5 comments/ 40650 views/ 8 favorites Mommy Was a Whore By: Egmont Grigor CHAPTER 1 The early summer homecoming of Gina Lott, recently turned thirty-six and ostensively an international swimwear model based in Paris, was inauspicious. It was raining. It also was hugely disappointing for the homecoming woman. There was no crowd of doting extended family to greet her at Graytown Railway Station, only two elderly uncles who said her mother was having her hair done and her father was playing in a 24-hour poker marathon. News of her parent's indifference left Gina feeling shafted. She was limping and waiting for muscles to fully recover after she'd fractured her right thigh in a skiing accident when she ran into a solitary tree (she was drunk). She was also recovering from a virulent STD of which she had been recently pronounced 'cleared', that not having quite the same ring of confidence as 'cured'. Always a quick and decisive thinker Gina handed the nearest attendant three twenty dollar notes as three attendants were involved in unloading her seven bags and a roll of five paintings and called, "Please reload my bags. I have decided to extend my journey." "Yes ma'am," said the attendant, pocketing the $60 and shouting to his colleagues to return everything on the trolley to the carriage luggage bay. "Uncle Harry, Uncle Christian. Thank you enormously for coming to see me during my brief stopover. Give me love to your families and keep well." Astounded by the unexpected, the two men just waved at the back of the departing niece who turned before re-boarding to return their waves. "I'll be back to show you my baby," Gina called. Harry said, "I knew she had some sort of internal problem but didn't know she was pregnant." Christian, always good for a joke, replied, "I understood she never had a dick in her long enough to get pregnant." The train drew away, taking Gina with it and the brothers returned to their homes with a tale to tell about their niece's 'whistle stop'. They and all other relatives would remain unaware of the sensational story about Gina: An international swimwear model based in Paris she'd never been; Gina has worked for most of the past decade as a high-class whore based in Rome. Only here parents had found out about that and resolutely kept their mouths closed. Now a wealthy woman Gina had come home to have a baby, yet to be conceived. For sentimental reasons Gina chose to proceed west for six hours to Palin City, named after Sergeant Boniface Palin who galloped for five miles until his horse dropped dead and then ran the last three miles to warn the Army outpost on the present day site of Palin that the Indians were coming. No Indian force arrived and the incident was reported as Palin's Hallucination. Some wag irreverently chose that name for the new settlement and before too long right-thinking settlers shortened the name to Palin. When Gina was a girl she stayed in Palin with her maternal grandmother and grandpa, spending some of the happiest days of her life there because her grandmother ran the stables-cum motor repair center and her husband was the town's leading blacksmith/silversmith. After successive summers at Palin, Gina at fourteen could ride a horse better than most boys her age and by 16 she could hammer out and inscribe handsome copper sports trophy plates as well. Her grandparents were long gone but she still owned their residence, now operating as a guesthouse. On the train she called to book a room for two months and ended up securing the entire loft of the original home, centerpiece of the development and available in two days' time. Gina stood on a platform at Palin station with her luggage waiting. The crowd dispersed and finally an enterprising cabbie approached her and she engaged him. "What is your name?" she said the cabbie. "Saltham Brown miss," said the Afro-American, opening the door for her. "Well, it's your lucky day Saltham. I'm at the Pioneer Hotel that is only one hundred yards from here but I needed my luggage transported and because you were so courteous I'm giving you fifty dollars." "Ten dollars is ample miss." "Shut up Saltham. You're getting fifty." He grinned and Gina had her first new friend in town. After dinner Gina walked down to the river and gasped when the Blacksmith's Retreat came into view. It was painted all white with a green roof and shutters had been added painted the same green. Double carved doors, open, also painted green were other new fixtures. She thought wouldn't granny have been pleased. The two new wings looked great. As she walked by she read on the sign, Adam & Fleur Castle, co-operators. How lovely she thought, a guy prepared to be in partnership with his wife – or were they brother and sister? The next day Gina called some of her few friends left in the city, far fewer were left than she'd expected and reunions were arranged. At 2:00 she received a call from Palin Post Reporter Robyn someone was wanted to interview her at the hotel and to bring a photographer. "Why me?" "News is short," Robyn Hudson responded honestly, "and your family ties extend back to the first two years following the proclamation of Palin's Hallucination as a frontier town." "Be sensitive if you write anything about me and make no mention about Hallucination. The poor sergeant thought he was discharging his duty heroically." "Yes Miss Lott." "Call me Gina dear, it doesn't worry me if you're just out of college. I'm no celebrity. Come at 3:30 for refreshments. Are you and the photographer old enough to be served wine?" "Yes Gina. I'm forty-two and editor of the Post and the chief photographer Richard is my bedfellow." "Oooh, how modern and Richard Bedfellow would be a great name in a novel. Don't be late. The mayor is putting on cocktails at 4:15 and inviting councilors and civic dignitaries. Are you a civic dignitary Robyn?" "Unfortunately no. The mayor threw me out of a council meeting and I'm having to go through six months what he calls rehabilitation before I'll be permitted to enter City Hall again." "Did you re-enter City Hall and report in your newspaper each time you were ejected?" "Good heavens no. He'd have me arrested and my reporters banned from reporting council affairs." "Oh, what a great story. It probably would go nationwide. What color is your hair Robyn?" "Excuse me?" "I asked what color is you hair?" "Auburn." "Oh fantastic. I can see the story on network TV: 'Fiery Redhead Editor Takes on City Hall'. However the downside is if there is a civic revolt, Tubby could be thrown out of office." "H-how do you know Mayor Johnson's nickname? No-one dares use it." "I spend part of a year at high school here when I was seventeen and I head-butted Tubby Johnson when he dared touch my breasts. I was suspended two days but he was stood down for ten. I broke his nose. The mothers on the school board, although a minority, assured the board chairman there would be hell to pay if I received more than two days' suspension." "Why didn't Jason also get two?" "His father was the city's leading attorney and also chairman of the board and was out to severely punish his son whom he publicly called a creep. He moved Tubby be expelled and the board finally settled on a 10-day stand down." "Ohmigod, Mayor Johnson must hate you?" "He still loves me and was my lover for six months when we were both at college doing law. I want you to come with me to the cocktail party as my guest and we'll have this out with Tubby. We'll threaten him, as you should have done. Unless he reinstates your accreditation your newspaper will wage war on him." Robyn took it very politely. "Gina, I don't think you understand how a newspaper works and the politics involved. I can..." "Robyn, who is your newspaper company's largest single shareholder?" "Some undisclosed outfit registered in the Cayman Islands." "Called Blacksmith Nominees?" The editor sounded surprised. "Yes, that's it." "Robyn, my grandfather and his father were blacksmiths and stable owners in this town spanning eighty years and my grandfather's estate on his death jumped a generation to land with me. I'm Blacksmith Nominees." Robyn took time to resume speaking. "Can you prove that?" "I can but are you willing to take my word for it for the moment?" "Yes, of course." "I personally know all seven directors of your newspaper and three of those directors including the current chairman came to me in Italy five years ago when your newspaper was going to the wall, strapped for cash, its bank calling in its loans. That was when I purchased shares and became the largest single shareholder in the company. Its chairman Murray Green will be attending this evening so ask him." "Wow, you are our most influential citizen." "That enough of that crap Robyn and the longer you keep talking about this the less time you'll have to interview me." "Ohmigod, look at the time! We're on out way." * * * Gina was dressed completely in black – a lacy black top with a cami beneath it, what appeared to be a black riding skirt, black boots and her black hair was combed up high and she wore a string of large white pearls. Richard was already shooting off some casual shots and said he would take some formal ones later. Robyn began, "We have been informed that for many years you have been a top fashion model based in Paris?" "Oh the tales some people paint Robyn. Can you imagine me being a top model with a bust this size? Just look at them!" The grinning photographer lined them up and photographed them, managing to include Gina's head as well. "After leaving here I traveled throughout Europe for a year. I settled in Rome because my mom is Rome-born and I have many relatives there and ended my 10-year stay in Rome a month ago." In the next breath Gina told the truth but fudged in a bit, leaving out how she made big money in bed. "An uncle working for a big finance company with international links found me a job with the company working as an interpreter for VIP clients. I'm fluent in Italian, Spanish, German and English. Within two months I was given another title of manager of corporate entertainment services and paid very handsomely indeed. I had a staff of five females and we organized changes to tour programs for our clients, advised them of places they should not miss seeing and looked after problems they had with their hotels and driving offences and arranged night club visits and occasionally would get a client out of jail if he or she ran amok at a night club. I completed an advance course on Italian law to allow me to further assist our clients in our hospitality service." "How interesting. Did the hospitality service include arranging dates for your VIPs as required?" "Yes, for women as well as men." "For women as well?" "Oh yes Robyn. Some of our clients were very high-powered executives and had carnal desires but even some wives, traveling with their husbands had us arrange naughty encounters. Some women when they leave home just love to blow away the cobwebs on foreign soil." That seemed to have Robyn's pen shaking. "Gina, you are thirty-six and unattached. Have you ever married?" "No, nor even had a long-term relationship." "What about affairs in the course of you work?" Gina replied adroitly, "It was prohibited but of course it's an Italian past-time to bend the rules and to even ignore laws. Need I say more?" "So you had affairs?" "Yes, including some memorable ones. May we move on?" "Of course. "I guess you sought personal financial advice from specialists within your company?" "Yes, indeed. As I said I was on a huge salary, doing the work of two people. I had two investment companies set up investment arms for me in locations to avoid, but not evade, heavy taxation." "Tax havens?" "My advisers and I know them as tax reducing centers." "Is it true you are a significant stockholder in the company that owns the Palin Post? "I'm not at liberty to talk publicly about that. Any request to that information must be referred to the board chairman. Look, we must go." "Oh God, look at the time!" "I have Robyn. That's a lovely cocktail dress; the colors really suit you. You may wish to add that I'm thrilled to be back in the town where I spent many summers in my earlier life. I'm looking to meet old acquaintances and will stay awhile. I'm booked in at the Blacksmith's Retreat." "Do you own that?" Robyn asked as if exercising a hunch. "As a matter of fact I do. My grandfather left it to me and I had no wish to dispose of it as it links me closely to my past. Richard, put that camera away. You may drop us off at City Hall and take a photograph of both of us standing with it in the background. Later tonight Robyn will be writing a story about her ban from entering City Hall being lifted as a result of intervention by a charming visitor to the city Miss Gina Lott. You'll have to be quick with the photograph because Robyn and I need to have our wee chat with Tubby before we go into the reception for me." * * * Robyn told Richard later she'd never forget that 'wee chat'. They went into the Mayor's Office, walked straight past reception and through the small fence marked 'Private'. The senior of the mayor's two PA's jumped up and attempted to stop Gina. "Gina said sweetly she was Gina Lott and required no appointment to see the mayor because she was a pal of his and added, 'Call security darling and I'll come out and deal with you'. The poor receptionist was left reeling." Richard laughed as said what a scream. Robyn continued: "We walked in a Mayor Tubby had his shirt off and was shaving. He yelled what the hell? Oh it's you Gina. Welcome home darling. He then glared at me and Gina said sweetly, 'Tubby, drop the ban on Robyn immediately or I'll have to personally deal with you.' Tubby gingerly rubbed his nose Gina had broken many years ago and said meekly, 'Sure, the ban is lifted permanently. You guys wait outside and Robyn, join our reception for Miss Lott as my guest'. "When Mayor Tubby joined us he boggled when the public affairs manager told him almost 100 people were attending, rather than the twenty originally invited. News of Miss Lott's homecoming reception had swept through the town's small business district and the public affairs office was deluged with requests for information. The pretty manager said to Tubby, 'Most were your buddies. We acted on your behalf as you were chairing the rodent control subcommittee meeting. We gave out invitations to everyone who wanted them. We advised catering of increased numbers and was told no problem'. It really was awesome watching Gina in action; she seems to generate power." * * * When entering the reception, Gina was greeted warmly and made a small speech and ended by saying she wished to end an apparent widespread belief that she'd been a fashion model based in Paris. "Never have I made such a claim and even all you guys here will know I couldn't I hold down such a position with these large puppies," she said, cupping and wobbling them rather indelicately. Everyone laughed – some hooting – and clapped her. As they were leaving Town Hall Robyn said to Gina, "Our company chairman Mr Green said I can publish the fact that you are the newspaper's largest single shareholder, holding 37% of stock." "Well it's a waste of newsprint stating that. I must go over and say hi to Richard." "Now that you are back will you accept a directorship?" "Hell no, I'm too scatty to be a company director." Robyn said under her breath: "Bullshit." Gina went back to the hotel and alone sat removing her make-up and cried. She usually only cried when she was lonely and that was far too often for her. She reveled in being among people. She wept saying no one loved her, not even her parents. She cried that no one care for her. The reality was Gina only had to think about the profound influence she'd made on newspaper editor Robyn Hudson, but didn't. And Tubby's admiration for her, but didn't And even Salty admired her. Gina was a woman lacking direction although she did have a focus about becoming a mother – single or married. Drinking coffee next morning in her hotel suite while reading the two front-page stories in the newspaper about her, Gina answered a call on the house phone. "Gina Lott speaking." "Oh Miss Lott, I'm calling with an apology. I'm Fleur Castle of..." "The Blacksmith's Retreat. I saw you name on the signpost went I walked by last night. The building looks beautiful and the two new extensions look in keeping with the mother ship." "Oh, how lovely of you to say that; thank you. Alan your attorney approved everything on your behalf and kept an eye on construction, calling in every week night. I'm embarrassed that your name did not mean anything to our receptionist who took your call and failed to quote you a special rate. Would a 20% discount be acceptable over and above the discount she gave you for longer-term occupancy?" "You're a darling Fleur, such a sweet name, but you two are paying market rates for your lease so I expect to pay full rates for my occupancy. Please accept that. Do you and your husband get around a bit?" "A little, we don't have children yet and nights are usually quiet here." "Then perhaps the three of us could mix a bit socially?" "That sounds great. You look so gorgeous in those photos in the newspaper. To what extent did you mean mix a bit socially?" "Oh whatever. Drinks in the manager's spa, late supper in my rooftop garden in the central apex of the loft, dining out, going to the movies. Whatever. "I'm eager to find my roots in Palin again and beginning from where I will be living seems an appropriate place to start." "I agree. My husband may disappoint you. He can be a little coarse of time. When he saw the large picture of you in the paper he...he made a crude comment about your chest." "Oooh, I like that. I never tire of men gazing at my breasts and even making lewd comments within my hearing. I regard them as my best feature. Aren't you proud of your breasts Fleur?" "I...I...yes but I hate hearing men talking about them." "Oh come on Fleur, what else do men have to talk about?" Fleur laughed and said she expected she'd enjoy Gina's company. Gina invited the co-operator of the retreat for coffee when she booked in mid-afternoon next day. Gina read the newspaper articles about her carefully and was relieved that although Robyn had written that Gina had had 'the occasional romance with company clients there was no mention, not even a suggestion, of Gina being involved in prostitution. Robyn of course had not known that but she could have easily implied it had she received a tip-off. Gina was quite prepared to have her past catch up on her, although would evade it if she could. Late morning Gina went shopping until her medical appointment at 2:30. At the medical center Gina handed across her medical file to a registered nurse who also made notes from their conversation. The nurse then took Gina to a female doctor who took swabs and urine samples and then she passed on to a good looking thirties something consultant Dr Nathan McGeorge, whose 'beside manner' (although they were separated by a desk) quite took Gina's breath away. Dr McGeorge then got into the nitty-gritty, reviewing that the problem had been a bacterial infection called Chlamydia but the STD screening in Rome had wrongly identified it as gonorrhea so the Chlamydia had gone on untreated for even longer, leading to early stages of pelvic inflammatory disease. "Ah, it says here you suspected the STD invaded as a result of a shared sex toy?" "Um yes. I accompanied a female VIP on a week's tour of Southern Italy – just her, me and the chauffer whom neither of us was fond of. So thrown together we hit it off and became...how can I say it?" Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 02 Gina rose wearily just before 10:00 and noticed her right leg limp appeared to be almost gone. Well she'd been walking more than usual and had resumed sex. Vigorous sex was good for most people so could be doing wonders for that recovering thigh muscle. She grinned, thinking about last night. Nathan had booked into the hotel after finding someone else in his bed. He invited Gina over and she answered the call, feeling it was a little like being back in her old role, not that she minded. Nathan uncovered her breasts and worshiped them and soon had Gina really interested at being shafted. God, she'd never seen her nipples so prominent and the sight of some of his saliva hanging off one of them sent a wave of mini orgasms surfing around her body. "Dammit, I'm confident you are disease free, Nathan said, his recklessness no doubt brought on by his wife's latest bout of infidelity. Gina looked down as the thick, vein-reinforced pulsating cock, its damp purple head shining like a beacon, stood in silent attention. He was waiting for permission to mount her bareback...it was a good time in her reproductive cycle. "Go fill me with cum you keen young man." Dripping pre-cum, Nathan entered her. They both watched the start of the most revered practice in the history of the world. Two hours later Nathan croaked, "Sorry, can't get it fully up and I doubt if there's anything left for another ejaculation." "I doubt that." Gina wet her index finger at the oozing mouth of her pussy and dug into Nathan, who was relaxed and cooperative. The finger went to a couple of inches searching for the prostate, the male g-spot. Gina soon had Nathan up and running again although the poor guy was nearly exhausted. She left him prostrate and pulled the bedding over him. Well that was Round One in her quest to become pregnant over. That afternoon Salty delivered Gina and her luggage, now supplemented with new shopping, to the Blacksmith's Retreat. Fleur bounced out and patted the driver on the arm affectionately and called him Salty before Gina had time to introduce them. 'Hi Miss Fleur. You look like a sweet pansy today." Of course, Gina thought. He probably ferried much of the clientele, being Fleur's preferred cabbie because of his warm personality and courtesy. She wondered about Salty as a possible sperm injector but then thought no, the approach could distress the lovely guy. Adam arrived to help unload. His mouth dropped open as his looked at Gina, or more accurately at her breasts. "God, look at you," he said unnecessarily, whispering, but probably because she was expecting something like this Fleur overhead and said crossly, "Adam, get back to your rat hole, go on." "No please Fleur, I appreciate praise from a connoisseur." "That's lust – Adam wouldn't know the meaning of fine art connoisseurship." "Would so." Fleur sighed: "I expect you do. Help Salty unload." "It's Miss Gina's luggage ma'am. I wish to deliver it to her room." "There are two flights of stairs Salty...all right, but make sure you take all the heavy items Adam." With the men gone on the first of five trips, Fleur said, "I apologize for Adam. I recall warning you." "It's fine. Look, if he asks to touch or look at them what are my boundaries?" Fleur looked at Gina steadily. "Are you sure about that?" Gina smiled and said of course. "There are no boundaries and if you ever wish to include me, don't hesitate." "Ooooh. I'm going to love living here," Gina said, exchanging soft smiles. Fifteen minutes after Salty had driven off after being served a cool drink, Fleur and Gina stood in the loft watching the sun streaming in the open windows. Gina took Fleur's arm in hers and said, "When I was a small girl I played with my dolls in this loft amid the stored straw and oats and rats scurried around." "Ohmigod." "I loved it. Shall I wait until we are having a drink with Adam before I continued telling what it was like here in the old days?" "Yes, we are both very interested. But the only old days for you are only thirty years ago." "Ah, but I have my grandfather's stories to re-tell." Gina settled into her new home with great warmth, almost feeling that the walls were talking to her. That was nonsense of course because while the exterior was patched-up original, the interior had been insulated the re-lined. It suited her to feel nostalgic because she understood women who felt relaxed and deeply emotional increased their likelihood of becoming pregnant. She'd also changed her diet. If these were old yarns so what? If they contributed to her hoped-for pregnancy, what more could she wish? Gina hoped for a daughter and she could imagine the dear wee baby growing into a girl and then the seven year old asking questions such as, 'What dolls did you like when you were young mommy?' and, oh god! Gina clutched her throat with a now-sweating palm. "Mommy, what's a whore? Where you a whore when you were young mommy?" Gina staggered down to the ground floor bar and Fleur who was talking to guests hurried over. "Ohmigod, Gina. You are so pale and look disturbed. Are you okay?" "Brandy...straight," Gina croaked. She brightened up and was invited to dine with Fleur and Adam. She began telling them the history of their environment and her co-hosts were anything but bored. "As late as 1910 and cowboys, according to your grandfather, still rode in here from the desert edge totin' guns. Hell Gina, this little hole could have been the last goodbye to the Old West?" "I wouldn't know Adam. Many parts of the country make much such claims. Historians say it was gone and buried by then. All I can remember is what my grandfather told me when I sat on his knee in front of the fire in winter. He was Wesleyan and my recollection of what I remember my mother saying, he was not inclined toward telling tall stories and I also remembered he had a wooden box wrapped in paraffin cloth and then something really heavy over that. In that box were five six-shooters he said his father had purchased from the sheriff when the owners no longer required them." "Ohmigod where is that wrapped-up box?" "How would I know Adam? Grandpa just appeared with it." "Your mother, your parents Gina," Fleur said softly. "You don't speak of them." "How right you are," Fleur, "Do you think tomorrow will be fine?" Adam opened his mouth to question that comment but Fleur's look was sufficient to close it. * * * A receptionist from the clinic called Gina and said Dr McGeorge wished to speak to her. Gina sighed. "Hi baby. Just the best possible news, you are clear in every direction. Where does this leave me?" "Up me, twice a week I would hope." He snickered; Gina could only describe that as a snicker. "Dinner at the Pioneer tomorrow at 8:00?" Gina said, "Perfect. Kiss-kiss." * * * Gina gathered up her roll of paintings to walk the half-mile into the city center to get them framed. She felt like exercise and the walk would help build that thigh muscle. There was a knock on the door. "Hi Adam, come in." He entered and said uncertainly, "May I lock the door?" "Yes if you feel that is necessary. Where's Fleur?" "Gone to shop for our weekly bulk supplies." "I see, and what can I do for you Adam?" "Well, um..." He ran out of steam. "It's my titties, is it?" Adam beamed and nodded. "Listen Adam, I'm quite open to you playing with them and even fucking me occasionally but that's only if you don't allow this is become a thing between us and Fleur. I value her friendship...so it's only a sneaky occasion, say once a month. It's not to become an obsession." "Okay but um, once a fortnight?" "You devil. Okay then," Fleur said, pulling off her top and dragging her bra down below her puppies. She liked that name. When her chest was covered in slobber, Gina said, "Fuck me and then I'm off to town." Adam was embarrassed about his size but Gina was used to big guys with little ends. Just make sure you grind your ass around in circles so I get something touching my sides and when you are about to blow indicate and I'll squeeze you. I'm partial to cum streaming up my cunt." Adam boggled as if expecting only Fleur to speak to him in that manner. As Gina had suspected although the dick was small the balls looked normal and when she rose after he'd left, his cum ran out along with her juices. That was another deposit with baby-making potential. She showered, dressed and walked off. The art and handcraft store was quiet and the bearded guy who came to the counter said, "Hi Gina, I'm Dick White." "Oh so you are. Some of the girls referred to you as Big Dick. "I'd left for college before I understood what that meant." Dick was ready to climb up the wall in embarrassment. "Do you use it much these days?" Dick wheezed, "Only at home." They looked at the paintings and he admired them. "You purchased well." He then went through the framing recommendations with Gina and she only required two changes. As she signed the order (for on-site storage insurance) and took a copy, Gina asked casually, "Any children?" "Yeah, two boys and our little darling." "How lovely. Who did you marry?" Gina cooed nice when he replied Nicci Bergamini. She recalled Nicci being a real bitch to her at times as school. She grinned. "Um Dick. I'd like to let you know I'm interested about the big dick." Dick hesitated and then picked up a notice that read 'Back and 5 Minutes' and closed the entrance doors. He told Gina Tuesday afternoons were usually quiet in the store, which is why his two assistants didn't work Tuesday afternoons. Later as she was leaving he reminded her about Tuesday afternoons. "I'd like you to remember it's quiet here on Tuesday afternoons." "Oh I'll remember that," Gina smiled, patting his crotch, but not intending to engage with him again. All she'd wanted was to lure Nicci Bergamini's husband into adultery to get her own back on his bitch of a wife. She walked home, feeling she'd well exercised that day. She watched TV with Fleur that evening, developing the sort of friendship she desired. They met next morning at 11:00 for coffee when Fleur was clear of her set duties to talk about a topic mentioned briefly the previous evening but deferred for fuller discussion because the mention came during a commercial break in the drama they were enjoying. Fleur was thirty-two and said she'd had a miscarriage two years earlier that had left her flat, in fact she was depressed for quite sometime. "After we read in the newspaper about you coming home to start a family Adam suggested we have another try too. I've been thinking about it." "Do you know a great deal about conception?" Fleur giggled and said apart from having to break off anti-contraception measures and to increase sexual activity, her knowledge was appalling. "There will be a thousand websites posted by professionals and amateurs. Why don't we sit in front of my computer this afternoon when Adam is on duty and do some systematic research?" "That sounds an excellent idea Fleur. I'm off to walk into the city to see the mayor who's an old buddy. His PA called me and said he wanted to lunch with me in his office and talk old-times." "Don't get pregnant," Fleur said, eyes flashing and they laughed. * * * Gary greeted Gina warmly and sat her down. The mayoral hostess poured the wine and left. "This is very nice of you Gary." He looked surprised. "Have I offended you?" "No." "Then why aren't you calling me Tubby when we are alone?" "I...well...it's a rather cruel name and now that most men of your age have piled on a bit of weight you are possibly below average size based on age to height ratio." "It's been like that for some seven years ago. Please reconsider." "All right Tubby and you can call me Big Tits." "No, I never called you that." Gina snorted: "Liar." "Well perhaps I did a few times. Gina is shorter to say so I'm sticking with that. I enjoyed reading the stories about you in the newspaper including, you embarrassing bitch, being responsible for my ban on its editor being lifted." "Sorry, she's a nice lady and as I have a big stake in that newspaper company I want her doing her job without anyone muzzling her including the company's board of directors or her CEO." The mayor said fair enough, no big deal. "Tubby, I'm curious about this. After all that publicity I thought people would be stopping to talk to me on the streets and in stores but only a few have, saying they recognized me from my photograph in the newspaper and welcomed me back to Palin." "Yes, well what's so surprising about that?" "Well I wasn't seeking fame but..." "But you thought after that newspaper interview you'd be regarded as an influential citizen and everyone would know you?" "Yes, a little like that. Not everyone of course and no one bowing and scraping." Tubby laughed and topped up their wine glasses. "You are just regarded like anyone because you haven't done anything that is notable." "Like what?" "Won notoriety by walking through Central Avenue at midday on a weekday in the nude or announcing you plan to fight me for the mayoralty next year." "Oh, I see. No, you appear to be the right guy to run this city Tubby. You appear popular and at high school which is when I really knew you, you always were good at organizing and cleverly devious." Tubby laughed. "Cleverly devious...that could be my epitaph." "Not for a great many more years yet Tubby – decades." Chuckling, Tubby hit a button on an electronic device and the hostess entered pushing a trolley and began serving requested selections. Gina was saying something about the lovely food when she froze. "What?" "You said I haven't done anything." "Yes but don't worry about that." "I won't but I'm going to brush up on my history and work for the rehabilitation of Sergeant Boniface Palin." Tubby laughed and said perhaps fifty campaigns had been launched and foundered over the years in the push for a memorial to Sergeant Palin. Gina asked why had they failed. "Apathy and outright opposition to celebrating a big-time loser. We'd be the laughing stock of the county and in counties in all directions around us." "Well it's time for another campaign. People are more broader-minded these day and will perhaps generally acknowledge that anyone can make a big mistake in saying the Indians were coming when they didn't." "You'd be wasting your time like the rest of those failed campaigners and sink into obscurity with them." "Oh yeah?" "Yeah. Melanie, what is your opinion?" "I couldn't help following the conversation Mr Mayor, Miss Lott but I'd like to see Miss Lott succeed. I've always felt after learning about Sergeant Palin's folly the poor guy was probably given wrong information, as no guy would ride his horse to death and then run into exhaustion all those miles unless he believed what he was doing was correct." The mayor said perhaps Palin mistook the targeted settlement and arrived at the camp that became Palin by mistake. The opinion had always been expressed that the poor guy had become lost. Gina frowned, "Does it really matter? The fact is the guy is acknowledged as the founder of Palin. Because of fear of possible Indian attacks, the settlers heading in different directions had already gathered for protection at the river to rest. Some found strength and communal affinity when organizing their defenses and decided to settle at that spot." "You invited Miss Lott here for a purpose Mr Mayor. May I suggest you switch her from library and entertainment center to future planning and development; that commission has responsibility to consider heritage." Tubby looked at his mistress in surprise and then nodded. "Thank you Melanie, that is all." After she'd left the mayor said, "Acting on the authority invested in me Gina, I wish to appoint you as 'the person off the street' representative as the fifth person on Palin's Future Planning and Development Commission. As Melanie had indicated my intention had been to appoint you as 'the person off the street' representative on the library and civic entertainment center. Please accept." "Thank you kindly Tubby but why?" "You've arrived here with fresh ideas and knowledge of European community development and interaction." "I don't see the relevance of European community developments based on very old tradition and preservation of amenities no one wishes to see demolished?" Tubby chewed in silence and then, "Being on the commission would allow you to devise the concept of a Palin square. We have an architect and a town planner on the commission which will be chaired by Judge Lucy McLennan." Gina looked rather impressed. "Acceptance would give me the chance of doing something to have people recognize me as a contributor within the community. I could lead the drive to honor Sergeant Palin and Judge McLennan could still have a soft spot for me because I jumped into the water off the city bridge and rescued her beloved dog in the big flood when I was thirteen." "Yes, I remember that. The old crow has become a sharp-tongue conservative but has the respect of everyone and the council voted to have her chair the commission because she is considered incorruptible and investors and business people will be applying pressure on the commission to have their vested interests protected and expanded." "Right, I'll do it." "Thank you dear. Although I have the power to make the nomination, my choice must be ratified by the full council." "Then I accept nomination." "Great, I'll do the rest and thank you. Now let's chat about the old days." Melanie escorted Gina out to the entrance chamber of City Hall. "Just a quiet word Melanie and please do not take offence." The hostess stopped in surprise. "I won't. What is it?" "Your body language in the mayoral suite signaled to me defiantly you and the mayor are having it off." "How can you say that? I can't believe I'm hearing this." "I'll not be saying a word to anyone else Melanie. You probably didn't know you were doing it. I'm an old buddy of the mayor's and I'm still rather pretty and sensuous, although I say it myself. When you saw me sitting with the mayor your internal alarm went, and although you remained charming throughout, in fact supportive of me with that appointment suggestion, your body showed an inclination to push between the mayor and me. You subconsciously saw me as a real threat. Please believe me Melanie and I've seen this before. I'm talking to you about it because if you exhibited such a stance in a room with any other potential threat and Mrs Johnson was in the room there's a chance she see the same thing I saw. Wives tend to notice such things." The woman, a little younger than Gina, managed to stay calm but bit her hip. She hesitated and then: "Thank you, I'm so grateful. I cannot believe I was so stupid." "I you enjoy him, stick with him Melanie but just take greater care to neutralize your behavior with him when in public. I know how it can be a strain because I've been in similar compromising situations myself, many times. You won't believe how naughty I've been." "Oh Miss Lott..." "It's Gina. I'm living at the Stables Retreat. You might like to give me a call about having lunch there with me one weekend. We do have something in common – men. I see you have a wedding ring." Melanie flushed. She smiled and said she would love to do that." "This weekend would be fine. Let's do it. I hope we are on the brink of a friendship." For a moment Gina thought Melanie was going to kiss her so thrust out her hand to be shaken. Tubby was walking in their direction. Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 02 Melanie said lunch on Saturday would be fine by her and Gina said noon would be great. Gina was strolling along Central Avenue when Dr McGeorge returned her call. "Hi darling. Instead of dinner at the hotel come to the Stables tonight. Both Adam and Fleur know you from the Arts Society they said. Fleur has given me the run of her kitchen so I'm cooking a dinner for four." "Home cooking? Yes I'd like that. I'd like to see your room, particularly your bed with the bedding turned back." "Naughty boy. We expect you at 7:00 for drinks." Gina when upstairs to a coffee shop at the corner of Central and River Road and looked down to the city's main river crossing. As kids they used to dive off the bridge, sending the police into fits because diving was prohibited and identifying the kids was such a problem because there were so many of them and it appeared unfair to the cops to pick out the occasional redhead. Sipping coffee on the balcony deck, despite the chilly wind but being not the only patron prepared to deal with the elements, Gina was astonished to observe just how wide the bisecting thoroughfares were at this intersection. Three of the corner buildings were set back. Only the building occupied by the coffee shop was built to the original building line. Perhaps fifty to one hundred years ago a city office must have recommended the set-backs to apply when buildings were rebuilt to allow for the viewing a street parades. The three newer corner buildings looked no more than thirty years old. It didn't what was the reason; all the council had to do was to get the owner of the building she was in – Gaynor Building – rebuilt back to the amended building line. If the owner or owners refused then the council perhaps could compulsorily acquire the building, redevelop the site and then sell it off. The elderly couple in the next table began talking to Gina. "I've been coming to this deck since not long after I was born," confined the woman, "and I'm eight-eights years of age. My mother and grandmother brought me here and I used to bring our children here. We would reserve a table weeks ahead and see every parade. The parades would assemble on the Soldier's Reserve on the other side of the Town Bridge that was a military parade ground for more than one hundred years. So we would view the parades coming across the bridge, they would turn right and go down three town blocks to Mellows and turn and come passed us here and turn back again at Wiltshire and turn again over there to cross the river and disperse back at the Soldier's Reserve. We watched the Autumn Festival Parade from here six weeks ago." The two women chatted; old grumpy remaining silent but watchful. "I was thinking there's enough room for an imposing memorial to Sergeant Palin out there in the middle of the avenue." "Oh, nobody would want a memorial to that idiot," the woman laughed. Old grumpy said, "Would so." "Who?" demanded the woman. "People who know history, that's who." "Don't listen to the old coot dear. He and some of his buddies call themselves amateur military historians. I'm with the historical society and that's how I know Baker Reserve as we know it today, called after a former mayor, was until then called the Soldier's Reserve and was an old military parade ground." "Look, I'm Gina Lott and..." "We know who are dear. We get the newspaper. I'm Dot West and this is my husband Harold." "Hi, lovely to meet you. Mr West, did Sergeant Palin get lost and bring his warning to the wrong camp of pioneers?" "Who knows? He denied that claim and called it a damn lie right up till he died of pneumonia thirty-eight years later." "Then nobody knows?" "Possibly but me and the boys have this theory that soldiers could have been crossing near here to the troubles to the west and the Indians may have spotted them and veered off. The problem is there were lots a troop movements going on and settlers didn't much care about noting times and places thought they always wanted to know when it was Sunday because most were religious." Gina seized the opportunity. "Mr West could I come and chat to you and the boys?" "I suppose so. Do you drink whisky?" "Sometimes. I want more action on Sergeant Palin." "Why?" "Because he deserves to be remembered as the town's acknowledged founder as there are no other contenders. I'm thinking of a memorial for him right out there in the middle of that avenue." "Well that's not you idea." Amused, Gina asked why not. "Because when I was a boy there was a move to erect a memorial for him on that very spot. See the setback of those buildings..." "I already have. How old would you have been then Mr West?" "Seventeen or eighteen." "And your age now?" "Eight-nine." Gina did quick math. "Old god." Grumpy and Dot West looked at her. "Don't you see," Gina shrieked. "That was on the eve of the Great Depression. The project was mothballed and never revived!" Mrs West drawled, "I think that's a little far-fetched." Mr West scowled at her. "I don't, the woman is right." Gina gurgled, "How long has the Palin Post been publishing?" Mrs West said how would she know; her husband said that date was incorporated in the masthead and published six days a week. "1889." "Ohmigod, we have the perfect record waiting for us." "I don't think you should used that expression in public dear," Mrs West frowned. "Sorry, oh how lucky I am that you two stopped to talk to me. Give me a time and place to talk to you and the boys Mr West and pick a date: 1928, 1929, 1930." "1929," he said, writing his home address in Gina's notebook. I'm setting meeting details now – our house at noon this Friday. Just bring your pretty looks." "Bye," Gina said excitedly, kissing them both. "I'm off to find a date in destiny." After calling Fleur that she was delayed in the city so start the pregnancy research without her, Gina sat in front of the bound volumes of the newspaper and began reading. Later a page she stopped her search over a page in early April 1929. She called Robyn Hudson on her phone. The editor came running. "Good god, so it's true." "Yes, announced in this article and then over-run by events and buried by the Depression. Why would there have been no post-depression revival." "Because that signaled the dawning of a new age and before too long the threat of war in Europe would have loomed. Besides, as you can see here how controversial the project was in the report here of the council debate that led to the project being authorized. See here – an ordinance was created requiring the buildings at the four corners to be set back to meet council requirements for future expansion of the memorial beyond a simple statue. Waterworks and flower gardens were proposed as future additions." "Oh yeah. Well Robyn. Keep this under your hat. Could you assign reporters on their downtime to compile me a file on every reference about Sergeant Palin in your files and reported in this newspaper up until the time your present clipping and electronic filing systems began." "We began clips in 1950. Yes, I'll do that for you. I think you should form a committee around you when you are ready to begin campaigning." "Good idea – do you have time for coffee? Robyn said no, she had people waiting for her in her office. Gina called in to the art-framing store to check on progress on her paintings, knowing it wasn't Tuesday but she had no intention of having sex with the proprietor Dick White again. She was cross when she saw the bitch talking to Dick, laying down the law. "Oh it's Nicci Bergamini isn't it?" "Oh, it's you. I read that you were back claiming to be linked to this city when all you did was to spend a few days here some summers." "I remember attending high school here in my senior year and tearing your hair out in the school gym after you tripped me." "As I remember we were separated before you did any harm in the outburst of temper. You big breasts would have gotten in your way." "I hear you have been having sex with Big Dick here and have three children." "Correct and I hear you can't have children and can't even find a husband. You poor darling." "Well you've still got a fat ass and a flat chest I see. I'm off Dick, I'll call back some other time when you are not busy with trivia." "You're a nobody in this town Gina. I'm president of the Mothers' Guild, virtually a VIP." "Very appropriate as you are in the position to advise women uncertain about their sexuality. As Nicci Bergamini you spent much of your last year at high school on your back, working your way through our class." Dick and his assistant standing closest appeared dumbstruck by this confrontation that blew up out of nowhere. Nicci was standing in silence, out of ammunition. Gina said sweetly, "Your day will improve when Nicci goes home Dick. Bye." It was raining and Gina walked home feeling depressed, ashamed of herself for abusing Nicci like that, although the cow deserved it. The point was she's lost control, lashing out in front of other people. She hadn't been in a catfight for years. Why had she lost it so much? Splashing through a puddle she remembered. "Oh yes Nicci fucking Bergamini... Amor Sweetman had me lined up for the graduation ball and you snuck in under my nose, fucked him and he took you to the grad ball. Oh yes. I didn't care about not going with Amor but it did dent my pride." Gina tried to remember who took her and then the cheerful face of good guy Al Morgan popped into her mind. Ah yes, a great guy. He was killed in a helicopter crash a few years later when training to become a forest park ranger. She arrived home drenched. After a shower she wrote a letter of apology to Nicci and explained what had set her off. Nicci would feel guilty because she'd dropped Al Morgan when making her bid for Amor Sweetman. She called the arts store and got Nicci's home address and took the letter down to the box for next day's mail collect and went to the kitchen to begin dinner. To be Continued Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 03 As Gina climbed the stairs to the loft with Nathan she asked, "Did your wife and her boyfriend leave your house in good condition?" "Yes, surprisingly tidy. They even did the dishes and put them away. She left me a message on the bedroom dresser mirror in lipstick: 'Fuck You for Ruining My Marriage'." "She blames you?" "Apparently so." "Is the divorce underway?" "Yes, and the papers have been filed. Why do you ask?" "Perhaps you may wish to socialize with me formally, to be seen openly with me in the city. It's up to you." "I'd love to take you up on that. Look I'll check with my attorney tomorrow to check about problems. I wouldn't expect so because under divorce laws in this state the grounds are limited to no-fault irrevocable breakdown. Sam has also agreed on terms of settlement with me -- I keep the house and she gets everything else. That agreement could be upset of course but if I go out with you should have no influence on that." At the top landing Gina kissed him and said he should clear it with his attorney because she didn't want to be responsible for any complications. "As I said, it should be fine. I saw Sam for coffee this morning; she wanted my advice on which investments to keep and which ones to sell to buy a small house for herself. She doesn't want to sell the boat and I don't blame her, as she loves it." Nathan pulled off Gina's dress and stood back and whistled. She blushed a little and looked happy. "I haven't seen beautiful underwear on a woman like that since on Sam during the early years of our marriage. Is this especially for me?" "I adore lovely underwear. I have nothing else but yes, for tonight I did go to my top drawer. It's French, disgustingly expensive but makes me feel like a million dollars." "You are not only a lovely woman to interact with but you have a glorious body -- I can see you work on it." Gina said coyly: "Some women say my breasts are too big for my frame." "Well, I won't mind at all if they grow larger. I understand some men who know about such things say women with breasts bigger than rule-of-thumb-size for their frame are usually the most passionate of women." "I bet that's a lie but come here and get amongst them. Be careful taking off my underwear. Leave my stockings on if you wish. I like the feel of anything against my stockings when having sex, even my own hand. The feeling is so smooth, so sexy. Why don't you put your cock down the top of my stocking and see what he thinks." "He?" "Is not female, is it?" Nathan left a couple of hours later, driving away quietly. Both of them had ended their encounter tired and very happy. Gina took at call from Nathan next morning just after 9:00. "Hi gorgeous. I can confirm the countdown to divorce is underway and I can cohabit with you without a problem." "But..." Nathan laughed smoothly. "It's okay. Cohabit means, quote 'Living together in a sexual relationship, especially when not legally married' unquote is perfectly acceptable to me. I would like you staying over the occasional night." "Yes of course and you doing the same with me?" "Oooh, I like the sound of that. Are you able to meet me for lunch today?" "Yes, I'd love that." "Let's meet inside Miss Annie's Lingerie at 1:00." "Nathan, word will get around you are being a naughty boy?" "Good, that will save the cost of having to advertise in the newspaper. You are my lady of the moment Gina and long may it last." Gina couldn't remember being so happy for a very long time. * * * The five elderly guys sat at the table and eyed the box of chocolates Gina pulled out of her handbag. "Chocolates don't go with whisky," said Joe. Gina snapped back. "They are to eat with coffee after lunch but if you are going to whine I'll give them to Mrs West." "Okay, okay. No need to get bitchy. I was only mentioning it. Drink your whisky." Gina slugged her single shot back and asked smoothly, "Now, I suppose you are wondering is I know what it was?" Trevor said in awe, "Where's the spluttering, red face and gasping?" "You call that whisky? Someone has been watering it down." Everyone looked at Ben who scrubbed his jowl and said, "Sorry, I have sinned. I had just enough in my bottle for five shots but added the water when I was old Miss Lott would be joining us and would want a whisky." Gina said mercilessly, "That was a rotten trick on your pals Ben, you miserably bum. You should have bought another bottle." "Aye, I admit letting the side down. Well, I'll be off." "Stay you old coot," Harry West said. "I'll bring out a bottle of good stuff, masking it. Let's see what our water taster can tell us about this Irish Whiskey." The guys watched as Gina looked at the color, sniffed the tiny tumbler and then threw back the shot, a great smile coming on to her face. "You lying toad Harry West," she said. "There's no 'e' in this whisky. It's Scotch and pure." "There you go boys, a genuine whisky drinker. Sorry I tried to fool you Gina." "I bet you are sorry." Lars said, "Can you tell us where it's from?" "Yes, without a doubt. I've been there. It is dryish and peaty and strongly smoky with hints of heather honey and sherry. Beautiful. Islay whisky. If it isn't I'll give you twenty bucks each." Harry smiling proudly unwrapped the bottle to reveal the label of Bowmore 12-year old whisky from the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The guys clapped and Dot West arrived smiling with a huge platter of ham and a mixture of breads, cheeses, tomato and sliced onions. "I've been listening to you old coots trying to show your male superiority with whisky to this lovely woman," said Dot, patting Gina on both shoulders after handing Harry the platter. "Now as soon as I clear away the table to want you to pull out your files and tell Gina everything she wants to know or get any new information she wants. When buying this ham this morning I rang into Fleur Castle who runs the Blacksmith's Retreat in Oxford Hollow. Gina here owns that property and is the great-great-granddaughter on her mother's side of Silas Youngerman. So you've being asked to deal with no outsider when it comes to Gina." The 'boys' looked suitably impressed. At the end of the meeting Gina's only two real pieces of new information were next it useless: The exact date of Sergeant Palin's warning dash had apparently never been recorded and there no known record of where retired Sergeant Palin lived out his life in Palin. Lars said, "I think the problem is Sergeant Palin was ridiculed by his contemporaries and I've read a letter once stating that he permanently injured his hip in his run to warn the camp and was paid off by the army shortly after that and returned to the camp to try to clear his name. But I've not seen anything to state he had evidence that the Indians turned away at the sight of troopers or about him living here but as kids we were taught he lived and died in Palin. Funny that. Perhaps he was so unpopular no one really cared whether he lived or died. It was like that for folk without money in the old days and who were buried in unmarked graves. Two days later Dot West called Gina, who was reading in the guest's lounge at the retreat and said she was about to leave for a historical meeting and she thought the gathering might interest Gina. "Historical? Oh all right." "There will be members interested that you connect back to Silas Youngerman." "Yes of course, where will I meet you?" "I am going by cab. Will collect you within ten minutes." Gina grabbed her book and shouted "Oh crap -- ten minutes. And rush off to the loft, taking two steps at a time to comb her hair and fix her face. "Ohmigod," Gina said, looking at the former council offices that obviously had been at great expense obviously and now operated as the home of the Palin Founders' Society headquarters. Dot said almost as an aside, "With marriages between families over the years about three-quarters of the people in this city have a connection to one of the forty founding families who settled in Palin in the decade 1871-1881." About 150 people, the majority women, were at the meeting and when the president asked where any visitor present. Dot West rose and proudly introduced Gina Lott, maternal great-great-granddaughter of Silas Youngerman who built the main building of the Blacksmith's Retreat in Oxford Hollow, that she now owned and currently was staying there. That was greeted with warm applause. The president offered a personal welcome and then said, "Excuse us everyone, Doris our family historian has the Youngerman family tree up on her computer. Doris, what can you tell us?" "Here it is Madam President. Zac Youngerman died two days out from the camp that became Palin in late 1871, drowning when struck by a plunging horse in a team pulling a wagon. His wife Sarah nee Zimmerman gave birth to Silas three months later on the 8th of December 1871 Silas married Helen Smith. They had two children and the eldest Carl married Elsie Owens and they had seven children and the line to Gina continues with Frederick marrying Gina's maternal grandmother Flossie and they had six children, the youngest being Gina's mother Eva. Is our record correct Miss Lott?" "I was not aware of Mac and Sarah. That is profoundly interesting to me. I believe our family knowledge was lacking because great-great-grandfather Silas was kicked in the head by a horse when he was about twenty, he thought, and lost a good part of his early memory as a result. It was so tragic -- my grandfather told me his father was such a kind man with a wonderful way with horses." "Well Miss Lott," said the president Mrs Zoë Ross. "It is a great honor to have you here because you are one of only five people in our entire city linking back to the very first recorded arrivals. None go farther back than September 1871. With Silas being born in December his mother must have arrived sometime in September 1871." "This is amazing," Gina said. "I am so happy to learn of this." "Madam president, this disclosure has come as an unexpected bonus for Gina I am sure but I brought her here today for a different thought it seems rather related matter. May Gina inform you and the meeting of her quest madam?" "Certainly Dot. Gina, please come and take the rostrum. We shall be delighted to hear from you." Gina began by saying no publicity was being sought for the venture just now, so she would appreciate what she was about to say would remain confidential "within this room." "I am committing to leading a campaign, if I can gather people to support me, to have this city publicly and prominently acknowledge the only person credited with the founding of this city, the man whom the city is named after, Sergeant Palin. It is an injustice, in my view, that Sergeant Palin has been placed in oblivion like this instead of being remembered and honored. It does not matter to me that he rode to the camp of pioneers to warn them that the Indians were coming but the warning was regarded as a hoax when the Indians failed to show up and attack, thank goodness. Why would a man ride his horse to death and then pound three miles after apparently injuring his hip when his horse fell fatally to deliver a hoax message? It just doesn't add up. It is understood he later returned to try to clear his name and stayed on and for some reason those transient pioneers who stayed here with him decided to name their tiny town Palin's Folly, a name later shortened. "I have made a startling discovery about a forgotten memorial attempt of considerable significance and Dot's husband Harry West remembers the proposal being discussed when he was a young man. That's all I wish to say at this moment because wheels are in motion. Details will be released when we are well prepared. You people are here today because you associate with the history of this city. I say it doesn't matter whether or not Palin's folly was true or not. An Indian raiding party could have diverted after seeing troop movements and there were plenty of them when this county was a frontier. What matters is a Sergeant Palin existed and our city is named after him. Every city and town I know anything about honors its founder in perpetuity. I have made it my task to convince the people or Palin to honor the man whose name was taken for this city. Thank you." As Gina returned to her seat the president stood and led a standing ovation and pledged the support of the Palin Founders' Society to ensure the city once again renewed the debate one the controversial issue of honoring the founder of Palin. Gina hugged Dot and thanked her for giving her the opportunity to associate and to speak. * * * Fleur had to go to the cabin she and Adam owned at a lake, half a day's drive away, to close it up for the winter. She invited Gina to go with her and stay over the night. Adam urged them to stay another night and have some fun and they decided to do that and they set off like two teenagers in Fleur's small but peppy SUV. They stopped only for take-outs so arrived just after 11:00 and after unloading provisions set off on a hike on walking tracks festooned the lake area. There were only six cabins on their side of the lake, spaced roughly 20 yards apart and only one other appeared occupied. People called Murchison from the state capital owned it and often rented it out. As Fleur and Gina neared the end of their walk their saw two heavily dressed guys hauling up a boat at the Murchison's cabin. "You guys look frozen." "Yeah," said one of them. They looked about forty. "But we got a small haul of fish. Like a couple?" Fleur smiled warmly, "Oooh, yes please." "You're a flirt," said the guy and Fleur said, "And you're cheeky. Why don't you clean them for us and bring them over and stay for a drink. I have brandy; it's a good warmer." "Any chance of a beer?" said the taller guy glancing at Gina and Fleur said yes. If they wanted to chill their insides that was their look out." "Light a fire to warm us," said the cheeky one. "Why don't we bring over a proper feed of fish and we'll cook them with fries while you ladies put your feet up. We're out of bread." "We have some and I can do deserts for four." "Good on you green eyes. What's your name?" "Fleur and this is Gina." "Hi flirty Fleur and quiet Gina. I'm Terry and this is my boss Giovanni." "Hello Terry," Gina said and she gave Giovanni a longish greeting in Italian. He was delighted and answered her in his language and then, "You are not Italian no?" "No, but I returned from Rome recently after working there for several years as a corporate hostess and interpreter. As I speak five languages it was suitable work for me." "I'm frozen. Come on Gina, we can chat up these guys later. Just show up when you're ready Terry." Once out of earshot Fleur said, "We could score tonight. That Italian guy couldn't keep his eyes off your tits." The women had a problem though. They'd come in lakeside winter gear, not packing anything that looked vaguely like 'l-want-to-be-fucked' clothing. As they were dressing, Fleur pulling on a polo jersey over stretch French terry pants and slippers, she moaned, "God, I feel like a ploughman's wife in this outfit." Gina said lightly, "Does it matter -- or were you hoping to be seduced?" Fleur licked her lips. Gina giggled. Fleur said, "Oh I'm not that obvious, am I?" "Biting one's lip is a giveaway of nervous sexual tension. If you want to bring one or both of them on to you, remove your bra." "But I'll flop?" "Exactly and pray tell me in our cabin with the drapes drawn what else is there to look at?" Fleur hesitated. "Go on, just do it." "I don't want both." Gina drawled, "Well I'm not fussed. Take your pick. You have the bedroom or stay out here and we could end in a groupie." "A groupie. Ooooh. I've never had a foursome. I wouldn't know what to do." "Just sprawl there making yourself accessible and you'll automatically become a participant." Fleur, now oozing sexual tension said, "Well I don't know." "Well don't worry. If they are good guys, and I think they are, the only thing that will happen to you is what you want to happen to you." "Do you really think so Gina? You sound so much more experienced than me." "I suppose I am dear, I suppose I am," Gina said, finishing her makeup. She was dressed in a fitted stretch checked shirt, a buttonless vest and flannel pants with bell-bottoms. I feel like and probably look like a door girl at an apartment tower." "You look lovely; I could fuck...oops what am I saying." Gina smiled and urged Fleur to switch her mind to another track and to smack her cheeks. Fleur smacked and now had two pinker cheeks. She groaned it hadn't worked. "I hope the fish are not contaminated with anything that will leave us with food poisoning." "Oh god, foot poisoning, way out here. I can't bear the thought of it." Gina said the lake was so large contamination was unlikely and anyhow if that happened no one would fish it and there would be warning notices everywhere. They set the table and when Fleur answered the door to Terry's knock she was so relaxed she said "Oh it's you?" and he followed her in like a puppy. Gina said to Giovanni, "Please come in." He smiled gravely and apologized for not having brought a suit to the lake and received a beautiful smile. He held out a small twig of something and apologized for being unable to find a wildflower. "Thank you. I don't have a buttonhole or broach -- just place it on top of my breast. It may stay there for a second." "There is quite a plateau at the top," Giovanni said admiringly. "It might stay there for a long time." "Please close the door," Gina said and when he turned from that task she took his arm into her crook and led him the short distance to the sofa where Fleur sat, looking at her, mouth open. Fleur recovered and took orders and served drinks. When Terry was at the bench unwrapping the fish she went over, casually placed her arm around his and said, "What lovely fish." Terry thanked her and then said he would need both hands to cook. "Oh yes of course and with me gone you'll have more room. Will you please kiss me adieu." It wasn't a request but an order. Terry obliged and didn't rush it. "Our hostess and chef are hitting it off," Gina said, casually draping a hand on to Giovanni's thigh. "Yes, it is nice to see," he said, placing an arm around her shoulders. "You have magnificent breasts." "Ooooh. What do we have here? A breast man," Gina whispered, nipping his ear with her teeth and emitting a soft growl that the other two would not be able to hear. As Fleur approached Giovanni shuffled apart from Gina. He smiled at Fleur and said, "This is very nice in this neck of the woods, yes?" "We think so Giovanni. May I top up your drinks? I think we have a really memorable evening to look forward. So often I get bored with all the downtime here at the lake." Well, thought Gina. If the message had not gotten to the guys it had been sheeted home now. Guys knew how to give a girl a memorable evening -- or at least their version of that -- and guys loved hearing women say they were bored, believing they had the answer to boredom. Gina thought she'd like to have sex after dinner. The appeal of sex remained with her. She decided, however, she would not have sex unless condoms were involved. The peak time for conception had passed but conception was still possible. Also she'd concluded it was irresponsible of her to have more than one partner when attempting to conceive. She had no wish to put Nathan at risk or to be unsure of who was the father of her child. No, if she missed out on sex tonight, no matter. From tonight she would only have sex with the man of her choice to father a child with her and at the moment that was Nathan. From tonight vaginal sex would not be available for any other guy. If he became steamy hot she might offer the guy an alternative. Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 03 * * * Fleur decided against being involved in group sex and that suited Gina fine. Giovanni was all over her breasts including a titty fuck but when he was denied the vagina became sullen. He completed a butt fuck without any enthusiasm and thereafter for the remainder of the night and all next morning shared Fleur with Terry but not as a threesome. Gina slept out of the way in the tiny twin bunkroom and spent all morning walking the well-marked tracks with a map and compass and arrived back without losing her way once. The guys left after a shared lunch, rather subdued with Giovanni spending most of his time scowling at Gina but she appeared unfazed. Fleur looked a wreck. The guys tooted as they left in their huge SUV but the women didn't even bother going to the door to wave. "Well, yawned Fleur, I always wanted to be fucked multiple times to see how I stood up to the pounding." "And?" Gina smiled. "I feel bruised, battered, used and disappointment." "I could have told you that was the realistic expectation but you wouldn't have listened." Fleur sighed and agreed. "I wasn't aware multiple bangs could disappoint until now. However I was vaguely aware in going even two or three times a night with my regular guy, the first one always seems to be the best one. I thought I was going to see uninhibited passion between you and Giovanni. Did he do something wrong to become turned off like that?" "No. I had been thinking that I wanted a baby and not just anyone's baby so I decided my pussy was out of bounds." "But there was the alternative?" "I think he is pussy-driven. Actually most men are that was inclined." "Most men? Oh tell me more." "I can say there have been many men." "And women?" "Some." Fleur played with her top lip with her tongue. "I should be back to my usual self tonight. I haven't had any experience with a woman. Would you care...?" She stopped. "Yes, I like you very much Fleur. A cuddle with you would please me but I ask you don't mention it to Adam." "Adam will be told I walked a lot, slept a lot, you didn't snore and we exchanged recipes." Gina said indignantly, "That makes us sound like old women?" "Good. What a lovely impression to leave with Adam. There's a small town about forty miles from here. Let's prowl the shops and have early dinner at one of its quite good restaurants. You drive. The directions are simple. Turn right once we reach the highway and drive until you reach the town." "Where will you be?" "Asleep beside you, recovering from my poundings." * * * When they arrived back at the cabin Fleur stocked up the wood burner to get the interior of the small cabin really warm while they had coffee and a cake each they'd bought late that afternoon. "I'm ready if you are," Gina said softly, noticing Fleur's increasing agitation. "Oh god, I'm not sure how I'm going to feel about this." Gina calmed her, saying, "Put aside your well-honed inhibitions if you can. The truth is sex is sex and I've had some of my most satisfying sex with women." "Truly or are you attempting to deceive." "Let's take our tops off and find what happens. Remember you can opt out whenever you wish and remember this, no one kisses better than a woman." Fleur snuggled in and pulled up Gina's bra, releasing the firm mounds. "From the first time I met you I wonder about your breasts. They are surprisingly firm for their size. Men must love them." "I want you to love them, to possess them." "Ohmigod," Fleur said, lowering her head between the breasts, mouth open. Gina remained relatively passive apart from stroking Fleur's hair. She could feel Fleur's excitement growing and finally Fleur took Gina's hand and pushed it at the top of her wool pants. Gina undid the belt and smiled as she pushed her hand down to the panties and felt Fleur roll back on to her hip and open her legs. They kissed deeply and as Gina's center finger pushed in, Fleur opened her mouth and sucked in Gina's tongue and dueled with it playfully. Warmth and moisture surrounded Fleur's vulva and Gina pulled her finger back briefly to slip in another finger and then the third. When Fleur began panting and groaning at the back of her throat Gina stopped finger thrusting and said, "Do you want me to stop now?" "No, I want to go all the way. I want you to make me come and me to make you come and I want to suck your ass and tongue you up there. I want it all." "Ooooh, my little vixen. Let's get our clothes off and get into it." A long time later they drifted off to sleep on the sofa, clutched in each other's arms, temporarily in love and not thinking of the fire going out and their nudity being cloaked in increasingly cold air. They awoke shivering, the lamp also having run out of fuel and after toilet visits in pitch darkness were in each other's arm under heavy bedding. Gina nibbled at one of Fleur's nipples and it was all on again. "We had such a lovely time," Fleur said when they began the drive home at midday. "Last night was one of the most memorable times of my life, and one of my best nights of sex." "It was lovely," Gina agreed. She was driving because Fleur insisted she was the better driver. "You were so soft and so loving. It left me feeling I was meant to make love to you." They drove on in deep reflection. As they neared Palin, Fleur said, "Do you mind if we talk business?" "Of course not. Was this one of the reasons you took me away with you?" "Yes, to soften you up. But guess who became softened up?" They laughed and Gina thanked Fleur for being honest with her. "Adam and I are a little worried about our slow progress in accruing wealth so we are wondering whether you would be interested in selling us the Blacksmith's Retreat property? That would decrease our outgoings by not having to pay for the lease." "Yes, I could be interested. You know I was looking at the ceiling the other night and thinking the loft was not how I remembered it, the whole main building has really no meaning for me apart from the fact that I own it, so what was I doing there?" "At the risk of pushing against my own interests, what about sentimentality and owning part of family history?" "Yes, that exists but presumably the landmark will continue to exist, sentimentality is transient and I almost did not return to Palin anyway so my roots are perhaps not so deep as they should be." "Soooo. We do have basis for discussion?" "Yes, talk it over with Adam. I suggest you two get an appraisal done and I will use another firm so you would need to advise me who you intend using." "And the timetable?" "Move as soon as you like. I would be prepared to leave money in at say 1% under the current commercial rate available to you at the time." "So you would be happy at the fair appraisal value?" "I would think halfway between the two appraisals provided they are close plus 5%." "Five percent?" "Five percent." "Well Gina, consider you will soon receive our proposal. I hope this goes well for both of us." "Me too. You have a great little business going there, with a bit more hard marketing you could lift your occupancy rate and install a manager to reduce your workload." "That's exactly what we have been talking about." To be continued... Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 04 Gina cleared her throat. "Judge McLennan? May speak to you?" The well preserved judge in her early sixties squinted against the low sun and said, "Oh hello Gina. I was hoping you'd call for a wee chat but I thought it would be at my office." "Oh I apologize. I'll make an appointment. I thought as my matter was not judicial I should see you privately." "Not a problem. Come through the gate and shut it while I scrape up doggy doos. Royal who you saved for me is long gone and the latest successor Willie is a different breed but with a similar engaging personality." "You remember, what is it, twenty-two years ago?" "Of course and I shall never forget your stupidity. It was only a dog." "I knew it as your pet, and knew it had no chance unless assisted." "Well I knew you'd often seen Royal and me together and of course he was not 'only a dog' to me. Sam who is now deceased and I had no children so Royal was our youngster." "Okay, I did take a risk in floodwater but a calculated one. I wasn't stupid." The judge nodded. "And how are your parents?" "Fine but no longer within my orbit. They disapproved of me working as a hostess in Italy where I received huge tips from wealthy clients of the firm I worked for when servicing VIPs who required it, er, intimately." "They thought rightly or wrongly you we engaged in prostitution?" "Rightly Judge McLennan although it was a minor role and I had other more conventional roles and worked very hard. I rather enjoyed my hugely rewarding intimate duties." "You had no need to tell me Gina." "True, but you were a close friend of my mother's when you were young and I knew you would remain puzzled unless I indicated the real reason why we are estranged." "She was a right little prig when we were young ladies and I missed out on some sex because of her backing away from some of the guys we chanced to meet." "J-judge. You have no need..." "Just as you had no need. Now do we have a sound basis for a working relationship? I think so." "I would like to think so if it happens." "It will dear. The council is unlikely to recklessly reject the nominee I endorse. Please come in and I'll make coffee. You realize I'm the chairman and a strong-willed person?" "Yes." "I've heard you were quite sensational at the Founders' Society the other day, indicating you intend promoting a memorial for that Palin soldier?" "Yes." "Well, I'll give it to you straight. I'm against a memorial to that man. We don't know enough about him." Gina decided not to reply. "Well, just don't sit there young woman. Say something." "That establishes one conflict between us, and there probably will be others because we will face a huge agenda. If because of that you don't think you could work with me you have the option of blocking my appointment or letting my appointment go through and you resigning." "Me resign? Are you out of your mind?" Ignoring that, Gina said a little icily, "I would ask you don't pre-judge my effort to honor Sergeant Palin until you have the facts in front of you. This town has treated that man contemptibly and I aim to put that right unless new facts emerge and paint the picture of a demonic man. If we are to work together you may have to compromise with me on this one to achieve majority support on some things you are adamant about because you perceive them as being desirable for the community. Remember we are two women and the other three on the commission are likely to be men." "And what is that supposed to mean?" "Not a lot, other than women tend to think differently to men." "God, you are brazen and you are sharp and probably devious and appear to have no shame." "Oh, that's such an astute assessment Judge McLennan. You could have added big breasts and a winsome smile and possibly a lovely personality but then that would have become too personal and you wouldn't want me thinking you were soft on me." "Young lady," said the judge picking up her coffee cup. "Consider yourself on the commission and you may call me Lucy but have the sense to use my title when appropriate. On Wednesday the council will name the commission. Please be on hand to arrive at short notice for the commission's official photograph to be taken with the mayor and council CEO." Gina excused herself to take a call. She replied that was lovely, she'd be there and yes she would have a partner. "Sorry about that, I should have switched my phone off Lucy. That was Murray Green calling from a director's meeting of the board of the newspaper. The directors and their wives wish to welcome me to Palin." "Oh they will be offering a directorship no doubt. I read you were the largest single stockholder." "Me a director? They would be mad doing that; I'd be an embarrassment to the board." "Just accept it if they make the offer and get on with it. You have become wise and adroit beyond your years so use your personal assets to engender good. A directorship will also help give you stronger community standing to push the case for a memorial. I'll have thought of something – nomination for next month's annual meeting as junior vice-president on the Founder's Society board would help you even more." "But that outfit is virtually a closed shop; six months to process membership applications and only society stalwarts are elected to the board, which is understandable." "I'm the society's patron dear." * * * Nathan watched the office assistant bend over a filing cabinet in his office suite and his erection rose so fast it almost tore apart his zip. He'd been noticing his patients were becoming more and more appealing. He knew what the problem was: sex depravation. As soon as the assistant left he called Gina. "Hi, I'm almost bursting with sexual desire." "Ohmigod, I'm on my way down?" "What?" He'd meant to make her laugh and she'd drawl something like, 'I could soak up all the cum you can deliver Big Boy.' He told her it could wait till later. "Perhaps you could drop around home and we'll knock one off and go out to dinner?" "Marvelous. What time – don't make it too late?" "Six-thirty." "Oh you darling. I can't wait." Nathan waggled his balls under his clothing and grinned. "You guys will be busy early evening; that I promise." He thought Gina sounded in much need of it as he did. Normal people didn't go around like that; he and Gina were over-sexed. Nathan went about his work still a little worked-up and with relief only hours away lost the urge to jump on anything in a skirt. He wondered if he should approach a consultant but no, fuck, consultants were too expensive. He frowned, remembering he was a consultant, a very expensive consultant. Well he'd run a trial and masturbate four times a day and see if that lowered his expectation that his next fuck ought to be within the next hour. He blamed his low-life departing wife for this spike in his behavior. * * * At the computer, scanning web sites, Fleur and Gina learned some of the basics of conception. They agreed their mothers should be there, informing them. "We would have learned some of this during biology classes at high school but to me it didn't seem relevant. I wasn't even having sex at that time." "Same with me Fleur." "Do you want to use Adam to get you pregnant?" Gina's eyes widened. "No thank you darling. You take all he has. Are you sure about calculating your most productive dates? "Yes. And you?" "Yes. I suppose I should talk to Nathan and inform him of his role. It wouldn't be fair to drop a pregnancy on him without his knowledge, not that I'd expect him to discharge any responsibility. "I agree, it would be immoral Gina." Gina sighed. "Isn't getting pregnant so complicated and to think of those girls at high school who went out once or perhaps only twice with a guy and ended up with mommy written on their forehead?" "Yeah and a speedy arrival at that stage is not for us. Our chances of getting pregnant began reducing from the time we turned thirty, statistically speaking. I hope we haven't left it too late." "Nah," said Gina. "We are two warm, sexy and very healthy women. We should have no problems if we keep patient, active and relaxed." * * * Nathan opened the front door ready to drool all over the caller and rip off her panties. He felt his face fall in disappointment as Gina smiled, gave him a peck and walked by saying they had to talk. His balls on a big promise appeared stunned. His gut felt like a knife had slashed though it. "Talk?" he ventured, with a hound-dog expression. Looking beautiful and wildly sexy in red, Gina asked him to sit down, saying she was really feeling like being fucked but she had to be responsible and honest with him. "I want you to know I stopped taking my contraceptive pills a few weeks ago." "Y-e-e-e-s. So you want me to be responsible for our anti-contraception measures?" "No, quite the reverse. I'd like you to impregnate me and then that's the end of your responsibility. You can then go on fucking me or you can drop me and find someone else." "I see; isn't this a very candid conversation? Well of course this is not news to me. We talked about this when you first came to see me professionally. I mean we referred to your newspaper comment about coming home to have a baby." "We did indeed. So I'm inviting you to have regular unprotected sex with me and I promise there will be no one else having sex with me or no one will be told about this conversation from this moment on. I am emotionally and financially independent so I foresee no problems and do not require you to assume any responsibility for any child I conceive. I am prepared to sign any legal document you wish to have drawn up and will pay the legal fees. "I see. Do you mind if I take time to think about this?" "Okay but why? All I require is a simple yes or no. If you are unsure say no and if you change your mind we could always discuss that." "I've thought about it. My answer is yes. It would be my pleasure to help you out. Come through to the bedroom. I'll grab a small pillow to tilt you slightly. "It's my 23rd day." "Oh, later I'll check you out on your ovulation. But since it's possibly the 23rd day, prime time has slipped by. Please get on to the carpet with your panties and bra off. I'm hotly overdue for one and want to take you, riding doggie." "Right Dr Doctor. Get that big cock up me. I won't need preparing – I'm oozing natural lube. Oh, before I forget. Please partner me to a dinner of directors of the newspaper company on Friday night at 7:00. They wish to honor me." "I have a game of squash organized but can cancel." "Are you sure?" "Yes, I'm interested to see you in the company of high powered business men. Now where were we?" "Doggy." "Oh yes...look what I have for you!" Gina stayed the night. Next morning while Nathan was showering and shaving and fluffing around she cooked him breakfast and dashed outside to hang up the wet tea towels he'd washed but left in a pile. She looked across to the neighbor's house on the left and the woman waved with a sleepy smile and Gina waved back. Only then did she see the woman was wearing a robe that was pulled up over her backside and the guy standing behind her was plowing her. He had his head pulled back, mouth open and eyes closed. Gina was embarrassed at seeing that but the woman gave her a thumb up and smiled. Well, perhaps this was a neighborhood of interesting people? Nathan came out in a panic. "My shirt...this button has failed." "Oh take off your shirt and give it and the button to me," Gina smiled He handed over the shirt and wrinkled his nose. "I smell bacon." "And fries and tomato and onion but not in huge quantity because there is no need for you to go to seed before your time. Eat slowly, savor the tastes and it will seem like a big meal." "And toast?" "No, if you have toast you don't have a cooked breakfast; if you don't have a cooked breakfast you have toast. Am I getting through to you?" "Yes ma'am. You sound like my mother." "Oh god, spare me," wailed the 36-year-old. Typically like a man Nathan looked at her as if he didn't have a clue was she was on about. "Mrs Whoever on the left out in the yard gets it over the table at breakfast time. What do I get?" Dr Doctor looked at her as if she was speaking a foreign language. "Pardon me?" "Oh it doesn't matter." Gina watched tomato dribble on to his chest and was glad he wasn't wearing his shirt. She went to the corner of the bench opposite the sink bench and lo, found needle and thread. "I have an appointment at the Palin Post at 10:30 so rather than go home may I stay here until then?" "Of course, treat it as your home. Why don't you move in with me?" "Thank you but think about that offer about moving me in Nathan; it's a big decision. People might talk and your career could take a slide." "Well said. I'll talk to you tonight about it. That breakfast was magnificent and my shirt looks factory-perfect. You are a wonder Gina and you are a heavenly fuck." "I aim to please," Gina said, not knowing what else to say and received a lovely kiss and a big wave goodbye as if he really meant it. Half an hour later Gina answered a door knock. The petite brunette said, "Hi, I'm Veronica. You saw me stretched out on our breakfast table a little over an hour ago." "Oh so I did. You looked to be enjoying it. He must be good." Veronica looked startled. "Come in dear. Coffee?" "I came to apologize." "Whatever for?" "You saw me receiving a robust shafting." "Veronica dear, isn't that one of our purposes in life? How dare you apologize for something you ought to be celebrating." Veronica swept aside her fringe. "You have me at a disadvantage...you seem so refreshingly different." "We are mostly all the same Veronica. The difference is in attitudes and how we emote." Picking up her coffee Veronica said Gina was so inspirational. "What is your name?" "Oh sorry, how thoughtless of me. I am Gina Lott..." "Oh god, people are talking about you. My mom heard you speak at the founders' meeting the other day and she you are awesome. When you started talking about a Palin memorial at least half the people in that assembly were against you, she thought, and by the finish you had most of those against swinging your way." "My technique is to plunge in and sail on regardless Veronica. Be steadfast, be sure of your facts and present them eloquently and people do seem to have an inclination to bend and even yield." "I'm sure I understand what you are on about Gina. I'm glad you are calling in here because I was thinking about offering Nathan what men want because he looked lonely and restless. He went off to his car this morning as if he were on rocket fuel." "Well help yourself. I have no claim on him." "I bet he is working on that. I can't imagine any man waiting to let a top shelf trophy like you slip through his fingers." "More coffee Veronica? You are like a breath of fresh air." * * * At the newspaper Gina inspected work done to build up a dossier for her on anything connected to Sergeant Palin. She skimmed through some of the 1890s clipping and when looking at the few into the turn of the century suddenly gasped when she read a small news item about the death of former army sergeant Thomas James Palin. "What is it?" asked the young reporter in charge of coordinating 'clips' photocopied by various reporters from the bound volumes of the newspaper. "This is magnificent work by you guys," Gina said. "This clip gives me new information about Sergeant Palin. He's no longer a shadowy character. I now have enough background detail to launch an Internet search to try to locate his family and begin building a proper profile. Palin didn't come up in searches of army records but the full name Sergeant Thomas James Palin may well produce results. Ohmigod." "What?" "He worked until his illness in the town stables of my grandfather, Silas Youngerman. It says here the stables were in Pilcher Street, on the gully side of the city center; I was under the impression they'd always been in Oxford Hollow. Oh look, it says Sergeant Palin died in the West Street Infirmary and he was to be buried in the pauper's section of the town cemetery. I've finished here Vera; this is an astonishing breakthrough if my hunch is right. Bye." Gina called a cab and asked for Salty. She did not have the address of Mrs Zoë Ross but the 18-minutes wait for Salty was worth it because he knew where she lived. "I hear your appointment to a hot-shot planning committee will be announced tomorrow." "I haven't heard but have high expectations. How on earth did you find out about the commission?" "Salty doesn't say much but he drives with his ears open." That puzzled Gina. Tubby had insisted on tight security, telling her not to mentioned the proposed appointment to anyone because he didn't want to see opposition mount against her appointment on the grounds Gina was 'an outsider'. "Salty, how does our mayor get about in the city?" "Mr Johnson walks a great deal to try to keep his weight down, and he's doing well. He rarely uses the mayoral limo apart when carting VIPs about or going long distance. I'm usually requested when he wants a cab home at evenings if he calls in before I sign off at 6:30." "So you chat?" "A bit. We sometimes chat about when we were kids. His father owned the apartment building where my family lived and his father would come around doing repairs and maintenance himself, bringing his oldest kid who was Tubby with him. I invited him into games with other kids. He liked that as there weren't many kids around where he lived and after that we never lost touch although you couldn't say we were ever friends." "I see." "When I'm driving him around he's mostly on the phone." Gina smiled. Bingo – Tubby on the phone and Salty had ears. Salty waited while Gina went in. The house was airy, clean and sweet smelling – the home of a woman who cared and was in charge. Mrs Ross was surprised to see her. "I don't have many visitors call," she said. "It's my manner you see; I'm too over-bearing. I taught music at school for junior grades for most of my life and that's something many of the little blighters once they turned seven rebelled against. But I identified and nurtured some who became professional musicians and instilled a life-long love of music for a great number of others who alas lacked any musical talent. Musicality is god-given you know." "I have heard that said, often." "It's understood some children hear music as infants when no music is playing. Birds and other noises around them sound like music. They heard music of course and by the time they reached me they knew their scales, although don't realize it, and commonly could read music by ear as their tutoring progressed. I saw Salty drive you up. He plays the trumpet very well and never had a music lesson except at school. And why does he play the trumpet and play it well? Because his father did and his father's father did. To Salty it was just something one did in his family." "That is amazing. Salty was the first person I had contact with in Palin when I returned five weeks ago. We have become friends that pass with distance between us, if you know what I mean? Every time I need I cab I ask for Salty." "I do too. How can I help you? I see you have kept Salty waiting?" "I need you to take me to your archives to took up hospital records." "How long ago?" "West Street Infirmary 1909." "We might possess those records. The records of the main hospitals are in the custody of the city library." "That's what I thought. The Infirmary would have served the poor folk and would be been run by nuns I would think." Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 04 "Well it is inconvenient right now dear. I'm about to make jam." "Help me now and I'll come back and help you make jam. This is so important to me Mrs Ross; I am almost bursting in excitement. It could be a major breakthrough in my quest to seek justice for Sergeant Palin." "Oh him! I think I would rather make jam." "And how is your illustrious grandfather remembered in this city Mrs Ross?" The Ross Reservoir systems of course...oh, I see. Go talk to Salty while I powder my nose." "Ohmigod, here it is," Gina cried. "I'm so excited. Point me to the restroom." The admission record read: 'Mr Thomas James Palin, 32 Pilcher Street, aged 76, No next of kin. Contract Mr Silas Youngerman, 32 Pilcher Street. Suspected pneumonia. Prognosis not good. Walks with a cane. Appears undernourished but clean and clothes in good condition. Mr Youngerman left ten dollars towards patient's upkeep'. "Well, a Palin certainly existed in this town," said Mrs Ross when the flushed Gina returned. "With the age given it strongly suggests he was born in or about 1833 and that ought to help track down his birthplace and perhaps even his recruitment into the army. Get that recruitment date and army records should provide even information for your profile on Mr Palin." "Sergeant Palin." "Oh, quite right dear." "This is brilliant. I have a positive record." "Bring the book over here dear and I'll photocopy it for you." "Oh thank you. Two copies because Harry and the boys will want a copy. "Harry and the boys?" "Harry West and..." "Say no more. Those cantankerous men are in opposition to us and think they are historical gurus. They claim they don't like women so can't work alongside us. We commission them as investigators from time to time." Gina adopted a kind smile. "The guys are actually quite characters, just grumpy old men and Harry is the worst but I rather like him. It took me half an hour to get used to him." "Yes and is a toad. Got me drunk on whisky once and I vomited all over my husband. Oh yes, I know him well; he's married to my half-sister Dorothy." Screwing up her nose Gina said, "But Dot is much older..." "My father married a much younger woman after his first wife died and thus I came along, nineteen years after Dorothy. That is the kind of thing that throws amateur historians when they are trying to compose family trees." "Yes, I can see that. I'll call Harry tonight with this information." "He's away dear." "I know, staying overnight at the state capital doing research on Sergeant Palin for me. I have his number." "Are you paying Harry's expenses?" "Yes." Mrs Ross gave Gina a long look. "This has become more than a bee in the bonnet to you, hasn't it Gina?" "Yes. It's history Mrs Ross, a missing piece in the history of our city and denied because of what I think is misguided prejudice. It needs to be rectified and it appears I'm the only one willing to pick up the challenge, although people are beginning to gather around me." "You are an unexpected package Gina. Now let me tell you two things. One, are you aware the derelict stables in Pilcher Street still exist amid a grove of trees and..." Gina swayed on her feet. "Are you all right dear?" Mrs Ross said, noticing how white Gina had become. Gina nodded, holding on to the table. "And two, I have had a substantial change of mind as a result of your actions and my conversations with you today. Two members will call on you asking you to accept nomination for election as junior vice-president of the society at next month's annual meeting. I must admit I had resisted the patron over this but now have changed my mind. You are a very suitable person, I feel, to lead the incoming younger generation beginning to infiltrate our ranks." "Oh this is a great honor," Gina said earnestly. "Thank you. I'd like that. Let's return and make jam." Salty put aside his newspaper and said, "You ladies look victorious." "We are Salty, we are," said Mrs Ross. "Please return me to my home Salty via 32 Pilcher Street." "The poorer part of town Mrs Ross? I'm surprised you are aware of its existence." "The derelict old stables and saddlery on that site were once owned by Gina's great-great-grandfather. We are taking her to what could be her oldest-known ancestral home Salty. On your way and watch out for children and old ladies." "Yes ma'am." At the site Salty opened the door for Mrs Ross and Gina. They stood on the footpath and Mrs Ross said, "Off you go dear and take your time. This is a hugely historical moment for you." * * * Stepping through overgrown grass and trash, Gina thought she'd hear celestial music but no, the sounds she heard were kids playing, building construction, overly loud amplified music and the dull roar of traffic. Amid the self-grown scrubby trees was the heavy solid-wood framed structure of the building. Vandals over the years had smashed windows and even some of the window frames had been taken away. The roof had fallen in. Fearing rats and spiders Gina didn't venture in far. Much of the weatherboarding had rotted and fallen into pieces. The concrete floor had cracked in all directions and eroded a little and she came across a rusty iron lid of a crude floor safe. There was no key of course but she suspected what was there: five six-guns carefully wrapped in oilcloth and bounded in heavier wrapping. She decided everything should remain as it was because not only was it a memorial to her great-great-grandfather and his family would have also lived there but it was the last known home of the probable founder of the city, Sergeant Tom...er Sergeant Tom Palin. She didn't weep, but came close to it. Gina decided although her children might hate her because she'd been a whore and had learned the tag 'once a whore always a whore', she would enjoy bringing them to this spot when they were old enough to understand. And who knows, whores might be as common as housewives by that time. Gina closed her eyes. If there was no celestial singing she might hear horses. But no. However the happy shouts of children playing nearby were almost as good. "Are you all right dear?" Mrs Ross said, taking Gina into her arms. "Yes, I'm fine. Sad but incredibly happy, if that's possible." "Yes, mixed emotions. This has been a lovely day for you. We'll let you off jam-making." "No, I'd like to be with you and talk. Salty, could you pick me up from Mrs Ross's house as your final fare for the day?" He performed his now familiar smile that seemed to roll over his lined face. "You are already booked in with Salty Gina." "Any idea who owns this property?" Gina asked. "Well, somewhere along the way it's slipped through the fingers of your family," Mrs Ross said. "The council now owns it, seized in lieu of unpaid taxes." "Then I can buy it?" "Probably and perhaps for just the amount of accrued back taxes. Will you build a house after clearing the site?" "No, I'll have it fenced and hand it back to the city on the condition the land be declared an historic reserve and a notice be erected and maintained stating that this property, Silas Youngerman Stables and Saddlery – I'll find the actual name it was called – was the last home of Sergeant Thomas Palin, the person believed to have founder the town of Palin in 1871. He worked and then lived here until his death in 1909." "I'll believe the council will cooperate dear but not necessarily without opposition." Gina said sternly, "Councilors who oppose won't know what's hit them. There'll be a public outcry against them, stirred on by me." Salty caught the eye of Mrs Ross in his interior mirror and winked and she winked back. "I do declare this project to preserve that site we just visited is in very capable hands," Mrs Ross said, patting Gina's hand. "I don't know how we're going to keep up with you young lady, you go at it like a whirlwind." To be Continued Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 05 Jacqui McGeorge, already upset that her son was late for dinner, said disapprovingly, "Mrs Wright told me she's twice seen you with that flamboyant woman who is always showing off her body as if she were proud of it." "Oh Gina? Gina is no more flamboyant than your pastor's wife." "Well, you know what we think of Mrs Lancer." Nathan's father growled, "That's enough lip. Treat you mother with respect." "Or else?" "I'll give you a damn good cuff." "This is too much. You two will give me indigestion. I'm off." "Sit back down and eat the meal your mother has slaved over the stove cooking for you. Good god man, show respect." "If mom is slaving over the stove why not give her money so we can eat out?" The