7 comments/ 19599 views/ 11 favorites The Lost Camera By: thornapple Philip Johnson Chapter One Her phone rang and when it's picked up I say, "Hi Jennie, it's Alex. "Alex, how are you?" "Almost as good as I'm likely to get. I called to see if you would like to spend the afternoon with me and since its July and hotter than hell, I thought we could rent a pontoon boat, have a picnic and maybe take a swim in the lake?" "Do you mean today?" "Yeah, sorry it's so last minute but I was supposed to work overtime and they cancelled it." "I probably can but I'd have to be back by seven though. What time were you thinking?" "Let's see, its ten now so how about twelve or one o'clock?" "Should I wear a swim suit?" "Well, you can swim in street clothes, go naked and get arrested or wear a swim suit." "Let's make it one instead of twelve then okay?" Now, why what she wore made a one hour time difference I didn't know. "See you then, bye." I called and reserved a boat then headed to the store for some things for the picnic basket. I've been dating Jennie off and on for a year or so. I'm thirty three and she is a few years younger than me, something to look at to say the least, has a great sense of humor and sex with her is mind blowing. But she would be the perfect dumb blond except she has brown hair. Actually she isn't dumb, but she sometimes talks and acts without thinking first and can say some of the dumbest things sometimes. About the time I think maybe I'd like to see more of her she does or says something really strange and causes me to reconsider. Think of her as a Playboy centerfold. She looks that good and acts about that smart. I packed a picnic basket, put ice and drinks in the cooler, grabbed my camera and a blanket and headed to Jennie's apartment. I went to her door and knocked and waited. Then knocked and waited some more. Jennie finally answered the door in a bikini and she took my breath away. "Sorry Alex I was putting my suit on and it took me a minute." "That suits so small I can't imagine it took very long!" "I just need to get my sandals and I'm ready." "Are you going to walk across the parking lot in your bikini?" "Oh... no I need a cover don't I?" "It's up to you. I think you look stunning, but people just might stare at you." Jennie got her cover and sandals and we headed to the lake. It took about twenty minutes to get to the marina and maybe another thirty minutes to get the boat and life jackets. We pulled away from the marina and Jennie took off her cover. God what a view. She was the reason I brought the camera! I ignored the helm and took several pictures of her. I set the timer and took several more with me holding her around the waist and my hand very close to her breast or her sitting in my lap. After the last one I had to adjust my suit just a little and sit down at the helm for a bit. I would need things like this to get me through the long cold winter. I reluctantly returned to the helm and we made our way up the lake. We were in no hurry so I eased off the throttle and enjoyed the breeze and the view. I know it's not polite to stare but I had my sunglasses on so she would never know. Besides, how could I not stare? Her suit was hot pink and very, very small. Her assets were not. The lake we were on was River Lake in southern Kentucky. A very large Corps of Engineers lake so there were no lake front cottages. It can get busy in the summer but if you go north toward the smaller end and get into one of the coves you can get away from the speed boats and the water skiers. It can be amazingly quiet up there. We decided to ride for a little while closer to shore and enjoy the cool breeze and the lake view. The sky had large white puffy clouds here and there and the weatherman promised good weather at least through tomorrow. I asked Jennie if she would like something to drink. "What do you have?" "I have diet Pepsi, water, wine and Sam Adams." "Ooh, I want a Sam Adams!" "Coming right up." I got one for her and myself and slipped the cans into insulated covers handing one to Jennie. Ice cold beer, hot summer day and Jennie. Life was good. I abandoned the helm once again and took more pictures of us. I needed proof that I was with this beautiful creature. We had been cruising for maybe one beer. That was how I was keeping time I decided. One beer or one glass of wine or one Pepsi. That seemed more significant to me than say, a half an hour. Anyway, I asked Jennie if she was getting hungry. I guess it was a tough question because it took her a couple of minutes to decide. "Yeah, I guess I am Alex." I was glad she worked it out. "I'll head toward the best area I know of for a picnic then. We cruised up the lake at a lazy pace because I figured if it took her that long to decide she was hungry she could wait a little longer to eat. As we continued I asked Jennie if she had put sun lotion on yet. The sun on the water could burn you to a crisp if you weren't careful and I didn't want that beautiful creature damaged in any way. Another pause. "I guess I didn't Alex, did you bring any?" I said, "As a matter of fact I did bring some. Would you like me to put some on you?" "Would you?" Now I can be a little slow some times, but the thought of rubbing lotion all over Jennie required no hesitation on my part at all. "I'll fix you up Jennie!" I shut the boat off this time. I needed to be able to focus so I wouldn't miss any important parts. I was having trouble finding the lotion. I knew I had packed it, now where the hell was it. I dug through the basket and it wasn't there, I checked the blanket in case I folded it in there and it wasn't. The only place left was in the cooler. I wouldn't do that would I? I lifted the lid and there it was. Nicely settled in the ice! This could be hard for her to take. I said, "I put it in the cooler by mistake Jennie, it's going to be colder than a witches heart for quite a while." "That's okay Alex, I'm hot anyway." She had to be kidding. If she didn't have a heart attack when this hit her skin I'd be surprised. I went to the bow where she was lying and said, "I'll try to warm it in my hand but it's going to be cold!" "You're sweet Alex. The lotion will feel good. My skin feels dry and tight right now." "Okay Jennie here goes." I poured a good amount in the palm of my hand and it was like ice! I held it there for a minute then since she was lying on her back I started on her neck and upper chest. As soon as the lotion hit her hot chest she jumped up and said, "Shit Alex that's cold!" Duh. I wonder why. I said, "That's what I just said." "Maybe if you used a smaller amount next time and I'll be ready." "Okay." As I got ready to put more in my hand I noticed the ice cold lotion had caused her nipples to jump up like little thumbs in her tiny suit! Get the camera, get the camera! I grabbed the camera and took some pictures up kind of close I guess you could say. "Why take my picture so close Alex?" I had to tell her. What lie would sound reasonable? "I wanted to get a picture of your nipples sticking up from the cold lotion." "Oh is that all? Here let me help." and she pulled her top to one side! Oh shit! Camera! I took more pictures. A lot more. I kissed her and her nipples and said, "Thank you Jennie!" "No problem Alex. Your kiss felt good!" Unfortunately she put her top back. I did more lotion but I had no idea if I did a good job. My hands were one place and my