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Against the Odds Ch. 01

By: Egmont Grigor



IN THIS CROSS-OVER Western arching 120 years, be prepared for a little humor and even satire, sex, romance and obnoxious attitudes. The setting is Clyde, a city of 27,600 servicing a hinterland of small productive farm units on the grassy and water restricted plains and on to large ranches on rolling drier hills to rise up mountainous slopes. In pioneering days the Jefferson family arrived first followed shortly by the Elliot's. They cross-married but within this generation the two families divided because of 'the incident'. That centers around the very personable Miss Ellis Jefferson (33), illegitimate daughter of an Elliot, Ellis is a highly successful lawyer and her life as a loner is about to change - dramatically.

*

At the funeral of Gran Jefferson the deceased's brother Jed Elliot was wheeled into the well-filled church with its flaking paint and hard-on-the-butt wooden pews. His appearance caused quite a stir as it was the first time in at least three years the eighty-eight year old had appeared publicly.

Jed arrived after the eulogies had finished. The pastor was paying his personal tribute to Jed's older sister before ending the service. The coffin would then be carted off to the family burial site in the horse-drawn hearse from Stan Gray's Museum of Pioneering History.

Pastor Blake paused, and nodded to Jed. Generous contributions from Jed and his wider family paid a major part of Ashton Blake's stipend.

Jed growled, "I've something to say."

Pastor Blake smiled and welcomed Jed to the service and motioned to Jed's minder to push the wheel-chair to the front of the congregation.

"Thank you family and friends for turning out in big numbers to farewell Gwen," said the bewhiskered old-timer, still with a full head of hair, white of course, and having the aquiline nose and piercing blue eyes of generations of the Elliot men, Of the women, only Gwen's grand-daughter Ellis Jefferson had similar blue eyes. Ellis is the illegitimate daughter of Jeff's son Hamilton who ten years later was shot dead by yet another cuckold husband.

Both the Jefferson and Elliot families were well represented in the church although sitting on opposite sides. Until the rape of Alice Jefferson by Hamilton Elliot, the two families had been linked as founding families and through a number of marriages. After that dreadful 'incident' no complaint was made to the Sheriff but within hours of Alice having recovered enough to talk, Hamilton was rushed to hospital where he stayed for three months recovering from the axe-handle beating received from Alice's husband Ivor Jefferson. Ivor died a few years later from natural causes. 

With Jed about to speak there was an air of expectancy as he was not one to waste words. 

"With Gwen gone," Jed said, "this community of Clyde has lost almost the last oldtimer linked to early days – the child of pioneers. Followingt those hardy and honest first arrivals were the Hurst's who began to dominate our community by fair means and foul, mostly foul. You younger people will know a little about it but I want everyone to know it was the mother of Gwen and me – Irene Elliot as she was before her marriage – who engineered the deaths of the Hurst ringleaders and the sudden departure from these parts of anyone with Hurst blood."

There were gasps and excited mutterings from the congregation.

"Irene was only nineteen at the time. She disappeared for three days and a week later at noon she stood outside the library, which is where City Hall is now, to welcome the return of a soldier of fortune from the Jefferson family who rode into town wearing an ankle length black leather coat. This sounds like a Western paperback story, doesn't it?"

A few children in the laughed but their parents and particularly grand-parents looked tense.

"This woman who'd become my and Gwen's mother stood on the boardwalk and watched this man walk up, take off his black Stetson and half bow to her. It was just like a Western paperback story actually. He was being hired by young Irene to kill the evil Hurst men."

Jed coughed and Pastor Blake hurried to him with a glass of water.

"Thanks Ashton," Jeff said, wiping his age-thinned lips. "This town quickly learned about this man. In the year 1888 three Hurst men were goaded into and old-time shoot-out on the main street of this town outside the library. When the shooting ceased two of the Hurst's had bullet holes between the eyes and the third took two shots in the belly and died within the hour. A Circuit Judge was a witness to the attack on Irene's man who'd calmly allowed three shots to be fired before he drew his guns. When the last of the other Hurst's had fled the territory the stranger, who'd taken a bullet through the shoulder, put away his guns and in the spring of that year Casper Jefferson married Irene."

There was a great buzz amongst the congregation and someone shouted, "Is that the truth?"

"As sure as God is my witness that is the truth. Many of us here are descendents of Casper and Gwen Jefferson and I'd like you Elliot's who include descendents of mine to remember that and to think about it and this enduring resentment between the two families. If it hadn't been for Casper Jefferson as a result of Irene getting money from our father the Hurst's would have run our forebears off their ranches and out of this territory, or County as it is now."

"Please stand up Ellis."

His great-niece Ellis stood, dressed in black but with a yellow ribbon around her hat – Gwen's favorite color.

"Ellis is the only person besides Pastor Blake who visits me in the Home for the Elderly regularly. None of you others are that diligent, some of you don't bother at all and that's fine; it's probably the preferred outcome."

Jed sipped more water. 

"Those of you interested in relationships will know that because of the wickedness of my late son Hamilton Elliot, Ellis Jefferson is my biological grand-daughter as well as my grand-niece. As you know Ellis is the best attorney in this town and she tends to keep to herself as few of you Jefferson's and the Elliot's acknowledge her as family and regrettably her own mother is unable to consider Ellis as a true daughter because of the way Ellis was conceived. Ellis not only visited me before I admitted myself to the Home for the Elderly but ever since she was a young kid she began visiting both Gwen and me regularly as soon as she could ride a bicycle."

Jed then addressed Ellis personally. "Ellis you are being repaid for the wickedness done to you and for your interest you always showed in Gwen and me which did not fade when you learned the true nature of your birth. Now I address the Jefferson and Elliot families and also speak on behalf of Gwen – we acted on this shortly before she breathed her last. All of the commercial property Gwen possessed in this city will be inherited by Ellis Jefferson and the shares in all other property within the town in which my sister and I have a financial interest will be transferred to her. In addition I have assigned power of attorney in respect of all property I own in this city to Ellis. That means Ellis will be my landlord because my contribution includes the Home for the Elderly. Thank you Ellis, please wait with me at the door to thank these good people for attending Gwen's farewell. So family, there you go. If you don't like it, fight Ellis in Court. Gwen's two ranches will go to her two children – Gwen drew lots in the presence of me and our two solicitors to decide that allocation. That's all. Carry on Pastor Blake."

Jed was wheeled to the coffin where he patted it and said, "Goodbye Gwen" before being taken to the rear of the church.

Pastor Blake had to wait patiently for the uproar to die.

The announcement was not a bombshell for Ellis in gaining a huge number of properties which included the building in which her offices are located. She'd been at the signing at her grandmother's bedside with Jed and their two lawyers plus three independent witnesses, Pastor Blake, Gwen's personal physician and the CEO of the Medical Centre invited at Jed and Ellis's request in case any family member challenged the fitness of Gwen and Jed to make decisions of the magnitude they intended. 

Standing alongside Jed as people filled out Ellis became aware of receiving a mixed reception but was quite used to that from these people. Some of the congregation including her future tenants, employees and clients congratulated her after expressing their condolences while others ignored her, frowned at her or went further and cast dark looks. Her two younger sisters kissed and congratulated her while her mother looked at her upset and disoriented which Ellis thought was perhaps understandable as the rape had once again resurfaced to haunt her mother.

* * *

Afternoon tea was held in the church hall and those who attended the private burial later joined that gathering. Many people discussed a common theme: only Jed was left now. After most of the people had drifted off Ellis was called to a joint family meeting of direct family descendants.

"Money is a great way to entice feuding families to present a united front," Ellis said to her mother who'd been asked to fetch her.

"Be on your best behavior and try to be conciliatory," Alice said, almost whispering. "This is a terrible thing to have happened – you being given all that property."

"Oh gee, thanks mom."

As expected, only adult relatives were present and standing waiting for her grimly was Philip Elliot, presumably self-appointed as spokesman. Well, Ellis mused, he was the most aggressive and the wealthiest of his peers.

"Welcome Ellis," he said. "Please sit down."

Noticing her mother had taken the last seat Ellis flicked her blonde hair back over both shoulders and smiled. "I'd rather stand thank you Philip – I don't have a great deal of time available."

Philip snapped, "Then come and stand alongside me."

"No thank you," Ellis said, leaning against the wall midway down the hall.

"Right, let's have a short meeting Ellis. We want those property transfers rescinded and the terms expressed relating to them in the Will to be re-written by an independent attorney and taken to the Court for ratification and for you to support fully those moves and for similar provisions to apply when my father dies. He's just told me that his transfers do not take effect until his death, that what you have from him is power of attorney to administer his holdings, to be responsible for all income and outgoings, taxes and you then pocket what remains. We can't allow this Ellis; you are nobody's family – even your mother acts if she only partly recognizes you as family."

That last remark angered Ellis; he had no need to bring her mother into this, upsetting her. But she let it be. She asked, "Who are quote 'we' unquote, Philip?"

"The direct beneficiaries of the estate of Gwen Jefferson and the ultimate estate of Jed Elliot of course, who are me and my brother Richard, your Uncle Garry Jefferson and possibly your mother Alice Jefferson."

"But not Hamilton's widow June?"

"No, she has disappeared with her family and our earnest attempts to locate her have failed. She long ago decided to disown her late husband's family."

Ellis addressed everyone. "Well since all of those other people just named by Philip are here they'll have to accept this: "I have inherited my grandmother's commercial property interests legally and have been empowered legally by my great-uncle to administer his commercial property interests during his remaining life-time for my own financial gain. So there it is; I totally accept their decisions to hand me these endowments and advise you I propose making no changes to their decisions. So that's it; period. Now please excuse me as I have finished here."

"You'll regret that decision Ellis."

"Is that a threat Philip?"

"Er, no. But we will fight you over your ill-considered decision."

"Oh no Philip – the only thing ill-considered is the move you and any supporters you have made to confront me like this. That being the intent, then I'll see you and any others who join you in Court. Goodbye everyone. Please comfort my mother Philip; those comments of yours relating to her have upset her and she's weeping." 

Cousin Mitch was among the few to acknowledge Ellis's farewell and he went beyond a nod and wave when he called "Goodbye Ellis" rather loudly and that drew a scowl from his father. Wife Gabriel, sitting beside Mitch and holding their youngest child, stepped past him to go to Alice. Gabriel knew there wouldn't be much comforting required because her Aunt Alice's eyes would light up when baby Jenni held out her arms to be taken.

A burly cousin seated near Mitch said gruffly, "I reckon your dad's taken on more than he can chew; Ellis is one tough lady."

"She's soft as butter inside," Mitch said, staring at his father being patted on the back or kissed by the other claimants. "But sure as hell she doesn't go lightly with fools, bullies and wrongdoers."

Jon the cousin grinned: "Is that your father you're talking about?"

"Yes and along with Richard and to a certain extent your father Garry."

Jon lost his grin: "You're kidding" and received back the unsatisfactory reply, "Am I?"

All of Ellis's cousins had some sympathy for Ellis, unlike their parents, and all through the lower grades at school Mitch (Mitchell) had acted as her protector. Not far into high school his protection became no longer required as Ellis reluctantly accepted she was the black sheep of the two families in the eyes of her uncles and aunts. In her first year at college she and Mitch being a year ahead of her, became lovers for a while. After her graduation and two years' practical experience Ellis returned to the city to open a law practice under her own name and gradually her mother, sisters and their husbands and some cousins switched their legal work to Ellis because she was building a reputation as being effective and client-oriented. 

After walking out from that appallingly and naive meeting, Ellis stood in the fresh air – very fresh because of snow still on the distant hills – looking in through the window of Marci's Fashion Wear Store, idly wondering if this was one of her properties. There were so many of them; through the actions of Gwen and Jed she now controlled one-third of all commercial property in Clyde-on-Wide River or Clyde as the city on both sides of the river was more commonly known - more than forty buildings. 

She smiled at turning up the City's full name. An Englishman had been the first known white man to have crossed the waterway which he called Wide River, ignoring the Indian name, He recorded that uninspiring name on the rough map of the territory he was crossing and drew a circle in the centre of the vast treeless grasslands and named that Clyde after the place in Scotland where his wife had been born. 

First to settle were the Jefferson's followed by the Elliot and Hurst families. Although arriving years in the wake of that first European explorer, the Jefferson's in five wagons came to the very same crossing and decided their great journey had ended and camped. A few days later a trader cane across them and relaxing after bartering, pulled out a copy of the Englishman's map to support his contention that the new arrivals had founded a community on a spot named Clyde-on-Wide River. It was an awful name and before the night was out the settlers knew their place of intended settlement as Clyde.

Store operator Marci Jones eyed nervously the woman she'd identified as Ellis Jefferson looking at the window display. Marci thought you cold blue-eye bitch looking to see how far my rent can be ratcheted up. Ellis was known to her but yet she didn't know Ellis. Word was she was a great lawyer and had no favorites, treating everyone the same. Although she wasn't married rumor was she wasn't gay; she just had her men visit, or visited them, after dark. God, she was coming in.

Marci watch the tall blonde woman coming at her and was ill at ease. Rent rises were expected through the mail and not in a direct confrontation where tempers could flare forcing customers to scuttle for cover. She was amazed how physical Ellis looked close up – powerful shoulders and she even moved athletically and yet she'd pass as one of the best looking women Marci knew in Clyde and she knew all the well-heeled ones. Ellis was a regular but she'd never served her; her assistants had never reported a problem with her and she did call fairly frequently.

"Good afternoon Miss Jefferson."

"Hi Marci, but cut the crap. You were three grades ahead of me at high school so I'm the one who should be acting deferentially."

"Of course Ellis but you are such a successful businesswoman I felt showing a little respect was in order."

That appeared to amuse the shopper. "Businesswoman? What I know about business would be half of what you know Marci. I'm told this is the most successful boutique business within one hundred miles; you ought to be extremely proud of yourself."

Who told Ellis that? Now my rent rise will go through the roof, Marci thought, grinding her teeth but she smiled and said, "That is so lovely of you to say that Ellis – a false rumor of course."

"Nice footwork," Ellis smiled. "But I'm here to try on that blue dress in the window, not to discuss boring business economics. It's my dress, I know it is."

"Of course it is, I can see blue is your soul color. Jacqui only put it on display an hour ago. I'll call her."

"I rather you fetch and fit the dress, Marci. If you don't mind me saying so, I spend something like $1500 at month at your beauty saloon including on cosmetics and much more than that at this boutique. I think I deserve the attention of the proprietor when she is not otherwise engaged."

You hard-nosed bitch fumed Marci, smiling and saying, "Of course, you definitely are a high-value customer and deserve to be treated accordingly. I understand you treat all your clients even handedly."

"You should become one Marci and see for yourself. If Stan Roebuck is greasing up to you it's only for one thing."

"Ellis, really," Marci said, blushing and unable to cut off the giggle. "How on earth do you know about Stan and me; he's a fine lawyer."

"If you say so."

"Then isn't he?"

"Professional ethics prevent me from answering that. But Marci, you'll know his wife Sandra probably as well as I do; if she ever finds out she'll divorce him and then watch her large circle of friends rally around her, most of those women are your clientele."

"Oh God, how could I have been so stupid. I thought you said you know nothing about business?"

"Correction, I said I probably only know about half of what you know about business. I know nothing about dealing with on-sellers, how to squeeze margins, timing sales, finding new suppliers, working revolving credit, dressing windows, in-store security and the like, but what I specialize in is people, problem solving, attempting to mitigate their wrong-doings and I know an awful lot about the politics of business and of course I am expert at settling matrimonial disputes and handling divorces."

"Oh Ellis, thank God you walked into my store on the quietest day all month, I sent the girls out to the back to put their feet up. I'll never forget you for this."

"It's nothing, Marci. A little hint to anyone facing potential problems usually doesn't go amiss. The blue dress?"

The blue dress was a perfect fit but the hem needed raising an inch to suit Ellis's taste.

"I'll pay now and pick up the altered dress Friday."

"There is no charge – I'm giving you the dress."

Ellis smiled and said that was a lovely gesture but Marci was in business for profit. She said she wouldn't take it as a gift but would be happy with a 20% discount for delivering some unsolicited advice. Marci agreed and after Ellis left adjusted the computer so that boutique client Ellis Jefferson went on a preferential client category and in the space for 'discount' Ellis inserted 20 percent which would apply to all future purchases by Ellis.


Against the Odds Ch. 01



Returning to her office and after dealing with staff enquiries, emails and phone messages, Ellis called Colin Wright at her former university and after the inevitable pleasantries asked the associate professor if he had a former graduate looking for work opportunities who had law and preferably also a degree in business management.

After checking the department's computer file for ex-graduates requiring positions either at the university or with former graduates operating in the business world, Colin said he was sorry but there was nobody at the moment. 

"Except..." He tailed off so Ellis asked except what?

"No, you were one of my pet students; I couldn't put you at risk."

"What from - theft?"

"No."

"Personal misbehavior?"

"Not really."

"What then?"

"Troy Gardiner has returned home after seven years working as site business and security manager for a mining company in South Africa, well away from civilization. I don't know what it's called these days but the old word to describe him is hippie. I'm on the three-person panel that monthly checks out the applicants we list and chaired that panel the day he appeared. He was, as I said, hippie – both in appearance and attitude. Academically there's no problem as he graduated near top of his intake in business management and finished about median. But his brown hair was down to his shoulders; he hadn't shaved and looked dirty."

"Yuk, then why are we discussing him?"

"Because you pressed for more. He's into martial arts, doesn't want to work regular hours and wants plenty of the Great Outdoors so seeks to work in a small office with a sexy assistant – I'm reading my notes – and figures property management would suit him best."

"What?" Ellis said. "Please repeat that last bit."

"Figures property management would suit him."

Ellis scowled: To Be or Not to Be...a fool, she sighed, knowing she was a risk-taker. "I'll interview him providing he has a bath, shaves and wears clean clothes."

"We can't ask him to do that?"

"Can't you Colin? I'm would think a $5000 donation to the department even if I only take him on for a month's trial says you can do anything."

"I'll contact him personally," Colin said enthusiastically. "I'll speak only but good of you – what age are you thirty?"

"Always a charmer Colin; I'm thirty-three."

"Perhaps he'll make a suitable suitor," Colin laughed. "He's three years your senior."

"There's no way Colin I'd have a grubby hippie in my bed."

Two weeks later Ellis took a call. "Hi Miss Jefferson, I'm an hour out of town. Where should I meet you?"

"Miss Jefferson? Who told you to be polite?"

"Prof Wright at the university; he said he'd personally kick my ass if I blew this opportunity. He's put me up for seven interviews already."

"Oh."

"Quite, prospective employers find me, well, different. But Prof Wright but said you were rather unconventional yourself so we could hit it off as employer-employee with me becoming your business partner if I blind you with my work performance."

"Colin said that?"

"I made up the bit about a business partnership. That's really something for the back-burner until I sweep you off your feet. With sizzling job performance, I meant."

Oh yes, I bet, Ellis thought, losing her confidence. He seemed to be a jerk. Perhaps she shouldn't ask him to the office until she checked him out.

"Meet me on the corner of High Street and Martin's Way."

"I don't know your town – can't you do better than that?"

The cheek of him – he had eyes didn't he? Street signs were made large enough to read. Aware she was becoming a little cross she said, "Oh well then meet me opposite my office outside City Hall on Main Street; you can't miss it because it has two flag poles at either end at the entire building is colored apricot."

"Apricot – sounds my kind of building."

I bet, Ellis sighed.

He said, "I find you outside it in an hour's time. What color dress are you wearing?"

"Bright yellow so there should be little chance of you failing to see me and running me over."

"You sound lots of fun, not many women use humor on guy they've yet to meet."

"Humor? I thought I was using sarcasm."

"That's one up to you Miss Jefferson."

"Ellis."

"Then Ellis it is. Bye."

'Then Ellis it is'...what sort of answer was that? Ellis thought. Oh, what have I done?

Almost an hour later she crossed the street in stand-out yellow. She expected he'd be late; a hippie being on time would be a world's first.

A guy on some kind of super-bike purred to a stop beside her just as the City Hall clock began striking. He flicked up the visor and took off his sunglasses. His motor-cycle was black, he was dressed in black and a huge wave of dread swept over Ellis. It was noon, right outside the site of the first town library where great-grandmother Irene had met her gunman one hundred plus years ago. There was a roaring in Ellis's head and as she heard the gunman say "Hello Ellis" the sidewalk rushed to meet her and everything went black. 

* * * 

Currently unemployed and not enjoying being ostracized by recruitment professionals who should know brain, skills, job successes and persona individually score higher than personal appearance and mannerisms, Troy Gardiner traveled the seventy-eight miles from his parent's home to his old university feeling a little grieved. Prof Wright had called him a fool – that's right – a fool for saying he wouldn't consider working for a lawyer in a one-horse town and a woman lawyer at that. But the crusty professor demanded Troy reconsider.

Colin had sounded almost too eager. "Come and be briefed about her – over lunch if you wish."

"A woman boss, no thanks Colin, you're out of your tree."

"Perhaps the best-looking female student to graduate from this university in ten years."

"Go on, none of them have looked near to being beauties."

"Okay, we'll go to a bar that serves light lunches."

"Now you're talking Colin. Why are you pushing so hard for this Ellis woman?"

"Because she's a worthy graduate and has an urgent need for a specialist in property."

"Why the urgency?"

"I wouldn't know although she mentioned she's landed a bundle of properties. I trust her to know when she has an urgent need...er...urgent business need."

"You're making her sound interesting Colin. I'm on my bike like today?"

"Today will be fine."

Colin dropped in front of Troy a recent photo of Ellis taken for a brochure for the summer school where she lectured on community law. He glanced at it and his head froze, riveted. "Holy cow; is this the boss who wants me? Will you just take a look at those juggs!"

Colin went tut-tut and said Troy better moderate his language when with Ellis otherwise if she took it personally she may reshape his mouth.

"Sounds good advice but she wouldn't get close – I'm big into martial arts."

"So was she – pulled in two university women's State titles so if she caught you napping it could be your unlucky day."

"As I said, sounds good advice. You don't happen to have a photo of her in a swimsuit do you, preferably with her holding the swimsuit?"

Colin sighed and thought of his son in his late twenties who was little better than Troy in possessing an uncouth attitude to women when not in the company of women. "Let's have another beer, Troy and then we'll discuss how to meet Miss Jefferson presenting the appearance of a well-bred and well-mannered man, who smells beautiful to her, is without facial hair and has gleaming teeth and fresh breath."

"She's been talking to you about my appearance, hasn't she?"

"Yes."

"How's that?"

"She wondered why you had not succeeded in being taken up by at least one of those prospective employers so I felt obliged to tell her and then asked how you could enhance your chances with her."

"Oh Colin – I was about to whack you for abuse of confidentiality but what you have just said really could enhances my prospects. Let's have another few beers while I listen to you deliver your fatherly advice. I wish to work for Miss Jefferson more than anyone else in the whole world, Colin. I really do think she could enhance my life."

That evening at home Troy's mother looked at him faking terror. "Oh God, what have you done with my youngest son, Dracula?"

"Cut the crap mom."

"But darling, I haven't seen your lower face washed and shaven for at least ten years and look at your clothes – new instead of looking like something retrieved out of someone's trash can."

Troy endeared the wisecracks because his two married sisters arrived with their kids and that meant wine and nibbles would be served. Both sisters offered to set him up with a date now that he looked 'human'.

An hour and a bit out of Clyde, Troy called Miss Jefferson. His heart skipped a beat at hearing the honeyed voice. He intended trying to securing employment with her – four weeks tops – and by then he ought to have found a real job suited to his talents and presenting him with some real challenges. If he managed to dip into the honey pot while he was at it, well and good. Oh boy!

Troy approached City Hall and chopped down through the gears and he spotted the yellow dress. 

Fantastic – juggs...er...tits...er... boobs signaling their presence like a lighthouse. Her smile sank into his heart although she would have no idea this was him on a motor-cycle. Still, he didn't mind; it allowed him to see her unguarded and his heart flipped – he'd give anything to plow into this babe but the downside to taking a job in this hole of a town; its main social activity would be how to cope with boredom although it did have a neat looking City Hall – coloring it apricot would have wobbled the tits off old matrons in their outrage. Perhaps something was cooking here after all.

Troy flicked up his visor, removed his sunglasses and hauled off his safety helmet just as the clock struck twelve – it was noon in one of the most boring places, although he had no way of knowing, in the entire world. He called "Hello Ellis" at the beauty in the stunning yellow dress – God she was tall – and to his amazement her eyes rolled up into her head and she collapsed on to the pavement – fortunately her head landing on to her thrown out arm as she nose-dived, saving her face from major disfiguration.

Why had she fainted" He hadn't used his sexiest voice that made some women's knees behave like bar soap turning into liquid soap. Perhaps she'd found his black bike and his black gear a little over-powering? Or was she menstruating? He remained seated for a moment aware that he could be accused of having done something such as felling her with a fist. This was a disaster – a fucking interview ruined.

A fat lady rushed through the gathering group of curious onlookers peering down at the fallen woman. 

"Ellis, Ellis," cried Fat Lady.

Troy leapt off his bike and kneeled beside Fat Lady.

"She was talking to me and her knees folded and she dropped like a stone."

Fat Lady had rolled over Ellis whose face was very white.

"She's had a shock – what did you do to her?" Fat Lady accused.

"Nothing – I'd just said "Hello Ellis" and she took a dive."

"Are you Mr Gardiner?"

"Yes, Troy Gardiner."

"Well don't just stand there, help me lift her."

"Stand back," Troy commanded and the ten or so people group tightly around them stepped back in alarm.

He then lifted Ellis. "Where's her office; she said it was just opposite here?"

Fat lady ignored him. She was patting the fainted woman's face quietly saying, "Ellis, Ellis."

Miraculously, or so it seemed to Troy, Ellis's eyes opened and she said the inevitable "Where am I?"

"You're with friends," Fat Lady said and in a very bossy manner said to Troy, "Follow me." 

So he followed, carrying Ellis while the on-coming traffic stopped with Fat Lady holding up a commanding half raised arm and marching as if she were the Queen of Sheba – Troy read historical fiction. Amazingly traffic stopped in both directions and a clear path opened up ahead of them and someone called "Need a hand Molly?" but was ignored as Fat Lady – now Molly – completed her retrieval of Ellis whom she obviously knew.

