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The End of Evil Ch. 01

By: Xantu



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter 1: A Trip to the City

Junie was so tired; she felt a little drunk as Donna drove the SUV down the road. She ran her tongue over her teeth and realized she had not brushed her teeth or combed her hair. Her hands reflexively jerked up to touch her hair, to see how messy it was, and the handcuffs rattled and reminded her that she was restrained in the car.

Forbidden the use of her words, she looked over at Donna and blinked dopily. Junie sighed and leaned back, letting her eyes drift shut. She was still exhausted from her ordeal the night before. Junie had no idea how long she had slept last night, but it was definitely not enough. Her whole body felt sore and her mind was foggy and numb, like she had no energy to devote to anything but letting the waves of sleep sweep over her.

The sound of the crop hitting her breast made her eyes fly open just as the pain hit her. Junie squealed, "Ouch," and involuntarily lunged against her bindings. Her eyes were huge and wet as she realized that Donna had the crop in her hand.

"No sleeping, Junie. And remember," The crop snapped into her breast again, "no talking." This time, when she was expecting it, Junie did not cry out. She nodded and clenched her hands into fists, blinking furiously to keep the tears from spilling over. Pressing her lips together she told herself that her Mistress's apparent cruelty was there for a purpose. She was doing everything in her power to keep Junie from descending into abject panic. The long ordeal the night before at the hands of their Master was crafted to keep her exhausted, off balance, too tired to think about what was looming on the horizon.

They were going to Portland. They had two things they were going to do there. In the back of the hybrid SUV was a ten-week-old Golden Retriever puppy that Junie wanted to give to her friend, Monica, and then they were going to the District Attorney's office to discuss Junie's testimony she was subpoenaed to give at the trial of Sam Card. Donna was a lawyer and there was no question that she would be there with her the whole time. But Junie had always been pathologically shy and the series of events leading up to the trial had pushed her off the deep end. She had been experiencing panic attacks and had pleaded with her Master and Mistress to help her. Her Master, Bob, had responded by telling Junie she was going to go into a deeper state of submission to her Mistress, depending upon her for everything. 

Donna's voice got softer, "This is not going to be easy for you, Junie. On this ride, I am going to talk with you about some things you are not going to want to hear. The only things you can do are to listen and obey. There will be times when I will expect you to answer questions and, if you do not answer correctly, I will help you." 

Donna took a deep breath, "Junie, I told you I would tell you what was going to be happening at the trial as soon as I knew. I have been talking to the assistant district attorney, Lurleena Benson, and she has informed me that the judge has ruled that Sam Card's defense team can pursue a line of questioning that will attempt to convince the jury that you and Monica were both consensual partners of his."

Junie whirled and looked at Donna in disbelief. "But..."

Donna swung the crop and struck Junie again, this was the third time on the same nipple and it really was beginning to sting. "Silence, girl." Donna gave her a warning look, "Don't make me stop this car."

Her voice returned to her explaining tone, "You and I both know that this is ridiculous. The district attorney's office thinks that they are doing this in an effort to make Monica and you refuse to testify to avoid embarrassment. Or maybe they are hoping they can distract the jury with enough lurid, kinky, sexual details that somehow they will be distracted from the fact that he nearly killed Monica. Either way, the judge has ruled that your past sexual histories will be admissible evidence and the defense attorney can ask you about your online relationship with Sir James. There is a distinct possibility that they are going to try and make it look like you had somehow agreed to give yourself to Sam Card and they are going to try and make it look like you two had been lovers."

Junie said one word, "Puking."

Donna barely had time to pull over, and hold up the trash basket, when Junie lost the contents of her stomach. When she was done, Donna gently stroked her hair back out of her face. "I had thought we might avoid this by not giving you anything to eat or drink before we left." She wiped Junie's mouth and gave her a sip of water to rinse her mouth. "I think we will not give you too much to drink until we are more used to talking about all this." 

Donna stepped out and tipped the vomit out beside the road and rinsed the container. She peeked into the back of the SUV at the puppy that Junie had named Happy. When she climbed back into the car, she commented, "Sleeping like a baby. Bob gave her a mild sedative."

As Donna pulled back out onto the highway, she continued, "So you need to be prepared, Junie. You need to be in control of yourself. You have to be clear in your head exactly what the truth is and in control of your emotions. In that light, we will spend a lot of time practicing answering all kinds of questions. I want you to keep in mind that these are the kind of questions that they will be asking you on the stand, in front of a courtroom full of people."

Junie could not help but make a strangled sound of protest as she fought down the words that welled up inside her. Every fiber of her being was screaming there was no way she could do this. 

"Remember that I will be there to support you and Monica will be there watching you. She will need you to be strong. Her ordeal is going to be much more difficult than yours." Donna made an angry sound and muttered to herself, "I cannot imagine how they are going to try and make it look like she was asking for what happened to her." Donna took a deep breath and forced her tone back into the lecturing timbre, "The district attorney's office wants to be sure that Monica and you do not speak to each other about your experiences, but that does not mean you cannot support each other emotionally." 

Suddenly sharp and caustic Donna turned to Junie, "So, Ms. Thomas, how long had you been seeing Sam?"

Junie gasped and looked over at Donna confused and then realizing, she answered, her voice trembling, "I never was seeing... um... him."

Donna interrupted, "Junie, you will have to sound a hell of a lot more confident than that if you expect the jury to believe you. And always refer to him as 'the defendant, Sam Card.' When you answer, do not look at him or the attorney that is asking the question. Always look at the jury. Let them see those big honest brown eyes. Let's try again." Again her voice turned sharp and badgering, "Ms. Thomas, I asked you a question, how long had you been seeing Sam?"

Junie spoke up louder and looked at Donna, "I never was seeing the defendant, Sam Card."

"Are you saying you never met him before?"

"No, I did meet him once, on the sidewalk outside the apartment building I lived in."

"So you did meet with him?"

Junie was warming up to the game, "No, Ma'am, I did not 'meet' him. He approached me and asked me some questions about the building I lived in."

"Oh, you mean the time you told him which apartment was yours. Tell me, Ms. Thomas, are you in the habit of telling strange men which apartment is yours?"

Junie gasped and shook her head, "No, no I am not. He asked me about the building; he said he was looking for an apartment."

Donna switched the subject, "So, is it true, Ms. Thomas, that you regularly engaged in conversations online and over the telephone, where you begged for strange men to come to your apartment and force you to have sex with them?"

Junie swallowed and looked pleadingly at Donna, her voice was sad and filled with shame, "Yes, but it was a game. It wasn't for real." 

Donna was relentless, "Not for real? How do you expect someone to know the difference between your fantasies and their own reality? You used the words, Ms. Thomas, you really did want it to happen, didn't you?

Junie tried to keep up with the questions but was rapidly becoming overwhelmed and confused, "Yes, I mean no." And then she burst into tears.

Donna kept driving, "Junie, suck it up. They will not be allowed to ask a number of questions in a row like that and if you are confused as to what the question is, it is perfectly within your rights to ask them to clarify the question. Stand up for yourself. Look the person asking you the questions in the eye and ask in a clear voice to have the question clarified. Say something like 'I am sorry, but I did not understand that question. Could you please restate it?' Then look at the jury with a sweet patient expression. Okay, let's try again," Donna's voice took on a challenging edge, "Ms. Thomas, is it true that you wanted to have a man with a knife come to your apartment and force you to have sex with him?"

Junie squared up her shoulders and answered clearly, "No, that is not true."

"But it is true that you said those words when you spoke on the telephone to James Conrad."

Junie made a distasteful face at the mention of the name of her former online Master, "Yes, but it was a game. He knew it was not real."

Donna scolded, "Try not to make those kind of faces, girl. Try to look sincere and regretful. On cross examination, the district attorney's office will be asking you questions that will be crafted to make you look more like a little lost lamb led astray by bad people. They may even try to make you look a little gullible. The most important thing is to always tell the truth and stick to the facts. Don't talk about feelings. Always take your time and think through your answers before you say them. Even if the lawyer may seem to be in a hurry, you can take your time answering."

Donna pulled off the road into an abandoned gravel pit. She reached over and unlocked the handcuffs holding Junie's hands. "Wait for me to come around and open your door. I want your complete submission to my will throughout this trip."

When Donna opened Junie's door, she reached in and took hold of the leash still fastened to the leather collar around Junie's neck. Junie stepped out of the SUV and began to hesitantly lower herself to her knees, not sure if Donna meant her to walk or crawl. Donna laughed and pulled up on the leash, "No, Junie, I won't make you crawl in the dirt. Come on; let's check on that puppy of yours."

Happy looked up and yawned sleepily as they opened the door to her traveling box. Junie stifled a yawn that welled up in response. Together they walked the puppy around the empty quarry, the puppy staggering a little drunkenly and then stopping and squatting suddenly and peeing a little puddle in the dirt. Donna grinned and, looking around quickly, pulled down her shorts and peed in the gravel as well. "Junie, this is your chance. We won't be stopping for another hour." Junie shrugged and crouched down leaving her puddle next to Donna's. 

Donna led her back to the car and put her back into the passenger seat. She looked at the handcuffs, "How are you feeling, Junie? Do you think you are going to try and escape?" 

Junie looked at her Mistress in confusion. "Ma'am, did you restrain me because you thought I would run away?"

Donna laughed, "Well, I guess not. Mostly I wanted you to feel helpless. And there was a small worry you would bail out when I first told you about the line of questioning."

Junie smiled tremulously, "Well, Ma'am, I still feel absolutely exhausted from last night. I don't think I could run even if a grizzly bear was after me. And, no, I don't think I am going to try and escape."

Donna stroked her face, "Okay, little one, I will give you a reward for trying so hard to answer all those nasty questions. The next hour of our trip you may sleep. Lean your seatback down and take a nap. When I wake you up, we will practice some more questions. And do not think, because I gave you this small gift, that you are allowed any more freedoms."

The trip to the Portland area went by quickly. It was Thursday afternoon when they pulled into a quiet little hotel south of the city that would allow them to have Happy in their hotel room. Donna had taken off Junie's collar and brushed her hair, but made her wait in the car while she checked them in. Together they carried in their bags, and the travel box for Happy to sleep in. They ate in a quiet little restaurant, Donna ordering Junie's meal and watching her carefully as she quickly ate.

Once back at the hotel, Donna stretched and sighed, "Man, I am stiff. Junie, I want you to undress me and give me a massage, there is some massage oil in my suitcase." Junie found herself kneeling next to her Mistress, working her fingers deep into Donna's muscles, rubbing her shoulders and neck, easing her way down her back and kneading the fleshy orbs of her glutes. When she had finished stroking the lengths of Donna's legs and stimulating her feet and toes, Donna stretched and sighed, "Not bad, but I think we will sign you up for some massage classes. I think that will be a skill I want you to have. Now go run me a nice deep bath."

Donna eased herself into the warm water and blinked sleepily. "Go take that puppy for a last walk. Take a plastic bag and if she shits, be sure to pick it up. Don't take forever. I still want you to bathe me and you still have to massage my front side." Donna's eyes were hungry.

Junie quickly took the bouncy puppy out for a walk and dutifully cleaned up the little pile of poop that she squeezed out. Donna called impatiently from the bathroom. "Hurry up, girl, the water is getting cold."

Junie bit her lip as a tiny giggle bubbled up in her chest. Forcing her face to look solemn and respectful, Junie sensuously soaped and rinsed her Mistress's slender golden body. Her hands trembled as they slid along the beloved skin. Junie gently patted her Mistress dry and crawled after her as she languidly walked to the bed and lay down on her back. Donna's voice was deep and vibrant, "I find the front of me needs your loving touch, Junie." 

When Junie reached for the massage oil, Donna shook her head. "No, sweetness, I don't want to have to bathe again. Just soothe me, caress me, kiss me." Donna's hand was firm on the back of Junie's head, pressing her face to her small breasts. Junie smiled eagerly as she took the small pink nipple into her mouth, teasing with her tongue as she tried to suck as much of the sweet flesh into her mouth as she could. Pulling back, and letting the flesh slip slowly from between her lips, she began to lick at the glistening flesh with soft little lapping movements. Junie began to trail her fingertips along Donna's belly and thighs, trailing tantalizing tickles across the swollen cleft. Over and over she took a breast into her mouth, engulfing it and letting it escape, her teeth grazing the tender skin as she let it go. Her fingers barely touching, teasing at the needy flesh between Donna's now widely spread legs. 

Donna was sighing and whispering to herself, "Nice, Junie, that's nice, soft gentle slow, yes, that's the way." Slowly Junie let her lips slide their way down the tensely trembling abdominals and paused to linger at the shell of Donna's navel, her tongue swirling in slow circle as she began to inch her way downward. A tiny thrill ran through her when her Mistress's body began to arch and surge toward her, craving the touch of her lips. 

Gently and tentatively, Junie began to lick tiny, little, kitten laps along Donna's outer lips, inhaling the sweet heady scent of her Mistress's arousal. Spying a droplet of moisture spilling from her passage, Junie ducked and caught it with her tongue, humming a tiny, "mmm," as the flavor exploded in her mouth. Suddenly impatient for more, she spread Donna's folds and ran her tongue the length of her slit, reveling in the flavors she found there. Inhaling a second deep breath of the sweet earthy scent of her Mistress, Junie began to gently stroke the hard little nub of pleasure with the tip of her tongue. Soon Donna was arched and tense, her moans taking on a pleading sound, and Junie began to match her intensity. Slowly she slipped her fingers deep into the warm wet channel, twisting and moving her fingers as she sucked ardently on her Mistress's clit.

Donna was a perfect trembling arch and she whispered in a tense almost agonized whisper, "Oh yes, oh, oh, oh fuck, yes." Her words blending into a long grating moan as she began to undulate under Junie's touch. Junie could feel the pulsations in the tiny pink clitoris trapped between her lips and the contractions tightening around her fingers buried deep and warm within her Mistress. A wave of soft delight infused Junie, pride that she had been able to give her Mistress this pleasure, filling her with joy. Slowly and gently, Junie continued to kiss and lick, pulling every last quiver from her beloved, thoroughly cleaning her of every last trace of her passion.

When Junie felt Donna's hand in her hair pulling her from her place of fascination, lifting her to bestow a soft kiss on her damp face, she had a soft happy smile lighting her face. Donna's voice was foggy and sleepy, "Good job, girl, you don't need to take any lessons in doing that. Now cover me up, go wash yourself in my bathwater and then get a blanket and sleep on the floor at the foot of my bed. We will go see your friend tomorrow."

The bathwater was cool, and Junie shivered as she dried off, but it was good to feel clean. The carpet on the floor of the hotel room was well padded and the comforter from the other bed was thick. Junie had no difficulty falling asleep and did not wake until she heard her Mistress's call in the morning. "My goodness, my little slave is feeling very lazy this morning, sleeping so late like a princess."

Junie started to climb to her feet until hearing the word slave reminded her and she crawled to the side of Donna's bed and knelt, a happy smile of greeting on her face. 

Donna could not help but return Junie's happy smile, "Your bondage seems to suit you, my sweet Junie. If you look in my suitcase, you will find some decent coffee. Use the little hotel coffee pot and make me a cup of coffee. Put on your gray slacks and white blouse with your sandals. I will let you select your own bra and panties. Once you are dressed, take that puppy out for a walk, she is getting restless. We will talk about what we will do next after you get back."

Happy was scrambling around in her box, whining excitedly when Junie let her out and put a leash on her collar. The sun was up and the sky bright blue as she went out. The smell of car exhaust was even stronger this morning than the day before and Junie looked around at the concrete and roads that seemed to extend forever. Even the landscaping seemed plastic and contrived, too neat and organized and no matter where she looked there were cars. Looking closer, she noticed that nothing seemed clean. A layer of grime lay over everything and, here and there, ugly drifts of litter lay up against the corners and curbs. She hurried Happy through her walk, carefully picking up her mess, frowning as she noticed several other piles that had been ignored by other less considerate pet owners. A soft shudder of disgust ran through her. Suddenly, she just wanted to go home.


The End of Evil Ch. 01



Donna was up and dressed, sipping on her coffee. She was wearing a rare pair of long slim slacks and a print blouse. "Come and braid my hair, girl."

Junie looked at the map quest print out in her hands and pointed excitedly at the house number, bouncing in her seat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Donna smiled indulgently, "Junie, you have permission to speak freely until I revoke that privilege. Remember, you may not discuss details of the crimes committed against you or Monica, but it is okay to be supportive. I do not know if anyone has discussed this absurd consensual defense with Monica and I do not know if she is ready for that information, so for now, don't discuss that with her. We are here as a sweet surprise and to see if she is willing to make the commitment to become the owner of Happy."

Junie's voice squeaked with excitement, "Yes, Ma'am."

"Go on then."

Junie looked at her Mistress, suddenly shy and nervous, "Are you going to come, too?"

"Yes, little one, I will be right behind you. But Monica is your friend. You should be doing the surprise, not me."

Junie swallowed and nodded, her face suddenly resolved and determined. "Yes, Ma'am, of course." She climbed out of the car and marched up the walk. There was a little note over the doorbell button that said 'broken, please knock'. Junie smiled and rapped sharply on the front door. There was a loud series of barks from inside the little house and then a curtain pulled to one side and a pair of blue eyes peeked shyly through the window. Junie smiled and waved. A soft voice spoke through the door, "Who is it?"

Junie called, "Monica, it's me, Junie," and then a wave of uncertainty swept over her, "um... surprise?" She began to wonder if it had been wise to want this visit to come without warning. 

The door slowly opened and Junie saw a small blond girl in a thick terry bathrobe and tousled blond hair staring at her in disbelief, "Junie?" Monica was not much taller than Junie and even in the robe looked terribly thin. She had an angular bony face and scar ran from the corner of her mouth and across her cheek, pulling her mouth down into a perpetual expression of sadness. Then she spoke again, her voice louder as the information sank in, "Junie! Oh, my god, Junie, it's you. What are you doing here?"

A warm smile of relief lit up Junie's face, "I wanted to talk with you about an idea I had. I kind of wanted it to be a surprise. I am sorry if this is a bad time; I could come back."

Monica's eyes went past Junie and looked curious as Donna walked up, "Oh, no, don't leave. Come in; please, come in, both of you."

Junie turned toward Donna, "Monica, I would like to introduce you to my Mistress, Donna. She was kind enough to drive me down to see you."

"Nice to meet you." Monica's voice was a little hesitant and she stepped back and waved them in, "Come in. My mother is at work." As they walked into the small living room, Junie was struck with the smallness of the room. The furnishings were threadbare with blankets covering the seats. There was an oppressive smell of some artificial floral room freshener. An ancient black Cocker Spaniel raised his head from a dog bed and grunted out a tired woof in their direction. Monica rushed to turn off a television that had a soap opera droning in the background. "Sit down, sit down. Can I get you something to drink or a snack or something?" Monica seemed uncomfortable, standing nervously clutching her bathrobe around her tightly.

Before Junie could refuse, Donna spoke up, "Yes, that would be nice, just a glass of water for both of us."

When Monica returned her hair was combed and pulled back into a pony tail; she was wearing a pair of jeans and a long sleeved blouse, buttoned clear up to the neck. She carefully set two glasses of water on the coffee table and sat down in a chair opposite from them and trapped her hands nervously between her knees. Her voice was tense, "This is certainly a surprise. You will have to forgive me. I am not very used to entertaining." Then her face crumpled and her eyes grew wet, "I am really happy you came. Here you drove all this way to see me and I don't even know how to act." 

Junie looked at Donna in alarm and Donna stood abruptly, "Junie, we can't leave that puppy locked in the car much longer. We really need to take her for a walk. Maybe Monica would like to come with us?"

Monica blinked and took a deep breath, "You have one of the puppies with you?"

Junie smiled excitedly, "Yes, come on out and meet her."

Monica slipped her feet into a pair of flip flops and followed them out to the SUV. Donna opened the back and Junie gathered the wiggly puppy up into her arms. "Monica, I would like to introduce you to Happy."

"Oh, it's Happy!" For the first time a smile lit up Monica's face, the scar making her crooked smile cute and quirky. Junie fastened the leash to Happy's collar and handed the leash to Monica. 

It seemed a lot easier to relax and talk as they walked. Donna trailed behind, saying for them to go ahead, that she had some calls to make. 

Junie watched Monica's face as they walked the puppy around and around the block. Finally she gathered her courage, "Monica, for the longest time I have had this idea and the more I thought about it, I knew I just had to try. Monica, do you remember when I first wrote to you that you should remember happiness?"

"Yes, I remember that. And I do most of the time. It's just once in a while that I forget."

"Well, when my Master said that Happy would make a good name for this little girl puppy, it just clicked that she and you were meant to be together. I asked my Mistress if I could give Happy to you and she said that you can't give a puppy to somebody as a present. And she is right; you have to want to have Happy as much as I want to give her to you."

Monica stopped and was looking at Junie with a look of wonder on her face. She repeated the words, "Give her to me?"

Junie rushed on, "And you would be doing me such a huge favor. I just can't bear the idea of Happy going to some stranger's house where I can never see her again. If you took her, I could visit and see her now and then."

"Give her to me? You mean it, that you would give Happy to me?"

Junie nodded eagerly.

Monica sat down onto the sidewalk and pulled the soft puppy into her arms. She spoke softly to the puppy that was eagerly licking her face, "Hello, Happiness." 

Donna's voice was soft, but cut through the moment, "It is a big commitment to own a puppy. You will need to make sure she gets enough exercise and it has to be okay with your mother, too."

Monica looked up at Donna's figure standing over her. "That should not be a problem. My mom can be a bitch about a lot of stuff, but she loves dogs. We have always had dogs. We used to have a German Sheppard, but she got old and died about a year ago. She will fall in love with Happy. I know." Monica stood up still cradling the puppy in her arms. "I know about having dogs, ma'am. I promise to be a good owner to this puppy. We have a nice big back yard and it is fine with the landlord for us to have pets." Monica looked nervous and then plunged in, "Ma'am, please, Junie is right. This is a good thing. It will give me something to help me remember happiness." She stood in front of Donna hugging the puppy possessively to her chest, her eyes pleading.

Donna smiled and laughed, "You two girls seem to be determined to make this happen and I must say I was not looking forward to driving home with that puppy locked up in the back of the car."

Junie squealed and threw her arms around her Mistress and spoke fervently, "Thank you, Ma'am; oh, thank you for letting me do this." 

Donna laughed and whispered into Junie's ear, "You owe me 750 dollars, girl."

They helped install the travel box in Monica's bedroom. Junie was struck how much it still looked like a child's room, decorated in pink and white with a large pile of stuffed animals dominating the narrow single bed. Donna cautioned her, "If your mom says no, we will come back and get her. We will be leaving Portland Sunday morning. And I want you to remember that, if for any reason you cannot continue to provide a good home for this puppy, you can let Junie know and we will come back and get her. I don't want any of my puppies ever to end up in an animal shelter."

Junie and Donna stayed and let Monica make them tuna sandwiches for lunch and then Donna looked at her watch and said, "Sorry to cut this party short, but Junie has an appointment to keep." 

Monica stood up and stammered, "Ma'am, thank you for bringing Junie to see me. And... and thank you for letting her give me the puppy." Her lips trembled, "I don't get good surprises very often, lately. And I can't remember the last time I had a visit from a friend. I don't get out much." Unconsciously her hand strayed to touch the scar that scored her cheek.

Junie swept her up into her arms, "Oh, sweet girl, you know that David is right. It's not all that bad and when you smile it is kind of cute how it makes your smile look a little impish. I know it's a reminder of a bad experience, but it is not horrible looking at all." Junie gave her a stern look, "You know I was expecting a lot worse, pretty girl."

Monica's voice was a little smug, "David calls me that too."

Junie looked puzzled, "Calls you what?"

Monica smiled her crooked smile, "Pretty girl." Her eyes shone as she said it.

Donna interrupted, her voice taking on the crisp cool tones that always made Junie's eyes widen and her heart beat faster, "Monica, you are very welcome. And now I must insist, Junie; we must be going if we are going to be on time."

Junie gave Monica a quick squeeze and whispered, "I will email you as soon as I get home," and then stepped quickly out the door hurrying ahead of Donna to the SUV."




You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 02



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter 2: A Trip to the City. Orientation and Disorientation.

When Donna got into the car Junie spoke quickly, "Ma'am, please, may I speak before you tell me not to talk?"

Donna looked quizzically at Junie, "Go ahead, Junie."

"I just wanted you to know how happy you have made me. Being able to do this has meant so much to me. I just wanted to tell you how much I love you."

Donna nodded and smiled, "I know, Junie. And now you are correct in guessing that I am taking your words away from you. Again, you are to remember that you are completely under my will. We have an afternoon appointment with Assistant District Attorney Benson."

Junie made a distressed whimper.

Donna interrupted, her voice sharp and icy, "Junie, this meeting is to discuss things I have already spoken to you about. Nothing she will say is going to be any worse than what we have already spoken about. Calm yourself. Like we discussed on the ride down, now is the time to start learning to control your emotions."

Junie could not help thinking to herself that there was a big difference between talking to Donna and some strange lawyer person. But she took a deep breath and forced herself to breathe out slowly, but her whole body was rigid with dread.

Donna's voice was cool, "Junie, let's play a game. I want you to reach down and grab hold of the chain that is anchored under your seat. Don't let go." Junie gripped the chains and looked at her Mistress expectantly; this was too easy, there had to be more. Donna smiled, "Good girl, now lift your feet up off the floor and keep them up. Start counting out loud backwards, from one hundred, by threes."

Junie tightened her stomach muscles and lifted her knees up, her feet dangling. She began, "100...97...94...91..." Her pace was good, and she felt like she was doing pretty well, when she paused and stuttered a number in the fifties.

Donna barked, "Start over, Junie. No mistakes."

Junie gulped and made it clear to one and groaned in relief as she lowered her feet. Donna looked over and called gaily, "No, you don't; I did not say stop. Keep going until you can't hold your legs up."

Junie strained and lifted her feet back up, her abdominals were starting to tremble with fatigue, "um... 1... minus 2...minus 5... minus 8..." Junie's voice was quivering under the strain. She made it almost back to negative 101 when she let her feet fall to the floor, her eyes looking apologetically at Donna.

Donna gave her a wink and commented, "Pretty good, you lasted longer than I expected. When we were kids, my dad used to make us do that when we were too noisy in the car. I got to minus seven hundred something, but, of course, I was a skinny little thing then. Next game! Hmmm, what should we do?" Donna frowned as she spotted a driver in a car with a cell phone pressed to the side of their head. "Okay, until I say stop, I want you to count how many people you see driving and talking on their cell phones. That ought to be interesting. If they see you looking at them, wrinkle up your nose and stick your tongue out at them."

Junie began to giggle as she peered out the window at the people in the cars. She could feel her face turn flaming red as she stuck tongue out. Nearly everyone that noticed her staring looked shocked and looked away, but when an older looking woman with white hair stuck out her tongue back, Junie shrieked and ducked. Donna was laughing, too. "How many have you counted so far?" 

"Twenty-two, Ma'am."

"Good job, keep it up, but count out loud now." 

Junie reached ninety-eight by the time they pulled the SUV into the parking garage. Donna looked at her watch and commented, "We're right on time, girl. Feel free to speak at will. How're the butterflies? Do we need to bring a barf bag? Are you going to run away?"

Junie sat still and looked inward, "Oh, they are fluttering around in there like mad, but I don't think I am going to be sick at the moment." She looked nervously at Donna and could not help asking, "What are we going to be doing?"

"I'm not totally sure. I expect that she will want to ask you some questions. She will want to hear you tell your story in your words. She may try and go over some of those same kinds of questions I was asking on the ride down to get a feel for how you are going to react on the stand." Donna got out and came around to the passenger side. When she opened the door she held up the leash, "You didn't promise not to run away."

Junie shrank back, her eyes huge and pleading. Donna cracked up and dropped the leash on the car floor, "I guess not, we do have to be able to get through the courthouse metal detectors. Though it is tempting to put a vibrator up your cunt, just so I can watch the guards do a cavity search on you." 

Junie began to giggle and gave her Mistress an impish look. "Will they be big handsome guards, with great big guns?"

Donna smiled, "That's my girl. I told you we were going to have fun."

There was a metal detector, but the guards all looked tired and bored. It was crowded in the hallways and no one looked happy to be there. Lurleena Benson met them alone in a private office and, looking cautiously at Donna, dived in.

"Ms. Thomas..."

Junie interrupted her, holding up her hand, "Ma'am, please just call me Junie. That would make me feel a lot better."

"Well then, I want you to call me Leena. Donna has told me that she has already spoken to you about the judge's rulings regarding Sam Card's defense team's strategy." Leena shook her head. "I am not exactly sure what they are going to try and accomplish by this, but we need to be ready for questions regarding your sexual history."

Junie nodded and frowned, "Leena, will they be able to ask me about things that have happened to me with my Master and Mistress, things that have happened after he was arrested?"

Leena shook her head, "No, Junie, only things that you had done prior to when the crimes occurred." 

June laughed, "Well then, they really aren't going to get much. I only talked about things. I never did any of them."

"Let's start out by you telling me what kind of stuff you did."

Somehow with only Leena and Donna there in the quiet office, it was not difficult. Junie spoke at length about her loneliness after her divorce and her shyness making it difficult to meet people in public places. She told how she started looking at sexual stuff on the internet and chatting in chat rooms. "It was funny, but it was so much easier to relax and not worry about what people thought. I could forget about my insecurities and really explore myself and my needs. I got more and more in touch with my fantasies of being dominated. Then I met Sir James, James Conrad, in a BDSM chat room. He said he could be my Master, but it could only be online, that we could never meet. Those made the whole thing seem safer, easier to do, knowing that I never really had to do any of the things we spoke of."

"I had to treat him with respect and obey his commands." Junie looked up at Donna through her lashes, "Of course, because he was not there I never really did all the things he said."

"It was all online, we exchanged sexually explicit pictures, did phone sex, and text messages. Because it was all pretend, some of the role playing could be pretty extreme. Yes, there was rape and scenes where he would pretend to be a stranger with a knife, but there were also scenes where I was an intern and he was a president, or I was a space maiden and he was an alien invader trying to impregnate me. It was all pretend. We both were completely aware of that."

"But after a while of pretending, I began to want more. And when I began to tell him how lonely I was, he seemed to change. He became harsher; the role playing games became more violent. That is when the knives began to be central to much of the play. He tried to talk me into having sexual contact with strangers, but I was too shy to do that. He encouraged me to find a real Master in some of the BDSM personal ads." Junie looked up at Donna and smiled softly, "That's how I met my Master and Mistress." Under the table she slipped her hand into Donna's and squeezed it softly.

"Sir James was becoming more aware that I was not following all his commands and began to talk about sending someone to punish me. That is when Bob and Donna told me to break it off with Sir James. They found out who he really was and told him to leave me alone, but he had already told Sam Card everything about me. It was too late. Sam Card broke my car window, urinated on the front seat and left that knife there. He had stabbed the knife through a nude photograph of me."

"I wanted to show Bob and Donna what had been done, but the knife had urine on it. So I got a zip lock bag and turned it inside out and picked up the knife without actually touching it. When I showed the knife to them, Donna said that she thought that sounded like a criminal thing, like a rapist. They did not want me to go home alone. I have never gone back, except the one time to get my sewing machine after Sam Card had broken in and destroyed all my belongings in my apartment."

Leena nodded, "Okay, things that are not proven in court cannot be brought into evidence. Because we have not proven that Sam Card put the knife into your car, you cannot say he did it. You can only say you found a knife in your car. You can tell how you found it. You can say it looked and smelled like urine to explain why you chose to pick it up in the plastic bag. We have forensic analysts that can confirm your observation that the liquid was actually urine, and DNA analysis can prove it was the defendant's."

"Say 'someone' broke into your apartment. But I don't think that they will bring that up. It will only hurt their case. So it is basically sticking to the facts of things you know from your own experience. You did not know that Sam Card was the man who assaulted Monica. You knew that a police detective told you he was a suspect in a rape in Oregon and you only learned that on Saturday. You gave the knife to Detective Funk when she questioned you about the knives found in your apartment."

Junie nodded, "Yes, I see. It can be really easy to start thinking in conclusions rather than just the facts. My Mistress says I can ask for questions to be rephrased. To always tell the truth and stay focused on the facts of exactly what happened."

Leena nodded, "Yes, that's good. And don't ever volunteer any information. Answer only the questions that you are asked. And if you wait a second to answer, it will give the prosecutor a chance to object. I expect there will be a lot of objections. If there is an objection you should stop speaking instantly."

Donna asked, "So, how long do you expect her testimony to last?" 

Leena looked thoughtful, "Well, I expect her to be on the stand only a few hours at most, but if either side reserves the right to call her back, we might need her here through the duration of the trial. It could be months."

Junie blanched, "Months?" Her fingers clenched Donna's hand in panic.

Leena looked uncomfortable, "Well, most likely you will be able to go back to your home in Washington, but must be available to come back to testify again on very short notice. It will depend on how the judge rules. The prosecutor's office will pay for all traveling and hotel expenses for both you and Ms. Bond."

Junie made a distressed whimper and asked, "When are you going to tell Monica about all this?"

Leena smiled, "We have a whole team devoted to just helping Monica go through this. Using her sexual history was something she knew might come into evidence. After all, she did consent to meet with Sam Card with the understanding it was for sexual intercourse. She has developed a strong bond of trust with Agent Durant and he will be working with her, as well as her therapist and mother. I know you two have become friends and I want to encourage you two to continue to support each other." Leena gave Junie a firm look, "But it is very, very important that you do not talk about your testimonies. I don't want the defense team claiming that you have contaminated each other."

Junie looked up puzzled, "Contaminated?"

"There is always a chance that they will say that you two have gotten together and gone over each other's testimony to make Sam Card look more guilty. But we do have a record of all your communications and you two have never been alone together, so that should not be a problem." Leena looked at her watch, "So, Junie, do you have any other questions?"

Junie squirmed and looked toward Donna, "Um... Ma'am, Leena, I can get pretty nervous and shy. I will try really hard, but sometimes I have panic attacks. I sometimes will start to walk or run away without being able to stop myself. Sometimes I get sick to my stomach."

Leena nodded, "I know all about that. Tomorrow is Saturday. There will be a lot less people around. Donna will bring you back tomorrow and we will take a tour of the courtrooms. I want you to see where you will be sitting. We will practice some questions. The actual prosecuting attorney is going to meet us there. We will do our best to make sure you are as prepared as possible. It is okay to tell the judge if you need a break, but I really want you to keep it under control. It will make your testimony look weak if you seem emotionally unstable on the stand."

Donna said softly, "Junie, if you remember that you have to do it for Monica, you will not panic."

Junie looked up, her expression suddenly calm. "Of course, I could do it for Monica." She laughed and gave her Mistress a knowing look, "You knew that all along didn't you? I would only be able to do it if I was protecting someone I loved."

Donna nodded, "We did not trick you into loving Monica, sweet girl. There was nothing I could have done to keep you from that. It is your nature. But I am not above exploiting it to get what I want from you. You just have to trust me to make the best choices for you."

Junie giggled, "Oh, Ma'am, you know I trust you."

Leena stood up, "Then we will see you both here tomorrow. I will introduce you to Mark Freeden, the prosecuting attorney. There may be a couple of other people there, but nobody from the defense." Leena saw Junie tense and smiled, "Not too many, Junie, just a few to get you used to things. We will start slow."

As they walked out, Junie looked toward a tall white building, "That's the jail isn't it? He is in there."

Donna took her hand, "Yes, I think you are right about that. Let's all work together to make sure he never gets out."

"Junie! Junie, I need to talk to you about something!" Junie felt a shock of disbelief as she turned and saw R. P. Sanders bearing down on her and Donna. She was wearing another tight business suit, expensive gold jewelry sparkling as she hurried toward them on the sidewalk outside the courthouse.

Junie instinctively moved to stand behind Donna, her eyes looking distrustfully at the author. Donna stood her ground and remarked in an icy tone, "You have been informed that Ms. Thomas does not wish to speak with you."

R. P. Sanders looked around and looked at Donna puzzled, "You don't have to be afraid of your Master now. He is not here. He can't hurt you now."

Donna blinked and shook her head in confusion, "Stay away from me and Junie. We have nothing to say to you." She took Junie's arm and began to walk quickly toward the parking garage, muttering, "Just ignore her, Junie."

R. P. Sanders stopped and called after them, "Junie, don't you want to know what he says about you? He calls you the one that got away."

Junie gasped and flinched like she had been slapped. Donna tightened her grasp on her arm pushing her along, "Keep walking, girl."

When they got into the car, Donna was cursing like a sailor, "That stupid, fucking, cunt, bitch; you are right Junie; we should just hit her with something." 

Junie just sat in her seat, her mind swirling with the horror, "My god, Ma'am, she actually is talking with him."

Donna snarled as she drove out of the garage, "She is one sick fuck."

Donna was continuing to mutter obscenities as they pulled up in front of a very upscale hotel only a few blocks from the court house. A doorman in an elaborate uniform stepped up and opened their car door. He carried their bags in while a valet drove the hybrid SUV away. Junie instinctively kept close to Donna, her eyes wide and curious as they walked into the quiet, luxurious, hotel lobby. Donna walked up to the desk and spoke coolly, "I have reservations under the name Campbell."

"Yes, Ma'am, your room is ready."

Once they were in the room, Donna paced back and forth across the spacious room, her face stormy. Junie stood uncertainly, watching her Mistress and looking around at the plush room. Finally she asked in a soft uncertain voice, "Mistress, am I allowed to speak?"

Donna whirled on her and then froze, her voice quivered with strain, "For now, Junie, until I feel in control of my emotions, you are not under submission to me at all. That woman finally got to me." She gave Junie a shaky smile, "But you could be a dear and run a bath for me."

Junie resisted the impulse to gather Donna up into her arms and hold her close. "Yes, Ma'am, I would be happy to do that." Junie was amazed to see that the tub was an oversized whirlpool bathtub with room for two. A basket held a selection of scented bath salts. Junie sniffed the lavender scented crystals and sprinkled some into the filling tub. The bathroom filled with the soft calming scent. 

When the bath was full, Junie went out into the room and Donna was on the room phone. "I ordered room service. I just can't face going out right now."

Junie nodded, "Yes, Ma'am."

"Help me undress and get into the tub. Then wait in here for our dinner to get delivered. There is some money on the table for a tip."

Once Donna had slid deep into the water and the jets were bubbling, she sighed and stretched out, letting the water float her up. "The lavender smells good; sweet girl, do me a favor and get me my cell phone. I want to talk to our Master about our day." 

Junie fetched the phone and stood looking down at her Mistress, reluctant to leave the bathroom. "Can I please just sit here on the floor next to you, Ma'am? I promise to be quiet and still."

Donna frowned and looked at the cell phone in her hand, "No, little one. Go on out and close the door. I will call you when I need you."

Junie found her feet dragging as she backed out of the bathroom and then closed the door. She felt a curious need to be with her Mistress and found herself sitting on the floor close to the door. She did not know if her dependence stemmed from the deeper submission, the emotional support and safety that she had been feeling since Donna had taken such firm control of her, or Donna's apparent emotional distress right now. All she knew was that she was starting to hate any separation; she leaned against the door and waited for the room service delivery.




The End of Evil Ch. 02



She could hear Donna's voice, but she spoke softly, her tones surprisingly soft and uncertain, the words a confused murmur. There was only one time that her voice became loud enough to understand, again barking the harsh angry obscenities that she had been spitting out ever since their encounter with R. P. Sanders outside the courthouse. Just as quickly, her tones softened. Junie realized she was straining to listen to her Mistress speak to her Master. Shaking her head in chagrin, she crawled away from the bathroom door. 

When there was a knock at the room door, Junie almost began to crawl to the door and, realizing this, jumped up to her feet. She was still giggling as she opened the door and let the bell hop wheel a cart into the room. He quickly set the table with china and put several covered dishes on the table and then a bottle of wine in an ice bucket. "Ma'am, would you like me to open the wine now or should I leave a cork screw here for your convenience?" Junie looked at the wine and smiled, "Go ahead and open it now, please." As he left, she handed him the tip Donna had left.

Junie looked under the dish covers. Donna had ordered two shrimp cocktails and big salads. There were two amazing looking pieces of chocolate cheese cake and a dish of delectable looking raspberries with whipped cream. Unable to resist Junie stole a raspberry and sighed as the flavor filled her mouth. Pouring a glass of the white wine and gently picking up another berry, she gently knocked on the bathroom door, "Ma'am, our dinner is here. May I please come in for just a second?"

Donna's voice was soft, "Yes, come on in, sweetness." As Junie came in she saw that her Mistress was lying completely limp, her head resting on the edge of the tub with her eyes closed. 

Leaning down Junie whispered, "If you want a surprise, keep your eyes closed and open your mouth."

Donna's eyelids fluttered for just an instant and then she gently opened her lips. Junie neatly placed the perfect berry on her Mistress's tongue and watched her face light up as she slowly savored the flavor filling her mouth. Donna opened her eyes and sighed, "That was magical. Thank you."

Junie gently placed the glass of wine on the edge of the tub, next to the cell phone that Donna had put down there. She knelt beside the bathtub, "How may I serve you, my Mistress?"

Donna frowned, "Junie, I said you are not under submission to me until I am under control of my emotions."

A tiny shiver of fear ran through Junie's body. She whispered softly, "Please, Ma'am, I can't turn it off like that. Don't take it all away from me. You don't have to do anything, but please don't abandon me. I need to be able to serve you." 

Donna took a deep breath and rubbed her face with her wet hands, "Sweet Junie, I am so sorry. This being in control all the time is exhausting, in control of you and in control of myself as well is fucking hard. I think, for the first time, I am appreciating how much we ask of our Master and how amazing he truly is. All I wanted to do was take a break. I think I am a little fearful of letting my emotions mess things up again. Our Master's little lectures have me pretty self-conscious about that lately. This trip has me on edge and that bitch totally blindsided me with her assertion that somehow we are Bob's victims, like somehow our Master has something in common with that monster they have locked up in that cage over there." Donna's voice broke and she rubbed her face again. "I am sorry, Junie. Here I am supposed to be your Mistress and all I want to do is cry." 

Junie stood and stripped off her clothes and crawled into the big bathtub and wrapped her arms around Donna, pulling her to cuddle against her large, soft breasts, she murmured, "It's okay to cry. I do it all the time." 

Donna gave a tiny hiccup of a sob and then chuckled through her tears, "Yes, you do. And you do it so much better than me. It's so hard for me to cry for some reason. It feels like it is tearing something loose inside me every time."

Together they cuddled in the bathtub until the water was starting to cool and Junie begged to please be allowed to pamper her Mistress, bathing her and drying her. Together they wrapped up in the complementary, soft, terry bathrobes and sat close to each other feeding each other little bites of their salads. Over dessert, Junie asked how things were at home and Donna smiled, "He misses us. I think we should think about how to move the whole menagerie down here during the trial. Perhaps we can find a little house to rent. I sure don't want to be apart from him for weeks or months." She looked thoughtful, "You know, that probably was a lot of what had me on edge, the prospect of having to be here so long, away from him. I can't remember the last time I was apart from him. I really miss him already."

Donna took a deep quick breath and shook herself, "Anyway, enough being blue. He did have some instructions for us both. He says we are to play, kiss, snuggle all we want, but from now until we get home, no orgasms for either of us. He said he wants to see both of us very eager to hurry home."

Junie giggled, "Well, that will definitely make me want to get my ass in gear."

Donna arched her brow, "Well, Sweet Junie, we have tonight and all day tomorrow. I had planned on going out with you tomorrow night and driving home early Sunday morning. How much do you think we ought to torture ourselves?"

Junie slyly looked out through her lashes, "Well, my Mistress, I am sure that will be your decision to make, but I know that I would love to be able to obey our Master in teasing you to madness and beyond." 

Donna laughed and then looked at Junie, her eyes measuring, "Want to have a competition?"

Junie bit her lip and then murmured, "What are the rules?"

Donna's eyes were smoldering, "We obey our Master, we play, kiss and caress, with absolutely nothing forbidden. We must never refuse the other any access to our bodies. Absolutely no orgasms, when you cannot stand another touch you must cry uncle. The first one to yell uncle loses."

A shudder of excitement ran through Junie making her clench her thighs together. "And the prize?"

"Bragging rights? How about the winner gets to tell our Master about the game and let him decide what the prize will be."

Junie met Donna's heated gaze and slowly licked her lips and swallowed, "You know, this feels like a 'no losers' kind of game. I am already salivating at the idea. When do we start?"

Donna chuckled, "Well, the first one to call uncle will perhaps have more pent up frustration to deal with." Then her eyes lit up. "Oh, I have just had the wickedest of ideas. The winner gets to decide when the next round starts!"

Junie paused and gulped, "Rounds? You mean we will keep doing this until we get home?"

Donna gave her a gleeful look, "Oh yes, at every possible opportunity."

Junie stood up ran to the bed, threw herself on top, and gave Donna a hungry look. "When do we get to start?"

Donna stood up and slowly untied the belt of the bathrobe, then let it slide from her shoulders and ran her hands down the length of her slender frame. "Get ready for a wild ride, girlfriend. I intend to win this little game."

Junie arched a brow, "Oh, really?" She quickly stripped off her robe, "Come on then, gorgeous; all this talk has me impatient to start. Win or lose, this is a game I want to play." Junie spun around on the bed and lay on her back and looked up at Donna. Playfully she put her fingers into her mouth and then reached out with her damp fingers and ran them up the inside Donna's thigh. When her fingers reached the juncture of Donna's thighs she found that Donna was slippery with moisture. "Oh, sweetness, you are already losing. All this talk has already got you wild with need. You crave my touches. You are greedy for my mouth." She slipped her fingers deep and pulled Donna toward her mouth. "Come now, you made up the rules. You cannot deny me this."

Donna was looking down at Junie in surprise, "Who are you and where did my shy little Junie go?"

Junie chuckled provocatively and then drawled in a terrible French accent, "Oh, my 'ot leettle beetch, you 'ave no idea 'ow crazy I can get. Now climb up 'ere and spread your legs. Zo, I plan to drive you mad with ze' passion." She wiggled her fingers inside of Donna and then giggled.

Donna shrieked with laughter and leapt onto the bed and, grabbing Junie's hips, began to tickle her sides. Junie convulsed and shrieked, "Oh fuck, no tickling."

Donna gloated in triumph, "Absolutely nothing is forbidden. If you can use cheesy accents, I can tickle." 

Shrieking with giggles Junie squealed, "Vell, eet vill do you no good, for ze tickles zay vill make me laugh, but eet vill not make me come!" Still writhing with laughter Junie pressed her lips to Donna's cleft, her giggles just adding to her enthusiastic kisses.

Soon all the laughter was replaced with the subtlest of pent up grunts and whimpers as they both found themselves simultaneously striving to force a response from the lover under their hands and lips, while contending with their own building tension.

Side by side, facing each other's throbbing flesh, they bent themselves to taking the other to the brink, riding along on the wave of excitement. Junie slipped her fingers deep into Donna's passage and began to massage firmly on the inner walls, finding the g-spot and working it firmly. While she rhythmically sucked on Donna's clitoris. Donna froze for an instant, her whole body vibrating, and she pushed Junie's face away gasping, "Uncle, damn it, uncle." Junie immediately pulled her lips and hands away, and watched with a satisfied look on her flushed face as Donna lay back gasping. "How did you do that? Are you made of steel?"

Junie giggled and took a deep breath, pressing her legs together, still shuddering with her own pent up desire, "Maybe it vas ze accent that made me so irresistible?" Leaning over close, she gently kissed Donna's trembling lips, tasting her own nectar on her lover's lips. "So I am to decide when we play again? I could challenge you to round two... now?" 

Donna stiffened and looked at Junie with a panicked look, "What have I created?"

Again Junie kissed her and then whispered in soft throaty voice, "Eet eez a mystery eez it not, my leetle 'ot beech? But do not vorry your leetle 'ead, I vill let you zleep... for a leetle vile."

Donna groaned, "Oh god, I don't know what is worse, the accent or losing so miserably."

Junie laughed gaily. "You did not lose so miserably, my Mistress. You were spectacular." Then she kissed her one last time, "And do not give up hope, my darling, I was not so far from crying out in surrender myself. I will offer you a bonus. If you win next time, I promise to stop speaking in the bad accent."

It was very early in the morning when Donna found herself wakened by Junie's lips kissing her face, "Vake up, my leetle 'ot beech. Eet eez time to play."

Donna's voice was petulant, "Now?"

Junie giggled, "Oh yes, now."

She eased her body down and began to kiss at Donna's breasts, nibbling and biting at the tender pink tips, her sparkling eyes looking up at Donna's sleepy dismayed face. Donna groaned, "Not fair, I am not a morning person." But her actions belied her tone and words. Surprisingly fast, she flipped around and was on top of Junie her face buried between Junie's legs, her fingers strong and demanding as they grabbed her ass and spread her cheeks wide, stretching her wide and exposed. Her hands were strong, and somewhat harsh, as she began to push and finger at Junie's ass as she licked and sucked at Junie's fragrant petals.

Junie found herself at a distinct disadvantage. While Donna straddled her face, she had to lift herself to reach to kiss and lick. Gripping Donna's hips she lifted herself up and did her best. As she felt her orgasm building, she knew she had lost. At the last minute she tried to turn, forcing Donna onto her side, but it was too late and soon she found herself calling out, "You win; uncle!"

Donna had a smug look on her face, "So my maiden is not made of such tough steel after all. Score one to one." She arched a brow. "Maybe... just maybe I let you win last night to make you over confident."

Junie put on a pouty face, "That was not fair. I could not reach you, the angle was all wrong. You were not completely accessible."

"Perhaps I will play fairer next time." Donna laughed gaily. "Come on, if we hurry we can window shop while we walk to the courthouse."

Junie was so wrapped up in planning how to win next time; she did not even stop to think that they were going to the courthouse.



You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu 



The End of Evil Ch. 03



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world.  Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim.  He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify.  The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it.  Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica.  Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing.  Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica’s sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone.  Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way.  She knew she couldn’t do it without them. 

Chapter 3: Practice Testimony and a Night Out

“We don’t need to be at the courthouse until later this morning.  Let’s grab a breakfast in the hotel restaurant and then walk around a little.  We can swing by Powell’s Books.  I always have to go there when I am in Portland.”  Donna laid out pair of slacks and a light yellow blouse for Junie to put on with her favorite yellow panty and peek-a-boo bra set.  “I know for a fact you did not put on your rubber bands yesterday.  You could probably plead that you were too busy submitting to me, that you were not allowed to do anything without permission.”  She handed Junie a couple of her rubber bands.  

Junie looked at the light blouse and the bra and looked askance at Donna.  “Ma’am, that will… um… sort of show through.”