McGeorge's eat at home like proper Christians." Nathan shook his head and sighed. "Gina is going to be much too much for your guys. Although less full on, Sam had your almost out of your trees every time you were with her." Jacqui, dressed in a 10-year-old unfashionable suit said, "Yes Samantha, poor Samantha. Why did you throw her out?" "Because I kept tripping up over her lovers and she wouldn't change the sheets after sleeping with them." "That is absolutely disgusting son. Never have I..." "Turn it off dad. She's history. I've divorcing her." Nathan's parents chewed heads down in silence. Finally he gave them a future thought. "You better get used to the idea I'm going to marry Miss Flamboyant." "What! Why?" "I suppose because she has great tits mother." His mother ran from the room crying and his father appeared to be oblivious to what had been said. He was shaking his head saying, 'Never has there been a divorce in the McGeorge family' and repeated it. "Give up dad. There has to be change within families or else we wouldn't have family history. It's probable Gina will be the most flamboyant women to hitch up to the McGeorge family ever." "I'm gravely disappointed in you son. Gravely disappointed. Go to your mother and apologize." Nathan hugged his mother. "Sorry I said tits mom." "It's not really that son. It upset me that you could demean a woman in that way." Nathan decided not to fight it and say spicy Gina loved her breasts. Instead he said, "Sorry mom." She sniffed, patted his hand and thanked him. Nathan escorted her back to the table. After apple pie had been consumed Nathan said, "I'd like you guys to come to Little Italy Restaurant as my guest tomorrow night and meet Gina." Archie snorted, "We don't go to restaurants." "Thank you dear, please make it 6:30. We don't like being out late. I feel we should meet this woman and get it over with." "You'll like her and in time you'll love her mom." "I like the thought of that but..." "After all these years you don't know you mother, do you boy?" "Whatever you say dad. Apple pie supreme again mom. Thanks." * * * The city was still stirring when Gina made her 8:00 am appointment at the hairdresser's. Pulling the dark brown hair out in her hands, salon owner Bette Orange said, "I'm sorry Miss Lott but I must say no to creating you as a full out blonde." "Well thank you for the recommendation but please proceed." "No." "Why not?" "Because you'll be an obvious phony blonde. Now listen to me young lady. Your skin is olive, your eyes are almost black, your eyebrows are brown and your hair is multiple shades of dark to mid brown. If I were a corsetiere would you allow me to pack you into a 34 bra even D-size?" Gina's eyes met the stern blue eyes in the mirror and she cracked a smile. "You'd have breast everywhere if you tried that mission impossible." "Well, there you go. I cannot accept mission impossible and color you full blonde. I'm prepared to lighten your darker browns and give you blonde highlighting. So my way or you're on your way out of here." "Then your way I suppose. I've been a full blonde before and I guess it was unsuccessful. Sorry to have been stubborn with you Mrs Orange. Please do it your way and I'll sit and chat like the nice woman I really am. Please call me Gina. Can you take me as a regular?" "Only if you come early like this Gina. I'm Bette and I'm never grumpy. It's good to have someone who connects back to the Youngerman's." "How did you know that?" "I was in that founder's society meeting when you gave that inspiring speech." "Inspiring? Thank you. Where do you stand on the memorial?" "With you. If you and your friends can sort out the confusion over Mr Palin you'll win through. We have a founders' society but we don't have a founder's day because no one is credited with being the founder of the city. I believe many people are not comfortable with that." "Bette, that's a huge point that I must remember. Thank you." As Bette worked she listened fascinated as she was told everything Gina knew about Sergeant Palin. "How is it that you know more than about Mr Palin than citizens who've lived all their lives here? "A lot of information exists about Sergeant Palin, more than we'll find. It's just that no one else has bothered to collate any of it. The times being what they were in 1871 I don't think we'll prove one way or the other the 'Indians are coming' controversy. To me it doesn't matter. He is the man whom I believe was the founder of this city." Gina dressed in the French underwear Nathan had given her and black stockings. She pulled on a black wool jersey dress, knowing black made people look slimmer and then finished off with a red brocade jacket and red matching sunglasses and went down to the guest lounge. She believed she would be named on the commission because it would take a brave council to go against the mayor who had the backing of Judge Lucy McLennan. Fleur came in for coffee and stared in astonishment. "Are you going to a wedding?" "No but I wanted to look great because this afternoon I will attain the status I need to push ahead with the memorial project. Poor Nicci, she will be devastated to learn in the morning's newspaper that mother's club or whatever she is president of is rather out of sight on the VIP scale." "Who's Nicci and what's a VIP scale? I do love your new look hair styling." As they had coffee Gina ignored Fleur's question about Nicci and filled her in about being asked to serve on the commission, her meeting with Judge McLennan, her afternoon with Mrs Ross and Gina learning about the Pilcher St stables after finding where Sergeant Palin was living just prior to his death. "This is amazing, wonderfully amazing," Fleur said bouncing up and down on the sofa. "Oh you are such a genius. You..." "No, please Fleur. Okay, I might be the driving force but much of the information is coming to me through the work of other people. Please do not consider me as anything but one of the gang wanting to plug a gap in our town's history." Gina's phone went. She became highly excited and called the caller 'you darling' and thanked him or her with kisses and requested with considerable emphasis the information be kept confidential. Fleur said as Gina snapped her phone shut, "Congratulations darling but you were a little over the top in receiving news of your appointment." "No, no Fleur. This is much more exciting news. An old guy who had been searching the archives at the state museum for me has found a copy of Sergeant Palin's discharge." "Well I admit that is interesting but scarcely earth-shattering." "Fleur, listen to this. It is an honorable discharge, dated of course and there is a note that Sergeant Palin injured his hip when thrown from his horse but nevertheless staggered on for three miles to warn transient settlers of a possible Indian attack but the threat was aborted due to the Indians fleeing when sighting troopers." "Ohmigod. That's all you need. It makes Sergeant Palin a hero." "No so fast lady. We still have to find just how Sergeant Palin came to be at the center of the founding of our city." "Damn, yes of course. God you have a wonderful mind under stress darling. I go to pieces." "Yes, well if you spent ten years dealing with emotional Italians who go over the top at the slightest pretext, you'd discipline yourself mentally as I had to do." Gina took another call. "Oh thank you, you are so kind. Yes I'm available to leave right away. Thank you. I'm at the Blacksmith's Retreat." Gina told Fleur: "I am a commissioner and the mayoral limo is on the way." "You are so calm about it. Congratulations darling. You will be the prettiest commissioner ever. They mostly look like old bags like Judge Lucy McLennan." "She's actually quite nice, if you ignore her tough exterior. I was thinking, why wasn't this called The Stables and then it hit me. Although horses were stabled here and rented out, the day of the horse was beginning to decline so my grandfather build up his blacksmithy to survive in business." "I guess you are right. The year of construction of this building will be recorded and an article in the Post may have been published at the time of its opening. Newspaper did that sort of thing, tracking a town-city's history." "Yes. Have you received your appraisal report yet?" "No, your guy came yesterday and I expected our report in the mail this morning. Perhaps it will come tomorrow." "I asked for urgency with mine." "So the appraiser said. We may be in business discussion on Friday." "Could be. Fingers crossed we can make quick progress." Gina was surprised that the event was considered important enough to have a TV camera crew at the official announcement of the commission. Mayor Johnson delivered a short speech that the city was long overdue for a comprehensive review and he was impressed at the caliber of the members of the commission. He introduced Judge McLennan, architect Stanley Charles, town planning consultant Bruce Dowling, retired commercial developer Mario Parducci (and surprising Gina who thought she'd be without a tag), historian Gina Lott who had experience of some European communities redesigning their cities to cope with new century living. The press were invited to ask Judge McLennan questions and it went smoothly with Lucy emphasizing the city possessed reasonable infrastructure and good arterial links to sustain growth at the present rate for many years to come, with some important adjustments and additions. For example, timing of provision of a third river crossing should be researched. Then she struck back at a radio journalist who asked, "Do you foresee problems from lobbyists such as the bunch of crooks behind some of the commercial developments in this city?" "Young woman, I ask you to withdraw that statement and apologize unreservedly. No matter what your personal views are no business person in this city may be labeled a crook unless there is evidence to back up such allegations." "I-I sorry for over-stepping the mark Judge McLennan. My question related to hearsay and I apologize unreservedly and state I had no wish to cast unfair aspersions." "Thank you Jennifer. Now do you have a more acceptable question?" "Yes ma'am. Why is Miss Lott on your commission? You must have approved her application. She is no more a historian than I am and she is an outsider." "Another abrasive question Jennifer but I shall accept it. In fact I'll invite Miss Lott to answer you." Gina stepped up to stand beside her chairman. "It astonished me to be asked to stand for nomination. I lived much of my early life 200 miles from here but visited almost every summer to stay with family and attended school here at times. I completed my final year of my high school here and Mayor Johnson was one of my classmates and a friend. I own a property here – the Blacksmith's Retreat – and it's true I do have a fascination for the history of this city. It is my desire to help plan an even better city and at my age I feel I represent the new generation of younger people coming through who now own property to become, like me, contributors to city taxes. Thank you." When Gina stepped back Judge McLennan said, "Please note that Miss Lott has a direct line in maternal lineage through to one of our first settler families, the Youngerman's. Her mother was the last of the Youngerman's left in this city when she married and became Mrs Lott." And that was that. Afternoon tea was served. A woman who introduced herself to Gina as Amy Marks, a television producer Amy, said her mother had told her about Gina's impromptu address to the founder's society and it was one of the best addresses her mother had heard in forty years of being a society member. "I'd like you to consider working in association with a team I propose setting up, providing I can get funding, to make a mini documentary on Sergeant Palin." Gina felt her mouth fall open. "I know I'm intruding into what you are doing..." "No, it's not that, definitely not that. I'm just dumbfounded. A doco could bring people out of the woodwork who have snippets relative to Sergeant Palin." "Yes, probably. That often happens. I learned about Sergeant Palin at school although there wasn't much known about him. I thought it was so unfair to call him a loser without possessing the facts and I remember asking, "How was it settlers thought enough of him to call their new town Palin and our teacher said it was a joke as it was called Palin's Folly. I still think it's unfair to be so dismissive and every other community I know acknowledges its founder." "Right Amy, I'll cooperate on two conditions: That you involve the Palin Post in making this doco and you'll use it's editor as the presenter." "Robyn Hudson? Yes, I know her and she should measure up fine but our usual presenters will be upset. The studio won't like it." "Well tell them this: Use Robyn and I'll convince the Post to make a major contribution to funding and I'll urge the Founders' Society to join us to apply for a state grant for a program of significant historical interest. Imagine the interest: 'A Town In Search of its Founder,' or something like that?" "Yes, Amy breathed heavily. "I do believe I have a novel program in gestation." Hearing the news of the commission appointments on radio, Nathan called Gina and congratulated her hugely. Later he took her to dinner to meet his folk. "I think you should give mom some flowers; I'll buy them." "No, you indicated your parents were somewhat upset you were seeing me. My best tactic is to dress normally like this and not give an inch." "You look very sexy. I thought you would have dressed down, you know, conservatively?" "What, give them an immediately victory. I'm changing nothing just to appease them. This is me and if they don't like it tough." "Gina I really think..." "How was your money-gouging day darling?" They drove on in silence until he mumbled, "It's tough getting used to you." "Get used to it darling. If I fail to make a good impression on your mother I'll probably walk out, complaining of a pussy ache." "Gina!" "I mean a headache." "What about my dad?" "What about him?" "I have two parents." "Only one of whom matters to me darling. Ever girl with brains knows fathers change with the wind but mothers dig in forever." "I never new that." "You're not a girl darling." The restaurant was practically empty, it being only 6:30. After the greetings, Jacqui said, "I saw you on TV this evening. You spoke very well. Thank goodness you didn't have as much bust showing as you're showing now." "Thank you Mrs McGeorge." Archie cleared his throat. "Well I agreed with the questioner; you have no right to serve on that outfit as you are an outsider and know nothing about Palin." "Oh yeah Mr Palin. What can you tell me about Sergeant Tom Palin?" "Was his name Tom? He was credited with founding this city as Palin's Folly. He was a joke. That's all I know." "Why would a man name a settlement after himself as Palin's Folly?" "I haven't a clue." "Doesn't it suggest other men named the settlement after him, even in jest, not expecting the settlement to survive?" "They might have." "Well let me inform you Mr McGeorge that Thomas Palin joined the army aged eighteen and being a horseman and became a trooper. In 1871 as Sergeant Palin, then aged thirty-eight and perhaps scouting, rode to warn transient settlers camped here on the banks of our river of a pending Indian attack. He rode his horse into the ground and it died on the run after five miles and he fell, injuring his hip. He then ran as best to could three miles to warn the camp. The Indians never arrived, hence the jest, Palin's Folly. But we have located an army record of Sergeant's Palin's honorable discharge because of hip injury and it suggests the rebel Indians were driven away by troopers. Sergeant Palin had no home to go to, so it appears he came here and helped set up this town. He died here in 1909 and his home was then at stables in Pilcher Street." "What the old stables?" Mr McGeorge said in surprise. "We used to play cowboys and Indians around that ruin and kids were later banned from playing there after a big storm caved in the roof. I'm astonished you know so much about Palin." Mrs McGeorge said that was all very well but what was the use of compiling such information? "I shall be pushing to have a suitable monument erected in the memory of Sergeant Palin if and when we establish as close as possible that he was the founder of Palin." "You? But you have no status." "True Mrs McGeorge but I intend motivating people like yourself to support the call for a Sergeant Palin monument." "What on earth would I want with a monument?" "Do you ever have coffee upstairs on the corner of the avenue and River Road?" "Yes, sometimes twice a week. We regulars gather there." "And on the deck looking out what do you see?" "Smelly traffic and the town bridge in the distance." "Well I'm having erected a Sergeant Palin memorial in the heart of that intersection as was planned in 1929." "Planned in 1929, are you sure?" "A big newspaper article of April 1929 is my evidence. The plans for it are probably in council archives. It will require modernizing. It incorporated water effects and flower plantings." "Flowers?" "Yes Mrs McGeorge. That will be a real feature don't you think? The monument will slow traffic; the traffic lights will be removed and the street widening will be completed as originally planned. I imagine the deck of the coffee house is high enough to be cantilevered out to practically remain in its present position and be clear of high vehicles." "Good gracious. All that sounds impressive. I must tell my friend Mrs West." "Dot and Harry already know. I have been talking to them at length and Harry returns today from the state capital. It was Harry who this morning found the copy of Sergeant Palin's discharge to establish proof that such a man existed and did make a brave dash to warn the settlers." "Oh my, how exiting all this is. Gina if Dorothy allows you to call her Dot, you must call me Jacqui and call Archie Archie." "Thank you Jacqui. Is it okay that I call you Archie Mr McGeorge?" "Call me anything you like," he laughed. "I must say girl, it appears you get off your butt and get things done, not like many of the younger women today." "Oh I'm sure many younger women learned to work hard from their mothers Archie. May I recommend the loin of lamb? Actually just let me check as they sometimes prepare it differently." "Bring me Cesare," she called to a waiter. He bowed and a minute later the chef came out. He nodded to Jacqui and Archie, gave Nathan a friendly punch on the shoulder and Gina held up her hand; he kissed her hand, murmuring sweet nothings. Cesare and Gina had an intense exchange and he left, smiling at every one around their table. Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 05 "You speak Italian?" "A little," Gina said to Jacqui modestly. "He said his brother is not well, too much wine and not enough food or sleep. His younger sister is pregnant and his parents are enjoying touring Italy visiting old friends. He said the food prices are being shot to hell by the rising oil prices and he cannot understand why that should be so. I gave him my opinion and he said although a women's opinion is of no value what I said made some sense to him. And yes, he has enough grilled skewered lamb for this table available in my preferred way, Abruzzo-style. but remember it is only my recommendation. Had I had my way and two days in which to prepare I would have done lamb for you like that and served it at your son's house." "Are you living at my son's house?" "Not but stayed one night when rather when tired after so much sex. The kitchen appears to be straightforward to me. A good cook can cook anywhere." Jacqui said, "You said sex?" "Yes. And I've mentioned Sergeant Palin and Dot West and young women working hard and food. I would be pleased if you didn't get picky with me Jacqui. Why else would I go to Nathan's place late at night if it wasn't for sex?" "I-I...we never talk about private bodily function in public," "I would talk about sex in public but I'm not allowed to," Archie said. "Sex is not unlike religion Jacqui, in fact the two are entwined if you believe that way." "I'm not sure..." "Can it Jacqui. Nathan told me the girl speaks five languages fluently, has lived in Rome for ten years and has traveled extensively throughout Europe. She is better educated than us and knows a heck of a lot more than us. If she feels relaxed enough in our company to talk casually about sex then we ought to be pleased rather than acting up-tight." "Well, viewed that way who am I to argue?" "Thank you Archie and thank you Jacqui. I am sure you'll get used to me in no time." "I hope so dear. I'll give it my best shot." Nathan drove home thoughtfully. "You were impressive darling, far better than I expected. I know my mother; she's fallen for you, head over ass." Gina urged caution, telling Nathan he should regard it no more than a negotiated truce. They were barely in the house when there was a knock on the door. "Hi Veronica. What's up?" "I knew you were out and was waiting for the lights to come on. I'm here to invite you and Gina to dinner Friday night." "Just a minute I'll..." "Oh hi Veronica. Good to see you again." "You two know each other?" "Yes Nathan. We met the other day. How else would I know her name? Veronica wearing a gown and possibly nothing beneath it smiled and said, "Can you two come to dinner Friday?" "Oh I'm sorry. Nathan and I have a formal dinner at the City Club." "Ohmigod, that will be formal. What about Saturday night?" "That would be fine wouldn't it Nathan?" "Sure." "Oh that's great. I'd told Tony you were an awesome woman and we saw you on TV tonight. He asked me to invite you two over." The two women kissed and Veronica waved to Nathan and was gone. "You only met her once and you feel you know her well enough to kiss her?" "Yes, well I need friends so have to take the initiative. Do guys wait for a year before they call each other pal?" "We'd only call each other pal after the first meeting if we were drunk or sharing the same woman." "Well it takes all types. We need to chat." "Oh, so you want me to marry you?" "Please Nathan this is serious." He smiled and went off to fetch the wine "Right shoot," he said after they clinked glasses. "I almost keeled over when you said we were to dine with your parents." Nathan laughed. "That is not necessarily a prelude to a proposal of marriage." Gina said in near exasperation. "Nathan, this is really, really serious. Will you please shut up?" For more than an hour Gina described living in Italy and telling Nathan in great detail about the even more intimate hostess side to her job. She wasn't asked to give favors to clients but it was expected of her. She received tips, occasionally really large payments from men who almost seemed in love with her. "I wasn't paid for sex, but accepting tips after the event only means it wasn't contracted sex. I still whored. I need to tell you this because I need to know what you think if you father my child. You know what this means don't you?" "No." "One day someone knowing about my past will make the allegation in front of my child and either then or later I'll hear him or her say, 'Mommy was a whore." "I doubt that. They wouldn't know the meaning of the word." "They would if aged fifteen." "And you'd be worried? Wouldn't you being flamboyant you laugh and say 'Yes dear, mommy had a great time in Europe before she was married passing it around. You get up to that caper before you're eighteen and I'll screw your neck." "What?" "I was giving you the probable scenario. In my opinion you are unlikely to change in flamboyancy and confidence over the years, at least not on this side of sixty." "I cannot believe what I'm hearing." "Gina. Now you listen to me. You wanted to tell me about your sex life in Europe and did so graphically and I listened attentively and was really impressed. Then you wanted my opinion and I gave it to you straight. What more do you want? What is so different about you? I was like an out-of-control ejaculating cock in my early twenties. I lived once with twin sister for three months and they paid everything, did all the work around the place and all I was expected, as a poor student, was to fuck them and fuck them good. They paid for my movie and concert tickets and they paid my plane fare and hotel when we went on a week's holiday to a resort in Mexico. I think your problem is Gina you performed better than your own expectations and you were showered in more money and gifts than you thought possible, and for some reason you feel guilty." "Guilty?" "Yes guilty enough to manufacture a hugely improbably scenario of hearing your kid say, "My mommy was a whore." "It could be possible, couldn't it?" "Gina, have you ever heard of some guy coming up to a kid and saying, "I used to fuck your mom when we were young." "No." "Of course you haven't and I doubt if any guy has ever said that to a kid. Look, just try to forget this conjured up nightmare. Please Gina, you are a great woman and have no need to cart around garbage like that." "All right, I'll try. Perhaps it may help having spoken to you about this. I'm very tired as it's been a big day for me. Could you take me home but could I stay on Friday and Saturday nights?" "Yes sure. Good idea. Thank you for telling me Gina and I glad I told you something about my escapades. Come, give me a big hug and we'll get you home." * * * Gina waved goodbye to the departing Nathan, relieved they had voluntarily parted without tension of not having sex. She was too emotional to have good sex. She was glad she'd confessed to him, releasing pent up emotion. There was now no longer any dark secret to hide, for him to discover. She wanted his baby and if he wanted her, to marry her even, she felt she'd be at east whatever choice he made. He was a good man and she felt she would accept his proposal of marriage...if he delivered it. * * * Nathan drove home, unable to comprehend just how skillfully Gina had defused his parents, ending up making them like her. It had been an amazing exhibition of a woman in control of herself, a woman who appeared to have the attributes of a born leader, a supreme negotiator. And yet she appeared to have no need to work for an income. Now that was amazing. Had she invested ten years of surplus earnings wisely, or had that done for her? In addition she owned a property in Oxford Hollow that could be worth two million or even much more. Flushed with excitement, Nathan knew what the huge and totally unnecessary confession by her was about. She was cleansing herself, making herself ready for his baby and his offer of marriage. Gina wanted to feel free to accept his marriage proposal without reservations, knowing there was nothing in her past now he could find that would embarrass her. He'd thought he'd go some years after jettisoning Sam without marring again, to free him of the stress, the disgust she had brought upon him with her cheating and cruel heartlessness. He had married her, intending it to be a union for life. Had she, or had she operated on a hidden agenda? He'd never know, would he, unless Sam spat it in his face? She had been enriched in the marriage, principally by his endeavors, so she was leaving him far from being empty-handed. There would be people in the community, including his parents and some of his patients, who'd disapprove of him marrying the flamboyant Miss Gina Lott. Well the disapprovers could go and get fucked. To be Continued Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 06 The ornate décor of the City Club impressed Nathan, although he'd been there twice before and he was surprised at Gina's indifference when saying it was okay. Then squeezing her waist he grinned to himself: of course she'd spent several years amongst the gilt and glitter of Italy. Their arrival was announced the board chairman Murray Green whose eyes widened at the sight of the less that expected amount of Gina's body within her gown. The room fell silent as the stunning young couple entered and Murray made the introductions. Four of the men and women were former or current patients of Nathan's, but no sign of that relationship emerged, ensuring patient confidentiality. The dinner was fine and the conversations passable although especially the women were eager to make Gina's acquaintance while most of the board members, all men, generally gave the impression they were tolerating this bimbo spilling out of her dress. But impression are deceptive because between the main course and dessert the chairman made a little speech about Gina and her huge investment in the company and then simply said, "Miss Lott, my six fellow directors and I as chairman invite you to join the board to replace Mr Thomas Oliver who is retiring." "Thank you Murray. Before I advise my position may I question directors?" "Yes of course. Gina said the question was the same and she required only a yes or no answer. "Gentlemen, do you wholeheartedly support this invitation for me to join the board?" "Morgan – Yes." "Thomas – Yes." "Philip – Yes." "Chen Ning – Yes." "Malcolm – Yes." "Murray – Yes." "Well then Murray, considering that encouraging response I accept that invitation." "Excellent Gina. Can you at this short notice attend the board meeting at 9:00 next Tuesday where the first business item on the order paper will be your election to the board?" "Yes." Everyone applauded Gina's acceptance. "Well that was marginally tolerable," Nathan said, as he drove Gina to his home almost two hours later. "I agree. I thought what a waste of money, that Murray could have visited me and made the offer. But he told me as we were leaving it's the annual dinner for board members and their partners." "Well that was reasonable and gave the wives the opportunity to look at you, all of you." "What do you mean? Don't you like this dress?" "Oh yes, I love it...for a girl's night out but not for a formal dinner." "Am I being criticized?" "Yes but mildly." "Well, I'm accepting your advice. Can we go inside and fuck?" Nathan almost drove into the fence when turning. Dinner the next evening was informal to the extreme. Tony met them at the door and said, "Hi, I'm Tony Edwards. Let me take your coats, this blast from the north is our first taste of winter." "Yeah Tony. This is my fiancée Gina Lott." "Oh yeah, we have seen you in the newspaper and on TV. Nice body...I mean figure and face." Gina was almost reeling from what she'd just heard Nathan call her said, "Body is okay Tony. I'm not big into proper procedure." He grinned and yelled to Veronica and she ran out and straight into Gina and they kissed and took their time about it. As Veronica fetched the nibbles and Tony was pouring the drinks Gina almost snarled at Nathan, "Fiancée?" "Yeah, finally decided as we walked over here against the wind and began thinking of your warm body and what it had come to mean to me. I could have waited to tell you later tonight but that seemed unfair." Gina puffed up to retort strongly but sighed and regained her usual calmness under duress. "That is the saddest proposal of marriage I know of but I suppose I should accept it although one has to struggle to call a declaration a proposal." "You should accept it?" Nathan frowned. "Oh all right, I accept. Thanks." Nathan beamed. He told Gina they would begin shopping for an engagement ring in the morning. She beamed. After chatting and finishing their first drink Tony invited everyone into the adjoining room to play pool. Both visitors said they knew how to play and Tony suggested something on the side. "I don't gamble for money," Gina said firmly. "It's one of the reasons why I'm not poor." Tony, who like Nathan was wearing only a thick polo and pants, said, "What about we have a tournament with the girls changing partners after each two games and the losers strip off an item of clothing after each loss?" "That sounds more acceptable," Gina said, and when Nathan said he really didn't know she said her Nathan accepted. Veronica giggled and said she should have worn more clothing. It was fun, much laughter and good martinis. Because she was late in her cycle Gina was drinking alcohol. Within an hour the score was: Gina was down to her bra, boy shorts and one black stocking, looking rather mouth-watering to everyone, Veronica oblivious to excessive breast wobble, wore only her stockings. Nathan was down to his underpants with Veronica unable to keep her eyes off his bulge for long. The king of the pool table had lost only his polo. Thereafter, when Gina was playing with Nathan her skill seemed to move up a gear. Veronica immediately lost a stocking in two consecutive games and when Gina switched to partner Tony her game fell away and she was left in only one stocking and Tony lost his pants and a sock. In the next switch Tony played exceptionally well and off came Nathan's underpants and Veronica's game went off hopelessly so she walked off and returned with two packs of condoms, tossed one to Tony and led Nathan off by his growing erection. Gina was well away with booze so decided Tony could have her vagina providing he dressed for it. He asked her to roll on the condom with her mouth and they had a glorious time while Veronica kept gagging trying the improbable to suck in all of Nathan to his groin. Gina was pleased, really pleased in fact as Tony's close pal, while not long, was fat and knew how to use it. She finally rolled away and went off to shower, smiling at Veronica as she gurgled in ecstasy and waved to her weakly, her eyes glazed. Veronica staggered into the shower as Gina was about to leave. "Soap me please darling." Gina obliged the hostess. "Doesn't Nathan have the most magnificent cock," Veronica yawned. "I can never get enough of it." "You mean..." "Yes, the three of us play strip pool usually one night a fortnight." Pushing her fingers unopposed by Gina, Veronica asked, "Will you be joining us once a fortnight or if the men are away come over and play pool with me?" "I'll think about it Veronica. That's nice, use all fingers if you'd like; I'm used to it." As she leaned against the shower wall, eyes closed and playing with Veronica's nipples, Gina wondered why she'd never had contact with a woman who squealed each time her pussy was touched and squawked even when only one finger pushed inside; she understood legions of them existed. She smiled and speculated perhaps women like that kept well away from women like her and men like Nathan and Tony. Timidity, fear or men or more seriously pelvic pain disorders must be such a frustrating infliction. "Oh damn," Veronica said, withdrawing her fingers and protecting them by cupping them with her other