Molly led them into the gray-stone four-level building opposite. By now Troy was aware Ellis was staring at him. He smiled, dazzled by the bluest eyes he'd ever looked into; color had returned to her face so it appeared unlikely she'd vomit on him thank God. He thought it best not to talk to her.

"Hurry up," commanded Molly standing in the elevator. 

They went up just one level and stepped into the office suite of Jefferson at Law. The pretty receptionist who looked to be the age of happily married with two kids flew from around the desk crying, "Oh God, Ellis" and promptly burst into tears.

"Kelly, fetch the whisky bottle and a glass from Ellis's office."

In a louder, even more authoritative voice Troy countermanded that instruction: "No Kelly, fetch a glass of water and a wet towel." 

Off scampered Kelly and Molly glared at Troy who kept his mouth shut. When guys went down as a result of industrial accident, brawls or mishaps at martial arts training the treatment was water and a cold compress before attempting to determine whether the medics should be called. Whisky came later when they celebrated their return to normality and drank with friends if they had any.

Troy placed Ellis on one of the sofas in Reception, pulled the hem of her dress down to a more modest level and stepped back as there was nothing more he could do; the fuss brigade who'd lift her head to allow her to sip water, hold the compress against her head and would hug and talk soothingly to her would take over. He walked out to remove his motor-cycle because all in front of City Hall was a prohibited parking area. Just as he reached it a police patrol pulled up beside him.

"Move it buddy."

Troy acknowledged with a wave and fired the 1800cc engine of his metallic black and shiny metal 6-cyclinder Gold Wing fitted with the luxurious comfort package which included body heating and satellite navigation and great audio with a six disc CD player.


"Love your chariot," called the departing cop in the passenger seat. "Very sexy." 

Troy found the entrance to the underground parking area under the gray-stone building and left his machine in an empty space marked for Jefferson at Law Clients Only.

At reception Kelly looked at him like no young mother should. "Hello again, I'm Kelly. Thank you for helping to return our boss safely. Go through to her office over there; she'd been asking for you."

"Thank you. How are the children?"

"Lovely," she replied curiously. "Anna is at school and my mom is looking after wee Davy."

Well, Miss Jefferson obvious spent the money thought Troy, looking at the expensively tiled floor and plain walls mounted with pictures that definitely weren't prints and the pieces of furniture looked posh. Round face Molly admitted him to the office and held out her hand: "Hello, I'm Molly Drusovich; I was just leaving for lunch when I came across you and Ellis. I'm office manager."

Well, that's better form Molly, Troy thought. The bitch side is hidden away again eh? "Hi Molly," he said, ignoring the hand and kissing her cheek; he wished to make a favorable impression and knew she wouldn't be a flighty spinster as he'd earlier noticed the wedding and engagement rings. 

Molly almost glared at him but settled for a slight smile. "This is Clark Jones, our disputes specialist, Sheryl Gambia who does specialist law plus medical and Karl Becker who looks after industrial and farm clients. They're in here to check on their leader's welfare. And this is the boss, Ellis Jefferson – she best kiss you for helping to retrieve her and for the embarrassment she caused you.

Troy turned and eyed the door. Ellis stepped up and kissed his cheek and thanked him, calling him Troy for the first time.

"How are you?" he managed.

"Quite okay – just an emotional jag that took me by surprise. Sit down everyone and I'll tell you about it."

After Ellis had related the story about her great-grandmother bringing in a hired gun to town and meeting the man dressed in black outside the town's small library at noon more than one hundred years ago Molly was unable to contain herself. "I get it; I get it. The original library was directly opposite us, where City Hall is today. You Troy are dressed in black, your motor-cycle is predominantly black and as Ellis fell to the sidewalk the town clock was striking noon – I remember hearing the peels."

Ellis smiled – "Thanks for not completely spoiling my story Molly but yes, that's true. I had the vision of my great-gran standing on the sidewalk watching the man in black dismount and walk towards her and then everything went black; I remember seeing the ground rush towards me."

As the chatting continued Troy looked around and knew while the boss wanted her prospective recruit looking good; she looked swell herself and her office was immaculate, one of the best he'd ever seen. Obviously she did no work and the wall paintings were tastefully few and each one probably cost more than Molly's salary.

The other people left the room, leaving just Ellis, Molly and Troy.

Ellis said, "Well Troy, you are clean, clean-shaven, smell nice and are very strong and can look into my eyes without flinching which not many people can do. Complete the paperwork after reaching agreement with him on salary and benefits Molly; he's hired."

"B-but we know nothing about his knowledge and skills in property management or about character or..."

"Molly, Prof Wright wouldn't pass on a lame duck on to me and Troy has met my minimum requirements regarding persona. Tell me this Molly – would you trust this man with your money and your life?"

"I'd like to think about that. I did trust him to carry you without thinking he might sneak a grope. But I..."

"Take Troy away Molly and complete formalities. If he turns out to be a big disappointment to us I'll not blame you. Troy, welcome to Jefferson at Law."

"Thank you Ellis."

"She remains Miss Jefferson to you until your appointment is confirmed after the mandatory three-month trial."

Troy grinned in such away that appeared to disconcert Molly. "I don't do trials."

"Ellis," Molly appealed.

"If he says he doesn't do trials then he doesn't do trials Molly. Please process him straight on to permanent staff.

"Thank you Miss Jefferson."

"It is my pleasure Mr Gardiner. Please ignore Molly's behavior – her role is to protect me from my foolishnesses and memory lapses. You'll find no co-worker more loyal and supportive than Molly – once you are on the right side of her."

"Lead on Mrs Drusovich," Troy smiled.

"Molly if you please," Molly said, not smiling.

Molly introduced Troy to her assistant and asked her to fetch them coffee, She then told Troy that he'd have the entire area of the next floor up once the four current firms had moved out by the end of the month to new accommodation arranged by Miss Jefferson.

"Who has been managing this building until now?"

"I have."

He was curious about that. "Then why is that role being handled over to me?"

"Because Miss Jefferson has inherited properties from her grandmother and her aged great uncle has granted her power of attorney to handle all of his commercial business interests which she will inherit upon his death. That means Ellis has jumped from having one building under her control to forty-three as from the 1st of next month – just four weeks away. So your role will be property manager. You'll have your own staff to take over the administration of all those properties, gradually taking them over from the present companies and individuals looking after the buildings. You will be responsible for rent collection, maintenance, refurbishment, structural upgrading and reoccupying premises that become vacant."




Against the Odds Ch. 01



"Jesus, forty-three properties. This is only a small city – that means she has a sizable chunk of commercial premises under her control from next month."

"Yes – we think almost twenty percent. Ellis and I have talked about this in detail and to a consultant. We think we should operate the entire building arm from here, with qualified building maintenance people as supervisors on the payroll of your department. You will have to figure out who you need to recruit and what work what you'll need to place out on contract. We also think you'll require a workshop centre and the consultant suggested you buy a warehouse to become the centre for that activity."

"Wow, this is a huge job to co-ordinate and gradually absorb into centralized control."

Molly looked at him firmly. "You'll be given an adequate budget to integrate everything. You will consult with me once you have prepared a business plan and with Miss Jefferson brought in on items of major expenditure. In the meantime letters will be sent out to all tenants announcing your appointment and advising you wish to meet them and to inspect the premises and note any requirements. You will, of course, have to examine contracts and review rents as being satisfactory or under market levels or above them and make adjustments accordingly. Miss Jefferson and I will rely on you making correct decisions and establishing excellent rapport with tenants. Any questions?"

"No, except give me an office and a happily married woman as my PA. I want a bright, reliable and trainable woman and she can be ugly for all I care. I'll start working on my business plan in two days from now so would like her then with a temporary office, two laptops networked by radio and cell phones."

Molly frowned and said she didn't like him calling any woman ugly. He told her to get used to it; he called a spade a spade – he was unconventional and didn't pussy-foot around.

"I'll see what I can do; I suppose you'd like me to find you accommodation?"

"Yes."

"My mother may take you in."

"Good, is she fat like you?"

"God you are rude. I'll think I'll book you into a hotel."

"No, your mom and dad will be great – I'll find out about this community faster living with real people."

"My mom is a widow."

"Fine, all the better – she'll love to talk."

Molly said she'd have to think about it and was told make an appointment for his mother to see him that afternoon. "I'm looking to stay with your mom; not you. Let her assess me. You can be at the interview if you wish."

Troy left the city for his parent's home at 6:30 after Molly's mother had served him early dinner. Much to Molly's surprise her mother had really taken to Troy and thought he was lovely and had agreed 'to mother him' until he found permanent accommodation.

Mother him? Molly couldn't believe that. She offered to put a lock on her mother's bedroom door but was told if Troy had designs on her she would be delighted. "No lock, do you hear?"

"Yes mom." Molly was wondering if her mom was in the process of losing her marbles; before she could say anything her mother had walked off and was saying to Troy to come and inspect his room. Molly was bright enough to decide to say nothing critical about Troy to her mom or to Ellis; apparently there was something about Troy that she couldn't see or feel. She thought of him as a jerk and that Ellis had made a huge mistake taking him on to staff.

* * *

Two days later Troy arrived after an exhilarating high speed ride, leaving behind his tearful mother and his relieved father. The underground car park had no doors which he made a mental note of changing that, with Miss Molly's approval of course. It was only 7:30; he wondered if anyone would be in the office that early. He knocked and Molly emerged to let him in.

"Early boy."

"Early girl."

She smiled. "Have you had breakfast – I assume you have been traveling for almost three hours?"

"No I traveled on an empty stomach. My personal affects will be tossed off at the rail depot by now."

"I'll have then picked up by courier and taken to mom's place. If you can hang out till 9:00 I'll have your PA go out to breakfast with you: it will be a good way for her to try to adjust to you."

See how aggressive she was, he scowled. 'See if she can adjust to you'. For goodness sake, all she'd be was a glorified typist.

"That's fine – take me to my office Molly; I like that dress, the color really suits you."

Molly looked at him suspiciously, he thought, but took the 'jerk cum flirt' to his temporary office.

At 8:50 there was a timid knock on Troy's door. So, Miss Four Eyes had arrived. "Enter" he said rudely, not bothering to look up. Let's see if she has fortitude.

"Hullo Mr Gardiner, I've been promoted to be your PA and Mrs Drusovich said I was to take you to breakfast and handed me the money."

Troy stared, almost suffering double vision trying to focus on both boobs, and croaked, "Good morning Kelly. This is a lovely surprise."

At the restaurant Troy sat opposite the slender woman with quite sizeable boobs and a great smile. She was lovely and he wanted to hand her back to Molly because his conscience said so upon learning he wanted to seduce her – yes, she was that good. But Kelly was on fire, excited about what she called 'Her great opportunity'. Kelly explained she'd returned to work after having her second child and struggled to find employment but her mother, a client of Jefferson at Law, happened to ask Molly if there was an opening for an experienced office administrator; Molly had said unfortunately no but there was a vacancy coming up for senior receptionist so asked who Mrs Nesbitt had in mind.

"My mom said, 'My beautiful and very competent daughter' so was asked to have me contact Mrs Drusovich immediately. And already my great opportunity has arrived."

Troy sat stewing until Kelly finally asked wasn't Troy going to talk to her.

He sighed and asked her to keep calm. "Kelly, the truth is I don't think you should work with me; from the moment I first saw you with that smile of yours I had ungentlemanly thoughts that could embarrass you."

"Oh God, really?" she replied, adding a lovely pink to her face. Her eyes remained locked on Troy's eyes and he desperately wanted so much to run his fingers through her wavy dark hair.

"Yes," he said.

Kelly shifted her weight and picked up her coffee and sipped.

"What sort of thoughts?"

"Promiscuous."

"Oh dear."

Troy jumped at the opportunity to cast himself as a wretched villain. "So you see, I don't think I'm suitable for you to work with someone like me."

"May I be the judge of that?"

"What?"

"I'll only allow you to come as close to me as I think fit. I'm quite capable of deciding how far you can go unless you forced yourself upon me."

"Good heavens, I'd never do that; I never have need to do that as I seem to rather appeal to some women."

He loved giving himself that great build up but she calmly wiped away his grin with her opening words and he only half-heard what followed.

"My feeling is that you wouldn't rape me. Please let's talk about my duties. I'll just say that at present I'm not attracted to you in a promiscuous manner but I'm not saying that won't change. You have made yourself sound rather exciting."

Near mid-afternoon Troy said they should take a break. "Just look at the time – I've worked you through your lunch break. I am so sorry."

"That's okay, Kelly smiled, stretching and watching Troy eye her boobs so she leaned back some more and watched him finally turn away.

"Take you hour – I'll see you later," he said, determined to do the right thing.

"I have the key to my sister's house. She and her family are away at present. Let's grab some rolls and lunch there – the home overlooks the river."

"Well, I don't wish to impose on your lunch hour."

"Let's go; it's an easy walk and we pass a bakery on the way."

"Hungry or shall we do it first?" she asked, Kelly asked unlocking the door.

"You mean..." he tailed off.

"Oh yes."

Once inside she dropped the rolls and fell against him, being grasped in strong arms.

They kissed, long and softly until her mouth opened and their tongues touched.

Troy said nervously, "Have you committed adultery before."

"Once. Come on Troy don't be a baby; undress me."

They left a trail of clothes to the lounge sofa with Kelly leading him to it, a hand around his erection. It was up to him to say something.

"You have lovely tits."

"I know – slobber all over them and nip me; that's the way to make me really excited."

Troy did that while she massaged all over his crotch.

"Let's do it," she said.

"I don't have a condom."

"But I do – purchased a packet when I went out to fetch the morning tea," she grinned. "I had a feeling they'd be required by the day's end."

She returned and handed Troy the packet; she climbed up on to the sofa and leaned over the back of it, providing quite a large and hairy pussy that she spread open for him.

"I'm lubing so there's no need to lick me wet."

Troy fed in his length with Kelly making encouraging little noises, signaling she liked what he was doing to her very much. She began rocking back at him and they were underway.

Time roared by them as they sweated in most enjoyable labor. Half an hour and two fucks later Kelly prepared their rolls while he showered and dressed. He ate his two rolls while she went off to shower and dress and returned to nibble at her roll while he wiped the sofa clean and washed the coffee cups.

"May I suggest that we don't touch each other while in the office," she said. "We should take the opportunity to do this again and again discreetly until you find a suitable lady."

"An excellent idea – but when I do take up with someone else would that be the end of us?"

"Of course not; we'll change from lovers to friends. Will you attempt to crack Ellis?"

"Ellis? I hadn't given her a thought. She has an air of distance about her."

"True, but you have the length and stamina to give her what she needs; I'd begin thinking about Ellis if I were you."

They said goodbye at the end of the day. Troy wanted to kiss Kelly but conceded what she'd said about not touching in the office made sense. "We have been working well today, really made progress. I enjoyed our interlude – you were so great, surprisingly good."

"I know how to use my muscles; it was great for me too. Now you just try to bang Ellis – I'm picking you too will be great for each other. What I get at home is okay and I am apprehensive about being caught out doing it with anyone else. I'll see you tomorrow."

Troy worked for another and hour then decided to go home to his landlady. He shot a foot into the closing doors of the elevator to return them to open position; the only other person in the elevator was Ellis.

He wasn't really surprised that she greeted him warmly; she seemed to be that kind of person.

"Oh hello, how did your first day go?"

"Really well and after quickly reviewing the properties lists Kelly and I launched into our business plan."

"Ah yes, Kelly. I'm surprised Molly assigned her to you."

"Why, she seems very competent and should feel safe in my company; I am adhering to the persona you seem to desire and she is after all a young married woman with two small children."

"Oh yes, so she is. I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner tomorrow night. There is something connected with my private business affairs that I'd like to talk to you about. I am apprehensive and would like to talk to someone in confidence and I feel you possible could help me if I were to experience trouble."

Hello, is this my great opportunity? Troy thought, pretending not to look at the boobs. "Yes of course. I only have a motorcycle so you tell me where to meet you – I'd suggest drinks at 7:00."

Ellis said fine and told Troy the location of the bar- restaurant.

He entered his new home and was pleased that Mrs Nesbitt kissed him as if he were family. "I had the courier put all your possessions in your bedroom. I'm sorry to do this on your first night with me but tonight is my bridge night so I must fly – my younger daughter Olivia will come around to have a drink with you and then get your meal. Her husband is in Europe at present.

Troy packed his things away, found a drink in the fridge and waited for fat Olivia to arrive, only when she came into the kitchen where he was drinking a glass of wine she wasn't fat at all. In fact she looked ready for a rutting, and an appealing participant he thought. She might be on with her husband being away and feeling neglected.

"Hi, I'm Olivia. I'll have one of those," she said, looking at Troy's glass.

"Anything else?" he queried."

"Not for the moment but I'm thinking about it," she said, turning up his blood flow and drawing his attention to her quite well-shaped butt.

Olivia busied herself over the stove and grill. He handed her the wine as she came away from the cooking and she said it was nice. She put the glass down after taking a gulp and jumped on to the kitchen bench, spreading her legs apart and pulling up her dress.

"Here's a dare: would you please kiss me thoroughly and then lick me. My husband has been away for almost a month and I feel neglected and horny."

"Er, if that's what you really want Olivia."

"Come on; don't waste words – kiss me."

Late the night as he brushed his teeth it was time to reflect. Clyde – not a bad place after all, thought Troy; I'm already beginning to feel quite at home. Stray girls to plunder and Miss Jefferson to romance; I'm in heaven.

To Be Continued



Against the Odds Ch. 02



IN THIS– CROSS-OVER Western arching 120 years, be prepared for a little humor and even satire, sex, romance and obnoxious attitudes. The setting is Clyde, a city of 27,600 servicing a hinterland of small productive farm units on the grassy and water restricted plains and large ranches rising into mountainous slopes. In pioneering days the Jefferson family arrived first followed shortly by the Elliot's. They cross-married but within this generation the two families divided because of 'the incident'. That centers on the very personable Miss Ellis Jefferson (33), illegitimate daughter of an Elliot, Ellis now a highly successful lawyer brings in man, Troy Gardiner, a graduate from her old university who has just returned from working in South Africa, to consolidate her property interests and manage them. Troy seduces his PA within a few hours of meeting her – or was it the other way round? That evening his landlady's daughter arrives to cook his meal and wants to release sexual tension. It all seems too good to last, and it won't.

*

Olivia the daughter of Troy Gardiner's landlady raised her arms and wheedled, "Come on Troy – come into my arms and hug and kiss me and then lick me into orgasm."

"That's adultery and you're a married woman."

"No, that's only playing around – if you shaft me that's adultery."

"Words Olivia, you're kidding yourself."

She pouted and showed her tuft of red hair which interested Troy. Well, it was up to her if she wanted to obscure the truth; why talk her out of it after failing in the first attempt? He licked his lips and moved into her arms, smelling her arousal.

She's a dangerous bitch, he thought, her teeth nipping both lips, tongue and ears and was now unbuttoning his shirt presumably to nip his nipples. Her chest was about as flat as his so she decided to give that area a miss.

"My pussy, my pussy," she urged. So he muffed dived and her head shot back onto the kitchen cupboards with quite a thump but she seemed oblivious to that. His tongue slipped over a soft haired vulva and into rather a lovely well-juiced pussy and his roving tongue went into deep exploration while one of his fingers circled her clit. She was too on edge to continue for long; she grabbed his head and appeared to be attempting to push it up the channel when she gushed and groaned and groaned as if releasing all of her frustrations.

Troy looked around for a tea towel but before he could move off she jumped off the bench and took him into her mouth and soon had Troy's eyes looking at the ceiling and rolling around like the head of a sunflower in the wind. He bulged, grunted and broke into a sweat as he grabbed her head and held it there, meeting absolutely no resistance. He emptied down her mouth; with barely a pause to catch her breath she stood up, smacking her lips as if she'd just had dinner.

"We must do this some more," she giggled. "Fetch me a towel while I see to your dinner."

* * *

The next evening in the restaurant Ellis decided on steak and salad and continued on pretending to be looking at the menu while studying Troy. She admired his long brown and clean-looking hair but really he needed a hair-cut. His body looked powerful and her fleeting thought was he could be really great in bed. So far he'd not disappointed her and that morning her office manager Molly said Kelly was raving about him and had said they already were bonding.

Lucky girl Kelly, he will attend to your needs for sure that is if you're they kind of married woman and young mother. Ellis was wearing her blue dress, with the shoulder straps removed; she hoped the top would not work down too much to give him the idea that she was available. He was out of luck if he thought that – he'd have greater chance of finding satisfaction in humping a hole in a fence post than waiting for her to bend over for him. She had this absolute rule – she was not to sexually engage with anyone on staff and no staff member was to sexually fraternize with another staff member and everyone knew they faced dismissal if they engaged in any such misconduct on the job. She had no interest in what they did away from work.

Ellis could feel Troy's eyes on her boobs. She wondered if he'd try to haul them out tonight and wondered whether she'd permit that to happen. He was unconventional and she knew he'd ignore the non-fraternization rule. But the reason for being here was not to prepare for a rutting. As soon as their orders were taken they saluting each other with their wine glass and she began telling him about the Jefferson and the Elliot history to fill him out on the extract she'd related the previous morning. Then said revealed to him – the only person she'd told apart from Uncle Jed – of her fears that her uncles could place her under immense pressure, possibly even rough her up a bit.

Troy seemed quite unconcerned.

"Did you understand what I just said?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you concerned for me?"

"A little; I'm sure with verbal pressure you can take care of yourself. If you come under psychical assault you'll ask if you want my help."

"God, you're cold and pragmatic."

"In a remote part of South Africa I saw a colored mine worker beaten almost to death for stealing a pack of cigarettes. If I'd attempted to intervene I would have been shot by the friend of the guy with the cane. Cold and pragmatic – perhaps? But at least I came out of there after seven years alive."

"Oh, I'm sorry; how awful that must have been for you."

"I love your strapless dress. You appear to have very nice tits."

"Breasts is a nicer word," Ellis said and then dabbing her lips with her serviette not knowing what else to do. Never had a man stunned her quite like that; she had not been expecting it; instead she'd been waiting for a typical tough guy answer to her question.

"Are you embarrassed about my comment," he asked unconcerned.

"I-I don't really think so; perhaps just slightly as I was rather caught off balance."

"They don't make you that top-heavy surely?"

"Oh no, of course not, I..." She then noticed the naughty boy smile and decided she must change the conversation. "I would be grateful if you could come to my assistance if I'm threatened, but only if that doesn't place you in danger."

"Okay, security, building relocations, placement of new buildings and property management were main tasks for me in South Africa. I need to see your house, it's a beautiful small dwelling on a small piece of land I was told – daylight would be best to view it; this Saturday perhaps?'

"Yes, come for breakfast or lunch. I'm one of the sponsors invited to help judge at a dog show in the afternoon."

"Breakfast is fine. Anyone wanting to slap you up a bit would probably try to jump you in the office car park – I'll install a full-blown alarm in you vehicle. You probably would be most vulnerable just as you arrive home or, if they really are smart, as you walk to your vehicle in the morning."

"Why then?"

"Because it's the time no-one expects anything bad to happen. They could try a kidnapping to really put the wheeze up you. These Jefferson brothers – do they farm together?"

"Yes – actually three ranches join and are worked today. I have no problem with that third person who is their son/nephew; he really is a good guy." 

"Well I'd like accurate layouts of their homes and all outbuildings on their ranch. Should you go missing and I fail to find you quickly I'd pay a visit on those two uncles of yours. From what you have told me they'd be the most likely offenders although they could bring in heavies to do the job for them. Even so, they'd still want to see you after you were taken. You don't seem overly nervous?"

"No, I'm pragmatic," she grinned.

"Good girl; I don't want you to carry a gun. People who pull guns are more likely to get shot than those who don't."

"I do worry that they may kill me."

"Have you made a will?"

"No, in effect I have no family as I've already indicated."

"Well I suggest you make a will and leave your estate to the foundation for homeless children or illegitimate children or abused women; anything like that. Then you let it be known what you have done and make sure words leaks to the Jefferson brothers and their Elliot contemporizes."

"Of course, I see...with me dead any attempt to grab my assets would fail."

"Exactly, you're not just a pretty face with lovely blonde hair and great breasts, are you?"

"If you say so," Ellis said, only just managing not to smile. "What do you predict will happen?"

"If you were snatched, you'd be taken somewhere remote and left alone to stew until you submit and agree to carve up your assets from your grandmother to her children and the two brothers would work to secure power of attorney on their father's assets instead of you having that control."

"Would I be beaten?"

"Perhaps although you'd decrease that chance by not being defiant. Don't smart-lip them; try to look scared and confused saying things like you don't know what to do; that you want time to think about it. Quietly disagree with every thing they say and stutter, cry and mutter things like save me, save me. With luck they'll leave you to come to your senses."

Ellis looked at Troy appearing not at all confident. "Should I go to the police?"

"What do you think?"

"They may sympathize but will tell me there is nothing they can do."

"Exactly. I could also go and break a couple of legs, but will that stop them? Perhaps but you can't be sure. Best to catch them in the act and with kidnapping they'll be disgraced locally and put away for years."

"Or if we could capture them and call a joint families' gathering and lead them in and have the truth come out, recording it on film camera and place copies placed in safe custody in case they become bad boys again."

Troy told Ellis that was brilliant and if she handled that properly it could perhaps end up with the two families being reunited. 

She said that was being a little optimistic.

"I reckon it depends how hard you try; be convincing and true and you'll win through."

"That sound like poetry," she giggled and he praised her for being brave, that he would have expected her to be shaking in fear.

"These two families took my young years and my teenage years from me; it was only when I went away to college and then on to university did I get a life. I'll not fear my uncles unless they torture me severely or appear about to kill me."

They ate their dinner still taking about trying to outwit the Elliot brothers, Philip and Richard. Troy asked who she could trust as accomplices. 

"Alas, just three people: Uncle Jed who is in a wheelchair in the old folk's home, Molly and Philip's son Mitch."

"Oh that's hopeless; I was thinking about one or two trusted people I could take into the field with me."

"What's wrong with Molly?"

"She's a woman."

