0 comments/ 8062 views/ 0 favorites Skimming off the Top Ch. 01 By: Alexis661 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necessary to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** * Mr. John Freeman, head CEO of the biggest financial company in the Midwest was in big trouble. Not the type of trouble that a quick talking man like himself could easily get out of. Oh no. this was much bigger than that. So big in fact, that he was not sure he could get out of it alone. So he called to his secretary. "Mary," he called through the intercom to the desk outside his plush overstuffed office with a view. "Mary, could you come in here for a second?" Before John could take his finger off the button, Ms. Mary Lake entered the office with all the enthusiasm of a secretary making 100 grand a year. "Yes, Mr. Freeman," she said brightly while headed toward his desk, a good 40 feet from the door. "What can I do for you sir?" "Mary, it seems that today is a very important day, and it seems that someone has forgotten that today is a very important day." John folded his hands in his lap and looked at Mary. "Sir?" "It seems that you forgot to tell me today was my wedding anniversary." Mary turned white and began to babble. "Sir! I am so horrible sorry! I mean, I knew it was coming, of course I did, I know every year. But with this new account and with the new partner moving in, my work load has almost tripled! How could I forget? I mean..." "Mary!" John bellowed from behind the desk. Mary closed her mouth and regained her composure. "Quit your whining. This is not the time for this! Now, you fix it and let me know when everything is done." "Sir, it will be done," Mary said almost bowing as she left the office. "I will have this fixed within an hour sir." Closing the door behind her, John was now in the privacy of his office alone. Staring out the window and thinking of the bottle of scotch in his desk drawer, his next order of business walked through the mahogany doors. "Jake!" john bellowed standing up. "Good to see you boy!" "And you Mr. Freeman." Jake said looking around the posh office. "I hope you don't mind," he said nodding towards the door. "It looked like your secretary didn't want to be bothered, and I am not sure if she knew I was there." John scowled. "Yeah, she forgot my anniversary. Can you believe that?" He scoffed as he offered a seat to the young clean-cut man. Jake took it, unbuttoning his jacket before sitting. John took his place behind the desk again and became serious. "Jake, I am sorry to hear about your father." "Thank you Mr. Freeman," Jake said sincerely. "I am still in some shock over the whole thing." "Call me John will you?" He asked passing a box of cigars to his young friend. "I know it has been hard. Your father was a good man. He worked well in this company and a lot of people here respected him." "Thank you for the kind words Mr. Free – I mean, John." Jake said. He stoked on the cigar and sat a few minutes in silence. It started to become uncomfortable when John spoke. "I am sure you are wondering why I asked you here." He said raising his stogie to his lips. He exhaled and continued. "So I will get right to the point. I want you to be apart of my company and work for me like your father did." "Mr. Freeman, I –" "Now, of course it won't be same position mind you, but you will have the majority of the perks and some of the responsibility." "John, I mean –" "Of course we will continue to pay for your tuition until you graduate with your Doctorate in Finance, and of course you will be housed and have an nice piece of metal to drive around." John smiled. "Mr. Freeman, I really-" "John, please," "John, I really appreciate the offer, but I am not sure if I am big enough, so to speak, to fill my fathers shoes. It's still so early after his suicide and I have a lot of loose ends to tie up." He looked at John with downcast eyes. He didn't like to turn down the offer, but what choice did he have? His main goal from now on was to find out why his father had killed himself. Jake thought everything was going very well for his father. He was in his late 50s, worked for one of the largest financial firms in the US. Jakes mother had died when he was 7, and his father had raised him since then. Jake never wanted for anything as a teen, although that only came because his father put in long and tedious hours when he first started working for John Freeman. He had worked his way up to senior analyst and senior accountant. He literally ran the company for John, and was paid well to do it. Jake remembers that day almost a month ago. He had just returned home from college, he was a senior this year at Harvard. He was pursuing a doctorate in Finance, and was glad to be almost done. "Dad?" He called, when he opened the large front door. He threw his keys on the side table and dropped his bag. He walked straight back to the kitchen and called again. "Dad? Its Jake!" While it wasn't unusual for his dad to be out of the house, Jake made a point to call earlier in the day to tell him his was coming home. "Jake, I will offer you one hundred and fifty thousand a year plus bonus." John said pushing back smiling, drawing Jake out of his daydream. He couldn't turn that down he thought. "John, I really appreciate the offer, like I said, but there are some things I want to do and, -" "two hundred." Jake sat there in silence for a moment thinking about it. Thinking about what 200 grand could do. How that could help find out what happened to his father. How much information he could buy with 200 grand. Before he could give john his answer, the homely secretary poked her head into the office. "Sir?" Mary asked cautiously. "Yes, dear, what is it?" "Sir, I think I have fixed the problem sir." She pushed her glasses up on her nose and waited for the signal to proceed. After working for Mr. Freeman over 23 years, she knew when to begin. When he grunted in her direction, she continued. "Sir, I have made reservation at the China Club. I'll have you know that we had to pay off the restaurants manager Sir, to lose the reservations for the party at 7. Your reservations are at 7 now Sir, and please remember to tip well." Mary smiled and went on. "Tiffany's is sending over a necklace for your wife Sir, and will be gift wrapped and ready to go. I took the liberty of buying the Diamond And Garnet set Sir, since January is her Birthday." "Didn't you buy her Garnets last time?" John asked. "No Sir. That was Christmas 1995." She smiled sheepishly to Jake who was still deep in thought of his own. He smiled back in a half way and she went on. "In addition, I have booked the Honeymoon suite at the Royale and a Limo will be picking your wife up at 6. Your tux is on its way over from Kline's, so please be ready by 6:30 Sir." She smiled brightly. "Thank you Mary," John said. "There will be a little something extra this month in your bonus." "Thank you sir. Would you and Mr. Morgan be needing anything else this evening?" "Jake?" John said looking at him and nodding towards Mary. "Would you like a drink, coffee?" "oh, no thank you Mary." "Very well." Mary said and made a quick and quite entrance. Just as Mr. Freeman preferred. "so," john said, "Back to business. What do you say?" Jake sat a minute and glanced out the window. He was becoming uncomfortably hot in the office as big as it was, but the pressure gave in. "Mr. Freeman, I would love to work in this company and carry on what my father started." Skimming off the Top Ch. 02 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necc. to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** * "Hey Alex," Sara Clemmins called. "Do you think this looks all right?" She stepped out of the dressing room wearing a simple white slip dress that fell to the floor. Alexis Freeman, Alex's twin sister, came from behind the rack and gave Sara a critical look. "Do you really want to buy that? It's so plain. I mean come on! This is the P-R-O-M we're talking about!" Alexis spelled out. "Now this..." Alexis said while reaching behind her back, "Is what I call daring!" She held up a long, red, backless dress with red sheer material at the midriff. Alex looked between the two girls and shrugged his shoulders. "Does it really matter?" "Ugh! You are so impossible! No wonder no one wants to date you!" Alexis flipped her hair and stomped back to the dressing room. Sara giggled and Alex watched her pull another dress off the rack. Alex pondered the "girly" remarks while taking a minute to compared his sister to her best friend, Sara. Sara had all the classic features; Brown hair, green eyes and the body of a ballet dancer. Alexis on the other hand had blonde hair, like his own, steel blue-gray eyes and