hand to suck undiluted pussy juice. The dinner; I have to go." "Actually I'd prefer dinner soon; you can get me away some other time and find out what I'm going to do to you, sexy Veronica." "Ooooh." Nathan and Gina fell away laughing on the short walk home when Nathan said in all seriousness, "Well that night out was in sharp contrast to our night out last night." Gina wrapped up next day to go with Nathan to search for an engagement ring. She found it within thirty minutes at the first jeweler's they visited. "That was quick," Nathan said, rubbing his jowl. "Don't you want to look at more stores?" "No." "Don't you want a more expensive ring?" "This one is me darling. I'm very satisfied with it. Off you go and buy a couple of bottles of champagne. We'll call on your parents with the bottles this afternoon if that's what you wish to do. I'll shop around and then have a lunchtime meeting, Gina met Harry and Dot on the balcony of Milly's Coffee House. They sat in the corner that protected them from the north wind. "You performed magnificently Harry," Gina said when he handed over documentation relating to Sergeant Tom. "Thank you. I enjoyed the break at your expense. You better flick through those papers," Harry beamed. "Ohmigod," Gina screamed, almost sending Dot off her chair in fright although excepting a reaction." "Didn't he do well," Dot sniggered, still holding on to the edge of the table for support. "May I kiss him?" "No one else does. Go right ahead." Gina gave Harry a sexy kiss on the lips and he pulled away, wiping his lips. "God woman, do you want to send my heart rocketing at my age?" "Sorry Harry. Oh this a pivotal missing link." The document was a copy of the first Army census of the Settlement of Palin's Folly in December 1871. Twelve men were named and fifteen adult women, one of whom was named as widow Sarah (nee Zimmerman) Youngerman and her baby Silas, aged three months. Retired Sergeant Thomas Palin was named as chairman of the Town Board and Acting Town Marshall. Three days after the census a notary public signed and dated his declaration of witnessing the swearing of the document as a true and correct record. "Harry, Harry. Please keep this under your hat and you too Dot. Oh tell the boys but they must keep the lid on this. I plan to make a disclosure about this on TV very soon, as soon as we are ready. I'll want you with me Harry. I'll buy you a new suit if you wish." "No, my suit is as good as the day I purchased it." "How long ago was that Harry?" "Aw, about fifteen years ago." "More like thirty," Dot sniffed. "Please accept Gina's kind offer Harry." "Okay, I'll go you halves Gina." "Sorry Harry, I'm doing the buying. You have been magnificent Harry, a real diligent bloodhound. This may as good as we'll even get to point to the founder of Palin. Perhaps he was made chairman because he was the only male who could read and write properly? Who knows? Who cares? We have our man Harry and Dot." Another disclosure awaited Gina. After Harry and Dot left she introduced herself to the owner of the coffee house who knew Gina from seeing her in TV. "Milly could you tell me who owns this building? Some skinflint judging by the look of it." "It's owned by the council, which took it over when the owner died and it didn't sell because of the old requisition on it requiring a setback as soon as any alterations were made." Gina almost fell over. "Are you sure?" "Why else would I be leasing my floor space from the council?" "Thank you Mrs Blowers. I really love coming to your coffee house." Nathan's parents were moderately enthusiastic about the engagement announcement and after a couple of glasses of champagne they loosened up and the four of them spent a lazy afternoon together. * * * On Monday afternoon, shaking a little in excitement, Gina chaired a meeting in the bar of the Pioneer Hotel (neutral territory) attended by Post editor Robyn Hudson and from the state capital TV producer Amy Marks and her TV station's director of programming Alex Smith. "This better be good," Alex said, "coming all this way." "Oh come on, drink you beer and don't be grumpy," Gina laughed. "You guys make and screen TV programs and in this instance I'm giving you the material to start you off. What is the working title Amy?" "Palin, City without a Founder." "That's good, but let's be more dynamic. December 1871 was a very cold winter." "Aren't all winters very cold in Palin?" "Shut up Alex unless you have something positive to say," Gina said scornfully. He colored and said, "Because of that very cold winter, why not use the title, Palin City Brings it's Founder in from the Cold?" "Thank you Alex. A little more enthusiasm would delight me." "Well, Amy has briefed me. What she knew was so flimsy it was almost crap. I think..." Amy cut in. "Alex, I told you I have enormous faith in the ability of Gina to deliver. I sense this will happen." "Yes Amy, that is so right," said Robyn. "At Gina's request I've had reporters during slack time going through our old files pulling out anything relating to the guy we now call Sergeant Tom. We have established that right up to his death in 1909 he called himself Sergeant Palin and people called him that name although he was a civilian for the thirty-eight years after his discharge." "I see Robyn. But we have no funding, you've forgotten that." Gina asked what enquiries had Alex made about funding? "Er none," Alex said, shuffling in his chair. "Oh you need another beer Alex and we ladies could do with more wine." Gina flicked her fingers at the bargirl and she came over quickly. "Now where were we? Oh I know, a commitment to confidentiality. What I'm about to disclose must remain confidential until I decided the timing is right to reveal it. I will be having regular meetings with you three so we'll discuss how to release the information in drips to keep the pot stirring." The other three agreed on confidentiality. "The first thing guys is I've never claimed a memorial was my idea as I was aware many others before me had mooted a memorial. Show them the clipping Robyn." "Ohmigod, this is a monstrosity," Alex said gleefully. "And we have drama – it was killed off by the Depression and never revived obviously." "See, I told you Gina and friends would produce the goods." "This is good stuff Gina," Alex said, now more enthusiastic. What about funding? Andy suggestions." "Why don't you talk to your people about guaranteeing half and meet the board of the Post and ask for a similar guarantee and then make a case for historical funding." "Right on. That has merit because the guarantees of underwriting allow me to get the show on the road. Any more tidbits?" "Yes Alex. I want the memorial to go on the same spot as proposed in 1929. I will suggest the old plans be pulled out and the design modified to be more in keeping with today's monument design. Now for the really big breakthroughs and even Robyn doesn't know about these. We have a copy of Sergeant Tom's discharge, his honorable discharge, and a notation made at the time that suggest a detachment of troopers scared the Indians off. That being so there was no folly, only misinformation." Gina then passed around the 1871 census of the new settlement of Palin Folly. There was great chatter. "I knew you'd do it Gina, I knew you would," Robyn said, brushing away tears. "One of my helpers uncovered this and I want the news of it released in a small TV interview guys of me and old Harry who uncovered it. He has more standing in this city than I do because I wasn't born here. People call me an outsider. I need to use every skill available to me to reverse the negative opinion of Sergeant Tom." And so a doco (documentary) was born. Alex said he was confident the money would slot in when the time came. After the visitors left Robyn drove Gina to the Blacksmith's Retreat. When Robyn stopped the vehicle she pulled up Gina's left hand and looked at the ring. "Who's the lucky man?" "Nathan McGeorge." "I thought so; I've seen him with you a couple of times, he looking possessive." They laughed and Gina waved to Fleur who was standing in the main entrances appearing unable to stand on one leg for more than thirty seconds before shifting on to the other. "I must tell you I have accepted an offer of a directorship on the board of the Post. I hope that doesn't drive a wedge between us." "It's okay. We keep a distinct distance between management and editorial. It's how newspapers work and maintain independence. But even so, we are free to choose our friends." "Before accepting I asked each director did they support the offer being made to me and all including the retiring director said yes." "Well I'm very happy about that. You'll be good for the company; it needs a shakeup." "Oh, we must have lunch soon and you can tell me about it. I will be elected on Tuesday. Good, the announcement is probably on my desk now." "Excellent. I'll speak to you early Wednesday about lunch. Fleur is jumping out of her skin." "Yes. I guess she has received good news." Fleur excitedly handed Gina the courier-delivered sealed report from the company that had carried out the appraisal of the property for Gina. "We have ours. It's come in within our parameters." "Good, give me fifteen minutes to change and read my report and I'll come down for a meeting is that's convenient to you both." "Yes, oh yes. Adam can't keep still. I've never seen him so excited." Gina went away smiling, guessing that Adam had never seen Fleur so excited. The report pleased Gina. It came in a little higher than expected. The two parties disclosed their report summaries at the meeting over a bottle of hearty Spanish red. The two values were $87,445 apart. Gina and Adam used their calculators to adjust to the average value between the two appraisals and then added 5%. The result was the same, $3,776,547 that was for all the structures, roads and the fencing of 30 acres of land, most of which was in trees with walking tracks and a fishing lake." "Round that down to $3.75 million and have we a deal?" Gina asked. Fleur looked at Adam and he nodded. "Yes Gina, it has been lovely doing business with you." "Congratulations guys, I'll instruct my accountant to draw up the papers," Gina said. "Shall we try to complete the process in sixty days?" "Sixty is okay but the sooner the better for us," Adam said, and Gina said she would push to expedite the sale. Adam added they would arrange the loan money privately to complete the purchase. Gina attended her first board meeting at the Post, where she was invited in to the table after being elected as the first item of business. The rather boring meeting ended with lunch at 1:30. Gina went to City Hall and was told she'd have to wait half an hour to speak to the property manager. A minute later the property manager Howell came out and apologized for Gina's discourteous reception. "You are a VIP around here Miss Lott. Please follow me." Susan was surprised when Gina said she wished to purchase two council properties. She opened the file of the property at 32 Pilcher Street. "Well, this isn't going to cost you much – $116,420 in fact plus meeting all transaction fees." "That price is low." "Recovery of unpaid taxes is all we require plus administration costs. The problem is you would be required to demolish the old building and remove two feet of topsoil off the site and dumped because it used to be a stables and left behind an inherent risk of tetanus." "Oh, but I don't wish to build on it. I'll have it fenced off to council specifications and require a reserve in perpetuity covenant placed on the land. In this deal the council will be required to preserve the site 'as is' and to place a notice on the site and maintain it, the wording to be worked out between council officials and me. The stables were built and operated for many years by my great-great-great-grandfather Silas Youngerman. Council records will show the dates of occupancy. There is also another name of distinction to add, that of Sergeant Thomas Palin, but more about that later." "Miss Lott, this is a most unusual request and transaction. I would have to present your proposal to the property, parks and reserves committee." "Please do that Mrs Howell. To establish my good faith here is my check for $20,000 as a deposit but is to be refunded if no transaction proceeds." Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 06 "Oh, that will earn you plaudits. We get many people coming in and wanting to buy property but we never see them again. That is the difficult transaction out of the way. Now what is the other query?" "I wish to by the council-owned property called the Gaynor Building on the corner of Central Avenue and River Road." "Oh lordy, just a moment while I pull up that property. I go often to the coffee house in that building. I'd hate to see it go." "It will be retained with the balcony glassed in with opening windows." "Oh wonderful." Gina continued. "I am aware this building is required to be set-back. That's why I want to offer the council its purchase price back. That should leave me with sufficient money to have the building setback at ground level, the new balcony raised to a safe height and cantilevered and I will then have the entire building renovated. My purchase means the council is relieved of the setback costs and I will be left with what should be an excellent investment. My offer is subject to satisfactory engineering and architectural reports and the council's preparedness to accept my terms." "This proposal is even more complicated that the Pilcher St proposed purchase." "I know but think of the money the sale will release back to the council's treasury. My information is the council paid $2 million for that building." "Well yes, but that is a matter of public record. We were forced to spend on improvements." "Cheap and nasty in the main from what I can see. But the council isn't in the business of making fancy improvements to commercial property, is it Mrs Howell? And I imagine the proposal to buy the building and on-sell it to recover a huge amount of taxes owing came unstuck because potential buyers didn't like the set-back requisition?" "You could well be correct Miss Lott but of course in my position I'm unable to confirm or deny council business that is not in the public domain." "I would appreciate it Mrs Howell if you present my proposals to the council together, as the Pilcher St proposal could show I do have a heart. Here is my check for $100,000 for the council to hold pending discussions to indicate my genuine interest in acquiring the Gaynor Building. That check is refundable of course if no transaction proceeds." Mrs Howell said she had noted the requests and the conditions of the deposit and pointed out their conversation had been recorded. "I shall pursue these matters with similar enthusiasm that you have displayed in representing them, she smiled. "Good luck." At 3:30 Gina rose from her chilly corner seat at the coffee house balcony as the CEO of the Post, Mrs Ramirez arrived. "Hell's bells Gina, do you want me to freeze my butt off? This coat is not very warm." "Just for a couple of minutes Charlotte. I want to show you something." "Please make it quick. Inside looks so inviting." "Okay, over here to the edge of the balcony. See how the Fellows' Building over there is set-back at ground level from the line of other buildings, and over here the United Trust Building has been set-back similarly and Small's Building over there." "Yes, but not this one. And?" "Imagine a monument in the center of this intersection, the traffic lights gone and traffic slowing to observe the give-way rule?" "Yes, but what sort of monument?" "A memorial to our founder, Sergeant Tom." "Oh god, not you." "Bear with me Charlotte while I fill you up with coffee and cream cakes." Charlotte listened how Gina and her helpers were filling in some of the missing pieces about Sergeant Tom. "This is amazing Gina, truly amazing. Why aren't we publishing this information as it's found?" "It's a big like sex Charlotte if you can remember back that far. You remember the times when you got off with a big bang." "You cheeky young bitch," Charlotte laughed. "No one has ever spoken to me like that, ever." "Oh, and you resent that?" "No, definitely not. You have a way with you that...that...well you make it seem acceptable. I keep my sex life, well the little bit I have these days, very private." "Well, back to the less erotic things. You will see a double-page spread in the Post about Sergeant Tom and this monument very soon but the kick-off with be on TV." "You're dreaming Gina. TV is not interested in this town outside of mayhem and murder or a good old-fashion sex scandal and those are rare." "I'm thinking to launch on TV on Sunday week. If I'm to honor Sergeant Tom I'll need to swing a big chunk of people behind this project. Can you imagine a monument out there?" "Yes I can and it ought to gave this pivotal intersection a more interesting center to our city." "But that's City Hall isn't it?" "Tubby and Co like to think so. But a decent monument and this building being setback with a new balcony as you described would leave City Hall and its miserable garden strips in its wake aesthetically." "Oh Charlotte. Thank you. That's an aspect I hadn't considered. TV is waiting for me to indicate when I'm ready to launch." "But nobody dictates TV news – they are even worse than our editorial people." "I know, but news is news and the people I'm in contact with have long news noses. This story has state-wide appeal and they say it probably will go on national network, being one of those cute stories used to finish off the evening's main news bulletin." "Are you sure TV is that interested?" Charlotte listened in astonishment when she learned of the doco with TV researchers already underway and securing old footage. "Local filming starts here Monday week which is why I'm picking to launch on the evening prior. Now Charlotte, this is why I have involved you by buttering you up. How big is our fund on the Post for supporting community projects." "Quite substantial...oh, you wish to raid it." "Yes but even more than that. I need you to seek board agreement to underwrite half the cost of the doco. It will be small, just forty-five minutes on screen – the rest will be taken up by ad breaks. The TV studio will underwrite the other half and we will apply for state funding." "How much Gina?" "Good value really – with the majority of filming being straight interviews and the research not being too onerous because there's not too much to research, the director of programming and the film director have told me they could bring it in for under $800,00 with luck." "Oh, is that all?" Charlotte sighed sarcastically. "The Post only has to guarantee half and the State Government is bound to cough up; it has funds for projects like this." "Oh Gina." "Oh Charlotte...please." Charlotte sighed deeply and said okay. "Oh great, thank you. Kiss-kiss. We won't have to raise much money because I aim to show successive council's failed Sergeant Tom. Tubby and Co are going to be astonished to learn that Sergeant Tom was chairman of the inaugural Town Board. That makes him one of them. This project will take off like a rocket. There will be opposition but they will be outnumbered by the overwhelming guilt of others acknowledging this town has given Sergeant Tom a very raw deal." "Goodness Gina, you have me convinced. You should be in politics." "Enough bullshit Charlotte. Please indicate you are one of us." "Yes of course, I'm a committed trooper." "Oh god, what a name for campaign buttons: 'I'm a Committed Trooper.' Charlotte, you are a genius." "That's enough bullshit young lady. I suppose funding for the buttons is to come out of my slush fund?" "Yes, what a great offer! Thank you Charlotte. With people like you behind this campaign, how can it not succeed? But wait, there is more: we'll sell the buttons for two bucks each at the Post, news stands and book stores with the proceeds going towards the bronze plinth on the memorial. I'll make up any shortfall." Gina agreed it was a good idea to add 'Back the Tom Palin Campaign' to the wording. Gina stood and said that completed their business. "Thank god for that," smiled Charlotte. "I'm close to being shell-shocked. To be Continued Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 07 Next day Charlotte organized a phone conference call of all board members. She said Gina had excused herself citing possible vested interests and then outlined the doco Gina had organized. The majority of board members agreed to underwrite half the cost of making the documentary. Murray instructed Charlotte to make sure she was involved in preparing the application to seek State Government funding for the film project and to be on any deputation invited to appear before the fund-granting agency. That same day when calling a cab Gina learned Salty was sick. On the way home she purchased a paperback and a box of chocolates and had the cab driver take her to Salty's home. She delivered the gifts at the front door to the very handsome Mrs Brown who expressed surprise and then asked why would she be surprised. "You are Miss Lott, I recall your face from TV and the newspaper. Would you like to come and see him? Some passenger has given him a nasty cold." "No thanks, I've no wish to pass a cold on Clara, if I may call you that? I'm Gina." "Yes please do. Salty is expecting big things from you. What should I tell him?" "Tell him the Sergeant Tom campaign is on the march again. He'll know what that means. And tell him to watch local news at 6:00 on Sunday week when I launch the campaign to bring Sergeant Tom in from the cold." "Right, I'll do that. Who is Sergeant Tom? Salty was in the army in his younger days but I never hear of Sergeant Tom." "Sergeant Thomas Palin, founder of Palin City." "Ah yes. The guy who dreamed up Indians were about to attack settlers. Salty said you had a fixation about him. I take it you've found evidence to back up your statement you're bringing him in from the cold, as you put it?" "You not only have lovely features Clara but a good brain as well. Don't catch Salty's virus. Good afternoon." "Bye Gina. You are so kind." As they drove off the cabbie said, "Old Salty is an institution in our outfit." "I'm not surprised Ivan, but why is that?" "He has the cleanest cab, I don't think there's ever been a complaint against him, he treats us individually as if we were the best driver in the company but if something is wrong he'll ask ever so softly can he have a quiet word. He treats everyone who rides in his cab with dignity, even loudmouths and drunks. People respect him, like you do Miss Lott. Everyone in the company knows you have a soft spot for him and when you call in the dispatcher automatically looks at the locator on his or her screen for Salty. You are already on our list of top regulars Miss Lott." "Well please have me removed. I've done nothing to deserve my place there." "Request denied Miss Lott. Salty would fire me if I did that." Gina laughed and said no way could one cabbie fire another cabbie. "Salty is a cabbie, yes, but he also owns half the company with Mrs Ryan owning the other half." Gina gave Ivan treble the usual tip. He'd told her something very interesting about Salty and that explained his fine house the expensive-looking clothes Clara was wearing about the house. But the big gain was she'd ask Salty if company drivers would spread the word about Sergeant Tom. Ivan chatting to her had given her the idea. It reminded her that cabbies liked to chat. Orange and Green Cabs had the largest taxi fleet in the city. Oh how she wished for a photo or even a drawing of Sergeant Tom. In her mind he was just a shadowy figure. A portrait would bring him alive for her and it would mean the campaign could push for a bronze statue of him. * * * Fleur lay in Adam's arms, the smell of sex in the air. "That was lovely," she said. "You must be excited we're going to purchase this property?" "Could be. Tell me, you and Gina have become very close, so close I'm suspicious. Have you been to bed with her? Now I want the truth." "Yes," Fleur said in a small voice. Adam looked at her menacingly. "Yes what? That you will tell the truth or that you allowed her to fuck you." "Please darling. Don't get mad at me. We just fooled around a bit. It was lovely." "Lovely? It was fucking disgusting. I'm having it out with the bitch," Adam said, jumping off the bed and pulling on his pants and shirt. "Now you stay here, do you hear? Move off the bed and you're for it." Fleur began crying and Adam left the room, slamming the door. "Oh hello Adam, is everything all right?" Gina asked, stepping back defensively, reading his angry face. Adam brushed past her and entered the loft. "I suspected something has been going on between you and Fleur. I see touchy, touchy and soft intimate smiles from time to time. I forced it out of Fleur. She said you two had fooled around but I think it's a lot more than that." "It could have been, perhaps not. I don't see it as any of your business." "You smart-ass slut. Of course it's my business. I'm Fleur's husband, I have rights." "Well you have no rights over me. Get out of my rented room." "Oh I see. Miss High and Mighty are we? Well I'm pulling out of the contract. I don't want any property you've contaminated." "We have a contract Adam. You pull out and I get to keep the 10% deposit you signed over to my accountant today. No, I'll do more than that -- I'll sue you for breach of contract and seek to take every cent you have in punitive damages." "Oh yeah?" "Yeah. You let Fleur do most of the work and you think you are capable of making the executive decisions. Well you attempt to pull out of this deal and it will be the end of you. With you both penniless Fleur will head home and you'll have lost her." "You bitch." "My name is Gina." "Well, the deal sticks but I'll get even with you your filthy slut." "Good night Adam. I suggest you leave the door on its hinges." He stomped out, leaving the door wide open. Gina remained calm. She called Nathan who took sometime answering because he was in the bath and his cell phone was in the kitchen. "Hi, I'm walking back to bath with my phone." "Oh sorry. Look, do you still consider I'm your fiancée?" "Yes, of course. You are the woman I shall marry as soon as my marriage is dissolved." "Something has come up. May I come and live with you?" "Yes of course. Do you want me to fill in Adam?" "No, it doesn't warrant that. They are buying this property from me. He has become drunk and abusive, accusing me of sleeping with his wife and I neither confirmed nor denied it." "An excellent response. I'll wash my sweaty dick and my sweaty feet and will be over to collect you. Start packing." "I was hoping tonight but the morning will be okay?" "Give me twenty minutes tops darling. I want you sleeping with me." Gina had paid her rent in advance. She thought Fleur was the kind of person to hand back the surplus, not including this week. She hoped Adam would settle in full because she had no wish to force Fleur into court -- Adam yes, but not Fleur. Half an hour later as Nathan drove Gina and her possessions away she saw Adam staring at them through the shades. She stared back and refrained from tossing an obscene gesture of one upright finger in his direction. She thought Fleur the fool should have kept her mouth shut. On the other hand, Adam would wake up in the morning feeling glad he hadn't acted stupidly. They would have devised a marketing plan to pump more people through the retreat and probably had plans to up grade it into a spa resort hideaway. Gina stayed home -- now Nathan's house -- all day next day as she had nothing scheduled and marveled it was the first day without business or social appointments for quite some time. At 11:00 she called Alex Smith, director of TV programming at K0Z0 and arranged for him to set up the TV launch to run on TV (Palin was on the KOZO regional network) on Sunday week and use that interview to announce commencement next day of filming the documentary. "But we have already started work." "Well call it the start of the Palin section of filming." "Oh yeah. Thanks for doing the groundwork for the Post to underwrite 50% of the cost. They couriered back their signed copies of the agreement yesterday." "Good. And your people?" "There is some dissent so no progress at present. Don't sweat. Something usually happens." And something did. Alex called at 2:30 highly excited. "Can you come to the capital now? This is too important to describe on the phone. Our researcher is back from Kansas with a treasure trove." "Well all right. Give me your address. I'll grab a hire car with GPS. Starting early afternoon like this I should be there inside four hours. Will you stay at the office and wait for me?" "Yeah, Amy will as well. I'll then take you guys to dinner. Amy lives at home and says her mom says you can stay the night." "Okay, I'm on my way. Thank Amy for me." Nathan was apologetic but couldn't take time off work because he had a full caseload. "Take my car." "No, a hire car is fine. You vehicle is not comfortable for me so I'll tire over long distances. I'll get a fully equipped small BMW or Volvo. Bye darling. This obviously must be a sensational breakthrough." "Bye my darling." Oooh. * * * Gina looked at the photographs, her eyes bulging. "Ohmigod." "That's exactly what I said," Army laughed. "Aren't they wonderful?" The freelance researcher Alex had contracted, using information collected and collated by Gina, had found the young Kansas cowboy Thomas Palin had joined the cavalry at Fort Riley shortly after his eighteenth birthday in late 1851 and after induction training was put to work in the stables, the heart of any cavalry. Troopers were stationed at the fort to help protect travelers on the Santa Fe Trail from Indian attack. At present day Fort Riley Cavalry Memorial Research Library the TV researcher was handed a photo of young Palin and two other young recruits grooming horses. It was one of several photograph taken in 1852 by an itinerant photographer, one of many traversing the mid and far west in those times commissioned by newspapers and magazines back east. There was another photo, undated of Thomas Palin, who appeared to be in his late twenties, receiving a commendation from his Lieutenant for 'inspirational bravery', but the caption stated nothing else, not even the place where the photograph was taken. The last photograph was a close-up taken off a glass plate, remarkably clear and showing character in the face of cavalryman Thomas Palin, in 1869 on his promotion from a line sergeant to first sergeant. "Oh it's gorgeous but this is so frustrating, the place is not named." "No, and the official at the memorial library said there's nothing, absolutely nothing, to give a clue where it was," Alex said. "Fort Riley has no record of the promotion to sergeant being made there." Amy said, "Our darkroom technician has taken a copy and run off a couple of prints for you to take back with you tomorrow. I have the day off until noon so can show you around the city if you'd like." "Yes I'd like that very much. Do you guys enjoy champagne?" * * * Amy had arranged copies of all photographs for Gina and after she dropped off her hired car after he arrived back in Palin Gina rushed to the Post's offices but was told Robyn was chairing a news conference. "Do you know who I am dear?" Gina asked the young receptionist who nodded. "Just go to Robyn and say I would like to see her for just one minute. Off you go." Robyn came off looking hassled. "Hi, we're in dispute in there over the cartoon -- thirty seconds is all I can spare. Gina turned around the print she was holding and smiled, "Meet Sergeant Tom -- guaranteed." "Ohmigod!" Brenda screamed, and people came running to her assistance from all directions including three beer-belly heavyweights from her office. "It's okay everyone. We have something that will give us one of our best stories in all the years we have been publishing. Back to your work and thank you for your interest." "Better than the drought stories?" asked a journalist, lifting his glasses to take a good look at Gina. "I said one of our best stories Bruce. Back you guys go into my office. Richard and I will catch you Saturday night." "Where?" "Must go Gina." Well if it hadn't been for Robyn screaming like a stuck pig, that little visit would have been a fizzer, Gina groaned to herself. She walked over to see Nathan but according to a nurse he was up to his wrist...well, never mind. "Oh it's Gina," called the receptionist who usually took Gina's incoming calls. "She's wearing the ring," said the nurse who'd been talking to Gina. Women came from out of the woodwork to gather round Gina and oooh and gurgle. "I choose to have a small solitaire. Bigger rings look ostentatious and get caught in stockings. "Your stockings I'd hope," someone said, causing an outbreak of giggling. Gina thought she was disrupting office routine so said, "Thanks for your interest girls. Bye." "Bye Gina," they replied and someone said they would catch up on Saturday night. It was then Gina became aware Nathan had decided to throw her a surprise engagement party. She felt all lovely and warm and knew that she loved him. Fleur called Gina early Friday morning and they met for coffee, Fleur deeply apologetic as she handed Gina's mail across and a refund of room rental. She said she'd crumbled under Adam's bullying. "I thought as much. Some men flit to becoming paranoid is their dick feels compromised." Fleur raised her guilty eyes and frown, considered what Gina had just said, and burst out laughing and they were in tune once again. Gina said, "Will you come to my surprise engagement party on Saturday night? Being a surprise I don't know where it is or what time or in what form. I'll have someone call you. Don't tell Adam. Say you are staying with a friend overnight after going out drinking with the girls. You can stay the night with us." "God you are devious." "Yes, aren't I? If you don't show up I'll understand." "Watch him Gina. He came to bed muttering 'The bitch, the fucking bitch; I'll get even'." "I'll deal with it darling. You just try to relax and fuck him to get that baby you want." After Fleur left Gina opened her mail and one item was a check from the newspaper and printing company for close on $198,000 being the quarterly payout on her large stockholding in the company. Still with the warm fuzzy feeling Gina decided to buy a present for her man. She walked to Nathan's office and asked Nathan's PA if she could borrow the SUV for an hour. She also gave the PA Fleur's phone number and to invite just Fleur to the party