eyes were another. Once I had regained control of my personal situation we motored on. This day could make me old before my time! I'll end up looking like I have a delayed case of Progeria! We rode along the shore line looking for a smooth area without too much slope so we would be comfortable. We wanted to be able to swim and easily get out of the lake and lie on the blanket. A lot of the shoreline was too steep to be comfortable. We found a promising looking spot and pulled in but realized there was nothing to tie the boat to that the rope would reach so we continued the search. Not much farther along there was another and it looked like it would work nicely. We pulled in and Jennie jumped to shore. Now there was something worth watching. I keep getting sidetracked. Jennie tied us to a bush and we went for a swim. The water felt fantastic! I didn't realize how hot I was. Jennie looked sensational in the water. It would have helped if she had long flowing hair but it was cut short. It was very cute but not sensual. Like she needed help! I swam over to her and put my arms around her and kissed her as we stood in neck deep water. That more than made up for the short hair. Jennie said, "You sure know how to kiss Alex!" "You inspire me Jennie. Shall we try that again?" We kissed again only longer that time. "Whew Alex, maybe we should have lunch now." Like I said she wasn't dumb. She knew where that could go and so did I. Oh well, I guess I'd have to settle for food and wine instead. We got on the boat and Jennie sat at the table while I served cold chicken, cottage cheese, coleslaw and cubed melon and I poured us some white wine. We took our time eating and talking and I refilled our wine glasses until I had to open the other bottle. "That wine tastes so good Alex." "I'm glad you like it." I topped off her glass. Now if you were looking for me to display high moral values you would be disappointed I'm afraid. It was my intention to use wine and line to win favors from Jennie! I wanted to see those thumbs on her chest again! You remember I said sex with her was awesome or something like that so you know I've seen them before. That doesn't count. That was then and this is now. With a little help from me we finished the second bottle of wine. We lay back against the seat next to each other and closed our eyes for a minute. Chapter Two After sitting there in the sun, full of wine and a little chicken I said, "I need to get in the water and cool down again. Care to join me?" "I think I better, that wine has me so mellow I need to wake up a little." Well damn, did I over do the wine and under do the line? I helped her up and we dove off the side of the boat. The cool water helped some. We just floated and soaked for several minutes swimming just enough to keep us off the bottom. I eased over to Jennie and kissed her shoulder. "That felt good Alex." "If that felt good this should feel even better!" and I kissed her chest right next to the bikini which was very close a thumb. Okay, nipple. "Oh you're right that did feel better!" I managed to reach bottom with my toes and said, "This will be better yet." and I moved her top and kissed the nipple and put it between my lips. "Oh yes, Alex that felt so good!" I took the plunge and undid the top at her back and pulled her to me so I could pay my respects to all of both breasts. Jennie tilted her head back and encouraged me to continue and I did. I'll spare you the details but we ended up on the blanket with nothing on. We were more or less safe from passing boats but not entirely. Jennie didn't seem to care and neither did I. Afterward I took our picture lying on the blanket naked. Jennie with her eyes closed and me still saluting the clouds so to speak. These weren't pictures you share with your family or friends. Not even if I was drunk at the bar. We lay there for a while and Jennie leaned over and kissed me and got up saying she had to pee. I assumed she would walk into the water or over to the bush since she was still naked. Jennie just squatted and peed on the beach a few feet from the blanket! Then she waded into the water. Only Jennie would do that. I joined her in the water. I wished I could live on the lake and feel that warm softness everyday. For some reason bathtubs and pools just aren't the same to me. I said, "I hate to say this Jennie but we have to get back before the marina closes." "I hate to leave here Alex, I'm so comfortable. Let's do this again real soon then okay?" "I'd love to!" We picked up the blanket and shook it out and folded it. Jennie untied the rope and we shoved off. Then Jennie put her suit on! That was a definite turn on but a risky one! We headed for the marina at a good clip. We made it to the marina with thirty minutes to spare. We loaded stuff in the car and headed home and I walked her all the way to her apartment door. Since she had other plans for seven I gave her a long kiss and said I'd call her and then headed home. Being a bachelor has it's rewards but coming home early after an afternoon like that left me feeling like I'd just read the first half of a great book and it was taken away from me. I wanted to finish the story! I made a light dinner and then considered my options. It was too late to call anybody, I almost never watch TV except the occasional movie or I could read. On rare occasions I would go down to the bar and have a couple. I only allowed myself to do that on rare occasions because otherwise I'd be a fat, bankrupt alcoholic. I grabbed my keys and went to the bar. I saw a couple of guys I knew and we told lies and cursed the government. I hit my two drink limit and headed home. The next few days were the usual work, eat and sleep. Nothing exciting but nothing harmful either. I had dinner with Rachel on Wednesday night and we had a lot of fun but it seemed we were more friends than potential lovers. She's a neat gal and I always enjoy being with her but that's it. On Thursday I worked late which made me more money so I could afford to wine and line again one day. Saturday morning it was overcast and threatening rain, but at least it was still July and warm. I was considering my options when I thought I'd have some more coffee and look at the pictures of Jennie. I turned on the computer and reached in the closet for the camera and it wasn't there. Now where the hell did I put it? I'm getting as bad as Jennie! The more I looked the more I knew I wouldn't find it because it was still at our picnic sight! Damn! That was a three hundred dollar camera to say nothing of the pictures on it! I got in the car and tore down to the marina and rented a fishing boat with a large motor so I could get up there quickly. It had already been there a week so another hour wouldn't matter but I went full out anyway. I was up there in maybe twenty minutes. I jumped off the boat and looked all around and it was nowhere to be found. I was so mad at myself! I couldn't even blame Jennie. I didn't have three hundred bucks to throw away! I just stood there looking out over the lake like I expected it to magically appear. I heard thunder in the distance so I jumped in the boat and hauled for the marina. I almost made it. It poured down just hard enough and long enough to soak me to the skin. That took my foul mood up another notch. I asked at the marina if anybody had turned in a camera and they said no. I didn't really expect a