spoiled. Alexis and Sara had meet the third day of kindergarten in Ms. Cozy's class. The only reason they hadn't meet on the first day was because Alexis refused to leave the house on account that she didn't have the right Mary Jane's to match her dress. Of course, Alexis still had this issue when she left the house everyday. Alex was thinking about Sara so intently, he never heard Tea Mitchels come up behind him. "Hello! Earth to Alex!" She said with a grin as she waved her hand in front of his face. "Lost in space again are you? There is a big smile on your face, and I don't think I want to know what you are thinking about." Tea's attention was shifted when Sara came out of the dressing room wearing a light blue dress with spaghetti straps. Now she knew why Alex was lost in dream world when she arrived. "Whoa baby! You look hot!" Tea catcalled to Sara. Sara smiled and did a curtsy with a little spin. Tea added in a few whistles and hoots. She looked at Alex looking at Sara and shrugged. "All right..." Tea said rolling her eyes. "Well, we have a lunch date in a half hour so if you two can live without me, I'm going to find Alexis and we'll get a table and meet you there. bye!" Sara returned to the dressing room as Tea did a perfect pirouette and went off to search for Alexis. Alex just stood there feeling stupid. Why didn't I say anything? Alex thought to himself. Why didn't I ask her out? She might have said yes. Or she could have said no. Sighing, he tore his gaze away from the dressing room and started walk in the direction of Tea's laughter and his sister's giggles. "Alex, over here!" Alexis called when she saw his head just over the rack. She turned to Tea. "What do you think of these?" She said and held up a pair of white lace shorts over the top of the rack. Just then Sara rejoined the group dressed in her jeans and shirt. She didn't have the dress. "Oh. I like them. They'll go with my new tank I just bought. Are you going to buy them?" Sara picked up the shorts and held them in front of herself. "No. You can have them. Besides, I have three pairs at home anyway." Alexis whined as she surrendered the shorts. No sooner than she finished her sentence, she was on the go again as picked up her many shopping bags. She handed half to Alex who took them, but not willingly. "Come on let's get to lunch. Shopping makes me hungry!" The three girls sauntered out of the boutique and headed in the direction of the restaurant with Alex tagging behind them. Halfway to the restaurant Sara dropped behind her two friends while they talked to a passerby that turned out to be a neighbor of Tea's. She slowed enough so that she was matching speed with Alex, which wasn't very fast and she tried to make small talk. "So," Sarah said, stumbling for something to say, "Why are you carrying Alexis's bags? You never let her get away with that." "Well," Alex said shifting his weight, "I actually owe Lex a few favors. She helped me with my English presentation. She is more creative then people give her credit for. So, in exchange, I promised to become her caddy next time she went shopping." He smiled sheepishly as the two sat on the wooden bench. Alexis and Tea were still talking to their friend. "Oh, I see." Sara said. "I guess that is the good thing about having a brother. Or a sister. Being an only child sucks." She said as she glanced impatiently at her watch. "I wish they would hurry up. I am starving." Alex said as he sighed again. His sideway glances at Sara did him no good because it didn't seem that she was paying attention. He began to open his mouth to mention the upcoming weekend in hopes of asking her out, but he was interrupted by his sister. "Sorry guys. That was Ms. Summers. She just had twins and she was telling us all about the little adventures. I hope she doesn't ask us to baby-sit." She sighed. "You all ready to eat?" Everyone nodded in agreement. When they got to the little restaurant situated on the outskirts of the mall, Sarah and Alexis excused themselves to use the ladies room. Alex and Tea reached the table first, grabbing the one in the back. When the two sat down Tea started her little inquisition. "All right. Tell me what has you so flustered these days!" She clapped her hands together like a child and placed them on the table. "Tell you what?" Alex asked setting the bags down on the floor next to him. He settled into his chair and picked up the napkin laying on the table. He started to shred it into white strips. "As if you don't know. I see the way you look at her! Why can't you just ask her out? She's just a girl. What, afraid she'll beat you up?" She waited for the comment to register with Alex. When he figured out Tea was talking about Sara, he smiled, and Tea motioned for the waiter to come over. "Hey! That's not fair. She was like 4 inches taller than me!" "Yeah, but she made you cry!" Tea said trying not to laugh. Straitening her face, Tea tried to be serious and asked, "so what's the problem?" "The problem is," Alex confessed, "That she's not 'Just Another Girl.' She's my sister's best friend. I used to put bugs down her shirt and pull her braids and scare her on Halloween. I've never though of her this way. How can I ask her out? She probably hates my guts for all the nasty things that I did to her when we were kids." Exasperated, he lowered his head into his hands. Before Tea could respond to his heartfelt outpour, Alexis sat down next to her and placed her purse on the floor as Sara followed in suite. The only available spot now was next to Alex. Sara took a moment to debate the situation but ended up next to him anyway. Tea picked up the menu and glancing sideways at Sara. "Did you all think that trig test was just awful? "Alexis said. "I studied for a while last night, but Chad was having this party and I just had to go. I'll be lucky if I pass with a C this semester. How about you guys?" "I studied for about an hour." Sara said. "I might have missed one or two, but I think I did okay." She finished quickly as the waitress walked over. "May I take your order?" The young girl asked. "I want the fried shrimp, the specialty burger and a piece of the cherry pie up on the counter." Alexis put down her menu and all her friends just looked at her with arched eyebrows. "What? Shopping makes me hungry!" She said sincerely closing the menu. "Okay my turn," Tea said as the waitress made her way to her, "I would like the monetary cheese burger, shoestring fries and a club soda. With a twist of lemon please." "The same," said Sara and Alex together. They looked at each other and then grinned. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Alexis piped up, not noticing the heat between her brother and Sara. "Did you all spy that new cutie in home room? He's the new student. Nobody knows where he's from but he sure is hot! His name is Miles I think, and we have fifth period gym together. He sure can spike a ball!" She wiggled her eyebrows, "I wonder what else he could spike!" Alexis said as she giggled. "You wicked little girl! Talking dirty like that! You ought to be ashamed of yourself!" Tea exclaimed knowing full well that Alexis said anything that was on her mind. Sara laughed and Alexis kept giggling. Alex tried hard not to smile but his twin was always so giddy and her laugh was contagious. A few moments later Jeremy Byron walked over to their table. He was the jock everyone loved. Except Alexis. He was spoiled, rich and was used to getting just about anything and anyone he wanted. He was still having trouble convincing Alexis of that fact. "Hi ya'll," He said in his conceited southern accent. He gave Alex a high five and a nod to Sara and Tea. He focused his attention almost immediately on Alexis. "My, don't you look good. Is that a new dress? The blue brings out your eyes. And your hair is so shiny." He leaned over closer, inches away from her face. "Umm. I love that smell. Strawberries." He wiggled his eyebrows. Alexis rolled her eyes and said, "How many times do I have to tell you Jeremy, that I just don't like you?" She smiled, but Jeremy looked confused. "What are you talking about? I know you have the hots for me." "I never have and I never will." Alexis said. Jeremy started to speak, but Alexis interrupted. "And fifth grade spin the bottle does not count!" Alexis reached out and made a 'shew' motion with her hand. "I am with my friends and you are bothering me." She tried to say with a stern face. "Don't worry about it," Jeremy said straitening and reached to take a sugar packet from the table. "You want me you just don't know it yet. Wait and see. Catch ya'll later." Alexis and her friends burst out laughing as Jeremy walked back over to the table of jocks. They were snickering as Jeremy took his seat at the head of the table. "Your so mean!" Sara said. "That poor boy. He's been after you since grade school. Why don't you just give him a chance?" "A chance? Ha!" Alexis said. "The only chance he needs is to walk on two legs without a leash!" The group started laughing as the food was being brought. Settling down, they began to eat with ravenous appetites. On the way home, Sara's Jeep was hopping with a new CD from the mall and her friends were trying to sing along. As the sun was setting, Sara couldn't have been happier. The weather was finally warming up and spring was just coming into bloom. She smiled at the thought of the upcoming summer and all the fun she was going to have with all of her friends. One by one, Sara dropped off her friends. First Tea and then Alex and Alexis. She turned around in the little cul-de-sac and headed home, the wind blowing her hair and her head filled with happy thoughts. Skimming off the Top Ch. 03 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necessary to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** * "Shut up!" Sara screamed at her alarm clock. 