35 comments/ 134014 views/ 4 favorites Jack Bell: Redux Ch. 01 By: Blue88 (Author's Note: The manner in which I ended the Karen series kept niggling at me. I obviously had my own reservations. I hope that these two additional chapters satisfy my unease. My thanks to the many who have encouraged my first feeble attempt at writing. I have obviously made many errors, some of which I have hopefully corrected. Also, my thanks to the Troubador for his advice and suggestions.) ******************* Jack Bell sat quietly, soaking up the early morning sun. His rented villa sat in the hills of a small town in southern California, overlooking the Pacific. He took another sip of his coffee and let his mind wander a bit. It had been well over a year since his divorce had become final. Karen had not contested it and the legalities went smoothly. She had made repeated attempts to speak with him which he avoided. He really had no desire to hear any apologies, any 'I was wrong and I'm sorry,' explanations. Her desire to fuck her old boyfriend and to do so with his 'approval' outraged him then and still aggravated him whenever he recalled that conversation. He also recognized that his intense anger had abated, and all he felt now was sadness and emptiness. "I thought we had a strong marriage," Jack mused, "I guess I was mistaken." He still couldn't get his mind around the 'why' of it. He knew that Karen was not a stupid woman, she knew that he would never allow her adultery. "I guess I didn't know her as well as I thought." "Shit," he said to himself. "I had no choice but to rid myself of her. She destroyed any respect I had for her and I sure as hell wouldn't trust her any further than I could throw her. I have to learn to build a new life for myself, and that's exactly what I'm doing and as far away from her as I can get." Yet despite his reasoning to divorce, he had to admit that he felt an overwhelming sadness, an emptiness and a worry that he may have acted precipitously. "Was my reaction too extreme?" he wondered. "Did I act too hastily? Do I actually still love her? Ahh, now that is the question." He knew that he did not have the answers to those questions. The weeks that followed their separation were hell on earth for him. He found that he couldn't concentrate on business and problems at work were falling through the cracks due to his inattention. He also discovered that he really couldn't sum up any enthusiasm for the business and he actually began to hate getting up and going into the office. Fate then stepped in. An out of town conglomerate made a tentative offer to buy him out, lock, stock and barrel. This financial institution didn't have a presence in this region and it seemed that they were desperate to establish one. This wasn't the first time offers had been made for his firm, but he had refused them earlier. This time he hesitated and allowed his attorney to enter preliminary negotiations. It wouldn't hurt to hear what they had in mind. What they 'had in mind' staggered him. When all was said and done, he would realize a shit pot of money - much more than he imagined. He could retire a very wealthy man if he wished and would never have to worry about where his next Rolex was going to come from. He knew that he had to be careful, that entertaining a buyout wasn't just a reaction to his personal problems. He had his attorney stall, squeeze them a little harder, just to give him the time he wanted to fully examine his motives. He finally came to the conclusion that he would go along with the deal. Getting out of the rat race at age 50 would not be so terrible - and getting out rich was not going to be hard to take. He realized that he really had lost enthusiasm for the career and business he had built - it was time for newer pastures. Jack's mind continued to flicker over some of the events that took place before he finally moved to the west coast. He thought of Mike Gould and the last lunch and conversation that he shared with him....... ************************** "Well, Mike," Jack said as they sat awaiting their meals. "Have you made up your mind about June? Did you actually go ahead with the divorce or have you found a way to deal with her affair?" Mike smiled wryly at him. "Is this why you invited me to lunch, Jack? You trying to be a marriage counselor? Nah, don't get excited, I'm only kidding you. To answer your question, I did file for divorce and now it's just a matter of time. Tell you the truth, Jack - one day just blends into another. I have this emptiness in me that I have to deal with a day at a time. I guess it'll get better. I miss June terribly, but not enough, I guess, to forget and forgive. I suspect that that makes me into some kind of idiot - but that's the way I feel now. What she did just hurts too much." Jack toyed with his beer. His primary motive in seeking Mike out was ulterior and he felt a bit bad - he didn't want to saddle Mike with his problems right now, but perhaps they could at least commiserate with each other. "Jack, what's going on? You look like hell, are you ailing?" Jack made up his mind and gave his friend a condensed version of "the conversation" that Karen and he had had. It was difficult for him to get it all out and he found himself tearing as he finished. Mike sat there, his mouth agape, as Jack finished. "Son-of-a-bitch," he muttered. "I just can't believe this, not Karen. Shit, I can't tell you how sorry I am, Jack. It seems that the entire fucking world is falling apart. I never would have guessed that something like this would happen to the two of you.. "Jack, let me ask you the same question that you had asked me - can you find a way to get over this? Is there a way back for the two of you?" Jack shook his head. "Don't think so, Mike. Maybe, just maybe, I could forgive a momentary lapse of judgement, a one-time meeting. Shit happens, a little drunk, a little something, who knows. But sitting there and telling me, after she had already screwed him, that she was going to continue screwing him was just too much for me. That was taking her betrayal and rubbing it in my face. I don't think that I can get over that. She doesn't know what kind of man I am, Mike. After 25 years, she still doesn't knew who I am!" Mike just grasped his shoulder. "This is still very raw, Jack. Who the hell knows how you'll feel in a year or so." Mike chuckled a bit, "That's what I keep telling myself anyway." *********************** Jack found that his coffee was now cold and he put the cup down on the ground next to his chaise. He hoped that Mike was doing ok, he had a lot of respect for him. A sudden chill came over him as he recalled another event before his move to the west coast. Kate, Karen's sister, had finally worn him down and got him to agree to a last meeting with Karen. Kate had impressed upon him the need that Karen had to speak with him and so he finally agreed, but with trepidation. He really didn't want to see her, but felt that since it would be the last time they would ever see each other, he gave in to Kate. Jack walked through Kate's front door and found Karen seated in the living room. She looked pale and drawn and it looked like she had lost weight. He felt sympathy for her, but quickly suppressed it. Karen looked up at him with eyes filled with sadness. "Hello Jack, thank you for agreeing to see me. I really do appreciate that," she said softly. "Ok, Karen," Jack replied. "I'm here as requested although I have to tell you that I was reluctant to agree to this meeting. There really is no need for it. Everything that had to be said has been said, so I guess you have the floor." Jack's tone was totally neutral with virtually no emotion in his voice. Karen recognized that and swallowed with difficulty. She had her speech memorized, but suddenly realized that the words she was going to deliver were totally inadequate. She knew that Jack would impatiently listen and then leave. She decided to just tell him what she wanted to tell him and let the encounter end. "Jack," she began is a soft voice. "I had a very nice speech in which I had an explanation and an apology ready to deliver. I now realize that a speech is not what I want to give. This won't take long as I know that you're anxious to go. I just want to tell you that you are absolutely right to hate me for what I have done and what I had intended to do. I have no excuse to offer. I just want you to know that I do love you and I will always love you." Jack shook his head. "Karen, I don't hate you, but I do hate what you've done and what you had planned. I also don't really believe that you do love me. If you did, you would never have started on this path. If you loved me, you would never have been unfaithful, you would never have had a man outside your marriage, you would never have humiliated and betrayed me." Jack continued, despite Karen's tears. "I feel empty, Karen. I feel an emptiness in my chest where once there was a heart. Sounds really corny, doesn't it - like something out of novels." Karen sat with her head bowed, sobbing. Jack felt his heart go out to her, but knew that he didn't have the forgiveness necessary to calm her. "Karen, I'm sorry." Jack said. "It wasn't my intention to beat up on you. I'm sure that you're suffering as am I. I do have fond memories of our life together these past decades. I guess that I'll cherish them, but right now I need a total change. I think that Kate did tell you that I'm moving out of state. Karen looked up, startled. "No, she didn't. Why are you moving? Where are you going?" Karen appeared almost panicky. Would she never see him again? "I just told you, Karen. I need a total change in my life. You know that I sold the business. No, no, don't assume any guilt about that, it was time. I came to the realization that the opportunity was too good to pass so I made up my mind and took the offer. Anyway, you remember Hank? I called him and asked him to keep an eye out for a place on the ocean. He found something which sounds nice and I leased the place for a year. It will give me the opportunity to relax and get my head straight. "Karen, please listen to me. I really don't hate you. What I feel mostly now is just sadness and loss - and, I guess, a sense of disappointment. Remember what we used to say? 