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Conumdrum Ch. 01

By: Kezza67



CHAPTER ONE A wife vanishes

This is the first chapter of nine. There is no sex in this chapter.

It was the last minute problems that prevented Matt leaving his office at the usual time. Most days he could be relied upon to be home at six forty-five, to be welcomed by his wife of four years Elizabeth, and a well cooked meal ready to be served usually around seven-thirty, giving him time to wash and change. Tonight he came in at five past seven. There was no aroma of the meal to greet him, nor a wife to meet him. Puzzled, he looked around. Beth, as he usually called her, was nowhere to be found. Looking in the garage revealed that her car was gone. Just as he returned to the kitchen he noticed an envelope stuck to their cork message board. It was addressed to him.

The note inside was short, but explained her absence.

Dear Matthew,

I have had a last minute opportunity to go on a course from work. One of my colleagues had to drop out because of a family crisis. The course will give me a great chance to progress in my job. The course is residential, and is in Herefordshire, but I do not yet know the exact address, and I will be away for approximately ten days.

I am sorry that I could not give you warning, but I was not anticipating this. I was told of the opportunity at ten forty this morning. I tried to phone you, but couldn't get through. 

The freezer has been filled with ready meals. I know. Not what I would want for you, but they will keep you going. I will phone you tonight, and let you know where the course is.

Please take care,

Elizabeth.

The relatively formal style was typical of her. Beth was the daughter of an elderly couple, Stanley and Elizabeth Pendring. Her mother had been named Elizabeth to honour the Queen of that time, the wife of George the Sixth. Similarly Beth had been named to honour the Queen at the time of her birth, Elizabeth the Second. The family was never cold to him, but always seemed very formal in their approach, even amongst themselves. Beth's parents seemed to view outward shows of love and emotion as a weakness, and Beth had learned from them. Matt was the only one who called her Beth. Her parents had shown their disapproval of this, but could do little about it. Beth came to accept the diminution of her name with equanimity, she seemed to enjoy having Matt call her Beth, but would not allow others to do so. At the same time she would always refer to her husband as Matthew, but at home between the two of them, she would call him Matt.

He had first seen Beth on a very sad occasion. Beth's brother was a lieutenant in the Army, and had been killed in Iraq. They met the day that his body was brought home, and Matt had been detailed to be the family's escort that day. His job was to facilitate, expedite and generally explain things to the family. He was impressed by the family. Stanley, dressed in the typical 'City' suit, a pin-striped charcoal grey. The mother and daughter could almost be in uniform, black veiled hats, black coats both with a red carnation pinned to the lapel, black court shoes. However it has always been accepted that most women looked good in black, and the daughter certainly looked very good with her pretty face and dark almost black, hair. She was slim and held herself erect. 

Matt introduced himself. "Good morning Mr. & Mrs. Pendring, Miss Pendring. I am Captain Bennett and will be your escort for the day." The Pendring's acknowledged him and immediately asked to be taken to where the aircraft would land. Lieutenant Pendring's body was being flown back from Iraq, and would land at R.A.F. Lyneham. It would be accorded full Military honours, and once the ceremonial was done the body would be released to the family for burial. Throughout that day the family were stoic. Not one word of grief, no tear from either women, yet it was clear to Matt that they were broken-hearted by their loss. Only Mr. Pendring spoke with Matt, the two women kept quiet at all times. After the burial, which Matt attended as a matter of duty. Mr. Pendring thanked Matt for his attention to them. Mrs. Pendring shook his hand and just nodded, but Miss Pendring gave him a small smile, briefly touched one of the medal ribbons on his chest, the blue and white one.

"D.S.C." She murmured. "From Iraq?"

"No, that came from another incident." She nodded.

"You survived, though." He could not answer, he knew that perhaps she was resenting him for surviving, when her brother hadn't. She went on. "Thank you for being with us today. It cannot have been pleasant for you." She smiled that little smile, touched the medal ribbon again as if it was a good luck charm, then turned away. He remembered her. A quiet, modest, mannered young lady. She wasn't conventionally beautiful, but she had a symmetrical face, that seemed to be unformed rather than full of character, as if it was waiting to have that character written. He liked her, but accepted that he would probably never meet her again.

A few months after that Matt had resigned his commission. He was unhappy about the way the service was being used by politicians to bolster their image, yet at the same time denied the funds for equipment that would save lives. He was also angry that those same politicians seemed to be happy to persecute good officers, possibly to garner votes from the Muslim sections of the British electorate. He set up a security service. Aimed at large shopping malls, and out of town leisure sites, he employed ex servicemen and coppers who could be relied on to deal with problems sympathetically but firmly, men who could diffuse a situation before it got out of hand. Although asked he would not supply traffic wardens, as he didn't want the name of his business, MB Security, to become tarnished by the public's general antipathy towards wardens.

He met Miss Pendring again by chance, when he was asked to look at supplying security at her work. This was a large office block building which housed amongst others the Department of Works and Pensions. He was leaving the building after reviewing the requirement and was very surprised to see her coming the other way. She recognised him.

"Captain Bennett! How nice to see you again."

"Miss Pendring. It's good to see you. But It's no longer Captain Bennett, just plain Mr. now."

"Oh, are you doing something hush, hush?" He smiled. 

"Not at all. I left the Army. So all I do now is supply security staff for places like this. Very mundane, and not at all exciting." Beth had stayed, seemingly unwilling to let the conversation die. He had to get on, so he simply asked if she would like to meet for Lunch one day. Her smile spread.

"I would like that."

"Can I give you a call then, to arrange?" She nodded, and gave him a card with her extension number here at the DWP.

It was a most unusual courtship. Beth was always happy to see him, whether for Lunch or Dinner, yet never exhibited any signs of physical desire for him. Matt on the other hand did feel desire, even though she seemed not to be a sensual woman. As they got to know each other He found ways to let her know that he did want her. A gentle touch, taking her arm to cross a road, or to guide her through a crowded restaurant but not letting go. With his first attempt to kiss her, she turned her head to present her cheek, but on later occasions when he took command and held her head to kiss her lips she didn't object. His kisses would soon ask for more, and under pressure she would open her mouth for his tongue. Further intimacy like his hand on her breast, at first outside her clothes was never refused, and later when he would unbutton her blouse, and fondle her bare flesh, this was never objectionable to her, she would lay passively in his arms and allow him the intimacy. Before going home to her parents, she would demurely fasten all the buttons on her blouse, not looking at him because her face was flushed either by embarrassment or arousal. Matt could never tell which. She was a little shorter than him, and even when she wore a higher heel of some three inches she still did not match his height, and Matt was not particularly tall for a man at just an inch under six foot.

He decided that this refined, reserved lady was the one that he wanted in his life, and asked her to marry him.

"Yes, Matthew, I would like to marry you." She replied without hesitation. "But you will have to ask my father." Matt did indeed ask Mr. Pendring, who after asking the questions he himself had been asked all those years ago, about intentions and prospects, gave his approval. He found it strange that Beth at twenty-four was unable to act on her own initiative, and needed her father's consent. The wedding was a somewhat quiet affair, as Matt had few family to support him, and the Pendring's brought some relatives who appeared to be as much strangers to them as Matt.

His and Beth's life together was good. She was in many ways the perfect partner for someone who had to work hard to build his business, uncomplaining about his frequent long days and trips away, and although she worked as well, her hours at the DWP were set and unvarying. Beth was always home at six in the evening, and would ensure that a well-cooked evening meal was on the table at seven-thirty. The house was kept in immaculate condition, and Matt never had a problem in finding anything as Beth seemed obsessed with a place for everything and everything in its place. In bed she would always accept his advances. At first she would shyly lift her nightgown allowing Matt access to her vagina and it took Matt months to persuade her that being naked for making Love was not abnormal, and she would lie quiescent for him to explore her body. Yet afterwards the nightgown would always be replaced. To Matt it was a quandary. He knew instinctively that Beth would be a virgin when they married, and taking her virginity had not elicited the cry of pain that he had expected, yet the resistance was there and the show of blood after confirmed his instinct. As in all things Beth accepted the pain stoically. She always assured him that she was satisfied with his love-making, and he was sure that she had orgasms. She didn't vocalise at all, yet her body movements, although restrained, showed her reaction to him. It was a very 'vanilla' coupling. Oral of any kind was 'dirty' and was definitely not on her agenda. At times it seemed to Matt that she tried to be the perfect wife, acting like the model wives as portrayed in good housekeeping guides of the nineteen forties and fifties, a woman born too late for the era that would have suited her perfectly.

It was therefore quite out of character for her to suddenly go off on this course as such short notice. Matt accepted the note at its face value. Never once that first evening did it cross his mind that Beth would be doing anything else but attending a course. It was also quite out of character that the anticipated phone call from her didn't come. Out of character, yes, but Matt whilst surprised, rationalised that the course may well have extended into the evening.

When on the second evening there was no call. Matt became worried. At about half past ten he decided that he would ring her. Beth had not owned a mobile phone until after they were married, when Matt insisted that she should have one. He used his mobile as Beth's number was programmed in to it. Her phone rang, and rang, the ringing hollow in his ears, mocking him with the empty sound. She didn't have the message service on so it continued. Gradually Matt came to realise that there was a dull vibrating sound from upstairs. With the ringing still going on in his ear he went up. The vibrations were coming from her drawer in the bureau. He pulled it open, and immediately the ring of her phone was apparent. It was there, tucked away at the back of the drawer under some sweaters.

Damn the woman, what's the point of having a phone if you didn't carry it with you! God! And she didn't even switch it off. Matt broke the connection, and took Beth's phone downstairs with him. He felt guilty about doing it, but went through her recently dialled numbers, hoping that the number of wherever the course was being held would show up. There were no numbers, except his, or rather what should have been his. There was one wrong digit! No wonder she couldn't contact him. He went in to the memory and corrected the error. There was nothing he could do at this time, he would phone her office in the morning and get some information.

Matt slept soundly. He wasn't worried about Beth, exasperated with her, yes. The next day he first phoned her parents and spoke to her mother. They hadn't heard from Beth. Later he phoned her office from work. He used the extension number that Beth had given him, but when some woman answered she told him that Beth had been transferred four months ago. Same building, different department. She patched him through to the new department. Beth hadn't been there long enough for too many people to know her, so it took some time before he could speak to someone who would answer his questions.

"Mrs. Bennett? Yes, I don't think she's in today. Training course, did you say? Well I don't know anything about that. Perhaps you should speak to Human Resources." Another transfer. Eventually the ringing tone was answered. Matt explained what he was calling for. The woman on the phone listened then interrupted him.

"I am sorry, Mr. Bennett, but I can give you no personal information about any of our employees."

"But this is my wife!"

"All I can tell you is that if you would make an appointment, and produce evidence of who you are, then we can speak to you." Matt sighed heavily.

"Can you see me this afternoon?"

"Would three-thirty be convenient?"

"I shall be there."

"Please bring proof. A passport, and marriage certificate, if you can."

"I will have them. Who shall I ask for?"

"Mrs. Coulsden. That's me."

Matt had been getting angry, but his logical brain stepped in and he calmed down. Of course they were right. He could be anyone calling trying to get personal information.

At three-thirty, Matt presented himself at the desk and asked for Mrs. Coulsden. She kept him waiting for fifteen minutes, nor did she bother to apologise when she came out to see him. She took him into an interview room, and Matt showed her his passport and marriage certificate. She nodded grudgingly.

"How can I help you, Mr. Bennett?" Matt explained again, that his wife was on this course, but had forgotten to take her mobile phone with her, and as he hadn't heard from her was beginning to get worried. Mrs. Coulsden had a file with her, and read it slowly before answering him.

"I am sorry, Mr. Bennett, but what makes you think that your wife is on a works course?"

"She left me a note explaining it." Matt produced the note and handed it to the woman. She read it just as slowly as she had the file.

"Mr. Bennett. Mrs. Bennett has not been selected to attend any course. There is no current course. I can tell you that your wife applied for two weeks leave, a week ago, and her leave started the day before yesterday." Mrs. Coulsden now had a more sympathetic manner. Matt sat there dumbstruck.

"On leave?" She nodded.

"Yes. She said that there was illness in the family." Matt shook his head. 

"I have spoken with her mother, she said nothing about an illness and she is not aware of where my wife is, anymore than I do at this moment."

Matt left the DWP, with questions bouncing around his head like dozens of rubber balls. Somehow the wife he thought he knew had thrown a curve ball at him. As he drove back to his office the army training gradually came back to him, displacing the anger and confusion in his mind. Whatever she was up to, he reasoned, she had to have left a clue somewhere. He changed his mind about going back to the office, and drove home. Immediately he contacted his secretary, Janet, and told her that something had come up, and he wouldn't be back today. She was very competent and could easily handle anything routine.

He opened the drawer in the kitchen where they stacked all the household bills, and found the phone bills. The home phone showed no unusual numbers. Next her mobile phone account, and discovered that the contract had been cancelled a month ago. Beth usually took care of all their household expenses, so this was the first that he knew about it. Getting her mobile he turned it on, after keying in the security code, it connected to the server, and immediately showed a balance. Of course! He should have realised yesterday when he checked her phone. Beth had changed to a 'pay as you go' service. Why had she kept the same security code? Matt smiled as he realised that Beth would not have known how to change the code. He had checked her dialled numbers yesterday, but he hadn't checked her received numbers. He did so now. There had been calls from him, her mother, a number he recognised as her work number, and then another mobile number he didn't know at all.

He had no way of finding out whose number it was, but he knew a man who could. He made the call.

"Agger Consultancies." Matt grinned, Gary never used his real name when answering the phone.

"Who are you trying to kid, Gary? It's Matt. And who the hell are Agger Consultancies?"

"Matt, how are you mate? Long time!" Matt could hear him chuckle. "Agger is my smoke and mirrors name for this week. Business good?"

"I keep busy, business is picking up well. How about you?"

"Usual. You know what it's like, always someone out there that needs some expertise. You need some, perhaps?" There was no point trying to fool Gary, so Matt levelled with him, and explained the situation.

"Shit! You must be worried."

"Yes a bit, but I need some investigating done."

"What can I do?"

"I've got a mobile number here. May be nothing, may be something. Do you think you could check it out?"

"Hang on, I'll get a pen...right, fire away." Matt read off the number to him.

"Leave it with me, Matt. I'll get back to you tomorrow."

"Cheers, Gary."

"Wait a moment, Matt. Do you have a home computer?"

"Yes, but I never use it. Beth does occasionally, but she's not that computer literate."

"Maybe worth looking to see if here are any emails on the file."

"Good idea, I'll do that now."

"If you don't find anything, it doesn't mean there's nothing there. Get back to me, I'll take a look if you like."

"Ok, I'll talk to you soon, Gary. Cheers."

Matt immediately switched on the computer. It loaded Windows, then paused, and a box came up asking for the password. As far as Matt knew there had never been a password. He phoned Gary again.

"Gary. There's a password, I can't get into the thing."

"Oh yeh, sounds like there could be something to hide, Mate. Did you say she was not that computer savvy? That doesn't sound like a beginner. Look, I'll come over tomorrow and have a look for you. Will you be in?"

"I'll be here."

At one time in his stint in the army, Matt had been involved in a few operations that were never publicised, They weren't cloak and dagger stuff, just quick ops, that the army didn't feel needed the light of day. He had met Gary, amongst others, on one of these adventures. Gary was a civilian, an expert in electronic intelligence. Contrary to most regulars, who disliked working with civilian personnel, Matt had not had a problem with him, as they needed his skills and he was good. They had got on well, and had kept in touch from time to time. Now Matt seemed to need his skills again.

Gary arrived early, in time to eat a huge fry-up for breakfast. Knowing the man Matt had anticipated this. From his experience it would seem to be all he ever ate.

"I've had no joy with that number, but I will keep trying."

"How can you do that?"


Conumdrum Ch. 01



"Ways and means, Matt. Ways and means." In other words, don't ask. He rubbed his hands together, and licked his lips to get the last remnant of fried egg into his mouth. "Right. Let's have a look at your computer." Matt showed him where it was, and stood looking over Gary's shoulder. Gary looked up.

"Sorry, Mate. But I am going to have quite a bit to do, and, well some of it is trade secrets. You don't mind, do you?"

"Oh no. I have some phone calls to make anyway. I'll leave it to you."

Two hours later, Gary came to find him.

"I thought you said your wife was not computer literate?"

"No she isn't."

"Matt. I have news for you. Either she is, or someone else has been on this machine. I have found out some stuff, which doesn't mean much, but there is something there, which someone has gone to a lot of trouble to hide." Matt was bemused.

"For God's sake. She couldn't even change the security code on her mobile phone! There's no way she could be that sophisticated on the computer."

"Well someone is. Look! I am going to have to take the machine away. I can download it all onto my equipment, and sort it out. O.K.?"

"No problem. Did you find out anything?" Gary didn't say anything for a moment. Matt could almost read what his hesitation was about.

"Gary. I want to know. If it's something that will upset me, I still want to know." Gary shrugged his shoulders.

"Whoever has used that computer has been accessing a lot of pornography."

"You mean Beth has been accessing pornography."

"Yes. But it is a particular kind."

"Go on."

"Bondage and stuff like that." Matt sat down.

"Gary. There is a bottle of Laphraoig in that cupboard. Would you get it, and a couple of glasses. I think I need a drink."

With amply filled glasses in front of them, Matt looked at Gary.

"O.K. Give it to me."

"It's strange, Matt. She has been looking at sites with stories on. I wouldn't say they were sex stories exactly, although sex is involved, but they seem to be about dominance and submission to a Master. There are stories about people being in Bondage, and some where punishment is involved. Now I can follow her trail quite easily, she hasn't tried to hide any of this. She started at one site then clicked on links to take her to others. But she has accessed one site where the evidence has been deleted, and the recycle bin has been cleared as well. Now! Either she has done that or someone has done it for her. But if that was deleted, why not the other sites? It doesn't make sense." Matt gave that some thought. He didn't voice his thoughts but it was opening a window into Beth's mind, which would also explain some of her passive behaviour, especially where sex was concerned. He got back to the task in hand.

"So we can never know what this site was?" Gary shook his head.

"We can try, Mate. You can delete as much as you like, but the hard drive never, never wipes itself. It will be there somewhere, we just need to find it, that's all."

"You can find it?"

"I expect so, but that's why I need to take your computer away. I have to drop the complete contents of the drive onto some equipment I have. Then I can dissect everything bit by bit."

"How long?" Gary shrugged his shoulders, and spread his arms palms upwards.

"How long is a piece of string? I could drop on it within a couple of minutes, or it could take four or five days. It just depends on how much is on the drive. I can try and guess keywords. But that could waste a lot of time, so slow and methodical is the way. Sorry."

After Gary's departure, Matt sat with a cup of coffee and gave this some thought. There seemed a number of contradictions here. Beth seemed to have tried to cover her tracks, but left gaping loopholes in the plan. Did she not think that when her promised phone call never happened that Matt would not start searching for answers? Was it deliberate that she left her mobile phone at home, switched on! Matt was sure that she wouldn't have been able to defend her computer with a password, unless someone told her how to do it. Then didn't she think that the very fact that she had set up a password would give Matt reason for suspicion. It almost seemed to Matt that she had deliberately encouraged him to investigate, but the woman's general naivety would argue against that. He was coming to the conclusion that someone else was encouraging Beth to cover her tracks, but she was not competent enough in the technology to carry it out properly. Matt wanted to find that someone else, and ask some very pointed questions. He was preparing to go to work, when another thought came like a thunder flash. Beth had arranged her leave from work a week before! This wasn't a last minute opportunity as her note said. As thoughts do, one thing led to another, and an insidious worm crept into his head. Was Beth ever going to come back to him? If she did return, and he discovered that she had deliberately betrayed him then she wouldn't stay for long, she would be history as far as he was concerned. He pushed that thought aside, but like lots of these worms, it kept returning over the next few days.

To be continued...



Conumdrum Ch. 02



CONUNDRUM CHAPTER TWO What has Beth got into?

NOTE - In UK english, ass is spelt arse. An Ass is a type of donkey. 