Donna laughed and raised a brow, “Really, Junie, do you think so?”

Junie gave her Mistress a look of embarrassment and wound the rubber bands around her nipples.  Looking down at her large nipples and knowing they would soon be even bigger, she swallowed hard.  She pulled on her peek-a-boo bra and then her blouse and looked nervously in the mirror.  Telling herself that it did not look that obvious, she noted the time on her watch and hurried to finish dressing.  

Donna looked her over and nodded, “You look nice.  I like the nipple thing.  I can tell they are there, but it will only be people who stare at your boobs that will notice.  Here is what I want you to do.  If you notice anyone staring I want you to give your tits a little shake.  Go ahead do it now.  Give me a little shimmy.”

Junie clenched her eyes shut and shook her shoulders back and forth, making her large breasts sway and bounce.  Donna laughed delightedly.  “Oh, that was good.  Tell you what, if I notice anyone looking I will tell you to shimmy.  We don’t want to have you miss any opportunities.”

Donna picked up her briefcase.  “Grab your handbag, Junie, and anything you will need for the morning.  I don’t want to worry about heading back up to our room after breakfast.”
Junie looked in alarm at her watch and begged, “But, Ma’am, I have fifteen more minutes before I can take off the rubber bands.”

“Come on, girl.  You will be able to take them off in the bathroom or wherever.”

In the hotel café Donna ordered them a light breakfast of yogurt and granola with a tall carafe of fresh squeezed orange juice.  Before the food arrived Junie leaned close to Donna and whispered, “Ma’am, may I please go to the ladies?  I have to take off my rubber bands.”

“Do it here.”

Junie looked at Donna in shock and whispered in horror, “Here?”

“Sure, just slip your hand up inside your blouse and pull them off.  You have done this often enough you could do it in the dark.  Don’t look around, just do it.”

Junie could not help looking around.  The café was busy, but it did not seem like anyone was looking at them.  Cautiously she slipped her hand up under her top and jerked one rubber band off and stiffened for a second as the pain shot through her.  Looking around a second time she saw an older man who was sitting alone looking at her with a puzzled look on his face, like he was not exactly sure what he had seen.  Her eyes flashed to Donna’s face and Donna raised a brow and gave her own shoulders a little shake.  

Junie lowered her eyes and stared at the breakfast and gave a little jiggle, her face felt like it was on fire.  Donna spoke in a conversational voice, “Come on, girl, you can to better than that.  Give him a show.  He will be happy all day thinking of what he saw this morning.  Go ahead.  Make his day a happy one.”

Junie pressed her lips together and then forced herself to smile broadly at Donna and shimmied her shoulders, the waves of movement picked up and echoed by her breasts.  Donna returned her smile and then murmured, “Our Master will be displeased if you leave that second rubber band on too long and injure your nipple.”

Junie did not look toward the man she knew was staring openly at her now as she removed the second band.  Her smile turned brittle as she tried to control her expression and then she picked up her latte and took a sip.  She whispered to Donna, “This is horrible.”

“Yes it is, but look at yourself.  You are doing it.  Do you feel sick?”

Junie paused and looked at Donna, “Oh my god.  I am doing it.”  She took another sip of her coffee, “And you are right.  I don’t feel that sick, butterflies yes, but not like I am going to throw up.”  She looked at the untouched food in front of her.  “I don’t really feel like eating though.”

Donna laughed, “Well that might be just as well.  We do have a lot more things to do today and I expect that the butterflies will get worse before they get better.”


Junie was distracted by all the people and cars in the city.  The buildings were tall and there seemed to be little pieces of whimsy and beauty carefully placed to take the grim edge off the hardness of the downtown environment.   Junie paused to look up at a mural and Donna nodded, “Yes, I like that about Portland.  There is a sense of humor and a love of beauty in this city that transcends the sense of desperation that pervades most cities.”

Donna took Junie by surprise when she turned abruptly and walked into a store.  As Junie walked in she froze, the smell of leather filled the store.  A bewildering variety of fancy clothes hung on racks but Donna walked quickly past them and through a beaded curtain that had a sign prominently displayed over it saying ‘Adults Only’.  Junie stifled a giggle when she looked through the curtain and saw that all kinds of kinky bondage gear was displayed on the walls:  leather masks, whips, straps and restraints hung from the ceiling.  The shelves were lined with a bewildering variety of dildos, vibrators and other sex toys.

Junie looked around nervously and hurried to stand close to Donna.  Donna shot her an amused look and spoke in a conversational tone, “Have you ever been in a store like this?”

Junie mutely shook her head.

Donna picked up an elaborate vibrator in a box.  Junie noticed it was one of those rabbit style vibrators that had the clitoral stimulator attachments on one side.  It had a rotating head and beads that were designed to massage and stimulate the inner passage of the vagina.  “You ever try one of these?”

Again Junie mutely shook her head looking around nervously.  A bored young woman stood by the cash register watching them.  When their eyes met the girl sighed and came out from behind the counter.  Her voice was falsely bright, “Can I help you find anything?”

Junie cringed and looked around, an older man turned around from a rack of books and smirked openly as he watched while Donna responded, “How long do the batteries last in this thing?”  Junie’s mind was filled with buzzing confusion and she could feel her breathing getting uneven.  She found herself outside the store standing on the sidewalk with Donna’s hand firm on her arm, her Mistress’s voice penetrating through her panic, “Breathe, Junie, take a deep slow breath and hold it.  Look at me.”

Junie inhaled through her nose and held her breath, nodding, staring up into Donna’s warm hazel eyes.  “Good girl.  Hold it… hold it… Okay, exhale really slow… now breathe deep and slow.  That was too hard?”

Focusing on her breathing, Junie nodded.  

“I could tell.  You went from red as a beet to white as a ghost in seconds.”

Junie’s voice was quavering, “I don’t remember.  Did I run away?”

Donna stroked her hair.  “No, you just turned white and started to hyperventilate.  I brought you out here.”

“I am sorry.”

“Don’t sweat it, girl, I was trying to push you a little.  You came out of it pretty fast.  Ready to go back in?”

“Do we have to?”

“You can choose to come with me clear into the back or stay in the clothing part.  If you come in I will let you pick out something sexy for me to wear out tonight.”


Junie nodded reluctantly and let Donna lead her back into the store.  The clothes were all pretty flashy and seemed way too young for either of them, but Junie found a soft leather bustier that laced up the back and a soft multicolored skirt with a handkerchief hemline.  It was the colors that caught Junie’s eye; they looked like an impressionist watercolor, rich greens and yellows mixed with blues.  The fabric was almost like transparent tissue, but there were layers and layers that seemed to move and float weightlessly.  Junie held the skirt up and shook it, smiling as the colors seemed to dance and swirl.

Donna’s voice was close to her ear.  “I like that.  I knew you would find something pretty for me.  Come on, let’s pay for these things.”  Junie looked at the price tags and started to say something and Donna interrupted, “No, don’t tell me.  I will freak.”   She handed Junie a credit card, “You just sign and I will try not to look until we get home.  If you hear any screams of anguish then, you will understand.”  Donna gave Junie a reassuring glance, “Don’t worry, little one, it is not a matter of not having enough money.  It is my scrooge personality.  You are not the only one confronting their issues in this store.”  Donna held up a bag that obviously contained several items.  “I thought we would get some new toys for Bob.”

Junie giggled, “For Bob?”

“Well, I hate to spend money on myself, but if I can convince myself it is for the people I love it is not so hard.  Like the hotel, I told myself it was for you and the fact that the prosecutor’s office is picking up part of the cost helps.  Come on, let’s go drop this stuff off at the hotel, we need to head on down to the courthouse.”

The first time that Donna said “Shimmy,” as they walked toward the courthouse Junie looked around nervously wondering who was looking at her breasts and Donna corrected her, “Girl, I did not say look around.  I said ‘shimmy’.”  Junie blushed, but gave herself a little wiggle and kept walking.  It was hard for Junie to focus, but it seemed every time she relaxed and was distracted by the busy movement and sights of the city Donna would command her to jiggle her breasts again.

Finally she stopped and looked around in outrage.  She whispered to Donna in frustration, “Who is it?  Show me!”

Donna laughed and took her arm.  “It’s me, Junie.  I am the one looking at your delicious breasts.”


The courthouse was much less busy and Leena met them at the security screening station.  She led them to the courtroom and then led them to a room to one side.  It had a big table and some comfortable chairs.  “This is the room you will wait in when you are not testifying.”

“You mean I won’t be able to watch the trial?”

“No, Junie, witnesses cannot watch the trial.  That would influence your testimony.  In fact, once the trial commences, Judge Waldenback will instruct you to not speak of the crime with anyone other than the prosecuting team.  You will have to swear to not watch news or read the paper about the progress of the trial.”

Junie looked nervously at the empty room.  “I have to wait in here all by myself?”

Donna laughed, “No, Junie, you will never be all by yourself.  I will be with you.”

Leena nodded, “Yes, Junie.  You can have Donna wait with you if that would help.  And you only have to be at the courthouse when you are scheduled to testify.”

“Will Monica wait here with me, too?”

Leena shook her head, “No, Junie, like you, Monica will only be here when she needs to testify and if you both are here at the same time, we will have you wait in separate rooms.  You will find that testifying in court will end up with you waiting a lot more than you think.  You should plan on bringing some things to keep you busy.”

“Will I still be able to talk to Monica, send her emails?”

Leena looked uncomfortable.  “That would be highly unusual, but perhaps the judge will allow that to continue.”

Junie looked at Leena, “Will there be reporters?”

The assistant prosecuting attorney made a face, “There are always reporters.  And there will be more than usual.  This is a very high-profile case.  Have you read about it in the news at all?”

Junie shook her head.  “No, Ma’am, I don’t watch television and we don’t get the newspaper.  I never even thought to look on the internet.  All I know is what the police and the FBI have told me.  I just want the R. P. Sanders lady to stay away from me.”

Leena looked very surprised, “R. P. Sanders has been talking to you?”

Donna interrupted; her voice was angry, “More like harassing us.  She has been talking to Monica and trying to talk to Junie.  She actually came onto our property and was taking pictures when one of our dogs chased her up a tree.  We told her to stay off our property and just yesterday she was outside the courthouse trying to get a rise out of Junie saying things that made it seem like she had been talking to the defendant about Junie.”

Leena looked very disturbed, “Well, it’s no surprise that she has been talking to Sam Card.  She is paying for his defense and is listed as a consultant to his defense team.  She should know better than to try to talk to a witness that has been subpoenaed by the prosecution.  Judge Waldenback and Mark Freeden will be very interested to hear of this.”

Junie wrinkled her nose, “She says she is writing a book.  She has paid Monica some money and has promised to give her more after the trial is over for interviews.”

Leena shook her head, “When it comes to a high-profile case like this, everyone is writing a book.”

Donna laughed bitterly, “Maybe I should write one, too.  It couldn’t be so difficult.”

Junie nodded earnestly, “You would write a good one, Ma’am.”

Leena shook her head again, “Let’s go to the courtroom.  A bailiff will come get you and escort you to the stand.  You will go through these doors.”  Junie followed her down a hall and looked at a door marked ‘courtroom’ and walked in.  It was not like she expected.  It looked nothing like Perry Mason or Law and Order.  It seemed smaller and more modern.  There were the tables, seats and the flags; there was an elevated place for the judge to sit and a double row of modern chairs, which was where the jury would sit, and the witness box.  There was a small group of men and another woman standing in a group talking.

When Leena, Junie and Donna came through the door they stopped talking and a big florid man in slacks and a polo shirt approached with his hand out.  “Ms. Thomas, thank you for coming here to do this.  It will be a big help to you if you know a little about what to expect.”

Leena spoke up, “Junie, this is the prosecuting attorney, Mark Freeden.  During the prosecuting phase of the trial, he will be asking you how you found the knife during the trial.  He will be the one that will say ‘object’ if there is something wrong about the questions the defense may ask you during cross examination and will conduct your redirect testimony.”

Junie could feel her mouth getting a little dry and she looked nervously toward Donna.  She whispered nervously, “I don’t know what all that means.”

Donna leaned over and whispered into Junie’s ear, “Shimmy.”

Junie froze and squeaked in alarm, “No.”

“Then maybe you should ask these people to explain.”  Donna laughed and gave her a push out into the room.  “Agent Durant, I did not expect to see you here.”

Junie turned back and was surprised to experience feeling a little rush of happy excitement to see the FBI agent that was in charge of the investigation of all the murders Sam Card was suspected of committing.  Now she saw him through Monica’s eyes, seeing a strong man, devoted to all their safety.  Raising her hand she gave a little wave.  He looked at her and started to raise his hand to wave back and then stopped himself.

Mark Freeden laughed, “I am sorry, Ms. Thomas, what didn’t you understand?”

“I guess the only thing I really did not get is ‘redirect’.”

“It’s pretty simple.  You are a witness of the prosecution.  You will be called to testify during the prosecution half of the trial.  I will ask you questions then about how you found the knife and how you gave it to the police.  Then the defense attorney will be able to ask you questions.  After he is done asking you questions, I will have a chance to ask you more questions.  That is redirected testimony.  We will continue to go back and forth until we decide that there is nothing more to ask.  Then we will let you leave.  There is a good chance that one or both of us will reserve the right to question you again at a later date.  Does that answer your question?”

Junie nodded, “Yes, Sir.

The big prosecuting lawyer pointed at the chair with a microphone, “You will sit up there.  Go ahead and try it out.”

Junie went up and sat and looked uncertainly out at the room.  Looking at the microphone she asked, “Will I be recorded?”

Mark Freeden nodded, “Recorded and videotaped.”  He pointed at some cameras mounted on the ceiling.  “The judge is still trying to keep television cameras out of the courtroom.”

Junie’s voice was terror stricken, “Television?”   Standing up, she looked around wildly and whimpered.  Finally her eyes found Donna, her voice was pleading and childlike, “We really need to go home now.  Please take me home.”

Leena shot Mark Freeden a pained look and spoke up.  “Junie, we don’t know that for sure.”  She looked at Donna not sure what to do.

Donna’s voice was sharp.  “Could you all please step out of the room for a little while so Junie and I can talk?”

A tiny sane part of Junie’s mind was mildly amused to watch both Leena and Agent Durant hustle the prosecuting attorney out of the room.  Once the room was empty Donna turned to Junie, her voice was icy, “Junie, sit!”

Junie felt like her legs buckled under her before even her brain registered the command.  “Yes, Ma’am.”

“Now stand up.”

Junie blinked and stood back up.  “Now shimmy.”

Junie looked at her Mistress in consternation and looked up at the cameras and toward the door the people had all gone out of.  “Now?”

“Your ass is in so much trouble, girl.  I am telling you to shimmy.  Start shaking those big ass tits and don’t stop until I say for you to stop.  If I hear any more disobedience from you, you will be doing it naked.”

Junie whimpered and began to shake and jiggle.  Donna looked at her critically, “More enthusiasm, Junie, smile and wave at the camera!  Shake it like you mean it.”

Junie was completely mystified to feel a little giggle bubble up, and then another.  Somehow the thought of standing up in a courtroom shaking her breasts at some cameras was so far over the top that she could not contain the giddy feeling of silliness.  Donna began to laugh along with her and began to dance around too.  “Keep dancing, girl.  Get it all out.”

Junie was sweating and breathing hard when Donna finally told her to stop.  “Okay, that’s enough.  Now go over to that door and apologize to those people and ask them to come back.  Let’s get this over with.  And then I will take you home.”




The End of Evil Ch. 03



Junie went to the door and opened it, “I am so sorry.  I think I can do this now.”


Mark Freeden looked irritated as he walked back into the courtroom, but Leena gave her a thumbs-up sign from behind his back.  Junie took a deep shaky breath.  “I am sorry.  It’s just that I get so nervous sometimes.  I don’t do well in public situations.  I really appreciate you all coming down on your weekend to help me with this.”

Mark Freeden looked at his watch and shrugged, “I do have a 2:00 p.m. tee-time, so let’s get started.  Go ahead and sit down, Junie, and I will go over some of the questions I will be asking you.”

They spent about an hour asking and answering questions, talking about how the people are expected to behave in court and reviewing possible things that the defense might ask.  Somehow the idea that Sam Card would be sitting there watching her answer the questions did not bother Junie as much as the worry about how Monica would be able to deal with having him there.  It was close to 1:00 p.m. when Mark Freeden stopped and said, “Well that’s all I have time for.  We will want to meet with you again for awhile right before the trial.  If you have any more questions go ahead and contact Lurleena here.”

After he walked out, Leena came up to Junie.  “You did great, Junie.  How did you calm yourself down so quickly?”

Junie giggled and whispered, “I danced.  My Mistress made me dance.”  Junie looked archly around and then gave the tiniest of shimmies.  

Leena started to giggle along with her.  “I would never have thought of that.”


Junie saw Agent Durant put some papers together and close his briefcase.  As he stood to leave she hurried up to his side.  “Agent Durant, I never had a chance to thank you for coming.”  She paused and looked puzzled, he had not spoken during the whole time Mark Freeden had been going over her testimony, “Um, why did you come?”

“I had some business at the courthouse.  Lurleena mentioned you were doing this and that she thought it would help if there was a familiar face.”  He shrugged and looked down at his briefcase, “I really just sat here and got caught up on some travel vouchers.”  He paused and then smiled, his features softening, “Monica told me about the puppy.  She is on cloud nine.  That was really Christian of you, ma’am.”

Junie giggled, “I don’t know about Christian, but I just knew it was the right thing to do.”  Her stomach rumbled and she realized that how hungry she was.  She had not eaten much breakfast and now her appetite was back with a vengeance.  “Have you had lunch?”  When he shook his head, she grabbed his arm.  “I bet you know the best places around here to grab a good hamburger.  I could kill for some French Fries and a shake.”

Donna laughed, “Sounds like Junie has lunch all planned.”

Agent Durant initially looked a little uncomfortable, but then shrugged, “There is this little place not far from here that puts a chili relenno on their burgers and they make the best onion rings in town.  They don’t make milk shakes but they have some really good beer on tap.”

Donna laughed, “Sounds like someone is off the clock.”


It was a tiny little hole in the wall restaurant and they got a table in the back.  Agent Durant looked up from the menu, “You ladies will have to let me pay.”

Donna smiled and nodded, “You won’t get an argument from me about that.  I would never stand between a southern gentleman and his chivalry.”

Junie spent lunch working at getting Agent Durant to talk about himself.  He told her that he had been close to retiring from the FBI when this case started.  “I have a nice little piece of land in east Texas and I am looking forward to building a nice little house and maybe raise some horses.”

Junie looked at the ring on his left hand, “You and your wife?”

“Ma’am, my wife died about fifteen years ago, breast cancer.”  His voice was neutral and his face impassive.

“Oh, I’m sorry.  Did you have any children?”


“No, ma’am.  We never had any children.”

“So you are going to just be all by yourself when you retire?”

“I am used to being alone, ma’am.”


Junie could not get her head around the idea of anyone wanting to be alone and changed the subject.  “I am worried about how Monica is going to handle the trial.  Leena told me that you are helping with her testimony.”

“Yes, ma’am, that was one of the things I was doing here in Portland.  I was also trying to interrogate the defendant about some of the other missing women.  He is still denying anything to do with that.”

Agent Durant took a long drink from his beer, “I always try to drop by and see Monica when I can; it helps cheer her up to have visitors.”  His expression softened and warmed at the memory, “She was completely giddy with excitement with that puppy and your visit.  I can’t remember ever seeing her smile quite like that.” 

Junie’s heart leapt at his words, “That girl certainly deserves some happiness.  How do you think she is going to deal with testifying?”

The corners of his mouth turned down, “Well, ma’am, I don’t think she is going to panic on the stand.  She will make a good witness, but I worry about the long term impact on her mental state.  Having to face him could traumatize her all over again, but that is not such a great concern for the prosecuting attorney.  They only seem to care about a witness’s mental health as far as it impacts their ability to testify and their credibility.”  Agent Durant drained his glass and looked down into it like he was debating ordering another, “I have to admit I have been a part of that whole system.  I always put catching the bad guy way above how it may hurt the victim.  I always told myself that catching the criminal was my job and it was always up to someone else to put the pieces back together.” 

Donna spoke softly, “And now you have let one of those victims into your heart.”

His voice was soft and bemused, “I didn’t even see it happening until it was too late.”  Agent Durant suddenly seemed to wake up and realize where he was and what he was talking about.  Junie could almost see his armor come back up.  “Well, ladies, I really have to get going, I have a couple of long-shot leads I need to follow up on.”


As they got to their room, Donna commented, “You surprised me when you asked Agent Durant to lunch.”

“He is not so bad.  He likes Monica.”

Donna paused and looked thoughtful, “He a lot more than just likes her.”  Then she shrugged and turned to Junie, “Sweet girl, I want you to go ahead and put on your rubber bands and wait here.  I am going to go out for a little while.  I saw a couple things in a store window I want to get.  I shouldn’t be too long.”

Junie started to ask what she was going to get and Donna held up a hand, “Never you mind, girl.  It’s a surprise.  You will see soon enough.”  Donna leaned over and kissed Junie on the nose.  “You did very well today.  I know how hard all this stuff is for you.  But every time you found yourself pushed into a corner you listened and obeyed.  You reached inside yourself and found the strength there.  I am very proud of you.  We are going to go out and celebrate tonight and then we are getting the hell out of town.”

Junie’s heart jumped at Donna’s words.  The praise was sweet, but the promise of going home was better.

“While I am gone, hang up that new outfit; I want to wear it tonight.”   Donna winked mysteriously at Junie and then left her alone in the room.

Junie wound the rubber bands around her nipples and then got the skirt out and hung it in the bathroom and turned on the shower to steam the wrinkles out.  Curious about what else Donna had purchased she looked into the other bag and exclaimed, “Oh my.”  On top of several other smaller boxes were two matching rabbit vibrators.  The only difference between them was one was blue and the other lavender.  She carefully put the bag down and got out her little black dress and hung it in the bathroom next to Donna’s new skirt.


Junie was sitting by their room window looking out at the busy street when Donna came back in.  She handed Junie a bag.  “Get out your corset.  I want to see how these things fit with it.”

Junie peeked into the bag and gasped at the confusing jumble of shiny black taffeta and mesh.  It looked almost like a ballerina’s tutu.  Donna laughed at her reaction, “Girl, I said put on your corset.”  Donna helped Junie into the tight yellow garment, pulling the laces tight.  Next she pulled out a skirt from the bag.  “They promised me that this should fit.  It has an elastic waist.”  Donna helped Junie step into the black crinoline petticoat and stood back.  Junie looked at her image in the mirror; the skirt was very full and short, stopping a couple inches above her knees.  Normally she would never have worn anything that would have added to the visual size of her hips but with the corset it looked right somehow. 

Junie looked at her large exposed breasts, supported by the shelf and peered hopefully toward the bag.  There was no way she could go out like this.  Donna looked at the skirt and nodded, reaching into the bag she handed Junie a handful of lace and as Junie unfolded it she recognized a chemise style corset cover made of black lace.  It looked a little small, but as she pulled it on she realized it was very elastic and fit over her breasts and corset like a second skin.  The lace strategically got a little denser over her breasts, but still lots of skin showed through. 

Donna reached into a second bag and handed Junie a pair of fishnet, thigh high stockings and a black pair of Victorian looking ankle boots with two inch heels.  When Junie had the whole outfit on, she looked at the mirror.  She thought she looked a little like a French Cancan Dancer and giggled.  “Where are we going and will I get arrested?”

Donna stood behind her with a predatory look on her face.  Her voice was low and throaty, “You look like you just stepped out of one of my fantasies, girl.  I could eat you up.”  Then she smiled, “We are going dancing, girl.  Leena has recommended a nice girl bar that has some good food and a nice dance floor.”  Looking at her watch, Donna commented, “But it is too early to go anywhere.  Take off those clothes.  I have an idea for round three of our little competition.  I thought we would try and make things perfectly fair.  I would hate to be accused of cheating again.”

As Junie carefully took off her complicated outfit she watched Donna take out both vibrators and put batteries in them.  Donna stripped off her clothes and beckoned Junie over to the bed.  “Okay, these things have a lot of different types of vibrations, but I think for our purposes we should just turn them all on high.”  She handed Junie the vibrator and showed her how the controls worked.  “Let’s lie side by side, looking at each other’s cunts so we can see that the rabbit is where it is supposed to be.  Make sure this part is right up against our clits and start at the same time.  The only thing we can do to each other is talk.”


Junie found herself lying on her side, staring at the blue jelly clitoral stimulator pressing snuggly against Donna’s cleft.  Somehow the sight of the thing seemed to emphasize the sensations coming up from between her own legs.  Donna’s voice was a mix of silly humor and determined competitor, “On your mark.  Get set. Go!”

Junie grunted and stiffened; the sensation of the dildo inside her simultaneously vibrating and rotating was new and very strong.  The stimulator on her cleft made all her folds vibrate and sent strong waves of pleasure through her.  “Oh, Ma’am, that’s really good.”

Donna’s voice was strained, “Oh yes, I have to agree.  Tell me, my little slut, how much you love to serve me.  Tell me what makes you hottest.”

Junie felt her hips starting to surge, rocking in their primal rhythms, straining to meet and match the waves of pleasure pulsing through her.  “Oh, that is easy, Ma’am.  It is putting on that biggest strap on cock and fucking your beautiful juicy cunt.  It is lunging deep into you and seeing the ecstasy in your eyes, hearing you cry out, forcing you to scream as you come for me over and over again.”

Donna made a strangled groan.  “Oh fuck.  This is crazy.  I like to see you on your knees with your eyes pleading, your lips trembling with the need to serve me.  I love the taste of your tears and the way your cries of pain and passion fill my mouth as I kiss your lips.  I love to hear you beg.”

Junie was staring mesmerized at the little plastic vibrator buried deep in Donna’s folds, buzzing softly relentlessly.  Her voice shook with tension, “Yes, begging on my knees looking up, I like that.  I like feeling helpless, completely at your mercy, but most of all it is the love I feel for you when I give myself to you every day.”

Donna did not speak again.  Junie could see the muscles of her thighs and stomach were tense and vibrating, a soft whimper of desperation squeaking out from her lips.  Junie gasped out, her voice hoarse and compelling, “It is irresistible.  There is nothing you can do.”

A soft sob of defeat bubbled up from Donna as she reached down and pulled the vibrator away.  Junie quickly did the same and lay back and letting the trembling spasms of need slowly ebb.  When she could finally think, she giggled softly.  “Ma’am, I have always wondered what those things felt like.  Thank you for the opportunity.”

Donna turned around on the bed and pulled Junie into her arms.  “Girl, I am starting to think you really are made of steel, steel and love.  Let’s take a nap and then we can go out after that.”


While they dressed, Donna kept Junie’s wine glass full.  “We are going to get a taxi.  No reason not to get silly.”

Junie finished getting into her skirt and made sure that the bottom edge of the corset lay smoothly over the skirt.  The stretch lace of the camisole hid and yet, at the same time, revealed her flesh underneath.  With the fishnet stockings and the Victorian ankle-boots Junie felt like she was dressed up more for a costume party than to go out.  In the spirit of the outfit Junie really laid on the eyeliner, mascara and shadow, emphasizing her already large eyes and then painting her lips scarlet. 

She turned to look at Donna and caught her breath.  The leather bustier fit her smoothly and there was a soft inch or so of her golden smooth skin between it and the waist and the soft beautiful colors of the skirt.  “Oh, Ma’am, that looks beautiful on you.”

“You don’t look half bad yourself, girl.  Let’s get this party started,” Donna took Junie’s arm and urged her out of the room.

Junie hesitated, “Ma’am, I don’t have my hand bag.”  

Donna laughed and patted hers, “We have everything we need in here, girl.  Relax and enjoy the ride.”

Junie smiled and slipped her red lipstick tube between her generous breasts.  “Okay, Ma’am, I guess I have everything I need.”


It was already dark when the cab dropped them off in front of a trendy looking club.  Donna stopped Junie in the parking lot and, raising her eyebrows, fastened her leather collar around her neck and then attached her leash.  “I don’t want any confusion as to who owns you, girl.”

Junie looked up at Donna in alarm, “Ma’am, what kind of club is this?”

“Nothing too crazy, Leena told me about it.  It’s a girl bar, but once a month they have a leather night.  People dress up in their best fetish gear.  Leena said there is no nudity or real play allowed.  That it’s mostly a costume party.  Don’t worry, sweet, I won’t let anything bad happen to you.  We are going to eat, drink, dance and ogle the other patrons.”

Junie giggled, “If I had known, I would have picked out something like thigh-high boots and a cat woman suit for you.”

Donna looked down at her outfit.  “I like this better and this skirt will look good with my corset when you finish it.”

Junie was amused when a woman in biker’s leathers and elaborate tattoos actually carded them at the door and was relieved to see that Donna had her I.D. with her.  There was a high cover charge.  Inside it was a dimly lit and crowded with a large number of people who just seemed to be milling around.  Most were wearing black, but here and there Junie could see the flash of skin and chains.  Heavy, loud music made the air seem oppressive.  A woman in a leather bikini top and mini-skirt greeted them, yelling over the music, “Good evening, ladies, can I get you a table?”  No one had even looked twice at Junie’s leash as she led them to a booth.  She laid their menus down and yelled again, “What would you like to drink tonight?”

Donna looked at the girl and then at Junie and yelled back, “Something good and very strong.”  She looked thoughtful and yelled again, “Something with raspberries in it.  Surprise us.”

The girl shrugged and wrote something down on and leaned over, “Sam will be serving you tonight.  She will be back with your drinks and to take your order.”


Junie watched the crowd as they moved around the room.  Little groups would form and talk and then break up.  There was a surprising age range.  Junie had expected to feel old and out of place, but there were all ages of women and not a few men who were out and moving around.  There was a lot of leather, but only a few were blatantly fetish outfits.  However, Junie did see quite a few women and a couple of the men who were wearing collars.

Most striking was the relaxed and open way the women were interacting with each other.  Junie smiled softly to see open gestures of affection, hugs and kisses, the familiar caresses of long time lovers, open and easy between women.  Impulsively she reached across the table and took Donna’s hand and brought it to her lips.

When their server brought their drinks, Junie curiously tasted hers.  It was sour and tasted of raspberries.  It was clearly very strong and she sipped it very carefully.  Donna ordered a selection of appetizers and told the server to keep bringing them drinks, but to keep surprising them, “Make them good, make them strong, and I don’t care what their names are.  I just want lots of variety, but no gin.”  Donna slid around the table and sat close to Junie and lifted her own glass to Junie’s lips, urging her to take a swallow.  “Keep drinking, girl.  I want you sloppy drunk before I take you home.”

Junie leaned over and spoke into her Mistress’s ear, “It won’t take many of these drinks and you will get your wish.  I am a cheap date.”

Donna frowned and then laughed, “Sweetness, let me tell you there ain’t nothing cheap about this date.”


The club continued to fill up even more.  Junie and Donna sat close together and, once the appetizers came, Donna casually fed Junie bites of the different finger snacks, Junie especially liked the stuffed mushrooms, but thought the calamari was over cooked. 

A slender Hispanic woman in her thirties came to their table and hollered over the music, “Do you mind if we share your table?”  Junie stared shyly at the woman’s short spiked hair, elaborate tattoos, and countless piercings.  Standing behind her was small plump blond girl in her twenties.  “Sorry, if we are bothering you, but there aren’t any tables empty.”

Donna nodded and the two women happily climbed into the booth as Donna and Junie scooted over.  The first woman held out her hand, “Thanks, I am Jamie, this is Babs.  I haven’t seen you here before.”

Donna shook her hand and yelled over the music, “We’re just in town for the weekend.”

Junie looked curiously at the couple and sipped at her latest drink, this one was tall and sweet, silently grateful for the loud music that made it almost impossible to have a conversation.  Already she could feel the effects of the alcohol, making her cheeks feel flushed and her thoughts slower.

Donna pushed Junie out of the booth and led her onto the dance floor.  Junie stood nervously staring at Donna as she began to dance, slowly and sensually gyrating to the beat.  Slowly and uncertainly, Junie began to move in time to the music.  She had been dreading this.  She had the random thought that the last time she had danced in public was at her wedding when she was nineteen-years-old and even then she had been nearly six months pregnant.




The End of Evil Ch. 03



Donna stared at her and yelled, “Dance girl!  Shake that booty!”  She reached out and took Junie’s hands and began to push and pull her around the floor, forcing her to move to the music.  Junie let her lead and began to relax.  She was out of breath when Donna led her back to their table.  Donna leaned over and pressed her lips to Junie’s, kissing her quickly and then yelled, “Girl, you need dancing lessons.”

Junie nodded and yelled back, “Yes, Ma’am, I do.”

When Junie excused herself to go to the restroom, she was surprised to see Babs following along behind.  The bathroom was a lot quieter, and the little blond spoke up, “I like your outfit.  The leash is so cool.”

Junie smiled nervously, “Um… thanks my… um… Donna bought it for me.”

The little blond girl grinned and asked, “Your dress or the leash?”

Junie blushed and carefully reapplied her lipstick, “Both.”

“Are you a couple?”

Junie shrugged, “Yes, I guess you could say that.  We live together.”

The little blond girl moved closer and put her hand on Junie’s arm, “Do you date other girls?”

Junie froze and shook her head.  She held up the leash that still dangled from the collar on her neck, “No, as you can see she keeps me on a pretty short leash.”

Babs dropped her hand and laughed.   “Jamie and I just date now and then.  You are lucky.”

Junie smiled, “Yes, I am lucky.”  She turned and went back to their table.


There was a fresh drink next to her half finished one and Donna insistently pushed her drink toward her.  “You are falling behind, sweet girl.  Drink up.”

After that the evening turned into kind of a blur.  Junie remembered dancing and drinking.  At some point Donna ordered chocolate mousse for all four of them with a coffee drink that their server actually lit on fire when it arrived at the table.  She had a clear memory of licking the smooth chocolate dessert off Donna’s fingers.  At some point all four of them were dancing together on the dance floor.  Her last memory was giggling as Donna tickled her in the cab on the way home.

Junie woke with a terrible taste in her mouth and it felt like her eyeballs were raw.  Donna was still sleeping soundly, curled in a tiny ball.  Junie looked around the room and smiled cautiously.  Their clothes were strewn about like a windstorm had struck.  Silently she dressed and slipped from the room and got a fresh bucket of ice and, once she was back in the room, she poured herself a tall glass of ice water.  The room was cleaned up and she was sitting looking out the window at the sky sipping on her third glass of water when Donna woke up.

Twisting and stretching Donna flinched and closed her eyes against the light coming in the window.  “What time is it?”

Junie pulled the curtains shut, “Almost 9:30.  Would you like a glass of water?  It will help.”

Donna nodded and flinched again as the movement made her head spin.  “Pack up our stuff, girl.  I want to go home.”


Donna had tipped the passenger seat all the way back and was lying with her eyes closed as Junie drove the SUV out of the city.  Her voice was quiet, “So, girl, did you have a good time last night?”

Keeping her voice carefully soft, Junie murmured, “Yes, Ma’am, it was fun.  I liked being able to feel free to be open about my love for you.  It was nice to see the other women who loved each other too.  That little blond girl, Babs, actually started to ask me out on a date.” 

Donna laughed, “Yeah, it was pretty obvious that they were both checking us out.  They were cruising looking for someone to take home.  Jamie seemed very taken with you.  She offered to swap for the night.  That little blond was very tempting.  I almost took her up on it.”

Feeling a pang of alarm, Junie looked over at Donna and was relieved to see a teasing smile.  She played along, “But I would have wanted the little blond, too.  You should have ditched Jamie and we three could have had some good fun.” Junie winced and added, “I still can’t figure out why you wanted to get me so drunk though.”

Donna started to laugh and then stopped herself with a groan, “Well, I wanted to cut loose a little and I didn’t want to drink alone.  I can’t remember the last time I got a little crazy.  And I wanted to see how you are when you are smashed.”

“And how was I?”

“You completely stopped talking and started giggling at everything.  But you did loosen up on the dance floor.  That and you could not keep your hands off me.  You were putting on a nice show for our new friends.”

Junie blinked, “I don’t remember a hell of a lot.  The last thing I remember clearly was you ordering the dessert.  I remember licking your fingers and then only a few confusing images after that.  I don’t remember coming back to the hotel at all.”

“Then you don’t remember losing last night?”

“Losing?  Losing what?”

“Our game, I challenged you to round four and you hollered ‘uncle’ almost before we started.”

Junie looked over at Donna with an outraged look.  “Oh, I get it now.  It was all a plot to break through my defenses.”

“It worked.  The score is even.  Maybe we should leave it at that.”

Junie felt a little rush of relief.  She had been planning on letting Donna win and was more than a little worried about how she was going to make that happen without getting caught.  “I would like that.  We are both winners then.”

“Yes, now hush for a while.  I will try to sleep this off and then I will take a turn driving.”  Junie was glad that Donna had her eyes closed and did not see the look of outrage at the unfairness of having to drive when she felt so miserable, too.  After all, she had not really wanted to drink all those drinks.


Donna slept for almost two hours and then had Junie pull into a rest stop.  After they had gotten out and stretched their legs and peed, she took over the driver’s seat.  “I feel a lot better.  How are you doing?”

Junie realized she was feeling a lot better, too.  Her energy was still really low, but her head had stopped aching.  “Not bad.  A little tired is all.  I can tell I really drank a lot of poison last night.  It will take a while to feel good energy.”  She looked over at Donna, “I really don’t like drinking that much.”

As Donna began to drive, Junie leaned back and closed her eyes, but the cool voice of her Mistress made her eyes pop back open, “No, don’t you go to sleep.  We are going to practice witness questions for a while.” 

Junie sighed and brought the seat back upright and took a deep breath.  “Yes, Ma’am.”

Donna laughed at her resigned tone, “No rest for the weary.”  For an hour Junie listened to questions and answered.  Finally Donna nodded, “You are doing really good.  There is not much more you need to learn about answering the questions.  Now we just need figure out a plan for how to keep you in the right emotional space.  There will be no way to clear the courtroom if you start to panic.”

Junie looked over at Donna, “Ma’am, you have been helping a lot.  I am a lot better about my shyness than I have been in a long time.  I don’t think I could have gone out to a club like we did yesterday a year ago.  I think as long as I know what to expect and keep myself focused I will do okay.  It is the unexpected that messes me up.  I did not expect the thing about television; and I did not expect you to take me into that sex toy store.”


Donna nodded, “I wish there was some way to predict everything that is going to happen with that trial.  But we will just have to do the best we can.”  Looking over at Junie she grinned excitedly, “Only about an hour ‘til we get home.”

Junie smiled back, “It can’t be too soon for me.  I hope our Master has big plans for us.”

Donna raised a brow and murmured, “Let’s start now.  Junie, I want you to take your pants and panties off.”

Junie gulped and stammered, “All… all the way off?”

Donna’s voice chilled, “Did I say part way off or did I say off?  Junie, we are off the freeway.  No one will be able to see much.  And your blouse is long enough to cover up almost everything.”  A teasing grin crossed Donna’s face, “As long as we don’t get into any accidents or get pulled over by the cops you should be just fine.  Now get those fucking clothes off this instant!”  The last words were an icy lash. 

Soon Junie was sitting on the seat, trying to pull her shirt down as far as possible, staring miserably down at her naked thighs.  They rode like this for a while and Donna spoke with a giggle, “In my bag on the top is your new vibrator, if you get up on your knees you should just be able to reach it.  There are no cars coming right now.  I would recommend you hurry before one comes around the corner.”

In terror Junie looked out the car window at the deserted stretch of highway and quickly unfastened her seat belt.  She scrambled up, stretched her arms out to reach the bag and began to fumble with the zipper closing the suitcase.  Donna’s voice as relentless, “Hurry up, girl, we are coming to a town.”

Junie squealed in panic, grabbed the vibrator and sat quickly back down.  She could feel her heart racing and a familiar wave of nausea swept over her.  She looked miserably over at Donna and mumbled, “I am starting to feel sick.”

Donna’s voice was dry, “Well, get the bucket ready then.”  Then she softened and patted Junie’s thigh, “You are doing good.  Take a deep breath, remember to breathe, and if it would make you feel better, you can use your pants to cover your lap.” 

Junie quickly spread her pants across her legs, looking gratefully at Donna, “Thank you, Ma’am.”

Donna nodded, “You know that is the first time you warned me ahead of time.  You are learning to recognize when it is starting.”

“I never used to throw up so much.”

“Yes, you just never tried.  If it got hard you ran away and never went there again, correct?”

“And now I can’t run away.  You are making me face my monsters.”  Junie giggled, “Oh god, that made me think of a nature program I saw once.  There were these birds that would vomit on their predators as a defense mechanism.”

Donna cracked up and commented, “It is more likely a fight or flight thing, but I must admit that being vomited on would make me back off.  Okay, girl, take that fancy new vibrator and start teasing yourself.  I want you to take yourself right up to the edge and then stop.”

Junie eased her hips to the edge of the seat and carefully, keeping her slacks over her hands and lap, began to touch the vibrator to her folds.  She looked at Donna and whispered, “It is hard to relax.  I feel all exposed.”

“Don’t worry about being in a hurry.  Just put it in and turn it on, let it do the work.  Don’t even think about it.   Lay the seat back, close your eyes, and tell me a sexy story.  Tell me your fantasy.” 


Junie’s voice was soft and distracted, “I am always alone and I know it’s just a matter of time before they catch me.  I can hear them hunting for me.  There are a lot of them and they are loud, shouting and laughing.  You can hear the confidence in their voices.  They know it is just a matter of time as well.  It is a game for them, one they are used to winning.”  She paused and licked her lips, swallowing.

Donna prompted, “Who is after you?”  Her voice was a barely audible push to keep talking.  

“I don’t know exactly who they are.  Men, they are all men, big men, strong, cruel, and they are insatiable.  I know they are going to catch me and when they do they will take what they want.  They will use me.  I know it is my fate and yet I run and hide.  I am in an agony of terror.”

“They are going to rape you?”

“I don’t know exactly how or why, but I am caught.  I fight with all my strength, but it is useless.  They are so strong and violent.  There are too many of them and they overpower me.  They tear my clothes off.”  Junie made a soft moan and squirmed on the car seat.

“Tell me what they do to you.”

Junie’s voice was soft and breathless, “Oh god, um… their hands are strong, they grip my arms and legs really strong, squeezing tight and pulling hard, they stretch me out on the ground.  They spread my legs so wide it feels like my hips are breaking.  And I never stop fighting.  I squirm and scream.  I beg them to stop and let me go.”

Donna smiled as she drove, “Say the words, Junie.  Say the words you would use out loud.”

Junie whimpered and gasped, “No… don’t… please stop… I can’t… Don’t hurt me… Let me go… Help… Somebody help me…”  Junie gave a strangled gasp and reached down and turned off the vibrator.  “Oh, Ma’am, that’s crazy, I almost came.”

Donna’s voice was deep and vibrant, “Leave if off for a while.  I will tell you when to turn it back on.  But don’t stop telling the story, Junie.  You have me all interested.  Do they listen to you?  Do they stop?  Is there anyone that will come to your rescue?”

“No, they don’t listen.  They laugh and mock me.  They say the words back at me, laughing at my terror and tears.  I scream as the first one climbs onto me and forces his cock into me, it feels really huge and hurts as it goes in.  They all laugh, calling me a whore and a slut.  Their hands are all over me grabbing, squeezing and pinching.  The one raping me humps me hard, his thrusts are violent and endless, he grunts as he slams his cock into me.  He does not come inside me, he pulls out and it squirts across my belly and breasts.  I can feel it hot and slimy on my skin.”

“Is that all of it?  Or is there more?”

Junie giggled a soft embarrassed giggle, “Oh no, Ma’am, there is more, a lot more.”

“Then keep talking.  This is a great way to make the ride go by, much better than the radio.  How is that pussy of yours?  Are you ready to tease it some more?”

Junie squirmed and took a deep breath.  “I don’t think I can last very long, but I could try.”  She reached down and turned on the vibrations and started telling the story again.  “There are so many of them.  They all want me.  One after another they rape me.  I never surrender.  Even when I cannot speak any more, I lay there sobbing.  After a while they get tired of using my cunt.  One of them makes some crude comment that my cunt is all sloppy and fucked out.  He tells them to turn me over and I realize they are going to take my ass.  I beg and plead for him to not do that and he laughs and says if I do a good enough job sucking him he might just leave my ass alone.”

“So you start to cooperate?”

“Oh yes, anything to keep him from raping my ass.  I am so terrified that it will hurt terribly.  He stands and they let me go.  I crawl over and he grabs my hair and says if I bite him he will knock all my teeth out personally.  Then, as he pushes his cock into my mouth, he laughs and says to the others that he will probably end up knocking my teeth out anyway.  He says he likes his whores toothless because they give better head that way.”

Donna grunted, “My goodness, girl, your fantasy men are scary-ass mother fuckers.”

Junie giggled and nodded, “I had the scariest fantasies.  I haven’t really thought about them much lately.  The reality is so much better lately.”

“Keep telling me the story.”

Junie twisted in the seat.  “Can I turn the vibrations down to low?” 

“If that would help.” 

Junie adjusted the controls and continued. “I suck him.  I try to do a good job, but he is impatient and grabs my hair and starts to fuck my face, raping my throat.  I try to cooperate and keep from hurting him with my teeth, but he is rough and fast.  I can’t keep my teeth from scraping him.  He pulls out and slaps me hard, knocking me to the ground.  He curses me again, calling me a careless slut.  He tells them to pick me up and bend me over… um… something.  I guess maybe a log… something that will hold my ass up and my head down.  Again I am screaming and fighting.  He tells me to shut up, that he is going to fuck my ass and I better get used to it because he is going to be doing it a lot.”

Junie’s voice strangled and broke.  She clenched her teeth and pulled the vibrator out.  “Damn, that was close.  It always gets to me when I think about him saying that.  The whole idea of being bent over and told that I am going to get my ass raped is so fucking hot to me.”

Donna laughed, “I am going to have you tell me all my bedtime stories from now on.   Keep talking, girl.  You have me on the edge of my seat.”

“He is rough, taking me hard and fast.  It’s funny how in my fantasy it always hurts, like it did when Greg did it.  It feels like I am being torn apart and I scream and scream, and when he is done another one takes his place.  It is endless.  Finally they leave me huddled on the ground, numb and beyond tears.  They put an iron collar around my neck and chain me to a post in the center of their compound.”

“You never come in your fantasy.”

Junie giggled, “But I come over and over while I think about it.  They keep me there and use me whenever they feel like it.  If I fight them, they beat me.  They will only feed me if I cooperate.  Eventually I break.  I start to want them and I start wanting the abuse.  I start to come when they fuck me.  They find that vastly amusing.”

“Well it is a good story and I want to hear all of it, but we are almost home so it will have to wait.  Maybe I should have you write it down.”

Junie sat her seat up and looked happily at the familiar trees.  “You are right about this making the trip go by faster.”  When they came out of the trees she could not help but murmur, “Oh, it’s so good to come home.”


You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu 



The End of Evil Ch. 04



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 



Chapter 4: Adjustments to Being Home



Junie peered excitedly out the window, her eyes drinking in the familiar sight of her home. The trip to Portland had taken less than four days, but it had seemed like forever. Her heart jumped when she saw her Master walking out to meet them as they pulled the SUV into the garage.

Bob pulled open the driver's door and gathered Donna into his arms; he held her tight and rocked back and forth. His eyes found Junie's and he smiled over Donna's head and beckoned for her to come out of the car. "Come here, girl, I missed you too." 

Oblivious to the fact that she was nude from the waist down, Junie jumped out of the car and skipped around the car and slipped inside his embrace. She giggled as she felt his hand sliding across her bare ass cheeks. Bob's voice rumbled deep in her ears, "You seem to be missing something, my sweet Junie."

"I am just following my Mistress's instructions."

"Have you been a good girl for your Mistress?"

"I did my best, but some of it was really hard."

Donna interrupted, "She did do her best. And now I want to give her back to you."

Junie turned in Bob's arms, her face only inches from Donna's, her voice was stricken, "Ma'am, I don't understand. Don't you want to be my Mistress anymore?"

Donna smiled and spoke softly, "Oh, my sweet little Junie, I promise to always be your Mistress, but I feel the need to somehow find shelter in our Master's arms."

Bob gave them a squeeze, "Come, now is not the time. We will explore this further later." He gave Junie a sharp smack on her naked bottom. "Get your pants on, girl, and help unload this car."



Junie was busy unloading the car and then unpacking their suitcases for a while, but she was very aware that Bob and Donna were deep in conversation on the front deck. Repeatedly she found excuses for her chores to bring her through the front room where she could pause briefly and look out at them. Bob sat and held Donna close, listening as Donna talked and talked. At one point Junie gasped in concern when she saw that her Mistress's face was wet with tears.

Junie's mind was a swirl of questions and nervous worry when she heard Bob's voice calling her to come out onto the front deck. Donna was standing up, her eyes were red and swollen from crying, but her face and voice were calm, "Junie, as you are well aware, your Master and I have been talking."

Junie nodded uncertainly. "Yes, Ma'am." 

"Good girl, I want you to help me with something. I want to formally return you to your Master. I feel the need of ritual, so please take off your clothing and kneel."

Junie quickly began to undress and was a little startled when she saw Donna doing the same thing. When she was nude she quickly knelt and Donna knelt down beside her. Donna took her hand and gripped it softly, "Master, I bring you back our girl. She performed all her duties to the best of her abilities and repeatedly exceeded my expectations while she was in my care. You have every reason to be proud and reward her. But I found the task of being her Mistress without your guidance to be at odds to my happiness. It is one thing to play at being a Mistress under your careful control, but it was too much for me to do this far from you. I languished without the shelter of your strength and love. I beg you to take this away from me. I beg you to take Junie back and I also beg you to take me back as well so that we may both find joy as your slaves and your servants."

Junie could not look away from Donna's face as she was speaking. Instinctively she did not speak, but a wave of protest was rising up in her. There was a growing feeling that somehow she had failed Donna, that if somehow she had done better then Donna would not be saying these words. Her mouth opened and then shut.

Bob's words were gentle and loving. "My goddess, I joyfully accept you as my slave and my servant and I welcome back my girl back into the shelter of my love." He reached down and lifted both of them to their feet. "For now, my sweet girls, I want you both to remain naked as a symbol of your servitude. Junie, I want you to go make dinner. I missed your cooking. Donna, I want you to spend some time alone and think about what you would ask of me to help you find your balance once more."



As Junie was making dinner, Bob sat at the table. "Donna told me all about your trip. You did a good job. She is confident you will do a good job when it is time for you to testify. So, little one, what do you wish as a reward for trying so hard?"

Junie looked at him in confusion. "Um... I don't know. Master, what is happening?"