'grow old with me, the best is yet to come' We could have had wonderful golden years together. I'm just sorry....... " Jack couldn't continue. He sat there with his head down. Karen had her hands over her mouth in horror. As much as she ached and hurt, she never guessed the depths of Jack's despair. She now saw, in stark reality, the pain she had caused and realized that, in all probability, Jack would never actually forgive her. Her life as Mrs. Jack Bell was truly over. Jack shook himself and stood. "Is there anything else, Karen? This really is painful for both of us. Is there any point in going on with this conversation?" Karen stood with him. "Thank you for coming and speaking with me, Jack. I really do appreciate that. Just one more thing and I'll let you go. Could you please find it in your heart to hold me for just one second before you leave? No Jack, no tricks, just one hug. Please?" Jack, with tears in his eyes also, took Karen and held her gently in his arms. He felt his heart drawn to her..... and then he slowly released her and walked quickly out of the door. *************************** Jack's gaze was drawn to the ocean. This was truly an amazing place and he was grateful to Hank for finding it, he thought to himself. He thought about Hank. "Good old Hank. How long have we known each other? " Jack had spent almost a year in the army after high school before he was discharged because of a back problem. Funny, that condition had never given him any problems and his doctor told him not to worry about it - it was relatively common. He had met Hank Simmons while in the service and they had become fast friends and had made the attempt to stay in touch despite the fact that they lived about 3,000 miles apart. Hank was a San Diego native and couldn't wait to get back there after his stint in the service. He had also gone on to university and had gotten a degree in criminology and then on to law school. Jack and Karen made trips to visit Hank and his wife Peggy and Jack was grateful that the girls got along famously. Hank and his wife also made it a point to visit them on the east coast when possible. So it was no surprise that Hank was totally shocked when Jack told him that he and Karen were divorcing. Jack did not go into detail, but did ask Hank to look for a place in the San Diego area, perhaps just south of San Diego. Hank had come up with this beautiful villa whose owner had been recently transferred overseas and was looking to lease it while he was gone. It was also a short drive to Hank and Peggy's place. Jack looked at the pictures that Hank had emailed and immediately started the lease process. He moved and never looked back. The phone brought Jack's mind back to the present. He arose, strode to the cordless and answered it. "Jack, it's Hank. How have you been? We haven't heard from you for a few days." Jack laughed and replied. "Hank, you guys are like mother hens. I've been fine, just lazing and enjoying this fantastic weather. Now I'm beginning to understand your love for the area." "Great, Jack. I'm really glad that you're doing ok. I thought that maybe you would start getting a little homesick for that great weather in Philly," Hank laughed. "Nope, you can have the winters, I'll take this, no question. How's Peg, by the way?" "That's why I'm calling, Jack. We're having a friend over for dinner tomorrow and Peggy and I want you to join us. C'mon Jack, it'll do you good to get out," Hank pleaded. "Damn, Hank. Am I reading you right? Are you guys trying to hook me up? Like I really need that now? Give me a break, buddy. I really don't want to get involved with any woman at the present," Jack was emphatic. "No, no, Jack. Nothing like that. Mariah is just a really nice gal. Peggy got friendly with her, shopping at her place. She owns one of those posh ladies' clothing shops. She's also planning to open another one on the east cost and is thinking of Philly - you can talk to her about that. Let me tell you, pal; she is gorgeous, smart and also wants no man in her life. It would be perfect for both of you. She doesn't want any real relationship and neither do you. It would just be a nice, friendly dinner with some really good conversation. Jack, please, do this for me. Peggy will have my balls if I don't convince you to come." Jack couldn't help but laugh at his friends dilemma. Ah, what the hell. It wasn't like he had that much on his plate now anyway. "Ok, Hank, ok," he sighed. "I'll be there, but I'll have your nuts if Peg is trying to play the matchmaker." ****************************** Kate glared at her sister across the living room. "Goddamnit, Karen. Enough is enough. It's been over a year and a half since Jack moved out and you haven't had one single date. You're a single woman, not a nun. Get a life." Karen smiled wryly, "Kate, I do have a life. I have good friends from work and we see each other socially. I have you, thank goodness, and you know how important your support has been for me, and now I have been volunteering at the local hospice and I like to feel that what I'm doing there is making at least a small difference. No, it's not penance, it's just something that I wanted to do. It's not that I've become a hermit." "You know what I'm talking about, Karen. You have been avoiding men like the plague. You're still a relatively young vibrant woman. Open yourself up, allow some man in your life," pleaded Kate. Karen hesitated, looked at Kate before replying. "Kate, I have to explain why that's not going to happen. Let me start with you forcing me to see Dr. Steen. I really have to thank you for that. He has helped me tremendously and I also appreciate that fact that you have never asked me one question about how my sessions were going. Over the past few months I have come to learn quite a bit about myself and while the emerging picture isn't one of which I'm proud, at least I'm gaining an understanding about what kind of person I had become." Kate put up her hand. "Wait sis, you know that it's not a good idea for me to become involved with your therapy," she protested. Karen shook her head. "It's alright, it's alright. Dr. Steen and I have talked about this and he sees no reason why I can't share some insights that we've achieved with you. With you as my sister, not as a psychologist. This is important, Kate. Please, just hear me out." Karen continued. "Dr. Steen is a remarkable man. I really didn't know what to expect - an old professor type with a beard and glasses on his nose?" Karen laughed. "You know, Kate. He never told me anything, he never explained anything to me. We have spent the past few months just chatting, like old friends and those chats have opened my eyes as to what had been happening to me. I had begun to realize that he was actually my guide, leading me to certain truths that I needed to discover. "You see, when I first met Jack and fell in love with him, I felt that I had really hit the jackpot. I loved a man who was kind, compassionate, highly intelligent, really sexy and, most importantly, loved me unconditionally. I spent my early years with him trying my best to be the 'perfect wife.' Then, as the years went by, I became complacent. I began to feel that I deserved my husband's adulation, his total love and his total commitment to me. I had begun to take Jack for granted, and more to the point, I began to take his love for me for granted. I was the 'perfect wife', I should be adored. This was my mind set, even though I didn't consciously realize it." Karen saw Kate nodding slightly, and then continued. "I became self-centered. My decisions about what I would cook for dinner was based on what I wanted. Little things, like renting a movie was based on what I wanted to see. When I went shopping for a dress, I bought what I thought looked best on me, not what Jack might have wanted to see me in. Do you understand what I'm saying, Kate? I became a 'me' person, instead of a 'we' person, and like the fool that I had become, I never even realized what I had turned into. "You're going to appreciate this next part, sis. It was when I turned 40 that I really flipped. I know, I know, I filled your ears with my whining about getting old and ugly. The funny part about that was how turning 40 really rocked me. I guess I became aware of my mortality, but even more important to me, I became aware of the fact that I was no longer a young and pretty woman. I felt that I had become unattractive and was no longer an object of desire to my husband or anyone else. Also, it was right around that time that Jack's business had really begun to grow and expand and he was spending quite a bit of time tending to it. He was tired at night and our sex life really tapered off. That's not meant as an excuse, it was just another factor which reinforced what I was feeling about myself." Kate look at her sister fondly, she followed Karen narrative and saw where she was going. She felt sure that she knew what Karen's final remarks were going to be. Karen returned her gaze, smiling softly. "You know, don't you? I guess it really is rather apparent. Anyway, this was my