different answer but I had to ask anyway. Well, I hope somebody enjoys the camera. I hope they choke on Jennie's pictures and die! I also hope Jennie never asks about the pictures! I went home and sulked, pouted and generally stomped around the apartment. It's a good thing I'm on the ground floor. I was mad at myself the rest of the day. I had etched my name and phone number on the bottom of the camera along with the word "reward" but that was most likely a waste of time. Sunday I got groceries and ran other errands. I stopped and looked at new cameras and was happy to see they had come down in price but I would still have to wait a while. Of course if I went to the lake with Jennie again I'd find a way to buy one regardless! I finished my errands and headed home. After putting the groceries away I noticed I had a message on the machine so I punched it and it was Gail. She was looking for some company and wanted to get together and watch a bad movie and eat Chinese. I could use a friendly face that's for sure. I called Gail and invited her over. There was sure to be a bad movie on cable. Gail said she'd bring the Chinese. Chapter Three Gail arrived about six and we set the food out. And the chop sticks! I said "Are we really going to eat with those things?" "Sure, it's part of the experience grump!" "Why the hell did they ever start using these things in the first place? Can you imagine, thousands of years ago some Chinese guy was sitting in the forest and decided he was going to spend five years whittling a tree down to two little square sticks, then spend another five years to learn to eat with these two sticks. Where do you suppose the inspiration came from? It's hard for me to fathom!" "You are so crabby and negative. I should have made you pay for dinner!" "Sorry, I lost my three hundred dollar digital camera and it's my fault and I'm still mad!" "How did you manage to do something like that?" "I left it at the lake. When I went back a week later it was gone!" "Can you imagine that? A digital camera left on the beach for a week and it wasn't there when you went back! Wow!" "You are such a smartass." Gail just smiled. I should tell you Gail and I go way back. She is athletic and in fantastic shape but not masculine. She isn't the fine boned china doll type either. We frequently watch football in the fall and fight about who is best. We have also made love once. Neither she nor I expect the other to behave when with those of the opposite sex. All in all a fantastic friend and a good lover. "So tell me lover, were there any pictures on this camera?" "Oh hell yes. A lot of them." "And were these pictures of the lake and the trees?" "Some maybe." "Alex you're full of shit." "Well okay there were some um, artsy pictures." "You convinced some babe to take it all off and took her picture and now you don't have them. Let me guess she doesn't know any of this." "That's part of it." "What do you mean part of it? That's quite a lot!" "There were also pictures of me on it." "You're going to make me work for this story aren't you?" "Okay dammit, there were pictures of me on it and I was bare assed and had a woody!" "Now we're getting somewhere." "Somebody is having a great time looking a couple of naked people and laughing their asses off looking at me!" "Honey, if it's a woman and she's looking at you, she ain't laughing!" That made me take a breath. That was about as close to a compliment as I had ever heard from her. "Thank you Gail. Keep that up and you'll take all the steam out of my tantrum. You also might give me a big head." "That wasn't what I had in mind! Do I know the lady in question?" "I don't know if you do or not. Her name is Jennie and she lives in the apartments over on...." "Lancaster, Jennie Lancaster, am I right?" "Damn Gail, how do you know her?" "I don't remember. I really don't know her but I've met her. Shit Alex, she is one gorgeous woman!" "No shit." "Why the hell are you here with me then?" "The reasons are many Gail. Jennie is a sweet, stunningly beautiful woman and she seems to really like me." "I feel a "but" coming." "But, she is a little ditzy." I have fun with her but sometimes by the end of the day she is driving me nuts!" You on the other hand are a lot of fun to be with, sharp as a tack, very easy on the eyes and only occasionally drive me nuts!" "Alex you have never paid me a compliment in all the years we've known each other. You must be really stressed!" "I have too Gail!" "Okay Alex, I'll count them as you name a few." "Now stop that!" "Gotcha!" "This is embarrassing. I've never told you I thought you were good looking?" "Not when I was conscious or sober enough to remember." I stepped forward and holding her face between my hands I kissed her and said, "I'm so sorry. That was nothing less than clumsy and insensitive on my part. You are indeed very good looking Gail." The Lost Camera "Thank you Alex, but I wasn't fishing for compliments just an observation." "None the less I apologize and mean what I say." "We better go finish eating our cold Chinese with those little trees." "Gail if I didn't know better I'd think I made you uncomfortable telling you, you were good looking." "You did not!" "That wasn't even a convincing denial!" Damn I was having fun! "Okay, maybe you did make me a little self conscious but that's all!" I stepped over and kissed her firmly. "Of course I think you are even better looking naked!" "Alex now stop it! You didn't even notice how I looked naked. You're just trying to rattle me!" "Gail, I'm a thirty three year old guy with good eyes and a good memory. When I see a woman naked and she looks fine I don't forget!" Gail was actually blushing now. I should have felt guilty but I didn't. Besides I felt shitty for not telling her before that she was a good looking woman. I can be so insensitive some times. "Alex you are making me blush. I've known you for years and now you make me blush. Now be honest, do you really think I look fine or are you trying to put salve on your conscience?" "I admit to a guilty conscience but I meant every word of it Gail." "Thank you. I believe you think so. I don't believe I am but I believe you think so and that's close enough." I continued, "I remember we were lying on the floor, leaning against the couch when I started to make love to you. I remember taking your clothes off of you and seeing you naked for the first time. I remember being impressed that you were hiding a great body under those loose clothes and I remember us making love very clearly!" "My God you actually remember that from how many months ago?" "About nine months ago." "You even remember when! I'm impressed!" "I was too. That's what I'm saying!" "You are such a shit, you know that?" "I believe I've heard that somewhere yes." Gail came over and kissed me tenderly. "Now eat your Chinese!" We ate our Chinese. Food had become a defense line for Gail. I said, "You know you're really best of friends when you take the other for granted. It's not a good thing to do but it happens sometimes. I took you for granted." "You are going to make me cry here in a minute Alex." "That's not my intention Gail. Sorry if I sound serious here but you are my dearest friend and I repeat, you are great looking in and out of clothes. Sorry I don't have a camera anymore or I'd take your picture!" "Oh sure now that you don't have a camera you want to take my picture!" Gail was having