6:30 blinked with the constant blare of the 'beep, beep, beep'. She rolled over and hit the off button and put her head under the pillow. A few minutes later she rolled out of bed and picked up the closest pair jeans. "Ugh!" She sighed and tossed them hastily in the corner. Sara fished through her laundry basket and most of her clothes ended up on the floor. "Maria!" Sara called for the twice a week housekeeper from the top of the stairs. "Have you seen my good jeans? Maria!" After no answer, she sighed and walked back into her room and decided on a faded pair of Levi's and the new sweater she bought over the weekend. She pulled her hair back in a ponytail and added some blush and lip-gloss. Satisfied with her wardrobe, she pounded down the stairs and into the kitchen. She picked a bran muffin from the counter and the keys to her jeep. She let the barking Moxy out into the yard where she also saw Maria in the garden weeding. She looked up and waved as the dog came barreling towards her. Sara turned and grabbed the spare change from the basket on the microwave where her mom usually dropped it. Locking the front door behind her, Sara jumped into her jeep and backed out of the driveway. Driving to Oakcreast High, she popped in a Jewel CD and turned up the volume. "Who cares if it's only 7 in the morning?" Sara asked herself out loud. She could have walked, but it is much more fun driving. As she turned on to Oak Street, she saw the new guy Alexis was talking about. He looked all right but definitely not her type. What was his name again? Before she could remember, she saw Alex's corvette. When she pulled into the school parking lot, he took the spot next to her jeep. Since Alexis's mustang was in the garage, the two had been driving to school together. "God Sara!" Alexis said, "You like hell. Did you sleep last night?" "It doesn't feel like it. Do I have circles under my eyes?" But before Alexis could respond, they heard Tea from across the parking lot. "Hey!" Tea screamed waving her hands in the air from across the parking lot. "My god Sara," Teas said looking her up and down, "did a vampire come and visit you last night? Your pale as a ghost." "Thanks for the compliment." Sara said sarcastically and stuck out her tongue. "I think I am coming down with something. I feel kind of rundown. Maybe it was all the shopping." Alexis laughed. "Well, you know what they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" They all made their way to the front door through the throng of other teenagers rushing to class. Before they got inside, Jeremy joined them. "Hey honey dew," he said to Alexis in a drawl, "may I walk you lovely ladies to class?" He bowed and extended his hand to Alexis. "Drop dead," she said and knocked his hand away and rolling her eyes. "Go back to the dog pound where you belong. Last time I checked, dogs weren't allowed in schools." Alex snickered as he watched his sister turn down Jeremy for the thousandth time. Alexis turned up her nose and walked away with a wave of her hand. Tea shrugged her shoulders and grabbed Sara's sleeve and pulled her away. "Why can't he just leave me alone? He is like a fruit fly that won't go away." Alexis said as she fluffed her hair in her locker mirror. She grabbed her books and slammed the door shut. "Doesn't he get the hint?" "He's got it bad," Tea said talking about Jeremy. "Just like somebody else I know," she said in a sing song voice and looked directly at Alex. He blushed and Sara dropped her pen. "Well, well. Isn't it Miss America at her finest." Elizabeth Stowery said to Alexis as she walked up to the huddled group. Elizabeth was the ms. Bitch of high school. She thought she ran Oakcreast High and made it a point to let everyone know how rich she was. She was girl who was only a friend if you cold do something for her. The clique she was in was so close knit some people swore that they got their periods at the same time. She sauntered up to the group and placed herself between Alex and Sara, turning into Alex's arm. "Hello Alex," she purred. Tea put her fingers in her mouth and pretended to gag. Tea didn't hide the fact that she didn't like Elizabeth and Tea really didn't care. "My, my Tea," Elizabeth said slipping her hand around Alex's arm and turning toward her. "What was it, Discount Day at the Salvation Army?" Smirking she said, "Tell me, where do you buy your clothes?" "Who did your hair? Edward Scissors Hands?" Tea retorted. Elizabeth smiled. "How...flattering, but no. I have my own personal hairdresser. Oh, I'm sorry, have you ever been to a real hair dresser, besides the Hair Cuttery?" Elizabeth said with a frosty tone cold enough to freeze blood. When she got no response, she turned to leave snuggling up to Alex for a final time. "Well, I would love to stand here and toss insults back and forth all day, but I must get to class. Bye-bye!" Elizabeth walked away with a toss of her hair but not before blowing Alex a kiss. "Bite me very much," Sara said with a sick look on her face. "Who does she think she is, Princess Grace?" "At least Princess Grace had real hair," Alex said shoving his hands into his pockets. "And didn't sleep with everyone in her senior class. Well, gotta run. Wait for me after class Alexis. Bye Sara." Giving a small wave Alex walked to his first period class. "See ya," Sara called after him. "All right I got to go too. If I'm late one more time Mr. Jenkins will kill me. Wait for me at lunch. Okay?" Alexis asked staring at her friend. "Sara?" "Yeah, sure. Lunch. I'll be there. Bye." Sara tried to recover before she started walking to her class. She couldn't let Alexis know that she wasn't thinking about lunch or even that bitch Elizabeth, but about her brother Alex. When the bell rang for fifth period, a swarm of kids filled the halls. Alexis was grateful that her lunch period was right after her trig class because by now she needed a good pick me up. Rushing to the Quad so as not to miss a minute of her freedom, she didn't see the boy she bumped into. "Oh, I am so sorry," Alexis said bending down to pick up the scattered books. "Sometimes I just get so crazy that I don't pay attention where I'm going and..." She stopped suddenly when she realized whom she was talking to. "Don't worry about it," the silky masculine voice said. "I am clumsy too. I'm Miles." The new student stuck out his hand. "I am new here at Oakcreast. I don't know many people and I have a feeling that everybody is staring at me." He smiled shyly. All Alexis could do was smile back. Thinking quickly so as not to end the chance encounter, she said the first thing that came to mind. "I'm on my way to lunch right now. Would you like to sit with my friends and me? You know, try and make you feel welcomed." She handed back his books. She couldn't believe she crashed right into this boy and then just asked him to lunch. It wouldn't make up for the fact that she tackled the poor boy, but Alexis thought it was better to act first and think later. "I would love to sit with you and your friends. Which way to the cafeteria?" Miles began walking towards the end of the hall where the majority of the teenagers were headed. "You have got to be joking! The caf? If you eat there, you won't make it a week. Besides, my friends and I eat outside. It's only natural. And, if you want a social life here, it's best if you stick with me." She smiled at him and started walking towards the double doors leading outside. Alexis saw him smile and started towards the double doors that led to the outside quad. Alexis walked a little straighter and let her hair swing a