Bob smiled gently, "You sense the sadness and imbalance in Donna's spirit."

"I'm sorry. I tried really hard. I don't know what I did wrong."

Bob paused and looked confused for a few minutes. Then he asked, "Junie, are you thinking that this has something to do with you?"

"Doesn't it? She said she was unhappy being my Mistress."

"Only because she could not find balance, without me there to help keep her equilibrium between us she began to feel unstable. It was like being on the high wire without a net. She began to fear falling. It was not you, Junie. It was her role." Bob stood and walked into the kitchen and put his hands on Junie's shoulders, turning her to face him. "Do you remember me telling you not so long ago that Donna must find her place balancing between us?"

"Yes, Master."

"This trip to Oregon with you in much deeper submission to her has thrown her off balance. The more she controlled you, the less in control she began to feel. As her dominant side grew stronger to meet your needs, the more she lost touch with her submission to me. She found herself out of harmony. She began to feel afraid and that let her become more vulnerable to the negative emotions of hate and rage. You know all too well the sense of safety and peace that comes from your submission. Donna misses those feelings. The more she dominated you the more she wanted to be in your place. I expect her to ask for that from me when she returns from her time alone."

Junie struggled to listen to Bobs words. She tried to understand Donna's need, but she could not free herself from the feeling that somehow she was losing something, that she was being abandoned. Her thoughts were in chaos and questions.

"I don't know what to do. Will she still be my Mistress?" Finally she let her fears come to voice, "I don't want to lose her."

Bob gave her a little shake. "Again, Junie, I will say, this is not about you. It is about what Donna needs. She will continue to be your Mistress, but she will be exploring her own submission. You will not lose her, but she may not be your source of strength and refuge for a period of time. You will need to rely on me for that." 

Junie leaned against his chest, "Master, if it was not me, why do I feel so guilty and frightened?"

"Those are answers you need to find inside yourself. But as you seek those answers I will give you another question. What is it you are really afraid of losing?"



Junie stiffened at his words and the sound of the front door opening. For some reason she could not lift her face from her Master's chest, she sensed a deep reluctance to look upon her Mistress's face. Not only was she afraid of what she might see there, but, to her horror, she felt an inexplicable wave of resentment. Pulling herself out of his arms, Junie stammered, "I... um... have to check the laundry," and fled downstairs.

Junie stood looking at herself in the mirror in her bathroom, out loud she asked herself, "What is it you are afraid of losing?" She vigorously washed her face and combed her hair. Looking sternly at the face in the mirror she gave herself an order, "Junie, you have duties. You have a Master and a Mistress that are waiting for their dinner. Suck it up and get your lazy ass in gear, girl."

Forcing her face into a calm expression she marched herself up the stairs. Donna was sitting still and silent on the floor at Bob's feet as he sat at the table. He was speaking softly, "...only for as long as it is good for our circle." He looked up and nodded to Junie, "How much longer until our dinner is ready?"

"Not long, maybe twenty minutes."

"Good, while you are cooking you will listen without speaking. Like I expected, Donna has requested to experience her submission more profoundly. I have agreed to do this on a time-limited basis, only so long as it does not disrupt our circle. For now she will speak only with me. Your duties will be to continue with your obedience and devotion to both of us, but you will only communicate with me."

Again Junie felt a rush of grief and anger. Pressing her lips together, she nodded. Her voice was brisk, "Yes, Master." She busied herself putting the few finishing touches on their dinner, careful to keep her face averted as much as possible. Junie knew that her feelings were clear in her eyes, but the more she tried to control them, the more they seemed to bubble and seethe in her heart.



When Junie began to set the table, Bob casually reached for Donna's plate and moved it from its usual place to the floor, putting it down next to the silent still form of Donna as she huddled at his feet. Again a pang of resentment shot through Junie, she stood uncertainly with the silverware in her hands, and then very carefully put Donna's down at her usual place at the table. If Bob wanted Donna to eat with a knife and fork he could give them to her himself.

Junie finished setting the table and sat down. She looked uncertainly at Bob. Always before dinner had been a time where conversation flowed easily, table manners were informal, everyone serving themselves. The only formal acknowledgement of their relationship was their careful attention to Bob's comfort. It was unspoken, but both she and Donna made sure he was served first and they always waited until he was eating before they took their first bite. Now Donna's place seemed conspicuously empty and Junie suddenly felt adrift. 

It suddenly occurred to Junie how much of her day to day actions were dictated by Donna. It had become an almost unconscious, wordless connection. A thousand times a day, she would find herself looking up and reading her Mistress's face for guidance, for approval, or just for the reassurance of knowing she was there to turn to. Now her Mistress was beyond reach.



Bob spoke up in an easy tone, "So, Junie, tell me about Monica. What is she like? How did that go?" He dished up his plate, and began to carefully cut up all the food into bite sized pieces. 

Junie watched him cutting the food on his plate and spoke in a distracted tone, "Um... she is little. She is not very tall and really thin. She seems like she spends a lot of her time being sad. She was a little uncomfortable at first, but she fell in love with Happy at first sight." Her tone began to warm with the memory. "When she smiles she really is a pretty girl."

Bob picked up his plate and, leaning over, scraped the food off onto Donna's plate, and then served himself again. "Donna mentioned that she was satisfied that Happy was going to be well taken care of. So how are you feeling about your trip to the courthouse?"

Junie reached for the serving dish of stuffed peppers and began to serve herself. She spoke in a soft monotone, carefully skirting the topic of feelings, "It's a courthouse, the rooms are smaller and more modern than I expected. I guess I watched too much Perry Mason reruns as I was growing up. But it pretty much looks like I expected. The assistant prosecuting attorney, Lurleena Benson, was nice. The main prosecuting attorney seems kind of in a hurry, but I expect he is pretty busy. Agent Durant was there." 

She tried to keep her eyes on her own plate and her Master. Junie could not see Donna from where she was sitting, but was very aware that she was there hidden by the edge of the table and her Master's legs. The silverware was still sitting unused at Donna's place on the table and Junie knew she was being forced to eat with her fingers. In her mind she could see her Mistress leaning over the plate, picking up the food with her fingers. Junie cringed as she thought about the fresh tomato sauce, rich with olive oil and herbs that the stuffed peppers had baked in and the couscous side dish. Neither dish lent themselves readily to being eaten by hand.

Bob chuckled, "Ah yes, our old friend, Agent Durant. Donna mentioned that you ate lunch together. Was he nice this time?"

Junie did not feel the slightest bit like laughing, "He was really nice. He did not have to be there. He took the time to be there to help me feel more comfortable." She picked half heartedly at her dinner. "Monica likes him a lot."

Bob ate with gusto, "Good dinner, Junie, thank you. The food you left for me in the fridge was good, but somehow it is just better with you here." 

Junie wondered how he could act so normal when everything felt all wrong. "Thank you, I am glad to be home." The words felt false and bitter in her mouth, nothing felt right and she wanted to scream at him for being so stupid for not seeing it. Each minute passing seemed like an hour and Junie found herself willing her Master to please eat faster so that she could at least find refuge in the routines of cleaning up after dinner.



Junie was buried so deep in her struggle to hide her growing distress that Bob's voice made her jump, "Donna will come with me to take the dogs for a walk. You clean up in here. We will be back soon. There is a lot more than just your good cooking I missed." His eyes boldly caressed her naked form.

Donna moved silently and kept her eyes lowered as she followed Bob out the front door. All four Golden Retrievers were on the porch waiting, eager for their nightly walk. Junie watched the group move across the lawn and into the woods. A soft gulping sob rose up in her chest and she gasped and shook herself, again admonishing herself, "Suck it up." Turning to her duties she buried herself in the safety of cleanliness and order, making sure the kitchen was spotless, deciding what to cook for meals tomorrow and getting out the ingredients.

Once things were all in order she got out her computer and checked her emails. There was the usual short message from Tammi talking about school and another from Monica.

Dear Junie,

I can't begin to describe how amazed and delighted I was to realize that it was you knocking on my door this Friday morning. I had been sitting on the couch trying to figure out one good reason to get dressed and there was this knocking and I looked out the window and at first I thought you had to be some solicitor or religious person looking to preach at me. When you said it was you, I was so surprised I couldn't even think there for a minute. You could have knocked me over with a feather. 

There are not words enough to say how wonderful and fantastic and stupendous and generous and kind it was for you to do this amazing thing and give me this wonderful gift of this Happy puppy. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Happy is doing great. She all the time tries to get my old dog to play. She will do that bow down thing where she puts her chest on the ground and raises her butt up and barks. He just ignores her, but I can tell he is starting to perk up a little just from having her around. Maybe a little youthful enthusiasm is just what he needed to get his blood flowing again. My mom loves, absolutely loves, her. She was a little mad at first, not about the puppy, just from me having someone over that she hadn't preapproved. In fact, it was Happy that melted her heart. We fight over who gets to hold her sometimes. Luckily she is a sensible puppy and demands to be put down so she can run around and play too. If she didn't, we would probably spoil her rotten.

David stopped by on Sunday to visit. He mentioned that he had lunch with you on the day before, that he saw you at the courthouse. He told me you were going to be testifying too. I guess we are not supposed to talk about it, but he did say we could still be friends and support each other. I guess that means you will be coming down here during the trial. I hope we can maybe see each other some of the time. You could see Happy and we can hold each other's hands. 

I am doing my best to be brave. David said he was going to be here during the whole trial and just knowing he will be here is the one thing that keeps me from going completely crazy with nervousness. It seems like when he is around all the terror just goes away. 

Write me back and tell me how the rest of your trip went. I bet you are happy to be home.

Love, 

Monica 



When she read the last sentence Junie felt that same wave of emotion. It was a mind numbing mix of rage and grief and she, for the life of her, could not figure out why it felt like she was losing something. Bob had been completely accurate when he had asked her what she thought she was losing. She knew it had everything to do with Donna stepping back from her role as her Mistress, but for the life of her she could not figure out why it was so hard to deal with. She told herself that Donna was not leaving and Bob had said it was just for a while; it wasn't like Donna was dead or anything.



Taking a deep breath Junie wrote back to Monica.



Dear Monica,

It was nice to find such a nice letter waiting for me in my mailbox. You are right, I am happy to be home. 

I did not talk to you about me testifying because I wasn't sure if it was okay to tell you that. I am really nervous about having to do that. I do not do well in public places and the idea of having to sit up in front of a group of people and answer questions makes me feel totally panicked.

Lurleena Benson is the assistant prosecuting attorney that is working with me and she has been really helpful. It was a relief to see a familiar face at the courtroom when they were letting me see what it would be like. There was a time when I think that seeing Agent Durant would have made me want to turn around and walk the other direction, but now, after seeing him through your eyes, I just wanted to throw my arms around him.

You take care and give that Happy puppy a hug and a kiss from me.

Love,

Junie



Junie sent a copy of the emails to Donna and mailed off the letter to Monica. As she pushed 'send', she wondered when Donna would have a chance to read them and again felt a wave of sadness.

The hardest thing was the only person she could have spoken to about these feelings was Donna. Somehow the idea of turning to her Master with this distress, this childlike sense of abandonment and loneliness, was out of the question. 



You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.




The End of Evil Ch. 04



Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu 



The End of Evil Ch. 05



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world.  Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim.  He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify.  The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it.  Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica.  Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing.  Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica’s sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone.  Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way.  She knew she couldn’t do it without them. 

Chapter  5:  Only the Truth

Sadly she made her way downstairs and began to fold some laundry.  She was still working in the laundry room when she heard Bob come in through the back door into the basement.  He was speaking in a firm quiet voice and she knew Donna had to be with him, too.  Junie continued to busy herself, cleaning the already spotless room, unable to face them.  Finally she heard Bob’s steps as he went into her room and then he called her name, his voice impatient.

Taking a deep breath she stepped out of the laundry room, “Yes?”  Bob was standing over Donna as she knelt in the center of the room.  Junie immediately noticed that Donna was wearing a blindfold and had her hands tied behind her back.

“So that’s where you have been hiding yourself.”  His voice was soft and amused.  Junie told herself that he was just joking, that it had been just a figure of speech.  

“Yes, Sir, got me a good hiding spot behind the dryer, nice and warm back there.”

“Well get your ass out here.”

“Yes, Sir.” 

Junie moved quickly to stand before him and clasped her hands behind her back.  She stared at the floor uncertain as to what he wanted.  His hand stroked her face and she closed her eyes and felt a quiver of resistance, the tiniest little impulse to pull away.  Forcing herself to smile, she turned her face toward his hand and gently kissed his fingers.

“Your Mistress seems to have been having some fun shopping in the sex toy store.  Did she show you all her purchases?”

“No, Sir, I only saw the two vibrators.  We used them when we played our game.”  Junie found her eyes staring down at the form of Donna kneeling perfectly still on the floor, her face calm and expressionless behind the mask hiding her eyes.

“Yes, she told me of the game.  You two sounded like you had fun.  She was very impressed with your stamina.  How convenient for you both that there was no winner or loser.  But you denied me the fun of figuring out a reward for the winner.  I do not know if I am satisfied with that.  Perhaps we should play a final round to see who will win.”  Bob stepped away and pulled the familiar bag that had come from the store out of the toy box.  “Your Mistress surprised me.  She rarely splurges like this.”  He reached into the bag and pulled out a box and opening it, held up a double ended dildo.  “Though I can see what attracted her to this.” 

Bob reached down and took Donna’s elbow, “Come, my goddess.  We will have one more competition, but I think I will change the rules.”  He steadied her as she stood and then led her towards Junie’s bedroom.  Looking back over his shoulder, he called back, “Junie, don’t just stand there.  Get your ass in gear.”


Bob arranged them on the bed, Donna with her head near the headboard and Junie with her head almost hanging off over the foot.  Taking some ropes he tied their hands to the corners of the bed and then, tipping each of them slightly on their sides, brought their legs in around each other’s bodies in a scissor shape, their crotches close together.  Junie could feel the cool moist lubricant as he slipped the dildo into her and then urged her closer until she could feel the touch of Donna’s warm flesh pressing against hers.  

“So here are the new rules.  Instead of who can last the longest without coming, the winner will be who comes first.  Donna is not speaking, but has permission to vocalize her pleasure.  Winner gets to come, loser must suffer without.  Start anytime you feel like it.”

Junie felt Donna’s hips begin to surge and rock, grinding against her.  Junie found her movements stiff and jerky, her body obeying but her heart not in it.  She squeezed her eyes shut, meeting and matching Donna’s movements, deliberately pressing down on Donna’s cunt with her thigh, urging her toward her orgasm.  Soon Donna was making soft moaning sounds and Junie matched them, making soft little encouraging grunts, whispering, “Yes, that’s good.”  Donna’s sounds and movements were compelling and Junie could feel herself warming, the tension building in her own body, but she knew that she was not going to win; she had no intention of winning.  

When Donna cried out, her hips snapping and jerking with her climax, Junie felt a wave of relief.  Somehow she knew that coming very easily could have washed away the fragile wall she had built around her pain.  And, while she was not sure exactly why she was feeling this way, she did not want to reveal it to her Master.

Junie could feel her body trembling with its need for release, but she had felt worse many times before.  In many ways the soft continual ache of lust was very pleasant.  When Bob pulled the dildo from her swollen folds she pressed her legs together savoring the empty feeling in her cunt that so matched the hole in her heart.


Junie realized she had not even opened her eyes when he spoke again, “Well, the clear winner is Donna.  And, Junie, you will have to contend with your need a while longer.  I will decide how much longer at a later time, certainly not tonight.”  Forcing her face to look sad, keeping her treacherous eyes closed tight to hide her true feelings, Junie let a tiny rebellious wave of joy well up through her.  All she knew was she was glad that she had not come and for right now did not want to come ever again.

The rest of the night Junie found herself obediently, even enthusiastically assisting her Master as he made love to Donna.  She found herself lying under her Mistress as she was on her hands and knees, licking at her cunt, while her Master took her from behind.  Her tongue caressing them both at the junction of their union, her spirit rejoicing as she felt her Mistress convulsing in pleasure with each touch.  

Somehow it felt safe and easy to give pleasure, her mind happy and clear in her task, her body in control of itself.  She eagerly cleaned them both with her mouth and then bathed them with a basin of warm water and a cloth, leaving loving kisses on the freshly cleaned flesh as was always her habit, telling herself that everything was going to be okay. 

She lay in the bed still and quiet beside Bob, listening to his breathing.  Donna was sleeping at the foot of the bed on the floor.  Very quietly she would turn her head and look at the time on the clock, playing an idle game of trying to see how many minutes had passed since the last time she had looked.  She had given up trying to sleep hours ago.  Her mind was a spinning blur of confusion.  What was it she was afraid of losing?  Was it attention, safety, love?  Somehow it felt like all those things and something more.  It was the something more that had her twisting.  If she could just figure that out then maybe she could sleep.

The only way Junie knew she had slept was the fading echoes of a dream; forgotten the instant she tried to remember.  All that remained was a restless sense of dissatisfaction, like she had been trying to say something or do something and was frustrated.

What woke her was the familiar sensation of her Master’s hand idly playing with her breast, his fingers toying with her nipple.  A deep quiver of need shook through her, her body insistently reminding her it needed satisfaction.  It had been days and Junie was keenly aware that since coming to live with her Master and Mistress she had become very accustomed to a rich sexual diet.


Taking a deep breath she ignored the ache and throb that started in her cunt, but reached up through her gut and lodged in her throat, an aching lump of unshed tears.  Forcing herself to retreat into routine, she twisted in her Master’s arms and kissed him gently.  Soundlessly she mouthed the words, “Good morning,” and slipped from the bed to start her day.

The form of her Mistress sleeping on the floor at the foot of the bed, made Junie’s feet falter and pause.  Donna was curled in a tiny ball with her blindfold still firmly in place.  Still deeply asleep, her face was relaxed and Junie thought she looked peaceful and happy.  A wave of guilt for feeling so needy and resentful made Junie’s lips turn down.  Junie pushed herself toward the bathroom.

As she washed her face and combed her hair, Junie realized she was waiting.  Always before, her Master had been close on her heels, joining her in her morning routine.  But this time he did not come into the bathroom with her.

When she returned to her room he was dressed and was pulling Donna to her feet.  He looked up at Junie, “Good, go ahead and make coffee and then deal with the dogs.  Take them for their walk and then brush them.  We should be back in time for breakfast.”

Junie looked down at her nude body, “Um, Sir, you said yesterday that I should stay naked.  Is that your wish for me today as well?”  Her voice sounded stiff and formal in her ears.

Bob frowned, still staring at Donna, apparently lost in thought, “Whatever, I don’t care.”  He paused and looked up at Junie, “Just get dressed.”  Gripping Donna’s arm firmly he urged her along in front of him as he walked away.

Junie stood swaying in shock, her mouth open and gasping.  His words ‘I don’t care’ ricocheted around inside her head, each echo crushing and bruising her until she fell to her knees, her arms wrapped around her body, desperately trying to hold the pieces of her broken heart together.

Junie blindly, mechanically went through the motions of her morning, her mind and heart numb.  Even the gentle touch and warmth of the dogs could not penetrate the dull ache that seemed to fill her.  Her whole body felt heavy, her stomach was cramping, and even the flesh of her loins felt heavy and leaden.

Bob kept Donna at his side every second of the day.  It seemed like all his attention was absorbed with her.  Throughout the day Bob focused his attention on Donna, alternately punishing her and teasing her.  Over and over Junie found herself pausing, staring in envy and resentment and then averting her eyes in guilt at some vision of extreme submission.  It seemed like the images were seared into Junie’s memory.  Donna tied in a contorted knot, a vibrator making her squirm and groan.  Donna spread-eagled and screaming as Bob scourged her with a cane.  And somehow most difficult of all, Donna still and unreachable, swaying in fatigue, bound, blindfolded, her ears covered with the headphones, kneeling statue still at their Master’s feet.

Junie threw herself into her duties, filling her day with the house, the dogs and the garden.  Carefully hiding her face as much as possible, finding some urgent chore always as far away as possible, Junie worked on the walls around her pain, telling herself that she had no right to feel the way she did, that she was being childish, that she just had to suck it up. 

It was late afternoon when she discovered she had started her period.  Blinking her eyes in disbelief she looked at the bloody stain on the toilet paper.  This was the last thing she needed now.  Her menstrual cycle had become increasingly erratic and unpredictable lately.  She knew it was a natural part of getting older, but she had missed the last couple of months and, with all the excitement, she had somehow forgotten it could happen at all.

Even worse was the fact that she did not have any tampons in the house.  Knowing that she needed to tell Bob that she was leaving to run an errand into town, Junie looked all over the house and the garage.  Neither Bob nor Donna were anywhere to be found, and noticing that the dogs were nowhere to be seen, Junie realized that they had to be on a walk in the woods.

Suddenly impatient and frustrated with her inability to find them, Junie wrote a quick note, ‘I looked all over for you, but I could not find you to ask.  I need to run to town to pick up a few things.  Be home soon. Love, Junie.’  She left the note on the table and grabbing a list of a few other things they were running low on, she grabbed her keys and billfold and hurried out to her car.

Junie stopped by the local drug store and picked up a big package of her favorite tampons and some panty-liners.  There was no predicting how heavy or how long this period would last.  As she was in the drug store, she had a fleeting thought, wondering if some of her unstable feelings were from a shift in her hormones.  She never had had much trouble with PMS in the past, but with the stress of the trip to Portland and the pending trial, maybe this was all just something that would pass as her cycle wound around.  

Stopping by the co-op grocery she stocked up on a few things that they were running low on, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ginger root and high gluten flour.  On impulse she picked up a big chunk of bulk dark chocolate.  

She stopped by the department store and browsed through the DVD section, looking for some of her old favorite movies that she had been missing.  There was one children’s animated movie she had always watched when she was feeling down that could always make tears come to her eyes.  She smiled sadly at the familiar cover, thinking back to all the times she had watched this movie, singing along with the songs, speaking the dialog along with the characters on the screen.  

Junie wasn’t exactly conscious that she was drawing out this visit to town, letting the time slip away.  All she knew was that she felt a curious reluctance to return home.  As she drove past Mary’s sewing shop she could not resist stopping by to say hello, after all she had broken a sewing machine needle last week and had used her last one to replace it.  When Junie walked in Mary looked up and smiled, “Junie, how have you been?”

“Oh just fine, it’s been a busy summer with the garden and puppies.  I really have not had time for much sewing, but I did get my corset done.  I should have remembered to bring it in to show you.”

Mary laughed, “Maybe I should have you make me one.”  Then a shadow fell over her face, “There is no hurry on that though, they have extended Stan’s duty, again.”  Junie knew that Stan was Mary’s husband and he was in a National Guard unit deployed in the Middle East.

“Oh, honey, I am so sorry.  I knew how much you were looking forward to his coming home.”

Mary’s face crumpled for a second and then she forced herself to smile.  “He thinks he might be able to come home on leave around Christmas.”  Her voice bright and brittle, “It would be a nice present for Miranda to see her Daddy.  All she has is pictures.”  Again Mary’s face trembled.  

Junie could not resist gathering the young woman into her arms.  “Goodness, girl, you should have called me.  Facing this all alone, you don’t have to put on a brave face for me.”

Mary sagged in Junie’s arms and between soft little sobs, poured out her heart.  “It’s so hard.  Every day I wonder if he will come home at all.  I worry he will get killed or just forget about us.  I know it’s crazy, but I still have doubts.  He’s just so far away and it’s been so long.”

Junie held the crying girl until she had no more tears and then helped her close up the shop.  “You are just down because you expected him sooner.  He has not forgotten you.  He writes and calls.  Having a good cry, now and then, does not hurt anything.  When you get home write him a nice letter.  Have Miranda color him a picture.”

Mary smiled and wiped her eyes, “Thanks, I know you are right.  I just don’t have anyone much to talk to about these things.  I have been carrying this around inside myself for a long time.  My family pretty much refuses to talk to me about Stan.  They were all modern and,” Mary held her fingers up and made exaggerated quote marks with her fingers, “politically correct.  That is until I fell in love with and married a black man and then all of a sudden they were all… ‘Are you sure this is a good idea?   Are you sure this isn’t a mistake?  Are you sure that he is really responsible enough?”  Mary gave a bitter laugh, “I asked them if they were sure if he wasn’t white enough?  They were really offended that I would suggest such a thing, but now, when I feel down, I can’t really turn to them.  They act like Miranda does not even exist.  My Dad won’t even look at her.”


As they hugged good bye and promised to talk more often, Junie was becoming uncomfortably aware that she had spent much longer in town than she had planned.  When she reached into her purse to call she grimaced, her cell was on its charger in her sewing room.  “Damn it.”  

The sun was almost down when she pulled into the yard.  When she walked into the house with her purchases in her arms, Bob and Donna were both sitting at the table.  Donna was still nude, but the blindfold was gone and she was sitting at her place at the table.  Junie could see her cell phone sitting on the table next to the note she had left.  Bob looked up, his eyes dark and angry.  “Be home soon?  Where the hell have you been?”

Junie blanched and shrank back, “I just needed some things.  I got a little side tracked.  I stopped by Mary’s and she was feeling really down and needed a shoulder to cry on.”  She was speaking as quickly as possible and shifting nervously on her feet, clutching the bags in her hands.  “I’m sorry I didn’t realize I was going to be gone this long.”

Donna’s voice was hoarse and tired, “Both your Master and I were very disturbed at your unexpected absence.”

A flare of anger shook through Junie, “I tried to find you.  I looked all over.  You were gone god knows where.  What was I supposed to do?  You were gone!”  Suddenly aware that she was yelling, Junie gasped in horror and dropping the bags, bolted for her room.


Junie was on her knees in the corner of her room sobbing when she heard her Mistress’s voice, “That was interesting.”

Junie huddled into a smaller ball, pressing herself into the corner, and choked out, “I’m sorry.”

Bob’s voice was sharp and impatient, “You keep saying that, ‘sorry’.  I am tired of hearing that.  I asked you a question.  Where the hell were you?”

Junie’s voice was muffled and soft, “Drugstore, Co-op, department store, and Mary’s.”

Bob’s voice cracked, “God damn it!  Get the fuck out of that corner and look me in the eye!”

Junie flinched and scrambled to kneel at his feet, but could not bring herself to look up at him.  She stared miserably at his feet as he paced back and forth across her room.  His voice was tense and angry, “Your little escapade interrupted your Mistress’s time with me at a very sensitive point of her journey.  Your absence was an unnecessary distraction and may very well have stolen from her the peace and balance she was seeking.”

Again Junie was shaken by a wave of anger.  Her eyes flashed up at his face and her mouth opened and then snapped shut.  Just as quickly her eyes slipped away from his face and fell to his feet once more.

Bob’s hand in her hair jerked her head around, forcing her face up, “What the fuck was that?  I told you to look me in the eye, bitch.”  Junie found her eyes locked on his steely blue gaze.  “That’s better.  You know that look you just gave me was the first honest thing you have given me since you have gotten home from Portland.”




The End of Evil Ch. 05



If he had not had a firm grip in her hair, Junie would have twisted away.  Blinking, she tried to shake her head, denying what she knew was true, “No…”

Bob gave her an impatient shake, “The truth, Junie, you know I won’t accept anything but the truth.  What was it you were going to say?”

Junie’s mouth opened and shut, trying to form words, if there were words to describe these feelings.  “I don’t know.  I just hate this.  It feels like I am losing something… something I can’t survive without.  Every time I look at Donna it feels like someone is ripping my guts out.  I don’t even know exactly why, but I have felt abandoned and alone all day.”

Bob shook his head, puzzled and irritated, “I told you this was just for a while.  I told you that you needed to come to me for guidance.”

Junie convulsed and tried to pull away, her voice was a despairing wail, “I tried, but you were always busy.  You… you… you said you didn’t care.”

Bob let go of her hair and Junie fell to the floor sobbing.  

“I never said any such thing.”

Donna’s voice was cool and soft, “Actually, honey, you did say that.  First thing this morning, Junie asked you if she should dress and you said ‘I don’t care’.”

Bob paused and then defended himself, “I was just talking about the fucking clothes.”

Donna sighed and nodded, “Of course, you knew that… even I knew that… but our girl is going through something right now and is feeling very vulnerable.”  Donna frowned and rubbed her face, “It was selfish of me to do this now, obviously Junie is a lot more fragile from our trip to Portland than I realized.”

Junie jerked as if struck, a fresh wave of sobs shook her.  Then she stiffened as a tide of hot wetness flowed from her womb, saturating her panties.  Instinctively as she reached down to cup her hand between her legs; she could feel the dampness soaking through.  Junie lifted her hand and looked at the blood smeared there, “Fuck!”

Donna’s voice was soft and surprised, “Are you all right?”

Scrambling to her feet Junie darted into the bathroom, her voice was embarrassed, “It’s just my period.  I overflowed my tampon.”

Donna followed her into the bathroom, “I had almost forgotten about this.  Do you think this may have anything to do with your mood?”

Junie stripped off her shorts and panties and was sitting on the toilet, wiping at herself, “I don’t know, maybe.  The whole thing has been so unpredictable lately.”  Junie muttered in frustration, “Crap, I forgot my tampons are still upstairs in those bags.  I swear my head is made of Swiss cheese.  I will be right back.”  Holding the washcloth between her legs, she started to go upstairs.

Donna held up her hand, “No, just wait here.  I will get them.”

As Donna handed her the box, Junie felt something ease and loosen inside her.  She looked up in gratitude, “Thanks, Ma’am.”  Her voice trembled and broke, “I really am sorry.  You weren’t the selfish one.  It was me.  All I knew was it felt like you were going away and I could not bear it.”

Bob’s voice came from the doorway, “Okay, you two, testosterone coming in.”

Junie could not help giggling, “Yes, Sir.  Come on in, but be careful the estrogen is pretty deep in here.”

Bob looked curiously toward Junie, “So you are having your period?”

“Yes, Sir, that’s the main reason I needed to go to town.  I didn’t have any tampons.”

“Is there anything I need to know?”

“About my period?”

Bob laughed, “Well, for now… yes, about your period.”

“Um, I guess not.  I… um… guess it shouldn’t interfere too much with anything… um… that you want from me.  But it is hard to predict.  My flow is pretty heavy right now.  If you want to have sex, it would be pretty messy.”

Bob shrugged, “It’s been quite a while since either Donna or I had to deal with this.  Go ahead and finish what you need to do to clean up.  And then come on out to the basement.”  He looked at Donna, “Come with me now.  I am far from finished with you.”


When Junie came out to the basement, Bob looked up from where he was tying Donna to the St. Andrew’s cross, “Junie, go make us a tray of sandwiches and a big pitcher of your good iced tea.  Bring them down here.  Be sure and bring a straw for Donna’s glass.”

The tray was piled high with fresh tomato and savory cream cheese sandwiches and Junie made a tall pitcher of fresh raspberry iced tea.  Junie carefully negotiated the stairs and brought them down to the basement.  Bob looked up and smiled as he was putting a light flogger away, “That looks perfect, Junie.”  Donna was stretched tightly on the cross and her blindfold was back in place.  June could see that her skin was glowing pink in many places.

Bob grabbed a half of a sandwich and took a massive bite.  He saluted her, “Perfect choice as usual, Junie.”  He looked over at Donna’s form on the cross, “Before you eat, I want you to feed your Mistress.  She is not allowed to speak.  She has not had a lot to eat today and I want her to eat a whole sandwich and to drink a whole glass of iced tea.”  He grabbed a second sandwich and mumbled around a mouthful of food, “Go ahead and get started.  I will be back soon.” and headed out the back door.  

Junie basked in his praise, thrilled to feel included and valued.  “Oh yes, Sir, thank you, Sir.”  Junie carefully held a sandwich to Donna’s lips and whispered, “Bite,” and watched in tender fascination as the perfect white teeth sank into the whole wheat bread and then chewed and swallowed.  Junie stared at the subtle movements of Donna’s throat muscles as she sucked at the straw, drinking down the glass of tea.  She found she was opening her own lips when she held the sandwich to Donna’s mouth, sharing the gentle intimate moment of totally caring for her Mistress.

When the sandwich and tea were gone, Junie could not resist leaning close and softly kissing away a tiny smear of cream cheese.

Junie quickly ate her sandwich and set the tray to one side.  She did not have long to wait when Bob returned.  He was carrying a long wide piece of wood, about two feet wide and six feet long, “Help me with this, girl.  I expect you to be both assistant and victim tonight,” He arched a brow and laughed, “double duty for you tonight, girl.”  Junie giggled in delight.  

After the big board was carried in, Bob looked at Junie and winked, “You are way overdressed, girl.  Go strip and put a clean tampon thingy up your cunt.  You are going to be pretty busy for a while and I don’t want to be interrupted.”  

Junie was back in just a few short minutes, self-consciously tucking up the telltale string up out of sight.  Donna was standing in the middle of the room, untied but still blindfolded.  Bob beckoned Junie over to stand close to Donna and slipped a blindfold over her eyes as well.  

Bob pressed a bottle into Junie’s hands, “I want you two to spread this lotion onto each other.  Don’t miss a square inch of skin, which means cunts and asses as well.  Rub it in good.” 

Junie groped out and, finding Donna with her hands, she poured some of the lotion into Donna’s hand.  And then she carefully poured some into her own hand.  It was a little clumsy but very sensual, exploring her Mistress’s body with her hands, massaging in the tingling menthol and mint scented cream into her Donna’s skin.  Running her hands the length of her Mistress’s body, feeling the contrast of the coolness of the lotion and the warmth of the skin and hands touching her, soon Junie found herself pressing the length of her body against Donna, sighing and murmuring as her body reasserted its demands.  It had been so long.

Junie was so focused on the sensations of the tingling lotion, the touch of the body under her hands, and the hands touching her, the strong familiar scent of eucalyptus and mint filling her nostrils that the sound of Bob’s voice was almost alien.  “Okay, that’s good.  I want you both to take off your blindfolds and look at what we are going to be doing here.”


The light in the basement seemed blinding at first.  Junie blinked and looked around.  The board was tipped up with a low board underneath it.  Bob waved his hand at them, pointing to the board, “It seems lately Donna has been seeking balance and, Junie, you have been tugging at her, your fears repeatedly pulling her off kilter.  Now I want you to learn to work together to find balance, literally.  This is a teeter board.  We will find where to put the fulcrum to best match your different weights, but it will be up to you both to learn how to work together to find your equilibrium.  You will need to perfect this skill; you will be using it a lot in the future.” 

Bob guided Donna to stand on one end and then held Junie’s hand as she stepped onto the other side, levering Donna’s end up, lifting her Mistress up.  Bob had them step off and then tried again.  It took several tries before he was satisfied and made a mark on the board.  “Okay, hold each other’s hands and try to balance, and for now, no talking for you too, Junie.  Do this looking into each other’s eyes.  Help each other.  I expect that this will be hard at first.  But I won’t accept failure.  You will work on this until you succeed.”

Junie gripped Donna’s hands and looked deep into her eyes, smiling in eager excitement as they struggled to balance.  It was a crazy series of disasters, falling off the board over and over, it seemed like there was no way that they would ever figure this out.  At first both Junie and Donna had to contend with storms of silly giggles, but soon the giddy mood faded to frustration and then a grim refusal to be defeated.  Junie’s legs were trembling with fatigue from straining so hard to control the uncontrollable.  She was sure that if they had been allowed to speak that Donna would have been yelling at her for her horrible clumsiness.

It was only when Junie had let it defeat her, when she had given up on trying and just surrendered to failure that magically she felt herself floating in the air, weightless and airy, seeing joy and pride gleaming in her Mistress’s tired eyes.  They only held it for a few seconds, but now she knew it was possible.  The next time was longer.  Bob did not let them stop until they could hold it for five minutes straight.

It was quite late and Donna was swaying in exhaustion, her eyes heavy and dull.  Junie looked from her to Bob uncertainly, wanting to say something, worried that Donna had little left to give.  Bob looked closely at both of them, his head tipping to one side, his face thoughtful.  His voice was soft, “My goddess, you are so close.  If I push you further tonight I do not know if you will succeed or shatter into pieces.”  He looked at Junie, “Sweet girl, it has been long since you have felt your passion.  Your emotions have had you all tied in knots.”  He walked around them, his hands reaching out, touching with little caresses, measuring and assessing.  “I will not put you at risk, my goddess.  We will continue this tomorrow.  I will not accept anything less than triumph and I want you awake when you realize it.  Come to bed both of you.”


Junie came from the bathroom, running her tongue over her freshly brushed teeth, a fresh clean tampon in place.  Bob pulled her into his arms, urging her into the middle of the bed between him and Donna, his hands stroking and exploring.  “So, how are you doing, little one?  Do you still hate it?”

Junie sighed and snuggled close, “It felt really different.  Having you tell me what to do, feeling included, feeling like I had something important you needed me to do, was good.  I felt needed.  Maybe that was what I was afraid of losing.  Donna needed you and it felt like she did not need me.”

Donna lifted her head and gave Junie a reproving look and made a protesting grunt.  Junie lowered her head, “I am sorry, I am not saying it was rational.  That was part of the problem.  I would get that feeling and I would tell myself I was being ridiculous, but it just kept getting worse instead of better.  I don’t know why.  Maybe it was the trip, maybe it was hormones, all I knew was I was feeling more and more upset and I was afraid to talk to Bob about it because it all felt so stupid, selfish and crazy.  I just kept telling myself to suck it up and keep busy.”  Junie turned to Donna, “I liked being able to help tonight.  I felt like finally I could understand what you were wanting and that I could be there with you while it was happening.  I loved feeding you the sandwich.  I don’t know if I have ever felt closer to you than at that moment.”

Bob moved to spoon her from behind, “You and your Mistress have a definite spiritual connection.  I should have realized you would not let go of her so easily after being so dependent upon her during your trip.”  His lips were warm and insistent on the back of her neck.  Junie could feel his cock hot and erect, nestling in the crack of her ass, sighing she pressed back against him and provocatively squeezed her cheeks together.  She took a deep shuddering breath.  

Donna’s voice was throaty, “You have been so patient, my little one, your need is written on your face.”  She gently kissed Junie’s forehead and murmured, “Give yourself over into our hands, little one.  Turn off your busy brain and let us soothe your torment, just remember we love you.”  Her lips traced down Junie’s face and then took her mouth. 

Junie lay on her side, running her hands across Donna’s skin, kissing her endlessly.  Junie let her fingers trail down and find the soft wet heat of Donna’s cleft, teasing and stroking.  She let her eyes drift shut, turning her awareness inward, letting the growing excitement lift her up, spinning and rocking weightless and boundless.  

Bob held her close from behind, his hand reaching around cupping her breasts, pulling and twisting at one nipple and then the other.  Junie let out soft unrestrained moans of joy and ground her hips back against his cock.  When his fingers found their way to her ass, slippery with lubricant, pressing in and exploring, mindless Junie cried out softly, “Oh yes, I like that.  That’s good!”

Bob laughed and spoke against the back of your neck, “So open, so eager.  I love that about you.”  Gripping her hip he slid deep into her depths.  Junie groaned as she felt herself filled up.  It all seemed to move in slow motion, the movements and sounds soft and subtle, the excitement building in tiny increments.  Junie was very aware of how full she felt, all her tissues felt heavy and turgid, and her body slowly undulated and surged between her lovers.  Donna’s lips moved down to her nipples and soon Junie could feel her fingers dancing and teasing at her folds.  Soft eager cries seemed to pour endlessly from Junie’s lips, with each gasp of pleasure.  

Bob’s voice was tense in her ear, “Let it build, Junie, hold it all inside.  Soon you will find release, but savor this.”  It seemed that each of his words was matched by pulses of heat and light filling her.  Her hips were rotating and lunging back at him, her body craving more, demanding more.

Junie began to mutter and groan, “Yes, fuck me, fuck, fuck, fuck me.”  Her voice was hoarse and urgent. 

Donna’s body was tense, grinding and fucking itself on Junie’s fingers, her lips fervent on Junie’s breasts, soft rhythmic grunts rising from deep in her chest.  Bob began to pull out almost to the tip and lunge deep, slow irresistible plunges to her depths.  Junie was stammering and whimpering, fighting the orgasm that pushed at her, demanding her surrender.  “No, hold it… build it… wait… oh god please wait…”

When Bob’s voice rumbled in her ear, “Let it go now, Junie, give it to me.”  It was like she turned inside out.  Long waves of heat and pleasure exploded and surged within her and it seemed to go on and on.  Junie was only dimly aware of her own cries, muffled by her Mistress’s mouth pressed to hers, and then she was spiraling up and up, her spirit flying away.

Junie woke to the soothing sensation of being bathed.  Her eyelids fluttered and opened, gazing groggily at Donna’s gentle smiling face.  A wave of nervous embarrassment shook her when she felt her Mistress tugging the tampon out and began to protest, “No, don’t, I can do that.”

“Hush, little one, let me take care of you.”  Junie was too tired to resist.  Even when she became aware of her Master’s curious face watching closely, she passively let her Mistress insert a clean tampon and then rolled over and obediently went to sleep. 


You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 06



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter Six: Soul Searching 

Junie woke in the middle of the night, her knees drawing up. It took a minute for her to realize that it was not morning, her bladder felt full, and a dull ache was in her belly. She slipped silently from the bed, careful to not wake her Master. As she used the bathroom, she decided this missing your period for three months in a row did not mean you were avoiding any of the bother or discomfort. This time the mood swings and the flow were much worse than usual and now she was having cramps. She took a couple aspirin and drank a tall glass of water.

As she crept on cat's feet back to bed, she noticed that Donna was once more sleeping on the floor at the foot of the bed. Junie paused and looked down at the tiny mound under the blanket that was her Mistress and on impulse slipped under the same blanket and cuddled up close, wrapping her arm around the slender form, pressing her cheek against her warm shoulder blade. Donna sighed and mumbled something in her sleep and then was still again.

Junie woke to the touch of her Master's hand on her shoulder. She blinked and looked up at him. He held a cautionary finger to his lips, urging her to be silent and then beckoned her to follow. Once they were in the bathroom, he spoke softly, "Let's let her sleep for a while longer. I pushed her very hard yesterday and then we were awake quite late last night." He looked at her with a quizzical look on his face, "I was a little surprised to find myself all alone in bed this morning."

Junie bit her lip, "I don't know. I had to get up in the night and somehow when I saw her there all alone, I just had that same old feeling, not liking having her so far from me." 

Bob shook his head, "Little one, did it never occur to you that my having her sleep alone may have a purpose?" 

Junie's lip quivered, "No, Sir, I must confess that I probably was not thinking about that at all." She gave a little hiccup of a sob, "Master, I am trying so hard to try and stay honest, but I feel so out of control. I just have been having these feelings and they are so strong. I did not think. I saw Donna sleeping there and all I knew was I needed to be there too, not just with her, but with her there." 

Bob stroked her face, "There is no fighting this is there? I cannot separate you two. You know Donna's disquiet upon her return from Portland is in many ways very similar to what you are experiencing now. There was something she needed so badly that she could not continue without it. I see now that you must join her on her journey." He smiled and then pulled Junie up to stand. "That being said, let's you and I get started on our day. Don't worry about dressing." He paused and glanced toward the form of Donna. His expression softened, "Unless you want to curl up with you Mistress once more?"

Junie giggled softly, "No, Master, I am wide awake now and I would kill for a cup of coffee."

"Well let's get started on our day."

Junie felt ridiculously happy to be making coffee, knowing she would soon join her Master and help groom their dogs when they returned from their morning walk. She knew that routine and organization was important to her and even the one day disruption to her daily routine had only emphasized her emotional turmoil of yesterday. His words of intending to include her in Donna's journey helped to soothe the nebulous sense of dissatisfaction and resentment that had haunted her throughout the day before. 

Both Junie and Donna knelt at Bob's feet, their eyes met and both of them fought to suppress their gleeful grins looking at their plates on the floor. Bob had cut their pancakes up into bite sized pieces and Junie had sliced the fresh peaches up already. Bob had ordered them to clasp their hands behind their backs and to lean over and eat without their hands. Neither one was permitted to speak to the other so they were both speaking volumes with their expressions and their eyes. 

As Junie leaned over and began to delicately nibble at the food on her plate she was painfully aware that her hair was hanging down into the syrup on her plate. She glanced up and felt a mild pang of envy for Donna's long hair so neatly braided up and out of the way. Junie made a mental shrug, there was little to be done about it now. She would just have to trust that eventually she would have a chance to wash her hair. 

After they had finished their breakfast and dutifully licked their plates clean, Bob looked at their sticky faces and chuckled, "My, my, you two are such a mess. Go ahead and lick off each other's faces." It was hard not to giggle as they leaned close to one another and gently, lovingly cleaned off the butter, syrup and peach juice. Bob slipped a blindfold over each of their faces and then spoke again, "Okay, now I want you two to clean up this kitchen. No speaking and no peeking. I should be back before you are done."

The cleaning with the blindfold on was no challenge at all for Junie. She kept the kitchen so meticulously organized that she could put her hand on anything she wanted without looking. Without words she pressed a clean cloth into Donna's hand and pushed her to stand at the sink. It was kind of fun to help her Mistress learn the tasks without words and without vision, communicating only by touch. Junie had a fleeting memory of watching a movie about Helen Keller, and she smiled softly to herself well aware that her Master was forcing them to use different modes of thought and communication, giving them shared tasks deliberately. He was enhancing and exploiting the bond between her and Donna.

She gently picked up Donna's hand and slowly traced the letters I, L, O, V, E, Y, O, and U into her palm and then pressed it to her lips.

Junie could sense that the lack of vision and speech was weighing more heavily on Donna, but she was not surprised. Her Mistress seemed a more verbal person, less spatial, and certainly less patient. Without her eyes, Junie could hear the frequent small intakes of breath as Donna, over and over again, began to say some little thing and then caught herself with sigh of frustration. They were almost finished in the kitchen when they heard the door and their Master's steps.

"How are my blind mice doing? Are you about finished?"

Junie spoke up quickly, "Yes, Sir. Good enough for now." She could not help adding impishly, "As far as I can see." She squealed as she felt his hand smack sharply into her bottom. 

"You are having way too much fun. We will have to see what we can do about that. Blindfolds off, I have some yard work that needs doing."

Junie heard Donna's sharp gasp of protest. It was no secret that Donna hated yard work. Bob had them apply a generous coat of sunscreen and then put them to work. He had them take turns with the push mower and raking, and then moved them to weeding in the garden. It was a hot August day and both of them were sweaty, grass stained, and dirty by noon. Bob gave them frequent breaks to drink plenty of fluids and made sure that Junie had plenty of opportunities to change her tampon. He pulled her to one side and asked her very seriously, "Can you go swimming?"

Junie laughed, "Of course, I just will need to change my tampon afterwards. Sir, it's not that big of a deal."

Bob laughed, "Well like I said before, it's been a long time since I have had to deal with this. And Donna had her hysterectomy before I became her Master. She was always so secretive about the whole thing." 

Junie smiled and whispered conspiratorially, "Us women are taught to keep it all a very big secret. You know, women's magic."

Bob looked a little serious. "Women's magic is very powerful." And then he smiled, "You have us all under your spell."

Swimming in the cool lake was wonderful, rinsing the sweat and dirt from their skins. After lunch Bob sent them down to the basement to work on the teeter board. "I want you to practice your balancing some more." He set up a clock where it was easy to see. "I want you to practice until you can do it for five minutes again. When the five minutes are up, I want you to both close your eyes and see how long you can do it with your eyes closed. Once you have succeeded at five more minutes with your eyes closed you can take a break. Take the rest of the afternoon to do whatever you want. But if you don't succeed, I guess I will find you here still working at it when I come back. Remember, no talking. I am running into town for a while. Junie, I am taking your car."

Practicing on the board, holding each other's hands, looking into each other's eyes and balancing perfectly, continued to be difficult. It took a while for Junie's muscles to remember, to relax and stop trying to force it to happen, to surrender to the balance. Doing it with her eyes closed was easier than she had imagined. All the communication she needed came from Donna's hands holding hers. When they had succeeded in their task they embraced and then gave each other a high five. 

Junie took a nice shower and washed her hair and answered her emails. Donna curled up with a book on the couch but was soon asleep, the book resting on her chest. Junie had dinner all ready to put in the oven and was downstairs, a movie going on her TV, working at her sewing machine when Bob returned. 

He called them down to the basement, "I see you accomplished that pretty quickly, show me." Bob stood back and watched them as they each took each other's hands and stepped up on the two by six platform that teetered on a board which made a fulcrum in the makeshift see saw that he had fashioned for them to learn to balance on. "Do you always start like that, with Donna stepping up first and then Junie?"

Donna nodded, "Yes, Sir."

"Try it the other way. Step down, Junie, you get on first this time."

Having to balance as Donna eased her weight onto her end of the board was a new challenge, again there was a lesson to learn, but it came quickly. Junie was recognizing that the balance was becoming increasingly automatic. Once they had established equilibrium Bob told them to close their eyes. There was a sense of accomplishment when he praised them, "You are doing really well. Keep your balance, but open your eyes and then very carefully and slowly let go of each other's hands."

As soon as Donna's fingers slipped from Junie's grasp the board began to teeter wildly. Junie found her arms instinctively wind milling as she lost her balance and stepped off. Only then did Junie realize how much communication flowed through that touch. Bob nodded, "I thought that would make it harder. There will come a time when you will be able to do this without touch or vision, but for now, practice without holding hands." Bob left them to their practice.

They had made only a little progress when he returned, "That's enough for now. Junie, go make dinner; Donna, help me carry the teeter board out to the workshop. I want to make some modifications on it."

After dinner he brought them back down and showed off the changes. The fulcrum was taller, almost eight inches tall, and there were two ridges attached to the board to keep the fulcrum from slipping to one side or the other. Before, balance meant hovering just two inches off the floor. Now, failure was accompanied with a sickening sense of falling. Now, the final achievement of perfect equilibrium was more laborious and the whole process was plagued with fatigue and a dim feeling of queasiness that sapped Junie's stamina.

They had to learn their old skill all over again. Junie understood Bob's reason for his slow approach. This was hard, almost beyond her and Donna's abilities, and lately successes were few and far between. She could see from the tightening around her Mistress's eyes and grimly clenched jaw that Donna was starting to really hate the whole thing. Every time Bob said the word 'balance' they were starting to cringe, and Junie had to admit that all the fun had gone out of the whole exercise. If Donna had not been there with her, Junie was very aware that she would have rebelled, surrendering to failure rather than to her Master's will.

Even now there were times when one or the other would find themselves pleading wordlessly with their eyes with the other for the strength and support to just try one more time. There was a torture at the heart of the task, the sense of no matter how much progress they made that there was more, so much more to overcome, that this was endless and insurmountable.