Matt's work went to pieces, and the business was carried by Janet his secretary. It was obvious to her that something was wrong, but she would not inquire. If Matt wanted her to know, he would tell her. It was after he had made a bad mistake on the roster for staff at one of their contracts that Matt had to try and explain what was going on. He found it difficult as he wasn't too sure himself. So much of what he suspected were ideas in his head, generated by feelings, and small clues. Janet listened carefully, not saying anything until he had finished. Even then she didn't comment for a minute, then shook her head.

"No! You are wrong. Elizabeth will not have left you. You are too important to her for that."

"How do you come to that conclusion, Janet?"

"Elizabeth came here to see me one day when you were away."

"Beth came here?" Beth had never shown any interest in his business. Janet had one of those womanly smiles on her face.

"Yes. I believe she came to check me out, make sure I wasn't a threat to you and her." Matt was totally surprised.

"I'm astonished. That doesn't sound like Beth in any way." Janet shook her head.

"How little you know about women, Mr. Bennett. Including your wife it would seem. Yes, Elizabeth did come to see me, and in the course of our chat said something to the effect that you were so important to her, that without you there would be no point in living." She paused. "Mr. Bennett, she loves you totally and unreservedly. She will not have left you." Matt took some comfort from this, but it still didn't explain Beth's behaviour. Janet seemed to have picked up on his worries. "Mr. Bennett. I feel that Elizabeth has some personal crisis she is trying to resolve, and this is why she has gone off. She will be back when it is sorted."

"I don't understand. Beth knows she could come to me and discuss anything. If that is the case we could resolve it together." Janet disagreed with him.

"No. You told me once about her demeanour at her brother's funeral. I think at the time you described her as unemotional. You saw a person who doesn't reveal their feelings. That is not the person who would come to you to discuss anything that was that personal. For her, it would be necessary to work it out on her own." Matt had to agree with this theory. That was Beth. Very self-contained, never revealing the depth of her feelings. Yes, she would do everything to overcome problems herself before admitting them to anyone else.

Matt felt better now, his mind illogically concentrating on the best interpretation that Janet had offered, and ignoring the other facts. His equanimity was to be seriously disturbed though, two days later by a call from Gary.

"Matt, I think you had better get over to see me as soon as possible."

"What's happened?"

"You won't understand it by my telling you, you need to see."

"O.K. Gary, I can get to you about nine tomorrow morning, will that suit you?"

"Yes mate. I'll be here."

It was a worried Matt who arrived at Gary's office in Neasden the next morning. Gary did nothing to relieve his worries as they sat down in front of the impressive array of computing equipment. They both had mugs of steaming tea.

"Right, Matt. I have isolated the file that was deleted, and I have to say that whoever put the site together was fucking brilliant. I'll explain why as we go through it." He loaded the file on to one of his screens and it opened. Matt's heart sank, the screen showed numerous pictures of women being tied up and slapped, spanked with paddles, or even one where the woman was whipped. The faces could not be seen, and the man administering the punishment would never be recognised either. He certainly wouldn't be wearing the black leather garments out in the street. They emphasised his muscular development in the shoulders and chest, and also his penis which sprang nakedly from the front of his split trousers. Gary interrupted Matt's thoughts. "Now most of these sites are pay per view. This one is free, and I'll show you why." He clicked on the 'Enter here' button. The screen dissolved and re-opened with a similar background, except the half dozen stills became two video clips. These featured two of the women previously seen, but now in larger format, the viewer could see the cheeks of their bottoms rebounding, one from the harsh slaps with a paddle, the other from the cuts of a cane. The blush of bruising skin was already noticeable on the first, and the red stripes where the cane had been laid on the other. Then the scene changed to the two faces of the women, and both exhibited total pleasure from the punishment they were receiving. Gary stopped the action.

"I've stopped this because I want to show you something. Did you notice when those action scenes were playing, a flicker across the scene?" Matt shook his head.

"I can't say I did." Gary nodded.

"O.K. I'll let it run again." He did so and suddenly Matt saw the very fleeting flicker.

"Yes!" he almost shouted.

"This is bloody good," Gary commented. "You don't see it at first, and it isn't obvious at any time, but if you watch that for long..well, I'll show you what it is." He closed the screen down and then turned on another. "I downloaded it onto this bit of kit, because I can slow the speed right down on this one. It's slowed down by a factor of eighty percent. Now watch!" The screen came alive with the scene they had watched before, but the action was so slow it was more like a collection of stills showing one after the other. Matt commented about that and Gary simply said, well that's all it is really.

Now when the flicker came up, Matt could see it was words overlaid on the screen. 'PAIN IS PLEASURE', then the next flicker said, 'PLEASURE FROM CONTROL' then another, 'CONTROL LEADS TO ECSTASY' and another, 'ECSTASY FOLLOWS SUBMISSION' the last one said 'SUBMISSION TO PAIN' The motto's then reverted to the first. They still went through very quickly and It was only because he concentrated that Matt could read them. He looked at Gary.

"What the fuck is this all about?" Gary didn't answer. Instead he turned on the first screen again.

"What else do you notice?" Matt looked carefully, trying to ignore the sight of the paddle and whip creasing the women's arses. He looked all around the screen, then said.

"There!" He pointed to the top middle of the screen. There was a badge motif of some sort, and it turned continually with what appeared to be a flashing light. "Good, you saw it, but only because you were looking for it." He turned the screen off, and showed Matt the slow version. Now he could see it quite clearly.

"If you watched that for long I reckon it could send you into a trance." Gary didn't answer at first then Matt saw him nodding grimly. He turned both screens off.

"That's what I thought, so I spoke to Hendy."

"Hendy? Christ! Is that crafty sod still around?" Henderson, well Dr. Henderson was another of those rather odd people who seem to be around when abnormal operations were taking place. He was a psychologist, who seemed able to get into the minds of the opponents they had to deal with.

"Oh yes! And still as weird as a nine shilling note. He'll be here soon. Now let's look a little further." He turned the screens on again. "See that button, right hand side, near the bottom of the screen?"

"The one that says contact."

"Yes, now when I clicked on that a telephone number came up." Matt knew what was coming.

"You're going to say it was the same number as the one on Beth's mobile."

"Yes, I'm afraid it is. That's why this site is free, they want to draw in those who could be seduced by it. Sorry." Matt was in misery for a moment. He didn't realise that his next words were said out loud.

"Oh Beth. What have you done?"

Gary waited until Matt had pulled himself together.

"You O.K. mate?"

"No, but I suppose I may has well find out the worst."

"Well it doesn't help anyway, but when you click that button it gives you the number then triggers a deletion, doesn't happen for forty-eight hours but it clears everything including the recycle bin. As I said whoever wrote this site was crack hot." Matt asked how that could be done. "It would be a virus, designed to attack one file only." Gary told him.

"Can we find who these people are?"

"Tried that. Come up against a blank wall. The site is hosted in the States. We can't find out anything from the host without a request from our government to the relevant department in Washington, even then it could take months. If these people heard about that they would shift the host to Russia or Mexico or somewhere. Then your problem starts all over again. Anyway, I suspect that we would only get a name of a company in the Caymans or somewhere else where privacy is more important than justice." He stopped the sequences and took them back to the beginning. "Oh and I tried to trace who owned that phone number. It was a disposable phone. Use it a few times and throw it away, get another with a different number. These people believe in covering their tracks."

"Yes, but they put that number on the site." Gary agreed.

"True, but I followed the links that your wife used and found the site on the internet yesterday. It's still the same but the number is different."

The weird Dr. Henderson rang the doorbell some forty-five minutes later. He greeted Gary then turned to Matt.

"Captain Bennett!' Matt shook his hand.

"Dr. Henderson, still trying to cure the loonies of this world?"

"Oh no. It's the psychiatrists who try to cure them. I am a psychologist, I just tell them how they can remain loony but be happy about it." He grinned. "Are you still going off to foreign parts and killing terrorists?"

"No, Hendy. I'm out of the army now. Besides soon the army will not have to go to foreign parts. This government is letting all the terrorists come here, so the army can stay home. Very convenient, and of course it saves a lot of money."

"You're a cynic, Matt." Gary joined the conversation holding more mugs of tea.

"Ah, cynicism is the refuge of sensible men, when the politicians lose the plot." Hendy liked to compose new platitudes. He took a sip of his tea. Then handed it back to Gary. 

"More sugar please, Gary, then let's look at this stuff you told me about. I must say I'm intrigued."

Matt had no wish to see the files again so picked up the paper and read quietly while Gary and Hendy went through it. They rejoined him after some fifty minutes. Hendy was in a serious mood now.

"Gary's filled me in on what has happened, so the first question I am going to ask is, do you really think that your wife has been in contact with these people?" Matt was certain that she had.

"She had the number on her mobile as a received call, so she would have had to contact them to start with." Hendy nodded.

"Right, well from what I have seen, I suspect that this site was specifically aimed at women who have, or could assume a submissive character. The predominant colour of the messages is Red, which is supposedly very attractive to women; it is suggested that it relates to their sexual awareness. That is why I say the site is aimed predominantly at women. Men would not take as much notice of them. The speed at which they flash means that the messages are processed by the brain, even though the conscious doesn't appear to have seen them. But the sub-conscious does. This is called subliminal or sub-threshold stimulation. The target narrows then to women who have masochistic tendencies. Possibly latent, but the sights would intrigue them enough to make them want to find out more. The revolving motif is very hypnotic. Whilst it doesn't actually hypnotise it could induce a trance-like state which occupying the conscious mind, allows the brain to deal with the subliminal messages in the sub-conscious." Matt had questions galore, but allowed Hendy to go on with his summary. "Would you describe your wife as submissive?"

"Not the word I would choose. She has always been reserved. Naïve, yes. She is very self-contained, doesn't show her emotions." 

"You say naïve. How does that manifest itself?"

"She has been very sheltered. She reads the newspaper and finds it difficult to comprehend that some people live on state benefits as a lifestyle, that some women have children by multiple partners, that children can leave school at sixteen without being able to read." Hendy nodded.

"I get the idea. I have to ask you a difficult question. Are your relations, I mean your sexual relations, good. Does she join with you fully?"

"She never initiates sex. But she never refuses me when I do."

"Ah! Was she knowledgeable about sex? Does she enjoy sex?"

"I think she does. She has said on occasions that she always has orgasms, although she isn't hugely demonstrative. She wasn't knowledgeable about sex apart from the basics. I think her mother had told her that it was something that women had to accept, and just explained the actual act and how it happened."

"Ah!"

Matt waited for the next question. "So she never initiates love-making, but never refuses. She is not active, but nonetheless has orgasms. Is that correct?"

"Yes. I think that sums it up."

"Well my friend, I think your wife is showing all the classic signs of a submissive. Now whether she is masochistic as well remains to be seen, but I suspect we will find out she could be." Matt was stunned. He had never imagined this at all, but why should he? This seemed to be an area he had heard and read about in a detached manner. As with so many people it was something he never thought that he would experience. These things happened to other people. Suddenly he had been catapulted into dealing with something that hitherto had been just academic. Hendy had kept quiet, allowing Matt to come to terms with what he had said. But he did have more to say.

"Matt, I am sorry, but I have to say this. You believe your wife is in contact with these people, and I think you are right. The fact that she has disappeared and has put up a smokescreen about her whereabouts convinces me that she could be with them as we speak. There's no easy way to put this, but I suspect they will be inducting her into their world of domination, she will have possibly been taken vaginally, she will have performed oral sex and swallowed their emissions, and she may have been beaten a little. Nothing heavy yet, that could frighten her off. Just a little pain and a little pleasure, a gradual introduction to their games. They will plan to sodomise her, but I doubt that will have happened yet. That could be something they will save for another time. If they order her back, and she goes back, it will signify that she has accepted their domination. Anal sex is very important in that it signifies their 'ownership' of her mentally and physically, but only happens when the submissive has formally acknowledged them as Masters. Now knowing all this, would you allow your wife back into your life? Before you answer I will say that I don't think your wife is acting entirely of her own free will. Having seen that web-site, I strongly suspect that it will have appealed to something in her psyche. There is an element of hypnosis being used to influence her. A submissive makes an excellent subject for hypnosis.."

There was silence for quite some time. Gary had left the office, so there was just Matt and Hendy. He came back just in time to hear Matt say.

"Yes. If it is as you say, I think now that I would. At first I thought there was no other avenue but divorce! But now?. She is my wife and I love her. My logic understands what you say, and whilst emotionally I am angry with her, the majority of my rage is directed at these people. Thinking about what you have said earlier, I believe that her whole life has conditioned her. A rigid, patriarchal family background. Her father had been in the forces, her brother was army, then marriage to me, another product of the army. All men used to giving orders. My passions tell me to blame her, but logically I cannot, if you are correct, and she has been hypnotised in some way. But I will say this, those bastards have messed with the wrong man, and they will pay big time!" Gary patted Matt on the shoulder.

"Still in touch with some of the old crowd, mate?"

"Still in touch? Hell, I employ some of them."

Hendy pierced the bubble of righteous anger.

"And how do you think you are going to find them, may I ask?" Matt had not thought this through yet, and used the simplest plan.

"Beth will tell me." Hendy shook his head.

"I doubt that she would, even if she knew." Matt was indignant.

"Of course Beth would tell me."

"Matt. Your wife almost certainly has been hypnotised. These people seem to understand a lot. A Post-hypnotic suggestion that she speaks to no-one about this would be pre-eminent. She will not be able to go against that suggestion. Moreover she probably doesn't know the whereabouts anyway, and before you shout at me, let me ask you this. If you were these people, would you allow your location to be known to anyone who could possibly reveal it?" Matt's army training answered that question.

"No, of course not."

"That is what I thought."

Gary came up with a suggestion.

"Would they have met Beth at a pre-arranged spot. Got her car under cover, then took her onward, probably blindfolded or drugged even. Just a suggestion, but that's how I would do it. It could also be why Elizabeth left her mobile at home. It may have been completely accidental, but! They may have told her not to bring it, and it had, from what you say been hidden. If she took it with her it only has to be turned on for a moment and it connects to the nearest mast. That would enable anyone who knew how to do it, to find the rough location." Matt was thinking now the heated anger was cooling to leave his calmer thoughts.

"You're right, Gary. They would certainly find a way of protecting their names and location, so something along those lines would be necessary." There was a terrible suspicion creeping into Matt's thoughts. Hendy voiced it before it had formed properly.

"I think Gary is right about something else. Drugs could have quite an influence here. If you are serious about finding them, if they call her again and if she does go back you will have to let your wife go. Then you can track her and follow them. If you decide this course of action. Matt, you cannot let on to your wife that you have any suspicions. Treat her in every way as normally as you can." 

Matt knew that it had to be this way although it went against every fibre of his being. The very idea of letting his wife go to these bastards again was anathema, but his need for revenge on them was stronger. They had stolen something of him, when they took Beth, and they would learn that stealing from Matt would result in very painful punishment. It would be difficult to behave as usual, and he would have to have sex with her, she would expect that. But he had to convince himself that Beth had not planned or conspired to cheat on him, that it was hypnosis and probably being drugged that had brought this about. He cursed her naivety for not understanding what would happen. With the emotions subdued he could think logically. This was starting to feel like a military operation, and he had the training for exactly that. He would get the right team in, and plan, plan, plan for all eventualities.

He spoke to Hendy first.

"Thanks Hendy, for your advice, I shall need you again. Can I get in touch?" Dr. Henderson agreed, then went on.

"Matt, when this is over, you had better bring your wife to me. I shall need to hypnotise her myself, to try to overwrite the instructions left as post-hypnotic suggestions. I'll get her into a private hospital, there will be no records so her privacy is assured. I will want to talk to you as well. You will need to know things in order to rebuild your relationship." 




Conumdrum Ch. 02



"O.K. Hendy. Whatever it takes." He turned to Gary.

"Any thing more you learn will be vital. Will you keep in touch?"

"Of course, Matt. I will want access to your house. I will put some software on your computer before I bring it back, which will track every key-stroke made, and send it to me. I will get you a GPS tracker for Beth's car, and I will put bugs on her mobile and your home phone. They will record every call made, and what numbers are calling. Pity I can't get one on her phone at work, but I doubt that they will call her there anyway."

Back at his office Matt took the time to settle his thoughts about what he intended to do. He felt guilty for using Beth as a stalking horse. He was sure that if these people called her again, Beth would go. Hendy's assessment of her psyche, coupled with the use of hypnotic suggestions would be too strong for her. He also realised that she could be in danger of further and more extreme physical abuse before he could get to her. His experience of the army had taught him that in any operation there was danger, and that some members of the team would be in extreme danger. Losses would happen, although the plan would try to limit those. But it could happen. It was this experience that allowed him to accept Beth back. He had seen at first hand the way that trained men would lose all semblance of discipline and humanity under the stress of battle. He had personal experience, and had done things that were totally against his nature. The knowledge of what he had done had given him the strength to accept that those; who under exceptional circumstances betray their core beliefs and standards; will punish themselves to a greater extent than anything society can inflict. Beth was not acting of her own free will he was certain, therefore those who had usurped her free will were the enemy.

He went through his files, selecting the man who he thought would offer the expertise he needed for this. Having made his choice he picked up the phone, just as Janet came in.

"Mr. Bennett. You haven't said a word since you came back, and I noticed what file you have. Is there something you should tell me about?" Matt was going to say that what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her, but realised that if he was away from the office for any time, it would be Janet who he needed to play in defence for him. He sighed.

"Janet, I have discovered what Beth is up to, and it isn't good." He proceeded to give her a resume of what was happening. "These people are very bad, they are evil. It is obvious from their activities that Beth is but one of a number of women they have snared. But I can do something about it." Janet had listened carefully.

"Good! You do need to do something. I will not want to know what you do, just hurt them! I will back you up in anyway I can. If you need an alibi, I will remind you I am a secretary, which means I can lie very convincingly." she smiled and left the office.

Matt picked up the phone again and made the a call. The voice that answered was abrupt.

"Yes."

"Chubb, it's Matt. Got some work, are you free?"

"Yes Boss."

"Meet usual place eight tomorrow, O.K.?"

"Got it." The receiver was replaced.

Matt would not have to call others. Chubb was a nickname of course, and he had been SAS. A Sergeant, now retired, he would from time to time do certain work for Matt that required greater skills than the normal ex-army type. They had met on a combined operation. For some time Intelligence had been getting information coming from a source that had to be well into terrorist areas. He suspected that there was an S.A.S. team out there. During that episode Matt had gone out on a limb to help a man who had been injured and get him back to safety. It wasn't until the successful conclusion to the op that Matt met the team that were sending this information. It was Chubb. He also found that the man he had helped was one of Chubb's team. Four years later when Matt had set up his business, he was surprised to get an approach from Chubb, who had also left the army, seeing if there was any work he could do. As it happened Matt had been asked for bodyguards. Initially he had turned the work down, but with Chubb on board he could accept this work. The work was never regular or of long duration, but the fees for it were far larger than looking after a shopping mall or car park. Chubb brought in a few of his ex-comrades. Men like him who could not only look after the client, but themselves as well. Clients were allowed to know that the blokes looking after them had been SAS. That made the client feel more secure as their reputation was world renowned, on a par with U.S. Special Forces and Navy Seals. Very few complained about the high fees with that reputation.

The meeting took place at a Little Chef, on the old A40 going out of London. After the greetings, and with coffee in front of them Matt explained. This was not the abbreviated explanation, but a full in depth briefing. If he was going to ask Chubb to do some dirty work, then the man needed to know exactly why. There was no hesitation.

"Jesus, Matt! That's a real bastard. So we are going to have to go and slap a few arses." Matt shook his head.

"No Sergeant. I am going to do the slapping. I need you and a small team for the tracking and reconnaissance. Nothing more." Chubb was shaking his head.

"Sorry Boss, but you know how it works. The team do the dirty, you stay outside and make sure all the pieces stay in place." The way it was said indicated that there would be no argument. "I'll get in touch with the lads we'll need, they work for you anyway, and we'll organise a planning meet. Do you want it here or somewhere else?" This was an ex-Sergeant telling an ex-Captain how it would be done! Matt accepted that as Chubb was professional to his fingertips.

"Make it the office, I'll get Gary and Hendy there as well. Gary's getting some equipment for me, and Hendy will be able to explain the psychological mentality of the bad guys. Let's do it day after tomorrow. I am sure that Gary can be there, possibly Hendy as well. We will plan for it, but it may not come off. My wife may not go back to them. Hendy thinks she will, but I have my doubts.?" Chubb nodded, then got up to leave.