fun at my expense now. "Well even if I did have a camera you have all your clothes on." I was trying to turn the tables but Gail was quick. "You only take pictures of women if they are naked?" "That certainly helps!" "You are so shallow" "But honest!" "So if I take my clothes off it doesn't count because you can't take my picture?" "If you take your clothes off, we won't have time for pictures!" "I see. You've been trying to get me to take my clothes off haven't you?" "Only since eating Chinese. There must be something in the egg rolls." "Maybe I'll just take my clothes off and see if you're serious." "If you take your clothes off, you're going to see more than if I'm serious because I refuse to be the only clothed one here!" Gail looked at me and started to strip. I looked at Gail and matched her article for article. Once we were naked I said, "There is the proof you have a great body. I rest my case." "You go ahead and rest your case because the rest of you isn't going to get any rest!" We made love on the living room floor. Very close to the Chinese food. We made love for a velly long time! Afterward we lay next to each other. Gail said, "So would you rather have watched an old movie?" "Which one?" "You are a total shit. I said it before and I'll say it again. A total shit!" "You love me and you know it!" "You're ego is running your mouth. I'll admit to liking you a lot." "Thank you. That means a lot to me." "There you go being serious again. Every time you do that you make my eyes tear up." "When I get a new camera can I take your picture?" "Not with my clothes off, you lose cameras!" "I've only lost one!" "We'll see hot shot." "Can I take your picture with your camera then?" "With my clothes off?" "Yes." "Maybe." "You're not big on commitment are you?' "I prefer to think of myself as cautious." "I just prefer to think of you!" "Now stop that!" "Will you bring Chinese when you come the next time?" "What makes you think I'll come again?" "I was hoping you would miss me." "There is that I admit." "Don't make it too soon, you wore me out!" "I can see how worn out you are. Your fatigue barometer is telling another story!" "I don't think it's fair that women don't have external organs. You have all the advantages!" "You're breaking my heart lover boy. Now about that barometer!" I sure slept well that night! Chapter Four Monday and back to work. It's not a great job but it isn't bad. The pay is pretty good and it's clean work. I'm in computers along with half the world. I tried to get my boss to let me work from home, but he insisted I would miss the social aspects of working outside the home. In other words, no. Thursday after work, Rambo called and wanted to get together and hoist a couple as he likes to say. I said, "Sure but it has to include dinner. I'm starved." By the way Rambo's real name is Glen. I call him Rambo because he's into hunting, fishing, camping and all that testosterone stuff. We both work in computers in case you wonder how we ever met. I met Rambo at the Surf and Turf bar. I had the turf and a beer. Rambo had a beer. We talked and Rambo ate my fries. I said, "Are you too cheap to buy your own dinner or has the boss fired you again?" "I'm still employed but I'm just not hungry." "Hell no, you're not hungry, you just ate half my dinner!" "Maybe that's why. I didn't touch your beer though." "That's because you don't like Sam Adams." "Why don't you learn to drink good beer." "Like Bud?" "Sure" "Not in this life time!" Rambo wanted to talk about a position that was opening up in our department. I knew he didn't want my advice on skinning a deer. After convincing Rambo to stay where he was I went home. I had to pay bills and do that responsible adult stuff that gets in the way of fun and relaxation. The phone rang and a voice said, "Is there really a reward for your camera?" "Yes," I said excitedly. "How much?" "One hundred dollars" "Can I get that in stud service instead?" "What? Who is this?" "It's Gail you dip. I can't believe I fooled you." "You are toying with a desperate man." "I was just calling to see if you ever heard from anybody." "Hell no the camera is worth more than the reward and they probably assume that much. Besides they have all those pictures of Jennie Lancaster in the buff. Those are probably worth more than the camera!" "You sure screwed yourself on that one sweetie." "Tell me about it! I'm waiting one more week them I'll start looking for another camera." "Is that so you can try to get my clothes off again?" "I would never do that unless I thought it would work." "Alex?" "Yeah" "Thanks for the other night." "Don't thank me honey, you supplied you and the dinner. I was just there." "You were there with me and we made sweet music didn't we?" "We sure did do that. I still haven't recovered." "Bull shit but it's nice to hear. That's all I had. Hugs to you and I'll talk to you later." "Bye." Gail is one of a kind. If she ever gets married it will be a big loss to me. If she doesn't get married then all the guys around here are queer. Except me of course! The boss just told me he wants me to go to Memphis for a week and get in-serviced on a new system that's coming up. Do I want to go? Hell no. What did I tell the boss? Hell yes! I do like being employed. I left Monday morning and drove. I'm not afraid of flying but I just prefer having my own wheels. The classes started Tuesday. It was obvious I needed to be there. There were a lot of changes coming down from the home office. As long as I was on the inside track I felt pretty safe. If I'm out of town I usually check my answering machine. Even in this age of e-mail some people insist on the telephone. On Wednesday evening I checked the messages and after listening to Rambo rant on about my bad advice and Gail just checking in with me, a strange voice came on. I thought "Gail, you can't get me twice!" The voice was definitely female and after a few words I knew it wasn't Gail. The voice said, "I found your camera at the lake a few days ago. I didn't see your etch on the bottom at first so I took your memory stick and put it in my computer." I thought "Oh shit here it comes!" "I have to say she is a spectacular looking woman. I also have to say you look incredible yourself!" I sent her an email as she requested and I gave her my cell number. When she called the next night she again complimented me on my looks. "Thank you, now about the reward money." "How much." "One hundred dollars." "You must want this camera pretty badly." "The camera and the memory stick with the pictures." "Naturally. But I don't want your reward." "You don't?" "No, I want to meet you." "I don't think that would be such a good idea." "I think it would be an excellent idea." "I'll just send you the money." "No, I have no need of your money." "I'm in Memphis right now in school and I'll be here for at least another two weeks." I lied. "I can wait. Give me an address where I can send you something. You will really like it I promise you." I said, "Address it to S. Adams," and I gave her my work address adding, "Put department three on it." "Thank you Mister Adams. In a couple of weeks or so I'll call you again and see if you have reconsidered. Basically I'm holding your camera hostage. I assure you I'm not a dangerous nut and in fact you just might be pleasantly surprised if you saw me. I'll talk to you soon. Bye" Now that was one weird call. She had