"Oh thanks. Women are no good it seems. Have you noticed the way Molly walks?"

"Not really."

"Well, she's light on her feet for a big woman, is a top skimobile rider in competitions and is very strong because she works her guts out with her husband all weekends on fencing contracts for other farmers; they only have dry stock on their smallish farm and both work in the city during the week."

"How can you possibly think of trusting Mitch Elliot?"

"Because I know him better than I do my own mother and two sisters. I went through school with him and for a while at college we were lovers; he remains friendly with me."

"Okay, going to bed with him is one thing but asking him to help me against his father – I find that a little rich."

"Then you'll have to trust me, won't you. When I say Mitch would come to my rescue and would beat his father and Uncle Richard to pulp if he found they'd wronged me you better believe me otherwise you are a fool; there's no-one else."

"Okay, then what about me – how is it you trust me and yet you don't know me?"

"Because of the way I first met you. I heard a voice while I was unconscious; I know I did, a women's voice. I'm not saying it was the spirit of my great-grandmother but I find I cannot reject that thought. When I came too I know I had been told to trust you and to use you on the mission."

"That is a little hard to believe Ellis; I'd think you thought what you wanted to believe."

Ellis turned her piercing eyes on Troy: "Are you calling me a liar?" 

Troy grinned, holding up his hands submissively. "Of course not; I have no way of knowing what you heard, if anything. Doubting you is not calling you a liar. Let's move on, what mission?"

Ellis smiled thinly. "I couldn't think of any mission until this evening when you began imagining these threats against me and I started to half-believe you and then you seem to become so convincing. I thought perhaps dealing with my two dark uncles was the mission but a few minutes ago it came to me: My mission is to bring the two families together and it appears I'm plunging into the position to do that."

"Do you hear a voice explain that to you this evening?"

"No."

"Well, there is a purpose, you have a goal and a determined and planned effort will be necessary to achieve that goal so without doubt that is a mission. Those maps that I want – why don't you invite Mitch to your office and work on the maps; swear him to secrecy and if he promises you allegiance should his father or uncle physically interfere with you any way then call me in and we'll work on strategy. He'll need to be told that all of this is supposition and remains so until something happens. The threat could come from another direction – perhaps from hired roughnecks – or from even your mother and her brother. Perhaps nothing will happen; who knows? How we can lose is not been prepared; being prepared gives us a chance of countering any threat effectively I'll buy you a small radio tomorrow and a special receiver for me. Recharge the battery each Sunday without fail. When it is turned off or ceases transmitting for any other reason it will send an alarm to my receiver. Carry it at all times."

As they left the restaurant Ellis kissed Troy on the lips. "Thank you for being so supportive. Colin said you were different and know I now just how different you are. I can't figure out why Molly doesn't really like you. Well, if she's allowed to go into the field with you then you could find out."

Troy grinned and said she must also invite Molly if he's called in to meet Mitch to begin strategic planning. He escorted Ellis to her car and opened the driver's door for her. Holding her by the shoulders he said, "Remember – keep 'the mission' top of mind and that ought to reduce time to feel worried, Waiting for something bad to happen can become an unbearable strain. If it becomes too much or you do begin fearing for your life, then go to the police. You won't have evidence but the enquiry could frighten Phil the Pill off – he'll know he's the prime suspect if anything happens to you. You are a prominent citizen so the police will go out and question him and possibly conduct a bit of a search. That would make a person with a plan in mind to sweat."

"Yes, I agree. I've already thought of that option but now dismiss it because it leaves me no farther ahead. My only fear is that I'm not brave enough to see it through and will let myself down."

Troy kissed Ellis lightly on the lips and as he went to pull away gently found her kissing him back. After a tiny pause he pulled away completely in recognition that to take advantage of her foreboding this was, well, unromantic. Never in his life had Troy admitted to being unromantic – a lie of course, but right now thinking he could claim that status made him feel good.

The next day at noon Troy parked his motor-cycle in the prohibited stopping zone outside City Hall and twenty minutes later heard a voice he recognized – "Hey buddy"; Troy was the centre of interest around a small group of twenty-somethings, mainly female, wanting to know about his motor-cycle with a couple of females also wanting to know about him. The fair-haired cop with an arm trailing out the patrol car window was not moving to put his cap on, which was a good sign.

Troy walked over to the car and vary gingerly pulled out one of his new business cards that he'd stashed in his top pocket and handed it out to the cop and said, "Am I able to talk to you two guys about theory – actually it's a crime not yet committed; no joke and I'm as sane as the next fellow."

The two cops exchanged grins and the driver read the card. "Hey, he works for Miss Ellis Jefferson; that makes him almost okay."

The fair-headed copy said. "We eat over at The Grill on Oak Avenue from 1:00 if free; meet us over there. Love your bike."

Troy was having a beer at The Grill when the two cops walked in and walked straight to his table.

"The usual Duane?" called the bottled blonde with mammary overload at the counter and he called, "Feed it to me Daisy."

"I'm Megan," she pouted.

"Lovely Paul?"

"The usual Daisy."

"Yes Paul she simpered, brushing her fringe back and staring at him.

"And you sir."

"The usual thanks Daisy," called Troy and received the fingers, but with a smile.

"What is the usual?" Troy asked after the introductions were completed.

"Thin strips of beef buttered with hot mustard and swamped with fried onions on a so-called healthy roll and two cups of coffee, the first of which are coming across now – just look at those tits will you," Duane said.

The men looked and grinned, indicating to the smiling Daisy/Megan that she was welcome to visit this table any time she wished. She pouted and said unnecessarily, "Here's your coffee, boys."

Troy invented a story about one of the law firm's clients being harassed and the client fearing about being kidnapped and held hostage; he was seeking advice.

Paul said: "Kidnapping is a very serious offence. I'd first suggest you have your client medically examined."

"Yeah," said his partner Paul. "There may be a screw loose in the brain tin."

"And if not?"

"Our sergeant would question Miss Jefferson's client in her presence to look at the whole picture, probing for signs of probable threat or support for probable cause."

"And if that were indicated."

"A couple of us would be sent out to take a look at the client in his/her home environment looking for anything that might help and we'd leave saying we'd keep in touch and report back."

"And then what?"

"A conference with the inevitable decision to do nothing except to keep the virtually blank file open; or if evidence of harassment was found we'd interview the suspect or suspects."

Troy said that is what he'd expected; it would be rare for anyone without a criminal record to be fully interrogated and even more unlikely to be incarcerated. The cops reckoned they should be listening to him, not the other way round.

Duane grinned, "Here come those bouncy suckers guys; just take a look at them!"

"We get rather bored on street patrol," Paul explained sheepishly as Daisy/Megan minced away, putting in a little extra waggle.

"She get's bored as well," Troy suggested and joined in as the two cops roared with laughter, Duane choking, "I bet, rather often I'd think."

During the meal when it was discovered Troy had been in South Africa for seven years he was kept busy denying he'd not shot any Blacks or deer or elephants and wouldn't believe Troy when he said there were no tigers in the wild in South Africa.

Outside they kicked tires of his motor-cycle and then were off, but not before Paul gave Troy of number to punch into his phone to give him quick response from the police in the event of emergencies.

"But the fear of kidnapping is not an emergency," Duane said.

Troy rode down to the river for quiet reflection. He ran all the possibilities and decided Philip Jefferson would be loco to kill Ellis as that could be the end of any chance for him to enjoy wrenching her assets from her. Ellis was adamant that Philip's lawyers would not succeed in divesting her through the Courts. So Troy tried it from all angles: Knowing what I know and knowing what result I want, what would I do? 




Against the Odds Ch. 02



Each theory Troy tried he came back to the one conclusion that seemed to be the best way: Detain Ellis and try to terrorize her without physically harming her and once she'd sign over the assets he wanted he'd then threaten to put a bullet through her head if she complained to the authorities – and she could still expect a bullet through the head if he were investigated and it was found she'd signed over the assets voluntarily. Philip would have to ensure for that to succeed that it was his word against hers and he'd have to ensure Ellis could produce no evidence supporting her claims against him. Philip would require the signings to be witnessed, if not by County officials then a lawyer would have credibility but under these circumstances with Ellis being held under duress, it would have to be a crooked lawyer.

Back at the office he poked his head around Ellis's office door. "Just been talking to a friendly cop over lunch with his senior. They confirm the police are virtually powerless until an offence had been committed or is in the process of being committed."


"I knew that and so did you but thanks for checking," Ellis said taking off her reading glasses. "Thanks for last night; you were very sweet."

"That was fine. By the way, who is Philip Jefferson's lawyer?"

"Richard B. Wells as he styles himself. May I ask why this interest?"

"Just one more person to have in mind. What's his reputation?"

"Depends what side of the law you're on – he specializes in criminal cases, for the defense. He and Philip went through school together and go away together each year salmon fishing. Great buddies, both slippery as many people would confirm."

When Troy entered his office he found Kelly with a foot on her desk adjusting her stocking. He smiled thinking she must have recognized his footsteps because one wouldn't be expected to do that adjustment with her open crotch facing the door even when wearing panties as was Kelly.

"Hi, I'm ready to go with you inspecting the first of the properties. I've booked four appointments for this afternoon at any time because I was unaware of your schedule."

"Oh yes, some private checking for Ellis – sorry, I should have phoned. I must keep closer contact with you." 

That comment went down very well – he could tell by the way her lips opened and the way she patted her calf before dropping that leg to the floor. It was time to say something soft and intelligent.

"Hey, look at all this stuff on the walls – you've been busy."

"Stuff as you call it are details of all of our buildings and are placed in color-coded categories so you can walk to them when called on the phone and get an instant appraisal of the building the caller is taking about. When we go upstairs I'll have every building exterior photographed with just their computer number – so you'll just punch in the code and the building will come on screen with photos of key personnel of the tenancy, latest report on the building, current negotiations under way, date for rent review, etcetera."

"Kelly, this is magnificent and will assist us no end. It's really splendid. Thank you, thank you. Let's go – may we use your car? My company SUV arrives tomorrow."

They cancelled the last visit because Kelly said she felt tired. She asked Troy to stop her car and ducked into a store, returning with two bottles of pre-mixed bourbons in a paper bag. "Let's go down to the river to drink these," she said. "Let's park away from the maddening crowd," a comment that made Troy realize she was horny, not tired.

There is nothing better, thought Troy, than looking across a car at a babe with one leg pulled up and leaning back drinking a slug of booze while staring at you, and when she's captured your gaze pushing her hips forwards – hips that silently scream, "I want it; I want it."

By now Troy was eager for it as well. So he tested her. "Well, I guess we best return to the office," he said as he pretended to reach for the key and watched her face crumble. "No wait please Troy, I have a present to give you."

Pleased, Troy sat back in his seat, closing his eyes, rubbing them and faking a yawn.

"This!"

Her voice was husky and urgent – well, who wouldn't be when she needed to be to her mother's shortly for coffee when collecting the two kids. With kids involved he really shouldn't be doing this, should he?

"Over here," she whispered.

Troy turned, opened one eye and yelled, "Oh boy."

Kelly had pulled her panties to one side and was frigging herself with two fingers; the lube was already beginning to drip.

"What do I do with that?" he leered.

She pulled her fingers out and licked them. "Take over from me I suppose,"

As it was her car her thought he should oblige, and did a pretty good job of it judging by the way she writhed, yelled and kept slapping at his back. It was the usual car fuck – somewhat restricted, uncomfortable but so what? He's unzipped and pushed straight in; she wouldn't allow him to kiss her until the finish and stopped him from fooling around with her boobs. This time all she was interested was a straight ram and had gotten what she wanted. She'd pushed down hard, using the back of the seat as leverage which was is one advantage about cars and so sent them off into orbit. He'd like that because he'd missed out the previous evening with Ellis and, having anticipated the possibility, had the boiler fired and smoking but it was no required so this was welcome relief.

"Are you any closer to finding a lady friend?" she asked on the way back to the office.

"Perhaps a little, why?"

"I don't want you becoming too used to me – I have a husband you know."

Troy smiled and flicked her under her chin. "Although I'm a flawed man I won't lure your from your husband and children."

"Thank you," she grinned but then turned serious. "It's me, not you that I'm worried about. I was almost jumping out of my panties waiting for you to arrive today. If you know anything about that you'll know it's real stress."

"Do you want me to arrange a transfer for you?"

"Hell no, I'm going to love working with you; just quit seducing me. I'll probably turn grumpy but it won't last."

"So that's what you want?"

"No," she bleated.

"But that's what you think we should do?"

"Yes," she whispered, "but perhaps leave the door open for special occasions like Christmas."

Walking from the car lot Troy asked Kelly could he tell her something. She said yes, of course, and when he said she mightn't like it she stuck her chin forward and told him to proceed.

"I'm not acting like a sore loser here – right?"

"Right."

"You are a gorgeous fuck, make no mistake about that. But my advice to you is never fuck anyone in your office and least of all the boss if you wish to win promotions. It doesn't color my attitude but on the other hand there are some awfully conservative people in high places who deal with promotions."

Scowling, Kelly said, "I should have expected you to say something like that; next you will be telling me not to fuck the clients."

"Oh sorry, my oversight; of course I should have said that. But Kelly, you are on the way to being someone in business; I can see it already. You have style, look great, great, have high energy, have ideas, are creative and work well and find work when not under supervision. If they're not the basics for executive staff appointments I don't know what is."

"You're serious about what you're saying, aren't you?"

"Absolutely and I'm aware what I'm giving away but Kelly, if we are to have loyalty in what we do at this office I must have your trust and loyalty and reciprocate and display leadership. You are more than a great fuck to me Kelly; I value your friendship as well as what's in your head."

Kelly appeared to want to know more. "My marriage is in a bit of a rut which is why I have strayed; any advice on that?"

"Not really except I understand boredom plays a large part in marital dissatisfaction. You work and then go home collect and your children and then I guess you begin preparing the dinner and fit in housework and then your husband comes home late from work, tired you both move about attempting not to make the other person bitchy. If that's the situation it can point to overload and monotony. When did you both walk the kids before they are put to bed?"

"Oh yeah, that's right on the button; it's rising into becoming two months rather than two weeks. You've told me something here; anything else?"

"I heard my own mother give a younger friend this advice when I was young: "Employ a day nanny if you can afford it and use your mother in emergencies and to have the kids some nights when you go out, even if only to a bar for a couple of hours, and to allow you to take a longer weekend away from say mid-afternoon Fridays."

"Well, I guess we can afford it; I've received a salary hike in coming across to you but weekends away – it's months since we've done that."

Troy groaned and said, "Oh how boring."

Kelly stopped and looked at him, enlightenment shining on to her face. "I'll sit and talk to him tonight as soon as he opens a beer."

When Ellis was free Troy went through to see her. "Let's test – turn off you miniature transmitter." She did and the alarm went on his receiver inside his jacket pocket.

"Have dinner with me again tonight, I need to talk."

He grinned. "Okay, providing you don't demand sex."

"I'll call for you where you are staying just before 8:00 – I'll toot," Ellis said after a brief pause and not changing expression. "I confirm your SUV will be here tomorrow – I've asked Molly to upgrade it to top of the line as one of those is being delivered to the dealer today as well; she's livid and asked were I sleeping with you."

It took immense concentration but Troy said without changing expression, "She really doesn't seem to like me, does she." He turned and went through the door still giving nothing away. That bitch Molly – two can play at this game, he thought grinning inwardly.

"Hello Troy."

"Oh hi Molly. Um, fancy a drink after work tonight?"

"What with you?"

"Molly I may appear to be a heap of bull's dung to you but I do know how to be civil."

"I'm sorry Troy. I can be such a bitch at times. Should we say 5:10 over at Mrs Wellington's but I must leave by 5:45."

"The times are okay but I'd prefer to walk out of these premises with you; if other staff see us together that's a sign of two execs being friendly, nothing more."

"Okay, my office at 5:05 then; I have a rule never to leave my post earlier."

* * *

Molly walked out of the office just after 5:00; Troy had embarrassed her by offering her his arm and she took it to avoid embarrassing herself. She noticed some of the office women looking at her as they invariably did but on this occasion she was damn sure the gazes were on her longer and she knew why – Mr Unconventional made her look good.

She was impressed. Larry her husband walked her like this but he would jerk her arm or walk out of step, order her to move over or walk faster than at her pace. With this guy it was as if she were playing him with invisible thread; he gave real meaning to the word 'promenading'.

In the bar had asked what she wanted. She said Martini and he asked gin or vodka and said vodka before she answered. She said not hiding her surprise, "Vodka – have you been reading my file" and he laughed, turning to the bar. Molly was agog; she'd made a joke or at least he seemed to think so. She knew she lacked appeal to men and it wasn't only because of her being over-weight. Ah well.

"What is you purpose for inviting me here?" she asked, taking her drink from him.

"Wow, that's upfront. Do you have to wait until arriving home before you can relax?"

Huh, what was this? Oh skeet, it was a nice way of saying she was confrontational.

"I lack social graces and that's the truth."

"Huh?" Now it was his turn to be wrong-footed.

"You probably lack opportunities for social grooming at the age when such block-building is important."

Molly realized this guy was good. She didn't feel offended and he'd turned her confession around and was giving her a way out. Okay, she'd make it easy for him to bounce her.

"It comes naturally to me to say the wrong thing or use the wrong emphasis when chatting. When it's a work-related matter within my expertise I see what I need to say clearly."

"Don't we all? The trick is to do that as well when we chat. If we load up with negative thoughts we tend to chat negatively and of course..."

It was like a fill in the answers quiz; he'd stopped and was waiting for her to provide the answer. She sighed, "And the reverse applies."

"Exactly. For example, I wouldn't say to a pretty woman I like your juggs; I'd say I like that dress, knowing she knows someone likes her dress even though she knows, as I know she does, that if I've looked at her dress I've looked at her bust-line. She's happy and she has a string of options to engage in social discourse if she chooses."

Molly looked bewildered: "A string of options?"

"Yes, a slap on the face for being impertinent which could have been your reaction, or just a smile and something like 'you've made my day' which is what she might say if she were very much older than me; if she were French she perhaps might say, 'Can you imagine me without this dress?' and if Italian she'd definitely say that and if she were closer to my age and not one of my mother's friends she might have a wee flirt and say, 'did you happen to notice my breasts."

"You're incorrigible," Molly said. "I'd never say such a thing to a man and before you ask why it's because I'd not wish to send him running from me in disgust."

"Have you any idea how large breasts appeal to some women, right down to short thin and shy guys?"

"You've gotta be kidding."

"It's true Molly but that's beside the point. If you paused slightly socially before answering anyone, giving time for a thought with a positive bias to drop on to your tongue you might not necessarily impress the questioner but you'd feel better by having enhanced the tone of the conversation. If you don't mind me saying so you don't dress particularly well for a fat person – notice I said fat and not big. Why evade what you are?"

"I heard it." Molly gritted, emptying her glass and holding her hand out for his wine glass.

"Make sure you return Molly because I might be able to deliver a few tips you don't bother about."

"Yes Mr Body Beautiful and Handsome who moves with grace."

"I was just one of the few lucky ones, Molly. But listen here – my elder sister is tall like you and fat like you, and proud of it. She is what she is and knows she can't really change much without going through hell. So you'll almost always see Amy dressed in black when she's about from home because, as she says, 'If gives the impression I occupy less space than I actually do.' She always has her hair long and when away from her home wears long ear-rings and quite often something around her neck like a red scarf – in fact she wears black with red trim quite a lot but never all the time. Amy has a job quite similar to yours – office manager for a large firm of accountants. Her husband never regards her as anything but Amy, not fat Amy, and because her two daughters are young they only see her as mom, not our fat mom. As soon as we brush our hair or wipe our sunglasses we engage in personal management: I'm aware that successful fat people like Amy work harder on their personal management so that we scarcely notice they are fat. By the way Amy does call herself fat and because of that she tries to make an impact to match her size. Everyone loves Amy and she often has competing firms head-hunt her; see just reports the approach to her CEO and if he considers it a threat he raises her salary."

"You are just regurgitating so much crap, Troy; I've heard it all before but you know what? I think you are getting through to me. You have a silver tongue and you sound logical. Please allow me to go home how; I'll thing about what you said while my husband Herman eyes me, leaving me to wonder that he is thinking, for example: 'Why did I marry a woman of such large body mass.' On the other hand, if I do change, perhaps I'll be looking at a bright new world and feel I fit into it."

She left and Troy was left wondering what that was all about. He'd tried, but for what? He went home and saved and bathed for a night out, knowing it was the masterly thing to do was not to over-expect."

"Sure buddy," he told himself aloud. "I'm so likely to under-expect that I won't even manage to raise a boner."

Dinner turned out to be a strategy meeting. Ellis's confidence was ebbing, so he rebuilt her up urging, "The mission, the mission." She finally expounded with the simplest answer of all: "If I fail, I've failed the mission."

Troy eyed the silky legs, the flash or red something under her black skirt as he sat her down, the beautifully sculptured rise of her breast. This was an evening for Ellis to use as a watershed for her misgivings, not for him to shaft her.

He went off home alone in a cab, noting her less than concealed relief painted on a painted face. He thought women could be so cruel.

At dinner, Ellis had attempted to blow away their whole strategy: What if Mitch was not to be trusted and instead led her into captivity; what if Philip and his crooked lawyer argued successfully in court they'd be framed in a action of vengeance masterminded by Ellis and supported by a guy dressed in black who'd been hired to force a showdown?"

The best Troy had been able to do was to say, "Come on Ellis, you have to have faith in yourself and be prepared to trust one or two crucial people if you are to succeed with the mission."

"The mission," she'd said, slumping into her chair.

"Yes the mission," Troy had responded, pressing her right boob attempting to pump some sense into her and make her feel aroused.

"Please remove your hand from my person; I have already paid for this meal and shall go. Stay if you wish but any extras will be at your personal expense. Please do not bill them to the company."

Troy yawned, attempting to keep his mind in neutral gear; Ellis was under tension and not acting herself; she must be excused.

He was bored. He wished he could call Kelly and she'd invite him around, saying everyone else was in bed asleep.

Ellis went home almost in tears and showing the strain. That left him stranded so called a cab and went over to The Grill on Oak Avenue for a coffee. Daisy/Megan wasn't there not unexpectedly were the cops Paul and Duane as the night shift was on. He sat at the counter and a fake redhead laid her juggs on the counter and said, "What can I do for you handsome?"

Troy ordered coffee and wondered what she could do for him.

She came back with his coffee, chewing gum and said that he was a great-looking dude. He slipped her a 'five' that would be low enough to make her go-away. Glumly Ellis thought it was possible Ellis would forgive him for banging Kelly as she'd know he'd been under extreme provocation. But if he were to shaft Daisy or any of her similarly flossed up dollies she'd toss up her head and walk off her upper-class pussy and boobs from his reach, forever.

He brought the hot coffee to his lips and the alarm sounded,

The world as Troy knew it crashed around him; Ellis had been taken. Had he been a gentleman she may have taken him home to bed tonight and he would have been in the position to thwart the attack. On the other hand, maybe it was just as well he wasn't there – someone may have been maimed or killed, perhaps him.

He called Molly; if he failed with her the mission was doomed.

"Hi," he said to her presumably Herman, "Get Molly to the phone urgently. This is Troy Gardiner speaking."




Against the Odds Ch. 02



"Troy, are you OK?"

"Fine, and almost sober. Molly – don't panic' you're just going to have to trust me."

"If you say so."

"Brace yourself Molly, this is serious news. Ellis has been taken. She and I were expecting this, but not so soon."

Molly remained calm but said Troy was scaring her shitless. If anything bad happened to Ellis Troy would be taken to the cleaners. 

"Remain calm, Molly. Ellis knew that the Jefferson's would learn they couldn't win in Court and would try something else. Do you understand that?"

"Y-y-es."

"Remember the reason why Ellis fainted outside the library, I mean City Hall?"

"Y-e-s. Vividly."

"You don't have to believe this but somehow she saw me as the reincarnation of her great-grandmother's man in black that she'd hired to clean out the Hurst's. The only trouble is I cannot help her that way...one simply cannot march in these days as Top Gun and wipe out the villains. Ellis and I discussed this and were due to began working on our strategy this week, calling in you and me to join her and Mitch Jefferson..."

"Mitch Jefferson, are you mad?"

"Keep your voice down, Molly; don't alert your husband who may tip off the police. I asked Molly a couple of days ago to nominate two people she could trust to act as spotters for me when I tried to rescue here. She had only two names: You and Mitch; you because of your fitness and toughness and Mitch because of his knowledge and her absolute confidence he'd turn against his father if her knew his father was attempting to strip Ellis of her rightful assets."

"Ah, I see. So this is what this is about and poor Ellis feels she has only two people she can trust absolutely."

"Me too, perhaps?"

"Of course. Tell me what to do and I'll do it."

"Dress warmly and grab food and lot drink to last a night and a day. Convince your husband he is not to call anyone but to sit tight. Take your phone so you can report to him every four hours. Grab a shotgun for your own protection. Go to Mitch's house; I'll brief him now and will meet you both there. I'll have to go by damn cab. Okay."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing, But then why would you invent this? Anyone who attempts to apprehend me will get two barrels of buckshot up their ass."

"Good girl. Bye"

Troy walked outside and secured a cab that had just pulled up with three shift-workers.

He arrived to find the homestead in a blaze of lights. A big blonde guy about Troy's age arrived, holding a gun behind his back as Troy paid off the cab driver."

"Mitch?"

"Yeah."

"Douse the lights; I want this place looking normal. Have your wife drive the kids and anyone else here except Molly to relatives in the city and warn them to keep their mouths shut; ask your wife to go slowly out of here, not using main lights. Just plead with her to understand and ask no questions. It will all be over by tomorrow sometime; tell her you'll phone her and only her every four hours. We have to trust her she'd keep everyone's mouth shut – tell her Mitch that Ellis's wellbeing depends on that as does your father and Uncle Richards staying out of the penitentiary. Convince her Mitch."

Within five minutes the carload of people driven by Mitch's wife Gabriel was going slowly down the access road; Mitch had told her not to use the brakes if possible because they would be seen from miles away.

"This is spooky, Mitch said, shaking Troy's hand. Molly has told me about you and what you said on the phone seems credible."