on Saturday night. "You know about it?" "Only that a party is being held; nothing more than that." Nathan came out with the keys and kissed Gina warmly and ducked back into his office as he was amid a consultancy. Gina returned later and left the keys of a new model of the same SUV but top of line with the kinds of extras men drool over. The PA didn't notice the access key was actually a card and the leather tab was orange leather, not black. Gina thought that figures: many women have no interest in vehicles apart from wanting them to start and stop when required and have someone ensure it has gas and is serviced on schedule. Mid afternoon a Flower Car from a florist delivered a gigantic bouquet of flowers to Gina. The woman said, "He insisted on the phone we write on the card his exact words. We do hope it doesn't upset you." Gina put the woman at ease, reading the card and laughing in glee. The message stated, 'You are a fucking amazing woman. Are you a millionaire?' Gina went off to bath in scented water to prepare for the early homecoming of her man with his shiny new SUV. In the bath she thought about Adam and decided he was a bit of a wet. He was likely to attempt to embarrass her publicly and if that failed would give up. He'd have to be careful about alleging she was a whore, as without proof that could backfire on him. So what else could it be? The rat would probably find something. The Saturday night party took over a restaurant and was a delight, almost everyone revving up. It was dress-up so on Saturday when Gina arrived back from her hairdresser Nathan had to reveal the surprise. Some people who were invited, including his parents and an uncle and two aunts and their spouses had apologized for being unable to attend. The invitation said, 'Arrive in just underwear or if shy wear underwear over other clothes. People not wearing exposed underwear will no be admitted'. Fleur didn't arrive, too scared not doubt of telling Adam she wanted to go out without him and stay away for the night. Gina wanted to pay half the cost of the party but Nathan kissed her and said it was his treat. It turned out to be a dream party for her. Everyone had great fun and most got plastered. The TV interview with Gina and Harry was pre-recorded on Friday and Dot West invited Gina and Nathan over on Sunday to watch the news item and then have dinner. It was right at the end of the bulletin and ran for six and a half minutes. The presenter called it, "A remarkable story about the efforts of a handful of people to correct an historic injustice'. "Powerful words," said Dot. "Hush woman," Harry said, sitting on the edge of his chair. Gina scowled when the bright-faced female reporter said, "This is a wee story about one woman's fight for justice for a man who has been discredited as the founder of Palin City since it was founded way back in 1871." Gina knew it was more than one woman's fight. But Gina was happier again when she found her comment about 'Harry West and the Boys' and the archives of the Palin Post and especially the strong support of editor Robyn Hudson had been included. She was filmed saying resolutely, "The monument in the memory of Sergeant Tom will be erected and this is where I want it placed." The scene switched to the intersection of the Central Avenue and River Road with police officers holding up traffic in four directions, impatient motorists flashing lights and tooting horns, while Gina and Harry were photographed standing in the middle of the intersection, each holding up a thumb in mock triumph. The next shot was of CEO Charlotte Ramirez and Post chairman Murray Green shaking hands with Alex and Amy from the TV K0Z0 after confirmation that the newspaper would guarantee payment of half the cost of making a documentary about Palin's Great Mistake. Gina did the voice-over for that segment and she ended the film clip saying, "In recent days the team working on this exposé has made some breakthrough discoveries in support of our Sergeant Tom campaign and tomorrow filming for the documentary begins in Palin. Whether Palin City comes in behind us and a monument is erected remains to be seen. We have been tremendously encouraged by our efforts to date to bring the rebuffed founder of Palin City Sergeant Tom Palin back in from the cold." Harry rose and began applauding Gina and Dot and Nathan joined him. "Stop clowning around you fools," Gina said, very relaxed but she burst into tears when Nathan said, "Honey I couldn't understand why you were so worked up and devoting so much time to this Sergeant Tom thing. But after seeing that piece on TV I understand what is all about. Congratulations for taking such an uncompromising stance. The very community he founded shafted Sergeant Tom Palin. Boy, would that guy admire you if he were alive today." Gina brushed aside her tears and her phone began ringing. Only her friends had her cell phone number so all the calls were complimentary. But provoked opponents were already activating, a few writing letters and rushing in to the Post demanding they be published in the edition about to go to press. * * * Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 07 A Post reporter had interviewed Gina extensively and she waited anxiously next morning for Nathan to fetch the morning newspaper. Grinning he held it up at the kitchen doorway. The huge heading across the front page screamed: 'We Say Let's Belatedly Honor Sergeant Tom'. Gina screamed, jumping up and down in excitement and dropping her coffee mug that smashed on the tiles. Under that were two photos. One was of Sergeant Tom Palin taken in 1870 and recently unearthed by the researchers involved in making the documentary about him. The caption added, 'Filming of the documentary begins in Palin City today'. An equally large photo of Gina was captioned, 'Bring Sergeant Tom in from the cold campaigner Miss Gina Lott. Miss Lott was recently appointed to the board of this newspaper and is a member of the five-person commission to produce a discussion blueprint on the future development of Palin City'. The lead story then detailed the work of Gina and her supporting team. Readers were then referred to the center-spread. The two pages at the center of the newspaper were without advertising and devoted entirely to the controversy over the years about Sergeant Tom Palin's Folly. The right-hand page was dominated by a picture of the monument about to be erected in 1929 as a memorial to him. The council's director of engineering explained the purpose of the buildings being setback at the corners of that building was to facilitate growth in traffic usage and had been a far-sighted action. "It also, it must be said, the setbacks facilitated the placement of a large central structure at that major intersection." The mayor was asked if he would support the erection of a memorial to Sergeant Tom there. "Support the discussion of such a proposal yes," said the mayor. "I know Miss Lott and imagine we will be pressured into considering such a proposal. She will undoubtedly force the issue when she is fully prepared." The chairman of the future development commission said, "Miss Lott, who has been appointed to the commission, has the type of mind and vision that will take her far beyond the issue of a monument. For example, she had already suggested to me that the commission must look at ensuring the city's new council-owned events center is placed optimally for the greater good of citizens and not where if is convenient for the council to have it located. She also believes the non-passenger railway services should be removed from the city center out to the industrial center and a direct fast light-rail service should be constructed from the city to the airport to reduce traffic congestion. Finally she wants discussion on changing the name of Baker Reserve under the City Bridge back to the Soldier's Reserve. The reserve originally was the town of Palin's military parade ground. The name was changed to Baker Reserve to mark the retirement of Gerald Baker, Mayor of this city from 1932 to 1939. Miss Lott argues this city ought to respect its history and to a point I would agree with her. Miss Lott will be a good foil for we older commissioners." The Post reporter asked Judge McLennan. "What is you view on formal confirmation of Sergeant Palin as founder of Palin City?" "I always accepted he was the founder and that folly reference was just a silly diversion likely to arise from bored men stuck in a camp and losing their direction. But officially I say give me the facts and I'll reply as a court judge would be expected to reply. I need the facts." "Oh god, she accepts Sergeant Palin was our city's founder." Nathan hugged Gina. "Yes, the clever woman. She's made that clear and then protected her butt by adding a rider." "Hey, look at this boxed story...wow!" Nathan said. The article reported Mrs Zoë Ross, president of the Palin Founders' Society stated: "On new evidence presented to us by Miss Lott I would be surprised if the society membership was not 100% behind Sergeant Thomas Palin being formerly acknowledged as founder and a monument be erected to our city's founder. I would suspect that the majority of our members have long accepted he was the founder, being too wise to be diverted by that stupid tag of Palin's Folly, as it had nothing to do with the founding. Incredibly though, we have allowed the issue to drag on and are just as guilty as our predecessors. It has taken just one person named Gina Lott to forcibly raise this issue and expose the guilt of us all. Gina through her mother's side is connected right back to the widow Sarah Youngerman and her baby Silas. I commend this newspaper for supporting Gina and her small team and know through talking to Gina that a memorial will be erected come hell and high-water." Gina gulped, "I cannot believe this. Here we have three of our city's most influential citizens, Tubby. Lucy and Zoë backing our project." "That's why you went to them, wasn't it?" "Yes, but I did not expect them to stick their necks out like this." "Why would they?" You and your helpers are doing the legwork to find backup evidence but I believe what will win the day is what Mrs Ross touched on, and it's just one word, 'Guilt'. Gina stared at him and then, "I think you are so right. How did I miss that?" "You didn't. I've heard you mention it more than once. It's just you failed to elevate it in importance." Gina had a busy time that morning, meeting an architect and a structural engineer and along with one of the council's building inspectors they were briefed by Gina over coffee and then toured the Gaynor Building basement, ground floor and then all other public areas and then the roof. They returned to the coffee house and this time looked thoroughly at the original plans the building inspector had produced earlier. After general discussion he left, taking the plans with him but stating copies were available from his office. Engineer Darren Stokes said, "I didn't say this when Donald was here because he might report back to his bosses and they represent the potential seller. My view is the setback would be accomplished with ease and minimal additional strengthening required. You see the structure gets its strength through its central core, very advanced for a building of its day. You are very fortunate." "I agree with Darren," said architect Chloe Childs. "While the outer walls do take a loading it's nothing like the loading absorbed by the core. Would you run a steel or concrete beam under the four floors above the setback?" Darren said he'd have to do the calculations but as the upper structure was steel he would guess a heavy street beam would be more than adequate. "What would take the upper weight?" Gina asked, having no idea. Darren sketched the first level floor plan on a paper napkin from under his coffee cup, emphasized the two boundary walls permitted to remain intact as they stood against adjoining walls not required to be setback. He then drew in the beam to connect to the street ends of those walls." He said he'd have to look at it very carefully as the span was rather longer than he'd prefer. "Excuse me for my ignorance," Gina said," but couldn't you erect a pier thingy on the footpath?" "And have pedestrians, probably talking females, crash into it?" Chloe smiled. "Well, what about applying to build a new entrance, extending it out say three feet, and resting mid-beam on top of that structure." "I've already considered that but the council would never allow it. Even at two feet, which would minimize impedance of pedestrian traffic, we could then curve the concrete entrance structure out to catch the beam and transfer some of the weight." Chloe said, "Yes, in that case a concrete beam would be preferable as it would tie in aesthetically if the formwork imprinted an integrated textural look." "Agreed," Darren nodded. "Well you two consult and produce the design for me to take to the council to win acceptance. No problem." "You don't know our council officials," Darren said sourly. "Darren, the council regards its purchase of this building as a White Elephant. If passing on the White Elephant to me will release into council coffers a big amount of money, what is the decision likely to be if I say unless this entrance design for the setback is approved as we want it I won't purchase the building?" Darren grinned and Chloe said she'd have no problem upgrading the building, inside and out, without it costing an obscene amount of money. "If you wish to save money don't have a curving glass curtain over the balcony over there. If fact don't have a balcony." "Chloe, sometimes it is necessary to do something for your community. I desire to own this building to ultimately generate satisfactory profit. But this balcony is something of an institution and I wish to retain it and glamorize it at unnecessary cost to add an aesthetically pleasing feature to our city." "Gina, you are a gem," said the older woman. "I am so glad you returned to our city. I'd like to offer my no-fees service in connection with the monument you intend having placed down below." "Chloe, really my talk is bluff. I have to motivate people." "You'll have that monument placed down there Gina. You are on a roll and nothing will stop you." "I agree and offer my voluntary structural engineering services," Darren said. "This city needs more people like you. Conservatism has ruled for far too long. I know Lucy McLennan very well and read between the lines of what she was quoted as saying in this morning's newspaper. She's not as conservative as you may think. You'll be used to express some of her evolutionary thoughts." Gina walked the half-mile home for exercise. Salty stopped and had a brief chat but left without offering her a ride. Gina already knew Salty had a brain and would know that if she'd wanted to be transported home she would have called him. So, people thought she was on a roll. Well she had worked for it and the end of the Sergeant Tom campaign appeared to have entered the final lap. She couldn't see it failing, not now. To be Continued... Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 08 Nathan arrived home carrying new sexy French underwear and insisted Nina try it on before dinner. Without thinking she changed into it where she was, in the dinning room. She was fucked over the dinning table. She rode Nathan on the couch and he then carried her over to the rug in front of the fire and when they had rested he plowed her again. When Gina staggered into the kitchen she found the slow roasted meat and vegetables were ruined. She grabbed two apples and took her tired man to bed. Nathan slept, not wanting his apple. As Gina ate her apple she pulled the bed covers off him and sighed. He was beginning to gather extra weight around the midriff. They must go to the gym together and perhaps start swimming at the city's beautiful heated pool. Gina looked at his genitals and wondered about asking him to shave. He'd groan. Well she'd point out she'd been controlling all hair growth below her chin for many years so what was the big deal him shaving his cock and balls every other day? On the other hand, why attempt to control him. She had a great idea. They were planning a resort holiday. She'd book him in for a Brazilian wax. Oh brilliant thinking she gloated, and snuggled down against him to sleep. Next morning, face looking a little grim, Nathan stood at the bedroom door and held up the newspaper. A photo of a familiar face, Nicci-fucking-Bergamini, greeted Gina. "The bitch," Nathan growled in disbelief. "She's organizing a campaign against the man she claims there is no evidence to suggest he was the founder of Palin." "The stupid asshole. Why is this town named Palin?" "Gina, Gina. All this swearing. You're not in Italy now." Nathan looked at Gina's face and fled the room, leaving her to stew in peace. But there was more to come. Next day there was another familiar face smiling from the front page of the Post. It was of Adam Castle, elected as president of the Palin You Are Being Conned Campaign Society. "I was convinced I should accept this important position to do my bit for my community in fighting this remarkable fraud that threatens to give Palin City a founder when there never was one, I mean no one individual." Gina lay sobbing in bed. Just before leaving for work Nathan goaded, "Stop wallowing in despair. Get out of bed you fat cow." Gina screamed, "I'll murder you" but fortunately fell out of bed tangled in the sheet. That was sufficient to allow Nathan to make a fast get-away. She called him an hour later and said sweetly, "Thank you for motivating me." "It was nothing. My mother would have been proud of me." "That's true," she giggled. "Can you meet me for lunch? I promise not to bring my phial of poison." She took a call from Charlotte who said they would receive 7000 campaign buttons any day soon and would be distributed to outlets. She would courier five complimentary boxes to Gina to give out when she spoke to groups about her campaign. Over the lunch table Gina looked at Nathan's square jaw holding a faint smile and the way his curly hair spilt over his forehead held her attention and warmed her internally. "I love you Nathan McGeorge but don't love your surname. Do you mind if I stay as Gina Lott when we tie the knot?" "Not at all. I love you too much to ever stand in your way you fat cow." Gina's jaw tightened, just a bit. "Although I'm almost as tall as you Nathan I'm lighter than you and not counting pregnancies believe I always will be. But please call me a fat cow if that fits comfortably in that unremarkable brain of yours." He smiled and said he had attempted to provoke her again to test that she had her temper and depression under control. He was pleased she'd coped admirably to his fat cow comment. "I'll do a deal with you Nathan. "You are free to call me a fat cow whenever you wish, although we both know that insult in entirely untenable, and in return you promise to do one small thing for me when we are on vacation." "Okay. I have blocked out appointments on the Friday and the Monday and Tuesday in three weeks' time, transferring bookings already made. We go to the resort then." "Oh lovely -- the huge spa area and all that skiing. I can't wait. Oh, not the Tuesday though, I'll probably have something important on." "Probably?" "Do I question you about your working days my love?" "Um, allow me to eat without pressure please." Nathan wondered about the one small thing request. Gina would be on the downhill run of her cycle then so would probably be thinking more liberally about sex. Perhaps she was thinking about nights of multiple anal. Well okay, he was the man for the job. After lunch Gina took a call from Robyn apologizing that the reporter who wrote the story about the outrageous comments of Adam Castle. "Mark attempted to call you but your phone was switched off; I scolded him for not leaving a message." "Oh it's okay. I usually turn my phone off when Nathan and I are fucking." Gina smiled when she heard muffled laughter from the editor. Robyn said it would be unethical not to run articles about the opposition and detractors. Letters to the editor about recognizing Sergeant Tom as founder were running twenty to on in favor, but with the society now formed the number of dissenters could increase. "Frankly I don't care. The opposition society has a bozo name and has bozos running it." "I know you are correct dear. Oh, Charlotte, Mrs Ross and I have been invited to join the deputation to appear before the state arts and entertaining grants committee on Monday. Amy says they're going for the full estimated cost of $800,000 in the hope they'll be awarded half of that." "Or nothing." "Now, now -- now chin up." "Have you ever been called a fat cow?" "Yes, Richard uses it occasionally. He claims it's incentive for me to lose weight. No one will ever call you that name darling because you're not plump enough, um, apart from you know what." "Then I'm lucky no one would ever be so fucking mean?" "Yes Gina but remember we never really know what other people think of us. I'm plump and unglamorous and yet your interest in me goes beyond my usefulness as an editor, I feel." "I associate well with your brain and you relate well to me, ever since we first met. Must let you go." "Me too. Bye. Oh thanks for the great party the other night. Best one I've been to in years. We were both so drunk when we got home we attempted unsuccessfully to do it on the carpet just inside the front door and went to sleep on the floor." "Oooh. That must have been a great party." * * * Gina had the evening alone -- Nathan going straight from the office to a professional association dinner. She hated being alone like this but busied herself catching up on fashion magazines. Murray Green called her. "Hi. What are you doing Murray?" "Working at the office," said the lawyer. "My wife is away staying with her sister and our two kids are never at home these days. Why do you ask?" "I was wondering if you'd like to take me out for a drink? I'm bored; Nathan is at a dinner." "And you didn't go because you thought that would be more boring than being bored alone?" "Oh, that's the sort of repartee I'm looking for Murray. Where do I meet you?" "Where would you like to meet me?" "It doesn't matter." "Then come to my office. I have a full drinks cabinet." "Oooh, naughty boy Murray." "Am I? I'm not far from being old enough to be your father. Let's meet at the Pioneer." "No, that's a dump. Give me the address of your office building and your phone number. I'll call you when I'm outside." "Astute thinking. People are exiting the building and the doorman will be gone soon." Murray eyed Gina with a gleam. "You are looking stunning this evening." "Is this a seduction or am I here for drink and intelligent conversation?" Murray flushed. "A martini?" "Thank you." "Several?" "Probably." "Good, I drink them too. I'll make a jug." Murray said from the bar, "I was calling to inform you that Malcolm Ridge called me late this afternoon that his fellow senior partner is taking time off to have a cancer problem treated so Malcolm wants to give up the post of deputy chairman." "Oh, that's sad. He appears to have more go than most of the others." "Well said, and he said something that interested me, that why don't I nominate you as his replacement?" "Oh yeah?" "Gina, don't be so dismissive. You are a natural born leader with high energy and a way of cutting right to the heart of a problem. I've been following your every move on this Sergeant Tom campaign. You are doing amazingly well as conservatism surrounds us." "Thank you. Do you support erection of a memorial?" "I do and our firm will contribute generously to a memorial fund-raising appeal." "Thank you, that's very kind. But my thinking is the council should pay out of tax surpluses to exorcise guilt. Christ, Sergeant Tom was one of them." "But fair-minded citizens will wish to contribute, to buy into the memorial project?" Gina sipped her drink she'd just been handed. "Ah, that's quite a point I hadn't considered. It's the partnership philosophy isn't it?" "That's one name for it but back to our previous conversation. For what it's worth I regard you as my natural successor as chairman. I could offer my support now and slice off at least five years and I'd regard you as my protégé." "But you are not offering or am I missing something?" "I could be seduced into tabling my support." "I see. You mean with my body?" Murray loosened his tie and undid the top button of his shirt. "Gina if this conversation is upsetting you, let's end it now." "No it's fine. So I allow you to fuck me and you propose me as deputy chairman because of my significant stockholding, blah, blah." Murray ran a finger around the inside of his loosened collar. "I regard my pussy as a trading tool Murray so don't get into a sweat." "Gina, please ease off a little. This is embarrassing for me." "I should think so. You are contemplating committing adultery, inveigling me into doing the dirty on Nathan and are ready to launch into a corrupt activity with me your friend. No wonder you are sweating." "Gina please." "Come over here Murray and fuck me. I'm doing this because I am ambitious. In return for plowing me, you nominate me and you take me out to dinner after this naughty interlude and never again must it be repeated. Don't come over here unless you agree to my terms." Murray put down his drink and rushed over. "Oh how I have wanted to get my hands and mouth on these babies." "Excellent Murray. I like playing with them myself. You may also slither your dick between them as well." Murray flopped them out and went snorting and licking. Gina felt down and said, "That's quite a piece of meat there Murray." He took the cue and unzipped and dug it out for Gina. They later settled into a sixty-nine, Murray crowing, "Oh what a gorgeous pussy. I say, where's the hair?" "Get licking Murray." For a guy aged fifty-three, Murray was rather a letdown for Gina, appearing to lack real sexual drive and being rather perfunctionary in his moves. The guy actually had little idea...Gina wondered how many times a year his wife went off to stay with her sister and if her sister was actually called someone named Dick, or Sebastian -- no not a Sebastian -- perhaps dangle Dave? Gina liked being fucked by other men but good grief, not like this one. The guy now had her in missionary. His eyes were closed and he was ramming forward as if driving through a pile of wet tissues. No way would he get her off within the next twenty-four hours like this. Gina felt faint. Twenty-four hours of this. She sucked on a finger and drove it up his rectum. Murray yelled as if a cat had disappeared up his ass and began filling her impressively with semen. "Good gracious, what happened?" he said. "I've just had the biggest ejaculation of my life?" "Oh honey, you were every woman's dream, a real champion." Becoming carried away she added, "Nicci Bergamini deserves you." "Nicci? She's a client of one of our junior partners. Is she really that good." "I really don't know why I gave away confidential information Murray." "Confidentiality is assured Gina. I must engineer a chance meeting with Nicci." When Murray recovered they went to dinner. At the table he was in his element, being an excellent conservationist and told some filthy but extremely funny jokes. To her astonishment Gina realized she was in the process of making a really good friend...er, providing he kept out of her pants. As they were parting he said, "I'll call a telephone conference of directors for 3:00 tomorrow. So standby Miss Deputy Chairman Nominee. One of them is bound to press for an immediate decision, with your new status being confirmed at our next meeting. I'll keep to our agreement about having sex with you again. You don't know where I could managed to bump into Nicci do you?" "Yes, her husband's art shop is on Downey, not far from here. She often calls in. As a precursor, offer your voluntary services to her organization opposing our Sergeant Tom project." "No, I couldn't. That's the same as opposing you." "Their society is a two-bit outfit that can only fail Murray. It poses no real threat to us. It's just a nuisance, like a flea on the balls of a dog." Murray laughed and said he occasionally associated with lost causes so would not be embarrassed if Nicci's society flopped. "Like Nicci's tits?" Murray grinned and asked why hadn't he known Gina earlier in life. Gina slept through Nathan's arrival home and next morning when he was screwing her late and that would make him late for the clinic, she said, "Of this is so lovely, a guy in real control engaged in a drawn-out sensual delivery." "What do you know about a guy who can't perform well?" Nathan asked suspiciously. "Oh save me darling. I had a little dream last night about a guy I couldn't recognize who couldn't fuck his way out of a paper bag. It was a nightmare." Nathan cackled away thinking that was really funny. He thickened, bringing a beautiful smile to Gina's face. As he shaved, Gina watching him as she often did because this was a time when any guy was not fighting the world or worried about work or his sexual performance and was prepared to talk about anything to a woman, which was a rare moment indeed, he said their little vacation booking at the resort had been confirmed. Suites were few and in heavy demand, as it was the start of the ski season. But some palm-greasing did the trick. "Yes, we'll get snow here soon," Gina said. "The temperature is dropping close to within that range. Have you ever fucked nude in the snow?" Nathan swore as his razor fell from his hand. "No and the idea doesn't appeal. Oh, perhaps it does. I want you to stop thinking about pregnancy. Instead keep calm, eat well like you do with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and keep your alcohol intake really down. I'll pick up a folic acid and other B vitamin supplements for you to enhance healthy cell growth. This is important during the pre-conception period and twelve weeks from conception. I want you to have sex because you want to have sex, not thinking you need to have sex to try to get pregnant. Thinking too hard about getting pregnant could provide tension and work against what you want to achieve." "Yes, I understand that. Thank you. If we have sex on the snow I'll be too whipped up to think about getting pregnant." Nathan said yeah, especially with everyone standing around watching. He looked at Gina in the mirror and could see she was wracked in silent laughter. "We are feeling good about ourselves and this makes me very happy." Gina stepped forward and bent into his back, hugging him, moving slowly to avoid making Nathan cut himself. "What's the time?" She told him and he said damn, he'd have to go. "Oh, why what's the problem about having to dash off?" Gina asked innocently, running down a hand and finding something hardening that confirmed she was on Nathan's case. * * * The commission began meeting three times a week for five hours every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, giving members time to continue a reasonable amount of their normal work. The commission had four senior council officials assigned to it to initiate reports, commission surveys and undertake specific studies. Judge McLennan expressed satisfaction at the first meeting saying it was well balanced and with them working as a team she could see nothing but good results coming in the compilation of the commission's final report and its favorable acceptance by the council. Gina was aware that the comment 'well balanced' resulted in the three males glancing at her, almost in unison and rather steely-eyed. She had little to say until the third meeting when priority for her suggestion the freight activities of the railway be shifted north to the far fringe of the city's main industrial area was considered. There was grudging acceptance that it would ease some traffic congestion in the city and reduce noise at nights around hotels and that other cities had removed some of the railway activity or even all of it from the city center. Then the sniping began, the chairman sitting back to allow Gina defend herself unassisted. Some of the comments were spurious such as why did she have it in for the railways and of course why put the railways through such a costly exercise and what if her aggressive proposal left the railways walking away from Palin? Gina almost gave the impression she was dealing with unruly boys. She said some weeks ago she'd arrived in Palin by train so did that make her stupid or was the comment that she had it in for the railways stupid? The railways were unlikely to walk away from the Palin when it was sited on the main trunk railway line. Palin passenger and freight activities grossed $7 million for the railways company in the last financial year. She then produced a map showing three of Palin's largest industries already had private feeder lines linking to the main marshaling yards. That left the room in silence and Lucy, not bothering to hide her smile, said the strength of that presentation suggested a priority of position three in the list of thirty-two projects already itemized. There was no discussion so it slotted in as Priority 3. A council officer said, "Judge McLellan, may I advise the commission that as a result of an article in the Post on Miss Lott's comments that she would be proposing the non-passenger freight activities be relocated to the northern industrial area, we at the council have been assisting railway officials choose possible survey lines for such a route and they have made a similar request for survey lines between the airport and Palin Railway Station for a light rail service as proposed by Miss Lott. They indicated such developments had been suggested many times but this time it appeared timely to start the planning." "Well I guess we should not be censuring Miss Lott from discussing commission business in public but to be fair we had not had our first meeting at that stage," said the chairman. "The light rail route should be given priority number three I should think, pushing the relocation of freight services further north to number four priority. Do we have agreement on that?" The suggestion was approved unanimously. Gina now received envious glances from the men, as two of her project suggestions had received third and fourth priority. "Judge I believe those rail proposals have a visionary element to them and should produce a positive public reaction. May I suggest you consider a press release on our top six priorities when we have finished this priority-setting," said Commissioner Dowling (a town planning consultant) and Commissioner Charles (an architect) agreed. The chairman thanked them and said she would consider that suggestion. Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 08 * * * Nathan arrived home after visiting his parents and said, "Mom asked where were you?" "As if she cares." "She seemed disappointed you weren't with me." Gina looked quite surprised. "Mom will be calling you about lunch on Sunday to ask you what you'd like. She is organizing a buffet lunch to introduce you to some of her friends. She was astonished they all seemed to know you and said some great things about you. Mom said not to tell you this but she's suddenly 'found' you and realizes she hadn't started off on the right foot with you." "What did your father say?" Nathan threw his keys on to the sideboard and scratched the back of his head. "Come on. What did your father say?" Nathan said if Gina let on to his parents that she knew he'd murder her. "Dad said, 'Why bother going to this fuss; after your frosty reception she won't want to know you'." Gina laughed and handed Nathan a glass of fruit juice. "It seems the drawbridge is down for me." Nathan chuckled and said his mom could be a difficult cow but he'd not thought she would have held out this long. "Nathan!" "Ooops, I meant to say difficult person. This juice is great." * * * After introductions by council property manager Susan Howell, the chairman of the council's 5-person property, parks and reserves committee Max Creighton said, "Welcome Miss Lott. We record for this hearing that your applications for the purchase of the two properties that we are about to consider were lodged before your appointment to the future planning commission was announced and that you also wish that fact be emphasized when our decisions are presented to the full council for ratification. Although such disclosure is not required Miss Lott, we acknowledge it as an ethical submission. Thank you." Gina outlined how she was related to Palin's first settlers through Silas Youngerman's family and for that reason wished to have the stables in Pilcher Street preserved but also she'd established beyond doubt the stables and the long demolished house on that site was the final home of Sergeant Thomas Palin whose name was given to the settlement in 1871 that became Palin city. She was in the process of leading a move to have a monument erected to Thomas Palin as the acknowledged founder of Palin in another part of the city. Gina then tabled supporting documentation that was passed between the committee members. Brief whispered discussion between committee members followed and then Mr Creighton declared, "It is the decision of this committee that subject to ratification of the full council that Miss Lott's offer to buy the council-owned property at 32 Pilcher Street, Palin City, be accepted and after the new owner has completed fenced the aforesaid property that it be gifted back to the council as a historic reserve and a notice be erected and maintained by the council outlining the historical significance of that property. Subject to this transaction as outlined being endorsed by the full council meeting this committee congratulates you Miss Lott on her generous action to clear the debt on the aforesaid property and to gift the property to the council on behalf of the citizens of Palin City." The sale of the Gaynor Building was required to go through a commercial process. "Your conditional offer for this building will remain confidential Miss Lott," said the chairman. "This committee and council officials have discussed the situation and have agreed, subject to full council approval, to place the building for sale by tender, the sale to be advertised each Saturday for four weeks in the Palin Post and tenders to close on the second Friday after the last publication of that advertisement. We thank you for your interest and trust you are aware that the possible sale of the Gaynor Building will be open to you as a bidder. This ends our business today with you Miss Lott. Thank you." As they left the room, Mrs Howell said, "I pushed for a sale directly to you but the CEO intervened and said there could be an outcry if we allowed a commercial sale of that amount without it being sold by auction or tender. He met with our chief attorney yesterday and I have only just learned of the outcome. It's like getting a rap over the knuckles without being told. My mistake and I apologized for implying a quick sale could be possible." "No sweat Mrs Howell. I want to purchased the building sure, but I want to do that without controversy." As she walked out Gina decided to place a tender before closing date for $2.1 million just in case any other interested party thought two million was a nice round figure. It would allow the council people accepting a tender of $2.1 million to know they had gained more than two million dollars for 'the White Elephant'. If hers were the only realistic offer it wouldn't matter. If she wasn't competitive she could miss out. "At least that's how I see it," Gina sighed aloud. When Nathan came home she took him to view her purchase, sure that the council would accept her offer. "It's a waste of money," Nathan said, shaking his head, "but I can appreciate where you are coming from. It also will leave people admiring you and Silas and his immediate family would have been well pleased with what you have done. Most people like a bit of family history to keep." Driving home Gina told Nathan about her suspicions that five six-guns were entombed in the base of the old stables. "Jesus -- let's get them out and sell them to collectors. If their history is enclosed you'd make a small fortunate from payment from gun collectors or even museums." "I will decide in time. My thinking is Silas left them there, so why shouldn't I? It's a thought I have to work through." "Well if you get a key made, please make sure I'm there when the lid is opened." "Sure. If they are there and I disperse them, I'll give one to you. Silas could have sold them or given them away, but he didn't. I guess I'll never know why." They arrived home to find five boxes of the campaign buttons had arrived. Gina buttoned one on to her shirt and gave one to Nathan. "I'm a Committed Trooper -- Back the Tom Palin Campaign. Very good. Give me a couple of dozen to sell to people at the clinic and their families. Two bucks each you said?" "Yes, and thank you for your support kind sir." * * * Sales of the campaign buttons went through the roof virtually overnight. Gina thought that might happened when Nathan came home at lunchtime on the day he took buttons to the clinic. He had lunch with Gina and took a box of fifty buttons back with him. Charlotte called her and said some booksellers had sold out their supply within two hours. Another 10,000 had been ordered and would arrive in two days. Tubby called her to complain, "Where's my free button?" Laughing Gina took the four boxes she had, give him a button and asked him to have the buttons placed at the front reception desk and in the staff café for sale at two dollars each, with proceeds going to the Tom Palin Project Fund." "Don't bank on plonking your memorial in our busiest intersection," Tubby said, "but here -- and keep this confidential -- this is fifty bucks for my button. Go girl. God you have balls!" Gina almost floated out of City Hall, thinking that was one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to her; she knew what Tubby had meant. Two days later the scowling face of Adam Castle appeared on local TV K0Z0 news, almost making Gina puke. She and Nathan watched in silence as Adam, as president of the Palin You Are Being Conned Campaign Society explained to the earnest presenter of After the News why his organization was opposed to the 'glorifying of a simple minded soldier as the founder of Palin City'. Gina's phone went. She asked Nathan to answer it. He said it was the TV station asking if Gina would debate the issue now if they could get Adam to agree. Gina grabbed the phone and said yes, providing Adam Castle got Nicci Bergamini to walk on stage and join him. The reporter stopped the interview to listen to her ear microphone. She continued, "Mr Castle, our producer is in telephone contact with Miss Gina Lott of the Sergeant Palin campaign. Miss Lott has agreed to debate your criticism of her campaign but only if you ask Mrs Nicci Begamini, your campaign organizer, to join you on stage." That incensed Adam. "See, that's so typical of Gina Lott the [bleep]. Our legal adviser Mr Green has contacted Gina Lott twice asking for a face to face public debate with me over this issue and she has contemptuously refused the [blank][blank]. Sorry about my foul language but I'm so upset." He looked across stage and said, "Nicci, get your ass over here. Right feed Gina Lott to us." Looking at a photo insert of Gina on-screen the reporter said, "Miss Lott, why had you refused to debate this issue?" Gina: Because there is no issue, only in the heads of Adam and Nicci and their few supporters. I'm talking now because these idiots are damaging the good name of Palin and I'm furious Adam has publicly slandered me. I'm not a [blank][blank]. Reporter: I'm sure you fit neither of those abhorrent descriptions. Mr Castle, fire away. Adam: Why are you engaged in ripping off tens of thousands of dollars from the citizens of Palin over a phony campaign? Gina: We began selling campaign buttons yesterday for two dollars a pop. That's the full extent of our fund-raising to date and I'm not sure we will need to raise any more money. Guilt will ensure other funding comes forward. So Adam why are you falsely claiming we are raising tens of thousands of dollars? Substantiate you claim please. Adam threw up his hands angrily and asked Nicci to ask her question. Nicci: Palin has gone for more almost one hundred and forty years without acknowledging a founder so why are you, an outsider, attempting to find one for us and impose him on us? Gina: Could it be that people like you and Adam have been too dumb to acknowledge his existence? Nicci: That is insulting and I've never heard anything so absurd. Gina: I thought the same when I heard the name of the organization you founded: the Palin You Are Being Conned Campaign Society. Do even you guys know what it means? Nicci: I've had enough of this. This is getting us nowhere. Gina: Okay, I believe I can end this debate right now. Answer this Nicci: Where does the name Palin City come from? Nicci froze and stared at the TV camera, mouth in a tight line. Gina: Adam, I'll try to simplify a very simple question. Why is Palin City named Palin City? Adam sat scowling and showed no sign of answering. Penny said, "Well I guess this ends this very interesting little debate. We're not broadcasting from Palin City and I've never been to that city that I understand is a very nice place. But it would seem to me that Palin City was named after Sergeant Tom Palin. Is that right Miss Lott? Gina: Yes, the city was named after him. A census conducted by the Army in 1871 of what is recorded as the Settlement of Palin's Folly names one of the twelve adult males as Sergeant Thomas Palin and no other male or female is named as a Palin. We secured this evidence ten days ago. Goodnight viewers and thank you for taking an interest in Palin and the guy I now call Sergeant Tom." As Gina put down the phone Nathan said, "You were marvelously wonderful." He began pulling off Gina's top. Her phone rang. His phone rang. Someone was knocking at the door. "Let them ring, let them knock. You've made my randy you gut-ripping debater." "No -- stop it. I mean it Nathan. The light must never dim on this project if we are to prevail!" Nathan scowled, a picked up his phone. Gina smiled, pulled her top back on and answered her phone, walking out to answer the door. A hour later during a lull in calls, Gina's phone went. "Hi, Gina Lott speaking." "Hello dear." There was a pause before Gina answered: "Hello mom." "Your father and I are staying at the Pioneer Hotel, arriving a couple of hours ago. We are here for you engagement luncheon at Mr and Mrs McGeorge's tomorrow. We saw you on TV and have been trying to get through to you but understood your friends must be calling to congratulate you. I thought you performed like a Joan of Arc dear. You also moved me when I read in the Palin Post your comment that it was long overdue to bring Sergeant Palin in from the cold. That phrase has sat heavily with me. Then when Mrs McGeorge called to inform us you were engaged and to invite us to her party tomorrow the dam broke and I realized -- no, I acknowledged -- just how despicably I'd treated you. I spurned you for inadequate reasoning and took your father along with me. I simply ignored the fact that you are my daughter to make my petty point." "Mother, it was scarcely petty in your context. You've forgiven and I'm sorry for tearing at your heart by being a scarlet woman in Rome but what's done is done. Give me another two hours to mop up the last of these calls and entertain the people who are gathering her and Nathan and I will be down to have supper with you and dad. You'll love him mom -- he's the kind of guy I know you always wanted for me. I'm thrilled to hear your voice again." * * * Tears flowed at the family patch-up and for sometime Eva Lott couldn't stop herself from glancing at Nathan, as he so fitted the mould of the man she'd wanted for her daughter. Nathan didn't have to work hard to talk to Gina's dad. Neville was a good conversationalist and early in the piece admitted his two big passions were beer and poker. Returning home that evening Nathan said, "You had rarely said anything about your mom but in her ostracizing you I formed the impression she'd be big and strong, looking rather like an ageing Superbitch. Instead what do I find? A mild-mannered woman who if anything is a little mousy." "Mousy?" "Ooops, I shouldn't have said that." "It's acceptable I guess from someone who refers to his own mother using unflattering tags such as cow." Nathan hung his head a little and said sorry, he'd try to improve. Gina told him to just be himself. She didn't want to change him but perhaps they both could be kinder to their mothers. Nathan had the look of a guy thinking she'd handled that very well. The buffet luncheon next day for seventeen couples was a real success for Jacqui McGeorge. Everyone praised her catering and the floral arrangements. Gina soon became aware just how proud Jacqui was of her; what a turnaround. Archie was on good form because some of the guys were long-time pals and he showed he was accepting his prospective daughter as one of the boys by drawing her into a small group of guys and telling a joke that bordered on the obscene. A couple of guys were frowning at Archie when Gina saved him from embarrassment by telling a joke that almost sizzled the hair on their chests. Archie gave her a look that was saying, 'Thanks pal.' It was just one of those gatherings that just floated on. As the guests were leaving Nina's parents and she and Nathan were invited to stay on for dinner and the invitation was accepted. Mother and daughter went for a long walk an hour before dinner and returned smiling and walking hand in hand. They were at peace again with one another, completely. To be continued... Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 09 Entering their suite at the ski resort Gina sucked in her breath and said, "Oooh, this is lovely. Obviously it was redecorated over summer." "And upgraded expensively," said the bellhop, and impressed Nathan doubled the tip to twenty, without knowing why; the bellhop wouldn't have worked on the refurbishing. Obviously he was happy, being on vacation and alternating between eating, skiing and fucking. Oh boy. When the door closed Gina said, "Nathan, we need to talk." "Couldn't we eat before having sex?" he joked. He quickly apologized when he saw Miss Lott was not amused. "Thank you. There will be no sex and I'll not ski with you unless you agree to keep track of all expenses on this vacation and allow me to pay half." "Why." "Because if I insisted on paying for everything you'd find that unacceptable." "Okay but why would you want to pay half?" "Because I earn more money that you do." "You have no idea." "True, but I have my stockholding in the Post, I am paid rent for leasing out the Blacksmith's retreat and Grandma Lott left me half of the vegetable growing and processing operation I own with dad which he runs and it's very big and rather profitable." "Well, perhaps you do. But..." "You're a darling Nathan but no 'buts'." Under Gina's strong stare Nathan's back slowly relaxed and he smiled a little uncomfortably. "All right. If you really want to be modern, I agree. We share equally the cost of this vacation." Gina lay back in a chair. "Oh, you're such a darling, such a modern darling Nathan. Please strip for me." Nathan lost his smile. She just stared at him. And then slowly, as if the traditional strip tune reached his ears, Nathan began unbuttoning his ski jacket. But his mind appeared not in it...that is until he saw the long thin end of Gina's serpent-like tongue slowly protrude and begin to deliciously moisten her top and very full lip. As he looked her nostrils appeared to be widening in tune with his rising cock. "Oh god," he groaned, fighting the great urged to break out of his present slow rhythm to rip off his clothes. After returning from skiing on their second day, Nathan took a call on the house phone from the Spa Resort Center to remind Nathan of his appointment in fifteen minutes. "I've made no appointment." "The appointment was made by a Miss Lott." "Oh Gina. She's off shopping. I'll be down soon," said the man who wondered what Gina had in store for him, having no idea that a male could have a Brazilian wax. He thought, ah, this was the unspecified thing he'd promised to do for her. * * * Nathan and Gina had left home to the ski vacation at 4:00 am Friday and would return home late Monday, a day shorter than planned but the timing meant Gina did not miss and of her Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday Commission meetings. "We are still skirmishing, I need to be there to protect my interests," she replied to Nathan who claimed it was only a piece of local government bureaucracy and she could miss ten meetings and it wouldn't matter. She knew he was teasing but of course didn't allow him to know she knew that. Nathan was a good skier and expected Gina to be good, having spent perhaps ten winters in Europe. But she exhibited no sign of class. They'd completed two downhills on their first day when it occurred to him she hadn't exhibited any faulty techniques either. He decided to extend her to see who'd crack first. "Let's ginger up this run," he said. "Is this a challenge Nathan?" He gave a friendly smile and said: "Now why would I want to embarrass you?" Nathan saw Gina's eyes narrow as she pulled down her goggles and didn't think anything of it. He began to think well perhaps a challenge was on when she said, "Come on, let's have early lunch and grab a couple of helmets. Our passes are all inclusive, aren't they?" Unsuspecting Adam nodded. After lunch Gina wanted to rest for a while, to allow her lunch to settle. Nathan was ignored when he said what was there to settle when she'd only had a small chicken sandwich and an energy drink. They went up on the lift. She stood at the transfer station and asked, "Dome Valley or Rocky Ridge?" So, she was acknowledging she was a good skier in naming Rocky Ridge as an option. He recalled from the map it wasn't rated extreme, but had a warning about exposed rock spurs. Well if she out-skied him he wouldn't mind, in fact he'd be proud that she was that good. He said casually, "Rocky is rocky with a couple of good drops and if we take the left we go through tight trees and down one of those drops and finish in powder." Her eyes were flashing. About the only time Nathan saw that look was during sex. Gina blasted him. But he was not caught by surprise. She'd studied the run more thoroughly than he had and she was forever working on her fitness. He'd wondered for what; was it for this...and robust sex? God, what a woman he was hooked into...if he could catch her. Nathan saw her fall at the bottom of the drop into power and grinned. She was a fucking awful actress at attempting to be charitable. There had been no reason for her to fall. He zoomed past her yelling "I've won" and saw her white teeth flash as she pulled down her scarf to yell, "Go – I'm okay." She'd been resting in that heap for almost half a minute so what else could she be but okay? From above he'd watched the controlled fall and only at the last seconds did she throw out her arms to land pathetically. She skied up to him like a gazelle, doing some graceful sweeps and turned and came down to him in reverse and stopped alongside him with her scarf down, goggles up and all he had to do was to lean across to kiss her. "That finish was superb...going through those trees was sheer magic," she said. "Yeah, a brilliant run. Sorry I had to beat you." He loved her. Her eyes widened instead of narrowing and she purred, "My good boy. Thank you for this exhilarating day." Gina's eyes widened more when he said, bending across to kiss her again, "But our day hasn't finished. Let's go for an hour's sleep. I have booked a private spa for 5:00 and dinner for 7:00." "Oooh. You lovely man." After their anointments and massages their attendant arrived with the pre-ordered bottle of French champagne and she said, taking the tip from Nathan, "You have almost another hour of your time left. Enjoy." Halfway through his second glass of bubbles, Nathan put down his glass and moved on to Gina's bed. She put down her flute and tossed aside her toweling covering to expose her total nakedness. "Indulge in what you want," she whispered and watched Nathan's soft erection harden. They kissed, erotically and beautifully and then put their tongues to work and before long Nathan's hand dropped on to a rounded and slightly upturned olive breast with its hard, mid-pink nipple amid a dark peach areola. "What's this?" he whispered, the nipple between his fingers. "Taste it, bite it and see." As Nathan worried the breast Gina wormed her hand down and cupped his heating balls before taking his erection and tugging at it. She broke away to open the container of almond-scented oil to cup some of it in her palm and soon had his cock nicely coated and her hand began its erotic massage, thumping on the upward stroke and over the edge of the helmet before moving back on the downward stroke. For alternating variation the next upward stroke had Gina's nails raking the sensitive back of his cock up to the tip, each long stroke drawing tiny gasps from the cockowner. Finally he groaned, the groans became louder and he began jerking his hips. Gina calmly sprayed the semen over both of them and half a minute later, Nathan's erection surviving, she was riding him cowgirl, pulling her hair away from her eyes so she could look down to see him, mouth ajar, watching her bouncing puppies with naked desire burning in his eyes. She came in a rush and they rested. They arrived home a little before midnight on Monday, Nathan periodically scratching at his hairless balls. Gina had been sleeping so Nathan carried her to bed. She awoke. "I had such a lovely time, a dream time with you and some of the best fucking I can recall." Nathan smiled, brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead. "I feel so warm inside, I mean sort of sexually." "Perhaps your body is preparing to conceive. I tell my patients to listen to their body, not to ignore it." "Oh, should we have sex now?" "Tomorrow okay? Every second day is fine because some sperm hang around looking for a second chance." "Oooh. They are such good boys." Midweek Gina was called to City Hall and Susan Howell asked her to bring her checkbook. "Have I secured Pilcher?" "Yes, the council ratified the committee's decision. The old stables site is yours and we are authorized to accept the transfer of title from you when you are ready. I'll arrange a meeting between you, our in-house historian and me about the wording of the sign to be erected. The wording will be perused by the deputy CEO and the deputy leader of our legal team." Late that afternoon Gina stood on the Pilcher Street site and looking through the remaining skeleton of the old stables watched the sun go down, knowing she had a memorial to the passing of Sergeant Tom if her grand plan failed, not that she expected that to happen. In the last remaining light she covered the rusting cover to the locked floor safe, wondering what else beside six-guns lay in that repository. Possibly it was empty, though why would anyone lock and empty safe? Editor Robyn Hudson called later that evening. "Hi, some great news. We have secured state funding for roughly half the cost of the doco. It was touch-and-go. We opened well I thought and then I saw by the anxious look when Alex and Charlotte exchanged glances they felt the mood of the meeting had swung against them. Some of the fund representatives were beginning to sound quite arrogant when Founder's Society Mrs Ross, who'd not spoken at that point, addressed the chairman directly and said her only words, 'Alvin, pray tell me in the lifetime of your State grants organization, how much funding has gone to Palin City apart from the grant towards refurbishing my society's headquarters?' Alvin Shanks worked quickly at his laptop and looked up in surprise, 'Not a cent has gone to any other Palin City project Zoë. I find that almost a travesty.' There was a brief recess and when the hearing resumed Mr Shanks announced a grant of $45,000 would be awarded to the makings of the Sergeant Palin documentary providing it's screening time was at least twenty minutes, which was the time we'd given in our submissions." "Oh well done. It's not the money Robyn, as I would have donated that. It's having the backing of the state grants authority on the film credits that's so important. It will give our project the credibility we need. Alex has assured me the doco will be without bias and the statement will be made that we have set out to try to prove as far as we possibly can that Sergeant Palin was acknowledged by his contemporaries in 1871, or within a year or so after, as being the founder of Palin's Folly that later became Palin City." "Yes I know darling. As presenter I've already been filmed making that statement. Film and studio filming has been completed and concerted editing starts today." "Oh that's wonderful, so wonderful. I have an appointment with Tubby tomorrow at 4:00 in the council archives to looked at the 1929 drawings of the monument. Would will like to join us?" "Oh yes please, and my Richard with his camera." "As good as done. I'll phone Tubby first thing in the morning to have that approved. Mayors have an infatuation with cameras. Let's meet for coffee at 3:30 on the balcony." "Yes, was that Balcony with a capital 'B'?" "No, but what a great name for it." "Um Gina, I have an article in front of me saying you have purchased the old stables site in Pilcher St, that the stables were built by your great-great-great grandfather Silas Youngerman and Sergeant Thomas Palin, founder of Palin City, had worked at the stables and lived their in retirement until his death in 1909. It states the council has accepted your offer to have the title of the site transferred to it as a fenced off passive historic reserve." "Yes, that is the situation." "Do you have a request about anything you want done with this story?" "Robyn, you are a friend and that is a kind offer but not an offer an editor should be making even if I am a director of your newspaper." "No, of course not. Could we get a photograph of you standing on the site?" "No, photograph the site and insert a small image of me if you like but it's my wish to do this quietly." "Right. It's a lovely gesture Gina. I'll see you at The Balcony tomorrow or probably inside as snow flurries are forecast." After the viewing of the drawing next day, Tubby invited Gina to his office and said Robyn could come too provided she regarded everything discussed as being not for publication. Robyn agreed to that. A nicely dressed older woman served coffee and cream cakes. After she withdrew Gina asked, "Is Melanie on leave?" Tubby answered Gina flatly. ""My wife requested Melanie be transferred as she claimed Melanie was showing signs of becoming too possessive of me." "Well, you wouldn't your hostess compromising you would you Tubby," Gina said, unemotionally. "Acting promptly was very wise of you." "Thank you. I'm told you attempted to buy the Gaynor Building off us." Gina glanced at Robyn who imitated pulling a strip of tape over her mouth. "Yes, but I asked my name be kept out of it when the committee decided to recommend the building be offered for sale by written bid." "I run City Hall. If I find I'm not told something of importance, heads roll. But the breach of your confidentiality stops with me. In fact my informant was congratulated for recommending the tender process. There would have been an public outcry if the buyer had been you and opportunity being denied long-time residents who were potential buyers to make an offer." "Yes, I have stirred the pot a bit so have enemies. Actually I was relieved the tender option was put to me. Is the process guaranteed fair and square?" "We have a strict procedure to follow but who knows? I'll keep an eye on it. May I suggest you post your tender a minute before closing time if you are comfortable about that. I'll insist tenders be opened and recorded within minutes of the closing time and in my presence." "Thank you Tubby. Fair and square is what I want. I guess you have worked out I want to set back the frontage of the Gaynor Building as required in any redevelopment. I want the memorial project to proceed at that intersection. I anticipated if the council owned the Gaynor Building at that time it could procrastinate." "Very astute but a very, very expensive way of clearing the way ahead and there's no guarantee the monument would go there or that the council will approve a Sergeant Palin memorial being erected anywhere in the city." Gina smiled coldly and said, "Tubby if you and the council stand in my way there'll be such an uproar that the current council will be blown out of office." The mayor glanced at Robyn who placed a hand over her heart and lowered her eyes. He grinned. "Gina, I'm 100% behind you in crediting Sergeant Tom as being the founder of this city because there never has been any other contender. I'm perhaps only 55% in favor of a monument going where you are insisting it goes. But I say this: find indisputable evidence that Tom was the founder and I'll personally promise the council will pay for the monument of your choice, of the design you approve and you may place it anywhere in the city within reason, including the position I know you favor." "Fair enough Tubby. I've always been fond of you but with that little speech my heart is almost bursting in fondness. I'm off now. I'm not so sure about your replacement hostess Tubby; I think she could still be sexually active. When the opportunity arises get yourself a beautiful gay woman, 100% gay." "Fuck off Big Tits," Tubby grinned but Gina dealt with that grin. "Oh see what I have to endure Robyn? And once again he's forgotten all conversations are recorded." As they left City Hall Robyn said in awe, "My god, you'll get everything you want, everything, if we can uncover conclusive proof of the right of Tom Palin to bear title." "Yeah, tantalizingly frustrating isn't it? It's a wonder I can sleep at nights." * * * Two nights after sadly beginning her second period after the ski vacation, Gina sat in a bar with a big video screen she'd hired surrounded with fifteen of her closest associates (and their partners) who'd worked on the Sergeant Tom project with her. An outside caterer would arrive to serve a hot meal after the 6.30 Sunday night screening. The doco had been heavily promoted and was simply titled, 'Was it You Sergeant Tom?' Gina sat in a huddle with her arms around Harry and Robyn. Gina and Robyn were the only persons in the room who's seen the preview and were over the moon about it. Sure it was a 'down the middle presentation' but all the evidence reputedly available and included, pointed solidly one way. After the screening finished Gina had decided to take four calls and then switch off her phone and enjoy the evening. Harry was almost jumping out of his seat as the film opened of a shot of him standing in the middle of Central Ave at River Road and saying, "This is Palin City. This is a story not only about the missing founder of our city. It's also a story about a gutsy young woman with family connections going right back to the first settlers. She arrived back to reside in this city and almost immediately began to kick ass to get this city to bring its discredited founder back in from the cold. Come over here young lady.' The camera close-up showed Gina dressed in pioneering woman's clothing for a few seconds before she was morphed into wearing her devastating red outfit that showed real curves. The camera went wide-frame and showed her reaching Harry and kissing him. Gina said in a camera close-up: 'Hi, I'm Gina Lott and this is Harry West, my hero. It was Harry who went to the state museum and dug around in the archives for hours and finally came up with a piece of paper. It was a copy of the honorable discharge of Sergeant Thomas Palin from the Calvary in 1871, the time Palin City was founded. A notation on the document blows asunder the still current notion that our original settlement was named Palin's Folly supposedly because Sergeant Palin charged in warning of an Indian attack that never came. Palin Post editor Robyn Hudson will now narrate what is known about what happened in 1871. Robyn will explain how Palin has continued to this day without acknowledging its founder as a result of gaps in historical record, misinformation and citizenry obsessed about a folly that is possibly the cruelest misunderstanding in our state's history.' Everyone cheered wildly when the screening ended. The second caller for Gina was the mayor: "Congratulations. You're bound to get Tom accepted as founder now but there will still be disbelievers to fight, including some within my little empire. It was well done, very credible I thought." Gina listened to the next caller, hand over an ear and she turned white. "Just a moment Mrs Daniels. I can scarcely hear...I'm going to another room. Please hold." Robyn saw the shocked look and rushed to Gina, shepherding her from the room. Gina listened to Mrs Daniels talk and the call ended with Mrs Daniels agreeing to come to the site at 9:00 next morning. "Thank you Mrs Daniels. You'll not believe how happy your call has made me." "You look anything but happy," Robyn said as Gina snapped her phone shut. Gina burst into tears and Robyn hugged her for a full minute. Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 09.5 Locksmith Ned Kelliher handed Gina the key and she asked would it work. He cackled and said technology was rather unremarkable in those days. "Of course it will work. I like you showing everything in that red dress. It's the one you had on in last night's film on TV, wasn't it?" "Yes Mr Kelliher. Be careful your eyes don't pop...you are staring." "Oh I'm sorry Gina." "No, it's okay. I'm glad you still have an interest." He cackled and walked over with Gina to meet the mayor and Salty. Ned knew them both. "Right, let's begin," Gina said. "Walk around the site carefully as there is broken glass on the ground. Mr Daniels could you bring your mother, Robyn you keep with them. Nathan is bringing a chair for Mrs Daniels." When everyone was gathered Gina said, Mrs Daniels here called me last night and I have a hunch that what she was talking about is here. This hunch is so huge within me I cannot doubt it. If I'm wrong you'll call its Gina's Folly and will hate me. I can only say I hope I'll not be a disappointment to you and if I am I apologize now in advance. Gather around and here what Mrs Daniels has to say." Mrs Daniels said she was born at 20 Pilcher and lived their till she turned thirteen. Her mother's mother lived with them and was a friend of Mrs Youngerman senior who lived in the house beside the stables, now long gone. "Old Mrs Youngerman, wife of Silas, wanted a book written for her grandchildren about the Youngerman's arrival and settlement in Palin and asked her daughter to write down what she said. I remember my grandmother talking about it when Carl's wife Elsie died -- probably it was 1937 when I was twelve, about a year before our hour caught fire and we shifted out. She mentioned the book and there was a search for it but nothing was found. Silas was on vacation in Wyoming and I have no idea if anyone asked him when he arrived home. The funeral was held up waiting for him to be located and to arrive home. Gina believes the books could be here in an underground cache." Gina thanked Mrs Daniels. "Most of you will think this is an amazing coincidence but Robyn here and Harry standing next to Salty and the mayor had talked about the stories in the Post, the TV news mentions and now the documentary film prompting someone to come forward with vital evidence, perhaps the big missing link we've served for, only half daring to find it. But it think it's here. I wonder if it's old Silas talking to me. But please don't be angry if I'm wrong. In so much of this search for the truth we have been sliding on the seats of our pants and I know you will think I'm crazy for being so optimistic but I feel it in my bones than this book is here...probably just recollections written in a school exercise book that is in the strong box under my feet. I've known of the existence of this strong box for almost a month. My grandfather had said Silas used to show him five six-guns when he was a boy. Silas would go away and come back with the guns in a parcel. They were living over at what is now the Blacksmith's Retreat by then. Silas had purchased the guns from the Sheriff, probably the guns of outlaws or even murderers. So I decided to leave the secret laying here but noe I need to open the strong box because the story of tent-town Palin may be here. Ned Kelliher has made this key for me this morning, so here goes." "I've put penetrating oil down the keyhole. With luck it should turn," Ned called. It did but Gina failed to lift up the lid." "Leave it guys. It's no use helping Gina. I have a heavy hammer in my trunk; that will break the rust welds." It did and Nathan and Nick Daniels grunted and finally the lid came free. Nathan bent in and said, "It was a sealing lid, it's dry down there. He pulled out a big pack. "That will be the six-guns," Gina said. Everyone pressed forward when she told Nathan to open the pack. Nick then leaned over the opening. "There are other objects here but I can feel a flat pack." Gina said that could be great-great-great-grandma Helen account of the first days settlement as told to her daughter Elsie Youngerman who could write. The pack was completely sealed in wax. Gina broke through an extracted a leather-bound folio. * * * Gina stood, the chilling breeze blowing through her hair. Her friend's stood in a half circle facing her, with Mrs Daniels in the chair beside Gina. She picked out the extract, right at the front, the information she knew was vital: '1 January 1872, first New Year's Day in the new settlement of Palin. These are my recollections as told to my daughter Elsie Youngerman who is writing this shortened history for me. Here is what I recall Silas's mother Sarah telling me of what occurred on that day: Everyone gathered for a church service in the Archibald's tent, their tent being the largest. While the women prepared hot midday dinner the men had a town board meeting. It seemed laughable to call it a town board when there was no town. But Sergeant Palin who was our elected leader because he was the best reader and writer, having gained those skills while serving in the army as a trooper and aiming to rise to become a lieutenant, said the men would ride off with a wagon soon to fetch back timber to begin building a town. As the day wore on the men became drunk, that is the ten men who were drinking liquor. But none of them got out of line; Sergeant Palin made sure of that. Mid-afternoon someone called a meeting of the town board. The women were allowed to be present but not to speak, except to correct mistakes. The only item of this unscheduled meeting was a name for the town. There was a suggestion that it be called West New York but the laughter of the women ridiculed that. Lonely Hill gained support because we did have a bit of a bump in the plains around us we stupidly referred to as a hill. Richard Mellows said let's call it Palin's Folly after Tom rode in here shouting the Indians were coming but none arrived. Sergeant Palin said he'd told them that he'd seen fifteen armed male Indians heading in our direction and came to warn us. But he'd noticed a dust column out to the north and that could have been troopers on the move and they may have seen the Indians and chased them off. Paul Connell said they'd heard that explanation a dozen times and it was becoming boring. Sergeant Palin then took a vote on all names suggested. The other men roared in laughter when Palin's Folly received the highest number of votes. Sergeant Palin said he'd accept the decision of the board but warned people in future wouldn't accept such a stupid name and the laughter of them men drove him from the tent, I feel in fear he'd start wringing the necks of such stupid men. We women of course agreed Sergeant Tom wouldn't commit a folly. It was sergeant Tom who came to our aid when the main body of our train moved out and we were too weary to continue. He had our men eating out of his hand because he was familiar with the land around for hundreds of miles in all directions and said this was the one of the best sites for a town in the region, beside the river and at a natural crossroads. He shifted us to slightly higher ground because he said where we were camped would flood in the spring thaw and how right he was. In persuading us to move Sergeant Tom established the site of a new town and earned the right to have it named after him. Even the stupid men when drunk knew that.' "Oh that is so moving," Gina said, dabbing her eyes. "It's good, as good as we'll probably ever get," the mayor said. "Well done but you must accept it's not proof positive." "Yes," Gina said wearily. She handed the bound book to Robyn, with Richard taking a photograph of that moment. "Take a photocopy for the Post, one for me and one for the Palin Founder's Society and then have it delivered to the state museum archives please Robyn. I suggest you might like to serialize the booklet in the Post. It's not all that long." Gina had turned to thank Mrs Daniels once again, Richard taking that photograph, when Robyn screamed, "Ohmigod." Rather that ask what is it Gina smiled as if Robyn had found what was wanted. "It's faded. The state museum has copies of routine documents carrying Sergeant Tom's signature for verification. It states: 'This document records the first pile of the first permanent building in Palin's Folly, founded by Sergeant Thomas Palin, was dug and the pile for the cookhouse compacted on January 15, 1872, three months and twenty-one days after a dozen settlers and dependents decided to stay in this locality and build a town. Signed: Thomas Palin, board chairman Peter Archibald, board secretary Isaac Lawrence, board treasurer' The guy with the video camera was filming the mayor's face when Tubby said: "This document is positive proof that Sergeant Tom Palin was founder of our city. I will of course get this 1872 signatures verified as the state museum holds later minute books of the town board from about the time the town had attracted a population of 250 people." Tubby then said to the camera man and to Richard, "Follow me." He pushed aside Nathan a little rudely and hugging Gina turned to the cameras and said, "This fabulous lady deserves to be given the Freedom of Palin City. I shall recommend that to my Council." "Thank you Mr Mayor," but I'd rather have you throw a civic dinner for the people who at my side who had carried out principle roles in this quest to give Palin City its rightful founder." "Why not, I shall organized both honors?" said the mayor. "Three cheers for a cooperative and civic-minded mayor," Harry called and he led the three cheers. After everyone else had left Nathan helped Gina unpack items that she though would be relicts from the first town board including perished rubber stamps, an inkwell, a gavel and then the last two items were a pair of handcuffs and a marshal's badge. On the back crudely inscribed were the words, Thomas Palin, Acting Marshal Palin's Folly, 1871-78. "So when was Palin established, 1871 or 1872?" Nathan asked. "I want it kept at 1871 as a tent town. If there is an argument I'll have it settled by the court. No more of this nonsense. The judge will be shown irrefutable evidence, an authenticated copy of that Army census of December 1871, He'll then only have one option: to declare it was founded in 1871; end of story. At home on the kitchen table Nathan gingerly opened the six-gun pack, confirmed there were five of them and rewrapped them. "What now?" "I'll have them checked by an expert. That little sealed pack is probably contains the last know history of the guns. I'll like you to have one to hang on your study wall, preferably one not recorded as being used to kill anyone." "I'd like that and having you come in and sit on my knee and talk about it and your family. Next morning Nathan stood at the bedroom doorway and in a booming voice awoke Gina: "Look what we have here!" "Oh no", she groaned, raising her head and blinking sleepily, thinking Nathan had a raging erection in his hand. But no, she blinked her eyes clear. The entire space under the masthead of the Post was covered with a space satellite photo of Palin City and overprinted in huge red type screaming: 'It's Official! Palin City Founded in 1871 by Sergeant Thomas Palin.' At the bottom of the page was a heading across the page: 'Key to City Promised to Campaigner Gina Lott'. Nathan then turned the page to show the big photo on page 3. It was of Gina bending over, showing leg halfway up her thighs, and kissing a delighted Mrs Daniels. "It's beautiful; I'm oblivious to the camera and just look at the smiling character-filled face of Mrs Daniels." Before Nathan could complain about Gina showing too much leg, Gina's phone rang. "Coffee and a lightly done piece of toast with just a smear of marmalade please darling. My public calls." To be Concluded... Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 09 "Go get me a brandy while I wash my face," Gina sniffed. "Bring back a drink. Don't bring anyone with you. Robyn, the person we wanted has come out of the woodwork. We could be on the verge of possessing crucial evidence. I want you with Richard and his camera on the site at 9:00 in the morning." "What site?" "32 Pilcher." "Ohmigod!" When Robyn went to get the brandies Gina called her mom who was so excited and said until she saw Gina wearing pioneering clothing and little make-up she'd never seen the Youngerman look in her. "You were the image of a photo I have of my mother when she was in her early thirties...not the hair of course. That was a telling documentary darling. So telling. You're bringing in Sergeant Palin from the cold; you are unstoppable now. Your father and I are so proud of you." Gina called Tubby. "I want you to have Salty bring you to 32 Pilcher at 9:00 in the morning. An elderly woman had called me. We could be on the verge of an amazing disclosure." "Gina, it's Monday morning senior staff conference and briefings and..." "If Melanie called in the morning and said he husband had left on a four-day business trip could you call around, would you say. "Sorry love, I have a staff meeting'." Tubby laughed and said he'd be there. Nathan came in with Robyn and kissed Gina but she said not to hug her because she felt ready to explode. She told him and Robyn what the woman had told her. "Ohmigod," Robyn wailed. "If it's there we are almost at the end of the road." "That's my thinking," Nathan said stoutly and asked how could he help. "I need an veteran locksmith with key blanks for locks in use 150 years ago." "Old Ned Kelliher is our man," Nathan smiled. "He's retired but is still called out. I'll go around to his place and talk to him now. What time do you want him?" "Eight-thirty will be fine darling. I better go to our guests. Robyn, you are calmer than me. Could you draw aside Zoe, Harry and Charlotte and invite them to join us in the morning at 9:00 but to come alone because I don't want too many people there. Oh, sorry...the TV station has a camera man on call here." "Yes, a stringer. We need film coverage for archives as well as for TV news. I know him and he's good – does weddings and the like. No problem." Mommy Was a Whore Ch. 10 EPILOGUE In the summer, two and a half years after finding irrefutable evidence that Sergeant Tom was the founder of Palin, Gina Lott, heavily pregnant and wearing her ceremonial chain with the symbolic key to the city, sat alongside the Governor on the dais on The Balcony on Gina's modernized Youngerman Building (formerly known as the Gaynor Building). Tubby wearing his mayoral chain sat on the other side of the Governor with his wife. Behind them were the Governor's wife and a top aide along with Nathan holding 2-year-old Oriana and Zoë Ross of the Founders' Society. A crowd of some two thousand citizens packed in the closed-off intersection. The Governor made a short speech and declared the Founder's Memorial to Sergeant Thomas Palin officially in place. At that moment the Amy exploded an enormous star shell above the scene and three Army buglers played 'Taps'. The monument was exactly what Gina wanted and in a newspaper poll the design and proposed placement had won the support of 87.8% of respondents. It was a full-size bronze of a horse and cavalryman with saber raised, the face very much like that from the old photo of Sergeant Tom. It was set on a three-stepped circle of flower gardens and had cost an enormous amount of money, the council paying half and a state grant contributing the other half. * After the ceremony at 'Palin Intersection', the official party traveled by bus to the Palin-Gina Lott Events Center a mile away to join 400 guests arriving for the official luncheon. Gina, on behalf of protesting citizens, had led the campaign she named 'Tubby's Folly' to have the Events Center located at the vacated railways freight yards instead of being pushed across the river into city's second largest industrial area that included a huge meat plant. Securing the railway land and sufficient parking for 10,000 vehicles cost the city $22 million. But as Gina had argued before a commission appointed to settle the dispute between the council and a huge number of protesting citizens, the council would secure forever that prime site as public land for a valued public amenity. Before the commission delivered its decision the council advised it had changed its mind and would proceed with the railways yards proposal. At that many citizens began cheerfully calling the mayor Tubby. He found he liked that and forgave Gina for opposing him head-on and temporarily giving him a bad name. Gina was now a minor celebrity, known beyond the state for matching up her city with its founder, being profiled in leading national magazines and in the year after solving the founder riddle, was named in fourth position in the country's most influential 'Woman of the Year' declaration. She had failures of course and other triumphs, the most memorable being captured in the photo of an estimated 400 women, standing in candlelight vigil outside Palin Hospital when Gina had been rushed in for a premature birth. That newsworthy photo circulated far beyond the state, being a most unusual outreach of support. Gina had joined the public campaign a year earlier to have birthing facilities and staffing ratios at the hospital improved. She opted to lead the march though the city to the hospital after city authorities refused to issued a permit for the march because it was scheduled for a Friday, peak day for traffic flows. Campaign organizers pulled out of leading the march, leaving the potential protest in disarray, Gina volunteered to head the parade and be arrested, if that's what it took. The police backed off under instructions when Gina appeared at the head of the parade wearing her Freedom of the City ceremonial chain. The media had been advise of the threat of arrests and had gathered around Gina licking their lips at the potential for a good story. When there was no arrest the media used the theme, 'Heroine of the City Forces Police Back-down'. The march reached the hospital where the chief administrator invited Gina inside, accompanied by two other marchers of her choice, to begin negotiations. In typical flamboyant style Miss Lott arrived for the talks flanked by a Catholic nursing sister in habit and the mayor's very pregnant baby sister -- another great photo and filming opportunity for the media. So when Gina slipped on a patch of water in Palin Mall and felt her baby was coming, three weeks early, she was rushed to the hospital. Women began networking when hearing a radio news item about the mishap. Women contacted were requested to bring candles and began gathering outside the hospital late afternoon. As women left after an hour or so more women arrived to replace then. The crowd roared approval when it was announced Gina had refused a C-section. Just before 9:30 it was announced little Oriana had arrived and mother and baby were doing well. A big photo of Oriana in Gina's arms appeared on the front page of the Post next morning along with the very impressive photo of the candlelight vigil. Flowers piled up outside Gina's room and along the corridor and outside into a main corridor and bags of congratulatory mail began arriving at the hospital simply marked, Gina and Oriana. Asked by a top female TV network journalist flown in for an exclusive beside interview why did she think she was such a celebrity Gina said, "It completely puzzles my husband Nathan. I think its partly because I try to look glamorous and wear glamorous clothes -- except here in hospital -- and I don't get pushed around by men and I say to men things more polite women wished they could say publicly to men. But above all I think it's I'm seen to care when working under public spotlight and I emote directly to people when I speak to them. Women particularly like seeing that. I lived for ten years in Italy Deborah and by god the Italians know how to emote." * * * When Gina rose to speak at the Sergeant Palin Monument Unveiling Luncheon, she grasped her lower abdomen and sat back on her chair. "Call an ambulance," someone shouted and Nathan rushed to her side. At Gina's request the microphone on the speaker's rostrum was handed to her. "I apologize everyone. My husband Nathan has always said I am a flamboyant person so it's only to be expected I should do something flamboyant here. We were married quietly almost three years ago with only twenty-four people present so I don't regard that as being flamboyant and what's happened here is a product of my marriage: my water just broke so another early delivery can be expected. Please excuse me for sitting. This has been a dream day for me, and I like to thank, on behalf of Sergeant Tom, my core of strong supporters who stood alongside me to get Sergeant Tom elevated to his rightful place in this city's history." Gina brushed aside officials who attempted to take the microphone from her. "I'd like to thank everyone and I mean everyone who did their bit on this campaign, even if it was just buying a campaign button for two bucks. I thought we might buy a plaque with that money the buttons raised but under-estimated the response. Our magnificent buttons team sold 38,700 buttons -- the demand almost exceeded the population of this city and also came from our environs. That money not only paid for the plaque but it also paid for the concrete base with three flower gardens in tiers on which our gallant founder is now immortalized. It paid for the watering system and paid for two surveillance cameras to watch over Sergeant Tom 24/7 to detect anything stupid behavior around him and the monument is also fitted with silent alarm sensors. I'm so proud of the supporters of the Sergeant Tom campaign and what has been achieved. It's a magnificent statue and I believe I'll shed a wee tear whenever I look at it, not for Sergeant Tom being spurned by this city for so long -- that's all behind us now -- and not because he's not here for the unveiling." Gina stopped to wipe her eyes. "Well as far as I know he's not here (that raised a huge laugh from the audience). No, I'll shed a tear or two remembering he died a pauper's death. Tom later in life worked for my great-great-great-grandfather Silas and when he retired continued living with Silas and that was very generous of Silas. But I regret Silas didn't spend to buy a marked grave for Tom's final resting place. Ah well, this city has now made up for that oversight. Perhaps Silas had run into hard times in that year of 1909. The generosity of contributors means that when we see that monument and think what it represents, the spirit of Sergeant Tom Palin and his small bunch of original settlers lives on. It almost makes me cry thinking about that. When I have this little bundle of joy safely in my arms I have another job to do. Your far-sighted council has asked me to head the team to investigate providing a new City Hall. I was surprised I did not have to promise not to recommend it be sited next to the meat plant across the river. Thank you Governor Richards for officiating here today. You and your delegation being here is the icing on the cake for me. Thank you too the good people of Palin City." Everyone in the hall including the Governor rose to acclaim Gina with rousing applause. She was taken away during the mayor's speech. He stopped to say, "Good luck Gina. May it be twins!" Next morning the Post carried a big photo of Gina with sweet looking Rocco. 'My son cries and looks very pretty. Women will love him," Gina was reported as saying. From 11:00 that morning vans began arriving with flowers and late afternoon the first mailbag address to 'Gina and Rocco' was delivered. The previous night, maternity staff, almost all female, had been given cigars by a very proud father. The executive of the Palin Founders' Society met to choose from a catalogue a baby bath for Rocco that sat low enough for Oriana to help bath her baby brother. The junior vice-president said, "Zoë, some of us would like you to step aside to allow senior vice-president Gina became our president. We have nothing against you, it's just..." "Be my guest Daisy. Go to her with a deputation and I really do wish you luck. She has spurned twice-yearly representations from me to accept the presidency and declines always with the same words, 'You were a great inspiration to me Zoë in the Sergeant Tom campaign. As far as I'm concerned you have that chair until they carry your out in a box'. But please do ask her. I believe she enjoys declining and making that little speech." Just before dawn, only hours after the birth of Rocco, Salty arrived to pick up Gina accompanied by a nurse. He drove them slowly along Central Avenue and they watched as the rising sun came in directly over River Road and slowly lit in a golden glow the charging cavalryman. "Oh this is marvelous Salty. Thank you for thinking of this. Ohmigod, what's that around the monument?" "Wreaths and bouquets Gina," Salty sniffed. "Hundreds of them. People lined up to place them yesterday all afternoon and into the night. I think the people rather like their new statute and are sorry it's taken so long to get it." The young nurse held Gina in her arms. They both sobbed.] THE END Mommy Was a Whore "Sexually active?" "Yes, very much so I suspect she left me with something." "It happens with toys too. I note that you always were careful about use of condoms with males in vagina and anal sex?" "Yes." "Good, good. I would recommend you avoid other people's sex toys. They wash them but washing is not sterilization and even then there can be risks involved." "Thank you. I've come home to have a baby." "Yes, I read that in yesterday's newspaper but it was written in such a way that I was unsure where or not you are already pregnant." "Oh no, I have yet to find the father." Dr McGeorge looked at his patient thoughtfully but offered no comment. Gina asked the big question. "I want confirmation I'm rid of the disease." "I should think so unless you have become re-infected. When you finally received the correct treatment in Rome for Chlamydia it was the widely approved one-dose treatment. You can make another appointment to begin tests to determine whether your reproductive system has been adversely affected." "No, I'll find out whether I become pregnant or not. But before I commence I want confirmation that I am cured of Chlamydia." "In light of what you have told me I recommend an across-the-board screening." "Yes I agree with you. It's a bit like catching colds and 'flu, isn't it. So many different little bozos out there to get us, aren't there?" Dr McGeorge grinned. "You may request an internal examination whenever you wish. In the meantime we'll get back to you with screening results. If any issue emerges I'll want you back in here for consultancy." "If I have to return I'd like you to be my consultant because you appear so calm and competent and not at all judgmental." Dr McGeorge smiled and began shuffling papers. "Good afternoon Miss Lott." Returning to the waiting room Gina called Green Taxi Cabs and ordered a cab, driven by Mr Brown." "Which Mr Brown ma'am? We have three of them." "Salthouse Brown." "Ah Salty, very popular as he's a real gentlemen. Just checking my computer. He can be there in ten ma'am. Should I dispatch him to you?" "Yes please." Salthouse greeted Gina with a wide smile and jumped out to open the back door for her. He looked up at the name of the clinic but said nothing. "I had a nasty scare – been too trusting with someone." Salthouse said nothing until they were underway. "If it will lift your mood I don't mind if you think I'm driving Miss Daisy." "Oh Salty, you're wonderful," Gina laughed and he went 'He-he-he' in a belly laugh. "I read about you in the paper and showed it to my wife. She read it with interest and know what she said?" "No Mr Brown." "Salty is fine Miss Gina. She said she'd pleased I have a better class of fare than what I usually get." "Oh, how lovely of her. I don't mind telling you I can be a bad woman at times." "That doesn't make you unusual. What's unusual is you must be our leading citizen." "Salty, that's over the top." "You got most of the front page yesterday. Normally our distinguished citizens get only half that much and out towards the back of the newspaper as their obituary. Normal leading citizens are not recognized until they die." "Well that's true. Does Mrs Brown like flowers Salty." "She sure Clara does but you're not to do what I'm thinking you are about to do." "Stop at the next florist Salty." "Miss Gina, no." "Stop at the next florist Salty. That's an order from the back seat." * * * Dr McGeorge watched the accommodating ass of Miss Lott sway through the door and his mind was invaded by carnal thoughts of the desirable kind. Nathan thought if Gina was shown to be disease free or disease 'safe' he wouldn't mind a frolic for an hour or two with her. She appeared to be streets above the clinic's sexually available females in desirability rating. Neglected by his equally unfaithful wife he knew he'd like to see a lot more of Miss Lott; totally naked would be fine. Thoughts about Gina lingered because this really was the first time he'd been blown away by a patient. Visualizing Gina blowing him, Dr McGeorge hurriedly began shuffling papers and pressed the button for Nurse Royce to fetch his next patient. Nathan arrived home early and could hear Shona and some guy grunting in the bedroom. God, the slut was bringing them home now – or perhaps she always had? A patient's temporary address flashed before him – Miss Gina Lott, C/- of the Pioneer Hotel until tomorrow then C/- the Blacksmith's Retreat. Nathan ran to his car, face aglow. He found Gina sitting at House Bar supposedly the domain of hotel guests and their invitees. He sat at the far corner quite some distance from her and ordered a white wine. Sipping it Nathan felt someone slide down alongside him, having dragged a stool up close. Oh, so sexy. He assumed she was or had been a prostitute but obviously one with class. She said not a word and their eyes met in the bar mirror and they both greeted silently with while enamel smiles. "Nathan, I could be infected." "I'm prepared to take the risk." "I have condoms." "Good, I only keep one in my wallet. With you being all-woman one won't be sufficient." "Oh Nathan. You are so charming and married I suppose." "Yes." "And now hard-up story about she doesn't understand you so she found it necessary to become unfaithful to you?" Nathan stared at her dark almost black eyes and smiled. "You don't want to hear that crap." She just smiled, hugely and said, "Do you have a fat cock Nathan? I haven't had one for almost a month." "I've never had complaints about inadequate length or diameter." "Good boy," she smiled, pressing a knee against his and feeling return pressure. "Let's chat till 6:00 then go to early dinner as my guess and then take me somewhere. You are faced with medical ethics, as I'm your patient. This hotel has security cameras so we can't use my room." "My boat." "Excellent. Security cameras in the marina?" "Damn." Gina sighed. "I'm not prepared to be bent over a park bench." "Whoever would think of treating you in that manner," Nathan said as if shocked, earning lovely smile that set his sex system into launching readiness. "I know, my office." "The stirrups?" Only at the last moment did Nathan stop his mouth flying open. "Ah, a bit of a tease I think." Gina left the SUV thirty yards short of the premises with instructions to arrive in three minutes. Nathan let her in saying the alarms and security cameras were off except two covering the records room and the strong room. Anyway they would be out of range of those cameras. Within five minutes he was having the upper half of his beautiful fat cock licked by a woman as if she was spreading soft butter over bread. Two hours later Nathan returned home to find that same dark green car parked outside the David's property next to his home. His wife and boyfriend must have fallen asleep. Nathan grabbed his unloaded pistol in the study and went to the bedroom, smiling grimly, placing the barrel in the middle of the boyfriend's forehead and switched on the lights. The lovers awoke, waving the air in front of their noses to try to rid the stench of old sweat and whatever. The boyfriend froze when his eyes caught the outline of the pistol. "Sam, wake up properly." Nathan's wife then realized what was going on and she froze. He said, "This punk obviously has raped you. I'm entitled to put a bullet into him in defense of my home and wife. Where do you want it – through his tiny brain or up his ass?" Sam (Samantha) quavered, "Nathan – please. Think of the bad publicity on your reputation." "Oh yeah, up you get punk. I'm going to beat the shit out of you." "Nathan – please. He's the best lover I've had in yonks." "This asshole. I'll wager he's filled you with the clap. I won't treat you." Sam, guessing that Nathan had no intention of shooing them, snarled, "I wouldn't allow you to touch me professionally even at the risk of my pussy falling out." "Well you bitch, leave it too long and you may get your wish and remember pussy transplants aren't out of trials yet." "Leave us." "Okay Sam. It's my house. You keep the Mercedes and the boat and about two-thirds of our investment; that ought to give you half of our assets. I'll be staying at the Pioneer Hotel. My attorney will call you." Nathan growled: "Stay their punk. It will take me a few minutes for me to pack. I'm out of my house until your bitch leaves it." The guy whined, "I need to pee." "Pee over Sam. That's all she's good for now." Sam began bawling so Nathan began singing. The punk looked terrified. After loading his golf clubs Nathan headed off to the Pioneer whistling cheerfully, in his mind thanking Gina for giving him the reason for finally making the break. Twice before he'd caught scumbags in bed with Sam and carried them out half senseless and bleeding and dumped them over the hoods of their vehicles. She must really like the Punk, yelling for him not to be hurt. He was probably their mailman or perhaps her personal banker. Nathan switched to thinking of the joy he'd felt when sliding between Gina's thighs, thinking fucking had been her profession. When she'd finished with him he'd felt sated, and lay like a limp doll while she went off singing to make coffee. Oh Gina.