Their days stretched one into another, and developed a predictability that Junie found solace in. Mornings of physical work, sessions of practice on the hated balancing board, only an hour or two of free time in the afternoons, and then more practice or play in the evening. Junie loved routine, but she could tell Donna was starting to struggle with some of the restrictions, particularly the rules against talking and the dreaded balancing. More than once Junie caught Donna muttering under her breath about 'fucking circus acts'. There was little in the way of extreme tests, Bob seemed to have opted of the slow inexorable grinding away at Donna's sharp edges, rather than a focused assault to break her down.

Of late, Bob had them digging out a foundation for an addition to the garage for Junie to park her Miata in, having them dig the trench by hand rather than have a contractor with a tractor do the work in a just a few short hours. When Bob made some positive comment about having them mix the concrete themselves, Donna made a protesting wail, "Damn it, this is fucking insane. I am too old for this kind of fucking slave labor. I can't do this anymore!" She threw down her shovel and marched into the house. 

Junie watched as her Mistress stalked away and wavered, Bob stood watching her with a satisfied look on his face, like this was something he was expecting. Junie had a very real sense that he was very pleased. He turned to Junie, "That took longer than I expected. Put away the tools and come on in to the house."

As Junie came into the house she was shocked and frightened to hear Donna in the basement raging, "Make up your fucking mind! What are we, the fucking Cirque du Soleil or a chain gang? You lecture me about intention! What is your fucking intention? What the fuck are you trying to accomplish?!"

As Junie cautiously crept into the basement she saw the odd sight of Donna verbally berating her Master yet completely physically passive in his hands as he tied her in a rigorous hog tie. He was completely ignoring her as he tightened the ropes and then looked up at Junie and shrugged, his eyes dancing.

Donna was literally screaming at him, "Go ahead, do your worst. What's next, juggling?"

Bob slipped a blindfold over Donna's eyes and then put earplugs and headphones over her ears. He looked up at Junie, "We'll let her rant for a while. I want you to sit here and keep an eye on her. Do not touch her or in any way let her know you are here. Only untie her if she says she is being injured by the ropes. Listen all you want. I actually find this very entertaining." He carefully checked the ropes and Donna's circulation and then threw a blanket over her, gave Junie a wink, "We will let her sing this song for a while. Eventually, I will expect her tune to change."

Junie marveled at how long it took Donna to quit yelling. Bob returned every little while to check the ropes and the color of Donna's feet and fingers. Each time he pulled the blanket off, and touched her, Donna would resume her rant. Daring him to beat her, telling him that nothing he could do would get her back on that 'fucking board' or to 'dig his own fucking holes', but her voice was becoming more desperate. Each time he put the blanket over her and walked away there was more uncertainty to her protests.

Bob looked at Junie, "Go take a break from this. I will sit with her for a while. Make dinner and then check in with me. She is just getting started." 

Dinner was a simple casserole of vegetables, venison, and tortellini, in delicate parmesan and garlic sauce. Junie got out a loaf of crusty French bread from the freezer to put into the oven to crisp. 

As she made her way downstairs, Donna's tones were softer, bitter, "I know what you are trying to do. It won't work. I don't care." 

Bob looked up and shook his head, "Stage two, stubborn bitch. She has completely lost touch with anything except needing to win." He looked at Junie, "So, little one, how are you doing with this? It was hard when you felt her stepping away from her strength, now she is struggling to reclaim it." He lifted her chin and looked carefully into her eyes. 

Junie blinked and frowned in thought, "When she first blew up at you, threw the shovel down and walked away, I was shocked. I think I was afraid you would be mad, but then you acted like she was almost supposed to do this. I don't know exactly what's going to happen, but I don't feel left out or unneeded. I feel like I am just sort of watching and waiting." She gave Bob a tremulous smile, "I guess I am feeling more trusting, safer. And maybe my hormones have died down some." 

Bob stroked her cheek, "This stage of Donna's journey may take a while. You will need to be very self-aware. If you find yourself questioning or fearful you must come to me immediately."

Junie nodded, voicing a concern that had been bothering her, "How long is it safe for her to be tied in that one position?" 

Bob laughed, "Good asking, I will be repositioning her soon. Don't worry I will not allow her to be injured. How long until dinner is ready?"

"About a half hour."

"We will be eating down here again. I really need to build a table down here. Go ahead and take some time for yourself. Bring our dinner down here when it is done cooking. Donna will be skipping the main course tonight, but she will be drinking lots of water." He chuckled, "Our Donna is going to learn about trust, I think."

Junie tried to focus on her email, but found herself drawn back down to the basement. Not only was she feeling curious, but she also felt a strong need to be closer to her Master right now. She eventually brought her laptop computer down to the basement and curled up at his feet. 

Bob looked over her shoulder, "Who are you writing?"

Junie spoke softly, distractedly, "I usually write something to Tammi and Monica every day. Little things, what I am making for dinner, the weather. Funny things that I have thought about..." She looked up at him. "I really don't have anyone that I can talk to about what's going on here. Donna is the only person I had to talk to about all this and right now..." She stopped and shrugged, "Anyway, I know it is just for a little while longer."

Bob stroked her hair, "Yes, little one. You are right. Go on up and finish our dinner and bring it on down. Bring a pitcher of ice water, too."

When Junie returned to the basement she was relieved to see that Bob was untying the hog tie on Donna and massaging and manipulating her arms and legs. Donna was grunting in pain as her muscles protested. Bob retied her, binding her arms to her sides and her legs together from hips to ankles, wrapping the rope around her over and over until she was encased from shoulders to ankles. Junie thought she looked almost like a mummy or perhaps a caterpillar. 




The End of Evil Ch. 06



Bob pulled Donna up into a kneeling position in the middle of the room and then, taking her braid, pulled her head back until her face was looking straight up at the ceiling and tied it to the ropes on her back. Junie winced to see that the ropes ran under Donna's knees, forcing her to put her weight on the ridges. 

Donna was strangely silent, her lips pressed together. Bob stepped back and looked at his handiwork. "She seems to have run out of words for the time being. I suspect she is resisting the impulse to plead. Our Donna has so much pride." He poured a tall glass of water and pressed it to her upturned lips. When she opened her mouth, he lifted the glass and poured the water from a height, the falling water making a gurgling sound as it filled her mouth. Donna struggled to swallow as quickly as she could, but a lot of water spilled over her lips and ran down her torso.

Bob sat down and ate with his dinner plate balanced on his knee. "Again, a meal fit for a king, my sweet Junie. Having you as part of our circle has definitely improved the food around here." He grinned and winked, "Not to discount all the other good things you bring."

After dinner Bob poured a second glass of water down Donna's throat. "Can't let this girl get dehydrated. Wait here with her, I will be right back. I am sure she is getting bored staying in the basement. Perhaps she will like a change of scenery."

Junie tipped her head in confusion as she watched him walk out of the back entrance to the basement and then looked back at Donna kneeling still encased in ropes, her head forced back by her braid. He was back soon, "Junie, the wheelbarrow is up at the top of the stairs. I want you to get a blanket and put it in the bottom, fold it a couple of times to make a pad." 

Junie was still arranging the blanket when Bob staggered up the steps with Donna over his shoulder. Junie could see that Bob had untied her braid and the head phones were gone. She was squirming and complaining, alarm growing in her voice, "Okay, what are you doing? Where are you taking me? Put me down!"

Bob warned, "Hold the wheelbarrow steady, Junie." 

"Wheelbarrow? What the fuck are you doing with the wheelbarrow?"

And as she gripped the side of the wheelbarrow, he tipped Donna into it. She landed on her ass with a grunt and for a second flopped around a little. Bob efficiently flipped her around onto her side and pushed her knees up so that she was curled in a ball in the bottom. He briskly rubbed the palms of his hands together and commented, "Thought she'd fit in there just fine." When she tried to straighten her legs, he took a short length of rope and tied her knees up short to some ropes going around her chest.

"Come along, Junie. Let's take her for a walk. I am sure some fresh air will do her wonders."

Donna struggled against the ropes, "Stop ignoring me, damn it, and answer my fucking questions! Where the fuck are you taking me?" Then her voice turned soft and plaintiff, "Junie?"

Bob shrugged his shoulders and held his finger to his lips. The sun was low in the sky, the warm afternoon air just losing the worst of the heat. Bob picked up the handles of the wheelbarrow and marched off, Junie trailing behind. Bob seemed to be rolling in strange random patterns, going straight for a while and then making a sharp u-turn and heading off in another direction, never stopping. Occasionally, he would recklessly tip the wheel barrow almost dumping Donna out onto the ground, making her shriek and gasp. "Don't get too comfortable there. Don't want you falling asleep." After a while Donna stopped reacting to the sudden tips and tilts.

After about a half hour of making crazy laps around the yard and running up and down the drive way, Bob rolled up to a patch of grass and weeds and unceremoniously dumped Donna out onto the ground. As she struck the ground Donna grunted and exclaimed, "Fucker!"

Bob walked away, pushing the wheelbarrow in front of him. Donna began to scream, "You fucker, you dropped me!" Then her voice began to take on tones of fear, "Where are you going? God damn it, don't leave me here." Again the tone turned soft and plaintive, but this time she called to her Master, "Bob, please don't do this."

When Junie's steps faltered and she paused, looking back at the bound form of Donna lying on the ground beside the driveway, Bob took her arm and pulled her to face him. He pulled her to his chest and gave her a little hug, pressing his lips to her ear he whispered, "She needs to surrender. She is trying to get our sympathy, but she is far from surrender. But it is a good sign that she is starting to plead. Now let's go back and sit with her, but be very, very quiet. I want her to not be sure if we are there or not."

Careful to walk on silent feet, Bob moved back and sat within an arm length of Donna. Junie tiptoed back and carefully sat down on the ground next to him. Donna was struggling against her ropes, stammering, "You are there. I know you are there." She lifted her head and blindly turned her ears this way and that trying to listen. "You have to be there. Oh god, please be there."

Bob silently reached and took Junie's hand and gave it a squeeze. Silently he mouthed the word, "Patience."

After a few more minutes Donna fell silent and still, her head sagging to lie down onto the ground. Bob silently picked up a fallen stalk of dried grass and very deliberately tickled a bare diamond of skin that showed between the ropes on the back of her thigh. Donna quivered and then writhed. Bob lifted the teasing tickle, but as soon as she stilled, he continued its maddening trip across her skin.

Donna whimpered, "Fuck, bugs," and began to lurch and jerk in her ropes, trying to shake off or scare the imagined insects that she was sure that were crawling across her skin, muttering curses and threats. Junie bit on her knuckle to keep from giggling. Each time Donna would stop wiggling, Bob would touch her again, sometimes on her back, the next time on her back and then on her arm. Bob seemed to take particular delight in tormenting Donna. One of his teasing tickles wandered closer and closer to the exposed moist flesh of her cunt.

It was almost dark when a tiny sob of frustration and defeat broke through Donna's lips and she went limp. She called in a loud voice, "Bob! Bob! Oh god, Bob!" Each call was louder and more panicked. "Help! Please, honey! Honey! Red!" Then she began to sob hysterically, throwing herself back and forth in a frenzy. There was the acrid smell of urine and Junie realized that Donna had lost control of her bladder.

Bob's voice was soft. "If you keep thrashing around like that you are just going to stir up more ants. You said 'red'. What do you need?"

Donna froze but continued to sob. "Ants? Oh god, get them off me. I can't stand it. They are crawling all over me. Please, honey, I am sorry."

Bob spoke again, "If I told you there were not any ants on you, would you believe me? Would you trust me?"

"But I can feel them. They are crawling all over me." Donna's voice was pleading and horrified.

"Are you sure? You seem to have lost all your trust in me, my goddess. I am telling you that there are no ants on you. And yet your skin refuses to believe, it lies to you and you trust your fears rather than rely on my love for you."

The timber of Donna's sob's changed, losing their tones of fear and anger, growing softer and filled with grief. "I can still feel them. I believe you, but my skin still feels them."

Bob gently placed a warm hand on Donna's skin, "Is it your distrust that makes you itch so? My goddess, why is it so hard? It was so easy to trick you, so easy for you to believe I would abandon you, alone out here, tied up and helpless on an ant hill." 

Donna's sobs became deeper and more desolate.

Bob continued, "My goddess, it is not that you cannot trust me. You resist it. Why do you fight it so when you want it so badly?" He gently stroked her face.

Junie pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them tightly, resisting the almost overwhelming urge to fly to Donna's rescue, silent tears dripping down her face. It seemed like the same storm of chaotic feelings were swirling through her as she watched Donna's struggle. Junie willed her strength to her Mistress, wishing she could somehow aid in the battle she sensed surging through Donna.

Donna was trying to talk through her sobs, stammering, "I want... I want..."

Bob pulled Donna to sit up and lean against him, cradling her close in his arms, rocking, murmuring, "I know... I know..."

When Donna's sobs finally wound down, she was finally able to say, "I want it so bad." Her breath coming in the soft gulping shudders.

Bob pressed her close, "I know, but it's hard to trust when you cannot trust yourself."

Donna stilled and stopped breathing for an instant, and Bob continued, "You think it is your secret don't you? You think I didn't know that you are just as impatient and critical with yourself as you are with the rest of the world. I see you think those thoughts a dozen times a day. I see the shadow fall over your face. I see you hurt yourself." He paused and pressed his lips to Donna's hair. "It breaks my heart."

Junie quivered and a tiny whimper broke from her lips. Bob's eyes met hers from over Donna's head and he gently beckoned for her to move closer and then wrapped a warm arm around her, rocking her along with her Mistress.

Donna's voice was tiny and raw, "I try to be good."

Bob's voice was soft and deep, "But it is never quite good enough, is it? It could always be better. You are never quite satisfied, are you?"

Donna strangled down a sob, "No."

"And you can't believe we are satisfied."

A soft drunken giggle erupted from Donna, "Oh no, it's worse than that. I know you are satisfied. I am so angry sometimes with your fucking satisfaction. How could you be so stupid, so blind? Sometimes I hate you so much. And then I tell myself how bad, how awful I am for thinking those thoughts, feeling those feelings and I hate myself even more."

Bob's voice was droll, "I totally hate that about you."

Donna flinched in his arms and then coughed, choked a soft hoarse chuckle, and then began to laugh, her voice deep and raw from crying. Junie's giggle chimed in, adding a silvery soprano harmony.

Bob's voice was warm and happy, "That's what I like to hear." He gave Junie a squeeze, "Girl, go get that wheelbarrow. I think it is time for a change of scenery."

Junie jumped up and came back with the wheelbarrow. Bob untied the rope holding Donna's knees to her chest and then removed her blindfold. 

As he picked her up and gently put her down on the blanket in the bottom of the wheelbarrow, Donna voice was plaintive, "Can't you just untie me?"

"Not quite yet, my goddess. We have just named your demon; we are far from defeating him." Bob took the handles of the wheelbarrow and pushed Donna straight to the edge of the lake. As he began to pull off his clothes, he spoke to Junie, "Strip off, Junie; we are going for a swim."

Donna gave a soft strangled gasp, "Swim?"

Bob picked her up and held her cradled to his chest, "Do you think I would let you drown?"

Donna shook her head violently, "No!"

"Then trust me. Relax." Bob waded out into the water until it came up to his chest and then gently released his grip on Donna, only supporting her with one hand on the back of her head. Junie waded out, her eyes concerned and curious, the cool water almost up to her neck.

Donna could not help convulsing, her bound legs fish-tailing in panic.

Again Bob spoke, "Relax, don't let your fears weigh you down. Let your trust buoy you up."

Slowly Donna let her body go limp, her feet slowly sinking, only her face above the surface of the water, her eyes locked on Bob's face.

Bob gently kissed her lips and then murmured, "Good," and then softly he asked, "Do you really want to trust me?"

Donna's voice was almost inaudible, "More than anything."

"It would mean letting go of your demons."

"Oh yes, please." Donna' voice throbbed with emotion. 

"Then take a deep breath, my goddess, and remember I love you."

A small quiver of resistance shook through Donna as she realized his plan, and then she smiled, nodded and inhaled deeply. As she pressed her lips together, she kept her eyes wide, staring up at him, terror and determination on her face. Junie watched, holding her breath too, as Bob gently lowered Donna down under the water.

Junie knew it had been only a handful of seconds, but her heart was pounding in her ears when he lifted Donna up again. As her face broke the surface of the lake, Donna gasped and then began to draw in deep frantic breaths, and then burst into sobs.

When Donna calmed, Bob asked, "Was that so difficult?"

Donna wailed, "Yes!"

"Do you think you could do it again? Would you ask it of me?"

Donna convulsed in his hands, floundering in the water, her body thrashing in the water like an underwater creature hooked and drawn to the surface. But her words belied her body's panic, "Yes, please..." and for the first time in days, "...Master."

Each time Bob lowered Donna under the water, Junie held her breath, feeling her lungs convulse against her sealed lips, feeling her heart race, and swaying with a wave of dizziness. Each time he lifted Donna up to breathe, Junie found herself gasping in the air along with her Mistress. 

Gradually Donna's body calmed, her expressions of fear and resistance transforming to vulnerable acceptance. Junie helped Bob untie the ropes encasing Donna's body, but at his whispered commands, Donna continued to float limp in the water, held up only by his hands. One more time he let her sink below the surface, her body gleaming pale in the water, her limbs soft and languid. 

When he lifted Donna from the water, Junie felt lighter, cleansed and sweetly euphoric. It was a joyous rush of feeling, a sense of celebration. Junie wondered if this was how baptism was supposed to feel, like rebirth.

Donna spoke little as they led her back to the house and lovingly bathed her and brought her to bed. Her eyes were soft and seemed to look at the world around her with a new, surprised, even shocked expression of discovery. Bob had her sleep in the middle, telling Junie, "We will need to hold her safe in our arms tonight." 

*

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 07



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter 7: Fuck No! 

In the days and weeks that followed, life went back to their normal patterns. Bob worked in his garden and workshop, Junie kept house and catered to her owners, and Donna worked on her computer and oversaw the running of things. But there was a gentler qualitative difference to how Donna moved through her days. Frequently Junie would see Donna pause, her expression introspective, and her face briefly defenseless and vulnerable. Then Donna would blink, smile, and shrug and move on. 

Once Junie asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Donna gave her a gentle swat, "Just wrestling with my demon, girl." 

Bob made them continue practicing on the teeter board, but did have a contractor come out and finish the foundation for the addition to the garage. After two weeks of daily practice, Junie was amazed to balance, blindfolded, without touching or speaking, needing only the feel of the board beneath her feet to find equilibrium with her Mistress. Bob had made them stand on the board at least a half hour every day. 

One evening he stood looking at them as they balanced and commented, "Yes, I think we are ready for a real test." He attached clamps to both Donna and Junie's nipples and tied a strong cord that threaded up through a pulley. Once Donna and Junie stepped back up onto the teeter board, he pulled the cord tight. Any variation from perfect balance had dire consequences. Then he began to flog them, walking around and around, striking one and then the other of them. Junie looked deep into her Mistress's eyes, forcing her body to focus on the sensations of balance and pain. Donna smiled in encouragement. 

When the half hour was up, both their bodies were striped with lash marks, their faces wet with tears, but their eyes were glowing with triumph and accomplishment. Bob gathered them up into his arms and congratulated them, "I am very proud of you two." He arched an eyebrow, "Do you think you could do it with those rabbit vibrators? Could you balance and come? Could you balance and come at the same time? Now that would be a trick."

Donna looked at Junie and whispered, "What do you think, sweet Junie? Would you like to try?"

Junie wrinkled her nose and smiled impishly, "As long as it isn't juggling, I am up for anything."

Donna made a horrified face, "Hush, girl, don't give him any ideas." 

Bob laughed, "What kind of attitude is that? But now, my two sweet lovers, let's retire to the bedroom. You deserve a reward for you accomplishments of today. We will try that little stunt another day." He laughed, "We don't want to use up all my good ideas in one day." And then he muttered thoughtfully. "Juggling? Hmm... juggling." And then he laughed evilly when Donna groaned.

It was almost a week later that Junie found herself with her hands bound tightly behind her, ropes tied around her hips and between her legs, holding the rabbit vibrator buried deeply in her cunt, the clitoral stimulator deep between the folds of her labia. Stepping up onto the teeter board felt awkward with the distracting movement and vibrations, but she looked into Donna's face and smiled bravely. 

Donna whispered, "Sweet Junie, we can do this. Just look into my eyes and let the feelings flow over you. We can balance in our sleep."

Junie took a deep breath and chewed on her lip, not daring to talk. Over and over she turned her mind away from the distraction of her building excitement. She watched Donna, noting the way her pupils were expanding, the flushed color of her face spreading down her neck and across her breasts. A sheen of sweat made her Mistress's golden skin gleam. 

Carefully breathing in and out slowly through her open lips, fighting the building tremors in her legs, Junie whispered, "How are you doing?"

Donna spoke through her clenched teeth, "Good, very, very good. Just say when and I will be there with you."

Junie felt a wave of gratitude, happy that her Mistress seemed to always be ahead of her, quicker to reach her passion. She nodded and swallowed, her breath coming quicker, soft, shallow gasps of passion. She could feel the muscles of her stomach and thighs trying to contract, the board tilted and wavered. Slowly she forced her body to remain still and calm, and the board slowly found its level once more. Junie's voice quivered and squeaked, "Oh god, coming. Coming now!" She was intensely aware of the ripples of pleasure flowing up from her center across her body, resounding through her. 

Donna opened her mouth and exhaled slowly, releasing her passion in a long slow sigh. The board teetered and swayed as their muscles quivered and spasmed. Junie believed that they would have been able to do it if they could have turned off the vibrators at that point, but the vibrations continued and her body betrayed her and then Junie lost her balance. As she stepped back to keep from falling, Donna's end of the board crashed down and she began to fall. Bob caught her and eased her to the floor, turning off the vibrator lashed between her legs. Donna looked up dazed and blinking, and then shrugged and grinned, her voice was foggy with spent passion, "Almost." 

Junie was still dancing and jerking at the whim of the vibrator; she staggered to her Mistress and collapsed beside her; Bob turned off Junie's vibrator. Junie whispered, "I'm sorry." Donna pressed her lips to Junie's mouth; their bodies nestled together, craving the contact in their fading bliss. 

Bob's voice was coolly analytical, "Yes, almost. You did better than I expected."

Junie sighed and then giggled, "I could have done it if that thing did not keep going and going. I couldn't keep my legs still after I came and it kept vibrating."

Bob made a thoughtful grunt. "I am sure you will have lots of opportunities to practice." 

Junie thought to herself that practicing having orgasms sounded like a challenge she was looking forward to. 

The days and weeks passed quickly. There were endless amounts of vegetables and fruits to freeze, can and dry. Junie devoted all her time and energy to preserving the bounty from the garden. The freezer and pantry was filled with jams and frozen vegetables. Junie loved to stand in the pantry and just look at the rows of gleaming jars; rich red tomato sauces, golden and green pickles, dark purples and rubies of jellies and jams. The freezer was rapidly filling with beans, greens, peas, squash and dozens of other things. Bob teased her, telling her that she could only have half the space in the freezer, "You have to leave some room for meat girl."

Junie knew she was burying herself in work to divert her mind from the building sense of anxiety she had about the rapidly approaching trial date. 

It was mid-September when Donna began to look for a place to rent closer to Portland. "I want to move down a couple of weeks before the trial. I want Junie to be settled in and comfortable." She looked thoughtful, "I also want to attend as much of the trial as possible." 

Junie looked up, a frown of worry creasing her brow and turning her lips down. Donna reached out and took her hand, "Don't worry, anytime you are at the courthouse I will be there with you. It's just that I have been talking with Leena and I am getting really curious to see exactly what his defense team is up to."

Donna continued, "Leena said that the judge pulled the whole defense team in and gave them hell about R. P. Sanders trying to approach Junie. It turns out that until you were officially listed as a witness for the prosecution, it was not illegal for them to try and interview you. So the only time that they were doing anything illegal was when Sanders tried to talk to us at the courthouse. Supposedly, Sanders was claiming she was doing 'investigation' when she was run up the tree here."

Junie's voice was small and tense, "Investigating what?" 

Donna shrugged, "Lord knows. They did not have to explain that. That is one reason why I want to see as much of the trial as possible." Then Donna looked a little embarrassed, "I have been thinking a lot about what we talked about at the courthouse, about how everyone is writing a book about this. I kind of have been thinking that it might be interesting to try. Maybe I can beat that Sanders bitch at her own game."

Bob laughed loudly and exclaimed, "Kick her ass, my goddess. Kick her ass."

Junie gasped, "Oh Ma'am, you could do it. You could tell the real truth."

Lurleena Benson recommended a property management company, and Donna found a small house in a quiet neighborhood only about a half hour drive from downtown. It had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full basement and a two-car garage. It had a tall privacy fence around the back yard because there was a swimming pool. The pool was drained and covered, but Donna still liked the idea of having a lot of privacy. The landlords agreed to rent week to week after the first month. Junie did not ask how much it was going to cost. She was just grateful that both her Master and Mistress were going to be there with her.

Conversations at the dinner table increasingly revolved around their plans for the move to Portland. Junie was given the job of keeping a yellow legal tablet of lists of things that needed to be done and things that needed to be packed. 

It seemed to Junie that Donna was really starting to look forward to the whole thing, seeing it as an adventure. Bob made arrangements for the dogs to stay with a friend that ran a breeding kennel. "That's where we left them when we traveled last year. He lets them share a big kennel at night and they can run loose during the day."

Mary agreed to keep an eye on the house, coming out and staying the night a few nights a week. 

Everyone agreed that taking both cars made the most sense. 

It was decided that they would move down the first week of October.

As the time to move down drew closer, Junie found herself growing increasingly quiet and tense. She made a conscious effort to keep close to either Donna or Bob.

Occasionally Donna would pause, pose a practice question and then reassure her, "Junie, you know all the answers. When it is time you will be ready. As best you can, remind yourself that worrying is a waste of energy. Trust yourself."

Donna wanted to leave first thing in the morning. All afternoon the day before Junie had reviewed all her lists of things that needed to be done and things that needed to be packed, obsessing that she was sure that she had forgotten something. She walked from one room to the next, her tattered yellow pad gripped in her hand. She looked over her sewing room. Everything was put away, neatly stacked in the cupboards. She had even put her precious sewing machine in its case and stored it in a cupboard, telling herself that with Mary house sitting, that she did not want to worry about Miranda's curious fingers getting into her things.

The entire dungeon had been dismantled and stored in the workshop, an innocent stack of boards and timbers. The kitchen was clean and all perishables were eaten or packed to take to the new kitchen in Portland. Junie had packed a lot of food to take with them, protesting that nothing was as good as the things they had grown themselves. Clothes were packed. Bob told her that he would be packing all the toys they might need and Junie noticed that he had a very heavy duffle bag that clanked when he moved it into the garage to load into the SUV.

Junie helped Donna pack, showing her the alterations she had made in Donna's old dated business suits to update them and make them fit better. At Junie's gentle pleading, Donna agreed to pack her mother's old jewelry box. "Please, Ma'am, if you are going to be at the courthouse a lot. You should look like someone important. You want to kick that Sanders bitch's ass? Your jewelry will say a lot about you being a kick-ass bitch." That evening Bob loaded everything up in the SUV and declared that Donna and Junie were driving the Miata down and he would follow with the larger car. 

That evening after dinner, Bob turned on the hot tub and they sat soaking. Donna spoke softly, "So, Junie, are you going to fight us about getting into the car tomorrow morning?"

A tiny shudder of nervous doubt shook through Junie, but then she took a deep breath and said, "Fuck no!" Donna's eyebrows went up, "What the hell did you say?"

Junie giggled and kicked her feet in the hot water, "I said 'Fuck no!'. No disrespect to you, Ma'am, but I am getting tired of being afraid all the fucking time. It pisses me off that Sam Card, R. P. Sanders, Greg, Sir James, all those fucking people, have managed to push me around because I was fucking afraid. I am going to do this and I am going to kick ass, too!"

Bob roared with laughter, "Fuck yes, girl, you kick ass, too."

They went for a swim in the dark, their mood infected with a sense of gentle playfulness, splashing and dunking each other, their laughter carrying out over the lake and to the trees.

Their lovemaking continued to be filled with giggles, and silly fun. Donna and Junie pretended to take Bob captive and engaged in a mock battle for the use of their prize. Bob protested he was an old man and incapable of satisfying two such insatiable Amazon princesses, fueling their fevered lust. Finally Donna tickled Junie into submission and took him for her own, mounting him from above and riding him, her moans and sighs exaggerated in triumph. Then she lay back and demanded that Junie lick every trace of his come from her cunt. Junie pretended to be defiant and reluctant as she bent her face to her Mistress's cunt, hiding her absolute delight, exulting as she brought her Mistress to a second screaming orgasm. 

Then they both attacked Junie, Bob kissing her, teasing and torturing her nipples, while Donna drove her to orgasm after orgasm, her lips and tongue relentless on her clit, her fingers deep in Junie working endlessly on the sensitive inner walls. Junie was limp and babbling in surrender when they finally relented. Bob insisted that, because he was the captive, that he be allowed to bathe them afterward, and Junie found herself in the odd position of lying back as he wiped her clean and covered her with a blanket. 

Junie was walking from one room to the next. The house seemed strangely quiet, but Junie knew something was there. There was an eerie sensation that someone or something was watching her. She was looking for something, but it was weird, the layout of the rooms was all wrong. The carpet squished under her feet and she looked down, confused. There wasn't carpet in this room. In fact there wasn't any carpet in the whole house. She wondered how this carpet got in here. When had Bob installed carpet? 

A tiny spark of rational awareness flickered in her mind; this wasn't real. She had to be dreaming.

Junie looked down at her bare feet sinking into the wet carpeting. It was deep, too deep. If felt like she was ankle deep in soggy wet grass. The moisture that welled up between her toes and around her feet was oddly warm and too her horror, red. Junie screamed as she realized she was standing in blood, "No! No!"

Junie woke to the sensation of Bob shaking her. She was sitting up, trembling and gasping. She forced her breathing to calm and then muttered, "Fuck no."

Bob's voice was soft, "Junie, wake up."

"I'm awake. I just refuse to be scared."

Donna's voice was sleepy, "Good girl."

Junie did not sleep at all the rest of the night. She lay in bed for a long time until she was sure that Bob and Donna were back asleep and then she got up and retraced the steps of her dream. She padded silently from room to room, looking at her home, touching the furniture and walls, reassuring herself that it was all real and the way she remembered. For the first time in many weeks the sky was dull and gray, a fine mist of rain obscuring the lake and the trees. Junie made a cup of coffee and sat at the table, looking out the front windows. 

When Bob came out with his cup of coffee, he touched her shoulder and asked, "You did not sleep?"

"No, not after that dream. I had too many things to think about. Before we leave, could we go for a walk? I know the dogs are gone, but I need to say good bye to the trees."

Together they walked out through the woods, holding hands, not speaking, and letting the eternal peace of the trees soak into their spirits. As they walked back Junie slipped her arm around her Master's waist, "Thank you. I needed that." She looked up at the soft gray sky, "It looks like our summer is over. It has been the best summer of my life."

Bob gave her a gentle squeeze, "For us too, Junie, for us too. I expect that this fall and winter will be just as good, perhaps better." 

Junie stood by her little yellow Miata and looked back out towards the house. She had checked everything twice and every part of her rational mind was screaming at her to just get into the car. Her stomach was churning and she could hear the first telltale buzzing in her ears. She held onto the edge of the car like it was the last anchor of sanity in a rapidly dissolving world. She gagged and choked out, "I am losing it. Tell me what to do. Fucking tell me what to do."

Bob's voice was a low growl, "Then get in the fucking car."

That was all Junie needed, her knees buckled and she slipped into the passenger seat. She leaned forward and put her head against the dash and muttered to Donna. "Drive, just drive. Get me the fuck out of here, before I try to get out of the car."

They had been on the road for almost an hour when she lifted her head up and looked sheepishly at Donna. "I really thought I could do it." 

Donna laughed and patted her knee. "Darling girl, you did do it. We did not touch you once. You got yourself clear out to the car. You asked for what you needed and you did not need much. Look, you aren't even sick to your stomach. Now fasten your seatbelt." As Junie snapped the strap around her Donna spoke up, "Okay, girl, lean your seat back as far as you can and close your eyes. I want you to lay quiet and still and try to sleep. Bob said you were up most of the night."

Junie laid back and took a deep breath. She could sense her body's fatigue, but again her mind was tense and fighting sleep. She tried for a long time and then she spoke up, her voice was soft, "Ma'am, it would help me to sleep if I could masturbate. Coming always makes me sleepy right afterwards."

Donna laughed, "Sure, sweet Junie, go ahead and do whatever you need. Why don't you continue your fantasy story for me? You had just been used most cruelly by a whole gang of ruthless, insatiable men and they had chained you to a post in the center of their camp."

Junie giggled softly as she worked her hand down inside her pants, slipping her fingers deep inside herself seeking her moisture and then drawing it up, making her folds damp and slippery. "Yes I was naked, dirty, covered in their come. I was in pain and terrified and had nothing to look forward to but more abuse." Her fingers found and slowly rubbed in a circle over her clitoris. Her voice was soft and breathy, "Yes, and as much as I hate to admit it I am incredibly turned on. I feel disgusted at my body's response. All their words were true. I really am a whore and a slut. If my hands had not been tied behind my back I would have touched myself."




The End of Evil Ch. 07



Donna chuckled softly, "Such a dirty girl."

"One of them comes to me. He has a bucket of water. I huddle in a ball by the pole I am chained to. I refuse to look at him and try to ignore how thirsty I am. He puts it down and walks away. When he is gone I crawl over and the chain is too short. I can't reach the bucket. I struggle to stretch my legs to try and get to the bucket, to try and slide it closer, and then I see him, standing watching, a cruel smile on his face. He says to me, 'Oh, now you want it?' I start to cry and I beg him for a drink please.

Junie's hand was moving more quickly, more confidently. Soft tremors shaking up from her center making her voice quiver.

"He walks over close to the bucket and pulls out his cock. He waves it at me and taunts me, 'Suck it and if you do a good job, maybe I will give you the water.' I look at the bucket and then at his penis. He is rubbing his hand up and down the length of it. It is big and red and to my disgust and utter humiliation I find my mouth watering, my cunt getting wet. I realize I find the whole situation is turning me on. I want to suck his cock."

"I nod and lean forward and take him in my mouth. He is not clean. He stinks and his cock tastes sour. He acts really coy and backs up, making me follow him on my knees. Somehow that makes me even more desperate; I am sucking and licking like a crazy person, making soft, panicked, hungry sounds. I am afraid he will be dissatisfied, angry. He could hurt me or not give me the water. I don't want to admit to myself, but I am afraid he will make me stop. I don't want to stop."

Junie stopped and swallowed, licking her lips. Her voice was tense, shaking with her pending climax. "By the time he comes in my mouth I am straining at the end of the chain, choking myself on my collar. I keep sucking on him, somehow reluctant to let go and he grabs my hair and pushes me away. He looks down at me and raises his hand like he is going to strike me and I cower. But he laughs and pushes me down onto the ground. He calls me a piss poor cock sucker and then he shoves the bucket toward me." Junie fell silent her whole body surging with her orgasm, a soft tremulous groan rising up from her. 

Donna chuckled softly, "Nice sound effects girl and the smell is to die for. Good job. I can't wait for the next chapter. Go to sleep now."

Junie opened her eyes and blinked sleepily up at her Mistress and put her moist flavorful fingers in her mouth and sucked softly on them. Her eyelids drifting shut, she murmured, "Thank you, Ma'am." She did not sleep soundly, but drifted in and out of a dreamy weightless state until her Mistress pulled over. 

*

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 08



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter 8: Such a Dirty Girl

Junie read the map and helped guide them through the quiet little suburban neighborhood. There were tall old trees and dignified older houses. The house Donna had rented was on a little cul-de-sac with only three other houses on it. Junie looked curiously at the brick house. It had a big maple tree that obscured much of the front yard and a tall wooden fence blocked the back yard. The yard was neglected, with the grass still brown from a long, dry summer and weeds growing in the flower beds. The front door opened and an older Asian woman came out, looking at her watch and then waving a greeting. 

When Donna got out she called to them, "Right on time. Come in, come in!"

While Donna sat at the dining room table and filled out a stack of forms, Junie explored the house. The kitchen was small, but had recently been remodeled. The appliances were new and Junie was relieved to see that the range had gas burners. The corner of her mouth turned down at the glaring shortage of counter space, but there was a cute breakfast nook looking out over the back yard. She wandered into the back of the house. The bedrooms seemed small compared to home, but there was a king-sized bed in the master bedroom. The second bedroom was even smaller and had two twin beds in it. Both bedrooms had televisions in them and Junie wondered what Donna's reaction to having one of those 'demon boxes' in the same room she slept in would be. There was a living room, dominated by yet a third television, and a formal dining room with rather bland, modern furniture in it. Junie peeked through the door into the empty garage and then found the stairs leading down to the basement. All the rooms in the basement were finished but completely bare. Dark paneled walls and deep beige carpet, with recessed lighting, just emphasized the emptiness. There was a utility room with a lonely washing machine and dryer divided by a utility sink and a bathroom, with fifties tile and pink porcelain fixtures. Junie thought that the bathroom was one of the few rooms in the house that seemed to have any personality or flavor at all. Everything had a thin layer of dust over them like the cleaning people had not come downstairs in a few weeks.

Donna found Junie wandering the back yard, and called her in, "Bob just pulled up. You are needed, girl. We have a ton of crap to unload and put away. I know you will need to know where everything is, so you should be the one putting it all away."

Junie hurried in to find the SUV backed into the garage, the back wide open, and Bob pulling boxes and bags out and piling them on the garage floor. He grinned broadly and held out his arms to her. "Hey there, girl, how you doing? Do you like our new house?"

Junie made a face, "It's okay, I guess. It just isn't home, and I guess I kind of don't want to like it. It feels a little empty and soulless, like no one has lived here or loved here in a long time."

Bob gave her a squeeze, "Well, let's fill this house up with love then, girl. Look at it like a rehabilitation project." He pulled back and looked her in the eye. "I know you have the heart for it, you will warm this place up."

Junie helped unload the car, and when nearly all the bags were out, she realized that the teeter board was on the floor of the car, carefully packed under all the other things. She giggled, "Oh dear, Ma'am is going to freak out." 

Bob snorted, "Yes, I am sure she was thinking she was getting away from this." 

It was late afternoon when Junie had put everything in its place. She put all her clothes in the smaller second bedroom and had all of Bob and Donna's things neatly arranged in the master bedroom. The kitchen was rearranged to her satisfaction and Donna had set up a temporary office in the dining room. Bob had carried down his big bag of toys and the teeter board to the basement.

Junie slipped a venison pot pie, with new potatoes, fresh peas, and baby carrots, into the oven along with a fresh loaf of bread and went to find her Master and tell him how long it would be until dinner would be done. Bob was in the largest basement room looking at the ceiling and door frames. He had a thoughtful look on his face. "If I put some eye bolts here, it won't be too hard to take them out and plaster over when we move out." 

Junie looked up at the ceiling and raised her hands up over her head in mock restraint. "Yes, Sir, I think that would be wonderful."

Bob laughed and gave her a sharp swat, "You are such a good girl. Come help me move one of those little mattresses out of that second bedroom down here. I want something to lay you on down here." They ended up moving a mattress down and a couple of chairs from the dining room. Bob had her help carry down the coffee table and the large ottoman from the living room. He stood back and looked over the room. "Good enough for a start. Let's go eat dinner."

After dinner Bob stood up and stretched, "I am so used to going out after dinner and taking the dogs for a walk. What do you two girls say to going out and exploring our new neighborhood? The rain seems to have stopped and I am restless."

Junie looked at the dishes and the kitchen, the compulsion to finish a task mixing with her reluctance to go anywhere new. "I... um... really need to finish cleaning up in here."

Bob looked at her, "Let me rephrase that, girl, get up and put on your shoes. We are going for a walk." Junie fought the urge to make a face and hurried to her room and pulled on her walking shoes and a sweater. 

Donna was waiting at the door, a light jacket over her shoulders. She looked at Junie's wary expression and raised an admonishing finger, "Girl, it's a good idea to learn about your neighborhood, and it won't hurt you to get some exercise. Come on; let's get this little parade on the road."

Bob set a pretty brisk pace and Junie found she had to hurry to keep up. Soon she found herself looking curiously at the landscaping and architecture of the houses they walked by. The evening was cool and the clouds hung low in the sky. There were few people out in their yards, but whenever they walked by someone, Bob always nodded and greeted them. Junie would force a shy smile and nod, her eyes never quite making contact. They walked without a break for nearly an hour and Junie was puffing and sweating when they got back to the rental house.

Bob looked at her critically, "You need to get out more, young lady. How are you feeling?"

Junie stopped and did a little inventory, "My feet hurt a little and my knees are complaining a little. I guess you are right; I am not used to walking fast like that. When we would take the dogs out we did not walk that fast or that long." Junie took off her shoes and looked at her feet, there were matching dime sized hot places on the bottom of each of her feet. She rubbed them, "No blisters, but almost." She rubbed a hand across the back of her sweaty neck. "I would like to take a quick shower, before I go finish up in the kitchen, if that would be permitted?"

Donna was already pulling off her clothes as she walked toward the bathroom, "Great minds, sweet girl, great minds." Junie giggled and followed along behind, picking up the clothing her Mistress dropped, "Allow me to assist you."

Junie was fresh and clean, walking gingerly on her sore feet as she cleaned up after dinner. The rental had been cleaned recently, but nowhere near to Junie's standards. She nodded briskly to herself, deciding that that was the first order of business in this place's rehabilitation, a really good cleaning.

Junie could hear some thumps and bangs in the basement, and she visualized Bob installing the eye bolts he was speaking of. She grinned; obviously Master was not taking his time changing things to set up a playroom. Donna came into the kitchen and gave Junie a wink, "Our Master wants to try out some stuff downstairs. He is demanding our presence."

Junie dried off her hands and hurried downstairs. Bob was attaching some ropes and pulleys to a heavy duty pair of eye rings he had put into the ceiling. He turned around and looked at Donna and Junie standing at the door watching him. "Don't you think you two are way overdressed?"

Junie felt a softening and loosening in her spirit as she slowly sensually slipped out of her clothing. She had not even realized how wound up she had been all evening. Somehow the act of shedding her clothing seemed to peel off layers of tension. She could almost feel her thinking slow down as her body warmed. Junie could feel her cunt start its soft, sweet ache that heralded the increased flow of blood. She swallowed as her mouth flooded with moisture that matched the dampness between her legs. 

A cascade of tingles spread across Junie's skin as she felt her Mistress's hand stroke the length of her back and down, caressing the generous curve of her ass. Junie turned and looked at her Mistress, her hands reaching instinctively to touch. Donna caught her hand and led her to stand close before their Master and pulled her down to kneel at his feet. Junie looked up at her Master, her eyes wide and expectant, awaiting his command.

Bob reached down and stroked her hair. "You should be proud of yourself, sweet Junie girl. I know how hard it is for you to leave home and face the unknown, but you found your strength and you have hardly hesitated. The one time when you had difficulty you asked for help. I am very pleased. I expected you to succeed, but I must admit I expected you to struggle more." He pulled Junie to her feet and cupped her chin, his thumb slowly rubbing along her lower lip. "So, my brave little girl, what reward would you ask for such a success? If you could have anything you want what would you ask?"

Junie had a little wild irrational thought that if she could have anything she wanted, she wanted to go home right now. She pushed it down and looked at her Master. "All I ask is to be able to serve you. I want you to use me for your pleasure." Junie stopped and kissed his thumb, "Use me hard."

Bob's hand slipped to the back of her neck and gripped, squeezing hard, forcing her to her knees. His voice dropped to a low angry growl, "You want to be used, slut? Used hard like a little fuck toy? You want to be reduced to a screaming piece of meat?"

Junie sagged to her knees, her voice shuddered with excitement, "Yes, yes, like that."

Donna spoke up, her voice throaty and dark, "Would you like to be able to say the words, Junie? Would you like to protest and beg for mercy, knowing that there is no rescue?"

A soft whining whimper shook Junie, "Please, oh god please, don't hurt me."

Donna gripped Junie's wrists and twisted her arms behind her, "Fucking whore, we will hurt you if we feel like it." Her voice matched Bob's ruthless tones, "Tie the bitch up before she tries to escape."

As she felt them wrapping the ropes around her arms Junie felt a thrill of terror-filled excitement. She strained against the ropes holding her hands behind her back. Her voice was a strangled scream, "Stop! Help!" 

Donna looked at Bob, "We will have to gag her before the neighbors hear." 

Junie found herself fighting as they forced the ball gag between her lips. Bob's voice in her ear was soft and sane, "Junie, if you need to stop, say your safe word, say it three times in a row. I will hear." Suddenly pausing in the game, Junie grunted and nodded. Bob's voice was soft and gentle, "You sure about this? This is what you want?" Again Junie grunted and nodded.

Suddenly his hand in her hair tightened and jerked her head up as he lifted her face to look at him. "Dirty slut, you scream, you say 'no' but really what you want is to be fucked. Whore, you know you want it."

Junie violently shook her head and tried to deny his words, the sounds just a jumbled gurgle behind the gag. She tried to crawl away from them, her knees scrabbling on the carpet. When she felt her Master's hand on her ankle, iron hard, jerking her back, she squealed a muffled scream of panicked excitement. Fighting and squirming face down on the carpet, soon she found her legs tied and spread painfully wide, the muscles stretched to their limit. 

A sharp crack and a searing flame of agony was the first warning that Donna had a cane in her hand, "Fucking whore, how dare you fight us. You should be crawling on your knees begging for us to fuck you. I will teach you what rewards resistance will reap." The cane cracked down on Junie's ass again and again. There was no gentle warm up and the blows came fast and harsh. Junie squalled in pain and terror, thrashing back and forth, babbling behind the gag.

Suddenly the blows stopped and Junie lay shuddering and sobbing. She could hear Donna whispering furiously and Bob's voice soft and firm. Again Bob's voice was soft in her ear, "Are you doing okay, Junie? Just nod if you want to continue." 

It seemed completely insane, but all Junie knew was that she could not stop it. She was very aware of a strange sense of intense, crazy need to continue. Her whole body was on fire with pain and yet, at the same time, a fevered kind of exhilaration. She could feel her cunt was hot and throbbing and she knew that, with one touch, she would be screaming with excitement. Somehow that knowledge, that this excited her this much, was the most deliciously terrifying of all. Through her sobs she nodded emphatically.

She heard Donna grunt in satisfaction. The end of the cane scraped roughly along the inside of one of her taut thighs and then poked roughly at her cunt. "Your cunt is sopping wet, you whore. Why are you fighting? You want to be raped." The cane cracked down across Junie's ass, making her convulse and scream again. "Answer me, you whore! Do you want to be raped?"

Junie sobbed and shook her head violently, yelling, "No!" through her gag.

Donna leaned down over Junie, her lips close to Junie's ear, "But you are so hot, you horny little cunt. You shake your head, you yell your protests, but your cunt betrays you." Her fingers began to stroke the aching wet flesh between Junie's legs, and then roughly, almost brutally, she shoved her fingers deep into Junie's depths. 

A deep grunting groan of defeat shook through Junie as she felt her cunt clenching around the invading fingers. She could feel she was on the brink of exploding and while a part of her was sensually writhing in delight, another part of her wanted to deny this was really happening, that this really was the truth, and that she was all the things they were saying. Just as quickly the fingers were gone, leaving Junie feeling empty, squirming in need. Again she was assailed by the duality of the experience, wanting the touch, wanting to come, and yet somehow fighting surrender at the same time. Again she shook her head violently and yelled "No!" but she did not know if it was because she wanted them to stop or not to stop.

Donna's voice was hot in her ear, "I know you, bitch. You hate it and you love it. You want to be forced because you cannot accept the truth about your dirty slutty cunt." Donna's fingers trailed lightly tantalizingly across Junie's inner thighs and the outer folds of Junie's cunt, tickling and teasing. She laughed a cruel laugh when Junie involuntarily tilted her hips, trying to coax more sensation from the touch. "See, your body tells the truth."

Junie felt them loosening the ropes that held her legs so tightly spread and she could not help but groan in relief as she flexed and moved them a little. Bob's voice was sharp and businesslike, "Get her ass up." A shudder of excitement shook though Junie at his words. She felt them lifting her and then the ottoman being placed under her belly and hips, her head dangling down on the far side. Again the ropes on her legs were tightened, spreading her open and exposed. 

Junie wiggled and fought the ropes again, yelling protests through the gag. Her eyes widened as she watched Donna putting on the largest strap on dildo. Donna saw her expression and wiggled her hips, "Yes, you little whore. You want this. I can see it in your eyes." A shudder of excitement shook through Junie so intense she thought she was coming, and yet she still shook her head.

As she felt the tip of the dildo pressing at her entrance, Junie screamed in protest, but then stopped in confusion. It did not push into her, it just nudged maddeningly at her, touching and then pulling away, over and over. Junie whimpered and clenched her eyes, her whole body quivering in anticipation. Donna's voice was deep and hoarse from excitement, "See how much you want it? Beg for it. Show me the true slut you are."

Junie felt the straps holding the ball gag in her mouth releasing and she gasped, drawing in a deep breath. Again Donna's voice was buzzing at her ear, low and insistent, "Beg for it." The tip of the dildo slid in maybe an inch and then coyly danced away, leaving her squirming and panting. 

Junie wailed and then mumbled, "Please," but her voice was low and defiant. 

"Not good enough." Again the tip slid in and hovered there, still just barely penetrating her. Donna's fingers slid around and cupped Junie's entire cunt, pressing and massaging in a slow, sensual circle.

This time Junie's voice cracked as she cried out, "Please, oh god, please!"

"Please what?"

"Fuck me. Do it. Push it in!"

Donna's voice was triumphant, "What does that make you?"

As she began to say the words, Junie felt herself explode, each utterance adding to the waves of ecstasy that surged through her. The words came out as short harsh barking grunts, "Cunt! Slut! Whore!" She let out a strangled scream as she felt Donna drive the dildo home, "Yes!"

Her Mistress grabbed Junie's bound wrists and pulled against them, grunting with effort as she mercilessly slammed into Junie over and over. Junie tried to grind back, to meet and match Donna's thrusts, somehow wanting more. She babbled and moaned, "Yes, use me, use me hard."

She felt her Master's hands on her face, guiding her to his cock and she groaned out, "Yes, make me suck it. Fuck my face. Use me." Her last words were muffled as she lunged to take him deep, craving the sensation of taking him into her throat, wanting to choke. 

Junie was only dimly aware of her Mistress's convulsive thrusts as the pressure and rhythm of the base of the dildo worked her into her own frenzy. All her attention seemed taken up with the cock that she was repeatedly forcing down her own throat, moaning in deep gurgling moans as wave after wave of pleasure shook through her. She could feel him swell in her mouth and as he began to spasm with his finish, Junie pulled away and rubbed her face across the end of her Master's pulsing cock, smearing the hot sticky seed across her lips and cheeks. 