"Great – I won't ask you to move against your father unless you think he and your uncle are in the process of doing wrong to Ellis. Do you have a video recorder in the house?"

"A cam-recorder – it's mine."

"Good, I'd like you to film the scene if we find it and if Ellis still has what it takes to sit it out I want her to remain their to allow you to collect incriminating evidence on your cam-recorder. I then propose taking our prisoners, if we succeed in capturing them and display them and you show your DVD to as many Elliot's and Jefferson's we can get into the lounge at the Home for the Elderly with your grandfather presiding."

"Gee, that sounds impressive. You then release the two scoundrels to their families and Grandpa then attempts a families' reconciliation and with everyone apologizing to Ellis, tears and all that? You are rather over-expecting."

"Bright boy – Ellis indicated that. The only thing is I have no idea where she is and who has seized her."

"What!"

Troy scratched the back of his head. "When you have nothing, you run on assumptions and hunches. Ellis understood that so I expect you to. I need you to help find her and then my hunch is everything will fall into place and she'll escape with nothing more than a harrowing experience."

They walked into the kitchen where Molly had coffee ready and three backpacks with basic supplies. Troy scratched the back of his head again and gave her a résumé while Mitch sat shaking his head.

"Well Mitch?" Molly asked.

"It strains credibility but I agree it's our soft option. If we involve the police and dad and Uncle Richard have indeed snatched Ellis they will be up on a kidnapping charge with dire results. What do you think Molly?"

"Ellis believed in Troy's most likely scenario arising from his analysis and I believe in Ellis."

"Okay, Mitch said, "So do I even though his flimsy theories are all we have."

Troy said they required a map of the three ranches indicating every barn, outbuilding and disused building away from the houses and asked Mitch could he prepare a sketch. Mitch left the room without answering and returned almost at the run holding a rolled up map.

"We have an accurate map of everything of man-made substance on the combined properties as well as prominent natural features; here it is."

"At last, we're almost up with the ball game," Troy sighed. "This is fantastic."

He turned to Mitch. "Sit, take your time. I want you to try to think like your father – put yourselves in his shoes. If you grabbed Ellis giving her 24 hours to make up her mind to sign otherwise she'd be roughed up or whatever, where would you stash her/ He would be a fool to choose somewhere too close to the houses."

After two minutes Mitch was grinning. 

"You and Ellis were taking gambles Troy, now it's my turn. Mom is a little unwell at the moment and that means dad won't want to leave her on her own so will be in his own bed, asleep right now. The cook begins work at dawn so dad and Uncle Richard will grab some chow and then head out. So we can go out now without risk of detection – their two houses are in a valley so we can skirt that. We have a small bunkhouse attached to our fertilizer store and hay barn about four miles out – a track all the way. I'll put you two on four-wheelers – the track winds but it goes only to that storage area. On the way out I'll detour to check two other possible sites – the quarry, three miles out and I'll go another eight miles to the old waterwheel and come back four miles..."

"Waterwheel you say?"

"Yes. It's just been re-commissioned now the snowline has retreated. It has loft accommodation and the quarry also has a couple of sheds."

"I want to go to the waterwheel, now."

"That's not a good idea Troy, it splits us up."

"I agree with Troy," Molly said emphatically. "If you goes to the quarry and then to the waterwheel and find her we'll still have time to reach to you when you call us by radio before the others show up."

"Look, we're sounding like a bunch of amateurs," Mitch said. "Molly has a shotgun and I'm going out armed. I haven't said this but I haven't seen our foreman today – Bute Jamieson. He stands 6ft eight and is two feet through both ways. Dad always says Bute does his dirty work. I figure Bute may be keeping guard on Ellis."

"I had anticipated more than the two brothers being involved," Troy frowned. "But a guy that big – I need to take a piece of heavy chain, two feet long."

"I'll give you a Winchester pal."

"No, I don't wish to kill anyone but guys, let me go in first; I'm trained for this sort of work. I'm sorry I know you guys don't want to split I'm going to the waterwheel."

"Why,"

"Because for several centuries Molly the bad guys have tied the good guys to waterwheels and gradually slowed down the dunking until the wheel stopped with the victim or victims' head down and staying there. Quite a persuader, eh?"

"I don't think my father would want to kill anyone."

Troy said he didn't think so either, but probably would want to give Ellis a damn good fright. "I'm not having anyone putting her through that."

"Oh God," Molly said. "Look at his blazing eyes – he's gone soft on Ellis."

To Be Continued



Against the Odds Ch. 03



IN THIS Western arching 120 years, be prepared for a little humor and even satire, sex, romance and obnoxious attitudes. The setting is Clyde, a small servicing a hinterland of small farms and ranches In pioneering days the Jefferson family arrived first followed by the Elliot's. They cross-married but within this generation the two families divided because of 'the incident' a rape that begat the very personable Miss Ellis Jefferson (33), illegitimate daughter of an Elliot. Ellis now a highly successful lawyer brings in Troy Gardiner to consolidate and manage her new property interests. Ellis suspects two uncles are scheming to divest her of her property inheritance. Troy mounts a quest with two buddies to find and free Ellis. He's just made friends with a couple of cops who ultimately will save his life.

*

Rancher Mitch Elliot, used to pitting himself against wily horses not wanting to be found or rambunctious rounded up cattle attempting to break free, had been surprised that the woman in their party of three to locate and rescue the kidnapped wealthy lawyer Ellis Jefferson had come up with the solution on how to shorten their search: wait and follow the uncles when they left their homes.

Even more astounded by Molly Drusovich's genius was Troy Gardiner, recently returned from seven years as an elite security team leader working for a huge remote mining company in South Africa. One of his tasks was to return absconded workers or to track down thieves taking anything from food, equipment, vehicles or unprocessed precious stones while risking having himself and team members shot at, knifed, ambushed or have their vehiclea rammed.

Nervous now that their mini-operation was beginning to look like a modern version of the Keystone Cops, Mitch asked in a slightly apologetic tone, "I suppose you did confirm that she was snatched I?"

"Yes, Troy said ominously. "The alarm of my special radio link with her sounded, indicating her transmitter had either been switched off or destroyed or dropped into a very hostile environment for a radio such as into water or down a deep shaft, I phoned Ellis but there was no reply; and on the way out here I detoured to her home and found her car in her driveway, lights on, key in the ignition and driver's door half wrenched off it's hinges which suggests your foreman Bute may have been involved. And yes the lights of the house were off, the doors locked and I dashed in nextdoor and the couple came out from watching TV reported having heard a screaming banging and shouting said they hadn't bothered to check if their neighbor was okay."

"Well, that sound's pretty conclusive to me," Mitch said. "What about you Molly?"

"Sounds like confirmation of a kidnap to me," Molly said with the ease of someone who knows she's now accepted fully as a member of a team.

Troy said he didn't want Mitch to be firing a rifle. "Take one by all means and lock it to your vehicle in case we come unstuck. But if the culprits flee I want them stopped by birdshot being fired into the air. If the culprits come running at you with a knife or whatever you are free to use appropriate action in self defence."

"Aye, aye, general," grinned Mitch. Molly liked that so added her grin.

"Right, give me a torch Mitch and I'll go down and ensure the tanks of three ATVs are topped up. Tell me which ones to select."

"Take the three with trays at the back and load aboard rope as we can expect to have naughty men to tie up as our prisoners. I'll fetch a medical kit when I go for my cam-corder. Let's take some shots of us preparing; if somehow we bungle to a successful conclusion we'll be glad we took them for posterity."

"That's fine," Troy said. "You two check in with your families now. I suggest you say we're heading out at dawn and expected to find what we're looking for before noon. Say that Ellis appears to be gotten herself lost but we know where she is. Then say any further information has to come from command headquarters. No need worrying them needlessly."

Molly called Herman.

"Hi darling, sorry to wake you up but I did say I'd report in. I'm on a search and rescue exercise. It's so interesting. The Commanding Officer is a twit though; doesn't think women have a brain in their head."

"I know darling, but you are highly intelligent. This thing could roll on to midday. I'll phone when I have news. Kiss-kiss."

Troy looked straight at Molly and grinned. She sent back a smile that said thank you for smiling; you're really not such a bad guy.

Mitch made his call. "Hi Gabriel, sorry to wake you but I did advise I'd get back to you. Don't quite know what this is about yet. The briefings are fucking awful – there's a guy strutting around like a general scratching his head because daylight won't hurry up. I'm picking it's some sort of raid on ranchers who haven't paid their taxes or perhaps they're after rustlers. I'll guess someone will know something by lunchtime. I'll call when I have something to report. There seems to be plenty of food and drink. Keep that pussy warm for my darling. Bye."

"Is that Gabriel's pussy or do you actually have a cat?" Troy asked straight-faced but was unable to withstand's Mitch's incredulous gaze. The three of them roared with laughter, the last signs of tension gone."

"Right, let's have an open sandwich and coffee before we move out in forty minutes," said the general. "I'd like us in position thirty minutes before sun-up. We two will follow you Mitch – these things have parking lights I suppose?"

"They do but I'll tie tea-towels over the headlamp to curb flare and distance penetration. That will be good enough as we'll keep down below the rim-line. I'll bring out some birdshot cartidges for you Molly. Keep your buckshot out of the way in another pocket; you may need it if someone comes at you firing or charging with a butcher's knife."

"I don't suppose I could fill the gas tanks and you do the open sandwiches general?"

"Oh Molly, I'd gladly switch but unfortunately I'll be looking for my piece of chain - if that big bloke is there and runs amuck, he'll have to be stopped somehow if we aren't going to shoot him, which I think is wise otherwise the cops would have to be brought in; Ellis will kick butt over that."

"You're right Troy, I mean general," Molly said. "She'll be stroppy enough as it is."

* * *

From sun-up everything went like clockwork. Mitch had left Troy in position and escorted Molly along for three hundred yards and then straight up a gentle slope and parked. He walked her six feet farther up the slope and she found herself looking down on to Richard Elliot's house. 

"The bathroom is facing you so you'll see the light come on. Being sixty, by the time he's crapped it will be daylight."

Molly giggled and said Mitch was funny. He kissed her and said, "Take care this morning Molly – if you get hurt you won't be able to fence at weekends. We're waiting to have eleven miles of fencing replaced over summer. My thinking is the general hasn't appeared to be doing well and yet he was bang on about this happening; I think if the crap hits the fan we'll see a different caliber of guy in action. Let him take the risks Molly, not you; he's not married."

"I didn't like him when he first came to us but I guess he's okay. He never complains, gets things down but he's shagging the ass off his PA, potentially one of my best girls."

"Well, you said he gets things done."

"She's married with two little ones,"

"Oh Christ – are you going to take her away from him?"

"I was. I had to inform Ellis and she just said to let him be; he's new in town so perhaps his PA gave him an offer he felt obliged to take, aware that he only knew three women in the entire city – his PA, Ellis and me. Ellis said she felt he'd back away from his PA as soon as settled in. I think perhaps she's right."

Mitch prepared to walk back to his four-wheeler. "He should try Ellis – he's good enough for her."

"Well, I'll see how he goes today; I may very well end up with the same opinion, not that is matters to Ellis. Bye – don't forget to ,ove about on your bike on low revs."

It was light before Richard switched off the bathroom light and minutes later he was on his four-wheeler heading to the old homestead occupied by his older brother. That allowed Molly to rejoin the other two and fifteen minutes they were off, thankful that the brothers resisted the urge to burn rubber. The ground was damp from an over-night shower so their dust trails were negligible.

Mitch who had detoured to roar off to check the waterwheel kept in touch by radio using their code: "I spotted a waterfall (waterwheel) on the right when I went through but no sign of deer."

Later, "I've come to the end of the track (barn and bulk fertilizer store) on the left. Take care. Try to spot me and follow."

They were now riding over fairly level grassland and slowed until the two riders well ahead crested the rise. Mitch signaled to move it and the three would-be rescurers raced to the crest and looked down into a basin. Mitch was able to work out the situation.

"They'll have her held in an old mine shaft drilled vertically in a 'sink'," he called.

Molly and Troy gave the thumbs up.

"They have veered left as there's quite a smooth track down that way so we'll take it to the right; it will be rough, so be careful. When I slow right down, avoid excessive motor noise. We will move through trees that should help to muffle sound and we're fortunate to have what breeze there is blowing our way. This is an ancient slump of land in the centre of rock, probably a swamp that is now draining for some reason – probably a fissure has opened up. It's not on our property and is at least twelve miles from that landowner's ranch house so it is remote, By the time we reach the flat those skunks should be down the shaft so shouldn't hear us."

The trio parked on the edge of trees.

"I'm going in after the big fellow if he's there so any others will probably flee when I attack him – we're dealing with cowards here. You guys stay on your bikes and charge them down. Pointed shotguns should halt them. Mitch take some film of their bikes outside that shaft – look, there's the third bike under the trees.

"Where?" 

"Under the fourth and fifth tree out from the rock face Mitch."

"Christ, I thought I had good eyesight but only can just see it – a sort of darker shadow."

"When you are stalking a wounded lion or buffalo Mitch, you learn to see."

"I can only just see the trees down there," Molly complained.

They watched with interest as Troy bound the chain to his wrist with wire, Mitch filming the action. Troy slapped Mitch on the back and then kissed the surprised Molly on the lips and said, "You watch yourself sweetheart."

Then he was gone.

"Where the fuck did he go?" Mitch said, rising up from checking playback on his camera.

"I don't know," Molly said. "He kissed me and I looked at you hoping you hadn't noticed and when I looked back he wasn't there."

"I see him," Mitch said, pulling Molly up against him and bending over and pointing. "Follow to the end of my finger."

"Oh yes, he's certainly a smooth walker – no, he's loping," she said. "Jesus, look at the ground he's covering. Don't move – it's nice standing against you – damn it, he's almost at the entrance. Let's start up our bikes – I'll take the far side if that's okay and you cover the left and middle as you'll be faster and more agile."

"Understood. Look, he's disabling their vehicles; good man," Mitch said.

They watched the general seemingly drift into the mouth of the horizontal shaft and disappear.

* * *

After dining with Troy Ellis approached the garage wondering why she'd been so mean. She should have asked Troy home for a little something, or even a big something if he were up to it after drinking alcohol. Some men appeared unaffected when they drank.

She fumbled at the switch of the garage opening when she saw the huge man arrive beside her car door. She screamed and attempted to lock it but he opened and wrenched the door back with a tearing of complaining metal.

"Scream or resist and I'll break your neck with one blow," growled the gorilla. "Before she realized what was happening he'd stuck a needle in her arm. She howled and screamed and everything went black.

It was pitch black when Ellis awoke and realized she was still alive. The air felt dank and she heard water dripping. To her left she heard a man snoring – that would be that nasty gorilla. She went to move and found she was restricted and only then became aware of metal bands on her wrists; she was chained to a wall. Gingerly she lifted a leg and felt the weight of a chain and assumed the other leg was similarly restrained.

This was just as Troy had predicted. It was just as if he'd planned it and commissioned the thug to retrieve her for him' she didn't believe for a moment he'd do that. He mouth was dry and her head woozy, but she was not in pain. Her feet felt cold and wet and Ellis realized she was chained to stand in water. She managed half a step in either direction and forward, but the water remained. She managed a slight backward walk up the wall behind her and found her feet were on a small ledge, no longer in the water.

So she spent the rest of the night thinking about her life and dozing. When she heard the gorilla snort and distinctly heard him scratch – probably removing fungus and wildlife from under his armpits and from his crotch – she heard him walk a few paces and urinate. Oh God – would that diseased green slime from him drain back into that puddle?

"Are you awake?"

She thought it advantageous to answer so said yes.

"I'll light the lamp."

Quietly she stepped down into the water; no sense alerting and upsetting him if she were meant to be receiving the water torture.

He lit the lamp and she could see this enormous bulge at his front; he was dressed only in an obscenely small pair of imitation leopard briefs. She prayed that he was actually a eunuch. 

"Water?"

What, his pee? But she was thirsty.

"What have you got?"

"With airs like that I ought to give you water from that puddle you're in."

Why don't you you ape; see if I care.

"I have still or sparkling,"

"Why not live it up; sparking please."

He reached across and placed the container of spring water in her hand.

"I'll put a collar on you and take you outside for a pee and a crap in the morning, okay?"

"Yes – it's no use me let fly on to your bed."

He laughed a booming laugh possibly loud enough to start a rock fall. She tensed but all she heard was him passing wind. Gawd, aren't some men awful.

"How long before you take me out to abulutions."

"Don't use fancy words on me."

"For me to pee and crap."

He said two and a half hours and she must shut up now and he turned off the lamp.

Ellis backed up quietly to stand on to the narrow rock ledge.

She awoke with a start and away in the distance could see daylight. He was scratching and farting, almost playing a tune – a little piece of Sousa perhaps? She was amazed that despite falling asleep she'd stayed on the ledge; her arms were sore so perhaps she'd sunk forward on her arm chains.

He put a leather strap around her neck. A dog collar – a fucking dog collar; she could smell the dog. Bozo the dog owner led good doggie down the long tunnel. Doggie really wanted a pee but this was not the place. He took her to one side and looped the chain around a slender tree and locked it. He grinned, holding up the key and said only one key, he mustn't lose it. The key to her wrist bands had been thrown on to his bed.

"Toilet paper."

He scowled. "I'm not walking all the way back in there. Oh, there are some napkins on the back of my four-wheeler with our breakfast stuff. We are expected to be out of here by lunchtime if you are a good girl. If not I reckon the two bosses will shaft you and then they go off and I'll be free to do anything I like with you, anything I wish.

The gorilla returned with the paper napkins. Oh my, aren't we posh, she joked, attempting to keep her spirits up. "Here let me help you; I'll remove your panties and dress – you won't want to mess yourself. That's a lovely pussy; my hand up that will feel tight."

Ellis almost fainted at the thought of that huge hand up her. She could see he was growing hard.

"Look, I had to promise I wouldn't touch you. Philip wants you kept pure. Suck the tip of my cock."

"No, get away you beast."

"I can reach inside that cunt of yours and turn everything wrong way around, and providing there's no bleeding no-one will ever know."

Ellis went to take the evil-looking red, black and dark blue head into her mouth when she began to crap, probably out of fear.

"Oh yuk," he complained. Crapping while I want a sucking. I'll get what I want later."

She involuntarily peed over his boot. Instead of whacking her he just grinned. The collar tie was very handy as with her hands free she was able to she was able to attend to herself well.

She watched him masturbating, a good twelve feet away, and idly wondered by the size of him he might be able to hit her with a squirt from over there. Normally she didn't think foul things like that. All her life she'd attempted to be pleasant in an attempt to engender popularity to help erase ostracism created by family and more distant relatives. On this occasion accepting the sheer disgusting behavior of the brute (who she was yet to learn was appropriately named Bute and not ape or the other names she'd imagined) seemed to help insulate her from fear; he'd already mentioned her 'airs' presumably meaning airs and graces so she was shrinking her persona to project nothing that antagonized him. 

She was in survival mode and had the edge of competitive intelligence to realize that and yet knowing if she didn't yield the brute could be left to fist her and pull her gut out through her vagina; that thought had her teetering on the edge of fainting.

But then she heard it: a drone. Her heart jumped. It was the sound of at least one ATV. Here rescuers were arriving!

The ape was beside her unlocking the chain around the tree. "Here are the two bosses," he growled. "Must get you chained to the wall. Heh-heh-heh – those fools think chained to cold stone with your feet in water for most of the night will break you, turning you into a jabbering idiot. Best you play along because if they bawl me out I'll think of a way to punish you for that."

"Anything you say Master."

"What? Oh yeah. Come on my pretty little cunt on a lovely body. I haven't seen your titties yet, have I. Soon baby, soon. Follow daddy. Ruff, ruff – good doggie."

Ellis was chained, head on her chest, standing in the water when she watched the two terrible twins arrive – at least that's how she imagined them as although Philip had lighter hair and facial features than his younger brother; both were dressed identically: thick tartan shirts, leather jerkins, jeans and riding boots.

"How is she?"

"Broody and not talking boss. I took her out to crap and all she did was make crying sounds."

"Ah, whimpering. That's a good sign."

"Ellis, it's your Uncle Philip. How are you?"

Ellis looked at him dully. As he stepped to the water's edge she smelled his BO.

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Ellis. Once you agree to hand over all those properties Gran Jefferson left to you, we'll take you to my lawyer who is holding a schedule of transfers I have arranged. Once you sign them we then go to visit my father in his room at the old folk's home where he and you will sign documents transferring his power of attorney on city property interests from you to me and then we'll all done. Do you understand/"

"W-what are you s-saying?" Ellis said, attempting to make it difficult for him.




Against the Odds Ch. 03



"Give her to me boss," the ape leered. "I'll get her into a mood that makes her know you are boss."

"That's right Ellis. Bute here is just itching to get his fingers on you. I have no idea what he has in mind and I don't wish to know but whatever it is brings a huge grin to his face. You welfare including your ability to walk and work again is my deep concern Ellis. Your stubbornness brought this on as I was informed that my changes of beating your defiance in Court are not good – indeed, far from it. You are now the victim of your own cleverness in the painstaking way you ensured at the signings of documents that both old folk in transferring their assets to you could be attested to being of sound mind at the time of signing."

"What does that mean boss?"

"They had expert witnesses who'd swear to the judge the old folk knew what they were doing."

"Oh – you mean they weren't nuts when giving away their loot?"

"Exactly Bute; why can't I express myself simply like you?"

"Perhaps you spent too long at school boss. Heh-heh-heh."

Philip scowled. "You have a go Richard."

Richard stepped into the water and began patting Ellis's face. He crooned, "Come on dear. We have no wish to hurt you. Agree with what we want and it's all over and you will be back in your office doing your best for your clients. You were a sweet little girl but we couldn't love you because you indirectly caused the death of our dear brother. Come on Ellis, come on Ellis."

The voice was almost hypnotic. She felt like laughing – this whole thing seemed like a terrible script for a B-grade movie. In fact it was unfolding like a B-grade movie. As soon as she was freed she'd go to the police and it would be all over – these three guys on the way to serving long stretches.

Philip took over from his brother. "Just agree to sign everything over Ellis and keep your mouth shut. Oh, I forgot to advise you – lawyers love having all the facts. If you should shoot you mouth off after the signings big boy will come visit you one night and...well, let's not dwell on that. Should you manage to escape then I'm afraid big boy's only option is to find your mother; I hope he won't hurt her – he'll be a bad boy if he does but imagine how you'd feel responsible."

This interrogation went on for more than an hour. Ellis was almost dozing with Philip wheedling at her when she saw a movement behind him and then clearly saw Troy. 

Her heart fired in joy and then sank like a stone when she realized he was alone: one against three including one giant. 

Oh the damn fool!

* * *

By the time Troy reached the horizontal shaft he was fully into assault mode; his breathing rate was slower than normal, his pulse rate down, his focus immense: in effect he was a spring ready to unleash.

The floor of the shaft was quite smooth and he swept forward panther-like, doing nothing to made noise, peering to detect any obstacles as the lighting behind him dimmed but he had the two lamps – probably gas mobile lamps – ahead of him and soon he could confirm the way ahead to them was clear. 

His eyes metered to his brain what lay ahead as far as he could determined – three men, one a giant, Ellis tied to the end wall. Troy saw no reason to change his pre-determined strategy: go for the big fellow hard, the two brothers who really didn't know how to be bad guys would flee, leaving him to release Ellis and hug her while she cried and kissed him. Something like that; in all probability she'd kick him in the butt for taking so long. When she learned of their Keystone Cop interlude she'd have castration in mind.

Troy snapped back into focus and took a light grip on his chain: it was essential he aimed and hit exactly where he targeted: big fellows have difficulty doing anything once off their feet and hurt.

"Jesus, what the..." yelled Richard. That made Philip step forward with one foot into the water. He swore: his beautiful light tan riding boot from Austria – he never allowed them to get wet.

Troy ignored the two clowns and went thwack around the ankle of the big fellow iwho was in the middle of turning. He screamed and fell – both bones above his ankle shattered horribly.

The two brothers ran terrorized.

Troy dropped the chain gently on to the big fellow's screwed up face. "Roll over or take some more." Groaning /bute rolled over. Troy unwired the chain from this hand and bound the big guy's hands with it, very tightly. He then turned and found Ellis watching.

"Hi."

"Hi darling," she said, voice quavering.

"The key to your chains."

"On his bed."

Troy found it and sloshed through the water, kissed Ellis firmly on the mouth. Gawd, she smelt in need of a bath. He unlocked her, she rubbed her wrists and Troy's expectation he'd might not receive a hero's welcome was realized.

"What took you so long," she murmured and fainted, falling into the putrid water before he could catch her. He picked her up and carried her towards the exit.

* * *

Mitch had come forward ready to start filming. He heard the shouting and footsteps and the brothers came flying out of the cave. He filmed his Uncle Richard turning to check where his brother was, only to run smack into the trunk of a tree and staggered away dazed. More Keystone Cops, grinned Mitch, who swung to the right with his camera. His father tried one ATV, found it wouldn't start, tried another and realized they'd been disabled. He ran towards the road access to his left.

Mitch watched Molly step from her ATV and put her shotgun in the tray. She then stood in front of the vehicle and when Philip reached her she stood out to block his way. Mitch could see his father sizing up the situation, looking at Molly and looking at the vehicle. The two protaganists were very similar in height but Molly was much bigger. His father went to push Molly aside and she slugged him – the crack on the side of his jaw ringing throughout the basin.

"Bitch," he screamed, climbing to his feet. Molly grabbed him around the chest and his father really screamed as apparently a couple of ribs went.

"Take it easy Molly," Mitch yelled. "He's been a bad boy but he's the only father I have."

Molly lifted him like a sack of wheat and tossed him into the tray, removed the shotgun and then tied his ankles and wrists and fastened them to the subframe of the vehicle. She then jumped in and drove forward at high speed as she saw Troy emerge from the shaft with his trophy.

She kissed and fussed around Ellis and put her into the seat beside her. "You go with Mitch," she called to Troy but don't forget this other stunned stoat."

"I'll get Uncle Richard," Mitch laughed, taking some close-ups shots of Ellis. He then had the two rescuers stand with Ellis to take some shots of them all grinning and then Molly took the camera and he and Troy kissed the pale-faced victim who looked ready to collapse.