little faster when she saw the looks she got from her friends and her not so friends. Being seen with the new hottest guy could have its advantages, she thought to herself. "Everyone," Alexis said as she reached her group. "This is Miles. Miles, this is Sara, Tea and my twin brother Alex." She named her friends as she pointed them out. "Hi. It is very nice to meet you all. I haven't met many people since I have been here," Miles said his words with a slight drawl, and slowly so that the others could understand him. "But it is nice to know somebody." He smiled shyly and took a seat next to Alexis. It just so happened that it was the only one available. Sara was the first to speak. "So, what are you studying? Are you going to go to college here?" She took a bite of her sandwich and a sip from Tea's diet soda. "Well, I have only been in here for two months and I am living with my aunt on Banker Street. Do you know where that is?" He shaded his eyes from the sun at looked at Sara. She began her reply but no sooner than she opened her mouth did Alexis jumped in. "Of course! That is right near that Café on Bolden right?" She placed her hand on her chest in a mock gesture. "I love that place. My friends and I go there all the time! You have got to try their double espresso. Maybe we could go sometime." She nudged his arm with her elbow, inviting a date to be made. "Gee Alexis, what was the name of that Café?" Tea asked with a fake look of puzzlement while Alex tried to keep from smiling. "Oh, well, you know Tea. We go there all the time." Alexis said through clenched teeth and a smile. She looked around to the others to make sure they got her hint. "Oh, that Café," Sara said after getting Alexis's clue. "Yeah, we got there all the time. Great coffee," she said enthusiastically. Alex on the other hand didn't play along. "What are you talking about Lex? You have never been there a day in your life. We wanted to go last weekend and you said that only dorks hang out there." He balled up his paper bag and sailed it into the garbage can. "I think your hairspray fumes have gone to your head." Alex walked away without so much as a backwards glance. "Brothers are so dumb," Alexis piped up trying to steer the conversation back to her. "So how about that Café? How is Friday for you Miles?" She gave him her most winning smile that was rewarded with a curt nod. "Sure. Why not. Would you like to come Sara? Bring your boyfriend Alex. Tea can come too. We'll make it a little party." He smiled wide and put his arm around Alexis who was on his left and Sara who was on his right. Alexis smiled on the outside but was fuming inside. She was going to find a way to make it a party all right. A private party. Skimming off the Top Ch. 04 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necessary to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** Sara, Alexis and Tea were spread around Alexis's large bedroom deciding what to do with their Saturday afternoon. Tea was flipping through one of the many fashion magazines lying around Alexis's room, and Alexis was braiding Sara's hair. "We could go watch the guys baseball practice," Tea said from behind a copy of Vogue. "Don't they get the new uniforms this year?" "Yeah, but what's the point?" Alexis said. "There's nobody there I want to see run around in tights. Jason McGrail graduated last year and he was the only reason I ever went to a game. Besides," Alexis said while pulling in strands of hair, "Next time I step onto that field, it will be as captain of the cheer leading squad!" Alexis threw her hands up in a mock salute, dropping the tight braid that was forming in Sara's hair. "Okay, how about this," Tea said as she put down the magazine. "Why don't we go back to the mall for a few hours and see if we can find something to wear to the Spring Fling next week. I saw a really cute sun dress in the window of Bumbles." She looked at her friends to see if they liked the idea. They shrugged, not thrilled with the thought of going back to the mall, but were agreeable since there was not much else to do, and why give up an opportunity to spend money? "We can even take my Jeep if you want me to drive." Sara volunteered jingling her keys. "Who knows, maybe we might even run into Miles." She raised her eyebrows towards Alexis, knowing that that was sure to persuade her to go. "All right you guys," Alexis said grabbing her purse from the vanity table by the bed, "lets go find a dress. Maybe we will see Miles there. And who knows," Alexis said flipping her hair, "Maybe he will be the lucky guy to take me to the dance!" The girls left through the front door and out to Sara's Jeep. The three friends piled in and turned up the music loud enough to get stares from the neighbors who where trying to enjoy the afternoon on their porches. Laughing as they turned the corner, they never saw the car following them. * * * Although it was an exhausting day at the mall, the girls were pleased with their purchases. Each had chosen a dress to wear the following week to the spring dance. Even if they didn't have dates yet, it was better to be prepared just in case. They didn't see Miles there, but the girls didn't even look for him. Alexis picked out a soft yellow floral, with small straps and a high skirt. A pair of Nine West sandals completed the outfit. "It's enough to show my stuff, but leaves enough to the imagination," she had said after coming out of the dressing room. Tea and Sara gave Alexis a 'you've got to be kidding' look, but had to admit it did look good. Sara on the other hand picked out a light green slip dress that flared at the hips and swayed slightly when she walked. Like Alexis's dress, the straps were thin, but Sara picked out a matching cardigan just in case it got too cool. Tea opted for the short skirt, long top combo, and with her height, Tea carried it off perfectly. Shoes for both girls were simple sandals, and only minor accessories were needed. The girls piled back into Sara's Jeep and headed home. The sky was getting dark and Sara had to switch on her headlights, which made the beams of light cut through the darkening roads. "How about some tunes?" Tea called from the back seat. "Any thing good up there?" She leaned in between the bucket seats to reach for the CD case in the front. Alexis was handing it back to her when Sara swerved quickly to the right. "What the hell was that?" Alexis screamed. She started to turn to Sara, but the car was jerked to the right again. Sara had a look of pure terror on her face. "I don't know! That guy almost just hit me! He has his high beams on and I can't see!" Again Sara swerved to the right but not before the other car slammed into them. Just before Sara had control of the Jeep, the car made contact again, making the Jeep spin about ninety degrees. Before Sara had even come to a complete stop, the Sedan speed off in the other direction. Sara put the Jeep into park and all the girls got out. All three were terrified and shaking, but Sara most of all. Once they checked themselves and eachother over from blood and broken bones, Sara turned her attention to the jeep. "My mom is going to kill me! This is at least a thousand bucks worth of damage!" Her two friends still shaken came from around the other side. The look of shock was fading away and the realization of the situation was setting in. "We could have been killed!" Alexis said in a loud whisper. "Who do you think that was? Did you guys see the car? Maybe it was some drunk college guys going for a joy ride." She retrieved her purse from the front seat and pulled out her cell phone. "Should we call someone?" "No!" Sara almost screamed grabbing the phone from Alexis. "The last thing I need is for my mom to find out this happened! She would take the Jeep away in a heartbeat. I can't live without this car!" She pleaded with Alexis not to call the police and was close to tears. "Sara, we could have been killed!" Tea said as she walked over to her friend. "I don't know who the hell that was, but I know for sure that it wasn't any college kids. What college guy do you know drives around in a black Crown Victoria with tinted windows and no license plates?" She looked to Alexis who still had the phone in her hand and then to Sara who had started crying. " Somebody was really trying to hurt us. Or at least one of us. We have to call the police." Finally agreeing, Alexis dialed the police. Less then ten minutes later, two squad cars pulled up and two officers emerged. "I'm officer Stanley and this is my partner Myers." The man who spoke, officer Stanley, was round and portly like a bad Santa Clause impressionist. He had to be at least 50. His indicated partner was a slim young man, no more than 