a hell of a nice voice I'll admit that but that was weird. Holding my camera hostage? That was a new one. At least I knew or a least hoped Jennie's pictures were safe. I called Gail and thanked her for the call then told her about the call. She said, "I think you handled it right. It would really be unusual for a woman to be a molesting nut case, but why take chances? But I also have to admit it really makes one curious." "I have to admit to being curious but also very wary. What do you suppose she is sending me?" "My guess is a picture of your camera with a gun to its lens, or its battery ripped out." "You're a laugh a minute you know that?" "It's a talent I have, what can I say?" "Say good bye." "Good bye." That woman sure keeps me going. The classes kept my mind pretty busy so I didn't have time to dwell on my camera except in the evenings. I did remember to call my department and told them of an envelope or package coming addressed to S. Adams and to hold it for me if it arrived before I got back. The week went fast and I drove home after the last class Saturday, getting in about midnight. I was more tired from the classes than I would have been from working. I had a message from Jennie saying to call her. Oh damn, what would I tell her? I had to tell her the truth at least more or less yet make it sound like no big deal. I listened to my other messages then went to bed. I could worry about it tomorrow and call her maybe late tomorrow evening. That might buy me a couple of days. I didn't get up until ten am and spent an hour making love to my coffee pot. Just staying home and feeling sorry for myself seemed to be the thing to do. Fat chance. The door bell rang. It was only Gail. No, not Only Gail. I meant I was dreading seeing anybody but she was okay. I let her in and she kissed me on the cheek and got coffee. We sat at the counter and she asked me "Have you heard from the terrible lady or received a piece of the camera strap in the mail?" "Gail Bennett, you crack you up." "Grouch!" I kissed her and said, "Sorry. Yeah I guess I am. I worked my ass off in class for a week then drove straight home last night and I feel more hung over than if I'd been drinking." "Why don't we go for a drive? I'll do the driving. At least it will get you out of the house and in some fresh air. Sitting here staring at the wallpaper will make you feel worse. Trust me on this one." "How would you know?" "I've had my share of really bad days and spent them staring at wallpaper. It doesn't help and in fact makes it worse as I said." "I accept your offer dear lady. Would you like me to change?" "Yes I'd like you happier." "No, screwball, I mean clothes." "Did you shower?" "Yes." "Then no, not unless you want to." "Why do you care if I showered if we are only driving?" "I don't want to be in a closed car with you if you spent umpteen hours in class and on the road then didn't shower." "Always thinking of yourself." "That's called self preservation." "Let's go wherever we're going." "You are going to be a laugh a minute I can tell." We drove for a while and ended up at Barren River State Park. "Why are we here?" "We are going to go for a walk in the woods and get fresh air that's why." "If you say so doctor." We walked for quite a while. Damn if the doctor didn't know what she was talking about. When we finally got back to the car she said, "Now we are going to my place for an early dinner." "You had dinner planned did you?" "Pretty much yes." "How did you know I'd agree?" "Like I said, I've been there before, besides I've known you for quite a while now. You don't want to go home yet." "Your crystal ball is working pretty good sweetie! Take me to your house and feed me. But you have to provide coffee too!" "No dessert?" "What do you have?" "I'm not sure, we'll have to wait and see." We went to Gail's apartment. After dinner we had coffee and I said, "You should move into the apartment next to me. We would save on gas and phone calls." "Sure and then you'll marry the woman who has your camera hostage and I'll be stuck living next to a crabby grouch that is living a miserable life with a sixty year old lady blackmailer." "My God you paint a horrible picture." "Never mind about the apartment next door. I could never look you in the face again being married to a blackmailing senior citizen." "Life can get complicated can't it?" "What about dessert?" "It was going to be me but since you don't want me living next to you I've changed my mind." "My God you are one complicated woman. I always end up feeling a little dizzy after I've been around you." "You get dizzy 'Because' you've been around me, isn't that what you meant?" "If you say so." "You're hopeless." "Was dessert really going to be you?" "Yes." "Can I change my story?" "Yes." "Can I just say I want you?" "Yes!" You said the magic word so your prize is me!" "My luck has changed." Yes, we made love again. What can I say? Gail took me home early simply because I fell asleep with my head on her belly. When we got to my place I said, "Thanks Gail. You saved me from myself today. And thank you for the wonderful dessert!" "It was a sacrifice on my part but what are friends for?" "You stood up to it well. Good night friend," and I kissed her good night. I called Jennie before I fell asleep on the couch. She said, "Hi stud!" "Hi Jennie, what's up? I held my breath. "I just wanted to see how you were doing and see if you wanted to do the boat thing again one of these days." "I'd love to but I'll have to get back to you. Work has been hell and looks like it will be for a while yet. Can I call you in two or three weeks?" "God Alex, that long huh?" "It doesn't look good right now sweetie." "Okay then I guess I'll have to wait. Bye." I got a package in the mail a few days later. It wasn't from the blackmailer but the return address was my address. Weird. I opened it and pulled out an 8X10 picture. It was Gail. Nude but with her back to the camera. Damn she looked nice! The note said, "Maybe just this one time." Thank you Gail. I called her right away but she was out so I just left a message of thanks and it meant a lot to me. Chapter Five The package finally came for S. Adams at work a few days later. I didn't open it until I got home. I had no idea what to expect. I cut the flap with a knife and pulled out two photos. One was of Jennie in all her glory! What a body! The second one was a close up of me. I was on my back next to Jennie. I had both of my hands under my head and I was pointing at the sky if you know what I mean. This woman was cold! She really had my pictures! The note said, "Since I think we will be bargaining I thought you should see just a little of what you will be betting with. It's a simple matter of I have something you want and you have something I want. The solution can be very simple, painless and won't cost you the one hundred dollars. The ante to start the bargaining is an inexpensive dinner with coffee. See how simple, adult and cheap this can be? With love, just call me Gina." When I got home I was going to give Gail an up date, but there was a message on the answering machine saying she would be in Florida for two weeks. Her grandmother was very ill and had asked for her. So Gail got some vacation time and flew to Florida to be with her. She said she tried to call me, but kept missing me and would call me when she got home. She said check your e-mail once