state of mind when I first saw Jim Belsen at work. Suddenly, I was 18 again and I wanted to be young and I wanted to be attractive and I wanted someone to find me an object of desire. I was sure of my husband's devotion. He idolized me and he would do whatever it took to make me happy. I was the 'perfect wife,' wasn't I? I'm sure that you understand where I'm going, Kate. Jack Bell: Redux Ch. 01 "I was a foolish, shallow and very stupid woman. My obsession took control of me and I was too weak and too self-centered to make the effort necessary to wake up and smell the roses. "Jack had every right to expect his wife to be faithful. That I, in my utter stupidity, proclaimed that I was going to have a 'brief affair' was, without doubt, the height of idiocy. It's a wonder that he didn't throw me out the front door. By my complacency, my obsession with my lost youth, my arrogance and surety about how Jack felt about me, I certainly sealed my fate. I totally destroyed that which I held most dear, I destroyed Jack's love for me and I destroyed my marriage. "That's why I assumed our family name again. Being called Ms. Bell was just too painful for me. Do you now see why I have absolutely no desire to date, or to open myself up to any man? Kate, there is really only one man for me, and that man will never again be in my life. Do you understand what I'm saying, Kate?" Kate looked at her sister with tears in her eyes and nodded. ************************* Jack arrived promptly at 6:30 carrying a decent quality Napa Valley wine which he presented to Hank who greeted him at the door wearing a wide grin. "Hey buddy, thanks for coming. You won't be sorry, believe me and Peggy's tickled pink that you agreed to come." "Yeah, yeah," muttered Jack. "Where is that lovely wife of yours? At least I get a kiss from her as a reward for showing up," he laughed At that moment Peggy appeared and replied, "You betcha, Jack," and with that reached up and planted a juicy one on his mouth. "Wow," Jack said breathlessly, "With that kind of reward you can ask me to dinner anytime you want." Peggy looked up at him fondly. "Really Jack, thanks for coming. This isn't a set up, just an opportunity for you to meet someone new - make a new friend." Jack returned her gaze. Peggy was really one of the good people. Short, pert and still looking great, she had a good heart and he knew that his divorce had really upset her. She considered Jack and Karen among her closest friends, despite the geographical distance. "Anyway," she continued, "Mariah should be here soon, so let's just relax here. Dinner won't be ready for awhile," and as she finished her sentence the doorbell rang and Hank jumped to answer it. Hank reentered the room accompanied by a woman who momentarily took Jack's breath away. So this was Mariah, yikes. He quickly evaluated her. Tall, busty and legs that seem to go on forever. Short dark hair and eyes that seemed to smolder. She moved with a sinuous grace - it was apparent that she worked out and was assiduous about keeping a svelte figure. "Mariah, let me introduce you to Jack Bell. Jack, this is Mariah," Hank gestured with a wide sweep of his hand. Both Jack and Mariah chuckled at Hank's obvious showmanship as he obviously played the role of ringmaster. Hank laughed along with them and they all made themselves comfortable. It wasn't long before Peggy looked at her watch and commented. "Well folks, I think dinner is just about ready," Peggy told them as she headed for the kitchen. "Wait, let me help," exclaimed Mariah as she followed Peggy into the kitchen. "Well Jack, what do you think? Isn't she something? Did you ever see a body like that?" whispered Hank, leaning forward toward Jack. Jack laughed softly. "Hank, you had better not let Peg hear comments like that. But you're right, she really intrigues me; although there is something about her that I can't quite put my finger on." Hank muttered, "I know where I would like to put my finger," he replied crudely. The evening went very well. The conversation flowed easily and Jack felt comfortable and loose. This woman did intrigue him. She oozed sexuality and didn't seem to realize it - or else she was a consummate actress. They discussed Mariah's desire to open a second boutique in Philadelphia, the reason being that she had an associate who lived there and was interested in providing some of the capital necessary. Jack was questioned about the region, although he stated that any information he could provide wouldn't be of much help. A boutique as described by Mariah was totally out of his expertise. He did state that there was a large population in the city and surrounding area with the wherewithal to keep an expensive boutique busy. Jack was a bit surprised to discover that it was now 11:00 pm. He apologized for overstaying his welcome, despite the objections voiced by his hosts. Mariah also indicated that she had to be on her way and told them that she would call a cab. Jack was a bit surprised at her lack of transportation and immediately offered to give her a lift. "Really Mariah, it's no imposition. I would be more than happy to drive you home. I think that Hank indicated that you don't live far from here. Please, it would be my pleasure," Jack insisted. Jack held open the passenger side door. Mariah slid in and Jack watched as her skirt slid to mid thigh. He quickly moved around the car and got behind the wheel. Jack turned to ask directions and saw that Mariah had turned to face him. Her skirt had risen again and her long legs were almost fully exposed. Jack now began to wonder where this night would lead. Mariah smiled and gave Jack directions to her home and they were soon on their way. He glanced at her and said, "Mariah is a lovely name. What do your friends call you?" "Mariah, Jack. My friends call me Mariah," she murmured. Jack glanced at her again and raised an eyebrow. "Yes," he thought, "this lady definitely intrigues me." They were soon at her condo and Mariah asked Jack to park in the appropriate slot. Turning to him, she asked, "Jack, could you please come in for a moment? There is something that I'd like to show you. It shouldn't take too much time." Jack nodded and followed her through the door. She turned on a small table lamp and motioned Jack to a comfortable chair in the living room. Jack sat and waited, not speaking. Mariah moved to the center of the room and with a graceful move at her back, unfastened the dress and allowed it to fall to the floor. The shadows in the room played across the planes of her body. Her ample breasts strained against the confines of a small, lacy bra. He saw that her panties were brief and cut very low on her abdomen. There was no sign of pubic hair. Mariah smiled and purred, "Cat got your tongue, Jack, or are you speechless by the sight of my body? Would you like to see more?" Jack continued to sit and gaze at this erotic picture before him. He was by nature an open and accepting man, but his caution flag was raised by the sudden turn of events. "By all mean, Mariah. I would love to see more," he said softly. Mariah walked to him, bent over and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Put your hands on my back, Jack. Feel for the clasp of my bra. Do you feel it? Unhook it, unhook my bra." Jack followed her instructions and quickly freed her breasts from their confinement. His eyes widened as he took in the magnificence of those orbs. They sat high on her chest and were almost perfect in their symmetry. Her areolas were dark with nipples that were erect and turgid. He passed his palms over them, gently squeezing the soft flesh there. "The panties now, Jack," she whispered. "Lower my panties, but slowly, very slowly. I want to feel the softness as they fall to my feet." Jack again did as she instructed. His fingers slowly pulled the sides of her panties down over her hips, feeling the silkiness of her skin as he allowed them to fall free. Again his eyes widened as he saw that she was totally hairless. Her pudenda seemed to glow and her nether lips were slick and puffy. She sank to her knees before him and quickly unbuckled his belt , unzipped him and extracted his cock which was by this time erect and pulsing. She slowly engulfed the head and laved it with her tongue. She spent the next few minutes doing nothing more than this, gently sucking and nibbling on the head of his phallus. Jack had enough and he asserted himself forcibly. He arose suddenly, secured his trousers and flung Mariah over his shoulder in a fireman's carry. Turning into what he assumed was the bedroom he spotted the bed and threw her on its surface. She almost seemed to be in a state of shock, as she lay there, limbs askew, stunned by his sudden aggressiveness. Jack wasted no time in shedding his clothing and then pinned her to the bed with his body. Her eyes blazing, Mariah hissed, "What the fuck are you doing? Get the hell off of me, you prick." Jack gathered her wrists and yanked them over her head and held them fast with one hand. She was effectively immobilized. He took her chin in his hand and turned her face to his. "It's my turn now, sweetheart. You've been seducing me all evening. Now I'll do a little teasing of my own," and with that he mashed his lips to hers. She fought to escape his invading tongue to no avail and soon felt herself begin to respond to his need. Her breasts flushed and she felt her nipples harden. "Shit," she thought. "What a fucking brute." She had completely misread this man, a man whom she thought was a dilettante, a bit timid and retiring. Who the hell knew he was Superman. Jack shifted his hips and felt his erection press against her pussy. He slid the shaft along her