20, and probably right out of training. The girls all started talking at once. "It was not an accident." Alexis pointed out first and foremost. "Someone tried to kill us." Tea said wrapping her arms around Sara. "They tried to run me off the road." The last statement spoken by Sara might not have been heard if Officer Myers wasn't so close to her. "Are you sure they tried to run you off? I mean, maybe it was somebody playing chicken." Myers said pulling out his special issued note pad. "What did the car look like?" Tea spoke first. "It was a dark car. Maybe blue or black. It had dark windows so we couldn't see in because they were, like, tinted. He didn't have a license plate." "Whoever it was made me break a nail." Alexis chimed in. Sara spoke next. "I didn't see him coming until the last minute. Then all of a sudden I had these lights in my eyes and I couldn't see. He hit us pretty hard." She choked back a sob as moved a little closer to Tea. "Do you think you can find out who it was?" Officer Stanley answered. "Its hard to tell. With this kind of description, it will be hard to track 'em down." He paused to hitch up his pants. "Do any of you have an ex-boyfriend that may be jealous or would want to get back at you for something?" All three girls said no at once. Since there was nothing else the police could do, they said they would keep an eye out for a dark sedan with front-end damage, but it was likely if it was a serious threat, the car would not be seen around town. So without much thought, the police gave each of the girls a card and told them to call if they thought of anything else and got back into the cruiser. They offered to give them a ride home, but with the Jeep still operable, there was not reason to be seen riding around in the back of a squad car. Alexis though this most of all, beleiveing that it may reduce her populatiy staus. "Well, I guess we go home." Sara said as she started back to the front of the Jeep. Her two friends followed in silence into the car. The drive home was quite and only disturbed buy the occasionally sound of the girls turning around to look at the road behind them. Skimming off the Top Ch. 05 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necessary to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** After Sara dropped off her two frightened friends, Sara drove the 5 minutes home thinking about the accident. She could figure out who would want to hurt her or her friends. Maybe it was just a fluke; being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe it was just some frat boys playing a cruel joke. A very cruel joke. Sara pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. He mom was home she could tell, because the living room light and the porch light were on. She sat in a few minutes of silence and thought on what to say to her mother about the damage to her Jeep. There was no way Sara could pay for all the damage, and her mom wasn't going to dish up the rest. Hopefully the insurance company would cover some of it, but then her rates would go up too. Sighing, she got out of the car just as her mom opened the front door. "Oh my God. What happened? I just got a call from an officer Myers who wanted to make sure you got home safely. What the hell happened Sara?" Her mom was clearly upset and it looked to Sara as if she had been waiting for her. "Its not as bad as it looks, really mom." Sara said as she waved her hand in the direction of the car. "It was a little accident. Some jerk banged into that's all. Its no big deal." "No big deal? If you hadn't been out with your friends gallivanting around town, this wouldn't have happened." Sara's mom stepped aside for her to enter the house. She continued, "I thought I told you to come straight home after you finished studying." "Mom, I am fine, the Jeep is fine, and as soon as it gets fixed, it will be as good as new. I have some money saved, and I'm sure the insurance will cover some of it." Sara plopped herself down on the couch as her mother followed her into the living room. "I don't care about the car." He mom said softly. "I care about you. You have certain responsibilities to this house. I need you to be here when you say your going to be here." Sara got up from the couch and said, "All right. I promise that I will be more careful with the Jeep and try to be here more." Sara gave her mom a hug. "Good night." "Sleep Good honey. We'll work this out tomorrow." *** * The next day, Sara woke up to the remembrance of the night before. Getting out of bed, she planned what she was going to do about the Jeep. Wanting to find out what her friend was feeling, she picked up the phone to call Alexis. The phone only rang once. "What?" Alexis screamed into the phone. "It's Sara. What is wrong with you?" "Oh. Sorry. Did you call me like six times last night and hang up?" "What? No way. I came home and went to bed. After being confronted by my mother." "Really? Somebody kept calling last night and every time I answered the person hung up." "That's weird. Did you star 69 them?" "Yup," Alexis said yawning. "But it was blocked." "I'm sure it was some guy who lost the nerve to ask you out. Anyway, the reason I was calling is because I need to know what to do with the Jeep." "Are you going to get it fixed?" "I'm going to try, but since it's Sunday, there is not much I can do today." "You could have Alex look at. He's pretty good with that sort of things." "You don't think he would mind?" "Let me ask him." Alexis covered the mouthpiece with her hand, but Sara could still hear her scream across the hall to Alex's room. Sara waited for a few seconds before Alexis got back on the line. "Okay. He said he was going to take a look at it. Bring it over around 1. He'll be here." "Thanks. Maybe I could stop at Subway and pick us up a veggie sub. We could have lunch while Alex's is looking at the Jeep." "No can do friend. My mom and I have to go to Grandmas house to help her clean out the attic. Trust me, if I could get out of it I would. Thanks for the offer though." "No big deal. Maybe I'll learn something from Alex while his working on the Jeep." "Maybe. Anyway, I'll give you a call later. Maybe I'll stop and get a movie on the way back and we could hang out then." "Sounds good. I'll see you later." "Bye." Sara hung up the phone and padded across to the closet. She was going to be alone with Alex for the afternoon and the thought sent little shivers up her spine. Taking a deep breath she left her bedroom and went downstairs to the kitchen. Her mom had already left for work so she was on her own and grateful. She was dreading another interlude with her mother. By noon, Sara had finished breakfast and started on an assignment for school that she had waited to do until the last minute. Grateful for the break, she trotted back upstairs and changed into an outfit that she thought was cute, but not to over or under dressed for the outdoors activity of working on a car. Back downstairs Sara grabbed her keys and locked the front door behind her. She got into the Jeep and drove the 10 minutes to the Freeman's house. Pulling into the driveway she could see Alex sitting on the porch. She supposed he was waiting for her. Sara stopped the car and hopped out. Alex sauntered over. "What's going on Sara?" he said walking to the back of the Jeep. "Nothing much. Alexis said you could take a look at this and let me know what will need to get fixed or replaced." "Yeah, I owed her another favor." He smiled. "but this is a favor I don't mind doing." Sara smiled back and stepped away from the car to let Alex look at the damage. He studied the rear for a few moments and then moved to the corners. Sara could tell he was deep in thought because he had the same look on his face that he got when he was in Math class. "Well," Alex said coming around to the front of the car where Sara was standing. "Looks like you will need a new bummer, or at least get this one banged back out. Second, the left rear light is broken and there is some quarter panel damage done." "What's that?" Sara asked. "And how much will that cost me?" "Well, it is possible that the quarter panel can be banged out too, but the jeep won't look like new without replacing it. If you want to stay on the cheap side, get it done that way. The light is no biggie to fix, just a new bulb and a cover. The bumper can be banged out if it didn't crack, and I didn't see any, so you're in the clear." Alex paused and looked at Sara, "All together you're looking at about 800 bucks." Sara quickly took a mental inventory of her bank account and what the insurance was going to cover. "I think I can handle that. I was saving the money for vacation when me and Lexi go to the beach, but I guess this is