Her voice was shaky and hoarse, "Oh man, that was crazy."

Bob's voice was gentle, "Have you had enough then, little one?"




The End of Evil Ch. 08



Junie giggled and bit her lip. She twisted her head to look up at him, "For now."

Donna gave her a light swat, "Insatiable slut." 

Junie hissed in pain. She could feel every welt and stripe from the harsh caning Donna gave her. She repeated, "Oh man."

Donna gave the dildo one final grind deep into Junie, relishing the shudder that she forced from the bound figure under her and laughed, "Your ass looks like a road map, girl." Then she slid slowly out and slipped off the strap on harness. Bob untied Junie and gently massaged her wrists and ankles. He ran his fingers over her ass and whistled, "Very pretty. You will be wearing these marks for a while, girl. Your Mistress was insistent that this was what you wanted. Are you hurt?"

Junie rolled over and hissed again as her welts came in contact with the ottoman. "Um... no... I don't think so. I was fighting the ropes pretty hard. I expect I might be stiff a little." She looked thoughtful. "But I think the walk tonight will make me about as sore." She looked up at Donna, her eyes large and serious. "You were right. It was what I wanted." She looked at her Master, "Thank you for your check-ins now and then. It kind of helped me keep perspective that this was just a fantasy. It was almost too much and your words were a good reality check for me."

Bob had her lie on her belly and gently rubbed antibiotic ointment on her welts. "I want you to put some more on in the morning. You have some welts there and I want them to heal cleanly."

It was weird how she instantly knew she was dreaming again, but she could not make herself wake up. Again she was walking from one room to the next. She knew it was their home on the lake, but again the rooms seemed distorted and endless. Again she felt the damp, soggy carpet under her bare feet, but she refused to look down knowing what she would see there. Something crunched under her foot and looking down she saw the shards of the last tea cup. It had been the sole survivor from her grandmother's collection when Sam Card had systematically destroyed everything in her apartment. Now it lay shattered on the floor. Junie heard R. P. Sanders' voice 'the one that got away' echo in her head.

Junie woke and sat up, shivering and gasping quietly, in the dark of the strange bedroom. Bob lay still and sound asleep with Donna curled in her usual ball on his far side. She forced herself to lie back down and slid closer to Bob's reassuring warmth. She told herself that is was just a dream. It seemed like it took a long time to go to sleep. 

When she woke she did not feel rested, her head felt heavy and congested, her body was stiff and complained as she levered herself out of the bed. 

After her shower Junie looked over her body carefully in the full length mirror. Her ass and upper thighs had multiple bruises and welts and they were very sore to the touch as she rubbed another layer of ointment over them. She frowned and shook her head at the multiple mild scrapes on her knees, the tops of her toes, and a small one on the bridge of her nose. She did not remember that she had struggled so hard when she was still down on the carpet. She shrugged, thinking it was odd that she very much liked the intentional marks left by the caning, but was irritated at the much smaller less noticeable scrapes that had been accidental and, for the most part, self-inflicted. Carefully she dabbed a little ointment on her scrapes, too.

She sniffed and coughed and wondered if she was coming down with something or if there was something in this new house that was making her have an allergic reaction. It certainly was dusty and, when she went outside, she could smell the pervasive smell of the city, car exhaust mostly but on some level Junie was sure she could smell all the people, like all the air had been breathed once already.

At breakfast Bob spoke carefully with Junie, checking again that she was okay, and that the games of the night before had not pushed too hard, "Sweet Junie, it is important to be very careful playing games like that. I don't want you hurt, either physically or emotionally."

Junie knelt and laid her head against his thigh. "Master, the only way I could do something that extreme is because I knew you were there to keep me safe. But it did meet a need inside me. A part of me really needs that kind of force. I crave to be pushed like that, pushed to admit and accept that there is a slut inside me that begs to be freed."

Donna spoke from across the table, "Such a dirty girl." Her warm loving tone was at odds with the words.

Junie shuddered as wave of heat rushed over her, "Yes, Ma'am, dirty for you."

During the following days Junie threw herself into the task of rehabilitating the rental house. Not once did she ever let herself use the word home to describe the little brick cottage. First on the order of business was a thorough top to bottom cleaning. Junie was determined that if it was the dust making her head so stuffy, there was not going to be a speck left in the entire house.

It was difficult to focus on one task for very long because, every time she would look up, it seemed Bob was there watching her. He seemed to be very much at loose ends and drifted through the house. At home he was always busy with the dogs, his garden, or working in his workshop. 

Junie remembered something Donna had said on one of the first spring days when she had come to live with them. She had said something about Bob being creative and hyper and that he needed to be kept busy. The weather continued gray and rainy, keeping them trapped indoors. Donna was content to work the days away on her computer, writing, reading and doing research. It was not too many days before Junie began to feel like they had all been cooped up in the small house for weeks instead of days.

Junie dreamed the same dream almost every night, wandering the house, looking for something. Sometimes there was blood on the floor, sometimes not. Sometimes the rooms were trashed and things were broken like they had been at her apartment. Every morning when she woke, she felt tired and heavy. She started taking naps in the afternoon.

Over dinner Junie broached the subject of maybe spending the day at the coast, "I know it's been rainy, but I just don't care. I would love to get out of here for a day. I haven't really been to the beach in a couple of years." She shook her head, "It's funny, when I lived in Seattle the ocean was so close that it was something that I could do any time and then I ended up never having the time or the inclination." 

Bob smiled and Junie could tell he was relieved to have something to do, "Yes, let's do that." 

Donna shrugged, "I don't have anything planned and Junie does not have any appointments with the court people until day after tomorrow. Going to the beach will be a distraction from the waiting."

The morning dawned just as overcast and wet as it had been all week and Junie packed lots of extra sweaters and dry socks along with a big cooler full of snacks. She could not begin to describe the feeling of relief as the SUV left the city behind. She rolled down her window and took a deep breath, but still all she could smell was the car exhaust on the busy road leading to the coast. 

Donna looked back from the front passenger seat, "Junie, what are you doing hanging your head out the window?"

Junie giggled, "I don't know. I guess I just want some fresh air. The air in the city smells so used and dirty."

Bob laughed, "Just don't start barking at the passing cars." Junie squealed in laughter and then let out a couple of pretty convincing yaps.

It was another hour before Junie really felt like the air coming in her open window smelled truly clean, the SUV winding through the coastal mountains, between tall stands of firs and cedars. Sometimes the road would curve around and Junie could see out across the distance that the tall trees along the road were just a narrow band along the highway, with ugly clear cuts scarring the land on either side, softened and partially hidden by the misty rain. 

When the road began to descend out of the mountains, Junie caught her first whiff of salt air and she peered ahead and saw that the clouds seemed higher and there were a few patches of blue sky showing through. By the time they parked their car in the park there was more blue sky than clouds and Donna smiled up at the sky, a brisk wind was blowing the few tattered clouds away, "Such a talented girl, how did you know that the sun was shining on the beach?"

"I have special powers, Ma'am."

Bob chuckled, "I have to agree you are our special girl."

They spent most of the day walking or sitting on the big logs along the beach watching tall waves crash against the shore. It seemed like the crash and hiss of the surging ocean had a primal rhythm that slowed Junie's breathing and calmed her thoughts. None of them felt the need to speak much, each of them slipping deep into their own thoughts. They ate at a small seafood restaurant and lingered to watch the sun sink below the waves, sitting huddled together for warmth. 

Junie slept on the way home, blissfully without dreams. 

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 09



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 



Chapter 9: First trip to the Courthouse  

Junie woke early, and lay awake in the dark bedroom, listening to her Master and Mistress breathing in the quiet room. She could hear the hum of distant traffic and a far away a siren. 

Today was the first day she was to go to the courthouse. Donna had told her that she was going to meet with Judge Waldenback. Junie felt like she was standing at the top of a slippery slope and that with this one step she would slowly, inexorably start sliding and she had no idea how far she would go or how fast she would be going. And she had no idea where this ride would take her. 

Junie dressed carefully in a conservative black skirt and light blue blouse with a soft blazer. Her hand shook as she carefully applied her make-up. As she came out of the bathroom, Donna looked her over and nodded, "You look fine, Junie. Come here, I know exactly what that outfit needs." She held up the string of pearls that had been her mother's. "These always look so good on you, pretty girl."

Donna was dressed in one of her lawyer suits that Junie had altered. The pearl gray gabardine fit her form and showed off her long slender legs through a slit up the side of the skirt. Her hair was braided in an intricate knot on the top of her head and she wore the now perfectly fitting emerald silk blouse, the emerald necklace and earrings. She had let Junie apply subtle shading on her eyebrows and around her eyes. Junie thought the only thing that Donna was missing was a really expensive pair of shoes. She made a secret resolution that, as soon as she could work it out with Bob, that would be remedied. Junie nodded, "Ma'am, you are so going to kick ass."

Bob looked them over when they came out, and nodded in approval, "Kick ass, that's an order."

Donna nodded, "Planning on it."



One of the judge's clerks showed them into a small conference room and told them the judge would be in to speak with them in just a few minutes. Donna gave Junie a wry look, "It's like this a lot. You will be waiting around a lot." After about a half hour, the door opened and a small, rotund, grandmotherly-looking woman with glasses hanging around her neck on a long sparkling chain stood in the door. 

At first glance Junie thought she looked soft and friendly, but then she caught the hard, no-nonsense glint in her narrow, pale blue eyes.

Pausing in the doorway the judge looked over the room, her eyes sharp and assessing. Junie was torn between the impulse to stand and the instinctive urge to shrink up into herself in a futile attempt to disappear.



When Donna stood, Junie jumped to her feet, nervously looking around the room. Judge Waldenback looked at them both. "Which one of you is June Thomas?" Her voice was crisp and sharp.

Junie hesitantly raised her hand. She stammered nervously, "Um... I... I... am."

Donna stepped around the table and held out her hand, "Hello, I am Donna Campbell. I am Ms. Thomas's lawyer."

The judge looked hard at Junie and then took Donna's hand and shook it in a short vigorous jerk and dropped it just as quickly, "Yes, the District Attorney's office told me you were going to be accompanying Ms. Thomas. They said that you were acting as a support person, something about Ms. Thomas having some issues with public places?" Again the judge looked curiously at Junie. "There is no reason for a witness to need any legal representation."

Donna smiled, "Yes, I understand that. Coming down last month and touring the courthouse helped Ms. Thomas a great deal. I am sure it is just a matter of her becoming more familiar with the surroundings and the people she will be meeting."

Judge Waldenback looked sharply at Junie, "Is that true? Are you ready? I must warn you I am not tolerant with interruptions or disturbances in my courtroom."

Junie blanched, "I'm... I'm sorry. I... um... mean, I will try." Junie saw that both Donna and the judge were both frowning at her. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, forcing her voice to a more confident tone, "I really am ready." 

Donna's frown changed to an amused expression of approval. She gave Junie a quick wink.

The judged waved impatiently, "Sit, sit." She moved heavily to the table leaning on a cane. Junie could see that she walked like her knees hurt. The judge sighed as her weight settled into a chair. "So, Ms. Thomas, Assistant District Attorney Lurleena Benson has informed me that you have developed a friendship with Monica Bond."

Junie sat and nodded vigorously, "Yes, Ma'am, when FBI Agent Durant told me that the defendant had hurt another person, another woman, I asked him to tell her I was sorry. I asked him to tell her thank you for being brave." Junie made a wry face, "That was before I found out I had to testify. Now I have to be brave too. We have been writing and emailing each other since then. I did give her a present. I gave her a puppy."

Judge Waldenback nodded, "How much have you talked to Monica about the defendant, Sam Card, and the crimes he is accused of with each other?"

Junie paused, thinking hard, "Ma'am, we have not really talked very much about them at all. I did write that he came to my apartment and destroyed all my belongings inside. I know now that it is more correct to say that the things in my apartment were destroyed and that a police man told me it was Sam Card that had done it."

The judge nodded, "That's correct. You can only testify to what you know, not what other people have told you."

"Yes, Ma'am, that's what Ms. Benson, Leena, said and Donna too. Monica has not talked to me about much that happened to her. She wrote mostly about being in pain, her surgeries, and some of her fears, like she is afraid of the sight of blood now." Junie looked seriously at the judge, "I do know a little about the kind of things he must have done from things she said and what the FBI agents said about..." Junie paused and swallowed, "...genital mutilation. But she did not say much and I think I was afraid to ask. I do know she met him because of her boyfriend on the internet like me and my internet... um... friend."

The judge took a deep breath and blinked, "There are a lot of very tricky prejudicial facts involved in this case. I really cannot comment on any of them. I want you tell the truth and do your best to control your nervous condition. Do you have a psychiatric diagnosis or take any medications?"

Junie swallowed and looked nervously at Donna, "Um, no. About five years ago I did talk to my family doctor about my panic attacks and he did prescribe some kind of tranquilizer pills. I don't remember the name of it. They made me feel weird and I stopped taking them after only a couple of days. He did not talk about a diagnosis."

"Good, Leena said she was confident that you were competent."

Junie nervously gripped the sides of her chair, "Ma'am, will it be okay if Monica and I keep being friends during the trial? I promise to not talk with her about anything you say not to talk about."

The judge pursed her lips, frowning thoughtfully. "Leena warned me that you had asked about this. It is one of the reasons I asked you to meet with me this morning." She reached into a deep pocket on the side of her sweater and pulled out a tiny cell phone. Junie's heart jumped when she heard the judge mention Monica's name. "Could you please escort Ms. Bond into conference room B? Thank you."

Junie was hardly able to sit still; her eyes were glued on the door. When she came through the door Monica's eyes widened in shock and then she squealed, "Junie!" Junie smiled broadly and waved a hand at the empty chair next to her. Monica scurried around the table and plopped down next to Junie and whispered, "I didn't know you were going to be here." Her tiny hand slipped into Junie's under the table. Junie thought it seemed oddly cold and fragile in her hand.

Judge Waldenback looked at the two of them, shaking her head with an amused tolerant look on her face. "This is not as uncommon as you would think. A lot of the time two witnesses to a crime will know each other, even be friends. The fact that the two of you have become friends after the fact is less common, but considering the nature of the crimes on trial here, perhaps it is a good thing you two are supporting each other."

"Now I am going to instruct you two not to talk to each other about the trial with anyone other than the District Attorney Freeden and his assistants. Do not talk with each other, family," the judge looked pointedly at Junie, "your lawyer, or anyone else. Also I am instructing you to not watch television or any other kind of news media coverage about this trial until it is over. You will both have to sign affidavits swearing that you will obey these instructions. Do you both understand?"

Junie and Monica both chimed simultaneously, "Yes, Ma'am."

"In addition I am going to permit the defense to question you regarding any private statements you have made to each other."

Junie slowly raised her hand, "Um... Ma'am, my um... Mist... um... lawyer, Donna, has copies of all my communications and she was there when I took the puppy to give to Monica. We really haven't had any private statements. Doesn't that prove what we haven't talked about it?"

The judge frowned, "Yes, Leena has told me that. She has copies of all those communications. I want to keep them out of evidence if at all possible. It will slow down the trial and bring things not currently in evidence into the trial that would just complicate things." The judges frown turned grim, "This is going to be a big enough circus as it is."

Junie started to raise her hand again, and the judge looked at her, and laughed, "Ms. Thomas, you do not need to raise your hand to ask me a question."

Junie jerked down her hand and giggled for the first time that morning, "I am sorry, Ma'am. I guess I feel like I am back in school a little. I was going to ask if there really was going to be television cameras in the courtroom."

The judge seemed to swell up; her face turned a dark shade of red, "No! I refuse to let this trial turn into a media event." She looked at Junie, "The defense team is trying to appeal that ruling, but I don't expect it to go anywhere." She looked at her watch and stood painfully, "Now, I have a big room full of potential jury members with all the best of excuses as to why they should be the ones that should be allowed to shirk their civic duties. It will be my thankless job to disappoint most of them. My clerk will bring in some papers for you to sign and the District Attorney's office will be contacting you to tell you when you will need to be here to testify." She paused and looked at the two women sitting side by side. "I will do my best to make sure you two are treated fairly. I want you both to tell the truth and follow all my instructions." She turned and limped painfully out of the door.



Once the door closed, Junie turned to Monica and whispered, "She reminds me so much of my third grade teacher that I swear she must be a clone." 

Monica choked down a squawk of laughter, "Maybe that is why you were raising your hand."

After they were done signing a stack of papers and having the legal consequences for perjury carefully explained to them, Junie and Monica walked out of the conference room and stood uncertainly in the hall. Junie asked Monica, "Did you drive here?"

Monica shook her head, "No, I don't have a car and my mom needed hers to go to work. Mom dropped me off this morning and Leena said she would have a taxi take me back home." She shrugged, "Mom used a lot of her vacation leave when I was in the hospital. She can't take much time off now and wants to save it for when I am actually testifying." Monica then blushed and looked around, "David said he had some business here at the courthouse. I had kind of hoped maybe I could get him to give me a ride home." 

Junie looked at Donna and gave her an impish grin, "I am starved. I could hardly eat a bite of breakfast this morning. I am so in the mood for a good hamburger." Junie reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone and dialed Agent Durant's number. Monica was looking at her a little curiously and then looked nervous and alarmed when Junie began to talk. "Hello. Yes, this is Junie. Monica and I are up here at the courthouse for an appointment with the judge lady and we are thinking about having lunch. Monica mentioned that she knew you were here and I was wondering if you would like to act as our escort. I have been craving one of those amazing hamburgers." Junie stifled a giggle as Monica gasped in alarm and shook her head violently and began to turn bright red. "Oh really? Go ahead and order for us too. My Mistress is with us too, so order for her. Yes that's right, three. We will be there in just a couple of minutes. Oh, and I insist on this one being my treat." Junie hung up before he could argue about who was buying.

Monica was whispering furiously, "Junie, what are you doing? I don't have any money for lunch. You shouldn't bother David. He is really busy!"

Junie laughed and shook her head, "He is not so busy. He is there already and was just about to order. Now we have to go or he will look really silly with all that food. And I know you were listening. This one is my treat." She took a hold of Monica's arm and ignoring her protests started to walk out of the building. Donna gave Junie a surprised look and trailed along behind them. 



As they were walking out the front doors, Junie saw R. P. Sanders standing on the steps talking to a tall handsome man in a very expensive looking, tailored, black suit. She could tell that the author had seen her at the same instant, her eyes widening and grabbing the man's arm she pointed at Junie and began to speak rapidly. Junie felt Donna's hand on her arm. "Just keep walking, Junie. The judge has told her to stay away from both Monica and you."

Monica looked at Donna in confusion, "Stay away?"

As they turned and walked away from R. P. Sanders, Donna spoke, "She is paying for Sam Card's defense. She is working as a consultant and an investigator for them. It's illegal for her to communicate with any of the witnesses for the prosecution."

Monica staggered and stopped walking. "What?" She turned around and looked back toward the author, horror and disbelief on her face. "How... Why..." Her voice quavered and cracked. 

Junie slipped her arm around Monica and urged her to turn back around and keep walking. She softly crooned, "Come on, Monica. Don't look at her. Think about David. He is waiting for us. We are going to go eat lunch." Junie kept talking, "Tell me about Happy. How is she doing? Do you have any pictures of her?"



Donna walked beside them, a rueful look on her face. She gave Junie an apologetic glance, and mouthed silently, "Crap."

Monica stumbled along, her face a mask of confusion, her large blue eyes swimming in unshed tears. She made no effort to respond to Junie's questions.



When the trio walked into the small restaurant, Agent Durant stood up and waved for them to come join him. Monica made a soft little cry and darted across the busy restaurant and threw herself into his arms, and burst into sobs. Instinctively his arms came around her and he looked up at Junie and Donna his eyes accusing. "What the hell?"

Donna winced, "I said something that upset Monica. I commented that Sanders was paying for Card's defense. I didn't know that Monica wasn't aware of that."

Monica pulled away from Durant and looked up at his face; her voice was a soft wail, "How could she? She said she was my friend. She talks to my mom all the time. How could she help him? Why is she trying to help him get free? Doesn't she believe he did it?" Her voice was getting louder and more hysterical with each question. 

Gently Agent Durant put his fingers on Monica's lips and hushed her gently. His voice was a deep, soft singsong, "It's okay, pretty girl. We will fix this. Just calm down and remember you are safe. I am here." His voice quivered with pent up rage, "A lot of people did not know she was a member of the defense team, me included." Silent now, Monica leaned against Agent Durant's chest, her tiny arms locked around him.



Donna looked around the small restaurant and smiled inwardly as the staring patrons suddenly looked away. She spoke firmly, "Let's sit down."

Junie quickly sat and watched as Agent Durant untangled himself from Monica's clinging arms and pushed her down to sit, continuing to murmur soft, reassuring words. Junie did not miss the fact that he pulled his chair close to hers.

Monica sniffed and took a deep shaky breath. Her voice quivered, "I just feel so stupid. I thought she was our friend. My mother is going to shit." Her voice dropped an octave and turned to a tiny growl, "That devious, manipulative, fucking bitch." Her arm insinuated itself once more around Agent Durant's waist and while he looked uncomfortable, Junie noticed he did nothing to stop her.

Donna's voice was soft, "Honey, I am so sorry. I spoke without thinking. Somehow, I thought everyone knew. I did not mean to upset you."

Monica rubbed at her eyes with her free hand, "No, I'm glad you told me. I needed to know." 



After the waitress brought their food, Junie wanted to change the subject. She told Agent Durant about their meeting with Judge Waldenback, "The judge says Monica and I can still socialize as long as we are careful not to talk about the trial." Then without thinking, she impulsively added, "You should bring Monica over to visit us at our rental house. You could have dinner." Suddenly remembering, she looked at Donna, "If that is okay with you."

Donna gave her an amused look, "I think that would be fine. I am sure Bob would love to have some company."

Agent Durant looked trapped and seemed to be looking for some excuse, but Monica, who was wiggling excitedly in her chair, gazed up at him, blinking her big blue eyes and wheedled, "Please..."

Junie could see his defenses crumbling and she pushed on before he could protest, "Good, come over tomorrow. Let's plan on around 7:00."

Donna laughed at Agent Durant's expression, "Once our Junie get's an idea in her head, there is just no stopping her. You may as well just surrender."

Agent Durant shook his head in wonder, "Whatever happened to that timid little lady I first met, the one that wouldn't come out from behind the counter?"

Junie giggled and sat up tall, "I am getting braver every day."

It was easy to get Agent Durant to give Monica a ride home after Junie pointed out that she would most likely need his support when she told her mother about R. P. Sanders' apparent defection to Sam Card's side of the courtroom.



As soon as she got home, Junie wrote Monica a quick email.

Pretty girl,

I hope you are not feeling too upset about that Sanders bitch. It did not even occur to me or my Mistress that she had tried to be your friend, or that you would feel so betrayed. I had wanted lunch to be fun and it turned out all sad and angry.




The End of Evil Ch. 09



Speaking of fun, dress up a little for dinner, nothing formal. Just put on something pretty.

Come hungry. I will make something special. 

Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Give that puppy a hug for me.

Love,

Junie

Bob looked happy to hear that they were going to have company. When Junie told him about seeing R. P. Sanders outside the courthouse and Monica's reaction to learning about the author's involvement in Sam Card's defense, his expression was much the same as Agent Durant's glower. "Monica has every right to feel betrayed. That was despicable. I wonder how that woman sleeps at night."





You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu 



The End of Evil Ch. 10



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

*

Junie was completely absorbed in planning the meal for the next day. She had written down a list of things she wanted to pick up at the health food store that Donna had found to shop at. 

Over dinner Donna mentioned that she had called Leena and that they expected that the jury selection was going to be done by the end of tomorrow and that opening statements would start the following day.

Junie looked up from her musings about company tomorrow and asked distractedly, "Are you going to go to watch the jury selection?"

Donna looked thoughtful, "I was thinking about it. I am curious to get a look at the defense attorney and see how he handles himself. I am also wondering what kinds of things they are going to try for."

Junie looked up from the list beside her plate, "I was going to do some shopping tomorrow. Could I use the SUV? It's got more room inside than the Miata." 

Bob nodded, "Sure, Junie, let's have Donna take your car and you and I can drive the SUV." 

Junie smiled at her Master, "I would like that."

Bob looked at Junie's list, "What are you thinking about making?"

Junie looked at the list, "I was planning on some creative gourmet multi-course thing but, after thinking about it, I decided on fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. I was going to wait to decide on vegetables after I see what they have that looks good at the store, but nothing too exotic."

Bob nodded in approval, "Comfort food, that sounds delicious, will there be biscuits?" 

Junie's eyes lit up, "Oh perfect. I was going to bake bread, but biscuits are so much better." Quickly writing on her list, she winked at him, "Now I have to remember to get honey. You can't have biscuits without honey."

In the morning Junie carefully dressed her Mistress; intricately French braided her hair, and added subdued shading to her eyes and cheek bones. As she stepped back and inspected her work Junie smiled softly, "I like doing this. Helping you dress up in your kick-ass lawyer clothes and sending you off to do battle. It is especially sweet when I get to stay home."

Donna gave her a sharp look and raised an eyebrow, "You certainly have been getting brave and more than just a little impudent, girl. She held out her arms, "Come give me hug and kiss for luck." As Junie melted into her arms, Donna gave her a soft kiss on the lips, and then whispered into her ear, "Be careful, little girl. I know it is important for you to be brave, but remember your place in our circle. I am not the only one that must remember balance."

Junie pulled back and looked seriously at her Mistress, "Yes, Ma'am, I know I have been kind of impulsive and more than a little silly. I think it is from being scared and then being able to do the things I did not think I could do. I feel somehow a little drunk with power, or maybe success. I don't know. But I will do my best to remember my duties." She kissed Donna back, "Thank you. I love you."

As Junie watched Donna back out of the garage, she slipped her arm around her Master's waist. "It looks like it is going to be just you and me a lot of the time. I am really glad you are going to be here with me." She leaned her head against his chest, "I know there is nothing here for you to do. If there is ever anything that I can do to help pass the time..." Her voice purred seductively. 

Bob chuckled and wrapped his arm around her, and leaned down and whispered conspiratorially, "Don't tell your Mistress, but I have started watching television when you guys aren't home. There are some very interesting things on the science channel."

Well aware of her Masters' attitude regarding television, Junie turned to him with shocked eyes and a deliberately wide open mouth. "Demons? You are consorting with demons?" Then she giggled. "Do you think you could tear yourself away from that infernal machine so we could go shopping? I want to pick up some new shoes for my Mistress. It is the only thing her 'kick-ass' outfits need. Nothing says 'bring it on, bitch!' than some really classy shoes." 

Bob shrugged, "I will bow to your expertise in this matter. I do know that your Mistress has been looking very stylish and seems to be enjoying dressing up in a way she never has before."

Junie basked in his praise and then arched her eyebrows, "We may need to be a little sneaky about this. Classy is expensive. I can afford it, but I suspect our Donna would protest at the idea of spending money just for name brand. Luckily she has no idea how much designer shoes actually cost, so we can probably avoid that discussion altogether. But I would like to have your permission to do this."

Bob tipped his head to one side. "Junie, we will go buy the shoes. You will give the shoes to your Mistress and you will tell her the truth if she asks. You must, and I repeat 'must' always, tell your Mistress the truth. Do you understand?"

Junie nodded reluctantly. "Yes, Sir."

"Little one, there are more important things than what your Mistress's feet look like. Do not use silly excuses to sidestep your responsibilities. You must be completely transparent to us. Your honesty should be automatic and instant. Never let yourself fall into the trap of justifying your actions to yourself. If you have to do that, you know you are going to end up having to do it to us. And I warn you that neither your Mistress nor I will weigh anything more heavily than your commitment to be truthful to us in all things." Bob gave her a gentle smile, "Little girl, your honest spirit is one of the things I love most about you."

Junie nodded and then gave him an impish look, "Would it be dishonest to keep your secret about the television?"

Bob laughed, "Oh you are in such trouble now!" He grabbed Junie and pushed her down to lean against the hood of the SUV and began to spank her playfully, the smacks echoing in the empty garage. "You know perfectly well that that is my secret. I was talking about your honesty not mine!"

Junie was yelping and giggling, "Yes, Master. Thank you, Master."

"Good, now let's go do that shopping."

Junie was busy in the kitchen finishing up the preparations for making dinner.

Three pairs of handmade Italian shoes, still in their boxes, sat in a neat row in the bottom of Donna's closet. Junie was very pleased with her purchases, classic lines, very good materials and workmanship and yet with the details that screamed money and European designer houses. They had low heels, but Junie knew they would give that nice sharp click in the hallways of the courthouse that would draw eyes to her Mistress.

They had been discounted, but still cost more than Junie had ever spent on shoes before. She would have only bought two pairs, but Bob had paid for the third pair she had been gushing over, winking at her, "I have a little extra money in an account all my own."

Junie had asked him, "Is this another one of my Master's secrets?" She gasped and blushed in furious embarrassment when he gave her another swat right in front of the cash register of the upscale department store. 

Junie paused in the kitchen as she realized she had not even once stopped to worry about being afraid during their whole shopping trip. Shaking her head in amazement, she slipped the fresh peach pie into the oven, and began to peel the potatoes. She had decided on a big plate of sliced fresh tomatoes and cucumbers that they had brought from their own garden at home when nothing at the grocery store had caught her eye. 

She grinned conspiratorially when she heard the television come on in the front room. It was droning in a monotone and Junie peeked out to see that Bob was watching a business channel that was talking about stock market trends. Junie blinked; she looked at her Master and was surprised to see him staring at the television apparently totally absorbed. 

Shaking her head, she thought to herself that her Master would be just as mystified by her interest in sewing shows, but that they would both enjoy cooking programs. She went to her room and laid out her favorite steel gray slacks and a new rich blue blouse she had just finished before they moved down to Portland and then took a leisurely shower. 

When she stepped out of the shower into the bathroom, she jumped to see her Master standing in the doorway looking at her, an interested, approving look on his face. Junie paused and met his eye, unconsciously standing straighter, pulling her shoulders back, arching her back and thrusting her breasts up and out. Her feet spread apart. She could almost feel his eyes touching her. A small shiver shook through her as the water trickling down her body sent tingles through her.

Slowly Bob grinned, his eyes warm, "You look good, Junie. Have you been keeping up with putting your rubber bands on?" 

Junie nodded, "Yes, Sir. There was one day in Portland with my Mistress when I did not, but other than then, I have been able to put them on three times a day like you have directed me to."

Stepping closer he took her large breasts in his hands, cupping and squeezing them, his fingers sinking into the soft generous flesh. "I can tell. Your nipples are so big and delectable." He leaned down and took one of her nipples between his lips and Junie gasped and quivered as she felt his teeth catch and bite down. She could feel her cunt instantly heating and moisture forming. 

When he released her, she stood swaying looking up at him, her eyes wide and unfocused. Bob stepped back, "Go ahead and dry off, little one, and get dressed, but do not put on a top just yet. I think I want to look at you some more."

Junie gulped and blinked and fumbled for her towel. She took a deep shaky breath. "Yes, Sir."

After she was dry she carefully rubbed in lotion and then pulled on a sapphire blue pair of satin panties and her slacks. She went into the kitchen and pulled the pie out of the oven to cool. Bob came up from the basement and gestured for her to stand before him; he had a pair of nipple clamps in his hand. He chuckled in satisfaction as Junie gasped and choked down a whimper when he slowly let the spring loaded jaws of the clamp catch and close down on one tender nipple and then the second. The chain connecting the two clamps swung and sparkled. Bob gave it a little tug and then used it to pull Junie closer, then leaned down and took her lips with his, giving her one of his rare and intense kisses. 

Again when he released her, she stood swaying staring up at him blankly, her mind a confusion of lust and sensations. Junie gave a little shiver and giggled softly, "Wow."

"Like that?"

"Oh yes, Master, you are driving me crazy and I love every minute of it."

"You are practically glowing, girl. Your excitement lights you up."

Junie licked her lips and purred, "Is there anything my Master would like from me?" She eyed him boldly, running her fingertips down the length of his chest to toy with his belt buckle. 

Bob caught her hand and laughed, "No, little one, let's put that on hold. I will make use of you tonight." 

Junie was still wearing the nipple clamps when her Mistress came home. Donna eyed her and commented, "Our Master has been amusing himself."

Junie nodded and gave her shoulders a little shimmy, the chain swaying and dancing. A tiny gasp leaking from her lips as a lance of pain shot through her breasts, "Yes, Ma'am. There is so little here to keep him occupied. I am glad I can give him some diversion." 

She helped Donna undress, hung up her clothing and then helped her into a soft comfortable pair of jeans and a pretty blouse. Junie was intensely aware of an intense curiosity about how things had gone at the courthouse but, remembering the judge's instructions to not talk about the trial, she carefully focused her questions on how her Mistress was feeling about being at the courthouse.

Donna answered evasively, "I liked it. It is very interesting to watch how things are done." Donna paused and then said, "Do you remember that man that R. P. Sanders was talking to yesterday?" When Junie nodded, she continued, "That was the Defense Attorney, Dan Cavalier. He has a lot of flash and is quite a showman, but he is very smart as well. You will need to keep your cool with him." 

Junie straightened her back and pressed her lips together, "Yes, Ma'am. I won't let him scare me. If I don't get scared, I will do fine." She gave her Mistress her impish grin. "I went shopping today and did not even think about being scared once." She pulled out the shoes she had purchased, "I got some shoes to go with your new outfits I had made." 

Donna looked at the shoes and shrugged, "Pretty fancy looking. I never cared about shoes that much. Will they hurt my feet?"

Junie laughed, relieved that Donna was more concerned with comfort than looks, and seemed oblivious about the cost, and suggested, "I got very low heels, Ma'am. Try wearing a pair tonight. I think you will find they feel just fine."

Her Mistress stood and looked down at the pointed toes and walked back and forth. "They feel okay. But they look kind of goofy, if you ask my opinion. Do you like them?"

"Yes, Ma'am, they will look really good with your clothes and they are very fashionable. It is the kind of thing people notice, like jewelry."

Donna made a wry face, "I think jewelry is kind of goofy too." She looked down at Junie and impulsively gave her a hug. "I am not calling you goofy, sweet girl. This whole clothing thing was always beyond me. My mother and I fought endlessly over how I dressed. She was always pushing me to wear make-up, dresses and other stuff. I rejected it so entirely that now I have no idea of how to do it. Being a corporate patent lawyer, I hung out with scientists and nerds more than other lawyers and never once was at a trial. It was all boardrooms and negotiations. It is fun to dress up now. For the first time I am getting into looking stylish and professional." She gave Junie a kiss on the nose, "Thank you for the shoes, sweet girl."

A little before 7:00, Junie asked Bob's permission to finish getting dressed. He pulled her to him and slowly released her nipples one at a time, leaning down and sucking on each nipple, forcing the blood to rush even more quickly into her tissues. Junie moaned softly with each lance of pain, making no effort to stifle the sound of her pain and pleasure. Bob looked at her damp eyes and flushed cheeks and repeated, "Yes, you are positively glowing. Go finish getting dressed. Our company will be here soon."

Junie had carefully moved her Mistress's computer and office things out of the dining room and set the table with five places. Each movement made her tingling nipples sing with little prickles of pain. Her Master had her wearing clamps the whole afternoon, with the weight of the chain swinging back and forth. Now they were very tender and each twinge was met by an echoing whisper of need from her core. Junie stopped and pressed her knees together, silently savoring the ache of need that made her pause and blink. She comforted herself with the memory of her Master's statement that he intended to use her tonight.

Forcing her thoughts to the task at hand, she went into the kitchen. The raw chicken was seasoned and ready to roll in the spiced flour and cornmeal mixture and to be put in the hot oil but Junie wanted to wait until Monica and Agent Durant were there before she started actually frying. 

The mashed potatoes were all made and in the oven keeping warm. A big pan of biscuits were waiting to be slipped into the oven and the gravy would be last to make. Junie figured that she could have Monica help her finish the dinner while Donna and Bob could talk with Agent Durant. She suspected that they would want to talk about the trial and that was an off limits topic for both Monica and her. The judge had been very clear about forbidding them to discuss the crimes Sam Card had committed and the trial.

When the doorbell rang, Junie's heart jumped with excitement and she quickly wiped her hands and went toward the front door still wearing her apron. Bob was shaking Agent Durant's hand in the front room. Junie was surprised to see that the FBI agent was not wearing his usual conservative gray suit and had on jeans and a pearl snap western styled shirt. Junie smiled as she saw he was wearing a pair of well worn cowboy boots. Her smile widened as she saw Monica shyly peeking around him. 

Junie stepped around Agent Durant and gave Monica a welcoming hug, "Monica, this is my Master, Bob." It felt daring to say those words out loud, but at the same time she was happy to be able to say it without fear of judgment, to be proud of her life.

Monica smiled shyly and cautiously held out her hand. Her voice was quiet as she said, "Hello."

Junie stepped back and looked at Monica's outfit. She was wearing jeans and a soft flowered blouse over a turtleneck long sleeve shirt. Again her clothes seemed a size too large and Junie thought that they made her look tinier and younger.

Donna came into the front room and nodded warmly at Agent Durant and Monica. "Junie, why don't you invite Agent Durant and Monica into the front room?"

Agent Durant held up his hand, his southern drawl even more pronounced than usual, "Please, ma'am, call me David. I get enough of that Agent crap all day long at the courthouse."

Junie spoke up, "Okay, David it is. Come on in to the front room." Junie did not have to steer Monica to sit next to Agent Durant, she seemed to instinctively stick close to his side. After everyone was seated Junie asked if she could get them something to drink. She looked at Agent Durant, "I do have beer."

"A beer would be fine, ma'am. But please, no glass."

Bob and Donna both wanted a glass of wine and Monica asked for water. Junie stood up and held out her hand to Monica. "Girlfriend, come and help me with all this." Monica smiled briefly in relief and jumped up.

Junie quickly opened the beer and poured the wine, but did not get the glass of water. She winked at Monica, "I want you to come back in here with me and help me finish dinner. It will give them a chance to talk about the trial. I know my Master is curious to hear how things are going and with us there they cannot really talk about it. This way they can get it out of the way and you can keep me company while I fry this chicken."

Monica nodded uncertainly, "Okay, I really don't know much about cooking." 

Junie giggled, "That's okay, I probably wouldn't let you help all that much anyway." She handed the beer to Monica. "You give this to David and I will carry the wine out."

After she served their wine to her Master and then to her Mistress, Junie looked back toward the kitchen, "I have some things to do before dinner is ready. Monica has agreed to help me. Call me if there is anything else you need." 

Taking Monica's arm she steered her back into the kitchen. Once they were in the kitchen, Junie sat Monica at the bar with a glass of water, "Did you get my email?" Monica looked confused and then shook her head, "I didn't babysit yesterday. They have found someone to take care of their baby for the next month during the trial and after that I think I will try and find a full-time job. I don't have a computer I can use."




The End of Evil Ch. 10



Junie looked up spoke as she cooked, "It wasn't much. Just saying that I hoped you were feeling okay after finding out about Sanders, and a silly suggestion for you to dress up pretty." Junie looked over her shoulder and smiled, "But you look pretty. That is a cute blouse."

Monica pulled nervously at her clothing, "I don't have much that fits. I have lost a lot of weight in the last year."

Junie put the chicken in the hot oil and turned to Monica, "How did your mother take the news about R. P. Sanders?"

Monica's lips pressed together. Her words were short and clipped, "She said she didn't believe it. She said that you guys had to be mistaken. She said that she was sure there was an explanation." Her voice trembled. "David said she would find out the truth eventually. They ended up yelling at each other."

Not wanting to stir up the same negative feelings of yesterday, Junie shrugged, "Well, I think David is right. She will learn the truth eventually and she will need your support then. She will feel very betrayed and angry. Until then, don't let it get to you." Then she changed the subject, "David looks different out of his FBI suit, jeans and cowboy boots suit him." Monica nodded absently. 

Donna watched the two women leave and smiled softly to herself that while Junie was probably older than Monica's mother, that both had a quality of youthfulness that made her think of them as 'the girls'. She turned to Agent Durant, "You know I am sure Junie did that deliberately to give us a chance to talk. Are you going to attend the whole trial?"

The FBI agent looked toward the kitchen and spoke in a low voice, "Yes, ma'am. I chased that son-of-a-bitch across a dozen states. I am going to be there. I want to see him sitting in that chair facing the music." He ran a hand over his bald head and narrowed his eyes, "Makes me madder than hell that Sanders hired that New York shyster to defend him. What is her percentage?"

Donna shrugged, "Percentage? I think it gives her more access to Card. We know he is a manipulator, using others to set up his victims, stalking them through the eyes of others and then only striking when he feels safe and moving on before he can be caught. He is most likely using Sanders in the same ways, using her to continue his little games. You have talked to him. What kinds of things does he say?"

Agent Durant's face became very guarded and his voice dropped to a low growl, his eyes on the door leading toward the kitchen, "Speaking confidentially, ma'am, he does not say much. What little I can get out of him are very oblique statements. He protests that he had no intention of hurting Monica and that it was just an accident. He says that he wasn't going to hurt Junie. Then he smiles and says things like he is sure that if he could just talk to Monica again he could make her understand," he took an angry swallow from his beer bottle, "...understand that he was just doing what she wanted. He says he is looking forward to seeing both Monica and Junie in court. You can't help but get the feeling that he has not given up in the slightest. That he believes he is going to get off and somehow finish what he started. He says things like he hates loose ends or leaving people unsatisfied." The FBI agent drained his beer bottle and looked down into it. "He is a very evil man. He gives me the willies and I am an old country lawman that thought he had seen it all and that nothing could scare him anymore." 

Donna stood up and took the bottle from his hand, "Can I get you another?"

David Durant looked at his watch and shook his head, "Maybe later. I am the driver after all."

Bob held up his empty glass, "I am not driving anywhere."

Donna took his glass, "I will check on those two girls and see how dinner is coming along. Bob is kind of a country boy too. I am sure you have a lot more in common than you are aware of. I bet you both have some hunting stories."

David looked at Bob in surprise, "You hunt?"

Bob grinned, "Bow hunt. Deer mostly, but I have gone elk hunting the last few years. I haven't bagged one yet. I came really close to a nice big bull last year though. It's not so much about the kill as the stalking that I like."

Durant looked impressed, "Never shot a bow. I hunt birds mostly, pheasant, ducks and geese; but one time in East Texas a buddy and I went out after wild boar..." Donna stood for a minute and watched as the two men went off into stories about hunting and turned and walked into the kitchen. 

Junie was turning golden brown pieces of chicken in a frying pan and both she and Monica were laughing about something when she walked in. Junie stopped and smiled happily at her Mistress, seeing the empty glasses and beer bottle in Donna's hands she reached for the wine bottle, "Can I get you another glass of wine, Ma'am?" 

"Yes, go ahead and take another glass out to your Master. David said 'no' to a second beer. I will stay in here with you two girls. They are starting to talk about hunting and I get squeamish when they go all caveman like that." Monica giggled. 

Junie came back in and looked at the frying chicken, carefully poking the pieces with a fork and satisfied she began to quickly transfer them onto a platter. She quickly slipped the biscuits in to bake and started on the country gravy. "Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes.

Donna brought David and Bob into the dining room as Monica was helping Junie carry the food in. David's eyes lit up when he saw the fried chicken. He gave Junie an appreciative look, "Ma'am, you don't know how long it has been since I have had a good home-cooked meal."

Junie ducked and blushed, "I may have been a little ambitious making fried chicken for a southern gentleman. You will have to tell me how it compares to your mother's." 

David shook his head, a rueful grin on his face, "My mother made the worst fried chicken in the whole parish, ma'am, but my grandmere, now there was a woman that could cook. She was a Cajun granddame if there ever was one." 

Bob sat down and reached for the platter with the fried chicken. "We don't have a lot of formality here. It's boarding house reach manners around here." He speared a piece of chicken and then handed the platter to David Durant, "Grab some and pass it on."

Durant laughed and helped himself to some chicken. Junie waited and watched, looking at the faces of her guests as they began to eat. David Durant bit into his chicken, closed his eyes and smiled, "Ma'am, nothing can compare to my Grandmere, but this is damn good, better than anything I have had in years. Almost takes me back home."

Junie smiled happily and began to eat, watching in delight as everyone ate with content, happy expressions on their faces. "Don't fill up too much. I made peach pie for desert." 

Bob bit into a biscuit and rolled his eyes, "I think these biscuits are better than pie, Junie."

After they were done eating, Agent Durant pushed himself away from the table, "Miss Junie, my Grandmere made better chicken." He held up his hand, "Just barely better, but I have never had better biscuits in my life. This was a fine meal. Thank you for making it for me. Now you are right, I am a southern gentleman and you have to let me pay for my dinner." He stood up and began to pick up the dishes off the table. "Where I come from, the eaters do the dishwashing." He nudged Monica and handed her a stack of plates. His eyes sparkled, "I saw you eating too, pretty girl."

Monica giggled and followed him into the kitchen. Bob sat at his place at the head of the table, a satisfied look on his face, "He was right, Junie; that was a fine meal. Go ahead and make a pot of coffee to go with that pie."

Junie stood back and let David and Monica clean up after dinner. She knew that most likely she would redo that whole job in the morning to meet her own stringent standards, but for now she liked watching the two standing side by side at the sink, one washing and the other drying, apparently ignoring the existence of the dishwasher. They were speaking to each other in soft bantering tones and every once in a while Monica would lean toward Agent Durant, touching her head against his shoulder. He would say something in a reproving tone and lean away, but then would be back in seconds. 

After most of the dishes were done and the coffee done brewing, Junie brought the carafe and cups out to the dining room. She cut slices of the pie and offered scoops of rich vanilla ice cream to go with it. Agent Durant took a bite and looked at Junie with wonder in his eyes, "Ma'am, you sure you aren't really a southern girl?" 

Junie giggled and shook her head. "No, sir, just a simple girl from Seattle." 

Bob laughed, "Not such a simple girl." 

After dessert and coffee, Agent Durant looked at his watch and stood up, "Thanks again for the home cooked meal, ma'am, but I promised this little lady's momma I would get her home early."

As they made their way to the door, Junie pulled Monica to one side and gave her a hug. "Call me if you need to talk."

After she had stood waving as the big black sedan drove away, Junie felt her Master's hands on her shoulders turning her around to face him. "Sweet Junie, that was indeed a wonderful meal and a nice evening. Thank you for thinking of inviting them over."

Junie smiled happily, "I had a good time too."

Donna moved to stand close behind Junie, her hands slipping around her, her lips bending to kiss her on the back of her neck. Her voice was soft and teasing, "I know what you are up to, girl. You are matchmaking."

Junie giggled and then yawned, "Well they are an improbable couple, but you can see that Monica lights up when she is around him. Even if it doesn't work out, it makes her happy to be around him. I was just giving them that." 

Bob moved closer to Junie, trapping her body between them, his voice dropping to a low rumble, "Come to bed, little one." Junie leaned against him, for the first time sensing the familiar fatigue she had come to recognize as having been tense for too long. It had been a long day, with shopping and then company. She could feel the stress draining out of her body, her limbs suddenly heavy and her thoughts slowing.

She yawned again and nodded sleepily, "Yes, Master." 

Junie loved the feel of her owners' hands on her, curious, exploring. Their delight in her body made each touch feel like it was the first time. Their lovemaking that night was leisurely and had a quality of soft serenity that set her mind and body drifting, relaxed and languid, even her cries of completion were muted and seemed to come from far away. She nestled close to her Master and drifted off to sleep, a smile of sleepy satisfaction on her face and in her heart.

As she stood in the house, the tiny part of her that knew it was a dream was outraged, she felt herself rebelling and angry. Not again! She did not want to have this dream again. But she could not force herself to wake up and she could not make the dream go away. Again she had that sense that someone was there, watching her, and she stomped her foot in the sodden carpet and screamed, "Go away!"

Again she woke to her Master's hands shaking her, his voice sleepy and patient, "Junie, you are dreaming again. Wake up."

*

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 11



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. Chapter 11: The Trial

In the morning, as she watched her Mistress backing the Miata out of the garage, she yawned and rubbed her face. Her Master turned and looked at her, cupping her chin and lifting her face to him. "Sweet Junie, you look tired. You have not been sleeping well."

Junie blinked and fought the urge to yawn again, "It's the dream. I keep having that damn dream." Junie had already told him about the dream days ago, the walking from room to room, the same wet carpet, the disturbing sense of being watched. "This time I wasn't so much scared as pissed off, pissed off that I was having the dream again and really pissed off that something or someone is in my house." Shaking her head ruefully, "I remember I was yelling at him to get out."

Bob pulled her to him and stroked her hair. "Junie, you and I both know that your home is a metaphor for you and your happiness. I am pleased you are finding your anger. And while the 'he' you speak of is most likely that Sam Card monster, he is in many ways just a symbol for this disruption in your life."

Junie snuggled tight up against him and sighed, "I just want to go home."

Bob held her close and murmured, "Me, too. But this will pass quickly and, of the three of us, our Donna seems to be in her element. Let's enjoy this through her eyes."

June giggled and nodded, "It's like she can't wait to get back down to that courthouse. I sort of wish I could talk to her about it."

Bob laughed and rocked her back and forth, "She is writing it all down. You will be able to read it once the trial is over. So, little one, we have a whole day in front of us, do you have any plans?"

"I will probably clean the kitchen over again, and just some other light house work. Other than that I don't have much. Is there anything you want from me?"

"I want you to take a nap this afternoon."

"That sounds heavenly."

Donna walked through the busy lobby of the courthouse, her new heels clicked on the marble floor and echoed through the subdued hum of a dozen low conversations. She could not help but notice how eyes seemed to follow her as she made her way to the stairs. For the first time she felt like she looked on the outside like she felt on the inside, like someone who had something important to say. As she approached the courtroom, the hall grew more crowded. Leena had said seating was going to be at a premium and to get there early, but it seemed that there were a lot more people there than would fit in the gallery. Donna saw Agent Durant leaning against the wall near the door, talking on his cell phone. He raised his hand and beckoned her to stand by him. "Good morning, ma'am. Stick with me. The bailiff and I are old friends and he is going to make sure I get a good seat. You come in with me; let these vultures fight among themselves."

Donna looked around the hall, "Vultures?"

"Reporters mostly and a few sensation seekers, the kind of people who would go to the circus just to see the freak show." He stiffened and the corners of his mouth turned down. He pointed to a tired, grim looking old man in a shapeless suit, "He is the father of one of the women that Sam Card is suspected of abducting and murdering. We haven't found her body yet. I didn't expect to see him here. I will be right back."