crease and felt the moisture there. He slid his cock between her lips and moved just slightly, up and down. She gasped as she felt the head slide over her clitoris and she felt herself begin to lubricate freely.. He knew she was turned on and he felt her hips begin to move against him. It took little effort to position his cock and slide it fully into her. He was balls deep in a second and began the old familiar dance. It took only seconds for Mariah to begin to moan softly as she wrapped her legs around his hips. She began to respond fully to his movements and was soon amazed to find herself approaching a shattering orgasm. Her eyes opened wide and with total amazement realized that she was indeed crashing into an almost violent climax, one that she hadn't felt in years. She had planned to seduce this man and then fake her orgasm as she had done countless times before. She never anticipated a real one overcoming her. The very violence of his attack seemed to precipitate this reaction. She was learning things about herself, things that she never realized before. All thought vanished as she went over the edge. It was moments before she could catch her breath and breathe normally. Every nerve in her body seemed to tingle and vibrate and she held Jack tightly as he emptied himself into her. They soon separated and lay quietly next to each other. "What the fuck," Jack wondered. "When the hell did I decide to become Tarzan? What the hell got into me?" Jack had no idea why he had reacted as he did. He acted almost without conscious thought. It just seemed the appropriate thing to do at the time. Never before in his life would he have ever treated a woman as he just had. Maybe it was something in Mariah that had brought this out, or just maybe it was the feeling of being free and without the bindings of matrimony? In any event he felt no remorse, in fact, maybe just a little sense of pride in his masculinity. Turning to Mariah he asked, "Are you ok? I hope that I didn't hurt you. I guess I got carried away a bit." Mariah chucked and snuggled into him , "Get carried away anytime you like, lover. Anytime you like." Jack smiled at her, "You know something, Hank introduced you as Mariah, but I never got your last name." Mariah turned to him, "It's Cookson, Jack. My name is Mariah Cookson." Jack Bell: Redux Ch. 02 Jack Bell sat quietly, seemingly lost in thought. This Mariah had gotten under his skin, but not, fortunately, into his heart. There was just something about her that made him uneasy, some quality that raised his hackles just a tiny bit. After a few more moments, he strode to the phone. "Hello, may I speak with Hank Simmons? Tell him it's Jack Bell. Yes, I'll wait." He sat and drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair while waiting for Hank to come on the line. "Hey buddy, how's it going," Hank boomed into the phone. "Hi Hank. Look, are you busy and if not can you see me today in your office? I really need to speak with you." Hank was silent for a moment. He seemed to recognize the gravity in Jack's voice. "Wait a second, Jack." Jack heard rustling sounds, and then Hank resumed. "Jack, I'm clear after 2:00 p.m. Can you come in around then?" "Great pal, I'll see you then," Jack rang off, putting the phone down quietly. He had to get his thoughts in order, and he knew that that wasn't going to be easy. Not easy articulating his unease and his concern. At 2:00 p.m exactly Jack Bell strode into Hank's office. Hank rose to greet his old friend. "Have a seat, Jack. I suspect that this isn't quite a social call, is it?" Hank asked quietly. "Not exactly, pal. Let me ask you something first. What do you really know about Mariah Cookson? Believe me, this isn't a rhetorical question. " Hank looked at him steadily for a moment. He paused before speaking. "Well, I know that you've been banging her for over a month now, but I suspect that you want to know more than that," he replied. Jack nodded. "The relationship hasn't been exactly a big secret, Hank. I know that you and Peggy are aware that we have, ah.....been screwing like rabbits." Hank smiled, "That's why we introduced you to her. We felt that you needed a casual affair to get your mind off your recent problems. Mariah seemed just the gal to do that. Were we wrong, Jack? Let me tell you what we know about her, ok? Jack nodded again and sat back to listen. Hank continued, "She showed up here about 2 years ago. At least that's when her shop opened up. Small tidbits had begun to appear in the local paper about the shop opening and it wasn't long before many of the local ladies were chafing at the bit. It was reported that she would carry the latest fashions from Paris and New York and the shop opened with a bang. From what I understand she wasn't cash poor, she put down a bundle on that shop. "That's how Peggy got to know her. It's not like Peg bought a ton of stuff from her, but they seemed to hit it off and became a bit friendly socially. That's why we thought of her when you moved here. Now tell me, what's going on? Why the third degree?" "Hank," Jack began. "I really can't give you chapter and verse about what I feel, it's just a very uneasy feeling. She's been all over me like a cheap suit. It's gotten so that I try to take a drive alone just to avoid her, It's a little suffocating, I guess. She insisted that I look over her books, even though I tried to beg off." Hank interrupted. "She wanted you to examine her books?? Why, for God's sake?" He seemed flabbergasted. "Yeah, I felt the same way. Anyway, I gave in and did just that." "Did you find anything out of the ordinary? Were her books ok? Any irregularities?" Hank pressed. "Not one thing wrong, not one irregularity. Every T was crossed and every I was dotted. Her books were absolutely perfect. That's what raised my eyebrows. I've never seen a set of books that good. They actually looked sanitized. I've no proof of course, but I feel certain that they were dummy books, she has the real one hidden somewhere," Hank had a puzzled look on his face. "But why?? Why is she going to all this trouble? There's got to be something cooking." Jack bit his lower lip absently before replying. "Yeah, there is something going on and I think I know what it is. Look Hank, this is just between you and me, but I want to retain you as my legal counsel and here's what I want you to do first. Get a handle on this Mariah Cookson. Check into her background.. Find out where she came from - and anything else you can come up with in the next couple of days." Hank made some notes and then asked, "Jack, tell me what you're thinking. I don't want to go into this blind. You have something in mind and you need to share it with me - not only as your counsel, but also as your friend." Jack decided to level with his friend. "Hank, this broad's been coming on to me like gangbusters and I know it isn't my boyish charm that's got her all excited. This is the way I'm figuring it. She knows that I'm not exactly poor. She's been talking up this new venture of hers in Philly and I think that she really wants me to invest in it. She thought that I would be impressed with her books and after examining them, I'm even more suspicious of her motives." Hank sat there with a rapt expression on his face. He grinned at Jack and chuckled. "She sure doesn't know who she's fucking with. Anything else you want me to do?" "Let me get you up to date, Hank. The guy running things at my old company has been on the phone with me a few times already. It seems that they're having trouble with a couple of my old clients. I told him that they needed hand holding, but he's nervous and is pleading with me to fly in and smooth things over. After thinking it over, I decided to do just that. I'm not that interested in solving his problems, but I am getting bored, and this could be a break. Now here's where it could get interesting, old buddy. "When I tell Mariah that I'm flying into Philly for a few days, she going to flip, if I read her right. She'll want to come with me, maybe meet this person who wants to invest in her boutique, and then talk me into coming up with a chunk of dough. I smell a scam and if I'm right, this isn't the first time she's been involved in something like this. Also, I wonder where she got the bucks to open her present place here. So there's where it stands. If you can get some information on her before I leave, it could come in very handy," Jack concluded. Hank finished jotting down a few more notes and looked up and grinned again. "Consider it done. I'll give you a call in a couple of days. Also, make sure that you let me know when you're leaving and where I can get in touch with you." "You have my cell number. I'll be staying in center city, within walking distance of my old offices. I'll call you and get you the number of the hotel and of my suite." With that they both stood and shook hands. Hank put his arm about Jack's shoulder and asked quietly, "Jack, are you going to see Karen while you're there?" Jack felt himself choke up suddenly. Karen had been on his mind lately and he had conflicted feelings concerning his ex-wife. He did realize that his heart ached every time she came to mind. "I don't know......I just don't know, Hank." *********************** Mariah Cookson strode to the phone and quickly punched in a long distance number. "Hello, Frank. This is........" "Hey Marge, how are things going? Got the sucker corralled yet?" " "Damn it, Frank. Mariah, Mariah, NOT Marge. Why can't you get that into that thick skull of yours. You have to call me Mariah," she hissed. "Ok, Ok, Ok, Mariah. I'll remember, don't get your tits in an uproar." Frank complained. "Anyway, how's it going out