"It will be almost like the old days, Boss." Matt smiled thinly.

"Almost. But we are operating in home territory. That will make a change." Then he had an afterthought.

"Hang on Chubb. We haven't discussed the money."

"We don't ask money for doing a mate a favour." Chubb replied coldly.

To be continued... 



Conumdrum Ch. 03



CONUNDRUM CHAPTER THREE The planning

The rest of that day was uncomfortable for Matt. He was starting to plan a raid on people who logic supposed could be completely innocent, but his gut feeling told him that his wife's curiousity and under some malign influence either hypnosis, drugs or both, had got into a situation that was beyond her control. He could no longer label her actions betrayal, many would of course, but Matt had greater understanding of human frailties. If nothing else the sights he had seen in his army career convinced him that anyone could do terrible things when in the grip of terror. Battle rage was nothing new, indeed it was the reason for many decorations for heroism. It may seem to some a completely different case but the emotions that caused that rage could induce another person to act completely out of character. The evidence did seem indicate that she was now subjecting herself to these bastards, yet at the same time part of his mind was telling him that she really had just gone to attend a course. For a while he was close to picking up the phone and calling Chubb, Gary and Hendy and telling them to forget everything. Then the 'what if' scenario played in his head. He knew he should plan for the worst, even if it left him with egg on his face if the worst didn't happen. For Beth's sake he had to make plans, not just to rescue her, but to ensure these bastards could never do this again.

With his mind now functioning better, a thought struck him. He phoned Gary.

"Gary, you talked about putting a GPS transmitter on Beth's car. That will only enable us to track her to the rendezvous. If as you suggested she will be taken on in another car, tracking will be more difficult. If these guys are as cute as you think, they will spot a following vehicle quickly, even if we switch from time to time." Gary gave that some thought.

"I think you are right, mate. We will have to think of something else. I doubt that we will have an opportunity to get a tracker onto their car." There was silence for a moment. "I know! We will have to plant the bug on your wife, something that will look innocuous, something that a woman would always carry with her. We could get something in her handbag!"

"She has at least five of those, unless we bug all of them we won't know which one she will take. Besides if I were them, I would go through her bag to check."

"They wouldn't find these, but I take your point about her choice of bag. There has got to be something she will take without question."

"Make-up?" Suggested Matt.

"Brilliant. What brand does she use?"

"Boots No. Seven." Answered Matt. Gary laughed.

"I would be willing to bet that seventy percent of husbands couldn't answer that. OK let's go for the winning question. What colour lipstick?" Matt was stumped.

"I've no bloody idea. I'll go and check."

"No point, Matt. It's the one that she has with her that is important. I can get a bug into a lipstick tube, so we have to get the one she is using."

"You don't think they will do a sweep just in case, do you?"

"They could. But the tracker I will be using will be inert until I activate it."

Now that he was active, Matt felt the doubts fade. His secretary, Janet, noticed and was pleased. Doing something, anything was better than nothing. It was now eight days since Beth had vanished and if her note was truthful, should be home soon. Janet approached Matt about how he would act.

"You have to be normal as you can. No pointed questions or snide remarks. Women pick up on that sort of thing and it could alert Elizabeth to your suspicions."

"I know. I am sure I can do that, but the big problem is going to be.." Matt stalled. But Janet understood what he was going to say.

"Marital relations?" Matt nodded with an embarrassed look.

"She will notice if you show reluctance. Do you want me to fabricate an away trip for you? At least for a few days." Matt shook his head. He had no idea how long it would be before Beth was summoned back to the lair. He had to perform as a husband should, he had to show the same desire for Beth as usual. Any slip may give Beth the clue that she had been discovered. Under those circumstances she would either not go back, or go and never return to him. Matt could accept the first scenario, but it would not give him the revenge he needed. He wanted these people stopped! He was determined that Beth would not be long enough with them for harm to befall her. He eased his conscience, by cloaking his revenge in a high moral attitude that his intervention would save other women from falling into their clutches.

The day of the meeting Matt arrived at his office early. He gave Janet a handful of cash, and asked her if she would go and get about ten rounds of bacon sandwiches when the others arrived. She looked at the money.

"There's enough here to buy the whole pig!" Matt grinned.

"Well make it twelve rounds then, the whole pig will not be enough. When you see how this lot eat, you'll understand. Oh and tell the man plenty of tomato sauce." Janet made a face.

"I'm not carrying that lot back, I shall smell like a greasy-spoon cafe the rest of the day. I'll get him to deliver."

Gary and Hendy turned up at least half an hour early. Gary wanted to go over the electronic aids he had brought, and Hendy wanted to make sure that Matt was aware of the psychology of these people. Gary went off to help Janet make teas, and Hendy started. 

"Matt, I need to know if you understand what these people are about."

"Well, they get off seducing women into their kinky games." Hendy shook his head angrily.

"No, no, Matt. This is not about kinky games. This is not normal BDSM, and I suspect that there could be an element of blackmail involved. We are talking hypnosis, and drugging. We are talking about extensive security measures. What does your army training tell you about that." Before he could answer the question Hendy continued. "There are lots of people into the BDSM lifestyle. It's all about consenting adults agreeing together to pursue a dominant and submissive relationship. The important word is consenting. I have watched the web-site quite a lot now, and compared it to others on the web and to articles I have read. No other site is quite the same as this one. What these people are doing is rape. Organised and repeated rape. And they are probably filming the spectacle. Now I do not think that they will go to the measures they have gone to just to rape a few women. These women are drugged, hypnotised and degraded for a purpose. There has to be more to it than our original perception."

"Shit! What has Beth got herself into?"

"You may well ask. But I will emphasise the point. Whatever she has got herself into, she is not there of her own freewill, nor is she participating in any acts voluntarily. I am certain that she has been administered one of, or a combination of GHB, Rohypnol or even Ketamine. These are all Benzodiazepines. But I would speculate that it is Rohypnol that has been used, possibly with Ecstasy as an additional stimulant. Rohypnol is used as an anaesthetic in hospitals, as it makes a subject drowsy. It also causes memory loss, and lowers inhibitions. Ecstasy raises the body's sensory perceptions and induces euphoria and lowers inhibitions as well. I wouldn't be surprised if they had not used Sodium Pentathol as well." Matt interjected. 

"Truth serum?" 

"Well that's what they call it, although it wouldn't be used for that purpose in this case. Pentathol induces hypnotic symptoms, and makes the patient very susceptible to suggestion. Which is why it's not too useful at getting the truth. Whatever, I think it is Rohypnol that is the key. They could well have administered the Rohypnol in a coffee when they meet. It's tasteless and colourless. Official doses have a blue tint to them, but there's plenty on the market which has been made in unregistered laboratories, so no blue tint. If when they meet your wife they go into a café, I would be certain that this is when they will slip her the first dose. After that she has no chance of resisting. Her stupid curiosity got her to meet these people, but the drugs will destroy any semblance of freewill she had left."

Matt's anger was growing. It was a cold anger. He didn't burst out with threats and wild gestures, it grew inside him, and made him more determined to bring a lot of pain to these people. Terrible pain, that would live with them the rest of their lives.

"Now Matt, when she is back with you, you have to act perfectly normally. Ask about the course, she will expect that, but don't cross-examine her. If she ever brings up the topic of going for a refresher course. Accept it without argument. Carry on your lives as if nothing has happened. That will convince Elizabeth that nothing has been suspected, and will encourage her to go back again if they should demand."

Chubb arrived followed shortly by the others of the team he had picked. They were introduced simply by nick-names, although Matt had their real names on file. They had all worked for him at some time, so he was aware of their capabilities. Spag had amongst his other talents gained proficiency in defensive driving, car control of a kind normally only seen on a race track, although some of the manoeuvres he could pull off would certainly get him banned from any race track. Jock had been a member of Chubb's SAS team, and despite his nick-name had a strong Welsh accent. The last to arrive was Goat, who Matt recognised immediately. Goat was genuinely pleased to see Matt, as he was the man who Matt had rescued from a bad situation. Goat was nick-named aptly, as from what Matt had heard he had a very winning way with women, and was rarely seen without some attractive girl on his arm. They sat down in the office, with Matt shunning his position behind and perching on the front of the desk to brief them as equals. He explained the situation totally, leaving nothing out. These guys could be going into harm's way, they deserved nothing less than the whole truth.

The team listened carefully without comment, but as Matt spoke they were mentally assigning themselves roles in the coming operation, each one recognising the talents of the others. None of them except Goat made any comment about the bad guys. Goat was incensed that anyone could treat a woman as these people did. He may have been very active with the fairer sex, but it was always with a willing partner. His comment.

"Castration!" Matt assumed that was just a comment made from anger, and not an intention.

Hendy then filled the team in on the psychological aspects first then introduced another aspect for the operation. On one aspect he seemed to be quite sure.

"I believe we will be looking for a secluded property, probably out in the country. In an urban situation there would be too many eyes to see the comings and goings. I suspect that there will be extensive files, and video, either as tape or DVD. They need to be examined for clues to who is involved and what other victims there could be. There could be high-profile subjects implicated in this." Chubb was shaking his head.

"We won't have time. The whole essence of a job like this is when we get in to do the work we came to do quickly, then get out and vanish. I would not like to be in there for anymore than an hour at the most." Hendy persisted. "This is most important, we must have sight of their files." He stopped, as looking around he saw the doubts on the other's faces. "Perhaps if I came in as well, I could go through them?" This was phrased as a question. Matt made the decision as Hendy seemed to be losing sight of the reason for this action.

"No. Hendy, I understand what you are saying, but these guys will have enough to do. We will not know until the last minute how many people there will be, who needs to be subdued, who could be on our side. It will impact on the op. if someone has to look after you." Hendy had to accept this.

"If I went in, I could secure all the files in about forty minutes." Everyone looked at Gary who had spoken. Chubb asked him how.

"I am pretty sure that they will have everything, files and pictures on computer. I can copy all the files to a portable hard drive, then I shall erase all evidence that the files have been copied." Matt thought he had caught Gary out, and mischievously asked him.

"But I thought you said that nothing ever gets wiped from the hard drive?" Gary grinned evilly.

"True. But the Plods won't be able to find what I have hidden." Hendy was getting excited again.

"Will you let me have access to the files?" Gary thought this through.

"You suggested that this could have blackmail overtones. If that is the case then I think the files should be brought to the attention of others."

"Who?" Asked Matt.

"Special Branch, particularly if the files concern public figures." Matt didn't like where this was going.

"I don't want them involved. They would put a block on our plans."

"No Matt. They would only be informed afterwards, or maybe given the tip at such a time as they couldn't do anything about what you have planned." Matt looked at his friend sceptically.

"Gary. Is there something going on that you haven't mentioned to us?" Gary was looking sheepish.

"Matt. Who do you think employs me more than any other?" Suddenly things became clear to Matt.

"It wouldn't be Special Branch by any chance?" Gary nodded.

"When I got that data from your computer, it rang a bell with me. Something that the Branch were investigating. They had asked me if I had ever come across it. They knew about the site, hell! They monitor all these sites. I haven't said anything to them and will not tell them about your wife, Matt. Your plans will have no interference from authority. However what I would like to do is give them a tip off, so that they can get into the place say twenty four hours after you have done your bit."

"But you want to wipe their files."

"No. I won't wipe the files, just confuse it sufficiently to get them interested, also so the bad guys can't hide it after you have done your stuff. But leave enough for them to want to investigate more."

"They will be in no condition to do anything after we have visited." Chubb stated quite forcefully. "But we will leave them all parcelled and tied up so that the Green Slime won't have any problem." The SAS had little respect for the Special Branch and all others in so-called Intelligence. He glared at Gary. "I hope you know what will happen to you, if the Special Branch just happen to arrive while we are still there." The look on Gary's face said that he understood.

"That won't happen, you can depend on it, after all I don't want the boys in blue arriving when I am on the premises. Won't do me any good at all."

Matt regarded Gary thoughtfully.

"You have another agenda, don't you?" Gary grinned.

"If they can't find anything on that computer, guess who they will come to?"

"You?"

"Yes. I will make great play about deciphering the contents, when I have got the lot anyway. Nice little earner for me."

Matt looked at Chubb for his reaction. He nodded. "If they get lifted by the coppers, that should put them out of action for a few years." Matt turned to Gary.

"Yes OK. But they must never know who was there before. They come knocking at any of our doors, and Chubb's mates will have a word with you."

"Won't happen. After all you can point to me being there as well. That will put the kybosh on my work permanently."

Hendy had been quiet for some time. Upon hearing Gary's agenda, Matt thought that Hendy had one as well.

"OK, Hendy. What's in it for you?" Hendy shrugged his shoulders.

"I could hope for a retainer to look at the psychological aspects of the case. But I would really like to get a book out of the information in the files." Chubb laughed cynically.

"It's alright for some. We do the work, and they get the kudos. Perhaps we should ask for a commission from them, Matt. But they seem to have forgotten who's going through the emotional torment right now. Your wife and you!"

The bacon sandwiches arrived at that moment, which stopped all talk whilst mouths were busy devouring the thick white bread, dripping with layers of fried bacon rashers, grease and tomato sauce.

As they finished, Janet came in with mugs of sweet tea, to wash the unhealthy mix down. Chubb restarted the brief, as they now got onto an area where he and his team had the expertise.

"First of all I agree with the Doc. My gut feeling tells me that this will be an rural setting for the same reasons as Doc said. Now we need two GPS receivers, and we'll use two cars. One to follow about five miles back, and the other to parallel. That way we have a back-up if one of the receivers goes on the blink, or if one of us is held up by an accident. I'll take Jock with me and Spag, I want you to drive the parallel with Goat." Parallel was a technique that had a car on roughly parallel roads, shadowing rather than following. The driver had to be good, as he would be called upon to adapt quickly to the turns and different directions the target could take, and also respond quickly if the target did a 'U' turn. The passenger, in this case Goat, would very often have a white-knuckle ride as they sped through the country at very high speed, trying to make up for an unforeseen turn. Goat was truly grateful for this assignment.

"Thanks a lot." He said caustically. Spag was quite happy. Chubb grinned.

"I know, it's a brown trousers assignment, but somebody's got to do it. When we are certain that the target has come to rest, we will approach cautiously, but not getting within a mile. If we are sure that they have reached the destination, then Jock and Goat will go in cross-country and scout for two OP's. Hopefully giving us a look at all four sides of the building. Ideally I would like to observe for three days, and establish some kind of pattern, but Matt's wife will be in there so it will have to be twenty four hours maximum, before we go in. What we need to know is alarms, CCTV, IR beams, usual stuff. Most important, a way in." The SAS were not known for using the front door or any door for that matter. All of this was second nature to these guys. The Regiment excelled in infiltration and surveillance. In many ways it was their primary purpose. If a team got into a fire fight they would consider the operation unsuccessful, because their presence had been discovered.

Chubb turned to Matt.

"Matt we will need side-arms. We have to subdue any opposition as quickly as possible. With fire-power we can do it fast, without..." He left that hanging in the air. Matt knew this question would come, and was prepared for it.

"I can get you each a weapon. What is your preference?" The four guys conferred amongst themselves. 

"The Sig Sauer P230 would be best, it is small enough to be concealed beneath clothing without leaving a tell-tale bulge, I know it only has a seven round magazine, but we shouldn't have to open fire at all; we just want to frighten them; so the shortage of rounds won't matter. Can you get us those?" Matt nodded.

"Yes, can do." Matt continued. "I can get you all the other equipment, overalls with Velcro fastening, night vision glasses, communications, syrettes; you may need them to knock some of them out; even emergency ration packs." The last was greeted with groans. 

"Just like eating mud." was Spag's comment.

Chubb had more to say.

"We'll get in and control the area. Jock will check the security of the building and surrounds then we get your wife out, then we sort out the bad guys from the good. You never know there could be other unwilling subjects there." Hendy interrupted.

"I doubt that. There may be another woman who looks like a victim, but she will be an 'agent provocateur' so to speak." Matt looked at Hendy with the question plain on his face.




Conumdrum Ch. 03



"Matt. The other woman will be a willing participant, with the object of showing Elizabeth how much pleasure can be had from these acts and the punishment. I suspect that it could be one of the women on the website. She will be the accomplice." Matt shook his head. It was unbelievable. He turned to Gary.

"Can you get copies of those photo's? one set for each of the guys. We wouldn't like them shooting the wrong person now." Gary grinned and indicated that he would do that. Matt addressed Chubb.

"I'll come in with you and get my wife out." Chubb shook his head.

"No Boss, you won't. You have to stay outside, but in radio contact. We have to be certain that we will not be disturbed whilst we are in. If we can trust their security systems, then you can take off with your wife. You don't want to know what happens after that. The less you have to do with it the better. We," he indicated the four men of the team, "can get about twenty blokes to swear we were drinking with them at the 'Magpie'. No slime is going to doubt the word of the blokes from Hereford."

Janet had entered the office with another tray of teas.

"I'll come with you, Mr. Bennett. It may be that Elizabeth will be in a very emotional state with all those drugs and trances. You can't drive and look after her as well." Matt was going to protest, then suddenly it came to him that his secretary had heard all of it.

"Have you been listening at the door?" Janet was outraged that he could suggest such a thing. "No, Mr. Bennett. You left your intercom switch down! Fine security consultant you are!" The others were grinning at Matt's embarrassment. He was rescued by Hendy.

"Your secretary is right, Matt. Elizabeth will be in a very emotional state. She may even view your intervention as abduction. After all, her hypnosis will have started her on a bonding process with these people. Having two people who she knows with her, will ease her mind."

It was now time for Gary to go through the tracking equipment. The trackers that Jock and Goat would use. This equipment was something they were both used to so no questions were asked. Gary then brought out the various bugs that could be used. They ranged from simple discs that could be slid into the lining of a suitcase, through buttons that would replace an existing button on a coat, to small discs, which Gary showed could be slipped into the cap of a lipstick tube.

"Matt you may not get a chance to do that, so the best bet would be to prepare one in advance, and simply exchange the lipstick, if you know what colour she uses."

"Well, I know it is Boots No7 range, but she has no spare lipsticks at home, so I can't tell you the shade."

"It's Tranquil Rose." Janet answered the question. She smiled, "full marks Mr. Bennett for knowing that it is Boots No7. But I can't criticise you for not knowing the colour. Men don't pay attention to that stuff." Gary was happy. "Great, I can get one prepared. It won't look new, so it shouldn't invite any questions." He wrote the range and colour in his notebook. Then he looked up at Matt. "If I may I shall come back with you this afternoon. I've got your computer in the car, all set up with the key-stroke tracker, but I want to install the bugs on your home phone and on your wife's mobile."

Matt brought the meeting to a close.

"We have got enough organised for now. Everything can be set to go, when we know if and when Beth is invited back, then the last minute preparations can be made." Hendy corrected Matt.

"Not when your wife is 'invited' back. She will be ordered to return, without possibility of argument. Just remember, Matt, your wife does not have freewill in this matter." 

To be continued...



Conumdrum Ch. 04



It may assist your understanding of this story to have a road map of the UK for this chapter.

*

It was no surprise to Matt that when he returned from work the next day, Beth's car was in the drive. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the act that he had to give. Beth had heard his car and was waiting for him in the kitchen where she was preparing a meal. He smiled genuinely at her and opened his arms to her.

"Beth, it's so good to see you home, I've missed you." She came into his arms. Matt thought he may have caught a little hesitation at first.

"It's good to be home. I am so sorry that I had so little notice. Did you manage to eat well?" Matt didn't answer her question but held her tight and claimed a kiss. The kiss seem to satisfy Beth that her husband had no ill-feelings and she returned the kiss happily, Matt felt that there was a little more enthusiasm than usual. Probably trying to convince him that she was still his loving wife. Their lips parted and Beth laid her head on his shoulder, still enfolded in his arms.

"I have missed you, Matt. Missed being held in your arms and feeling you close. I love you so much." This could have been more emotion that she had ever shown previously, or it could be guilt, Matt didn't know, but acted as if it was a loving wife he held.

"I managed with the meals you left in the freezer, but I am looking forward to this evening's meal, it smells delicious. How did the course go?" Did she stiffen slightly at his question?

"It was interesting, about management and interview techniques. I don't know if it will be of use in my job, but it will look good on my record if they are looking to promote."