Mitch pulled his radio out, put it on to the usual band and called in a couple of his farmhands to come and haul out the Bute into the clear and call a rescue helicopter. He then spoke to his mother and quickly briefed her. He asked her to call all available Elliot's and Jefferson's to an urgent meeting in the dinning room of the Home for the Elderly for 2:00 that afternoon and for her to go in and brief his grandfather; they would clean up Ellis and then take her home to rest before the big event.

* * *

Eighty-three members of the two families – adults and pre-school children - were at the venue when Mitch and Troy arrived in a truck and unloaded their two prisoners. Philip had two cracked ribs and a bruised jaw but the medics had said time and rest would fix those problems. Mitch and Troy carried Philip into the dinning room on a stretcher and propped him up so he was clearly in view. Everyone was seated at tables drinking coffee or beer or wine with Jed Elliot presiding. 

A very submissive Richard wearing a dog collar with the chain attached to Troy's wrist has followed the stretcher party in. Their immediate families watched silently, a small child being hushed when he cried out, "Grandpa." Ellis came in on the arm of Molly and that caused a whisper and murmurings when Jed called, "Come and sit beside me girls."

Mitch and Polly had already agreed the general should do the briefing – after all, he'd been the one to come up with the possibility of the snatch happening.

Troy cleared his throat and began, greeting Jed and then Ellis.

"You all have been invited here today for a very serious purpose which I'll simply describe as the humiliation of Philip and Richard Elliot – better that than having them both sent to jail – and redemption we would hope of Ellis Jefferson. By we I mean Ellis the innocent victim, her buddy and officer manager Molly Drusovich who you see sitting beside her, the very able Mitch Elliot and myself, Troy Gardiner, Ellis's property manager."

"First I'll tell you the story about what happened today and then Mitch will play an uncut shot film, illustrating excerpts about what I am about to describe. Here we go." 

The audience sat largely half-stunned as they learned about the events of the past 24-hours. Then the film was played. 

Mitch had been the only one to see the film and he played it with commentary. He'd been back to film the stone wall against which Ellis had been chained and that produced a couple of outbursts of 'Shame!' and he'd also filmed the half-wrenched car door where the snatch had taken place but tension eased with the great roar of laughter when Richard was filmed running from the shaft and staggering back after running into the tree; vintage Keystone Cops.

Richard's son Ian, an accountant, rose and spoke.

"This has been a despicable chain of events, engineered by my father and uncle but I feel the whole damn lot of us have failed Ellis which to some extent makes us all culpable. I propose we take a vote, restricted to those from the age of twenty-one upwards to decide the fate of these two men who've acted criminally. We have been told Ellis wants no action taken against them in the wish that her compassion may encourage more of us to regard her as kin. Well grand-dad, I feel this should go to family vote with voters facing the choice of calling the police to take these two men away or for them to apologize to Ellis in our presence and to be released into the custody of their families and told what to expect if they err again."

Jed rose and said thanked his grandson for his wise words. "I'm accepting no discussion. This has been a day of shame for our family and needs to be put to rest. I'll call the vote and Molly please count with me, Remember, only those twenty-one and under are to vote. First, all those who favor handing these two wretched men over to the police?"

Jed and Molly agreed there were 37 votes in favor and 37 votes including Jed's vote for releasing them into the hands of their families. Ellis had noticed her mother voted for police arrest while her two sisters voted against arrest; she had not voted, believing such action could produce an unwelcome diversion.

"Well, a deadlock," Jed sighed. "We still have some ways to go to achieve bilateral family unity. Ellis, I invite you to take the axe swinging over those two and decide what way it falls. In presiding over this gathering I claim the right to make that decision. Any objections?"

There was silence until Ellis's mother rose and said she wanted Ellis to apply the casting vote. 

"With great fear I support Ellis having that vote, wept Philip's wife."

"And I," Richard's wife said, jamming her handkerchief back over her mouth.

Other women joined in and then men followed until a clear majority had voiced approval.

"Fine, that's enough," said Jed. "Ellis, you have the floor."

She immediately indicated which way she'd vote. "I have suffered over the past twenty-four hours in a most degrading fashion. But in some respects it was nothing compared with feeling like an outcast over what I can remember of the past thirty-three years, Fortunately I was not totally outcast because I had my late grandmother, you grandfather Jed and another really inspirational hand-holder Mitchell Elliot. I must leave now before I collapse. I vote for release into their families."

Ellis left the room, eyes averted, leaning on Molly's shoulder, and received a standing ovation. If the two brothers or her own mother expected her to look their way they were disappointed.

"Okay everyone – thank you dear Ellis. Keep seated everyone as our lady residents have honored me in requesting they serve us afternoon tea; some of them are older than I am so please be patient and don't fuss over coffee spills. Thank you for your attendance and would Philip and Richard's immediate families remember to take the brothers with them when they leave."

* * *

When Troy stepped from the elevator Kelly came out of Molly's office and greeted him. 

"Something big has happened – Ellis and Molly are never away from the office together between 9:00 and 5:00. The office was in chaos so the two senior lawyers put me in charge to try to return everything to normal; no problem. What's been happening?"

"Ellis ran into a bit of bother. She appears okay but Molly is admitting her into a private clinic overnight for a medical check and then to be given assistance to ensure she sleeps for twenty-four hours. Molly and I have been without sleep for yonks but it appears will finish the day out here. Any news?"

"Oh, no not really?"

"That sounds if it is."

"I'll tell you when everything is back to normal."

"Are you having another baby?"

Kelly giggled and said not unless she were involved in a medical miracle. "No, Carl and I have agreed our marriage has gone a little stale so he's taking a six months exchange with someone in his position in the company's production unit in Ireland and it's likely we can leave in about four weeks. So I'll have to resign."

"Congratulations," Troy smiled. "I do believe you two should fire in a new environment giving you a broader life. I'll keep a job open for you as chief trouble-shooter. It means I look after the big picture and you'll be my second in-charge with responsibilities for actually getting things done and sorting out my and other people's stuff ups. The offer is conditional on us not having sex again – your marriage should be more important than spending your time on opportunists like me."

"What about the office Christmas Party?"

"Let's reserve our decision on that one, huh?"

"What about Molly – this hasn't been referred to her."

Troy cuffed Kelly on the ass with both of them pretending that hadn't happened. "You just leave Molly to me – she now secretly calls me the general." 

After Troy instructed Kelly to find him a 'competent office administrator with 'off-the-wall ability' he returned to do some real work but not before Kelly frowned and asked what did off-the-wall ability mean?

"Those who have it will know what I mean".

"Molly will kill me if I action this without her authority."

"Crap, you are in charge. If she starts bawling you out refer her to the general."

In his temporary office Troy found a note from Kelly: 'Your new vehicle has arrived. Very impressive but metallic black?" Yuk, why not a pretty color?"

Oh yeah, Troy yawned, pink and I'd have the gays of both sexes attempting to hitch rides with me. He worked steadily and took a call from Ellis.

"Hi babe," he said. "Feel clean through to your heart and soul again."

"I wouldn't have quite put it that way but yes; what a lovely thing to say to me."

"I..."

"I've been given something to make me sleep. I just wish to thank you with all my heart and will reward you in due course; we'll talk about it. In the meantime I have arranged something lovely for you; please accept it, so bye – oh, standby for a call."

A minute later a warm voice said, "Mr Gardiner, this is Sophie Messman, Ellis's best friend. I'm having a dozen friends around for drinks at 6:00 this evening and request your presence. Do you have a white suit?"

"No I don't Mrs Messman so must I decline the invitation?"

"Oh no silly boy, Ellis opened an account for you at Everything for Gentlemen which is about 50 yards along Pioneer Avenue from your offices. She and I shop at Everything for Ladies and Ellis now owns the building. You probably have several pairs of cowboy boots but she said with a white suit you should have unmarked boots and suggests Cody cognac full-quill ostrich boots and says ignore the price. You are a lucky boy."

Mrs Messman gave Troy the address and said to approach the garage on the far left; it would open automatically and lock when he locked his vehicle. "You'll be staying the night, of course."

Troy felt like giving the whole thing a miss; it almost was spooky. He thought she'd be an old flesh-sucking dame but then decided she wouldn't be; Ellis was unlikely to do that to him after what he'd done for her. He didn't expect a reward but neither did he expect purgatory. Two things made him yield: he'd always wanted a white suit and if someone wanted to pay for it, so much the better and secondly, it would be insulting to Ellis if he rejected her spooky gesture.

After parking Troy walked through to the entry into the house and a maid smiled at him and then kissed him, on the mouth. A fucking maid did that. So he grabbed both tits and she giggled "Naughty boy." She led him in and once into the reception room took him by the arm. It was only then that Troy realized all six other women were dressed as maids and all the men were in white suits. It dawned on him that this was a theme party. An older woman with whisky red cheeks – bingo, she was holding a whisky glass in both hands – said "Hello darling, who are you? Please introduce us Sophie" and the woman hanging on to his arm said sweetly, "This is Troy Gardiner, the man who is to become Ellis's business partner."

"And some other kind of partner I daresay," cackled Mrs Whisky." 

As the woman walked away Troy looked at Sophie.

"What?"

"I need a whisky," he croaked.

"I'll fetch you a double – you have turned white," said she, smiling at him beautifully.

When the last of the reasonably interesting guests departed at 8:00 Sophie walked him through the kitchen, grabbed a fresh bottle of champagne in an ice-bucket and said, "Come through to the spa darling while my two real maids to return everything to original condition."

As she closed and locked the enclosed spa area door and opened the sliding roof Sophie grabbed a handful of cock.

"Gawd, you're not even hard. After you grabbed and squeezed my tits when you arrived I've been walking around all evening with my nipples popped; you did give me a rev up. Ellis said she thought I might have trouble winding you into action because she's found you quite shy; you've not made a full-on pass at her naughty boy. She is one of the most fuckable women I know."

"Who, Ellis?"

"Yes – oh gawd, you're not gay are you? I mean..."

"No, of course not - feel my read meat, it's already growing."

"Oh yeah, there's nothing like getting one's teeth in a piece of red meat – this feels like prime; mind if I inspect and sample?"

"No, go ahead. Are you married?"

"No, divorced quite recently. Does that make a difference?"

"Yes, I prefer unclaimed goods."

"Ooooh, I'm going to like you. Remember, I only have you for tonight so I'm bound to wear you a little ragged."

Troy could see where some of the alimony was squandered – in her clothes. They were exquisite and he undressed her with interest, feeling the fabrics and even taking some interest in their construction; there was no hurry as he was staying the night. He still was only at half mast, however when she bent over to place the ice bucket at the edge of the spa and a lovely fat-lipped nude pussy winked at him he totally uncloaked his reserve. "Just a minute Sophie – stay in that position, hands on knees." He went down on one knee and worked her until the juices were flowing and then stood and fed it in.




Against the Odds Ch. 03



"That feels lovely," she said, "but don't shoot; pull out when you're near and I'll pour some champagne on to it and suck for desert."

After Sophie had finished her desert and Troy had pushed the bottle into her to give him some champagne to suck out and get her away, they lounged in the softly bubbling pool and talked. He learned mostly about the late blossoming of Ellis as she's been a white-faced, introverted but yet highly intelligent high school senior when Sophie had met her; she recalled giving Ellis a zero grading for sex appeal.

"She seemed such an enigma, which is what attracted me. Here was someone who cried for no reason, was horrified to hear students slagging off about their parents and sibblings and I couldn't shake her belief that she'd die a virgin. She didn't wear any make-up – the only girl in the entire school except for the dozen religious weirdoes and she tried to be absolutely correct in everything she said or did."

Troy refillted their glasses.

"I went to one of our advisors who was a friend of my mother's and she said, 'Oh, Miss Fellows is the one to fix Ellis – she can draw talent from stone'. So Ellis and I were late enrolments into drama and the rest is history – she turned Ellis into a brilliant actress able to be more believable in passionate scenes than any of us, including those being shafted back stage but of course I don't mean just sex. She almost brought the room down in her final year as Joan of Arc – we all cried so much, even during readings and rehearsals. She was the true high school virgin graduate but fortunately followed tradition and lost it later than night."

Troy wasn't surprised; after what he'd learned about Ellis and her family it seemed inevitable she would be drawn into real life as she entered the senior education system.

At college she was a top student but built up a huge number of complaints about her sexual conduct – the poor girl was only making up for those lost years, according to Sophie. Finally her mother was called in and told to take her daughter elsewhere or she would be tossed out and her reputation stained as a result of that. So her mother sought advice from her lawyer about what to do about her willful daughter and the geriatric said law school of course. Once again it happened: our young Ellis found her groove."

Troy yawned and Sophie offered him dinner but he declined – he was full of party fare. "Okay, let's go to bed and nap for a couple of hours and then I'd like to be let loose to show you what I know about sex."

"Oh yes please," Troy grinned. "And then I may need a steak!"

Molly was back at work the next morning and Ellis returned a day later. When the crowd around her had gone Troy went in, kissed her on the cheek and handed her a big bouquet of flowers and then left the office. The note inside the card said: "I love my fabulous white suit and new boots and isn't Sophie a pet. However, I choose to wait for someone else."

* * *

Two days after Kelly had left for Ireland and his new office administrator was upstairs charged with arranging the internal layout of their new office area for subdivision, Troy drove over to The Grill. He tried to go there once a month to lunch with Duane and Paul because it pays to have a couple of friendly cops working the inner-city beat when you deal with tenancy disturbances, arson, willful damage and just plain nasty people.

"Hi Duane."

"Hi Troy – say Helen, the usual for my pal Troy please."

"Coming up – is this the usual Troy," Helen grinned cupping both boobs.

A big guy entered on crutches.

"Oh whoa fellow," Duane said, pushing back on his chair as the stranger pulled out a shotgun from under his coat and slipped off the home-made sling.

"Everyone keep calm," Duane shouted as women began whimpering and men began to scatter. One woman screamed.

Fear hit Troy's stomach as the gunman with the malevolent grin was Bute – the big guy who'd snatched and held Ellis prisoner. Bute's right leg was in plaster. So this is how it would end.

The door to the toilets opened and out stepped the other cop Paul, pulling up his zip. Daisy was right behind him adjusting her clothing and appearing very red faced; that turned to white as soon as she saw the shotgun. Bute had remained looking at Troy too long with a gloating stare and that allowed Paul to pull out his revolver and blast a close-range hole through the centre of Bute, chest high. Blood spurted over two women seated just alongside Bute and they screamed as if they'd been shot but the single shot fired by Bute as he fell mostly blasted off his good foot. He was dead before he hit the floor.

"Maintain your position Paul," Duane shouted. Everyone stay where you are. Lock the doors Daisy – we need to record details of this crime scene. Call the boss Paul. You – the manager – are those two security cameras in operation right now?"

"Yes, it's our policy..."

"Thank you. Well Paul, with that film this will be a short investigation. Why the hell is that guy after me? Did you hear him make a threat or even say something Troy?" 

"Nuh, I didn't even see him until he was right in and he said nothing. He just looked at both of us and smiled in a crazy looking way."

"Agreed, do you know him?"

"Never seen him before."

"I'll repeat the question once again Troy and the investigators will ask you again and again: "This man who was pointing the shotgun at us, have you ever seen him before?"

"Who me? No, I've never sighted the scumbag before."

Duane: "A simple yes or no answer Troy.

Troy: "No."

Duane rubbed his sweaty forehead. "That bozo had me lined up."

"I reckon he was a weirdo," Troy offered. "I think I was to be next and then he'd work his way through the whole room."

"Yeah, that's a point. He looked mean enough to do that."

"Remember everyone, keep your positions as witnesses. The cops are on the way...er, I mean our task force is on the way. Everyone is safe. Our bozo is dead. Sorry we can't get the blood off you ladies till the crime scene has been photographed. You are being so very brave – your country is proud of you."

Duane then whispered to Paul: "Paul, what's your story for being out the back?"

"Er, I was adjusting her shoulder strap?"

"Fuck, you're married Paul. Say you went out to pee; even cops are allowed to pee."

"But Daisy came in pulling up her bra – that will be seen on security video."

"A complete co-incidence – remember to say that Paul if questioned on that point and you remember you have a husband Daisy. Just say your tits are so heavy you're always having to pull up your bra."

"Okay Duane, whispered Daisy. "But can I say boobs instead of tits?"

"Sure Daisy and if the investigators want to know what we are talking about now tell them we were recalling the good times we've had here without some weirdo trying to wipe out the lot of us."

"Oh God," whispered Daisy. "He was trying to do that – will I get danger money for working here now?"

"Can it Daisy," here come the boys and the media. "Troy, you heard what I told Daisy?"

"Yeah buddy, I'm with you guys all the way."

Changing from a whisper, Troy said, "You saved the lives of everyone in this room, Officer Paul whatever your name is. You performed magnificently, a real credit to your uniform." 

Everyone applauded and Paul took a bow as eight policeman outnumbered by the media arrived at the door. "Unlock it Daisy but first pull up your front," Duane said.

As soon as crime scene photos were taken one team of police interviewed Paul, another Duane and the third Troy. When Troy gave his details the information was fed into a patrol car computer and soon after the reply came: Clean but licensed to carry."

"Where's you gun Troy?"

"Never bought a gun – that licensed was taken out seven years ago when I worked for a security firm for three months before I went to South Africa. It was their gun and I signed it back in. Here's the firm's card."

"Would you have made enemies in South Africa?"

"Yes, because of the nature of my work, perhaps several hundreds."

"No, I mean enemies with reason to kill you."

"I just said, perhaps several hundreds, given the chance."

"Jesus."

"Hey Serg – the print shows the meat here has form, plenty of it, and had been working for a ranch here until being paid off. He apparently stalked an itinerant worker who turned on him and smacked him with a chain, smashing his foot beyond repair but the hospital info desk says he's refused to have it amputated."

"Ah, here we go," said the sergeant. "We try to locate that itinerant worker, right. And meantime we build up the deceased's profile. We wait for this guy's blood test – I reckon with that pain he'll be on medical painkillers plus illegal drugs to block pain. Just have everyone sign their statements and they can go. Have you guys finished marking Paul's firing position and finding why the big-chested blonde came through the door with him?"

"Yes Serg. Paul had been draining his bladder and the blonde was wrestling with her juggs."

"Strange language, Melvin. Why don't you let the press in. Here's the Lieutenant, just in time to describe how he stopped mayhem while waiting for us to arrive. Good work Paul, you'll pick up a commendation and silverware for saving all these people; you'll probably be on national TV tonight. You can go as soon as the media is finished with you Troy – you weren't able to tell us much but were lucid, consistent and had a perfect image in your head of what you saw happen. We need more reliable witness like you."

On the way back to the office Troy stopped at a public phone and called Mitch and told him about the demise of Bute.

"How convenient," Mitch laughed. He should have been fired for numerous things years ago but dad didn't have the guts to do it. Leave this to me; I'll brief everyone who needs to know. We did pay him off handsomely to get rid of him without fuss. He was caught over at our own quarry site with a city guy manufacturing illegal substances. We caught them red-handed after waiting for them to return and start working; I caught everything on film so that ought to satisfy the police. We can take them to the spot where we dumped the manufacturing plant and I did keep a bottle of the powder for a memento. I take it back over there and leave it for the cops to find,"

"Excellent – but sterlize a new jar and top and transfer the power into that wearing gloves all the time. Wear a hat to avoid hair falling into the jar and don't sneeze of cough anywhere near the jar and then transport it in a towel and then destroy everything used in the transfer."

Mitch asked Troy had he been a policeman or a criminal. Troy said neither but had received intensive security training, He also read detective novels.

At the office Troy found Ellis was free so called in Molly and shut the door.

"He's had a four-and-a-half lunch hour and wishes to apologize," Ellis giggled.

"Just take this calmly," Ellis. "Your worse nightmare is over. By sheer coincidence I'm aware the big guy that snatched you is no more. It's almost 5:00 – switch the TV on to the local news station.

"The guys name is Bute. About once a month I have a cheap lunch with a couple of cops I met the first day I arrived here when I went to retrieve my motor-cycle outside City Hall after carrying you back here, Ellis. Today in walks Bute on crutches and pulls out a shotgun. He was going to blow me away. He was grinning inanely – the cops think he was on drugs. He was looking at me and the cop beside me. Just as he was lifting up the shotgun the other cop came through from the bathroom, sizes up what was happening and drilled the guy through the chest. The gunman, probably already dead, blasted a shot through his good foot."

"Ohmigod," Ellis cried.

"It's okay, it becomes better," Troy said. "I realized a full police investigation would probably lead right back to your kidnapping and place us all in the crap. So I claimed I didn't know the guy and planted the idea that he was probably a weirdo out to shoot us all and it apparently appeared logical to them and that's what they told the police investigators. It is a criminal offence to lie and mislead the police but I had more than more own butt to protect. I've just called Mitch and he will get the story right at his end – they actually did fire Bute and later found him on the property at an old quarry manufacturing drugs with the help of a city guy the cops are sure to pick up. So, if Mitch and we three keep our mouths shut it is probable no-one will ever know the truth and I can sleep a little easier at nights. I've had the thought that Bute could come after me."

"Oh Troy, my poor darling," Ellis cried, running around her desk and climbing on to his knee and kissing his face.

"Er, I think the news is starting," Troy said, and with Molly sitting to his left was able to edge over his right hand to cup Ellis's breast; it was left there for fifteen seconds before being gently removed. 

With the two women splattered in blood crying and the shot cutting to Troy saying "He was a weirdo, probably drugged to his eyeballs out to shoot everyone" and Duane the policeman saying "I thought I was a gonna" it looked like restaurant mayhem and looked dreadful for the future of the restaurant until Troy was quoted again as saying, "This is a real advantage of eating in a restaurant inhabited by cops."

The interviewer asked Paul, "What made you draw on the gunman?"

"I stopped as I opened the door sensing something was wrong and just as I tensed to react as appropriate the waitress called Daisy appeared out of nowhere and bumped me forward. The deceased began lifting his 28-29 inch barrel pump-action 12-gauge and I knew if I ducked and he followed me then perhaps my partner Duane could jump him but if I were wrong Daisy would take the blast in the...in the...in the chest. I had the whole restaurant to protect so I plugged him where it mattered."

"Right where they call the A-spot?"

"Something like that. I was more concerned about my civilians than doing my ABC."

"You're one hell of a guy Officer Sutherland. A hero."

"Nah, just a guy being in the right place at the right time. Lieutenant Crosbie is always telling us to concentrate on doing that."

"Now Daisy, tell me...

"My name is Megan," she pouted.

"But Officer Sutherland called you Daisy."

"The police won't allow officers to become touchie familiar with waitresses so they just give us cute names."

"Oh really, I think Daisy suits you."

"Why thank you."

"Daisy, I mean Megan, what was your worst fear during those traumatic and tense moments?"

"I was thinking if I went home with my chest full of lead, Skipper wouldn't like it because he's very proud of these."

"I wonder why. No, please, don't answer that Daisy."

"This is Harry Hope, reporting today's shooting, signing off for Channel Five News at Five."

There was silence for a moment. "D-did you see the size of her lead-free chest?" Ellis said to Molly.

"I did indeed – I feel so inadequate with these."

Ellis left Troy's knee. "I wonder why Troy chooses to go to that restaurant and yet not go there every day?"

"One visit and he feels exhausted perhaps?"

At last Troy bit. "Cut it you guys – someone died in that restaurant today and many of those patrons were terrified."

"Yes, that's true," Ellis sighed. I apologize for my flippancy. Were you scared?"

"A little, but I had this plan see. As soon as he raised the gun at me I was going to stomp on his plaster and hurl myself off the chair sideways, taking the gun and keeping it pointing to the ceiling."

"Would you have succeeded?"

"Probably not because I'm out of practice. But the advantage of going point-black with a shot gun is you don't learn you failed."

"Ohmigod," cried Ellis rushing into Troy's arms and kissing him.

"Oh you two – take him home to bed, Ellis."

"No, I must resume work," she said, pulling down her hem that had almost caught against her hips.

"I have work to do – see you later guys," said Troy.

Molly stood, hands on hips. "I can't believe you two are real."

To Be Continued



Against the Odds Ch. 04



BE PREPARED for a little humor and even satire, sex, romance and obnoxious attitudes. The setting is Clyde, a small city servicing a hinterland of small productive farm units up to large ranches. In pioneering days the Jefferson family arrived first followed shortly by the Elliot's. They cross-married but within this generation the two families divided because of 'the incident'. That centers on the very personable Miss Ellis Jefferson (33), illegitimate daughter of an Elliot. Ellis now a highly successful lawyer and multi-million dollar property owner suspects two uncles are scheming to divest her of her property inheritance. Troy Gardiner her property manager comes up with this theory she'd be kidnapped and held until she breaks down and agrees to sign the properties over her uncles. Ellis is snatched and Troy leads a successful quest to free her that ends well but despite Troy's best efforts the complex Ellis remains somewhat aloof although advancing a little to actually sit on his knee. It's coming closer Troy...

*

Property manager Troy Gardiner arrived at work to find his office administrator Fleur Gekko waiting for him, grim-faced.

He knew not to wise-crack. Her mother could have died or she may have had unprotected sex or it could be something more mundane like...well...perhaps the coffee machine had fused. 

Fleur handed him a folded slip of paper.

"What's this," he said, knowing it was her resignation. It was essential to cut her off at the pass. "Oh, before we look at that I just wanted to say that I am full of admiration for you subdivision design for your new office upstairs. Please print me out a letter of authorization for it to proceed and I'll sign it."

"But you can't have seen it; I only finished it yesterday and it's in my top drawer."

"Oh I wander around at nights and check out things – I opened your drawer to check for drugs and found these fantastic sketches."

"Drugs – me?" Fleur said, bottom lip trembling, knowing she did pop pills but never at work.

"Oh no, you are top of the list of innocents but the search and destroy mission is mandatory for department heads," he lied, yet again. He hadn't a clue what layout an office administrator required so the intelligent thing was to authorize what she'd received.

"Do you fuck?"

"Pardon me?"

"Oh, did I not speak in English. I apologize."

"You did but...this is highly irregular Troy."