there?" Mariah calmed down, "Nicely Frank, and things are moving better than I had anticipated. Guess what? We're flying into Philly. He has some business with his old firm and I'm going with him. I insisted on separate rooms, I don't want to crowd him or get him suspicious. I'll introduce him to you as my business associate and potential investor. We'll discuss it in more detail when I see you, but I think we can put the bite on him for about a quarter of a million at least. " Frank Kemp laughed into the phone. "Jeez,, you are something. I thought it would take at least another month or two. You must have this guy eating out of your hand. Ok, you're coming in, what do you want me to do?" Mariah thought for a moment, "Ok, Frank. Let's run it like we did last time. Get hold of a half way decent public relations firm and let's get started slipping items into the local papers. You know, little hints about a really exclusive boutique opening up in center city. Let's get those main line matrons' juices flowing a little. They're always looking for new things." Frank interrupted, "Hey, I think I've got the firm for us. They're right in town and not far from my office. They're a marketing outfit and they have a fairly decent PR division. I'll call and make an appointment." "Ok, Frank. You take care of that end. I'm going to have my hands full with Jack. I'll call you when we get into town." ********************* Frank Kemp walked confidently into Carl Rollins office and introduced himself. "Thanks for seeing me on such short notice, Mr. Rollins. You have my card and you can see that I'm a CPA with offices not far from here." Carl Rollins looked Frank Kemp over. He saw a tall, good looking guy in his 40s he would guess. He noticed a certain coarseness in him, but decided to listen to his spiel. "Have a seat, Mr. Kemp. Tell me what I can do for you." "Here's the deal, Carl. It's ok to call you Carl?" Rollins nodded his head, but cringed a bit inside. "Oh boy, what a schmuck" he thought. "Ok, Carl. I represent a group of investors who will probably be opening up a really exclusive and expensive woman's boutique here in town. I don't really want to get too much information out there right now, but I do want to tickle the ears of our potential clientele You know what I mean? A few tidbits in a few papers just hinting at something new coming. I know that this is small peanuts now, but it will get much bigger later on. Now, can you take care of my needs?" Rollins breathed a sigh of relief. This will be easy and he thanked the gods that he wouldn't have to deal with this creep. "Know just what you're talking about, Frank. We have an excellent PR section and I know just the person who can help you. She is stylish and smart and would be perfect to begin a program such as you've outlined. In fact, you're in luck, Karen just completed a successful campaign for a group of high end shoe stores. She would be perfect for this. Let's see what her schedule is and we can call you and set up a time so that the two of you can meet to discuss your needs." ************************ Jack and Mariah settled themselves in their seats in the first class cabin of the large jet. Mariah insisted upon the aisle seat; it would be easier for her to use the ladies's room. Jack nodded and shrugged. They were taking an early morning flight out of LAX and he hoped that he would be able to get some shut eye during the flight. Plus, he wanted to mull over the information he received from Hank the evening before. His thoughts went back to that telephone conversation. "Jack, I don't have a lot yet, but what I do have is rather interesting. Ok, just sit back and listen. First of all her name isn't Mariah." Hank chuckled, "How about that, what a moniker. Her real name is Margaret Schuller and she was born in South Philly. She's been married three times, the last to an attorney in Philly by the name of Jerry Cookson. It seems that he was a widower and, I'm guessing, she got him when he was vulnerable,. Anyway, that union lasted only about 2 years before he filed for divorce. She managed to get a chunk of cash from him and it appears that that's what she used to open her shop here on the coast. I'm going to keep digging and when I get more I'll call you in Philly." The information that Hank Simmons managed to collect in a short time didn't shock Jack. It only reinforced what he suspected all along. Still, it would be interesting to see how she would proceed with her plan. "Shit," he thought. "I really must be getting bored with my life. I should just tell her to take a flying leap. Why do I continue to play with her? Maybe it's just curiosity, just to see how she plays this out. Well, I can always burn her ass. The further she takes this, the harder her fall will be." Jack shook his head, wondering why people play the games that they do. Mariah snuggled into his shoulder and bubbled about her plans for the new boutique, not noticing the contempt on Jack's face. She suggested that they have dinner in the hotel's dining room, and, perhaps, they could have a nice bottle of white wine sent to his suite. Her attempt at coyness was not too successful. *********************** Sara Cookson stood before the large wall of plate glass and gazed at the blazing lights of the city beneath her. The apartment that she and Jerry bought still left her breathless with its spacious size and luxurious appointments. In fact, the past year was a breathless one, filled with major events. She had finally decided to divorce Jim Belsen, the marriage had been faltering for some time, she had realized. Then meeting Jerry as she had and the whirlwind courtship. More than once her cautious nature attempted to reassert itself, but the love and attraction that she felt for this man seemed to overwhelm her senses. Fortunately, Jerry had proved to be a compassionate, kind and thoughtful lover. She knew then, as she knew now, that agreeing to marry him was one of the wisest decisions she had ever made. "Sara, I'm home," he bellowed boisterously as he closed the door behind him. Taking her in his arms he kissed her tenderly. "It seems that I just can't wait to leave the office to get home now, knowing that you're here waiting for me. Thank you for loving me, Mrs. Cookson." Sara smiled, looking up at him affectionately. "You're welcome, Mr. Cookson. Let's just thank each other and consider ourselves very lucky." "I'll drink to that, and speaking of drinking, let's not forget that we have reservations at the Rittenhouse for dinner,. Let me wash up a bit, and then we can leave." he said as he headed for the bedroom. It wasn't too much later that evening that Sara and Jerry were ensconced in an intimate booth in the lounge of the hotel, mixed drinks in front of them. Jerry was in an expansive mood and was regaling Sara with the latest legal gossip going around town. In an instant, his demeanor changed. Sara saw him pale and his face tightened and eyes narrowed. Sara become instantly concerned and placed her hand on his. "Son-of-a-bitch," he muttered. "Godamnit, she's like a nightmare that won't go away." He returned Sara's grip and squeezed gently. "I'm sorry that I startled you, honey. It seems that my ex-wife just walked in the door. She's standing by the entrance to the dining room with some guy." Sara followed his gaze and gasped. She did not recognize Mariah, but she did recognize Jack Bell. She knew the entire story of Mariah and Jerry's experience with this woman. She recognized her as a predator and immediately worried why Jack Bell would be with this type of woman. Jack was no fool, why would he take up with someone like her? Sara made up her mind quickly. "Jerry, that's Jack Bell with your ex. You remember him. We're obviously not going to be dining here tonight, but before we leave I have to find out if he's staying here at the hotel. I thought that he had moved out of town. I think that we have to have a conversation with him and soon." "What do you intend to do," queried Jerry anxiously. "Just wait for me outside, don't let her see you. I promise that I won't be long," she reassured him. Not waiting for him to comply, Sara strode across the lobby and into the dining room. She quickly located the couple and approached them. "Hello Jack, it's been awhile. How have you been?" asked Sara. Jack looked up, startled, and then smiled broadly. "Sara, it's so nice to see you." Remembering his manners, he turned and introduced her to Mariah. "Sara, this is Mariah Cookson, Mariah, Sara is an old friend that I haven't seen in quite awhile. Sara looked her over cooly and noticed the woman's eyes narrow. They seemed to understand each other, and they acknowledged the introduction. Sara then turned to Jack, "Is this just a visit, Jack, or are you thinking of moving back?" "No, no. Just a brief visit, "Jack said hurriedly. "I have a suite here at the hotel until my business is over, and then I will probably be headed back to the coast." Sara heard enough. "Well, it was nice seeing you again, Jack. Take care of yourself," and then without glancing at Mariah, she turned and walked out of the room. Moving through the front entrance, she saw Jerry waiting a few steps away. He moved toward her. "Sara, what the hell........." but was interrupted by Sara's fingers against his lips. "Shhhh Jerry. I found out that Jack is staying at the hotel. We will call him later and arrange a meeting. He must be told about her. I would feel terrible if she got her claws into him." ************************** Jack leaned against the inside of the door of his suite and breathed a sigh of relief. He had feigned an upset stomach and was able to make it an early evening, telling Mariah