in a while! I guess I'm not very good about that. I really should consider a cell phone. I logged in and had a long and very nice email from Gail. I sent her one and included the information about the package from 'Gina'. I told her I got a call from Jennie and dodged that bullet for at least two weeks. I said to send me more email and I promised to check more often. I was home from work two or three days later when the phone rang. It was "Gina". I paid more attention to her voice this time and it had a nice southern "lilt" and sort of a low sultry sound to it. If the situation wasn't so weird I'd be fascinated. Gina asked, "Did you get the package I sent?" "Yes I did Gina." "What did you think?" "I don't think I captured my best side, but other than that I don't know what to think." "I think you captured yourself quite nicely Alex." "So how does this bargaining begin?" "I want to meet you and have you buy me a very inexpensive steak dinner for starters." "I need to know what you mean by starters. A steak dinner is no problem but this could drag on indefinitely and I'm not that interested in the pictures and the camera can be replaced." "I quite understand that so my demands will not be unreasonable, but I must make them in person only." "You have to be one strange lady to do all this over a couple of pictures." "Oh I'm not strange you'll see that for yourself and thank you for calling me a lady. You could call me far worse." "Maybe I will, but right now I don't know you and I seriously doubt your name is Gina." "So what do you say? Do we have an agreement on the steak dinner at least?" "Where did you have in mind?" "There is a small steak house five miles south of Glasgow on 31 at a wide spot in the road called Haywood. It will be on the west side of the road. I think it's call Lou's or something like that. It's hard to miss. They have very nice steaks and they are reasonable. I don't drink so there will be no bar tab. We can have a very pleasant and civilized dinner with coffee afterwards and I will put my cards on the table for you." The Lost Camera "And then?" "And then we will see what we see." "When did you see this happening?" In spite of myself I was enjoying this little mystery being spun by the lady with the sexy voice. "What evening is convenient for you Alex?" "How about tomorrow night? At say half past six." "That would be perfect." "How will I know you Gina?" "I'll know you remember?" "Oh yeah." I had no smart remarks for that one. "I look forward to meeting you Alex. Oh and by the way my real first name is Elise. Bye." So I would meet her tomorrow night. It would be Thursday so I wouldn't even be giving up my weekend. I went to my computer and sent Gail an e-mail with all the details. I said in case she abducts me and makes me her sex slave you will be able to help the police save me. I went on to say I was willing to bet she would be short, dumpy and sixty years old at least. Sexy voices never went with sexy people. I also admitted I was intrigued by the whole thing. I said I missed my best friend a lot and signed off. Work went smoothly or at least as smoothly as they ever do. I didn't have a lot of time to think about my dinner date or whatever the hell you'd call it. I just wanted my camera back with all the pictures. At this point the pictures were more important than the camera. I really didn't want Jennie so mad she would never see me again. It wouldn't be long before I'd be ready to deal with her ditzyness again. I got home from work about half past four and jumped in the shower. I shaved and made sure my fingernails were clean. I dressed, combed my hair and brushed my teeth. There. Now I was presentable to Elise. I had time to kill so I checked my email and read one from Gail. She said she had been in contact with the sex police and would have the place surrounded just in case. That girl needed help. I told her of my gentlemanly preparations, said again I missed my best friend and signed off. I wondered how many guys' best friends were women. It felt perfectly natural but I never seemed to hear about it from other guys. Whatever, she was my best friend and I would trust her with my life. That's more than I could say for Rambo! I didn't know exactly how much time to allow, so I left a little early to be on the safe side. I'd decided to have fun with this. If I lost Jennie's pictures and she asked about them I'd make up lies till the cows came home! I'd still get a new camera and try again! Now it was more on principle than money. I wanted my camera. Hell let's face it the new technology was far superior to what I had so a new one wouldn't be all bad. You see how easy it is to justify a new toy. I found the restaurant and I was about twenty minutes early so I drove past and went to the gas station and topped off, peed and took my time going back to the restaurant. I parked and wondered if she would be in there and see me when I came in or she would wait until I was seated then join me. It was time to find out. I went in and waited for my turn with the hostess. When she asked I said," Two for non smoking please and the lady will be joining me shortly. Do you have a table a little out of the way so we can talk?" Miss hostess did a right fine job. I was seated in a corner with windows to my back and my left. Across from us was one table and it was empty. If this experience was going to be bad this would make it really bad. On the other hand if it was good it would be much better. I was getting into this gambling thing! Would she be old, young, fat, thin, light, dark, hell she could very dark! She might only have one leg I didn't know. With my stakes now at a manageable level I could relax a little and have fun with it. The waitress came and I explained the situation and asked for decaf coffee. I didn't want to be edgy all evening. I sipped my coffee and discreetly looked at my watch and then around the restaurant, what little I could see of it. I didn't see a likely lady and she was now a fashionable ten minutes late. Wouldn't it be a pisser if she stood me up! I decided to give her one more cup of time (there's that time measurement thing again) then I was ordering my steak then going home. The waitress brought my coffee and I sipped at it slowly. I looked around the restaurant again more boldly this time. The only female I saw that might be alone was a fortyish petite woman appropriately dressed for this place but very nicely dressed. I had nothing better to do so I named her Lucy and continued to evaluate the lady. Maybe five and a half feet or just under, very nicely proportioned and seemed very fit. She almost looked like someone who would have a personal trainer. But in this steak house? Not likely. Let's see, very light brown hair almost blonde, cut on the short side in an easy to care for style. Medium complexion so not a big sun worshiper or at least a very careful one. Very nice. Now where the hell is my lady. My last cup of time was up so when the waitress came back I was ordering. At least I'd get a steak out of it. I picked up the menu and studied my options. T-bone medium, fried potatoes, vegetable of the day and a house salad. That would work. As I looked up Lucy was sitting down at my table. I stood up so fast I almost spilled my water. I said, "I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming!" "Don't you worry about it Alex. I'm sorry to keep you waiting