Troy pulled out his number two smile – number one was for seductions. "You may have misunderstood me," he said smoothly. "I meant would you like me to fuck you when you are between regular dates. There must be nothing more frustrating for a young woman in her prime, waiting to build up a track record of experience to impress a future husband, only to miss out opportunities to broaden her sexual horizons."

"Broaden her sexual horizons?" Fleur asked, stretching her neck and looking as if she was swaying in front of a snake charmer,

"Oh well, if you're not interested," Troy said, casually scratching the back of his neck and looking out of the window into a ghastly brick wall.

"Not interested?"

"Well, if you are why don't we go our for dinner tomorrow night. Book a place where you like to visit on my credit card and let me know where if you decide you'd like something afterwards. I have in mind something touchy-touchy."

"I ready don't know," she whispered.

"Well, if you decide to proceed could be bring a pack of condoms – a twin-pack should be enough as after all if would be only our first date."

"T-Troy"

"Yes dear."

"C-could you please hand back that slip of paper I handed you."

"Of course, here you are. Oh, by the way. Don't wear panties tomorrow night; it's so much more fun living on the edge."

Troy left his office, Fleur still sitting there was if she lacked the strength to stand up. For heaven's sake, he snorted; the woman was twenty-eight. He wasn't to know Fleur was a modern schizophrenic – meek and sure by day but after dark she turns into a cat – with claws and insatiable tendencies.

Next morning Troy continued his property inspections wishing Kelly was paving the way. She had the principals eating out of her hand and because of that they'd speak charmingly to him but now when he entered alone the head of the tenancies greeted him almost as if he were a pariah crossing their doorstep. At 1:00 he met Molly outside an exclusive restaurant – women were prohibited from entering without being escorted by a gentleman. Molly, of course, couldn't resist a crack at the pedigree of Troy's status of a gentleman.

Molly had said the topic was 'family business' and that's all she would say. They entered and were led to the table of their hosts, Troy smirking because in the tradition of the club Molly was obliged to follow him. He kept waggling two fingers behind his back in an upward position and from two feet away could feel her heating up.

Ellis's mom, Alice Jefferson, the two Ellis brothers and Mitch were there. After drinks were served Mitch said the purpose of the meeting was to come up with a novel way to allow the family to formerly integrate Ellis into their midst. Philip, wheezing, pleaded to everyone not to make him laugh because he had four cracked ribs. At that Molly looked disappointed; well she had thought she'd cracked or sprung five of them.

"I think this is a splendid idea," Troy said. "Please excuse me – I'll take my drink, sit in a corner and think."

After a while when the others had consumed soup and were being served entrée, Mitch whispered to Molly did she think Troy had gone to sleep. She said no, he probably was looking into hotel room windows opposite watching women undress. They laughed, Philip demand to know what the joke was so Molly repeated it. Alice thought that was disgusting, Richard bellowed with laughter followed by Philip whose laughter turned into cries of pain. 

Troy returned to the table and sped through his soup and entrée and had three quick glasses of wine to catch up.

"Well!" wheezed Philip.

"The family seeks the permission of the Mayor and Council for the two families to place a brass plaque into the sidewalk outside City Hall to commemorate the spot – theoretical of course – where in 1888 Irene Elliot stood when she met the gunman she'd hired to rid the community of a family of outlaws terrorizing townspeople and driving settlers off farmland. The name Hurst's should not be noted. The ceremony should be held at 8:00 on a Sunday morning before the town stirs. Perhaps the main thoroughfare could be closed off and those attending the ceremony be invited to attend, with breakfast to be served in the Council reception hall. The Mayor may speak if he wishes but Miss Ellis Jefferson must unveil the memorial and at the breakfast present a short speech about her great-grandmother.

"I want that to happen," said Alice.

"So do I," said Philip; it's a great idea.

"Aye," said Mitch and his Uncle Richard together.

"That is incredibly inspirational Troy," Molly said, wiping her eyes. 

"Thanks Mol – I suggest Molly and Mitch present this concept to Ellis and if she agrees that Molly be appointed honorary organizer with power to co-opt on to her committee," said Troy.

"Damn good idea – no need for a resolution," Philip decreed.

* * *

Ellis knew that something unconnected with the office would be the subject here; it was rare for Molly to invite her somewhere for a drink after work – normally she was rushing to get alongside that husband of hers. With Molly that meant to work alongside him – that was a reprise born out of knowledge rather than romantic notions because when talking about the home front Molly always talked about work, never about sex. Ellis smiled thinking she wasn't even sure if Molly knew about sex.

On the other hand, Ellis knew about sex. Oh to a moderate degree. As her field of friends and associates had widened since she'd returned to Clyde as an experienced law graduate Ellis had become aware she only had to lock her gaze with a male to know she could have him – it he turned away it meant sorry unavailable because I'm married, I'm gay or that's my girlfriend standing right behind you glaring. Even then most of the males who broke eye contact turned away reluctantly, or so she imagined.

Despite being elevated to the A-list as a screw – no-one had told her about that status, a woman just knows – Ellis assumed she indulged in fewer encounters in sexual intercourse than the prim wife of a husband who was forever bone tired and with low libido because he worked ten hours a day on night shift. Some of her friends were at it like rabbits. Her virtual soul-mate Sophie was one – about the only thing they didn't have in common; on the second night without a man in her bed Sophie would begin showing signs of panic and that's why she had been through three divorces; those husbands had been suffering over-use syndrome with their bodies breaking down under the fatigue from pleasuring Sophie. It seemed odd that Troy hadn't wanted to park permanently with Sophie – those two seemed to match perfectly and even seemed to look slightly like rabbits.

About once a month was sufficient for her; she had few excesses.

Molly emerged from the women's restroom scuttling, head down which was an indication she was rehearsed and ready to say her piece.

"Well?" Ellis encouraged as Molly took her seat in front of her concoction that had the horrible fragrance of aniseed. Molly's mouth opened and she began extremely favorably: "I don't quite know how to say this."

That excited Ellis because she knew Molly's techniques from any direction: this was Molly burning with something to divulge and it was big and personal and involved Ellis. This was almost as good for Ellis as having her monthly – her man she meant.

Ellis fired them up with another drink and Molly was away, telling her about the sidewalk plaque. Ellis almost fell off her feet in astonishment; she'd been thinking more or less alongside identical lines but hadn't thought of her giving a formal speech afterwards about her great-gran. This was unbelievable.

"Who attended that luncheon?"

Molly gave her the names.

"My mother as well? That would have placed a dampener on discussion. Who came up with the plaque idea?"

Ellis had difficulty in accepting it was Troy. She imagined he was too busy plundering maidens or racing across the countryside saving them to indulge in anything approaching intelligent thought. She heard the head click as her brain pushed her forward incrementally another step towards commencing a passionate affair with Troy Horatio Gardiner – yes Horatio. Troy had told her both parents were addicted to romantic novels.

"And who was first to swing in behind Troy and his concept?"

"Your mother."

Ellis wondered if she were in danger of dribbling due to her mouth gaping so wide.

"My mother?"

"Your mother."

"Then we'd better proceed hadn't we; I smell reconciliation in the air."

The ease of that acceptance rocked Molly. "But Ellis, I have spent hours preparing my counter-arguments to all the possible objections I anticipated you'd raise; you are consigning them to oblivion, unused."

"Stop complaining darling; you've lured me here and have scored with what you wanted. Come – let's walk along to City Hall and pick out the spot."

They did that in great happiness. In the office car park they kissed and said good night, Molly's pick-up loaded with fencing wire she'd collected during her lunch break.

"Oh Molly?"

"Yep," replied Molly, her right foot already stretched out and in under the steering wheel.

"Invite everyone to wear period dress and I suggest a re-enactment with me as great-gran. You have the brains to figure out who I want to play the gunslinger dressed in black and riding a black horse."

"Philip Elliot," yelled Molly and closed the door laughing as some naughty words were hurled her way. Ohmigod, she thought: the picture she had of Troy dressed in black and riding a black horse almost had her orgasm. Well, she may as well finish it, she thought, burrowing her hand under her hem. 

Ellis drove home doing the same thing. As she climaxed she screamed: "Aren't men in black sexy." So pre-occupied was she by pulling off her soaking panties and thinking that the design of car seats must have been a women because they were so ergonomically suited to female masturbation that she was half-way to her old home before correcting her error. Within three weeks of the night of the snatch she's sold that home and purchased a new one, in the same prestigious area as Sophie. Sophie claimed the area was riddled by gay wives which was brilliant because it meant no shortage of straying husbands. That had appealed to Ellis in deciding to move there because she preferred her once a month man – always a different one – to be in her socio-economic group and to at least have a college degree. She didn't see herself as a snob but believed even in casual sex one ought to maintain standards.

This thing about Troy jumping into her mind when masturbating at nights had worried her at first. He had a college degree and she was paying him a top salary but he seemed...um...well, a little too animalistic for her. Yes, that was it. That girl with the big tits on the TV report of the restaurant shooting – she seemed more of Troy's kind of meat, with as much spare meat sitting on her chest than half of what Ellis had over her entire body. 

The first real shock came when she was a bit over-tired and was on the verge of breaking off and rolling over to go to sleep when the image of Troy jumped into her mind. She pictured herself in her dressing room formally dressed and a foot up on a stool to adjust her stocking around her ankle when she 'appeared' outside of herself and saw Troy come in behind her vacated body, lift her dress up and slide something long and warm into her. She'd blurted into ejaculation so heavily that she'd had to sleep on the other side of the bed. 

She'd now reached the stage where she was thinking about taking Troy to bed – thinking about it too much actually as her nipples began tightening whenever he came close to her at the office. That in itself was surprising as nobody but nobody had ever managed to do that. Yes, it did seem that Ellis Irene Jefferson – oh yes, named in the middle after her great-gran – had become sexually connected in spirit and against her will with Troy. Oh dear, she yawned when coming to that conclusion and had a great sleep.

* * *

Troy stopped outside Fleur's apartment building right on the dot but it was another ten minutes before she appeared. She then stood waiting inside the glass doors, having waved and now looking at him.

Oh fuck, he snorted. She'd play Ginger Rogers and Freddie boy has to go and fetch her and open the vehicle door for her. Ah well, sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. He smiled as he walking into the building and she smiled and said, "How do you do?"

"Very well thank you. You look lovely."

Actually she did and she had great tits. The clothes she wore at the office he meant he couldn't be sure. Her hair was auburn and yet her lacy dress – what there was of it – was rust color; he would have thought the color match was disastrous and yet she'd seemed to have pulled it off, Her skin was white and looked flawless.

They were led to their table – an elevated on at the windows. People who booked these tables were expected to tip at least the cost of their bill. Lady, you have class he grinned, noticing everyone was looking at her and presumably wondering who the ravishing chick was with the guy in the white suit.

"Everyone was looking at us," Fleur said, replying to his toast with her flute. "I am so honored being with someone like you. You do look so handsome in that white suit."

Troy squirmed thinking it might be better than her didn't fuck her; she was showing signs of being a clinger.

"It's lovely being here with you. But look, Fleur I have to say..."

"That this won't be a regular thing? I understand. I'm twenty-eight and didn't drop on the last shower. I've heard the girls talking. Everyone knows you have Miss Jefferson in your sights and that she wasn't interested but is now but has yet to make up her mind finally."

"What? That's scuttle bug."

"Is it? I've seen her in our office looking at you when you've been reading something she's handed to you. She doesn't look at you with lust but it's not disinterest either. It's reflective."

"Reflective?"

"Yes. I suspect she can't make up her mind about you but her pussy has."

"Fleur!"

Fleur realized a couple of people on nearby tables had turned to look at her. She didn't blush but simply ran her foot up the inside of Troy's leg, having the nous to take her shoe off in case it marked his white trousers.

"If you want to only do it once with me to find out what I'm like, then that's okay. I have three male friends on tap – two of them are eligible."

Horrified, Troy watched an older, beautifully presented woman on the lower level alongside them smile and raise her glass to Fleur and Fleur acknowledged. The women's husband or partner continued slurping soup.

"Am I speaking a little loud for you?"

Troy nodded like a puppy.

"Learn to live a little dangerously," Fleur told him.

They entered Fleur's bedroom. The lighting was an eerie blue with green and red flashing projections crossing the ceiling intermittently.

"One of my boyfriends is a lighting design engineer."

The entire room seemed to be pulsating just a tad – not unnervingly so – with music, mostly bass, unrecognizable to Troy. The musicality seemed to improve as they walked to the circular bed in the middle of the room.

"The sound is the work of a boyfriend who is a sound design engineer?"

"She giggled. I do recognize you are surprisingly intelligence although slightly off-center but there's no need to flaunt it here. The whole wall to your left is the left speaker and the opposite wall is the right speaker, adjusted to mix the music at optimum setting right over these pillows."

"Is the bed fitting electronically to syncopate with the activity going on above it?"

"That's a great thought – what kind of engineer would I need to find to achieve that?"

"Come here," Troy requested, growling like a tiger.

Fleur raised an eyebrow as if to stifle a yawn and did as requested.

The tits popped out as he lifted away her dress; beautiful. She lifted one to his mouth and he sucked as if it were his first ever. He then looked down and saw only self-supporting stockings. So she had not worn knickers. She caught the direction of his gaze and said, "No knickers – there never are when I go out socially. When dancing I wear a female condom and have scored a few on the dance floor."

Placing Fleur on the bed Troy checked out the pussy – the vulva was completely shaven and to his satisfaction looked healthy. As he dropped his trousers – no underpants – and folded them over his jacket on the chair he said, "Nice Tat."

"Are you really sure you like it," he giggled, patting the tat on her lower belly of a fire engine bursting through flames.

She was so powerful for such a slim woman, so athletic and insatiable that by 2:30 Troy was exhausted. He just had to leave, he sighed otherwise there was a risk he'd be carried out in a stretcher. He was so disappointed in himself.

Fleur stood at the open door, nude, and kissed him goodbye. "We don't have to do this again – unless you really want to."

He lurched off to the elevator as the door closed behind him knowing he'd just been told, in the nicest way possible, that he wasn't up to her standard. In despair and yawning heavily, Troy wondered if he'd ever be able to achieve an erection again; the poor guy would feel humiliated.

* * *





Against the Odds Ch. 04



These days Troy was being called to admin meetings because he was an ideas person. On this occasion he was in a lounge chair seated opposite Ellis and Molly on the leather sofa. Molly was in a pin-stripe trouser suit so had no problem with the slope of the seat but Ellis did, dressed in a short green leather skirt which she kept tugging down. Eventually every time she tugged at it she noticed Troy's eyes were on her hands. She felt in a playful mood so decided to play.

As the meeting droned on she parted her knees gradually until...bingo. Troy's eyes were now up her skirt – probably with an uninterrupted view of her orange thong. Before too long she felt slightly uncomfortable in her bra until realizing her breasts had swelled a little because she was aroused. Yes, she looked down and had no problem seeing her nipples – not embarrassingly pointy, but she could see them. Eventually Molly called for a coffee break and said it was Troy's turn to place the order. As he went out to brief one of the receptionists Molly said, "What's wrong with Troy – he started off as normal but now he's loosing his train of thought and even stuttering?"

"I have no idea," Ellis said, clamping her knees together. "Perhaps he had a late night."

The meeting resumed with Troy back to normal. "The coffee has fixed the problem," Molly whispered to Ellis, winking. Ellis now found she was the right size for her bra.

The meeting finished with a great finale. There was a squeeze on accommodation with another lawyer being hired because of business growth driven by more of Ellis' relatives switching to Jefferson at Law including Philip and Richard.

"Put your two lawyers dealing with property law and their support staff up with me," Troy suggested. "You two are making a mistake of squeezing space on this floor in an attempt to keep everything compact and orderly but that is faulty administration. Either expand upwards, shift some people out to a new location, relocate everyone or expand vertically – any of those are options, but this relentless squeeze to keep everyone on this floor except me must stop. Oh – another option is to cut back on clients."

"He's right," Molly sighed.

"Yes, we're converting from a family law firm into a corporate embryo without realizing it or more likely choosing to ignore it. Do it Molly and thank you for your insight Troy. By the way I suggest you butter up your banker Troy. I'm thinking of offering you a partnership. We'll talk about it in a few days. You'll catch a fly leaving your mouth open like that Molly – do you want to buy in as well?"

"No, you know we are saving to buy a bigger ranch, It's just that this came as a bit of a surprise – I thought you had gone off the idea."

"Never – it was just gestating. Every day Troy sounds more like a partner, don't you sweetie."

"If you say so boss. I'm overwhelmed."

"I bet nothing like I felt when I saw you going for Ape Man in that shaft."

Troy frowned and said, "Make a business decision without undue emotion boss."

That was a valid point, undeniably. Molly raised her eyebrows at Ellis and they exchanged wee smiles.

They left the office in a file, Molly leading. Ellis who wanted to see someone followed Troy and without thinking – as unlikely as that seemed – lightly ran a hand down the side of his butt thinking, nice butt and then drawing her hand away as if she'd been burnt. Whatever are you doing girl, she fumed. She was relieved that Troy had the grace to pretend nothing had happened.

Throughout the day Ellis felt edgy and knew what it was – a three-letter word ending in 'x' she kidded herself, attempting to confuse the situation. Damn, she needed a bigger bra. She yearned for a solution but didn't expect to loom so quickly. That afternoon she and Molly were going through the professional file looking for training opportunities.

"Oh look," Molly said. "A two-day seminar on 'Trends in Small City Property Investment & Management' at Fort Duncan. Should we send Troy – it would indicate to him he's valued?"

"Yes, do that but clear it with him first."

They worked through file and then Molly brought up the question of the squeeze on vehicle parking.

"Buy the building next to us and have the two basements connected."

"But that building is twice the size of ours."

"Molly, since when has size been a disadvantage?"

After the giggling stopped Molly asked did Ellis mean as a property investment.

"Yes, I already hold a forty percent interest through my power of attorney. Have one of your commercial real estate buddies open negotiations or you initiate talks."

"Me? But I..."

"Take Troy with you and tell him to really earn his keep."

Fifteen minutes later they were done. As Molly lugged out the files and her notepad and had just managed to open the door Ellis called out, not looking up, "If Troy is going to that seminar book me in as well; I may learn something."

Molly left the office looking as if she'd just been given a gold watch. At last the boss had decided to become a woman instead of a work-focused office quasi-virgin.

* * *

Up on the next floor Troy was seeking self-enlightenment on one of the mysteries of life – sex accessible women. To his knowledge no mother tutored in the subject, nor did educationists or all the heaps of other know-alls in society attempting to impart their knowledge – fee-free. Obviously a guy was expected to find out by trial and error and that was pretty tough on guys who where shy although he excluded himself from that inhibition.

He knew his powerful and sex-looking motor-cycle could draw more potential fucks around it than he could handle. He'd now learned that having a fairly high profile, good job and smooth looking SUV prompted some babes to stand up and push their hips forward, hoping to catch his eye. Then some babes were unfathomable. 

Take two – Ellis and Fleur; both were in the running for the most unpredictable babes he'd ever met. Here was Ellis, giving him a cold look whenever he was thinking sex and looking at her. He'd reasonably expect her to reward him with a night of full-on sex after he'd engineered her rescue and swatted the brute threatening that rescue, but no – she'd delivered him to her over-sexed buddy Sophie. Then this morning he knew she was playing him as if trying to hook a fish. Her legs opened up – deliberately, there was no question – until her thong came into view. Orange, for heaven's sake and he half-expected her to pull it aside to allow her pinkie to wink at him. As for feeling her hand skim down his butt as they emerged from her office he wasn't even going to think about that; she must have been momentarily out of her mind.

Fleur had him completely flummoxed. At first she presented as a near virgin and then nothing short of a tramp – randomly fucking on dance floors for goodness sake or so she claimed. But emerging through the confusion she cast he realized she was more vamp than tramp and had a sophistication in sexuality he'd never encountered before. She outclassed him in that and physically had made him feel like a pimply-face snap-ejaculation student. He'd slunk to work that morning thinking she's greet him with a curled lip but instead she stood beside him, squeezed his arm and patted his hand saying, "I like you being near me – you have a sense of style and solidarity I rarely find in a man; you represent the category of man than girls marry."

Clearly it had been a compliment – of sorts. Whether it fitted his ego Ellis wasn't quite sure but when he re-appeared from the meeting her eyes lit up making him realize she really did enjoy his company. Well, it wasn't necessary to rationalize why except he was appalled to think she might regard him as a father figure. If she was lonely – in her social life being hailed as a resplendent butterfly – then the sooner they shifted upstairs and piled in people the better it would be for her.

He walked upstairs and watched the project manager scowl as he approached. She'd be thinking here comes more whip-cracking and/or complaints. It was a major renovation with considerable steelwork going in as he'd wanted walls out because he favored open-plan layout in administration, principally because everyone knew what was going on.

Hazel (oh dear, had mom been pissed when picking names?) greeted him warmly which made him suspicious – had there been a construction fuck-up?

"I'm bored – this project is going like clockwork. If this is only a courtesy call and you have no demands or complaints, would you like a wee play?"

Few times in his life had Troy being asked so directly; women seemed to falter at the last moment as if it wasn't in their nature to be blunt. It did seem that the modern business woman was becoming more direct so perhaps asking for it was the direction of yet another trend.

"Um," Troy said.

"Oh darling," how intelligent of you, Hazel teased, pushing back on to him. The office was really a telephone booth so she could make calls despite the noise around her. "The guys are working two partitions beyond us and I've just returned from an inspection. We should be vigilant though – that's my security monitor for the stairs and elevator so no-one can come up behind us without my noticing. Do you like smallish breasts – unbutton me and decide."

"Later," Troy said, sitting on the floor under her and Hazel pulled up her skirt in anticipation. Troy rather liked licking pussy when the woman was standing because he caught all the dripping; the position made it easy to rim the butt but he didn't insert a finger unless he really knew the woman – or received a request. He'd scarcely started when she was banging back at him in frenzy and came like a tidal wave.

"Gawd, how did you do that?" she marveled, pushing a hand towel down to him. "Oh what a beautiful lady," cooed Troy as he fluttered a finger around her butt hole and received another smaller drenching.

"Oh Gawd," she gasped.

Troy was deliriously happy, being with a woman who thought he was sexually magnificent. He thought his smile would probably stay with him all day.

They did it doggy; that allowed her to keep an eye on the monitor by holding her head in that direction, while Troy stared ahead down to where any of the workmen could appear. She liked that as well, wondering if she'd have the strength to walk. She was so brilliant at ego stroking – a natural thought Troy. 

After pulling off the condom Troy asked, "Where do I put this?"

"Give it to me, I'm talking it home as a trophy," she giggled, putting it into an envelope to toss in the bin. Troy thought that sounded so cute he suggested they go again but she bailed out. "Honestly, my legs are gone on me."

"I'll zip up and hop down and fetch you a sugared coffee and a sugar bun from our staff room," Troy said gallantly. As he did that for the grateful Hazel he thought everyone should always be rewarded for great effort; Hazel had been brilliant in restoring his confidence.

Troy returned with the refreshments including a coffee for him and remained chatting unaware of the real estate sales maximum: 'You have to be talking to people to make something happen'.

Troy: Where do you do when this contract if finished?

Hazel: I don't know. Perhaps I should go and find a husband – my last divorced me so he could spend all his time fishing. New contracts are pretty tight at the moment. Perhaps I might have to go back into design.

Troy: What, in design?

Hazel: I hope not, my masters is in civil engineering structures.

Troy: What, you are a qualified construction engineer?

Hazel: Yes, registered and currently certificated in several disciplines.

Troy: When you are coming out of this contract we should talk. My department needs a design engineer to work in design aspects and to conduct and manage inspections.

Hazel: You are kidding.

Troy: No, but the possibility of an appointment would come with no strings attached: I have my own agenda.

Hazel: Understood lovely boy; I look forward to being presented with an offer. This is so fantastically opportune for me; you won't regret placing your confidence in me.

A couple of weeks later Paul Denzel walked into the foyer of Jefferson at Law in police uniform.

"Mr Gardiner please."

The two receptionists looked shaken but called Troy to reception. He arrived and to the dismay of the receptionists held out his wrists and invited, "Arrest me officer."

Paul laughed and said, "Buddy, I'm being presented with me medal on Friday at a special parade for quite a few of us performing exemplary duty. Seating is at a premium so I have only one spare ticket for you – sorry. But afterwards at 4:30 Duane and his moneyed parents are putting on a cook-out for me at his parent's home and I would be honored if you and your partner would attend as my guests."

"Sure thing buddy. Mind the sergeant pinning on the medal doesn't stick it through your inflated chest."

"The Lieutenant-Government will be making the awards – it's a full dress parade," Paul said somewhat stiffly and Troy hastily patted him on the back and said, "It's what you deserve buddy, it's what you deserve." Paul left a very happy man.

Ellis looked critically at the fingernails of her left hand and blew on them. "A cook-out – you're asking me out on a date?"

"You heard; it you don't want to go stuff it. Sorry I asked," Troy said, barging towards the door shoulders hunch. Anyone about to enter was a potential hospital injury victim.

"I haven't declined - yet," he heard as he was about to crash through the door so skidded to a halt.

"What?"

"I wouldn't care to go over-dressed or under-dressed. Are you able to investigate and advise?"

Troy was still whipped up so said, "Fuck what the others are wearing – wear a cross-over tied bright red dress, your hair piled up and looking dangerous."

"Troy, is that you? I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. It's almost avant gard although a little out of date perhaps."

"Paul saved me from being pumped full of lead. You of anyone should know what that means to me."

"Oh God, Troy – I'm sorry. How could I be so base? I'm mortified by my flippancy. Of course I'll go with you; what shade of red would you prefer?"

Troy and Ellis were late arriving. A steel beam being delivered to their work site had slipped from its sling from the crane and tumbled on to the street – demolishing three vehicles and scouring into the pavement but fortunately no-one was hurt. Three irritate vehicle owners looking for someone's scalp had honed in on Ellis who called Troy to defend her. Fortunately for Troy the belligerent damaged vehicle owners were all women.

The Lieutenant-Governor had just finished his impromptu speech when into the courtyard arm-in-arm walked Troy and Ellis. Everyone else was togged up in western gear but Ellis was in her new red gown – just a fold of material, really – with two matching died ostrich feathers in a head band and Troy was in his freshly laundered white suit presented quite a picture.

