've already seen the other items laid out on the worktop for Charlotte's 'sandwich', along with the expression flitting across James' face as he saw them too.Hmmm...But he snakes up a long arm to the top shelf and takes down a jar.In some fascination we sit, watching Charlotte assemble a peanut butter, avocado and pickled onion sandwich, on crusty bread cut thick enough to use as a draught excluder. In a final flourish, sh
JAMESIt's a nice area. A pretty area. And it's a day for seeing it at its best.Yachts and pleasure boats float in bobbing ranks on sparkling water. Tourists walk by with ice creams, tossing coins to cross-legged artists sitting by pavement chalkings. Shops sell souvenirs, art and holiday wear.The apartment block is clean and well-maintained. The hallway as we approach the door smells of new carpet and fresh paint.Mitch stands outside the door, seeming to gather herself together, then taking a breath, she inserts the key, turns it, opens the door and we step inside.It's... lovely...Sunlight dances over walls painted in soft neutral colours. They complement the furnishings, made from some pale golden timber, perhaps beech."Can't fault his taste," comments Michael.Paintings dot the walls, abstract mainly, except for a single striking piece taking the centre of one wall; an image of ice and broken water in astonishing rainbow hues."Amazing painting," I say, looki
RICHARDJames steps out of the elevator looking...What?Harassed?Worried?"James?"He looks to me then jerks his head towards his office. I follow him in. Silently, he offers me a small, padded envelope, still sealed. "This was waiting for me down in the lobby. Special delivery.""A packet?""Look at the addressee."I look, extract spectacles from my top pocket and look again.And the hair rises on the back of my neck.Michelle Kimberley, c/o James Alexanders."Klempner?""Who else could it be? Conners wouldn't know where to find her. Michelle's brothers would probably send it to her direct. So, who else?""James, before anyone opens that envelope, could it be a letter-bomb?"He blows out air, rubs his forehead. "I wouldn't have thought that was Klempner's style... If he wanted her, he come after her himself..." He paces the room. "And why would he send it through me?""You parted... amicably... from Klempner? After the shooting?"He huffs. "I'm not
MICHAELJames interrupts my gardening. "You seen Charlotte?""She said she was going for a walk." I nod along the road. "She went that-a-way." I straighten up, pressing hands into my lower spine. "Actually, now I think about it, her tone was a bit odd.""You look as if you've done enough for a while. Want to take a break and stretch your legs?""Good idea. I'll just tell Chad we're going out."I find him inside, paint bucket in hand, slapping emulsion on a bedroom wall. "James and I are just going for a walk. I don't think we'll be long."He cocks an eye at me, his expression assessing. "You might like to know that Mr Kalkowski is buried nearby, in the churchyard.""He is? I thought...""He had no traceable family, so he stayed here. Some of the holier-than-thou churchy types tried to kick up a fuss about it, but Mrs Collier kicked up a bigger fuss and they found a space for him.""Gotcha."He moves to the window and points a long finger along the road; the same dir
MICHAELThe lawns might have been mown, but the shrubs and borders are heading for the sky. A quick exploration of a small back shed produces saw and secateurs, so I set to, getting the garden back under control."Hello."I turn to see a woman, standing by the garden gate. Wearing jeans and a shirt, her hair tied tightly back in a ponytail, she has a prim, pleasant face. "Hello, I'm Eleanor Collier. I've been keeping an eye on the house. I saw something was happening...?" I stand, wiping muck and sap off my hands and onto my pants, then stride forward to offer my hand. "Michael Summerford." My brain connects the dots. "Collier, was it? Charlo... Jennifer's foster mother?"Her face lights up. "That's right. You know Jenny? She's here?""I'm her husband. And yes, she's here." I yell towards the upstairs window. "Charlotte! Friend of yours here." I gesture to the gate. "You'd better come in."From above, a movement at the window, then a clatter down the stairs and Charlotte
JAMESMichael...He's depressed...What can I do?Change of scene maybe?*****"Charlotte, I was thinking, we're about due for your road-trip."She pauses, half a sausage impaled on a fork midway to her mouth. "Road-trip, Master? What road-trip?""Have you forgotten that you were bequeathed a house? And everything in it. Perhaps it is time to make good your claim?"The half-a-sausage drops back to her plate. "Go back to the farm you mean? The last time I was there, they... they weren't very welcoming."Michael is listening, chewing on toast and marmalade, suddenly looking more animated than he has for days.Thank God..."Things have changed since then, haven't they," he says. "You've spoken with your friend Tom. He knows the truth of what happened. And of course, there's Chad."Still she stares at the sausage and the fried egg congealing by it. "I'm not sure..."I pour myself more coffee. "Even if all you decide to do is sell the house, you'll need to visit