"Sounds like a good move." Matt then changed the subject.

"The DWP have renewed the contract for security at your office, by the way." He thought he felt her relax a little, and he let her move back out of his arms.

Beth was torn up inside, she didn't realise how difficult it would be to act normally. She hadn't set out to deceive, that had happened without her realising, more than that she did not even understand how far her deception had gone! But she was thankful that Matt didn't seem to be fazed at all by her absence. She had thought that she would meet this man; who had seemed so genuine on the phone; and to learn more about what she thought was a deferential approach to relationships. She would spend a day with them, and then travel on to Cornwall, where an old school-friend of hers, Barbara lived. Barbara had come to their wedding, but for some reason Matt hadn't been impressed with her, so Beth had never invited Barbara to visit.

The web-site had intrigued her, somehow appealing to a part of her nature she had not thought she possessed. The days after she saw it for the first time were troubled, yet she was drawn back to view it again and again, until finally she picked up the phone and called the number. In her naivety she had not considered that the physical abuse was part of the package. They had met in Ross on Wye, and he introduced her to his wife who he called Gill. They had coffee together, and chatted, she couldn't even remember if he had actually told her his name. Her mind could not recall anything else except she had felt faint. After that she could not recall the days or nights, or how long she spent with them. Yet pictures kept coming, uncalled and unwanted, to her mind.

She busied herself with preparing to serve the meal. Matt had gone upstairs to wash and change. She tried to concentrate on what she was doing but the pictures kept running through her head. Her mind re-playing the scene against her wishes. Any moment she lost concentration and she was back again to her ordeal. There was no recollection of how she got there but she remembered waking up on a sofa in an old house. It was a large room, Victorian, she thought, with heavy oak furniture. The fireplace was typical, a mahogany sill with a huge mirror overhead, tiled surround, and surprisingly a fire burning. Heavy drapes had been drawn across the windows. The man was wearing all black, trousers and shirt, and his wife was kneeling at his feet, totally naked. She was mouthing and worshipping his manhood which was free of his trousers. Beth tried to rise and leave, but found that she was bound, hands and feet. For some reason this didn't bother her too much. The scene in front of her was fascinating even as Beth's instincts reminded her that she should find this shocking. The woman seemed to adore her servitude, licking lovingly around his member, and covering it with her saliva. She used her mouth only, keeping her hands clasped together at her back. Noticing that she was conscious again the man addressed her.

"You see, Elizabeth how happily my servant takes my cock. This is a reward for her as she has behaved badly and her punishment was severe." For the first time Beth noticed the red wheals across the woman's buttocks. He continued.

"Punishment is always a prelude to pleasure, so my servant actually anticipates and accepts the punishment. She submits to me in every way, and I return her acceptance of my dominance by taking care of her, protecting her from the world, providing for her every comfort." He looked down on the woman servicing his penis.

"You may now pleasure yourself. Show Elizabeth how you do it, but you are not allowed to orgasm until I give you permission. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master."

Beth put two plates to warm, she had grilled Lamb steaks, with new boiled potatoes and vegetables, knowing that Matt had not eaten anything but micro waved meals for the last few days she was determined to get him back onto healthy food. It was all ready, and she waited for Matt to come down. Mistake! The scene started playing once more.

The woman turned to face Beth, opening her legs to reveal her shaved pudenda. She leaned backwards and by tilting her head as far as she could was in a position to take the man's mans penis into her mouth again, but before she did she begged him.

"Master, may I suck your beautiful cock whilst I show myself to Elizabeth?"

"You may, slut." She opened her mouth, and surprised Beth as she swallowed his erect length completely. Beth was sure that the head was in her throat. Her fingers then went to her pussy and began to slip them around the lips, dipping slightly into the warm red depths to gather her juices to facilitate her caressing. Beth would have looked away for the sight was offensive to her but compelling.

Matt came back into the kitchen, saving Beth from her mind's betrayal. She served the meal and Matt's eyes lit up at the food, he went to the refrigerator.

"I think we can celebrate your return with a glass of wine. I know it should be a red, but this Chardonnay will do just as well."

"Just a small glass for me, Matt" Beth had not been brought up to drink wine, or alcohol of any kind. Matt had introduced her to many new things, and wine although very pleasant relaxed her, and at this moment she was frightened of relaxation and what recollections it would bring to her.

As the evening progressed Beth did relax, mainly because Matt didn't challenge her about her absence, and about her not phoning him. She wondered if he felt angry that she had not done so, but as nothing was said she gradually became more comfortable. There was one thorn that she couldn't stop worrying about. She was certain that Matt would want to make love tonight. How would she feel? How could she act the loving wife, when it seemed that she had allowed herself to be taken by that man? Beth could hazily recall the event, but why did it seem as if it had happened to someone else? She was certain that Matt would notice somehow that her vagina was different. In the event Matt only noticed that Beth had reverted to shyly lifting her nightgown allowing him access to her body. Her reactions were normal, seemingly enjoying the act, yet remaining passive, apart from one gasp, that could have been construed as a 'yessss'

The next few days were uneventful. Matt had trouble about the part he was having to play. Many times he wanted to sit Beth down and ask all the questions that burned in his head. He sought refuge in his work, the only place he could rest from the constant pressure. Beth was relieved that she hadn't had to tell too many lies to cover her shame, grateful that Matt didn't seem too bothered about her absence, seemingly accepting the story of a business course. That was the good side. On the bad she was still troubled by the flashbacks, troubled also that she could feel shame and disgust with herself for what happened, and at the same time feel the warmth in her loins, as the scenes played out in her mind.

She thought she had been in the house for three days. The daytime was quite relaxing, sitting on the sun terrace with the woman, although she seemed to sleep a lot of the time. Gill looked after her in quite a friendly manner, keeping her constantly in tea or coffee. It didn't seem that this was her real name, as when she addressed her by that name, the woman didn't answer at first. The man's name she never knew. He was out all day, and when he came back in the evenings Gill immediately referred to him as Master. It was on that third evening, when Beth became more than a spectator. She had been bound every evening, not tightly, but sufficient not to be able to get free. She hadn't allowed herself to be bound, but seemed to fall asleep so easily after she had shared an evening meal with her captors, wakening to find herself in bondage. That third evening she awoke to find herself naked as well as bound. The bonds were a little tighter. Her conscience told her that this was wrong as her inherent modesty frowned upon nudity, but other feelings told her she could enjoy her nakedness. She couldn't make a logical case out of it, as her body seemed to enjoy the sensual experience. Her flesh tingled, aroused by the rope and leather straps, and the faintest waft of a breeze as the door opened and the Master entered with Gill. As usual she was naked, apart from the leather lead attached to the collar round her neck, by which the Master guided her to her position.

As she had one on the previous evenings the woman knelt and proceeded to mouth Master's cock, lovingly, lingeringly, lasciviously, wetting it profusely with her saliva. Beth was amazed that this ritual continued for over an hour. Until he spoke.

"Assume your position." The woman immediately climbed on to a low, upholstered bench and presented herself to him on all fours. He looked at Beth as he took his stance behind her.

"My servant has done well. Now she has her reward." He addressed the woman.

"You may choose. Back or front?"

"Whatever would please my Master. His pleasure is mine." He nodded, and turned to Beth once more.

"That was the right answer. By giving me whatever I desire, she gives and receives pleasure." He moved closer to the woman and placed his cock at the entrance to her vulva.

"You may begin." She pushed backwards and his cock, without effort from him, slid into her pussy. He allowed her to do all the work, maintaining an almost detached demeanour. She worked hard for twenty minutes until her gasps indicated that her orgasm was close.

"Master I will cum soon, do I have your permission?"

"No. I will let you know when."

The action went on, with Beth watching spellbound. The woman's gasps and small cries were getting louder, and Beth wondered how she prevented herself from having her orgasm, then she noticed that as her body movements became more agitated, indicating that closure was near, she would bite her lip so severely that blood flowed. Beth realised that the pain would help her control her body and stop the orgasm.

"You are such a slut for my cock, aren't you?"

"Yes, Master. I worship your cock. It is the only thing this poor servant lives for. I dream about your cock at night, and think about it all day, waiting for the evening when you will allow me to see it, and hold it."

"You may cum, slut." Almost immediately her actions became frantic as her orgasm took hold of her body. She screamed, cried, and shook uncontrollably as it coursed through her body. Beth watched and wondered, why her orgasms had never affected her so completely. Then he had smiled evilly at Beth as he walked towards her, his erect cock waving gently with every step.

"Come Elizabeth. Now you will taste the pleasure of submitting."

Gary had phoned Matt every day, reporting that there was no activity on either Beth's phones or computer. As the days went by, Matt started to think that it would never happen, and allowed himself to get into a more comfortable frame of mind. In one way this was good for him for it enabled him to act more naturally towards Beth. In her turn, satisfied that her actions had not alarmed Matt, Beth concentrated on her work and Matt. When she had come home, she was adamant in herself that she would never go back, although Master had told her that he would call her again, 'for further training'. As normality returned she put the incident out of her mind, although the pictures still came to haunt her. She had no doubt what going back would entail. She wouldn't go, but somewhere in her head a little demon was telling her that she should and would go. The whole spectacle had struck a chord deep within her sub-conscious. Even when she had tentatively taken his cock in her mouth, her disgust for the practice was overwhelmed by her inability to prevent it. She hadn't done it well, and he had punished her by using a large wooden spatula to smack her bottom. It had hurt, badly, but despite the pain she accepted the punishment as her due for not sucking his cock well enough. She did better the next time, and found a perverse pleasure in the act.

Matt's false confidence was blown away one night when he caught Beth in the bathroom. The lock had been sticking for a day or so, either locking or appearing to lock but failing. He hadn't realised that she was using the shower and went in. Knowing about Beth's modesty, he apologised and backed out, closing the door, but not before he caught a fleeting glimpse of her buttocks. She was bruised! Two or maybe three lines of red, faded, and with a slight blue tinge, but still visible. He went downstairs to pour a good shot of Laphraoig. With trembling hand he brought it to his lips. No longer could he indulge in fantasies that this could all be explained innocently. There was the proof that this had indeed happened. What else had those bastards done? His anger would have erupted, but the whisky and his deep breathing marshalled the anger into calm, but evil thoughts of the revenge he would take. His anger was partially directed at Beth, for behaving so stupidly. But he could now finally accept everything that Hendy had suggested to him. That Beth in her naivety and stupidity had become as much a victim as he was. If she had coldly planned to deceive and betray him, then nothing would allow her to escape his justice. Now the calm methodical planning of the military came to the fore. No confrontation, no indication to others that an operation was in hand. The first rule was surprise, and then attack with overwhelming force at the enemy's weakest point. That's what he was going to do, and the bastards would shit themselves when they got their surprise.

Gary and Hendy were in constant touch, reassuring him and keeping him focussed. Yet still nothing happened. The waiting and apprehension was getting to Matt, who wanted action, any action. Gary's call when it came was a welcome relief to him. It was now four weeks since Beth had returned.

"Matt, you had better get here. I've got something for you."

"I'm on my way."

Hendy was there as well. Both he and Gary looked grim.

"What is it?"

"Beth had a call, yesterday, on your home line. It's all recorded, do you want to listen?" Matt thought that was a ridiculous question, of course he wanted to hear it. Gary pressed the play button. Immediately Matt heard the ringing tone.

"Elizabeth Bennett."

Elizabeth. How are you?" The man's tones were even and well modulated. With a slight trace of accent.

"Oh, it's you. I don't think I want to talk to you again." That cheered Matt.

"Why Elizabeth? Did you not enjoy our few days together. I would love to see you again, and Gill is so looking forward to another visit from you."

"I'm sorry. It was confusing for me, and I can't get away again. I cannot deceive my husband again."

"But, Elizabeth. Don't you understand, the more you learn, the more you can please your husband. It is for him that we are doing this."

"No. I can't."

"Eyrian! You will do this!" At that moment Beth's attitude, voice and responses changed completely.

"Yes, Master."

"Make arrangements, Elizabeth. You will meet us at the Little Chef on the A 417 north of Cirencester. Eleven o' clock today week."

"Yes, Master."

"Obey, Elizabeth."

"Yes, Master. I will." The caller rang off.

Hendy was excited.

"Did you notice it?" He asked. "Did you notice? The trigger, for the hypnotic state." Matt was shaking his head in astonishment and dismay.

"What happened there?"

"The name he gave her. It induced the hypnosis again. They are bloody clever."

"What do you mean?" Hendy took time to gather his argument.

"Look! Along with the drugs, they had to have hypnotised her. They left her with post hypnotic responses, one of which was this trigger. A name that would immediately re-introduce the hypnotic state. They chose well. It was a name that would never come up in ordinary conversation. Your wife may have resisted, but to no avail. Once he realised that she had sufficient resistance to him, he used the trigger. Then she is back in the hypnotic state and has no options." Matt remembered something that he had heard or read years ago.

"Hendy. I don't know a lot about this, but I thought that hypnosis could not induce people to do things that were against their moral code." Hendy nodded.

"That is correct. But Elizabeth must have some ingrained deferential personality syndrome, that allows her to acquiesce to these demands." He waited for Matt to reply, and when there was no immediate reply went on. "Do you think that Elizabeth comes from a background that would encourage deference?" Matt knew instinctively that was true.

"I suspect you are right. I always thought that the family was very patriarchal, with a very strong ethical code." Hendy nodded.

"Ah. That explains to me why she has so easily accepted this man's domination." Matt went back to the trigger name.

"So that's all they need to do. Use that and Beth is incapable of refusing them. Anyway, what sort of a name is that?"

"Well the name is old Welsh. So there is very little chance of anyone using it today. And no. Eventually over time it's effect will diminish. It has to be renewed on a regular basis to maintain it's effect. That is one of the reasons that I need to see Beth when you have taken her from them, so that I can overwrite the trigger."

Matt turned to Gary.

"It is nice of them to let us know where they are going to meet Beth."

"Yes. But if they had let us know where they are going to take her it would help even more." He grinned. "I traced the phone by the way. It was the same disposable one as before. It connected to the system at a mast near Birmingham. Place called Water Orton."

"That's useful." Hendy commented. "At least we have an idea of where they are." Matt and Gary were shaking their heads. Gary replied to Hendy.

"No, Doc. These people have gone to a lot of trouble to hide themselves. They would not do anything as silly as calling close to their own location. But we can get some clues from that." Matt knew where Gary was coming from. Gary got out a road map.

"They are meeting Elizabeth near Cirencester, they called her from Birmingham. You have the M5 and M42 to Birmingham, and you have the M5 and the A417 to Cirencester. All good roads. Now they will not want to drive hundreds of miles to call or make the meet, no more than fifty or sixty miles at the most, so I reckon we are looking for somewhere in this area." He indicated an area of north Gloucestershire, most of Herefordshire, and south Worcestershire. Matt agreed.




Conumdrum Ch. 04



"And it bears out the thinking that they have a rural location. Plenty of country around there." Then memory slipped another clue into his head. "Beth said something in her note about the course being in Herefordshire. But all she would have known was the meeting place." Gary looked pleased.

"That fits in. We're closing in on them, Mate." Matt was encouraged.

"Right we have six days now. I shall call Chubb and get a full planning meeting set up. When's best for you two?" Gary had no problem he could make it anytime. Hendy had quite a full diary for the next week, but as he said.

"I've gone over the psycho-babble with you so there isn't really any point in my being there. If I can make it I will, but if not.." He shrugged his shoulders. "I will email you with the address of the hospital. Bring your wife straight there, Matt. Phone me to let me know you are on your way."

Two days later the council of war happened again in Matt's office . Janet organised the supply of bacon sandwiches and plentiful mugs of tea. She wanted to sit in, but there was too much work to do. Matt really took a back seat at this meeting, as Chubb and the others were the real professionals in this situation, so he let them get on with it.

Chubb had listened to Matt setting out the scenario, and then took over. With a large scale map of the area, he gave it thought and then started detailing the tracking.

"If Matt is right, and I suspect he is, they will go north once they leave the meeting place. But as it's dual carriageway they may have to go north before turning back towards Cirencester, so Spag, I want you positioned on the southbound carriageway. I shall be about two miles ahead of them northbound. We will be in position about thirty minutes before the meet. I am certain that there will be another bogey with them, to take Mrs. Bennett's car and hide it, and also to make sure no-one is tailing them. Ideally I would like someone in the Little Chef to confirm when they move, Gary, does Mrs. Bennett know you?"

"No, we have never met."

"Then do you think you could do that?" Gary nodded. "Don't do anything to alert Mrs. Bennett. Act like a Sales Rep if you can. Once they have moved use the mobile to alert us. We will rely on the GPS tracking to follow. One of us has then got to do some really hairy motoring, but I am betting it will be you, Spag. Any ideas about what roads you will use?" Spag had been studying the map intently just for this purpose.

"Yes, I reckon I'll take the A435. There's a junction just before Cirencester, with a back road avoiding the town centre. I'll use the 435 to Cheltenham, there's a bypass which links to the motorway, so I should be ready to go north or south on the M5 depending on what they do. If they go south towards Cirencester, I assume you will want me to follow.?"

"Yes, do that. I shall wait until they get through Cirencester, as they could take any direction from there. Then Jock will have to find me a route to parallel depending on what they do. Once we are certain that they have reached their destination, which we are assuming will be rural, we'll each find somewhere quiet to park up, no closer than two miles if it's rural and a bit closer if it's urban. Jock and Goat will go in cross country to find laying up hides for themselves. Co-ordinate lads, so that we get two surveillance points. You know what we need, CCTV, alarms, visitors, and an entry. We only have twenty-four hours to reconnoitre, so do the best you can. Once we know all that we can get, we'll pick a suitable rendezvous and go in." 

Gary had brought along the GPS receivers, and the bug for Beth's car. He produced with a flourish the lip-stick. Matt had carefully examined the one Beth was using, and was pleased that it was exactly the same. Gary explained. "The bug is right at the bottom, underneath the actual lip-stick. I will activate it when they are leaving the rendezvous. It has a range of fifty miles max, but at the extremity of the range it could give false readings, and the battery is good for something like seventy-two hours. Now the only thing I am worried about is does it look used enough?" Matt called to Janet.

"Janet, do you think that Beth would notice that her lipstick has been changed?" Janet looked at the tube. She took off the cap and examined the stick. "It looks as if it hasn't been used, so if you give it me for a day, I will use it and it won't be noticed. A day in my hand-bag should age it well enough." Gary then asked.

"What about the length of the stick? Could it be too long?" Janet shook her head.

"No. It won't be noticeable. Women only turn up as much as they need to apply it. They rarely know how much is left until they get near to the bottom, or more likely bought another of a different shade."

Matt issued the guys the black combat overalls he had obtained He had a set for Gary and himself. They would be washed before use to get the dressing out and soften them. They would use no detergent, as that would leave a fragrant odour that any guard dog would pick up. Neither would the four team members bathe themselves except in plain water for the same reason. He then handed Chubb and each of his team a pack, containing emergency rations, night vision binoculars, camouflage face stick, Each pack also contained a number of plastic bags. Jock and Goat would be on observation for twenty four hours, they wouldn't want to leave anything behind that could contain their DNA. Then Matt opened his drawer and handed over the Sig Sauer P230 firearms. 

"There's two clips for each. Hopefully I shall get two full clips back again. I have six disposable mobile phones. All charged, with the five other numbers programmed into each. I have hired two four by fours, a V-eight Range-rover, and a Land-Cruiser, both black. They're outside now so you can take them with you." Chubb nodded. Matt was doing what 'Ruperts' did best. Organising the logistics. 'Rupert' was the nick-name given to officers in the SAS. It wasn't derogatory. Just a term used in the same way that the first officer in a ship in the Royal Navy was always known as 'The Bloke'. Matt turned to Chubb.

"As soon as they have gone to ground, let me know the location. I'll get there and find you. Gary, once we know the place would you be able to find out names and usual inhabitants of the house?" Gary had no problem.

"Give me a map reference and I can get that in a couple of hours."

Matt summed up all that they had discussed. He knew that there would be quite a few conversations with Chubb and Gary before the day, but he was happy that everything was in place.

To be continued...



Conumdrum Ch. 05



*Sometimes no matter how often you look, you do not see. Thanks Simple49er!

A road atlas of the UK may help you to enjoy this chapter.