more important." She sat down on the front steps. "I could do the work myself." Alex stated from the place on the car he was leaning. "I'm not a complete moron when it comes to cars. I could do the work for you." "If I decide to let you do the work, how much do you want?" ."Just the cost of replacing the taillight." Alex took a deep breath. "And one date." Caught off guard Sara almost missed the last part of Alex's statement. Did he just ask her out? On a date? "Did you just ask me out on a date?" Sara said in a too squeaky voice. "Yeah. I'll do the work on your car for free if you go out with me. You get a new looking car and a free meal." He walked toward Sara and then sat down next to her. "I think it's time we got to know each other better. I haven't had the nerve to ask until now, but now that I have, please don't say no." Sara looked at him with a big grin and after it sunk in that Alex had asked her out, she gladly accepted. "Okay," Alex said. "Let our first date be the spring fling. You already have a dress and I don't have a date. I'll start on your car next weekend and you go with me on Saturday to the dance." Sara agreed to the time to meet him and knew that they would be going with Alexis and Miles. Alex didn't like Miles too much, but being with Sara, he wouldn't even notice. After a glass of iced tea, Sara got back in her Jeep after making him promise to have Alexis call her as soon as she got in. Happily, Sara returned home and went to her room. She had a lot of things to plan before the big date. Skimming off the Top Ch. 06 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necessary to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** The week flew by for the group of friends and Friday came before they knew it. Alexis had been thrilled at the thought of her brother and Sara going to the spring fling and thought it was more fun now that they were going to double. Tea got a date as well, and although she wasn't carpooling with them, she was going meeting them at the school. Friday was clear and warm and lunch came without drama. Sara walked from her afternoon class into the Quad and made her way to the same old spot. She immediately saw Alexis snuggled with Miles and gave them a wave. They had been out almost every night that week, and Alexis wouldn't shut up about him. Today wasn't any different. "Sara! Oh my god, guess what Miles just told me?" Alexis grinned up at her waiting for her to answer. "Gee, I don't know, that your hair is like honey and your eyes are like pools?" Sara plopped down and put her lunch bag on the table. "No silly, He says he has a big surprise date planned tonight. Isn't that so romantic?" Alexis snuggled closer to Miles. "He won't tell me anything. I'm dying to know." Miles smiled and let out a little laugh. "Don't worry, you will be very surprised. I have planned the most romantic thing. You will never guess." Miles made a motion of zipping his lips and throwing away the key. He smiled brightly. "Isn't he just adorable, Sara?" Alexis half asked. "Yeah, a real keeper Lex." Sara took a bite of her sandwich. "Anyway, so where is your brother?" "Making up a quiz I think. If you see him, tell him to tell my parents I'll be home later tonight. This surprise Miles has planned may take awhile." Alexis wiggled her eyebrows at Miles. He kissed her on her nose. "You have no idea." He said. Sara scoffed and finished her sandwich and hurriedly left the quad. She wanted to see Alex before her next class and makes sure everything was still on track. She wanted everything to be perfect. *** After the final bell rang Alexis quickly went to find Miles to begin their romantic date. She couldn't think of anything that Miles would do that he had to keep it a secret. The last romantic thing that a guy did for her was to not burp in public. Miles was different as far as Alexis was concerned and that was all that mattered. He was so considerate, and he listened to everything she said. She could talk to him about anything -- school, her family, especially her overbearing father. He always had some sort of advice for her and he seemed to really care. Halfway down the hall Alexis spotted Miles and raised her hand so he would see her. He rushed over and swept her up in a big hug. "Are you ready for the most romantic date ever?" Miles asked. "I have been waiting all day. Can we go now?" She asked in great anticipation. "The car is gassed up and ready to go. Shall we?" He extended his arm to her as they walked out the door. Miles car was parked in the front row so they made an easy getaway. From the little streets they drove to the bigger ones and than finally onto the highway. About a half hour into the drive Alexis started getting anxious. "Are we headed toward the beach?" She asked breathlessly. "Are you planning a picnic? Or a banquet dinner? You have to tell me or I will die of curiosity!" Alexis scooted sideways a bit to get a better view of Miles profile. "You just can't let me keep a secret can you? If you really must know, I am going to kidnap you and hold you for ransom." Miles said as he smiled. "You are too funny! If you want to keep it a secret, fine. I'll be quite and wait until we get there. But how much longer, I need to use the little girls room." Alexis said turning front right in her seat. "About another 20 minutes or so. Can you wait that long?" "Yeah, I guess. I am just so excited!" They drove for about another 30 minutes and talked as they went along. As always, Miles was intent on what Alexis was doing in her life and what she was talking about. Trying, but unsuccessful, Alexis tried to get Miles to talk about his family and parents. He always said that he lived with his grandmother and his parents had died in a fire years ago. Alexis always felt sorry for him, but never let it show. Miles always put up a block when she asked about his personal life, and she didn't want him to feel uncomfortable. Alexis was talking about the Spring Fling the following night when Miles finally turned off of the highway on to a back road. They went past old houses and abandoned gas stations and a qwik-e mart that didn't seem to be doing much business. From there Miles turned onto an even smaller dirt road which wound its way into the woods and the air got a little cooler. Five minutes later they pulled up in front of an old log cabin that had seen much better days. Alexis thought it was a mistake because what nerd would think this was a romantic place? "Did we take a wrong turn, Miles?" Alexis asked stepping out of the car. She pulled her cardigan closer to her and pushed away a shiver. "Nope. This is where we are headed." Miles said as he came around to where Alexis was. He kissed her on her head and walked to the trunk of the car and opened the hatch. "Miles, this place is desolate. How is this romantic? This is awful!" She took a few steps away from the car and Miles came up behind her. He whispered into her ear, "I told you, I was kidnapping you and holding you for ransom. I wasn't kidding." Alexis felt the knife before she saw the handcuffs Miles dangled in front of her. She tried to scream, but Miles grabbed her blonde ponytail and put something over her mouth. Before a sound even came out she was already seeing black. Skimming off the Top Ch. 07 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necessary to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** Alex called Sara later that night just after the nightly news. They watched a part of the David Letterman Show together and talked about the next day, which was when Alex was going to start working on Sara's car. They talked about the dance and some of their teachers and basic still getting to know you stuff. "Is Alexis home from her big romantic date yet?" Sara asked Alex while looking at her clock. It was after 1 in the morning and she was sure her best friend would have called to give her all the gory details. "Actually, I don't remember hearing her come in. Usually she always checks in with me." Alex paused. "Hang on, let me go check her room." Sara waited for a moment for Alex to check in Alexis's room and heard him pick the phone back up. "Its weird. It doesn't look like she's been home. She is going to be in big trouble if she breaks curfew." Alex said sighing. "They might ground her from the dance." "Alexis would never jeopardize the chance to go to a dance for any guy. Maybe she got stuck somewhere." Sara spoke softly as she twirled the phone cord around her finger. "Wait a second, there's a beep. I bet that is her now, crying because Miles really was a jerk and left her at a gas station somewhere. Hold on Sara." Alex clicked over to the other line and Sara waited in silence. After 3 minutes she was