so long. I really needed to watch you for a while and get a sense of who and what you might be. After all I only know how you look." "I was giving you one last cup of time then I was ordering." "Cup of time?" "I frequently measure my time in more practical units. Practical to me at least. I could say fifteen minutes. That's about the most I can get from a cup of coffee. But if I get impatient I don't want to make my coffee last fifteen minutes. I'll drink it faster. It's still my cup of time. It's kind of hard to explain but it works for me." "That is fascinating Alex and makes a lot of sense. I just may use that some time if you don't mind." "Be my guest Elise. Would you like some coffee? I'm drinking decaf myself." "That would be perfect Alex thank you." This was certainly civilized as she said it would be. "So tell me Alex, I noticed you checking me out, did you know it was me or were you window shopping?" "I was passing time actually. I was evaluating you but not as Elise. In fact I named you Lucy. Not that it fits you it was the first thing in my mind." "Okay then, you evaluated me and what did you come up with?" "You are a very well provided for lady, you are very fit, possibly have a personal trainer, you don't worship the sun but you get some and you protect yourself with lotions because your skin doesn't have sun damage. You don't smoke, you are confident but not haughty, let's see, what else? You have a very pleasant but slight southern accent so you are most likely native but with possible boarding school in your background. You also have a sexy voice." I guess that's it for starters. How did I do?" "You did very well indeed Alex. I am very well provided for as you say. I am married at least in the technical sense, I don't have a personal trainer but I always use the same trainer at the club and I do take care of my self. I'm not a sun worshiper though I do like to get on the lake frequently. Let me see, I don't smoke you were right again, oh, and I did go to boarding school a long, long time ago. I'm afraid I was asked to leave after two years. I was a little too frisky in their opinion. And I am from Lexington originally. You did very well indeed." "Thank you. Now if you would, what did you decide about me?" "Just from here or all together?" "Let's say all together." "You are a bachelor, maybe thirty tops and you are in good shape and well proportioned in every sense of the word. You are careful, have a modest income, at least by my standards, you have excellent taste in women that's for sure, you are well mannered, well groomed and like to have fun. Am I close?" "You did quite well. I am single, thirty three and I thank you for your guess, I try to stay fit but I don't work out as such. My income is modest by my standards as well. I must have excellent taste in women considering with whom I am sitting, and my manners and grooming I work at but you will have to decide that one." "Alex, you are so smooth. You slipped a very nice compliment in there and didn't even pause for effect. I thank you." "If I never lie I'll never trip over my own words." The waitress finally came back and I ordered decaf for the lady and another menu. "I'd say we have gotten off to a very nice and comfortable start wouldn't you Alex?" "I'd say so yes." "Dare I ask about the stunning woman you were with that day?" "I'll tell you her first name is Jennie and she is someone I date from time to time." "You aren't seriously involved with that gorgeous creature?" "Not seriously no. Just occasionally." "You are unique you know." "Not necessarily but thank you for thinking so." "You don't have anyone you are more than casually acquainted with?" "I have a very close friend of many years that I see frequently but there are no marriage plans or anything of that sort. If I may, you said you are married?" "Yes I am. The marriage consists of me being on his arm at certain social functions, have the occasional gathering at our home and so forth. Your basic window dressing I guess." "Does he know you are meeting me now?" "Probably not, but as long as I don't embarrass him he doesn't care. That's what makes this place perfect. His sort would never come here plus I'm not from the Glasgow area." "Interesting. May I order for you?" "Please if you would. I like my meat medium rare." The speedy waitress finally graced us with her presence and I ordered Elise a T-bone medium rare, baked potato with sour cream and butter, the vegetable of the day, house salad with a light dressing on the side and more coffee. I ordered the same just to make it simple for the waitress. "How did I do?" "You did perfectly. Are you sure you don't know me some how?" "I just followed logic. The T-bone is likely their most tender cut, you told me how you like it, greasy fried potatoes just didn't seem to fit you, by ordering sour cream and butter I covered both bases, I figured the light dressing was a safe guess and on the side in case they drown their salads here." "Very nice. You do impress me Alex." "Thank you Elise. I assume you would like to discuss business after dinner over coffee?" "Yes I would prefer that." "Tell me what you like to do for pleasure." "Some of that will come in our discussion after dinner. Other than that I like to go out on our boat on the lake, that's how I came to find your camera and I like to travel but not to exotic places." "What about you Alex?" "Work doesn't leave me with a lot of time to develop a long list of pleasures so I try to grab my entertainment where and when I can." "Enter the beautiful woman." "Enter the beautiful woman." "What of travel?" "I travel enough with my work so I don't do a lot for recreation. I'm sure that will change as time passes though." Elise was making great eye contact and I was doing my best to be the gentleman and not look at her cleavage, but I was having a difficult time of it. Her blouse was cut sufficiently low for me to know she had nice breasts. Not huge by any means but very nice indeed. I finally said hoping to cover up a wandering eye, "Forgive me Elise if my eyes wander a little but your skin is flawless and I can't help but notice it." I thought that sounded better than forgive me for staring at your tits! Chapter Six "Thank you Alex. That was a very sweet thing to say. I do try to take care of my skin. I'll be old and wrinkled soon enough." "When you see eighty you will still have beautiful skin I'm willing to bet." Elise put her hand on my arm and said, "I wish I could keep you for myself!" The waitress bringing our salads and more coffee saved me. We ate and made light conversation. I'm a bachelor with fairly modest moral restrictions so I couldn't help wondering what she would be like in bed. She used the word frisky. Maybe she was still frisky! I still couldn't put an age to her. I knew she wasn't short, fat and sixty! "I'm curious Alex, what were you thinking just then?" "To answer would be to commit a social error I'm afraid." "Please. Don't worry about social errors for my benefit." "When I told my friend I was coming up here I said she has a very sexy voice. Unfortunately, the voice never matches reality. This lady will most likely be short fat and sixty. I must have been trying to see how many ways I could be wrong. You most certainly do match your sexy voice. I don't know your age but you are many, many years shy of sixty, you are not short and if you were any farther