The FBI agent went over and offered his hand and spoke in a low tone to the man as they shook hands. The older man was urgently asking for something, almost pleading, and Agent Durant was shaking his head. Eventually the old man's shoulders sagged in defeat and he turned abruptly and walked away.

Agent Durant muttered to Donna when he came back, "He wants to talk to Card, but Card's lawyer won't consent to that. Maybe they will after the trial. I personally don't think it would do any good; Card does not have the capacity to understand that man's pain. Appealing to his humanity is a waste of time. He is not human."

A stocky, dark-skinned man in a bailiff's uniform walked up to Agent Durant and they exchanged greetings. Agent Durant turned to Donna, "Billy, this is a good friend of mine. She is a family member of one of the women Card was stalking. She will be coming into the courtroom with me."

The smiling guard shook Donna's hand vigorously, a curious look on his face, "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am. You be right here a little while before court convenes and I will make sure you get first pick of the good seats." He turned back to Agent Durant, "Missed you in church last Sunday, maybe you could come this week and bring your friend."

Agent Durant looked at Donna and then back at the bailiff. He looked a little uncomfortable, but he laughed and shook his head, "Billy, not that kind of friend, just a professional acquaintance." Donna laughed and gave him an arch look, "Maybe you should take Monica. I am sure she would enjoy your company."

Agent Durant's eyes turned dark and a stormy look of sadness and anger came over his face. His voice was neutral and guarded, "Ma'am, I would appreciate it if you could stay away from that subject. Monica is a sweet girl, but there is nothing between us." His voice turned steely. "And there never can be."

The bailiff stood looking at the two of them and adeptly changed the subject. "Come on with me. I will let you in the back way."

There were already at least a two dozen people sitting in the gallery. Donna suspected that the practice of cultivating a friend on the courtroom staff in order to gain early entry was a common practice. She sat uncomfortably next to the FBI agent for a few moments and then finally spoke in a low tone. "I am sorry if I overstepped. It just seemed so obvious that you cared for her. And she..."

His hand came up, cutting her off, "... and she is a 24-year-old, young woman with her whole life ahead of her. I am an old man." His voice was low, but implacable.

Donna could not help responding, "Not that old." But he did not answer. The main doors to the courtroom opened and there was a flurry of movement as the rest of the people jockeyed for places on the bench seats. Donna found herself jammed tightly against a man in a rumpled, corduroy sport jacket that smelled strongly of cigarettes. After that there was little opportunity to talk.

Donna watched as the defense team filed in and sat down at their table. She recognized Dan Cavalier. Almost trotting along behind the tall handsome lawyer was a smaller, harried-looking man carrying two huge brief cases. The empty chair next to them was conspicuously empty.

Realizing that R. P. Sanders was not going to be sitting there, Donna craned her neck, scanning the courtroom and quickly spied the author seated immediately behind the empty chair at the defense table. The author was looking around too, and for a brief second their eyes met and the two women stared hard at each other. R. P. Sanders looked away, distracted when Dan Cavalier stood up and leaned over, whispering something into her ear.

District Attorney Mark Freeden and his assistant Lurleen Benson came in talking to each other in low tones and took their places.

A bailiff stood up and the constant buzz of the courtroom died down as he called out in a sonorous voice, "Hear ye, hear ye..." and proceeded to call the court to order. 

Everyone in the courtroom stood at the prompt of the judge's clerk and Judge Waldenback limped heavily up the steps to her bench and painfully lowered herself into her large padded chair. Donna thought she looked massive in her black judge's robes.

The judge looked out over the crowded courtroom, her mouth pursed like she had tasted something bitter. Her voice was terse, "Good morning. It looks like we have a very full gallery today. I want you all to know that I will not tolerate disruptions or disturbances. If you have a personal emergency, you are welcome to leave quietly, but you may not come back until the courtroom doors are opened again." The judge paused and looked balefully out at the people in front of her. "If you have not already turned off your cell phones, do it now. If I even see a cell phone I will have you removed and charged with contempt."

Donna fought the urge to double check her phone. Leena had warned her and she knew it was turned off and safe in her briefcase. Even when it was turned on, she never had its ringtone on. Still the judge's apparent hatred of cell phones sent a pang of anxiety through Donna. She could see a number of people fumbling through their bags and pockets, probably doing just that, making sure.

Two armed prison guards walked in beside Sam Card. Donna could feel the tension in the courtroom rise. He was an unlikely looking monster, medium height and build, with receding blond hair and a thin blond mustache. He stopped briefly, looked around the courtroom and to Donna's surprise, smiled. He was wearing a rather plain, blue suit and tie and as far as Donna could see, no restraints. In his hand was a canvas briefcase. He moved to sit at the defense table. The two guards stood back against the wall, their eyes fixed on him.

Last of all the jury was ushered in, a mixed group of men and women of various ages. They looked around curiously at the people in the courtroom.

The bailiff stood again and began to read out a long list of crimes that Sam Card was accused of, including kidnapping, unlawful restraint, rape, aggravated assault and attempted murder. Each charge was accompanied by a long legal definition of the crime and the terms used to describe it.

Donna found herself ignoring the droning voice, her eyes drawn to the defendant. From her vantage point, she could see him almost in profile. He did not seem to be listening either. Instead he was busily writing on a legal pad.

Eventually the bailiff stopped talking and District Attorney Mark Freeden stood up and made a show of shuffling some papers together and then turned to the jury. He looked at them seriously, "I want to thank you for being here. It's not easy to give up your time, time from work, time from family, time from fun to do this important thing. It is not easy to hear about violence, to see the evidence of violence, or to listen to the victims of violence, but that is why you are here."

"This case is about the most horrible kind of violence." The big florid lawyer turned toward the defendant's table. His voice grew louder, "During this trial, I will show you evidence that that man," he pointed and accusing finger, "Sam Card, knowingly and intentionally tricked Monica Bond to come to his hotel room. Once he had her alone, he tied and gagged her and took a knife and proceeded to cut her to pieces, attacking her sexually, slicing and stabbing at her very womanhood. He did this while she was awake, screaming and pleading for mercy. There is no question that the wounds he inflicted on her were mortal. It is a miracle that Monica Bond is alive today."

Mark Freeden pointed at the defense attorney, "This man is going to try and convince you that this was some kind of accident, some kind of bizarre, kinky sex scene gone wrong."

The District Attorney whirled to face the jury again, "Don't let him trick you like Sam Card tricked that little girl. Don't let him fool you into thinking that dozens of wounds some inches long and carved deep through skin, muscles and nerves, dozens of wounds, some deep to the bone were an accident.

Again he pointed dramatically at the defendant, "That was no accident. He was killing her, cutting away at her screaming, twitching body, watching the life drain out of her. He knew she was dying and he did not stop. If he had not been interrupted, Monica Bond would have been dead now. Against all odds Monica Bond did not die. She lives. You will hear about the extent of her grievous injuries. Doctors will tell you about her surgeries and her permanent disfigurement."

"Your responsibility is to listen to the facts and not get distracted by stories of kinky sex and bizarre fetishes. If you just look at the facts you will see the truth and hold that man responsible and find him guilty. You will see that Monica Bond gets justice." Mark Freeden stopped and clenched his fists, his florid complexion turning even redder, breathing heavily.

Donna found herself caught up in his speech and when he stopped abruptly, apparently caught up in emotion, she leaned forward, sharing his distress. It took her a moment to realize he was a superb actor putting on a show. She thought to herself, 'this man is good'.

Mark Freeden went to the prosecution table and poured himself a glass of water and took a sip. The whole courtroom as so silent Donna could hear him swallow. When he spoke again, it was in a quiet voice. Looking at the jury again, he spoke only to them, "So again, I want to say thank you for taking your time to do this important thing. Help me, help Monica and find Sam Card guilty. Make him pay the price for his crimes. Give us justice."

The courtroom seemed still and silent for minutes after he sat down, but Donna was intensely aware of the pent up tension that made the very air seem to vibrate.

When Dan Cavalier stood up and began clapping, Donna had the irrational urge to join him. She actually heard someone in the back of the courtroom start to clap and instantly stop when they realized what they were doing. The defense attorney turned a dazzling smile on the jury. "That, ladies and gentlemen, was an amazing show. District Attorney Freeden thanked you and I must agree that you are truly performing a service for your community. But I must also thank District Attorney Freeden for that spectacular speech. I was very entertained and I am sure many of the rest of us were as well." He gestured to the observers in the gallery.

"He is correct; I am going to paint a very different picture." He held up a beautifully manicured hand, "Don't get me wrong. Bad things happened here, very bad things, violent things. There is no question that Monica Bond was horribly injured, or that Sam Card was the man holding the knife in his hand. But murder? Kidnapping? How can it be kidnapping when the victim willingly walks into the room? Is it rape when the woman says she wants to be forced to have sex? Is it assault when it is agreed upon, mutually agreed upon by both parties, that they want it violent, they ask to be taken by force, that they find the use of knives erotic?"

The handsome man turned around looking at the courtroom and shrugged, his hands held out in front of his body in a 'go figure' gesture. "Yes, I find it hard to believe too. But it is true, thousands of people engage in this kind of sexual fetish play every day. Sam Card found this kind of sexual fetish very intriguing and was curious to experiment, with a willing partner. He believed Monica Bond was that willing partner and had agreed to this. The tragedy was that he was inexperienced and did not know when to stop. He did not know how much blood was too much blood."

"So yes, Sam Card is guilty, guilty of misinterpreting Miss Bond's wishes, guilty of taking a scene he thought was consensual too far, guilty of accidentally injuring another person. But is he guilty of rape? Sam Card never had sex with Monica Bond; he did not even take off his clothes. Is he guilty of kidnapping? She agreed to meet him and came willingly to his hotel room. Is he guilty of assault? Sam Card believed she liked it rough, craved to be forced, liked being tied up, enjoyed pain and wanted, yes wanted, to be cut. Is he guilty of attempting murder? He did not know what he was doing was potentially lethal. If he wanted to kill her, he had the opportunity and means to stab her in the heart or cut her throat. But he didn't. He just ran away, cowardly perhaps, but not murderous."

"District Attorney Freeden speaks of justice. That is a good thing. But, wait, listen, hear all the facts. Do not be hasty because of the grievous nature of Monica Bond's injuries. Do not rush to judgment. That is not justice. Sam Card deserves justice too."

When Dan Cavalier sat down the courtroom was not silent. It practically buzzed as everyone began whispering. Donna looked at Agent Durant; his face looked like carved granite, but she could see a muscle flexing in his jaw.

Donna looked at the defendant, but he was leaning, whispering to his lawyer and she could not see his face.

Judge Waldenback banged her gavel and looked fiercely at the gallery. The room fell silent once more. The judge's eyes were snapping and her voice was sharp, "We'll adjourn until 1:00 p.m. That should give you all the time you need to calm down. Come back ready to sit quietly."

The courtroom was soon a mass of people, all seeming in a hurry to leave. Agent Durant stayed seated, staring straight ahead, his face stony. Donna cleared her throat, and then spoke, "David, thank you for getting me in. It is nice to have someone to sit with. Are you going to be back at 1:00?"

He turned and looked at her and, for an instant, Donna felt like he was surprised to see her sitting there. He shook his head and his eyes seemed to clear, but his voice still sounded distracted, "What? Oh, it wasn't much. Don't thank me, thank Billy." He stood up and looked at her, "Let's grab lunch. Do you like Vietnamese?"

Nodding Donna picked up her briefcase and followed after him. It was before the lunch rush and there were a lot of empty tables. They found a quiet table near the back and, as they waited for their orders, Donna asked carefully, "Was it the opening statements?"

Agent Durant looked up at her, his face grim, "I guess for the first time I am realizing that this is going to be a damn freak show and that Monica is going to be the main attraction." A wave of sadness turned his mouth down and for an instant Donna was convinced that his eyes filled with tears, but just as quickly the gruff man got himself in control. Donna had the impulse to reach across the table and touch his hand, but resisted it, suspecting he would just be offended. "Do you think Monica will be able to do this?"

"This? If you mean the trial, being a witness, yes. But afterwards, living with the notoriety, damn I don't know. That lawyer is going to do everything in his power to make her look like some kind of sexual freak-job that wanted everything that happened to her." No longer able to contain his rage, he lashed out, his voice low and angry, "She is not like you. She isn't like that."

Refusing to take the bait, Donna replied in an amused tone, "Is that what you believe? That I am a sexual freak-job? And Junie, too?" She laughed softly, "Well, maybe you are right. We definitely are not in the majority. If what we like is different from the 'average', perhaps we are freaks." Her voice turning serious, "But it does not take away our humanity or our pride. And do not fall into the trap of thinking that Junie, Bob, or I are anything like the image that defense lawyer is trying to paint."

"You guys confuse the hell out of me. You seem like down to earth people with values, I start to forget about the," he paused seeming to grope for words, "...stuff you do. Then that lawyer starts trying to make Monica into..." again he groped for words.




The End of Evil Ch. 11



Donna shrugged and finished his sentence, "...into someone you don't want her to be." 

Donna looked at him. "And from what I know about Monica, she isn't like us. She actually told Junie that she did not like the bondage and pain stuff her boyfriend wanted from her. She told him no. She sounds just like a young girl who was not sure what she wanted and was experimenting. She may have done some foolish things, but she did not deserve to have this happen to her. What she does deserve is for us to be there for her." Donna paused, took a deep breath and dived in, "She loves you. She needs you to love her back. She needs that protection."

Agent Durant shook his head, "That's impossible."

"Why impossible?"

"She deserves better. What do I have to offer? Hell, I could be her father."

"She doesn't seem to care about that and maybe you shouldn't either."

The FBI Agent stood up abruptly, "I have some phone calls to make. I will see you at the courthouse." He threw some money on the table and walked out before their orders came. 

Donna watched him go and shook her head. He struggled against fate so hard.

Not sure exactly why, she had the restaurant put his order in containers and was awkwardly carrying the food in a plastic bag when she was walking back to the courthouse. Donna hesitated, visualizing putting the bag of food through the x-ray machine. She was debating her wisdom, when she saw a small group of street kids sitting on a corner, plaintively asking for spare change from passersby. She spoke to one gritty-looking girl, with tattoos and piercings, "My lunch partner split on me. Didn't even touch his lunch, Vietnamese noodles, and salad rolls. Do you want it?"

The girl smiled eagerly and took the bag. "Thank you, ma'am." The other kids in the little tribe chimed in their thanks and soon were carefully sharing out the food. The gritty-looking girl saw her watching them and boldly approached, "Lady, we only need twenty more dollars to get a hotel room tonight. Please, it's been a week since I have slept in a bed or took a shower." 

Donna gave the girl a sharp look, and then against her better judgment, carefully pulled out a single twenty-dollar bill, making sure to keep a firm grip on her briefcase strap, and handed the money over. 

The girl watched her caution, her voice was bitter, "Relax, lady, I ain't going to snatch your bag." Then she grinned dangerously, "At least not here, so close to the courthouse, in the middle of the day. No percentage in that." She balled up the money and jammed into her tight jeans, "Thanks."

Donna met her challenging gaze, "You are welcome. Enjoy your hotel room." 

Agent Durant was standing in the same place, leaning against the wall. He nodded at her warily, his eyes warning her that he was not going to tolerate anymore of her talk. The only thing Donna said was, "David, I am sorry. It is none of my business." 

He just shook his head and looked away.

The first witness called by the prosecution was a young man who identified himself as Harold Tinker. Donna realized he was Monica's former boyfriend. She sat up and looked closely at the young man. He looked very nervous and his eyes shifted around the courtroom. 

District Attorney Mark Freeden asked Harold to talk about his relationship with Monica.

"We met my freshman year at the University. We dated for a while and then she became my girlfriend. I moved to another state, Montana, to go to a different school. I could live with a family member and the chances for financial aid were better. We promised to keep in touch. We mostly did that over the internet."

"So you were in a long-distance relationship."

"Yes, I came back to visit a couple times a year, but mostly it was just over the internet."

"Did you make arrangements for Monica to meet with a man for the purposes of having sex?"

The boy looked very uncomfortable. "Yes, sir."

"Could you tell me about that?"

"Well I... um... posted on this forum about long-distance relationships. There was another guy that posted there too. He talked about how hard it was to keep a girlfriend when you weren't there. When he found out where I was going to school, he was freaked out because his girlfriend lived in the same town. And then he told me where he lived, and it was not so far from where Monica lived, only a couple hours drive. We... um... would joke about checking up on each other's girlfriends to make sure they weren't cheating."

"Did this guy tell you his name?"

"He told me his name was James Conrad." Donna flinched and looked toward the defendant, but he was just looking down at his pad, writing. His face was impassive.

"At some point he suggested more than that, didn't he?" 

"Um... yes. He sent me pictures of his girlfriend... nude pictures." The young man looked very uncomfortable. "I sent him a picture of Monica in a swimming suit. He started talking about swinging, you know swapping."

"At some point you asked Monica to do this? You asked her to 'swap'?"

"Yes, sir, and at first she said no. But I told her she was being a prude." The boy's voice wavered, "I said that I knew the guy and everything would be fine. Eventually she agreed."

"So you set it up."

"Yes, he told me to have her go to that hotel. He told me the room number. I got a hotel room. We were going to take pictures and send them to each other."

"Did the girl ever show up at your hotel room?"

"No, sir, I waited at my hotel room for half the night. I tried to call Monica, but she did not answer her cell phone. I tried to call the guy, but he did not answer. I did not know what to do, so I just went back to my place. I didn't find out Monica had been attacked until her mother called me the next day."

District Attorney gave the young man a reproving look and indicated he did not have any more questions. 

When Dan Cavalier stood he shook his head, "You and Miss Bond were in a sexual relationship?"

"Yes."

"Did you ever tie up Monica for the purposes of sex?"

The young man blushed and looked down at his hands, "One time."

"One time? Why, only one time?"

"She said she didn't like it. She wouldn't let me do it again."

"So you liked it?"

His voice was reluctant, "Yes."

"How many times did you ask her to let you tie her up again?"

"I don't know, a lot."

"Did you ever beat or whip Monica for sexual purposes?"

"I spanked her once or twice."

"Did she like that?"

"No, sir, she didn't. She would say no and make me stop."

"But you found it sexually stimulating?"

Donna thought that Harold Tinker was going to start crying, "Yes, sir."

"Did you have Monica call you Master in your emails?"

"Yes, sir."

"Was this because you fancied yourself to be a man who owned a woman, made a slave out of her?"

"I guess so."

"Is this sometimes referred to as a BDSM lifestyle?"

"Yes."

"How would you define BDSM?"

The young man squirmed and said in a cautious voice, "Bondage, Domination, Sadism, and Masochism?"

"Is it true that the forum that you met the man who initially identified himself as James Conrad, but we now know as Sam Card, was a forum that served men who were Masters? Men who believed themselves to be into the BDSM lifestyle?

"Yes."

"So it would be natural to assume that the men you would meet via this forum would be men who were interested in bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism?"

"Yes."

"Did you say anything to the defendant that would lead him to believe that you were such a man?"

"Yes."

"Did he say anything to lead you to believe he was into bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism?"

"Yes."

"What kind of things?"

"He would talk about things he had done to his girlfriend. Tying her up, whipping her, making her have sex with other people."

"Did he talk at any time about knives?"

"He would talk about edge play."

"Edge play? Explain what you mean by that."

"It is using knives to run along the skin, maybe very lightly scoring the flesh. It is supposed to be a very intense sensation and a huge emotional rush for the girl."

"Did you ever engage in this 'edge play' with Monica?"

"No."

"So you don't know if she would have liked that or not would you?"

Mark Freeden stood up, "Objection..."

Before he could finish the defense attorney turned away, "Never mind. I have no more questions."

Mark Freeden stood and asked, "Mr. Tinker, did you set any rules or limits for the sexual encounter you negotiated with the man you thought of as James Conrad?"

"Yes, it was supposed to be only oral and straight sex, no bondage or anything else. We were supposed to use condoms. The girls were supposed to be able to leave at anytime they wanted."

"Was Monica aware of these rules and limits?"

"She was the one that made them, sir."

"Did you tell the man you thought of as James Conrad this?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did he agree to follow these rules?"

"Yes sir, but he said I could do anything I wanted to his girlfriend."

"You realize now that he did not have a girlfriend, that he was lying and that he just used this fabricated girlfriend to manipulate you into giving him Monica so he could hurt her?"

Harold Tinker sagged in the witness stand, "Yes, sir."

The next witness called by the prosecution was a young girl named Cathy Wilson. She was one of four girls that had been Monica's roommates, sharing the rent on an old house not far from the college. Dan Freeden stood up and asked her to tell exactly how she knew Monica Bond.

The slender dark-haired girl sat up straight and spoke carefully, "Monica was my roommate and we were friends."

"Did Monica tell you about her intentions to meet a man she did not know?"

"Yes."

"Did you tell her to call you at some point during this meeting with this strange man?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

The girl swallowed and took a deep breath. "It is a safety precaution when you are dating on the internet. They say to have a friend you call to report to, just in case. I told Monica she should be careful. I told her to call me. I told her to call me and tell me exactly where she was going to be and then to call me again in exactly an hour."

"Did Monica call you?"

"Yes, sir, the first time, before she went in, she told me the hotel name and the room number."

"Did she call you the second time?"

"No, sir."

"What did you do then?"

"My boyfriend was there with me and he drove me over to the hotel."

"What did you do when you got there?"

"We went to the room and knocked."

"Did anyone answer?"

"Yes, sir, a man opened the door a crack, but the chain was holding it closed."

"Did you notice anything about this man?"

The witness hesitated, "Yes, sir, he had," her voice shook, "a smear of blood across his face."

"What did you say to him?"

"I asked if Monica was there and he said he didn't know any Monica and for me to get lost."

"What did you do then?"

"I did a couple of things. First I called Monica's name and then I pulled out my cell phone. I snapped a picture of him with it and then I started to dial 911. I told him that I was calling the cops."

"What did he do then?"

"He unhooked the chain and came out of the room toward me. He had a knife in his hand and I started to step back away. I think he saw my boyfriend then because he pulled the hotel room door shut and ran away."

"What did you do after that?"

"I stayed by the hotel room and talked to the 911 operator, telling her I thought my friend had been hurt and was locked in the hotel room and I could not get in to help her. My boyfriend chased the guy, but he got in a car and drove away."

"Did you ever go into the hotel room?"

"No, sir, the police were there when the manager unlocked the door. They did not let me in."

"Did you ever see Monica?"

"I just caught a glimpse of her when the ambulance guys took her out on a stretcher. She looked bad."

"The man you saw come out of the hotel room. Is he in the courtroom now?"

"Yes, sir, he is." Cathy Wilson pointed at the defendant. "That man there."

"Let the court record show that she is pointing at Sam Card." Mark Freeden turned to the judge, "At this time I would like to present into evidence the photo that Cathy Wilson took with her cell phone." He held up an enlarged picture that showed Sam Card's face partially obscured by a door, a dark smudge on his forehead. After it was cataloged and recorded by the bailiff, the prosecuting attorney handed the photo to the jury to pass around.

When the defense attorney approached Cathy Wilson he asked her, "Miss Wilson, have you ever met anyone that you were unacquainted with for the purposes of sex?"

Instantly Mark Freeden stood, "Objection, this witness is not on trial. Her experiences have no bearing on the crimes at hand."

The judge looked thoughtful, "Objection sustained." She looked at Dan Cavalier, "Please limit your cross examination to the statements made by the witness."

"Okay, Miss Wilson, have you ever performed this service before? Have you ever been the person to call, to 'report in'?" She shook her head, "No, sir."

"How did you know about this 'report in' safety precaution?"

"It's on the net. I read it on some dating personals website."

"Do you remember the name of that website?"

"No, sir."

"Was it a website that specifically serves individuals with sexual fetishes?"

The girl looked a little confused, "Specifically? I am not sure if I know exactly what you mean."

"Let's say I was looking for a particular type of sex partner, like someone who liked to wear rubber. Would there be a way for me to specify what kind of thing I was looking for?"

"I don't know. I don't remember." The girl looked confused and flustered, "All those sites have stuff like that. I never was looking for someone myself. I just was cruising the net, reading stuff."

The defense attorney turned around and faced the jury, "So would you say all the sites have people looking for a partner who wants to be tied up and have a knife used on them sexually?"

Mark Freeden stood up, "Objection, this witness is not an expert and cannot testify as the content of all websites."

Judge Waldenback nodded, "Objection sustained."

Dan Cavalier smiled, "Please disregard that question. I have no further questions for this witness."

By then it was late and the judge adjourned the trial for the day. Donna was interested to see that the defendant left the tablet he had been writing on lying on the table. After the guards escorted him from the room, the defense attorney picked up the pad and handed it across the barrier to R. P. Sanders.

As they walked out of the building, the only thing Agent Durant said was, "See you tomorrow." Donna noticed that the little group of street kids was gone as she walked past the corner that they had been hanging out on. 

*

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 12



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter 12: Staring Through the Gates of Hell

Junie met her Mistress at the doorway leading into the garage and took the briefcase from her hands. After a soft hug, Junie asked, "What can you tell me about your day?"

"Not a whole lot beyond the fact that I am exhausted and I have the worst headache. I sat with Agent Durant, but it was crowded and there was this smelly guy practically squished against me all day. I swear I wish I had your vomiting talents. I would have loved to puke on him."

Junie clucked sympathetically and steered Donna into the bedroom. "Let me run you a bath and get you some aspirin." Bob came in and watched as Junie undressed her Mistress and hung up her outfit. Donna sighed as Junie gently massaged her feet while the bath was filling. Once Junie had gently urged Donna into the bathroom and eased her into the deep relaxing water she stood and murmured, "Just relax." Donna sighed and settled deeper into the bath.

Diplomatically, Junie made an excuse to leave her Master and Mistress alone, "I have some things I need to check on in the kitchen. Call me if you need me."

Bob caught her as she exited the bathroom and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. "You are such a good girl. You take such good care of us."

Junie smiled and answered softly, "Because I love you," and headed off to the kitchen.

Bob sat on the edge of the bathtub and trailed his fingers through the water, "How was it?"

"Awful. It was dirty, ugly, evil and awful. The defense is actually going to try and make it look like it was a consensual scene between amateurs and things accidentally got out of hand." Donna took a long shaky breath, "And the things he did to Monica. I am just now realizing what that girl went through and... and..." Her voice broke and then a flood of questions poured forth, "Do you ever worry that what we do is wrong? Like it somehow gives people like Sam Card license to indulge their monstrous side? We play our little rape games. Are we saying the rape is okay?"

Bob sat quietly and let her pour out her doubts, not answering until she ran out of steam. "What do you think? If Junie asked you the same questions, what would you tell her?"

Donna looked up at him, "I would ask her if it feels right. I would tell her to trust her feelings." Donna smiled, "I would ask her what the intention was. Was it love or hate? Giving or taking, as long as everyone feels right, feels love, nothing else matters."

Bob reached for the soap and began to wash her, "You see, my goddess, you know the answers." Rinsing her off, he took her hand and lifted her to stand, "Come, you have been dancing with evil far too much of late. Staring through the gates of hell into the face of the devil will make anyone doubt what they know is the truth."

Donna chuckled, "You don't believe in the devil."

Bob gave her a light swat, "Don't mess with my metaphors."

As Donna dressed, he told her that the prosecution had called and they wanted Junie at the courthouse the day after tomorrow. Leena had said she was not sure if Junie would be called to testify that day or the next, but things seemed to be moving along more quickly than they expected. Bob insisted that Donna plan on attending the trial, "I will go down with her and wait with her."

Donna nodded, "Yes, the defense is not doing a lot of cross examination. They are basically admitting he did it, so all the evidence that proves it was him, they aren't arguing with. Things seem to be moving along pretty fast."

Their dinner and evening together was quiet, and Donna seemed to need to touch both Bob and Junie frequently, needing contact and reassurance. After dinner, Junie stood behind Donna and rubbed her neck and shoulders for a long time. They took a long walk in the light misty rain and Junie noticed her Mistress snuggled close to their Master as they fell asleep.

Again Junie woke them with a nightmare, but they were getting used to it and were quickly asleep again.

The first witness of the day the state next called was the first police officer on the scene to take the stand; he identified himself and answered a long series of questions about his experience and the date, time and location of the call. "When I got on the scene the last witness, Cathy Wilson, was at the hotel door, knocking and calling the victim's name."

"What did you do then?"

"I had Cathy Wilson step away from the door and had the manager unlock it."

"When you entered the hotel room what did you see?"

"I saw the lower half of a nude female body. Her ankles were tied to the corners of the bed. There was a great deal of blood covering her legs and the sheets."

"Only the lower half?"

"Yes, sir, her upper torso and head were covered with blankets and pillows."

"When you uncovered her, what did you see?"

"Her arms were tied to the upper corners of the bed and she had a gag in her mouth, one of those ball gags. Her eyes were closed. Initially I thought she was dead, but when I checked her carotid pulse, it was there, faint but there. That was when I called for the ambulance."

"Did you perform any first aid?"

"Yes, sir, she had numerous superficial cuts on her body, but I could see some deep lacerations in her vaginal area. She was bleeding pretty badly there and I got some towels from the bathroom and applied direct pressure to try and keep her from bleeding out. It was about then that a second officer arrived and he cut the ropes and took off the gag. I kept up the pressure until the ambulance came."

"Did she say anything to you?"

"No, sir, she was unconscious the whole time."

"Did the Emergency Medical Technicians from the ambulance say anything to you?"

"They said she had lost a lot of blood and they did not know if she would make it."

"Didn't they say anything else?"

"Just, that he had never seen anything like that before." The police officer twisted in his chair and for an instant his face lost its professional neutrality. "The EMT was pretty upset; he vomited. I have never seen an EMT do that. That's when he said what he said."

Dan Cavalier stood and said, "I have no more questions for this witness."

During the testimony Donna had frequently looked to see how Sam Card was reacting to the evidence being presented. Each time she would glance over he would be staring down at a yellow legal pad and writing continually, almost obsessively. This time was the first time she observed any change in his demeanor. As he bent over his writing, he had a small, triumphant smile on his face and then it was gone. Shocked Donna looked toward the jury and saw at least one of the jurors, an older woman staring at him with a puzzled and slightly angry look on her face. Donna was sure that at least one juror had seen his smile and wondered how he hoped to get the jury's sympathy if he did not look remorseful.

The next few witnesses were from the crime lab, presenting evidence. There was a long list of items from the hotel crime scene; the gag, the ropes, fingerprint evidence, the tattered remains of Monica's clothing and photos of the crime scene. 

The defense did not contest any of the evidence and did not cross examine any of the witnesses.

Next to testify was the emergency room physician that first dealt with Monica's injuries. He spoke about the number and extent of the knife wounds on Monica's body. He showed photographs of her injuries and spoke about how many stitches and units of blood Monica had needed. When Mark Freeden asked how imminent death had been, the doctor responded, "Miss Bond would have been dead in minutes if she had not received first aid and an immediate transfusion. She had lost almost half her blood volume." The photos were introduced into evidence and passed around the jury. Donna noticed that several of the jurors did not look at the pictures or glanced at them and then recoiled. Donna looked at Sam Card and noticed the secretive smile once again. It was like he enjoyed the emotional turmoil that others experienced when confronted with the facts of the case.

After that was a gynecological surgeon that spoke about the reconstructive surgeries that Monica had undergone and spoke of the permanent nerve damage and scarring. A second set of photos of the scars left behind by the attack were presented to the jury to peruse.

Again the defense declined to cross examine.

When they broke for lunch, Agent Durant muttered, "Monica is going to testify after lunch."

Donna nodded, "If I promise to mind my own business, would you let me buy you lunch?"

He shrugged and his voice was gruffly apologetic, "Ma'am, I realize you were just trying to help, but this is just something you need to stay out of."

Donna smiled and took his arm, for the first time noticing a lump on his hip that she knew had to be a gun, "Understood. Let's try that Vietnamese place again; there was something else I wanted to try on the menu." As they walked, Donna noticed the same little group of kids back on their corner. She wasn't positive, but it was possible that they did look a little cleaner than yesterday. The tattooed girl caught her looking at them and while she did not wave or speak to Donna, there was an instant of unspoken acknowledgement.

As they ate Donna debated asking who was with Monica and if he was going to be checking in with her before her court appearance, but she decided that it was too soon after her promise 'to mind her own business' and that any talk of Monica could be misinterpreted. She told herself to trust the people who cared for Monica to be there for her. 

Donna asked David about the property in East Texas, what it was like, what kind of buildings were on the land and what improvements he hoped to make. She spoke of her and Bob's dreams of a home on the lake and how wonderful it was to make it come true. Agent Durant's eyes got distant, like he was looking at a place that was only in his mind, "There was a house years back, a big old farm house. It burnt down. There is just a foundation now and a beautiful old driveway of big pecan trees. I inherited it from my father's side of the family. I want to have horses. When I was a kid I grew up on a horse ranch in Louisiana." 

"What kind of house are you going to build?" He laughed, "You know I have thought about the barn and the garage, but the house? I don't know, maybe I will move in a trailer." He laughed again when Donna cringed and asked if they get many tornadoes in that part of Texas.

He drawled in his strongest southern accent, "Ma'am, it is not that trailers attract tornadoes, it's all the folks are too broke and the hearts have gone out of them. They just didn't feel like rebuilding after the last big wind." He looked at his watch, "Ma'am, I want to get back early. I want to stop in and see Monica before the trial reconvenes." Donna marveled how he could turn his accent up and down.

Donna was standing alone in the place where the bailiff Billy had told her to wait. He came by a few minutes early and winked at her and subtly jerked his head for her to follow. When she got into the courtroom she saw that Agent Durant was there already. As she sat down she asked, "Did you see Monica?"

He grunted and nodded, "Yes, but I did not stay long. Her mother was there and I did not want to get into an argument. Monica does not need that kind of aggravation now. I told her I would be here in the courtroom."

Soon all the players were in their seats, the bailiff calling the courtroom to order. Donna noticed that Sam Card had a fresh writing pad and was already writing. When Monica came in the side door, she was wearing a blue dress with a peter pan collar. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail. Donna thought they had gone a little too far to make her look like a child. Her face was pale and she scanned the courtroom, carefully avoiding looking at the defendant's table. When she found Agent Durant, she locked her eyes on him and hardly wavered from that regard after that. Donna noticed he stared back with the same desperate intensity.

Donna noticed that, for the first time, Sam Card looked up from the pad he was writing on. He was staring intently at Monica.

Mark Freeden stood and said in a soft, caring voice. "How are you doing, Monica?"

Monica took a deep breath and in a tense clear voice replied, "I am fine, thank you."

"Monica, your boyfriend, Harold Tinker, has told us that at first you said no when he suggested that you meet a man for the purposes of swapping. Is that true?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why did you say no?"

"Well, everyone knows you are not supposed to meet people off the internet. It is too dangerous."

"Why did you eventually agree?"

"Harry said he knew the guy. He said it would be safe and he told me I could leave anytime I wanted if I didn't like it."

"Did you set some rules? Did you say there were things you would not do?"

"Yes, sir, I said I would only have straight sex or oral. I said that I would not do anal or anything kinky."

"Why did you say that?"

"Because my boyfriend was always asking me for those kinds of things and I do not like those kinds of things." 

"Yet you did set up a 'report in' phone call with your friend Cathy Wilson. Was this because you did not feel entirely safe?"

"Well, I had not met the guy before. I was a little afraid."

"So when you went to the hotel room what happened?"

"I called Cathy right before I went in and then I knocked on the door. When he opened the door he was older than I expected, but he seemed okay. He smiled at me and told me that he was glad that I was going through with this. He said he would make me feel really good."

"And the man that met you, is that man the defendant Sam Card?"

"Yes, sir."

"So you went into the room?"

"Yes, sir."

"What happened after that?"

"As soon as he closed the door, he turned and pushed me hard. I fell down onto the floor. He was on top of me before I knew what was going on. I started to scream and then he had a knife. He cut my face." Monica's fingers reached up and touched the scar that made the corner of her mouth turn down. "He said if I did not shut the fuck up he would cut me again."

"What did he do after that?"

"He made me get up on the bed. He tied me down, with my hands above my head, tied to the top corners of the bed and my feet to the bottom corners of the bed. After that he took the knife and cut off my clothes. It was really sharp and it cut me a couple times and I screamed again. After that, he got this ball thing and pushed it into my mouth."

"What did he do after that?"

Monica kept her eyes locked on David's face and continued, her voice the same tense clear monotone. "He began to run the edge of the knife along my skin. He would look at me and say things like, 'do you like this?' or 'feel this" and press down and it would cut in a little way. I would try to lie still because I was afraid if I moved it would just cut me more. I tried to beg him to stop, but I could not talk. I kept shaking my head."

Monica shuddered and then shook her head as if chasing away a thought or a vision, "He did that for a long time. Then he asked me if I wanted to fuck and I nodded yes. I just wanted him to stop cutting me." 

She took another deep breath and fought down a tremor in her voice, "Then he took the knife and put it inside my vagina. He pushed in and out like he was using it to have intercourse with me. I could feel it cutting me. I was screaming so loud that even the gag was not keeping me quiet enough. I was fighting and twisting against the ropes. I think I was making enough noise to make him worried because he piled the pillows and blankets over my face. I was having trouble breathing and I was fading in and out of consciousness." Monica was speaking faster and faster like she was rushing to finish, "One time, when I woke up, I could hear my cell phone ringing. I heard him laugh; he said it was probably my stupid fucking Master. After that all I remember was pain. Then I woke up at the hospital a couple of days later. I remember being surprised. I was sure I was dying." When she stopped Monica was breathing hard, like she had run a long distance, and her face was flushed.

The courtroom was absolutely silent and then there was a soft bang from the defendant's table and Donna looked over to see Sam Card leaning over and picking up the writing pad from the floor like he had dropped it. When she looked back at Monica, she was staring at him, a look of complete horror on her face as he slowly smiled at her.

Judge Waldenback banged her gavel and asked if the prosecutor had any more questions for Monica. When Mark Freeden said he had no more questions, she announced that the court was adjourned for the day. "Defense can cross examine this witness when we reconvene in the morning."

Agent Durant stood and muttered quickly, "See you tomorrow." He slipped through the gate into the courtroom proper and followed Monica through the door she exited through.

As Donna walked to the parking garage, she saw the same girl and was surprised when the girl fell in beside her, walking along. Donna stopped while they were on the busy sidewalk, reluctant to enter the parking garage where she could be isolated. She looked warily at the girl, "How was the hotel room?"

"Nice, well it was a cheap dive hotel room, but it was nicer than sleeping under the bridge. It was warm and there was a shower."

"What is your name?"

"The family calls me Tat."

"Tat?" 

"Yeah, short for tattoo."

"So, Tat, what do you want?"

The girl grinned, "Figured you might be a soft touch, might be a good shot to hit you up for some more cash. You are new around here." Her eyes turned hard, "Figured to milk you good before you got wise and tough."

"You don't think I am wise or tough?"

"You? You are not from the city. You look around. You see things. When you look at me, you don't instantly look away. You either are looking to hook up or are stupid."

Donna laughed, "You certainly have an odd way of milking a soft touch."

The girl smiled, but her face was tense, "Maybe I was hoping you wanted to hook up. It wouldn't cost you all that much, dinner, a hotel room, fifty bucks." Donna's eyes turned soft and sympathetic, "It's pretty rough out here, isn't it? Begging and selling your body to people to survive. Do you have anybody that you can turn to? Any family or programs that can help you get off the street?"

The girls dark eyes turned black with anger, "I don't fucking want off the street. This is my home." She turned back and pointed at the corner, "Those guys are my family. If you don't want to hook up, just say so. I don't have time to fuck around with some stupid social worker." She whirled and marched away. 

Donna stood and watched her go. She wondered if the girl was calling her a social worker or if she was saying she did not want to get involved in a program. She figured the girl could not be more than sixteen.




The End of Evil Ch. 12



As she drove home, Donna thought about Bob's words about looking through the gates of hell, feeling all the things that she had thought were true somehow being bent and distorted by the lenses of pain and injustice. A random thought crossed her mind, that it must be this experience; this standing too close to the flame was what had twisted R. P. Sanders into the thing she was. She wondered to herself as she pulled into garage if evil begat evil. Her pain eased as she saw Junie open the door and come out to meet her, Bob following behind her. She smiled to realize that there was an antidote to the disturbance in her spirit. She sighed as she felt them lift her from the car and wrap their arms around her, "Oh god, I needed this."

Again Donna found herself needy for the gentle loving contact of the ones she loved to ease the sense of dissonance that seemed to keep her on edge. She was amazed to find herself asking for some time on the teeter board, craving to feel the intense connection that balancing with Junie meant, craving the focus and peace that the equilibrium brought. 

When Bob lifted the flogger she found herself reluctant, "Master, I have experienced too much pain today. This feels wrong; I beg that you spare me this." When Junie volunteered to bear the lash Donna found herself blinking and turning away, unable to find pleasure in the sounds and sight of Junie's submission, sensing echoes of Monica's terror and agony in her heart. 

Sadly, Donna started to slip out of the room when Bob turned, his face concerned, "Is this feeling wrong to you as well, my goddess?"

Donna blinked and nodded, for the first time a tear slipping down her face. "All I can feel is sadness and horror right now. I cannot sense our girl's surrender or pleasure."

Junie whimpered and choked out, "I am sorry." Then she turned to Bob, "Untie me, please. We need to stop." Once again Donna found herself enfolded in the arms of her lovers and something slipped inside her and she began to cry, soft deep sobs. She clung to them tightly and let the tears flow down her face.

When she calmed, Bob lifted her chin, "Is this too hard? Is going to this trial dangerous?"

Donna took a deep shuddering breath. "It is very dangerous. But it is like something started that I need to finish. If I stop going now, I will never find closure. I almost feel like I would have this seed of evil planted in me and, without the finish, it would stay and grow. Somehow I know once it is over, it will be exorcized. But until then I will be wounded and I will need your love to survive."

Bob gently kissed her face, "I will respect your wisdom, my goddess. Junie and I will limit our play for when you are not home. We will save all our love for you." He kissed her more deeply and looked into her eyes. "So, my goddess, do you think you can find your pleasure?"

Donna giggled a tiny, giddy, gulping laugh, "I hope so." 

Together Bob and Junie gently urged her to their bedroom, their hands and lips caressing her skin, soothing her spirit. There was no feeling of dissonance, just soft gentle relaxation and healing as she lay back and let them worship her. Again she murmured, "Oh god, I needed this."

In the morning all three got ready and drove the SUV down to the courthouse. They parted ways and Bob and Junie went to wait in the room assigned to her. Junie had brought some cards, a jigsaw puzzle, magazines, and a crochet project she was working on. When she was packing her bag, she complained, "I wish I could bring knitting. I like knitting so much better than crocheting." Knitting needles were on the long list of restricted items not allowed into the courthouse, along with knives, matches, scissors and dozens of other things. 

Agent Durant was not at the courtroom door, but the bailiff, Billy, true to his word, came and got Donna a few minutes before the doors opened. Donna tried to ask him how long he had known Agent Durant, but he laughed and joked, "Too long, way too long." And then she was inside and he was heading off in another direction. Again, Agent Durant was there before her. She sat down next to him and looked at him, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"How do you do this day in and day out, year after year, and not let it get to you?"

"Sometimes it does get to me, ma'am. I focus that energy into trying to bring the bad guys to justice. I go to church. I talk to god." He made a wry face, "I drink a beer at the end of my day. It is not so much the alcohol as the ritual. I know that when I have that beer I don't have to think about it anymore. It took years to learn how not to think about it, though." He turned to look at Donna, "This is harder than you thought it would be, isn't it?"

Donna nodded, "Yes, I was all excited to see the show and learn about what happens. I had no idea how it would tear at my spirit. I am just a wreck when I get home every night."

"Would it make you feel better to know that you are going through exactly what every green FBI agent goes through when they start this job? It's a normal reaction to feel overwhelmed by the tragedy."

Before Donna could ask how many green FBI agents end up quitting, the bailiff called the court to order. Monica was wearing a simple white blouse and a plaid skirt. Her hair was down and looked fine and wispy around her face. She nervously kept pushing it back behind her ears. Again she carefully avoided looking at the defense table, keeping her eyes on David.

Dan Cavalier stood up and walked back and forth a couple of times, apparently lost in thought. He turned and looked at Monica and asked, "Miss Bond, how many different sexual partners have you had?"

Donna felt herself stiffen and then became aware that there was a general intake of breath in the courtroom. Monica looked at Mark Freeden, her eyes wide and pleading, but when he didn't object she answered, "Three."

"Is that counting Sam Card?"

A wave of muttered protests swept across the courtroom. Donna felt a surge go through Agent Durant's body and he made a low grunt like he had been hit in the stomach. Instantly Mark Freeden was on his feet objecting and simultaneously the judge's gavel was rapping sharply on her bench. The judge leaned over and snapped to Monica, "Do not answer that question, young lady." The judge gave the defense attorney a baleful look, "That was way over the line. I ruled you could question this witness as to her sexual history so you could establish somehow that the defendant may have had some explanation for his actions. I did not make that ruling so you could just hurt her all over again. You will limit your questions to sexual history prior to the crime and only to those sexual experiences that would have some bearing on the crime."

Dan Cavalier smiled at the judge and shrugged. He turned to Monica, "Okay, prior to the crime, did you agree to meet with the man your boyfriend called James Conrad with the sole purpose of having sex with him?

Monica's voice was quavering, "Yes."

"Have you had sex with a stranger before?"

"No."

"Your former boyfriend said you refused to do this at first. But you changed your mind. Why did you change your mind?" "Harry said he knew the guy. He said that he wanted me to do this."

"But your boyfriend said you refused to let him do a lot of things. You refused to let him tie you up. You refused to let him spank or whip you. You could have continued to refuse, why didn't you? "

Monica looked confused, "That's not true. I did let him do those things once. Harry always said I should try things first before I reject the idea."

"But you did not like them?"

"No."

"Were you the one that said that you would only have straight or oral sex, nothing kinky and that the man you were meeting must use a condom?"

"Yes and that I could leave at anytime I wanted."

"Did you tell these rules to the man you were meeting?"

"No, sir, my boyfriend did."

"How do you know your boyfriend told the man these rules?"

Monica was looking a little irritated, but she took a deep breath, "My boyfriend told me that the man had agreed to these rules. I believed him."

"But he lied to you when he said he knew the man."

Monica did not answer and Donna realized it had not been a question. She was very impressed that Monica was so controlled on the stand. Dan Cavalier looked at Monica, "Did you find the idea of meeting a stranger for sex erotic?"

Monica took a deep breath, "At the time, yes."

"Not anymore?"

Monica looked at the defense attorney and without looking at the defendant she pointed a quivering finger at him, "That man took a knife and cut my vagina to pieces. I have spent the last year in and out of the hospital getting it put back together again. I have nerve damage; I can't feel down there anymore. So, no, I don't find anything erotic anymore!" Her voice was shrill and angry.

Donna could see the jury looking at Monica, their expressions a mix of concern and sympathy. Donna looked to see that Sam Card was looking at Monica, but instead of smiling, he had a puzzled frown on his face.

The defense attorney seemed to ignore Monica's outburst. "So when you went to the hotel room, were you excited about having sex with that man?" He pointed at the defendant.

Monica took a deep angry breath. "When I went to the hotel room I was scared and nervous. I was not feeling sexual at all."

"Why did you go in?"

"I don't know. I guess it was because I said I would and I did not want my boyfriend to think I was a prude. He was pretty much fed up with all my saying no to the things he wanted to do."

"So after you went in, the first thing the defendant did was to push you to the floor?"

"Yes and he cut my face. He threatened to cut me again if I screamed." "After he tied you to the bed, after he gagged you, he would talk to you about liking it?"

"Yes, but I was gagged; I could not say I did not like it. I could only shake my head. But he kept doing it."

"But when he asked if you wanted to fuck, you nodded yes?"

Monica's voice was quivering with emotion, and Donna was amazed to realize she was more angry than anything else. "Yes, but only because I thought it meant he would stop cutting me. I was cut all up and down my legs, breasts and stomach. I was afraid of dying; I just wanted him to put down the knife. Instead he used it to rape me. After that I started hoping I would die, just to make the pain stop."

The defense attorney returned to his table. "I have no further questions."

Mark Freeden stood and approached Monica, "I have only one more question for you, Miss Bond. I am going to show a knife and ask if it looks like the knife that the defendant used to cut you." He picked up a plastic bag that held a knife, "I want to put into evidence this knife. Miss Bond, does this look like the knife that Sam Card cut you with?" Monica looked at the knife and nodded, "Yes, it looked just like that."

"Could it have been this knife?"

"Yes, sir."

The District Attorney held up the knife to the courtroom and there was a ripple of movement in the gallery as people leaned forward and jockeyed for vantage points, all looking at the knife that Donna knew Junie found in her car. Donna realized that the big District Attorney had waited to introduce this piece of evidence until now because Junie would be next.

When Monica left the room Judge Waldenback looked at the clock and announced to the court, "I am going to adjourn for the noon break now. Be back at 1:00." Agent Durant turned to Donna and with a clear warning in his eyes said, "I promised Monica I would eat lunch with her today." He looked grim, "Her mother will be there too. Nothing personal, but I just don't want to deal with anyone else today." Donna was tempted to joke with him about being tired of her company, but she just shrugged, "Bob and Junie are here at the courthouse. Don't worry about me, I will have company. Where are you planning to eat so we won't accidentally run into you? If Monica and Junie see each other we won't be able to keep them apart."

Agent Durant laughed, "I was thinking about Thai. There is a place up on 5th that I was going to take her to."

Donna nodded, "Okay, we will head the other direction." David Durant gave her a grateful look. "There is a sushi place down that way and a good Italian place."

"Well, I will let Bob and Junie decide, but I think Tiramisu sounds yummy. I will see you at 1:00." Once she was in the hall, Donna dug out her phone and called Junie, "Meet me in the hall, sweet Junie, the judge broke early for lunch. Come on out of your hidey hole." Donna's heart warmed when she heard Junie giggle before they hung up.

When Junie caught sight of Donna, she squealed and waved eagerly. She grabbed Bob's hand and practically dragged him to where her Mistress stood. Donna looked carefully at Junie, and saw she was tense to almost the breaking point, yet had a frenetic brittle energy that was making her eyes too bright, her face flushed, and a fixed, brittle grin twisted her face into a frightened clown's mask. Taking Junie's hand, she made a soft hushing sound before Junie could speak, "Take a deep breath, girl; you have yourself all wound up." 

Junie took the breath, inhaling quickly and thoughtlessly, her eyes wide and scanning the people around them. Her voice was distracted, "Do you think Monica is here? Could we have lunch with her?"

Donna shot Bob a frustrated look, "No, Junie, we are not going to have lunch with Monica today. Look at me, take another breath slower and deeper this time." While she spoke softly, this time Donna's voice took on her cool icy tone.