ready to hang up when Alex came back on the line. "Was that her? Did Mr. Wonderful turn out to be a jerk?" Sara said sarcastically laughing. "No." Alex said. "That was Miles. He said he has Alexis and he wants 500 grand." He paused. "That bastard kidnapped my sister!" Less than an hour later Sara was over at the Freeman's house, which was now swarming with cops. Alex rushed to her when she pulled up to the house and gave her a hug. Supposedly, Miles Montgomery took Alexis hostage at an unknown location and was asking for 500 thousand dollars. The directions were for Mr. Freeman to gather the money by 12 midnight on Saturday. Miles would call again and give him a location where Mr. Freeman would go to drop the money and get back Alexis. But the police had other plans. Mr. Freeman was a predominate president and CEO of a large Internet firm that in the last 5 years has almost increased their earnings by 50 fold. The money wasn't a problem for Mr. Freeman to get, but the cops said it was too easy and that Miles shouldn't get away with it. They were going to mark the bills so that Mr. Freeman would get it back if it did come down to turning over the money. The police still thought they could negotiate. After about an hour officer Myers pulled Sara into the office of the Freeman's house to question her. Myers was understanding of the situation, and asked her all the basic questions. No, Miles hadn't said or did anything that would indicate he was after Alexis, no he didn't tell anyone where they were going because it was a surprise, and no she had never thought anything suspicious of him. Office Myers gave her his card again and reminded her that if she thought of anything else, to call him. Sara thanked him and wondered back outside with Alex. He was taking it harder than anyone it seemed. He had always had a feeling about him, and this just confirmed it. Alex hated Miles Montgomery and was going to do everything in his power to make sure he got his sister back. Alexis woke up in the dark. She hated the dark. And she hated crawling things. And where she was, she heard the crawling things. And she smelled them. And she threw up. Alexis stood up and walked around the little room where she was being kept. It was dark save a small shaft of light from a crack in the wall. She realized that was in the basement of the little shack cabin that Miles had brought her to. At this thought, Alexis became very angry and started screaming. "Help! Help! I'm in the basement!" Alexis screamed louder and tried banging on the walls. They were slimy and wet, probably from a past rain that seeped in and hadn't finished drying. Alexis kept screaming till she was hoarse. Exhausted, she sat back down in the corner of the room. She was so thirsty. What she wouldn't do for a big cold glass of ice water. Hours went by and Alexis held her water for as long as possible, but eventually ended up relieving herself in the far opposite corner. Disgusted, Alexis started crying and wondering how the hell she got herself into this situation. Moments later, she heard a loud bang coming from the outside. Thinking that someone had finally found her, she started screaming again. Eventually, a heavy latched door swung open and Miles face shone through. "Your screaming won't do you any good out here." He said smiling as he stepped into the desolate hole. In front of him was an object that looked to Alexis like a very large gun or a small shotgun. Stepping away from him, she quickly looked around for a way to escape. "Don't even think of escaping you bitch. You are miles from nowhere and you have no idea how to get anywhere." He smiled as he put down a small plate that looked like a ham sandwich. He also set down a glass of iced tea. "Now," He said, "You can have this food here and this drink if you listen the hell up. I have contacted your father and told him to bring me 500 thousand dollars for your return. If you behave, don't cause any trouble, I'll be nice to you until your father comes. Do you understand?" "What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?" "Don't you get it? Its not you I want to hurt, it's your father." "My father? You've never even met my father." "But I have. Not directly of course, but my father was an employee of your fathers firm. He worked long hours for your father. He gave his life to your father's company." Miles lit a cigarette and paused a minute before continuing. "One day my father put a pistol in his mouth. They found a note and several documents that could do damage to your fathers business." Alexis licked her parched lips. "What were the documents?" "The documents were things that your father had been doing that my father had been covering up with out knowing it. Money laundering, hookers, mob connections." He waited while the information sunk into Alexis's head. "The sad thing was, my dad couldn't go to the police about it. Not only was my old man covering up your father's mess, but all the work he did pointed right back at him." Miles took a drag from the burning cigarette. "isn't that a bitch?" "You're lying!" Alexis screamed. "My father had nothing to do with that stuff. He would never do anything like that." "That is what you think. Your father is the scum of the earth and now he has to pay. I tried attacking his business personally, but it was much too hard to penetrate. So I thought, 'why not take something that will hit below the belt'. So I took you. And I must say, it was very easy to do." Miles smiled and stamped out his cigarette. Alexis was crying by now, and all she wanted to do was go home. Miles stepped back into the sunlight and shut the door behind him. Alexis waited a few seconds before grabbing the sandwich off of the plate and shoving it in her mouth. She quickly drank down the iced tea. She groped in the darkening room for the little wooden box that she had seen when Miles opened the door. She flipped it on its side, and used it as a stool, instead of sitting on the floor with the rats. Skimming off the Top Ch. 08 ***Well, I have come across a story I wrote YEARS ago and while it is non-erotic, I am not sure if it is really that good...If I took the time to sit and edit and re-write, it might not be too bad of a story, but for shits and giggles I am going to post it, chapter by chapter. I am not looking for votes or feedback, but if you feel it necessary to do so, feel free...Also, please take a look at some of my other stuff (better stuff) and enjoy for what it is worth...*** Far across town and about 6 hours later, Mr. Freeman was sitting in a police van getting a bulletproof vest strapped to his chest. Nearby Alex held Sara as she stared off into the dark. Mrs. Freeman was so distraught that she took a Valium her doctor prescribed and went to bed. The thought of having to deal with the situation was too much for her to take. The Doctor thought it was best she stayed in bed until the whole thing was under control. "Now, here is the plan," a rough looking SWAT team member said. "You will go to the corner of Mandrake and Swanson. You know where that is?" He tightened the vest as Mr. Freeman nodded his head. "The procedure is simple. We already have plain clothed officers at the nearby deli and some at the newspaper stand. Miles Montgomery will never know the wiser. However, just in case he decides to play dirty, we have snipers on the roof of the two nearby hotels. We will also have someone move into position to grab Alexis if the need arises. You know your lines. We do not need anything more to take him down but for him to take the money. Do not, I repeat, do not give him the money until you, or we, have visual contact. He has promised to exchange for Alexis so my guess is he is bringing her." The officer sat back and looked at Mr. Freeman. "Are we sill on track?" Mr. Freeman again nodded his head. He looked slowly at Alex and than towards the house. He spoke softly, "Let's get this bastard." Less than an hour later the bomb was ready to explode. The tension from the officers as well as from Mr. Freeman was almost unbearable. Alex wanted to go, just in case, but the SWAT and police thought it better if he stayed home in case something went wrong or if Miles called to change plans. Anxiously Sara sat by Alex's side and waited. It was all they could seem to do. A block from Swanson Street Mr. Freeman stopped his Mercedes. He started to sweat as he sat at the light. Not knowing how his little girl was doing was driving him insane. All he wanted to do was get it over with and go home. Slowly he rolled the car to the designated corner. He tried not to look for the officers because he didn't want give them away. Cautiously he stepped from the car and onto the curb. He stood standing there