from fat you would be too skinny. I also wondered what it would be like making love to you." Elise blushed! When she tried to talk she stuttered for a second then said, "I asked what you were thinking and I got more than I expected!" "I'm sorry if I offended you but I gave you fair warning!" "I'm flattered Alex. And just so I can gain some control of my self I'll side step the last comment for the moment and ask what it is that makes me sexy to you?" "That is hard to answer." "You can use any words you want Alex I'm not a china doll and I don't embarrass that easily usually." "I'm not sure I can put it into words. It's your bearing. It isn't regal yet it is erect. You face the world head on. I said your voice is sexy. It is low, soft and almost musical with that hint of Kentucky. It is sincere and not put on. As I said, your skin is smooth and asks to be touched and appreciated. You have beautiful breasts and your eyes have that clear, alert and moist look. That's the best I can do right now." "Wow, Alex you make me feel like sex personified." "To me sexy goes beyond sex. It means sensual and erotic as well as pure sex. I hope I'm not being too graphic now." Elise took a deep breath and paused. "You are not being too graphic Alex. I think you are seducing me and I love it!" "Maybe I am seducing you. That wasn't my intention, or at least my only intention, but by me telling you the truth I guess that's how it comes out. I guess I'm seducing you with honesty!" The waitress brought our dinners finally which forced us to take a deep breath. We ate looking at each other. I must have smiled or something because Elise said, "What are you thinking that's so funny?" "I just remembered when you said you were sending me a package. I told my friend and said I wondered what it could be. Her response was it would probably be a picture of my camera with a gun pointed at the lens. It just suddenly struck me as very funny." "That is funny. I wish I'd thought of it. I was having fun at your expense I'm afraid." "At first it annoyed the hell out of me, partly because I was mad at myself for losing it with the very personal pictures in it. I didn't want the pictures of Jennie falling into the wrong hands. Then I went from annoyed to curious and from curious to enjoying it." "So you did enjoy it then?" "Once I felt Jennie was in no danger I enjoyed the mystery. Would you like dessert?" "No thank you. More coffee would be nice though." I did my best to get the waitress. I didn't know if I succeeded or not. "I want to talk about an arrangement between us Alex and what you are doing to me with your words goes right to what I was going to offer. My God I actually got turned on listening to you! I've never done this kind of thing before so this isn't easy. Okay Alex here's the deal. I want you to make love to me in return for the camera and memory stick. When I say it, it sounds like I'm prostituting myself, but when I saw your pictures I wanted you and I didn't know how else to go about it and have any chance at succeeding. There I said it." "What else?" "Nothing else Alex, isn't that enough?" "I expected something unpleasant and the thought of making love to you is not unpleasant by any means! You mentioned discretion so I assume you have thought this through." "I have. I was going to get a suite at the Comfort Inn for whenever it was convenient for you." "That's pretty expensive isn't it?" "Alex, my husband is quite wealthy. I just spend it and he never asks about it." "Elise, I would love to be with you. I'm glad you're the one to find the camera." "Alex, I have to confess, I was going to give you the camera either way." "Now that I've met you I want to make love to you even if you don't give me the camera." "You really do?" "Most definitely! I wish we could have met under more normal circumstances. Now unless you have some particular reason not to, I have a request. Instead of the Comfort Inn perhaps you would feel better about everything if you came to my apartment. It isn't much but it would be warmer and more intimate than a motel room. And since I am seducing you now, I don't see how you can be prostituting yourself." "So you don't mind if I know where you live?" "Not now, no." "I like the idea a lot Alex. Let me think about it while we have coffee." "Isn't it interesting how less than two days ago I was very reluctant to even meet you and now I want you to come to my apartment so I can make love to you! I've never been so open about seducing or being seduced before. By the way, am I seducing you or are you seducing me?" "I'm not so sure now Alex. This sure has turned out far better than I had envisioned or hoped!" "I have to say Elise; this has been one hell of an experience." "I have a feeling the best is yet to come Alex." "I better stop and drink my coffee after that last comment! I still can't figure out who is doing what to whom! This is fantastic!" We sipped coffee and just looked at each other. I even kept my eyes off her chest for a couple of minutes. Elise reached in her bag and set the camera on the table in front of me. "Did you have a certain time in mind for me to come see you?" "I wish it could be tonight, but since it can't is tomorrow night too soon?" "Tonight is too far away but tomorrow night would be wonderful Alex. What time?" "Anytime from five thirty on is yours for the asking." "Oh I like the way you phrased that! Five thirty it is then!" "I'll give you directions to my place. It's only about forty minutes from here and maybe fifteen or twenty minutes south of Bowling Green. Do you have a pen and paper?" Elise dug in her purse and handed me a very expensive pen and a piece of paper. I wrote the directions for her and made sure they were clear to her and gave her pen back. "May I walk you to your car?" "Thank you Alex. I need the ladies room first though." "I'll use the boys room and meet you at the front." We did our business and I paid the bill then walked Elise to her car. No major surprise, she was driving a BMW. A very nice one. I put my hands on her shoulders then kissed her gently. "I'll see you tomorrow night then." "Thank you Alex. I look forward to it to say the least." She got in her car and pulled away. Wow! What a bizarre evening! I was conned, hustled flattered and seduced all in less than two hours! Of course I did a little seducing myself as well. Chapter Seven When I got home I had three messages waiting for me. The first was from Gail telling me to check my email. The second was from a co worker with a problem. Too late to help him with that one and the third one was from Elise telling me thanks for dinner and she had a wonderful time with me and was looking forward to tomorrow night. So was I! I checked my email and opened the one from Gail. She said her grandmother was not doing well at all and she had requested an unpaid leave from work for another thirty days. She was really depressed about it but it couldn't be helped. Was there any way I could get a few days off and come down to see her? Now that had potential! I had to use some vacation soon or start losing it. I replied saying I loved the idea and would look into it on Monday. Then I opened the attachment! There was Gail in all her naked glory on her back, in bed and blowing me a kiss! Maybe my old SUV would make a fourteen hour drive and not complain. I'd go to Florida if I had to walk! Nobody had a friend like I did!