he would see her in the morning. She was very anxious for him to meet her "investor." The phone shrilled and Jack was surprised to hear that it was Sara. "Sara, this is a surprise. I........." "Jack, Jerry and I really need to come up and speak with you. I know it's late, but I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. It won't take long, Jack." Jack hesitated only briefly. "Sure Sara, come on up," and he gave her his suite number. Five minutes later Sara and Jerry knocked on the door and were admitted. After the usual hellos, etc. they made themselves comfortable and Sara began. "Jack, I hope that you don't get upset with us, but I think the best way to start this conversation is for Jerry to tell you his story about his ex-wife. " Jerry cleared his throat and then spent the next 15 minutes giving Jack a fairly descriptive run-down about Mariah, from her blatant adultery to her attempted scam of a couple of his close friends, including her attempt to involve him in the con. He informed Jack that she was lucky that felony charges were not brought against her. He then explained that the reason that this story is being told to him is that the woman he was having dinner with was in fact, his ex-wife. Sara looked at Jack anxiously, expecting some kind of emotional reaction. She did not expect that he would just nod and smile warmly at her. "Jerry, Sara," began Jack. "I really do appreciate your concern about my welfare and your warning about the possible danger facing me. I do have to tell you that I'm quite aware of your ex-wife's motives and expect to see to it that she is going to be very sorry that she ever met me. I suspected that she has a scam going which includes conning me out of a significant chunk of cash. She will be shocked to discover that I'm not the patsy she thinks I am." Sara and Jerry breathed a collective sigh of relief. Jack chucked a bit and then arose and poured them glasses of a good red wine. "I hope that the two of you don't have to run. It's nice seeing you again and, Sara, I'll tell you again how happy I am how things turned out for you." Jack turned to Jerry, "Jerry, you do realize what an angel you have here." Jerry smiled proudly and replied, "Jack, that's something of which I am very much aware and I intend to spend the rest of my life making her happy." Sara blushed and murmured, "Ok, that's enough of that. You're embarrassing me." Turning to Jack, she hesitated and then said, "Jack, are you going to see Karen while you're in town? I don't mean to open old wounds, but I still feel so terrible about what happened." Jack turned to her stunned. "You feel terrible??? I should imagine that you would understand why I did what I did, Sara. That little "incident" led to your divorce also." Jack Bell: Redux Ch. 02 "No, Jack," Sara explained. "That so called incident was just one of many that occurred during my marriage. That was just the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back,so to speak. There was little love left by that time. Karen's action was foolish, but should not have negated so many years of loyalty and faithfulness. I know that Karen loves you desperately and I suspect that you really still love her. I think that you acted hastily, Jack. Please forgive me for being so blunt, but I think that the action that you took just destroyed your happiness as well as Karen's" Jack sat there, totally dumbfounded. How dare she presume to criticize him, especially since she did exactly what he had done by divorcing her cheating spouse. Sara recognized the turmoil that she had created and wondered if she was wise in speaking her mind. She had thought over earlier what she had wanted to say to Jack and, despite Jack's potential anger, decided that Jack needed to hear her opinion, if he had not indeed heard it from someone else. Not wanting to prolong the tension, she added quickly, "Jack, I'm truly sorry if I have upset you, but at least give some thought, to what I said, and now I think that we had better be on our way. This has been a very trying evening for everyone." Jack gathered himself together and again thanked them for being concerned for his welfare and saw them out. "Jesus, Sara," Jack said softly as they waited for the elevator. "You really laid that on him. I'm not too sure he wanted to hear that." "I know, Jerry. But I really think that he needed to hear it. At least he will be giving what I said to him a lot of thought," Sara said pensively. ********************* At about the same time that Jack was entertaining the Cooksons, Mariah was in her room speaking with Frank Kemp. Frank was chuckling, "Damn, Marg...uhhh Mariah. I really thought that you would be with Bell, with his head between your thighs by this time tonight." "The poor sucker had a tummy ache, Frank. I sent him to his room to rest up for our meeting tomorrow. I informed him that he would be meeting my interested co-investor. Now, tell me what you've been up to. We've got to get our shit together." Frank smiled confidently. "We're moving right along, Mariah. I had a preliminary interview with this broad from the PR place I told you about. Her name is Karen Palmer, and let me tell you, she's looker. Stacked in all the right places," he leered suggestively. Mariah's eyes narrowed and she almost slapped the smirk off of his face. "You stupid prick," she hissed. "You never learn. Keep your damn cock in your pants and stick to business. Are you forgetting that you almost got busted for rape the last time you lost control over some pussy? It's a good thing we got out of town alive." Frank waved his hands defensively, "Ok, ok, I'm not going to get in her pants. It's a bonus that I get to work with a MILF. Maybe when this is over, I'll then sample what she's got." "When this is over," Mariah snapped, "we'll be out of the country. Let them look for us, we'll be long gone. Now get on your back." She then kneeled over his head and slowly lowered her moist pussy onto his mouth. ******************** Jack woke groggily, listening to the incessant ring of the telephone. He had not slept well, his thoughts running rampant over Sara's remarks the evening before. His doubts about his precipitous divorce were becoming more frequent and Sara only voiced what he had been feeling for some time. He looked at the clock as he picked up the phone and saw that it was already 8:00 a.m "Hello," he muttered hoarsely. "Jack, wake the fuck up. I've got a ton of crap to lay on you," boomed Hank Simmons. "Shit," Jack said as he sat up. "It's 5:00 a.m. there. What's so goddamn important to get you up so early." ""Up?" exclaimed Hank. " I haven't even been to bed yet. Now just shut up and listen. Peg and I had a couple of interesting visitors late last night. By interesting, I mean a couple of agents from the Treasury Dept. Now let me fill you in. My inquiries concerning Mariah Cookson provoked some interest by this group. They asked what my interest was and I, of course, explained fully our intent. They then asked if they could enlist our assistance and after listening to them I promised that we will do whatever we could to aid their investigation." "What the fuck are you talking about, Hank? What investigation, what's going on?," an exasperated Jack asked. "Just listen, Jack. This won't take long. It seems that the Treasury Department has had it's eye on our friend, Mariah Cookson, for some time. They first of all discovered that she was collecting federal withholding tax from her employees, but somehow was forgetting to forward the money. Seems that she was just pocketing it. Also, she's been bleeding her business dry. Debts not being paid, etc. She's been stashing away every penny she gets her hands on. It looks like she's planning a quick getaway soon. Further investigation into her background brought to light a few other questionable activities, especially a couple in Philly. Look, they told me that a couple of agents would visit you this morning some time and ask for your assistance. I told them that you would be more than anxious to help. I'm right, no?" Jack sat there with his mouth open. It looked like his concern about how to handle Mariah was just answered. "Absolutely right, Hank. I hope that they get here soon. I can't wait to hear how I can help snare her - jeez, what a bitch." "Good Jack, I was sure that would be your reaction. By the way, Peggy is just beside herself. She feels terrible that she helped this broad set you up." Jack chuckled, "Tell your wife that she owes me another juicy one and then I'll forgive her. Seriously, I'll reassure her myself when I get back." Ending the conversation, Jack took care of his morning routine and waited for a knock on the door, which he was sure would come before too long. As he had anticipated, it wasn't too long indeed before two agents from the Treasury visited. With them was a plainclothes Lt. from the local bunco squad. After introducing themselves they basically repeated the information that Hank had given him. "All we need from you, Mr. Bell, is corroborating testimony concerning your conversations with Ms. Cookson and details of her proposal concerning this "business" venture," explained the shorter of the agents. The other then indicated that Jack would be wearing a wire when he met with Mariah and Frank Kemp, her "investor." He was also told that they had had her phones tapped back in Calif. as well as her hotel room here. They had collected quite a bit of data already and were ready to move on her and her associate as soon as Jack finished listening to their proposal. They suggested that he set up an evening meeting with them. They would collect the wire after the meeting. The pair would then be arrested