*

Now that the plans were in place and he was being active, Matt felt a lot better. He was being pro-active rather than reactive, always better for his mental state. He was interested to see what Beth would tell him about being away from home again. He found it difficult to reconcile the woman he knew and had married, with the woman who would allow herself to be manipulated into betrayal. Hendy had tried to explain the apparent dichotomy.

"Hypnosis has a peculiar effect. The suggestions that can be implanted when someone is under influence are manifold. But in your wife's case I would say that her hypnotic instructions are to act quite normally towards you. She will do, and you; unless you were aware; would never know that she had been hypnotised. Yet she has this imperative from her mentor that cannot be denied. She will do as he demands without questioning her behaviour. Man has gone to the moon, He has sent probes to Mars, gone to the bottom of the sea, seen these things, examined them and understood. But the human mind? That's a mystery. Despite all that Freud and Jung have written, despite all the psychiatrists pontificating day in day out, despite all the modern drugs and treatments, we are still groping in the dark. We have never really understood how it works, and probably never will. Whatever is causing your wife to act this way, with our present knowledge we can only hypothesize."

Matt knew many men who would never forgive their wives in these circumstances. Men who would never pause to reflect on their behaviour, but would order the cheating bitch out of the house. He had been prepared to do just that. Hendy's explanation of the situation, had given him a lot to think about, perhaps he had been too involved in building his business to even find out if Beth was fulfilled by their union. Then there was the undoubted fact that Beth had to have been influenced by the drugs and hypnotism. There was enough doubts and concerns that ruled out his putting her aside. He would try to understand and forgive.

Beth didn't say anything, so Matt gave her an opportunity.

"Beth, I will be away for a couple of nights. I have to go up north and look at some sites for this chain. I doubt that I will take them on, they are too far away from our base of operations, but it might be sensible to check out the possibilities for expansion in the future." He watched his wife's face to gauge the reaction. She didn't seem either happy of disappointed. 

"Do you want me to pack for you?" That was Beth. Looking after her husband, doing her wifely duty, caring and nurturing. He smiled for her. He was perfectly capable of packing for himself, the army had taught him how to do that, always moving on from one place to another. But it gave Beth pleasure to do it, so he agreed.

"That is very kind of you. I doubt it will be more than two nights, but pack for three, just in case."

When Beth came down her face seemed calmer.

"I have been thinking, Matt. I will go and visit Barbara for a few days. I know you have never taken to her, so I have not invited her here, but she was a good friend to me at school. And I would not like to lose complete touch." Matt tried hard to keep the smile without giving way to cynicism.

"Good idea, love. That will be better than being all alone here. I'm going to have a shower. How long will the meal be?"

"Twenty minutes." Matt mentally thanked Beth for being so tidy. He knew exactly where her handbag would be, and her make-up kit. He exchanged the lip-sticks noticing with satisfaction that there was little difference between them. Beth, he was sure would not be aware of the substitution

That night they made love, and Matt took extra care to consider her needs. As he thrust into her he made an effort to think about work and administration, anything to subdue the sensations, and enable him to last longer. In her enjoyment of his loving she subconsciously compared Matt's gentleness with the forceful way that Master had took her. His rude possession of her had been exciting, and she had climaxed strongly. Yet Matt's gentle and caring love satisfied her on a different level, and in a more fulfilling way. She couldn't tell why, but her orgasm shook her far more than she had ever experienced before. Inspiring a greater reaction than Matt had known.

"Oh God, Yes, yes, yes!"

Matt left early that morning. He went to the office and immediately used the disposable mobile to check with the others. Chubb first.

"On the way, Boss. We'll be there well in time. I'll call when we are there."

"No problem, Boss. I'm following Chubb at the moment, call when in position." That was Spag. Then Matt called Gary.

"Morning Gary. The lipstick was perfect, I just hope that I put the right one in!" Matt joked as much to relieve his tension as anyone else's.

"We're fucked if you didn't." was Gary's cryptic reply. "I'm just leaving now. Should be in place about ten-thirty. I've got a bug in my car. It's on the same wavelength so the guys can test their equipment. I'll turn it off as soon as they have tuned. Leave your computer on. I shall email rather than talk on the mobile. Don't want the bad guys to get suspicious, do we?"

Matt settled down to wait. He was painfully aware that he would be useless at his desk today. All he could do was wait, probably drink too many cups of tea or coffee, and make a nuisance of himself to Janet who was trying to get on with her work. Now would be a good time to start smoking! Janet brought him the first of the many cups of hot brown liquid. It wouldn't matter to Matt today whether it was tea or coffee, they would all taste the same to him.

At ten-thirty, Gary emailed.

'I'm there. Three people sitting in car. Two men and a woman. Volvo V70. Reg IZ55JUH I'm going online to see if I can get a make on them.'

Matt waited, then the ping on his computer alerted him to the next message.

'Hired car can't get details. Still sitting there, could be waiting.'

Matt emailed back.

'Don't draw attention to yourself.' 

There was no reply to that until five slow minutes had elapsed.

'I'm suited, white shirt and tie. Car full of carpet samples and paperwork all over the front seat. I'm a rep. Nobody notices a Rep. There's at least three other Reps here.'

At quarter to eleven Chubb phoned.

"In place, Boss. Passed Gary. Looks perfect for the part, driving a Mondeo. Bloody millions of those on the road." He rang off and immediately Spag phoned.

"On the spot, Boss. I'll call again when there's something to report." He was gone without Matt saying anything.

Five past eleven, and Gary emailed.

'The goods have arrived. Four packages in delivery bay.'

What the hell was that about? Then Matt worked it out. Beth had arrived and had come into the Diner with the three people. Bloody Hell, Gary must have been reading too many Len Deighton novels. He phoned Chubb.

"Beth has arrived and is in the Chef with three others."

"O.K. Boss. I'll let Spag know."

The hands on the clock moved so slowly. Matt was tempted to email Gary and find out what was happening, but that wouldn't help. Gary would let him know as soon as he could. At eleven forty-two the ping came.

'Three packages despatched. Hired transport. One still in warehouse.'

Matt let Chubb know, together with the registration number that Gary had checked.

"Gotcha, Boss. Now leave it to us. Let Spag know so he will be prepared."

"Will do." thirty second later he spoke to Spag. "They're on the way." He gave Spag the details of the car.

"O.K. Boss. We have them on the scanner now." then he closed the line.

Janet brought him another coffee.

"How is it going? Mr. Bennett."

"They have met, and now Beth is with them in their car, going to God knows where. Chubb and Spag have got them on GPS. So we have to wait."

"Will you want some lunch? I can go out and get you some sandwiches." Matt shook his head.

"No thank you Janet. I doubt that I could eat right now."

"Cheer up, Mr. Bennett. It will soon be over." Matt's smile was thin and unbelieving.

"I wish." He paused for just a moment. "Janet. I wish you would call me Matthew when we are alone. Mr. Bennett seems too formal all the time."

"Very well Mr. Be... Oh sorry, Matthew."

Twelve-fifteen, Janet called him.

"Matthew! Gary's on the line." She put him through.

"Why are you phoning me on the landline?"

"Well, perhaps one of the others would try to get through on the mobile, and it could be urgent." Matt saw the sense in that.

"What happened?"

"Elizabeth arrived, and the people I had clocked were waiting for her. They got out of the car and greeted her. They seemed to act quite friendly, but your wife appeared to be a little cool with them. They came in to have coffee, and sat down, but too far away for me to hear what was being said. The woman and the main man did most of the talking, and your wife appeared to answer very briefly. The second man didn't seem to say anything, just nodded and smiled as if on cue. Then the woman who was with them got up to go to the toilet, and well you know what women are like, couldn't go on their own, so Elizabeth went with her. I think the main man slipped something in her coffee, but I couldn't be certain. He was damned quick. When the two women came back they drank their coffee and sat chatting for a while, then the main man and the woman stood up to leave. Your wife went to stand up, but seemed unsteady, so the other two helped her. They got her in the back seat of the Volvo, and the women got in beside her. Then they left. The second man stayed about a half hour. It was getting a little hairy, as he kept looking at me, so I went out to my car, and started talking on the mobile. He came out, and went to Elizabeth's car, but made a diversion to get a good look at me. The back seat was piled high with carpet samples I borrowed from a mate who is in the trade. Anyway he saw those, and I suppose decided I was harmless. He got in Beth's car and drove off. A little later I saw him going south towards Cirencester. That was five minutes ago. We'll find your wife's car whenever we want, they didn't check for bugs, and it's transmitting well. I've turned it off to save the battery."

"Thanks Gary. Can you tell me what they looked like?"

"Yes. The main man was the one on the web-site, just over six foot, quite well built, but not fat, greying hair, I would put him about late forties. Well dressed, good jacket and slacks. The woman was a looker, blonde, very good figure, about five six in height. Again, well dressed and nice make-up. I am sure she was one of the women on the site as well. The other man was a little shorter, about five eight, light brown hair, dressed casually. He seemed to take instructions from the main man, as if he was part of their circle, but not actually totally involved, if you know what I mean."

"I think I get the picture. Are you on your way back now?"

"Yes. I shall get all my stuff together, and get rid of these carpet samples. He must have had these in his garage for some time, the smell is horrible. Then I'll await the call from the guys when they have found the location. If they can give me a map reference, as well as a house name and nearest village I should be able to get a lot more info. See you tomorrow."

"O.K. Gary. When Chubb calls, give them those descriptions as well. And thanks once again."

Jock or Goat phoned quite regularly, keeping Matt up to date on the position. The bug showed that they had followed the A417, until it intersected with the M5 motorway, at twelve-twenty it was going north on the motorway, towards Worcester and Birmingham. Then they had turned off at junction nine, heading towards Tewkesbury. It was twelve forty-two when Jock phoned to say that they had gone through Tewkesbury, and they were heading north west on the A 438 in the direction of Ledbury. Chubb had followed the car all the way up the motorway keeping about five miles back from them. Spag, as soon as he knew the Volvo was going north on the motorway, had crossed at Junction ten, and then turned north up the A38. He was blessing the multitude of roads in the UK, which allowed him a choice of routes to parallel the target vehicle. At no time had he been any more than fifteen miles from them. When the Volvo left the motorway and got onto the A438, he had carried on up the A38, and was now on the A4104 towards Ledbury but to the north of the quarry now. This was a little hairy for Goat sitting in the passenger seat, as this road was not particularly wide or straight, and the speeds Spag was doing seemed suicidal. Spag rationalised his driving.

"Further away we are, the less accurate the GPS." They both knew this wasn't true. The fact was that Spag was determined to be on the spot at almost the same time as Chubb.

Chubb phoned at one twenty-six.

"They have gone through Ledbury, and got onto the B4214, still going north-west, but now heading towards Bromyard. They are not driving particularly fast, it's almost as if they were out for a Sunday Drive." Matt had been following the reports on a large-scale map.

"Looks like we were right on the location then."

"Yes, and they haven't done any 'U' turns or doubling back. I would have led any possible tracker a right merry dance." 

"It could still happen, so keep alert." He could see the grin on Chubb's face as he replied.

"Yes Boss. I didn't think of that possibility." When Chubb told him that they were not driving very fast, he hadn't thought too much about it, then a possible explanation came to him. He phoned Chubb.

"Do you think they are driving slowly, so that anyone following would almost certainly be revealed?"

"It crossed my mind, but I would suddenly speed up, and then when out of sight, slow down to a crawl. When someone comes flying round the bend after you he either has to pass, or slow down to your speed. If he slows down and doesn't try to pass, then you've spotted him. But what they are doing will probably work." As Matt was listening to Chubb, he heard Jock's voice call.

"Hang on Boss, something's happening." Matt could hear Jock telling Chubb what had happened. Chub came back to Matt.

"Boss, they have turned off. They have taken to the back roads. I am going to get closer to where they turned and stop, so we can get a firmer signal. I'll get back." 

Thirty seconds later Goat called.

"Boss. They have turned off the 'B' road."

"Yes I know, I was talking to Chubb when it happened. Where are you?"

"We are just coming into Ledbury. They turned left off the B4214, so we will go through Ledbury, and then go north-west up the 417 again. If they cross we can take up the trail from Chubb. May I have a clean set of overalls please? Spag's driving leaves a lot to be desired!" He rang off. His brief levity relaxed Matt who was now scouring the map, as if just by looking at it he could somehow discover their destination. He had no calls for another half-hour, and the frustration was driving him mad. His sanity was restored to him when Chubb called.

"They have just crossed the A465, still going north-west. I am following. I have a feeling that we are getting close to home now. Call Goat, and see what he's got, would you?" Matt affirmed that he would. He called Goat.

"Goat. Chubb says they have crossed the A465 going north-west. Do you agree?"

"Yes, Boss. We are on the A417. Thank God we have slowed down now. The moment they stop, we will co-ordinate with Chubb and I will go in over country. By the way, the 417 meets the A44 about seven miles ahead of us. Just south of the junction on the 44 is a Little Chef. Good place to meet if you need one."

"How do you know that?"

"We are in home country here, remember." Matt had been so focussed on the roads on the map, he hadn't realised that they were in the vicinity of Hereford. The home of the SAS. Oh dear, thought Matt, of all the places to pick, Beth's abductors had picked the back garden of these guys. But of course they were not to know that. Still tough shit!

Four minutes later Jock called.

"They are crawling now. The route they are taking is not shown on the map, so I reckon they are close to roosting. There's a habitation shown on the map, maybe a Country House or something. No other habitation shown for at least two miles around. Hang on! They have stopped. Chubb says wait for ten, see if they move. I'll get back Boss." That ten minutes was the longest in Matt's life, longer even than some of the waits he had endured before joining the action in some of the army's operations. It was longer than ten minutes, as Chubb had called up Spag and Goat, to see if they confirmed the location. Eventually Matt's phone warbled.

"Boss. I am sure now that they are home. We will get nearer to drop Jock and Goat. They haven't done miles across country since the Selection. I hope they don't get lost." Matt heard Jock reply. It was not polite. " We need to find some covert parking, as well, for when we do the op. Talk to you in about a couple of hours. Matt!"

"Yes?"

"Don't worry. We'll get your wife out, and spank some bottoms at the same time."

"Thanks, Chubb." Matt reflected on what Chubb had called spanking some bottoms. He knew enough about these men to know that there would be some serious hurt inflicted. Normally these guys would talk about a 'beasting' which was a bloody, revenge beating. Matt knew that would happen. Goat, particularly was incensed by these people. Somehow though, he thought it should be him there, dealing out retribution. But, and there was always a but, Chubb and his team had been, no still were, professionals, and anyone not trained to their high standards could kill by mistake and would be a hindrance. Gary would need looking after, but he needed to be there. Matt needed to get Beth away, and nobody else could do that.

To be continued...

*

NOTE SAS selection. One of the final tests for an applicant is a forty mile trek between two map references, with a fifty five pound load in his Bergen, plus rifle, food and water, to be completed in less that 20 hours. The sting is that this is over the Brecon Beacons in the mountains of Wales. Rough, mountainous country, no roads, no tracks, no help. the applicant does it alone.



Conumdrum Ch. 06



CHAPTER SIX Reconnaissance and the dark before dawn

The two watchers, Jock and Goat had found observation posts overseeing the house from different perspectives. Jock had carefully made his way slowly over country from a mile and a half away, keeping his body low to avoid silhouetting himself against the skyline, using ditches and hedgerows. At one point he realised that the direct path could have exposed him to anyone watching from the house, so he had boxed round to approach from a different direction. He found a good spot, where he could crawl forward under overhanging branches and see the house on two sides from a south westerly direction. Unfortunately he could not get any closer than two hundred yards, as there was no cover. Goat had the more difficult approach having to tab for three miles. At one point he had to freeze, face down flat to the ground underneath a wild rhododendron as two farm workers strolled casually by just six feet away. However he managed to find an observation post slightly closer to the house. He called Jock on the mobile. The phones were set on mute; a ringing tone in the middle of the countryside would appear a little odd; but the vibration alerted Jock. They spoke in hushed tones.

"Where are you?"

"South West of the house, covering two sides on a knoll. Good leafy cover. What about you?"

"I'm east, only got one side. Cover is thick bush. I shall have to go down after dark and recce."

"Ok. Let me know when you go."

The house was large, late Victorian, early Edwardian. Set in a what appeared to be a natural bowl in the land. The immediate area around the house had been cleared and lawn established on all four sides for some one hundred yards, so there was no cover to approach the house. As Goat scanned round he could see that what at first sight was a natural bowl was partially artificial. The natural petered out to the south and had been expanded by a built up bank. The land to the rear of the bank was hidden from the house. From his position Jock could see a terrace, on the south west wall with a large conservatory. He had been there for an hour, when two figures walked out of the conservatory and sat on boat chairs enjoying the sun. One was a blonde, and the other had dark hair. The dark haired one seemed to him to be a little unsteady, and the blonde helped her to take her seat. The blonde went back inside and returned with a tray. Jock lifted binoculars, safe that with the sun now behind him there would be no flash to alert the two women. The tray had large glasses of presumably wine. He had seen a photo of Matt's wife, and recognised the dark haired woman as Elizabeth.

Goat could only see the north east wall of the house. There was an entrance on this side, which he assumed would be the back door to the property. There were no cars to be seen. The door had a small portico over, and a window to the right. A large soil pipe ran down from the first floor. The windows on the first floor next to where the pipe left the building were frosted, obviously a bathroom. There were windows to the left and right of the bathroom, not frosted, and he watched these carefully for any sign of movement. This side of the house was in shadow, but his position would be sunlit, so he had to be careful. He couldn't move forward or to the side until the sun had set sufficiently to put him in twilight.

Chubb and Spag had rendezvoused at a lay-by on the A44. Much used by truckers, there was a mobile canteen there which provided a brew of tea which would rouse a dead man. They put out the map on the bonnet of the Landcruiser and assessed the position.

"I'd like to know how long that drive is." He had brought a comprehensive selection of three inch to the mile Ordnance Survey maps with him. What maps he would need was guesswork, but he had been lucky as he had the right one. "The map doesn't show the track, but it would appear that the house is about eight hundred yards in from the lane." Spag could answer that question.

"I drove past it after dropping Goat. Your right about the length, it winds about a bit, but the crucial thing is that the house is set slightly higher and the drive would be seen from the house all the way. There's a few bushes alongside, so there could be all sorts of alarms hidden. The drive is gravel all the way, and there is a Cattle Grid so little chance of a quiet approach."

"Bugger. That means we will have to approach on foot. Well I hope that Jock or Goat can find us a way in." He pondered a little. "Anything else that you noted?"

"No. I couldn't be seen to be loitering, that's all I could get from a slow drive past. Didn't want to go back." Chubb shook his head.

"Probably the best decision. I would imagine that lane doesn't have much traffic at all, and any strange vehicles will be noticed."

"Right, so we are going in on the hoof. We need all four of us to make the entry, so that means that, once we have the house secured, we will have Gary bring one of the four by fours up. He can then get on with doing whatever he is going to do to the computer." He thought about that a little. "Matt will have to have his car, to take his wife away, so he can follow Gary." His brow creased with concentration. "It's all conjecture until we can get situation report from the other two." With the information at hand they were able to give Gary the map reference, and the house name 'Ecton House' which Spag had noted on his drive past.

Chubb would occasionally get a call from either Jock or Goat, but they kept the calls to a minimum and short, but they gradually got the picture. Chubb called Matt.

"Boss. It looks like we won't be able to go in until the evening. There's a chance that all the birds won't be in the roost until then. From what we have seen so far, little happens during the day."

"Understood. When should I come up?"

"Make it late afternoon, oh and bring Gary with you. We will have to go in on foot, so I need him free to drive one of the four by fours."

"Ok. Anything I should bring?"

"No. I think we are well equipped for what we have to do. Call you later."

The evening wore on. With little excitement at all, Chubb and Spag went over what they knew, and how they intended to deal with the entry. At a quarter to eight, Goat phoned.

"Two cars arrived. The Volvo, and a Merc. One man in each." He gave Chubb the registration of the Mercedes. Chubb called the number into Gary. Fifteen minutes later Gary called Matt.

"Listen mate, A Merc. arrived at the house. Chubb gave me the registration, and you will never believe who it is." He named a very prominent Government minister. Matt was astounded.