waiting it seemed for an eternity. The little earpiece he was wearing crackled with the voice of a SWAT member. He couldn't remember his name but it was giving him instruction to act casually and to stay put. As hard as it seemed, Mr. Freeman held his ground and waited for another 5 minutes. Just as the voice in the earpiece started to call the operation off because of a no show, a small Chinese's or Vietnamese man approached him. Is this Miles? He thought? Before he could react, the man handed him a slip of paper and ran off. Mr. Freeman read it and the terror streaked a crossed his face. Quickly he threw the paper in the nearby trash can and jumped back into the gleaming Mercedes. With screeching tires he speed off up Swanson Street towards the Highway. He heard in his earpiece the Policeman swear as he tore it out of his ear. Forty-five minutes later Mr. Freeman pulled into a Marina on the West side. It was not an easy place to find, but since Mr. Freeman kept his two small yachts there and took them out every weekend, Mr. Freeman knew exactly were Miles wanted him to go. He pulled the car into a gravel parking spot and walked slowly to the dock. He didn't see many people out because of the early morning hour, but a few hardcore fishermen were idling off the pier ready for a day's work. As Mr. Freeman got closer to the pier, he started to make out the shape of a man standing on far side of the loading dock. Is that him? He thought anxiously. But as he drew closer he saw that it was an older man. Seeing Mr. Freeman approaching, the old man shuffled off the dock and back into the Bait and Tackle shop glancing back only once. Andrew Freeman stood still listening to every sound the surrounding water made. Faintly he could here the footsteps behind him. Mr. Freeman turned around and came fact to face with Miles Montgomery. "Good God," Andrew gasped. "You are the spitting image of your father." "Aren't I though?" Miles asked. "I wasn't sure if you were going to recognize me after these years." "I would know that lying face of a Montgomery if I ever saw one." Andrew said and stepped forward as if he was going after Miles. "No no no old man," Miles said side stepping the invasion of space. "Don't forget, I am the one in control. I have your daughter." He smiled. "I liked the little stunt you tried to pull at the corner. Having all those cops around. Do you think that was going to keep you safe? I knew what was going on." Miles tapped his head. "I'm real smart. Smarter than my father was." He said in a singsong voice. "Fine you bastard. Give me my daughter and I will give you the money. Just give me back my daughter!" "Its not just the money I want!" Miles screamed in Mr. Freeman's face. "I want to know why you did what you did to my old man. Why did you make him cover for you? Why did you make him your martyr?" "What are you taking about Miles?" "Don't play dumb," Miles said taking out a pistol from his belt. "I know why he killed himself. He killed himself because you were going to let him take the fall for all your dirty money. He told me all about it. You had hookers and politicians swinging from your little finger. He was covering your payoffs and withdraws. He was the one that was going to get blamed if the crap hit the fan. He was the one who cleaned up your mess." Miles pointed the gun at Andrew. "Let me explain something Miles," Andrew started to say. "Your father was a good man. He work long hours for me and help my company get to where it is today. I paid your father well. He had good benefits and perks. But he wanted more. So he took it." Andrew paused. "Don't you get it? It was your father that was stealing, not the other way around." "You're lying!" Miles screamed. "My father didn't do that!" "But he did Miles! When I reviewed the books I saw money going out to accounts all over. He was a trusted partner to me and he did it right under my nose. Do you really think I was that stupid?" "Stop! Don't try to turn this around on him! Stop!" "So when I confronted him he lost it. He swore he didn't do anything wrong. He said it was what was owed to him. Owed to him. He thought he did everything to cover up his indiscretions. In essence, he tried to blame me. Don't you see Miles? Instead of going to jail and admitting what he did, he created this elaborate story for you in order to get back at me. And than he killed himself to make it look legit!" "That is not true!" Miles screamed again. "Why won't you stop!" Miles grabbed his head with the hand holding the pistol. Slowly he turned around in circles and just as quickly he stopped. Facing Andrew again he said, "It doesn't matter now anyway. I still have your daughter and you still have the money. The money that is due to my father and to make up what you did to him. The way I see it, you killed him." "Fine Miles," Andrew said. "Let me have my daughter and you can have the money. Where is she?" "Do you think it was going to be that easy? We are going to do this my way. You will put the briefcase over there on the dock. You will walk away and let me retrieve the money. Then, you will turn around as I get in my car and drive into the sunrise." Andrew stood there thinking it over. "And what about my daughter?" "Your daughter is in the repair shop neatly tied to a chair. You can go to her as soon as I leave in my car." "How do I know she is in there? That you haven't already killed her?" Miles smiled. "I keep my promises. I promised not to hurt your daughter as long as I got my money. I got the money and you have your daughter. And if I may say so, a sweet little thing." Miles licked his lips. Angrily Andrew growled low in his throat directed towards Miles. "Now, now. Don't get that temper going. I left her virtue in tact. Well," he said smiling, "What was left of it anyway. Everything is fine and dandy. This is almost over. Put the money down." Miles pointed to the empty wooden bench on the dock. Andrew stood for a split second trying to decide weather or not to trust Miles. Liking it or not, he had no choice. Quickly he set down the briefcase and stepped back. Miles held the gun out and walked over to the briefcase and popped open the latch. "It looks to be all here. Is it marked?" "Do you think I would be that stupid. Just leave so I can get my Alexis." "Good boy Andrew. See, I told you this would be painless." Mile closed the case and started walking back to the gravel where the car was parked. "See you in hell." He slid into the drivers seat and tore out of the parking lot. As soon as Miles was out of sight he ran to the nearby shed that dubbed as the repair shop and threw open the cracked wooden door. There in the middle was Alexis, tied to the chair as Miles promised. He head was low ad for a second Andrew thought the worst. Rushing over to her he lifted her head. "Alexis!" He called tapping her face as if to help her regain conciseness. "Wake up baby, your safe. Alexis!" He shouted louder then intended, but the voice of her father was powerful enough to get her to open her eyes. At the sight of her crying father, Alexis began to cry silently. "I am so sorry daddy," Alexis started to say. "I didn't know..." "No, sweetie, it's not your fault. I am just glad you are okay. Did he hurt you?" "I feel a little bruised and my head hurts and I am very thirsty. I want to go home." Alexis said and began to cry again. As Mr. Freeman untied his daughter they heard a big commotion out side the door. Afraid it was Miles come back to finish what he started Andrew worked quicker cursing at the knots. "Mr. Freeman!" A shout came from outside. "Mr. Freeman, do you have her?" When it dawned on Andrew that it was an agent, he happily shouted. "Yes! Yes I have her! She's safe!" Carrying his daughter, he made his way out of the shack and into the arms of an EMT. "What is going on?" Andrew said to a nearby agent, the one who was calling earlier. "Well, because of the smart thing you did at the street corner, we were able to track you here." Andrew looked blank so the agent continued. "When you threw the slip of paper into the trash can, out agent picked it up and followed the instructions like you did. We made it look like it was just you coming here." Andrew smiled. "Does that mean you got the bastard?" He questioned. "Did you get him?" "As he was leaving the gates our men were all over him. We got the money back too." The agent seemed content with leaving out the dirty details such as Miles taking his own life by jumping over the ravine. That can come much later. Andrew went back to his daughter's side. He held her as the EMT's cleaned up her face and started IV's. He kissed her forehead and rode all the way to the hospital with her in the ambulance. At last it was over.