the following morning. He was also informed that they spoken with Mr. Jerry Cookson about this matter and he promised his complete cooperation. He was scheduled to give testimony concerning all past events concerning his divorce and the events leading to it. ****************************** Mariah put down the phone, a satisfied smile on her face. She then quickly called a local number. "Frank, it's on. I just heard from my poor baby. He's feeling much better and wants to meet us for an early dinner. The poor thing hasn't eaten all day and he's very anxious to have a nice meal and to listen to our proposal. It's all coming together, baby," she giggled. "Super,Mariah. Now that is good news. I'll be glad to get out of this burg. What time are we supposed to meet him and where?" "Right here at the hotel and at 5:00 o'clock. I know that's early, but that's ok. It shouldn't be busy here then and I'll make sure that we have a relatively private table. Make sure that you're on time," warned Mariah. Frank smiled contentedly, "Perfect, sweetie, just perfect. Don't worry one bit, I'll be on time." Frank sat back feeling that everything was breaking his way. He would get the con over with early and then have his dessert later in the evening. With a broad smile on his face he picked up the phone and dialed. "Hi, Karen, it's Frank Kemp here. Look, I know that we have a meeting this afternoon scheduled, but I find that I just can't get away. Look, I know this might be unusual, but can we meet for dinner. We both have to eat and we can have our meeting and have dinner also. Two birds with one stone, so to speak," laughed Frank. "I don't know, Frank. I really want to keep this businesslike , not social," Karen Palmer demurred. "I understand fully, Karen. Believe me, it would be strictly business. I agree, things get messy when business matters and social matters get intermingled. I assure you that our meeting will just be an opportunity to further our plans. Please Karen, be my guest for dinner." Frank insisted. Karen sighed, "Ok Frank. Where would you like to meet and at what time," she asked? Hiding the glee in his voice, Frank mentioned a good restaurant, which incidentally was not far from where Karen lived. "Is eight o'clock ok, Karen? I'm sure that I can get away from my office by then." Karen was resigned to the meeting, although she felt uneasy about it. There was something about Frank Kemp that made her skin crawl and yet she could not identify anything specific about him to cause that unease. "Oh well," she thought. "We'll have dinner and discuss business and then I'll get out of there." *********************** Jack strode briskly into the hotel dining room and spotted Marriah and her companion across the room. Approaching the table, he saw a tall man rise and extend a hand to him. "Hi Jack, let me introduce myself. I'm Frank Kemp and the third party in this venture." Jack shook Frank's hand and seated himself after bending to give Mariah a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Good to meet you, Frank. Mariah's been filling me in on your participation. Let's get some drinks and appetizers and then we can chat," Jack suggested. Their discussion continued through the appetizers and dinner letting Jack get a good idea of what they had in mind concerning this new venture in the city. At what seemed the conclusion of the discussion, Jack attempted to sum up what had been discussed. "Ok folks, it looks like you know what you're doing and your preliminary plans sound good. A venture like this is going to take some serious cash. From the little I know it appears that this is going to require at least a million up front. Do you agree?" Noting the two of them nodding their heads enthusiastically, Jack continued. "What are you willing to put up? I certainly am not going to commit that kind of figure." Mariah took up the question. "Jack, Frank and I have discussed this and we both agree that your estimate is right on the money. I'll be able, because my present shop is doing so well, to put up at least 500 thousand and Frank has committed to 250,000. With your quarter of a mil we can be off and running. That would give you a 25 percent stake in the business." Jack pretended to hesitate, then replied. " Well, your estimate seems valid. It looks good to me. I think our next step is to meet with legal counsel and draw up papers of incorporation. Do you have an attorney who can handle this?" "Absolutely Jack, no problem," replied Frank. "Let me take care of that end of it and we'll get in touch with you in a day or so. So, let's drink to a successful association." Jack tipped his glass and then said, "Folks, please excuse me. It seems that this virus or whatever has taken more out of me than I thought. I think I'll just retire and try to get some sleep. I'm sure that I'll feel better tomorrow. Mariah, how about breakfast in my room in the morning?" Mariah looked up, eyes gleaming. "That sounds great, Jack," she purred. As Jack walked away from the table, Mariah and Frank looked at each other and grinned broadly. ************************** At precisely 8 p.m., Frank pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and walked quickly through the front door. Looking around, he spotted Karen seated in the small waiting area. Approaching, he held his hand out to her and said, "Karen, it's so good to see you. I hope that you haven't been waiting long?" Karen shook her head and replied, "Not long, Frank. I got here only a few minutes ago. This place is not far from my home." "Good, good," Frank said. Turning to the hostess, he asked for a booth and led Karen into the dining room. Seating themselves across the table from each other, the hostess asked if they would like drinks. Frank quickly replied, "No, thank you, nothing alcoholic, Would you like some iced tea, Karen?" Karen nodded and breathed a silent sigh of relief. That Frank refused drinks was reassuring and she thought that this would indeed be a business meeting, albeit with dinner. So over dinner they discussed the introductory plans for the upcoming opening of the boutique and Frank quickly agreed with Karen's proposals. Karen was more than pleased with Frank's enthusiasm about her suggestions and began to relax a bit. As their dinner dishes were cleared, Frank stretched and complimented Karen on her expertise and competence. "It looks like we're going to be off and running on this thing, Karen. There is no doubt in my mind that your proposal will be a smashing success. Let's, at least, have a small glass of wine to toast this venture." Realizing that a refusal would be inappropriate, Karen reluctantly agreed and was gracious when two goblets of red wine were delivered to the table. Frank suddenly reached over the table with his napkin and dabbed at Karen's lips. "It looks like your lipstick is a bit smeared, Karen." he said softly. Karen did not notice that as he did this, he surreptitiously dropped a bit of white powder into her glass. She dug her compact out of her purse and quickly repaired the damage, not realizing that it had been caused by Frank's napkin. They continued to chat as they sipped their wine. Karen started to feel a bit funny, as if the objects in front of her were receding. Her senses started to reel and her words began to slur a bit. She wondered what was happening. She found it difficult to concentrate on the conversation. Suddenly Frank leaned over and with a worried look on his face asked, "Karen, are you alright. You look a bit uncomfortable." Karen looked up at him. She wondered why his lips were moving, but was unable to understand what he was saying. Frank arose and helped Karen out of her seat. "Let me help you, it looks like we need to get you home." Picking up her purse, Frank steadied her and walked her out of the door. Plucking her keys from her purse, he noted that she drove the small Lincoln in the parking lot. He steered her to it and helped her into the passenger seat. Karen reacted like an automaton, allowing Frank to lead her and seat her in the car. She sensed him getting behind the wheel and driving out of the lot. It was not long before they pulled into her garage and she heard the garage door close behind them. Frank opened her door and pulled her up and then led her into the house and into the living room where he seated her on the sofa. He stepped back with a satisfied expression on his face. "Perfect," he thought. "This is going to be a snap. It worked out perfectly, Now I will have my dessert." ***************************** Jack sat quietly in his room. He was relieved that the farce with Mariah was ended and that he wouldn't have to deal with her again. Yet, he felt nervous and edgy. His mind wouldn't let him relax. He knew the problem - he still heard Sara's words in his head and he realized that there was merit in what she had said. He truly didn't know what to do and that confounded him. He was always able to reason out a problem and come to a conclusion, yet now he,was hesitant and uncertain. Was Sara correct? Did he still love and long for Karen, despite her unfaithfulness? His recollection of that "conversation" still irked him, but it seemed so long ago. Did he make a mistake by running away from her? He paced the room, unwilling to admit that he still had feelings for Karen. Slowly he came to realize that his life since the separation had been empty, shallow, without any meaning. Jack stopped and looked into the mirror. "So Jack, what do you do now?" he asked himself. He recognized that for the past few months a different emotion had replaced the anger and disappointment. He recognized that what he actually felt now was loss, he missed Karen desperately.. Again