"Fucking hell! If he's there tomorrow when we go in, there will be shit hitting fans all over the place." Gary was laughing evilly.

"That's what I thought. The bastard bangs on in the press and on television about morals and standards, and he's involved with these buggers. Matt! This does really mean that the Special Branch has to be involved."

"Yes, you're right. My only concern is to keep Beth out of it all."

"Don't worry mate. I will make sure that her involvement is scrubbed from any files I have to hand over to them." Matt could hear him shuffling papers. Then Gary spoke again. "Got the names of the owners of the house, but doesn't help much. It's a Company, guess where they are based?"

"Caymans?"

"Got it in one. I am trying to do a little more delving, see who pays the Council Tax, but that may take too much time. It will be easier to get the information when I get my hands on their computer files." Matt then explained that Gary should come up with Matt.

"Chubb reckons that they will have to go in on foot, so they want you to drive one of the four by fours in, once they have secured everything."

Chubb and Spag had made use of the mobile canteen until it closed at eight o' clock, then made themselves comfortable in the Range-Rover. They had taken some time during the afternoon to scout round for somewhere they could keep the vehicles covertly for when they infiltrated the house. They found a place, just about a mile from the house, where they could back both four by fours up a track heavily overgrown by trees. The vehicles would be missed by anyone just driving by.

It would be a long night, not something they weren't used to though. Forty-eight hours without sleep was normal on the ops. that the SAS tasked them. The proprietor of the canteen locked up. He left without comment. This close to Hereford he had seen his fair share of strangers, dressed in semi-military overalls, who seemed not to have too much to do. He knew better than to ask about them, or to comment later to anyone.

It had been dark for over an hour, when Goat phoned to say that he and Jock were going down for a closer look. Chubb just acknowledged the message without any advice about being careful. They knew what to do, and they knew what information was required. He didn't expect to hear from them much before four o' clock. It would start to get light then, so they would have to be back in their safe holes by that time.

Around three a.m. it started to get cold, as the air cooled. A heavy dew was the last thing they wanted, as anyone in the house would see their footprints on the grass in the morning light. Just after three-thirty Jock phoned. 

"We are back in position. Got lots for you. We will stay until midday, then rendezvous with you. Where?" Chubb thought.

"Yes. About a mile before we got back onto the 'A' road, there was an old barn, falling down. There was a track leading off the lane. We'll be there about twelve-thirty."

"We'll find it. See you there."

Jock and Goat appeared out of no-where at one forty-five, and climbed in the back of the Land Cruiser. They were dirty, smelly, and both wore big grins on their faces. Especially as they were handed sausage and tomato sandwiches.

"They're cold now, but that's your fault." Spag chided them. "Almost two hours to cover about three miles! You're losing your touch."

"Bollocks!" replied Goat.

"Never thought I would be doing that again." Said Jock with his mouth full of sausage. "Quite enjoyed it." There was quiet for a moment as the sandwiches were gulped down. Spag turned right on the A44, not wishing to go back to the mobile café again. He soon found a Truck stop where their appearance in overalls would not excite attention. Jock and Goat disappeared off to the Toilet, where they were able to clean up a little and get rid of their worst body odours. They came back to join Chubb and Spag at the table where two very large English breakfasts awaited them.

Just as they finished eating Spag went to the counter and returned with mugs of sweet tea. Pushing the plates to once side, Jock got out a grubby piece of paper, on which he had drawn a rough plan of the house in it's terrain. Goat checked it first, then added details from his side of the house.

"The house is in what appears to be a natural bowl. It is facing South East. There is no cover at all for a hundred yards, it's all grass. The South west side has a large terrace, and a conservatory built on to what appears to be used as the main living room. The South face is just windows, presumably onto the main room, and upper storey windows, presumably bedrooms. Entry from that side would be very dodgy." Chubb nodded and looked to Goat.

"The Drive comes up to the South East. There is a large circle to the front door, but no-one used that whilst I was there. The North East side has a ground floor door, with a parking area just outside. The cars I saw all used that parking area. Just to the left of the door is a soil pipe running from what must be a bathroom or toilet. I suspect bathroom, as the light went on for about half an hour on two occasions it was used. On the South East the rising ground creating the natural bowl is man-made, so there is dead ground behind it a bit like a Berm."

"Can we use that soil pipe?" The question came from Chubb.

"Shouldn't be a problem, and of course it is on the opposite side of the house to where the main activity takes place."

Chubb turned back to Goat.

"What did you find out on your closer recce?"

"The main activity does take place in the room behind the conservatory. When we went down we could hear music and voices. The music was quite loud. I think whatever is going on, it starts about eight o' clock. The drapes are closed, and the blinds in the conservatory are lowered. I don't think the place is alarmed, as they left some of the windows on the upper floor open during the evening, and they were still open at night. But there is an Infra-Red beam surrounding the house. They are using what looks like disguised Solar patio lights. We checked, and it's a single beam about two foot six above the ground, and about thirty yards out from the house. There is another beam protecting the drive about six hundred yards out."

"Sounds like they are there to warn them of casual visitors or the inquisitive." Spag commented. Jock and Goat agreed with that idea. 

"Two foot six eh?" mused Chubb. "That's a joke! We will have no trouble getting under that then." He looked at Jock. "What time did activity stop?"

"About twelve. Gave us a right fright too, as we were close to the terrace when the music stopped. Thought they may draw the drapes and see us. The Mercedes left about one o' clock."

Chubb gave voice to the plan the others were thinking of anyway.

"Right. We'll go in from the South east at ten o' clock. Near to the old barn, there is a track, doubt that it has been used for years, with good cover. Leave the vehicles there and go right round to approach from the East. We'll use the dead ground as much as possible. Get an entry with the Soil pipe, secure the top floor first. Soft shoes up there, but if there is music it will help cover us. then downstairs and give them a big surprise. Spag, Goat and I will enter the room. Jock, I want you to check for any alarm system and disable it." Jock nodded.

"From what we have seen, they use the back door to enter and leave, so any control box will be close to that." That made sense to Chubb.

"Once we have the targets down and secured, I'll give Gary the word and he and Matt can come up. Any questions?"

Beth had wakened that morning with a troubled mind. She was clearer this morning than she had been other mornings here and last night, and she could remember some of what had happened last night, but no order to it. Fragments would creep into her head and then be displaced by others, but she was unable to make sense of them. The trouble in her mind was that whilst her conscience was telling her that this was all wrong, her emotions were awash with the acceptance of her servitude. There had been another man there. She thought she recognised him. Possibly a public figure, but as she took little notice of the current affairs, and politics she could not put a name to the face. Matt would of course. As soon as that thought struck her she started to weep. Oh Matt! What had he done to deserve a wife like her. He was so kind and gentle, always showing his concern and feelings for her in so many ways. She adored him, but was starting to believe that she could never go back to him. He would hate her after this. The new man was introduced as Master William.

She and Gill had served the men a meal. They were naked as they did this, and having placed the dishes in front of the two Masters stood quietly, with head bowed slightly to the right and behind their chairs. The Masters had chatted inconsequentially, taking no notice at all of the two women, until at a sign Gill indicated that they should clear the plates and serve coffee. Then the first Master addressed Beth.

"Bring that flask from the side table!" Beth fetched the large glass jug. She stood by his side and offered the flask. He paid no attention to her for a moment. Then he spoke.

"I need to urinate." He pushed his chair back from the table. "Unzip me and hold the flask so that I can relieve myself." Beth hesitated. She couldn't do this.

"Do it!" He used a tone of voice that denied her choice. She knelt down, unzipped his fly, pulled his penis out, and held the flask, so that he could pass his water. The indignity of the situation brought a red blush of shame to her cheeks, yet she carried out his instructions. When he finished, he handed her a paper napkin. "Wipe me dry." She did.

"Now dispose of that." Beth hurried to the downstairs toilet, pouring the yellow liquid down the pan. She returned and he was still sitting away from the table, with his penis still out of his trousers. Gill spoke softly to Beth.

"Now you must clean Master with your tongue and mouth." Beth looked from her to Master and back. Gill nodded, encouraging her. Shamefaced, Beth knelt and took his penis into her mouth. There was an acrid flavour of pee which disappeared quickly as she laved the organ with her tongue. Unsurprisingly his cock started to harden, and she worked harder to bring this to an end as quickly as possible. This was not what he wanted.

"Stop!" Beth was confused, she thought this was his desire.

"You must learn to take your time. Savour the moment, enjoy the sensations of my being in your mouth. You do this not just to pleasure me, but to pleasure yourself." He spoke kindly to her, but there was an edge of steel in his voice. He rose to his feet. 

"Undress me!" She put her hands to his belt, and fumbled in her haste to obey him.

"Slowly, prolong the experience."

As she removed his clothes, she noticed that Gill was undressing the other Master. When the two Masters were naked they walked into the Lounge and sat down. Master indicated the large sofa, and Gill led Beth over to it and laid her down. She started to kiss Beth sensually, and although Beth resisted at first, a word from the Master, "Elizabeth!" ceased her resistance. Eventually Gill turned round and presented Beth with her Pussy, at the same time as she opened Beth's legs to lick slowly from the base of Beth's pussy to where her clitoris peeked shyly from her vulva. Beth was on one hand appalled by what she was being asked to do, but on the other hand was intrigued by the sensuality of the moment. Her passion overwrote her doubt and she reciprocated Gill's caresses. She would have been astounded if someone had told her that she would climax from another woman's tongue, but she had no thought at all when her orgasm ripped through her. She wasn't sure but she thought Gill had climaxed as well.

The Masters watched her, sitting languidly in their chairs, glasses of Brandy on tables to the side. Later, and Beth did not know how much later, as her wristwatch had been taken from her, and there was no timepiece in the room, she was taken and stretched face down on the small settle. The Master addressed her.

"Elizabeth. You have demurred twice this evening. You are new to this I know, but you must learn that obedience is immediate. In addition you had an orgasm without asking permission." Gill took hold of her wrists and pulled, as Master William took hold of her ankles. Master picked up a leather strap swishing it to test its flexibility.

"You will count the strokes aloud, and thank us all individually for each one. There will be ten strokes, and if you lose count, or fail to thank us properly, then another stroke will be added for each infringement. Nod your head if you understand." With tears in her eyes Beth nodded. She waited for the first stroke, it seemed an age in coming, so when it did it was a sudden and painful shock to her. She screamed! Sparks of pain painted her bottom cheeks, as if she had been branded, and the tears fell easily from her eyes. Gill looked at her and nodded, as if encouraging her to do something. Then Beth remembered.

"One! Thank you Master, thank you Master William, thank you Gill." The second slap came almost immediately, and the pain redoubled. After her giving her thanks to them all Master told her.




Conumdrum Ch. 06



"You did not call that one, so it doesn't count in the total. You still have nine strokes left.

The agony of her bottom was still with Beth that morning. Every time she moved it reminded her of the punishment. Yet after the punishment there was indeed pleasure, as first Master, then Master William had taken her, ploughing her vagina relentlessly, bringing her to orgasm time and time again. She remembered to ask permission to cum. The punishment and the pleasure became linked in her mind, so that even the pain was welcome. Now in the morning her bruised, pained buttocks proved to her that what ever the fuzzy pictures in her mind, these things must have happened. Her vagina was pleasantly sore, more physical proof that what her head was telling her actually happened. She was distraught. Matt's tender and gentle loving seemed like an beautiful memory from time gone by, and with that memory the realisation crept up on her that she would probably never experience that ever again, the tears ran down her cheeks unhindered as her sobbing shook her raggedly.

By five o' clock the team had been joined by Matt, Janet and Gary. Chubb had told them to go to the Little Chef. Chubb joined them briefly and suggested that they move down the road to a parking area to talk.

"It's all set." He said. "We'll make the entry, and when it's all secure, I'll call you. I'll just say 'Done' and you come in. Go round the back to the door there and Jock will let you in. Matt. You and Janet take Elizabeth straight out, get her into your car and go!" Matt was going to argue that.

"No. I came for revenge on these bastards, and I am going to have that." Chubb gently explained the facts to Matt. "I know you want that. But your first priority is your wife. Get her to safety as quickly as possible. There is a possibility that you can be tied to these people by your wife. We have alibi's. There's a a few guys who will swear we were in the 'Magpie' with them. No copper is going to call any bloke who's SAS a liar. You will have your revenge, we'll see to that. Goat has been foaming at the mouth to get at them, and I have to try and stop him going too far. Goat owes you, you saved his life. You must allow him pay back."

Matt had to concede. He didn't like it but his concern for his wife had to override any thought of personal revenge. Still it would be his revenge anyway, as he had put this whole thing in motion. Gary understood what he was going through, and he clapped Matt's shoulder.

"Got to be this way, Mate." Matt nodded glumly.

Just after eight o' clock they set out. Using just the Land Cruiser and Matt's car, they found the half-hidden track, and backed in. Chubb and his team made all their preparations, checking that they had everything they needed, then nodded to Matt and disappeared into the leafy growth. Jock led as he had traversed this bit of country just twenty four hours earlier, and they maintained a distance of at least twenty yards from each other, watching the man in front. If Jock stopped, they all stopped. If Jock went down on one knee, they all did that. The only important thing was to get to the dead ground, without being seen before ten o' clock so that dark would cover the last stretch to the house.

Matt and Gary settled down to wait. I was not a comfortable wait. Matt had experienced the waiting before, but not like this. Pictures of what might be happening to Beth were in his mind all the time, and his stomach churned with frustration and anger. Gary did not have that emotional state, but had the same stomach problems. His was fear! In the past he had sat at a computer and did his soldiering electronically. Now he was going in where bullets might fly.

To be continued...



Conumdrum Ch. 07



CHAPTER SEVEN

Retribution

Anyone watching from one of the bedroom windows of that house would have been persuaded that this was a beautiful calm evening. The watcher would not have seen the four men, in dark clothing, darkened faces and balaclava's, who slipped through the trees soundlessly. The serenity of the night would have allowed the sentinel to ignore the screams that erupted from the Lounge as Beth was once again beaten, nor the cries of "No..no..no. Please...no" as the Master pushed a lubricated Butt Plug into her anus. For Master had determined that this night Elizabeth would surrender her final barrier. After this he was certain she would too shamed to return home, and he could proceed with his plans. He never ceased to be amazed how easily the victims of his web-site surrendered. Of course the combination of Pentathol and Rohypnol in light quantities during the day, and Ecstasy early evening rendered them unable to resist. The drugging was not without problems. In the early days they had got the dosage wrong once and a woman had died. Her body was buried in the woods, and he was thankful for the secrecy they practiced. No one could ever link them to her disappearance. But it was the shame as in their lucid periods, these women understood what they had allowed. That was the clincher. The reason they would give up all hope. If they needed reminding then he had film, carefully edited, that showed them allowing this debauchery with enthusiasm. 

Elizabeth was an interesting case, perhaps she was a genuine submissive, he neither knew nor cared. Master William, or Kenneth as he knew him was prepared to pay a lot of money for her. Not as much as he could get from certain men abroad, who for some reason preferred Englishwomen. But Kenneth was in Government, and it never did any harm to have a powerful friend. He wanted her moved on reasonable soon, as the web-site had already attracted two other silly women. But for a few days yet he would have his fun with her. This evening Frank was here. No introductions were made, and as she had been taught Beth called him 'Sir'. He wasn't important to the Master, but a useful tool, for driving the victims cars to cover, operating the digital video camera, and on one occasion digging a very deep pit up in the woods surrounding the house. He had been invited to enjoy Elizabeth, after the Master had taken her every way. His participation ensured his loyalty, as well as being complicit after the event in murder.

The team had made a good approach, not being seen or heard by anyone. They settled at a good laying up point, in the dark shadow of some Rhododendrons, on the blind side of the bank. They checked yet again that they had everything they needed, and checking the actions on the Sig Sauers, ensuring the safety was on then putting them into pockets where they were easily reached. Chubb crawled on his belly up to the horizon of the bank, raising himself just sufficiently to see over the lip scanned the area with the night vision binoculars. There was moonlight but clouds were approaching from the South West. He calculated that they would cover the Moon in ten to fifteen minutes. Slipping back down he whispered to the team. 

"Go in fifteen."

Master was enjoying himself. Elizabeth's moans had subsided as she got used to the Plug in her anal canal. He would leave it there for another hour, just to make sure she was stretched enough to take his penis. She was tied, face down, to the top of the table, a cushion under her body. The edge of the table was at her waist so the lower half of her trunk was supported by her toes and her wrists were strapped to the table top in such a way that she had to arch her back to remain comfortable. Her breasts were thus lifted off the table and hung down. The strain on her calf muscles would become agony after a while, but for him it was an ideal position to either whip her or sodomise her. If there were no other considerations he would have loved to just force himself into her, her screams adding to his enjoyment of the anal rape. But she was now valuable goods, and he would not jeopardize the transaction by tearing her sphincter.

Gill had sucked him for quite some time, and as a reward he had fucked her for half an hour. He had a strap circling his scrotum which allowed him to prolong his erection. On the top of the strap were four nodules placed along the length which at the right angle would stimulate the woman's clitoris, so in half an hour of fucking she had three orgasms, each building in intensity to the last, which brought unconsciousness for a moment or two. When Gill came around, she was told to fellate Frank. Master amused himself by pinching Elizabeth's nipples, pulling them out until the whole of her breast was stretched, then using his fingernails to cut into the flesh leaving her with blood easing slowly where his nails had broken the skin. She didn't scream at this treatment but moaned and shook herself to get away from his hands. This only had the effect of making the pinching more severe.

Matt and Gary waited silently. Janet sat in Matt's car at times regretting her offer to accompany Matt, but she had little choice as Elizabeth would need her. Matthew had said little to her as they waited, she couldn't really blame him as the tension he was under must have been overwhelming. She had dressed as appropriately as she could. Black slacks and a dark sweater. The two men had wandered about making desultory chat at first, but that had withered away after an hour or so. The midges were constantly flitting around, aggravating them both. Matt found some camouflage cream, and proffered it to Gary.

"Here put some of this on. It will deter the insects." Gary accepted gratefully, and copied how Matt put the cream on. He didn't cover the face, but rather dragged the cream down diagonally, thus breaking up the regular planes of the face. For the fiftieth time Matt looked at his watch. It was just past Ten. Night had fallen, but the moon was bright, although under the trees they were not too aware of that. They had put on the overalls, for which they were thankful, as the evening was getting cool. When they went in they would also put on the balaclavas.

The cloud cover had shut out the moon, and four shapes, only slightly darker than the night, and with ten yards between them, slipped silently across the lawn towards the house. At one point one after the other, they went down on their bellies and crawled a few yards before standing again. As they approached the house, they moved very slowly, placing the feet gently to the ground and transferring the weight carefully. There was no noise as they crossed the Gravel. The two cars were there, and the leading man quickly checked them before moving close to the wall. He didn't try the door as it may have been alarmed.

Master was now getting close to the time he would invade Elizabeth's anus. With his hand he rotated the Butt Plug and pushed it in and out loosening her sphincter. Her cries to have pity on her were unheeded. He decided that a few strokes with a tawse would help her concentrate on pleasing him. Gill had joined them and was whispering to Elizabeth, telling her how much she would please the Master, and what he would do was a great sign of accepting her as his trusted servant.

There was no talk outside. They all knew what to do and did it. As Chubb climbed the soil pipe, hands gripping the back of the pipe with the surgical gloves they all wore, and rubber soled shoes against the wall, bracing his body. Jock and Spag waited, ready to break his fall if he should slip. Goat, knelt on the gravel fifteen yards away, watching and listening. Chubb got to the branch. The soil pipe branched left towards what had to be a bathroom, and the vent pipe went straight up to the roof level. Just a little above and two feet to the right was a bedroom, and the sash window had been left open by three inches. He would prefer a bedroom to the bathroom. There were too many things on shelves in a bathroom that would make quite a clatter if they were knocked over. He climbed the vent pipe until he was slightly higher than the sill of the window, then carefully leaned to the right. He could get his hand in to the gap and get a hold. He waited, listening for any sound that would indicate a presence in the room. There was none. Slowly he transferred his weight to the hand with a hold,, wedged his left foot behind the pipe and slid quietly onto the sill. The sash went up before sticking leaving a gap of some fourteen inches. He slipped through, and found the floor. The others had watched him, and quietly followed his example. Spag used a little pencil torch, and quickly lit up parts of the room. Then the door. Chubb moved quietly over and cracked it open.