"Oh my God – Princess Grace and Steven Seagal," shrieked the Lieutenant-Governor's wife who was addicted to romance novels and film re-runs and, of course, was already drunk or drugged. The crowed seemed to know she was on something but got the picture. Paul pulled his wife Julie to his side and Duane and Kathie joined them. "Come and meet our distinguished guests buddy. Everyone, this is the civilian who showed courage under fire in the restaurant, Troy Gardiner, and the wealthiest woman in our community, Miss Ellis Jefferson. Boy, have anyone of you ever seen a couple made for each other."

"Oh God," Ellis whispered to Troy as the TV camera lights switched back on. I should have worn panties – all the women watching with this strong illumination will be looking for panty line."

Troy found the Lieutenant-Governor interesting because he owned seven motor-bikes, none of them Harleys and found his wife a lush. Ellis decided the Lieutenant-Governor a bore and his wife a lush but her find of the evening was Daisy – er, Megan – who revealed she was doing a distant university three-year degree on the internet on restaurant management and marketing and would complete it before the end of the year.

Three hours later after everyone had gone Duane said to Troy – "That big fellow was after you Troy, he never looked at me but the security camera gave the impression he was looking at both of us."

"Come on girls," Ellis said jumping up, "I'll help you clear away."

"Duane has talked to me often about this," Paul said, as the three of them watched the swaying asses of the women as they walked away.

"The truth?" Troy asked, anticipating Ellis had hurried the two other women away for that reason.

"I'd like that," said Duane.

"And me," Paul said.

"Off the record?"

"Guaranteed," they said in unison.

So while the women cleared away the men drank beer and Troy told them the whole story.

"Jesus," said Duane.

"Ditto," said Paul.

The women appeared with another round of coffee and the two police officers jumped to their feet and embraced Ellis. She glanced at Troy and knew what this was about.

"You're one hell of a lady," Paul said, and still she didn't buckle.

"With courage like that you should be in the police force," said Duane and at that Ellis burst into the tears. The other two women held her and cried with her not knowing why they were crying but apparently they were content as if it was the right thing to do.

"I'm pleased as fuck Troy you're not heading a crime ring," said Paul.

"Amen," said Duane. "Another beer guys?"

As Troy drove Ellis home she said she thought if she took the two wives away Troy would feel he had permission to tell the story.

"Yes, it was a magnificent gesture; after all both risks their lives for me."

"On the other hand it was a pointless gesture if they are bound to tell no-one," she said. "Except."

"Except what?"

"That you three guys are now truly bonded. I like seeing that in men – women find it so easy. But isn't Duane mad at your, putting him at such grave risk?"

"No, he's always intended going for his gun as soon as the shotgun began to lift; now he knows I was the target so reasons he could have fired into Bute at will and without risk; he told me he rather liked the first option – his first real test to see just how good he was."

"Oh you men, you're nothing but boys," Ellis snapped. "Couldn't you see both wives are pregnant?"

"Pregnant, how did you figure that out?"

"Owwwwwww!"

At the front door Troy kissed Ellis goodnight. She kept on kissing him so he placed a hand on her breast, and it was allowed to rest. When they broke for air she asked, "Are you coming in?"

"No, Molly advised me you are booked in to the seminar with me so I think I would prefer to start at the beginning and see how we go."

"I'll look forward to that. Good night. Oh, just one more kiss please. By the way, I want you to ride in at the ceremony as the gunslinger."

"I thought as much. Good night ma'am."

* * *

Mitch's wife Gabriel met Troy at the door and reached up and pulled him down and kissed him. "Ah the hero."

"Without Mitch we wouldn't have made it."

"Oh hello Bashful. You're the type who would have gone through hell and high water to get your lady and to place into coffins those who wronged her."

"Do you read romantic novels?"

"Yes, and Westerns. What of it?"

"Nothing really, Gabriel. Where's the boy?"

"Out there attempting to bring in a nag for you, only it's so stubborn it won't come alone. It tried to tell him but you know how men are."

"No?"

"They won't listen. It will be lunch time before he gotten that mare down here."

"Mare? I'm not riding a mare – too small."

"Listen buster, this is a ranch – the real horses are for ranch-hands not weekend cowboys like you."




Against the Odds Ch. 04



"Where are a rope, bridle and ATV?"

"Take mine, it's outside the back door. Ropes and bridles are in the tack room on the side of the barn. The ponies are thataway – real horses are thataway. But no way are you as a greenhorn going to rope anything on an ATV."

Twenty minutes later Mitch arrived towing a light open horse float behind his ATV, looking sweaty, dusty and very angry.

"This fucking mare – had I had a gun I would have shot her."

"A typical male outcome – blame the horse."

"You stay out of this."

"You invited me in."

"I...oh sorry sweetie. This whole thing has the makings of a disaster. TV now wants lives coverage. A dude attempting to play gunslinger."

"Give him credit you idiot – look what he went through with you and Molly. In fact if it hadn't been for him Ellis would have been in real crap. They guy is better than what he seems, give him credit."

"Have you gone soft on him?"

"I only met half an hour ago. Oh, here he comes with...oh shit... Midnight."

"Oh fuck, why did he have to pick him?"

"Because he's the outstanding horse we have. I told you he's no chump."

"Well how could he rope Midnight from an ATV?"

"He went up to him with a lump of sugar and dropped the loop over his head. Do you think that's feasible?"

":No."

"Then look at the sweat on Midnight. He's been chased for miles until Cowboy here stood up with his knees against the handlebars and roped Midnight."

"But that takes experts to do that."

"This is tedious Mitch. Acknowledge him – he is an expert and would ride the ass off you and me."

"Assholes and babies' dummies."

"I have fifty that says he will."

"That's like offering me a donation."

After lunch they set off on a three mile race around the rim of a massive sink hole, the idea being the first there would prepare a fire a light it and heat the coffee pot.

Mitch warned Troy not to be aware of the treacherous rim face and watched as Troy disappeared down the face, Mitch rode on grimly. 

Gabriel being lighter and on a slightly better horse – no way would he admit she was the better rider – arrived before him at the shack, smoke already coming on the rusty chimney and as Mitch arrived Gabriel was hugging and kissing the general.

"Sorry – I cheated," Troy said grinning. "I'd sized up the horse and knew he could do it. On Sundays in South Africa we used to ride down almost vertical faces – this one was a piece of cheese cake in comparison."

"A piece of cheese cake," muttered Mitch, digging out fifty bucks to place on to the outstretched hand of his wife.

Gabriel spend all the break hunched up against Troy and laughing at every fool thing he said, making Mitch uncharacteristically jealous but then again he'd never seen Gabriel relating to another man like this. He surrendered and told Gabriel that when he and Molly were on the mission they had dubbed Troy the general as a sarcastic rebuke because he seemed to be floundering, but when the time came for covert action they had choked on their ridiculing because Troy went into action looking like Steven Seagal about to take apart a foreign military force: he was just so incredibly awesome.

When the stood up Gabriel stood beside Mitch and place an arm around his waist, possessively he thought. Now in a happier mood Mitch suggested they amble back and race the last four hundred.

Gabriel cheated and stole a fifteen yard start. Troy whooped and went after her, snatching her from her saddle. He would up Midnight really well but Mitch triumphed by almost ten yards.

"Hey guys, that was some rider he puffed, looking at the flamed cheeks of his wife and knowing what she was wanting."

"Say general, take the three horses on a circuit to cool them down and unsaddle them at the tack room. Leave everything on the floor and I'll sort it out later."

Troy took a very long time and when he arrived in for pre-dinner drinks Gabriel was in a dress, flower in her hair and looking very happy indeed. She was beautiful as a hostess.

As Troy was about to leave Mitch leaned through the open window of the SUV. "You'll need to ride Midnight hard before you ride him quietly through the city."

"Yeah – he's one powerful horse."

"So true. Dad has a full length black leather coat and Uncle Richard has a black Stetson. I'll borrow them."

"That's okay providing you tell them it's for me."

"They have been burning up inside, ashamed of themselves. They'll bear you no ill-will but all the same I'll tell them. Are you going to marry Ellis."

"Yes."

"Thought so. Gabriel is smitten by you."

"She's out of bounds."

"Thanks general. Drive safely."

* * *

The next morning there was gloom throughout the office – two of the senior lawyers had lost a high-profile child custody case through no fault of their own as the mother had lied, even to them, and denied she had a drug problem but the other side produce inconvertible proof to reveal that she had, including testimony from unshakable witnesses including two drug counselors. Ellis herself had lost a tax case in negotiations with the authorities for a prominent citizen who'd promised he'd transfer all his business to her if she won the case for him. During the depth of her despair at the executive conference next morning Troy attempted to suggest that perhaps that what not the right sort of client to welcome aboard but was promptly told that sort of comment was inappropriate.

"Understood, I'll empty the trash cans he muttered and received a bevy of black looks.

An hour later Troy was wandering the main thoroughfare wonder where to have lunch when he spotted Ellis' mother ahead of him. Ah, the chance to do good.

"Mrs Jefferson, hello – I'm one of your daughter's co-workers, Troy Gardiner."

"Which daughter?"

"Ellis."

"Do I have a daughter named Ellis?"

"Indeed you do. She is a lawyer."

"Oh, that one. Why didn't you say?"

Troy thought the old dear had lost her marbles so he performed rudimentary tests."

"What time is it Mrs Jefferson."

"You have the watch – look at it."

"What is the date Mrs Jefferson."

"God you're stupid. Please leave me alone," she snorted and crossed the street.

"Oh hello – frightening off old ladies," giggled Molly.

At last Troy felt the world was regaining its property tilt. Molly was intelligent, Molly was sane. He hoped Molly was the pillar he needed.

They talked as they walked and she suggested the drop in to a pizza bar.

"Pizza is fattening." Mrs Jefferson was right; he really was stupid.

"I'll let that one go. There's something I need to tell someone; you are not the right person but you'll have to do."

Oh great Molly, thank you, thank you Troy groaned internally.

"I'm pregnant," she wailed, loud enough for half the restaurant to hear.

"You can't blame me," Troy shouted before remembering to keep his voice down.

"Of course not – oh, you're such a fool. Don't you think I'd remember you shafting me?"

Troy decided to ignore everyone around them holding pizza with open but unfilled mouths, looking as if they were frozen in time.

"My over-sexed husband has made me pregnant," she hissed.

"Are you delighted?"

Troy realized that was perhaps inappropriate when he saw Molly flexing both hands in a strangulation grip.

"I'm really as mad as a meat axe Molly."

"That confession is the only sensible thing I've heard you say all day," she said, smiling through tears. Troy decided to shut his mouth while he was ahead.

"We had wanted to upgrade from a farm to a small ranch, hoping to reduce our workload," she said. "The arrival of the baby will set up back five years."

"Take out a loan, sell and buy wisely, and ask Ellis is act as guarantor."

"What?"

"Take out a loan..."

"Shut up, I heard you the first time. Do you think she'd do that?"

"For you Molly, yes providing she was adequately covered for risk. For me, I don't thing so."

"I'll accept that distraction – she does have a reputation for making sound decisions."

"Thank you Molly."

Molly and Troy returned to the office and both feeling depressed; it had not been a great day for either of them. They went in to see Ellis. Molly had agreed that Troy should open negotiations on her behalf because she was so pent up she'd likely to be too upfront.

"Molly is pregnant and needs you to back her bank loan for $500,000,"

"Who said $500,000," Molly shouted.

"I did – it's a ballpark figure."

"Oh Molly, pregnant," Ellis said running round her desk to kiss and hug Molly. You must be ecstatic."

Molly responded by bursting into tears.

"I'll act as guarantor on any reasonable figure you require," Ellis said.

"You will?"

"Yes, of course, you are my friend."

"B-but I don't want you helping me out."

"Yes you do Molly; you're just a little distraught."

"Shut up Troy."

"Yes shut up Troy," echoed Molly.

Ellis advised Molly to commission an appraisal on the McGeorge ranch "Mr and Mrs McGeorge are involved in a matter I cannot discuss with you but I can suggest that the outcome means they will no longer require their ranch. They have had a water supply problem but because they have built up a litany of disagreements with their neighbor Philip Elliot and family they have been unable to secure a water supply agreement. I could negotiate a supply at reasonable cost once you secured the sale; at present it is best to leave the supply unresolved."

"That's a risk but in my opinion it favors our side Molly," smiled Ellis. "Philip Elliot is attempting to claw back his reputation as a model citizen. Say no more."

Molly threw herself into Ellis's arms and thanked her for finding the possible solution.

Troy left the room feeling slight punch drunk. "What was my role in that outcome?" he said. "Say no more." 

TO BE CONTINUED



Against the Odds Ch. 05



THE FINAL: Successful small-city lawyer Ellis Jefferson (33), the illegitimate daughter of an Elliot, is unloved by many people in either family inherits a huge amount of property in the city with more to come from her great-uncle. She brings in man, Troy Gardiner, a graduate from her old university just back form seven years in South Africa, to consolidate her property interests and manage them. Ellis is kidnapped and Troy and two useful buddies set out to find Ellis and bring her and the two opportunists who have conspired to shed their niece of her property assets to face family justice. Troy has learned a great deal about women and how complex they are and he finds he is looking beyond easy women to Ellis and she is beginning to show signs of interest in him at last. A Settlers Memorial Day is planned to commemorate the role Ellis's great-grandmother accepted one hundred years ago to rid the local territory of evil. Ellis is the play the role of her great-grandmother at the ceremony and there's a role for Troy as the gunslinger in black.

* 

On the eve of leaving for his two-day seminar plus two rest days Troy Gardiner was sexually knee-capped when his boss Ellis Jefferson phoned and said she'd been called upstate to defend a client facing a trumped-up serious charge. Troy had been sure Ellis was about to commence a relationship with him; this had been the opportunity but now the whole feeling of eclectic anticipation had been deflated. She had apologized but hadn't seemed too fussed and said she'd cancelled her room at the seminar venue.

Troy had gone two weeks without a woman and felt capable of blasting through a brick wall. But his mind was on Ellis so he didn't go off seeking an alternative.

Fort Duncan was a really lovely city and some of the wives of delegates looked rather noticeable but he decided to dedicate himself to learning something or reinforcing knowledge and values which, he grumpily supposed, was the point of a seminar.

At 5:10 he trudged back to his room to prepare for the cocktail party and to do a bit of shoulder-rubbing. As soon as he opened the door he smelled HER perfume. His heart leapt and he looked in the bathroom and under the bed but couldn't find her. He spied a note on the mirror: 'Gone walking as it's a beautiful little city. Court proceedings against my clients tossed out; ruled they had no case to answer. I'm all ready to walk over to the cocktail party with you. Are we going to be naughty in this room tonight? XXX'

Troy cut his face twice shaving and banged his forehead on the shower door when chasing the soap that went skidding across the bathroom floor – but he remained happy, elated in fact. He emptied out her bags and tidied everything away and placed the huge pack of condoms under her pillow and put her viabrator in the bathroom as he didn't fancy being kept awake with her noisily enjoying that; only later did it occur to him she might be planning to use it on him.

At 5:50 Troy stopped his pacing and faced the door as he heard the key turn in the lock. She stepped into the room with a devastatingly heart-jerking smile.

"Ellis," he chocked.

"Troy," she grinned, opening her lips. "Don't be shy – come and hug me and feel my heart beating."

They pressed against each other and kissed her lips soft and sweet and he hoped his felt similar. She pulled his hand over her right breast; he felt the heart-beat but his interest was split between that and the nipple – it was like a steel reinforcing rod.

"I have my admission ticket to the function," she said. "Do you have yours?"

"Oh yes," he said and she giggled asking him not to mess her up. "Well not yet," she added.

He was wearing his white suit and she was in something flimsy black that would get her arrested out on the street. He could see the nipples and couldn't see any panty line – what he had to escort to a cocktail party half-filled with randy males was a sex time-bomb. He resolved to behave in a soft and non-lethal manner at any guys who attempted a hit on her.

"Soft and non-lethal, soft and non-lethal," he chanted softly.

"Is that a new brand of condom?" she giggled and he loved her for her humor. They walked under an arcade of flowers he said "Pretty" and she sounded surprised and said, "You noticed?"

The were pulled into a group immediately, many people recognizing her and no-one recognizing him which was scarcely surprising but Ellis wasn't working in the property industry. Then he remembered - of course, her pretty face and body on the front page of 'Property Management for Professionals' magazine under the heading, 'Thanks Grandma'.

When Troy returned with a new beer he saw a fat slob had button-holed Ellis and was telling her how he could manage her properties like playing a violin. Troy said to a little woman and pointing to fat guts, "Excuse me, do you know him?"

"Yes, he's my husband Harold Lynch."

Troy ducked around the corner and announced in a deep voice, "Would Harold Lynch please contact management; his vehicle is being towed away."

Harold Lynch came running past protesting, "But I don't have a car here; my wife and I arrived by aircraft."

Troy found Ellis and Mrs Lynch chatting away happily so studied shoes; he felt it improper to stare at tits when here he was trying to make a big impression on Ellis.

"Hello, I'm Maud Nelson, national president. Are you are one of my smaller members?"

"I suppose so Maud. I'm Troy. You have great shoes – Chinese?"

"Yes, well how astonishing. I've never had a man comment on my shoes before. They usually...well it doesn't matter. You came in with the beautiful Ellis Jefferson I noticed."

"Yes."

"Well, that tells me a lot. I suppose you look after a few of her properties."

"Yes."

"Well that tells me a lot. How many of them?"

"All forty-three."

"Christ not only is she the largest property owner here but you manage the largest single property portfolio and probably the largest number of multi-portfolio managements."

"Do I?"

"Well that tells me a lot. What are your priorities?"

"My motto is a one-liner: 'Happy Tenants Pay Higher Rentals.'

"B-but Troy, you can't declare that: it's blatantly honest."

"Miss Jefferson came up with the one-liner, "Tenants are basically crooked but We Adjust Their Thinking as Perfect Landlords' but I canned that one because it seemed to send a confused message. Miss Jefferson wears black to project the image of the evil landlord and I wear white to indicate to tenants I'm on their side," invented Troy, greatly amusing himself." 

The president said to him, "Please excuse me – I find this most novel and interesting."

Troy was reunited with Ellis, peering to see what the status of her nipples was when Mrs Maud Nelson came over and introduced herself to Ellis. 

"My Dears, I have arranged for you two to sit on either side of me for dinner. Our guest speaker the eminent architect Zac B. Ford was to present the same after dinner address he presented the year before last; he has agreed to stand aside in return for a continuous supply of champagne to allow you two to combine to deliver the address. Come to the table when you're ready – we are due to start in ten minutes."

"But why is she doing this to us?" Ellis cried. "Neither of us is an after-dinner speaker of note."

"I reckon she must have mistaken us for an eminent couple," Troy said. "Still you talk about how your crapped yourself when landed with forty-three properties overnight and how you came to recruit me and I'll talk about my impressions and philosophies and how I operate."

"Well, perhaps we'll muddle through. Drink up darling; I'll think we'll need it."

Troy pulled the little wisp of black over Ellis's head and there is was, all waiting for him. She looked so lovely.

He began by hitting top in romantic voice: "You look so adorable; it seems a crime to touch any exquisite part I see paraded before me."

"If you don't touch something right now I chop something off with an axe – my body is screaming for it."

"Here take this," Troy said manfully, placing his pride and glory in her hand.

"Ohmigod, I'll have to grow some more before I can reasonably handle this," she cooed. "Please sir, may I sit on it?"

"Yes little darling – proceed quickly as I don't want you suffering speed burn which will start happening very soon unless you push biggie-dickey into your squishy-icky right now."

"There – how's that?"

"I've died and gone to heaven," Troy sighed, biting a ramrod nipple.

"Ouch!" she cried, delivering an excess of lube in three powerful shudders. 

"I'm sure I've not had sex before," Ellis trilled. "It's never been like this."

Of course it wasn't dream sex – they'd had too much wine and were much too eager to play each other to slow, erotic and fluttering climaxes that true lovers enjoy as they melt into each other's sexual organs. That requires them to be encased in a romantic aura and they had yet to take themselves to that level but that ascent was only a few hours away. Ascent would come later for Troy because he had attuned himself to sex short on feeling and such insensitive inter-connection rather blunts the ability to have it all.

Almost seven hours later with sunlight filtering into their room Ellis opened her eyes slowly and feeling she was being watched.

Here eyes met Troy's,

"Hello," she murmured, stretching and feeling her heart soar. He was dressed in the conference T-shirt and grey shorts and sandals; it was a resort conference and no dress code applied except for the cocktail party and tonight's dinner. 

But it didn't matter whether he was dressed or not – what captured her like an opossum in the headlights of an on-rushing car were his eyes. They were wide-open and soft and staring; Ellis had the feeling she was looking right into him and an incredible feeling filtered through her chest. As peculiar as it might sound she didn't know what that sensation was and yet sensed what it was: it was her soul coming to rest for the first time in her troubled life. 

No-one but no-one had ever looked at her like that before – not even within her earliest memory had her mother had that look of such intensity. She didn't hear celestial angels singing but could now understand how people were able to claim such a thing. The feeling was but a moment in time; it couldn't last, she knew that and with deep regret had to tail it off because she was bursting to pee.

"Hullo darling," she said dreamily, trailing a soft hand over his hair – "No don't grab me; if you do I'll pee over you."

"I won't mind providing it's only you who does it."

"Oh yuk," she yelped in laughter, dashing for the bowl and feeling the happiest she'd been since that day a little over seven years ago when she walked into those recently vacated office that she knew would become home to her own law firm. Sitting there feeling warm and very secure Ellis knew she was a whole person at last, lacking for nothing and loved. It had taken thirty-three years to achieve but what more could a girl want? Oh yeah, to ensure this feeling he had for her turned into real and enduring lover for her: this was a man who lived the life of a tom cat.

Returning to the bedroom Ellis straddled Troy and began kissing him softly and unhurriedly and he seemed to sense on this occasion he was to remain relatively passive. The kisses and mutual chest caressing continued for quite sometime until she unzipped him and dug under her pillow for a condom. She placed it on him, requiring no assistance – she was a self-contained woman from years of thinking in solo mode – and then she straddled him again, remaining still. 

They kissed and caressed all over again until her breath was almost at a canter and Troy was clearly having difficulty holding back. Ellis then began moving up and down on him to soon remove the anxiety from his face. She reached her climax, squeezed her thighs and brought him to a very red-faced finish and panting her name, "Ellis, oh Ellis, Ellis oh Ellis."{

"Ohmigod," he sighed and she kissed his cheeks.

"You'll have to change," she giggled as they both looked as the huge patch of moisture across the front of Troy's light gray shorts.

"No, I'm wearing them to breakfast to show everyone what you've been doing to me."

"No," she shrieked, chasing him around the room. He was across the bed in one hop, step and jump while she fell across it consumed in happy hysterics. He came back behind her, lifted her hips up high without a word and involved her in a Doggie that she'd remember for a very long time.

The breakfast room was almost deserted by the time Ellis and Troy arrived. An older couple waved them over to join them. After the introductions the other woman said to Ellis, "Have you too been out for a run – you both look very flushed." The husband looked at Troy over the rim of his coffee cup and raised a knowing eyebrow.

On the flight home Ellis clung to Troy and he liked the close attention. "That was a lovely four nights away," she said. "Are we a number or is that it?"

"We are a number. Let's do something about our living arrangements after the unveiling on Friday."

"Oh God yes, I allowed my commitment over that to that drift to the back of my mind; I wonder why?" she said, squeezing his hand. "Have you learned to ride that horse yet – I hope Mitch found you a suitable one although I guess that would be difficult on a working ranch."

"Don't forget the have children's ponies on the ranches," Troy grinned. "Can you ride?"

"Like the wind – remember I partly grew up on the ranches of my grandmother and grand uncle. When we go riding up into the foothills you'll have no chance of catching me and nailing me under a pine or spruce like all the romantics in this region does – even when their hair is graying."

"Rural people do enjoy their simple pleasures – don't they," he said, squeezing her hand. Then he asked, "By the way are you a member of the Mile High Club?"

"Mile High Club – what's that?" Ellis had turned to look through the far side window so Troy was unable to detect was that reply as innocent as it sounded.

"I couldn't believe the number of delegates who congratulated us on our joint presentation as after-dinner speakers," Ellis smiled. "I went in trying to be funny and a real novice, because that's what I am."

"Yeah, you were great. You had them rolling with laughter but they could see you were no fool."

"What about you – giving them the impression your only previous knowledge about building management was as a boy having the job of ensuring the door to the outside toilet was always closed and the most difficult aspect of that was shoving the feet of your older sister's boyfriend in so you could close the door. You had some of the women bawling their eyes out in laughter. You certainly had them going with toilet humor by saying you judge the high standard of building cleanliness by checking behind the open toilet door and in the lunchroom estimating the population density of cockroaches and if the population is nil you evacuate the building as imminent collapse is likely or it's being used to dump nuclear waste."

"But I also gave some tips that seemed to appeal."

"Oh yes Troy, you had some managers agreeing that always use a busty, nicely dressed young woman to lead the rent review team if the tenant is male or handsome male leader if the tenant is female, suggest to tenants they charged employees for secure parking space while offering huge discounts to employees with mini cars who agree to double up in a standard parking space and, what was that other thing? Oh yes, changing building access locks once a year is a subtle way of reminding tenants they don't own the building. Everyone loved that one, including me; after dinner speeches are not meant to be lectures."

* * *

Troy and Fleur spent most of Monday with Molly going over the Property Management Department's strategic plan and business plan plus budgets and spent Tuesday filling the holes identified by Molly and changing assumptions to conform to overall company policy. They had a two-hour session with Ellis on Wednesday morning and she then went over the budgets carefully with Molly, taking until late afternoon when Molly called Troy in to ask did they really required a inspection engineer of Hazel King's caliber,

"That's a pretty high salary to absorb," Molly said, steely-eyed.

"She'll be worth every cent; further, unless she becomes overloaded we won't have to hire outside consultants to advice on keeping our properties up to required standards."

"An excellent point," said Ellis, rubbing the side of her ear with her reading glasses. "Answer me this Troy: Do we really need her."