looked at his reflection in the mirror, he again asked, "What do you intend to do?" He suddenly knew what he should do. Grabbing his keys he headed out of the door. ************************** Frank leaned over Karen and softly kissed her lips. Karen looked puzzled. "Is Jack back, is Jack kissing me. I should embrace him." but she found that she couldn't move her arms. Frank laughed softly and slowly unbuttoned her blouse. Drawing the garment over her shoulders he removed it and tossed it on the floor. Gazing at her breasts encased in a plain black bra, he lowered his head and buried his face in her cleavage, inhaling her flagrance. His hand moved to the clasp of her skirt and then the zipper under it. Slowly lowering it, he let it gap open, exposing her panties. Frank pulled at the skirt and Karen automatically lifted her hips allowing him to draw it down her legs. He deposited it on the floor also. "Oh, am I going to enjoy this," Frank thought to himself. "This I'm going to make last. I'll enjoy her for a long time tonight" Moving quickly now, he unclasped her bra and threw it with the pile on the floor. Lowering his head again, he took a nipple in his mouth and sucked gently, feeling it begin to harden under his tongue. He smiled knowingly. "This bitch is going to beg me for it before the night is over." he chuckled. Karen's panties soon joined the pile of clothing on the floor and she sat there naked, her thighs spread. She felt very confused. "Is Jack making love to me?" she questioned. "Did Jack come back to me? Why is everything spinning around. Why am I floating? Where am I?" The questions were not answered. Karen sat there and pondered her questions, over and over. Frank quickly rid himself of his clothing. He was erect and highly excited. He moved over to Karen and placed the head of his cock on her lips. "Open up, honey. It's time to eat," he crooned. Karen automatically opened her lips and allowed his cock to enter. He made sure that just the head went into her mouth. He wanted to savor this feeling. He moved the broad head of his penis slowly in and out of her mouth, moistening it with her saliva. "Yeah, sweetie. Get it good and wet. It needs to be wet to slide into that pussy. Your pussy will get it wetter so that it will slide into your ass smoothly. Oh yeah, we're gonna have fun tonight," panted Frank. Moving from her mouth, he positioned her lengthwise on the couch. He placed one of her feet on the back of the couch and the other spread on the floor. The position caused her pussy to gap open, but he saw that it was still dry. Lowering himself, he began to nibble at her labia, darting his tongue up the slit to her clitoris. Slowly he began to feel her hips moving slightly and felt her pussy begin to lubricate. Frank smiled at his success and climbed over her. Karen's eyes were glazed and she felt her stomach heave just a bit. She felt something invade her vagina and wondered what was happening. Frank began to slowly pump his hips, in and out of Karen's moist vagina. He watched as his phallus entered her, withdrew almost entirely until just the tip was between her lips, and then enter her slowly again. He watched, fascinated, the lips of her vulva pull and push with his movements. He watched as his cock entered and withdrew from her pussy. Jack Bell: Redux Ch. 02 ********************** Jack quickly got behind the wheel of his rented car and almost instinctively ran the route to the home he had shared with Karen. He just hoped that she would even let him enter the house. " Would she even let him see her," he wondered. Had the break been too traumatic for her, would she talk with him?" It wasn't long before he pulled into the driveway. He strode up the walk and onto the porch. "God," he whispered to himself. "It seems like yesterday since I've been here," but he realized that it was actually almost two years. Seeing the light in the living room window, he automatically peered in. His stomach clenched and his heart almost stopped. There before his eyes he saw Karen fucking a guy on the sofa. Tears came to his eyes and he shook, trembled as he recognized the finality of it all. He then realized that she had every right to fuck anyone she wished now. They were not married, she was single and her life was her own. He recognized that all this was true, but he still felt crushed as he watched them screw. He suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked closely. Karen didn't seem to be participating. Her limbs hung loosely and her head lolled back, jerking in tempo to the man's movements. "What the hell," wondered Jack. "Is she drugged or drunk?" The longer he looked, the more he became convinced that what he suspected was true. Karen had no idea what was happening to her. Jack moved quickly to the front door and found it locked. He looked around for something to smash it open then suddenly realized that he still had the key to the house on his keyring. Opening the front door, he immediately entered the living room and stopped in shock when he discovered that it was Frank Kemp who was ravishing his ex-wife. Without conscious thought he swung his fist, putting everything he had behind it, at Kemp's head. He felt his fist connect and heard bones snap. Pain shot up his arm and he feared that he had broken something in his hand. Shaking the red haze from his eyes, he saw Frank slumped on the floor and Karen laying motionless on the sofa. She was trying to heave. Quickly moving to her, he pulled her erect and steered her to the downstairs power room. He make it just in time as she heaved again and vomited heavily into the toilet bowl. He held her as she emptied herself. He held her still as she dry heaved, again and again, until exhausted, she collapsed in his arms. He led her into the den, grabbed a throw from the leather couch there and wrapped her in it. He then lowered her to the sofa and watched her curl into a fetal position. She rocked and moaned. Returning to the living room, Jack saw Kemp still lying in the same position. He moved to the phone and called the number given to him by the Lt. with the local bunco squad. It didn't take more than 10 minutes for them to get there. A medical team was right behind them and they quickly examined Karen and took a small blood sample. Jack turned to find that the Treasury agents were coming through the door. He was informed that Kemp, in addition to all of the other charges, would now be charged with felony assault and rape. Frank wouldn't see the outside world in some time. Jack was also informed that Margaret Schuller had been taken into custody and would be formally charged the next day. ********************** Karen woke with a throbbing headache. She staggered into the bathroom and fumbling with the container took three aspirin. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was aghast. "Hell, I look like something the cat dragged in." Her eyes were bloodshot, her hair in total disarray, and, she suddenly noticed, she was totally naked. Her mind attempted to make some sense of it all. What happened? The last thing she could remember was having dinner with Frank Kemp. Everything afterward seemed to be a blank. "Damn, did I get drunk," she wondered. "Oh no, don't tell me that I had sex with him," she wailed to herself. She turned and quickly entered the shower, feeling just a bit better as the hot water played over her skin. Scrubbing herself, she tried to rid herself with soap and water of the suspicion that that was what had happened. After the shower and a vigorous scrubbing of her teeth, she put on a terry robe and make her way downstairs. Going through the living room, she saw someone huddled on the sofa. Gasping, tears came to her eyes as her suspicions seemed to be confirmed. "Oh my God, what have I done. I actually fucked him. I've got to get him out of here." She moved to the sofa and shook him by the shoulder. Jack wakened with a start and turning around saw Karen standing there with a stunned expression on her face. She felt that she was dreaming, this is a hallucination, this is not reality. The whole morning seemed to be surreal. He swung her legs from the couch and stood. "Hello Karen, I'm sure that this is a shock to you. Please, sit down and let me try to explain what has happened." Seating her in the chair opposite him, Jack then took the next hour telling Karen the entire story. He had debated whether to tell her about the rape, but decided that she had to know everything. It took that long because of Karen interrupting with countless questions. Karen suddenly broke down and sobbed. Jack moved to her and clumsily attempted to comfort her. "It's ok now, Karen. No one will hurt you, I promise." Karen raised her head in wonder. "You saved me, Jack. You came to my rescue. Coming here as you did, saved me from..... who knows what could have happened to me. Why, Jack. Why were you coming home?" asked Karen. Jack stood there, speechless. He tried to articulate what he was feeling, but found himself tongue tied. He held his hands out helplessly. Karen suddenly leapt up and into his arms. "I don't care, I don't care, Jack. I don't care why you came home. Just tell me that you'll stay. Just tell me that you won't leave again. Please, Jack, don't let me go - don't ever let me go." Jack held her, tears running down his cheeks. "I won't, Karen. I won't ever let you go again," he murmured. ********************** It wasn't easy, reconciling. There were may times when they became discouraged and disheartened. But with help of friends, Karen's sister Kate and Dr. Steen they overcame the bumps in the road. They were able to realize their dream. "Grow old with me, the best is yet to come."