Master prepared to use the tawse on Elizabeth. The three inch wide strap came down with a vicious smack across her cheeks. There was sharp scream from Elizabeth, then an agonised moan, then she said.

"One! Thank you Master." He was very pleased.

"Elizabeth, you have remembered without prompting. For that I will only give you five strokes instead of the ten. Then there will be pleasure untold for you. You see obedience brings reward."

Upstairs the smack of leather on flesh and the scream could be heard above the music. Goat looked at Chubb, and he knew what Goat was prepared to do. Chubb shook his head, and laid a hand on Goat's shoulder to restrain him. Softly and quietly they quickly checked all the first floor rooms. They were all empty. They went down the stairs, treading gently at first to see if there were creaks, and using the side of the treads where creaks would be at a minimum. On the ground floor, Jock quickly moved towards the back of the house, to see if any alarms system was in place. Chubb was worried about Goat, and would have sent him except that Jock was very experienced in disarming alarms.

After five strokes of the tawse, all of which Elizabeth had counted, and thanked Master for, he was ready to penetrate her anal cavity. Gill came, knelt in front of him and anointed his straining penis with KY jelly. An uncommon gesture for him. He approached the bound woman, and removed the butt plug. Beth's anus remained slightly open. He rubbed the rubbed the crown of his cock against her rosebud. "Elizabeth, this is a significant moment in your training. It will hurt at first, but the pain will soon fade, and you will experience great pleasure. Do not cry out!" He pushed none too gently with his penis at the sphincter. Gill had knelt by Beth's head, and whispered to her. "Push back, as if you were evacuating your bowel." She had no time to say more. Master had no time in which to press his penis through her sphincter.

Three terrible apparitions burst through the door. All dressed in Black overalls, two-handed grips on guns, which pointed unwaveringly at them, faces covered by dark wool with openings for eyes and mouth, and the skin that was visible covered with weird shapes of black and green. The intruders were all screaming at the tops of their voices.

"Down! Down! On the floor! Down Now." Frank dropped like a stone immediately. Master went towards one as if threatening him. As he stepped forward his leading leg was kicked away from him and he fell heavily. Before he could even think of getting up, a knee was in the middle of his back, and the muzzle of a gun was right by his temple. He had little doubt that it was real. The voice came to his ear from three inches away, shouting.

"Hands behind back! Do it now! He would have obeyed but didn't get the chance. His wrists were pulled together at his back and secured with a plastic tie.

Gill ran at Spag, screaming like a banshee, with her hands raised like claws and fingernails ready to scratch his face. She ran into a fist that appeared from nowhere, and connected in the centre of her forehead. She went down like a stone. Beth could not do anything tied as she was. Her only conscious thought was that now she would be raped repeatedly. At no time did she think that these men were her saviours.

Matt's phone rang. He answered and heard the single word. "Done!" When Gary heard the phone ring he ran straight to the Land Cruiser and was ready for the off. He drove out of the track without bothering to look either way, and neither did Matt who followed in his Audi. They both accelerated along the lane, trusting that at this time of night there would be no traffic down this narrow country lane. Janet was terrified, and clung to the hand grip in the door panel. Gary turned into the drive without obvious slackening of pace. If there had been a gate, then it would have splintered to his onrush. Crossing the cattle grid sounded like machine gun fire then With gravel spurting from the tires, rattling against the underside of the cars, they raced up the drive. They had been told to go to the rear door, and as they skidded on the loose chippings, trying to stop, the door opened and Jock beckoned them in.

Janet came with them, but when they got to the entrance hall, Jock asked her to wait there.

"Not pretty inside." Was all he said. No way was Janet going to wait. She was a woman, and Elizabeth needed another woman's comfort at that time.

After they had secured the two men and the woman, using plastic ties on ankles and wrists, Spag had gone upstairs and searched for something to cover Elizabeth. He found her clothes, in a smaller bedroom, not yet unpacked from the small case she had brought. He swept the cosmetics which were on a side table into the case and brought everything down. They released Elizabeth, and Matt and Janet helped her into a skirt and jumper. Elizabeth was very confused, Somewhere deep in her disturbed mind she recognised him through the camouflage paste and balaclava, and couldn't understand why her husband was here. "M.." She started to ask. But Matt cut her off quickly. He had seen her eyes widen as she saw him.

"Be quiet!" He used a tone that had given orders for years. None had argued then and Beth didn't argue now. She closed her mouth. Chubb looked at Matt.

"Get her out of here." Matt nodded, and he and Janet started guiding Elizabeth to the door. She was shaking her head in panic, and fought against them, screaming hysterically.

"No, no. I can't leave. Master hasn't given me permission." Matt grabbed her shoulders, and slapped her face.

"I'm in charge now. You do what I tell you!" Elizabeth still struggled, and the Master, even though bound on the floor smiled evilly. Goat noticed the smile, and kicked him viciously on the thigh. 

"You'll pay for that smile, Bastard!" Chubb moved over to where Elizabeth still struggled, and held up a Syrette, wordlessly asking Matt's permission. Matt nodded. The full charge of Morphine went into Elizabeth's bottom. She wasn't unconscious yet, but the fight had gone out of her.

Janet was enraged. As Beth stopped struggling, she left Matt for a moment, and walked over to the bound women. "They won't touch you." She hissed. "Because real men don't strike women. But I will." She punched Gill in the face with all her strength. She was wearing a diamond ring, which opened up a deep cut on Gill's cheek. "I hope that leaves a scar." This was said with venom.

Jock had shown Gary the small room downstairs where he discovered the alarm system. The room was also the office, and Gary was back in his element. Within three minutes he was able to by-pass the security code, and was now connecting the computer to a lap-top he had brought, using an ethernet cable. He may not be able to transfer everything in the time he had available, but reckoned he could get enough. The last thing he would do was load a virus that would confuse the files sufficiently to be unrecognisable. Whilst the import was happening, he was looking through a file of hard copy. There were many files, with photographs, and he whistled as he recognised some of the faces. The Government Minister featured in quite a few. He took some of the files out to scatter where they would be easily found. As soon as the police arrived those pictures alone would get the Special Branch involved.

Gravel shot from the wheels like bullets as Matt took off. Jock locked the back door and rejoined Chubb and the team in the main room, nodding to Chubb to confirm that Matt had left.

Goat had been searching the house, and came back into the main room carrying a long cane. The smile on his face looked quite out of place with the camouflage cream disguising his features.

"Look what we have here." The cane was just over six feet long, and almost half an inch thick. One end was bound with leather as a hand grip. Spag was the first to realise.

"It's one of those Rattan canes they use in Singapore!" Chubb reacted swiftly.

"Strap those two to the table." He indicated the two secured men. This was soon done, thanks to the cleats screwed to the underside of the table top. These people had thought of everything! The table was solid oak, and some six feet long, so both men, strapped to opposing ends of the table were soon trussed in a similar position to that of Elizabeth when they came in. Goat whispered to the Master as he fastened his hands with the cords.

"Didn't think that you would be on here, did you Turd?" As this was done Chubb had been practicing with the cane. He had read about this form of judicial corporal punishment. He understood that it's severity was such that none were given more than fifteen strokes. The man to be punished was strapped to an 'A' frame, and the neck, back and kidneys were covered to prevent irreparable injury. After the first four or five strokes the skin split, If the victim passed out the punishment was stopped, and recommenced when the victim had come round again. It was unfortunate for these bastards that they didn't have such refinements.

Gill watched the preparations with horror. The Master had got the cane purely as a symbol, and had never used it. She found her voice. Pleading.

"You can't do that. Please, don't do it. It could kill him." Jock walked over to her.

"Perhaps you would like to take his place then?" She shook her head.

At that point, Gary walked in with some photo's.

"Look at these...oh shit." He had seen the men strapped to the table. He quickly took in the situation, Chubb standing there with the cane poised. He passed the photo's around. They were of the Master and other men, standing proudly beside the results of their work. Women beaten until blood flowed. They had used Horse whips, straps, paddles, and canes. There was one of a woman who breasts had been whipped so severely that blood had covered the whole of her body down to her thighs. Goat was incensed. This totally offended his code about women.

"Twenty!" Chubb shook his head.

"Twenty!" Goat insisted. Chubb looked at Spag with a question. Spag nodded.

"Twenty." He confirmed, then added. "Each."

"Before you start, perhaps I can introduce these evil bastards." Gary pointed to the Master. "This piece of dung, or should I say merde, is Francois Moillet. The lady is Giselle Moillet. Guess what? She is his sister! Just thought you would like to know that. And this little shit." He indicated the other man, "is Frank Barton. 

Chubb took up his stance and swung, in much the same way that a Golfer would. The end of the cane struck flesh, travelling at an incredible speed. His first stroke was not accurate, and the cane hit the Master at the top of his buttocks, skidding up to the small of his back. It still hurt. No one could imagine that a human throat could conjure the scream that the Master did then. At six strokes the skin of his buttocks split, at nine he could scream no more and passed out. Chubb handed over to Jock, who took over a stance behind Frank.

"Oh Christ! He's fucking shit himself! It's running all down his legs." Spag had noticed a Soda Siphon on the sideboard. He pressed the trigger and directed the stream over Franks arse and legs. He then directed the siphon at the Master.




Conumdrum Ch. 07



Frank passed out after four strokes!

Matt was driving as quickly as he could. He turned south east onto the A417, which he would follow all the way to the M4. He had memorised the address of the Private Hospital, which was close to Reading. Janet was comforting Beth in the back seat. The morphine had taken complete hold now, and she had slipped into unconsciousness. He handed the mobile phone to Janet.

"Would you call Dr. Henderson, and let him know that we will be at the hospital in about two hours. The number is programmed in. Look for 'Hendy'". Hendy answered almost immediately. Janet passed on Matt's message.

"OK. I shall be there in an hour. Ask for a Doctor Smitherson. He knows that I have a patient coming in with severe trauma. He will treat her injuries, then I can get started on her mental state."

The team had all taken their turn at the punishment. Both the Master and Frank were unconscious, their buttocks ripped and torn, bloodied flesh hanging limply like old rags, they would be scarred for life, and the bruising would never fade. Goat returned to the Master. He held a small rolling pin he had found in the kitchen, and a roll of duct tape. Chubb noticed, and knew immediately what Goat would do.

"Is that necessary?" Goat would not be deterred.

"You know why. One, I owe the boss. And two, how this turd treats women." He was calm and determined. Chubb knew that he could not stop Goat. He reluctantly nodded.

Goat quickly applied a generous amount of the lubricant that the Master was going to use on Beth, to the rolling pin. Then gradually started to ease it into the Master's anus. This intrusion brought the Master round, and he struggled against his bindings, but to little avail. If he had not already suffered a greater pain than this, he would be screaming, as it was he could only moan as the pin sank into his depths. Satisfied that the pin was inserted as far as it could go, Goat ripped off strips of the duct tape, binding the man's buttocks together, wrapping it around his body tightly, so that the makeshift butt plug could not be expelled. Gill watched with horrified eyes. If they did this to her brother, what would they do to her?. Chubb spoke to the woman.

"There should be somebody here in twenty four hours. Unfortunately for you it will probably be the Police. The evidence of your activities is all around, even the plods should find that. We will leave you now."

"What are you going to do with me?" She cried plaintively. Goat replied.

"Nothing. We don't hurt women. Your brother will have a problem though. If the Cops get delayed, he will in all likelihood rupture his bowel. I'm not a Doctor, but I reckon there's a good chance of Peritonitis after that. Bonne Chance!" 

To be continued...



Conumdrum Ch. 08



Chapter eight.

Aftermath, redemption and a new life

Matt had not been able to stay with Beth, when they brought her to the Hospital. Doctor Smitherson and Hendy took charge of her immediately, Hendy telling Matt that she was in good hands and to call the next day.

"Matt. We will sedate her to start off, so there's no point in your hanging around. She may be unconscious for a day or even two, until we have found out what stuff they were pushing into her we have to take it slowly. Phone me tomorrow." With that he pushed Matt out of the front door.

As they drove, Janet regarded her Boss with sympathy. Someone had come unannounced and uninvited into his life and buggered it up, simply to take their evil pleasure, without regard to Matt's feelings. Now he couldn't know if he would get the same wife back, nor if his relationship with her would ever be the same. She was encouraged by the fact that Matt did not seem to hold Elizabeth responsible, but! Could either of them ever forget what had gone on in that room, and would those memories taint their future lives? Janet had seen enough of that room, and the terrible cuts and bruises on the cheeks of Elizabeth's arse, the cruel treatment her nipples had suffered, with dried blood encrusted on her breasts. It would haunt her for years. What it would do to Elizabeth only time would tell.

It took all Matt's reserve to delay calling the hospital until eleven o' clock, when his patience ran out. Hendy was unavailable, but he spoke to Dr. Smitherson. Who gave him a resume of the treatment.

"We have run some tests on her urine and blood. We are waiting for the Path. Lab. to come back with the results. I have treated her injuries, those are mainly to her buttocks. Her nipples, well I had to put a couple of stitches in both. The injuries appear to have been inflicted with someone's nails, so she has been given some broad spectrum antibiotics. That would appear to be the extent of her physical injuries. She is comfortable, but still sedated. I will ask Dr. Henderson to call you as soon as he has some information, but his treatment cannot start until she is conscious. I can only treat her physical injuries. Dr. Henderson is the one who will treat her mental ones."

"Doctor. I would like to come and see my wife."

"Well you can come anytime you wish. If you come today, be aware that she is sedated, so you will get no conversation from her."

"I'm on my way!"

Janet could hold the fort as well as he could, apart from referring any calls that needed his attention. Matt determined to find a hotel nearby so that he could be with Beth as much as possible. A nurse showed him into Beth's room. She was lying on her right side, with pillows at her back. Matt assumed that this was so the dressings on her bottom would not be disturbed. She was so still it unnerved him, yet the monitor showed that she was breathing regularly. He sat down at the bedside and took her left hand in his. There was nothing to say or do, yet he considered that somehow her mind would register that he was here with her.

A little while later a senior nurse came in.

"Mr. Bennett?" Matt nodded. "She's doing as well as can be expected, and she's comfortable. Stay if you wish, but I wouldn't think she will be in a position to talk for quite a few hours."

"I understand. I will stay though." The Nurse smiled.

"As you wish. Can I get you a cup of tea or coffee?"

"A coffee would be good. No sugar, thanks." Three minutes later she was back with the coffee. Matt smiled his thanks, and she went to leave. At the door she turned.

"What kind of animals could have done that?" the disgust and anger in her voice was plain. Matt had asked that question himself.

"I don't know what makes them like that, but I am certain that they will regret their actions."

"Have you informed the Police?"

"They will know soon, I suspect. But I believe punishment has already been inflicted."

"Like for like, I hope." Matt nodded his head.

"Oh yes, very much so, and unlike my wife, I am sure their scars will never fade."

"Good." The expression on her face told Matt that whatever his idea of revenge was, hers would have been ten times worse. He went on. "My only regret is that I was not present to administer the punishment in person." She came over and put her hand on his shoulder.

"From what I know, you had to take care of your wife. That was your priority."

It seemed like hours, but was just two hours when Hendy came in. He checked the monitor and seemed pleased, that is if the "Humph" sound he made was indicative. He grabbed the other chair and came and sat down with Matt.

"I've got the toxicology results. As I suspected Rohypnol, Pentothal and something like ecstasy. They didn't give her anything else, thank God. If we had to deal with a dependency as well, it would be bloody, to say the least. She should flush her system within the next day or so. We will let her come out of sedation on her own. Painkillers should cope then. The real struggle is going to be with her subconscious. Hypnosis by-passes the conscious mind; that's where we do our logical thinking, and our principles govern our actions: The subconscious has no morals nor logic, so hypnosis can instil all sorts of ideas, and the subject has no recollection of them being planted. I have to hypnotise her and try to erase those ideas. I need your permission though."

"Yes."

"Good. I'll get you to sign the release form later. Are you going to be here much longer."

"As long as it takes."

"Matt! We could be talking weeks."

"I didn't realise that."

"I have to take it slowly. It's like chipping away at a block of Granite. You don't go into someone's head and hit the subconscious with a simple instruction, but I have to tell you that it may be impossible to completely eradicate all the ideas." Matt was confused.

"Why?"

"It has to do with Elizabeth's own psyche. If she is naturally a sub missive, then I cannot erase that. You will have to deal with that."

For days after Matt pondered those last few words. He understood most of what Hendy was saying, but could not comprehend that statement. He had stayed by Beth's side until the evening when she showed signs of waking. The monitor was obviously being repeated at the Nurse's station, as soon the senior nurse came in. She checked Beth's pulse and blood pressure.

"She'll be back with us soon. It will be good for her that the first person she sees will be her husband."

It was three hours later that Beth's eyes fluttered and opened, then closed for another minute or so, then opened. Her first reaction was a huge smile.

"Matt. Oh Matt it's so lovely to see you." Matt leant in to kiss her, a kiss that was returned with joy. Then Beth looked around. Immediately she saw that she was in a hospital. At first her brow creased with questions, then memories came back to her, and horror suffused her face. Her eyes closed and tears flowed slowly from under the lids. Matt put his arm around her neck and pulled her up slightly, so that his mouth was close to her ear.

"I love you, Beth. I will always love you. Nothing will ever change that." He felt her shake her head, and she whispered something. Matt didn't ask her to repeat it. It didn't matter, he suspected it was something to do with her actions.

"Beth! Whatever happened you are not to blame. You are not to blame. Remember that. I love you, remember that as well." Beth had stopped weeping and regarded Matt with hesitancy and caution. He smiled. Her eyes opening to watch him warily. He repeated. "Remember! I love you." 

The nurse came in and without preamble went about the checks she had to do.

"Welcome back, Beth." Beth replied forcefully.

"My name is Elizabeth. Only my husband has the right to call me Beth." Matt had to hide the smile. That was the proper Beth. The nurse apologised.

"I am sorry, Elizabeth, quite right too. I will write that on the sheet."

The next two weeks were agony for Matt. Hendy had taken Beth and as he said had hypnotised her again and again gradually supplanting the suggestions that the Frenchman had placed there. Matt called often and sat with Beth. She was no longer a bed patient, but seemed lethargic and uncommunicative. Hendy was little better, refusing or perhaps unable to discuss the progress that his patient had made. Matt was tearing himself apart. Visiting Beth as often as he could, racing back to the office whenever a crisis threatened, constantly booking, cancelling and then re-booking his room at the local hotel. They were very understanding, accepting the story that his wife had been in an accident, and that Matt was trying to keep many balls in the air like a juggler. Then Gary phoned asking to meet.

He came to the hotel and brought Matt up to date on the situation with the Moillet's.

"I won't tell you about how they were punished; better that you don't know in case anyone asks; but they are in hospital as we speak and likely to be there for some time. They are under police guard. The evidence we found and left for the police got the local guys in a complete panic. As I thought they handed it all over to Special Branch, who are having a field day, interviewing more than one politician, and other prominent figures. There are some very worried people in high places at this moment. There's an information clamp on this, nothing in the papers as they don't want suspects deciding to take long holidays. They brought the computer to me, and I have given them some extremely interesting information, which I cannot divulge to you, except to say that some of our European partners and allies are not quite as friendly as you would think. However from what I can gather, these governments are denying all knowledge of what was happening."

"So it goes beyond just these evil bastards indulging their fetishes?" Matt pondered. Gary nodded.

"Yes. Far beyond that. There is suspected murder for a start, intelligence gathering from the high and mighty, blackmail, and human trafficking. If you hadn't stopped them, Elizabeth had already been sold to someone as a slave. The other interests have washed their hands of them and the Moillet's have been hung out to dry, so to speak."

"What do you think will happen to them? Will they go on trial?" Gary was shaking his head.

"No. There's too many of the Great and the Good involved, not to mention our so-called partners. They will quietly disappear, and leave questions in the minds of other states, not to mention quite a few politicians. How much did the police find, and how does it affect them. They are going to have insomnia and loose bowels for years."

"Perhaps I am naïve, Gary. What do you mean by disappear?"

"They will vanish, never to be heard of again."

"You don't mean Murder?" Matt was not exactly concerned.

"Would it worry you if it did?"

"Not at all, Gary."