"Yes. I admit we are taking her on early but this is necessary because her current contract ends in three weeks; she'll take two weeks off and then will be ready to start with us. She's agreed to work from home until we have her office ready here which means she earning her money from day one."

"That's good enough for me," Ellis said and asked, "Molly?"

"Aye, please settle terms of contract with her Troy and then bring me into final negotiations. I've notice during my prowling upstairs the workmen seem to respect her and some of those characters are pretty tough."

"Is there anything else?" Troy asked.

"No," said Ellis, "but I'm still finding it hard to get my head around these budget figures – the outgoings are huge."

"But they are as accurate as we can estimate and you can see the cash flow produces very appealing profits," Troy smiled. "Just image each of those buildings you own as a farm – the buildings have to be fed and cared for and at the end of each half-year, all going well, there is a check waiting for you."

"Well that may be of assistance," Ellis smiled. "Off you go and allow Molly and me to do the real work."

An hour later Molly phoned Troy: "Everything is approved but you'll note some minor changes. You now are truly boss of a big subsidiary; congratulations. I want you to come with me to the building next door tomorrow at 10:00 to meet the company's executive committee – you'll recall I mentioned this last week."

"Good – I'll see if Hazel King can join us."

"That's a great suggestion. Ellis wants you and me in her office at 4:00 on Friday to discuss the partnership proposal. I don't know why she wants to involve me but she does."

"To ensure she doesn't become emotional soft."

"So you two actually have something underway; I haven't noticed."

"Watch this space. We'll be talking to each other when this memorial is out of the way."

"Good one; you two are made for each other – two lost souls uniting is how I'd put it."

"You read too many sloppy romances but your thought is appreciated."

The meeting with the executive in the neighboring building was slow going until Troy suggested that twenty accountants owning their own building and being their only building was not a particularly good investment, given the specialist skills required in building management and continuous upgrading demands. They should look at the capital freed up to find whether it would produce a better return from land development for new housing and there was immediate interest in that. "Look at entering that field in partnership with a developer with a great track record," he suggested. 

Troy, Molly and Hazel then inspected the building with the partner in charge of property. She and Molly discussed the big chunk that building maintenance sucked out of cash flow in respect of only having one building to spread the costs and efficiencies and the accountant-partner agreed. "It won't surprise me to see a deal with you folk go through," she said. 

In turn, Molly said she believed the deal would go through provided they could pitch a realistic price and keep other parties out of the frame.




Against the Odds Ch. 05



At the partnership proposal meeting Molly presented the figures which including the forty-three buildings being integrated into company assets but with everything being presented at current book value.

"Book value," Molly emphasized looking at Troy. "I wanted market value but was instructed to cut back to book value."

Ellis said she was acting as guarantor to Molly and her husband for bank credit up to seven million dollars. She had also arranged to restructure her company, making herself chairman and director of legal services, Molly as director of administration and Troy as director of property holdings and management. The three of them would form a board with two outside directors she would appoint from the end of the month – a financial consultant and a business development specialist. "I want this company to grow lean and mean while still providing client interfacing second to none," she said.

"Me a director?" Molly asked,

"Why not – I'm taking the long-term view with you two."

"Thank you for your confidence in me," Troy said.

"And me – sorry to sound ungrateful."

"No I don't regard genuine surprise as being ungrateful," Ellis smiled. "Molly, you were the first person I hired and you have enthusiastically upgraded academically to keep ahead of the expanding roles I have given you and you know I have always commending you for that."

"Welcome aboard board," Ellis giggled. "Troy – you've seen the figures. Are you interested in buying in for cash on these figures?"

"Yes."

"Have you done the math?"

"Yes, but first Ellis have you considered the advantages of converting your company into a public company?"

"Yes and it was very honest of you bringing that up at this point. However, I or at least the new board is two years' away from making that decision. We first need to have the properties fully integrated into the company and showing at least one year's cash flow before going public. Even then I propose only forty-nine percent of shares being released on the market."

"That's good thinking – it's certainly not something to be rushed," Troy said. "I have returned from South Africa with a good nest-egg and with the facility my bank had offered me I can comfortably finance a fifteen percent stake."

"Fine, that's great partner. Molly, please have Grant Newby prepare the papers to action this transaction including statutory approvals. I want Troy installed as my partner before the first meeting of the board."

"Right up to the bar folk. I'm taking you out to dinner Troy if you're available and then home with me if you are available for that," Ellis said, turning and looking at Molly. 

"That's fine with me, I approve," Molly smiled, holding out her hands as if declaring 'Look, no hatchet'. "In fact I thoroughly approve and am happy for you both."

* * *

Showering in preparation to meeting Troy at the restaurant, Ellis thought she had now acquired a future as well as being in the process of reclaiming something of a past. Sunday's dedication of the memorial by Pastor Vickers would be something honored by most of the Elliot and Jefferson families – it would be too much to expect everyone to have such emotional feeling. The ceremony would also recognize her as being bound to both families. She'd ask her mother to stand beside her – if her mother declined she must not dwell of that rejection. But the ceremony meant much more than that to her: it was a tribute to an incredibly brave and unyielding young pioneer who thought up a plan and had the guts to initiate it without even giving detractors the chance to allege that she was crazy or to try to persuade her it couldn't be done.

* * *

Sunday dawned fine. "No, there's no time for that," Ellis giggled, "but some little kisses won't go amiss. Good boy."

"Let's have a leisurely breakfast and then you to off to Molly's sister's place where she'll be waiting to dress you – and don't forget to take your new black riding boots. Then you are to be on the Market Street reserve at 7:30 for the arrival of your black pony. I'm so excited about this – it's like a home-coming I never had."

"Of course it's a big day for you darling and will look great. Molly told me that the condition for family to be served breakfast was that must be dressed to look like settlers. She's expecting up to thirty to turn out."

Neither of them was aware that was Molly at her deceptive best.

Troy realized something was up on the way to Molly's elder sister's home. The streets were as busy as a week day and this Sunday 7:20!

Megan, her husband and children were dressed up like original settlers as were Molly and her husband. "This looks big."

"It is big – the Mayor is expecting a crowd approaching 10,000. It's all been done by hand-bill promotion just like the old days and all media sworn to secrecy as a huge surprise for Ellis and the real guest of honor, Jed Jefferson. A train of open wagons will bring Jed and fellow residents of the Home through past you at Market Street corner and then you'll lead the main parade down to City Hall."

"What main parade."

"Oh almost five hundred people are in the parade including bands in old costumes, horse-drawn carriages – our museum and pioneering museums up to two hundred miles away are contributing vehicles and paraphernalia. The Governor will be taking the salute."

"What salute?" Troy asked.

"Oh a few present day police, firemen and military personnel dressed up in old uniforms of any era – about two hundred of them. We have no hope of quietly conducting the ceremony – the chief parade marshal estimates it will be 9:30 before the tail of the parade passes that point. Then there is the declaration."

"I won't ask, you are going to tell me anyway," Troy said, pulling his jet-black Levi's over his new riding boots."

"The story of Irene Jefferson has been distributed to newspapers along with her marriage photograph for publication in the morning. The Governor will declare Irene Jefferson as a Heroine of the State for her famous single-handed action in 1888 to save her young community."

"Famous – but no-one but Ellis and Jed seem to know about it."

"Well that changes from today doesn't it," Molly said. "Come on, get your ass into gear – you have a parade to lead. Your darling in black will be waiting for you outside the library."

"City Hall."

"The Library – you'll see when you get down there. Are you going to marry her?"

"Yes."

"Good – your fly is undone. Heh-heh – caught you. Come on."

"Geeze have you seen all the people – look at all these floats, this is awesome," Mitch said. "How did they get this organized without us knowing?"

"Word of mouth and hand bills."

"What are hand bills?"

"Printed versions of word of mouth Mitch," Troy grinned, taking the reins of Midnight; he was shiny, beautifully groomed. "I brushed him with love, thinking of you," Gabriel said, pushing in against Troy's ankle-length black coat and kissing him hard on the mouth."

"God I needed that," she panted. "I'm wet," She wiped the lipstick from Troy's mouth. He was still trying to focus on her tits – much of which were exposed as she was dressed appropriately as a saloon girl, probably descended from one, Troy mused, but he thought she was lively and great. She gathered in her two children – the daughter about eight proudly dressed as a saloon girl and the six-year old boy practicing the narrow-eyed look of a gunslinger and reaching for his two wooden guns.

"Troy – this is Stan Gray, director of the pioneering museum," Mitch said, and turning to glare at Gabriel he yelled, "Gabriel for goodness sake put those tits away – you're in the city."

"Don't be a jerk," she called back, lifting the front of some of her petticoats at him."

"Troy – these two Colt 45s are from my personal collection," Stan said. "For all we know they could have been the gunman's although it was more likely he would have packed a single gun and carried a shotgun."

"Geeze this belt is heavy."

"Yeah, that's live ammo in the belt but the guns are not loaded. Easy how you go."

"Thanks, Stan. I'll hand them over as soon as the unveiling is over."

"No, they're yours pal, a gift of the city. You and Ellis will be sorry you've triggered this day – you'll both be into visiting schools and attending important historic events."

This was becoming too much for Troy. He mounted Midnight to get out of the way. Midnight reared and people scattered – Troy just having time to notice Gabriel attempting to pull herself back into the top of her dress. Then Midnight's feet hit the ground.

"Give him a work-out," Mitch yelled. "He's shoed."

More people scattered as Midnight crossed into the other side of Market Street which fortunately was almost deserted. Troy allowed him to have a short burst and then slowed him down; he was so beautifully groomed it seemed a pity to allow it to be sweated out. He was sweating under all his clothes. He felt giddy knowing he now possessed a pair of genuine Colt Single Action Army's.

At last they were underway, a drummer provided the slow walk beat. Troy was positioned twenty yards ahead of the parade to give an authentic looking impression of the lone gunman. He had mixed feeling. In his top right pocket was an engagement ring – he'd intending proposing to Ellis but not with all these people about. He though I like this city; I've never had a real hometown and I think this will become it. I pleased to see Ellis becoming a celebrity in her own right: she will have pulled her family around her now, thanks in no small measure to Molly – Fat Lady. He almost chuckled in regurgitation that awful name and thinking her intelligence and heart were the biggest things about her. He hoped Ellis would choose to have Molly as Maid of Honor at the wedding. He narrowed his eyes and looked grim, as Mitch and Gabriel's boy had practiced as being the right 'look'. People were waving and cheering at him so it was difficult not to wave and smile back, but he dipped his head at the females and they shrieked in delight.

City Hall came into view and he could see the lone figure of his darling, Emotion hit him. Ellis looked vulnerable standing there alone. Irene Jefferson had been a slip of a girl, only nineteen when she was in that very position waiting for her gunman. She was heroic – no question about that; long live the memory of Irene Jefferson.

He noticed that Council workmen had been busy. Overnight they'd attached a reasonable replica of the front of a typical tiny pioneering days' library across the entrance to City Hall. Well done boys.

* * *

As promised, Molly arrived for Ellis who thought she looked great dressed up and Molly reciprocated with "Just look at you – oh my, that gunman will topple off his mount.

Ellis went out and immediately realized something was not right; they had a police escort. 

Molly came clean: "Something I best tell you love, this whole thing has kind of gotten out of hand. It's become bigger than big."

A TV helicopter swooped low overhead, banked and returned filming them.

"My God is this necessary," Ellis protested.

"Sorta gotten out of hand, as I said."

"You'll be given a chair – there's also a parade that is expected to take one and a half hours to pass."

"One and a half hours – no parade is that big."

"You may have to change your mind."

"No chair. Irene would not have waited sitting on a chair."

"Fine, Troy is leading the parade to this point. He will be brought to the side facing you, about thirty feet and will remain sitting on his horse."

"Pony."

"Horse."

"Oh, does it really matter. Perhaps you can flash your breasts at him to ensure he doesn't become bored; this is not a family thing to him you know."

"Irene would not have flashed."

"Of course not – it was the 1880s."

"Then I'm not flashing."

"Of course not, I was only joking."

"Was joking invented by the 1880s?"

"I'm sure bad joking came into being as soon as the first two original men met."

Molly agreed and was asked what had that last comment to do with today.

"Oh God, you're nervous."

"I'm terrified."

"Well that's okay. I guess Irene would have been terrified as well."

"Until she saw him."

"Yes, I guess so."

The city CEO introduced Ellis and Molly to the Governor and his wife. The women both knew the Mayor and his wife. The VIPS were seated in tiers in a small covered stand

"Please join us for champagne and nibbles," the CEO invited.

"Thank you but no – I'll stand in the spot but first I wish to greet relatives."

"Hi Uncle Philip, Uncle Richard and ladies. Hi mother; mother will you do the honor of standing beside me?"

"Thank you dear, yes but I'll stand a couple of paces away; this is your day. I'll just finish my drink."

Ellis was taken to the spot. The CEO said it had been arranged for the clock to strike noon as soon as they were ready to start the ceremony when the last of the parade went by.

Alice came and stood within easy chatting distance away from her daughter. She looked elegant in a black floral-topped hat and a simple and very tight black dress and riding boots. "This dress came to me through mother – it easily could have been Irene's dress but we'll never know. It wouldn't fit you of course – you women today have such big boobs and wide hips but you do have a lovely figure."

"Here they come – is that you man leading the parade."

The loudspeakers boomed out, "Here is the Parade led by Miss Ellis Jefferson's fiancé Troy Gardiner on the magnificent stallion Midnight from the Elliot's ranch where he stands for Mitch's Elliot's breeding program."

"Are you engaged Ellis?" enquired her mother.

"That Molly – I'll strangle her."

"I thought Molly was a really good friend."

"She is mother – she just doesn't know when enough is enough."

"That sounds very much like you describing yourself Ellis."

Ellis's knees felt weak when she saw the man in black approach and stop in the spot marked 'Horse'. Obviously Troy must be able to ride because not even a fool would put him on a stallion around seventeen hands high. Ye gods!"

But she calmed when their eyes met; he seemed to pour strength back into her legs. It was a wonderful moment. "Oh Irene," she whimpered.

"I feel the same way dear," said her mother. "I should have had the nous and courage to do this. Thank you my dear on behalf of Irene's parents and her descendants. I have been a terrible mother to you but that's just me. I should have been an Elliot."

"No, Jefferson."

"No Elliot – Irene was Irene Elliot."

"Oh of course, I see what you mean. Just look at this parade will you and look at the people across from us – they must be fifteen deep."

"At least twenty deep. Your man looks big and powerful and very handsome – much like the horse I think."

"Mother!"

"Good stud material in my opinion."

Ellis sighed. "I don't think I could give a modern girl the name Irene."

"Agreed, but as her second name Irene would still be fine."

"It's what I first thought, aged about seven, when grandmother first told me the story of Irene Jefferson nee Elliot as she used to describe her."

Alice said, "That was mother attempting to pull the families together again through name and historical associations. When she told me the story about her mother she always called her Irene Elliot."

"It doesn't really matter does it – we should all be happy to claim an association."

The Governor made the declaration of Irene Elliot-Jefferson, Heroine of the State to huge acclaim.

"Elliot-Jefferson – brilliant Molly, you are forgiven," Ellis said, hugging her mother who was crying. 

"Step back into position Ellis, you're on," Alice said.

The clock began to peel twelve and Ellis stepped out on to the road as Troy began riding towards her. As Troy brought Midnight to a halt, ten mortars fired, sending cotton packs high into the air to scatter small lengths of ribbon over the crowds packing the city centre precinct.

Midnight reared high, frightened by the explosions. Completely unrehearsed Troy raised his Stetson to Ellis as she disappeared from view below him while Ellis stood her ground holding on to her hat with one hand, the other calmly holding her unfurled parasol. It was one of those great shots loved by news-gatherers and within minutes the image would be beamed around the country and film strip already being cut from recorded live TV filming to be distributed by satellite to news agencies.

Midnight dropped back to his feet, Troy hauling in rein to arch the horse's powerful neck while fighting to keep him under control.

The miniature remote microphone below Ellis's right shoulder switched on with a buzz which was her cue: Good afternoon Sir. I am Irene Elliot who has hired you to rid our land of human varmints."

Troy then delivered his line: "I'm Casper Jefferson at your service ma'am. Why, you look pretty as a picture."

The crowd went wild. Troy dismounted and led Ellis by the arm to stand in front of the black velvet cover over the memorial. He reached out and pulled his prospective mother to stand beside him.

In clear, true voice Ellis said began her short speech: "This is truly a great day for the City of Clyde-on -Wide River especially for the Elliot's and Jefferson's, First Families who settled in this part of the territory. Before coming here today I thought this day is a wonderful a tribute to an incredibly brave and unyielding young pioneer Irene Elliot who thought up a plan and had the guts to initiate it without even giving detractors the chance to allege that she was crazy or to try to persuade her it couldn't be done. Since I was a young girl I have attempt to model myself on that indomitable spirit displayed by my great-grandmother. Our families of the Elliot's and the Jefferson's thank you dear people for turning out so enthusiastically and spectacularly. We are over-whelmed. Thank you Governor; thank you Mr Mayor and Council and thank you for all those who helped to promote this great day."

Pastor Blake gave a short dedication and he and Ellis working together unveiled the small bronze memorial set into the stone paving slab.

* * *

After the formal late breakfast and special guests had departed, Jed Elliot presided over a meeting of the two families.

"First, I must say that I have invited our honorary gunman to stay for this meeting. Troy has requested permission to speak, saying he had something to deliver that could perhaps especially interest the ladies. Troy, the floor is yours.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today show is not quite over. The following is also symbolic but at the same time very real. Ellis Jefferson please step forward."

Then Ellis reached his side Troy took her hand and dropped to his knee.

Ellis Jefferson – you know that I love you although I'm still a bit of a learner and I know in my heart that you love me. Will you please marry me?"

The room waited silence and then erupted into shouts and cheers as Ellis replied yes.

Troy reached into the pocket above his heart and pulled out the ring and placed it on Ellis's ring finger.

"Kiss, kiss, kiss" chanted the assembly.

Ellis knelt down and she and Troy kissed.

"Well every one, that finishes this sweet little interlude," said Jed. "If you don't mind save offering your congratulations to the lovely couple after we finish with the following formality. As it may be know I have been the honorary head of the Elliot and Jefferson families for thirty-eight years – in fact since the death of my predecessor, Frank B. Jefferson. History suggests that it is the turn of a Jefferson to take this mantle as spokesman and initiator on behalf of the two families when need arises but there is no ruling in place which I think it's how it should be – the most appropriate person should hold the position. I wish to retire from the position as from today, retiring on a high note if I may say so. I now invited nominations.




Against the Odds Ch. 05



Several hands were raised.

"The floor recognizes Ellis Jefferson."

"I nominate Philip Elliot."

Jed smiled and amid murmurings thanked Ellis and called for further nomination.

There appeared to be none until Philip raised his hand.

"Philip."

"I decline nomination and instead nominate Ellis Jefferson."

There was a burst of applause.

"Thank you Philip. Any more nominations? 

"There appear to be none," Jed said. "Do you accept the mantle Ellis?"

She was too choked to speak but managed to make some kind of noise and nodded distinctly.

Alice on behalf of her emotionally choked daughter Ellis made a short speech thanking Jed for his services and said she intended to resume visiting him regularly.

"Thank you everyone. It's been a great day for the families."

"Grandpa?"

"Yes Gabriel. My word, you are looking healthy," he said, looking at her well-exposed top."

"I have been talking to Ellis and Troy and they agree: There's a big dinner party on at my house from 6:00 tonight. Mitch will be in charge of the cook-out. Everyone is invited but could the Elliot married women please bring salads and the Jefferson married women please bring desserts. Ellis and Troy will provide the beer, wine and champagne to celebrate their engagement. So let's party."

* * *

At dawn on their way home after a great EVENING, Ellis and Troy sat on the seat just back from the pavement memorial, wearing sunglasses to combat the rising sun.

"Thank you for my lovely day," Ellis said once again. You were so sweet to me. I thought you would give me a ring today but knew not where – I wondered about when I met you here as the bell tolled.

"I thought that would divert from honoring Irene."

"Good boy, I do like your way of thinking. Where you picked was perfect."

"You made a great effort with you mother."

"Yes, it's been really hard work but she is trying to quash the resentment and years of feeling disgraced. She wondered if she should seek professional help but I said she shouldn't do that just for my sake; perhaps she would do better by emerging slowly. She did say one or two of the nicest things today that she's ever said. Now listen to this because it's the best think of all. Are you ready for it?"

Troy yawned and said yes.

"She wears her mother's wedding ring but says she has Irene's wedding ring in safe deposit and would like me to have it, Irene's ring – can you believe that!"

"I realize the significance and that's great. Look, why don't we have a small wedding here one day at noon – keeping the ceremony small."

"I'd like that, but if you want small it would mean gagging and handcuffing Molly."

They laughed and Troy said not so. "Think outside the square – put Molly in charge of planning and specify that it must be a small and very exclusive affair with a blanket ban on pre-wedding publicity."

"Yes – oh wonderful darling. That could be the answer. I must tell you this: I guess you noticed I left the party for a while last night or were you too busy looking down the front of Gabriel's dress?"

"I had to give her some attention; she was our hostess."

"God you are slippery Troy Gardiner. Well, I had a meeting with my three uncles and mother. Grandma's estate is still being processed – the ranches have been valued for the purposes of taxes and duties so have not been handed over yet. Mother doesn't want land and Uncle Gary is also prepared to sell to me at my suggestion of official valuation plus ten percent. In addition Uncles Philip and Richard are prepared to give me fair land swaps asking that I pay all associated costs. They believe water rights will come out about square as the class of land is about the same. That means I shall be using the after-tax money I receive from you buying into the company to purchase a consolidated block of land that incorporates the original Jefferson Ranch."

"That's great, congratulations."

"I'm so excited. The three ranch concept was rather inefficient because of the gaps cut between them by inroads of the brothers' land which they farm collectively with Mitch and his ranch. Philip is adamant that the redrawing of boundaries will benefit us all."

"That's good, so how big will your ranch be?"

"About 11,800 acres, a cow-calf operation with approximately 1500 acres of dry cropped land for alfalfa/grass hay. I'll have it managed. The cattle will range graze for approximately six months of the year then go on to feedlots. The beauty is the homestead which I propose using most weekends is less than two hour's drive from the city. I just want to play cowgirl but hopefully the manager will do all right financially to provide a good income for himself and family, cover costs and most years finance ranch improvements. Smaller units like this are becoming marginal on this class of land and in our conditions."

Continuing on home to Ellis's place for breakfast before heading to his own place to change before going to work Troy said that film-clip of the parade on TV last night was longer than I expected – obviously the TV studio thought the big turnout warranted longer coverage; it certainly made the town look good. I reckon the best bit was Midnight rearing up over you – it made you look a real heroine."

"You looked a ready cowboy; you hadn't said you could ride."

"There are a few things you have yet to find out about me."

"Likewise. I spoke to Mitch and he was so excited about Midnight rearing up like that and especially you checking him like you did. He said ranchers watching that clip would be sitting back in their TV chair rubbing their chin wondering which of their mares could be put to Midnight. He's already had three enquiries and expects more. He didn't expect them to leave in the commentary that Midnight was from the Mitch Jefferson ranch but they did."

"That's great."

"And that's not all. While talking to Mitch I ordered your Christmas present – no, don't lick you lips, it wasn't Gabriel," she teased. "I've ordered you a Midnight-bred stallion – he has six available and you can go out and choose him as soon as you wish. Mitch really has taken a liking to you and still keeps calling you that stupid name the general. He has a big-boned three-year-old mare from Midnight's first season – she's 16.2 hands so is rather large for short-ass skinny cowboys. He says she's just perfect for you being a big boned guy. Isn't that just perfect?"

"I wonder why he's taken to me?"

"I wondered also so asked him. I don't know if I should be telling you this but he's not too keen about the way Gabriel has taken to you – says he's never seen her take to another man like you but he told me, in confidence of course, that you give her no encouragement but you do lick your lips. He said you treated Molly out in the field that day like a compatriot rather than a woman and she responded brilliantly and then he couldn't believe how you moved so fast and yet so stealthily through the tree line to enter that mine shaft where I was. He said until then he didn't think you had much chance against the Ape but after seeing that performance he didn't think the Ape had a chance."

"Well, the three of us had a job to do and we all did it well. End of story."

"Not quite, at least not as far as we both are concerned: Mitch can't believe that you didn't 'take out' his father as he put it as you had the opportunity and he finds it difficult to understand why I have been so forgiving of his father after the terrible things he did to me. I actually have difficulty understanding that myself but knew it would win me more respect than pity from within the family and that's what I needed to happen; the alternative was to wait another two generations of family who had no interest in the rape of my mother and her rapist's death at the hands of my father."

"I'll have a go at trying to explain your position to him. As for me, Mitch was helping us out big-time so I didn't expect he'd appreciate me killing his father or even whacking him a good one with the back of my hand. End of story."

Ellis laughed.

"Oh God, he's told you something else about me?"

"Yes and you must not tell him you know. It concerns that day you rode Midnight down the steep face and across the quarry floor and up another rocky but not so steep slope and to add to his dismay Gabriel beat him in the race to embarrass him in front of you."

"Yeah but Gab is lighter and their horses were fairly evenly matched – I knew that."

"But at the time he didn't know you knew that."

"Well that's no big deal."

"He was a worried man watching you disappear over the rim and horrified at the way you were weaving between rocks on the valley floor but totally relieved later that evening when he had time to thoroughly examine Midnight that one light scratch on the right foreleg and two small leg nicks were the sum of Midnight's ride through Hell."

"That's over dramatizing it. We rode horses like that for fun on Sundays in South Africa."

"My darling, I think this demonstrates the respect and may I say affection Mitch shows towards you. No complaint, not even a muttered bad word about the reckless and totally foolhardy way you rode his pride and joy close to destruction. Midnight is supposed to be kept inside with attached exercise yard when not closely supervised. He is insured for close on $250,000.

"Ohmigod," Troy yelled, almost crashing into the sturdy concrete gatepost holding Ellis's security gate. "I'm an idiot."

"Well said darling; the idea is to wait for the gate to open before you drive in."

THE END