Junie looked at Donna and blinked and for the first time her brittle smile faltered. She muttered, "I am sorry, Ma'am." Junie took a deep, slow breath and released it slowly.

Handing Junie her briefcase, she said coolly, "Carry this for me." Then she took Bob's arm and turned and walked towards the exit, ignoring Junie as she walked along behind them. Donna looked up at Bob and asked, "What have you two been up to? She is about to self-destruct and we have not even started."

Bob gave her a helpless look, "She was sitting really quiet, crocheting. I was reading. We weren't even talking. When her phone rang, she shrieked and came up off her chair like she had been electrocuted. She went from zero to this in an instant."

"Well, she is going to need to calm down or she is not going to be able to testify. Luckily we have a long break before we need to be back at the courthouse. Let's get something to eat and then take a walk. The waterfront looks like a good place to use up some of that energy."

They ended up at the Italian place and, after they sat down, Donna looked carefully at Junie again. Her eyes were still wide and glassy, but the ghastly grin was gone. "Okay, girl, tell me how you got yourself so wound up."

"I guess I was trying so hard to not be afraid, trying really hard to be calm. I was sitting there crocheting and crocheting, just doing the same stitch over and over, rehearsing the questions in my head. I guess I didn't even notice how tight I was holding myself, until my phone rang." Junie began to giggle, "I almost peed myself." Then she bit her lip, her eyes flooding with tears, "I am sorry. I am fucking up already." Her voice was strangled. 

"Are you hungry?"

Junie shook her head, "No, Ma'am, I don't feel nauseous, but I don't feel like eating either."

"I am going to order you an Italian Soda. I want you to drink the whole thing. The sugar and extra fluid will do you good. What flavor do you want?"

Junie squirmed in her seat and looked at the menu, "Um... lemon?"

"Good girl. We will have time for a walk before we need to be back." Donna looked seriously at Junie, "Monica just got done with her testimony and she was awesome. She really kicked ass."

Junie smiled tremulously, "That's good."

Bob and Donna ate pasta with fresh tomatoes and garlic, soaking up the olive oil with French bread while Junie sipped on her drink through a straw. Donna ordered Tiramisu for both her and Junie, and when Junie just picked at the rich dessert, ordered her to eat. "Eat, girl, you need something in your stomach. And this is too good to let it go to waste." Junie grimaced, but dutifully ate the whole thing.

Donna made Junie carry her bag again and they walked down to the riverfront and began to walk a little more quickly, taking longer strides. The low heels of her new shoes rapped sharply on the sidewalk. Junie's shorter legs made her have to hurry to keep up. It was cool and the clouds in the sky were low, but it looked like the rain was going to hold off for a while longer. 

As they walked, Donna wondered that Bob had not taken such a strong lead in their circle since they had gotten to Portland. He seemed to be talking less and deferring to her decisions more. Yet there was a solid, reassuring presence about him. It was like he was content to stand back and observe, holding his power in reserve.

Dropping back, Donna took Junie's arm. Her voice was low and compelling, "You can be calm and brave at the same time, girl. You do not need to fight the fear and nervousness. Acknowledge it but, at the same time, decide that you will not let it push you. Think about the teeter board; think how impossible it is to balance when you try too hard. Think about how it feels when you relax and surrender and then you just start to float. When you are up on that witness stand I want you to look at me, look into my eyes and think about balancing." Junie slowed and stopped looking up at her Mistress with wonder in her eyes. Her voice was soft and strangely triumphant, "Oh, Ma'am, of course. It is that simple."

Donna looked at her watch and turned around, "Let's head back. I want to get there early enough to get my seat. I will be right behind the prosecutors table."

As they headed back, the sounds of several sirens went off. Instead of going away they seemed to get louder and closer. All three of them watched curiously as three police cars came down the street nearest the waterfront walk, driving fast, lights flashing and sirens blaring. It seemed like sirens were going off all over the city and they all seemed to be coming to the downtown area.

When they neared the courthouse it was obvious that whatever was going on was happening there. At least a dozen police cars were parked outside the building and a large crowd of people were gathering around the outside of the building. Donna could see that a cordon of uniformed police officers was blocking anyone from entering into the tall building. The crowd was growing quickly and milling nervously, Donna overheard someone say something about it maybe being a bomb scare. She pulled Junie and Bob to the back of the crowd and, pulling out her cell phone, tried to call Leena, but the call went directly to voicemail and then the phone notified her that the voice mailbox was full. Next she tried to call Agent Durant, but there was no answer.

Frustrated, Donna put her phone away and scanned the crowd, trying to see anyone she recognized to ask what the hell was going on. As she turned she jumped to see the slender form of the tattooed street girl standing next to her, an excited grin on her face. Leaning over Donna spoke into the girl's ear, "Do you know what is happening?"

"Word is some prisoner escaped."

"Do you know who?"

"The guy on trial, the one that cut that girl, Card."

Donna felt a rush of ice cold terror cascade down her body. "Fuck."

The girl looked at her in surprise, "Friend of yours?"

"More like an enemy."

The girl nodded knowingly and then turned to watch the excitement. Junie was nervously watching the people around them, too distracted to even notice that her Mistress was talking to someone else. Donna pulled Bob's head down and whispered furiously in his ear, "Rumor is that Sam Card has escaped. Don't tell Junie. Let's go home, now." 




The End of Evil Ch. 12



*

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu



The End of Evil Ch. 13



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter 13: Escape 

Bob's eyes were instantly alert and scanning the crowd. He took Junie's arm in his hand and pulled her to walk beside him. Junie looked up at him, confusion on her face, "What? Where are we going? I can't leave. I am supposed to be at the courthouse." She pulled back, trying to get free from his hand. 

Bob gave her a little shake and growled, "Be quiet, girl, and obey. I will explain later." Junie looked up at him with frightened eyes and let him hurry her along into the parking garage.

It was quieter in the parking garage, but it seemed to Donna that Bob seemed even more tense and alert. Suddenly she became aware that if Sam Card was loose, he could be anywhere; that they could be in danger. She looked around the concrete structure, suddenly aware of how many places someone could hide in there. She turned frightened eyes to her Master and realized that he had a dangerous aggressive stance; that he had instantly changed from his role of waiting and watching. He was in charge now and protecting Junie and her was his only focus.

As soon as they were in the SUV, Donna locked all the doors and then turned on the radio, scanning one station to another, trying to find some news. Again Junie spoke up, "Where are we going? If I don't show up to court, I will get in trouble."

Donna reached down and handed Junie the waste basket. "Junie there won't be any more trial for a while. Sam Card has escaped from jail."

A tiny whimper leaked out of Junie right before she vomited. Donna continued, "Now, Junie, that is all I know. I need you to be quiet so I can listen to the news and find out what is going on. We are going to go to the rental and try and get in contact with the court people and let them know we are there and find out what they want next." Junie panted nervously, her breathing was uneven and shallow, but she nodded. Donna thought her eyes seemed so large that they took over her whole face.

Donna searched from one radio channel to the next, but there seemed to be only music and strange talk radio shows. She muttered angrily about the sad state of media news. As soon as they got home she pointed at the television in the front room. "Does that thing work?"

"Works fine." Bob did not explain how he knew.

Donna grunted, "Make it work. Find a local channel. I want news."

Bob looked at Junie standing, looking lost in the center of the room, her huge eyes looking around fearfully. "Girl, you heard your Mistress, turn on the television." 

Junie did not move. It was like she had not heard what he had said. She swallowed and gagged, and then spoke in a quavering voice, "Are you sure?"

Bob looked at Donna, "Keep an eye on her. I will do the television in a minute. I want to check the house."

Donna looked at him frowning and confused, but he ignored her and walked around the house making sure that the doors and windows were locked. He pulled down the shades. Slowly realizing he was still very much alert, she felt a prickle of fear across her skin. "You don't think he would come here? How would he know where we are?"

Junie made a terrified sound, rushed to bathroom and threw up again. Bob shook his head, "I don't know what he knows. All I know is a monster is loose and, until he is caught, I am going to be fucking careful." He picked up the remote control and began to flip through the channels. Soon he found a local channel, but there was an advertisement on it. Donna stood impatiently in front to the TV, glaring at it.

Junie crept back into the front room and curled up on the couch, hugging her knees. A convulsion shook through her; her voice was a panicked squall, "Oh god, does Monica know?"

Donna looked sharply at Junie, "Monica was with David. He will keep her safe."

The advertisement ended and the image of the courthouse unfolded. A grim looking man in a suit was standing in front of it with a microphone in his hand. "Welcome back to the ongoing coverage at the courthouse, I am Graham Best. Today at around 11:30 a.m. a guard was found dead and the man he was guarding is missing." A police photo of Sam Card was flashed across the screen. "Sam Card was at the courthouse for his trial for rape and attempted murder." A second picture flashed across the screen. A press photo of R. P. Sanders looking serious, holding a pen. "Also missing is the famous true crime author and member of the defense team, Rachel Penelope Sanders." The picture cut back to the courthouse and the man with the microphone. "Police report that the entire courthouse has been searched and they are expanding their search to the entire Portland Metro area. Unconfirmed reports say that R. P. Sanders' vehicle is missing. The police will not comment as to whether R. P. Sanders is a hostage or has aided the fugitive in his escape." The newsman began to talk about the trial and the crimes Sam Card had been charged with. 

Junie was gasping and choking, repeating to herself over and over, "Oh god, oh god, oh god." 

Bob sat down and pulled her into his arms. "Junie, I won't let anything happen to you. You are safe. Remember that. You are safe. Say it back to me."

Junie stammered, "I... I... am safe."

"Good girl."

Bob looked at Donna, "Make some calls. Find out what's going on."

Again Leena's cell phone went straight to voicemail, but this time it was not full. Donna took some comfort in the knowledge that Leena was at least checking her messages and left a message. "This is Donna Campbell. When we heard that Sam Card had escaped, we came home. I did not want Junie on the street when she found out. Call me and let me know if we need to come back to the courthouse."

Donna was surprised when Agent Durant answered his phone. His voice was clipped and terse, "Where are you?"

"We are at home, at the rental."

"Is Junie there?"

"Yes."

"Lock the doors. Don't leave. I can't talk now. I will call when I can." He hung up without saying anything more. 

Donna looked at the phone in her hand and looked up at Bob. "David says to stay here. He says he will call back."

Junie whimpered, "Can we go home?"

Bob held her close and rocked, "Say it again, Junie."

"I am safe." She did not sound at all convinced. 

FBI Agent Durant looked at his cell phone. He snapped it shut. He had tried to call Junie multiple times, but her cell phone was turned off for some reason. He did not have Donna Campbell's number with him and had been glad to get her call. At least he knew where they were. He was glad that Donna had the good sense to go home. Now if he only knew where Monica and her mother were, he would feel a lot better.

He thought back to the argument he had with Monica's mother and him walking out of the restaurant. Monica's mother was not answering his calls. He was pretty sure they were headed home. He had a police officer on the way to their house to inform them of the escape and to stay with them.

The car he was in pulled up in front of the building where R. P. Sanders had an apartment. Nobody could find the manager to unlock the door, so he had a city police officer with a heavy battering ram to break down the door. He was damned if he was going to wait for a locksmith. He banged on the apartment door and when there was no answer, he pulled out his gun and nodded to police officer, "Knock it down."

There was a sturdy deadbolt on the door and it took several solid blows to break the door jamb. When the door swung open Agent Durant went in with his gun ready. The police officer was close behind him. It took seconds to determine that no one was in the apartment. Agent Durant looked around. The place was a mess; clothing, papers and half eaten to-go cartons of food littered the rooms. He began to look at papers and almost immediately he picked up a picture of a house. He recognized the brick rental cottage that Bob, Donna, and Junie were at. Under the photo was a report from a private detective. He had followed Donna and Junie home from the courthouse the day they had met with the judge. 

Picking up his phone he called a friend at the police department. "I need a unit to go out to another residence. I will explain later. I just want a guard there. It looks like Sanders knew where the second witness was staying. I don't trust her. Yes, I am sure he is going after them. That was all he thought about."

Dialing Donna's number he spoke tersely into the phone, "Donna, this is David. No, just listen. Sanders knew the address of your rental. I have a police officer on his way over to guard you. I will explain later."

His eyes fell on a stack of yellow notepads covered in writing. The penmanship was messy and the letters were large and angular. He recognized Sam Card's writing and picked one up and began to read. His mouth went dry when he realized that he was reading the killer's own description of the first time he had ever killed a woman. He leafed through the notebook and then a second, seeing names of women he recognized from his own investigations and names of women he did not recognize. He looked at the stack of notebooks and estimated that there must be at least a dozen there. His hands began to shake as he gathered them up.

Monica sat sullenly in the passenger seat of her mother's car. She had declined to go into the accounting firm where her mother worked, preferring to wait in the car. Her mother had insisted on taking a detour to her place of employment to pick up something. Monica was too angry to listen to what. Ever since her mother's refusal to believe that R. P. Sanders had betrayed them, Monica had given up listening to her mother and spoke only when absolutely necessary.

Today at lunch, her mother's dismissal of Monica's joy at having her court testimony behind her, her not so thinly veiled dislike of Agent Durant and her attitude that Monica had somehow been to blame for what had happened had boiled over and Monica had said she was going to move out. Her mother had called her a little stupid slut and David had blown up and then the two of them had started yelling. The next thing she knew, David was walking out of the restaurant and she was too cowardly to chase after him.

Her mother came out and climbed into the car and started it without speaking. Monica turned her head and looked blindly out the side window. 

When they got to their house, a city police car was just pulling up. He waved at them and Donna's mother got out of the car and approached them. Monica got out and heard her mother arguing. "I don't believe it. He is lying. He is just harassing us."

Monica looked curiously at the police officer, "What?"

"Miss Bond?"

"Yes?"

Monica's mother interrupted, "Don't listen to him."

Monica waved at her mother dismissively, "What is it that she does not want you to tell me?" Her mother threw up her hands in frustration and marched toward the house.

"Miss Bond, there has been an escape from the courthouse. Sam Card has escaped. I am here to make sure you are guarded until we can move you to a more secure location."

Monica's knees sagged and she staggered back. If the policeman had not caught her, she would have fallen.

After that, it was like everything was in slow motion; her mother's screaming seemed to come from far away. It was muted and fuzzy like Monica was once more hearing sounds through layers of blankets. She turned slowly to see her mother running out of the house, her mouth gaping wide as she screamed and screamed. The policeman dropped her, drew his gun, and ran toward the house as she fell to the ground. Happy ran out the door of the house, trotted up to her and began to joyfully lick her face. Monica blinked and looked at her puppy's feet. They were covered in blood.

Monica had no memory of moving or being moved into the back of a police car. She was holding Happy in her lap, clutching the puppy to her chest and rocking, ignoring the puppy's whimpers and wiggles to get free. There must have been a dozen police cars parked along her street. Blood was smeared on her white blouse from the puppy's feet.

Her mother was standing talking to a group of police officers; her voice was loud and hysterical. "What are you going to do? How did he get in? Where is he now?" Monica tipped her head to one side and watched as her mother screamed at the policemen and waved her arms around.

Slowly she got out of the car and walked up to a man in a black suit, talking on a cell phone. Still cradling Happy, she stood quietly in front of him and gently, insistently, tugged at his jacket. He pulled the phone away from his ear and looked down at her, initially irritated to be interrupted, but then seeing the blood on her clothing, he asked, "Are you all right, ma'am?"

Monica nodded and spoke in a soft little girl's voice, "Are you an FBI man?"

"No, ma'am, I am with the police."

"I need to talk to David Durant with the FBI. I know his phone number if I can use your phone please." She reached for his phone and would have taken it out of his hand if he had not lifted it out of her reach. Monica frowned, "It is very important that I talk with David Durant. He is an FBI agent."

Monica felt a hand on her arm and turned to see her mother pulling at her. Her mother's lips were moving, saying something, but Monica shook her arm free and said softly, "You get away from me."

The man in the black suit turned and pointed at a large black car pulling up, "If you want to talk to the FBI, that's them just pulling up."

Monica smiled and murmured softly, "Thank you very much," and began to walk toward the car, ignoring the strange sound and movement that was her mother.

Two men in familiar dark suits were getting out of the car. Monica walked directly up to the closest one, blocking his movement. When he looked down at her, she smiled her voice small and soft, "Hello, I am Monica Bond. I need to speak to David Durant. He is an FBI agent. He is in Portland. I know his phone number."

The man nodded without speaking and handed her his cell phone. Monica smiled a little more broadly, like she had finally found what she was looking for. She dialed David's number and when he answered she spoke in her tiny voice, "David, this is Monica. I need you." Then she handed the phone back to the man who had given it to her and sat down abruptly on the ground to wait. Happy tried to squirm free again.

The FBI agent spoke on the phone, "Yes, she is okay. She just seems pretty shaken up. We will. Yes. Okay."

The FBI agent leaned down and spoke softly. "He is already on his way down here, ma'am. He figures he will be here in a half an hour. Do you want to wait in the car?"

Monica looked at him and solemnly shook her head. "No, thank you, I just need David." 

By the time Agent Durant had arrived the puppy had stopped trying to get out of Monica's lap and sensibly gone to sleep. Monica sat still, her large blue eyes looking at the chaos going on around her. When a man with a microphone tried to approach her to ask questions, one of the FBI agents had warned him off and a police officer was assigned to stand near her. Agent Durant's instructions had been very clear. Make sure she was not hurt, make sure she does not go into the house and leave her alone.

They could not prevent the reporter from taking pictures and the next day a picture of Monica sitting on a sidewalk surrounded by police cars, holding a half grown golden puppy, her face a strange mix of serenity and shock was on every news wire in the US. It became a symbol of the whole manhunt.

David watched her from a distance, every fiber of his being needed to go to her. But he knew once she knew he was there, he would not be able to talk and he desperately needed to get information. 

He had been on the phone all the drive down. The body in Monica's house had to be Sanders; the clothing and the size was right, but it was so mutilated it they were going to have to wait for fingerprints to know for sure. For some reason Card had seemed to focus all his rage on her face. Not only had she been savagely beaten, but then he had systematically slashed at the battered flesh until the body was unrecognizable. The first police officer on the scene suspected he had been gone only minutes when he first entered the crime scene. The body was still bleeding when he checked for a pulse. 

As soon as the officer determined that the body in the house was deceased he had returned to make sure that Monica and her mother were safe and called in the murder.

At the back door Agent Durant put on a pair of cloth surgical shoe covers and entered the crime scene. The first thing he noticed was the dozens of small, bloody, paw prints covering the floor. The puppy had obviously walked through the blood and tracked it through the house.

R. P. Sanders' body was on the floor of the small front room. Her hands and feet were tied together and her face was a mass of slashed and pulped flesh. Agent Durant clenched his jaw and swallowed hard. On the phone they had not mentioned the one intact eye open and staring out in horror, a tiny piece of identifiable humanity in a mass of raw meat.

A medical examiner was photographing the body. Agent Durant asked, "How long has she been dead?" 

The doctor looked at his watch, "Less than an hour. It looks like the last wound was this one on the throat." He pointed a long deep gash. "I will have to wait until I get her back to the morgue, but my best guess is he did this when the police car pulled up and then went out the back. The police officer reported she was still bleeding when he found the body. So she died about the time he walked into the room."

Agent Durant looked around and cringed to see the old Cocker Spaniel dead in his bed, his throat cut. David raised his eyes to the ceiling, looking past the spots of blood on the popcorn texturing. Silently, he sent a thank you to his god for the fact that Monica was not hurt, that she had not seen this and that, for some odd reason, Happy was still alive.

"Is there any other evidence here?"

"Crime scene isn't done fingerprinting or taking DNA samples, but other than that we didn't find anything."

He walked into the kitchen and saw that the knife drawer was open and empty. "He took all the knives." The refrigerator was standing open, but Agent Durant could not see anything out of place. "Make sure that the crime scene guys process everything in here. He might have taken a drink out of the milk carton or something like that."

The medical examiner looked over his shoulder. "We got a good team. If there is something here, they will find it. They will run the bathroom too. If he washed his hands or took a piss, they will find it."

Agent Durant went back out the back door and took off the shoe covers. He walked back around and approached Monica. She was sitting still, gently rubbing at the dried blood on her puppy's feet. He knelt down, "Hey, pretty girl."

Monica looked at him, and her face lit up. "Oh, David, you are here. I knew you would come." A shadow fell over her face. "You need to help me. Happy is hurt." She pointed at the blood on her puppy's paws. 




The End of Evil Ch. 13



David gently touched one of the puppy's feet. "Will you come with me to have her looked at by the ambulance man?"

Monica nodded and tried to stand up, but the gangly half-grown puppy was heavy and her legs had become stiff. She frowned, apparently puzzled as to why she could not stand up. David slowly unwrapped her arms from the puppy and took it from her and then pulled her to stand. Only when she had stood did he notice that Monica had a large wet patch on her clothing, he wasn't sure if it was her, the puppy or both, but she was soaked in urine.

As they walked Agent Durant saw Monica's mother sitting in the back of a police car and when their eyes met she started to yell. He could not hear her, but her mouth was moving and she had that same hateful expression on her face. She pushed open the car door and stormed out. "You get away from my daughter. If weren't for you, that man would never have come here."

Monica turned and lashed out, charging at her mother, slapping at her face repeatedly. Her voice was a tiny shrill growl, "You shut up. You just shut up. Get the fuck away from me. I hate you." The thin angular woman stopped in shock and stepped back, raising her hands to protect her face.

Agent Durant grabbed Monica's hand and pulled her back. "Monica, stop. We need to take care of Happy. Come with me to take care of Happy."

Monica's mother stood speechless, her hands on her stinging cheeks.

Monica kept her grip on his hand and tottered along with him as he walked to the crime scene vehicle. One of the men in white coats was cataloging some evidence and he looked up. Agent Durant held up the puppy. "This little pup has some evidence on her feet. I don't think it is anything other than from the victim, but we should get a sample. After that do me a favor, wash it off a little. The girl is worried that the puppy is hurt and it will make her feel better if you could make it better." 

The crime scene officer smiled gently and whispered to Monica, "Could you hold your puppy for me while I check her feet?" Monica nodded earnestly and took Happy and turned her to the technician. He took a soft square of gauze and soaking it in sterile saline solution thoroughly wiped the blood off one foot and put it in an envelope and labeled it. He cleaned each foot and saved the gauze in carefully labeled envelopes and then looked closely at each foot. He gave Happy a gentle pat. "That is a very good puppy you have there. Her feet are not hurt. It looks like she just stepped in something."

Monica looked puzzled, "Stepped in something? What?"

The technician held up the envelopes. "I won't know until I get this back to the lab. But her feet aren't cut or anything."

Monica smiled in relief, "Oh good."

David looked at the technician, "Do you have something we can make a leash out of, a length of gauze or a piece of rope?"

Soon they had a piece of string tied to Happy's collar and they took her for a short walk, Agent Durant waving off another reporter as he approached. "So, pretty girl, would you like to go visit Junie?"

Monica looked up in delight, "Oh that would be wonderful." Her face turned serious, "We will have to bring Happy with us."

David pulled out his cell phone and smiled, "Of course, pretty girl. We have to keep Happy safe." He dialed Donna's number, "Hello, Donna. I need a favor. I need to bring Monica out there. I will explain everything when I get there."

He turned to Monica, "Pretty girl, I need you to wait in my car and hold Happy. I need to get a few things. I will be back in a few minutes."

Monica nodded solemnly and let him put her into his car, hugging her puppy close in her arms. David went back to the house and put the foot covers on once more. The same crime scene technician was in the house, "I need to get some clothes from the girl's room. Are you done in there?"

The technician nodded, "The door to that room was closed and there are no paw prints in there. The room looked undisturbed. I fingerprinted the door knobs and the surfaces in there already. Make a list of what you take and get it back to me."

Agent Durant grabbed a large paper evidence bag and shoved a couple pairs of pants and blouses, a couple pairs of panties and bras, socks and a nightgown. As he left he saw that they had bagged up the body and were transferring it to a stretcher. He paused in the doorway and held up the bag. "I will fax that list back to you."

Donna put down the phone and looked at Junie asleep on the couch in her Master's arms, exhausted by the fear that she could not banish. Every sound or movement made her jump and whimper.

Donna whispered, "Agent Durant is on his way here with Monica. I don't know why, but he said he would explain everything when he got here."

Bob slowly eased himself out from under Junie and let her settle down onto the couch. He whispered, "I will move that mattress back up to the second bedroom, you make some sandwiches and a pot of coffee. It looks like we are going to have company. When you get the sandwiches made, let me know. I will take some out to the officer parked outside."

There was a second female officer sitting quietly in the kitchen. When Bob had asked her what she knew about Sam Card's escape, she had responded that she could not discuss the crime until she knew exactly what information was being released to the public. Until then, she suggested they watch the news. The news had not had anything to add to the facts that a guard was dead and that Sam Card and R. P. Sanders were missing from the courthouse. Bob had turned off the television an hour ago. Every fifteen or twenty minutes, one or the other of the officers would take a walk around the yard and the house.

When Donna went into the kitchen she spoke in a low tone, "FBI Agent Durant just called. He is on his way here with Monica Bond." The police officer nodded and spoke softly into a radio telling the man out front that they were expecting visitors.

Bob had the second bedroom set up and both beds made and Donna had a pot of coffee made and a big pile of turkey and Swiss cheese sandwiches on a platter. Bob put a couple sandwiches on a plate and poured a big mug of coffee. He looked at the police woman, "Does your partner take anything in his coffee?"

She shrugged, "He is not my usual partner. Things are all mixed up. They pulled me in for a double shift." She called on her radio, "Do you want some coffee? Do you want anything in it?" She listened through the little earphone plugged into one of her ears, and then looked up at Bob. "He says he likes sugar. Let me." She began to liberally spoon sugar into the mug. "That will teach him."

Bob looked confused, "Teach him what?"

"Teach him to mess with me. He said he likes his coffee hot and sweet like his women."

Bob laughed. "Well, that is certainly sweet." He carried the food out to the police officer. When the policeman took a swallow of the coffee he blinked, and made a face. "So is there any news you can share?"

"Officially, not much; unofficially, there is a piece on the radio news that a body has been found in a house in Salem and the reporters are saying that it was at the house of the girl that Sam Card assaulted."

Bob stood blinking and then muttered, "Son of a bitch."

"Unofficially, I have to agree with that sentiment."

Bob went into the house and went into the master bedroom and turned on the television in there. There was no news on. He went out to the dining room and logged onto the local news channel's website and began to read. He went into the kitchen and gestured for Donna to come into the dining room. "Someone has killed a woman at Monica's house. The police are not releasing the identity of the victim. We know it isn't Monica because David is bringing her here."

Donna stiffened, "It had to be Card. I wonder if it was Monica's mother or Sanders."

Bob shook his head, "David will tell us when he gets here."

It was almost dark when there was a quiet knock on the front door. Junie sat up on the couch confused and disoriented, not sure what time it was, forgetting for an instant why she was sleeping on the couch. Then a shudder shook through her as she remembered. She watched as the police officer went to the door and opened it.

Donna and Bob came into the room as Agent Durant led Monica in through the front door, holding her puppy in her arms. He had a bag in one hand and a heavy briefcase in another. Junie jumped up and rushed to Monica, wrapping her arms around both the tiny blond girl and the squirming puppy. "Oh, Monica, I am so glad you are here. I was so worried."

Monica looked at Junie and tipped her head to one side, an odd smile curving her lips. In a soft childlike voice she asked, "Worried? Why are you worried?"

Junie stopped and looked confused, and then opened her mouth to protest that Sam Card had escaped when Agent Durant interrupted, his voice preemptive, "Junie, Monica does not want to talk about that right now. Could you help her take the puppy out into the back yard?"

Donna urged both girls toward the door leading out into the fenced back yard, "I will go with you two." As they walked Donna leaned down and whispered into Junie's ear, "Junie, Monica is not doing very good right now. We need to be very gentle. Treat her just like the little girl she is."

Junie's eyes widened and she stood up taller and took Monica's arm. Her voice was completely different, calm and caring. "Come on, girlfriend, I bet that puppy really needs to go potty." The police woman followed them out into the yard and watched as they let the puppy stretch her legs and then squat and poop out a small pile. Donna watched Junie as she took charge of Monica, all her own fears set aside in the face of her friend's crisis.

Junie took Monica's hand and led her back inside, "I bet Happy is hungry. Let's see what we have in the refrigerator." Soon Junie had Monica seated on a barstool at the counter with a half of a sandwich and a glass of milk. Busily cooking some brown rice and scrambling some eggs, Junie was prattling along, "There is some leftover cooked venison in there we can chop up. I will make enough for her breakfast too. Then we can buy some dog food." 

Donna could hear Bob and David talking in the front room. She carefully looked over each of the girls in the kitchen. The policewoman was watching them carefully too. Donna moved into the front room.

Bob was speaking, "You are sure it was Sanders?"

Agent Durant nodded, "It had to be her. The body was wearing the same clothing she had on when she disappeared from the courthouse and there is no one else missing."

Donna asked, "Didn't you see the body? Couldn't you have identified her?"

Agent Durant looked up and made a pained face, "Donna, the body was significantly mutilated, especially around the face. We will need to use fingerprints or dental records to identify the body."

Donna froze and closed her eyes. "Did Monica see it?"

"Thank god, no. The officer told her that Sam Card had escaped and she fainted. It was then that they discovered the body. The puppy, Happy, had a lot of blood on her, like she had walked through the blood in the front room. When Monica woke up, the puppy was licking her face. She saw the blood and has been like this ever since. When I got there she was talking like she had no idea that anything had happened and kept telling me that the puppy had been hurt. I told a crime scene tech to look over the puppy and tell Monica that it was okay."

"Where is Monica's mother?"

"That's the weird thing. Monica attacked her when she tried to come near. Her mother was yelling at me and Monica just went for her. I had to pull her off. I wasn't going to leave her there. You people were the only ones I knew she trusted and I knew that you had a police guard here."

He held up the bag, "I have some clean clothes here. I don't know if it was Monica or the puppy, but she is soaked in urine."

Donna nodded, "I noticed. We will have Junie help her clean up. Having Monica here to take care of is exactly what Junie needed to snap her out of her panic."

David Durant looked at Donna, for the first time his fear showing on his face. "What is wrong with her?"

Donna looked toward the kitchen, "It is too much for her to deal with right now. She needs some time. I expect she will snap out of it, either gradually or all at once. We will keep her safe until then."

The FBI Agent nodded gratefully, "Thank you, ma'am. I can't stay here for long. I have to get out there. I have to catch him."

Bob spoke up, "You say that Sanders knew about this rental?"

"Yes, she had a private detective follow Donna and Junie here. She had photos of the front of the house."

"So he could know."

Agent Durant nodded. 

"Then we are going home. I can't be locked up in here. At least at home I will be on my own terrain."

The FBI Agent shook his head. "I can't put people out there to watch you. It is too big a risk. Sanders knew the location out there too."

Bob stood his ground. "Do you have any idea where he is now?"

Durant shook his head, "No, not really. I suspect he is going to come after Monica and Junie, but I don't know when or how. I do know he is not the kind of guy to try and come in here if he sees the cops. We have an A.P.B. for Sanders' car and the police have increased patrols in this part of town."

Bob stood up, his voice was firm. "I have seen what that monster does to empty houses. We are going home tomorrow. You can find a guard for us or not. I am not too worried. He will find me a tough piece of meat to cut up." He turned to Donna, "Call Mary. Tell her not to go out to the house."

Donna gasped and rushed to her phone. When she came back she looked at Bob with respect. "I had forgotten about Mary."

Bob looked at Agent Durant, "We will take Monica with us."

Agent Durant looked very torn. "Maybe I can get the local sheriff to send a man or have the Seattle office send someone out to your place. Do you own a gun?"

Bob shook his head. "No, not since I was a teenager."

"So you do know how to use one."

Bob nodded, "I am a country boy. I grew up around guns."

"Before you leave I will get you one. It will be registered to me."

Bob shrugged, "If that will make you feel better."

Donna went out into the kitchen. The puppy was sound asleep in Monica's arms, her belly round with a big meal. Junie was standing close by, gently stroking the girl's hair. Donna spoke briskly, "Junie, Monica needs to change her clothes. Make a bed for that puppy in the second bedroom and then show Monica where the bathroom is and help her get cleaned up. David brought some clean clothes for her."

Junie put down a blanket on the floor and they put the sleeping puppy down on it and then Junie softly crooned, "Time to take a bath, big girl. Let's get those dirty clothes off."

Donna stood by the bathroom door and watched as Junie gently and efficiently stripped the clothing off the young woman. Donna thought to herself that it was a true measure of how regressed Monica was that she seemed completely at ease with her nudity, making no effort to cover herself with her hands or turn away. Donna pressed her lips together at the sight of the scars on the thin girl's body, white lines tracing out like spider webs from her center, running down her legs and up her torso across her tiny breasts and even up to her neck, all leading to the soft nest of golden curls that hid her sex. Or perhaps they started there.

Junie did not appear to notice the scars at all. She gently pushed Monica into the water and handed her a soapy wash cloth. "You are a big girl. You can wash yourself." Monica obediently took the cloth and began to wash off. Junie washed her hair and rinsed it thoroughly. Soon Monica was out of the bath, in her night gown and wrapped up in a big warm blanket.

When she walked out into the front room, she frowned and turned around, "Where is David?" Her voice was shrill and panicked.

Bob was in the dining room looking at the computer and he came out. "He is here. He just went out to the car to get something."

Monica dropped the blanket and ran out the front door, a tiny white ghost in the darkness, calling in a frightened voice, "David! David!" When he stood up from where he was bending over talking to the policeman in his car, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. "I could not find you. I thought you were gone." As he led her back into the house she was pleading, "Promise you won't leave."

He hushed her softly, "Shhh, pretty girl. I am here now."

Junie came in and gently took Monica's hand, "Bedtime for you, big girl."

Monica reluctantly let Junie lead her away, complaining softly as she walked, "I don't want to go to bed. I am not tired." And then she yawned.

Junie tucked her in and sat on the edge of the bed, talking softly and stroking Monica's hair until she was asleep. When she came out of the bedroom Donna, Bob and David were sitting around the table. David Durant had his jacket and tie off and all three had cups of coffee. Donna looked up, "So, Sweet Junie, are you ready to be brave or should I send you off to bed with the rest of the big girls?"

Junie sat down at the table, "I want to know what is going on."

Her Master spoke softly, "Well, you already know that Sam Card escaped, that he killed a guard and disappeared from the courthouse with R. P. Sanders."

Junie nodded; her was face grim but calm. "Yes, Sir."

"David suspected that Card might try to hurt Monica again and sent a police officer to her home in Salem. He arrived there at exactly the same time as Monica and her mother. When Monica found out that Card had escaped, she fainted and, when she woke up, she did not seem to remember and has been like this. The officer kept Monica from going into the house, but her mother refused to listen and went in. She discovered the body of R. P. Sanders."

Junie took a sharp, surprised breath, "He killed Sanders?"

Donna nodded sympathetically and then was surprised when Junie shrugged, "Serves that stupid bitch right."

When Donna said in a reproving tone, "Junie, nobody deserves to die like that."

Junie shrugged again, "She led him to Monica's house didn't she? She probably helped him escape. She was dancing with demons."

Agent Durant looked up from a stack of tablets he was reading, "I don't know, Miss Junie, it is looking like it is not all that simple. I am reading some of the stuff that Card had written down here. She had only agreed to pay for his defense if he wrote down every single murder he had done. In exchange, he had insisted that the defense attorney ask questions that were not aimed at proving his innocence so much as glorifying his actions. He was not trying to get off. I think that R. P. Sanders believed she was doing a good thing. And perhaps she was." He held up a notepad. "This is a confession to three different murders, it tells what he did and where the bodies are." He gestured to the stack of notepads, "It looks like he is responsible for a lot more than the twelve I knew about. He expected her to get this published."

Junie did not look convinced, "Why did she lead him to Monica's house?"

Donna spoke gently, "Junie, he hurt her a lot before she died. She was not a brave woman."

Bob, Donna and Junie had all gone to bed. Agent Durant was still at the kitchen table reading through the notepads, when Monica started screaming. It seemed like everyone converged on the small second bedroom at the same time, David arriving first. Monica was kneeling on her bed, looking around wildly, when she saw David, she gasped, "David, he escaped. He is out there." She pointed at the window with the curtains drawn. The police woman quickly drew her gun and went to the window, talking on her radio. David sat down on the bed and gathered her into his arms, "Did you just remember, pretty girl?"




The End of Evil Ch. 13



"Yes." Then Monica stiffened in his arms, "That was blood on Happy. Where did that blood come from?"

"He was there at your house with R. P. Sanders. He had taken her hostage. He killed her."

"He was there to kill me wasn't he?"

"I think so."

Then Monica giggled, "I hit my mom. I have always wanted to do that."

"Did you really see something out your window?"

"My window? Oh, no. I guess it sounded like that. I meant just 'out there in the world'."

Monica looked around realizing the little room was full of people. She blushed and apologized, "I woke you all up, didn't I?"

The commotion had woken the puppy sleeping in the corner and she was sleepily bumbling around the room. Junie leaned down and scooped her up, "It's okay, pretty girl; it has been a crazy night. I am just glad you are feeling a little better. I am going to take this puppy out for a quick potty and then I will be right back."

Her Master followed her out. "Junie, I will come with you." As they walked outside, he said in a serious tone, "I don't want you to go outside alone until this is over."

Junie nodded, "Yes, Sir, to tell you the truth, I don't want to be alone." She slipped her arm around his waist and leaned against him. "I completely understand Monica's reaction when she thought David had left. If you weren't here, I think I would be running in hysterical circles."

As they watched the puppy explore the rain-soaked ivy and pee, the policewoman came out to watch over them. Junie reluctantly pulled away from her Master.

Bob spoke in a low voice, "You have pulled it together very well. We need your good sense to help us with Monica. She remembers now and will be even more fragile and unpredictable. We will be taking her home with us tomorrow."

Junie turned to him, her eyes filled with joy, "We are going home?" She lowered her voice into a whisper, "Oh, Master, that is good."

"It will still be dangerous. We will not have so many police, so close by. In many ways, we will be more responsible for our own safety. If R. P. Sanders told Card where Monica lived she could have told him where we lived."

Junie shook her head, "I don't care. I want to go home."

Junie carried the damp puppy back to Monica's room. Monica was lying down with her covers pulled up to her armpits and David was sitting on the edge of the bed holding her hand. Junie put the puppy down on her bed and smiled as Happy obediently turned around three times, scratched a little at the blanket and plopped down. David started to stand to leave, but Monica kept his hand trapped in hers and begged, "Please stay a little longer. I know you will have to go soon. But please, just a little longer."

The grizzled lawman sat down again. Junie quietly left the room and closed the door behind her. She slipped back into bed and slid close to her Master's warm body. Strangely, for the first time in days, she did not have the dream.

By the time Agent Durant and Monica came out of her room, Junie had a quick breakfast cooked and ready in the oven. She had all of Bob and Donna's clothing packed. Her Master was in the basement packing up his big bag of toys. Donna was sitting in the dining room reading Sam Card's confessions that Agent Durant had left laying there. The teeter board was already in the SUV, ready to have the other bags and things piled on top of it. Agent Durant watched her and raised his eyebrows, "You are not wasting any time getting out of here."

Monica looked confused, "Where are you going?"

Junie looked up, "Home, we are going home."

Monica looked frightened, "I can't go home."

Junie looked at Agent Durant, confused, "My Master said Monica was coming with us."

David turned to Monica, "Pretty girl, you know I can't stay with you. I have to go after that guy. You have some choices to make. You can go home to your mother."

Monica violently shook her head at the thought. Her voice was adamant, "I hate her. I don't ever want to live with her again."

"You can go into witness protection."

"By myself?" Her voice was tiny and desolate.

"Or Bob has said you can come and live with them for a while."

Monica looked surprised and nodded. "I like Junie. And I can take Happy with me there."

Agent Durant held up his hand, "Monica, it will not be the safest choice. There is a chance that R. P. Sanders will have told Card where Junie lives. I can't be there. I don't know how good the police there are."

Monica looked at him and smiled tremulously. "David, I will not feel safe no matter where I am. I need to be with people that make me feel safe. If I can't have you, then I want Junie and..." she hesitated and then said clearly, "...her Masters. They feel like strong people, safe people."

Junie nodded briskly, "Good, that's that. There is breakfast in the oven and Happy's breakfast is in her dish. I put a leash on the counter over there. Do not go outside alone; Master says we cannot be outside alone until the monster is caught. When you are done eating, come help me pack." She bustled off to the back of the house.

In the second bedroom she noticed that the second twin bed had not been slept in and smiled softly to know that David had not left Monica's side the whole night. There was no question in her heart the older lawman would have been a perfect gentleman, but the thought of them close, holding hands through the night was sweet.

She packed her clothing in just a few short minutes. Monica came in and timidly asked what she could do. "David said he had to go get some things. He said he would be back before we go." Junie had her strip the bedding and together they carried it down to the laundry room. Junie noticed that the eyebolts were gone, but there still were holes in the ceiling where they had been.

When everything was packed and in the cars, Bob looked around the house, "Junie, don't worry about cleaning. We will just forfeit the cleaning deposit."

Junie laughed, "Master, this place is cleaner now than when we got here."

He continued, "Donna will drive the Miata; Monica and you will ride with me in the SUV. You two will have to manage that puppy in the backseat."

Monica hesitantly said, "We aren't going to leave before David comes back, are we?"

Bob frowned, but seeing Monica's distress, shook his head, "No, we will wait for him. He said he was going to be getting me something."

When Agent Durant came back he did not have just one something. He had a whole bag of items. He laid out four small canisters, "These are pepper spray. I want you to learn how to use these and carry these with you, in a pocket or on your belt, not buried in a purse." He showed them how far it would shoot, and how to spray it aiming for the face. "These are police issue; they will stop almost anyone that is not on drugs. It ought to drop Card like a ton of bricks."

Next he gave all four of them simple alarms on key chains, "You just push this button and it will make a very loud alarm." He pushed the button and the noise was agonizingly loud. Junie winced, knowing that if any of the neighbors were home, they were all standing up wondering what was going on. "Carry these attached to your pepper spray. Do not hesitate to use them. If you even suspect he is nearby, push the button."

He handed Monica a cell phone, "This is a prepaid cell phone. I have programmed in my number and both Junie's and Donna's numbers. I want you to program in the local police phone number too."

Last he handed Bob a gun in a shoulder holster. "It is illegal for you to carry this in the city limits. It is registered to me, but you do not have a concealed weapon permit. Once you are at home and are on your property, I want you to carry it with you at all times. It will not do you any good if it is put away in a closet." Agent Durant showed Bob how to load the gun and the safety button. He handed him several boxes of bullets, "When you get home I want you to set up some targets and practice shooting some. If you end up shooting at a person, get up close and once you start shooting do not stop until that person is lying on the ground and not moving."

Junie watched Bob heft the gun and nod grimly.

Agent Durant spoke again, his tone matching Bob's expression. "I have spoken to the local sheriff of your county. He knows about the APB and has a picture of Card, but he says he does not have the staff to put anyone out at your place. He understands the situation and says he will get out there as quickly as possible if you call." 

Agent Durant stood looking at them with a worried look on his face. "You all know I hate this, I hate leaving it up to you. But I can't stay with you and I can't make you stay here." He turned to Bob, "Take care of them. I am depending on you." Then in a softer tone, "Don't let anything happen to her."

Bob stood and held out his hand. "I will keep the women safe. You catch the bad guy." It sounded so much like a line from an old cowboy movie that Junie had to fight the impulse to giggle. She noticed that Donna rolled her eyes, but she also noticed that Donna hooked both the pepper spray and alarm button to her belt loop.

Before Monica got into the SUV she turned to David and gave him a hug and then stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his cheek. She whispered something in his ear and then got into the car. Her eyes were filled with tears and Junie reached and took her hand as the puppy crawled over and climbed into the little blond girl's lap.

Bob made sure that Donna was behind him the whole drive home. They stopped twice to take the puppy for a walk, all standing together, watching the other people around them at the rest stops. Junie was very conscious that everything seemed to be filtered through this sense of danger. She fingered the pepper spray and alarm button dangling from her waistband. Her Master spoke little and Monica ended up leaning up against Junie and falling asleep. Junie rode looking out the windows, thinking about how nice it would be to get home.

When they pulled into their driveway, Junie was distracted by Bob stopping and loading the pistol David had given him. She looked at him with large eyes. He met her eyes in the rearview mirror. "Girl, he has had a twenty-four hour head start on us. I don't know if he was coming here, but he could have. We need to think smart." She nodded and when she looked out the windows, for the first time she looked between the trees instead of at them.

*

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu 



The End of Evil Ch.14



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world.  Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim.  He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify.  The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it.  Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica.  Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing.  Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone.  Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way.  She knew she couldn't do it without them. 

Chapter 14:  Stalked... The Hunters are Hunted   

The house was a welcome sight as they pulled into the clearing, but Bob made them wait in their cars as he inspected the garage and then stay together as a group as they walked through the house.  Bob and Donna spoke as if they were giving Monica a tour, but Junie knew they were making sure the house was secure.  Only then did they unload the cars, always careful to be within sight of someone as they walked back and forth between the garage and the house.

Happy seemed to remember her old home and was running in circles, stretching her legs after being cooped up for so long.  Bob watched her and frowned, "Wish the dogs were here.  I will see what I can do about having someone else bring them up."

Monica was installed in the guest bedroom and Junie was putting away the last of the kitchen things she had brought with them.  Bob was on the phone with David letting him know that they had arrived at the house.  He smiled and handed the phone to Monica and she spoke softly to David for a few minutes and then handed the phone back.  She looked sheepish, "He just wanted to make sure I was all right.  I guess I was acting kind of crazy yesterday."

Bob looked at Donna, "So far they haven't found anything.  He seems to have vanished."

Donna looked up from her computer and nodded.  "I have been reading the news.  They are saying the same thing.  They have his picture up almost all the time.  There is a substantial reward out on him."


First thing the next morning, Bob set up a target and practiced firing the pistol, the loud booms echoing back and forth across the lake.  Junie could tell that Donna hated the gun most of all, her face flinching with each loud crack. 


It took a few days for things to settle down, Monica slept in the guest room with Happy and Junie slept with Bob and Donna in their room.  Their lovemaking was infrequent, subdued and silent.  It seemed like all of them were listening and looking into shadows.  Monica helped Junie and Bob around the house and garden.  Donna seemed to write obsessively on her computer.  Junie found herself almost impatient for something to happen.  She hated the sight of the pistol in its holster on her Master's shoulder, and the rattle and click of the pepper spray against the alarm button as they dangled from her waistband.  Everything was routine, but nothing felt the same.

Her dreams were back with a vengeance, waking her every night.  It seemed like the invisible presence in the house was mocking her, that things would fall and break before her eyes and yet she could not see him.  In her dreams she would push the button on the alarm and nothing would happen.  She was learning to wake herself up before she started screaming in her sleep, but they weighed heavily on her mind, and she woke every morning tired and increasingly irritable.



Agent Durant was frustrated and angry.  It seemed like the more media attention this case was getting, the more crap he had to wade through.  The tip lines were off the hook, literally thousands of leads had been called in and there was no way they could be sorted out in any realistic time frame.  He knew that probably lost somewhere in that mass of misinformation was the one thing that could lead him to Sam Card, but it would take weeks or even months to follow up on all those calls to find out which one. 

He could still see Monica climbing into the SUV with Junie, her last words echoing soft in his ear.  She had said, "I love you.  I will always love you."  And he knew it was the truth and he did not know what to do about it.  He knew he could live out his life loving her from a distance, telling himself he was a foolish old man, but he did not know what to do about her.  He called every day to make sure everything was all right and made sure to keep in contact with the local sheriff, making sure to keep him irritated and aware. 

He had spent the morning in a long meeting, stroking the egos of the Portland police.  Officially it was a cross-disciplinary collaboration meeting set up to coordinate efforts between the FBI and the police, but there was very little in the way of new information to share.  


His phone rang and he saw it was one of the agents that were going over the notebooks, trying to catalogue and get teams moving on the twenty-seven different women that Sam Card had written about killing.  He answered, "Yes?"

The agent's voice on the other end was excited, "Durant, I think I may have something for you.  There was one name he writes down, but he does not write the last name.  He just writes Gwenneth P., all the other women he writes down the whole last name.  I got to thinking, why didn't he write that down?  What was he hiding?  And I ran a missing person's search on the first name.  Gwenneth is a very unusual spelling.  There are not any missing persons with that first name."

Agent Durant growled impatiently, "God damn it, stop beating around the bush."  

"Well, I reread what he wrote.  He calls her his sweet love Gwenneth.  He says she gave him everything and more and I got to wondering how he was getting money.  I ran that name in the social security records and there is a Gwenneth Parsons who lives in Seattle.  The only one listed.  Her tax records show she has not paid her taxes in five years, that's when he said he did her."

"Do you have an address?"

"Yes, that's the good part.  She has a house.  I checked, the electric was paid until five months ago.  That's when..."

Agent Durant was already walking to his car, "I get it.  Give me the address."  It was midday and, as soon as he shook the heavy traffic of the city, he pushed the car up to eighty-five and set the cruise control.  He got on the phone and was talking to Agent Gold.  "I am headed to Seattle.  It looks like we might have something.  Get me everything you can get on a Gwenneth Parsons."  He spelled the name and gave Agent Gold the address.  "He wrote that he killed her, but it looks like she had a house and someone has been paying the utility bills there up until Card was arrested, then nothing.  There is a good chance he was using her house.  I want a team ready to roll.  I want to surround the place before we go in.  If he is there I don't want to lose him again."  He pushed the speed on the cruise control up to ninety.  "I am making good time.  I should be there in two hours.  I want everything ready to go."

He hung up and concentrated on weaving in and out of the slower moving vehicles.  When an outraged motorist gave him the finger, Agent Durant just gave him a stern look and blew by him.  

As he approached the Seattle office, Agent Gold called him back. "What's your ETA?"

"I am about ten minutes out."

"I will meet you in the parking lot.  I already have a team watching the residence.  They are reporting that they do not see any movement."

"Tell them to stay back until I am there.  What have you found out about this Gwenneth Parsons?"

"She was born in 1962.  Only child, she inherited a chunk of change when her parents died in a car accident in '85.  She has an annuity that has been paying out monthly into a joint savings account.  The other name on the account is Sam Henderson.  I ran that name and social security number, Sam Henderson was a kid that died in 1995.  There have been regular withdrawals from that savings account clear up until Card's arrest and then nothing until yesterday.  Somebody cleaned it out, taking out over ten thousand dollars in cash.  I am having the bank get the security camera photo footage and get that to us.

"He is running."