"Well the authorities don't do that now. The Intelligence guys will keep them safe, probably permanently, unless our spooks find a use for them. Even then they may never be set free." Matt felt that was sufficient.

"What about Chubb and the lads?"

"All fine. The beating they inflicted made me feel sick. I didn't realise that such violence could come from men like Chubb and the others. Goat especially. He would have killed them but Chubb held him in check. The Branch made some enquiries in Hereford. They realised that whoever broke in had specialist training, but met a wall of silence. They wouldn't push too much, just thankful that for whatever reason they have the opportunity to crack a rather nasty ring."

"I owe the lads. I'll make it right for them."

"I doubt they see it that way. From what they said they were pleased to be able to help."

Matt went to the hospital the next day and was cornered by Hendy before he saw Beth.

"A word please Matt. Shall we go into my office?" Once there he told Matt that Beth was responding to his treatment. 

"She is fully aware of what went on, and what she did. Once she had seen that site it pushed buttons in her mind and she didn't have the strength to ignore the messages. She cannot understand though that she was not in control of herself. She has a lot of guilt. I will continue with hypnosis to blank the worst, but I can't vouch for the success of that. You will find a very tearful wife when you see her. But I am now convinced that Elizabeth does have an extremely submissive facet to her nature, and you, Matt will have to deal with that." Matt was confused.

"How can I handle that?"

"You will have to become her Master."

"I can't do that."

"Why?"

"I can't treat Beth as they did."

"You don't have to. Answer me Matt. Do you love Elizabeth?"

"Yes."

"Do you want her in your life?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to please and fulfil her?"

"Of course."

"Then you will have to accept this side of Elizabeth's psyche."

"I can't do what they did. Not to my wife."

"You don't have to. It is not necessary to inflict physical punishment on a submissive. It can be done psychologically, by establishing a dominant character to her submissive. Controlling what she wears for instance, how she addresses you. Giving her rules of conduct about what meals she should prepare, and how to serve them. Not allowing her to sit at table with you. There are many ways and you will have to find a style that suits you, else Elizabeth could well become prey to another Moillet situation. I have some books which describe the lifestyle, read them and make up your mind what you are going to do. If you can't do it, you may as well say goodbye to Elizabeth right now!"

Matt read the books. Not from cover to cover, he skipped through the passages where some behavioural psychologist tried to explain the mindset of these people, Matt had his own psychologist. But having read them he was still unable to understand the motivation. The burning issue was about Beth. Did she really need to be a submissive? He started to think back over all the time he had known her, then further back to what little he knew of her relationship with her father. Gradually incidents and scenes came from his memory. How Beth had always deferred to her father, how indeed she had always deferred to Matt himself. He could never recall a time when Beth had actually made a decision for herself. She had agreed to marry Matt but needed her father's assent to the match. She had always dressed well, but in colours and fashions that imitated her mother's style. She still did but watched Matt warily, seeking and listening for the slightest indication that he was displeased with her appearance. Her life with him was good, but now he understood that Beth had worked hard to ensure that he was never unhappy with his life in any way. Hard as it was for him he now had to face yet another truth. Beth was submissive, and if he wanted her to stay in his life he would have to become the dominant partner, much more than he had been in the past. He needed another talk with Hendy.

Beth's homecoming was very subdued. If the truth be told she seemed frightened of leaving the sanctuary of the hospital, and being alone with Matt. Immediately after getting in the house, he told her to make tea, as he had some phone calls to make. This in itself was not unusual, yet never before had he told her to do this, he had asked. The tea was made and poured when he came down to the lounge. Beth was sitting on a straight chair, her legs together, back straight, and her hands clasped together primly. He knelt down and took her hands in his.

"Beth. We will talk about this only once. I know what happened to you, and I know that you got totally out of your depth. You were hypnotised and drugged, so as far as I am concerned you are not culpable, apart from your stupid curiosity. You had no control over what happened to you, and the actions you took. You are still my wife, and I am still your husband. Your loving husband. You do not have to ask me for forgiveness. Do you understand?" She nodded as tears crept down her cheeks.

"Oh Matt. I am so terribly sorry for what happened. I did not......" Matt interrupted her.

"I said, you do not have to ask my forgiveness. If anything I should apologise to you."

"Apologise to me? Why should you do that?"

"Because I did not pay enough attention to you. I was very happy with the life we led, I didn't stop to ask myself if you were happy too."

Beth held his hands tightly. "Of course I was happy. Ever since we met at my brother's funeral, I knew that all I wanted in life was to be your wife. Being married to you has brought me so much happiness." Matt was shaking his head.

"No, my darling Beth. Happy? Possibly, but fulfilled? Probably not. I have to adjust my attitude. We must learn from what happened and neither of us will make that mistake again." Beth was confused, but would not argue. Matt would make everything right again. He always did.

Matt was getting into deep waters, and was not absolutely certain that he could act correctly. He found out a week later when he got home. After greeting Beth, he went upstairs to change. Not unusual except that this time when he came down he was dressed completely in black! He wasn't sure that this was right, but held his own concern in check. He assumed the role he had played in the army, the officer who gave orders and never, ever gave a hint of not knowing what he was doing. Beth was shocked at his appearance. Dangling in his hand was a studded leather collar. She was more shocked by his words.

"Go into the lounge and undress. When I come in you will be naked and kneeling in the middle of the carpet, hands clasped at the back of your neck."

"Matt! What has got..."

"Do it!" He raised his voice only slightly, but the hard steel of command was there. Beth did as he ordered. He gave her five minutes, then just as he put his hand to the door, decided to leave her waiting for another five. His heart was pounding furiously, apprehensively feeling that this could be the end of his marriage. When he entered the lounge, Beth was in the position he demanded. He said nothing. She was more naked here than ever she had been in their bed. He walked around her, foolishly feeling this was like play-acting. Then "Shit!" Her nipples were harder than he had ever seen them. This was exciting her!

"This is a slave collar. It will signify your surrender to me and my wishes. You will do as I tell you whenever, whatever and wherever. Do you understand?" Beth looked at him, after a while she nodded. "Our contract is that you will obey me in everything, you will give me your body, whenever and however I wish to take you. I in return shall provide for you, protect you and love you. You will never have to worry about anything except pleasing me. Do you understand?" This time Beth did not hesitate to nod her head. The tears glistened still but now they were tears of love. She raised her head.

"May I speak?"

"Yes."

"First how shall I address you, as Master, Lord, Matthew, or Sir?

"Sir or Husband will suffice. Next?"

"Do we live this way all the time?"

"No. To others we are just a normal couple, at home we will live this life as and when I decide. Any other questions?"

"Yes Husband. Why are you doing this?"

"I let you down, Beth. I failed to protect you. That will never happen again. That is my promise to you. Do you accept this bargain?" Beth gave little thought to this. Deep inside she knew that this was what she had always wanted, but could never put into words. 

"I agree." She hesitated a moment, fearful of his reply. "Will you beat me?" Matt had faced this question in his mind. He knew that he would hate to inflict pain on Beth, yet his gut feeling was that if he ruled this out, they would come to regard this relationship as hollow. 

"If you anger me, I will beat you. You will feel pain, but I shall never draw blood." Beth gave a little smile. 




Conumdrum Ch. 08



"I would welcome a beating from you, if you allow me to show my love afterwards." Matt nodded. Beth looked at him in supplication. "If it is your pleasure, would you put your collar on me?"

Matt stood directly in front of her as he put the collar on, snapping the fastening closed. He did not move, but Beth raised her hands to his trousers.

"If my Husband would permit?"

"Yes." She unfastened his fly and withdrew his cock, already becoming turgid with blood. Beth looked up and held his eyes as she slipped the head into her mouth. This was something that Beth had never done for Matt before. A flash of anger surged as he realised who had taught her to fellate, but slowly dispersed as the pleasure she gave him washed over. That evening and night Matt took her as he wished, demanding her body. Beth submitted completely, no longer the shy compliant wife, but a willing slave to his demands. To Beth there was a freedom in becoming his slave. The guilt of engaging in abandoned sexuality; the guilt that her parents had instilled in her for years; receded as her mind argued that there could be no culpability as her conduct was beyond her control. She was obeying her husband.

To be continued...



Conumdrum Ch. 09



Chapter nine

Matt and Beth adapt to a new relationship

It took weeks to settle into this new relationship. Matt maintained his demand that Beth wear the collar at home at all times, just to remind her of her position. Beth accepted her submission with equanimity. Yet she could still surprise him. He returned one evening to find Beth, kneeling in the middle of the lounge, hands clasped behind her neck, completely naked but for the collar. On the floor in front of her lay shards of a cut glass vase, given to them as a wedding present.

"Have you misbehaved today?"

"Yes Husband. I have dropped the cut-glass vase." Matt now faced the situation that he had hoped would never arise. He would have to spank her.

"Clean this mess up then go and get the strap." This was a length of leather belt, two inches wide and eighteen inches long. Matt had chosen this deliberately as he knew that it could bruise, but would never cut the skin. With dust pan and brush Beth cleaned the broken glass up, then went upstairs. She returned carrying the strap as if it was a religious artefact, holding it in front of her with two hands. She knelt and offered it to him. He indicated that she should lean over the arm of the settee.

"You will receive ten strokes." Before his courage could crumble he slapped her with the first. It was not an accurate or hard slap, his heart was not really in this. But Beth accepted the punishment.

"One. Thank you Husband." The second slap was harder.

"Two. Thank you Husband." Matt continued the punishment, his strokes becoming more forceful and accurate, but he was mindful of the terrible injuries that Beth had suffered before, so he held back from using his full strength. At ten, Beth didn't rise from her position. She thanked him profusely for the punishment, then asked if he would like to enjoy her body. In truth Matt had become erect, not so much from the punishment, but from the sight of Beth's arse so alluringly and freely displayed for him. He unbuckled and dropped his trousers, freeing his cock. Without delay he entered her, surprised to find she was soaking wet with arousal. He was aware from his reading that denying the submissive liberty to climax was quite normal, but he could not bring himself to do so, and Beth climaxed loudly as he did. With her breath coming in short, sharp pants, she turned and asked permission to clean him from her emissions, as he gave assent he understood that Beth was teaching him about how she wanted to be treated.

"You may serve my evening meal." 

"Yes Husband. May I dress first?"

"No."

"As my Husband pleases."

"Yes, it does please me."

"I am happy that I am acceptable to my Husband." Beth stood at the side of Matt's chair as he ate. He at one point idly played with her pussy, and she widened her stance allowing him the room. He tugged on her bush. "That has to go. I want you shaved there."

"Shall I do it now Husband?"

"No. Tomorrow will be satisfactory."

"I will shave my P...private parts tomorrow."

"Pussy, the word we will use is pussy! Now say it."

"Pussy, it is my...no! It is your pussy. It belongs to you." As Matt finished his meal and got up he turned to her.

"You may eat now, then bring me coffee in the lounge."

"Yes, husband."

When they retired to bed that evening, Matt took off the collar. Beth went to put on one of her neck to ankle nightgowns.

"No, Beth. I never want to see you wearing that again. When you join me in bed you will be as naked as I." Beth seemed to be happy to join Matt.

"I shall never wear anything in your bed again, Husband."

"Your collar has been removed, you may call me Matt when that happens." She smiled as she cuddled next to him. 

"Part of me always wanted to be naked for you, but I was always taught it was wrong."

"I can understand that. But here, in our private life, we set the rules, and I love to see you naked. You are a beautiful woman, Beth." She had snuggled into his arms, and he could feel her nodding her head against his chest.

"I like to see you naked as well, Matt. And I especially like to see this," she took hold of his cock, "When it is big and strong." Matt pushed back the covers.

"Then enjoy it all you will." Beth's eyes glittered as she did just that. Half an hour later, Beth raised her head, her lips and tongue slick with Matt's semen, but smiling. He pulled her to him and kissed her. She seemed shocked. "What is it?"

"You kissed me, and I hadn't had a chance to wash my mouth."

"Did you swallow any?"

"Yes. I wanted to."

"Well I wanted to kiss you and share the taste of my sperm." Beth pulled back slightly. It was obvious in her eyes that some of her parents teaching was coming back to trouble her. Then she smiled.

"Our rules." Matt nodded. Then out of the blue she asked.

"Will you want to take my back passage?"

"I may. But do you want me to." Beth thought for a while.

"I think I do. It would be a sign for me."

"A sign?"

"Yes. Take me there, and I belong to you completely. And I want to belong to you completely."

"I will. When the time is right. I will fuck your arse." Beth was shocked at his language, then grinned.

"Yes my Love. Our rules. Fuck my arse! Fuck the fucking arse off me. Bugger me stupid." She rolled the words around her mouth, exhilarated by the newfound freedom to use this language.

Two days later, Matt took Beth to a follow up consultation with Hendy. He spoke privately with Beth for twenty minutes then asked Matt in for a chat.

"Elizabeth is coming along well, and I detect signs that you have become the Master she needed."

"I am trying. But I do feel a fool at times. I am acting the part, not being the part." Hendy was nodding his head in agreement.

"Yes, I suspected that would be how it would strike you. But given time you will grow into it. But you must be doing something right, as Elizabeth appears to be very happy." He paused. "You did beat her?" Matt shrugged, ashamed and embarrassed.

"Yes. It seemed she wanted to be punished." Hendy smiled at his embarrassment.

"You will never hurt her as they did. It's alien to your nature isn't it, hitting a woman?" There was no need for an answer, Matt's troubled face was evident. "Don't view it as hitting a woman, it is a punishment that you have to give, and she needs. To a submissive punishment is another demonstration of caring and loving. If you didn't care you wouldn't bother. To Elizabeth your beating her is another expression of your love. For most people an odd way to show love, but for a submissive it is almost natural."

Now Matt faced a challenge. If Beth was happy in their relationship he had to do what Beth had asked him. He knew enough now to know that once having made the suggestion she would never ask for him to take her anus, she was submissive, her Master made the decisions. He prepared accordingly. The more he thought about it the more excited he became. The next Friday he left for work, leaving out the collar and a tube of lubricant. Beth would understand the significance. He was an hour late getting home, And worried for Beth, she could well have been kneeling in the position for over an hour now. He walked in and she was collared, kneeling, naked with her hands clasped behind her neck. Matt the loving husband would have apologised, but Matt the dominant could not. He said nothing, no apology and no compliment about how beautiful she was. The strap was laying on he table alongside the tube of lubricant, which now looked squeezed of half its contents. Matt stood in front of Beth and raised her face with his hand under her jaw.

"What does my wife want?"

"Whatever my husband wishes." Matt bent further and grabbed one of her breasts, flicking at the nipple with his thumb nail.

"Ahh." Beth responded to the stimulation.

"You may undress me." Beth rose from the position, her awkward movements and a wince told him that she had been kneeling like this for some time, and his heart felt for her. Beth took his clothes from his body, carefully folding them so to preserve the creases. When he was naked she came back and knelt again very close. She raised her hand and caressed Matt's penis.

"May I give my husband pleasure?" She requested docilely.

"You may."

Slowly Beth caressed and loved his penis, planting little kisses on the head but not taking him into her mouth. It didn't take long for Matt to rise to complete erection. Then and only then did Beth suckle his cock, loving licks and sucks to wet the head before taking him fully with stronger sucks. She bent her head back and took his cock ever deeper, and it was with some surprise that Matt realised that his cock was actually slipping into her throat. Beth's face was red and tears ran from her eyes. The loving Matt would have stopped her then, but the dominant Matt knew that he had to allow her to continue, no matter how uncomfortable it was for her. She carried on with her adoration tears now running freely down her cheeks, gasps dragging from her whenever she got the chance to breathe. Matt knew it was time to cease.

"Enough!" He helped her to her feet, then lead her over to the couch, picking up the lubricant as he did. He handed it to her.

"You pleased me. If you hadn't I would take you without lubrication. Grease me!"

"Yes husband." Beth squeezed lubricant onto her fingers, then rubbed her hands together. Taking Matt's penis in her hands she anointed him thoroughly. Then looked up.

"How do you want me husband." Matt hadn't thought about this but his face remained without expression. He pointed.

"Over the arm of the settee."

It had not been an easy coupling. Beth had used the lubricant in her anus yet was still very tight, and Matt was conscious that she suffered pain as he entered her, yet Beth accepted the pain and discomfort without complaint. After he eventually withdrew from her she laid still for quite a few minutes, obviously recovering from the discomfort. It was in Matt's mind never to do that again, but the dominant he had to become argued that Beth accepted the pain as part of their relationship. She reinforced that view when she thanked him for sodomising her.

"Thank you, Husband. Now every part of me is yours to take whenever it pleases you."

Before they retired to bed, Matt took the collar off, signifying the return to their other relationship. Beth cuddled her naked body against his.

"I love you so much, Matt."

"And I love you, Beth. I know what I did hurt you, I don't know if my love will allow me to inflict that pain on you again." Beth sat up in alarm.

"You must. There was pain at first, later it became quite pleasant. It will get better as you stretch me, and I believe that I may come to enjoy it. Any way, it wasn't just you, we did it together. Please Matt, don't say no."

"Ok." He grinned at her. "It took a lot of concentration to keep from cumming too quickly."

"Good!" replied Beth. "It makes me happy to think that my body can make my Master lose control."

Matt had received an invitation to a Dinner and Dance. It was a reunion of his old regiment. He was in two minds whether to go, but Beth persuaded him that they should go. Having accepted, Beth decided that she needed a dress for the occasion, and they went out to look for one. Beth begged Matt to be there so that he could approve of her choice. They chose a full length dress of deep Royal Blue. The neckline was a little more daring than Beth had ever worn before, but as she saw the sparkle in Matt's eyes her concerns disappeared. It didn't matter if her breasts were more exposed than ever before, as long as her husband enjoyed looking at them.

Matt, as a reserve officer would of course wear Mess dress. Very tight dark blue trousers; which he informed her were known as overalls; with a red stripe up the sides, and a red jacket, cut to the waist, with shawl lapels, on which miniatures of his medals were worn. He came to Beth just as she finished her make-up. He proffered a box. Inside was a collar of silver, studded with Diamantes and Garnets. She saw it as a slave collar, but it could be described as a choker necklace. She handed it back to Matt. 

"Would you collar me, please my husband." Just as they were leaving, Beth touched the blue and white ribbon of the DSC on his lapel.

"I remember the first time I touched that ribbon. I knew that day that I wanted to be your wife, but I didn't realise how good it was going to be. Thank you Matt, for allowing me to share your life."

Beth had worried about the reception, she was uncomfortable in society. She stayed with Matt, at his side finding comfort in his strength. Whilst at first she only answered when spoken to, gradually she found the confidence to converse with other wives. They were sitting at table with four others when one of the officers wives, called Angela remarked on her choker.

"That is such a lovely Choker." Without thought Beth corrected her.

"It's not a Choker, it's my Slave Collar." The silence that remark brought was profound. Matt was smiling, giving Beth the strength to reply when Angela in astonishment repeated.

"Slave Collar?" Beth nodded.

"Yes. It signifies to me the bond between my husband and myself. A bond that cannot be broken." Matt was pleased with her answer. It explained without detail. Angela was not satisfied.

"But Slave?" Beth had no option but to go a little further.

"What else would you call a woman, who loves her husband so much, that she would do anything for him?" If Beth thought that would stop the questions she was wrong. But help came from an unlikely source, just as Angela was about to ask more, her husband, Major Stent interrupted.

"Angie. I think that Elizabeth has answered enough. You are getting personal now." He looked over to Matt, with approval in his eyes, he understood. Beth however was no longer afraid to speak. She looked to Matt first and received a slight nod of permission.

"Thank you Major Stent." She looked directly at Angela. "Matthew is my husband, my friend, lover and Master. I believe that a wife should obey her husband, I was brought up to believe that, and I practice my belief. My submission to him is not demeaning, it is empowering, because I know that my place by his side makes me the happiest of women, and that I am there for ever. Most of my work colleagues are unhappy in their marriage, cheating, being cheated on, divorcing, and having destructive relationships. I am not like that, I am loved and love in return. I wear this collar with pride, and with gratitude to my husband for putting it on me and for rescuing me from an evil. Few women are as happy and lucky as I."

The End, for some thankfully, for a few perhaps regretfully.

This has been a work of fiction. The characters are fictional the plot is fantasy. Criticism for style, content or story is welcome.