"Looks like it, oh and one more thing, Gwenneth Parsons had a car, a white 1974 Cadillac."

Agent Durant spotted Agent Gold in the parking lot already wearing his bulletproof vest as he pulled in.  He kept talking on his phone as he pulled into a parking space.  He did not stop until Gold opened his car door.  The conversation did not miss a beat when their eyes met and the phones were both turned off.  "Do you have a license number?"

"Yes, but the car has not been licensed since she died."

After getting into the trunk of his car and grabbing his own vest, they walked to Gold's car.  In the car he stripped down to his undershirt and strapped on the vest and then buttoned his shirt up over it and pulled on his suit jacket.  

Gold was talking as he drove, "The team on the scene says Parson's house has an eight foot, stone, security wall around it.  They have all sides secured and are awaiting our orders."


Soon the neighborhoods they were driving through were turning older, tall oak and maple trees shading the streets and sidewalks.  The houses were big, old, multi-story brick and stone houses that seemed a little worse for wear.  A lot of them stood vacant, some even with the windows out and doors hanging open, the yards clogged with brambles and garbage.  Abandoned and stripped cars sat in many of the yards.  Even the plentiful for sale signs were weathered and more than a few stood at drunken angles, like they had been there too long.  There were some signs that the area was maybe on the comeback, big dumpsters full of remodeling debris, or a fresh coat of paint showing that some people were fighting to reclaim the old houses before the ivy and blackberries consumed them.

Gold parked and, before they got out, both agents took out their guns, checked their ammunition and put a round in the chamber.  Their eyes met and there was an unspoken acknowledgement, their faces a mix of controlled excitement and determination.  As they approached, a man with a radio approached them and handed them each a radio of their own with an earphone attachment, "There are two locked gates and a garage door opening onto the street.  Those are the only ways in or out other than over the fence itself.  There is a window in the garage door, but it is spray-painted black from the inside.  We have men on all sides watching the walls."

Agent Durant stood back and looked at the house.  It was on a very large lot, taking up almost all the block, and while it was massive, built of stone and three stories tall; it was almost completely obscured by large trees on the grounds.  Through the trees he could see the once opulent stone mansion was neglected and had an ominous abandoned feel.  The fence was old, made of the same stone as the house, and had blackberry brambles crawling over it in many places.  

"Still no sign of occupants?"

"No, nothing, the electricity was turned off a couple months ago so we can't see if there is any use."  

"You got a plan of attack?"

"Well it's either the front gate or through the garage.  Garage will have more cover from the house, but we can't see what is inside.  Without electricity, it is unlikely there will be a functioning security system."

Agent Durant looked at the ancient house and shook his head, "I doubt there ever was one.  Let's go through the garage.  Get someone to open the door."

The garage had two old, wooden, garage doors that led into a building that abutted directly into the wall.  On one side was a door.  A man with a crowbar stood on one side waiting for their signal, Agent Durant pulled out his gun and nodded.  The jamb of the door was old and dry rotted and crumbled easily.  Durant thought to himself that he could have just pushed it open with his shoulder.  Two men with flashlights and drawn revolvers entered and stopped, their eyes meeting in triumph.  Parked in the garage was R. P. Sander's rented Toyota Camry.  It was the last thing they needed, both knew how easily this could have been a false trail. 

The garage was dark, dusty and filled with cobwebs.  At one point it had been neatly organized with shelves and a workbench in the back with peg board, but bags of garbage, boxes and other random things filled the corners and covered the floor.  A pair of old, out of date, license plates lay on the floor, carelessly dropped to the floor after they had been removed.  Gold nodded.  He stepped back, pulled out his phone, and called in an APB for the white Cadillac, license plates missing or perhaps replaced with stolen plates.  Durant muttered, "He is gone already."

Gold answered tersely, "He might come back."

As they entered the house it seemed like it had not been used in years, thick layers of dust and cobwebs covering the old furniture and outdated fixtures.  Agent Durant could tell the house had once been grand, filled with fine old antiques and art.  Much of it was untouched, but here and there some item was smashed and broken, a dish or piece of porcelain, a mirror on a wall.  The kitchen was messy, with old caked dishes piled on counters and the table.  Agent Gold opened the old refrigerator and just as quickly pushed it shut as the stench of rotting food rolled out.  Agent Durant pointed out the bag and wrappers from a local drive-in hamburger chain.  They looked fresh.  He picked up a fry and squeezed it between his fingers.  It was only a day or two old.

He felt a wave of anxiety; it only took a couple hours to go from Seattle to where the Campbell's place was.  He picked up his cell phone and called Bob.  "He was in Seattle a day or two ago.  He could be anywhere, but be very, very careful."

Bob's voice was grim. "Okay."

"I am on my way out there."

"Good."

Agent Durant turned to Gold, "I am taking your car.  Give me your keys."

Agent Gold looked at him, his eyes full of questions.  "Where are you going?"

"The first place he went when he escaped was Monica's house.  Junie lives only a couple hours from here.  My gut tells me he is there somewhere."

"Want me to come along?"

"No, search this place.  Find out what is here and then bring my car to me at the Campbell place."  They exchanged keys.


As soon as he was in Agent Gold's vehicle, David called the sheriff of the county.  Agent Durant could hear his irritation, "What do you want this time?"

"Card was in Seattle a couple days ago.  He has a new vehicle.  We think he might be driving a 1974 white Cadillac.  He left the license places behind so we don't have a number for you."  Picking up the report from the seat of Agent Gold's car he read off the VIN numbers.  "I know this guy.  He is probably already there.  He won't rush in.  He is smart and he will take his time to scout out the area.  Can you get a deputy out to the Campbell place?"

"Damn it, I got problems of my own."

"What do you mean?"

"Some bozos have been calling in phony emergency calls.  I have been chasing my tail all over the county."

"Can't you trace the calls?"

"Trace what?  The whole world is on cell phones these days and it isn't just one guy.  At this point I have gotten calls from no less than five different cell numbers, all of them those cheap little prepaid, throw-away phones."

Agent Durant felt his gut tighten.  "Don't you think it might be Card?"

The sheriff's voice was tired and completely fed up.  "How the fuck am I supposed to figure that out?  I can't ignore a call just because you got problems.  I have been getting all kind of calls, from injury auto accidents, to domestic violence calls, to fire, to freaking cougars eating some tourist's cat.  And all of them have been bogus.  If it is your guy, he has managed to turn my whole department upside down and now my truck is starting to fucking give me fits.  I will drive out to the Campbell's place, but I can't live there with them."

"Don't you have a deputy?"

"You big city FBI guys make me sick.  We don't have funding for a full-time deputy.  I get some backup from the highway patrol and the volunteer fire department.  My one deputy splits his time between me and his real job as a security guard at the Safeway."

Agent Durant floored the accelerator of the sedan and growled into the phone, "Well, keep an eye out for that white Cadillac."  He hung up without saying good bye.


It was not long before his phone rang again and Agent Gold's voice was on the phone.  "Thought I would give you an update, we found an empty hair dye package in the bathroom and some stains that look like he used it recently.  The wrapper looks like a medium brown.  On the same receipt for the dye we also found receipts for a half-dozen disposable cell phones.  Oh, and we found Gwenneth.  He has kind of a shrine built for her in the basement.  She is parked right in the middle, still tied down on a table.  Not much left, mostly bones, but he has all these knives all arranged around her."

"He has the walls down here plastered with pictures of his victims, a lot of them post mortem.  There are also at least a couple dozen laptop computers stacked up on a shelf here.  Some of them are labeled with the names of the victims.  It's going to take crime scene a really long time to sort out this place."

"If there isn't anything else there that you can deal with; get my car and get out here.  The local sheriff is useless.  He has been getting a lot of false alarm phone calls from prepaid cell phones and he is so baffled that he can't see he is being played.  I just know that Card is about to move and I don't think he is running.  I think he wants one last kill before he cashes it in.  He always talked about Monica and Junie like they were stuck in his craw."

The roads were getting narrower and the corners sharper and Durant needed both hands and all his concentration to keep the heavy sedan on the road.  He grunted a quick good bye and dropped the phone on the passenger seat.  It was nearly dark when he pulled into the long gravel driveway that led to the Campbell's house.  

Agent Durant picked up the phone and called to let Bob know he was coming up the drive.  He knew better than to arrive unannounced when a man was armed and protecting his women. 


Bob put down the phone and spoke to Donna who was sitting at the kitchen table working on her computer, "David is coming up the driveway.  I am going to walk out to meet him.  Stay in the house."  Monica and Junie were down in Junie's sewing room watching movies and sewing some new outfits for Monica.  The door to the basement was locked.  Donna looked up distracted and nodded, watching him go out the back door and then bent back over her computer.

Donna was still leaning over her computer when the blow hit her in the back of the head.  She did not make a sound, just slumped down and then slid sideways out of her chair onto the floor.   

Sam Card stood over her limp form and fingered the club he held in one hand and the knife he had in the other.  The defenseless form of the woman at his feet was tempting, but he knew he only had a few minutes at the most and this one was new business.  It was the unfinished ones that had been eating at him for months now and this was probably his last chance to tie up those loose ends. 

He tipped his head and smiled when he heard soft conversation and a giggle over the recognizable theme of a Disney movie.  He moved to the stairs and silently slipped down them.  He knew where they were.  He had been watching them through the low windows that let light into basement.  He had been lying hidden under the low front deck of the stone house for almost two days, creeping out to drink from the lake in the dark of the night.  He knew that Junie was sitting at the far side of the room behind a table.  She would be hard to get to, but the littler one, Monica, was just inside the door of the room.  He could grab her quick and hold the knife to her throat, threaten to kill her.  That would get Junie within reach.  He wanted to finish them both.  He did not think about an escape route.  He had not thought about what would happen after that.  All he knew is that he needed to finish this.




The End of Evil Ch.14



As soon as he was close enough he rushed the door and had the little blond in his hands, the knife at her throat before either of them could react.  He saw Junie reach down for something at her belt and he snarled, "Do that and I cut her."  He saw the small, dark woman turn pale and freeze.  He leaned his face close to the ear of the tiny blond girl, "I am so sorry, Monica.  I never meant for you to wake up and have to suffer afterwards.  I never meant for that to happen.  I hope you can forgive me.  Don't worry it won't be that much longer."  The tiny frame in his hands twisted and let out a strangled shriek.  He loved the sound of screaming.  He had missed hearing it.  

Junie stood up, almost without being aware of it.  She recognized the man holding onto Monica, but he looked different, his hair was darker and he was covered in dirt.  He looked at her sharply.  "Come here."


Junie shook her head. 

"I said fucking come here, or I will cut her throat."  He pressed a little harder, feeling the edge of the knife start its first cut.

Junie saw the first trickle of blood down Monica's neck and reluctantly began to move toward him, casually picking up a small pair of sewing scissors off the table as he leaned down and began to talk to Monica again.

Monica had both her hands on the hand holding the knife, his other arm was around her waist, and he had her lifted completely off the ground, both her feet kicking frantically.  She was trying to scream, but it seemed like she could not get a deep breath, her cries reduced to terrified mewls.  The wild kicking of her feet attracted Happy's attention and she bounded up and jumped up on the struggling pair, eager to play this new game. 

Sam Card looked at the small half-grown pup and growled, "God damn dog, I should have killed you back in Salem."  He kicked viciously at the puppy and Monica began to thrash violently, twisting completely around in his grasp.  She shrieked as she felt the knife slice deeper into her neck.  Card staggered, losing his balance, and Junie charged, slamming into him with all her weight, knocking him back and down.  He lost his grip on Monica's waist and she slipped out of his hands.  He did not feel the pain at first, but then he coughed and a lance of agony shot through him and looked down to see the handles of the scissors sticking out of his chest.

Both girls pushed their alarm buttons at almost the same time and the blast of noise shook through the house and into the yard.  They were fumbling at their pepper sprays when he turned and fled out the back door.


Junie was holding Monica rocking back and forth when Agent Durant came into the room with his gun drawn.  The noise made any speech impossible and he reached down and pushed the off switches of both alarms.  

Junie pointed at the back door, her voice as a high breathless stammer, "Monster, stabbed, ran away."

David took a quick look at the cut on Monica's neck and determining that it was superficial, barked, "Go upstairs.  Donna is hurt.  She needs you."

Junie's eyes widened then narrowed; suddenly her voice was low and savage, "Kill him.  Go kill him."  And then she ran for the stairs dragging Monica along with her.  Agent Durant nodded and went out the door.

She found her Master on his knees trying to hold the weakly floundering form of her Mistress still.  Donna was muttering and trying to push his hands away, protesting, "I am fine.  Save Junie.  Go save Junie."

Junie knelt down by Donna and looked at Bob, "Where is she hurt?"

"She has had a pretty hard blow to the head.  I don't know if she has a skull fracture and there is the chance of bleeding.  I want her to lie still."

Donna suddenly looked at Junie and went limp, "Oh, baby, you are all right.  I was so scared."  She reached for Junie and tried to sit up.

Junie took her hands and pushed her back down.  "Lie still.  I am right here.  I will stay right here."  She looked at Bob, "David is out there after him."  She looked out into the dark.  Her voice was soft and surprised, "I stabbed him.  I stabbed him with some scissors."

Bob smiled grimly, "That's good," and took the pistol out of his holster.  He turned off the safety and handed it to Junie.  "It is simple.  Just point and shoot.  Like a squirt gun.  Like David said once, if you do shoot someone, wait until you are very close, and keep shooting until they are down on the ground and not moving."

Donna caught his hand, her voice was weak and frightened, "Where are you going?"

"Those are my trees, my goddess.  I know them like you know the keys to your computer.  I will find him."

Junie looked at the gun in her hand and then at her Master.  "He has a knife."

Bob grinned savagely and nodded.  He stepped into his bedroom and came out with a bow and a quiver of arrows.  "I have always loved to stalk my prey, Junie."  He looked at her seriously, "Call the sheriff and an ambulance," He looked at Donna lying on the floor.  "And keep her safe.  I am depending on you."  And then he was gone.  It seemed to Junie that he moved differently, gliding across the lawn and into the trees.


She looked at Monica standing, her blue eyes large and glassy.  Her face was dead white making the blood running down her neck look even more ghastly.  Her voice was firm and clear, "Monica, hand me your cell phone."

She called the ambulance first and then called the sheriff.  The ambulance driver said that they had a strict policy of not going to unsecured crime scenes, but he would start out and she should have the sheriff or another law enforcement agent call him once they secured the area.  The sheriff said he was on the opposite side of the county trying to find a vehicle that had called in saying they were lost and the man's wife was having chest pains just before their cell phone battery went dead.  He did say he would come as quickly as possible, but he was at least a half-hour away.  Junie wanted to scream at him, but decided that it was a waste of time and she did not want to agitate Donna, instead she gave him the ambulance number and urged him to hurry, stating in no uncertain terms that Donna needed immediate medical care.

Again Donna tried to sit up and Junie gently pushed her down again, murmuring to her to lie still, help was on the way.  Junie was frightened when Donna asked softly where Bob was.  "Junie, where is Bob?  I want Bob."  The she started to shiver. 

Monica was standing with her arms wrapped around herself, staring down at Donna.  Junie looked at the cut on Monica's neck.  It was not deep, but it looked like it could use some first aid.  Junie still had the gun gripped in her hand and remembering that the safety was off she carefully lay it on the table next to Donna's computer.  

Taking Monica's hands in hers she looked deep into Monica's eyes.  "It's going to be okay, pretty girl.  David is here and he will make the monster go away.  Now I need you to help me.  Can you do that?"  When Monica nodded mechanically, Junie stroked her hair and praised her.  "Good girl, now first thing I need is some blankets.  We need to keep Donna warm.  Go into your room and get me your blankets off your bed and come right back."

After they had covered Donna, Junie had Monica go get a first aid kit from under the bathroom sink and carefully wound some gauze around her neck.  Most of the bleeding had stopped, but Junie still felt like she should do something.  Happy wandered up the stairs and Junie gently called her.  The puppy wiggled with happy excitement when Junie lifted her up and stroked her hand across her body.  The puppy seemed apparently uninjured from the kick she had received.  She handed the puppy to Monica.  "Hold her for me, pretty girl."

Then she picked up the gun and sat down on the floor holding her Mistress's hand and talking softly, trying to keep her from falling asleep and waited.  Monica stood for a short minute and then settled to the floor beside her, leaning her head against Junie's shoulder, listening to the soft song of nonsense that Junie was crooning to her Mistress. 

You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu 



The End of Evil Ch.15



Junie had barely come to live with her new owners when ugly reality intruded on their idyllic world. Her search for a Master had caught the attention of a serial killer and she had barely escaped being his next victim. He was caught and facing trial; but now Junie had to testify. The whole idea of leaving her new home was more than she could bear to think about.

But she had to do it. Not only was there a subpoena, there was Monica. Her new friend, Monica, the only other woman to escape with her life, was a tiny fragile thing. Her body was barely healed from the horrific trauma of her assault and if Monica could be brave enough to face court and the man who had mutilated her, Junie knew she had to do it too, for Monica's sake.

Junie knew she was not going to have to do it alone. Her owners, Bob and Donna, were going to be there with her every step of the way. She knew she couldn't do it without them. 



Chapter 15: The End of Evil

Bob felt like he was coming alive as he entered into the forest. As soon as he entered into the deeper darkness of the trees he stopped and stood perfectly still, letting his mouth drop open and let the energy of the woods enter into him. His ears were perfectly attuned to the world around him. The familiar, almost inaudible, hum and tick of the forest was there, he had come to think of it as the sound of the trees. Then he heard the movement of something larger moving through the woods. Noiselessly he moved toward it. He knew where each step would fall on the deep needles of the forest. Soon he was within feet of Agent Durant. 

Bob could tell that the veteran law man was making every effort to be quiet. Bob gave a low whistle, and David whirled, pointing his gun in Bob's direction. Bob whispered softly, "It's me."

Agent Durant moved closer, his words almost inaudible, "I figure he will be trying for the road. His car must be over that way." He looked at the bow. "Where is your gun?"

"I left it with Junie. She says she stabbed him. I don't know how badly he is wounded, but he will be moving slower." He held up the bow. "I am better with this."

"You certainly surprised me."

"I know these woods, they are my home. I will take this part along the lake front, you move back along the driveway. Junie is calling the sheriff and the ambulance. You can meet them."

Durant whispered softly, "If you see him, kill him. I don't care if you shoot him in the back. I don't want him walking away from here."

Bob grunted, "He hurt my Donna. He is a dead man." Bob moved out and vanished silently into the woods. 

David watched him go and marveled at the easy way Bob moved through the woods. He would have never guessed this about the easy-going man he had met this spring. He turned toward the road, knowing he was making more noise than he ought, but it was almost pitch dark and he did not want to get out his flashlight. A flashlight would only telegraph his location, and blind him to the darkness. 

Bob would move quickly for a dozen strides and stop, all his senses aware. He could hear the FBI agent moving away from him toward the driveway. He would listen then move on. He was almost halfway from the house to the highway when he heard a quiet scrabbling in the pine needles ahead of him and then a cough. Now each step was slow; easing his weight down on the thick carpet of needles, and stepping around branches and patches of fern. As he got closer he could hear the breathing, oddly labored with a whistling gurgle that Bob recognized, from his hunting, as a punctured lung. His grim smile grew wider. Junie had stabbed him good.

The breathing was not moving and Bob circled slowly working his way around trying to pick up some movement. When he caught the strange sour smell of fear and sweat, he pulled out an arrow and moved closer. Each step separate from the next, his feet feeling their way. He could tell Card was hunkered down under the low branches of a clump of low growing firs. He knew where he was, but he could not see him. He was only about twenty feet away. Bob slowly inhaled and then let out a long low growl.

The breathing stopped and there was a rustling sound of clothing rubbing on bark. Bob knew that Card had pulled back tighter against the tree. Bob carefully reached and snapped a twig and made a small snuffling sound. Then he stood still and silent, letting the fear and curiosity grow in his prey. He knocked the arrow and pulled back the string of the bow and waited. 

When Sam Card stepped out of his shelter, Bob aimed at his heart and then felt a wave of reluctance. Human or not, he realized he did not have it in him to take the life of this thing. He pulled his aim up and to one side and let the arrow sink through Sam Card's upper right shoulder. Card staggered back and let out a low whistling shriek. 

Bob growled again and then barked, "Run monster."

Sam Card turned and bolted toward the driveway. Bob pulled out a second arrow and followed, herding the panicked man toward Agent Durant. Bob made no effort to move quietly now. Deliberately he crashed through the woods behind the struggling fugitive, urging him on. When they broke onto the driveway, Sam Card froze for a second and then turned and ran blindly toward the highway. As he fled from the man behind him, he did not even see the FBI agent in the dark suit rise up before him. The sound of the gun was deafening. Sam Card was stopped and made a tiny grating sound and then fell full length, face down on the gravel.

Agent Durant pulled a small flashlight from his pocket and shined it on the body. The tip and shaft of the arrow reflected the light where it had come through Sam Card's shirt in back. Bob could see it was not moving like it would have been if Card were still breathing. There was a great deal of blood on the back of Card's head. Grabbing one of Sam Card's hands, he rolled him over and looked at the neat hole in the center of his forehead. Bob looked up at Agent Durant. "You are a good shot, better than me."

Durant shined the light into Sam Card's face and muttered, "Go check on the women. I will stay here."



The dull boom of the gun and the echoes that followed brought Junie's head up. Donna's hand clenched hers and she muttered, "Is he dead?"



A soft tremble shook through Monica and she pressed herself even closer to Junie's side. Junie carefully put the gun she had been holding for so long down and slipped an arm around Monica. She murmured, "It will be over soon, pretty girl. David will come back soon."

Monica's voice was soft and clear, "I told him I loved him."

Junie did not move, but she tightened her arm around Monica, "I am glad. He loves you too."

Bob came in the back door and looked at the little group of women huddled together on the floor. He spoke softly, "It's over. He is dead."



At the sound of his voice Donna tried to get up again and once more Junie hushed her and held her down. Donna protested, her voice was impatient and complaining, "Let me up. I want Bob."

Monica's voice was quivering on the edge of breaking, "Where is David? Is he all right?"

Bob's voice was distracted and he knelt by Donna, he spoke without looking up, "David? He is fine. He is out on the driveway waiting for the sheriff." Monica jumped up, ran out the backdoor and into the darkness before anyone could say a word. Junie started to get up to try to catch her, but Bob shook his head, "Stay here, Junie. We need you here."

Bob touched Donna' face and she grabbed his hand; her words were reassuringly normal and irritable. "I am fucking tired of lying on this fucking floor. I want to get up and lay on the couch. My head fucking hurts and it is uncomfortable as hell down here."



Bob looked in her eyes and then smiled, "That's my goddess speaking. Sure, let's get you up on the couch, but I want you to lie still up there." Gently he slipped his arms under her and lifted her to his chest and Donna's arms wound around his neck. Junie met his eyes and slipped her arms under his, adding her strength to his as he struggled to stand. His voice was amused, "I just can't quite do that like I used to." Soon Donna was on the couch and Bob was gently running his fingers over the back of her skull. "You have a blue ribbon sized goose egg back here, my goddess; tell me how you are feeling?"



Donna blinked, "It's all in my head. My head just really hurts, hurts on the outside, aches on the inside."

"Is there anything that is numb or tingles? Do you feel nauseous? Are you dizzy?"

Donna started to shake her head and then stopped with a little moan. "No, none of those things." 

Bob's voice was gently mocking, "Remember I said to stay still."

Donna's voice was sad, "Bob, did you kill him?"

Bob took a deep breath, "No, no I didn't. I thought I wanted to. I thought I could, but in the end I couldn't. David killed him."

Donna reached for him, "Good, David is a true hunter of men."



Monica flew down the driveway, oblivious to the stones under her bare feet, her breath coming in short gasps. The form of Agent Durant loomed before her and caught her before she tripped over the body lying in the gravel. Monica grabbed the front of his suit, clutching at him furiously.

Monica was speaking furiously, "David, I cannot bear it anymore. I cannot let you go away again. You have to listen to me. You have to understand." Her voice was that same clear tense tone she used when she testified. David knew it was used when Monica was scared to death and yet resolved to be in complete control. He also knew that she could only hold it together for so long. She was pushing and pulling at him, trying to shake him. "David, I can't survive without you. Promise me, damn it, promise me you will never ever go away again."

He stood paralyzed looking down at her, unable to find the words. Every part of his mind was saying that this was wrong, he could not do this. He had to tell her that this was a mistake. But he could not find the words. He swallowed, "Monica, pretty girl..."

She looked up at him and interrupted, "No! No, don't say it. Don't think it. I don't care about doubts or excuses. I don't care if this is impossible. All I care about is being with you. Nothing else matters." Her voice was quivering with effort to convince him. Standing as tall as she could on her tiptoes, she whispered furiously, her lips inches from his. "All I want is you." And she pressed her lips to his, her arms wrapping around his neck.

For many moments he stood, his lips motionless under hers, and then he let out a groan and pulled her tighter against him, pressing his mouth to hers. When he let her free she whispered again, "Promise me."

It was like breaking down a wall, but he said the words. The only words he had left. "I promise."

Only then did she release him. "Good." She remained pressed tight to his side as she looked at the crumpled form lying on the ground. "I need to look at him. I need to see that he is really dead."

David shone his flashlight on the dead body. Monica slowly stepped closer, her eyes curious and wary. "He looks so harmless now, like the evil has gone out of him."

"His spirit is gone. All that is left is the meat and bones, just the ashes of a fire."

The headlights of ambulance and the sheriff's pickup truck found them there looking down at the body, her hand trapped in his.



Donna argued all the way out to the ambulance. "I don't need to go. I am feeling much better. It is just a bump on my head." Bob rode with her and Junie followed along behind in the SUV. And she was right. There were no fractures on the x-ray and the doctor said there was no evidence of any intracranial hemorrhaging. He said that he thought that Donna's thick French braiding on the back of her head had probably acted as a cushion, protecting her from a more serious injury. Diagnosing her with a concussion, he allowed her to go home with strict instructions for Bob and Junie to keep an eye on her for signs of nausea, dizziness, or confusion.

It was early morning when they drove back down the driveway. There were three different big black sedans parked along the driveway. Bob yawned and muttered, "The mafia is here." After they pulled into the garage, Bob helped Donna to the house and straight to bed. "Make us some coffee, Junie. I suspect we will be up for a while longer."



Agent Gold was sitting at their kitchen table working on a laptop computer. He looked up and smiled in greeting. In a soft voice he asked, "How is she doing?"

"Doctor says concussion. She is sleeping now."

Agent Gold nodded, "Agent Durant is trying to get Monica to sleep now too." Gold looked at his watch, and looked surprised, "In fact, that was almost an hour ago. I guess he is sleeping too." Suddenly the younger FBI agent yawned. "Excuse me. Sorry about that. No one has been getting much sleep since Card escaped."

The yawns were irresistible. After starting the coffee, Junie blinked sleepily and swayed, "Well if everyone is falling asleep on their feet, I am going to go lie down before I fall down." She turned abruptly and headed back into her Masters' bedroom and stripped off, crawled under the covers with Donna, and was asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.



This time when the dream started she felt surprised. Why was she dreaming now that he was dead? She spoke out loud, calling to the empty rooms, "You are dead." But is seemed like the silence swallowed up her words. She looked down and saw the scissors in her hand again, shining wet and red with blood. She had an odd little rush of joy, she really liked these scissors. They were her favorites and she thought they were lost.

She still had this sense that there was something she needed to find, something important. She walked through the house and looking down she noticed that the floors were once again the familiar sealed stone tiles. She nodded in satisfaction. She really did not like that carpet.



In the basement the dungeon was up and Junie walked around the St. Andrew's cross, smiling at it like a long lost old friend. Then her attention was drawn to a doorway that she had never seen before. She went up to the door and looked at it puzzled and realized that it was somehow part of the fireplace and she pushed on it. The room inside was disturbingly similar to the front room of her ex-husband, the same dark walls, the same heavy leather furniture and the same disgusting smell of cigarettes. 

Sitting in the room were three men, Greg, her ex-husband, James Conrad, her former online Master, dressed ludicrously in his leather chaps and nothing else, and Sam Card, covered in dirt like he had been when she last saw him. All three looked up at Junie in surprise and, to her surprise, guilt. 

Junie looked at them and was suddenly enraged. Her voice came out as a low growl, "Fuck no. Oh, fuck no. What are you doing in my house?" They all started talking, but no sound came out of their mouths and Junie brandished the bloody scissors at them. "Shut the fuck up and get out of my house! Get out, get out now!" 



Bob's voice and hands shaking her pulled her from her tirade. "Junie, if you are going to talk like that, you can get the fuck out of my bed." But his sleepy voice was amused and loving.

Junie's heart was racing and she could feel the adrenaline singing through her veins. She knew from experience that she would not sleep again for awhile. She had to think hard to remember what day it was and what time she had gone to bed. The alarm clock on the night stand said 1:22 and Junie decided from the gray light filtering through the curtains that it must be afternoon. She slipped from bed and looked back. Her Master had already rolled over and fallen back asleep. Donna was in her habitual little ball that meant she was sound asleep.

The house was silent and Junie peeked out into the front room. Agent Gold was sitting on the couch with his feet propped up, sound asleep. Happy was lying on the floor next to the door casually chewing on the little rug Junie had put there to catch any dirt that may have gotten past the mat by the door. Wrapping a large towel around her, Junie furtively tiptoed through the front room and down the stairs. She could not face putting on the same dirty clothes from yesterday. 



As she walked through the basement she found her eyes drawn to the stone fireplace as if she expected the secret door to suddenly appear. Junie shook a finger at the wall and said, "Fuck no." 

Pulling on a soft, comfortable, pair of sweats she quickly ran a brush through her hair and brushed her teeth. Pulling on her shoes, she went upstairs. She called softly to Happy, "Come on, you. Let's get you outside for some exercise before you destroy the whole house."

The sky was leaden with rain and the lawn was wet. The water of the lake looked flat and gray as the sky above it. Junie could see the tiny dimples of raindrops making endless circles in the water. Happy tore in her usual crazy circles around the yard. Then she stopped and picked up something in her mouth and trotted up to Junie, her tail tall and wagging with pride at her discovery. Junie looked curiously at the shiny object and then gasped to recognize her scissors. She reached down and took them from the puppy's mouth. "Good girl, Happy."

Happy was all fed and blissfully asleep on the floor in the kitchen. Junie was sipping on a fresh cup of coffee and keeping an eye on a big pot of chicken vegetable soup, thick with chewy homemade noodles. She was mixing up a big batch of her biscuits, when her Master came out of the bedroom. His hair was damp and he was freshly shaved. 

His eyes were amused as he looked at the sleeping FBI agent on the couch. Junie poured a cup of coffee for him and he slipped his arm around her waist as he took the mug from her hand. "I wasn't serious about you getting the fuck out of my bed. It just seemed to be the thing to say, when you were so rudely shouting for whoever it was in your dream to get the fuck out of your house."

Junie shook her head. "It was weird. It wasn't just Sam Card. James Conrad and Greg were there too. All three were in this weird little room hidden in the basement fireplace. I was really pissed to find them hiding in there. I told them to get out." 

"Did they leave?"

"I don't know. You woke me up and threw me out of bed about that point."

Bob chuckled and moved to look in the pot of soup simmering on the stove. "That smells wonderful. I am starving."

"I made a huge pot. You could have a bowl now and then eat again later."

"That sounds great."

Junie filled a bowl with a ladle, "Is Donna still sleeping?"

He ate standing up in the kitchen, blowing on each spoonful, and then wolfing it down. "Yes, I woke her and talked with her a little to make sure she was doing alright, but she wanted to sleep some more."

"Good."



Bob looked at the sleeping man on the couch, "Agent Gold told me that he had been up for forty-eight hours straight. I am not surprised he is still sleeping with us being out here. He said David probably had been awake a lot longer."

"We were all tired. It's kind of hard to believe it is all over."

Bob grunted, "Well, there will be a lot of loose ends to tie up before this is all really over. They are going to want to take our statements as to what really happened here."

Junie had already told her Master and Mistress about how Sam Card and come into the sewing room and grabbed Monica. She had told them about pushing him, stabbing him with her scissors and him running away. "Oh, I almost forgot. Happy found my scissors in the grass out by the edge of the trees." She pulled them from her pocket and showed him. 

Bob looked at the scissors, noting the faint rusty discoloration along the blade. "The FBI may want to see those, Junie.  Put them on the table for now."




The End of Evil Ch.15



Junie nodded and put down a clean paper towel and put the scissors down on it. She peered at them, "I wonder if that is rust or blood." Her nose wrinkled up a little.

"Agent Gold said that there will be a district chief coming out to personally take our statements. There is an agent down at the end of the driveway keeping out the press until he arrives and they can develop a formal press statement." Bob looked at his watch, "He should be here in about an hour."

Junie looked at the comatose FBI agent on the couch. "Maybe we should wake him up before his boss gets here." Then she frowned, "I don't want reporters to come here. Isn't there anyway we can keep them away?"

Bob nodded, "We will talk about that when the district chief gets here. I may have to break out those no trespassing signs after all."

A little before the time the district chief was scheduled to arrive, Bob woke Agent Gold. Junie knocked softly on the guest room door and when Monica's voice called softly to come in, she opened the door. Monica was sitting up in the bed in her white nightgown and Agent Durant was lying down on top of the blankets, wearing his pants and undershirt. He was still deeply asleep, a soft snore rumbling up from his chest. Monica held the finger of her free hand to her lips. Junie saw that David held her other hand firmly gripped in his, despite his surrender to exhaustion.

Junie smiled softly and tiptoed over to Monica's side of the bed, her eyes on the clasped hands. "He is not going to let you go is he?"

Monica's eyes shone with joy, "No, never, ever again."

"We are going to need to wake him up soon. Dinner is ready and there are some bigwigs coming out to ask a ton of questions."

Junie looked at the fresh bandage on Monica's neck, "How is your cut?"

Monica's fingers touched the bandage. "They wanted me to go get stitches, saying if I didn't, I would have a scar. I just started laughing when they said that. You go finish dinner. I will wake up David. I want to be alone when I do that, please." Her big blue eyes sparkled. Once Junie pulled the door shut, Monica snuggled close and pressed her lips to his, whispering softly against his mouth.



Junie giggled when David backed out of the bedroom. He was still barefoot and buttoning up his shirt. His voice was admonishing, "Young lady, you mind your manners."

Monica's voice was filled with teasing laughter, "It's not like you haven't seen me naked a thousand times in pictures."

Bob looked up and commented, "If you two didn't already have a room, I would suggest you get one."

David looked confused and then defensive. "It's not like that. I am a Christian man."

Bob laughed, "Then you better hurry up and marry that girl before both of you compromise your morals."

David stopped and blinked, "Yes, I guess I better."

Junie squealed in excitement and David looked at her sharply. "You just calm down. Give a man a chance to propose, before you let the cat out of the bag."

Junie clasped her hand over her mouth and nodded, her eyes bulging with pent up agitation. Bob took one look at her and warned David. "Ask her quick. This one looks like she is going to burst."

David looked at her and shook his head. Still barefooted and in his shirt sleeves, as soon as Monica came out of the bedroom, he grabbed her hand and pulled her through the front room and out onto the deck and into the rain. All three; Bob, Junie and Agent Gold pressed their faces to the glass as the two of them walked out to the edge of the lake. They walked along the water's edge talking, then they stopped and David pulled Monica around to face him. Junie made a soft little moan as David actually went down on one knee.



Monica sensed Junie's excitement as soon as she came into the room. She looked curiously around. When David took her hand and, without speaking walked out of the house, she followed. She was very puzzled, he was not even wearing shoes and he was taking her out into the soft rain. 

His voice was hesitant, "Pretty girl, we have some things to talk about."

Monica felt a wave of alarm, "You promised."

"Yes, I did. I guess I need to know what I promised. From the way you woke me up and your apparent eagerness to strip off that little white nightgown in front of me, it's pretty clear that you aren't thinking of me as some kind of father figure."

Monica blushed and ducked her head. She mumbled, "I guess not."

"You said you don't care about doubts or excuses.  Well, pretty girl, we have a lot of things to work out. I am an old fashioned man. I care about my family. I go to church. When I promised to never go away from you again, that meant I was going to take care of you." David pulled at the gold band that he had worn on his left hand for almost thirty years. It took some work to get it off over his knuckle. He chuckled at Monica's puzzled expression as she watched him twisting at it.

Finally getting it free, he lowered himself down on one knee. He watched the puzzlement change to disbelief. His voice was gentle and amused, "Like I said, I am an old fashioned man. I apologize that I did not have time to get you a proper ring, but Miss Monica Bond will you consent to be my wife?" He took her left hand and placed the too large gold band in her palm. "I will get you a proper ring as soon as I can."

Monica's mouth was open and her lips were trembling. She kept trying to talk and nothing would come out. Finally she sank to her knees and wrapped her arms around his neck, the words poured out. "Oh yes, yes, yes, yes..." She was still babbling the word when he picked her up and carried her back to the house. 

David put her on her feet and pushed her through the door. "There you go." He looked at Junie, "You can talk now. In fact, if I know you girls, you aren't going to quit talking until somebody makes you stop." Junie giggled, but stayed behind the counter, a wide smile on her face.



Monica shot him an impish look, "I would like to see you try."

David looked up at the ceiling, "Now it starts." Monica giggled.

Bob walked over and held out his hand, "Let me be the first to congratulate you."

David shook his hand, "Things seem to be moving a little fast for me. Do you have a beer in that refrigerator?"

Donna's voice was soft from the bedroom door. "Off the clock?" She was all wrapped up in a blanket and blinking sleepily. Junie squeaked in alarm and rushed to her Mistress's side, taking her arm. Donna impatiently shook her off, "Don't treat me like an invalid. I just have a bump on my head. My legs aren't broken."

David looked at his watch, "Yes, ma'am, I am off the clock. As of right now I am permanently off the clock."

Monica's voice was surprised, "Permanently?"

"Well, pretty girl, I promised I would never leave you again. I can't very well traipse all over the country chasing bad guys with you in tow. Anyway I was about to retire a couple years ago before I got stuck on this case."

"Don't you have to give notice?"

David ruffled her hair, "There you go already nagging at me about things. My vacation is maxed out. I will take vacation and give them proper notice. I may have to go to a few exit interviews and write a report or twelve but I can call most of it in."

Bob laughed, "I will get that beer for you. Junie, you go help your Mistress get dressed."



They were all sitting down eating soup and fresh biscuits, when the district chief arrived. It did not take much urging to get him to sit down and join them. Bob declared that the whole Sam Card incident was not a proper dinner table conversation topic, saying they could wait until after dinner to start making formal statements. Junie sat next to Monica, both of them whispering and giggling like school girls. Junie was telling Monica funny stories about her wedding, "I was six months pregnant and his family was pissed at my family. I expected a brawl to break out any minute." Junie looked at Monica, "Are you guys going to have a wedding?"

Monica looked mystified, "I haven't thought about it." She blinked, "It's one of those things David and I have not had a chance to talk about." A tiny shadow crossed her face and the corner of her mouth turned down. 

Junie frowned in concern, "What is it, pretty girl?"

Monica shook her head and forced herself to smile again, "Nothing."

After dinner they all told their stories to the district chief as Agent Gold taped them and typed furiously on his laptop.



They learned that Card's Cadillac had been found hidden in some brush about five miles from their driveway. Junie shuddered when she found out that Sam Card had been hiding under the front deck. "Oh god, I must have walked over the top of him a half a dozen times."

When Agent Durant got done speaking, he looked at his supervisor, "Oh and I am going to be taking some vacation time starting now."

The district chief laughed, "I hear there are wedding bells in your future."



The next day Agent Durant packed up Monica into his big black car saying he was taking her to Salem to get the rest of her belongings and then was taking her home to meet his family in Louisiana. "We are going to stop by the place in East Texas on the way."

They left Happy behind. Bob had agreed to ship the puppy to them once they got to Louisiana. 

Junie gave Monica a big hug. "I am so happy for you."

Monica nodded her face red and uncertain. "Yes, I guess so. It's so weird now that I finally have what I wanted so bad, I am feeling all nervous and scared."

Junie whispered softly, "Of what, pretty girl?"

"It's that. I am not really a pretty girl. I am a jigsaw puzzle girl." Monica bit her lip. "What if I can't do it?"

"Do what?"

"Sex, what if can't do it?"

"Do you want to?"

"Yes, oh yes. But I am afraid. What if I panic? What if I can't do it?"

"Pretty girl, if you want to, you will find a way. Just tell him how you are feeling. Be gentle with him and gentle with yourself. It will be fine."



As they watched the car drive away, Bob asked Junie what they were talking about. Junie shrugged, "She is nervous about making love to him. I told her that if they loved each other and wanted to make love; they would find a way, it would be fine."

Bob laughed, "David had the same conversation with me, only worrying about whether he could satisfy such a beautiful and young woman. I told him much the same thing you told Monica." He slipped an arm around each of the women in his life, turning them around and leading them back toward the house. "Now speaking of satisfying beautiful women, it's been far too long since I have had a really good romp with you two."



Once they were in the house he sent them to the bathroom, "Shower, shave, prepare yourselves to be used in any and all manners." He gave Donna a very stern look. "I will require you to not overtax yourself. You are very much on light duty, but I will require your presence." He looked hungrily at Junie, "That means, my little Junie, you will have to work twice as hard to make up for your Mistress's weakness. Now off to the shower with you, I shall be busy planning our play time."

In the bathroom as Donna was mixing the enema solution Junie asked, "Ma'am, are you up to playing? Do you feel okay?"

"I will take it easy. You listen to our Master, girl."

Junie nodded, but could not stop the next question that had been eating at her, "Ma'am, last time we were playing, you could not stand the sight of me in pain. Will it be okay?"

Donna touched Junie's face, "That was then, silly girl. Now is now; and we will see what we will see."

When they came out Bob was standing back looking pleased at the familiar sight of the ropes and pulleys hanging from the eyebolts in the ceiling. "Tomorrow, Junie, you will help me put up the cross."  

Junie sank gracefully to the floor, kneeling at his feet. "Yes, Master, I would love to do that with you." She leaned down and pressed her lips to top of his foot, "Thank you."

Bob looked down at her curiously, "Thank you for what, sweet Junie?"

Junie smiled and looked around, she shrugged, "Um, everything I guess. Thank you for your love. Thank you for keeping me and my Mistress safe. Thank you for hanging up the ropes and caring enough to do this thing for me, my home, my healed heart, the sweet care you took of my friend Monica... um... all of it. I just feel so full of gratitude right now."

Bob chuckled, "Well, I am thankful that all this is over and we are finally home. I am looking forward to a nice, long, boring winter."

Donna chimed in, "Amen."

Bob cupped his hand under Junie's chin and lifted her face, "So, my thankful little bitch, are you ready to play?"

"Please, yes."

"Good girl. Stand up and hold your hands over your head." He held her leather cuffs in his hand. Soon Junie found herself standing bound and helpless, her muscles taut and quivering.

A tiny moan of anticipation rose up in her throat. "Oh Master, it seems like it has been so long since I have felt like this." 

Donna stroked the length of Junie's arms, slowly sensually grinding her taller slender body against Junie's lush curves. "You look so sweetly vulnerable, girl." She leaned down and took Junie's mouth in hers, humming her own soft moan into Junie's mouth. Bob slipped a blindfold over Junie's eyes and growled low into her ear, "Don't go anywhere." And then he chuckled.

Bob turned to Donna, "So, my goddess, how is your head?"

"Okay, as long as I don't bang it against anything or jump around too much."

"You must be sure to tell me if it begins to ache or if you feel dizzy."

"Yes, Master."

"I am going to give you a task. Every time I hurt Junie, you must soothe that hurt. I will require you bless each blow with a kiss, but first let us add to your experience." Bob picked up a rabbit vibrator and inserted it deep into Donna and then took a length of rope and tied a girdle around her loins keeping it trapped within her. "My goddess, you must contend with your passion, but do not release it."

"Yes, Master." Donna's voice jerked as he turned on the vibrations.

Bob picked up the riding crop. He traced it across Donna's lips. "Bless it; anoint it with your kiss." Donna sensually spread her lips and reached out with her tongue, pulling the leather tip into her mouth and sucking on it.

Bob smiled and nodded in approval. Turning he traced the damp leather end of the crop across Junie's mouth, watching as Junie blindly kissed at the saturated leather when it touched her lips. The vibrator buried deep in Donna's cunt was grinding slowly and sensually in circles, the vibrations spreading deep into her belly. Donna took Junie's mouth in a passionate kiss. 

At first the crop was only a pointer, a guide for Donna's kisses, but soon it was peremptory tap and then a snap. Donna found herself feeding on Junie, kissing each scarlet mark, sucking and licking. Junie was surging and moaning at the combined sensations. Soon Junie's body was marked, knees to elbows with the telltale scarlet bites of the crop. Her cries and moans filling the room. 

Donna's excitement was building, the vibrations inside her becoming irresistible. Her breath was coming fast and hot as she struggled to keep up with the increasing pace of Bob's blows upon Junie's writhing form. When the crop cracked into one of Junie's nipples she screamed for the first time. And Donna's kiss turned to a bite. For a time that was all there was. First one nipple then the other, a blow would fall and then a deep sucking bite, accompanied by Junie's unrestrained wails of pain. 

Then it stopped, "My goddess, kneel down and worship at our Junie's flower. Bring her pleasure, but keep it contained."

Donna knelt down and pressed her excited lips to the juncture of Junie's legs, her tongue licking up the juices that had spilled down her thighs. Junie groaned and arched her back thrusting her hips against Donna's mouth, wanting more. 

Donna felt Junie tense and shudder and, feeling Bob's fingers covering hers as he gripped Junie's hips, she realized he was taking her from behind. Junie's groans became more urgent, her body undulating between Donna's mouth and the heat and pressure filling her from behind. Junie gasped out, "Oh god yes, yes. Fuck me hard."

Donna found herself panting, as she licked at Junie, her caresses becoming spastic and jerky as she tried to catch her breath and contain her passion. Long quivering spasms were working their way up her body. Soft panicked cries accompanied the short bursts of her breath as she felt herself pushed closer and closer to the brink. Then Bob growled out the words, "Come now, do it now!" And he lunged deep, almost lifting Junie with the strength of his finish.

Junie convulsed against the ropes holding her, a long vibrating groan shaking through her. Donna found herself sagging and falling, her body taking control of her as she writhed on the floor, wave after wave of pleasure forcing her body to squirm and undulate. Bob gently turned off the vibrations, helped her to her feet and guided her to lie down on the bed. He stroked her face, "Lie still, my goddess, and rest. You have given us a lot."

After Bob removed the ropes she felt Junie's gentle fingers remove the vibrator and then her soft, warm tongue soothing and bathing her throbbing tissues. Donna sighed and quivered as waves of sweet sensation flowed over her. It was like a thousand tiny orgasms sparkling through her body. Finally spent, she stretched and relaxed at the familiar sensations of Junie bathing her and leaving her tender kisses behind.

As Junie crept into bed to snuggle close to her Master she smiled to meet her Mistress's eyes across his chest. Junie gave a satisfied little smile and murmured again, "Thank you."

Epilogue

The next day Monica called and exclaimed in utter excitement, "He married me! We drove straight to Seattle and he took me straight to the courthouse and married me. He said he was not driving cross-country with some unmarried woman. He said if I want a big wedding we can do that later, but he was damned if he was going to sleep another night with me if I was not his wife!"

Junie's voice was cautious, "And that other thing, the one you were worried about?"

Monica paused, "Well, we haven't done that yet. David says that he would rather let it happen rather than make it happen. But he has been holding me and kissing me. He has been so sweet and gentle. I don't feel so afraid now."

Junie's smile warmed her voice, "It will work out just fine. I am so happy for you."

Monica giggled, "We are on our way to Salem. I can't wait to see the expression on my mother's face."

"You will have to call and tell me all about it."

"I will. Give Bob and Donna my love and hug that Happy puppy for me."



The dogs came home.



The fall turned to winter. 



Junie could still remember the triumph in Monica's voice when she had finally declared, "You were right. It has all worked out just fine." 



Bob 'liberated' and brought home a fat little deer and showed Junie how to slice up the meat and wrap it in paper. Together they filled the freezer. Junie did a lot of research and tackled tanning the leather. "I want to make moccasins for Christmas presents."



Junie was surprised to find she still had the dream now and then, but it was getting increasingly predictable and boring. She was finding she could make it go away. She never even opened the secret door in the fireplace. Just pointed her finger at it and wished it away with a "Fuck no."



Tammi came out for a visit over Thanksgiving. When Junie picked her up from Greg's, she just looked at him and turned her back when he asked her in, wanting to ask her about what she knew about R. P. Sander's murder. He walked after her and asked her why she was being so rude and antisocial. When she laughed at him and pointed her magic finger and said, "Fuck no," he blinked and backed away.




The End of Evil Ch.15



Under the Christmas tree was an elaborately wrapped package and, when Junie opened it, she gasped at the sight of a beautifully crafted silver collar. Engraved on the inside were just two words, "Our Treasure." A delicate heart-shaped padlock dangled from the back, encrusted with diamonds. Junie knelt at her owners' feet, tears in her eyes and begged them to put it on her with their own hands. A dozen times a day, she found herself gently tracing its smooth edges with a fingertip, a happy smile curving her lips.



Donna wrote the book and the same publishing company that had published R. P. Sanders books bought it, even when Donna said she would not tour or do book signings. Donna split all the royalties from it four ways, a share for both Monica and Junie, and the other half to be divided between the families of his other victims. It sold very well and the company gave Donna a substantial advance for R. P. Sander's biography. At Junie's suggestion she titled it, "Dancing with Demons, the Rachel Penelope Sanders Story."



At Mary's suggestion, Junie started an online custom sewing and alteration business that catered to large sized women.



Bob just stayed the same, happy in his home, in love with his women, and seeking wisdom and beauty in the infinite universe.





The End?

And they lived happily ever after?

A wise man once said, "There are no happy endings, because nothing ever ends."

Thank you so much for coming with me on this journey. I had no idea where it was going to take me when I took that first step upon the pathway and wrote that personal ad with Bob and Donna looking for a sub. 

Junie's capacity for love warmed my heart. I fell completely in love with Donna. I would turn to Bob in my moments of confusion. I think I always will. They became my friends. 

I will always look back on this experience with a special sense of awe. I cannot believe this thing came just from me. Like a baby, it grew under my heart, but it had a life of its own once it drew its first breath.



You might recognize this story as one I had up in the past, under the title Northwest Hunters. I took it down for revision and a brief flirtation with possible publication.

Books One and Two of Northwest Hunters, titled Joining the Circle and Finding Happiness are already posted.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please take the time to rate and leave a comment if the spirit moves you.

Enjoy

xantu